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 As US reverses course, the world's climate agenda should not collapse Global Times) 08:32, November 04, 2025 Illustration: Chen Xia/GT The US' indifferent inaction and self-serving obstruction have once again drawn international concern. According to a Sunday article from the Financial Times, people present at meetings at the headquarters of the UN's International Maritime Organization in London last month revealed that the US "ripped up normal global diplomacy rules and used 'bully-boy tactics' to derail the UN-backed Net Zero Framework for global shipping." The British media outlet reported that some US officials threatened countries that supported the plan with punitive trade tariffs, higher port fees and visa restrictions - and even issued personal threats to the representatives themselves. Washington's coercive style - relying on unilateral pressure and weaponizing economic might - is nothing new, but its extension into global climate cooperation lays bare a troubling truth: Washington's "America First" doctrine has now pushed "Earth Last." Adding insult to injury, just a few days ago, the US also announced it will not send high-level representatives to the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil. The world's second-largest carbon polluter, which is also responsible for the largest share of historical emissions, will be absent from the talks. These two moves send a disturbing signal: the US, once seen as a global climate leader, is degenerating into a climate saboteur and consensus-breaker. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times that this is a textbook example of the extreme strategic selfishness driven by "America First." To fix its own domestic and economic challenges, the US has sidelined - and even undermined - the shared global effort to safeguard the planet and promote a green economy. Although some in the US have voiced opposition to the federal government's regressive climate stance, the overall trajectory shows the US accelerating backward. Its lenient emissions policies and reckless reliance on fossil fuels threaten not only the global ecosystem but also the pace of the world's economic transformation. In short, Washington is dragging down global progress for the sake of short-term national interests. Two words now define the US' role in global climate politics: "absence" and "bullying." It may also be the moment when the world finally lets go of its last illusions about the US regarding green development. However, in a world where the US refuses to lead constructively, new paths must be forged. The stance and actions of other major economies have therefore become crucial. The European Union and emerging economies, such as China and Brazil, are stepping up, advancing global green development and offering pragmatic cooperation. As Washington reverses course, the world's climate agenda is not collapsing - it is evolving toward a more decentralized and multipolar model of governance. Responding to Washington's decision to skip COP30, EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra described it as "a watershed moment" for global climate governance. The US now presents itself against the international community and on the wrong side of history. The world will remember who built the bridges toward a sustainable future - and who chose to burn them. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) OSLO, Norway, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Multiconsult ASA (OSE: MULTI) Multiconsult delivered a stable performance in the third quarter. The challenge of rising costs and an increasingly competitive market calls for strong measures to ensure long-term targets are met. Net operating revenues grew by 4.2 per cent to NOK 1 196.4 million, with adjusted organic revenue growth at 6.7 per cent. EBITA adjusted was NOK 62.1 million (71.7) with a corresponding margin of 5.2 per cent (6.4). EBITA for the quarter amounted to NOK 62.1 million, bringing the year-to-date EBITA to NOK 319.9 million. The EBITA margin was 5.2 per cent for the quarter and 7.7 per cent year to date. In the same quarter last year, the resolution of a contractual dispute with a client resulted in a one-off settlement payment of NOK 31.2 million, which was reflected in the group results. When adjusted for this settlement, EBITA decreased by 1.2 percentage points, or NOK 9.6 million, compared to the corresponding period last year. There was high activity in most segments, but with some increased uncertainty in parts of the market. Activity is affected by slower than expected start-up on larger framework agreements, and the margin pressure is slightly increasing. The result is impacted by higher billing rates but negatively affected by reduced activity. The billing ratio was 70.1 per cent, 1.1 percentage points lower than the comparable quarter last year. Order intake was NOK 1 205 million resulting in an order backlog of NOK 4 316 million. The share purchase agreement for the acquisition of the ViaNova group has been signed, and closing is expected to take place mid-November. Third quarter 2025 Multiconsult delivered a stable performance in the third quarter in a competitive market Net operating revenues increased by 4.2 per cent to NOK 1 196.4 million (1 148.4) The organic revenue growth adjusted for one-off and calendar effect was 6.7 per cent EBITA adjusted of NOK 62.1 million (71.7), equal to a margin of 5.2 per cent (6.4) Comparable quarter last year impacted by a one-time settlement payment from client of NOK 31.2 million related to a contractual dispute EBITA of NOK 62.1 million (102.9), equal to an EBITA margin of 5.2 per cent (9.0) Billing ratio of 70.1 per cent (71.2), down 1.1pp Order intake of NOK 1 205 million (1 277) Order backlog of NOK 4 316 million (4 838) Full-time equivalents (FTE) increased by 5.8 per cent, to 3 744 (3 540) Net profit of NOK 38.9 million (80.2) Earnings per share of NOK 1.41 (2.95) The overall market outlook remains stable, with some increased uncertainty Year to date 2025 Net operating revenues of NOK 4 135.7 million (3 940.3), a y-o-y growth of 5.0 per cent. The organic revenue growth adjusted for one-off and calendar effect was 4.9 per cent EBITA adjusted of NOK 319.9 million (394.1), equal to an EBITA margin of 7.7 per cent (10.1) Comparable period last year impacted by a one-time settlement payment from client of NOK 31.2 million related to a contractual dispute EBITA of NOK 319.9 million (425.4), equal to an EBITA margin of 7.7 per cent (10.8) Order intake of NOK 4 441 million (4 655) Net profit of NOK 213.9 million (323.7) Earnings per share of NOK 7.75 (11.83) Full-time equivalents (FTE) increased by 4.6 per cent, to 3 703 (3 540) Extract of comments from CEO, Grethe Bergly: Building on a proven foundation "In the third quarter Multiconsult delivered strong organic growth, and demand for our services remains robust, supported by several new framework agreements and new assignments that align with our strategy. EBITA for the quarter amounted to NOK 62.1 million, corresponding to an EBITA margin of 5.2 per cent (6.4). The results for the quarter reflect a complex picture, with overall performance somewhat below our expectations. To address this, we are strengthening ongoing initiatives and launching additional measures to improve our billing ratio, reduce costs and restore momentum. I am committed to getting the company back on the successful track we have seen since 2020. Certain areas of the business are now facing more challenging market conditions. Our billing ratio remains at a satisfactory level, but a challenging competitive landscape means hourly rates have not increased sufficiently to match the development in salaries and other costs. To address this, we are strengthening ongoing initiatives and launching additional measures to improve our billing ratio, reduce costs and restore momentum. Going forward we concentrate our efforts on sales and project execution, following the leads in areas that remain in high demand. We have signed the Share Purchase Agreement for the acquisition of ViaNova and look forward to exploring new opportunities for the future. Thanks to the dedication of more than 4 000 highly skilled employees, Multiconsult is well positioned to meet future demand. I am grateful for their commitment to driving our strategic ambitions and creating valuable solutions for society." For a full review of comments from CEO and report, please refer to the interim third quarter 2025 report. Presentations today 4 November 2025: Participants are invited to attend the Norwegian presentation that will be held at Hotel Continental, Stortingsgata 24/26, Oslo, Norway at 08:35 (CEST). The results will also be presented through a live webcast: In Norwegian at 08:30 and in an English presentation at 09:30. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions online throughout the webcast sessions. The Norwegian presentation at 08:30 can be accessed at: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20251104_4/ The English presentation at 09:30 can be accessed at: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20251104_5/ Live webcasts, complete report, presentation and a recording of the webcast will be available on: https://www.multiconsultgroup.com/investor-relations/ and https://newsweb.oslobors.no/ For further information, please contact: Investor relations: Ove B. Haupberg, CFO Phone: +47 401 00 900 E-mail: [email protected] Media: Lars Nermoen, Communications Director Phone: +47 902 40 153 E-mail: [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/multiconsult/r/multiconsult-third-quarter-2025---stable-performance-in-a-competitive-market,c4261043 The following files are available for download: 5 November 2025 02:11 (UTC+04:00) The criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under articles of the Republic of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on November 4. The open court session at Baku Military Courtpresided by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve Judge Gunel Samadova)provided the accused with an interpreter in his native language, Russian, and state-funded legal representation. Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the court panel, state prosecutors, interpreters, and others to the victims participating for the first time and their legal heirs or representatives, explaining their rights and obligations as stipulated by legislation. Subsequently, Emil Babishov, the new lawyer defending Ruben Vardanyan's rights, submitted a motion to the court. He noted that in previous sessions, Vardanyan and his then-lawyer had filed several motions. The full extracts of the court's decisions on those motions had not been provided to the defense. The lawyer requested that the full extracts be delivered to the defense side. It should be recalled that in the previous session, a new state-appointed lawyer was assigned to Ruben Vardanyan. Until then, his rights were defended by a lawyer of his own choice. Two sessions prior, Vardanyan had waived his chosen lawyer. Judge Zeynal Agayev stated that the extracts in question had already been provided to the defense and that they could continue to exercise this right. Ruben Vardanyan then submitted another motion, requesting the summoning of a representative from the State Border Service to the court session. He explained that this relates to one of the charges against himillegal crossing of the Republic of Azerbaijan's state border. Vardanyan's defense lawyer, Emil Babishov, also supported the accused's position and motion, requesting its satisfaction. Addressing the motion, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev stated that the defense's motion did not clearly indicate who should be summoned and for what reason, what testimony that person could provide in the witness phase, and its relevance to the charges against the accused. He added that there is no need for statements from State Border Service employees regarding illegal border crossing in the current proceedings. Vusal Aliyev stated that if the accused claims to have crossed the Republic of Azerbaijan's state border legallycontrary to the chargeand wishes to prove it, there are procedures provided by law. If the accused entered Azerbaijani territory legally, his civilian passport should bear the stamp of the State Border Service. He can prove this by presenting the stamp in his passport. Vusal Aliyev requested that the motion not be granted. After hearing the parties, the court issued a decision: the motion was left without consideration. Judge Zeynal Agayev also noted that if information about the individual is provided in accordance with the law, the matter can be discussed. The judge then announced that a group of recognized victims had submitted applications to the court, stating that due to valid reasons they could not attend the proceedings and confirming their preliminary investigation testimonies. The parties raised no objections to the announcement of these testimonies in court. Subsequently, victims who suffered from Armenia's aggressive war and occupation policy gave statements. Responding to questions from state prosecutor Terane Mammadova, victim Sagif Mikayilov said he was injured due to provocations by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the direction of Asgaran settlement, Khojaly district. Victim Aydin Garibov stated that in Khalfali village, Shusha district, he, Ceyhun Shahnamazli, and Tarlan Jabbarov were wounded by enemy fire. Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Defense of State Prosecution at the Prosecutor General's Office, victim Kenan Abilov said he received a bullet wound to his left arm from enemy small arms fire on an unnamed height in Khankendi district. Victim Yusif Veysov stated that in Chanagchi village, Khojaly district, he suffered shrapnel wounds to the kneecap when a mortar shell fired by remnants of Armenian armed forces and illegal groups exploded nearby. Victim Rahib Mammadov, answering questions from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, said that in Zangezur district, due to an enemy hand grenade explosion, Farid Mehbaliyev and Tabriz Rahimov were killed, while he, Ibrahim Mayilli, Seymur Hasanov, and several others whose names he does not currently recall were injured. Togrul Najafli emphasized that in Zangezur district, due to enemy provocation, he and several others were injured, while Farid Rustamov, Farid Mehbaliyev, and Tabriz Rahimov were killed. Answering questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, victim Faiq Jafarov noted that in Lachin district, due to an enemy mortar shell explosion, he and several others were injured, while several more were killed. Victim Emin Mammadov, responding to questions from Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev, said that in Lachin district, due to an enemy hand grenade explosion, Ali Aliyev was killed, while he, Tural Aghjabayov, Gabil Mammadov, and several others whose names he does not recall suffered various bodily injuries. Ramazan Mahammadov stated that in Khojavend district, due to an enemy artillery shell exploding nearby, he and several others were injured. Victims Seyran Eminov, Vuqar Mammadov, Tural Bagirov, Narmaddin Guliyev, Ali Rustamov, Ahmad Ibrahimov, Tural Imamguliyev, Saleh Ismayilov, Asif Mammadov, Ariz Hashimov, Vidadi Khaniyev, and Nazir Gulaliyev reported being injured due to enemy provocations in Kalbajar district. Gulu Guliyev, Boyukaga Hasanov, and Sakhavat Guliyev stated they were injured in Lachin district; Seymur Hasanov, Asif Mammadov, and Ugur Shukurlu in Zangezur district due to enemy provocations. Subsequently, Ibad Ismayilov, Ilkin Rahimov, and Elmir Beydullayev stated they were injured in Khojavend district; Aykhan Abdullayev near Isa Spring in Shusha city; Gunduz Gurbanov in Khalfali village, Shusha district; Rafael Salimov in Aghdam district; and Hijran Sultanov in Aghdara district due to provocations by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups. Documents from the criminal case materials collected during the preliminary investigation were also announced in court, and evidence was examined. The next court session is scheduled for November 18. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). 4 November 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more In an era defined by rapid technological competition and global digital transformation, Azerbaijan is positioning science and innovation as key pillars of its national development strategy. At the conference marking the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), President Ilham Aliyev delivered a far-reaching address that underscored the countrys determination to strengthen its scientific foundations and technological sovereignty in the post-Soviet era. His speech not only celebrated the historic achievements of Azerbaijani science but also laid out a forward-looking vision focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the transition toward a knowledge-based economy. In what can be seen as a strategic roadmap for the nations next stage of modernization, the president emphasized that science, technology, and intellectual capital must become the driving forces of Azerbaijans progress in an increasingly competitive global environment. The Azerbaijani President opened his remarks by emphasizing continuity with the vision of Heydar Aliyev, describing how Azerbaijans science policy has evolved through modernization and institutional reform. During my presidency, attention has been paid to the development of Azerbaijani science in this direction, in accordance with the policy of the National Leader, the president said, highlighting efforts to strengthen ANASs infrastructure, create the Science Fund, and adopt the Law on Science and a National Strategy for the Development of Science. Analytically, this underscores Bakus long-term policy consistency - anchoring scientific advancement in national strategy rather than isolated initiatives. The institutional restructuring of ANAS and the introduction of new research facilities reflect an effort to align the scientific ecosystem with global standards and national development priorities. A central theme of President Aliyevs speech was the redefinition of national security in the digital era. The President explicitly linked technological capacity to state sovereignty, a view increasingly shared by global policymakers. It is no secret that the development and, at the same time, the security of each country today are determined by the technological capabilities of that country, he said. This statement marks a strategic pivot in Azerbaijans approach to defense and governance. By framing technological advancement as a matter of national resilience, President Aliyev is signaling that the nations future stability depends on mastering domains such as artificial intelligence, digitalization, and cybersecurity - areas traditionally viewed as civilian but now central to national power. President Ilham Aliyevs remarks on cybersecurity were particularly telling in their tone and scope. He acknowledged that Azerbaijan has been a target of cyberattacks and stressed that digital defense is inseparable from territorial security. Cybersecurity is not virtual security. It is the physical security of each country, he stated, underscoring the urgency of developing a robust national cyber defense infrastructure. The establishment of the Cybersecurity Center, he noted, is a timely step toward strengthening resilience in collaboration with international partners. From an analytical standpoint, this reflects a growing awareness that digital infrastructure - from energy grids to data systems - has become an essential component of sovereignty, as critical as borders or military assets. The head of state placed artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization at the heart of Azerbaijans modernization strategy. Artificial intelligence today, it is already an integral part of the future development of countries. We should not lag behind here, he said, urging Azerbaijani scientists to play an active role in AI research and application. His comments align with global trends where nations view AI not merely as a technological innovation but as a driver of competitiveness and productivity. The creation of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport reflects a structural shift toward integrating digital governance and technological innovation into the national policy framework. In his broader economic analysis, President Aliyev reiterated a transformative vision: shifting Azerbaijans economic model from dependence on hydrocarbons to one powered by human intellect and innovation. Everyone sees and knows that the development of each country is determined not by natural resources alone, but by the intellectual potential of its society, by technological development, and by the advancement of science, the President emphasized. This statement reflects Azerbaijans strategic transition from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy. While oil remains an economic pillar, the presidents emphasis on inexhaustible intellectual wealth signals a recalibration of national priorities toward education, innovation, and research &development as sustainable growth engines. Despite a slowdown in oil output, the president highlighted Azerbaijans economic resilience, noting that non-oil sectors now drive the countrys growth. International credit rating agencies, he said, have upgraded Azerbaijan to investment-grade status, affirming the stability of its economic reforms. Because our economy today is healthy. We do not depend on anyone, he stated confidently. This assertion reinforces the idea that Azerbaijans diversification strategy is beginning to yield results, cushioning the economy against global energy market fluctuations. President Ilham Aliyevs address at the ANAS anniversary was not merely a reflection on the past but a strategic blueprint for Azerbaijans future. His message was clear: the next phase of national progress will be defined by technological innovation, cybersecurity strength, and scientific excellence. By intertwining science policy with national security and economic diversification, President Ilham Aliyev has positioned Azerbaijan to navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape where intellect, data, and digital power increasingly define a nations destiny. 4 November 2025 17:17 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more "Our language is ancient and rich the mother tongue of over 50 million people and needs no foreign borrowings. True, there is an international lexicon, and we all use it. But if there is an old word in the Azerbaijani language, why replace it with a word from another language?" President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev touched upon a very sensitive point while speaking at the conference dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. This point, in fact, subtly reflects the depth of our language, its historical essence, and our national identity. Every nation lives through its language. Language is not merely a means of communication; it is the very essence of a peoples identity, their collective memory, and their soul. If a nations language dies, the nation itself inevitably fades from history, no matter how powerful or developed it once was. The fate of the Latins, once the creators of the mighty Roman Empire and the cradle of Western civilisation, is the most vivid reminder of this truth. Their empires glory still echoes, but the Latin nation no longer exists. The Azerbaijani language, however, has withstood the test of time. It is one of the richest and oldest languages of the East, a language that once served as one of the regions three lingua francas, alongside Persian and Arabic. Despite centuries of struggle against the dominance of these languages, Azerbaijani never disappeared. It remained alive through the pens of great poets such as Fuzuli, Nasimi, and Khagani, who raised Azerbaijani literature to the level of the finest Eastern classics. When one thinks of Eastern literature and culture today, it is impossible to do so without recalling these names and their works in the Azerbaijani tongue. Yet history has not always been kind to our language. The 19th century brought calamity when Northern Azerbaijan was occupied by Tsarist Russia. The spread of modernism across the world, coupled with the fall of the Qajar dynasty in Iran, the last Azerbaijani rulers of Southern Azerbaijan, dealt a heavy blow to the languages natural development. For a while, it seemed as if Azerbaijani would sink into oblivion. Then came the 1950s a turning point. For the first time, the Soviet Azerbaijani Constitution recognised Azerbaijani as the state language. This landmark decision, achieved through the tireless efforts of Mirza Ibrahimov and Imam Mustafayev, gave new life to a language that had long been in a coma. However, Moscow was not pleased. In the 1970s, the Soviet centre tried to remove this article from the Constitution. But Azerbaijans then-leader, Heydar Aliyev, resisted firmly. His political will and determination forced Moscow to retreat, and as a result, the Azerbaijani language began to flourish once again in schools, in literature, and in the hearts of the people. Regrettably, the language faced another existential threat decades later; this time, not from Moscow, but from within. In the early years of independence, certain figures who came to power by chance tried to rename the language and even advocated for the removal of specific sounds from the alphabet. These attempts were not mere linguistic proposals; they were efforts to separate the nation from its cultural roots. Once again, it was Heydar Aliyevs decisive intervention that saved the language. He brought together experts and linguists on national television to debate the issue openly. In those discussions, his deep understanding of linguistics became clear. Those who sought to undermine Azerbaijani identity were left without words before his arguments. Today, the Azerbaijani language moves forward with the same confidence as the Azerbaijani state itself. Yet, as President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly reminded, the duty to protect the language never ends. However, we, the independent Azerbaijani state, are the guardians of the pure and literary Azerbaijani language. Indeed, the challenge today is no longer survival, but purity. In a world dominated by globalization and digital communication, languages easily fall prey to unnecessary foreign borrowings. President Aliyev has warned against this trend, noting that our literary language in some places is getting lost among Azerbaijanis living in other countries. It is used more as a household language and is full of foreign words. But if we do not protect our language, if we do not keep our language clean and pure, then we can eventually lose it. This warning should resonate deeply. The preservation of language purity is not an abstract task for linguists it is a matter of national identity. The President underscored this truth when he said, For every nation, the mother tongue is the core of national identity, and all public figures and society as a whole must act in unity to protect it. In other words, the future of Azerbaijan depends on the collective consciousness of its speakers, writers, scientists, politicians, and ordinary citizens alike. The richness of Azerbaijani lies not only in its vocabulary but also in its history a history of survival, of cultural defiance, and of renewal. There is no need, as the President rightly observed, to replace ancient native words with foreign ones. If there is an old word in the Azerbaijani language, why replace it with a word from another language? This is either a mistake or a provocation. Both are unacceptable. Today, the Azerbaijani state, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, continues to strengthen not only its political and economic sovereignty but also its linguistic sovereignty. New schools, universities, and media institutions play a vital role in ensuring that the younger generation speaks and writes in pure Azerbaijani. Languages, like nations, live only when they evolve yet remain faithful to their roots. The Azerbaijani language, having survived empires, occupations, and ideological pressures, is now entering a new era one of global presence and national pride. But as history teaches us, survival alone is not enough. The soul of a nation must remain untainted, and that begins with the words we speak. As President Ilham Aliyev declared, The preservation of the purity of the Azerbaijani language should be the duty of every Azerbaijani citizen if we, as a people, as a nation, do not protect our language, our national identity may slowly be undermined. These words are not merely an appeal; they are a national commandment. For in the end, as long as our language lives, Azerbaijan will live free, proud, and eternal. 4 November 2025 11:23 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Ministry of Energy held an information session dedicated to energy efficiency and energy auditing. The event brought together representatives from various organizations operating in the field of energy efficiency and audit services, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry. According to information, the session aimed to raise awareness about the legal and practical aspects of energy audits, the main directions of state policy in this area, and mechanisms for their implementation. During the session, detailed presentations were made on topics such as What is an energy audit?, Who is an energy auditor?, Energy management systems, and Organization and reporting of energy audits. Speakers also emphasized the importance of energy audits for energy consumers, the measures identified through audits to improve energy efficiency, and the economic and environmental benefits of resulting energy savings. It was noted that, to promote the development of this field and support entities undergoing energy audits, the Energy Regulation Agency under the Ministry of Energy has established the Energy Efficiency Fund. At the end of the event, participants questions were answered, discussions were held on relevant issues, and proposals for improving the energy auditing process were reviewed. 4 November 2025 12:19 (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. Kazakhstan has recorded a notable increase in grain exports, marking another strong performance in its agricultural sector, Azernews reports. According to the countrys Ministry of Agriculture, from September to October 2025, Kazakhstan exported... 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! WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announces Melissa Jackson as its Director of Communications. Jackson started her new role on Oct. 27, 2025, and is based out of Kansas City, MO. "We are excited to welcome Melissa to the NAIC. Her experience spearheading strategic communications and leading dynamic teams will help us continue amplifying the importance of state-based insurance regulation," said NAIC Interim CEO Jeff Johnston. "We look forward to Melissa highlighting the regulators' work to protect consumers and ensure strong, stable, and resilient insurance markets," said NAIC President and North Dakota Insurance and Securities Commissioner Jon Godfread. Through communications tools and resources, the NAIC Communications Division supports NAIC members in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 U.S. territories. Jackson joins the NAIC from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, where she was Vice President of Public Affairs. Previously, Jackson also served at the U.S. Department of State. Jackson earned a bachelor's degree in organizational communication from Missouri State University and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Kansas. SOURCE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE COMMISSIONERS 4 November 2025 12:36 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more A meeting was held between representatives of business associations operating in various sectors and officials of the Ministry of Justice and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA). Azernews reports that the event was jointly organized by the two institutions. According to the Ministrys press service, the event, titled The Impact of Institutional and Legislative Reforms in the Justice Sector on Business Development, and the Role of the Rule of Law in Sustainable Development, brought together around 20 business associations and entrepreneurs. The main goal of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors, enhance support for business activities, and contribute to further improving the business environment in the country. In his remarks, Minister of Justice Farid Ahmadov spoke about legislative and institutional measures implemented in recent years to improve the functioning of the justice system, ensure transparency, and increase efficiency. He emphasized that publicprivate partnerships play a key role in the development of various sectors and that proposals and initiatives put forward by the private sector significantly contribute to the ministrys ongoing reforms. The minister also underlined the importance of entrepreneurs active involvement in legal and institutional reforms to achieve the set objectives. Chairman of the SMBDA Board, Orkhan Mammadov, noted that as entrepreneurship develops dynamically, new challenges and requirements must be adequately reflected in legislation. He stated that SMBDA closely monitors institutional reforms in this field and communicates the needs and concerns of SMEs regarding the legal environment to relevant state institutions. In addition, SMBDA organizes thematic meetings and training sessions to raise entrepreneurs legal awareness, cooperates with justice authorities to strengthen institutional dialogue, and submits proposals for improving legislation. Mammadov also highlighted the importance of involving all stakeholdersparticularly entrepreneurs and business associationsin the process of enhancing the business environment and improving business-related legislation. Since entrepreneurs proposals are based on practical experience, taking their opinions into account helps develop more flexible and effective regulatory approaches. During the meeting, participants exchanged views and shared suggestions for expanding cooperation. It was agreed that the Ministry of Justice and SMBDA would jointly review and implement the proposals put forward by entrepreneurs, and designate responsible representatives from both institutions to oversee the process. 4 November 2025 17:29 (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 UAE has become one of Azerbaijans increasingly important trading partners in the non-oil sector, reflecting the growing diversification of export destinations beyond traditional markets. During JanuarySeptember of this year, Azerbaijan exported non-oil products worth... 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! 4 November 2025 11:57 (UTC+04:00) By Ahmet SAGLAM The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 43rd General Conference was held in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. At the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO, the proposal by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan to declare 15 December as World Turkic Language Family Day was supported by 21 member states. As a result, 15 December was officially accepted as World Turkic Language Family Day. The choice of 15 December has a special meaning. On 15 December 1893, Danish scientist Vilhelm Thomsen announced that he had succeeded in deciphering the alphabet of the Orkhon Inscriptions, one of the oldest written documents of the Turkic language. This date is regarded as a milestone pointing to the deep past of the Turkic language family and its shared cultural heritage. The basis of this important development was laid during the 12th Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (formerly Turkic Council) Heads of State Council on 7 October 2025 in Azerbaijan. At the summit, the President of the Republic of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressed the wish that 15 December be declared as World Turkic Language Family Day at the UNESCO 43rd General Conference, which would begin in Uzbekistan on 30 October 2025. During his speech at the summit, Erdogan underlined that the development of a Turkish Large Language Model should be accelerated in order to keep up with global advances in artificial intelligence and to preserve cultural richness. He also stated that Turkiye had taken the first step regarding a common alphabet among Turkic states, presenting to the leaders of the Turkic states a work about Chingiz Aitmatov and the Oghuznames, both printed in a common alphabet. These developments are considered a very important step for the future of the Organisation of Turkic States. At the same time, they directly support the development of the Turkic language in line with the requirements of the digital age and its becoming a common means of communication over a large geography. In conclusion, UNESCOs declaration of 15 December as World Turkic Language Family Day will increase the international visibility of the shared cultural and linguistic heritage of the Turkic world; it will contribute to the Turkic language reaching a broader sphere of influence as a cultural, scientific and digital force. Ahmet SAGLAM is an export consultant and 2024 MHP Iskilip Mayoral Candidate / www.saglamahmet.com / Ankara / 03.11.2025 4 November 2025 15:01 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand has adopted a resolution declaring December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day, to be observed annually, Azernews reports. The date marks December 15, 1893, when Danish scholar Vilhelm Thomsen deciphered the Orkhon Inscriptions, the earliest written records revealing the common roots of Turkic languages. UNESCO's declaration of World Turkic Language Family Day highlights the importance of protecting and promoting Turkic languages worldwide. Observing this day each year helps raise awareness of the historical and cultural contributions of Turkic-speaking communities. The occasion encourages dialogue and understanding between Turkic nations and the global community. It also supports education and research on the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Turkic language family. The event provides a space for collaboration among Turkic countries to preserve their common traditions for future generations. The proclamation of World Turkic Language Family Day was widely praised by various ministries, governmental bodies and various organizations. The recognition was hailed as a historic step in strengthening international cooperation and highlighting the global significance of Turkic languages. On his social media, Turkiye's Minister of Culture and Tourism shared that the decision, adopted at the UNESCO General Conference, is a joint initiative prepared by Turkiye in collaboration with its brother Turkic nations and jointly presented by 26 countries. He underlined that this historic step, which increases the visibility of Turkic languages, would further strengthen international cooperation in preserving their shared Turkic linguistic heritage and passing it on to future generations. He also congratulated everyone who had contributed to this achievement. The Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry wrote on its X page that Azerbaijan welcomes this vital step in celebrating the country's rich linguistic heritage, promoting global cultural diversity, and strengthening the bonds within the Turkic world. The Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Kubanychbek Omuraliev, praised UNESCO's historic decision to proclaim December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day. He noted that this milestone underscores the ancient roots and universal values of the Turkic language, reflecting its deep historical legacy as a unifying element of Turkic civilization. The declaration of December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day is an important step in honoring Turkic languages and their shared history. The decision promotes collaboration and exchange between Turkic nations and the global community. It has been warmly supported by leaders and organizations across the Turkic-speaking world. Note that the UNESCO General Conference, convened every two years, brings together representatives from all 194 Member States to set global priorities in education, science, culture, and communication. This year's session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, focused on advancing intercultural dialogue, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development through international cooperation. 3 November 2025 17:15 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts has hosted open days as part of "Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW" Art Festival, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the IDEA Public Union in partnership with the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, Azernews reports. Attendees had the unique opportunity to experience the educational environment in top-tier studios specializing in painting, graphics, sculpture, artistic weaving, and ceramics. Guests were captivated by the artistic displays and the vibrant atmosphere of the programs presented. In the painting studio of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, visitors were amazed by the students' creative techniques and their impressive still-life works. In the sculpture workshop, everyday materials like clay, plasticine, and stone were transformed into lifelike portraits and figures, providing a visual feast for the eyes. The graphics department also garnered significant attention, with student artworks in a variety of techniques and media, such as paper, wood, metal, and stone, showcasing the talent of the next generation of artists. Traditional Azerbaijani arts, including carpet weaving and tapestry work, captivated visitors as they observed the intricate, step-by-step creative process. The ceramics studio impressed guests with students' innovative designs and original approaches. The majority of attendees were schoolchildren, highlighting a growing interest in artistic education. The open days proved to be a major success, igniting a passion for art, creative thinking, and an appreciation for beauty among the younger generation. 4 November 2025 10:22 (UTC+04:00) Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan today stands as a leading nation in the region and a respected state on the global stage. Azernews reports that the Embassy of Azerbaijan in China hosted an official event in Beijing to mark Victory Day on November 8 and State Flag Day on November 9. According to the Embassy, the ceremony was attended by heads of diplomatic missions, military attaches, representatives of Chinese public and business circles, as well as Azerbaijani citizens living, studying, and working in China. In his remarks, Ambassador Bunyad Huseynov noted that, by a decree of President Ilham Aliyev, 2025 has been declared the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty in Azerbaijan. He emphasized that this decision unites two major milestones in the countrys modern history the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution and the 5th anniversary of Azerbaijans glorious Victory in the Patriotic War. These two historic events together symbolize the supremacy of law enshrined in our Constitution the foundation of modern Azerbaijani statehood as well as our hard-won independence, national unity, and the restoration of our territorial integrity achieved through the determination of our Armed Forces and the victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, Ambassador Huseynov said. He recalled that the 1995 Constitution, adopted under the visionary leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, laid the groundwork for a stable system of governance, protection of citizens rights, and institutionalization of national sovereignty. The 2020 Patriotic War and the 2023 local anti-terror operations reaffirmed Azerbaijans sovereignty over its internationally recognized territories and demonstrated once again the unity and strength of the Azerbaijani people. Today, under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership, the Republic of Azerbaijan is a modern, strong, and sovereign state guided by constitutional values and international law. Victorious in war and resolute in peace, our country is recognized as a regional leader and a respected member of the international community, Huseynov stressed, adding that Azerbaijan not only successfully defends its national interests and security but also contributes to regional stability and cooperation. The ambassador also honored Lieutenant Colonel Vugar Abdulazimov, a participant in the April battles and recipient of the For the Motherland medal, noting that the heroism of those who fought for Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty will never be forgotten by the nation. The event concluded with performances by musicians Chilenay Badalova, Javid Mehdiyev, Jalal Karimov, and Emin Kazimzade, who presented masterpieces of Azerbaijani music. Video clips dedicated to Azerbaijan were also screened during the event. 4 November 2025 15:18 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The AzerbaijanTurkiye Joint University, which is set to open in the 2025/2026 academic year, will begin operations with 300 students enrolled in engineering and medical programs. To support the universitys launch and operations in its first year, AZN 6 million ($3.5 million) has been allocated in the 2026 state budget. According to Azernews, the provision was included in the draft law On the State Budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026, discussed at todays meeting of the Parliaments Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship. The new institution is expected to become a flagship of bilateral cooperation in higher education between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, offering modern curricula and joint academic programs. The draft budget also allocates AZN 5.0159 billion ($2.95 billion) for education spending in 2026, an increase of AZN 78.6 million (1.6%) compared with 2025 and AZN 625.8 million (14.3%) more than the actual expenditures in 2024. The growing education budget reflects Azerbaijans continued investment in human capital and its commitment to fostering innovation and international partnerships in higher education. 4 November 2025 15:21 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Communities Abroad Ahmed Attaf during his official visit to Algeria, Azernews reports. According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys post on X (formerly Twitter), the ministers discussed the current state and prospects of political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries. The meeting highlighted the mutual interest in further strengthening bilateral ties and expanding collaboration across various sectors. 4 November 2025 17:03 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more As part of his official visit to Algeria, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Communities Abroad and African Affairs of Algeria, Azernews reports. According to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting began with one-on-one talks, followed by an expanded session involving delegations from both sides. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the current state and prospects of Azerbaijan-Algeria relations, regional and global developments, and the situation in the Middle East. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the positive dynamics of bilateral relations founded on mutual respect and shared values, noting that reciprocal high-level visits have further strengthened interstate cooperation. They highlighted the importance of regular political consultations between the two foreign ministries the most recent held in April in ensuring the systematic advancement of bilateral ties. The ministers also reviewed cooperation within international organizations such as the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), describing it as effective and mutually supportive. Discussions also focused on global events set to be hosted by Azerbaijan, including next years OIC Summit and the UN World Urban Forum in Baku, emphasizing their significance in promoting intercultural dialogue and international engagement. On the economic front, the sides explored opportunities to expand collaboration in trade, investment, and the energy sector particularly oil, gas, and renewable energy. They also stressed the importance of enhancing educational and cultural exchanges, as well as leveraging tourism potential to foster mutual understanding between the two nations. Minister Bayramov briefed his Algerian counterpart on developments in the South Caucasus during the post-conflict period, including reconstruction efforts and peace-building initiatives undertaken by Azerbaijan. The meeting concluded with the signing of an Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the two countries a significant milestone aimed at institutionalizing cooperation and promoting joint projects across multiple sectors. Both sides underlined that the new Joint Commission will serve as a key mechanism to deepen political dialogue, expand economic engagement, and enhance the overall partnership between Azerbaijan and Algeria. 4 November 2025 17:54 (UTC+04:00) President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Victory Day, Azernews reports. ''Excellency, On behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, and personally, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on the auspicious occasion of the fifth Victory Day celebrations. This day stands as a proud reminder of the historic struggle and determination of the Azerbaijani people whose sacrifices, under Your Excellency's visionary leadership, restored the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their homeland. The liberation of the occupied territories remains a landmark achievement in Azerbaijan's modern history, symbolizing justice, resilience, and national unity. The observance of Victory Day this year carries special significance as it coincides with encouraging progress towards lasting peace in the region, following the recent breakthrough in relations with Armenia. This historic moment offers renewed hope to build a future defined by stability, cooperation, and prosperity for all. Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast and consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. I am confident that the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between our two nations will continue to strengthen in the years ahead. I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellency's good health and well-being, and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the brotherly people of Azerbaijan. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,'' the letter reads. NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NRI, a leading business and technology solutions consultancy, is proud to share that Best Companies Group has named NRI as a recipient of a 2026 America's Best Workplaces Award. The awards are held in partnership with BridgeTower Media. America's Best Workplaces Awards identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment across the United States. It is a celebration of excellence in company culture that honors numerous employers and ranks the Top 10 workplaces in small, medium, large and enterprise business categories. Winners were previously recognized by Best Companies Group in at least one other data-driven recognition program. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final rankings. The rankings were determined using Best Companies Group's algorithm. The algorithm used data from each nominated company's workplace policies, practices and demographics, as well as data from an employee survey that measured the employee experience. The overall scores determined which workplaces were recognized and which were ranked in the top of their category. "The 2026 America's Best Workplaces are the best of the best in the United States. These businesses know that the people in their organizations are the key to their success, and they create environments that result in teamwork and excellence," said Jaime Raul Zepeda, executive vice president of Best Companies Group + COLOR Magazine. "At Best Companies Group, we are pleased to join with BridgeTower Media in celebrating these outstanding employers." "Being named one of America's Best Workplaces is an incredible honor and it's all because of our amazing people," said Gina Logozar, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at NRI. "Our team members are the heart of our innovation and the driving force behind everything we achieve. At NRI, we're passionate about creating an environment where every individual feels inspired, supported, and empowered to make an impact. This recognition celebrates the energy, creativity, and collaboration that define who we are and fuel our continued success." America's Best Workplaces winners and final rankings will be announced at The Best Workplace Summit Wednesday, December 10. About NRI In North America, NRI is a business and technology solutions consultancy. Guiding our clients from insight to execution, we design and deliver solutions that fuel growth, grow profitability, and deliver innovation with impact. NRI has more than 16,000 employees in 16 countries and regions including New York, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. NRI reports annual sales above US $4.8 billion and is rated "A" by S&P Global Ratings Japan. Learn more at www.nri-na.com. About Best Companies Group Since 2004, Best Companies Group has been dedicated to identifying and celebrating top workplaces. With expertise in employee engagement, they've helped over 10,000 organizations enhance the employee experience, boosting engagement, productivity, innovation and retention. A leader in engagement insights, Best Companies Group ranks thousands of companies annually using rigorous, research-based methodology. Their services include Ph.D.-designed engagement surveys, actionable insights, exclusive benchmarks and accessible consulting. Learn more at bestcompaniesgroup.com. About BridgeTower Media BridgeTower Media is the authoritative voice for insights and marketing solutions across 40-plus brands in five key sectors across the United States. It is the leading provider of B2B information, research, events and marketing solutions across more than 25 U.S. markets and industries. Business executives rely on BridgeTower Media for the latest industry news, intelligence and events in a timely and consistent manner. For more information, visit BridgeTowerMedia.com. SOURCE Core BTS, Inc. dba NRI 4 November 2025 19:47 (UTC+04:00) President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed an order approving the agreement on cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan regarding the implementation of the "ASAN Khidmet" practice in Pakistan. According to the presidential order, the "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Cooperation in the Implementation of the 'ASAN Khidmet' Experience in Pakistan," signed in Islamabad on September 10, 2025, has been officially approved. Under the document, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has been tasked with ensuring the implementation of the Agreements provisions once it enters into force. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to notify the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan that the internal procedures required for the Agreements entry into force have been completed. 4 November 2025 21:50 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva German automotive suppliers Bosch and ZF Friedrichshafen (ZF) are planning to reduce working hours at several of their factories in Germany due to delays in chip imports, which have arisen amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Dutch semiconductor company Nexperia, Azernews reports. Bosch has requested the implementation of shorter working hours at its Salzgitter plant in Lower Saxony, where engine control systems are manufactured. The plant employs approximately 1,400 people, though it is not yet clear how many will be affected by the reduced hours. ZF is also preparing to cut working hours at select facilities. Negotiations are currently underway with the production council regarding this measure for one of its largest plants in Schweinfurt, Bavaria. The disruptions are linked to recent actions by the Dutch government. On October 12, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs announced the Accessibility of Goods Act concerning Nexperia, a semiconductor company owned by the Chinese Wingtech Group. This law is a tool designed to protect strategic assets in exceptional circumstances. Two days later, the Amsterdam Court of Appeal removed Nexperias CEO, Zhang Xuezheng, and appointed an interim director. All shares of Nexperia Holding, except one, were transferred to an independent manager. In response, China imposed export restrictions on Nexperia, prohibiting its Chinese division and subcontractors from exporting certain components abroad, according to Bloomberg. These restrictions have created a ripple effect across the automotive industry, contributing to production delays at major suppliers like Bosch and ZF. The situation highlights the growing geopolitical risks in global supply chains, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Automotive manufacturers worldwide are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions in chip supply, and this case could accelerate efforts to diversify sourcing and invest in domestic semiconductor production in Europe. Analysts suggest that such events may reshape the future of the automotive supply chain and speed up the transition to localized, resilient manufacturing networks. Supermoon Coincides with Washington / Oregon Coast King Tides: What That Means Published 11/03/25 at 9:55 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Newport, Oregon) You could say that the first of this season's king tides will be supersized, coming up November 5 7. (Depoe Bay / all photos Oregon Coast Beach Connection) There's a lot going on this time around, although the biggest factors in all this are major wave systems pummeling their way in during the king tides along the Washington coast and Oregon coast. That's most of what is bringing over 20-foot waves barreling onshore in many areas. Yet according to OMSI in Portland, we'll be seeing a supermoon as well, which may well compound the action. It may seem obvious to some, but it's not what you think. Supermoons do not always coincide with king tides. This year they do. This next full moon, according to OMSI astronomy expert Jim Todd, happens on Wednesday, November 5 at 5:19 a.m., and it's the closest of series of four supermoons that started in October and go through January. November's full Moon is called the Beaver Moon, probably because beavers are particularly active at this time of year as they prepare for the winter months ahead, Todd told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. He explained that on November 5, the Moon reaches perigee - its closest point to Earth - at a distance of 221,726 miles. This event is scientifically known as a "perigee moon." Full Moons appear in varying sizes due to the elliptical shape of the Moons orbit. As the Moon travels around Earth, one side of its orbit ("perigee") brings it about 31,069 miles closer than the farthest point ("apogee"). When a Full Moon coincides with perigee, it looks noticeably larger and brighter in the sky. Such a "supermoon" can appear up to 8% larger in diameter and about 16% brighter than a typical Full Moon. What's New with Oregon Coast and Washington Coast King Tides 2025 - links to photo submission sites, basics, important safety Everyone knows that the tides are driven by (mostly) the moon (but also the sun in combination). These perigean tides happen because the two are pulling on the Earth more than usual. Now, add to that a supermoon. Yes, Todd said, these can affect things even more. A supermoon causes slightly higher tides than a regular full moon because the moon's closer proximity to Earth results in a stronger gravitational pull, he said. This effect can be quantified as the tidal force being about 25% greater than average during a supermoon, leading to higher-than-normal perigean tides. These more extreme tides can lead to higher high tides and lower low tides, and in coastal areas, can increase the risk of flooding during periods of other adverse conditions, like storms or high winds. To borrow a cliche, this set of king tides is going to be the perfect storm of conditions and coinciding factors. The south Oregon coast is going to see especially high waves, coming in at 20 to 25 feet in some areas (mostly at high tide). The north coast and southern Washington coast are quite possibly going to see some incredible waves as well, although so far the likelihood is just under the 20-foot mark. Either way, stay off all beaches this week, until the various alerts are over. There are also substantial flooding possibilities on the Washington coast, parts of Tillamook County, and the south coast. While you can't necessarily gauge a supermoon visually, it does get larger by getting closer. According to NASA, they only happen three to four times a year but always appear consecutively. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours For full weather forecasts as well as wave forecasts for each area: Washington Coast Weather Astoria / Warrenton Weather Seaside Weather Cannon Beach Weather Manzanita Weather Nehalem Bay / Wheeler Rockaway Beach Weather Oceanside/Tillamook Weather Pacific City Weather Lincoln City Weather Depoe Bay Weather Newport Weather Yachats Weather Florence Weather Coos Bay - North Bend - Charleston Weather Bandon Weather Port Orford Weather Gold Beach Weather Brookings Weather MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) New Oregon Coast Hotel with Old World Charm Like stepping back in time on the beachfront in Seaside, except with modern amenities around you. Seaside hotel reviews, Cannon Beach hotel review Where Primeval Forest Vibes Meet Oregon Coast Sands at Twin Tierra Del Mar Re... This pet friendly set of dreamy homes exemplifies the teensy burgh's best. Lodging reviews, hotels Raucous Oregon Coast View in Lincoln City or Depoe Bay Spotlighted in May Some of these sights cost a little less through mid May. Depoe Bay hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel news Vacation Rentals in Cannon Beach: Check Out Reduced Rates at Beachcomber Vaca... Cannon Beach Specials - reductions in winter and spring. Cannon Beach hotel reviews More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different 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 Martyn Bullerwell, new chief executive of Telefonica Tech UK&I, talks to Margaret Canning about its commitment to NI, AI and its continued support of the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards He calls himself a technologist first and claims that he fell into management. But Martyn Bullerwell (43) is proud to be in the role of chief executive of Telefonica Tech UK&I, which has a major operation in Belfast. The company, which employs around 320 people here, is chief sponsor of the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards, a role its held since 2021. The awards ceremony takes place on November 14 at Belfasts MAC Theatre, and will be hosted by comedian Andrew Ryan. In a demonstration of its commitment to NI, he says Telefonica Tech UK&I just signed up to a further 10 years at its offices in Titanic Quarter in Belfast. In 2021, Telefonica Tech UK&I, part of a Spanish-owned business, gained a footprint in NI following its acquisition of German company, Cancom. Back in 2019, Cancom had acquired Northern Ireland IT firm Novosco. Martyns route to the leadership role at Telefonica Tech followed a similar trajectory as he had founded a business which was later taken over by the business. The father of three says hes a very honest and transparent person. Im very proud to be to be able to take the role of CEO. My background is very much as a technologist and I come very much from a technology standpoint. I did an IT degree and since then Ive been working in IT all the way through, and very much fell into management when I started my own business. "For me its a very proud moment to be given an opportunity to run such a successful and diverse business across the UK and Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Martyn has lived in the south-east of England all his life. After studying IT at Surrey University, he worked at the business intelligence consultancy where hed done his placement. "I met some very like-minded people and at a fairly young age of 24, I made a decision that I wanted to be my own boss and run my own business and build something with a fairly unique culture of people first, and technology and value and quality first. He founded Adatis Consulting with two others to provide technology solutions for all levels of organisations. It was a big step at the age of just 24 to actually running a business and managing people and payroll and all those things. Its growth continued over 15 years, but Covid was a turning point. When you run your own business through something like Covid, you realise the level of stress can be quite significant so we chose to exit the business. Adatis was sold to Incremental, which was then taken over by Telefonica Tech. I was very very invigorated when we got into the acquisition by Telefonica Tech because I could see the opportunity. "Even through we are part of a big corporation, there are parts of the business that are very agile, every like-minded, very people-first and culture-first. The NI business is very well aligned to how I like to run a business. The Belfast operation provides technology solutions to business through managed cloud IT services. It also contains company-wide accounting, marketing and HR teams. It has built up a strong reputation in enterprise health, and was responsible for the roll-out across Northern Ireland health and social care trusts of the Encompass records system. Martyn has special praise for Ellen Dickson, the companys vice president of enterprise health. I see enterprise health as a huge opportunity and Ellen is an incredible person and absolutely brilliant. Martyn Bullerwell, Telefonica Tech UK&I "Were actually leveraging our skills and ability in NI to drive learnings down into the business, led by the Belfast team, and into the NHS in England. With the clinical knowledge and experience of Ellens team, were educating the rest of the UK, and supporting Spanish health organisations. He says the company is keen to continue its support of the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards. Were incredibly proud of the NI business and what thats achieved and the growth weve seen. "The awards are something were very keen to continue being title sponsor of and its a critical part of our business. Its something for us in whole group to be incredibly proud of, that we support NI in the way that we do. As well as the enterprise health team, there are also operations within Telefonica Tech UK&I in Belfast focused on cloud, cyber security, business applications and data & AI. The data & AI team in NI hasnt grown hugely but its definitely a space I want to look at, and how we leverage more of our capabilities. We know theres a huge wealth of talent in NI. Weve just renewed for a long time the NI office there and our commitment is continuing to grow. Our interview takes place soon after Silicon Valley AI chipmaker Nvidia becomes the worlds first $5trn company as hype around AI companies continues to mount. He says hes giving AI a cautious welcome. AI is a huge topic now, everyones very keen on what organisations can do with AI, what it means for them, what it means for people. "Its about how we can ethically leverage AI in England, Ireland and across the whole of the UK. That is is really important to us. "It is in an interesting space right now, but what a lot of people dont realise is that AIs been around for a very long time. If you look at Amazon, and youre given a recommendation if you like to buy this, you might like that, thats effectively a machine learning algorithm that we call AI. A lot of organisations have been using AI almost unwittingly. In Telefonica Tech UK&I, he says the company is making extensive use of Microsofts Copilot technology. We make sure everybody has access to that as technologies that help and assist performance of coding and development. "We usually use AI to help with bid management and allow us to write better and more compelling bids based on previous bids. But he is not in agreement with Amazons decision to let go of thousands of stuff as it makes increased use of AI. I think thats the wrong way to look at AI. I think the right way is, it allows you to do more with same number of people. "For us its about how we enable companies to use it in an ethical way and how we use it in an ethical way." We see in it an ability to save time and be more efficient, more accurate, higher quality and higher value, but certainty not something to save money with He finds it useful in his leadership role. Ive got to be honest, I use it on a daily basis, including using it to help temper emails. "Its to consider does this have any specific connotations, do I need to reconsider how Ive written this to achieve a certain outcome. I think thats really powerful and gives it that sense-check. "Theres a lot we use it for but its in pockets and definitely as a productivity-helping agent rather than replacing jobs. "We see in it an ability to save time and be more efficient, more accurate, higher quality and higher value, but certainty not something to save money with. He thinks ultimately we will come to use AI in the way that we use Microsoft Word a constant aid in work but something that eventually fades into the background. "It is all potentially over-hyped, and the cost of running some AI models is very high because of the cost to the environment of data centres, and its trying to level out where its going to make sense and where its not. "I think were going to see an interesting shift in years to come in how we use it and I think it will be just another tool much like Microsoft Word. He admits he only made his first visit to Belfast and the offices of Telefonica Tech UK&I here October. Ive been quite siloed in my data and AI world, but the rolling hills out the back of the docks where the office is, is an incredible view. Martyn Bullerwell Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? "Were intending to come over more, and something were keen to do is rebuild the kind of culture pre-Covid where people worked together and enjoyed time in the office together and time outside the office together. But that will stop short of ordering people into the office for a set number of days. There is no intention to bring a mandate. Our preference to have people work together but where you mandate it, you dont have the right culture. Its about the carrot and not the stick. Hes looking forward to the awards night on November 14, but adds: Theres always a little bit of trepidation when youre having to make a speech in front of a comedian. European Wilfried Nancy becomes first Celtic boss to lose first two games after Roma defeat Nama trial jurors request for microwave and toastie maker rejected over health and safety Hot meals for juries were stopped during Covid and never restarted, meaning young jury hearing case lasting months were left with just a kettle, tea bags, instant coffee and UHT milk The jury wrote to Madam Justice McBride more than three weeks ago to ask for either hot food or the ability to heat food in the jury room as winter looms Sam McBride Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 07:09 The jury in the Nama trial has been refused a request for a microwave and toastie maker to make hot food during the winter months because it would be a health and safety problem, the judge overseeing the trial has told them. LATEST | Man to appear in court charged with murder of Jordan Webb in Portavogie, say police PSNI appeal to anyone in the area between midday on Sunday and 8am on Monday Watch: Murder probe launched after death in shocked village Abdullah Sabri Wed 5 Nov 2025 at 22:37 A 21 year old man is expected to appear before Newtownards Magistrates Court tomorrow charged with the murder of a man in Portavogie, police have said. LATEST | Appeal for privacy for 'well known' family of victim as murder probe continues in quiet NI fishing village Jordan Webb (28) was pronounced dead at the scene in PortavogieCouncillor says family will be well known within tight-knit communityA 21-year-old from the Peninsula area remains in custody Watch: Murder probe launched after death in shocked village Mark Bain Mon 3 Nov 2025 at 22:19 A 21-year-old man remains in police custody after police launched a murder investigation following the death of a 28-year-old man in Portavogie. The Christmas Market will soon return to Belfast City Hall Festive season is officially returning to Belfast as the opening date of the Christmas Market in the city centre later this month has been confirmed. Organisers are gearing up for the annual market, which brings a diverse selection of food and craft vendors offering a range of products stretching from local traders to those from Europe and further afield. Among those excited at the return of the festive fixture is Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly, who described the market as an unmissable part of our city centre festive experience. Offering magical opportunities to spend time and make memories with family and friends, its such a magnet for visitors, generating important income and showcasing local emerging and established entrepreneurs alongside international traders. "I cant wait to see all the happy faces, hear the buzz and enjoy the treats on offer. The Belfast Christmas Market is more than just a festive attraction This year, visitors can enjoy a huge variety of authentic tastes, including crepes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkgrille, Spanish paella and nougat from Italy. Those visiting will also be greeted by an extensive selection of artisan products, from ornate Christmas decorations, handcrafted jewellery and original paintings to cosy hats and scarves. Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place, hopes this years market will be as popular as ever. The Belfast Christmas Market is more than just a festive attraction, its a celebration of culture and community, he said. "Each year, our goal is to create an experience that brings people together, champions local businesses, and proudly showcases Belfast on an international stage. "Welcoming over one million visitors annually and generating more than 60 million in economic impact, the market plays a vital role in the citys seasonal economy. Sustainability remains a cornerstone of our operations and we continue to invest in environmental initiatives which have led to an 85% reduction in non-biodegradable packaging. Were committed not only to delivering a magical Christmas experience, but to doing so responsibly and with purpose. The Christmas Market will soon return to Belfast City Hall Father and teenage son bond over 90s club hit in 2025 John Lewis Christmas ad Returning to the market this year are the traditional carousel and the vintage Helter Skelter, offering panoramic views of the market and a thrilling descent for those brave enough to take the slide. While Santa Claus will be taking a break from his grotto this year, organisers behind the market assured visitors he wont be far, making his weekly stroll, spreading cheer, sharing sweet treats, and rewarding those on the nice list. In a continued effort to support young and emerging businesses, Market Place said they have also partnered with the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) to donate two chalets to young entrepreneurs, allowing them to trade free of charge and showcase their products to thousands of visitors. The NMTFs Northern Ireland regional winners of the Young Traders Market, Mini Sticher and The Candle Bottle Bank, will also have their own dedicated chalet, offering sustainable handmade clothing for little ones and a range of candles and soy wax melts, inspired by the scenic Causeway Coast. The market will officially open its gates at 12 noon on Saturday 15 November, running until 22 December in the grounds of Belfast City Hall. The Market will be open from 10am 8pm Monday Wednesday, 10am 10pm Thursday Saturday and 12noon 6pm on Sunday. The fire service described the blaze as significant (PA) Police and firefighters are tackling a large fire at a recycling facility at the Ballygomartin Industrial Estate in north Belfast. Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service described it as a significant incident. They have asked members of the public to stay away from the area and advised residents keep windows and doors closed. The PSNI have said diversions are in place at multiple locations, including the Springmartin Road and West Circular Road junctions. FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ross Lorberbaum, Paragon's Vice President of CoreVision, has been named to the American Nuclear Society's (ANS) Nuclear News "40 Under 40" list, which honors rising stars from the nuclear community. Lorberbaum was recognized for his exceptional technical ability, transformative leadership, and lasting impact on the nuclear sector. Ross Lorberbaum "We are excited that Ross has been named to the Nuclear 40 Under 40 list," stated Doug VanTassell, President and CEO of Paragon. "Ross exemplifies the kind of innovative, inspiring leadership this program was created to recognize. He began as a mechanical engineer and quickly distinguished himself through technical excellence, a relentless drive to learn, and a natural ability to lead. Ross is now a recognized expert and leader in the field of equipment qualification, and his depth of knowledge makes a strong impact across the nuclear industry." Joseph Garguilo, Paragon's Vice President of Engineering, shared, "Ross has guided his team to all-time highs in output, efficiency, and quality. Today, as Vice President of CoreVision, Paragon's newly formed Neutron Flux Monitoring division, he oversees the legacy Thermo Fisher product line while driving the development of new detection systems for the advanced nuclear market. What sets Ross apart isn't just his technical acumen or operational excellence - it's his empathy, creativity, and ability to elevate those around him." VanTassell articulated the thoughts of many in the company: "Paragon is proud to celebrate Ross's achievements so far, and we look forward to what is sure to be a long and outstanding career." About Paragon For over three decades, Paragon has delivered comprehensive solutions for nuclear industry needs, producing and testing mission-critical equipment with proven customer satisfaction. Through obsolescence and parts availability strategies, innovation, and efficiency, Paragon directly addresses the challenges facing today's operating fleet and the advanced reactors of tomorrow, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and nuclear safety culture. www.paragones.com or (817) 284-0077. Follow Paragon on YouTube and LinkedIn. SOURCE Paragon Energy Solutions, LLC Residents in Belfast accounted for the highest number of smokers anywhere in NI New data has revealed which council areas in Northern Ireland have the highest percentage of smokers. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) calculated the average percentage of smokers in each district over a five-year period (2020-24). The new figures pointed to Belfast having the highest proportion of smokers out of Northern Irelands 11 districts. However, its two neighbouring areas have the lowest. The survey revealed that 16% of residents in Belfast were smokers during the period, while smokers in Antrim & Newtownabbey and in Lisburn & Castlereagh represented just 8.7% of their population almost half that of Belfast. Despite this, Belfast saw the largest decrease, with 1.6% of smokers giving up cigarettes from 2019-23 to 2020-24. In second place, those smoking in the Causeway Coast & Glens area represented 15.1% of the population while the next highest was Fermanagh & Omagh at 13.2%. The latter also saw the smallest decrease in quitters with only half a percent giving up the habit . Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon and Derry City & Strabane tied fourth on the list at 13%. In Mid & East Antrim, 12.2% of residents were smokers while Ards & North Down was ranked just below that, accounting for 12%, while one in 10 Mid Ulster constituents smoked cigarettes. The data also suggested the number of people across the UK who vape has overtaken the number of smokers for the first time The ONS found that one in 10 people aged 16 and over in Britain use e-cigarettes every day or occasionally. This is compared with 9.1% who said they smoke cigarettes daily or occasionally. This equates to around 5.4m vapers and 4.9m smokers. A decade earlier, in 2014, some 18.8% of British adults aged 16 and older were cigarette users, compared to 3.7% being vape users. David Mais, from the ONS, said: "Interestingly, our 2024 data show that, for the first time, the number of users of e-cigarettes or vapes has overtaken the number of smokers. "Among adults aged 16 (and over) in Great Britain, 10% said they were e-cigarette users, compared with 9.1% that were cigarette smokers. "This is in line with the long-term trend of fewer people smoking cigarettes over the past decade." The proportion of women who vape daily or occasionally has increased while it has decreased among men, according to the figures. One in 10 women reported using e-cigarettes daily or occasionally in 2024, up from 8.5% in 2023. Meanwhile the proportion of men who use vapes on a daily or occasional basis reduced in 2024, compared with 2023. In 2023, 11% of men who took part in the ONS' Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, a survey of adults in Great Britain aged 16 years and over, reported daily or occasional vaping. This reduced to 10.1% in 2024. The figures show daily or occasional vape use was highest among people aged 16-24 in 2024 at 13% though this is down from 15.8%. Daily use was most likely among people aged 25 to 34 and those aged 35 to 49 in 2024. An estimated 6.7% of people aged 16 and over in Britain reported using an e-cigarette "daily" in 2024, up from 5.9% in 2023, the ONS data showed. The commemorative shrub was planted by Prince Andrew in Lisburn in September 2009 The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has washed its hands of the fate of an Irish Yew tree planted by disgraced royal Andrew Mountbatten Windsor to mark Lisburns 400th anniversary. All political parties have called for a review of his legacy at Lagan Valley Island civic centre, due to intense scrutiny of links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The King stripped his younger brother of his Prince and Duke of York titles last week. On Sunday, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed Andrew would be stripped of his honorary rank of vice-admiral, which he was awarded on his 55th birthday in 2015. The rank was his last remaining honorary military title since he handed back the others in 2022 over the Epstein scandal. The former prince denies sexually assaulting the late Virginia Giuffre, who alleged this happened on three occasions, including when she was 17, after being trafficked by Epstein. Read more Scrutiny of social media post is matter for NI Civil Service head, Assembly told Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that it had asked the NIO for guidance on the potential removal of a plaque attached to the tree on its grounds. However, a spokesperson for the NIO told LDRS: This is a matter for the Royal Household. The council has maintained that the tree itself would not be uprooted in line with our sustainability strategy. Lisburn and Castlereagh has long-standing links to the Royal Family. Hillsborough Castle in Co Down, the official royal residence in Northern Ireland, was granted royal status in 2021. Andrew will remain 8th in line to the British Royal Throne, with the UK Government saying (Oct 31) it has no plans to introduce a new law for the line of succession. It is understood that any advice from the Royal Household could also affect other public dedications of the former Prince Andrew across Northern Ireland, including street names. Buckingham Palace has been contacted for comment. The scrutinising of the Stormont Education Ministers departmental social media post from his trip to Israel is a matter for the head of the civil service, the Assembly has heard. Paul Givan told MLAs on Monday that the permanent secretary from his department reviewed the matter and gave him a clean bill of health. It came after criticism of Mr Givan following his trip to Israel last week, as part of a delegation of MLAs, during which he asked his department for a social media post around his visit to a school in Jerusalem. A no-confidence motion backed by People Before Profit, Sinn Fein, SDLP, Alliance and independent MLA Claire Sugden is to be debated by the Assembly next Monday. Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan at Stormont on Monday (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Givan told MLAs the social media post was strictly non-political and focused solely on the educational aspects of the visit. He said his visit during the trip to a school in Jerusalem was directly relevant to his ministerial portfolio and provided valuable insights. He said his permanent secretary and senior officials carried out a review of his engagements on the visit and said they concluded a clean bill of health to him as minister and all civil servants that their actions were appropriate. Opposition leader Matthew OToole asked Finance Minister John ODowd whether he believed Mr Givan has plunged the Northern Ireland Civil Service in disrepute by his use of official resources to promote a visit to occupied territory. Jayne Brady, the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr OToole also asked Mr ODowd during questions for his department whether he had asked for an assessment of whether it violated a code of ethics for civil servants. Mr ODowd said he believes it would be a matter for the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Jayne Brady, to look at. I think all ministers need to be extremely careful as to how they use the resources of the Civil Service which are there to primarily deliver front line public services and support the delivery of front line public services. They should not be used in a party political way. Gerry Carroll, centre, takes part in a demonstration outside Parliament Buildings, Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA) I heard the minister of educations comments in the chamber yesterday in relation to his engagement with his permanent secretary in regard to that matter. My understanding of this matter is that it would be for the head of the civil service to further develop any inquiries into that case. Mr OToole said he had written to Ms Brady in this regard, and also asked that Mr ODowd, as the lead minister responsible for civil service propriety, commission an urgent review into broader issues around ministers giving inappropriate instructions to civil servants. However, Mr ODowd said he believes it would be best to await the independent inquiries of the head of the civil service. Earlier, the Assembly confirmed that it had received the 30 signatures required for a proposed no-confidence motion in Mr Givan. The motion was proposed by People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll, and was backed by Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance. Mr Givans DUP party, and the UUP are opposing it. The motion requires cross-community support from both those designated as unionists and nationalists to be passed. Last week, the Northern Ireland Teachers Council claimed the Department of Educations promotion of the school visit was an overtly political and divisive act, and called for the post to be deleted. Rival politicians have also questioned whether it was appropriate to visit Israel at a time when the country is facing international criticism over its military offensive in Gaza. Demonstrations took place at Belfast City Hall on Saturday and outside Parliament Buildings on Monday calling for Mr Givan to resign, while an online petition has been signed by more than 13,000 people. Mr Carroll said he brought the motion to build a strong, united challenge against a minister who believes its appropriate to align himself with a state thats responsible for the murder of 20,000 children. Despite the ministers attempts to sectarianise this issue, pressure is clearly mounting on him from all quarters, he said. Paul Givans position is becoming more untenable by the hour. Mr Givan was part of a delegation of unionist MLAs from Northern Ireland who took part in the fact-finding trip last week at the invitation of the Israeli government. He also insisted he is a minister for all, adding he will not be silenced, cancelled or distracted from his work as Education Minister. DUP leader Gavin Robinson said on Monday that Mr Givan has his full confidence. But Mr Carroll added: The minister played the victim and declared that he wont be cancelled, but the voices of thousands of educators, pupils, families, trade unionists and right-thinking people calling for his resignation cant and wont be ignored. Its time for Givan to go. A spokesperson for the Assembly confirmed the no-confidence motion will be prioritised for debate next Monday. The Speaker informed the Assembly Business Committee today that a competent motion under Section 30 of the Northern Ireland Act to exclude the Minister of Education from holding office for a period of 12 months has been signed by at least 30 members, they said. As it is a statutory motion which has legal effect should it be passed with cross-community support, the Business Committee agreed to follow precedent that the motion would be prioritised for debate on Monday November 10 2025. Ms Sugden said she is backing the motion over the departmental social media post. She said she has no issue with Mr Givan visiting Israel as a private citizen or as a public representative, but said the lines were blurred by the departmental social media post. Politics Alliance MP on honour of being only MP from NI nominated for Backbencher of the Year: I am more grateful than you will ever know Opposition TDs have accused the Tanaiste of making disgusting and cowardly remarks about migration. Simon Harris said he absolutely stands by comments he made about migration into Ireland being too high. He said that the conversation around migration is not limited to international protection, and that population growth has impacts on public services and housing. Mr Harris also accused opposition figures of attempting to shut down debate on migration. Referencing this remark, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said it was an absolutely cowardly response and added that the opposition was bringing facts to the debate. Mr Gannon said the Government had failed to manage the response to migration and accused it of following a playbook that was like the politics of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage or US President Donald Trump. Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon (Brian Lawless/PA) They point to migrants in this country and say theyre to blame, theyre not to blame the blame lies squarely at the hands of a Government who have lost the control of a capacity to manage (the situation) So what theyre trying to do is reclaim an ability to frame the narrative. Its disgusting, it is cowardly. Mr Harris has also been criticised for not issuing a condemnation on social media relating to an arson attack on an accommodation centre for asylum seekers in Co Louth. A number of people had to be rescued from the building in Drogheda, Co Louth, on Friday night. It has been reported the people rescued included four children, one of whom was a baby. Labour TD Ged Nash, who is from Drogheda, said the Tanaiste was only too happy to make comments about migration last week but said he had not issued a note of condemnation against the attack on social media. People in positions of leadership and responsibility need to be responsible about the language that they use. You cant simply say claim that Ireland has a problem with migration, or that migration numbers are too high and leave that particular reference out there without explaining what you mean. A spokesman for Mr Harris said he absolutely condemns the attack on the Drogheda centre in the strongest possible terms. Ged Nash of the Labour Party (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Nash said the Tanaistes comments on migration were a response to Fine Gaels unsuccessful presidential election campaign. And we know that the history of right-of-centre parties who describe migration and immigration in such terms is not good and wed ask for the Tanaiste to reflect on that. Mr Nash said: Quite simply, as far as Im concerned, they appear to be the kinds of comments that youll hear from a misinformed bloke in the pub who gets his information from Facebook. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said Mr Harris had made false statements on migration and later took a deeply cynical approach of accusing others of shutting down debate. The facts are that asylum seekers are not responsible for the problems in our country. Asylum seekers who have not followed deportation orders make up a tiny, tiny minority of all migrants who are here. Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan (Brian Lawless/PA) Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan is also facing questions for his initial statement on the arson attack, in which he said the fire had been started by someone throwing a firework into the building. CCTV footage that was subsequently released showed a man entering the property and pouring accelerant on stairs before starting a fire. Asked about Mr OCallaghans initial statement, Mr Nash said we need to know where that come from. He said that it was clear to him on Saturday morning that the information in Mr OCallaghans statement was manifestly wrong, adding that it had caused confusion. Irish Green Party leader Roderic OGorman (Brian Lawless/PA) Green Party leader Roderic OGorman, who held responsibility for accommodation centres as Minister for Integration in the previous coalition, said it was absolutely incumbent on Mr OCallaghan to speak accurately to the facts. He said when there had been attacks on centres during his tenure, he held off on statements until he was satisfied he had the full facts. This idea that we rush out with something quickly that is not fully backed by the facts doesnt help the situation at all. He said the actual facts in Drogheda are far more sinister than the ministers original statement. Meanwhile, the Green leader said the cut of the length of time Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland can stay in State accommodation from 90 days to 30 as basically the end of temporary protection. Mr OGorman, who himself had implemented the 90-day limit, added: I dont see how people can establish themselves in the 30-day situation. He also said he believes requiring international protection applicants with jobs to pay a contribution would have no impact on capacity within the system. A spokeswoman for Mr OCallaghan said the initial statement was based on a garda briefing at the time and more information came out subsequently. The original statement had not been updated on his social media profile nor on the Department of Justice website on Tuesday evening. Mr Donohoe described the findings as a catalyst for debate on Irelands economic future (PA) Irelands economy faces threats from an aging population, a drop in windfall tax receipts and a growing fiscal deficit, a new government report has found. Launched on Tuesday by the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, Future Forty: A Fiscal and Economic Outlook to 2065 is a long-term assessment of Irelands economy and society. It modelled more than 2,000 scenarios for Irelands future over the next four decades, based on global megatrends and trends within the Irish economy. The Central Scenario, the most likely outcome based on the data now, forecasts over the next 40 years a continued growth in living standards, but with slowing growth over the long-term, and a steady decline of our fiscal position. It found that this would most likely be due to demographic shifts, slowing productivity, climate costs and a slowdown in corporation tax receipts. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The Departments chief economist John McCarthy said the key takeaway from the report is the importance of productivity. It is projected to fall gradually until 2046, but the report found even modest productivity gains could significantly improve the economic and fiscal outlook. The report says another key issue that will determine economic growth is population change and said continued inward migration will be vital to maintain growth in the labour force. And as an example, it said if inward migration was zero, the labour force would contract by 2035. While most tax receipts are expected to remain steady in line with economic growth, windfall corporation tax is projected to decline to zero between 2030 and 2040. The report also said it is expected to take until the 2040s before housing supply eases significantly, with demand expected to peak in the early 2030s. The authors of the report stress it is not a prediction, but a tool that provides us with an evidence-base, to guide us over a longer term. It highlights risks while underlining opportunities to better inform the decisions we make today. The analysis is based on current Government policy and similar to research carried out by Canada, Finland and Austria. Mr Donohoe described the project as a catalyst for debate on Irelands future. Mr McCarthy added there is a tendency in Ireland to focus on the short-term economic outlook, and this work was designed to address that imbalance The Department of Finance has also released an interactive tool based on their research which allows users to see how different choices on housing, healthcare, climate, technology, and more could shape Irelands economy and society. Sir Keir Starmer said he has not changed his mind on climate action as he prepares to travel to Brazil for the UN Cop30 summit. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to the Governments clean energy ambitions and the UKs role as a global climate leader as he was quizzed by sixth formers in Downing Street on Monday. Answering their questions alongside Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Sir Keir acknowledged that Cop30 will be a challenge amid sluggish global progress on cutting emissions and the deepening geopolitical divide over climate action. Ive thought climate change has been our biggest challenge as a species for a very long number of years now, he said. I havent changed my mind because some other people have changed their minds. Its very important we go and we show that leadership. So thats what well be going for. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosting a Q&A session with sixth formers in Downing Street (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Asked about how large countries have failed to stick by previous international agreements and what makes him confident Cop30 will be a success, Sir Keir said: Its a challenge. Theres no doubt about it. Youre trying to get a whole bunch of countries to act in a similar way. Thats not easy. Theyve all got their own political pressures in their own country. But I genuinely believe that only by coming together and committing and coming back and looking at the commitments we made in the past, and making the argument is really important. And I think one of the main reasons for going is to continue to make that case. His comments come amid the splintering of consensus on climate action both in the UK and globally as well as growing concerns about the effectiveness of the multilateral process. A member of the audience asks a question as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosts a Q&A (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Labour came into Government pledging to remove almost all fossil fuels from the UKs electricity supply by 2030, as part of efforts to secure energy supplies, curb bills, boost investment and tackle climate change. But the agenda has faced significant pushback from the Conservatives and Reform UK, who have pledged to ditch expensive net zero policies and repeal climate legislation. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump vowed to unleash oil and gas drilling as he pulled the worlds second-largest greenhouse gas emitter out of the 2015 UN Paris Agreement to limit dangerous global warming. Speaking to the group of school pupils on Monday, Sir Keir said the UK delegation will travel to Cop30 with young people first and foremost in our minds as he sought to gauge their opinions before the summit. He said: Im mindful as we go there that young people are really important to our leadership and the messages that we need to deliver at Cop because the challenge of protecting our climate and our planet is one for all of us. The Prime Minister said the green transition is more than just an obligation (Jordan Pettitt/PA) But its particularly relevant for you because you have to live with the consequences of the decisions we either do take or dont take, the action that we either take or dont take. The PM also argued that the green transition is more than just an obligation but comes with massive opportunities for us. As we move to, for example, renewable energy, that is a good thing for our planet, but its also a really good thing for the jobs of the future, and sustainable way in which we want to grow our economy, he said. In September, Sir Keir faced backlash after it was reported that he was considering not attending the Cop30 leaders summit to focus on domestic matters as Reform UK surged in the polls. Downing Street was also later forced to deny he was prepared to miss the 2030 target to keep energy bills down. Energy, Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband during the Q&A session at Downing Street (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Earlier, the Energy Secretary heard about the apathy and despair some young people feel about taking action and the future more generally in the face of climate change. Mr Miliband told the group of teenagers: While its true that were not nearly doing enough, its not true to say that the world hasnt taken some action. He acknowledged that the climate crisis is really scary but the feeling of pessimism is why it is quite important to point out the progress that weve made. I think part of our task is to project positivity, he said. The Energy Secretary also discussed career prospects in transition industries with the pupils, who came from schools across the country. Sir Keir and Ed Miliband talking to sixth formers ahead of Cop30 (Jordan Pettitt/PA) He highlighted the Governments recently-announced national plan to train and recruit workers to fill the clean energy skills gap, with a promise of more than 400,000 extra green jobs by 2030 and the creation of so-called technical excellence colleges. Challenged on whether young people could trust the Government to deliver on their promises, the Energy Secretary said: Judge us on results. Thats what you should judge us on. Over the last 16 months, what weve tried to do is go as fast as we can on the things we pledged to do, he added, citing the removal of the de facto onshore wind ban, as well as plans to drive solar, offshore wind and nuclear energy. Were driving absolutely as fast as we can. The Prince of Wales meets 10-month-old Joaquim Monteiro during a visit to Ilha de Paqueta in Brazil (Chris Jackson/PA) The Prince of Wales cuddled a baby thrust at him from a sea of well-wishers when he met locals living on the Brazilian island retreat of Paqueta. William travelled to the outcrop, a 50-minute ferry ride from Rio de Janeiro, to learn about its mangrove habitat and sample the slower pace of life on an island where there are no private cars and bicycles are the main form of transport. The future king greeted dozens of well-wishers waiting behind crash barriers and at one point a baby 10-month-old Joaquim Monteiro was pushed towards him and he joked the grandparent mustnt drop him! before giving him a cuddle. Holding him with the confidence of a father of three young children, William said: Bless him before handing him back to his grandmother Christina. Andre Luis Junior, the babys cousin and a teacher, said: Nobody asked him he just picked him up. Its probably because he has three kids. He loves kids. He added: Its amazing. We are so happy, so happy he chose this very small island. Were very unique in the heart of Rio. Very quiet. We love that he chose to come here. The kids in school were so excited today. The Prince of Wales met members of the public during a visit to Ilha de Paqueta (Chris Jackson/PA) The prince helped several young children come to the front of the meet and greet in the main square by the waterfront, bending down to be in photographs with them and occasionally borrowing a phone to take the selfie himself. The island, which has around 5,000 residents, has declared the visit The Day Of The Prince, and children were given time off school to see him. Many had created colourful drawings to hand over to him, calling him Prince of the Island and the visit Prince Day. William is on the second day of his tour to Brazil (Chris Jackson/PA) Retired lawyer Glaucia Martinez, 60, repeatedly touched Williams hand as he quizzed her about life on Paqueta where she lives. The 60-year-old said: He asked me about the island and I said that its safe, its charming, and its a good place to live. People here, they are good, good people, you know, honest people, and we live in peace here. The Prince of Wales plants a mangrove sapling during a tour of the Guapimirim mangrove area (Aaron Chown/PA) And I said that I love Kate. Later, William took a boat tour of the Guapimirim mangrove area, a preserved and protected area of natural beauty in the northeast of Brazils picturesque Guanabara Bay. Mangroves provide a range of environmental benefits, from storing carbon to acting as sheltered nurseries for marine fledglings and helping to mitigate storms by acting as a buffer zone. Guapimirim is managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, protected by local communities including a 10-strong team of Mangrove guardians from Paqueta and has seen wildlife return after the tree stock was replanted following deforestation. After planting three saplings with the guardians, William said: I hope they grow well. Next time I come all this will all be mangroves. William travelled by boat to the Guapimirim mangrove area (Aaron Chown/PA) Rodrigo Toledo, mayor of Paqueta and the surrounding islands, said after the visit: Paqueta is an area totally dedicated to environmental protection and we know that Prince William has dedicated his life to this agenda, to the protection of nature, so it is very important for him to come here. We even have a project here on the islands called the Guardians of the Mangroves, a team hired by the municipality made up of local residents to work on the mangroves, preserving them and providing all the necessary care. Eugenia Maria Dos Santos, 60, one of the guardians who helped William plant the new trees, said it was a privilege to host the prince. She added: The most important thing for me is his humility. Money doesnt buy happiness. So many people think they are better than others but the prince has come here and used his own hands to plant the mangroves. It brings great happiness to the Brazilian people. UVF enlists gangster it once fined 30,000 for using its name to intimidate rivals East Belfast terror gang brings criminal back in from the cold in desperate bid to boost numbers Paul 'Wiggle' Mawhinney Ciaran Barnes Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 20:00 UVF bosses desperate to increase numbers have been accused of recruiting a hated criminal into the ranks of the terror gang. Institute of Reading Development announces an online tutoring solution proven to boost K5 reading skills and confidence. PETALUMA, Calif., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- America's reading crisis is worsening. The latest Nation's Report Card reveals that one-third of high school seniors graduate without basic reading comprehensionunable to analyze or interpret what they read. For 56 years, the Institute of Reading Development has had one focus: helping kids become strong, enthusiastic readers. Over 3 million families have trusted their expert teachers and proven curriculum to make it happen. Learn more at ReadingPrograms.com. Despite millions invested in curriculum reform and teacher training, early literacy intervention efforts continue to fall short. In Ohio, third-grade proficiency dropped from 62% to 61% after two years of reform. Philadelphia spent $25 million on a new reading curriculumonly to see scores decline further. In Maryland, teachers admit they "don't know how to teach reading," even with new mandates. Systemic change takes timeMississippi's "reading miracle" took six years. But children struggling to read today can't wait for policy to catch up. "Parents can't always tell how their child's reading compares nationally," said Doug Evans, CEO of the Institute of Reading Development. "In many states, a 'proficient' reader would only score as 'basic' on national benchmarks. They won't be on track for college without remediation." The Institute of Reading Development, trusted by more than three million families over the last 56 years, has launched its Raising Skilled Readers Tutoring Program an evidence-based program designed to improve K-5 students' reading skills and deliver immediate results. It is more than just live tutoring sessions. The program provides tutoring with truly comprehensive support, backed by a time-tested curriculum and including wonderful books, online activities, and weekly skills checks. Parents get a complete reading solution that strengthens all five pillars of literacy: Phonemic awareness and phonics for decoding accuracy for decoding accuracy Fluency and vocabulary for smoother, more confident reading for smoother, more confident reading Comprehension skills for deeper understanding of texts Parents see measurable progress week by weeknot years from now. "The single most effective thing parents can do is supplement school instruction with focused reading tutoring lessons," Evans added. "That's exactly what Raising Skilled Readers provides." A child's reading foundation is built in grades K5every week of delay matters. While schools work to implement reform, parents can take action now with a trusted early literacy instruction proven to help children read with skill, confidence, and joy. Learn more or get started today at www.ReadingPrograms.com. About The Institute of Reading Development The Institute of Reading Development (IRD) is a nationally recognized leader in literacy education, dedicated to helping students of all ages become skilled, confident readers. Since 1970, IRD has partnered with universities, schools, and communities across the country to deliver evidence-based reading programs that have helped millions of students improve skills and gain a lifelong love of reading. IRD currently offers guided reading experiences for children from preschool through 5th grade. Its newest initiative, Raising Skilled Readers, provides parents with expert-led 1:1 or small-group online tutoring, featuring skill-by-skill instruction that builds reading confidence at home. To learn more, visit ReadingPrograms.com. SOURCE Institute of Reading Development Inc. Flames kiss the tops of filets of Arctic char as chef Ron Reda runs a kitchen torch over them; nearby, a table of diners watches with anticipation. If You Go The Barn Dinner Series with Chef Ron Reda What: A multi-course dinner made with seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully prepared beverages. Limited to 20 guests. Reservations required. Where: The Barn Kitchen and Bar, Williams Inn, 103 Spring St., Williamstown When: Nov. 20, Jan. 15 and Feb. 12 Cost: $125 Reservations: Email Tesfa Jacobs at tjacobs@williamsinn.com This is the third course of a five-course menu that Reda, executive chef of The Barn Kitchen & Bar, and sous chef Joseph Leon have plated tableside on a recent October evening as part of the newest iteration of The Barn Dinner Series at The Williams Inn. "This course is pan-seared Arctic char with a Swiss chard braised in a little sherry vinegar," Reda says as the plates are placed in front of the diners. "Underneath that, you have a local corn broth, with a little cream in there, and chive oil. There are sunflower sprouts on top." The Arctic char's skin is firm and crisp, nicely balanced against the buttery yet delicate flavor of the flaky filet. Although it may have the same pinkish hue as its cousin, the salmon, the Arctic char has a more subtle flavor. Some food experts say the taste falls between salmon and trout. I'd agree. It's been a year since I attended the Barn Dinner Series at The Williams Inn, when the dinner was held in a room off the restaurant. This evening's dinner was scheduled to be held on the patio, but rain and dampness have moved it inside to the Williams Room, a 910-square-foot hall with a large table dressed in the evening's theme, autumn harvest. Our host, Tesfa Jacobs, director of food and beverage at the Williams Inn, greets us as our group of about 16 gathers for this once-a-month event, featuring items not found on the restaurant's regular menu. Each dinner is reservation-only and is limited to 20 guests. Reservations for the upcoming dinners on Nov. 20, Jan. 15 and Feb. 12 can be made by emailing Jacobs at tjacobs@williamsinn.com. The multi-course meal with paired cocktails, wine or zero-proof beverages is $125 per person. Joseph Spece, restaurant supervisor, is on hand to make the evening's craft cocktails. "We're in the process of bringing in a little bit more craft influences into our beverage program," he says after explaining the evening's wine pairings. "What does that really mean? It means a focus on freshness and infusions and syrups that are made in-house." The craft cocktail offerings this evening are Smoke on the Bay a Mezcal cocktail with a smoked cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, Aperol and a dash of grapefruit juice and the Ginger Gold Rush, a "sort of modern classic," featuring ginger liqueur, Domaine de Canton (a French ginger liqueur), Woodford bourbon whiskey and lemon juice. For those who aren't interested in wine or spirit-based drinks, Spece has prepared two zero-proof (alcohol-free) cocktails. "I've never liked the name mocktails because it seems derivative to me," he said. "The zero-proof challenge, that came up around COVID, we were positive that it would not last ... For the last five consecutive years, I think, this is the largest-growing beverage trend." The challenge for bartenders, he said, is to see how "good our palettes are" by creating flavorful drinks that don't depend on alcohol for enjoyment. For this evening, he offers two "very straightforward drinks," a classic ginger limeade and a drink based on the Smoke on the Bay. "It's so you can see what might happen if the Smoke on the Bay, made with Mezcal, was leveraged to be a zero-proof. I'm using that smoked cinnamon syrup again, grapefruit juice, sparkling water and Lyre's bitter orange liqueur, which is not a liqueur because Lyre is a zero-proof spirit company," Spece says. After placing drink orders, the dinner begins as Reda and Leon begin plating the first course. Jacobs invites us to feel free to watch from the table or, if we want to, walk right up and observe. Watching chefs plate is perhaps one of my favorite parts of watching "Top Chef," so I'm up close and personal as swatches of parsnip puree are swirled across dishes. The first course features seared Japanese scallops over a parsnip puree, topped with a Pink Lady apple slaw and baby watercress. It's followed by a silky butternut squash soup, topped with a butternut squash and pumpkin seed gremolata and drizzled with browned butter. "I'm regretting eating all of that delicious soup," says one of my tablemates, as the third course, the Arctic char, arrives. "I don't know if I should eat all of this. I want to save room for the next course," another adds. But our plates are mostly empty as the fourth course arrives. An orange-red sauce, a beet and orange puree, circles the plate. In the center, a roasted rack of Australian lamb encircles a Delicata squash ring roasted in maple syrup, its edges dressed with honey mustard and its center filled with baby vegetables and microgreens. This dish is a literal "feast for the eyes." For a few moments, I think about how wrong it would be to spoil its beauty. But then I remember that it's meant to be eaten and that it would be an insult to the chef not to indulge. The only complaint I and other guests around the table have is rack of lamb won't cut apart easily. The final course of the evening, a self-made s'mores dessert, was originally planned to take place outdoors around controlled "campfires." The rain has subsided, so this option is still in play, but Reda gives us another option, his take on a s'mores a flourless chocolate cake with a graham cracker crumble, topped with marshmallow. Not a fan of making s'mores, I opt for the plated option, which is just as great, if not better, than a s'more. While I've come for the dinner, the highlight of attending a chef's dinner or supper club, at least for me, is the people you meet. These intimate meals offer the opportunity for fascinating conversations with people you've just met, or, in some cases, let you catch up with others you've dined with before. Since my last dinner, Antonello Di Benedetto and Stephen Meyer, of Williamstown, have gotten married, taken a European honeymoon cruise and visited family across the country all of which I've enjoyed watching in a series of Instagram stories. This was my first chance to hear about these travels. And yes, they still have only missed a single dinner since the series launched in 2023. IF YOU GO The Barn Dinner Series with Chef Ron Reda What: A multi-course dinner made with seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully prepared beverages. Limited to 20 guests. Reservations required. Where: The Barn Kitchen and Bar, Williams Inn, 103 Spring St., Williamstown When: Nov. 20, Jan. 15 and Feb. 12 Cost: $125 Reservations: Email Tesfa Jacobs at tjacobs@williamsinn.com Ruth Bass is an award-winning journalist. Her website is ruthbass.com. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of The Berkshire Eagle. Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION NEW YORK and CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP ("Wolf Haldenstein"), a preeminent national consumer rights law firm, is investigating claims on behalf of people who have been impacted by the PeopleGuru Holdings, Inc. ("PeopleGuru") data breach. PeopleGuru, located in Tampa, Florida, announced that the personal information of individuals may have been stolen as part of a data breach which occurred in July 2025. PeopleGuru is notifying affected people that their personal information, including at least names, Social Security numbers, financial account information, and driver's license numbers may have been stolen. If you have received a recent notice of the data breach and have experienced recent concerning activity, it is possible that your personal information was compromised and is being offered for sale on the dark web. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION If you wish to discuss this data breach incident, or if you have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this matter, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735, via e-mail at [email protected], or visit our website. Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP has experience in the prosecution of consumer rights litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas and offices in New York, Chicago, Nashville, and San Diego. Courts have repeatedly recognized the reputation and expertise of this firm and have appointed it to major positions in complex consolidated litigation. Contact: Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial Analysis Carl Malmstrom, Esq., Of Counsel Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774 This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. SOURCE Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. ("Ping An" or "the Group", HKEX: 2318/82318; SSE: 601318) has been upgraded to the highest global ESG rating of AAA for 2025 by MSCI, a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. This achievement reflects Ping An's exceptional performance in responsible investment, green finance, and sustainable development, enabling the Group to maintain its leading position in the Asia-Pacific region's "Multi-Line Insurance & Brokerage Industry" for four consecutive years. The rating underscores Ping An's continued leadership and commitment within the global ESG landscape. According to the MSCI rating report, Ping An leads the industry in six key areas: Human Capital Development, Privacy & Data Security, Access to Finance, Financing Environmental Impact, Responsible Investment, and Corporate Behavior. Leveraging Integrated Financial Strengths to Expand Inclusive Financial Services In 2025, Ping An introduced the "Policy Statement on Financial Inclusion (2025)", reaffirming its commitment to utilizing its comprehensive financial platform to enhance both the accessibility and quality of inclusive financial services. By the end of June 2025, Ping An Bank supported 972,900 micro and small enterprise loan customers, with the outstanding balance of inclusive loans reaching RMB 499.524 billion. During the first half of 2025, Ping An Property & Casualty delivered RMB 189 billion in risk protection to 1.61 million micro and small enterprises, providing robust support for social welfare. Advancing Green Finance Initiatives to Drive Low-Carbon Industrial Transformation Ping An approaches green finance as a comprehensive, systematic endeavor, leveraging insurance, credit, and investment to facilitate green development and support the transition to low-carbon industries. By the end of June 2025, Ping An's insurance fund allocated to green investments reached RMB 144.482 billion, while green loan balances amounted to RMB 251.746 billion. Ping An's green insurance premium income amounted to RMB 55.279 billion in the first nine months of 2025, actively supporting China's objectives of achieving "peak carbon" emission by 2030 and "carbon neutral" by 2060. Integrating ESG Factors into Investment Processes and Ongoing Policy Enhancement As the first domestic asset owner to sign the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), Ping An has comprehensively incorporated ESG factors into the entire investment decision-making process of its insurance funds. In 2025, the Group updated its "Policy Statement on Responsible Investment of Ping An Group (2025)" further refining exclusion lists and exit mechanisms, enhancing information disclosure and stakeholder communication, and continuously strengthening its responsible investment capabilities. By the end of June 2025, Ping An's responsible investment of insurance fund reached RMB 1,017.407 billion, including RMB 144.482 billion in green investments, RMB 858.085 billion in social investments, and RMB 14.84 billion in inclusive investments. Enhancing Information Security Management and Safeguarding Customer Data Privacy In 2025, Ping An revised its "Policy Statement on Information Security (2025)" and "Policy Statement on Privacy Protection (2025)", further strengthening its systems for protecting customer privacy and information security. In 2024, the Group and its member companies conducted 67 security emergency drills, covering 11 emergency scenarios, such as ransomware incidents, anti-DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks and phishing emails. It carried out database backup recovery drills and cross-regional joint disaster recovery exercises. These initiatives have significantly improved the organization's emergency response capabilities for information security. Commitment to Employee Development, Diversity, Inclusion, and Health & Safety Ping An is dedicated to fostering employee growth and professional advancement. In 2024, the Group invested RMB 956 million in training initiatives, resulting in an average of more than 49 training hours per employee. In 2025, Ping An issued the "Policy Statement on Occupational Health and Safety (2025)" and updated the "Statement on Employee Rights (2025)" , reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the well-being of its workforce. By the end of 2024, female represented 51% of Ping An's employees and 36% of senior management, underscoring the Group's progress in promoting gender equality and cultivating a diverse leadership team. Sustained Leadership in Sustainable Development and Building a Resilient Financial Ecosystem In addition to the Group's overall rating upgrade, its member companies - Ping An Good Doctor, Ping An Bank, and Lufax have each attained AA MSCI ESG ratings, underscoring their exceptional performance in sustainable development across various business segments. Sustainable development remains a core, long-term strategy for Ping An and serves as the foundation for maximizing enduring value. As a leader in China's ESG landscape, Ping An is dedicated to embedding sustainability within its corporate strategy, establishing a rigorous and professional ESG management system, maintaining a transparent governance framework, and implementing ESG principles across all areas of operation. Moving forward, Ping An will continue to deepen its technology-enabled "integrated finance + health and senior care" dual-pronged strategy, to create stable, and sustainable value for customers, employees, shareholders, and society, while fostering a more resilient, inclusive, and efficient sustainable financial ecosystem. About Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEX:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It strives to become a world-leading provider of integrated finance, health and senior care services. Under the technology-enabled "integrated finance + health and senior care" dual-pronged strategy, the Group provides professional "financial advisory, family doctor, and senior care concierge" services to its nearly 250 million retail customers. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve financial businesses' quality and efficiency and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of December 2024, Ping An had more than RMB12 trillion in total assets. The Group ranked 27th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2025, 47th in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2025, and ranked AAA in MSCI ESG Ratings in 2025 For more information, please visit the www.group.pingan.com and follow our LinkedIn page - PING AN. SOURCE Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. 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West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Elle Fanning said she wants to try it all as an actress as she takes on her first leading action role in Dan Trachtenbergs Predator: Badlands. The 27-year-old actress made her screen debut in 2001, playing the younger version of her sister Dakotas character in the drama film I Am Sam, and went on to appear in several other films as a child actress, including Babel and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. More recently, the American actress has starred in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown and Joachim Triers dramedy Sentimental Value. In her latest project, Fanning portrays Weyland-Yutani synthetics Thia and Tessa in the science-fiction action film Predator: Badlands. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (left) and Elle Fanning attending a Predator: Badlands UK special screening in London (PA) I started acting from a young age, and I think my dream has always been to try everything, to explore all genres and not get stuck in one lane. I want to try it all, Fanning told the PA news agency. I like to challenge myself and surprise myself, so this is something I havent really done before, which is what really drew me to the project. Advertisement Set in the future on a deadly, remote planet, Predator: Badlands follows Dek, a young Predator outcast from his clan, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who forms an unlikely alliance with Thia, a synthetic who has lost her legs, and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. I loved what Dan (Trachtenberg) did with Prey, I thought it was such a brilliant movie, Fanning said. This story felt so fresh and new; Id never seen anything like it on screen before. There were even touches of Star Wars at times, Chewbacca and C-3PO were an inspiration for our backpack situation and I just loved Dans vision. And if its a good director and a good story, thats all you need. It doesnt really matter what lane its in, Im game. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek in Predator: Badlands (Disney/PA) New Zealand-born Schuster-Koloamatangi said playing Dek was a challenging experience, as his character spoke a different language and required extensive work with motion capture. It was an incredible journey, said the 24-year-old actor. It was tough, Ill be honest. It was a challenging adventure, having to learn a new language, wear a suit for 10 hours a day, and endure the heat all the time. You know, it really limits your movement. But I think it helps create the character even more. You use those challenges to bring the role to life. Being a Yautja is hard, how they move, how they breathe, the way they interact it all adds to the character. Advertisement On playing a dual role in the film, Fanning said it was something she always wanted to try. That was something else that drew me to play these dual roles. Id never done that before, like the Parent Trap/Lindsay Lohan scenario, acting against yourself and really making sure to differentiate the two characters, she explained. And that was a great challenge, and I really loved that. Honestly, it was just kind of us on set. Even though its such a big world and a large production, it felt very intimate to have this unit, with open communication and collaboration. Filming in his home country of New Zealand was a humbling experience for Schuster-Koloamatangi. I just felt humbled to be a part of something so big, and to be filming in my home country, he said. Some of the locations we visited arent even open to the public, so seeing them for the first time was incredible. I felt really privileged just to be in those spaces. Predator: Badlands will be released in Irish cinemas on Friday. WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) , the largest U.S. non-profit leading Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy care, research, and advocacy efforts, and MyoGene Bio (MyoGene) are excited to announce that PPMD has provided $400,000 in funding to MyoGene through PPMD Venture Pathways , the organization's venture-philanthropy initiative that provides industry funding to accelerate therapeutic development for Duchenne and Becker. This funding commitment aims to advance the development of MyoGene's gene editing strategy and potentially leverage additional funding from other awards to support studies that pave the way to the clinic. Duchenne , the most common genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood that affects approximately one in 5,000 live male births, is caused by a change in the DMD gene that codes for the dystrophin protein. Gene editing is a strategy to make permanent alterations to an individual's DNA to restore function of the gene. MyoGene's strategy, known as MyoDys45-55, utilizes gene editing technology to edit an individual's DMD gene. They target a large deletion of exons 45-55, encompassing a hotspot of disease-causing variants and creating an in-frame deletion that restores dystrophin production. MyoGene's approach mimics a deletion found in mild Becker muscular dystrophy, associated with production of a highly functional dystrophin protein. This type of deletion and re-framing of the DMD gene would be amenable for approximately 50% of individuals with Duchenne. Unlike gene therapies that deliver a dystrophin transgene where durability is unknown, editing the DNA represents a permanent alteration. "PPMD has been committed through our Gene Therapy Initiative to continue to push the field of gene therapy forward. Through PPMD Venture Pathways, we can help usher in yet another approach for treating patients with Duchenne," explains Eric Camino, PhD, PPMD's Vice President of Research and Clinical Innovation. "Gene editing represents a strategy to make life-long corrections to variants in patients' DNA. Supporting the development of this approach will also further our understanding of novel precision medicine strategies to treat Duchenne." PPMD's support will enable MyoGene to conduct key studies to advance towards the clinic. MyoGene will generate data comparing the functionality of their corrected 45-55 deletion dystrophin protein to other dystrophins and advance work on characterization of safety of this approach. PPMD's investment and additional funds, including from Duchenne UK and How Women Invest, represent $1.42 million in total support for MyoGene. This funding commitment may be leveraged for additional non-dilutive grant funding, building on MyoGene's previous success obtaining grants. "Support from patient advocacy organizations like PPMD is vital to our work," shares Courtney Young, PhD, CEO and Co-founder of MyoGene Bio. "This support not only provides critical funding to advance our research, but also sends a powerful signal to public and private funders about the importance of continued innovation in therapeutic development for Duchenne. With PPMD's investment, we will be able to leverage patient-advocacy funding into larger awards, making this funding reach further as we advance development of our novel gene editing therapy for Duchenne." PPMD's investment in MyoGene builds on the organization's 30-year legacy of funding more than $55 million in Duchenne and Becker research to enhance our knowledge of dystrophinopathies. In addition to substantial preclinical and academic research funding, PPMD's Venture Pathways program provides funding to biopharmaceutical companies, which allows companies to complete critical studies needed to advance investigational products to the clinic. These funding commitments also create the opportunity for PPMD to have a financial return that can be reinvested into its research strategy and support additional work in the future. All of PPMD's research-funding commitments undergo rigorous scientific evaluation and are selected on the basis of potential benefit to the Duchenne and Becker community. Learn more about PPMD's Venture Pathways program . About MyoGene Bio MyoGene Bio is a privately held biotech company based in San Diego, CA dedicated to developing next-generation genetic therapies for Duchenne and other muscle diseases. Our lead program is a gene editing therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Learn more here: https://www.myogenebio.com/ or follow our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myogene-bio/. About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Duchenne is a genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne. We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and a community of support. We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won eight FDA approvals. Everything we doand everything we have done since our founding in 1994helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease. Join our fight against Duchenne at EndDuchenne.org . Follow PPMD on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube . SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) Love him or hate him, its hard to ignore TV presenter, journalist, and author Piers Morgan. Whether hes having a rant about Harry and Meghan, cosying up to Donald Trump, haranguing politicians or hobnobbing with celebrity pals including Dame Joan Collins and Gary Lineker, theres never a dull moment for the ex-newspaper editor-turned-TV titan. The outspoken presenter has gone his own way since leaving Talk TV (now known as Talk) last year, acquiring his own YouTube channel for his show Piers Morgan Uncensored, which has 4.2 million subscribers. The beauty of that is Im now only accountable to myself and the only person that can fire me is me, he says wryly. He reckons he has probably mellowed a bit since his early days of broadcasting. I turned 60 in March, I probably have calmed down a bit. You mellow also with experience and wisdom, and also with the fact that I now own my own business, Im my own boss, Im not answerable to anybody else. I think that brings with it a certain calmness. Advertisement Mellow, however, is not a word that springs to mind when reading his latest book Woke Is Dead a sequel to Wake Up, which urged us all to kill off the scourge of wokeism. In the new book he again rants about all the issues which wind him up, most notably transgender matters, cancel culture, free speech censorship, the demise of what he considers real men, virtue-signalling vegans, climate activists and, of course, Harry and Meghan. This time around though, the bullies who rail against free speech, the cancel culturists and wokies have been kicked into touch by the voice of common sense from the people, he insists. Woke isnt actually dead yet but I hope that my book will be the final nail in its miserable, joyless coffin. Wokeism as an ideology is just designed to suck all the joy out of life, from people who want to be hectoring and censorious and puritanical and cancel everyone for absolutely everything. I think that most people arent like that and they want to have a fun, fulfilling life. It doesnt mean a licence to be cruel or hateful or bigoted but it does mean you want to be able to lead your life without treading on eggshells all the time. The book, which is a pretty exhausting read, highlights cancel culture crusaders that annoy him, the wokeism he considers ludicrous and damaging and how the tide is turning. He reckons that Donald Trump was re-elected because he represented to American voters the core of common sense and denies that being a friend of the president for many years they met when Morgan won the US version of The Celebrity Apprentice in 2008 has clouded his judgment. Weve had good times and bad, weve fallen out a few times. I dont hesitate to criticise him when I think he deserves it but I dont agree with some of the more extreme MAGA crowd that hes perfect and I dont agree with the woke left view that hes the devil incarnate and that hes Adolf Hitler. Theres a more nuanced place you can be with Trump, that actually a lot of things he stands for are good things, whether thats waging fewer foreign wars or having stronger borders, or being tougher on serious crime or paying less tax. I think all those things are things that most British people agree with. How close are they? Advertisement We text each other every couple of weeks. He calls me every few weeks. Hes probably called me four or five times this year since hes become president again. Hes a busy guy. But we always have good conversations and I appreciate the friendship. Morgan is notoriously thick-skinned. Every time his career has taken a knock, he bounces back. Hes been sacked twice once as editor of the Daily Mirror in 2004 for refusing to apologise for publishing photos of British soldiers abusing Iraqi detainees that were widely believed to have been faked; again by CNN in 2014 for poor ratings on a primetime show. In 2021 he famously stormed off set of Good Morning Britain following a row about his coverage of the Duchess of Sussexs Oprah Winfrey interview. He left the show after refusing to apologise for calling her a liar. Now, it all seems like water off a ducks back. Im very thick-skinned, something I probably share with Trump, who is very mentally strong and resilient. Ive had a lot of highs, a lot of lows and try and treat those two imposters the same, as the famous line goes. The former Britains Got Talent judge grew up in a country pub in East Sussex after the death of his father, an Irish dentist, when he was 11 months old. His mother Gabrielle went on to marry Glynne Pughe-Morgan, who he always refers to as Dad. Were a big family with a lot of mentally strong characters, lots of forceful personalities, lots of opinions flying around, but we also have each others back. Advertisement I was surrounded by mentally strong people who taught me the importance of being resilient and bouncing back from adversity and being tough about stuff and not wallowing in victimhood or self pity, because those are energy-sapping things which get you nowhere. He remains impervious to the toxic trolls, but listens when his mother and close family and friends pull him up when they think hes stepped out of line. If my mother criticises me on something it always cuts quite deep because she is very supportive. If she thinks Ive gone too far on something, thats not a good moment. Ive got great friends and family and what they think about me matters a lot more than some Twitter troll. He has three sons from a previous marriage and a 13-year-old daughter with his wife, journalist Celia Walden, to whom hes been married for 15 years. They have homes in London and East Sussex, and another in Beverly Hills. Morgan with his wife, Celia Walden (left) and Susanna Reid in 2018 (Alamy/PA) Is he argumentative at home? Not really. Im a much calmer individual at home. I think home should be an oasis from the jungle and the fray of media life because the media is always relentless. Advertisement I enjoy it and its fun but I think when the door shuts I like to just put the telly on, watch a bit of Arsenal or a good movie or TV series and just chill, have a nice glass of wine and recharge. Does he ever apologise? Not really. I just think you should apologise if you really screw up and you genuinely mean it. Fake apologies are quite a common trait in the woke world. Its a bit like when they have their hashtag BeKind in their bios and they are the least kind people Ive ever met. Among his most memorable spats was with TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson in 2004, he recalls. He ended up punching me before we settled things at the British Press Awards. Ive still got the scar on my forehead and it wasnt entirely unjustified so I have no complaints about it, although I did think he had a very weak punch and he did break his finger hitting my head, which is quite satisfying. But he contacted me out of the blue and said, Morgan, Clarkson here, drink? We met in my local pub and actually had a great night. He drank a lot of rose, I drank a lot of beer. We got his daughter and one of my sons to act as the official peace treaty ratifiers and peace in our time was agreed. I mean, were never going to be best buddies but we now tolerate each others existence without wanting to punch each other, which I think is a major step forward. Woke Is Dead by Piers Morgan is published in hardback by HarperCollins, priced 22. Available now A public appeal containing CCTV footage showing some of the last known moments of Noah Donohoes life has led to some responses, a court has been told. A coroner also said the delayed inquest into the death of the Belfast teenager is set to begin on January 19th. Mr Justice Rooney was also told that it was hoped a statement from a former senior PSNI officer involved in the initial search for Noah would be finalised soon. Noah, 14, was found dead in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after he went missing as he cycled to meet friends. The hearing took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Justice Rooney is presiding over the inquest for the St Malachys College pupil. The inquest, before a jury, has been delayed on a number of occasions. Advertisement The latest in a lengthy series of preliminary hearings into the case took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Tuesday. Noahs mother, Fiona Donohoe, watched proceedings via a remote link. Counsel for the coroner, Peter Coll KC, updated the court on preparations for the inquest. He told the court that work is advancing on receiving material from investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre. The reporter, known for his undercover TV investigations, has been probing the disappearance of Noah. His investigation has been funded by online donations. A previous hearing was told that a witness statement from former PSNI chief superintendent Muir Clark was still outstanding. Mr Clark was involved in leading the police response to the disappearance of Noah in 2020 and was the officer who confirmed that his body had been discovered. There have been some responses received by the Coroners Service from members of the public in respect of that appeal for information. Peter Coll KC Mr Clark has since left the PSNI and is now the Commissioner of Police for the Royal Anguilla Police Force. Mr Coll told the hearing that the PSNI had been in further contact with Mr Clark, and it was anticipated his statement should be available quite soon. Representing the PSNI, Donal Lunny KC said there had been further engagement with Mr Clark. He added: I cant make a commitment on his behalf, my client doesnt have any responsibility for him, but I would hope that would be finalised very shortly. Mr Coll then turned to the release last month of CCTV footage which showed Noah leaving his house in the early hours of the day he disappeared, and returning barefoot and without his headphones. Advertisement The footage was released by the coroner as part of a public appeal for information to assist the inquest. Fiona Donohoe, the mother of Noah Donohoe, at a previous hearing (Liam McBurney/PA) The barrister said: There have been some responses received by the Coroners Service from members of the public in respect of that appeal for information. Those have been disseminated with the PIPs (properly interested persons), and it remains on the agenda whether there are any arising steps to be taken. Turning to the scheduling of the coronial proceedings, Mr Justice Rooney said what he was really anxious about was when the inquest would start. Mr Coll said the direction of travel from counsel involved in the case suggested it would be January 19th. Mr Justice Rooney said: So we are moving towards January 19th to start the inquest. The coroner said two days would be set aside in the preceding week to deal with any outstanding issues ahead of the inquest starting. Another review hearing will take place on November 25th. A former IT worker has been jailed for 15 months for two acts of animal cruelty linked to protests against asylum seeker housing. In June 2024, security guards at Thornton Hall in north Dublin found two pigs with stab and slash wounds, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard on Tuesday. The 160-acre site was previously earmarked for a super prison, but in 2024 plans emerged for an accommodation centre for international protection applicants on the site. Darren Jackson (40) of Rivermeade, Co Dublin admitted driving four pigs from a farm in Cavan to the site, but said that an accomplice used a scalpel to injure the animals. The court heard that some of the men involved in the incident believed that by allowing pigs and pig blood onto the site, Muslim people would be prevented from going on to it due to religious observances. Advertisement Garda Philip Walsh gave evidence that Jackson had left a voice note for his brother telling him he needed knives and scalpels for a job. He went on to invite his brother to join him, saying: If you want to do a job with us, it will be great craic. The court heard that a little after 5pm on June 26th, 2024, security guards saw two men entering the site and followed them to a spot where they found three pigs. One of the animals had 5cm long cuts and was missing a front leg, and was squealing, while another one had cuts to the stomach. The cuts were between four and five centimetres deep. A vet called to the scene concluded the four pigs brought onto the site were likely cast off farm animals. The two injured animals were ultimately put down, while the other two were rehomed. After his arrest, Jackson told gardai his actions had nothing to do with god or colour and that it's not the people's fault, meaning immigrants, the court heard. He subsequently pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty. Cathal McGreal BL, defending, said that his client told gardai that he was homeless at the time and sleeping in a tent on the site. He said his protest was about the lack of resources and what he was getting. He said there were other men on the site due to the ongoing protests against the plans for the international protection accommodation centre. He said there were discussions with these men about stopping the centre indefinitely. Advertisement Somebody brought up the idea of pigs. I said they were idiots, he told gardai, claiming that he also made a point about the 1916 Proclamation guaranteeing freedom for all. He said he then told the men he knew somebody who could get pigs, saying, I know how to get pigs for a barbecue. He claimed he believed the animals would be let off. A text message was found on his phone stating: Ring that farmer first thing, get the contract for the dead. Garda Walsh said during garda interviews, Jackson distanced himself from any real responsibility and refused to name others involved, citing fears for his own well-being. Garda Walsh said that investigators found video footage showing Jackson driving his van wearing a balaclava singing versions of IRA songs modified to include the words pigs. The court heard it's believed the footage is of Jackson driving the pigs from Cavan. Mr McGreal said this was not a crime for which his client is proud, and he will live with the shame of it. Judge Martin Nolan said that to attack pigs in this way was a pretty base thing to do. He said that Jackson was keeping bad company at the time. He said he could accept that Jackson wasn't the author of this scheme but he participated in it. He noted Jackson's good work record. He set a headline sentence of two years, which he reduced to 15 months on the basis of the substantial mitigations. Jackson has five previous convictions, including assault. The court heard he has made a payment of 1,000 to an animal welfare trust. Advertisement Additional evidence Mr McGreal told the court that after the offence, his client received unsolicited messages from various organisations associated with the right offering to support his case by demonstrating outside the court. Counsel said Jackson told them that he did not want anything to do with these people. Mr McGreal said his client was not a man to be followed but a person who followed. He said that after the incident, Jackson attended five times at an open mosque and met the imam there who he had discussions with about radicalisation. Counsel said his client also reached out to the Irish Network against Racism but they understandably declined to meet with him. Ireland Woman pleads guilty to killing child (4), denies murder Read more The court heard that after his arrest, Jackson expressed concern about the welfare of his dog. He said that a psychological report indicated that Jackson's expressions of remorse were genuine and that he does not have racist tendencies. The report suggested that this offending stemmed from his wish to impress two other men involved. He said Jackson has worked all his life and previously had a very good job in an IT company. He was also involved with the Order of Malta. Counsel said the report set out that Jackson's views were never hateful or violent. Serbia's parliament began to debate on Tuesday a plan that would fast-track the development of a luxury compound in Belgrade proposed by the investment company of US president Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The Serbian authorities and Mr Kushner's US-based Affinity Global Development signed a 99-year lease deal in May 2024 allowing the company to overhaul two buildings which once housed the headquarters of the Yugoslav People's Army. The project, which would include a hotel, apartments, shops and office spaces, triggered widespread protests among many who see the old headquarters, which were damaged in a 1999 Nato bombing campaign, as a culturally significant tribute to those who died and a monument to Yugoslav-era modernist architecture. Still, the Serbian government has pushed ahead. In November 2024, it stripped the buildings of their protected cultural heritage label and this week, once the debate on the draft law is over, it will vote on whether to speed up procedures for obtaining construction licences. Advertisement Lawyers said it was rare for such a specific project to receive this kind of parliamentary attention. Savo Manojlovic, a legal expert and leader of the opposition Kreni Promeni party, said the draft law "suspends all standards concerning the protection of cultural property". He said he would ask Serbia's Constitutional Court whether the bill was constitutional. Mr Kushner, who is married to Mr Trump's daughter Ivanka, set up Affinity Global Development after stepping down from his job as a White House aide in 2021. The investment firm did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Serbia's ruling party has said Mr Kushner's project is of vital interest but has not said why. In an interview on local television, president Aleksandar Vucic said he had demanded that a monument to victims of the Nato bombing be built, adding: "And now they (Affinity Global Development) are building it with their money." The vote comes at a turbulent time in Serbia. Mr Vucic has faced a year of large-scale protests triggered by the collapse of a station roof in November 2024 that killed 16 people. Meanwhile, Serbia's sole, Russian-owned oil refinery is under US sanctions, raising concerns about fuel supplies in the Balkan country this winter. Ukrainian long-range drones have attacked an industrial plant around 800 miles inside Russia. The attack came as Ukraines army remained locked in an intense battle to hold back a Russian push on the key city of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region. Two drones targeted an industrial facility in Sterlitamak, a city in Russias Bashkortostan region, governor Radiy Habirov said. He did not specify what facility was targeted but he said that both drones were shot down. There were no casualties, and the facility was operating normally, he said. Meanwhile, the city administration reported an explosion at the Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant caused the plants water treatment facility to partially collapse, adding that the cause of the explosion was not known. Ukraine has been launching attacks with drones (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) The plant, which makes rubber and aviation fuel, is not known to have been attacked before. Ukraines daring strikes deep inside Russia using domestically produced drones have embarrassed Moscow, with officials being unforthcoming about any damage. Advertisement Ukraine has taken aim at manufacturing plants, oil refineries and military logistics hubs in a bid to disrupt Russias war effort almost four years after Moscow launched an all-out invasion. Explosions were also heard at an industrial area of the Nizhny Novgorod region, some 500 miles from Ukraine, where an oil refinery and a petrochemical plant are located, Russian media reported. Both Bashkortostan and Nizhny Novgorod are among the regions where the Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that Ukrainian drones were shot down, claiming that 85 were intercepted overnight. Ukrainian officials said Russia bombarded the south-eastern Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine with drones, missiles and artillery overnight, killing one person and injuring 11 others, including two children. Russia fired seven missiles of various types and 130 strike and decoy drones at Ukraine during the night, Ukraines air force said. Also, Romanias defence ministry said on Tuesday that Russia carried out two overnight attacks on Ukraines Danube port infrastructure, close to the border with the Nato member country. Two pairs of fighter jets were separately deployed from two different airbases for air policing missions after numerous explosions were observed on the Ukrainian shore, the ministry said. On the battlefield, Russia and Ukraine are fiercely contesting control of Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian stronghold in the Donetsk region that Moscows forces have been trying to capture for more than a year. Russia has in recent months intensified its efforts in the area and has claimed its troops are making progress. Russian forces continue to advance in the Pokrovsk direction and appear to be operating with increasing comfort within Pokrovsk itself, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said on Monday. Jurors have been urged to acquit a Polish woman of stalking Madeleine McCanns parents after her barrister argued that she was confused about her parental background and only approached the couple when at the end of her tether. Tom Price KC said Julia Wandelt, who jurors have been told wrongly believed she was Madeleine, behaved politely and had been protective of Kate McCann when she visited her Leicestershire home in December last year. Wandelt, aged 24 and from Lubin in Poland, is on trial alongside co-defendant Karen Spragg at Leicester Crown Court, with both women denying taking part in a cruel and unforgiving campaign of stalking, causing serious alarm or distress to Mrs McCann and her husband Gerry McCann. Karen Spragg, 61, also denies stalking. Photo: Joe Giddens/PA. Prosecutors allege Wandelt peddled the myth that she is Madeleine, who disappeared aged three in Portugal in 2007, while stalking Mr and Mrs McCann by sending emails, leaving voicemails and turning up at their home between June 2022 and February this year. In his closing speech to the jury on Tuesday, Mr Price described Wandelt as a rather sad and pathetic young woman who had not benefited in any way from attempting to contact the McCanns while requesting a DNA test. Advertisement Mr Price said of the trial: There is one real question that we have to ask about this case if Julia Wandelt is stalking the McCanns, what is the benefit to her? What has she gained from this? Asserting that the prosecution had been unable to answer what was actually an unanswerable question, Mr Price added: If the Crown theory is correct, it is that she knew from the very beginning that she is not Madeleine McCann. If that theory is correct, what on earth has she been doing for the past three years? Inviting jurors to consider whether Wandelts claim to be Madeleine was a genuine belief, Mr Price continued: The answer must be that she wanted answers to the complex questions that may arise from her rather unfortunate background. Wandelt had contacted the McCanns as the last thing she could do, the court was told, after contacting the ongoing police inquiry into Madeleines disappearance and 22 other organisations, including police in Portugal and the UK and a Polish missing persons group. Mr Price said: This was a woman who was at the end of her tether when she finally had any actual contact with the McCanns in December. Wandelt had made no threats of violence and shown no malevolence towards the McCanns, Mr Price also submitted. Advertisement Claiming the Polish national had been protective towards Mrs McCann during an encounter on her driveway, Mr Price went on: This is not wicked behaviour this is confused behaviour. This is the behaviour, we would submit, of a rather sad and pathetic young woman. It's not enough to say she was irritating, annoying or overbearing in this case. We say you can't be so satisfied and you should find her not guilty Tom Price KC You would have to have a heart of stone, members of the jury, not to feel some sympathy and compassion for that young woman. To find Wandelt guilty, Mr Price said, jurors would have to be satisfied so they are sure that she had caused serious alarm or distress, while Mrs McCann had described his client as an irritant. Its not enough to say she was irritating, annoying or overbearing in this case. We say you cant be so satisfied and you should find her not guilty, Mr Price said. Simon Russell Flint KC, defending Spragg, submitted that Wandelt was on an increasingly desperate quest to try to find out and establish who she is. He said Spraggs sole purpose had been to find out whether Wandelt might be the missing Madeleine. Karen Spragg came to be a true friend to Julia Wandelt, Mr Russell Flint said. She almost suffered with her. She supported her, she believed in her. She wanted to help her find her true identity. After Wandelts arrest in February this year a DNA comparison was finally carried out by police, the court has heard. World Polish woman who claimed to be Madeleine McCann stalked missing girls parents Read more Mr Russell Flint said of the test, which showed no link between Wandelt and the McCanns: Until they did that very simple, inexpensive, non-invasive exercise, nobody could stand up and say with complete certainty that Julia Wandelt is not Madeleine McCann. Wandelt and Spragg, 61, of Caerau Court Road in Caerau, Cardiff, both deny one count of stalking. The trial continues. Advertisement Exclusive BusinessCompaniesMedia & marketing ABC Four Corners boss resigns Calum Jaspan November 4, 2025 12:04pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share The boss of the ABCs flagship investigative program Four Corners has resigned following the shows final episode of 2025. The decision comes just two weeks after the public broadcaster launched an investigation into one of the shows six permanent reporters after he co-launched a podcast funded by an online cryptocurrency casino. Matthew Carney has been executive producer of Four Corners since May 2022, and will stay on until a successor is appointed. The broadcaster said Carneys resignation was unrelated to the investigation. ABC sources supported the claim Carneys resignation was unrelated to the probe, however, it comes at a time when the show is facing scrutiny. The boss of the ABCs flagship investigative program has resigned. Christopher Pearce Advertisement It was revealed in mid-October that Carney gave initial sign-off to investigative reporter Mahmood Fazal to appear on the Word on the Street podcast, but later retracted his support after the full details of the show, which included gambling advertising, became clear. Related Video Video icon 0:20 Crime The FriendlyJordies video that sparked the alleged text exchange ABC News boss Justin Stevens told staff on Tuesday morning Carney was leaving the ABC in the coming months, but would stay with the program until his replacement was appointed. It hasnt been an easy decision leaving the ABC, my colleagues and one of the best jobs in Australian journalism, but the time is right, Carney said in Stevens email to ABC staff. Im really looking forward to the next phase of my career where I will concentrate on independent documentaries, reporting and writing projects. Im hoping I will land some of those back to the ABC, Carney said. Advertisement The final Four Corners program for 2025 aired on Monday night, fronted by reporter Angus Grigg, it looked into Australias trading relations with both China and the United States. The show aired to an average national audience of 575,000. Carney joined the ABC in 1995 and is a three time Walkley Award Winner. He was previously executive producer of Foreign Correspondent and China bureau chief. Four Corners is the longest running show in Australian television history, first airing in 1961. It is one of the ABCs most important programs, and one of the last remaining in-depth investigative news programs in the world. While the ABCs nightly news bulletins reported a 2 per cent increase in average nightly audience ratings in the 2024-25 financial year, the average audience for Four Corners fell marginally from 936,000 to 929,000, according to the ABCs annual report published last week. For comparison, 7.30 grew its audience by 5 per cent and Foreign Correspondent grew its audience by 15 per cent. Last month, the ABC said Fazals podcast appearance did not receive final approvals as part of its external work guidelines. The ABC said support was withdrawn after the first episode aired with gambling ads for online crypto casino Vegastars were within the video. Advertisement Four Corners executive producer Matthew Carney was the ABCs China bureau chief from 2016 to 2018. After the interview aired, which included gambling ads, his manager withdrew endorsement of the work. ABC management is looking further into this matter, an ABC spokesperson said in response to a series of questions. The spokesperson later updated their statement, saying the broadcaster was thoroughly investigating the matter. The ABC has engaged an external legal firm to assist in its investigation into its reporters conduct, a source with knowledge of the matter, not authorised to speak publicly said. The ABC declined to comment. Related Article Crime Armed home invaders target underworld social media personality The podcast blew up after just two episodes, after Fazals co-host Ryan Naumenko, a controversial figure in the Victorian underworld alleged the Four Corners reporter had not told the ABC he was being paid for his appearances, and had demanded to be paid in cash to cover his tracks. Advertisement The ABCs Media Watch published screenshots of text conversations between Fazal, a former Mongols bikie himself and Naumenko, in which the ABC journalist requested that he transfer money directly to his account. Naumenko has claimed he paid Fazal a total of $13,000. Fazals lawyer Rebekah Giles told Media Watch the ABC journalist had connected Naumenko with a production crew, and that any funds transferred to him were to pay those contractors. However, Naumenko provided further screenshots to Media Watch showing he had made direct bank transfers to members of the crew who produced the podcast. The feud later escalated after a series of encrypted messages between the pair were uncovered, some of which Fazal claims were fabricated, including one in which he allegedly said he wanted to kill YouTuber Jordan Shanks, known online as FriendlyJordies. In 2024, Fazal was alleged to have passed on threats to Shanks and his producer Kristo Langker if didnt remove a video about the Alameddine crime family. Following the story in this masthead, Carney and the Four Corners team issued an official statement of support for Fazal, who denied the allegations. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon. CLARIFICATION This story has been updated to include a further quote from Matthew Carney. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Flagship secures Anglo shed and dataset as Chilean gold project tests begin Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS James Pearson November 4, 2025 12:27pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Flagship Minerals has officially taken the keys to Anglo Americans long-held warehouse in Chiles Copiapo mining hub, gaining control of the entire physical exploration archive behind the companys 1.05-million-ounce Pantanillo gold project. The warehouse comes complete with 13,949 metres of diamond core, 18,878 metres of reverse circulation (RC) chips, assay pulps and coarse rejects spanning 148 holes drilled by Anglo, Kinross and Orosur - all now available for re-analysis and metallurgical verification. Flagship Minerals Chilean warehouse containing the recently acquired physical data for the companys Pantanillo gold project. Access to the historic core samples is a huge win for Flagship. The entire data library cost the company just under $3 million, which is a fraction of the estimated $30 million and five years it would have otherwise spent drilling and collecting samples at Pantanillo from the ground up. Securing the warehouse and its intriguing contents hands the company a significant head start at the project. Flagship officially took control of the warehouse lease at the start of the month and says the move is major step in the companys plan to convert Pantanillos foreign estimate into a full ASX-compliant JORC resource. Advertisement Progress at Pantanillo on all fronts is strong and gaining momentum. Flagship Minerals managing director Paul Lock Once completed, the updated data will then be added to a new feasibility study, paving the way for a heap-leach gold development in the heart of Chiles prolific Maricunga belt. From that mountain of material, the company has carved out a 690-kilogram batch of metallurgical samples, now bound for processing by mining services giant Xinhai Mining in China. The metallurgical parcel includes three well-balanced samples, including 211 kilograms of oxide ore grading about 0.54 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, 235 kilograms of mixed ore at 0.65 g/t, and 243 kilograms of sulphide core averaging 1.1 g/t. Xinhai will run a new suite of tests comparing crush size, leach time and reagent consumption across all three composites to optimise gold recoveries and confirm the projects heap-leach potential. Advertisement Earlier test work by previous operators delivered recoveries of up to 89.6 per cent in bottle-roll tests and 82.7 per cent recoveries in column leach trials, indicating Pantanillos oxide zone could behave much like nearby Rio2s Fenix Gold project, 50 kilometres further north. Fenix Gold, which hosts a staggering 389 million tonnes of ore grading 0.38 g/t gold, for a total of 4.8 million measured and indicated ounces is a similar dump-leach development. Now 63 per cent complete, Rio2 expects to pour its first gold from site early next year and is forecast to produce 82,000 ounces of gold annually across a 17-year mine life. Also, much like Rio2s chosen processing path, Flagship plans to test the potential for dump leaching its oxide ore, which is a simple, low-cost method that treats run-of-mine material directly, skipping the need for crushing or agglomeration. This streamlined approach can slash both capital and operating costs, while the sulphide material will instead be floated to produce a pyrite-gold concentrate that could be sold to nearby copper smelters. Flagships ultimate goal is a 10-year, 100,000-ounce-a-year open-pit heap-leach operation drawing on both oxide and higher-grade sulphide material across its 110-square-kilometre landholding. Advertisement Flagship Minerals managing director Paul Lock said: We are very pleased with our progress at Pantanillo. In assuming control of the Anglo warehouse last Saturday, we have managed to secure a well located, secure and organised property and avoid the cost and risk of shifting ~100 tonnes of drill core and other exploration and testing samples. With the metallurgical samples now on their way, Flagship has turned its focus to lining up local drillers for a 2026 campaign aimed at pulling fresh core for new test work and pushing the boundaries of its growing resource. A recent site visit with one of Copiapos top drilling crews confirmed smooth access to all historic pads providing a big tick for fast mobilisation next year. With a secure base now established, samples en route for testing and fresh drilling on the horizon, Flagship looks to be hitting its straps in Chile. The companys rapid progress at Pantanillo appears to signal more than just good housekeeping; it marks the start of a full-scale transformation from a dormant project with a foreign estimate into a potential new gold producer in one of South Americas most proven belts. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Shares Sharemarket Advertisement CultureBooksReview A rollicking tale of the life of a secret Gold Coast poet Thuy On October 29, 2025 11:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Whats good, whats bad, and whats in between in literature? Here we review the latest titles. See all stories . MEMOIR Confessions of a Minor Poet Phil Brown Transit Lounge, $32.99 The cover photo of Confessions of a Minor Poet features Phil Brown: floofy white-haired, black-rimmed glasses, with his hands on his face staring directly and unsmilingly at us. The one on the back is a portrait of him as a young man, tapping away on his trusty typewriter with a reference book nearby. He looks for all the world like a prim, industrious journo focused on breaking a story, or maybe he is in the midst of translating poetic snippets from handwriting to print. Both photos display Brown as a serious fellow, but such gravitas is undermined by the actual contents of this memoir: despite some of the heavier material, (substance abuse, bad health, familial woes and a nervous breakdown, aka existentialitis), a rich vein of humour courses through the book. The tone of Confessions of a Minor Poet is conversational banter, an extended yarn to a mate over a pint or three. As a genre, memoirs can sometimes be lugubrious and self-indulgent, with the reader forced to listen to long stretches of dramatic peaks and scabrous lows, but Browns storytelling is brisk and playful, and its a pleasure to be in his company. Advertisement The authors previous books have ranged in scope from poetry, travel writing, and even an ambitious search for the meaning of life. In 2019, he wrote a memoir about his childhood in Hong Kong during the 1960s. This latest offering is a sequel of sorts, picking up a decade later upon his return to Australia. Journalist, jobbing writer and poet Phil Brown in 2004. It starts with 18-year-old Browneye (an unfortunate travesty of his name bestowed by fellow surfers), at home in the Gold Coast. Picture this dope-smoking, ratbag teenager who had to repeat year 10 twice because of classroom misdemeanours and a surfing obsession. And yet, the lad was also a bookish maladroit whose companions included Ernest Hemingway, D. H. Lawrence and Patrick White. Oh, and inspired by unrequited love and the lyrics of The Beatles and The Doors, Brown also wrote his first poem printed on the back of his surfboard. From this juvenilia period of experimentation (in drugs, booze and verse), the book tracks Browns life as he serendipitously falls into journalism almost as an afterthought when what he really wanted was to develop his poetic sensibility. His getting of literary wisdom was aided not only by emulating the style of his heroes, but by friendships with esteemed men of letters like The Bard of Bunyah, Les Murray, and the Poet of Ordinary Australia, Bruce Dawe. (It was fitting that Brown, the erstwhile disciple would, decades later, pen Dawes obituary in The Courier-Mail.) The title of this memoir could easily be thus: Confessions of a Knockabout Journalist and a Minor Poet, Browns peripatetic lifestyle in his 20s and beyond led him to work for numerous media outlets: apart from a stint as a radio copywriter, he reported for various publications and across different editorial capacities in and beyond his home state. There are amusing tales of his time in rural newspapers (think bull sales, CWA jubilees, dairy festivals) and plenty of celebrity name-dropping when he was a social gadfly-about-town, with encounters with luminaries including Split Enz, Australian Crawl, Manning Clark, Eric Bana, Alain de Botton and Barry Humphries. Advertisement Related Article Review Cosy crime, Gazas history and an audacious wildlife feat: 10 new books We follow Brown throughout his four-decade career as a jobbing writer. A veritable time capsule, the book offers insight into the pre-internet news reportage era, with fond reminiscences of the bygone days of journalism: plying your words on a trusty Remington with a ciggie dangled in your mouth. And through it all, Brown still laboured over his scribbling habit as though it were a dirty little secret. As he points out: It wasnt the sort of thing you professed to be doing on the Gold Coast in the 1980s. You could be a con man, or a gigolo or a surf bum but not a poet! Indeed, threaded throughout the book are snippets of Browns wistful, melancholic, imagistic poems that attest to the high-tensile nervous state of his young-mid adulthood, but also to the appreciation and detail he has for the quotidian details of daily life. Brown is at turns, wry, amusing, frank and both ambitious and indolent. You can easily picture this elegantly wasted dandy rolling into a newsroom the following morning after spending half the night toiling on scraps of hard-won poetry. The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday. As part of ROLLER's November 2025 Product Launch, ROLLER iQ introduces a new era of intelligence for attractions, transforming real-time venue data into instant insights and smarter decisions. AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ROLLER, the all-in-one venue management platform for the leisure and attractions industry, has announced ROLLER iQ, a revolutionary AI assistant that helps operators turn their venue's data into instant insights, making intelligence a competitive edge for ROLLER's customers. Unlike general-purpose AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, ROLLER iQ is grounded in real-time operational figures from the venue itself, which means it doesn't generate generic answers. ROLLER Introduces ROLLER iQ, the AI Assistant Built for the Attractions Industry "ROLLER iQ is a new kind of assistant, built specifically for the attractions industry," said Luke Finn, Co-founder and CEO, ROLLER. "It understands your business, your capacity, events, and guests, and turns that data into clear, actionable insights. It's there when you need answers, helping you move from analysis to action in seconds." ROLLER iQ not only provides valuable insights that would typically take hours to uncover, it also helps you discover new growth strategies. Instead of digging through reports, operators can ask questions like "What products are driving the most revenue growth compared to last month?" or "What are the most important changes I should make based on guest feedback?" ROLLER iQ then surfaces that data in an easy-to-understand format and provides insights that help teams make confident decisions. And because ROLLER iQ is available on desktop and mobile, operators can access their insights in the office, on the venue floor, or on the go, making it easier than ever to make confident decisions from anywhere. Alongside ROLLER iQ, ROLLER's November 2025 Product Launch reinforces its broader commitment to supporting operators with modern technology and intelligence that help venues better understand and serve their guests. The other headline capabilities in this launch include: Price Rules: Automates a venue's pricing strategy with simple, flexible rules based on time, day, or group size to help venues capture more revenue without constant updates. Automates a venue's pricing strategy with simple, flexible rules based on time, day, or group size to help venues capture more revenue without constant updates. Channel Management: Connects a venue's offering directly to global marketplaces such as Google Things to do, Klook, Viator, and GetYourGuide. This syncs pricing, capacity, and availability in real-time, and bookings from every channel are fed directly into ROLLER, giving operators a complete picture of performance and guest demand. This launch follows a year of rapid innovation at ROLLER with more than 100 new product enhancements released in 2025 alone, each designed to make it faster, simpler, and more powerful for operators to run their businesses. "ROLLER is building an ecosystem where data, insights, and innovation all work together," added Finn. "Beyond this November Launch, we're constantly enhancing our platform, making it faster, simpler, and more powerful with every update. Each improvement is guided by the needs of our incredible community." The full ROLLER November 2025 Product Launch is available now. Visit the link to watch the launch video, explore the new capabilities, and request early access to ROLLER iQ. ROLLER will share more details about ROLLER iQ, including an exclusive announcement, during a press conference at IAAPA Expo Orlando on November 19, from 11:40 am at booth #3047. About ROLLER ROLLER is the cloud-based venue management platform for modern attractions, purpose-built to remove friction from the guest experience at every touchpoint. The company's all-in-one platform simplifies its customers' business processes, improving efficiency and maximizing revenue. ROLLER's comprehensive solution includes: Online Checkout & Ticketing, Point-of-Sale, Integrated Payments, Memberships, Gift Cards, Waivers, Self-Serve Kiosks, Cashless Wallets, Guest Surveys, and more. To learn more, visit roller.software . SOURCE ROLLER Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share 2 View all comments Close your eyes and take a moment to picture Frankensteins monster. Youre probably envisaging a hulking, gangly beast, with a scar-pocked, green complexion, heavy-set eyes and bolt-skewered neck. This is Frankensteins monster as imagined by James Whales 1931 adaptation, starring Boris Karloff, perhaps the most enduring vision of Mary Shelleys wretched devil we have to date. But the latest adaptation of the romantic classic, from director Guillermo Del Toro (Pans Labyrinth, The Shape of Water), imagines Frankensteins monster rather differently. Jacob Elordi as a newborn creature. Ken Woroner/Netflix Portrayed by Australian actor Jacob Elordi, who towers over the rest of the cast at 65, he is certainly hulking, but monstrous he is not. The Creatures look was devised by sculptor and artist Mike Hill, who envisioned a classical, almost biblical figure. Kate Hawley, a New Zealand costume designer on the film, says his team drew inspiration from 18th-century wax models of humans part of Del Toros extensive collection of taxidermy and historical oddities. Advertisement Jacobs character call name was Adam, so creating a perfect form, not something ugly, she says. He wasnt sutured, he was sort of fused together, you know and then of course youre blessed with Jacob Elordi, who is a classical figure with elongated limbs, and I know that made the whole process immediately easier for all of us. Jacob Elordi as The Creature in Guillermo Del Toros Frankenstein. Netflix/AP This is most evident in the early scenes of The Creature as a newborn (Elordi was in the prosthetics chair for up to 10 hours a day), where he is seen in little more than a pair of bandaged briefs and iron shackles. Almost nude, he appears vulnerable despite his size, with a pearlescent, waxy pallor and soft scars indicative of his cadaverous origins. Theres an uncanny quality to the monster, certainly, but paired with Elordis Bambi-like gait and pained eyes, the effect is less bestial and more sympathetic. Advertisement Del Toros 2-hour film is a slick production of epic proportions the most expensive Frankenstein adaptation to date with a budget of $US120 million ($185 million) and more than a decade in the making. The director has been vocal about his aversion to CGI and affection for classical handicrafts, and nowhere is this more evident than in the films costume and set design. Both Elordi and Oscar Isaac (Victor Frankenstein) had their own team of costume designers, each creating about 70 costumes per character. Prosthetic artist Mike Hill creating The Creature. John P. Johnson/Netflix So complex were some of the costumes that the film even had its own wolf costume team for scenes set in the Arctic, where Victor has commandeered a pack of wolves. We had to build coats that the wolves were trained to deal with and attack. 170 meat packs were made, and then we had to change the fabric because the wolves are sensitive and didnt want to eat wool, says Hawley. So, where do you start when designing the costumes for a text with as rich a history as Frankenstein? Advertisement I immediately read the novel and did all the due diligence, Hawley says of research that included major works by 18th- and 19th-century painters. Were very familiar in that Gothic language with [painter Henry] Fuselis work and Caspar David Friedrich. Theres a very strong aesthetic that goes with it. William Frankenstein (Felix Kammerer) and Elizabeth Lavenza (Mia Goth). Netflix/AP Set in the Victorian era though Shelleys novel came earlier Del Toro was adamant that the wardrobe not feel archaic Editor's pick Cinema Is one of cinemas most terrifying creatures just misunderstood? He really said he didnt want a load of dark top hats and everyone in black. He wanted a modern sensibility and asked me to give it an edge of the couture and that world, says Hawley. Hawley and Del Toro also wanted Frankenstein to evoke a sense of Hammer Horror a gothic, campy aesthetic defined by the films of Hammer Film Productions from the mid-1950s to 1960s, like Dracula and The Curse of Frankenstein. Advertisement The Creatures final look, complete with long, greasy locks and dark, tattered clothing, feels like a punk rock take on German painter Caspar David Friedrichs The Wanderer Above the Sea Fog: a civilised foil to the monster Victor Frankenstein has become. The wardrobe of Elizabeth Lavenza (Mia Goth, who also portrays Victors mother), the amateur biologist who catches the eye of Victor but ultimately falls for his sympathetic creation, is certainly rooted in the Victorian era with its corseted bodices and voluminous skirts. But rendered in lush velvets and psychedelic prints and embellished with tassels, fringe and fish net accessories, theres a touch of retro anachronism thats also a nod to the Bohemian subculture of the 19th century. Elizabeth (Mia Goth) in a gown that took four months to perfect, paired with a Tiffany & Co scarab beetle necklace. Netflix/AP One of Elizabeths most striking looks, seen when we first meet her through Victors adoring eyes, was also one of the most difficult to perfect, taking four months to get just right. Rendered in a bright teal blue that leaps from the screen, Hawley says the team used 60 metres of silk in the skirt alone, and an X-ray technique involving layering sheer printed silk. This is complemented by a matching fan, a scarab beetle necklace by Tiffany & Co (with whom Hawley collaborated on the film), and a peacock-esque feathered headdress. Advertisement Advertisement In explaining the Nationals decision to abandon the policy of pursuing net zero emissions by 2050, leader David Littleproud said the party was not opposed to reducing emissions, but that it was unfair that Australia was reducing emissions so much faster than its peers. We believe that we can peg ourselves to the rest of the world. Were not going to be a laggard, but were not going to streak ahead, Littleproud said, with direct reference to nations in the OECD. Nationals leader David Littleproud said his party was not opposed to emissions reductions cuts, but Australia should not lead the pack. Alex Ellinghausen Nationals senator Matt Canavan, who led a party review into net zero with his colleague Ross Cadell and the Nationals-aligned Page Research Centre, said Australia was reducing its greenhouse gas emissions at twice the rate of other rich nations, a figure that would grow to three times the rate in the coming years. Is Australia doing more than comparable countries to reduce emissions? Advertisement No, its not, says Australian National University professor Frank Jotzo, director of the Centre for Climate and Energy Policy. Related Article Climate policy Were not going to streak ahead: Nationals officially dump net zero climate target Yet, under international emission reduction accounting rules, Australia can rightly claim to have reduced emissions more than its OECD peers, as Littleproud says. How can both points be true? The answer goes back to negotiations leading up to the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. Australia was among a bloc of nations that successfully pushed for land use, land-use change, and forestry to be included in emissions accounting. The provision became known as the Australia clause and it benefited Australia because widespread land clearing was still being undertaken while it had been largely abandoned in other OECD nations. Advertisement As a result, Australias emissions baseline was set high, meaning that when regulations restricting land clearing in NSW and Queensland were introduced, national emissions plummeted from that baseline. In other words, while Australia had not yet commenced the difficult political and technical work many OECD peers were undertaking in reducing industrial and agricultural emissions, Australian reductions appeared to be greater under the accounting regime. Today, Australias transport emissions are still growing because we are just beginning the process of electrifying our vehicle fleet while our industrial and agricultural emissions have largely flatlined. Our energy emissions are falling because we have had success in deploying renewables. However, once land use is included in the headline figure, Australias emissions fell by 29 per cent between 2005 and 2023. Advertisement We are almost unique in the OECD for the land sector playing such a large role in our emissions profile, says Jotzo. A relevant comparison is actually everything except land use change and forestry. Using that metric, he calculates the OECDs reduction to be about 15 per cent between 2005 and 2023, compared with about 5 per cent for Australia. According to Bill Hare, one of the founders of Climate Analytics, which analyses global reduction efforts, Australia is far from streaking ahead. When it comes to reducing the emissions that really matter, which are from fossil fuels, industry waste and agriculture, Australia is at the bottom of the pack, just behind South Korea, he says. Australia likes to talk about its net emissions reductions from 2005, but these are largely driven by two facts land sector emissions [which were at their highest in 2005], meaning that any reductions would look good, and further, it has progressively reported increasing land sector carbon sequestration, which seems to be largely due to methodological and accounting changes. Advertisement What about future targets? Economist Nicki Hutley, a member of the Climate Council and a former partner at Deloitte Access Economics, says our targets of reaching net zero by 2050 and reducing emissions by between 62 and 70 per cent do put us in the leadership group, but not at the head of the pack. According to Hutley, the easy cuts have already been made and now Australia must work harder to make more concrete reductions, which is crucial because as other nations wean themselves off coal and gas two of Australias chief exports we will need to replace those industries. This in turn means ramping up renewables not only to drive down our own emissions, but to fuel industries of the future. Advertisement How does the Nationals policy hit renewables? Richie Merzian, a former Australian climate diplomat who is now chief executive of the Clean Energy Investor Group, said that by abandoning net zero the Nationals risk damaging growth in the renewables sector. Australia is competing for global capital for its local transition, and if a major political party just completely shifts away from net zero, then its a concern, especially if thats a potential alternative government. We make ourselves less attractive for international investors, then well have less capital and looking to invest as competition and ultimately higher energy prices. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalNSWCity life They got gangs here: How Sydney got caught up in New Yorks mayoral race Anthony Segaert November 4, 2025 10:49am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 104 View all comments Compare the two great cities of our age: New York and Parramatta. One is a gang-infested, crime-ridden hellscape where all but the brave or foolish fear to tread. The other is New York City. At least thats how Curtis Sliwa, the beret-wearing 71-year-old running as the Republican candidate for mayor of New York, remembers the city when he came here to establish a vigilante force. Loading Took me an hour to get all the way out to the suburbs, I go, how bad could it possibly be? And then when I walked around oh, they got gangs here, he told independent West Australian blog The Last Place on Earth on Monday. Advertisement As polls close on Tuesday night (US time), Sliwa is set to come dead last, with Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani the likely winner. Standing on the 14th Street subway a station that has been the site of a stabbing and a bomb scare this year alone Sliwa also told the outlet about his experience with Australian cuisine. Editor's pick City life Meet the author who wrote a dictionary about Parramatta I hate Vegemite with a PASSION! he said. The Aussies love their Vegemite, so naturally, when youre in Australia, you have to eat it and act like you like it. The Last Place on Earths Jesse Noakes said staking Sliwa out for an interview was a mission. Being interviewed in his natural environment on the subway made Sliwa feel safe enough to tell us how he really feels, he said. Advertisement But what was Sliwa doing in Parramatta? Newspaper archives reveal Sliwa came to Sydney in 1992 to establish an Australian chapter of the Guardian Angels, the red beret-wearing volunteer vigilante group he founded in 1979 to conduct safety patrols on New Yorks subways. His attempts to mirror the groups impact in New York in Sydney were less successful. The states police minister at the time described the group as loonies. Liberal Ted Pickering said he would come down on them like a ton of bricks if they step out of line. Advertisement We dont need your kind of assistance and as far as I am concerned you can go home. Anyone who takes the law into their own hands can clearly be described as loonies and will be dealt with according to the law, Pickering said, according to a news report from 1992. The group staged a protest outside NSW parliament in a last-ditch attempt to gain official recognition. Sliwa left Sydney the next day. In their brief time in the city the Angels could be seen trudging through carriages and hanging out of doors at each stop, the Herald reported. The Guardian Angels patrolled Sydneys train network but still had to purchase tickets. Michele Mossop/The Sydney Morning Herald Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter was a child living in the suburb of Harris Park when Sliwa visited. He said that there may have been little youth groups but he had never witnessed any gangs on the streets. Advertisement You cant compare the Parramatta of today to the one of 1992, he said, inviting him to visit. It wont take one hour to get here any more. With our improved public transport its only half an hour away. And when Metro West is finally operational in 2032, the Sydney CBD will be about 22 minutes away. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalQueenslandCrocodiles Steve Irwin released this 4m croc decades ago. Now its at Australia Zoo, and people arent happy Julius Dennis Updated November 5, 2025 9:23am ,first published November 4, 2025 12:22pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 14 View all comments A huge crocodile that featured in 1990s footage being captured and released by Steve Irwin and that was recently exhibiting dangerous behaviour has been controversially rehomed from Far North Queensland to Australia Zoo. A spokesperson said the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) started receiving reports of a large crocodile in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park exhibiting dangerous behaviour towards humans in July. The reptile, more than four metres long, was captured by DETSI wildlife officers early in September. Known as Old Faithful, the crocodile was held until this weekend, when it was moved to the Irwin family zoo on the Sunshine Coast. File image: The crocodile was captured from its natural environment in September. Hazza Blanka Advertisement The zoo announced Old Faithfuls arrival in an Instagram video on Monday that shows decades-old footage of Irwin capturing and then releasing it. Australia Zoos Toby Millyard said members of the public had repeatedly fed Old Faithful at his home in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, nearly 400 kilometres north of Cairns, leading to dangerous behaviour. Once we heard he was unreleasable, we jumped in to offer to give him a home because we know that we can give him the best of the best for the rest of his life, and to avoid him going to a crocodile farm, Millyard says in the video. But local conservation groups and Indigenous leaders expressed concern over the crocodiles 1600-kilometre journey. Advertisement Speaking with SBS World News, Rinyirru (Lakefield) Aboriginal Corporation chair Alwyn Lyall said traditional owners were not consulted. Old Faithful is a totemic animal for the Kuku Warra Aboriginal people and some family members have very strong and cultural connections to Old Faithful, he said. Under Queensland law, any crocodile more than four metres long or that has unusual characteristics is considered an icon crocodile, and special rules apply to their rehoming. The DETSI spokesperson said the department consulted relevant Traditional Owners before the crocodile was removed from the wild in September, and while considering rehoming options for the animal. Jesse Crampton of Croc Country Australia, a facility in Far North Queensland that went through the process with another icon crocodile in 2024, said he put in an expression of interest to rehome Old Faithful but didnt hear back from the department. Advertisement After an expression of interest and assessment of options, it was determined that Australia Zoo was the most suitable facility to receive the crocodile, the department spokesperson said. Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROCS), a conservation group based in Cairns, claimed the state government had acted in an underhanded way. Over the weekend the department quietly transferred Old Faithful from the Cairns holding facility to Australia Zoo, the group said in a Facebook post. In the same post they said more than 450 letters had been sent to Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell about Old Faithfuls situation. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalVictoriaAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor Push for Prince Andrew Avenue name change in Melbournes north Lachlan Abbott and Hannah Hammoud November 4, 2025 6:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 31 View all comments Prince Andrew Avenue in Melbournes north may be renamed after its famous namesake was stripped of his titles last week amid controversy over his long relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Whittlesea City Council said on Monday that some residents in Lalor had inquired about changing the name of their street after Andrew Mountbatten Windsors fall from grace. Tony George first lived on Prince Andrew Avenue in the 1970s. Jason South Although The Age was unable to find the resident who raised the issue with council, locals who spoke with this masthead on the street on Tuesday offered modest support for a change. Tony George, who lives on Prince Andrew Avenue, was fine with a new name. Advertisement If theyve got to do it, theyve got to do it, he said. I knew this would come up eventually. A spokesperson for Whittlesea Council said the municipality had sought advice from Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) and were told a name change application required support from a majority of affected residents. The naming rules for places in Victoria say road names should be enduring and changed only when necessary. Advertisement Should there be clear support from residents of the street for a name change, council will undertake a formal consultation process and, if appropriate, submit a renaming proposal to GNV for assessment, a Whittlesea spokesperson said. Related Article Updated Royal family King Charles strips Andrew of prince title Council is currently liaising with the residents who inquired about a name change to discuss next steps. At this stage, a formal renaming process has not commenced. Michael Labrador, the Lalor Ward councillor, backed a name change. My personal view, is if someone has been disgraced and has lost their title, we shouldnt honour them with a street name, he said. Advertisement The late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, a prominent accuser of convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, alleged Prince Andrew sexually assaulted her. In 2014, the former prince was named in US court papers in which Roberts Giuffre alleged she was trafficked to Andrew at least three times by Epstein and paid $US15,000 to have sex with him. Prince Andrew Avenue in Lalor. Jason South Andrew then made a disastrous appearance on BBC Newsnight in November 2019, in which he denied ever meeting Roberts Giuffre, and stated he had had no contact with Epstein since December 2010. Roberts Giuffre lodged a civil claim for sexual assault in August 2021, and a US judge rejected Andrews attempt to have the case thrown out. Andrew settled out of court in February 2022, months before it was due to go to trial. Advertisement An infamous photo has also circulated showing the prince with his arm around 17-year-old Roberts Giuffre in Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwells London apartment in 2001. The publication of Roberts Giuffres posthumous memoir last month heaped more pressure on Andrew, leading to King Charles to formally scrap his younger brothers status as a prince and a duke. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalExtremism Spy boss warns of realistic possibility of foreign-ordered killings in Australia Matthew Knott November 4, 2025 7:40pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Key points ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess has warned of a realistic possibility that foreign governments will try to assassinate dissidents in Australia. Burgess, in a speech at the Lowy Institute, said Australia faces an unprecedented number of simultaneous threats. He expressed deep concern that AI and social media algorithms are fuelling a disturbing rise in online radicalisation and disinformation. The nations spy boss has issued a chilling warning about a growing risk of foreign governments trying to murder dissidents in Australia as he warns that social media algorithms and artificial intelligence are fuelling a disturbing rise in radicalisation. In a sobering speech to the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) director-general Mike Burgess said the nation was facing an unprecedented number of simultaneous threats to social cohesion, including Russian trolls, neo-Nazis, Islamists and extreme anti-Israel activists. ASIO boss Mike Burgess says social cohesion in Australia faces an unprecedented number of simultaneous threats. Edwina Pickles Hours before Burgess speech, NSW Police arrested 13 anti-Israel protesters rallying outside a maritime conference and weapons expo in Sydneys Darling Harbour, where two Israeli defence companies were exhibiting their equipment. Declaring that community cohesion in Australia is under siege, under threat, under attack, Burgess said the nations social fabric is fraying in ways we have never experienced before. Advertisement Australia has never faced so many different threats at scale at once, he said. Related Article National security Spying at unprecedented levels: ASIO boss sounds alarm on espionage threat Warning that intolerance is rising and anti-authority beliefs proliferating, Burgess said: There are multiple, cascading and intersecting threats to our social cohesion, fuelled by three distinct but connected cohorts: the aggrieved, the opportunistic and the cunning. Burgess said that national security and law enforcement agencies were facing a domestic security environment with an unprecedented number of challenges, and an unprecedented cumulative level of potential harm. ASIO has said since 2022 that foreign interference and espionage, rather than terrorism, is the nations principal national security threat. Advertisement Given the degrading trajectory of our security environment and the growing willingness of regimes to conduct high-harm operations, ASIO assesses there is a realistic possibility a foreign government will attempt to assassinate a perceived dissident in Australia, Burgess warned. Related Article Investigation Extremism An Andrew Tate insider is helping Australian Nazis recruit teens This threat is real. We believe there are at least three nations willing and capable of conducting lethal targeting here. Burgess did not name the three countries, but said it was possible foreign governments would try to hide assassination attempts by using criminal cut-outs as Iran did in its arson attacks on a Jewish synagogue and a kosher deli in Melbourne and Sydney respectively. People protest against defence companies outside the Indo-Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition at Darling Harbour. Kate Geraghty Advertisement Regimes are operating in a security grey zone using non-traditional tools to interfere in decision-making, promote discord, amplify distrust and spread false narratives in Western democracies, he said. Authoritarian regimes demonstrate a chilling willingness to exploit fault lines in countries they consider hostile. Burgess said that state-sanctioned trolls especially from Russia were trying to sow discord in Australia by attempting to hijack and inflame legitimate debate. We recently uncovered links between pro-Russian influencers in Australia and an offshore media organisation that almost certainly receives direction from Russian intelligence, he said. While the attempts so far have only gained limited traction, he said: I am deeply concerned about the potential for AI to take online radicalisation and disinformation to entirely new levels. Advertisement Burgess said that war in Gaza had not directly inspired terrorism in Australia, but it prompted protest, exacerbated tension, undermined social cohesion and elevated intolerance. Since the October 7 attacks of 2023, Burgess said the nation had seen a notable uptick in intentionally disruptive and damaging tactics by anti-Israel activists, including multiple acts of arson, vandalism and violent protest against defence companies accused of supplying weapon components. He referred to a group posting a video threatening consequences for the employees of an unnamed business. Every worker in this supply chain is complicit, the video stated. We will decide your fate as you have decided the fate of millions We have been closely watching you. We have your addresses. Stop arming israel [sic] or else Meanwhile, he said that neo-Nazis had used anti-immigration rallies to raise their profile and fuel grievance in Australia. Advertisement While the National Socialist Network has not engaged in terrorism, Burgess said: I remain deeply concerned by its hateful, divisive rhetoric and increasingly violent propaganda, and the growing likelihood these things will prompt spontaneous violence, particularly in response to perceived provocation. Related Article Investigation Racism Dont mention Hitler and youre sweet: The great March for Australia deception Burgess said he was also worried about Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir, which infiltrated the university encampment and pro-Palestine movements, as this masthead reported last year. Hizb ut-Tahrir is listed as a terror group in the United Kingdom but not in Australia. Burgess said he fears the groups anti-Israel rhetoric is fuelling and normalising wider antisemitic narratives, adding that its provocative behaviour, offensive rhetoric and insidious strategy are very similar to the tactics of the National Socialist Network. Advertisement The organisations condemnation of Israel and Jews attracts media attention and aids recruitment, but it deliberately stops short of promoting onshore acts of politically motivated violence, he said. Related Article Australia votes Nazi warning as threats rise against election candidates Burgess, who has given several high-profile speeches since becoming head of ASIO in 2019, was reappointed to a second five-year term last June. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Secret talks: Littleproud and Liberals try to hash out way forward on net zero Paul Sakkal and Brittany Busch Updated November 5, 2025 5:47pm ,first published November 5, 2025 7:05am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 293 View all comments Key points Opposition Leader Sussan Ley dismissed speculation about leadership challenge before parliament returns next year. She publicly downplayed a meeting with rivals Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor, calling their shared Pad Thai dinner unremarkable for people who work together. Ley said Hasties remarks on abortion last week were insensitive while frontbencher James Paterson defended them. Nationals leader David Littleproud and senior Liberals have held secret talks on how to harmonise the Coalitions energy policies after the junior partners decision to ditch net zero triggered a week of leadership turmoil for Sussan Ley. The meeting on Wednesday evening discussed the potential mechanisms to bring down emissions and how pro-climate moderates could be placated over their concerns on climate mitigation, according to sources familiar with the meeting. Nationals leader David Littleproud and opposition spokeswoman for communications Melissa McIntosh sit behind Opposition Leader Sussan Ley during question time. Alex Ellinghausen Earlier on Wednesday, one of Leys key frontbench allies declared the net zero target was unworkable and unpopular as the opposition leaders camp reeled from moderate MPs warnings about the political cost of abandoning robust climate mitigation policies. Communications spokeswoman Melissa McIntosh, who voted for Ley in the leadership ballot in May, said the partys energy policy should match state governments in trying to keep coal plants firing for longer to protect firms from internationally uncompetitive energy costs. Advertisement The debate had moved on from 2021 when the Morrison government signed up to the net zero pledge, McIntosh said, noting that most of the 1200 voters she surveyed in her western Sydney electorate of Lindsay were against the pledge. If youve got 65 per cent of people saying they dont want net zero, [and] theyre not just saying no to that ideologically, well, youve got to make a stand for your people, she told this masthead. Member for Canning Andrew Hastie and opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor during a division in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Alex Ellinghausen We need to find a more pragmatic energy policy. Ley is wedged between right-wingers who want to back the Nationals in dropping the net zero tagline from its climate policy and moderates who believe city voters would punish any move to back away from emissions reduction commitments. Advertisement Senior Liberals were also briefed by 19-year-old nuclear advocate William Shackel in a meeting of the partys energy policy working group on Wednesday. The group, led by energy spokesman Dan Tehan, has been criticised by opposition MPs after it was gazumped by the Nationals decision to ditch the target. Related Article Analysis Political leadership Liberal contenders share Thai dinner as Leys leadership is tested McIntoshs intervention is significant because she has been close to Leys top ally, centre-right factional boss Alex Hawke, previously employed as his chief of staff before becoming the member for the Sydney seat of Lindsay. She defied national voting trends and increased her margin in her outer-suburban electorate. The dispute over whether the Liberals should dump a goal of Australia reaching net zero emissions by 2050 has become a proxy war for the overall direction and leadership of the party. On Monday, news emerged that the senior conservative members of Leys team had abandoned support for net zero. Ley was reported to be leaning towards following suit, prompting moderate MPs Jane Hume, Andrew McLachlan, Tim Wilson, Andrew Bragg and Dave Sharma to demand she stand up to the right and show leadership. Advertisement Australians dont want to see us give up Bragg said on Wednesday. I think it would be a very bad message for Australia to give up on climate action. I dont think thats what the community wants. Thats not leadership. Photo: Matt Golding Two sources familiar with internal dynamics in the opposition, not authorised to speak about the dramas in public, said Ley and her office were rattled by the ferocity of the moderate fightback. Ley owes her position to moderate support in the tight 29-25 ballot she won against conservative Angus Taylor in May. One moderate MP said: It was a clever tactic to spook people into thinking this issue was settled, but the pendulum is swinging back. They claimed conservatives were wrongly claiming Ted OBrien had gone along with the rights push, but the deputy leader has not declared his current position. Advertisement Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Melissa McIntosh earlier this year. AAP Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sledged OBrien in question time on Wednesday, citing a report in this masthead about the deputys leadership potential and saying youre not the leader yet. Moderate and right-wing MPs alike are privately grumbling about Leys reluctance to make her own position clear in the climate debate as speculation mounts about a leadership challenge next year. In a round of media interviews on Wednesday morning, Ley dodged questions about net zero. She dismissed what has become a widespread feeling in her party room: that she and energy spokesman Dan Tehan had let the saga drag on too long and handed the Nationals first-move advantage. Actually, the process has been good. Its allowed us to come together, its allowed us to talk not just to each other, but to industry and experts, Ley said on ABCs Radio National on Wednesday morning. Advertisement Asked if she would be Liberal leader at the of the year, Ley said: Im completely confident [of retaining the leadership], and I have a smile on my face as I answer this because I know that the media and commentary does get a little bit excited from time to time. This masthead reported on Tuesday that Andrew Hastie and Taylor met a group of right faction allies at a Thai restaurant in Canberra on Monday night, but neither is actively counting numbers nor pushing to challenge this year. Taylor was asked about Leys leadership and the dinner on Sky News on Wednesday morning, but did not respond directly. Thats a dinner that I have regularly in multiple places. I love a green curry, though There were many people, a significant group, at that dinner. And look, I do as all of us should do talk to my colleagues all the time about lots of issues, he said. Advertisement Asked if she was worried about the dinner on Sunrise, Ley said: Not at all. Its totally unremarkable for colleagues to get together and have meals. And I speak to those colleagues and indeed all of my colleagues almost every single day. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement WorldEuropeClimate policy Far from the Andrew scandal, Prince William lands in Brazil with a string of celebs David Crowe November 4, 2025 2:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 9 View all comments London: Prince William is seeking to intensify climate action by leading a formidable coalition to push for change this week, backed by stars, supermodels and business chiefs. The Prince of Wales will be joined by singers, including Kylie Minogue and Shawn Mendes, on Wednesday when his $100 million Earthshot Prize stages its annual awards in Brazil, demonstrating the soft power of the monarchy. The heir to the throne will try to move the global debate on carbon emissions while being safely distant from the scandal over his uncle, former prince Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. William takes part in a game of volleyball with players from the Levante Institute on a visit to Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, yesterday. Getty Images The Earthshot event in Rio de Janeiro will promote policies that help the environment just as national leaders head to Brazil for COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, amid grim prospects for an ambitious carbon targets deal. Advertisement US President Donald Trump will not send any senior officials to the talks, while the European Union is struggling to overcome disputes about the cuts it should make to greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Related Article Paris Agreement Europe splits on climate in major embarrassment before UN summit Amid those divisions, William has assembled a broad group of high-profile supporters who are backing his Earthshot movement and, in doing so, lending their voices to the calls for action on climate. His supporters range from actor Cate Blanchett to broadcaster David Attenborough, former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern and Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen. By also heading to the COP in Belem, he is continuing the work of his father in advocating greater ambition on climate. Advertisement King Charles, as the Prince of Wales in 2021, urged leaders to go on a war-like footing to help the environment when he spoke at the UN gathering in Glasgow. With a growing global population creating ever-increasing demand on the planets finite resources, we have to reduce emissions urgently and take action to tackle the carbon already in the atmosphere, including from coal-fired power stations, Charles said at the time. Loading This year, William is wielding star power to try to nudge global leaders towards action. By hosting the prize in Brazil, were shining a light on the solutions emerging from this part of the world and drawing global attention to the urgency and opportunity of climate action, he told Hello! magazine. Advertisement The remarks highlight the way the royal family can use its pull in the mainstream media to ensure its message reaches millions of people which is to say, voters. Hello! published the princes comments on its cover as part of a special green issue this week. As a father, I think constantly about the world my children will inherit, he told the magazine. Prince William meets participants of the Generation Earthshot program on day one of his visit to Brazil for the annual Earthshot Prize Awards. Getty Images I want them to grow up surrounded by nature, opportunity and a sense of hope about the future. But I also know that unless we act boldly now, that future is at risk. Arriving in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the event, William met with participants in the Generation Earthshot program, which invites students and their teachers to discover solutions to help repair the planet, and took time out to play beach volleyball and football with local kids on Copacabana Beach. Advertisement The Earthshot Prize is a non-profit entity that runs annual awards, rather than a policy advocacy group, but it has donors with deep pockets and directors with real influence. William and his wife, Princess Catherine, set it up five years ago as an offshoot of their Royal Foundation, which supports causes such as childhood development, mental health and conservation. William speaks with Cate Blanchett at the Bafta Film Awards last year. Getty Images The 50 million ($100 million) in support for Earthshot came from more than 20 companies and foundations such as the Aga Khan Development Network, the Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, DP World, the Jack Ma Foundation, Mastercard, Standard Chartered Bank, the Temasek Trust and Uber. The trustees are chaired by Christiana Figueres, a Costa Rican diplomat previously the executive secretary at the UN agency that holds the annual climate conference. Ardern is a trustee, alongside global business chiefs and policy leaders. Advertisement Attenborough, Blanchett and Bundchen are on the prize council that decides the awards. Other members include Indra Nooyi, the former chief executive of PepsiCo, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Nigerian foreign minister, now the director-general of the World Trade Organisation. Related Article Climate solutions How a hidden English vault united King and star Australian actress Behind it all is Jason Knauf, who worked in the royal household for almost five years before running the Royal Foundation for William and Catherine, later becoming Earthshot chief executive. Knauf was educated in New Zealand and began his career as an adviser to Helen Clark when she was prime minister of the country. The 15 finalists for this years prize include projects designed to prevent deforestation, find new ways to store renewable energy in batteries and minimise electronic waste. Advertisement One finalist is from Australia: the Quay Quarter Tower in Sydney, otherwise known as the new AMP tower, which retained 65 per cent of the original building in its rebuild and therefore avoided more than 12,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Trump and Vance silent on former vice president Cheneys death Michael Koziol Updated November 5, 2025 5:19am ,first published November 5, 2025 4:55am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 135 View all comments Washington: Former US president George W. Bush has led tributes for his vice president, Dick Cheney, after his death aged 84, but President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have yet to acknowledge the Republican statesmans passing. Cheney was widely regarded as the most powerful vice president in US history and the most controversial as the architect of the Bush administrations war on terrorism following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney in 2004. AP Cheney later became a staunch critic of Trump and the Republican Partys embrace of Trumpism. In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, he said in a 2022 television advertisement. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He is a coward. A real man wouldnt lie to his supporters. He lost his election, and he lost big. Advertisement Cheney died on Monday night (Tuesday AEDT) from complications of pneumonia and cardiovascular disease, a statement from his family said. The White House lowered its flags to half-mast the next morning, but neither Trump nor Vance said anything publicly on Tuesday about Cheneys passing. At a press briefing, Trumps press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not mention Cheneys death in her opening remarks. When asked about it by a reporter, Leavitt said she did not believe the White House was involved in planning for Cheneys funeral, or at least hasnt gotten to it yet. The president was aware of Cheneys death, she said, and the flag was at half-mast in accordance with statutory law. Loading Trump spent the day posting on social media about elections being held across the US, including for New York City mayor, saying any Jewish person who voted for frontrunner Zohran Mamdani was a stupid person. He also repeated his demands for congressional Republicans to reopen the US government by abolishing the long-standing Senate filibuster, and posted about MSNBC host Joe Scarboroughs ratings. They have gone, as they say, down the tube, Trump wrote. Its a beautiful thing to watch. Advertisement Cheney was vice president to George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, having previously served as defence secretary to Bushs father, president George H.W. Bush, and chief of staff to president Gerald Ford (as the youngest White House chief of staff in history), among other roles. George W. Bush said history would remember Cheney as among the finest public servants of his generation a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence and seriousness of purpose to every position he held. Dick Cheney, pictured with US troops in southern Iraq in 1991. AP Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best, Bush said. He held to his convictions and prioritised the freedom and security of the American people. Condoleezza Rice, who was secretary of state in the same administration, said Cheney was a mentor and friend whom she admired for his integrity and love of country. Advertisement As vice president, he helped to chart a course to protect America after the dark days of 9/11, she said. He was indefatigable in his determination to defend this country and patriotic to his core. Long-serving Republican senator Mitch McConnell, who until this year led the party in the Senate, said Cheney combined immense organisational competence, far-sighted vision and sheer force of will in a way rarely seen. Mitch McConnell (left) and Dick Cheney (third from left) as George W. Bush signs proclamations following his inauguration in 2001. AP Dick Cheney served with a profound and humble appreciation for the rules, principles, and institutions that sustain Americas experiment in self-governance, McConnell said. When terrorists launched a war against America on September 11, 2001, his intellect, experience, and resolve made America safer. As grave threats to our security continue to loom, his commitment to American leadership will remain a lesson. Advertisement Those tributes contrasted starkly with the silence from Trump and prominent figures in the presidents Make America Great Again movement. During last years election campaign, Trump feuded with Cheneys daughter Liz a former congresswoman who was supporting Democrat Kamala Harris calling her a radical war hawk. Kamala Harris campaigning with former congresswoman Liz Cheney in the swing state of Wisconsin at last years election. AP Vance, meanwhile, comes from an isolationist worldview that is at odds with the military interventionism extolled and practised by Cheney throughout his career. Cheneys critics were forthright even in the aftermath of his death. Kenneth Roth, a lawyer and activist who led Human Rights Watch for 30 years until 2022, said Cheney would be remembered for pursuing an utterly lawless approach to the war on terror, including torture, forced disappearance and unlimited detention without trial. Advertisement Dick Cheney managed to live his entire life without being prosecuted for the systematic torture that he ordered as vice president in the George W. Bush administration, Roth said on X. His opposition to Trump doesnt change this dangerous precedent of impunity. Related Article US politics From Iraq wars to that hunting mishap: The moments that defined Dick Cheney Cheney, who predicted a fast and successful military operation in Iraq in 2003, and that US forces would be greeted as liberators, did not resile from his positions after the war dragged on and incurred thousands of American casualties. In 2005, he told CNN: I think on Iraq we got the big issues right ... The vast majority of the Iraqi people are grateful for what we did. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) resulting from allegations that Freeport may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Freeport securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=45553 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. What is this about: On September 24, 2025, Freeport issued a press release entitled "Freeport Provides Update on PT Freeport Indonesia Operations." It stated that Freeport "announced today an update on the status of the previously reported mud rush incident at the Grasberg Block Cave mine (GBC) in Indonesia. On September 20, 2025, PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) located two team members who were regrettably fatally injured in the September 8th incident." On this news, Freeport stock fell by 16.95% on September 24, 2025. 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. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. Regional co-op crucial to stabilizing South Koreas industrial investment Global Times) 08:41, November 04, 2025 Illustration: Liu Xidan/GT As the investment situation in the South Korea has recently attracted attention, Yonhap News Agency on Sunday quoted a professor of economics at Sogang University as warning that annual investments in the US may double starting next year and if corporate capital outflows occur, they could undermine domestic investment capacity. Given the importance of manufacturing investment in South Korea's economy, such concerns are no exaggeration. Data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea reveals that investments in South Korea's 10 key manufacturing sectors, including semiconductors, automobiles, and shipbuilding, reached 114 trillion won ($79 billion) last year, accounting for 4 percent of GDP and 42 percent of total industrial equipment investment, according to Yonhap. The figures may serve as a testament to the significance of manufacturing investment, which upholds South Korea's technological innovation, employment stability, and industrial upgrading. While investment in the US may bring market access for South Korean companies, the decline in investment capacity in South Korea may mean that its industries gradually lose their edge in the international market. A decline in investment means that manufacturers may not be able to update their production equipment in a timely manner, and insufficient investment in research and development (R&D) will slow down technological innovation in the manufacturing industry. In this context, attracting regional capital to stabilize its industrial base is beneficial for its economy. The most promising route to easing pressure of potential corporate capital outflows is deeper, more pragmatic regional cooperation across Asia. As an integral part of the Asian industrial chain, South Korea still possesses distinct strengths in industries like semiconductors, OLED, vehicles and batteries, and shipbuilding. South Korea can convert regional demand into concrete investment by pursuing proactive, open measures that will make South Korean assets more attractive to regional investors. For instance, South Korea can accelerate the second-phase negotiations of the South Korea-China free trade agreement, promote local-level economic and trade cooperation, and continue deepening bilateral trade and investment as well as regional and multilateral cooperation. As a major Asian economy, China offers a vast market, a robust industrial ecosystem, and cutting-edge technological capabilities. Strengthening China-South Korea economic ties could lower trade barriers, facilitating South Korean companies' access to the Chinese market while attracting Chinese investment in areas such as supply chain collaboration and joint R&D in South Korea. South Korea's active participation in broader regional multilateral cooperation mechanisms can also play a vital role in building a more resilient economic system. South Korea can further deepen its economic partnership with ASEAN, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership also provides a broad platform for South Korea to strengthen cooperation with its Asian neighbors. By participating in these regional multilateral cooperation mechanisms, South Korea can optimize the global allocation of capital, enhance the stability and flexibility of the domestic industrial chain, and continuously inject vitality into the upgrade of the industrial chain. Some observers in South Korea have proposed bolstering the competitiveness of the services sector to offset the decline in manufacturing. As Asia undergoes a consumption upgrading and industrial transformation, rising demand for healthcare, high-end cultural tourism, and digital services, if matched to South Korea's mature expertise through regional cooperation, could also broaden the country's economic growth opportunities. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) WALLDORF, Germany, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) today announced the participation of its executives at the following events. These events will be webcast, and the replays will be made available shortly after the event on the SAP Investor Relations website: https://www.sap.com/investors/en/financial-documents-and-events/events.html Morgan Stanley 25th European Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, Barcelona, Spain Dominik Asam, CFO and member of the SAP Executive Board will hold a Fireside Chat at the event. Friday, November 14, 2025 10:00 am 10:45 am CET / 9:00 am 9:45 am GMT UBS Global Technology Conference, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA Christian Klein, CEO and member of the Executive Board will hold a Fireside Chat at the event. Tuesday, December 2, 2025 5:35 pm 6:05 pm CET / 4:35 pm 5:05 pm GMT / 11:35 am 12:05 pm EST / 9:35 am 10:05 am MST / 8:35 am 9:05 am PST Bank of America EU Tech Field Trip, Virtual Muhammad Alam, Member of the Executive Board, Product & Engineering will hold a virtual Fireside Chat at the event. Wednesday, December 3, 2025 3:00 pm 3:50 pm CET / 2:00 pm 2:50 pm GMT / 9:00 am 9:50 am EST / 6:00 am 6:50 am PST Bernstein European Strategic Decision Conference, Paris, France Sebastian Steinhaeuser, Chief Operating Officer and member of the Executive Board, will hold a Fireside Chat at the event. Wednesday, December 3, 2025 3:30 pm 4:20 pm CET / 2:30 pm 3:20 pm GMT / 9:30 am 10:20 am EST / 6:30 am 7:20 am PST If you have any questions regarding these events, please reach out via email to our SAP Investor Relations hotline at [email protected] or via phone at +49 6227 767336 during office hours CET. About SAP As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE: SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience. For more information, visit www.sap.com. For more information, financial community only: Alexandra Steiger +49 (6227) 7-767336 [email protected], CET Follow SAP Investor Relations on LinkedIn at SAP Investor Relations. For more information, press only: Joellen Perry +1 (650) 445-6780 [email protected], PT Daniel Reinhardt +49 (6227) 7-40201 [email protected], CET For customers interested in learning more about SAP products: Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24 United States Only: +1 (800) 872-1SAP (+1-800-872-1727) This document contains forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risk factors section of SAP's 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F. 2025 SAP SE. All rights reserved. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. Please consider our privacy policy. If you received this press release in your e-mail and you wish to unsubscribe to our mailing list please contact [email protected] and write Unsubscribe in the subject line. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/847591/5600836/SAP__Logo.jpg SOURCE SAP SE CARLOW County Fire & Rescue Service will officially launch a new fleet of thermal imaging drones this Friday. The drones will be launched at 3pm on 7 November at Carlow Fire Station by cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, cllr Ken Murnane. The thermal imaging technology allows the drones cameras to detect heat signatures, which will prove invaluable across the range of emergencies the service attends. Operating from stations in Carlow Town, Bagenalstown, Tullow and Hacketstown, the fire service provides 24/7 coverage for incidents including building fires, vehicle fires, gorse and forestry fires, road traffic collisions, river rescues and major emergencies. The introduction of drones to our operational equipment emphasises our continued commitment to embracing innovation and the latest technology to provide County Carlow with highest standard response, said acting chief fire officer Ben Woodhouse. We are looking forward to our Fire Crews using the drones, gathering as much information as possible, and getting a greater operational overview of a situation to support their decision making on the fire ground. The thermal imaging capability will enable fire crews to identify heat sources at large building fires and gorse and forestry fires. The same technology is currently used by the Irish Coast Guard and Civil Defence in search and rescue operations, and could prove crucial in locating missing persons in difficult terrain or along the River Barrow and River Slaney, both of which flow through County Carlow. Following severe weather events such as storms, flooding and snow, the drones can be rapidly deployed to scan large areas quickly, ensuring resources are directed where most needed. However, the fire service has issued a reminder to the public about drone safety. Assistant chief fire officer Ryan Lally warned that unauthorised drone use near emergency incidents can interfere with operations and may prevent the fire service from safely deploying their own drones. It could also impact the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter, Gardai and Defence Forces firefighting helicopters, whose support is often relied upon at major incidents.aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa GARDAI are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 54-year-old Paul McCarton, who has been missing since Thursday, 30 October. Mr McCarton, who is from Tallaght in Dublin, was last seen in Carlow town on Tuesday, 28 October. He is described as being approximately 5 foot 8 inches tall, of medium build, with grey hair and blue eyes. He is missing a finger on his right hand. Gardai have expressed concern for Mr McCartons well-being. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station on (059) 913 6620, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa A Carlow man armed himself with a knife and a metal bar to lend moral support to a co-accused, who allegedly stabbed a father-of-two to death outside his home last year, the Central Criminal Court has heard. I didnt confront Darren, I didnt lay a finger on him, I was there to support, Conor OBrien (24) told gardai, outlining his actions on the night 30-year-old Darren Quigley received a fatal stab wound to the leg. Mr OBrien of Ardmore Drive, Browneshill Road, Carlow previously pleaded guilty to possession of an article in a public place with the intention of causing injury, incapacity or intimidation contrary to section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. The offence related to 21 October 2024 at Market View, New Oak Estate, Carlow where he had with him an article, namely a knife, in a public place. At the Central Criminal Court on Monday 3 November, Detective Garda Derek McEvoy gave evidence to counsel for the prosecution Niall Storan BL, that the defendant was arraigned on 14 July 14, pleading guilty to possession of a knife. He said that a further charge was to be taken into consideration, namely possession of a metal bar. Det McEvoy said that a co-accused is charged with the murder of Darren Quigley at his home address at New Oak Estate on 21 October 2024. He said that the co-accused allegedly arrived at Mr Quigleys home on the night with Mr OBrien, who had a knife up his sleeve. The detective said that a witness told gardai that when the co-accused ran at Mr Quigley, Mr Quigley put his arms around the co-accused and pulled them to the ground. The witness saw the co-accused's hands moving in a stabbing motion but did not see the knife, the detective said. Another witness gave evidence that Mr Quigley said he had been stabbed, while another witness said that the co-accused allegedly ran at Mr Quigley and swung a bar at him, before the two fell to the ground, where it is alleged the co-accused stabbed Mr Quigley in the leg. Det McEvoy confirmed that a postmortem revealed that Mr Quigley bled to death after receiving a wound to the artery in his leg. The detective said that when interviewed by gardai, Mr OBrien admitted going to the scene with his co-accused and that he brought a bar and a knife, as he believed the intention was to give Mr Quigley a few digs. Mr OBrien also told gardai that his co-accused and the deceased got into a tussle, before he ran in and pushed the co-accused off Mr Quigley. Mr OBrien told gardai that he had been drinking alcohol and taking cocaine and tablets on the day, before he accompanied his co-accused to lend moral support. I didnt confront Darren, I didnt lay a finger on him, I was there to support, Mr OBrien told gardai, adding that he put the knife he was carrying back into his pocket before he pulled his co-accused off Mr Quigley. Det McEvoy told the court that Mr OBrien has one previous conviction for the possession of drugs. The mother of the deceased man, Michelle Quigley delivered a victim impact statement to the court, in which she said that hers was just an ordinary, working family whose lives have been changed since the night they lost a son, father, brother and grandson. She referenced two little girls who lost their daddy and thought the world of him, adding that the familys pain and sadness will go on. Defence counsel, Kathleen Leader SC said that Mr OBrien had used alcohol and drugs as a coping method due to his traumatic youth. She said he had been using alcohol and drugs on the day, so he was not thinking clearly when asked by his co-accused to go to the deceaseds house. She said he had fully cooperated with the investigation and had issued an apology to the deceaseds family. Ms Leader also said that Mr OBrien is a suitable candidate for probation supervision and will have family support when he is released from custody. The matter was put back by Mr Justice Paul McDermott to 17 November for sentencing. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA A public appeal containing CCTV footage showing some of the last known moments of Noah Donohoes life has led to some responses, a court has been told. A coroner also said the delayed inquest into the death of the Belfast teenager is set to begin on January 19th. Mr Justice Rooney was also told that it was hoped a statement from a former senior PSNI officer involved in the initial search for Noah would be finalised soon. Noah, 14, was found dead in a storm drain in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after he went missing as he cycled to meet friends. The hearing took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Justice Rooney is presiding over the inquest for the St Malachys College pupil. The inquest, before a jury, has been delayed on a number of occasions. The latest in a lengthy series of preliminary hearings into the case took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Tuesday. Noahs mother, Fiona Donohoe, watched proceedings via a remote link. Counsel for the coroner, Peter Coll KC, updated the court on preparations for the inquest. He told the court that work is advancing on receiving material from investigative journalist Donal MacIntyre. The reporter, known for his undercover TV investigations, has been probing the disappearance of Noah. His investigation has been funded by online donations. A previous hearing was told that a witness statement from former PSNI chief superintendent Muir Clark was still outstanding. Mr Clark was involved in leading the police response to the disappearance of Noah in 2020 and was the officer who confirmed that his body had been discovered. There have been some responses received by the Coroners Service from members of the public in respect of that appeal for information. Peter Coll KC Mr Clark has since left the PSNI and is now the Commissioner of Police for the Royal Anguilla Police Force. Mr Coll told the hearing that the PSNI had been in further contact with Mr Clark, and it was anticipated his statement should be available quite soon. Representing the PSNI, Donal Lunny KC said there had been further engagement with Mr Clark. He added: I cant make a commitment on his behalf, my client doesnt have any responsibility for him, but I would hope that would be finalised very shortly. Mr Coll then turned to the release last month of CCTV footage which showed Noah leaving his house in the early hours of the day he disappeared, and returning barefoot and without his headphones. The footage was released by the coroner as part of a public appeal for information to assist the inquest. Fiona Donohoe, the mother of Noah Donohoe, at a previous hearing (Liam McBurney/PA) The barrister said: There have been some responses received by the Coroners Service from members of the public in respect of that appeal for information. Those have been disseminated with the PIPs (properly interested persons), and it remains on the agenda whether there are any arising steps to be taken. Turning to the scheduling of the coronial proceedings, Mr Justice Rooney said what he was really anxious about was when the inquest would start. Mr Coll said the direction of travel from counsel involved in the case suggested it would be January 19th. Mr Justice Rooney said: So we are moving towards January 19th to start the inquest. The coroner said two days would be set aside in the preceding week to deal with any outstanding issues ahead of the inquest starting. Another review hearing will take place on November 25th. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Opposition TDs have accused the Tanaiste of making disgusting and cowardly remarks about migration. Simon Harris said he absolutely stands by comments he made about migration into Ireland being too high. He said that the conversation around migration is not limited to international protection, and that population growth has impacts on public services and housing. Mr Harris also accused opposition figures of attempting to shut down debate on migration. Referencing this remark, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said it was an absolutely cowardly response and added that the opposition was bringing facts to the debate. Mr Gannon said the Government had failed to manage the response to migration and accused it of following a playbook that was like the politics of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage or US President Donald Trump. Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. They point to migrants in this country and say theyre to blame, theyre not to blame the blame lies squarely at the hands of a Government who have lost the control of a capacity to manage (the situation) So what theyre trying to do is reclaim an ability to frame the narrative. Its disgusting, it is cowardly. Mr Harris has also been criticised for not issuing a condemnation on social media relating to an arson attack on an accommodation centre for asylum seekers in Co Louth. A number of people had to be rescued from the building in Drogheda, Co Louth, on Friday night. They appear to be the kinds of comments that you'll hear from a misinformed bloke in the pub. Ged Nash It has been reported the people rescued included four children, one of whom was a baby. Labour TD Ged Nash, who is from Drogheda, said the Tanaiste was only too happy to make comments about migration last week but said he had not issued a note of condemnation against the attack on social media. People in positions of leadership and responsibility need to be responsible about the language that they use. You cant simply say claim that Ireland has a problem with migration, or that migration numbers are too high and leave that particular reference out there without explaining what you mean. A spokesman for Mr Harris said he absolutely condemns the attack on the Drogheda centre in the strongest possible terms. Ged Nash of the Labour Party. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. Mr Nash said the Tanaistes comments on migration were a response to Fine Gaels unsuccessful presidential election campaign. And we know that the history of right-of-centre parties who describe migration and immigration in such terms is not good and wed ask for the Tanaiste to reflect on that. Mr Nash said: Quite simply, as far as Im concerned, they appear to be the kinds of comments that youll hear from a misinformed bloke in the pub who gets his information from Facebook. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said Mr Harris had made false statements on migration and later took a deeply cynical approach of accusing others of shutting down debate. The facts are that asylum seekers are not responsible for the problems in our country. Asylum seekers who have not followed deportation orders make up a tiny, tiny minority of all migrants who are here. Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan is also facing questions for his initial statement on the arson attack, in which he said the fire had been started by someone throwing a firework into the building. CCTV footage that was subsequently released showed a man entering the property and pouring accelerant on stairs before starting a fire. Asked about Mr OCallaghans initial statement, Mr Nash said we need to know where that come from. He said that it was clear to him on Saturday morning that the information in Mr OCallaghans statement was manifestly wrong, adding that it had caused confusion. Green Party leader Roderic OGorman. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. Green Party leader Roderic OGorman, who held responsibility for accommodation centres as Minister for Integration in the previous coalition, said it was absolutely incumbent on Mr OCallaghan to speak accurately to the facts. He said when there had been attacks on centres during his tenure, he held off on statements until he was satisfied he had the full facts. This idea that we rush out with something quickly that is not fully backed by the facts doesnt help the situation at all. He said the actual facts in Drogheda are far more sinister than the ministers original statement. Meanwhile, the Green leader said the cut of the length of time Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland can stay in State accommodation from 90 days to 30 as basically the end of temporary protection. Mr OGorman, who himself had implemented the 90-day limit, added: I dont see how people can establish themselves in the 30-day situation. He also said he believes requiring international protection applicants with jobs to pay a contribution would have no impact on capacity within the system. A spokesperson for Mr OCallaghan has been contacted for comment. DALLAS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) welcomes Philippine Airlines (PAL) as the newest carrier partnering to connect transoceanic travelers with Southwest-operated flights. Dozens of new travel options across the Pacific are available now through Philippine Airlines and third-party travel booking sites. Philippine Airlines serves airports across the Philippines, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. In the United States, Philippine Airlines and Southwest are working together to serve international travelers connecting through Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle/Tacoma (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), and Honolulu, Oahu (HNL), where Southwest operates nearly four dozen interisland arrivals and departures a day. "Each airline partnership brings unique and incremental reach to places around the globe for both carriers and gives more consumers an opportunity to begin or end their journey with Southwest," said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer. "With nearly 90 flights a day in our schedule that touch the Hawaiian Islands and as California's largest air carrier1, Southwest is positioned like no other airline in serving Philippine Airlines' passengers arriving or departing the United States." "Our interline partnership with Southwest Airlines enables seamless connections and single-ticket journeys across both of our networks," said Christoph Gaertner, Vice President of Revenue Management, Philippine Airlines. "As we continue to expand PAL's global reach, this collaboration provides more travel options and greater flexibility, giving our guests access to a wider range of destinations in the United States." Southwest Airlines now partners with four overseas air carriers and is actively exploring additional transatlantic partnerships for later this year. Southwest is working to bring more choice and enhance the quality and quantity of travel experiences with Southwest, including a redesigned cabin experience and an ability to book assigned and extra legroom seating on flights operating from January 27, 2026. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Southwest Airlines Co . operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. By empowering its more than 72,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 140 million Customers carried in 2024. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q1 2025 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of September 30, 2025 ABOUT PHILIPPINE AIRLINES Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the Philippines' flag carrier and only full-service network airline, as well as the first commercial airline in Asia. PAL's fleet of Boeing, Airbus, and De Havilland aircraft operate scheduled nonstop flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to 31 destinations in the Philippines and 38 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East. Known for its hallmark heartwarming and gracious Filipino service, PAL also supports the global economy through air cargo and charter services, while serving the travel needs of overseas Filipinos as well as businesspeople, tourists and families from all over the world. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. Advertisement A decade-old scandal linking French cement giant Lafarge to alleged crimes against humanity in Syria reached a Paris courtroom today, as the company and eight former executives stand trial for financing terrorism. The six-week case is the first time a private French firm has faced such charges. Prosecutors accuse Lafarge of paying armed groups including ISIS to keep its US$680m Syrian cement plant operating between 2012 and 2014. The company allegedly channelled funds through intermediaries, among them Syrian businessman Firas Tlass, who is being tried in absentia. Former CEO Bruno Lafont, deputy COO Christian Herrault, and other senior staff face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Lafarge, which merged with Swiss rival Holcim in 2015, denies wrongdoing, claiming its Syrian subsidiary acted independently. French judges have rejected defence claims that the companys actions were encouraged by intelligence cooperation with the state. Campaigners say the case exposes double standards in corporate accountability, contrasting Lafarges alleged multimillion-euro payments with the harsh penalties faced by individuals sending small sums to relatives in Syria. In January, Lafarge announced it was seeking EUR200m (US$230m) in damages from Lafont and other executives allegedly involved. The trial is being closely watched by rights groups and business leaders and expected to test Frances commitment to prosecuting corporate complicity in terrorism and human rights abuses. DALLAS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas de Brazil, the nation's leading Brazilian-American steakhouse, proudly announces that its annual fundraising campaign in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has raised $125,000 this year. The effort, held across U.S. locations from August 1 through October 15, reflects the generosity of guests and the ongoing commitment of Texas de Brazil's team members to making a difference in their communities. Texas de Brazil proudly presented a $125,000 donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on October 18. Post this Hannah Thompson, Director of Marketing and PR for Texas de Brazil, presents a $125,000 donation check to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital representatives Justin Waldrip, Philanthropic Advisor, and Kathy Fairbanks, Area Executive Director, in support of the hospitals life-saving mission. The campaign culminated in a celebratory event in the Dallas location on October 18, where Texas de Brazil leadership, restaurant staff, and representatives from St. Jude gathered to honor this year's achievement. The event highlighted top fundraising teams and expressed gratitude to guests whose contributions directly support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children. "Each year, we are humbled by the compassion of our guests and the dedication of our team members," said Salim Asrawi, President of Texas de Brazil. "Through their generosity, we are able to support the lifesaving work at St. Jude and help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food so they can focus on helping their child live." Throughout the campaign, guests were invited to donate while dining at participating Texas de Brazil locations, with 100% of proceeds benefiting St. Jude. About Texas de Brazil Texas de Brazil is an authentic churrascaria featuring a continuous dining experience that combines the flavors of Brazil with the hospitality of Texas. The menu highlights a wide selection of flame-grilled meats, a gourmet 50-item salad area, an award-winning wine list, and decadent dessert selections. Founded in 1998 as a family-owned business, Texas de Brazil has grown to become one of the largest Brazilian-American steakhouse brands in the world, with 54 restaurants in 23 states, one in Puerto Rico, and 10 international locations. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80% in the United States, and it won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel. SOURCE Texas de Brazil The spirit of giving is coming alive once again through CHAgives, a regional campaign dedicated to increasing the impact of giving across Greater Chattanooga. CHAgives unites nonprofits and community members under one shared goal: to make a lasting difference together.Officials said, "Built on the belief that collaboration drives deeper impact, the campaign encourages everyone to give where they live by supporting local causes that strengthen the region and create lasting change.As the community feels the growing effects of federal funding changes, specifically those related to SNAP benefits, CHAgives helps build collaborative, community-wide resiliency."Both nonprofits and communities thrive when they work together, said Chelsea Ryden, brand and event manager for United Way of Greater Chattanooga. CHAgives is more than just a fundraising campaign; its a collective movement to strengthen our region through generosity.This year marks the relaunch of CHAgives, with nearly 40 nonprofits already participating. From Nov. 3 through Dec. 31, community members are encouraged to discover meaningful causes, make donations and see how their support can make a tangible impact right here in Chattanooga.Officials said, "CHAgives is powered by United Way of Greater Chattanooga, The Generosity Trust and a coalition of local community partners. Created by the community, for the community, the campaign brings together people and organizations who believe in building a more generous Chattanooga."United Way of Greater Chattanooga is proud to facilitate CHAgives, providing coordination and resources to help local nonprofits succeed. The organization does not receive any fiscal support from the campaign other than contributions made directly to its own programs."Making real impact requires collaboration, added Ms. Ryden. Were proud to help create a platform where generosity can thrive.Join the movement. Support your community. Give where you live with #CHAgives. Learn more or donate at chattanoogagives.org. The city Industrial Development Board on Monday approved the economic impact plan for $15 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) that CBL officials said is needed to save "failing" Northgate Mall. The TIF, which is to pay to replace the aging private infrastructure at the Hixson mall, now goes back to the City Council for a final vote. Officials said the county is not participating in the Northgate TIF. IDB board member Jimmy Rodgers asked why, and Charita Allen, a senior advisor to the Chattanooga mayor, said it is because the city did not get the paperwork to the county in time. Ms. Allen said, "I take full responsibility." The county's portion would have been around $1.5 million. It is a 20-year TIF. Attorney Mark Mamantov said one option would have been for the mall owners to request that owners of out parcels join the mall in being willing to pay special assessments to cover the work. The attorney said he did not believe the outparcel owners would go along with that plan. Jon Meshel, CBL vice president, said the Chattanooga-based firm will finance the project and fund it, then it would be reimbursed through the TIF. He said, "We are fronting the money and taking the risk." The payback would come from property tax collections at the mall above the current tax baseline and from a portion of mall sales taxes. Current taxes would continue to go to the city and county. Mr. Meshel said Northgate Mall was paying $1.1 million in taxes in 2017, but that has dropped to $575,000 as many stores have left the once-popular mall. The value of the mall has dropped from $50 million to $28 million. He said the new sewer and water systems will allow CBL to proceed with developing an additional 11-12 acres at the mall. Mr. Meshel said the current infrastructure is in danger of failing, which he said would jeopardize a number of businesses at the site. He said there are frequent breaks in sewer and water lines. After the work is done, the sewer system would revert to the city and the water system to the Hixson Utility District. The City Council allowed CBL to waive certain TIF requirements since this project only involves below ground infrastructure. Several Hixson residents spoke in favor of the mall, saying it has long been a central feature of Hixson and could become a prospering mixed use development, including multi-family projects. Helen Burns Sharp, taxpayer advocate, made this presentation at the public hearing: The Industrial Development Board and the City Council are considering CBLs request for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to fund infrastructure improvements at Northgate Mall. While revitalizing this key site is important, this proposal raises fiscal and policy questions about timing, fairness, and impact on city taxpayers that need to be addressed. Key Points to Consider 1. Budget Priorities: This TIF district would divert future property tax revenues from general city needs - public safety, infrastructure, and parks - toward private reimbursement for up to 20 years, effectively prioritizing one developments needs above the citys broader obligations. 2. Existing TIFs and PILOTs: Due to previously approved tax incentives, approximately $30 million annually in city and county taxes are not currently collected. 3. Timing: The City recently approved a significant tax increase. Committing new revenues to a developer immediately afterward could appear tone-deaf to taxpayers. 4. Budget Impact: The Citys FY2026 budget assumed new tax revenues from the Sears site redevelopment. If this TIF is approved before years end, those gains would instead flow to the developer, not the City. 5. County Opt-Out: Hamilton County declined to participate in this TIF project, although it participates in the six other TIFs. In the case of Northgate, City taxpayers would shoulder the full cost. 6. Limited Independent Review: The consultants analysis explicitly excluded assessing whether the project needs or deserves public assistance. While that was beyond the scope of their study, it is a key question for city officials to consider when making a responsible public investment decision. 7. Sales Tax Expansion: Because the projected property tax increment wont cover the $15.2 million cost, the developers also want to tap into sales tax revenues - normally reserved for state-designated brownfield sites. Would this set a precedent? 8. Economic Impact Plan Lite: State law (TCA 7-53-312) requires estimates of jobs and tax benefits. The plan does not provide either, claiming precise figures cannot be provided. Given the developers experience, the lack of projections is surprising and limits accountability. 9. A Better Option: If the City wants to support infrastructure at Northgate, a Special Assessment District could be explored to ensure those who benefit most - mall owners and adjacent parcels - help pay for it, rather than relying solely on taxpayers. Bottom Line Before approving this TIF, consider: Does the proposed project need or deserve public assistance? If so, how much? Is the public return clear and measurable? Are we protecting core city revenues and priorities? Is there a fairer tool to achieve the same goal? Northgates future matters. So does fiscal responsibility. 12/11/2025 Signal Mountain has come to an agreement with three of the youth sports leagues that will cover some of the costs incurred by the town for using its facilities. The Memorandums of Agreement establish ... more Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, Hamilton County EMS, and Hamilton County Health & Social Services on Monday announced the official rollout of the Overdose Prevention Team (OPT)the first initiative of its kind in Tennesseenow fully staffed and ready to respond countywide. Announced earlier this year, the OPT represents a coordinated effort to combat the opioid crisis by delivering life-savingmedications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and connecting individuals struggling with substance abuse to critical recovery resources. With the Overdose Prevention Team now in place, Hamilton County is taking a major step forward in how we respond to the opioid crisis, said Mayor Wamp. This initiative represents the largest commitment our county has made from opioid abatement funds provided by theState of Tennessee to fight the ongoing epidemic. "Addiction touches every part of our community, and this team will meet people where they areoffering life-saving care, meaningful support, and a path to recovery. Following months of recruitment and training, the eight-member Overdose Prevention Team is now responding to calls and deploying toneighborhoods across the county through Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs). The team is staffed by three HCEMS outreach units, eachconsisting of a paramedic and a certified peer support specialist. Paramedics administer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), while peersupport specialists, drawing on lived experience in recovery, help identify barriers and provide ongoing support. In addition, two navigatorswith Health & Social Services connect individuals to community resources for long-term rehabilitation. Recovery is for those who truly want it, not just those who need it, said Andy Miller, Peer Support specialist on the Overdose Prevention Team. Our goal is to make that connection easier and faster for Hamilton County residents, no matter their circumstances. I know firsthandhow much it helps to have someone whos been through it come alongside yousomeone who can guide families and offer hope along theway. Developed under the leadership of Dr. Ron Buchheit, Hamilton County Medical Services director, the bridge training program wasdesigned to provide timely medical care and comprehensive support for overdose victims and their families. After receiving approval from the State of Tennessee, the Overdose Prevention Team is now fully active as a multi-agency effort to address the opioid epidemic. President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed Chuck Fleischmann as he seeks re-election for Tennessees 3rd Congressional District. In a Truth Social post, President Trump said, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann is a terrific Representative for the incredible people of Tennessees 3rd Congressional District! Chuck is a MAGA Warrior with a strong record of success, and compelling support from his community. In Congress, he is working hard to promote our amazing farmers and ranchers, grow our economy, cut taxes and regulations, advance Made in the USA, unleash American energy dominance, keep our now very secure border, SECURE, stop migrant crime, advocate for our great military/veterans, and defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Chuck Fleischmann has my complete and total endorsement for re-election HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Congressman Fleischmann said, Im so grateful to have President Trumps endorsement as I seek to continue serving the people of the third district. Since President Trump has re-entered the White House, I have stood shoulder to shoulder with him as he secured our border, rebuilt our economy, and put the American people FIRST. Together, we are Making America Great Again. President Trump also endorsed East Tennessee Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. A man in Whitfield county has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison for violating a sexual offender registry statute. Superior Court Judge Jim Wilbanks sentenced Vincent Michael Harper on Friday after a Whitfield County jury found Harper guilty on Sept. 16 of the violation. Evidence presented at trial showed that Harper was convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse in Madera County, Ca., on Sept. 19, 2008. In February 2023, he was sentenced to prison for violating probation on a felony family violence battery charge. Upon his release, officials said Harper lied his way into a homeless shelter in downtown Dalton. After being discharged from the shelter for misconduct, the Whitfield County Sheriffs Office became aware of his unauthorized presence in the community, and immediately obtained a warrant for his arrest. Shortly thereafter, Chatsworth Police Officer Richard Jackson apprehended Harper at a hotel in Murray County. The case was investigated by Investigator Leigh-Ann Cleary, the Whitfield County Sheriffs Office Sex Offender Compliance and Enforcement Investigator. Assistant District Attorney Zachary H. Trippe prosecuted the case on behalf of District Attorney Benjamin Kenemer. "This successful prosecution was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Investigator Jeff Silvers and Administrative Assistant Lizeth Jarquin," District Attorney Kenemer said. Lee Universitys musical ensemble Advent Now! will perform on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Lee Chapel. We look forward to sharing the joy of Christmas on Lees campus and later, on our upcoming tour, said Dr. Austin Patty, professor of music theory. We will be traveling to Japan and performing concerts there in December, but it is a pleasure to be able to share this music with our community before we go. I hope this concert whets your desire to celebrate Christmas. The performance will feature a wide variety of Christmas music, including traditional favorites such as Winter Wonderland and The Christmas Song, while showcasing new arrangements, such as a combination of Sing We Now of Christmas and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen performed in Baroque style. The concert will conclude with Israel Houghtons Go Tell. The group comprises Dr. Patty, violin; Dr. Jesse McConnell, instructor of tuba and euphonium, tuba; and Lee students Arami Andersen Antunez, violin; Avery Brokish, drum set and vibraphone; Allison Lamm, saxophone; Crimson Parsons, clarinet; and Mansfield Yiu, piano. Lise Berryhill, Eleanor Christmann, Victor Davis, Jasmine Medlock, Kaden Pennertz, and Lillian Rogers serve as the groups vocalists. This will be Advent Now!s seventh Christmas trip to Japan, said Dr. Patty. Christmas is a great time to go, as people in Japan are interested in Christmas music and traditions, but typically know little about its significance. These concerts provide a way for them to hear about why Jesus came. In addition to music students and faculty, Dr. Arden Jensen, a professor of English at Lee whose specialty area includes Japanese language and culture, will accompany the group and provide a short, informative talk during the concerts intermissions. This concert is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Donations may be made at the door and will go toward supporting the ensembles December trip. Gas. Hybrid. Electric. Hydrogen. Toyota Showcases a Multi-Pathway Future of Mobility and Adventure. LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota arrives at the 2025 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show with an inspiring message: "Powered by Possibility." As the industry explores a future shaped by an ever-evolving variety of powertrain technologies, Toyota demonstrates how its diverse lineupgasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cellpowers every lifestyle, passion, and adventure. Toyota Powers Possibility at SEMA 2025 Located in the Central Hall, Booth No. 22200 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Toyota's "Powertrain Paddock" brings this philosophy to life. The immersive booth showcases a unique array of specialty build vehicles and accessories that highlight Toyota's belief that no single solution fits every customer or every journey. From rugged overlanding rigs and track-bred GR performance machines to electrified concepts and hydrogen-powered innovation, the display reflects Toyota's vision for a multi-pathway future where possibility is driven by choice. "At Toyota, innovation drives us to explore new possibilities and redefine the future of mobility," said Mike Tripp, group vice president, Toyota Division Marketing. "SEMA is the perfect venue to showcase how Toyota's powertrain diversity meets the needs of today while pushing the limits for tomorrow. Whether you choose gas, hybrid, electric, or hydrogen, Toyota vehicles prove that efficiency, performance and adventure are possible in every form." Toyota's 2025 showcase integrates specialty builds, concept vehicles, and the expansive Associated Accessory Products (AAP) portfolio to illustrate how each vehicle and powertrain can be personalized for different lifestyles. From off-road exploration to motorsport-inspired performance, Toyota's Powertrain Paddock highlights how Toyota customers can chart their own course into the futurepowered by possibility. This year, Toyota's booth includes: bZ Time Attack Concept Toyota pushes all-electric performance to new limits with the bZ Time Attack Concept. Purpose-built for circuits and hill climbs, this high-downforce EV combines advanced battery-electric technology, lightweight construction, and fully functional aerodynamics to showcase the thrilling potential of future EVsand deliver a bold glimpse into the possible future of motorsports. Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept The Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept reimagines overlanding with hydrogen power, merging rugged capability with advanced zero-emission technology. Outfitted for exploration, it showcases how hydrogen fuel-cell innovation and battery-electric technology could propel Tacoma's legendary off-road spirit into a cleaner, more sustainable future of adventure. Turbo Trail Cruiser An icon reborn, the Turbo Trail Cruiser blends the classic 1985 Land Cruiser FJ60 with the modern power of Toyota's i-FORCE 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engine. The result is a resto-mod that looks factory-original yet delivers nearly double the output of the FJ60's original inline-six preserving the Land Cruiser's timeless character while showcasing Toyota's ability to fuse heritage with contemporary engineering, all while maintaining Toyota's powertrain DNA. Corolla Cross Nasu Edition The Corolla Cross Nasu Edition channels the spirit of Japan's alpine adventures, blending everyday versatility with rugged style. Outfitted with bespoke accessories, bold design cues, and functional upgrades, this concept transforms the approachable Corolla Cross into a lifestyle-ready crossover built for mountain escapes and weekend exploration. Camry GT-S The Camry GT-S Concept is a bold styling and trim study that explores how a performance-inspired exterior and refined chassis enhancements could elevate the modern Camry. With a vibrant Inferno Flare finish and resculpted bodylines complemented by a lowered stance on 20-inch wheels, the GT-S represents the potential for Camry to become a true sport sedan with real-world appeal. Scion 01 Concept Toyota is excited to unveil a bold new off-road concept under the iconic Scion name, celebrated for its legacy as a creative test bed and symbol of experimentation. Debuting at SEMA, this dynamic side-by-side concept is engineered to deliver exhilarating trail experiences, combining rugged capability with cutting-edge engineering. Though still in the conceptual stage, it is designed for enthusiasts who crave adrenaline, it serves as a platform to push boundaries, explore new possibilities, and inspire the next generation of off-road innovation. Fueled by a high-output turbocharged hybrid Toyota powertrain, this engineering exercise boldly reimagines the outdoor adventure experience by delivering heart-pounding thrills alongside impressive fuel efficiency. Its groundbreaking silent mode allows you to glide through trails in complete serenity, fully immersed in nature's beauty. The Scion side-by-side concept sparks anticipation for a future where adventure meets cutting-edge innovation like never before, inviting you to reimagine what's possible beyond the beaten path. RAV4 GR SPORT PHEV with Prototype Body Kit Making its debut at the 2025 SEMA Show, this RAV4 GR Sport showcases a prototype body kit developed exclusively for the show by Toyota Customizing & Development (TCD). The concept features redesigned lower front and rear bumper sections and streamlined side skirts that elevate the RAV4's sporty, performance-inspired character while retaining its factory fenders and overall proportions. The design previews potential future styling enhancements inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing's dynamic aesthetic. Genuine Toyota, TRD & AAP Parts & Accessories With offerings for every Toyota model, Genuine Accessories enhance performance, style, and versatility. On display at SEMA, visitors will find AAP parts cabinets and Toyota Genuine wheel displays with signature red backgrounds, TRD pedestals, and AAP digital kiosks featuring updated content. Expanded this year with approved brand products, accessories are a central featurewith outfitted vehicles displayed throughout the booth to showcase how Toyota delivers adventure, personalization, and capability for every lifestyle. Vehicles shown are special project prototype vehicles, modified with parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota that may void the vehicle's warranty, may negatively impact vehicle performance and safety, and may not be street legal. About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs nearly 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 35 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota's plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved communities near the company's U.S. operating sites. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com. MEDIA CONTACTS Adam Lovelady Toyota Product Communications [email protected] Note to Editors: Photos, b-roll, and additional specifications can be found on ToyotaNewsroom.com . For customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331 SOURCE Toyota Motor North America Photo credit: Unsplash/ Maria Oswalt A new report from a leading pro-life group evaluates all 50 states on abortion, assisted suicide, and healthcare conscience protections. Americans United for Life (AUL) has published its annual Life List, naming Arkansas the nations most pro-life state for the sixth consecutive year. Explaining its criteria, AUL stated, AUL looks at each state's protections for life from conception to natural death. This includes laws on abortion, legal recognition of preborn children, bioethics, assisted suicide and end-of-life patient care, and healthcare rights of conscience, adding, Additionally, states are awarded points for their life-affirming cultural and political landscape and momentum. Rounding out the top tier, Louisiana placed second, Indiana third, followed by Oklahoma, Mississippi, South Dakota, Arizona, Kentucky, Idaho, and Tennessee in tenth. On the opposite end, AUL ranked Oregon last, with New Jersey at 49th and Vermont slipping from last years 50th to 48th, while Hawaii, Washington, New York, Massachusetts, Colorado, California, and New Mexico completed the 10 least pro-life states. At a Little Rock event last Monday, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined AUL and Arkansas Family Council representatives to celebrate the states standing. Pro-life is whole life, and I'm proud that for the past six years, Arkansas has ranked number one in the nation not just in protecting the unborn, but in preserving life from conception to natural conclusion, Sanders said in a statement. I'm thankful to the activists who have fought for this day for decades and promise that as governor, I will continue to fight every day to protect the most vulnerable among us. Arkansas law prohibits abortion in nearly all cases, except to save the mothers life, and Sanders has signed a ban on abortions based on an unborn babys race while directing $5 million to support women facing unplanned pregnancies. Her office also highlighted broader pro-life initiatives, noting efforts to strengthen foster care and adoption, a $1 million boost to the foster placement budget earlier this year, and enactment of a law allocating $45 million for maternal health. Photo credit: Unsplash/ Fallon Michael Texas judges who decline to officiate same-sex marriages for reasons of sincere religious belief will no longer face discipline, following a change to the states judicial conduct code. The Texas Supreme Court amended the code last week in response to litigation brought by McLennan County Justice of the Peace Dianne Hensley, who in 2019 said performing such ceremonies would be inconsistent with her religious faith. After the State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a public warning asserting her refusal undermined confidence in her impartiality, Hensley ceased performing all weddings. On Oct. 24, the court approved a new comment to Canon 4 of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct stating, It is not a violation of these canons for a judge to publicly refrain from performing a wedding ceremony based upon a sincerely held religious belief, with the revision taking immediate effect. Hensley sued the commission in December 2019 under the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, alleging the warning substantially burdened her free exercise and seeking $10,000 in lost income from forgoing opposite-sex weddings, plus attorneys fees. Although lower courts dismissed the case in 2021 for failure to exhaust administrative remedies, the Texas Supreme Court in July 2024 revived most of her claims, calling them clearly sufficient under TRFRA and allowing the suit to proceed. Prompted by a request from the U.S. 5th Circuit for clarity on the code while Hensleys federal case continues, the new comment effectively lifts the sanction against her and protects other judges from similar penalties. Jonathan Saenz, president and attorney for Texas Values, which filed an amicus brief supporting Hensley in 2023, said the update should make it crystal clear that this religious freedom applies statewide, including in the case of Judge Diane Hensley, and may resolve remaining lower-court disputes. The Texas Supreme Court got it right with this important victory for religious freedom. In a state where religious freedom is widely supported, its common sense that a judge should not be punished for sincerely held religious beliefs, Saenz said. A judge should not have to choose between their conscience and their career. Because Texas judges and justices of the peace are not obligated to officiate weddings, post-Obergefell guidance had treated them as required to serve both same-sex and opposite-sex couplesor neither; the new rule permits selective refraining based on religious objections. The revision arrives as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares for a Nov. 7 private conference concerning a same-sex marriage challenge from former Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, who refused marriage licenses to gay couples after Obergefell legalized such unions nationwide. Home News University faculty unions fail to defend scholars targeted for their speech, survey finds Academics punished for controversial speech in the United States reported little to no public support from their colleagues or faculty unions, a new survey shows, highlighting a climate of fear and silence on college campuses for scholars who draw backlash. A nationwide survey sponsored by the nonpartisan advocacy organization Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) found that nearly all respondents described the personal toll of being targeted for protected expression as negative, with many citing serious emotional and professional consequences. Researchers note that the study was conducted before the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk while he was speaking on a Utah university campus in September. Cancellation campaigns are often wrapped in the language of preventing emotional harm, said FIREs Manager of Polling and Analytics Nathan Honeycutt. But our survey shows that its the mobs themselves that inflict lasting mental anguish on academics, many of whom still suffer the consequences long after the controversy subsided. Out of 635 scholars contacted by FIRE, 209 participated in the survey, which was fielded between Jan. 15 and April 15. All had been sanctioned or publicly targeted during the four-year period and were listed in FIREs Scholars Under Fire database. The survey was conducted anonymously to allow participants to describe their experiences without fear of reprisal. The report, Sanctioned Scholars: The Price of Speaking Freely in Todays Academy, includes first-person accounts from faculty who faced harassment, job loss and isolation after speaking out between 2020 and 2024. I was getting violent threats via email every day, one respondent wrote. The police were doing daily drive-bys because so many people threatened me with violence. Others described experiencing panic attacks, the inability to eat or leave their homes, and fears for their childrens safety. More than nine in 10 participants (94%) reported that their experience had a negative impact on their lives. Sixty-five percent reported emotional distress, 47% lost professional relationships, 40% were shunned at work and 33% lost friendships. Roughly one in five lost their jobs entirely, while 27% sought psychological counseling. Despite public commitments to free expression, many universities and faculty unions offered little visible support to the academics during the controversies. Only 21% of scholars said their faculty union provided even a moderate level of public backing, and just 11% received support from administrators. The data also revealed a divide between private and public gestures of solidarity. While 49% of scholars reported receiving private support from colleagues, only 34% indicated any public support from their peers. One professor described public silence from fellow faculty members as the most painful part of the experience. Honeycutt said the findings align with larger concerns about the chilling effects of censorship in academia. He noted that acts of suppression can deter not only the individual targeted but also others who fear the consequences of defending them. The report also noted a partisan gap in how support played out. A higher proportion of conservative scholars (55%) than liberal scholars (37%) said they received public support from the general public. But conservative academics were far less likely to report support from university colleagues (19% vs. 40%) or faculty unions (7% vs. 29%). Support for academic freedom should never depend on the views being expressed, said Sean Stevens, FIREs chief research advisor. But our survey shows thats exactly whats happening. Another FIRE report released late last year, titled Silence in the Classroom, found similar patterns in a broader sample of faculty. Based on responses from 6,269 professors at 55 colleges and universities, the report revealed that many scholars felt unsafe discussing controversial subjects on campus. A majority of faculty respondents (70%) said they found it difficult to engage in open conversation about the Israel-Gaza conflict, 51% said the same about racial inequality, and 49% about transgender identity. Large minorities also expressed unease discussing affirmative action (47%), abortion (38%), gender inequality (37%), and other topics often debated in the public sphere. The FIRE report concluded that, while academic freedom may technically exist, many professors no longer trust that it will protect them or their work in times of controversy. A climate of this type is not sustainable for higher education, the report stated. Home News Former Vice President Dick Cheney dead at 84 After years of battling heart disease, former Vice President Dick Cheney has died from complications of pneumonia, cardiac and vascular disease, his family has announced. He was 84. Cheney's family revealed in a press statement that the hawkish conservative, widely considered one of the most influential vice presidents in American history, passed away on Monday. "His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed," the family statement said. "Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing," they continued. "We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man." Cheney, who served as the 46th vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was well-known as a key architect of President Bush's "War on Terror" in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was also an early supporter of the invasion of Iraq. In a statement Tuesday, Bush remembered Cheney as "a decent, honorable man" who history will remember as "among the finest public servants of his generation." "The death of Richard B. Cheney is a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends. Laura and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was. History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held," Bush wrote. In addition to serving as Bush's vice president, Cheney also served as secretary of defense from 1989 to 1993 and as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1989. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H.W. Bush for his leadership during the Gulf War. In his statement Tuesday, Bush said Cheney "earned the confidence and high opinion of five presidents." He said that after he asked Cheney to join his ticket in 2000, he realized after long discussions that he was "the one I needed." "I'm still grateful that he was at my side for the eight years that followed," Bush said. "Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheney's service always reflected credit on the country he loved." Bush also offered prayers for Cheney's family. "Our hearts and our prayers go out to the Cheney family," Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, R-La., said on Friday. "Scripture is very clear. We give honor where honor is due. [He's] someone who gave their life, loved their country, and loved serving their country in so many capacities." While he wasn't an avid churchgoer, Cheney was a member of the United Methodist Church and was also known as the first Methodist vice president to serve under a Methodist president. Still, he was also a polarizing figure in American politics, who was not universally supported in light of his role in pushing for the War in Iraq that began in 2003 on the premise that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction that were never found. Additionally, in recent years, Cheney wasn't afraid to share his criticism of President Donald Trump and became somewhat ostracized from the Republican Party. He voted for the Democrat and former Vice President Kamala Harris for president in 2024, and his daughter, Liz, voted for Trump's impeachment in 2021 as a member of Congress, drawing the ire of many conservatives. Home News Illinois slated to legalize assisted suicide, drawing the ire of faith leaders: 'Not dying with dignity' Illinois could soon allow doctors to prescribe lethal drugs to terminally ill patients and become the next state to legalize physician-assisted suicide, igniting backlash from faith leaders who warn of a slippery slope toward death on demand. The Democrat-controlled Illinois Senate voted 30-27 to pass Senate Bill 1950, also known as the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, on Friday. The bill, which now heads to the desk of Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, outlines the process that those with verified terminal illnesses and healthcare professionals must take to obtain and prescribe physician-assisted suicide. The policy defines "terminal illness" as an "incurable and irreversible disease that will, within reasonable medical judgment, result in death within 6 months." The vote fell largely along party lines, although eight Democrats broke from their party, which largely supported the measure, by joining all Republicans in voting against it. The Democrat-controlled Illinois House of Representatives voted 63-42 in favor of the measure five months earlier, with five Democrats joining all Republicans in opposing it. The measure contains a provision stating that "Oral and written requests for aid in dying may be made only by the patient and shall not be made by the patient's surrogate decision-maker, health care proxy, health care agent, attorney-in-fact for health care, guardian, nor via advance health care directive." The legislation requires signatures of a written request to undergo assisted suicide to take place in the presence of "at least 2 witnesses who attest that to the best of their knowledge and belief the patient has mental capacity, is acting voluntarily, and is not being coerced or unduly influenced to sign the request." It clarifies that "a health care professional shall not be under any duty, by law or contract, to participate in the provision of aid-in-dying care to a patient as set forth in this Act." Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Springfield condemned the passage of the legislation in a statement published Friday. "It is quite fitting that the forces of the culture of death in the Illinois General Assembly passed physician-assisted suicide on October 31 a day that, culturally, has become synonymous with glorifying death and evil," he said, referring to the bill's passage on Halloween. "It's also ironic that these pro-death legislators did it under the cloud of darkness at 2:54 a.m.," Paprocki added. "Make no mistake: killing oneself is not dying with dignity. Doctors take an oath to do no harm. Now, they can prescribe death. There are documented cases of patients being denied treatment and instead offered life-ending drugs. Individuals could also be coerced into taking the legal drug. Physician assisted suicide undermines the value of each person, especially the vulnerable, the poor, and those with disabilities." Paprocki called on Illinoisans to "pray for Gov. Pritzker to reject this legislation," insisting "Illinois should be a state that offers compassion, care, and hopenot deathas the answer to human suffering." Carol Tobias, president of the pro-life advocacy group National Right to Life, shared her disapproval of the legislative efforts to legalize euthanasia in Illinois in a statement released Friday. "Under the cover of darkness, Illinois lawmakers chose to advance a policy that endangers the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals struggling with depression or terminal illness," she lamented. "Assisted suicide is not compassion it's abandonment," Tobias asserted. "Illinois residents deserve laws that protect vulnerable people, not ones that pressure them toward an early death." "When states legalize assisted suicide, safeguards quickly erode, and the so-called 'right to die' becomes a 'duty to die,'" she continued. "The people of Illinois have every reason to be alarmed," urging Illinois' Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker to "veto this bill and support true compassionate care for those facing serious illness." Home News JD Vance, Marjorie Taylor Greene wonder if aliens, UFOs could be 'demonic' forces, 'fallen angels' Both Vice President JD Vance and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., have floated the possibility in recent days that what some humans see as so-called extraterrestrials and UFOs could be supernatural and even demonic in nature. During an interview last week with journalist Miranda Devine, Vance expressed interest in using his access to classified material while vice president to uncover the truth behind potential alien intelligence, which he claimed could be angelic. "I really want to sort of dig into it," Vance said, noting both he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been curious about the topic since their time in the U.S. Senate. "There's certainly an interest there, there's certainly an intrigue. But I haven't yet had the time to really dig in. Things have been so busy." ????????BREAKING: Vice President JD Vance alluded to Aliens actually being Angels and Demons when asked about his thoughts on UFOs. I said this was going to be the year of revaluations about aliens and the true meaning of life, I meant it. Vance: Im a big believer that there are pic.twitter.com/gVJ31NrHwy Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) October 29, 2025 "But the crazy person inside of me and all of us put the tin foil hat on from time to time I can't allow myself to become so busy that I spend the next three years and I don't get to the bottom of this, so I will get to the bottom of this, but it's going to take me a little time." When Devine cut in to note Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard recently expressed her belief that aliens could be real, Vance was reluctant to completely agree. However, he suggested that there could be room for such a belief within the framework of his Roman Catholic worldview. "I wouldn't say that I do or don't believe [in aliens]," he said. "I mean, I'm a big believer that there are things out there that we can't explain, and so if another person sees an alien, maybe I see an angel or a demon." "So I'm a big believer that there are like spiritual forces working on the physical world that a lot of us don't see and a lot of us don't understand and a lot of us don't appreciate," he continued. "But, you know, is it aliens or is it our guardian angel? Or is it aliens, or is it a not-so-guardian force that doesn't care about us; or, in fact, actively wishes us harm? I don't know the answer to that question." Days after Vance's interview with Devine, Greene echoed him during a Friday appearance on "Real Time with Bill Maher." "Do you think demons and the devil are real?" Maher asked during a panel discussion about UFOs, to which Greene replied: "Absolutely. I'm a Bible-believing Christian. And I believe those could be fallen angels." Marjorie Taylor Greene told Bill Maher she believes UFOs arent extraterrestrial at all but fallen angels. She says even members of Congress are being deliberately kept from learning the full truth about what they really are. According to Dan Farrah, some government officials pic.twitter.com/bRlUfJlQNo Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) November 1, 2025 "Fallen angels? The aliens are fallen angels?" Maher asked. "That's possible I think that's what they could be. That's what makes sense in my worldview," Greene added while some in the audience laughed at her. Her comments came during a discussion that included Dan Farrah, a film producer and director whose upcoming documentary "The Age of Disclosure" interviewed 34 high-ranking members of the U.S. government, military and intelligence community about UFOs and an alleged 80-year global coverup. He claimed some in the government believe the phenomena are demonic. Rubio was among the officials interviewed in Farrah's documentary, in which he called for transparency and admitted the U.S. government has "had repeated instances of something operating in the airspace over restricted nuclear facilities and it's not ours." Last October, President Donald Trump touched on the topic of UFOs during an appearance on "The Joe Rogan Experience." Noting how he has spoken with fighter jet pilots who claim to have witnessed spherical objects traveling in the sky at speeds faster than an F-22, Trump said the topic has generated enormous interest, though he is not particularly interested himself. "It's not a great interest for me, but it's a little interest. I get that question as much as almost any question. Do you think that we have aliens coming, you know, flying around or whatever?" he said. "I mean, there's no reason not to think that Mars and all these planets don't have life, you know?" Home News La. diocese files bankruptcy to pay sexual abuse settlements to victims of 'evil, sinful' actions A Roman Catholic diocese in Louisiana has become the latest to file for bankruptcy amid nationwide sexual abuse claims that have seen more than $6 billion in settlements awarded to survivors. In a letter published Friday, Bishop Robert Marshall of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, announced that he had directed attorneys for the diocese to file a petition for a Chapter 11 reorganization of its financial affairs under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. He defended the move as the most prudent course of action. This action is occurring because some past priest-perpetrators sexually abused minors, actions that are evil, sinful and go against everything the Church and the priesthood represents, Marshall wrote. As a result, there are financial claims pending against the diocese that exceed our means. After apologizing to abuse survivors for the harm, pain and suffering they experienced and continue to experience in their lives, Marshall detailed how bankruptcy proceedings are the most effective way to compensate those who have been harmed and carry on the essential ministries of the diocese. He vowed that the Diocese is also committed to making sure that nothing like this can ever happen again. Together as One Church, we will move forward, not forgetting our past, but addressing it and taking appropriate responsibility for those who were harmed, and placing our trust in God, who is our strength and our hope, and who is with us always, he said. Marshall added that he would provide more information about the settlements reached between survivors and the diocese later on, while stressing that he didn't have further details available at this time. A frequently asked questions page compiled by the diocese, which accompanied the letter, explains that 85 people have come forward alleging they suffered abuse at the hands of clergy or church officials. It noted that the large number of claims follows the passage of a 2021 state law removing the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse litigation for three years, enabling victims to seek compensation for incidents that allegedly took place decades ago. The diocese assured concerned parishioners that their donations would not be used to cover the costs of the claims. Bankruptcy proceedings are expected to last 18-24 months. The Diocese of Alexandria is not the only diocese in the U.S. to file for bankruptcy as it works to settle sexual abuse claims. Other recent settlements that followed bankruptcy proceedings include the Diocese of Rochester in New York, which reached a $246 million settlement with survivors after filing for bankruptcy, and the Diocese of Buffalo in New York, which paid $150 million to survivors of clerical sexual abuse after entering bankruptcy proceedings. A report compiled by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University and released earlier this year found that Catholic dioceses across the U.S. had paid $5 billion to sexual abuse survivors between 2004 and 2023. That figure does not include the settlements made by the aforementioned upstate New York dioceses, as well as a $323 million settlement reached between the New York-based Diocese of Rockville Centre and sexual abuse survivors last year and an $880 million settlement made by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The more recent settlements bring the total amount of money paid to survivors of clerical sexual abuse to well over $6 billion. Home News 'Maybe time to persecute you': Man charged with threatening Catholic school over Holocaust float A man has been charged with threatening a Catholic school in Pennsylvania that garnered controversy for creating a parade float that included Holocaust imagery. Joseph Gilleo II, a 28-year-old resident of Bucks County, is facing charges after leaving a threatening voice message for St. Josephs Catholic School of Hanover. According to authorities, Gileo threatened the school in response to its Halloween parade float that featured imagery referencing the Holocaust that many found offensive. Charging documents stated that Gilleo allegedly called school officials Nazi sympathizing and psychopaths, adding that he believes God will not save you from what happens next. We know what you actually think. Maybe we should turn your little school into a concentration camp. Maybe its time to persecute you, stated Gilleo in court documents, as quoted by ABC 27 News. Your children are now in danger. You should have had a better handle on them. I dont believe for a single second that the children did it though, I think your teachers did it. The worlds watching you ------- losers. As a result of the threat, the parish canceled events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, with future gatherings expected to be canceled as a precaution. Gilleo is facing a felony charge of terroristic threats, as well as misdemeanor charges of ethnic intimidation, disorderly conduct and harassment, reported ABC 27. St. Joseph Catholic School has been widely criticized for its Halloween parade float that featured a replica of the Auschwitz concentration camp gate. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, which the school belongs to, was among those that denounced the float, with Bishop Timothy C. Senior saying he was shocked and appalled by it. The inclusion of this image one that represents the horrific suffering and murder of millions of innocent people, including 6 million Jews during the Holocaust is profoundly offensive and unacceptable, said Senior in a statement. I express my sincere apology to our Jewish brothers and sisters and to all who were hurt or offended by this display. I strongly condemn the inclusion of this symbol on the float. As Catholics, we stand firmly against all forms of antisemitism, hatred, and prejudice, which are rampant in our society. Innovative Peer Support Program Brings Graduate Full Circle: From Client to Keynote SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Vincent's Santa Barbara announces its 15th Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Rosewood Miramar Beach. The event celebrates the remarkable success of the Family Strengthening Program, which since 1996 has helped hundreds of homeless single mothers and their young children break cycles of poverty and build independent, thriving futures. This year's keynote speaker, Alicia Visueta, embodies that transformation. A graduate of the Family Strengthening Program, she now works as a Peer Support Specialist at St. Vincent'sa position made possible by the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara. Her role represents a powerful innovation: mothers who've walked the path now guide others through their journey, creating earlier program engagement and stronger outcomes. Joining Alicia is Elizabeth, who will graduate from the program in February. In 2023, due to challenging circumstances, Elizabeth and her son moved into Transition House and were then referred to St. Vincent's. Nearly two years later, Elizabeth is completing her first semester at California Lutheran University, pursuing a psychology degree while working two jobs. "For nearly 30 years, our Family Strengthening Program has proven that with comprehensive support, even the most vulnerable families can transform their lives," said Rosa Paredes, CEO of St. Vincent's. "Women like Alicia and Elizabeth represent everything we believe about human potential. Alicia's journey from program participant to staff member is particularly powerful she knows firsthand what our mothers face because she lived it. Elizabeth's dedication to reaching her goals while in our program has demonstrated her strength and she has become a mentor for others in the program. Both their stories will inspire everyone in that room." A Legacy of Compassion and Community The annual luncheon was founded 15 years ago by dedicated long-term supporters Claudia Lash and Pat Lupo, whose tireless commitment has raised more than $400,000 in the last eight years alone to support Santa Barbara's most vulnerable families. The duo's signature silent auction basketscarefully curated over months of preparationhave become a beloved tradition. "Claudia and Pat embody the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul and the Daughters of Charity," noted Rosa Paredes "Their vision created an event that doesn't just raise fundsit builds community around our shared belief that every mother and child deserves safety and opportunity." Real Lives, Real Change For nearly three decades, St. Vincent's has stood alongside at-risk mothers and their young children, providing not just shelter, but dignity and a path forward. Today's Family Strengthening Program a comprehensive 27-month initiative offering transitional housing, case management, job training, parenting classes, childcare, and therapy represents the evolution of that commitment, helping women develop the skills and confidence to break cycles of intergenerational poverty. In the past four years alone 52 families have graduated to permanent housing and employment. Participants increase their monthly income by an average of more than $600a 14% improvement that changes everything for a family in crisis. The stories behind these statistics reveal the program's true impact: A young mother arrived homeless and pregnant. Today she's attending SBCC accounting classes while her toddler thrives in St. Vincent's Early Childhood Education Center. "I'll never forget my son saying, 'Mommy, we are safe now,'" shares a domestic violence survivor who escaped a life-threatening relationship. St. Vincent's provided childcare so she could continue school, helped her get her driver's license and first car, and she's now working toward becoming a criminal defense attorney. "You gave me a lifeline; you gave me my child back," said a mother reunited with her baby within 45 days. "At St. Vincent's, I wasn't my tragedyI was a mom who loved her child and a woman learning to be independent." Event Details For the past four years, guests have enjoyed this elegant afternoon at Rosewood Miramar Beach, an oceanfront resort estate in Montecito. Returning as Emcee are beloved Santa Barbara personalities Tracy Lehr of KEYT and Drew "Mr. Santa Barbara" Wakefield of Wakefield 805. The event will include: Women's styles provided by (IN)LARKIN collections in Los Olivos Children's styles provided by Wildflower Women's Boutique Sandbox Kids Gourmet luncheon Silent auction featuring custom gift baskets and experiences Raffle prizes Student volunteers from Bishop Garcia Diego High School and local high schools. Sponsors include American Riviera Bank and Chumash Casino. The event's Presentation Sponsor is Claudia Lash with Honoree Sponsor Pat Lupo. Tickets & Information Early bird tickets: $125 through November 15 Regular tickets: $150 Tables of 10 available Reservations accepted until Monday, November 24 For tickets and sponsorship information, visit [website] or contact Gladis Barboza at (805) 683-6381 ext. 155 or [email protected]. About St. Vincent's Santa Barbara Founded in 1858, St. Vincent's Santa Barbara is the oldest continuously operating nonprofit service agency in Santa Barbara County. Serving more than 600 individuals daily across its 21-acre campus, St. Vincent's provides transitional housing for homeless single mothers, early childhood education, affordable housing for families and seniors, and operates the Father Virgil Cordano CenterSanta Barbara's only day center for people experiencing homelessness. For more information, visit www.stvincents-sb.org. SOURCE St. Vincent's Santa Barbara Home News Prosecutors seek death penalty for man who crucified pastor Prosecutors in the Maricopa County Attorneys Office in Arizona plan to seek the death penalty for Adam Christopher Sheafe, the man who confessed to the crucifixion-style murder of New River Bible Chapel Pastor William Schonemann in his home earlier this year. The prosecutors filed their notice of intent to seek the death penalty against 51-year-old Sheafe, who reportedly targeted Schonemann as a result of his faith, Arizona Family reported. Even though he confessed to murdering 76-year-old Schoneman, Sheafe pleaded not guilty to the charge in July, which criminal defense attorney Russ Richelsoph told Arizona Family is standard in the court process. A judge at a felony arraignment is never going to let a defendant plead guilty, he said. Crazy people will confess to crimes that they didnt commit. He noted that if the case should go to a trial, prosecutors will likely play Sheafes news interviews in which he admitted to crucifying the pastor. Sheafe, 51, told Arizona Family that he crucified Schonemann inside his home in April and placed a crown of thorns on his head. He said he also planned to kill a total of 14 pastors or priests nationwide, who he claims are leading their flock astray. If authorities in Sedona hadn't thwarted his plans, Sheafe said he would have killed at least four pastors in the state. He further stated that he has no remorse for killing Schonemann and, if given the power to do so, would kill every pastor and burn down every church in the U.S.. "Not only do I have zero remorse, if my father puts me in an authoritative position on this Earth, I will execute every single priest and burn every single church to the ground," he told Arizona Family. The Maricopa County Sheriff's office made Sheafe's connection to Schonemann's murder before he was arrested on those charges in Sedona on April 30. At the time, he was also being investigated for other crimes by authorities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sheafe said he targeted his victims when they were alone because he didn't want to kill anyone except the pastors and priests. He described in detail how he once followed a priest home but changed his mind about killing him after seeing two women emerge from his garage. He also noted that at least two pastors escaped death after he lost his car during a high-speed chase with police in Sedona. "Had I had a vehicle, those two were done. They didn't have a chance in Hell," Sheafe said. "From there, it was Las Vegas, Nevada; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Billings, Montana; Detroit, Michigan; New York, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; Beaumont, Texas; and El Paso, Texas," he said, highlighting other cities when he planned to kill pastors. "So, four of them were going to get hit in Arizona." Prior to his attack on Schonemann, Sheafe admitted in a lawsuit against trading platform and futures broker NinjaTrader, which was dismissed in February, that he struggled with a gambling addiction. "I had developed an unhealthy gambling addiction to trading futures contracts via their platform, wrote Sheafe, who sought $1 million for "losses and damages." Prior to his attack on Schonemann, Sheafe lived in Oceanside, California, and worked at a Carlsbad restaurant. He accused NinjaTrader of negligence for not closing his account to curb his addiction. He also filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2024 after allegedly losing more than $40,000. He said he "lost everything I had owned and had worked for." Home News Samaritan's Purse deploys field hospital to Jamaican town devastated by Hurricane Melissa The Evangelical humanitarian charity Samaritan's Purse has airlifted a 30-bed emergency field hospital to one of the hardest-hit Jamaican towns to provide medical aid after a local hospital was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa last week. Samaritan's Purse deployed an emergency field hospital to the "devastated coastal town" of Black River on Sunday, according to an announcement. Being erected in the "ground zero" of Melissa's destruction in the island country, the hospital consists of over 30 inpatient beds and an operating room, intensive care unit, emergency room, obstetric ward, laboratory, pharmacy and blood bank. The deployment came five days after Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm in Black River, with winds of up to 185 miles per hour, which left the local hospital destroyed and the town without power. Samaritan's Purse has also airlifted 100 tons of relief to Jamaica, including community water systems that can serve 10,000 people per day, shelter materials, household water filters, solar lights and hygiene kits. The organization is collaborating with over 200 church partners on the ground in Jamaica and plans to conduct additional relief flights in the near future. Hurricane Melissa was the strongest storm to ever hit Jamaica. The island experienced catastrophic storm surge, high winds and flooding rain. Thousands of people remain in shelters and most of Jamaica still does not have power. "Hurricane Melissa hammered a path of destruction across Jamaica, severely damaging homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses," said Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham in a statement. "Please pray for those who have lost so much and for our teams as we go in Jesus' Name." Several Christian aid organizations have launched relief responses following Melissa. Convoy of Hope has deployed to White Hall, another hard-hit area of Jamaica, where it is distributing food, clean water and other essential supplies. Meanwhile, Catholic Relief Services, which has a team of over 100 staff in hard-hit Haiti as well as local partners in Jamaica and other nearby nations, is working to secure offices and warehouses and "preparing prepositioned shelter and clean water supplies" in addition to "helping people secure their businesses, homes, and fields." The Salvation Army started providing "emergency shelter, food assistance, and clean water distribution" with the assistance of national, regional and international partners. However, the charity organization reported in an update published Monday that several of its outposts in hard-hit western Jamaica suffered severe damage, including "widespread power and network outages." Mud damage and flooding at the Salvation Army's divisional headquarters left vehicles immobilized. In light of the damage, the organization has prioritized locating and providing support to its staff and their families as it continues its mission of ministering to the victims of Hurricane Melissa. Home News Man charged with robbing Texas church during Sunday worship service A Texas man has been charged with allegedly robbing a church during its Sunday worship service, having attempted to steal the collected offerings. Shedon Augusta, 24, walked into the Greater Tabernacle Baptist Church of Bryan on Sunday during a service, having waited until it was announced that the collection had been taken. Augusta allegedly entered the sanctuary and went straight for the offering plates, grabbing the envelopes and cash before exiting the building, according to Bryan-based KBTX News. Authorities said churchgoers told police that Augusta was wearing a mask and put his hand in his pocket to imply that he had a weapon. After he exited, they called the police. After Augusta was arrested, he reportedly told authorities that he stole the offering money because the church had allegedly stolen his money, KBTX reported. This is not the first time that Augusta has had a run-in with the law. In June 2022, he was arrested twice, first for a handgun possession violation and evading arrest, and a second instance for performing at a promenade without having the proper event permit. The special events permit issue occurred in College Station, reported WTAW News at the time, with Augusta becoming loud and openly confrontational when police approached him. Augusta was later released from jail after he posted a $300 personal bond. In recent years, there has been a greater awareness of attacks on churches in the United States that include arson or attempted shootings, with efforts being made to improve church security. For example, in August, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded $110 million to over 600 faith-based organizations for the purpose of enhancing security. Whether they pray in a church, a mosque or a synagogue, all Americans should be able to practice their religion without fear of terrorism and violence, a senior DHS official said in a statement at the time. Under President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noems leadership, DHS is laser-focused on ensuring the safety of the American people. Instead of using grant money to fund climate change initiatives and political pet projects, we are using this money to protect American communities especially places where people gather in prayer. Home News Tucker Carlson apologizes for saying he dislikes Christian Zionists: 'I was mad' Tucker Carlson apologized Monday for recently claiming he dislikes Christian Zionists "more than anybody" while labeling their beliefs about Israel "heresy" and a "brain virus." During a 90-minute conversation with comedian Dave Smith, Carlson admitted that his comments during his controversial interview last week with far-right podcaster Nick Fuentes, who has praised Hitler and Stalin, were made out of anger and lacked the nuance he should have given them. "I did say something that I really regret saying that I didn't fully mean," he said. "I said it because I was mad, which is always when I say things I don't really mean: when I get pissed. My wife's always telling me this." "I was snippy, and I didn't explain it, and I said something to the effect of, 'I despise Christian Zionists,' and I'm just sorry that I said that, because I don't." Christian Zionism, which emerges from a dispensationalist interpretation of the Bible, maintains that the founding of modern-day Israel in 1948 was a fulfillment of prophecy and a prerequisite for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, which often translates into political support for Israel. Tucker Apologizes to Christian Zionists I want to be very specific about what I was talking about. In at least a couple of different occasions, the Israeli government bombed churches in Gaza and k*lled a bunch of Christians. Not an accident And I found that, as a Christian, pic.twitter.com/TKp5TCq1nT Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) November 4, 2025 During his interview last week with Fuentes a 27-year-old political commentator who has espoused antisemitic, white nationalist and misogynist views Carlson mentioned Christian Zionism in the context of responding to Fuentes' assertion that neoconservatism is inextricable with Jewish identity and emerged "from Jewish leftists who were mugged by reality when they saw the surprise attack in the Yom Kippur War." Carlson, who once adhered to neoconservative interventionist foreign policy but has since expressed regret for supporting regime change wars when he was younger, responded to Fuentes' characterization of neoconservatism as intrinsically Jewish by noting that many non-Jewish Christian Zionists have also promoted it. "Yeah, well, that's a lot of it for sure," Carlson said about the alleged Jewish element within neoconservatism, which first arose in the late 1960s and 1970s. "But then, like, how do you explain Mike Huckabee, Ted Cruz? And there are a lot like that. John Bolton? I've known them all: George W. Bush, Karl Rove. All people I know personally, who I've seen be seized by this brain virus, and they're not Jewish. Most of them are self-described Christians." "I can just say for myself, I dislike them more than anybody," Carlson said of Christian Zionists, who he claimed adhere to a "Christian heresy" that he says offends him as a Christian. He went on to note that his support for the neoconservative worldview fizzled when he visited Iraq in 2003 as a reporter and witnessed the chaos in the wake of the U.S. invasion. Carlson's interview with Fuentes stoked intense backlash among many Evangelicals and other conservatives, prompting accusations of antisemitism that Carlson has denied. Though he never used the word "despise" during his remarks about Christian Zionists, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee responded to a viral tweet of Carlson's comments that used the term. "Wasn't aware that Tucker despises me," Huckabee posted to X after Carlsons comments went viral. "I do get that a lot from people not familiar with the Bible or history. Somehow I will survive the animosity." Speaking with Smith, Carlson explained that he did not intend to disparage Christian Zionists as people, and claimed his remarks emerged out of his frustration with U.S. foreign policy and the alleged actions of the Israeli government against Christian churches during its war against Hamas. "I'm mad at a certain kind of thinking," he said. "Some of the nicest people I know are Christian Zionists, actually. If you're in a car crash, they would save you. If you needed someone to watch your bank account, they wouldn't steal from you. They're really good people and sweet people." Carlson went on to cite Israel's strikes against Hamas that also hit Christian churches in Gaza, which he claimed were "not an accident" and a major source of his anger. He also criticized what he described as the inadequate response of some U.S. leaders he spoke to about them. "The response I got from every single one was, 'The Bible commands us to support Israel,'" he said. "And I said, 'So Jesus is telling us that we need to get on board with murdering Christians? Is that what you're saying?' And they're basically just like, 'Shut up.'" Carlson said he found the attitude of using the Bible to shut down criticism of the Israeli government "extremely upsetting," and apologized for not clarifying that during his remarks with Fuentes. Carlson notably clashed with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in June over whether God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 necessitates unconditional support for the modern Israeli government, which prompted debate among Christians regarding eschatology. "We cannot support the murder of innocents," Carlson told Smith. "I don't care what the pretext is, that is not allowed in our religion; and if it is, then it's not my religion. That's not what the New Testament says at all. It's not even a close approximation of what it says." "There's no justification for that in the New Testament, period. So I am distressed. I don't hate. I shouldn't have said 'despise,' but I'm very distressed about that, and that's specifically what I was talking about, so I just want to apologize sincerely for not being clearer." During Israel's war against Hamas, the Israeli Defense Force conducted strikes that also hit three Christian churches in Gaza, according to reports from international organizations, news outlets and human rights groups. Most recently, the Holy Family Catholic Church was shelled in July, which killed three and wounded 10 others, including the parish priest, according to church officials. President Donald Trump reportedly expressed his frustration to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the incident, which Netanyahu claimed was an accident caused by "a stray ammunition." Israeli officials have consistently denied deliberately bombing churches, claiming that their strikes targeted Hamas military infrastructure, but that the terrorist organization embedded assets in civilian areas to use them as human shields. Home News University of California campuses mandate gender ideology training to register for classes Training module warns calling students by their 'deadname' is 'sexual harassment' California universities are reportedly using state harassment prevention laws to compel students to endorse transgender ideology, with failure to comply potentially barring them from enrolling in classes. Across the University of California system, all students are required to take sexual violence and sexual harassment prevention training under a program dubbed SHAPE (Sexual Harassment, Anti-Discrimination, Prevention and Education). Delivered through mandatory online training and testing modules focused on sexual harassment and anti-discrimination, the required training asserts that failing to use one's self-declared trans pronouns or protesting the presence of men in women's restrooms constitutes a hostile environment and qualifies as harassment. Students must achieve a perfect score on the module's questions, aligned with these views, to proceed with semester registration. A screenshot from the SHAPE training, first shared by Young Americas Foundation last month, defines a Hostile Environment as a situation where someone demands that others use a particular bathroom that does not correspond to their gender identity or uses the incorrect pronoun. Another screenshot of a sample situation found on the SHAPE module states: My name is Mona and I am transgender. My classmate Jane continues to call me James, which was my name before I transitioned. Jane refers to me as a man, and complains when I use the womens restroom. Ive asked her to stop [but] she does not. I feel very disrespected and want this to stop. What type of prohibited conduct can this be? While users are given several options such as sexual exploitation, relationship violence, quid pro quo, and hostile environment, only hostile environment is deemed a correct response. The module adds, Intentionally calling someone their name used prior to transition, as opposed to their lived name, is called dead-naming; and may be a form of sexual harassment. This initiative stems from AB 2608, a 2024 California law mandating sexual harassment and discrimination training for all students, along with updated terminology and definitions. AB 2925 further broadens "harassment" to encompass creating a hostile environment. Although universities are not obligated to adopt SHAPE specifically, they must develop programs consistent with these standards. Several University of California campuses have implemented SHAPE, including UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz, UCLA, UC Berkeley and UC Irvine. The Christian Post reached out to UC San Diego for comment and will update this article if a response is received. The University of California Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy defines sexual harassment as: Other sex-based conduct includes acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex- or gender-stereotyping, or sexual orientation. While SHAPE and other programs have already gained a foothold in the UC system, critics say the training serves to further elevate ideological conformity over open discourse. The reality and science-denying stooges at the University of California, San Diego, have shredded their institutions ability to call itself a place of higher education by giving in to the radical Lefts gender ideology and endangering female students, Young Americas Foundation Chief Communications Officer Spencer Brown said. It is not sexual harassment to require students to use the restroom, locker room, or other facility that corresponds with their biological sex, but it is egregious to require female students to use bathrooms with biological men and force all students to agree that such a policy is normal or safe, Brown added. When universities start treating disagreement as harassment, they stop being places of learning and become engines of indoctrination," California Family Council (CFC) VP Greg Burt said. "Silencing biblical beliefs about gender and sexuality isnt tolerance. Its tyranny in disguise. CFC will not back down from defending students right to speak truth in love. Home News School district apologizes for 'confusion' over Halloween shirts some thought mocked Charlie Kirk An Arizona school district has apologized for causing "confusion and concern" over a viral social media post, which some believed was intended to mock the September assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The controversy erupted Saturday when Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA the organization Kirk co-founded shared a photo on X showing eight educators from Cienega High School's math department in the Vail School District posing in matching white T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase "Problem Solved." The plain white shirts with black text which were splattered on the left side with what appears to be a blood-like dark red dye bear somewhat of a resemblance to the white "Freedom" T-shirt worn by Kirk, 31, on Sept. 10 when he was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University. The left-side placement of the red stains in the photo fueled speculation that the costumes were a deliberate jab at his death, which authorities have described as a politically motivated attack. Concerned parents just sent us this image of what's believed to be teachers in @vailschools in Tuscon, Arizona mocking Charlie's murder with costumes that read "Problem Solved" and blood down the left side of their shirts. They deserve to be famous, and fired. pic.twitter.com/bs95p2lkU0 Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) November 1, 2025 "Concerned parents just sent us this image of what's believed to be teachers in @vailschools in Tuscon [sic], Arizona mocking Charlie's murder with costumes that read 'Problem Solved' and blood down the left side of their shirts," Kolvet wrote in the post, which garnered thousands of views and calls for the teachers' dismissal. "They deserve to be famous, and fired." The image quickly drew condemnation from conservative politicians, including Arizona GOP state Rep. Rachel Jones, who demanded proof that the outfits were not a recent invention. "I want to see the evidence that the Cienega High School math department wore the same shirts last year @vailschools," Jones posted on X. "Post the picture. I'll wait." Within hours of the controversy, Vail School District Supt. John Carruth responded with a detailed statement to parents, firmly denying any connection to Kirk's killing and attributing the costumes to a longstanding Halloween tradition in the math department. "A photo showing teachers wearing shirts that say 'Problem Solved' has caused confusion and concern," Carruth said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. "We want to clarify that these shirts were part of a math-themed Halloween costume meant to represent solving tough math problems. The shirts were never intended to target any person, event, or political issue." Carruth said the outfits were purchased online and reused from last year, months before Kirk's assassination. "Unfortunately, the image is being shared online with false claims that they were intended as a statement of recent events in our country. This is unequivocally untrue. The shirts were purchased online and were also worn last year as part of the same math-themed costumes, long before recent events." An image shared with CP shows an unidentified group of adults wearing the same T-shirts in a social media post dated Oct. 31, 2024. It's not clear on which platform the image was posted. A CP review found several versions of the shirts worn by Cienega staff were available for purchase online as early as July 2025 months before the fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. Carruth's letter expressed deep regret over the unintended fallout, including online harassment directed at the veteran educators, many of whom, he said, have served the district for years. "We understand how this image could be misunderstood and taken out of context, especially by people who are not associated with the teachers or the school. We are truly sorry for the hurt or upset it has caused," he wrote. "The teachers involved care deeply about their students and this community. "All of them are committed to protecting children, and none of them would intentionally cause hurt or pain. They too are truly sorry that this has caused concerns," he added. "The shirts will not be worn again." Kolvet later acknowledged the district's timeline after reviewing evidence of the prior year's use. "Vail Schools said these math teachers wore the same costume last year," he wrote. "I was waiting for confirmation, and it appears they did. We've seen enough evil since Charlie's murder that I'd actually be relieved if this isn't another example. That being said, it's a very weird costume for teachers in general, but after what happened to Charlie, I'm absolutely floored they wore it again." In the wake of Kirk's death, students and teachers from across the nation have faced backlash for mocking the assassination, including a student who was expelled from Texas State University for mimicking Kirk's fatal shot. Several U.S. companies have fired employees for mocking or otherwise supporting Kirk's assassination. Home News Women are 'easy targets' for persecution in Christian-minority countries SEOUL, South Korea Women and girls are easy targets for religious persecution, and their plight is often compounded when shunned by their own church communities after escaping their captors, say experts on gender-based persecution. The vulnerabilities faced by Christian women who are part of the religious minority in South Asia and African nations were the focus of a panel moderated by Emma van der Deijl, the CEO of Gender and Religious Freedom, at the World Evangelical Alliance's 14th General Assembly, held at SaRang Church last Tuesday. Irene Kibagendi, executive director of the Pan African Christian Women Alliance, homed in on the abuses suffered by women in Nigeria, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sharing the accounts of young women that have become all too common, she laid bare the reality that "they're the easy targets." Kibagendi explained that girls are often kidnapped when they're going to school and are subsequently forced to convert to Islam a prevalent problem that has been reported by The Christian Post numerous times for more than a decade. After being kidnapped and raped often by multiple men these young women lose their self-worth and identity. And when they manage to flee their captors and seek reunification and healing in the communities from which they were forcefully kidnapped, they often face rejection. "Despite being persecuted for being a Christian, when they come back to the Church, they're not accepted," Kibagdendi lamented, noting that often upon their return, they're either pregnant or have already given birth to children fathered by militants affiliated with terrorist groups, such as Boko Haram or al-Shabaab. "They're rejected by their families. Their husbands cannot accept them back. The Church cannot accept them back," she added, pointing to the need for systems to allow for reunification and recovery instead of discarding the victimized women as outcasts in society. According to van der Deijl, "It's as if women and girls who are targeted now become an enemy of the Church. Or it's as if the Church thinks that the blood of Christ isn't strong enough to cleanse these women or to keep the Church pure." "The enemy wins when we allow the intended shame of persecution to bring division and rejection in the Church," added van der Deijl, who frequently pointed to Satan's plans to sow division among believers. "Instead, it is our responsibility to restore those who have gone through persecution with love and acceptance in the knowledge that their vulnerability and identity is safe in Christ. And this is not just true for women, but also for the men and children of our Church." In an earlier interview with The Christian Post about gender-based persecution, Sarah Cunningham, the chief operating officer at Open Doors US, spoke about the long-term psychological impact of persecution, including PTSD, anxiety and the social withdrawal of victims. Women who've been raped are "carrying stigma and shame because of these kinds of hidden, secretive, very intimate violations against them," she said. "And oftentimes, the long-term impact is to their psyche." Some women also fear that "something else equally violent could happen to them at any given moment," Cunningham added, rendering feelings of "powerlessness," causing them to withdraw from society. Despite the discouraging circumstances, van der Deijl noted that some churches have been "stepping outside of the cultural norm" to walk alongside these women in need of recovery and reintegration into their families and society. Thus, placing blame on the perpetrator, not on the victim. The Rev. Martha Das, general secretary of the National Christian Fellowship of Bangladesh, also addressed the cultural issues within churches operating in Christian-minority countries where followers of Jesus often face ridicule, discrimination and violence. While some faith-based organizations are helping vulnerable Christians facing persecution in South Asia by providing food, shelter and work, Das told delegates gathered at WEA's General Assembly that churches "want to be perfect" and are less likely to be open to providing assistance to people in "messy" circumstances. "There's not a place in their community to get care," Cunningham told CP of many women who've been victimized in minority-Christian countries. "There's no safe person to speak to necessarily about that physical trauma they experienced. And so they're carrying that internally in a very hidden way." Kibagendi insisted that churches worldwide have a responsibility to help "integrate persecuted women and children back to the community without judging them." "We need the Church to become a rescue place or space for everybody who needs help," she added. "We need to care more, and we need to look at those people who are going through shame so that we don't inflict the same onto them." She continued, "The Church should also be prepared to respond to such cases and provide care groups to help, especially the young girls to be restored; that the dignity of the young girls and women be restored." The WEA General Assembly was hosted by the 60,000-member SaRang Church in the nation's capital, and brought together over 850 Evangelicals from around the world. The theme of the general assembly was "The Gospel for Everyone by 2033," and many of the sessions focused on how this ambitious goal can become a reality with only eight years to go. On the last day of meetings, delegates were presented with the WEA's Seoul Declaration, a 15-page document crafted by an international group of theologians, including eight from South Korea. It offers Evangelical position statements on a range of issues, from gender and human sexuality to war, abortion, religious freedom, and continued divisions on the Korean Peninsula. A spokesperson for the WEA said the statement was intended to be a "guiding post" for members, with carefully considered theological perspectives on key issues in the world today and "how the Church ought to have direction for the future." Mike Johnson Defends ICE, Nicki Minaj Praises Trump, TX Judges Shielded On Same-Sex Marriages link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:34 06:34 Top headlines for Tuesday, November 4, 2025 We dive into Speaker Mike Johnsons defense of ICE amid claims of hostility toward clergy, explore a new U.K. website that highlights the Bibles conflicting moral interpretations, and break down a Texas ruling that shields judges who decline to perform same-sex marriages on religious grounds. 00:11 Mike Johnson responds to ICE altercations with clergy 00:59 Nicki Minaj praises Trump for threat to act against Nigeria 01:44 Search engine uses AI to find alleged Scripture 'contradictions' 02:35 Dearborn pastor who clashed with Muslim mayor urges love, courage 03:21 Syrian President al-Sharaa set for historic White House visit 04:11 Texas Supreme Court allows judges to refuse gay weddings 04:53 Believers unite in prayer for persecuted Christians Home Opinion Goodbye 'Big Eva,' hello 'Gig Eva' Many years ago, I coined the term Big Eva. While today the term is used as a quick and lazy smear for any well-known figures of a previous generation that a particular X-man happens to dislike, at the time I intended it to be a humorous but pointed reference to a specific phenomenon: the rise of big conference platforms and the promotion of certain speakers which I called celebrity pastors that supplanted or subverted the role of local congregations, ministers, and denominations in shaping church policy. By celebrity pastors, I did not mean those church leaders who happened to be well-known. I meant those who consciously leveraged their public platforms to exert influence beyond their church, thereby weakening it. These were not simply podcasters or bloggers or op-ed writers. They were key players in large parachurch organizations that sought to operate as denominations but without the typical accountability that denominations are, in theory at least, supposed to involve. At the height of Big Evas influence, I once asked a class of students who was the most influential pastor in their lives. Almost none mentioned his or her actual minister, defaulting instead to naming the headline acts at the big Evangelical conferences. Q.E.D. The era of Big Eva seems to have run its course. The conservative Protestant scene in the U.S. is no longer dominated by a few big-name celebrities or by a handful of large conferences. While those large conferences still exist and are often well-attended, they do not grip the popular Evangelical imagination as they once did. They seem on the whole to have settled into the role that they should always have held: optional supplements to local church life for Christians who are committed to their own congregations but who enjoy connecting to others from elsewhere and hearing preachers from a variety of denominations. But the problems at the heart of Big Eva have not disappeared. They have migrated into new forums, particularly that of social media. The broader business dynamics in the U.S. are now sometimes referred to as creating the gig economy, a term that describes the shift from the traditional business model and institutions as sources of income to the more disparate and informal network of opportunities offered by new media. Ubers have squeezed licensed taxi drivers. Airbnb has opened up the world of short-term accommodation well beyond that once offered by professional hoteliers and the proprietors of guest houses. And so in the world of Evangelicalism, Big Eva is being challenged by what we might call Gig Eva. There are some obvious differences between the Big and the Gig. Even in the world of Big Eva, the headline acts were generally men and women who had first established their reputations through service of local churches or talented writing for established publishers. They had a certain authority that predated their rise to Big Eva influence. In Gig Eva, anyone with the time to spend living online can become a celebrity without having proved himself beforehand in any real service to any church. But there are also similarities, such as in the matter of accountability. Big Eva gurus were accountable only to each other. Their heirs in Gig Eva are accountable to nobody. To put it another way, both tend to marginalize the actual Church by making their own platforms and declarations the source of all wisdom, but Gig Eva has only intensified the problem that led me to coin the term Big Eva. There is a further similarity: Both are shaped by the economy of their chosen media. In the world of big venue conferences, headline names are critical to sell tickets. That led Big Eva at times to be undiscerning about who was welcome on stage. I remember asking one Big Eva boss if he thought a couple of his headline acts were men who offered godly models of what a pastor should be. He said no, then did nothing. Both men imploded in public scandal sometime later, and only then did they exit the conference stage. The economics of social media are different, and this is reflected in the culture of Gig Eva: Building a platform on X, for example, involves constant transgression of boundaries, hence the emergence of Gig Eva personalities whose trademark behavior ranges from attacking the leaders of Big Eva to rehabilitating Hitler. And Gig Eva also has the advantage of the frictionless nature of technologically mediated engagement. Big Eva silenced critics by ignoring them or making quiet phone calls to employers. Gig Eva launches full-frontal personal attacks but does so from the safety offered by tech platforms that have no place for that pesky prerequisite of personal competence. Indeed, X is proving to be the perfect platform for those aspiring to be the modern successors to Middlemarchs Will Ladislaw, who was not at all deep himself in German writers; but very little achievement is required in order to pity another mans shortcomings. No individual group or writer in Gig Eva will likely enjoy the breadth of influence experienced by their Big Eva forefathers. The diffuse nature of online discourse means that there will never be a focal point of the kind provided by the conference stage in the 10,000-seat convention hall. But Gig Eva may well reshape significant parts of the Christian culture because it is so attuned to the pieties of the dominant expressive individualism of our day. Its advocates validate their personal authenticity by their constant iconoclasm, their decrying of anything that stands in their way, and their priority of disembodied, cost-free online engagement over the more expensive demands of service and accountability to real people in real time, in church and in homes. Big Eva had its problems. Gig Eva is set only to intensify them. Originally published at First Things. Home Opinion Christian persecution in Nigeria: Responding to reality, not rhetoric In recent days, Nigeria's religious freedom crisis has entered the spotlight through contrasting narratives. A senior Nigerian government advisor told Al Jazeera there is no Christian genocide in the country, dismissing deaths and displacement as merely ethnic and resource-based conflicts. Meanwhile, President Trump not only designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations but later threatened military intervention if the persecution continues. The greatest risk in these conversations is that we get caught up in debates that can ultimately harm the Nigerian Christians we're called to serve, if we allow them to give us permission to look away. Because the documented reality on the ground is awful: real people are suffering real violence because of their faith. What's needed is truth-based advocacy that lays the spotlight on the voices of those who suffer. The data speaks clearly: According to Open Doors' World Watch List research, 3,100 of the 4,476 Christians killed worldwide for their faith last year were in Nigeria alone. Nigeria also leads the world in Christians abducted for their faith, with 2,830 out of 3,775 worldwide. Open Doors does not use the term genocide. It is a precise legal category, and we do not claim what we cannot prove. Yet avoiding that word should never mean rejecting the reality of persecution. Across Nigeria's Middle Belt and northern regions, Christians face a campaign of violence so sustained and so targeted that entire communities are disappearing. Churches are burned. Pastors are kidnapped. Families are forced to flee at night, often on foot, leaving behind the only homes they have ever known. When a public figure insists there is no persecution, or when another advocates violent intervention, the focus can too easily shift from the people who suffer to the politics of the moment. What gets lost is the lived experience of Nigerian Christians. People are being killed because of their faith. Communities are being driven out because they believe in Jesus Christ. The persecution is real, and it is spreading. We hear from mothers who have buried their sons, people who have watched shepherds slaughtered because they are the Christian, pastors who have had their churches burned to ashes. These stories are not abstractions. They are the lived reality of a people clinging to faith amid fear. Words matter, but constructive action matters more. When officials deny persecution or when we debate military solutions as though the matter is all or nothing, they risk making it harder for victims to hope that appropriate help will ever come. We must listen first to the persecuted Church about what would actually serve their needs. The redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern is a step in the right direction. Said Jo Newhouse, spokesperson for Open Doors' field work in sub-Saharan Africa, it is an acknowledgment that the problem is large-scale and serious, and an important symbolic recognition of the tremendous suffering of the most vulnerable in parts of Nigeria. This designation creates an opportunity for measured, effective international pressure centered on accountability and protection, not military intervention. The United States and the international community can help by speaking plainly and acting decisively through diplomatic channels focused on institutional accountability and curbing endemic violence. People on the ground need protection, fair prosecution of attackers, and healing and restoration in affected communities. Citizens have a part to play as well. Open Doors is supporting the Arise Africa campaign, which gathers signatures to present to the United Nations. The petition urges concrete steps to protect Christians and other faith minorities across the continent: providing robust protection from violent militant attacks, ensuring accountability through fair prosecution, and helping bring healing and restoration to affected communities. Signing may seem like a small gesture, but together these voices remind global leaders that the persecuted are not forgotten. Beyond policy, this moment demands empathy and prayer. Churches around the world can stand in solidarity with Nigerian believers through awareness, giving, and faithful intercession. When one part of the body suffers, Scripture tells us, every part suffers with it. This is not about politics or borders. It is about people created in God's image who deserve to live in safety and peace. Some will continue to argue about definitions, and that is their right. But we must not allow debates over wording or inflammatory rhetoric to drown out the testimony of those who are bleeding and broken. Whether we call it genocide, ethnic cleansing, or persecution, the effect is the same. Communities are being torn apart. Faith is being tested. Hope is being stretched thin. At a time when the world feels divided on nearly every issue, protecting religious freedom should unite us. Defending the right to believe is not a political cause. It is a human one. The Christians of Nigeria are not asking for privilege, only for protection. And they are asking for solutions that bring peace, not further conflict. Their question is painfully simple: Does the world still care enough to respond wisely? Our answer must be yes. And that yes must come not in threats or denial, but in consistent, peaceful advocacy that honors their dignity and addresses root causes of violence. PHOENIX, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- True Salt, a leading producer of all-natural sea salt serving the foodservice, food manufacturing, and consumer markets, today announced a major expansion of its production operations in Baja California, Mexico, as part of a long-term strategy to meet accelerating demand for high-quality sea salt products in the United States. The expansion will increase True Salt's overall production capacity by more than 40 percent, marking one of the largest infrastructure investments in the company's history. The enhanced facility strengthens True Salt's ability to provide a consistent, sustainable, and scalable supply of premium sea salt for a diverse customer base that includes major food manufacturers and foodservice distributors. Over the past year, True Salt has seen unprecedented growth from national and regional food manufacturers who are increasingly turning to clean-label, natural ingredients to meet evolving consumer preferences. Foodservice distributors have also significantly ramped up orders as restaurant operators and hospitality groups seek reliable, high-quality sources of sea salt to maintain consistency across their menus. This rapid rise in demand has made it essential for True Salt to expand its operations, ensuring it can continue to deliver the volume, purity, and reliability the market expects without compromise. "Our growth is being driven by an industry-wide shift toward simplicity, transparency, and better ingredients and sea salt sits at the heart of that transformation," said Brian Pierce, CEO of True Salt. "Expanding our Baja operations allows us to reinforce the supply chain, shorten lead times, and continue delivering the superior quality, texture, and taste that our customers have come to expect." Beyond increased output, the Baja expansion reinforces True Salt's dedication to environmental responsibility. The company has implemented sustainable production processes at the new facility. "True Salt was built on the principle that purity and sustainability go hand in hand," said Kelly Egan, COO of True Salt. "Our operations in Baja are not just about producing more salt they're about doing it the right way. We're ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability while continuing to meet the surging demand from our partners across North America." "Our customers rely on True Salt to deliver consistency, scalability, and integrity," Pierce added. "This investment in Baja ensures that we can meet that commitment for years to come supporting innovation, resilience, and growth across every part of the sea salt supply chain." With this expansion, True Salt strengthens its position as one of North America's most capable and reliable suppliers of natural sea salt. The company continues to explore further investment in sustainable sourcing, regional distribution, and advanced quality systems to maintain its leadership in an increasingly competitive and fast-growing market. About True Salt Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, True Salt is a leading supplier of premium sea salt products to the foodservice, food manufacturing, and consumer sectors. Committed to purity, performance, and sustainability, True Salt provides all-natural sea salts sourced and processed to the highest standards of quality. Media Contact: Kelly Egan COO 480-674-9203 [email protected] https://www.truesaltco.com/ SOURCE True Salt Home Opinion Tucker Carlsons mockery and Gods irrevocable call Paul, the self-described apostle to the Gentiles, wrote these words to Christians in Rome: For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). What was Paul talking about? He was declaring that God keeps His promises even when we dont. In Romans 9-11, Paul defends the faithfulness of God to Israel to reassure Gentile believers that the Gospel promise he had just written in Romans 10 could be trusted If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Because the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 12 remains valid, and will be fully fulfilled, we can be confident the promise of the New Covenant will be fulfilled: God gave this promise to Abraham, Go from your country to a land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation... I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. This continuity of covenant undergirds Christian support for Israel today. Gods redemptive plan was never revoked it was expanded. The Church has been grafted into the covenant, not as a replacement for Israel, but as partakers in Gods unfolding promise. Paul warns Gentile believers in Romans 11:18, Do not boast against the branches ... remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. What does this have to do with what is happening in our nation and in the world? How we view this topic will shape the public policies we support or oppose. Some voices even among those who claim the name of Christ are labeling these beliefs and convictions as Christian heresy. Recently, Tucker Carlson, in a conversation with known antisemite Nick Fuentes, mocked Christians like Mike Huckabee and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) who support Israels right to its land and existence. He claimed Christian Zionists are seized by a brain virus and that their beliefs are Christian heresy. Lets be clear: standing with Israel is not heresy its biblical orthodoxy. Christians who support Israel are not endorsing every decision of its government any more than they endorse every policy of their own. Rather, they recognize that Gods prophetic promises move toward restoration, not rejection; multiplication, not subtraction. Paul didnt have a brain virus, nor did he teach a nationalistic fantasy he articulated divine revelation. Gods covenant with Israel remains intact because the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. The same faithfulness that secures Israels future guarantees our salvation in Christ. Throughout history, from the prophets to the apostles to the Church Fathers, those who have taken Scripture seriously have affirmed this truth: Gods dealings with Israel reveal His character. To deny that is to question the reliability of God Himself. So, no Christian support for Israel is not heresy. It is faith in action, anchored in the word of God, aligned with the heart of God, and consistent with the promises of God promises to Israel, and to all who believe. By Farnaces/Adobe Reform UK and the charity sector on first appearance, the two might appear incompatible. Leader Nigel Farage has been accused of making inflammatory comments about refugees, while some of the partys candidates in 2024 supported online conspiracies that Muslims are seeking to supplant the native population in the UK. Farage has claimed that since then the party has beefed up the partys vetting process to professionalise itself. But recently, Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin was accused of making racist remarks after she said seeing adverts full of Black and Asian people drives her mad. Then there are concerns that Reform UKs growing popularity has contributed to and benefitted from growing far-right activism, from which it has distanced itself. Nevertheless, sector leaders warned prime minister Keir Starmer last month that charities, particularly those working with migrant communities, were experiencing increasing racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and antisemitism on the streets and in workplaces including abuse of staff and volunteers. The Charity Commission, meanwhile, has removed the names of trustees from several refugee charities listed on its register due to a potential safety risk. In the current political climate, many charity staff and trustees will question how they can align themselves with a party whose values appear to be so different to their own. However, Farages party is becoming increasingly hard to ignore, winning councils and mayoralities across England and consistently topping national polls for most of 2025. Common ground Beyond the rhetoric, what does Reform actually stand for as a political party? The party has been described as being culturally right-wing but economically left-leaning. For example, in a piece published in the Telegraph , Nigel Farage called for a ban on second-home owners from buying new-builds in tourist hotspots. It has also, perhaps surprisingly, shown support for a wildlife protection initiative to put swift bricks in every new home. This policy, backed by charities such as RSPB, was originally in the Labour Party manifesto , but then dropped by the government. In a recent blog, nfpResearch suggested that charities could therefore lobby Reform as a way of getting the governments attention. Meanwhile, Danny Kruger, an MP who led the government-commissioned review of civil society in 2020, defected from the Conservatives to Reform last month . As someone who understands the sector, perhaps Krugers appointment could signal potential for closer engagement between charities and Reform. However, there are other Reform policies that have been less welcomed by charities, such as its plan to end net zero targets, a policy campaigned for by organisations like Greenpeace. The party also plans to halve international aid and cut development work and refugee support policies that alienate the international development sector. Then theres health and social care, with Farage saying he would cut disability benefits and that there is an over-diagnosis of mental health conditions. Meanwhile, only 49% of Reform voters said they trusted charities, according to one nfpResearch poll , though there was significantly higher support for organisations supporting military veterans. Reaching across divides Civil Society organisations are therefore left with the question of whether and how to engage with Reform and its growing legion of supporters. Some charities, including well-known organisations like Cancer Research UK, decided to attend Reforms recent party conference in Birmingham. It included controversial moments, such as doctor Aseem Malhotra using his conference speech to link King Charless cancer to the Covid-19 vaccine. With this in mind, what are the benefits of the charity sector working more closely with Reform? Firstly, charities are not party political by law and definition. With the political tide swinging in Reforms favour, many service users and supporters will vote for the party at the next election. Failing to engage with Reform could alienate these voters and supporters' voices. Peter Holbrook, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, also attended Reforms conference, which he says made him feel a bit uncomfortable as he disagrees with many of the partys expressed views. However, he says that he found many people at the conference were frustrated and wanting change. Holbrook, who recently organised a series of online meetings with civil society leaders about a collective response to increasing public hostility, says it is particularly important at the moment for those in the sector to talk to people with whom they might disagree. Its not about one approach being right, because we dont know what approach is right. It is about recognising the scale of the problem and deploying your diplomats, he tells Civil Society. People are going to feel uncomfortable doing that. I get it, but its needed. We need to go in and have proper conversations. We need to prepare for all sorts of scenarios, because the risks are vast. He says that people who work in the sector and Reform supporters might not be as far apart as some people might imagine, with many of their frustrations stemming from economic inequalities. However, he adds: This is not just an organic response to inequality. This is a seeded and intentional campaign of social division that we see before us, and we need to respond really smartly and thoughtfully, and we need to get our messaging right, and we need to be the best that we've ever been. Meanwhile, umbrella body NCVO tells Civil Society that charities may need to consider political engagement with different parties, other than Labour and the Conservatives, for many different reasons. Parties such as Reform UK, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have gained influence across local, regional and national levels, shaping both policy and media conversation, so influencing their priorities could be vital, a spokesperson says. For any civil society organisation, the starting point should be getting clarity on what it is they are trying to achieve and which stakeholders political or otherwise are key to success. A charitys greatest strength lies in its people, so mobilising communities and supporters to champion a cause can often be the most powerful way to create lasting change. While Reform is polling strongly right now, the next election is not due until 2029 a long time in politics. The party also lost the recent by-election in Caerphilly to Plaid Cymru a sign the party may potentially not perform as well in Wales overall as the polls suggest. However, its growing significance as a political force and support from the people that charities support could mean it is time for more charities to engage. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Zohran Mamdani, the thirty-four-year-old Democratic Socialist poised to become the next mayor of New York City, has drawn much attention for his social media skills. His jaunty videos and online savvy have so effectively helped him build an army of supporters that his opponents began trying to copy the style of his videos. Less remarked upon, though, is the fact that he has no other choice than to be good at new media. The old media hates him. Newspapers and their editorial sections emerge out of obscurity when it is time for the establishment to bare its fangs against a perceived threat. To most New York City voters, Mamdani is known for his smile, his charisma, and his wish to make the city a more affordable place to live. National newspapers have taken a different view. If you live and work in the part of New York City that is not Wall Street, the Wall Street Journal opinion sections coverage of Mamdani has been a great amusement these past months, like watching a clumsy barbecue chef frantically rolling in the mud after his apron has caught fire. Since June, when the mayoral primaries were held, the paper has run more than fifty editorials and op-eds attacking Mamdani. For a paper that ostensibly covers the entire nation, that is a lot. On one hand, the Journals writers have noted that Mamdani is a good-looking person who you might not mind matching with on a dating site. On the other hand, they have also said he is radical and unpatriotic and anti-Semitic and sympathetic to Islamists and a demagogue and a caudillo and a real economic threat and like a bad therapist and has made statements of unheard-of violence about Israelis and Jews and will end public safety and wipe out landlords and destroy charter schools and steer the city in a disastrous direction that may very well include both suicide bombs and Soviet bread lines. Thus the papers entire opinion section has taken on the discomforting character of a drunken middle-aged man trying to hit on a self-possessed college student by lecturing her on why she shouldnt believe all the communist crap they teach in school. Such romantic blundersjust like the papers attempts to dissuade normal people from electing Mamdanitend to be embarrassing and unsuccessful. The ravings of the Journals right-wing editorial board are predictable. But even their good liberal counterparts at the New York Times have been, in their own way, equally weird and hostile toward Mamdanis candidacy. This manifested most clearly in the Times editorial boards non-endorsement in the June Democratic primary. In a piece that dwelled on imaginary threats of disorder and the chaotic or even menacing quality of subway rides, the Times said that Mamdani shows little concern about the disorder of the past decade, and concluded: We do not believe that Mr. Mamdani deserves a spot on New Yorkers ballots. The piece pointedly added that either Mamdani or Andrew Cuomo would probably win, and that what mattered was where voters ranked each, thereby effectively endorsing Cuomo without coming out and saying it. This, from the paper that has spent years reporting on every last detail of Cuomos corruption and sexual harassment scandals. Nor has the allergy to Mamdanis rise been confined to New York City. The editorial board of the Washington Posta paper that has been the victim of an explicit ideological purge this year, in which owner Jeff Bezos made clear that the papers editorial stance will now reflect his own business interestsweighed in yesterday with an ominous piece headlined Zohran Mamdanis success is a warning. It seems that there are enough voters to put him in powerbut if New Yorkers begin to flee in droves, it could force him to moderate, the piece said, echoing a hilariously implausible scare poll from the Daily Mail warning that at least 765,000 New Yorkers will definitely leave the city if Mamdani is given a chance to implement his terrifying agenda of, uh, making the buses free. The writers at the Post, small-town residents that they are, seem to have fallen prey to smooth-talking big-city con men. How typical. Sign up for CJRs daily email Before Zohran Mamdani, the only two political figures who received the same level of vitriol from newspaper pundits were Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. It is easy to imagine the Journal, the Times, and the Post as three nervous suburbanites on a day trip to New York City: purses clutched tight to their sides, their hands grasping pepper spray as they descend into the threatening depths of the Times Square subway station, vigilant to the possibility of an attack from a homeless person. These types of visitors, their view of the city shaped by too many urban crime dramas, are common. We welcome them. We do our best to soothe their fears. We even try to gently persuade them to go to Jackson Heights and try some Indian food. But we do not let them tell us how to run our city. That would be ridiculous. More seriously, the stunning unity of the papers in their opposition to the possibility that Mamdani may represent something positive is indicative of what all these publications have in common. More than any other media outlet, great old papers like these represent the establishment. Being a part of the political, social, and economic power structure defined the nature of successful big-city papers and their owners for generations. Their commitment to keep change modest, to keep reform within reason, to keep the basic arrangement of things steady is far more fundamental to these publications worldview than their relative spot on the right-to-modestly-liberal spectrum. Before Zohran Mamdani, the only two political figures in recent decades who received the same level of common vitriol from this slice of the pundit world were Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. The only thing that unites those three is that all of them sought, to varying degrees, to upend the establishment. That inclinationdisrespectful as it is to the social ladder that members of these media institutions have climbedwill always rub such newspapers the wrong way. At the very least, New York, dont give the Democratic Socialist a mandate or anything he can claim as such. Make it a close one, wrote Peggy Noonan, the soul of the Wall Street Journal, a few days ago. Her plea embodies the establishments increasing disgruntlement with the fact that nobody seems to be listening to them. A hint to why that might be is contained in Noonans cheerleading of the citys resurgence: We are up and operating again, getting our strut back. Midtown Manhattan is clogged again with impossible traffic, downtowns booming, people are back in the office and out on the town, Broadway is back. Within a thirty-block radius in Manhattan, the citys best-paid pundits wonder what has gone wrong. Throughout the other 95 percent of New York City (there are four whole other boroughs!) voters seem to grasp the situation with more clarity than the writers who are supposed to be analyzing it for them. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Seated on the front bench of the voadeira, a motorized canoe taking us deeper into the Amazon rainforest along the Iriri River, Maxiel Ferreira, who is twenty, alternated his gaze between a Canon EOS 5D camera and the water, reflecting infinite shades of green. At times, he would suddenly stand at the bow, balancing himself, and, using a long wooden stick that reached the bottom of the river, conduct the vessel through channels, avoiding rocks and other underwater obstacles that only he could see, maneuvering through rapids or around a banzeiro, a fearsome whirlpool that beiradeiros (inhabitants of Amazonian riverine communities) such as Ferreira dont dare to trespass without asking the river for permission. Ferreira had joined me, photographer Rafael Vilela, and cartoonist-reporter Pablito Aguiar on a two-week reporting trip deep into Terra do MeioThe Land in the Middle, a vast stretch of Brazilian Amazon between the Xingu and Tapajos Rivers, permeated by their many tributaries and home to a mosaic of ancient Indigenous lands and traditional forest communities. We were following Eduardo Neves, a prominent forest archaeologist and director of the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at the University of Sao Paulo, as he and his team searched for newly discovered archaeological sites containing long-buried remnants of lost societies that once thrived in the Amazon. It was Ferreiras first assignment as a photographer. His introduction to journalism came when the elders of his community, Boa Esperanca (Good Hope), nominated him to participate in the first session of the Mycelium-Sumauma Forest journalist co-training program, started in 2023 by Sumauma, an independent trilingual news platform. Sumauma gets its name from the Amazons majestic tree. Mycelium is the rootlike vegetative body of a fungus that forms a vast underground network connecting forest plants; this network also functions as a communication system, allowing plants to exchange information and resources, which supports the overall health of the forest. It seemed the perfect metaphor for the type of journalism ecosystem that Sumauma set out to create. The program aims to form young people from Indigenous and other traditional Amazon communities into reporters. Over the course of a year, they participate in seminars and workshops with leading journalists, including about twenty-five of Sumaumas reporters and editors. As the name suggests, the co-training goes both ways: media professionals, or sementoras (seeders, as they are called), impart knowledge, and Amazonian locals, or myceliants (twenty-three, so far), share their own. The group is now working with a second cohort, preparing to cover the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP30, which for the first time will be hosted in the Amazon region. As part of the program, the journalism trainees receive a monthly stipend of fifteen hundred Brazilian reais, plus books and other reading materials, multimedia training and equipment, and travel funding. They attend five immersive meetings, each lasting a week to ten days. The rest of their time is spent reporting, which takes them through the entire process, from the idea to publication: interviewing, writing or producing news in audio or video, fact-checking, editing, and translating into English and Spanish. Ferreiras first piece was a podcast about his grandmother Francisca Ferreira, an Amazonian woman and community leader. He has since become a contributor to Rede Xingu+, a collective of twenty-six young communicators, as theyre known, from Indigenous territories and forest communities across the Xingu River basin. The co-training program was the vision of Eliane Brum, a renowned Brazilian journalist, writer, and filmmaker, and the British correspondent Jonathan Watts, the global environment editor for The Guardian. Back in 2020, as the world grappled with COVID, the two began imagining the future post-pandemic, asking themselves how journalism could respond to a planet on the brink. From the beginning, Jon and I conceived this co-training program in which we, the white journalists with over thirty years of experience, would teach the journalism we know how to do with precision, ethics, and respect for sources and facts, and the young forest people would teach us how they tell stories and report news, something that the Indigenous peoples in the Amazon have been doing for over ten thousand years, Brum told me. From this exchange, from this conversation between worlds, would emerge journalism capable of responding to climate collapse. Waja Xipai, a forest journalist from the Xipaya Indigenous Territory who participated in the first Mycelium, was born and raised in the Medio Xingu along the Iriri River. Last summer, when he set out to investigate why its waters had turned green, he saw no other way to begin the story than to interview the river. I jumped into the Iriri River in an attempt to drown myself, he wrote in the resulting piece. My body sank like a stone into its bed. I say drown and sink figuratively, to speak of my desire to understand the river so deeply that the Iriri itself would speak. I remain lying at the bottom of the river, and I am still in the depths as I write this article. He goes on to describe fungi, plants, bacteria, and the phytoplankton peoplesconveying a conception of nature inherent to the Indigenous peoples in the Amazon. The dichotomy between humans and nature, let alone anthropocentrism, doesnt make sense to them. Rather, there is an understanding that everything that exists is composed of the same material substance, only in different forms, and that anything can transmute into something else, just as bodies decompose after death. And since he is also the river, Waja began the reporting inside the river, mixed with the river, Brum said. So these are the types of experiences we have. Sign up for CJRs daily email Insights brought by reporters-in-training are discussed extensively, and from collective reflections, a new language emerges. Sumauma began capitalizing nonhuman beings like Castanheira (Brazil nut tree) and River as names when referring to a particular tree or river, and it has incorporated the concept of other humans, also called more than humans, when referring to nonhuman beings. Language is inclusive in terms of gender. Articles never refer to a given Indigenous group as being from Brazil, but rather in Brazil, acknowledging their existence prior to the formation of the country. Bylines first mention a reporters biome, and only then the cityeven for reporters from Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, or Brasilia. My journalism is connected to who I am as an Indigenous person, as a body of the forest, Xipai told me. Sumauma has given me complete freedom to practice it the way Ive always wanted to. There are lots of discussions, a lot of studying, a lot of reading about language and how we position ourselves even politically through language, Viviane Zandonadi, editorial flow coordinator and language editor of Sumauma, told me. She and Brum are working on an editorial handbookor, as they call it, a language igarape (language creek). This co-training program constantly makes us look at ourselves, the so-called experienced journalists, she said. Experienced in what? Why do we think we know more? We are constantly talking to these people who have other experiences and other ways of being. So we often ask ourselves who we are. Sumauma positions itself, per its founding statement, as doing journalism from the center of the world. As Brum put it, We defend that there needs to be a shift in the concepts of the worlds centers and peripheries, where the centers are the enclaves of nature that still resist, like the Amazon, the Pantanal, the Cerrado, the oceans, all biomes, and not Washington, Beijing, Frankfurt, where decisions that destroy nature are made. Sumauma is, in this way, a power transfer project. The hope is that, in ten years, most of the newsroom will be composed of forest journalists, including in leadership positions. The participants in Myceliums first session, none of whom came with a formal journalism background, now work mostly in communications for collectives and independent initiatives, such as Rede Xingu+. Three have become Sumauma staff writers, including Xipai, whose latest piece is an exclusive interview with Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-generalhis only scheduled interview before COP30 and the first ever to an Indigenous forest journalist. The nine forest journalists in the second cohort, by contrast, all came with some familiarity with reporting. Our challenge this time is to unformat them, to authorize them to experiment, Brum said. Marcos Miranda, a participant from Rio Madeira, Porto Velho, in the state of Rondonia, defined the program as a collective experience of learning; Lorena de Paula, from Belem, in Para, as an overflowing experience. Some are refugees, as Brum told me: forest people pushed to the marginalized peripheries of Amazonian cities by the same forces destroying the forest. I was born and raised in the city. But there is no such thing as a city and a forest. The city is on top of the forest soil, Miranda said. For her first Sumauma story, de Paula wrote about shade inequality, using data to reveal a gap in the distribution of trees and a difference of up to eight degrees Celsius between rich and poor neighborhoods in Belem, which is hosting COP30. This months event marks three decades since the Conference of the Parties first met in Berlin, following the creation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at the Rio Earth Summit (known as ECO-92); twenty years since the Kyoto Protocol entered into force, establishing legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries; and a decade of the Paris Agreement, which brought all nations together with the common goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C above preindustrial levels. (That is, until President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement, and the United States joined Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the only countries not party to it.) During our trip to Terra do Meio, we learned from Neves, the archaeologist, that some eight million to ten million people lived across the Amazon basin when the first Europeans arrived. The finding challenged the colonial narrative of the rainforest as a wild emptiness, which predominated until technological advancements proved it wrong. Pre-Columbian Amazonian civilizations date back twelve thousand years. They were enslaved or killed, when they didnt die of diseases like smallpox brought by the colonizers. Entire Indigenous communities were lost; ethnic groups vanished. The few survivors and their descendants have passed on the knowledge of the forest peoples for generations. The myceliants are their heirs. Sumauma will travel to Belem by boat, carrying the reforesting and forest journalists, beiradeiros, Indigenous female leaders, and scientists on board to COP30. Before Sumauma, I would go to these places and do the journalism I believed in, subverting some things, but it was me. Now its an entire team doing it in another way, and this is very, very beautiful for me, Brum said. I dont know how much were going to be able to do, but its a team doing what it believes in, and that has prepared a lot for this. Our COP coverage will be at home, from inside, from the forest. A North Dakota judge has ordered Greenpeace to pay damages of $345 million, reducing an earlier jury award after it found the environmental group and related entities liable for defamation and other claims in connection with protests of an oil pipeline nearly a decade ago. The new amount is roughly half the $667 million that a jury had awarded to the pipeline company that brought the claims, Dallas-based Energy Transfer and subsidiary Dakota Access. The case stems from protests in 2016 and 2017 against the Dakota Access oil pipeline and its crossing of the Missouri River near the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes reservation. Greenpeace had asked state District Judge James Gion to rule in its favor on the claims against it, with mixed results. In granting the request to some claims, the judge said he had no evidence to review or that the damages were duplicative. In denying others, he said the evidence could lead a jury to reasonably make such findings. He limited certain damages and disallowed several claims. Energy Transfer said it intends to appeal as we firmly believe that the original jury findings and damages awards for conspiracy and defamation are lawful and just. Greenpeace, for its part, intends to seek a new trial and will appeal if denied, saying, we still believe that the remaining claims are legally unfounded. The group has said the lawsuit is meant to chill free speech and the right to protest. In March, a nine-person jury found Netherlands-based Greenpeace International, Greenpeace USA and funding arm Greenpeace Fund Inc. liable for defamation and other claims brought by Energy Transfer. The jury found Greenpeace USA liable on all counts, including conspiracy, trespass, nuisance and tortious interference with business relations. The other two entities were found liable for some of the claims. Damages totaled $666.9 million, divided in different amounts among the three Greenpeace organizations. The pipeline company accused Greenpeace of carrying out a scheme to stop the pipeline. Greenpeace attorneys said there was no evidence to back up the claims. After the verdict, attorneys for the Greenpeace entities asked the judge to reduce the damages and to undo the verdict in their favor. Energy Transfer asked the judge to enter the judgment the jury found. The lawsuit was filed in 2019 and went to trial earlier this year in state district court in Mandan, North Dakota. In September, the judge denied a request from the pipeline company to stop Greenpeace International from continuing with an anti-intimidation lawsuit it filed against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Typhoon Kalmaegi killed 21 people and displaced nearly 400,000 more as it dumped heavy rains and caused widespread flooding in central Philippines, according to officials and local media. A Philippine Air Force helicopter crashed on Tuesday in Agusan del Sur in the southern Mindanao island while on its way to provide assistance to those affected by the typhoon. The air force didnt provide other details but said in a statement that rescue and recovery operations are ongoing. Many of the fatalities were in Cebu province where residents were trapped on rooftops as floodwaters rose, images released by local media showed. At least 12 residents of a village in Cebu City died after flash floods swept through mountain communities, Cebu Daily News reported, citing Mayor Nestor Archival. The typhoon, locally known as Tino, slightly weakened as it pummeled the central provinces, but still packing maximum winds of 130 kilometers (81 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 180 kilometers, according to weather bureau Pagasa. Its on course to emerge over the South China Sea on Wednesday morning, and will likely track central Vietnam. The typhoon first hit land in Leyte province before pounding Cebu, which is still reeling from a powerful earthquake that killed dozens over a month ago. As many as 60 houses in the village in Cebu were swept away by the flood, Mayor Archival was quoted as saying in the newspaper report, as residents ignored warnings to evacuate. Around 387,000 persons were preemptively evacuated across many regions, Office of Civil Defense spokesperson Junie Castillo said in a briefing. Theres a high risk of life-threatening and damaging storm surge with peak heights of more than 3 meters (10 feet) within the next 24 hours over low-lying or coastal communities, Pagasa said. More than 300 flights were canceled on Tuesday due to the typhoon, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, adding that 20 more scheduled for Wednesday have been scrapped. Kalmaegi is the 20th tropical cyclone this year to hit the Philippines, one of the worlds most disaster-prone nations. Top photo: People evacuate to a school ahead of Typhoon Kalmaegi in Balangkayan, Eastern Samar, the Philippines, on Nov. 3. Photographer: Alren Beronio/AFP/Getty Images. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. HOUSTON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Supreme Court will hear Learning Resources v. Trump tomorrow, a case that could redefine presidential power over trade and economic policy with global ripple effects. In anticipation of this landmark hearing, University of Houston Law Professor Seth J. Chandler has launched a cutting-edge artificial intelligence tool to help media professionals quickly understand and cover the case. According to Chandler, his website, powered by Google's Gemini model through the NotebookLM platform, allows media professionals to ask specific questions about the case and receive answers grounded directly in court documents, briefs, and legal filings. Users will need to log into their gmail accounts to access the website. The tool represents a new frontier in how legal scholars can serve the public interest by making complex constitutional questions accessible to those who inform the broader public. "Tomorrow's oral arguments could have far-reaching implications for American law," Chandler said. "Media producers are working under tight deadlines to explain intricate legal issues to their audiences. This AI-powered resource gives them instant access to accurate, document-based information about the case, helping them produce more informed coverage. It also lets them ask better questions of on-camera human experts about the case." The website offers: Prebuilt two-minute explainer segments available in English and Spanish , ready for immediate use in broadcast or digital media. and , ready for immediate use in broadcast or digital media. Concise summaries of the key issues, parties and constitutional questions at stake in the case. Interactive capability that allows journalists to ask their own questions about the case, and unlike general-purpose AI chatbots, the system is specifically trained on the case record, ensuring that responses are anchored in actual legal documents rather than general knowledge or speculation. This reduces the risk of misinformation while providing easy-to-understand accessibility for journalists working on tight deadlines. Professor Chandler, author of legaled.ai, a leading blog on artificial intelligence in legal education, has been at the forefront of exploring how AI can enhance legal learning and public understanding of the law. This project extends that mission by demonstrating how law faculty can leverage AI to fulfill their public service obligations in new and scalable ways. "This is just the beginning," Chandler noted. "As AI tools become more sophisticated, law professors have an opportunityand perhaps an obligationto use these technologies to bridge the gap between complex legal proceedings and public understanding." The resource is freely available to all media producers covering tomorrow's Supreme Court arguments. It will be augmented with a transcript of the oral argument by Wednesday evening. You can read more about Chandler here: Seth Chandler UH Law Faculty Profile Media contacts: To schedule an interview with Professor Chandler, please contact Carrie Anna Criado, UH Law Center Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-2184, [email protected]; or Rashda Khan, Director of Communications, 713-743-2184 [email protected] About the University of Houston Law Center The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a dynamic, top-tier law school located in the nation's 4th largest city. UHLC's Health Law, Intellectual Property and Information Law, Legal Writing Program, and Part-time programs rank in the U.S. News Top 15. It awards Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, through its academic branch, the College of Law. The Law Center is more than just a law school. It is a powerful hub of intellectual activity with more than 12 centers and institutes that fuel its educational mission and national reputation. UHLC is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. About the University of Houston The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic- and Asian American-Serving institution with an enrollment of more than 47,000 students. SOURCE University of Houston Law Center Stellantis said Tuesday it is recalling 375,000 plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SUVs worldwide over battery failure after 19 reports of fires, and urged owners to park outdoors until a fix is completed. The recall covers some 2020 through 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe SUVs. The company said a recall remedy is imminent but, until then, owners should park away from structures and refrain from charging vehicles because of fire risks. Stellantis told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it had reports of 19 fires and one injury linked to the issue. About 320,000 of the recalled vehicles are in the United States. The automaker said the batteries were produced by Samsung. An investigation by Stellantis and Samsung SDI determined that a fire earlier this year was caused by the same defect reported in the 2024 recall of 154,000 plug-in hybrid Jeep EVs after reports of two injuries. Vehicles that were repaired after recalls in 2023 and 2024 will need to be fixed again, NHTSA said. Samsung SDI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Stellantis said it had received nine reports of fires originating from the battery in plug-in Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee vehicles that received software in the 2024 recall, and 10 fires from batteries outside the scope of that recall. Samsung SDI has stated the most likely root cause is separator damage combined with other complex interactions within the battery cells. The Franco-American automaker had also recalled more than 298,000 U.S. vehicles in October, citing potential rollaway risk. (Reporting by Shepardson in Washington and Palyekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Kevin Liffey) Beachwood City Council opted on Monday to purchase six new city vehicles at a cost of just over $128,000. Jeff Piorkowski BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- Among the legislation on City Councils agenda Monday (Nov. 3) was one piece that drew some attention on social media. That legislation asked council to approve the purchase of six new vehicles for use by the Public Works Department (four vehicles); Economic Development Director Catherine Bieterman (one vehicle); and Mayor Justin Berns (one vehicle). The vehicle to be purchased for Berns was the buy that drew the attention of some on social media -- in particular a critical podcast co-hosted by former councilman Mike Burkons. Berns currently uses a 2022 Ford Explorer ST for city and personal use. It has accumulated 38,400 miles. That Explorer will be replaced with a 2025 Ford Explorer that costs $53,000. The city will receive $32,500 in trade-in value for the 2022 Explorer to offset the cost. Speaking of the six city vehicles to be replaced, Finance Director Larry Heiser, acknowledging the talk on social media, stated: Yes, Ill address it now. One of thems (for) the mayor. Ill tell you now, hes (Berns) going to pay more for it (than the 2022 Explorer) because its a taxable fringe benefit. We are one city of probably maybe five total in the state of Ohio, in my opinion, that does this correctly, he said. We tax both chiefs (Police and Fire department chiefs, who sit on) on either side of me (during council meetings); the assistant chiefs (vehicle); and the mayor as a taxable fringe. It is in IRS code, but Im doubtful very many cities do it (tax use of a personal vehicle). Heiser said the new vehicles are necessary purchases. Both the mayor and Cathy (Bieterman) are out and about in the community. We want them to have nicer-looking vehicles when they show up to different events, coming and going. When asked, Heiser said Berns current vehicle still looks good. The mayor keeps really good care of his vehicle, which is one reason were getting such a good trade-in number for it. Council President Alec Isaacson asked Heiser if it was correct to say that the six vehicles to be purchased are now at their maximum trade-in value. Heiser replied that, based on the quotes the city received from three dealers, yes, the vehicles are at their maximum trade-in value. Heiser told council that the city is beginning a program to replace its vehicles now, because during the pandemic, getting new vehicles was difficult. Of the six to be replaced at this time, two are older -- from 2009 and 2017 -- three are from 2021 and Berns Explorer is a 2022 model. Heiser said the city wanted to continue using hybrid vehicles, although Ford no longer makes Escape Hybrids. The city is trading in two hybrids, but is purchasing four Mavericks, which are hybrids, and one Escape Hybrid that was still on the lot of Liberty Ford. Liberty was the lowest bidder in a field of three bidders that also included Montrose Ford and Ganley Ford. Were going to stick with good gas mileage, Heiser said of the hybrid vehicles to be purchased. He said the current time was chosen to make the trade-ins and purchases because new vehicle costs will rise by next year, while the vehicles to be traded in will decrease in value. Council approved the legislation to trade in the old vehicles and buy the new ones by a vote of 6-1, with Councilwoman June Taylor opposing. The legislation called for no more than $128,165 to be spent. Liberty Fords low bid, including the trade-ins, was for $128,165. Heiser said he will likely be before council in 2026 with legislation to replace six to 10 more vehicles. Read more from the Sun Press. A Summit County grand jury has indicted Vivek Bhalla, 45, the former president of Summa Health Medical Group, on a felony charge of violating the state's revenge porn law. Megan Becka, special to cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio A Summit County grand jury has indicted the former president of Summa Health Medical Group on a felony charge of violating the states revenge porn law. Vivek Bhalla, 45, of Copley faces a fifth-degree felony after a woman accused him of sending an explicit photo of her to her family, business partners and other people on social media Oct. 18. The indictment was filed last week. If he is convicted, Bhalla faces a year in prison and a $2,500 fine. The woman said she waited to contact police until she left Ohio with her children because she was afraid of Bhalla, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reported last month. When police questioned Bhalla, he denied sending the photos, saying other people had access to his phone, according to authorities. Bhalla was arrested and released after posting a $5,000 bond, according to Barberton Municipal Court records. On Friday, Barberton Municipal Court Judge Todd McKenny approved a temporary protective order that prevents Bhalla from contacting or going near the victim, court records show. As of Oct. 24, Bhalla was no longer employed at Summa Health Medical Group, spokesman Mike Bernstein said in an email. In 2018, Ohio passed a law making it illegal for someone to send nude or sexually explicit photos or videos of another person without their consent and with the intent to harm the victim. This isnt the first time Bhalla has faced legal trouble. In 2013, Richfield Village police arrested Bhalla and charged him with domestic violence, according to Akron Municipal Court records. In that case, Bhalla pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct. Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reached out to Bhallas attorneys, Donald Malarcik and Noah Munyer, for comment. Bhalla is scheduled for an arraignment at 1 p.m. Dec. 1 before Judge Jennifer Towell in Summit County Common Pleas Court. USMCA binational panel review strips U.S. courts of jurisdiction to review determinations of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission. There is nothing wrong with U.S. judicial review that justifies replacing it with review by foreign citizens. U.S. Lumber Coalition urges USTR to condition extension of the USMCA on agreement to eliminate the Chapter 10 binational panel review process. WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Lumber Coalition in its comments to the United States Trade Representative has requested that any extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) should be conditioned on the elimination of the Chapter 10 binational panel review process. The Chapter 10 process strips U.S. courts of jurisdiction to review determinations of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission. In this alternative process, review of U.S. agency determinations and issues of U.S. law are decided by panels that include non-citizens outside of constitutional oversight or democratic accountability. "Under USMCA Chapter 10, unfair trade can be accepted rather than disciplined, robbing U.S. industries of a fair chance to compete and costing U.S. workers their jobs. These rulings are too often based on flawed interpretations of U.S. law that cannot be appealed, and they force U.S. producers and workers to compete against unrestrained, subsidized and unfairly traded foreign imports," said Zoltan van Heyningen, Executive Director of the U.S. Lumber Coalition. "USMCA Chapter 10 is unconstitutional, plain and simple. It gives powers to international tribunals that the Constitution reserves for U.S. courts. Foreign panel members are appointed with the input of foreign governments to the exclusion of Federal judges nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. This binational panel review like the processes that existed under Chapter 19 of the NAFTA just does not work. It's past time for this failed experiment to end," emphasized van Heyningen. Binational panel review has at times yielded deeply flawed decisions and caused years-long delays in finalizing U.S. agency determinations. Domestic judicial review of trade remedy determinations should be restored for goods from Canada. "U.S. law provides all interested parties, both foreign and domestic, the opportunity for judicial review of Commerce Department and International Trade Commission determinations by U.S. judges at the Court of International Trade. There is nothing wrong with U.S. judicial review that justifies replacing it with review by foreign citizens," added van Heyningen. "The U.S. Lumber industry over decades has had no choice but to invoke the U.S. trade remedy laws against subsidized and unfairly traded softwood lumber imports from Canada. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of these laws has been undermined as they apply to Canada through Chapter 10 of the USMCA," stated Andrew Miller, Chair and Owner of Stimson Lumber Company. "The U.S. Lumber Coalition strongly urges the United States to condition extension of the USMCA on the elimination of the Chapter 10 binational panel review process. Unlike the flawed binational panel review system, judicial review by judges in U.S. courts guarantees interested parties the opportunity for impartial and transparent review of the lawfulness of agency determinations in trade law proceedings. The USLC greatly appreciates President Trump's and his administration's commitment to enforce the U.S. trade laws against unfairly traded Canadian softwood lumber imports. Continued full enforcement is exactly what must happen to continue to expand U.S. lumber manufacturing and strengthen U.S. supply lines to meet demand to build more American homes," concluded Miller. U.S. Lumber Coalition full comments to the United States Trade Representative: https://uslumbercoalition.org/issues/chapter-10/ About the U.S. Lumber Coalition The U.S. Lumber Coalition is an alliance of large and small softwood lumber producers from around the country, joined by their employees and woodland owners, working to address Canada's unfair lumber trade practices. Our goal is to serve as the voice of the American lumber community and effectively address Canada's unfair softwood lumber trade practices. The Coalition supports the full enforcement of the U.S. trade laws to allow the U.S. industry to invest and grow to its natural size without being impaired by unfairly traded imports. Continued full enforcement of the U.S. trade laws will strengthen domestic supply lines by maximizing long-term domestic production and lumber availability produced by U.S. workers to build U.S. homes. For more information, please visit the Coalition's website at www.uslumbercoalition.org. CONTACT: Zoltan van Heyningen [email protected] | 202-805-9133 SOURCE U.S. Lumber Coalition Integration Makes Rain Protection, Peace of Mind, Seamlessly Available to Millions of German Travelers LEIPZIG, Germany, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WeatherPromise today announced the full rollout of its partnership with ab in den Urlaub, the largest online travel agency in Central and Eastern Europe and Germany's leading provider of packaged vacations. Ab in den Urlaub provides customers with perfectly tailored offers: trips from well-known tour operators, flights from more than 550 airlines, and rooms in more than 200,000 hotels worldwide. Following a successful pilot earlier this year, WeatherPromise's weather protection is now fully integrated into ab in den Urlaub's web platforms and available to all German customers. Through this integration, travelers booking on ab in den Urlaub's well-known consumer brands, including ab-in-den-urlaub.de and fluege.de, can safeguard their vacations against excessive rainfall. If qualifying conditions occur, WeatherPromise automatically reimburses customers for the value of their trips without any claims process. "Ab in den Urlaub is a market leader in European online travel, and we are excited to partner with them at full scale," said David Klemm, Co-Founder of WeatherPromise. "This launch demonstrates the demand for innovative, customer-first solutions in leisure travel. By integrating directly into ab in den Urlaub's platforms, we're bringing peace of mind to millions of travelers and showing how weather protection can be woven seamlessly into the online booking experience." The rollout builds on a strong pilot program earlier in 2025, during which ab in den Urlaub customers successfully tested WeatherPromise's real-time coverage. With full integration, the partnership is now live across all ab in den Urlaub brands in Germany, expanding WeatherPromise's reach in one of Europe's largest and most competitive travel markets. WeatherPromise provides weather protection via industry-leading technology, utilizing millions of data points for each trip, and weather conditions are continually monitored using satellite imagery, weather stations, and radar to ensure an accurate, real-time evaluation at the travel destination. Ab in den Urlaub's customers, via WeatherPromise, now have added peace of mind for every trip booked. For more information or to book your trip, visit: ab-in-den-urlaub.de and/or fluege.de. About WeatherPromise WeatherPromise guarantees the weather for vacations as well as outdoor activities, experiences, and events. The company gives everyone the confidence to travel without worrying about the weather. With a global team and offices in the United States and Germany, WeatherPromise partners with the world's leading travel and experience companies to open up more destinations, more seasons, and more opportunities for its partners and their guests. For more information, visit www.weatherpromise.com. About ab in den Urlaub Group Since April 24, 2025, ab in den urlaub as a brand of Invia Travel GmbH has officially been part of Polish Grupa Wirtualna Polska (WP Holding), marking an important milestone in unifying Europe's digital travel platforms. Under WP Holding's umbrella, brands such as Wakacje.pl, Szallas Group, Invia.cz, a.s., Invia.sk, Invia.hu Kft., Travelplanet.pl , Invia Travel Germany GmbH and Invia Flights Germany GmbH will now move forward together. SOURCE WeatherPromise As Voters Cast their Ballots Today, When We All Vote Shifts the Narrative Around Local Elections to Increase Voter Participation WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This Election Day, When We All Vote , Michelle Obama's national, nonpartisan voting initiative, continues to make sure voters are registered and ready to vote in more than 53,000 local and state elections happening across the country. Through digital content and collaborations, voter education, and strategic partnerships, When We All Vote is showing voters, especially Black, Brown and young voters, what is possible when they show up at the ballot box. While turnout is traditionally lower in local elections, voters have begun to shift this narrative and make their voices heard on the issues they care about most, from wages and climate change to healthcare and election maps. More than 735,000 voters in New York City and 1.4 million voters in Virginia voted early this year, breaking records and surpassing the 2021 turnout by more than 300% and 20%, respectively. "As people head to the polls today, we are living through what is nearly the longest federal government shutdown in our country's history. Millions of Americans can't access the benefits, paychecks and services they need. The elections being held today will help determine how our communities respond to the federal dysfunction. Despite how heavy things feel, voters are stepping up to remind us that staying civically engaged is worth it for our communities and our democracy," said Civic Nation CEO Kyle Lierman. Voters can go to WeAll.Vote/VoterHub to access all the resources and information they need to make their voices heard today, from finding their polling places and checking ID requirements to learning what is on their ballot and knowing their voting rights. This election season, When We All Vote is also partnering with Lime to ensure transportation is never a barrier to voters making their voices heard, providing voters in select locations with free rides to polling places when they use the code 'VOTE2025.' This year, When We All Vote brought voting to the people, meeting voters at World Pride in Washington, D.C., WNBA playoff games, the Truth and Service Classic between Howard University and Hampton University, on college and high school campuses with the My School Votes Advisory Fellowship and more. When We All Vote also used its platform on social media as the most followed voting organization to engage and educate voters on why local elections matter, including: Turning National Voter Registration Day into an entire Week of Action reaching more than 3.5 million people alongside When We All Vote Co-Chairs including Becky G, Selena Gomez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Shonda Rhimes and Kerry Washington and When We All Vote partners including the National Basketball Association , FEMINIST , Hamilton and more. , , and more. Partnering with BET for National Black Voter Day to celebrate, engage and empower thousands of Black Americans to register to vote. to celebrate, engage and empower thousands of Black Americans to register to vote. Collaborating with creator J.C. Carter for 'Local Elections Matter' trivia at CultureCon, reaching more than 1.2 million people online. for 'Local Elections Matter' trivia at CultureCon, reaching more than 1.2 million people online. Highlighting the importance of early voting with When We All Vote Ambassador Kamie Crawford on Vote Early Day. on Vote Early Day. Launching Local Elections Explained for Gen Z , a digital series connecting the elections on the ballot to the issues voters face every day. , a digital series connecting the elections on the ballot to the issues voters face every day. Providing dates and deadlines information for voter registration and voting across the country. And more. 2025's crucial local and state elections come in a year where more than 400 bills making it harder to vote have been introduced across the country. From redistricting efforts and strict voter ID laws to changing rules surrounding early and mail-in voting and the purging of registered voters from the records, these increased attacks on voting rights and accessibility disproportionately impact Black, Brown and young voters. Still, voters across the country are showing up for their communities and making their voices heard on the issues and candidates closest to home and When We All Vote will help voters take this momentum into next year's midterm elections. ABOUT When We All Vote: When We All Vote is a leading national, nonpartisan initiative on a mission to change the culture around voting and to increase participation in each and every election by helping to close the race and age gap. Created by Michelle Obama, When We All Vote brings together individuals, institutions, brands, and organizations to register new voters across the country and advance civic education for the entire family and voters of every age to build an informed and engaged electorate for today and generations to come. We empower our supporters and volunteers to take action through voting, advocating for their rights, and holding their elected officials accountable. In 2020, When We All Vote ran a robust, multifaceted campaign and reached more than 100 million people to educate them about the voting process and get them registered and ready to vote. The initiative also led in voter education, registration, and volunteer engagement and as a result, 512,000 people started or completed the voter registration process, and nearly 500 media, corporate, and nonprofit partners joined its efforts. Michelle Obama launched When We All Vote in 2018 and is joined by fellow Co-Chairs Stephen Curry, Becky G, Selena Gomez, Tom Hanks, H.E.R., Liza Koshy, Jennifer Lopez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Janelle Monae, Chris Paul, Megan Rapinoe, Shonda Rhimes, Bretman Rock, Kerry Washington, and Rita Wilson. When We All Vote is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) organization, and works with Civic Nation Action, a 501(c)(4). Learn more here . ABOUT Civic Nation: Civic Nation is an impact hub for ideas, leaders, and initiatives that strengthen civic culture, power, and participation. Rooted in purpose and powered by people, Civic Nation brings together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders, brands, and influencers to take on the biggest issues of our time. Civic Nation is home to five national initiatives: ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Change Collective, It's On Us, We The Action, and When We All Vote. Learn more here . SOURCE When We All Vote Village CEOs craft a 'common prosperity' example in Zhejiang villages 08:57, November 04, 2025 By Lin Xiaoyi ( Global Times Editor's Note: The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has drawn global attention, deliberated over and adopted the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the CPC for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (hereinafter referred to as "the Recommendations"). The fourth plenary session stated that "we must seize the historical initiative to overcome difficulties, combat risks, and confront challenges, focus on managing our own affairs, and write yet another chapter on the miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, opening up new horizons for Chinese modernization." The "two miracles" have been created by the Party leading the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in unity and perseverance following a good blueprint through to the end and advancing one five-year plan after another. The spirit of the fourth plenary session and the Recommendations have outlined a grand blueprint for writing yet another chapter on the "two miracles" in the new era and on the new journey. In the article "Uphold Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects" in Volume V of the book series Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, President Xi Jinping pointed out that "we have advanced reform, opening up, and socialist modernization and have written a new chapter on the miracles of fast economic growth and long-term social stability. China now has more solid material foundations and stronger institutional underpinnings for pursuing development. The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is now on an irreversible historic course." Pressing forward to continue writing a new chapter on the "two miracles" is a grand declaration of the Party's resolve to seize the historical initiative, advance and open up new horizons for Chinese modernization. In the 15th installment of the special series "Decoding the Book of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," the Global Times (GT), along with the People's Daily Overseas Edition, continues to invite Chinese and foreign scholars, translators of Xi's works, practitioners with firsthand experience and international readers to discuss the theme of "focusing on managing our own affairs, writing yet another chapter on the miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, and opening up new horizons for Chinese modernization," and deeply explore the important practical significance and value of this concept. This is the 14th story of the "Practitioner's Insights" column, the Global Times turns its focus to Lizu village, a once-remote community in Yiwu, East China's Zhejiang Province, now a thriving hub for young entrepreneurs. Revitalized through the village-wide operation model overseen by village CEOs, it has evolved into an "international cultural entrepreneur village," gaining renown both at home and abroad. Lizu village's practice presents a vivid example of how China "unswervingly manages our own affairs well." At dawn, the village of Lizu in Yiwu, East China's Zhejiang Province, is often awakened by three sounds: the hissing of coffee machines, the crackle of packing tape sealing parcels, and the cheerful chime of doors opening as new entrepreneurs arrive to start a busy day. This vibrant scene is hard to imagine for a place that was once shunned by its own villagers, who felt embarrassed to mention their hometown and saw no hope for development. Today, Lizu has transformed into an "international cultural entrepreneur village," a lively hub where young people gather to start businesses and pursue dreams. The transformation was the result of more than 20 years of persistent effort. In 2003, Zhejiang launched the "Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation" project, marking the beginning of Lizu's metamorphosis. Starting with cleaning up a foul-smelling pond at the village entrance, Lizu gradually evolved from a dirty, poor, and neglected place into a "national civilized village." In July 2020, Lizu pioneered a village CEO model, introducing an entrepreneurial space that provides young business founders with comprehensive support in policy, funding, and training. In just a few years, this once remote and resource-scarce mountain village has attracted 271 young entrepreneurs, giving rise to 73 startup projects such as tie-dye studios, family farms, cafes, and markets. By 2024, the village's collective income has reached 4.64 million yuan ($652,000), with a per capita disposable income of 66,000 yuan. During an inspection of Zhejiang on September 20, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, noted that Lizu village has achieved solid progress in promoting common prosperity. He also expressed hope that the village will make further efforts and achieve more results in advancing rural revitalization. The 20th Central Committee of the CPC concluded its fourth plenary session on October 23 in Beijing with a communique issued. The communique clearly states that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, it will "move forward with people-centered new urbanization" and "work harder to ensure and improve public wellbeing and promote common prosperity for all." These arrangements highlight that the new five-year plan consistently centers on enhancing the improvement of people's well-being. "This is exactly what gives us confidence to stay rooted in the countryside. From Lizu's transformation, I have truly felt how national policies translate step by step into real gains for ordinary people," said Jin Jing, who is in charge of the village's business operations and often dubbed the CEO of Lizu, told the Global Times. In the Volume V of the book Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, the article "Prioritize the People's Wellbeing in Chinese Modernization" states: "The whole Party should further apply the people-centered philosophy of development and give higher priority to common prosperity as specified at the 20th CPC National Congress. We should make sustained and steady efforts, do all we can within our capacity, and make more notable and substantive progress towards this goal through high-quality development." "We hope that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Lizu's development story will continue to serve as a window for the world to observe how China 'unswervingly manages our own affairs well,' and as a living example of how China sustains its twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability," Jin said. From poverty alleviation to rural revitalization, from the "Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation" project to the pursuit of common prosperity how do these national strategies take root and flourish in one small village? Lizu's answer is written in the fingertips of its entrepreneurs, the smiles of its villagers, and the accounts of its common prosperity. 'Many hands make light work' "I used to work on cultural and creative park projects in cities. The reason I chose to settle in the countryside is that the deepening of the 'Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation' project has completely changed rural landscapes in Zhejiang. The return of young people to the countryside further activates those development achievements," said Jin, recalling how she first connected with Lizu village. Today, native villagers, "returnees," and "newcomers" gather in Lizu. Abandoned farmhouses have become shared office spaces for young entrepreneurs who bring new ideas and creativity to open new paths for village development. Back in 2003, Xi, then Party chief of Zhejiang Province, planned, deployed, and advanced the "Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation" project. Since then, thousands of villages in Zhejiang have undergone earth-shaking changes. Villagers still recall that there was once no proper road out of Lizu - they had to detour through neighboring villages. It was this project that turned a "poor mountain village, despised even by its own residents," into a "beautiful countryside admired by city dwellers." After improving the environment, the question became how to further unleash the village's potential. After visiting and studying other successful areas, the "two committees" of Lizu village namely, the village-level Party branch committee and the villagers' committee turned their focus to Jin, who had experience in agricultural brand management, to join. At first, she hesitated: "Lizu has no resources or industries. How can we revive it? Managing an entire village as a professional manager has never been done before. Can I really make a difference?" But the village committees did not give up. They repeatedly visited her, bringing along detailed plans and heartfelt appeals. This sincerity and determination prompted Jin to seriously explore ways to break the deadlock. "Actually, a village CEO isn't just one individual; it's a professional operation team and system," Jin told the Global Times. She believed that rural development has never been a "one-person battle" - it relies on collective wisdom and systematic operation. And her team, she believed, could just be the "bellwether" that connects resources and drives entrepreneurship. With this clarity, Jin no longer hesitated. In August 2020, she led her team to officially settle in Lizu village, with a clear and firm strategy in mind: "Rely on people" - not only her own team, but more importantly, the collective strength of more entrepreneurs. The team immediately set out to build a mass innovation space and launched a "move-in-ready" model, providing agricultural entrepreneurs with full-chain services such as policy connection, skill training, and venue support. "Many hands make light work," Jin said. "Only by pooling everyone's wisdom could we truly activate the village's internal driving force." Shortly after settling in, Jin put forward a bold request to Houzhai Sub-district - where Lizu village is located: To provide a 2,000-square-meter space for building a mass innovation platform. Soon, this space became an "incubation platform" for entrepreneurs. Jin's team rolled out full-chain services: From one-on-one guidance in the early stage, to large-scale training in the later stage, and later practical training driven by entrepreneurship competitions. These services covered multiple functions including career guidance, project incubation, and e-commerce training. Meanwhile, the village's two committees also stepped up, launching a combined policy package of "rent-free venue period + green channel for financing + talent apartments." This package significantly lowered the threshold for young people to return or move to the village to start businesses. Power of 'ownership' What makes Jin most proud is that despite its rapid growth, Lizu village has avoided speculative capital bubbles or urban-rural tensions. "What we have is vitality stimulated by policy support, and a warm backdrop as we work toward the goal of common prosperity," she said. In Lizu village, "common prosperity" has never been just a slogan, but a tangible sense of participation that villagers can see and feel. For example, a local restaurant called Pea Flower Country Kitchen was jointly funded by 34 households, each contributing 5,000 yuan per share. The highest-earning villager now receives 60,000 yuan in annual dividends. At Mom's Flavor Food Street and the Common Prosperity Market, local villagers are everywhere running stalls, even a 95-year-old villager has joined in. More job opportunities have taken root right at the villagers' doorsteps. Lou Shamoshuang, a Gen Z entrepreneur specializing in tie-dye, designed "Common Prosperity Rabbit" pendants. These pendants became popular for their cute design and auspicious meanings, helping more than 20 skilled women from eight nearby villages increase their monthly income by 3,000 yuan. Wu Luping, who married into Lizu village, works as a clerk at the village's import store. When talking about her "two-minute commute to work every day," her smile full of contentment. In Lizu village, entrepreneurial teams have gone a step further by organizing activities that resonate with the villagers. Open-air karaoke sessions let villagers of all ages -young, middle-aged, and seniors - sing together on the same stage. For village fashion shows, no professional models are invited; instead, "aunts" walk the runway in clothes made of hand-woven cloth, showcasing their confidence. During the Double Ninth Festival, also known as Seniors' Day or the Chongyang Festival in China on October 29, volunteers visited seniors at home to repair their household appliances and teach them to use new functions on their mobile phones. "Rural entrepreneurship isn't about scale; it's about warm details," Jin told the Global Times with pride, sharing a specific example. Lizu Monthly Talk, the village's newspaper, has specially set up warm-hearted sections like "Good News in the Village" and "Important and Trivial Matters of Lizu Village's Cats and Dogs." The pages are filled with small daily matters, such as which family had a good vegetable harvest or which entrepreneur became a mother, but these details let every villager see their own lives in the pages and truly feel the warmth of being cared for and remembered. From 'village model' to 'global window' Jin has never stopped her efforts. She has been on the move across various places, busy connecting with funds and cultural investment institutions, facilitating the implementation of various projects such as homestay clusters and the village's MCN company. During her business trips, Jin often hears comments like, "Lizu village is like a miniature version of Yiwu International Trade Market" the world's largest wholesale market for small commodities because in Lizu, entrepreneurs spare no effort to deepen their industries. Villagers proactively participate in entrepreneurship to boost their income, and everyone shares the drive to "develop solidly and expand globally." Jin said that she is proud that this village, filled with "warm details," has never lost its inherent quality of looking outward and forging ahead with determination. This enterprising spirit has also helped Lizu village gradually resolve new development dilemmas in recent years. With only a few hundred residents and an area of 0.9 square kilometers, Lizu has extremely limited development space. In 2024, Houzhai sub-district took the lead in establishing the "Greater Lizu Common Prosperity Alliance," extending Lizu village's successful experience to eight surrounding villages to form a joint development force. The alliance has coordinated the implementation of 81 projects to strengthen villages and enrich residents, striving to expand the "prosperity of one village" to the "prosperity of all villages." By the end of August this year, the total collective operating income of the area had reached 11.46 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 43.5 percent. Today, the alliance has selected 26 village cadres in four batches to participate in on-the-job training in Lizu village. They engage in immersive learning of the "Lizu Methodology" for rural development, covering everything from homestay operation and cultural and creative development to policy connection. This mature training system has also extended beyond the area and been deeply integrated into Zhejiang's "1,000 Village CEO Training Plan," passing on the practical experience of the operation team to rural development leaders across the province. Even more encouraging is that the Lizu experience is accelerating its journey to the world. "We have already conducted multiple training sessions for trainees from countries such as Egypt, Laos, and Vietnam, and many international organizations have taken the initiative to invite us to give lectures abroad," Jin said with obvious pride. The year 2025 marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), as well as the final year of the five-year transitional period for consolidating and expanding the achievements in poverty alleviation and integrating them with rural revitalization. Standing at the intersection of the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans, Jin said that entrepreneurs in Lizu village have a clear plan for the village's future development: building an agricultural product deep processing center, establishing a regional rural entrepreneurs alliance, and encouraging entrepreneurs to deeply participate in village decision-making. In Jin's mind, the daily scene of entrepreneurs and villagers working side by side is the most vivid illustration of Chinese modernization in rural areas: Everyone with a dream can find a stage to shine in the countryside, and every villager rooted here can share in the fruits of development. She told the Global Times that this people-centered path of co-governance and shared benefits will surely enable Lizu village to move more steadily and go further on the new journey of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Dental webinar Nov 11, 8 PM ET; Surgical webinar TBA PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- X-Biomedical today announced the launch of GoScope, a portable, AR- and AI-enabled microscope system designed for surgeons, dental professionals, and educators. GoScope is the first portable digital 3D microscope system to combine voice-controlled zoom and video capture with real-time telestration, bringing advanced visualization, documentation, and patient communication to everyday clinical and educational settings. Kavitha L. Ranganathan, MD, using GoScope for heads-up digital 3D microscopy in the OR at Shriners Childrens Boston. "We're incredibly excited to bring GoScope to market," said Jennifer Cole, President and CEO of X-Biomedical. "This technology represents a leap forward for surgeons, dentists, and educators alike, supporting patient care and communication. GoScope isn't just a visualization tool; it's a practice enhancer and an educational asset. Our mission is to make advanced, immersive microscopy accessible to healthcare professionals everywhere, empowering them to elevate care with clarity and precision." The GoScope system includes a comprehensive suite of tools: GoScope microscope optical magnification 218, voice-controlled, autofocus, embedded lights, and video recording. GoGlasses advanced AR smartglasses with heads-up display for immersive 3D visualization without bending or twisting. GoTablet wireless tablet for real-time viewing, collaboration, and patient education. GoPlayer full-room visualization with simulcasting to multiple monitors and devices, fostering team coordination and operational efficiency. The result is a lightweight, portable, connected ecosystem that brings precision imaging, ergonomic freedom, and transformative patient engagement into one seamless workflow. "GoScope's innovation and features advance the way we work in the OR. It provides an immersive, continuous view while I operate in an upright posture. Voice commands allow control of the microscope without breaking the sterile field, and video recording supports case review," said Kavitha L. Ranganathan, MD, Director of Craniofacial Reconstruction, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Co-Director, Cleft and Craniofacial Team, Shriners Children's Boston. "Discovering GoScope and using it in my office has been a significant step forward for my practice. Voice commands let me capture screenshots and record video. And GoScope's flexible positioning lets me ditch the mirror and use direct vision for specific cases, a pivotal advance for dentistry," said Gary Glassman, DDS, FRCD(C). "The Telestration appseeing exactly what students see and annotating in real-time to their GoGlassestransforms how we teach," said Frederic Barnett, DMD, Chairman, Maxwell S. Fogel Department of Dental Medicine; Chairman & Program Director, I.B. Bender Postdoctoral Endodontic Program, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia. "GoScope allows dental teams to see, record, and share what was once invisible, elevating patient communication, refining precision dentistry, and helping practices reach new levels of excellence," said Melissa K. Turner, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA. Join an Introductory Webinar for Dental Professionals; Surgical Webinar TBA. To introduce GoScope to the dental community, X-Biomedical will host a free live webinar on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. This exclusive event will feature a product overview, Q&A, and insights into integrating GoScope into your workflow. Register today to reserve your spot and experience the future of dental microscopy using this link: REGISTER HERE "First" claim based on X-Biomedical's review of publicly available product literature as of November 4, 2025; "portable" defined as carry-on suitcase size or cart-mounted point-of-care microscope systems; "voice-controlled" defined as native voice commands to operate the microscope (zoom, lighting, image/video capture); "telestration" defined as annotation on a live stereoscopic (3D) image. Media Contact: Brieanna Keenan, Communications & PR Lead [email protected] www.goscopemicroscopes.com X-Biomedical Incorporated is a U.S.-based company advancing precision technology for surgical, dental, and educational applications. Through the integration of augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and ergonomic design, X-Biomedical develops digital solutions that improve visualization, support higher-quality patient care and communication, and redefine how clinicians teach and learn. SOURCE X-Biomedical, Inc. MILAN, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Returning to EICMA for the eighth time, Yadea showcased its latest progress in electric vehicle performance and energy technology, debuting a refreshed product lineup alongside a comprehensive charging ecosystem. The innovations presented during a launch event on November 4 underscore Yadea's commitment to advancing sustainable travel worldwide. The Yadea product conference live at EICMA 2025 in Milan, Italy The centerpiece of Yadea's presentation is the Yadea Velax, a high-performance electric motorcycle, featuring remarkably fast charging that replenishes its battery up to 80% in just 20 minutes. The Velax U version is powered by dual removable 74V28Ah ATL lithium batteries, delivering a range of up to 110 km. Its 3000W motor (peaking at 4900W and 176 Nm torque) provides instant, responsive acceleration. Efficiency is optimized through an ECO mode with regenerative braking, while a sophisticated energy management system with over 40 BMS protections guarantees both reliability and rider safety. Beyond its core performance, the Velax is set to deliver a riding experience of refined comfort and intelligent connectivity. Velax has undergone extensive tuning and over one million vibration tests to guarantee a stable, comfortable ride, while confident control is ensured by a robust braking system featuring 220mm disc brakes with CBS. Furthermore, the riding experience is enhanced by a suite of smart features. Users can seamlessly access the Velax through Bluetooth or the Yadea APP, which allows for key sharing with up to five authorized users, offering practical convenience for families.[1] Following the release of the Yadea Keeness, the world's first Red Dot Award-winning electric motorcycle, Yadea Keeness Long-Range Edition has also been released at EICMA 2025. Powered by a 72V109Ah lithium battery, it achieves up to 170 km range, offering even greater endurance. Supporting the smooth riding experience and prolonging the travel range, Yadea is introducing a complete charging ecosystem. This network ensures convenient, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions for every scenario, featuring home fast chargers, sodium-based solar systems, community charging stations, and battery-swapping cabinets. A cornerstone of this ecosystem is the Sodium Battery, engineered for exceptional longevity with over 1,500 charge cycles. The battery supports 1.5C ultra-fast charging and delivers a reliable range of over 100 km, maintaining stable performance even in temperatures as low as -20C. Representing a significant advancement in combining safety, endurance, and eco-friendliness, Yadea plans to make this green technology accessible to more riders globally by expanding its lineup of sodium-powered models. Yadea's eighth appearance at EICMA underscores its long-standing commitment to the global market and its consistent drive for technological innovation. This dedication is further evidenced by the brand's strategic expansion in Europe, with new flagship stores scheduled to open in key cities including Milan, Zurich, London, and Budapest. These developments align with Yadea's core mission is give a wonderful journey for global users that enhances the travel experience for its growing international user base. [1] All specifications are based on the Yadea Velax U version Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2813343/photo.jpg Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has challenged before the Supreme Court of Belgium the October 17 order of the Antwerp Court of Appeals, which had termed India's request seeking his extradition "enforceable", officials said on Monday (November 3).In response to queries sent by the PTI, the public prosecutor at the Court of Appeal in Antwerp said Choksi filed an appeal in the Court of Cassation on October 30."This appeal is strictly limited to legal merits and will be judged by the Court of Cassation. During this procedure, the execution of the extradition is suspended," Ken Witpas said.The Court of Cassation is the Supreme Court of Belgium.On October 17, a four-member indictment chamber at the Court of Appeals in Antwerp found no infirmity in the orders issued by the pre-trial chamber of the district court on November 29, 2024, terming the arrest warrants issued by a Mumbai special court in May 2018 and June 2021 as "enforceable", allowing Choksi's extradition.The Court of Appeals ruled that fugitive Choksi, the main accused in a 13,000 crore PNB scam, faces "no risk" of being denied a fair trial or subjected to ill-treatment if he is extradited to India.Of the 13,000-crore scam, Choksi alone has siphoned off 6,400 crore, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged in its chargesheet.Choksi, who escaped to Antigua and Barbuda in January 2018, days before the scam was detected, was spotted in Belgium, where he had purportedly reached for seeking treatment.India sent an extradition request to Belgium on August 27, 2024, based on arrest warrants issued by the special court in Mumbai.The public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance in Antwerp, Division Turnhout, initiated an action on November 25, 2024, seeking the enforcement of arrest warrants issued by the Mumbai court.The pre-trial chamber of the Antwerp District Court, Turnhout Division, in its order dated November 29, 2024, declared that the arrest warrants against Choksi issued by the Mumbai court were enforceable, except for the order related to "causing the disappearance of evidence of the crime".India has given a number of assurances to Belgium regarding Choksi's safety, the charges that he would face during trial in India, prison arrangements, human rights, and medical needs. Canadas clampdown on international students has hit applicants from India particularly hard, government data shows, as what was once a preferred destination loses its allure for Indian students.Canada lowered the number of international student permits it issues for the second year in a row in early 2025 as part of a broader effort to reduce the number of temporary migrants and address fraud related to student visas.About 74% of Indian applications for permits to study at Canadian post-secondary institutions in August the most recent month available were rejected, compared to about 32% in August 2023, according to immigration department data provided to Reuters.The number of Indian applicants has dropped, as well, from 20,900 in August 2023 when Indians formed just over one quarter of all applicants to 4,515 in August 2025.India has been Canada's top source of international students over the past decade. In August, it also had the highest study-permit refusal rate of any country with more than 1,000 approved applicants.The spike in refusals of would-be students comes as Canada and India seek to mend ties after more than a year of tension. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the 2023 murder of a Canadian in Surrey, British Columbia. India has repeatedly denied the allegations.In 2023, Canadian authorities uncovered nearly 1,550 study permit applications linked to fraudulent letters of acceptance, most of which originated from India, Canada's immigration department told Reuters in an email.Last year, its beefed-up verification system detected more than 14,000 potentially fraudulent letters of acceptance from all applicants, it said.Canada has implemented enhanced verification for international students and has increased its financial requirements for applicants, the immigration department spokesperson said.The Indian embassy in Ottawa said the rejection of study permit applications from students in India had come to its attention, but that the issuance of study permits is Canada's prerogative."However, we would like to emphasise that some of the best quality students available in the world are from India, and Canadian institutions have in the past greatly benefited from the talent and academic excellence of these students," the embassy said in a statement.Canadas Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told Reuters during an October visit to India that Canada's government is concerned about the integrity of its immigration system but wants to continue having Indian students in Canada.People who work with would-be international students say they are seeing a higher level of applicant scrutiny.Michael Pietrocarlo of Border Pass, which helps people apply for Canadian visas, said his firm prepares applicants to show their eligibility beyond what's required on paper.He says, for example, when students must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves, "it's not enough just to say, 'Here are some bank statements.' They may have to go the extra mile and say, 'Here's where the money came from.'"The University of Waterloo, home to Canadas largest engineering school, has seen a two-thirds decline in the number of students from India entering its undergraduate and graduate programs over the past three to four years.Ian VanderBurgh, its associate vice president of strategic enrolment management, said the drop was largely due to a government cap on foreign student visas and had altered the composition of the student body.We pride ourselves on being an international university, he said.The University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan have also reported a decline in the number of Indian students enrolled.When Jaspreet Singh, who founded the International Sikh Students Association, came to Canada from India in 2015 to study mechanical engineering, he remembers government posters exhorting newcomers to "Study, work, stay" in the country. That attitude has soured, he said.Singh is not surprised at the higher rejection rate for Indian study permit applicants, saying he knows fraud is a concern.But as it becomes harder to get permanent residency or a job in Canada, he says some of those recently rejected appear to not mind: "They are happy they didn't come." HONG KONG, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yiren Digital Ltd. (NYSE: YRD) ("Yiren Digital" or the "Company"), a leading fintech company specializing in digital consumer lending, insurance and financial technology innovation across China and Southeast Asia, today announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Mr. William Hui, delivered a keynote presentation at the Hong Kong Fintech Week on November 3, 2025. The presentation outlined the Company's artificial intelligence (AI) transformation strategy, spotlighting its proprietary large language model, Zhiyu LLM, and its new agentic platform, "Magicube," as central to shaping the next generation of fintech innovation. During the address, Mr. Hui highlighted that the Company has established a strong foundation for AI development and delivered monetary benefits, supported by deep in-house talent, high-performance computing infrastructure, and extensive proprietary datasets accumulated from serving millions of consumers across Asia. These capabilities enable the Company to integrate AI across the full value chain of its financial services operationsfrom origination and risk decisioning to ongoing capital deployment and customer lifecycle management. Mr. Hui detailed the Company's proprietary large language model, Zhiyu LLM, which has demonstrated strong performance in multi-language understanding and context analytics. The model has been deployed in Yiren Digital's operations platform to enhance risk screening, streamline compliance workflows, automate customer service interactions, and accelerate client onboarding. Its application has resulted in meaningful improvement in operational efficiency and decision accuracy. Mr. Hui also introduced the Company's agentic AI platform, "Magicube," which coordinates multiple specialized AI agents to autonomously collaborate on complex business functions, including sales, capital planning, and risk oversight. The platform allows AI agents to make dynamic decisions, monitor performance outcomes, and continuously adapt in real time. Magicube is designed as a scalable architecture capable of supporting both the Company's existing lending business and potential expansion into new financial service verticals and other industry use cases. "We believe that AI is reshaping the competitive frontier of financial services," said Mr. Hui. "With Zhiyu and Magicube, we are not only enhancing the efficiency and resilience of our current business, but also laying the foundation for AI-native business models that extend well beyond traditional lending. Our goal is to build intelligent, scalable systems that will drive long-term value." About Yiren Digital Yiren Digital Ltd. is a leading fintech company specializing in digital consumer lending, insurance, and financial technology innovation across China and Southeast Asia. The Company leverages advanced artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to enhance customer experience, optimize capital efficiency, and expand financial inclusion. With the recent launch of its Magicube Agent Platform and its strategic entry into digital asset business, Yiren Digital is building a new growth engine to become an AI-powered and blockchain-enabled global fintech leader. For more information, please visit https://ir.yiren.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "target," "confident" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Yiren Digital's control. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in Yiren Digital's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Yiren Digital does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. SOURCE Yiren Digital PHOENIX, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The wait is over, Ahwatukee! MY DR NOW, Arizona's most accessible and fastest-growing family medicine provider, is excited to announce the opening of its first-ever clinic in Ahwatukee, located at 4025 East Chandler Boulevard, Suite 42, Phoenix, AZ 85048. Doors officially open Tuesday, November 4th at 8:00 AM, bringing convenient, walk-in healthcare to one of Phoenix's most vibrant and family-oriented communities. Located at the southeast corner of 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard, right next to Trader Joe's, this new clinic offers the perfect blend of neighborhood convenience and modern medical care. Whether you're managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, due for an annual check-up, or need a same-day visit for a cough, sore throat, or minor illness, MY DR NOW makes it easy to get the care you need on your schedule. Stop by, get care, and get back to your day. "Ahwatukee has always been a close-knit, active community, and we're honored to be part of it," said Dr. Payam Zamani, Founder and CEO of MY DR NOW. "Our goal is to make great healthcare easy to reach. That's why we welcome walk-ins, and are open every day, with same-day appointments for the whole family." With more than 64 clinics across Arizona and counting, MY DR NOW continues to redefine the primary care experience. The new Ahwatukee location reflects MY DR NOW's commitment to bring easy healthcare to everyone by placing clinics in convenient, high-traffic locations where people already live, shop, and work. About MY DR NOW: MY DR NOW is dedicated to transforming the way primary care is delivered by offering both scheduled appointments and walk-in services at all its clinics. With a strong focus on accessibility and convenience, MY DR NOW provides comprehensive healthcare services, including family medicine, pediatrics, women's health, annual physicals, immunizations, chronic disease management, and prescription refills. The company's innovative approach ensures that everyone in the community can receive high-quality medical care at their conveniencewhether at one of its numerous clinic locations, through in-home visits, or via video visits. Media Contact: Glenn Jones Business Development MY DR NOW (480) 677-8282 [email protected] SOURCE MY DR NOW The Louvre Museum in Paris, victim of an audacious burglary involving a furniture lift last month, has been struggling for over a decade to upgrade outdated software, including that controlling its video surveillance systems, according to a French newspaper report. Thieves used a furniture lift to break in through a second-floor window on October 19, stealing eight items of jewelry. Alarm systems on the window and on the display case holding the jewelry functioned as expected, according to the French Ministry of Culture, and police were on the scene within three minutes. The raid prompted a top-to-bottom review of security at the museum. The Inspectorate General of Cultural Affaires (IGAC) submitted its first conclusions last week, prompting the Minster of Culture to recommend new governance rules and security policies, the installation of additional security cameras around the building perimeter, and an urgent update of all security protocols and procedures by year-end. The details of the report remain confidential. Strong Operating Profit, Up 8% YoY to $400 million Powered by Same-Store Sales Growth, Accelerated New Store Openings and Margin Expansion Achieved 11 Consecutive Quarters of Same-Store Transaction Growth On Track to Return Approximately $1.5 billion to Shareholders in 2025 SHANGHAI, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "Yum China") (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987) today reported unaudited results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025. Third Quarter Highlights Total system sales grew 4% year over year ("YoY"), excluding foreign currency translation ("F/X"). The growth was primarily attributable to 4% of net new unit contribution and 1% same-store sales growth. grew 4% year over year ("YoY"), excluding foreign currency translation ("F/X"). The growth was primarily attributable to 4% of net new unit contribution and 1% same-store sales growth. Same-store sales grew 1% YoY. Same-store transactions grew 4% YoY, the eleventh consecutive quarter of growth. 1% YoY. Same-store transactions grew 4% YoY, the eleventh consecutive quarter of growth. Total revenues increased 4% YoY to $3.2 billion, also a 4% increase excluding F/X. increased 4% YoY to $3.2 billion, also a 4% increase excluding F/X. Opened 536 net new stores in the quarter and 1,119 in the first nine months, of which 32% and 29% were opened by franchisees, respectively. in the quarter and 1,119 in the first nine months, of which 32% and 29% were opened by franchisees, respectively. Total store count reached 17,514 as of September 30, 2025, including 12,640 KFC stores and 4,022 Pizza Hut stores. Operating profit grew 8% YoY to $400 million. Core operating profit grew 8% YoY. grew 8% YoY to $400 million. grew 8% YoY. OP margin was 12.5%, an increase of 40 basis points YoY, supported by restaurant margin expansion. was 12.5%, an increase of 40 basis points YoY, supported by restaurant margin expansion. Restaurant margin was 17.3%, an increase of 30 basis points YoY, driven primarily by savings in Food and Paper cost and Occupancy and Other Operating expenses. was 17.3%, an increase of 30 basis points YoY, driven primarily by savings in Food and Paper cost and Occupancy and Other Operating expenses. Diluted EPS decreased 1% YoY to $0.76, also down 1% excluding F/X, but would have increased 11% YoY excluding the negative impact of $0.09 from the mark-to-market equity investments in the 2025 and 2024 third quarters and F/X. decreased 1% YoY to $0.76, also down 1% excluding F/X, but would have increased 11% YoY excluding the negative impact of $0.09 from the mark-to-market equity investments in the 2025 and 2024 third quarters and F/X. Returned $414 million to shareholders in the third quarter through $326 million in share repurchases and $88 million in cash dividends . In the first nine months of 2025, the Company returned $950 million to shareholders. and $88 million in . In the first nine months of 2025, the Company returned $950 million to shareholders. Delivery sales grew 32% YoY. Delivery contributed approximately 51% of total Company sales. grew 32% YoY. Delivery contributed approximately 51% of total Company sales. Digital sales reached $2.8 billion, with digital ordering accounting for approximately 95% of total Company sales. reached $2.8 billion, with accounting for approximately 95% of total Company sales. Total KFC and Pizza Hut membership exceeded 575 million, up 13% YoY. Member sales accounted for approximately 57% of KFC and Pizza Hut's system sales in aggregate. CEO Comments Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China, commented, "We delivered another solid quarter in a dynamic market accelerating store openings, achieving positive samestore sales growth, and expanding margins. Delivering across all three dimensions was no easy task. It reflected the effectiveness of our dual focus on innovation and operational efficiency. KFC grew at its fastest storeopening pace yeartodate, while Pizza Hut has accelerated expansion, surpassing the 4,000store milestone in the quarter. Our flexible store formats, together with our franchise strategy, enable faster market entry with lower investment." Wat continued, "We are driving strong growth in our hero products while expanding into new growth drivers. At KFC, we expanded our wing lineup with Crackling Golden Chicken Wings, complementing our flagship New Orleans Roasted Wings and Hot Wings, cementing wings as one of our hero categories. During the promotion, sales of the new wings surged, matching the popularity of our flagship roasted wings. At Pizza Hut, our new handcrafted thincrust pizza earned rave reviews, drove promising repeat purchases and quickly became our bestselling crust." Wat concluded, "On the front end, our multi-brand portfolio, diverse store modules and offerings cater to a wide range of customer segments and occasions. On the back end, we are fostering even greater synergies by sharing and consolidating resources in and across stores and regions to enhance efficiency. KCOFFEE cafes now exceed 1,800 locations, well above our initial plan. KPRO, focused on energy bowls and superfood smoothies, has grown to over 100 locations in higher-tier cities. By sharing in-store resources and KFC membership programs, we scaled these modules quickly and delivered incremental sales and profit. Building on our core competencies, our established RGM ("Resilience, Growth and Moat") strategy and the steadfast execution of our teams, we are confident in our growth potential and look forward to sharing more at our upcoming investor day." Key Financial Results Third Quarter Year to Date Ended 9/30 %/ppts Change %/ppts Change 2025 2024 Reported Ex F/X 2025 2024 Reported Ex F/X System Sales Growth (1) (%) 4 4 NM NM 4 5 NM NM Same-Store Sales Growth (1) (%) 1 (3) NM NM 1 (3) NM NM Operating Profit ($mn) 400 371 +8 +8 1,103 1,011 +9 +9 Adjusted Operating Profit (2) ($mn) 400 371 +8 +8 1,103 1,011 +9 +9 Core Operating Profit (2)(3) ($mn) 399 371 NM +8 1,107 1,011 NM +9 OP Margin (4) (%) 12.5 12.1 +0.4 +0.4 12.3 11.6 +0.7 +0.7 Core OP Margin (2)(5) (%) 12.5 12.1 NM +0.4 12.3 11.6 NM +0.7 Net Income ($mn) 282 297 (5) (5) 789 796 (1) (1) Adjusted Net Income (2) ($mn) 282 297 (5) (5) 789 796 (1) (1) Diluted Earnings Per Common Share ($) 0.76 0.77 (1) (1) 2.11 2.03 +4 +4 Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (2) ($) 0.76 0.77 (1) (1) 2.11 2.03 +4 +4 (1) System sales and same-store sales percentages exclude the impact of F/X. Effective January 1, 2018, temporary store closures are normalized in the same-store sales calculation by excluding the period during which stores are temporarily closed. (2) See "Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to non-GAAP Measures" included in the accompanying tables of this release for further details. (3) Core operating profit is defined as operating profit adjusted for special items, further excluding items affecting comparability and the impact of F/X. The Company uses core operating profit for the purposes of evaluating the performance of its core operations. Current period amounts are derived by translating results at average exchange rates of the prior year period. (4) OP margin refers to operating profit as a percentage of total revenues. (5) Core OP margin refers to core operating profit as a percentage of total revenues excluding F/X. Note: All comparisons are versus the same period a year ago. Percentages may not recompute due to rounding. NM refers to not meaningful. Capital Returns to Shareholders The Company is on track to return a total of $3 billion to shareholders in 2025 through 2026, in addition to the $1.5 billion delivered to shareholders in 2024. The average annual amount of capital return over the three years is around 9% of our market capitalization as of November 3, 2025. In the first nine months of 2025, the Company returned $950 million in capital to shareholders through $682 million in share repurchases and $268 million in cash dividends. The Company expects to return a total of approximately $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2025. As of September 30, 2025, approximately $610 million remained available for future share repurchases under the current authorization program. The Board declared a cash dividend of $0.24 per share on Yum China's common stock, payable on December 23, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 2, 2025. KFC Third Quarter Year to Date Ended 9/30 %/ppts Change %/ppts Change 2025 2024 Reported Ex F/X 2025 2024 Reported Ex F/X Restaurants 12,640 11,283 +12 NM 12,640 11,283 +12 NM System Sales Growth (%) 5 6 NM NM 5 6 NM NM Same-Store Sales Growth (%) 2 (2) NM NM 1 (2) NM NM Total Revenues ($mn) 2,404 2,311 +4 +4 6,746 6,555 +3 +3 Operating Profit ($mn) 384 364 +6 +6 1,062 1,000 +6 +7 Core Operating Profit ($mn) 383 364 NM +6 1,065 1,000 NM +7 OP Margin (%) 16.0 15.7 +0.3 +0.3 15.8 15.2 +0.6 +0.6 Restaurant Margin (%) 18.5 18.3 +0.2 +0.2 18.4 18.0 +0.4 +0.4 System sales for KFC grew 5% YoY. Same-store sales increased 2% YoY, and same-store transactions grew 3% YoY. Ticket average was 1% lower YoY, driven mainly by the rapid growth of smaller orders. Delivery sales grew 33% YoY, contributing approximately 51% of KFC's Company sales. KFC opened a third-quarter record of 402 net new stores, with 163 net new stores opened by franchisees, accounting for 41%. KFC opened 992 net new stores year-to-date, bringing the total store count to 12,640 as of September 30, 2025. Operating profit grew 6% YoY to $384 million, a record level for the third quarter. Core operating profit increased 6% YoY. OP margin was 16.0%, an increase of 30 basis points YoY. Restaurant margin was 18.5%, expanding 20 basis points YoY, primarily due to streamlined operations and favorable commodity prices, partially offset by the impact of higher rider cost due to the increased delivery mix and increased value-for-money offerings. Pizza Hut Third Quarter Year to Date Ended 9/30 %/ppts Change %/ppts Change 2025 2024 Reported Ex F/X 2025 2024 Reported Ex F/X Restaurants 4,022 3,606 +12 NM 4,022 3,606 +12 NM System Sales Growth (%) 4 2 NM NM 3 2 NM NM Same-Store Sales Growth (%) 1 (6) NM NM 1 (6) NM NM Total Revenues ($mn) 635 615 +3 +3 1,784 1,750 +2 +2 Operating Profit ($mn) 57 52 +7 +7 163 139 +16 +17 Core Operating Profit ($mn) 57 52 NM +7 164 139 NM +17 OP Margin (%) 8.9 8.6 +0.3 +0.3 9.1 8.0 +1.1 +1.1 Restaurant Margin (%) 13.4 12.8 +0.6 +0.6 13.7 12.8 +0.9 +0.9 System sales for Pizza Hut grew 4% YoY. Same-store sales increased 1% YoY. Same-store transactions grew 17% YoY, the eleventh consecutive quarter of growth. Ticket average was 13% lower YoY, consistent with our strategy and driven mainly by better value-for-money. Pizza Hut opened a record 158 net new stores during the quarter, with 45 net new stores opened by franchisees, accounting for 28%. Pizza Hut opened 298 net new stores year-to-date, bringing the total store count to 4,022 as of September 30, 2025. Delivery sales grew 27% YoY, contributing approximately 48% of Pizza Hut's Company sales. Operating profit grew 7% YoY to $57 million. Core operating profit increased 7% YoY. OP margin was 8.9%, an increase of 30 basis points YoY. Restaurant margin was 13.4%, expanding 60 basis points YoY, primarily due to favorable commodity prices, streamlined operations and automation, partially offset by the impact of increased value-for-money offerings and increased cost associated with higher delivery sales mix. Outlook The Company targets: Approximately 1,600 to 1,800 net new stores in 2025. The franchise mix of net new stores to reach 40-50% for KFC and 20-30% for Pizza Hut in 2025, ahead of schedule and to moderately increase the mix within the guided range over the next few years. Capital expenditures in the range of approximately $600 million to $700 million for the 2025 fiscal year. The Company plans to return $3 billion to shareholders in 2025 through 2026, in addition to the $1.5 billion it delivered to shareholders in 2024. Other Company Updates Yum China will host an investor day on November 17, 2025 in Shenzhen, China. A live webcast, replay, and presentation slides will be available on the Company's website at http://ir.yumchina.com . . Yum China was named to Fortune's 2025 "Change the World" list, which recognizes companies that create positive social impact through activities that are part of their core business strategy. This year's recognition highlights KFC China's Food Bank program and marks the Company's second appearance on the list, following its One Yuan Donation Program in 2023. Yum China was honored with the Ram Charan Management Practice Award, presented by Harvard Business Review (Chinese Edition) to outstanding Chinese companies. The Company was recognized for its human capital management and transformation initiatives, harnessing AI to enhance operational efficiency and fuel business growth. Note on Non-GAAP Measures Reported GAAP results include items that are excluded from non-GAAP measures. See "Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Measures" and "Segment Results" within this release for non-GAAP reconciliation details. Conference Call Yum China's management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Tuesday, November 4, 2025). A live webcast of the call may be accessed at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4vatr2tq. To join by phone, please register in advance of the conference through the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with participant dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN. Pre-registration Link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI9e7407ad602f441ea518cca00c739e9d A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the event and will remain accessible until November 3, 2026. Additionally, earnings release accompanying slides will be available at the Company's Investor Relations website http://ir.yumchina.com . For important news and information regarding Yum China, including our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, visit Yum China's Investor Relations website at http://ir.yumchina.com . Yum China uses this website as a primary channel for disclosing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements relating to our projected capital returns for 2025 and 2026 and those set forth under the section titled "Outlook." We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as "expect," "expectation," "believe," "anticipate," "may," "could," "intend," "belief," "plan," "estimate," "target," "predict," "project," "likely," "will," "continue," "should," "forecast," "outlook," "commit" or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future strategies, growth, business plans, investments, store openings, franchise mix of net new stores, capital expenditures, dividend and share repurchase plans, CAGR for system sales, operating profit and EPS, earnings, performance and returns of Yum China, anticipated effects of population and macroeconomic trends, pace of recovery of Yum China's business, the anticipated effects of our innovation, digital and delivery capabilities and investments on growth and beliefs regarding the long-term drivers of Yum China's business. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. Numerous factors could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: whether we are able to achieve development goals at the times and in the amounts currently anticipated, if at all, the success of our marketing campaigns and product innovation, our ability to maintain food safety and quality control systems, changes in public health conditions, our ability to control costs and expenses, including tax costs, changes in political, economic and regulatory conditions in China, as well as changes in political, business, economic and trade relations between the U.S. and China, and those set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Our plan of capital returns to shareholders is based on current expectations, which may change based on market conditions, capital needs or otherwise. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results. About Yum China Holdings, Inc. Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company operates over 17,000 restaurants under six brands across over 2,500 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. In addition, Yum China has partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain, which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world's most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com. Contacts Investor Relations Contact: Tel: +86 21 2407 7556 [email protected] Media Contact: Tel: +86 21 2407 3824 [email protected] Yum China Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in US$ million, except per share data) (unaudited) Quarter Ended % Change Year to Date Ended % Change 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 B/(W) 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 B/(W) Revenues Company sales $ 2,998 $ 2,895 4 $ 8,412 $ 8,217 2 Franchise fees and income 28 25 11 79 72 10 Revenues from transactions with franchisees 140 116 22 376 319 18 Other revenues 40 35 12 107 100 6 Total revenues 3,206 3,071 4 8,974 8,708 3 Costs and Expenses, Net Company restaurants Food and paper 939 918 (2) 2,623 2,611 Payroll and employee benefits 785 728 (8) 2,216 2,102 (5) Occupancy and other operating expenses 755 755 2,112 2,126 1 Company restaurant expenses 2,479 2,401 (3) 6,951 6,839 (2) General and administrative expenses 143 139 (4) 412 412 Franchise expenses 11 10 (17) 32 29 (12) Expenses for transactions with franchisees 134 110 (21) 361 306 (18) Other operating costs and expenses 35 32 (11) 94 90 (4) Closures and impairment expenses, net 4 8 55 22 22 4 Other income, net NM (1) (1) 135 Total costs and expenses, net 2,806 2,700 (4) 7,871 7,697 (2) Operating Profit 400 371 8 1,103 1,011 9 Interest income, net 23 31 (27) 74 100 (26) Investment (loss) gain (10) 34 NM (25) 50 NM Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Earnings (Losses) from Equity Method Investments 413 436 (5) 1,152 1,161 (1) Income tax provision (114) (119) 4 (313) (309) (1) Equity in net earnings (losses) from equity method investments 6 2 199 12 2 540 Net income including noncontrolling interests 305 319 (4) 851 854 (1) Net income noncontrolling interests 23 22 (4) 62 58 (6) Net Income Yum China Holdings, Inc. $ 282 $ 297 (5) $ 789 $ 796 (1) Effective tax rate 27.6 % 27.3 % (0.3) ppts. 27.2 % 26.6 % (0.6) ppts. Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.76 $ 0.77 $ 2.12 $ 2.04 Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions) 368 384 372 391 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.76 $ 0.77 $ 2.11 $ 2.03 Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions) 369 385 374 393 OP margin 12.5 % 12.1 % 0.4 ppts. 12.3 % 11.6 % 0.7 ppts. Company sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % Food and paper 31.3 31.7 0.4 ppts. 31.2 31.8 0.6 ppts. Payroll and employee benefits 26.2 25.1 (1.1) ppts. 26.3 25.6 (0.7) ppts. Occupancy and other operating expenses 25.2 26.2 1.0 ppts. 25.1 25.8 0.7 ppts. Restaurant margin 17.3 % 17.0 % 0.3 ppts. 17.4 % 16.8 % 0.6 ppts. Percentages may not recompute due to rounding. NM refers to not meaningful. Yum China Holdings, Inc. KFC Operating Results (in US$ million) (unaudited) Quarter Ended % Change Year to Date Ended % Change 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 B/(W) 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 B/(W) Revenues Company sales $ 2,363 $ 2,276 4 $ 6,630 $ 6,452 3 Franchise fees and income 22 19 17 62 53 15 Revenues from transactions with franchisees 18 15 25 51 41 26 Other revenues 1 1 (35) 3 9 (68) Total revenues 2,404 2,311 4 6,746 6,555 3 Costs and Expenses, Net Company restaurants Food and paper 725 713 (2) 2,041 2,033 Payroll and employee benefits 616 558 (10) 1,726 1,613 (7) Occupancy and other operating expenses 586 588 1,641 1,647 Company restaurant expenses 1,927 1,859 (4) 5,408 5,293 (2) General and administrative expenses 66 62 (6) 186 183 (2) Franchise expenses 9 8 (16) 28 25 (11) Expenses for transactions with franchisees 15 13 (20) 44 36 (26) Other operating costs and expenses 1 1 6 3 7 64 Closures and impairment expenses, net 2 4 54 15 11 (23) Total costs and expenses, net 2,020 1,947 (4) 5,684 5,555 (2) Operating Profit $ 384 $ 364 6 $ 1,062 $ 1,000 6 OP margin 16.0 % 15.7 % 0.3 ppts. 15.8 % 15.2 % 0.6 ppts. Company sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % Food and paper 30.7 31.3 0.6 ppts. 30.8 31.5 0.7 ppts. Payroll and employee benefits 26.1 24.5 (1.6) ppts. 26.0 25.0 (1.0) ppts. Occupancy and other operating expenses 24.7 25.9 1.2 ppts. 24.8 25.5 0.7 ppts. Restaurant margin 18.5 % 18.3 % 0.2 ppts. 18.4 % 18.0 % 0.4 ppts. Percentages may not recompute due to rounding. Yum China Holdings, Inc. Pizza Hut Operating Results (in US$ million) (unaudited) Quarter Ended % Change Year to Date Ended % Change 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 B/(W) 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 B/(W) Revenues Company sales $ 624 $ 606 3 $ 1,753 $ 1,723 2 Franchise fees and income 3 2 27 7 6 23 Revenues from transactions with franchisees 2 2 40 5 4 50 Other revenues 6 5 12 19 17 10 Total revenues 635 615 3 1,784 1,750 2 Costs and Expenses, Net Company restaurants Food and paper 210 202 (4) 573 567 (1) Payroll and employee benefits 166 167 483 479 (1) Occupancy and other operating expenses 164 160 (2) 456 457 Company restaurant expenses 540 529 (2) 1,512 1,503 (1) General and administrative expenses 27 26 (7) 79 80 1 Franchise expenses 1 1 (17) 3 3 (16) Expenses for transactions with franchisees 2 1 (23) 5 3 (34) Other operating costs and expenses 6 5 (15) 17 16 (7) Closures and impairment expenses, net 2 1 (179) 5 6 14 Total costs and expenses, net 578 563 (3) 1,621 1,611 (1) Operating Profit $ 57 $ 52 7 $ 163 $ 139 16 OP margin 8.9 % 8.6 % 0.3 ppts. 9.1 % 8.0 % 1.1 ppts. Company sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % Food and paper 33.7 33.2 (0.5) ppts. 32.7 32.9 0.2 ppts. Payroll and employee benefits 26.7 27.5 0.8 ppts. 27.6 27.8 0.2 ppts. Occupancy and other operating expenses 26.2 26.5 0.3 ppts. 26.0 26.5 0.5 ppts. Restaurant margin 13.4 % 12.8 % 0.6 ppts. 13.7 % 12.8 % 0.9 ppts. Percentages may not recompute due to rounding. Yum China Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in US$ million) 9/30/2025 12/31/2024 (Unaudited) ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 648 $ 723 Short-term investments 1,495 1,121 Accounts receivable, net 86 79 Inventories, net 389 405 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 397 366 Total Current Assets 3,015 2,694 Property, plant and equipment, net 2,442 2,407 Operating lease right-of-use assets 2,113 2,146 Goodwill 1,926 1,880 Intangible assets, net 146 144 Long-term bank deposits and notes 596 1,088 Equity investments 379 368 Deferred income tax assets 149 138 Other assets 268 256 Total Assets 11,034 11,121 LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST AND EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities 2,116 2,080 Short-term borrowings 29 127 Income taxes payable 139 76 Total Current Liabilities 2,284 2,283 Non-current operating lease liabilities 1,763 1,816 Non-current finance lease liabilities 49 49 Deferred income tax liabilities 396 389 Other liabilities 156 157 Total Liabilities 4,648 4,694 Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest 13 Equity Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000 million shares authorized; 364 million shares and 379 million shares issued at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively; 364 million shares and 378 million shares outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. 4 4 Treasury stock (10) (52) Additional paid-in capital 3,887 4,028 Retained earnings 2,050 2,089 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (239) (341) Total Yum China Holdings, Inc. Stockholders' Equity 5,692 5,728 Noncontrolling interests 694 686 Total Equity 6,386 6,414 Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Equity $ 11,034 $ 11,121 Yum China Holdings, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in US$ million) (unaudited) Year to Date Ended 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 Cash Flows Operating Activities Net income including noncontrolling interests $ 851 $ 854 Depreciation and amortization 333 355 Non-cash operating lease cost 299 305 Closures and impairment expenses 22 22 Investment loss (gain) 25 (50) Equity in net (earnings) losses from equity method investments (12) (2) Distributions of income received from equity method investments 9 7 Deferred income taxes (10) (4) Share-based compensation expense 32 32 Changes in accounts receivable (5) (4) Changes in inventories 25 69 Changes in prepaid expenses, other current assets and value-added tax assets (19) 3 Changes in accounts payable and other current liabilities (9) (83) Changes in income taxes payable 61 67 Changes in non-current operating lease liabilities (301) (303) Other, net 40 (16) Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 1,341 1,252 Cash Flows Investing Activities Capital spending (385) (523) Purchases of short-term investments, long-term bank deposits and notes (6,162) (3,330) Maturities of short-term investments, long-term bank deposits and notes 6,245 3,821 Acquisition of equity investment (14) Other, net 4 Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (316) (28) Cash Flows Financing Activities Proceeds from short-term borrowings 29 307 Repayment of short-term borrowings (129) (167) Repurchase of shares of common stock (692) (1,057) Cash dividends paid on common stock (268) (187) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (31) (36) Acquisition of noncontrolling interests (8) Other, net (8) (19) Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (1,107) (1,159) Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 7 Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (75) 65 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash - Beginning of Period 723 1,128 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash - End of Period $ 648 $ 1,193 In this press release: Certain performance metrics and non-GAAP measures are presented excluding the impact of foreign currency translation ("F/X"). These amounts are derived by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. We believe the elimination of the F/X impact provides better year-to-year comparability without the distortion of foreign currency fluctuations. System sales growth reflects the results of all restaurants regardless of ownership, including Company-owned and franchise restaurants that operate our restaurant concepts, except for non-Company-owned restaurants for which we do not receive a sales-based royalty. Sales of franchise restaurants typically generate ongoing franchise fees for the Company at an average rate of approximately 6% of system sales. Franchise restaurant sales are not included in Company sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income; however, the franchise fees are included in the Company's revenues. We believe system sales growth is useful to investors as a significant indicator of the overall strength of our business as it incorporates all of our revenue drivers, Company and franchise same-store sales as well as net unit growth. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company revised its definition of same-store sales growth to represent the estimated percentage change in sales of food of all restaurants in the Company system that have been open prior to the first day of our prior fiscal year, excluding the period during which stores are temporarily closed. We refer to these as our "base" stores. Previously, same-store sales growth represented the estimated percentage change in sales of all restaurants in the Company system that have been open for one year or more, including stores temporarily closed, and the base stores changed on a rolling basis from month to month. This revision was made to align with how management measures performance internally and focuses on trends of a more stable base of stores. Unit Count by Brand KFC 12/31/2024 New Builds Closures Refranchised 9/30/2025 Company-owned 10,187 848 (258) (2) 10,775 Franchisees 1,461 434 (32) 2 1,865 Total 11,648 1,282 (290) 12,640 Pizza Hut 12/31/2024 New Builds Closures Refranchised 9/30/2025 Company-owned 3,525 377 (159) (1) 3,742 Franchisees 199 89 (9) 1 280 Total 3,724 466 (168) 4,022 Others 12/31/2024 New Builds Closures 9/30/2025 Company-owned 175 20 (30) 165 Franchisees 848 63 (224) 687 Total 1,023 83 (254) 852 Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to Non-GAAP Measures (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) In addition to the results provided in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") in this press release, the Company provides the following non-GAAP measures: Measures adjusted for Special Items, which include Adjusted Operating Profit, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Earnings Per Common Share ("EPS"), Adjusted Effective Tax Rate and Adjusted EBITDA; Company Restaurant Profit ("Restaurant profit") and Restaurant margin; Core Operating Profit and Core OP margin, which exclude Special Items, and further adjusted for Items Affecting Comparability and the impact of F/X; These non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Rather, the Company believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP measures provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present results, excluding those items that the Company does not believe are indicative of our core operations. With respect to non-GAAP measures adjusted for Special Items, the Company excludes impact from Special Items for the purpose of evaluating performance internally and uses them as factors in determining compensation for certain employees. Special Items are not included in any of our segment results. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income including noncontrolling interests adjusted for equity in net earnings (losses) from equity method investments, income tax, interest income, net, investment gain or loss, depreciation and amortization, store impairment charges, and Special Items. Store impairment charges included as an adjustment item in Adjusted EBITDA primarily resulted from our semi-annual impairment evaluation of long-lived assets of individual restaurants, and additional impairment evaluation whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. If these restaurant-level assets were not impaired, depreciation of the assets would have been recorded and included in EBITDA. Therefore, store impairment charges were a non-cash item similar to depreciation and amortization of our long-lived assets of restaurants. The Company believes that investors and analysts may find it useful in measuring operating performance without regard to such non-cash items. Restaurant Profit is defined as Company sales less expenses incurred directly by our Company-owned restaurants in generating Company sales, including cost of food and paper, restaurant-level payroll and employee benefits, rent, depreciation and amortization of restaurant-level assets, advertising expenses, and other operating expenses. Company restaurant margin percentage is defined as Restaurant profit divided by Company sales. We also use Restaurant profit and Restaurant margin for the purposes of internally evaluating the performance of our Company-owned restaurants and we believe they provide useful information to investors as to the profitability of our Company-owned restaurants. Core Operating Profit is defined as Operating Profit adjusted for Special Items, and further excluding Items Affecting Comparability and the impact of F/X. We consider quantitative and qualitative factors in assessing whether to adjust for the impact of items that may be significant or that could affect an understanding of our ongoing financial and business performance or trends. Items such as charges, gains and accounting changes which are viewed by management as significantly impacting the current period or the comparable period, due to changes in policy or other external factors, or non-cash items pertaining to underlying activities that are different from or unrelated to our core operations, are generally considered "Items Affecting Comparability." Examples of Items Affecting Comparability include, but are not limited to: temporary relief from landlords and government agencies; VAT deductions due to tax policy changes; and amortization of reacquired franchise rights recognized upon acquisitions. We believe presenting Core Operating Profit provides additional information to further enhance comparability of our operating results and we use this measure for purposes of evaluating the performance of our core operations. Core OP margin is defined as Core Operating Profit divided by Total revenues, excluding the impact of F/X. The following tables set forth the reconciliation of the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures. The reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Restaurant Profit and Core Operating Profit by segment is presented in Segment Results within this release. Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Adjusted Operating Profit Operating Profit $ 400 $ 371 $ 1,103 $ 1,011 Special Items, Operating Profit Adjusted Operating Profit $ 400 $ 371 $ 1,103 $ 1,011 Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income Net Income Yum China Holdings, Inc. $ 282 $ 297 $ 789 $ 796 Special Items, Net Income Yum China Holdings, Inc. Adjusted Net Income Yum China Holdings, Inc. $ 282 $ 297 $ 789 $ 796 Reconciliation of EPS to Adjusted EPS Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.76 $ 0.77 $ 2.12 $ 2.04 Special Items, Basic Earnings Per Common Share Adjusted Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.76 $ 0.77 $ 2.12 $ 2.04 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.76 $ 0.77 $ 2.11 $ 2.03 Special Items, Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.76 $ 0.77 $ 2.11 $ 2.03 Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate to Adjusted Effective Tax Rate Effective tax rate 27.6 % 27.3 % 27.2 % 26.6 % Impact on effective tax rate as a result of Special Items Adjusted effective tax rate 27.6 % 27.3 % 27.2 % 26.6 % Net income, along with the reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA, is presented below. Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 Net Income Yum China Holdings, Inc. $ 282 $ 297 $ 789 $ 796 Net income noncontrolling interests 23 22 62 58 Equity in net (earnings) losses from equity method investments (6) (2) (12) (2) Income tax provision 114 119 313 309 Interest income, net (23) (31) (74) (100) Investment loss (gain) 10 (34) 25 (50) Operating Profit 400 371 1,103 1,011 Special Items, Operating Profit Adjusted Operating Profit 400 371 1,103 1,011 Depreciation and amortization 114 120 333 355 Store impairment charges 6 10 25 29 Adjusted EBITDA $ 520 $ 501 $ 1,461 $ 1,395 Operating Profit, along with the reconciliation to Core Operating Profit, is presented below: Quarter ended % Change Year to Date Ended % Change 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 B/(W) 9/30/2025 9/30/2024 B/(W) Operating Profit $ 400 $ 371 8 $ 1,103 $ 1,011 9 Special Items, Operating Profit Adjusted Operating Profit $ 400 $ 371 8 $ 1,103 $ 1,011 9 Items Affecting Comparability F/X impact (1) 4 Core Operating Profit $ 399 $ 371 8 $ 1,107 $ 1,011 9 Total revenues 3,206 3,071 4 8,974 8,708 3 F/X impact (3) 28 Total revenues, excluding the impact of F/X $ 3,203 $ 3,071 4 $ 9,002 $ 8,708 3 Core OP margin 12.5 % 12.1 % 0.4 ppts 12.3 % 11.6 % 0.7 ppts. Yum China Holdings, Inc. Segment Results (in US$ million) (unaudited) Quarter Ended 9/30/2025 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total Company sales $ 2,363 $ 624 $ 11 $ $ $ 2,998 Franchise fees and income 22 3 3 28 Revenues from transactions with franchisees(2) 18 2 23 97 140 Other revenues 1 6 235 18 (220) 40 Total revenues $ 2,404 $ 635 $ 272 $ 115 $ (220) $ 3,206 Company restaurant expenses 1,927 540 12 2,479 General and administrative expenses 66 27 7 43 143 Franchise expenses 9 1 1 11 Expenses for transactions with franchisees(2) 15 2 21 96 134 Other operating costs and expenses 1 6 230 18 (220) 35 Closures and impairment expenses, net 2 2 4 Total costs and expenses, net 2,020 578 271 157 (220) 2,806 Operating Profit (Loss) $ 384 $ 57 $ 1 $ (42) $ $ 400 Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Restaurant Profit is as follows: Quarter Ended 9/30/2025 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) $ 384 $ 57 $ 1 $ (42) $ $ 400 Less: Franchise fees and income 22 3 3 28 Revenues from transactions with franchisees(2) 18 2 23 97 140 Other revenues 1 6 235 18 (220) 40 Add: General and administrative expenses 66 27 7 43 143 Franchise expenses 9 1 1 11 Expenses for transactions with franchisees(2) 15 2 21 96 134 Other operating costs and expenses 1 6 230 18 (220) 35 Closures and impairment expenses, net 2 2 4 Restaurant profit (loss) $ 436 $ 84 $ (1) $ $ $ 519 Company sales 2,363 624 11 2,998 Restaurant margin 18.5 % 13.4 % (8.2) % N/A N/A 17.3 % Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Core Operating Profit is as follows: Quarter Ended 9/30/2025 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) $ 384 $ 57 $ 1 $ (42) $ $ 400 Special Items, Operating Profit Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss) $ 384 $ 57 $ 1 $ (42) $ $ 400 Items Affecting Comparability F/X impact (1) (1) Core Operating Profit (Loss) $ 383 $ 57 $ 1 $ (42) $ $ 399 Quarter Ended 9/30/2024 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total Company sales $ 2,276 $ 606 $ 13 $ $ $ 2,895 Franchise fees and income 19 2 4 25 Revenues from transactions with franchisees(2) 15 2 19 80 116 Other revenues 1 5 176 17 (164) 35 Total revenues $ 2,311 $ 615 $ 212 $ 97 $ (164) $ 3,071 Company restaurant expenses 1,859 529 14 (1) 2,401 General and administrative expenses 62 26 9 42 139 Franchise expenses 8 1 1 10 Expenses for transactions with franchisees(2) 13 1 17 79 110 Other operating costs and expenses 1 5 172 17 (163) 32 Closures and impairment expenses, net 4 1 3 8 Total costs and expenses, net 1,947 563 216 138 (164) 2,700 Operating Profit (Loss) $ 364 $ 52 $ (4) $ (41) $ $ 371 Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Restaurant Profit is as follows: Quarter Ended 9/30/2024 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) $ 364 $ 52 $ (4) $ (41) $ $ 371 Less: Franchise fees and income 19 2 4 25 Revenues from transactions with franchisees(2) 15 2 19 80 116 Other revenues 1 5 176 17 (164) 35 Add: General and administrative expenses 62 26 9 42 139 Franchise expenses 8 1 1 10 Expenses for transactions with franchisees(2) 13 1 17 79 110 Other operating costs and expenses 1 5 172 17 (163) 32 Closures and impairment expenses, net 4 1 3 8 Restaurant profit (loss) $ 417 $ 77 $ (1) $ $ 1 $ 494 Company sales 2,276 606 13 2,895 Restaurant margin 18.3 % 12.8 % (13.2) % N/A N/A 17.0 % Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Core Operating Profit is as follows: Quarter Ended 9/30/2024 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) $ 364 $ 52 $ (4) $ (41) $ $ 371 Special Items, Operating Profit Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss) $ 364 $ 52 $ (4) $ (41) $ $ 371 Items Affecting Comparability F/X impact Core Operating Profit (Loss) $ 364 $ 52 $ (4) $ (41) $ $ 371 Year to Date Ended 9/30/2025 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total Company sales $ 6,630 $ 1,753 $ 29 $ $ $ 8,412 Franchise fees and income 62 7 10 79 Revenues from transactions with franchisees(2) 51 5 59 261 376 Other revenues 3 19 577 52 (544) 107 Total revenues $ 6,746 $ 1,784 $ 675 $ 313 $ (544) $ 8,974 Company restaurant expenses 5,408 1,512 32 (1) 6,951 General and administrative expenses 186 79 23 124 412 Franchise expenses 28 3 1 32 Expenses for transactions with franchisees(2) 44 5 54 258 361 Other operating costs and expenses 3 17 565 52 (543) 94 Closures and impairment expenses, net 15 5 2 22 Other income, net (1) (1) Total costs and expenses, net 5,684 1,621 677 433 (544) 7,871 Operating Profit (Loss) $ 1,062 $ 163 $ (2) $ (120) $ $ 1,103 Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Restaurant Profit is as follows: Year to Date Ended 9/30/2025 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) $ 1,062 $ 163 $ (2) $ (120) $ $ 1,103 Less: Franchise fees and income 62 7 10 79 Revenues from transactions with franchisees(2) 51 5 59 261 376 Other revenues 3 19 577 52 (544) 107 Add: General and administrative expenses 186 79 23 124 412 Franchise expenses 28 3 1 32 Expenses for transactions with franchisees(2) 44 5 54 258 361 Other operating costs and expenses 3 17 565 52 (543) 94 Closures and impairment expenses, net 15 5 2 22 Other income, net (1) (1) Restaurant profit (loss) $ 1,222 $ 241 $ (3) $ $ 1 $ 1,461 Company sales 6,630 1,753 29 8,412 Restaurant margin 18.4 % 13.7 % (13.0) % N/A N/A 17.4 % Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Core Operating Profit is as follows: Year to Date Ended 9/30/2025 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) $ 1,062 $ 163 $ (2) $ (120) $ $ 1,103 Special Items, Operating Profit Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss) $ 1,062 $ 163 $ (2) $ (120) $ $ 1,103 Items Affecting Comparability F/X impact 3 1 4 Core Operating Profit (Loss) $ 1,065 $ 164 $ (2) $ (120) $ $ 1,107 Year to Date Ended 9/30/2024 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total Company sales $ 6,452 $ 1,723 $ 42 $ $ $ 8,217 Franchise fees and income 53 6 13 72 Revenues from transactions with franchisees(2) 41 4 55 219 319 Other revenues 9 17 484 48 (458) 100 Total revenues $ 6,555 $ 1,750 $ 594 $ 267 $ (458) $ 8,708 Company restaurant expenses 5,293 1,503 45 (2) 6,839 General and administrative expenses 183 80 29 120 412 Franchise expenses 25 3 1 29 Expenses for transactions with franchisees(2) 36 3 50 217 306 Other operating costs and expenses 7 16 476 47 (456) 90 Closures and impairment expenses, net 11 6 5 22 Other income, net (1) (1) Total costs and expenses, net 5,555 1,611 606 383 (458) 7,697 Operating Profit (Loss) $ 1,000 $ 139 $ (12) $ (116) $ $ 1,011 Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Restaurant Profit is as follows: Year to Date Ended 9/30/2024 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) $ 1,000 $ 139 $ (12) $ (116) $ $ 1,011 Less: Franchise fees and income 53 6 13 72 Revenues from transactions with franchisees(2) 41 4 55 219 319 Other revenues 9 17 484 48 (458) 100 Add: General and administrative expenses 183 80 29 120 412 Franchise expenses 25 3 1 29 Expenses for transactions with franchisees(2) 36 3 50 217 306 Other operating costs and expenses 7 16 476 47 (456) 90 Closures and impairment expenses, net 11 6 5 22 Other income, net (1) (1) Restaurant profit (loss) $ 1,159 $ 220 $ (3) $ $ 2 $ 1,378 Company sales 6,452 1,723 42 8,217 Restaurant margin 18.0 % 12.8 % (11.8) % N/A N/A 16.8 % Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Profit to Core Operating Profit is as follows: Year to Date Ended 9/30/2024 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated (1) Elimination Total GAAP Operating Profit (Loss) $ 1,000 $ 139 $ (12) $ (116) $ $ 1,011 Special Items, Operating Profit Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss) $ 1,000 $ 139 $ (12) $ (116) $ $ 1,011 Items Affecting Comparability F/X impact Core Operating Profit (Loss) $ 1,000 $ 139 $ (12) $ (116) $ $ 1,011 The above tables reconcile segment information, which is based on management responsibility, with our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. (1) Amounts have not been allocated to any segment for purpose of making operating decision or assessing financial performance as the transactions are deemed corporate revenues and expenses in nature. (2) Primarily includes revenues and associated expenses of transactions with franchisees derived from the Company's central procurement model whereby the Company centrally purchases substantially all food and paper products from suppliers and then sells and delivers to KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants, including franchisees. SOURCE Yum China Holdings, Inc. Donald Trump played the hits this weekend, scratching and spinning his usual ALL-CAPS COMPLAINTS about late-night comedians: No talent, low ratings, not funny. But this time his ire wasnt aimed at Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert or even Jimmy Fallon often-ignored Seth Meyers is the latest to get the royal treatment from the President. Seth Meyers of NBC may be the least talented person to perform live in the history of television. In fact, he may be the WORST to perform, live or otherwise, Trump posted on Truth Social, apparently unaware that Meyers tapes his shows in the afternoon. I watched his show the other night for the first time in years. In it he talked endlessly about electric catapults on aircraft carriers which I complain about as not being as good as much less expensive steam catapults. On and on he went, a truly deranged lunatic. Why does NBC waste its time and money on a guy like this??? NO TALENT, NO RATINGS, 100% ANTI TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL!!! Nothing illegal about politician jokes not yet, anyway but that didnt stop Trumps tantrum. Ironically, one of the subjects of Meyers jokes that night was about Chuck Schumer. The Senate minority leader had criticized Trumps recent trip to Asia, a negative assessment that the President labeled almost treasonous. Don't Miss Maybe thats part of Trumps strategy when he cant credibly accuse his critics of sedition or breaking the law, those actions are probably illegal or almost treasonous. The mud is slung without needing to back up the almost-but-not-quite accusations. The online beef would be easy to laugh off if 2025 hadnt shown us that late-night comics like Colbert and Kimmel are vulnerable to the whims of the administration. As always, Trump criticism is good for business. The offending A Closer Look segment has more than one million YouTube views, a success enjoyed by other Meyers clips that discuss the Presidents foibles. By comparison, interviews with Reese Witherspoon and Judd Apatow cant reach 100,000 combined views. Watch for yourself and see Meyers take on Trumps steam-powered catapults, with the Presidents meandering comments nearly as funny as Meyerss punchlines. They're spending billions of dollars to build stupid electric, Trump griped aboard the USS George Washington. When it breaks, you have to send it up to MIT, get the most brilliant people in the world, fly them out. It's ridiculous. The steam they said they can fix it with a hammer and a blowtorch. And it works just as well, if not better. And I love the sight of that beautiful steam pouring off the deck. Advertisement Advertisement Guy spends more time thinking about catapults than Wile E. Coyote, joked Meyers. Next, he's going to start complaining about how our troops don't tie themselves to rockets anymore. Somehow, Meyers anticipated Trumps angry response to the segment. Trump thinks if you say something mean about him, that's treason. Which is why on this show, I only do constructive criticism, Meyers said. Which, I'm being told, is also treason. Three cybersecurity professionals who specialized in helping companies respond to ransomware attacks have been charged with secretly running their own ransomware operation, deploying ALPHV BlackCat malware against at least five US enterprises between May and November 2023. Ryan Clifford Goldberg, 33, a former incident response manager at Sygnia Cybersecurity Services, and Kevin Tyler Martin, 28, a ransomware negotiator at Chicago-based DigitalMint, were named in an indictment filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on October 2. A third conspirator remained unnamed in charging documents but allegedly obtained the ALPHV affiliate account used in the attacks. The Court document, however, did not mention the name of the organizations they were associated with. The new ZEISS facility in Bloomfield, Connecticut, will support the manufacturing community with cutting-edge metrology and inspection technologies, services, training, and access to a local team of experts. MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions today announced its new Quality Excellence Center in Bloomfield, Connecticut, as part of its continuous expansion of support for U.S. manufacturers. Located at 340 West Newberry Rd., the facility will provide advanced resources for precision metrology, technology demonstrations, and local experts who specialize in helping manufacturers solve industry challenges with innovative solutions. Key Takeaways: ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions opens a new Quality Excellence Center in Bloomfield, Connecticut to strengthen manufacturing in the Northeast. ZEISS opens a new Quality Excellence Center in Bloomfield, Connecticut The location strategically brings support resources closer to customers and strengthens technical collaboration By providing access to a local team of experts and cutting-edge technologies, the facility is a hub for Northeastern manufacturers to solve industry challenges "This expansion reflects our commitment to supporting manufacturers across the region with the technologies and expertise needed to drive precision, efficiency, and success in today's challenging manufacturing climate," said Hendrie Viktor, Vice President, Head of Sales at ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions North America. The ZEISS Quality Excellence Center in Bloomfield, Connecticut, offers: Demonstrations and proof of capability studies for cutting-edge ZEISS measurement and inspection technologies, including automation, multisensor coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), industrial microscopes, optical 3D scanners, multisensor vision measuring machines (VMMs), surface and special geometry instruments, and intelligent software solutions for industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, machining, medical, metalforming, and power and energy. Expert-led technology, software, and measurement training sessions and workshops to help close the skills gap and alleviate the shortage of skilled labor through education, upskilling, and reskilling. A wide range of precision metrology and application engineering services and consultation. The 12,000 square-foot facility includes 6,050 square feet dedicated to advanced metrology technologies and software, providing an open, interactive environment to gain hands-on experience with the latest solutions. ZEISS is now accepting appointments to visit the facility for demonstrations, services, and training. For more information about the new ZEISS Quality Excellence Center in Bloomfield, Connecticut, or to request a tour of the facility, visit: www.zeiss.com/metrology FAQ: ZEISS Quality Excellence Center in Connecticut Where is the ZEISS Quality Excellence Center in Connecticut? The ZEISS Quality Excellence Center in Connecticut is located at 340 West Newberry Rd., Bloomfield, Connecticut. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to delivering precision 2D and 3D dimensional measurement and inspection capabilities to manufacturers seeking to improve quality assurance. Providing access to ZEISS's latest metrology solutions, the facility also offers training programs and expert consultation to help manufacturers solve industry challenges. Why did ZEISS choose Connecticut for its new Quality Excellence Center? Connecticut was chosen for its strong base of advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation, as well as its proximity to major manufacturers across the Northeast. The center is strategically positioned to serve manufacturers across the region, helping them leverage the latest metrology and quality excellence practices. By investing in this Connecticut facility, ZEISS is strengthening its role in U.S. manufacturing, better serving regional customers, fostering collaboration, supporting local workforce development, and expanding hands-on support for precision manufacturing excellence. Which industries will benefit from the new ZEISS Quality Excellence Center? The Connecticut center serves manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, and electronics, as well as machining, medical, metalforming, and power and energy. These critical industries rely on ZEISS high-precision inspection and measurement technologies to ensure safety, compliance, and performance. How will the ZEISS Quality Excellence Center support U.S. manufacturers? The new center strengthens ZEISS's commitment to U.S. manufacturing by offering localized access to advanced metrology tools, software, and expertise. Manufacturers can collaborate directly with ZEISS experts to verify solutions, optimize workflows, and enhance quality assurance to reduce defects and improve efficiency. What types of technologies and solutions are available at the ZEISS Connecticut facility? The ZEISS Connecticut facility provides a comprehensive portfolio of 2D and 3D dimensional measurement and inspection technologies and services for a diverse range of industries. The product portfolio on hand in this facility includes a wide variety of high-tech computer-aided and automated measurement and inspection technologies and accessories. These include microscopes, 3D scanners, VMMs, and intelligent software solutions for data analysis and digital quality control, multisensor CMMs, surface finish, form and geometry instruments and x-ray computed tomography (CT) systems. What metrology services does ZEISS offer at the ZEISS Connecticut location? The ZEISS Connecticut facility offers a range of services, including application support and training, contract inspection, fixture system repair and quality control, measurement, process design, development, integration, and system runoff services, project management, reverse engineering, calibration and more. About ZEISS ZEISS is a leading global technology company in the optical and optoelectronic industry. In the four divisions Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets, the ZEISS Group most recently generated annual sales of around EUR 11 billion (September 30, 2024). ZEISS develops, produces and sells highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and therapy in ophthalmology and microsurgery for its customers. ZEISS also stands for the world's leading lithography optics, which is used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. ZEISS brand products such as spectacle lenses, photo lenses and binoculars are sought-after and trendsetters worldwide. With this portfolio, which is geared towards future growth areas such as digitalization, health and Industry 4.0, and a strong brand, ZEISS is helping to shape technological progress and advancing the world of optics and related areas with its solutions. The basis for the success and the further continuous expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership is the sustained high expenditure on research and development. ZEISS invests 14% of its sales in research and development work these high expenditures have a long tradition at ZEISS and are also an investment in the future. With more than 46,555 employees, ZEISS is active in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development sites and 35 production sites worldwide (March 31, 2025). Founded in Jena in 1846, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG, is the Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest German foundations for the promotion of science. For more information, see www.zeiss.com ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions is a leading manufacturer of solutions for multidimensional metrology. These include coordinate measuring machines, optical and multi-sensor systems, microscopy systems for industrial quality assurance, as well as metrology software for the automotive industry, aircraft and mechanical engineering, as well as the plastics industry and medical technology. Innovative technologies such as 3D X-ray measurement in quality assurance round off the portfolio. ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions also offers a global range of services with ZEISS Quality Excellence Centers close to its customers. Headquarters are in Oberkochen. Production and development sites outside Germany are located in Minneapolis (USA), Shanghai (China) and Bangalore (India). ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions is part of the Industrial Quality & Research division. SOURCE Carl Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions, LLC Past and present military members are invited to enjoy a delicious meal on the house NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- This Veterans Day, Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen proudly continues its tradition of honoring those who have served by offering a free, farm-fresh meal to all veterans and active-duty military personnel on Tuesday, November 11. Available for dine-in only, the 2025 Veterans Day menu features 10 hearty favorites, served all day long at Bob Evans Restaurants. The initiative of supporting veterans is one the Bob Evans brand has proudly committed to for years. Honoring the lives and legacies of those who have served, including the brand's founder Bob Evans, who was a veteran himself, is one way Bob Evans has continued to show gratitude on Veterans Day and throughout the year. "Our veterans deserve more than just our gratitude; they deserve a warm meal with a warm welcome in a place designed to connect together which is exactly what we offer at Bob Evans," said Mickey Mills, Chief Executive Officer of Bob Evans Restaurants. "We're proud to serve those who've served our country with a selection of our signature dishes, made with care and farm-fresh ingredients." Veterans and active-duty military guests can choose one of the following complimentary entrees: Country Biscuit Breakfast: A buttermilk biscuit topped with one farm-fresh egg cooked to order, crumbled Bob Evans Sausage, country gravy and cheddar cheese. Served with hash browns, home fries or fresh seasonal fruit. The Classic Breakfast: Classic combination of two farm-fresh eggs cooked to order with a choice of farm-famous breakfast meat. Served with a choice of freshly baked bread. Banana Berry Oatmeal: Rolled oat oatmeal topped with wild blueberries, sweet blueberry sauce, fresh banana slices and honey-roasted pecans. Served with fresh milk and a side of freshly baked banana nut bread. Sunrise: Two farm-fresh eggs, cooked to order and a choice of hash browns, home fries or fresh seasonal fruit. Served with a choice of freshly baked bread. The Mini Sampler: One farm-fresh egg cooked-to-order and choice of two sausage links, one chicken sausage link or two hardwood-smoked bacon strips. Served with a freshly baked biscuit and choice of hash browns, home fries or fresh seasonal fruit. Brioche French Toast: Two slices of griddled brioche bread, dipped in real egg batter made with vanilla and cinnamon. Served with butter and syrup and topped with powdered sugar. Cup of Sausage Gravy & Biscuits: A cup of Bob Evans signature house-made sausage gravy with two freshly baked buttermilk biscuits. Buttermilk Hotcakes: Four fluffy buttermilk hotcakes served with butter and syrup. Bowl of Rolled-Oat Oatmeal: Made fresh daily. Served with real brown sugar, milk and dried cranberries or pecans. Down-Home Country-Fried Steak: Topped with savory country gravy and served with mashed potatoes and green beans with ham. Served with a choice of freshly baked bread. "Here at Bob Evans, we value the opportunity to honor those who have served," said Bob Holtcamp, President and Chief Marketing Officer. "Dating back to our founder, this initiative is one we keep close to our hearts. We hope all veterans and active-duty military members can join us in our restaurants for a free meal, served better together, this Veterans Day." Guests must provide proof of service to receive their free meal. Accepted forms of ID include: U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card, Retired ID Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (e.g., American Legion, VFW), a photograph in uniform, DD214, or a citation/commendation. For more details and to find a participating location, visit bobevans.com/veterans-day. About Bob Evans Restaurants, LLC Rooted in the agricultural heritage of founder Bob Evans, whose humble Farmhouse Kitchen laid the foundation for our restaurants over 70 years ago, Bob Evans continues to embody the spirit of farm-fresh ingredients and hospitality today. Today's Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen remains true to tradition, utilizing fresh ingredients and fresh preparation in every dish across our nearly 450 locations in 18 states. From the classic Farmer's Choice Breakfast to the slow-roasted, hand-carved turkey dinner, each bite reflects our dedication to delivering America's Farm Fresh at every meal, every day. For more information and restaurant locations, visit BobEvans.com, download the Bob Evans app on iOS and Android, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 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Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe "Meals with Meaning brings our restaurants and guests together to support families in need. At a time when food insecurity is affecting so many, this program allows us and our guests to make a meaningful impact, it is also a reminder that we're all in this together." Post this "Giving back is part of our DNA at Thompson Hospitality," said Warren Thompson, president and chairman of Thompson Hospitality. "Meals with Meaning brings our restaurants and guests together to support families in need. At a time when food insecurity is affecting so many, this program allows us and our guests to make a meaningful impact, it is also a reminder that we're all in this together." Guests can participate in two ways: Order a Feast: Enjoy a fully prepared holiday meal from Thompson Restaurants. You can choose from the sides that you know and love from Milk & Honey, matchbox, Makers Union and Ms. Peach's. Individual sides are also available for purchase. Donate a Meal: Contribute $50 to provide a meal for two, or $100 to feed a family of four. Each donation ensures a complete Thanksgiving dinner is delivered to local families experiencing food insecurity. Additionally, guests dining in-store or ordering online can "round up" their check to further support the NWFCU Foundation, helping fund programs that promote health, education, and well-being for youth in need from 11/1 to 12/31. Feast Options: Classic Feast - $145 Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast or Glazed Ham, homemade gravy, traditional cranberry sauce, biscuits or cornbread, and three sides: Matchbox mashed potatoes, Matchbox garlic & herb stuffing, Matchbox honey glazed carrots, Milk & Honey mac & cheese, Milk & Honey collard greens, Milk & Honey yams, Makers Union brussels sprouts, or Makers Union garlic green beans. Deluxe Feast - $175 All of the above, plus an additional side and a choice of dessert: Ms. Peach's Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, or Apple Pie. Extra Sides - $17 each Choose from the full menu of sides above. Extra Desserts - $22 each Ms. Peach's Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, or Apple Pie. All feasts serve 4-6 people and include tax. Customers are encouraged to place their orders online by Friday, November 21 at 12 p.m., with meal pick-up scheduled for Wednesday, November 26. For added convenience, customers can visit https://www.thompsonrestaurants.com/meals-with-meaning to select their preferred feast or to donate a meal. In addition to Thanksgiving meal pre-orders, patrons dining at any Thompson Restaurants location will have the opportunity to round up their bill, with proceeds benefiting the NWFCU Foundation. High-resolution photos are available for download HERE. For more information or to make reservations, visit thompsonrestaurants.com About Thompson Restaurants Founded in 1992, Thompson Restaurants owns and operates restaurants in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Ohio and South Florida. As part of Thompson Hospitality, a family-run organization, has catered to client, customer and community relationships for over three decades. Led by President and Founder Warren Thompson, Thompson Restaurants owns and operates 16 beloved brands across more than 70 locations including Makers Union, matchbox, Big Buns Damn Good Burgers, Hen Quarter, Milk & Honey, Wiseguy Pizza and is rapidly expanding to different markets across the U.S. For more information, visit thompsonrestaurants.com. About Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation The NWFCU Foundation has a longstanding commitment to youth empowerment, awarding over $2.1 million in scholarships to more than 430 students since 2004. Through strategic partnerships, the Foundation regularly provides essential weekend meals, hygiene products, and school supplies to under-resourced students. Their newest initiative, The N.E.E.D.S. Project, aims to fulfill critical needs in local schools. For more information, visit www.nwfcufoundation.org. Media Contact Jamie Weber, Bullfrog + Baum, 1 5166955987, [email protected], Bullfrog + Baum SOURCE Thompson Restaurants Its time to be honest with ourselves. After 15 years of Tory and Labour governments, deindustrialised, debt-laden Britain is in bigger economic trouble than anyone dares to admit. And Rachel Reeves Budget is set to make things worse. Reform UK will do things very differently. We will be the party of business especially small business. We will encourage economic growth by scrapping EU rules and reducing over-regulation, lowering energy costs and freeing businesses to get on and make money. Reform will be the most pro-business government this country has seen in modern times. We will bring into government people with real economic expertise. And we will signal a change of attitude towards working hard and success. But Reform will also be the real party of working people, standing up for alarm-clock Britain the millions of hard-working people who roll up their sleeves each morning and tackling the cost-of-living crisis. By scrapping Net Zero targets we can cut household energy bills. By reducing mass immigration, we will make it easier to find affordable homes. By reducing the bloated welfare state, we can raise the level at which workers start paying income tax. Crucially, Reform UK will make work pay. None of this will be easy. Britain is broken, and Britain is broke. We cannot trust the same failed politicians and parties who broke Britain to pose as the solution to the problems they created. At the heart of this problem, we have a political class who know nothing about business and many of whom have never had a proper job. We are led by human rights lawyers, not entrepreneurs. Nigel Farage says that Reform UK 'will be the real party of working people, standing up for alarm-clock Britain' There is a gaping chasm between the political and media bubble in Westminster and the real world where people live and work. We have ministers running departments and making decisions over areas about which they have little or no knowledge or experience. Ministers only qualification is to be an MP in the prime ministers good books they get moved again at the PMs whim. Britain has had 18 rail ministers in 14 years. And we wonder why the railways dont work. Enough. A pro-business Reform government will bring in private-sector expertise. We will have ministers who understand the areas over which they have direct responsibility. Reform believes we need innovation, energy and, yes, risk-taking. And to do that, we need the right people. Many of them are leaving the UK, not just wealthy non-doms, but also thousands of ambitious young people in search of career opportunities elsewhere. The socialist dogma that its good to tax the rich has infected the Labour Party and indeed the Conservative Party. But their non-dom tax changes are a self-induced act of stupidity. The highest tax payers provide work and investment. If the rich leave, then those on lower incomes will have more tax to pay, a simple fact that needs to be explained. We want as many successful people as possible to live and work in the UK, paying their taxes as legally required. Thats why we have proposed a Britannia Card, to bring people back to this country. Though we will also have to fix the law and order problem in London, something Mayor Sadiq Khan seems to care little about. Reform will end the brain drain, we will end the wealth drain and we will make the UK an attractive place to invest, work and live. Britain needs to re-industrialise in everything from cement making, chemicals and steel, to data centres and crypto mining. For all of them, the absolute key is energy. Weve managed to engineer for ourselves the most expensive industrial energy in the world four times that of our American competitors, double that of our French neighbours. This is a self-inflicted act of economic lunacy, brought about by the zealous pursuit of Net Zero by Tory and Labour governments. Reform will end Net Zero subsidies. We will develop gas and oil deposits. We will remove insane North Sea taxes with the aim of making the United Kingdom self-sufficient in energy, as quickly as possible. In the long term, we believe strongly in nuclear energy. But we cannot allow our current incapable politicians to run it. Just look at the disaster they made of nuclear plants at Sizewell and Hinkley Point. South Koreans produce nuclear energy at 25 per cent of the cost here. We will use their expertise. We will use private money. We will make sure that long term, Britain has a solid baseload of nuclear power. Our benefit system has become an absurd burden on the working population. The annual bill of over 300billion is more than the cost of the NHS and defence combined, writes Nigel Farage What Ive seen in 25 years in politics is that governments only listen to big business. Theyre the ones that buy the champagne dinners, provide the best seats at Wimbledon or Wembley. Very often, these big businesses arent even British, but multinational corporations. There is another business sector for whom nobody ever speaks these days. Its called small business. These are the real engines of growth in the UK economy, providing 60 per cent of private sector jobs. Despite all the taxes and regulations government has weighed them down with, there are 5.6 million small-business men and women bravely out there having a go. They feel unwanted. But we cannot do without them. Reform will be the party of small business. We will be the party of the risk-takers. Our benefit system has become an absurd burden on the working population. The annual bill of over 300 billion is more than the cost of the NHS and defence combined. On benefits, a myth has spread that Reform will give handouts to absolutely everybody. Much of this came after my announcement about lifting the two-child cap on benefits. I actually said that we will give tax credits to British couples who both work to encourage them to keep working and have more children. I cant think of a more pro-family policy at low cost. We have lifted the lid on the benefits scandal that is about to break over Indefinite Leave to Remain. Thanks to the Boriswave of legal immigration, a million or more foreign nationals will soon be able to claim benefits for life and bring their dependants. Some estimate this cohort could cost us 200 billion. Only Reform will abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain and save billions. We cannot afford for the Boriswave to bankrupt this country. We have already announced our plans to reassess all those on disability benefits, reduce payments by up to 9 billion a year and stop young people suffering a bit of anxiety being thrown on the scrapheap. And we will insist that welfare is for British people only. That will also help us to reduce the size of our bloated public sector. Of course we want to cut taxes. But given the parlous state of the economy, we know that can only happen once the deficit is under control. We will be mature, we will be sensible and we will not over-promise unlike the failed old parties. Apparently Rachel Reeves will blame Brexit for her problems in a few weeks time. Yet Labour and the Tories have wasted the opportunities Brexit offered to become more competitive. The harsh truth is that, from financial services to fishing, regulations and regulators are worse now than they were back in 2016. There is a fundamental misunderstanding in our politics. Were told you either favour business, or you favour workers. But this is total nonsense. My party is the party of alarm-clock Britain. I am upbeat and optimistic about the future of our great country. Lets all get to work and fix broken Britain. Standing in a lush meadow, Steve Boyls locked eyes with a young boy who, although he had never seen him before, felt oddly familiar. 'Hi, my name is Daniel,' the boy told him. 'I think you're my dad.' Daniel was the name Steve and his wife, Dr Kathy Boyls, chose for their unborn child decades earlier before the couple suffered a miscarriage early in the pregnancy. When Steve told Daniel his mother would love to meet him, he claimed the child said: 'I know, I've already seen her.' In the days that followed, Steve also came across his brother who he hadn't seen in three decades and a niece who had died just one week before her wedding. Every family dog Steve ever had bounded up to him with wagging tails and youth in their eyes. While the 66-year-old was experiencing this grand reunion, his body was lying in a hospital bed in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He had been placed in a medically induced coma and hooked up to a ventilator due to a severe case of COVID-19, while Kathy sat next to him pleading for answers. But for the three weeks Steve's body sat motionless, his 'spirit,' he later told the Daily Mail, was in heaven, guided by a guardian angel named Marzuka, an Arabic name for 'blessed.' 'I'm here to take you to heaven for a little while, while your body heals,' Steve claimed the angel told him. 'You're going to be just fine.' Steve Boyls (pictured with wife Dr Kathy Boyls) fell ill in 2021 with a severe case of COVID. While in a coma for three weeks, he claims he saw heaven Your browser does not support iframes. Steve, now 69, is one of the one in ten Americans who have had a near-death experience (NDE), a transformative event that occurs during a severe medical crisis. Some feel themselves being propelled down into a black hole, blinded by a bright light or wandering a Matrix-like grid. Many, like Steve, are met by an angel and taken to heaven for a visit. But when they return, the medical emergencies that nearly kill them often leave these patients with emotional whiplash. Back on Earth, Steve faced a grueling recovery - re-learning how to do everything from sitting up in a chair to walking more than a handful of steps and gradually working his way up to chewing solid food - that left him feeling 'like a prisoner.' In October, The Boyls released a book about their experience titled, I've Been to Heaven: The True Story of a Husband's Supernatural Near-Death Experience of the Afterlife, His Wife's Prayer That Brought Him Back, and God's Message of Hope for the World. It was November 2021 when the Boyls and their daughter, a high school senior at the time, all caught COVID, which struck each of them differently. 'Our youngest daughter, she just felt like she had a little cold,' Steve told the Daily Mail. 'Kathy had a splitting headache that wouldn't go away, and I couldn't breathe.' Steve's condition rapidly declined, forcing Kathy to rush him to the emergency room that December. Kathy, who works as a pediatrician, assumed her husband needed to spend a few days on a CPAP machine, which is usually used for sleep apnea and helps open up the airways. 'We had no idea what we were in for,' she told the Daily Mail. Steve (pictured at left in the hospital and at right recovering at home) was in the hospital for three and a half months. During his coma, he claims an angel named Marzuka led him around heaven, where he met deceased friends and family, including his unborn son Steve is pictured in rehab, where he had to learn how to walk, talk and sit up after surviving COVID Five days after arriving at the hospital, doctors intubated Steve - which involved inserting a tube into his trachea - and placed him on a ventilator to help him breathe. He spent 45 days on the ventilator, about three weeks of which were in a medically induced coma while doctors worked to keep him breathing. It was then that Steve claims he transported to heaven and was greeted by Marzuka. He claimed his 'guardian angel' said he had been with Steve his entire life. Though the angel didn't have wings, Steve described him as wearing a long white gown adorned with gold trim on the sleeves and collar, carrying a broadsword on his back. He claimed Marzuka escorted him around heaven to a meadow with grass that was 'a really brilliant color of green,' mountains and a beach next to the 'river of life.' There were no clouds, just a bright light covering the landscape, Steve said. Time didn't seem to pass for Steve, and his spirit felt light and energized, with hardly a need to eat or sleep. 'I didn't have any sense that I had a sick body on Earth somewhere because my spirit just felt great. It was really amazing,' he told the Daily Mail. Steve claimed to have met Jesus in his 'throne room,' adding that he showed Steve pictures of his body lying in the hospital bed and told him: 'This is you, but you're going to be just fine.' As they left the throne room, Steve claimed that Marzuka told him it was time to wake up. The next thing Steve knew, he was awake in his hospital bed with Kathy right beside him. Steve spent about three and a half months in the hospital, moving from the intensive care unit to an intermediate hospital and finally a rehabilitation center. Steve is pictured with the medical staff at Cornerstone Hospital of Oklahoma after being released Pictured: Steve (right) and Kathy (left). Steve has fully recovered from his near-death experience and has no lasting health issues, which he credits not only to hard work but to his faith Pictured above is Steve and Kathy's book, which released in mid-October Spending three weeks in a coma had caused the muscles in his legs, arms and face to atrophy, or waste away, and it took several weeks from him to be able to speak and chew again. And for 16 months after being released, Steve went through intense physical therapy to learn how to sit up and walk. He claimed that during that time, a 'flood of memories' came back to him about his time in heaven, propelling his recovery forward. Along with traditional medications like blood thinners, Steve took 60 pills and supplements each day and had a team of nearly a dozen doctors monitoring his lungs, heart and blood. 'Every single one of them told me that it's a miracle you're alive,' he told the Daily Mail. But nearly four years later, just ahead of his 70th birthday, Steve has no lasting health problems from his NDE and no longer has to take any prescription medications, which he and Kathy attribute to both the intense therapy and their faith. Throughout recovery, Steve would detail his supposed experiences in heaven to Kathy, who would 'stay up half the night' typing them out. This became the basis of their book, which released on October 14 from Baker Publishing Group. 'People need to broaden their understanding of what heaven really is,' Steve told the Daily Mail. 'God appears to people more times than they realize. And I'm hoping that I can share my experience and let people know that, yes, God's real. Jesus is real. He's more real than the road you're walking on or the chair you're sitting in.' I've Been to Heaven: The True Story of a Husband's Supernatural Near-Death Experience of the Afterlife, His Wife's Prayer That Brought Him Back, and God's Message of Hope for the World is available now on Amazon and through Baker Publishing Group. At just 12 years old, Isabel Johnson was medicated to treat what doctors suspected was attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, otherwise known as ADHD. She was prescribed Vyvanse, a stimulant that improves focus and slows hyperactivity that she claimed was billed as a 'new' drug that wasn't 'as addictive' or 'easily abused.' But what started as a way to help her excel in school eventually spiraled into a crippling 15-year addiction to another ADHD drug: Adderall. Johnson, who now runs a hair salon in Florida, revealed that her dependency on amphetamines was so severe that she lost sense of reality as her relationships with friends, family and partners suffered as a result. 'When you're on Adderall, you're like in a constant state of fight or flight. Your nervous system is just chaos whether you know it or not,' she said in a podcast interview last month with Kevin Lanning, a former Google executive who is now sober from opioids. Johnson claimed she got hooked on the stimulant drug Adderall at 18 when she was dating someone who supplied her with the pills. At times, she would go days without sleeping, and described feeling 'like a shell [of a person] just getting through the days.' Despite breaking up with her ex after a year, she said her addiction continued. She had her own prescription, but would buy more from other people. Knowing her reliance on the drug was unhealthy, Johnson said it kept her alert throughout cosmetology school and her job as a hair stylist. At just 12 years old, Isabel Johnson was put on amphetamine medication to treat what doctors suspected was Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Your browser does not support iframes. But she hid her dependence: from the outside, she revealed that many people thought she was successful but inside, she was in a state of disarray. Adderall, which is primarily for ADHD and narcolepsy, works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, neurotransmitters that regulate attention, motivation and impulse control. In people with ADHD, these chemicals are naturally low, so when taking the drug, they often feel calmer and in control. But Adderall is classified by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, alongside cocaine, methamphetamine and oxycodone. Its classification means it has a recognized medical use but also a high potential for abuse, which can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. For adults with ADHD, the typical starting dose of Adderall five to ten milligrams (mg) once or twice daily, with careful medical supervision. The usual maximum recommended daily dose is 40mg. But at the peak of her addiction, Johnson was taking 60mg a day. At the time, she said she was experiencing extreme emotions - 'meltdowns,' 'explosions' and even once punched a hole in her mom's wall. 'I always knew it was a problem. I just didn't want to admit that it was the Adderall because I didn't want to go off of it,' she said. She also claimed Adderall clouded her decision-making abilities. She saw another relationship fail and she got married then divorced. She said: 'I think when I was on Adderall, I was crossing things off the list. I wasn't doing anything with like emotion or intention. So, [marriage] was the wrong decision.' Johnson said she got hooked on Adderall after dating someone who gave her the pills when she was 18 years old. At times she would go days without sleeping and she described feeling 'like a shell [of a person] just getting through the days' In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration declared an Adderall shortage driven by manufacturing delays, regulatory factors and an increased demand. Today, these strains are ongoing. In the US, prescriptions of stimulant medications including Adderall have increased substantially, from about 50 million prescriptions in 2012 to approximately 81 million in 2023. This increase coincides partly with a rise in ADHD diagnoses, especially among adults and women, as awareness and screening have improved. The rise of telehealth services have also made it much easier for people to get ADHD evaluations and prescriptions. But when the shortage was first announced, Johnson's desperation is what made her realize it was time to kick the habit. She said: 'I've like never felt like such a drug addict in my life. I'm like calling pharmacies... It was bad.' Instead of tapering the dosage, which is usually advised by doctors to avoid withdrawal, Johnson stopped the drug completely overnight. 'I went cold turkey, decided I'm never going to pick up another script again. Quit. I decided for the first six weeks I would not drink. I smoked cigarettes at the time a lot. I quit that,' she said. 'I don't know that the doctor would recommend any of that, but it worked for me.' Adderall is prescribed primarily for ADHD and for Narcolepsy. In the US, prescriptions of stimulant medications including Adderall have increased substantially: from about 50 million prescriptions in 2012 to approximately 81 million in 2023. Johnson suffered from a range of withdrawal symptoms including migraines, night sweats, constant hunger, fatigue and extremely realistic dreams. But as time went on, she finally experienced what it was like to live 'like a normal human being' - without a dependence on Adderall. Now, she has been clean from Adderall for more than two years and said she feels like a completely different person. 'I feel so lighthearted and I cry laughing sometimes and I'm giddy,' she explained. 'My whole personality is different and I enjoy like very different things. I like reading. It feels productive to sit down and read.' Dr Auriel Willette, an associate health professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey told the Daily Mail that cases like Johnson's are becoming increasingly common. She said: 'Adderall addiction is a huge issue in the US, not on the level of abuse for fentanyl or comparable opioids, but nonetheless problematic. 'Prescriptions for Adderall and other medications used to classically treat ADHD have gone up substantially in the past decade. 'This has typically been most abused by young people and college students to maintain mental vigilance for long periods of time, either for exams or trying to cram studies and extracurriculars all into a short span of time. 'Millions report misused stimulant use in a given year, with federal health alerts decrying a growing illicit drug market. This is a major public-health issue in western countries, but especially the UK and the US.' The Daily Mail has contacted Teva Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Adderall, for comment regarding its addictive qualities and is currently awaiting a response. Relying on melatonin supplements to fall asleep may increase the risk of suffering deadly heart failure, a study suggests. Researchers in New York combed through health records from more than 130,000 adults suffering from insomnia who had taken melatonin, a supplement that helps the brain regulate its sleep-wake cycle, for at least a year. Compared to people with insomnia who didn't take the sleep supplement, melatonin users were 90 percent more likely to be diagnosed within five years with heart failure, which occurs when the heart can no longer pump enough blood throughout the body. Melatonin users were also three times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure than their peers who didn't take it. And those who used melatonin were nearly twice as likely to die from any cause in five years compared to non-users. Melatonin, available over the counter without a prescription, is a hormone naturally produced by the brain's pineal gland to regulate circadian rhythm, the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Levels rise in the evening to promote drowsiness and fall by morning so you can be awake and functioning during the day. The study has not yet been peer reviewed, and researchers cautioned additional studies are needed to hone in on the exact relationship between melatonin and heart failure, which affects 7 million Americans and kills nearly 500,000 every year. In some cases, insomnia has been an early sign of heart failure, as symptoms like shortness of breath or high blood pressure can make it difficult to sleep. Researchers in New York found that melatonin use may be linked to a 90 percent increased risk of heart failure (Stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. 'Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,' Dr Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, lead study author and chief resident in internal medicine at SUNY Downstate/Kings County Primary Care in New York City, said in a press release. 'If our study is confirmed, this could affect how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids.' Physicians not involved with the study, however, told the Daily Mail that they 'would not recommend abrupt discontinuation' of melatonin until more research is done. 'The study in question was an observational analysis of health-record data that shows an association between melatonin use and heart failure, not causation,' Dr Chelsie Rohrscheib, a neuroscientist and head of sleep at Wesper, who was not involved in the research, told the Daily Mail. 'Additional research is required to answer whether using melatonin is the driving factor, or whether people who use long-term melatonin have a higher incidence of using melatonin due to existing sleep issues, like insomnia, and these sleep issues are actually the driving factor for heart failure. 'At this time, there is no clear evidence that melatonin usage leads to heart failure. The findings come as more than one in four Americans, about 67 million, report taking melatonin at least once a year. The study, which is being presented this week at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, looked at 130,828 adults who were diagnosed with insomnia. The average age was 56, and more than 61 percent of participants were women. Of those, 65,414 participants had been prescribed melatonin at least once and reported taking it for at least a year. Melatonin supplements are available over the counter in the US without a prescription, but are prescription-only in the UK. There was also a control group who had insomnia but had never taken melatonin. The researchers combed through the records to find diagnoses of heart failure, as well as hospitalizations and deaths from the condition. The above CDC map shows the prevalence of heart failure deaths in the US from 2018 to 2020, the latest data available Your browser does not support iframes. The team found that among adults with insomnia, those who used melatonin long term had a 4.6 percent chance of developing heart failure within five years. Those who didn't use the supplements, however, had a 2.7 percent chance, making melatonin users 90 percent more likely to develop heart failure. And people in the UK who had at least two melatonin prescriptions filled at least 90 days apart were at an 82 percent increased risk of heart failure. Additionally, melatonin users had a 19 percent chance of being hospitalized for heart failure compared to 6.6 percent of non-users, making those who rely on melatonin 3.5 times more likely to end up in the hospital. Participants in the melatonin group were also twice as likely to die from any cause within five years compared to people who didn't take melatonin. 'Melatonin supplements are widely thought of as a safe and "natural" option to support better sleep, so it was striking to see such consistent and significant increases in serious health outcomes, even after balancing for many other risk factors,' Nnadi said in the release. The above graph shows the increase in sales of melatonin supplements in the US from 2016 to 2020, as measured by millions of dollars A typical dose for melatonin ranges from one to 3mg, taken about 30 minutes before bedtime, though exact dosages vary (Stock image) 'I'm surprised that physicians would prescribe melatonin for insomnia and have patients use it for more than 365 days, since melatonin, at least in the US, is not indicated for the treatment of insomnia,' Dr Marie-Pierre St-Onge, chair of the writing group for American Heart Association's 2025 scientific statement, who was not involved in the study, said in a statement. 'In the US, melatonin can be taken as an over-the-counter supplement and people should be aware that it should not be taken chronically without a proper indication.' There were several limitations to the new study, including relying on records where melatonin use was officially documented - the actual number of people using melatonin worldwide is much higher. 'The dataset also can't reliably capture over-the-counter use of melatonin, the dosage, or product quality, which are notoriously variable in the US supplement market,' Rohrscheib told the Daily Mail. 'Anyone with chronic sleep issues such as lower than recommended nightly sleep times, insomnia or other sleep disorders should speak to their doctor about health risks, including cardiovascular disease.' The researchers said peer review and additional studies are needed. 'Worse insomnia, depression/anxiety or the use of other sleep-enhancing medicines might be linked to both melatonin use and heart risk,' Nnadi said. 'Also, while the association we found raises safety concerns about the widely used supplement, our study cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. This means more research is needed to test melatonins safety for the heart.' When he found out his wife was pregnant, Aled Edwards felt something wasnt quite right. Theyd been trying for a baby for three years, yet from that evening, and for every night until their much longed-for son, Sullivan, was six months old, Aled suffered nightmares. Id dream someone was breaking into the house and Id tackle them but end up being stabbed halfway up the stairs, recalls the 39-year-old engineer from North Wales. Or the house would be burning down and I would lower everyone else out of the window but not get out myself. But then the nightmares stopped as suddenly as they started. However, two years after Sullivan was born, in 2021, when the couple learned they were expecting a second child, Aleds nightmares started again and continued after daughter Bea was born. For two-and-a-half years, Aled would wake up shouting and panicking, going into each room to check the children were OK and there was no intruder. And no matter how hard he tried, he didnt feel a bond with Bea. I was having to force myself to express excitement, says Aled, whose wife Sophie, 35, is a midwife. I felt I had to put on a show. I kept thinking, Whats wrong with me? I should be happier. Bea was beautiful and perfect, so it had to be me that was the problem. It would take three years to get to the root of Aleds problems: postnatal depression (PND). Aled Edwards, from Bangor, North Wales, with his children Sullivan 7 and Bea, 4 Although usually associated with new mothers, recent research suggests it is as common, if not more so, among new fathers. Up to 13 per cent of fathers may experience depression during early parenthood, reported the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth in 2023 (compared to around 10 per cent of mothers, according to the NHS). New research from Swansea University has revealed that two to three fathers a week died by suicide during the time between their partner being pregnant and the child reaching the age of two seven times the rate among mothers (suicide is the leading cause of death in mothers in the first year of their childs life). The study was based on data from Wales (the only UK country that records the age of children at the time of paternal suicide). Paternal postnatal depression, as with the maternal condition, is defined as depression that starts within a year of the mother giving birth. Symptoms vary but include emotions becoming darker, as well as losing the ability to feel emotion or pleasure, and increased anxiety, intense distress and irritability. As Dr Livia Martucci, a psychiatrist and chair of the perinatal faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, explains: It affects thinking processes. Peoples thoughts turn inwards to all the things they do wrong or that could go wrong. It might make parents feel incompetent or inadequate, that they cant bond with their baby or, very strongly, that they are no good to that baby. Nightmares are a common symptom of anxiety and depression but can also be about trauma, including about the birth if, for example, it was complicated or frightening. It is not just mothers who can be traumatised. It is often more common for men with PND to become less communicative and conceal their emotions, which can lead to outbursts. A dramatic change in personality can be another red flag. While bouts of low mood or anxiety are normal when a new baby comes along, says Dr Martucci, she recommends speaking to your partner, going to your GP or contacting organisations specialising in paternal mental health, such as PANDAS Foundation UK or The Fatherhood Institute, as soon as you think something is not right. In 2021 Aled had postnatal anxiety and depression and tried to take his own life. Now, he feels much better and is open with his wife Sophie and his children about how he is feeling The key thing is not to wait until it becomes unbearable. You dont have to grin and bear it, she says. As well as having witnessed a traumatic birth, risk factors include having a history of depression, financial instability and a lack of family or social support. However, research suggests naturally lower levels of testosterone might make postnatal depression more likely in some fathers. One study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2011, found new fathers testosterone dropped by approximately 34 per cent in the month after their child was born thought to be an evolutionary response to shift a new fathers focus to parenting by promoting nurturing. Aled initially told no one how he was feeling in the weeks after Beas birth but the numbness grew worse, extending to Sophie and Sullivan. He lost interest in eating, drinking, working, going out and was having obsessive thoughts about not being good enough and letting his children down (he has two other children from a previous relationship). A month after Bea was born, he went to his GP, who put him in contact with a local mental health team he had a call with them. But before his next appointment, in October 2021, six weeks after Beas arrival, Aled was out walking the dog when he felt so desperate he considered taking his own life. I was in floods of tears. I thought: I cant do this any more. I couldnt be in this pain. It was only the memory of Sullivan that morning wrapping his arms around his father, squeezing him as hard as he could that made Aled pause. He went home and told Sophie before taking himself to A&E. Aled says: I was numb. People asked me why, but I didnt have an answer. I just wanted to be on my own. He was prescribed antidepressants but these didnt help and affected his sex drive, so he stopped them. A psychiatrist diagnosed adverse childhood trauma, which struck Aled as wrong as, although hed had a difficult time, it felt more than that. Aled first heard about paternal PND after contacting a fathers support group. I thought it was something only women got a hormonal thing, he says. A psychologist then told him men couldnt have PND, but his GP agreed this was what Aled had. By this time, Bea was now three, hed had four sessions of trauma therapy, but he says going to a mens group was like a light bulb turning on. These sessions allowed me to realise it wasnt just me, he says. It was comforting to know other people were experiencing those similar things, and we were all able to support each other. A lot of fathers dont get diagnosed and end up in mental health services after that postnatal period, says Mark Williams, founder of Fathers Reaching Out, an organisation that advocates for better mental health services. Sometimes they never get to the root of why it happened. But they may have witnessed a traumatic birth or had baby loss. Florence Bristow, a clinical psychologist at The Perinatal Psychology Practice, a private national practice, adds: There is a huge shift going on for dads, too. Theres a change to their identity, a shift in potential worries and the responsibility to care for their partner and this tiny, helpless human. One barrier to new fathers seeking support is the belief that its not their place to find things hard, as its the mother who is going through pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. That can be tricky for a lot of men, says Florence Bristow. Maybe the dad is trying to be supportive and help at night, but also works a nine-hour day, then he comes home, and the mum is desperate to hand the baby over there is no space for him. Diagnosing and tackling PND is important. A recent UK study, published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that the children of fathers who had PND were more likely to have hyperactivity and experience peer problems by the age of seven possibly as it leads to increased conflict between father and child and lower levels of father-child warmth. There are many factors that interfere and contribute but it can affect the whole life trajectory, says psychiatrist Dr Martucci. Currently, there is no specialist mental health service for new fathers; they must rely on local support groups, like the one Aled has set up in Wales, Hows Dad? (Sut Mae Dad?). He is deeply grateful he was correctly diagnosed and treated, and he now has a strong and loving bond with his children, aged seven and four. That numbness has completely gone, he says. I am really open about how I am feeling with Sophie and the children. I dont want them to have the same experience I did. Sullivan is really good at telling me when he is angry although most of the time it is because I am not letting him have chocolate for breakfast. Barack Obama raised eyebrows on Tuesday after he told a woman she 'looked cute' while campaigning in New Jersey. The former president spoke at a rally for New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, surprising the crowd by engaging in a jovial exchange with a heckling supporter. 'I heard you girl, just settle down,' Obama, 64, joked as he attempted to tame the rowdy crowd in a clip shared by CNN. He continued to address the woman shouting, saying: 'I'm here to talk to everybody not just you.' 'I mean, you look cute,' the father-of-two quipped, as the crowd laughed and shouted with delight over the playful banter. 'But I am married,' he added. 'Michelle's fine too.' The exchange comes as rumors continue to swirl regarding the Obamas' marriage, which has been plagued with divorce speculation over the past few months. Theories their relationship had hit a rough patch began after Michelle Obama skipped both Jimmy Carter's funeral and President Donald Trump's inauguration earlier in the year. Barack Obama raised eyebrows on Tuesday after he told a woman she 'looked cute' while campaigning in New Jersey However, the author, 61, previously alluded to why she may have skipped those events, explaining she is finally able to set her own calendar now she is no longer First Lady - which means saying no to some events. '[This year] was a real big example of me, myself, looking at something that I was supposed to do - you know, without naming names - and I chose to do what was best for me, not what I had to do, not what I thought other people wanted me to do,' she told host Sophia Bush on her Working It Out podcast in April. In July, the couple addressed the rumors they are heading for a divorce with Barack appearing as a guest on his wife's podcast IMO, which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson. The pair wasted no time in addressing the rumors of their separation, with Michelle saying it is nice to be in the same room as her husband, sassily adding that when they aren't, 'folks think we're divorced.' Michelle then made a heartfelt admission about the relationship she shares with her husband of 33 years. 'There hasn't been one moment in our marriage where I thought about quitting my man,' she said passionately. She continued: 'And we've had some really hard times. So we had a lot of fun times, a lot of adventures, and I have become a better person because of the man I'm married to.' Michelle acknowledged that marriage is 'hard' for them both, but added that she wouldn't trade it, calling her husband, 'as the young people say... my person.' 'I heard you girl, just settle down,' Obama, 64, joked as he attempted to tame the rowdy crowd in a clip shared by CNN In July, the couple addressed the rumors they are heading for a divorce with Barack appearing as a guest on his wife's podcast IMO, which she co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson Obama previously made a frank admission that he was in a 'deep deficit' with his wife after his two presidential terms, while addressing college students 'The beauty of my husband and our partnership is that neither one of us was ever really, ever going to quit at it, because that's not who we are. And I know that about him. He knows that about me.' She continued, suggesting that young people give up on marriage too soon sometimes because they see a false image of a perfect union between herself and her husband. 'I talk about these things because I think that people give up too quickly on marriage,' the Becoming author said. 'Because there is so much friction built into the equation. And if you're not getting help, talking about it, going to therapy, just understanding how things are changing, and how do you continuously renegotiate your relationship with your partner, I just see people quitting,' she said. 'Because they look at me and Barack and go, "#couple goals." And I'm like, it's hard,' Michelle added. In April, Obama made a frank admission that he was in a 'deep deficit' with his wife after his two presidential terms, while addressing college students. 'I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things,' the former Democratic president admitted. The mom-of-two has also shared insight into being an empty nester with a husband who is no longer serving as the President, admitting it's very freeing. 'I mean at this stage in life for me, personally, is the first time I've been completely free,' she told guest Julia Louis-Dreyfus in July. 'There's been a release where every choice I make is not about my husband, not about his career, not about my family, not about what my kids need or where they're going, it's totally about me,' she admitted, quipping: 'This is when we start living ladies.' It's the race that stops the nation but as always, the real competition was happening trackside. Melbourne Cup 2025 saw Australia's biggest names descend on Flemington in a flurry of feathers, fascinators, high-fashion hits (and a few spectacular misses). From daring cut-outs and sculptural millinery to bold pops of crimson and electric blue stealing the spotlight, the Birdcage was a runway of risk-takers. As celebrities battled it out for best dressed bragging rights, some soared to fashion glory while others left onlookers wondering what were they thinking? Celebrities, designers, It girls, models, and WAGs outdid themselves in satin, hoods, and statement bonnets as they strutted through the turnstiles in their very best racing garb. Couture clashes, fearless fashion choices and headline-making moments made this year's Melbourne Cup one of the most stylish - and talked about - yet. Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson led the arrivals in a dazzling light blue Jason Grech gown. Its figure-hugging silhouette was paired with a fabric-draped hood instead of a traditional fascinator. Moraya, who was crowned in 2023 and went on to claim runner-up at the global pageant, is no stranger to commanding attention. Miss Universe Australia Moraya Wilson led the arrivals in a dazzling light blue Jason Grech gown. Its figure-hugging silhouette paired with a fabric-draped hood instead of a traditional fascinator And she brought that same show-stopping energy to Flemington, proving she knows exactly how to make an entrance worthy of the Melbourne Cup. Following suit in blue to match the emerging theme of the day was racing heiress and fashion royalty Kate Waterhouse, who shone in a satin Alin Le' Kal dress. Although the neckline was dangerously low (and against the dress code), her class-factor was raised considerably by her Ezara/J hat, gold Pandora jewellery, Jimmy Choo patent shoes and bag to complete her look. Television darling Sylvia Jeffreys got the memo in a powder blue A-line gown with matching headband. Her simple gold jewellery complemented the look perfectly. Ladies in red included former champion jockey and commentator Michelle Payne, with a statement headpiece and equally stunning textured dress, and TV presenter Samantha Armytage in Carla Zampatti feathers and a bespoke bonnet by Nerida Winter. Turning up the heat was Aussie-Balinese model Stella Klim who wore a custom Atoir gown. It featured a racy-cut out on her back adorned with statement pins. The striking look, by stylist Paul Verscace, was completed with Lana Wilkinson heels, an Embellish Atelier headpiece and a glossy Izoa Australia clutch. Perri Lee turned heads in a striking red corseted dress with a dramatic puff skirt, teamed with red lace heels and matching gloves. She completed her look with a statement fascinator and veil, and a bold gold clutch - pure Melbourne Cup glamour! Racing heiress Kate Waterhouse embraced the day's blue theme in a stunning satin Alin Le' Kal dress, adding class with an Ezara/J hat - even if the daring neckline bent the dress code. TV favourite Sylvia Jeffreys also opted for blue in a chic A-line gown and matching headband AFL WAG Jessie Murphy completely set the entrance on fire with a backless, layered red dress paired with simple gold statement earrings and a voluminous 60s inspired ponytail. Bec Judd kept it demure this year in head-to-toe burgundy, leather gloves, tights and a sleek blow-wave to complete her look. A classy ensemble, but very much on the safe side for a lady who normally never shies away from lace and a low-cut neckline. Stylist Lana Wilkinson mixed business with boldness in a full-mustard Effie Kats ensemble, complete with statement jewellery from Schiaparelli, and her own unreleased heels. Ladies in red included jockey Michelle Payne (centre) in a striking headpiece and textured dress, Samantha Armytage (left) in Carla Zampatti and model Stella Klim (right) in a custom Atoir gown with a daring back cut-out Perri Lee wowed in a vibrant red corseted dress with a puff skirt, red lace heels, matching gloves, and a statement fascinator - Melbourne Cup glamour at its finest AFL WAG Jessie Murphy completely set the entrance on fire with a backless, layered red dress paired with simple gold statement earrings and a voluminous 60s inspired ponytail But between the Melissa Jackson Millinery hat, the purple satin YSL clutch and the colour, it was a perfect spicy combo for Cup Day. Jaggad co-founder Michelle Greene and her husband Steven were positively glowing trackside. Michelle's impossibly glossy locks, courtesy of celebrity Melbourne hairstylist Marie Uva, stole the show, and honestly, we're ready to book an appointment immediately. Bec Judd kept it classic in burgundy, pairing leather gloves, tights and a sleek blow-wave for a demure look. Stylist Lana Wilkinson mixed business with boldness in full mustard Effie Kats top and skirt, statement jewellery, and her own unreleased heels Jaggad co-founder Michelle Greene and her husband Steven were positively glowing trackside. Michelle's impossibly glossy locks, courtesy of celebrity Melbourne hairstylist Marie Uva, stole the show Those that missed the mark A Current Affair host Ali Langdon nailed the colour theme in blue - but seemed to forget she was heading to the races, not the rodeo. For someone who rarely puts a foot wrong, this was a surprising misstep from Australia's sweetheart. Melbourne influencer Rozalia Russian chose a custom Steven Khalil gown for Cup Day - though the floaty chiffon design looked suspiciously like it had escaped from last week's Halloween party rather than the Birdcage. A Current Affair host Ali Langdon nailed the colour theme in blue - but seemed to forget she was heading to the races, not the rodeo. For someone who rarely puts a foot wrong, this was a surprising misstep from Australia's sweetheart Melbourne influencer Rozalia Russian wore a custom Steven Khalil gown for Cup Day, but the floaty chiffon look seemed more fitting for Halloween than the Birdcage. Former WAG Hannah Dal Sasso also turned heads in a Tulle Addict dress, serving 'mummy' vibes as she posed at the entrance The same could be said for former WAG Hannah Dal Sasso, whose dress from Melbourne designer Tulle Addict was giving 'mummy' vibes as she posed outside the entrance to the cup. In a popular pop of red colour, TikTok star and host of Stream Queen, Elle Rae, looked a vision in her satin red, floor length gown, but was let down by the visible creases. We'll blame the Uber ride for this one though. We would love to give the same grace to Brooke Warne, but the unflattering shape of her Forever New dress and chunky silver men's watch let the look down more than the creases did. Chelsea Becirevic, on the other hand, channelled major Jessica Rabbit energy, and while we love a daring moment, the dangerously high thigh split and those pleather-style black gloves took the look from sultry to slightly overcooked. TikTok star and Stream Queen host Elle Rae stunned in a satin, floor-length red gown - though visible creases let down the look (we'll blame the Uber). Brooke Warne's Forever New dress, paired with a chunky silver men's watch, was even more undone by its unflattering shape than by any wrinkles Chelsea Becirevic, on the other hand, channelled major Jessica Rabbit energy, and while we love a daring moment, the dangerously high thigh split and those pleather-style black gloves took the look from sultry to slightly overcooked Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant are reality TV's perfect match, but their outfits were far from it. Bella Henry and Hannah McKnight brought vibrant colours and fun headpieces, yet ill-fitting dresses and Hannah's white block heels let the team down. Still, they looked like they were having the most fun Statuesque DJ, artist and milliner Ellen Patterson was certainly an interesting vision in the Birdcage sporting a jacket and pants by designer Alex Dowsing of the Suitsuu brand, and a headpiece she created herself Statuesque DJ, artist and milliner Ellen Patterson was certainly an interesting vision in the Birdcage, sporting a jacket and pants by designer Alex Dowsing of the Suitsuu brand, and a headpiece she created herself. 'I love the races because everyone is dressed up to the nines,' she told The Sydney Morning Herald. 'Everyone is self-expressed and dressing up. It is an ocean of colour and textures and creativity.' You go girl. Jules Robinson and Cam merchant are our reality TV faves, but the duo might need to sack their stylist after this fashion faux pas. For a couple who are a perfect match, their outfits were far from it. While we loved the pops of colour and fancy headgear from Bella Henry and Hannah McKnight, it was their ill-fitting dresses... and Hannah's white block heels that let the team down. But hey, at lease they looked like they were having the most fun. Love it or loathe it, Melbourne Cup fashion never fails to deliver, and this year was no exception. Whether it was soaring sartorial highs or daring missteps best left at the stable door, the stars once again reminded us why Cup Day remains the country's most glamorous (and unpredictable) runway. The Champagne was flowing and the Birdcage was brimming as Australia's fashion elite descended on Flemington for the race that truly stops the nation - at least, for a moment between outfit changes. This year, the real competition wasn't on the turf but on the carpet, where celebrities, influencers, and racing royalty turned the enclosure into a runway of fearless colour, couture drama, and unmistakably Australian flair. While tradition still loomed large - think statement millinery, tailored silhouettes and immaculate blow-dries - 2025's Melbourne Cup fashion leaned into risk, texture and individuality. Designers and stylists are embracing what fashion forecasters have dubbed the 'dopamine dressing revival' - a push toward vibrant hues that lift the mood and photograph beautifully under Australia's harsh daylight. From electric blues to cherry reds, the colour palette this year reflected a collective craving for optimism, self-expression and a touch of theatrical glamour. 2025 has also seen a clear shift away from the traditional fit-and-flare racing silhouettes of decades past. Instead, we're seeing elongated lines, architectural structure and fluid tailoring that nod to couture influences. Melbourne Cup fashion has evolved beyond the conservative 'ladies-who-lunch' aesthetic - plunging necklines, sculptural corsetry and exaggerated draping are all part of a broader movement toward modern femininity. The message? It's no longer about following the rules; it's about rewriting them. While tradition still loomed large - think statement millinery, tailored silhouettes and immaculate blow-dries - 2025's Melbourne Cup fashion leaned into risk, texture and individuality [pictured Stella Klim and Moraya Wilson] Headwear remains the hallmark of race-day fashion, but this year's take on millinery is less about feathers and more about form. Sculptural shapes, architectural folds and even metallic accents replaced the classic fascinator, mirroring global runway trends. Sleek hatinators and wide brims dominated the Birdcage, often colour-blocked to contrast sharply with the outfit beneath - proof that even the most traditional accessory can evolve with the times. Hues of Blue The colour of the day was undoubtedly blue - in every imaginable shade, from icy periwinkle to deep navy. Once reserved for winter suiting and navy millinery, blue has taken on new life in 2025. Style experts say it's the ideal shade for Australia's spring racing season, flattering under the sun and pairing seamlessly with gold, silver or neutral accessories. It's also a subtle nod to quiet luxury - the understated polish that still photographs like a dream. Racing royalty Kate Waterhouse turned heads in a midnight blue Alin Le' Kal gown that featured a plunging neckline and a sculptural column skirt Moraya Wilson's dress featured a deep scooped back Racing royalty Kate Waterhouse dazzled in a midnight Alin Le' Kal gown with a plunging neckline and sculptural column skirt, paired with a matching hatinator, gold Pandora jewellery, and nude Jimmy Choos. Moraya Wilson, Miss Universe Australia 2023, channelled old-Hollywood elegance in a sheer hooded gown by Jason Grech, the fabric draped softly across her frame. Elsewhere, Amy Tossoun opted for structure in a custom Atoir dress, complete with long sleeves, a semi-open back and striking front panels, offset by an Embellish Atelier headpiece in white and blue. Allison Langdon brought a modern edge, embracing western influences in a figure-hugging blue number with fringe detail and a black cowboy hat - proof that racing fashion can have a sense of humour. Allison Langdon brought a modern edge, embracing western influences in a figure-hugging blue number with fringe detail and a black cowboy hat while Sylvia Jeffreys got the memo in a powder blue A-line gown with matching headband Seeing Red Crimson continues its reign as the colour of confidence at Flemington. The fiery shade has long been associated with passion and power and it has continued its comeback as a symbol of confidence. Samantha Armytage turned heads in Carla Zampatti's red feather crepe dress - a bold yet romantic statement that embodied the late designer's enduring legacy. The scarlet palette carried through the Birdcage. Samantha Armytage dressed to impress in a glamorous red feathered dress as she arrived to the annual racing event Netballer Rudi Ellis rocked an orange gown with a pop of red on her head, delicate strapped sandals on the feet, and crescent moon bag. AFL WAG Jessie Murphy completely set the entrance on fire with a backless, layered red dress paired with simple gold statement earrings From Rudi Ellis in a striking orange-red gown with delicate straps and a cascading headpiece, to Stella Klim, daughter of Lindy and Michael Klim, who stunned in a custom Atoir gown with silver embellishments and a high mandarin collar - the colour was all the rage. Even retired jockey Michelle Payne brought heat to the field, donning a plunging red dress with floral accents and a matching fascinator - a nod to timeless glamour with a modern twist. Michelle Payne (left) also went for a similar approach, flaunting her figure in a red dress which featured a plunging neckline. Perri Lee (right) arrived in a glamorous red gown with a dramatic peplum skirt and model Bella Henry with fitted spaghetti strap red dress Plunging Cuts Traditional racewear has always balanced elegance with decorum - but the new generation of Cup attendees is challenging that balance. This year's silhouettes blurred boundaries between couture and streetwear, with plunging necklines, visible corsetry, cut-outs and sheer fabrics all taking a confident stride into Flemington. Where once the rules dictated 'no midriffs, no minis', today's fashion crowd is proving that sophistication is about craftsmanship not dress codes. Rozalia Russian led the charge in a nude tulle Steven Khalil corset gown, with a sculptural keyhole cutout and layers of sheer fabric adding movement and intrigue. Kate Waterhouse's daring neckline echoed the shift toward sensual sophistication, while Allison Langdon's fringe-trimmed dress proved that even the most structured silhouettes can make a statement. Influencer Rozalia Russian put on an avant-garde display in a beige tulle Steven Khalil corset dress with a jaunty hatintator and statement pearl earrings This year's silhouettes blurred boundaries between couture and streetwear, with plunging necklines, visible corsetry, cut-outs and sheer fabrics all taking a confident stride into Flemington While racewear will always have its own etiquette, this year's Melbourne Cup looks owed as much to Paris and Milan as they did to Flemington. Designers referenced haute couture, red-carpet glamour, and even quiet luxury minimalism - creating a fascinating blend of high fashion and distinctly Australian ease. With social media turning the Birdcage into an international fashion stage, attendees are no longer dressing just for the crowd, but for the cameras. Statuesque DJ, artist and milliner Ellen Patterson was certainly an interesting vision in the Birdcage sporting a plunging crop top, jacket and pants by designer Alex Dowsing of the Suitsuu brand The shift mirrors the evolution of Australian fashion more broadly - polished but relaxed, confident but playful. Local designers are finding new ways to merge craftsmanship with personality, while attendees are treating the Birdcage like their own runway of self-expression. The best looks weren't necessarily the safest, but the ones that told a story - of creativity, confidence, and a new kind of glamour that feels unmistakably Australian. If you often find yourself waking up around 3am to use the bathroom, you might think it's just a sign of ageing or a small bladder. But according to a US-based family dentist, there's a surprising connection between those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips and the way you breathe in your sleep. Dr Mark Burhenne, the creator of the hugely popular Ask the Dentist series, has stunned his followers after revealing that nighttime urination is often a sign of airway problems, not bladder issues. 'I can't tell you how many patients used to come in for a regular teeth cleaning, and when I'd ask about nighttime urination, their eyes would go wide: "Waithow did you know?!"' he wrote in a recent Instagram post. The reason, he explained, comes down to what happens when your airway collapses while you sleep. When this occurs, your body continues trying to breathe against a closed airway, which 'creates massive negative pressure in your chest that stretches your heart muscle'. This stretch triggers the release of a hormone called ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide), which tells your kidneys to 'dump sodium and water', according to Dr Burhenne. Normally, your brain releases ADH (antidiuretic hormone) during sleep to help your body conserve water, allowing you to sleep through the night without needing to urinate. Dr Mark Burhenne (pictured), has stunned his followers after revealing that nighttime urination is often a sign of airway problems, not bladder issues But when ANP floods your system, it suppresses that protective ADH signal. 'So you're not just making more urine, your body's brake system gets shut off too,' Dr Burhenne said. 'Your body is both actively making more urine (via ANP) and blocking the signal that would conserve water (suppressed ADH). Double whammy.' He said this cascade of hormonal disruption has nothing to do with the bladder itself, but everything to do with how your airway affects your heart, hormones and overall sleep quality. 'This isn't just getting older or having a small bladder. This is your airway affecting your heart, disrupting your hormones, and ruining your sleep,' he said. Dr Burhenne warns that waking more than once a night to urinate can be a red flag that something deeper is going on. If you also snore, wake up feeling exhausted, or have features such as a recessed jaw, crowded teeth, or a history of orthodontic work that's altered your bite, these could all point to airway issues that are disrupting your sleep cycle. Rather than brushing it off as a normal part of ageing, he urges people to seek help from a dentist who specialises in sleep medicine, rather than only speaking to a GP. Dr Burhenne warns that waking more than once a night to urinate can be a red flag that something deeper is going on Dr Burhenne has also been very vocal about mouth taping as a solution to overall better health, stating in a recent post that our 'airway affects everything' from our sleep, heart, hormones, and brain health. Over his 20 years helping people sleep and breathe better, he says most of us are completely unaware of how much damage we're doing overnight. 'If you wake up with a dry mouth, you're not just thirsty - you're mouth breathing all night,' he warned. 'That means more cavities, bad breath, and way less oxygen to your brain. Tape your mouth. Train your nose. It will change your life.' According to experts, mouth breathing during sleep doesn't just make you wake up groggy, it dries out saliva, which plays a crucial role in protecting against tooth decay and gum disease. He also promotes mouth taping for better sleep and health, noting that mouth breathing at night dries out saliva, which increases tooth decay risk and reduces oxygen, affecting energy and heart health over all It can also reduce oxygen flow, which in turn affects energy levels, concentration and heart health. And if you grind your teeth in your sleep, Dr Burhenne said stress may not be to blame. 'Grinding your teeth at night isn't just stress, it's your airway trying to stay open. 'Stop wearing down your enamel and start fixing the root cause: your sleep and breathing.' Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is often a sign of restricted airflow, forcing the body to unconsciously push the jaw forward to keep the airway clear - which over time can damage enamel, lead to jaw pain and contribute to sleep disruptions. Snoring, meanwhile, is one of the most commonly ignored warning signs. 'It's your body begging for help, [so] treat it now, or you're fast-tracking high blood pressure, brain fog, and heart issues,' he said. Health authorities agree that regular snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnoea, a potentially serious disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts overnight, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, daytime fatigue, and even cognitive decline if left untreated. '[It] doesn't matter how many supplements, ice baths, or gadgets you use - if your airway collapses at night, you're stuck in survival mode.' For those who experience persistent snoring, dry mouth, teeth grinding or unexplained daytime fatigue, Mark urged them to seek advice from a GP or sleep specialist like himself. Treatments can range from simple nasal training and mouth taping to dental devices, lifestyle changes or CPAP therapy (uses a machine to provide a continuous flow of air through a mask) for more serious conditions. A $9 packet of gnocchi has been named the best frozen meal of the year A $9 frozen gnocchi from Coles has been voted one of Australia's best supermarket products of the year - with shoppers calling it 'light, creamy and absolutely delicious'. The Coles Finest Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi was one of the standout winners at the 2026 Product of the Year awards, the world's largest consumer-voted program. More than 5,000 Australian shoppers cast their votes, naming the frozen Italian favourite as one of the best releases on shelves. Food influencer Nectro Vlangos urged his followers to give it a try. 'Head to Coles because this is a must-try. It's made in Italy and it tastes absolutely delicious,' he said. Fans agree - with many calling it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. 'It's a delicious creamy parmesan and pepper flavour,' one shopper wrote. 'I was really surprised as the gnocchi was some of the best I've bought. I love homemade food but this was on the table in eight minutes.' A $9 frozen gnocchi from Coles has been voted one of Australia's best supermarket products of the year The Coles Finest Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi was one of the standout winners at the 2026 Product of the Year awards, the world's largest consumer-voted program celebrating product innovation 'It's really light and pillowy. I love it so much - it's a staple in our house. I just add more cheese,' a mum wrote. 'I had this in Italy, so I had to try it. I just ordered two more with Click and Collect,' a third said. The $9 meal takes less than 10 minutes to cook and can be eaten on its own or paired with simple sides. Foodies recommend adding a handful of rocket, cracked black pepper and extra parmesan on top, or serving it with a salad and crusty bread. Some even pair it with Coles' Napoli-style pizzas for a quick Italian-style dinner at home. The creamy dish was one of 40 products named in the awards, which also highlighted the growing trend toward health-conscious and time-saving foods. According to new research by NielsenIQ, 74 per cent of Australians now say they have a personal health goal - with priorities shifting towards energy, fitness, better sleep and mental sharpness. The top wellness preferences shaping grocery choices include no sugar (37 per cent), high protein (36 per cent) and gut health support (20 per cent). The top wellness preferences shaping grocery choices include no sugar (37 per cent), high protein (36 per cent) and gut health support (20 per cent) Product of the Year Director, Sarah Connelly, said home-brand innovation has also taken off. 'Shopping can feel overwhelming when you're faced with hundreds of options in every aisle, so it's important to have smart shortcuts,' she said. 'This year, 68 per cent of winning products came from private labels like Coles and Woolworths, showing these brands are delivering on quality and innovation.' 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Every year, fans gather in front of their TVs to watch the latest offering, before sharing it with their friends and family and - in recent years - broadcasting their opinions online. The John Lewis ads started in 2007 and here you can revisit every single one. 2024: THE GIFTING HOUR Last year, the brand returned once again with a festive tearjerker, with the heartwarming commercial transporting audiences at home on a magical journey that followed a sister's emotional quest for the perfect Christmas gift. During the joyful advert, the lead character Sally raced into a John Lewis' Oxford Street flagship store just before closing time after leaving it a little late to find the right present for her sibling. In a The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe-inspired moment, she fell through a rack of dresses and entered a fantastical world, stumbling out of an old wardrobe in the attic of her childhood home. From there, she went through a whimsical journey through her memories as she urgently searched for the best gift for her beloved sister. In one particularly tear-jerking scene, Sally came across her late mother and shared a brief festive moment with her. 2023: SNAPPER: THE PERFECT TREE In 2023, John Lewis broke with tradition and opted for a bright and joyous campaign, rather than its traditional tearjerker. And for only the second time, it used an original song instead of a cover of a classic hit. Andrea Bocelli provided the soundtrack to the heartwarming tale about a little boy called Alfie, who asked his grandmother for a seed to 'grow your own perfect Christmas tree'. He planted it, and was delighted to see that instead of the typical festive fir, his pot sprouted an animated, carnivorous Venus flytrap, dubbed 'Snapper, the perfect tree'. But soon the plant caused chaos and was pushed outside - until Christmas morning, when Alfie presented the flytrap with a gift. Snapper gobbled the offerings up, spitting out festive gifts for the family - everything from headphones to Lego sets and slippers. 2022: THE BEGINNER Titled 'The Beginner', the 2022 festive clip told the story of a foster father learning to skateboard in the run-up to Christmas. The hapless skater collected many bruises and scrapes along the way, but persevered with his new hobby - even doing homework by watching skating tutorials at work. When Christmas Day comes around, it is finally revealed that the character had been training in order to impress the foster child, Ellie, who was coming to stay with him and his wife over the holidays. She was welcomed into their home clutching a skateboard - bedecked with stickers - close to her chest. And appropriately, the ad was set to a slow rendition of skater-pop anthem Blink-182's 'All The Small Things' - a more upbeat choice than the ballads usually selected. 2021: UNEXPECTED GUEST The retailers two-minute ad in 2021, titled 'Unexpected Guest', featured a young boy introducing an alien to Christmas traditions, before she emotionally departed back to her home planet. It starred space traveller Skye crash-landing at the height of festivities in the woods near the home of 14-year-old Nathan, who introduced her to the traditions of eating mince pies, decorating the tree and, to her slight confusion, wearing novelty jumpers. The soundtrack was provided by London singer and songwriter Lola Young, who performed a cover of Together In Electric Dreams, originally released by Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder in 1984. The ad started with Nathan, who on his way home from school spotted a flashing light in the distance and chased it to the woods beside his home. It was here he encountered space traveller Skye and her spaceship. 2020: GIVE A LITTLE LOVE The 2020 campaign hoped to raise a smile with light-hearted scenes of magical flying snowmen, supersized Christmas crackers and a hedgehog who dreams of being a pigeon. The two-minute commercial showed how small acts of kindness can alleviate loneliness and bring joy to people who are quietly struggling. Told through a series of nine interconnecting vignettes, the ad followed a chain reaction of good deeds that changed someone else's life in small but meaningful ways. Each scene was done in a different style, from hand-drawn animation to claymation and cinematography. 2019: EDGAR THE DRAGON This offering starred an excitable and accident-prone dragon called Edgar who lives in a freezing mythical village with his red-headed best friend Ava. In the heart-warming and funny ad, the pair try to quell Edgar's disastrous fire-breathing after it threatened to destroy the festive period for everyone as a giant Christmas tree was set on fire, a snowman was destroyed and the local ice rink melted. It marked the first time the department store joined with sister brand Waitrose for a festive commercial. After a mixed response to the 2018 ad, which featured Elton John and charted his rise from childhood, the new ad seemed to be a return to formula. 2018: THE BOY AND THE PIANO The retailer ended a decade of heart-warming tear-jerkers featuring loveable animals and charming children last year when it featured Sir Elton John in its Christmas ad. It charted the singer's rise from humble beginnings to fame and fortune. The mini-biopic, set to his 1970 hit Your Song, showed how one present can change a life and ended with a four-year-old Elton unwrapping his first piano on Christmas Day in 1951. The 7million advert then cuts to the emotional 71-year-old playing the same instrument while thinking about his mother Sheila, who died in 2017 aged 92, followed by the slogan: 'Some gifts are more than just a gift'. However, it was panned by some who thought that it focused more on the singer than on Christmas. Some fans were also disappointed that cuddly stars such as Monty the penguin and Moz the monster were jettisoned for a celebrity-endorsed campaign. 2017: MOZ THE MONSTER 2017's effort featured the story of a boy who befriends the monster under his bed, with the music a cover of The Beatles' Golden Slumbers by rock band Elbow. It left viewers in tears over the mischievous and flatulent monster called Moz and his relationship with a seven-year-old soulmate - with fans comparing it to Disney's much-loved Monsters Inc. The giant furry monster with a bulbous nose, wonky teeth and a love of snoring, jumped out from under the bed every night to play with companion Joe in a festive tale making many laugh and cry. The little boy, aged seven, who is played by young twin brothers from London named Ethan and Tobias, is initially frightened after seeing a pair of enormous eyes peering from the dark under his bed. But the two unlikely friends are shown sharing games, playing piggyback and Scalextric in his bedroom all without mum, dad, or older sister finding out. 2016: BUSTER THE BOXER Buster the Boxer was the star of the 2016 edition. John Lewis said the advert where the dog, played by five-year-old Biff, beats a young girl to her new toy was an attempt to cheer up Britain after a 'tough year'. The advert told the story of a little girl called Bridget who loves to jump. Set to a cover version of 'One Day I'll Fly Away', her mother and father buy her a trampoline, toiling while she sleeps to build it before hiding it in the garden to surprise her with on Christmas Day. As the snow falls an array of animals start using it as the Boxer watches forlornly through the window. The next morning Bridget sprints out to use it for the first time but her joy turns to shock as cheeky Buster has the last laugh and uses her new toy before her. 2015: MAN ON THE MOON In 2015, a lonely Man on the Moon is shown to viewers sitting by himself on a bench, completely unaware that he is being observed by the youngster back down on Earth. The elderly man, played by a 77-year-old French actor called Jean, gazes up wistfully towards the Earth, as the Oasis song Half The World Away, performed by 19-year-old Norwegian singer Aurora plays mournfully in the background. She tries desperately to send him a message but all her efforts fail, while he remains unaware that anyone cares about him and sits alone on a bench, wistfully staring up at the Earth. Eventually, on Christmas morning, a present arrives from the sky, carried by party balloons, and the old man unwraps it to reveal a vintage telescope. He uses it to spot Lily and, realising that someone cares about him, his eyes fill with tears. 2014: MONTY THE PENGUIN In 2014, John Lewis hoped the bond between a boy and a penguin would capture the public's imagination. The two-minute festive commercial told the story of seven-year-old Sam, played by actor Rhys Edwards from Hertfordshire, and his friend Monty. The boy gradually realises Monty is longing for a penguin companion. And so on Christmas morning Sam surprises Monty with the gift of a new penguin friend named Mabel. The soundtrack was John Lennon's song Real Love, performed by Tom Odell. 2013: THE BEAR AND THE HARE In 2013, the 7million Disney-inspired advert told the story of a selfless hare who is determined to make sure his best friend, a bear, doesn't miss Christmas for once. The commercial features the tale of two good friends, a bear and a hare, who are sad at the thought of being separated for Christmas. The tale opens as winter is starting to draw in and the fun and excitement of preparing for Christmas begins. As the first snowflake falls and lands on the bear's nose, the hare starts to feel sad because he realises his friend will soon go off to hibernate, so as usual - missing Christmas. While the bear is keen to join in, eventually he finds he cannot hold off his winter sleep any longer and disappears into his cave. Viewers see the bear fast asleep while all the other woodland creatures become excited about the big day to come. However, the hare is missing his friend and finds it increasingly difficult to join in the preparations until the moment he has a great idea for a very special present. He disappears off in to the wilderness to return with the gift an alarm clock which wakes the bear just in time to gather around a beautifully decorated tree to celebrate with all his friends. 2012: THE JOURNEY The Christmas ad from 2012, called The Journey, shows the extraordinary lengths to which some will go in their search for a gift for someone they love. The 90-second commercial opens in a family's snow-covered garden, with children happily making a snowman and snowwoman. When the snowman mysteriously disappears the next morning, the viewer is transported to a magical world, following him on an epic journey across river, mountain, road and city. The motive for the snowman's secret journey isn't revealed until the last scene, when he returns on Christmas morning with gifts for his wife. Gabrielle Aplin sings The Power Of Love, the 1984 hit from Frankie Goes To Hollywood, as the soundtrack. 2011: THE LONG WAIT In 2011, the John Lewis advert showed a young boy desperately excited about Christmas. He eagerly counts down the days to December 25 with viewers left to imagine he is looking forward to getting presents. However, it is revealed at the end that he actually couldn't wait to give presents to his parents. It was accompanied by a cover of The Smiths' Please Please Let Me Get What I Want'. 2010: A TRIBUTE TO GIVERS T he 2010 offering saw individuals choosing and wrapping their presents in the lead up to the big day, as Ellie Goulding sings a cover of Elton John's Your Song. Various people furtively hide the presents they've carefully chosen. Parents sneak a rocking horse upstairs while their children's backs are turned; a mechanic struggles to wrap a spotted teapot; and a small boy braves the snow in his dressing gown to hang a stocking outside his dog's kennel. 2009: SWEET CHILD O'MINE 2009 was the first of the store's Christmas campaigns created by advertising agency Adam & Eve. It was also the first to feature a musical cover by a current artist, on this occasion a Taken By Trees version of Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses. The ad shows children opening gifts for adults including a laptop, coffee machine and handbag. It's followed by the tagline: 'Remember how Christmas used to feel? Give someone that feeling.' 2008: FROM ME TO YOU Culminating in the tagline: 'If you know the person, you'll find the present,' the 2008 version shows a succession of characters followed by a matching gift. The soundtrack is a cover of The Beatles' From Me To You recorded for the campaign. It included vocals by Matt Spinner, a member of the John Lewis IT department and its music society. 2007: SHADOWS The first John Lewis Christmas ad shows a group of people stacking a pile of potential gifts including a desktop lamp, a computer and a leather satchel in an empty room. The finished product ends up creating a shadow that looks like a woman walking her dog through the snow. It is accompanied by the tagline: 'Whoever you're looking for this Christmas.' Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was given a warm welcome on The View Tuesday - but tensions soon flared between her and the left-leaning panel. The MAGA congresswoman was greeted warmly as she stepped onto the set of the ABC talk show in a striking red suit. But just seconds later, co-host Joy Behar landed the first dig after Greene maintained 'I do love him' while referring to Donald Trump. Speaking in a stage whisper, Behar scored a laugh from the audience by muttering 'Well, whatever.' Greene and outspoken liberal co-host Sunny Hostin then discussed the Georgia politician's recent attacks on both Republicans and Democrats. Greene insisted she has always felt comfortable defying party lines and only wants the best for working-class Americans. She also complained about the ongoing government shutdown - saying she was sick of the 'p*ssing contest between the men' while slamming other Washington, DC lawmakers. Hostin shared her surprise at finding common ground with Greene, who, in turn, told the host: 'You've only seen me in clips and headlines, and that's not fair'. Things got testy, though, when Hostin began to grill Greene about her previous support of QAnon conspiracy theories. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene made an appearance on The View Tuesday morning Co-host Joy Behar set off a tense exchange after Rep. Greene maintained she 'love[s]' Donald Trump despite recent criticism of the administration 'No, I haven't changed. I was a victim just like you were of media lies and stuff you read on social media. You all have attacked me many times on this show,' Greene told Hostin. 'We have,' Hostin said, to more laughter from the audience. Greene added that the attacks stemmed from 'things you read about me that weren't true.' Hostin responded that their criticisms were based on 'clips we've seen.' 'That were taken out context,' Greene countered. As tensions flared, Behar quipped: 'What about the Jewish space lasers? What was that about.' The remark referred to an old tweet from Greene that claimed the 2018 California wildfires were started by 'space solar generators' bankrolled by powerful, mysterious backers. Nearly all six women were speaking at this point, talking over each other as only co-host Alyssa Farrah Griffin remained silent. After receiving instruction off-camera, Whoopi Goldberg was forced to call for a break as the conversation risked spiraling even further. After receiving instruction off-camera, Whoopi Goldberg was forced to call for a break as the conversation risked spiraling even further 'Hold on a second. I'm getting the-' Goldberg said, before jokingly mimicking the movements of a panicked producer. 'We got to take a break,' Behar said, with the group returning to air a few minutes later. The conversation that followed was noticeably more civil, with the women touching on topics ranging from the administration's handling of the case surrounding Jeffrey Epstein to Israel's actions in Gaza. 'I have the right to criticize a foreign government and can criticize as many as I want,' Greene said, when asked about those who compare criticism of Israel to antisemitism. 'And I can say October 7 was the worst thing and horrific, but I can equally say starving children and killing innocent people and children in Gaza is also horrible, and that's my opinion,' the congresswoman said to applause from the crowd. The women then spoke about elections taking place in New York, New Jersey and Virginia. Greene said she 'personally wouldn't vote for Andrew Cuomo' if she lived in New York, where the ABC show films. 'I was very much, against, of course, the - all these women came out with accusations against [Cuomo], which I found pretty disgusting, and then the COVID lockdowns and all the people's parents and grandparents who died in nursing homes,' she explained, adding that she would support Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Greene's visit follows a study from Media Research Center's NewsBusters confirmed the program featured almost no right-wing guests this year Greene's appearance came a day after Goldberg was handed a note live on air asking her to clarify a statement she made about President Trump saying 'he used an autopen' while in office. 'What the hell? What?' Goldberg said as she read it. 'It was a joke!' Greene's visit follows a study from Media Research Center's NewsBusters confirmed the program featured almost no right-wing guests this year. Greene has surfaced as an unlikely critic of her own party as of late, largely due to its handling of the government shutdown. Car thieves are continuously turning to new methods and the latest tech to gain an upper hand on manufacturers, vehicle security providers and the police to steal motors. But they're also reverting to old hat tactics used years ago as a means of pinching cars, insurance experts are warning. And one that's rearing its ugly head is 'third key' thefts. This is according to the nation's largest owner-managed loss adjusting and claims solutions group, QuestGates, which warned of the practice making an unwelcome comeback having identified a recent case with a high-end luxury motor. It says the key copying technique is being 'reinvented for the digital age' by criminal gangs who are starting to shift away from a reliance on relay attacks on cars with keyless technology. Below, we explain how the third key theft tactic is deployed and speak to a car crime expert to get his top tips on how to protect yourself from varying scenarios where this specific vehicle theft method is deployed by robbers. Third key - also known as copy key - theft is making a comeback, with criminals duplicating a genuine key for a vehicle to then steal it at a later time without raising an alarm What is 'third key' theft? The practice of third key theft dates back decades. It is when a criminal secretly cuts a spare physical key for a car without the owner's knowledge. This could take place in various scenarios, including when a driver bought a second hand motor or handed over keys to businesses in good faith, such as when they left their vehicle with garages or mechanics for repairs, unaware that they have links to wider crime. Using key cutting equipment, a duplicate key could easily be reproduced without the owner's knowledge and sold to thieves targeting a specific model - namely more expensive luxury cars. The thieves would then wait for the keeper to collect the vehicle and follow them home to see where the car is parked overnight. The motor would then be taken using the duplicate key without raising an alarm. This tactic was quickly replicated when car makers switched to electronic keyfobs with transponders. With access to a recoding machine to duplicate the unique radio-frequency identification (RFID) in the fob that communicates with the car's door locks, producing a third key is a relatively quick and easy means of gaining access to a vehicle without the keeper's knowledge. This broadened the scope of when the process of the third key theft could take place, with some gangs carrying recoding devices when viewing used cars listed for sale, duplicating the RFID when the seller was distracted by another member of the criminal unit. However, thieves have been like likely to deploy this type of theft because potential victims might spot something untoward going on and because it typically leaves trail, with owners able to trace back to when their keys might have fallen into the hands of someone involved in illegal activity. This is the reason for why gangs have in recent years focussed on relay attacks, which are not only quick to carry out but also leave no physical or electronic fingerprint that owners and authorities can use as a lead during an investigation. Criminals previously would need to cut a spare physical key, but now all models come with electronic keyfobs, duplicating a genuine key is a lot easier The third key crime comeback A recent claim handled by QuestGates suggests the copy key technique is back, though reinvented for the digital age. A used luxury SUV was stolen from a policyholder's driveway just days after it was purchased for more than 100,000. The short timescale between the transaction and the reported theft, combined with the high vehicle value, raised suspicion and prompted escalation to QuestGates investigation team. A review of available CCTV footage showed the alleged criminal calmly walking, hands in pockets, to the vehicle. The car's indicators flashed, the driver's door opened, and off he went. Having requested the keys from the victim, they provided what appeared to be a genuine main key and a spare. However, when the fobs were sent for analysis, this turned out to not be the case. QuestGate's investigation found that while the victim was supplied two keys for the high-end luxury SUV they had bought used - and both looked genuine - one was a duplicate Just one of the keys was found to be original, with markings and a digital ID number that was traced back to the manufacture. The second was a copy. Further investigation revealed that the additional key had been duplicated recently. The explanation settled upon by the police is that the car was taken using a key, presumably the missing original. The third key - which looked identical to the originals - was provided by the seller who retained one of the genuine keys themselves to steal the motor back after the transaction had gone through. Philip Swift, technical director at QuestGates, said: 'With so much focus on relay attacks and keyless entry in recent years, it's important to remember that there are other threats. 'The unregulated and unrecorded ease with which spare keys can be obtained, particularly for certain makes, is concerning.' Vehicle crime consultant Dr Ken German - who was previously head of technology at the Met stolen car squad with a PhD in International Vehicle Crime - told the Daily Mail and This is Money: 'As the country's police service attempts to tighten its grip on vehicle crime, in particular keyless entry and relay attacks, many thieves have reverted to some older methods of deception to steal cars. 'Copy key - or third key - theft can be hard to prove, albeit police specialists can detect it and insurance experts are aware of it making a comeback.' We've spoken to vehicle crime experts to explain how to avoid falling victim to third key thefts How to avoid becoming a victim The three main target scenarios used by criminals deploying third key thefts is duplicating keys for a car they are selling, when posturing to be interested in purchasing a second-hand vehicle, or when the car is being repaired or left unattended with the keys handed to an unknown individual. For the latter - which could be a garage, bodyshop and even an individual or company offering car parking services, such close to major airports - drivers should always use a franchised dealer or check the Motor Ombudsman's Garage Finder tool to ensure the independent business is accredited. After purchasing a used car, Philip Swift says buyers should weigh the cost of key reprogramming against the desirability and value of the vehicle, and consider 'effectively changing the locks' if they believe they are at high risk. Dr Ken German also says this form of third key theft usually involves a car with a hidden identity, typically displaying cloned plates. He says that drivers should always do background checks on the vehicle but also scrutinise the vehicle identification numbers (VIN) - and ensure the chassis number matches that on the V5 registration document. And when selling a vehicle, German says people should always accompany a potential buyer on a test drive and be aware of any distraction methods criminals use to exchange one of the car keys with another recut or reprogrammed fob in order to steal the car at a later time. As such, you should never let the potential buyer hold the keys at any time. He says the copy key method is more common with older cars over 10 years, and particularly desirable classic and vintage cars. 14 tips to beat the car thieves The Daily Mail and This is Money has spoken to a number of experts across the field of vehicle security to create a list of 14 tips all car owners should follow to best protect their motors. We've enlisted the help of Thatcham Research, AA President Edmund King and Dr Ken German to compile the ultimate list of car security tips: 1. Make sure your car is locked in the first place This may seem obvious, but a large proportion of thefts are a result of the vehicle being left unlocked or criminals using signal jammers that block your key fob from communicating with the car's locks. Drivers should always check the vehicle is locked and the windows are up after using a key fob. Listen for the locking noise and watch for the lights to flash and - if your car has them - automatic wing mirrors to fold. 2. Keyless car owners - take these precautions If your car has Passive Keyless Entry and Start (PKES), it may be susceptible to the relay attack theft method. Firstly, purchase a signal blocking faraday pouch to store your keys in (including spares). Make sure the pouch is designed specifically for keys and test it by inserting your fob into the pouch and attempting to open your vehicle. Secondly, refer to your user manual to see if your keyless entry fob can be deactivated at night. Check too if you have a motion-sensor enabled fob, which goes to sleep when idle (i.e., when stored at home). Most vehicle manufacturers now produce this type of fob. Thirdly, remember the thieves may also operate their relay system even when a driver visits their office or shops with the key in their pocket or bag. 3. Don't leave your car engine running to defrost windows Freezing temperatures can tempt drivers into starting the car's engine to deice or defrost the windows, then returning to the warmth indoors until the windscreen is clear. It might sound obvious but by leaving a vehicle unattended is a huge security risk, even if it's on your own private driveway. In fact, it is illegal to do this, and your insurer is unlikely pay out for any loss if your car is stolen as a result of this. Thieves will be checking for stationary cars emitting exhaust smoke or that have wing mirrors that normally are folded in when locked but are clearly not. 4. Keep valuables out of sight 'Out of sight, out of mind'. Remove all valuables from your vehicle to make it less of a target to opportunistic thieves. 5. Do you have an alarm and immobiliser? Ensure your vehicle has a Thatcham-certified alarm, immobiliser and tracking system fitted. Some insurance policies require the fitment of a tracking device, so it's important any associated subscriptions to monitoring services are maintained. 6. Mechanical security systems - like a steering lock - might seem 'old hat' but are a great deterrent Steering wheel locks, gear clamps, wheel clamps and other traditional security systems can act as a strong visual deterrent against thieves. 7. Install a doorbell camera or CCTV at your home Doorbell cameras and CCTV systems are becoming increasingly popular as both a deterrent for car crime and to catch thieves. Make sure you invest in one that has a night vision mode and crisp HD resolution. Motion-sensing driveway lighting can also be a strong deterrent. 8. If you have a garage, use it! If you have a garage, try to make sure there is enough room for your car to fit into it, rather than using it for storage for all types of household clutter. If you have multiple vehicles, almost prioritise the garage for the one of highest value - and park another car in front of the garage door as an extra precaution. And if you have electric garage doors, do not keep the transponder inside the vehicle, such as in the glovebox. Victims have subsequently found this to be the reason for their property being burgled. 9. Think about where and how you park overnight Most car thefts take place under the cloak of darkness, so this is the most important time to consider how secure your vehicle is. If you don't have a garage but do have a driveway, always park tactically. For instance, if you have a big driveway, park the car sideways to so any thief will need to manoeuvre it. If your driveway is smaller, park facing your house to increase the chances of you being alerted to the lights coming on. And park with the wheels turned on full lock to extend the time it takes for criminals to make a getaway. Even consider parking another less desirable car in front (or behind) your vehicle to prevent easy removal. Those with driveways can also purchase lockable barriers to restrict access - and experts advise that a car cover is often a deterrent due to the time it takes to remove one and will look suspicious to neighbours and passersby. If you do not have off-street parking, try to leave your car in a well-lit area - ideally with CCTV monitoring - and in a position that makes it difficult for a thief to move quickly. Ken German tells us that some motorists are being extra inventive in their bid to protect their cars. Some previous victims are leaving mannequins in the driver's seat to dissuade unwanted visitors. 10. Check repair centre and bodyshop accreditation to avoid key cloning If you need to leave your key with a garage or bodyshop, you should check that they are a member of an accredited code of practice/professional standard such as The Motor Ombudsman or The British Parking Association's Park Mark scheme. This should reduce your chances of falling victim of key cloning. Also, if you have purchased your vehicle second-hand with only one working key, visit an approved repair centre to have the missing key(s) deleted and add a spare as soon as possible. 11. Consider a dashcam or a car with theft alerts Dashcams have grown in popularity in recent years, with motorists primarily using them to prove they were not at fault in a crash. They also act as a great theft deterrent. This is because many of these devices will also record suspicious activity around your car is parked up and you're not in it. However, make sure you buy one that uploads videos to cloud storage rather than saving it only a memory stick in the dash cam - because you will also lose this if your car is stolen. Some modern vehicles now offer 'parking mode', which also can also detect and record movement when parked. This can be used as supporting evidence by your insurer and the police. Many of these alerts will be powered via a smartphone app, so ensure you've activated the feature and turned on notifications. 12. Always wipe stored info from a car before you sell it Some vehicle apps and connected systems can provide the previous owner with access. If permissions remain active, ensure that all permissions and data linked to the previous owner are wiped. 13. 'Locust' thieves might strike twice A new wave of 'locust thieves' exist today who strip cars whilst they're parked at the side of the road and even outside owners' homes. Many people have woken up to find wheels, bonnets and grills and even doors missing from their cars rendering them undriveable. This is because these parts are becoming more valuable since the pandemic with factory closures and slowdowns meaning some components are not as readily available from manufacturers as pre-Covid. For instance, a Porsche headlight can be worth up to 1,000 today, which has driven a rise in these parts being stolen. Wing mirrors for top of the range vehicles are also easy-to-steal high-value components. Ken German warns that falling victim to locust thieves might not be the end of the story. He says owners who have had parts pinched from their car should check around and under the vehicle to ensure thieves have not fitted a tracking device so they can track when the motor is not being used and return at a later date to attempt to steal it. 14. Be aware of scam crash tactics deployed to steal cars While carjacking still exists today, it is not as prevalent in the UK as it is in some other countries, such as South Africa. That said, if you are in a high value vehicle you would be wise to drive with the doors locked in traffic. Also drive defensively when in a queue leaving enough space in front for you to get out of a tight spot should you need to. If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over and find somewhere safe where there are people. If you're suspicious don't unlock the door and call the police. The Chancellor is in a state of dangerous confusion over, of all things, work and workers. Behind the horrible Budget Rachel Reeves is plotting are two big problems: the UKs persistent poor productivity performance since the financial crisis, and the high levels of economic inactivity following Covid. To prosper, the nation needs a work ethic. The country cannot afford to have more than 9m people of working age out of the labour force. Sir Charlie Mayfield, the former John Lewis boss, is expected to publish a report this week, backed by the Government, on the theme of Keep Britain Working. The aim is to tackle the surge in people leaving jobs due to sickness or disability, many of them young adults citing mental health issues. The report is very laudable and necessary. But how does it square with the way Labour is making life so much harder for employers? Shortfalls: At the same time as she is punishing individuals for earning a bit more than average, Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) is reducing employers incentives to hire Even Left-wing think-tank the Resolution Foundation admits the workers rights bill is likely to put firms off hiring. Young people are suffering. There are nearly a million not in work, education or training. Even before further changes in the Budget, hikes in the minimum wage and employers National Insurance have pushed up the cost of hiring 21-year-olds by 22 per cent, 18-year-olds by 41 per cent and 16-year-olds by 54 per cent. Bosses in the retail and leisure sectors, where many have their first taste of working life, are begging the Chancellor for mercy. You could hear the emotion in the voice of Tim Richards, who runs the Vue cinema chain, when he pleaded on the Radio 4 Today programme yesterday with Reeves: Please dont touch us again. In the middle of all this, Labour wants to deny that anyone who makes more than 46,000 a year is a worker at all. The sophistry is presumably intended so Reeves can launch a tax raid on this group whilst claiming not to have violated the manifesto pledge to spare ordinary working people. At the same time as she is punishing individuals for earning a bit more than average, Reeves is reducing employers incentives to hire. This is a recipe for turning the UK into a desert of low skills, low productivity, low pay and even lower aspirations. Nigels reality check I can see why Nigel Farages promises for the economy had electoral appeal, though I am not fond of his brand of politics. Some of his ideas are sensible, such as not persecuting rich people and scrapping Stamp Duty on shares. The threshold at which people start to pay income tax, frozen at just 12,570, is too low, just as he says. It would be lovely to lift it to 20,000 as he suggested in his manifesto and he is right to want to encourage Alarm Clock Britain. Yes, it would be great if big tax reductions could be funded by cuts in spending, though the nature of these was not quite clear, and Elon Musk might have told him it is easier said than done. Farage has now backed away from his big tax-cutting pledges, saying they were aspirations only. This may signal he is trying for a more credible and statesman-like approach to the nations coffers than simply throwing out promises like confetti. He is absolutely correct to say that with the current burden of debt, it is not an opportune moment for big tax cuts. What took him so long? Record breaker Our politics is dysfunctional but at least we do not have the government shutdowns that are a feature of the US system. The current one, caused by a stand-off over healthcare costs, is entering critical territory. Government employees are being fired, poor Americans are at risk of going without help to buy food, air travel is being disrupted ahead of Thanksgiving and the Federal Reserve is having to make key economic decisions without the benefit of labour market data. The shutdown began at the start of October, and if it is still going this evening, it will be the longest ever, surpassing the 35-day closure under the previous Trump administration. Not the sort of record youd want to break. Amazon shares soared to a record high after it struck a 29billion cloud computing deal with OpenAI. Shares in the US technology giant rose another 6 per cent to $259 in early trading in New York following a near-10 per cent jump on Friday. The rally has added 300billion to Amazons value in the past two sessions giving it a market capitalisation of 2.1 trillion. The latest gains came as Amazon followed up bumper third quarter results on Friday with a ground-breaking partnership with ChatGPT owner OpenAI yesterday. The seven-year deal gives OpenAI access to Amazons cloud computing infrastructure underscoring the AI industrys insatiable appetite for computing power as companies race to build the systems of the future. The deal is a major vote of confidence in the e-commerce giants cloud unit, Amazon Web Services (AWS), which some investors feared had fallen behind rivals Microsoft and Google in the AI race. Record high: Shares in US technology giant Amazon rose another 6% to $259 after it struck a 29bn cloud computing deal with OpenAI This is a hugely significant deal, clearly a strong endorsement of AWS compute capabilities to deliver the scale needed to support OpenAI, said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore. OpenAI has signed deals worth more than 750billion so far this year with the likes of Oracle, Broadcom and Nvidia to power its AI ambitions. Hailing the Amazon tie-up, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman said: Scaling frontier AI requires massive, reliable compute. Our partnership with AWS strengthens the broad compute ecosystem that will power this next era and bring advanced AI to everyone. As part of the Amazon deal, OpenAI will gain access to Nvidia graphics processors to train AI models. It follows a sweeping overhaul of OpenAI last week, which saw it ditch its non-profit status and gave it more operational and financial freedom. The AI boom has seen Nvidia become the worlds first $5trillion company while Apple recently hit the $4 trillion mark. But the rally has sparked fears of an AI bubble that may be about to burst. Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at broker IG, said: OpenAI continues to be the fairy godmother for tech companies worrying about how to monetise their large-scale investments, bestowing its largesse on Amazon this time. Altmans seemingly bottomless wallet provides fuel for more share price gains, though the concerns about a bubble wont go away. Whenever this market seems to be running out of positive catalysts, OpenAI rides to the rescue. The maker of Kleenex tissues and Huggies nappies is buying the firm behind Listerine mouthwash and the controversial painkiller Tylenol in a 37billion deal. US consumer goods giant Kimberly-Clark has agreed to acquire rival Kenvue in what will be one of the biggest takeovers of the year so far. The deal stunned Wall Street and sent shares in Kenvue up 15 per cent, while Kimberly-Clark fell 13 per cent. The price tag raised eyebrows amid a row between Kenvue and the White House over Donald Trumps unproven claims that the use of Tylenol during pregnancy can cause autism in children. Jay Woods at Freedom Capital Markets said the market reaction suggests some investors believe Kimberly-Clark may be buying damaged goods. Despite the concerns, Kimberly-Clark said the combined firm which would bring together its other brands such as Andrex with Kenvues vast portfolio including Aveeno, Neutrogena and the Johnsons Baby range would generate annual revenues of 24billion. Shock move: US consumer goods giant Kimberly-Clark has agreed to acquire rival Kenvue in what will be one of the biggest takeovers of the year so far Kenvue, which was spun out of Johnson & Johnson in 2023, has endured a torrid year, with its shares down a third before yesterdays rally. US sales of Tylenol tumbled after Trump urged pregnant women to stop taking the painkiller in September. Danni Hewson from broker AJ Bell said: Kenvue comes with some baggage, not least a rocky relationship with the White House. BP has agreed to offload stakes in some of its onshore oil and gas pipelines in the US as it seeks to shore up its finances. The British energy giant is selling assets in the Permian and Eagle Ford basins in Texas to investment firm Sixth Street for 1.1billion. The deal is part of a 15billion divestment programme aimed at bringing down debt levels and winning back investor confidence. Once the sale is complete, BPs US onshore oil and gas business BPX energy will hold a 51 per cent stake in the Permian assets and 25 per cent in those at Eagle Ford. BP has been under pressure from investors and became the target of activist fund Elliott after an ill-fated foray into renewables under former boss Bernard Looney. The push into green energy has since been abandoned by Looneys successor Murray Auchincloss, who earlier this year sold BPs American onshore wind farms. BP shares rose 1.2 per cent to 447.4p. Rachel Reeves must put up taxes by 26billion and break her pledge not to put up income taxes, Labour's favourite think-tank has warned. The Resolution Foundation said the scale of the hikes needed meant the Chancellor should ignore the election promise. The report came ahead of a speech by Rachel Reeves to the Treasury this morning, where she said she would deliver a Budget for growth but refused to rule out breaking the party's promise not to raise taxes. It suggested that, even though the financial black hole facing Ms Reeves may be 'less daunting' than some fear, she should break the pledge in order to fund the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap as well as Ed Miliband's net zero plans. Voters were told at last year's general election that Labour would not put up income taxes, national insurance or VAT. But speculation that the pledge will be abandoned has been growing especially after the PM refused to say recently whether he stood by it. Earlier this year at the time of the spring statement, the Chancellor left herself with 10billion in 'headroom' to meet her fiscal rules targets to bring down debt and borrowing. Budget fears: Many experts now believe that Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) faces a fiscal 'black hole' in the tens of billions Experts believe that has now been more than wiped out with many believing she now faces a 'black hole' in the tens of billions. That is partly because of higher borrowing costs and U-turns on welfare reforms. A downgrade of Britain's productivity outlook will also take its toll. The Resolution Foundation found these would be partly balanced out by a stronger outlook for pay growth which will mean more tax revenue. That will leave Ms Reeves with a 'black hole' of just 4 billion, lower than many others forecast. However, in addition to making up the shortfall, the Chancellor will want to give herself more 'headroom' against any future setbacks. On top of that, scrapping the two-child limit on welfare support a totemic issue among Labour backbenchers would cost 3.5billion. Another 3.5billion may also be spent shifting the burden of 'social and net zero levies' on electricity bills to taxpayers. These charges are currently added to energy bills to pay for support to poorer households and fund renewable energy projects. Added together, it will mean 26billion of tax hikes are needed, the Resolution Foundation said. 'Delivering tax rises along these lines, and on the scale required, means prioritising sensible reforms over sticking dogmatically to manifesto commitments not to raise VAT, income tax or national insurance,' it said. Adhering to the manifesto pledge would risk 'doing more harm than good', the think-tank added. A 2p income tax hike could come alongside a 2p cut in employee national insurance meaning most workers see no change. But it would hit pensioners, landlords and the self-employed. Overall the measure would raise 6billion. In addition, the report called for an extension of the freeze on income tax thresholds that will further punish low and middle earners by dragging into higher tax bands. That would raise 7.5billion but end up costing typical taxpayers 140 a year. Raids on dividend tax, capital gains tax and salary sacrifice schemes could also be among the Chancellor's options, as well as a hit to motorists by ending the freeze on fuel duty. The Resolution Foundation's findings are closely watched because a number of its former staff now occupy key positions as ministers or officials preparing the Budget among them Torsten Bell, a former boss of the think-tank who is now pensions minister. James Smith, research director at the Resolution Foundation, said: 'Budget-watchers are braced for a major downgrade to Britain's productivity outlook. 'But ironically, a major upgrade to the outlook for pay could mean that the Chancellor's fiscal black hole is less daunting than feared. 'However, reassuring the markets about the state of the public finances, paying for policy U-turns and providing fresh cost-of-living support won't come cheap. Tax rises of 26billion are likely to be needed. 'The Chancellor should look to make sensible tax reforms to car taxes, dividends and capital gains. 'Switching 2p of employee National Insurance onto Income Tax would raise 6billion while protecting workers' wages. 'Together, this will help to deliver a decisive Budget centred around prices, payslips and poverty reduction, and that shifts the focus away from black holes and back onto boosting growth.' The worlds largest sovereign wealth fund is set to vote against a $1 trillion (766billion) pay deal for Tesla chief executive Elon Musk. Norways 1.6 trillion oil fund a top-ten shareholder in the electric car giant said it was concerned about the total size of the award despite the significant value created under Mr Musks visionary role. The comments from Norges Bank Investment Management, ahead of the shareholder vote tomorrow, came days after the Tesla boss branded other critics of the package corporate terrorists. Teslas board are pushing for shareholders to back what will be the biggest pay deal in corporate history with chairman Robyn Denholm warning Musk could leave if it is rejected. But critics have labelled the package excessive and worry it will give Musk, 54, already the worlds richest man with a fortune of 365billion, too much power at the firm due to the huge share awards involved. The vote will be a test of shareholders faith in Musks ability to deliver on his grand visions, said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell. Pay deal: Tesla boss Elon Musk (pictured) is pushing for a pay deal that would see him awarded $1trillion if he hits targets Under the terms of the proposed deal, Musk (pictured) will hit the jackpot if the electric car giant hits certain targets over the next decade. Currently valued at 1.1 trillion, the tycoon needs to turn Tesla into a 6trillion company while selling 12m vehicles, 1m artificial intelligence robots and 1m self-driving robotaxis. The pay package would see Musk increase his stake from 13 per cent today to nearly 29 per cent and make him the worlds first trillionaire. When shareholder proxy groups Glass Lewis and ISS came out against the deal, Musk branded them corporate terrorists and said they had no freaking clue about the business. But Norges yesterday said: While we appreciate the significant value created under Mr Musks visionary role, we are concerned about the total size of the award, dilution, and lack of mitigation of key person risk consistent with our views on executive compensation. However, opponents face an uphill battle given broad investor support. And laws in Texas, where Tesla moved its headquarters last year, allow Musk to vote his own large stake, giving him some 13 per cent of voting power. When you work hard for decades you may well expect that you can eventually put your feet up with a pension to support you through older age. But it doesn't always work out that way. Life events can knock you off course and financial decisions that seem innocuous at the time can come back to haunt you. All of a sudden you become one of the millions of pensioners struggling to get by on the meagre state pension of 11,973 with no other source of income. This falls short of the annual 13,400 cost of a minimum retirement standard for a single person, according to benchmark figures from industry body Pensions UK. That covers 55 a week on groceries and an annual budget of just 200 to maintain a property, plus 450 to spend on clothing and footwear. Someone with this level of retirement could expect to use public transport instead of running a car and take one week-long UK holiday each year, says the report. Struggling: Former secretary and admin worker Jill Robertson expected to retire at 60, but found herself having to wait until age 65 Falling just 1,000 short of the annual income required would mean needing to cut back on spending wherever possible. For someone surviving on just the state pension and a little savings, the 31,700 a year needed for the middle-of-the road retirement level would feel a long way away. This moderate retirement standard includes 56 a week on shopping, plus an annual budget of 500 to maintain a property and 1,548 for clothing and footwear. These retirees could run a small three-year-old car and enjoy a fortnight's three-star holiday in the Mediterranean, plus a long weekend break in the UK. This unassuming lifestyle reflects the modest dreams of many Britons who have worked hard all their lives and wish to enjoy their pension years. But it can be surprisingly easy for those without decent workplace pensions to be waylaid by life events and suddenly discover that they are retiring with nowhere near enough to enjoy later life in full. Here, three women who say they did everything 'right' share what went wrong that means they're facing financial insecurity in their older age. And they share their advice so that you don't end up in the same position. 'I didn't think to check if my jobs offered pensions' After working for nearly 50 years in secretarial and admin roles, Jill Robertson, 70, from Northamptonshire, didn't expect to be barely scraping by in retirement. She worked for multiple employers over the decades, while juggling life as a busy mum of two. But when she looked for jobs, she considered the income and not whether they offered a pension. 'My mum encouraged me to train as a secretary straight out of school, but at that time pensions were only for people in professions or who worked for the council,' says Jill. 'Nobody said 'find yourself a job with a decent pension'.' Now, she believes that checking the terms of the pension should be one of the first steps when considering a new job. As she approached retirement, Jill made inquiries with the places she had worked over the years to see if she had accrued any pensions. However, she had done so at only one an airline where she worked in the 1990s for ten years. 'If I had my time again, I would have worked for the airline for longer,' says Jill. 'However, instead I moved jobs to work as a receptionist when I thought I would soon be able to claim my state pension.' Jill had expected to retire at 60, but found herself having to wait until age 65 as the government increased women's state retirement age. In the interim, her one private pension worth just over 10,000 became her financial lifeline. She was forced to cash it in to pay her bills. She now has just the state pension to support her in retirement around 1,000 a month. Jill is lodging with a friend while she waits for money to come through from selling the family home following a divorce. She has to be careful with her day-to-day spending. 'I don't eat out much, I walk for exercise and use vouchers I get through my bank for free cinema tickets when I want to see a film,' she says. 'With my social life I always have to bear costs in mind and sometimes think twice before doing something. I have to think, you know, how can I afford to do this?' She advises: 'To younger women, I would definitely say, join a pension as soon as you can.' Work pot: You should be put in to a workplace pension if you work for an employer, thanks to the autoenrolment scheme that was introduced in 2012 Today, you should be put in to a workplace pension if you work for an employer, thanks to the auto-enrolment scheme that was introduced in 2012. However, there are still ways you can slip through the net. For example, your employer does not need to offer you a pension if you earn under 520 a month. This can catch people out who have multiple jobs as the minimum is per job rather than total income. Worryingly, only one in five self-employed workers making annual profits of more than 10,000 a year is saving into a pension, according to think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies. If you are working and not saving into a pension, it is simple enough to set one up. You will also benefit from tax relief that means all contributions you make into your pension are free of tax. If you have opted out of a workplace pension because you can't afford the minimum required contribution of 5pc of your salary, consider opting back in as soon as you can to benefit from tax relief and contributions from your employer. For more on how to get started, go to thisismoney.co.uk/pension-guides. 'Life events can disrupt your saving plans' Angela Weston Dunne, 71, from Bala in north Wales, worked as a senior teacher and was even offered a job as a headteacher. But her career plans were thrown off course when her mother developed dementia and Angela had to cut back on work to look after her. Even professionals with great careers can have their plans thrown off by life events. There are around 5.4million people in England alone who provide unpaid care for a friend or family member. Taking time out of the workforce to look after children can also knock your pension plans off course. Divorce can deliver a blow to finances later in life, as couples who shared expenses now have to live independently. 'It's women who tend to have to look after the family,' says Angela. 'I've noticed there are a lot of women who may, by my age, be separated from their husbands, or it's nearly always the man who dies first and the woman who lives a lot longer.' Angela expected the drop in income, but she did not factor in what it would do to her pension. She now wishes she had focused more on her pensions when making decisions about what jobs to go for. 'I was offered a job as a headteacher, but I decided to downshift to supply teaching and finally left the profession in 2004,' she says. 'I couldn't take care of my mum, who had dementia, and go for that headship as well. That would have been impossible.' Angela only accrued entitlement for the teachers' pension scheme for five years as some of her subsequent roles were for charities that didn't benefit from the scheme. 'I worked in a few educational charities where the [teacher's] pension does not apply,' she says. 'So it makes a difference where you work with regards to getting an improved pension for later in life.' Angela now manages on a small teacher's pension she has a total of around 1,500 coming in each month. She says that women often have it harder in retirement. Care: Ex-teacher Angela Weston Dunne's career plans were thrown off course when her mother developed dementia and she had to cut back on work to look after her She suggests that workers should save more when they can in case they can't at other times. But this is easier said than done. Angela is worried about how her two adult daughters will save for their own retirements and says squirrelling away money has got even more difficult for younger people. She says: 'The cost of living is tremendously expensive. I could advise young people to make sure they save a lot. But if you haven't got a lot of money coming in, you can't save a lot not when you've got so much money going out.' 'I had to juggle part-time jobs and seven children' Janet Smith, 66, from Lowestoft, Suffolk, has joined the army of more than one million older workers who are still clocking on beyond the official retirement age. She started a new job in April, working for two hours every evening cleaning at a local dentist to top up her 900 monthly state pension income. With no other private pension and rent still to pay, she shares her home with her adult daughter to reduce costs. Her rent costs 450 a month and she struggles to afford unexpected bills or little pleasures. A recent trip to the dentist for a check-up left her facing a big bill for dentures money she didn't have. 'I need a new set of dentures, which is now going to cost me 319,' she says. 'But I had to tell the dentist to stop the treatment because I can't afford them.' Janet has found herself with a low income in retirement because she juggled part-time roles with bringing up her seven children. Money was always tight and her jobs didn't offer a pension. Her husband used to work a day shift at the Bird's Eye chicken factory, while she worked in the evenings. 'I've done everything from caravan cleaning to cleaning offices for the council, shop work, bar work,' she says. Janet faced tragedy when her son was killed in a road traffic accident in 2002. She got divorced in 2005 in her mid-40s and moved into a rented house with four young children still at home. 'I also looked after my parents in their times of need and due to my age [she was then 58] it was harder for me to get a job when my parents passed away,' Janet says. Now on her own in retirement, she believes the state pension isn't enough to live on, especially if you have rent to pay. 'I'm struggling on 900, so I'm now earning an extra 500 a month by doing two hours cleaning each night,' she says. Janet says she has no savings, and if her washing machine went wrong, she'd have to hire one. 'I just wouldn't have the money in the bank to go and splash out 300 or 400 on a washing machine,' she says. She's currently saving up to pay for her dentures, dental cleaning and a much-needed holiday. She says: 'I'd like to say I've had a nice holiday once a year. But I haven't had a holiday now since 2019.' Janet tries to keep her utility bills down by carefully planning the cheapest times to use power. She is on an energy tariff that offers cheaper power at certain times of day. She advises younger people to be prepared to carry on working part-time past retirement age if it doesn't look like their pension savings will cover their living costs. 'I've told my own children, if you haven't got a good pension do not fully retire maybe cut your hours down to one or two days a week. Because if you haven't got a pension, you will struggle.' Have you got advice to share that you wish you'd known about when you were planning for retirement? Get in touch with us at moneymail@dailymail.co.uk The center of a small North Massachusetts town sits at an unfortunate intersection of two state routes that serve as cut-throughs to major highways, causing backed-up traffic and a chorus of beeping that makes it sound like 'a major city.' Georgetown, with a population of a little less than 8,500, is by most accounts a regular and quaint New England settlement. But at its center, where East and West Main streets meet and are intersected by Central Street and North Street, the line to get past the traffic light can stretch for 20 minutes. That's because East and West Main Streets are also state routes 133 and 97, which serve as shortcuts for drivers making their way between Interstate 95 and Interstate 495. The cut-through can shave 15 miles off the route for motorists who would otherwise have to drive to the interchange further north. As a result, during every morning and evening rush hour, a line forms at the town's central intersection traffic light. It can sometimes stretch all the way back to Interstate 95, and even onto it. John Maglio, a 52-year-old Georgetown resident who lives about one mile from the light, told the Boston Globe: 'Its comically bad. Ill sit on my porch and just watch the traffic,' and added that when his kids ask him for a ride, he tells them to just walk. Locals said that the town has always had traffic because of the intersection, but the problem only seems to have gotten worse in recent years. Traffic at the intersection in the center of Georgetown, Massachusetts, can stretch for 20 minutes The line can stretch all the way back to Interstate 95, and even onto it, during morning and evening rush hours Amanda Ross, owner of Georgetown Barbershop, said traffic has always been a problem but it only seems to have gotten worse in recent years Amanda Ross, who owns Georgetown Barbershop right next to the light, said: 'It used to be that Thursday and Friday were really bad, but now it feels like its every day, and the constant beeping makes it sound like were in a major city.' Although locals tend to agree the traffic is a problem, they also seem to have accepted it and concede there is no easy solution. 'I dont think theres anything that can be done,' Ross said. 'There are houses all along the road so you cant widen it. You just have to avoid it at all costs.' Another resident who was in Ross's barbershop while she was being interviewed said: 'The only solution is to put in a tunnel.' Other residents even see a silver lining in the traffic, saying it keeps Georgetown pedestrian-friendly. Orlando Pacheco, the town administrator, said: 'We want to drive fast when were behind the wheel, but when were not, we want people to drive slower, so its a tradeoff.' Georgetown Barbershop is right next to the intersection Outside of the traffic problem, Georgetown is a regular and quaint New England settlement with charming buildings such as this church The traffic is so bad because the intersection is comprised of roads that offer shortcuts between Interstate 95 and Interstate 495 The solution for many locals is to avoid the cut-through roads and backed up intersection. Others simply walk or ride electric bikes. A popular game for pedestrians is to pick out a car in the traffic and see if they can make it to the light before the vehicle. And Georgetown's local businesses can benefit from the glacial pace of traffic as well. Scott Paganelli, who co-owns Pratt Hobby Shop, said he is 'grateful for the heavy traffic.' 'Every week Ill have several people come in and say, "Ive been driving by here for years, but I finally decided to stop because I couldnt handle sitting in my car,"' he said. Donald Trump has kept the high-stakes races for governor in New Jersey and Virginia at arm's length as the Republican candidates look like losers. The president is typically eager to endorse candidates he believes can win, and he even spent much of the last 24 hours firing off endorsements on his Truth Social app. Whenever a candidate he backs does win, Trump has been quick to take credit, in part, for lending the aspiring politico his MAGA brand. Though as the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia come to a close, and conservative candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Winsome Earle-Sears continue to trail in most polls, the president has decided to forgo any last-minute campaign stops to bail them out. Instead, Trump is opting to campaign from home. On Monday evening, the president participated in two tele-rallies to help buoy Ciattarelli and Earle-Sears's campaigns, according to his official schedule. While Trump offered effusive praise for Virginia Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, he made no mention of Earle-Sears, an omission widely perceived as a snub. Trump is known for not wanting to tie his brand to sinking ships, but the decision to stay away may also demonstrate how his popularity is sagging in the pair of traditionally blue states. President Donald Trump's only scheduled events on Monday are two 'Tele-Rallies' for the Republican gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey and Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears speaks to patrons during a visit at Shorty's Diner on November 03, 2025 in Richmond, Virginia New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli with supporters during a campaign rally on Sat., Nov 1, 2025, in Westfield, N.J. Trump has endorsed the New Jersey candidate Ciattarelli, but he has withheld his official endorsement from Earle-Sears as she remains underwater in the polls. Going into the elections on Tuesday, Ciattarelli trailed Democrat Representative Mikie Sherrill by an average of just 3.3 points, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average. Meanwhile, Virginia's Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears lags behind Democratic ex-Representative Abigail Spanberger by a whopping 9.5 points, the RCP average shows. 'I dont think he likes to back candidates he knows are going to lose,' Chris Saxman, an ex-GOP state delegate from Virginia, told the Washington Post. Democrats, on the other hand, have deployed their biggest star to help juice turnout in the final days. Former President Barack Obama jetted between two in-person campaign events with both Sherrill and Spanberger on Saturday. 'Why would anyone vote for New Jersey and Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, when they want transgender for everybody, men playing in womens sports, High Crime, and the most expensive Energy prices almost anywhere in the World?' Trump posted on Sunday. 'VOTE REPUBLICAN for massive Energy Cost reductions, large-scale Tax Cuts, and basic Common Sense!' Trump similarly held a brief tele-rally for Ciattarelli last month, where he ripped into Sherrill and criticized her name. Trump has not involved himself much in the Virginia gubernatorial race as candidate Earle-Sears trails by a 10-point margin 'Mikie, as they call her the only thing shes got is an unusual name, other than that shes terrible,' Trump said at the time. 'Mikie Sherrill looks [like] such an innocent name, but her energy policies would send your prices soaring and make New Jersey even more expensive than it already is.' Households in some parts of England face paying more than 10,000 a year in council tax if Rachel Reeves pursues plans to double rates on more expensive homes. The Chancellor is said to be plotting a Budget tax raid on 'wealthy' households by dramatically hiking the charge for the top council tax bands. Doubling council tax rates on properties in the highest two bands - band G and H - could raise 4.2billion, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) think tank. This would help Ms Reeves in her scramble for revenue raisers at her Budget on 26 November, as she looks to plug a multi-billion pound black hole in the public finances. But critics have warned hiking council tax for more expensive homes would spark a crisis for pensioners on fixed incomes. It would also whack families who have stretched themselves to afford a dream home, and hammer those in London and the South East where property prices are higher. More than a million households could see their council tax doubled if the Chancellor targets the top two bands. A Mail analysis revealed how those living in Rutland would be the hardest hit, with a band H household having their council tax hiked from 5,342 per year to 10,684. Meanwhile, those in a band G household in the East Midlands county would see their council tax rise from 4,452 per year to 8,903 per year. Your browser does not support iframes. The Chancellor is said to be plotting a Budget tax raid on 'wealthy' households by dramatically hiking the charge for the top council tax bands The analysis revealed many other parts of England - including in the South East and South West - where band G and band H households would face council tax bills of more than 8,000 per year. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch warned that changes to council tax bands would force some pensioners 'out of their home'. She said: 'Creating new higher council tax bands will hammer people who have lived in the same house for decades, particularly pensioners, some of whom will be unable to pay this new tax and be forced out of their home.' Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK added: 'It is an assault on assets and will cause huge consternation amongst older people living in properties they bought many years ago.' More than a million homes could see their council tax doubled if Rachel Reeves goes ahead with the idea The move would hammer London and the South East, where property prices are higher Increasing the charge on existing top council tax bands could raise revenue faster than adding extra bands, another option that has been floated. Sources have suggested that Ms Reeves has been moving away from more 'radical' options, such as replacing council tax with an annual levy based on property values. Downing Street on Monday did not rule out a council tax hike when asked if the Government was looking at doubling rates for more expensive homes. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said: 'I'm not going to get ahead of the Budget. You wouldn't expect me to get into tax speculation ahead of it. 'But the Chancellor has been very clear the Budget will strike the right balance between making sure we have enough money to fund our public services whilst ensuring we can bring growth and investment to businesses.' A Spider Man-loving little boy was killed and stuffed in a cooler filled with ice by his own parents and grandmother, police claim. Horrific details have emerged about the death of eight-year-old Isaiah H, after his body was found inside a California apartment last Tuesday. An unidentified resident in the Lynwood complex called the police asking them to perform a welfare check on the occupants of the home. Little Isaiah's mother and father, 25-year-old Destiny Harrison and Daniel Monzon, along with his paternal grandmother Ana Carcamo Zarceno, 45, have been charged with murder, torture and abuse of a child resulting in death. Zarceno and Monzon also face charges of being an accessory after the fact. The trio are accused of causing willful harm to the little boy which resulted in his death. Adorable pictures have since emerged of Isaiah, including one of him wearing a Spider Man suit. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said: 'The horrific abuse that Isaiah endured is made even worse by the fact that, as alleged, it was at the hands of the people who were meant to love and protect him.' Horrific details have emerged about the death of eight-year-old Isaiah H, after his body was found inside a California apartment last Tuesday An unidentified resident in the complex had called police asking them to perform a welfare check on the occupants of the home Police allege Isaiah faced sustained abuse 'over a long period of time.' He allegedly 'succumbed to his injuries' on October 24. 'His body was found days later in a cooler filled with ice,' the DA's office said in a press release. His official cause of death has not yet been released to the public. Three other children aged 16, 13 and nine months old were found at the apartment in Lynwood where Isaiah's body was discovered. They were removed from the home and taken into protective custody by the LA County Department of Children and Family Services. 'This is an unimaginable and horrific tragedy,' Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said. 'My heart breaks for what the other children in this home must have experienced, and it's critical that our Department of Children and Family Services do everything possible to support them and keep them safe in protective custody.' Pictured: The apartment complex in Lynwood where little Isaiah's remains were found Little Isaiah's mother and father, 25-year-old Destiny Harrison (face covered during court appearance) and Daniel Monzon, along with his paternal grandmother Ana Carcamo Zarceno, 45, have been charged with murder, torture and abuse of a child resulting in death Mourners paid tribute to the beloved little boy after his remains were discovered Neighbors had told local news outlets that nothing appeared out of the ordinary with the family. They would occasionally 'come outside and play' while the mother would supervise. 'She would always be out here with her dog,' one neighbor said. 'She would smile, would say 'hi.' Nothing out of the ordinary.' Bail for the trio has been set at $2million each. If convicted, they each face 32 years to life in prison. A British man has tragically died while celebrating his daughter's 34th birthday with a hike up a Sri Lankan mountain. The Briton, 63, died while hiking up Ella Rock, in the south of the country, on October 25 with his daughter. Upon reaching the summit of the mountain, he suddenly collapsed. Though he was transported to the nearby Bandarawela Hospital, he could not be revived. A post-mortem revealed he had suffered a heart attack following the hike. The pair had arrived in Sri Lanka on October 16, exploring the coastal town of Weligama before making their way to Ella and staying in a local hotel. An FCDO spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We are supporting the family of a man who has died in Sri Lanka.' It comes just a few months after a young British fashion and travel influencer on the 'holiday of a lifetime' in Sri Lanka suddenly collapsed and died after a mystery illness swept through the backpackers hostel where she was staying. The Briton, 63, died while hiking up Ella Rock, in the south of the country, on October 25 with his daughter (File image) Ebony McIntosh, 24, from Derby, was just four days into her dream trip to the tropical island when she was rushed to hospital along with other guests where they were treated for vomiting, nausea and difficulties with breathing. But tragically within hours of arriving at the hospital Ebony passed away. The backpacker had only left the UK for Sri Lanka on 28 January, and it was her first stop on a tour of South Asia having spent months planning and researching the trip. Ebony's younger sister India posted a moving tribute to her on social media writing: 'To my Ebony, my beautiful sister, thank you, thank you for being my older sister, one better than I could've ever asked for.' She added: 'I want you home now tho sis pls come back! It would only be you that would go out living your best life in sri lankaI am truly heartbroken, I can't believe I am writing this, it feels like some nightmare I haven't woken up from yet, we will get justice for you, you had so much life left to live.' She ends her post by saying: 'my heart aches I need you here, we all need you. Lets get you home ebony.' A father who got stranded in the California wilderness managed to survive 20 days in the extreme elements before his rescue. Ron Dailey was reported missing by his family on October 13, after he failed to return from a hunting trip to his home in Selma, ABC News reports. The 65-year-old was found barely able to walk on November 1 by a group of fellow sportsmen near the Swamp Lake trail in the Sierra National Forest. Dailey became trapped while descending the Swamp Lake trail in his pickup truck after the vehicle got damaged by rocks. Realizing that he was unable to continue, he camped out on a flat area where he altered his 2002 Silver Dodge Dakota and removed his passenger seat to create a place to rest. He stayed in his makeshift shelter for several days until he was faced with a critical decision to make the trek out of the woods. 'This is it, Ron, you either try to get out or you sit here and die,' he recalled thinking. He then made the 'toughest walk' of his life along the trail at an altitude of over 10,000 feet. Ron Dailey, 65, was reported missing on October 13 when he didn't return from a deer hunting trip near the Swamp Lake trail in the Sierra National Forest Dailey was found barely able to walk on November 1 by a group of hunters. He did not eat for six days Dailey described having to make frequent stops to catch his breath. The weather in the Sierra National Forest was just as unforgiving as his journey, with average lows of 44 degrees throughout October. Dailey fell twice and lost his cellphone as he tried to make his escape. As he stumbled out of the woods, Dailey said he prayed to God: 'You gotta send somebody up here to me. I can hardly walk anymore.' His prayers were finally answered when a pair of headlights came shining in his direction. Dailey managed to capture the vehicle's attention and fell into the arms of his rescuers as he prayed. The hunters who found Dailey gave him any food they could after he told them he hadn't eaten in six days. Emergency services arrived and airlifted the father to a hospital in Clovis. His 2002 Silver Dodge Dakota was unable to go back up the trail after hitting rocky terrain Glenda, his wife, posted how grateful she was for the efforts by officials, volunteers, and god for bringing her husband home The Swamp Lake trail in the Sierra National Forest that Dailey was traveling was a extremely rugged landscape that tore apart his truck Dailey was rescued after nearly three weeks of searches by volunteers and the Fresno County Search and Rescue Posse, who spent 'countless hours' searching the rough terrain to help find Dailey, according to officials. Later that day, his wife Glenda shared online, 'HES BEEN FOUND! Thank you for all of your prayers. We will provide more details as soon as we know more. Thank you, God, thank you.' She went on to thank everyone for all the support and love they received while they patiently waited for Dailey, and mentioned again that God had answered their prayers. 'He is going to be shocked when I show him all of the people who searched for him. He is resting and will share what happened very soon,' she wrote. 'To the men who went down that road and found him, I am eternally grateful to you; I cannot wait to meet you.' In another update she revealed that medical staff were 'pumping him with fluids and his color is coming back'. Six months ago, the name Zohran Mamdani wouldve drawn blank stares from most New Yorkers. Now, the 34-year-old socialist firebrand is on the brink of seizing City Hall in a political earthquake powered by TikTok. He just seems like such a dude, masters student Johnny Mulcahy, 22, told the Daily Mail in Manhattan hours before polls opened on Tuesday. The New York assemblyman has generated a cult-like following, with fans gushing over his dreamy looks, music videos, and progressive plans to make one of Americas most expensive cities affordable. Despite concerns from Wall Street and a recent Daily Mail poll showing up to 750,000 people will flee the Big Apple if he wins, Mamdani has a commanding lead against his closest rival, former Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. This publication's polling found a further 25 percent, or 2.12 million, would 'consider' leaving NYC in the event of a Mamdani win - an exodus that could cripple the citys economy and send shockwaves across the country. But Mamdanis sweeping promises to freeze rents and slash transportation costs have turned him into the hero of the citys youth. Zohran Mamdani has a clear lead in the race to be the next mayor of New York City I saw him at the club yesterday, and I think hes so relatable to everyone our age,' 19-year-old Hillary Machuca said Monday morning about Mamdani on the eve of election day 'Mamdani just seems like such a dude,' said NYU masters student Johnny Mulcahy, 22, pictured left with his friend Connor Burns, 23, a recent NYU graduate Zohran made one last push to get out the youth vote over the weekend and did a tour of New York City's clubs If he secures the landslide victory predicted on Tuesday night, it will likely be thanks to Gen Z and millennial voters - despite deep concern from their parents and grandparents who remember the crime-ridden, cash-strapped Big Apple of the 1970s and 1980s. Even though Mamdani hails from a wealthy family - his parents own a luxury compound in Uganda - the younger generation finds him far more relatable than his rivals. The exclusive poll for the Daily Mail by JL Partners found 55 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds are backing Mamdani, compared to 32 percent of 55 to 64-year-olds. Among 30 to 39-year-olds, 62 percent said they will cast their vote for the candidate who has promised to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers to pay for his ambitious plans. Meanwhile, just 32 percent of over-65-year-olds, who have lived in the city through some of its darkest times, have vowed to back Mamdani. Affordability is the cornerstone of his surge in support, with voters aged 30 to 49 most hopeful that he can bring down New Yorks sky-high rents. And in the Daily Mails poll, voters said housing affordability is the only policy they believe Mamdani will be able to improve during his tenure. But it is the plans and ideas, which could cost the city and taxpayers millions, that have won the hearts and minds of hordes of Gen Zs. Bronx-born rapper Johnny Vudoe, 26, agreed that Mamdani appears to better represent ordinary New Yorkers more than any of his rivals. I f*** with Zohran,' Vudoe said Psychology student Ella Ehrke, 19, said she has been won over by Mamdani's club appearances and pledges to reduce the 'atrocious' cost of public transport Older New Yorkers fear Mamdani's hard-left policies could return the city to its broke, crime-ridden past. New York is pictured here in the early 1980s 'Im really for his plan to make the buses free here in New York City, because I think that its actually atrocious that the subway is $3, 19-year-old psychology student Ella Ehrke told the Daily Mail. 'Its disgusting and gross and its crazy that we have to pay that much, she added. It's no surprise then that Mamdani spent the final hours of his campaign leaning into this younger demographic. He spent the weekend touring Brooklyn's nightclubs with videos showing him stirring up screaming fans with dance floor stump speeches - urging them to get out the vote (but also to have fun). He's also found an unsurprising following among left-wing celebrity influencers with gushing Instagram posts from the likes of Ilana Glazer, Emily Ratajkowski and the knitting influencer stepdaughter of Kamala Harris, Ella Emhoff. Hillary Machua, 19, told the Daily Mail: I saw him at the club yesterday, and I think hes so relatable to everyone our age. Hes so real. Even though he has no experience compared to [Republican candidate Curtis] Sliwa and Cuomo man, hes so down to earth - and Ive seen him taking the subway places,' she added. 'I was reading about how he wants to make community markets to bring down prices of the groceries. Brooklyn-born Chelsea, 20, also said Mamdani's transportation policies had won her vote El Mahdi Youssoufi, 27, said his parents moved to the US from Morocco, and although he cannot vote, Mamdani is his favorite candidate due to his cost of living policies Your browser does not support iframes. 'Especially because were all in college here and we dont have a job - we all rely on our parents money, maybe - I feel like if the prices are going to go down, it will benefit us all. 'I have nothing bad to say about [Andrew] Cuomo and the other guy [Curtis Silwa] - Ive just only seen Mamdani on my TikTok. Recent NYU graduate Connor Burns said he felt that Mamdani was the only 'relatable' candidate for the younger generation. Being a young person living in an incredibly expensive city, its hard to find hope that you can make it work, and he has instilled that hope in a lot of people,' Burns said. The 23-year-old Colorado transplant added that his conservative parents vehemently disagree - illustrating the 'generational divide' over Mamdani. Bronx-born rapper Johnny Vudoe, 26, agreed that Mamdani appears to better represent ordinary New Yorkers more than any other candidate. I f*** with Zohran,' Vudoe said. 'Hes from Queens, he used to rap, he definitely gives me Queens type of dude, so I respect him for that, but I know that people like him tend to come from parents with money'. However, Vudoe said he is concerned that under Mamdani's socialist leadership, his home city could descend into the homelessness, open drug taking and squalor seen in soft-on-crime liberal cities like San Francisco and Portland. Andrew Cuomo is lagging behind Mamdani in the mayoral race Republican Curtis Sliwa is refusing to drop out of the race to help Cuomo Your browser does not support iframes. The recent Daily Mail poll with JL Partners found that even Mamdanis supporters are worried about the citys future under his leadership. His own supporters think he will make antisemitism in New York worse, rather than better. Mamdani, who is Muslim, has been one of the Democrat party's staunchest critics of Israel. He has even vowed to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if the Israeli Prime Minister visits New York and he is mayor. That has spooked many Jews still distraught from Hamas's October 2023 terror attack on Israeli that killed more than 1,200, with NYC home to one of the world's largest Jewish communities. Asked for one word to describe what the Big Apple would be like after four years of his left-wing policies, the most common response from non-Mamdani voters was 'disaster.' They also said a Mamdani-run New York would be 'chaos,' 'hell,' 'broken,' and a 's***hole.' 'I am very left-leaning. Ive studied Marxism, socialism, all these things, but Im questioning these things being put into practice,' Vudoe added. 'Weve seen on the West Coast, the Bay Area, Oakland, and how theyve been affected by this political discourse,' he added, referring to unfettered immigration and a more laid-back approach to policing. Your browser does not support iframes. Mamdani (center) with Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a campaign rally at Forest Hills Stadium in the Queens, New York, on Monday Many New Yorkers fear crime will spiral if Mamdani takes over City Hall A 1985 protest in New York City over the death of graffiti artist Michael Stewart at the hands of New York transit police officers 'Freedom for the people, Im for, but is it really beneficial to the working class?' New York University media student Matthew Singh, 22, from upstate New York, admitted he has concerns about Mamdanis crime policies - including social workers dealing with 911 calls instead of police - but insisted they were only minor. A call could look like a mental health crisis but then it could quickly become something that requires police,' Singh explained, while outlining his opposition to sending social workers to domestic incidents instead of armed cops. But, I think Mamdani appeals to a lot of New Yorkers because hes a genuine voice, hes young, hes vibrant. 'During Halloween, he was going out, he was going to clubs, he was bar hopping, he was doing what the young people like. 'Hes connecting with voters, hes more personable than Andrew Cuomo, so I think that appeals to a lot of New Yorkers, especially young ones.' Many of Mamdani's most eye-catching policies must be approved by New York state lawmakers in Albany, who have given little indication that they are keen to help the young lawmaker realize his ambitions. Some 19 percent of people said they did not think Mamdani would make a difference to the New York housing crisis, while 10 percent said they were unsure. Actress Emily Ratajowski is among stars backing Mamdani. She posed with the mayoral candidate ahead of the Democratic primary in June and has continues to support him Comedienne Ilana Glazer has also come out in support of Mamdani and insists she is one of many Jews very excited by the prospect of him winning the mayoral election However, on all other policy issues, including crime, business, terrorism and anti-Semitism, voters felt like Mamdani would worsen the outlook in the city. But the message was clear among young voters in Manhattan on the eve of election day - they want to see major improvements to the cost of living in the city, even if such aspirations seem like a pipe dream. Mamdani has given such a grand projection of what this city could be,' Mulcahy told the Daily Mail as he sat with Burns in Washington Square Park. 'I think thats really inspiring for young people - that trajectory of prosperity.' Ive rarely seen a campaign that has given me such hope for the future,' Burns agreed. Texas Governor Greg Abbott promised to place an 100 percent tariff on any New Yorker who tries to flee the Big Apple should socialist Zohran Mamdani win the mayor's race Tuesday. Abbott, a key Donald Trump ally in the Lone Star State, showed no sympathy for anyone trying to escape from New York if the socialist is elected. 'After the polls close tomorrow night, I will impose a[n] 100 percent tariff on anyone moving to Texas from NYC,' he wrote. It would be a huge barrier for the nearly one million New Yorkers preparing to flee the city should democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani win the race for mayor, as a recent poll suggested. It's unclear if there's a legal avenue for Texas to treat people like imported goods and place an extra tax on them. While many states currently have an 'exit tax' for leaving, they do not currently have any sort of a 'moving tax' for those arriving. Abbott becomes the latest Republican to condemn Mamdani, who Trump has referred to as a 'communist' who would be 'the worst mayor in history.' The race has many Republicans endorsing Cuomo, the former Democrat governor of New York state. Texas Governor Greg Abbott promised to place a 100 percent tariff on any New Yorker who tries to flee the Big Apple should socialist Zohran Mamdani win the mayor's race Tuesday Abbott, a key Donald Trump ally in the Lone Star State, showed no sympathy for anyone trying to escape from New York should Mamdani beat Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa Sliwa has been pitched by many as a spoiler candidate who will hand the city to Mamdani, despite winning his party's primary. The Daily Mail has reached out to Mamdani for comment. The 34-year-old self-described democratic socialist is set to storm to victory in the election on November 4, the poll by JL Partners for the Daily Mail revealed. He has a 15-point lead over his nearest rival, former New York state governor Andrew Cuomo. The poll showed that many New Yorkers who do not support Mamdani are convinced he is going to 'destroy' America's biggest metropolis and crater its economy, sending shockwaves across the rest of the country. They think it could mark a return to the urban decay of the 1980s when the city was blighted by poverty, rampant crime, crumbling infrastructure and abandoned buildings. Even among Mamdani's own supporters more think he will make antisemitism in New York worse, rather than better. Asked for one word to describe what the Big Apple would be like after four years of his left-wing policies, the most common response from non-Mamdani voters was 'disaster.' Abbott becomes the latest Republican to condemn Mamdani, who Trump has referred to as a 'communist' who would be 'the worst mayor in history' They also said a Mamdani-run New York would be 'chaos,' 'hell,' 'broken,' and a 's***hole.' Among voters who have made up their minds, Mamdani was on 46 percent support, according to the poll. Cuomo, running as an independent, was on 31 percent, Republican Curtis Sliwa on 22 percent, and the rest was shared among minor candidates. Among voters aged under 30, Mamdani has a massive 35-point lead over Cuomo. Among Democrats, Mamdani has 54 percent support and Cuomo, who previously governed the state of New York as a Democrat, has 26 percent. The poll found New Yorkers expect a wide array of the city's problems to get worse under a 'Mayor Mamdani,' including crime, antisemitism and the economy. It found 47 percent believe levels of crime and violence will get worse, with only 32 percent saying the city would be safer under Mamdani. On the issue of crime there was a stark split among New Yorkers based on age. For voters under 30, 49 percent said they believed safety would improve under Mamdani, with 32 percent saying it would not. But among over-65s only 26 percent thought the city would be safer under Mamdani and 50 percent said it would not. Mamdani has a 15-point lead over his nearest rival, former New York state governor Andrew Cuomo (pictured) Guardian Angels' founder Curtis Sliwa (pictured) is the Republican nominee Meanwhile, the poll found 43 percent of New Yorkers expect the number of businesses in the city to decrease under Mamdani, with stores going under and potential entrepreneurs forced to head elsewhere. Only 23 percent thought the number of businesses would rise under the democratic socialist. The poll showed 39 percent expected the risk of terrorism to increase under Mamdani, with only 18 percent thinking it will lessen. And 45 percent thought the problem of antisemitic views in the city would get worse, with only 21 percent thinking it would improve. Even Democrats thought Mamdani would have a negative impact on antisemitism, with 29 percent saying he would make it better and 32 percent worse. Earlier this month, Mamdani faced a backlash after posting a picture of himself on social media with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a Brooklyn-based Muslim cleric. Wahhaj was named by federal prosecutors as an unindicted potential co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, a precursor to the 9/11 attacks. He was never charged with any crimes and denied involvement in the attack. The poll revealed only one issue where New Yorkers thought Mamdani would improve the current situation. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. It showed that 39 percent think housing would become more affordable under Mamdani, with 32 percent believing it would be less so. Democrats backed him to reduce housing costs by 52 percent to 19 percent. The poll also revealed a stark split among Democrat voters in New York, with many opposed to Mamdani. It showed 33 percent of Democrats believe crime will rise, 29 percent think there will be less businesses, and 25 percent said the risk of terrorism will increase. The poll was conducted between October 23 and 26 among 500 registered voters and had a margin of error of 4.4 percent. Sliwa has resisted pressure to drop out to help Cuomo, suggesting if anyone was to stand down it should be Cuomo instead. Cuomo is deeply unpopular with Republicans so Sliwa withdrawing may not greatly assist him. Earlier this month, Sliwa vowed he would only leave the race if 'a Mack truck hits me and I get turned into a speed bump, and they cant recover me in the I.C.U. Thats the only way.' Mamdani, who is running to be New York's first Muslim mayor, was born in Uganda and moved to New York aged seven. His father is an academic and his mother a filmmaker. As a child he went to a private school in Manhattan where fees are now $66,000 a year. Despite his ultra-privileged upbringing Mamdani is successfully appealing to working-class voters and young adults who find New York increasingly unaffordable to live in, with promises that he will bring their costs down. His platform of policies includes a freeze on rent hikes, free bus services, fully-funded day care for under-5s, city-owned grocery stores, and turbocharging the minimum wage ultimately to $30 an hour. He wants to fund those policies, which will cost billions of dollars, by raising taxes on the rich and companies. There would be a 2 percent increase on New Yorkers earning over $1 million a year, and the top corporate tax rate would rise from 7.25 percent to 11.5 percent. Critics say that will lead to a surge of firms and high-earning individuals leaving New York, which will in turn decimate the city's tax revenue and Mamdani unable to pay for his policies. President Donald Trump has branded Mamdani a 'communist' and threatened to cut off federal funding to the city if he is elected. But the president is reportedly resigned to Mamdani winning, with it seemingly tooo late for Cuomo or Sliwa to catch up. Pauline Hanson has attended Donald Trump's exclusive, glittering Halloween party as support for her One Nation party soars in the polls. Hanson confirmed to Sky News she had made an appearance at the Great Gatsby-themed event, which was hosted at the US President's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida on Friday. Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart was also in attendance at the event, where guests dined as 1920s music played. Hanson described the party as a 'great night' and said it was 'lovely to have been at that function'. The One Nation leader is visiting the US to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Florida on Tuesday, marking her first speech overseas. Her trip comes after a Newspoll showed support for her One Nation party had reached a new high, with her party polling at 15 per cent of the primary vote. Aussies were quick to make light of the fact Hanson appeared to have received an invitation to the Halloween party, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese missed out. 'Donald Trump invited Pauline Hanson to Florida to stay in his private residence. She's currently there and paid for her own ticket too,' one wrote on X. Pauline Hanson has attended Donald Trump's exclusive, glittering Halloween party as support for her One Nation party soars in the polls 'The best Albanese got was a handshake.' Another added: 'That's brilliant.' Albanese confirmed on Sunday he has 'contact arrangements' with Trump after he was asked if he had the US President's phone number. The revelation followed months of criticism over Albanese's handling of the relationship with Washington and the delay in their highly anticipated first meeting. During the 2025 election campaign, Albanese was forced to admit he did not have Trump's phone number and said he was not sure he even owned a mobile. It was only last month Albanese travelled to the US for his first face-to-face sit-down meeting with Trump on October 21. Mrs Rinehart, who was wearing a monochrome ensemble, was photographed leaning over Trump's shoulder and speaking to him at his table during the Halloween party. The US President appeared to be studying a piece of paper in his hand as Mrs Rinehart pointed at it. Gina Rinehart was spotted leaning over the shoulder of Donald Trump at his Halloween party Trump had been seated with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, his wife Jeanette, Judge Jeanine Pirro, and his son-in-law Michael Boulos, who is married to Tiffany Trump. Mrs Rinehart is on very good terms with the 47th President of the US, having attended Trump's inauguration and his Mar-a-Lago election night party. The iron ore boss has consistently championed reforms in Australia, calling for the country to cut government spending, reduce bureaucracy, and strengthen energy security through coal and gas. In a statement shared with the Daily Mail in May, following the federal election, she said the Australian Liberals needed to follow in the footsteps of Trump. 'This has been especially obvious this year, with the Liberals instead becoming known as the "me too" party,' she wrote. 'Trump-style "make Australia great" policies via cutting government tape, government bureaucracy and wastage, and hence being able to cut taxes, were too scarce in Australia this year to rate a mention. 'No doubt the left media will now try to claim that the Liberal loss was because the Liberal party followed Trump and became too right! The two simply don't add up!' Trump's Halloween party has previously cost attendees $1,000 each. The US President welcomed friends and supporters to his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida for a Great Gatsby-themed party on Friday This year's party was named 'A little party never killed nobody' - a reference to the Fergie song that makes up part of the soundtrack of the 2013 cinematic adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel The Great Gatsby. In one image, a burlesque showgirl posed in an enormous martini glass, while footage showed dancers in flapper costumes entertaining guests with cabaret routines. It comes while the US federal government remains in limbo during a shutdown which began on October 1, after Congress failed to pass funding legislation for 2026. Meanwhile, Republican and Democratic lawmakers are still at a stalemate, as SNAP food assistance ran dry at the weekend and national flights were delayed due to air traffic controller shortages. Looking back now, it wasnt completely out of the blue. For some months, my wife and I knew something was wrong with our daughter. In 2016, on a summer holiday in Cape Cod, she said she wanted to talk to us about something. We were staying in one of those beautiful American clapboard houses and the rest of the family her elder brother, and younger brother and sister were out. Just her, my wife and I were on the big bed in our lovely bedroom, an afternoon breeze gently rustling the fine curtains at the open window, when she told us, plainly and simply and very calmly: I was raped. It took a moment before the realisation of what she said sank in. Then it felt like my heart was about to stop. She told us details that she doesnt want us to go into here but I can say she had been raped some years before, when she was in her teens, by a stranger while on her way home during term time at secondary school. The only other person she had told was her boyfriend a few months previously. However, for years she had just kept it to herself. She had been raped some years before, when she was in her teens, by a stranger while on her way home during term time at secondary school I resisted the urge to ask too many questions about what happened to her. Fathers, and men in general, are always wanting to make a plan, to try and do something. But I had to force myself just to listen. Perhaps it was because several years had passed since the attack, but for whatever reason, all three of us were very calm. Our daughter is smart and thoughtful. By the time she decided to tell us, she was in her twenties and determined to complete her education. She was similar when she was younger. When I look back at the time when she was raped, I cant believe I didnt notice any signs that anything was wrong with her. But, through that whole period she somehow stayed focused on her studies. My wife and our three other children have talked about how she was in our extremely busy home during that time. They have said that they too didnt know anything was wrong. As is very common for survivors, my daughter covered it up completely. Wed gone on family holidays together since then, but shed given nothing away. Nothing had changed in how she was eating, or dressing. After she told us, we obviously thought about what we could have done to stop it happening. I think any parent who goes through this would do the same. You think, I shouldnt have let that happen. But then how could you possibly stop every single bad thing happening to any one of your kids ever, while still allowing them to have a life? When our children were young we lived outside London. I was the CEO of Charlie Bighams, the prepared meal company, and my wife also worked. Our children were in good schools. Wed chosen the area where we lived as one of the very best in which to bring up a family. Yet this had happened to her. Ive asked myself many times whether I was working too much? Was my wife? Is that why we didnt see anything wrong, or why our daughter didnt come to us for help in the first place did she think we were too busy? I knew where the rape happened, but it would have been pointless to try to find who was responsible because so much time had passed and because very quickly I learned that this would not help my daughter, myself, or the rest of our family. Instead, my energy and anger had to go a different way. The next day of our holiday, she told her siblings: two in the same room she had told us; one who was travelling somewhere else, over the phone. Like us, they were desperately upset, and frightened that such a terrible thing was possible. Then began the journey of learning about how to deal with this, and to come through it together. The rape was an enormous shock to our family, and set off a chain of events that changed all our lives in many ways, and differently for each of us. Tom Allchurch: Ive asked myself many times whether I was working too much? Was my wife? Is that why we didnt see anything wrong, or why our daughter didnt come to us for help in the first place did she think we were too busy? For me, the effect was to make me want to know everything I could about rape, and what I had learned and its long-term devastating consequences astounded me. Incredibly, almost immediately, I learned that our daughter was more likely to be raped than she was to be a smoker. And, while most rapes happen when survivors are of secondary school and university age, your daughter is more likely to be raped while at school than university. I couldnt believe this was possible. How could I be a father of two daughters and not know that? You think about all the bad things that could happen: They could crash a car; they could get pregnant; they could get into drugs and alcohol or start smoking. But actually, the single biggest risk is that your daughter will be raped. Schools warn about other dangers young people face. They do talks about drugs and then that conversation is brought home. But they didnt do that for rape. I thought, How can we not be doing more about this? So, from that point onwards, more than nine years ago, I began working seriously on being better informed about rape. I talked to every expert I could, in the US, the UK and all around the world scientists, criminologists, psychologists, researchers, the leading people who work in the field about what could be done. I got to know the US governments world-leading Intimate Partner Violence team at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and learned about a number of promising interventions that had been tested. In America, a sufficient quantity of consent education if delivered effectively to a student population has been shown to reduce sexual violence. Although well known, approaches such as this one had never been rolled out in the UK. So I helped develop Talk Consent a simple, low-cost education programme for schools, to help prevent sexual violence among young people. The initiative has now reached more than 500 schools and 250,000 young people across the country. We believe that if every child in Britain gets effective education, then, over the next ten to 20 years, it will have a large impact on reducing sexual violence. Like the vast majority of survivors, my daughter didnt report her rape attack. The personal costs to most survivors of going to the police are just far too high: being retraumatised, not believed and trapped in limbo. And there is almost no chance of justice. Some 69,000 rapes were reported to police in England and Wales in the year to June 2024, but there were only 1,220 convictions. Only around one in six women report their rape or sexual assault, according to the Office for National Statistics figures from 2021, while government figures from 2013, show that more than 430,000 adults are victims of sexual offences. Nearly all rape occurs in private, with two people who know each other, and the perpetrator claiming it was consensual. Because of this, very few people report or talk about what has happened; and there is nearly zero deterrence. With Katie White, whom I met through my son two years ago, I founded a non-profit organisation called Enough Ive became convinced that knocking down this wall of silence, breaking this taboo, is the key. I have familiarised myself with projects in the US, Canada, Australia and Kenya. Ideas like powerful social media movements, for example, #MeToo, Everyones Invited and Teach Us Consent. Many other people have developed alternative online reporting systems to work alongside the criminal justice system. Nearly every university has one theres a system called Report + Support in the UK. Unfortunately, very few people do report because they dont trust the university to do anything about it, making it not as effective as it could be. Around the world weve also seen the introduction of DNA self-collection kits. Forensic experts have long known its relatively easy to collect an uncontaminated DNA sample from your own body, and that victims are much more likely to do it if theyre allowed to do it quickly and privately. From my previous work, I know the power of digital media, e-commerce and social media to transform products and services with new solutions at a very low cost. With Katie White, whom I met through one of my sons two years ago, I founded a non-profit organisation called Enough, and we studied these ideas intensively. We learnt as much as we could about why, so far, these approaches have not broken through. We went to Bristol and met lots of student survivors of rape. We learned about their experiences and asked them what solutions they wanted. With Enough, people can report a rape or sexual assault to a private online account on an encrypted platform that is date stamped, and they can also publish a snippet of testimony which names neither the victim nor the perpetrator to be shared across student social media. If survivors want, they can use a small, simple Enough DNA kit to self-collect, post the sample straight to a world-leading lab for immediate testing, and have the results uploaded to their encrypted account in 48 hours. Half the sample is stored for 20 years, so the police can have it if the survivor decides to report their rape later. We always direct survivors to go to the police or sexual assault referral centres first if thats what they wish. We designed the platform and kits, spoke to the police, forensic experts, the forensic regulator and leading barristers. Last October, we trialled Enough in Bristol, which has a very large student population. On the very first day, thousands of students took kits, rape reports flooded in, those reports went viral on social media, and the first DNA sample was collected, mailed to the lab, and analysed. Katie White with the Enough rape kit If survivors want, they can use a small, simple Enough DNA kit to self-collect, post the sample straight to a world-leading lab for immediate testing, and have the results uploaded to their encrypted account in 48 hours Since then our social media has reached well over 25million, and 8,000 kits have been distributed, starting new conversations about rape. After a few months, a number of university societies ran surveys and found that 90 per cent of students were aware of and trusted Enough, 86 per cent said they would report with it, and 70 per cent said it was already preventing rape. Incredibly, more than 800 rapes have already been reported through Enough, which clearly shows that victims overwhelmingly want to use the service. The low cost and high results of the service mean we are now in talks with several other cities about bringing it to their students too. We believe if Enough is everywhere, and potential perpetrators thought they could be named and their DNA stored, figures for rape and sexual assault would plummet. Just by awareness of Enoughs existence we are getting students to proactively talk about consent as well as creating a deterrent against rape. From the first day we gave out our kits, survivors started collecting their rapists DNA and having it analysed; and the first samples have been accessed by the police. Key figures in the criminal justice system, including the most senior law officers and leading barristers, confirm that evidence submitted via the website can be admissible in court. One of the most heartwarming parts of my time working on this project has been the reaction from other dads. A friend of 40 years heard about our work and said he wanted to help by setting up Dads for Daughters, a campaign in which dads encourage each other to come to meetings to learn more about rape and Enough. They have their questions answered, then promise to talk to their sons, post on social media, pledge money to fund more kits, and bring two more dads to the next meeting. Hundreds of dads have now attended meetings. There have been tears as some of them shared the fact that they are fathers of survivors too, and as others see their pain, the understanding of the risks their daughters face sink in. They leave energised to join the fight, and we are so thankful for the strength and support they are bringing to this work. But despite all this progress, many years after my daughters rape, there are times when the grief of what has happened to someone you love and care for so much is still overwhelming. When I talk about how bad the current situation is nationally, people are rightly horrified, and cant understand how they didnt know this already. Its because of the taboo around talking about it, and the only way we are going to change attitudes is by recognising that, unfortunately, the system we have as of right now is only working for a handful of survivors. It is up to all of us to add ideas like Enough so that it works for many more. Go to myenough.com for more details about Enough and how to get involved in the Dads for Daughters campaign Go to talkconsent.org to learn more about Talk Consent As told to Dominic Connolly China expands 240-hour visa-free transit entry policy to cover 65 ports 09:10, November 04, 2025 By Yin Yeping ( Global Times Inbound passengers go through border inspection procedures at Haikou Meilan International Airport in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Oct. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) has issued 10 measures on immigration and entry-exit management services to implement policies supporting further opening-up and facilitating high-quality development. Among these initiatives is the expansion of entry ports authorized to issue single-entry travel permits for island of Taiwan residents visiting the Chinese mainland as well as the addition of five entry ports in South China's Guangdong Province under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy for foreigners and the introduction of an online foreigner entry card system. The rollout of these policy measures demonstrates the government's strong commitment to advancing high-quality opening-up, aiming to facilitate cross-Straits and international exchanges, promote economic and trade cooperation, and support the flow of innovative resources, a Chinese expert said. Tangible measures The new measures, with specific implementations, cover a wide range of activities that facilitate cross-border or cross-region people-to-people exchanges, and exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Macao SAR and island of Taiwan make up the main part of the measures. Under the new policy, residents from the island of Taiwan arriving at the ports without valid travel documents for entering and exiting the mainland may apply to the exit-entry administration authorities of public security organs at the port for the single-entry Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, and may obtain the document and enter upon approval, the NIA said. Meanwhile, starting from Wednesday, mainland residents' applications for family visit endorsements for traveling to and from the island of Taiwan will now be accepted nationwide. Mainland residents planning to travel to and from the island of Taiwan for family visits can submit applications for family visit endorsements at any exit-entry administration authorities of public security organs above county level, according to the NIA. The application procedures will be aligned with the requirements prescribed by the place of household registration of the applicant, the NIA said. Other policies include the expansion of the pilot implementation of the talent visa policy for travel between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao. Starting from Wednesday, in addition to Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the policy will be implemented across the Yangtze River Delta, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and all national free trade zones. According to the policy, outstanding mainland talents working in these regionsincluding scientific research, cultural and educational, healthcare, legal, and other professionalsmay apply for multiple-entry talent visas to Hong Kong or Macao, valid for one to 5 years, with each stay in Hong Kong or Macao not exceeding 30 days, using relevant proof issued by talent authorities or qualified employers. The new policies have also included some new measures that make it easier for foreign travelers coming to China. For example, starting from Wednesday, five additional ports including Hengqin will be added as entry points for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, increasing the total number of ports eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit from 60 to 65. Also, starting from November 20, foreigners entering China can submit their entry information online in advance through online platforms such as the official website of the NIA. The introduction of the new measures underscores China's commitment to greater openness in a sustained and high-level manner, Li Youhuan, a research fellow at the Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, told the Global Times on Monday, noting that the measures enhance cross-border travel by increasing entry points, shortening transit times, and lowering travel costs, thereby enabling more efficient movement of people. Moreover, the streamlined procedures, which were previously time-consuming, are expected to encourage greater travel between the mainland and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, fostering economic and social exchanges and enabling people from these regions to better seize the opportunities offered by the nation's high-quality opening-up, ultimately supporting overall regional development, the expert said. Among the 10 measures introduced, those related to cross-Straits travel highlight the overarching theme of integrated development, closely linking the promotion of national reunification with the enhancement of the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, Liu Ying, a researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday, noting that this sends a strong signal of the mainland's continued commitment to expanding cross-Straits exchanges and interactions. Liu further noted that the new policies emphasize the use of technology to improve border efficiency, making travel for residents between the mainland and Taiwan more convenient and cost-effective. Teng Tai-Hsien, secretary-general of the Straits Economic &Cultural Interchange Association, warmly welcomed the related facilitation measures. He told the Global Times on Monday that the two sides of the Taiwan Straits share the same ancestry, common cultural roots, and close geographical proximity, noting that peace, stability, and prosperity across the Straits, with people living and working in security and comfort, are the shared aspirations of all compatriots across the Straits. On a further note, Teng said that these new facilitation measures not only help strengthen comprehensive integration and development in areas such as economy, trade, and culture, but also lay a foundation for future peaceful reunification. Further opening-up The introduction of the new policies carries far-reaching significance against the backdrop of global economic recovery and accelerates regional economic cooperation, Liang Haiming, dean of the Hainan University Belt and Road Research Institute, told the Global Times on Monday, noting that the policies underscore China's steadfast commitment to deepening its opening-up, particularly in optimizing the international business environment and promoting regional connectivity. The country has implemented a series of policy measures to promote people-to-people exchanges and further opening-up. With ongoing enhancements to the visa-free transit policy, inbound tourist numbers have been rising rapidly. In the third quarter, national immigration authorities inspected a total of 178 million entry and exit trips, up 12.9 percent year-on-year. Among them, 89.37 million trips were made by mainland residents, an increase of 13.8 percent, and 68.73 million trips involved residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, up 6.2 percent, according to the NIA. Trips by foreigners totaled 20.13 million, a rise of 22.3 percent year-on-year. Among these, 7.246 million trips were made under visa-free entries, accounting for 72.2 percent of all foreign arrivals. China's opening-up measures are continuing. On Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that China has decided to extend the visa exemption policy for countries including France. To implement the guiding principles of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, expand high-standard opening up, and continue to facilitate cross-border travel, China has decided to extend visa-free policy to France and other countries to December 31, 2026, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. China has added Sweden to the visa-free scheme effective from November 10, 2025 to December 31, 2026, Mao added. China's continuous efforts for boosting travel activities between countries and regions send a positive signal to the international community about the nation's dedication to openness and cooperation, helping to enhance the country's participation and influence in the ongoing process of globalization, Liang said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine was the first major war between industrialized nations since World War II ended in 1945. Russia expected a quick and easy victory, as invaders often do. They underestimated the ability of the Ukrainians to stop the invaders and eventually push the Russians out. Successfully defending their homeland required speedy and successful innovation. One of those enhancements was the use of fishing nets to protect valuable vehicles, positions, or movement routes from drone attack. This year the Ukrainians began widespread use of nets to protect military positions, vehicles, and routes from drone attack. Previously, metal nets or rolls of fencing were used to protect vehicles from drones. This was more expensive than fabric fishing nets and added more weight to the vehicle. These nets are still used, but the Ukrainians realized that nylon fishing nets are cheaper, lighter, and more rapidly deployed to snare the propellers of attacking drones and demobilize them. Some of these enemy drones were still largely intact and could be modified to become Ukrainian drones. Many drones snagged in nets are shot a few times with rifles or pistols, but many are simply rendered useless by the nets. The Russians were the first in 2023 to use fishing nets for protection, but they did not expand their use of nets significantly. In 2024, Russian troops could be seen putting nets over some movement routes and, once more, did not use this technique widely. This year the Ukrainians have rapidly expanded their use of nets, and the Russians are trying to catch up. Modern warfare has been radically changed by the introduction of First Person View (FPV) drones. These drones are an omnipresent aerial threat to armored vehicles and infantry on foot. Each FPV drone costs less than a thousand dollars. Operators use the video camera on the drone to see what is below and find targets. Armed FPV operators are several kilometers away to decide when their quadcopter FPV drones will drop explosives on an armored vehicle, which has thinner armor on top, or infantry in the open or in trenches. To do so, the drone operators often operate in pairs, with one flying behind the other and concentrating on the big picture while seeking a likely target. When such a target is found by the reconnaissance drone, the armed drone is directed to the target. The two FPV drone operators are usually in the same room or tent and can take control of new drones, which are lined up and brought outside for launch when needed. The reconnaissance drones are often unarmed so they can spend more time in the air to seek a target. The Ukrainians developed the FPV drone in 2022, when only a few FPV drone attacks were recorded. The Ukrainian Army was the first to appreciate the potential of FPV drones. By the summer of 2023, the Russian Army also began to use FPV drones in greater numbers. Since then, the number of FPV drone attacks has grown exponentially on both sides. By early 2024, there were over 40,000 Russian FPV drone attacks, and the Russians kept video records of each one. Only twelve percent of those attacks led to the destruction of the target, which could be a vehicle or group of infantry or even a sniper who was firing through a window from inside a building. In this case, the armed FPV drone would fly through the window and explode in the room the sniper was in. The only defense from this was having a nearby open door the sniper could run to or dive through as the FPV drone approached. Sometimes that isnt possible because the armed FPV drone is coming down from above the window and then in. You dont see those coming until its too late. Several million drones are being built this year. The total for 2024 was 1.5 million drones, and this year production will nearly double. There have been problems. Chinese component producers are having a hard time keeping up, and, this year, to assist the Russians, China halted sending drone components to Ukraine. Suppliers in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere were quickly found. At least 70 percent of Ukrainian drones are built entirely in Ukraine, and the rest from imported parts or whole assemblies. Some Ukrainian firms have improvised by using plywood and similar materials for their drones. For the FPV (First Person View) drones, cheaper is better if the drone can hit its first and only target. Most Ukrainian drones are FPV models, which are considered a form of ammunition. Both sides now use the FPV drones, but there are substantial differences in how the FPV drones are put to work in combat. The Ukrainians seek out high-value targets like armored vehicles, electronic warfare equipment, anti-aircraft systems, and storage sites for munitions or other supplies. Russian trucks carrying supplies are another prime target. This new threat has led to work on improved defensive measures. First priority goes to Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) systems, which armored vehicles, trucks, and even troops on foot require to survive FPV drone attacks. There is another problem when the attacker changes the control frequencies their drones use for effective remote control. This is more of a problem for Russian defenders than Ukrainian, as the Russians are controlled by slow bureaucratic leaders and production systems, while the Ukrainians are much more flexible. Many FPV drones have backup systems for these situations that include returning to the launch site or completing an attack on a target that has been sighted and the FPV drone is already headed for. This means the range of the defensive ECM signal must be more than 100 meters to avoid getting hit by an FPV drone programmed to continue heading for the target if its control signal was jammed or lost because of FPV drone equipment failure. Another requirement for adequate defense is the presence of metal screens or grills to defeat FPV drone attacks that get past the protective ECM signals. Note that the thinnest armor is over areas on the top side of the tank, particularly the turret and especially behind the turret, where the engine is. Damage the engine so that the tank can no longer move, and the suddenly immobile target becomes easier to destroy. Tank crews will often abandon their immobile vehicle. Then there are additional effective protective measures for vehicles. These include barbeque and bubbles structures erected over tanks and other armored vehicles to halt or diminish the impact of drone attacks. The fugitive Democrat lawmaker who fled Oregon for Europe with her son to avoid appalling fraud charges has a scandalous romantic and financial past. Melissa Fireside's ex-boyfriend Cody Bellamy, 44, revealed her unseemly secrets while pleading with the disgraced former Clackamas County Commissioner to return the couple's nine-year-old son Benicio. Fireside, also 44, removed Benicio from his school in Lexington, Oregon, last Wednesday, with Bellamy alerting authorities on learning what she had done. She then fled an address in the city that she gave as part of her bail conditions. The disgraced former lawmaker traveled across the southern border and boarded a flight from Mexico to Amsterdam using an Austrian passport last Thursday. She did so weeks before she was due to face trial for allegedly scamming $30,000 from her mother's late boyfriend while he was in a senior care home. Bellamy, a trucker who now lives in Alger, Michigan, told the Daily Mail he was not surprised by the scandal that has engulfed Fireside. He branded her a 'user' with 'a lot of secrets' who he fears only wanted him as a 'sperm donor.' Former Clackamas County Commissioner Melissa Fireside, pictured, has fled the country with her son to avoid an upcoming fraud trial Fireside's ex Cody Bellamy, pictured here with the couple's son Benicio, has pleaded for her to bring their son back to the United States 'I'm terrified that I will never see my son alive again,' Bellamy said. 'I feel like I've been bereaved. 'The first I knew of what happened was when I found out Benicio had been taken out of school last Wednesday. 'I don't think Melissa would ever hurt him. She's a good mom. But now she realizes people are looking for her - you just don't know. 'Pressure can make people do crazy things.' Bellamy met Fireside online in 2014 and a romance soon blossomed. He is an unashamedly pro-MAGA Republican, while Fireside is a very liberal Democrat who was a fan of former President Joe Biden. Bellamy said the couple were able to put those differences aside - despite Fireside's digs at his family's politics - and were delighted when Benicio arrived in 2016. 'She did a home birth,' he said. 'I was really proud to be there.' Bellamy, Fireside and Benicio in happier times. Fireside walked out on Bellamy six months after Benicio was born, the heartbroken trucker said Fireside is pictured after her arrest earlier this year on fraud charges. She's accused of scamming $30,000 from her mother's 83 year-old boyfriend, who was in senior care But Bellamy says the relationship foundered without warning six months later. 'She woke up one day and said 'I don't want to be with you anymore.' I pleaded and begged, I offered to attend counseling. It was a bolt from the blue. 'I just did whatever I could do to fight it. I knew we were having problems but didn't know she wanted to call it quits.' Nine years on, Bellamy has a chilling theory about his ex's behavior. 'I almost feel like Melissa just used me as a surrogate,' he said. 'She wanted a child desperately. She saw I was a strapping, hardworking man who took care of himself financially and who wasn't going to be a deadbeat dad. 'I feel like she used me, to be honest.' Bellamy said that Fireside was flat broke when they got together. 'She had no credit. She blamed that on a former husband. She was a stay at home mom.' Fireside was flat broke when she met Bellamy - but the hardworking trucker says she used his credit to buy this $900,000 home in Lake Oswego, one of Portland's ritziest suburbs Oregon state lawmaker April Dobson loaned Melissa Fireside $29,000. Fireside is now accused of scamming her mother's elderly boyfriend out of $30,000 by taking out a loan and credit card in his name The hardworking trucker says Fireside used his credit to buy a $900,000 home in Lake Oswego - one of Portland's ritziest suburbs. He is puzzled as to how she subsequently became a building contractor, with Fireside reportedly planning on selling a luxury condo around the time of her arrest. Last year, Fireside borrowed $29,000 from another lawmaker, Oregon State Representative April Dobson, after claiming she was suffering a cash crunch. She is then accused of taking out a loan and credit card to the tune of $30,000 in the name of her mother's boyfriend, Arthur W. Petrone. Dobson was repaid the money she was owed by Fireside and there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on her part. Petrone died in August, with his daughter Lynn Robert's insisting he was far too vulnerable to be making any such financial decisions. Fireside was elected to the powerful position of Clackamas County Commissioner in November 2024 and sworn in mid-January 2025. The area covers many of Portland's wealthiest southern suburbs and part of Oregon's ritzy Mount Hood skiing area. Fireside was indicted over the fraud in March, just two months later and stood down shortly afterwards. Despite her own alleged rule breaking, Fireside's ex Cody Bellamy told the Daily Mail that his ex used the law against him to make obtaining custody of Benicio a living hell. Fireside pictured at a meeting of Clackamas County in Oregon. She served as commissioner for just a few months before being indicted on fraud charges. She resigned upon being charged Cody Bellamy with his favorite photograph of himself with son Benicio. He fears his ex may have fled with the youngster to the Middle East 'Benicio's mom was very limited on what he could and couldn't do. 'She hated guns and wouldn't let him have any kind of sugar. 'She made him attend a French-speaking private school 'I wanted to take him hunting and fishing - and used to slip him the odd sweet treat.' After the split, Fireside initially let Bellamy see his son one day a week. He was outraged to see Fireside letting Benicio play with guns while eating candy. Fireside then sought full custody and filed a restraining order against Bellamy which he says was based on fabricated claims. Bellamy worked seven days a week to pay the $18,000 in legal bills he ran up to try and gain joint custody. Melissa Fireside pictured posing for a publicity shot during her successful run for Clackamas County Commissioner. She has since become the most notorious lawmaker in Oregon By early 2023, Fireside had broken him, he said. 'Everything had to be a legal battle. She did whatever she could do to make it as awkward as possible.' Bellamy moved to Michigan for work, met a new partner and is now a father figure to her young daughters. He has continued to pay child support for Benicio and has always been desperate to be part of his little boy's life again. Astonishingly, social services in Oregon have told him that he must keep on doing do so, even though Fireside and Benicio are now presumed to be somewhere in Europe. Bellamy is so devoted to his young son that he says he is happy to pay the cash and be a good father. He told the Daily Mail he is unsure how Fireside managed to obtain a European passport. She is adopted and was disowned by her adoptive family prior to her disappearance, he said, for reasons unknown. Another photo of Benicio. His father Cody Bellamy says he is happy to continue paying child support for the little boy, even though he has been taken to Europe The Austrian travel document gives Fireside the freedom to live and work in any of the European Union's 27 member nations. Bellamy says he cannot report his ex for abduction because she has full custody of their son. He is terrified that he may never see Benicio again and even fears Fireside may travel to the Middle East in a bid to avoid extradition. 'I hope Melissa can overlook her selfish needs,' Bellamy said. 'Even if she does get in trouble I would never keep her from seeing him. 'I forgive her for what she's done, but I really hope that she has no plans or intentions of never letting me see my child again.' Asked what he'd say to Fireside if she reads this interview, Bellamy was unequivocal. 'You've dug her own grave,' he said. 'Don't make our son a fugitive on the run as well. 'Don't make him feel like he can never see his dad's family. 'Don't make it look like he has to be on the run for the rest of his life.' Speaking through tears, Bellamy concluded: 'And if I never see him again, please make sure he grows up and is a good man.' The Daily Mail has contacted the Oregon Department of Justice for comment. Touching down in the heart of Athens, America's new ambassador to Greece , Kimberly Guilfoyle, wasted no time with her debut. The former television star turned diplomat stole the spotlight at a packed nightclub on Sunday night, dazzling in a sparkling silver gown paired with a $7,000 Valentino handbag, matching stilettos and a massive diamond cross necklace. Stepping out shortly after 10 p.m. alongside her son Ronan, Guilfoyle greeted photographers with a wave and a smile, posing in a plush fur jacket before heading inside. Once seated at her front-row table, the ambassador was personally welcomed by pop sensation Konstantinos Argyros, who serenaded the crowd with his biggest hits. Sharing her table was billionaire Eric Vassilatos, whose private jet had whisked her to Greece earlier in the week, along with a few more people among her inner circle. At one point, a fellow guest invited Guilfoyle onto the dance floor she obliged briefly before returning to her seat, later joining in enthusiastically on the traditional Greek Syrtaki and Kalamatiano dances, linking arms with guests in a circle to dance. The glitzy evening followed a much larger event at the Grand Hyatt, which drew more than 300 guests. By contrast, Sunday's celebration at the Athens Center was an intimate affair of around 150, attended by several leading figures from Greece's business and political circles, including Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Taking to the stage, Guilfoyle kept her message simple: 'I will not disappoint you.' Once seated at her front-row table, the ambassador was personally welcomed by pop sensation Konstantinos Argyros, who serenaded the crowd with his biggest hits Sharing her table was billionaire Eric Vassilatos, whose private jet had whisked her to Greece earlier in the week, along with a few more people among her inner circle Touching down in the heart of Athens over the weekend, America's new ambassador to Greece , Kimberly Guilfoyle, wasted no time with her debut At one point, a fellow guest invited Guilfoyle onto the dance floor she obliged briefly before returning to her seat, later joining in enthusiastically on the traditional Greek Syrtaki and Kalamatiano dances, linking arms with guests in a circle to dance The high-octane debut, packed with photo ops and VIP appearances, hasn't gone unnoticed in Washington or among seasoned members of the foreign service community The new US ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, marked the start of her diplomatic posting with a music night in downtown Athens on Sunday, hosted by Greek pop star Konstantinos Argiros Sharing her table was billionaire Eric Vassilatos, whose private jet had whisked her to Greece earlier in the week, along with a few more people among her inner circle Kimberly Guilfoyle Official Welcome Party in Athens at Kentro Athinon But behind the glamour, her whirlwind start has already stirred murmurs in diplomatic circles. Before officially presenting her credentials to Greece's president a required step before assuming her ambassadorial duties Guilfoyle had already plunged into a full social calendar of receptions and late-night gatherings, many coordinated through the US Embassy's own channels. The high-octane debut, packed with photo ops and VIP appearances, hasn't gone unnoticed in Washington or among seasoned members of the foreign service community. The ambassador's busy weekend included an appearance at a 250th anniversary celebration of the US Marine Corps on Saturday night at a central Athens hotel. Guilfoyle is set to be formally received by President Konstantinos Tasoulas at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, officially marking the start of her tenure. Later in the week, she'll attend the 6th Transatlantic Energy Cooperation Conference (P-TEC), alongside US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Interior Secretary Doug Bergham, and more than 20 European energy ministers marking her first official appearance at an international forum since taking office. Olivia Attwood opens up on divorce rumours as she admits she and Bradley Dack 'really weren't getting on very well' as she reflects on using partying to cope READ MORE: Aussies across all political parties want immigration cut The Albanese Government has unveiled an energy plan that will give consumers in select states three hours of free electricity each day, backed by the uptake of solar energy. Hundreds of thousands of Australian households will be able to reap the benefits of cheap renewable energy with or without solar panels under proposed reforms. The changes, announced by Energy Minister Chris Bowen on Tuesday, will give consumers free electricity for three hours each day when solar power is most abundant. However, the offer will only be available to households in NSW, southeast Queensland, and South Australia. The announcement comes just a month after renewable energy overtook coal as Australias main source of power generation, amid fierce political debate over the nations energy future. The Solar Sharer program will be introduced to the Default Market Offer, which acts as a minimum standard for plans and prices offered by electricity retailers. Free electricity will be provided during the middle of the day when solar power generation peaks, Bowen said, and would deliver benefits across the network. 'People who are able to move electricity use into the zero-cost power period will benefit directly, whether they have solar panels or not and whether they own or rent,' he said. Households would be offered 3 'free' hours of electricity per day under the scheme (stock) 'The more people take up the offer and move their use, the greater the system benefits that lower costs for all electricity users will be.' The move has blindsided electricity retailers, with the Australian Energy Council, saying it was 'disappointed' by the Government's lack of consultation on the announcement. Australian Energy Council's Chief Executive Officer, Louisa Kinnear said the scheme was not part of the DMO discussions they held with the government. 'Today's announcement of a new regulated Solar Sharer Offer was a surprise to the industry and did not form part of the DMO Review consultation process,' she said. 'This lack of consultation risks damaging industry confidence, as well as creating the potential for unintended consequences.' Households would need to have a smart meter installed to access the offer, Mr Bowen said, but could use it to power air conditioners, swimming pool cleaners, electric cars or home batteries. Analysis from the federal energy department showed that a single-person household that could move 10 per cent of energy use to the three-hour period could save nine per cent on bills. Retailers including AGL, OVO and Red Energy offer free access to electricity during specified hours, and an AGL spokesperson said it would work with the government 'on the detailed design of the proposed reform policy'. Households in NSW, south east Queensland and SA will be eligible from mid-2026 Other changes proposed for the default offer include restricting marketing and competition costs embedded in prices. The proposed changes follow the government's June announcement of a Default Market Offer review and will be overseen by the Australian Energy Regulator. The regulator will launch a consultation on the changes on Wednesday. Chair Clare Savage said the changes could help to address peak demand on Australia's energy network. 'Shifting more demand to the middle of the day would lower the cost of the electricity system for all consumers as we don't need to build as much generation or poles and wires to meet the evening peak,' she said. More than 4.2 million households have solar panels installed in Australia. Renewable energy contributed 48.8 per cent of Australia's power during September, according to Rystag Energy, while coal represented 47.6 per cent. Energy policy is set to dominate Parliament this week as the Liberal Party considers whether to follow the Nationals in abandoning the 2050 net zero target. Sussan Ley (pictured) is under pressure, following the National Party dumping net zero Nationals leader David Littleproud confirmed the shift on Sunday, citing cost concerns. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley faces mounting pressure from both conservatives and moderates amid record-low Coalition polling. A joint party room meeting on Tuesday in Canberra will continue the debate, with Liberal Senator Jane Hume telling Sky News the issue must be resolved 'as a matter of urgency.' A new police report suppressed an alleged manifesto of the US Army Green Beret who blew himself up outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas. A 70-page dossier from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) admitted that Matthew Livelsberger left a 'manifesto' about the New Year's Day blast. Livelsberger's diatribe has been deemed classified by the Department of Defense which has ordered local investigators to halt their probe. 'The Department of Defense has exercised control over the manifesto,' the LVMPD explained to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. 'It does not record any public business and thus is not a public record. Instead, it is evidence collected by law enforcement pursuant to an investigation.' The LVMPD did partially hint at Livelsberger's potential motives and confirms previous reporting by Daily Mail on the veteran's unhinged suicide note. The report details how the 37-year-old Special Forces master sergeant had left the diatribe on his phone, along with several rambling notes warning of 'weak and feckless leadership' in Washington and describing the bombing as a 'wake-up call' for Americans. The decision to suppress the documents, despite the intense public interest in the case, has only fueled speculation about what the decorated Green Beret might have written in his final hours, and why the Pentagon moved so swiftly to bury it. Mystery continues to swirl around Matthew Livelsberger, the US Army Green Beret who blew himself up outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on New Year's Day Livelsberger, a former Green Beret and active US Army Ranger, shot himself in the head seconds before an improvised explosive detonated in the back of his rented Tesla Cybertruck A damaged Government ID of Matthew Livelsberger, 37, was found in the exploded Tesla According to the LVMPD report, Livelsberger rented the Cybertruck through a vehicle-sharing platform on December 28, 2024 in Denver and drove it to Las Vegas, arriving in the valet area of the Trump hotel at about 7:35am on January 1, 2025. One hour later, at approximately 8:39am, the truck exploded. Investigators found the body of the sole occupant inside the vehicle with his cause of death, a self-inflicted, gunshot wound. The explosion knocked over seven bystanders. Fortunately, injuries were light with investigators describing the damage as 'limited' given the circumstances. In his notes, Livelsberger wrote: 'This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake up Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives. 'Fellow Servicemembers, Veterans and all Americans, TIME TO WAKE UP! We are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves.' The report confirms that on his phone Livelsberger left a longer document described as a 'manifesto.' That document was quickly declared classified by the Department of Defense and remains sealed from public view. The LVMPD then halted any further release of details until the federal side concludes its work. The Army Green Beret detonated fireworks and other explosive materials from inside the rented vehicle while parked outside the Trump-owned building on January 1 Investigators comb through the Cybertruck wreck and debris surrounding it A gun damaged by the blast and resulting fire that Livelsberger bought on the way Livelsberger with his ex-wife Sara. The couple divorced in 2018 Livelsberger had served since 2006 in the US Army, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant and assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group according to the LVMPD. His family and acquaintances say he had returned from Germany and was on approved leave at the time of the incident. His background also included signs of mental-health strain with experts citing his service in combat zones and potential PTSD, while the CO said investigators believed Livelsberger acted alone. Documents show Livelsberger had post-traumatic stress disorder and was on fluoxetine (Prozac) at his death. 'We are also aware that there were potential other family issues or personal grievances in his own life that may have been contributing factors,' FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans said. His military service included deployments to Georgia in 2021 and five tours in Afghanistan. She won a 400,000 settlement and an apology from the BBC when she discovered she had been underpaid for years. But, while gender inequality at the BBC is now 'better', the current 'struggle' within the corporation is 'class', Sarah Montague has said. The World at One presenter, 59, attended Guernsey's independent Blanchelande College and is married to a baronet. But she said that class is still an issue that needs to be addressed internally. Ms Montague, who joined the BBC in 1997 and went on to present Radio 4's Today for 18 years before moving to host The World at One in 2018, discovered that she was earning far less than her male colleagues, including John Humphrys, leaving her 'incandescent with rage'. She went on to win the significant out-of-court settlement in 2019, after what she described as a 'long period of stressful negotiations'. Despite the large payout, Ms Montague, who also co-hosts news podcast Figuring It Out, said she had only ever wanted recognition that she had been underpaid. While gender inequality at the BBC is now 'better', the current 'struggle' within the corporation is 'class', Sarah Montague, pictured in March, has said Speaking to the Radio Times, Ms Montague said: 'The next struggle within the BBC is class. 'Whether you went to Oxbridge or not is less of an issue, but class still has to be addressed.' And former BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern has also previously claimed there is a class pay disparity at the corporation, telling the Sunday Times in 2018: 'It's not as simple as a gender issue, it's partly down to class.' A tourist has shared an urgent warning about a 'secret taxi mafia' operating in Bali, with drivers strong-arming the competition and charging holidaymakers higher fares. British man George visited the Serangan Port region, claiming it was an area controlled by taxi drivers who have driven out legitimate services like Grab or Gojek. 'They're basically a group of people that block off areas of Bali so tourists can't order from the likes of Grab or Gojek and have to use local taxis instead,' he said. 'The scam here is that they put their prices up to three times as much as Grab and Gojek because it's the only route you can take.' George filmed himself walking through the area, which is south of Denpasar, and noticed a sign. 'Online taxi is not allowed to pick up passengers in this area. They are only allowed to drop off only. Thank you for your respect,' it read. The seaport connects a number of tourist destinations, like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and the Gili Islands. Tourists can take a legitimate cab to the port, but once they're there, they either have to use a 'taxi mafia' cab or walk outside the controlled zone to get a normal service. The Serangan Port region of Bali, south of Denpasar, is where a taxi mafia operates British tourist George filmed himself walking through the area George explained how he was walking to a main road outside the controlled area to get a legitimate taxi service. On the way, numerous taxi drivers approached him to try and convince him to use their cab. 'Excuse me, where are you going?' a taxi driver asked. 'No, we're all good,' George replied. 'Where are you going? I'll get a good price for you,' the driver said. 'No, we don't need a taxi,' George said. 'I'll get a good price for you,' the driver said again. As George was walking to a spot where a Grab driver said he would pick him up, he was asked by a number of other drivers to get into their cabs. A taxi mafia driver approached George, asking him if he needed a ride He eventually made it to his ride and when he got into the cab, the driver told him he wasn't allowed to pick him up in the Serangan Port area. 'Why is that?' George asked. He was ignored by the cabbie, but decided to ask the same question a second time, and again the taxi driver said nothing. Other areas that tourists need to be wary of are Bali Airport, Uluwatu, Old Man's in Canggu, Padangbai and the Ubud region. Footage of George's tense encounter prompted social media users to share their own experiences with the 'taxi mafia'. 'Had a similar experience after getting off the Nusa Penida ferry,' one wrote. 'I had to walk over a kilometre with luggage to meet the driver at Pizza Hut. 'There was a policeman standing there. I tried to approach him, but he walked away when he saw the mafia approach me. 'They insisted that I take their cars, I refused. My taxi driver was attacked when he showed up, and the mafia told me to walk another kilometre to McDonald's if I wanted to take Grab, or pay them triple.' The taxi drivers were persistent as they tried to convince George to get into their vehicle 'We booked a boat charter from the harbour,' a second said. 'We got there easily early in the morning with Grab, but after the boat trip was over, we had trouble getting away in the afternoon because of the taxi mafia. 'We walked a long way to get away from the harbour and after a while we managed to get a Grab. 'The driver then told us that he was very nervous and wanted to leave quickly. We found the area had a strange vibe and was very run-down.' Rachel Reeves will issue a fresh tax warning on Tuesday, amid growing speculation she is preparing to tear up Labour's manifesto by hiking income tax. In a highly unusual move, the Chancellor will use an early morning speech in Downing Street to address 'speculation' about the contents of her November 26 Budget - when she is expected to raise taxes by up to 30billion. Ms Reeves has been hiding from the media since the Daily Mail revealed last week that she broke the law by failing to obtain the licence needed to rent out her family home. But the beleaguered Chancellor will finally break cover on Tuesday to warn that the public finances are in a worse state than previously admitted. Despite the parlous state of the economy, Ms Reeves will rule out spending restraint, arguing that further 'investment' is needed to boost the economy and prop up public services. Downing Street said she would set out 'the clear choice we face - either investment and hope, or cuts and division'. Sir Keir Starmer warned Labour MPs on Monday night that the Budget would involve 'hard and serious decisions' but insisted they would be 'fair'. No 10 refused to say whether Labour's manifesto pledge to not increase income tax, VAT or National Insurance still stands. The Conservatives urged the PM on Monday night to sack his Chancellor if she breaks Labour's tax pledges to the country. Rachel Reeves will issue a fresh tax warning on Tuesday, amid growing speculation she is preparing to tear up Labour 's manifesto by hiking income tax The Chancellor will use an early morning speech in Downing Street to address 'speculation' about the contents of her November 26 Budget Labour Party pictured in June 2024 when they launched their general election manifesto Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride said: 'It's taken Rachel Reeves more than a year to admit her first Budget was a failure. Now, with an emergency press conference, she is all but confirming what many feared - higher taxes are on the way. 'If Rachel Reeves breaks her promises yet again, Keir Starmer must take responsibility and sack her. The country needs a Chancellor with a plan and a backbone.' Ms Reeves is considering a proposal from the Left-wing Resolution Foundation to raise income tax by 2p, in what would be the first increase in the basic rate for 50 years. The move could be partially offset by a 2p cut in National Insurance but would still raise an extra 6billion a year from pensioners and others. She is also looking to extend the six-year freeze on tax thresholds, dragging millions more into higher tax bands - despite previously warning the move would break Labour's manifesto pledge. The Resolution Foundation - former home to a string of ministers and advisers drawing up the Budget - said on Monday night that tax rises were 'inevitable' and would probably total around 26billion. After raising a record 40billion in tax at last year's Budget, Ms Reeves said she had 'wiped the slate clean'. Following a business backlash, she told the CBI last November: 'I'm really clear. I'm not coming back with more borrowing or more taxes.' But low growth and higher government borrowing costs have triggered a deterioration in the public finances. Sir Keir Starmer, pictured last month, warned Labour MPs on Monday night that the Budget would involve 'hard and serious decisions' but insisted they would be 'fair' Some experts have blamed the decline, in part, on her first Budget, which levied a 25billion 'jobs tax' on employers' National Insurance. But Ms Reeves will again try to blame the last Conservative government - and Brexit - for her predicament. Sir Keir told a private meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party at Westminster on Monday night that it was 'becoming clearer that the long-term impact of Tory austerity, their botched Brexit deal and the pandemic on Britain's productivity is worse than even we feared. Faced with that, we will make the tough but fair decisions to renew our country and build it for the long-term.' On Tuesday, Ms Reeves will pledge to 'make the choices necessary to deliver strong foundations for our economy'. She will add: 'It will be a Budget led by this Government's values, of fairness and opportunity and focused squarely on the priorities of the British people: Protecting our NHS, reducing our national debt and improving the cost of living.' She added that it was important 'people understand the circumstances we are facing, the principles guiding my choices'. Reform leader Nigel Farage warned on Monday that Britain could face 'economic collapse' within two years as a result of mishandling by successive governments. In her own speech on Tuesday, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will urge the Chancellor to cut the bloated benefits bill instead of raising taxes further. In her own speech on Tuesday, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch will urge the Chancellor to cut the bloated benefits bill instead of raising taxes further She will also call on Labour to drop the Employment Rights Bill, warning it will further damage jobs and growth. Ms Reeves has not appeared in public since this newspaper revealed she had been renting out her south London home for 3,200 a month without the proper licence. She initially said she was unaware she needed a 'selective' licence for the property. But emails between her husband and the letting agency showed the couple were informed about this requirement. Despite this, Sir Keir rejected calls to launch a formal investigation into the row. Panorama: Trump And The Tech Titans (BBC1) Rating: Would you trust a robot to do the babysitting? That's how half-baked multi-billionaire Elon Musk is trying to sell us Optimus, his 'autonomous assistant, humanoid friend'. Prototypes of these wasp-waisted mechanical bipeds, with crash dummy torsos and blank shiny faces that would terrify any child, were launched three years ago, though are yet to go on sale. Video of them tottering across a stage, like geriatric Star Wars stormtroopers with dodgy knees, featured in an equally laughable edition of Panorama, as the BBC tried to convince us of a conspiracy to destroy civilisation, cooked up by Donald Trump and a mega-rich cabal of evil geniuses. 'We're not just talking about incredibly wealthy people,' croaked one contributor to Trump And The Tech Titans. 'We're talking about people who are wealthier than anyone has ever been in the history of humankind.' The Beeb despises billionaire Californian corporations, except when it's trying to do a deal to get Disney to fund another series of Doctor Who. And it vacillates between amused disgust and sheer loathing of The Donald. This double helping of hatred blinded Panorama producers to how pathetic the likes of Musk and his American 'tech bros' appear to the British. The BBC tried to convince us of a conspiracy to destroy civilisation, cooked up by Donald Trump and a mega-rich cabal of evil geniuses They're not super-villains. They're just self-obsessed geeks who happen to have ridden a tidal wave of new technology and now have much more money than imagination. They build robots, rockets and self-driving cars because that's what excited them when they were six years old, the point at which their emotional development stopped. Rocket ship of the night: Boarding the Mir space station in 1997, U.S. astronaut Jerry Linenger described it on Once Upon A Time In Space (BBC2) as, 'like Grandma's basement. Leftover gear, musty, mouldy-smelling, cluttered.' Was there one small step by the door? Advertisement Like tycoons and moguls since the age of the alchemists, many of them pour their fortunes into the search for eternal life. I wouldn't be even slightly surprised if the last we see of Musk is his frozen head being loaded onto a starship bound for Mars. Trump makes no effort to hide his affinity for the filthy rich. This documentary made much of his association with Peter Thiel, the PayPal co-founder who envisaged his money-mover app as a Swiss bank account in every pocket. One long segment, including a reconstruction, related how Thiel once talked his way out of a speeding ticket. Such shameless amorality! All this was old news, as was much of the detail in this hour-long programme. The first 20 minutes was largely a history of the internet, dreary padding that could easily have been cut. Bernie Sanders, America's version of Jeremy Corbyn, railed against political corruption. Para- phrasing Abraham Lincoln, he declared America now 'has a government of the billionaires, by the billionaires, for the billionaires,' and claimed Musk spent $270m (205m) on getting Trump elected. My guess is that millions of MAGA voters made up their minds to send their candidate back to the White House before the campaign even started. Don't blame the 'tech titans'... the fault with America's politics lies with the pygmies in opposition. Police were under fire on Monday night for failing to halt an alleged 24-hour knife rampage by the Huntingdon train attack suspect. Anthony Williams accused of 11 attempted murders is suspected of being behind three knife incidents in the 24 hours before he allegedly launched a terrifying stabbing spree on board a high-speed train. The 32-year-old is being investigated over the stabbing of a defenceless teenager in Peterborough town centre, just moments before the knifeman allegedly stormed into a barber shop wielding a large kitchen blade on Friday evening. Police first received a call at 7.10pm after a hooded figure pounced on a 14-year-old boy close to a floating bar and restaurant on the River Nene in the city. The teenager survived the attack. But within minutes, it is alleged the same individual burst into a barbershop in Fletton in Peterborough at 7.14pm, brandishing a 12-inch kitchen knife at customers. Cambridgeshire Police now face questions about missed opportunities to stop the assailant after it emerged on Monday that the force failed to send a single officer to the barbershop, instead asking staff to upload CCTV online. Five hours later, Williams allegedly stabbed a man in the face at Pontoon Dock, a Docklands Light Railway station in East London, an attack police are treating as an attempted murder. Detectives believe he then travelled back to his hometown of Peterborough overnight, returning to the same barbershop at 9.16am on Saturday morning. Police were called again, but by the time they arrived 18 minutes later, he had left. Later, Williams is alleged to have boarded the Doncaster to London King's Cross train at Peterborough station at 7.28pm before attempting to kill ten people on board. CCTV footage exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail allegedly shows a knifeman entering Ritzy Barbers in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, on Friday The man is seen outside the shop holding what appears to be a knife - after being told to leave just minutes before When police caught up with the suspect after the train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon station, he is accused of lashing out, breaking an officer's nose. On Monday, MPs and victims said the Cambridge force had questions to answer after the Daily Mail revealed the chilling footage of the man believed to be the suspect waving a blade in the barbershop. The knifeman, dressed in black is seen ranting, demanding to know why customers had been laughing at him before declaring 'I'm going to allow you lot today' and walking out. On Monday night, barber Cody Greene, 23, questioned why police did not act sooner. 'Why did they not believe us until it's actually too late?' he asked. Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow said: 'There is no doubt the police and emergency services did a brilliant job on Saturday evening. 'But as more information has been released about this individual there are some questions that the authorities must answer. Had Anthony Williams had any recent contact with local NHS or Council services and the police or prison service? 'Why did it take the police some 18 minutes to get to the second incident at the barber?' On Monday Keir Starmer thanked the 'heroic actions' of train staff, including one LNER member who put themselves in harm's way to save 'countless lives'. Passengers ran through the carriages, barricading themselves in toilets and behind shutters in the buffet car. There were 13 casualties, with five still in hospital. One passenger, Stephen Crean, received six stab wounds as he fought the knifeman with his fists. Stephen Crean at his home in southwest London, who sustained multiple injuries after fighting the knifeman The man then walked past the barbershop again the next morning, witness Filomena Campanaro, who lives next door to the barbershop, told the Daily Mail Your browser does not support iframes. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged that the public will have 'many unanswered questions' about the attacker and events that led up to the bloodshed on the London North Eastern Railway train from Doncaster to London. But Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp pressed the Home Secretary to reveal what police knew about the suspect. Security has already been ramped up at stations. But head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor and Senior National Co-ordinator for Protect and Prepare Jon Savell dismissed calls to implement knife arches on the rail network, where there were 394 knife and sharp instrument offences recorded in the year to June 2025. Cambridgeshire Constabulary has voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over the incidents. On Monday, Williams appeared at Peterborough Magistrates' Court charged with 11 attempted murder charges in connection with the train attack and the earlier DLR station attack. He also faces charges of possessing a bladed article and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was remanded in custody until a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1. November 4, 2025: After four years of war in Ukraine, Russian leaders and a growing number of civilians are frustrated, angry, disillusioned and ready to quit. Over a million Russian soldiers have been lost to death, desertion, capture, disability or illegally leaving the country. Economic sanctions crippled the Russian economy and drove an increasing number of Russians into poverty. The government depleted its cash reserves by spending m0re and more money on cash bonuses to obtain soldiers and make ever higher payments to families of soldiers killed in Ukraine. Several million Russians left the country, some for good. The government increased restrictions on who could leave and military age men found ways to get past that. Those caught were forced to join the army, and their reluctance to fight resulted in officers receiving orders to shoot soldiers who refused to fight. That policy didnt last once it was realized that threatening to shoot armed and desperate men could and sometimes did result in reluctant troops firing at their officers. There were not a lot of these incidents, but news travelled fast among war weary troops and civilians back home. The internet made it easier to spread the bad news, even after the government made it illegal to say bad things about the war effort. A few complainers were prosecuted, but that backfired when online complaints and protests increased. The sanctions recently got worse as NATO countries lowered the price they would pay for Russian oil. If Russia refuses to accept the lower prices, customers have plenty of other sources. The Russian government is broke, unpopular and running out of solutions to remedy all these problems. The Russian public and economists know there is a solution; get the troops out of Ukraine. That could be painful because over the last year Ukrainian leaders, soldiers and civilians have been demanding that peace now involves Russian soldiers leaving all of Ukraine, including Crimea and the eastern provinces Russia has occupied since 2014. A year ago Russian leader Vladimir Putin would have dismissed such demands. Currently that appears to be a reasonable price to pay for peace, an end to sanctions and a chance to repair the damage four years of war have done to the Russian economy and military. One generally ignored reason for the poor performance of Russian troops in Ukraine is the endemic corruption in the Russian military. These wasteful practices have been around for a long time and explain the tradition of poor performance by the Russian military. Young men from wealthy families can buy their way out of dangerous situations, like being sent to a combat zone. That costs about $500. If you do end up in a combat zone, paying the right person over $10,000 will get you a certificate of combat injuries and a medical certificate that gets you out of the military. If you stay in uniform, you can obtain various forms of special treatment by paying bribes. It costs nearly a thousand dollars to get extended leave from military service to visit family and friends. While in uniform you can pay bribes to obtain promotions, certificates of physical fitness or a military drivers license for those who really dont know how to drive. Bribes will get you out of trouble for being caught with a cell phone in a combat zone. If you are caught drunk on duty, a few hundred dollars to whoever caught you to make the problem go away. Most Russian soldiers dont have access to the kind of cash required to bribe their way out of trouble or danger. Poor soldiers die while soldiers with wealthy parents not only survive but come home with purchased certificates of honorable combat service. Bribes are also used to avoid unpleasant or embarrassing discussions. For example, a decade ago there was an effort to modernize the military. That included developing methods to reduce corruption. It turned out that there was no practical way to decrease or eliminate corruption because too many people in the military and corrupt, ineffective defense industries grew prosperous from the bribes. Corruption and poor management have created major problems. Many officers are incapable of, or uninterested in following suggestions for improving combat capability. Many senior officers are still more concerned with getting rich than building modern post-Cold War armed forces. Defense industry officials are apparently incapable of sustained competence and new weapons are either not developed effectively or built in a shoddy fashion. The troops have been complaining about this for years while reform efforts do little about it. The critics of this situation want more realism applied to the problems in the military, especially the corruption and shabby Russian defense industries. Meanwhile, since the 1990s, a military modernization effort has been underway as the government realized it had to do something about rapidly aging military equipment. In many cases, these purchases are essential because buying new equipment and weapons stopped, with a few exceptions like ballistic missiles, during the 1990s. Because of that, most of the armed forces were still using Cold War era weapons and equipment manufactured in the 1970s and 80s. Fortunately, even older 50s and 60s era equipment was junked because the size of the armed forces shrank 80 percent in the 1990s. Because Russian defense industries, the preferred suppliers, were never world class, the Russian military was usually getting updated Cold War equipment that was not competitive with the new generations of weapons and accessories Western forces were receiving. It was believed that, by the end of 1990s, at least a third of the Cold War era equipment would be replaced. In some categories, especially those requiring new technology, over 80 percent of the older equipment was replaced. The government had been telling the military about these big plans and when they didnt deliver, morale suffered. This happened quickly in the navy because officers and sailors had been told that money would be available to more ships and could spend more time at sea. It turned out that the existing ships couldnt handle heavy use and workload. That meant there had to be more new ships or expensive and extensive refurbishment of existing warships. After the 1990s the air force resumed long range air patrols over areas off the Russian coast, which had not seen Russian navy or air force activity since the 1980s. Since 1991 until the Ukraine War, Russian warships spent most of their time tied up at dock, meaning an entire generation of sailors has little experience at sea. This spells defeat in wartime and sailors, especially the senior commanders, knew it. The big problem was that the new equipment that has been received was not impressive. The troops could go on the Internet and get video and tech specs for a lot of the contemporary Western gear and the Russian equivalents rarely looked good in comparison. But at least they arent stuck with aging Cold War era equipment that rarely worked. The Russian armed forces have already come to grips with the fact that it will never return to the glory days of the Soviet Union, which dissolved in 1991. The army was called the Red Army back then and the mighty Soviet naval force came to be known as the Red Fleet. Back during the Cold War, the armed forces had five times as many troops, over five million of them. Before 1991 the military received 10-20 percent of the national GDP, which was estimated to be about two trillion dollars. No one is sure of the exact amount, as the communists were not big fans of accountants and accurate financial reporting. Currently, Russia is playing by West European rules when it comes to military spending, meaning no more than 3-4 percent of GDP going to the military before the Ukraine invasion. With a $2.1 trillion dollar economy that continued to grow, the generals and admirals expected a lot more cash to work with. But most of this money went to replace Cold War era weapons, which were considered out-of-date and of limited use. A Chinese propagandist has sparked outrage after claiming the superpower should take control of Australia, in part due to its colonial past. The furore began when the China hawk, who goes by the name 'BeijingDai', shared a map to social media on Saturday with Australia labelled as a 'Chinese vassal state'. New Zealand, Myanmar and the Solomon Islands would be given the same classification under the plans, while much of south-east Asia would fall under 'China's sphere of influence'. The self-described China 'patriot' said occupation of Australia would be a cost-effective alternative to direct occupation of the entire south-east Asian region. 'Southeast Asia has a huge population. If China conquers them, it will need to need them and develop them. This is a super hard task,' he wrote on social media. He added: 'However, annexing Australia is a very cost-effective deal.' 'Australia has over seven million kilometres of land and abundant resources, but its population is even smaller than that of Shanghai.' He claimed Australia's colonial history would make Chinese occupation not just cost-effective, but morally defensible. A map shared to social media by a Chinese propagandist shows a hypothetical scenario where Australia is classified as a 'Chinese Vassal State' A strategic expert said the plans were 'not serious' but spoke to the fervour of Chinese propaganda. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pictured with Chinese President Xi Jinping 'Moreover, Australia, as a country was built on the basis of genocide of the local population, which lacks morality and legitimacy,' he wrote. 'In Chinese values, the downfall of such a country is predetermined.' The post, which had attracted nearly 500,000 views as of Tuesday morning, sparked outrage from viewers. 'If China invaded Australia, it would have the whole world coming back at them,' one user wrote. 'China may have a military force worthy now,but could they take on every country's military that is allies with Australia?' 'Despite what the propagandists may tell you, China is barely holding itself together,' another wrote. While the post says nothing of China's actual intentions, strategic defence expert Michael Shoebridge said it speaks to the fervour of Chinese propaganda. 'These ideas and posts are not serious proposals about China occupying Australia,' Mr Shoebridge told the Daily Mail. A Chinese fighter jet released flares in close proximity to a Royal Australian Air Force plane in international airspace over the South China Sea last month 'They seem much more to be some nasty byproducts of the fervent, aggressive and loud version of nationalism taught to the Chinese people through the Communist Party-directed education system.' Australia's uneasy relationship with its largest trading partner has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, following a risky intercept of an Australian aircraft by a Chinese fighter plane. Last month, a Chinese fighter jet released flares close to a Royal Australian Air Force plane in international airspace over the South China Sea. It triggered a war of words between the two countries, with Australia lodging a diplomatic protest over the unsafe and unprofessional' act while China accused Australia of 'illegally intruding' its airspace. It sparked comparisons to a naval flare-up in February, when a Chinese taskforce conducted a live-firing drill in the Tasman Sea without warning before circumnavigating Australia's coastline. Some experts claim a regional conflict involving Australia and China is increasingly likely, with Taiwan among several potential flashpoints. Australian Strategic Policy Institute analyst Malcolm Davis recently put the odds of China invading Taiwan within three years at 50 per cent. An invasion of Taiwan would force Australia and its allies to decide whether to come to the island's defence, expanding the incursion into a broader conflict. A Chinese taskforce conducted a live-firing drill in the Tasman Sea in February before circumnavigating the country Jennifer Parker, expert associate at ANU's National Security College, believes the costs of a regional conflict to Australian life would be devastating. 'I think we need to say that the chances of conflict in this region are increasingly likely,' she told ABC's Four Corners program on Monday. 'We are likely to experience significant loss of life if there was a conflict of not only ADF personnel but civilian population. 'It means that the Australian way of life and this fundamental safety that we've all been born in, would absolutely change.' An Albanian drug dealer who allegedly entered the UK illegally says he can't be extradited to Italy as the lack of hot water in its prisons breaches his human rights. Maringlen Qefalia, 41, is being pursued by Italian authorities to serve a five-year jail term for supplying 1.5kg of cocaine. But the dealer is thought to have arrived in the UK in 2022 and is now citing his article three rights under the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) to make sure he does not return to Italy to be placed behind bars. The article is normally used to protect against inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and against torture, but Qefalia is concerned about the temperature of the water in the southern European country's prisons. The drug dealer opted to give no evidence in his extradition proceedings, instead calling on Alessio Scandurra, an expert witness working for the Antigone organisation, a non-profit association. Mr Scandurra claimed hot water provision in Italy's jails was 'variable' and some cells overheated in the summer weather. Prisoners are allowed to purchase fans to cool down but the expert suggested at least 50 per cent of those he has visited did not have fans. He added that many cells also do not meet the square footage stipulations of the ECHR, not allowing inmates the space to exercise. Albanian drug dealer Maringlen Qefalia, pictured, who allegedly entered the UK illegally, says he can't be extradited to Italy as the lack of hot water in its prisons breaches his human rights Cells must offer at least a nine-square-metre capacity per prisoner, with a further five square metres for every additional inmate, regulations state. A court was told: 'A number of prisons were not built as prisons, such as convents or military facilities, and they can have single cells that do not meet the requirement. 'In some prisons with 150 per cent occupancy, the main impact on the cell itself can have nine square metres, which excludes sanitary facilities, and he said you can find cells with a bunk bed with three beds meaning the highest one is close to the ceiling. 'Prisoners could not all sit around the cell table together. These conditions affect the organisation of prisoner access to facilities such as fresh air as there are not enough staff.' Adam Squibbs, who represented Italy in the extradition trial, claimed cells would follow the rules even with a 300 per cent occupancy, The Telegraph reports. He said that even though some of the older buildings might have smaller cells, no evidence existed as to how much smaller these were. Mr Squibbs insisted that closed detention conditions offered opportunities for work and education outside. He argued that, even if taken at face value, overall material conditions did not breach the ECHR article. Hot water was not always available, forcing some inmates into cold showers, he admitted, but this was not a breach of their rights. Qefalia had provided security of 2,000 in his bail application, Mr Squibbs said, so the evidence suggested he could afford a fan in his cell. The judge rejected his extradition challenge, saying that Qefalia was aware of 'the criminal process' that would follow once he fled Italy. He rejected the hot water arguments thanks to a lack of evidence on how shortages might affect inmates. The prime minister was prepared to bite back at Donald Trump if their first face-to-face went south. Ahead of the leaders' much-anticipated October meeting, the US president showed he was unafraid to throw verbal jabs in highly publicised meetings with his Ukrainian and South African counterparts. Should things sour in his own meeting, Anthony Albanese was armed with advice from a former prime minister famed for his own incisive tongue. 'I did give our prime minister a heap of fighting points in the event that Trump turned nasty on him,' Australia's 24th prime minister Paul Keating told an audience at the State Library of NSW on Monday night. 'Turned out he didn't have to use them.' 'The meeting went really well, but I think the prime minister was up for throwing a punch back if he received one.' Though there was a moment of awkwardness over former ambassador Kevin Rudd's past criticisms of the US leader, Mr Trump ultimately hailed Mr Albanese as a 'friend'. But Mr Keating warned the situation could have turned quickly. The Prime Minister was prepared to bite back at Donald Trump if their first face-to-face went south Former prime minister Paul Keating - one of Australia's most famously acid-tongued politicians - revealed on Monday night that he advised Albanese 'Donald Trump is a power guy,' Mr Keating said. 'He can pick a fraud. 'So if you showed the slightest sign of weakness, you're buggered with him.' Mr Albanese's trip ended with a major multibillion-dollar critical minerals deal with the US. The pact was designed to provide a security of supply for critical minerals as China withholds exports and the technology needed for processing. But Mr Keating said China has already triumphed in its power struggle with the US. 'It's all over, the Chinese have won hands down,' he said. 'What China is today in terms of modernity, capacity and utilisation of services is like nothing in human history.' Mr Albanese has invited the US president to visit Australia, but it is still unclear if Mr Trump will make the journey down under. An ex-criminal turned influencer has revealed how easy it is to score drugs in Canberra after they were decriminalised. Spanian, 37, whose real name is Anthony Lees, visited the Australian capital to see firsthand how the new legislation had reshaped the area. The ACT decriminalised small amounts of illicit drugs, including cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), ice, heroin, LSD and amphetamines, in 2023. It means people who are caught with nine different types of illicit drugs can't be criminally prosecuted. At most, they are fined $100 or directed to counselling, and the drugs are confiscated. Spanian was given a tour by two locals, Sean and KG, who said they had noticed one particular kind of drug had soared in popularity. 'I feel like coke has taken over Canberra,' KG said. 'It's the cocaine capital.' Spanian asked the men if the drug scene had worsened since 2023. 'One hundred per cent, because you're not scared of getting caught. Why would they bring this law in if it's just going to make it worse?' Sean said. Spanian holds up a bag in Canberra after they were bought for him in quick time 'Ice is probably the next (biggest drug). They (cocaine and ice) would probably be toe-to-toe, I reckon.' 'It's bad because it's the next step up from coke,' KG said. 'People are getting immune to coke then they're going up to the next stage to get high.' The pair took Spanian to a block of flats known to be a place where drugs could be easily bought. 'There's places like this all over Canberra,' KG said. The pair then showed him how easy it was to buy drugs, with KG walking off and returning with a small plastic bag. 'Wow, it's that easy. It's two grey ecstasy pills,' Spanian said while holding the bag. Spanian then came across a young homeless woman named Jade, to whom he offered the pills. Spanian talked to Jade about her drug experiences in the nation's capital Drugs decriminalised The ACT decriminalised illicit drugs in small quantities. These include: Cocaine - 1.5grams Meth - 1.5grams MDMA - 1.5grams Amphetamine - 1.5grams Heroin - 1.5grams Cannabis - 1.5 grams Marijuana - 50 grams Magic mushrooms - 1.5 grams LSD - 0.001g Advertisement 'So, what do you do when they find drugs on you?' he asked her. 'I don't know. I've had drugs on me a few different times and they just put it in my bag and give it back to me. I was in Queanbeyan and they're (police) like, "She's got a needle, she'll be fine",' Jade said. The video attracted more than 380,000 views as of Tuesday morning and a number of Americans warned Canberrans about the grim situation they were now in. 'I live and have lived forever in Seattle. Word of advice,' one wrote. 'Don't decriminalise anything and fund your police, unless you want your kids smelling fentanyl and leaning over everywhere you go. Not to mention the theft aspect because drugs get really cheap.' 'I live in Oregon, USA, and they started this a few years ago here. It destroyed so many lives,' another American said. 'They didn't have the help needed for those who chose treatment over the fine. Millions of dollars were allocated for programs they never got off the ground. I hope your situation improves and hopefully your system shows promise for change in these harsh times.' 'They did this in Oregon, USA. It was a total s*** show. Don't do it,' a third said. A US resident slipping out of consciousness in Philadelphia Addiction rates and overdose rates skyrocketed in Portland, Oregon, after possession for personal use was decriminalised in 2020. Rather than being sent to court or jail, people caught with a small amount of illicit drugs were fined up to $US100 ($A155). The state reversed course in April 2024, as Portland became notorious for having public places overrun with often unstable drug users. Some have raised fears the streets of Canberra could gradually resemble parts of the US, where the opioid epidemic has resulted in drug users roaming the streets, along with spikes in crime and overdoses. Pornography showing women being choked is set to become illegal under new proposed rules. A review recently found that images depicting women being strangled are rife on websites - seeing the act become a sexual norm. As part of a crackdown on violent pornography, the possession and publication of images showing choking will now be criminalised, the Government has said. In legal terms, watching pornography that includes strangulation counts as possession of the material. Non-fatal strangulation is already an offence under UK law, but it is not legal to show online. Conservative peer Baroness Bertin warned earlier this year that there has been a 'total absence of government scrutiny' of the pornography industry. Teachers told her independent review that students had asked how to choke girls during sex. People acting out choking in their sex lives 'may face devastating consequences', she said in the review. Labour will bring in laws to criminalise 'pornography depicting any act of strangulation' (file photo) On Monday, the Government confirmed it was putting forward amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, which is due to come back before peers in the House of Lords for further scrutiny next week. As well as making strangulation or suffocation in pornography illegal, the government will pressure online platforms to stop the spread of such images, the Ministry of Justice said. Victims of intimate image abuse, including 'revenge porn', will also be given a longer period of time to come forward to report such crimes in another amendment. Currently, victims have six months to do so, but the Government wants to extend this to three years. The department said the change will mean criminals who take or share an intimate image without consent can be prosecuted at any time within three years of the offence and within six months of the prosecutor having sufficient evidence to bring a case. Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones said the Government 'will not stand by while women are violated online and victimised by violent pornography which is allowed to normalise harm'. She added: 'We are sending a strong message that dangerous and sexist behaviour will not be tolerated.' Of strangulation pornography, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: 'Viewing and sharing this kind of material online is not only deeply distressing, it is vile and dangerous. Those who post or promote such content are contributing to a culture of violence and abuse that has no place in our society. Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones pledged to ban 'degrading' and 'dangerous' porn which depicts strangulation during sex 'We're also holding tech companies to account and making sure they stop this content before it can spread. We are determined to make sure women and girls can go online without fear of violence or exploitation.' Bernie Ryan, chief executive of the Institute For Addressing Strangulation, welcomed the proposed ban, saying the 'serious risks posed by unregulated online content, especially to children and young people' must be recognised. She added: 'Strangulation is a serious form of violence, often used in domestic abuse to control, silence or terrify. 'When it's portrayed in pornography, particularly without context, it can send confusing and harmful messages to young people about what is normal or acceptable in intimate relationships. Our research shows there is no safe way to strangle.' The Government said if the amendments were accepted, possession or publication of strangulation or suffocation in pornography would become a priority offence under the Online Safety Act. Technology firms would be legally required to take steps to stop such violent content reaching internet users, rather than simply waiting for it to be reported. The Government suggested this could be done through moderation tools, stricter content policies or automated systems being used to detect and hide images. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) welcomed the planned changes, but said they must 'mark the beginning of broader reform to ensure parity between online and offline content standards'. Its chief executive David Austin said: 'Harmful depictions of non-consensual, violent and abusive activity continue to be readily accessible to UK users.' The BBFC said it stands ready to take on 'the formal role of auditing online pornography', which would be 'a natural extension of the role we have carried out offline for decades'. The GOP has hatched a last-ditch plan to block Zohran Mamdani from becoming New York Citys next mayor - by invoking a Civil War-era clause in the US Constitution designed to bar 'insurrectionists' from holding office. Democratic Socialist Mamdani, 34, remains a huge favorite to defeat Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa in today's mayoral election as most polls show him leading by double digits. The election has become a massive flashpoint in national politics, with Republicans endorsing Cuomo in an attempt to stop Mamdani, while even some top Democrats have kept their distance. Mamdani's likely election has sent many New Yorkers into a panic and some are threatening to leave the Big Apple, though Texas Governor Greg Abbott claims he will place an 100 percent tariff on anyone who attempts to flee to the Lone Star State. Donald Trump, himself a native New Yorker, has threatened to cut off federal funding to the city and believes Mamdani would be a 'disaster' as mayor. The New York Young Republican Club has now come up with an idea that has gained traction with the Congressional GOP using an obscure part of the Constitution that dates back to the Civil War. The so-called 'insurrection clause' in Section 3 of the 14th Amendment claims that a person who has 'given aid or comfort to the enemies' of America or 'engaged in insurrection or rebellion' is ineligible for office. The New York Young Republicans say Mamdani's anti-ICE agenda should be used to keep him out of Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City. The GOP has hatched a last-ditch plan to block Zohran Mamdani from becoming New York Citys next mayor - by invoking a Civil War-era clause in the US Constitution. Pictured: Mamdani at a rally in Queens Monday night Mamdani, 34, remains a huge favorite to defeat Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa on Tuesday as most polls show him leading by double digits 'There is a real and legitimate push to see the insurrectionist Zohran Mamdani either a) removed from the ballot or b) removed from office if he is to win on Tuesday,' NY Young Republicans President Stefano Forte told The New York Post. The House GOP are now considering putting it on Speaker Mike Johnson's agenda once the government shutdown ends. Mamdani would be sworn in as mayor on New Year's Day in the event of a victory. The plan is a legal longshot as it would need both a majority vote in the House and 60 votes in the Senate to pass and also survive potentially challenges in the court system. Ironically, the law was the same one used to try and keep Trump off the ballot in Colorado during last year's election. In a 20-page ruling the U.S. Supreme Court Justices said only Congress could decide if Trump is eligible to run. Congress may use that ruling in an attempt to keep Mamdani from serving as mayor. 'States may not unilaterally disqualify Donald Trump from the ballot', the justices wrote in March 2024. 'The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court is reversed. 'Responsibility for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates rests with Congress and not the States. The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court therefore cannot stand. All nine Members of the Court agree with that result.' The House Republicans want the idea on Speaker Mike Johnson's (pictured) agenda once the government shutdown ends New York Young Republicans President Stefano Forte (pictured) said his club was behind the idea The justices added: 'Because the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates, we reverse.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Mamdani, the White House and the Attorney General's office for comment. The 34-year-old self-described democratic socialist is set to storm to victory in the election on November 4, a poll by JL Partners for the Daily Mail revealed. He has a 15-point lead over his nearest rival, former New York state governor Andrew Cuomo. The poll showed that many New Yorkers who do not support Mamdani are convinced he is going to 'destroy' America's biggest metropolis and crater its economy, sending shockwaves across the rest of the country. They think it could mark a return to the urban decay of the 1980s when the city was blighted by poverty, rampant crime, crumbling infrastructure and abandoned buildings. Even among Mamdani's own supporters, more think he will make antisemitism in New York worse rather than better. Asked for one word to describe what the Big Apple would be like after four years of his left-wing policies, the most common response from non-Mamdani voters was 'disaster'. Your browser does not support iframes. The president agrees, putting aside his yearslong feud with Cuomo to trash Mamdani's candidacy and endorse the former governor in a Truth Social post Monday evening. 'If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, because of the fact that, as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival!' Trump said a New York under Mamdani would be a 'complete and total economic and social disaster,' claiming that the socialist's principles 'have been tested for over a thousand years and they have never once been successful'. The president is instead choosing to back Cuomo, whom he said, 'had a record of success' despite the pair's long-running feud during Trump's first term. Trump also dismissed voting for Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa as 'a vote for Mamdani' and cracked that the Guardian Angels' founder 'looks much better without the beret'. 'Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!' Trump said. Sliwa made no mention of Trump's dig at his headgear but told The Daily Mail that Trump was being hypocritical. 'Even the President said Andrew Cuomo handled COVID horribly, destroyed New York, and was a total loser, and now Cuomo wants another shot at this city? The people will decide, and they'll reject him again because New Yorkers won't be bullied back into the past,' he said. Your browser does not support iframes. Mamdani has yet to officially respond but sarcastically congratulated Cuomo when Trump leaned toward endorsing Cuomo Sunday. 'Congratulations, @AndrewCuomo. I know how hard you worked for this,' he wrote. 'We need a mayor who can stand up to Donald Trump,' Cuomo has said. 'Trump will go through Mamdani like a hot knife through butter.' Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, threw another wrench into the leftist's plans by threatening New Yorkers who planned to escape Mamdani's mayoralty. Abbott, a key Trump ally in the Lone Star State, showed no sympathy for anyone trying to escape from New York if the socialist is elected. 'After the polls close tomorrow night, I will impose a[n] 100 percent tariff on anyone moving to Texas from NYC,' he wrote. It would be a huge barrier for the nearly one million New Yorkers preparing to flee the city should Mamdani win the race for mayor, as a recent poll suggested. It is unclear if there is a legal avenue for Texas to treat people like imported goods and place an extra tax on them. Mamdani, who is running to be New York's first Muslim mayor, was born in Uganda and moved to New York aged seven Ironically, the law was the same one used to try and keep President Trump off the ballot in Colorado during last year's election While many states currently have an 'exit tax' for leaving, they do not currently have any sort of a 'moving tax' for those arriving. Mamdani, who is running to be New York's first Muslim mayor, was born in Uganda and moved to New York aged seven. His father is an academic and his mother a filmmaker. As a child he went to a private school in Manhattan where fees are now $66,000 a year. Despite his ultra-privileged upbringing Mamdani is successfully appealing to working-class voters and young adults who find New York increasingly unaffordable to live in with promises that he will bring their costs down. His platform of policies includes a freeze on rent hikes, free bus services, fully-funded day care for under-5s, city-owned grocery stores, and turbocharging the minimum wage ultimately to $30 an hour. He wants to fund those policies, which will cost billions of dollars, by raising taxes on the rich and companies. There would be a 2 percent increase on New Yorkers earning over $1 million a year, and the top corporate tax rate would rise from 7.25 percent to 11.5 percent. Critics say that will lead to a surge of firms and high-earning individuals leaving New York, which will in turn decimate the city's tax revenue and Mamdani unable to pay for his policies. President Donald Trump has branded Mamdani a 'communist' and threatened to cut off federal funding to the city if he is elected. But the president is reportedly resigned to Mamdani winning, with it seemingly too late for Cuomo or Sliwa to catch up. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has raised eyebrows with social media users accusing her of airbrushing her husband's face in pictures. The communications chief, 28, shared glossy Halloween photos of her and husband Nicholas Riccio, 59, posing up with their 16-month-old son, Niko, onInstagram on Sunday. The toddler sported an adorable pumpkin outfit for the occasion, however, all eyes were on his father's apparently smooth complexion. The images on Leavitt's social media account were different to those shared by press photographers and appeared to show a more 'unfiltered' view. Her page was soon flooded with comments accusing her of enhancing her husband's appearance. 'The airbrushing of your hubs face to make him appear younger was the trick,' one commenter wrote. 'Karoline, awesome picture but my friends noticed something: The guy on the left seems to have only his face photoshopped. His hands look like 60+ years old,' another user added. Leavitt, who has more than 2.6million followers, has not responded publicly to the criticism or addressed whether any of the photos had been edited before being posted. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, posted this polished Halloween photo to her Instagram prompting speculation she photoshopped the face of her husband, Nicholas Riccio Other photos published by news agencies show a more 'unfiltered' appearance By Monday evening, Leavitts Halloween post had more than 235,000 likes, with many comments zeroing in on Riccios seemingly smooth complexion. Leavitt's team has previously emphasized her focus on transparency and communication in the role she assumed earlier this year. The White House press secretary has spoken openly in past interviews about her relationship with Riccio, a real-estate developer with ties to her home state of New Hampshire. Appearing on The Megyn Kelly Show in March, she described their meeting and marriage as 'a very atypical love story.' 'A mutual friend of ours hosted an event at a restaurant that he owns up in New Hampshire and invited my husband,' Leavitt told Kelly. 'I was speaking. We met and we were acquainted as friends. And then we fell in love.' She said the pair welcomed their son Niko in July last year before marrying six months later. 'He is my greatest supporter, he's my best friend and he's my rock,' Leavitt said. 'He's built a very successful business himself so now he's fully supportive of me building my success in my career.' 'And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life,' she added. 'I say, "I walked into your life and it's been a circus ever since," but God bless him because he's fully on board.' Leavitt is seen carrying her son, Niko, next to her husband during a Halloween celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Thursday Donald Trump and wife Melania are seen handing out candy to Leavitt, Riccio and Niko Leavitt carries little Niko in front of a pumpkin-lined staircase at the White House Leavitt's photos were taken shortly before Donald Trump brought Halloween joy to children by handing out candy at the White House. He and his wife Melania emerged from the southern entrance to Michael Jacksons Thriller being played by a military string ensemble on Thursday. The duo delighted children who lined up in costumes to meet them. Trump revived one of his favorite trick-or-treat games from his 2019 Halloween party by bopping a child dressed as a marshmallow on the head with a chocolate bar, before placing it atop his costume for the child to collect. The President went viral during his first term in 2019 for playing the same game with a child dressed in a Despicable Me costume. Dozens of carved jack-o-lanterns filled with lights decorated the mansions sprawling staircases along with fall foliage, pumpkins and other autumn staples. The exterior of the home was decorated in faux falling autumn leaves and Melania wore a beige and orange trench coat to celebrate the holiday. Trump revived one of his favorite trick-or-treat games from his 2019 Halloween party by bopping a child on the head with a chocolate bar, before placing it atop his costume for the child to collect The duo delighted children who lined up decked out in costumes to meet with them The President was fresh from a five-day trip to Malaysia, Japan and South Korea. However, he dutifully handed out chocolate bars to children in costumes ranging from astronauts to McDonalds workers for over an hour. The Daily Mail has contacted Leavitt for comment. A prominent property developer has sensationally claimed that the kidnapping of his brother by an underworld gang - who then demanded a $1million ransom - was a case of 'mistaken identity'. George Ayoub, 28, the younger brother of Masscon Property founder Charlie Ayoub, 37, was kidnapped while leaving his Belfield home in Sydney's south-west shortly before 6am last Thursday. George was held hostage for four days as a $1million demand was sent to his family, before he was released to loved ones at a Chipping Norton petrol station about 2.15am on Monday. Speaking to the Daily Mail on Tuesday, Charlie Ayoub said his little brother wasn't injured during the ordeal and that he is 'doing well' since being freed. Charlie, whose company has developed large apartment complexes across the Sydney basin, said the family have no idea who orchestrated and carried out the kidnapping. He claimed that the perpetrators covered George's face so he did not know where he was being held. While the family are awaiting the outcome of the ongoing police investigation, Charlie claimed they believe George was not, in fact, the intended target. 'We believe it is mistaken identity,' he said, something that he said was a 'relief'. Charlie Ayoub, 37, (left) is pictured with his younger brother, George Ayoub, 28 (right) Masscon Property founder Charlie Ayoub (pictured) has spoken out about his brother's kidnapping ordeal It is understood the brothers have business dealings with each other Charlie said that the family's conclusions were based on their assessment of the situation, rather than any intelligence shared to them by detectives. He did not provide any further explanation about why the family have formed the mistaken identity theory. When the Daily Mail asked whether a ransom was paid, Charlie said he wanted to wait for the police investigation to run its course before discussing the incident any further. Property records show George's home, which is valued at around $2.4million, was built by the Ayoub family's company in 2023. As investigations into the attack continue, Ayoub associates were spotted packing up George's house on Tuesday afternoon. A woman and two men could be seen carting suitcases, baskets, shirts, and bags filled with belongings out of his house and loading them into the back of a ute before leaving. The saga began last week when George was grabbed by three masked men and bundled into a waiting white SUV as he walked out of his driveway to go to the gym. Reformed gangster Peter Vaiusu later pleaded for George's release on social media after receiving a panicked phone call from business contact Charlie Ayoub. Associates were seen taking items out of George Ayoub's home and packing them into the back of a car on Tuesday The group could be seen loading a vehicle with clothes, baskets, and other personal items One of the men appeared to remove a mirror from the house before placing it into the back of a ute Mr Vaiusu offered to hand over $80,000 worth of gold for George's safe release. 'He got kidnapped this morning, he has never been in trouble in his life, never had a criminal record, never been involved with gangs,' he said. 'But they nabbed him this morning because his brother, Charlie, has a little bit of money.' In a plea posted online at the time, Mr Vaisu said: 'To the gang that nabbed him this morning, I'm asking you, please, let him go. 'I've lived the life, I've been charged with kidnapping myself - other gangsters - so I know how it works. 'All I'm asking for is a bit of compassion At this point, right now, it's all about the Ayoub family. This guy is not a gangster.' The Daily Mail understands George has business dealings with his older brothers Charlie, 37, and Normie, 34, and they own a rural property together in the NSW Southern Highlands. He was not known to police prior to the incident and had no criminal history, according to NSW Police sources. Following the kidnapping, reformed gangster Peter Vaiusu took to social media, calling for Ayoub's release and offering $80,000 worth of gold George (pictured) spent four days held captive before he was released CCTV footage shows the moment Ayoub was kidnapped Strike force detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad spent four days searching for George in a top secret police operation before he was released. Police had previously requested the media to keep the kidnapping secret for operational reasons, amid fears that publicity could result in George being harmed. Vaiusu confirmed George's safe release on Monday, saying $1million had been put up to free him. 'It's 3.30am, I haven't had any sleep for three days,' Vaiusu said, eyes visibly red. 'The boys and I have been doing what we have to do to secure his freedom, it's a long story. 'But $1million was put up. As of an hour ago, we finally secured his freedom. 'The look on George's face when he saw us was priceless and also the tears that came from his family's face when we walked him into the house was priceless.' Vaiusu later released a video showing Charlie and George embracing as they were reunited at the petrol station, surrounded by a group of friends. 'Profoundly moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love,' Vaiusu wrote. 'Thank you for the unwavering support, it has been a source of immense strength for us.' Police investigations continue. A man has been left fighting for life after he was mauled in a gruesome dog attack, with police forced to use riot shields for protection. Emergency services rushed to Pyrmont Bridge Road in Camperdown, in Sydney's inner west, following reports of a dog attack at about 10am on Monday. Officers found a 55-year-old man inside a unit with serious injuries. 'He sustained deep lacerations to both wrists with severe bleeding,' NSW Ambulance's Anne Leonard told 7News. The dog owner also suffered serious arm and chest wounds, which were so bad authorities had to carry him out of the building to the ambulance. The man was treated at the scene before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical condition, where he had emergency surgery. A hospital spokesman said on Tuesday the man requested his condition not be provided to the media. Neighbours said they had tried to get into the home to help the man but were frightened away by a Staffordshire bull terrier, described as a 'real problem'. A 55-year-old man was injured by his dog on Monday in his inner west unit in Sydney Neighbours were stopped from helping the man due to his Staffordshire bull terrier (pictured), which has been described as a 'real problem' The man had to be carried out of the building by paramedics due to his injuries It is understood police officers were forced to use riot gear and dog control poles. A City of Sydney spokesman told Daily Mail rangers arrived at the unit after the wounded dog owner had been removed. Two dogs, which are both believed to have been involved in the attack, were taken from the property, with the terrier tempted into a van using treats. They are currently being held by the city council at Sutherland Animal Shelter, while the attack is being investigated. Inquiries are ongoing. A third dog, a puppy, was taken by NSW Police, who were making arrangements for it to be transported to the RSPCA. 'We investigate all dog attacks and have a range of actions we can then take depending on the nature of the specific incident, and available evidence and severity of the attack,' a NSW Police spokesman said. 'This may include issuing fines, and orders (declaring the dogs either menacing or dangerous) or initiating court proceedings where a magistrate may issue instructions to have the animal euthanised.' A report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in March last year found there has been a rise in incidents where owners receive pet-related injuries. Police officers are believed to have used riot gear and dog control poles to get into the unit Sydney City Council has seized three dogs, including a puppy, from the unit after the attack The dog owner reportedly suffered severe arm and chest wounds and was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical condition, where he underwent emergency surgery The number of injuries from common pets, cats and dogs, increased from 18.9 crude rates per 10,000 people in 20122013 to 47.5 in 20212022. Alarmingly, of the total admissions to hospital during the period, over 85 per cent of the injury cases were admitted as emergencies. Nearly three out of five cases were adults aged between 25 and 64, and under 13 per cent were children aged under 15. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent took a swipe at Elon Musk's fashion sense while trying to evade a question about a reported feud between them. The duo allegedly went head-to-head during Musk's brief time working in the White House as President Donald Trump's unofficial 'first buddy' and boss of the Department of Government Efficiency. Speaking to Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox Monday, Bessent finally addressed months-old allegations that he and Musk had a physical altercation prior to the billionaire's bitter separation from the administration and falling out with Trump. 'You didn't grab Elon by the collar, did you? You would never do such a thing,' Watters asked. Bessent immediately hit back with a dig at Musk, noting: 'Elon wears t-shirts, so there is no collar.' Musk was often pictured at formal events alongside the president wearing baseball caps and t-shirts in stark contrast to the formal attire of the president and his cabinet. Often, his casual shirts would have slogans like 'Occupy Mars' or 'Tech Support' - the latter being a nod to his work with DOGE where he faced criticism for wielding too much power as an unelected official. 'You have a big reputation,' Watters noted to Bessent. 'What did you to do Elon?' Scott Bessent finally addressed months-old allegations that he and Musk had a physical altercation prior to the billionaire's bitter separation from the administration and falling out with Trump Bessent took a swipe at Musk's wardrobe after he was asked if he ever grabbed the Tesla billionaire by the collar, noting: 'Elon wears t-shirts, so there is no collar' Musk became known for his laid back looks while in the Oval Office and beyond which included caps and t-shirts Bessent offered a diplomatic non-answer. 'Elon and I are both very passionate,' he said. 'I think that what he did with DOGE has set a very good trend in terms of cutting government expenses.' Back in May, it emerged that Musk and Bessent reportedly had a screaming match in the West Wing over the impending appointment of the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. 'F*** you! F*** you! F*** you!' Bessent allegedly shouted at Musk. 'The fight had started outside the Oval Office; it continued past the Roosevelt Room and toward the chief of staff's office, and then barreled around the corner to the national security adviser's warren,' The Atlantic reported at the time. 'Musk accused Bessent of having run two failed hedge funds. 'I can't hear you,' he told Bessent as they argued, their faces just inches apart. 'Say it louder.'' Later that month, former Chief Strategist Steve Bannon told Daily Mail that Musk's turbulent time in the White House was marred when he physically 'shoved' the 62-year-old Bessent. 'Scott Bessent called him out and said, 'You promised us a trillion dollars (in cuts), and now you're at like $100 billion, and nobody can find anything, what are you doing?'' the prominent MAGA figure revealed. The casual style stood in stark contrast to the buttoned-up outfits worn by Trump's cabinet and allies An alleged altercation occurred after Bessent questioned Musk's DOGE cuts, which he said was a 'sore subject' with the Tesla CEO Musk fell out with Trump after publicly criticizing his Big Beautiful Bill 'And that's when Elon got physical. It's a sore subject with him. It wasn't an argument, it was a physical confrontation. Elon basically shoved him.' Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed in a statement there was no love lost between the pair. 'It's no secret President Trump has put together a team of people who are incredibly passionate about the issues impacting our country,' she said. 'Disagreements are a normal part of any healthy policy process, and ultimately everyone knows they serve at the pleasure of President Trump.' Musk's time in the White House as a 'special government employee' was only ever meant to last five months. But just as he was due to exit, he broke ranks by publicly trashing the administration's 'Big Beautiful' domestic bill, sparking the public fallout with Trump. Bessent took to his X platform to publicly thank the Tesla CEO on his way out, saying he did 'very important work'. But he is not the only one to publicly question Musk's clothing choices while in his official capacity. Back in March, the White House was questioned about Musk's uniform and the double standards after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was slammed for not wearing a suit while meeting with Trump. Daily Mail has reached out to Musk for comment. The countdown is over. October 29, the date Harvard astrophysicist Dr Avi Loeb warned the world to watch, has arrived. For weeks, his cryptic message urging people to 'take vacations before October 29' has stirred a mix of excitement, anxiety and wild speculation across social media. Now, as interstellar object 3I/ATLAS slips behind the Sun, both scientists and skywatchers are waiting to see whether Loeb's ominous prediction points to a major discovery, a cosmic disaster, or simply another misunderstood comet. What Makes 3I/ATLAS So Mysterious First discovered in July 2025, 3I/ATLAS is only the third known interstellar object ever detected passing through our solar system. Roughly 5.6 kilometres wide and weighing an estimated 33 billion tons, it races through space at nearly 58 kilometres per second. At first, astronomers assumed it was an ordinary comet. Then came the surprises. Observations from the Keck II telescope in Hawaii detected gas emissions rich in nickel tetracarbonyl, a compound associated with industrial activity on Earth. No natural celestial body has ever shown this chemical signature before. Even stranger, 3I/ATLAS has a tail that points towards the Sun, not away from it, and its orbit is unusually precise, aligned within just five degrees of the planetary plane. Loeb called this 'fine-tuned', suggesting it could even be artificially engineered. His critics dismiss that as speculation. Yet, even they admit 3I/ATLAS is among the strangest space objects ever recorded. Loeb's Controversial Public Warning Dr Loeb is no stranger to controversy. The Harvard astrophysicist made global headlines in 2017 when he claimed the interstellar visitor 'Oumuamua' might have been an alien probe. Now, with 3I/ATLAS, he is doubling down. Loeb has accused NASA of withholding data about the object's movement near Mars, describing the agency as 'tight-lipped' about its true nature. He argues that the public deserves transparency about what is really unfolding in space. NASA has firmly denied any danger to Earth, stating that 3I/ATLAS will pass safely at a distance of millions of kilometres. Still, Loeb insists that gravitational forces from the Sun could alter its course after October 29, a shift that, he says, 'could change everything we think we know about its trajectory.' Why October 29 Matters This date marks the point when 3I/ATLAS moves behind the Sun, making it invisible from Earth for several weeks. According to Loeb, this is the 'make-or-break moment'. If the object reappears in early November showing unexplained acceleration or a deviation from its expected path, as 'Oumuamua' did, it could suggest some form of artificial propulsion. If it behaves as predicted, the mystery might finally be resolved. Meanwhile, global interest is skyrocketing. Amateur astronomers are livestreaming telescope feeds, while Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) are buzzing with speculation. Even sceptics admit that Loeb's cryptic warning has captured public imagination in a way few scientific debates ever do. What Happens Next When 3I/ATLAS emerges from behind the Sun in early November, scientists will finally know whether its path has shifted and whether Dr Loeb's warning was visionary or overblown. If he is right, the discovery could redefine humanity's understanding of interstellar visitors and even hint at extraterrestrial technology. If he is wrong, 3I/ATLAS will still have achieved something remarkable. It has reignited global curiosity about space and the mysteries beyond our reach. Either way, October 29 will be remembered as the day the world looked up and wondered whether we were truly alone. Originally published on IBTimes UK One of the most notorious mass murderers in American history has died in prison of natural causes after being spared the death penalty. George Banks, 83, died Sunday afternoon at Phoenix state prison in Pennsylvania, the state Department of Corrections said. Banks died of complications from renal neoplasm, or kidney cancer, said Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Janine Darby. The former prison guard and Army veteran had been in prison since 1982, the same year he killed 13 people including five of his own children with an AR-15 rifle. Banks fatally shot three women and five children, four of whom were his own, during a rampage at his home in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in the early morning hours of September 25, 1982. He later confessed he carried out the slayings to save his mixed-race children the 'pain' of growing up in racist world. But as he was fleeing the scene Banks noticed four teenagers walking to their car from a nearby friend's house. He shot at two of them, killing one and critically injuring another. From there Banks stole a car and traveled to the Heather Highlands Trailer Park where he shot his five-year-old son, the child's mother, her seven-year-old nephew and her mother. Mass murderer George Banks, 83, died on Sunday of complications from renal neoplasm, or kidney cancer Following the bloodbath Banks traveled to his mother's house where he admitted to killing his family, according to court documents. But he remained holed up at a friend's house until then-Luzerne County District Attorney Robert Gillespie convinced several local radio stations to broadcast reports saying all of the victims were going to live in a ploy to convince Banks his crimes were not as serious as he had thought, the Citizens' Voice reports. He then surrendered himself to the authorities, and it was later determined that Banks had been drinking and taking prescription drugs at a party late at night before using an AR-15 rifle to start the rampage at his home. It was considered one of the worst mass murders in American history at the time. Five of the victims were Banks's own children, ages one to six, and four more were the mothers of his children. Another victim was an 11-year-old child who often visited the family. At an ensuing trial, Banks's lawyers argued that he was mentally ill and haunted by delusions of race wars and racial abuse against his children, according to The New York Times. Banks, whose father was black and whose mother was white, even testified at the trial that the shooting was 'the culmination of 40 years of racist hatred'. Banks was convicted of 12 counts of first-degree murder and one count of third-degree murder and was sentenced to death but this was overturned But Banks also overruled his lawyer on strategic decisions, as he argued that prosecutors, the judge and the mayor of Wilkes-Barre were conspiring against him. Banks also showed the jury gory pictures of his victims, even after his lawyer had successfully had the photos barred on the grounds that they were gruesome and prejudicial. Jurors also heard from two 10-year-old stepbrothers, who described how they hid after Banks broke into their trailer that morning. They said they peeked out from their hiding spots to see Banks kill their mother, their sister, a five-year-old half-brother who was the product of their mother's relationship with Banks and their mother's seven-year-old nephew. Banks was ultimately found guilty of 12 counts of first-degree murder and one count of third-degree murder, and was sentenced to death. It was not his first criminal conviction. He committed his first violent crime after being discharged from the Army, shooting an unarmed tavern keeper during a robbery in 1961, according to the Times Leader. Banks was sentenced to six to 15 years in prison and faced additional time after he briefly escaped in 1964, but was granted parole in 1969. He was serving time at the Phoenix state prison in Pennsylvania at the time of his death Then in 1969, then-Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp, a Democrat, commuted his sentence. Banks worked as a prison guard outside of Harrisburg in the years that followed, until he was placed on leave shortly before the shootings and was urged to see a psychiatrist. In the years since his conviction, Banks threatened to commit suicide, went on hunger strikes and refused medical and psychiatric treatment, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. By 2001, Banks's death sentence was overturned on appeal but later reinstated by the US Supreme Court in 2004. Later that year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court delayed Banks's execution and ordered a mental health competency hearing, and in 2006, a judge ruled Banks was incompetent to face the death penalty. The yearslong appeals process finally ended in 2011, when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court - citing evidence from Banks's competency hearings, unanimously decided he would not be executed - leaving him with a sentence of life imprisonment. Tommy Robinson has arrived at court as he prepares to hear the verdict of his trial after being accused of a terror offence over refusing to give police access to his phone during a border stop. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was on his way to Benidorm when he was stopped at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone by officers. The 42-year-old was arrested under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act after police became concerned about 'his demeanour', Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. The Act gives police the power to stop anyone passing through a UK port 'to determine whether they may be involved or concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism'. Robinson denies failing to comply with the counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year. District Judge Sam Goozee will hand down his verdict on Tuesday. The former English Defence Leader could be jailed for up to three months if he is found guilty. Robinson has faced a three-week wait for the verdict because he had a trip to Israel. As the two-day trial took place last month, Robinson said in a video posted on X that billionaire Elon Musk had 'picked up the legal bill' for 'this absolute state persecution'. During the trial, it was heard that Robinson tried to film a video of himself saying he had been arrested on the way to an interview room and was told by officers to 'relax'. Tommy Robinson is pictured arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court today as he prepares to hear a verdict on the trial over a terror offence charge The 42-year-old was arrested under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act after police became concerned about 'his demeanour', Westminster Magistrates' Court heard And when asked to hand over the phone's PIN, Robinson replied: 'Not a chance bruv ... you look like c***s so you ain't having it,' Jo Morris, prosecuting, said. He argued the mobile contained 'journalistic material', as well as information about 'vulnerable girls' and that he would not hand it over. 'The process by which journalistic material would be protected was explained to him,' Ms Morris said. The court heard that while being interviewed, Robinson told the officers: 'For me it's a win-win, it's going to be bad for yous.' A small bag containing 13,370 and 1,910 was also found in his car after police searched his luggage, the court heard. The silver Bentley SUV he was travelling in was also not registered under his name, and he had also booked his tickets to travel on the day. Under the legislation, a person can be detained for up to six hours and is legally obliged to answer questions. They must also provide the password or PIN for electronic devices, or be held to have committed a criminal offence if they refuse. Alisdair Williamson KC, defending, said the officers' intervention was discriminatory because it was based to a 'significant degree on a protected characteristic'. He said the 'predominant influence' on PC Mitchell Thorogood's decision to stop him was 'oh look, it's Tommy Robinson'. Mr Williamson added: 'If MI5 didn't think that Mr Lennon is a terrorist, what did PC Thorogood think he was going to learn by asking him about publicly available information?' He suggested Robinson travelled to Benidorm regularly, which should have lessened the officer's suspicions about him. The lawyer said there was 'no evidence that the stop was carried out diligently or expeditiously', and that it was a 'fishing expedition' as there was nothing to link Robinson to terrorism. Ms Morris said the officer had concerns about Mr Robinson's 'notoriety for associating with far-right activists'. 'It is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,' she added. Migrant children in Norway are being recruited by gangs and armed with grenades to carry out contract hits after a failure of integration left them vulnerable to criminal networks. The minors are being recruited by Foxtrot, one of Europe's most notorious criminal networks whose leadership is based in Iran and acts on behalf of the Ayatollah's regime to target victims. While the criminal syndicate originated in Sweden, it is now expanding across the border and wreaking havoc in Norway where teenagers - mostly from a migrant background - are hired as would-be assassins, according to MPs and invesigators. On September 23, at 8.45pm, multiple grenades exploded outside a nail salon in Bislett, Oslo, shattering the windows and riddling its walls with shrapnel. Police linked two 13-year-old boys to the attack and suspect that they were recruited via TikTok, supplied with the smuggled grenades, and paid 30,000 NOK (2,000) to carry out the deed. The Bislett explosion was only the beginning. Within weeks, two more Foxtrot-linked attacks followed. On September 30, three boys aged 12, 13, and 14 were linked to a shooting incident in Sarpsborg. A week later, a 15-year-old linked was suspected of throwing a grenade at a sushi restaurant in Strmmen. Because of a legal loophole in Scandinavia, children under the age of 15 cannot be held criminally responsible - making minors the ideal recruits for carrying out attacks on behalf of the Foxtrot crime ring. On September 23, at 8.45pm, multiple grenades exploded outside a nail salon in Bislett, Oslo, shattering the windows and riddling its walls with shrapnel The 'Foxtrot' network is understood to be run by Rawa Majid, also known as 'the Kurdish fox', who reportedly lives under the protection of the Ayatollahs regime Police linked two 13-year-old boys to the attack in Bislett and suspect that they were recruited via TikTok , supplied with the smuggled grenades, and paid 30,000 NOK (2,000) to carry out the deed Foxtrot emerged in Sweden at the end of the 2010s and is led by Rawa Majid, also known as the 'Kurdish Fox', who has been sanctioned by the UK for his role in attacks across Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime. Majid, as head of the expanding criminal network, is understood to live under the protection of the Ayatollah and has been involved in violent plots, particularly against Jewish and Israeli targets. In Norway, the syndicate is deliberately hiring children who are vulnerable to exploitation to carry out its crimes - whether that's due to their economic status or conditions at home. One of the 13-year-old boys suspected of the Bislett explosion was previously taken into custody by child welfare services after his parents were charged with violence against him, VG reported. Norwegian MPs have also linked the rise in child gang crime to a major increase in mass migration, arguing that many feel poorly integrated into society, making them to susceptible to manipulation by criminal networks such as Foxtrot. 'We have to be honest about something here: most of these kids have migration backgrounds,' Mahmoud Farahmand, an MP for the opposition Conservative party, told The Telegraph. 'The government has not been able to put up a formidable defence... theyve become blind to the situation,' he said. Lars Norbom, the secretary-general of the community support group Night Ravens, expressed the same sentiment, telling the newspaper: 'We have issues with cultural differences, and with social differences but most of all we have failed at integrating immigrants.' Since the early 1990s, the number of immigrants living in Norway has risen from around 4 percent of the population to 16 percent in January 2024. Emergency services are seen on responded to Pilestredet just off Parkveien in Oslo, Norway on September 23, 2025, after reports of an explosion One of the 13-year-old boys suspected of the Bislett explosion was previously taken into custody by child welfare services after his parents were charged with violence against him, VG reported 'Iran's brazen use of transnational criminal organisations and drug traffickers underscores the regime's efforts to achieve its goals by any means necessary, regardless of the cost to communities across Europe,' said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The U.S. believes the Foxtrot network was responsible for orchestrating a thwarted attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, on behalf of Iran in January 2024. A 'dangerous object' was located outside the building which police destroyed. And in October last year, explosions were reported near the Israeli embassy in central Copenhagen, leading to police investigating potential connections to Iran. The UK has subjected Foxtrot's leader, Majid, to a travel ban, an asset freeze and a director disqualification. As well as being behind violent crimes, Foxtrot is also a prominent drug trafficking organisation and the biggest supplier of heroine in Sweden. The gang has expanded its network of drug mules across Denmark and Norway where it has been linked to a significant increase in cocaine since Covid-19. Anne Lindboe, the Mayor of Oslo, said drugs worth up to 570 milion have been smuggled through Norways largest port, which receives the equivalent of 243,000 20-ft-containers a year. 'The main driver of gang crime is drugs,' said Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, a member of the Centre Party who served as Minister of Finance between 2021 and 2025. 'That is why we must strengthen the customs service and control. We must have more customs officers and more scanners,' he told VG. Military police officers stand guard as police investigate two explosions near the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 In July, a 34-year-old Swedish man linked to the 'Foxtrot' network was charged with threatening two employees at the police central detention centre in Grnland, Oslo Norwegian police believe the children being recruited by Foxtrot to carry out the violent crimes are enticed via popular social media platforms. 'It appears that the original contact was established on TikTok,' police attorney Henrik Radal told NRK in relation to the grenade attack in Bislett. Residents in Strmmen have called for more measures to prevent further attacks, including more visible police presence on the streets and increased 'Night Ravens': volunteers who patrol communities at night to keep an eye out for young people who may have had too much to drink. In July, a 34-year-old Swedish man was charged with threatening two employees at the police central detention centre in Grnland, Oslo. He reportedly threatened to place a bomb at the home of one of the employees' family members. According to NRK, he claimed that he was part of the criminal Foxtrot network. But Foxtrot is but one of around 70 Swedish gangs operating in Norway, where teenagers are being anonymously hired on encrypted messaging apps such as Telegram. They can be paid anywhere between 20,000 and 60,000 for a hit, using hand grenades or improvised explosives smuggled into the country. Many don't even know who commissioned the crime, but are willing to carry it out for the right payment. Britain is bracing for a fresh wave of tax rises after Chancellor Rachel Reeves signalled that her upcoming Budget would include sweeping measures to plug a major gap in public finances. In a speech delivered inside Downing Street, she sought to prepare voters for what she described as tough but necessary decisions, warning that the country faced 'no easy answers' as she set the tone for a fiscally tight Autumn Statement later this month. The Chancellor said the government had little choice but to act, citing international pressures and the rising cost of servicing the national debt. However, she also pointed to what she called long-term structural weaknesses in the economy, suggesting that the fallout from Brexit and years of austerity had left the UK in a vulnerable position. Speculation is mounting that income tax, council tax, and levies on wealthier households could all be targeted as the Chancellor looks to restore fiscal stability while keeping borrowing under control. This live page has closed Rachel Reeves is facing a Labour revolt today after warning that everyone will suffer from her looming Budget tax raid - not just the 'wealthy'. Left-wingers have demanded the Chancellor spares the 'working class' after she took the highly unusual step of laying the ground for her fiscal package with a speech in Downing Street. In a blatant softening up exercise, Ms Reeves said there was a 'clear choice' between 'investment and hope, or cuts and division'. Ominously signposting a broad tax assault, she warned that 'we will all have to contribute' to getting the country back on track. But rather than take responsibility for the grim situation, she offed a laundry list of excuses, including Brexit, Tory austerity, Donald Trump, Covid and the Ukraine war. At Cabinet this morning, Keir Starmer complained that 'world events' were spoiling the government's plans 'on a daily basis'. He dismissed the idea of closing the gap through 'austerity'. Ms Reeves dodged invitations to repeat Labour's election vow not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT. She said she would do 'what is right' rather than 'popular' and prioritise 'protecting our NHS, reducing our national debt, and improving the cost of living'. 'Any Chancellor of any party would be standing here facing the choices that I face,' she insisted. The intervention was branded a 'waffle bomb' by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who urged cuts to spending and welfare instead. And it drew a furious reponse from Labour's Left, with MPs and unions insisting that the 'rich' should be made to fill the black hole in the public finances - estimated at between 20billion and 50billion. There was a nervous reaction to Ms Reeves' speech from markets, with the FTSE 100 and Pound falling sharply - although interest rates on government debt also eased slightly. Your browser does not support iframes. Chancellor Rachel Reeves made the highly unusual move of teeing up her fiscal package with a speech in Downing Street today Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Labour MPs responded to Ms Reeves by insisting she must not try to raise more money from the 'working class' Brian Leishman, currently suspended from the Labour whip, also weighed in Market nerves as Reeves signals another tax raid The Pound tumbled but Britain's long-term borrowing costs edged lower after Rachel Reeves' speech today. Yields on UK government bonds, also known as gilts, fell as much as six basis points to 4.38 per cent, while the 30-year yield dropped to its lowest level since April at 5.15 per cent at one stage. Gilt yields move counter to the value of the bonds, meaning their prices fall when yields rise. But gilts soon trimmed their rally as questions continued to swirl over the upcoming November 26 Budget, with Ms Reeves's refusing to give any firm details on what can be expected. The yield on 10-year gilts stood just one basis point lower following the Chancellor's unusual pre-Budget address, while on the London market, the FTSE 100 Index dropped nearly 100 points lower. The Pound slipped to its lowest level since April against the US dollar, at $1.3064. Advertisement Standing in front of a podium with the slogan 'strong foundations, secure future' and flanked by Union Jacks, Ms Reeves said there were no 'easy answers'. She warned that markets could be even more negative about lending to the UK if they did not believe her commitment to meeting her fiscal rules. But it is barely a year since the Chancellor claimed her first Budget - the biggest tax-raiser on record - had 'wiped the slate clean'. 'I'm really clear. I'm not coming back with more borrowing or more taxes,' she told the CBI last November. Ms Reeves told reporters in Downing Street: 'The continual threat of tariffs has dragged on global confidence, deterring business investment and dampening growth. 'Inflation has been too slow to come down, as supply chains continue to be volatile, meaning the costs of everyday essentials remain too high. 'And the cost of government borrowing has increased around the world, a shift that Britain, with our high levels of debt left by the previous government, has been particularly exposed to.' Ms Reeves said: 'As I take my decisions on both tax and spending, I will do what is necessary to protect families from high inflation and interest rates, to protect our public services from a return to austerity and to ensure that the economy that we hand down to future generations is secure with debt under control. 'If we are to build the future of Britain together, we will all have to contribute to that effort. 'Each of us must do our bit for the security of our country and the brightness of its future. 'There is a reward for getting these decisions right, to build more resilient public finances with the headroom to withstand global turbulence, giving business the confidence to invest and leaving government freer to act when the situation calls for it, to continue to invest in our infrastructure and our industry to build a stronger economy and to get the cost of borrowing down, spending less on debt interest and more on schools and on our health service.' Sir Keir warned Labour MPs last night that the Budget would involve 'hard and serious decisions' but insisted they would be 'fair'. A Downing Street readout of the Cabinet meeting this morning noted: 'He said it was clear that previous governments had gone down the road of austerity, which had made things worse, not better. 'The Prime Minister said the government would not be going down that path, nor the path of taking risks with more borrowing. 'He said taking risks with more borrowing did not mean money going to teachers, nurses or doctors, but to hedge funds. 'The Prime Minister said a fair response to these challenges was needed, which would be set out at the Budget.' Ms Reeves responded that her 'challenges' included 'tariffs, unstable borrowing costs, inflation and long-term productivity'. 'The Chancellor said she had been clear she would not repeat the mistakes of the past and emphasised the need to show Britain can be trusted once again,' the readout added. 'That was already happening as markets accept we are going to stick by our fiscal rules. 'The Chancellor said this would mean taking the right decisions at the Budget, but she was prepared to take them, rather than follow the mistakes of previous governments.' Maryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary of the Labour-backing TSSA union, said the Budget must stay 'true to Labour values'. 'If taxes are to rise to build the country and get the economy moving, that is no bad thing but it is those with the deepest pockets who should pay more,' she said. 'Any rise in VAT or National Insurance would be counterproductive. Raising income tax on the highest earners, alongside a wealth tax for the richest in the country, is the only way forward. We urge Rachel Reeves to follow that course.' Ms Reeves has been hiding from the media since the Daily Mail revealed last week that she broke the law by failing to obtain the licence needed to rent out her family home. No10 has refused to say whether Labour's manifesto pledge to not increase income tax, VAT or National Insurance still stands. Ms Reeves is considering a proposal from the Left-wing Resolution Foundation to raise income tax by 2p, in what would be the first increase in the basic rate for 50 years. The move could be partially offset by a 2p cut in National Insurance but would still raise an extra 6billion a year from pensioners and others. If Ms Reeves targets income tax it will be the first time in 50 years the rate has been increased. She is also looking to extend the six-year freeze on tax thresholds, dragging millions more into higher tax bands - despite previously warning the move would break Labour's manifesto pledge. Treasury officials are said to have been ordered to find ways of getting more money out of everyone with incomes of more than 45,000 a year. Insiders claim that only Brits below that threshold - the bottom two-thirds of earners - are being defined as 'working people' to receive protection from Labour's tax assault. That effectively brands the top third of earners as 'wealthy' encompassing jobs such as HGV drivers, teachers and head chefs at the Wagamama restaurant chain. Sources have confirmed that bigger property taxes are on the radar. The Chancellor is said to be looking at dramatically hiking council tax for the top bands, which could affect over a million families. That could mean an eye-watering rise from 3,800 to 7,600 for residents of a band G household in England - and from 4,560 a year to 9,120 for those in band H. Rachel Reeves laid the ground for Labour to smash its manifesto pledges on tax today - saying she will take the 'choices necessary' at the Budget. The Chancellor talked up the need to 'invest' as she took the highly unusual step of teeing up her fiscal package with a speech in Downing Street But the intervention has ramped up fears that Brits face another brutal raid, with the black hole in the public finances estimated at between 20billion and 50billion The move would hammer London and the South East, where property prices are higher. Critics warned it would spark a crisis for pensioners on fixed incomes and families who have stretched themselves to afford a dream home. Capital gains, pension reliefs, inheritance tax and partnership structures have also been listed among the ways Labour could seek to raise funds. Final decisions are unlikely to be made for another week or so, when the OBR will start factoring the government's plans into its draft forecasts. The Treasury is believed to have downgraded productivity forecasts by 0.3 percentage points - adding an estimated 21billion to the black hole in the public finances. Sluggish economic growth, rising debt costs and humiliating U-turns on efforts to curb the benefits bill could add a further 20billion to the gap Ms Reeves has to fill. The Resolution Foundation - former home to a string of ministers and advisers drawing up the Budget - said today that tax rises are 'inevitable' and will probably total around 26billion. Ms Reeves has already delivered the biggest tax-raising Budget on record last year, soaking Brits for 41billion. Economists have warned this package might be on the same scale, and could have devastating impacts on growth. Even a far smaller raid would leave Ms Reeves having announced bigger tax hikes in 16 months than Gordon Brown did over a decade. Labour Party pictured in June 2024 when they launched their general election manifesto Your browser does not support iframes. After raising a record 40billion in tax at last year's Budget, Ms Reeves said she had 'wiped the slate clean'. Following a business backlash, she told the CBI last November: 'I'm really clear. I'm not coming back with more borrowing or more taxes.' But low growth and higher government borrowing costs have triggered a deterioration in the public finances. The Conservatives have urged the PM to sack his Chancellor if she breaks Labour's tax pledges to the country. At an event in central London, Mrs Badenoch said the government had 'quietly' abandoned efforts to curb the spiralling welfare bill. 'The Chancellor's speech was one long waffle bomb, a laundry list of excuses. 'She blamed everybody else for her own choices, her own decisions, her own failures.' Reform MP Richard Tice said: 'Rachel Reeves has today confirmed what we all knew - she's going to hammer working people with even more tax rises. 'Instead of cutting waste and spending, deregulating and optimising for growth, we are just getting more of the same. Only Reform is serious about building an economy that unleashes growth, backs British business and helps those who set their alarm clocks every morning.' A new 72-acre solar farm on the 'tranquil landscape' that inspired beloved novel Watership Down has been given the go-ahead despite hundreds of objections. Plans for the huge solar farm in Hampshire prompted a backlash when announced - with locals dressing up as rabbits and lying under panels in protest. Local villagers say their area, made famous by the 1972 book later adapted as an animated film six years later, should not be 'spoilt' to make way for a power station. The site, on the Hampshire-Berkshire border, was said to have inspired author Richard Adams when he wrote the novel that follows a group of rabbits as they escape the destruction of their warren. Adams, who died aged 96 in 2016, had lived as a child at Sandleford, four miles from the Hampshire site at the centre of this dispute. The solar farm is earmarked to power almost 6,000 homes and could save up to 5,000 tonnes of carbon per year, supporters say. Solar development company Anglo Renewables applied to Basingstoke and Deane District Council for permission in April last year for the 'renewable energy generating station' on Strattons Farm in Kingsclere, Hampshire. Since then, more than 300 objections have been lodged by furious locals who said the site is not suitable for such a development. Solar development firm Anglo Renewables applied for permission for a 'renewable energy generating station' on a farm in Kingsclere, Hampshire - this is how it is proposed to look Campaigners have rallied against proposals for a new 72-acre solar farm in Hampshire Watership Down tells the story of a family of rabbits who flee their warren as it is about to be destroyed by bulldozers - the movie featured the voices of John Hurt and Richard Briers The hillside overlooks composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's 5,000-acre Sydmonton Court estate, and is also close to Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed. Opponents of the solar farm scheme have dressed up as rabbits and placed themselves under solar panels alongside placards reading 'Grass not Glass' and 'This is not in keeping with this beautiful countryside'. Some also highlighted how Chinese manufacturers of solar panels have been accused of breaching British anti-slavery pledges. The developers' research says that having the solar farm would increase biodiversity compared to having the land used for farming. Resident Sheila Openshaw described the new approval as 'disappointing', while saying that campaigners against the farm were now 'considering their options'. She said: 'The planning meeting was very interesting. There were eight people there who were eligible to vote - five abstained and only three voted in favour. 'It's obviously very disappointing for us. We're getting advice and discussing options.' She raised concerns about the prospects of cables being run through the nearby A339 highway, adding: 'There were roadworks earlier in the year and the queues were two miles long.' A protestor dressed as a rabbit is seen here by one of the fields proposed for the development at Strattons Farm in Kingsclere, Hampshire The solar farm in Kingsclere, Hampshire, is earmarked to power almost 6,000 homes and could save up to 5,000 tonnes of carbon per year, supporters say Plans for the huge new solar farm in Hampshire prompted a backlash when announced - with locals dressing up as rabbits and lying under panels in protest Mrs Openshaw added: 'We had over 300 people put pen to paper to object to the solar farm - these were people, many of whom live locally. 'The community don't want this development and they have been railroaded into it.' When the plans were first lodged in 2023, a campaign group called Village Solar Farm (VSF) was formed by residents from Kingsclere, Sydmonton, Ecchinswell, Ashford Hill and Headley. The group's protest petition gathered 500 signatures, with VSF insisting they were not opposed to renewable energy but would rather see solar farms built on brownfield sites or placed on top of buildings or car parks rather than on farmland. But the scheme has now been given the green light by the local authority. James Stone, managing director at Anglo Renewables, said: 'It is crucial to revolutionise the energy production methods in the UK, now more than ever. 'Our proposed solar farm aligns with Basingstoke and Deane District Council's acknowledgement of a climate emergency and the establishment of national climate change goals mandated by law. 'We have carefully considered the input from the local community and have recently modified the project design, to address the matters they have raised. When the plans were first lodged in 2023, a campaign group called Village Solar Farm (VSF) was formed by residents from Kingsclere, Sydmonton, Ecchinswell, Ashford Hill and Headley Among those objecting to the principle of development of the site was the Watership Down author Richard Adams (pictured is a scene from the 1978 film of his most famous book) 'The size of the solar farm has been reduced by approximately 16.5 acres - a reduction of 19 per cent. 'We have removed panels in the southern and western portions of the proposed scheme, moving panels away from residential properties and Ecchinswell.' He also said the 'variety' of plants and animals on the site would involve a 'biodiversity net gains' of 44 per cent in habitat units, 52 per cent in hedgerow units and 91 per cent in watercourse units. Mr Stone added: 'The solar farm will produce enough renewable energy to power approximately 5,934 homes every year and provide a community benefit fund.' Anglo Renewables previously said in January last year they had downsized their plans, reducing the farm by 19 per cent by removing panels in the southern and western areas of the plot. The late Watership Down author Adams previously campaigned against developing what he called 'the most beautiful area south of Newbury'. Speaking in 2011, he said: 'It is my firm belief that to build on the quiet meadows of Sandleford would be an ugly invasion, a nasty wound to one of the loveliest retreats in all Berkshire and Hampshire. 'I understand that houses need to be built, and that people need homes to live in. Locals have vowed to keep on fighting to stop the development on Strattons Farm on the Hampshire-Berkshire border Anglo Renewables previously unveiled proposals for the sprawling 86-acre site on Strattons Farm which have now been given permission by councillors Watership Down author Richard Adams, who died aged 96 in 2016, is pictured here walking in the Hampshire setting that inspired his beloved 1972 novel 'But any dispassionate examination of the situation leads to the emphatic conclusion that this land should not be built on. 'If Sandleford goes for development, it will be the thin end of the wedge. 'Once an area of countryside has been broken into for development, the process continues until the whole area has been ruined. 'I might be dead, but how will you feel about that?' A couple living close to Huntingdon Station have revealed the harrowing moment six terrified people, including two young children, urgently rang on their doorbell just moments after fleeing a frenzied knife attack on a train. Jan and Les Sears became unwitting heroes after opening their door to the group on Saturday evening, which included one young woman covered in blood on her clothes. They had until that moment been unaware of the horrific scenes taking place just down the road, where a knife-wielding man had gone on a stabbing rampage while on a high-speed train bound for London. Anthony Williams, 32, was charged yesterday with 11 counts of attempted murder - ten from the alleged attack on an LNER train on Saturday evening, and one from just hours earlier in London. The group were left shaken by the attack, which took place on the 6.25pm service from Doncaster to London's King's Cross. Fleeing from the station, they arrived at the front door of the Sears' home in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and began frantically ringing on their doorbell as they sought safety. At first the couple were hesitant, as it was dark and they thought it could be a prank, but Mr Sears then noticed a girl looking distressed. He welcomed the distraught passengers into their home, which included a father and his two young children, two friends and the distraught girl. Jan Sears (pictured) and her husband Les became unwitting heroes after opening their door to six passengers fleeing a frenzied knife attack on a train at nearby Huntingdon Station At first the couple were hesitant to open their door, as it was dark and they thought it could be a prank, but Mr Sears then noticed a girl looking distressed and covered in blood The train sitting at the platform in Huntingdon on Sunday morning, after passengers and rail staff were subjected to a frenzied knife attack Your browser does not support iframes. The couple provided solace to the group and offered them food and drink until their families had arrived to collect them. Speaking to BBC News, Mrs Sears said she and her husband had just wanted to help the affected passengers. She said: 'We are just everyday people that would help anyone, you can't see someone suffering, someone being frightened, you just help them.' 'There was six people - a man and his two children and two young girls and a girl on her own - and they were told something had happened on a train and just to run as fast as they could and get as far away as they could. 'We were just there at the right time they came here and we had to help them... we didn't do nothing.' Williams, 32, of Peterborough, appeared at Peterborough magistrates' court on Monday charged with 11 counts of attempted murder. He is accused of attempting to kill a man after a passenger was stabbed at Pontoon Dock Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station in east London shortly after 12.45am on Saturday, November 1. It is alleged the victim suffered facial injuries after being attacked with a knife. CCTV footage exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail allegedly shows a knifeman entering Ritzy Barbers in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, on Friday - one day before the train attack The same man walked past the barber shop again the next morning, according to witness Filomena Campanaro, who lives next door to the barbershop Hours later, Williams is accused of attempting to murder 10 other people on the high-speed 6.25pm LNER service from Doncaster to London's King's Cross. He is also facing two charges of possession of a bladed article on both the train and at the DLR station in London, and of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Of the 11 people who were injured on the train, three have been discharged, while eight remain in hospital. CCTV footage exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail allegedly shows a man believed to be Williams entering Ritzy Barbers, in Fletton, Peterborough, on Friday evening at 7.14pm - minutes after police were called to the stabbing of a 14-year-old in the city centre. Barber shop staff then called police around 90 minutes after he left - but Cambridgeshire Constabulary did not send officers, instead asking the shop to upload CCTV online. Barber Cody Greene, 23, told the Daily Mail the same man returned to the shop at 9.25am on Saturday, November 1. Police were called again, but by the time they arrived the man had left. This happened around ten hours before prosecutors allege Williams began his train rampage, and more than eight hours after the 32-year-old allegedly stabbed a man at a Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station in the capital early that morning. Police have today launched a probe to establish whether the three incidents in the city before the alleged rampage are linked - and are facing accusations that they could have thwarted the attack had they acted quicker. Britain recorded Europe's biggest rise in asylum claims last year, with figures hitting a record high. More than 108,000 people applied for asylum in the UK in 2024, a 28 per cent increase on the 84,000 recorded the year before. The increase significantly outstripped the UK's continental peers, including Germany and France, where the number of claims actually fell. Last year's total - recorded by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) - is the highest since records began in 1979, eclipsing 103,000 in 2002. The figures have renewed concerns about Labour's failure to crack down on illegal migration, including small boat arrivals across the Channel. Sir Keir Starmer axed the Tories' Rwanda scheme as one of his first acts in office, while his new 'one-in, one-out' deal with the French has run into repeated problems. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Illegal immigration is rising because Labour have torn up every deterrent the last Conservative Government put in place. 'Labour have lost control of the border and don't have the backbone to take the necessary action Britain needs.' The OECD found 44,000 people tried to enter Britain illegally last year mostly across the Channel in small boats a rise from 37,000 the year before. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Migrants crossing from northern France by dinghy last month More than 10,000 asylum seekers came from Pakistan, with Afghanistan and Iran accounting for over 8,000 each. The figures deal another blow to Sir Keir, who has seen more than 60,000 small boat crossings since entering Number 10 in July 2024. The Prime Minister's returns deal with President Macron was trumpeted as his flagship measure to tackle the Channel crisis. However, when it was first unveiled in the summer senior officials were unable to give an explanation of what would prevent deported migrants heading straight back to the Channel, saying only that they would be subject to the French immigration system. It recently emerged that one Iranian small boat migrant who came back to Britain after being deported under the deal is still awaiting removal for the second time. The unnamed man was detected by Border Force when he re-entered the country on October 18 - just under two weeks ago. But Home Office sources confirmed he is still in the UK, despite earlier pledges to remove him again 'as quickly as possible'. It is unclear whether the man has brought legal challenges which are preventing the Home Office from acting more quickly. If his deportation has been blocked by a 'modern slavery' claim or a fresh application for asylum it would be a further devastating blow for Labour's already discredited deal with the French. The Home Office said 75 migrants who crossed by small boat have now been returned to France so far under the scheme, which came into operation on August 6. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The OECD's figures reflect a dramatic rise in asylum seekers heading to western countries, with more than three million asylum claims made across its 38 member nations last year - the highest number on record. America saw the biggest increase, with 1.7 million asylum claims lodged in 2024, up from 1.2 million in 2023 and 730,000 in 2022. Germany had the next largest number of asylum applications at nearly 230,000, although this was down by almost 100,000 in 2023 after it tightened controls. While France also recorded a decrease in applications last year, it still received more than the UK, as did Spain and Italy. The Home Office pointed to asylum-related returns rising by 28 per cent and asylum costs dropping by 15 per cent. A spokesman said: 'The Government is furious about the number of illegal migrants in this country 'We are determined to fix every aspect of the broken system we inherited. That is why we are speeding up with removing the incentives that draw illegal migrants to Britain and making it easier to deport illegal migrants.' This is the moment a woman was kicked off a flight after demanding to be seated next to her boyfriend. The woman, who has not been identified, was seen grabbing a flight attendant, screaming and crying into her face for several minutes. Her fellow passengers looked on in disbelief as her wailing filled the plane's cabin. Her actions caused the HK Express flight UO559 from Da Nang, Vietnam, to Hong Kong on November 2 to be delayed by nearly two hours. It was meant to leave at 6.30pm local time, but ended up flying out at 8.10pm that evening. Passengers said the drama started even before boarding, with the female passenger reportedly yelling at her partner as they waited to board the aircraft. The man allegedly claimed that his girlfriend had been unfaithful, while she accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour and ogling other female passengers. Earlier footage showed the woman screaming and hitting her boyfriend in the terminal. It comes weeks after an unruly plane passenger was brought back down to earth after being carried off by police. The woman, who has not been identified, was seen grabbing a flight attendant, screaming and crying into her face for several minutes Her fellow passengers looked on in disbelief as her wailing filled the plane's cabin The incident happened on a Jet2 flight from Manchester airport to Ibiza which had been delayed for two hours. Footage taken by another passenger shows four police officers and a paramedic escorting the man to a police car after they had carried him off the aircraft. But, in what appears to be an act of resistance, the man dug his heels into the ground and fell to the floor. The emergency service workers can then be seen grabbing one of his limbs each and carrying him to the car instead as he kicked up a fuss. Another passenger who was onboard said the flight delay left 'some very angry passengers'. She added: 'We saw him at the gate and he seemed okay, he was on his own, but on the flight we heard he refused to put his seatbelt on and then wasnt responsive. 'Everyone was playing the Jet2 soundtrack.' A young farmer took his own life after being bullied at school by a group of 'so-called' friends, an inquest has heard. Jack Allot, 15, was found by his parents at their family farm in Barnsley in January after facing weeks of torment from bullies. The tractor fanatic had previously told his mother Sarah Richardson that he was 'being bothered' by 'so-called friends' at his secondary school. She told Sheffield Coroners' Court that Jack had been a target 'because he was so nice'. Recalling the day her son died, Sarah said she saw a note from Jack and immediately knew what had happened. Sarah and Jack's father John then raced to their farm, where they found Jack had taken his own life. Emergency services were called to the scene, but he was later pronounced dead at Barnsley District General Hospital. Assistant coroner Rebecca Connell concluded Jack died of suicide, adding that his death was 'a huge waste of a very young and delightful life'. Jack Allot, 15, took his own life after being bullied at school by a group of 'so-called' friends, an inquest has heard Jack was described by his mother as 'such a happy, nice, loving, generous boy' 'He was just such a happy, nice, loving, generous boy. He was so nice, and he was just a target for the bullies because he was so nice,' Sarah told the inquest, as reported by YorkshireLive. 'He was just beautiful, sensitive, generous. He loved his animals. He was my number one,' she added. Jack's funeral on February 28 was commemorated by a procession of just less than 100 tractors, which 'brought Barnsley to a standstill'. The Tractor Lads Around Penistone group is also raising money for Bee Kind for Honey, a youth suicide prevention charity in Barnsley, with a Christmas tractor run later this month. 'If we can stop one family from going through what Jacks family has gone through, weve achieved what we would like,' Andy Lucas, a member of the Tractor Lads Around Penistone group, told YorkshireLive. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/ MacKenzie Scott, one of the world's richest women, has once again captured attention for her quiet yet powerful approach to giving. The billionaire philanthropist, who rose to prominence after her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, recently donated an extraordinary $80 million (60.97 million) to Howard University, marking one of the largest single gifts in the school's 158-year history. The unrestricted donation, announced on 3 November 2025, has been described as transformative for the prestigious Historically Black College and University (HBCU). It comes at a crucial time as Howard faces financial challenges amid delayed federal funding, positioning Scott's contribution as both timely and strategic. From Amazon to Altruism: The Story Behind Her Wealth Born in San Francisco in 1970, MacKenzie Scott began her career as a novelist before co-founding Amazon with Jeff Bezos in the mid-1990s. Following their divorce in 2019, Scott received roughly 4% of Amazon's stock, instantly making her one of the wealthiest women in the world. Today, her net worth is estimated at around $36.7 billion (27.97 billion), according to Forbes. In October 2025, financial filings revealed that Scott had cut her Amazon stake by 42%, offloading approximately $12.6 billion (9.60 million) in shares. The move reinforced her intention to redistribute her wealth toward causes promoting education, equity and opportunity. Since signing the Giving Pledge in 2019, Scott has committed to donating the majority of her fortune during her lifetime. Reports indicate that she has already given away more than $19 billion (14.48 billion) to over 2,000 organisations across the United States. A New Model of Giving Scott's philanthropic style has been hailed as a game-changer. Unlike traditional foundations that impose strict oversight, she opts for 'no-strings-attached' donations, granting institutions the freedom to allocate funds where they are most needed. Her charitable vehicle, Yield Giving, exemplifies this philosophy. In 2024, it distributed $640 million (487 million) in open-call grants to hundreds of small and mid-sized non-profit organisations. A 2025 study by the Centre for Effective Philanthropy found that Scott's approach significantly improved recipients' financial resilience and long-term planning capabilities. By challenging the bureaucracy often tied to large donations, Scott has reshaped expectations in modern philanthropy, inspiring other high-net-worth donors to consider trust-based giving. Howard University's Historic Gift Howard University confirmed that the $80 million (60.97 million) contribution will be split between $63 million (48.01 million) for the university's general fund and $17 million (12.95 million) for its College of Medicine. According to Fortune, the gift was announced on 3 November 2025 and represents one of the largest unrestricted donations in the university's history. The contribution allows Howard to address pressing needs such as student scholarships, infrastructure improvements and research expansion. University leaders described the donation as one of the most significant in its history. The funds will help support Howard's ambition to expand medical and research facilities, particularly as it works to improve access to healthcare and education for underrepresented communities. Strengthening HBCUs and Educational Equity Scott's gift to Howard is part of a broader philanthropic push benefiting Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In October 2025, she donated $70 million (53.35 million) to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and contributed an additional $172 million (131 million) across multiple HBCUs. These donations address long-standing disparities in funding between HBCUs and predominantly white institutions. For many schools, Scott's unrestricted grants have provided breathing room to enhance student aid, recruit faculty and invest in new technology. Education experts have noted that such gifts go beyond financial support, signalling a renewed recognition of the role HBCUs play in promoting social progress and racial equity in higher education. Originally published on IBTimes UK Susanna Reid and Lorraine have both mocked Rachel Reeves for her desperate attempts to soften up voters before her manifesto-breaking Budget with a 'bonkers' speech that told viewers 'nothing'. The Chancellor sought to blame Brexit and the Tories - as well as international economic headwinds - for tax rises in her upcoming fiscal package, despite Labour's election vow not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT. But her long-winded address from Downing Street went down poorly with Susanna and Lorraine, with the breakfast TV hosts both agreeing she had said 'nothing' of substance. The Good Morning Britain host reacted first by saying: 'What's changed in the course of that speech? 'I don't understand why the Treasury decided to take up that much airtime for breakfast television viewers and then say I'm not going to tell you what's in the Budget.' The Daily Mail's Andrew Pierce - a GMB columnist - agreed with Susanna, asking: 'What was the point of that speech?' Moments later, Lorraine appeared for a brief segment promoting her show. Turning to her, Susanna said: 'Do you know what it reminds me of? 'It reminds me of a moment when you were watching an interview where the guest said nothing and you said 'What was the point of that?'.' Lorraine replied: 'As you said, it was long and in the end she wouldn't answer any questions about what she's going to do at the end of November anyway. That was bonkers.' Rachel Reeves' pre-Budget speech went down poorly with Susanna Reid and Lorraine The Chancellor sought to blame Brexit and the Tories - as well as international economic headwinds - for tax rises in her upcoming fiscal package In a blatant damage limitation exercise ahead of her announcements on November 26, Ms Reeves said there is a 'clear choice' between 'investment and hope, or cuts and division'. Ominously hinting at broad tax assault, she warned that 'we will all have to contribute' to getting the country back on track. 'These are important choices that will shape the future of our country for years to come,' she said. Ms Reeves repeatedly dodged invitations to repeat Labour's election vow not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT. She said she would do 'what is right' rather than 'popular' and prioritise 'protecting our NHS, reducing our national debt, and improving the cost of living'. 'Any Chancellor of any party would be standing here facing the choices that I face,' she insisted. The intervention effectively confirms that Britons face another brutal raid, with the black hole in the public finances estimated at between 20billion and 50billion. That potentially includes increases to income tax, council tax and pain for the 'wealthy'. Standing in front of a podium with the slogan 'strong foundations, secure future' and flanked by Union Jacks, Ms Reeves said there were no 'easy answers'. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. She warned that markets could be even more negative about lending to the UK if they did not believe her commitment to meeting her fiscal rules. But it is barely a year since the Chancellor claimed her first Budget - the biggest tax-raiser on record - had 'wiped the slate clean'. 'I'm really clear. I'm not coming back with more borrowing or more taxes,' she told the CBI last November. Treasury officials are said to have been ordered to find ways of getting more money out of everyone with incomes of more than 45,000 a year. Insiders claim that only Britons below that threshold - the bottom two-thirds of earners - are being defined as 'working people' to receive protection from Labour's tax assault. That effectively brands the top third of earners as 'wealthy' encompassing jobs such as HGV drivers, teachers and head chefs at the Wagamama restaurant chain. Sources have confirmed that bigger property taxes are on the radar. The Chancellor is said to be looking at dramatically hiking council tax for the top bands, which could affect over a million families. Your browser does not support iframes. That could mean an eye-watering rise from 3,800 to 7,600 for residents of a band G household in England - and from 4,560 a year to 9,120 for those in band H. The Conservatives have urged the PM to sack his Chancellor if she breaks Labour's tax pledges to the country. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride said: 'Rachel Reeves has made an emergency speech because she is panicking about the speculation she has fuelled. But all she's done is confirm the fears of households and businesses - that tax rises are coming. 'The Chancellor claims she fixed the public finances last year. If that was true, she would not be rolling the pitch for more tax rises and broken promises. The reality is she fiddled the fiscal rules so she could borrow hundreds of billions more. 'Every time the numbers don't add up, Reeves blames someone else. But this is about choices - and she made all the wrong ones. 'If Rachel Reeves had the backbone to get control of government spending - including the welfare bill - she wouldn't need to raise taxes. If she breaks her promises yet again, enough is enough. She must go.' Pregnant Bella Culley has been spotted checking in at the airport as she prepares to leave Georgia to return to the UK after she was freed from prison. The 19-year-old Briton was released from a Georgian prison yesterday after a last-minute reprieve allowed her to leave the country. She will be accompanied by her mother, Leyanne Kennedy, on the flight due to land tonight. It has been reported that a car is expected to pick her up from the airport and drive her home once she lands. Despite concerns that she was past the normal 36-week limit to fly, her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, confirmed she wouldn't need any special permission to travel. She was seen checking in at an easyJet kiosk wearing a brown sleeveless top and matching bottoms. She stood beside her mother as she spoke to an agent. Culley had been kept in jail after authorities arrested her at Tbilisi international airport in May and accused her of smuggling 12 kg of marihuana and 2kg of hashish into Georgia. Yesterday, it was expected that she would be sentenced to two years in prison, but prosecutors made a dramatic U-turn and asked for her release. She is said to have erupted in tears and laughter when the judge decided to free her. Her mother, Lyanne, 44, who was there to support her, broke down outside Tbilisi City Court yesterday and told reporters: 'I am so happy - so happy. I know I don't look like it, but I am so happy. 'We will need to get her passport, and then we leave. Either today or tomorrow.' In the last week, Culley's parents had managed to raise a staggering 140,000 fine to help reduce their daughter's sentence. An emotional Culley, from Billingham, Teesside, was seen yesterday walking out of the courthouse as a free woman. She called her father, Niel, 49, to give him the good news, telling him: 'I'm not in jail anymore'. Overcome with excitement, he responded: 'Wahey! That's brilliant.' Bella Culley and her mum Leyanne Kennedy were seen checking in at the airport as they prepared to return to the UK Culley and her mother were seen checking their luggage as they prepared to leave Georgia Bella Culley, seen with her mum Lyanne after her release yesterday, is due to fly back into the UK tonight Culley appeared overjoyed as she left the courthouse yesterday. She was initially expected to be hit with a two-year prison sentence In court, the prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalugelashvili said: 'It was our initiative - we took into consideration her age, her condition and her good behaviour, and that she fully cooperated. 'We ask the judge to find Bella Culley guilty of 242a of the Georgian criminal code and be sentenced to five months and 25 days in prison with an additional fine of 500,000GEL. 'The confiscated drugs will be destroyed, including her bag, while other personal belongings will be returned to her.' Judge Giorgi Gelashvili, then asked the prosecutor if Culley should be set free, to which he replied: 'Yes, we would like her to be released today.' The judge agreed to release her, but cautioned that there would be no mitigating circumstance if she repeats the offence. He said: 'The sentence is five months and 24 days and an additional fine of 500,000 Georgian lari. The arrest will be rescinded as the time spent in preliminary detention will be taken into account.' Culley, ecstatic at the news, hugged her mother after the decision was read out and said: ' I didn't expect this at all. This is a huge surprise.' When asked if she had any complaints about her time in prison, she responded that she had none. However, when reporters asked her the same question outside court, she looked at her mum, who shook her head and said: 'Bella, no'. Her conditions at the prison are said to have been grim - she reportedly was forced to boil pasta in a kettle and toast bread over a candle. Her cell at No 5 Womens Penitentiary near the capital, Tbilisi, also had a hole in the ground, used as a toilet. It was later reported that her release came after the British Embassy sent a letter to the president of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, asking him to pardon her. Culley and her mother Lyanne share an emotional embrace after the stunning turn of events Culley was arrested back in May after authorities accused her of smuggling drugs into the country The judge warned the pregnant teen that there would be no mitigating circumstance if she repeats the offence A source told the Daily Mail: 'The British Embassy has sent a letter suggesting that the President consider granting a pardon to this young woman, noting that she is in a late stage of pregnancy and has already signed a plea agreement. 'They added that they stand ready to provide the case files, should they be required. The President has forwarded this letter to the Pardon Commission for review.' Today, her attorney, Salakaia said: 'Im very happy it ended with her free. I wish them all the best.' Culley is due to welcome her child before Christmas after she became pregnant while travelling in Southeast Asia. After her arrest, she insisted that she was threatened by a British gang who told her they would kill her family if she did not peddle the drugs from Thailand to Georgia. She claimed she was burned with a hot iron and shown a video of a beheading by a Thai gang. Culley also claimed she flew to Tbilisi, thinking it was the name of a country and not knowing she had the illegal substances in her luggage. This is a breaking news story with more to follow Post Office hero Sir Alan Bates has finally won a seven-figure sum in damages, it has been revealed. More than 900 sub-postmasters were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 after faulty accounting software made it look as though money was missing from their accounts. Hundreds are still waiting for payouts despite the previous government announcing that those who have had convictions quashed were eligible for 600,000. Now Sir Alan, who was knighted following his role leading the campaign for justice, is understood to have settled his personal case with the Government. His long-running battle for justice accelerated dramatically after ITV highlighted the scandal in the award-winning 2024 drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. Sir Alan was portrayed by Toby Jones in the series, which provoked widespread public and political debate over the Government's handling of the scandal. Earlier this year he criticised officials for 'reneging' on assurances given when the compensation schemes were set up. He said the Department for Business and Trade had promised they would be 'non-legalistic' but this turned out to be 'worthless'. The 70-year-old revealed that he had been handed a 'take it or leave it' compensation offer of less than half his original claim. Sir Alan said the first offer, made in January last year, was just one sixth of what he was asking for - adding that it rose to a third in the second offer. Former sub-postmaster Sir Alan Bates led the campaign to get justice for those affected by the Post Office scandal He was later given a 'final take it or leave it offer' - which he said amounted to 49.2 per cent of his original claim. His compensation claim has now reportedly been settled, with Sky News saying sources suggested it could be valued at between 4million and 5million. A Government spokesperson said: 'We pay tribute to Sir Alan Bates for his long record of campaigning on behalf of victims and have now paid out over 1.2billion to more than 9,000 victims. 'We can confirm that Sir Alan's claim has reached the end of the scheme process and been settled.' Sir Alan received his knighthood from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle in September last year after exposing the Horizon IT scandal. He was the figurehead in the decades-long campaign to have his colleagues' names cleared and win compensation. Sir Alan and his wife Lady Suzanne Sercombe bought a post office and haberdashery in Llandudno, Wales, in 1998. The Horizon IT system was installed in October 2000 and within two months financial discrepancies were showing up. Former Post Office sub-postmasters are seen here celebrating outside London's High Court after 42 of the victims of the IT scandal were cleared in April 2021 Former post office sub-postmaster Alan Bates, pictured right, along with his wife Suzanne Sercombe outside Aldwich House in London ITV turned the plight of the Post Office victims into an award-winning drama,starring Toby Jones as Sir Alan Sir Alan insisted they were not his fault and refused to pay the shortfall. His contract was terminated in November 2003 and, while he was not prosecuted, he lost the 65,000 he had invested in the business. In 2009, Computer Weekly broke the story of the Post Office scandal, featuring Sir Alan and six other victims, and he founded the Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance. Just 20 people turned up to the group's first meeting, but it soon mushroomed into a high-profile campaign that ultimately led to group litigation against the shamed Post Office and a later public inquiry. ITV turned their plight into an award-winning drama, with Sir Alan played by Toby Jones, whilst his supportive wife Susanne Sercombe is depicted by Julie Hesmondhalgh. The show depicts several other innocent former Post Office staff who were wrongly convicted, including Jo Hamilton (Monica Dolan) and Lee and Lisa Castleton (Will Mellor and Amy Nuttall). It also showed the involvement of much-criticised former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells, who stepped down from her role in February 2019 and faced calls to give back her CBE. She was formally stripped of the gong in February 2024 for 'bringing the honours system into disrepute.' This is a breaking news story. More to follow... As the gun-toting, all-metal killing machine in Terminator 2, he declared, 'I'll be back' - again. Arnold Schwarzenegger's second outing as the robot assassin was made more memorable for the fact that this time, he was good. Now, the leather jacket 'Arnie' wore in James Cameron's Oscar-winning 1991 film is among more than 1,350 film props that are set to sell for up to 8million. The bullet-holed jacket, which has been signed by Schwarzenegger, has been given a tidy sale estimate of between 15,000 to 30,000. But Will Ferrell's festive costume from the Christmas film Elf could sell for a lot more - between 100,000 and 200,000. The green, white, yellow and black elf outfit, which originates from the film's producer Jon Berg, is screen matched to the lift scene where Buddy pushes all of the buttons to see them light up like a Christmas tree. The movie, about a man raised as one of Father Christmas's elves who travels to New York to find his real father, was released in 2003 to widespread critical acclaim, and is considered to be one of the top Christmas films of all time. The auction, run by US auction house Propstore, showcases a range of props, costumes and other items, including the hoverboard used by Michael J Fox's character Marty McFly in Back To The Future Part II (1989) and III (1990), which has a pre-sale estimate of 60,000 to 120,000. The leather jacket Arnold Schwarzenegger wore in James Cameron 's Oscar-winning 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgement Day is among more than 1,350 film props that are set to sell for up to 8million Arnold Schwarzenegger 's second outing as the robot assassin was made more memorable for the fact that this time, he was good Also included is a heavily annotated personal shooting script from Die Hard (1988), once owned by Alan Rickman, which could fetch between 30,000 and 60,000. Rickman, who died at the age of 69 in 2016, will also have his annotated shooting script from romantic comedy Christmas film Love Actually (2003) go under the hammer. The collection's top lot is Boba Fett's EE-3 carbine blaster from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), which has a pre-sale estimate of 350,000 to 700,000. Other highlights include the fedora worn by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984), which carries a pre-sale estimate of 150,000 to 300,000. Tobey Maguire's suit from 2007 film Spider-Man 3 could fetch between 75,000 and 150,000. A number of horror props will also be auctioned, including a Ghostface mask from Scream (1996) and the stunt axe of Jack Nicholson's character Jack Torrance in The Shining (1980), which is expected to sell for between 50,000 and 100,000. t Will Ferrell 's Ferrell's festive costume from the Christmas film Elf could sell for between 100,000 and 200,000 The movie, about a man raised as one of Father Christmas's elves who travels to New York to find his real father, was released in 2003 The collection's top lot is Boba Fett's EE-3 carbine blaster from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), which has a pre-sale estimate of 350,000 to 700,000 The Boba Fett character holding his carbine blaster in 1980 film Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back A rebel pilot helmet from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is tipped to sell for up to 400,000 A scene from the 1980 film Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back showing the rebel helmet A gallery assistant poses with the fedora worn by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which was released in 1984 Propstore employees look at full-size screen-matched light-up Mondoshawan from the 1997 film 'The Fifth Element' The Mondoshawan in The Fifth Element, which starred Bruce Willis Alan Rickman's heavily-annotated personal shooting script from the 1988 film 'Die Hard' The Kal-El Crystalline Kryptonian Starship miniature from the 1978 film 'Superman' The prop as it appeared in the 1978 film Superman Moira Shearer's red shoes from the 1948 film 'The Red Shoes'. The actress starred as aspiring ballerina Victoria Page Moira Shearer as Victoria Page in The Red Shoes There is also an SFX baby dragon Viserion from Game Of Thrones, the Tinker Bell costume worn by Julia Roberts in Hook (1991), and Will Smith's suit ensemble as Agent J in Men In Black (1997). Stephen Lane, Propstore chief executive, said: 'As the year draws to a close, Propstore is thrilled to bring collectors an extraordinary line-up - from the festive joy of Elf to the timeless adventure of Indiana Jones and the interstellar legacy of Star Wars. 'Each piece is a tangible piece of storytelling history, connecting fans directly to the films that shaped their imaginations.' The auction house is hosting a two-day public exhibition at The Cumberland Hotel in London from November 25, where fans and collectors will have the chance to see items before they go under the hammer. The more than 1,350 items are valued at a combined estimate of 8 million. The three-day live auction begins on December 5. An Afghan asylum seeker has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his female boss to death, following German authorities' decision that his home country was too unsafe. Sayed Akbar S. is alleged to have stabbed Magda M. 26 times with an eight-centimetre blade in what German media described as a 'frenzy' on May 7 2025 at a 'New Yorker' clothing store in Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia. Polish-born Magda, 41, tragically died at the scene, and Sayed, 26, was found a short distance away with blood-stained hands. At his trial, it was revealed that his asylum application to stay in Germany had been rejected. But instead of being sent back to Afghanistan, German authorities ruled it would be too dangerous to send him back and granted him a deportation ban. He was also revealed to suffer from paranoid schizophrenia, with a prosecutor telling the court: 'He acted in a state of diminished responsibility'. But this was little comfort to Magda's family, who were present at the trial and told Bild: 'What are we supposed to think when we see this man? 'The moment he ended Magda's life, our suffering began. A suffering that will never end and has traumatized many people forever', her mother said. Sayed Akbar S. is alleged to have stabbed Magda M. 27 times with an eight-centimetre blade on May 7 2025 at a 'New Yorker' clothing store in Krefeld (File image of Krefeld) It comes weeks after an Afghan man deemed psychologically ill faced a German court over a deadly knife attack on a group of toddlers that his defence lawyer labelled the 'deed of a madman'. The stabbings nine months ago in a park in the southern city of Aschaffenburg killed a two-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man who tried to protect the children, and left three others wounded. Prosecutors acknowledged that the 28-year-old who set upon the daycare group with a kitchen knife on January 22 was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. The attack, which came just a month before German national elections, inflamed an already heated debate on migration. The suspect, who was arrested near the scene of the stabbing, has been only partially named as Enamullah O., in line with usual practice by the German judiciary. Facing the court in handcuffs and foot shackles, he appeared groggy and subdued, wearing an open white shirt with a dark jacket. A former NRL star has been charged with fraud after allegedly stealing $140,000 worth of cryptocurrency. Police raided the NSW South Coast home of former Dragons and NSW State of Origin forward Trent Merrin, 36, on Tuesday morning. Officers seized several electronic devices from the property in Barrack Point, which will be forensically analysed. NSW Police launched an investigation into Merrin late last year after receiving reports the ex-footy star had stolen cryptocurrency from an account belonging to a 29-year-old man. Merrin was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where he was charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception. He is accused of stealing $140,000 from the man's account. The former Blues player retired after competing in more than 150 games for the Dragons across two stints with the team, including the club's last premiership in 2010. He also played for the Penrith Panthers and Leeds in the English Super League, as well as teams for NSW and Australia. Trent Merrin (left) was arrested and charged with fraud after allegedly stealing $140,000 Merrin (pictured) retired from the NRL in 2021 Merrin's home was raided by NSW Police officers on Tuesday (pictured, Merrin and partner Kiara Ramsey talking with police on Tuesday morning) Merrin has been an active member of the crypto community since his retirement in 2021, even going so far as to describe himself as a 'cryptocurrency enthusiast' on his LinkedIn profile. He was granted conditional bail ahead of an appearance in Port Kembla Local Court on December 3. Merrin made headlines in 2017 after splitting from his former girlfriend, champion surfer Sally Fitzgibbons, after three years together. The pair started dating in 2014 and were engaged the following year during a trip to Vanuatu. At the time of the breakup, Fitzgibbons said she was focused on 'exciting' opportunities. Merrin is now a father of two children and dating Kiara Ramsey, who greeted officers at the door of their home on Tuesday morning. Jesus may have heard words of wisdom from his mother Mary, but she did not help him save the world from damnation, the Vatican has said. In a new decree approved by Pope Leo, the Vatican's top doctrinal office instructed the world's 1.4 billion Catholics not to refer to Mary as the 'co-redeemer'. Jesus alone saved the world, said the new instruction, adding that her title creates 'confusion' with regard to the 'truths of the Christian faith'. The move settles an internal debate that has befuddled senior Church figures for decades, and even sparked rare open disagreement among recent popes. 'It would not be appropriate to use the title "co-redemptrix",' said the text. 'This title ... (can) create confusion and an imbalance in the harmony of the truths of the Christian faith.' Catholics believe Jesus redeemed humanity by his crucifixion and death. But church scholars have debated for centuries whether Mary, who Catholics and many Christians call the Mother of God, helped Jesus save the world. In a new decree approved by Pope Leo, the Vatican's top doctrinal office instructed the world's 1.4 billion Catholics not to refer to Mary as the 'co-redeemer' Illustration from 1915 shows Jesus Christ with the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene The late Pope Francis fiercely opposed granting Mary the title of 'co-redeemer', at one point calling the idea 'foolishness'. 'She never wanted to take anything for herself from her son,' Francis, who died in April, said in 2019. Francis' predecessor, Benedict XVI, also opposed the title. His predecessor, John Paul II, supported it, but stopped using the title publicly in the mid-1990s after the doctrinal office began expressing scepticism. The new Vatican instruction highlighted Mary's role as an intermediary between God and humanity. By giving birth to Jesus, she 'opened the gates of the Redemption that all humanity had awaited', it said. According to the Bible, Mary's response to the angel who told her she would become pregnant was: 'Let it be.' The doctrine announcement comes less than two weeks after King Charles became the first British monarch in 500 years to pray in public with a pope. His Majesty, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, were introduced to Pope Leo XIV in the Apostolic Palace library on October 23 - the traditional place for such meetings. Pope Leo XIV presides at a Requiem Mass for the late Pope Francis yesterday Then, with three short words, the Pope ended almost half a millennium of division between the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England in the Sistine Chapel. 'Let us pray,' he said, as the King stood to his left. The day's ceremonial events began with a Guard of Honour provided by the iconic Swiss Guard and the playing of both the British and Vatican City national anthems. Their Majesties were also met by a group of 'Papal Gentlemen' and the 'Gentlemen of the Pope', Prince of Windisch-Gaetz, Mariano Hugo, before being guided inside. The Swiss Guards are one of the oldest and most prestigious European military forces, drawn exclusively from Roman Catholic Swiss citizens who have completed military training. They fulfill ceremonial functions and form the Pope's bodyguard. After the King and Queen were introduced to the pope, there was an exchange of gifts - with His Majesty presenting the Catholic leader with a large silver photograph, and Icon of St Edward the Confessor. The Pope presented His Majesty with a scale version of the mosaic of 'Christ Pantocrator', in the Norman Cathedral of Cefalu, in Sicily. The mosaic was made in the Vatican. The King also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's Cardinal Secretary of State, who attended his coronation in May 2023. The Cardinal was the first papal representative to attend the Coronation of a British monarch for almost 500 years. The visit came 40 years after Queen Elizabeth II banned the King from taking part in a papal Mass when he visited Vatican City with former wife Diana, Princess of Wales in 1985. Charles, 76, who has been a life-long advocate for better inter-Faith dialogue and relations, had been keen to join Pope John Paul II in prayer. Tommy Robinson has been found not guilty of the terror offence of failing to provide police with the PIN to his mobile phone. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was on his way to Benidorm when he was stopped by officers at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone. The 42-year-old was arrested under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act after police became concerned about 'his demeanour', Westminster Magistrates Court heard. The Act gives police the power to stop anyone passing through a UK port 'to determine whether they may be involved or concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism'. Today, District Judge Sam Goozee cleared Robinson of failing to comply with the counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year. 'I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you stood for and your political beliefs that acted for the principle reason for this stop,' the judge said. Speaking to the former English Defence League leader, he said: 'I cannot convict you,' as he concluded Pc Mitchell Thorogood's decision to stop Robinson was based on a 'protected characteristic'. The judge also said he found it 'concerning' that officers could not recall what they asked Robinson, and were 'confused' about what powers they had to stop him. 'What I find troubling is that PC Thorogood had already identified you,' the judge added. 'This gave the impression for an arbitrary stop about who you are and your beliefs. I find PC Thorogood had no recollection of what questions he asked you. Tommy Robinson speaks outside Westminster Magistrates Court after being cleared of the terror offence of failing to provide police with the PIN to his mobile phone Tommy Robinson is pictured arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court on today. He has since been found not guilty of the terror offence of failing to provide police with the PIN to his phone 'Your detention lacked rigour, police never sought representations, and more concerningly police never explored what questions or topics were being examined. 'It is what you stood for and your beliefs that amounted to a protected characteristic. That is at the forefront of my concern. 'Based on the evidence, although your political views may be a factor in making a determination under Section 40, the inability of the officers to remember what questions were asked or covered means I cannot be satisfied that the stop was not driven by knowledge of your political beliefs. 'The Crown's submission of your connections to far-right terrorism is simply not borne out by evidence of the officers. There is no evidence at all that those questions were brought up in your detention interview. He added: 'Significant cash was found in the search, but I place no weight on that. The stop was not lawful, and I cannot convict you. I find you not guilty.' Cheers were heard in the public gallery as Robinson left the dock with his hands in his hoodie pocket. The judge had delayed his ruling last month because the ex-EDL leader had a trip to Israel as a guest of the government. Before Tuesday's hearing, Robinson said on X that billionaire Elon Musk had 'picked up' the 'nearly 100,000' legal bill. During the trial, it was heard that Robinson tried to film a video of himself saying he had been arrested on the way to an interview room and was told by officers to 'relax'. And when asked to hand over the phone's PIN, Robinson replied: 'Not a chance bruv ... you look like c***s so you ain't having it,' Jo Morris, prosecuting, said. He argued the mobile contained 'journalistic material', as well as information about 'vulnerable girls' and that he would not hand it over. 'The process by which journalistic material would be protected was explained to him,' Ms Morris said. The 42-year-old was arrested under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act after police became concerned about 'his demeanour', Westminster Magistrates Court previously heard The court heard that while being interviewed, Robinson told the officers: 'For me it's a win-win, it's going to be bad for yous.' Robinson was later interviewed by police at 11am, 11.50am, and 12.49pm, but still refused to give them the PIN, the court heard. A small bag containing 13,370 and 1,910 was also found in his car after police searched his luggage. The silver Bentley SUV he was travelling in was also not registered under his name, and he had also booked his tickets to travel on the day. Under the legislation, a person can be detained for up to six hours and is legally obliged to answer questions. They must also provide the password or PIN for electronic devices, or be held to have committed a criminal offence if they refuse. Alisdair Williamson KC, defending, said the officers' intervention was discriminatory because it was based to a 'significant degree on a protected characteristic'. He said the 'predominant influence' on Pc Mitchell Thorogood's decision to stop him was 'oh look, it's Tommy Robinson.'' Mr Williamson added: 'If MI5 didn't think that Mr Lennon is a terrorist, what did Pc Thorogood think he was going to learn by asking him about publicly available information?' He suggested Robinson travelled to Benidorm regularly, which should have lessened the officer's suspicions about him. The lawyer said there was 'no evidence that the stop was carried out diligently or expeditiously', and that it was a 'fishing expedition' as there was nothing to link Robinson to terrorism. Ms Morris said the officer had concerns about Mr Robinson's 'notoriety for associating with far-right activists'. 'It is a reasonable suspicion to think that on his telephone there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism,' she added. A brave rail worker who suffered serious injuries during the Huntingdon knife attack has been pictured for the first time. Samir Zitouni, 48, was one of 11 people injured during the mass stabbing on board a train on Saturday night. Mr Zitouni, who has worked for London North Eastern Railway (LNER) for more than 20 years, remains in hospital in a stable but 'critically unwell' condition following the attack. Paying tribute to his 'incredible bravery', David Horne, managing director at LNER, said: 'In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him. 'His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening. 'Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery.' Anthony Williams, 32, from Peterborough, was charged on Monday with 10 counts of attempted murder. Samir Zitouni, 48, was one of 11 people injured during the mass stabbing on board a train on Saturday night Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged in connection with a knife rampage on board an LNER train that unfolded on Saturday Your browser does not support iframes. In a statement, Mr Zitouni's family said: 'We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well wishes for his recovery. 'The care provided by the hospital and the support from his colleagues at LNER has been incredible. 'We are immensely proud of Sam and his courage. The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us - he's always been a hero.' Tonight, as BTP formally linked the investigation into the train attack to four other stabbing or knife incidents in the 25 hours leading up to the rampage, further details emerged about train driver Andrew Johnson's efforts to divert the train to Huntingdon for the unscheduled stop. A rail source said the driver was forced to override a door alarm triggered by a terrified passenger to prevent the train from stopping automatically, and then liaised with signallers to change the points in order for the service to be routed towards Huntingdon, instead of its next scheduled stop at Stevenage, further south. The source added: 'He had to slow the train down to 20mph in order to give them time to switch the train onto the slow line into Huntingdon.' Yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer thanked the 'heroic actions' of train staff, including Mr Zitouni, who put themselves in harm's way to save 'countless lives'. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said Mr Zitouni 'went to work on Saturday morning and left a hero'. 'I know the British Transport Police have reviewed CCTV footage from what happened and he literally put himself in harm's way. There will be people who are alive today because of his actions.' She added: 'He went to work on Saturday morning to do his job and he left work a hero.' The train sitting at the platform in Huntingdon on Sunday morning, after passengers and rail staff were attacked On Monday, Williams appeared at Peterborough Magistrates' Court charged with 11 attempted murder charges in connection with the train attack and an earlier DLR station attack. He also faces charges of possessing a bladed article and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was remanded in custody until a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1. The suspect is understood to have boarded the 6.25 LNER service from Doncaster to London King's Cross at Peterborough before allegedly rampaging through the moving carriages. Passengers ran through the vehicle, barricading themselves in toilets and behind the shutters of the onboard shop in the buffet car in a bid to protect themselves. Driver Andrew Johnson - a veteran of the second Gulf War - frantically worked with Network Rail staff to arrange for the LNER Azuma to make an emergency stop at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire. As the train pulled into the station, cool-headed railway staff ushered passengers hurriedly down the platform as the suspect followed closely behind. The alleged attacker, still brandishing a knife, crossed the railway tracks and leapt over a fence before being subdued by police. Anthony Williams, 32, from Peterborough, was charged on Monday with 10 counts of attempted murder Hero driver Andrew Johnson (pictured) rapidly diverted the London-bound train to Huntingdon station after being alerted to the mass stabbing, enabling emergency services to act fast Cambridgeshire Police Chief Constable Simon Megicks said he 'commissioned an internal review of the events which occurred prior to' Saturday's train attack. The force voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) but he added: 'The referral did not meet the criteria for a valid referral, so they are not investigating the matter. 'However, yesterday I commissioned an internal review of the events which occurred prior to the tragic events of Saturday evening. 'Today I have received a formal request from police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston for this review. 'I welcome this additional scrutiny and will provide a report to him in due course.' Witness Thomas McLachlan, 19, from London, who was returning from a trip to Newcastle, described how people were leaving the train 'drenched in blood'. Terrorism has been ruled out as a motive, with the suspect not being known to MI5 or counter-terror services. Tracy Easton, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said the number of charges would be 'kept under review' as further enquiries are carried out. She said: 'We worked closely with British Transport Police to review a huge volume of evidence including CCTV. The number of charges will be kept under review as this continues to progress. 'We know the devastating impact the events on Saturday's train has had and how the incident shocked the entire country. Our thoughts remain with all those affected.' A 35yearold man who was arrested at the scene has since been released with no further action after police established he was not involved in the attack. LNER boss David Horne said the firm was 'deeply shocked and saddened' by Saturday's events. Ten patients were taken by ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and one patient self-presented, British Transport Police said today. Six have since been discharged, four remain stable and one - Mr Zitouni - remains stable but critically unwell. An emotive letter penned by Winston Churchill to his first love while locked up in a South African prison has emerged 126 years later. The future prime minister told Pamela Plowden it was 'not a very satisfactory address to write from' after he was imprisoned while covering the Boer War as a reporter. But he tried to remain positive as he added that he expected to be released, writing: 'I was taken unarmed and with full credentials as a correspondent'. Churchill finished by telling Pamela: 'Among new and vivid scenes I think often of you.' Three days earlier, Churchill was captured defending an armoured train from a Boer ambush. He was transferred to a PoW camp in the States Model School building, Pretoria. Churchill wrote on November 18, 1899: 'Not a very satisfactory address to write from - although it begins with P. 'Daresay you know everything that happened and more from the Press. An emotive letter penned by Winston Churchill to his first love while locked up in a South African prison has emerged 126 years later Churchill was captured defending an armoured train from a Boer ambush. He was in South Africa working as a a war correspondent 'I expect to be released as I was taken quite unarmed and with my full credentials as a correspondent. 'But I write you this line to tell you that among new and vivid scenes I think often of you.' Churchill escaped from captivity four weeks later by climbing over a prison wall and hiding on a coal train, eventually reaching the safety of Portuguese East Africa. The one page handwritten letter is going under the hammer at London-based Forum Auctions for an estimated 20,000. Churchill was a 22-year-old subaltern in India when he first met Plowden, the daughter of the Resident at Hyderabad, in November 1896. He was instantly besotted with her, telling his mother in a letter 'she is the most beautiful girl that I have ever seen'. The sale also includes a second letter penned by Churcill to Pamela, which is believed to be their first correspondence. On July 23, 1898, he sent a two-page letter to her alongside a manuscript of his book 'Affairs of State'. Churchill was a 22-year-old subaltern in India when he first met Plowden, the daughter of the Resident at Hyderabad, in November 1896. Above: Plowden in 1926 He asks her for input for his heroine character then tells her 'you exercise a strange fascination over me'. He writes: 'I shall make no attempt to conceal the fact that you exercise a strange fascination over me. 'If you will write to me about the book I shall be glad, and if you can throw a little life into the heroine, I shall be grateful.' The letter is valued at 15,000. Both correspondence have been consigned by a private collector. A Forum Auctions spokesperson said: 'The letter written only three days into his captivity shows the depth of his feelings for Pamela and his confidence in being released. 'His confidence was ill-founded as his appeals for clemency because of his status as a non-combatant failed. 'He was therefore determined to escape, which he finally managed less than a month later. The sale also includes a second letter penned by Churcill to Pamela, which is believed to be their first correspondence On July 23, 1898, he sent a two-page letter to her alongside a manuscript of his book 'Affairs of State' 'Churchill letters from captivity in Pretoria are extremely rare on the market.' Churchill was left heartbroken when Pamela rejected his marriage proposal after he returned to Britain from the Boer War in 1900. In April 1902, she married the Earl of Lytton, with whom she had four children. Two years later Churchill first met his future wife Clementine at a society ball. Although nothing happened on that occasion they were reacquainted in 1908 when they were seated together at a dinner party. They became an item and Churchill proposed to Clementine at a house party at Blenheim Palace in August 1908 and they married a month later. Despite his earlier heartbreak, Churchill and Plowden remained lifelong friends while he went on to marry Clementine Hozier in 1908. They exchanged sweet letters on the 50th anniversary of Churchill's failed marriage proposal, and continued to meet until his death in 1965. Plowden died in 1971. The sale takes place on November 20. A picturesque Colorado town is being destroyed by an invasive beaver family and residents have had enough. Families in Englewood just seven miles south of Denver love to enjoy the town's natural beauty and gorgeous scenery. But in the past few months, beavers moved into Englewood's Centennial Park and began devouring its trees. 'It's a beautiful park. I love the birds and just the wildlife around here,' local Chris Aubrecht told Fox31. He and some of the town's 35,000 residents worry that if something isn't done to get the beavers under control, their 'beautiful' landscape will be gone for good. Some trees have been destroyed completely, while others were tainted by deep, obvious bite marks. Aubrecht explained that in the last two months the family of beavers have cut down more than a dozen trees. Stumps line the once picturesque lake and the city was forced to put up fences around remaining trees to keep the critters away. Beavers have destroyed a 'beautiful' park in Colorado after gnawing on the landscape for months (stock image) Some trees were destroyed completely while the city put fences around others to prevent further damage One local said that the family of beavers has damaged more than a dozen trees Beavers gnaw on trees to create dams that keep the water still around their lodges. They also feast on the soft layers of wood just underneath the bark. According to Little Medical School, the herbivores store branches beneath the ponds they live in to feast on in the winter. Aubrecht is skeptical that the old trees will ever grow back and is saddened by the loss of the once beloved environment. 'All these trees that are gone are probably gone for a decade,' he said. Englewood officials are working with wildlife professionals to potentially relocate the beavers, but the big move can't happen until the summer. Colorado Parks and Wildlife begin approving relocations statewide in June because beavers need time to adjust to their new surroundings before the winter months. Fortunately, the creatures tend to slow down as temperatures drop to preserve warmth and energy, according to Critter Control. Come spring, relocation may be the best option to keep the park intact. Centennial Park in Englewood, Colorado once had trees standing tall all around its lake Now locals worry they won't see the same lush greenery for a decade The city has looked into relocating the critters, but they can't be moved until the summer Beavers are handled as a 'nuisance species' in Colorado, which means wildlife officials keep a watchful eye on the ecological harm they could cause to the environment. Whoever owns the property is responsible for what happens to nuisance species in the end. However, some experts believe beavers are crucial to the environment. According to ABC News, they are a 'keystone species.' Correctly placed, their annoying tree-gnawing habit can protect ecosystems during droughts, floods, wildfires, and other environmental disasters. Regardless of potential long-term benefits, Aubrecht said, 'Theres better places than this for this family of beavers.' The Daily Mail reached out to Englewood Parks and Recreation for comment. A disgraced transgender lawmaker admitted to child sex offences after her partner sent her explicit photos of young children who attended a daycare she worked at. New Hampshire state Rep. Stacie Laughton pleaded guilty in federal court Monday in Boston to charges including sexual exploitation of children after she asked her then partner, Lindsay Groves, to send the disturbing photos, officials said. Laughton's plea comes a month after Groves confessed to taking the images of children before sending them to the 41-year-old Democrat in 2023. Groves, 40, was working at Creative Minds, a daycare in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts when she took nude images of napping children and sent them to Laughton, her girlfriend at the time. Laughton received those images while in office as the state and country's first-ever transgender person elected to state legislature. Authorities said the photos - accompanied with thousands of illicit discussions about them - were taken between May 2022 and June 2023, and contained at least four sexually explicit images of three to five-year-old children. Laughton, a biological male who lives as a woman, is set to be sentenced in February along with Groves. They could each face up to three decades behind bars. The Nashua Police Department began an investigation into the pair after receiving a tip off. New Hampshire state Rep. Stacie Laughton, 41, pleaded guilty to child sex crimes on Monday after she received nude images of children in 2023 from her then partner who worked at a Massachusetts daycare Lindsay Groves (right), Laughton's then-girlfriend, admitted to taking the pictures and sending them to the lawmaker (left) last month. They are set to be sentenced in February Detectives then looked into the then allegations and Laughton was promptly arrested in June 2023. According to the affidavit, Groves 'used natural bathroom breaks for the children,' such as 'routine diaper pull-up changes prior to naptime ... to take multiple photos of the prepubescent children in a private bathroom and then sent the photos to the (former intimate partner) via text message.' Their communications also included 2,500 illicit discussions. Chaos erupted in the courtroom when Groves appeared before a judge and parents of the victims for the first time in June 2023. While she was led away at the end of the hearing an unidentified tearful mother screamed at Groves from the gallery, shouting: 'I want to f***ing kill that b****!' The woman added: 'You need to rot in jail!'. This is not Laughton's first run-in with the law as she has faced multiple charges over the years. Her lengthy criminal history dates back to 2002, when she was arrested for domestic violence/criminal mischief in that year and a sexual assault charge against a woman in 2003, when Laughton was still identifying as a male. The vile images were taken of children as young as three-years-old at Creative Minds, a daycare in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts (pictured) The images, taken by Groves (right) and sent to Laughton (left), were taken between May 2022 and June 2023, and contained at least four sexually explicit images of three to five-year-old children In 2015, she was arrested for making a bomb threat against the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. In 2021, she was arrested once again for misusing the state's 911 texting system. Despite her criminal past, Laughton still ran for a second term in 2022 and was elected to represent Nashua, New Hampshire. However, once again, she was unable to take office having been jailed on stalking charges. Laughton has blamed her past criminal behavior on mental illness and untreated conditions. She expressed remorse for her past crimes and stated that their actions were completely out of character. Laughton is seen in a court sketch during her hearing on Monday Laughton (pictured) has blamed her past criminal behavior on mental illness and untreated conditions 'I have had a mental illness my whole life, and I guess this was my worst break with it. I was untreated for a long time, and I didn't have medication,' Laughton shared in an interview with the New Hampshire Union Leader after being arrested for making a bomb threat. 'I wasn't trying to hurt anyone, and it was totally out of character for me. I have put a lot behind me, and I never thought I would do this in a million years.' When contacted by the Daily Mail for comment, Derege Demissie, Laughton's attorney said his client has 'accepted responsibility for her role.' 'Our client reported the crime to the Nashua Police Dept and fully cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of the crime,' Demissie added. The Daily Mail contacted Groves' attorney for comment. A police car struck and killed a skateboarder while he was riding in the center median, dashcam footage released by the Los Angeles Police Department showed. The fatal crash, which took place on September 19, killed rider Gerardo 'Jerry' Estrada. The 30-year-old was struck at around 7:15pm in Highland Park, a neighborhood in northeast Los Angeles. The cops involved in the crash were on their way to help fellow officers apprehend a someone with a felony warrant, according to LAPD Capt. Mike Bland. They were driving northbound on Figueroa Road with their sirens on before Estrada suddenly appeared in the view of the police car's headlights, video shows. The officer in the passenger seat was heard audibly reacting, telling his partner to turn and 'look out'. Moments later, the front right bumper collided with Estrada. Estrada, a graduate of Santa Monica College, had been on his way home from work at the time. Both officers were horrified and were heard swearing before immediately calling an ambulance to their location. Estrada was found unresponsive and wedged beneath a parked vehicle nearby, Bland said. Gerardo 'Jerry' Estrada, 30, was struck and killed by an LAPD police vehicle on September 19 while he was riding his skateboard home in Highland Park, a neighborhood in northeast Los Angeles Pictured: The split second before Estrada is hit by the police car Paramedics and police officers crouch over Estrada, who is unresponsive, and give him CPR. He died at the scene The front right bumper of the police car had significant damage that was documented after the collision Officers rendered aid on him until paramedics arrived and continued doing chest compressions. Estrada died at the scene. The LAPD said that the officers were not driving excessively fast at the time of the crash and added the investigation will unfold over the next several months. Witnesses who were at a nearby carnival at Sycamore Grove Park told KTLA that the impact was so loud it sounded like two cars had hit one another. 'There are witnesses all around here, and they've been talking,' Jerry Perez, Estrada's friend, told the outlet. 'They saw it happen, that a cop was going by fast and all of a sudden, they heard something being hit hard.' A vigil was held the night after the crash in September. Estrada's mother, Rosa Cazares, said her son lived just a few minutes away from where he died. 'He was a wonderful kid,' Cazares told KTLA. 'A wonderful brother and uncle, too.' Estrada, who wanted to build a career in photography and film, was working a host and bartender at a restaurant in the Los Angeles Arts District. 'He loved music,' his mother said. 'His passion was taking pictures with a little bit of filming here and there.' A GoFundMe set up by his family to pay for his funeral expenses has raised more than $27,000 toward a $35,000 goal. There is a shortage of lawmakers willing to run for office in Connecticut because locals fear the political landscape is too divided and dangerous, according to officials. A prime example of this issue took place in Vernon, about 20 minutes outside of Hartford, just before the November 4 election date. The Vernon Democratic Town Committee was desperate for a candidate to go up against Daniel Champagne, a Republican who's been mayor for six terms, but no one had stepped forward by June - just five months before polls opened. 'It was like pulling teeth to fill out the slate. We were going through a Rolodex of if there's anybody who knows anybody who would run for mayor,' Democrat state Rep. Kevin Brown, told CT Mirror. Eventually, committee leaders approached Jeremy Geller, a member of the town's Conservation Commission, to run for mayor but he was skeptical. The 67-year-old retiree was hesitant at first as he never saw himself getting into politics and feared of violence associated with the job. 'Theres such vituperation and tendency even to political violence. I wondered, well, what do I lose by running? I mean, do I lose my safety?,' Geller, who is currently up against Champagne for the 2025 election, told the outlet. But it isn't just Vernon that is seeing a lull in residents wanting to get involved in local politics, according to Joseph Thornton, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. Connecticut is struggling to find people to run for office because they are afraid of political violence and scrutiny. (Pictured: Aerial image of Hartford) Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne has served six terms in the Connecticut town and is running again this year After visiting 10 towns across the state over the past six weeks, Thornton quickly realized every single one of them is facing the major issue of not being able to recruit political candidates. 'You factor in all the pressures of the job, late nights 24/7, and you throw in that people are just going to yell and scream at you no matter what you do, its not very attractive,' Thornton said, adding that he spoke to one town official who told him she wants to leave her position but has decided to stay because no one wants to replace her. It's been very difficult to nail down people who want to enter politics in the state, and that really shows this election year. There are 39 uncontested races for mayor in Tuesday's municipal elections, per the outlet. A total of 24 Republicans and 15 Connecticut Democrats are running unopposed this year, meaning no one is going up against them. According to data from Ballotpedia, 70 percent of elections were unopposed last year across the US. In Connecticut alone, 71 percent of its races were uncontested. State political organizers, researchers and officials have credited the violent climate for playing a huge role in people's reluctance to get involved. There have been several political assassinations this year, including the deaths of Minnesota Democrat Melissa Hortman and her husband, along with conservative ally Charlie Kirk. Eventually committee leaders approached Jeremy Geller, a member of the town's Conservation Commission, to run for mayor Connecticut residents are not too keen to run for office in the state over fears of political violence, harassment and demanding schedules. (Pictured: Voters line up in Connecticut in 2022) Several Connecticut Facebook pages highlight the intense scrutiny politicians face, as many users have branded them corrupt and called them vicious names. Because of this, many leaders feel they are being attacked, Elizabeth Gara, executive director of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns, said. 'Many municipal officials feel like theyre under attack in the community. And its not just an issue in local politics, its an issue across the nation,' Gara stated. Among the comments on social media, there is a lot of 'trolling' going on, according to Patricia Russo. Russo, the executive director of The Campaign School at Yale University - an organization that prepares women to run for office - said Connecticut has a lot of online hate spreading when it comes to politics. 'Were seeing it here in Connecticut: a lot of trolling on social media, a lot of hostile, nasty comments on social media, a lot of stalking when youre out campaigning,' Russo said, adding that it is 'definitely a deterrent.' And the 'trolls' aren't just taking aim at the people running for office, but their loved ones too. 'People will go after spouses, theyll go after children,' Benjamin Proto, chair of the Connecticut Republican party, said. 'And people look at that [and think], "I dont want to put my family through that. Its not worth the time, its not worth the effort, its not worth the BS that I have to put up with to sit on the Planning and Zoning Commission".' Nuchette Black-Burke, the mayor of Windsor, said many fail to understand that political figures are still human. Democrat state Rep. Kevin Brown compared the act of trying to get people to run for office to 'pulling teeth' Others are concerned with the online 'trolling' that many political leaders face in the state. (Pictured: Voters casting their ballots in Connecticut on October 20, 2025) 'Folks that dont understand that we can disagree on a point, but we can still go down to the local eatery and have a cup of coffee,' Black-Burke said. In a bid to get the community more involved, Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas' launched an online resource to teach people how to engage in local policy and politics, including how to run for office. Others have suggested investing in a civic education as a great starting point to get into elections. Meanwhile, Brown said many people just don't know that local positions exist, and according to Nancy DiNardo, that is why public outreach is so important. Guller has taken the experience on for himself, focusing his campaign on the things that matter most to him, like housing and health care. He told the outlet he has gone on to knock on people's doors in the months leading to election day and has not experienced the negativity he feared he would. 'They say the world is controlled by people who show up,' Gull added. Erika Kirk has spoken publicly for the first time since her husband Charlies death, revealing that their young daughter asked if she could go to heaven someday to see her father. The late conservative activist, 31, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking to Utah Valley University students at a Turning Point USA event. Erika's first interview since her husband's assassination is set to air on Fox News on Wednesday night, but a preview clip revealed the heartbreaking questions their three-year-old daughter continues to ask her. The distraught widow revealed to Fox News host Jesse Watters that she told her children their father was on a 'work trip with Jesus.' What's more, she told them to look up to the sky and talk to him whenever they miss him. When she told her daughter that Charlie was in heaven, she responded, 'Do you think I could go sometime?' 'Baby, we will all go one day. We will all go one day,' Erika told her child. The couple married in 2021 and had two children together, a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. The couple have not revealed their children's names to the world. After Charlie's death, Erika said in a public address to the nation that when she returned home, her daughter ran into her arms and confessed that she missed her father. Erika Kirk sat down with Fox News host Jesse Watters in her first interview since her husband Charlie Kirk's death Erika revealed in her interview that their three-year-old daughter asked if she could go to heaven sometime to see her father Erika said in her interview that she told her children that their dad was on 'a work trip with Jesus' 'What do you tell a 3-year-old? She's three. I said, "Baby, Daddy loves you so much. Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget,"' Erika said in the address. Charlie was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously on October 14 by President Trump. Erika accepted the award on what would've been her husband's 32nd birthday. In her speech, she read a birthday message that her daughter had written to Charlie. 'Happy birthday daddy. I want to give you a stuffed animal. I want you to eat a cupcake with ice cream. And I want you to go have a birthday surprise. I love you,' the message read. Erika shared a heartbreaking video of her daughter saying Charlie's name in the car in a video on Instagram. As the two rode past a sign with Charlie on it, their daughter joyfully yelled, 'I see Daddy! Charlie Kirk!' Erika captioned the video: 'Hersaying your name, as she witnesses all youve built and continue to build, proves that love never dies, just changes form. It breathes through our children. This is her legacy also.' 'And as she grows up and continues to say your name, Ill be reminding her that each time Heaven leans in to listen,' she went on. Erika and Charlie got married in 2021 and had two children together, a three-year-old daughter and a one-year old son 'I love you Charlie baby, Im so proud of you. We all are so proud of you.' Another preview of Erika's pre-taped Fox interview revealed her thoughts on Jimmy Kimmel after his show was pulled off the air for his comments about her husband's assassination. When asked what her message was to Kimmel, Erika revealed that Sinclair, the broadcast group that airs ABC programming, had asked her after the late-night host's controversial monologue what they could do to 'make it right.' 'They asked, "Do you want Jimmy to give you an apology? Do you want to be on his show? How can we make it right?"' she told Watters. Erika said that if Sinclair or Kimmel wants to apologize, they're welcome to, but 'if that's not in your heart, don't do it.' Kimmel's divisive monologue referred to the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, 22, who was arrested for aggravated murder in connection with Charlie Kirk's death. Erika Kirk also revealed in her first interview that Sinclair, the broadcast company that syndicates ABC programming, reached out to her after Jimmy Kimmel's controversial comments Jimmy Kimmel Live! was put back on the air a week after it was suspended, and Kimmel clarified that his previous comments weren't intended to make light of a murder. 'That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but I understand that to some it felt ill-timed or unclear or maybe both,' Kimmel said in his opening monologue. Erika's full interview on Fox is set to air during Jesse Watters Primetime slot at 8 pm EST. She's also set to receive the network's inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award at the Patriot Awards on Thursday. A shipping company boss who groped a 12-year-old girl sleeping beside him on a plane before claiming he thought she was his wife has been jailed for 21 months. Javed Inamdar, 34, repeatedly stroked the youngster's hand to 'test the waters' before assaulting her on the BA flight from Mumbai to London Heathrow on December 14 last year. The girl woke up crying at around midnight, shouting: 'get the f*** away from me', and immediately informed cabin crew, Isleworth Crown Court heard. Father-of-two Inamdar told a flight attendant that he 'may have confused the young girl with his wife'. Inamdar is a foreign national from Mumbai 'without status in the UK' and had been provided housing by his employers while on conditional bail in the UK during his trial, the court heard. He denied but was convicted by a jury of one count of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching. Wearing a grey prison tracksuit, he appeared in the dock at Isleworth Crown Court, assisted by a Hindi interpreter, sobbing throughout. Lee Sergent, defending, said: 'He comes from a different part of the world in India. He has made some success of his life in India helping his family. 'He has been on bail in this country because his employers have backed him and got him housing in this country. 'Being on bail in this country has had a greater restriction on his life than a person from this country. He has not been able to see his wife or children. 'He has no right to stay in this country and if he was given a suspended sentence he would be leaving straight away on a plane.' Javed Inamdar, 34, repeatedly stroked the youngster's hand to 'test the waters' before assaulting her on the BA flight from Mumbai to London Heathrow on December 14 last year The court heard Inamdar's defence barrister was funded by taxpayer cash. Passing sentencing, Judge Simon Davis said: 'This is a tragic case for the young girl. 'You got on that airplane and sat yourself down on the window seat. At that stage you thought you had the opportunity to assault her. 'You tested the waters by brushing her hand. You're shaking your head but the jury has found their verdict. 'That was an outrageous thing to do. This country will protect people like this young girl, especially at that young age. 'When she was horrified and protested, you ran as fast as you could, making up what you could say as a way of defence. 'I have decreased the sentence because of you waiting in this country and not being able to communicate with your wife, which in itself is another tragedy. I consider that as a material factor.' The court heard Inamdar was arrested after the Boeing 787 Dreamliner touched down at Heathrow. He told police that he was in a 'deep sleep' and did not remember touching the girl, Isleworth Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Richard Burrington earlier referred jurors to witness statements from shocked passengers onboard. Anna Miller, a passenger sat two rows in front of Inamdar and the complainant, said: 'About two-to-three hours into the flight I heard a young female's voice shout "stop touching me", "get off me". 'I saw a young female out of the corner of my eye - she seemed very distressed, saying "get the f*** away from me".' Another witness sat next to the victim, who cannot be named, said: 'During the flight I went to sleep, and I was suddenly woken up by the girl next to me as she was yelling and screaming. 'I was quite startled and I asked what's wrong - she was speaking to me and her Mum. 'I heard her say the man next to her had touched her and had his hand up her top - she kept repeating this. 'She was completely freaked out, I think she might have been crying. 'The man in the seat next to her started saying he had been asleep, it was a mistake, and he hadn't realised what he was doing.' Father-of-two Inamdar told a flight attendant that he 'may have confused the young girl with his wife' The witness said Inamdar was 'quite tall' and was sitting next to the window 'wearing a hoodie with the hood up'. British Airways cabin manager Rebecca Rooney said the girl was 'visibly distressed' and said she had 'her knees to her chest and was hugging herself. 'I asked her what happened, she stated the male in the seat next to her had put his hands up her jumper and had touched her breast.' Ms Rooney said she then walked to the back of the plane to find the male and move him into another seat. Michelle Adams, a cabin crew member who dealt with Inamdar after the incident was asked if she remembered anything 'unusual' taking place on the flight. 'A gentleman came into the rear galley to say that he had woken up with his arm around a lady, was his words.' Ms Adams added that Inamdar suggested he thought the 12-year-old girl 'was his wife' and that he had 'fallen asleep' cuddling her. The prosecutor asked her what actions were taken in response to the sexual assault being made against the defendant. 'It was reported to the captain, and we then asked the mother how she would like to proceed, and relayed that back to the captain, who then contacted BA security', she explained. The court heard a transcript of Inamdar's interview with Detective Constable Fear, an officer based at Heathrow, following Inamdar's arrest at the airport. The defendant said he worked for a 'fleet management company' and said he was flying from Mumbai to Heathrow, and then onto Houston, Texas, where he would be picking up a ship. Inamdar said: 'As I turned over, I don't know because I was asleep, as I turned to the other side, or turned over, that girl screamed. 'I didn't understand, you know, what happened - she stood up, I also stood up, the girl started saying, "he has touched me". He said he went to the back of the plane 'to talk to the flight attendant', informing her that there had been 'some misunderstanding over there'. The officer later told him the full allegation, to which he said: 'I was asleep, so I don't know. I just turned (around), it was only when she screamed that I panicked, I didn't even know where my hand was.' 'So, you are not saying it did not happen, but that you can't remember where your hand was?', asked the officer. 'Yes, I don't remember', Inamdar replied, adding later: 'How can anyone specifically remember all this? Whether I moved my hand or anything like that? 'Yes, it's possible, accidentally, maybe, but not intentionally - that's 100 per cent.' The officer later asked: 'Don't be offended by this question, but are you attracted to children sexually?' 'No - absolutely not - my own daughter is seven years old.' 'My whole family, we all have first daughters' as you know, in India, little girls are seen as Goddesses, blessings of God.' He also added: 'In shipping I have a very good post, I am a chief officer, everything by the grace of God is doing well in my life. 'I just want to say I've not done anything wrong; I had no intention, I have my own family - I'm so nervous, even now, I don't want anything wrong happening in the future.' When he was convicted he shouted as he was led to the cells: 'I need to call my wife to let her know what is happening.' Inamdar, of no fixed address, was jailed for 21 months. A California woman was granted a plea deal after drunk driving her car off a cliff in a horrific crash that left her brutally injured and her friend, who had just become a new father, dead. Madeline St. Pierre pled no contest to felony vehicular manslaughter and was served with a maximum sentence of just two years in prison. The 26-year-old was driving along the highway in San Mateo County in October 2023 with two passengers when she ran a stop sign. St. Pierre then pulled into a parking lot, crashed into a guardrail, and plunged her car 40 feet off of the cliff and into the water below. Her white Kia landed on its wheels and partially sank beneath the ocean at Pescadaro County Beach, 50 miles south of San Francisco. Nicolas Vargas, 29, was sitting on the right side of the back seat and lost his life in the horrifying crash. At the time, St. Pierre was charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence resulting in injury to another and driving with a BAC of higher than 0.08% resulting in injury to another, each with enhancements for causing great bodily injury, per The Mercury News. However, the majority of her charges were dropped Friday with her plea bargain. A California woman was speeding on the highway along Pescadaro County Beach when she drove her vehicle off a cliff The crash killed Nicolas Vargas, 29, who was sitting in the backseat San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe explained that the dropped charges would not have had an impact on her sentence. St. Pierre also admitted to two other allegations of serious felonies but they were not counted toward her sentence. She did not have a record prior to the crash. Wagstaffe called the two year sentence limitation 'reasonable' and said he was 'satisfied' that St. Pierre agreed to the deal. 'Im sad for Mr. Vargas he lost his life over all this, and Ms. St. Pierre has to live with that for the rest of her life, plus she had her own injuries, too, to deal with,' he said. In Vargas's obituary, his family remembered 'his beautiful smile, his infectious laugh, and his huge heart.' The crash left Vargas's young son, Jeriah, fatherless at not even one year old. His family asked loved ones to donate to the boy's college fund in memory of Vargas. St. Pierre and passenger Elyse Pickart attempted to pull him out of the water while they waited for help that night, but he was pronounced dead on the scene. Emergency responders arrived after a 911 call from a witness. St. Pierre and Pickart were taken to the hospital to treat injuries of their own. St. Pierre reportedly suffered a fractured tailbone and Pickart fractured her wrist. The white Kia was partially submerged beneath the water after plunging 40 feet Driver Madeline St. Pierre and the woman in the passenger seat were both injured during the fall St. Pierre's defense attorney Lauren Potter told Mercury News that her client is 'taking full responsibility.' She made changes in her personal life to 'turn things around' including enrolling in nursing school. 'Miss St. Pierre is extremely remorseful about this incident,' said Potter. 'Shes one of the people that takes this incident extremely seriously... Shes really taking steps to turn things around, and to more than just turn things around, try to give back to the community, in a sense, to sort of atone.' St. Pierre remains out of custody on a $50,000 bail bond. The sentence for felony vehicular manslaughter in California is two to six years, per Joel Bailey Law. The Daily Mail reached out to the San Mateo County DA and St. Pierre's representation for comment. For years, a group of determined New Yorkers has quietly cashed in on a decades-old anti-idling law, collecting six-figure payouts by reporting trucks that leave their engines running. This lucrative practice traces back to a 1971 law that prohibits non-emergency vehicles from idling for more than three minutes, aiming to curb pollution and noise. Enforcing the law had proved to be a challenge for decades. That is, until, the vast majority of New York residents became armed with a smartphone capable of recording video. The city's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rolled out the Citizens Air Complaint Program in 2019, which allowed members of the public to send video evidence to the city of idling trucks. If a ticket is issued, the person who reported it is entitled to up to 25 percent of the ticket's value. The reward jumps up to 50 percent of the fine if the reporter pursues the case through Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings without the city issuing a summons. Patrick Schnell, a Brooklyn pediatrician, has made more than $580,000 doing this since 2019, according to records cited by the New York Post. Schnell disputed this figure, telling the Post that he received a lot less than that for his 'hard work.' The Daily Mail has approached Schnell for further comment. Certain New Yorkers have made hundreds of thousands of dollars since 2019 for simply reporting idling vehicles. The law states non-emergency vehicles cannot be stationary with their engines running for longer than three minutes Patrick Schnell, a Brooklyn pediatrician, has made more than $580,000 by reporting idling trucks in the Big Apple since 2019, according to records cited by the New York Post In March 2022, Schnell wrote a blog post explaining that he reports idling trucks because breathing in polluted air can lead to serious conditions such as asthma, lung cancer, pneumonia, ischemic heart disease and strokes. As of 2023, all five boroughs had higher concentrations of harmful particles in the air than what is considered safe by the World Health Organization. Ernest Welde who lives in Manhattan, the most polluted borough has earned a staggering $895,737 reporting idling trucks to the city, according to The Post. This equates to more than $100,000 per year, and that's on top of his full-time job as an environmental lawyer. Another top earner through the program is Michael Streeter, a Brooklyn Heights resident who has raked in $709,975 so far. 'Michael is awesome,' neighbor Nick Burkett-Caudell told the outlet. 'What Michael does is great for the neighborhood in Brooklyn. 'It does a lot for keeping the traffic moving, reducing congestion, and reducing the pollution that comes out of these trucks that are just idling for, who knows, 20 minutes, half an hour, when they could be shut off.' Burkett-Caudell added that he supports Streeter making six figures, since he says what he does benefits everyone in the neighborhood. Elsewhere, Lower East Side residents Wanfang Wu and Ephraim Rosenbaum are also among the top earners in this unusual field. They have made $748,825 and $725,025, respectively. Ernest Welde who lives in Manhattan, the most polluted borough has earned a staggering $895,737 reporting idling trucks to the city, according to The Post Another top earner through the program is Michael Streeter, a Brooklyn Heights resident who has raked in $709,975 so far Critics have pointed out that New York City's clean air warriors targeted LabQ trucks throughout the pandemic, which were critical in handing out COVID-19 tests to residents. These trucks needed to have their engines on in order to refrigerate test samples In a segment on 'The Daily Show' last year, Streeter revealed that there are about 20 to 30 people religiously reporting idlers and making a living from it. The other anti-idlers told the comedy show that their overarching goal is to hold big corporations like Amazon and UPS to account for parking their vehicles on the street and leaving their engines running. Records obtained by The Post show that between 2019 and 2023, New York City's clean air warriors were targeting trucks with LabQ Clinical Diagnostics LLC the most frequently. These trucks used to litter the streets and served as mobile COVID-19 testing units. LabQ was hit with nearly 3,300 violations over those four years. At the time, these trucks needed to have their engines on in order to refrigerate test samples. Now, ConEdison has the most violations to date with 22,898. Verizon follows with 13,544 and Amazon is in third with 10,949. Critics of the citizen program say that the air pollution vigilantes don't realize that truck engines sometimes need to be on in order to power refrigeration systems, power systems, computers and liftgates. DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala testified in 2024 that some people are also committing fraud by submitting the same video multiple times or fabricating reports outright. Queens City Councilman and Environmental Committee leader James Gennaro has emerged as one of the main detractors of the program. Gennaro introduced a bill last year that would cut the payouts in half for residents who report illegal idlers. It also gives the DEP commissioner the power to permanently disqualify people from the program who have tried to defraud it with false complaints. A Chinese national who helped a gang steal money from thousands of gift cards sold in supermarkets in a sophisticated million-pound scam has been jailed. Junkai Liu, 26, was employed by Chinese gangsters to swipe the cards - which are often kept near tills - before they were tampered with and replaced. When customers paid to have funds put on them as they bought their shopping, the money was instantly transferred into bank accounts run by the criminals. Junkai was caught with more than 7,400 Apple gift cards with values of up to 250 each which he had taken from Morrisons in Dereham and Tesco in Thetford, both in Norfolk. He has now been jailed for 32 months after admitting conspiracy to steal at Norwich Crown Court, which heard that Morrisons had found cards tampered with at 300 of its stores since March. A total of 1,105 customers who found they - or the recipients of the gift cards - had been left empty handed, have been refunded more than 91,000 as a result. Junkai claimed he had not been aware of the scale of the offences and that others further up the gang's chain of command remained at large. But Judge Andrew Shaw told him: 'You must have known what you were doing and what you were involved in, even if you were low down in the scheme.' The defendant, who came to the UK in 2019, was warned to expect deportation when he had served his sentence. Junkai Liu, 26, was employed by Chinese gangsters to swipe gift cards before they were tampered with and replaced During the hearing, prosecutor Martin Ivory explained Junkai was part of a conspiracy involving the theft of vast amounts of cards, which were altered and then quietly returned back to supermarket shelves. The gang scratched away the silver panel on the back of cards to reveal the security code and would then reseal the card to make it appear untouched. As soon as money was loaded on to the cards at a till, the money would be funnelled into one of their accounts. Purchasers would only find out they had been left with worthless gifts when those receiving them discovered they didn't work. Junkai fled from the Morrisons store in his adopted home town of Dereham on April 16 this year after security staff saw him hiding cards in his jacket. He was arrested two hours later at the Tesco in Thetford, where eagle-eyed staff spotted him pocketing Apple gift cards on their CCTV system. Judge Shaw, sentencing on Thursday last week, said the defendant had been found with an 'astonishing number' of gift cards, with a face value of 1 million. It was part of a 'very serious' sophisticated racket developed by organised criminals which had affected stores throughout the UK, he added. Gift cards are often put on display next to tills in supermarkets, so customers grab them as they pay for their shopping Junkai fled from a Morrisons store in Dereham, Norfolk, after security guards saw him putting gift cards inside his jacket The defendant was arrested later the same day at a Tesco in Thetford, where he was spotted pocketing Apple gift cards Oliver Haswell, defending, said his client had been drawn into the scam after suffering financial difficulties. Morrisons and Tesco were both approached for a comment. A Home Office spokesman said: 'While it is our longstanding policy not to routinely comment on individual cases, this government is committed to deporting foreign national offenders.' Action Fraud says on its website: 'Gift card scams are on the rise and catching out more people than ever. 'You might think youre too savvy to fall for one but fraudsters use clever tricks to make their scams look genuine. It only takes a few moments for your hard-earned money to vanish and it often feels impossible to get it back.' It adds: 'Where payment processors, retailers or banks didnt provide adequate protection during the scam, we could help you present a case against them. Importantly, that may be the case even if previous requests have failed.' Guidance to avoid being scammed includes carefully inspecting the card and its packaging before purchasing it to check it hasn't been interfered with. And avoid buying cards on display where anyone can handle them, if possible. Ideally, they should be bought from behind the counter, where they are out of reach of customers and monitored by staff. A Reform-led council has sparked fury by telling a village it must remove St Georges flags to make way for Christmas lights. As in previous years, Kent County Council (KCC) granted permission for the lights to be put up on lampposts in Harrietsham. But in a ruling which has been labelled beyond ironic, it said that for safety reasons, flags must first be taken down from the posts - and that if residents do not do this themselves, the festive display may be cancelled. Posting on Facebook, Harrietsham Parish Council said that in this case, it would still have to cover the cost of hiring the lights set to go up along the A20, which runs through the village to Maidstone. It appealed to residents who had raised the flags to remove them, saying it could not do so itself because the lampposts and flags are not parish council property. When the flags were first erected, the matter was discussed with our contractor and they advised that they could install the Christmas lights around the flags without issue. However, this is no longer an option, the council wrote. Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage Harrietsham Parish Council said if the flags are not removed by residents, the Christmas lights display may not be able to go ahead It is not within the contractor's remit to remove flags as part of the installation process and the parish council is not permitted to use public funds to pay for their removal. However, KCCs cabinet member for highways and transport Peter Osborne said: The claim that Harrietsham Parish Council will face significant extra costs is simply wrong. The contractor they have already hired to install the Christmas lights can remove any obstructing flags as part of the same job - no additional significant expense should be expected. On why the flags needed to be taken down, he said: Safety must come first. Flags on streetlight columns pose a risk during installation, so they must be removed to ensure the lights go up safely and can be enjoyed by everyone. Stuart Jeffery, leader of Maidstone Borough Council, told the BBC the decision was beyond ironic considering KCC's previous stance on flags being raised. The authority announced in August that all flags could remain unless they hindered the work of the council or put people at risk. And KCC leader Linden Kemkaran previously said the council would not be removing any flags installed unilaterally by residents of Kent. Comments left under the parish councils online post showed residents disbelief. One wrote: Brilliant. A snapshot of the utter chaos if Reform PLC got into government. There isnt enough popcorn in the world for this. Meanwhile, James Cowley, 48, who lives just outside Harrietsham, told the Daily Mail: I can see why people put up the flags, they felt like they didnt have a voice. I think people feel betrayed and failed by this Labour Government in particular. But Christmas is special. It's a Christian celebration. It's part of our tradition and heritage. And the people in the people in the village get involved with the sort of stuff. I think it's important that we continue celebrating that, especially for the children. And I would rather have the lights up than the flags, if it was a choice between them. Maybe the council should designate places where the flag should fly - in church yards, by village halls, the post office - get a proper flagpole. A couple survived a plane crash on a beautiful Arizona trail after deploying a life-saving rocket-powered parachute. The unidentified couple were flying over Cathedral Rock in Sedona around 8:30am on Monday when when they were forced to deploy a Cirrus Airframe Parachute Systems (CAPS). It is unclear what caused the husband and wife, who walked away unharmed, to deploy the system, but it allowed them to safely land on the side of the gorgeous mountains. The plane had taken off from the Sedona Airport off Runway 21 when the pilot deployed CAPS, Cirrus said. Photos of the crashed single-engine, four-seater Cirrus plane show the front propellers missing, but the frame of the aircraft appears to be intact. Off to the side of it, a bright white and orange striped parachute laid deflated amongst the orange rocks. CAPS is deployed after an occupant pulls a handle to release the large ballistic rocket-fired parachute from the airplane at a speed of more than 130 knots, Cirrus said. It allows the plane to stabilize and land at roughly 20 mph, or 17 knots. Tests showed that it takes only a mere eight seconds to reduced forced velocity to zero once deployed. Photos of the crashed single-engine, four-seater Cirrus plane show the front propellers missing, but the frame of the aircraft appears to be intact. Off to the side of it, a bright white and orange striped parachute laid deflated amongst the orange rocks It is unclear what caused the husband and wife, who walked away unharmed, to deploy the system, but it allowed them to safely land on the side of the gorgeous mountains (pictured: crash scene) The plane is registered under a business, Argaeus LLC, out of San Diego. It is listed as an aviation company on California Secretary of State filings. The system is only available on Cirrus planes and has so far saved 283 lives, according to the company. The company added that the parachute ups survival chances by 13 times and no person has died if the system is deployed more than 1,000 feet above ground. Over the past two decades, small plane crashes have increased in number. In 2005, CAPS saved 10 lives, according to Cirrus. In 2020, the latest yearly numbers, it saved 90 lives. The couple's frightening event was the 140th time CAPS had saved lives and the 165th known time the system had been deployed. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Yavapai County Sheriffs Office for comment. They were flying over Cathedral Rock (pictured) when the crash happened The plane had taken off from the Sedona Airport off Runway 21 when the pilot deployed CAPS (pictured: flight path) CAPS is deployed after an occupant pulls a handle to release the large ballistic rocket-fired parachute from the airplane at a speed of more than 130 knots. It slows the plane down to allow it to safely plane (pictured: rendering) The couple's frightening event was the 140th time CAPS had saved lives and the 165th known time the system had been deployed. It has saved 283 lives so far In August, four people were killed when a medical transport plane crashed. The plane, operated by CSI Aviation of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was en route to pick up a patient from a hospital when it crashed and caught fire near Chinle Airport. All four people on board were pronounced dead at the scene. A major Texas airport has been hit with three-hour delays as the government shutdown leaves airports across the nation severely understaffed. Massive lines and flight delays have plagued George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston since the government shutdown cut off pay for tens of thousands of TSA agents and air traffic controllers. In turn, fewer of these essential federal employees have been showing up for work. Over the last few weeks, fed-up travelers flying out of IAH have expressed outrage over lengthy security lines and delays that caused many to miss their flights. 'I've been here for four hours, my feet hurt, my legs hurt, my back hurts. I'm very tired,' one disgruntled woman waiting in the jam-packed airport on Monday told CBS. TSA staffing was so short on Monday that the airport, which sees more than 130,000 fliers each day, only had two security checkpoints open. The average delay time was three hours. Another traveler, Izu Kagha, missed his Sunday flight because he had to wait five hours in the security line, he told CBS as he got back in the queue for another flight on Monday. Other frustrated fliers have taken to social media to air their grievances with the Houston airport, sharing clips of unbearably long lines and rants about disastrous flight delays. Travelers crowded inside the George Bus Intercontinental Airport on Monday as they waited to get through security On Monday, IAH travelers waited an average of three hours to get through TSA, as only two checkpoints were open A woman traveling on Monday told CBS she had been waiting for four hours 'Four and a half hours just to make it through the line to get into the TSA security line,' one man flying out of IAH wrote on X on Sunday, alongside a jaw-dropping video of antsy passengers hoping to make their flights. 'Missed our flight. Our bags already got sent to our destination. This is an absolute sh*t show.' Travel blogger @whynotfrugal shared a similarly shocking post on social media, saying the airport was in 'total chaos' on Monday. 'The lines are wrapping around the terminal, and all due to the government shutdown,' she said. 'People arriving three hours early are still missing their flights.' 'Once you get inside the terminal, the lines get worse,' she continued as she filmed the crowded airport. 'If you fly out of Houston, bring lots of patience with you. Unfortunately, not even Clear or TSA [pre-check] can save you.' A TikTok user with the handle @mikey.bikey6 reacted to the airport disarray with an expletive-laden rant. 'The Houston airport is f***ed,' he said. 'The TSA workers have walked off the job because they're not getting paid. 'They can't afford to pay their rent... so, they're off doing other things.' Travelers faced hours-long security lines Monday at Houstons Bush Airport as staffing shortages tied to the government shutdown left only two of five terminals open. Nationwide, air traffic control absences have surged after employees missed paychecks, affecting nearly half of pic.twitter.com/nuzPojIcWC CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) November 3, 2025 IAH (pictured) is the largest airport in Houston and has roughly 130,000 travelers come through each day The circumstances at IAH have seemingly improved since Sunday and Monday. According to Qsensor, a platform that provides wait times for airport lines, travelers were only waiting about 10 minutes in security lines as of Tuesday morning. But officials have warned people not to let their guard down just yet and to continue to be wary that their travel plans could go awry. On Sunday, Jim Szczesniak, the Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, addressed the mayhem unfolding at IAH and at Houston's two smaller airports, William P Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD). 'The federal government shutdown has impacted TSA staffing and operations nationwide, and Houston Airports is doing everything possible to support our TSA partners and keep passengers moving safely and efficiently,' he wrote. 'We ask that passengers continue to arrive early and expect extended security wait times until the federal government shutdown is resolved.' The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents have been working without pay for weeks. Before the shutdown, the FAA was already grappling with a perpetual shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers. On Friday, nearly half of the country's 30 busiest airports faced severe air traffic controller shortages, resulting in over 6,200 flight delays and 500 cancellations - the worst air travel day since the shutdown began. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has defended the federal workers strained by the government shutdown US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that travelers should brace themselves for more delays and travel dilemmas as workers continue with no pay. While Duffy said last month that TSA workers and air traffic controllers risked losing their jobs by not going into work during the shutdown, he has since taken a more sympathetic stance. While speaking with CBS, he said: 'When they're making decisions to feed their families, I'm not going to fire air traffic controllers. 'They need support, they need money, they need a paycheck. They don't need to be fired.' Duffy also acknowledged that the shutdown 'adds more risk' to the air travel system, although they are 'always managing that.' Along with delays, lines and missed flights, these labor shortages have amplified air travel safety concerns. On Thursday, a Delta jet attempting to land in Boston nearly collided with a Cape Air plane taking off from the intersecting runway. 'What the heck?' The Cape Air pilot was heard asking, according to a FlightAware.com transmission. 'Heavy, that was close,' the Delta pilot replied, after noting that the plane had returned to an altitude of 3,000 feet. 'Yeah, man. Not cool,' the Cape Air pilot responded in disbelief. The Delta flight ultimately landed safely and no one was harmed. The FAA is investigating. A Boston hotel has made a $10,000 donation to charity after staff came under fire for falsely accusing a woman of being a man and ordering her to leave a bathroom. Ansley Baker and her girlfriend, Liz Victor, were ordered out of a restroom in May while attending an event celebrating the Kentucky Derby at the Liberty Hotel. The couple said that Baker was using the restroom in a stall while her girlfriend waited by the sink when they said a security guard barreled into the bathroom and demanded they leave. Baker said she rushed out of the stall and showed the guard her identification card, which indicated that she was female. The guard disregarded Baker's identification and escorted the couple off the premises, according to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). The women spoke out about the experience online, which prompted MCAD to submit a complaint against the hotel. The independent state agency, which enforces anti-discrimination laws in Massachusetts, announced on Monday that the Liberty Hotel agreed to a settlement. The settlement required the hotel to make a charitable donation to an LGBTQ+ organization, update its non-discrimination policy, provide anti-discrimination training to employees, and post a non-discrimination statement in the lobby. Ansley Baker was escorted out of a public bathroom at the Liberty Hotel after a security guard accused her of being a man The Liberty Hotel (pictured) has agreed to a $10,000 charitable donation and increased anti-discrimination training after the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination filed a complaint (file photo) Baker (left) and her girlfriend, Liz Victor (right), spoke out about the incident online, which prompted MCAD to open an investigation 'This outrageous incident at the Liberty Hotel left these two women emotionally shaken, humiliated, and deeply distressed,' Chairwoman Sunila Thomas George stated in the complaint. 'They were denied services, subjected to demeaning treatment in front of other patrons of the hotel, and falsely accused of actions they did not commit, which is not only degrading, but unjust according to Massachusetts civil rights law.' MCAD Executive Director Michael Memmolo added that the agency remains committed to protecting people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Mark Fischer, the hotel's general manager, told the Daily Mail in a statement that they wanted to apologize to the couple for the incident that occurred at Liberty. 'On behalf of the Liberty Hotel, I want to offer another apology to Ansley Baker and Liz Victor for the incident that occurred at the hotel in May of this year,' the statement read. 'We deeply regret that our initial statement may have created unintended impressions about the actions of Ansley and Liz. That was not our intent.' After the couple spoke out about their experience, Liberty issued a statement that the security guard's actions were due to the women being in the stall together, which violated hotel policy. Baker and Victor have denied that claim, maintaining that they weren't in the stall together. Baker and Victor have denied the hotel's initial statement that they were in the same stall before the security guard came into the restroom Baker's lawyer, Lenny Kesten, alleged that Liberty made up the story that the two women were in the stall and has yet to apologize for the false claim directly. 'There should've been an apology immediately, but instead they attacked them,' Kesten told the Daily Mail, adding that he disputed the hotel's claim that their initial statement created 'unintended' impressions of Baker and Victor. 'They made up the story that he [the guard] went in because there were two people in the stall doing something nefarious,' he continued. Kesten said that what the guard did to Baker was 'terrible,' but that questions remained over who drafted the statement that allegedly falsely claimed the women were in the stall together. 'And the people that did it, I suspect, were not the guard, not the guard's boss. I suspect this was much higher up. Every subsequent statement has been carefully crafted to not admit anything and not deny anything.' 'Why don't you apologize for making up a story and tell us who did it? That's the person who should be terminated,' Kesten added. The Daily Mail has reached out to Liberty Hotel for comment on whether the initial statement was fabricated. Baker's lawyer, Lenny Kesten, told the Daily Mail that he wanted the hotel to take accountability for the initial statement they put out after the incident 'The Liberty Hotel is committed to learn from this and do everything we can so that nothing like it ever happens again,' Fischer continued in a statement. The manager added that they've already conducted multiple sensitivity trainings with the staff and are working with MCAD to strengthen their anti-discrimination polices. 'Everyone should feel welcome and respected at the Liberty Hotel and our ongoing work with the MCAD only enhances our commitment to that pledge. We remain steadfast and committed to having an inclusive culture,' the statement concluded. Baker previously told the Boston Globe that while she was escorted out of the bathroom, other women made demeaning comments, calling her a 'creep,' and telling the guard to 'get him out of here.' She said that even though she's endured comments and looks in the past, the incident at the Liberty Hotel was her 'worst nightmare coming true.' 'This is the first time that something like this has escalated to the degree that it did,' Baker added. 'I wasn't surprised that something escalated, but it was terrifying.' Baker and Victor told local news that they intend to pursue their own lawsuit to hold the hotel accountable for its actions The Liberty Hotel (pictured) has apologized for the security guard's actions and said that staff is working with MCAD to enhance their anti-discrimination policies (file photo) The security guard involved in the incident was suspended following the allegations, but the couple said they don't believe management has been held accountable. Baker told local CBS News affiliate, WBZ-TV, that they're planning on filing a lawsuit against the hotel. 'I think it does mean that much to both of us, it means that much to a lot of other people out there,' Baker said. Victor added that they hope for accountability and that their lawsuit will help prevent others from experiencing what they did. Kesten confirmed to the Daily Mail that his clients are planning to bring their own complaint against the hotel seeking punitive damages later this week. Some Republicans joined liberals in expressing little sorrow over the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney, one of the most polarizing political figures in modern US history, died on Monday night at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. The former vice president was the architect of the Iraq war following the 9/11 terrorist attacks under the George Bush administration. Liberals criticized Cheney throughout his vice presidential terms, gifting him the infamous nickname Darth Vader. In recent years, however, Cheney found new enemies on the MAGA right after endorsing Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Former Rep. George Santos, a recently pardoned Trump loyalist, referred to Cheney as a war criminal hours after his death was announced. Dick Cheney will meet his maker and will have lots of explaining to do, Santos wrote on X. I wish his family well all things considered, but I havent and wont ever shed a tear for a war criminal of his ilk. Bernie Sanders former foreign policy adviser, Matt Druss, slashed the deceased vice president for causing immeasurable human suffering. Dick Cheney was the architect of the Iraq war while overseeing a vast intelligence apparatus designed to surveil millions of Americans Cheney died on Monday night surrounded by his family after decades of battling heart disease George Santos referred to the former vice president as a 'war criminal' Dick Cheney was the author of immeasurable human suffering and an architect of American decline, Druss told his X followers. He left our country, and our world, a crueler and more lawless place. He escaped accountability in life, he shouldn't in death. Cheney rose the political ranks of Washington, DC throughout the 1970s as a political staffer in the Nixon White House. By 1989, President George HW Bush appointed him to lead the Pentagon as secretary of defense. Under the young Bush presidency, Cheney was the most powerful operator on foreign and domestic policy, while overseeing a vast network intelligence apparatus utilizing technological tools of mass surveillance for tens of millions of Americans. Near the end of his vice presidential career, Cheney often faced allegations of being a war criminal for his role in pushing the Iraq war. The only thing sad about Dick Cheney's death is that it did not happen inside an Iraqi prison, wrote journalist Alan MacLeod, a liberal journalist known for his anti-interventionist editorial stance. Other right-wing accounts joined Santos in his criticisms of Cheney following the news of the vice presidents death. Dick Cheney just died. The man who killed over a million innocent civilians to see his Halliburton stock go up, said popular right-wing X account Kim Dotcom. Popular conservative X account Tony Sergua added, He lied about weapons of mass destruction. He is the reason so many American soldiers died or where maimed. Former Bernie Sanders policy adviser did not have kind words for Cheney after his death Cheney was viewed as one of the leading establishment GOP figures before the rise of Donald Trump Hell is hot. Eternity is a long time. Good riddance, wrote pro-MAGA X user Bad Hombre. Cheneys family issued a statement on Tuesday morning announcing his death by noting that the former vice president died surrounded by his two daughters and longtime wife, former Second Lady Lynne Cheney. His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed, the Cheney family said in a statement. Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. Popular left-wing streamer Hasan Piker reacted to Cheney's death by calling the former VP 'genuinely one of the most evil people to exist in modern history.' 'I cannot stress this enough. He got zero punishment for his actions. caused incalculable harm to entire regions. Millions killed, tens of millions displaced and he got to pass away quietly surrounded by family,' Piker wrote on X. After the passing of a vice president, the current president typically orders the American flag to be flown at half-staff for ten days. For the passing of a former vice president, it is customary to lower the flag but not mandatory. Trump, however, has had a very contentious relationship with the Cheney family and the decision will ultimately be left to him. The Daily Mail reached out to White House for comment on the matter. Cheney's eldest daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney led the impeachment effort and subsequent January 6th investigation committee, following the 2021 Capitol riot. Trump reacted by pushing for Cheney's ouster from House GOP leadership and defeating her in a primary election by backing Cheney's opponent. A Queensland man accused of helping to smuggle 1.7kg of cocaine into Bali disguised in Lindt chocolates has appeared in court where his family supported him. Lamar Aaron Ahchee, 43, gave his testimony in Denpasar District Court on Tuesday, in which he said he had no idea what was in the package and that he collected it as a favour for an acquaintance called 'Ian'. His mother and sister were at court to support him alongside Bali 'prison whisperer' John McLeod who runs consultancy business Tora Solutions, which helps foreigners navigate the Bali legal system. Ahchee told the court he was asked by his friend to collect the package from a motorbike driver who would deliver it to his apartment. Police swooped shortly after the delivery and later conducted a search of his apartment and did not find any other drugs. 'The packages was sent for my friend,' Ahchee said. 'I didn't know what the package is at all.' Ahchee, who has lived in Bali for eight years, said police had opened the package in front of him. 'I found out what it is from the police. I saw it was chocolate and toys. I didn't know what was inside,' he said. 'I was doing a favor for a friend to collect a package.' Australian Lamar Ahchee (in white shirt) is accused of smuggling 1.7kg of cocaine into Bali The Cairns man's sister and mother were supporting him at court in Denpasar on Tuesday His mother hugged the 43-year-old outside court and broke down in tears The Lindt boxes allegedly contained 54 packets (pictured) filled with 8.3g of cocaine each He added he had known the British man 'Ian' for about one-and-a-half years through his work. The court heard more than a dozen police officers has swooped on Ahchee and searched his residence. 'I resisted at that time because I was scared and didn't know what's happening. It was shock and panic. 'I didn't really understand why were so many people or that there were drugs involved.' If found guilty of importing more than 1kg of cocaine, Bali law carries the death penalty as the maximum sentence. He added that a scale found in his apartment was his girlfriend's that she used in the kitchen. 'My girlfriend is passionate in cooking. It's for her cooking.' The trial will resume on November 11. A mother's decomposing body was found on her bed with a knife under her pillow around two to four weeks after her death, an inquest heard. Alicia Douglass, 35, was found by police responding to a welfare concern in her home in Wincobank, Sheffield on August 7, 2024. Initially, the force arrested a 31-year-old male on suspicion of murder, who, according to YorkshireLive, was the mother's ex-partner. He was never charged, and the probe was eventually closed. South Yorkshire Police could not come to a definitive conclusion about the cause of her death due to decomposition. It is estimated Ms Douglass was found around 'two to four weeks' after she died, a pathologist told Sheffield Coroner's Court. The mother was also last seen looking 'yellow all over', very thin and vomiting in evidence shared by DS Liam Milner. After being reported missing by a friend, police found Ms Douglass lying in her bed with a number of cider bottles in her room. She was last seen on CCTV on July 23. Following an incident of domestic abuse on July 25, the ex-partner was charged, the inquest was told. Alicia Douglass, 35, was found by police responding to a welfare concern in her home in Wincobank, Sheffield on August 7, 2024 It is estimated Ms Douglass was found around 'two to four weeks' after she died, a pathologist told Sheffield Coroner's Court DS Milner said there were fears the incident served as a 'catalyst' for something to transpire in the flat, but there was no indication of third-party involvement. He also maintained there was 'no evidence' to suggest Ms Douglass's ex-partner was involved in her death, and the incident was not suspicious. A post-mortem raised concerns over bruising in the neck area because of a fractured larynx, but pathologists were unable to ascertain whether this was a factor in her death due to the decomposition. There was also evidence she had taken painkillers, such as tramadol and mirtazapine, but it was difficult to determine how much because of the same reason. Painkillers, which she had not been prescribed, were also found in her system. A GP report previously detailed how she struggled with abuse of the prescription drug as well as alcohol. It also said she had been a victim of sexual assault and had made multiple attempts to commit suicide. Her cousin, Hayley Bates, said that although Ms Douglass led a 'troubled life', the aspect of life she 'did right' was being a mother to her six-year-old daughter. 'Alicia's mum would like a reason for why her daughter died and to be able to tell [her daughter] what happened to her mum,' she said. Hannah Berry, assistant coroner, concluded her cause of death to be 'open' as 'on the balance of probabilities' it could not be said how the mother died. 'There are many possible explanations, but on the balance of probabilities, it just cannot be said. 'So, with respect to the cause of death, I accept that of Dr Lumb, unascertained. My conclusion to Alicia's death is open.' For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/ The newest member of the Pentagon press corps is reportedly far-right activist and internet personality Laura Loomer. Loomer, a loyal Trump ally, has been credentialed to cover the Department of War - effectively joining a small fleet of right-wing media outlets that signed the department's new credentialing policy. Loomer, posting on X, celebrated her new role, saying she looks forward to continuing her coverage of the Pentagon and breaking stories that shape national security policy. 'I look forward to covering the Pentagon and breaking more stories that impact our country and our national security. I have developed a Rolodex of sources and if you have any tips, feel free to contact the Loomered Tip Line: the most influential Tip Line in all of DC,' Loomer wrote in her announcement. Most recently, in September, she backed Hegseth's comments regarding the readiness of military personnel. 'He says being a fat soldier is 'unacceptable'. He's correct,' Loomer said. Loomer's entry into the Pentagon press pool coincides with sweeping changes to how the Defense Department handles the media. Just weeks earlier, nearly all Pentagon reporters walked out of the building to protest a newly imposed policy that barred them from seeking information beyond what officials chose to release publicly. Numerous media organizations among them Fox News, CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post declined to endorse the new policy, which journalists across the board criticized as undermining press freedom. The only outlet to agree to its terms was One America News, a conservative television network. Among the media outlets expressing support for or signing onto the new agreement are organizations like LindellTV the streaming network run by MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, and The Gateway Pundit. There are other independent journalists and online bloggers who have also signed on; however, none of these organizations has maintained a consistent presence at the Department of War until now. Loomer, a loyal Trump ally, has been credentialed to cover the Department of War - effectively joining a small fleet of right-wing media outlets that signed the department's new credentialing policy Loomer's entry into the Pentagon press pool coincides with sweeping changes to how the Defense Department handles the media Just weeks earlier, nearly all Pentagon reporters walked out of the building to protest a newly imposed policy that barred them from seeking information beyond what officials chose to release publicly Loomer has built her reputation through a series of headline-grabbing stunts and public clashes that have kept her at the center of controversy Loomer has frequently directed her criticism toward top Pentagon figures, among them Col. Earl G. Matthews, who at the time was awaiting confirmation as the Defense Department's general counsel. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was the latest top official she took aim at. In April, she posted on X, accusing Matthews of potentially 'subvert[ing] and obstruct[ing]' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Then in August, Loomer turned her attention to Driscoll, denouncing his decision to commend Medal of Honor recipient Florent Groberg. Loomer has built her reputation through a series of headline-grabbing stunts and public clashes that have kept her at the center of controversy. Known for her confrontational style, she's been banned from several social media platforms and has run multiple insurgent political campaigns as a vocal ally of former President Donald Trump. One of her most publicized feuds has been with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, whom Loomer accused of betrayal and hypocrisy after the two fell out politically and continue to spar online. The Department of Defense and White House did not respond to requests for comment. A satellite image has emerged showing Russia's terrifying new submarine, built to carry a 'doomsday' weapon capable of unleashing radioactive tidal waves. It is the first time the Khabarovsk-class submarine has been seen in full - after Putin boasted of its deadly 'unstoppable' weaponry 'unlike anything in the world'. The hulking vessel is currently docked at the Sevmash shipyard workshop in Russia's far north, where new submarines are being assembled. The Khabarovsk was launched last week by defence minister Andrei Belousov - five years behind schedule due to repeated unexplained delays. 'The heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Khabarovsk is being launched from the renowned Sevmash shipyard,' he said. Photos released from the Khabarovsk's unveiling ceremony previously gave a glimpse of the rear part of the submarine. Belousov said the missile cruiser will boost Russia's maritime security and protect its worldwide interests. He also said it was a significant moment in Russia's navy. The submarine is equipped to fire Russia's notorious Poseidon nuclear drones at Western coastlines. A satellite image has emerged showing Russia 's terrifying new submarine, built to carry a 'doomsday' weapon capable of unleashing radioactive tidal wave The Khabarovsk nuclear submarine is seen during its launch at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvindk Russia's Poseidon nuclear-capable system is capable of devastating coastal regions by triggering vast radioactive ocean swells The Poseidon is said to be 20 metres long and nearly two metres wide. Reports indicate that it weighs 100 tons. It is capable of travelling up to 6,200 miles with a speed of 115 miles per hour deep underwater. Putin announced last week that the deadly new-style torpedoes powered by their own nuclear reactors had been successfully tested. 'The power of the Poseidon far exceeds that of our most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat [aka Satan-2],' the Russian despot said. 'There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world.' He threatened: 'There are no means of intercepting it.' Putin's propaganda machine has repeatedly claimed that the Poseidon could 'sink' Britain under 'radioactive tidal waves'. While speaking at a hospital to soldiers who had been wounded in Ukraine, Putin bragged that he had successfully tested the missiles. He said: 'For the first time, we managed not only to launch it from a carrier submarine.' Jeffrey Lewis, a scholar at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, wrote in Foreign Policy: 'It's downright terrifying. 'We're talking about a massive, megaton-sized thermonuclear weapon designed to produce significant, long-lasting radiation effects.' Other officials have also warned that the weapon could be fired from unexpected directions. It was reported that this prompted US president Donald Trump to order his country's military to restart nuclear tests for the first time in 33 years. He wrote: 'Because of other countries' testing programs. I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. 'That process will begin immediately.' A teenager has lost a court bid against his own parents after they enrolled him at a boarding school in Ghana over fears he would fall into gang violence in the UK. The boy began legal action after his family secured him a place at the school in March last year. His parents feared he was becoming involved with gang culture in Britain and arranged for him to stay with extended family in Ghana without telling him. His lawyers said he wanted to return to the UK, where he was born, to live with his family again. But Mrs Justice Theis ruled the boy, known as S, should stay in Ghana at least until he has finished his GCSEs. In a judgment published on Tuesday, she said because the parents remain opposed to his return, the risk of a relationship breakdown would be 'very high', which would 'compound the risks of emotional harm'. She said: 'I am acutely aware that the conclusion I have reached does not accord with S's wishes and how that will feel for him. 'I hope, in time, he will come to understand the wider reasons why I reached this decision in looking at and weighing up the many facets of this difficult and complex welfare decision.' A teenager has lost a court bid against his own parents after they enrolled him at a boarding school in Ghana over fears he would fall into gang violence in the UK (Stock photo) In February this year, Mr Justice Hayden ruled that the boy should stay in Ghana and the youngster successfully appealed that decision, meaning it was heard again by Mrs Justice Theis. A hearing last month was told the boy had been involved in fights, and attempting to sell clothes and a phone that may have been stolen, while his mother found a kitchen knife outside the living room window. She had become fearful for his safety and still 'considers him to be at risk of serious physical harm or death' if he returns, Michael Gration KC told a hearing last month. Mrs Justice Theis said the boy has felt 'tricked' and 'abandoned' in Ghana and that he does not speak the local language, had a panic attack and had been hospitalised for a stomach ulcer 'which could have been caused by stress or the spicy food he had been given'. She also said there is a 'very real concern' about the effect on S if he remained in a country where he feels abandoned. She added, however, that he is showing a 'growing maturity', while his day-to-day life is becoming more stable and he has shown 'more of an understanding of why his parents took the steps they did'. He has also shown more of an 'understanding and recognition of the risks he was exposed to' in the UK. The judge said: 'That is a positive step but it is of note that S falls short of acknowledging the more serious risks that were found, in particular concerning the knives, and the concern that, according to his father, S remains in contact with those who were involved in the risky behaviour here was not disputed or explored.' She continued: 'Stability for S's education is an important part of his welfare landscape. 'If he remains in Ghana, the plan is for him to remain at his current school. 'The early signs are that he is settling there, has made friends and is working hard. 'S is an able and intelligent young person. Limiting the disruption in his education is most likely to make an important positive contribution in any plan for S to return to live here.' The daughter of a businessman infamously shot by Dick Cheney could not contain her disdain for the late former vice president in the wake of his death. Sally May Whittington, the daughter of businessman Harry Whittington, told the Daily Mail that her father being shot by Cheney in 2006 was an 'unfortunate incident' that defined her family's public life. Asked if she had any thoughts on the shooting following Cheney's passing, Sally said: 'We've been having thoughts on it since February 11, 2006.' 'It was just a very unfortunate incident, but as my dad said, accidents happen,' she said. Then, with caustic sarcasm, she added: 'I don't think Cheney was a great shot.' It had long been rumored that Cheney never apologized to Whittington over the shooting which left his victim with suffering a heart attack and collapsed lung. Sally verified that version of events Tuesday, saying: 'I think Cheney thought he apologized, but my family didn't really.' 'It was an accident, and my father handled it very respectfully, as he always did... It was just a funny kind of incident in our family's life.' The accidental shooting captured headlines around the world at the time, as Cheney came under scrutiny for recklessly firing a shotgun at Whittington, who was 78, and leaving him with over 100 pellets in his body. The daughter of Harry Whittington (pictured), a political figure infamously shot by then-Vice President Dick Cheney in 2006,spoke out following the divisive Republican's passing on Monday evening. Whittington is pictured injured shortly after the shooting Cheney is pictured at an NRA event in 2004, two years before the shooting. He died on Monday aged 84 Sally Whittington, the daughter of the Texas businessman, told the Daily Mail that her father being shot by Cheney in 2006 was an 'unfortunate incident' that defined her family's public life Cheney shot Whittington on a quail hunting trip at a ranch in south Texas, accidentally firing a shotgun loaded with bird shot at Whittington. The 78-year-old Texas businessman sustained damage to much of the right side of his body, suffering a collapsed lung and damage to his face, neck and torso. Whittington would also suffer a minor heart attack when one of the shotgun pellets lodged near his heart around a week after the shooting. The businessman recovered and died in 2023 aged 95. Cheney came under intense scrutiny following the shooting, as he neglected to offer Whittington a full apology while repeatedly downplaying the incident and injuries that his hunting partner suffered. The vice president would later describe it as 'one of the worst days of my life', but at the time his office also delayed informing the press for almost a whole day after Whittington was hospitalized. The shooting occurred at around 5:30pm on February 11, 2006, and President George W Bush was told about it around two hours later, reports at the time suggest. However, after Press Secretary Scott McClellan was informed about the shooting at 6am the next day and pushed to release the information, Cheney overruled him. The story only emerged around seven hours later in the local news outlet Corpus Christi Caller-Times, and Cheney was accused of trying to cover up the shooting. A top Republican close to the White House told Time soon after: 'This is either a cover-up story or an incompetence story. 'Karl (Rove) was constrained, as was the entire communications operation, because the Vice President had arranged for how this was to come out.' The shooting scene was remade in the 2018 blockbuster about Cheney's life, Vice, starring Christian Bale (pictured) as the divisive Republican leader Cheney, seen hunting on a separate trip in South Dakota in 2002, came under scrutiny following the incident with Whittington for recklessly firing his weapon Although Cheney never publicly apologized to Whittington for the shooting, the Texas businessman held a press conference soon after being released from hospital, where he said: 'My family and I are deeply sorry for all that Vice President Cheney and his family have had to go through this week' Cheney also reportedly failed to get a Texas hunting license stamp to hunt migratory birds before the incident, and remained out of the limelight for some time after amid a media firestorm. Although Cheney never publicly apologized to Whittington for the shooting, the victim did go on to apologize to the vice president for the backlash he received. Whittington held a press conference soon after being released from hospital, where he said: 'My family and I are deeply sorry for all that Vice President Cheney and his family have had to go through this week.' The shooting scene was remade in the 2018 blockbuster about Cheney's life, Vice, starring Christian Bale as the divisive Republican leader. It comes after Cheney's family announced he passed away on Monday evening at the age of 84 due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney's family announced he passed away on Monday evening at the age of 84 due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease In a statement at his passing, Cheney's family described him as a 'great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country.' Cheney's passing on Monday evening was met with a divisive response, with critics hitting out at his war record while proponents paid tribute to his life of service to the nation. Former President George W Bush said in a statement that Cheney's death 'is a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends. 'Laura and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was,' Bush continued. 'History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation - a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held.' Judge Jeanine Pirro has intervened to stop FBI Director Kash Patel from his latest firing spree. The U.S. Attorney for Washington DC argued that firing the four veteran FBI agents would hamper progress on their ongoing cases, sources told the New York Times. This move sets up the latest showdown between two people President Donald Trump handpicked to crack down on crime Pirro as a former Fox News host who is now prosecutor in the nation's capital and Patel as the top nationwide law enforcement official. And it's just the latest in a string of tensions within the administration. Patel has also had his fair share of disagreements with his boss Attorney General Pam Bondi over how to handle high profile cases like the Jeffrey Epstein files. And regarding immigration policy Trump's Border Czar Tom Homan and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have also clashed. The FBI has been under a microscope of the new administration with critics claiming Patel was brought in to clear out any of Trump's 'enemies' within the agency. Just this week, four agents who worked on former Special Counsel Jack Smith's team investigating Trump were told that they were being terminated from their jobs with the FBI. But it appears their departures from the agency are now on hold because of Pirro. It was just the latest firings by Patel of agents who worked on cases related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro has allegedly intervened to stop FBI Director Kash Patel from firing four agents who worked on January 6 cases, according to a new report The agents whose terminations are now reversed are among the dozens who have been targeted for working on cases involving individuals who participated in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot Reuters named the agents as Jeremy Desor, Jamie Garman, Blaire Toleman and David Geist. Desor in particular was targeted in recent days on social media after Republican Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley publicized 1,000 pages of subpoenas from Smith's investigation, which proved Trump's attempts to stay in power after losing the 2020 presidential election. Toleman and Geist had their firings reversed after they were issued by Patel's FBI, Reuters reported on Monday. And sources claimed that several other agents were fired Monday but had their terminations rescinded. The FBI did not respond to a request for comment and the DOJ referred the Daily Mail to the US Attorney's office for DC, which also did not immediately respond. Dozens of FBI agents, prosecutors and other personnel who worked on Smith's investigation or handled cases involving in the January 6 attack have been fired from the Justice Department since Trump took office. Grassley told Reuters that he is releasing information about agents working these cases because 'the public has a right to know how the government's spending their hard-earned tax dollars, and if agents were engaged in wrongdoing they ought to be held accountable.' 'Transparency brings accountability,' he insisted. The latest action could set up a showdown between Patel and Pirro both of whom were handpicked by Trump to crackdown on crime in the country and nation's capital Patel has already raged against the silence of 'supposed allies' after they did not rush to his defense amid allegations he improperly used a government jet to attend an event with his girlfriend Alexis Wilkins amid the government shutdown. Additionally, it's been widely reported by the Daily Mail and other outlets that there are tensions between the leadership at FBI and the DOJ. It appears the latest action by Pirro could set up even more interagency showdowns. The Princess of Wales will represent the Royal Family at the Armistice Day service at the National Memorial Arboretum next week. Catherine will lead attendees in observing a two-minute silence at 11am before laying a wreath to remember Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in conflicts, Kensington Palace announced today. The service is to feature a specially commissioned poem by Arji Manuelpillai, the 'Poet in Residence' at the Arboretum, near Lichfield in Staffordshire. Mr Manuelpillai's verses will reflect the importance of connections, experiences and bonds formed between those who serve in the military. The themes are said to be close to the Princess's heart. Performing at the service will be the all-female a cappella collective Black Voices. The Princess of Wales will represent the Royal Family at the Armistice Day service at the National Memorial Arboretum next week A view of the Remembrance service at National Memorial Arboretum, in Alrewas, Staffordshire, last year Catherine will go on to view view the newly dedicated names on the Armed Forces Memorial before meeting veterans in attendance. Her Royal Highness will also meet children of serving military members who are currently on deployment. And she will get the chance to the Arboretum's exhibition, Letters from the Frontline - Words, War and Victory. The service on Tuesday, November 11, will come after the King and Queen and other royals attend the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night. King Charles is then set to lead the wreath-laying at the Cenotaph on Sunday. The Princess of Wales (left) and Duchess of Edinburgh on a balcony at the ForeignOffice during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London, November 10, 2024 The National Memorial Arboretum was opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 and is designed in such a way that at precisely 11:00 on November 11, a shaft of light falls on the bronze wreath in its centre. Last year, the Duchess of Edinburgh attended the Armistice Day service there after joining the Princess of Wales on the balcony of the Foreign Office to watch the proceedings at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. The Arboretum is home to the UK's first national memorial commemorating LGBT military personal who were affected by the army's former 'gay ban'. King Charles laid flowers there in October. The public tribute takes the form of a crumpled bronze letter made up of words taken from evidence from personnel who were impacted by the ban, which was in place from 1967 until January 11, 2000. A predatory and controlling Scotland Yard officer sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl when he was a teenager and repeatedly raped a woman decades later, a court heard. David Carrick, 50, has already admitted a large number of sexual offences against 12 women committed over a 17-year period, jurors were told. But he is now on trial for alleged sex attacks on the girl in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and a woman with whom he was in an alleged coercive and controlling relationship. He would hold his hand over the schoolgirls mouth to stop her screaming as he abused her sometimes twice a week - over an 18-month period when he was aged between 14 and 16, the trial heard. On another occasion he is said to have trapped her between a chair and a sofa to abuse her. Carrick was a serving police officer when he raped the woman between December 2014 and April 2015 then repeatedly forced her to perform sex acts on him in 2019, prosecutors said. The woman initially did not report his offences because he worked for the Metropolitan Police - but after Carrick was prosecuted in 2023 she decided to come forward, Tom Little KC, prosecuting, said. Mr Little said that the alleged victim told her mother what was being done to her when she was 14. And Carrick allegedly admitted the abuse in a letter that was later recovered from his medical records. In the note, Carrick allegedly wrote that the girl was not crazy, and that what she had claimed was true but he had stopped four months before it was written. I know how (the girl) must feel. That's why I stopped and promised I would never go near her again and I have kept that promise and I always will, he allegedly wrote. Sorry to you and especially sorry to (the girl) but she does not have to worry ever again. Please do not try to talk about it. David Carrick, 50, is a former Metropolitan Police officer who has previously admitted a large number of sexual offences against 12 women committed over a 17-year period, jurors were told More than 20 years later, he allegedly raped and sexually assaulted a woman with whom he was in a toxic relationship, jurors heard. Opening trial at the Old Bailey, Mr Little said: This case that you are now trying is primarily about sexual offending committed many years apart by this defendant. But in respect of all the offending, whenever it was committed, the defendant was, we say, very predatory and controlling. This was not isolated offending but part of a pattern which the defendant perpetrated over many years. Carrick met the woman via a dating app in 2014, the court heard. He pinned her down when she asked him to stop having sex and said words to the effect of you are not going anywhere, Mr Little said. That was plainly rape, the prosecutor added. He then rolled over and apologized and hugged her. She was crying. The defendant then became upset and started crying. They did not talk about it, and they went to sleep. The alleged victim was in pain for six weeks afterwards, Mr Little said. She did not know who to tell or whether anyone would believe her and so she did not tell anybody, he added. Given that he was a Met Police officer it may be obvious and understandable that she took the view that at that point she would not be believed. Carrick is now on trial for allegedly abusing a 12-year-old girl more than 35 years ago, and raping a woman between 2014 and 2015 He denies five counts of sexual assault relating to the girl in 1989 and 1990 and two charges of rape, one of sexual assault and coercive and controlling behaviour towards the woman between 2014 and 2019 Carrick and the woman got back in touch in 2019 and began a short relationship again, during which Carrick forced her to perform sex acts on him and also urinated on her when she asked him not to, Mr Little said. The relationship came to an end after a fight spilled out onto the street in September 2019 when the woman refused to get naked and wait in Carricks bed, jurors heard. They were on the stairs, he grabbed her hair and tried to pull her down the stairs, she fought back trying to get him off, Mr Little said. At one stage she was holding onto the banister, which got broken. The neighbours came out and separated them and then police arrived. The woman did not report Carrick at the time as feared she would not be believed, Mr Little said. However, that changed following the prosecution of David Carrick in 2022 and 2023, Mr Little said. The woman told police about the alleged forced sex acts and said he had also strangled her while the couple were on holiday in Turkey. When Carrick was interviewed in November 2023, he said the schoolgirl was a liar and claimed that no sexual abuse occurred. And he insisted that all sexual activity with the woman was consensual. Mr Little told jurors: It is to be noted that there are a number of stark similarities between the conduct that she alleges and that upon which he was previously prosecuted and pleaded guilty in 2022 and 2023. Bearded Carrick, who wore a black suit in court, shook his head as some of the allegations were read to jurors. He denies five counts of sexual assault relating to the girl in 1989 and 1990 and two charges of rape, one of sexual assault and coercive and controlling behaviour towards the woman between 2014 and 2019. The trial continues. To the vast majority of us, its an eye-watering sum of money. If we all woke up tomorrow to find our bank accounts swollen by 25.5million, our lives would change, forever. So, First Minister John Swinneys announcement that this dizzying amount will be used to help bring down NHS waiting times must be welcome, indeed. Surely those extra millions will be transformative? But look into the detail and the First Ministers cash pledge starts to look like the most expensive sticking plaster in history. More than a third of the SNP Governments 60billion annual budget - 22bn, to be precise - goes straight to health and social care. In this context, its very difficult to disagree with the Scottish Conservative Partys view that the much-trumpeted new investment will barely touch the sides of whats needed. Right now, around one in nine people in Scotland is on a waiting list for NHS treatment. When considered against a recent claim from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine that more than 800 deaths in Scotland last year were linked to long waits in accident and emergency wards, this statistic becomes doubly worrying. Announcing the extra cash for the NHS, Mr Swinney said it would help deliver more hospital appointments across the country. He was, he later told BBC News, optimistic the NHS had turned a corner on waiting lists. John Swinney meets patient Stephanie Tacy during a visit to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for the announcement of additional funding for Scotland's NHS Of course he did. But the truth is that, more than 18 years after the SNP won its first Holyrood election, the Scottish NHS is fighting for its life. Medical staff are under ever-increasing pressure as the service - starved for almost two decades of meaningful reform - struggles to cope with the demands of an ageing population. Barely a week passes without some senior figure in the medical community - a British Medical Association official, perhaps, or a spokesman for the Royal College of Surgeons - telling us that the NHS is on the brink of collapse. But, despite grave warnings from experts on the front-line of the service that investment and reform are urgently needed, the SNP shows no sign that it has either the imagination or the willingness to put in the hard work needed to bring about real, meaningful and, most importantly, necessary improvements. Instead, the nationalists are content to play politics with the service. You need not take my word for this. Last weekend, former SNP health secretary, Jeane Freeman, admitted the current state of the NHS in Scotland is down to the failings of successive governments, including the one in which she served under former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Ms Freeman said politicians failed to take a long-term view of the service, instead focusing on the next election. And she claimed governments had repeatedly failed to ask NHS staff what they think should be done because politics gets in the way of it. Ms Freeman told us nothing new at the weekend. Rather, she confirmed what has been obvious to anyone whos watched the NHS crumble under nationalist control. On winning power in 2007, the SNP implemented one of its flagship policies - the abolition of prescription charges for all. The message from the nationalists was that, under their stewardship, the NHS would be more compassionate and egalitarian. But that was all spin. And hugely expensive spin, at that. In fact, before the SNP came to power, 50 per cent of people already paid nothing for their medication while 80 per cent of all prescriptions were free of charge. The nationalists have been spending more than 50m-a-year giving free paracetamol and pile cream to the wealthy while allowing the NHS to atrophy. When Ms Freeman told BBC Scotlands The Sunday Show that politicians look for what they need to do in order to remain in power or to gain power, she could have been talking, specifically, about free prescriptions. This is a policy that might have seemed impressive when printed in a manifesto but now looks utterly foolish. Just image what the hundreds of millions of pounds wasted giving free painkillers to the rich could have been used for. Ms Freeman - who served as health secretary between 2018-21 - said governments had failed to gather widespread views about the state of the NHS and how it might be supported from clinical and frontline staff. It was time, she said, to get everyone working in the NHS - from janitorial staff to consultants - to sit down and work out what they think they need in order to get the ailing service back on its feet. Here, I part company with Ms Freemans views. The Scottish NHS doesnt need more pointless meetings, it needs proper leadership and real reform. More than anything, it needs some honesty from across the political spectrum. When the NHS was established in the aftermath of the second world war, most people did not live beyond their 60s. Today, life expectancy has extended to an average of more than 82 years. The great irony is that the NHS played the central role in changing those statistics and is now paying the price for its success. Successive Prime and First Ministers have expected the NHS fit for the 20th century to keep pace in a new millennium without making the necessary investment. John Swinney promised, earlier this year, that his government would bring down waiting times and make it easier to get GP appointments. Since then, health secretary Neil Gray has announced an extra 531m will be allocated to recruit staff in GP surgeries over the next three years. A cynic might wonder why this money only became available as the SNP floundered in the polls. Scottish Labours verdict is that the Scottish Government has a disgraceful track record when it comes to reducing waiting times. This is unquestionably true. But, in common with the nationalists, Labour lacks the courage to be truly honest about the state of the NHS. Labour makes its own waiting time pledges (which, by the looks of current polling, will remain untested for years to come) but has not, in almost two decades of opposition, formulated a new plan for the service. If we believe that the founding principle of the NHS - that treatment should be free at the point of delivery to anyone, regardless of status - is important and worth preserving (and, for what its worth, I do) then we need to be honest about what will be required to achieve that. Scotland doesnt need more undeliverable promises on NHS waiting times, it needs a national debate about how we fund the service where participants can speak freely about taxation and about where the private sector might alleviate mounting pressure. An investment of 22.5million to bring down waiting times might seem like a lot but, for all the good itll do John Swinney might as well have sent every member of NHS staff a box of Quality Street and a Marks and Sparks voucher. Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and her boyfriend dressed up as a Mexican migrant and an ICE agent in provocative Halloween costumes, new photographs reveal. The MAGA rep and her partner, real estate broker Kyle Pearcy, were snapped in the outfits while attending a Halloween party in Loveland, Colorado on Friday night. The images, first reported by ABC News, showed Boebert wearing a large sombrero and a traditional Mexican dress, while Pearcy wore an ICE vest and camouflage. Other images from the party also showed the couple appeared with a chalkboard sign mocking the pronunciation of 'you see', reading: 'Mexican Word of the day: JUICY. Tell me if Juicy Ice coming.' The party attendee said others were shocked by the congresswoman's costume choice, and described it as 'the most disgusting thing I have ever seen.' 'Even the conservatives [at the party] were in shock. People avoided them,' they said. Boebert's office downplayed the outfit in a statement after the images emerged, saying: 'It's a Halloween costume. 'Tell our Senators to vote for the CR and open the government. They are choosing to let millions of American families suffer.' Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and her boyfriend dressed up as a Mexican migrant and an ICE agent in provocative Halloween costumes, new photographs revealed Other images from the party also showed the couple appeared with a chalkboard sign mocking the pronunciation of 'you see', reading: 'Mexican Word of the day: JUICY. Tell me if Juicy Ice coming' Boebert's Halloween costume divided opinion after images of her and Pearcy circulated on social media. Some X users took offense to the outfit choice, feeling that the Colorado congresswoman's support of Donald Trump's immigration crackdown meant the look was in poor taste. 'Those costumes are not funny,' one said. 'It's not a good look. It looks like you're laughing at the suffering of families that are being torn apart by ICE. Have some decency and stop it.' But others argued that Boebert and her boyfriend's costumes were only intended to be funny, with some describing it as 'hilarious.' 'I've never really been a fan of Boebert - until now,' one wrote, adding that the costumes were 'top tier trolling.' The Daily Mail has contacted Boebert's office for comment. The Halloween costume was not the first time that Boebert has made headlines with her outfit choices this year. In April, the outspoken rep came under scrutiny from some critics because of a minidress she wore to a key fundraising dinner attended by President Trump. She was pictured on Instagram posing with Congressman Bryon Donalds and tech investor Ed Buckley, but it was her tight-fitting minidress which caught the attention of some. The garment included white polka dots, a high neck, and barely-there sheer material over her arms and shoulders. The controversial dress choice followed several controversies for Boebert, as some accused her of having a seemingly reckless nature. Most infamously, she was asked to leave a performance of the Beetlejuice musical for groping her date in the dark last year. In April, the outspoken rep came under scrutiny from some critics because of a minidress she wore to a key fundraising dinner attended by President Trump And this July, her son Tyler was charged with child abuse following an incident with her grandson. Tyler, who had previously pleaded guilty to attempting to commit identity theft in 2024, was earlier this year issued a misdemeanor citation for 'negligence' involving his son. Boebert stood by her son following the incident, the details of which are not known, as she said he has since been 'doing a great job getting his life on track as a father and citizen.' 'Unfortunately, this event stems from a miscommunication on monitoring my young grandson that recently led to him getting out of our house,' she said. An Iranian man has been found dead with a gunshot wound after posting an image of himself burning a picture of the supreme leader, with mourners blaming the authorities for his death. Omid Sarlak, from Lorestan province in western Iran, posted an video of himself setting alight the image of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a forested area on Instagram last Friday. Hours later, he was found dead in his car. Police officials in the town of Aligudarz claimed he had taken his own life with a pistol found by his side. But at Sarlak's funeral on Monday, dozens of mourners shouted slogans including 'they killed him!' and 'death to Khamenei'. In his video Sarlak, who was in his 20s, included a recording of the voice of deposed shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, indicating his sympathy for the Iranian monarchy that was ousted by the 1979 Islamic revolution. The ousted shah's US-based son, Reza Pahlavi, wrote on X that Sarlak had 'stood against the oppression of the Islamic republic and sacrificed his life for Iran's freedom'. The Iranian Tasnim news agency on Monday rejected what it described as claims in 'anti-revolution media' that he 'was prosecuted for critical statements and was murdered in a suspicious manner', saying there had been no case against Sarlak and he had killed himself with a gunshot to the head. Sarlak's father was shown in a video posted on social media by Iranian opposition outlets weeping and saying 'they killed my boy'. Omid Sarlak (pictured) posted an video of himself setting alight the image of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a forested area Hours later, the young man was found dead in his car But he later gave an interview to local state-run television urging people not to believe what they saw on social media. Activists say the authorities are pressing an intensified crackdown three years after nationwide protests shook the authorities and months after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June. 'External aggression has fuelled deeper internal repression,' the UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Mai Sato, said last week, noting an 'alarming' surge in executions and 'mass arrests' of activists. The older brother of the Southport attacker has revealed he feared his sibling would kill their father and saw similarities between him and the 'sociopath' murderer from the Hollywood film No Country For Old Men. Axel Rudakubana, 17, murdered Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, when he went on the rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July last year. An inquiry into the atrocity is today hearing from his brother Dion Rudakubana, who the media are legally prevented from publishing any photograph or voice recording of. Dion, 21, told the inquiry his younger brother's behaviour deteriorated and became more and more violent after he was expelled from mainstream education aged 13. He said that, from 2022, when Axel was 15, he started to worry that he might kill someone in the household. He would smash glasses and plates and had 'scary fights' with their father, Alphonse, 49, prompting police to be called, Dion said. The inquiry was shown messages Dion sent to a friend describing how he was fearful his brother would hit him and become violent because he was talking late at night, which Axel didn't like. Dion said his younger brother reminded him of the fictional sociopathic murderer in the 2007 thriller No Country For Old Men. Southport killer Axel Rudakubana is pictured in a court artist sketch during his trial at Liverpool Crown Court last year (L-R) Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were all murdered in the atrocity on July 29, 2024 The older brother of Southport killer Axel Rudakubana said he saw similarities between his sibling and the 'sociopath' killer Anton Chigurh from No Country For Old Men, as played by Javier Bardem (pictured) In the movie, main character Anton Chigurh, played by Javier Bardem, murders ten people. 'I watched it recently and it concerned me', Dion told the inquiry. Richard Boyle, counsel to the inquiry, said: 'You describe that character as a sociopath and very close to what your brother was that character kills ten people over the course of the film.' Dion replied: 'Yes, that's why it concerned me. I felt the threat was within the home.' He said he never went into his brother's bedroom because of his 'violent responses' and stopped speaking to him altogether in the summer of 2023. Dion, who had moved away to go to university the year before, said: 'I was not home as much so didn't engage in heavy conversations as I used to as often. 'There was also a growing risk of him lashing out, so I was told by my parents to be careful.' Dion said that the pair would 'talk intensively' when they were young but Axel would hit him because they were 'brothers who felt as strong as we did about the points we were talking about, debate issues.' At the age of 12, Dion developed an neuro-muscular condition that left him confined to a wheelchair, although the inquiry has heard that his brother considered him a 'fraud.' When Rudakubana had to move to the Range High School to join his older brother in September 2018, Rudakubana resented it because he had to leave his primary school friends behind, the inquiry was told. His 'mood deteriorated further', he had a 'short temper' and Dion said he was 'less happy, he was quite despondent, and his frustration, as a result of his lower moods was a concern because he was bigger, physically larger, stronger, it hurt more.' 'Outbursts' could be 'multiple times a week, maybe every day' and 'if I'm referring to outbursts, I'm referring to violent outbursts,' he said. 'The sense of family routine and togetherness we which we once had, started to fade when I lost the ability to walk' but after his brother's expulsion it 'broke down completely. He said his brother's ability to empathise with others 'diminished' overtime following his expulsion from The Range High School for taking knives into lessons in October 2019. He said Axel became increasingly socially isolated, fearful and paranoid. 'The violence was building noticeably' before the hockey stick incident in December 2019 and Rudakubana began smashing plates and glasses, which got worse over time,' Dion said. Mr Boyle asked if he was sacred that his brother 'might kill.' Dion replied: 'The police had been called multiple times. Those incidents were signals. The occasions we had to call police out were indications.' The messages continued: 'So can your dad not make him do anything because he seems rather strict with you?' Dion replied: 'No, he is, but my brother can be violent, so he has to be a bit careful. He has a lot of anxiety, which makes him avoid doing most things, regardless of the benefit. 'He will find an argument to convince himself that it's not worth it, and if it is not strong enough and you question it, he will get violent. This is the added stress of being home. 'When you hear an argument, it gets louder and I get concerned. The fights are scary because of the danger of someone dying. 'My brother doesn't really show mercy, so my dad just has to try not to die. We hide knives to mitigate that factor.' The friend asked: 'Has your brother tried to stab your dad before?' and Dion replied: 'No, I'm not sure really. I'm still not absolutely sure.' He told the inquiry that he remembered being in the room when his father was 'holding off' his brother and 'out of that mistake, the police were called.' 'It might be that he was holding a bottle, trying to hit him with a bottle, it's quite hard to say, but I remember being scared that someone was going to die, in that case, my dad.' Mr Boyle asked if he had a 'serious fear that your brother would kill a member of your family?' 'If things escalated to this point,' Dion said. 'I would say this fear existed earlier than that date. I remember being sacred to go to university in my first year because of the summer being a bit...' He agreed that from 2019, his parents 'lost control' of his brother. By the time Dion entered sixth form, his brother 'dominated' the living room' and he would no longer go in in there The relationship deteriorated further and communication diminished until they had almost completely stopped speaking by 2023. Deanna Romina Khananisho, head of global affairs at X, gives evidence at the Southport inquiry Dion described his final interaction with his brother, in the summer of 2023, when Axel threw a metal bottle at him. He said he managed to close the door to avoid being struck but agreed he could have been 'seriously hurt'. The inquiry also heard that there was a lot of 'tension' between Axel and his father and that the younger brother also stopped speaking to Mr Rudakubana a few months later. Mr Boyle asked: 'Who was AR speaking to at this time?' 'My mum,' Dion replied. 'And no one else,' the barrister added. 'That's right,' Dion replied. Dion said he was 'scared' to go to university in September 2022 because his brother's violent outbursts had become so bad. He said he was never asked about his brother's behaviour by social services, mental health workers or the police. Asked whether he would have told them he feared Axel 'might kill someone in his household,' if they had done, Dion replied: 'I wouldn't have said it point blank (but) I would have explained I feared some disputes escalated.' He also admitted he 'didn't think' to tell anyone himself because the problem grew 'gradually'. 'When I went to university, I had less knowledge of what was going on, so I trusted my parents to have more knowledge, who were also in contact with those services,' Dion added. Both Dion and Axel were diagnosed with autism but Dion completed school and went on to university. Axel was expelled from the Range High School after confessing to taking a knife into school on at least ten occasions, planning to attack a pupil he believed had been bullying him. Two months later he returned to the school, attended by his older brother, and attacked a pupil with a hockey stick, while carrying a knife in his rucksack. The inquiry heard notes made after a visit to the family home by Lancashire County Council in August 2021 revealed Axel claiming his father hit eight-year-olds, referring to himself, as well as his brother, Dion. Mr Rudakubana insisted the claims were 'false' but did admit to smacking the brothers with a slipper when they fought with one another. Earlier, the inquiry heard from Deanna Romina Khananisho, head of global affairs at X who said it would be a 'tyrannical overreach' to take down a 'horrific' video of a bishop being stabbed that was watched by the Southport attacker moments before he set off on his murder spree. Rudakubana watched the stabbing of Mar Mari Emmanuel, an Australian bishop who lost the sight in his eye after being repeatedly stabbed by an alleged teenage terrorist while live-streaming a sermon online, six minutes before he left home to carry out the atrocity. Ms Khananisho told the public inquiry that, by chance, she happened to be watching that sermon in real time, last April, when the attack took place. She admitted that the video depicted 'horrific violence' but insisted that was not a reason to erase it from X, formerly known as Twitter. Asked by Nicholas Moss, KC, for the inquiry, whether allowing the footage to remain online 'fuelled' or promoted 'violent and hateful entities,' Ms Khananisho, who describes herself as a free speech warrior, said she viewed it differently. 'I saw a miracle unfold that day,' she said. 'People saw a monster, I saw an angel protecting Mar Mari. Where people saw a helpless victim I saw many heroes, parishioners running to save him.' She claimed the video clearly showed the bishop reaching through his parishioners, who had pinned the attacker to floor, to touch his head and pray for him. Ms Khananisho said the video represented 'hope, faith and forgiveness,' adding: 'I do watch that video, and I watch it for those reasons. 'For you to take that away from me under the guise of safety, that isn't justice, that's tyrannical overreach.' Rudakubana had several accounts on X, going by the handle Red_Lorry123, the inquiry heard. He had bypassed X's age verification process to access 'sensitive' or violent material, available only to over-18s, by simply lying about his date of birth. Ms Khananisho admitted the firm had been forced to impose stricter regulations on age verification, requiring users to provide 'live selfies' or a government-approved ID, since the introduction of the Online Safety Act, in December. But she pointed out that any child 'determined' to watch violence online would find a way to do so. 'Frankly, it wouldn't matter how many protections we have in place, at the end of the day, if somebody is determined to find the content they would find the content on any platform,' Ms Khananisho said. The inquiry heard other social media giants quickly agreed to a government request to remove the video of the bishop stabbing soon after the Southport attack, but X refused. There is no current legislation that could force them to comply. Ms Khananisho insisted there was no 'proof' the video had been a trigger for Rudakubana's attack and taking it down amounted to 'censorship', which was 'not something we stand for'. 'I do not know what he [Rudakubana] was thinkingso I can't make the assumption the video was a trigger,' she added. Mr Moss suggested that, by refusing to remove the video, X were putting the importance of free speech over that of the feelings of the deceased or injured girls. Ms Khananisho, who revealed she originated from a 'repressed' country where people were 'persecuted' for their beliefs, replied: 'The importance of free speech is literally the strong hold of all governments. 'If you are asking me to limit those free rights because I'm emotionally responding to an horrific attack then we'd be limiting the rights of people every single day because every single day bad things happen, attacks happen. Personally, I don't agree with that.' Rudakubana was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 52 years, at Liverpool Crown Court, in January. His parents are due to give evidence tomorrow. The inquiry, at Liverpool Town Hall, continues. A salesman killed himself after being accused of 'not putting up enough of a fight' against robbers who grabbed a haul of luxury watches worth 1.1million from his shop, a court heard. Oliver White, 27, offered to compensate the owners of his shop with the 14,000 he had been saving up for a deposit on a flat with his girlfriend Alana Dredge, jurors heard. Mr White was restrained with cable ties during the heist at 247 Kettles in Kew Road, Richmond, on May 25 last year. The following day he killed himself in woodland in Shepperton where he had played as a boy and was found there by a close friend. Businessman Mannix Pedro, 38, helped plan the raid and supplied a stolen Audi used as a getaway car. Jurors were told Pedro has already been tried and convicted of conspiracy to rob. Kyle Mehmet, 40, allegedly grabbed Mr White's wrists during the robbery while Junior Kunu, 31, swiped the watches, including a Rolex Sky Dweller. Michael Holmes, 34, is said to have been part of an aborted robbery at the shop two days earlier. Oliver White, 27, who was tied up during a 1.1m heist at luxury watch store 247 Kettles in Richmond, killed himself after being accused of 'not putting up enough of a fight', a court heard Prosecutor Edward Brown KC told Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday that Mehmet first contacted Mr White via Instagram account 'KC Roofing' on the 28 February last year. 'Just two and a half weeks after the first known contact, there comes the contact between a number of the conspirators,' he said. Phone downloads taken from Pedro's phone after his arrest revealed a 'threeway conversation between Pedro, Mehmet and another unknown man' throughout March 2024, the court heard. One voice note sent from Pedro to Mehmet stated: 'The box and papers for the kettles are in there', jurors heard. 'Kettles' is a slang term for watch. Other voice notes said: 'Don't play with them when you are in there', and 'all the money 155k bare jewels.' The prosecutor said Pedro's instruction not to 'play with' Mr White meant: 'Don't hold back, use the force that is necessary.' Pedro also referred in voice notes to 'Cartier bracelet', 'the dweller', 'sky dweller', and told the group: 'I want everything'. The total value of the watches that were taken is more than 1,160,000 and none have been recovered, the court heard The prosecutor said: 'You may conclude that this is clear evidence that Pedro and Mehmet were by then, on the 20 March, engaged in a scheme to rob. 'The items identified by the person in this chat were stocked by 247 Kettles that was to be robbed by Mehmet and Kunu, with Pedro's help just two months later. '(Any) enterprise that involves over a million pounds worth of watches does not happen by chance or without planning.' Jurors were shown a message sent to 247 Kettles by 'an Instagram account associated with the conspirators' arranging to 'view high value watches with a prospect of possibly buying watches' on 22 May. 'May 23 saw a visit to Kettles by the defendants Kyle Mehmet and Michael Holmes and one other untraced man. 'They went towards and into the 247 Kettles premises. 'Oliver White was there to 'show them' watches as had been arranged earlier. 'Plainly, as we can now see, and quite unknown to Oliver White, this was no legitimate 'enquiry' about the purchase of very expensive watches. 'Mehmet was shown watches by Oliver White whilst the other two a few metres away meandered about the office, with the other male at one point putting a balaclava over his head and around his neck. 'Holmes and the male kept their faces from the CCTV camera inside the office and Holmes covers his hands with his sleeves in an attempt it can be presumed to prevent DNA being found. 'They left the building at 1.34pm.' Kyle Mehmet, 40, Michael Holmes, 34, and Junior Kunu, 31, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court (pictured) where they are standing trial for conspiracy to commit robbery Mr Brown described this visit to 247 Kettles as either a 'recce' or an aborted attempt to commit the robbery. He continued: 'On 25 May Mr White prepared some watches on trays for them to view when they arrived. 'There was nothing to make Mr White suspicious, the 'customers' seemed completely relaxed. 'Mr White described in his first statement how suddenly 'they', as he described them, stood up and started grabbing the watches, saying to each other 'Grab the watches'. 'He described how one of them grabbed his hands to stop him moving and pinned them across his chest and then had his hands bound using zip ties that they had obviously brought with them for use in Kettles on Mr White. 'He was then put in a headlock the 'other man' in fact Kunu he could see grabbing the watches. 'Having done so they left, leaving him in shock and with visible reddening around his neck and wrist.' Mr White said later: 'It all feels a bit surreal.' The prosecutor said the group used an Audi A5 car as a 'switch car' to 'take the robbers, minutes after the robbery, from a stolen A3 that was the getaway car.' 'This was therefore a wellplanned and wellcoordinated robbery of a large number of very valuable watches.' Jurors heard Mr White was 'plainly extremely upset' after the robbery of the watches and the 'huge loss' incurred to the business on account of the items not being insured. The salesman attempted to transfer his 14,000 savings to the owners of the business, Conor Thornton and Joe Riley, who were in the US at the time of the heist. Mr Brown told jurors: 'He was still very shaken up and did not want to speak even to his girlfriend, Alana Dredge, about the attack they had been together for seven years and had been planning a life together. 'But he insisted on going to the meeting with his friends the two owners and with another man who was part of the business the next day.' Jurors heard that Mr White was 'devastated' when his friends, the two owners, suggested that he did not put up 'enough of a fight' during the robbery. Mr White had shown 'real enthusiasm for his work at Kettles' and was described as 'not seeing the risk or bad in anyone,' said Mr Brown. 'It was the next day that he went missing in fact not long after he sent the 14,000 or so over. 'Calls to him were not answered and messages not answered. His family and friends became very concerned and later that day, in the evening, his body was found by a friend who was out searching for him in woodland. Mr Brown said: 'His car was found nearby he had taken his own life. 'Force was undoubtedly used on Oliver White. 'Force was needed to succeed by the robbers to get their hands on a very significant number of very expensive watches. 'If it is ever suggested that he was in on it, you will look very long and hard for any indication whatsoever for any evidence of it and it isn't to be found. 'His suicide was out of, in his mind, somehow letting others down. Of course, he did not in fact do so, but it would seem he believed he had.' Pedro was arrested on May 29, 2024 and released on police bail before being rearrested off a oneway flight to Marseille carrying four large suitcases. Kunu had changed his appearance when he was arrested on June 5 and gave no comment to all questions. Mehmet and Holmes were arrested in March this year and also refused to answer police questions. Pedro, of Cobham, Surrey, denied but was earlier convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery between 28 February 2024 and 26 May 2024. Kunu, of Mitcham, south London, Mehmet, of North Road, Rotherham and Holmes, of Rainham, Essex, all deny the same charge. The trial continues. Andrew Cuomo, the former liberal governor of New York and current independent mayoral candidate, hung up the phone in fury during a radio show interview on Monday morning when he was asked about Donald Trump's lukewarm endorsement. Cuomo called in to New York City radio station, Hot 97.1, and was met with fiery questions about Trump's recent 60 Minutes interview, where he confessed that the former governor was his top candidate in the mayoral election. 'Your boy was just on 60 Minutes, Cuomo, saying that youre his guy!' host Ebro Darden said in the heated confrontation. 'No, first of all,' Cuomo began before Darden interrupted, reiterating: 'Trump said you're his candidate. If he had to pick a bad Democrat or a communist, he's picking you.' The question was met with silence as Darden and his co-hosts, Laura Stylez and Peter Rosenberg, awaited Cuomo's response. After a few seconds, the hosts asked if Cuomo was still on the line, and Rosenberg speculated that the former governor 'had to wrap.' The three sat in shock, and Stylez confessed, 'I really wanted to hear that answer.' Cuomo's team has denied that he hung up during the interview and insisted that the call dropped. Andrew Cuomo's interview on a New York radio show was abruptly ended after the hosts asked him a question about Donald Trump Host Ebro Darden (middle) pushed back on Cuomo, questioning him, 'Your boy was just on 60 Minutes, Cuomo, saying that youre his guy!' After Darden's remark, the line went silent as the other co-hosts, Laura Stylez (right) and Peter Rosenberg (left), awaited Cuomo's response The Daily Mail has reached out to Cuomo's campaign team for comment on what happened during the call. Cuomo did, however, address Trump's 60 Minutes comment later in the day during campaign events in Washington Heights and Chinatown, reported Politico journalist Jeff Coltin. Cuomo rejected Trump's claims that he was a 'bad Democrat,' and added that his opponent, Zohran Mamdani, was a socialist and not a communist. 'But we don't need a socialist mayor either,' Cuomo added. A spokesperson for Cuomo's campaign told HuffPost that the call disconnected, adding, 'and then right after he did three gaggles with the entire New York City press corps where he discussed the same topics.' Mamdani didn't hesitate to take shots at his political foe, posting a graphic on his social media announcing that Trump had endorsed Cuomo. 'Congratulations, Andrew Cuomo. I know how hard you worked for this,' Mamdani added. The mayoral candidate also reposted the clip on his X account, telling his followers: 'Andrew Cuomo picks up the phone to call Donald Trump, and hangs up when he's asked about it.' Donald Trump offered a lukewarm endorsement for Cuomo during his recent interview on 60 Minutes with Norah O'Donnell Cuomo responded to Mamdani's post while speaking to reporters on Monday evening: 'I say, when Mamdani is smiling, he's lying. Trump did not endorse me. I said repeatedly I would not accept Donald Trump's endorsement.' Trump begrudgingly expressed support for Cuomo during an interview with Norah O'Donnell on 60 Minutes over the weekend. 'It's gonna be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York, because if you have a communist running New York, all you're doing is wasting the money you're sending there,' Trump said. Mamdani has repeatedly denied being a communist and has defined his politics as Democratic socialism, a political ideology that supports a democratically run and decentralized economy. 'If it's gonna be between a bad Democrat and a communist, I'm gonna pick the bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you,' Trump confessed in his interview. He then compared Mamdani to former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, whom the president branded as 'the worst mayor in history.' On Monday night, Trump doubled down on his support for Cuomo, posting a lengthy statement on Truth Social, threatening that if Mamdani wins the mayoral election, it is 'highly unlikely' that he'll continue to send federal funds. 'It is my obligation to run the Nation, and it is my strong conviction that New York City will be a Complete and Total Economic and Social Disaster should Mamdani win,' Trump wrote. The president went on to tout Cuomo's 'record of success' and called Mamdani a 'complete and total failure.' Despite Curtis Sliwa being the Republican candidate in the race, Trump also blasted him, writing that he looked better without his signature red beret and discouraged his supporters from voting for him. 'Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!' the president concluded. New Yorkers' last day to vote in the mayoral election is Tuesday until 9pm. Surveillance video from a California man's parents' own smoke shop captured him admitting to the hit-and-run crash that left a 12-year-old hospitalized. Dani Korkis, 35, was arraigned in an El Cajon court on Monday for a felony hit-and-run that left a boy in critical condition. He pleaded not guilty, and his face was obscured by court cameras after a judge ordered the media to blur his image during the early stages of the trial. The crash occurred on Ballantyne Avenue on Wednesday, October 22, at 8pm. The victim, who was initially in a coma, suffered major injuries, including a broken leg and arm, and lost multiple teeth with the remainder being held together by wire. The investigation began with debris left by the suspect's BMW X5 at the crash site, Prosecutor Natalie Scholfield informed the court. Using this crash evidence, an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR), and various databases, police were able to pinpoint the vehicle, which was located in a business parking lot. The damage of that vehicle matched the debris left at the scene, and police subsequently arrested the suspect. Surveillance video from Korkis' own Lakeside Smoke Shop later captured him admitting to the hit-and-run crash. Dani Korkis appeared in El Cajon court for arraignment in hit-and-run case involving a 12-year-old victim Prosecutor Natalie Scholfield detailed the extent of the victim's injuries and the suspect's prior offenses Debris from Korkis BMW X5 was found at the scene on Ballantyne Avenue, helping investigators identify the suspect 'We have surveillance footage from his parents' smoke shop indicating he was aware that he struck an individual, perhaps not the 12-year-old,' Scholfield said. 'He was notified in some way that he hit a 12-year-old. Despite that, [he] still did not turn himself in.' After his family saw the news reports, noticed blood on his car, and urged him to turn himself in, Korkis still did not come forward. Korkis' attorney entered a not guilty plea as he claimed he loaned the vehicle to a woman, police told CBS8. During the arraignment, prosecutors highlighted the suspect's history, noting that before the recent crash, Korkis had already fled from police twice over the summer - once on July 17 and again on August 11 - had a reckless driving charge, and had missed a court date for one of those earlier cases. 'The defendant is clearly dangerous. He has been given multiple opportunities to comply with the law, and he has failed to do so even when released on bond in previous cases,' Scholfield said. Judge Peter A. Lynch set bail at $1.5 million, citing Korkis repeated disregard for traffic laws Surveillance footage from Korkis smoke shop in which he admitted to hitting the boy played a key role in linking him to the October 22 crash Judge Peter A. Lynch criticized Korkis for repeatedly ignoring traffic laws and said his ongoing reckless behavior led to a tragic crash that could have been avoided. Bail was set at $1.5 million, which was $500,000 for all three charges. Korkis is due back in court on November 10. A Palestinian family who were granted entry to the UK despite not seeing their British relative in 17 years are at the centre of a legal battle over whether a 'family life' existed between them, a court has heard. In written submissions, Sir James Eadie KC, for the Home Office, said: 'None of the respondents had seen the sponsor in person for 17 years prior to the application, and the youngest children had never met him in person.' He added: 'The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely challenging. Over 54,000 people have been killed in Gaza and more than 90% of the population have been displaced, many repeatedly. 'However, that situation is not the legal responsibility of the UK Government, which has no jurisdiction in Gaza.' Sir James also argued that the UK could not be under a 'positive legal obligation' under the European Convention on Human Rights 'to admit individuals or families from areas experiencing active conflict or humanitarian crisis simply by virtue of a tenuous connection with a family member in the UK.' He continued: 'Were it otherwise, there would be very serious implications for the integrity of the UK's immigration control.' The family of six, which includes two children under the age of 10, were granted entry clearance to the UK in January this year, subject to them attending a visa application centre and providing biometric information. Their apartment block was destroyed in October 2023 after they were given a 10-minute warning from the Israeli military, and they now live in a tent. A Palestinian family who were granted entry to the UK despite not seeing their British relative in 17 years are at the centre of a legal battle over whether a 'family life' existed between them, a court has heard. Pictured: Palestinian Hamas militants and Red Cross members work at a site in an area within the so-called 'yellow line' to which Israeli troops withdrew under the ceasefire In written submissions, Sir James Eadie KC (pictured), for the Home Office, said: 'None of the respondents had seen the sponsor in person for 17 years prior to the application, and the youngest children had never met him in person' Last January they applied to join the brother of one of the parents, who has lived in the UK since 2007, but the Home Office refused their bid in May 2024. The family appealed against the decision, and in January this year, the Upper Tribunal granted them permission to enter the UK, finding a family life existed between them and the relative. The Home Office is challenging the underlying reasons for the decision at the Court of Appeal in London, but not the decision to grant the family entry clearance to the UK. Lawyers for the Government said on Tuesday that there was no family life, and in order to rely on the family connection, 'dependency' needs to be established. In written submissions, Sir James Eadie KC, for the Home Office, said: 'None of the respondents had seen the sponsor in person for 17 years prior to the application, and the youngest children had never met him in person.' He added: 'The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely challenging. 'Over 54,000 people have been killed in Gaza and more than 90% of the population have been displaced, many repeatedly. 'However, that situation is not the legal responsibility of the UK Government, which has no jurisdiction in Gaza.' Sir James added that the UK could not be under a 'positive legal obligation' under the European Convention on Human Rights 'to admit individuals or families from areas experiencing active conflict or humanitarian crisis simply by virtue of a tenuous connection with a family member in the UK'. He continued: 'Were it otherwise, there would be very serious implications for the integrity of the UK's immigration control.' Lawyers for the family say the Upper Tribunal made no error in law. In written submissions, Raza Husain KC, for the family, said: 'The Upper Tribunal's approach to the assessment of the weight to be given to family life in all the circumstances was unimpeachable. 'That the Secretary of State for the Home Department disagrees with its conclusion is not a proper basis for inviting this court to overturn it.' The family's case was put under the spotlight in February when Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to close a 'loophole' that allowed the family the right to remain in the UK, after suggestions they had applied through a scheme designed for Ukrainian refugees. The Prime Minister said the decision was wrong, while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch raised the case at Prime Minister's Questions and said it 'cannot be allowed to stand'. The Lady Chief Justice, Baroness Carr, later said she was 'deeply troubled to learn of the exchanges' between Sir Keir and Mrs Badenoch. Baroness Carr, the most senior judge in England and Wales, told reporters it was 'for the Government visibly to respect and protect the independence of the judiciary'. On Tuesday, Mr Husain said reports that the family had used the Ukraine Family Scheme to get entry clearance were wrong, and that they had simply used the form for that scheme, in accordance with the Home Office's policy, 'while making clear on the face of their applications that the requirements of the scheme were not met'. The hearing before Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Dingemans and Lady Justice Elisabeth Laing is due to conclude on Wednesday, with a decision expected at a later date. A migrant who snatched a 38,000 Rolex from a tourist two months after he came to Britain with a false birth certificate faces deportation after serving his jail sentence. Moroccan Aylan Snouci, 22, claimed he was just 16 when he arrived in the country in February. Snouci followed Hong Kong national Woosang Hwang through Market Mews in Mayfair before grabbing him from behind and wrenching his designer watch from his wrist. Mr Hwang was left with cuts and bruises after the attack on April 30 this year. Snouci was quicky caught and the watch was recovered, Southwark Crown Court heard. Sentencing, Judge Gregory Perrins said: 'Woosang Hwang was making his way to Heathrow to return to Hong Kong having been in London for work. 'As he was walking along the street you decided to rob him. You grabbed him from behind. You pulled his Rolex watch off his wrist using what he described as a large amount of force. 'He also said that you caused cuts and bruises. You ran off but you were chased and you were caught. Moroccan Aylan Snouci, 22, claimed he was just 16 when he arrived in the country in February 'It was no mere coincidence that you happened to rob him. You plainly targeted him when you saw that he was wearing a high value watch that I am told is worth in the region of $50,000 (38,000). 'The victim describes being left shocked and shaken by what you did to him. It made him consider whether or not he would return to the UK.' The judge added: 'This is not a case where it can be said that the force used was minimal. The victim himself said that a large amount of force was used, and I take that at face value. 'You broke the strap of the watch and left a mark on his skin. 'You had only been in the country for two months when you were remanded in custody. You have done your best to manipulate the court proceedings. 'You dishonestly told the court that you were sixteen. You provided a false birth certificate. You persisted in the claim that you were a child. You did that in a deliberate attempt to obtain a lighter sentence. 'This was plainly an attempt to pervert the course of justice. 'You came to this country illegally in February 2025. You claimed to be acting under duress when you committed this offence. I make it plain that I completely reject that account. There is simply no evidence to support what you said. 'As you have shown with the issue of your age, you were prepared to lie in order to achieve a lower sentence. There is absolutely no reason I should believe anything you say.' Snouci, of Brent, was jailed for 18 months, of which he will serve 40 per cent of the sentence in custody. Judge Perrins told Snouci: 'Given the length of the sentence, and given that you are here illegally, it is inevitable that you will be deported. 'I anticipate that when you have served your forty per cent you will be detained until appropriate flights can be arranged.' Snouci, assisted in court by an Arabic interpreter, admitted one count of robbery. A rabid robber bit off an 88-year-old woman's finger during an attack on the porch her Seattle home, police said. The suspect, described as a man in his 30s, targeted the elderly woman as she cleaned household items on her back porch in the the Rainier Beach neighborhood on October 13, according to the Seattle Police Department. The assailant approached the woman and demanded she turn over her belongings. When she refused, the suspect began assaulting her and dragged her into the garage to continue the attack, biting off her finger as he stole her jewelry, police said. When police arrived, the woman told officers that she feared for her life during the vicious assault. She was taken to Harborview Medical Center with 'serious' head injuries, while the suspect remains on the loose. Police released images of the suspect dressed in all black with a hood over his head. Police from Seattle, Burien and Tukwila have all helped in the search for the man. The suspect, described as a man in his 30s, targeted the elderly woman as she cleaned household items on her back porch Police released images of the suspect dressed in all black There have been 2,659 aggravated assaults and 1,202 robberies in Seattle so far this year, according to police data. Meanwhile, the city could elect one of the most left-leaning candidates in its history on Tuesday, as it continues to suffer from severe homelessness, violent crime and a budget crises. Katie Wilson, 43, is attempting to unseat incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell in Tuesday's election. The selfproclaimed progressive candidate has promised to 'Trumpproof' Seattle and focused her campaign on housing, affordability and transportation. She scored a significant upset in the August nonpartisan primary when she ranked over Harrell. Harrell has blasted Wilson's previous comments about potentially defunding the Seattle police. In a 2020 CascadePBS article titled 'What defunding Seattle Police could look like,' Wilson wrote that 'less military gear, fewer officers, community investment' should 'be on the table.' She added that 'US police perform numerous functions for which armed personnel, trained for violent conflict, are unnecessary or unsuited and often, unsurprisingly, cause harm.' The attack happened in the 9900 block of 64th Avenue South in Seattle's Rainier Beach neighborhood Seattle could soon elect one of the most left-leaning candidates in its history, as progressive hopeful Katie Wilson attempts to unseat incumbent mayor Bruce Harrell Seattle has struggled with severe homelessness, violent crime and budget crises 'Can Seattle do all this? Can America do all this?' Wilson asked. 'There's never been a better time to try.' In March, Wilson told PubliCola that Seattle was experiencing a police staffing shortage but also needed more medical professionals and skilled social workers. 'Right now, police response times are unacceptable, and I do think that in the short term, we need to hire more officers,' she said. 'I also think we need to greatly expand our unarmed response systems.' A study of 15 major cities released in May by the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund found Seattle was one of the worst offenders as far as quelling postpandemic crime. The analysis read: 'Every one of the 15 cities has seen its homicide numbers drop since 2021 except Seattle.' It also noted Seattle was the 'only city that did not see any increase in police enforcement' and that police officers there currently make 60 percent fewer stops than before the COVID pandemic. Downtown San Francisco appears to be on the verge of becoming 'the biggest comeback story' after the new mayor cracked down on drug-fueled crime. The Bay Area city's Union Square zone had become an area to avoid for residents thanks to rampant fentanyl use, prompting frequent thefts and violence. Out-of-control homeless encampments and crime had become a mainstay of the downtown Tenderloin district, forcing major brands to close flagship stores. However, the tide seems to be turning for the California city, according to Kazuko Morgan, executive vice chairman and broker for Cushman & Wakefield realtors. 'It's like somebody turned a faucet on,' Morgan told local newspaper SFGate. 'There's just a lot of great momentum and buzz in Union Square right now... It's probably the biggest comeback story, to be quite honest with you.' Major department stores including Uniqlo and Zara are planning to return to the area, while eyewear brand Moscot and Pop Mart have opened up this fall. Restaurants are also making a wary comeback in the area, including Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak and Steph Curry's bar the Eighth Rule which both opened recently. Downtown San Francisco appears to be on the verge of becoming 'the biggest comeback story' after the new mayor cracked down on homelessness and drug-fueled crime Mayor Daniel Lurie said that his administration has managed to reduce crime by 30 percent this year, and by 40 percent in the financial district, which includes Union Square It comes as San Francisco is almost one year into the new administration under Democratic Mayor Daniel Lurie, 48, who took office on January 1. Supervisor Matt Dorsey, an ally of Lurie's, told Politico the mayor has been 'reading the room of San Francisco politics' by tackling key issues for voters - homelessness and fentanyl addiction in the city. Lurie said that his administration has managed to reduce crime by 30 percent this year, and by 40 percent in the financial district, which includes Union Square. He told Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast that this is due to an influx of new officers on the street - marking 'the first net increase in police and sheriffs in 10 years'. 'Violent crime in our city, we haven't seen these type of rates since the 1950s... what we are doing is working,' Lurie said. In fact, Lurie's efforts managed to persuade Donald Trump against sending the National Guard to the city last month. Trump said he was no longer planning to 'surge' federal law enforcement in San Francisco after conversations with 'friends' and the mayor, according to CNN. Lurie said that he ran for office 'because of the disorder on the streets of San Francisco' and he is still pushing for more officer recruitment. 'My number one issue was public safety, my number two issue was the behavioral health crisis, and my number three issue is that I want to tell the world that San Francisco is open for business,' he told Odd Lots. 'We need police officers walking the beat along commercial corridors,' Lurie added. 'Our families that are taking their kids to public school and are using Muni (the city's transport system) deserve a Muni stop that is free of people that are using drugs, it's unacceptable.' 'We need to get back to full staffing, and we can handle it,' Lurie added. The tide seems to be turning for the California city, according to Kazuko Morgan, executive vice chairman and broker for Cushman & Wakefield realtors Lurie launched the Family Homelessness Prevention Pilot in March, an 18-month project to provide more accessible support to families on the brink of homelessness. The nonprofit he founded before becoming mayor, Tipping Point Community, invested $11 million in a partnership to provide financial assistance and employment support to families in order to prevent them slipping into absolute poverty, his office said. 'This investment assists families in crisis today while we develop and scale a model to support families in need for decades to come,' Lurie said in a statement. 'Tipping Point's investment, along with their commitment to rigorously measure the pilot's impact, will help us ultimately reach more families in need and prevent homelessness before it begins. 'Creating lasting change in San Francisco requires all hands on deck, and I'm proud to launch this critical public-private partnership with Tipping Point.' The program has helped 18,000 households so far, according to the Tipping Point website, which is 49 percent of the goal by 2028. Lurie's administration is also aiming to build 20,867 homes by 2031. They have constructed 282 so far, which is 2.45 percent of the goal. A teenage girl who was sexually assaulted by Epping migrant Hadush Kebatu broke down in tears and said she felt 'in danger all over again' after his mistaken release. The victim said she felt like Kebatu had been 'paid for what he had done to me' after he was given 500 to prevent a legal challenge against his removal. In a statement to ITV News, read by Epping Forest district councillor Shane Yerrell, the girl said she was 'scared and so anxious' after hearing of his mistaken release. The girl, who was 14 at the time of the assault, said: 'I think it's disgusting how me and my family have been treated in all of this and it's not fair that he was released by accident. 'And I feel like I was put in danger all over again and all of the feelings from the day it happened came back. 'We found out he was being deported, and I was being told by everybody that he got paid 500. 'When I got home I just cried because I felt like he got paid for what he had done to me.' The girl added: 'I didn't want to be in Epping because I was so scared I was going to see him and he would recognise me.' Hedush Kebatu was wrongly freed from HMP Chelmsford instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre Kebatu had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, when he sexually assaulted the girl and a woman He was eventually deported to Ethiopia but was paid 500 to prevent him launching a legal challenge Kebatu had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, when he sexually assaulted the girl and a woman, sparking a wave of protests outside the accommodation used to house asylum seekers. His trial heard he had made inappropriate comments to a 14-year-old girl before trying to kiss her on July 7, just eight days after his arrival in the UK. The following day, Kebatu sexually assaulted a woman by attempting to kiss her, placing his hand on her leg, and telling her she was 'pretty'. He denied the charges against him but was found guilty of five offences and sentenced in September to 12 months in custody, including the time he had already spent in jail awaiting his trial. Kebatu was then wrongly freed from HMP Chelmsford last month instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre, triggering a two-day manhunt. He had been living at The Bell Hotel in Epping at the time of his crimes, leading to widespread protests outside the Essex property, some of which turned violent. It led to the local council, Epping Forest District Council, seeking to have the hotel closed to migrants due to what it said were planning breaches. A CCTV image issued by the Metropolitan Police (pictured) shows Hadush Kebatu in Dalston, London, on Friday night Your browser does not support iframes. After he was freed from jail by mistake, Kebatu was initially filmed in Chelmsford speaking to members of the public, before he boarded a train to London at 12.41pm on Friday, November 24. CCTV then showed Kebatu in the Dalston area of Hackney just before 8pm that evening. He was also picked up at a library in Dalston Square around two hours earlier, wearing a prison grey tracksuit while clutching a white tote bag with avocados on it. His movements on Saturday are unclear but the Met Police confirmed he was finally caught in Finsbury Park on Sunday morning (November 26), three days after the gaffe. In a picture of his arrest, Kebatu - who had access to funds - was seen wearing jeans, a puffer jacket and a hood over his head, having managed to change out of his prison tracksuit. Footage showed him being bundled into the back of a police van. An inquiry is underway into how he was wrongly freed rather than being transferred to a Home Office immigration removal centre. It emerged that prison officers told Kebatu he had to make it to the removal centre under his own steam. Kebatu pictured on the plane to Ethiopia as he is deported with no right to return to the UK A delivery driver told Sky News: 'I heard one of the officers saying, "This is how you get to the station, you go down here..." [he] directed him to the station and said he had to get on a train to get to this place... This conversation was at the front of the prison.' In what caused further disbelief, Kebatu spent more than 90 minutes hanging around outside the prison because he simply did not know 'where to go or what to do'. The driver, who was delivering equipment to the prison, said: '[The officers] were basically sending him away, saying, "Go, you've been released, you go".' Even after being set free, Kebatu kept going 'back and forth' into the prison reception area seeking help and showing staff a wad of paperwork about his case, according to the driver. Kebatu was jailed for a year last month after assaulting his 14-year-old victim. During his trial, Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard that he acted 'ignorantly and repulsively'. Sir Sadiq Khan today revived his feud with Donald Trump as he urged New Yorkers to elect left-winger Zohran Mamdani as their city's new mayor. The London mayor threw his support behind Democratic candidate Mr Mamdani in the battle to run America's largest city. Mr Mamdani, a self-described socialist, is vying with independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican hopeful Curtis Sliwa to become mayor. Polls opened early on Tuesday morning and will close at 9pm local time in the contest to become the next incumbent of New York City Hall. Mr Trump has endorsed Mr Cuomo in the election as he warned voters not to elect Mr Mamdani, who the US President branded a 'communist'. On the eve of Tuesday's election, Mr Trump even threatened to withold federal funds from New York if Mr Mamdani won. But Sir Sadiq, who has frequently clashed with the US President, called on New Yorkers to 'embrace Mamdani's hopeful and optimistic vision for the future'. He also drew parallels between attacks he faced in past elections, based on his faith, and barbs faced by Mr Mamdani as he bids to be New York's first ever Muslim mayor. Sir Sadiq Khan revived his feud with Donald Trump as he urged New Yorkers to elect left-winger Zohran Mamdani as their city's new mayor The London mayor threw his support behind Democratic candidate Mr Mamdani (pictured) in the battle to run America's largest city Mr Trump has endorsed independent candidate Andrew Cuomo in the election as he warned voters not to elect Mr Mamdani, who the US President branded a 'communist' A source close to Sir Sadiq said: 'The similarities between the attacks Mamdani has faced and what Sadiq has faced in elections, particularly in 2016, are uncanny. 'Weaponising Mamdani's faith and linking him to terrorism and extremism is an old campaigning tactic, and one we're all too familiar with here in London. 'The closer we get to the election, and the more his positive vision has connected with voters in New York City, the more divisive and desperate Mamdani's opponents have become. 'The mayor hopes that like in London, New Yorkers see through the politics of hatred and fear, and embrace Mamdani's hopeful and optimistic vision for the future.' Mr Trump and Sir Sadiq clashed in September after the US President branded him a 'terrible, terrible mayor' and claimed he wanted to introduce Sharia law in London. In a rambling speech at the UN General Assembly in New York, Mr Trump said the capital had 'been changed, it's been so changed'. 'Now they want to go to Sharia law. But you are in a different country, you can't do that,' he added. A spokesperson for Sir Sadiq responded at the time: 'We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response. 'London is the greatest city in the world, safer than major US cities, and we're delighted to welcome the record number of US citizens moving here.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labelled Mr Trump's remarks as 'ridiculous'. Sir Keir Starmer has agreed to a meeting between families of those killed in the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash and a UK Government minister. In a major breakthrough, the Prime Minister said a summit with the bereaved relatives should take place amid claims of a cover-up over the tragedy. They are lobbying for a public inquiry into the RAFs worst peacetime accident, on an aircraft which they say is now known to have been unairworthy. Now they are calling for Sir Keir to be present at the meeting and to take personal responsibility for resolving the case, including ordering the release of files which have been sealed for 100 years. Last night Andy Tobias, whose father John was killed in the disaster, said: After 18 months, we have now had a letter from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) offering a meeting. But we would like the Prime Minister to be there and take personal responsibility for resolving our case, releasing all the files on the crash sealed by the MoD, and ordering a judge-led public inquiry without the need to go to court. In so many cases involving the Ministry of Defence, families like ours are put through hell. Like the nuclear vets, those fighting cancer battles caused by helicopter fumes, and many other MoD cases. The truth is denied, papers are spirited away, dishonesty is front and centre from the department we now call the Ministry of Deceit. Wreckage of the RAF Chinook helicopter, which crashed on the Mull of Kintyre on June 2, 1994 killing all 29 on board The families have also joined calls for a new Independent Office for Institutional Accountability with the power to force public institutions such as the MoD to put victims first when they cause harm or are involved in cover-ups and wrongdoing. In the Commons on Monday, Sir Keir agreed after months of public pressure to arrange a face-to-face ministerial meeting with the families with whom the government has refused to engage for 18 months. The name of the minister has not yet been revealed. During discussion of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, several MPs raised the issue, including Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood said the Chinook tragedy should be the test case for a legal duty of candour on public bodies. Sir Keir said: I will make sure that there are the appropriate meetings, and will update her on exactly what form they will take and when they will take place. Families of the 29 service personnel killed in the tragedy, claim that for too long the MoD has marked its own homework, concealed the truth, sealed files on the crash for 100 years, refused calls for a public inquiry, and added to the trauma of those left behind by dissembling and denying the facts. Last month the Chinook Justice Campaign submitted a petition for a public inquiry - which had nearly 50,000 signatures - to Downing Street. The crash in foggy conditions killed all 29 people on board, including the crew and officers from MI5, the Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Former squadron leader Robert Burke has claimed ZD576 was ordered into the air as a 'show flight' to demonstrate the safety of the new Mark 2 upgrade. When it went wrong, the families believe the truth was covered up by the MoD. Key facts were allegedly withheld from every subsequent inquiry, while the main crash investigation failed to consider the crucial issue of the aircraft's airworthiness. The latest developments came as relatives involved in the Chinook Justice Campaign, who are seeking a judicial review against the MoD over its failure to release files on the crash and hold a public inquiry, yesterday (TUES) attended a meeting in the House of Lords organised by the Coalition for Institutional Accountability. A nurse who used a dirty needle on a teenage cancer patient and told them not to tell anyone has been jailed for 15 months. Emma Sinclair contaminated blood samples and caused severe pain to teenage cancer patients, a court heard. The 30 year old, who is Australian, committed the offences in one day while visiting patients in the community with a student nurse. The contamination - caused by her spilling blood vials in her car - delayed vital chemotherapy for two of her patients. Sinclair also caused children pain by incorrectly removing a tube, the court heard. The nurse moved to Southampton in 2020 and was employed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust three years later. On February 6, 2024, Sinclair carried out a series of patient visits with a student nurse to see children, two of whom had cancer. At an earlier hearing, prosecutor David Finney said: The first cancer patient was visited at his school by the defendant and the student. Emma Sinclair contaminated blood samples, used a dirty needle, and caused severe pain to teenage cancer patients Sinclair took blood from the patient but did not submit it for testing, which delayed his chemotherapy treatment. This sample was later contaminated as it spilt in her car. When she went to see the second cancer patient to take her blood, Sinclair turned her sharps box upside down which contaminated the clean needles with the used ones. She then told the patient and the nursing student not to tell anyone and used a dirty needle. These actions delayed chemotherapy because of the risk of infection, Mr Finney said. Sinclair, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to three counts of ill-treatment and wilful neglect of three teenagers in her care. Judge Nigel Peters KC said she had completely failed in her work as a nurse. Sentencing her to 15 months on Monday, he said: You have completely failed in your work as a trained nurse in the care of these children. Sinclair outside Southampton Magistrates Court. She has been jailed for 15 months You have lacked genuine remorse and have made numerous attempts to avoid responsibility for what had happened. This court cannot overlook the seriousness of this matter. Sinclair was also given a ten-year restraining order, preventing contact with the victims. Police staff investigator Rebecca Stevens, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team (West), said after the sentencing: I am pleased for the young victims and their families that justice has now been served and that they can now attempt to move on with their lives, knowing that Sinclair is in prison and can no longer harm any other vulnerable child. Their bravery and support throughout our investigation has been integral to achieving the outcome we have today. Sinclair abused her trusted position in the most serious way and has now been held accountable for her actions. While I know todays sentencing wont rid the victims and family members of the memories of what happened to them, I truly hope the justice handed down is of some comfort to them as they look to the future. The Daily Mail has been commended by MPs for its role in exposing the top-secret airlift of thousands of Afghans into Britain. This newspapers Chief Reporter Sam Greenhill was one of three journalists invited to give evidence to Parliament on Tuesday and praised for the parts they played in bringing the story to light after an unprecedented cover-up by the Government. The Mails David Williams was also singled out for having been first to contact the Government after he heard about the Ministry of Defence data breach that put huge numbers of Afghans at risk - and which led to a draconian super-injunction that kept it hushed up for almost two years. Chairman of the Defence Select Committee Tan Dhesi said: Id also like to commend journalists for their grit, their determination and their pursuit of the truth and to expose exactly what had happened. I know that also while hes not here with us today, David Williams of the Daily Mail was the first journalist to approach the Government about the incident on the 17th of August back then. And Im glad that he will be providing evidence to us at a later date. He went on: We all know that this has had a massive impact on so many peoples lives. Those who had served not just our country but those Afghans who had bravely supported our troops and our Government. And thats why we owe it to them and their families to shed light on this. Labour MP Mr Dhesi concluded: I certainly on behalf of the committee am very very grateful to journalists for their grit, their determination, their pursuit and their perseverance to expose this entire chapter where everybody was kept in the dark including many of us as parliamentarians over those couple of years thank you very much. Daily Mail Chief Reporter Sam Greenhill covering the Afghan data breach super-injunction A plane chartered by the British government bringing Afghans affected by the Ministry of Defence data breach to Stansted airport But he added that he was concerned to hear that the Ministry of Defence is still failing to answer some questions about the debacle, despite Defence Secretary John Healey insisting that the secrecy would end when the court order was finally lifted in July. The Mails Mr Greenhill told MPs: I think weve all found that in the period since then its been something of an uphill struggle to get answers to basic questions out of the MoD. Several of the emails questioning things that Ive sent to the MoD have simply been ignored. You do wonder if anything has changed since 2023. Mr Dhesi replied: Im very disconcerted to hear that you still feel that theres a lack of transparency from the Ministry of Defence to the questions you are posing. Mr Greenhill along with former Mail reporters Larisa Brown, now of The Times, and Holly Bancroft, now at The Independent, told MPs how they spent two years fighting for open justice in secret courts against the super-injunction which kept Parliament in the dark over the scheme and its 7billion costs. Meanwhile the MoD has been criticised by a public spending watchdog for failing to set aside money for the cost of the secret evacuation for thousands of Afghans who had worked for British forces. Auditor General Gareth Davies wrote in the departments new annual report: The department did not recognise a provision for the anticipated compensation and resettlement costs relating to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy and the Afghanistan Response Route. Police are hunting for a knifeman after a woman was stabbed in a park last night. Emergency services raced to Elthorne Park, in Islington, north London, just before 9pm on Monday after the victim, in her 20s, was attacked. She was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital. Her condition is not yet known. 'No arrests have been made at this early stage,' the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. They also reassured the local community that there would be an 'increase in officers in the local area while enquiries continue.' Detectives are appealing to the public for information and ask anyone who saw the assault to come forward. It comes after 11 people were stabbed on a LNER train from Doncaster to London on Saturday evening. Anthony Williams, 32, of Peterborough, appeared at Peterborough magistrates' court on Monday charged with 11 counts of attempted murder. Emergency services were called to Elthorne Park, in Islington just before 9pm last night where a woman in her 20's was found with stab wounds A woman in her 20's was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital. Her condition is not yet known Nine of the 11 injured people were left fighting for their lives with five people discharged from hospital as of Sunday night. Williams is also facing two charges of possession of a bladed article on both the train and at the DLR station in London, and of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Meanwhile, police say the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy and two reports of a knifeman seen at a barbers in Peterborough are being investigated as part of the police probe. Cambridgeshire police said that the teenager was non-fatally injured at 7.10pm on Friday, before a man with a knife was seen at a barbers in Fletton 15 minutes later, although this was only reported to police two hours later. A predatory asylum seeker was filmed tailing a young woman out of a nightclub to strangle her in a terrifying early morning sex attack. The victim was walking home from a night out in the early hours of the morning when she noticed she was being followed by Syrian refugee Fawaz Alsamaou. Alsamaou, 33, followed her from the Pulse nightclub in Cardiff city centre at 4am - and pursued her to Cathays student area of the Welsh capital. Alsamaou was filmed inside the club - which is an LGBTQ+ venue - wearing a gilet, white T-shirt and jeans as he wandered around near the entrance before heading to the dancefloor. Footage also showed the woman leaving the club with Alsamaou a short distance behind her and following her as she walked towards home. He then grabbed her by the neck underneath a railway bridge to carry out his sex attack, a court heard. Alsamaou put his hand under her dress, grabbed her crotch and assaulted her for seven seconds. Prosecutor Tabitha Walker said the victim eventually pushed Alsamaou away before running from the scene to call police. After conducting CCTV enquiries, police identified the attacker as Alsamaou. He was traced 160 miles away to Yorkshire where he had been living as an asylum seeker since arriving in Britain from Syria. Fawaz Alsamaou was caught on camera following a woman out of a nightclub before attacking her Alsamaou was filmed inside the club - which is an LGBTQ+ venue - wearing a gilet, a white T-shirt and jeans as he wandered around near the entrance before heading to the dancefloor The victim - who cannot be named to protect her identity - described how the attack has had 'lasting impact' on her. She said: 'I'm always looking over my shoulder and thinking the worst. At the start I couldn't work and I didn't leave my house for two weeks. I feel uneasy when it's dark outside. 'It has really affected my social life and I don't go out like I used to. I suffer with my mental health generally but this incident really hit that harder. 'I can barely sleep and I have nightmares relating to it. I'm working to get over it but this isn't something you can just recover from. The impact has pulled me back from doing everyday things and stopped me going out with my friends.' She added: 'I didn't return to work at the office for two or three months due to the anxiety of being in public and in a busy setting with lots of people. The time I had to have off work caused additional stress in my life and additional meetings with HR.' Alsamaou, of Lockwood, Huddersfield, admitted sexual assault and intentional strangulation. He has no previous convictions in the UK. David Pinnell, mitigating barrister, explained how despite his guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity, Alsamaou wasn't accepting he was guilty of the offences and this had made mitigating for him very difficult. Alsamaou was filmed tailing a young woman out of a nightclub to strangle her in a terrifying 4am sex attack But he added that he would be deported after his conviction at Newport Crown Court. Judge Celia Hughes said: 'It was a horrible attack on a woman alone at night in Cardiff. She was entitled to walk home alone at night without being attacked by you, a predatory man. 'You say that you're a practicing Muslim but your behaviour that night casts doubt on the practice of your faith. 'It must have been a petrifying incident for her and had lasting impact on her life.' Judge Hughes sentenced Alsamaou to 37 months in prison for sexual assault. She added: 'You are highly likely to be deported after you have served your sentence.' The US State Department warned American travellers against embarking on their potentially 'dangerous' tropical Jamaican getaways amid devastation from Hurricane Melissa. A week after the Category 5 storm walloped Jamaica, the US government updated their Level 3 travel advisory. The new notice encouraged tourists to 'consider rescheduling planned travel to Jamaica at this time.' It cited 'crime, health, and natural disaster risks,' per the State Department's website. Americans who insist on traveling are advised to check with their hotels and transportation providers before leaving the United States. While many airports and resorts have reopened following the natural disaster, popular tourism spots are far from completely restored. 'Some areas, such as Black River and Montego Bay, are in varying stages of recovery from Hurricane Melissa,' continued the advisory. 'Until repairs are complete, fewer hotels and transportation options may be available. Services may also be limited.' Melissa pummeled much of the Caribbean, toppling picturesque resorts, causing flight cancellations, and desolating community structures like churches and homes. The storm left at least 40 people dead in Jamaica alone. Black River is one of the country's most popular tourism spots and is described as 'in various state of recovery' The US government warned of disrupted operations at Jamaican hotels and resorts Hurricane Melissa flooded Jamaica, toppling buildings, destroying power lines and leaving 40 people dead Experts said it was the most powerful storm of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season, per Newsweek. Approximately 25,000 of tourists were stranded on the island last week. The Caribbean is a popular vacation spot for millions of Americans. According to the US State Department, three million American tourists visit Jamaica every year. With the country's peak tourism season just around the corner, Jamaican hotels, resorts, and beaches are scrambling to get back on their feet, according to KVUE. Jamaica's tourism minister told the outlet he hopes that the tourism sector can be back to normal by December 15. 'Its doable for some and not for others,' he added. Some Jamaican hotels are offering discounts between 25 and 50 percent to aid workers and volunteers in hopes of regaining business. Tourism employs 175,000 Jamaicans and contributes 30 percent to the country's gross domestic product. Major Jamaican airports including Norman Manley International in Kingston have since resumed service Not only were tourism centers devastated, local community gathering places including churches were destroyed in the storms The US government's advisory also warned that basic and specialized medical care may not be available in many parts of the country. Emergency services could be slowed. While crime in Jamaica has declined in the last year particularly in tourist hotspots the government warned American travellers to be wary of criminal activity during their visit. The notice explained that armed robberies and sexual assaults are still common in Jamaica. Many US visitors report 'slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents.' Several Jamaican cities and neighborhoods remain under the highest advisory level thanks to crime in the area. Those locations include parts of Montego Bay which is among the most popular tourist cities. The department reviews Level 3 and 4 travel advisories at least every six months to assess travel safety. A group of Arizona high school teachers faced death threats after being accused of mocking Charlie Kirk's assassination by wearing bloody T-shirts emblazoned with the words 'Problem Solved' to school on Halloween. The math teachers from Cienega High School outside Tucson came under fire when Andrew Kolvet, a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) spokesperson, claimed they were making light of the activist's murder. 'Concerned parents just sent us this image of whats believed to be teachers... mocking Charlie Kirks murder with costumes,' Kolvet wrote in a since-deleted X post, according to KJZZ. A photo shared by the Vail School District depicted eight smiling teachers, posed outside the high school, wearing the shirts, which were drenched in fake blood on one side. The image and its assumed significance spread like wildfire among prominent conservatives and supporters of the murdered TPUSA co-founder. Anthony Kern, a Donald Trump-endorsed former Arizona Republican Senator, said the teachers were trying to 'promote violence against MAGA.' 'This is what taxpayers hire to teach our kids!?' he asked. Jack Lombardi II, a Republican Illinois House candidate, wrote: 'All left-wing, hate-filled, indoctrinating educators in Tucson, Arizona - dressing up to mock Charlies murder. A photo shared by the Vail School District depicted eight smiling teachers, posed outside the high school, wearing the controversial shirts, which were drenched in fake blood on one side Charlie Kirk was murdered on September 10 at a Utah Valley University Rally 'Their shirts literally say "Problem Solved," with fake blood down the side. Disgusting. Its time to expose every single one of them.' Other social media users called them 'disgusting', threatened their lives and called for them to lose their jobs. In the midst of the chaos, the Vail School District's superintendent spoke out to clarify that there was no ill intent with the gory costumes. 'We want to clarify that these shirts were part of a math-themed Halloween costume meant to represent solving tough math problems,' Superintendent John Carruth wrote in a statement, without further elaboration. 'The shirts were never intended to target any person, event, or political issue.' He added the shirts were bought online and had been worn last year, with the school district providing a photo from 2024 that it said showed the shirts then. Carruth went on to apologize for any concern or pain caused by the costume debacle. 'We are also saddened that our teachers are now receiving hurtful messages and online harassment as a result of this misunderstanding,' he said. Arizona Education Association President Marisol Garcia also commented on the matter, calling for all threats against the teachers by the 'online mob' to be investigated. In response, the Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) provided extra security to the high school on Monday, according to KGUN9. The district said photo from 2024 showed teachers wearing the same bloody costume Despite the high school's attempt to clear the air and assure critics that the photo was taken out of context, many were not buying it. Rachel Keshel, a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives, said in a statement: 'This grotesque display has no place in our schools, which should be sanctuaries of education, not arenas for political vitriol or celebration of violence. 'I must firmly reject any attempts to downplay this incident as mere "math problem-solving" attire recycled from last year.' Keshel also claimed her daughter and other alumni told her that these teachers had not worn the shirts last year. Conservative radio host Garret Lewis echoed her sentiment, calling for the school to 'show us the picture from last year.' Others called the apology 'total BS' and framed it as a cover-up. Kirk was shot in the neck at a Utah Valley University rally on September 10. The 33-year-old conservative firebrand died shortly after his execution. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with his murder. The head of the Philadelphia Art Museum has been fired following mounting concerns from board members that her focus on inclusive exhibits was overshadowing other priorities. Alexandra 'Sasha' Suda, who has had a decades-long career as an art historian and curator, was hit with the news Tuesday morning, Philadelphia Magazine reported. Suda, 45, was told via email that she was being fired for 'cause'. The museum board also wished her 'every success' in her future endeavors. In a statement to the Daily Mail, the museum confirmed Suda's departure, adding that Louis Marchesano, deputy director of curatorial affairs and conservation, will lead day-to-day operations until the board appoints a new chief executive. The museum did not offer a reason for the firing, referring to it as an 'internal matter'. Suda could not be reached for comment. She spent three years as the museum's leader, arriving in 2022 and immediately shaking things up. Suda released an equity agenda shortly upon arrival that included goals such as 40 percent of employees from diverse backgrounds by 2025, 35 percent supplier diversity by 2025 and $5 million raised for African American art by 2025. Suda has said these goals, all of which were reportedly achieved this year, were discussed behind the scenes before her tenure began. Alexandra 'Sasha' Suda was fired as the chief executive of the Philadelphia Art Museum on Tuesday morning with 'cause'. Board members had allegedly grown concerned about her focusing too much on inclusivity when it came to exhibitions Since Suda arrived in 2022, the Philadelphia Art Museum has undergone a number of changes that allow for more black and African art to be showcased In 2023, Suda established the Brind Center for African and African Diaspora Art (pictured) 'Its new in that were having the confidence to express it outwardly, but that intention was there all along,' she told WHYY-FM, a Philadelphia public radio station, in 2023. That year, she established the Brind Center for African and African Diaspora Art, a permanent wing of the museum that was 'dedicated to the study, acquisition, and care of art from continental Africa and the African diaspora.' This year, Suda introduced The Time is Always Now - a limited-time exhibition that showed off paintings, sculptures and drawings made by 28 contemporary black and African artists. Suda was also a key player in securing an exhibit called the Nation of Artists featuring artworks from Philadelphia Phillies owner John S Middleton. His and wife Leigh's collection is considered one of the best in the world. However, Suda has been on the receiving end of criticism in the last few weeks for her decision to rebrand the Philadelphia Museum of Art as the Philadelphia Art Museum. Critics do not appear to be fond of the new logo in front of the museum's iconic steps that were made famous by the 1976 film Rocky. As all this unfolded, insiders told the Philadelphia Citizen in August that board members were not pleased with Suda for focusing too much on inclusion, having a narrow focus in terms of new exhibitions and sluggish fundraising. Suda, a Canadian citizen in the United States on a work visa, could be forced to return to her home country if she doesn't find a new job fast enough. She began her career as an art historian at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where she worked from 2003 to 2011. She then held several positions at museums in Canada. She was the chief executive of the National Gallery of Canada for about three years before moving to Philadelphia. A two-year-old girl died in Utah after being run over by a woman who was driving with trash bags on the hood of her SUV, blocking her view, police said. The fatal crash happened at 1.10pm on October 28 at 860 West Columbia Lane, inside the Broughs mobile trailer park in Provo. Police said Claudia Isela Sandoval, two, and her brother Ezequiel, six, were standing next to their father Jorge by the side of the road as he repaired a bike. That was when Nereyda Miranda, 28, 'quickly' drove past in her GMC Yukon SUV and struck the two children, FOX13 reported. Claudia died from the collision, in what her family has called 'every parent's worst nightmare.' 'He doesn't know why the lady didn't look out,' Kathleen Vaca Zepeda, Claudia's aunt who was translating for the girl's father, told FOX13. 'Why she had bags on her car.' Her brother Ezequiel suffered foot injuries and faces a long road to recovery. Claudia Isela Sandoval, two, died after being run over by a woman who was driving with trash bags on the hood of her car, police said Claudia and her brother Ezequiel were near their father Jorge as he repaired a bike when they were struck by the SUV Miranda was driving with trash bags on her car's windshield and 'appeared to have not seen' the children, police said. She remained on scene after the crash and cooperated as the Sandoval children were rushed to the Utah Valley Hospital by family. Miranda was charged with manslaughter after being arrested on October 28, police said. Jail records show that she was born in Guatemala and had been placed on Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hold. ICE can request jails and prisons to hold 'potentially dangerous aliens' for up to 48 hours beyond their ordinary release so the Department of Homeland Security can then 'assume custody in accordance with federal immigration law.' The Daily Mail reached out to Provo authorities for further information about Miranda's ICE hold. An emotional Jorge recalled to FOX13: 'I didn't leave my kids by the side of the road. 'I was with them, every second.' 'He doesn't know why the lady didn't look out,' Kathleen Vaca Zepeda, Claudia's aunt who was translating for her father, told FOX13 Claudia's funeral is scheduled for November 5 Video footage captured from a neighbor's home showed that Ezequiel escaped the full brunt of the car crash but was still hit. 'He can't walk,' Zepeda. 'His leg and foot are turning purple as of now.' Miranda reportedly lived in the trailer park, making the sequence of events that much more inexplicable to the grieving family. 'She could've just walked to the dumpster, thrown out her trash, went back to her car and headed on her way,' Zepeda added. The family has started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover their respective children's funeral costs, medical bills and food expenses. A note read: 'Claudia was a joyful, loving child full of laughter, curiosity, and light. She adored her family and brought happiness to everyone who knew her. 'Now, her parents and two siblings are left heartbroken and trying to understand how their world changed in an instant.' An update posted by the family on November 2 said Claudia's funeral was scheduled for Wednesday. The two-year-old girl's father did not know why the driver 'had bags on her car' Miranda, who reportedly lived in the trailer park, was initially charged with manslaughter and was later placed on ICE hold Claudia Baxter, a neighbor is also raising funds for the family. 'I was out in my yard and I heard the crash. Then, I heard the screaming, so I ran out and I immediately saw what was happening,' she told KUTV. 'I ran inside, grabbed my phone, called 911. The parents were unconsolable.' BBC bosses are facing 'serious questions' over their handling of an internal report on impartiality as the corporation stands accused of 'pushing Hamas lies around the world'. The report, which was sent to BBC director general Tim Davie and chairman Samir Shah last month, has plunged the corporation into a fresh crisis with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch arguing 'heads should roll'. Last night pressure was mounting on Mr Davie to fall on his sword after a former senior BBC executive called for the top boss to go after 'three scandals too many'. The memo on impartiality said the BBC chose to 'minimise Israeli suffering' in the war in Gaza while 'painting Israel as the aggressor' during the conflict. It said corporation staff 'raced to air' to make allegations against Israel without adequate checks and suggested there was 'a desire always to believe the worst about Israel'. The report also found that BBC Arabic, which is part of the World Service, gave a platform to journalists who had made extreme anti-Semitic comments. One man who said Jews should be burned 'as Hitler did' appeared as a guest on BBC Arabic 244 times in 18 months. While another, who described Israelis as less than human and Jews as 'devils', appeared 522 times in the same period. The report was written by Michael Prescott, who spent three years as an adviser to the broadcaster's Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee, who sent the 19-page document to the BBC Board and argued there had been 'shocking' breaches of impartiality. BBC bosses are facing 'serious questions' over their handling of an internal report on impartiality as the corporation stands accused of 'pushing Hamas lies around the world' Last night pressure was mounting on Davie to fall on his sword after a former senior BBC executive called for the top boss to go after 'three scandals too many' The report, which was sent to BBC director general Tim Davie and chairman Samir Shah last month, has plunged the corporation into a fresh crisis with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch arguing 'heads should roll' Prescott said: 'The errors come thick and fast, sometimes with eyewitness testimony from locals who have tweeted in praise of the October 7 killings and worse. 'The BBC needs to accept it has systemic issues with the coverage. Only then can the process properly begin to fix the problem.' In his memo, Mr Prescott indicated that BBC Arabic was failing to provide impartial news coverage. He said its content was 'considerably different' to the main BBC website even though it is supposed to reflect the same values. In a leak of the report, seen by The Daily Telegraph on Monday, Mr Prescott also claimed the BBC 'doctored' a speech by the US President to make it appear as if he had encouraged the 2021 Capitol Hill riots during an episode of Panorama. The memo claimed that senior executives and the BBC's chairman ignored and dismissed a slew of serious complaints raised by the corporation's own standards watchdog. Mr Prescott said he was compelled to speak out because of his 'despair at [the BBC's] inaction' when issues arise. Downing Street confirmed that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had a copy of the report and had been 'assured' by the BBC that they were investigating matters raised. A spokesman for the Prime Minister said it was vital that the BBC upheld the highest standards of reporting and impartiality to maintain trust with viewers. He added: 'We take any criticisms of the BBC's editorial standards very seriously. The culture secretary expects the corporation to report the news accurately and impartially, and she expects them to look into questions about editorial standards thoroughly.' The Leader of the Opposition also waded into the row yesterday. Mrs Badenoch told GB News: 'It's absolutely shocking. That is fake news, actually putting different things together to try to make something look different from what it actually was. And I do think heads should roll.' Danny Cohen, the former director of BBC Television, is a long-time critic of Tim Davie and called for the BBC boss to step down last night. Danny Cohen, the former director of BBC Television, is a long-time critic of Tim Davie and called for the BBC boss to step down Downing Street confirmed that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had a copy of the report and had been 'assured' by the BBC that they were investigating matters raised in the report He told the Daily Mail: 'I think it's three scandals too many when it comes to Tim Davie. I think, at last, someone should take responsibility. The BBC needs to show that it takes these problems seriously and will take steps to restore trust.' 'If it attempts to bury its head in the sand and ignore a report prepared by an independent advisor who had access to what was going on in the BBC, then it's lost its reputation.' He also added: 'That the BBC has helped to push Hamas lies around the world and fuelled anti-Semitism at home cannot now be in doubt.' 'So I think we need change at the top, and we need significant reform within the organisation to deal with that.' The report has left the BBC facing questions over trust, with Ms Nandy and the broadcasting regulator Ofcom facing growing calls to launch an inquiry into alleged BBC bias. The all-party culture, media and sport select committee will also write to Mr Shah with a series of questions raised by the report. Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, chair of the committee, said: 'The BBC clearly has serious questions to answer regarding both its editorial standards and the way in which concerns are handled by senior management.' 'The corporation must set the benchmark for accurate and fair reporting, especially in a media landscape where it is all too easy to find news presented in a less than impartial way.' 'The Committee needs to be reassured that those at the very top of the BBC are treating these issues with the seriousness they deserve and taking decisive steps to uphold the corporation's reputation for integrity and public trust.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'While we don't comment on leaked documents, when the BBC receives feedback it takes it seriously and considers it carefully. 'With regard to BBC News Arabic, where mistakes have been made or errors have occurred we have acknowledged them at the time and taken action. 'We have also previously acknowledged that certain contributors should not have been used and have improved our processes to avoid a repeat of this.' Elon Musk has been told to 'mind his own business' by a Home Office minister after the tech billionaire weighed in on the UK's migrant crisis. The Tesla chief executive and owner of X addressed protesters at a rally in central London, led by far-right activist and convicted fraudster Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, in September. Criticising 'uncontrolled immigration', Mr Musk said on video link: 'Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die.' He also called for a 'dissolution of parliament' and a 'change of government', and claimed that 'the left are the party of murder', in his video-link message. Downing Street branded his words 'dangerous and inflammatory' at the time, while Home Office minister Lord Hanson of Flint told peers on Tuesday he felt it was 'borderline incitement of violence'. Mr Musk has also taken to his own social media platform to criticise the UK Government, which he has called 'tyrannical', and to claim that civil war is 'inevitable' on Britain's shores. Lord Hanson said he would 'welcome much silence from Mr Musk' and suggested the SpaceX founder should 'stay in the States and count his cash'. Asked how the Government responded to Mr Musk's comments, the minister told the House of Lords: 'Personally, I just ignore it. We had an election, we've had 400-plus Labour Members of Parliament elected. Elon Musk has been told to 'mind his own business' by a Home Office minister after the tech billionaire made a string of comments about the UK The Tesla chief executive and owner of X addressed protesters at a rally in central London , led by far-right activist and convicted fraudster Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, in September. Pictured: Clashes erupt between police and protesters as thousands of people march through central London in a rally called 'Unite the Kingdom' Tommy Robinson , whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, United Kingdom on November 4 'I stand here because the people of Great Britain have chosen a Labour Government. We have a duty to deliver what we can. 'The people of Great Britain will choose the next government in maybe three-and-a-half or four years' time, not some billionaire foreigner. 'So I would suggest he buys a book on the British constitution out of his money, he reads it, he understands how it works, and he minds his own business.' Lord Hanson added: 'I would certainly welcome much silence from Mr Musk. But again, I'll defend his right to have his opinion, I just don't agree with it. 'And also, I don't think actually it's really for somebody in his position to align himself with individuals who are trying to destroy much of the fabric of British society by their comments, and also I don't think it's appropriate for him to express his views via some new-fangled machinery down the line to the United Kingdom. 'We are a democracy, we know what we're doing, members opposite disagree with us, but all people in this society have a chance to judge the Government and they did vote for the Government less than 15 or 16 months ago.' Protesters displaying St. George's flags gather during a 'Unite the Kingdom' rally in central London, Britain, 13 September 2025 The counter protest by Stand Up to Racism and other anti fascist groups makes its way down Kingsway towards Trafalgar Square on September 13, 2025 in London More than 100,000 attended the Unite The Kingdom Rally on September 13 - 23 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured, including four who were seriously hurt. More than 150 reports of anti-Muslim hate were made to the Tell Mama charity monitoring the issue in the seven days following the march. Lord Hanson told peers: 'Elon Musk's remarks were wrong. The people who stepped over the line in that demonstration and in fact injured police officers were wrong. 'And the incitement to that, which Mr Musk was on the border of doing, is absolutely wrong. 'But ultimately, in the event of any action taken against him, it is for the police independently to make a judgment on those issues in the event that Mr Musk visits this country.' Asked about the protection of Muslim women and girls from hate crime, Lord Hanson said: 'The Government cares about the safety of all women. That is why we're putting in place a strategy to tackle violence against women and girls over the next 10 years. 'That strategy will be produced very shortly and I know (Baroness Gohir) has made representations to me and others about what that strategy should contain. 'It's absolutely important that we defend people's right to live their life in peace without interference, and I include interference in this case from Elon Musk, who has no mandate in this country, no interest in this country's future and should, quite frankly, stay in the States and count his cash.' It comes after Tommy Robinson has been found not guilty of the terror offence of failing to provide police with the PIN to his mobile phone. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was on his way to Benidorm when he was stopped by officers at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone. The 42-year-old was arrested under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act after police became concerned about 'his demeanour', Westminster Magistrates Court heard. The Act gives police the power to stop anyone passing through a UK port 'to determine whether they may be involved or concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism'. Today, District Judge Sam Goozee cleared Robinson of failing to comply with the counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year. Before Tuesday's hearing, Robinson said on X that billionaire Elon Musk had 'picked up' the 'nearly 100,000' legal bill. Scots families face the growing threat of another raid on their finances after SNP ministers refused to rule out tax rises if their funding is cut. Finance Secretary Shona Robison yesterday warned that any income tax rises introduced by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves south of the Border could severely damage the Scottish Governments budget. Independent analysis estimates that a 2p increase in the basic rate of income tax in England would result in a 972million reduction in the SNP Governments block grant next year. Ms Robison yesterday refused to rule out having to impose further tax rises if hit by such a severe reduction in funding despite previously committing to no further increases before the next Holyrood election but urged the Labour government to avoid the situation arising in the first place. Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: Scots already being clobbered by the SNPs high-tax regime will be alarmed by Shona Robison refusing to rule out further tax rises. Only a week ago John Swinney insisted there would be no rise in income tax in this years budget, yet now it looks as though his finance secretary is still floating that possibility. The last thing Scotlands sluggish economy needs is both Rachel Reeves and the SNP hitting hard-pressed Scots with higher bills. Scots are paying a heavy price thanks to the economic mismanagement of two left-wing, high-tax governments. Finance Secretary Shona Robison said any income tax rises introduced by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves could severely damage the Scottish Governments budget Ms Reeves yesterday appeared to pave the way for hikes in her Budget later this month, saying there was a clear choice between investment and hope, or cuts and division and that we will all have to contribute to getting the country back on track. Following the comments, Ms Robison issued a statement demanding an increase in funding for public services and said Scotland must not be left as an afterthought in the UK Governments Budget. Asked by the BBC if Scottish income tax payers will have to foot the bill, Ms Robison said: We set out what our intentions were in our tax strategy but, at the moment, you will appreciate a lot of this is speculation about what the UK Government is planning and we wont actually know what is going to emerge until 26 November. To reassure you, we are pursuing the Treasury for as much information as possible but we dont know what the combination of potential taxes are that will have an impact on Scotlands finances. She said there could be major implications but when asked if people will have to pay more in Scotland if Ms Reeves raised income tax south of the Border by two per cent and left the Scottish Government with a near 1billion funding shortfall, Ms Robison said: First of all, a majority of taxpayers in Scotland still pay less than they would if they lived elsewhere in the UK but we do ask those with the broadest shoulders to pay more and we have a more progressive tax system here in Scotland. What we dont know from the UK Government yet is what the combination of tax changes will be, if there are going to be some, and of course any interaction between income tax and national insurance could be potentially very impactful to Scotlands Budget. Research from the Fraser of Allander Institute said a block grant adjustment (BGA) is used to assess how much revenue would have been raised in Scotland if income tax was not devolved. It said: If the UK Government raises rates, then a non-devolved system would have raised more money and so the deduction is larger. It estimated that a 1p increase in the basic rate of income tax in England would result in a 486 million reduction in the block grant for the Scottish Government, rising to 972 million in the event of a 2p increase. Ms Reeves appeared to pave the way for hikes in her Budget later this month If the higher rate was increased by 1p by Ms Reeves, this would result in a 113 million reduction for the Scottish Governments funding, or 225 million if there is a 2p increase in the higher rate south of the border. The FAI said: This would be a pretty significant cut to funding, and it would then be for the Scottish Government to determine how to react to this. It could decide to adjust spending plans, or to raise taxes to return revenues to where it expected to be. Everyone earning above 30,300 currently pays more in income tax if they live in Scotland than those based south of the border. Those earning 45,000 pay 428 more but this rises to 1,528 at 50,000, 2,332 at 80,000 and 5,363 at 130,000. Dave Doogan, the SNPs economy spokesman at Westminster, said: The Labour Party misled voters. They promised things would get better but under Keir Starmer theyve got even worse. Brexit Britain is broken and families are being forced to foot the bill for Labour Party failure. Labour stood on a manifesto promise of not increasing taxes - its clear they knew this wasnt going to be true. So the Chancellor is back with another crisis budget making more excuses for the mess the Labour Party has created. Democrats won't vote to end the government shutdown unless planes are literally falling out of the sky, the White House warned Americans on Tuesday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Democrats are making air travel unsafe by forcing air traffic controllers to go without pay through the longest government shutdown in US history. She urged just five Democrats in the Senate to join Republicans in voting for a 'clean continuing resolution' to extend funding for the government and make sure that Americans who control plane movements at US airports are paid going into the busiest travel season of the year. This week, federal workers with control centers are set to miss their second paycheck since the start of the shutdown. Responding to the Daily Mail's question at Tuesday's briefing, Leavitt would not comment on whether or not Americans should continue to fly into and out of US airports. But she did suggest that air travel is more unsafe during the shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that starting next week, his department might be forced to shutdown US airspace and ground flights in certain parts of the country amid the gap in funding. He cited air traffic controller staffing shortages being the main reason for such a drastic action. 'If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos,' Duffy said during an interview on Tuesday. 'You may see us close certain parts of the airspace because we just cannot manage it because we don't have the air traffic controllers.' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt resurrected a quote from an anonymous Democratic staffer who said 'short of planes falling out of the sky' the party would not agree to reopen the government Chaos at US airports has only heightened in the midst of the longest government shutdown on record with high numbers of delays and cancellations and long security wait lines The secretary insisted this would all be in the pursuit of prioritizing public safety but admitted it would lead to nationwide delays, flight cancellations and even full ground stops. Air traffic controller absences have skyrocketed since the shutdown began on October 1. Ins some New York-area airports, absences have reach more than 80 percent of the normal workforce. On Sunday alone, 5,000 flights were delayed as nearly half of all air traffic control facilities being understaffed. Meanwhile, last month a Democratic staffer was quoted in a CNN report saying that 'short of planes falling out of the sky' the party would not agree to reopen the government. Leavitt called back to this reporting at Tuesday's briefing. 'That is a reckless and dangerous statement from someone who didn't want to put their name on that statement, but we know it came from the Democrat Party,' Leavitt lamented. 'And I think we're very clear we want to reopen the government so we can resume travel in the safest and most efficient way possible, especially as we head into the busiest travel season of the [year].' She did not say if the administration is encouraging Americans to use alternative modes of transportation to flying starting next week. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy (right) said that on November 11, 2025 his department might be forced to shutdown airspace and ground flights in certain parts of the country with the continued shutdown 'The administration is encouraging Democrats to reopen the federal government so this chaos and disruption to our air traffic control system in the United States of America stops. It is ridiculous that we have even gotten to this place and that the Democrats have continued to shut down the government,' Leavitt said. She added that for '35 days our air traffic controllers continue to work unpaid.' Trump's press secretary noted that airlines are 'begging' Democrats to reopen the government and stop the chaos at airports ahead of the holidays. On Wednesday the government shutdown will make history as the longest in the US on record. A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax at a Bristol college. The 17-year-old was taken into custody after police raced to St Brendan's Sixth Form College on Broomhill Road, Bristol, in response to a 'possible risk' of an explosive device on Tuesday just after 3pm. Upon arrival at the college, officers identified the teenager and arrested him. A CCTV review was completed and the decision was made to conduct a precautionary evacuation of the college. All students and staff were safely escorted off the site while specialist search officers and dogs carried out a thorough comb-through of the campus. They focused on the areas identified on CCTV where the suspect had been, and there was no evidence of an explosive device having ever been brought onto the site. Temporary Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Rich Fear said: 'When responding to incidents of this nature, we treat them with the utmost seriousness and attended promptly to ensure public safety. 'On this occasion, we are pleased to confirm that the threat was not credible and there was never a bomb on college grounds. 'We can also confirm that no one has sustained any injuries. 'The call from the member of staff reporting the incident was with good intent and the right thing to do, given the information they had received. 'We would like to thank the staff and students for their patience and understanding while we responded to this incident. 'Enquiries are ongoing and we will continue to engage with the college throughout.' The 17-year-old was taken into custody after police raced to St Brendan's Sixth Form College (pictured) on Broomhill Road, Bristol, in response to a 'possible risk' on Tuesday just after 3pm The police response at the school stood down just after 5.30pm. The road in Bristol was earlier closed in both directions as police carried out investigations into the incident. Roads and traffic monitoring website, Inrix, said: 'Broomhill Road in both directions closed, queueing traffic due to police incident from Emery Road to Dixon Road.' Images and footage from the scene showed several police vehicles entering and exiting the college, with officers swarming the area. One witness whose son attends St Brendan's told BristolLive there were 'lots of police dogs in the area'. They said their son was 'told at 3.50pm by a teacher to leave as he did so police were entering the college'. The school also emailed parents following the tense ordeal. They said in an email: 'We want to inform you that the college recently received information regarding a possible risk to our community. 'As soon as we became aware of this information, we took swift and appropriate action in line with our safeguarding procedures. 'This included releasing students and staff from college as a precautionary measure.' They added: 'At this time, there is no ongoing risk, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the continued safety of our community.' A rape victim has complained to a Scots university after a criminology lecturer, who hosted a rapists rights group, dismissed her attack as a drunken night that ended in sex. The woman, known as Miss M who successfully sued her rapist in a landmark civil case, has written to Abertay Universitys Principal about her 'grave concerns' over Dr Stuart Waiton and the institutes stance on sexual violence. Dr Waiton came under fire for inviting the Justice for Innocent Men Scotland (JIMS) campaign group to give a lecture to his students, despite the group actively campaigning for the release of convicted rapists and branding survivors false accusers. Miss Ms complaint relates to an article Dr Waiton wrote about her own case shortly after she won her claim against her rapist in 2018. In it, Dr Waiton claimed her rape was merely a drunken night that ended in sex and said the very idea of gender-based violence, or at least the understanding of this by the Scottish government, is both political and ideological and stems from a particular, one-sided, and often extreme brand of feminism. Abertay University last night confirmed it was now investigating her complaint. Speaking to the Mail, Miss M said she did not have the strength to complain about the article which she says prompted an increase in online abuse towards her at the time but now felt the need to do so following Dr Waitons involvement in the JIMS lecture. The former St Andrews University student said: Its taken me seven years to speak up because I was just going to put it to bed, but because of everything thats happening now Ive got concerns. 'As someone thats been raped in higher education, no matter what Abertay say they do to support victims, having Stuart Waiton as a lecturer reflects their morals and values. Dr Waiton wrote an article about Miss M's case shortly after she won her claim in 2018 Miss M said she did not have the strength to complain about the article which she says prompted an increase in online abuse towards her at the time but now felt the need to do so Are victims who are vulnerable, isolated, away from home, going to feel confident that they can come forward to student services if unfortunately, you have a lecturer like Stuart Waiton? In her letter to Abertays principal Liz Bacon, Miss M wrote: As a student who received amazing support from the University of St Andrews, I have grave concerns about Stuart Waiton and how damaging it is for survivors of sexual violence to know that Abertay University allows and supports his behaviour. If I had been a student at Abertay University, would the university still have supported him? Waiton disregarded the judgment detailing the evidence of my case. Perhaps that is because the legal reality doesnt fit with his constructed political narrative that men are somehow the "victims" of the criminal justice system as a result of state-sanctioned extreme feminism. This was not a drunken night. I was alone and targeted by a stranger, left locked in my own home. Dr Waiton exacerbated the feelings that this rape was my fault - views that are undoubtedly damaging to sexual assault victims at Abertay University. The woman also plans to contact Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth to raise concerns about Dr Waitons comments and position at the university. It comes after graffiti branding the sociology and criminology lecturer a rapist sympathiser was daubed on a building close to the university campus in Dundee. An Abertay University spokesperson said: 'We treat all complaints seriously and every formal complaint raised in relation to the current matter will be responded to. An investigation is now in progress and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.' Rape Crisis Scotland helpline 08088 010302 White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tore into New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for his suggestion that President Donald Trump may be tied to Election Day bomb threats. As Americans head to the polls across the country and in New York City for its mayoral elections on Tuesday, the 34-year-old democratic socialist appeared to link Trump to threats made against polling stations. Asked about bomb threats across multiple polling locations in New Jersey while out doing some last-minute campaigning, Mamdani bizarrely shifted blame onto the president. 'Its incredibly concerning, and I think that it is an illustration of the attacks were seeing on our democracy,' the Uganda-born candidate responded. 'We have to understand this as part of the general approach the Trump administration has taken to trying to intimidate voters with baseless allegations of voter fraud as a means of trying to repress the voice of Americans across this country,' he continued. When pressed by reporters about Mamdani placing the bomb threat blame, at least in part, on Trump, Leavitt condemned the remarks as 'completely irresponsible.' 'I think this is just another example of how the Democrat Party unfortunately stands for nothing. All they stand against is President Donald Trump.' The 28-year-old press secretary continued: 'It's quite sad to see that we have someone at the top of the ticket on an election day today saying such things about the president when he obviously had absolutely nothing to do with those threats.' Mamdani appeared to blame President Donald Trump in part of bomb threats at several New Jersey voting locations Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's comments as 'irresponsible' at Tuesday's White House briefing President Donald Trump urged voters to back former New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo instead of Mamdani, who he has called a 'communist' Several polling precincts in northern New Jersey were closed Tuesday due to credible threats, according to local authorities. 'Law enforcement responded to threats that were received by email,' in seven different counties, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin wrote in a statement on X. Some of the locations were quickly cleared and reopened, according to authorities. Trump, meanwhile, has spent the day launching salvos at Mamdani and other Democratic candidates on his Truth Social app. 'Any Jewish person that votes for Zohran Mamdani, a proven and self professed JEW HATER, is a stupid person!' the 79-year-old Republican president wrote on social media. The president has recommended that New York City voters back former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the race. 'Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job,' Trump wrote on Tuesday. The ex-governor resigned in disgrace in 2022 after being accused of sexual harassment. Cuomo has also been dogged by his terrible decision to mix COVID-positive patients in New York nursing homes during the pandemic. Independent candidate for New York City mayor and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo leaves after voting in the New York City mayoral election New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji cast their vote in the general election at Frank Sinatra High School on November 4, 2025, in New York City Both instances have led to him trailing in the polls by double digits. Still, if Mamdani does win, which it seems likely, Trump is threatening to pull federal funds from the city. 'If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, because of the fact that, as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival!' Bella Culley has arrived back in the UK with her mother after being freed from a Georgian prison. The pregnant suspected drugs mule, 19, flew in from the Georgian capital Tbilisi after spending five months in a hellhole jail following her arrest for smuggling 200,000 of marijuana and hashish from Thailand to the ex-Soviet state. Images captured at London's Luton Airport on Tuesday evening show heavily-pregnant Bella walking out of the arrivals section with her mother Lyanne Kennedy, 44, and two other people. Lyanne appears to be dragging the cream coloured suitcase which Bella used to allegedly smuggle the drugs stash back in May this year. Airport security staff can be seen tailing the group as they emerged through a door before the pair disappeared off to another area. Bella, from Billingham in Teeside, was arrested six months ago at Tbilisi airport and accused of attempting to smuggle 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish into the country. She was found guilty by a Georgian court on Monday and sentenced to five months and 25 days in prison, the total time she had already spent in custody. Her family also paid a 137,000 fine as part of a plea deal. Bella Culley has arrived back in the UK with her mother after being freed from a Georgian prison Heavily pregnant teenage suspected drugs mule Bella Culley arrives back in the UK at Luton airport Images captured at London 's Luton Airport on Tuesday evening shows Bella alongside her mother Lyanne Kennedy, 44, walking out of the arrivals section with two other people Culley and her mother both broke down in tears as the verdict was read out. Georgian prosecutors were considering a two-year sentence, but 'decided to consider the time she has already served', case prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili said, and asked for her release. The teenager was informed of the decision shortly before the court session began and Lynane said she had believed that she would only see her daughter in person again when her grandchild was born. 'It was totally unexpected,' she said. Culleys lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, said the teenager would be given her passport and would be free to leave the country. While in court, she thanked everyone present for finalising Culleys plea deal. Culley initially faced a maximum penalty of up to 15 years or life in prison. While the judge agreed to release her, he cautioned that there would be no mitigating circumstance if she repeats the offence. He said: 'The sentence is five months and 24 days and an additional fine of 500,000 Georgian lari. The arrest will be rescinded as the time spent in preliminary detention will be taken into account.' Culley, ecstatic at the news, hugged her mother after the decision was read out and said: 'I didn't expect this at all. This is a huge surprise.' When asked if she had any complaints about her time in prison, she responded that she had none. However, when reporters asked her the same question outside court, she looked at her mum, who shook her head and said: 'Bella, no'. Her conditions at the prison are said to have been grim - she reportedly was forced to boil pasta in a kettle and toast bread over a candle. Her cell at No 5 Womens Penitentiary near Tbilisi, also had a hole in the ground, used as a toilet. Freed pregnant British teenager Bella Culley heads back to the UK on easyJet flight with mother An emotional Culley was seen all smiles with her mother Leyanne and her lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia as she left Tbilisi City Court as a free woman Culley's mum, Leyanne broke down outside court when she spoke to reporters As the pair landed back in London on Tuesday evening, Lyanne appeared to be wheeling a case matching the one pictured following Bella's arrest, which was stuffed with drugs in vacuum-sealed packages. Bella told a court that she had been forced to traffic the stash from Thailand by a gang who branded her with an iron and forced her to watch execution videos. The teenager was set to land at London Luton Airport at 7pm after arriving for her five-and-a-half hour flight just 10 minutes before check-in was due to close. Her and her mother headed straight to the Speedy Boarding gate and made it safely through security. On Monday, Bella called her father, Niel, 49, to tell him: 'I'm not in jail anymore'. Niel picked up the phone and said: 'Hey princess', before she chuckled and told him she was no longer locked up. An elated Niel then shouted: 'Wahey! That's brilliant. Brilliant.' She thanked him and informed him she would call again once she got to her hotel, and added: 'Love you, Dad, bye.' It was reported that Bella's release followed a letter from the British Embassy to the president of Georgia urging him to grant a pardon. Former Man City striker Mikheil Kavelashvili, who rules the Black Sea nation, received a letter from the UK calling on him to show leniency on compassionate grounds. They cited the fact that the 19-year-old is pregnant and would have given birth behind bars before Christmas under the original sentence. A source told the Mail: 'The British Embassy has sent a letter suggesting that the President consider granting a pardon to this young woman, noting that she is in a late stage of pregnancy and has already signed a plea agreement. 'They added that they stand ready to provide the case files, should they be required. The President has forwarded this letter to the Pardon Commission for review.' Following this, a last-minute reprieve was granted to Culley in a shock to her family at Tbilisi City Court yesterday morning. An FCDO spokesman said: 'We are supporting a British woman who was detained in Georgia and are in contact with her family.' Belgium's Brussels and Liege airports were closed on Tuesday evening after drone sightings, diverting many incoming planes and preventing others from taking off. Kurt Verwilligen, a spokesperson for the Belgian air traffic control service, said shortly before 8pm local time (1900 GMT) a drone had been seen near Brussels Airport, which was then closed as a security precaution. Belgium's busiest airport briefly reopened after two hours of disruption, but was closed again after more drone sightings. It was unclear when flights would resume. National carrier Brussels Airlines said 15 outbound flights were unable to take off, while eight incoming flights were diverted to other airports. Liege Airport, used principally as a cargo hub, was also closed due to drone sightings, an airport spokesperson said. Belgian news outlet VRT also reported drone activity near Florennes military base, while air traffic was temporarily suspended at Charleroi Airport as a precaution. A statement on Brussels Airport website reads: 'Following drone sightings on Tuesday evening, flight operations at Brussels Airport were suspended for safety reasons. Brussels Airport is closed after the reported sighting of a drone, said the Belgian air traffic control service and a spokeswoman for the airport. Pictured: Travellers wait in an empty departure hall at Zaventem airport as air traffic is suspended following a reported drone sighting, in Zaventem outside Brussels, on November 4, 2025 Kurt Verwilligen, a spokesperson for the Belgian air traffic control service, said that shortly before 1900 GMT a drone had been seen near Brussels Airport, and the airport had therefore been closed as a security precaution Your browser does not support iframes. 'This disruption has led to delays and some flight cancellations and might still impact flight operations on Wednesday morning. 'Airlines will contact affected passengers with updated travel options. Brussels Airport teams are doing everything possible to assist stranded passengers. 'We monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as soon as we have more information.' Pictures taken inside the airport show what appear to be camp beds being prepared for passengers. Belgian Minister of the Interior Bernard Quintin has asked Prime Minister Bart De Wever to convene the National Security Council following the sightings, according to the Belga news agency. 'We will not allow our airports to be disrupted by uncontrolled drone flights. This requires a coordinated, national response,' Quintin said, adding that passenger and staff safety remain the government's top priority. The federal police and Ministry of Defense are closely monitoring the situation. Located 12 kilometres northeast of Brussels, the airport is a major international hub serving destinations including the UK, Dubai, and Turkey. Flight data on the Brussels Airport website shows numerous delays and cancellations, with FlightRadar24 reporting that several flights have been diverted. The last flight that appears to have departed is the 19:30 to Prague, with the last arrival into the airport at 19:50 from the Spanish island of Tenerife. Flights were initially diverted from Brussels Airport to Liege Airport, but it also closed due to a drone alert. French broadcaster RTBF are reporting flights to both these airports were also diverted to Maastricht and Cologne airports. The air traffic controller told RTBF 'There is no evidence yet of a link between the reports in Brussels and Liege.' The incidents followed drones seen over a Belgian military air base during the weekend. Defence Minister Theo Francken told public broadcaster RTBF that Tuesday's incident appeared to be carried out by professionals intent on destabilising the country. Drones have caused considerable disruption across Europe in recent months. In September, Copenhagen Airport was closed for four hours and Oslo Airport for three hours following drone sightings. There were also suspected Russian drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace. A young man was killed and a teenager and older woman seriously injured when a large group of people fought at a roadside in the Northern Territory. Emergency services were called to the Victoria Highway at Timber Creek, an isolated small town 350km south of Darwin, at 8.50pm on Monday. They received reports a group, some armed with edged weapons, were fighting at the roadside. Police say an unidentified man drove a car dangerously through the area, fatally hitting a 27-year-old man. A 16-year-old boy and 65-year-old woman suffered serious injuries when they were allegedly attacked with edged weapons. Officers said a 24-year-old man was also assaulted, resulting in minor injuries. The teenager and older woman were stabilised at the scene before being transported via air doctor to Royal Darwin Hospital. Three crime scenes were set up by police with additional resources deployed from Katherine to the northeast. The Victoria Highway - the main road connecting the NT to northern Western Australia - was closed in both directions on Tuesday. Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 131 444. A large group, some allegedly armed with edged weapons, were fighting along the Victoria Highway at Timber Creek, Northern Territory, on Monday night George Lucas has bought a huge 40 million mansion in London, joining a number of American liberal celebrities fleeing the US. In what is likely to be one of the biggest residential buys in the UK this year, the Star Wars creator is set to move to St John's Wood. The house, which was previously owned by a city lawyer, was purchased off market in September, Bloomberg reported. Lucas, 81, is reportedly unhappy with Donald Trump's decisions in the US and is looking to spend more time in the UK. Last year, the filmmaker hosted an A-list party for Joe Biden and fellow Democratic supporters ahead of the election. The sale of the home comes after Silicon Valley investor Matt Cohler recently bought a 22 million house in Notting Hill. It is the largest purchase since fashion designer Tom Ford bought an 80 million mansion in Chelsea last year. While Lucas has never publicly criticised the President, he has joined a growing list of liberal A-listers deciding to make the move to the UK. Star Wars creator George Lucas has bought a 40 million mansion in London as he plots a move away from Trump's America Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi made a quick exit after Trump's election victory and vowed to never return. Ryan Gosling and his wife Eva Mendes also made the move alongside America Ferrera, who fled the US in search of the 'best opportunities' for her children in the UK. The so-called 'Donald Dash' has been backed up by Home Office figures this week which revealed that applications for UK citizenship soared in the last quarter of 2024, rising 40 per cent year on year. In fact more than 6,100 US citizens applied last year, the most since records began two decades ago and 26 per cent more than in 2023. One Notting Hill estate agent, who revealed the amount of wealthy American families they are moving in has 'skyrocketed' since Trump, previously said: 'We moved a Marvel actress into a house very near here in the last week.' Courtney Love and Minnie Driver have also made the move across the Atlantic since the election last year. The newest deal was brokered by Savills, who advised the vendor and Aylesford International, who advised the director. Lucas has left behind his 2,500-acre ranch in Northern California dubbed 'Skywalker Ranch', which he purchased for $28 million in 2019. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi made a swift exit out of the US for The Cotswolds in Britain Ryan Gosling and his wife Eva Mendes are among those who have left the US for the UK The ranch includes a massive main house, a man-made lake dubbed Lake Ewok and Skywalker Sound, a 153,000-square-foot facility that includes a 300-seat movie theater. The purchase has come as a rare high point in the luxury property market after stamp duty increases and the abolition of the non-dom tax status caused a slump. Transactions of more than 5 million were down by 41 per cent from the same time last year. The luxury market could face more problems in the near future as Rachel Reeves plots more tax rises. Lucas famously sold the rights to Stars Wars to Disney for a staggering $4billion in 2012. At the time of the monumental Lucasfilm sale, also including his company's Industrial Light & Magic and the rights to Indiana Jones, Lucas compared parting with Star Wars to losing a family member. However, after selling the Star Wars rights to Disney, Lucas didn't hold back in expressing his dissatisfaction with The Force Awakens, the first film in the franchise following the sale. In a 2015 interview with Empire Magazine, Lucas admitted he wasn't happy with the film, stating that Disney 'wanted to make a retro movie' and didn't follow his planned direction for the series. He also mentioned that he felt the film was too similar to the original trilogy, saying, 'They wanted to make a movie for the fans. They decided they didn't want to use the stories I created.' President Trump has given his verdict on a woeful night for Republicans in major races across the country as Zohran Mamdani swept to victory in New York City. The Democratic socialist became the citys first Muslim mayor with more than 50 per cent of the vote, according to early figures from the election count. Democrats were also victorious in the races for governor of New Jersey and Virginia. In a post to Truth Social the president said: TRUMP WASNT ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT,' citing what he said were the main motivations of voters according to pollsters. In a follow up post, Trump ominously wrote: '...AND SO IT BEGINS!' Seven people were killed and eleven were injured when a large UPS plane exploded as it took off from a Kentucky airport on Tuesday, sparking a widespread fire. The MD-11 plane blew up around 5.15pm as it departed Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, heading toward Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Video shared on social media showed the aircraft attempting to take off with a ball of fire emanating from its left wing. Just moments later, the plane exploded. Dashcam footage also showed the plane crashing back into the runway, leaving a blaze in its wake. It struck two local businesses, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Autoparts, which were said to have accounted for all employees. There were three crew members onboard the flight at the time, UPS officials have confirmed. But it is unclear whether they were among the fatalities. 'From the videos I've seen, I'm very concerned for them, but I'm still praying,' Governor Andy Beshear said at a news conference Tuesday night. 'It may be some time until we can account for everyone,' he warned. The plane was also fueled with 38,000 gallons at the time, due to the lengthy trip to Hawaii - sparking a fire that spread to cover five miles. At least two victims remained in critical condition Tuesday night as the governor warned the number of fatalities and injuries was 'going to get larger.' Your browser does not support iframes. Seven people were killed and eleven were injured when a large UPS plane exploded as it took off from a Louisville, Kentucky airport on Tuesday The MD-11 plane blew up around 5.15pm as it left Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Smoke and flames rise as a UPS cargo plane crashes in Louisville, Kentucky, in this screengrab obtained from social media Video shared to social media showed the aircraft attempting to take off with a ball of fire emanating from its left wing Locals reported hearing a loud explosion as the businesses were struck, with Louisville Metro Police spokesman Matt Sanders telling WDRB that the department received 20 calls for service as debris fell from the sky. 'It fell out of the sky when I was working on the car, and that's when we found out about the crash,' Justin Dunn told KKTV as he held up a piece of charred paper. 'And then my son was like, "Hey, look up in the sky," and it was coming down out of the sky when he picked it up.' Other witnesses also reported finding Hawaiian-style dresses that are believed to have come from the plane, according to WAVE. 'There's definitely debris all through here, probably within ten miles,' Dunn said. Louisville Metro Police then announced on social media that several agencies were responding to the scene south of the airport as authorities urged community members to avoid the area. They said it remained an active scene with 'smoke and debris', as they issued a shelter-in-place order which at one point covered much of the city. 'Please remain away from the area until further notice,' the police department urged as authorities secured the buildings. Dashcam footage also showed the plane crashing into the runway, leaving a blaze in its wake The airport remained closed Tuesday night, and those with scheduled flights on Wednesday are urged to check with carriers as travel chaos continues nationwide Mayor Craig Greenberg said he and his wife, Rachel, were praying for the victims Fire and smoke mark where a UPS cargo plane crashed near the airport in Louisville, Kentucky The MD-11 plane blew up around 5.15pm as it left Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport The airport remained closed Tuesday night, and those with scheduled flights on Wednesday are urged to check their flight status as travel chaos continues nationwide. Those who found debris were also urged not to touch it, but instead to fill out a form. Meanwhile, operations were halted at UPS Worldport, the company's largest shipping and logistics facility globally, which processes two million packages each day, through Wednesday. Employees who work on the company's Next Day Air sort were even told not to report to work, the Louisville Courier Journal reports. 'We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved,' the company said in a statement. 'UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve,' it added. 'This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPSers.' It added that it was 'engaged' with the National Transportation Safety Board investigation and was 'staying in close contact' with the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). 'We will work tirelessly with state and local authorities on response efforts,' the company vowed. Operations were halted at UPS Worldport, the company's largest shipping and logistics facility globally, which processes two million packages each day, through Wednesday The explosion came just hours after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Democrats are making air travel unsafe by forcing air traffic controllers to go without pay through the longest government shutdown in US history She urged just five Democrats in the Senate to join Republicans in voting for a 'clean continuing resolution' Locals had reported hearing a loud explosion as the businesses were struck, with Louisville Metro Police spokesman Matt Sanders telling WDRB the department received 20 calls for service as debris fell out of the sky Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order around the international airport Louisville Metro Police announced on social media that several agencies were responding to the scene south of the airport as authorities urged community members to avoid the area Amid the tragedy, Mayor Craig Greenberg said he and his wife, Rachel, are praying for the victims. 'We have every emergency agency responding to the scene,' he said on social media. 'There are multiple injuries and the fire is still burning. 'There are many road closures in the area - please avoid the scene.' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also asked the public to 'please join me in prayer for the Louisville community and flight crew impacted by this horrific crash.' He added that the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA 'are mobilizing to get on the ground and will lead the investigation'. The explosion came just hours after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Democrats are making air travel unsafe by forcing air traffic controllers to go without pay through the longest government shutdown in US history. She urged just five Democrats in the Senate to join Republicans in voting for a 'clean continuing resolution' to extend funding for the government and make sure that Americans who control plane movements at US airports are paid going into the busiest travel season of the year. This week, federal workers at control centers are set to miss their second paycheck since the shutdown began. However, travelers at three major US airports were already facing hours-long delays on Tuesday, as staffing shortages worsened on the 35th day of the shutdown. According to multiple flight alerts, the Houston and Phoenix air traffic centers implemented Ground Delay Programs, effectively slowing the rate of arrivals to prevent overload in the control system. The FAA said the delays are primarily due to 'staffing' shortages, with some flights facing up to nearly three-hour waits before takeoff or landing clearance. Smoke rises after the plane crashed in this screen grab obtained from a social media video A massive plume of smoke was across the city in the wake of the explosion The plane was fueled with 38,000 gallons at the time, due to the lengthy trip to Hawaii The crash involved a UPS MD-11 plane with three crew members onboard At Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the FAA has set the arrival rate at just 40 flights per hour, compared to typical peak rates of around 70. The advisory lists average delays of 40 minutes and maximums of over one hour and 40 minutes, affecting all major departure zones in the US. At nearby William P Hobby Airport (HOU), the situation is even worse, with the FAA limiting arrivals to only 16 flights per hour and maximum delays nearing three hours. The restrictions apply to flights departing from every major regional control center in the contiguous US, meaning ripple effects could extend far beyond Texas. In Phoenix, controllers at Sky Harbor International Airport are also slowing the arrival of incoming flights. The FAA set a rate of 40 arrivals per hour, citing the same staffing shortage. Average delays are hovering around 45 minutes, with some flights waiting over an hour and a half to land. The programs are in place through the early hours of Wednesday morning, potentially affecting hundreds of flights nationwide. The Prince of Wales continued to be a hit in Brazil as he held a baby who was excitedly thrust towards him during a walkabout on Paqueta Island - joking that they 'mustn't drop him!' before giving him a cuddle. Little ten-month-old Joaquim Monteiro appeared happy in William's arms, as the future King chatted with the child's grandmother. 'Bless him,' the royal fondly remarked. Swarmed by legions of adoring female fans, the future king posed for selfies and shook hands with wellwishers, as well as helping several young children come to the front of the festivities. It is the first time a member of the British Royal Family has visited the area, which is made up of some 5,000 residents and located in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro. It has declared the occasion 'The Day of the Prince', with pupils clamouring to be off school for the celebrations. When asked about any previous royal visitors, one local looked back to 1555 - when the Portuguese Crown landed. Many young fans created colourful drawings to present as gifts. Marcel Gomes de Castro, 12, gave the Prince two of his best paintings: one seascape and one of a naval boat in the small harbour. His father Alan said he had finished them two years ago, but that they were so special he wanted to give them as a gift for the Prince. The Prince of Wales continues to be a hit in Brazil as he held a baby who was excitedly thrust towards him during a walkabout on Paqueta Island - joking that they 'mustn't drop him!' before giving him a cuddle Little ten-month-old Joaquim Monteiro appeared happy in William's arms, as the future King chatted with the child's grandmother Swarmed by legions of adoring female fans, the future king posed for selfies and shook hands with wellwishers, as well as helping several young children come to the front of the festivities It is the first time a member of the British Royal Family has visited the area, which is made up of some 5,000 residents and located in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro It has declared the occasion 'The Day of the Prince', with pupils clamouring to be off school for the celebrations When asked about any previous royal visitors, one local looked back to 1555 - when the Portuguese Crown landed. William pictured with the baby 'It's a welcome for William, he wanted to give a gift,' the parent explained. 'Everyone here is very excited.' The royal was heard saying 'obrigado' and 'bom dia' on repeat, clasping his hands in a signed thank you in lieu of not understanding much of the Portuguese being spoken. For parts of the walkabout, he called over a translator to understand short conversations. Meeting a travelling school group, he joked that the 'teachers are noisier than the kids' to uproarious laughter. In another sweet moment, retired lawyer Glaucia Martinez, 60, repeatedly touched William's hand as he quizzed her about life on Paqueta, where she lives. 'He asked me about the island and I said that it's safe, it's charming, and it's a good place to live,' she shared. 'People here, they are good, good people, you know, honest people, and we live in peace here. 'And I said that I love Kate.' Many young fans created colourful drawings to present as gifts. One gave the Prince two of his best paintings: one seascape and one of a naval boat in the small harbour The Prince of Wales meets members of the public during a visit to Ilha de Paqueta, on day two of his trip to Brazi Later, the Prince of Wales toured the preserved and protected area of natural beauty in the northeast of Brazil's picturesque Guanabara Bay. Vital for biodiversity, it is the only remaining mangrove area in the bay and has been replanted following deforestation. Managed by the Chico Mendes institute for Biodiversity Conservation, the area is cleaned and protected by local communities including a ten-strong team of Mangrove 'Guardians' from Paqueta. Visitors can take eco-tours, often by boat, to see the dolphins and learn about restoration projects taking place in the area. Thousands of mangroves, growing up to 4metres tall have been planted in an area previously devastated by deforestation. On the way, he stopped to speak to local fishermen who use nets stretched across wooden canes to catch fish. Standing at the front of his speedboat, he spoke about their work and was shown a model of a curral - the traditional trap used to catch the fish. The area contains 1,500 of them. Stooping down to plant the first of three mangrove trees, William asked: 'How quickly will this guy take to get to here?', holding his hand up to around a metre high - and was told they 'grow pretty quickly'. Later, the Prince of Wales toured the preserved and protected area of natural beauty in the northeast of Brazil's picturesque Guanabara Bay Vital for biodiversity, it is the only remaining mangrove area in the bay and has been replanted following deforestation The royal was heard saying 'obrigado' and 'bom dia' on repeat, clasping his hands in a signed thank you in lieu of not understanding much of the Portuguese being spoken 'Look after it. I hope it grows well.' He then crouched down to another sapling, asking: 'Is this going in here? Can I help? Is that enough mud? It's amazing that they live in such water.' Before getting into the boat he declined a hand wipe and washed his hands in the Caceribu river where the mangroves grow. As his boat clashed with a media boat, he joked 'Could we be any closer?' Before leaving he said: 'Obrigado [thank you]. I hope they grow well. Next time I come all this will all be mangroves.' The trees were planted by cooperatives including the government's national institute of ICMBio and non-profit organisation Instituto Mar Urbano over four years at the rear of the Guanabara Bay. The conservation work, underway since 2022, has been so successful that researchers have found the area has seen the return of different species including birds, uca crabs, chama mare crabs, spiders and butterflies as the ecosystem shows signs of regeneration. Rodrigo Toledo, mayor of Paqueta and surrounding islands, said: 'Paqueta is an area totally dedicated to environmental protection. And we know that Prince William has dedicated his life to this agenda, to the protection of nature, so it is very important for him to come here. For parts of the walkabout, he called over a translator to understand short conversations. William pictured greeting crowds Managed by the Chico Mendes institute for Biodiversity Conservation, the area is cleaned and protected by local communities including a ten-strong team of Mangrove 'Guardians' from Paqueta The Prince of Wales takes part in a planting activity with local Guardians during a tour the Guapimirim mangrove area in Guanabara Bay 'We even have a project here on the islands called the 'Guardians of the Mangroves', a team hired by the municipality made up of local residents to work on the mangroves, preserving them and providing all the necessary care.' The guardians, ten full-time employees, pick plastic bottles and other litter from the mangroves and plant saplings. Eugenia Maria Dos Santos, 60, one of the guardians who helped William plant the new trees said it was a 'privilege' to host the prince. 'The most important thing for me is his humility. Money doesn't buy happiness. So many people think they are better than others but the prince has come here and used his own hands to plant the mangroves. It brings great happiness to the Brazilian people.' Janaina Alves, 46, a mangrove conservation worker who met the prince said that she was not familiar with the conservation work of the Prince and the King. She added: 'I was very nervous because I've never met a Prince before. But it was a unique opportunity for him to see what we do.' Ana Paula Prates, director of oceans and coastal management at the Brazilian Ministry of Environment, joined William in the mangroves, travelling on a separate boat. She said that the mangroves 'were just as important as tropical forest' for conservation efforts because 'one hectare mangroves absorbs five times as much carbon as one hectare of rain forest'. She acknowledged, however, that after years of environmental mismanagement the Brazilian government had a 'challenge' ahead but she said that it was determined to 'turn the key'. The royal looked to be in high spirits as he chatted with excited crowds at the walkabout this afternoon William kicked off his official three-day trip to Rio de Janeiro to mark the events leading up to his prestigious environmental awards on Wednesday, The Earthshot Prize. His first visit to the Latin American country also celebrates 200-years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Brazil after it secured independence from Portugal. Among the issues that both sides are keen to highlight are nature protection, sustainable development and cultural exchange. On Monday, he enjoyed a visit to one of the country's most famous landmarks as he got the scenic cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain for a birds-eye view of the sights. He was met by Mayor Eduardo Paes, who afforded him the rare honour of presenting him with the keys to the city. This is something normally only given each year to 'King Momo', the King of the Rio Carnival. Rising 396 m (1,299 ft) above the Guanabara Bay, 600-million-year-old Sugarloaf Mountain is a protected natural monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is named after the conical moulds of sugar shipped during the heyday of Brazil's sugarcane trade. William was greeted by cheering, excited crowds, who had been unaware that royalty was due to visit that morning, accompanied by the sounds of a local band, Trio Julio. William beamed as he posed for selfies and shook hands with supporters during the visit on Tuesday The Prince opted for navy trousers and a khaki button-down shirt as he visited the island on Tuesday The Prince began his second day in Brazil by visiting the island, where he met crowds of supporters His first visit to the Latin American country also celebrates 200-years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Brazil after it secured independence from Portugal William kicked off his official three-day trip to Rio de Janeiro to mark the events leading up to his prestigious environmental awards on Wednesday, The Earthshot Prize Prince William is undertaking a number of engagements related to the environment in Rio De Janeiro After being introduced by the Mayor to his deputy and their families, the two men walked down to the mountain's helipad which boasts stunning views of the city. The Prince drank up the views for a few minutes as the mayor chatted before he was handed the gold keys to the city in a box. Speaking afterwards Mayor Paes said he has received a 'typically informal' Brazilian welcome. 'It's never easy to do with the British royalty, how about the protocols? But, I mean, he was very nice. Amazed with the beauty of the city, and we are very happy to have him here. It's big honour for the city,' he explained. 'So he's got the keys, he can do whatever he wants in the next 72 hours. The city belongs to Prince William. I'm still the king, but it will belong to him!' He said the two of them had chatted about a wide variety of issues, including the recent controversial police 'clean-ups' of Rio's favelas. 'He seemed to be very interested in lots of things. We spoke about politicsmy politics, talk about the landscape of Rio, he asked about the favelas. The thing about the forest jumping into the city. We are having a meeting here with a bunch of mayors, so Sadiq Khan [the London Mayor] is here, so we spoke a little bit about the role of mayors. We spoke a lot. ' Standing at the front of his speedboat, he spoke about their work and was shown a model of a curral - the traditional trap used to catch the fish. The area contains 1,500 of them The Prince of Wales (right) on a boat to tour the Guapimirim mangrove area in Guanabara Bay He said it was hugely 'symbolic' to have William in Brazil. 'It's very symbolic. It shows, first, the connection between Great Britain and Brazil, which is a long relation. And, I mean, it's like people like him here, so we were very glad to have him,' the mayor said. Asked again about recent security issues and whether William appeared concerned or interested in them, he said: 'I mean, yeah, yeah, I mean, I spoke a lot, I try to explain to him the security issue of the city a little bit. I mean, obviously, it's much more deep than something that you can explain in five minutes. But it was a good opportunity to explain. ' As he left to get the cable car back down again William was mobbed by wellwishers wanting to shake his hand and get a selfie. Among them were British tourists Jenny and Paul Galliver, from Sutton Courtney near Oxford. 'We were pretty shocked but then we saw Sadiq Khan at Christ the Redeemer yesterday,' Jenny said. 'It was a lovely surprise to see him. We are very much pro-royal.' The Prince of Wales meets 10 month old Joaquim Monteiro during a visit to Ilha de Paqueta William is said to be a very 'hands-on' founder, attending meetings, brain storming, making connections behind the scenes and hitting the phones The prince also spoke to Thomas Hunter, 48, from Manchester, who said he thought William was doing a 'great job' with Earthshot. 'I was keen to tell him I work in offshore wind farms,' he said. Earthshot is a ten-year initiative designed to highlight and scale-up some of the most innovative solutions to the world's environmental and climate change challenges, offering five 1 million prizes each year over a decade. The awards, arguably the most prestigious of their kind in the world, are now half-way through their ten-year challenge. This year's finalists were chosen out of nearly 2,500 nominees from 72 countries and include a Brazilian start-up restoring forests with the help of AI and British company Matter, which has developed a filter than can be fitted to washing machines to stop microplastics entering the oceans through laundry and waste water. William is said to be a very 'hands-on' founder, attending meetings, brain storming, making connections behind the scenes and hitting the phones. One company, ENSO, which makes environmentally friendly tyres for electric cars, now has worldwide deal with cab company Uber as a result of William personally introducing the two. Knauf said: 'Earthshotwas founded because this decade is critical - it is a window in which we still have time to act and because Prince William believed that it can be a great human success story. 'The 2025 Earthshot Prize Summit in Rio de Janeiro is more than an event. It's a collective call to action. A celebration of what humanity can achieve when we unite behind urgent optimism and bold solutions.' Later in the week the heir to the throne will travel to Belem, gateway to the Amazonian rainforest, to represent his father for the first time at the COP30 UN Climate Change Summit. It a significant scaling-up of his own presence on the international stage and will see him stand alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who will also attend the Earthshot awards in Rio. British Ambassador to Brazil, Stephanie Al-Qaq, said the heir to the throne's visit came at a 'moment rich in symbolism and substance' as the UK marks 200 years of diplomatic relations with the Latin American nation. She added: 'We are absolutely delighted that His Royal Highness is going to be joining us. There is huge interest in the British Royal Family here and he is speaking to a younger generation.' William is attending without his wife, the Princess of Wales, who remains at home in Windsor with their children who are returning to school after the half-term holiday. Speaking as he departed from London, William said: 'As I depart for Rio de Janeiro, I am excited for my first visit and to experience Brazil's vibrant culture, its extraordinary biodiversity, and above all, the warmth of its people. 'With the world's eyes turning to Brazil this week, there is no better place to celebrate bold climate leadership. Hosting The Earthshot Prize allows us to not only recognise those driving change, but to be inspired by them. When we work together with optimism and courage, a more sustainable future is within our reach.' SpaceX boss Elon Musk has shared a possible solution to the climate crisis, although scientists warn it could end in disaster. In a post on X (Twitter), Musk said he wants to launch a 'large, solar-powered' constellation of satellites into Earth orbit. The AI-enabled satellites would be able to make 'tiny adjustments' to how much of the sun's energy would reach Earth, having a cooling effect on the planet. Many members of the public appear horrified by the idea, which is Musk's take on a 'geoengineering' project that's already been proposed. In response, one skeptical user said: 'So basically we're letting AI decide how much sunlight humans get now? What could possibly go wrong.' Another posted: 'No person nor company nor government has the right to mess with OUR collective world climate,' while one complained that 'we don't need more people playing God'. Lili Fuhr, director of the fossil economy program at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) in Berlin, called the idea 'highly speculative'. 'Solar geoengineering is inherently unpredictable and could further destabilize our already fragile climate system,' she told the Daily Mail. Musk said: 'A large solar-powered AI satellite constellation would be able to prevent global warming by making tiny adjustments in how much solar energy reached Earth' Elon Musk (pictured) said in January: 'Climate change risk is real, just much slower than alarmists claim.' 'Any future geoengineering deployment would threaten the lives and rights of billions of people, including in the UK,' she added. 'If it were ever deployed, it would not be possible to pause or halt it without risking rapid temperature spikes and an acceleration of global heating. 'These highly speculative technologies are a dangerous distraction from solving the climate crisis and should be taken off the table for good.' On social media, many people were reminded of the episode of The Simpsons where local billionaire Mr Burns blocks out the sun forcing Springfield's residents to use electricity from his nuclear power plant. Professor Gustav Andersson, a biologist at Umea University in Sweden, said Mr Burns 'had a similar idea some years ago.' Musk was asked how the constellation would ensure 'precise, equitable adjustments to solar energy' across Earth while accounting for seasonal variations. The SpaceX owner replied: 'Yes. It would only take tiny adjustments to prevent global warming or global cooling for that matter.' Musk then admitted that too much sunlight being blocked could see temperatures plummet and turn Earth into a 'snowball'. Many compared the idea with an episode of The Simpsons where local billionaire Mr Burns blocks out the sun forcing Springfield's residents to use electricity from his nuclear power plant Professor Gustav Andersson, a biologist at Umea University in Sweden, said Mr Burns 'had a similar idea some years ago' What is Musk's stance on climate change? Elon Musk's stance on climate change is at least a fairly informed one; he previously said the goal of humanity should be to 'exit the fossil fuel era as quickly as possible'. Following the California wildfires in January, he said: 'Climate change risk is real, just much slower than alarmists claim.' Telsa, one of Musk's other companies, manufactures electric vehicles that pollute the planet less than petrol and diesel. Advertisement Earth 'has been a snowball may times in the past', Musk said, although the last time this happened was around 635 million years ago. Musk did not specify exactly what role AI would be playing in his constellation of satellites, but it'd likely be responsible for determining when to make the 'tiny adjustments' to how much solar energy reached Earth. While the whole thing may sound impractical, Musk has already sent more than 8,000 satellites into Earth orbit as part of his Starlink constellation providing high-speed internet to the world. And the cost of such a project could comfortably be covered by Musk, who is currently the richest person in the world with a net worth of about $469 billion. Ram ben Ze'ev, an author and entrepreneur in Scotland, said the engineering side of it 'may be possible', but the 'consequences of error would be immeasurable'. In an X post, he said the idea 'dangerously overestimates human control and underestimates natural balance'. 'Reducing sunlight doesn't only lower temperatures, it directly impacts photosynthesis - the foundation of life on this planet,' he warned. Even a 1-2 per cent reduction in solar energy could devastate global agriculture, forests, and oxygen production.' Professor Sammie Buzzard, glaciologist and climate scientist at Northumbria University, warned there could be 'unintended consequences' of such a scheme. Starlink is a constellation of satellites that aims to provide internet access to most of the Earth, particularly underserved rural areas. Pictured, 60 Starlink satellites are seen stacked together over Earth before their deployment, May 2019 Your browser does not support iframes. 'It shouldn't be up to one individual or one country to decide the climate for another, especially with the risk of unintended consequences from untested methods,' she told the Daily Mail. 'Some examples of things that would need to be investigated further for this method would be the carbon costs (launching satellites and AI both involve a lot of carbon) and governance.' 'As this method would have global consequences that would not be equal everywhere there would need to be global agreement for it to go ahead. 'Ultimately we have a known, effective, method to improve our situation - decarbonising - and we should focus our energy there.' Alessandro Silvano, research fellow at the University of Southampton, said it's a good thing that 'large-scale climate interventions are being discussed more openly'. 'But it's important to note that geoengineering - whether through solar radiation management or carbon dioxide removal - remains scientifically complex and carries substantial uncertainties,' he told the Daily Mail. 'Any proposal would need thorough evaluation of its technical feasibility, potential impacts on weather patterns and ecosystems, and its geopolitical implications.' Dimming the sun is an idea already floated, although instead of satellites some experts have proposed injecting reflective particles. However, in a recent report, a team warned that such risky 'geoengineering' projects could wreak havoc on the weather and actually make climate change worse. Train derailment in Britain injures four, disrupts rail line Xinhua) 09:17, November 04, 2025 A man stands next to a screen showing information on changes to rail services at Euston Station in London, Britain, Nov. 3, 2025. A train carrying 87 people derailed in northwestern England on Monday, disrupting rail services, local media reported. (Xinhua/Li Ying) LONDON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A train carrying 87 people derailed in northwestern England on Monday, disrupting rail services, local media reported. The Avanti West Coast train traveling from Glasgow to London came off the tracks near Shap, a village in Cumbria, on Monday morning. Four people sustained minor injuries, though none required hospital treatment, according to the North West Ambulance Service. Britain's Network Rail confirmed to local media that a landslip had occurred in the area before the train derailed. "Early indications would suggest that the train has struck a landslide just north of where it now stands," Sam MacDougall, director of operations at Network Rail, told a press conference. Pictures show the front carriage completely off the tracks but still upright, with the front of the train badly damaged and windscreen covered in mud. There was a "flash and bang" when the train derailed, a passenger told local media. "People were confused but calm. At first we thought a car or something had hit the train." According to Network Rail, major disruption on the West Coast Main Line is expected to continue until the end of the day. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has been spotted for the first time since it disappeared behind the sun. Using the Lowell Observatory's powerful Discovery Telescope, astronomer Dr Qicheng Zhang managed to snap the mysterious object as it sped back into Earth's line of sight. The optical observations show that 3I/ATLAS is now even brighter than when it went in. Scientists have been carefully watching 3I/ATLAS since it was first detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope on July 1. In early October, the comet vanished from Earth's view as it approached its closest point to the sun, known as perihelion. As it approached a distance of 130 million miles (210 million kilometres), the sun started to evaporate the outer layers of ice into a cloud of glowing gas. According to Dr Zhang, the comet is now bright enough for even amateur telescopes to pick up. 'Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is now rising early enough in morning twilight to be seen even with small telescopes under imperfect conditions,' he explained in his blog. Scientists have spotted the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS for the first time since it disappeared behind the sun in early October 3I/ATLAS is the third time that scientists have managed to detect an object travelling from another solar system. It is moving on an unusually flat and straight path at speeds over 130,000 miles per hour (210,000 km/h) 3I/ATLAS is travelling through our solar system on an unusually flat and straight path at speeds over 130,000 miles per hour (210,000 km/h). Although it will not stay in the solar system for long, its trajectory has been bent around the sun's gravitational pull. Professor Mark Burchell, an astronomer from the University of Kent, told Daily Mail: 'A swing round the sun is perfectly normal behaviour for a comet. 'The term swing is a slight exaggeration; it is attracted by the sun's great mass, and its orbit gets deflected a bit, but it is not a tight sling shot effect, more a slow change of course.' Having passed perihelion on Halloween, October 31, 3I/ATLAS is now just starting to be visible to Earth-based telescopes. Dr Zhang was able to spot the comet with both the Discovery Telescope and his personal commercial telescope. He told Live Science: 'All you need is a clear sky and a very low eastern horizon. 'It won't look very impressive, it's just a smudge, but it will be an increasingly visible smudge over the next few days.' Having passed its closest point to the sun, 3I/ATLAS is now so bright that it can be seen with standard amateur telescopes in the northern hemisphere Over the coming weeks, the comet will be visible higher in the sky, which will allow larger observatories to start capturing images. Although 3I/ATLAS wasn't visible from Earth as it passed around the sun, it has not been totally hidden. Scientists have been using space telescopes such as those orbiting Mars or NASA's Psyche mission to watch the comet as it passed behind the sun. These observations have revealed that 3I/ATLAS has undergone a major transformation while it was hiding out of view. Dr Zhang found that the interstellar object underwent a rapid brightening ahead of reaching perihelion and also took on a distinctively blue hue. Their study found that the comet was brightening at twice the normal rate, which suggests some big changes were taking place on the surface. Dr Matthew Genge, an expert on comets and meteors from Imperial College London, told Daily Mail: 'Comets usually produce more gas as they approach the sun and become brighter. Their surface heats up, and more and more ice is turned to gas. It's like turning the kettle on.' The fact that this comet turned blue also hints that gases, rather than just dust, are responsible for a large part of the brightening. As it approached the sun, the heat caused outer layers of ice and dust to evaporate. This has produced the glowing cloud which surrounds 3I/ATLAS As the comet moves away from the sun and into Earth's view, astronomers will be able to watch these ongoing transformations to learn more about our interstellar visitor. Dr Genge says: 'As it moves away from the sun, its gas tail will point directly away from the Sun, ahead of the comet, since it is swept by the solar wind. In contrast, its tail of dust will trail behind the comet.' By studying the gases it leaves behind, scientists hope to learn more about the solar system 3I/ATLAS came from and how it differs from comets from our own neighbourhood. For instance, scientists have already found that the comet's surface has been transformed by billions of years of exposure to harsh gamma radiation while travelling through space. This has given 3I/ATLAS a thick, irradiated crust that has been responsible for the unusual amounts of CO2 released by the comet. Professor Marina Galand, a planetary scientist from Imperial College London, told Daily Mail: 'After perihelion, a deeper layer below the surface will have been revealed. 'It will be interesting to see how the composition of the gas changes as the comet gets further away from the Sun, compared with when it approached it.' However, despite rampant speculation, one thing scientists are absolutely sure about is that 3I/ATLAS is definitely a comet. As it leaves the sun, scientists will be able to study how the comet has changed over time. If it got hot enough, pristine layers of ice from another solar system might be revealed. This would offer valuable clues about how stars form Dr Mark Norris, an astronomer at the University of Lancashire, told Daily Mail: 'In terms of why we think it is a comet, it is because it looks and acts exactly like a comet. 'It is just happening faster because this comet is moving so much faster than solar system comets, which remain gravitationally bound to the Sun.' There are still a lot of questions to answer about this object, but that is mainly because it is only the third interstellar object humanity has ever discovered. Dr Genge adds: 'Aliens would be literally barmy to hollow out a comet for a spacecraft.' The enormous mass would make changing direction nearly impossible, and the layers of ice would add major complications. Although the ice would offer protection from radiation, CO2 needs temperatures lower than -56C (-68.8F) to stay frozen. 'Flip on a heater, oven, or engine, and the heat would make lots of gas,' says Dr Genge. 'If you wanted to go unnoticed, then painting your ship black seems a sensible solution for anyone clever enough to be able to travel between stars.' A polar vortex is set to plunge the eastern US into winter by next week, bringing freezing temperatures and storms to nearly half the country. Meteorologists are tracking a mass of Arctic air descending from Greenland and northern Canada, expected to arrive by November 10. Forecasts predict temperatures will tumble more than 20 degrees below normal across the East, with freezing conditions reaching into the Deep South and highs only in the 30s and 40s across northern and central Florida. Average November temperatures in the eastern US vary widely by latitude, with highs generally ranging from the low 50s in the Northeast to the 60s in the Southeast, and overnight lows dropping from the 30s in the north to the 40s or 50s in the South. This early-season shift could bring multiple storm systems and the potential for snow in higher elevations, including the Catskills, Adirondacks and parts of New England. According to WPIX senior meteorologist Mike Masco, snow is likely in elevated areas of New York, Pennsylvania and several New England states between November 10 and 15. Meteorologist Tomer Burg shared on X: 'The East Coast will get its first preview of winter weather next week as a transient but deep cold airmass traverses the region; widespread well-below-average temperatures are expected for a couple of days.' Meanwhile, the Midwest, including Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, is expected to face blustery conditions and steady rainfall this weekend. The polar vortex is predicted to shift into the US by November 10 Temperatures this month are expected to fall rapidly as extremely cold air from Greenland and Canada rushes into the US (stock image) A polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air that surrounds the Earth's poles, mainly affecting the Northern Hemisphere during winter. It forms due to the temperature difference between the cold polar regions and the warmer tropics, creating strong counterclockwise winds. This vortex helps keep the cold air near the poles, but sometimes it can weaken or shift, allowing freezing air to move south into the US. Although the US has been experiencing a fairly mild fall so far, Masco explained that the atmosphere is set to realign itself this weekend, with several high-latitude blocking events poised to form. These blocks are large areas of high pressure that develop around the poles. They can slow down the jet stream, which is a fast-moving river of air high up in the atmosphere that usually moves weather systems from west to east across the US. When the jet stream slows down due to these blocks, it allows cold air from the North Pole to move further south more easily and consistently, resulting in unseasonably frigid conditions later this month. 'It's still early for measurable snow along the I-95 corridor or within the New York City metro area, but for snow lovers, the signals are becoming increasingly encouraging for an early-season event as we approach Thanksgiving and into December,' Masco said in a blog post. Some forecasts for the impending Arctic blast revealed that the polar vortex may stretch as far south as Arkansas and Tennessee. Early-season snow could begin to fall by mid-November in New York, Pennsylvania, and several New England states as a polar vortex descends into the US (stock image) The eastern portions of the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma may also feel the wintry blast by Monday. Ryan Maue, former chief scientist at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), noted that the arctic conditions moving into the Northeast and Midwest this month aren't typically seen until mid-January. 'The initial "cold anomaly" begins north of Greenland and steps southward - handed off by passing shortwave troughs - until it is as far south as Georgia,' Maue posted on X. Twenty states are expected to see rain and unseasonably cold temperatures this weekend The last polar vortex to collapse into the US earlier this year left a mess across much of the country, bringing feet of snow, landslides and cancelled flights, impacting millions of Americans. Throughout most of February, meteorologists noted that the jet stream, which brings cold air from the north, was locked in an almost perfectly straight line over America, moving from west to east. This nonstop weather system continued to fuel winter storms, which developed in the Plains and Midwest and swept up into New England. The early cold blast may force a rewrite of this winter's prediction in the Old Farmer's Almanac, which forecasted a mild and dry winter for much of the Northeast. Northeast states, including Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, were all predicted to see mild temperatures and less snow in the coming months. Masco added that a second wave of wintry conditions could arrive in the eastern US between Thanksgiving and the first week of December. He warned that the 'atmospheric ingredients' are lined up for several wild swings in both temperature and precipitation as the US heads into winter in late December. A hypersonic missile will be launched by the US on Wednesday to test the effectiveness of its weapon system. The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) could lift off at any time between 11pm PT Wednesday and 5am PT Thursday from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The exercise will send an unarmed weapon on a 4,200-mile journey to a test range near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, a flight expected to take about 22 minutes. America's ICBM is also capable of carrying three Mk 12A nuclear warheads, each packing up to 350,000 tons of TNT, and is designed to hit targets anywhere in the world within 30 minutes of launch. While the exercise focuses on a single missile, the US maintains a far larger nuclear arsenal. According to a 2025 report from the Nuclear Information Project, roughly 1,770 warheads are deployed, including 400 on land-based ICBMs, about 970 on submarine-launched ballistic missiles, 300 at bomber bases in America and around 100 tactical bombs stationed at European bases. Officials emphasized that the upcoming test is a routine exercise scheduled years in advance. However, it comes as Donald Trump claimed that Russia and China are conducting secret underground nuclear weapon tests. Speaking with 60 Minutes' Norah O'Donnell on Sunday, the President said, 'Russia's testing and China's testing, but they don't talk about it. They don't have reporters that are going to be writing about it, we do.' An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) will be tested in California on Wednesday. Pictured is a previous launch of the ICBM America's ICBM is also capable of carrying three Mk 12A nuclear warheads, each packing up to 350,000 tons of TNT, and is designed to hit targets anywhere in the world within 30 minutes While the Air Force has not disclosed specific details about the test, it has traditionally selected a missile at random from FE Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming for each exercise. 'The US Air Force operates 400 silo-based Minuteman III ICBMs and keeps another 50 silos "warm" to load stored missiles if necessary, for a total of 450 silos,' the Nuclear Information Project reported. 'Land-based missile silos are divided among three wings: the 90th Missile Wing at FE Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. 'Each wing has three squadrons, each with 50 Minuteman III silos, collectively controlled by five launch control centers.' ICBMs armed with the W78/Mk12A warheads could theoretically carry two or three independently targetable warheads each, giving the land-based missile force a potential total of around 800 warheads. The ICBM is one of two missiles currently used by the US, the other being submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) deployed from underwater submarines. The weapon remains a vital component of the US military's nuclear forces, capable of delivering a nuclear payload to targets worldwide. However, it is scheduled to be phased out by 2029 and replaced with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM. The exercise will send an unarmed ICBM on a 4,200-mile journey to a test range near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, a flight expected to take about 22 minutes Officials emphasized that the upcoming test is a routine exercise scheduled years in advance. Pictured is a previous launch of the ICBM The US Air Force said that 'the Sentinel weapon system is the most cost-effective option for maintaining a safe, secure, and effective land-based leg of the nuclear triad and would extend its capabilities through 2075.' The LG-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III ICBM with an initial capability of 2029. Until full capability is achieved in the mid-2030s, the Air Force is committed to ensuring Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent. The upcoming test also comes a week after Vladimir Putin claimed the Kremlin's military had tested a nuclear-powered torpedo and a new cruise missile, which followed Trump vowing to restart testing US nuclear weapons in response. Confusion has surrounded the President's order to resume testing, particularly if he meant conducting the country's first nuclear explosion since 1992. The 79-year-old Republican first made his surprise announcement on social media on Thursday, minutes before entering a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea. No country other than North Korea is known to have conducted a nuclear detonation for decades. Russia and China have not carried out such tests since 1990 and 1996, respectively. All flights in and out of a Washington DC airport were halted on Tuesday due to a bomb threat on a plane, with delays rippling across the US. A security emergency was issued at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) at 11.30am ET. The ground stop was lifted after 1pm ET and replaced with a ground delay, causing average waits of 51 minutes and delays of up to 151 minutes for some flights. DCA is scheduled to be under a security-related arrival management program until 11.59pm. The bomb threat was made known after travelers stranded on the runway heard there was an incident on a United flight that landed from Houston, which was quickly surrounded by emergency vehicles. Ben Radnor posted online: 'On a Delta flight waiting to take off to JFK. Apparently a bomb threat on a United flight that landed from Houston not long ago. Nothing is allowed to move.' The delays at DCA are now impacting the rest of the country, as grounded and late-arriving flights are creating congestion at other airports. Passengers can expect knock-on delays nationwide, including at connecting hubs and in parts of Canada. Travelers stranded on the runway at Reagan Airport said there was a bomb threat on a United flight that landed from Houston, which was quickly surrounded by emergency vehicles Flight radar around DCA showed several planes circling the airport during the ground stop, while others were diverted elsewhere A DCA spokesman told the Daily Mail that while flights were being held, crews were working to offload passengers on the United Airlines flight, which had been relocated to the east side of the airfield for precautionary measures. 'Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police are conducting a thorough investigation with the assistance of multiple law enforcement partners,' the DCA spokesperson added. 'Several flights were diverted to other airports during the runway closure. 'People meeting passengers or flying this afternoon should expect delays and check with their airline for updated flight information.' The threat is reported to have been referred to in leaked radio audio between the air traffic controller and the United pilot. The recording, reported by NBC affiliate WRC-TV, said: 'I'm sorry I have to do this to you... We have an unconfirmed bomb report for your flight. 'We are going to get you away from the airport.' Images of the scene surfaced online, capturing police vehicles on the runway S C Byrd, who was stranded at DCA, reported online that his flight was cleared for takeoff at 1.04pm ET. However, under the security-related arrival management program, only 30 flights per hour are allowed to land at DCA. The incident happened just minutes before Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning about the impact of the government shutdown on the airline industry. 'If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos, you will see mass flight delays,' Duffy said. 'You'll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it.' Travelers at three major US airports are facing hours-long delays on Tuesday as staffing shortages worsen on the 35th day of the government shutdown. According to multiple flight alerts, the Houston and Phoenix air traffic centers implemented Ground Delay Programs, effectively slowing the rate of arrivals to prevent overload in the control system. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the delays are primarily due to 'staffing' shortages, with some flights facing up to nearly three-hour waits before takeoff or landing clearance. At Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the FAA set the arrival rate at just 40 flights per hour, compared to typical peak rates closer to 70. The advisory lists average delays of 40 minutes and maximums topping one hour and 40 minutes, stretching across all major departure zones in the US. At nearby William P Hobby Airport (HOU), the situation is even worse, with the FAA limiting arrivals to only 16 flights per hour and maximum delays nearing three hours. The restrictions apply to flights departing from every major regional control center in the contiguous US, meaning ripple effects could extend far beyond Texas. In Phoenix, controllers at Sky Harbor International Airport are also slowing incoming flights. At Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the FAA set the arrival rate at just 40 flights per hour, compared to typical peak rates closer to 70 (PICTURED) The Federal Aviation Administration said the delays are primarily due to 'staffing' shortages, with some flights facing up to nearly three-hour waits before takeoff or landing clearance The FAA set a rate of 40 arrivals per hour, citing the same staffing shortage. Average delays are hovering around 45 minutes, with some flights waiting over an hour and a half to land. The programs are in place through the early hours of Wednesday morning, potentially affecting hundreds of flights nationwide. The FAA said that roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents have been working without pay for weeks. Before the shutdown, the agency was already grappling with a perpetual shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers. The delays come as US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Tuesday that if the federal government shutdown continues another week, it could lead to 'mass chaos' and could force him to close some of the national airspace to air traffic, a drastic move that could upend American aviation. 'If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos, you will see mass flight delays,' Duffy said at a press conference. 'You'll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it. 'We will restrict the airspace when we feel it's unsafe.' With the standoff in Congress over health care spending set to become the longest in history, Trump's Republicans and the opposition Democrats are facing increasing pressure to end a crisis that has crippled public services. Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has experienced delays all day due to staffing shortages Airport workers calling in sick rather than working without pay, leading to significant delays, was a major factor in President Donald Trump bringing an end to the 2019 shutdown, the joint-longest alongside the current stoppage, at 35 days. After five weeks of failed votes on a House-passed resolution to reopen the government, the Senate rejected the legislation for a 14th time on Tuesday. Democrats say the only path to reopening the government is a Trump-led negotiation over their demands to extend subsidies that make health insurance affordable for millions of Americans, the key sticking point in the standoff. But Trump has insisted he won't negotiate with Democrats until the shutdown is over For many motorists, the fastest speed they'll legally be able to drive is 70mph on the motorway. Anyone breaking the speed limit could find themselves with a minimum of a 100 fine and three points on their license in the UK. But there are roads around the world where there are no restrictions. Germany boasts the Autobahn which is well-known for its lack of speed limit along certain sections. Around an eighth of the network is derestricted, meaning drivers can put their foot down without worrying about being caught out. In these areas, the left-hand lane is only used by motorists going at top speeds and vehicles must always overtake on the left. An advisory speed limit of 81mph is recommended for vehicles that weigh under 3.5 tonnes and passenger cars above 3.5 tonnes, according to RAC. Green Flag warns about the dangers of driving along this road, especially when people are travelling at 110mph whilst trying to focus on overtaking, changing lanes and watching other drivers who might not be going as fast. Germany boasts the Autobahn which is well-known for its lack of speed limit along certain sections It also explained how the 'major danger' is how motorists will be hurtling around at very different speeds to one another. A third of the Autobahn is restricted to 81mph and the remaining roads have variable speed limits which are important to take note of. Germany is easily reached from the UK and the average flight time from London is around one hour and 48 minutes, according to Skyscanner. The debate over whether to keep the no-limit policy in some areas has gone on for years, with officials and car enthusiasts often divided on the issue. While the Greens and Social Democrats have stressed the need for speed limits, citing safety and the environmental impact, groups such as the FDP say it is a matter of personal choice. In 2019, the federal government rejected calls to introduce speed limits on the network. Another speed limitless spot is even closer to home and can be found on the Isle of Man. The self-governing island is located between Ireland and Great Britain and tourists can visit by ferry or plane. Another speed limitless spot is even closer to home and can be found on the Isle of Man It has no national speed limit and residential roads are restricted to 30mph. On unrestricted roads, there is no upper limit although drivers are encouraged by police to 'drive within their limits'. Officials on the island have, however, recently confirmed a 20mph limit will be implemented in residential areas, the BBC reports. This is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. A British holidaymaker who travelled to Spain for just a few hours and still managed to squeeze in sightseeing, shopping and sunbathing said it cost her less than a night out in the UK. Kelsie Stonya, from Southend-On-Sea, recently took on the ultimate 'extreme day trip' battling a storm while trying for a quick getaway. She hopped on a delayed plane to Palma, Mallorca, and returned to Britain on the same day all for just 143. The 25-year-old visited the beach, enjoyed paella for one and even ended up in the cockpit chatting to the pilot after a delayed flight. Her whirlwind day out proved a hit online too, with a TikTok video of her experience racking up 42,600 views from viewers loving the spontaneous adventure. 'It was so hot, so sunny it was absolutely dreamy,' she said. 'The whole trip cost 143.08 including flights, transfers, food and everything definitely cheaper than some nights out I've had before. 'By the end of it, with all the walking and being hot, I was so, so tired. Kelsie Stonya, from Southend-On-Sea, recently took on the ultimate 'extreme day trip' battling a storm while trying for a quick getaway The 25-year-old visited the beach, enjoyed paella for one and even ended up in the cockpit chatting to the pilot after a delayed flight After lunch, she strolled to the beach to soak up the sun, calling the weather 'absolutely dreamy', before hitting the shops 'I'd definitely do it again, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for no delayed flights next time.' She started her day at the airport and arrived to find every flight delayed due to Storm Amy battering parts of Europe. Thankfully, her flight did eventually take off. Once she landed, Kelsie jumped on a 20-minute bus into Palma's city centre, where she admired the cathedral, wandered the streets and hunted down a restaurant. After lunch, she strolled to the beach to soak up the sun, calling the weather 'absolutely dreamy', before hitting the shops. By the end of the day, exhausted but happy, she splurged on an Uber back to the airport putting her Spanish skills to the test with the driver. The return leg didn't go smoothly either, with the flight delayed by two hours but things took a turn for the better when the friendly pilot invited passengers into the cockpit for a peek. Kelsie said she'd 'absolutely do it again', but is hoping for smoother skies next time. Once she landed, Kelsie jumped on a 20-minute bus into Palma's city centre, where she admired the cathedral, wandered the streets and hunted down a restaurant The return leg didn't go smoothly either, with the flight delayed by two hours She said: 'I just had a really nice lunch and then headed over to the beach. I walked for about 20 minutes and then sat down for a good hour. 'The thought of getting back on the bus to the airport was honestly upsetting me, so I just jumped in an Uber.' Viewers were quick to praise Kelsie for making the most of her mini break. One commenter wrote: 'I love doing these! So far I've done Belfast, Wroclaw, Alicante, Copenhagen and now have Barcelona booked for the end of this month.' Ryanair's CEO has accused the chancellor of having no idea how to grow the UK economy over the government's push to raise taxes on passenger flights. Michael O'Leary warned that the policy will see airlines move planes out of the country. His comments come ahead of the Autumn Budget on November 26, where Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is under mounting pressure to plug a multibillion-pound gap in the public finances. It comes as budget airline Ryanair reported a 42 per cent rise in half-year profits. From the last six months up to the end of September, the company made a 2.2billion profit after tax. A record 119million passengers travelled with the airline in the first half of the year. Revenues per passenger saw an increase of 9 per cent across the six months. On top of that, a 13 per cent increase in baggage fees, seat selection charges and higher fares helped. Budget airline Ryanair reported a 42 per cent rise in half-year profits O'Leary said there had been a trend of European governments rolling back 'mad environmental taxes' and subsequently being rewarded with bumper economic growth. 'So, you see markets like Sweden, Hungary, Italy and Croatia abolishing environmental taxes and then you have the laggards, like Germany, France and Rachel Reeves here in the UK, remarkably talking about wanting growth and yet increasing taxes on air travel on an island, on the periphery in Europe,' he told CNBC on Monday. Air Passenger Duty (APD) is a type of departure tax on flights leaving from UK airports. The cost is usually passed on to the passenger and is included in the ticket price, and APD raises revenue for the UK government. As part of a push to boost public finances and encourage more sustainable travel options, Keir Starmer's government intends to increase APD rates from April next year, with a 50 per cent rise for private jets and general increases for other flights. O'Leary called for the hike, revealed at Reeves's first budget last October, to be reversed in her speech to the Commons on 26 November. He said the government's plan to raise the APD would represent a tax of almost 33 per cent on the average price of a Ryanair flight, which he said was about 45. He called for an abolition of APD outside of London. 'It would cost them about 2billion of their budget, they would get that back in additional consumer spending, VAT on additional visitors on consumer spending within one year,' he said. Ryanair's CEO has accused the chancellor of having no idea how to grow the UK economy over the government's push to raise taxes on passenger flights (file image) O'Leary went on to describe the government as 'hopeless'. 'They can't even do their own maths. They're useless,' he added. If Reeves increases APD again in the Autumn Budget, Ryanair's CEO said the company would consider moving aircraft to other countries. A Treasury spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Unlike other sectors, no VAT applies to plane tickets, and these changes will add just 2 for a family of four flying economy to Spain.' Imagine packing for your trip and looking forward to a comfortable premium economy seat you paid extra for, only to find you had been downgraded. It's the exact situation one holidaymaker, Marion McGilvary, found herself in - and she wasn't even offered a refund from the airline. She told The Times about her journey from New York back in August this year. The passenger had booked her trip through British Airways and had a BA flight number, however her actual flight was operated by American Airlines. Marion claimed she was 'involuntarily downgraded' and was struggling to get a refund. She told the publication: 'I was given, not offered, a $300 (225) credit voucher for use on AA or a partner airline, which I was told could be renewed if not used within a year, but this apparently isnt the case. 'AA also told me Id get the difference in fare automatically refunded and that I should already have the email. No email came.' Due to the flight being operated by American Airlines, the holidaymaker said BA refused to take responsibility for the issue. Marion McGilvary was looking forward to a comfortable premium economy seat she'd paid extra for on her flight, only to find out she had been downgraded - and wasn't offered a refund (stock) Marion found herself sat next to another passenger in the same position as her. However, she was given a $500 (375) credit voucher and when Marion raised this huge difference, was told it was 'individually decided'. 'I was then told Id get no refund for a voluntary downgrade and that Id agreed to take the compensation,' Marion recalled. The passenger insisted she had not agreed with the circumstances. The Times contacted the airlines and in the end, BA agreed to give Marion a 234 refund for the downgrade. The Daily Mail approached British Airways and American Airlines for comment. Another passenger, Edina, 48, previously told the Daily Mail about her compensation ordeal. She was flying from Granada, Spain, to Gatwick on September 1, 2019, when she found herself stuck. The Hungarian, who moved to the UK 13 years ago, was travelling with her partner, a breast-feeding infant and two young children via Iberia. The passenger had booked her trip through British Airways and had a BA flight number, however her actual flight was operated by American Airlines The family had booked a connecting flight with the same airline from Madrid to Gatwick and was supposed to arrive at the Spanish airport at 8.05am. Originally, the connecting flight was due to depart Madrid at 8.50am, but it changed to 8.20am, making it impossible for them to make it on time. She described the situation in Madrid as 'complete chaos' and the family landed in Gatwick eight hours later than they were supposed to. After the ordeal, Edina tried to claim compensation and was hit with further hurdles which she described as 'horrible' to deal with. The holidaymaker didn't receive anything for six months and first approached Iberia who she says 'didn't reply at all'. She then approached the Spanish aviation authority who advised her to submit again to Iberia and wait one month. Eventually, Iberia agreed to pay compensation and Edina received around 2,000 (1,738). Netflix has dropped a new chart-topping crime documentary which fans have hailed as a 'must-watch'. The new series only landed on the streaming giant on October 22 but has already soared to the number 1 spot on the chart. Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia is a three-part docuseries that tracks the history of Philly's criminal underworld, which began soon after the arrest of the infamous Nicky Scarfo in 1986. And the outcome saw a bloody war between mobsters and a new breed of criminal who had no respect for the Mafia's 'outdated' traditions. Since coming out on Netflix last week, fans have been non-stop talking about the show. Eager fans shared their reviews online, with one writing: 'This is a must for anyone who grew up in Philly during the 90s.' Netflix has dropped a new chart-topping crime documentary which fans have hailed as a 'must-watch' The new series only landed on the streaming giant on October 22 but has already soared to the number 1 spot on the chart Another penned: 'I've been waiting for #MobWar on @NetflixUK for a while now, and it has not disappointed at all. It's yet another fantastic mob documentary from Netflix.' A third commented: 'Philadelphia on Netflix is banging if anybody likes Mafia true crime stuff.' People took it a step further on Reddit, with one saying: 'Excellent documentary on the Mafia in Philadelphia in the 1990s.' Someone else wrote: 'As a 3rd generation native Philadelphian, I'd say very authentic description of the culture of South Philly and the FBI, with whom I've had the pleasure of being personally acquainted when they were investigating a business I was working for in the 80s. Definitely worth watching.' In recent days, another crime thriller series rocketed up the Netflix charts as fans admitted to binge-watching all the episodes just days after its release. The Asset first hit screens earlier this week, after an immense build up for the tense series that was first teased in an trailer in early October. The Danish language series, which is spread across six episodes, takes a deep dive into the webs of deception behind-the-scenes at Denmark's Security and Intelligence Service. Leading lady Clara Dessau plays police recruit Tea, who is asked to give up her day job in order to train to become an undercover operative. A 'must-watch' crime thriller, The Asset, has also rocketed up the Netflix charts as fans admit to binge-watching all the episodes just days after its release Her secret goal is to become a close friend of Marie Corsden's Ashley, the wife of one of the cities' most prominent drug dealers, to gather intel. Creating a new identity for herself, Tea transforms into local jeweller Sara in order to help her infiltrate the vast criminal network that has so far outrun the police force. She's soon growing close to Ashley thanks to her new identity, and quickly is up to speed with the harsh realities for Ashley, who lives under her husband's thumb. The daily pressure of the lifestyle is clearly taking its toll on Ashley and, as Tea begins to fully immerse herself in her new identity, starts to question where her loyalties lie. Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia is available to stream on Netflix now. Strictly Come Dancing fans have hit out at Shirley Ballas after appearing to spot 'feuds' with one of the show's professional dancers, along with a celebrity star. Viewers became convinced that the head judge had 'beef' with the pair after the latest two instalments of the show as they picked apart her scoring. During Icons week, Shirley, 65, was called 'nasty' by the BBC One show's fans over her critiques of Karen Hauer during her routine. Karen, 43, took to the floor alongside her celebrity partner, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey to perform an Argentine Tango to Usher's Caught Up. Despite receiving huge cheers from the crowd, and votes from the public that kept Harry, 27, safe from being voted off the show, Shirley wasn't as impressed. She hit out the routine was 'a little bit of bump and grind, and a little bit of Argentine Tango', with the live crowd quick to 'boo' her over the comments. Strictly Come Dancing fans have hit out at Shirley Ballas after appearing to spot 'feuds' with one of its professional dancers, and another celebrity star Viewers became convinced that the head judge had 'beef' with Karen Hauer over scoring And taking to social media, fans complained that Shirley had 'favourites', hitting out that they had noticed Shirley 'beefing with Karen every year'. One penned on X, formerly Twitter: 'Whatever Shirleys beef is with Karen Hauer? I wish shed just pull her to one side in the corridor and get it out of her system because it affects Karens celeb partners marks.' 'Ah, weve reached the annual Shirley beefing with Karen part of the series,' a second said, while a third added: 'Shirl has her favourites EVERY SERIES.' 'Scrap behind the bins I know who my money would be on!' a fourth joked. As a fifth simply hit out against the judge: 'I need Shirley gone at this point. Shes nasty for no reason and ruining every week for me.' Viewers also felt that Shirley had taken issue with West End star and former Love Island contestant Amber Davies after her performance in Halloween Week. The reality star, 29, and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin received harsh criticism for their Viennese Waltz to I See Red by Everybody Loves An Outlaw. Shirley told them: 'On my book, it says Viennese waltz. And this, for me, was an American-style Viennese waltz, and only because I teach it. Despite receiving huge cheers from the crowd, and votes from the public that kept Harry, 27, safe from being voted off the show, Shirley wasn't as impressed Viewers also felt that Shirley had taken issue with West End star and former Love Island contestant Amber Davies after her performance in Halloween Week 'Anton and I counted the bars. You had about 18 bars, so the real Viennese Waltz, which is what it was, didnt actually come to fruition. 'I cannot complain of what you do. Its just not the same title I have in my book.' While the remaining judges, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse all awarded Amber and Nikita 9s, Shirley instead gave them an 8. It placed Amber at fifth in the official leaderboard, instead of third. Fans once again hit out: 'Shirley is very unprofessional in the way she talks to Amber. Doesnt even try to hide that she cant stand her...' Another added: 'Why was Shirley criticising Amber for performing choreography she was given? She danced beautifully, and Shirleys comments made no sense.' A third suggested: 'Its clear Shirley just doesnt like Amber,' as a fourth penned: 'Amber is amazing, and Shirleys comments were completely unnecessary.' It comes after it was revealed how the Strictly judges had angered viewers and BBC bosses as they defy public vote, after Amber was saved in the dance off ahead of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in week five. While the remaining judges, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse all awarded Amber and Nikita 9s, Shirley instead gave Amber an 8 for the dance The Welsh actress has been criticised for having years of dance experience in West End productions prior to appearing on the BBC dance show. The Mail on Sunday reported that loyal fans feared the head-to-head each week because they are becoming increasingly frustrated with the judges' calls. The judges went to great lengths to insist they were making decisions based on the dancing alone following Amber and Nikita's second performance. A source said: 'Some of the bosses are at odds with the judges' dance-off because they know that Jimmy was doing well. 'He had got better but his time on the show came to an end while Amber, who can simply just dance because she has been doing it for a living, got to stay. 'The public don't want to see that and the bosses know that. 'The way they keep their viewers tuned in is to see these wonderful journeys and the progress celebrity dancers make. 'People are very invested in Strictly and the fact they are given a chance to vote. It makes it quite frustrating when an expert decides who goes. It is starting to become a problem.' The Mail on Sunday reported that loyal fans feared the head-to-head each week because they are becoming increasingly frustrated with the judges' calls Elsewhere, Shirley insisted that Strictly would be boring without trained performers amid the ongoing row about celebrity contestants with dance experience. Shirley defended trained dancers taking part in the show telling the Daily Mail that it was the publics fault for not voting for Jimmy: 'It was a shock but you have made that happen, not us.' The television personality argued that it would be boring without the more experienced dancers as contestants. She told Wimbledon BookFest on Sunday: If you put 15 celebrities all of the same level that cannot walk, it would be boring for some people. 'I think what they try to do is balance it. The raw beginner, because the person wants to see that journey from never having anything to do with dance to somebody who maybe is a dancer. 'It is joyful watching someone learn ballroom that may have done ballet.' 'Because doing ballroom and Latin for anybody who's danced before is very, very difficult indeed. She added: 'Its a balance between people who have no experience and people who have and I think that that's what makes the show go round. It gives you something to talk about.' Strictly Come Dancing continues at 6:25pm on Saturday on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. A BBC Breakfast guest broke down in tears and sobbed as he recounted the death of his two-year-old daughter after she was fatally misdiagnosed. During Tuesday's episode of the early morning BBC One show, Sally Nugent and Jon Kay were joined by John Story, who has been campaigning for Lyla's Law following the tragic loss. John and his wife Emma, from Hull, took their daughter Lyla to the GP in May after noticing signs she was not well - with the doctor diagnosing her with acute tonsillitis. She was incorrectly diagnosed due to her symptoms, which included increased thirst, tiredness, and frequent urination, as tonsillitis, with the main cause of her illness missed. The tot tragically passed away just 24 hours from diabetic ketoacidosis after being misdiagnosed, with the Hull Royal Infirmary discovering she had undiagnosed type one diabetes. Sally, 54, and Jon, 55, revealed that John had been 'campaigning for better education and awareness' by calling for new legislation on 'mandatory testing' known as Lyla's Law. A BBC Breakfast guest broke down in tears and sobbed as he recounted the death of his two-year-old daughter after she was fatally misdiagnosed During Tuesday's episode of the early morning BBC One show, Sally Nugent and Jon Kay were joined by John Story, who has been campaigning for Lyla's Law following the tragic loss Lyla's father John told the hosts: 'It's six months yesterday since Lyla passed. We're very up and down. 'Firstly, I'd like to say thank you so much for breaking the story about Lyla back in September, but there is something I want to point out in relation to what NHS England said. 'They said that type one diabetes is uncommon in young children. That's not true. Most cases are between six months and five years old, and 26% of people across the board are diagnosed in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. 'However, in under fives, that is between 38% and 45%.' According to the NHS: 'Type one diabetes is a condition where your body cannot make a hormone called insulin. This causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to get too high.' Breaking down in tears, he continued: 'There are children around the country being strapped to tables, desperately trying to find a vein to put a cannula in. This has to stop. Reflecting on what could have been done to save Lyla's life, John added: 'The finger prick test. You can take urine samples, which is the warning. But the finger prick gives you the confirmation. 'Had she had that finger prick, she would be alive today, as would many of us. Over ten children a year in the UK die from undiagnosed type one diabetes, and it's just got to stop. The tot tragically passed away just 24 hours from diabetic ketoacidosis after being misdiagnosed, with the Hull Royal Infirmary discovering she had undiagnosed type one diabetes John has been 'campaigning for better education and awareness' by calling for new legislation on 'mandatory testing' known as Lyla's Law. 'This is why Lyla's Law is so important. If a child is displaying any one of the [symptoms], it's critically important to go to the top, rule it out and work your way down until they find the cause.' John and his wife Emma previously appeared on BBC Breakfast in September, where they both fought back their emotions telling her story. Overcome with emotion reflecting on the loss of his daughter, John said: 'There needs to be more awareness in primary care settings. 'There needs to be more awareness in the general public. We were guilty of that. We didn't know anything about Type 1 and how dangerous it could be. John explained: 'Obviously at the time, we knew nothing about Diabetes whatsoever. We learnt pretty quickly afterwards.' The couple, who have created the Lyla's Law petition, want a change in the law which will make GPs test babies and young kids of 'the four Ts'. He added: 'Once they are displaying signs of the four Ts, toileting, thirst, thinning and tiredness, basically it's a ticking time bomb.' Emma said: 'I want GPs to do that pin prick test just to rule it out, especially someone of Lyla's age that can't say "Mummy I've got a headache, or I've got a ear ache".' John previously appeared on BBC Breakfast in September to open up about his daughter's death John explained: 'And for some reason, I don't know why, but Type 1 Diabetes care is going to the back of the queue.' Speaking about their beloved daughter, John said: 'She was a kind, compassionate, caring young girl. She loved pink and yellow roses. 'She also had a sassiness to her. She was just adorable.' With tears forming in her eyes and wiping them from her face, Emma added: 'Full of life. Everyone loved her.' The Lyla's Law petition, which ends in December this year, currently has 46,854 signatures, and aims to get funding so that all infants are offered testing for Type 1 Diabetes in routine care. It states: 'We believe that lives could be saved by doing this. 'Too many children are misdiagnosed, and this can tragically lead to loss of life.' Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. She's been happily single since she filed for divorce from Joshua Jackson. Now Jodie Turner-Smith has revealed her requirements for her new romantic partner, stating they must not be 'emasculated by her success' and also 'really good in bed'. During a striking cover shoot for Harpers Bazaar UK, the mother-of-one was asked about her divorce, to which she mused: 'It doesn't feel good when you're the person going through it and you still have to get to the finish line; it weighs you down a bit. 'But I think things are going to be great for us as a family. I feel really, super positive.' Talk then turned to whether she'd be open to dating again, with Jodie revealing she'd stay single unless her needs were met. Jodie, 39, mused: 'If I can find a man who's confident in himself and preferably successful enough not to be emasculated by my success and ambition, kind, thoughtful and really good in bed, then I'll date again.' Jodie Turner-Smith appeared to take a swipe at ex Joshua Jackson as she opened up about their divorce during a striking photoshoot and interview with Harper's Bazaar UK She's been happily single since she filed for divorce from Joshua. Now Jodie has revealed her requirements for her new romantic partner, stating they must be 'really good in bed' Jodie filed for divorce from Joshua in October 2023 citing 'irreconcilable differences' and requested joint custody with neither getting spousal support (pictured in March 2023) Jodie filed for divorce in October 2023 citing 'irreconcilable differences' and requested joint custody with neither getting spousal support, according to a report from People. However, their custody agreement over their five-year-old daughter Juno proved to be a sticking point. They seemed close to an arrangement in May but then bickered over what school Juno would go to and if Juno would be able to travel alongside Jodie for long periods of time, TMZ reported. The pair had been due to go to court on October 15, but last month Jodie's legal team filed court documents that asked that their hearing be cancelled. During her interview, Jodie was asked about the merits of a prenuptial agreement. It is not believed she had one with Joshua. She mused: 'Nobody wants to do that, because it's not romantic, but if you have to separate, it saves you all the money spent on lawyers later, when people are not in as good a mood.' As well as an interview, Jodie posed for a striking photoshoot as she celebrated receiving the Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year Awards 2025 Inspiration award. The British actress put on a very racy display for the magazine as she slipped into a strapless cut out corset with a dramatic skirt. Discussing her divorce, she mused: 'It doesn't feel good when you're the person going through it and you still have to get to the finish line; it weighs you down a bit' Talk then turned to whether she'd be open to dating again, with Jodie revealing she'd stay single unless her needs were met Jodie said: 'If I can find a man who's confident in himself and preferably successful enough not to be emasculated by my success and ambition, kind, thoughtful and really good in bed, then I'll date again' During her interview, Jodie was asked about the merits of a prenuptial agreement. She mused: 'Nobody wants to do that, because it's not romantic, but if you have to separate, it saves you all the money spent on lawyers later, when people are not in as good a mood' Jodie and Joshua dating in 2018 and secretly married the following year before welcoming baby Juno in 2020. In legal documents seen by TMZ in May, it was claimed that Joshua will pay $2,787 each month in child support but he will not be paying monthly spousal support. Jodie also requested Joshua pay her $75,000 for the attorney's fees she incurred in their legal fight over where the child will go to school, according to the site. The Doctor Odyssey star and his ex went to a mediator to compromise on a temporary schedule to govern the 50-50 custody of their daughter, the site also claimed after seeing the documents. In February 2024, Jodie broke her silence about their divorce to The Sunday Times. She said she wanted to 'make a move because I believe that there are visible scars from staying in places that are not good for us. 'And they don't just affect us, they affect everybody around us,' she added. 'Sometimes things we really want to work just don't end up working. And that's OK. The most important thing is that you choose what's healthiest for you and your family and definitely your children.' Following their split, Jackson went on to date Lupita Nyung'o, and he was also linked to German model Nastassja Roberts. Read the full interview in the December/January issue of Harper's Bazaar, on sale from 7 November. Metallica fans have made shocking claims about the behaviour of fellow concertgoers at the metal icons' Perth show on Saturday. The Enter Sandman hitmakers kicked off their first Australian tour in more than a decade at Perth's Optus Stadium. Fans took to social media following the show to express their disgust at fellow fans who were allegedly using illegal drugs in the crowd. Many posted on Reddit claiming they witnessed fans taking methamphetamine, marijuana, and DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) during the band's set. 'Whoever was smoking shard [slang for methamphetamine] in the pit at Metallica, seriously get a life,' one fan wrote. 'You're surrounded by about 20,000 other people, including kids, who are trying to enjoy a night out. Take your pipe and shove it up your a***, moron.' Metallica fans have made shocking claims about the behaviour of fellow concertgoers at the metal icons' Perth show on Saturday A second claimed that they had also witnessed concertgoers imbibing illicit drugs. 'We had a woman crouch down before Metallica in GA1 and light a pipe, and it was like a beacon for all the derros to shuffle over and ask for a blow,' they claimed. A third agreed, adding: 'The meth problem in Perth is out of control, and to do that at a crowded concert puts all the people around them at risk. Thats disgusting behaviour.' Another claimed that the smell of marijuana in the crowd was palpable. 'GA2 smelt like Snoop Dogg's basement,' they said. 'I was quite surprised how many drugs slipped through the net tbh.' It wasn't just drug use that was being called out by fans, with one concertgoer claiming they witnessed another disgusting act during the support band Suicidal Tendencies' set. 'Genuinely so disappointed at everyone during Suicidal,' they wrote. Fans took to social media following the show to issue their disgust at fellow fans who were allegedly using illegal drugs in the crowd. Many posted on Reddit claiming they witnessed fans taking methamphetamine, marijuana, and DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) during the band's set 'Whoever was smoking shard [slang for methamphetamine] in the pit at Metallica, seriously get a life,' one fan wrote. 'You're surrounded by about 20,000 other people, including kids, who are trying to enjoy a night out. Take your pipe and shove it up your a***, moron.' 'A couple of f***wits in GA2, some dude started p***ing in front of me and my mate. Someone else had his arm around me and wouldn't take the hint to let me go and even more drink spilling and pushing and shoving.' Daily Mail has reached out to Optus Stadium for comment. Meanwhile, two men were charged after committing a dangerous act at the anticipated gig. A 20-year-old man from the Bunbury suburb of Carey Park and a 23-year-old man from Australind allegedly scaled the central tower inside the stadium during the band's set. The two men have been charged with a trespass offence and have been summoned to appear in court on a later date. Metallica will now head to Adelaide for a November 5 show at Adelaide Oval, and then Melbourne for a concert at Marvel Stadium on November 8. The band will wrap the Australian leg of their tour with a show at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 12, and one at Accor Stadium in Sydney on November 15. The metal giants announced their Down Under tour late last year, marking their first return to Aussie shores in more than ten years. 'We had a woman crouch down before Metallica in GA1 and light a pipe, and it was like a beacon for all the derros to shuffle over and ask for a blow,' another claimed Meanwhile, two men allegedly scaled the central tower inside the stadium during the band's set. They have been charged with a trespass offence and have been summoned to appear in court on a later date It is the first time Metallica has returned to Australia since the 2013 Soundwave festival, where they headlined along with Linkin Park and Blink-182. In 2020 the band cancelled their Australian stadium tour after James entered rehab for addiction. 'As most of you probably know, our brother James has been struggling with addiction on and off for many years,' a statement at the time read. 'He has now, unfortunately, had to re-enter a treatment program to work on his recovery again. 'We fully intend to make our way to your part of the world as soon as health and schedule permit. We'll let you know as soon as we can.' 'As most of you probably know, our brother James has been struggling with addiction on and off for many years,' a statement at the time read. 'He has now, unfortunately, had to re-enter a treatment program to work on his recovery again. 'We fully intend to make our way to your part of the world as soon as health and schedule permit. We'll let you know as soon as we can.' Actress Olivia Barash says she could be two weeks way from being evicted from her Los Angeles-area apartment after dealing with a stroke and subsequent financial problems. 'I just need help during this terrible time,' Barash, 60, told TMZ, adding that she 'didn't expect this' unfortunate turn of events after the harrowing medical incident. Barash - who appeared on two 1981 episodes of Little House on the Prairie playing a character named Sylvia Webb - added, 'I want to move to a safe place and be normal again. I just need some assistance right now.' Barash, who played the role of Leila in the 1984 comedy Repo Man, said that factors in her potential eviction include an increase in rent; and ongoing construction at the apartment building where she lives. Barash told the outlet that she has also been looking for adequate healthcare after dealing with a stroke in October; and has been 'bedridden' since then. Daily Mail has reached out to Barash via Instagram for further comment on the story. Actress Olivia Barash, 60, says she's on the brink of eviction after dealing with a stroke and subsequent financial problems. Pictured in 2023 Barash appeared on two 1981 episodes of Little House on the Prairie playing a character named Sylvia Webb. Pictured with Matthew Laborteaux Barash told TMZ that she currently has 'no family and hardly any friends left in Los Angeles' to help her through the trying times. Barash, who has also been seen on shows such as Fame, One Day at a Time and 21 Jump Street, said that she is also caring for a pet dog, and needs help with that. Barash told the outlet she was not clear on where she would go if evicted; and that a disability application she submit was denied. Barash said she had been working on directing a documentary before she she suffered a stroke. Barash also appears to have an active Cameo account for fans. Good news appeared to be on the way for Barash on Monday, as a GoFundMe account her friend Nanea Reeves established has garnered more than $7,690 over 102 donations. A statement on the GoFundMe from Reeves read: 'Our dear friend Olivia Barash needs help. In 2 weeks, she and her dog will be evicted. 'Her SNAP benefits are not available. She recently had a stroke and has no family in her life, just her friends. Barash played the role of Leila in the 1984 comedy Repo Man alongside Emilio Estevez Barash pictured November 4, 1990 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California The statement continued: 'Our goal is to help get first and last month's rent for her to be able to quickly find a reasonable place to live so she can focus on her physical rehabilitation to get back on her feet.' The fundraising drive was set with a goal of $9,000 to help the actress find her financial footing. Reeves said, 'I have known and loved Olivia for many years. She is spirited, creative, and very talented. 'She will need some additional money to make ends meet beyond the meager pension she receives. If you are able to help, it would be so appreciated.' Whoopi Goldberg's future on The View has been a hot topic following a string of awkward and sometimes controversial moments on the show over the past year. Goldberg, 69, enraged conservatives and seemingly sent ABC bosses into a panic on Monday's show when she was told to issue a clarification live on air after taking a jab at President Trump. The Sister Act star was handed a note from producers, which she tore up before going on a rant about the incident. It sparked a firestorm online, with one user writing, 'About time they started calling this hack out. Do better - FIRE THEM ALL.' Another commented, 'Why are they still spewing lies, hate and misinformation. Get rid of these dinosaurs.' It's just the latest in a long line of questionable moments from Goldberg that have raised eyebrows and stirred speculation that the long-running host could exit The View soon. Whoopi Goldberg 'isn't going anywhere' on The View despite a string of controversial on-air moments However, a source at ABC told Daily Mail recently that the actress has nothing to worry about when it comes to her gig on the Emmy-winning daytime show. 'Whoopi will stay on the show for as long as they will have her. She's not as controversial as the other hosts and certainly isn't even considered to be on the chopping block,' the source revealed. 'She gets paid very well, and typically always follows orders from producers.' The insider said that doing The View has become 'part of Whoopi's life' and that the star will be staying put unless she gets a 'bigger offer' somewhere else 'or her health deteriorates'. 'She also loves having the flexibility where she's off every Friday, so she uses that time to travel or work on other projects,' they added. Another source close to the show said that Goldberg will remain on The View 'for the foreseeable future'. 'Every few years, the show has its SNL moment and considers changing the panel and mixing it up - and sometimes that is exactly what happens and people leave, people are replaced, fired, or resign,' they explained. 'Whoopi will stay on the show for as long as they will have her,' a source told Daily Mail last month The insider said that doing The View has become 'part of Whoopi's life' and that the star will be staying put unless she gets a 'bigger offer' somewhere else 'or her health deteriorates' 'But as of right now, they're happy with the panel and the direction of the show and many love Whoopi,' they continued. 'She is staying for the foreseeable future, as long as she wants, and replacement talk or discussions about her leaving have not taken place.' The source added that 'ratings are great' for The View and that the network is satisfied with the press coverage that the show generates. 'Nobody is looking to mess up the current chemistry from those at the table to producers behind the scenes. There can and always will be issues, but Whoopi isn't one of them,' they stressed. Daily Mail has contacted representatives for ABC and Goldberg for comment and has yet to hear back. Goldberg has had a number of scandals on The View this year. In June, she sparked backlash after claiming that black people in the US are just as oppressed as people living under the Iranian regime. The actress has sparked multiple controversies on The View, including claiming that black people in the US are just as oppressed as people living under the Iranian regime On Monday, Goldberg was handed a note live on air asking her to clarify a statement she made about President Trump - leading her to angrily tear the message up in protest. The note - which the Daily Mail has learned came from producers on the show - was handed to Goldberg by co-host Sunny Hostin during an exchange about presidents using an autopen to sign documents. While discussing Trump's appearance on 60 Minutes the previous night, Hostin zeroed in on Trump's recent pardoning of convicted Binance fraudster Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao, after the president admitted he had 'no idea' who Zhao was during the interview. 'How come you don't know who this guy is?' she asked about Zhao, who pleaded guilty to failing to sufficiently combat money laundering on his cryptocurrency exchange in late 2023. 'Because he used an autopen,' Goldberg cut in, suggesting Trump may not have known about the pardon. As the conversation moved on, Hostin subtly passed a note to Goldberg across the table. 'What the hell? What? "We don't know if Trump used an autopen to pardon," Goldberg said as she read it. 'It was a joke!' 'Yes, we dont know whether Trump used an autopen to pardon-' replied Hostin, a legal expert, as Goldberg continued to complain. 'Oh, come on!' Goldberg said, before ripping the note to shreds. 'Well, Im sorry. The hardest thing about this job now is no one understands nuance. 'You know when you hear a joke, when somebodys fooling around, when theyre not saying something specific. Especially on this show, Im very specific when Impointing stuff out. When Im making jokes, you know when Im making jokes! 'This is ridiculous,' Goldberg concluded. Whoopi enraged conservatives and seemingly sent ABC bosses into a panic on Monday's show when she was told to issue a clarification live on air after taking a jab at President Trump The Sister Act star was handed a note from producers, which she tore up before going on a rant about the incident Trump pardoned Zhao on October 23, four months into his 87-month sentence, with a statement from the White House blaming the conviction on the Biden administration's 'desire to punish the cryptocurrency industry.' The View has been known for regularly criticizing the Trump administration and the president's policies while offering mostly kind words for Democrats. In May, top brass at ABC News and parent company Disney asked the show's panelists to dial back their constant complaining about Trump. The White House suggested that The View 'is the next to be pulled off air,' after Behar remarked that Trump was 'jealous' of former President Barack Obama. Guests on the show this year have included Biden, Kamala Harris, Congressional Democrat Jasmine Crockett, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former President Bill Clinton, and Democratic senators Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer, and Elissa Slotkin. A recent study from Media Research Center's Newsbusters confirmed the program featured almost no right-wing guests this year. Bianca Censori put on a cheeky display in a daring ensemble as she spent time with her family in Melbourne on Monday. The controversial wife of American rapper Kanye West went braless underneath a tight sheer blue leotard and matching stockings as she stepped out with her mother Alexandra and younger sister Angelina in her home city. The 30-year-old completed her look with leg warmers and a pair of silver stilettos as she headed out for a low-key visit to a local takeaway store. Bianca was seen getting into the car as she joined her lookalike sister and mother on the rare family outing. Angelina was dressed casually for the outing in navy track pants, a matching jacket and a pair of black slides. Their mother Alexandra looked effortlessly chic in a fitted black leather jacket, long black skirt and stilettos. Bianca Censori put on a cheeky display in a daring ensemble as she spent time with her family in Melbourne on Monday The controversial wife of American rapper Kanye West went braless underneath a tight sheer blue leotard and matching stockings The 30-year-old completed her look with leg warmers and silver stilettos as she headed out for a low-key visit to a local takeaway store The trio were seen stopping at a local takeaway shop to pick up food before visiting a friend. Ever since they secretly tied the knot in 2022, Bianca has consistently shocked fans with the barely-there ensembles her husband Kanye styles for her. She was spotted jetting into Melbourne Airport on Monday morning following a long flight from Los Angeles. Confirming her relationship with the embattled musician is still going strong, she sported her wedding ring for the occasion - even though Kanye was nowhere in sight. Bianca's arrival marks the second time she has been home to see her family during her three-year relationship with Kanye. It's unclear whether she will join Melbourne's society set at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday. Her visit Down Under also comes days after she returned to social media for the first time in six months. Her first post was an Instagram Story on Halloween - a photo of herself playing with a prop knife while wearing a strapless bodysuit. Bianca was seen getting into the car as she joined her lookalike sister and mother on the rare family outing Angelina was dressed casually for the outing in navy track pants, a matching jacket and a pair of black slides Their mother Alexandra looked effortlessly chic in a fitted black leather jacket, long black skirt and stilettos Alexandra was seen stopping at a local takeaway shop to pick up food before the trio visited a friend Ever since they secretly tied the knot in 2022, Bianca has consistently shocked fans with the barely-there ensembles her husband Kanye styles for her Bianca's arrival marks the second time she has been home to see her family during her three-year relationship with Kanye She then uploaded a flurry of posts promoting her upcoming eponymous brand Bianca, which launches on December 11 - including a first look at the bras, underpants, waist cinchers and tights she'll soon unveil to the public. The fame-hungry exhibitionist - who curiously donned underpants over stockings - opted to take the pictures herself with her mobile phone in a mirror rather than hire a professional photographer. In every single post, the former Kelektiv design consultant tagged the designer Marc Jacobs - who does not sell bras, underpants or tights on his website. Perhaps Bianca scored a collaboration with the 62-year-old tastemaker, who previously made Kim Kardashian the face of his FW/23 campaign. The 45-year-old SKIMS CEO originally co-founded her $4billion shapewear company in 2019 with married couple - Jens Grede and Emma Grede - which has now expanded into loungewear, swimwear and a men's line. Before the launch, Kim credited the disgraced 48-year-old rapper with being her 'Ghost Creative Director' and he also designed the logo for the brand formerly known as 'Kimono Intimates'. 'This goes way beyond fashion,' a source close to the couple told Radar Online last week. 'Kanye sees this as his revenge play he's determined to outdo Kim on every front. Bianca's brand is being crafted to mirror hers on purpose. It's designed to compete directly with everything Kim has created.' She was spotted jetting into Melbourne Airport on Monday morning following a long flight from Los Angeles Angelina covered her brunette locks with a hoodie as she got out of the car Her visit Down Under also comes days after she returned to social media for the first time in six months Bianca kept her long brunette locks out as she spent time in her hometown Angelina is often seen spending time with her sister Bianca in the US Bianca's husband Kanye doesn't appear to have joined her on her trip to Australia It's unclear whether she will join Melbourne's society set at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday Kim is said to be 'furious' and convinced 'Kanye is pulling all the strings here'. 'From the visuals to the overall vibe, Bianca's photos are pure SKIMS,' said another industry insider. 'That's entirely intentional. Kanye's built his brand on stirring the pot, and this is just his latest move to grab attention and assert control.' Ye reportedly pays the All's Fair producer-star $200,000 a month in support for their four children - North, 12; son Saint, 9; daughter Chicago, 7; and son Psalm, 6 - who haven't 'heard from him in a couple of months'. Kim and Kanye's six-year marriage ended in 2021 - the year after he hired Censori to be his Yeezy head of architecture, and they'll celebrate their third wedding anniversary on December 20. Jack Whitehall and his fiance Roxy Horner packed on the PDA as they shared a passionate smooch on the red carpet while attending the Malice premiere in London. The British comedian, 37, and the Essex-born model, 34, put on a smitten display as they stopped for snaps, leading his co-stars at the BFI Southbank. The couple - who have been engaged since December 2024 after they began dating in 2020 - cosied up to one another as Roxy supported of her actor partner. Jake plays the lead as Adam Healy in the Amazon Prime Video's psychological thriller series, alongside American star David Duchovny, Game Of Thrones' Carice van Houten, and Batman Begins actress Christine Adams. At the event, Roxy flaunted her endless legs in a tiny brown strapless dress and matching sock boots. The blonde beauty posed up a storm flashing her best smile as she completed the look with a stylish brown shoulder bag. Jack Whitehall and his fiance Roxy Horner packed on the PDA as they shared a passionate smooch on the red carpet while attending the Malice premiere in London The British comedian, 37, and the Essex-born model, 34, put on a smitten display as they stopped for snaps, leading his co-stars at the BFI Southbank Elsewhere star of the night Jack kept it smart in a dark suit, looking in high spirits. The Bad Education icon also stopped on the red carpet to pose alongside his co-star David Duchovny, 65. The duo eventually joined the rest of their cast mates for a group shot, including Teddie Allen, Christine Adams, Carice van Houten, Raza Jaffrey and director James Wood. MobLand favourite Lara Pulver, 45, was also in attendance of the star-studded premiere, showcasing her incredible frame in a skin-tight grey dress. She cosied up to her husband of 11 years actor Raza, 50, who plays Damien in the show. Dutch actress Carice, 49, looked effortlessly elegant in a navy suit, sporting a cream turtleneck underneath and red heels. Miller's Girl star Christine, 51, flaunted her toned physique in a faded denim co-ord. The Black Lightning sensation rocked a strappy buttoned vest and a matching pencil midi skirt, adding a few extra inches with glam black heel boots. The happy couple - who have been engaged since December 2024 after they began dating in 2020 - cosied up to one another as Roxy appeared proudly supportive of her partner At the event, Roxy ensured to steal the scene flaunting her endless legs in a tiny brown strapless dress and matching sock heel boots The blonde stunner posed up a storm flashing her best smile as she completed the look with a stylish brown shoulder bag Elsewhere star of the night Jack kept it smart in a dark suit, looking in high spirits The Bad Education icon also stopped on the red carpet to pose alongside his co-star David Duchovny, 65 The duo eventually joined the rest of their cast mates for a group shot, including Teddie Allen, Christine Adams, Carice van Houten, Raza Jaffrey and director James Wood MobLand favourite Lara Pulver, 45, was also in attendance of the star-studded premiere, showcasing her incredible frame in a skin-tight grey dress She cosied up to her husband of 11 years actor Raza, 50, who plays Damien in the show Dutch actress Carice, 49, looked effortlessly elegant in a navy suit, sporting a cream turtleneck underneath and red heels Miller's Girl star Christine, 51, flaunted her toned physique in a faded denim co-ord The Black Lightning sensation rocked a strappy buttoned vest and a matching pencil midi skirt, adding a few extra inches with glam black heel boots Young English actress Teddie Allen, 19, who also starred in MobLand, was the epitome of chic in a black bardot mini dress and classy heels Jake plays the lead as Adam Healy in Prime Video's psychological thriller series, alongside David Duchovny, Carice van Houten, and Christine Adams, launching 14 November (pictured) Young English actress Teddie Allen, 19, who also starred in MobLand, was the epitome of chic in a black bardot mini dress and classy heels. In this psychological six-part series, set to launch on 14 November, David will play Tanner family patriarch Jamie while Carice will play his wife Nat. Harry Gilby, 22, Phoenix Laroche and Teddy will also play the roles of their three young children. Meanwhile, comedian Jack has been enjoying his new role as a father after he and Roxy welcomed their daughter Elsie last September. The pair met during his trip to Australia and quickly fell into a relationship when the pandemic and lockdown hit. Long before Jack, Roxy had made a name for herself. Signed to Premier Management, she appeared in British Vogue at just 17. Jennifer Aniston and her ex-husband Brad Pitt shocked their fans in January 2020 when they had an unusually warm reunion at that year's Screen Actors Guild Awards. But the former coupler had another under-the-radar a year before their awards-ceremony meet-up, according to Aniston's Morning Show costar Reese Witherspoon, 49. During her appearance on Monday's episode of Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast, Witherspoon confirmed that Aniston, now 56, had invited Pitt to her 50th birthday party in February 2019. The Legally Blonde actress explained: 'At her 50th birthday one of the biggest testaments I can say to what a wonderful person she is people from her teenage years, people from her 20s, people who work in her home, every ex-husband, ex-boyfriend was there.' 'She just is a high spiritual-integrity person,' Witherspoon added. In addition to her 61-year-old ex-husband attending the party, Pitt's ex-girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow was also in attendance. Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt had a warm reunion at the 2020 SAG Awards in January of that year (pictured), but the two had a more secretive reunion a year earlier Reese Witherspoon revealed on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast that her Morning Show costar invited Pitt to her 50th birthday party in February 2020; Aniston and Witherspoon pictured in NYC in September Aniston and Pitt were married from 2000 to 2005. Earlier in the conversation, Witherspoon explained the mindset that allows Aniston to have friendly relations with her exes. 'Shes not who people think she is like, holding onto old things. Shes not holding onto old things,' the Sweet Home Alabama star explained. Shepard clarified: 'Shes not "pining for Brad Pitt."' Witherspoon's comments would suggest that Aniston's ex-husband Justin Theroux, 54, was also at her birthday party, but his presence has never been confirmed. However, Aniston and Theroux have shown a similarly warm connection since their 2018 split. In 2021, the Friends star wished her ex a happy birthday with a steamy shirtless photo posted to Instagram. More recently, Theroux showed his support for his ex by liking her post making her relationship with her new boyfriend Jim Curtis Instagram official. 'At her 50th birthday one of the biggest testaments I can say to what a wonderful person she is people from her teenage years, people from her 20s, people who work in her home, every ex-husband, ex-boyfriend was there'; Pitt is pictured in January 2020 in LA It's unclear if her list of exes at the party included ex-husband Justin Theroux. The two have remained friendly, but his presence hasn't been reported on; Theroux and Aniston pictured in 2017 in LA Witherspoon said she and Aniston are 'very different people' when it comes to their relations with exes. She said Aniston was 'really warm and welcoming,' while she is more 'nerdy'; pictured together with Emma Stone in January 2024 in LA The exes wed in 2015, but their ceremony was reportedly not legally binding. Some of Aniston's other famous exes include John Mayer, Paull Rudd and Vince Vaughn, among others. Although Witherspoon went on to agree with Shepard that her Morning Show costar is 'not a burner of bridges,' she emphasized how she and Aniston are 'very different people' when it comes to their relations with former partners. 'Shes really warm and welcoming. Shes, like, a big host. Like, "come over!" Shes very warm and friendly,' Witherspoon explained. 'I think Im more, like, nerdy.' Witherspoon was married to her Cruel Intentions costar Ryan Phillippe from 1999 to 2007. She later married the talent agent Jim Toth in 2011, before they went their separate ways in 2023. Jonathan Bailey has been named the first ever openly gay People's Sexiest Man Alive as he succeeds controversial awardee John Krasinski. The 37-year-old British actor is having a massive year as he recently starred alongside Scarlett Johansson in Jurassic World Rebirth and later this year can be seen in highly-anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good. The news was unveiled on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday night as the two covers of the upcoming issue of the weekly were also released. On the chat show, he called the title 'the honor of a lifetime' before revealing that he was 'still giggling' about being the cover star. He also touched on being the first ever openly gay man to earn the honor as he told the host: 'In 2025, I'm sort of thrilled that People magazine have invited someone in, to bestow this honor on someone who can really cherish the value of a sexy man.' In the pages of the cover story, he shared his reaction to finding out he was being given the People Sexiest Man Alive crown. Jonathan Bailey (seen at the Golden Globe Awards in January 2024) has been named the first ever openly gay People's Sexiest Man Alive as he succeeds controversial awardee John Krasinski The 37-year-old English actor is likely best known for his work as Prince Fiyero in Wicked He said: 'Its a huge honor. Obviously Im incredibly flattered. And its completely absurd. [Laughs] Its been a secret, so Im quite excited for some friends and family to find out.' Bailey is likely best known for his work as Prince Fiyero in Wicked as he portrays the love-interest to Ariana Grande's character Glinda and has an interesting possibly romantic dynamic with Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba. The openly-gay star also sent tongues wagging earlier this year as he shared multiple kisses with his Jurassic World Rebirth co-star Johansson, 40. He is also known for starring as Anthony, also known as Lord Bridgerton , in popular Netflix romance series Bridgerton. Jonathan's career in television and film began long before his work on the streaming series. He first appeared on screen in 1997 when he starred in the British television series, Bramwell, when he was just nine years old. He went on to have bit parts in various procedurals, including The Bill and Lewis. Jonathan starred alongside David Tennant and Olivia Colman in the British crime drama Broadchurch, which ran on ITV for three series between 2013 and 2017. He also had featured heavily in the mockumentary sitcom W1A between 2014 and 2017, as well as the comedy, Crashing, created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The news was unveiled on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday night The two covers of the upcoming issue of the weekly were also released On the chat show, he called the title 'the honor of a lifetime' before revealing that he was 'still giggling' about being the cover star He also touched on being the first ever openly gay man to earn the honor as he told the host: 'In 2025, I'm sort of thrilled that People magazine have invited someone in, to bestow this honor on someone who can really cherish the value of a sexy man' In the pages of the cover story, he shared his reaction to finding out he was being given the People Sexiest Man Alive crown Bailey posted this snap in May 2024 On the big screen, Jonathan appeared in the 2007 comedy film St Trinian's. He was among the cast for Permanent Vacation and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, which were both released that same year. Jonathan is the recipient of a Laurence Olivier Award and a Critics' Choice Television Award. He achieved the Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical at the Laurence Olivier Awards in 2019 for his performance in the musical Company. In 2024, he won the Critics' Choice Television Award for best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries for Fellow Travellers. Last year, John Krasinski was named as People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive on the Late Show With Steven Colbert which was met with a bit of controversy. After the 46-year-old heartthrob was announced as last year's winner, fans had a divided reaction on social media. 'John Krasinski sexiest man alive? Hmmmm I'm not sure,' one wrote. He portrays the love-interest to Ariana Grande's character Glinda and has an interesting possibly romantic dynamic with Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba The openly-gay star also sent tongues wagging earlier this year as he shared multiple kisses with his Jurassic World Rebirth co-star Johansson, 40 (seen in New York in June) He is also known for starring as Anthony, also known as Lord Bridgerton, in popular Netflix romance series Bridgerton He is seen shirtless in the raunchy show Bailey is seen at the Burberry runway show during London Fashion Week in September Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Richard Gere have all been crowned Sexiest Man Alive twice. Other past winners include Michael B. Jordan (2020), John Legend (2019), Idris Elba (2018), Blake Shelton (2017), Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson (2016), David Beckham (2015), Chris Hemsworth (2014), Adam Levine (2013), Channing Tatum (2012), Bradley Cooper (2011) and Ryan Reynolds (2010). The earlier decade in the 2000s brought forward wins by Johnny Depp (2009), Hugh Jackman (2008), Matt Damon (2007), George Clooney (2006), Matthew McConaughey (2005), Jude Law (2004), Johnny Depp (2003), Ben Affleck (2002), Pierce Brosnan (2001) and Brad Pitt (2000). Last year, John Krasinski was named as People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive on the Late Show With Steven Colbert which was met with a bit of controversy People magazine named its first Sexiest Man Alive in February 1985 when it picked then 29-year-old Mel Gibson for the honor The 1990s brought covers for Richard Gere (1999), Harrison Ford (1998), George Clooney (1997), Denzel Washington (1996), Brad Pitt (1995), Nick Nolte (1992), the late Patrick Swayze (1991) and Tom Cruise (1990). There was no winner named in 1994 and then-couple Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford was named the Sexiest Couple Alive in 1993. The first decade of the annual honor, the 1980s, saw the Sexiest Man Alive named as the late Sean Connery in 1989, the late John F. Kennedy, Jr. in 1988, Harry Hamlin in 1987, and Mark Harmon in 1986. People magazine named its first Sexiest Man Alive in February 1985 when it picked then 29-year-old Mel Gibson for the honor. Bianca Censori has stepped out in yet another bizarre ensemble, days after arriving in Australia to spend time with her family. The controversial wife of American rapper Kanye West was spotted indulging in a luxury beauty shopping spree in Melbournes CBD on Tuesday, joined by her mother Alexandra, sister Angelina, and a group of female relatives. The Melbourne-born designer turned heads in a daring, fembot-inspired outfit, featuring a lilac and blush-toned body stocking layered underneath a futuristic purple bra and white underpants. Her ensemble was plucked from Bianca's impending eponymous underwear brand. In contrast, Bianca's entourage wore comparatively modest ensembles as they braved Melbourne's overcast weather. Her mother wore a black midi dress by Prada and a matching leather jacket, while toting a black Hermes Kelly handbag. Bianca Censori, 30, has stepped out in yet another bizarre ensemble, days after arriving in Australia to spend time with her family Angelina meanwhile strutted her stuff in a black corset top and skinny jeans, with a Chanel handbag slung over her shoulder. Another blonde companion wore a fur vest layered over a beige top and trousers, while a brunette woman looked chic in a black top, matching satin skirt, patent leather boots and YSL handbag. The group was spotted visiting Mecca for a cosmetics haul before strolling through the city's iconic laneways. Bianca looked relaxed during the low-key outing, even flashing a rare smile. The group also ducked into Chris Lucas' upmarket restaurant Maison Batard for a decadent meal. The sighting came a day after Bianca was spotted once again in a bizarre outfit as she stepped out with her mother and sister Angelina. The controversial wife of American rapper Kanye West was spotted indulging in a luxury beauty shopping spree in Melbournes CBD on Tuesday, joined by her mother Alexandra, sister Angelina, and a group of female relatives The Melbourne-born designer turned heads in a daring, fembot-inspired outfit, featuring a lilac and blush-toned body stocking layered underneath a futuristic purple bra and white underpants In contrast, Bianca's entourage wore comparatively modest ensembles as they braved Melbourne's overcast weather Her mother wore a black midi dress by Prada and a matching leather jacket, while toting a black Hermes Kelly handbag Angelia shared a photo of herself cosied up to her sister as well as a photo of the feast they shared at Maison Batard On this occasion, the brunette went braless underneath a tight sheer blue leotard and matching stockings, adding height to her frame with silver heels. The trio were seen stopping at a local takeaway shop to pick up food before visiting a friend. Ever since they secretly tied the knot in 2022, Bianca has consistently shocked fans with the barely-there ensembles her husband Kanye styles for her. She was spotted jetting into Melbourne Airport on Monday morning following a long flight from Los Angeles. Confirming her relationship with the embattled musician is still going strong, she sported her wedding ring for the occasion - even though Kanye was nowhere in sight. Bianca's arrival marks the second time she has been home to see her family during her three-year relationship with Kanye. Her visit Down Under also comes days after she returned to social media for the first time in six months. Her first post was an Instagram Story on Halloween - a photo of herself playing with a prop knife while wearing a strapless bodysuit. Angelina meanwhile strutted her stuff in a black corset top and skinny jeans, with a Chanel handbag slung over her shoulder Another blonde companion wore a fur vest layered over a beige top and trousers, while a brunette woman looked chic in a black top, matching satin skirt, patent leather boots and YSL handbag The group was spotted visiting Mecca for a cosmetics haul before strolling through the city's iconic laneways Bianca looked relaxed during the low-key outing, even flashing a rare smile Ever since they secretly tied the knot in 2022, Bianca has consistently shocked fans with the barely-there ensembles her husband Kanye styles for her The sighting came a day after Bianca was spotted once again in a bizarre outfit as she stepped out with her mother and sister Angelina She then uploaded a flurry of posts promoting her upcoming eponymous brand Bianca, which launches on December 11 - including a first look at the bras, underpants, waist cinchers and tights she'll soon unveil to the public. The fame-hungry exhibitionist - who curiously donned underpants over stockings - opted to take the pictures herself with her mobile phone in a mirror rather than hire a professional photographer. In every single post, the former Kelektiv design consultant tagged the designer Marc Jacobs - who does not sell bras, underpants or tights on his website. Perhaps Bianca scored a collaboration with the 62-year-old tastemaker, who previously made Kim Kardashian the face of his FW/23 campaign. The 45-year-old SKIMS CEO originally co-founded her $4billion shapewear company in 2019 with married couple - Jens Grede and Emma Grede - which has now expanded into loungewear, swimwear and a men's line. Before the launch, Kim credited the disgraced 48-year-old rapper with being her 'Ghost Creative Director' and he also designed the logo for the brand formerly known as 'Kimono Intimates'. 'This goes way beyond fashion,' a source close to the couple told Radar Online last week. She was spotted jetting into Melbourne Airport on Monday morning following a long flight from Los Angeles Confirming her relationship with the embattled musician is still going strong , she sported her wedding ring for the occasion - even though Kanye was nowhere in sight Bianca's arrival marks the second time she has been home to see her family during her three-year relationship with Kanye Her visit Down Under also comes days after she returned to social media for the first time in six months Her first post was an Instagram Story on Halloween - a photo of herself playing with a prop knife while wearing a strapless bodysuit She then uploaded a flurry of posts promoting her upcoming eponymous brand Bianca, which launches on December 11 - including a first look at the bras, underpants, waist cinchers and tights she'll soon unveil to the public 'Kanye sees this as his revenge play he's determined to outdo Kim on every front. Bianca's brand is being crafted to mirror hers on purpose. It's designed to compete directly with everything Kim has created.' Kim is said to be 'furious' and convinced 'Kanye is pulling all the strings here'. 'From the visuals to the overall vibe, Bianca's photos are pure SKIMS,' said another industry insider. 'That's entirely intentional. Kanye's built his brand on stirring the pot, and this is just his latest move to grab attention and assert control.' Ye reportedly pays the All's Fair producer-star $200,000 a month in support for their four children - North, 12; son Saint, nine; daughter Chicago, seven; and son Psalm, six - who haven't 'heard from him in a couple of months'. Kim and Kanye's six-year marriage ended in 2021 - the year after he hired Censori to be his Yeezy head of architecture, and they'll celebrate their third wedding anniversary on December 20. Kristin Chenoweth opened up about the tough spot she found herself in following the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September. The Broadway star, 57, said she was almost broken by the backlash from fans after she appeared to agree with the late activist's views on various topics. 'It was tough on me, but I'm not going to answer any questions about it because I dealt with it,' the Tony award-winning entertainer told The Hollywood Reporter Monday. Chenoweth explained the strain it put on her after her praise upset some of her LGBTQ+ fans who strongly disagreed with Kirk's views. 'It nearly broke me, and thats all Im going to say,' Chenoweth said. 'You probably know my heart, so you probably know.' The Oklahoma-born beauty expressed her grief on Instagram after Kirk was gunned down at Utah Valley University September 10. Kristin Chenoweth, 57, has opened up about the tough spot she found herself in following the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September. Pictured in NYC last month Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University September 10 during an event 'I'm. So. Upset,' she said. 'Didn't always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still.' Chenoweth called the shocking murder 'such a sad, senseless, and disgusting act!' She wrapped up in saying, 'Wow....prayers for the Kirk family and prayers for our nation.' Some of the social media backlash to Chenoweth's public grieving over Kirk's centered around her political views. One user wrote, 'How many times does it need to be said that Kristen Chenoworth is a Republican woman?!?!?!?!? 'She voted for Trump, she is a raging racist who mistreats people of color she works with, and has been using the LGBTQ community to line her pockets while actively working against us.' Chenoweth had posted a pro-Kamala Harris song on her social media last fall during election season; and had past publicly supported Democratic presidential candidates in former President Joe Biden in 2020; and Hillary Clinton in 2016. At the time of the killing of the conservative activist, Cruel Intentions actress Selma Blair had penned a post expressing her disgust about what had happened. The Oklahoma-born beauty expressed her grief on Instagram after Kirk was gunned down at Utah Valley University September 10 A number of the Broadway star's fans were put off by her reaction to the shooting Blair said: 'This incredible man. Who would go into the cauldron of indoctrination. And use logic to have dialogue. I am sick for his family. For all of us.' Chenoweth wrote as a reply, 'What you said Selma.' Blair was also inundated with negative feedback, leading her to switch off the commenting option on her social media. 'Whooooaaaa, I've never seen this comment before,' said one user. 'Holy s***. Man, this bums me out. 'I'd say we should know less about each other, but I guess I'm glad I know this is the kind of person she really is.' Another user remarked, 'I kind of miss the days before social media when celebrities didn't share every thought that entered their head.' Said one user: 'Oh nooooooo I used to like her! Damn.' Chenoweth is currently headlining The Queen of Versailles, which signifies her return to Broadway after a decade Chenoweth faced criticism on social media following her remarks about Kirk's death Chenoweth previously chat with Spectrum News/NY about her gut reaction to the fatal shooting, characterizing it as a 'human moment of reflection.' Chenoweth said: 'I came to understand that my comment hurt some folks and that hurt me so badly. I would never.' Chenoweth explained the tightrope she walked in her personal life balancing her religious beliefs with her social views. 'It's no secret that I'm a Christian, that I'm a person of faith,' she stated. 'It's also no secret that I am an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and for some, that doesn't go together. But for me, it always has and it always will.' Chenoweth is currently headlining The Queen of Versailles, which signifies her return to Broadway after a decade. She previously was the headliner in 2015's On The 20th Century. Julie Bishop was making the most of her A-list invite to the Mumm Marquee at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday. Bishop, who was Australia's foreign minister from 2013 to 2018, let loose as she held court at a table alongside her boyfriend, Stephen Gray. The 69-year-old threw her hands in the air like she didn't care as she had a boogie in time with the pounding music. Stephen, meanwhile, was not feeling the beat quite as intently, and was instead busy scrolling through his mobile phone while Julie busted some moves beside him. Julie, who is often called The Minister For Fashion, lived up to her moniker in a chic red gown with a floral motif and puffed sleeves. She added a chunky pearl necklace and smart, beige cap with a bow detail at the back. Julie Bishop (left) was making the most of her A-list invite to the Mumm Marquee at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday Bishop, who was Australia's foreign minister from 2013 to 2018, let loose as she held court at a table alongside her boyfriend, Stephen Gray (right) Stephen, meanwhile, was not feeling the beat quite as intently, and was instead busy scrolling through his mobile phone while Julie busted some moves beside him Stephen wore a classic black suit along with a tie and white silk pocket square. Julie and Stephen have gone from strength to strength since they went public with their relationship in 2023. They appear to have been an item for more than a year after she 'soft-launched' him on her social media accounts in July 2023. Last year, they travelled to South Australia for a 'fabulous Outback adventure'. In a video shared to her Instagram page, Bishop put together a montage of images and video clips from their holiday and tagged her partner. They were also pictured having dinner with friends together in December 2023. While little is known about Gray, his Facebook profile shows him proudly standing behind a cafe racer style motorcycle, clad in a black leather jacket. The Perth man also shared photos of a yellow Ducati bike parked along the harbour. Julie and Stephen have gone from strength to strength since they went public with their relationship in 2023 Julie, who is often called The Minister For Fashion, lived up to her moniker in a chic red gown with a floral motif and puffed sleeves She added a chunky pearl necklace and smart, beige cap with a bow detail at the back Stephen wore a classic black suit along with a tie and white silk pocket square The news of her new romance came two years after David Panton, 53, allegedly dumped Bishop over dinner in Sydney in July 2022, putting an end to their eight-year relationship. During their partnership, Bishop took Panton to the United Nations to meet world leaders, Buckingham Palace to hobnob with British royalty and to the White House where he met Donald Trump. The pair first stepped out publicly in 2014, and were pictured at countless celebrity events over the years including the 2018 wedding of Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough. Bishop was understood to have been 'blindsided' by the sudden breakdown of her relationship, sources close to the former politician said. Keeley Hawes and her Succession star husband Matthew Macfadyen enjoyed a rare red carpet date night at the premiere of Netflix's Death By Lightning on Monday. The couple, who celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary earlier this month, posed side-by-side at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Keeley, 49, looked sunning in a red, highneck dress which featured distressed fabric and a semi-sheer skirt. Stepping out to support her husband, she teamed her outfit with a pair of classic black stilettos and styled her hair straight. Matthew, 50, who stars in the series as Charles J. Guiteau, opted for a brown double breasted blazer which he teamed with a striped tie. Death By Lightning tells the true story of James Garfield's presidency and the American man, Charles, who assassinated him in 1881. Keeley Hawes and her Succession star husband Matthew Macfadyen enjoyed a rare red carpet date night at the premiere of Netflix's Death By Lightning on Monday The couple, who celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary earlier this month, posed side-by-side at The Plaza Hotel in New York City It will follow Charles' descent into madness as what starts as an allyship with the American President becomes a deep, and deadly, obsession. Based on a historical mini-series and a novel which covers the life and death of James A Garfield, the series will look at what led Charles to kill. Matthew will be joined on screen by Michael Shannon as the President, while Betty Gilpin will play First Lady Crete Garfield. Keeley rang in her 21st wedding anniversary with her husband Matthew with a loved-up post on Instagram last month. The actress shared a slew of smitten snaps with the Succession star alongside a heartfelt tribute to their long-standing romance. Among the sweet photos were shots of the couple enjoying an idyllic boat trip, packing on the PDA at a pub and of Matthew posing astride a lawnmower. Declaring her love, Keeley penned a short and sweet caption that read: '21 years. No notes. Love you with all my heart '. Keeley and Matthew are proud parents to daughter Maggie, 20, and son Ralph, 19, while Matthew is also a step-dad to Keeley's son Myles, 25, from her first marriage. Keeley, 49, looked sunning in a red, highneck dress which featured distressed fabric and a semi-sheer skirt Death By Lightning tells the true story of James Garfield's presidency and the American man, Charles Guiteau, who assassinated him in 1881 (Matthew pictured as Charles) Keeley rang in her 21st wedding anniversary with her husband Matthew with a loved-up post on Instagram last month The actress shared a slew of smitten snaps with the Succession star alongside a heartfelt tribute to their long-standing romance The couple are lauded for having one of the strongest marriages in Hollywood, with the pair continually making time for each other despite their hectic work schedules. Yet, Matthew has confessed it didn't get off to the best of starts, previously describing the moment he fell in love with Keeley as 'awful'. Keeley was newly married to cartoonist Spencer, and mother to baby son Myles, when she first met Matthew in 2002 on the set of Spooks. Matthew later admitted he fell for Keeley while shooting the BBC spy drama, but clarified nothing happened between them until her split with Spencer in May 2002. He told the Mail on Sunday in 2005: 'We weren't having an affair and it was a slow process. But I knew the effect she had on me. She's gorgeous. Everyone who meets her will tell you the same thing.' While Keeley has also confessed to developing feelings for Matthew on the Spooks set, telling Vanity Fair in 2022: 'Matthew just came straight out with it and said "I love you" in the rain one day. I thought, "Oh dear, here we go."' Among the sweet photos were shots of the couple enjoying an idyllic boat trip, packing on the PDA at a pub and of Matthew posing astride a lawnmower Her divorce from Spencer was finalised in 2004, and she and Matthew married later that same year in an intimate ceremony at the Richmond registry office, before welcoming first child Maggie a month later. Last year, the couple revealed they are looking forward to their 'third act' as a couple when their children fly the nest. Matthew said he was looking forward to spending quality time with Keeley and heading off on numerous mini-breaks when they have more time to themselves. He told CBS in July 2024: 'It's like a third act. It's exciting. We're like, "OK, mini-breaks!" In the trenches when they're little, it's like, 'This is it for ever', but of course it's not.' 'Then you realise, luckily, ours are really lovely, funny humans who are making you laugh and telling you off.' Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen looked radiant in matching black ensembles as they made a rare joint appearance on the red carpet on Monday night. The twin sisters, 39, both wore long black floor-length blazers as they attended the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The siblings accepted the American Accessory Designer of the Year Award for their billion-dollar luxury brand The Row which they launched in 2006. Mary-Kate gave a speech with Ashley beside her thanking their supporters. She said: 'To our amazing customers who truly give us the opportunity to do what we love, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.' Mary-Kate (left) and Ashley Olsen (right) made a rare joint appearance at the CFDA Awards at the American Museum of Natural History in New York on Monday night The pair accepted the American Accessory Designer of the Year award for their luxury brand The Row which they launched in 2006 The twins, 39, both wore long black floor-length blazers as they posed with Jennifer Fisher (left) and Benito Skinner (right) They also thanked their family for giving them 'the love and kindness' that allows them 'to show up to work each day.' The appearance is rare for the sisters who have in recent years stayed out of the spotlight. In September they stepped out to attend a New York Fashion Week party thrown by W Magazine and Bloomingdale's. The now elusive Olsen twins looked worlds away from their high-octane past of megawatt glamour and scandalous rumours. They projected an image of muted elegance when they broke cover at New York Fashion Week, posing alongside W's editor-in-chief Sara Moonves, the daughter of disgraced CBS mogul Les Moonves. In a casual touch, Mary-Kate flung a print sweater over a simple grey top, which she teamed with black trousers, matching boots and a leather handbag. Ashley meanwhile obscured her top behind a long black coat and a voluminous scarf, slipping into a set of acid-wash jeans for her latest outing. The child stars grew up up on the world stage, but as the duo reached adulthood they shunned the limelight almost altogether and quit acting for good - instead transitioning into the fashion world. The child stars grew up up on the world stage, but as the duo reached adulthood they shunned the limelight almost altogether and quit acting for good (pictured in 1994) The twins became household names for a generation of young women who were raised on the twins' coming-of-age teen TV movies (pictured in 2003) The Olsen twins first shot to fame when they were just six months starring on Full House, an American sitcom which ran from 1987 until 1995 (pictured in season two of the show, 1989) Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen attended a party thrown Thursday by W Magazine and Bloomingdale's, and posed with the magazine's editor-in-chief Sara Moonves (center) The Olsen twins first shot to fame when they were just six months old starring on Full House, an American sitcom which ran from 1987 until 1995. The sisters, although not technically identical, both played the character of Michelle Tanner from the age of nine months old in 1987 until the show ended in 1995. By the mid-nineties, the Olsen twins, then just eight years old, were already stars - and also had a production company called Dualstar, to their names, from which their TV movies were born. When Full House ended, the sisters were instantly thrust into their next project - their feature film debut It Takes Two, starring Steve Guttenberg. For the remainder of the nineties and the early noughties, Mary-Kate and Ashley were rarely off screens, jet-setting around the world to film in locations including Rome, Paris, The Bahamas and London. The twins became household names for a generation of young women who were raised on the twins' coming-of-age teen TV movies including titles like Winning London, When in Rome and New York Minute. When they turned 18 in 2004, the twins became co-presidents of Dualstar and expanded the business to release a line of products including fragrances and home decor. Now dedicating their time to fashion where they work behind the scenes and rarely offer interviews, Mary-Kate and Ashley have embarked upon entirely different lives, marrying and having children behind the scenes. Throughout their teen years the sisters continued to star in numerous films (pictured in New York Minute in 2004) Mary-Kate and Ashley travelled around the world filming TV movies in their pre-teen and teenage years (pictured in Paris on the set of Passport to Paris) Meanwhile their younger sister Elizabeth, 36, who has appeared in several Marvel films, is now the acting Hollywood star in the family. Away from showbusiness, the sisters had founded luxury fashion brand The Row in 2006. Established in New York City, the label, which makes clothing, footwear, bags and accessories, now sells in 37 countries around the world. It began with a seven-piece capsule collection which consisted of the 'perfect' T-shirt, a pair of leggings and a cashmere dress, among other items - all of which were snapped up by department story Barneys New York immediately. The Row went from strength to strength, leading to the sisters buying a site in Paris in 2011 before adding a studio in Tribeca in 2012 - and expanding out to London in 2019. There is no shortage of celebrities bringing out their own signature fragrance, beauty brand or clothing line. However Hollywood sensation Sydney Sweeney is breaking out against the norm and looking to bring out her own range of spanners and polish. The car mad star has enjoyed a lucrative ad deal with car giant Ford to plug the firm's motors. And she's applied to the US Patent and Trademark Office to ringfence her name against a range of automotive goods. The application is still being looked at by lawyers at the government department and includes a logo that shows two bolts bent into the shape of a love heart. Washington-state born Sydney, 28, wants to market hand tools like spanners and socket sets, plus cleaning products like car waxes and polish, and even car air fresheners. Lights, camera, cars! Hollywood sensation Sydney Sweeney is switching the spotlight for the garage as she looks to bring out her own range of spanners and polish Washington-state born Sydney, 28, wants to market hand tools like spanners and socket sets, plus cleaning products like car waxes and polish, and even car air fresheners The application also states that she wishes to market 'coveralls; Sweatshirts; Caps being headwear; T-shirts; Clothing jackets; Graphic T-shirts; Hooded sweatshirts'. Sydney is not afraid to get her hands dirty. In 2021, she bought a red 1969 Ford Bronco, but the car didn't work correctly so she attempted to try and get it back up and running herself. 'I come from a family of mechanics,' she said of the car. 'I was the only girl in the shop. 'A vintage Ford Bronco was my dream car. I knew I wanted to restore it myself and I wanted to get my hands dirty, so that's what I did. 'I hope other women see my passion for cars and want to follow their own passions too.' The star explained she used used eBay to complete the rebuild, documenting the process over on her car-focused TikTok account @syds_garage. In one video, she explained how she switched out the vehicle's manual stick shift with an automatic transmission, 'so it can be an easier daily driver.' The actress has applied to the US Patent and Trademark Office to ringfence her name against a range of automotive goods In 2021, she bought a red 1969 Ford Bronco, but the car didn't work correctly so she attempted to try and get it back up and running herself The star explained she used used eBay to complete the rebuild, documenting the process over on her car-focused TikTok account @syds_garage She also a put in a new suspension and a set of brakes. Sweeney originally launched Syd's Garage at the outset of Covid when she was working on the renovations for her 1969 Ford Bronco. Slowly but surely during those renovations, she began to realise the impact she could have on other females with an interest in automobiles, or people who just like the style that a car like a Ford Mustang represents. 'I really wanted to empower and support women in the space because it's a very male-dominated industry,' the actress added. Later in 2023 she collaborated with Ford on a new workwear line inspired by her classic 1965 Mustang, which she proudly calls 'Britney.' While most people would immediately think of the pop superstar, Britney Spears, the car's moniker was actually inspired by Brittany Blue, which is the shade of blue paint first introduced by Ford in the 1960s. 'I've always loved Mustangs,' Sweeney confessed to WWD of her latest vintage automobile project. 'Blue is my favorite color, so when I saw the color scheme of it, I thought it was the prettiest thing I've ever seen.' Continuing her work with Ford a year later she worked on a giveaway to gift one lucky fan with a brand new car that she designed. Sharing the news with her followers she began: 'In my dreams, I can picture the perfect Mustang. And, guess what? My dream car can be yours!' Sweeney originally launched Syd's Garage at the outset of Covid when she was working on the renovations for her 1969 Ford Bronco Later in 2023 she collaborated with Ford on a new workwear line inspired by her classic 1965 Mustang, which she proudly calls 'Britney' (pictured) Continuing her work with Ford a year later she worked on a giveaway to gift one lucky fan with a brand new car that she designed 'After working on my vintage mustang, I know that no detail is too small.' The self-proclaimed car aficionado went on to note that after refurbishing her own vintage mustang, she was careful to pick the perfect 'custom' paint and reimagine the vehicle's interior with a few 'personal touches.' full of surprises.' Speaking about the collaboration with Ford Mustang, Sydney told Cosmopolitan that she had been 'dreaming this up for a very long time.' 'It's everything that is me. It's a mixture between me as Syd, my vintage 1964 Half Mustang that I have, and just put it into this car,' she told the outlet. So the exterior is this Robin's Egg Blue, which is also my favorite color, but it matches my original Mustang.' The two-time Emmy nominee continued: 'And then you have my bolt heart logo, which I'm so excited to see an actual tangible version of. We have my name on the engine, which is insane cause it's also gonna be on someone else's engine. And then you have the custom rims, which are actually really close and similar to the original rims on my Britney Mustang.' Her favorite part is the starlight ceiling, which she said she 'pushed really hard on.' 'That just made me remember being back home, looking up at the sky, seeing all the star lights, and just feeling safe. I wanted a car that gives you that personal experience as well,' she explained. Jonathan Bailey had a fairly sudden rise to fame when he starred as the dreamy Lord Anthony in Regency drama Bridgerton in 2020. The Oxfordshire-born star, 37, bagged the role of a lifetime as the pandemic hit, with the huge Netflix part propelling him to international stardom - something he later said he 'really struggled with'. But despite the challenges of suddenly being in the public eye, it set him on a path to acting success with later roles in blockbuster films Wicked and Jurassic World Rebirth, after previously swimming in smaller circles with theatre work and supporting parts. Fast-forward to 2025 and the star is very much still on top as the second part of the Wicked movie is about to be released and he's been named the first ever openly gay People's Sexiest Man Alive. On Monday he called the title 'the honor of a lifetime' before revealing that he was 'still giggling' about being the cover star. So how has he made it to the top of the acting world? Jonathan Bailey had a fairly sudden rise to fame when he starred as the dreamy Lord Anthony in Regency drama Bridgerton in 2020 (seen with co-star Simone Ashley) The Oxfordshire-born star, 37, bagged the role of a lifetime as the pandemic hit, with the huge Netflix part propelling him to international stardom - something he later said he 'struggled with' But despite the challenges of suddenly being in the public eye, it set him on a path to acting success with later roles in blockbuster films Wicked (seen with Ariana Grande) and Jurassic World Rebirth Early roles Jonathan began making waves as a child actor, working in big London shows by the ages of seven and eight. This included a role as Gavroche in the West End production of Les Miserables. He first appeared on screen in 1997 when he starred in the British television series, Bramwell, when he was just nine years old. He went on to have bit parts in various procedurals, including The Bill and Lewis. In 2011, Bailey then played the role of Leonardo da Vinci in the CBBC action-adventure series Leonardo. After this came various impressive theatre roles before he landed a part in the hugely-popular ITV crime series Broadchurch. He played local journalist Olly Stevens in the first two series before going on to star in Fleabag icon Phoebe Waller-Bridge's first TV project called Crashing. In 2011, Bailey then played the role of Leonardo da Vinci in the CBBC action-adventure series Leonardo He went on to have bit parts in various procedurals, including The Bill and Lewis (seen in Lewis series four) After this came various impressive theatre roles before he landed a part in the hugely-popular ITV crime series Broadchurch (seen) He also featured heavily in the mockumentary sitcom W1A between 2014 and 2017. Also on the big screen, Jonathan appeared in the 2007 comedy film St Trinian's. He was then among the cast for Permanent Vacation and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, which were both released that same year. Jonathan is the recipient of a Laurence Olivier Award and a Critics' Choice Television Award. He achieved the Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical at the Laurence Olivier Awards in 2019 for his performance in the musical Company. Before any major roles he had actually secured a music scholarship to Magdalen College School at Oxford to play the piano and clarinet. However, after securing a talent agent at fifteen and booking acting roles, he eventually declined his university acceptance offer and chose drama school instead. Bridgerton breakthrough era Jonathan would rise to international stardom in Bridgerton in 2020. He was first introduced to us as the brooding and sexually promiscuous brother of main female lead Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor). The first series focused on Daphne's love affair with Rege-Jean Page's character the Duke of Hastings. However the second series was all about him and his steamy romance with Simone Ashley's character Kate Sharma. Jonathan would rise to international stardom in Bridgerton in 2020 He was first introduced to us as the brooding and sexually promiscuous brother of main female lead Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) The second series was all about him and his steamy romance with Simone Ashley's character Kate Sharma Previously Jonathan said he 'really struggled' with fame after starring in the hit Netflix show which was created by Shonda Rhimes. 'I really struggled initially; I was overwhelmed by it,' he told British Vogue. 'But the people in your life have to adapt too. That's the hardest thing: you see them struggling before you see it in yourself, someone pushing past your dear mum and dad to get a picture. 'I'm really good now at saying no to photos.' Bond rumours Back in June the star responded to rumours linking him to the iconic tux of James Bond during an exchange with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2. Speculation about the forthcoming movie has been heating up this year with film-lovers desperate to discover who will be following in the footsteps of Daniel Craig. He relinquished his 'license to kill' with the 2021 film No Time To Die, which also proved to be the last masterminded by Bond producer of 30 years Barbara Broccoli after Amazon took over 'creative control' of the franchise. Having spent a reported $1billion on sealing the deal, the company are said to be fast-tracking the new movie with Hollywood producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal hired to bring in the new era of Bond. They're likely to want to put their own spin on 007, with Jonathan said to be one of the names in the running. Back in June the star responded to rumours linking him to the iconic tux of James Bond during an exchange with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2 Pressed by Scott about the rumours, he responded: 'That's an amazingly flattering ask. I mean, it would be hard to say no' And during an appearance on Scott Mills's BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show this summer, Jonathan was asked about the possibility of him becoming Bond. Pressed by Scott about the rumours, he responded: 'That's an amazingly flattering ask. I mean, it would be hard to say no.' While Jonathan stopped short of confirming anything official, he teased: 'I don't know, I really honestly... I mean it would be hard to say no.' The actor then joked with Scott: 'I could imagine you as James Blonde,' to which the host replied: 'Well swerved!' 'I know that it's going to be exciting whatever they do,' Jonathan then affirmed. Wicked In more recent years Jonathan is likely best known for his work as Prince Fiyero in Wicked. He portrays the love interest of Ariana Grande's character Glinda and has an interesting, possibly romantic, dynamic with Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba. The epic fantasy film is based on the 1995 book by Gregory Maguire that was later turned into a three-time Tony Award winning Broadway musical in 2003. Wicked: For Good is set to hit cinemas on November 21. In more recent years Jonathan is likely best known for his work as Prince Fiyero in Wicked He portrays the love interest of Ariana Grande's character Glinda and has an interesting, possibly romantic, dynamic with Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba Jonathan recently detailed how the story has evolved, saying it will be 'darker' and the characters will 'go there politically' as his character also 'transforms'. He continued: 'It's darker, and I've got a sense it's going to go there politically as well. Fiyero's arc really kicks off and he literally is transformed by the end.' 'There really is lots of new stuff. When [Fiyero] leaves with Elphaba and they go to her lair where she's staying on stage you just accept that she's living in a pit of dry ice, but in the film it's really beautifully realised and thought out by the departments and Cynthia and me.' The role has cemented him as a true Hollywood superstar, with fans looking forward to what he will do next. His performance earned him a nomination for a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, alongside another nomination for the film's cast for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Sexuality Jonathan came out to his close friends and family in his early twenties. It came after he was in a two-year relationship with a woman. 'It's interesting with the binary,' he previously of his sexuality 'where you're perceived to be either this or that. That's how I saw it at the time, but there are so many nuances to it. 'My experience of that relationship was not that I was in the shadows. She remains one of my best friends. 'I think other people understood my sexuality before I was even aware of it.' In 2022 he said he felt pressured to hide his sexuality in order to further his career after being told a publicly gay actor would struggle to win roles. He admitted to having reservations about public disclosure after discussing the issue with actor friends and casting directors about the difficulties associated with being openly gay in the TV and film industry. Speaking to GQ Hype he recalled his initial reaction after a friend told him about his own experience while auditioning for roles. Jonathan came out to his close friends and family in his early twenties 'At the time he was told "There's two things we don't want to know: If you're an alcoholic or if you're gay,"' he told the publication. 'All it takes is for one of those people in that position of power to say that, and it ripples through. So, yeah, of course I thought that. Of course I thought that in order to be happy, I needed to be straight.' Eventually he made the decision to be speak publicly about his sexuality after becoming frustrated with the restrictions a closeted public image placed on his personal life. He said: 'I reached a point where I thought, "F**k this." I'd much prefer to hold my boyfriend's hand in public or be able to put my own face picture on Tinder and not be so concerned about that, than getting a part.' He was rumored to have been in a relationship with fellow actor James Ellis from 2019 to 2022. Though neither ever publicly confirmed the romance. Strictly Come Dancing star Ore Oduba has revealed he has battled a porn addiction since the age of nine, which has 'destroyed his life from the inside out'. The TV star, 39, spoke to Paul Brunson on his podcast We Need To Talk stating that it was only 18 months ago that he 'escaped my addiction'. 'Shame kept me silent for 30 years. It took me 30 years, two deaths, and a divorce to finally go: heres whats happening,' he revealed. The father of two said he wanted to speak out now to highlight the issue of children seeing sexual imagery on social media. An emotional Ore said: 'This is me putting my life as it is on the line, to save my children and to guide anybody else's children going into a world where at their fingertips, they can fall into something they never asked to.' He added: 'Part of me is terrified, the vast majority is terrified because I feel like, personally, for me, the rest of my life begins the day after this, as it's a kind of a seminal draw-the-line moment.' Strictly Come Dancing star Ore Oduba has revealed he has battled a porn addiction since the age of nine Ore said that he was first shown adult content on a computer by a friend's older brother, explaining: 'I remember being very intrigued and a feeling of eyes being opened. Whilst I wouldn't say addiction set in immediately, the intrigue started immediately.' 'And it didn't take long relatively speaking, for that intrigue to start running my mind over because at nine, at that age, you haven't necessarily got full access.' 'Wanting to find a way to address that intrigue, wanting to find ways of that awakening, wanting to replicate it or find it whether it was on television or in magazines.' 'This is the problem with this form of addiction that even I could understand at 10. It's so shameful. We can't talk about it because there is a perceived nature to it that is everything that we hate, everything that we despise.' Ore, who was bought up in Dorset, said his upbringing with his strict father meant he could never tell his family about his addiction, citing the example of one of his siblings being caught smoking at school. He explained how his father, who lived and worked in Nigeria as a lawyer, told the family that should anything like that happen again that they would all be 'removed' from the UK and would be 'educated and raised in Nigeria under his rule and his roof, for a nine, ten year old that is life over as you know it.' Ore admitted his father, who died in 2023, 'ruled by fear' and growing up he felt like he had to hide his creativity as well as what he now understands to be his ADHD traits. He explained that even when he reached adulthood the 'shame' of his addiction meant he never told anyone. 'I already said the people that I love most in my life were the women in my life, the ones that stay. But what you're seeing is so conflicting to that,' he said. 'The battle that I was facing didn't become so overwhelming that it took over for what I knew to be true.' 'I had two sisters, a mother that I loved. I knew I couldn't share this with them because I knew it was so conflicting to the people that were most important to me. And so I have to, without knowing that I've fought against addiction, find a way to hide it. And it's very isolating.' 'It was something that I just knew to be me. Just a part of me. Something that I would always go to to feel. If you ever felt worthless, if you ever felt rejected. It was always a thing. The TV star, 39, spoke to Paul Brunson on his podcast We Need To Talk stating that it was only 18 months ago that he 'escaped my addiction' and that it had 'destroyed my life' Ore, who was bought up in Dorset, said his upbringing with his strict father meant he could never tell his family about his addiction - pictured with his father Ore shot to fame when he landed a spot on the 2016 series of Strictly Come Dancing, winning the show with Joanne Clifton Ore said he wanted to speak out now to raise awareness especially as his own two children - son Roman, seven, and daughter Genie, four - get older. 'The reason that I felt like I needed to speak about this is because I wanted to be able to guide my own children when it comes to it, when it comes to them seeing stuff that is going to be there. 'They're going to come across it in life, so many of life's pitfalls, whether it's drink, drugs, money. It's something I knew I needed to address.' He added: 'This is, I believe, one of the biggest problems we have societally. There is such a prevalence. When we hear that 60 per cent of children are finding it accidentally, that it is cropping up on iPads, that it's just so normal. If we leave it, what's going to happen is these children start self-educating.' Ore shot to fame when he landed a spot on the 2016 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Winning the glitterball trophy during the most-watched final in the programme's history catapulted the children's TV presenter to stardom he had never experienced before. In the years following his winning stint on the BBC show Strictly his nine-year marriage to ex-wife Portia Jett broke down - pictured together in 2016 He cites the show with finally allowing him to live his authentic self after his upbringing made him feel that his personality 'needed to be quietened down'. In the years following his winning stint on the BBC show his nine-year marriage to ex wife Portia Jett broke down, and once again he felt the need to put up another facade. 'For a couple of decades, I was creating a version of the person that I thought I should be. But this creation of a perfect life, the hashtag couples goals was what was winning. So you need to perpetuate that.' In 2024, Ore confirmed his split with Portia. If youre struggling with similar issues support can be found at The Naked Truth Project. A crocodile that was once captured in the 1990s - and later released - by the late conservationist Steve Irwin has been returned to his family's zoo in Queensland. Known as 'Old Faithful', the four-metre reptile has been rehomed to Australia Zoo, after being dubbed 'unreleasable' and a 'danger' to tourists in Far North Queensland. But the decision to host the croc at the famed private preserve, now operated by Steve's widow, Terri Irwin, has upset conservationists and Traditional owners. Australia Zoo shared a throwback video from the 1990s of Steve and Terri Irwin finding the croc after it had become entangled in a net. Footage shows Steve and his team rescuing Old Faithful and releasing him into a waterhole. Included in the Instagram share was a statement from Australia Zoo that explained why they decided to take the saltwater crocodile back after Steve and Terri first encountered the fearsome creature in the 1990s. A crocodile that was once captured in the 1990s - and later released - by the late conservationist Steve Irwin has been returned to his family's zoo in Queensland. Pictured: Australia Zoo shared a throwback video from the 1990s of Steve rescuing the croc The decision to host the croc at the famed private preserve, now operated by Steve's widow, Terri Irwin, has upset conservationists and Traditional owners 'After decades ruling his waterhole, in Far North Queensland, people not being Croc Wise sadly meant he was deemed a "problem crocodile" by the government and he was removed', the statement began. After including a message to tourists to 'respect' crocs in the wild, the statement explained that Australia Zoo did not want to see Old Faithful live out his days on a crocodile farm. '[So] we brought him to Australia Zoo to give the big guy a forever home,' it read. 'We know Steve would be over the moon that we could have him here, in the sanctuary that he built, safe and sound to live out the rest of his days!' On Tuesday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Old Faithful had been removed from his home in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park after exhibiting 'dangerous behaviour towards humans' in July. It was captured and removed by wildlife officers from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) in September. According to reports from the DETSI, tourists had been known to feed Old Faithful, which can lead to dangerous behaviour. Meanwhile, traditional owners at Rinyirru (Lakefield) say they were not consulted over the removal of the creature. Known as 'Old Faithful', the four-metre creature has been rehomed to Australia Zoo, after being dubbed 'unreleasable' and a 'danger' to tourists in Far North Queensland. Pictured: Steve Irwin photographed in 2003 at Australia Zoo 'Old Faithful is a totemic animal for the Kuku Warra Aboriginal people and some family members have very strong and cultural connections to Old Faithful,' Rinyirru (Lakefield) Aboriginal Corporation chair Alwyn Lyall told SBS. A spokesperson from DETSI told the SMH that traditional owners were contacted and a number of options were considered before Australia Zoo was 'suitable'. Meanwhile, conservationists, Community Representation of Crocodiles (CROCS), have protested Old Faithful's rehoming with the Irwins. But the move appears to have met with a positive response on social media, with many fans throwing their support behind Australia Zoo. 'Steve would be proud, that's amazing,' messaged one fan on the post announcing the news. Added another: 'I am so grateful that Old Faithful is safe and sound at Australia Zoo. My heart beams hearing Steve's voice.' 'Steve would be proud to see how you guys are carrying on his legacy,' said another fan. 'I always watched Steve growing up and even became my role model, and he's part of the reason why I'm focusing my career to help wildlife.' Pictured: Australia Zoo operators Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin Steve Irwin became a global household name thanks to his wildly popular series The Crocodile Hunter, Croc Files, and The Crocodile Hunter Diaries. Fans were shocked when he died at age 44, at the peak of his career in 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a short-tail stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef with Philippe Cousteau Jr. Terri, 61, later took over Australia Zoo, established by Steve's parents in 1970, as the Beerwah Reptile Park. Their daughter Bindi, 27, is CEO, while their son, Robert Irwin, 21, is also involved in its operations. Daniel Day-Lewis has shared his bemusement at being reluctantly drawn into a public disagreement with Brian Cox after the Scottish actor dismissed his favoured acting style as 'American s**t.' Day-Lewis has returned to the big screen in Anemone, an independent feature both written and directed by his son Ronan, some eight years after announcing his second retirement from the industry. But his adherence to method acting, an intense rehearsal technique through which the actor attempts to channel a given character's inner motivations and emotions through lived experience, was dismissed by Cox during a 2023 interview with Variety. Cox blamed the rigorous process, which has also been favoured by acting legends such as Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, and Christian Bale, for affecting Jeremy Strong while they worked together on hit HBO drama Succession. Reflecting on the unwanted disagreement, Day-Lewis, 68, told the Big Issue: 'Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently. 'Brian is a very fine actor whos done extraordinary work. As a result hes been given a soapbox which he shows no sign of climbing down from. Daniel Day-Lewis (left) has expressed bemusement at being drawn into a disagreement with Brian Cox (right) after the Scottish actor dismissed his favoured acting style as 'American s**t' Cox blamed the rigorous method acting process for affecting Jeremy Strong while they worked together on hit HBO drama Succession (pictured) 'Any time he wants to talk about it, Im easy to find.' Day-Lewis previously starred with Cox in 1997 film The Boxer, during which a then-unknown Strong served as the Irish actor's assistant. But the actor insists he has no idea how Strong, best known for his portrayal of ruthless businessman Kendall Roy in Succession, prepares for any given role. 'If I thought during our work together Id interfered with his working process, Id be appalled,' he said. 'But I dont think it was like that. So I dont know where the f**k that came from. Jeremy Strong is a very fine actor, I dont know how he goes about things, but I dont feel responsible in any way for that.' The Irish star also dismissed previous claims that his 2017 retirement was prompted by the self-imposed pressures of method acting. 'I cant think of a single commentator whos gobbed off about the Method that has any understanding of how it works and the intention behind it,' he said. 'In all the performing arts, people find their methods as a means to an end. Its with the intention of freeing yourself so you present your colleagues with a living, breathing human being they can interact with. Its very simple. Day-Lewis has returned to the big screen in Anemone, an independent feature both written and directed by his son Ronan, some eight years after announcing his second retirement Cox previously starred with Day-Lewis in 1997 film The Boxer (pictured), during which a then-unknown Strong served as the Irish actor's assistant 'So it p***es me off this whole "oh, he went full method" thing. What the f**k, you know? Because its invariably attached to the idea of some kind of lunacy.' But Cox, who initially dismissed method acting in his 2021 memoir Putting The Rabbit In The Hat, believes his Succession co-star's association with Day-Lewis served as the catalyst for his use of method acting, a technique derived from legendary Russian and Soviet actor and director Konstantin Stanislavski's approach to characterisation. 'Its really a cultural clash,' he told Variety in 2023. 'I dont put up with all that American s**t. Im sorry. All that sort of "I think, therefore I feel." Just do the job. Dont identify.' He added: 'Of course, Jeremy was Dan Day-Lewis assistant. So hes learned all that stuff from Dan.' Robert Taylor has died at the age of 74. The legendary guitarist was a member of one of New Zealand's most lauded rock bands, Dragon. Taylor's bandmate, Dragon drummer Kerry Jacobson, led the heartfelt tributes with a moving post on Facebook on Tuesday. 'I'm writing to share the unexpected and devastating news of the passing of my mentor, my partner in crime for some of the best times, my musical comrade through the hardest of times and my dear friend of decades the irreplaceable Robert Taylor,' he began. 'Many admired his songwriting and his musical talent and, after all these years people would still speak to me with great reverence of his talent and contribution to Australian music,' Jacobson continued. 'I admired his loyalty, I treasured his mateship, I valued his consistency and I absolutely loved it when, often, the phone would ring and he was up for a chat. Robert Taylor has died at the age of 74. The legendary guitarist was a member of one of New Zealand 's most lauded rock bands, Dragon. Pictured in his heyday Taylor's cause of death was not immediately revealed, but he is understood to have died on Monday, November 3, with family by his side. Pictured recently 'He had a dry wit, was a keen observer and had a memory like a razor but mostly he was just one of the good ones. That's what has stuck in my head today: 'he was one of the good ones' and I think that sums it up. I will miss him terribly. 'My love and condolences to Carol, Lesley and Alex.' Fellow New Zealand band Hello Sailor also shared a message on Facebook after learning the sad news. 'So sad to hear we've lost Robert Taylor. A lovely man and such a tasty player. Rock on old chum,' they wrote. Several publications, including Noise11 and AudioCulture, likewise posted heartfelt tributes to the beloved songwriter. Taylor's cause of death was not immediately revealed, but he is understood to have died on Monday, November 3, with family by his side. He leaves behind wife Carol and children Lesley and Alex. Dragon was formed in Auckland in 1972, with Todd Hunter on bass, guitarist Ray Goodwin, drummer Neil Reynolds and keyboardist Ivan Thompson. Taylor joined the band as their guitarist in 1974. Dragon are pictured Dragon are best known for their biggest hits April Sun in Cuba, which hit number two on the Australian ARIA charts in 1977, and Are You Old Enough, which reached number one in 1978 By 1974 the band had undergone some changes, with Marc Hunter joining on vocals and Neil Storey on drums. 1974 was also the year that Taylor joined the band as their guitarist. He went on to co-write several of the band's fan-favourite tracks, including Body and the Beat, Magic, and Blacktown Boogie. Dragon are best known for their biggest hits April Sun in Cuba, which hit number two on the Australian ARIA charts in 1977, and Are You Old Enough, which reached number one in 1978. Other popular charting singles included Young Years, Rain and This Time. The band split and reformed multiple times over the years, last reforming in 2006. They remained a gigging band all the way into 2025, in May playing a special show to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their single April Sun in Cuba. Dragon were next due to take the stage on November 29 for the Sunset Sounds concert at Lake Macquarie, NSW, and in New Zealand on December 31. Stephanie Davis has made a vow to return to her natural, beautiful self as she provided a post-surgery update to Instagram this week. The Hollyoaks star, 32, who underwent breast implant removal surgery earlier this week, explained to her followers in a new clip that the doctors were unable to fully removed her implants. She admitted she's had to swap them out for a much smaller implant to fill the loose skin around her bust. Stephanie, who previously explained that she wanted a more natural size bust because big breasts don't really suit her, told her followers: 'Guys, I'm out through the other side.' She continued: 'Those ridiculous boobs have gone. I'm just so happy to be back to the way I used to be. 'I know it's going to take a while for them to settle in and drop and all that, and there's still some swelling, so I couldn't imagine what they're going to be like once they've dropped and the swellings gone down, so I'm dead happy.' Stephanie Davis made a vow to return to her natural, beautiful self as she provided a post-surgery update to Instagram this week which saw her having her breast implants removed The Hollyoaks star, 32, explained to her followers in a new clip that the doctors were unable to fully remove her implants (pictured in 2022) Alongside the video clip, Stephanie captioned the post: 'Natural small boobs again. Muscle repair from 2 children. 'Then next week lip filler dissolved. Want to go back to the natural beautiful me. Please don't take surgery lightly, think about what you are doing to your body. She concluded: 'It's not a quick fix, happiness is an inside job.' The post-surgery update comes just days after the star feared she wouldn't 'wake up' from the surgery. The actress expressed her worries to her Instagram followers shortly before going under the knife again. In a previous video clip, Stephanie, who played Sinead O'Connor in Hollyoaks, said she was feeling nervous to remove her 'horrible, massive' implants and worried she 'might not see anyone again'. She said: 'I've not slept last night worrying, but I know I'm in safe hands. 'These horrible, massive implants that I got put in years ago, I'm having removed. Instead, she had to swap them out for a much smaller implant due to loose skin around her bust (pictured earlier this week) Stephanie told her followers: 'Guys, I'm out through the other side. Those ridiculous boobs have gone. I'm just so happy to be back to the way I used to be' 'I basically had no self-worth and thought, if I get big boobs, I'll feel more confident, sexy, I'll be more attractive. 'And I could go back and never have got them done. But hey, ho.' In a bid to raise awareness, she added: 'You do things, willy nilly, not realising how drastic they are, all the effects it's gonna have on your body. 'I wish I could go back and never touched my body because I was perfect the way I was, but I couldn't see that then. 'So now I'm going back, trying to go back to the way I was. Implants out, small boobs, again, natural because they have gone so big.' In 2023, Stephanie confessed her boob job, which she had the year prior, was a 'mistake'. She told her followers at the time her plans to remove her breast implants, as they looked 'far too big'. In a candid Instagram post, she said: 'That goes for my boobs too, I want them removed as soon as possible. 'They make me look bigger than what I am and don't match my frame & far to big. I want my natural self back. 'I wish I could tell my old self how beautiful I was naturally instead of getting external things to try and fix the inside. 'Please think properly about what your doing to your self. You can make decisions when your not in the best place, thinking it will help your confidence but let me tell you.. 'Love comes from the inside. It's an inside job! Think before you do things youl later regret. 'I think a lot of that comes with maturity over time and finding love for your self. Your beautiful just the way you are!' In 2022, Steph jetted off to Turkey to undergo the procedure in a bid to boost her confidence. OnlyFans model Iris Hsieh was found dead in a bathtub at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on October 22 at 1:44pm, but her 'sudden death' was reclassified as murder by Malaysia authorities on Tuesday. The Taiwanese 31-year-old - known as 'Nurse Goddess' due to her nursing student past - had 2M social media followers, and commanded $40/month in subscriptions on the Fenix International-owned XXX platform. Iris (born Hsieh Yu-hsin) had reportedly arrived in Malaysia on October 20 for a four-day visit, and she was meeting with the rapper Namewee at the hotel on Jalan Conlay to collaborate on a video project. Kuala Lumpur police chief CP Datuk Fadil Marsus confirmed to the BBC that the Malaysian 42-year-old was arrested the same day on drug possession charges when they discovered alleged MDMA pills. OnlyFans model Iris Hsieh was found dead in a bathtub at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on October 22 at 1:44pm, but her 'sudden death' was reclassified as murder by Malaysia authorities on Tuesday (pictured October 3) Namewee (born Wee Meng Chee) - who faces five years of prison and caning if convicted on December 18 - tested positive for amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine and THC. On Sunday, the Fragile rapper took to Instagram to deny the drug charges and express his 'deep sorrow' over Hsieh's death, writing that the ambulance took 'nearly an hour' to arrive. Namewee was released on bail and The Star reported that police are now on the hunt for him as he 'could not be located after the case was reclassified as murder.' "For now, we regard this person who was last with the victim as being involved in the case,' Marsus said in a press conference - according to the New Straits Times. 'We will be calling him in to assist in the investigation. Depending on the findings, we will decide whether he should be treated as a suspect.' Kuala Lumpur police will probe the victim's arrival, accommodation records, security footage and transport movements. The Taiwanese 31-year-old - known as 'Nurse Goddess' due to her nursing student past - had 2M social media followers, and commanded $40/month in subscriptions on the Fenix International-owned XXX platform (pictured October 3) Iris (born Hsieh Yu-hsin) had reportedly arrived in Malaysia on October 20 for a four-day visit, and she was meeting with the rapper Namewee at the hotel on Jalan Conlay to collaborate on a video project (pictured September 11) Kuala Lumpur police chief CP Datuk Fadil Marsus confirmed to the BBC that the Malaysian 42-year-old (pictured September 21) was arrested the same day on drug possession charges when they discovered alleged MDMA pills Namewee (born Wee Meng Chee) - who faces five years of prison and caning if convicted on December 18 - tested positive for amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine and THC (pictured September 14) On Sunday, the Fragile rapper took to Instagram to deny the drug charges and express his 'deep sorrow' over Hsieh's death, writing that the ambulance took 'nearly an hour' to arrive (pictured September 16) Namewee was released on bail and The Star reported that police are now on the hunt for him as he 'could not be located after the case was reclassified as murder' (pictured January 1) 'The team has taken statements from hotel staff, security guards and transport operators including airport personnel,' Datuk continued. 'It's a comprehensive investigation examining every movement of both the victim and the person last seen with her. 'The investigation is complex, but we are determined to uncover the truth. We urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist police.' Daniel Radcliffe made a rare public appearance with his partner Erin Darke at the opening night of her new play Kyoto in New York. The couple, who have been together since 2012, looked besotted with each other as they attended the event on Monday at the Mitzi Newhouse Theater. For the occasion, Daniel, 36, cut a dapper figure in a grey suit paired with a navy jumper and smart browns shoes. Meanwhile Erin, 41, looked stunning in a blue midi dress adorned with oriental embroidery. She teamed the look with black heels and accessorised with silver jewellery. Kyoto, which earned rave reviews during its previous West End run, is set during the pivotal 1997 Kyoto Climate Change Conference, where world leaders battled to put aside national interests for the sake of the planet. Daniel Radcliffe made a rare public appearance with his partner Erin Darke at the opening night of her new play Kyoto in New York The couple, who have been together since 2012,, looked besotted with each other as they attended the event on Monday at the Mitzi Newhouse Theater For the occasion, Danie, 36, cut a dapper figure in a grey suit while Erin, 41, stunned in a navy blue dress The sharp political thriller brings those high-stakes negotiations to life on stage, capturing the tension and urgency of a moment that shaped global climate policy. Daniel and Erin first met on the set of 2013 American biographical drama film Kill Your Darlings. They played a couple in the film, with Daniel later admitting that he was immediately attracted to Erin. Last year, the British actor picked up his first ever Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Tony for Merrily We Roll Along - and made rare comments about Erin and their son in his speech. He said: 'My love, Erin. You and our son are the best thing that's ever happened to me. I love you so much. Thank you so much' - as a tearful Darke watched from the audience.' He added: 'Thank you so much. Okay, I'm going to just talk fast and try not to cry.' The arrival of Daniel and Erin's first child was confirmed in May 2023 when DailyMail.com shared exclusive pictures of him pushing their newborn in a pram through New York. A spokesperson for the Harry Potter star confirmed the happy news. Daniel and Erin first met on the set of 2013 American biographical drama film Kill Your Darlings (pictured together in April) They said that the couple, who've been together for over a decade, are 'absolutely thrilled' to become parents. A source told The Mirror: 'Daniel and Erin could not be happier to be expecting. They are absolutely thrilled, and can't wait to become a family of three. 'They told their families and friends recently. It's an incredibly exciting time.' While a source added to The Sun: 'Daniel is so excited to be a dad. His relationship with Erin is really special and everyone thinks they will be amazing parents.' 'They have kept it pretty quiet up until now but she can't hide her bump anymore.' Daniel opened to People about the first time he met Erin in 2020, saying: 'It'll be a hell of a story to tell our kids one day because of what our characters do with each other' referring to a sex scene the couple has in the film. He continued: 'Our characters are meeting and flirting with each other, so there is this kind of sweet record of us just meeting for the first time and flirting.' Georgia Harrison and her boyfriend Jack Stacey have been seen out with their newborn baby Sahara for the first time. The Love Island star, 30, confirmed this weekend that she had given birth to a baby girl on Thursday. She took to social media on Saturday afternoon to officially announce the news - as she revealed her newborn's name was Sahara Jean Stacey. Days after giving birth, Georgia and Jack made their first family outing with their baby girl in Essex on Tuesday, as they paid a visit to a cafe and Morrisons supermarket. Georgia slung a winter coat for the baby over her shoulder as she strolled alongside Jack, who was carrying baby Sahara in a detachable car seat from CYBEX. The couple looked delighted to be a family of three, as Georgia sported a huge smile while Jack gazed lovingly down at their new addition. Georgia Harrison and her boyfriend Jack Stacey have been seen out with their newborn baby Sahara for the first time as they stepped out in Essex on Tuesday The Love Island star, 30, confirmed this weekend that she had given birth to a baby girl on Thursday Georgia took to social media on Saturday afternoon to announce she and Jack had welcomed their first child. She penned: 'Sahara Jean Stacey. Born 12.09 on the 30th October 2025. 'We are more in love than we ever could have imagined. Thank you so much for all of your messages we're so grateful. 'Time to enter the baby bubble.' Georgia also shared snaps from the birth as she and boyfriend Jack Spacey held their baby daughter for the very first time. The proud parents were flooded with support from their fans and followers following the announcement. Gemma Collins rushed to send her love as she penned: 'CONGRATULATIONS' while fellow Love Islander Molly Smith wrote: 'Congratulations!!!! so so beautiful'. Arabella Chi commented: 'Congrats my love , welcome to the girl mum crew it's the best'. Days after giving birth, Georgia and Jack made their first family outing with their baby girl in Essex on Tuesday, as they paid a visit to a cafe and Morrisons supermarket Georgia slung a winter coat for the baby over her shoulder as she strolled alongside her boyfriend Jack Meanwhile her boyfriend Jack was carrying baby Sahara in a detachable car seat and staring down at their newborn Samie Eilish added: 'oo happy for you guys!! She is PERFECT' and Chloe Burrows wrote: 'Congratulations angel girl!!!!!' On Friday, the new mum left fans guessing whether she had given birth in a trick or treat post for Halloween. She shared a clip of her bump growing from 34 weeks until 39 weeks when she appears to hold a baby in her arms. Wrapped up in a white blanket and pumpkin hat, Georgia penned: 'Happy Halloween everyone Trick or Treat thats the question?' And while some friends and fans rushed to send their congratulations, others were less convinced. As one penned: 'Trick' another replied: 'I agree, I think its a doll the way she's holding it!'. 'Trick!? I can't work out of this is a real baby or a reborn doll!' Even Lateysha Grace commented: 'I cant work it out'. The couple looked delighted to be a family of three, as Georgia sported a huge smile while Jack gazed lovingly down at their new addition Georgia took to social media on Saturday afternoon to announce she and Jack had welcomed their first child Georgia, who initially kept her pregnancy under wraps from fans, announced the happy news on Instagram in April alongside a snap of her blossoming baby bump. She wrote: 'We've been keeping a secret. Me and Jack are having a baby! Due November 2025, we can't wait to welcome this little one into the world and embrace all the joy and love he or she will bring 'I still can't believe I've finally got everything I ever wanted and I couldn't be more gratefulAnd just like that 2 are about to become 3.' The new mum fell pregnant ten months into her romance with Jack, who is not in the public eye, after meeting on a dating app. President Donald Trump's love-hate relationship with Taylor Swift continues after the White House used her hit song in a new TikTok video. The official WH account posted a light-hearted patriotic parody of Swift's chart-topping single, The Fate of Ophelia, which they changed to 'the fate of America' in the captions. In it, the 35-year-old pop star's lyrics are matched with memorable moments of the 79-year-old Republican politician, including his 2023 mugshot after being indicted on racketeering and related charges. When Taylor sang 'your team' they flashed an image of Vice President JD Vance, whose 2021 comments about the country being run by 'childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made' insulted her. In fact, Swift ended her 2024 presidential endorsement for Kamala Harris by signing off as 'Childless Cat Lady.' Five days later, Donald declared 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!' on his Truth Social account. President Donald Trump's team playfully trolled Taylor Swift on Monday by using her own music against her The White House's TikTok account posted a light-hearted patriotic parody of her chart-topping single, The Fate of Ophelia, which they changed to 'the fate of America' in the captions But all that changed on August 26 when the 14-time Grammy winner announced her engagement to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. 'Well, I wish them a lot of luck,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. 'I think he's a great player and a great guy, and I think she's a terrific person, so I wish them a lot of luck.' The Fate of Ophelia is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart while Taylor's 12th studio album The Life of a Showgirl topped the Billboard 200 chart (dated November 8) for the fourth week in a row. The reaction was fast and furious on TikTok where user @tam82469 wrote 'Ohhh Taylor is going to hate you're using her song' in a comment that received over 68K likes. TikTok user @a..secret5676 posted a snap of Swift looking confused captioned 'Taylor [right now],' which got over 27K likes. 'I'm sure Taylor's going to be thrilled,' TikTok user @courtneymeenink scoffed. TikTok user @abrianachasse agreed: 'Taylor's gonna be maaaadddddd!' But some followers were delighted with the White House's parody like TikTok user @bribisch, who commented: 'Marketing needs a raise.' In it, the 35-year-old billionaire pop star's lyrics are matched with memorable moments of the 79-year-old Republican politician, including his 2023 mugshot after being indicted on racketeering and related charges When Taylor sang 'your team' they flashed an image of Vice President JD Vance, whose 2021 comments about the country being run by 'childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made' insulted her In fact, Swift ended her 2024 presidential endorsement for Kamala Harris by signing off as 'Childless Cat Lady' Five days later, Donald declared 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!' on his Truth Social account But all that changed on August 26 when the 14-time Grammy winner announced her engagement to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce 'Well, I wish them a lot of luck,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. 'I think he's a great player and a great guy, and I think she's a terrific person, so I wish them a lot of luck' The Fate of Ophelia is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart while Taylor's 12th studio album The Life of a Showgirl topped the Billboard 200 chart (dated November 8) for the fourth week in a row The reaction was fast and furious on TikTok where user @tam82469 wrote 'Ohhh Taylor is going to hate you're using her song' in a comment that received over 68K likes TikTok user @a..secret5676 posted a snap of Swift looking confused captioned 'Taylor [right now],' which got over 27K likes 'I'm sure Taylor's going to be thrilled,' TikTok user @courtneymeenink scoffed TikTok user @abrianachasse agreed: 'Taylor's gonna be maaaadddddd!' But some followers were delighted with the White House's parody like TikTok user @bribisch, who commented: 'Marketing needs a raise' 'Whoever is in control of this account is not paid enough!' TikTok user @neildupre0 wrote. 'Pure gold!' The list of famous musicians that have blasted the former Apprentice host for using their songs at his political rallies, social media posts and ads has never been longer Less than two weeks ago, MGMT 'issued a takedown request' for the unauthorized use of their 2018 song Little Dark Age being used in an ICE recruiting video posted by the Department of Homeland Security On October 20, Kenny Loggins was outraged over Donald using his 1986 hit Danger Zone for his AI video of himself bombing fecal matter on No Kings protesters: 'I request that my recording on this video is removed immediately' (pictured September 27) In March, Semisonic announced they 'did not authorize or condone' the White House's use of their 1998 song Closing Time in a video supporting the deportation of illegal immigrants (pictured in 1999) 'Whoever is in control of this account is not paid enough!' TikTok user @neildupre0 wrote. 'Pure gold!' Less than two weeks ago, MGMT 'issued a takedown request' for the unauthorized use of their 2018 song Little Dark Age being used in an ICE recruiting video posted by the Department of Homeland Security. On October 20, Kenny Loggins was outraged over Donald using his 1986 hit Danger Zone for his AI video of himself bombing fecal matter on No Kings protesters: 'I request that my recording on this video is removed immediately.' In March, Semisonic announced they 'did not authorize or condone' the White House's use of their 1998 song Closing Time in a video supporting the deportation of illegal immigrants. And on February 22, Les Miserables song Do You Hear the People Sing? played at the 2025 White House Governors' Ball despite creators Cameron Mackintosh and Alain Boublil issuing an objection to Trump using it at prior rallies. Troian Bellisario is adding another little one to the family. The Pretty Little Liars alum revealed shes expecting her third child with husband Patrick J. Adams. On Monday, Bellisario shared a glimpse of her 40th birthday celebrations, which included a camping trip with Adams whom she married in 2016 and their daughters, Aurora, 7, and Elliot, 4. Closing out her birthday tribute, Bellisario wrote, 'Here comes a new decade and a whole new human to go with it. In the clip, Adams, 44, could be seen driving a camper van to a remote, desert-like spot, while Bellisario posed on a blanket, showing off her baby bump. Adams, who played Meghan Markle's love interest on Suits, also shared a stunning black-and-white photo of his wife cradling her bump on Instagram, accompanied by a heartfelt caption. Pretty Little Liars alum Troian Bellisarior evealed shes expecting her third child with husband Patrick J. Adams; (pictured 2024) Adams, who played Meghan Markle's love interest on Suits , also shared a stunning black-and-white photo of his wife cradling her bump on Instagram, accompanied by a heartfelt caption He wrote, We dont know your name yet. We dont know your gender. We dont know what your smile looks like or what your first laugh will do to our hearts. 'We dont what will make you laugh or cry or what food you will fall in love with first. We dont know what will scare you or how youll learn to overcome it. 'We dont know what kind of music will make you want to move or what kind of clothes youll reach for when your arms are strong enough to grab them. We dont know exactly what kind of gymnastics our hearts will do when we get to hold you for the first time. 'Weve been here before but weve never been here with you and so we really know nothing at all. Almost nothing. What we do know is that we have an infinite supply of love waiting for you. Love, laughter, tears, dance parties, lullabies and lessons. 'Well show you some stuff but you will teach us everything else. We dont know much but we know there is nothing we want to be more than your parents. 'Its a strange stage youre about to walk out on but well be right there with you for the whole terrifying, wonderful and beautiful show. Thanks for choosing us. We will always choose you. Soon. Fans are now eagerly anticipating the newest addition to the Adams-Bellisario family. The adorable couple's love story began on stage. Adams shared a stunning black-and-white photo of his wife cradling her bump on Instagram, accompanied by a heartfelt caption On Monday, Bellisario shared a glimpse of her 40th birthday celebrations on Instagram, which included a camping trip with Adams whom she married in 2016 and their daughters, Aurora, 7, and Elliot, 4 Pretty LIttle LIars starred Lucy Hale as Aria Montgomery, Shay Mitchell as Emily Fields, Troian Bellisario as Spencer Hastings and Ashley Benson as Hanna Marin They welcomed their first daughter, Aurora, in October 2018, followed by Elliot in May 2021, slowly building a close-knit family away from the public They first crossed paths during a 2009 play, sparking a connection that eventually led to marriage in December 2016 at an intimate Southern California ceremony. They welcomed their first daughter, Aurora, in October 2018, followed by Elliot in May 2021, slowly building a close-knit family away from the public eye. Although Bellisario and Adams tend to keep their personal lives private, they occasionally treat fans to rare glimpses of their home life on social media. For example, in September 2023, Bellisario celebrated National Daughters Day with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing a rare photo of her two daughters. Apparently today is #nationaldaughtersday but then I dont understand what literally every other day of the year is I couldnt be more grateful to be the mother of these two wild forces of nature, she wrote. 'You have always been and will always by my favorite human beings. The couples posts highlight the mix of humor, heart, and family devotion that keeps them grounded even as Bellisario gears up for her next chapter with baby number three. Back in 2023, Adams, best known for playing Markles on-screen love interest in the USA Network legal drama Suits from 2011 until her departure in 2017, made a playful nod to his famous co-star on social media. ack in 2023, Adams, best known for playing Markles on-screen love interest in the USA Network legal drama Suits from 2011 until her departure in 2017, made a playful nod to his famous co-star on social media Suits follows Mike Ross (Adams), a clever law school dropout who cons his way into a prestigious law firm and falls for paralegal Rachel Zane (Markle) The Toronto-born actor updated his Instagram profile to reference the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, describing himself as: 'the guy from that show you're watching on that app because that girl married that prince.' Suits follows Mike Ross (Adams), a clever law school dropout who cons his way into a prestigious law firm and falls for paralegal Rachel Zane (Markle). Even though the series wrapped in 2019, it experienced a major resurgence in 2023, fueled by streaming platforms. After launching on Netflix, the show set a new viewing record for an acquired series during the week of June 26July 2, racking up 3.14 billion minutes of watch time proving that fans just cant get enough of the story of Mike and Rachel. Her mother is an Oscar winner who is considered the best actress in Hollywood. The 76-year-old icon graduated from Yale University then worked with top actors in the 1970s. Her career has been versatile: She was in a gritty drama with Dustin Hoffman, a love story with Clint Eastwood, a comedy with Goldie Hawn, a back-stabbing series with Nicole Kidman and now she works with Selena Gomez. This top A-lister is also recently single and linked to a charming veteran comedian these days. Her daughter was at the CFDA Awards on Monday where she wore a men's suit with a crisp white shirt. Her hair was worn short. This 34-year-old also went to Yale and now works as an actress too. Who is she? Her mother is an Oscar winner who is considered the best actress in Hollywood. The 76-year-old icon graduated from Yale University then worked with top actors in the 1970s Her daughter was at the CFDA Awards on Monday where she wore a men's suit with a crisp white shirt. Her hair was worn short. This 34-year-old also went to Yale and now works as an actress too. Who is she? She is Louisa Jacobson Gummer. Gummer is the youngest child of actress Meryl Streep who is thought to be dating her Only Murders In The Building co-star Martin Short. This nepo kid graduated from Yale School of Drama with an MFA in acting. Jacobson made her television debut in 2022 as Marian Brook in the HBO period drama series The Gilded Age. She also appeared in the 2019 film Gone Hollywood and the film The Materialists. On stage, she debuted professionally in the Old Globe Theater's production of Rome And Juliet in 2019, playing Juliet. In June 2024, Louisa came out as a lesbian. She posted snaps with producer partner Anna Blundell as she wrote: 'Blessed to be entering the Joyful New Era bb' followed by heart and rainbow flag emojis. In 2022 Louisa was dating actor Jonathan Higginbotham who she met at the Yale School of Drama. She is Meryl Streep's daughter Louisa Jacobson Gummer; pictured together in 2014 The actress posted snaps with producer partner Anna Blundell in June 2024 She told Vanity Fair of dating another actor: Its great in a way. We share this strange career together and can complain about the same things. He knows so deeply what it is that I do. 'Its always a tricky thing to navigate the different stages of ones career. The imbalances that might exist during one time will flip and go the other way at another time. You just have to go with the flow and be really supportive of one another. Streep and husband of 45 years, Gummer, announced their split in October as they revealed they've been separated 'for more than six years' after deciding to have 'lives apart.' In a statement shared to Page Six, a spokesperson expressed that The Devil Wears Prada actress, 75, and the sculptor, 77, 'have been separated for more than 6 years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart.' The pair initially tied the knot in 1978 and share four children: Henry, 44, Mamie, 41, Grace, 38, and Louisa. In 2022 Louisa was dating actor Jonathan Higginbotham who she met at the Yale School of Drama; they are pictured together in New York in ay 2022 Louisa graduated from the Yale School of Drama with an MFA in acting. She is known for starring in the HBO period drama series The Gilded Age as Marian Brook Streep seen here with Louisa's father Don Gummer in 2015 Streep is seen with her children and in-laws Grace Gummer and husband Mark Ronson, Mamie Gummer, Louisa, Henry Wolfe and Tamryn Storm Hawker in 2023 One year after his death, the Mamma Mia! star reflected on the loss, and told People at the time, 'The death is still very much with me. It has forced me to confront my own mortality, and once you do that, you look at things differently.' Following his death, the actress needed to move out of the apartment she had shared with Cazale, and received help from her brother and one of his friends - who happened to be Gummer. Meryl and Don became close and he let Meryl sublet his apartment in New York City when he was not in the Big Apple. The pair began to exchange letters, and a friendship soon turned into something more serious. During the course of their marriage, Meryl and Gummer - who has his MFA from Yale University - welcomed four children, and also have five grandchildren. Back in 2002, the star opened up about her relationship with the artist, and informed Vogue that the secret to their long-lasting marriage was, 'goodwill and willingness to bend - and to shut up every once in a while.' She further explained, 'There's no road map on how to raise a family: It's always an enormous negotiation.' 'But I have a holistic need to work and to have huge ties of love in my life. I can't imagine eschewing one for the other.' Professionally Louisa uses the surname of Jacobson, which is her middle name, as there already is an actress named Louisa Gummer. Professionally Louisa uses the surname of Jacobson, which is her middle name, as there already is an actress named Louisa Gummer; Streep and Jacobson are seen in February 2009 Louisa shared this stunning bikini snap to social media The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) requires that 'no member use a professional name which is the same as, or resembles so closely as to tend to be confused with the name of any other member.' She made her professional acting debut as Mary Dalton in Yale Repertory Theatre's production of Nambi E. Kelley's Native Son which was directed by Seret Scott in 2017. Louisa went on to have other stage roles including starring as Juliet in The Old Globe's production of Romeo And Juliet in 2019. In 2022, she made her television debut in the aforementioned period drama series The Gilded Age created and written by Julian Fellowes. With the role she was nominated alongside her castmates for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2023 which was ultimately won by fellow HBO series Succession. Things certainly are coming up for the rising star as she will also be making her big screen debut in a supporting role for Celine Song's A24 romantic comedy Materialists. Her costars are Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans. Meanwhile Louisa's partner has produced several high fashion campaigns for Tory Burch, Chloe, and most recently Anne Hathaway for Versace. Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo has opened up about growing up in the spotlight, as he admitted missing out on important experiences in his development. The actor, 23, shot to global stardom at just 14 years old when he was cast as Dustin Henderson in the hugely popular Netflix show. The sci-fi horror made Gaten and his co-stars Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp and Sadie Sink household names, before they had even reached high school. Now, almost a decade later and the cast is preparing to say goodbye to the series that made their names, as the fifth and final season drops this month. Speaking about how Stranger Things had impacted him in a new interview with Fault Magazine, Gaten got candid about finding huge success at such a young age. He admitted that being a child star had its ups and downs, as he stressed he was truly grateful for the experience, but acknowledged that it had impeded his personal development into adulthood. Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo has opened up about growing up in the spotlight, as he admitted missing out on important experiences in his development The actor, 23, shot to global stardom at just 14 years old when he was cast as Dustin Henderson in the hugely popular Netflix show (seen with Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard and Caleb McLaughlin on the show) The sci-fi horror made Gaten and his co-stars Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, Finn Wolfhard and Caleb McLaughlin (L-R in 2017) household names, before they had even reached high school While he also offered some advice for others following in his footsteps, including the new young Harry Potter cast of the upcoming HBO series. Asked about the pressures for child stars to always show how grateful and indebted they are, Gaten admitted it 'can feel stupid to complain', but that he was 'probably still a bit of a kid'. He said: 'It is a very consistent thought of mine to always feel like I need to overcompensate and vocalise my gratitude because sometimes it can feel stupid to complain. 'Im surrounded by love, gratitude, and a deep passion for what I do, and I truly recognise how fortunate that is. 'Still, its fair to admit that I missed out on certain experiences and nuances that might have helped me grow into a more well-rounded adult. 'In some ways, Im probably still a bit of a kid because I never had the chance to develop those parts of myself fully even though what happened to me was ultimately a very good thing.' He added: 'And when it comes to new kids joining the industry, like the new Potter cast, my biggest advice would be to just focus on having as much fun as possible, thats really what its all about.' Gaten went on to say how playing Dustin for so long meant that getting into character was 'instinctual', and confessed that stepping away from the role would 'likely be difficult'. Speaking about how Stranger Things had impacted him in a new interview with Fault Magazine, Gaten got candid about finding huge success at such a young age He admitted that being a child star had its ups and downs, as he stressed he was truly grateful for the experience, but acknowledged that it had impeded his personal development into adulthood Asked about the pressures for child stars to always show how grateful and indebted they are, Gaten admitted it 'can feel stupid to complain', but that he was 'probably still a bit of a kid' However, he said that playing the smart and quick-witted character had also helped him in real life, with Dustin's experiences of grief after the death of Eddie Munson, helping Gaten cope with real-life losses, calling it 'therapeutic'. He said: 'There was always a long gap between seasons, so Id change and learn new things, which I could then bring to him. Likewise, Id take lessons from him into my own life. 'There were even moments when our experiences strangely aligned we both lost people unexpectedly around the same time. It was surreal but also therapeutic. 'Playing him helped me process my own grief, even if thats not the healthiest outlet. It allowed me to explore emotions from another perspective.' Fans of Stranger Things have been patiently waiting for the show's final season for years, with the penultimate series airing all the way back in July 2022. Set in the fall of 1987, more than a year after the previous seasons events, the beloved characters are now trapped under a military lockdown, struggling to contain the chaos Vecna unleashed at the end of season four. Describing where Dustin is at at the start of season five, Gaten said he is struggling to 'keep all the pieces together' while dealing with Hawkins military lockdown and the fallout from Vecnas return. He told Tudum: 'Dustin is in a bit of a funk. I think everybody probably is considering the state that Hawkins is in, and it's getting a little bit harder for the gang to keep all the pieces together. While he also offered some advice for others following in his footsteps, including the new young Harry Potter cast of the upcoming HBO series (Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout pictured) He said that playing the smart and quick-witted character had also helped him in real life, with Dustin's experiences of grief after the death of Eddie Munson, helping Gaten cope with real-life losses, calling it 'therapeutic' Now, almost a decade later and the cast is preparing to say goodbye to the series that made their names, as the fifth and final season drops this month (pictured) 'We're all dealing with the day-to-day issues of what it is to try to keep everybody safe and figure out where Vecna is, while having a lot of unpacked baggage from the events of the previous season.' Meanwhile, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) in hiding is training to take on Vecna, while the new trailer teases Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) coming face to face with the creature. The final season has been split up into Volume 1 and 2, with the first four episodes set to premiere on Netflix on November 26. Episodes five, six, and seven will follow on Christmas Day, while the final ever episode will drop on New Year's Eve. Rounding out the cast are Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman and Jamie Campbell Bower. The official synopsis reads: '[Vecna] has vanished his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. 'As the anniversary of Wills disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything theyve faced before. 'To end this nightmare, theyll need everyone the full party standing together, one last time.' The CEO of Walmart has warned that artificial intelligence will reshape every single job across the retail giant's 2.1million-strong workforce. Doug McMillon says the transformation will redefine how America's largest employer operates from top to bottom, affecting at least 1.6million US workers. Speaking at a Harvard Business Review event Monday, McMillon said the company was going on 'the offense' with AI, predicting sweeping changes for cashiers, warehouse staff, store managers and executives alike as automation spreads through every corner of the business. 'Every job we've got is going to change in some way - whether it's getting the shopping carts off the parking lot, or the way our technologists work, or certainly the way leadership roles change,' McMillon said. The CEO's blunt assessment marks one of corporate America's clearest acknowledgments that the AI revolution will transform not just office jobs, but frontline retail and logistics roles across the country. The warning comes amid a rapid corporate shift toward the technology and just weeks after Walmart unveiled a new collaboration with Sam Altman's OpenAI, allowing customers to shop and make purchases directly through ChatGPT. McMillon's comments suggest the advance of AI will upend millions of traditional jobs, even as the company insists it plans to remain one of the nation's largest employers. 'What we want to do is equip everybody to make the most of the new tools that are available, learn, adapt, add value, drive growth - and still be a really large employer years from now,' he added. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has warned that artificial intelligence will reshape every single job across the retail giant's 2.1 million-strong workforce McMillon believes the advance of AI will upend millions of traditional jobs, even as the company insists it plans to remain one of the nation's largest employers The retailer, which operates more than 10,000 stores in 19 countries, has been steadily weaving AI into its operations for years, using predictive analytics to stock shelves, algorithms to manage delivery routes and new ChatGPT-powered shopping tools to guide online customers. The CEO said that far from cutting staff immediately, Walmart is expanding access to digital training through its Walmart Academies, the company's global education program that logged 5.5million training hours in 2023. 'We need to be the best in the world at application,' McMillon said, noting that the company has created a new executive post dedicated to AI oversight, filled by Daniel Danker, executive vice president of AI acceleration, product and design. Through the academies employees are now being encouraged to experiment with ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms. Walmart's chief people officer, Donna Morris, has called it 'a customized training program centered around AI'. 'Through Walmart Academy, the largest private training program in the world with over 3.5 million participants, associates will have free access to a tailored version of this certification. This training is designed to help you at work and in your personal life in an increasingly digital world,' Morris said in September. Monday's remarks build on a series of increasingly candid admissions from Walmart executives this year about the scale of disruption coming to retail employment. 'It's very clear that AI is going to change literally every job. Maybe there's a job in the world that AI won't change, but I haven't thought of it,' McMillon said during an internal conference earlier this Fall. Sitting beside OpenAI's chief economist Ronnie Chatterji, McMillon warned that the most visible impacts would appear within 18 to 36 months - the same timeline Chatterji said could see 'a lot more impact' across the US job market. In September, Walmart partnered with OpenAI to develop a 'customized' training program centered around artificial intelligence Walmart US president John Furner echoed that message weeks later, telling a Utah business summit that the company expects to keep roughly the same number of employees for years to come even as its revenues grow. 'When we look out two years, three years, five years, where I think we'll be is: we'll have roughly about the same number of people we have today and we'll have a larger business,' Furner said. 'I don't think we see a path of being lower than what it is today. I think it's just the work is gonna change.' Walmart insists that AI will create new types of work even as it automates repetitive ones. Among the new roles emerging inside the company are 'agent builders' teams tasked with developing AI-powered assistants for internal operations, together with technicians who monitor and maintain automated systems. 'AI is just starting to ripple through the job market,' said Chatterji at the Arkansas event. 'I think 18 to 36 months, you're going to see a lot more impact.' Surveys suggest Americans remain deeply anxious about what this transformation will mean. Walmart US president John Furner predicted that AI would help Walmart would create jobs over the next two years that do not exist today An August Reuters/Ipsos poll found 71 percent of respondents worried that AI will put 'too many people out of work permanently'. A September CBS News/YouGov survey showed 46 percent expect AI to reduce jobs over the next decade, while just 23 percent believe it will create more. Those fears have been fueled by sweeping layoffs at other corporate giants. Amazon cut 14,000 corporate jobs this Fall and Target slashed 1,800 positions, citing the efficiencies brought by automation. Executives at Walmart insist the companys transformation will not mirror those mass layoffs. Instead they say the real challenge will be keeping pace with how quickly new technology changes the definition of work itself. Fidji Simo, chief executive of applications at OpenAI, said the partnership with Walmart is designed to 'help companies operate more efficiently, give anyone the power to turn their ideas into income, and create jobs that don't even exist today'. But even she cautioned that the shift will be disruptive and require 'everyone to learn how to work in new ways'. McMillon has framed the transition as an opportunity and a test of leadership for the world's largest retailer. 'What we want to do is equip everybody to make the most of the new tools, learn, adapt, add value, drive growth - and still be a really large employer years from now' he said. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was in Vietnam on Sunday, reaffirming a partnership built on healing the scars of the Vietnam War in a trip that will test whether Washington can reassure a vital but wary partner. Hegseth said addressing the legacies of the war, which ended 50 years ago in April, remains the foundation of our defence relationship and a top priority for this administration and the Department of Defence. Hegseths visit also marks 30 years of diplomatic ties between the former foes and two years since they upgraded relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnams highest diplomatic status. He arrived in Hanoi from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he attended a meeting of counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Cooperation on postwar issues remains an emotional and political foundation of US-Vietnam relations. Since normalising ties in 1995, the two countries have worked together to clear unexploded ordnance, recover remains of missing service members and clean up dioxin - the toxic chemical used in Agent Orange - from former US air bases that continue to affect communities. There were concerns about the future of these efforts when US funding for several programs was slashed, temporarily halting some cleanup work before resuming. The visible recommitment to these projects could help stabilise relations and create space for further defence cooperation, said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow in the Vietnam Studies Program at Singapores ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. War legacy cooperation is the foundation enabling deeper defence ties, he said. For Washington, it demonstrates long-term responsibility and goodwill to solve lingering war consequences. For Hanoi, it provides essential political cover for expanding relations with a former adversary. Giang said the US defence chiefs visit comes at a crucial moment. Vietnams Communist Party chief, To Lam, visited North Korea in early October - the first such trip in nearly two decades - while reports suggest Hanoi may pursue the purchase of 40 Russian Su-35 fighter jets. Vietnam is hedging against doubts about US reliability in the Indo-Pacific, he said. The Associated Press has previously reported that Moscow and Hanoi have explored ways to maintain financial transactions despite US sanctions . Hegseths visit demonstrates Vietnams deliberate deepening of defence ties with the US, but strictly on Hanois terms, Giang said. Annaly Capital Management Inc (NYSE:NLY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 9,880,000 shares, a drop of 36.5% from the September 30th total of 15,550,000 shares. Approximately 1.5% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 7,080,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.4 days. Based on an average daily volume of 7,080,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.4 days. Approximately 1.5% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. bought a new position in shares of Annaly Capital Management in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in Annaly Capital Management during the 1st quarter valued at about $28,000. Delos Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Annaly Capital Management during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Twin Tree Management LP bought a new position in Annaly Capital Management during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, Evolution Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in Annaly Capital Management during the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Institutional investors own 51.56% of the companys stock. Get Annaly Capital Management alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently commented on NLY shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Annaly Capital Management in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Annaly Capital Management from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Barclays set a $20.00 price target on shares of Annaly Capital Management and gave the company a cautious rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Annaly Capital Management from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 19th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Annaly Capital Management from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $21.71. Annaly Capital Management Trading Up 0.7% Shares of NYSE:NLY traded up $0.16 during trading on Monday, reaching $21.33. The companys stock had a trading volume of 7,745,180 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,682,164. The company has a current ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 0.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Annaly Capital Management has a 12 month low of $16.59 and a 12 month high of $22.45. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $21.15 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $20.17. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.69 billion, a PE ratio of 9.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.47 and a beta of 1.25. Annaly Capital Management (NYSE:NLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.73 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.01. Annaly Capital Management had a net margin of 26.68% and a return on equity of 15.96%. The firm had revenue of $885.58 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $493.55 million. On average, research analysts predict that Annaly Capital Management will post 2.81 EPS for the current fiscal year. Annaly Capital Management Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 30th were issued a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 13.1%. Annaly Capital Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 129.63%. Annaly Capital Management Company Profile (Get Free Report) Annaly Capital Management, Inc, a diversified capital manager, engages in mortgage finance. The company invests in agency mortgage-backed securities collateralized by residential mortgages; non-agency residential whole loans and securitized products within the residential and commercial markets; mortgage servicing rights; agency commercial mortgage-backed securities; to-be-announced forward contracts; residential mortgage loans; and agency or private label credit risk transfer securities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Annaly Capital Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Annaly Capital Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM Free Report) (TSE:CM) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Monday morning. Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from $112.00 to $113.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 29th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $107.50. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Stock Up 1.2% Shares of NYSE CM opened at $83.84 on Monday. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 52-week low of $53.62 and a 52-week high of $84.01. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $80.15 and a 200-day moving average of $72.96. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.87 billion, a PE ratio of 14.16, a P/E/G ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM Get Free Report) (TSE:CM) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 28th. The bank reported $1.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.43 by $0.14. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a net margin of 12.94% and a return on equity of 14.67%. The company had revenue of $5.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.12 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.93 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 5.5 EPS for the current year. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 28th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 29th were issued a $0.97 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, September 29th. This represents a $3.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.6%. This is an increase from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.70. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.64%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. acquired a new position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Toth Financial Advisory Corp acquired a new position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the 3rd quarter worth $32,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc lifted its holdings in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 300.0% in the 3rd quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 400 shares of the banks stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the 3rd quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the 2nd quarter valued at about $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 49.88% of the companys stock. About Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (Get Free Report) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Clorox (NYSE:CLX Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday. The company reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.78 by $0.07, Zacks reports. Clorox had a return on equity of 377.86% and a net margin of 11.40%.Cloroxs quarterly revenue was down 18.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.86 earnings per share. Clorox updated its FY 2026 guidance to 5.950-6.300 EPS. Clorox Price Performance Shares of CLX traded down $3.30 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $109.16. 3,409,313 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,687,079. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $120.49 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $125.82. Clorox has a 12-month low of $108.93 and a 12-month high of $171.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.15, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.84. The company has a market cap of $13.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.52. Get Clorox alerts: Clorox Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 6th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 22nd will be paid a $1.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 22nd. This represents a $4.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.5%. Cloroxs payout ratio is currently 76.07%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have weighed in on CLX. Citigroup reduced their price objective on Clorox from $135.00 to $130.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. TD Cowen decreased their target price on shares of Clorox from $120.00 to $117.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. BNP Paribas Exane lowered their price target on shares of Clorox from $118.00 to $110.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 17th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Clorox in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Clorox from $135.00 to $125.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $130.20. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CLX Insider Transactions at Clorox In other news, COO Eric H. Reynolds sold 15,041 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $123.78, for a total transaction of $1,861,774.98. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 54,221 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,711,475.38. This represents a 21.72% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.63% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Clorox A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CLX. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Clorox in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc purchased a new stake in shares of Clorox in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $44,000. State of Wyoming raised its position in Clorox by 4.7% in the second quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 2,540 shares of the companys stock valued at $305,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the period. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Clorox during the 2nd quarter worth $437,000. Finally, Mendel Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Clorox by 4.7% during the 2nd quarter. Mendel Capital Management LLC now owns 3,900 shares of the companys stock worth $468,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.53% of the companys stock. About Clorox (Get Free Report) The Clorox Company manufactures and markets consumer and professional products worldwide. It operates through four segments: Health and Wellness, Household, Lifestyle, and International. The Health and Wellness segment offers cleaning products, such as laundry additives and home care products primarily under the Clorox, Clorox2, Scentiva, Pine-Sol, Liquid-Plumr, Tilex, and Formula 409 brands; professional cleaning and disinfecting products under the CloroxPro and Clorox Healthcare brands; professional food service products under the Hidden Valley brand; and vitamins, minerals and supplement products under the RenewLife, Natural Vitality, NeoCell, and Rainbow Light brands in the United States. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Clorox Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Clorox and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Piedmont Realty Trust (NYSE:PDM Get Free Report) and JBG SMITH Properties (NYSE:JBGS Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership and risk. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings for Piedmont Realty Trust and JBG SMITH Properties, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get Piedmont Realty Trust alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Piedmont Realty Trust 1 3 1 0 2.00 JBG SMITH Properties 3 0 0 0 1.00 Piedmont Realty Trust presently has a consensus price target of $8.67, suggesting a potential upside of 7.00%. JBG SMITH Properties has a consensus price target of $17.67, suggesting a potential downside of 6.82%. Given Piedmont Realty Trusts stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Piedmont Realty Trust is more favorable than JBG SMITH Properties. Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Piedmont Realty Trust $565.37 million 1.78 -$79.06 million ($0.57) -14.21 JBG SMITH Properties $547.31 million 2.05 -$143.53 million ($2.05) -9.25 This table compares Piedmont Realty Trust and JBG SMITH Propertiess top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Piedmont Realty Trust has higher revenue and earnings than JBG SMITH Properties. Piedmont Realty Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than JBG SMITH Properties, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Piedmont Realty Trust and JBG SMITH Properties net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Piedmont Realty Trust -12.44% -4.51% -1.75% JBG SMITH Properties -30.57% -10.41% -3.28% Institutional and Insider Ownership 84.5% of Piedmont Realty Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 98.5% of JBG SMITH Properties shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.3% of Piedmont Realty Trust shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 4.4% of JBG SMITH Properties shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Volatility and Risk Piedmont Realty Trust has a beta of 1.52, meaning that its stock price is 52% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, JBG SMITH Properties has a beta of 1.31, meaning that its stock price is 31% more volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Piedmont Realty Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.50 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.2%. JBG SMITH Properties pays an annual dividend of $0.70 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.7%. Piedmont Realty Trust pays out -87.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. JBG SMITH Properties pays out -34.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Piedmont Realty Trust has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Piedmont Realty Trust is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Summary Piedmont Realty Trust beats JBG SMITH Properties on 13 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Piedmont Realty Trust (Get Free Report) Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (also referred to herein as "Piedmont" or the "Company") (NYSE: PDM) is an owner, manager, developer, redeveloper and operator of high-quality, Class A office properties located primarily in major U.S. Sunbelt markets. The Company is a fully-integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") with local management offices in each of its markets and is investment-grade rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's. The Company was designated an Energy Star Partner of the Year for 2021, 2022 and 2023, and it was the only office REIT headquartered in the Southeast to receive those designations. Approximately 85% of the Company's square footage is Energy Star certified and nearly 70% is LEED certified. Piedmont is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. About JBG SMITH Properties (Get Free Report) JBG SMITH Properties is a real estate investment trust, which engages in owning, operating, investing in, and developing a portfolio of mixed-use properties. It operates through the following segments: Multifamily, Commercial, and Other. The Multifamily segment refers to the commercial buildings with public areas, retail spaces, and walkable streets. The Commercial segment rents to federal government tenants. The Other segment relates to development assets, corporate entities, land assets for which are the ground lessor and the elimination of inter-segment activity. The company was founded on October 27, 2016, and is headquartered in Bethesda, MD. Receive News & Ratings for Piedmont Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Piedmont Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares (NYSEARCA:YANG Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 1,230,000 shares, a decline of 35.3% from the September 30th total of 1,900,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,449,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days. Approximately 11.8% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Approximately 11.8% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,449,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Jump Financial LLC boosted its position in shares of Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares by 2,911.7% in the 1st quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 352,637 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,961,000 after purchasing an additional 340,928 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares in the first quarter worth approximately $1,306,000. Group One Trading LLC raised its holdings in shares of Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares by 99.2% during the second quarter. Group One Trading LLC now owns 286,742 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,786,000 after acquiring an additional 142,827 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. purchased a new position in Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $135,000. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC raised its stake in Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares by 196.6% during the 1st quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 98,513 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,900,000 after purchasing an additional 65,302 shares during the period. Get Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares alerts: Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares Stock Performance Shares of YANG traded down $0.18 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $23.20. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,297,298 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,557,969. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $23.12 and a 200 day moving average price of $29.28. Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares has a fifty-two week low of $20.20 and a fifty-two week high of $87.03. About Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares Direxion Daily China Bear 3x Shares (the Fund) seeks daily investment results of 300% of the inverse (or opposite) of the price performance of the BNY China Select ADR Index (the China Index). The China Index is a free float-adjusted capitalization-weighted index designed by the Bank of New York to track the performance of a basket of companies who have their primary equity listing on a stock exchange in China and which also have depositary receipts that trade on a United States exchange or on the National Association of Securities and Dealers Automated Quotation. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Edison International (NYSE:EIX Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Saturday morning. EIX has been the subject of a number of other reports. TD Cowen initiated coverage on shares of Edison International in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. They set a buy rating and a $71.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Edison International from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. UBS Group reduced their target price on shares of Edison International from $68.00 to $66.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, September 11th. Zacks Research raised shares of Edison International from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Edison International in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $64.30. Get Edison International alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Edison International Edison International Trading Down 1.8% EIX stock opened at $54.41 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.81. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $55.44 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $54.42. Edison International has a one year low of $47.73 and a one year high of $88.64. The stock has a market cap of $20.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.80. Edison International (NYSE:EIX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $2.34 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.16 by $0.18. Edison International had a net margin of 17.24% and a return on equity of 13.62%. The firm had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.31 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.51 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Edison International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.950-6.200 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Edison International will post 4.95 EPS for the current year. Edison International Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 7th were paid a $0.8275 dividend. This represents a $3.31 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, October 7th. Edison Internationals payout ratio is 43.27%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Peter J. Taylor sold 1,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.27, for a total value of $99,486.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 35,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,946,167.24. The trade was a 4.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Investment Management Corp VA ADV raised its stake in Edison International by 159.6% in the first quarter. Investment Management Corp VA ADV now owns 431 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 265 shares in the last quarter. Kentucky Trust Co raised its stake in Edison International by 66.7% in the second quarter. Kentucky Trust Co now owns 500 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management raised its stake in Edison International by 677.8% in the third quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 560 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 488 shares in the last quarter. CVA Family Office LLC raised its stake in Edison International by 113.7% in the third quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 577 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 307 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Zions Bancorporation National Association UT acquired a new position in Edison International during the first quarter worth about $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.95% of the companys stock. Edison International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Edison International, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and distribution of electric power. The company supplies and delivers electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Edison International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edison International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cigna Group (NYSE:CI Free Report) Research analysts at Leerink Partnrs reduced their FY2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Cigna Group in a report released on Thursday, October 30th. Leerink Partnrs analyst W. Mayo now expects that the health services provider will post earnings of $29.66 per share for the year, down from their previous estimate of $29.74. The consensus estimate for Cigna Groups current full-year earnings is $29.77 per share. Leerink Partnrs also issued estimates for Cigna Groups Q3 2026 earnings at $8.09 EPS. Get Cigna Group alerts: A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on CI. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Cigna Group from $340.00 to $354.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Leerink Partners lowered their target price on shares of Cigna Group from $300.00 to $270.00 in a research report on Friday. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Cigna Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and set a $310.00 price target on shares of Cigna Group in a research note on Monday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Cigna Group in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $370.00 price objective for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $348.70. Cigna Group Trading Up 6.3% NYSE:CI opened at $259.76 on Monday. Cigna Group has a 1 year low of $239.51 and a 1 year high of $350.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 0.71. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $296.37 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $305.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $69.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.18, a PEG ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 0.45. Cigna Group (NYSE:CI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The health services provider reported $7.83 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.64 by $0.19. Cigna Group had a return on equity of 18.80% and a net margin of 1.92%.The business had revenue of $69.57 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $66.40 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $7.51 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Cigna Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 29.600- EPS. Cigna Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 4th will be given a dividend of $1.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 4th. This represents a $6.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. Cigna Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 26.64%. Insider Transactions at Cigna Group In other news, CEO David Cordani bought 4,134 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was purchased at an average price of $241.88 per share, with a total value of $999,931.92. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 157,935 shares of the companys stock, valued at $38,201,317.80. This trade represents a 2.69% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Nicole S. Jones sold 28,526 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $300.00, for a total transaction of $8,557,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 25,648 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,694,400. This trade represents a 52.66% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders own 0.70% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cigna Group A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CI. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its holdings in Cigna Group by 10.0% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 12,056,806 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $3,966,690,000 after acquiring an additional 1,094,327 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its position in shares of Cigna Group by 1.1% in the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 11,778,472 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $3,893,727,000 after purchasing an additional 123,479 shares during the period. Dodge & Cox increased its stake in Cigna Group by 0.7% in the second quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 8,950,610 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $2,958,893,000 after purchasing an additional 60,877 shares during the last quarter. GQG Partners LLC lifted its position in Cigna Group by 21.5% during the first quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 4,886,674 shares of the health services providers stock worth $1,607,716,000 after buying an additional 865,092 shares during the period. Finally, Valeo Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in Cigna Group by 86,071.1% during the second quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,475,282 shares of the health services providers stock worth $1,148,859,000 after buying an additional 3,471,249 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.99% of the companys stock. Cigna Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Cigna Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and related products and services in the United States. Its Evernorth Health Services segment provides a range of coordinated and point solution health services, including pharmacy benefits, home delivery pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, distribution, and care delivery and management solutions to health plans, employers, government organizations, and health care providers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cigna Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cigna Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) Investment analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald dropped their FY2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report issued on Friday, October 31st. Cantor Fitzgerald analyst C. Gould now expects that the biopharmaceutical company will earn $5.74 per share for the year, down from their previous forecast of $6.08. The consensus estimate for Bristol Myers Squibbs current full-year earnings is $6.74 per share. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $12.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.75 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 80.04% and a net margin of 10.58%.The companys revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.80 EPS. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Daiwa Capital Markets cut Bristol Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $42.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Tuesday, August 5th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Daiwa America cut Bristol Myers Squibb from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 5th. Dbs Bank raised Bristol Myers Squibb to a moderate buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Thursday, July 31st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and fifteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bristol Myers Squibb presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $57.23. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on BMY Bristol Myers Squibb Price Performance NYSE BMY opened at $45.96 on Monday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $45.32 and its 200-day moving average price is $46.76. The stock has a market capitalization of $93.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.53, a PEG ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.54, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 1.11. Bristol Myers Squibb has a 1-year low of $42.52 and a 1-year high of $63.33. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bristol Myers Squibb Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in BMY. New England Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 0.8% in the first quarter. New England Asset Management Inc. now owns 39,476 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,408,000 after acquiring an additional 305 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 1.1% in the first quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 1,288,407 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $78,580,000 after acquiring an additional 13,959 shares in the last quarter. Sage Capital Advisors llc grew its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 60.7% in the second quarter. Sage Capital Advisors llc now owns 85,234 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,946,000 after acquiring an additional 32,181 shares in the last quarter. Castle Rock Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 458.2% in the second quarter. Castle Rock Wealth Management LLC now owns 44,559 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,088,000 after acquiring an additional 36,576 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Advocate Group LLC grew its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 4.8% in the second quarter. Advocate Group LLC now owns 154,239 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $7,140,000 after acquiring an additional 7,088 shares in the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Insider Activity at Bristol Myers Squibb In other news, EVP David V. Elkins sold 56,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.33, for a total value of $2,650,480.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 167,379 shares in the company, valued at $7,922,048.07. The trade was a 25.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.09% of the stock is owned by insiders. Bristol Myers Squibb Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were given a $0.62 dividend. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.4%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. Bristol Myers Squibbs payout ratio is presently 83.78%. Bristol Myers Squibb Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JBT Marel (NYSE:JBTM Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Monday. The company reported $1.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.51 by $0.43, Zacks reports. JBT Marel had a negative net margin of 5.08% and a positive return on equity of 7.96%. JBT Marel updated its FY 2025 guidance to 6.100-6.400 EPS. JBT Marel Stock Performance Shares of JBT Marel stock traded down $1.97 during trading on Monday, reaching $124.13. The companys stock had a trading volume of 646,649 shares, compared to its average volume of 557,386. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $137.59 and its 200-day moving average price is $127.72. JBT Marel has a one year low of $90.08 and a one year high of $148.76. The firm has a market cap of $6.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -54.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.93. Get JBT Marel alerts: JBT Marel Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 18th were given a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 18th. JBT Marels dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -17.47%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Robert W. Baird set a $169.00 target price on JBT Marel in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. William Blair raised shares of JBT Marel from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of JBT Marel in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $156.00. Get Our Latest Stock Report on JBT Marel Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in JBT Marel during the second quarter worth $28,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. acquired a new stake in JBT Marel in the 2nd quarter worth $29,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of JBT Marel during the 2nd quarter worth about $78,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new position in shares of JBT Marel during the second quarter valued at about $108,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of JBT Marel in the second quarter valued at about $365,000. 98.92% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. JBT Marel Company Profile (Get Free Report) JBT Marel Corporation provides technology solutions to food and beverage industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers value-added processing that includes chilling, mixing/grinding, injecting, blending, marinating, tumbling, flattening, forming, portioning, coating, cooking, frying, freezing, extracting, pasteurizing, sterilizing, concentrating, high pressure processing, weighing, inspecting, filling, closing, sealing, end of line material handling, and packaging solutions to the food, beverage, and health market. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for JBT Marel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JBT Marel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Local Bounti Corporation (NYSE:LOCL Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 61,300 shares, a decline of 31.4% from the September 30th total of 89,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 31,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.9 days. Currently, 2.6% of the shares of the company are sold short. Currently, 2.6% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 31,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.9 days. Local Bounti Stock Performance Shares of Local Bounti stock traded down $0.01 during trading on Monday, hitting $2.58. 13,383 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 24,156. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $2.79 and a 200-day simple moving average of $2.58. Local Bounti has a 52-week low of $1.18 and a 52-week high of $5.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $56.96 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.18 and a beta of 2.09. Get Local Bounti alerts: Local Bounti (NYSE:LOCL Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 13th. The company reported ($1.63) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($1.95) by $0.32. The business had revenue of $12.10 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.40 million. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Local Bounti will post -13.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (e+) rating on shares of Local Bounti in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Sell. Get Our Latest Stock Report on LOCL Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Local Bounti during the first quarter worth $64,000. Outfitters Financial LLC purchased a new position in shares of Local Bounti during the third quarter worth $45,000. Finally, BBR Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Local Bounti by 564.7% during the second quarter. BBR Partners LLC now owns 194,696 shares of the companys stock worth $456,000 after purchasing an additional 165,403 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 28.01% of the companys stock. About Local Bounti (Get Free Report) Local Bounti Corporation grows and packs fresh greens in the United States. It produces lettuce, herbs, and loose-leaf lettuce. The company sells its products to food retailers and food service distributors. Local Bounti Corporation was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Montana. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Local Bounti Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Local Bounti and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lyons Bancorp (OTCMKTS:LYBC Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday. The company reported $1.52 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Lyons Bancorp Trading Down 0.1% Shares of OTCMKTS LYBC traded down $0.05 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $43.15. The company had a trading volume of 1,291 shares, compared to its average volume of 581. The stock has a market cap of $144.51 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.84 and a beta of -0.05. Lyons Bancorp has a 52 week low of $39.00 and a 52 week high of $43.57. The businesss 50-day moving average is $42.46 and its 200-day moving average is $41.12. Get Lyons Bancorp alerts: About Lyons Bancorp (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Lyons Bancorp Inc operates as a financial holding company for The Lyons National Bank that provides a range of commercial and retail banking services to individual and small business customers. It offers checking accounts, savings accounts, individual retirement accounts, and certificates of deposit; commercial real estate, agricultural real estate, commercial and agricultural, and consumer instalment loans; and residential real estate loans, such as classes for 1-4 family and home equity loans, as well as consumer loans comprising recreational, auto, personal, personal line of credit, and home improvement loans; financial services, including retirement strategy, investment management, education savings, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and employer and employee benefit services. Receive News & Ratings for Lyons Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lyons Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGO Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 35,500 shares, a decrease of 33.1% from the September 30th total of 53,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 16,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.2 days. Approximately 0.7% of the companys stock are short sold. Approximately 0.7% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 16,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.2 days. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Price Performance FNGO stock traded up $0.48 during trading on Monday, hitting $136.82. 12,605 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 24,889. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN has a 1 year low of $48.67 and a 1 year high of $140.87. The firms 50 day moving average is $124.98 and its two-hundred day moving average is $108.17. The stock has a market cap of $684.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.58 and a beta of 2.36. Get MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN alerts: MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Company Profile (Get Free Report) Further Reading The MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETNs (FNGO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the NYSE FANG+ index. The fund provides 2x the daily price movements of an index of US-listed technology and consumer discretionary companies. The index is highly concentrated and equally weighted. FNGO was launched on Aug 6, 2018 and is issued by REX Microsectors. Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. OneMain Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:OMF Free Report) Stock analysts at Northland Capmk lifted their Q1 2026 earnings estimates for OneMain in a research report issued on Friday, October 31st. Northland Capmk analyst M. Grondahl now forecasts that the financial services provider will post earnings per share of $1.75 for the quarter, up from their previous forecast of $1.71. The consensus estimate for OneMains current full-year earnings is $6.46 per share. Northland Capmk also issued estimates for OneMains Q2 2026 earnings at $1.92 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $2.19 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $7.91 EPS. Get OneMain alerts: OneMain (NYSE:OMF Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $1.90 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.32. OneMain had a return on equity of 20.65% and a net margin of 12.63%.The firm had revenue of $1.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.24 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.31 EPS. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. JMP Securities set a $70.00 price target on OneMain in a report on Monday. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on OneMain from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on OneMain from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of OneMain in a research note on Friday. Finally, Citigroup reissued an outperform rating on shares of OneMain in a research note on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $63.13. Get Our Latest Research Report on OMF OneMain Stock Performance Shares of OneMain stock opened at $61.30 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.29 billion, a PE ratio of 11.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.32. OneMain has a 52-week low of $38.00 and a 52-week high of $63.24. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $58.39 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $55.66. Hedge Funds Weigh In On OneMain Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Arizona State Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of OneMain by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 35,204 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,988,000 after acquiring an additional 367 shares in the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management raised its stake in OneMain by 1,102.1% during the third quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 577 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 529 shares in the last quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. lifted its position in OneMain by 3.0% during the third quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 17,050 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $951,000 after purchasing an additional 502 shares during the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its stake in shares of OneMain by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 26,186 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,478,000 after buying an additional 336 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Truist Financial Corp grew its stake in shares of OneMain by 34.2% in the 3rd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 6,823 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $385,000 after buying an additional 1,740 shares in the last quarter. 85.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. OneMain Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th will be issued a $1.05 dividend. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.9%. This is a positive change from OneMains previous quarterly dividend of $1.04. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 10th. OneMains payout ratio is presently 71.19%. OneMain Company Profile (Get Free Report) OneMain Holdings, Inc, a financial service holding company, engages in the consumer finance and insurance businesses in the United States. It originates, underwrites, and services personal loans secured by automobiles, other titled collateral, or unsecured. The company also offers credit cards; optional credit insurance products, including life, disability, and involuntary unemployment insurance; optional non-credit insurance; guaranteed asset protection coverage as a waiver product or insurance; and membership plans. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for OneMain Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OneMain and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras (NYSE:PBR Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report published on Saturday. Several other brokerages have also commented on PBR. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras from $15.80 to $14.40 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $15.43. Get Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on PBR Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Stock Up 1.4% PBR stock opened at $11.81 on Friday. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras has a 52-week low of $11.03 and a 52-week high of $15.10. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $12.28 and its 200-day simple moving average is $12.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $76.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.52 and a beta of 0.86. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras (NYSE:PBR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 8th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.70 by ($0.06). Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras had a net margin of 15.99% and a return on equity of 34.11%. The firm had revenue of $21.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.78 billion. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras will post 2.14 EPS for the current year. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a special dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Monday, August 25th will be issued a dividend of $0.0739 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 25th. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobrass dividend payout ratio is currently 47.66%. Institutional Trading of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 8.4% in the 2nd quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 564,661 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $7,065,000 after buying an additional 43,750 shares in the last quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund acquired a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras during the 1st quarter worth about $29,984,000. Banco Santander S.A. increased its position in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 15.2% during the 1st quarter. Banco Santander S.A. now owns 155,244 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $2,226,000 after purchasing an additional 20,462 shares in the last quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras during the 2nd quarter worth about $148,086,000. Finally, Candriam S.C.A. acquired a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras during the 1st quarter worth about $474,000. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Company Profile (Get Free Report) Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras explores, produces, and sells oil and gas in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Exploration and Production; Refining, Transportation and Marketing; and Gas and Power. The Exploration and Production segment explores, develops, and produces crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily for supplies to the domestic refineries. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 767,300 shares, a decline of 27.6% from the September 30th total of 1,060,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 417,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.8 days. Approximately 1.7% of the companys shares are sold short. Approximately 1.7% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 417,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.8 days. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on RNR. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on RenaissanceRe from $278.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday. Barclays set a $278.00 price target on RenaissanceRe in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of RenaissanceRe in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. They issued a sell rating and a $256.00 price objective for the company. Citigroup started coverage on shares of RenaissanceRe in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. They set a buy rating and a $288.00 target price on the stock. Finally, UBS Group increased their price target on shares of RenaissanceRe from $265.00 to $272.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $283.67. Get RenaissanceRe alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on RenaissanceRe RenaissanceRe Stock Up 0.8% NYSE:RNR traded up $2.03 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $256.12. 602,662 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 475,117. The company has a current ratio of 1.40, a quick ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $248.68 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $244.65. RenaissanceRe has a 1 year low of $219.00 and a 1 year high of $300.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.12, a P/E/G ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.27. RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The insurance provider reported $15.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.49 by $6.13. The firm had revenue of $2.06 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.97 billion. RenaissanceRe had a return on equity of 16.83% and a net margin of 14.23%.The companys revenue was down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $10.23 earnings per share. Analysts predict that RenaissanceRe will post 26.04 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC grew its holdings in shares of RenaissanceRe by 1.2% during the third quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 3,355 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $852,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in RenaissanceRe by 10.5% in the 1st quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 441 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $106,000 after acquiring an additional 42 shares in the last quarter. Benedict Financial Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in RenaissanceRe by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Benedict Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 12,577 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $3,055,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of RenaissanceRe by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC now owns 1,257 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $319,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rossby Financial LCC raised its stake in shares of RenaissanceRe by 6.2% in the second quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 845 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $205,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 99.97% of the companys stock. RenaissanceRe Company Profile (Get Free Report) RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Property, and Casualty and Specialty segments. The Property segment writes property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance and excess of loss reinsurance to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes, including hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, as well as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, windstorms, tornadoes, explosions, and acts of terrorism; and other property class of products, such as proportional reinsurance, property per risk, property reinsurance, binding facilities, and regional U.S. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for RenaissanceRe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RenaissanceRe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Scout24 SE (OTCMKTS:SCOTF Get Free Report) dropped 16.4% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $118.34 and last traded at $118.34. Approximately 100 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 85% from the average daily volume of 667 shares. The stock had previously closed at $141.53. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades SCOTF has been the subject of several research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Scout24 in a research report on Monday. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Scout24 in a research note on Monday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Scout24 alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Scout24 Scout24 Price Performance About Scout24 The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $127.62 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $101.84. (Get Free Report) Scout24 SE operates ImmoScout24, a digital platform for the residential and commercial real estate sectors in Germany and internationally. The company offers Realtor Lead Engine and Immoverkauf24 products for selling real estate; Mortgage Lead Engine, a mortgage financing product under the pay-per-lead model; mortgage and real estate financing advisory services; FLOWFACT and Propstack, which are CRM software solutions for real estate agents; and TenantPlus that provides rental properties. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Scout24 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scout24 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stelco Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS:STZHF Get Free Report)s share price rose 1.1% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $49.41 and last traded at $49.41. Approximately 24,700 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 255% from the average daily volume of 6,953 shares. The stock had previously closed at $48.88. Stelco Price Performance The businesss 50-day moving average price is $49.41 and its 200-day moving average price is $49.41. About Stelco (Get Free Report) Stelco Holdings Inc engages in the production and sale of steel products in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It offers flat-rolled value-added steel, including coated, pre-painted, cold-rolled, and hot-rolled sheet products, as well as pig iron and metallurgical coke. The company sells its products to customers in the construction, automotive, energy, appliance, and pipe and tube industries, as well as steel service centers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Stelco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stelco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (TSE:IVN Free Report) Investment analysts at Stifel Canada issued their Q1 2026 earnings estimates for shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, October 29th. Stifel Canada analyst R. Profiti anticipates that the company will earn $0.08 per share for the quarter. Stifel Canada currently has a Strong-Buy rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Ivanhoe Mines current full-year earnings is $1.01 per share. Stifel Canada also issued estimates for Ivanhoe Mines Q2 2026 earnings at $0.10 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $0.11 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $0.11 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $0.39 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $0.15 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.15 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $0.15 EPS, FY2027 earnings at $0.61 EPS, FY2028 earnings at $1.01 EPS and FY2029 earnings at $1.10 EPS. Get Ivanhoe Mines alerts: Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on IVN. Canaccord Genuity Group boosted their price objective on Ivanhoe Mines from C$14.00 to C$16.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Scotiabank raised shares of Ivanhoe Mines from a hold rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from C$12.50 to C$17.00 in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$16.00 to C$18.00 in a report on Monday, October 6th. TD Securities increased their price objective on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$13.00 to C$16.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Raymond James Financial cut their price objective on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$21.00 to C$20.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and six have issued a Buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ivanhoe Mines has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$17.45. Ivanhoe Mines Stock Down 2.9% TSE:IVN opened at C$13.62 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of C$19.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 61.91 and a beta of 2.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 20.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.48. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$13.85 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$12.39. Ivanhoe Mines has a 1 year low of C$8.76 and a 1 year high of C$20.77. Ivanhoe Mines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ivanhoe Mines Ltd is a mineral exploration and development company. The company, together with its subsidiaries, explores, develops, and recovers minerals and precious gems from its property interests located in Africa. The group explores platinum, nickel, copper, gold, silver, cobalt, iron, vanadium, and chrome. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ivanhoe Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ivanhoe Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suzano S.A. Sponsored ADR (NYSE:SUZ Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 3,870,000 shares, an increase of 50.6% from the September 30th total of 2,570,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 1,700,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.3 days. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Approximately 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 1,700,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.3 days. Suzano Stock Performance SUZ traded up $0.03 during trading on Monday, hitting $9.06. 2,235,903 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,876,130. Suzano has a one year low of $8.41 and a one year high of $10.98. The stocks fifty day moving average is $9.30 and its 200 day moving average is $9.32. The company has a quick ratio of 2.48, a current ratio of 3.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.05. The firm has a market cap of $12.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.08 and a beta of 0.84. Get Suzano alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Suzano Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in Suzano by 10.5% in the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 11,958 shares of the companys stock valued at $113,000 after purchasing an additional 1,141 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its position in Suzano by 16.2% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 10,017 shares of the companys stock worth $93,000 after buying an additional 1,400 shares during the last quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division raised its stake in shares of Suzano by 5.2% in the third quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 29,311 shares of the companys stock valued at $276,000 after buying an additional 1,438 shares during the period. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Suzano by 15.3% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 22,503 shares of the companys stock valued at $212,000 after buying an additional 2,980 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Waterfront Wealth Inc. grew its stake in shares of Suzano by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. Waterfront Wealth Inc. now owns 317,605 shares of the companys stock worth $2,989,000 after acquiring an additional 6,822 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 2.55% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Suzano in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Suzano from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, September 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Suzano from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Suzano Suzano Company Profile (Get Free Report) Suzano SA produces and sells eucalyptus pulp and paper products in Brazil and internationally. It operates through Pulp and Paper segments. The company offers coated and uncoated printing and writing papers, paperboards, tissue papers, and market and fluff pulps; and lignin. It also engages in the research, development, and production of biofuel; operation of port terminals; power generation and distribution business; commercialization of equipment and parts; industrialization, commercialization, and exporting of pulp and standing wood; road freight transport; biotechnology research and development; and commercialization of paper and computer materials. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Suzano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suzano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Telus Digital (NYSE:TIXT Free Report) to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Saturday. A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on TIXT. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Telus Digital from $3.49 to $3.40 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 4th. Stifel Nicolaus downgraded Telus Digital from a buy rating to a hold rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $4.00 to $4.50 in a research report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Stifel Canada cut Telus Digital from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Telus Digital in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, National Bankshares downgraded shares of Telus Digital from a sector perform rating to a tender rating and upped their price target for the stock from $4.00 to $4.50 in a research report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $3.93. Get Telus Digital alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Telus Digital Telus Digital Stock Down 0.6% Shares of NYSE TIXT opened at $4.33 on Friday. Telus Digital has a 52-week low of $2.13 and a 52-week high of $4.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.84. The business has a fifty day moving average of $4.40 and a two-hundred day moving average of $3.71. The stock has a market cap of $1.20 billion, a PE ratio of -3.12 and a beta of 0.94. Telus Digital (NYSE:TIXT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, August 1st. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.05 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $711.33 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $660.87 million. Telus Digital had a negative net margin of 14.09% and a positive return on equity of 1.99%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Telus Digital will post 0.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. grew its position in shares of Telus Digital by 41.0% during the 3rd quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 25,566 shares of the companys stock worth $112,000 after buying an additional 7,435 shares during the period. Scoggin Management LP acquired a new stake in Telus Digital during the 2nd quarter worth $2,011,000. Moore Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Telus Digital during the 2nd quarter valued at $508,000. LMR Partners LLP bought a new stake in shares of Telus Digital during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,089,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its stake in shares of Telus Digital by 141.2% in the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 73,778 shares of the companys stock valued at $268,000 after purchasing an additional 43,184 shares during the period. 59.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Telus Digital (Get Free Report) TELUS Digital Inc design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in the Asia-Pacific, the Central America, Europe, Africa, North America, and internationally. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Telus Digital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telus Digital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Saturday. WEC has been the topic of several other reports. Mizuho set a $125.00 price target on WEC Energy Group in a report on Monday, October 27th. Citigroup assumed coverage on WEC Energy Group in a report on Friday, October 3rd. They issued a buy rating and a $131.00 target price on the stock. Cowen started coverage on WEC Energy Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Scotiabank upped their price target on shares of WEC Energy Group from $129.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of WEC Energy Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $120.21. Get WEC Energy Group alerts: View Our Latest Report on WEC Energy Group WEC Energy Group Price Performance WEC opened at $110.62 on Friday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $111.99 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $108.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 0.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $35.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.91, a P/E/G ratio of 3.15 and a beta of 0.48. WEC Energy Group has a 52-week low of $91.94 and a 52-week high of $118.18. WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, September 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $2.28 billion during the quarter. WEC Energy Group had a net margin of 17.75% and a return on equity of 12.60%. As a group, analysts predict that WEC Energy Group will post 5.23 EPS for the current year. WEC Energy Group Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a $0.8925 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $3.57 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.2%. WEC Energy Groups dividend payout ratio is 67.49%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other WEC Energy Group news, CEO Scott J. Lauber sold 9,231 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $110.88, for a total transaction of $1,023,533.28. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 56,443 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,258,399.84. This trade represents a 14.06% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Ulice Payne, Jr. sold 1,620 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.00, for a total value of $179,820.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 20,360 shares in the company, valued at $2,259,960. The trade was a 7.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On WEC Energy Group Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WEC. CVA Family Office LLC boosted its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 25.4% during the 3rd quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 440 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. Blossom Wealth Management raised its stake in WEC Energy Group by 1.4% during the third quarter. Blossom Wealth Management now owns 6,439 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $738,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in WEC Energy Group by 1.6% during the second quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,712 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $595,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of WEC Energy Group by 14.3% in the 1st quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 744 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $81,000 after buying an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of WEC Energy Group by 3.6% in the 2nd quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 2,720 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $283,000 after buying an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.20% of the companys stock. WEC Energy Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) WEC Energy Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. It operates through Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, and Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure segments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for WEC Energy Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WEC Energy Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 6,253 shares of the pipeline companys stock, valued at approximately $113,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Ryan Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Energy Transfer during the 2nd quarter worth about $31,000. Vision Financial Markets LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Energy Transfer during the 1st quarter worth about $33,000. CNB Bank increased its position in shares of Energy Transfer by 111.1% during the 2nd quarter. CNB Bank now owns 1,900 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares during the last quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Energy Transfer during the 1st quarter valued at about $38,000. Finally, N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in Energy Transfer in the 1st quarter valued at about $40,000. 38.22% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Energy Transfer alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group set a $17.00 target price on Energy Transfer and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $22.00 target price on shares of Energy Transfer in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. TD Cowen assumed coverage on Energy Transfer in a research report on Monday, July 7th. They issued a buy rating and a $22.00 target price for the company. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $25.00 target price on shares of Energy Transfer in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Energy Transfer from $24.00 to $23.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 26th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $22.23. Insider Activity at Energy Transfer In related news, Director Kelcy L. Warren acquired 1,350,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 20th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $17.36 per share, with a total value of $23,436,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 69,178,477 shares in the company, valued at $1,200,938,360.72. This represents a 1.99% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 3.28% of the companys stock. Energy Transfer Stock Performance Shares of Energy Transfer stock opened at $16.83 on Tuesday. Energy Transfer LP has a one year low of $14.60 and a one year high of $21.45. The company has a market cap of $57.77 billion, a PE ratio of 13.05, a P/E/G ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 1.15. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $17.11 and a 200-day simple moving average of $17.42. Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 6th. The pipeline company reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.32. Energy Transfer had a return on equity of 11.08% and a net margin of 5.80%.The business had revenue of $19.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.07 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.35 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Energy Transfer LP will post 1.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. Energy Transfer Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th will be given a dividend of $0.3325 per share. This is a boost from Energy Transfers previous quarterly dividend of $0.33. This represents a $1.33 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 7th. Energy Transfers dividend payout ratio is presently 103.10%. About Energy Transfer (Free Report) Energy Transfer LP provides energy-related services. The company owns and operates natural gas transportation pipeline, and natural gas storage facilities in Texas and Oklahoma; and approximately 20,090 miles of interstate natural gas pipeline. It also sells natural gas to electric utilities, independent power plants, local distribution and other marketing companies, and industrial end-users. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Energy Transfer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Energy Transfer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) has recently received a number of price target changes and ratings updates: 10/22/2025 Hewlett Packard Enterprise is now covered by analysts at Piper Sandler. They set a neutral rating and a $24.00 price target on the stock. 10/16/2025 Hewlett Packard Enterprise had its price target raised by analysts at UBS Group AG from $23.00 to $25.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 10/16/2025 Hewlett Packard Enterprise had its price target raised by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from $27.00 to $31.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 10/16/2025 Hewlett Packard Enterprise had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays PLC from $26.00 to $27.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 10/8/2025 Hewlett Packard Enterprise had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 10/6/2025 Hewlett Packard Enterprise had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $26.00 to $28.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 10/2/2025 Hewlett Packard Enterprise had its price target raised by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from $25.00 to $27.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 9/29/2025 Hewlett Packard Enterprise was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating. 9/27/2025 Hewlett Packard Enterprise had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 9/16/2025 Hewlett Packard Enterprise is now covered by analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein. They set a market perform rating and a $24.00 price target on the stock. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 17th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 18th were given a $0.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 18th. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.2%. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 63.41%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Gary M. Reiner sold 40,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.58, for a total value of $983,200.00. Following the sale, the director owned 83,869 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,061,500.02. This trade represents a 32.29% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Antonio F. Neri sold 166,666 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.52, for a total transaction of $3,753,318.32. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 1,919,060 shares in the company, valued at approximately $43,217,231.20. The trade was a 7.99% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 543,738 shares of company stock valued at $12,922,932 over the last 90 days. 0.36% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Antero Midstream (NYSE:AM Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Saturday. Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Antero Midstream from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Antero Midstream from $17.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 1st. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (a-) rating on shares of Antero Midstream in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Antero Midstream from $15.50 to $17.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, August 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Antero Midstream from $17.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $18.50. Get Antero Midstream alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Antero Midstream Antero Midstream Trading Up 1.1% NYSE:AM opened at $17.44 on Friday. Antero Midstream has a 1 year low of $14.22 and a 1 year high of $19.82. The stock has a market cap of $8.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.80 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.03. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $18.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $18.13. Antero Midstream (NYSE:AM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The pipeline company reported $0.24 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.25 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $294.82 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $287.30 million. Antero Midstream had a return on equity of 22.53% and a net margin of 40.07%.Antero Midstreams revenue was down 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.21 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Antero Midstream will post 0.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Antero Midstream Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 5th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 22nd will be issued a $0.225 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 22nd. This represents a $0.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.2%. Antero Midstreams payout ratio is presently 91.84%. Insider Buying and Selling at Antero Midstream In related news, insider Sheri Pearce sold 39,155 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.51, for a total transaction of $685,604.05. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 106,489 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,864,622.39. This trade represents a 26.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.86% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Antero Midstream A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of AM. Invesco Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Antero Midstream by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 30,631,765 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $551,372,000 after purchasing an additional 586,966 shares during the period. Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C. grew its position in Antero Midstream by 31.7% during the first quarter. Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C. now owns 9,311,881 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $167,614,000 after buying an additional 2,242,283 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in Antero Midstream by 0.4% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 9,147,525 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $164,653,000 after buying an additional 34,596 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its holdings in Antero Midstream by 22.3% in the third quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 7,848,461 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $152,574,000 after buying an additional 1,430,138 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Antero Midstream by 17.6% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 4,662,358 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $83,922,000 after acquiring an additional 697,234 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 53.97% of the companys stock. Antero Midstream Company Profile (Get Free Report) Antero Midstream Corporation owns, operates, and develops midstream energy assets in the Appalachian Basin. It operates in two segments, Gathering and Processing, and Water Handling. The Gathering and Processing segment includes a network of gathering pipelines and compressor stations that collects and processes production from Antero Resources' wells in West Virginia and Ohio. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Antero Midstream Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Antero Midstream and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors boosted its position in shares of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) by 120.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 11,035 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,029 shares during the quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors holdings in Archer Daniels Midland were worth $582,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Teacher Retirement System of Texas increased its stake in Archer Daniels Midland by 1,463.2% during the 1st quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 69,955 shares of the companys stock worth $3,359,000 after buying an additional 65,480 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Archer Daniels Midland by 6.2% during the first quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 610,661 shares of the companys stock worth $29,318,000 after acquiring an additional 35,768 shares during the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. increased its holdings in Archer Daniels Midland by 10.0% during the 1st quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 29,161 shares of the companys stock worth $1,400,000 after purchasing an additional 2,641 shares during the last quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd increased its holdings in Archer Daniels Midland by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 72,636 shares of the companys stock worth $3,487,000 after purchasing an additional 3,849 shares during the last quarter. Finally, World Investment Advisors purchased a new stake in Archer Daniels Midland during the 1st quarter worth approximately $274,000. 78.28% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Archer Daniels Midland alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently issued reports on ADM shares. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Archer Daniels Midland from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, August 9th. Barclays raised shares of Archer Daniels Midland from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $50.00 to $61.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 6th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $70.00 target price (up previously from $60.00) on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a research report on Monday, August 11th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a research report on Wednesday, August 20th. They set a neutral rating and a $61.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Archer Daniels Midland has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $55.50. Archer Daniels Midland Stock Down 0.7% Archer Daniels Midland stock opened at $60.09 on Tuesday. Archer Daniels Midland Company has a one year low of $40.98 and a one year high of $65.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $28.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.47, a P/E/G ratio of 4.78 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $61.62 and a 200-day simple moving average of $55.75. Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, December 2nd. The company reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter. Archer Daniels Midland had a net margin of 1.33% and a return on equity of 8.43%. The firm had revenue of $21.70 billion during the quarter. As a group, equities analysts expect that Archer Daniels Midland Company will post 4.31 earnings per share for the current year. Archer Daniels Midland Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 20th were paid a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 20th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. Archer Daniels Midlands dividend payout ratio is presently 89.87%. Archer Daniels Midland Profile (Free Report) Archer-Daniels-Midland Company engages in the procurement, transportation, storage, processing, and merchandising of agricultural commodities, ingredients, flavors, and solutions in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ADM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Archer Daniels Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer Daniels Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) by 45.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,397,183 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 745,026 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can owned 0.18% of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF worth $237,801,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Linscomb Wealth Inc. increased its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Linscomb Wealth Inc. now owns 64,000 shares of the companys stock worth $6,331,000 after buying an additional 244 shares in the last quarter. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC now owns 130,085 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,904,000 after purchasing an additional 4,916 shares during the period. Simon Quick Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 12,228 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,213,000 after purchasing an additional 372 shares during the period. Snider Financial Group grew its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Snider Financial Group now owns 229,649 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,781,000 after purchasing an additional 5,787 shares during the period. Finally, Charter Capital Management LLC DE bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $3,459,000. 83.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Down 0.4% iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF stock opened at $100.09 on Tuesday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $100.34 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $98.98. The company has a market cap of $134.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 124.57 and a beta of 0.25. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $95.74 and a 52-week high of $101.35. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Profile IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited (LON:BMV Get Free Report) fell 11.6% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 0.42 and last traded at GBX 0.42. 5,383,657 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 60% from the average session volume of 13,361,628 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.48. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Trading Down 11.6% The companys 50-day moving average is GBX 0.85 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 0.89. The firm has a market cap of 3.63 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.27 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29, a quick ratio of 0.08 and a current ratio of 0.08. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and developing of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds interests in the Gubong project and Kochang project located in South Korea. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Road Town, the British Virgin Islands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hunting PLC (LON:HTG Get Free Report) insider Bruce Ferguson purchased 2,122 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 348 per share, with a total value of 7,384.56. Hunting Stock Down 2.1% LON HTG traded down GBX 7.50 during trading on Tuesday, hitting GBX 351. The companys stock had a trading volume of 373,084 shares, compared to its average volume of 722,719. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.64, a current ratio of 2.69 and a quick ratio of 2.08. Hunting PLC has a fifty-two week low of GBX 245 and a fifty-two week high of GBX 377.50. The company has a market cap of 545.26 million, a PE ratio of -16.56, a P/E/G ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 1.07. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 332.80 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 301.05. Get Hunting alerts: Hunting announced that its board has approved a share buyback program on Thursday, August 28th that permits the company to buyback $40.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to buy up to 6.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently weighed in on HTG shares. Collins Stewart reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 600 target price on shares of Hunting in a research note on Thursday, August 28th. Berenberg Bank reduced their target price on Hunting from GBX 465 to GBX 450 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Hunting from GBX 350 to GBX 400 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a GBX 440 price target on shares of Hunting in a research report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 600 price target on shares of Hunting in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 498. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on HTG Hunting Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hunting is a global precision engineering group, which provides quality-assured products and services for the energy, aviation, commercial space, defence, medical, and power generation sectors. Our strong focus on quality assured products, supported by rigorous health and safety procedures, ensures we assist in the delivery of energy safely and it is also the basis of our standing in this critical, global industry. Our intellectual property portfolio enables the Hunting Group to maintain a leading technology edge, so that energy projects are delivered quicker and at lower cost with minimal impact on the environment. Our people are our most important asset. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hunting Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hunting and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burney Co. reduced its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 7.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 16,083 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 1,278 shares during the period. Burney Co.s holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $3,977,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. raised its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 90.9% during the 2nd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 105 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 1st quarter worth $29,000. 1248 Management LLC acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 1st quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Banque Transatlantique SA acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 1st quarter worth $30,000. 79.77% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Insider Activity In other news, CAO Randall J. Scheuneman sold 6,802 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $265.08, for a total transaction of $1,803,074.16. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 10,314 shares in the company, valued at $2,734,035.12. The trade was a 39.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.88% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Illinois Tool Works Trading Down 0.4% NYSE ITW opened at $242.83 on Tuesday. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a one year low of $214.66 and a one year high of $279.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.53. The firms fifty day moving average is $257.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $252.67. The firm has a market cap of $70.44 billion, a PE ratio of 23.55, a P/E/G ratio of 4.10 and a beta of 1.10. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.72 by $0.09. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.05% and a return on equity of 93.26%. The business had revenue of $4.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.91 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.400-10.500 EPS. Analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 earnings per share for the current year. Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of $1.61 per share. This represents a $6.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. Illinois Tool Workss payout ratio is 62.46%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts recently commented on ITW shares. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $254.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Evercore ISI set a $265.00 price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 19th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $255.00 to $261.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $265.00 to $268.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $298.00 to $275.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $262.00. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Illinois Tool Works Illinois Tool Works Company Profile (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burney Co. lowered its stake in Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE:GNRC Free Report) by 16.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 17,268 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 3,346 shares during the period. Burney Co.s holdings in Generac were worth $2,473,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Meridian Management Co. boosted its position in Generac by 8.7% in the second quarter. Meridian Management Co. now owns 34,543 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $4,947,000 after buying an additional 2,758 shares in the last quarter. Geneva Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Generac by 3.6% during the second quarter. Geneva Capital Management LLC now owns 21,334 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $3,055,000 after acquiring an additional 748 shares during the last quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Generac during the second quarter valued at $44,000. Strs Ohio raised its stake in shares of Generac by 8.6% during the second quarter. Strs Ohio now owns 8,501 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,217,000 after acquiring an additional 672 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atria Investments Inc raised its stake in shares of Generac by 12.8% during the second quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 2,808 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $402,000 after acquiring an additional 318 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.04% of the companys stock. Get Generac alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Generac news, CEO Aaron Jagdfeld sold 5,000 shares of Generac stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $167.42, for a total value of $837,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 547,966 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $91,740,467.72. The trade was a 0.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 2.70% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Generac Price Performance Shares of NYSE GNRC opened at $163.69 on Tuesday. Generac Holdings Inc. has a twelve month low of $99.50 and a twelve month high of $203.25. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $179.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $157.00. The company has a market capitalization of $9.60 billion, a PE ratio of 31.18, a P/E/G ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 2.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. Generac (NYSE:GNRC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The technology company reported $1.83 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.25 by ($0.42). Generac had a return on equity of 17.63% and a net margin of 6.92%.The firm had revenue of $1.11 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.20 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.25 EPS. Generacs quarterly revenue was down 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. Generac has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Generac Holdings Inc. will post 8 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently issued reports on GNRC. Canaccord Genuity Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $240.00 price target on shares of Generac in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Generac from $220.00 to $215.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Roth Capital set a $184.00 price target on shares of Generac and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Generac from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, September 28th. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on shares of Generac from $188.00 to $197.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $191.06. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Generac Generac Company Profile (Free Report) Generac Holdings Inc designs, manufactures, and distributes various energy technology products and solution worldwide. The company offers residential automatic standby generators, automatic transfer switch, air-cooled engine residential standby generators, and liquid-cooled engine generators; Mobile Link, a remote monitoring system for home standby generators; residential storage solution, which consists of a system of batteries, an inverter, photovoltaic optimizers, power electronic controls, and other components; smart home solutions, such as smart thermostats and a suite of home monitoring products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Generac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Generac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CaixaBank, S.A. Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:CAIXY Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $3.55 and last traded at $3.55, with a volume of 86035 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.4750. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently issued reports on CAIXY. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a sell rating on shares of CaixaBank in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of CaixaBank in a research note on Monday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded CaixaBank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, CaixaBank presently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get CaixaBank alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on CAIXY CaixaBank Price Performance CaixaBank Company Profile The business has a 50-day moving average price of $3.39 and a 200-day moving average price of $3.07. (Get Free Report) CaixaBank, SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and financial services in Spain and internationally. The company operates through Banking and Insurance, Equity Investments, and BPI segments. It also provides solutions related to security, protection, internationalization, and financing; traditional financial advice, independent advice, and broker services; asset management; liquidity management; capital markets, cash management, project finance, asset finance, and M&A services; and various financial services and solutions to public and private sector institutions, as well as distributes non-life and life risk insurance policies; and private banking services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for CaixaBank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CaixaBank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Code Rebel Corp. (OTCMKTS:CDRBQ Get Free Report) crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $0.01 and traded as low as $0.0001. Code Rebel shares last traded at $0.0001, with a volume of 2,138 shares trading hands. Code Rebel Trading Up 9,900.0% The stocks fifty day moving average price is $0.01. Code Rebel Company Profile (Get Free Report) Code Rebel Corporation operates as a software and information technology (IT) services company. It operates in two segments, Software and IT Services. The Software segment develops, markets, and licenses interactive remote application terminal services solution (iRAPP). The iRAPP allows personal computers users to use applications on a single Mac remote desktop simultaneously via the iRAPP client or any standard compliant remote desktop protocol client. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Code Rebel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Code Rebel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2025 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 1.430-1.470 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 0.630. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Douglas Emmett Stock Down 0.4% DEI traded down $0.06 on Tuesday, hitting $12.90. 2,877,770 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,881,940. Douglas Emmett has a 12 month low of $12.39 and a 12 month high of $20.50. The company has a market cap of $2.16 billion, a PE ratio of 58.65 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 3.49 and a current ratio of 3.49. The stocks fifty day moving average is $15.07 and its 200-day moving average is $14.93. Get Douglas Emmett alerts: Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.34. Douglas Emmett had a return on equity of 1.04% and a net margin of 3.77%. Douglas Emmett has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.430-1.470 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Douglas Emmett will post 1.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. Douglas Emmett Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 30th were issued a dividend of $0.19 per share. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.9%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 30th. Douglas Emmetts payout ratio is presently 345.45%. A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on DEI shares. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Douglas Emmett from $16.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 27th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Douglas Emmett to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 13th. BMO Capital Markets set a $17.00 price objective on Douglas Emmett and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on Douglas Emmett in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $16.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Piper Sandler upped their price objective on Douglas Emmett from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $18.25. View Our Latest Research Report on DEI Hedge Funds Weigh In On Douglas Emmett Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its stake in Douglas Emmett by 48.6% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 9,896 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $149,000 after purchasing an additional 3,237 shares in the last quarter. Caxton Associates LLP acquired a new stake in Douglas Emmett in the 2nd quarter worth about $172,000. Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its stake in Douglas Emmett by 7.5% in the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 570,894 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $8,586,000 after purchasing an additional 39,894 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in Douglas Emmett by 108.3% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 16,028 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $241,000 after purchasing an additional 8,334 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Corient Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Douglas Emmett in the 2nd quarter worth about $157,000. 97.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Douglas Emmett (Get Free Report) Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Douglas Emmett Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Douglas Emmett and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. grew its position in Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES Free Report) by 2,459.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,867 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 2,755 shares during the quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in Eversource Energy were worth $182,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of ES. First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Eversource Energy by 47.2% in the first quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,026 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $64,000 after acquiring an additional 329 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas acquired a new stake in shares of Eversource Energy in the first quarter valued at approximately $3,322,000. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Eversource Energy by 3.5% in the first quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 433,004 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $26,894,000 after acquiring an additional 14,799 shares during the period. D.A. Davidson & CO. boosted its holdings in shares of Eversource Energy by 10.1% in the first quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 27,419 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,703,000 after acquiring an additional 2,509 shares during the period. Finally, OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Eversource Energy by 6.8% in the first quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 12,291 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $763,000 after acquiring an additional 778 shares during the period. 79.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eversource Energy alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have recently commented on ES shares. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Eversource Energy from $54.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on Eversource Energy in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. They set an overweight rating and a $79.00 price target for the company. Bank of America upgraded Eversource Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $73.00 to $85.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Eversource Energy in a research note on Friday. Finally, TD Cowen started coverage on Eversource Energy in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They set a hold rating and a $76.00 price target for the company. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $70.56. Eversource Energy Stock Performance NYSE ES opened at $74.28 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $27.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.88, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.69. Eversource Energy has a 1-year low of $52.28 and a 1-year high of $75.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a current ratio of 0.71 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $69.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $65.67. Eversource Energy Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 30th. Investors of record on Monday, September 22nd were given a dividend of $0.7525 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 22nd. This represents a $3.01 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.1%. Eversource Energys payout ratio is 129.18%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Loretta D. Keane purchased 3,780 shares of Eversource Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 22nd. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $66.07 per share, with a total value of $249,744.60. Following the transaction, the insider owned 12,033 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $795,020.31. The trade was a 45.80% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Company insiders own 0.19% of the companys stock. About Eversource Energy (Free Report) Eversource Energy, a public utility holding company, engages in the energy delivery business. The company operates through Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution, and Water Distribution segments. It is involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity; solar power facilities; and distribution of natural gas. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ES? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eversource Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eversource Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE:FMS Get Free Report) shares gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $26.35, but opened at $23.95. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA shares last traded at $23.8210, with a volume of 503,964 shares changing hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades FMS has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings raised Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. UBS Group lowered Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a sell rating to an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Bank of America lowered Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $27.80. Get Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on FMS Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Price Performance The company has a market cap of $14.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $26.08 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $26.59. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE:FMS Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 5th. The company reported $0.52 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.50 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $5.54 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5 billion. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA had a return on equity of 6.75% and a net margin of 3.39%. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA will post 1.51 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of FMS. Wayfinding Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA during the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Callan Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 6.6% during the 1st quarter. Callan Capital LLC now owns 13,974 shares of the companys stock worth $348,000 after buying an additional 870 shares during the period. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. lifted its position in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. now owns 64,871 shares of the companys stock worth $1,615,000 after buying an additional 584 shares during the period. Cerity Partners LLC raised its position in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 22.4% in the 1st quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 39,903 shares of the companys stock valued at $994,000 after purchasing an additional 7,299 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New York State Common Retirement Fund bought a new position in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA in the 1st quarter valued at $164,000. Institutional investors own 8.37% of the companys stock. About Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (Get Free Report) Fresenius Medical Care AG provides dialysis and related services for individuals with renal diseases in Germany, North America, and internationally. The company offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. goeasy (TSE:GSY Get Free Report) had its target price reduced by equities researchers at Jefferies Financial Group from C$230.00 to C$225.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. Jefferies Financial Groups target price would indicate a potential upside of 34.87% from the stocks current price. Several other research firms also recently issued reports on GSY. Scotiabank raised goeasy from a hold rating to an outperform rating and set a C$225.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 16th. TD Securities upped their price objective on goeasy from C$205.00 to C$210.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a C$194.00 price target on goeasy and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. National Bankshares set a C$265.00 price target on goeasy and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 23rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial increased their price target on goeasy from C$215.00 to C$226.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, goeasy currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$223.38. Get goeasy alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on GSY goeasy Trading Down 0.7% About goeasy TSE:GSY traded down C$1.11 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting C$166.83. 26,409 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 70,593. The companys 50 day moving average is C$183.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$173.64. goeasy has a twelve month low of C$134.01 and a twelve month high of C$216.50. The company has a quick ratio of 28.46, a current ratio of 82.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 287.63. The company has a market capitalization of C$2.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 0.90. (Get Free Report) goeasy Ltd provides financial services to own furniture, electronics, computers, and appliances. It offers merchandise leasing of household furnishings, appliances, and home electronic products to consumers under weekly or monthly leasing agreements. The company also offers unsecured installment loans to consumers. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for goeasy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for goeasy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC Get Free Report) and New York Health Care (OTCMKTS:BBAL Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations and dividends. Institutional & Insider Ownership 97.3% of Encompass Health shares are held by institutional investors. 2.0% of Encompass Health shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 6.7% of New York Health Care shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get Encompass Health alerts: Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings for Encompass Health and New York Health Care, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Encompass Health 0 0 8 3 3.27 New York Health Care 0 0 0 0 0.00 Earnings and Valuation Encompass Health currently has a consensus target price of $142.86, suggesting a potential upside of 21.93%. Given Encompass Healths stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts plainly believe Encompass Health is more favorable than New York Health Care. This table compares Encompass Health and New York Health Cares revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Encompass Health $5.80 billion 2.04 $455.70 million $5.29 22.15 New York Health Care N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Encompass Health has higher revenue and earnings than New York Health Care. Profitability This table compares Encompass Health and New York Health Cares net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Encompass Health 9.33% 18.19% 7.93% New York Health Care N/A N/A N/A Summary Encompass Health beats New York Health Care on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Encompass Health (Get Free Report) Encompass Health Corporation provides post-acute healthcare services in the United States and Puerto Rico. It owns and operates inpatient rehabilitation hospitals that provide medical, nursing, therapy, and ancillary services. The company provides specialized rehabilitative treatment on an inpatient basis to patients who have experienced physical or cognitive disabilities or injuries due to medical conditions, such as strokes, hip fractures, and various debilitating neurological conditions. It offers services through the Medicare program to federal government, managed care plans and private insurers, state governments, and other patients. The company was formerly known as HealthSouth Corporation and changed its name to Encompass Health Corporation in January 2018. The company was incorporated in 1984 and is based in Birmingham, Alabama. About New York Health Care (Get Free Report) New York Health Care, Inc. operates as a home care services agency primarily in New York. The company offers various home care services, such as companionship services, homemaker/housekeeper staff, professional and practical nurses, home health aides, care givers, geriatric care, and dementia and alzheimer care services. It also provides insurance services. The company was founded in 1983 and is based in Valley Stream, New York. Receive News & Ratings for Encompass Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Encompass Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Institutional & Insider Ownership 44.3% of shares of all AGRI OPERATIONS companies are owned by institutional investors. 13.2% of shares of all AGRI OPERATIONS companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Risk & Volatility YaSheng Group has a beta of 0.73, suggesting that its share price is 27% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, YaSheng Groups competitors have a beta of 0.80, suggesting that their average share price is 20% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get YaSheng Group alerts: Profitability This table compares YaSheng Group and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets YaSheng Group N/A N/A N/A YaSheng Group Competitors -408.23% -60.54% -17.89% Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio YaSheng Group $18.59 million $5.31 million 1.50 YaSheng Group Competitors $32.97 billion $118.42 million 7.46 This table compares YaSheng Group and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. YaSheng Groups competitors have higher revenue and earnings than YaSheng Group. YaSheng Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Summary YaSheng Group competitors beat YaSheng Group on 6 of the 9 factors compared. YaSheng Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) YaSheng Group, through its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets farming and sideline products; chemical materials and products; textiles; construction materials; and livestock and poultry products primarily in the People's Republic of China. It cultivates, processes, markets, and distributes various food and agro-byproducts. The company's products include cotton, corns, barley, wheat, flax, and alfalfa; vegetables comprising onions, potatoes, beet, and peas; fruits, including apples, pears, and apricots; specialty crops consisting of hops, wolfberries, cumin, hemp, and liquorices; seeds, such as black melon, sunflower, corn, hemp, and flax seeds; and eggs. It also provides construction materials, such as cement; and designs, develops, and markets new technologies related to agriculture and genetic biology. The company sells its products to food processors, supermarkets, and wholesale stores through distributors, as well as to direct customers. YaSheng Group exports its products. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Lanzhou, the People's Republic of China. As of December 31, 2015, YaSheng Group is a subsidiary of Gansu Yasheng Salt Chemical Industrial Group, Ltd. Receive News & Ratings for YaSheng Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for YaSheng Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX Get Free Report) COO Scott Andrew Sparks sold 40,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.88, for a total transaction of $275,200.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 301,042 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,071,168.96. This trade represents a 11.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Helix Energy Solutions Group Stock Down 4.0% NYSE:HLX traded down $0.28 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $6.65. 1,624,894 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,706,498. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $6.52 and a 200 day moving average price of $6.44. The company has a current ratio of 2.54, a quick ratio of 2.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $5.52 and a fifty-two week high of $11.48. The firm has a market cap of $977.35 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.73 and a beta of 1.53. Get Helix Energy Solutions Group alerts: Helix Energy Solutions Group (NYSE:HLX Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The oil and gas company reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.15. Helix Energy Solutions Group had a net margin of 3.25% and a return on equity of 2.75%. The company had revenue of $376.96 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $361.93 million. Helix Energy Solutions Groups revenue for the quarter was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. will post 0.26 earnings per share for the current year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on HLX shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 25th. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $9.00 price objective (down from $10.00) on shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group in a report on Friday, July 25th. Zacks Research cut shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group in a report on Friday, October 24th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.50. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Helix Energy Solutions Group Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HLX. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 109.8% during the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 4,804,147 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $31,515,000 after buying an additional 2,514,402 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 219.2% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,198,950 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $19,961,000 after buying an additional 2,196,916 shares in the last quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. acquired a new stake in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group during the second quarter worth approximately $10,296,000. Cerity Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group during the second quarter worth approximately $8,108,000. Finally, Encompass Capital Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 24.3% during the first quarter. Encompass Capital Advisors LLC now owns 5,099,383 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $42,376,000 after buying an additional 996,088 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.33% of the companys stock. About Helix Energy Solutions Group (Get Free Report) Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, an offshore energy services company, provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry in Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, the East Coast of the United States, North Sea, the Asia Pacific, and West Africa regions. The company operates through four segments: Well Intervention, Robotics, Production Facilities, and Shallow Water Abandonment segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Helix Energy Solutions Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Helix Energy Solutions Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its position in Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE:KRC Free Report) by 20,078.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,825 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 2,811 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc.s holdings in Kilroy Realty were worth $97,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of KRC. American National Bank & Trust acquired a new position in shares of Kilroy Realty in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Kilroy Realty by 200.0% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 755 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 1,510 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP increased its position in Kilroy Realty by 192.1% during the first quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 964 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 634 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. acquired a new position in Kilroy Realty during the second quarter worth approximately $34,000. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. increased its position in Kilroy Realty by 46.0% during the second quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,694 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $58,000 after purchasing an additional 534 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.22% of the companys stock. Get Kilroy Realty alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of Kilroy Realty from $42.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Monday, September 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of Kilroy Realty from $39.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a sell rating and set a $33.00 price target on shares of Kilroy Realty in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. New Street Research set a $45.00 price target on shares of Kilroy Realty in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Kilroy Realty in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $41.17. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CAO Merryl Elizabeth Werber sold 6,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.28, for a total transaction of $239,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 26,435 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,011,931.80. This trade represents a 19.12% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Eliott Trencher sold 3,997 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.05, for a total transaction of $152,085.85. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 43,826 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,667,579.30. The trade was a 8.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 1.57% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Kilroy Realty Price Performance Kilroy Realty stock opened at $42.21 on Tuesday. Kilroy Realty Corporation has a 52-week low of $27.07 and a 52-week high of $45.03. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $41.97 and a 200-day moving average of $37.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.58 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a quick ratio of 2.35, a current ratio of 2.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. Kilroy Realty (NYSE:KRC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.00 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $279.74 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $271.24 million. Kilroy Realty had a net margin of 28.68% and a return on equity of 5.75%. The businesss revenue was down 3.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.17 EPS. Kilroy Realty has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.180-4.240 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Kilroy Realty Corporation will post 4 EPS for the current year. Kilroy Realty Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 8th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 30th were issued a dividend of $0.54 per share. This represents a $2.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. Kilroy Realtys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 79.70%. Kilroy Realty Profile (Free Report) Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE: KRC, the company, Kilroy) is a leading U.S. landlord and developer, with operations in San Diego, Greater Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Seattle and Austin. The company has earned global recognition for sustainability, building operations, innovation and design. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KRC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE:KRC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kilroy Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kilroy Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Machina Capital S.A.S. purchased a new position in shares of Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 9,333 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $630,000. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Greenleaf Trust boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. Greenleaf Trust now owns 3,858 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $276,000 after buying an additional 162 shares in the last quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 10,733 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $768,000 after buying an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 26,049 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,865,000 after buying an additional 207 shares in the last quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 23.4% in the 2nd quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. now owns 1,106 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $75,000 after buying an additional 210 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC boosted its stake in Equity Residential by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 7,489 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $536,000 after buying an additional 226 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.68% of the companys stock. Get Equity Residential alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades EQR has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. BNP Paribas Exane lowered Equity Residential from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $76.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $81.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $76.50 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $72.92. Equity Residential Stock Performance EQR stock opened at $58.98 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.45 and a quick ratio of 0.17. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $63.77 and a 200 day moving average price of $66.25. Equity Residential has a fifty-two week low of $58.38 and a fifty-two week high of $78.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $22.53 billion, a PE ratio of 19.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.90. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.02 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.02. The company had revenue of $782.41 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $779.68 million. Equity Residential had a return on equity of 10.30% and a net margin of 37.58%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.98 earnings per share. Equity Residential has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.020-1.060 EPS. FY 2025 guidance at 3.980-4.020 EPS. Analysts forecast that Equity Residential will post 3.98 EPS for the current year. Equity Residential Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 25th were given a dividend of $0.6925 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 25th. This represents a $2.77 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.7%. Equity Residentials payout ratio is presently 91.42%. About Equity Residential (Free Report) Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EQR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MDU Resources Group (NYSE:MDU Get Free Report) will likely be releasing its Q3 2025 results before the market opens on Thursday, November 6th. Analysts expect MDU Resources Group to post earnings of $0.13 per share and revenue of $263.9290 million for the quarter. MDU Resources Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.880-0.950 EPS.Interested persons may visit the the companys upcoming Q3 2025 earningresults page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET. MDU Resources Group (NYSE:MDU Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 7th. The utilities provider reported $0.07 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by ($0.06). MDU Resources Group had a net margin of 8.25% and a return on equity of 8.29%. The firm had revenue of $351.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $315.67 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.32 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect MDU Resources Group to post $1 EPS for the current fiscal year and $1 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get MDU Resources Group alerts: MDU Resources Group Stock Performance Shares of MDU Resources Group stock opened at $19.40 on Tuesday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $17.71 and a 200 day moving average of $17.16. MDU Resources Group has a 12 month low of $15.04 and a 12 month high of $20.39. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.12 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.71. MDU Resources Group Increases Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Thursday, September 11th were issued a dividend of $0.14 per share. This is a positive change from MDU Resources Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 11th. This represents a $0.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.9%. MDU Resources Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 52.83%. A number of brokerages recently commented on MDU. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on MDU Resources Group to $22.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Weiss Ratings upgraded MDU Resources Group from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen cut MDU Resources Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, August 9th. TD Cowen initiated coverage on MDU Resources Group in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They issued a hold rating and a $20.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Zacks Research cut MDU Resources Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $19.67. View Our Latest Research Report on MDU Insider Buying and Selling at MDU Resources Group In other MDU Resources Group news, CFO Jason L. Vollmer bought 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 8th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $16.07 per share, with a total value of $80,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 344,548 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,536,886.36. The trade was a 1.47% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.94% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On MDU Resources Group Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Boothbay Fund Management LLC raised its position in shares of MDU Resources Group by 6.5% during the 2nd quarter. Boothbay Fund Management LLC now owns 12,235 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $204,000 after acquiring an additional 742 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of MDU Resources Group by 94.5% during the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,647 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 800 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in MDU Resources Group by 56.4% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,508 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 904 shares during the period. Cerity Partners LLC increased its position in MDU Resources Group by 1.2% during the second quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 145,121 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,419,000 after buying an additional 1,654 shares during the period. Finally, Corient Private Wealth LLC increased its position in MDU Resources Group by 8.6% during the second quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 23,001 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $383,000 after buying an additional 1,819 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.44% of the companys stock. MDU Resources Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) MDU Resources Group, Inc engages in the regulated energy delivery, and construction materials and services businesses in the United States. It operates through four segments: Electric, Natural Gas Distribution, Pipeline, and Construction Services. The Electric segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and operates 3,400 miles of transmission lines, 4,800 miles of distribution lines, and 82 transmission and 298 distribution substations. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for MDU Resources Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MDU Resources Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Southern (NYSE:SO Get Free Report) and National Grid Transco (NYSE:NGG Get Free Report) are both large-cap utilities companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, risk, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and valuation. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Southern and National Grid Transco, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Southern alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Southern 1 11 6 1 2.37 National Grid Transco 0 5 4 1 2.60 Southern presently has a consensus target price of $99.66, suggesting a potential upside of 6.72%. National Grid Transco has a consensus target price of $80.40, suggesting a potential upside of 6.99%. Given National Grid Transcos stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe National Grid Transco is more favorable than Southern. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Southern 15.10% 12.09% 3.06% National Grid Transco N/A N/A N/A Dividends This table compares Southern and National Grid Transcos net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Southern pays an annual dividend of $2.96 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.2%. National Grid Transco pays an annual dividend of $4.06 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.4%. Southern pays out 73.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Southern has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years. Volatility and Risk Southern has a beta of 0.43, indicating that its share price is 57% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, National Grid Transco has a beta of 0.7, indicating that its share price is 30% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Southern and National Grid Transcos gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Southern $28.91 billion 3.55 $4.40 billion $4.04 23.12 National Grid Transco $18.38 billion 4.06 $3.70 billion N/A N/A Southern has higher revenue and earnings than National Grid Transco. Insider and Institutional Ownership 64.1% of Southern shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 4.7% of National Grid Transco shares are held by institutional investors. 0.2% of Southern shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Southern beats National Grid Transco on 9 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Southern (Get Free Report) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. In addition, it owns and operates nuclear, coal, hydro, cogeneration, solar, wind, battery storage, and fuel cell facilities. Further, the constructs, operates, and maintains approximately 77,900 miles of natural gas pipelines and 14 storage facilities with total capacity of 157 Bcf to provide natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The company serves approximately 8.9 million electric and gas utility customers. Further, it develops distributed energy and resilience solutions; deploys microgrids for commercial, industrial, governmental, and utility customers; and offers digital wireless communications and fiber optics services. The Southern Company was incorporated in 1945 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. About National Grid Transco (Get Free Report) National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and gas. It operates through UK Electricity Transmission, UK Electricity Distribution, UK Electricity System Operator, New England, New York, National Grid Ventures, and Other segments. The UK Electricity Transmission segment provides electricity transmission and construction work services in England and Wales. The UK Electricity Distribution segment offers electricity distribution services in Midlands, and South West of England and South Wales. The UK Electricity System Operator segment provides balancing services for supply and demand of electricity on Great Britains electricity transmission system; and acts as an agent on behalf of transmission operators. The New England segment offers electricity and gas distribution, and electricity transmission services in New England. The New York segment provides electricity and gas distribution, and electricity transmission services in New York. The National Grid Ventures segment provides transmission services through electricity interconnectors and LNG importation at the Isle of Grain, as well as sale of renewables projects. The Other segment engages in the leasing and sale of commercial property, as well as insurance activities in the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Nichols plc (LON:NICL Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as GBX 1,004.60 and last traded at GBX 1,005, with a volume of 26708 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1,040. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Berenberg Bank increased their price target on Nichols from GBX 1,760 to GBX 1,820 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of GBX 1,820. Get Nichols alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Nichols Nichols Stock Down 3.4% About Nichols The company has a current ratio of 3.73, a quick ratio of 2.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80. The firm has a market cap of 367.46 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.01 and a beta of 0.50. The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 1,124.56 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 1,245.29. (Get Free Report) Established in 1908, Nichols operates within the resilient soft drinks category and owns or licenses several brands. Nichols is geographically and operationally diversified, operating across three routes to market of UK Packaged, International Packaged and Out of Home. In the UK, Nichols operates across five soft drinks sub-categories: squash, flavoured carbonates, fruit drinks, energy and flavoured water. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Nichols Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nichols and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NAZ Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Monday, November 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a dividend of 0.0655 per share by the investment management company on Monday, December 1st. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund Price Performance Shares of NYSE NAZ opened at $11.95 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $11.87 and a 200-day moving average of $11.80. Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund has a 52-week low of $11.28 and a 52-week high of $13.55. Get Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund alerts: About Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund (Get Free Report) Further Reading Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is managed by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of Arizona. The fund invests in municipal securities and other related investments the income, exempt from regular federal and Arizona income taxes that are rated Baa or BBB or better and having an average maturity of 18.66 years. Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Plato Investment Management Ltd increased its holdings in Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report) by 9.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 3,692 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 325 shares during the quarter. Plato Investment Management Ltds holdings in Valero Energy were worth $494,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Wayfinding Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Valero Energy in the first quarter worth about $26,000. Hoey Investments Inc. purchased a new stake in Valero Energy in the second quarter worth about $26,000. GFG Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Valero Energy in the second quarter worth about $27,000. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. lifted its stake in Valero Energy by 156.6% in the first quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. now owns 213 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares during the period. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its holdings in Valero Energy by 1,277.8% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 248 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 230 shares in the last quarter. 78.69% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Valero Energy alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have commented on VLO. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $181.00 to $194.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $166.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. UBS Group restated a buy rating and set a $183.00 price objective on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Friday, October 24th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $151.00 to $169.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Wolfe Research downgraded shares of Valero Energy from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Monday, July 14th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Valero Energy has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $179.27. Valero Energy Trading Up 1.2% Valero Energy stock opened at $171.63 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Valero Energy Corporation has a 12 month low of $99.00 and a 12 month high of $178.43. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $162.55 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $143.84. The firm has a market cap of $53.32 billion, a PE ratio of 35.83, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.05. Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The oil and gas company reported $3.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.15 by $0.51. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 8.69% and a net margin of 1.21%.The firm had revenue of $32.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $28.80 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.14 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 earnings per share for the current year. Valero Energy Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 20th will be paid a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 20th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio is 94.36%. About Valero Energy (Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Premium Brands (TSE:PBH Get Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by stock analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from C$108.00 to C$118.00 in a note issued to investors on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. Royal Bank Of Canadas target price suggests a potential upside of 23.52% from the stocks current price. PBH has been the subject of several other reports. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on Premium Brands from C$94.00 to C$109.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. Scotiabank raised their price objective on Premium Brands from C$100.00 to C$103.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Desjardins increased their target price on Premium Brands from C$98.00 to C$103.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 7th. National Bankshares increased their target price on Premium Brands from C$99.00 to C$101.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, August 7th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group increased their target price on Premium Brands from C$100.00 to C$118.00 in a report on Thursday, August 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Premium Brands presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$112.82. Get Premium Brands alerts: Read Our Latest Report on PBH Premium Brands Stock Down 2.0% Premium Brands Company Profile PBH stock traded down C$1.97 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching C$95.53. The company had a trading volume of 27,935 shares, compared to its average volume of 101,012. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 163.00, a current ratio of 1.51 and a quick ratio of 1.16. The company has a market capitalization of C$4.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.93, a PEG ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.34. Premium Brands has a 52 week low of C$72.57 and a 52 week high of C$99.90. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of C$94.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$87.71. (Get Free Report) Premium Brands Holdings Corp is engaged in specialty food manufacturing, premium food distribution, and wholesale businesses with operations in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nevada, and Washington State. The companys business segments include Specialty Foods, Premium Food Distribution, and Corporate. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Premium Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Premium Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report) by 6.8% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 6,973 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 441 shares during the period. GHP Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in Raymond James Financial were worth $1,069,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of RJF. D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its holdings in shares of Raymond James Financial by 3.6% during the first quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 5,603 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $778,000 after buying an additional 197 shares during the last quarter. Abacus Planning Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Raymond James Financial during the second quarter valued at approximately $222,000. Swedbank AB raised its holdings in shares of Raymond James Financial by 173.0% during the second quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 31,598 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,846,000 after buying an additional 20,022 shares during the last quarter. WealthTrust Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Raymond James Financial during the first quarter valued at approximately $1,174,000. Finally, Bridgewater Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Raymond James Financial during the first quarter valued at approximately $761,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.83% of the companys stock. Get Raymond James Financial alerts: Raymond James Financial Price Performance NYSE RJF opened at $158.70 on Tuesday. Raymond James Financial, Inc. has a 1 year low of $117.57 and a 1 year high of $177.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $31.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.42, a P/E/G ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.03. The businesss fifty day moving average is $166.77 and its two-hundred day moving average is $157.92. Raymond James Financial Dividend Announcement Raymond James Financial ( NYSE:RJF Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The financial services provider reported $3.11 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.83 by $0.28. Raymond James Financial had a net margin of 13.42% and a return on equity of 18.33%. The firm had revenue of $3.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.64 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.95 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Raymond James Financial, Inc. will post 11.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 1st were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 1st. Raymond James Financials payout ratio is presently 19.44%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently weighed in on RJF. Citigroup reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Raymond James Financial in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Raymond James Financial from $155.00 to $163.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, July 11th. JMP Securities boosted their target price on Raymond James Financial from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on Raymond James Financial from $180.00 to $182.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of Raymond James Financial in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $177.20. Get Our Latest Stock Report on RJF Raymond James Financial Profile (Free Report) Raymond James Financial, Inc, a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RJF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Raymond James Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raymond James Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE: PB) in the last few weeks: 10/31/2025 Prosperity Bancshares had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Cowen Inc. 10/31/2025 Prosperity Bancshares had its price target raised by analysts at TD Cowen from $79.00 to $83.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 10/30/2025 Prosperity Bancshares had its price target lowered by analysts at Piper Sandler from $84.00 to $77.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 10/30/2025 Prosperity Bancshares had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Raymond James Financial, Inc.. They now have a $77.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $75.00. 10/30/2025 Prosperity Bancshares had its price target raised by analysts at Stephens from $77.00 to $81.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 10/30/2025 Prosperity Bancshares had its price target lowered by analysts at Hovde Group from $83.00 to $80.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 10/10/2025 Prosperity Bancshares had its price target lowered by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from $78.00 to $72.00. They now have a sector perform rating on the stock. 10/8/2025 Prosperity Bancshares had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 10/7/2025 Prosperity Bancshares was given a new $75.00 price target on by analysts at Raymond James Financial, Inc.. 9/27/2025 Prosperity Bancshares had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 9/25/2025 Prosperity Bancshares is now covered by analysts at TD Cowen. They set a buy rating and a $79.00 price target on the stock. 9/24/2025 Prosperity Bancshares is now covered by analysts at Cowen Inc. They set a buy rating on the stock. 9/15/2025 Prosperity Bancshares had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. They now have a $68.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $78.00. 9/10/2025 Prosperity Bancshares is now covered by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald. They set an overweight rating and a $78.00 price target on the stock. 9/9/2025 Prosperity Bancshares is now covered by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald. They set an overweight rating and a $78.00 price target on the stock. Prosperity Bancshares Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a $0.60 dividend. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This is an increase from Prosperity Bancsharess previous quarterly dividend of $0.58. Prosperity Bancsharess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.78%. Insider Activity at Prosperity Bancshares In related news, Director Ned S. Holmes sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.34, for a total value of $39,804.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 44,600 shares in the company, valued at $2,958,764. The trade was a 1.33% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 14,300 shares of company stock valued at $950,496. 4.20% of the stock is owned by insiders. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Prosperity Bancshares Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prosperity Bancshares Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Retirement Systems of Alabama decreased its position in Sensata Technologies Holding N.V. (NYSE:ST Free Report) by 1.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 178,801 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock after selling 3,239 shares during the quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabamas holdings in Sensata Technologies were worth $5,384,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of ST. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its holdings in Sensata Technologies by 61.4% in the first quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,036 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 394 shares during the period. Signaturefd LLC raised its stake in shares of Sensata Technologies by 515.5% in the first quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 1,114 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 933 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI bought a new position in shares of Sensata Technologies in the first quarter worth about $27,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its stake in shares of Sensata Technologies by 446.2% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 994 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 812 shares during the period. Finally, Brooklyn Investment Group raised its stake in shares of Sensata Technologies by 1,575.0% in the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 1,273 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 1,197 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 99.42% of the companys stock. Get Sensata Technologies alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ST has been the topic of several recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Sensata Technologies from $40.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Sensata Technologies from $27.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Sensata Technologies from $33.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Sensata Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Barclays started coverage on Sensata Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. They set an overweight rating and a $43.00 target price on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $36.75. Sensata Technologies Stock Performance NYSE ST opened at $31.83 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.64 billion, a PE ratio of -159.14, a P/E/G ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 1.15. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $31.54 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $29.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 2.91 and a quick ratio of 1.94. Sensata Technologies Holding N.V. has a 1-year low of $17.32 and a 1-year high of $34.79. Sensata Technologies (NYSE:ST Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $0.89 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $931.98 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $918.83 million. Sensata Technologies had a positive return on equity of 17.22% and a negative net margin of 0.71%.The companys quarterly revenue was down 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.86 EPS. Sensata Technologies has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.830-0.870 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Sensata Technologies Holding N.V. will post 3.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. Sensata Technologies Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 12th. Sensata Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -240.00%. Insider Activity In related news, EVP Lynne J. Caljouw sold 3,207 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.45, for a total transaction of $104,067.15. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 66,536 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,159,093.20. This trade represents a 4.60% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.89% of the companys stock. Sensata Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Sensata Technologies Holding plc develops, manufactures, and sells sensors and sensor-rich solutions, electrical protection components and systems, and other products used in mission-critical systems and applications in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments, Performance Sensing and Sensing Solutions. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ST? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sensata Technologies Holding N.V. (NYSE:ST Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sensata Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sensata Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Retirement Systems of Alabama cut its stake in Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE Free Report) by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 49,516 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 941 shares during the period. Retirement Systems of Alabamas holdings in Nucor were worth $6,414,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in NUE. Matrix Trust Co boosted its holdings in Nucor by 53.8% in the second quarter. Matrix Trust Co now owns 240 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 84 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Nucor by 81.8% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 340 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Nucor by 209.6% during the 1st quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 418 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 283 shares in the last quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Nucor by 49.8% during the 2nd quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 442 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $57,000 after buying an additional 147 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Proathlete Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Nucor during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $58,000. 76.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Nucor alerts: Nucor Price Performance Shares of NUE opened at $148.01 on Tuesday. Nucor Corporation has a 12-month low of $97.59 and a 12-month high of $170.52. The businesss fifty day moving average is $140.92 and its 200 day moving average is $132.81. The company has a quick ratio of 1.51, a current ratio of 2.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30. The stock has a market cap of $33.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 1.75. Nucor Dividend Announcement Nucor ( NYSE:NUE Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The basic materials company reported $2.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.33. Nucor had a return on equity of 7.80% and a net margin of 5.18%.The company had revenue of $8.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.27 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.49 EPS. Nucors quarterly revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Nucor has set its Q4 2025 guidance at -2.630 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Nucor Corporation will post 7.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 30th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. Nucors dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.90%. Insider Buying and Selling at Nucor In other Nucor news, CFO Stephen D. Laxton sold 2,003 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.57, for a total transaction of $303,594.71. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 88,174 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,364,533.18. This trade represents a 2.22% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Allen C. Behr sold 9,042 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $151.28, for a total value of $1,367,873.76. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 73,661 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,143,436.08. This trade represents a 10.93% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders sold 34,333 shares of company stock worth $5,075,189. 0.46% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have issued reports on NUE. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Nucor in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Bank of America increased their price target on Nucor from $150.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Nucor from $172.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Nucor from $152.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Nucor from $140.00 to $147.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $164.30. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on NUE Nucor Company Profile (Free Report) Nucor Corporation engages in manufacture and sale of steel and steel products. It operates in three segments: steel mills, steel products, and raw materials. The Steel Mills segment produces hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and galvanized sheet steel products; plate steel products; wide-flange beams, beam blanks, and H-piling and sheet piling structural steel products; bar steel products, such as blooms, billets, concrete reinforcing and merchant bars, and engineered special bar quality products; and engages in the steel trading and rebar distribution businesses. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NUE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Nucor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nucor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) had its target price cut by investment analysts at Scotiabank from $294.00 to $284.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a sector outperform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Scotiabanks price objective suggests a potential upside of 12.11% from the stocks previous close. ESS has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Truist Financial cut their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $295.00 to $283.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $304.00 to $285.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $279.00 to $280.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, October 13th. UBS Group cut their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $297.00 to $295.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 15th. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $279.00 to $271.00 and set a cautious rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Essex Property Trust presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $295.03. Get Essex Property Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Essex Property Trust Essex Property Trust Trading Down 0.4% ESS stock traded down $1.01 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $253.32. 72,717 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 478,995. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.31 billion, a PE ratio of 19.24, a PEG ratio of 6.00 and a beta of 0.81. Essex Property Trust has a one year low of $243.25 and a one year high of $316.29. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $263.09 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $272.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.09. Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $3.97 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.96 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $473.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $472.11 million. Essex Property Trust had a net margin of 45.46% and a return on equity of 14.70%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.91 EPS. Essex Property Trust has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 3.930-4.030 EPS. FY 2025 guidance at 15.890-15.990 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Essex Property Trust will post 15.96 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Essex Property Trust Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Essex Property Trust by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,440,274 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,200,675,000 after buying an additional 87,117 shares during the last quarter. Korea Investment CORP raised its position in Essex Property Trust by 26.7% during the 1st quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 75,510 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $23,149,000 after buying an additional 15,912 shares during the last quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in Essex Property Trust by 144.7% during the 1st quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,911 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $586,000 after buying an additional 1,130 shares during the last quarter. Spirit of America Management Corp NY raised its position in Essex Property Trust by 19.9% during the 2nd quarter. Spirit of America Management Corp NY now owns 9,636 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,731,000 after buying an additional 1,600 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New York State Common Retirement Fund raised its position in Essex Property Trust by 5.9% during the 1st quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 45,083 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $13,821,000 after buying an additional 2,500 shares during the last quarter. 96.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Essex Property Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Essex Property Trust, Inc, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 252 apartment communities comprising approximately 62,000 apartment homes with an additional property in active development. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Essex Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essex Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sigma Planning Corp cut its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 17.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 17,951 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,764 shares during the period. Sigma Planning Corps holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $3,269,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of PM. Abound Wealth Management increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 566.7% in the second quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 160 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 136 shares during the period. Kelly Lawrence W & Associates Inc. CA acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the first quarter valued at $30,000. Briaud Financial Planning Inc increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 266.7% in the second quarter. Briaud Financial Planning Inc now owns 165 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 405.0% in the first quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 202 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 162 shares during the period. Finally, Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the first quarter valued at $34,000. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts recently weighed in on PM shares. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $195.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 price target on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. UBS Group cut their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $177.00 to $166.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $194.00. Philip Morris International Price Performance PM stock opened at $144.58 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $225.06 billion, a PE ratio of 26.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.43. The companys 50-day moving average is $159.59 and its 200-day moving average is $168.79. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1 year low of $116.12 and a 1 year high of $186.69. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. On average, analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were given a dividend of $1.47 per share. This is a boost from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 3rd. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.1%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is currently 106.52%. About Philip Morris International (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SSAB AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:SSAAF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 45,400 shares, an increase of 51.8% from the September 30th total of 29,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 454.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 454.0 days. SSAB AB (publ) Price Performance Shares of SSAB AB (publ) stock opened at $7.00 on Tuesday. SSAB AB has a 12 month low of $3.86 and a 12 month high of $7.00. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $6.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $6.15. Get SSAB AB (publ) alerts: SSAB AB (publ) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories SSAB AB (publ) produces and sells steel products in Sweden, Finland, Rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. It operates through five segments: SSAB Special Steels, SSAB Europe, SSAB Americas, Tibnor, and Ruukki Construction. The SSAB Special Steels segment offers quenched and tempered steels, and advanced high-strength steel products for steel and plate production. Receive News & Ratings for SSAB AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SSAB AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teck Resources Ltd (NYSE:TECK Get Free Report) (TSE:TECK) has been given an average rating of Hold by the twenty-two brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eleven have assigned a hold recommendation, nine have assigned a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $54.00. TECK has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on Teck Resources from $82.00 to $67.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 25th. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Teck Resources in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Cibc World Mkts downgraded Teck Resources from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, July 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Teck Resources from $41.00 to $43.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Veritas downgraded Teck Resources from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Get Teck Resources alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on TECK Institutional Investors Weigh In On Teck Resources Teck Resources Stock Performance Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA increased its stake in Teck Resources by 4.3% during the second quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA now owns 6,402 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $259,000 after acquiring an additional 264 shares during the last quarter. ASR Vermogensbeheer N.V. increased its stake in Teck Resources by 1.6% during the third quarter. ASR Vermogensbeheer N.V. now owns 16,721 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $734,000 after acquiring an additional 270 shares during the last quarter. Stephens Inc. AR increased its stake in Teck Resources by 4.8% during the second quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 7,189 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $290,000 after acquiring an additional 329 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Teck Resources by 69.2% in the first quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 856 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 350 shares during the period. Finally, CWM LLC boosted its position in shares of Teck Resources by 22.7% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,078 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $91,000 after buying an additional 384 shares during the period. 78.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. NYSE TECK opened at $42.74 on Friday. Teck Resources has a fifty-two week low of $28.32 and a fifty-two week high of $51.34. The stock has a market cap of $20.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 0.92. The business has a fifty day moving average of $40.49 and a 200-day moving average of $37.71. The company has a quick ratio of 2.08, a current ratio of 2.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK Get Free Report) (TSE:TECK) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The basic materials company reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.16. Teck Resources had a return on equity of 4.14% and a net margin of 11.93%.The company had revenue of $2.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.93 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.60 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 18.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Teck Resources will post 1.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Teck Resources Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.125 dividend. This is an increase from Teck Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. Teck Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 20.22%. About Teck Resources (Get Free Report) Teck Resources Limited engages in exploring for, acquiring, developing, and producing natural resources in Asia, Europe, and North America. The company operates through Steelmaking Coal, Copper, Zinc, and Energy segments. Its principal products include copper, zinc, steelmaking coal, and blended bitumen. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Teck Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teck Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telos Capital Management Inc. reduced its position in The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 11.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,431 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 735 shares during the quarter. Telos Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $496,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in Charles Schwab by 15.4% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 148,395,252 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $11,616,380,000 after purchasing an additional 19,817,022 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its holdings in Charles Schwab by 12.3% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 82,048,984 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,422,795,000 after purchasing an additional 8,954,248 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp grew its holdings in Charles Schwab by 10.8% in the first quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 17,440,301 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,365,227,000 after purchasing an additional 1,700,384 shares during the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its holdings in Charles Schwab by 16.0% in the first quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 17,115,759 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,339,822,000 after purchasing an additional 2,355,309 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 5.0% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 15,586,450 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,220,107,000 after buying an additional 743,906 shares during the last quarter. 84.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $109.00 to $111.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $130.00 to $139.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and set a $110.00 price objective on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Friday, October 17th. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $129.00 to $134.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and set a $99.00 price objective on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Friday, July 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $106.45. Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab In other Charles Schwab news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 6,144 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $96.81, for a total value of $594,800.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 11,923 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,154,265.63. This represents a 34.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Paul V. Woolway sold 3,205 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.33, for a total transaction of $299,122.65. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 34,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,245,830.74. This trade represents a 8.44% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 65,866 shares of company stock valued at $6,370,897. 6.30% of the stock is owned by insiders. Charles Schwab Price Performance NYSE:SCHW opened at $93.18 on Tuesday. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a one year low of $65.88 and a one year high of $99.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a current ratio of 0.55. The firm has a market cap of $169.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.82, a PEG ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.97. The firms fifty day moving average is $94.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $91.46. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.25 by $0.06. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 35.93% and a return on equity of 21.26%. The company had revenue of $6.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.93 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.71 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 26.6% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 EPS for the current year. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be issued a $0.27 dividend. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is presently 25.29%. Charles Schwab declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program on Thursday, July 24th that permits the company to repurchase $20.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the financial services provider to buy up to 11.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are typically an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Charles Schwab Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Thomson Reuters Co. (TSE:TRI Get Free Report) (NYSE:TRI) hit a new 52-week low during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$204.85 and last traded at C$207.70, with a volume of 642760 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$218.92. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on TRI shares. TD Securities upgraded shares of Thomson Reuters from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from C$275.00 to C$285.00 in a report on Thursday, August 28th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on Thomson Reuters from C$280.00 to C$308.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 16th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Thomson Reuters from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 9th. Cibc World Mkts raised shares of Thomson Reuters from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 19th. Finally, Huber Research upgraded shares of Thomson Reuters to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Thomson Reuters presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$265.80. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on TRI Thomson Reuters Trading Down 5.7% Thomson Reuters Announces Dividend The company has a quick ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 24.28. The stocks 50 day moving average price is C$226.47 and its 200-day moving average price is C$251.02. The stock has a market capitalization of C$93.06 billion, a PE ratio of 57.04, a PEG ratio of 3.64 and a beta of 0.33. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 19th were issued a $0.595 dividend. This represents a $2.38 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio is presently 62.71%. Thomson Reuters Company Profile (Get Free Report) Thomson Reuters is the result of the $17.6 billion megamerger of Canadas Thomson and the United Kingdoms Reuters Group in 2008 and the 2018 carve-out of its finance and risk business, Refinitiv, in which it holds a 45% stake. In 2019, the company agreed to exchange its 45% stake in Refinitiv for a 15% stake in LSE. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victoria Gold Corp (CVE:VIT Get Free Report)s stock price passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$8.30 and traded as low as C$8.22. Victoria Gold shares last traded at C$8.30, with a volume of 136,122 shares. Victoria Gold Trading Down 1.5% The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$8.30 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$8.30. The firm has a market cap of C$474.98 million and a P/E ratio of -13.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 96.76, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.71. Victoria Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Victoria Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, evaluation, and exploration of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. Its principal property is 100% owned Dublin Gulch property, which hosts the Eagle Gold deposit covering an area of approximately 555 square kilometers located in central Yukon, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Victoria Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Victoria Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW Free Report) by 16.2% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 2,238 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 312 shares during the period. iA Global Asset Management Inc.s holdings in W.W. Grainger were worth $2,328,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of W.W. Grainger by 1.1% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,388,378 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $5,322,801,000 after purchasing an additional 57,690 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in shares of W.W. Grainger by 10.1% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 822,411 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $812,403,000 after purchasing an additional 75,644 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of W.W. Grainger by 1.7% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 416,086 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $410,975,000 after purchasing an additional 6,797 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of W.W. Grainger by 4.5% in the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 306,829 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $303,095,000 after purchasing an additional 13,330 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of W.W. Grainger in the first quarter worth approximately $285,574,000. 80.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get W.W. Grainger alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages recently weighed in on GWW. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of W.W. Grainger from $1,035.00 to $1,050.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of W.W. Grainger from $1,006.00 to $1,050.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of W.W. Grainger in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Barclays began coverage on shares of W.W. Grainger in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. They set an underweight rating and a $963.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Loop Capital cut their price objective on shares of W.W. Grainger from $1,000.00 to $950.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $1,059.86. W.W. Grainger Trading Down 1.4% Shares of GWW stock opened at $965.33 on Tuesday. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a 12 month low of $893.99 and a 12 month high of $1,227.66. The company has a quick ratio of 1.64, a current ratio of 2.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The businesss 50 day moving average is $978.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1,015.94. The company has a market cap of $46.17 billion, a PE ratio of 24.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.17. W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $10.21 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.95 by $0.26. W.W. Grainger had a return on equity of 49.63% and a net margin of 10.99%.The company had revenue of $4.66 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.64 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $9.87 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. W.W. Grainger has set its FY 2025 guidance at 39.000-39.750 EPS. Equities analysts predict that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 40.3 EPS for the current year. W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th will be paid a $2.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 10th. This represents a $9.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. W.W. Graingers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.35%. Insider Activity In other news, SVP Jonny M. Leroy sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $992.86, for a total value of $496,430.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 1,771 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,758,355.06. This trade represents a 22.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 6.10% of the companys stock. W.W. Grainger Profile (Free Report) W.W. Grainger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GWW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for W.W. Grainger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W.W. Grainger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chinas tech innovation shapes new tourism style, promotes public engagement Global Times) 09:18, November 04, 2025 Illustration: Xia Qing/GT South China's Guangdong Province on Monday unveiled a new plan to promote tourism, which includes an eye-catching component - technological industry tours. The initiative aims to design high-quality travel routes that connect the region's leading universities, research institutes, technology parks, and major infrastructure projects, offering visitors hands-on experiences with frontier innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and autonomous driving. Once off-limits to outsiders and defined by the hum of heavy machinery, factory floors in China are now attracting a growing number of curious visitors. Industrial heritage sites, high-tech assembly lines, and interactive learning spaces have transformed manufacturing zones into unexpected tourist destinations. What was once a symbol of industrial work and production is being reimagined as a space for education, innovation, and leisure - reflecting how technology and tourism are beginning to converge in today's China. According to Economic Information Daily, high-tech and heavy-industry study tours emerged as an unexpected highlight during this year's National Day holiday, with interest in aerospace and automotive experiences accounting for more than 20 percent of bookings. An executive of a Chinese-based educational travel agency noted that some foreign teenagers are also fascinated by China's frontier technologies, particularly AI applications in autonomous driving. Turning the focus back to Guangdong, the province plans to promote 51 curated industrial tourism routes and aims to expand its industrial tourism offerings to about 300 sites by the end of 2025, while also developing new industrial tourism destinations. The developments in the province illustrate the wider forces behind the growth of technological industry tours, highlighting trends that go beyond traditional tourism. First, Guangdong's rapid technological development provides a solid basis for these tours. From AI research laboratories to modern manufacturing clusters, the province's innovation ecosystem offers a range of accessible, hands-on experiences for both domestic and international visitors. The concentration and quality of these technological hubs make Guangdong well-positioned to develop industrial tourism that integrates education and technological exposure. Second, interest in Guangdong's technological industry tours is steadily increasing, reflecting more than casual curiosity. The trend points to a wider engagement with science and innovation among the general public. Parents, in particular, are showing growing interest in these tours as educational opportunities, aiming to foster technological awareness and curiosity in their children. The development of such tours indicates that China's technological growth is increasingly intersecting with everyday cultural and educational activities. While Guangdong provides a useful glimpse into the rise of technological industry tours, the trend is spreading rapidly across China. As the country's science and industrial sectors advance, technology- and industry-themed tourism is emerging as a new growth area, offering diverse experiences and substantial potential. From observing robotic arms executing precise tasks on smart production lines to engaging directly with local manufacturing techniques, an increasing number of factories in Chinese cities are becoming destinations for young travelers and tech enthusiasts seeking immersive industrial experiences. For instance, the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Beijing E-Town) has attracted growing groups of tourists with diverse industrial tourism attractions, including humanoid robots, unmanned vehicles, aerospace exploration bases, automobile factories, and robot industrial parks showcasing cutting-edge robotics and technology experiences. Tech- and industrial-focused tourism projects have become an increasingly popular segment of holiday travel, stimulating related sectors such as dining, cultural industries, and education, while injecting new vitality into local economies. More cities across China are now launching technology-themed tourism initiatives, helping to drive travel consumption. For instance, the Science and Technology Daily reported that during a recent national holiday, ticket revenue at the Xi'an Science and Technology Museum rose by more than 600 percent. From a global perspective, China's industrial tourism sector remains relatively young, with significant room for growth. Compared with countries such as Germany, where industrial tourism is more established, China is still developing both market scale and infrastructure. According to a report cited by Science and Technology Daily, China had more than 1,200 industrial tourism enterprises as of early 2024, and the market is expected to exceed 100 billion yuan ($14 billion) by 2030. All in all, technological industry tours are gaining traction across China and represent a sector with considerable growth potential. Beyond serving as leisure destinations, these tours offer a lens through which to observe how advances in science and technology are shaping consumer engagement and generating new economic momentum. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund (NYSEARCA:DEM Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-strong trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 419,138 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 82% from the previous sessions volume of 230,045 shares.The stock last traded at $46.0290 and had previously closed at $46.14. WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund Stock Down 0.6% The business has a 50-day moving average of $46.17 and a two-hundred day moving average of $45.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.40 and a beta of 0.62. Get WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Creekmur Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund by 172.3% during the second quarter. Creekmur Asset Management LLC now owns 580 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 367 shares in the last quarter. Advantage Trust Co acquired a new position in WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Trust Co. of Vermont acquired a new position in WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund during the 3rd quarter worth $29,000. AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund by 54.8% during the second quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 709 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 251 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC acquired a new position in WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund during the 1st quarter valued at about $36,000. 58.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that closely correspond to the price and yield performance of the WisdomTree Emerging Markets Equity Income Index (the Index). The Index is a fundamentally weighted index that measures the performance of the highest dividend yielding stocks selected from the WisdomTree Emerging Markets Dividend Index. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Headquartered in Derry and founded just two years ago to transform the investment landscape for women across the island of Ireland, AwakenAngels has announced its portfolio companies have secured a total of over 4 million (4.5M) in funding. The significant milestone was revealed in a joint impact report with sister organisation AwakenHub, entitled Breaking Barriers. Backing Women. Building Businesses. The report details how the two groups have rapidly established a vital new support network for women founders and investors while also opening expressions of interest for their 2026 US Trade Mission. AwakenAngels backs companies based on the island of Ireland where at least one woman founder holds a minimum 20% equity stake. Companies seeking to raise funds from the syndicate can come from any sector. To pitch to the syndicate, founders must be members of AwakenHub, ensuring they are part of a supportive community and investment-ready. The eight portfolio companies in the syndicate, which have collectively raised 4 million of investment to date for their businesses, include Yavia (Joanne Cole, Banbridge), Movetru (Naomi McGregor, Belfast), ITUS Secure Technologies (Clare Ryan, Derry/Donegal), KinetikIQ (Emma Meehan, Galway), Konree Innovation (Margaret Rae, Galway), Eve Mobility (Sarah-Marie Rust, Dublin), Kowroo (Sheelagh Brady, Kildare and BiaSol (Niamh Dooley, Offaly). The AwakenAngels syndicate also has three additional deals now in due diligence. Other figures from the report highlighting the syndicates progress in reshaping Irelands investment landscape and opening up angel investing to more women include doubling membership to over 118 investors and adding 13 experienced deal leaders to support its expanding portfolio. Ninety percent of syndicate investors are women. A new CPD-accredited AwakenAngels Investor Academy has already trained 75 novice investors, with another 35 starting the programme this month. Two all-island initiatives, supported through InterTradeIrelands Shared Island programme, helped build a new pipeline of women investing in women. They included an Angel Investor Masterclass Series attended by more than 260 women across Ireland and the US, and a unique Deal Leader Training programme that supported more seasoned investors in leading deals confidently. The report also recognises the support of InterTradeIreland and the British Business Bank, which part-fund programme delivery and increase accessibility for women investors by sponsoring several first-time angels*. AwakenHub and AwakenAngels also announced today that they are now inviting expressions of interest for their next St Brigids Day Trade Mission. Taking place in early February 2026, the mission will once again spotlight Irish women founders and investors on the international stage, connecting them with diaspora networks, investors, and potential partners across the US. Expressions of interest can now be registered at www.awakenhub.com. The call follows the first-ever joint trade mission by both organisations to San Francisco last week. Among the companies travelling were Dublin-based Eve Mobility, Kildare-based Kowroo and KAIDRON powered by Beauty Buddy, and from Co. Antrim, StimOxyGen, and Silver Apples Digital Ltd. Highlights included a dedicated Irish Tech Pitch Night, meetings with Neale Richmond, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, and an AwakenAngels Showcase hosted by Micheal Smith, Consul General of Ireland in San Francisco. Delegates also met Suzanne Rice, AwakenAngels Diaspora Ambassador and one of Silicon Valleys Top 100 Women of Influence. Speaking about the successes highlighted in the joint report, CEO and cofounder, Clare McGee, said: Our latest report shows how women founders across Ireland are now accessing and actively seeking investment and networks that didnt exist before AwakenHub and AwakenAngels, and doing so with a newfound confidence. "Were building a new funding ecosystem and a new generation of investors taking control of their financial futures by backing brilliant Irish women founders. I want to thank our partners and our Advisory Board, for their belief in our mission. Well keep working to lower barriers to angel investing and to create more opportunities for women founders. "Id encourage any women founders or potential investors to connect with us, and those seeking to expand into the US to register their interest in our next trade mission before spaces fill up. Emphasising the difference both organisations have made to Irish women founders and the growing community of investors of all genders who are backing them, Naomi McGregor, founder of Movetru, the second company to receive investment from the AwakenAngels syndicate, said: AwakenHub helped me grow as a founder, and AwakenAngels believed in me early on. That support gave us the credibility to close a 1.2 million international fundraising round and join an incredible network of founders, and investors from all backgrounds, who are driving Irish women-led businesses forward and understanding the specific challenges we face. "This report shows whats possible when people of all genders unite to back the next generation of Irish companies, and I want to say a huge thanks and well done to both organisations. AwakenAngels and AwakenHubs Advisory Board includes Ronan Dunne (Chairman of Six Nations Rugby, NED at Marks & Spencer, former CEO of Verizon and O2), Aine Kerr (entrepreneur, exited founder, broadcaster), Gillian McColgan (investor and exited entrepreneur), and Dr Bryan Keating CBE (tech investor and Managing Partner, CIP Partnership). Commending the impressive progress made by both organisations, Ronan Dunne, added: What were seeing from the work of AwakenAngels and AwakenHub is essentially a rebalancing of the entire entrepreneurial and investment landscape on this island. "Their work to lower barriers and enable more women to scale and invest is driving the kind of systemic change that will deliver long-term economic and social returns for us all. Their work is proof of how, if we drive inclusive investment, we can unlock innovation, growth, and opportunity at scale. It is going to be very interesting to see whats next as more and more women founders and investors join their impressive community. AwakenHub The joint impact report, which is available online at AwakenHub.com also highlights how AwakenHub has cemented its position as the go-to community for women founders across the island of Ireland. Having recently marked its fifth anniversary, the platform now boasts a community of more than 3,500 subscribers and hosts more than 350 ambitious entrepreneurs on its private AwakenClub platform. Over 140 women have already participated in its SheGenerate pre-accelerator, supported by the British Business Bank and AIB, with many progressing to the SheScales growth programme. Designed specifically for women founders who are ready to scale, it was delivered in association with Cranfield University Management School and supported by British Business Bank and the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme developed by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland. AwakenHub is also a core delivery partner on the EU-funded WomenTechEU programme and the Shared Island Atlantic Futures research project. Anyone seeking information on how to join the AwakenHub and AwakenAngels community can find out more at awakenangelshq.com and awakenhub.com. The funeral of a man who was killed in a suspected hit-and-run near Dungiven at the weekend will take place later this week. Paddy Flanagan, a retired teacher from the Waterside area of Derry, died in hospital a short time after being found seriously injured on the Foreglen Road, Dungiven in the early hours of Sunday morning. Police are continuing to investigate the tragic death and have stated that they believe the father-of-one was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run road traffic collision. A death notice, published this evening, describes Mr Flanagan as the beloved husband of Paula, loving father of Sian, cherished son of Patricia and the late Eamon and dear brother of Sean, Michael, Margaret, Geraldine, Pauline, Eamon, Kevin, Seamus and Noel. The 69 year-olds wake will commence at his Prehen home tomorrow (Wednesday). Paddys funeral will leave from there on Friday at 10.20am for 11am Requiem Mass in The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Trench Road. Interment will take place afterwards in the City cemetery. The death notice stated that donations can be made in lieu of flowers, if wished, to Air Ambulance. Tributes have been paid online to Mr Flanagan, who previously taught at St Columbas Primary School in Newbuildings. One post read: Heartbreaking news, a teaching legend who influenced the lives of so many children and a friend to many, rest in peace Paddy, condolences to your whole family. A former pupil of Mr Flanagans added: Thinking of his whole family. He was the best P7 teacher. So many laughs and made our last year of primary school at St Columba's memorable. RIP to a true legend! Following the introduction of the Equipment Theft (Prevention Act) 2023 in England and Wales, Sinn Fein Sperrin Councillor Fergal Leonard has called for an introduction for similar legislation in the North of Ireland to make it mandatory to have All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) and GPS Units marked with forensic markings and registered on a Database. Councillor Leonard stated: "Rural Crime statistics are at an unacceptable level and organised criminal gangs are targeting farms and leaving farmers in emotional and financial turmoil. Any measures to assist and sustain our essential farming communities must be explored. This new legislation if introduced would make it easier for PSNI to track stolen equipment and act as a deterrent. There is currently a voluntary initiative with Derry & Strabane PCSP and PSNI for trailer and quad marking that I would encourage everyone to use." Continuing, Councillor Leonard, who is a member of Derry & Strabane PCSP said: "There needs to be close links with and sharing of information with An Garda Siochana to deal with all aspects of rural crime." He added that he will be working along with party colleague Declan Mc Aleer to have the Equipment Theft (Prevention Act) legislation enacted in the North of Ireland. Declan Mc Aleer MLA said: "I will be raising the enacting of this legislation with the Justice Minister Naomi Long and also exploring the possibility of a Rural Crime strategy to deal with all types of rural crime including theft of animals, equipment and flytipping." The PSNI has been accused of vindictive, political policing by Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit). It follows the revelation last week the T-shirt worn by fellow councillor, Gary Donnelly (Independent) at a Derry City and Strabane District Council meeting is being investigated by the PSNI under the Terrorism Act 2000. Asked by The Derry News for a comment on the PSNI taking such action in relation to an elected councillor, with a democratic mandate, attending a Council meeting, the NI Policing Boards communications manager said: This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. Cllr Harkin made his remarks as three People Before Profit (PBP) members appeared in court this week in relation to peaceful protests against Israels genocide in Gaza. The three, Cllr Harkin, Goretti Horgan and Davina Pulis notified the court that they would not accept a police warning and would fight on to challenge criminalisation for protesting genocide. We as a party stand 100% with our members and other Palestine solidarity campaigners facing prosecution and criminalisation, said Cllr Harkin. Derry City and Strabane District Council backed a motion opposing the proscription of Palestine Action and calling for harassment of all Palestine solidarity campaigners to end, he added. Delegates representing trade unions from across Ireland voted unanimously for a motion committing the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to supporting Palestine solidarity campaigners facing state victimisation for opposing genocide. Our members, and others facing similar charges, have done nothing wrong and, therefore, should face no police sanctions. In fact, Palestine solidarity campaigners should be commended by the Justice Minister for acting to stop complicity with genocide and war crimes committed on the Palestinian people. On behalf of our party, we thank Des Doherty and Sinead Rogan for their excellent legal representation, advice and support for our members. Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has supported us and joined us at the Courthouse in solidarity over many months. The global movement opposed to genocide and warmongering will not go silent, said Cllr Harkin. He added: I believe the PSNI is involved in vindictive, political policing. This process has dragged on and on. The PSNI constantly claim to be under-resourced and at breaking point, yet they can waste time and public money on vexatious prosecutions of anti-genocide protesters. Just last month PSNI officers were sent to arrest elderly protesters in London for holding signs in support of Palestine Action. While Goretti, Nina and I were in court, Unionist politicians from the DUP, UUP and TUV were boasting on social media of their support for the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv. The Norths Education Minister used the social media operation of his department to promote his Israeli government-paid trip, framing it as an educational fact-finding mission. DUP MLA Paul Givan visited schools in Apartheid Israel and used civil servants paid by us to promote a country accused of genocide. Givan could not have visited schools in Gaza as according to Save the Children over 90% of schools there have been destroyed by Israeli Occupation Forces. All 12 universities in Gaza have been bombed from the air by Israeli terror forces. It is frankly ridiculous that we are in court for opposing genocide when paid public representatives are swanning around the criminal state of Israel attempting to whitewash their crimes, said Cllr Harkin. The People Before Profit members said they would continue to fight any charges that arise from our solidarity actions for the Palestinian people. The party also called for the resignation of Paul Givan. The TUV, UUP and DUP are useful idiots for apartheid, said Cllr Harkin. We call on the Protestant working class of the North to reject these genocide supporting ghouls and stand up for the oppressed not the oppressor. The Carson Awards Showcase is an annual event celebrating the creative and project-based talents of pupils from Integrated schools throughout Northern Ireland. At this year's event, Oakgrove Integrated College was honoured with the Special Recognition Award for Musical Composition, presented in memory of the late Norman Houston OBE. The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) expressed delight that renowned actor, director, and playwright Dan Gordon generously gave his time to host the special celebration event. The event took place on October 23 at New-Bridge Integrated College (IC). Dan wrote and performed the acclaimed one-man show A Rebel without a Pause, which told the story of late comedian and Carson Awards-founder Frank Carson. Host Dan Gordon said: I am delighted to host the annual Carson Awards Showcase this year. The Carson Awards Showcase offer a fantastic opportunity for young people to express themselves creatively under the theme of What Integrated Education Means to Me. As an actor, director and playwright, I have been so impressed by the wide variety of innovative projects on display. The Carson Awards Showcase shows the potential and offers a glimpse into a very bright future for the next generation. The Carson Bursary grant programme and Carson Awards were generously started by late comedian and Integrated Education supporter Frank Carson, along with his son Tony Carson in 2008. The Carson Awards Showcase gives those who have received a Carson Bursary or won a Carson Award the opportunity to show their creative projects. This year it felt fitting to hold the event in New-Bridge IC in Loughbrickland, a school which is celebrating its 30-year anniversary and which has fostered creativity through participation in the Carson Awards over many years. Oakgrove IC received a Special Recognition Award for Musical Composition in memory of Norman Houston OBE for their innovative media and music project called Sooty Pawed Steps. Paul Caskey OBE, Chief Executive at the IEF, said: The IEF are delighted to be celebrating the 18th year of the Carson Awards. The variety and quality of entries never ceases to amaze. We want to congratulate Oakgrove IC as the worthy winners of a Special Recognition Award for Musical Composition for their very creative project called Sooty Pawed Steps. Given the high level of entries this year, Oakgrove IC should be extremely proud of their achievement. The IEF also wants to thank Tony Carson for his continued support for the Carson Awards, which is a fitting tribute to the legacy of our friend and supporter Frank Carson. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Samsung ordered to pay US$191 million for OLED patent infringement in US court ruling A US federal court jury in Texas has found Samsung Electronics liable for infringing patents related to OLED technology and ordered the company to pay damages totaling approximately US$191.4 million. The verdict stems from claims brought by Pictiva Displays, an Irish subsidiary of patent licensing firm Key Patent Innovations, involving Samsung's use of specified OLED patents in its consumer electronics. Key patents at center of dispute According to SE Daily and Yonhap, citing Reuters, the jury determined that Samsung's Galaxy smartphones, televisions, computers, and wearable devices employed OLED technology covered by two patents held by Pictiva Displays. Despite Samsung's argument challenging the patents' validity, the court sided with Pictiva in the recent trial. However, the final ruling will still be subject to judicial review before becoming definitive. Origins of the patent portfolio Pictiva Displays holds a portfolio of hundreds of patents acquired from lighting company Osram during the early commercialization phase of OLED technology in the 2000s. The firm asserted in its 2023 lawsuit that Samsung's widespread use of its patented OLED innovations warranted substantial compensation. Samsung plans appeal While the jury's decision awards Pictiva Displays significant damages, the US District Court must now review the legal merits to issue a conclusive verdict. Samsung has expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome and has concurrently filed a challenge with the US Patent Office, seeking invalidation of the contested patents. The technology giant remains confident it will ultimately succeed in defending its use of OLED technology. Reuters reported that this recent case is part of a broader trend of large-scale patent infringement lawsuits targeting Samsung's mobile and display technologies. The company's ongoing legal battles underscore the complex intellectual property landscape surrounding OLED innovations used in modern electronic devices. Article edited by Jerry Chen There is a limit to what Ireland can do for immigrants, the Tanaiste said, as he claimed some people wanted to shut down debate on the matter. Simon Harris said that recent data from the Economic and Social Research Institute shows that the population is growing way faster than baseline projections. The Fine Gael leader said this has an impact on public services and housing. Speaking to reporters before a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he said: The conversation about migration isnt just about international protection, its about our population growth in general. He added: Roughly speaking, for every 10,000 people come into our country, around 3,000 more homes are needed. So lets actually have a rational, calm, informed debate that doesnt seek to label people, shout them down and box them into certain positions. This is not left or right, this is about having a common-sense, evidence-based policy. Mr Harris made the comments after senior Government figures agreed to cut the length of time Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland can stay in State accommodation from 90 days to 30. He said there had been a significant increase in the number of people coming from Ukraine, which has been attributed to a change of law in that country which eased travel restrictions for men aged 18 to 22. On Monday, a Cabinet sub-committee heard if that current trends continued, with 50 people a day requiring 90-day accommodation, the total available capacity may be exhausted this month. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, more than 120,000 people fleeing the war had been granted temporary protection in Ireland, with around 83,000 remaining in the State. The Tanaiste said: There is a limit to what this country can do, and therefore you have to respond with pragmatism. Mr Harris recently said that that general migration figures, outside of asylum applications, were too high. Asked if he stood by by the remarks, he said: Absolutely, and I think its quite extraordinary how many people want to shut down debate. Actually, many people dont. The Irish people want to know that their Government is putting in place a system that is fair. Let me be really clear: Migration is a good thing. I said that last part when I made the comments. There are parts of our public services that would fall over were it not for people coming to our country and contributing. Migration is a good thing. But you know what is also a good thing? Having a system that has rules, having a system that has rules that are applied, making sure that theres common sense and a social cohesion element to all of that. Mr Harris said the Government was bringing in a system that would make sure that international protection applicants who have jobs pay a contribution towards what is provided for them. He said this measure, which was flagged last year, needs to happen more quickly. Also speaking before Cabinet, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he expected the system to be rolled out over the next nine months. Its the fair thing to do, if people are working that they would make a contribution to their accommodation and food. Dundalk-Carlingford Sinn Fein representative, Cllr Antoin Watters has said that the news that Fastway Couriers has gone into receivership is having a detrimental effect on workers and small businesses in Louth alike. Councillor Watters told the Dundalk Democrat that this has come as a major shock to their 300+ workers who still have their bills to pay despite losing their income. I know of a few lads around Cooley and throughout Louth that usually picked up delivery work in November and December to help with the cost of Christmas and beyond. That safety net has gone now too, without warning. He continued: With the cost of living crisis and the lack of any thought for workers and their families in the last budget, I fear that even more families are going to be pushed further below the poverty line. People have paid for parcels in good faith and are facing uncertainty of delivery, fearing they may be one of around 50,000 parcels lying undelivered in a warehouse. The Receivers said they are working with third party delivery companies to get them delivered but it is uncertain. Read also: Attack on IPAS centre in Louth roundly condemned by local representatives Cllr Watters, who works for OConnors Roofing Supplies in Lordship, said it is a logistical nightmare because we, like many other small businesses throughout Louth, have sent goods and we are getting calls from customers who have not received them. Thankfully, we dont have a large online sales side but look at the businesses that do. How do they recoup their lost stock? They are going to have to send the stock again with an alternative courier and that in itself is a problem. Other courier companies are too busy to take on fresh contracts and are struggling coming up to Christmas anyway. They cant possibly take on any more work. Fastway has left a gaping hole in the market at the worst possible time of the year. The Sinn Fein councillor also cautioned, the government needs to take this receivership as a warning that their policy of piling taxes upon taxes on an already beleaguered industry is not working and we are in danger of seeing other haulage Companies follow suit leading to even more job losses. Ireland relies heavily on road haulage delivery services for supply chains and we can see the chaos caused by Fastway going into receivership, imagine this happening on an even bigger scale. Cllr Watters said that several things need to happen here, firstly the government need to ensure the workers have all necessary supports open to them and must liaise with the Department of Social Protection and Intreo to help workers secure alternative employment as quickly as possible. Arrangements need to be made for customers to receive their parcels that have been paid for as quickly as possible. Thirdly, and most importantly, sub-contractors and road haulage companies may not be able to recoup their losses and the government need to prevent this from spiralling, they need to reassess how haulage companies are treated. They face increasing fuel costs while getting little to no support on their transition to HVO fuels, increasingly restrictive regulations which is crippling the industry and the last budget offered no compensation or comfort to the haulage companies or their workers. Cllr Watters concluded Its a worrying time for a lot of people and the government need to really step up here to prevent further devastation and chaos. For anyone that is experiencing difficulty, please reach out. Aaron Murray from Louth has been named the Louth Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025. The awards recognise the remarkable commitment, compassion and strength of family carers who provide essential care to loved ones every day. The Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards celebrate those whose dedication and compassion make a difference in the lives of the people they care for. They also serve as a reminder that behind every person receiving care is someone providing it, often quietly and without rest, recognition or access to vital supports and services. Aaron cares full time for his three children. His eldest daughter, aged eight, is non-verbal and autistic, and has a profound intellectual disability and sensory processing disorder while his identical twin boys, aged five, are also autistic. Aaron attends every hospital appointment, manages school runs, gets their daughter ready and onto her bus each morning, oversees therapies and makes all of their meals. He gave up his managerial role in a supermarket to take on caring full time so that his wife could continue her career teaching children with additional needs. He also supported her when she returned to complete a masters in special education. Despite the long days caring for their children, Aaron still works evening shifts in a nearby supermarket. He faces every challenge with patience, humour and love. His dedication, selflessness and hard work keep his family strong, and they would be lost without him. Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy with Family Carers Ireland, said: Family carers are the silent supporters of so many households across Ireland. They juggle multiple responsibilities, often at great personal cost, driven by love. Too often, their work takes place behind closed doors, unseen, unsupported and unacknowledged. These awards are about visibility and respect for the vital work that they do. Aaron represents the compassion and resilience we see every day among family carers in every town and village. By recognising them, we are shining a light on all those who quietly care, who continue to give, and who deserve to know that their efforts are valued and understood. Since announcing their partnership with Family Carers Ireland at the end of 2024, Lidl has been supporting the caring community through the development of their Lidl Charity Champion programme. One team member from every Lidl store and Regional Distribution Centre across Ireland has volunteered their time and energy to support Family Carers Ireland through a host of activities including planning and participating in store fundraising and fostering greater community engagement. Read Next: Louth County Council announces series of road closures in Dundalk region Christine McIntyre, Senior Partnership and Events Manager at Lidl Ireland, added: At Lidl, we are proud to support Family Carers Ireland and to show family carers that we care back. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people across Ireland give their time, energy and love to support others, often putting their own needs last. Through the Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards, we want to recognise their incredible dedication and remind them that no one should have to care alone. Aaron Murray is a wonderful example of the compassion and commitment that exist in homes and communities all over Ireland. Eirmersive, the leading voice in Ireland for the immersive technology sector, officially launched the PRISM Manufacturing Programme at an exclusive evening reception at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), attended by programme partners, funders, and manufacturing leaders from across the island of Ireland. In early 2026, the programme will engage manufacturing SMEs across the island to explore deep tech applications, such as immersive, Digital Twin and AI technologies, towards improved efficiencies and optimisation of manufacturing processes. With strong backing from cross-border partners - including InterTradeIreland, Queens University Belfast, Digital Catapult NI, Dundalk Institute of Technology Regional Development Centre and others - PRISM represents a transformative, collaborative pilot approach to advancing digital innovation and competitiveness across the island. The launch comes following an exceptional day that began with the PRISM Immersive Technology Summit, Irelands premier all-island gathering exploring the convergence of Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twin technologies. The summit welcomed over 200 innovators, business leaders, and researchers, offering a deep dive into how immersive technologies are transforming key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, health tech, and energy. Read also: Louth Labour TD urges caution on PTSB sale proposal Speaking at the launch, Camille Donegan, CEO of Eirmersive, said: The energy and engagement we witnessed throughout todays summit carried seamlessly into this evenings launch. The PRISM Manufacturing Programme represents the practical next step - moving from discussion to demonstration, and from potential to performance. Were thrilled to see so many stakeholders coming together to drive real innovation across the island. Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation & Business Development at Dundalk Institute of Technology, added: Today has shown the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and innovation partners. The PRISM Manufacturing Programme will help Irish SMEs embrace immersive technology not as a concept, but as a competitive advantage. Earlier in the day, summit attendees experienced powerful keynote presentations and live demonstrations from global leaders including Brian Cooney, CEO of KUKA Robotics Ireland, and Timmy Ghiurau, Innovation Leader at Volvo Cars. Discussions explored how digital twins, XR, and AI are revolutionising industrial workflows, reducing lead times, and creating safer, more efficient production environments. Louth County Council has confirmed that it is now accepting applications for grants to help with essential repairs and home adaptations for privately owned homes. These grants are designed to support older people and individuals with disabilities or mobility issues, helping them make their homes safer, more comfortable, and accessible. There are three types of grants available: Housing Adaptation Grant - This grant helps cover the cost of changes needed to make a home suitable for someone with a physical, sensory, or intellectual disability, or a mental health condition. Works may include installing downstairs toilets, accessible showers, and other necessary modifications. Mobility Aids Grant - This grant supports minor works such as grab-rails, access ramps, and stair lifts to improve mobility and safety in the home. Housing Aid for Older People - This grant is for homeowners aged 66 and over who live in poor housing conditions. It helps with repairs and improvements such as re-roofing, rewiring, and drylining. These grants are available to private homeowners only. Applications are assessed based on eligibility, available funding, and applicants needs, as well as the date the completed application is received. Read also: Boss of gun-running ring smuggling assault rifles into Ireland gets 12 years Welcoming the news that the local authority is now accepting applications for the grants, Cllr Sean Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: Louth County Council is committed to helping people live safely, comfortably, and with dignity in their own homes. These grant schemes are not just about bricks and mortar theyre about improving quality of life, enabling independence, and ensuring that every resident has access to a home that meets their needs. Applications for these grants had been temporarily paused in May 2025 due to high demand. During this time however, Louth County Council said that it continued to process emergency (Priority 1) applications. Priority 1 refers to cases where a person is terminally ill, primarily dependent on a carer, or where adaptations enable discharge from hospital or residential care Ger Murphy, Director of Housing and Cultural Delivery at Louth County Council commented: Applications for private homeowner grants have now reopened. We continue to process existing priority applications and invite anyone whose application was returned during the pause to now reapply. "Processing times for applications may be lengthy, as applications are assessed in order of priority and date received. All grant allocations are subject to funding and eligibility. Application forms are available online at www.louthcoco.ie and at Louth County Councils customer service desks in Dundalk, Drogheda, and Ardee. For more information or help with applications, contact the Housing Grants Team by email at housinggrants@louthcoco.ie or phone at 042 933 5457. Another day another new brand has been launched. This time its Leapmotor and initially they have two cars to offer. The first is a compact car called the T03 and the next is, of course it is, the C10 an SUV. Leapmotor is a Chinese brand that Stellantis have a 20% stake in. As a result of that Stellantis connection its no surprise that Gowan Auto, who front all the Stellantis brands here in Ireland like Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Opel, Peugeot and Honda, are behind Leapmotor too. Its amazing you can be fronting or be behind a brand and both mean the same. The T03 is all-electric as is the C10 but the C10 is also available with a range extending 1.5l petrol engine. The driving experience is all-electric with the petrol engine topping up the battery. Its to alleviate any anxieties you may have before going full-all-electric. Read Next: Local dad named Louths Lidl Family Carer of the Year Very quickly these two models will be joined by a further two starting this November, the B10 and the B05. Gone are the days when a name created connotations in the mind like Capri, Escort, Laguna, and Manta. Now its just cold alphanumericals . Prices for the T10 (265km WLTP) start at 18,995 plus delivery related charges, and the C10 (420km WLTP) retailing from 38,995. The range extender starts at 45,420 and all models have a 6-year warranty. They are available to buy and order now from the four dealers they currently have nationwide. Full reports coming soon in Democrat Motoring. A memorial walk, in memory of nurse who gave decades of service to those with intellectual disabilities, and who passed away two years, has raised more than 14,000 for charity. Tricia ORourke worked as a nurse in the area of intellectual disability for 42 years, caring for countless people, and bringing comfort and happiness to their lives. Cancer brought an end to Tricia's life in August 2023, just two years after her retirement. Her legacy lives on, and a memorial walk continuing her support and empathy for those living with cancer is now in its second year. Last year, the inaugural walk raised 6,812. During this years walk, which was held at Hungry Hill and Glengarriff Nature Park, 7,690 was raised for Cork ARC Cancer Support House. Founded in 2001, Cork ARC is a Wilton-based charity which provides support for those living with cancer. Over the years, demand for the charitys services has grown, and in 2017, after years of searching for a larger space, it purchased Sarsfield House on Sarsfield Road. Following an extensive redevelopment project in 2019, the building became its new home, providing a haven of care where those affected by cancer can find the support they need in a safe and soothing environment. Cork ARC is this autumn collaborating in a fundraiser with the Irish Lung Cancer Community (ILCC), a patient-led advocacy group providing support, raising awareness, and driving research to improve lung cancer outcomes in Ireland and beyond. Cork ARC is asking the public to help them to put the focus on Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November. By taking part in its fundraiser, Step Up for Cork ARC, every step you take can help raise awareness and funds vital for those affected by cancer. Set your own personal or team step goal from 5,000 a day to 150,000 in a month - whatever feels right for you. Then ask your family, friends, or colleagues to sponsor your journey. Cork ARC offers the example of 150,000 steps at one cent per step can add up to 1,500 raised. All funds raised will go towards supporting Cork ARCs free cancer support services, and your efforts will also shine a light on lung cancer, one of Irelands most common cancers. See here for more information. A crowd of almost 500 people took to the streets in Ballincollig on Saturday to protest against the recent decision by An Coimisiun Pleanala to overturn Cork City Councils refusal of permission for a what has been dubbed a super casino. Last summer, Cork City Council refused permission to Coalquay Leisure Ltd for a gaming and amusement arcade at Unit 4, Westside Retail Park, which would be open from 9am to 1am daily, saying that the adult-orientated nature and its proximity to existing retail outlets described as intrinsically family-friendly would damage other retailers. However, last month An Coimisiun Pleanala overturned the decision and gave the green light to the plan. Among those speaking at the protest was Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke, who said that while he fully respected the independence of the planning commission, he was deeply disappointed at its decision to approve a casino in Ballincollig. This type of development is not appropriate for Ballincollig and does not reflect the wishes or needs of the local community, Mr Burke said. Ballincollig is a strong, family-focused area with a proud community spirit, and that must be protected. We need further amenities, not a casino. Ballincollig-based Fine Gael senator Garret Kelleher said An Coimisiun Pleanalas decision to overturn Cork City Councils decision to refuse planning permission for the proposed casino was massively disappointing. It shows a complete lack of understanding of the positive planning and development that has taken place Ballincollig in recent years, of which we are immensely proud, he said. Saturdays protest was about standing together against what those in attendance believed was an incorrect interpretation of the Cork City development plan, he added. It was an effort to make a clear and simple statement that this casino is not wanted by those of us who are proud to call Ballincollig home. Sinn Fein councillor Joe Lynch said the demonstration had been a display of community power. Hundreds of people from right across Ballincollig were in attendance, all united in saying to those behind this proposal that the community do not want this and that they are not welcome in Ballincollig, he said. They should take this proposal off the table and leave our village be. The Echo contacted Coalquay Leisure Ltd for comment. Toy Library to reopen The Toy Library in Ballincolligs Carraig Centre will re-open at 11.30pm this Friday, November 7, for an hour, and it will be open the first Friday of every month. Were back in business and ready to welcome, says the sign on the door. The Toy Library is located in the west wing of the Carraig Centre, a large hall which also hosts the Sparks toddler group every Friday morning in term time. The Toy Library offers a wide range of toys for loan, with items ranging from puzzles, board games and educational toys to action figures, farm animals, dinosaurs, puppets, ride-on toys and baby toys. Toys are loaned for one month, but if you would like to extend that period, they can be kept for up to three months. The library charges a one-off joining fee of 2 per family, with that fee going mainly toward helping with storage and cleaning costs. All are welcome. For further details see www.carraigcentre.ie or email katie20gould@gmail.com. The Carraig Centre is located on the Old Fort Road in Ballincollig, P31PV20. Master of Architecture graduate Angela Agrito, from Bishopstown, Co. Cork, is pictured with her parents, Horatio and Alma Agrito, at the MTU Autumn 2025 Conferring Ceremony. Picture: Joleen Cronin. Graveyard Mass and blessing Every November, Catholics across the world remember the souls of the faithful departed, or the Holy Souls. The Catholic Church teaches that the purification of the souls in purgatory can be helped by the faithful on Earth. The roots of that teaching can be traced back to the practice of prayer for the dead mentioned in the Old Testament in 2 Maccabees 12:4246. In Ballincollig, the annual St Marys and St Johns graveyard Mass will take place in the adjacent church, adjacent to the cemetery at midday on this Saturday, November 9, and will be followed by the blessing of graves. A Novena for the Holy Souls will be held in St Marys and St Johns at 7.30pm every evening until Monday, November 10. The annual candle Mass for all who have passed away over the course of the past 12 months will be held at 7.30pm on Friday, November 7 in the church of St Marys and St Johns. The graveyard Mass in St Marys and St Johns will be held at midday on Saturday, November 8. Ballincollig GAA Club lottery The numbers drawn in the Ballincollig GAA Club lottery, which was held on Thursday, October 30, were 2, 3, 15, and 35. There was no winner of the 17,600 jackpot, but there were three consolation prize winners for club supporters, with this weeks prizes doubled, and 200 going to Aine Considine, 100 to Sandra OSullivan, and 100 to Abi ODonoghue. Ballincollig GAA Club has migrated its lottery to its club platform ClubZap. For further information, see ballincolliggaa.clubzap.com. The jackpot for this weeks lottery draw, which will take place on this Thursday, November 6, now stands at 17,800. Its not everyone who is conferred with an honorary doctorate from UCC on their birthday, but broadcaster and writer John Creedon said he felt like all of his birthdays had come at once. Thanking the university for this wonderful honour, Mr Creedon said it was genuinely far more than I ever expected or deserved. Professor John OHalloran, president of UCC, said Mr Creedons career was a testament to his love for Ireland, his people-centered approach, and his mastery of storytelling across mediums. Whether on air, on television, or through his writing, John Creedon continues to inspire and connect with audiences, making him a national treasure in Irish broadcasting, he said. In a warm and at times emotional speech, Mr Creedon promised the rows of thirsty scholars graduating on Monday that he wouldnt keep them too long from Washington St. Like many young people, I too doubted myself many times, so I would like to thank UCC for this life-affirming honour, he said. I am also grateful today for my partner Mairead, my family and every teacher, listener, viewer and reader who uttered a word of encouragement along the way. An encouraging word brings out the best in all of us. Mile buiochas. Mr Creedon, a veteran of pirate radio, joined RTE radio 1 in 1987 through a public competition and currently hosts The John Creedon Show. In a vibrant and varied career, notable highlights include the landmark television series Creedons Wild Atlantic Way, Creedons Epic East, Creedons Shannon and Creedons Atlas of Ireland. He is also a best-selling author with a number of books including T hat Place We Call Home, A Treasury of Irish Folklore, which was named Best Irish Published Book of the Year and his childhood memoir This Boys Heart which was shortlisted for the 2024 An Post Book Awards. The Cork Person of the Year 2022, he was earlier this year honoured with a special IMRO Award for his contribution to Irish music over five decades. Gardai are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a teenager, who is reported missing from Youghal, Co Cork since last Saturday. Charlie Jones (15) was last seen on Saturday, November 1 when he was visiting Youghal, Co Cork but resides in Woodstown, Co Waterford. Charlie is described as being approximately 5 foot 3 inches in height, with a slim build, light brown hair and green eyes. It is unknown what Charlie was wearing when he went missing. A garda spokesperson said gardai and Charlies family are concerned for his well-being. Anyone with information on Charlies whereabouts is asked to contact Youghal Garda Station on 024 92200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Ten mobile phones and 12 weapons were confiscated in Cork Prison last year. Data on contraband seizures published by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) shows that there were 62 seizures in Cork Prison last year and 60 the year before, the lowest figures over the last 10 years. There were 84 seizures in 2022, 114 in 2021, 75 in 2020, 111 in 2019, 121 in 2018, 74 in 2017, 96 in 2016 and 91 in 2015. Ten mobile phones were seized in 2024 and nine in 2023, with 217 confiscated since 2015. Twelve weapons were confiscated in 2024, 15 in 2023, and 220 over the 10-year period. Drugs Drugs were the most common type of contraband seized, with a total of 451 seizures of this type since 2015. There were 40 drug seizures in Cork Prison last year, up slightly from 36 the year before but still below the average for the decade. There were no arrests as a result of seizures in Cork Prison last year. In total, 12 people have been arrested by gardai in the last 10 years following the confiscation of contraband. The overall decrease in contraband seizures from an average of 96 pre-2022 to 60 and 62 in 2023 and 2024 comes despite a large increase in the number of people in custody during this time period. There was an average of 218 people in custody in Cork Prison in 2015, 253 in 2016, 272 in 2017, 288 in 2018, 291 in 2019, 271 in 2020, 255 in 2021, 262 in 2022, 306 in 2023, and 335 in 2024. Over capacity The capacity of Cork prison is 296, meaning the two years that the prison has been over capacity have seen the least amount of seizures. So far, 2025 has seen multiple overcrowding records, reaching 403 people in custody in August of this year. A spokesperson for the IPS said it is committed to preventing the access of contraband into prisons, that this is a high priority, and it is investing in new technologies and measures to detect it. The Irish Prison Service continues to have high level engagement and the sharing of intelligence with An Garda Siochana on a regular basis which is resulting in the seizure of contraband, arrests and significant disruption to organised crime involved in smuggling contraband into Irish prisons. An Garda Siochana continues to support the Irish Prison Service operationally with ongoing operations in each relevant Garda Division, including Operation Throwover which is intended to disrupt, interdict and prosecute attempts to introduce contraband into prisons," said the spokesperson. Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis. Our Canine Unit carry out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has insisted that it is his intention to lead Fianna Fail into the next general election, despite the ongoing fallout from the partys disastrous presidential election campaign. Mr Martin told reporters in Cork that he believed there was an obligation on representatives to concentrate on issues that affect peoples daily lives, and, he said, this was borne out by feedback from the public and from his parliamentary party colleagues. I dont think people are that impressed with a party becoming obsessed with its own internal situation," he said. The biggest issue is housing - the biggest issue facing young people is housing. I received a mandate at the last general election as leader of Fianna Fail, its only 12 months ago, I received a mandate from Dail Eireann nine months ago in January when we formed this Government. The Taoiseach was speaking during a visit to the Longview housing development in Ballyvolane, which includes more than 700 new homes in a mixture of private and social housing. Mr Martin has had a torrid time since Fianna Fails presidential candidate Jim Gavin who had enjoyed the party leaders strong support withdrew last month from the campaign, 19 days before the election. Mr Gavin ultimately polled 7% in the election which saw Independent candidate Catherine Connolly elected in a landslide. Since then, Fianna Fail has seen a sharp decline in opinion poll numbers, with Mr Martins personal popularity similarly dropping. In the days immediately after the election, a group of backbench TDs was said to be gathering signatures for a motion of no confidence in Mr Martins leadership, but those TDs are now believed to be awaiting the completion of a report on the partys presidential campaign. The Taoiseach dismissed any suggestion that justice minister Jim OCallaghan, who is seen as a possible leadership rival, had been less than visible of late in his support of the party leader. Jim has been very supportive, we just had a meeting before Cabinet last week, there are no issues there, he said. Mr Martin said Fianna Fail members were entitled to voice their opinions and to be critical, but needed to maintain perspective. We do, for the health of the party, need to robustly examine where we went wrong, that is all accepted, but we have to have a laser-like focus on the issues. I went for election as a leader of a party knowing I could become Taoiseach - not many others did, by the way, but I did. We gained seats, we became the largest party in the election. Over the past nine months we have set a lot of foundation stones for this housing issue, in terms of reform of the rental sector, in terms of the standardisation of apartments, in terms of Vat in the budget, I am very determined to get a grip on this. I am very determined to improve infrastructure. We have elevated disability to a unit within my own department, to a Cabinet sub-committee. "We still have an awful lot of work to do. We made good decisions on child poverty. We have a lot to do and Im hungry to get things done, Mr Martin said. That is my job as Taoiseach and that is what I intend to do. Media Training Mr Martin made his remarks in Ballyvolane before fresh controversy erupted when it emerged that former Fine Gael minister Ivan Yates had failed to disclose that he had supplied media training to the Fianna Fail candidate during the presidential campaign. Mr Yates continued to work as a media commentator throughout the campaign, and, for three mornings around the election, he filled in for Newstalk host Pat Kenny. Two weeks before the election, he suggested, hypothetically, that if he were working for Fine Gael, he would advise the party to smear the bejaysus out of Ms Connolly, a phrase which later became an ironic rallying cry for the Connolly campaign. Mr Yates has been dropped from the popular Path to Power podcast, which he co-hosted with journalist Matt Cooper, while Newstalk has said it is reviewing the matter. In a statement issued yesterday, Fianna Fail said it had hired MrYates to provide interview and debate training for two sessions in the early stage of the campaign, between the period September 23 to September 29. There was no further training or intervention provided after September 29, the statement added. Ivans training totalled approximately four hours. He did not provide any campaign advice, nor was he involved in the campaign team. The case against Ross Lahive of The Irish Peoples Party on a charge of harassing a librarian at Cork City Library in 2023 arising out of protests about a publication called This Book is Gay appearing on a shelf for teenagers, was further adjourned yesterday. Defence solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said full disclosure of prosecution evidence to the defence had yet to be made and he asked for the matter to be further adjourned. Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until December 8 at Cork District Court. The Director of Public Prosecutions decided that the case is to proceed by indictment whereby it will go to trial by judge and jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Alternatively, the defendant could enter a signed plea of guilty at Cork District Court and be sent to the circuit court for sentencing. The prosecution alleged that recordings the accused made of his interactions with the librarian were posted on his Facebook page accompanied by comments describing the book as grooming, Sergeant Gearoid Davis said previously. He alleged that each of eight videos was accompanied by comments from parties, allegedly including Ross Lahive, variously describing the librarians as the epitome of evil, diabolical and doing Satans work. Ross Lahive, aged 46, of Church Street, Shandon Street, Cork, faces the single charge that on dates between February 26 and May 6, 2023, within the state he harassed a librarian, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. There are 40 children with special needs in Cork who do not have transport to school, Bus Eireann has said, with the Department of Education saying Cork is one of the worst affected areas in Ireland. A Bus Eireann spokesperson said that all pupils who were travelling on dedicated school transport services to special schools in Cork under the school transport scheme for children with special educational needs in the 2024/25 school year have been facilitated with transport for the current school year. However, the number of new pupils who have applied for school transport to special schools in Cork under the scheme for children with special educational needs and who are not on transport at present is 40, they said, adding that this figure changes regularly due to pupils being assigned to services as well as new applications being received. The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Eireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. Over 23,000 pupils are travelling on dedicated school transport services for children with special educational needs, including over 2,500 travelling on such services in Cork, a department spokesperson said. Bus Eireann has reported that difficulties have arisen in some localities with a small number of contracted services for a small number of families assigned to special educational needs transport services. This has affected some children who had a service in the 2024/25 school year as well as new applicants. In some cases, services could not commence as expected due to driver/contractors being unavailable at short notice. "In other cases, zero bids were received for a service, despite repeated efforts to procure one. The spokesperson added: Transport challenges for SEN services are concentrated in some parts of the country, particularly Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kildare, and Meath. In such circumstances where there is no existing suitable service available to meet a childs needs, and while Bus Eireann are in the process of establishing the service for the child, the department will offer an Interim Special Transport Grant (STG) to families of eligible children towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. The information was provided to Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould, who told The Echo that to be this far into the school year while 40 children are still without transport in Cork alone was completely unacceptable. Many of these children are in schools on the other side of the city or county. "Their parents accepted these school places, after a trojan fight for them, because they were told that there would be transport in place. He said that many parents are forced to miss work or their children cannot attend school, and this chaos happens year after year. Read More TD encourages backing for campaign against Cork harbour incinerator A 50-year-old man who has been polydrug user since the age of 15 has been jailed for his latest drug-dealing offence. He was caught with 10,000 worth of heroin in his underpants. Dean Coughlan, of Springvale Estate, Old Youghal Rd, Cork, was sentenced to 21 months in jail by Judge Helen Boyle at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The sentence was a term of three years, with the last 15 months suspended. Coughlans previous convictions included being caught with 500,000 worth of drugs for sale or supply 20 years ago. Detective Garda Dermot Broughton testified that this latest offence involved 10,000 of diamorphine (heroin) seized on May 24 this year at Ashford Heights in Mayfield. Detective Garda Broughton said a vehicle was stopped and that Coughlan was a front-seat passenger. Coughlan took responsibility for all the drugs found. They consisted of the heroin concealed in his underpants. Commenting on the damage done by heroin, Judge Boyle said to Coughlan: It destroys families and communities and children. You were addicted to it yourself." There is a probation report where you are described as a polydrug user since 15. Defence barrister Neal Horgan said that the defendant only began smoking heroin following the recent death of his son and that this led to him getting into more difficulties with drug dealing. Judge Boyle noted that there were family members in court to support the 50-year-old, who is now on a methadone programme. Judge Boyle said: It is astonishing to me you told probation you dont have a problem with drugs and alcohol. Unless you are ever going to engage with your problem, you will be here again and again. You do have a drug problem. And you are at a high risk of reoffending. A large crowd turned out at the first ever Cork Against Racism Carnival which took place on the Grand Parade on Saturday afternoon. The event, which saw the Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy among the main speakers, was a community led celebration of solidarity against the rise of racism and hate in Ireland. The event included music and dance from Corks Romanian, Indian and Mexican communities, along with speakers from ethnic communities in Cork. Cork Labour Party Senator Laura Harmon, who was one of the event organisers along with Green Party Cork city councillor Honore Kamegni, told The Echo she felt the Cork Against Racism Carnival sent out a clear message. Events like this are really important to show the diverse communities in Cork, that they are welcome here, to celebrate their cultures and the value that they bring. I think that it is really important that Irish people show solidarity. Particularly because we are seeing a number of attacks on these communities over the last number of years. I was actually approached by the Indian community initially, who were worried about attacks on their community and they wanted to do something about it. "So we set up this broad alliance and one of the actions was to organise this event." Ms Harmon added: We were delighted that the Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy addressed the event. He gave a very powerful speech, about why Cork is a safe harbor for all and racism in all of its forms is completely unacceptable. We need to keep the pressure on to tackle hate. "Some of the calls I made in my speech yesterday include that we need more Gardai in Cork, we need to have more funding for education and awareness campaigns to tackle racism. We also need to properly resource the national action plan against racism in Ireland, and we do need to strengthen our hate crime laws, particularly around hate speech." The widely-shared videos of drunken men jumping around in the cage of cherry-picker being driven through Cork city centre on Sunday night saw two men appearing today at Cork District Court. The Mary Elmes Bridge in Cork city was damaged with portion of it crashing into the River Lee when the cherry-picker or mechanical scissor lift was driven on to the pedestrian bridge causing some of the bridge floor to crash into the River Lee. Garda Paul McCarthy said: Concerningly, damage was caused to part of the bridge floor which fell into the river leaving a large hole on the bridge floor. Pedestrians were left at risk of falling directly into the river as a result of this damage and it had to sealed off for public safety. 31-year-old Kyle Boyle was accused of causing this criminal damage, as well as damaging a metal bollard at Oliver Plunkett Street and five counts of dangerous driving of this mechanical vehicle around the city. Mr Boyle was called by his solicitor Eddie Burke to give evidence in his application for bail and he said: Four of us were very, very intoxicated. I am very sorry. I want to put it behind and move on. Mr Burke said it was not the driving that caused the damage to the bridge but the weight of the vehicle. Garda McCarthy said: It is a pedestrian bridge. Judge Mary Dorgan said she had not seen any of the online videos to which reference was made but commented that from the evidence it was a shocking catalogue of alleged dangerous driving on roads and more especially on pedestrian footpaths. The judge refused to grant him bail and remanded him in custody until November 11. Patrick Costin, 18, was charged with two counts arising out of the matter. Garda McCarthy said of this defendant: He was a willing and exuberant participant in this. Solicitor Killian McCarthy said of Mr Costin: He would have had no control over what happened in relation to the criminal damage. He also disputes cheering loudly in a celebratory manner. Cross-examining, Sergeant John Kelleher said that one has to climb to quite a height to get into the cage of a scissor-lift so he may not have been that intoxicated. Mr Costin replied: We were drinking on the scissor-lift. The defendant admitted that they were cheering on Oliver Plunkett Street. Judge Dorgan refused bail in his case also and remanded him in custody until November 11. Garda McCarthy gave an outline of the allegations in the case in the objection to bail being granted to both accused. He said that at 8.20pm on Sunday, November 2, gardai responded to a report of a theft of scissor-lift that was about to be collected and removed from St Patricks Quay. He said keys were not in the ignition, but in one of the compartments of the cage so that it could be collected. It is alleged that on the quay and on roads and pedestrian footpaths along the centre of Cork City there was dangerous driving. "This incident occurred at a time when both road and pedestrian traffic in the city centre was busy and the incident was captured on mobile phone cameras and shared on social media by multiple witnesses at different parts of the route. "The scissor-lift was brought to a stop by gardai on South Gate Bridge where arrests were made. Kyle Boyle was also seen to be in control of the vehicle and was intoxicated at the time of operating it On Oliver Plunkett Street a number of vulnerable pedestrians were very nearby, Garda McCarthy said. Kyle Boyle, who is from Donegal, had only flown into Cork from the UK a short time before this. He said: I went on the beer for four or five days (in Cork). Kyle Boyle was charged with unlawfully taking possession of a cherry-picker without consent of the owner, damaging a metal bollard on Oliver Plunkett Street, causing 1,000 structural damage to steel floor grates of Mary Elmes Bride and counts of dangerous driving at St Patricks Quay, Mary Elmes Bridge, Parnell Place, Winthrop Street and Oliver Plunkett Street. Patrick Costin was charged with allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle, namely the cherry-picker, and causing damage to the bollard at Oliver Plunkett Street. The address for each defendant was given as Cork Simon Community. Eva Osborne The Criminal Assets Bureau returned 17 million to the State last year and seized 20 homes, which were the proceeds of crime. The Justice Minister will present the latest annual report from the Criminal Assets Bureau at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. It contains details of 20 homes seized by the agency last year, which is the highest number ever in a single year. Among them was the former home in Saggart, Dublin, of Daniel Kinahan. It was sold at auction for over 930,000 - the highest figure achieved for any confiscated asset to date. According to the Independent, 17 million was returned to the state by the Criminal Assets Bureau in 2024. This includes 5 million from property sales, 13 million from Revenue, and around 500,000 from social welfare. Eva Osborne The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) of An Garda Siochana carried out an operation on Monday to remove individuals from the State. The operation resulted in the removal of 52 individuals (35 males and 10 females, and seven children). The children removed are all part of family groups, the Garda National Immigration Bureau said. All individuals were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport on Monday evening for Georgia. The flight touched down in the capital Tbilisi in the early hours of Tuesday morning. An Garda Siochana said it continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy. This is the sixth time a charter flight has been used to remove failed asylum seekers from the state so far this year. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said deportations and removals will continue for the remainder of 2025. Darragh Mc Donagh A labourer who claimed he was victimised by his employer after being accused of stealing a door has been awarded 4,000 for discrimination on the grounds of his membership of the Traveller community. He had been hired in April 2023 by a contractor who carried out retrofitting and maintenance work on social housing properties. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) heard that all was going well until a door went missing from a house around four months later. The tenant of the property happened to be the mans sister. The complainant had been tasked with delivering the door to the property, and work at the site was held up for a number of weeks as a result of it going missing. He claimed that his employer accused him of stealing the door and repeatedly asked him where it was. He told the WRC that he would not steal a door especially not a door that was meant for my sisters house. The man claimed that his employers attitude towards him changed after that incident, and alleged that a foreman told him that the contractor wanted him and his cousin who was also an employee out. He said they were constantly watched by other workers, and were not permitted on site unless a foreman was present. The contractor argued that this arrangement was in place for health and safety reasons. Deserted site When other workers were transferred to new locations, the complainant and his cousin were left with no work to do on a deserted site for three-and-a-half weeks without any interaction with other employees. He also alleged that they were ordered to do dangerous jobs on roofs without harnesses or safety equipment, having been threatened with dismissal if they failed to comply. The man produced video evidence of working on a roof without safety equipment, and told the WRC that one wrong step could have resulted in him falling to his death. He claimed that both he and his cousin were dismissed on September 15th, 2023, with a foreman telling them that their jobs were gone because of who you are. The respondent contractor denied discriminating against the complainant, and claimed to have been unaware that he was a member of the Traveller community until it received correspondence relating to his complaint in December 2023. Evidence However, this was contradicted by a foreman who gave evidence for the respondent at the WRC adjudication hearing. He stated that he was aware that the complainant and his cousin were members of the Traveller community when they were hired. In her decision, WRC adjudication officer, Orla Jones, said the complainant had come across as credible and consistent in his evidence. By contrast, she said the respondents witnesses had given some conflicting and contradictory evidence in relation to certain matters. It was also later discovered that another employee had taken the door, exonerating the complainant. She found that the complainant had been discriminated against on the grounds of his membership of the Traveller community, and directed the respondent to pay him 4,000 in compensation. By Rebecca Black, PA A bid for a no-confidence motion in the Stormont Education Minister has progressed after 30 signatures were secured. People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll is pressing for the motion in protest at Paul Givans trip to Israel in which he instructed officials to publicise a visit he made to a school in Jerusalem on the departments social media channels. Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance have indicated they are backing the no-confidence motion, while Mr Givans DUP party and the UUP are opposing it. People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll MLA (centre) takes part in a demonstration outside Parliament Buildings, Stormont, calling for Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan to resign on Monday (Liam McBurney/PA) Last week the Northern Ireland Teachers Council claimed the Department of Educations promotion of the school visit was an overtly political and divisive act, and called for the post to be deleted. Rival politicians have also questioned whether it was appropriate to visit Israel at a time when the country is facing international criticism over its military offensive in Gaza. Demonstrations took place at Belfast City Hall on Saturday and outside Parliament Buildings on Monday calling for Mr Givan to resign, while an online petition has been signed by more than 13,000 people. On Tuesday morning, Mr Carroll confirmed his motion has reached the 30 signatures needed to proceed. It is expected to be brought to the Assembly chamber next Monday; however it requires cross-community support from both those designated as unionists and nationalists. Ive brought this motion to build a strong, united challenge against a Minister who believes its appropriate to align himself with a state thats responsible for the murder of 20,000 children, Mr Carroll said. Despite the ministers attempts to sectarianise this issue, pressure is clearly mounting on him from all quarters. Paul Givans position is becoming more untenable by the hour. Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan (left) and DUP leader Gavin Robinson MP at Parliament Buildings in Belfast on Monday (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Givan was part of a delegation of unionist MLAs from Northern Ireland who took part in the fact-finding trip last week at the invitation of the Israeli government. On Monday, Mr Givan defended his actions, insisting the social media post was strictly non-political and focused solely on the educational aspects of the visit. He said his visit during the trip to a school in Jerusalem was directly relevant to his ministerial portfolio and provided valuable insights. He said his permanent secretary and senior officials carried out a review of his engagements on the visit and said they concluded a clean bill of health to him as minister and all civil servants that their actions were appropriate. Cuan Conlon, two, runs through childrens seats at Stormont, with images of Palestinian children who have died with school bags and shoes during the conflict outside Stormont during a protest calling for Northern Ireland's Education Minister Paul Givan to resign (Liam McBurney/PA) He also insisted he is a minister for all, adding he will not be silenced, cancelled or distracted from his work as Education Minister. DUP leader Gavin Robinson said on Monday that Mr Givan has his full confidence. But Mr Carroll added: The minister played the victim and declared that he wont be cancelled, but the voices of thousands of educators, pupils, families, trade unionists and right-thinking people calling for his resignation cant and wont be ignored. Its time for Givan to go. Microchip has launched new optical Ethernet PHY transceivers offering speeds of up to 25 Gbit/s. Offering high security (MACsec) and precise time synchronisation (IEEE 1588 PTP), they are ideal for industry, data centres and networked infrastructures, with ranges of up to 10 km over fibre optics. Diesen Artikel anhoren The rise of smart factories, remote monitoring and connected infrastructure are increasing the demand for advanced networking systems that can operate over long distances and in challenging environments. To address the need for reliable and secure connectivity solutions, Microchip Technology announced its new portfolio of Optical Ethernet PHY transceivers, available in 25 Gbps and 10 Gbps versions, featuring IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and Media Access Control Security (MACsec) encryption. Microchips optical Ethernet PHY transceivers provide a secure, deterministic and scalable alternative to traditional copper-based Ethernet solutions. They support link lengths of up to 10 kilometers over single-mode fiber for seamless deployments over dispersed infrastructure such as company and college campuses or warehouses. The integration of PTP time stamping delivers sub-nanosecond (<1ns) synchronization accuracy across distributed nodes. This level of timing precision is essential for time-sensitive applications such as industrial automation, telecommunications and robotics. The new variants support Ethernet speeds ranging from 1 Gbps to 25 Gbps, enabling higher bandwidth for data-intensive applications such as data centers, campus area networks, and robotic / industrial automation. Designers can easily scale their networks by selecting the appropriate data rate and media (Optical or DAC - Direct Attach Copper) to match their application requirements. To help safeguard sensitive data in connected environments, security is integrated at the silicon level with support for MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) encryption. This hardware-based implementation protects against network data breaches by encrypting traffic between Ethernet devices. MACsec is designed to thwart common cyberattacks including man-in-the-middle attacks, denial-of-service (DoS), eavesdropping and spoofing, to ensure data integrity across the network. The new variants of Optical Ethernet PHY Transceivers include: LAN826x supporting up to 10 Gbps Dual-port: LAN8262-V/3HW: 10 Gbps, Dual-port, MACsec; LAN8263-V/3HW: 10 Gbps, Dual-port, PTP; LAN8264-V/3HW: 10 Gbps, Dual-port, PTP, MACsec Quad-port: LAN8267-V/3HW: 10 Gbps, Quad-port, PTP; LAN8268-V/3HW: 10 Gbps, Quad-port, PTP, MACsec; LAN802x and LAN804x supporting up to 25 Gbps Dual-port: LAN8022-V/3HW: 25 Gbps, Dual-port, MACsec; LAN8023-V/3HW: 25 Gbps, Dual-port, PTP; LAN8024-V/3HW: 25 Gbps, Dual-port, PTP, MACsec Quad-port: LAN8042-V/3HW: 25 Gbps, Quad-port, MACsec; LAN8043-V/3HW: 25 Gbps, Quad-port, PTP; LAN8044-V/3HW: 25 Gbps, Quad-port, PTP, MACsec. Development Tools To simplify development, the portfolio of Optical Ethernet PHY Transceivers are supported by the LAN8044 Evaluation Kit (part number EA00J09A) which includes the LAN8044 EDSX Daughter Card (part number EV57U68A) and the EVB-VSC7558TSN EDSX (UNG8415). Sora is now available to Android users on the Google Play Store. The iOS version of OpenAI's text-to-video generative AI app is still only available in select markets and requires an invitation, but people are still extremely excited about making slop of their own; the app reportedly reached more than 1 million downloads in less than five days. And it didn't take long for the company to land in hot water over users creating disrespectful clips of Martin Luther King Jr. and drawing censure from the Japanese government over copycats of famous manga and anime. Those aren't the only legal issues Sora has been skirting. OpenAI was sued by Cameo on claims of copyright infringement, and the very next day, the company released a feature called "cameo" for putting existing entities into Sora's gen-AI videos. Whatever it winds up being named, some form of licensing personas looks like it will be part of OpenAI's eventual monetization plans for Sora. Stability AI has partially succeeded in defending itself against accusations of copyright infringement. As reported by The Guardian, Stability AI prevailed in a high-profile UK High Court case, following Getty first suing the company in 2023 for allegedly using its copyright images to train its Stable Diffusion AI art tool without permission. Gettys original claim was that Stability AI had unlawfully copied and processed millions of protected images for training purposes, therefore abusing the rights of the original creators. However, the Seattle-based company eventually withdrew its claims of primary copyright infringement as it reportedly could offer no evidence that unauthorized copying for the training of Stable Diffusion had taken place in the UK. Todays ruling concerns claims of secondary infringement, to which the High Court judge, Justice Joanna Smith, ruled that "an AI model such as Stable Diffusion which does not store or reproduce any copyright works (and has never done so) is not an 'infringing copy'" under UK law. This was despite the ruling finding some evidence of Gettys images being used by Stability, as evidenced by the presence of the formers watermark. While the judge sided with Getty on some of its claims, she said that the evidence was "both historic and extremely limited in scope." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The High Court ruling likely wont fill companies and creators concerned about AI-related copyright infringement with a huge amount of optimism, but unsurprisingly, both Getty and Stability AI have been quick to celebrate their respective victories. Getty's statement reads, in part: Todays ruling confirms that Stable Diffusions inclusion of Getty Images trademarks in AIgenerated outputs infringed those trademarks. Crucially, the Court rejected Stability AIs attempt to hold the user responsible for that infringement, confirming that responsibility for the presence of such trademarks lies with the model provider, who has control over the images used to train the model. This is a significant win for intellectual property owners. The ruling delivered another key finding; that, wherever the training and development did take place, Getty Images' copyrightprotected works were used to train Stable Diffusion. The ruling also established a powerful precedent that intangible articles, such as AI models, are subject to copyright infringement claims in the same way as tangible articles. We will be taking forward findings of fact from the UK ruling in our US case. The company added that it was "deeply concerned" that even "well-resourced companies" remain at risk of infringement due to a "lack of transparent requirements." It also urged the UK government to build on the current laws around this issue. Christian Dowell, general counsel to Stability AI, said the final ruling from the court "ultimately resolves the copyright concerns that were the core issue." The ruling comes just days after Getty announced a new agreement with Perplexity AI that permits the latter to access Gettys huge media library as part of its search and discovery tools. In a press release, Getty said a condition of the licensing deal was Perplexity committing to "making improvements on how it displays imagery, including image credit with link to source, to better educate users on how to use licensed imagery legally." Since being placed on a Department of Commerce entity list in 2020 over national security fears, Chinas DJI has faced the threat of a US ban on its hyper-popular drones. After exhausting its appeals and losing a lawsuit last month, DJI products like the Mini 4 Pro, Avata 2 and Neo may disappear from US shelves starting December 23. The situation could be even worse than initially expected. The FCC just gave itself the power to retroactively cut off products from companies on its covered list, including DJI. That gives the government the right to not just halt sales of future products, but enact rules preventing people from using drones theyve already purchased. DJI dominates the consumer US drone market, so a ban would be terrible news for hobbyists and creators, along with industrial and public safety operators. However, the governments concerns about the companys drones as potential spying tools are very real. A brief history of DJI DJI, or Da-Jiang Innovations, is based in Shenzhen, China and introduced its ready-to-fly, now-iconic Phantom drone in 2013. It was $629 and offered a more user-friendly experience than other drones at the time, opening up aerial photography to creators and cinematographers. DJI Mavic 4 Pro (Steve Dent for Engadget) The company followed with increasingly sophisticated products like the Mavic Pro, Mini 3 Pro and Avata, along with larger commercial drones. It continued to expand its range with the small but powerful Air 3, Neo and Flip. As of 2020, DJI had an estimated 77 percent of the US drone market (which accounts for 40 percent of its sales), leaving rivals to fight for scraps. Advertisement Advertisement Most observers attribute DJIs dominance to its engineering-first culture. To give an idea of its technical progress, the latest 2025 Mavic 4 Pro can be flown from 25 miles away, compared to just 0.62 miles for the 2015 Phantom 3. Nearly every DJI drone feature, including video quality, battery life, range, tracking and obstacle detection, is superior to rivals. Catching the eye of the US government By 2016, the company had caught the attention of US regulators concerned about Chinese camera-equipped drones flying over sensitive facilities. While no one has uncovered a smoking gun proving that DJI drones spy for China, they undoubtedly pose a potential national security risk. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) laid out the dangers last year in a guidance sheet: DJI is subject to Chinas 2017 National Intelligence Law, which compels companies to cooperate with state intelligence services. The 2021 Cyber Vulnerability Reporting Law requires Chinese-based companies to disclose cyber vulnerabilities to PRC authorities prior to any public disclosure, which could allow them to exploit such flaws before theyre publicly known. UAS (unmanned aircraft system) devices controlled by smartphones provide a path for UAS data egress and storage, which could enable intelligence gathering on US critical infrastructure. Updates controlled by Chinese entities could introduce unknown data collection and transmission capabilities without the users awareness. When a UAS is incorporated into a network, the potential for data collection and transmission of sensitive imagery, surveying data and facility layouts increases. Photo taken by a $200 DJI Neo drone (Steve Dent for Engadget) In 2017, DJIs drones were banned from use by the US Army. Later that year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memo stating with moderate confidence that DJIs drones were providing US critical infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government. The agency never provided any direct proof, however, and DJI denied it. Then in 2020, DJI was added to the US Department of Commerces entity list over claims it enabled wide-scale human rights abuses within China. That meant the company could no longer buy parts or services from US manufacturers, like Amazon Web Services, Texas Instruments and Intel. In response, DJI said it was disappointed with the decision but customers could continue to buy and use DJI products normally. Advertisement Advertisement A year later, however, it was placed on the Treasury department's "Chinese military-industrial complex companies" list for its alleged involvement in the surveillance of Uyghur Muslim people in China. That banned US citizens from investing in the company. The US Department of Defense (DoD) piled on in October 2022, putting DJI on a list of Chinese military companies operating in the US. After the DoD refused DJIs delisting petition in 2023, the company filed a lawsuit, arguing that it was neither owned nor controlled by the Chinese military. Nearly three years later, a court ruled against it, saying the DoD had substantial evidence that DJI contributed to the Chinese defense industry. DJI has since appealed that decision. In September 2024, the US House of Representatives passed the Countering CCP Drones Act. Though still pending approval in the US Senate, the law would allow the FCC to block DJIs drones from accessing US radio waves, effectively making them unusable here. DJI denounced the action as inaccurate and unsubstantiated. Later that month, US Customs and Border Protection was reportedly blocking some DJI drone imports under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Moving closer to a ban Operating DJI's Avata 2 (Steve Dent for Engadget) Near the end of last year, the US militarys annual defense spending bill (called the National Defense Authorization Act or NDAA) further boosted the possibility of a DJI ban. It required an appropriate national security agency to rule that a companys products didnt pose an unacceptable risk to US national security, lest it be placed on a covered list. The DoD offered DJI and other companies a year to obtain such a ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Because of the DoDs requirements, DJI paused US sales and distribution in retail channels, citing regulatory uncertainty. However, some drones that originally couldnt be purchased in the US, like the Mavic 4 Pro, can now be found on retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo Video albeit at inflated prices compared to other regions. In March, DJI sent a formal letter to five national security agencies (DHS, DoD, FBI, NSA, and ODNI) requesting that any or all of them begin evaluating its products. In a June blog post, however, DJI stated that none of them had offered to perform such checks. If no agency steps forward and completes the review by the December 2025 deadline, the NDAA provision could trigger an automatic ban on DJI simply because no agency chose to take on the work of reviewing our products, the company said. DJI further explained that it was ready for such an audit. Last week, the situation became potentially more dire for DJI. The FCC voted 3-0 to give itself the authority to ban devices and radio components previously approved for operation in the US. On top of the NDAA ban, the FCC would theoretically have the right to prevent DJIs drones and other products from using US radio frequencies, effectively making them inoperable. The new regulations would also empower the FCC to bar any clones of products like the Mavic Air 3 created by alleged DJI shell companies like Anzu and Skyhigh Tech, as The Verge reported. The DJI Flip lightweight drone (Steve Dent for Engadget) Advertisement Advertisement The FCC did underline that it wasnt planning to take away drones people have already purchased. We emphasize that we are currently not requiring manufacturers to replace equipment in the hands of consumers, it said in a fact sheet. The continued use of such equipment would remain authorized. The FCC would be required to undertake a public interest analysis for each product to be banned while giving particular weight to national security concerns. It would also be required to allow the public to comment during a minimum 30 day period, according to a fact sheet. The possible outcomes Here are scenarios that could arise before the December 23 deadline: DJI passes its audit. In the best case scenario, which looks unlikely at this point, DJI would pass its audit and not be added to the FCCs covered list. The company could fully resume sales of new products, rather than being stuck in limbo as it is now, and existing drones would remain legal with full support. DJI receives another extension. If this happens, the status quo would remain. New drones like the Mavic 4 Pro may still be hard to purchase, but you would likely be able to buy previously approved products like the Mavic 3 Pro. Existing drones would remain legal with full support. The FCC blocks new DJI certifications. New drone sales would not be approved in the US. Existing drones would remain legal but possibly lose long-term support. DJI drones are placed on the covered list. All drone sales for both new and previous models would cease. Current drones would be allowed to operate but may lose updates and future support. DJI drones are banned retroactively. All DJI drone sales are banned and existing drones grounded or severely restricted. The FCC has said this wont happen. DJI Agras 50 agricultural drone (picture alliance via Getty Images) DJI has reportedly spent over $17 million since 2016 on lobbying and launched the Drone Advocacy Alliance last year to enlist support from customers. It has some allies as well, like agricultural drone operators that formed a lobby last year. Law enforcement, search and rescue and other agencies have also expressed concerns about the higher costs, lower reliability and reduced performance of non-DJI drones. Advertisement Advertisement However, US politicians are largely unsympathetic. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) refused to even take meetings with DJIs lobbyists, calling the company part of a despicable government that wants to spy on us. The same sentiment appears on the other side of the aisle. I simply wont stand by and accept that risk, which is why Ill continue to support DJI being added to the list of banned telecom technology, said Representative Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ). So whats liable to happen? Given the limited time left before the December 23 deadline, I believe the number three or four scenarios above are most likely: The FCC blocks new certifications and DJI drones are put on the covered list. DJI would then be forced to cease sales of new drones and possibly stop selling current models. Customers in the US would still be able to use their existing products, but may have trouble obtaining repairs and updates. If youre a DJI drone owner in the states, you might want to formulate a contingency plan. DJI may be resigned to that scenario as well, hoping that a ban will create enough customer outcry to stimulate political action in its favor. The companys only other hope is that the US and China miraculously strike a trade deal that includes DJI. Given the anti-China sentiment in Washington, that looks unlikely but then again, with Trump as president, anything is possible. Nintendo's lawsuit against Palworld just hit a snag. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has ordered a reexamination of a key Nintendo patent expected to be wielded in the case. Games Fray reports that the office is reviewing the Switch maker's patent regarding "summon subcharacter and let it fight in 1 of 2 modes." If we view Nintendo's Palworld lawsuit as a test bed for monopolizing game mechanics, the development can only be seen as a good thing. Several factors make the reexamination unusual. First, Nintendo's patent in question (No. 12,403,397) was just granted in September. The review was personally ordered by newly sworn-in USPTO Director John A. Squires. The Trump appointee has historically sided with patent holders, making it harder to contest them. Stranger still, Games Fray says this may be the USPTO's first patent reexamination in over a decade. Palworld (Pocketpair) Those ingredients suggest widespread blowback may be the driving force. Although Palworld developer Pocketpair is Nintendo's immediate target, it's easy to see the case opening a Pandora's box where developers fear using well-established game mechanics. Indie developers would be particularly vulnerable. The "slippery slope" commentary practically writes itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Nintendo's patent is ultimately invalidated, we may be able to thank Konami. A 2002 patent application from the maker of Metal Gear and Castlevania was cited as prior art, casting doubt on Nintendo's claim. A separate Nintendo patent, published in 2020, was also listed as possible prior art. Games Fray's report dives much deeper into the legal weeds. Nintendo now has two months to respond. During that period, third parties can come forward with additional prior art references. As a nervous industry eyes Nintendo's case as a potential test bed for monopolizing game mechanics, don't be shocked if gaming lawyers search far and wide for more examples. Elon Musk told Joe Rogan on his podcast he hopes to unveil a flying car before the end of the year. It was an interesting announcement to make, as Rogan also asked Musk about the long-delayed second-gen Tesla Roadster. Tesla unveiled a new Roadster in 2017 and had plans to start deliveries in 2020, but production was delayed several times. Avoiding that conversation, the Tesla CEO suddenly started talking about wanting the vehicle to fly. After vague answers and musing, he eventually said: My friend Peter Thiel once reflected that the future was supposed to have flying cars, but we dont have flying cars. He claimed the vehicle Tesla is supposedly working on contains crazy, crazy technology. Musk said he wasnt sure its technically a car but that it looks like a car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has been talking about flying cars since 2014. Given his optimistic take on development timelines, thats a good 10 years of talk so far. Give it perhaps another 10? Mat Smith Get Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The news you might have missed The business of viral Facebook content is lucrative, but often volatile. Engadget Creator Mel Bouzad is suing Meta for over $115,000 on his and other creators behalf. He alleges that Metas broken AI and vague monetization policy violations led to the wrongful demonetization of high-earning pages and the withholding of tens of thousands of dollars in payments. Can multiple small claims court fights force Meta to provide human support and fix its system? Read the full story on the volatile world of viral content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Continue reading. SpaceX could build up to 600 satellites for a new defense system. SpaceX will reportedly receive a $2 billion contract to develop satellites for the US government, according to sources talking to The Wall Street Journal. SpaceX will reportedly be tasked with developing up to 600 satellites that can track missiles and aircraft and will be used for President Trumps proposed Golden Dome project. The president introduced the project earlier this year as an anti-missile defense system, designed to intercept missile attacks before they reach their target. Continue reading. A better beta is still a beta. Engadget Apple surprised many by announcing an upgraded Vision Pro with its latest M5 chip. Its still largely the same device. The revamped Apple Vision Pro is faster and more comfortable than the original, but its limited ecosystem still makes it better suited to developers than consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does support PSVR2 controllers, though. Continue reading. Reddit won't escape Australia's child social media ban. The Guardian reports that Communications Minister Anika Wells announced Reddit's addition on Wednesday. The nation's law, which blocks children under 16 from major social media sites, is scheduled to go into effect on December 10. Alongside Reddit, Wells said Australian streaming site Kick would also be included. They join the previously announced Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Australia considers the list to be a starting point for the ban and won't rule out adding more. YouTube was initially excluded because it was considered an educational tool. But after protests from other companies on the list, Australia ultimately added it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban passed in late 2024. The legislation puts the onus on the platforms, rather than parents, to police underage use. Companies that don't take reasonable steps to prevent under-16 users from accessing their platforms can face penalties of up to AU$49.5 million (around $32 million). "There's a time and place for social media in Australia, but there's not a place for predatory algorithms, harmful content and toxic popularity [meters] manipulating Australian children," Wells said. "Online platforms can target children with chilling control. We are mandating they use that sophisticated technology to protect them." Update, November 5 2025, 1:09PM ET: A previous version of this story indicated that Australia was considering banning under 16s from using Discord, GitHub and Roblox. This is not the case, as Australian officials do not plan to treat those as age-restricted social media platforms. We regret the error. Kristin Chenoweth is putting years of Broadway rumors to rest. The Tony-winning actress has finally spoken out about long-standing claims that she and "Wicked" co-star Idina Menzel didn't get along while starring together in the original 2003 production of the hit musical. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on November 3, Chenoweth, 57, said there was never any bad blood between her and Menzel, 54, despite years of speculation. "We are so different in the way we do our process that of course rumors are going to fly, right?" Chenoweth said. "She and Ionly we know what we went through to get to where we were," ENews reported. Chenoweth, who played Glinda the Good Witch opposite Menzel's Elphaba, described their relationship as more like family than rivalry. "We would die for each other," she shared. "So it's like sisters. Are sisters always perfect? No. But it's family. That's the best way I can describe it." Kristin Chenoweth is not that girl to hold a grudge. https://t.co/rkit59WLqg pic.twitter.com/2BNJRbQJwS E! News (@enews) November 3, 2025 Read more: Kristin Chenoweth To Lead New Church Choir Comedy Series Following Negotiations Kristin Chenoweth Opens Up About Mother's Illness The "Wicked" alum also recalled how exhausting the show's development had been, explaining that both actresses had spent years perfecting their roles while balancing personal struggles. During that time, Chenoweth's mother was battling cancer, and both stars were coping with the emotional toll of bringing such demanding characters to life night after night. According to People, despite any challenges, the two performers always came together for the show's emotional closing duet, "For Good." "Whatever was going on in our lives, it was nice to come to that moment at the end," Menzel told Vulture in a past joint interview. "We'd look at each other and say, 'I got you. You got me.'" Chenoweth also used her recent interview to reflect on the early days of Wicked and the lukewarm reviews the musical initially received. "I knew it was going to be a hit when we opened in San Francisco," she said. "I told Idina after opening night in New York, 'It doesn't matter what the critics say. You fly. I come down in a bubble. We sing 'For Good.' The people have spoken.'" Both actresses went on to receive Tony nominations in 2004 for their performances, with Menzel ultimately winning Best Leading Actress in a Musical. Rapper Nicki Minaj is facing criticism after publicly supporting former President Donald Trump's warnings to Nigeria over the alleged killings of Christians. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Nov. 1, Minaj shared her appreciation for the freedom to practice her faith in the US and also extended her thanks to Trump for addressing the matter seriously. She wrote, "No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion. We don't have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other." She added, "Numerous countries all around the world are being affected by this horror & it's dangerous to pretend we don't notice. God bless every persecuted Christian. Let's remember to lift them up in prayer." According to Billboard, Minaj's remarks came after Trump called Nigeria a "disgraced country" and promised that America's military response to the alleged Christian killings would "be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!" He directed the Department of Defense to get ready for potential action and cautioned that assistance might be suspended if the violence persisted. The Trump administration recently re-added Nigeria to its "Countries of Particular Concern" list, which identifies nations accused of violating religious freedom. The list also features several nations such as China, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan. Nicki Minaj is shocking liberals after she comes out IN SUPPORT of President Trump protecting Christians, declaring Nigeria of concern due to Islamists exterminating Christians there pic.twitter.com/XEJtDm9Zi4 in the dark newz (@dustinemills47) November 1, 2025 Fans Criticize Nicki Minaj for Backing Donald Trump HuffPost reported that Trump described the situation in Nigeria as an "existential threat" to Christians, claiming that "thousands of Christians are being killed" by "radical Islamists." However, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disputed these claims. He said, "The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians," according to Reuters. Minaj's stance drew criticism from some fans who felt her support of Trump was problematic. One X user wrote that MAGA Republicans have been trying to "weaponize religion so YOUR GAY FANS can be pushed into a corner and silenced." Minaj reportedly replied in a now-deleted post, "Imagine hearing that Christians are being MURDERED & making it about you being gay," per The Independent. Despite the backlash, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz praised Minaj for speaking out. He invited her to meet at the US Embassy in New York to discuss efforts to protect Christians globally, a meeting Minaj said she would be "honored" to attend. Tension rose in East Grinstead, West Sussex, after residents said Tom Cruise's helicopter passed unusually low while he traveled to the Church of Scientology's Patrons Ball. The large annual event at Saint Hill Manor brought crowds, traffic, and plenty of disruption to the small town. Thousands poured into East Grinstead for the celebration at Saint Hill Manor, Scientology's main site in Britain. Locals said the influx overwhelmed the area, with gridlocked streets and the constant hum of aircraft overhead. "It's like the circus coming to town," one resident told The Sun. "It's an endless stream of people and so much noise. Then you've got Tom flying over in his chopper and it causes a right old racket." Another resident posted on a local Facebook forum, complaining that Cruise's helicopter frightened pets and made multiple passes overhead. Event Draws Complaints and a Road Closure The lavish celebration, which takes place every year at Saint Hill Manor, again drew criticism over the venue's lack of proper planning permissions. Council officials said the church ignored earlier warnings about unapproved construction and raised a large marquee for the annual celebration. The weekend's chaos deepened when a minibus carrying attendees hit another car near the grounds. Former Scientologist and campaigner Alexander Barnes-Ross was among a small group of protesters outside the event, saying it highlighted residents' growing frustration. "Over the weekend, the event caused severe disruption to East Grinstead," he said. "It's clear residents are getting increasingly frustrated by Scientology's lack of regard for their small town." Locals have urged both the Church and Cruise to take more responsibility for the annual disruption. Some suggested that a donation to community projects might ease tensions, though many remain skeptical that the Hollywood star's next landing will be any quieter. He's officialy back in London. New pics from the Heliport. Back to work soon, i can feel it!#TomCruise Via @GeraldM64883070 pic.twitter.com/cW5PDb0nhD Tom Cruise News (@TCNews62) November 2, 2025 Read more: Ana De Armas Reportedly Ended Things With Tom Cruise After Feeling Uncomfortable With The Pace Split From Ana de Armas Cruise's weekend wasn't only marked by noise complaints in East Grinstead. The actor also made headlines for his breakup with Ana de Armas after they ended their less-than-a-year relationship According to US Weekly, de Armas was the one to step back, saying the relationship had moved too fast. She's concentrating on work but remains friendly with Cruise, and there's a sense they could revisit things later. SALEM, Ohio Taylor Robb had been looking forward to a busy November at the former Pure Gold Stables. She was preparing to lease the property from owner Heather Birkmire with plans to host horse shows, welcome new boarders and offer training sessions. But those plans came to an abrupt halt when a farrier made a gruesome discovery on Oct. 26: the skeletal remains of four horses locked inside a round pen. According to a Columbiana County Sheriffs report, the wooden enclosures were riddled with teeth marks from the horses as they apparently tried to chew their way through them. Buckets inside the pens contained only remnants of straw. The report noted that the decomposed horses were still draped in winter coats, suggesting they had died months earlier, likely the previous winter. Robb, who made the call to the police, said she believed the horses had been left inside and starved to death. Birkmire could not be reached by Farm and Dairy for comment. The case has been referred to the Columbiana County Humane Society and the county prosecutors office for review. Signs of trouble In a phone interview with Farm and Dairy, Robb said that from the beginning, there were signs of trouble. Following their verbal agreement for Robb to lease Pure Gold, Birkmire placed strict limits on where on the property Robb could go. She said that I could bring my horses and myself onto the property, but not to go anywhere near the back barn and not to go anywhere near the round pen because she had furniture and equipment in both of those buildings, Robb recalled. And I said, OK, no problem. Robb moved in on Oct. 18 and almost immediately started to understand that something wasnt right. She had seven horses on the property of her own, and two of them were in very, very poor condition, Robb said. I waited a full day, and she had not come out to give any of the horses feed, water, anything. And at that point, I told her that I was going to give her horses water and her horses my food. Robb said Birkmire didnt have any hay or grain available. Not long after, Robb said Birkmire asked her if she could continue caring for all of the horses, promising to lower the next months lease payment in return. Robb said she spent her own money on feed and supplies, preparing for new boarders and an open house planned for Nov. 1. But everything fell apart on Oct. 26, when her farrier opened the round pen door Birkmire had told them to avoid. Thats when they found the remains of the four horses. Robb called the authorities and a veterinarian. The stalls were awful, she continued. It looks like the stalls had been eaten down. We are assuming starvation. The story might not end there. Robb said more remains were found in the woods after deputies arrived that night. We found more remains in the woods when the officer showed up that night to take a report and take pictures, she said. And then, the next morning is when the Humane Society got involved, and we were told not to go onto the property anymore without an officer. Robb said she is no longer leasing or purchasing the farm. How the property appears today is a far cry from how she remembers it, when she worked at Pure Gold years ago, before Birkmire purchased it. It was just a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful facility, she said. I had hoped to bring it back to that. After Birkmire took over, Robb said she worked for her for a few months before Birkmire told her she couldnt afford to pay her anymore. They stayed loosely in touch. Later, Robb sold a retired racehorse to Birkmire. Im really hoping that hes not one of the horses on the property, she said, but I havent been able to figure out where he is yet. Heartbreaking and horrific According to the sheriffs report, the day after the remains were found, a deputy returned to Pure Gold to assist a Humane Society investigator with a follow-up visit. Authorities were met at the front gate by a very nervous Birkmire, who consented to let them onto the grounds, saying she needed to retrieve keys to access the area where the dead horses were. But after a search, Birkmire said she couldnt find them. According to the report, the deputy later discovered that while a padlock and chain were on the gate, they werent actually secured the chain was simply clipped over a bolt to keep the gate closed. The report notes that Birkmire confirmed Robb had gained access to the round pen and discovered the dead horses there, and that she did not allow Robb to have access to that building. Birkmire told authorities she believed the horses were poisoned and all died around the same time. She mentioned a former employee as someone who may have had an issue with her, but provided no specific reason or evidence. In an online statement, the Columbiana County Humane Society called the situation heartbreaking and horrific, adding that CCHS is unable to release any specific information regarding the investigation. Sharing details prematurely could compromise the integrity of the investigation and the efforts of all agencies involved, the statement reads. Vito Abruzzino, Columbiana County prosecutor, also released a statement on social media acknowledging his office was aware of the incident and noted his administrations recognition of the gravity of animal abuse cases. One good thing The police report noted Birkmire has received previous complaints for not feeding and taking care of horses in the past from employees. A Change.org petition calling upon the Columbiana County Humane Society to release its file on any cruelty or neglect of horses at the Pure Gold facility to the Columbiana County Prosecutors Office currently has nearly 12,000 signatures. Its absolutely horrific, Robb said. Walking into the round pen was something that is going to give me nightmares for a very long time. You dont even have to love an animal to walk into something like that and just be sickened and horrified. All of the horses found dead so far on the property, she said, have been identified as thoroughbreds. Robb believes work has to be done to protect them. There needs to be more, you know, something else in place so that at least we know that these horses are going to good homes, Robb said. Pretty much anybody can go to the track and buy a thoroughbred thats finished racing. I think that there needs to be something that, you know, you cant just show up with money and take these horses to awful situations like this. Despite the trauma, Robb said shes found comfort in how the local horse community has responded. As horrific as it is, just the outcry from the horse community and everybody who just cares so much its really one good thing to see out of everything awful thats happening, she said. Its wonderful that so many people care this much to really want to make a change and get justice for these horses. British food and drink producers stand to gain nearly 100 million in new export opportunities this year, after UK trade specialists helped dismantle dozens of overseas barriers affecting agricultural goods. Government data shows that the UKs network of 16 agri-food attaches has helped to resolve 41 trade barriers since January 2025, opening new markets for farmers and food manufacturers. Key developments include the reopening of pork exports to China worth an estimated 80m, new access to Vietnams live-seafood market valued at 4m a year, and a deal to send 35m worth of dairy products to Egypt. British pork has also secured a new 3.8m annual market in Mexico, according to industry figures. The attache scheme, set up to strengthen UK trade ties in key export markets, forms part of wider efforts to expand Britains 37 billion food and drink sector the nations largest manufacturing industry, employing nearly half a million people. In 2024, the UK exported 24.6 billion of agri-food products, according to Defra. Previous wins have included opening the US market to British beetroot in 2024 and securing protected status for Scotch whisky in Argentina. Food Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle said the attaches work was helping to grow opportunities for UK producers abroad. Every trade barrier we remove is another door opened for British farmers and food producers to sell their world-leading products, she said. British food and drink is highly sought after in markets worldwide and, thanks to the dedicated work of our trade attaches, were helping producers grow their businesses and the economy. Jonathan Eckley, International Trade Development Director at AHDB, said close cooperation between government and industry was critical to securing access for red meat and dairy. Ensuring we have a broad portfolio of markets for our world-class red meat and dairy produce is essential to maximise opportunities, he said. The collaborative approach between AHDB, industry and government delivers tangible results for our levy payers and supports the long-term growth of our sectors. Industry groups have welcomed the attache programme but urged ministers to maintain focus on post-Brexit trade friction, labelling rules and export logistics, which continue to challenge some producers. Working with Defra and the Department for Business and Trade, the attache network uses in-country expertise to showcase the quality and safety of British produce from whisky and chocolate to cereals and animal feed. According to government figures, the UKs top agri-food exports last year included whisky (5.5 billion), salmon (0.9 billion), chocolate (0.9 billion) and cheese (0.9 billion), highlighting the strength and diversity of Britains food and farming industries. Analysts say the attaches work demonstrates steady progress in rebuilding trade relationships after Brexit, though exporters warn that global competition, shipping costs and import regulations remain persistent challenges. A surge in tourism and hospitality investment across the Middle East is fuelling fresh demand for British dairy, with industry experts predicting the region could become one of the UKs fastest-growing export markets. Export specialists at AHDB say booming visitor numbers and rapid growth in food service and retail are driving appetite for premium products such as speciality cheese, butter, yoghurt and infant formula. The insight follows the levy organisation's first dairy export mission to the Middle East, held between 25 and 30 October, which saw a delegation of British businesses visit Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The trip, co-funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as part of the UK Dairy Export Programme, aimed to strengthen commercial ties and introduce British producers to new buyers and markets. The UK exported around 1.8 billion worth of dairy products in 2024, according to AHDB though wider government trade data, which includes dairy and eggs, places the total just over 2 billion. AHDB believes the sector could see further growth through closer engagement with high-value markets such as the Middle East and North Africa. More than 20 retail and food service buyers met with UK delegates during the five-day mission, which included market briefings, business meetings, and networking receptions promoting the best of British dairy from mature cheddars and artisan cheeses to organic yoghurts, halloumi, and infant formula. Adil Khan, AHDBs dairy representative in the Middle East, said the mission was an important step in building long-term partnerships. This initiative marks an exciting step forward in strengthening the UKs trade ties with the Middle East, showcasing the quality, innovation, and diversity of British dairy, he said. Khan added that Saudi Arabias tourism boom in particular was helping to expand opportunities for exporters. Increased tourism in Saudi Arabia has helped fuel opportunities in the food service sector, while opportunities also exist in retail with the rapid expansion of e-commerce, he explained. This presents strong opportunities for UK dairy, particularly for cheese, butter and infant formula. Trade missions like this play a key role in connecting our exporters with potential customers. AHDBs Prospects for UK Agri-Food Exports report identified the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as one of the most promising markets for British agri-food products. It predicts the MENA region will become the second largest global importer of food by 2031, driven by population growth, rising incomes, and major investment in hospitality and tourism. AHDB believes British exporters are well-placed to capitalise on that demand, with UK dairy widely recognised for its high standards of quality, safety and provenance. Officials say the latest trade mission underscores the value of in-person market engagement, helping producers understand consumer preferences and distribution networks in one of the worlds fastest-growing food markets. Farmers are being urged to tighten security and remain vigilant following renewed online activity from activist groups planning coordinated farm incursions across the UK. The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has issued updated guidance to help farmers protect their property, livestock and families after several years of disruptive trespass incidents aimed at filming or live-streaming farming operations. The union said such intrusions not only cause distress but also pose serious risks to biosecurity, animal welfare and personal safety. Although prosecutions in recent years have reduced the number of incidents, the UFU warned that farmers should remain alert and prepared. Activist incursions are often carefully pre-planned, with groups spending weeks or months observing potential sites, sometimes visiting under false pretences or placing hidden cameras. Others scour social media for clues about farm locations or routines. Farmers are advised to review site security regularly locking gates and buildings, checking boundaries, fencing and lighting, and installing CCTV where possible. Clear signage marking property as private can also help police act quickly if trespass occurs. The UFU stresses that good livestock management and proper handling of fallen stock are also key. Sick or injured animals should be kept in clean, well-bedded pens to prevent misrepresentation in photos or videos, while carcasses should be moved promptly to a secure bin or building and clearly marked. If a drone is spotted overhead, farmers are urged not to interfere. Instead, record the time, location and, if possible, photograph the device or operator before reporting it to the police. Online, farmers should avoid sharing identifiable details about their farms or animals and never engage directly with activists. Any harassment or false claims should be documented with screenshots for evidence. Compliance with all legal and assurance-scheme standards is the first line of protection, the UFU said. We urge all members to make sure their farms are inspection-ready at all times. If activists enter a property, the UFU advises farmers to remain calm, act professionally and avoid confrontation. Trespassers should be asked politely but firmly to leave while the police is contacted immediately even if they have already gone. Activists often livestream their actions, so any interaction can be broadcast instantly and taken out of context, the UFU warned. Farmers are entitled to record footage on their own land for evidential purposes. The union recommends gathering details such as vehicle registrations, faces and any visible damage, as these may help with later investigations. Farmers are urged not to speak to the media during or after an incursion, as publicity can serve the objectives of the activists rather than the farmer. Intruders must never be permitted to remove animals from the property, as this constitutes theft and should be reported to police. While reasonable force is permitted to protect people or property, the UFU stressed that any action must be proportionate and justified, and that personal safety should always come first. Trespass is usually a civil matter, but where activists cause damage, obstruct operations or force entry, it can escalate to aggravated trespass, allowing police to order individuals to leave. Failure to comply can result in prosecution. Farm incursions remain relatively rare, but they are highly unsettling for farm families when they do occur, the UFU said. The best defence is thorough preparation, good management and a calm, professional response. The trailer of Delhi Crime 3 has taken the internet by storm, and this time, its Huma Qureshi who steals the spotlight. The actor makes a powerful entry into the acclaimed series as Badi Didi, a character that feels both chilling and deeply human. Her commanding screen presence, mixed with subtle menace, gives a glimpse into one of her most intense performances yet. In the trailer, Humas portrayal of Badi Didi is haunting and magnetic, a complex figure who adds new tension to the already layered world of Delhi Crime. Fans have flooded social media with praise, calling her transformation bold and gripping. Speaking at the trailer launch, Huma opened up about what drew her to the role and the challenges it brought. She said, A lot of people asked me why I did this show and Im sure the same question was on your mind when the script reached you: now you tell two actors to play Batman and Joker, so who will say I dont want to play Batman and which actor wouldnt want to play Joker? It was a brilliant pitch, and I said yes. Im such a huge fan of Delhi Crime season one and season two and when I got the call to join this universe it felt like a kid getting their favourite toy to play with. This time I play, honestly, the darkest and most disturbing character of my career, and I mean that in the best way possible: the best worst role Ive ever done. She also admitted that joining such a celebrated ensemble was both thrilling and intimidating. Sharing her thoughts, Huma said she felt the pressure to match the shows reputation for realism and emotional depth. Her dedication and layered portrayal, however, have already become a talking point. Watch the trailer here: Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam's upcoming film HAQ has received full censor clearance in India, UAE, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, with zero cuts across all certification boards. Produced by Junglee Pictures, the film has been certified U/A 13+ in India, PG-15 in the UAE, PG in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The film is inspired by a landmark judgment of the Honourable Supreme Court which explores themes of family, religion, justice, faith, identity, liberalism, and law, including the Uniform Civil Code under Article 44 of the Indian Constitution. This hard hitting, powerful and inspiring story revolves around a mother who approaches the courts to claim rights for herself and her children under Section 125 of the CrPC. The certification across different countries makes it a significant achievement in upholding the films uncompromised and balanced voice. Directed by Suparn Verma, HAQ also features Vartika Singh making her debut with the film and powerhouse performers Sheeba Chaddha, Danish Hussain, and Aseem Hattangady. Haq explores themes of the Uniform Civil Code, Triple Talaq, and gender equality before the law. Meanwhile, ahead of the release of the show, Junglee Pictures, led by Mr. Vineet Jain (MD, The Times Group), hosted an exclusive screening of the film. The event saw an esteemed gathering of High Court Judges, senior lawyers, bureaucrats, and corporate leaders, who lauded the films authenticity, powerful performances, and socially relevant themes. Meanwhile, ahead of the release of the show, Junglee Pictures, led by Mr. Vineet Jain (MD, The Times Group), hosted an exclusive screening of the film. The event saw an esteemed gathering of High Court Judges, senior lawyers, bureaucrats, and corporate leaders, who lauded the films authenticity, powerful performances, and socially relevant themes. Talking about the film, Yami Gautam said, "This story moved me deeply. Its not just Shazias fight, its a reflection of the strength and resilience of countless women whove been told to stay silent. Portraying her demanded empathy, conviction, and an unshakeable belief in justice. This film is more than a role for me. Its a reminder that it takes just one voice to make a difference." Written by Reshu Nath, the film continues Junglee Pictures legacy of socially resonant, bold cinema, following hits like Raazi, Talvar, Badhaai Ho, and Badhaai Do and is set for a worldwide release on November 7, 2025. Also Read: Legal Community And Corporate Leaders Applaud Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautams HAQ The National Crush is here Get ready for the Fun, secrets & the smile we all love Watch #JayammuNischayammuRaa This Sunday at 8:30PM On #ZeeTelugu & Premieres On This Friday On #Zee5#JayammuNischayammuRaaWithJagapathi #ZeeTeluguPromo @iamRashmika @IamJagguBhai pic.twitter.com/Tb1McWkyNu ZEE TELUGU (@ZeeTVTelugu) November 3, 2025 Rashmika blushes Mahesh Babu will never age Any of Rashmika Mandannas latest press interactions would be incomplete without the mention of the much-speculated engagement ring. The actress is promoting her upcoming release, The Girlfriend, in the Telugu states. In her latest interview with a popular TV talk show, Rashmika was asked about the alleged ring on her fingers.Rashmika Mandanna attended the popular Telugu talk show Jayammu Nischayammu Raa, hosted by actor Jagapathi Babu. The promo of the episode shows the conversation went smoothly with the actress sharing about her childhood memories, likes and personal preferences. But the chat turned exciting when the host asked the actress the most curious question. Are those rings on your hands a sentiment? Yeah, they are very important, she replied. The host continues, Among the rings, one must be your favourite one, which has a history. As the audience starts cheeringRashmika is seen blushing. The promo certainly raised curiosity and made everyone look forward to the complete episode on how the Pushpa actress responded to the most asked question.As part of the film promotions, Rashmika also took the opportunity to interact with netizens in a Q & A on X. Calling the session Rush Hour, she asked her fans to shoot questions quickly. During the course, she shared her favourite characters, prep behind it, role versatility, horror comedy Thamma with Ayushmann Khurrana and upcoming film (Mysaa). One fan asked her, "what's the one thing you love in #MaheshBabu. Rashmika was quick to describe the superstars charming personality. Sharing that Mahesh will never age, she in fact, adds that hes getting younger with time. Somehow I think sir will just never age.. if at all.. hes aging backwards.. I love it! I love that.. I want to know how thats even possible, wrote Rashmika. Netherlands site will bring 500 manufacturing and 1,500 construction jobs while further strengthening Lilly's global supply chain INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced today plans to build a new 2.6 billion (3 billion USD) manufacturing facility in Katwijk, the Netherlands, located within the Leiden Bio Science Park. This major project will expand Lilly's capacity to produce oral medicines and strengthen the company's global supply chain. The facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies to meet the needs of Lilly's growing portfolio of oral solid medicines in cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology and immunology. Innovative capabilities will include dock-to-dock automation and material flow, paperless manufacturing, process analytical technology and spray-dried dispersion, which allows oral medicines to be effectively absorbed. "With extensive investments already underway in the U.S., our planned expansion in Europe further strengthens our ability to deliver medicines to patients worldwide. Localized manufacturing ensures we can quickly respond to meet regional demand and accelerate distribution within Europe," said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. "Leiden Bio Science Park offers access to a skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure and proven pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. We look forward to working closely with the EU, national and local governments to create a more favorable and predictable policy environment open to fully harnessing innovative medicines to deliver faster access to patients." Lilly will bring 500 high-wage jobs to the South Holland province, including highly skilled engineers, scientists, operations personnel and lab technicians, who will leverage state-of-the-art technology to produce life-changing medicines. In addition, an estimated 1,500 jobs will be created during construction, which is expected to begin next year. Lilly's investment is contingent upon the finalization of government permits and local approvals. "I'm truly proud that Lilly has chosen the Netherlands, Katwijk and the Leiden Bio Science Park after considering many locations across Europe," said Vincent Karremans, minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands. "The arrival of Lilly will not only bring new jobs and investments but also boost collaboration in the field of innovative medicines, helping us work together on solutions that truly improve people's health and lives." Lilly has established a strong manufacturing footprint in Europe with four existing sites across France, Ireland, Italy and Spain. To meet the growing demand for Lilly medicines, the company has shared plans for three additional EU sites since 2020, including new greenfield sites in Ireland, Germany, and now, the Netherlands. In a recent worldwide benchmark of 32 countries, the Netherlands ranked top-tier in terms of business climate for life sciences companies. Lilly's ongoing investments in the region will create operational synergies and supply chain flexibility, support the early-stage life science ecosystem and strengthen university and government relationships. "At Lilly, we are investing in next-generation manufacturing facilities around the world to ensure our medicines are made and distributed closer to the communities and patients we serve. Expanding our capabilities in Europe strengthens our global supply chain and reflects our commitment to getting innovative treatments to patients who need them," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "Additionally, with each new facility we are building, we find ways to continue to minimize our environmental footprint - assuring carbon neutrality in our operations and generating zero waste to landfills." The company recently announced plans to expand an existing manufacturing site in Puerto Rico and to build sites in Texas and Virginia. Two more U.S. locations will be announced in the next few months. About Lilly Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help tens of millions of people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit Lilly.nl, or follow us on LinkedIn. Trademarks and Trade Names All trademarks or trade names referred to in this press release are the property of the company, or, to the extent trademarks or trade names belonging to other companies are references in this press release, the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this press release are referred to without the and symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that the company or, to the extent applicable, their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the company's or their rights thereto. We do not intend the use or display of other companies' trademarks and trade names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) including about planned capital investments in new manufacturing capacity, production and delivery of medicines, sustainability goals, hiring and related initiatives and reflects Lilly's current beliefs and expectations. However, as with any such undertaking, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the manufacturing process, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products any of which could impact the overall commercial success of our products, and as related to cost, completion timing, expected capacity, personnel, and other factors which could impact expected benefits of the capacity expansion and related initiatives. For further discussion of risks and uncertainties relevant to Lilly's business that could cause actual results to differ from Lilly's expectations, see Lilly's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release. Refer to: Carla Cox; cox_carla@lilly.com; 317-750-3923 (Media) Michael Czapar; czapar_michael_c@lilly.com; 317-617-0983 (Investors) Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2809908/Mondrian_Eli_Lilly_and_Company.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/133140/eli_lilly_and_company_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lilly-plans-to-build-a-new-2-6-billion-facility-to-boost-oral-medicine-manufacturing-capacity-in-europe-for-patients-worldwide-302602308.html SPARTANBURG, SC AND AUGUSTA, GA / ACCESS Newswire / November 3, 2025 / Southern Financial Corporation and Southern Bank today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to sell their Georgia branches to Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union ("Palmetto Citizens"). Palmetto Citizens will acquire the physical locations and most of the deposit and loan accounts associated with Southern Bank's four branches located in Georgia. Upon consummation of the transaction, Southern Bank will continue to operate as an independent community bank. As of September 30, 2025, the deposits and loans to be conveyed to Palmetto Citizens were approximately $83 million and $20 million, respectively. Palmetto Citizens plans to hire all current Southern Bank employees at each of the acquired branches. Southern Financial Corporation estimates that the transaction will be accretive to its tangible book value per share in a range of $0.75 to $1.00 at the closing. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. "As Southern Bank has evolved into a commercially focused community bank over the past couple years, we began assessing our options related to portions of our enterprise that did not entirely fit the new business plan. Once identified, we set out to find the best possible overall result for our shareholders, team members, customers and communities related to that portion of our business. The sale of our Georgia branches to Palmetto Citizens will provide additional capital for the continued growth of the bank for shareholders and a strong consumer and community focused partner for our team members, customers and communities," said Jamin Hujik, Executive Vice Chairman of Southern Bank. "For nearly 90 years, Palmetto Citizens has stood for trust, stability, and care for our members and the communities we serve," said Robert Dozier, President & CEO of Palmetto Citizens. "This agreement represents an exciting opportunity to build on that legacy by thoughtfully expanding our service beyond South Carolina and into Georgia. We look forward to welcoming these new members into the Palmetto Citizens family and providing them with the same personal, community-focused service and value that have long defined who we are." Until the transaction closes, it will be business as usual for customers of both financial institutions. Upon the transaction's closing, Southern Bank's Georgia branch customers will become members of Palmetto Citizens. Burke Stelling Group served as financial advisor, and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP served as legal counsel to Southern Bank. Mercer Capital served as financial advisor, and Hongiman, LLP served as legal counsel to Palmetto Citizens. ABOUT SOUTHERN FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SOUTHERN BANK Southern Financial Corporation, Spartanburg, South Carolina is a registered bank holding company incorporated under the laws of South Carolina. The company's wholly owned subsidiary, Southern Bank, has been providing financial services since 1945 and currently operates in 8 locations in the Spartanburg, Greenville, Aiken and Myrtle Beach markets of South Carolina as well as the Sardis, Waynesboro, Hephzibah and Gibson markets of Georgia. Southern Financial Corporation has consolidated assets of approximately $360 million, and its common stock is traded on The OTC Market under the symbol "SFCO." ABOUT PALMETTO CITIZENS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Since 1936, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union has been a trusted financial partner, providing personalized guidance and affordable solutions to help members live their best financial lives. Today, Palmetto Citizens manages more than $1.4 billion in assets, employs over 300 people, and proudly serves more than 86,000 members through 14 branch locations and nearly 50 ATMs across central South Carolina. For more information, visit www.palmettocitizens.org or call 803-732-5000. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements contained herein are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of federal and state securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by use of the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "pro forma," or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs, such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of Palmetto Citizens' management or Southern Bank's management, respectively, which each management team believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements are inherently subject to significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Palmetto Citizens or Southern Bank. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, and depend on the Palmetto Citizens' and Southern Bank's ability to close the transaction in a timely manner and to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other conditions. The actual amount of deposits that are acquired under the agreement is subject to change prior to closing. Targeted financial benefits are subject to significant uncertainty, and Palmetto Citizens' expected benefits of the transaction may be affected or offset by other conditions related to Palmetto Citizens' operation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect expectations only as of the date of this release. Neither Palmetto Citizens nor Southern Bank undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as otherwise required by law. MEDIA CONTACTS: For Southern Bank: Jamin Hujik, Executive Vice Chairman jhujik@thesouthern.bank, 864-345-1022 For Palmetto Citizens: Chris Terlinden, Chief Marketing Officer cterlinden@palmettocitizens.org, 803-255-0198 SOURCE: Palmetto Citizens View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/southern-financial-corporation-and-southern-bank-announce-the-propos-1096394 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 3, 2025) - Riley Gold Corp. (TSXV: RLYG) (OTCQB: RLYGF) ("Riley Gold" or the "Company") wishes to provide an update to its shareholders on the impact of the current delays and suspension of mail service in Canada as a result of the nationwide strike of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (the "Postal Strike") as it relates to the requirements to send proxy materials (the "Meeting Materials") for the Company's upcoming annual general meeting (the "Meeting"). The Meeting is to be held December 3, 2025, at 10:00am (Pacific Time) at the head office of the Company at 2390 - 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C. On October 10, 2025, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers announced that the union was moving from a full, national strike to rotating strikes (the "Rotating Strikes"). While the Company will make all efforts to attend to the mailing when possible during the Rotating Strikes, shareholders are reminded that there is uncertainty and instability in the postal service and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers has no service guarantees at this time. The Company's Meeting Materials, comprising of the Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the Management Information Circular, the Form of Proxy, the Form of Voting Information Form are accessible on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. and on the Company's website at https://rileygoldcorp.com/shareholder/. Shareholders are encouraged to direct requests for copies of the Meeting Materials to Computershare's Shareholder Services Call Center at 1-800-564-6253 (toll free in Canada and the United States) between 8:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time or 514-982-7555 (international direct dial). If you are a registered shareholder, please contact at Computershare Investor Services Inc. at 1-800-564-6253 to obtain your proxy form control number to cast your vote for the upcoming AGM. In the event that the Postal Strike ends prior to the Meeting, the Company will mail the Meeting Materials to its shareholders in the normal course, but there can be no assurance that the Meeting Materials will be received by the shareholders prior to the Meeting. As set out in the Meeting Materials, shareholders will be asked to consider and approve the following resolutions: (i) set the number of directors; (ii) election of directors for the ensuing year; (iii) appointment of auditors for the ensuing year and to authorize the directors to fix the auditor's remuneration; and (iv) approval of the Company's stock option plan. About Riley Gold Corp. Riley Gold is an exploration and development company focused in Nevada, USA. Riley Gold's Pipeline West/Clipper Gold Project ("PWC") is located in the Cortez mining district of the Battle Mountain - Eureka Trend. PWC is operated by Kinross Gold U.S.A., Inc. ("Kinross"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K) (NYSE: KGC), under an exploration earn-in agreement executed in March 2024 whereby Kinross has the right to earn up to 75% of PWC by spending USD$20,000,000 (for full details of the Kinross agreement please see the March 14, 2024 news release). Kinross is funding and operating PWC and has a strategic 9.9% (on a partially diluted basis) equity interest in the Company acquired through a private placement. About PWC: PWC constitutes a very prospective exploration property for Carlin-type, disseminated and replacement gold deposits. PWC consists of a land package totaling approximately 24.7 km of unpatented mining claims and patented fee lands adjoining NGM. PWC is situated along the Cortez Structural Zone of the exceptionally productive Cortez Trend within the Battle Mountain - Eureka Trend in north central Nevada (Figure 1). The Cortez and Pipeline complexes (adjoining Riley Gold's PWC boundary) are top producers within Nevada, a State that has consistently produced between 4-5 million ounces of gold a year. Figure 1: PWC Location (project boundary approximate) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10015/273046_c85b441d841d6bbe_002full.jpg FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information. This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Although Riley Gold believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Riley Gold can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties and the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions and the ability to obtain the requisite approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange when necessary. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future business activities and involves risks and uncertainties. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Riley Gold operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca). There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273046 SOURCE: Riley Gold Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 3, 2025) - CareRx Corporation (TSX: CRRX) ("CareRx" or the "Company"), Canada's leading provider of pharmacy services to seniors living and other congregate care communities, today reported its financial results for the third quarter that ended September 30, 2025. Highlights for the Third Quarter of 2025 Average Beds Serviced 1 increased to 91,298 as of September 30, 2025. increased to 91,298 as of September 30, 2025. Revenue increased to $93.2 million for Q3 2025 from $91.4 million in Q2 2025 and $92.8 million in Q3 2024. increased to $93.2 million for Q3 2025 from $91.4 million in Q2 2025 and $92.8 million in Q3 2024. Adjusted EBITDA 2 increased to $8.3 million for Q3 2025, compared to $8.0 million in the prior quarter and $7.8 million in Q3 2024. increased to $8.3 million for Q3 2025, compared to $8.0 million in the prior quarter and $7.8 million in Q3 2024. Adjusted EBITDA Margin 2 increased to 9.0%, compared to 8.8% in Q2 2025 and 8.4% in Q3 2024. increased to 9.0%, compared to 8.8% in Q2 2025 and 8.4% in Q3 2024. Cash from Operations was $10.1 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $3.8 million in the prior quarter and $12.2 million in Q3 2024. "Our third quarter results demonstrate the continued momentum we have built through disciplined execution and strategic investments in our operating platform," said Puneet Khanna, President and Chief Executive Officer of CareRx. "The combination of growing revenue, expanding EBITDA margins and increasing bed count reflects our ability to scale efficiently while maintaining operational excellence. The initiation of a quarterly dividend and the renewal of our share buyback program underscore our confidence in the business and our commitment to a flexible capital allocation strategy that balances growth investments with direct returns to shareholders. Our focused execution and strategic positioning ensure we are ready to grow with the sector and deliver long-term value to all our stakeholders and home operator partners." Notable Events On September 3, 2025, CareRx hosted the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario's Minister of Long-Term Care, at its Oakville pharmacy location to showcase the innovative pharmacy services and technology used to deliver integrated pharmacy services and programs to residents across the seniors housing spectrum. CareRx also highlighted the critical role the Company plays in personalized medication management and enhanced clinical support. On September 15, 2025, the Company declared a dividend of $0.02 per common share, which was subsequently paid on October 15, 2025. This dividend is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian income tax purposes. On September 15, 2025, the TSX approved the renewal of the Company's normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"), allowing the Company to repurchase for cancellation up to 1,500,000 of its common shares during the period from September 17, 2025, to September 16, 2026. Since the commencement of the NCIB on September 17, 2025, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 194,100 common shares for cancellation at a weighted average price of $3.56 per share. Certain purchases under the NCIB were made by the Company's broker in accordance with the terms of the Company's automatic repurchase plan. FINANCIAL RESULTS Selected Financial Information For the three-month periods ended September 30, For the nine-month periods ended September 30, (Thousands of Canadian dollars except per share amounts and percentages) 2025 2024 2023 2025 2024 2023 $ $ $ $ $ $ Revenue 93,220 92,836 93,760 274,160 274,533 279,649 EBITDA1 7,713 6,612 7,022 21,270 19,154 19,211 Adjusted EBITDA1 8,345 7,775 7,309 24,121 22,737 21,168 Adjusted EBITDA Per share - Basic1 $0.13 $0.13 $0.13 $0.38 $0.38 $0.37 Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 9.0% 8.4% 7.8% 8.8% 8.3% 7.6% Net income (loss) 1,550 (360) (1,437) 2,338 (2,256) (1,705) Per share - Basic and Diluted $0.02 ($0.01) ($0.02) $0.04 ($0.04) ($0.03) Cash provided by operations 10,076 12,240 8,218 21,219 29,590 18,613 Total Assets 223,672 219,517 264,705 223,672 219,517 264,705 Total Liabilities 136,406 139,465 186,017 136,406 139,465 186,017 1 Non-IFRS measure or non-IFRS ratio. For further information, including descriptions of the composition of each measure or ratio and reconciliations of the measure to the comparable measures under IFRS, see the "Non-IFRS Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Other Measures" section of this press release. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 Average Beds Serviced 1 increased by 1,250 beds and 2,199 beds compared to Q2 2025 and Q3 2024, respectively. increased by 1,250 beds and 2,199 beds compared to Q2 2025 and Q3 2024, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA 2 and Adjusted EBITDA margin 2 increased year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter due to the onboarding of new beds and cost savings initiatives. and Adjusted EBITDA margin increased year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter due to the onboarding of new beds and cost savings initiatives. Net Debt2 decreased compared to Q2 2025 due to an increase in the Company's cash balance; Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA2 declined in the quarter due to the decline in Net Debt and an increase in run-rate Adjusted EBITDA2. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter of 2025 financial results on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). To dial direct and enter the call through an operator, dial 647-849-3320 or 1-833-752-4643. A live webcast of the conference call, including the slide presentation, will be available on the Events and Presentations page of the Investors section of the Company's website (https://carerx.ca/presentations/) and can be accessed here. Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be required to join the webcast. The webcast with slide presentation will be archived for 90 days on the Events and Presentations page of the Investors section of the Company's website (https://carerx.ca/presentations/). About CareRx Corporation CareRx is Canada's leading provider of pharmacy services to seniors living and other congregate care communities (long-term care homes, retirement homes, assisted living facilities and group homes). We are a national organization with a large network of pharmacy fulfillment centers strategically located across the country. This allows us to deliver medications in a timely and cost-effective manner and quickly respond to routine changes in medication management. We use best-in-class technology that automates the preparation and verification of multi-dose compliance packaging of medication, providing the highest levels of safety and adherence for individuals with complex medication regimens. We take an active role in working with our home operator partners to promote resident health, staff education and medication system quality and efficiency. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's business strategy, plans and other expectations, beliefs, goals, objectives, information and statements about possible future events, including statements about the Company's capital allocation strategy and future growth and investments. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate" or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on management's perception of historical trends, current conditions, and future developments, as well as assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties (many of which are beyond the control of the Company) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such statements. Factors and risks that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, the Company's general business risks, the Company's exposure to and reliance on government regulation and funding, reliance on contracts with key care operators, and other risk factors described from time to time in the reports and disclosure documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory agencies and commissions. The foregoing risks and factors are not an exhaustive list of the factors that may impact the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, no assurance can be given as to any such future results, levels of activity or achievements. The factors underlying current expectations are dynamic and subject to change. Other than as specifically required by applicable laws, the Company is under no obligation and it expressly disclaims any such obligation to update or alter the forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Non-IFRS Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Other Measures This press release includes certain measures which have not been prepared in accordance with IFRS, including: "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA Margin", "Adjusted EBITDA per share", "Net Debt" and "Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA". These non-IFRS measures and non-IFRS ratios are not standardized financial measures recognized under IFRS and, accordingly, readers are cautioned that these measures may differ from, and may not be comparable to, similarly-named measures reported by other issuers. With respect to "EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA", net income (loss) is the most directly comparable financial measure determined in accordance with IFRS. With respect to "Net Debt", Cash and cash equivalents and Borrowings are the most directly comparable financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS. The non-IFRS measures and ratios presented this press release should not be viewed as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Company defines "EBITDA" as earnings before depreciation and amortization, finance costs, net, and income tax expense (recovery). "Adjusted EBITDA" is defined as EBITDA before transaction, restructuring and other costs, change in fair value of contingent consideration liability, impairments, (gain) loss on disposal of assets and share-based compensation expense. "Adjusted EBITDA Margin" is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. "Adjusted EBITDA per share" is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by the weighted average outstanding shares. "Net Debt" is defined as the principal balance of the Company's borrowings net of cash and cash equivalents. "Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA" is defined as Net Debt divided by the Company's run-rate Adjusted EBITDA annualized based on the current quarter's Adjusted EBITDA. Management of the Company believes that these non-IFRS measures and non-IFRS ratios provide useful information to investors regarding the Company's financial condition and results of operations as they provide additional key metrics of performance. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful financial metric as it measures cash generated from operations which the Company can use to fund working capital requirements, service interest and principal debt repayments and fund future growth initiatives. The Company's agreements with lenders are also structured with certain financial performance covenants which includes Adjusted EBITDA as a key component of the covenant calculation. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA Margin to assess the efficiency of its operations by comparing Adjusted EBITDA for the period against revenues. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA per share can provide shareholders with useful information, contextualizing Adjusted EBITDA by factoring in changes to the Company's outstanding shares. The Company believes Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and other stakeholders as it reflects the Company's overall financial leverage and liquidity position. Management uses Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of the Company's ability to meet its financial obligations and manage capital structure. In addition to the foregoing non-IFRS measures and ratios, the Company uses certain key performance indicators, including Average Beds Serviced to compare the financial performance of the Company's operations between periods. Average Beds Serviced is a supplementary financial measure which is not a standardized financial measure recognized under IFRS and, accordingly, readers are cautioned that this measure may differ from, and may not be comparable to, similarly-named measures reported by other issuers. Average Beds Serviced is calculated as the simple average of the number of residents serviced by the Company at the end of each month in the applicable period. Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures For the three month periods ended September 30, For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 (Thousands of Canadian Dollars except per share amounts) $ $ $ $ Net income (loss) 1,550 (360) 2,338 (2,256) Depreciation and amortization 4,489 4,768 13,790 14,406 Finance costs, net 1,674 2,204 5,142 7,004 EBITDA 7,713 6,612 21,270 19,154 Transaction, restructuring and other costs 121 728 1,061 1,183 Change in fair value of contingent consideration liability 15 29 60 (142) Goodwill and intangible assets impairment - - - 764 Share-based compensation expense 502 475 1,450 1,337 Loss on disposal of assets (6) (69) 280 441 Adjusted EBITDA 8,345 7,775 24,121 22,737 Adjusted EBITDA Margin 9.0% 8.4% 8.8% 8.3% Weighted average number of shares - basic (in thousands) 62,987 60,087 62,695 60,028 Adjusted EBITDA per share - basic $0.13 $0.13 $0.38 $0.38 Weighted average number of shares - diluted (in thousands) 64,909 60,087 64,616 60,028 Adjusted EBITDA per share - diluted $0.13 $0.13 $0.37 $0.38 As at September 30, 2025 As at September 30, 2024 (thousands of Canadian Dollars) $ $ Cash and cash equivalents 15,541 8,446 Borrowings 44,309 52,708 Net Debt 28,768 44,262 Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA 0.86 1.42 1 "Average Beds Serviced" is not a measure recognized under IFRS. See the "Non-IFRS Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Other Measures" section of this press release. 2 Non-IFRS measure or non-IFRS ratio. For further information, including descriptions of the composition of each measure and reconciliations of the measure to the comparable measures under IFRS, see the "Non-IFRS Measures, Non-IFRS Ratios and Other Measures " section of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273049 SOURCE: CareRx Corporation Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 3, 2025) - ATEX Resources Inc. (TSXV: ATX) (OTCQB: ATXRF) ("ATEX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, further to its news release dated September 23, 2025, it has filed an independent technical report (the "Technical Report") containing an updated mineral resource estimate ("MRE") on the Company's Valeriano copper-gold project ("Valeriano" or the "Project") located in the Atacama Region, Chile. The Technical Report has an effective date of November 3, 2025, and was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The Technical Report can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and is also available on the Company's website (www.atexresources.com). HIGHLIGHTS OF MRE INCLUDEi: A higher confidence, globally significant copper-gold-silver Mineral Resource: Higher confidence Indicated Resource estimate of 475 million tonnes ("Mt") at 0.88% copper equivalent ("CuEq") (0.58% copper ("Cu"), 0.25 g/t gold ("Au"), 1.39 g/t silver ("Ag") and 70.4 g/t molybdenum ("Mo")) at a cut-off grade of 0.35% Cu. Inferred Mineral estimate of 1,511 Mt at 0.75% CuEq (0.50% Cu, 0.20 g/t Au, 1.16 g/t Ag and 70.6 g/t Mo) at a cut-off grade of 0.35% Cu. High-grade components of MRE remain open for expansion: Initial B2B Zone Mineral Resource estimate of 28.4 Mt in the Indicated category at a grade of 1.36% CuEq (0.95% Cu, 0.33 g/t Au, 1.98 g/t Ag and 134 g/t Mo) and 2.6 Mt in Inferred at a grade of 1.05% CuEq (0.74% Cu, 0.28 g/t Au, 1.74 g/t Ag and 22 g/t Mo) at a 0.6% Cu cut-off grade . First drill hole results from the current Phase VI drill program , in ATXD25C testing the B2B Zone, reported record results exceeding the average grade estimated in the MRE . ATXD25C intersected 164 metres (" m ") of 2.72% CuEq (1.69% Cu, 0.97 g/t Au) including 86m of 3.77% CuEq (2.28% Cu, 1.41 g/t Au) and 40m of 4.73% CuEq (2.76% Cu, 1.88 g/t Au). ii High-Grade Indicated Porphyry Core of 118 Mt at 1.07% CuEq (0.68% Cu, 0.35 g/t Au, 1.74 g/t Ag and 42.8 g/t Mo), and 161 Mt of Inferred at 1.01% CuEq (0.63% Cu, 0.34 g/t Au, 1.88 g/t Ag, 37.6 g/t Mo), demonstrating high continuity at a 0.5% cut-off grade. Industry leading, low discovery costs of $0.0049/lb of Cu . Over 500,000 ounces of Inferred gold oxide material at surface at a grade of 0.36 g/t AuEq (0.35 g/t Au, 1.34 g/t Ag) presents future exploration and upside potential . Continuing potential to grow Valeriano Mineral Resource in Phase VI drilling - six diamond drill rigs currently active on site. A primary objective of Phase VI is to further define the high-grade B2B Zone which has the potential to significantly expand the volume of high-grade mineralization at Valeriano. MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE The following table sets out the updated MRE for the Valeriano Project, with an effective date of September 1, 2025. Table 1: Mineral Resource Estimate, Valeriano Project, Atacama Region, Chile Category COG Tonnes (Mt) Grade Contained Metal Cu Au Ag Mo CuEq AuEq Cu Au Ag Mo CuEq AuEq (%) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (g/t) (Mt) (koz) (koz) (kt) (Mt) (koz) Gold Oxide Measured - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Indicated - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Inferred 0.16 g/t Au 47 - 0.35 1.34 - - 0.36 - 531 2,028 - - 543 Copper - Gold Sulphide Measured - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Indicated 0.35% Cu 475 0.58 0.25 1.39 70.4 0.88 - 2.75 3,822 21,222 33 4.17 - Inferred 0.35% Cu 1,511 0.50 0.20 1.16 70.6 0.75 - 7.54 9,896 56,126 107 11.30 - Notes to accompany the Mineral Resource Estimate: (1) The Independent and Qualified Person for the Mineral Resource Estimate, as defined by NI 43-101, is David Machuca-Mory , PhD, PEng, from SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., and the effective date is September 1, 2025. (2) Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. (3) Reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction were considered by applying appropriate cut-off grades and reporting within potentially mineable envelopes. (4) Metal prices considered were US$2,750 /oz Au, US$3.80 /lb Cu, US$27.00 /oz Ag, and US$22.00 /lb Mo. (5) Cut-off grades considered for oxide and sulphide block model estimates were, respectively, 0.16 g/t Au and 0.35% Cu. (6) Metallurgical recoveries used for open pit oxides based on Coarse Bottle Roll and CIL Leach test work are 76.0% for gold and 50.0% for silver. (7) Metallurgical recoveries used for underground sulphides based on initial flotation tests was 94.0% for copper, 95.0% for gold, 80.0% for silver, and 64.0% for molybdenum. (8) Au-Ox epithermal Mineral Resource estimates are reported within a conceptual pit optimized with a slope angle of 45 and assuming US$2.43/t for mining costs, US$5.45/t for processing costs, and US$1.31/oz for gold selling costs. (9) Cu-Au porphyry related Mineral Resource Estimates are reported assuming bulk underground extraction techniques within an envelope around 40m x 40m x 40m mineable shapes above a cut-off of 0.30% Cu. (10) Tonnage is expressed in millions of tonnes; metal content is expressed in thousands of ounces, for gold and silver, millions of tonnes, for copper, and thousands of tonnes for molybdenum. (11) All figures rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates and totals may not add up due to rounding. (12) Gold Equivalent (AuEq) is calculated assuming US$27/oz Ag and US$2,750/oz Au and metallurgical recoveries of 76% for Au and 50% for Ag using the formula AuEq g/t = Au g/t + 0.005856 * Ag g/t). (13) Copper Equivalent (CuEq) is calculated assuming US$3.80/lb Cu, US$2,750/oz Au, US$27/oz Ag, and US$22/lb Mo and metallurgical recoveries of 94% for Cu, 95% for Au, 80% for Ag, and 64% for Mo using the formula CuEq % = Cu % + (10499.12432 * Au g/t /10000) + (82.424482 * Ag g/t /10000) + (3.5790963 * Mo g/t /10000). Qualified Person The Qualified Persons for the Technical Report are Mr. Glen Cole and Dr. David Machuca from SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and Mr. David Middleditch from Libertas Metallurgy Ltd., as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Ben Pullinger, P.Geo., registered with the Professional Geoscientists Ontario, a qualified person (as defined by NI 43-101) has reviewed and approved of the other scientific and technical information contained in the Technical Report. Mr. Pullinger is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is President and CEO of ATEX. About ATEX ATEX is exploring the Valeriano Copper-Gold Project which is located within the emerging copper gold porphyry mineral belt linking the prolific El Indio High-Sulphidation Belt to the south with the Maricunga Gold Porphyry Belt to the north, located in the Atacama Region, Chile. This emerging belt, informally referred to as the Link Belt, hosts several copper gold porphyry deposits at various stages of development including, Filo del Sol (Lundin Mining/BHP), Josemaria (Lundin Mining/BHP), Lunahausi (NGEx Minerals), La Fortuna (Teck Resources/Newmont) and El Encierro (Antofagasta/Barrick). Valeriano hosts a large, high-grade, copper-gold porphyry Mineral Resource: an Indicated Resource of 475 Mt at 0.88% CuEq (0.58% Cu, 0.25 g/t Au, 1.39 g/t Ag and 70.4 g/t Mo) at a cutoff grade of 0.35% Cu, and an Inferred resource of 1,511 Mt at 0.75% CuEq (0.50% Cu, 0.20 g/t Au, 1.16 g/t Ag and 70.6 g/t Mo) at a cut-off grade of 0.35% Cu, as reported on September 23, 2025. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, including predictions, projections, and forecasts. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "planning", "expects" or "does not expect", "continues", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "potential", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, among others: statements regarding the further growth and expansion of the MRE; statements regarding plans for the evaluation of exploration properties including the Valeriano Copper Gold Project; the success of evaluation plans; the success of exploration activities especially to the significant expansion of the high-grade corridor; mine development prospects; potential for future metals production; changes in economic parameters and assumptions; all aspects related to the timing and extent of exploration activities, including the Phase VI program contemplated in this press release; timing of receipt of exploration results; the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities and mineralization; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the results of regulatory and permitting processes; future metals price; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the results of economic and technical studies; delays in obtaining governmental and local approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration; timing of assay results; as well as those factors disclosed in ATEX's publicly filed documents. Although ATEX has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. i See news release titled "ATEX Reports Updated Mineral Resource Estimate of 475 Million Tonnes of 0.88% CuEq Indicated and 1.5 Billion Tonnes of 0.75% CuEq Inferred", reported on September 23, 2025. ii See news release titled "ATEX Drills New Highest-Grade Intercept in First Phase VI Drill Hole Hitting 164 Meters of 2.72% CuEq Including 40 meters of 4.73% CuEq in the B2B Zone", reported on October 21, 2025. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273052 SOURCE: ATEX Resources Inc. LONDON, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A YouGov survey1 conducted for the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and supported by Peoplesafe in September 2025 has found that one in five workers (20%) feel at risk of violence at work, while nearly a third (31%)2 reported experiencing at least one incident in the past year. Common behaviours included verbal abuse (21%), bullying or intimidation (14%), physical assault (3%), and sexual harassment or assault (3%). This year our National Personal Safety Day report 'Changing Shifts, Changing Safety: Tackling workplace violence across the retail, transport, healthcare and hospitality sectors' shines a spotlight on the alarming workplace violence occurring across key sectors. Women, disabled workers, LGBTQ+ staff, and Black and minoritised workers were found to experience disproportionately higher levels of harm, underlining the need for an inclusive approach to workplace safety. Change is urgently needed. Workers responding to our survey have called for stronger preventative measures, including specialist training, robust reporting systems, and visible safety provisions, alongside tougher penalties for perpetrators. We remain concerned that despite the Worker Protection Act mandating employers take reasonable steps to address sexual harassment in the workplace, many employers have still not implemented these steps a year after the Act came into force. It is also imperative that the government strengthen legal frameworks to prevent all forms of gender-based violence in the workplace and close existing loopholes to ensure every worker can feel safe at work. Key Findings: 31% 3 of workers experienced violence, aggression, or abuse in the past year. of workers experienced violence, aggression, or abuse in the past year. 21% reported verbal abuse or threats, and 14% bullying or intimidation. Women were approximately eight times more likely than men to experience sexual harassment or assault (6% vs 0.7%). Healthcare staff were most likely to feel unsafe (25%) and experience incidents (35%) 4 . . 32% of workers did not report incidents at all, and fewer than one in five saw meaningful action when they did. 30% of workers said they had received no training or resources from their employer on preventing or managing violence or harassment. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is urging government and employers to take decisive action, including: Closing loopholes in current law by ensuring protection from third-party harassment, such as by customers or clients. Creating a unified Health and Safety Framework to address all forms of violence and abuse in the workplace. Mandating recording and reporting of all incidents of violence, aggression and gender-based abuse at work. Embedding Suzy's Charter for Workplace Safetyacross all sectors to ensure robust reporting systems, bystander training, and clear policies. Suky Bhaker, CEO of Suzy Lamplugh Trust, said, "Every statistic in this report represents a person who has experienced violence or abuse or felt unsafe, unsupported, and unheard at work. The scale of violence against frontline staff is both shocking and unacceptable. Workplace violence is not inevitable and must be prevented. Our research shows what needs to change: stronger laws, better training, and a shift from a culture of tolerance to one of accountability. The time for half measures is over. We need a coordinated national effort to ensure that every worker, in every sector, can go to work knowing they will return home safely." Naz Dossa, Peoplesafe CEO, said, "Organisations are failing their people. Protecting employees must be a board-level priority for every organisation, and as leaders, we have a duty to ensure our people are protected. We're proud to be using our technology to support leading organisations like Tesco, Guys and St Thomas' and many others in the great work they're doing to keep their people safe. We stand with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to call on more to do more." Baroness Smith of Llanfaes, said, "These survey results are truly shocking. These stark figures show that the UK's legal framework is severely deficient and that it is clearly failing to protect workers from violence in the workplace. No worker should feel at risk of violence at work. The UK Government must and can act now." Richard Spinks, father of Gracie Spinks, said, "No parent should have to endure what our family has gone through. Gracie trusted the people she worked with, and her employer had a duty to protect her from harm. When clear risks are ignored or safety systems fail, accountability cannot stop at the individual. It must extend to the organisations that allow those failures to happen. Employers must take responsibility, not just after the fact but every single day, to prevent harmful behaviours and make sure workplaces are safe." Methodology All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1003 adults across 4 sectors- Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare and Transport. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5th - 10th September 2025. The survey was carried out online. 1 All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. 2 31% was calculated by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust using YouGov figures. We multiplied the number of respondents who were taken to follow up questions about the incident they had experienced by 100 and then divided it by the total number of respondents. 3 Ibid. 4 35% was calculated by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust using YouGov figures. We multiplied the number of respondents working in the healthcare sector who were taken to follow up questions about the incident they had experienced by 100 and then divided it by the total number of healthcare respondents. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2768747/5597849/PeopleSafe_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/peoplesafe-urge-action-to-tackle-the-rising-tide-of-violence-abuse-and-harassment-against-frontline-workers-302602866.html Air show charm offensive displays PLA's transparency China Daily) 09:35, November 04, 2025 A YY-20A tanker aircraft and two J-16 fighter jets are pictured during the 2025 aviation open-day activities of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force and Changchun Air Show in Changchun, Northeast China's Jilin province, Sept 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] At an air show in Changchun, capital of Jilin province, in September, the People's Liberation Army Air Force allowed visitors to board and enter the cockpit of some of its decommissioned as well as in-service aircraft. Visitors, many of them parents and children, lined up to take a close look at the Air Force's legacy models such as the Q-5 attack jet or its modern hardware such as the Y-20 strategic transport plane. Some aircraft enthusiasts also went to great lengths to ensure a front-row seat outside the parking site of the J-20 stealth fighter jet, which was both on display as well as performing at the air show. This is the first time the Air Force has displayed its stealth fighters, allowing members of the public to watch them from up close. The Air Force also placed mockups of the PL-15, China's top-tier long-range air-to-air missile, outside a J-10C fighter jet, encouraging visitors to lift them up and pose for photographs. Inside the Air Force hall, flight simulators allowed children and students to get a feel of how to fly modern military aircraft or control strike drones. Moreover, Air Force pilots standing in front of their aircraft obliged visitors asking for autographs or wanting to pose with them for selfies, patiently answering questions about the planes. They even let children cross the security cordon and get very close to the aircraft to pose for photographs; some even lifted little kids onto the nose of a plane to enable their parents to click a better picture. It was a lot different from earlier air shows in Changchun when visitors had to be content with watching the performing aircraft from a distance, apart from the lucky few who were able to get a chance to glance inside the cargo bay of the Y-20. The relaxation in measures reflects the growing confidence, transparency and openness of the Chinese military. In September, the PLA Navy made public the electromagnetic catapult launch and recovery tests of three new types of carrier-borne aircraft, including the J-35 stealth fighter, aboard CNS Fujian, China's first domestically built catapult-equipped aircraft carrier. The Navy issued a combination of news releases, dozens of high-definition pictures and multiple video clips, showing its clear intention to share the service's modernization accomplishments with the public. The event also established CNS Fujian as the world's first aircraft carrier to have launched and recovered stealth jets with the state-of-the-art electromagnetic catapult system, a technology in which China and the United States dominate. The endeavor has turned out to be a huge publicity success. Some video bloggers used editing techniques inspired by the 1986 Hollywood film Top Gun to insert soul-stirring songs into Navy-published footage and make those viral on Chinese video-sharing apps. Military enthusiasts were unanimous in their view that the days of people admiring only the US' naval prowess are over. After concentrating its attention and resources on developing its hard power, it is good to see the PLA realizing the advantages of soft power and the benefits of developing harmonious public relations. With more such charm offensives, people around the world will soon find that the Chinese military is not only powerful, but also transparent and friendly. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Asset sale offer provides solution for liquidity issues and maturing debt Voting support agreements in favour of the transaction have been entered into with various Shareholders representing approximately 52% voting interest Consent agreements have been entered into with 66.9% of the company's debenture holders Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 3, 2025) - Deveron Corp. (TSXV: FARM) ("Deveron" or the "Company"), a leading agriculture services and data company in North America, announces that upon the completion of a strategic review by its board of directors, in the face of significant liquidity issues it has entered into a share and asset purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") dated November 3, 2025, with affiliates of Rock River Laboratory Inc. ("Rock River") whereby Deveron will sell all of its assets, including its 66.6% equity holding in A&L Canada Laboratories East, Inc. ("A&L East") to Rock River. The minority owners in A&L East (the "Minority Vendors") have also agreed to sell their remaining ownership to Rock River (together, with the sale by Deveron of all of its assets, "Transaction"). Aqua Capital, a private equity firm specializing in the food and agribusiness sectors with US$1.1bn in assets under management, will provide equity to the Transaction and remain the controlling shareholder of Rock River upon completion of the Transaction. As consideration for the Transaction (including the 1/3 minority interest in A&L East), Rock Rover shall pay an aggregate of US$36.4 M. In satisfaction of this consideration, upon closing, the Company and the Minority Vendors will receive a combination of cash, Secured Seller Notes (the "Seller Notes") of Rock River (which Seller Notes are second secured, accrue interest at the Canada Bank prime rate and mature in December, 2029) and equity in Rock River ("Rock River Equity"), as follows: Total Consideration US$18.9 M to repay TD Bank's outstanding debt US$7.8 M in cash US$6.2 M Seller Notes US$3.5 M in Rock River Equity Future potential earnout considerations of US$1 M Consideration to Deveron US$10.6 M, payable as follows: US$4.8 M in cash (which will be used to retire certain secured debt obligations of Deveron and certain earnout payments) US$3.4 M of Seller Notes US$1.4 M in Rock River Equity US$1.0 M cash to Deveron shareholders as return of capital Future potential earnout of US$0.57 M Consideration to Minority Vendors US$6.9 M, payable as follows: US$2 M in cash US$2.8 M of Seller Notes US$2.1 M in Rock River Equity Future potential earnout of US$0.43 M The proceeds of the Transaction outlined above and below are subject to adjustment for, among other things, any difference from the estimated cash position on closing of the Transaction, customary working capital adjustments and foreign exchange fluctuations. One of the Minority Vendors and two third parties who are owed earnout payments will receive an aggregate of US$300,000 of profit participation units of Rock River to settle outstanding amounts owed to them. Deveron Consideration Summary The US$4.8M cash consideration will be paid on closing to Deveron USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which will be used to settle certain secured promissory notes of Deveron USA: US$393,000 senior secured bridge loans, plus accrued interest, US$3,481,012 of secured promissory notes, plus accrued interest and US$835,260 of notes owed under certain earnout payments owing to third parties, with remaining proceeds used to pay customary closing fees and other project-related expenses. This leaves Deveron USA with no additional funds. Holders of the Company's US$10.9M of outstanding convertible debentures, have agreed to amend the debentures so as to reduce the principal amount and accrued interest thereon, and accept in settlement thereof an aggregate of US$3.4 M of Seller Notes, US$1.18 M of equity in Rock River (which will be held in trust by the Company on behalf of the debenture holders), and an entitlement to a potential earnout payment of US$0.57M in the event that Aqua Capital achieves a specified return on its initial capital investment in Rock River, which will accrue solely to the holders of the debentures and Minority Vendors. Additionally, US$0.2 M of equity in Rock River will be held in trust by the Company on behalf of the holders of certain secured promissory notes of Deveron USA to satisfy the obligations under such notes. All of the above shall be subject to closing adjustments and exchange rate fluctuations up to closing. In addition, the debenture holders have consented to the Transaction, and agreed to extend the maturity of the debentures to the earlier of the closing of the Transaction or the termination of the Purchase Agreement. Over 66.6% of the Creditors have entered into consent agreements to accept the following consideration as consideration for retirement of the Creditors' claims: Creditor's Individual Consideration $0.47 per dollar of the principal amount owed to a holder of a debenture which includes accrued interest for convertible debenture holders broken down as follows: $0.31 per dollar owed of Seller Notes $0.11 per dollar owed in Rock River Equity $0.05 per dollar owed in potential earn-out consideration Common Shareholder Consideration The holders of common shares of Deveron will receive an aggregate of US$1.0 M in cash as a return of capital, which is the equivalent of approximately $0.0067 per share. The Company will provide further details in respect of the distribution of consideration to the shareholders of the Company, in due course, by way of one or more press releases. Transaction Highlights RRL Ultimate Parent, LLC ("Parent", a wholly owned subsidiary of Rock River), 1001388516 Ontario Inc. ("BidCo", a wholly owned subsidiary of Rock River, and together with Parent, the "Share Purchasers"), Maple Newco, LLC (the "US Buyer" and together with the Share Purchasers, the "Purchasers"), Deveron USA, Woods End Laboratories, LLC ("Woods End", and together with Deveron USA, the "Asset Vendors", which are each wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company) and certain minority vendors (collectively the "Minority Vendors" and together with the Company and the Asset Vendors, the "Vendors") have entered into a share and asset purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement"), whereby the Purchasers shall acquire (the "Transaction"): (i) all of the securities (the "Purchased Shares") in the capital of A&L East; and (ii) all of the assets of Deveron USA and Woods End (the "Purchased Assets"). The Purchase Agreement includes certain representations and warranties of the Vendors in favour of the Purchasers. The Purchase Agreement includes payment of a "termination fee" in the amount of US$2.0 M payable by the Company to the Purchasers in the event that, among other things,: (i) the Company receives a superior proposal with respect to the Purchased Assets; and US$1.0 M payable by the Company to the Purchasers in the event that, among other things, the Company does not receive shareholder approval for the Transaction. The summary of the Purchase Agreement as set out in this press release is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Purchase Agreement, a copy of which will be filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Transaction constitutes a Reviewable Disposition as defined in Policy 5.3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions of Non-Cash Assets ("Policy 5.3") of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. ("TSXV") and, as such, completion of the Transaction remains subject to shareholder approval and the approval of the TSXV. The Company intends to hold a meeting of its shareholders on or before December 31, 2025 (the "Meeting"). Closing is also subject to certain other conditions which are customary for a transaction of this nature. The Company and the Purchasers are not "Non-Arm's Length Parties" within the meaning of applicable TSXV polices, and the purchase price of the Purchased Assets and all ancillary agreements were arrived at through arm's-length negotiations. Voting Support Agreements Directors, officers and shareholders of the Company holding an aggregate number of shares of the Company which represent approximately 52% of the currently outstanding common shares in the capital of Deveron have entered into customary support agreements with Rock River to vote their shares in favour of the Transaction. The Company will file a material change report in respect of the Transaction, and a copy of the Purchase Agreement and the form of voting support agreements will be filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulators and will be available for review on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Full details of the Transaction will be included in the management information circular of the Company describing the matters to be considered at the Meeting. A copy of the management information circular will be made available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the profile of the Company. Completion of the Transaction will, among other things, require the approval of: (i) at least two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the votes cast by the shareholders of the Company; and (ii) a simple majority of the votes cast by shareholders of the Company, excluding for this purpose the votes of "related parties" and "interested parties" and other votes required to be excluded under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), with all votes to occur at a special meeting of the Company's securityholders. Additionally, the Transaction is subject to final closing conditions, including debt refinancing. Total considerations on closing remain subject to business performance which could lead to other adjustments, and final exchange rates at the time of closing. Two of the Minority Vendors who are directors of A&L East will receive an aggregate of CAD$4,763,471 in satisfaction of promissory notes issued to them by Deveron in connection with a settlement agreement dated August 14, 2024 (see press release dated August 14, 2024). In addition, as consideration for the sale of the two Minority Vendors', approximate 32% interest in A&L East, they will receive approximately $6.9 M of the total consideration being paid by Rock River. The Company expects that it will be subject to migration to the NEX Board of the TSXV following completion of the Transaction unless it can demonstrate to the TSXV that it will meet "Continued Listing Requirements" ("CLR") within the meaning of such term under applicable TSXV policies. At this time the Company has not yet acquired or developed any such business and there can be no assurances that it will be able to do so before its listing is migrated from Tier 2 to NEX, or at all. The trading of the Company's shares has been halted since November 1, 2024, and will remain halted following closing of the Transaction. Further updates will be announced on the status of the Purchase Agreement, and the completion of the Transaction, as appropriate. The Transaction contemplated by the Purchase Agreement is subject to regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSXV. Closing of the Transaction, assuming receipt of all required shareholder approvals, regulatory approval, including TSXV approval as well as the satisfaction of all conditions precedent, is expected to occur on or before April 30, 2026. Additional Information The Company will provide further details in respect of the Transaction in due course by way of one or more press releases. About Rock River: Rock River's majority shareholder is Aqua Capital, a private equity firm specializing in the food and agribusiness sectors with US$1.1bn in assets under management. As at the most recent year-end of December 31, 2024, on an unaudited basis, Rock River had total assets of $6.804m (Q1 2025 - $6.782m), total liabilities of $2.381m (Q1 2025 $2.442m) and total shareholder equity of $4.423m (Q1 2025 - $4.340m). For the twelve-month period ended September 31, 2025, Rock River had, on an unaudited basis, total revenue of $10.901m (Q3 2025 - $2.515m) and a total profit of $1.000m (Q3 2025 - $0.216m). About Deveron: Deveron is an agriculture technology company that uses data and insights to help farmers and large agriculture enterprises increase yields, reduce costs and improve farm outcomes. The company employs a digital process that leverages data collected on farms across North America to drive unbiased interpretation of production decisions, ultimately recommending how to optimize input use. This news release may contain forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified using words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements and information. The risks and uncertainties include whether the Company will be able to obtain regulatory, TSXV or shareholder approval for the Transactions, and whether the Vendors and the Purchasers will be able to satisfy all of the conditions in the Purchase Agreement and the ancillary documents. The Purchased Assets are subject to risks including changes in the worldwide price of agricultural commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in agriculture, the uncertainty of future profitability and the uncertainty of access to additional capital.. Many risks are inherent in the industries in which the Company participates; others are more specific to the Company. The Company's ongoing quarterly filings should be consulted for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Management assumes no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, further events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273061 SOURCE: Deveron Corp. Rochester, New Hampshire--(Newsfile Corp. - November 3, 2025) - Prep Partners Group, a third-party logistics (3PL) provider based in Rochester, New Hampshire, has expanded its kitting and assembly capabilities to offer a full suite of prep and fulfillment services tailored to the needs of today's eCommerce brands. Specializing in both FBA and Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) models, as well as servicing direct-to-consumer stores, the FBA and FBM prep services company is positioned as a strategic partner for businesses navigating increasing fulfillment complexity and compliance demands. With online retail continuing to grow rapidly, eCommerce sellers are facing rising expectations around packaging standards, inventory accuracy, and shipping speed. Prep Partners Group meets these demands with flexible, detail-focused services including receiving, inspection, labeling, bundling, poly bagging, kitting services, and temperature-controlled storage. The company's hands-on approach ensures that every item meets the specific requirements of its intended sales platform, helping clients reduce delays, avoid non-compliance penalties, and improve customer satisfaction. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain FBA shipments will no longer include prep and item-labeling, reflecting a broader trend in which marketplaces are transferring prep responsibilities to third-party sellers. Many growing brands are now seeking trusted partners to handle these tasks at scale. Prep Partners Group offers immediate solutions to help sellers transition their operations smoothly, whether they are preparing pallets for major marketplaces or shipping individual items directly to consumers. What sets Prep Partners Group apart is its dedication to service customization. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all warehouse model, the team works closely with each client to develop workflows that match their unique product lines, shipping needs, and growth goals. This includes tailored prep solutions for industries such as supplements, skincare, apparel, and general consumer goods. The company's Rochester-based facility is equipped to handle a wide range of products with care and precision. From managing temperature-sensitive inventory to bundling subscription kits and fulfilling multi-channel orders, Prep Partners Group provides a streamlined logistics infrastructure that growing brands can rely on. By handling the operational load, the company allows its clients to focus on scaling, marketing, and product development instead of warehousing and compliance. As eCommerce logistics evolve, sellers need partners who can respond quickly, adapt to changing standards, and deliver consistent, professional fulfillment. Prep Partners Group is actively working with new and existing clients to prepare for these shifts while ensuring every order is processed with the speed and accuracy modern consumers expect. About Prep Partners Group: Prep Partners Group is a third-party logistics (3PL) company based in Rochester, New Hampshire, offering a full range of eCommerce fulfillment services, including kitting, bundling, labeling, storage, and shipping. Specializing in FBA and FBM prep, the company supports growing brands across multiple platforms with scalable, customized logistics solutions designed for accuracy, speed, and compliance. Media Contact To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/273072_figure1.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273072 SOURCE: GetFeatured POUSO ALEGRE, Brazil, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yang Dongsheng, Chairman of XCMG Machinery, met Brazilian President Lula at the Presidential Palace, with the vice president and chief of staff present. Lula praised XCMG's decade-plus contributions-industrial upgrading, energy efficiency, digital transformation, and stable banking-and backed a planned research institute. Yang reviewed XCMG's shift from trade and greenfield plants to its "intelligent revolution, digital transformation, and global connection" initiative, reaffirming a focus on high-end, green, localized, talent-driven growth. Both sides agreed to explore cooperation in R&D, finance, talent training, and green mining. In Brasilia, Chairman Yang met with China's ambassador to review XCMG's two decades in Brazil and future investments, highlighting progress in intelligent, green, and digital transformation. Ambassador Zhu praised XCMG's role in deepening China-Brazil economic and cultural ties and pledged support for Chinese enterprises to expand cooperation across industrial, supply, and value chains. During the visit, Chairman Yang inspected XCMG's Brazilian base and industrial park, where in 13 years the company has grown into a modern hub-home to China's first overseas manufacturing bank-and a model of globalized Chinese machinery. He reviewed production, digital/intelligent upgrades, and talent development, emphasizing localization, innovation, and long-term planning. Meetings with employees, clients, and dealers on green mining, digital management, and customized solutions led to plans to expand cooperation. XCMG Brazil's deep local integration and strong partnerships underscore its commitment to high-quality, sustainable, globally connected growth. Meanwhile, XCMG joined the "Brasil Produtivo" event in Sao Paulo, where officials and industry leaders discussed high-quality growth in construction machinery. Governors praised XCMG's role in local development and China-Brazil cooperation. Chairman Yang outlined the shift from exports to local manufacturing and brand building, and pledged continued investment in R&D, manufacturing, and services, with a focus on high-end, intelligent, green, globalized, service-oriented growth. Following the events in Brazil, Chairman Yang visited Chile, Argentina, and Peru, meeting Chinese ambassadors to strengthen cooperation and local partnerships. He outlined XCMG's localized operations and strategy, reaffirming commitments to deeper investment, stronger service systems, and green, intelligent, efficient industrial development. The ambassadors praised XCMG's progress and role in China-South America ties, urging continued compliance, brand building, and benchmark-setting for Chinese enterprises abroad., enhance brand influence, and set new benchmarks for Chinese enterprises abroad. In Chile, Chairman Yang met key mining clients and opened XCMG's new service center, marking a shift from exports to full local operations. The center integrates parts, after-sales, training, and demos to boost service capacity. He emphasized deeper local presence and tech-driven, green, intelligent solutions. XCMG will expand localization to support high-quality growth in Chile and the region. Around the same period, XCMG cranes were deployed at Chile's Chuquicamata open-pit copper mine, including latest-generation all-terrain, off-road truck, and hybrid models. They offer high-end lifting with industry-leading capacity and stability, and their mobility enables rapid relocation and flexible, all-weather operation across the site. In Argentina, Chairman Yang Dongsheng pursued strategic partnerships with government, universities, and Chinese enterprises to advance industrial-chain collaboration and innovation. XCMG signed a framework agreement with local partners on new-energy sanitation equipment to support the country's green, low-carbon transition, and partnered with a leading university to establish the Argentina Heavy Machinery Operation and Maintenance Center, creating a talent pipeline that integrates industry, academia, and research. In Lima, Peru, XCMG opened a 24,000-square-meter hub on South America's west coast, integrating exhibition, service, training, and spare parts. Officials and industry partners praised its role in local infrastructure and China-Peru cooperation. Chairman Yang said the center will strengthen service systems, enhance engineer training, provide full-lifecycle support, and support community and education initiatives to create win-win opportunities in mining, energy, and infrastructure. Through this South America tour, XCMG showcased the strength and responsibility of Chinese manufacturing. Looking ahead, it will advance its global strategy-leveraging engineering technology and high-quality equipment-and partner with international stakeholders to build a mutually beneficial industrial ecosystem. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812639/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xcmg-deepens-south-america-ties-with-localization-push-new-hubs-and-sustainable-mining-partnerships-302603446.html Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 3, 2025) - Third Hemisphere, an Australian-founded communications and public affairs agency, today announced its formal expansion into the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, marking a significant milestone in the firm's global growth strategy. The expansion includes the establishment of a new presence in Singapore to support technology, sustainability, and mission-driven organizations across emerging and mature Asian markets. The move strengthens Third Hemisphere's capability to offer cross-regional public relations, communications, and government engagement support for companies operating in high-growth innovation and impact sectors. "Asia-Pacific represents one of the fastest-growing regions globally for technology and sustainability investment," said Jeremy Liddle, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Third Hemisphere. "Expanding into Singapore enables us to better serve organizations scaling internationally while supporting the convergence of financial performance and measurable impact." Expansion Driven by Market Momentum Singapore's role as a global capital hub and innovation corridor provides strategic access to partners, investors, and policy environments shaping next-generation industries. Third Hemisphere's expanded footprint also reinforces its commitment to supporting clients navigating cross-border communications, regulatory landscapes, and stakeholder awareness across Australia, Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe. "Organizations today require communications partners who understand both commercial growth and responsible innovation," Liddle added. "Our presence across APAC ensures clients receive integrated market intelligence and execution support across diverse regulatory and cultural environments." Focus Areas in the APAC Expansion Third Hemisphere's APAC expansion will prioritize key sectors including: Emerging technology and digital innovation Renewable and clean energy Sustainability and ESG initiatives Public policy and social impact programs The agency will also continue to build partnerships with mission-aligned organizations and ecosystem leaders across the region. About Third Hemisphere Third Hemisphere is a global public relations, marketing, and public affairs agency specializing in communications for technology, innovation, sustainability, and social impact sectors. Founded in Australia, the firm supports organizations advancing commercially scalable solutions with meaningful societal outcomes. With operations across Australia, Singapore, North America, and Europe, Third Hemisphere provides strategic messaging, media relations, government engagement, and reputation advisory services for mission-driven companies and institutions. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272709 SOURCE: FG Newswire London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - In a significant development for digital marketers and content creators worldwide, PEAKERR has officially launched what it describes as the "best, cheapest, and easiest-to-use SMM panel" available in the current market. This new platform is aimed at democratizing access to social media marketing (SMM) tools across leading platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram. Located in Ruislip, London, PEAKERR has built its platform to address a growing demand among individuals, influencers, agencies, and businesses for streamlined, affordable, and effective social media engagement tools. With the increasing importance of social media visibility for brand growth, PEAKERR positions itself as a highly competitive option in the ever-evolving SMM landscape. "The goal behind launching PEAKERR was to offer a simple, accessible, and cost-efficient SMM solution that could serve both individuals and businesses, regardless of their size or budget," said Liam Brown, company representative at PEAKERR. "In an environment where digital presence is critical to success, affordability and usability must go hand-in-hand with performance. PEAKERR addresses that intersection." A User-Centric Approach to SMM Services PEAKERR's platform is designed to simplify the process of purchasing and managing SMM services. Users can access a wide range of features that support audience growth, content visibility, and engagement enhancement-all from a centralized, user-friendly dashboard. The platform integrates seamlessly with high-traffic social media networks, allowing users to scale their online presence with precision and control. The services include tools for: Increasing followers, likes, and views on TikTok and Instagram Boosting YouTube subscriber count and video engagement Enhancing Telegram group visibility and channel participation All services are automated, allowing clients to experience real-time delivery and immediate results, depending on selected packages. Competitive Pricing with No Compromise on Quality One of the distinguishing aspects of PEAKERR's launch is its pricing model. Market research reveals that many digital marketers struggle to find SMM tools that offer both affordability and quality assurance. PEAKERR claims to address this gap by providing some of the most competitive rates in the industry while maintaining service standards that support authentic engagement and user satisfaction. Additionally, no complex onboarding or technical background is needed to use the panel. Customers can sign up, browse service categories, and initiate campaigns with minimal friction, an approach that aligns with PEAKERR's mission to make social media marketing accessible to all. Strategic Importance in a Digital Era With social media playing a pivotal role in communication, branding, and sales, businesses increasingly rely on SMM tools to maintain competitiveness. Analysts highlight that platforms offering value-driven services-especially those that simplify campaign management-are likely to see increased adoption across sectors. PEAKERR's entry into this market comes at a time when brands are seeking cost-effective ways to optimize marketing budgets while sustaining performance metrics on social platforms. "Digital engagement is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. Businesses, content creators, and even public figures need reliable tools to manage their online identities. PEAKERR is contributing to that ecosystem by offering tools that are scalable, intuitive, and budget-friendly," added Brown. Company Vision and Future Outlook While PEAKERR has launched with a strong focus on four primary platforms-TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram-the company has indicated plans to expand service offerings and further enhance backend infrastructure to support global demand. The team is also actively working on updates that may include: Analytics and reporting tools for campaign monitoring AI-based recommendation systems for optimizing engagement strategies API integrations for agencies and white-label solutions The company emphasizes that feedback from early adopters will play a key role in shaping its roadmap. About PEAKERR PEAKERR is a UK-based social media marketing technology company offering one of the most affordable, user-friendly, and efficient SMM panels in the global market. Built for agencies, influencers, and businesses, PEAKERR focuses on delivering high-quality engagement services across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram. The company operates with a core philosophy of accessibility, aiming to empower users with tools that help them grow smarter. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272527 SOURCE: AMRYTT MEDIA November 4, 2025 Q3 2025 Group Highlights Comparable order intake growth 8% Group sales amounted to EUR 4.3 billion, reflecting 3% increase in comparable sales Income from operations was EUR 330 million Adjusted EBITA margin increased by 50 basis points to 12.3% of sales Operating cash flow of EUR 327 million, with a free cash flow of EUR 172 million Philips reiterates full-year 2025 outlook, with margin now expected at the upper end of the range Roy Jakobs, CEO of Royal Philips: "In this quarter we maintained our momentum, with AI-powered innovations and long-term partnerships making a real difference for patients and consumers. We drove strong order intake and accelerated sales growth, with sustained strength in North America. We expanded margin through innovation, focused execution and cost discipline, remaining firmly on-track as we navigate an uncertain macro environment including tariffs. We are taking disciplined action to achieve the highest standards in patient safety and quality, which remains our number one priority. Following our landmark agreement with Indonesia's Ministry of Health, the first Azurion system is being installed this weekin East Java. This milestone marks the start of expanded access to advanced, minimally invasive care across Indonesia and demonstrates progress on our fundamentals, including supply chain agility and simplification. Our passionate team remains fully focused on driving performance and sustaining momentum through the end of the year." Group and segment performance Comparable order intake grew 8% in the third quarter, supported by continued strong performance in North America. Comparable sales grew 3.3% with growth in all segments. Margin expansion was driven by increased sales, favorable mix effects and productivity that more than offset the impact of increased tariffs. Free cash flow increased to EUR 172 million. Diagnosis & Treatment comparable sales grew 1.3%. Adjusted EBITA margin was 11.8%, down 80 bps, mainly due to tariffs and partly offset by gross margin from recently launched innovations and productivity. Connected Care comparable sales grew 5.1%. Adjusted EBITA margin improved 410 bps to 11.4%, driven by increased sales and productivity, partly offset by tariffs. Adjusted EBITA includes a non-recurring gain related to a minority investment. Personal Health comparable sales grew 10.9%. Adjusted EBITA margin increased 60 bps to 17.1%, driven by increased sales and productivity, partly offset by tariffs. Innovation highlights Philips launched Lumea IPL in the US, bringing the world's No. 1 Intense Pulsed Light hair removal brand to the market. The launch has seen an encouraging start with strong consumer interest. Philips unveiled radiation therapy (RT) breakthroughs, including the advanced Rembra RT and Areta RT CT scanners, delivering clearer and more consistent images, supported by the launch of helium-free BlueSeal RT MR in North America. Philips launched Transcend Plus, the next generation EPIQ CVx and Affiniti CVx cardiovascular ultrasound systems, including 26 FDA-cleared cardiovascular ultrasound AI applications, the most in the industry. Philips signed long-term Enterprise Monitoring as a Service (EMaaS) partnerships with leading US health systems in California, including Hoag in Orange County and Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. Philips' EMaaS solutions help hospitals enhance clinical efficiency and patient safety through advanced monitoring, strengthened cybersecurity, and scalable digital capabilities. Three-year results of iMODERN, a randomized, controlled clinical study involving 1,146 patients, provide evidence to widen minimally invasive treatment options for patients with acute myocardial infarctions. Philips sponsored the trial and enabled both the invasive and non-invasive approaches evaluated within it. Philips' net-zero science-based target by 2045 has been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This underlines the company's commitment to healthcare decarbonization, sustainable healthcare leadership and long-term value creation. Productivity Disciplined cost management and robust productivity initiatives delivered savings of EUR 222 million in the quarter. Philips will deliver its three-year, EUR 2.5 billion productivity program, including EUR 800 million of productivity savings in 2025. Outlook Philips reiterates its confidence in delivering the full-year 2025 outlook: Comparable sales growth: 1%-3% Adjusted EBITA margin: 11.3%-11.8%, now expected toward the upper end of the range. Free cash flow: EUR 0.2-0.4 billion (including the payout in the first quarter of 2025 of EUR 1,025 million Philips Respironics recall-related medical monitoring and personal injury settlements in the US.) This outlook excludes ongoing Philips Respironics-related proceedings, including the investigation by the US Department of Justice. For further information, please contact: Michael Fuchs Philips Global External Relations Tel.: +31 6 1486 9261 E-mail: michael.fuchs@philips.com Dorin Danu Philips Investor Relations Tel.: +31 20 59 77055 E-mail: dorin.danu@philips.com About Royal Philips Royal Philips. Forward-looking statements and other important information Forward-looking statements This document and the related oral presentation, including responses to questions following the presentation, contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Philips and certain of the plans and objectives of Philips with respect to these items. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements made about our strategy, estimates of sales growth, future Adjusted EBITA*, future restructuring and acquisition-related charges and other costs, future developments in Philips' organic business and the completion of acquisitions and divestments. Forward-looking statements can be identified generally as those containing words such as "anticipates", "assumes", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "should", "will", "will likely result", "forecast", "outlook", "projects", "may" or similar expressions. By their nature, these statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, macro-economic and geopolitical changes - including the war in Ukraine and ongoing tensions in the Middle East - as well as measures such as announced and proposed tariffs and trade actions introduced in response to rising global tensions; Philips' ability to keep pace with the changing health technology environment; Philips' ability to gain leadership in health informatics and artificial intelligence in response to developments in the health technology industry; integration of acquisitions and their delivery on business plans and value creation expectations; ability to meet expectations with respect to ESG-related matters; securing and maintaining Philips' intellectual property rights, and unauthorized use of third-party intellectual property rights; failure of products and services to meet quality or security standards, adversely affecting patient safety and customer operations; the resilience of our supply chain; challenges in simplifying our organization and our ways of working; attracting and retaining personnel; breach of cybersecurity; challenges in driving operational excellence and speed in bringing innovations to market; treasury and financing risks; tax risks; reliability of internal controls; compliance with regulations and standards involving quality, product safety,. Third-party market share data Statements regarding market share contained in this document, including those regarding Philips' competitive position, are based on outside sources such as specialized research institutes, as well as industry and dealer panels, in combination with management estimates. Where information is not yet available to Philips, market share statements may also be based on estimates and projections prepared by management and/or based on outside sources of information. Management's estimates of rankings are based on order intake or sales, depending on the business. Market Abuse Regulation This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7. Presentation All amounts are in millions of euros unless otherwise stated. Due to rounding, amounts may not add up precisely to totals provided. All reported data is unaudited. Financial reporting is in accordance with the accounting policies as stated in the Annual Report 2024. Certain prior-year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. As of September 30, 2025 uncertain tax liabilities were reclassified from non-current tax liabilities to current income tax liabilities. Per share calculations for all periods presented have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the issuance of shares in 2025 with respect to the share dividend for 2024. *) Non-IFRS financial measure. Refer to Reconciliation of non-IFRS information. HNEFOSS, Norway, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartCraft ASA, the leading Nordic provider of mission-critical SaaS solutions to small and mid-sized companies in the construction sector, today reported its results for the third quarter of 2025. ARR reached NOK 505 million, up 6.4 percent year-on-year, with organic growth at 6.9 percent. "The market situation remains challenging in total, but it is encouraging to see that we reduced our churn for the first time in almost two years. In parallel, we remain focused on maintaining strong profitability and cash flow. Our EBITDA-CAPEX margin was 28 percent, up by 3 percentage points compared to the same period last year," said Hanna Konyi, Interim CEO of SmartCraft. Recurring revenue constituted 97 percent of total revenue, reflecting a continued strategic shift towards long-term resilience and stability. Total revenue grew 4.5 percent year-on-year, driven by organic growth and currency effects. Cash flow from operations strengthened to NOK 36 million, and the company maintains a robust financial position with a strong balance sheet, negative net working capital, and a net cash position. SmartCraft continues to invest in product development and innovation. The scalable product strategy based on the SmartCraft Core platform is progressing well. In Q3, the company soft-launched SmartCraft Flow, a new solution for HVAC and plumbers, and is seeing encouraging momentum with new customers on SmartCraft Spark, launched in December 2024. Both solutions are being developed as global offerings with a focus on scale, and preparations are underway for AI-enabled modules. Market conditions remain challenging, but performance varies across regions. Sweden and the UK continue to show growth, Finland is improving despite a large customer downgrade, and Norway faces elevated churn and downgrades. Nevertheless, strong cost discipline has led to a margin increase. From 1 October, SmartCraft implemented a new organizational structure based on business areas rather than geography. This change supports the company's ability to scale faster, tailor solutions more effectively, and drive growth and efficiency while maintaining strong local brands. "SmartCraft is well-positioned to reignite growth as the market recovers. With a scalable product portfolio, renewed organizational structure, strong financials, and a clear strategy, we remain committed to our medium-term targets of 15-20% organic revenue growth and margin expansion," said Hanna Konyi, Interim CEO of SmartCraft. WEBCAST PRESENTATION Investors, analysts, and journalists are welcome to join an English-language webcast presentation of the report on Tuesday 4 November 2025, at 08:00 CET. Webcast link: https://channel.royalcast.com/hegnarmedia/#!/hegnarmedia/20251104_2 Presenters: Interim Chief Executive Officer Hanna Konyi Chief Financial Officer Kjartan B DISCLOSURE REGULATION This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation, and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. CONTACTS Hanna Konyi, Interim CEO, +46 705 24 46 88, hanna.konyi@smartcraft.com Kjartan B, CFO, +47 410 27 000, kjartan.bo@smartcraft.com ABOUT SMARTCRAFT SmartCraft is the leading Nordic provider of mission-critical SaaS solutions to SMEs in the construction sector, increasing their productivity, margins, and resource efficiency. The Group currently has more than 14 100 customers and 270 employees distributed across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the UK. SmartCraft was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange in June 2021. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/smartcraft-asa/r/smartcraft-asa--smcrt----q3-2025--strong-profitability-and-strategic-progress,c4261058 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Public/22283/4261058/aed3acc4301d4f6f.pdf SmartCraft ASA Q3 2025 report https://mb.cision.com/Public/22283/4261058/856ed3e5cafc513b.pdf SmartCraft ASA Q3 2025 presentation View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smartcraft-asa-smcrt--q3-2025-strong-profitability-and-strategic-progress-302603616.html 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. KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Polymer Link Holdings Berhad (" Polymer Link ") and its subsidiaries (" Group "), a regional and international plastic manufacturer specialising in manufacturing plastic powder and colour masterbatch for rotational moulding applications, officially launched its prospectus today in conjunction with its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (" Bursa Securities "). Caption (L-R): Mr. Phang Siew Loong, Head of Equity Markets of Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad; Mr. Koh Song Heng, Executive Vice Chairman/ President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Polymer Link Holdings Berhad Established in 2011, the Group has progressively built a strong presence within the plastic rotational moulding supply chain. The Group specialises in the formulation, compounding and grinding of plastic powder; both for general and specialty applications, as well as the production of colour masterbatch. These materials are key ingredients used in rotational moulding to produce large, hollow plastic products including insulated cooler boxes, water tanks, diesel fuel tanks, playground equipment and modular housing components. Headquartered in Klang, Selangor, the Group operates across Malaysia, the Philippines, India, the United States, and Australia, supplying an international customer base spanning over ten countries. Following the IPO exercise, Polymer Link will raise approximately RM24.3 million via the issuance of 97,145,700 new shares at the IPO price of RM0.25 per share (" Public Issue "). The proceeds will be allocated in the following manner: RM5.0 million for the expansion of its Australia operations; RM6.2 million for working capital requirements of the Group; RM3.6 million for capital expenditure; RM2.0 million for repayment of bank borrowings; and RM7.4 million for estimated listing expenses. Mr. Koh Song Heng, Executive Vice Chairman/ President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Polymer Link , commented, "This IPO is a defining moment for Polymer Link. It signifies our transition from a regional player to a global player in the rotational moulding supply chain. The funds raised will be channelled towards expanding our footprint, enhancing our innovation capabilities, and strengthening our ability to serve customers across different geographical markets. We are excited to move forward into this next phase of growth." The Group, through Polymer Link Malaysia, commenced manufacturing operations in 2014. The Group made its debut on the LEAP Market of Bursa Securities in April 2018 before voluntarily delisting in December 2020 as part of a corporate streamlining exercise. Over the years, it steadily expanded its market presence across Southeast Asia, India, the United States and Australia, building a reputation for quality, innovation and responsiveness in a specialised segment of the polymer industry. Head, Equity Markets of Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad, Mr. Phang Siew Loong stated, "Polymer Link's focused business model, geographically diversified growth and operational track record makes it an attractive proposition in today's industrial landscape. We are honoured to be part of this IPO milestone and are confident in the Group's ability to deliver sustainable growth in the years ahead." Dato' Wan Asmadi Wan Ahmad, Managing Principal of DWA Advisory Sdn. Bhd. , also commented, "Polymer Link's journey towards a public listing marks a key milestone not only for the Group, but also for Malaysia's broader manufacturing sector, particularly in export-driven industries. We are proud to have played a role in this journey and look forward to seeing the Group realise its next phase of growth as it strengthens its global presence and operational capabilities." Following the launch of Polymer Link's prospectus, applications for the Public Issue are open from today and will close on 11 November 2025 at 5.00p.m. Polymer Link is scheduled to be listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities on 25 November 2025. Upon listing, Polymer Link will have a market capitalisation of RM140.0 million based on the IPO price of RM0.25 per share and its enlarged issued share capital of 560.00 million shares. Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Sole Placement Agent and Sole Underwriter for the IPO while DWA Advisory Sdn. Bhd. is the Financial Adviser. ### ABOUT POLYMER LINK HOLDINGS BERHAD Polymer Link Holdings Berhad (" Polymer Link ") and its subsidiaries (" Group ") are a regional and international plastic manufacturer specialising in plastic powder and colour masterbatch for rotational moulding applications. The Group commenced its plastic powder manufacturing operations on a tolling basis, before expanding its footprint across its key markets e.g., Malaysia, the Philippines, India, the USA and Australia. The Group specialises in the formulation, compounding, and grinding of plastic powder for both general and specialty applications, alongside the production of colour masterbatch for internal use and external sale. In 2018, the Group marked a key milestone with its listing on the LEAP Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 27 April 2018, before voluntarily delisting on 9 December 2020 to streamline its business operations. Today, the Group continues to strengthen its international presence by delivering customised polymer solutions to a growing base of industrial clients worldwide. For more information, visit https://polymerlink.net/. Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Polymer Link Holdings Berhad For more information, please contact: Jazmin Wan Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz Chris Ser Email: c.ser@swanconsultancy.biz SOURCE: Polymer Link Holdings Berhad View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/polymer-link-holdings-berhad-sets-to-raise-rm24.3-million-from-ace-mar-1096629 Circus establishes subsidiary Circus Defence SE as a dedicated entity for autonomous AI robotics in the defence sector. Expansion of the defence product portfolio beyond autonomous troop supply planned. Circus SE (ISIN: DE000A2YN355 Symbol: CA1), a global technology leader in dual-use AI robotics, today announced the establishment of Circus Defence SE a wholly owned subsidiary aimed at expanding the company's product portfolio for autonomous AI robotics and infrastructure systems in the defence sector. Building on its patented AI robotics platform and modular system architecture, Circus is extending its technology toward defence-specific applications in mission-critical environments. Upcoming development areas will include autonomous medical supply units, centralized infrastructures for counter drones, and autonomous logistics and equipment systems for troops, all based on Circus' existing technologies and high-volume production capabilities. The new entity will therefore focus on product expansion of mobile, containerized AI robotics systems designed for rapid setup, fully autonomous operation, and minimal personnel requirements. The starting point is the CA-M, the world's first autonomous AI robotics system for troop supply, which will now be expanded into a modular product family. "With Circus Defence, we are actively building a comprehensive portfolio for the defense sector and creating a specialized unit that leverages existing relationships within European defense and NATO structures to strategically apply our expertise in AI control, robotics, and autonomous systems to the defense field," said Nikolas Bullwinkel, Founder and CEO of Circus and Circus Defence. "Developed and produced in Europe for Europe." The company is currently establishing dedicated management and development teams to accelerate growth in this area. The step follows Circus' expansion into Ukraine and the planned start of series production in Europe. The participation of strategic investors in Circus Defence, as well as a potential future public listing, are currently under evaluation. About Circus SE Circus SE (XETRA: CA1) is a global AI and robotics company developing autonomous systems in both civilian and defense sectors. Its flagship robot, the patented CA-1, is the world's first fully autonomous food production robot, now in serial production. Powered by proprietary embodied AI, Circus delivers industrial-scale, high-reliability meal output systems with minimal human input. Headquartered in Munich, the company is building the global infrastructure for autonomous food supply on a mission to fuel humanity. Language: English Company: Circus SE St. Martin-Strae 112 81669 Munchen Germany E-mail: ir@circus-group.com Internet: https://www.circus-group.com/for-investors ISIN: DE000A2YN355 WKN: A2YN35 Listed: Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich (m:access), Tradegate Exchange View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251103163460/en/ Contacts: Circus SE St.-Martin-Strae 112 81669 Munich press@circus-group.com Commerzbank AG (London Branch) - Pre Stabilisation - Land Brandenburg EUR500mil 2033 PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 04 Pre-Stabilisation Notice November 04, 2025 Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. Land Brandenburg EUR 500mil Fixed Rate Notes due 11 November 2033 Landesschatzanweisung Commerzbank AG (contact: Ian Turner; telephone: +44-207-7475-1817) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014). The security to be stabilised: Issuer: Land Brandenburg Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: EUR 500mil Description: EUR 500mil Fixed Rate Notes due 11 November 2033 Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: Landesschatzanweisung, denoms 1k/1k, listing Berlin Stock Exchange Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG DZ Bank AG HSBC Continental NatWest Markets N.V. Raiffeisen Bank International AG Stabilisation period expected to start on: November 03, 2025 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Berlin Stock Exchange In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules. This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction. This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. END EQS Newswire / 04/11/2025 / 15:53 UTC+8 London, UK - November 04, 2025 - ( SeaPRwire ) - Wavee Ai, a PropTech company redefining resident engagement, has raised over 1 million in seed funding from a joint venture and private investors. The funding will accelerate the rollout of Wavee Ai's free resident app across London and support expansion into new UK cities and international markets. Wavee Ai allows residents and buildings to efficiently manage their community with its easy access to managing parcels, tracking visitors, and connecting with verified neighbours. Each account is authenticated through the building, eliminating spam, bots, and fake profiles. Local businesses can subscribe to a dedicated portal offering click-and-collect services, bookings, and promotions for nearby households. The platform has already onboarded multiple London buildings and partnered with dozens of businesses, from gyms to cafes. Expansion plans include rollouts in Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, with Singapore and Australia identified as priority international markets. The 1 million in seed funding will position the company to further distinguish itself in the PropTech space by enabling rapid onboarding of residential buildings and business partners. It will allow for increased investment in product development, security protocols, and scalable infrastructure specific to high-density urban living. Nikesh Panchal, founder of Wavee Ai, shares, "Our mission is to create trusted neighbourhoods where residents and businesses interact safely and authentically. This investment allows us to accelerate adoption in London, expand across the UK, and enter international markets where verified community living is needed most." Wavee Ai differentiates itself from existing resident management platforms by offering the app free of charge to both residents and buildings. Its revenue is generated through local business subscriptions, creating a sustainable model that benefits all stakeholders. The seed funding reinforces this feature, providing Wavee with greater resources to enhance its onboarding experience for property managers and concierges, and to accelerate wider product innovation. By combining community networking, operational efficiency, and commerce in one system, the company is positioning itself as a new global standard for residential engagement. Please visit Wavee Ai's website for more information on its services. About Wavee Ai Wavee Ai is a London-based PropTech company that provides a free resident engagement app designed to improve urban living. The platform connects residents, concierges, and local businesses in a verified digital environment, ensuring authenticity and safety for all users. Wavee Ai offers parcel tracking, visitor notifications, business engagement tools, and concierge portals in one seamless system. Its mission is to become the global standard for trusted neighbourhood communities. Contact Details Brand: Wavee Ai Contact: Nikesh Panchal,Founder Email: nik@wavee.ai Website: www.wavee.ai GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the smooth takeoff of China Eastern Airlines flight MU6308, operated by a C919 aircraft bound for Beijing Daxing International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport's Terminal 3 has officially been commissioned on October 30th. This milestone propels Baiyun Airport into a new operational era of "five runways and three terminals," injecting powerful momentum into the development of a world-class airport cluster and accelerating Guangzhou's ambition to become a comprehensive, multi-modal international aviation hub and gateway. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. C919 Operates Inaugural Flight: Passengers Witness a Historic Moment On the afternoon of the launch, Baiyun Airport hosted a warm and festive inaugural flight ceremony at Terminal 3. As the "lucky passengers" of the first flight from T3, everyone aboard flight MU6308 received a custom commemorative gift jointly prepared by Baiyun Airport and China Eastern Airlines. Ms. Li, a passenger on the inaugural flight, could not hide her excitement: "It's even more intelligent than I imagined. The check-in and baggage drop processes were seamless, and the terminal's design is beautiful. This trip is truly memorable." Notably, the first inbound flight to arrive at T3 - flight MU2219 from Lanzhou - was greeted with the highest honor in civil aviation: a water salute. "This is my first time experiencing a water salute, and it coincided with the opening of Baiyun's T3. I feel incredibly fortunate!" said Ms. Zhang, a passenger who had just deplaned. "Looking down from the air, the terminal's 'Flower Crown of the City of Rams' design truly lives up to its name. It's stunning!" Intelligent and Convenient: Hardware Upgrades for an Enhanced Travel Experience The newly opened Terminal 3 is designed around the theme of a "flower," incorporating Guangzhou's local characteristics such as the Baiyun Mountain, the Pearl River, and its identity as the "Flower City." The building's architecture, resembling a blooming flower, creates the "Flower Crown of the City of Rams" image, establishing it as a landmark for Guangzhou's gateway to the world. In its hardware configuration, the terminal deeply integrates "smart technology" with "human-centric design" to enhance the passenger journey. The terminal is equipped with ample passenger service facilities, including: 199 check-in counters (with fully self-service, convertible, and fully-staffed options); 60 self-service check-in kiosks; 59 self-service baggage drop units (57 convertible staff/self-service, 2 fully self-service); 87 jet bridges; 886 Flight Information Display Screens (FIDS); and 7,193 public address system speakers. Security screening efficiency has been further improved with 31 domestic and 9 international security lanes (excluding 8 planned for future use). The terminal innovatively adopts a "centralized security screening + RFID smart tray return" system. Its 21 dual-door self-verification gates can complete an identity check every 6 seconds with a misidentification rate below 0.1%. The precise binding of "passenger-tray-baggage" ensures a more orderly security process. Transportation connectivity is also more convenient; the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) integrates highway, railway, urban public transit, and air travel. It is flanked by the P11 and P12 parking garages, offering approximately 2,800 parking spaces (with 1,800 available during the initial opening phase), enabling seamless "fly-and-ride" transfers. Significantly, the smart construction of Terminal 3 has set two industry firsts. It is the first large-scale hub airport terminal in China to fully apply Building Information Modeling (BIM) for smart construction, pioneering comprehensive management covering all personnel, all areas, all disciplines, and the entire lifecycle. This establishes it as a demonstration project for digital design in civil aviation and a new industry standard. Furthermore, T3 is China's first terminal to achieve paperless archives. All building information is stored in electronic data packages combining "spatial data + facility/equipment information," providing precise data support for future operations, management, and maintenance. On September 24, 2025, at the buildingSMART International openBIM Awards, the "Smart Construction Practice Based on openBIM for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport's Phase III Expansion Project T3 Terminal" won the final grand prize (Winner, only one per category) in the Global Construction category. Five Runways, Three Terminals: Strengthening the Comprehensive Gateway Function From its original "two runways and one terminal" to the current "five runways and three terminals," Baiyun Airport's expansion provides the foundation for a quantum leap in its hub capacity. This enhanced infrastructure attracts airlines to increase frequencies on popular routes and launch new international and domestic services. This helps Guangzhou strengthen its function as a comprehensive gateway that is "nationally connected, intercontinentally linked, and globally reaching," contributing to the formation of a 12-hour global air travel circle. Since the beginning of this year, Baiyun Airport has collaborated with airlines to launch, resume, or increase frequencies on over 30 international passenger routes, including the resumption of IndiGo's Kolkata-Guangzhou service on October 27 and the successful launch of Air Algerie's Algiers-Guangzhou route on October 28. As a nationally designated comprehensive gateway and multi-modal international aviation hub, Baiyun Airport continuously enhances its function as a core node of the "Air Silk Road," expanding the breadth and depth of its route network. It has welcomed five new international carriers - Air Astana, VietJet Airlines (Vietnam), Uzbekistan Airways, Nepal Airlines, and Air Algerie - further expanding its global network of partners. In the new aviation season, scheduled passenger flights at Baiyun Airport have reached 10,728 movements per week, offering travelers a wider array of choices. Moving forward, Baiyun Airport will use the commissioning of Terminal 3 as a new starting point to deepen synergistic development and complementary positioning among airports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, jointly building a world-class airport cluster. Concurrently, with smarter facilities, more human-centric services, and more efficient operations, the airport will strive to become a benchmark for high-quality development in China's civil aviation industry, playing its part in Guangdong's efforts to lead the nation's modernization drive. Source: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Contact person: Ms. Luo, Tel: 86-10-63074558 DERBY, England, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Homemove, the fast-growing UK proptech platform simplifying home-moving, has acquired long-established property website Home.co.uk in a move set to inject fresh competition and innovation into the UK property portal market. Founded in 1995, Home.co.uk is one of the UK's original independent property search and analysis websites. Under Homemove's ownership, the platform will remain free to list for estate agents - a key principle in Homemove's mission to build a smarter, fairer alternative to the incumbent portals. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, follows Homemove's $5 million growth funding round earlier this year, reinforcing investor confidence in its ambition to simplify the home-moving process through data and technology. The acquisition brings together Homemove's customer-first mindset and technical innovation with Home.co.uk's trusted brand and data heritage. Estate agents will benefit from enhanced listings, new revenue opportunities through Homemove's connected services platform, and continuous product improvements throughout 2025 and beyond. Home.co.uk's relaunch under Homemove marks a shift from pay-to-play listings to product-led performance - where agents benefit directly from better leads, richer analytics, and automated client engagement tools. James Freestone, Co-Founder & CEO of Homemove, said: "Portals have become profit engines instead of product companies. We're bringing innovation and fairness back to the market as we look to build the most product-led listings destination in the UK. It will always be free to list on Home.co.uk - access to the market should not be paywalled." Ben Horton, Founder of Home.co.uk , said: " Home.co.uk has always stood for independence and informed decision-making. Homemove's energy and product focus will take that mission further, helping agents and movers make better decisions with richer insight." Home.co.uk will retain its trusted name and reputation while gaining continuous improvements, increased data-led property insights, improved customer experience, AI-led tools and full integration with Homemove's connected moving ecosystem. About Homemove Founded in 2022 by two homeowners frustrated by the chaos of moving, Homemove has grown into one of the UK's most exciting proptech platforms. Its vision is to make moving home simple, transparent and connected. Every month, Homemove helps thousands of people manage their entire move - from selling and buying to moving and settling in - through one intuitive, AI-powered platform. In 2025, Homemove secured $5 million in growth funding to accelerate its national expansion. Learn more at www.homemove.com About Home.co.uk Launched in 1995, Home.co.uk is one of the UK's original property search websites, respected for its independence, data analytics and comprehensive listings. Now part of the Homemove group, it is being enhanced as a free-to-list, data-rich destination for estate agents and home movers. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812008/Homemove_Photo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/free-listings-smarter-searches-homemove-acquisition-of-homecouk-set-to-shake-up-uk-property-portals-302603110.html Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, a leading provider of medical technology services and distribution solutions in Switzerland, has expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of a stake in QUNIQUE GmbH. Healthcare Holding Schweiz is managed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH and KKA Partners. BAAR, Switzerland, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG has successfully acquired a stake in QUNIQUE GmbH, headquartered in Wohlen, thereby strengthening its expertise in regulatory affairs and quality management. In return, QUNIQUE's founder will reparticipate in the group. QUNIQUE is among the leading ISO 13485-certified consulting firms in the medical technology sector. The company supports manufacturers, importers, distributors, hospitals, and suppliers in ensuring regulatory and quality compliance within Switzerland and the European Union. In addition, QUNIQUE acts as CH-REP and CH-Importer for numerous renowned international MedTech manufacturers, and-through its German subsidiary-also serves as EU-REP and EU-Importer. Fabio Fagagnini, CEO of Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, commented: "QUNIQUE is a dynamic and fast-growing consultancy that perfectly complements our group's offering as a medical technology distributor. Its experienced specialists will now also be available to support our suppliers, while QUNIQUE will continue to operate independently in the market, providing its existing and future clients with expert guidance-backed by our collective know-how and experience." Angelina Hakim, Founder and CEO of QUNIQUE GmbH and now a member of the Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG leadership team, added: "This strategic alliance with Healthcare Holding Schweiz will open up many exciting new opportunities for both parties. Together, we can support the entire value chain-from procurement to end customer-more effectively. We will continue to offer our services independently, maintaining our commitment to providing the entire MedTech industry with customer-focused and fully compliant regulatory solutions." About QUNIQUE GmbH Headquartered in Wohlen, QUNIQUE GmbH is an ISO 13485-certified consulting firm specialized in developing customized concepts to support and maintain regulatory compliance for clients in the medical device and in-vitro diagnostics sectors. QUNIQUE's core expertise lies in the precise analysis and practical implementation of regulatory requirements, including IVDR (In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation), MDR (Medical Device Regulation), MDSAP (Medical Device Single Audit Program), QM (Quality Management), RA (Regulatory Affairs), training, audits, and technical documentation. In addition, QUNIQUE acts as CH/EU-REP (Swiss and European Authorized Representative) and CH/EU-IMP (Swiss and European Importer) for numerous manufacturers-including several well-known international corporations exporting medical devices to Switzerland and the European Union. About Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG is a Buy, Build & Technologize platform and a leading provider of medical technology products and services in Switzerland. The group is based in Baar and pursues an ambitious growth strategy through acquisitions, often in the context of succession arrangements, partnerships, and organic growth. Healthcare Holding Schweiz and its group companies are committed to the highest standards of innovation and customer satisfaction. The group consistently leverages technology to make business processes safer and more efficient. As a market leader, the company sets new standards for the industry and offers employees attractive development opportunities. All of the management team holds shares in Healthcare Holding Schweiz, thus forming a dynamic community of entrepreneurs. Since 2023, the group has been led by CEO Fabio Fagagnini. About KKA Partners Founded in 2018, KKA Partners is a Berlin-based lower mid-market private equity firm that invests in leading companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland - the so-called "Mittelstand". The Founding Partners all have a deep-rooted family and professional heritage in the Mittelstand developed over 20 years in working closely with Mittelstand companies. KKA is at the forefront of the next wave of value creation through Technology Enabled Transformation of the Mittelstand. About Winterberg Advisory GmbH and Winterberg Group AG Winterberg Group AG, based in Zug, operates as an independent family office for its founders. Winterberg mainly invests in SMEs in the German-speaking region and selectively considers investments in startups and real estate. Winterberg Advisory GmbH is a general partner and fund manager regulated by the German BaFin. Winterberg Advisory has launched numerous private equity funds and is invested in Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG through its funds Winterberg Investment VIII and Winterberg Investment IX. The two Managing Partners, Fabian Kroher and Florian Brickenstein, manage Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG via its board of directors. For press inquiries, please contact presse@healthcare-holding.ch Note for Editors: Please reference Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG for any provided quotes and information. For more information about QUNIQUE GmbH, visit www.quniquegroup.com For more information about Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, visit www.healthcare-holding.ch For more information about other portfolio companies of Healthcare Holding, visit www.senectovia.ch, www.winthermedical.ch, www.mikrona.ch, www.orthowalker.ch, www.mcm-medsys.ch, www.naropa-reha.ch, www.mvb-med.ch, www.dentalaxess.ch, www.effectum-chrep.com, www.schaublin-medica.ch, www.cdpswiss.com, www.aestheticbedarf.ch, www.ftcdental.ch, www.inomedicalsolutions.ch For more information about KKA Partners visit www.kkapartners.com and about Winterberg www.winterberg.group. This press release is issued and distributed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH on behalf of Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812256/Healthcare_Holding_Schweiz_AG_Photo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2642028/5598749/Healthcare_Holding_Schweiz_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/healthcare-holding-schweiz-acquires-a-stake-in-qunique-302603047.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned German subsidiary, Vektor Pharma TF GmbH, has received an "Intention to Grant" notification from the European Patent Office (EPO) for European patent application no. 23 729 446.7, covering a sublingual, orally dispersible thin-film formulation of cladribine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and related neurodegenerative diseases. Covering an addressable population of nearly 1 billion people across Europe, Eurasia, and associated validation states, BioNxt's expanding patent portfolio secures access to some of the world's largest and most advanced pharmaceutical markets. The EPO "Intention to Grant" for European patent application no. 23 729 446.7 complements the Company's previously announced "Readiness to Grant" from the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO) for Eurasian patent application no. 202590051. Together, these patent filings provide potential protection across up to 54 jurisdictions - including all EPO contracting, validation, and extension states, plus the eight EAPO member countries - subject to national validation and maintenance. This extensive geographic and population coverage strengthens BioNxt's global leadership in oral and transmucosal drug delivery and supports the commercialization strategy for BNT23001, the Company's lead multiple sclerosis candidate. Expanded IP protection across Europe and Eurasia The patents protect BioNxt's proprietary transmucosal cladribine delivery composition in the form of a sublingual thin film comprising a cladribine-cyclodextrin complex and hydrophilic polymers such as starch and pullulan. This formulation enables rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, which may enhance bioavailability, tolerability, and patient adherence versus tablets or injectables. BioNxt is expanding its IP portfolio through additional filings, including a U.S. fast-track application, as well as filings in North America, Japan, and other regions to broaden its global patent coverage. Strong market opportunity: Europe's MS market moves toward oral and patient-friendly therapies The European MS treatment market is valued at approximately US$7.95 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$13.56 billion by 2032 (CAGR ~6.9%) according to Stellar Market Research. The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) notes that more than 1.2 million people in Europe are estimated to be living with MS, and oral therapies are projected by Coherent Market Insights to maintain a leading share of ~49% by 2025. Growth in the oral segment is being driven by the rising prevalence of MS, advancements in drug delivery technologies, and the increasing availability of effective oral disease-modifying therapies. Patients and clinicians increasingly favor oral treatments for their non-invasive, convenient, and discreet administration, resulting in higher treatment adherence and improved quality of life compared to injectable or infusion-based options. MAVENCLAD (cladribine tablets), approved by the European Medicines Agency and used by more than 100,000 patients globally, according to public disclosures, has established a strong benchmark for oral cladribine therapies. BioNxt's swallow-free, water-free, rapidly dissolving thin-film formulation is designed to simplify administration and further enhance the patient experience, aligning with market trends toward ease of use and self-managed treatment. "Securing patent protection in both Europe and Eurasia marks a major step forward in our global IP and commercialization strategy," said Hugh Rogers, CEO of BioNxt Solutions Inc. "These patents strengthen our position as a leader in advanced oral drug delivery and support the continued development and partnering of BNT23001." Next steps and strategic significance BioNxt continues to advance BNT23001, its lead oral cladribine thin-film candidate, through development and regulatory planning. The Company is completing a large-mass animal bioequivalence study to establish dosing parameters for an upcoming human bioequivalence trial, and is actively pursuing co-development and out-licensing partnerships with both innovator and generic manufacturers seeking patient-friendly formulations of established therapies. About BioNxt Solutions Inc. BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on next-generation drug delivery platforms, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. Its proprietary platforms include sublingual thin films, transdermal patches, oral tablets, and a new targeted chemotherapy platform designed to deliver cancer drugs directly to tumors while reducing side effects. With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patient-centric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide. BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com. Investor Relations & Media Contact Hugh Rogers, Co-Founder, CEO and Director Email: investor.relations@bionxt.com Phone: +1 604.250.6162 Web: www.bionxt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxt-solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such information may include, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the anticipated grant, scope, and timing of European, Eurasian, and other international patent rights; the Company's plans for additional national filings; the development, clinical evaluation, regulatory approval, and commercialization of the Company's Cladribine sublingual thin-film (BNT23001) for multiple sclerosis; the strategic importance of intellectual property protection; the timing, cost, and outcome of preclinical and clinical studies; and the potential application of BioNxt's sublingual thin-film drug delivery platform across additional therapeutic areas. Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections as of the date of this press release. Such statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: outcomes of patent examination and prosecution processes; changes in regulatory requirements or legal frameworks; the results, timing, and costs of preclinical and clinical studies; scalability and reproducibility of manufacturing processes; the availability of strategic partnerships and funding; and broader economic, financial, or geopolitical factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions underlying such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Except as required under applicable securities laws, BioNxt undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/bionxt-reports-%22intention-to-grant%22-patent-notification-from-the-euro-1096624 Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Defence Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: DTC) (FSE: DTC) (OTCQB: DTCFF) ("Defence" or the "Company"), a leading biotechnology company specialized in drug delivery technologies, is pleased to announce and to present today at the World ADC Conference in San Diego, USA, highly encouraging results from its latest preclinical in vivo study evaluating Accum-Kadcyla, a novel version of Genentech/Roche's marketed ADC Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine), in mouse models of HER2-positive breast cancer. Study Results: 20-Fold Increased Potency at Equivalent Dose In the comparative in vivo study, Accum-Kadcyla demonstrated a ~20-fold higher anti-tumor efficacy than Kadcyla alone when administered at the same dose (0.5 mg/kg). Tumor growth was significantly halted in the Accum-Kadcyla-treated group, resulting in a durable and near-complete response in most mice while Kadcyla at the same dose (0.5 mg/kg) had no effect on tumor growth. Importantly, 100% of the animals survived throughout the duration of the study with no signs of toxicity, underscoring the excellent tolerability of the treatment (Figure below). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8000/272951_a8cb2e06a46e8ae0_002full.jpg Implications for Patients and the Industry These results confirm that Defence's Accum platform can dramatically enhance the intracellular delivery and potency of ADCs by overcoming endosomal entrapment-a known bottleneck in ADC performance. By increasing the therapeutic payload's reach inside cancer cells, Accum enables a more efficient drug release and tumor killing, even at lower doses. This finding is particularly meaningful for patients: the ability to achieve the same or better efficacy at reduced doses translates into a potential reduction in toxicity and side effects, addressing one of the main limitations of current ADC therapies. Practically, it could potentially bring this current second line of treatment to a first line of treatment for the benefit of the patients. Dr. Maxime Parisotto, Chief Scientific Officer of Defence Therapeutics, commented: "These results further validate the power of Accum as a transformative technology for ADCs. By amplifying the potency of a clinically proven ADC like Kadcyla by 20 times at the same dose, we demonstrate that Accum can unlock a new generation of safer and more effective targeted therapies for cancer patients." Next Steps and Commercial Outlook Following these promising results, Defence Therapeutics plans to expand its Accum-ADC program to additional HER2-positive and HER2-low tumor models and to advance discussions with potential pharmaceutical partners. About Defence: Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded biotechnology company developing and engineering the next generation of ADC products using its proprietary platform. The core of Defence Therapeutics platform is the ACCUM technology, which enables precision delivery of ADCs in their intact form to target cells. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against cancer. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272951 SOURCE: Defence Therapeutics Inc. STV Group a.s. ("STV"), one of the world's fastest-growing defence innovators, has signed a multi-year licence agreement to use Post-Quantum's groundbreaking quantum-safe communications platform and signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to accelerate deployment across Europe, NATO, and global defence markets. With quantum computing threatening to render traditional encryption obsolete, the move positions STV at the forefront of the cybersecurity revolution arming governments, defence forces, and enterprises with next-generation resilience against "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" attacks. By fusing Post-Quantum's NATO-tested modular platform with its own world-class defence solutions, STV is setting a new global benchmark for secure communications and digital trust. Together, the two companies are delivering the most advanced, future-proof systems to protect sensitive data and mission-critical operations ensuring that even in the quantum era, allied communications remain impenetrable. The partnership represents a decisive leap forward, combining STV's defence innovation track record with Post-Quantum's pioneering expertise to deliver communications and data protection systems that go beyond current industry standards. JUDr. Pavel Kudrhalt, CEO of STV, said: "This isn't just about acquiring technology it's about building an uncompromising, end-to-end secure ecosystem for the future. Our customers demand full supply chain assurance, from manufacturing and tamper-proof transport to deployment and monitoring. With the rising threat of 'Harvest Now, Decrypt Later' attacks, quantum-safe defences are no longer optional. Post-Quantum's platform doesn't just lead the field it allows STV to be the first-mover to redefine the very standards of digital trust in defence solutions. By embedding their technology into our portfolio, we are giving NATO allies, EU partners, and national clients the strongest possible protection for the quantum era whether that's safeguarding command and control chains, operating mission-critical drones, or deploying munitions in battlefield communications." Rikky Hasan, CEO of Post-Quantum, added: "STV's vision and leadership in defence innovation make them the ideal partner. Together we are unleashing a new wave of secure, quantum-safe solutions that protect the world's most sensitive data against today's adversaries and tomorrow's quantum threats. Our modular approach to Identity, Transmission and Encryption already proven in NATO environments offers the fastest and most agile way to integrate into STV's global portfolio. This is a proud moment for both companies, and a milestone for global cybersecurity." This acquisition and alliance signal the dawn of a new era: one where quantum-resilient platforms are no longer optional, but essential. United by a shared mission to safeguard the future, STV and Post-Quantum are leading the charge toward a world where critical communications remain impenetrable even in the face of quantum computing's disruptive power. About STV STV Group a.s. is one of Europe's fastest-growing defence innovators, delivering advanced security and defence solutions to governments, NATO allies, and commercial partners worldwide. Headquartered in the Czech Republic, the company combines cutting-edge engineering with a bold vision for the future of security. Building on a century of industrial tradition, STV Group has become the Czech Republic's leading producer of munitions, loitering systems, armoured vehicle platforms and integrated lifecycle services. The group is also a European leader in ecological disposal and demilitarisation of surplus ammunition, underscoring its commitment to safety and sustainability. With NATO-tested technologies and global partnerships, STV Group is trusted to deliver the resilient, future-proof capabilities that keep nations secure in an era of emerging threats. About Post-Quantum Post-Quantum is leading the charge into the quantum era by upgrading the world's encryption. Its quantum-safe platform protects organisations across their entire digital footprint with modular software for Identity, Transmission, and Encryption-designed to be interoperable, crypto-agile and seamlessly backward compatible. Already trusted by NATO, critical national infrastructure providers, and major financial institutions, Post-Quantum has a proven track record in safeguarding mission-critical data. The company is the inventor of NTS-KEM (now known as Classic McEliece in the NIST competition) and the author of the IETF's Hybrid Post-Quantum VPN standard, which is now the global benchmark for secure connectivity. With its pioneering technologies, Post-Quantum is ensuring the world stays one step ahead of the quantum threats. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104052022/en/ Contacts: For further information, please contact: Fire on the Hill Nick Ward. +44 (0)7821 474 272 nward@fireoth.com postquantum@fireoth.com LONDON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DOJO, the innovative atomization brand powered by VAPORESSO, celebrated Halloween in style with an immersive pop-up event at Outernet London Pop One on October 30-31. The event showcased DOJO's flagship BLAST 10K product and brought festive thrills to visitors with a surprise-filled Halloween experience. The venue featured a spooky-themed setup, complete with ghost brides, creepy nurses, and other playful costumes. Attendees enjoyed interactive AR filters, gashapon-style prize draws, free product samples, and themed gifts, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Beyond the festivities, the pop-up highlighted DOJO's commitment to high-quality, user-friendly vaping experiences. Visitors were thrilled by the event's creative decorations and immersive design, sharing photos across social media and praising both the entertaining setup and the smooth taste of DOJO's BLAST 10K. The Halloween pop-up underscored DOJO's marketing strategy of blending interactive experiences with product exposure, reflecting the brand's innovative and consumer-centered approach. About DOJO Founded in 2024, DOJO is a global atomization brand powered by VAPORESSO, driven by human-centered innovation. The brand focuses on compliant pod-based products, delivering high-quality vaping experiences through technological breakthroughs and user-inspired design. With its motto "Create & Share," DOJO builds a bold and inclusive global community and continues to redefine brand engagement in the vaping industry. For more information, please visit www.dojovape.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812698/Copy_of_IMG_2780_3_1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2609614/DOJO_Vaporesso_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dojo-brings-spooky-fun-to-london-with-halloween-pop-up-at-outernet-302603625.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / American Critical Minerals Corp. (" American Critical Minerals " or the" Company ") (CSE:KCLI)(OTCQB:APCOF)(Frankfurt:2P3) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Dean Pekeski as Senior Advisor to the Company with immediate effect. Dean has been involved in senior technical and corporate positions across the mining sector for over 33 years with a particular focus on potash exploration and development for over 17 years of that time. In particular, Dean was Executive Vice President of Western Potash Corp. (WPX- TSX) from 2008 - 2015 andlead discovery and development of the Milestone Potash Solution Mining Project in Saskatchewan which is currently 80% complete. Since 2016 Dean has been involved with Peak Minerals Inc., a private Company developing the Sevier Playa Potassium Sulphate (SOP) Brine Project in Utah where he has served as Project Director and CEO, President & Director since 2020. Dean is intimate with all aspects of potash exploration, solution mining, brine evaporation, and processing of potassium, magnesium, sodium chloride, bromine, and lithium, rich brines. During his career at Western Potash and Peak Minerals he has advanced projects through key project milestones including discovery, technical studies (PEA, PFS, FS, FEED), geotechnical and constructability testing, process pilot testing, successful environmental permitting at all government levels, securing key supply and construction contracts and off-take agreements, and financing. Throughout his career Dean has raised more than US$120M capital at appropriate valuations to enable the company's he has worked for to meet milestones, growth and market share. He has a deep network with a number of equity, debt, and royalty investors, is well connected with peer / industry companies across Utah and beyond, and has good connections into local and federal government funding initiatives and State and Federal regulators. He is also intimate with global potash supply, demand, pricing, and development projects globally. Dean holds Honors B.Sc. Geology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario,1994, is a PDAC Member and has his P.Geo Registration with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. He is also an Director of Fidelity Minerals Corp. and Power One Resources Corp. Management Commentary Simon Clarke President & CEO stated, "we are extremely pleased to welcome Dean to our team, his knowledge, background and insights, as well as his strategic relationships in Utah and beyond will be extremely valuable as we continue to advance our Green River Project. His in-depth technical knowledge in potash exploration, development and processing will be invaluable as we move to drill and de-risk the Green River Project and the timing of his appointment could not be better as we finalize our drill targets and drill contracts and prepare to drill in the New Year. His ability to raise capital for potash development and to attract strategic sector partners and off takers, as well as his links into State and Federal government agencies, will help to ensure we have access to appropriate capital as we look to aggressively develop this project as a major potential source of both potash and lithium to strengthen US Domestic Supply Chains of these Critical Minerals." About American Critical Minerals' Green River Potash and Lithium Project The Green River Potash and Lithium Project is situated within Utah's highly productive Paradox Basin, located 20 miles northwest of Moab, Utah. It has significant logistical advantages including close proximity to major rail hubs, airport, roads, water, towns and labour markets. It also benefits from close proximity to the agricultural and industrial heartland of America and numerous potential end-users for its products. The history of oil and gas production across the Paradox Basin provides geologic data from historic wells across the Project, and the wider Basin, validating and de-risking the potential for high grade potash and large amounts of contained lithium. Wells in and around the project reported lithium up to 500 ppm, bromine up to 6,100 ppm and boron up to 1,260 ppm (Gilbride & Santos, 2012). This data is reinforced by nearby potash production and the advanced stage of neighbouring lithium projects. The Paradox Basin is believed to contain up to 56 billion tonnes of lithium brines, potentially the largest such resource in US (Source: AnsonFastmarketsPresentation- https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/ASN/02823465.pdf). The Company's National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") Potash Exploration Target consists of 500 million to 950 million tonnes of sylvinite (the most important source for the production of potash in North America) grading from 12% to 18% potassium oxide based on elog (eK2O=19% to 29% potassium chloride based on elog (eKCl)). Its Exploration Targets for Lithium and Bromine are 2.1 billion cubic meters (brine volume) grading from 71.6 to 216.3 parts per million lithium; and 2.1 billion cubic meters (brine volume) grading from 3,656 to 4,741 parts per million bromine.** The Company holds a 100% interest in eleven State of Utah ("SITLA") mineral and minerals salt leases covering approximately 7,050 acres, 1,094 federal lithium brine claims (BLM Placer Claims) covering 21,150 acres, and 11 federal (BLM) potash prospecting permits covering approximately 25,480 acres. Through these leases, permits and claims the Company has the ability to explore for potash, lithium and potential by-products across the entire Green River Project (approx. 32,530 acres). The Company is authorized to drill a total of 7 drill holes across the Project (pending bonding the recently approved 4 drill holes). Intrepid Potash, Inc. is America's largest potash company and only U.S. domestic potash producer and currently produces potash from its nearby Moab Solution Mine, which the Company believes provides strong evidence of stratigraphic continuity within this part of the Paradox Basin ( www.intrepidpotash.com ). Anson Resources Ltd. has advanced lithium development projects contiguous to the northern boundary of our Green River Project and neighbouring to the south. Anson has a large initial resource, robust definitive feasibility study and has recently completed successful piloting operations through its partnership with Koch Technology Solutions, as well as an offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution. The Anson exploration targets encompass the combined Mississippian Leadville Formation and the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation brine-bearing clastic layers, which also underlie American Critical Minerals' entire project area ( www.ansonresources.com )*. In 2022, the U.S. imported approx. 96.5% of its annual potash requirements with domestic producers receiving a higher sales price due to proximity to market (intrepidpotash.com/ August 15, 2024, Investor Presentation). In March 2024, the US Senate introduced a bill to include key fertilizers and potash on the US Department of Interior list of Critical Minerals which already includes lithium, and this process is well advanced with potash being added to the USGS Draft Critical Minerals List. In August 2025. Recent market estimates suggest that the global potash market is over US$50 billion annually and growing at a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of close to 5%. Annual lithium demand is now estimated to be over 1 million tonnes globally and continuing to grow rapidly***. ****Exploration Targets are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define them as Mineral Resources, and, while reasonable potential may exist, it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the determination of a Mineral Resource under NI 43-101. Qualified Person The Technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P.Geo., the Chief Operations Officer of the Company and a qualified person for the purposes of NI 43-101. On behalf of the Board of Directors Simon Clarke, President & CEO Contact: (604)-551-9665 * American Critical Minerals' management cautions that results or discoveries on properties in proximity to the American Critical Minerals' properties may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the Company's properties. ** A report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report - Green River Potash and Lithium Project, Grand County, Utah, USA", prepared by Agapito Associates Inc., and dated October 27, 2025, quantifies the Green River Potash Project's potash, lithium and bromine exploration potential in the form of NI 43-101 Exploration Targets. The Exploration Target estimate was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. It should be noted that Exploration Targets are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define them as Mineral Resources, and, while reasonable potential may exist, it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the determination of a Mineral Resource under NI 43-101. Details of the basis on which the Exploration Targets have been determined is included in the Report. The Exploration Target stated in the Report is not being reported as part of any Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve. A copy of the report can be accessed on both SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ) and the corporate website for the Company: www.acmineralscorp.com . ***United States Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2024 (https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024-potash.pdf). CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: statements about exploration targets; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; and future exploration prospects. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: American Critical Minerals Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/american-critical-minerals-announces-appointment-of-dean-pekeski-as-senior-adviso-1096625 Direct live access to data gives organizations the process-centric context they need to make AI work in the enterprise Celonis, a global leader in Process Intelligence, today announced a partnership with Databricks, the Data and AI company, to provide customers with a seamless, powerful pathway to operationalize AI. The integration leverages Delta Sharing to directly connect the Celonis Process Intelligence Platform with the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform. Delta Sharing is Databricks' open source approach that enables customers to share live data across platforms, clouds and regions with strong security and governance. This bi-directional integration, powered by Delta Sharing, eliminates the need to move or copy data between the two platforms. It breaks down data silos, reduces data copies, limits synchronization errors, enhances security, and simplifies data governance. With data and process intelligence flowing freely between the two platforms, customers get a continuous learning loop for AI-driven operations. Customers can use Celonis to read live data stored in Databricks and enrich it with their organization's unique business context to create a living digital twin of their operations-the Celonis Process Intelligence Graph (PI Graph). This digital twin gives them a true view of how they operate and how to improve. Process Intelligence from the PI Graph can be fed back into Agent Bricks-Databricks' flagship AI product, which builds production-quality AI agents optimized on an organization's data. Moreover, insights from these models and outputs from these agents can be injected into the PI Graph to continuously optimize processes. "We want to give customers choice when deciding how they use AI to transform their business," said Marc Kinast, Vice President Corporate Development at Celonis. "And with this integration, we're offering them a strong foundation for effective enterprise AI. Databricks brings its secure, governed data infrastructure and industry-leading agentic development tools and we bring our unique Process Intelligence that provides the operational context AI needs to succeed. It's a powerful combination." "Enterprises want AI that truly understands their business," said Sarah Branfman, Global Vice President, ISV and Data Partner GTM at Databricks. "By connecting Celonis' process intelligence with the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, we're giving customers a direct path to build and deploy custom AI agents with Agent Bricks-grounded in their own live, governed data. It's how organizations turn process insights into real, intelligent action." "To achieve operational excellence, we need to intelligently orchestrate people, agents, and systems across our entire enterprise," said Hobson Bullman, vice president of Operations, Arm. "By combining the strengths of Celonis and Databricks, we can deploy AI in the right places, ensure it understands how our business runs, and be confident that it will make our business more effective and efficient." The Celonis and Databricks integration is made possible via Databricks Delta Sharing and the Celonis Data Core-Celonis' high-performance data infrastructure. About Celonis Celonis makes processes work for people, companies, and the planet. Powered by process mining and AI, the Celonis Process Intelligence Platform integrates process data and business context to create a living digital twin of business operations. We enable thousands of companies worldwide to understand how their business actually runs and, together with their partners, build intelligent solutions that transform and continuously improve the way they operate unlocking billions in value. Celonis is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and New York City, USA, with more than 20 offices worldwide. 2025 Celonis SE. All rights reserved. Celonis and the Celonis "droplet" logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Celonis SE in Germany and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104758605/en/ Contacts: Media Contact press@celonis.com Celonis, a global leader in Process Intelligence, and Mercedes-Benz Group AG, one of the world's most iconic automotive brands, today at Celosphere 2025 showcased the success of their strategic collaboration. Using the Celonis Process Intelligence Platform, the automaker has already achieved transformative results, including improved on-time delivery, and accelerated decision making. Mercedes-Benz is at the forefront of addressing an ever-growing challenge: maintaining precision and speed across one of the most complex manufacturing networks in the world, spanning millions of parts, suppliers, and processes. The Celonis Process Intelligence Platform helps the company connect data from all their major production and logistics systems enhancing the Mercedes-Benz MO360 platform, giving them visibility across every order, part, and process. Mercedes-Benz uses Celonis across the company's critical operations: Order-to-Delivery: AI copilots forecast delivery timelines, optimize sequencing, and reduce delays. AI copilots forecast delivery timelines, optimize sequencing, and reduce delays. Aftersales: Process Intelligence identifies bottlenecks in service parts logistics, ensuring faster response to customer needs. Process Intelligence identifies bottlenecks in service parts logistics, ensuring faster response to customer needs. Quality Management: AI-driven anomaly detection pinpoints deviations before they affect production quality. Enterprise AI, powered by Process Intelligence, has become central to how Mercedes-Benz orchestrates production, adapts to market shifts, and sustains its brand promise of quality and excellence. "Full data transparency across our production network and the supply chain allows us to empower our teams to act with greater speed and precision," said Dr. Jorg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Production, Quality, and Supply Chain Management. "This enables Mercedes-Benz to anticipate change, respond quickly to market dynamics, and harness the power of AI. With hundreds of active users and adoption growing across the organization, Celonis has become a key enabler of our digital transformation, helping us scale data-driven decision-making across every function." "Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating how Process Intelligence makes enterprise AI work," said Bastian Nominacher, co-CEO and co-founder of Celonis. "With Celonis, they've created the optimal conditions for AI to drive real outcomes, from smarter decisions to faster delivery, turning visibility into action." Mercedes-Benz shared these insights live at Celosphere 2025, Celonis' global user conference, where 3,000+ business and technology leaders explore how process intelligence and AI are reshaping enterprise operations. Register to join the virtual livestream at 10am CET (4am ET) and 6pm CET (12noon ET) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. About Celonis Celonis makes processes work for people, companies, and the planet. Powered by process mining and AI, the Celonis Process Intelligence Platform integrates process data and business context to create a living digital twin of business operations. We enable thousands of companies worldwide to understand how their business actually runs and, together with their partners, build intelligent solutions that transform and continuously improve the way they operate unlocking billions in value. Celonis is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and New York City, USA, with more than 20 offices worldwide. 2025 Celonis SE. All rights reserved. Celonis and the Celonis "droplet" logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Celonis SE in Germany and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104923787/en/ Contacts: Media Contact press@celonis.com Aligned with the UAE's National Cloud Security Policy and endorsed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, the launchpad provides security, compliance, and data governance controls for innovation across governmental and regulated industries in the UAE Commercial service now available to public and private sectors across the UAE, giving every regulated organisation an immediate path to in-country cloud DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In alignment with the UAE National Cyber Security Strategy, the global technology group e& and Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company, today announced the commercial availability and full operational readiness of the UAE Sovereign Launchpad, a cloud offering that accelerates the adoption of cloud and AI services for UAE government agencies, along with regulated customers in healthcare, financial services, education, space, oil & gas, and non-profit sectors. Powered by AWS, offered by e&, and endorsed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC), the UAE Sovereign Launchpad contributes to UAE's journey toward a more secure national digital infrastructure. It enables government agencies and customers to deploy all workloads, except those classified as Secret and Top Secret, while ensuring alignment with the UAE CSC's National Cloud Security Policy. The UAE Sovereign Launchpad, which is hosted in the AWS Middle East (UAE) Region and managed by e& enterprise, arrives at a time when regulated industries in the region are facing increasing pressure to safeguard critical data, align with national regulations, and address emerging cybersecurity challenges. The launchpad directly addresses these challenges, offering a robust, cost-efficient environment where data governance, compliance, and innovation co-exist as core architectural principles. Built for sectors requiring high compliance and security standards, the launchpad provides an accelerated pathway to secure cloud adoption while maintaining data residency, comprehensive visibility across cloud resources, and governance controls within the country. H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government and Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, commented: "The UAE Sovereign Launchpad marks a significant milestone in our nation's digital transformation journey. This collaboration between e& and AWS demonstrates how we can leverage global cloud innovation while adhering to the UAE National Cloud Security Policy requirements. By providing a framework that aligns with our National Cloud Security Policy, we are enabling government entities and regulated industries to accelerate their adoption of advanced cloud and AI technologies. This initiative not only enhances our cyber resilience but also reinforces the UAE's position as a leader in secure digital innovation." Khalid Murshed, Chief Executive Officer, e& enterprise, said, "We are proud to deliver this unique platform that accelerates secure cloud adoption in the UAE. Together with AWS and the UAE Cybersecurity Council, we are empowering organisations to meet compliance and regulatory compliance objectives without compromising innovation or agility. With the UAE Sovereign Launchpad now live, organisations can deploy workloads on AWS cloud with confidence knowing that compliance and security are foundational principles built into the platform's architecture." Tanuja Randery, Managing Director and Vice President of AWS, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), added: "Built with UAE regulatory compliance and zero-trust principles, the UAE Sovereign Launchpad delivers a production-ready cloud architecture hosted within the UAE and managed by e& enterprise. The full rollout of the launchpad marks a pivotal moment for regional digital transformation, empowering public and private sector organisations to accelerate their journey to the cloud with confidence. Our collaboration with e& enterprise and the UAE Cybersecurity Council combines the unparalleled security, innovation, and breadth of AWS services with the deep local expertise designed to meet the UAE's regulatory and cybersecurity standards. We are deeply committed to supporting the UAE's digital ambitions and are proud to help build a secure, innovative, and resilient future for the nation." By embedding zero-trust security controls, in-country key-management options, and automated compliance reporting, the UAE Sovereign Launchpad enables organisations to focus on innovation without compromising their governance or regulatory obligations. The UAE Sovereign Launchpad was first announced in May 2025 as part of a broader initiative to accelerate cloud and AI adoption across the UAE's public sector and regulated industries. The announcement marks a new phase in the nation's cloud journey - from concept and collaboration to national-scale readiness - supporting the UAE's We the UAE 2031 vision and building a trusted, compliant, and resilient digital ecosystem. It provides robust, compliant, and cost-efficient pathway for public and private sector organisations to modernise their operations securely in the cloud while strengthening the UAE's overall digital resilience. The UAE Sovereign Launchpad is available immediately through e& enterprise. Organisations can start with a readiness assessment or move straight to production deployment. To learn more about the UAE Sovereign Cloud Launchpad and how your organization can get started, visit Sovereign Launchpad Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2813002/e_UAE_Sovereign.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2458296/5600424/e_and_AR_Logo.jpg Contact: Nancy Sudheer, nsudheer@eand.com, +971 50 705 5290 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uae-sovereign-launchpad-offered-by-e-and-powered-by-aws-is-now-live-and-commercially-available-across-uae-302603852.html BRADFORD, England, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Bradford has launched a new interactive digital campus map to enhance accessibility, improve student experience, and streamline campus operations. The new platform replaces static signage and paper-based maps, offering a modern navigation tool that students, staff, and visitors can access across devices. The initiative aligns with the university's wider digital transformation strategy, which focuses on creating a more connected, user-friendly campus environment. A campus built on connection With more than 13,000 students and staff representing over 120 nationalities, the University of Bradford has long prided itself on inclusiveness and innovation. However, campus navigation had become increasingly complex as buildings evolved, and new facilities were introduced. "Keeping static maps updated was a continuous challenge," said Markus Jones, Space Planning Manager at the University of Bradford. "Students would often rely on outdated signage or printed materials, which led to confusion and unnecessary stress, especially for new arrivals or visitors with accessibility needs." The university's new digital map now provides accurate, real-time navigation information across all buildings and facilities. Users can search for lecture halls, study spaces, accessibility routes, and amenities directly through their phones or laptops. Part of a wider digital shift The mapping project forms a key part of Bradford's move toward a smarter campus ecosystem, integrating several student-facing systems into a unified platform. The map is already embedded in the university's new campus app, launched in collaboration with Santander Universities, giving students a single point of access for timetables, events, and campus services. According to Jack Owen, Space Planning Coordinator at the University of Bradford, the goal is long-term integration. "This is just the first step," he said. "We want our systems to speak to one another, from room bookings to accessibility tools so that the campus experience feels seamless." A modern mapping experience To bring the vision to life, the university partnered with MazeMap, a global leader in indoor navigation and space visualization. Technology allows universities and hospitals worldwide to create accurate, interactive maps that users can explore in real time. Bradford's map allows internal teams to update building layouts quickly without external support. The collaboration resulted in a smooth implementation process, converting the university's existing CAD drawings into a digital format within weeks. "MazeMap gave us the flexibility we needed," said Markus Jones. "The ability to manage updates internally is a real game-changer." Beyond wayfinding The university sees digital navigation as a foundation for broader transformation. Upcoming plans include layering space utilization data, integrating room-booking capabilities, and enhancing accessibility through features like Blue Dot positioning, which allows real-time indoor tracking similar to outdoor GPS. For Bradford's leadership, this is more than just finding one's way around; it's about creating an environment that reflects the needs and expectations of today's students. "This technology helps us deliver on our promise of a connected, inclusive, and digitally enabled campus," said Jones. "It's about making everyone's experience, whether you're a student, a staff member, or a visitor, as smooth and welcoming as possible." A model for the modern university As universities across the UK focus on digital-first strategies to improve student experience and sustainability, Bradford's approach demonstrates how smart navigation systems can become central to that mission. While the platform quietly runs in the background, its impact is visible everywhere: fewer lost students, fewer missed meetings, and a campus that feels more intuitive to explore. And behind it all, a small but powerful piece of technology, built for simplicity, designed for connection, helps make it happen. Press Contact University of Bradford Communications Office Email: communications@bradford.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1274 232323 About MazeMap MazeMap is a leading provider of indoor mapping and navigation solutions for universities, hospitals, and enterprises worldwide. Its platform helps organizations deliver smarter, more accessible experiences while optimizing operations. Website:www.mazemap.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/university-of-bradford/r/university-of-bradford-pioneers--smarter-campus-navigation-with-new-digital-mapping-platform,c4259302 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/university-of-bradford/i/uni-bradford-campus-app-1,c3483171 Uni Bradford CAMPUS APP 1 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/university-of-bradford-pioneers-smarter-campus-navigation-with-new-digital-mapping-platform-302603867.html Regulatory News: Advicenne (Euronext Growth Paris FR0013296746 ALDVI), a pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and marketing of innovative treatments for people suffering from rare kidney diseases, announces the submission of the registration application for Sibnayal (fixed-dose combination of potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate) for the treatment of distal Renal Tubular Acidosis (dRTA) to the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). Sibnayal has been designated orphan drug in dRTA in the USA. The evaluation of the dossier should take approximately 12 months. The company will communicate on the main stages of the evaluation process as well as on the expected date of the US authorities' decision (PDUFA date), which should be known within a few weeks. The company's management is organizing a web conference in French on November 5, 2025 at 5.45PM (CET), accessible via the following link: Web-conference Advicenne Reunion-Joindre Microsoft Teams About Advicenne Advicenne (Euronext Growth Paris ALDVI FR0013296746) is a specialty pharmaceutical company founded in 2007, specializing in the development of innovative treatments in Nephrology. Its lead product Sibnayal (ADV7103) has received its Marketing Approval for distal renal tubular acidosis in EU and GB. ADV7103 is currently in late-stage development in cystinuria in Europe and in dRTA and cystinuria in the US and in Canada. Headquartered in Paris, Advicenne, listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange since 2017, has now been listed on Euronext Growth Paris since its transfer on March 30, 2022. For additional information, see: https://advicenne.com/. Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Advicenne group and its business, including its prospects and product candidate development. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Advicenne considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the French financial market authority on April 29, 2025 (a copy of which is available on www.advicenne.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Advicenne operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Advicenne or not currently considered material by Advicenne. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance, or achievements of Advicenne to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. Advicenne expressly declines any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104211582/en/ Contacts: Advicenne Didier Laurens, Directeur General +33 (0) 1 87 44 40 17 Email: investors@advicenne.com Ulysse Communication Media relations Bruno Arabian +33 (0)6 87 88 47 26 Email: advicenne@ulysse-communication.com DEEPX officially recognized with the WEF MINDS 2025 Award and invited as a speaker at the New Drivers of Industry Transformation Meeting 2025 CEO Lokwon Kim presented the future of industrial transformation through 'Physical AI' before global innovation leaders SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultra-low-power AI semiconductor company DEEPX (CEO Lokwon Kim) announced that it was an official speaker at the New Drivers of Industry Transformation Meeting 2025 hosted by the World Economic Forum (WEF), where it shared its vision for 'Physical AI' alongside the world's top innovation leaders. The WEF selected DEEPX as the first AI semiconductor company to receive the MINDS 2025 Award (Meaningful, Intelligent, Novel, Deployable Solutions), which recognizes technologies that are transforming the world through AI. The forum served as the official platform for award winners to present their achievements to global policymakers and industry leaders. The session featured MINDS Award honorees including Foxconn, CATL, Siemens, Lenovo, Fujitsu, and Schneider Electric, each showcasing groundbreaking use cases of AI driving transformation across their respective industries. DEEPX presented its collaborative mass-production project with the Hyundai Motor Group Robotics Lab, demonstrating a robot AI solution that achieves more than two times a GPU's level of performance while consuming less than 5 watts of power. The project highlighted one of Korea's most advanced examples of AI commercialization - bringing to life the concept of 'Physical AI,' or intelligence that operates directly in the physical world across industrial, robotics, security, and smart city environments. This achievement drew significant global attention from the manufacturing and robotics sectors for its breakthroughs in energy efficiency, cost reduction, and system optimization, marking a milestone for Korea's AI semiconductor competitiveness on the global stage. DEEPX also unveiled its roadmap for next-generation generative AI semiconductors based on the Samsung 2 nm process, outlining how its proprietary architecture will accelerate the realization of 'Physical AI' in real-world applications. "AI must evolve beyond the data center and become physical intelligence - a real-world force transforming industries and societies," said Lokwon Kim, CEO of DEEPX. "Through ultra-low-power, high-performance AI semiconductors, DEEPX is already creating tangible value across robots, factories, cities, and even human lives. WEF's recognition reaffirms that DEEPX's AI semiconductor technology now stands at the center of the world's industrial transformation." Going forward, the WEF will lead a two-year global initiative with MINDS 2025 honorees to jointly advance key agendas such as AI governance, sustainable supply chains, digital health, and future infrastructure. DEEPX will participate as an official member of this international network - working with governments, academia, and corporations worldwide to build a more sustainable and responsible AI ecosystem. About DEEPX Founded in anticipation of an era when artificial intelligence will be as pervasive as electricity and Wi-Fi, DEEPX develops core technology for high-performance AI semiconductors and computing solutions that bring intelligence to electronic devices. DEEPX currently holds over 400 patents pending in the U.S., China, and Korea-one of the largest patent portfolios in the world for on-device AI chip development. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2813046/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/deepx-unveils-physical-ai-vision-at-world-economic-forum-302603896.html Oscillate Plc - Definitive Agreement to Dispose of Non-Core Hydrogen Assets PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 04 Oscillate PLC ("Oscillate" or the "Company") 4 November 2025 Definitive Agreement to Dispose of Non-Core Hydrogen Assets Oscillate PLC (to be renamed Serval Resources), a company focused on building an independent copper and future metals developer, is pleased to announce that is has signed a definitive agreement with Pulsar Helium Inc. ("Pulsar"), to supersede the non-binding term sheet announced on 2 September 2025, for the sale of up to 100% of Quantum Hydrogen Inc. ("Quantum"), the Company's wholly owned subsidiary that holds its hydrogen assets, for a consideration of up to US$800,000 in Pulsar common shares. This divestment is a key part of Oscillate's strategic shift to copper and associated metals central to the energy transition and the rapidly expanding digital economy. Oscillate PLC CEO, Robin Birchall, commented: "We are delighted to be making this disposal, given that these assets had become non-core to the Company. This transaction marks a break from the past and allows management to solely focus on the advancement of our exciting exploration assets in the emerging copper belts of Namibia, Botswana and Cote d'Ivoire. It also allows the Company to retain some upside to the hydrogen portfolio via our shareholding in Pulsar, which is a liquid entity (listed in Canada, the UK and the US) that plans to pursue further growth from these assets." Transaction Terms Pulsar will acquire an initial 80% of the issued share capital of Quantum, with the consideration being satisfied through the issuance of new Pulsar common shares ("Pulsar Shares") equivalent to US$400,000, issued in five monthly tranches of US$80,000 each over a five-month period. The number of shares in each tranche will be determined by the 30-day volume-weighted average price ("VWAP") of Pulsar's shares prior to each issuance (subject to the minimum price allowable by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The securities to be issued in connection with the transaction will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day hold period (as required by the TSXV). Upon receiving TSXV final acceptance, the first of five tranches of US$80,000, will be settled through the issuance of Pulsar Shares equal to US$80,000, determined by the VWAP calculation as described above. Pulsar has the right, and the intention, to acquire the remaining 20% of Quantum within 18 months for an additional US$400,000 in Pulsar Shares, under the same terms and pricing mechanism. Related Party Transaction Neil Herbert and Frontier Resources International, Inc., own 56,428,460 (13.3%) and 36,251,944 (8.5%) Ordinary Shares of the Company respectively. Neil Herbert and Frontier Resources International, Inc., also own common shares in Pulsar, and Neil Herbert is also a director of Pulsar. Therefore, the proposed sale of Quantum constitutes a related party transaction pursuant to the Aquis Growth Market Access Rulebook. Having considered the terms of the sale, and having exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence, John Treacy, the independent Non-Executive Director for the purpose of the terms of the sale, considers that the sale of Quantum to Pulsar is fair and reasonable insofar as the shareholders of the Company are concerned. The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. Enquiries: Oscillate Plc/Serval Resources Company Robin Birchall + 44 (0) 7711 313 019 robin.birchall@servalresources.com IR Cathy Malins +44 (0) 7876 796 629 cathy.malins@servalresources.com Tavistock Communications PR Charles Vivian Eliza Logan +44 (0) 20 7920 3150 servalresources@tavistock.co.uk AlbR Capital Limited Aquis Corporate Adviser +44 (0) 20 7469 0930 SP Angel Broker Richard Morrision Charlie Bouverat Devik Mehta +44 (0) 20 3470 0470 About Serval Resources Serval Resources is a brand operated by Oscillate PLC and is focused on unlocking value across a high-potential portfolio to become a leading mid-cap copper and future metals explorer and developer. Through securing exploration and development assets in the upcoming copper belts of Namibia, Botswana and Cote d'Ivoire, the Company will be strategically positioned to capitalise on the rising demand for sustainable copper and associated metals, driven by the global energy transition and the need for responsible, independent supply chains. These regions remain relatively under-explored in contrast to their high potential. Serval will look to apply modern and rigorous exploration techniques, as well as the depth of experience of its management team, in order to systematically evaluate, secure and develop prospective opportunities to the benefit of all its stakeholders. Serval Resources is a brand operated by Oscillate PLC, which is listed on the UK's AQSE Growth Market Exchange under the ticker AQSE: SRVL. For further information, visit: https://servalresources.com/ https://x.com/ServalResources https://www.linkedin.com/company/serval-resources/ About Pulsar Helium Inc VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Supreme Critical Metals Inc., (CSE:CRIT)(FWB:VR6)(OTC PINK:VRCFF) ("Supreme" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has acquired an option to earn a 100% interest in the Gold Springs 1 Property (the "Property" or "Gold Springs 1"), located in Stateline Mining District, Lincoln County, Nevada, USA (the "Transaction") for cash consideration of US$250,000. The Company has entered into an arms-length agreement whereby Stockworks Agency Inc. ("Stockworks") will assign to it an option agreement dated October 9, 2025, (the "Option Agreement") between Stockworks and Nevada Select Royalty, Inc. ("Nevada Select"), a Nevada-based precious metals property holding and royalty company that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gold Royalty Corp. The closing of the Transaction is expected to occur on or about November 15, 2025 (the "Closing"). At Closing and subject to approval of the CSE, the Company will pay to Stockworks 1,250,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.21 per share. Option Terms Under the terms of the Option Agreement, Supreme may acquire a 100% interest in the Property by completing the following cash payments totaling US$250,000 to Nevada Select over a four-year period: US$15,000 on the Effective Date (October 9, 2025) US$25,000 on or before the first anniversary US$45,000 on or before the second anniversary US$75,000 on or before the third anniversary US$90,000 on or before the fourth anniversary Upon exercise of the Option, Nevada Select will retain a 3.0% net smelter returns ("NSR") royalty on all mineral production from the Property. The Option Agreement allows for standard exploration rights during the option period, including surface access, geochemical sampling, geophysics, mapping, and drilling, consistent with U.S. Bureau of Land Management regulations. "The Gold Springs 1 acquisition advances our disciplined strategy to build a diversified North American portfolio across silver, copper, uranium, and gold," said George Tsafalas, Interim CEO & Director of Supreme Critical Metals. "Nevada is among the world's most mining-friendly jurisdictions, and Gold Springs 1 represents an early-stage exploration opportunity within a well-documented mineralized belt, and we'll begin fieldwork to rank drill targets now, with a view to a 2026 program." The Gold Springs 1 is situated within an active and historically productive mining region of Lincoln County, Nevada, administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Caliente Field Office. The area hosts several exploration and development projects, including Gold Springs Resource Corp.'s Gold Springs Project, an established gold-silver system extending across the Nevada-Utah border, Nevada King Gold Corp.'s Atlanta Gold Mine, a past-producing open-pit operation currently being advanced through drilling and permitting, and NevGold Corp.'s Cedar Wash Project, a district-scale gold exploration property to the south. Additional mineral exploration and industrial mineral operations, including the Pioche Sepiolite Project and permitted perlite mining activities, reflecting the region's established mining infrastructure and active exploration presence. and ongoing exploration activity. The presence of these projects underscores the mining-friendly regulatory environment and accessibility of Lincoln County for responsible mineral exploration and development. About Gold Springs 1 Location: The Gold Springs 1 Property is located in the Stateline (Eagle Valley) Mining District, Lincoln County, Nevada, USA, approximately 40 km east of Pioche near the Nevada-Utah state line. Geology & Mineralization: Gold Springs 1comprises twenty-three (23) unpatented mining claims covering a contiguous land package in Township 1 North, Range 71 East, Mount Diablo Meridian. The district recorded roughly US$400,000 in historical gold-silver production from 1896 into the 1930s, including high-grade silver from the principal vein system on the claim block.1 Two principal NE-striking, W-dipping fault-controlled zones are recognized: the Tempa-Helen vein system and the Miramonte zone. These structures exhibit extensive silicification with quartz-adularia-calcite veining and classic low-sulfidation epithermal gold-silver mineralization. The Tempa vein averages 2-10 m in width and is traceable for >1.6 km along strike with ~250 m of vertical exposure. Gold Summit Corp. reported assays up to 517 g/t Ag and 4.2 g/t Au.2 The Miramonte zone, ~650 m east of Tempa, extends ~1.2 km through silicified outcrops, pits, and an adit; early chip sampling reported 0.9 m @ 40 g/t Au from a quartz vein, indicative of geochemical similarities to upper levels of the Tempa system.3 Regional Context: The Property forms part of the broader Gold Springs 1 epithermal trend along the Nevada-Utah border. Mineralization is controlled by Basin-and-Range extensional faults and ring-fracture zones related to Miocene-age caldera complexes. Host rocks include andesite, latite, and rhyolitic tuffs with pervasive silicification and clay (argillic) alteration. Drilling and mapping across adjacent parts of the trend have outlined mineralized corridors up to ~150 m true width with >8 km strike lengths, supporting potential for near-surface, bulk-tonnage mineralization with localized high-grade shoots. Historical Data Disclaimer (NI 43-101/BCSC): The information regarding past exploration work, sampling, and assay results on the Property is historical in nature. Supreme has not independently verified the historical data disclosed herein. Although the Company and its Qualified Person consider the information to be relevant, it does not conform to current National Instrument 43-101 standards and should not be relied upon. Additional work-including drilling, sampling, and independent verification by a Qualified Person, will be required to confirm the presence of mineralization and to bring any historical estimates into compliance with current reporting standards. Citations for historical data have been included to comply with NI 43-101 s. 3.5. Sources comprise archival and publicly available government and corporate records as noted. The Company and its Qualified Person have not verified these results, and they should not be relied upon except as indicators of the presence of mineralization requiring further exploration. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Helgi Sigurgeirson, P.Geo, a certified independent professional geologist who is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"). About Supreme Critical Metals Inc. Supreme Critical Metals Inc. (CSE:CRIT)(FWB:VR6)(OTC PINK:VRCFF) is a publicly traded, diversified exploration company advancing a portfolio of high-potential silver, copper, uranium, and gold properties across North America. The Company follows a disciplined, data-driven acquisition strategy focused on mining-friendly jurisdictions with established infrastructure, predictable permitting, and supportive regulatory frameworks. Supreme's technical team prioritizes projects with clear discovery upside, near-surface targets, and the potential for rapid, cost-effective drilling. Current work programs emphasize geophysics, geochemistry, mapping, and targeted drilling under NI 43-101 standards, with a commitment to responsible exploration, community engagement, and transparent disclosure for investors. By concentrating on commodities critical to electrification and energy security, silver, copper, uranium, and gold, Supreme aims to advance its portfolio through systematic exploration programs designed to deliver measurable results and transparent reporting to investors. Supreme is dedicated to keeping our shareholders informed of our progress and will provide updates as we advance our initiatives within the silver sector. We appreciate the continued support of our shareholders and are enthusiastic about the future of our Company in this market. Additional information about Supreme Critical Metals is available on the Company's website at www.supremecriticalmetals.com. For further information, please contact: George Tsafalas, Director Phone: Toll Free 1 (778) 373-8578 E-mail: info@supremecriticalmetals.com www.supremecriticalmetals.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Forward-looking information in this release includes statements regarding the expected closing date of the Transaction, planned fieldwork, and future exploration programs. This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such forward-looking information is provided to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "proposed", "estimates", "would", "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "will", and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking information contain these identifying words. More particularly and without limitation, the forward-looking information in this news release includes expectations regarding the Company's business plans and operations. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions that have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the Company's current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs based on information currently available to the Company. Whether actual results, performance, or achievements will conform to Supreme's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from Supreme's expectations. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release. ### 1 Sourced: Tingley, J.V. (1984) Eagle Valley. Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Open File Report 84-1 2 Sourced: https://www.mindat.org/loc-304340.html 3 Sourced: https://www.mindat.org/loc-304340.html SOURCE: Supreme Critical Metals Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/supreme-critical-metals-options-gold-springs-1-property-lincoln-county-nevada-1096547 NEEDHAM, Mass., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Channel Company, a leading global provider of news, insights, strategy, events and marketing services for the technology industry, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Christian Drake as Global Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). In this expanded leadership role, Drake will oversee The Channel Company's worldwide revenue strategy and build on his successes driving international growth and delivering customer-centric commercial strategies. Since joining The Channel Company in January 2025 as International CRO, Drake spearheaded the company's expansion across EMEA and Asia, and launched commercial offerings in Australia and New Zealand. His leadership will be instrumental as The Channel Company continues to scale and modernize global operations and sharpen worldwide go-to-market strategies and execution. "Christian's appointment marks a pivotal moment for The Channel Company as a trusted catalyst for growth in the global technology industry," said Matt Yorke, CEO of The Channel Company. "His strategic vision, customer obsession and expertise building high-performing teams aligns perfectly with our mission to connect tech decision-makers with the insights and solutions that shape global success." Before joining The Channel Company, Drake served as Managing Director for Western Europe and Nordics at Foundry (part of IDG, Inc.). During his 14 years at IDG Global Solutions, he built and managed the company's highest-revenue international team and led global integrated programs for clients including Intel, Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe, and Dell. About The Channel Company: The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world's top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit?thechannelco.com. About EagleTree Capital: EagleTree Capital is a leading New York-based middle-market private equity firm, with $4.8 billion of assets under management, that has completed 45+ private equity investments and over 100 add-on transactions over the past 20+ years. EagleTree primarily invests in North America in the following sectors: business services, consumer, and specialty industrial. For more information, visit?www.eagletree.com or find EagleTree on LinkedIn. Media contact:?Corporate Communications,? corporatecommunications@thechannelco.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812142/The_Channel_Company_Christian_Drake_CRO.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2314377/The_Channel_Company_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/christian-drake-appointed-to-global-chief-revenue-officer-at-the-channel-company-302603186.html LONDON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- H.I.G. Capital ("H.I.G."), a leading global alternative investment firm with $70 billion of capital under management, is pleased to announce that one of its affiliates has acquired four logistics and light-industrial properties (the "Portfolio") in Norway. The Portfolio comprises approximately 25,000 sqm of built area across 110,000 sqm of land, and benefits from strong tenant demand, flexible building configurations, including warm and covered storage, as well as cross-dock potential and excellent motorway connectivity. H.I.G. intends to implement a focused value enhancement strategy across the Portfolio, combining operational improvements with selective capital investments to upgrade building specifications, enhance site efficiency, stabilize occupancy, and unlock additional development potential permitted under existing zoning. These assets will also undergo a comprehensive ESG improvement program encompassing rooftop solar readiness, LED lighting upgrades, and the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for both passenger and heavy goods vehicles. Together with H.I.G.'s recent IOS investments in the U.K., France, and Southern Europe, the Portfolio is expected to exceed a stabilized value of over 1 billion. Riccardo Dallolio, Managing Director and Head of H.I.G. Realty in Europe, commented: "This transaction expands our Pan-European logistics footprint into the Nordics. The Portfolio is a cluster of well-located, functional assets in a supply-constrained market, and marks our return to the Norwegian Industrial & Logistics market after selling Kongsberg Technology Park and Raufoss Industripark." Jerome Fouille, Managing Director at H.I.G. Realty in Europe, added: "The Borgeskogen acquisition provides a clear opportunity to extend our European logistics and IOS platform into Norway, one of the most supply-constrained markets in Europe. With limited new logistics development around Oslo, and increasing tenant demand for modern, energy-efficient space, we see strong fundamentals supporting rental growth and long-term value creation." About H.I.G. Capital H.I.G. is a leading global alternative investment firm with $70 billion of capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Stamford in the United States, as well as international affiliate offices in Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Dubai, and Hong Kong. H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to middle market companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach: H.I.G.'s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses. H.I.G.'s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche, and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. also manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance. H.I.G.'s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices. H.I.G. Infrastructure focuses on making value-add and core plus investments in the infrastructure sector. Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 400 companies worldwide. The Firm's current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $53 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at hig.com. *Based on total capital raised by H.I.G. Capital and its affiliates. Contact: Riccardo Dallolio Managing Director rdallolio@hig.com Jerome Fouille Managing Director jfouille@hig.com H.I.G. Capital 10 Grosvenor Street 2nd Floor London W1K 4QB United Kingdom P: +44 (0) 207 318 5700 hig.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2524016/HIG_Europe_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hig-realty-expands-its-european-logistics-and-ios-platform-with-the-acquisition-of-four-logistics-assets-in-norway-302603161.html AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest analysis by DataM Intelligence, the Next-Generation Multiple Myeloma Therapies Market Size was valued at USD 22.03 billion in 2023, increased to USD 23.13 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 37.07 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period (2025-2033). The market growth is fueled by rapid regulatory approvals, expanding adoption of bispecific antibodies, and the increasing use of CAR T-cell therapies in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline updates have transformed the treatment landscape for multiple myeloma. Notably, Linvoseltamab (brand name Lynozyfic) was added as a preferred agent for RRMM following its accelerated approval by the U.S. FDA in July 2025. Clinical trial results demonstrated an overall response rate of approximately 70% and complete response rates approaching 45%, reinforcing the growing role of bispecific antibodies in advanced-stage myeloma management. In parallel, advances in genetic risk stratification and molecular profiling are redefining how patients are categorized and treated. Emerging models for MGUS, smoldering myeloma, and active disease now incorporate genomic and cytogenetic markers, allowing physicians to tailor therapy intensity based on individual risk. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/next-generation-multiple-myeloma-therapies-market Browse in-depth TOC on "Next-Generation Multiple Myeloma Therapies Market" 73 - Tables 67 - Figures 199 - Pages Beyond therapeutics, diagnostics are experiencing a paradigm shift. A multicenter trial using whole-body MRI (MY-RADS) revealed that patients achieving imaging-negative status post-transplant had progression-free survival of 42 months versus 24 months in those with residual disease. In addition, a novel liquid biopsy platform, SWIFT-seq, detected circulating tumor cells in 90% of study participants, paving the way for non-invasive monitoring and potentially reducing reliance on traditional bone marrow biopsies. The next-generation therapies market spans multiple drug classes, each contributing uniquely to improved outcomes and durable responses. Monoclonal Antibodies such as Darzalex, Darzalex Faspro, Sarclisa, and Empliciti continue to dominate frontline and maintenance regimens. Immunomodulators (IMiDs) including Revlimid and Pomalyst remain foundational agents, while emerging CELMoDs such as iberdomide and mezigdomide promise deeper immune modulation. Proteasome Inhibitors like Velcade, Kyprolis, and Ninlaro sustain relevance in multi-line therapy settings, supported by recent formulation advancements. Bispecific Antibodies such as Elrexfio (elranatamab), Tecvayli (teclistamab), Talvey (talquetamab), and Lynozyfic (linvoseltamab) are driving the next wave of targeted immune engagement. CAR T-Cell Therapies, including Abecma and Carvykti, continue to deliver unprecedented remission rates for patients with heavily pretreated disease, while Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) like Blenrep have re-entered the U.S. market in 2024 following updated trial results demonstrating improved benefit-risk profiles. Recent Industry Developments In August 2024, Takeda Pharmaceuticals launched NINLARO 0.5 mg capsules (ixazomib citrate) in Japan, expanding dosage flexibility for maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma. In August 2023, Janssen Biotech received FDA accelerated approval for TALVEY (talquetamab-tgvs), a first-in-class bispecific antibody targeting GPRC5D for RRMM patients after four or more prior lines of therapy. These milestones emphasize the global momentum toward precision-engineered, immune-based therapies that extend survival while minimizing treatment toxicity. Legend Biotech & Janssen expanded Carvykti's label to earlier-line MM patients following phase III CARTITUDE-4 success, improving progression-free survival by 74% vs standard care. expanded label to earlier-line MM patients following phase III CARTITUDE-4 success, improving progression-free survival by vs standard care. Bristol Myers Squibb initiated phase II studies for Abecma in combination with bispecific antibodies to achieve dual-target BCMA/GPRC5D response. initiated phase II studies for in combination with bispecific antibodies to achieve dual-target BCMA/GPRC5D response. GSK plc reported new data for Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) with a median duration of response of 12.9 months , reinforcing ADC efficacy. reported new data for (belantamab mafodotin) with a , reinforcing ADC efficacy. Amgen announced plans to launch an oral proteasome inhibitor by 2026, targeting maintenance settings and reducing dependence on IV delivery. announced plans to launch an oral proteasome inhibitor by 2026, targeting maintenance settings and reducing dependence on IV delivery. Takeda Pharmaceuticals strengthened its cell therapy portfolio through a multi-year R&D partnership valued at USD 1.8 billion for next-gen immunotherapies. Market Outlook and Opportunities The next decade promises significant transformation in the MM treatment paradigm. CAR-T and Bispecific Antibodies will collectively exceed USD 9.5 billion by 2033 , representing nearly 26% of the total market. will collectively exceed , representing nearly Oral therapy innovations are projected to achieve USD 5 billion by 2033 due to rising maintenance-phase adoption. are projected to achieve by 2033 due to rising maintenance-phase adoption. The Asia-Pacific region will outpace other geographies with 6.2% CAGR , driven by growing healthcare infrastructure and early access programs. will outpace other geographies with , driven by growing healthcare infrastructure and early access programs. Combination regimens and real-world data analytics will play a central role in personalizing treatment strategies, improving cost-effectiveness and outcomes. Analyst Insight: "The evolving myeloma landscape in 2025 signals a shift from generalized therapy toward precision-driven, adaptive care," said DataM Intelligence's oncology research lead. "Bispecific antibodies and CAR-T therapies are redefining treatment expectations, while novel imaging and liquid biopsy tools like SWIFT-seq are making disease monitoring less invasive and more informative." Request for Customized Sample Report as per Your Business Requirement: https://www.datamintelligence.com/customize/next-generation-multiple-myeloma-therapies-market Market Segmentation Analysis By Drug Class The next-generation multiple myeloma market is segmented into Monoclonal Antibodies, Immunomodulators, Proteasome Inhibitors, Bispecific Antibodies, CAR T-Cell Therapies, Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), and Others. Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) dominate the market with approximately 35% share (USD 8.1 billion in 2024) , led by drugs like Daratumumab (Darzalex) and Isatuximab (Sarclisa) . dominate the market with approximately , led by drugs like and . Immunomodulators (IMiDs) , including Lenalidomide and Pomalidomide , contribute 25% of the market (USD 5.8 billion) but face gradual erosion due to biosimilar competition. , including and , contribute but face gradual erosion due to biosimilar competition. Proteasome Inhibitors (PIs) such as Bortezomib and Carfilzomib account for 15% share (USD 3.5 billion) , maintaining stable use in early-line settings. such as and account for , maintaining stable use in early-line settings. CAR T-Cell Therapies and Bispecific Antibodies represent the fastest-growing categories, collectively expected to rise from USD 1.9 billion in 2024 to USD 9.5 billion by 2033 , expanding at a CAGR above 18% . and represent the fastest-growing categories, collectively expected to rise from , expanding at a CAGR above . Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) currently hold 5% share, but emerging candidates targeting BCMA and CD46 are projected to double market share by 2030. By Route of Administration Intravenous (IV) therapies dominate with 68% market share (USD 15.7 billion in 2024) , as most monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T treatments are infused in hospital settings. therapies dominate with , as most monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T treatments are infused in hospital settings. Subcutaneous formulations , including Daratumumab SC and Empliciti SC , have improved patient compliance and now account for 20% of the market (USD 4.6 billion) , growing at a CAGR of 7.2%. , including and , have improved patient compliance and now account for , growing at a CAGR of 7.2%. Oral treatments (lenalidomide, ixazomib) hold the remaining 12% share (USD 2.8 billion) but remain critical for maintenance regimens and elderly patients. By Distribution Channel Hospital Pharmacies dominate the segment with 72% market share , equivalent to USD 16.6 billion in 2024 , reflecting the infusion-based nature of advanced therapies. dominate the segment with , equivalent to , reflecting the infusion-based nature of advanced therapies. Retail Pharmacies account for 28% share (USD 6.5 billion), mainly serving maintenance-phase oral therapies and chronic-use regimens. Regional Insights United States The United States remains the largest market for next-generation multiple myeloma therapeutics, accounting for over 45% of global revenue (USD 10.4 billion in 2024). U.S. incidence reached 35,000 new cases in 2024 , with relapsed/refractory patients representing nearly 65% of therapy demand. , with relapsed/refractory patients representing nearly 65% of therapy demand. CAR-T therapy utilization in the U.S. increased 220% YoY between 2022 and 2024 , driven by expanded BCMA approvals. , driven by expanded BCMA approvals. With new entrants like Carvykti (Janssen/Legend Biotech) and Abecma (Bristol Myers Squibb), the U.S. market is expected to exceed USD 17 billion by 2033. Japan Japan's multiple myeloma market reached USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit USD 2.1 billion by 2033, growing at 6.1% CAGR. Japan has 19,000 living MM patients, with an aging demographic accelerating adoption of less toxic, next-gen therapies. The Japanese Ministry of Health approved the first BCMA-targeted bispecific antibody in late 2024, paving the way for broader reimbursement in 2025. Key Market Players: Major companies shaping the next-generation multiple myeloma market include Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Amgen Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), Sanofi, GSK plc, Karyopharm Therapeutics, Novartis AG, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Legend Biotech. Highlights: Johnson & Johnson generated USD 8.1 billion in hematology-oncology revenue, with Darzalex contributing over USD 9 billion cumulative sales globally . generated in hematology-oncology revenue, with contributing over . Bristol Myers Squibb reported USD 3.2 billion from Abecma and Pomalyst/Imnovid combined, growing 18% YoY . reported from and combined, growing . Amgen's Kyprolis recorded USD 1.1 billion in global sales (+9% YoY). recorded in global sales (+9% YoY). Legend Biotech surpassed USD 500 million revenue in 2024 from Carvykti , with projected CAGR of >25% through 2030. surpassed revenue in 2024 from , with projected CAGR of through 2030. Sanofi's Isatuximab (Sarclisa) grew 14% YoY, reaching USD 810 million in sales globally. Collectively, the top five companies hold over 75% global market share, supported by deep oncology pipelines, patient-access initiatives, and strategic co-development alliances. Buy This Report with Year-End Offer (Buy 1 report: Get 30% OFF | Buy 2 reports: Get 50% OFF each! Limited time offer): https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=next-generation-multiple-myeloma-therapies-market Related Report: Multiple Myeloma Market Size Set to Surpass US $30 B by 2031, According to DataM Intelligence. Refractory Multiple Myeloma Market Size to Reach USD 3.4 B by 2030 - DataM Intelligence About DataM Intelligence: DataM Intelligence 4Market Research LLP is a global business intelligence and consulting firm headquartered in Hyderabad, India. DataM delivers actionable insights across 15+ industry verticals, offering syndicated reports, customized consulting, and competitive intelligence solutions. The firm's oncology market coverage spans hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and cell & gene therapies, providing deep-dive data on clinical pipelines, regulatory landscapes, pricing, and market access strategies. To find out more, visit https://www.datamintelligence.com/ or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Sai Kiran DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Ground floor, DSL Abacus IT Park, Industrial Development Area Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039 USA: +1 877-441-4866 Email: Sai.k@datamintelligence.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1858619/3573087/DataM_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/next-generation-multiple-myeloma-therapies-market-to-reach-usd-37-07-billion-by-2033--driven-by-accelerated-immunotherapy-approvals-and-precision-medicine-advances--datam-intelligence-302603937.html Acenix Investment Alliance, guided by Landon Mercer's vision of purposeful education, has introduced the Acenix Academy for Future Thinkers - a global initiative that empowers emerging leaders through collaboration, ethics, and social responsibility, reinforcing the organization's mission to unite wisdom and empathy in shaping a more inclusive future. CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Acenix Investment Alliance has announced the establishment of the Acenix Academy for Future Thinkers, a key step in its mission to unite wisdom, empathy, and education. The initiative is designed to empower emerging global leaders through collaboration and social responsibility, extending Acenix's vision of progress beyond business into human development. From Vision to Legacy: Landon Mercer's Philosophy of Purposeful Growth For Landon Mercer, education has always been the most powerful form of transformation. The founding of the Acenix Academy reflects his enduring belief that meaningful progress must balance intellect with integrity. The Academy incorporates ethical reasoning, sustainability, and innovation into its framework - helping individuals not only to understand global complexities but to navigate them with compassion and foresight. "Education is the foundation upon which wisdom is built," said Landon Mercer, Founder of Acenix Investment Alliance. "Through the Acenix Academy for Future Thinkers, we seek to shape minds that create responsibly, lead courageously, and care deeply about the world around them." Evolving with Purpose: Building a Global Culture of Learning and Empathy The Acenix Academy is envisioned as a cross-continental hub connecting educators, researchers, and aspiring leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through academic forums, mentorship programs, and international exchange initiatives, it aims to cultivate an environment where ideas are tested, shared, and transformed into tangible solutions. This collaborative model reflects Acenix Investment Alliance's defining principle - that progress is not achieved in isolation, but through respect, shared purpose, and cooperation. Each project within the Academy encourages participants to combine analytical thinking with emotional intelligence, supporting both personal and collective growth. Knowledge with Heart: Integrating the Acenix Ethos into Education At the core of Acenix Investment Alliance lies a belief that education is not merely a pursuit of knowledge, but a moral responsibility to uplift others. The Academy extends this ethos by fostering intellectual curiosity alongside empathy, encouraging the next generation to align ambition with accountability. By embedding compassion into intellectual development, the Acenix Academy transforms learning into a living expression of Acenix's founding values - wisdom, empathy, and responsibility. Each program is structured to develop both skill and character, ensuring that future leaders are guided by purpose as much as by knowledge. Shaping Tomorrow: A Journey of Wisdom, Responsibility, and Hope Through partnerships with universities, think tanks, and cultural institutions, the Acenix Academy for Future Thinkers plans to promote sustainable development research and ethical leadership practices. Its long-term vision includes exploring the creation of regional learning centers across Asia, Europe, and North America, providing continuous opportunities for education and interdisciplinary collaboration. As Acenix Investment Alliance looks ahead, it remains dedicated to transforming education into a global movement of wisdom and empathy - proving that progress is not defined by competition, but by cultivation. The Academy represents another milestone in fulfilling Landon Mercer's enduring vision: a world where learning serves humanity, and where every act of understanding becomes an act of love. About Acenix Investment Alliance Acenix Investment Alliance is a global organization committed to advancing education, innovation, and ethical leadership. Guided by Landon Mercer's founding philosophy - to create a better world through wisdom and love - Acenix continues to develop initiatives that inspire critical thinking, social responsibility, and sustainable human development. Company Information Organization: Acenix Contact Person Name: Cameron Ellis Website: https://acenix.com/ Email: service@acenix.com SOURCE: Acenix View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/acenix-investment-alliance-under-the-vision-of-landon-mercer-lau-1096640 MONTREAL, QC / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Critical Elements Lithium Corporation (TSXV:CRE)(OTCQX:CRECF)(FSE:F12) ("Critical Elements" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce the latest results from the 2025 summer exploration program completed on Critical Elements' 100%-owned Nemaska Belt properties group, in the Eeyou Istchee region of Quebec (Figure 1). An important helicopter-borne electromagnetic VTEM plus time-domain system ("VTEM") survey covering the Nemaska Belt properties was designed to provide data incremental to the high-resolution magnetic survey completed in 2021. These datasets aided the exploration surface program targeting potentially economic mineralization, including high-grade nickel-copper-PGE and lithium-bearing spodumene. Interest in high-grade nickel-copper-PGE mineralization in the region has increased with the exploration success of Power Metallic Mines Inc. ("Power Metallic"), formerly Chilean Metals Inc. Critical Elements optioned the Nisk Property to Power Metallic in 2020 (see press release dated December 23, 2020). Following the exercise of the option agreement by Power Metallic on the Property hosting the Ni-Cu-PGE Nisk deposit and the new polymetallic Lion discovery, Critical Elements retains a non-dilutive interest of 20% until a definitive feasibility study regarding extraction and production activities is completed on the Nisk property. Critical Elements also held just over 10 million shares of Power Metallic as of May 31, 2025 (Condensed Interim Financial Statements for the nine-month period ending May 31, 2025). "We are very excited by these new preliminary exploration results on the Nemaska Belt properties and the upcoming winter drill program to test the resultant targets", noted CEO Jean-Sebastien Lavallee. "We are also excited to resume expansion drilling this winter on the Rose West lithium discovery within 10 km of our flagship Rose lithium project. These near-term exploration initiatives should demonstrate the significant potential of our extensive land package in Eeyou Istchee, Quebec, one of the leading mining jurisdictions globally. Our long-term objective, however, remains to develop the Rose project, one of the most advanced hard rock lithium projects in North America. To this end, discussions with potential strategic partners have continued fruitfully as the lithium market appears to be reemerging from its hiatus." Mineralized Zones During the 2025 summer exploration program, multiple mineralized zones were identified through rock sampling in areas coinciding with electromagnetic anomalies (VTEM conductors). The mineralization is dominated by pyrrhotite and pyrite (iron sulfides) with chalcopyrite (copper sulfide) and/or pentlandite (iron-nickel sulfide). Surface exploration confirmed historical showings and identified newly prospective areas. The exploration program was designed to maximize geochemical coverage and assist in defining targets for future drill testing (Table 1, 2 and 3,Figures 1, 2 and 3). The best new results from the 452 rock samples that were still pending (Table 1 and 3) from the 1,091 rock samples collected during the summer campaign are shown below (Table 2 for previously announced results) (see press release dated September 11, 2025). Of these samples: 58 grab samples grading 0.1% or above copper, with values up to 5.70% copper 50 grab samples grading 0.1% or above nickel, with values up to 0.82% nickel 6 grab samples grading 0.05% or above cobalt, with values up to 0.17% cobalt 20 grab samples grading 0.1 g/t or above platinum, with value up to 0.39 g/t platinum 56 grab samples grading 0.1 g/t or above palladium, with values up to 2.0 g/t palladium 10 grab samples grading above 1.0 g/t gold, with values up to 14.80 g/t gold 70 grab samples grading 1.0 g/t or above silver, with values up to over 100 g/t silver 15 grab samples grading above 0.5% Li2O, with values up to 2.10% Li2O Grab samples are selective by nature, unlikely to represent average grades, and may not represent true underlying mineralization. Figure 1: Map showing the best Cu-Ni-Co-Pt-Pd-Au Results Table 1: Best 2025 New Samples Cu-Ni-Co-Pt-Pd-Au-Ag results Sample # Easting UTM Northing UTM Cu % Ni % Co % Pt g/t Pd g/t Au g/t Ag g/t G437173 411101 5708872 0.19* 0.10* 0.02* 0.19 0.36 0.006 0.8* G437175 411118 5708958 0.08* 0.03* 0.01* 0.06 0.14 0.005 0.0* G437176 411122 5708961 0.11* 0.05* 0.01* 0.07 0.20 0.005 0.0* G437177 411124 5708964 0.14* 0.08* 0.02* 0.06 0.30 0.000 0.0* G437178 411126 5708964 0.15* 0.07* 0.01* 0.06 0.20 0.006 0.6* G437179 411129 5708967 0.11* 0.04* 0.01* 0.05 0.17 0.000 0.5* G437180 411134 5708971 0.21* 0.11* 0.02* 0.1 0.22 0.006 0.0* G437181 411246 5709040 0.25* 0.08* 0.01* 0.13 1.18 0.007 0.6* G437183 411248 5709041 0.01* 0.09* 0.01* 0.05 0.17 0.011 0.0* G437184 411248 5709041 2.00* 0.03* 0.01* 0.00 2.00 13.55 13.2* G437185 411248 5709041 1.42* 0.03* 0.01* 0.00 1.58 14.80 8.5* G437186 411267 5709043 0.08* 0.03* 0.01* 0.06 0.12 0.019 0.0* G437214 430608 5712528 0.04 0.02 0.00 N/A N/A 0.009 2.7 G437231 468196 5732546 0.00* 0.00* 0.00 N/A N/A 1.69 0.9* G437482 468495 5732739 0.00 0.20 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437522 470911 5734341 0.01 0.13 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437559 404598 5704200 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.3 G437563 404496 5704124 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.4 G437705 434370 5719636 0.37 0.21 0.02 N/A N/A N/A 5.6 G437707 434228 5719662 0.00 0.18 0.03 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437708 434198 5719607 0.06 0.00 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 1 G437716 472557 5734986 0.00 0.15 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437733 433560 5719568 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.01 1.0 G437741 409788 5708115 0.00 0.12 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437768 410717 5708497 0.05 0.09 0.02 0.04 0.13 0.00 0.0 G437769 410764 5708501 0.06 0.04 0.01 0.03 0.15 0.01 0.0 G437774 433674 5719434 0.00 0.16 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437778 433433 5719584 0.19 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 2.4 G437785 433335 5719145 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1.84 N/A G437787 433403 5719278 0.08 0.01 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 1.3 G437791 473576 5735035 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.03 1.2 G437796 473890 5735320 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.03 2.0 G437799 432665 5719344 0.00 0.17 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.5 H862196 462278 5733634 0.01 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 1.1 H862199 435888 5721637 0.04 0.01 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 1.1 H862211 472580 5735435 0.00 0.15 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 H862216 439188 5723121 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.6 H862222 410549 5708717 0.00 0.15 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.0 H862223 410523 5708720 0.00 0.23 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 H862225 410888 5708761 0.14 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.11 0.8 H862232 404238 5704280 0.05 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 1.4 H862235 404371 5703731 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.4 H862253 465555 5735317 0.01 0.01 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 1.0 H862646 468111 5732492 0.00 0.10 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 H862649 468280 5732592 0.27 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.03 0.03 1.2 H862651 468280 5732593 0.02 0.11 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.0 H862652 468176 5732738 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.1 H862654 471169 5734659 0.00 0.22 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 H862659 471353 5734785 0.33 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.9 H862664 471475 5734851 0.10 0.04 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.8 H862667 434495 5719723 0.06 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01 1.4 H862668 434496 5719724 2.11 0.59 0.05 0.02 0.07 1.83 35.5 H862669 434497 5719725 1.79 0.17 0.02 0.01 0.04 1.35 26.4 H862671 434498 5719725 5.21 0.79 0.08 0.01 0.21 3.35 50.8 H862672 434500 5719726 0.17 0.28 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.06 3.5 H862673 434515 5719783 0.12 0.06 0.01 0.01 0.01 2.19 5.7 H862674 434542 5719802 0.00 0.15 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.0 H862675 434566 5719784 0.16 0.05 0.01 0.08 0.25 0.05 0.9 H862676 434563 5719786 0.16 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 0.8 H862677 434584 5719868 0.00 0.14 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 H862678 434628 5719865 5.70 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 1.17 24 H862679 434631 5719869 3.69 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.2 15.6 H862681 434643 5719881 0.22 0.07 0.01 0.12 0.47 0.04 1.1 H862682 434656 5719896 0.21 0.10 0.02 0.02 0.06 0.05 1.0 H862683 434658 5719899 3.12 0.64 0.02 0.00 0.02 0.44 11.3 H862684 471449 5734833 0.30 0.03 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.5 H862685 471451 5734834 0.24 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.01 2.9 H862686 471447 5734834 0.97 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 6.8 H862687 471461 5734846 0.11 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 1.2 H862691 471488 5734862 0.30 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 1.4 H862692 471486 5734861 0.22 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 1.4 H862702 419311 5764054 0.00 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 6.0 H862705 434655 5719881 0.20 0.04 0.01 0.15 0.36 0.03 1.1 H862706 434655 5719895 2.36 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.57 13.4 H862707 434658 5719900 3.37 0.53 0.03 0.01 0.02 0.59 14.2 H862708 434660 5719898 0.26 0.50 0.06 0.39 1.08 0.13 1.9 H862711 434668 5719890 1.27 0.82 0.17 0.02 0.39 0.71 7.5 H862712 434668 5719889 0.55 0.04 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.12 2.8 H862715 434652 5719889 0.39 0.05 0.01 0.09 0.21 0.07 1.8 H862716 434700 5719930 0.03 0.13 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.0 H862717 434702 5719932 0.54 0.07 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.15 3.2 H862719 434745 5719949 0.04 0.04 0.01 0.07 0.22 0.03 0.0 H862721 434769 5719973 0.23 0.12 0.01 0.2 0.59 0.05 0.8 H862722 434768 5719974 0.21 0.10 0.01 0.17 0.48 0.04 0.7 H862723 434767 5719975 0.34 0.13 0.01 0.29 0.67 0.07 1.4 H862729 411113 5709014 0.45 0.08 0.03 0.19 0.42 0.03 2.0 H862731 411108 5709006 0.07 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 1.6 H862732 411109 5709008 0.05 0.01 0.00 N/A N/A 0.01 1.2 H862733 411107 5709008 0.12 0.07 0.03 0.15 0.44 0.03 2.4 H862735 411180 5708993 0.02 0.11 0.01 0.04 0.15 0.00 0.0 H862736 411182 5708980 0.06 0.04 0.01 0.03 0.12 0.00 0.0 H862739 410288 5708275 0.03 0.03 0.01 0.08 0.30 0.00 0.0 H862741 410284 5708273 0.49 0.38 0.05 0.06 0.57 0.02 1.8 H862742 410277 5708268 0.83 0.14 0.02 0.01 0.19 0.01 2.6 H862743 410270 5708263 0.75 0.04 0.01 0.33 0.38 0.01 2.0 H862744 410265 5708258 1.93 0.07 0.01 0.08 0.48 0.02 3.5 H862745 410263 5708255 0.24 0.28 0.03 0.06 0.44 0.01 1.1 H862746 410253 5708240 0.28 0.16 0.02 0.03 0.36 0.01 1.2 H862747 410238 5708232 0.07 0.03 0.00 0.06 0.27 0.00 0.0 H862748 410253 5708265 0.21 0.32 0.03 0.05 0.48 0.01 0.8 H862749 410176 5708247 0.41 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.08 2.4 H862751 410135 5708218 0.06 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.04 1.7 H862752 410264 5708253 1.71 0.62 0.08 0.02 0.55 0.02 4.2 H862753 409938 5708125 0.08 0.43 0.05 0.04 0.78 0.02 0.5 H862754 409941 5708120 0.11 0.11 0.01 0.17 0.61 0.01 0.8 H862755 409845 5708244 0.18 0.22 0.02 0.03 0.69 0.01 0.8 H862756 409843 5708242 0.12 0.30 0.03 0.03 0.6 0.01 0.7 H862757 409843 5708243 0.11 0.27 0.03 0.02 0.65 0.01 0.5 H862759 409924 5708160 0.06 0.15 0.01 0.05 0.26 0.00 1.6 H862760 409923 5708161 0.16 0.39 0.03 0.16 0.42 0.01 4.5 H862764 411136 5708972 0.17 0.09 0.01 0.04 0.19 0.00 0.0 H862766 411247 5709037 0.05 0.04 0.01 0.10 0.41 0.00 0.0 H862767 411246 5709040 0.31 0.14 0.01 0.22 0.71 0.00 0.5 H862768 411248 5709041 0.58 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.30 0.93 1.6 H862769 411273 5709055 0.09 0.04 0.01 0.18 0.20 0.01 0.0 H862776 434498 5719725 4.09 0.21 0.03 0.01 0.15 4.96 >100 H862782 434305 5719638 0.02 0.15 0.01 0.11 0.06 0.01 0.0 H862783 434508 5719740 0.09 0.03 0.01 0.08 0.19 0.01 0.7 H862791 473033 5735619 0.17 0.08 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.01 1.1 H862795 431884 5718866 0.17 0.77 0.07 0.07 0.52 0.01 14.1 H862796 431882 5718866 0.06 0.29 0.03 0.10 0.54 0.01 6.3 H862797 431880 5718865 0.06 0.22 0.03 0.22 0.51 0.01 7.1 H862620 410524 5708220 0.06 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 1.0 H862621 410487 5708334 0.14 0.06 0.01 0.03 0.09 0.01 0.0 H862623 410509 5708726 0.00 0.24 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 H862625 410751 5708484 0.01 0.13 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.0 N/A: Not Analysed * Value already released, see press release September 11, 2025 Grab samples are selective by nature, unlikely to represent average grades, and may not represent true underlying mineralization. Table 2: Best 2025 Previous Samples Cu-Ni-Co-Pt-Pd-Au-Ag Results Previous results Sample # Easting UTM Northhing UTM Cu % Ni % Co % Pt g/t Pd g/t Au g/t Ag g/t G437035 451867 5722962 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 1.8 G437036 451873 5722974 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.02 1.6 G437039 451853 5723202 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 1.6 G437044 451720 5722952 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 1.0 G437045 451720 5722951 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 2.9 G437046 451721 5722952 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.04 2.5 G437054 451770 5722743 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.02 6.3 G437059 451640 5722663 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 1.4 G437064 451373 5721840 0.17 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.9 G437083 468938 5738920 0.13 0.03 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.9 G437091 430749 5718153 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.02 0.00 2.6 G437093 430711 5718487 0.00 0.12 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 G437094 430177 5718546 0.01 0.11 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.0 G437095 427701 5716748 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.1 G437102 427614 5716632 0.07 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 1.3 G437152 408972 5707811 0.01 0.06 0.01 0.04 0.15 0.00 0.0 G437153 408968 5707806 0.01 0.08 0.01 0.04 0.17 0.00 0.0 G437155 408971 5707823 0.01 0.11 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 G437157 408968 5707838 0.04 0.31 0.02 0.07 0.29 0.00 0.0 G437158 408909 5707800 0.01 0.14 0.01 0.03 0.10 0.00 0.0 G437159 408905 5707718 0.10 0.07 0.01 0.03 0.17 0.00 0.5 G437165 408870 5707692 0.07 0.31 0.03 0.05 0.16 0.00 0.0 G437166 408712 5707578 0.00 0.13 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.0 G437200 416837 5711736 0.00 0.11 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 G437203 419139 5713303 0.05 0.01 0.01 N/A N/A 0.05 1.3 G437205 419155 5713319 0.05 0.03 0.02 N/A N/A 0.036 1.1 G437226 467997 5732573 0.02 0.01 0.04 0.00 0.01 0.02 1.0 G437227 468070 5732586 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.0 G437230 468245 5732563 0.00 0.17 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437232 468197 5732544 0.00 0.19 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437243 463492 5726183 0.09 0.01 0.00 N/A N/A 0.02 1.7 G437314 480348 5741578 0.01 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A 0.012 13.6 G437383 464135 5727577 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 1.0 G437386 464384 5727704 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 2.5 G437417 425419 5709482 0.02 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A 0.02 1.3 G437432 404009 5705421 0.10 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.1 G437433 403996 5705420 0.03 0.04 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01 2.1 G437434 403821 5705213 0.07 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.2 G437435 404290 5705427 0.01 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.01 0.00 1.0 G437445 410059 5708265 0.00 0.14 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437446 410058 5708293 0.00 0.18 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.0 G437447 410052 5708326 0.00 0.17 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0 G437448 410258 5708248 0.33 0.76 0.07 0.03 0.62 0.01 1.0 G437449 410260 5708252 0.54 0.14 0.02 0.06 0.62 0.03 1.6 G437450 410267 5708262 0.22 0.12 0.01 3.38 0.15 N/A 0.0 G437461 460598 5724400 0.01 0.12 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.0 G437462 460596 5724397 0.00 0.17 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.02 0.0 G437471 468943 5733033 0.00 0.12 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437473 468598 5732810 0.00 0.19 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437474 468566 5732786 0.00 0.25 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 G437475 464199 5727661 0.05 0.03 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01 1.2 G437476 464172 5727626 0.06 0.03 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.01 1.7 G437480 463535 5727167 0.01 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 1.3 H862122 425787 5710097 0.15 0.04 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.02 1.6 H862502 456873 5725150 0.00 0.13 0.01 N/A N/A N/A 0.0 H862577 426170 5718938 0.03 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 1.8 H862603 424322 5710333 0.17 0.00 0.00 N/A N/A N/A 1.2 N/A: Not Analysed Grab samples are selective by nature, unlikely to represent average grades, and may not represent true underlying mineralization. Critical Elements' 100%-owned Nemaska Belt properties consist of 1,052 Exclusive Exploration Rights across ten different property blocks, covering a total of 540 km2. The portfolio spans over 100 km of the Nisk structure and its associated volcano-sedimentary belt. This east-northeast-oriented belt features recognized potential for lithium-associated pegmatite dykes and copper, nickel, and PGE mineralization associated with ultramafic rocks. Now that all the results from this surface program are received, these results and previous geophysical surveys will be incorporated to refine targeting for a planned 2026 winter drill program. This drill program will test the newly generated high-grade nickel-copper-PGE and lithium-bearing spodumene drill targets. The program will also seek to expand the mineralized footprint of the Rose West Discovery. Rose West lies within the 395 km Rose Lithium-Tantalum and Rose South property blocks and is located less than 10 km west of the Corporation's flagship Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project (see press release dated April 22, 2024). As a reminder, the Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project Feasibility Study published in August 2023 (see press release dated August 29, 2023) returned an after-tax NPV8% of US$2.2 billion and an after-tax IRR of 65.7%. Management continues to be engaged in assembling the funding required to make a final investment decision on the Rose project. These efforts build on the $20 million conditional funding from Natural Resources Canada's Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (see press release dated February 6, 2025) and the support letter from a leading Canadian financial institution stating its interest in providing long term debt financing of up to US$115 million (approximately C$150 million) of project debt (see press release dated February 10, 2025). Figure 2: Map showing the best silver results Detailed map and data are available on Critical Elements' website at https://www.cecorp.ca/en/nemaska-belt-vtem-en-2025-11-04/ and https://www.cecorp.ca/en/map-mag-survey-nemaska-belt-with-results-en-2025-11-04/ Table 3: Selected New Lithium-Tantalum Results from Rose Sample # Easting UTM Northhing UTM Li2O % Ta2O5 ppm G437577 420410 5768917 0.16 175 G437581 421508 5768496 1.98 106 G437582 421532 5768492 0.15 124 G437583 421414 5768512 1.27 103 G437584 421341 5768428 1.69 289 G437585 421317 5768440 1.41 196 G437586 421297 5768471 1.49 196 G437587 421285 5768470 0.55 245 G437588 421563 5768319 0.01 230 G437598 421909 5767451 2.10 74 G437722 419424 5764495 1.76 116 G437723 419435 5764492 0.61 141 G437724 419449 5764478 0.66 244 H862261 421947 5767408 1.45 62 H862698 419296 5764083 2.00 111 H862699 419326 5764051 1.95 125 H862701 419317 5764053 1.48 108 H862702 419311 5764054 0.93 116 Grab samples are selective by nature, unlikely to represent average grades, and may not represent true underlying mineralization. Figure 3: Map of the Rose Property showing the best Lithium-Tantalum results Quality assurance/quality control Quality assurance and quality control procedures have been implemented to ensure best practices in sampling and analysis of the samples. Standards and blanks were regularly inserted into the sample stream. The samples were delivered in secure, tagged bags to the ALS Minerals laboratory facility in Val-d'Or, Quebec. The samples are weighed and identified prior to sample preparation. Rock samples were crushed to 70% minus 2 mm, then separated and pulverized to 85% passing 75 m. Samples were assayed for a 33-elements suite using a four-acid digestion method (ME ICP 61) with re-assay of values over 10,000 ppm for copper using a four-acid digestion and ICP finish (Cu-OG62). Gold, platinum and palladium were analyzed by fire assay with an ICP-AES finish (PGM-ICP-27). Gold was analyzed using fire assay only, when PGE mineralization was not suspected (Au-AA23). When Lithium-mineralization was identified, samples were assayed using a peroxide-fusion method (ME-MS89L). Gold values above 10 g/t were re-assayed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish (GRA-21). Qualified Person Francois Gagnon, P. Geo, Operations Director - Quebec for Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., is the Qualified Person who has reviewed and approved the data and technical content of this press release on behalf of the Corporation. About Critical Elements Lithium Corporation Critical Elements aspires to become a large, responsible supplier of lithium to the flourishing electric vehicle and energy storage system industries. To this end, Critical Elements is advancing the wholly-owned, high-purity Rose Lithium-Tantalum project in Quebec, the Corporation's first lithium project to be advanced within a land portfolio of over 1,016 km2. On August 29, 2023, the Corporation announced results of a new Feasibility Study on Rose for the production of spodumene concentrate. The after-tax internal rate of return for the Project is estimated at 65.7%, with an estimated after-tax net present value of US$2.2B at an 8% discount rate. In the Corporation's view, Quebec is strategically well-positioned for US and EU markets and boasts good infrastructure including a low-cost, low-carbon power grid featuring 94% hydroelectricity. The project has received approval from the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change on the recommendation of the Joint Assessment Committee, comprised of representatives from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Cree Nation Government, received the Certificate of Authorization under the Environment Quality Act from the Quebec Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, and the project mining lease from the Quebec Minister of Natural Resources and Forests under the Quebec Mining Act. For further information, please contact: Jean-Sebastien Lavallee, P. Geo. Chief Executive Officer 819-354-5146 jslavallee@cecorp.ca www.cecorp.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is described in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary statement concerning forward-looking statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian Securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "scheduled", "anticipates", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "scheduled", "targeted", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information contained herein include, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated receipt of the final assay results from the 2025 summer exploration program on the Corporation's Nemaska Belt properties, the results and completion of the 2025 exploration program and its related objectives. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made. 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 information. Although Critical Elements has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expected results described in forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: delays in obtaining final assay results from the laboratory facility, the final and complete results of the Corporation's 2025 exploration program on the Corporation's Nemaska Belt properties not delivering the anticipated results and the effects on the Corporation's stated objectives, as well as those risk factors set out in the Corporation's Management Discussion and Analysis for its most recent quarter ended May 31, 2025 and other disclosure documents available under the Corporation's SEDAR+ profile. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and Critical Elements disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Critical Elements Lithium Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/critical-elements-reports-high-grade-polymettalic-results-from-the-nemaska-belt-p-1096599 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Midnight Sun Mining Corp. (TSXV: MMA) (OTCQX: MDNGF) ("Midnight Sun" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that initial assay results, representing eight diamond drill holes from the 2025 drilling campaign on the Kazhiba Main target, have been received. This drilling has intercepted new zones of significant oxide copper mineralization within the existing mineralized footprint, including hole MSZ-25-029E which intercepted 7.39% copper over 14.86m including 16.9% over 4m extending from 17m to 31.86m depth. Ongoing diamond drilling is part of a due diligence component of the oxide drill program, bracketing several previously drilled reverse circulation ("RC") holes. The 2025 resource-edge definition campaign at Kazhiba-Main is now complete, with 163 holes totalling 5,243m. Assays for the 2025 RC program are pending and will be incorporated into a maiden NI 43-101 resource estimate, with expected completion in Q4 2025. Diamond drilling at Kazhiba Main is expected to continue through the end of November 2025. Midnight Sun's President & CEO, Al Fabbro, states: "We are quickly and systematically marching Kazhiba toward a maiden resource, due before the end of the year. Kazhiba Main is an extraordinary, high-grade, near surface opportunity, and our team has taken all the right steps to properly define this unique, highly variable, oxide copper deposit. A key part of that process is the necessary due diligence required to establish a solid understanding of the mineralized footprint, including the diamond re-drill which is being completed expeditiously. Not only is it providing the necessary data, but also giving us some impressive results along the way, and further expanding the incredible opportunity at Kazhiba." The 2025 Kazhiba-Main drilling program was designed to follow up the 2024 RC drilling program by further defining the mineralized footprint and exploring for expansion potential of the mineralized area. The company also launched a due diligence diamond drilling campaign within the mineralized footprint to test and verify several intervals from the 2024 RC drilling campaign at Kazhiba Main. The company also announces that the Kazhiba East RC drilling program is now underway. The Kazhiba East drilling program is designed to test three Partial Ionic Leach soil sample copper anomalies from the 2024 campaign and is planned to comprise of a total of 100 RC drill holes. The three Kazhiba East target areas have the same characteristics and geological profile as Kazhiba Main, thus representing expansion potential for more near-surface oxide resources at Kazhiba. 2025 Resource Upgrade and Due Diligence Diamond Drilling at Kazhiba Main: During the 2024 RC drilling program, the company completed 58 drill holes which returned high-grade intervals including: 10.69% copper over 21.0 metres from drill hole MSZ22-028 from drill hole MSZ22-028 5.60% copper over 26.0 metres from drill hole MSZ22-020 from drill hole MSZ22-020 3.01% copper over 15.0 metres from drill hole MSZ22-012 from drill hole MSZ22-012 4.66% copper over 7.0 metres from drill hole MSZ22-030 A number of drill intervals with "no sample return" were reported in 2024 and were interpreted as potential cavities within the mineralized footprint. However, Midnight Sun's geological team identified the improbability of the reported subsurface cavities where no material was being returned. It was confirmed that the drilling contractor encountered technical issues while drilling wet soils which led to the misidentification of these sections as voids. The drilling contractor was instructed to implement a due-diligence diamond redrill program whereby 41 holes are being redrilled by diamond drilling methods to obtain a complete soil profile and verify mineralization, rectifying the sampling issue at the driller's cost. Early observations are that the voids do not exist and, in some cases, may in fact be significant copper intercepts. The Company expects positive results from the due diligence diamond drilling to have a significant impact on the maiden resource estimate. Kazhiba Main Intercepts from Due Diligence Redrilling Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) MSZ-25-020N 14 15.6 1.6 0.21 MSZ-25-020S 18 19 1.0 3.35 MSZ-25-020W 16 20 4.0 0.32 MSZ-25-020E - - - NSR MSZ-25-029N 28.0 28.8 0.8 0.30 MSZ-25-029S 15 16.2 1.2 5.58 MSZ-25-029E 17.00 31.9 14.86 7.39 including 24.00 28.00 4.00 16.90 MSZ-25-029W - - - NSR See cross section Figure below. Location of the reported diamond drill holes, and the 2024 RC Holes they were designed to test: Hole ID Year Drilled Drill Type East North Elev. (m) Azimuth Dip EOH (m) MSZ22-020 2024 RC 422349.84 8661759.73 1389.61 360 -90 40 MSZ22-029 2024 RC 422351.77 8661707.70 1388.59 360 -90 49 MSZ22-020-N 2025 Diamond 422348.73 8661764.65 1389.68 360 -90 16.7 MSZ22-020-E 2025 Diamond 422354.61 8661759.85 1389.52 360 -90 16.8 MSZ22-020-W 2025 Diamond 422344.91 8661759.16 1390.05 360 -90 25.25 MSZ22-020-S 2025 Diamond 422350.64 8661754.67 1389.64 360 -90 21 MSZ22-029-S 2025 Diamond 422352.19 8661702.60 1388.71 360 -90 18.3 MSZ22-029-N 2025 Diamond 422350.37 8661712.73 1388.68 360 -90 31.2 MSZ22-029-W 2025 Diamond 422346.86 8661706.34 1388.82 360 -90 17.5 MSZ22-029-E 2025 Diamond 422356.58 8661709.55 1388.83 360 -90 34.5 Note: Projection WGS 84, Zone 25 South. Comparative cross-sectional view of Kazhiba Main Drilling with recent 2025 Due Diligence drilling results: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2553/273025_cccb488194d7299b_001full.jpg Note: Upper figure illustrates results from 2024 RC drilling with originally interpreted 'cavities': lower figure highlights the positive copper results along with verification that cavities are absent from 2025 diamond hole MSZ-25-DD-029. Plan Map illustrating Kazhiba East Partial Ionic Leach Targets and Outline of Planned RC Drilling targets To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2553/273025_cccb488194d7299b_002full.jpg Note: Projection WGS 84, Zone 35 South. Quality Control/Quality Assurance Drilling was conducted using a conventional diamond drilling rig and drill core was captured for the entirety of each hole and placed into plastic core trays. All drill holes were cored in PQ size and sampling was conducted over the entire hole on one-meter intervals while honouring any important lithological boundaries. Unconsolidated soils were split in half by hand inside each core box, while bedrock was cut in house using a diamond saw and the right half of core was selected for sampling. All samples were placed into a 200 micron plastic bag, assigned a unique sample number, and recorded into GeoSpark logging system. Samples always remained under the supervision of Midnight Sun staff to maintain chain of custody. All samples were then delivered to SGS Labs located in Kalulushi, Zambia, a fully accredited laboratory. Once received, the samples are sorted, dried, crushed, and pulverized (SGS code PRP90) followed by a single acid digest with AAS finish (SGS Code AAS72C). Copper range of detection is 0.01-20%. Over limit samples were rerun by Electrogravimetric method whereby electrolysis of Cu occurs from a digested 1 gram charge and is finished electro-gravimetrically (SGS Procedure ELC13GD). Midnight Sun follows an in-house QA/QC program that consists of a random insertion every 10th sample of either a coarse blank, fine blank, coarse duplicate, fine duplicate, or Certified Reference Material (standards). Qualified Person: Darin Labrenz, P.Geo., a consulting geologist for the Company and Qualified Person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical data and contents of this release. About Midnight Sun Midnight Sun is focused on exploring our flagship Solwezi Project, located in Zambia. Situated in the heart of the Zambia-Congo Copperbelt, the second largest copper producing region in the world, our property is vast and highly prospective. Our Solwezi Project is surrounded by producing copper mines, including Africa's largest copper mining complex right next door, First Quantum's Kansanshi Mine. Led by an experienced geological team with multiple discoveries and mines around the world to their credit, Midnight Sun's goal is to find and develop Zambia's next generational copper deposit. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MIDNIGHT SUN MINING CORP. Al Fabbro President & CEO NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that are based on expectations, estimates, assumptions, geological theories, and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about any information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward looking statements." Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (which may, but not always, include phrases such as "anticipates", "plans", "scheduled", "believed" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements and are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the timing and ability of the Company to obtain and the timing of the approval of relevant regulatory bodies, if at all; risks relating to property interests; risks related to access to the project; risks inherent in mineral exploration, including the fact that any particular phase of exploration may be unsuccessful; the availability of contractors; geo-political risks; the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental risks; political risks; and community and non-governmental actions. Neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273025 SOURCE: Midnight Sun Mining Corp. Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - ReeXploration Inc. (TSXV: REE) (FSE: K2I) ("ReeXploration" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that detailed investigation of geophysical data has revealed a series of previously untested, large magnetic features at its flagship Eureka Project ("Eureka" or the "Project"), located in the Erongo Region, central Namibia, indicating potential for resource expansion. Analysis of the new magnetic data suggests the rare earth element ("REE") mineralizing system at the Project may be larger than currently defined. The magnetic features may represent deeper intrusive bodies potentially linked to the shallow REE mineralization discovered to date. The Project hosts a maiden NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate1 along with multiple near-surface exploration targets. The REE mineralization is hosted in monazite, the primary REE mineral for neodymium ("Nd") and praseodymium ("Pr"), both critical for low carbon technologies. Highlights of the results include: New discovery potential at depth: Multiple untested magnetic features identified over a 5 km strike length across the northwestern flank of the Eureka Dome. 3D magnetic data modelling indicates the interpreted bodies begin between 50 to 100 m below surface. Magnetic bodies may represent REE-bearing intrusives: The magnetic bodies could be intrusive carbonatites - REE-hosting bodies linked to the known near-surface mineralization. At least one carbonatite phase on the project is known to be highly magnetic, validating the magnetic data as a potential indicator of REE mineralization. Magnetic bodies align with potential feeder structures: The magnetic bodies converge along key structural lineaments - potential pathways for mineralizing fluids typical of large carbonatite-type REE systems. Multiple REE targets support strong discovery potential: These newly identified magnetic bodies add to the growing inventory of REE targets on the Project, including the large REE soil anomaly identified near the southern flank of the Eureka Dome, as reported in the Company's News Release dated October 1, 2025. Next steps underway: A gravity survey is planned to evaluate the size and density of the magnetic bodies ahead of drilling to test for further REE mineralization and resource expansion potential. Tolene Kruger, Senior Geologist for ReeXploration, stated, "The integration of surface geology with magnetic data modelling reveals structural complexity beneath Eureka that points to a potentially larger mineralizing system. These interpreted magnetic bodies could represent feeder zones to the rare earth mineralization discovered at surface. Further characterizing their nature through upcoming ground gravity surveys will be an important step in refining targets ahead of drill testing." Chris Drysdale, Interim CEO, commented, "Eureka continues to stand out as a strategically positioned rare earth project - with favourable metallurgy, a strong jurisdiction, and growing potential scale. The newly defined magnetic targets strengthen our view that Eureka hosts a much larger rare earth system - a goal well aligned with the global drive to secure sustainable NdPr supply." Metallurgy and Market Context - Strategic Importance of Nd and Pr At Eureka, early metallurgical testing has confirmed that known REE mineralization is hosted in monazite-bearing carbonatite, a favourable mineralogy recognized for low impurities, low radioactivity, and compatibility with Western processing standards. Testwork has already produced a concentrate with ~60% TREO after gravity and magnetic separation, confirming processability and providing key early-stage technical derisking. Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr) are the primary drivers of value, essential for permanent magnets used in EVs, renewable energy systems, and defense technologies. Global demand for NdPr oxides continues to accelerate as governments prioritize secure and sustainable critical-mineral supply chains. Western nations have introduced new funding, tax incentives, and offtake frameworks aimed at reducing dependence on single-country sources of rare earths. Namibia - ranked among Africa's most attractive mining jurisdictions - offers a stable, infrastructure-rich, and regulation-transparent environment for rare-earth development. Projects like Eureka are positioned to play a role in diversifying global supply of responsibly produced magnet-metal feed. Figure 1: Position of the Eureka Dome and REE targets within the Company's license holding. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6102/273032_d136ea6174115969_001full.jpg Advancing Toward the Next Discovery Phase Interpretation of the high-resolution ground magnetic dataset from 2022 suggests potential for a more extensive REE system within the 13 x 6 km Eureka Dome. The magnetic bodies (MA-1 to MA-5; 50 nT - >150 nT above background) defined by 3D magnetic modelling lie coincident with, or adjacent to, major interpreted structures that could have acted as conduits for carbonatite intrusions (Figure 2 and Figure 3). In addition to the identification of the magnetic bodies, the radiometric data highlights low-potassium zones coincident with mapped calcrete cover, a common surficial pedogenic sediment that covers known carbonatite occurrences within the Eureka Dome. Calcrete tends to fill slumped depressions forming a cap above calcium carbonate (CaCO3) source rocks underneath - in this case potentially representing carbonate-altered corridors or concealed carbonatite intrusives. Together, these datasets point to significant unexplored potential at relatively shallow depth, related to the existing at-surface dyke-hosted REE mineralization hosting a maiden NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate1. Figure 2: Left: Ground magnetics (TMI RTP) showing the high magnetic features (pink, dashed black outline). Right: VOXI modelling done on the ground magnetic data reveals the magnetic bodies (MA-1 to MA-5) converge below surface into potential feeder zones, and lie coincident with, or adjacent to, major interpreted structures that could have acted as conduits for carbonatite intrusions. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6102/273032_d136ea6174115969_002full.jpg Figure 3: Isometric view (looking NW) of the VOXI model showing the magnetic bodies have at least 5 km strike extent. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6102/273032_d136ea6174115969_003full.jpg Planned Gravity Survey ReeXploration is planning to conduct a gravity survey across the magnetic anomalies (MA-1 to MA-5) (Figure 2 and Figure 3). Survey specifications are to be confirmed. The survey will generate a density model to help determine if the magnetic bodies have any significant density association. The magnetics together with the gravity data will provide essential geometric information and physical properties of the magnetic features and refine targets for drilling. The Company is engaging with various qualified service providers to conduct the survey work. References & Technical Disclosure The current maiden Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") for the Eureka Project includes 310,000 tonnes at 4.8% TREO (including 0.7% Nd+Pr oxides) from the initial 19 drill holes (613 metres) completed across Zones 1-3. The MRE was prepared by SRK Consulting (UK) with an effective date of August 2, 2021. An Independent Technical Report titled "Independent Technical Report: Eureka, Rare Earth Project, Namibia" was filed on SEDARplus on September 15, 2021, supporting the disclosure of the MRE, and is available on www.rareearthexploration.com. The 2022 ground magnetic survey was carried out by Remote Exploration Services (Pty) Ltd. ("RES"). A total of 1,151.5-line km of high-resolution ground magnetic survey data was collected along a line spacing of 25 m at an azimuth of 340 degrees. RES utilized a GEMSys GSM19 Overhauser magnetometer to collect base data and another GEMSys GSM19 Overhauser magnetometer to collect walk data. The walk magnetometer was set to a sample frequency of 1 Hz while continuously walking along survey lines. QA/QC and processing procedures were applied, generating final magnetic products for interpretation. A three-dimensional magnetic inversion was completed using Seequent's VOXI platform in Geosoft, employing a 50 x 50 x 50 metre voxel configuration. The modelling provides a 3D representation of subsurface magnetic sources to assist in geological interpretation. Qualified Person Tolene Kruger, BSc. (Hons), M.Sc., is a consulting geologist and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Mrs. Kruger is registered as Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) with the South African Council for Natural Science Professions (SACNASP, Reg. No.: 148182), and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About ReeXploration Inc. ReeXploration (TSXV: REE) (FSE: K2I) is a Canadian exploration company positioned to help meet surging global demand for secure, responsible supplies of critical minerals essential to the clean energy transition, advanced technologies and national defense. The company's flagship Eureka Project in central Namibia hosts rare earth element (REE) mineralization in monazite, rich in NdPr magnet metals, with bench-scale testing confirming production of a clean, Western-standard concentrate. Supported by a Namibia-based technical team and guided by global critical minerals experts, ReeXploration is advancing discovery-led growth for rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals, building a credible, ESG-aligned platform positioned to benefit from the global race to diversify and secure responsible supply chains. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release may contain forward-looking information. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions (including assumptions relating to general economic and market conditions) that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. ReeXploration does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information in this release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information unless and until required by securities laws applicable to ReeXploration. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings made by ReeXploration with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273032 SOURCE: ReeXploration Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia and Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF) (FSE: MV3) ("SXGC", "SX2" or the "Company") announces the promotion and appointment of Mr. Michael Frame as the Company's Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") effective immediately. Mr. Frame joined SXGC in July 2025, as Financial Controller, and replaces Mr. Nick DeMare, who has served as the Company's CFO since 2007, and will continue to work with SXGC in a new capacity as Manager - Canadian Financial Operations. As CFO and a member of SXGC's executive leadership team, Mr. Frame will have responsibility over all finance, accounting, financial reporting, audit, tax, and capital planning functions. Mr. Frame brings over 17 years' experience in commercial and financial functions with gold and copper mining companies. He has gained significant experience from site-based roles in Australia and the Asia Pacific. Before joining SXGC, he was the Chief Financial Officer at AIC Mines Limited listed on the Australian Securities Exchange where he built and led the commercial and finance functions. Prior to joining the AIC Mines Limited he was the Group Finance Manager at Evolution Mining Limited one of Australia's largest gold producers, where he oversaw the statutory accounting, management reporting, shared services, and group-wide payroll functions. Mr. Frame holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Economics, and a Graduate Diploma in Materials Science from Monash University. He is a member of CPA Australia and a member of the AusIMM. Michael Hudson, President & CEO, states: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to congratulate Michael on his promotion to Chief Financial Officer of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated. Since joining us in July 2025, Michael has worked closely with our executive team across both Australia and Canada, quickly gaining deep insight into our operations and strategic vision. "Michael's appointment speaks to the caliber of talent our project attracts. He is far more than just a finance professional-he is a highly trained mining specialist with 17 years of hands-on experience across commercial and financial functions in gold and copper operations. His site-based expertise spanning Australia and the Asia Pacific, combined with his proven track record in finance and commercial leadership, makes him ideally suited to lead our financial strategy as we advance the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project. "I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Nick DeMare for his exceptional contributions and dedication over many years, through both Mawson and more recently Southern Cross Gold Consolidated. Nick has been an amazing partner and mentor, and we are fortunate to retain his continued guidance in his new role as Manager - Canadian Financial Operations. "Michael's appointment underscores both the quality of talent our project attracts and the depth of capability we're building as we advance one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries." About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF) Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF), controls the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project located 60 km north of Melbourne, Australia. Sunday Creek has emerged as one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries, with exceptional drilling results. The mineralization follows a "Golden Ladder" structure over 1.2 km of strike length, with confirmed continuity from surface to 1,100 m depth. Sunday Creek's strategic value is enhanced by its dual-metal profile, with antimony contributing approximately 20 % of the in-situ value alongside gold, meaning Importantly, Sunday Creek can be developed primarily based on gold economics, which reduces antimony-related risks while maintaining strategic supply potential. This has gained increased significance following China's export restrictions on antimony, a critical metal for defense and semiconductor applications. Southern Cross' inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and Australia's AUKUS-related legislative changes position it as a potential key Western antimony supplier. Technical fundamentals further strengthen the investment case, with preliminary metallurgical work showing non-refractory mineralization suitable for conventional processing and gold recoveries of 93-98% through gravity and flotation. With a strong cash position, over 1,000 Ha of strategic freehold land ownership, and a large 200 km drill program planned through Q1 2027, SXGC is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction. - Ends - This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. Subsidiary Office: Level 21, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political, social uncertainties; the state of capital markets, unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and other risks described in the Company's documents filed with Canadian or Australian (under code SX2) securities regulatory authorities. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia (under code SX2), as applicable, and available for the Company in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca or in Australia at www.asx.com.au (under code SX2). Documents are also available at www.southerncrossgold.com The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273071 SOURCE: Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to DataM Intelligence, the AI in Edge Computing Market Size is witnessing robust growth, with the market size valued at USD 16.54 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 83.86 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 22.5% from 2025 to 2032. This surge is powered by the integration of artificial intelligence and edge computing technologies across industries to enable real-time data processing, lower latency, enhanced security, and localized decision-making. Enterprises are transitioning from cloud-centric models to distributed edge architectures, where AI enables autonomous and efficient processing close to the data source. Quantitative Growth Drivers Data Explosion: Global data generation is forecast to reach 175 zettabytes by 2025 , with over 20% processed at the edge to reduce latency and bandwidth costs. Global data generation is forecast to reach , with over processed at the edge to reduce latency and bandwidth costs. 5G Proliferation: Over 1 billion active 5G connections worldwide in 2024 are enabling seamless AI inference at the edge, supporting applications such as autonomous driving and industrial automation. Over worldwide in 2024 are enabling seamless AI inference at the edge, supporting applications such as autonomous driving and industrial automation. Hardware Acceleration: Next-gen AI chips (from NVIDIA, Intel, AMD) offer 11 processing efficiency over legacy systems, reducing power consumption by up to 30%. Next-gen AI chips (from NVIDIA, Intel, AMD) offer over legacy systems, reducing power consumption by up to 30%. Enterprise AI Adoption: Over 68% of global enterprises have already deployed or are planning to deploy AI-enabled edge solutions by 2026. Over have already deployed or are planning to deploy AI-enabled edge solutions by 2026. Operational Efficiency: Edge AI reduces latency by 90% and cuts network data transfer costs by 30%, a major factor for large-scale IoT deployments. Collectively, these data-driven factors underline the transition toward intelligent, distributed computing models across enterprise and industrial ecosystems. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/ai-in-edge-computing-market Browse in-depth TOC on "AI in Edge Computing Market" 74 - Tables 69 - Figures 196 - Pages Market Segmentation Analysis By Component The market is categorized into Software, Solutions, and Services. Software dominated in 2024, accounting for 48% market share (USD 7.9 billion) , driven by AI orchestration, edge inference engines, and real-time analytics tools. dominated in 2024, accounting for , driven by AI orchestration, edge inference engines, and real-time analytics tools. Solutions (hardware and integrated edge AI systems) represented 35% (USD 5.8 billion) and are expected to record a CAGR of 23.7% , fueled by next-generation processors and hybrid AI edge platforms. (hardware and integrated edge AI systems) represented and are expected to record a , fueled by next-generation processors and hybrid AI edge platforms. Services (integration, maintenance, and consulting) contributed 17% (USD 2.8 billion) and are forecast to exceed USD 14 billion by 2032, driven by managed AI deployments. By Deployment Type On-premises deployment accounted for 60% share (USD 9.9 billion) in 2024 due to regulatory and security demands in manufacturing, defense, and healthcare. deployment accounted for in 2024 due to regulatory and security demands in manufacturing, defense, and healthcare. Cloud-based edge deployments are growing fastest at 25.1% CAGR, projected to surpass USD 40 billion by 2032, driven by AI-led hybrid architectures integrating AWS, Azure, and IBM Watson Edge. By Organization Size Large enterprises dominate with 65% share (USD 10.7 billion) , supported by large-scale infrastructure investments. dominate with , supported by large-scale infrastructure investments. SMEs, while smaller in base, are growing at 24% CAGR, expected to cross USD 25 billion by 2032, leveraging modular edge-as-a-service solutions. By Technology Machine Learning (ML) leads with 45% market share (USD 7.4 billion) in 2024, enabling predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and adaptive automation. leads with in 2024, enabling predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and adaptive automation. Natural Language Processing (NLP) holds 20% share (USD 3.3 billion) , driven by AI voice assistants, chatbots, and contextual analysis. holds , driven by AI voice assistants, chatbots, and contextual analysis. Context-aware computing (15%) and Other technologies (20%) - including vision AI and federated learning - are rapidly expanding as multi-modal intelligence becomes mainstream. By Application Industrial IoT (IIoT) remains the leading segment, representing 30% share (USD 5 billion) , enabling predictive maintenance and factory automation. remains the leading segment, representing , enabling predictive maintenance and factory automation. Video Analytics follows with 20% share (USD 3.3 billion) , supporting surveillance, smart cities, and retail behavior tracking. follows with , supporting surveillance, smart cities, and retail behavior tracking. Remote Monitoring and Content Delivery combined contribute 25% share (USD 4.1 billion), while AR/VR is the fastest-growing sub-segment, projected to exceed USD 9 billion by 2032 due to immersive applications. By End-Use Industry Manufacturing dominates with 22% share (USD 3.6 billion) , led by industrial AI and digital-twin adoption. dominates with , led by industrial AI and digital-twin adoption. BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) accounts for 15% (USD 2.5 billion) , leveraging edge AI for fraud detection and real-time risk analytics. (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) accounts for , leveraging edge AI for fraud detection and real-time risk analytics. Healthcare contributes 14% (USD 2.3 billion) , driven by AI-assisted diagnostics and remote patient monitoring. contributes , driven by AI-assisted diagnostics and remote patient monitoring. Automotive & Transportation is the fastest-growing vertical, expanding at 25% CAGR , expected to reach USD 12 billion by 2032 as autonomous mobility scales. is the fastest-growing vertical, expanding at , expected to reach as autonomous mobility scales. Retail, Government & Defense, and Enterprise IT collectively account for 30% (USD 5 billion), driven by AI-enabled security, customer analytics, and mission-critical deployments. Request for Customized Sample Report as per Your Business Requirement: https://www.datamintelligence.com/customize/ai-in-edge-computing-market Regional Insights United States The U.S. market led globally with 38% share (USD 6.3 billion in 2024) and is forecast to reach USD 30 billion by 2032. The U.S. houses over half of the world's edge data centers and leads in chip manufacturing and AI software frameworks. and leads in chip manufacturing and AI software frameworks. Federal AI infrastructure funding exceeded USD 2.8 billion in 2024 , mainly targeting smart manufacturing and defense-grade edge systems. , mainly targeting smart manufacturing and defense-grade edge systems. Widespread 5G rollout (320 million+ active users) has accelerated industrial automation and AI-enabled vehicle networks. Japan Japan accounted for 7% of the global market (USD 1.2 billion in 2024) and will reach USD 5.3 billion by 2032, growing at 21.4% CAGR. With 75% of major manufacturers adopting AI and robotics, Japan's industrial AI infrastructure is among the most advanced in Asia-Pacific. adopting AI and robotics, Japan's industrial AI infrastructure is among the most advanced in Asia-Pacific. The government's "Society 5.0" initiative invested USD 900 million in 2024 for AI and smart-city development, integrating edge computing across logistics and healthcare. Competitive Landscape According to DataM Intelligence, the AI in Edge Computing market is moderately consolidated, with technology giants and service integrators leading innovation across hardware, software, and hybrid edge ecosystems. Key Players: NVIDIA | Amazon Web Services, Inc. | Arctic Wolf Networks Inc. | Tata Consultancy Services | Microsoft Corporation | Infosys | IBM Corporation | Intel Corporation | Cisco Systems, Inc. | Nokia Highlights: NVIDIA : Total revenue USD 60.9 billion ; edge-AI segment contributed USD 20 billion , up 46% YoY . : Total revenue ; edge-AI segment contributed , up . Amazon Web Services (AWS) : Cloud revenue USD 96 billion , with AWS Greengrass deployments rising 31% YoY . : Cloud revenue , with deployments rising . Microsoft Azure Edge : Contributed USD 14 billion , growing 27% YoY . : Contributed , growing . Intel Corporation : Shipped 45+ million AI edge chips , capturing 35% global AI accelerator share . : Shipped , capturing . Cisco Systems : Generated USD 4.5 billion from edge & IoT revenue, expanding 18% YoY . : Generated from edge & IoT revenue, expanding . IBM Watson Edge: Posted 22% YoY growth, driven by AI analytics integration in enterprise infrastructure. Collectively, these leaders account for 65% of total market revenue, reflecting robust vertical integration and ecosystem-based innovation. Recent Industry Developments NVIDIA launched Jetson Thor , an AI processor delivering 8 performance for robotics and autonomous systems (April 2025). launched , an AI processor delivering for robotics and autonomous systems (April 2025). AWS expanded Greengrass 4.0 , enhancing real-time AI inference for industrial and logistics operations (March 2025). expanded , enhancing real-time AI inference for industrial and logistics operations (March 2025). Cisco and Nokia jointly deployed 5G-AI hybrid edge networks across 14 Asia-Pacific countries (February 2025). and jointly deployed across 14 Asia-Pacific countries (February 2025). IBM and Tata Consultancy Services announced a USD 200 million partnership to integrate generative AI into edge systems (January 2025). and announced a to integrate generative AI into edge systems (January 2025). Intel introduced EdgeAI Suite combining neuromorphic computing and real-time vision AI modules (December 2024). Market Outlook and Opportunities By 2032, the AI in Edge Computing landscape will evolve into an intelligent, decentralized network of AI-powered nodes. Key Forecast: Machine Learning to surpass USD 30 billion , maintaining leadership in predictive analytics. to surpass , maintaining leadership in predictive analytics. IIoT and Video Analytics combined to exceed USD 25 billion in market value. and combined to exceed in market value. Asia-Pacific to grow at 24.1% CAGR , capturing 35% of global revenues by 2032. to grow at , capturing 35% of global revenues by 2032. Automotive & Transportation segment to emerge as a USD 12 billion market by 2032, powered by autonomous mobility and smart logistics. Conclusion The AI in Edge Computing Market represents the next frontier in intelligent data processing - bridging cloud intelligence with on-device autonomy. With the market set to expand from USD 16.54 billion in 2024 to USD 83.86 billion by 2032, this 22.5% CAGR growth underscores its strategic role in the global AI revolution. According to DataM Intelligence, the convergence of AI accelerators, 5G infrastructure, and edge-cloud integration will transform industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, BFSI, and transportation. Market leaders including NVIDIA, AWS, Microsoft, Intel, and Cisco are driving this transformation through scalable, secure, and high-performance AI solutions that will define the next decade of digital infrastructure. Buy This Report with Year-End Offer (Buy 1 report: Get 30% OFF | Buy 2 reports: Get 50% OFF each! Limited time offer): https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=ai-in-edge-computing-market Related Report: Edge Computing for Autonomous Vehicles Market Size to Reach US$39.00 B by 2032 - DataM Intelligence. Edge Computing Market Size to Hit US$ 156.2 Billion by 2030, Fueled by IoT and AI Integration - DataM Intelligence. Mobile Edge Computing Market Size Set to Reach US$ 6.95 B by 2031 - DataM Intelligence. About DataM Intelligence DataM Intelligence is a renowned provider of market research, delivering deep insights through pricing analysis, market share breakdowns, and competitive intelligence. The company specializes in strategic reports that guide businesses in high-growth sectors such as nutraceuticals and AI-driven health innovations. To find out more, visit https://www.datamintelligence.com/ or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Sai Kiran DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Ground floor, DSL Abacus IT Park, Industrial Development Area Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039 USA: +1 877-441-4866 Email: Sai.k@datamintelligence.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1858619/3573087/DataM_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ai-in-edge-computing-market-to-surpass-usd-83-86-billion-by-2032--driven-by-industrial-iot-5g-and-intelligent-infrastructure-expansion--datam-intelligence-302603909.html New data from the ongoing FLEX Study highlight the value of real-world evidence in personalizing chemotherapy decisions and improving outcomes in early-stage breast cancer Agendia, Inc., a leader in precision oncology for breast cancer, today announced it will present new results from the ongoing real-world FLEX Study (NCT03053193) at the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), taking place December 9-12 in San Antonio, Texas. The company will present five posters, led by Agendia investigators and independent academic collaborators, that collectively highlight the broad clinical impact of MammaPrint BluePrint genomic profiling in optimizing treatment decisions and improving outcomes for patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) early breast cancer (EBC). "We look forward to sharing these new findings from the FLEX Study, which spans more than 20,000 participants across 100 global sites, making it the largest and most diverse real-world evidence cohort for early-stage breast cancer," said William Audeh, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Agendia. "These results underscore our commitment to generating robust clinical evidence in settings beyond traditional clinical trials, ensuring the results can inform personalized treatment decisions across diverse patient populations and everyday clinical practice." The full list of abstracts poster presentations is as follows: 3.2yr Updated Outcome Analysis of ACT-T Benefit by MammaPrint Risk Result Improved 3-year IDFS with anthracycline-based therapy for patients with 70-gene signature High 2, Luminal B, HR+HER2- EBC Poster PS2-07-03 Dec. 10, 5:00 PM 6:30 PM Presenter: Joyce O'Shaughnessy MammaPrint Provides Stronger Prognostic Value Than Histologic Grade 70-gene signature high risk classification provides stronger prognostic value than histologic grade in HR+HER2- EBC Poster # PS5-04-19 Dec. 12, 12:30-2:00 PM Presenter: Erin Cobain Older Patients with Aggressive Breast Cancer May Benefit from Chemotherapy HR+HER2- Patients Aged =70 with High Risk MammaPrint Benefit from Chemotherapy Poster PS3-08-17 Dec. 11, 12.30 PM 2 PM Presenter: Reshma Mahtani Understanding Breast Cancer in Overweight Latin American Patients Distinct Immune and Metabolic Profiles in Latin American Breast Cancer Patients with Obesity Poster PS4-09-09 Dec. 11, 5:00 PM 6:30 PM Presenter: Marcela Mazo Canola 30,000-Patient Study Expanding to Improve Breast Cancer Outcomes FLEX: From Genomic Profiling to Real-World Insights in 30,000 Patients with Early-Stage Breast Cancer Poster PS5-09-19 Dec. 12 12:30-2:00 PM Presenter: Linsey P. Gold About Agendia Agendia is a global leader in precision oncology focused on early-stage breast cancer. The company's genomic assays, MammaPrint + BluePrint, deliver essential biological insights to inform personalized treatment decisions for patients and their care teams. With operations in Amsterdam and Irvine, Agendia partners with academic and community oncology centers worldwide to generate real-world evidence through the landmark FLEX Study (NCT03053193), the largest whole-transcriptome registry of early-stage breast cancer. About MammaPrint MammaPrint is a clinically validated genomic test that analyzes the expression of 70 genes in breast cancer tissue to determine the likelihood of distant metastasis. By providing risk stratification into four categories UltraLow Risk, Low Risk, High Risk 1, and High Risk 2 - MammaPrint enables more personalized, data-driven guidance to chemotherapy and endocrine therapy planning. About BluePrint BluePrint is a 80-gene molecular subtyping assay that reveals the underlying biology driving tumor growth, classifying tumors as Luminal-type, HER2-type, or Basal-type. By defining intrinsic subtypes beyond conventional pathology, BluePrint offers deeper biological understanding to refine therapeutic decision-making and enhance clinical outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104247663/en/ Contacts: Media contact marketing@agendia.com New applications include Veeva LIMS Basics and PromoMats Basics to drive speed and growth BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV) today announced that more than 100 biotechs have selected Veeva Basics to advance operations across clinical, regulatory, and quality. A growing number of biotechs in the U.S. and Europe are establishing a foundation for growth with a simple and standard industry-leading solution that can scale as business needs evolve. With Veeva Basics, biotechs leverage best-of-breed industry applications that are pre-configured and pre-validated for fast deployment. Veeva Basics is built on the Vault Platform, enabling biotechs to move to a full Vault solution with no migration required. This provides companies with the technology and support for efficient processes across key business areas now and for the long term. "More than 100 biotech leaders across 60 companies came together at Veeva R&D and Quality Summit in Boston to learn, connect, and shape the future of Veeva Basics. We're proud of the impact Veeva Basics is making on emerging biotechs and will continue to add innovative new applications that can be implemented quickly to support the development of new medicines," said Steve Harper, general manager of Veeva Basics. To meet critical quality control (QC) and commercial needs, Veeva Basics is adding two new applications: Veeva LIMS Basics for virtual companies to enable CMO oversight, including batch release and certificate of analysis (CoA) capabilities. Stability functionality planned for 2026. for virtual companies to enable CMO oversight, including batch release and certificate of analysis (CoA) capabilities. Stability functionality planned for 2026. Veeva PromoMats Basics for full content lifecycle management, including approval, storage, and distribution of promotional content and claims management. Veeva LIMS (laboratory information management) Basics and PromoMats Basics are planned for availability in early 2026. Built on the proven Vault Platform, Veeva Basics applications help customers to scale their technology infrastructure as they grow. For more on Veeva Basics, visit veevabasics.com. What biotechs are saying about Veeva Basics: "As a fast-growing company, we understood the value of Veeva Basics standardizing our processes based on industry best practice. Knowing we have an agile solution that works now, while providing easy access to the Veeva Vault Platform as we grow, gives us peace of mind that we can meet future requirements," said Richard Tornai, senior director IT, R&D Clinical at Structure Therapeutics. "Building a foundation for our quality and regulatory operations was a priority and we needed a compliant, cost-effective solution for document and record management. We believe Veeva Basics fits those needs and more by providing logical workflows, a templated library of SOPs and forms, and simple and effective training," said Bryan Ball, chief technical operations officer at Whitehawk Therapeutics. "Veeva Basics delivered a best-of-breed solution with the global support to upskill our staff quickly. Veeva's commitment to delivering innovation for biotechs and its focus on customer success make it the ideal partner," said Bernhard Irlinger, head of quality at AiCuris. About Veeva Systems Veeva delivers the industry cloud for life sciences with software, data, and business consulting. Committed to innovation, product excellence, and customer success, Veeva serves more than 1,500 customers, ranging from the world's largest biopharmaceutical companies to emerging biotechs. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Veeva is committed to balancing the interests of all stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, and the industries it serves. For more information, visit veeva.com/eu. Veeva Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements regarding Veeva's products and services and the expected results or benefits from use of our products and services. These statements are based on our current expectations. Actual results could differ materially from those provided in this release and we have no obligation to update such statements. There are numerous risks that have the potential to negatively impact our results, including the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our filing on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 31, 2025, which you can find here (a summary of risks which may impact our business can be found on pages 33 and 34), and in our subsequent SEC filings, which you can access at sec.gov. Contact: Jeremy Whittaker Veeva Systems +49-695-095-5486 jeremy.whittaker@veeva.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1488285/Veeva_Systems_Logo_v2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/veeva-basics-adopted-by-more-than-100-emerging-biotechs-to-simplify-and-standardize-operations-302603696.html AmacaThera receives US$5 million upfront and up to US$225 million in potential future milestone payments with Pacira BioSciences for AMT-143, AmacaThera's long-acting non-opioid anesthetic for post-operative pain AMT-143 leverages AmacaThera's breakthrough tunable hydrogel platform, delivering sustained local release of ropivacaine AmacaThera and Pacira will collaborate on the Phase 2 clinical program, and Pacira will fund clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization , with the program projected to commence in 2026 Partnership marks a major validation of AmacaThera's scalable hydrogel delivery technology and its transformative potential across multiple therapeutic areas TORONTO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AmacaThera, a leading developer of next generation hydrogel-based drug delivery solutions that enable precise, tunable, and sustained release to improve a wide range of active therapeutics, today announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Pacira BioSciences, Inc., a leader in non-opioid pain management, for the development and commercialization of AMT-143, an investigational long-acting non-opioid anesthetic for post-operative pain. AmacaThera's innovative hydrogel-based drug delivery platform provides precise, localized, and extended-release capabilities in an easy-to-administer format. AMT-143 has been clinically tested in a Phase 1 trial and delivered sustained release of ropivacaine for up to 14 days. The platform's adaptability supports a wide spectrum of therapeutics, from small molecules to biologics, making it a scalable and customizable solution for today's complex drug delivery needs. Under the terms of the agreement, AmacaThera will receive US$5 million upfront and up to US$225 million in future development- and sales-based milestone payments and a tiered royalty on future net sales. The companies will collaborate on clinical development, with AmacaThera leading select clinical studies. Pacira will fund clinical development of AMT-143 through commercial launch. Pacira and AmacaThera expect to initiate a Phase 2 trial in 2026, after which Pacira will assume full responsibility for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of AMT-143. "This partnership with Pacira is a major validation of our tunable hydrogel platform and our approach to developing long-acting therapies," said Mike Cooke, CEO of AmacaThera. "This partnership allows us to accelerate AMT-143's development while demonstrating the strength, versatility, and commercial appeal of our technology to future partners." Molly Shoichet, CSO of AmacaThera, added, "Our platform combines two well-known, biocompatible polymers into an elegant hydrogel that enables precise, localized, and sustained drug delivery. It is compatible with a wide range of therapeutics, from small molecules to biologics, and can be precisely adjusted to meet the unique needs of each clinical application." Key highlights of the deal and AmacaThera's platform: Platform validation: Partnering with Pacira, a leader in pain management, underscores the clinical and commercial credibility of AmacaThera's hydrogel technology Partnering with Pacira, a leader in pain management, underscores the clinical and commercial credibility of AmacaThera's hydrogel technology Non-dilutive funding: Through Pacira's support, AmacaThera continues to accelerate its early-stage innovation while preserving ownership and long-term value Through Pacira's support, AmacaThera continues to accelerate its early-stage innovation while preserving ownership and long-term value Superior technology: Compared with competitors, the hydrogel is simpler to manufacture, easier to apply, and delivers tunable, long-lasting effects Compared with competitors, the hydrogel is simpler to manufacture, easier to apply, and delivers tunable, long-lasting effects Commercial scalability: Established manufacturing allows for easy scale-up and technology transfer to partners Established manufacturing allows for easy scale-up and technology transfer to partners Revenue potential: Structured milestones and royalties align with AmacaThera's strategy of building a diversified, scalable pipeline through partnerships "We are excited to expand our leadership in innovative, opioid-sparing pain management with the addition of this highly complementary asset to our pipeline," commented Jonathan Slonin, MD, MBA, CMO of Pacira BioSciences. "We are encouraged by the Phase 1 data and confident in AMT-143's potential to address a critical unmet need in the market. This unique long-acting formulation of ropivacaine is easy to use and locally administered with the potential to provide several days of safe and effective opioid-sparing postsurgical pain control. We look forward to advancing this exciting asset into Phase 2 clinical development in partnership with AmacaThera." This agreement reinforces AmacaThera's unique position in the drug delivery space, where its hydrogel platform can be customized to enable rapid and sustained drug release, low-cost manufacturing, broad therapeutic compatibility, and flexibility for multiple partnership opportunities. Aquilo Partners LP and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP acted as financial and legal advisors to AmacaThera on this transaction, respectively. About AmacaThera AmacaThera is a leading developer of next-generation hydrogel-based drug delivery solutions. Using a proprietary blend of known polymers, AmacaThera's clinically validated hydrogel platform is transforming drug delivery by enabling the precise, tunable, and sustained release of a wide range of therapeutics, from small molecules to biologics. Transforming from liquid to gel at body temperature, AmacaThera's hydrogel enables drugs to be delivered to and stay precisely where they are needed and released over days or weeks, depending on the specific needs of each therapeutic application. Building on this foundation, AmacaThera leverages its proprietary hydrogel platform to co-develop innovative drug delivery solutions with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners. The platform's inherent versatility enables the creation of long-acting formulations that enhance therapeutic efficacy, improve patient convenience, and minimize systemic exposure. Scalable and cost-effective to manufacture, AmacaThera's hydrogel technology supports a collaborative business model designed to deliver value across a broad range of therapeutic areas and product modalities. For more information, please visit: www.amacathera.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/amacathera-signs-exclusive-global-licensing-agreement-with-pacira-biosciences-for-up-to-us230-million-validating-its-tunable-drug-delivery-platform-302603920.html Next-generation 1535nm long-range LiDAR and dual 100MP RGB mapping camera elevate aerial geospatial operations requiring higher accuracy and wider visibility SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DJI, the world's leader in civil drones and creative camera technology, today released the DJI Zenmuse L3. This high-accuracy aerial LiDAR system features a 1535nm long-range LiDAR capable of reaching 950 m even on objects with just 10% reflectivity, while maintaining exceptional penetration capabilities. With its dual 100MP RGB cameras and high-precision POS system, geospatial data acquisition can be accelerated by covering up to 100 km2 a day. Paired with the D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station and DJI Enterprise software, Zenmuse L3 offers an end-to-end solution that simplifies geospatial operations while generating multiple mapping deliverables from a single flight. Focusing on higher accuracy and wider visibility, the Zenmuse L3 marks a breakthrough for DJI in long-range, high-accuracy LiDAR that will no doubt advance and transform the geospatial industry globally. With this new innovation, DJI aims to expand the adoption of high-end aerial surveying LiDAR technology to more enterprise applications from topographic survey, emergency response, historical conservation, energy infrastructure inspections, and forestry. High-Accuracy 1535 nm LiDAR and Proprietary High-Accuracy System Zenmuse L3's LiDAR system achieves a detection range of 950 m at a pulse rate of 100 kHz, tested under 100 klx ambient light and on objects with 10% reflectivity. This pulse rate is adjustable, allowing for flexible power output and optimal adaptation to various operational scenarios. The self-developed LiDAR delivers ranging repeatability of 5 mm at 150 m (1s) and supports microsecond-level time synchronization. Mapping projects at scales of 1:500, 1:1000, and 1:2000 can be supported thanks to significant improvements in vertical accuracy (3 cm at 120 m, 5 cm at 300 m, and 10 cm at 500 m). It can accurately detect smaller objects, such as power lines and branches, with a laser beam divergence of just 0.25 mrad (1/e) - the spot size at the same range is approximately one-fifth that of the Zenmuse L2. Dual 100MP RGB Mapping Camera System Equipped with dual 100MP 4/3 CMOS RGB sensors and a mechanical shutter, Zenmuse L3 delivers significantly enhanced accuracy and efficiency. It can achieve a ground sample distance (GSD) of 3 cm, even at a flight altitude of 300 m. Additionally, the dual RGB mapping cameras offer a horizontal field of view (FOV) of up to 107, enabling each capture to cover a broader area. High Pulse Rate and Multiple Returns for Superior Penetration Capability Highly accurate spatial reconstructions can be generated with its maximum laser pulse emission frequency of 2 million points per second and support for up to 16 returns. With significant hardware improvements, Zenmuse L3 now supports a Star-Shaped scanning mode that balances accuracy with multiple scan angles. The penetration capability is especially well-suited for terrain mapping such as dense forests and urban environments, capturing more ground points with greater completeness, significantly improving the accuracy and integrity of terrain data for precise surface fitting and reconstruction. High Efficiency, Covering up to 100 km Per Day When mounted on the DJI Matrice 400, Zenmuse L3 delivers outstanding efficiency. At a typical flight altitude of 300 m, a single flight can cover up to 10 km2, enabling up to 100 km of daily coverage. Moreover, it can capture LiDAR and RGB data simultaneously to generate a range of mapping deliverables from a single flight, including digital orthophoto maps (DOM) and digital elevation models (DEM), and more - even despite a 20% LiDAR side overlap ratio. Seamless End-to-End Solution Zenmuse L3 seamlessly integrates with DJI's ecosystem to deliver an end-to-end mapping solution. This includes the D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station, DJI Pilot 2, DJI Terra, DJI Modify and DJI FlightHub 2. From data acquisition and processing to application, this unified workflow is simpler to operate and easier to master than traditional multi-platform setups, helping users efficiently complete a wide range of mapping tasks. Availability The Zenmuse L3 is available for purchase through authorized DJI Enterprise dealers. Learn more: https://enterprise.dji.com/zenmuse-l3 1All data was measured using a production model in a controlled environment. For more information, please refer to our official website: https://enterprise.dji.com/zenmuse-l3 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2813045/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zenmuse-l3-launches-as-djis-first-long-range-high-accuracy-aerial-lidar-system-302603999.html DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, successfully concluded its participation in the annual NYU Abu Dhabi Career Fair on October 30, marking the exchange's first major talent outreach event in the UAE following its historic Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) . The event offered an opportunity for aspiring students to explore career opportunities in the emerging digital asset sector. Bybit's Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding Team shared the exchange's mission, organizational culture, and the diverse career paths available within the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. "Bybit offers a truly global career path - one that connects talent in the UAE with opportunities across the digital asset world. We're proud to empower young professionals to contribute to a fast-evolving industry with global impact," said Michelle Daura, UAE Country Manager at Bybit. Hundreds of students and recent graduates attended the fair. The immense interest highlighted the growing appeal of the digital asset and blockchain industry as a career path among the UAE's emerging talent pool. Global Headquarters, Local Impact Bybit's commitment to the UAE extends beyond talent attraction. Its participation at the fair this year comes at a pivotal moment in its UAE presence, where it has been headquartered since 2022. Earlier this month, Bybit made history by becoming the first cryptocurrency exchange to secure the full Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). This landmark achievement positions Bybit as a fully regulated entity in the UAE while reinforcing the nation's vision to become global digital asset hub. Bybit also disclosed its plans to establish a larger regional operations center in Abu Dhabi with over 500 employees across the emirate and Dubai. Since securing its SCA license, Bybit has accelerated its investment in local infrastructure, talent development, and community engagement. Continuing to grow its roots in the region, Bybit will be creating hundreds of high-value career opportunities while contributing to the UAE's broader ambition of becoming the world's foremost hub for blockchain technology, the Web3 economy, and crypto innovation. As one of the most dynamic and innovative sectors in the global economy, the digital asset industry offers unique opportunities for high-achieving graduates seeking to be at the forefront of financial technology innovation. By engaging directly with UAE's top academic talent, Bybit demonstrates its commitment to developing local expertise and building a diverse, skilled workforce that will drive the future of the region's digital economy. Bybit / CryptoArk About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-makes-the-case-for-a-global-career-in-the-digital-asset-industry-at-nyu-abu-dhabi-302604002.html WARREN, ID / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Sidney Resources Corporation (OTCID:SDRC) ("Sidney" or the "Company") is pleased to announce breakthrough metallurgical results from its Warren Mining District project in Idaho, confirming exceptional grades of rare earth elements (REEs), tungsten (W), and platinum-group metals (PGMs). Testing was conducted jointly with Western Frontier Exploration and Mining Company under the guidance of industry experts Steve Dobson and Guy Saco. Recent processing of ore from the Knott Vein and Lucky Ben Vein systems demonstrates extraordinary mineral concentration using gravity-based separation methods: ? Knott Vein Residuals: Up to 55% Total Rare Earth Element content (TREO) and 65% Rare Earth Oxide equivalent (REO) ? Lucky Ben Concentrates: Up to 30% TREO and 36% REO, achieved solely through mechanical gravity concentration, without chemical leaching Prior to REE testing, the majority of precious metal bearing material which contain gold, silver and the platinum group metals was separated out of these concentrates, confirming multi-commodity extraction potential. These grades compare favorably to, and in some cases exceed the target concentration levels of all domestic processors of rare earths. The results underscore the Warren District's significance as a high-grade domestic source of critical materials supporting U.S. energy, technology, and defense supply chains. CEO Comment "Our press release last week (10/28/2025 PR) highlighted the breakthrough REE values achieved from both gravity and leach processing, and we want to provide investors and strategic partners with deeper clarity and confidence," said Sean-Rae Zalewski, CEO of Sidney Resources Corporation. "Today's announcement includes the detailed laboratory reports, oxide-conversion tables, and processing data that validate those results. What matters most is what this means for the Company going forward: we now have verified, high-grade critical-mineral concentrate and residual streams, produced with environmentally low-impact methods and at recoveries that strongly support near-term commercialization. Our focus is on scaling processing, securing off-take pathways, and transitioning from proof-of-grade to revenue generation. This is a meaningful step toward establishing Sidney as a U.S.-based supplier of strategic metals and delivering tangible economic value for our shareholders." To provide transparency and technical validation, the Company has prepared detailed analytical reports: Lucky Ben Concentrate Rare Earth & Metals Summary Report Gravity-recovered REE & critical metal concentrate results Comprehensive Summary Report - Knott Vein Leach Residuals & Filter Cake Analysis Residual REE, PGM, and tungsten evaluation with oxide conversion tables Critical Elements Identified Testing highlights a suite of rare earth elements and critical metals essential to advanced U.S. manufacturing and defense systems: Symbol Element Primary Uses Nd Neodymium EV & military permanent magnets Pr Praseodymium High-strength magnets & aerospace alloys Dy Dysprosium High-temperature EV & defense magnets Y Yttrium Ceramics, superconductors, optics La Lanthanum Optics & battery alloys Ce Cerium Catalysts & polishing compounds Sm Samarium Missile guidance & nuclear rods Gd Gadolinium MRI & shielding Ho Holmium Lasers & nuclear rods W Tungsten Armor-piercing ammo & alloys Ag Silver Electronics & solar Pt, Pd, Rh PGMs Catalysts, hydrogen economy tech Th Thorium Advanced nuclear fuel potential Ir, Os Iridium and Osmium Ultra-hard alloys & aerospace tech P Phosphorus Battery & mineral matrix component Strategic National Security Importance The Warren District contains high-value elements instrumental to: F-35 fighter jet propulsion and electronics Missile guidance and radar systems Space defense & satellite infrastructure Electric vehicle motors and wind turbines Hydrogen & fuel-cell technology Advanced nuclear concepts With China controlling more than 80% of global REE processing, American-sourced and American-processed rare earths have never been more strategically vital. Corporate Growth & Development Strategy Sidney Resources is now positioned as a verified domestic source of high-grade critical minerals produced through environmentally responsible, chemical-free gravity concentration. Key strategic objectives moving forward: Formalize offtake discussions with U.S. partners Establish federal and defense program engagement Advance scaled pilot processing initiatives Expand district-wide exploration and sampling The Company's polymetallic advantage (REEs, gold, silver, tungsten, PGMs) provides both security-metal and precious-metal cash flow pathways. About Sidney Resources Corporation Sidney Resources Corporation (OTCID:SDRC) is a U.S. mineral exploration and development company advancing high-grade rare earth elements, gold, silver, tungsten, and platinum-group metals in Idaho's historic Warren Mining District. The Company controls more than 4,000 acres of patented and unpatented mining claims, including multiple past-producing mines such as the Unity, Silver Monarch, New Era, and Little Giant. Sidney is actively advancing a district-scale development program that includes an estimated 300,000 tons of historic stockpiles and mine spoils, which have returned consistently high-grade precious and critical metal values. Ongoing test milling and gravity-based separation programs are focused on optimizing recovery efficiencies and accelerating near-term production pathways. In parallel with mineral development, the Company is deploying environmental remediation and bioremediation technologies to restore legacy mine soils and water systems - demonstrating a commitment to sustainable, responsible resource development. Sidney is also continuing development of its proprietary laser mining system, designed to eliminate explosive fragmentation and significantly reduce environmental footprint. Sidney Resources is dedicated to delivering U.S.-sourced minerals essential to national security, clean-energy manufacturing, and advanced technology applications. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements relate to future events, including our ability to raise capital, or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause materially different results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please see our filings with the OTC Markets Group Inc. Our public filings with the OTC Markets Group Inc are available from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the OTC Markets at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/SDRC/disclosure For more information on Sidney Resources Corporation and its ESG initiatives, visit: https://sidneyresources.com/responsibility For further information, contact: Dan Hally COO, Sidney Resources Corporation Phone: 509-552-9858 dan@sdrccorp.com Website: https://sidneyresources.com/ SOURCE: Sidney Resources Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/sidney-resources-confirms-exceptional-rare-earth-and-critical-metal-concentration-1096598 Tamarack, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) ("Talon" or the "Company"), voted by the MINING.COM community as the number-one ranked small-cap mining stock ($200 million to $2 billion) for October 20251, is pleased to provide an update on exploration work in the Vault Zone at the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project in Minnesota (the "Tamarack Nickel-Copper Project"). Drilling to date has defined a pattern of multiple accumulations of massive sulphides within the Vault Zone, and new borehole electromagnetic ("BHEM") data indicates that this pattern may repeat for more than 300 meters below the deepest intercept drilled to date. Talon is also pleased to announce the successful transition of its full exploration team from Michigan back to Tamarack, enabling an expanded three-rig drilling campaign focused on rapidly advancing the high-priority Vault Zone. The Company further reports complete assay results from drill hole 25TK0563, representing the highest nickel-equivalent grade multiplied by length interval in the Tamarack Nickel-Copper Project's history. Record Intercept in Drill Hole 25TK0563 Building on partial results disclosed on June 5, 2025, the remaining assays from drill hole 25TK0563 include 89.50 meters grading 1.06% NiEq (1.89% CuEq) starting at 419.5 meters depth (see Table 2). When combined with the previously reported 34.9 meters of massive sulphide mineralization grading 28.88% NiEq (57.76% CuEq), the drill hole returned a total of 390.17 meters grading 3.23% NiEq (6.14% CuEq) -the highest nickel-equivalent grade multiplied by length interval ever recorded at the Tamarack Nickel-Copper Project. Full Exploration Team Returns to Tamarack Since August, directional drilling at the Tamarack Nickel-Copper Project, carried out by one crew operating between two drill pads, targeted holes 25TK0563A, 25TK0565A and the extension of historic hole 16TK0248 (originally drilled in 2016) to collect BHEM data. Unfortunately, drill hole 25TK0565A was lost before target depth due to mechanical failure. With drilling at Talon's Michigan Boulderdash discovery halted for the Winter 2025/2026 snow season, all three drill rigs that were in Michigan and Talon's full in-house exploration team have been relocated to Tamarack. The expanded program is operating from three dedicated drill pads and is focused on the rapid delineation of resources within the Vault Zone. Significant Geophysical and Geological Indicators BHEM surveys from the extension of historic drill hole 16TK0248 identified a high-conductivity plate interpreted to represent the lateral continuation of the high-grade nickel-copper-PGE mineralization intersected in drill hole 25TK0563. This response aligns with high-conductivity plates modeled from drill holes 25TK0563 and 25TK0562 (see Figure 1), together supporting the interpretation of continuous massive sulphide mineralization along this stratigraphic level (see conceptual illustration of accumulations of massive sulphides based on drilling to date in Figure 2). BHEM surveys from drill hole 25TK0565 and from the deepening of historic drill hole 16TK0250 (see Figure 1) also indicate potential lateral continuity of massive sulphides, this time within the upper parts of the stratigraphy (see conceptual illustration of accumulations of massive sulphides based on drilling to date in Figure 2). Unlike the Tamarack Resource Area, the extension of drill hole 16TK0248 also modeled a weaker near-vertical conductor extending more than 300 meters below the deepest massive sulphide intercept in the Vault Zone. Together, these results reinforce the emerging model for the Vault Zone, in which massive sulphides accumulated in multiple repeating stacks developed along the contact between the intrusion and the surrounding sediments. At this boundary, heat from the intrusion partially melted the country rock, creating permeable zones (traps) that allowed sulphides to migrate and concentrate. For comparison, a single stack of the massive sulphide unit (MSU) in the Tamarack Resource Area formed in similar geological setting and has a lateral continuation for up to approximately 600 meters. The newly identified near-vertical, low-conductivity detected in 16TK0248 is interpreted to represent a connective pathway-indicating that the repetitive process of sulphide accumulation and lateral extension along stacks may repeat for more than 300 meters below the deepest known intercepts in the Vault Zone. To date, there has been no drilling on the northern part of the intrusion in the Vault Zone (see Figure 2), where the system remains completely open for discovery. At the Tamarack Resource Area, massive sulphides accumulate on both sides of the intrusion-forming two distinct limbs of mineralization developed along the western and eastern contacts (see plan view in Figure 1). This geometry will guide the Talon exploration team to evaluate the opposite, undrilled side of the intrusion at the Vault Zone for potential stacks of massive sulphides. Figure 1: Cross section of the Vault Zone looking west, showing a large conductive structure representing an extensive pathway that hosts the observed stacked sequence of high-grade nickel-copper mineralization To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/273054_7092a860e44e191c_001full.jpg Figure 2: Conceptual cross-section through the Vault Zone showing the stack of previously intercepted high-grade nickel-copper-PGE mineralization. The near-vertical BHEM plate shown in Figure 1 (see conceptual placement) is interpreted to reflect a controlling structure for these known massive sulphides. The modelled conductor persists for hundreds of metres below the deepest intercept in drill hole 25TK0563 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/273054_7092a860e44e191c_002full.jpg Additionally, results from drill hole 25TK0563A have identified the highest occurrences of chalcocite veining and bornite-chalcopyrite assemblages, minerals not typically observed at the Tamarack Nickel Copper Project, indicating significant copper enrichment over a span of approximately 150-meters between drill holes in the Vault Zone. This hypogene-style enrichment points to a unique geological process, not seen in the Tamarack Resource Area, enhancing the copper potential of the system (see Figure 3). Figure 3: An example of massive chalcocite and bornite identified in hole 25TK0563A in the Vault Zone To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/273054_7092a860e44e191c_003full.jpg Next Steps: Accelerated Vault Zone Delineation During the Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 season, Talon's fully crewed, three-rig drilling campaign will continue the targeting of BHEM plates to determine: The lateral extent of massive sulphide and mixed massive sulphide stacks of accumulations of sulphides intercepted in drill holes 16TK0250, 25TK0565 and 25TK0563 (see left side of the conceptual cross section in Figure 2); The potential for similar massive sulphide and mixed massive sulphide stacks on the opposite side of the intrusion , an area with no prior drilling (see right side of the conceptual cross section in Figure 2); and Additional accumulation of massive sulphides and mixed massive sulphide stacks at greater depths by following the near-vertical BHEM plate from 16TK0248 deeper into the Vault Zone, potentially beyond 300 meters below the deepest massive sulphide intercept to date. Successive drill targets will be refined based on ongoing geological and geophysical insights. "Geophysically speaking, the initial borehole electromagnetic (BHEM) results from the Vault Zone appear analogous to the geometry of the Reid Brook Zone at Voisey's Bay, where I worked for over five years," said Brian Bengert, Talon's VP Geophysics. "What's particularly exciting is the clear contrast between the near-vertical, lower-conductivity feature, interpreted as a pathway connecting the accumulations, and the high-conductivity plates that define the accumulations themselves. This conductivity contrast should significantly improve the speed and accuracy of exploration. A single vertical drill hole with multiple directional daughter holes should be able to efficiently delineate several lateral extensions of these sulphide traps." "Unlike the Tamarack Resource Area, where massive sulphide mineralization typically forms as a single laterally continuous accumulation on either side of the intrusion (see plan view in Figure 1), the Vault Zone shows multiple accumulations of massive sulphides-each with potential for lateral extension," said Brian Goldner, Talon's Chief Exploration and Operations Officer. "Importantly, tenor and grades increase with depth, with the highest nickel, copper and Cu:Ni ratios-and the most intense bornite and chalcocite veining-ever observed at the Tamarack Nickel-Copper Project." "With only a subset of our team at Tamarack, we've completed seven holes to target depth in the Vault Zone that delivered some of the highest-grade nickel-copper intercepts drilled in the last century-but that's still just seven holes in a vast area," said Henri van Rooyen, CEO of Talon. "Now that our Michigan team has returned to Tamarack for the Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 season, we've established three drill pads directly above the Vault Zone, enabling 360-degree directional drilling that saves roughly 2,000 meters per pad compared to drilling each hole from surface. We're now positioned to follow each massive sulphide stack laterally and continue tracing the same pattern to greater depths-while also testing the opposite side of the intrusion for additional stacks of high-grade nickel-copper-PGE mineralization." For further discussion on the Vault Zone, please see www.talonmetals.com/media. QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALIFIED PERSONS Please see the technical report entitled "November 2022 National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report of the Tamarack North Project - Tamarack, Minnesota" with an effective date of November 2, 2022 ("November 2022 Technical Report") prepared by independent "Qualified Persons" (as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101")) Brian Thomas (P. Geo), Roger Jackson (P. Geo), Oliver Peters (P. Eng) and Christine Pint (P.G) for information on the QA/QC, data verification, analytical and testing procedures at the Tamarack Nickel Copper Project. Copies are available on the Company's website (www.talonmetals.com) or on SEDAR at (www.sedar.com). The laboratory used is ALS Minerals who is independent of the Company. Lengths are drill intersections and not necessarily true widths. True widths cannot be consistently calculated for comparison purposes between holes because of the irregular shapes of the mineralized zones. Drill intersections have been independently selected by Talon. Drill composites have been independently calculated by Talon. The geological interpretations in this news release are solely those of the Company. The locations and distances highlighted on all maps in this news release are approximate. Dr. Etienne Dinel, Vice President, Geology of Talon, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Dr. Dinel is satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies, and he has reviewed, approved and verified the technical information disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information. Where used in this news release: NiEq% = Ni% + Cu% x $4.00/$8.00 x Cu Recovery/Ni Recovery + Co% x $20.00/$8.00 x Co Recovery/Ni Recovery + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$8.00/22.04 x Pt Recovery/Ni Recovery + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$8.00/22.04 x Pd Recovery/Ni Recovery + Au [g/t]/31.103 x $2,000/$8.00/22.04 x Au Recovery/Ni Recovery + Ag [g/t]/31.103 x $20.00/$8.00/22.04 x Ag Recovery/Ni Recovery CuEq% = Cu%+ Ni% x $8.00/$4.00 x Ni Recovery/Cu Recovery + Co% x $20.00/$4.00 x Co Recovery/Cu Recovery + Pt [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$4.00/22.04 x Pt Recovery/Cu Recovery + Pd [g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$4.00/22.04 Pd Recovery/Cu Recovery + Au [g/t]/31.103 x $2,000/$4.00/22.04 Au Recovery/Cu Recovery + Ag [g/t]/31.103 x $20.00/$4.00/22.04 x Ag Recovery/Cu Recovery For Ni and Cu recoveries, please refer to the formulae in the November 2022 Technical Report. Recovery of Ni to the Cu concentrate was excluded from the NiEq calculation. The following recoveries were used for the other metals: 64.1% for Co, 82.5% for Pt, 69.3% for Pd and 72.6% for Au and Ag. ABOUT TALON Talon is a TSX-listed base metals company in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel Copper Project Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talon's shares are also traded in the US over the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel Copper Project comprises a large land position (18km of strike length) with additional high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area . Talon has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel Copper Project and currently owns 51%. Talon has a neutrality and workforce development agreement in place with the United Steelworkers union. Talon's Battery Mineral Processing Facility in Mercer County was selected by the US Department of Energy for US$114.8 million funding grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the US Department of War awarded Talon a grant of US$20.6 million to support and accelerate Talon's exploration efforts in both Minnesota and Michigan. Talon has well-qualified experienced exploration, mine development, external affairs and mine permitting teams. For additional information on Talon, please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com or contact: FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to future exploration work, including future drill holes, drill results, assays, geophysics and geological interpretations. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Table 1: Collar Locations of Drill Holes Drill Hole # Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (masl) Azm Dip End Depth (m) 16TK0248 491049.3 5168348.1 388.7 139.7 -86.8 898.6 25TK0563A 491049.3 5168348.9 388.0 170.4 -85.4 842.2 25TK0565A 490998.2 5168295.3 388.0 85.7 -88.3 787.3 Collar coordinates are UTM Zone 15N, NAD83. Azimuths and dips are taken from the survey record at collar unless otherwise noted. Table 2: Assay Table for Drill Hole 25TK0563 Drill Hole # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Assay NiEq (%) CuEq (%) Ni (%) Cu (%) Co (%) Pd (g/t) Pt (g/t) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) 25TK0563 419.50 509.00 89.50 0.65 0.49 0.02 0.09 0.16 0.12 ** 1.06 1.89 and 522.23 524.64 2.41 2.14 0.92 0.05 0.22 0.38 0.20 ** 2.85 5.59 and 533.50 540.50 7.00 1.17 0.51 0.03 0.20 0.30 0.15 ** 1.62 3.16 and 713.25 723.50 10.25 0.64 1.10 0.02 0.37 0.68 0.34 ** 1.63 2.80 *Combined 762.34 782.73 34.90 14.86 15.37 0.11 8.65 16.31 9.18 42.92 28.88 57.76 795.16 809.67 25TK0563 419.50 809.67 390.17 1.65 1.60 0.02 0.84 1.57 0.89 4.08 3.23 6.14 Length refers to drill hole length and not True Width. True Width is unknown at the time of publication. All samples were analysed by ALS Minerals. Nickel, copper, and cobalt grades were first analysed by a 4-acid digestion and ICP AES (ME-MS61). Grades reporting greater than 0.25% Ni and/or 0.1% Cu, using ME-MS61, trigger a sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES finish (ICP81). Platinum, palladium, and gold are initially analyzed by a 30g fire assay with an ICP-MS finish (PGM-MS24). Any samples reporting >1g/t Pt or Pd trigger an over-limit analysis by ICP-AES finish (PGM-ICP27) and any samples reporting >1g/t Au trigger an over-limit analysis by AAS (Au-AA26). For Ag, ICP-AES through Aqua regia digestion (ME-ICP 41). * See Company's press release dated June 5, 2025 for additional technical information ** Silver (Ag) was not analysed in the shallower section of the drill hole Table 3: Quick Lithology Log for Drill Holes Drill Hole # From (m) To (m) length Quick Log % Sulphides 16TK0248 0 697.49 Drilled by Kennecott Exploration Company in 2016 697.49 721.46 CGO Traces 721.46 734.73 CGO 2% 734.73 736.87 SED 5% 736.87 738.22 CGO 1% 738.22 744.17 SED Traces 744.17 893.80 CGO Traces 893.80 898.55 SED 25TK0563A 600.30 607.77 CGO Traces 607.77 720.35 CGO Traces 720.35 754.99 34.64 MI 3-10% 754.99 768.40 CGO 3% 768.40 780.92 SED 5% 780.92 842.16 SED Traces 25TK0565A* 550.77 559.61 CGO 1% 559.61 576.38 MZNO 1 576.38 701.04 CGO Tr-3% 701.04 702.26 MZNO 702.26 730.91 CGO 0.5-2% 730.91 751.64 MZNO 751.64 778.76 27.12 CGO 1-5% 778.76 780.90 2.14 MI 10% 780.90 784.56 CGO Traces Quick lithology log of drill holes: Overburden (OB); Meta-sedimentary rocks (SED); Fine-grained Orthocumulate/Mixed Zone (MZNO); Coarse-grained Orthocumulate (CGO); Mafic Intrusive (MI). *Drill hole 25TK0565A was lost before target depth. ________________________ 1 https://www.mining.com/ranking monthly contest aggregates real-time votes from its global community of mining professionals, executives, and investors. Participants vote for up to 5 stocks per league (Large-Cap: >$2B; Small-Cap: $200M-$2B; Micro-Cap: <$200M). Rankings are determined by vote percentage share. Votes are submitted directly via the Ranking page. Incomplete or non-compliant entries are excluded. Results update live and reset monthly. Achieving the #1 position signifies Talon Metals received the highest percentage of community votes (8.6%) in the Small-Cap League for October 2025, spotlighting it as the top-voted small-cap mining stock globally for the month. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273054 SOURCE: Talon Metals Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Scottie Resources Corp. (TSXV: SCOT) (OTCQB: SCTSF) (FSE: SR80) ("Scottie" or the "Company") is pleased to report new assays from its 2025 drilling of the P-Zone within the Scottie Gold Mine Project. The road-accessible Scottie Gold Mine Project, which includes the 100%-owned past-producing Scottie Gold Mine and the adjacent Blueberry Contact Zone, is located 35 kilometres north of Stewart, BC, and is the subject of a newly released Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") (see news releases dated October 28, 2025). "The first holes back from our 2025 Scottie Gold Mine drill program are very encouraging," stated Brad Rourke, CEO of the Company. The P-Zone intercept in hole SR25-378 highlights the strength of the system and the opportunity to add ounces to the existing resource. With our PEA now released, we are focused on continuing to demonstrate the growth potential of the deposit and the value that additional ounces bring to an already compelling economic project." Highlights: Scottie Gold Mine drillhole SR25-378 intersected 8.28 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 22.35 metres (m), including 20.2 g/t gold over 7.55 m on the P-Zone (Table 1, Figures 1,2,4). Scottie Gold Mine drillhole SR25-383 intersected 7.76 g/t gold over 3.0 m at the O-Zone (Table 1, Figures 1,2,4). Scottie Gold Mine drillhole SR25-385 intersected 4.08 g/t gold over 6.00 m and 8.99 g/t Au over 3.00 at the O-Zone (Table 1, Figures 1,2). Table 1: Highlight results from new drill assays (uncut) from the Scottie Gold Mine. Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width* (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Sub Zone SR25-378 8.10 9.35 1.25 1.41 0.00 P-Zone 18.15 19.15 1.00 1.05 12.0 P-Zone 68.95 91.30 22.35 8.28 4.92 P-Zone including 68.95 75.75 6.80 3.79 5.10 P-Zone and including 79.55 87.10 7.55 20.2 9.98 P-Zone including 79.55 80.70 1.15 58.0 27.0 P-Zone 96.40 97.60 1.20 1.91 3.00 P-Zone SR25-383 48.00 51.00 3.00 7.76 3.00 O-Zone 71.50 72.50 1.00 2.40 9.00 O-Zone 104.00 108.00 4.00 3.97 2.50 O-Zone 115.00 118.00 3.00 2.31 2.67 O-Zone SR25-385 44.90 50.90 6.00 4.08 5.67 O-Zone 62.25 64.25 2.00 2.66 24.0 O-Zone 99.00 102.00 3.00 8.99 7.67 O-Zone SR25-386 83.40 89.45 6.05 2.73 0.00 O-Zone including 83.40 85.00 1.60 7.13 0.00 O-Zone SR25-388 52.15 53.15 1.00 1.88 5.00 O-Zone 59.00 60.00 1.00 7.30 34.0 O-Zone 75.00 78.00 3.00 2.79 5.00 O-Zone 83.00 84.00 1.00 5.24 13.0 O-Zone *True width of the intervals has not yet been established by drilling Figure 1: Overview plan view map of the Scottie Gold Mine, illustrating the locations of the reported drill results, cross-section (Figure 2), and the distribution of the modelled sulphide-rich zones. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/273060_f8196775841a3b20_002full.jpg Figure 2: Cross-section displaying Scottie Gold Mine intercepts from drill holes SR25-378, -383, -385, -386. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/273060_f8196775841a3b20_003full.jpg The 2025 drilling on Scottie Gold Mine targets was primarily focused on expanding the resource and increasing geological confidence in the known zones in order to convert from inferred to indicated classification. Additional follow up drilling was done on the Wolf Zone (discovered in 2024, see NR dated December 12, 2024), results to be released as the become available. The Scottie Gold Mine targets are open in multiple directions and are key to expanding the project's overall resource. About the Scottie Gold Mine Project Exploration of the Scottie Gold Mine Project over the past six years has produced exceptional drill results through the discovery of high-grade gold in four new zones (Blueberry Contact Zone, Domino, D-Zone, P-Zone) and the expansion of previously drill confirmed targets (Scottie Gold Mine, C-Zone, Bend Vein, Stockwork). There is a clear spatial relation between the outcropping and drill-confirmed high-grade gold targets and the contact with the Jurassic aged, Texas Creek Plutonic suite intrusion. Geological work in the area has established strong connections between the various deposits. The chemical, mineralogical, structural, and age relationships of the deposits and host rocks support a genetic model whereby all deposits are linked to the same mineralizing event. The Blueberry Contact Zone is located just 2 kilometres northeast of the 100% owned, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine (SGM) located in British Columbia, Canada's Golden Triangle region. Historic trenching and channel sampling of the Blueberry Vein include results of 103.94 g/t gold over 1.43 metres, and 203.75 g/t gold over 1.90 metres. Despite high-grade surficial samples and easy road access, the Blueberry Vein had only limited reported drilling prior to the Company's exploration work. The target was significantly advanced during Scottie's 2019 drill program when an interval grading 7.44 g/t gold over 34.78 metres was intersected in a new N-S oriented zone adjacent to the main Blueberry Vein. The drill results received from 2020 - 2024, coupled with surficial mapping and sampling suggest that the N-S mineralized trend is a first order structure that hosts an array of SW-trending, sub-parallel, sulphide-rich veins that obliquely crosscut it which host high-grade gold. As of the end of 2024, the extent of the N-S zone, defined by the contact between andesite and siltstone units of the Hazelton Formation and the presence of the cross-cutting sulfide-rich structures, has a drilled strike length of >1,550 metres and has been tested to >525 metres depth. The Blueberry Contact Zone is located on the Granduc Road, 20 kilometres north of the Ascot Resources' Premier Mine. Newmont's Brucejack Mine is located 25 kilometres to the north. The Company has recently completed a PEA which evaluates a low-capital DSO operation to deliver a gold-rich gravel product to Asian copper/precious metals smelters. At a gold price of US$2600/oz the project estimates an after-tax NPV(5%) of $215.8 M CAD with an IRR of 60.3%. By design, the operation will eliminate the need for a gold processing plant and tailings facility, thereby significantly reducing the capital required and resulting in a minimal environmental footprint, resulting in an initial capital cost of $128.6 M CAD. The project envisages a shallow open pit on the Blueberry Zone to start, followed by underground production from both Blueberry and the past-producing Scottie Gold Mine. The PEA also evaluates a toll milling scenario through the nearby Premier Mill, which results in an after-tax NPV(5%) $380.1 M CAD and an IRR 89.9%. Quality Assurance and Control Results from samples taken during the 2025 field season were analyzed at SGS Minerals in Burnaby, BC. The sampling program was undertaken under the direction of Dr. Thomas Mumford. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic absorption spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+9 g/t gold). Analysis by four acid digestion with multi-element ICP-AES analysis was conducted on all samples with silver and base metal over-limits being re-analyzed by emission spectrometry. Dr. Thomas Mumford, P.Geo., non-independent and President of the Company, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release on behalf of the Company. ABOUT SCOTTIE RESOURCES CORP. Scottie Resources holds 100% interest in the Scottie Gold Mine Property, which includes the high-grade, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine and the adjacent Blueberry Contact Zone. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Georgia Project, host to the past-producing Georgia River Mine, as well as the Cambria, Sulu, and Tide North properties. In total, Scottie controls approximately 58,500 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims within the Stewart Mining Camp in British Columbia's Golden Triangle-one of the world's most prolific mineralized districts. Scottie's current resource estimate on the Scottie Gold Mine Project includes a total of 703,000 gold ounces at an average grade of 6.1 g/t (Inferred category), highlighting the potential for a significant near-surface, high-grade deposit. The Company's strategy is to continue expanding this resource and to define additional mineralization around past-producing mines through systematic drilling and surface exploration. The Company has recently completed a PEA for the Scottie Gold Mine. The PEA outlines a robust Direct-Ship Ore (DSO) development scenario with strong economics and significant upside through a potential toll-milling option utilizing excess capacity at the nearby Premier mill. The base case DSO project delivers an after-tax NPV(5%) of $215.8-$668.3 million at gold prices of US$2,600-$4,200/oz, respectively. Under the toll-milling scenario, project economics improve substantially, with an after-tax NPV(5%) of $380.1-$831.7 million (no agreement currently in place). The PEA estimates initial capital costs of $128.6 million, average annual production of ~65,400 oz gold over seven years, and a payback period of 1.7 years for the after-tax DSO case-reduced to just 0.9 years under the toll-milling opportunity at US$2,600/oz. The NI 43-101 Technical Report on the PEA is expected to be filed within 45 days. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date such statements were made. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273060 SOURCE: Scottie Resources Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. (TSXV: PEMC) ("Pacific Empire", "PEMC" or the "Company"), a copper-gold explorer based in British Columbia, is pleased to provide an update on the ongoing diamond drilling program at its 100%-owned Trident copper-gold project located in north-central British Columbia. Fifth Drill Hole Underway Following Key Geological Breakthrough Drilling of Hole TRI-25-005 has now commenced from the same collar location as Hole TRI-25-001, but with a new azimuth of 330 degrees designed to test the margins of a newly confirmed porphyry intrusion. Holes 1 through 3 all intersected visible copper mineralization, specifically disseminated chalcopyrite and visible bornite, highlighting the strength and continuity of the mineralizing system at Trident. Hole TRI-25-004, drilled to test the center of a large resistivity anomaly, successfully confirmed the presence of a porphyry intrusion-a major milestone validating PEMC's geophysical model. Although this intrusion was less mineralized, it provides essential context for vectoring toward higher-grade zones associated with later, more copper-rich intrusive phases. "Each hole drilled at Trident continues to refine our understanding of this emerging porphyry system," stated Brad Peters, President and CEO of Pacific Empire. "The confirmation of a porphyry intrusion at the center of the geophysical anomaly represents a key milestone in our exploration model. With Hole 5 now underway, we're testing a new orientation that aims to follow up on the strongest copper mineralization intersected to date in hole one." To date, 1,958 metres have been completed across four drill holes: TRI-25-001 - 503 m TRI-25-002 - 501 m TRI-25-003 - 501 m TRI-25-004 - 453 m Samples from completed holes are being logged, cut, and shipped to ALS Laboratories in North Vancouver for analysis. Results will be released as they become available. Drill Core Highlights Hole TRI-25-001: Collared directly into a mineralized porphyry with disseminated chalcopyrite and visible bornite. At ~300 m, the hole crossed a major fault zone and entered strongly potassic- and sericite-altered rocks, suggesting proximity to a hydrothermal center. Holes TRI-25-002 & 003: Tested an IP chargeability anomaly approximately 360 m northeast of Hole 1 and both encountered zones of visible copper mineralization with abundant pyrite, supporting the interpretation of a broad, continuous system extending along strike. Hole TRI-25-004: Intersected a porphyry intrusion at depth, interpreted as an earlier, weakly mineralized phase. The mineralized porphyry from Hole 1TRI-25-001 likely represents a later, copper-rich phase emplaced along the margins of this earlier intrusion-providing a compelling vector toward higher-grade mineralization. Next Steps The objective of Hole TRI-25-005 is to test the margins of the porphyry intrusion encountered in Hole TRI-25-004 and to vector toward the well-mineralized porphyry intersected in Hole TRI-25-001. By drilling from the same collar as Hole 1 but at a new azimuth of 330 degrees, the Company aims to better define the relationship between these intrusive phases and identify potential zones of stronger copper-gold mineralization along the intrusive contact. Figure 1 - Map showing Pacific Empire's Trident property, highlighting historical drill collars, 2025 diamond drill holes with 56,000 Hz Resistivity from 2006 FUGRO Airborne Mag-EM Survey. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5412/273093_38b7cc6ac43c3a41_001full.jpg Figure 2 - Trident property showing IP Chargeability at a depth of 250 metres in relation to historical drillholes and 2025 diamond drilling. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5412/273093_38b7cc6ac43c3a41_002full.jpg About Trident The Trident property is an early exploration stage property hosting an alkalic porphyry copper-gold-silver prospect with district-scale potential that is accessible by vehicle. The property is located approximately 50 km southeast of the Kwanika deposit owned by NorthWest Copper Corp. and 50 km to the northwest of Centerra Gold's Mt. Milligan Mine. The property covers 6,618 hectares endowed with well-established logging roads providing important efficient access to conduct exploration programs. In 2022, Pacific Empire acquired a 100% interest in the property in exchange for granting the vendors a 2% net smelter return royalty ("NSR"). One-half (1%) of the 2% NSR which may be purchased for $500,000 by Pacific Empire. About Pinnacle The Pinnacle project is located 60 km west of Centerra Gold's Mt. Milligan Copper-Gold Mine and 30 km southeast of NorthWest Copper's Kwanika Copper-Gold Deposit in a proven copper-gold porphyry district. Access to the Pinnacle is by road including a new and expanding network of logging roads and trails throughout the main target areas. This improved access is a significant development and is anticipated to contribute to cost effective drill support and provides additional bedrock exposure. Qualified Person's Statement Kristian Whitehead, P.Geo., serves as a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed the scientific and technical information in this news release, approving the disclosure herein. About Pacific Empire Pacific Empire is a copper exploration company based in Vancouver, British Columbia and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PEMC. The Company has a district-scale land position in north-central British Columbia totaling 22,541 hectares. British Columbia is a "Green" copper jurisdiction with abundant hydroelectric power, access and infrastructure in close proximity to the end market. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, "Brad Peters" President, Chief Executive Officer and Director www.pemcorp.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers, directors or promoters with certain other projects; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume and the additional risks identified the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273093 SOURCE: Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Military Metals Corp. (CSE: MILI) (OTCQB: MILIF) (FSE: QN90) (the "Company" or "MILI") is pleased to report the commencement of a 10 hole, 2500-meter, definition drilling campaign at the company's 100% owned flagship Trojarova Antimony Gold Project (the "Project") in Slovakia, and the appointment of David Murray P.Geo as Vice President of Exploration. Highlights of the Campaign Include: Up to 10 diamond drillholes (see drill hole map below) Up to 2500m of drilling 7 holes designed to confirm historical drilling results and update SLR Consulting's ongoing mineral resource estimate on the Project 3 holes designed to test the deposit for NW strike continuity Scott Eldridge, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, "The commencement of this drilling campaign at our flagship Trojarova Project is a milestone achievement. The results of this program will allow for the completion of the Project's mineral resource estimate early in 2026 and serve as a launch pad for continued advancement of this strategic asset. Furthermore, on behalf of the board, management and our shareholders, I am excited to welcome David Murray as our Vice President of Exploration. He brings 15 years of international mineral industry experience. I look forward to working directly with David to unlock the geological potential of our antimony portfolio. His technical skills will be an asset to the Company. I also wish to sincerely thank Mr. Avrom Howard for his invaluable contributions to the role of VP Exploration over the past year." History of the Project and Historical Resource Discovered nearly fifty years ago, Trojarova was the focus of extensive surface and underground exploration over 2km of strike length between 1983 and 1995, including 63 diamond drillholes totaling 14,330 meters, and 1.7 kilometers of underground workings. Historical exploration efforts culminated in a historical mineral resource estimate published by the Slovak Geological institute in 1992 (see "Historical Resource Estimates" below). Per this historical estimate, at a cut-off grade of 1.0% antimony, Trojarova hosts 2.46 million tonnes averaging 2.47% antimony and 0.635 grams per tonne gold in a mineralized zone averaging 3.32 meters wide, containing approximately 60,000 tonnes of antimony insitu. The historical estimate at Trojarova was classified using the Slovak version of the newly post-Soviet Russian classification system, which uses categories not directly comparable to modern standards as defined by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroluem ("CIM") Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves. The Slovak Geological Institute, the State agency that carried out all exploration and underground development work at Trojarova, classified the resource as "P1" in the Slovak version of the Russian classification system. P1 is most comparable in CIM's classification system to "Inferred Mineral Resources," which is defined by the CIM as that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current, and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current. For additional information relating to the historical estimate see below under the heading "Historical Resource Estimates". The Company announced January 8th, 2025, that SLR Consulting had been engaged to complete a modern mineral resource estimate of the Trojarova Project. The current drill program supports this work by seeking to confirm historical results and validate preliminary resource models. Preliminary modelling of historical data indicates the Trojarova deposit may display a trend of thickening and increasing antimony grades to the NW. The Company has targeted projected extensions of the deposit along this vector with 3 of the 7 planned drillholes with the aim to expand the current extents of the known deposit. Appointment of New Vice President of Exploration Mr. Murray is a professional geoscientist with 15 years of experience in mineral exploration and mining. His technical experience has been gathered throughout the Americas and Europe in exploration and resource geology roles, with various technical consultancies and major mining companies including Goldcorp and Newmont. David's commodity experience is diverse specializing in orogenic gold systems and including porphyry deposits, volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits, magmatic Ni + Cu + PGE, carbonate hosted Zn, Pb + Ag, HREE and LREE as well as LCT Li pegmatites and Li brine deposits. Mr. Murray holds a Bachelor of Science with an Advanced Major in Geoscience from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Mr. Murray's top technical priority will be to unlock shareholder value through the definition and growth of mineral resources at Trojarova and MILI's other antimony and related critical metals projects, along with assessing additional opportunities that may come to the Company's attention. MILI welcomes him to its executive management team on behalf of the Company's shareholders. Figure 1. Historical and proposed diamond drillholes at the Trojarova antimony & gold project, western Slovakia. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10818/273101_a4491c4ef4c25abc_001full.jpg About the Project Discovered in the late 1970s, Trojarova was the focus of extensive surface and underground exploration from 1983 to 1995, with 63 core holes for a total of 14,330m, and 1.7km of underground workings completed. Efforts continued over the years as additional trenches were dug, and holes were drilled. Starting in 1990, underground development work began ultimately comprising a 300-meter-long adit connected to a 700-plus meter-long drive in the footwall of the mineralized zone with seven crosscuts into the mineralized zone for sampling purposes. These efforts culminated in a multi-volume study comprising drill logs, analyses, drill plans, maps and sections, deposit model studies, petrographic studies, metallurgical studies and more, culminating in a multi-volume compendium of reports produced by the Slovak Geological Institute published in 1992. Options Grant The Company is pleased to announce it has granted an aggregate of 300,000 stock options (the "Options") to David Muray to purchase 300,000 common shares (the "Shares") in the capital of the Company pursuant to the Company's share option plan (the "Option Grant"). The Options, which vest immediately, are exercisable at an exercise price of $0.50 per Share for a period of five years from the date of grant. The technical contents of this release were reviewed and approved by David Murray, P.Geo, VP-Exploration for Military Metals and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. For more information about Military Metals Corp. and its critical minerals initiatives, please visit: https://www.militarymetalscorp.com. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/military-metals/ X: https://x.com/militarymetals Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564717587797 About Military Metals Corp. The Company is a British Columbia-based mineral exploration company that is primarily engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties with a focus on antimony. Historical Resource Estimates This news release includes disclosure of a historical resource estimate. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate included in this Presentation as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Company is not treag the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The historical estimate quoted in this Presentation related to the Trojarova Property was taken from a compendium produced by the Slovak Geological Survey, completed in March 1992 based on exploration work undertaking in the 1980s and 1990s. It is entitled (English translation): "FINAL JOB REPORT, PEZINOK-TROJAROVA, Geological Survey State Enterprise", report compendium number 78406 (Michel et al, 1992). The Slovak Geological Institute, the state agency that carried out all exploration and underground development work at Trojarova, classified the historical resources as "P1" and "C2" in the Slovak version of the Russian classification system, respectively. These are closest within the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum's ("CIM") classification system to "inferred mineral resources," which is defined by the CIM as that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. The historical work carried out appears comprehensive, detailed and at a professional standard. The Company considers this historical data to be relevant as the Company will use these data as a guide to plan future exploration programs. The Company also considers the data to be reliable for these purposes. However, considerable work needs to be completed before it will be possible to classify mineralization documented at Trojarova as current mineral resources. The historical drill logs need to be translated and transcribed into a logging format suitable for resource estimation purposes. All historical collar locations along with the underground maps need to be digitized and georeferenced. All data need to be transferred to an independent, arm's length resource estimation specialist so that a three-dimensional digital deposit model can be constructed, based upon which the number, length and orientation of twin and infill holes necessary so that the historical resource can be classified as current mineral resources can be determined. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information". Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes the future drilling and exploration work at Trojarova, the development of a custom antimony analytical standard, the continuation of the value of antimony, and the future needs of Europe and the E.U. specifically. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release. These include geopolitical developments related to the supply and value of antimony, the continued use of antimony and availability of alternatives, availability of capital and labour in respect of the property that is the subject of this news release, the results of any future exploration activities, which cannot be guaranteed, and any other future activities in respect of the property held by the Target. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements if circumstances, management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273101 SOURCE: Military Metals Corp. This addition strengthens BioIVT's commitment to advancing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) through enhanced global access to ethically sourced and diverse biospecimens BioIVT, a global research partner and biospecimen solutions provider for drug and diagnostic development, today announced the acquisition of BeCytes Biotechnologies, a Barcelona, Spain-based company specializing in the coordination of the collection, processing and distribution of high-quality human tissues and cells for biomedical research. This marks BioIVT's continued strategy to expand in key business units supporting NAMs and absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) areas. The addition of BeCytes strengthens BioIVT's European footprint and expands access to ethically sourced, high-quality biospecimens-particularly primary hepatocytes-for researchers worldwide. BeCytes' deep expertise in tissue sourcing and primary cell isolation complements BioIVT's existing biospecimen solutions and research services, including those in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). "As global demand increases for NAMs and more predictive research models, access to ethically sourced tissues and cells has never been more critical," said Richard Haigh, CEO of BioIVT. "With this acquisition, we're expanding our reach, enhancing our portfolio and giving scientists the high-quality specimens they need to drive innovation and accelerate medical breakthroughs." Founded in 2015, BeCytes has cemented itself as a trusted partner to pharmaceutical, biotech and academic researchers seeking the coordination of human tissue procurement and cell products generation. The company is known for its innovation in R&D and its expertise in producing primary liver cells from both human and animal sources. This strategic move positions BioIVT to meet the growing global demand for NAMs in the development of next-generation therapies. Beyond providing essential inputs for NAMs, BeCytes actively contributes to international research grants, driving innovation across the life sciences. "At BeCytes, our vision has always been to accelerate preclinical research to improve patients' lives by driving innovation and enabling scientific discovery,"saidJordi Xapelli, CEO of BeCytes Biotechnologies"For years, we have viewed BioIVT as a benchmark of excellence in our industry, with the global reach and expertise to match. This partnership marks an exciting step forward in our shared mission expanding our capabilities and strengthening our connection with the research community. We are proud to join forces with the world-class team at BioIVT." "Barcelona is consolidating itself as a leading European biotechnology hub, with significant investment being directed toward the development of new tools that accelerate preclinical research. This, in turn, is making Barcelona an increasingly attractive environment for the generation of new therapies," commented Estephan Arredondo, Technical Director of BeCytes. "BeCytes' expertise in liver cell isolation, together with its strong tissue sourcing network, provides access to one of Europe's most active regions for preclinical research. This means that biomaterials and cells utilized in both NAMs research as well as research services are obtained under the strictest ethical standards and at the highest levels of quality," added Christopher Black, Chief Operating Officer of BioIVT. BeCytes will continue to operate out of its headquarters in Barcelona (Spain). Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. About BioIVT BioIVT enables smarter science and accelerates medical breakthroughs by delivering high-quality personalized biospecimen solutions and research services to the life science and diagnostic industries. We specialize in control and disease state samples including human and animal tissues or preparations, ADME-Tox products and research services, cell and gene therapy products, blood, and other biofluids. Our unmatched portfolio of clinical specimens directly supports precision medicine research and the effort to improve patient outcomes by coupling comprehensive clinical data with donor samples. By combining our technical expertise, exceptional customer service, and unparalleled access to biological specimens, BioIVT serves the research community as a trusted partner in ELEVATING SCIENCE. For more information, please visit www.bioivt.com or follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251027418011/en/ Contacts: BioIVT Contact: Charlie Chungu, Vice President of Marketing, cchungu@bioivt.com Media Contact: Paige Romine, PAN, 321-652-8370, BioIVT@pancomm.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Inomin Mines Inc. (TSXV: MINE) ("Inomin" or the "Company") is pleased to report completion of drilling at the Company's Beaver-Lynx project in south-central, British Columbia (the "Project"). At the Beaver South zone, twelve holes - spaced approximately 200 metres apart - were drilled to test continuity of known mineralization. The South zone drilling tested an area of about 400,000 square metres intersecting an average thickness of 128 metres of serpentinized ultramafics in each hole. One hole was also drilled in the North zone to test a new high-priority target. The North zone, one of largest zones on the Beaver block, has previously been drill tested on the high magnetic features over 7 kilometres in strike length. In total 3,361.8 metres in 13 holes were drilled - analytical results are pending. South Zone Drill Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3069/273082_ef8f2f5e04cf9808_001full.jpg John Gomez, President of Inomin, states, "It's gratifying to see every hole intersect serpentinized rock typically associated with nickel and magnesium mineralization. We look forward to receiving drill results and next drilling at Beaver-Lynx." The South and North zones are two of several large, mineralized zones identified by drilling at the Beaver block of the Project. The adjoining Lynx block, 10 kilometres south of the Beaver block, hosts multiple targets comparable and possibly larger in size than what has already been found on the Beaver block, illustrating the Project's district-scale potential. Collaboration with Sumitomo The 2025 Beaver-Lynx exploration program is being undertaken in collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. ("Sumitomo") which are funding the exploration. Sumitomo is earning into the Project through an earn-in and joint venture agreement with the Company. Inomin is the operator of the Project. About Beaver-Lynx The Beaver-Lynx property comprises approximately 28,000 hectares and is ideally located in south-central British Columbia, 50 kilometres from the city of Williams Lake and adjacent to the Gibraltar mine property, the second largest open-pit copper mine in Canada. Beaver-Lynx is easily accessible by good all-season roads, and is close to hydro-electric power, as well as active railway lines. Exploration, including drilling, has demonstrated the Project may host large volumes of nickel and magnesium. Drilling has also intersected copper, chromium, cobalt, silver, and gold. Given positive initial drilling and metallurgical test results - as well as multiple, large-scale, mineral zones - the Beaver-Lynx project has the potential to be a major source of nickel and other critical minerals. For further information about Beaver-Lynx, visit Inomin's website www.inominmines.com. About Inomin Mines Inomin Mines is focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of mineral properties with strong potential to host significant resources, especially critical minerals, as well as gold and silver. Inomin trades on the TSX Venture Exchange with the symbol MINE. For more information, visit www.inominmines.com. Inomin Mines Director, L. John Peters, P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. On behalf of the board of Inomin Mines: Inomin Mines Inc. Per: "John Gomez" President and CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements 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" 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 targets, plans and expectations of the Company with respect to the new drilling program at the Beaver-Lynx property, and the expectations with respect to increased drilling at the Beaver-Lynx property. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that the drilling program at the Beaver-Lynx property is not carried out as planned. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273082 SOURCE: Inomin Mines Inc. Company Updates Its Leadership Team and Adds Three New Executives Including Chief Customer Officer, Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Technology Officer CHICAGO, ILLINOIS / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / RKON Technologies, a cybersecurity and managed IT services firm, announced today that it has acquired ScaleSec, an industry leader in implementing and enhancing cloud security capabilities. This acquisition further cements RKON's position as a leader in comprehensive cybersecurity and cloud solutions, building on its commitment to providing customers with a high-touch, solution-led approach. RKON The ScaleSec acquisition enhances RKON's core capabilities, expanding its ability to support customers across compliant cloud environments, including Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform, as well as adding offerings in: Cloud Security and Compliance Services - overhaul cloud operations to meet exhaustive regulatory requirements or industry standards.? Cloud Adoption and Modernization - create a tailored cloud operating model that improves cost, reliability, and security.? Cloud Development and Engineering - design and deliver cloud infrastructure that includes safeguards from the ground up.? Managed Services - serve as a cloud center of excellence.? "The ScaleSec acquisition builds upon other strategic initiatives by RKON to ensure leadership and innovation in the market," said David Wright, Chief Growth Officer of RKON. "Recent developments, such as the acquisition of Bridge Security Advisors, enhancements to our Microsoft Security Suite offerings, and continued investments in our managed IT services, reflect our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that protect our customers from evolving threats." RKON also announced that it is updating its leadership team. David Wright will serve as Chief Growth Officer, Wendy Kazlusky as Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Bill Gardner as Chief Operating Officer, and Gerard Onorato as Chief Information Security Officer. Additionally, the company is adding three new members from ScaleSec. Marsha Wilson joins the RKON executive team as Chief Customer Officer, Emily Ryan as Chief Revenue Officer, and Aaron Wilson as Chief Technology Officer. "I'm confident this acquisition will improve the outcomes for both current and future clients. We recognize the ubiquity of a multicloud world, and are primed to streamline, secure, and optimize ecosystems for businesses of all sizes," said Marsha Wilson. "In joining RKON, ScaleSec brings our AWS and Google Cloud expertise into full 24x7 multicloud operations, including Azure, built to support enterprise workloads end-to-end, and fulfill the demand for managed services our customers have wanted for years," said Aaron Wilson. ScaleSec will operate under the RKON brand, with its team and service offerings fully integrated into RKON's operations. Customers will experience no interruptions to current services or engagements. All existing contracts and projects will continue without any changes to the quality of service that customers have come to expect. Financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed. Layer 7 Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor to ScaleSec in connection with this transaction. Northwest Bank completed the funding. About RKON Technologies RKON Technologies provides managed IT and cybersecurity services to organizations across various industries, helping businesses mitigate risks and secure their digital infrastructures. For more information, visit https://www.rkon.com/. About ScaleSec ScaleSec is a cloud consulting firm that transforms complex cloud environments into controlled, secure, and valuable business assets that reduce costs, increase revenue, and deliver future-proof infrastructure. About Post Capital Partners Post Capital Partners is a New York-based private investment firm specializing in backing visionary management teams in the lower-middle market. SOURCE: RKON Technologies View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/rkon-technologies-advances-its-secure-cloud-offerings-with-the-a-1096544 WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Fairtrade America, the organization behind the world's most recognized label for social justice and sustainability, the Fairtrade Mark, is proud to announce the election of its new Board Chair and the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. These advisors will guide the organization's strategic direction as it advances its mission to make trade fairer for farmers and workers around the world. Dean Decrease was elected as Chair of Fairtrade America's Board of Directors and formally assumed the role in October 2025. He brings deep expertise in food and agriculture, with leadership and entrepreneurial experience spanning the food and beverage, restaurant, grocery retail, and packaging industries. His sustainability journey began in 1993, when he founded and led Weyerhaeuser Company's first global sustainability office in Geneva and helped create the Forest Stewardship Council's certification framework for sustainable forest products. Over his career, he has lived and worked across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, bringing a global perspective to his work in advancing sustainable business practices. With his leadership, Fairtrade America will continue to strengthen its reputation for building best-in-class commercial partnerships that promote equitable trade, reduce exploitation, and drive meaningful impact across global supply chains. Andy Beck, Julia Knott, and Jenny Roberts joined Fairtrade America's Board of Directors this fall. They each bring a wealth of experience and expertise to advance the organization's trade justice mission. About the New Board Members Andy Beck is a business professional and ecologist working to build sustainable supply chains for tree crops and other non-timber forest products, with a focus on cooperative modes of production and fair prices. He has worked with smallholder farmers and gatherers across multiple continents and most recently led sourcing for the chocolate company Hu Kitchen, through and beyond its acquisition by Mondelez International in 2021. He holds master's degrees in forestry and business and a B.A., all from Yale University. Beck also sits on the Board of Directors of the Amazon Conservation Association. Julia Knott is a fractional CMO and marketing advisor for mission-led food and beverage brands. She started her career at Equal Exchange and went on to lead marketing at Stonyfield, Tea Forte, and Ithaca Hummus before advising dozens of high-growth startups. Knott is known for bringing "big company" shopper marketing expertise into entrepreneurial environments - developing retailer programs, sell-in strategies, and velocity - driving activations that help emerging brands punch above their weight. Jenny Roberts has spent her career building a more just and sustainable world through market-based approaches to development.?She currently serves as Senior Director of Sustainability and Procurement at CAVA, a progressive Mediterranean national chain that seeks to make food a force for good. Over her 20 years in international development, sustainable sourcing, and microfinance, she has supported companies' efforts to convert their supply chains to more ethical and environmental practices, including her work to help establish the first fair trade microfinance loans through Kiva.org. Roberts received dual degrees from New York University, Stern (MBA) and Wagner (MPA), and has an undergraduate degree in Spanish and International Business from Georgetown University. To learn more about Fairtrade America's Board of Directors, visit Fairtrade.net. About Fairtrade America Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. It's about businesses, shoppers, farmers and workers all working together so we can all experience the benefits of trade. Fairtrade America is the U.S. branch of Fairtrade International, the original and global leader in fair trade certification with more than 30 years of experience working for fair trading practices in more than 60 countries across the globe. A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Fairtrade America is part of the world's largest and most recognized fair trade certification program -part of a global movement for change. Learn more at Fairtrade.net and by connecting with Fairtrade America on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Media Contact Liz Davis, ldavis@fairtradeamerica.org | +1 202-930-4349 View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Fairtrade America on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Fairtrade America Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/fairtrade-america Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Fairtrade America View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/four-industry-veterans-join-fairtrade-america-board-to-champion-sust-1096681 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / At the heart of every thriving company is a leader who inspires those around them to rise. This year, we're proud to honor our Vice-President of Legal Operations, Naisha Covarrubias, as Mary Kay's Leader of the Year for North America Region - recognition that goes far beyond titles and achievements. (Photo Courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.) Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com At the heart of every thriving company is a leader who inspires those around them to rise. This year, we're proud to honor our Vice-President of Legal Operations, Naisha Covarrubias, as Mary Kay's Leader of the Year for North America Region - recognition that goes far beyond titles and achievements. The "Leader of the Year" award at Mary Kay Inc. celebrates employees who lead with heart, exemplify the company's values, and make a meaningful impact. In short, the Leader of the Year award is more than just a trophy-it says that Mary Kay's culture is one of striving, being seen and celebrated, and lifting others while doing so. The company regularly celebrates milestones and achievements, reinforcing that recognition is not just about high-performance outcomes, but about making each individual feel seen, valued, and empowered. As the guiding force behind our global legal operations team, Naisha balances high-stakes decisions with a grounded sense of purpose. But what makes her story especially powerful is that her leadership extends far beyond boardrooms. She's also a devoted mother and a caring daughter, navigating the complexities of family life while flourishing at one of the world's most iconic beauty and entrepreneurship companies. Her journey is a testament to the combo of strength and intention it takes to lead with the heart - and it's one that many of us will recognize in our own lives. During a ten-question interview with the recently awarded Leader of the Year, we discovered several noteworthy details about Naisha. Q: How did you begin working at Mary Kay or what made you want to work here? A: Before Mary Kay, I spent 13 years as a lawyer for railroad companies. This was a major industry shift for me. Honestly, I chalk up my start at Mary Kay Inc. 100% to fate. Nothing about the move made logical sense on paper, but the moment I met the people and learned about the company's mission, something just clicked. It felt like stepping into a place where purpose meets passionand everything is unapologetically Pink. Q: What's one thing people might be surprised to know about you? A: Many people are surprised to learn that Spanish is my first language. Until college, I spent my summers attending school in Buenos Aires - keeping up my Spanish, learning to tango, and playing polo. Q: What's one professional lesson you wish you would've learned earlier? A: That growth doesn't always come from doing more; it often comes from empowering others to do more. Early in my career, I thought success meant carrying everything myself, but I've learned that real leadership is about trust, not control. Delegating isn't just about offloading tasks - it's about giving others the chance to rise, contribute, and grow. When you empower others, you multiply potential, and that's where true growth begins. Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of? A: Helping others reach their goals and realize their full potential is what I'm most proud of. I have had the privilege of doing this with several team members, and seeing their growth, both professionally and personally, and it is incredibly rewarding. The real win as a leader is seeing someone exceed even their own expectations. Q: What advice would you give others at Mary Kay? (new or tenured) A: Stay humble, stay hungry, and treat this business like your name is on the door. Show up with purpose, execute with excellence and urgency, and honor the legacy of a family whose vision continues to create opportunity - for you and millions worldwide. This mindset changes everything. Q: Who outside Mary Kay has most influenced your life and how? A: My Abuela (maternal grandmother), now 96, has been one of the greatest influences in my life. She leads with unwavering faith, puts family first, and reminds me daily to surrender everything to God. Her quiet strength and devotion have shaped how I live, love, and lead. She's also been a loyal Mary Kay skincare user for decades - and let me tell you, the dedication shows. Barely a wrinkle on that radiant face. Q: If you could swap jobs with anyone in the company for the day, who would it be and why? A: If I could swap jobs for a day, I'd choose one of Mary Kay's scientists. I'd love to step into the lab, see the innovation up close, and wear a lab coat while pretending I know exactly how peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol work! Q: What is the best piece of professional advice you ever received? A: The best advice I have received came from my father: leave things better than you found them. I have watched him live that principle every day - treating everyone with respect, acting on great ideas, and elevating everything he touches. That mindset has become the foundation of how I show up in every part of my life. Q: What is one item on your desk or in your office that you can't live without? A: Coffee. No contest. It's the MVP of my desk! It keeps me focused, friendly, and functioning. It's the quiet hero of my workday. Q: What's your most memorable "oops" moment at work? A: Not at Mary Kay, but much earlier in my legal career, I sent an email summarizing a deposition to my client. Or so I thought. The email included a rather colorful description of an eccentric opposing counsel who had brought his parrot to the meeting (yes, a real parrot). Unfortunately, I accidentally included him in the recipient list (don't judge this Xennial). Let's just say the bird wasn't the only one squawking after that. To this day, I've sworn off "Reply All," always rebuild my email recipient list from scratch, and quadruple-check the "To" field before hitting "Send." Power Advice from Naisha "You don't have to do it all perfectly - just do it with purpose. The most powerful thing you can bring to any role, whether at work or at home, is your whole authentic self." Final Thoughts: Naisha's journey reminds us that leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about showing up, staying grounded, and believing in the impact you can make, one intentional step at a time. Did You Know: The culture of recognition at Mary Kay Inc. is deeply rooted in its founding values - every team member is encouraged to treat one another with the respect and acknowledgement embodied by the company's motto: "Make Me Feel Important." Women-led company: 63% of the global workforce at Mary Kay is female as well as 62% of its global Research and Development (R&D) team. 60% of the Executive team is female, and 57% of leadership positions are held by women in the company's top 10 markets[1]. **** About Mary Kay One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women's lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X. # # # [1] Women Representation and Leadership at Mary Kay (May 2025). View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mary Kay on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Mary Kay Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mary-kay Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Mary Kay View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/from-legal-briefs-to-bedtime-stories-how-mary-kays-vice-presiden-1096682 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Velocity Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: VLC) (OTCQB: VLCJF) ("Velocity" or the "Company") provides an update on the February 2025 share purchase and option agreement between Turker Global Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. ("Turker") and Velocity (the "Turker Transaction") (see previous news releases, including dated April 16, 2025). Turker Transaction Update In connection with the Turker Transaction, Velocity received a first tranche payment (previous news released dated June 9, 2025). Future closing of the Turker Transaction will occur within 18 months from June 23, 2025, or earlier at Turker's discretion. If the transaction closes within 12 months, on or before June 23, 2026, then the amount of the second and final tranche will be reduced by USD $1.5 million. Velocity and Turker have signed a Funding and Technical Services Agreement, dated July 18, 2025 (as amended), pursuant to which Turker will be responsible for funding 100% of all costs required to (i) keep the Subject Assets in good standing, (ii) complete field work supporting Turker's planned Feasibility Study (to be prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects), and (iii) file an Environmental Impact Assessment report "EIA Report") required under local mine permitting regulations. The Feasibility Study is in progress with planned completion in Q2 2026. The EIA Report was completed in Q3 and filed with the relevant authorities on August 8, 2025. Amended Agreement Details The Company also announces that it has entered into an agreement to amend the terms of an investment agreement with Artemis Gold Inc. ("Artemis") dated January 16, 2019 (the "2019 Investment Agreement"). The amendment dated November 3, 2025 (the "Amendment Agreement"), provides that: Distribution of Net Profits - the net profits of the Company (including the net proceeds from the disposition of assets) available for distribution will be distributed to shareholders of the Company. Cap on Board of Directors - the number of directors of Velocity will be capped at five members. Board Composition - the board of directors will continue to include Keith Henderson, Daniel Marinov, Mark Cruise, and a nominee of Artemis, currently Gerrie van der Westhuizen. Concurrently with execution of the Amendment Agreement, Keith Henderson, Daniel Marinov, Mark Cruise (together the "Velocity Directors") and Artemis have entered into lock up agreements (the "Lock Up Agreements"). Under the terms of the Lock-Up Agreements, the sale or transfer of any Velocity shares is strictly prohibited unless in connection with (i) certain allowable sales or transfers to a related party, or (ii) in connection with takeover bid or similar transactions. Provisions of the Amendment Agreement relating to the cap on directors and board composition terminate on the earlier of (i) six months following the closing of the Turker Transaction, (ii) the termination of the Lock Up Agreements, and (iii) termination by mutual consent. The Lock Up Agreements terminate on the earlier of (i) the date upon which Artemis sells all but not less than all of its shares in the Company, (ii) six months following the closing of the Turker Transaction, (iii) 24 months following the signing of the Lock-Up Agreements, and (iv) termination by mutual consent. The distribution of net profits will be subject to (i) the terms of any debt financing or contract binding the Company, (ii) the extent to which such distribution is permitted by law (including the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia)), and (iii) the amount of any transfer to reserves required to meet actual or anticipated expenses, in the reasonable opinion of the board of directors of Velocity. About the 2019 Investment Agreement Artemis (formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Gold Corporation) and Velocity entered into the 2019 Investment Agreement in early 2019 (see previous news release dated January 17, 2019). In connection with the 2019 Investment Agreement, Artemis made a cornerstone investment in Velocity in 2019. The initial aggregate investment of $9,000,000 was achieved through acquisition of 18,600,000 units of Velocity at a price per unit of $0.21 for total gross proceeds of $3,906,000 (the "Equity Placement"). Each Unit consisted of one common share of Velocity and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling Artemis to acquire one common share of Velocity at a price of $0.25 per common share for a period of 36 months following the closing of the Equity Placement. The remainder of the initial investment consisted of $5,094,000 principal amount of secured convertible debentures, issued by the Company to Artemis, which later converted the convertible debentures into common shares of Velocity at a conversion price of $0.25 per share. In connection with the 2019 Investment Agreement, Artemis was granted (i) the right to appoint one director to Velocity's Board of Directors upon the closing of the Equity Placement, and increasing to two out of five directors upon Artemis holding over 30% of the issued and outstanding shares of Velocity and (ii) the right to participate in any future equity issuances by Velocity in order to allow Artemis to maintain its pro rata fully diluted ownership in Velocity. Since 2019, Artemis has invested an aggregate total of $13,945,785 through equity placements and convertible debentures. Artemis currently holds 50,701,138 common shares of Velocity (25.7% of issued and outstanding Velocity common shares). About Artemis Gold Artemis Gold is a well-financed, growth-oriented gold and silver producer and development company with a strong financial capacity aimed at creating shareholder value through the identification, acquisition, and development of gold properties in mining-friendly jurisdictions. The Company's current focus is the Blackwater Mine in central British Columbia approximately 160km southwest of Prince George and 450km northeast of Vancouver. The first gold and silver pour at Blackwater was achieved in January 2025 and commercial production was declared on May 1, 2025. Artemis Gold trades on the TSX-V under the symbol ARTG and the OTCQX under the symbol ARGTF. For more information visit www.artemisgoldinc.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Keith Henderson" President & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the Turker Transaction, the availability for distribution of net profits and the payment of any dividends, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the expectations and beliefs of the Company that the Turker Transaction will be completed in accordance with the Purchase and Option Agreement, requirements for additional capital, actual results of exploration activities, including on the Company's projects, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, future prices of precious metals and copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals (including TSX Venture Exchange acceptance), permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as the risk factors described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273087 SOURCE: Velocity Minerals Ltd. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Evolve Funds Group Inc. ("Evolve" or the "Manager") is pleased to announce that it has filed a preliminary prospectus with the Canadian securities regulators for plans to list the Evolve Big Six Canadian Banks UltraYield Index ETF (TSX: SIXY) ("SIXY" or the "Evolve Fund") on the Toronto Stock Exchange. SIXY aims to offer investors modestly levered exposure to a portfolio of Canada's 'Big Six' banks, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Bank of Montreal (BMO), Scotiabank, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), and National Bank of Canada, with a covered call strategy. "We're excited to announce the filing of a preliminary prospectus for SIXY, the first sector-focused addition to our UltraYield lineup," said Raj Lala, President and CEO at Evolve. "SIXY provides investors with exposure to Canada's Big Six banks, while enhancing yield through a covered call strategy and modest leverage, with distributions paid twice per month." SIXY seeks to provide exposure to an equal-weighted portfolio of Canadian banks while generating enhanced income through a covered call strategy. The Evolve Fund aims to replicate, to the extent reasonably possible before fees and expenses, up to a 1.33 times multiple of the performance of the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks Index, or a successor index. To enhance yield and manage risk, SIXY will employ a covered call option writing program at the discretion of the Manager. The level of covered call option writing may vary based on market conditions. SIXY will use modest leverage in order to seek to achieve its investment objective. Leverage will be created through the use of cash borrowings and/or Derivatives, or as otherwise permitted under applicable securities legislation. Cash distributions, if any, on SIXY will be paid at least twice per month, with the possibility of more frequent distributions at the Manager's discretion. About Evolve Funds Group Inc. With $8 billion in assets under management, Evolve specializes in bringing innovative ETFs to Canadian investors. Evolve's suite of ETFs provide investors with access to: (i) index-based income strategies; (ii) long term investment themes; and (iii) some of the world's leading investment managers. Established by a team of industry veterans with a demonstrated ability to succeed, Evolve creates investment products that make a difference. For more information, please visit www.evolveetfs.com. Join us on social media: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Youtube Evolve Funds Group Inc. is the investment fund manager and portfolio manager. Evolve Big Six Canadian Banks UltraYield Index ETF ("SIXY") will be offered by Evolve Funds Group Inc., and distributed through authorized dealers. Leverage increases risk. A preliminary prospectus containing important information has been filed with the securities commissions or similar authorities in all provinces and territories of Canada. The preliminary prospectus is still subject to completion or amendment. A copy is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). There will be no sale or acceptance of an offer to buy the securities until receipt for the final prospectus has been issued by the relevant securities commissions. For more information, visit www.evolveetfs.com. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to a future outlook and anticipated distributions, events or results and may include statements regarding future financial performance. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Evolve undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273045 SOURCE: Evolve ETFs INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IMG (International Medical Group) is excited to announce Susana Yeboah, a freshman nursing student at East Tennessee State University, as the winner of its inaugural Student Journey Scholarship. Launched earlier this year, the Student Journey Scholarship is designed to support international students pursuing higher education in the United States. Yeboah, a citizen of Ghana, will receive a $5,000 scholarship to help fund her academic journey as she works toward her dream of a life dedicated to caring for others. "This scholarship will make a meaningful difference in helping me continue my studies and stay focused on my goals," said Yeboah. "Beyond the financial support, it's deeply encouraging to know that others believe in my potential and the path I'm pursuing." To apply for IMG's Student Journey Scholarship, applicants were asked to submit a 500-word essay or 3-minute video describing their journey that led them to pursue higher education in the United States and how this education will help them achieve their personal and professional goals. "With the launch of the Student Journey Scholarship, it's inspiring to see the many ways international students are pursuing higher education in the U.S. and making a meaningful impact in the world around them," said Justin Poehler, IMG Chief Commercial Officer. "We're honored to support Susana as our first scholarship winner, and we look forward to investing in more students like her." Through the Student Journey Scholarship program, IMG will be awarding funds to one student per Fall and Spring semester, and each winner will receive $5,000. Entries for the 2026 Spring semester scholarship will be accepted January 1-March 31, 2026. To learn more about the Student Journey Scholarship, visit www.imglobal.com/student-journey-scholarship. About IMG (International Medical Group) IMG (International Medical Group), a SiriusPoint company, is an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company that has served millions of members worldwide since its founding in 1990. The preeminent provider of travel and health safety solutions, IMG offers a wide range of insurance programs, including international private medical insurance, travel medical insurance, and travel insurance, as well as enterprise services, including insurance administrative services and 24/7 emergency medical, security, and travel assistance. IMG's world-class services, combined with an extensive product portfolio, provide Global Peace of Mind for travelers, students, missionaries, marine crews, and other individuals or groups traveling, working, or living away from home. For more information, please visit www.imglobal.com. Media Contact: Carly Kessler, IMG Communications Manager, carly.kessler@imglobal.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/456500/International_Medical_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/img-announces-winner-of-first-student-journey-scholarship-302593296.html Westlake Corporation (NYSE: WLK) ("Westlake") announced today the commencement of an underwritten public offering, subject to market and other conditions, of senior unsecured notes (the "Notes") under its existing shelf registration statement. The timing of pricing and terms of the Notes are subject to market conditions and other factors. Westlake intends to use the net proceeds from the proposed public offering of the Notes to fund the repurchase of its outstanding 3.600% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "2026 Senior Notes") pursuant to a concurrent cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for any and all of the 2026 Senior Notes. Westlake anticipates using any remaining net proceeds to fund the purchase price of its pending acquisition of the global compounding solutions businesses of the ACI/Perplastic Group (the "ACI Acquisition") and for general corporate purposes, including working capital management. The offering of the Notes is not contingent upon the successful completion of the Tender Offer or the consummation of the ACI Acquisition. The Notes are being offered and will be sold only pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement that was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities (including the Notes), nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. The offering of the Notes is being made only by means of a prospectus and related prospectus supplement meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This press release shall not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the 2026 Senior Notes. The Tender Offer is being made only by and pursuant to, and on the terms and conditions set forth in, the Offer to Purchase dated November 4, 2025. BofA Securities, Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering of the Notes. A copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to the offering of the Notes may be obtained for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or by making a request to: BofA Securities, Inc. at 1-800-294-1322; Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. at 1-800-503-4611; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC collect at 1-212-834-4533; or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC at 1-800-645-3751. About Westlake Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, Westlake provides the building blocks for vital solutions from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer goods. Forward-Looking Statements The statements in this press release that are not historical facts, such as statements regarding the proposed public offering of the Notes and the use of proceeds therefrom and other matters relating to the proposed public offering, are forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations. Although Westlake believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include results of operations, market conditions, capital needs and uses and other risks and uncertainties that are beyond Westlake's control, including those described in the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to the offering of the Notes, Westlake's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, Westlake's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2025 and its other filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements, like all statements in this press release, speak only as of the date of this press release (unless another date is indicated). Westlake does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251103367398/en/ Contacts: Media Inquiries: Ben Ederington, 713-960-9111 Investor Inquiries: Steve Bender, 713-960-9111 E-3 Tech, backed by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Executes on Vision to Reshape Traditional Services Industries Through application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Strategic M&A MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / E-3 Tech, LLC, backed by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), today announced a major milestone in its mission to transform traditional service businesses, through a powerful combination of applied artificial intelligence (AI) and programmatic M&A. E-3 Tech Logo E-3 Tech Logo Sylvan Inc., E-3 Tech's flagship multi trade construction services platform, with participation from a16z,has closed a transformational deal with Andy J. Egan Co., Inc., a 100-year-old mechanical contracting industry leader based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "The opportunity to execute a transformational growth strategy in the AI era is extraordinarily attractive," said Rudy Adolf, Founder and CEO of E-3 Tech. "application of AI gives entrepreneurs the ability to amplify their expertise to serve clients at an entirely new level. AI levels the playing field for family-owned medium sized businesses competing against the largest players in an industry" The Investment Thesis E-3 Tech is actively seeking to invest in US traditional services businesses across multiple sectors where tailwinds are driving above-average organic growth - companies that have strong management teams, solid customer relationships, and proven business models with attractive core economics, but have not yet harnessed the transformative power of technology and inorganic growth. Multi-trade construction services represent an ideal opportunity, with onshoring, reshoring, specialty manufacturing and demand for data centers forming the core of the re-industrialization of America. "Never Turn Pilots into Passengers": An Entrepreneur and Client-Centric Approach E-3 Tech's defining principle "We never turn pilots into passengers" - reflects a fundamental belief that entrepreneurial drive and autonomy are essential to unlocking long-term business value. E-3 Tech partners exclusively with mid-sized entrepreneurial management teams and family-owned businesses, providing capital, access to cutting-edge applied artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and strategic growth support while preserving operating autonomy and leadership. This approach ensures that the leaders who built successful businesses remain empowered to drive growth and innovation, while gaining access to leading resources and technologies. Building the Future of Traditional Services Industries In March 2025, E-3 Tech, invested in Sylvan with an ambitious growth vision. Eight months later, we are on our way to delivering on this vision with Sylvan closing a transformative deal with Andy J. Egan. "Our M&A strategy is bringing together highly successful entrepreneurial leaders in the multi-trade construction services industry under the leadership of Sylvan Group. With a combined scale of over $1 billion in revenues, our operating leaders will receive support from a strong Sylvan Group "spine" of shared services across core, growth and AI infrastructure and deep capital resources. Our partners will continue to retain entrepreneurial independence while benefiting from institutional-level growth support. Our operating leaders have substantial equity ownership in Sylvan Group, and this creates strong alignment in outcomes between our operators and investors" said Sukanya Kuruganti, Partner - Head of M&A and Portfolio Relationships at E-3 Tech "Our approach to applied AI is unique and embraces three concepts - creating a unique best-in-class ontology and data lake in the multi-trade construction services space, leveraging owned and third-party AI tools and resources and lastly, our own Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR) program. With help from our partners at a16z, we have established a highly differentiated EIR program which allows us to attract successful technologists and former founders looking to build AI solutions for legacy industries" said Anita Venkiteswaran, Partner - Chief Strategist at E-3 Tech. "Jobotics (www.jobotics.ai) - our AI answer and action engine focused on transforming raw and fragmented construction project data into actionable insights is showing encouraging early results, helping project leaders and business executives make faster and better decisions." ------ About E-3 Tech, LLC E-3 Tech, LLC is a private investment company, backed by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), that invests in entrepreneurial management teams to drive growth, innovation, and long-term value creation through deployment of leading-edge technologies accelerated by programmatic M&A. E-3 Tech leverages deep strategic and operational expertise, extensive networks, and significant capital resources to build successful platforms in high-growth services industries. By prioritizing collaboration, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial autonomy, E-3 Tech empowers family and management owned companies to achieve industry leadership and sustainable success. Learn more at www.e-3.tech. About Sylvan, Inc. Sylvan is a premier construction services company powering North American industries through comprehensive multi-trade capabilities. With deep expertise across data centers, energy, automotive, higher education, government, and oil & gas sectors, Sylvan delivers advanced services from initial planning through execution and ongoing maintenance. Backed by E-3 Tech, Sylvan combines innovation, technical excellence, and cutting-edge AI technology to drive unprecedented success for its clients and partners. Learn more at www.sylvan-inc.com. About Andy J. Egan Co., Inc. Founded in 1919, Egan is a leading mechanical contractor delivering engineering, fabrication, mechanical insulation, controls, and 24/7 service for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications. For over a century, Egan has set the standard for quality and craftsmanship on the Midwest's most demanding projects. As a people-first company, Egan operates with integrity in every interaction while deploying advanced construction technologies on every project. Learn more at https://andyegan.com. SOURCE: E-3 Tech Related Images Andy Egan Logo Andy Egan Logo View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/e-3-tech-announces-transformational-acquisition-accelerating-ai-1096469 Expected to Contribute $10 Million in Annual Revenue Over the Next Five Years CHENGDU, CN / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / WeTouch Technology Inc. ("WeTouch" or the "Company"), a global leader in touch display solutions, today announced another major milestone in the international high-end market: the Company has successfully won two key projects with Siemens AG, a world-leading provider of industrial manufacturing and automation solutions. Under the agreement, WeTouch has been awarded long-term supply qualification for Siemens' industrial Human-Machine Interface (HMI) high-end product line as well as its core Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) products for the next five years. Together, these projects are expected to generate approximately USD 10 million in additional annual revenue during the contract period. Industrial HMI: Powering Smart Factory Interfaces in Europe Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems are widely used in high-end automated production lines, serving as the critical platform for interaction between operators and industrial equipment. Siemens' industrial HMI high-end series is one of its flagship product lines in the European automation market, known for its exceptionally stringent technical and quality requirements. By leveraging advanced touch technology, stable delivery capacity, and rigorous quality management, WeTouch has successfully obtained long-term supply status for Siemens' HMI high-end series in Germany. This recognition confirms that WeTouch's technology and quality standards have passed the most demanding certifications in the global industrial automation sector, positioning the Company as a key partner within Siemens' supply chain. Industrial PLC: Accelerating Growth in Southeast Asia Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) are considered the "brains" of smart factories, ensuring precise control and seamless automation across production processes. WeTouch has also secured a major PLC-related touchscreen project with Siemens, which is expected to be rolled out primarily in Southeast Asia. This win highlights the Company's competitive strengths in PLC projects and will further accelerate its expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. CEO Statement "We are honored to be selected by Siemens for its industrial HMI and PLC high-end supply systems, which is another strong validation of WeTouch's comprehensive capabilities," said Mr. Zongyi Lien, CEO of WeTouch. "We remain committed to delivering one-stop touch solutions characterized by high reliability, high customization, and premium quality, while driving the future of human-machine interaction worldwide." Future Outlook With continued breakthroughs in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, WeTouch is steadily building a more resilient global footprint. The Company will continue to advance "Made in China" innovation and, together with global partners such as Siemens, shape the high-end future of the touch display industry. About WeTouch Technology Inc.: WeTouch Technology Inc. is a leading provider of high-quality touch display solutions, committed to revolutionizing human-machine interaction across various industries. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, WeTouch delivers cutting-edge technology and unmatched performance in touch display solutions worldwide. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", "target", "going forward", "outlook," "objective" and similar terms. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and which are beyond Wetouch's control, which may cause Wetouch's actual results, performance or achievements (including the RMB/USD value of its anticipated benefit to Wetouch as described herein) to differ materially and in an adverse manner from anticipated results contained or implied in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in Wetouch's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at www.sec.gov. Wetouch does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law. Investor and Media Contact: Email: JBHUANG1975@163.com SOURCE: Wetouch Technology Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/wetouch-expands-global-presence-secures-siemens-supply-contracts-1096628 New partnership empowers organizations with access to rich data insights required to power AI apps that accelerate businesses outcomes Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), the AI Data Cloud company, and SAP SE, a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, today announced a new collaboration to enable organizations to seamlessly leverage Snowflake's AI Data Cloud and SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC) with semantically rich data. The joint effort will make Snowflake's data AI platform available as a SAP solution extension for SAP BDC customers. The new offering, SAP Snowflake solution extension for SAP Business Data Cloud, unites SAP's deep expertise in mission-critical business processes and semantically rich data with Snowflake's unified platform capabilities for building AI and machine learning solutions. SAP and Snowflake are also enabling zero copy sharing between SAP BDC and Snowflake to help customers get richer insights, build enterprise-grade intelligent applications and unlock AI-powered innovation that fuels business transformation. "By tightly integrating SAP and Snowflake, we're making it simple for enterprises to connect their critical business data with its rich context in SAP with the power of seamless AI app and data agent development at scale in Snowflake," added Christian Kleinerman, EVP of Product, Snowflake. "Enterprises can now innovate faster with Snowflake and SAP BDC and seamlessly share data between the platforms -zero-copy and fully governed." SAP Snowflake brings Snowflake into the open data ecosystem of SAP BDC and the business data fabric-empowering customers with greater openness and choice, while extending SAP BDC with Snowflake's AI, analytics, data engineering, Marketplace, and collaboration capabilities. Customers can use SAP BDC with SAP Snowflake as a cloud-scale compute and storage option to extend the value of their data. Leveraging bidirectional, zero-copy data access, data and AI teams can work with semantically rich SAP data products in real time, within a unified governance framework. As a result, customers can harmonize SAP and non-SAP data while optimizing total cost of ownership across workloads and build agents and AI applications in SAP Snowflake fueled by trusted SAP data products. "Bringing Snowflake to SAP Business Data Cloud empowers our customers with openness and choice," said Irfan Khan, President and Chief Product Officer for SAP Data and Analytics, SAP SE. "Together, we combine SAP's decades of leadership in mission-critical business applications with Snowflake's modern data platform to deliver a unified, enterprise-ready, and SAP-supported experience that extends the value of business data across the entire ecosystem." With SAP Snowflake, customers can: Build a trusted, AI-ready data foundation to harmonize SAP and non-SAP data: Unify their data landscape with an integrated business data fabric-enabling more seamless zero-copy sharing, enriched modeling, and a complete, business-ready view of their data in real time for all data engineering, analytics, and AI and machine learning workflows across the enterprise. Unify their data landscape with an integrated business data fabric-enabling more seamless zero-copy sharing, enriched modeling, and a complete, business-ready view of their data in real time for all data engineering, analytics, and AI and machine learning workflows across the enterprise. Accelerate AI business value with semantically rich data: Simplify AI governance, ground AI in organizational knowledge, and build tailored agents-helping to ensure more secure, context-rich, and intelligent applications across the enterprise. Simplify AI governance, ground AI in organizational knowledge, and build tailored agents-helping to ensure more secure, context-rich, and intelligent applications across the enterprise. Develop intelligent applications grounded in mission-critical business data: Build, deploy, and continuously optimize intelligent applications faster with a harmonized and democratized data foundation powered by semantically rich, trusted data products that accelerate the pace of innovation and production. In addition to SAP Snowflake, the partnership also includes SAP Business Data Cloud Connect for Snowflake, a capability enabling bidirectional, zero copy data sharing with Snowflake. Enterprises already using Snowflake can leverage SAP BDC Connect to integrate their existing instances of Snowflake with SAP Business Data Cloud for more seamless, zero-copy access, providing Snowflake users with real-time access to semantically rich SAP data products-without duplication. SAP and Snowflake are supporting thousands of customers, including industry leaders like AstraZeneca, as they transform their industries with this partnership. "AstraZeneca is constantly pushing the boundaries of science and is pioneering in life-changing medicines," said Russell Smith, Vice President of ERP Transformation Technology, AstraZeneca. "Data and AI are central to achieving this aim, and our close collaboration with SAP and Snowflake compliments our ability to access, process and analyze real-time data. This announcement will accelerate our mission and recognizes that every minute matters to make breakthroughs for patients." SAP Snowflake is planned to be generally available in Q1 2026. SAP BDC Connect for Snowflake is planned to be generally available in H1 2026. Learn More: Learn more about the power of SAP and Snowflake together here. Discover what makes the SAP Business Data Cloud unique here. For more information on SAP Snowflake visit the SAP and Snowflake partner page and read this blog post. Stay on top of the latest news and announcements from Snowflake on LinkedIn and X. About Snowflake Snowflake is the platform for the AI era, making it easy for enterprises to innovate faster and get more value from data. More than 12,000 customers around the globe, including hundreds of the world's largest companies, use Snowflake's AI Data Cloud to build, use and share data, applications and AI. With Snowflake, data and AI are transformative for everyone. Learn more at snowflake.com (NYSE: SNOW). About SAP As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE: SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience. For more information, visit www.sap.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains express and implied forward-looking statements, including statements regarding (i) Snowflake's business strategy, (ii) Snowflake's products, services, and technology offerings, including those that are under development or not generally available, (iii) market growth, trends, and competitive considerations, and (iv) the integration, interoperability, and availability of Snowflake's products with and on third-party platforms. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the Annual Reports on Form 10-K that Snowflake files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. As a result, you should not rely on any forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. 2025 Snowflake Inc. All rights reserved. Snowflake, the Snowflake logo, and all other Snowflake product, feature and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Snowflake Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other brand names or logos mentioned or used herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s). Snowflake may not be associated with, or be sponsored or endorsed by, any such holder(s). SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. This document contains forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risk factors section of SAP's 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F. 2025 SAP SE. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104476820/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Tom Hannigan Partner PR, Snowflake press@snowflake.com Scott Malinowski Partner PR, SAP scott.malinowski@sap.com New alliance combines Esker's AI automation with Numen's SAP consulting expertise to help enterprises migrate faster and build future-ready finance operations Esker, the leading AI Automation Suite for the Office of the CFO, today announced a new strategic partnership with Numen, a leading technology solutions company specializing in SAP digital transformation. The partnership will help enterprises across North and South America transform their finance and operations ecosystems as they prepare for the next wave of SAP modernization. The partnership comes at a pivotal moment as SAP phases out maintenance for ECC 6.0 between late 2025 and 2027. With only approximately one-third of enterprises having completed migrations to S/4HANA, thousands of organizations including 86.7% of Esker's SAP customers must work quickly to update their ERP environments and need trusted partners to guide that transition. "Now is a pivotal moment for SAP-driven enterprises as they migrate to the next generation of cloud-based ERP platforms," said Ari Widlansky, managing director and U.S. chief operating officer at Esker. "Thousands of organizations are having to rethink their ERP environments right now. This partnership is fully aligned with Esker's strategy to become the most trusted AI automation platform for the Office of the CFO in an ERP-cloud world. SAP customers are modernizing at unprecedented speed and we are here to power that transition. Partnering with Numen, one of the most trusted SAP consultancies, allows Esker to support SAP-powered customers not only with our solutions but also with Numen's deep expertise in building and future-proofing SAP ecosystems for years to come." As enterprises migrate to S/4HANA and adopt cleaner, cloud-based architectures, Esker and Numen will deliver AI-powered automation that simplifies and accelerates finance and operations, spanning order management, procurement, accounts receivable and accounts payables. By combining Esker's Automation Suite for the Office of the CFO with Numen's 1,000+ SAP consultants, the partnership accelerates time-to-value, enhances interoperability and delivers greater visibility across finance operations during ERP transitions. Esker's suite of automation solutions will also play a key role in helping SAP users embrace the industry's push toward standardization over customization. As organizations particularly those in manufacturing, life sciences, distribution and consumer goods, where SAP modernization and finance digitalization are accelerating move away from heavily customized ERP builds that make future upgrades costly and complex, Esker's modular, SaaS-based solutions enable a more agile and future-proof approach to automation. "Modern SAP customers want flexibility and simplicity not complex, customized systems that slow down innovation," said Eduardo Nagata, CEO, Numen North America. "Esker's platform complements our SAP public cloud offering perfectly. Together, we're enabling companies to standardize and scale faster, with powerful interfaces for customers and suppliers that SAP's native environment doesn't provide." By blending Esker's U.S. presence with Numen's nearshore delivery model in Brazil, the partnership will also reduce implementation costs and lead times for enterprises across the Americas. This combined expertise lowers the barrier to entry for companies ready to embrace digital transformation, offering cost-effective, regionally aligned support that bridges technology, language and time zones. "Partnering with Numen broadens Esker's ability to serve SAP customers faster and more affordably," Widlansky added. "It's about meeting customers where they are, helping them transition without disruption and positioning them for long-term success." Customers can expect an expanded network of certified delivery experts, deeper SAP integration capabilities and a seamless path to adopt Esker's AI-driven automation as they modernize their ERP environments. About Esker Esker's AI Automation Suite for the Office of the CFO leverages the latest in Agentic AI and automation technologies to optimize working capital and cashflow, enhance strategic decision-making, and improve human-to-human relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. Esker's Source-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash solutions automate any business process while supporting long-term growth strategies. Offering 40+ years of industry knowledge, Esker operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific with global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. To learn more about Esker, visit www.esker.com, follow us on LinkedIn and join the conversation at esker.com/blog. About Numen With a presence in Brazil, Europe, and North America, Numen is a consultancy with strong expertise in SAP projects and a strategic partner of global players such as AWS, Salesforce, and Celonis. Known for its innovative approach and consistent focus on results, Numen supports companies in digital transformation and sustainable value creation. For more information, visit: https://numenit.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104621388/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Brian Jaeger Tel: (352) 682-7636 eskerpr@walkersands.com Recognition underscores Aptiv's pioneering approach to intelligent perception and automation through its innovative PULSE Sensor, advancing Product Leadership in Automotive Assisted Parking technologies. SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Aptiv has received the 2025 Global Product Leadership Recognition in the automotive assisted parking industry for its outstanding achievements in product innovation, strategic execution, and customer-centric design. This recognition highlights Aptiv's consistent leadership in driving measurable outcomes, strengthening its market position, and delivering next-generation parking solutions that redefine safety, precision, and efficiency in urban mobility. Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: business impact and product portfolio attributes. Aptiv excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to align technological innovation with OEM needs while executing with efficiency, consistency, and scalability. "Through early request for quotations (RFQs), close OEM collaboration, and iterative prototyping, the company continuously refines the sensor. It also leverages insights from full-system ADAS deployments with major OEMs to anticipate future needs," said Jack Palmer, Principal Consultant - Mobility Advisory Practice, Frost & Sullivan. Guided by a long-term growth strategy focused on product leadership, Aptiv has shown exceptional agility in adapting to the evolving landscape of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving. The company's sustained investment in sensor innovation and system integration has enabled it to deliver high-performing, cost-efficient, and scalable perception technologies that address the growing complexity of urban driving and parking environments. At the forefront of Aptiv's innovation portfolio is its PULSE (Parking, Urban, Localization and Surround Enhancement) Sensor, a breakthrough in assisted parking technology. The PULSE Sensor integrates ultra-short-range radar and surround-view camera technologies into a single, compact sensing unit. This integration enhances environmental awareness, improves detection accuracy under all conditions, and significantly reduces system complexity and cost for automakers. By replacing multiple ultrasonic sensors and associated components, the PULSE Sensor enables lower system cost by up to 15-20% while improving perception accuracy and coverage. The solution enables OEMs to offer advanced safety features-such as rim and door protection, trunk door collision avoidance, and low-speed emergency braking-at a lower total cost of ownership. This innovation not only elevates performance and safety but also enables feature-based monetization, an emerging trend reshaping the automotive industry's revenue models. "This recognition highlights Aptiv's leadership in AI- and ML-powered perception and the real-world value we're delivering. PULSE accelerates the shift to software-defined vehicles by lowering costs, improving safety, and enabling faster feature deployment. Its precision and flexibility also make it ideal for short-range sensing in drones and robotics," said Javed Khan, Executive Vice President and President of Software, Advanced Safety and User Experience at Aptiv. Aptiv's commitment to customer collaboration and agile development ensures that its technologies evolve in line with market expectations. The company's cross-functional teams-spanning engineering, R&D, and product management-work in close partnership with OEMs to integrate learnings from real-world ADAS deployments, enabling continuous refinement and optimization. This collaborative approach reinforces Aptiv's position as a trusted innovation partner for global automakers. Frost & Sullivan commends Aptiv for setting a new standard in product excellence, innovation, and scalability. The company's visionary leadership, robust R&D pipeline, and customer-first culture are shaping the future of automotive assisted parking and driving transformative outcomes at scale. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Product Leadership Recognition to a company that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market share, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning. The recognition honors forward-thinking organizations that are redefining their industries through innovation and operational excellence. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards. Contact us: Start the discussion. Contact: Ashley Shreve E: ashley.weinkauf@frost.com About Aptiv Aptiv is a global technology company that develops safer, greener, and more connected solutions enabling a more sustainable future. Learn more at aptiv.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aptiv-receives-frost--sullivans-2025-global-product-leadership-recognition-for-excellence-in-automotive-assisted-parking-solutions-302603772.html Industry-first, 'off-the-beaten-path' travel documentary series focused on junior mining, celebrating the spirit of ingenuity and resilience that drives the industry Episode 7 Live on YouTube - Subscribe & Watch NOW Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - EarthLabs Inc. (TSXV: SPOT) (OTCQX: SPOFF) (FSE: 8EK0) is thrilled to announce the release of Episode 7 of EarthLabs Expeditions, a bold reality documentary series revolutionizing how audiences experience the junior mining and exploration industry. This episode features Borealis Mining Company Limited (TSXV: BOGO) (FSE: L4B0) (OTC Pink: BORMF) with a visit to the legendary mining state of Nevada to trace 150 years of mining history along the prolific Walker Lane Trend. EarthLabs Expeditions is an industry-first, 'off-the-beaten-path' travel documentary meets junior mining, exploration video series. It's an epic journey into the unknown, where: The adventure is 100% unscripted (and sometimes requires a quad). There will be Nuggets The discoveries are real, the history is raw, and the ride is riveting. Episode 7 - Borealis Mining This time, we're headed back to Nevada - a state with a legendary mining past - to see a company poised to kick off the next gold rush in a record-high gold price environment. Join us on the ground with Kelly Malcolm, Iain Campbell, and Andreas Steckenborn to visit a deposit that bridges the gap from 1870s prospectors to modern, high-tech mining: the incredible Borealis Mine. We explore a region steeped in gold rush history, tracing the Walker Lane Trend from the 1876 ghost town of Bodie, California (over 1 million ounces produced) to Aurora, Nevada (nearly 2 million ounces produced), and witness the scale of the fully permitted Borealis operation firsthand. The Borealis team is on the "absolute cusp of production", ready to begin blasting and hauling from its high-grade, oxide open pits. The episode culminates in a major milestone-the team's first official gold pour from freshly crushed and stacked ore. Come along with us to understand how the region's unique geology created oxidized ore that is easier to process, and watch firsthand as Borealis uses a high-tech heap leach and ADR plant to turn that rock into a finished gold bar. Join our host, Jonathan Brazeau, on the journey to the Nevada desert to learn all about this incredible project. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5NuaNBxI24 Limited to just 10 Expeditions per year, EarthLabs Expeditions spotlights companies with significant discoveries, impactful projects, and compelling stories. Hosted by the charismatic and fearless Jonathan Brazeau, the show takes viewers on a journey that goes beyond boardrooms and polished presentations to explore the real, gritty work of the junior mining industry. Jonathan travels the world, getting his boots on the ground, meeting with industry leaders, workers, and the people who make up this dynamic sector. PAID ADVERTISEMENT The episode linked in this news release (the "video") is a paid advertisement for Borealis Mining Company Limited (TSXV: BOGO) (FSE: L4B0) (OTC Pink: BORMF) to enhance public awareness of Borealis Mining Company Limited, its products, its industry and as a potential investment opportunity. EarthLabs Media Inc., and their owners, managers, employees, and assigns were paid by Borealis Mining Company Limited to create, produce and distribute this advertisement. This compensation should be viewed as a major conflict with EarthLabs Media's ability to be unbiased. The video is not intended as, and should not be construed to be, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Neither the video nor Borealis Mining Company Limited purports to provide a complete analysis of Borealis Mining Company Limited or its financial position. Borealis Mining Company Limited is not, and does not purport to be, a broker-dealer or registered investment adviser. The video is not, and should not be construed to be, personalized investment advice directed to or appropriate for any particular investor. Any investment should be made only after consulting a professional investment advisor and only after reviewing the financial statements and other pertinent corporate information about Borealis Mining Company Limited. Further, readers are advised to read and carefully consider the Risk Factors identified and discussed in Borealis Mining Company Limited's SEDAR+ and/or other government filings. Investing in securities is speculative and carries a high degree of risk. Join the Journey Interested in becoming a part of this groundbreaking series? Contact Jonathan Brazeau, Host of EarthLabs Expeditions, to learn more about how your company's story could be the next chapter in this exciting adventure. Follow Us and Stay Connected Don't miss out on any of the action! Make sure to follow and subscribe to our social media channels for the latest updates, exclusive content, and more exciting adventures. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EarthLabsExpeditions Twitter: https://x.com/EL_Expeditions CEO.CA: https://ceo.ca/@earthlabs.expeditions About EarthLabs EarthLabs Inc. (TSXV: SPOT) (OTCQX: SPOFF) (FSE: 8EK0) is a mining investment, technology, and media company that aims to provide strategic leverage to the metals and mining sector through investments, royalties and a full suite of data-driven media SaaS tools and services including CEO.CA, The Northern Miner, MINING.COM, Canadian Mining Journal and DigiGeoData. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), OTC Best Market "(OTCQX") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Contained in this News Release Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking Statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Disclaimer: The information in this video is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind. EarthLabs Inc. and its affiliates are not liable for any damages arising from the use of this video. This video was produced by EarthLabs, which has a paid marketing agreement with the featured company. This is not financial advice. This video does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation to purchase securities of the company or any other issuer. All statements and/or opinions expressed by third parties are solely the opinions and the responsibility of the person or entity providing those materials. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information Contained in Episode The video contains certain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" regarding Borealis Mining Company Limited. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Borealis Mining Company Limited's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. The forward-looking information contained in this video represents the expectations of Borealis Mining Company Limited as of the date of this video and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Viewers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. Borealis Mining Company Limited undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273126 SOURCE: EarthLabs Expeditions Jersey City, New Jersey--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Undisputed Legal Inc. ("Undisputed"), a technology-enabled legal support services company, today announced the opening of its New Jersey office at 101 Hudson Street, 21st Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07302. The expansion strengthens Undisputed's ability to support corporate litigation, mass tort and class action cases, subpoena management, and process service throughout the state. New Jersey is a legal and business hub with a concentration of corporate and pharmaceutical headquarters and a consistently high volume of multi-jurisdictional and time-sensitive cases. From mass torts and class actions to complex business disputes, the state's litigation environment requires precise and scalable support. In addition, New Jersey's role as an international gateway - anchored by the Port of Newark, Elizabeth's trade corridors, and Newark Liberty International Airport - creates heightened demand for legal services tied to customs enforcement, cross-border litigation, and international business disputes. Undisputed Legal Inc. Expands in New Jersey to Serve Corporate Litigation, Mass Torts, and International Legal Support To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/273128_figure1.jpg The new office positions Undisputed to address this demand by delivering specialized, technology-enabled legal logistics. Its digital platform allows clients to place orders online in minutes, providing fast access to professional process service, investigation services, and subpoena service. Real-time tracking, geo-verified delivery, and compliance features ensure accountability and timely results for corporations, insurers, healthcare providers, and law firms operating in New Jersey. "New Jersey is at the center of corporate and pharmaceutical litigation, with courts that regularly handle mass torts, complex class actions, and cross-border disputes," said Brian B. Ricks, Founder, President & CEO of Undisputed Legal Inc. "Our Jersey City office strengthens our ability to deliver precise, compliant, and timely support for clients facing high-stakes litigation in one of the nation's most demanding legal markets." Vice President Nasim Dehghani added, "The complexity of New Jersey's legal environment requires both efficiency and trust. By combining automation with a human-centered client experience, our team ensures that every case - from corporate subpoenas to international litigation support - is managed with speed, transparency, and care." Undisputed provides legal support in all 50 U.S. states and over 120 countries worldwide, serving federal, state, and city agencies, law firms, attorneys, and the general public. With offices in New York, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., and now New Jersey, the company continues to expand its regional accessibility and global reach. The company is rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau (since 2014) and is an active member of leading industry organizations, including the National Association of Professional Process Servers, the New York State Professional Process Server Association, the American Legal and Financial Network, and theNational Creditors Bar Association, among others. With its New Jersey expansion, Undisputed Legal Inc. reinforces its commitment to meeting the specialized needs of corporations, law firms, and government agencies - delivering litigation logistics that match the volume, complexity, and urgency of the state's legal environment while maintaining compliance on a global scale. Media Contact To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/273128_figure2.png To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273128 SOURCE: GetFeatured NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Public policies are central factors in determining healthcare interventions and access to medicines and treatment. Viatris leverages our global experiences, scientific expertise and operations knowledge to support policymakers in identifying policies that advance access to quality medicines and build systems that sustain medicine availability while minimizing unintended consequences. Below are some examples from the work in our global policy priorities: advance access to quality medicines; strengthen resilient, global supply chains; and build future access. Providing Access to Generic Medicines Viatris' deep portfolio of generic medicines includes complex and branded generics. These products work in the same way and provide the same clinical benefits as their brand-name counterparts and may cost less, providing patients and the healthcare system important savings and medicine options which we believe are essential to making healthcare accessible. With healthcare budgets increasingly stretched thin, governments play a key role in establishing a well-functioning legal, regulatory and market system that enables generic and biosimilar competition to flourish for the benefit for patient access. Healthy off-patent competition is also critical to patient access. For example, in the next five years, more than 250 medicine patents will expire in the U.K., generating prospective savings to the National Health Service (NHS) - based on current market level of competition in generics and biosimilars - of approximately 18 billion. This is on top of the annual savings of 15 billion from already expired patented products. Advancing Access to Quality Medicines In 2024, Viatris worked to advance access in many ways, including the following: Engaged with U.S. policymakers to provide insights on generic drug market economics, the value of global supply chains and opportunities to enhance supply resiliency. Policies important to patients were ultimately included in Congressional drug shortage proposals, including provisions such as access-supporting changes to the Medicaid Generics Penalty. Collaborated with Foreign Policy and partners at the 2024 World Health Assembly in Geneva to host the FP Health Forum, a panel emphasizing that individuals are more than their health conditions and highlighting the need for a holistic approach to prevention, access and care throughout their lives. Supported the British Generic Manufacturers Association in collaborating with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to devise a solution for a backlog of pending market authorization applications, which was delaying medicines from reaching the market. MHRA was then able to successfully clear the backlog of more than 1,000 pending applications, improving access for patients. Led efforts to include language in the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Appropriations legislation to expand and incentivize regional manufacturing investment to support the PEPFAR program and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Helped arrange multistakeholder discussions in Sweden to address policy challenges associated with access to antibiotics and promoted legislation and regulatory processes to foster sustainable market conditions conducive to access. Collaborated with Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Ministry of Health and Welfare to advocate for changes in the 2024 revision of Korea's tuberculosis treatment guidelines, resulting in improved access to key treatments for nearly all patients in Korea with drug-resistant TB. Developed, in partnership with the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) in Egypt, the Pharmaceutical Procurement and Resource Management Program to improve supply chain efficiencies. This program aims to increase the availability of cardiovascular and pain products in government hospitals and expand access for low-income patients. Strengthening Resilient Global Supply A global supply chain with facilities across continents is essential for maintaining access to medicine. As stated earlier, no country can make every medicine people need, and no medicine is made in every country. Inputs are sourced globally, produced at scale by experts and securely transported to hospitals and pharmacies worldwide. In 2024, Viatris worked to ensure the resiliency of this global supply chain by supporting the publication of a report from Charles River Associates and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to assess how localization policies are affecting equitable access to medicines. The report considered comprehensive solutions to address access barriers including strengthening healthcare systems, fostering regional collaboration, improving security of supply and aligning resources with policies that improve the resiliency of the global supply chain. "Driving Equitable Access to Health Products and Technologies" has been presented to healthcare system leaders around the globe. Other examples of Viatris' work in this area in 2024 included the following: Viatris is a member of the EU Critical Medicines Alliance, a European Commission initiative to strengthen the security of medicine supply across the EU. With approximately half of the molecules on the Alliance's critical medicines list in our portfolio - spanning anti-infectives, cardiovascular and metabolic, and CNS therapies - Viatris plays a pivotal role. We bring proven expertise to the table and are actively driving discussions on supply chain diversification, international cooperation and long-term resilience to safeguard patient access across Europe. Contributed to two white papers published by AmCham and Medicines for Europe on the root causes of shortages and the importance of a resilient global supply chain. Together, these papers helped inform the positioning of the British Generic Manufacturers Association Manifesto for Building a Resilient UK Medicines Industry, which advocates for supportive market conditions that enable medicine affordability and healthcare sustainability. As a Canadian Pharmaceutical Association (CGPA) member, Viatris actively engaged with a CGPA working group which has partnered with Health Canada, a federal department, to address and detect pharmaceutical shortages and supply chain challenges to increase medication availability for Canadians. Working alongside the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), Viatris helped develop a benchmark standard for supply chain resiliency for injectable medicines. This partnership will establish metrics that encourage adoption of supply chain resiliency standards to mitigate drug shortages and create an evidence-based benchmark tool that allows purchasers of pharmaceuticals to incorporate manufacturer supply chain resiliency measurements into their decision making. Led a U.S. Congressional advocacy campaign to educate and inform policymakers on the importance of a global pharmaceutical supply chain for supply resiliency. As a result, policy changes to support patients' uninterrupted access to globally sourced essential medicines were included in key legislation, such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Building Future Access While Viatris' policy efforts generally focus on advancing access to existing medicines, we also focus on how to build pathways for future access. As health needs continue to evolve, people need new options, whether improvements to existing medicines or novel therapeutics. This could include changes to how the medicine is administered, or to make the medicine last longer, or to combine multiple medicines in a single pill. The opportunities to leverage existing medicines to better address unmet needs are vast and are likely to accelerate as technology advances. Proper regulatory pathways are needed to enable timely access for patients. Most countries do not currently have regulatory and market pathways to recognize improved versions of existing medicines. And even if a regulatory pathway exists, market policies need to support the ability for these medicines to compete and demonstrate value - improved versions of medicines are unlikely to reach the market if procurement or dispensing policies treat them as straightforward generic versions of the original medicine. Viatris in 2024 continued advocating for dedicated abbreviated regulatory pathways for improvements to existing medicines and regulatory frameworks that recognize improvements to existing medicines as a separate category of innovation with equivalent IP protection. In Canada, for example, Viatris engaged in Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) consultations to advocate for a balanced framework that fosters innovation while enabling access. Our comprehensive submissions and collaborations with stakeholders have led to policy changes that create a more predictable and sustainable environment for introducing innovative therapies in Canada. As the world is changing, staying close to broader shifts at a global scale helps Viatris to consider how policy solutions may also need to adapt for continued access in the future. These shifts include the growing effects of climate change, trade tensions, ongoing conflicts and political shifts in power in the U.S. and elsewhere. Creating the policy environment for access to continue advancing in this shifting landscape is a focus area for Viatris' policy efforts as we move into 2025 and beyond. With fiscal space constrained and policymakers facing difficult choices, Viatris engages with policymakers to share learnings and highlight opportunities for a more value-based approach to healthcare financing. Examples of this work include: With the Board of the Generic Association in Hungary, Viatris engaged in consultations with the Hungarian government to discuss the implications that unsustainable pricing policies can have on patient access. These efforts helped lead to the government reversing a claw-back obligation to its original rate amending their policy, helping to foster sustainable market conditions and maintain access to off-patent medicines. Viatris sponsored a panel in Brazil during the B20 Event on Advancing Healthcare in Latin America. The event included high-level discussions on healthcare advancements in the region, with a focus on value-based healthcare and the socioeconomic burden of diseases. In collaboration with the Association of Pharmaceutical Companies in Switzerland, Viatris played a key role in driving the "Yes to Medical Supply Security" initiative that advocates for access to the approximately 600 medicines unavailable to Swiss patients. At the Labour Party Conference in the U.K., Viatris co-hosted a roundtable discussion with the Fabian Society about cost saving strategies for the National Health Service and future healthcare planning. Collaborating with IGBA to Promote Access to Medicines Viatris works closely with the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (IGBA) at all levels to ensure targeted, consistent engagement and messaging on the need for resilient global supply chains, their criticality for sustainable access as well as the importance of high-quality generic medicines. Viatris helped enable the renewal process with WHO for IGBA's "non-state actor" status as well as IGBA's regular contributions to ongoing WHO technical advisory groups. Viatris has worked with IGBA to contribute to the World Trade Organization - World Intellectual Property Organization capacity building executive training programs on trade, intellectual property and global public health for government officials from low- and middle-income countries - supporting the enhancement of their regulatory systems. Viatris is the founding chair of the IGBA International External Engagement Committee ensuring continued momentum on this important work. In addition, Viatris supports IGBA's participation in the Executive Program which was launched as part of the collaboration between the WIPO Academy and the WTO Institute of Training and Technical Cooperation in Geneva, Switzerland. This global training initiative provides valuable technical assistance to senior government officials with a focus on the participation of representatives from low- and middle-income countries. Working for Regulatory Harmonization Working to create access to medicine for people globally involves working closely with regulatory authorities around the world. Through our Global Regulatory Affairs team, Viatris works to achieve timely health authority approvals. The company helps ensure the compliance of our existing marketing authorizations, labeling and promotional materials and that they are optimized for value throughout a product's lifecycle. In 2024, highlights of this work included the following: Viatris provided technical support to the Indian Pharmacopeia Commission (IPC) in finalizing some of the IPC's General Chapters, ARVs, COVID-19 related and hepatitis C product-related monographs, as well as toxicological-specific monographs. These contributions have helped ensure that quality product is continuously supplied to patients in India. IPC recognized Viatris' contributions as a member of the Expert Working Group by publishing an Indian Pharmacopeia Addendum which went into effect in July 2024. In Malaysia, we collaborated with the local health authority to file Xafariv (rivaroxaban) as the first generic under the Facilitated Review Pathway (FRP), leveraging the approval of another stringent regulatory authority (SRA). The collaborative approach led to a streamlined submission process, reduced review time, enhanced understanding of local regulations and a strong working relationship with the health authority. As a member of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association's (CGPA) Scientific Affairs Committee, Viatris is leveraging our expertise as the vice- chair of the Complex Molecules Working Group to develop new guidance to share with the regulator Health Canada for complex generics. View the full Viatris 2024 Sustainability Report. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Viatris on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Viatris Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/viatris Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Viatris View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/policy-engagement-to-break-down-barriers-to-access-and-build-resilient-1096710 Angeles, Philippines--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - KamelBPO, a Canadian-owned outsourcing company, has officially opened its new headquarters in Clark, Pampanga, signaling a new chapter in its growth and global expansion. This move follows eight years of successful operations and highlights the company's dedication to providing flexible, high-quality outsourcing solutions while fostering a people-first work culture. KamelBPO Opens New Headquarters in Clark, Pampanga: A Major Milestone in Global Outsourcing To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/272881_b6cbf37f642fa811_002full.jpg The new office, designed to accommodate the company's expanding team and growing client base, represents a major investment in KamelBPO's future and reflects its values of collaboration, innovation, and employee empowerment. A Commitment to Innovation and Growth Kurt Allen, founder and CEO of KamelBPO, emphasizes that the new headquarters is a direct result of the company's commitment to providing world-class outsourcing services. "This new office is not just about increasing our physical capacity; it's about ensuring we can continue to provide the best possible service to our clients while also offering our employees an environment where they can thrive," says Allen. The move comes as KamelBPO experiences significant growth in demand for its outsourced staffing solutions. The company's client base spans North America, Europe, and Australia, and its services range from administrative support to customer service, technical assistance, and e-commerce solutions. Focus on Employee Well-being True to its people-first approach, KamelBPO's new headquarters is designed to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment. The modern office includes state-of-the-art facilities that encourage teamwork and creativity, and it is equipped to support the company's rapidly expanding workforce. "Our employees are at the heart of everything we do," says Allen. "The new office allows us to further invest in our team, ensuring they have the resources and space to do their best work." The office is designed to support KamelBPO's ongoing initiatives to improve employee satisfaction and engagement, which in turn enhances the company's ability to deliver exceptional service to its clients. Flexible Outsourcing Solutions for Global Clients KamelBPO's new headquarters is positioned to enhance the company's ability to provide tailored outsourcing solutions to businesses of all sizes. With month-to-month contracts and a no-fee recruitment policy, KamelBPO offers flexible, cost-effective staffing options that allow companies to scale their operations without long-term commitments. The company's services cover a wide range of business needs, including virtual assistance, customer service, IT support, and content creation, making it a one-stop outsourcing solution for businesses looking to build offshore teams. KamelBPO Opens New Headquarters in Clark, Pampanga: A Major Milestone in Global Outsourcing To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/272881_b6cbf37f642fa811_003full.jpg "Our flexible approach to outsourcing has been key to our success," Allen explains. "Businesses need solutions that adapt to their changing needs, and that's exactly what we offer, customized, scalable services with no long-term obligations." Looking Ahead: Expansion and Continued Growth With the opening of its new headquarters, KamelBPO is poised for continued growth. The company plans to expand its service offerings and further invest in its people and infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of its global client base. "We're excited about the future," says Allen. "This new office symbolizes our ongoing commitment to innovation, growth, and the people-first approach that has driven our success." KamelBPO's new headquarters in Clark is more than just a physical space, it represents the company's commitment to continued success, both for its employees and its clients. About KamelBPO KamelBPO (Kamel Media Limited) is a Canadian-owned outsourcing company based in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines. Specializing in scalable staffing solutions for businesses across North America, Europe, and Australia, KamelBPO provides dedicated offshore teams in areas such as customer support, back-office operations, sales, creative services, and technical functions. The company prides itself on its commitment to high-quality service, employee well-being, and client satisfaction. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/272881 SOURCE: Plentisoft DistillerSR's literature review platform to provide turn-key integrated access to Embase' API, greatly enhancing and simplifying the review process OTTAWA, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / DistillerSR, the market leader in AI-enabled literature review automation and evidence management, today announced an agreement with Elsevier that will provide direct integration between DistillerSR and Elsevier's premier biomedical database, Embase. This collaboration will accelerate literature evidence synthesis, improve data quality, and provide faster insights for clinical research and regulatory submissions. The agreement ensures customers can analyze Embase content using DistillerSR's AI capabilities while remaining license and copyright compliant. By enabling users to search, import, and enrich Embase references from within the DistillerSR platform, the integration eliminates manual processes thereby reducing cost and provides greater control and oversight over content procurement and content management. Once content has been retrieved, DistillerSR's AI capabilities then significantly accelerate the screening, data extraction, and reporting processes, ensuring data quality, auditability, and compliance. "DistillerSR remains committed to continuous innovation and to driving down the cost of research while enhancing accuracy and data provenance," said Peter O'Blenis, CEO, DistillerSR. "Through this direct integration with Embase, our customers can now leverage a fully integrated, traceable, and audit-ready workflow to drive richer insights, improve downstream reporting, and enable faster time to regulatory and commercial outcomes, all within a copyright compliant infrastructure." Mirit Eldor, Managing Director, Life Sciences Solutions, Elsevier, said: "Our goal is to meet customers where they work and, for that, we ensure that our content and data can be accessed in the best way for customers. Embase is available as a digital database, as an API, and we're pleased to collaborate with DistillerSR to deliver Embase directly into customer workflows via the DistillerSR literature review platform where customers can access trusted insights their way, as we advance human progress together." The Embase integration is part of DistillerSR's ongoing commitment to delivering a best-in-class, integrated literature review and evidence management platform to support faster, more cost effective, and more sustainable research. Elsevier's Embase is a comprehensive biomedical and pharmacological database. It contains over 40 million records from more than 8,500 journals worldwide, with a strong focus on drug and pharmaceutical research, pharmacology, toxicology, and medical devices. Embase is recognized by regulatory bodies for discovering adverse events and supports thorough literature analysis for systematic reviews with deeply indexed content, guided PICO search, and extensive filters. It is updated daily with approximately 8,000 new records and utilizes the Emtree thesaurus for robust indexing. DistillerSR is trusted by global research organizations, including more than 80% of the largest pharmaceutical and medical device companies, contract research organizations, governments, NGOs, and academic institutions. Contact Information Vivian MacAdden Director, Industry Stakeholder Programs vivian.macadden@distillersr.com (613) 212-0051 Mathew Pitt-Bailey Director of Communications, Corporate Markets, ELSEVIER m.pittbailey@elsevier.com +44 (0) 7353 890 322 SOURCE: DistillerSR Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/distillersr-and-elsevier-to-collaborate-on-the-integration-of-elsevie-1095724 BOSTON, MA, ATLANTA, GA, WEST PALM BEACH, FL, AND BELLEVUE, WA / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / A group of innovative companies have created a consortium to offer Marketing, Technical, and Transformation services to companies focused on Science, Energy, and Data Centers. The consortium is led by OIC Advisors, Ashby & Gabriel, ExoFusion, KKM Group, and Advaiya. The consortium was formed to offer laser focus on verticals that require a mix of deep context, deep content, and a specific GTM that considers the interplay between hypergrowth and regulation. "Science, Energy and the application of AI to them are key areas of a rapidly developing economy that require expertise, experience, and a 'surround the customer' approach," said Kristine Briggs, OIC Advisors CEO. "A consortium approach allows us to always offer best-in-class across the service spectrum," she added. "We see a clear connection between Science, Energy, AI and Data Centers not only in terms of a daisy chain of value but also in terms of particular complexity that has to be translated into customer-facing language and, also, with regard to the need for deep participation in the communities that influence these sectors, said Romi Mahajan, CEO of ExoFusion, a physics company focused on commercializing Nuclear Fusion. As these companies look to win over consumers, businesses, and government support, marketing, positioning, and messaging remain a core part of the GTM. Founder of Ashby & Gabriel Megan Human Mitchell said, "With a pedigree in working with life sciences, biotechnology, and physics-related companies, we understand that specialized companies need specialized positioning, messaging, and communications. They also need a very tailored form of transformation. That's why we are so excited to join the consortium." As part of the offering set, technical and AI products and services will be frontline. Consortium Member Advaiya will take lead on providing AI and Platform services and will introduce "Peripheral Automation" to customers. "Most people think of technology deployment as agnostic across all company types. The reality is that you don't just drop-ship technology or AI into an enterprise. You must incorporate it into the context of the enterprise and its own vertical reality," said Dharmesh Godha, Advaiya President. As part of the consortium efforts, a panel of industry experts has been assembled. The consortium is already "in market" and will be expanding rapidly in 2025 Q4 and into 2026. About Advaiya Advaiya is a technology consulting and services organization that provides tailored technology solutions with a core focus on business applications, cloud, data infrastructure, and security. We enable AI Adoption with our Peripheral Automation framework. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner since 2005, Advaiya has been at the forefront of assisting companies with Microsoft platforms. Advaiya is also partners with Sitecore, Databricks, Snowflake, OnePlan and Monday.com to enable holistic transformation and DX for customers. With over 1,000 successful client projects, we have shown consistent value to clients globally. About Ashby & Gabriel At Ashby & Gabriel, we take strategies that have been used to sell products and craft them into tools that make an impact. As a full-service marketing agency with a strategic, client-centered approach, we help our clients amplify their impact through compelling storytelling, data-informed marketing, and innovative branding. Ashby & Gabriel offers a model that extends beyond a typical agency relationship, often acting in place of an in-house marketing department for our clients. We believe in the power of marketing to create meaningful change, and we partner with organizations that share our commitment to making a difference. Learn more at www.ashbyandgabriel.com. About ExoFusion ExoFusion is an innovative company focused on accelerating the path to Commercially Viable Fusion (CVF) and is a leader in the physics and technologies of confinement and the related issues of novel materials for the first wall. The company focuses on design, simulation, IP, and scientific innovation for the burgeoning Fusion industry. ExoFusion is a recipient of ARPA-E, SciDAC, FIRE, INFUSE and other grants. About OIC Advisors Inc We are a group of technology product and services experts who focus on enabling rapid growth and scale - what we call "operational velocity." Through years of growing start-ups and leading global technology company transformations, we understand the transformation growing pains felt by companies, large and small. We work closely with our clients to ensure their processes, operations, technologies, and teams are ready to scale to achieve their strategic imperatives at speed and with unparalleled quality. Contact: Romi Mahajan CEO ExoFusion. Romi@thekkmgroup.com SOURCE: ExoFusion View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/clean-technology/innovator-firms-create-marketing-and-services-consortium-focused-on-science-energy-1095926 Sugar 'N Spice, a family-founded spice company established in 1980, is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new eCommerce website, designed to bring its rich heritage of flavors directly to consumers' kitchens. CHETEK, WISCONSIN / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Sugar 'N Spice, a family-founded spice company established in 1980, is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new eCommerce website, designed to bring its rich heritage of flavors directly to consumers' kitchens. Win Cash in our Contest Nana Spice cooking AI was integrated with a character called Nana Spice who will provide you with recipes and directions to cook your meals based on what leftover food you have in your refrigerator. It will provide three optional recipes, narration and optional print for you to follow along. Developed in partnership with Minneapolis-based Cazarin Interactive ( www.cazarin.com ) marketing agency, the new online store will allow customers across the country to purchase Sugar 'N Spice's high-quality spices and seasonings with just a few clicks. To celebrate the launch, Sugar 'N Spice is hosting a Recipe & Tradition Contest, where participants can share their favorite recipes along with the stories behind them. Winners will receive cash prizes, with entries accepted at: https://sugarnspiceinc.com/recipe-contest/ . Taking advantage of AI (Artificial Intelligence). The new website introduces an innovative feature: Nana Spice - an AI-powered avatar that brings a human touch to technology. Nana Spice can answer questions about spices, suggest recipes based on what's in your refrigerator, and even guide you step-by-step via voice or print to create your meal. "We selected Cazarin Interactive because of their deep experience in consumer packaged goods and their unique ability to brand, build, and market under one roof," said David Hennig, President of Sugar 'N Spice, Inc. "They understood our vision and created a platform that not only showcases our products but celebrates the traditions and family values that define our company." Cazarin Interactive conducted extensive research on spice brands in the marketplace before creating a website that reflects Sugar 'N Spice's mission to blend tradition, culture, and flavor. Together with Sugar 'N Spice, Ricardo Cazarin and his team crafted a guiding vision: "To become a trusted kitchen companion bridging cultures, generations, and flavors through spices that ignite passion, preserve tradition, and create meaningful culinary experiences for families in the USA" "We wanted to create a website that goes beyond transactions," said Ricardo Cazarin, President of Cazarin Interactive. "With Nana Spice, customers can interact, learn, and be inspired-making it an engaging and personal cooking experience." With the launch of this new eCommerce platform, Sugar 'N Spice is blending its 45-year legacy with cutting-edge technology to continue its mission of bringing flavor, family, and tradition to tables everywhere in the USA. About Sugar 'N Spice, Inc. Founded in 1980 and based in Chetek, Wisconsin, Sugar 'N Spice is a family-owned business dedicated to crafting high-quality spices and seasonings. Our media library is here: https://www.sugarnspiceinc.com/media-library/ SOURCE: Sugar 'N Spice View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/sugar-n-spice-launches-new-ai-artificial-intelligence-e-commerce-websi-1096716 This prestigious designation celebrates Whittier Trust's global leadership in developing top-tier trust and estate advisors and sets a new benchmark for client-focused professional excellence. PASADENA, CA / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Whittier Trust, the oldest multifamily office headquartered on the West Coast, today announced a historic achievement: the wealth management company has been named a Platinum Employer Partner by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). In earning this distinction, Whittier Trust becomes the first U.S.-based firm to receive the prestigious designation, recognizing its industry-leading commitment to trust and estate advisor development practices. This recognition underscores Whittier Trust's dedication to excellence in client service. STEP's Employer Partnership Programme (EPP) supports employers who prioritize professional development as a means to enhance the quality of advice and guidance provided to clients. By embedding continuous learning, reflective practice, and leadership-driven knowledge sharing across the firm, Whittier Trust ensures its professionals are equipped to deliver thoughtful, sophisticated, and tailored solutions for families and individuals managing complex wealth. "At Whittier Trust, our ultimate goal is to serve our clients at the highest level," said David Dahl, President and CEO of Whittier Trust. "Being named STEP's first U.S.-based Platinum Employer Partner is an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone for our company. It reflects the dedication of our team and the value we place on deepening our expertise to better serve every client we work with." STEP, a global professional body with more than 22,000 members, fosters excellence in the trust and estate profession by connecting practitioners, sharing best practices, and promoting high professional standards. Platinum Employer Partners meet the program's most rigorous standards, demonstrating leadership in professional development and a clear commitment to improving the client experience through well-trained, highly knowledgeable staff. Whittier Trust delivers on this commitment through tailored mentorship programs, robust professional development, and leadership that actively shares knowledge, all of which directly enhance the quality of service delivered to clients by ensuring their advisors are informed, skilled, and equipped to meet complex trust and estate needs." "This recognition reflects the collaborative effort of our entire team," added Dahl. "By continually enhancing our knowledge and expertise, we strengthen our ability to anticipate client needs, navigate complex planning challenges, and provide the thoughtful guidance our families and partners rely on." Whittier Trust joins a global network of Platinum Employer Partners recognized for advancing both professional development and client service excellence. ### About Whittier Trust Collectively, Whittier Trust Company and The Whittier Trust Company of Nevada, Inc. (referred to herein individually and collectively as "Whittier Trust") are state-chartered trust companies wholly owned by Whittier Holdings, Inc. ("WHI"), a closely held holding company. As the oldest multi-family office headquartered on the West Coast, Whittier Trust isn't just a financial institution; it's a trusted partner with a long, rich history of successfully navigating the financial markets to preserve, protect, and enhance its clients' wealth and well-being across generations. Whittier Trust operates with the singular focus of providing holistic, top-tier client service and highly personalized investment solutions to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families, designed to advance and secure their long-term financial legacies and goals. The firm has offices in Pasadena, Menlo Park, Newport Beach, San Diego, San Francisco, West Los Angeles, Reno, Seattle, and Portland. To learn more, visit http://www.whittiertrust.com . Contact: Brandi J. Fields Whittier Trust Email: BFields@whittiertrust.com SOURCE: Whittier Trust View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/whittier-trust-makes-history-as-the-first-u.s.-company-recognized-by-1096753 eDreams ODIGEO, the world's leading travel subscription company and one of Europe's largest e-commerce firms, today publishes its "Year in Travel" report which highlights the aspirations of American travelers for 2026 as well as the destinations that generated the most interest and bookings in 2025. Top 3 booked destinations in 2025 by the Americans: Las Vegas, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. Top 3 growth destinations in 2025 (compared to 2024) by the Americans: Kathmandu (Nepal) +141%, Quito (Ecuador) +126% and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 109%. Top 3 booked destinations in 2026 by Americans: Tokyo, Las Vegas and Orlando. Domestic travel confirmed by Americans in 2025 Americans have one big continent to discover! The top 10 booked and searched destinations by Americans are domestic focused with 9 out of 10 booked cities and 8 out of 10 searched destinations being in the US in 2025. Top 10 booked destinations by Americans in 2025 Top 10 searched destinations by Americans in 2025 Las Vegas Orlando Fort Lauderdale Atlanta Miami Los Angeles New York San Juan (Puerto Rico) Dallas Chicago New York Las Vegas Orlando Los Angeles Fort Lauderdale London Chicago Tokyo Miami Seattle Top growth destinations in 2025 versus 2024 Americans have also booked worldwide with top growth destinations standing out in 2025 versus 2024. Kathmandu (Nepal) 141% Quito (Ecuador) 126% Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 109% Mumbai (India) 47% Wilmington (USA) 40% Panama City (Panama) 35% New Delhi (India) 34% Bangkok (Thailand) 24% Tokyo (Japan) 16% Mexico City (Mexico) 16% What are Americans' travel habits in 2025? Short-term bookings, a continuing practice In 2025, 64% of American travelers book their trips within 30 days of departure, illustrating a strong trend toward flexibility and spontaneity. However, 22% of travelers prefer to plan further ahead, booking their trips between one and two months in advance. Short and medium-length stays are popular In 2025, Americans are flexible in their travel habits, sharing their preference between 3-4 day getaways (44%), 5-6 days and 7-13 days stays (16%), and 2 days (16%). Long planned vacations are less popular, with only 4% of travelers choosing to go away for 21 days or more. Who traveled to the US in 2025? Bookings data shows which nations were most keen to visit the US in 2025. 21% came from France, 12% from Germany and 11% from Spain. Their favorite destinations were: New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Orlando. Tokyo tops the list of travel destinations for 2026 The 2026 ranking of the most popular destinations booked by American travelers illustrates a desire to get away from it all, with cultural discoveries faraway and trips within the American continent. Top 10 destinations most booked by American travelers for 2026 Top 10 destinations most searched by American travelers for 2026 Tokyo Las Vegas Orlando Mexico City Cancun Honolulu Fort Lauderdale Nassau Miami Ho Chi Minh City Tokyo London Paris Orlando Rome Cancun Honolulu New York City Fort Lauderdale Los Angeles Dana Dunne, CEO of eDreams ODIGEO, comments: "2025 has been a landmark year for travel, shaped by a growing appetite for meaningful, flexible, and tech-enhanced experiences. Travellers are no longer just booking holidays, they're curating journeys that reflect their values, passions, and desire for personal growth. From the rise of transformational and wellness-focused travel to the increasing popularity of culture-rich city breaks, we've seen a clear shift toward purpose-driven exploration. As AI continues to revolutionise the way we travel, our proprietary technology is primed to deliver hyper-personalised experiences for our 7.5 million Prime members. Whether it's real-time itinerary updates, personalised recommendations, or seamless booking, our six billion daily predictions empower travellers to take control of their journeys like never before." For more information please visit this page. Methodology: The report "A Year in Travel 2025 by eDreams ODIGEO" was compiled using flight booking data from the company's online travel agency brands (eDreams, Opodo, GO Voyages, and Travellink). It covers the periods from January 1 to October 31, 2025, compared to the same dates in 2024. Travel dates: January 1 to December 31, 2025, compared to the same dates in 2024, and January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104493922/en/ Contacts: Contact for journalists: opodo@grifcopr.com SANTA CLARA, Calif. and MARIA ENZERSDORF, Austria, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Picarro Inc., in collaboration with Netz Niederosterreich (Netz NO), has successfully completed a large-scale, short-timeline methane emissions inspection project in response to the newly enforced EU Methane Regulation. Netz Niederosterreich, one of Austria's leading gas distribution system operators (DSOs), took early action to meet the regulation's requirements, demonstrating foresight and commitment to environmental responsibility. This milestone project was launched in response to the EU Methane Regulation, which introduces mandatory Type 2 inspections-high-precision leak detection surveys targeting mid- and low-pressure infrastructure (=16 bar). Operators must not only implement short interval leak detection measurements, but also robust monitoring and reporting methods, transitioning from estimated to measurement-based emissions data. Annual reports must be submitted to national authorities, with detailed site-level measurement-based reports required from February 2026. These changes reflect the EU's commitment to transparency, accountability, and climate action. Recognizing the urgency of these new requirements, Netz Niederosterreich proactively launched a competitive tender in early 2025 to inspect 7,500 km of gas infrastructure across Lower Austria. The project required 98% network coverage and full investigation of leak indications between April and July 2025. Picarro was awarded the contract and rapidly mobilized resources to leverage its advanced mobile leak detection technology and analytics platform to meet the ambitious timeline and coverage requirements. "After a successful pilot in two regions last autumn, the Picarro system convinced us. This technology enables us to inspect large volumes of our network in an efficient manner that is not currently possible otherwise in such a short timeline," said Thomas Wagner, Head of the Gas Detection Team for Netz Niederosterreich. This project exemplifies how strategic collaboration and agile execution can deliver impactful results under tight timelines. Netz Niederosterreich's forward-thinking approach and operational readiness, combined with Picarro's innovative solutions, enabled the successful completion of the inspection and provided practical experience for the even more demanding requirements of the coming years. "Working with Netz Niederosterreich gave us the opportunity to demonstrate how rapidly Picarro's technology can be deployed at scale to meet both the spirit and the letter of the EU Methane Regulation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and helping them leverage the data-driven insights our technology provides to guide future maintenance and emissions reduction strategies," said Francois-Xavier Rongere, Vice President, Natural Gas Industry at Picarro. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Benefits The project significantly advanced methane emissions management in Austria, helping Netz Niederosterreich align with the EU's climate goals, contributing to: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions across a vast regional network across a vast regional network Enhanced regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship and environmental stewardship Data-driven insights to support future maintenance and emissions reduction strategies About Netz Niederosterreich Netz Niederosterreich GmbH (Netz NO) is a major gas distribution system operator in Austria. With over 13,800 km of gas infrastructure, including 11,600 km of medium- and low-pressure lines, Netz Niederosterreich ensures the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to approximately 285,000 customer installations. The company plays a pivotal role in Austria's energy landscape, not only by maintaining its network but also by integrating modern technologies such as smart metering and digital grid monitoring. About Picarro Picarro is a global leader in Network Intelligence and methane emissions reduction solutions, providing natural gas operators with tools to revolutionize risk management. The enterprise solution helps increase safety, lower emissions, optimize asset management, and reduce costs within a unified framework. With Picarro technology and analytics, operators can proactively manage leaks, prioritize critical issues, and assess gas system health and performance continuously. For more information, visit www.picarro.com/gas. Media Contact: Monica Marmie Senior Marketing Manager Picarro mmarmie@picarro.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812635/Picarro_Netz_NO.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1091786/Picarro_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/netz-niederosterreich-and-picarro-successfully-complete-large-scale-methane-emissions-inspection-project-under-new-eu-regulation-302603556.html The Voorhees clinic, located at 1006 Kresson Road near Centennial Blvd, will host a ribbon cutting on November 6 at 2 p.m. in partnership with the Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. VOORHEES, NEW JERSEY / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / AcutePet Urgent Care is proud to announce the opening of its newest location in Voorhees, New Jersey, on Friday, November 7, 2025. Conveniently located at 1006 Kresson Road near The Mansion on Main Street and the Centennial Boulevard intersection, the clinic expands AcutePet's mission to make veterinary care more accessible, providing same-day appointments and high-quality treatment for pets when their needs can't wait. John D. Anastasio, DVM, DACVECC, AcutePet Urgent Care CMO veterinary physical exam The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Thursday, November 6, at 2:00 p.m. Local leaders, pet owners, and community members are invited to attend and meet the team behind AcutePet Urgent Care. Founded by Drs. David Sachs and Doug Hoffman, AcutePet is a veterinarian-owned network built to deliver immediate care for pets through same-day appointments, online booking, and extended evening and weekend hours. The model not only serves pet owners seeking prompt care but also supports general practice veterinarians and emergency hospitals by alleviating scheduling and caseload pressures. "We've already felt the warmth from the Voorhees community," said Dr. Doug Hoffman, co-CEO of AcutePet Urgent Care. "We're proud to bring emergency-level care to South Jersey in a way that's approachable and convenient for pet owners, while collaborating with the area's general practices and emergency hospitals to strengthen care for every pet." "Our goal has always been to take the stress out of seeking veterinary care," added Dr. David Sachs, co-CEO of AcutePet Urgent Care. "As veterinarians, we've seen firsthand how overwhelmed the profession has become-and how that impacts pet owners. AcutePet was created to deliver relief on both sides: giving families access to immediate, quality care while supporting veterinary teams and hospitals who share our commitment to this work." Under the medical leadership of Dr. John D. Anastasio, DACVECC, AcutePet delivers emergency-level care in an urgent care setting. Each location is staffed by experienced veterinary teams equipped to manage urgent conditions. The Voorhees facility offers onsite diagnostics, digital imaging, and outpatient procedures to ensure every patient receives timely, high-quality care. About AcutePet Urgent Care: AcutePet provides same-day, emergency-level care in a modern urgent-care setting, making quality veterinary care more accessible for families while supporting the doctors and hospitals who share that mission. Founded by veterinarians and led by a board-certified criticalist, AcutePet invests in people as much as it does in pets. The network currently includes Beavercreek, OH; West Chester, OH; Bellevue, KY; Mount Pleasant, SC; and Summerville, SC, with Solon, OH joining in December and Grove City, OH in early 2026. To learn more, visit www.acutepeturgentcare.com or follow @acutepeturgentcare on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming community events. Contact Information Jess Brotherton Chief Brand Officer jess.brotherton@acutepeturgentcare.com 513-652-0481 SOURCE: AcutePet Urgent Care View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/acutepet-urgent-care-expands-to-south-jersey-with-voorhees-opening-no-1096741 Celonis, a global leader in Process Intelligence, today announced an expanded agreement with Florida Crystals Corporation (FCC), one of the largest fully integrated cane sugar producers in the United States. Celonis will serve as the company's enterprise platform for AI, automation, and digital transformation. The expanded agreement marks the next phase of the company's digital transformation journey. Using Celonis, FCC has realized significant outcomes across its Finance, Procurement, and Inbound Supply Chain operations, unlocking millions in working capital. The Celonis platform enables FCC to: Orchestrate how work moves across systems, teams, and technologies. Surface Process Intelligence insights directly within Microsoft Teams and through AI solutions deployed via Microsoft Copilot. Empower FCC's team to act on real-time intelligence and close process gaps faster. This enables the company to accelerate transformation while maintaining enterprise scalability, security, and governance. "Celonis has completely changed the way we work," said Kevin Grayling, Chief Information Officer at Florida Crystals Corporation. "By layering Process Intelligence into our core systems, we've eliminated manual rework, enabled smarter decisions, and scaled automation across multiple functions. This has become the backbone of how we understand and improve the way work flows through our organization." "Florida Crystals is showing what it means to build an intelligent enterprise on a foundation of Process Intelligence," said Alex Rinke, co-CEO and co-Founder of Celonis. "With that common language across systems, people, and AI, they are transforming how their business runs and continuously improving its performance." As part of the expanded agreement, Celonis and FCC are co-creating a purpose-built application for Asset Reliability, focused on improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), asset utilization, and availability. The solution uses Process Intelligence to help identify and address the root causes of equipment downtime and inefficiency. Celonis will also power FCC's AI Lighthouse Program, a strategic initiative that applies Process Intelligence to drive capital discipline, supply chain resilience, and sustainability outcomes. The program includes many identified AI use cases, with early pilots in intelligent invoice processing, predictive maintenance, and automated order management, and lays the groundwork for its enterprise-wide AI strategy. About Florida Crystals Corporation Florida Crystals Corporation is a fully integrated cane sugar company that rotates sugarcane, rice and vegetables on more than 190,000 acres in South Florida, where it also owns two sugar mills, a sugar refinery, a packaging and distribution center, Florida's only rice mill and one of the largest renewable power plants of its kind in the U.S., which uses sugarcane fiber to generate eco-friendly energy that powers its sugar operations. Florida Crystals is Florida's largest organic farmer and the only producer of Regenerative Organic Certified sugar that is grown and milled in the U.S., which is sold through the Florida Crystals brand. Its subsidiary, ASR Group International, Inc., a holding companythat conducts operations through its subsidiaries, is the world's largest cane sugar refining and marketing company and sells sugar under the Domino, C&H, Florida Crystals, Redpath, Tate Lyle, Lyle's, Sidul, and Whitworths brand. It also owns Tellus Products, which makes single-use, compostable tableware products from upcycled sugarcane fiber and other plant fibers sold under the Tellus brand. Florida Crystals is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. About Celonis Celonis makes processes work for people, companies, and the planet. Powered by process mining and AI, the Celonis Process Intelligence Platform integrates process data and business context to create a living digital twin of business operations. We enable thousands of companies worldwide to understand how their business actually runs and, together with their partners, build intelligent solutions that transform and continuously improve the way they operate unlocking billions in value. Celonis is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and New York City, USA, with more than 20 offices worldwide. 2025 Celonis SE. All rights reserved. Celonis and the Celonis "droplet" logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Celonis SE in Germany and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104010277/en/ Contacts: Media Contact press@celonis.com - Selected by a Distinguished Jury of Global Biopharma Leaders for Dren Bio's Outstanding Innovation, Impact, and Scientific Excellence - Dren Bio, a privately held, clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics for cancer, autoimmune, and other serious diseases, announced today that it received the 2025 Prix Galien USA Award for "Best Startup" by the Galien Foundation. The Prix Galien USA Awards honor excellence in leading-edge scientific innovation and are widely regarded as the most prestigious distinction in biopharmaceutical research and development. The 2025 award recognizes Dren Bio's pioneering work in harnessing the body's immune mechanisms to precisely and safely eliminate pathogenic cells. Dren Bio's wholly owned technologies, including its autoreactive T-cell depleter (DR-01) and proprietary Targeted Myeloid Engager and Phagocytosis platform, embody novel, highly differentiated approaches to selectively deplete disease-causing agents. Together, they exemplify the company's mission to translate cutting-edge immunobiology into transformative therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The Prix Galien USA judging committee brings together some of the most respected and accomplished figures in global biopharma, including: Kenneth C. Frazier ( Committee Chair, Former Chairman CEO Merck Roch Doliveux ( Honorary CEO, UCB Dr. Mikael Dolsten ( Former CSO President, Pfizer Research and Development Alex Gorsky ( Former CEO Executive Chairman, Johnson Johnson Penny Heaton ( Global Therapeutic Area Head, Vaccines, Janssen Sheri McCoy ( Board of Directors, AstraZeneca; Former CEO, Avon Joel S. Marcus ( Executive Chairman Founder, Alexandria Elias Zerhouni (Former Head of Global R&D, Sanofi "We're deeply honored by this recognition from such an esteemed jury," said Nenad Tomasevic, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Dren Bio. "It reflects the strength of our science, the dedication of our team, and the potential of our programs to address high unmet need in both oncology and autoimmune diseases through a truly differentiated approach." Dren Bio's pioneering science and swift progress also earned praise from leading immunology experts who have collaborated with the company since its inception. "I've been continually impressed by Dren Bio's scientific rigor and productivity," said Lewis Lanier, Ph.D., University of California, San Francisco. "In just a few short years, the team has made remarkable strides in transforming outcomes for patients lacking effective therapies through a first-in-class approach that selectively depletes autoreactive cells an extraordinary achievement." "Dren Bio's work exemplifies the kind of smart, creative and transformative science that the Prix Galien Award was created to celebrate," said Miriam Merad, M.D., Ph.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "Among the many emerging myeloid-targeting strategies, their Targeted Myeloid Engager and Phagocytosis Platform is one of the most exciting developments in the field today." About Dren Bio Dren Bio is a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the discovery and development of novel first-in-class therapeutics for cancer, autoimmune, and other serious diseases. Its lead candidate, DR-01, is being evaluated in multiple oncology and autoimmune indications. Dren Bio's proprietary Targeted Myeloid Engager and Phagocytosis Platform is a multispecific antibody-based technology designed to induce potent depletion of disease-causing agents by engaging a novel phagocytic receptor selectively expressed on myeloid cells. The platform's lead program, DR-0201 (now known as SAR448501), was acquired by Sanofi in May 2025. Its second platform candidate, DR-0202, advanced into first-in-human clinical studies in patients with solid tumors in Q2 2025. In addition, Dren Bio has built an extensive preclinical pipeline including additional multispecific programs generated from its platform, targeting indications in oncology, immunology, and neurology. For more information, please visit www.drenbio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104340462/en/ Contacts: Company Contact: Jeff Macfarland EVP, Finance ir@drenbio.com AMSTERDAM, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Sizewell C nuclear power station achieved financial close with the technical assistance of Arcadis (EURONEXT: ARCAD), a global leader in sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions. In response, Alan Brookes, CEO, Arcadis, said: "Arcadis is proud to partner with the Sizewell C team as they work to deliver the UK's next nuclear energy facility, and we are excited that they achieved financial close today. This game-changing investment in Britain's energy future will drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents across the country." ABOUT ARCADIS Arcadis is a leading global partner driving some of the most transformative projects of our time. We help clients make sustainable choices by combining digital innovation, human expertise, and future-focused skills across environment, energy, water, buildings, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Taking design, engineering, architecture and consultancy to the next level, we use data-driven insights to co-create environments that reflect our clients' business and stakeholder needs. With 36,000 people, we unite global expertise to tackle challenges like climate, energy security and diversification, and livable cities, improving quality of life through our presence in 30+ countries. In 2024, we achieved 5.0 billion in gross revenues. Learn more at www.arcadis.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1838726/5600692/Arcadis_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/arcadis-ceo-alan-brookes-statement-on-the-financial-close-of-sizewell-c-302604363.html French GAAP - million Turnover unaudited figures[1] 2025 2024[2] Change 1st quarter 97.6 106.7 -8.6% 2nd quarter 101.3 107.3 -5.6% 3rd quarter 84.4 90.6 -6.9% TOTAL 283.2 304.7 -7.0% Industrial Joinery 162.5 177.2 -8.3% Concrete Industry 100.3 103.2 -2.8% Other 27.8 31.1 -10.4% Inter-segment eliminations -7.4 -6.7 - Moderate downturn in business levels in the third quarter of 2025 in an uncertain environment In a still complex economic and geopolitical context, HERIGE Industries recorded turnover of 84.4 million, down 6.9% compared to the same period in 2024 (down 5.9% on a comparable working-day basis). Following on from the first half, this trend reflects the business' resilience in a market that remains fragile. In the third quarter, Industrial Joinery recorded an 8.0% decline (-7.2% excluding the unfavorable calendar effect). This trend continues to be impacted by a wait-and-see attitude related to changes to the MaPrimeRenov' program, as grants for individual comprehensive renovations were suspended over the period. Against this backdrop, the professional expert installers Networks and Construction businesses have shown greater resilience despite a highly competitive environment. The Concrete Industry's decline was limited to 2.5% over the quarter (-1% excluding the unfavorable calendar effect), confirming the resilience of the ready-mix and precast concrete segments. Performance was driven by a more favorable product mix, with the ramp-up of special concretes, in particular decorative concretes, and growth in the low-carbon concrete range. Consequently, over the first nine months of the year, HERIGE Industries posted turnover of 283.2 million, down 7.0% on the same period in 2024 (-5.3% excluding the calendar effect). Outlook In a market altered by political uncertainties and a lack of visibility, particularly for the renovation and new-build markets (apart from the recovery in individual housing), HERIGE remains fully mobilized to strengthen its fundamentals and prepare the conditions for a sustainable rebound when the sector returns to a growth trajectory. NEXT PUBLICATION: Q4 2025 turnover on February 3, 2026 (after the close of trading) All our financial communications are available on our website: www.herige-industries.fr/en ABOUT HERIGE HERIGE Industries focuses on two sectors of the building industry: the Concrete Industry and Industrial Joinery. HERIGE is a multi-regional group of Vendee origin, with a workforce of nearly 1,700 employees, present in mainland France, Canada and overseas. HERIGE is listed on Euronext Growth PEA/PME eligible Indices: EURONEXT FAMILY BUSINESS, EURONEXT GROWTH ALL SHARE, ENTERNEXTPEA-PME 150 ISIN FR0000066540, Ticker: ALHRG, Reuters ALHRG.PA CONTACTS HERIGE INDUSTRIES Benoit Hennaut - Chairman of the Executive Board Caroline Lutinier - Head of Group Communication & CSR Tel.: +33 (0)2 51 08 08 20 E-mail: communication@groupe-herige.fr ACTUS finance & communication Corinne Puissant - Analyst/Investor Relations Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 77 - E-mail: cpuissant@actus.fr Serena Boni - Press Relations Tel.: +33 (0)4 72 18 04 92 - E-mail: sboni@actus.fr [1] Figures for 2025 and 2024 are presented based on the new reporting segmentation: the "Industrial Joinery" business now includes the Canadian subsidiary and the carpentry business has been transferred to the "Other" division [2] Figures for 2024 have been restated for discontinued operations (VM Materiaux, LNTP, Cominex and VM Guadeloupe) ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: lpieaMptl5uYnZxqZZWZl2Nlb2+VmJWcZ2Kel2OZa8qYmZ1glZtjmsWaZnJmlWdm - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-95020-herige_cat3-_2025_vdef_uk.pdf BRIC, leading professional services provider and subsidiary of Dine Development Corporation (DDC), has been awarded a contract by the National Park Service (NPS). SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / BRIC, leading professional services provider and subsidiary of Dine Development Corporation (DDC), has been awarded a contract by the National Park Service (NPS) to design, deliver, and support a state-of-the-art arsenic treatment system at Wahweap Well, located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Page, Arizona. The project will ensure safe, reliable drinking water by reducing arsenic levels to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (AZDEQ) standards. In addition to advanced arsenic removal technology, the system will incorporate modern gas chlorination and enhanced safety controls to optimize performance and long-term sustainability. BRIC's team will operate under an accelerated schedule to design, install, and commission the system, demonstrating the company's ability to deliver mission-critical infrastructure efficiently and safely. "This project underscores our ability to mobilize quickly and deliver technical excellence while meeting federal and state compliance requirements," said Brian Worrilow, President of BRIC. "We look forward to expanding our partnership with the National Park Service to ensure vital water resources for park staff, visitors, and the surrounding communities." "This effort reinforces our commitment to building infrastructure that sustains communities and preserves the environment for future generations," said Allan Stoddard, Vice President, Professional Services at DDC. "We're proud to deliver innovative water treatment solutions that elevate public health and environmental stewardship." SOURCE: Dine Development Corporation (DDC) View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/bric-awarded-national-park-service-water-treatment-contract-1096916 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Myriad Uranium Corp. (CSE: M) (FSE: C3Q) ("Myriad" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that as a result of strong investor demand, the Company has increased the size of its previously announced "bought deal" private placement (the "Underwritten Offering") from gross proceeds of C$6,000,000 to gross proceeds of C$7,500,000. Pursuant to the upsized Underwritten Offering, the Underwriters (as defined herein) have agreed to purchase for resale 18,750,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.40 per Unit (the "Offering Price"). Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Unit Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$0.60 per Warrant Share at any time on or following the date that is 61 days following the Closing Date (as defined herein) to the date that is on or before that date which is 36 months after the Closing Date. Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") is acting as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the "Underwriters"). The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date, to purchase for resale up to an additional 6,250,000 Units at the Offering Price for additional gross proceeds of up to C$2,500,000 (the "Over-Allotment Option", and together with the Underwritten Offering, the "Offering"). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for the exploration and advancement of the Company's Copper Mountain Uranium Project in Wyoming, U.S. and Red Basin Project in New Mexico, U.S., as well as for general corporate purposes and working capital. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Units under the Offering will be offered for sale to eligible substituted purchasers resident in all of the provinces of Canada except Quebec pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The Unit Shares and Warrants underlying the Units, and the Warrant Shares underlying the Warrants, if exercised, are expected to be immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation. The Units may also be sold in offshore jurisdictions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"). There is an amended offering document (the "Amended Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.myriaduranium.com. Prospective investors should read this Amended Offering Document before making an investment decision. The Offering is scheduled to close on November 13, 2025 (the "Closing Date"), or such other date as the Company and Red Cloud may agree. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The securities offered in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Myriad Uranium Corp. Myriad Uranium Corp. is a uranium exploration company with an earnable 75% interest in the Copper Mountain Uranium Project in Wyoming, USA. A recent press release discussing the 1982 U.S. Department of Energy assessment of Copper Mountain's uranium endowment can be viewed here. Copper Mountain hosts several known uranium deposits and historic uranium mines, including the Arrowhead Mine which produced 500,000 lbs of U3O8. Copper Mountain saw extensive drilling and development by Union Pacific during the late 1970s including the development of a mine plan to fuel a planned fleet of California Edison reactors. Operations ceased in 1980 before mining could commence due to falling uranium prices. Approximately 2,000 boreholes have been drilled at Copper Mountain and the project area has significant exploration upside. Union Pacific is estimated to have spent C$117 million (2024 dollars) exploring and developing Copper Mountain, generating significant historical resource estimates which are detailed here. The Company also has a 100% interest, subject to completing a geophysical survey by January 31, 2026, in the Red Basin Uranium Project in New Mexico, which has extensive near-surface uranium mineralisation and significant upside potential. Our Crux Investor overview page including recent interviews can be viewed here. The Company's presentation can be viewed here. News releases regarding historical drilling can be viewed here and here. The final news release regarding chemical assays of 2024 Copper Mountain drilling can be viewed here. For further information, please refer to Myriad's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), contact Myriad by telephone at +1.604.418.2877, or refer to Myriad's website at www.myriaduranium.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" that is based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, the Company's business, plans, outlook and business strategy. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "likely", "expect," "anticipate," "intend", "estimate", "plan", "forecast", "project" and "believe" or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements regarding the Offering, the closing of the Offering, the anticipated closing date of the Offering, the intended use of proceeds from the Offering and the filing of the Amended Offering Document. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect, including with respect to the Company's business plans respecting the exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties, the proposed work program on the Company's mineral properties and the potential and economic viability of the Company's mineral properties. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in costs; litigation; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and technological or operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273150 SOURCE: Myriad Uranium Corp. WILMINGTON, DE / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / At just 29 years old, Farhan Qureshi, a Pakistani-American entrepreneur from Chicago, has built one of the most promising fintech brands of this decade Credzly. Credzly is a software-as-a-service company redefining how people build and manage credit. His story isn't one of instant success but it's one of relentless drive, faith, and transformation. From Humble Beginnings to High Impact Born to immigrant parents, his father a Chicago cab driver and his mother a daycare worker, Farhan learned early what it means to grind, persevere, and dream big. Straight out of high school, he jumped into sales, mastering payment processing, SEO, and PPC marketing. Those years in the trenches taught him the foundations of business, communication, and customer psychology. These lessons that would later shape his entrepreneurial success. That foundation led him to join a young fintech startup focused on consumer loans. When Farhan started, it had only 40 employees and operated in three states. Over the next six years, he helped build the entire operational backbone of the company, creating all the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and scaling the operations department from scratch. He climbed the ranks from Operations Analyst to Operations Manager, guiding the company's explosive growth from 3 states to 45+ states nationwide, and from 40 employees to over 400 staff members. When the company went public, Farhan had already left his mark, not only as a builder and systems architect but as a leader who understood how to turn processes into profits. From Corporate Success to Rock Bottom and Back Again After six years in fintech, Farhan accepted a position as Internal Audit Director at a major paper company, a role that paid like a doctor's salary and symbolized his climb to corporate success. Yet even then, something inside him wasn't fulfilled. "I realized I was living someone else's definition of success," he says. "I wanted impact, not comfort." He started taking bold entrepreneurial risks, investing in new ventures and real estate but not every risk paid off. Soon, he found himself outside corporate America, drowning in debt and holding a 350 credit score. "It felt like losing everything I had built." Farhan recalls. "I refused to stay down. I knew I had the mindset and knowledge to rebuild. I just had to apply it differently." Through relentless study, experimentation, and discipline, Farhan mastered every aspect of credit repair and credit optimization. Within months, he rebuilt his credit from 350 to 750, and within a year, he bought and rehabbed three properties using credit, turning his comeback story into a blueprint for others. The Birth of Credzly: A One-of-a-Kind Credit Ecosystem That system evolved into Credzly, a fintech SaaS company built to give people a debt-free, interest-free path to building and mastering their credit. Credzly's comprehensive credit ecosystem includes: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax Credit Reports & Scores Score Factors & Debt Analysis Daily Credit Monitoring & Alerts Score Simulator Rent Reporting Credit Builder Loan Up to $1M ID Theft Insurance Dark Web, SSN, and Address Monitoring "Credzly is more than a subscription site. It's a credit empowerment platform," says Farhan. "It's designed to help people understand, repair, and leverage their credit as a tool for financial freedom." And in line with his values, 5% of all Credzly proceeds go directly to charitable causes including supporting those in need. Farhan believes business is not just about profit; it's about purpose and impact. Leverage Academy: Turning Knowledge into Generational Wealth As Credzly gained traction, Farhan realized education was just as vital as technology. That's when he launched Leverage Academy, an educational platform hosted on Skool, where he teaches students everything he's learned about credit, real estate, and wealth creation. Through his courses, mentorship, and online community, Farhan helps others master the same system he used, transforming debt into opportunity and limitation into leverage. "Leverage Academy isn't just about credit," he says. "It's about mindset, faith, and building a life with purpose and financial control." Just like Credzly, 5% of all Leverage Academy proceeds are donated to charity, making every student's enrollment part of a greater mission, spreading education and compassion. From Chicago to the World What began in the suburbs of Chicago is now spreading nationwide. With Credzly transforming how Americans build credit, and Leverage Academy reshaping how they think about wealth, Farhan Qureshi is building a movement, one that blends faith, freedom, and financial literacy. "If I can go from a 350 credit score to building a multimillion-dollar fintech company and investing into real estate then anyone can. You just need the right knowledge, faith, and consistency." Follow Credzly and Farhan Qureshi: Social Links: Instagram , YouTube , LinkedIn Media Details Person Name: Farhan Qureshi Website URL: http://www.credzly.com/ Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/leverageacademy Company Name: Credzly INC Email: info@credzly.com SOURCE: Credzly INC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/farhan-qureshi-the-fintech-visionary-turning-setbacks-into-succe-1096938 by Lina Klebanov, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility North America, TCS NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Bio: Lina Klebanov oversees corporate social responsibility, philanthropic programs, employee engagement, and strategic partnerships for TCS in North America. She's been guiding the company's cross-sector efforts to advance equitable digital opportunity since 2016. Program Timeline Tata Consultancy Services recently celebrated 15 years of enhancing STEM education and serving youth through its Go Innovate Together (goIT) initiative The program started in Milford, Ohio in 2009, when TCS staff created a summer camp experience to get students interested in computer science and prepare them for careers in the field. Today, TCS goIT includes camps, workshops, curricula for classrooms and after-school programs, and competitions for students. goIT offers lessons on AI fundamentals, machine learning, and Generative AI (Gen AI). TCS helps students make the most of these technologies responsibly by providing training modules to educators so they can encourage students to incorporate AI into the innovation concepts they develop through the goIT program, to help them stay ahead of the curve. To date, goIT has reached more than 350,000 students around the world with skill-building opportunities. The program enables students to develop and apply acquired tech knowledge and skills to real-world problems, such as the challenges defined by the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Smiles. Big, beaming smiles and the sparkling eyes that accompany them when students present their innovations to judges from the stage. This is the first thing I think about when I hear, "goIT." TCS' Go Innovate Together (goIT) program is an innovation and career readiness program for students aged 6-17. It's also a smile maker. Whether they access the program through families, a teacher or a nonprofit's after-school program, students go through the experience joyfully, discovering new perspectives and previously undiscovered talents. Learning as much about the tech world as they do about themselves, students experience pure joy with the program. Their learning processes and innovations may all be different, but their radiant happiness and confidence is always a constant at program culminations, competitions where they "pitch" their ideas for a chance to win feedback, medals, mentoring opportunities and more. goIT exposes students across North America to technologies such as AI that are rapidly changing the world. It also demonstrates how tech can be used for positive social and environmental impact, providing students with relevant skills and the mindsets needed to pursue careers in STEM fields. Helping educators cover several timely AI tech pathways, goIT does not shy away from either new technologies or challenging global social and environmental issues. Created in 2009, goIT was launched when a group of TCS associates in Milford, Ohio, recognized that there weren't enough skilled candidates for the jobs in their office. Motivated to change that, they started goIT as a small summer camp experience for a few dozen students in the Cincinnati area. Attendees learned how to code robots to perform basic tasks from enthusiastic IT experts who spent three days as volunteer camp facilitators, inspiring them to pursue future careers in technology. Instantly, they knew what they had was special, but had no idea they were starting a movement. It was good timing. As reported by research firm Gartner, IT jobs had started to morph into four different domains around that time: Technology Infrastructure and Services, emphasizing technical knowledge around how different technologies work Information Design and Management, focused more on business-specific knowledge Process Design and Management, which balances business knowledge with a deep understanding of core processes across industry sectors Relationship and Sourcing Management, balancing business and core process knowledge with the ability to excel in negotiations and relationship management Further, in 2009, the National Science Foundation reported that men outnumbered women 3 to 1 in all sectors of science and engineering careers in the US, and women were significantly underrepresented in both STEM degrees and jobs in across the country. Researchers studying the gap in STEM jobs between the genders noted that it got smaller with increases in educational attainment. Yet women held significantly fewer STEM degrees compared with men, and fewer women than men with STEM undergraduate degrees actually ended up in STEM jobs. In the years following goIT's first summer camp, led by a TCS associate, Brian Purvis, we took the program across the US, and, in 2014, across the border to Canada. By 2020, we had expanded goIT with the help of fully engaged, compassionate employee volunteers. Brian, for instance, served as a subject matter expert for the development of goIT's Internet of Things curriculum, known as a "tech pathway." We also collaborated with other tech experts to develop more offerings as we laid the foundation for a meaningful global program. The growth of the program skyrocketed, expanding from two to 48 countries from 2020-2024. Today, goIT has reached more than 350,000 students, with 49% of participants being girls and approximately 75% representing ethnic minorities. In goIT programs, these students develop and apply knowledge and skills such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and app design to create solutions to real-world problems. And they do so with heart and purpose. Today, goIT engages female and minority K-12 students as a program priority, because we're confident that a fun and meaningful experience with technology can stimulate girls' interest in STEM education and careers-and that goIT can instill the confidence they need to pursue them. TCS' investments in STEM education programs-with the help of program leaders, the generous volunteers who give of their time and expertise, and thousands of teacher and student participants-are creating positive change. In addition, these programs will help tech employers benefit from the perspectives of individuals from underrepresented groups. The new goIT GenAI tech pathway-the educator support we launched this year to teach students about Generative AI-was particularly timely. I can't think of a better way for TCS to celebrate 15 years of goIT and launch the program's next 15 years. As I look back, some of my favorite goIT memories include: Seeing smiles on the faces of the 75% female goIT Live group in our 2024 Honolulu Schools program. Judging the 10th annual Toronto District School Board's 2023-2024 goIT program culmination, which featured 250 K-12 innovators and their big dreams for sustainable development The year that astronaut Nicole Stott encouraged youth to enter the goIT Global Innovator of the Year competition as "crew members, not passengers" on spaceship Earth The three consecutive years that the goIT Global Innovator of the Year was a girl or team of girls I loved celebrating 14-year-old Laura F. (2022-2023), 13-year-old Casey S. 2023-2024), and seventh graders Elizabeth and Eloise (2024-2025) when they were recognized The day I learned that a goIT alumnus took the confidence he gained innovating in the program to do something quite extraordinary-build his own, motorized prosthetic hand. goIT has proven itself to have the relevance, stamina, credibility and longevity to continue for many more years. That is definitely a good thing because there is so much more work to do as the Age of Intelligence advances and changes everything we know about life and work. Get involved with goIT early and often. Visit https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS to explore the program's offerings or send a note of interest to northamerica.csr@tcs.com to get started. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Tata Consultancy Services on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Tata Consultancy Services Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/tata-consultancy-services-tcs Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Tata Consultancy Services View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/perspective-in-the-age-of-ai-tcs-goit-tm-is-more-relevant-than-ev-1096955 The establishment of a European subsidiary in Germany strengthens the capacity of Direct Relief-one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations-to expand global access to essential medical aid. FRANKFURT (ODER), DE / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / In response to rising global health needs and growing strain on public health systems, Direct Relief has opened a new European headquarters to enhance its ability to deliver essential medical resources to communities facing urgent health challenges. "This expansion reflects Direct Relief's commitment to addressing urgent health needs wherever they arise," said Amy Weaver, CEO of Direct Relief. "Establishing a presence in Europe enables greater collaboration and helps ensure that critical medical resources reach the people and places that need them most-quickly and reliably." The new European headquarters, based in Frankfurt and legally registered in Germany as Direct Relief gGmbH, will serve as a logistics and partnership hub, building on long-standing collaborations with European pharmaceutical and medical product manufacturers. "Frankfurt is proud to welcome Direct Relief as part of our international community," said Eileen O'Sullivan, Deputy Mayor for International Affairs of the City of Frankfurt. "Establishing their European headquarters here strengthens Frankfurt's role as a global hub for collaboration and humanitarian engagement and contributes to strengthening democracy through international solidarity." Over the past decade, Direct Relief has delivered more than $16 billion USD in medical aid throughout Europe and around the world. Roughly a quarter of the medicines Direct Relief delivers worldwide originate in Europe, supported by partnerships with leading European companies. "We're grateful to Direct Relief for their longstanding partnership and look forward to supporting and working with them as they expand their important work," said Bayer AG Chief Executive Officer Bill Anderson. "Bayer's mission is Health for all, Hunger for none. And we see organizations like Direct Relief as vital partners in achieving that mission" As health systems face mounting pressure from conflict, climate-related disasters, and economic instability, the ability to deliver targeted, high-impact humanitarian medical aid has become increasingly vital. "Promoting health equity is at the heart of our sustainability efforts," said Shashank Deshpande, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors at Boehringer Ingelheim. "Direct Relief's expansion in Europe strengthens global health systems and ensures critical care reaches underserved communities worldwide. We are proud to support their mission and to help deliver sustainable health solutions where they are needed most." Europe has been integral to Direct Relief's humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, which has surpassed $2 billion USD in medical aid since the war began in 2022. "Direct Relief has been consistently supporting Ukraine's healthcare system throughout the war," said Viktor Liashko, Ukraine's Minister of Health. " This assistance is coordinated with the Ministry of Health, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most. We highly value this partnership, which saves Ukrainian lives and strengthens the resilience of healthcare services. In the most challenging moments - when hospitals operate under shelling, when the power goes out but doctors continue treating patients - the support of Direct Relief is especially tangible. It stands as an example of effective international solidarity, embodied in concrete results: modern equipment, medicines, backup power systems, and the development of rehabilitation and mental health services." The first donation from Direct Relief's German subsidiary arrived in Lviv Ukraine on Nov 1, 2025, with antibiotics from Bayer. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Direct Relief on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Direct Relief Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/direct-relief Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Direct Relief View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/direct-relief-expands-global-humanitarian-operations-with-openin-1096956 Implementation of an operational organization more closely aligned with market needs and, specifically, with customer expectations Deployment of a more agile organizational structure in response to the Group's new strategy, which aims in particular to improve its growth and profitability profile La Plaine Saint Denis, France, November 04, 2025, 06:30 pm CET - Showroomprive ("SRP Group" or the "Company"), a European group specialized in flash sales, announces an operational reorganization plan. David Dayan, Chief Executive Officer of Showroomprive, commented: "Fully aware of the highly competitive nature of our markets and determined to leverage the Group's strengths for the benefit of our clients, we must rethink our organizational model. This reorganization project is part of our strategy to return to growth and will be structured around our customers' expectations, smoother internal processes, and the added value that technology now brings to our businesses. This reorganization could have an impact on the Group's headcount, without any site closures, and I will personally ensure that each individual's situation is handled with utmost care and attention." A macroeconomic context justifying this operational reorganization The unfavorable macroeconomic environment, brand disintermediation, the rise of second-hand markets, and intensified competition require the Group to adapt its organization in order to remain competitive. Significant investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, mobile ergonomics, payment security, and digital marketing have become essential. The convergence of these factors requires redesigning the Group's business model to continue pursuing its growth objectives in an environment that remains complex. The proposed project is structured around five key pillars defined as part of our new strategy: strengthening relationships with partner brands, building a global Showroomprive platform, restoring customer appeal, driving a technological transformation, establishing a lighter and more agile model to return to profitability. The implementation of this project would enable the Company to streamline its cost structure while adopting an operational organization more aligned with new market expectations. Impact on employment within the Group The implementation of this reorganization plan requires streamlining and simplification of the Group's structure in order to improve efficiency and better serve customers. The new organization would rely on increased process automation and the use of artificial intelligence in content production, following a model already adopted by many competitors. In total, the implementation of the reorganization plan could result in up to 121 job cuts for economic reasons during the second quarter of 2026, including 80 in La Plaine Saint-Denis, 23 in Roubaix, and 18 in Les Sables-d'Olonne. Particular attention will, of course, be paid to the quality and scope of the accompanying social measures, so as to support each affected employee in securing new opportunities within the Company, within other legal entities of the Showroomprive Group in France, or, alternatively, outside the Group. ABOUT showroomprive Showroomprive is an innovative European player in the online private sales industry, specializing in fashion. Showroomprive offers a daily selection of more than 3,000 brand partners via its mobile apps or website in France and six other countries. Since its launch in 2006, the Company has enjoyed quick growth. Listed on the Euronext Paris market (code: SRP), Showroomprive achieved a gross business volume including tax of nearly 1 billion in 2024, and net sales of 650 million. The Group is led by founder David Dayan and employs more than 1,100 people. For more information: http://showroomprivegroup.com ContactS Showroomprive NewCap Benoit Jacheet, Group CFO investor.relations@showroomprive.net Financial communication Theo Martin, Louis-Victor Delouvrier Anthony Alfont Relations.presse@showroomprive.net Media relations Gaelle Fromaigeat, Nicolas Merigeau showroomprive@newcap.eu ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: yWxtkZ1raZnKmGtvkspqbZWXnGaSlZXKbGPImGWZlJ/IaJ1jlG2Uap2aZnJmlWdu - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-95028-pr-showroomprive-reorganization-plan.pdf LONDON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Kingdom edge data center market is experiencing unprecedented expansion as digital transformation accelerates across industries, positioning the nation as a critical hub for next-generation infrastructure in Europe. The UK Edge Data Center Market size was valued at USD 283.69 million in 2020, reached USD 628.69 million in 2025, and is anticipated to attain USD 3,117.57 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 17.22% during the forecast period. This remarkable trajectory reflects the convergence of emerging technologies, regulatory support, and strategic investments from global data center operators seeking to capitalize on the region's robust digital economy. Market Overview The UK edge data center ecosystem has emerged as a cornerstone of the nation's digital infrastructure, driven by escalating demand for low-latency computing solutions that process data closer to end-users. Edge data centers are fundamentally transforming how organizations manage workloads by distributing computing resources across geographically dispersed facilities rather than relying solely on centralized cloud architectures. For instance, Pulsant, a leading UK edge infrastructure provider, announced in March 2025 its acquisition of two data centers from SCC, with completion expected in April 2025, demonstrating the continued consolidation and expansion of regional edge capabilities across the country. The market's evolution is intrinsically linked to the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the rollout of 5G networks, and the exponential growth of artificial intelligence workloads requiring real-time processing capabilities. The United Kingdom currently ranks as the third-largest country globally for data center infrastructure, trailing only the United States and Germany, and accounts for approximately 5.7% of the global edge data center market as of 2024. This positioning underscores the strategic importance of the UK market within the broader European digital landscape. For instance, in January 2025, GPU cloud provider Nscale announced a 2.5 billion investment in UK data center infrastructure, including its first facility in Loughton, Essex, which will support 50MW of AI and high-performance computing capacity with plans to go live in Q4 2026. Such substantial commitments from specialized infrastructure providers highlight the market's attractiveness for edge computing investments tailored to next-generation applications. Government recognition of data centers as critical national infrastructure has further accelerated development, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner overriding local council planning refusals to expedite strategic projects aligned with national growth objectives. For instance, Vantage Data Centers announced in January 2025 a 12 billion investment program to construct a 10-building campus on the site of a former Ford car plant in Bridgend, Wales, creating more than 11,500 jobs while expanding its existing Welsh presence in Cardiff and Newport. This policy environment, combined with London's status as a global financial and technology hub, creates favorable conditions for edge data center proliferation across metropolitan and regional markets. Get a tailored roadmap built around your data center goals- https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/uk-edge-data-center-market Key Growth Determinants Proliferation of 5G Networks and Low-Latency Applications The rapid deployment of 5G telecommunications infrastructure across the United Kingdom represents a fundamental catalyst for edge data center expansion, as these networks require distributed computing resources to deliver the ultra-low latency and high bandwidth promised by next-generation connectivity. Edge computing architecture shortens data transmission paths by processing information closer to generation sources, making it ideally suited for 5G networks that rely on higher frequency bands capable of traveling only shorter distances compared to previous generations. For instance, telecommunications providers are increasingly integrating edge computing capabilities to support real-time applications including augmented reality, virtual reality, and smart city implementations that demand latency below 10 milliseconds. The synergy between 5G and edge infrastructure enables telcos to reduce backhaul costs, minimize network congestion, and create new revenue streams through enhanced service offerings that were previously unfeasible with centralized cloud architectures. Explosive Growth in AI and Machine Learning Workloads Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications are driving unprecedented demand for edge computing infrastructure as organizations seek to process massive datasets with minimal latency for real-time decision-making across sectors including healthcare, autonomous vehicles, retail, and industrial automation. The UK government's AI Opportunities Action Plan, announced in January 2025, catalyzed immediate infrastructure commitments exceeding 14 billion, with companies recognizing that distributed edge architectures are essential for supporting generative AI workloads requiring proximity to data sources. For instance, Microsoft announced plans in September 2025 for a $30 billion (22 billion) investment program in UK data center infrastructure over four years (2025-2028). This plan includes building the UK's largest supercomputer in Loughton, Essex, in partnership with Nscale, and expanding its data center presence, which includes a site in Newport, Wales. The substantial investment, part of a broader "Tech Prosperity Deal" between the US and UK governments, is intended to support escalating AI compute demands. Internet of Things Device Proliferation Across Industries The exponential increase in connected IoT devices across manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, energy, and consumer applications is fundamentally reshaping data generation patterns, creating unprecedented volumes of information at network edges that require localized processing capabilities. IoT deployments in sectors such as smart cities, industrial automation, and remote healthcare monitoring generate continuous data streams that become impractical to transmit to centralized cloud facilities due to bandwidth constraints, latency requirements, and cost considerations. For instance, edge computing enables real-time analysis of IoT sensor data in oil and gas distribution infrastructures, where a single day of downtime can cost operators over $20 million, allowing organizations to identify potential failures proactively and reduce average annual downtime events. Similarly, in healthcare applications, edge computing powers wearable cardiac monitoring devices that analyze patient health metrics continuously and alert medical staff immediately when detecting irregular heart rhythms, enhancing chronic condition management while reducing hospitalization rates. The combination of AI, IoT, and edge computing creates a transformative technology trio that is driving private 5G network adoption and necessitating distributed data center infrastructure to support these converging applications. Key Growth Barriers High Energy Costs Impacting Operational Economics The United Kingdom faces a significant competitive disadvantage in attracting data center investments due to electricity costs that average 42 cents per kilowatt hour, substantially exceeding rates of 16 cents in the United States and 8 cents in China, creating operational expense challenges that threaten the nation's ability to compete for hyperscale and edge infrastructure projects. This energy cost disparity not only increases operational expenses for existing facilities but also influences location decisions for new investments, as operators evaluate total cost of ownership across global markets. For instance, Bruce, regional director of data center operator Equinix, stated in August 2025 that high energy costs and lengthy planning processes are prompting some operators to explore construction in alternative countries, noting that obtaining planning permission and grid access in the UK can require five to seven years. The UK AI trade body released a report in January 2025 titled "Overcoming the Energy Hurdle to Win in AI," analyzing the significant additional energy consumption required for data centers powering the nation's artificial intelligence industry and warning that the UK risks falling behind global competitors unless energy policy addresses this fundamental disadvantage. Furthermore, the National Energy System Operator projects that data center growth in Great Britain could increase electricity demand by up to 71 TWh over the next 25 years, emphasizing the urgent need for clean energy sources and grid infrastructure investments to support sustainable expansion. Lengthy Planning and Regulatory Approval Processes The protracted timeline required to secure planning permissions, grid connections, and regulatory approvals for data center construction in the United Kingdom creates substantial barriers to market entry and expansion, with projects frequently requiring five to seven years from initial conception to operational status. This extended development cycle places UK markets at a competitive disadvantage relative to jurisdictions with streamlined approval processes, as operators seeking rapid deployment to capture emerging opportunities may select alternative locations offering faster time-to-market. For instance, Digital Reef's 1.7 billion 600MW London Data Centre Campus in Havering faced significant opposition from environmentalists and local councils due to its location on East London's green belt, exemplifying the complex stakeholder dynamics that extend project timelines despite the facility's commitment to zero-carbon operations and inclusion of a 300-acre ecology park. While government intervention has accelerated some strategic projects-such as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner overriding local council refusals for facilities deemed critical national infrastructure-this case-by-case approach creates uncertainty for operators attempting to plan comprehensive network expansions. The Institution of Engineering and Technology responded in August 2025 to plans for 100 new data centers across the UK by calling for urgent action to ensure environmental sustainability is embedded in development processes, proposing a bronze-silver-gold rating system that could add additional evaluation layers to approval workflows. Discuss your current challenge and explore rapid solutions- https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/enquiry/custom-request Grid Capacity Constraints and Infrastructure Limitations The availability of adequate electrical grid capacity represents a critical constraint for edge data center expansion across the United Kingdom, as existing infrastructure in many strategic locations lacks the capacity to support the power-intensive requirements of modern facilities, particularly those designed for AI and high-performance computing workloads. Securing grid connections has emerged as one of the most significant bottlenecks in project development, with operators facing extended waiting periods and substantial infrastructure upgrade investments before facilities can become operational. For instance, concerns have mounted regarding the impact of data center electricity consumption on residential energy bills, with examples from US markets such as Ohio showing monthly bill increases of $20 for residents in areas with concentrated data center development, raising questions about cost allocation mechanisms and whether operators will absorb infrastructure expansion expenses. The urgency of addressing grid constraints is amplified by projections that AI-specific workloads require significantly more power than traditional computing applications, with statistics from the United States suggesting that new AI-focused facilities could be substantially more powerful than predecessor generations. This infrastructure limitation necessitates coordinated planning between data center operators, utility providers, and government authorities to ensure that electrical grid capacity expansion keeps pace with projected demand growth while maintaining affordability for residential and commercial consumers. Key Market Trends Sustainability and Green Energy Adoption Environmental sustainability has evolved from an aspirational objective to a fundamental requirement for data center operators in the United Kingdom, with companies increasingly prioritizing renewable energy procurement, advanced cooling technologies, and circular economy principles to minimize carbon footprints while meeting stringent regulatory expectations. For instance, VIRTUS Data Centres, the largest operator in the UK market, has utilized 100% renewable energy sourced exclusively from wind, hydro, and solar generation since 2012, with zero biomass content in its fuel mix, achieving carbon neutrality on power consumption across its entire portfolio. In 2024, VIRTUS saved approximately 210 million kilograms of CO2 through its renewable energy commitment and has pledged to achieve net zero emissions on all reportable activities by 2030. Similarly, Digital Reef's 1.7 billion London Data Centre Campus incorporates on-site renewable power generation and battery capacity to balance grid demand while creating a 300-acre ecology park for local community use, demonstrating how sustainability considerations are being integrated into facility design from inception. The Institution of Engineering and Technology proposed in August 2025 a bronze-silver-gold rating system to guide responsible development, with gold recognition reserved for centers operating sustainably using clean energy, reflecting growing stakeholder expectations for environmental accountability. Hyperscale Cloud Provider Expansion Global hyperscale cloud service providers are significantly expanding their United Kingdom edge data center footprints to support low-latency service delivery for enterprise customers while positioning infrastructure to capitalize on AI workload growth and 5G network proliferation. For instance, Microsoft's announcement in September 2025 of a $30 billion (22 billion) investment program in UK data center infrastructure over four years (2025-2028), which includes a new supercomputer facility in Essex and expansion of its Welsh site in Newport, exemplifies how hyperscalers are pursuing regional distribution strategies to enhance application performance and user experience for AI workloads. Google's 740 million commitment in September 2025 for a Hertfordshire facility utilizing innovative air cooling technology reflects the sector's focus on operational efficiency while scaling capacity. These investments by hyperscale operators create multiplier effects throughout the ecosystem, as enterprises increasingly adopt hybrid architectures combining centralized cloud resources with edge computing capabilities for workloads requiring proximity to data sources or end-users. Additionally, IT services provider Kyndryl announced in January 2025 plans to create up to 1,000 AI-related jobs in Liverpool over three years at a new technology hub, illustrating how hyperscale expansion drives employment growth in technical sectors beyond traditional data center operations. Edge Computing for Industry-Specific Applications Vertical industries including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and autonomous transportation are rapidly adopting edge computing architectures tailored to sector-specific requirements for real-time data processing, enhanced privacy, and regulatory compliance. For instance, in healthcare applications, edge computing enables wearable cardiac devices to continuously analyze patient health metrics and immediately alert medical staff when detecting irregular heart rhythms, improving chronic condition management while reducing hospitalization rates through early intervention. Similarly, hospitals are deploying edge-based AI diagnostic tools that rapidly analyze CT scans and medical imaging directly at facilities, accelerating disease detection and treatment initiation without transmitting sensitive patient data to distant cloud infrastructures. In retail environments, edge AI enhances customer experiences through personalized recommendations by analyzing browsing history, purchase behavior, demographic information, and real-time location data within stores to generate instant product suggestions and targeted discounts via mobile applications and digital signage. Autonomous vehicle applications leverage edge computing to process massive volumes of sensor data in real-time, with modern edge AI chips like NVIDIA's Drive Thor delivering up to 1,000 tera operations per second of processing power to enable split-second navigation decisions without heavy reliance on centralized data centers. Key Opportunities AI Workload Migration to Distributed Edge Architectures The explosive growth of generative artificial intelligence applications presents transformative opportunities for edge data center operators as organizations recognize that centralized cloud architectures cannot economically or technically support the latency-sensitive, data-intensive requirements of emerging AI use cases across industries. The UK government's AI Opportunities Action Plan announced in January 2025 catalyzed immediate infrastructure commitments exceeding 14 billion, with edge computing positioned as essential enabler for applications including real-time video analytics, natural language processing at customer interaction points, and predictive maintenance in industrial environments. For instance, Nscale's 2.5 billion investment announced in January 2025 includes facilities designed specifically for AI and high-performance computing, with its Loughton, Essex location engineered to house an initial deployment of approximately 23,040 NVIDIA GB300 GPUs and support up to a 90MW total power allocation upon full build-out, demonstrating the scale of infrastructure required for next-generation AI workloads. Organizations are increasingly deploying edge architectures to train machine learning models on localized datasets without transmitting sensitive information to centralized facilities, addressing data sovereignty requirements while improving model performance through reduced latency. This transition creates substantial opportunities for edge data center operators who can deliver specialized infrastructure optimized for GPU-intensive computing, advanced cooling systems, and high-density power distribution tailored to AI application requirements. Validate your plan with real-world data and expert modeling - https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/uk-edge-data-center-market Waste Heat Utilization and Circular Economy Integration Data centers generate substantial thermal energy as a byproduct of computing operations, creating opportunities to capture and redirect this waste heat for productive applications including district heating systems, industrial processes, and agricultural facilities, transforming an operational challenge into an economic and environmental advantage. As energy costs in the United Kingdom average 42 cents per kilowatt hour-substantially exceeding international competitors-waste heat utilization represents a strategic opportunity for operators to improve total cost of ownership while enhancing sustainability credentials valued by enterprise customers and regulatory authorities. For instance, the UK AI trade body UKAI's February 2025 report "Overcoming the Energy Hurdle to Win in AI" specifically identified waste heat redirection to residential and industrial heating systems as a mechanism to lower net electricity costs while contributing to decarbonization objectives. Facility designs incorporating combined heat and power systems, thermal storage, and integration with local heating networks can generate additional revenue streams while reducing operational expenses, creating differentiated value propositions in competitive markets. Furthermore, circular economy principles extending beyond energy efficiency to encompass equipment lifecycle management, water conservation, and sustainable construction materials are increasingly influencing customer selection criteria, positioning operators who embrace comprehensive sustainability strategies for preferential consideration in enterprise procurement processes. 5G-Enabled Service Innovation and Network Monetization The convergence of 5G telecommunications networks and edge computing infrastructure creates unprecedented opportunities for service providers to develop innovative applications leveraging ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and distributed processing capabilities that were technically infeasible with previous-generation technologies. Telecommunications operators are strategically positioning edge data centers to serve as platforms for new revenue streams beyond traditional connectivity services, offering managed edge computing capabilities to enterprise customers requiring specialized infrastructure for IoT deployments, augmented reality applications, and real-time analytics. For instance, edge computing enables telecommunications providers to offer network slicing capabilities that allocate dedicated virtual network resources with guaranteed performance characteristics for mission-critical applications in sectors including healthcare, financial services, and industrial automation. The technology facilitates remote surgical assistance by enabling specialists to guide procedures at distant facilities using robotic systems and augmented reality with latency sufficiently low to ensure precision during critical operations, expanding access to specialized medical expertise in underserved regions. Similarly, telemedicine platforms leveraging edge computing deliver seamless virtual consultations with reliable real-time communication and instant access to patient records even in areas with unstable internet connectivity, addressing healthcare accessibility challenges in rural communities. These 5G-enabled applications create compelling business cases for edge data center investments while generating sustainable competitive advantages for first-movers who establish comprehensive distributed infrastructure networks. Top Companies BT Group Megacable Holdings Telehouse (KDDI Group) Endeavor Business Media EdgeConneX Eaton Corporation Dell Technologies Inc. Fujitsu Cisco Systems Inc. SixSq Microsoft Corporation VMware Inc. Schneider Electric SE Rittal GmbH & Co. KG Regional Analysis The United Kingdom's edge data center market exhibits pronounced geographic concentration in Greater London and the Southeast, driven by the capital's status as Europe's preeminent financial and technology hub with unparalleled connectivity infrastructure, enterprise customer density, and access to skilled technical workforces. London's dominance is evidenced by major projects including Digital Reef's 1.7 billion 600MW campus in Havering and Equinix's LD14 facility in Slough, with the metro area commanding the largest share of total UK data center capacity. However, regional markets are experiencing accelerating growth as operators pursue geographic diversification strategies to enhance resilience, reduce concentration risk, and capture emerging opportunities in secondary cities. Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds are emerging as significant edge computing hubs, supported by government incentives, National Planning Framework provisions, and targeted investments in AI Growth Zones designed to distribute digital infrastructure development beyond London. For instance, Microsoft's September 2025 announcement confirmed a $30 billion (22 billion) UK expansion program, which includes developing the UK's largest supercomputer facility in Essex and expanding in Newport, Wales. The regional distribution trend is further supported by submarine cable landings on the UK's east coast and Cornwall, creating connectivity advantages for facilities in coastal locations seeking direct access to international network routes. DC Market Insight's Competitive Landscape Analysis DC Market Insight's comprehensive competitive landscape analysis identifies a dynamic ecosystem characterized by intense competition among global hyperscalers, specialized colocation providers, telecommunications operators, and regional edge infrastructure companies pursuing differentiated strategies to capture market share across diverse customer segments and application requirements. VIRTUS Data Centres maintains market leadership as the largest operator in the United Kingdom followed by Equinix and Digital Realty, with these three companies commanding substantial portions of total capacity through strategic acquisitions, greenfield developments, and partnerships with enterprise customers and cloud service providers. The competitive landscape encompasses both established infrastructure operators including Ark Data Centres, Global Switch, Telehouse, and Colt Data Centre Services, as well as emerging specialists such as Pulsant, whose March 2025 acquisition of two facilities from SCC demonstrates ongoing consolidation trends as regional players scale operations to compete more effectively. International hyperscale providers including Vantage Data Centers, with its 12 billion total UK-wide commitment announced in January 2025, are making substantial infrastructure investments to establish distributed edge networks supporting global enterprise customers requiring consistent service delivery across geographies. Technology vendors including Cisco Systems, Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Schneider Electric, Vertiv Holdings, NVIDIA, and IBM play critical roles providing hardware, software, and integrated solutions that enable edge data center operations, creating a complex value chain extending beyond facility operators to encompass the broader technology ecosystem. Competitive dynamics are increasingly influenced by sustainability credentials, with operators like VIRTUS differentiating through 100% renewable energy procurement since 2012 and net zero commitments, as enterprise customers prioritize environmental considerations in vendor selection processes. The market is witnessing the emergence of specialized operators focused on AI and high-performance computing workloads, exemplified by Nscale's 2.5 billion investment announced in January 2025, targeting GPU-intensive applications with facilities engineered specifically for next-generation artificial intelligence requirements. Connect directly with our specialists for personalized guidance - https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/uk-edge-data-center-market Related Reports - Global Edge Data Center Market - https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/edge-data-center-market Africa Edge Data Center Market - https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/africa-edge-data-center-market Algeria Edge Data Center Market - https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/algeria-edge-center-market Asia Pacific Edge Data Center Market - https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/asia-pacific-edge-data-center-market Australia Edge Data Center Market - https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/australia-edge-data-center-market Argentina Edge Data Center Market - https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/argentina-edge-data-center-market South Korea Edge Data Center Market - https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/south-korea-edge-data-center-market Brazil Edge Data Center Market - https://www.dcmarketinsights.com/report/brazil-edge-data-center-market About US - DC Market Insights , headquartered at 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom, is a dedicated research and consulting firm that empowers data center leaders with actionable intelligence. We combine rigorous market research, advanced analytics, and practical advisory support to help organizations make confident decisions in an increasingly complex digital infrastructure landscape. Our goal is to transform data into clarity, giving clients the ability to act decisively on strategy, investment, and execution. Registered Office 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UNITED KINGDOM Email: sales@dcmarketinsights.com Phone: +44 7809 866 263 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2806204/5601438/DC_Market_Insights_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uk-edge-data-center-market-to-hit-usd-3-12-billion-by-2035--growing-at-17-22-cagr---dc-market-insights-302604471.html Tinicum, L.P. ("Tinicum") today announced that one of its affiliates has signed an agreement to acquire the aerospace assets of TriMas Corporation ("TriMas Aerospace"), through which TriMas Aerospace will be merged with PennAero, a Tinicum portfolio company ("the Transaction"). Funds managed by Blackstone will be a minority investor in the Transaction. This investment reinforces PennAero's strategy of partnering with its customers to provide best-in-class engineering, manufacturing, customer service and support. TriMas Aerospace is a leading provider of highly engineered fasteners and precision-machined components for mission-critical applications across the global commercial aerospace and defense industries. Backed by a portfolio of trusted brands, including Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Allfast Fastening Systems, Mac Fasteners, TFI Aerospace, TriMas Aerospace Germany, Martinic Engineering, RSA Engineered Products and Weldmac Manufacturing Company, TriMas Aerospace delivers innovative solutions that meet the rigorous industry standards. PennAero, through its group of companies, is a leading manufacturer of externally threaded structural fasteners, gears, latches and manifolds for Western airframe and engine manufacturers who supply Boeing, Airbus, and other aerospace OEMs. In addition, PennAero manufactures high-performance components out of unique alloys and composites for the semiconductor and space markets. PennAero's U.S. headquarters supports engineering and manufacturing centers in California, Pennsylvania, India, and Singapore. "Today marks an important step forward for PennAero's mission to become a leading independent supplier of highly engineered aerospace components," said Ryan Kinslow, co-CEO of PennAero. "The acquisition of TriMas Aerospace adds exceptional capabilities and a differentiated product portfolio to PennAero, which aligns with our long-term strategy of providing a superior value proposition to our global customer base." Roddy Cruz, Partner at Tinicum, added: "Tinicum has a storied history in aerospace. The addition of TriMas Aerospace to PennAero and our family of companies marks an important continuation of that legacy, strengthening our support for critical aerospace supply chains and advancing our commitment to building world-class manufacturing franchises." About Tinicum Tinicum, founded in 1974 as a family investment office, is a private partnership that manages a diversified group of manufacturing, distribution, and industrial technology companies. It seeks to be a trusted partner of business owners and executives who share its belief that long-term prosperity can be created by teams of capable, honest people working together and investing diligently to fulfill the potential of a great business. For more information, visit www.tinicum.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104476399/en/ Contacts: Media Richard Alessi, CFO PennAero Email: ralessi@pennaero.com Sandoz Group AG / Key word(s): Agreement Sandoz boosts in-house biosimilars capabilities by signing agreement to acquire Just-Evotec Biologics EU SAS in Toulouse 04.11.2025 / 22:05 CET/CEST Acquisition will enable expansion of in-house development and manufacturing capabilities and provide Sandoz with own capabilities for the development and manufacturing of biosimilars using continuous manufacturing technology Further secures control over pipeline to capture projected ~USD 300 billion biosimilar market opportunity over next 10 years 1 Transaction includes ~USD 350 million in cash for Just-Evotec Biologics EU SAS (JEB SAS) and upfront license fees for Just-Evotec Biologics (JEB) continuous manufacturing technology for indefinite number of molecules, up to 10 of which are royalty-bearing Reconfigures existing partnership model towards technology license fees and development expenses including success-based milestones that could amount to around USD 300 million over coming years, fully replacing existing contractual commitments, thereby aligning incentives for both parties Transaction in line with existing Sandoz capital-expenditure commitments and does not impact 2025 full-year guidance Basel, November 4, 2025 - Sandoz (SIX:SDZ/OTCQX:SDZNY), the global leader in affordable medicines, today announced a strategic agreement with Evotec SE to acquire all issued and outstanding equity interests of Just-Evotec Biologics EU SAS (JEB SAS) which includes the Toulouse manufacturing site. The proposed acquisition aligns with the Sandoz strategic objective of capitalizing on a projected ~USD 300 billion biosimilar market opportunity over the next 10 years1 and will provide Sandoz with own capabilities for the development and manufacturing of biosimilars using continuous manufacturing technology. Following the announcement of a non-binding term sheet on July 30, 2025, Sandoz signs an agreement to acquire 100% of JEB SAS and an indefinite technology license for JEB's continuous manufacturing platform, for an upfront cash consideration of approximately USD 350 million. The license covers an unlimited number of molecules, with up to 10 subject to royalty payments. Furthermore, the agreement reconfigures the existing partnership model and aligns incentives between both parties through license fees and development-related expenses, including success-based milestones, which could amount to approximately USD 300 million over the coming years. These terms fully replace existing contractual commitments. This investment is in line with existing Sandoz capital-expenditure commitments, and there is no impact on the 2025 full-year guidance. Sandoz and Evotec SE have carried out relevant works-council consultation processes, as well as the mandatory French employee bid process. Both parties aim to close the transaction in 2025, subject to meeting customary closing conditions including foreign direct investment (FDI) clearance by the French authorities. Upon closing, JEB SAS employees will transfer with the acquired entity and become part of Sandoz. About Sandoz agreement with JEB In May 2023, Sandoz and JEB announced a strategic partnership that supports Sandoz portfolio expansion and continued development of its early-stage biosimilar pipeline, by providing access to JEB's continuous manufacturing technology platform. The proprietary fully-automated and high-throughput technology platform will allow Sandoz to continue to build out its own integrated drug-substance development and manufacturing network. In July 2024, Sandoz secured long-term commercial supply access to JEB's biosimilar manufacturing facility in Toulouse. In addition, Sandoz secured resource capacity for drug substance development of additional molecules starting in 2025. JEB will also enable the implementation of its design capability and continuous manufacturing technology at Sandoz. On July 30, 2025, Sandoz signed a non-binding term-sheet to potentially acquire JEB's biosimilars manufacturing facility in Toulouse. DISCLAIMER This Media Release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. REFERENCES 1 Based on March 2025 data from IPD Analytics Evaluate Pharma, covering the period 2026-2035. ABOUT SANDOZ Sandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in affordable medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 people of 100 nationalities work together to ensure 900 million patient treatments are provided by Sandoz, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger social impact. Its leading portfolio of approximately 1,300 products addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to 1886. Its history of breakthroughs includes Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the world's first oral penicillin in 1951, and the world's first biosimilar in 2006. In 2024, Sandoz recorded net sales of USD 10.4 billion. CONTACTS Global Media Relations contacts Investor Relations contacts Global.MediaRelations@sandoz.com Investor.Relations@sandoz.com Alexis Kalomparis +41 792 790285 Craig Marks +44 7818 942 383 Chris Lewis +49 174 244 9501 Tamara Hackl +41 79 790 5217 Gregor Rodehueser +49 170 574 3200 End of Media Release View original content: EQS News COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Fortitude Gold Corporation (OTCQB:FTCO) (the "Company") today reported its third quarter 2025 results including $4.7 million net sales, $1.6 million in exploration expense, $0.7 million cash dividends to shareholders, $2.5 million mine gross profit, and net income of $0.2 million. The Company confirmed its previously announced preliminary 2025 third quarter production of 1,384 gold ounces. Fortitude Gold is a gold producer, developer, and explorer with operations in Nevada, U.S.A. offering investors exposure to both gold production and dividend yield. Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Highlights $4.7 million net sales $0.2 million net income or $0.01 per share $11.7 million cash balance at September 30, 2025 1,384 gold ounces produced $28.5 million working capital at September 30, 2025 $2.5 million mine gross profit $1.6 million exploration expenditures $1,244 total cash cost after by-product credits per gold ounce sold* $1,956 per ounce total all-in sustaining cost* $0.7 million dividends paid 619 ounces of gold rounds/bullion at September 30, 2025 * The calculation of our cash cost and all-in sustaining cost per ounce contained in this press release is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis and Results of Operations" contained in the Company's recently filed Form 10-K for a complete discussion and reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures. Fortitude Gold sold 1,376 gold ounces at a total cash cost of $1,244 per ounce (after by-product credits) and an all-in-sustaining-cost per ounce of $1,956. Realized gold metal prices during the quarter averaged $3,444 per ounce(1). During the third quarter, the Company received all approvals from the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection ("NDEP") to construct and operate the County Line gold project located 19 miles northeast of its Isabella Pearl Mine. "We are excited that the BLM and NDEP approved all permits in September 2025 for our County Line Project, which now allows the Company to advance this project into production," stated Fortitude Gold CEO and President, Mr. Jason Reid. "We remain pleased to see this pro-business and pro-mining federal administration work through the historic permit backlog. Mine operations during the third quarter largely focused on removing waste as we advance closer to the deep Isabella Pearl mineralization with the pit layback. Between quarterly production from residual leach coupled with the first Pearl deep mineralization beginning processing in the coming weeks, we target production from both as we advance our County Line Project into near-term production." The following Sales Statistics table summarizes certain information about our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Metal sold Gold (ozs.) 1,376 4,199 5,203 12,292 Silver (ozs.) 7,968 11,380 32,061 48,052 Average metal prices realized (1) Gold ($per oz.) 3,444 2,441 3,137 2,288 Silver ($per oz.) 40.04 29.07 34.37 26.57 Precious metal gold equivalent ounces sold Gold Ounces 1,376 4,199 5,203 12,292 Gold Equivalent Ounces from Silver 93 136 351 558 1,469 4,335 5,554 12,850 Total cash cost before by-product credits per gold ounce sold $ 1,476 $ 985 $ 1,328 $ 889 Total cash cost after by-product credits per gold ounce sold $ 1,244 $ 906 $ 1,116 $ 785 Total all-in sustaining cost per gold ounce sold $ 1,956 $ 990 $ 1,563 $ 929 (1) Average metal prices realized vary from the market metal prices due to final settlement adjustments from our provisional invoices when they are settled. Our average metal prices realized will therefore differ from the market average metal prices in most cases. The following Production Statistics table summarizes certain information about our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Ore mined Ore (tonnes) 27,650 149,259 115,751 336,025 Gold grade (g/t) 0.26 0.66 0.40 0.62 Waste (tonnes) 430,794 208,176 1,453,517 1,008,173 Metal production (before payable metal deductions)(1) Gold (ozs.) 1,384 4,220 4,664 12,353 Silver (ozs.) 8,208 11,488 28,434 48,781 (1) The difference between what we report as "metal production" and "metal sold" is attributable to the difference between the quantities of metals contained in the dore we produce versus the portion of those metals actually paid for according to the terms of our sales contracts. Differences can also arise from inventory changes incidental to shipping schedules, or variances in ore grades and recoveries which impact the amount of metals contained in dore produced and sold. See Accompanying Tables The following information summarizes the results of operations for Fortitude Gold Corporation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, its financial condition at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. The summary data as of September 30, 2025 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 is unaudited; the summary data as of December 31, 2024 is derived from our audited financial statements contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, but do not include the footnotes and other information that is included in the complete financial statements. Readers are urged to review the Company's Form 10-K in its entirety, which can be found on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The calculation of its cash cost before by-product credits per gold ounce sold, total cash cost after by-product credits per gold ounce sold and total all-in sustaining cost per gold ounce sold contained in this press release are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis and Results of Operations" contained in the Company's most recent Form 10-K for a complete discussion and reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures. FORTITUDE GOLD CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts) September 30, December 31, 2025 2024 (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,724 $ 27,082 Gold and silver rounds/bullion 2,822 1,907 Accounts receivable 406 - Inventories 19,903 11,641 Prepaid taxes 450 200 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,037 1,025 Total current assets 36,342 41,855 Property, plant and mine development, net 43,717 26,287 Leach pad inventories 54,980 53,577 Other non-current assets 1,145 386 Total assets $ 136,184 $ 122,105 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1,620 $ 2,637 Finance lease liabilities, current 5,722 - Mining taxes payable 35 592 Other current liabilities 502 903 Total current liabilities 7,879 4,132 Asset retirement obligations 9,940 9,880 Finance lease liabilities, long-term 11,630 - Total liabilities 29,449 14,012 Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock - $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized and nil outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 - - Common stock - $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized and 24,375,209 shares outstanding at September 30, 2025 and 24,173,209 shares outstanding at December 31, 2024 244 242 Additional paid-in capital 106,601 105,207 (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings (110 ) 2,644 Total shareholders' equity 106,735 108,093 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 136,184 $ 122,105 FORTITUDE GOLD CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the three and nine months ended September 30,2025 and 2024 (U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Sales, net $ 4,654 $ 10,229 $ 16,073 $ 27,964 Mine cost of sales: Production costs 1,627 3,784 5,558 9,491 Depreciation and amortization 517 1,597 1,965 4,535 Reclamation and remediation 44 69 135 176 Total mine cost of sales 2,188 5,450 7,658 14,202 Mine gross profit 2,466 4,779 8,415 13,762 Costs and expenses: General and administrative expenses 1,257 1,739 3,806 4,150 Exploration expenses 1,575 2,731 4,278 10,621 Other income, net (541 ) (520 ) (2,055 ) (1,680 ) Total costs and expenses 2,291 3,950 6,029 13,091 Income before income and mining taxes 175 829 2,386 671 Mining and income tax (benefit) expense (58 ) (117 ) 55 (135 ) Net income $ 233 $ 946 $ 2,331 $ 806 Net income per common share: Basic $ 0.01 $ 0.04 $ 0.10 $ 0.03 Diluted $ 0.01 $ 0.04 $ 0.10 $ 0.03 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 24,366,637 24,173,209 24,262,841 24,156,816 Diluted 24,543,347 24,261,954 24,510,012 24,242,708 FORTITUDE GOLD CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the nine months ended September 30,2025 and 2024 (U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited) Nine months ended September 30, 2025 2024 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 2,331 $ 806 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 2,142 4,668 Stock-based compensation 1,396 705 Deferred taxes - (478 ) Reclamation and remediation accretion 135 176 Reclamation payments - (83 ) Unrealized gain on gold and silver rounds/bullion (917 ) (428 ) Gain on retirement of debt (652 ) - Other operating adjustments (1 ) - Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (406 ) 42 Inventories (10,109 ) (8,434 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (12 ) 6 Other non-current assets (759 ) (42 ) Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (819 ) (1,407 ) Income and mining taxes payable (807 ) (1,965 ) Net cash used in operating activities (8,478 ) (6,434 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (1,256 ) (3,305 ) Other investing activities 3 - Net cash used in investing activities (1,253 ) (3,305 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Dividends paid (5,085 ) (8,697 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options - 77 Repayment of loans payable - (3 ) Repayment of capital leases (542 ) - Net cash used in financing activities (5,627 ) (8,623 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (15,358 ) (18,362 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 27,082 48,678 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 11,724 $ 30,316 Supplemental Cash Flow Information Income and mining taxes paid $ 862 $ 2,309 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Change in capital expenditures in accounts payable $ 204 $ (69 ) Change in estimate for asset retirement costs $ 694 $ 2,937 Equipment purchased under finance lease $ 17,895 $ - About Fortitude Gold Corp.: Fortitude Gold is a U.S. based gold producer targeting projects with low operating costs, high margins, and strong returns on capital. The Company's strategy is to grow organically, remain debt-free, and distribute dividends. The Company's Nevada Mining Unit consists of seven high-grade gold properties located in the Walker Lane Mineral Belt and an eighth high-grade gold property in west central Nevada. The Isabella Pearl gold mine, located on the Isabella Pearl mineralized trend, is currently in production and the fully permitted County Line mine is in development. Nevada, U.S.A. is among the world's premier mining friendly jurisdictions. Cautionary Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. If you are risk-averse you should NOT buy shares in Fortitude Gold Corp. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "target", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the statements regarding the Company's strategy, future plans for production, future expenses and costs, future liquidity and capital resources, and estimates of mineralized material are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. Contact: Greg Patterson 719-717-9825 greg.patterson@fortitudegold.com www.Fortitudegold.com SOURCE: Fortitude Gold Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/fortitude-gold-reports-third-quarter-2025-results-1096999 NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRES TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Route1 Inc. (TSXV:ROI) ("Route1" or the "Company"), a leading engineering and professional services firm specializing in the deployment and integration of ALPR and other advanced data capture-based technologies to city, state, and federal first responder departments, public safety, colleges and universities, and parking managers, today announces a non-brokered private placement of units(each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.075 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$500,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of C$0.10 for a period of 18 months following the issue date of the Units. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund the development of Route1's Actionable Business Intelligence ("ABI") software application. Certain insiders may subscribe for Units under the Offering. The issuance of Units to such insiders will constitute a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements set out in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively. The Offering is expected to close in multiple tranches. The first tranche is anticipated to close on or about November 19, 2025, or such other date as the Company may determine. Closing of the Offering is subject to customary conditions, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). Version 4.0 - AI Co-Pilot To be released in early 2026, Route1's co-pilot will be an AI operations co-pilot that acts as a force multiplier - exponentially extending staff capability. It will be purpose-built to optimize parking operations by combining advanced machine learning with a secure, scalable platform that keeps control of sensitive data in-house. The system will run on a dedicated on-premises AI infrastructure including three GPU servers, backed by shared storage, solid-state checkpointing, and high-speed networking to deliver consistent low-latency performance. Sized for state-of-the-art 13B-70B models, Route1's AI co-pilot will be designed for continuous refinement and understanding of unique parking operations and how socioeconomic factors and decisions can impact those operations in real time. Engineered for adaptive learning through feedback, measurement and refinement cycles, Route1's AI co-pilot will empower our clients to achieve even more in the future by unlocking advanced capabilities such as event-aware staffing, predictive compliance sweeps, proactive curb allocation, and strategic "what-if" investment planning. The more it is used, the stronger it becomes - growing into a domain-specialized AI expert in parking operations. About Route1 ABI Through a single intuitive interface, parking professionals can instantly evaluate current operations against dynamic benchmarks developed by Route1's domain experts. Route1's real-world benchmarks are segmented by enforcement and parking, providing intelligent baselines for live performance indicator tracking and trend analysis. Built-in analytics drive higher visibility, tighter accountability, and measurable impact at every layer of a user's operation including: Uncovering latent revenue opportunities. Optimizing curbside usage. Monitoring parking facility usage, including occupancy, and dwell and turnover times. Visualizing compliance - the good, the bad and the ugly. Route1 processes raw ALPR streams directly from our end user's mobile and fixed ALPR cameras, providing the most complete, accurate, and timely operational picture in the industry. Our technology ensures that every visualization reflects ground truth - allowing for confident, data-backed decision in real time. About Route1 Inc. Route1 Inc. is an advanced North American technology company that empowers their clients with data-centric solutions necessary to drive greater profitability, improve operational efficiency and gain sustainable competitive advantages, while always emphasizing a strong cybersecurity and information assurance posture. Route1 delivers exceptional client outcomes through real-time secure delivery of actionable intelligence to decision makers. Route1 is listed in Canada on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ROI. For more information, visit: www.route1.com. For More Information, Contact: Tony Busseri President and Chief Executive Officer +1 480 578-0287 tony.busseri@route1.com The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. 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. 2025 Route1 Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted or otherwise used in whole or in part or by any means without prior written consent of Route1 Inc. See https://www.route1.com/terms-of-use/ for notice of Route1's intellectual property. This news release may contain statements that are not current or historical factual statements that may constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions, including expectations regarding the use of the net proceeds of the Offering; the timing and completion of the Offering; and the receipt of all regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSXV in connection with the Offering, price and liquidity of the Common Shares; competition for skilled personnel, business prospects, technological developments, development activities and like matters. While Route1 considers these factors and assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the ability to successfully complete the Offering; the ability to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSXV; the ability to apply the net proceeds as intended, technology development and integration risks, customer adoption, competition, market conditions, and the results of business operations. Actual results could differ materially from those projected as a result of these and other risks and should not be relied upon as a prediction of future events. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or future-oriented financial information to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Past or forecasted performance is not a guarantee of future performance and readers should not rely on historical results or forward-looking statements or future oriented financial information as an assurance of future results. # # # SOURCE: Route1, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/route1-announces-non-brokered-private-placement-for-gross-proceed-1097083 Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Rize Oncology Inc. (OTC: RZONF) (the "Company"), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative oncology therapeutics, is pleased to announce that on October 30, 2025 it completed a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of units of the Company (the "Units"), raising gross proceeds of C$500,000. The Private Placement consisted of the issuance of 5,000,000 Units at a price of C$0.10 per Unit, for gross proceeds of C$500,000. Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at a price of C$0.30 per Common Share for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance. The securities issued pursuant to 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. The Company also announces the resignation of William Garner, M.D. from its board of directors effective October 31, 2025. The Company would like to thank Dr. Garner for his contribution and service to the Company. Related Party Transaction The Private Placement constitutes a "related party transaction" as such term is defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as William Garner, M.D. and Andre Pereira Fraga Figueiredo, each an insider of the Company, participated in the Private Placement acquiring all 5,000,000 Units. The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the Private Placement as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related party, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101). The Private Placement was approved by the board of directors of the Company, with conflicted director(s) abstaining from the vote in respect thereof. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Private Placement as confirmation of the insiders' participation therein was not confirmed until shortly prior to the completion of the Private Placement. About Rize Oncology Inc. Rize Oncology Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of STS-201, a small-molecule drug with a unique mechanism of action, currently being evaluated for its potential in treating soft tissue sarcoma and other cancers. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273200 SOURCE: Rize Oncology Inc. Coral Gables, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Over the past weeks, Think Energy Executive Chairman Gregory C. Smith and President Daniel Uribe spent time in Brazil and Argentina, meeting with potential investors and strategic partners across the region. Think Energy Logo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11143/273164_57e061da444a38d6_001full.jpg The discussions focused on accelerating Latin America's transition from traditional refining to cleaner, modular crude conversion plants. Think Energy's patented technology transforms crude oil into ultra-clean D3 Diesel and F4 Fuel Oil, eliminating H2S and sulfur, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 50%, and operating on minimal land with deployment times as short as 90 days. With growing interest from investors and industrial operators, these meetings represent a major step toward expanding Think Energy's presence in key regional markets including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Panama. As a result of the visit, three major industry players in Brazil expressed formal interest in partnering with Think Energy. The company expects to announce Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in the coming weeks aimed at accelerating the deployment of up to 10,000 barrels per day of crude processing capacity in the near term. These agreements would mark an important milestone in Think Energy's regional expansion strategy, demonstrating both investor confidence and the scalability of its modular technology. "Latin America holds the resources and the ambition to redefine how energy is produced," said Gregory C. Smith, Executive Chairman of Think Energy. "Our technology provides the tools to do it, faster and cleaner than ever before." Think Energy's patented processing technology offers an effective alternative to traditional refining: compact, fast, and environmentally responsible. Each modular unit delivers cleaner, high-performance fuels using a fraction of the space and investment required by conventional refineries. The result is a system that not only lowers emissions and operational costs, but also empowers local industries with direct access to reliable, low-sulfur diesel and fuel oil, reducing dependency on imports and long-distance logistics, replacing antiquated and outdated refinery models with a cleaner, more efficient approach. "With the right financing partnerships, we can help connect countries and regions currently struggling with diesel and bunker fuel availability," added Daniel Uribe, President of Think Energy. "Our modular plants make it possible to produce cleaner fuels locally, improving energy security." Think Energy continues to engage with global partners committed to building the next generation of modular processing solutions, one that delivers real emissions reductions and energy security. For discussions on how Think Energy's cleaner industrial and on-site diesel solutions can help Latin American industries and energy operators achieve real, scalable emissions reductions while improving efficiency: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273164 SOURCE: Evertise AI PR EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Adtran Holdings, Inc. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Adtran Holdings, Inc.: Release according to Article 50 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution 04.11.2025 / 22:44 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. 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. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Suncor Energy's (TSX: SU) (NYSE: SU) Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per common share, representing an approximate 5% increase over the prior quarterly dividend. "Through continued operational improvements that have driven record performance across our assets, we are delivering strong free funds flow per share, along with meaningful share repurchases," said Rich Kruger, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The Board's confidence in our improved operational performance and solid financial foundation underpins its decision to raise the quarterly dividend, reflecting our ongoing commitment to creating value for shareholders." The dividend will be payable December 24, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 3, 2025. Suncor Energy is Canada's leading integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development, production and upgrading; offshore oil production; petroleum refining in Canada and the U.S.; and the company's Petro-CanadaTM retail and wholesale distribution networks (including Canada's Electric HighwayTM, a coast-to-coast network of fast-charging EV stations). Suncor is developing petroleum resources while advancing the transition to a lower-emissions future through investments in lower emissions intensity power, renewable feedstock fuels and projects targeting emissions intensity. Suncor also conducts energy trading activities focused primarily on the marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products and power. Suncor's common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273167 SOURCE: Suncor Energy Inc. West Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Millennial Potash Corp. (TSXV: MLP) (OTCQB: MLPNF) (FSE: X0D) ("MLP", "Millennial" or the "Company") wishes to announce that it has received TSX Venture Exchange approval for the three investor relations agreements previously disclosed in its news release of September 19, 2025 (the "News Release"). In the News Release, the Company announced that it had entered into three investor relations agreements defined as the Vorticom Agreement, the Proactive Agreement and the Fundamental Research Agreement. Subsequent to the News Release, Fundamental Research advised the Company that Mr. Sid Rajeev, CFA (not Brian Tang as originally disclosed in the News Release) would oversee Fundamental Research's provision of services to the Company. The 18-month term of the Fundamental Research Agreement expires on February 26, 2027. Services are currently being provided under all of the three investor relations agreements. For more details and disclosure regarding the three agreements, please refer to the News Release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This document may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target, "plan" or "planned", "forecast", "intend", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses and environmental (including land or water use), local community or indigenous community approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, changes in laws, rules and regulations in Gabon or any other jurisdiction which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$ or CFA or other currencies, fluctuations in the market for potash or potash related products, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in Gabon or any other jurisdiction and other factors or information. The Company's current plans, expectations and intentions with respect to development of its business and of the Banio Potash Project may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of any pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions on its ability to secure further financing or funding of the Banio Potash Project. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, environmental and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273162 SOURCE: Millennial Potash Corp. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / SKY GOLD CORP. ("Sky" or the "Company") (TSXV:SKYG)(OTC PINK:SRKZF) wishes to correct the number of warrants and finders warrants disclosed in it's October 22, 2025 news release. In connection with the private placement that closed on October 22, 2025 , each unit issued was comprised of one common share ("Share") and one transferable common share purchase warrant of the Company ("Warrant"), the Company issued a total of 23,880,000 warrants. The Company issued 1,408,000 non-transferable finders' warrants. Each finder's Warrant will entitle the finder to purchase one Warrant Share of the Company for a 36-month period after the Closing Date at an exercise price of $0.08 per share. The remaining material terms of the Offering remain as announced on October 22, 2025. About Sky Gold Corp. Sky Gold Corp. is a junior mining exploration company focussed on the Evening Star property located in the prolific Walker Lane trend, approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) east of the town of Hawthorne, Nevada. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Mike England CEO, PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Tel: 1-604-683-3995 Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Sky Gold Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/sky-gold-corrects-disclosure-of-previously-announced-private-placement-1097141 The actress wrote a long note on X that read: Standing for a Soldier:A Ray of Hope from the Delhi High Court in the Case of Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly has penned a note for her brother who happens to be an Indian army veteran, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly. He was a victim of an enforced disappearance for nine months followed by detainment. Celina then knocked the doors of the Honorable Delhi High Court and it seems her prayers have been answered and justice shall prevail soon. The actress wrote a long note on X that read: Standing for a Soldier:A Ray of Hope from the Delhi High Court in the Case of Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I write this from the gates of the esteemed Delhi High Court with immense gratitude, as after an arduous 14 months I have finally reached the light at the end of the dark tunnel. I have just exited the Honble High Court of Delhi, where my writ petition regarding my brother Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly was heard in open court. #soldierstory Standing for a Soldier:A Ray of Hope from the Delhi High Court in the Case of Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly I write this from the gates of the esteemed Delhi High Court with immense gratitude, as after an arduous 14 months I have finally reached the light at pic.twitter.com/8AUlC4Bud7 Celina Jaitly (@CelinaJaitly) November 3, 2025 Honble Mr. Justice Sachin Datta issued notice in my petition & directed the Government to file a status report. Justice Datta also appointed a nodal officer for coordinating all assistance & facilitating contact in the matter of my brother Major (Retd) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, Veteran Indian Army, Infantry, 3 Para, Special Forces, who has been a victim of an enforced disappearance for 9 months followed by detainment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD You fought for us, bhai, now its time for us to stand behind you For one year I have searched for answers for you. Now I continue my prayers to our respected government to fight for you, to bring you back safely. My government, the only entity I trust, is the Government of India, & I know they will do everything to protect this 4th-generation soldier, son, grandson & great-grandson of war veterans, who has given his everything, his entire youth, in the service of our nation, holder of the COAS Commendation for Gallantry. Indian soldiers abroad continue to be targeted for reasons unknown, I pray to my government for their help & protection for our defenders I continue to stand with my brother & for myself as I navigate this test that God has put our way At this time I will not be able to answer any questions from members of the media or press. They may kindly contact the leading counsel on all my cases from India, Mr. Raghav Kacker, Kacker & Co., who is leading & assisting me in navigating these very challenging times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD High Court hearing led by Advocate Raghav Kacker as arguing counsel Special advisory Mr. Suradhish Vats (before he joined Trilegal) Advocates for Petitioner Mr. Ribhav Pande, Mr. Madhav Aggarwal & Mr. Aayush Shukla. Special Advisor: Colonel Sarvesh Sharma (VSM). The New York mayors race and the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey will see voters delivering the first major verdict for Donald Trump in his second term. In other big news, the defence chiefs of the United States and South Korea, Pete Hegseth and Ahn Gyu-back, will hold the annual Security Consultative Meeting A voter enters the Brooklyn Museum polling station during early voting for the mayoral election in Brooklyn, New York City, US. Reuters It is set to be a busy Tuesday, with several events lined up. Firstly, voting for New York Citys mayoral election will take place today. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is visiting South Korea. He is scheduled to hold the annual Security Consultative Meeting today with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back. The Canadian government will unveil the federal budget today. In India, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee will hit the streets in Kolkata against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Well-known author Salman Rushdies new book, The Eleventh Hour, is likely to be released. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that is set to take place today. NYC mayoral election Voting for the mayoral election in New York City will take place today. Polls across the city will be open from 6 am to 9 pm. The main contenders for the ballot are Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. The election is being held to find a replacement for the current mayor, Eric Adams. Adams withdrew his re-election bid in September 2025 but will serve out the remainder of his term, which ends on January 1, 2026. The key issues that voters will be concentrating on are the citys high cost of living, housing affordability, public safety, and the ongoing migrant crisis. Governor races in Virginia and New Jersey Voting for the governor election will be held in Virginia, where the polls will be open from 6 am to 7 pm today. The two main contenders are Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger and Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, who is also the current Lieutenant Governor. New Jersey will also hold voting for the governors position today. It is to determine who will succeed the term-limited incumbent, Democrat Phil Murphy. Here, the contenders are the Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill and former state assemblyman, the Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli. US, South Korea to hold annual security talks US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, along with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu-back, will co-chair the annual Security Consultative Meeting, the highest-level forum at which the two countries chart the course of their military alliance and South Koreas defense against nuclear-armed North Korea. Ahn and Hegseth will discuss combined defence readiness against North Korea and cooperation on regional security, cyber defence, and missile defence, the Souths Defence Ministry said. On Monday, Hegseth visited the Demilitarized Zone along the border with North Korea as part of a trip to South Korea. The visit marks the first time since 2017 that the allied defence chiefs have gone to the DMZ together. This action underscores their shared commitment to strengthening their joint military stance as regional threats continue to evolve. Canadian government to unveil federal budget The Canadian government is set to unveil its federal budget today in the Parliament by Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne. This budget marks the first main federal budget under PM Mark Carney, since taking office in March 2025. Mark Carneys government will present its first budget in the Parliament today. Reuters It is expected to outline significant spending plans and a wider deficit amidst ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Economists anticipate the deficit will widen, potentially reaching C$70 billion or more, up from approximately C$48 billion the previous year. The fiscal plan is expected to boost expenditures on key priorities, including defence, housing, and infrastructure. The government has asked all departments to find ambitious savings and cut regulations to help manage spending. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to hit the streets in Kolkata against SIR West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will hit the streets in Kolkata on November 4 to protest against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) today. The Trinamool Congress chairperson will also be joined by party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in a protest rally from Red Road to Jorasanko. The protest rally is being considered as an attempt to keep the pressure on the ECI, which is conducting SIR in 12 states, including West Bengal. The rally will coincide with the day when the door-to-door enumeration for the SIR will start. Salman Rushdies new book set for release British-American novelist Salman Rushdie is set to launch his first major work of fiction, The Eleventh Hour, since the brutal stabbing that blinded him in one eye today. The three novellas in this volume, all written in the last twelve months, explore themes and places that have been much on my mind mortality, Bombay, farewells, England (especially Cambridge), anger, peace, America, he said in a statement released by Penguin Publishing. Salman Rushdies The Eleventh Hour is a new collection of short stories. The book explores themes and locations of interest to the author. Hadi Matar, the would-be assassin, has been convicted of attempted murder following a trial in upstate New York. The verdict came after Rushdie delivered graphic testimony detailing the incident. With inputs from agencies A group of Iranian students charged into the gates and scaled the walls of the US embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. They took more than 60 American diplomats and citizens hostage for the next 444 days, straining diplomatic ties between Iran and the US. On this day in 2008, the United States elected its first Black president, Barack Obama Iranian people gather before the entrance of the United States Embassy compound in Tehran, Iran November 6, 1979, on the third day of the occupation of the building. File image/AP In what was one of the most dramatic diplomatic crises in modern history a group of Iranian students stormed the US embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. More than 60 American diplomats and citizens were taken hostage in the building, leading to damaged US-Iran relations. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 2008, Barack Obama became the first black person to be elected as the president of the United States. This marked a major step in the nations long struggle with race. Here is all that happened on this day across the world. Hostage crisis in Tehran began A group of Iranian students, who were supporters of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, took more than 60 American hostages on November 4, 1979, after storming the US Embassy in Tehran. What followed was 444 days of the Iran Hostage Crisis, leading to damaged ties between the US and Iran. The Iranian students aggressive step was an immediate effect of the US President Jimmy Carters decision to allow Irans deposed Shah into the country for cancer treatment. The Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, had been expelled from his own country due to his pro-Western ideas just a few months ago. The militants saw the embassy as a symbol of American interference in Iranian affairs and sought to strike a blow against what they called the Great Satan. So, on this day when the Shah arrived in New York, the militants smashed the gates and scaled the walls of the American embassy in Tehran. Blindfolded and hands bound, one of the hostages held at the US Embassy in Tehran, Iran is shown to the crowd by Iranian students on November 8, 1979. File image/AP Fed up with the slow pace of trying to bring the hostage situation under control in 1980, President Carter decided to launch a risky military rescue mission known as Operation Eagle Claw. But the mission had to be aborted due to a severe desert sandstorm and a helicopter malfunction, which claimed the lives of eight servicemen. Many experts consider this to be the leading cause of his loss in the 1980 presidential election. Taking advantage of Carters weak public image, Republican candidate Ronald Reagan won the election to become the 40th President of the United States. On January 21, 1981, just a few hours after Reagan delivered his inaugural speech, the hostages were released. There were even rumours going around that Reagans campaign staff had negotiated with the Iranians to be sure that the hostages would not be released before the election. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Barack Obama was elected as the first black American president History was created on November 4, 2008 when Barack Obama was elected as the first African American President of the United States. While the 47-year-old Democrat collected 365 electoral votes as opposed to his Republican opponent, who got 173 electoral votes. Obamas message of unity, optimism, and reform resonated deeply with a country facing an economic crisis, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and growing political division. His charismatic leadership and grassroots campaign powered by millions of small donors and unprecedented youth participation helped in forming his popularity. Democratic President-elect Senator Barack Obama waves during his election night rally in Chicago November 4, 2008. File image/AP Celebrations erupted across the United States and around the world. In his victory speech delivered in Chicagos Grant Park, Obama told an ecstatic crowd, If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible tonight is your answer. His election shattered centuries of racial barriers and rekindled global admiration for American democracy. Obamas presidency began on a wave of high expectations. He inherited the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression and swiftly enacted measures to stabilise the economy. His administration would go on to pass landmark legislation, including the Affordable Care Act, and capture Osama bin Laden in 2011. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Day, That Year The first film adaptation of JK Rowlings best-selling Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, premiered in London on this day in 2001. In 1946, Unesco was officially established as its constitution entered into force. Future US president Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842. Former US Vice President Richard B Cheney, known as Dick to his friends, has died at age 84. Among the most powerful and influential US vice presidents in history, Cheney took control of things in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and would later serve as the architect of the War on Terror Former US Vice President Richard B Cheney has died. Cheney, known as Dick to his friends, was among the most powerful and influential US vice presidents in history. The 84-year-old passed away from complications brought on by pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, was among the leading cheerleaders of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. George W Bush, whom he served, described Cheney as a decent, honourable man and called his death a loss to the nation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held, Bush said in a statement. But did you know Cheney was also the man in charge on 9/11 and a key figure in the US War on Terror? Lets take a closer look. Cheney takes charge on 9/11 Bush, famously, was at a childrens school on September 11, 2001, in Florida when he was alerted that the US was under attack. Cheney, meanwhile, happened to be at the White House, which investigators later claimed was one of the likely targets for Flight 93. At that moment, you knew this was a deliberate act. This was a terrorist act, Cheney, who was immediately taken to a secure bunker deep under the White House known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center in the aftermath of the attacks, told CNN in 2002. Both men, who gave interviews to the independent 9/11 commission, narrated what happened that day. Bush said he was hustled onto an Air Force One flight in the aftermath of the attacks and gave Cheney the authorisation to shoot down any planes that refused to respond. Then-US President George W Bush and then-Vice President Dick Cheney celebrate at the conclusion of the 2004 Republican National Convention. Reuters Bush relied on his experience as a Texas National Air Guard pilot to formulate the engagement and talked about it with Cheney. He gave the vice president the authority to engage the enemy and shoot down an enemy plane if necessary. Cheney spoke about how he remembered that the US Air Force was trying to restrict airspace over Washington, DC. He remembered how he and Bush spoke about the rules of engagement before he gave the order to shoot down any rogue aeroplanes. He said authorities thought there were at least three such planes in the air. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If it looks threatening, take it out, Cheney told a military aide at the time. Architect of the War on Terror For Cheney and other figures within the administration such as Donald Rumsfeld and Condoleezza Rice, 9/11 was more than just a national tragedy it was an inflection point in American history. If we have learnt anything from modern experience, it is this: the only way to protect this country against terrorism is to stay on the offensive, Cheney said just a month after the attacks. Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice and Colin Powell were the faces that raised the drumbeat of the War on Terror and sold it to the public. The rallying cry was that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction and could thus not be allowed to stay in power. The US, which invaded Afghanistan to root out the Taliban in 2001, then invaded Iraq in 2003. In doing so, they implemented the now famous Cheney Doctrine, which was described thus: Even if theres just a 1 per cent chance of the unimaginable coming due, act as if it is a certainty. Bushs successor Barack Obama repudiated this with his own Dont do stupid shit doctrine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cheney was also among those pushing enhanced interrogation techniques what is otherwise known as torture on detainees including waterboarding and holding suspects indefinitely without trial at places like Guantanamo Bay. Many have argued that these methods sullied Americas reputation across the world and only handed a victory to the terrorists and its opponents. His prognostications on the war in Iraq that the United States troops would be greeted as liberators, the links between Al-Qaeda and Saddam, that the insurgency was in its final throes in 2005 were all proved wrong time after time. Yet, Cheney refused to change his stance. He later claimed that the administration had acted on the best available intelligence. He remained insistent about the righteousness of his cause in the years after he left office. I would do it again in a minute, Cheney said about the enhanced interrogation techniques he championed. It was the right thing to do then. I believed it then and I believe it now, he said about the Iraq war in 2015. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, others summed up the US approach in the aftermath of 9/11, particularly the Iraq war, thus: Cheney lied, people died. Then-US Vice President Dick Cheney walks on stage to deliver remarks at a reception in 2005. Reuters Cheney was also a proponent of the unitary executive theory essentially that the power of the presidency stands above the two other branches, the legislative and the judicial. We have to work the dark side, if you will, Cheney said. A lot of what needs to be done here will have to be done quietly, without any discussion. By the time he left office, he was a bogeyman to much of the left and even repudiated by some on the right. His approval rating was at a meagre 31 per cent. Ironically, Cheneys reputation in the Trump years has undergone at least somewhat of a rehabilitation in the eyes of some. Cheney and his daughter Liz have both been fierce critics of Trump whom they initially supported in 2016 since he refused to admit defeat in the 2020 election and orchestrated the insurrection in the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual who was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Cheney said of Trump. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He is a coward. A real man wouldnt lie to his supporters. He lost his election, and he lost big. I know it. He knows it, and deep down, I think most Republicans know. Cheney in 2024, in an event that those who knew him thought nigh unthinkable, voted for Democrat Kamala Harris for president. Cheney did so by emphasising his duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. He warned that Trump can never be trusted with power again. Yet, it was not enough to stop Trump from returning to office. Cheney leaves behind a complicated and controversial legacy that current and future generations in the US will have to reckon with. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Autumn school holidays a welcome break with tradition China Daily) 10:02, November 04, 2025 Students from a primary school in Guang'an, Sichuan province, plant trees with volunteers on March 10. LIAO XIAOBING/XINHUA Primary school student Chen Mingshan from Lichuan, Hubei province, could barely contain his excitement as he described the first autumn break of his life. "My parents are going to take me to the countryside, where I can pick tangerines and dig up sweet potatoes," said the 10-year-old fifth-grader joyfully. "The best part is there's no homework. We can have unstructured free time." As China continues to deepen its education reform, a new initiative is being introduced across the country spring and autumn breaks for primary and secondary school students. This fresh approach aims to ease academic burdens on students while promoting holistic development through practical experiences outside the classroom. On Oct 20, the education bureau of Lichuan, Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, announced its first autumn break, scheduled from Nov 3 to Nov 7. Bookended by two weekends, local primary and junior high students will enjoy a nine-day holiday. Schools are required to uniformly implement the break without unauthorized adjustments or reductions. The bureau explicitly banned assigning any form of written homework or mandatory practical tasks. "Everyone is thrilled about this extra, homework-free holiday," Chen said. Xiao Junling, a teacher at Chen's school Lichuan Second Ethnic Experimental Primary School said the new arrangement has been welcomed by students and parents, who are making various plans, many both fun and meaningful. For instance, one student will go to his grandparents' place and learn the process of tea picking and processing, she said. Another student interested in the local dialect intends to learn Tujia folk songs from his grandparents and record a small "dialect music album". A group of classmates plan a field trip to the nearby Xingdoushan National Nature Reserve, to document migratory birds and plants and compile a simple research report. "These activities are excellent. They incorporate local characteristics and provide tangible learning, turning abstract textbook knowledge into something children can touch and feel in real life," Xiao said. Huang Jie, the father of one student, welcomed the chance for relaxed, off-peak travel, saying that the family can take a leisurely trip and let the children truly unwind. A mushroom expert shows fungal specimens to children participating in a study tour in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in July. JIANG HAN/XINHUA Policy encouragement Lichuan's move aligns with a broader policy direction. In September, nine central government departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Education issued measures on expanding service consumption. The changes encourage localities with suitable conditions to adjust the academic calendar taking into consideration the climate, production schedules and the implementation of paid leave. It suggests exploring the establishment of spring and autumn breaks, potentially shortening summer and winter vacations, to boost tourism and service consumption during these periods. During this March's two sessions the annual gatherings of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee the idea gained national attention. Pang Yonghui, an NPC deputy from Hebei province, submitted a proposal to institute nationwide spring and autumn breaks for students. "I proposed this mainly for two reasons: to boost the economy and consumption, and to benefit children's growth and education," said Pang, also a Chinese arts and crafts master. Pang recalled having spring and autumn breaks during busy farming time in his childhood, and noted that today's children face immense academic pressure. He suggested starting with a one-week "spring break" around the May Day holiday, followed later by an "autumn break", coupled with full implementation of paid leave for workers in enterprises and public institutions to stimulate holiday consumption. "It became trending news online, showing the topic's broad relevance and public interest," Pang said, expressing satisfaction that his proposal is gaining traction. Gao Wen, an associate professor of psychology at Liaoning Normal University in Dalian, Liaoning province, said breaks can benefit students' mental and physical health. "Students are spending long hours in school every day. The two breaks can effectively provide a respite from this rhythm of high-intensity learning, providing necessary relaxation," she said. "In addition, through recreation and practical work, children interact more with their parents, strengthening family bonds and fostering well-rounded personalities." Children view a display at the museum of Mulinzi National Nature Reserve in the Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, Hubei province, during this year's spring break. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Local practice This year, several cities have begun exploring the new holiday system. In August, the Enshi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture government office issued a notice mandating spring and autumn breaks of at least one week each for compulsory education schools across the prefecture. Xianfeng county also announced an autumn break from Oct 27 to 31, creating a nine-day holiday period. Foshan, Guangdong province, announced a three-day autumn break in mid-November and a two-day spring break around May Day for the 2025-26 school year. It offers parents three options: school-organized off-campus activities, family-organized travel, or on-campus care for children unable to participate in other plans. Data from online travel platform Qunar.com shows a 276 percent year-on-year surge in air ticket bookings from Foshan during the announced break period, with Beijing, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, and Shanghai the top destinations. Zigong, Sichuan province, introduced a two-day spring break and three-day autumn break starting this fall. Its guidelines require setting up free tutoring points for those in need. It also encourages local enterprises and institutions to implement paid leave to support parents. Local museums and cultural tourism departments are required to offer free student entry and special "study tour" products. Yibin in Hubei province also began a three-day spring and autumn break pilot this fall. Jiangsu province's recent measures to boost consumption encouraged eligible areas to trial breaks by setting the three weekdays before May Day and National Day as spring and autumn breaks, respectively. Zhejiang is the first province to implement spring and autumn breaks province-wide, with all 11 prefecture-level cities issuing relevant documents. For over 20 years, Hangzhou has made seasonal travel an option for many families. The city's breaks are typically scheduled in late April and late September, linking with May Day and National Day holidays. Children help families shift harvested corn in Enshi during last year's autumn break. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Concerns, challenges Despite encouragement of such breaks dating back to a 2013 State Council tourism guideline, widespread adoption remains limited. Responding to a public suggestion for Shenzhen, Guangdong, to implement the breaks on people.com.cn, the city's education bureau cited significant hurdles. A major concern was parents who lack leave, which could lead to unsupervised children or increased reliance on paid tutors, burdening families financially. Furthermore, meeting curriculum demands for science, sports, mental health and labor education within the existing academic calendar is challenging, and adding breaks could make completing new curriculum standards difficult. Mu Qiongfang, principal of Lichuan Second Ethnic Experimental Primary School, acknowledged the practical challenges of the new breaks. "Some parents worry that it affects studies or they are unable to arrange meaningful activities. Managing student safety when they are dispersed across various locations is also difficult," Mu said. She said the school will enhance communication with parents, provide safety reminders before the break and offer guidance when needed. The benefits outweigh the challenges, she said. "Overall, it's an excellent practice for holistic education. Thinking of the children's smiling faces makes it all worthwhile," Mu said. Students from a primary school in Yongzhou, Hunan province, water plants at a labor educational base on April 30. JIANG KEQING/XINHUA Yi Jibing, deputy director of the Enshi education bureau office, emphasized that a successful autumn break requires a support system built by schools, families and society. He detailed collaborative efforts already taken. The education and agriculture bureaus have co-published a safety guide for farm practices, communities have offered public tutoring classes for families in need while schools have shared activity suggestions online and cautioned against using the break for extra tutoring. Yi said these details expand the responsibility of education from schools to the whole society. Chang Shufang, an associate researcher at the China National Academy of Educational Sciences, said the breaks create an ideal window for immersive social activities and experiential learning. "This context-based learning is far more vivid and profound than textbook knowledge," she said. Expanding travel demand outside the highly concentrated summer and winter vacations can significantly increase the frequency and efficiency of annual tourism consumption and activate related service industries, an effect that surpasses simply adding more vacation days, she added. However, maximizing the benefits depends heavily on supporting safeguards, Chang said. Schools must design meaningful practical guides, society must provide safe, affordable and quality study-tour resources, and parents need to recalibrate their priorities to value companionship and experience, she added. "Only when multiple parties truly coordinate can the spring and autumn breaks become a valuable oasis nourishing students' growth," Chang said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force will conduct a joint military exercise in the mountains of Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh this month. Poorvi Prachand Prahar will test the operational synergy between the three armed forces and enhance situational awareness. This comes after Indias operational activities on the western border The Indian Navy, Army and Air Force will carry out a joint military exercise in Arunachal Pradesh. Representational Image/PTI The Indian armed forces are all set to hold a tri-service exercise in Arunachal Pradesh. Poorvi Prachand Prahar will be launched on November 11 in the rugged mountains of Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh. Designed as a forward-looking exercise, it will test the operational synergy between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The drill on Indias eastern front comes in the wake of several operational activities on the western borders. Lets take a closer look. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is Poorvi Prachand Prahar? Poorvi Prachand Prahar will integrate warfighting capability and technological adaptation among the three wings of the armed forces, as per an official statement. The exercise, which will conclude on November 15, will provide a full spectrum of joint operations between the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, reflecting the theatre command" concept that India has adopted, as per a News18 report. The military drill will focus on multi-domain integration across land, air and maritime fronts, demonstrating the enhanced readiness of the Indian armed forces for future conflicts, Defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said in a statement on November 1. He added, The highlight of the exercise will be the coordinated employment of special forces, unmanned platforms, precision systems and networked operations centres operating in unison under realistic high-altitude conditions." The tri-service exercise aims to hone interoperability, increase situational awareness and validate command and control structures for joint mission execution. According to Rawat, revised tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) will be tested and corroborated to boost combat agility and adaptability. Exercise Poorvi Prachand Prahar is significant in Indias tri-service integration effort, following the successful completion of military exercises Bhala Prahar in 2023 and Poorvi Prahar last year. The military drill reinforces the Armed Forces collective resolve to maintain mission readiness and joint operational effectiveness in the defence of the nation, Lt Col Rawat said in the statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Army men show their skills during an Army exhibition in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. File Photo/PTI The China threat in Arunachal Poorvi Prachand Prahar is seen as part of Indias broader plan to increase preparedness along its sensitive borders with China. The venue of the upcoming exercise in Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, holds importance as India ramps up surveillance and mobility near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Beijing claims the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls Zangnan, the southern part of Tibet, as an inherent part of Chinas territory. The countrys maps depict Arunachal Pradesh as part of China. New Delhi has rejected Chinas claims over Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining that it is an integral and inalienable part of India. The military exercise comes amid a growing China threat in Indias eastern sector. According to an NDTV report, China has finished building 36 hardened aircraft shelters, new administrative blocks, and a new apron at its Lhunze airbase in Tibet, located about 40 kilometres north of the McMahon line the de facto boundary between India and China that divides Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet. Construction of 36 hardened aircraft shelters at Lhunze clearly indicates that during the next incident, their [Chinas] tactical fighters and attack helicopters operating in support of their army would be based in Lhunze, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (retired), the former Indian Air Force chief, told the news channel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The development comes even as tensions have eased between India and China following the 2020 border standoff. Trishul exercise on the Western front The Indian armed forces are carrying out the Trishul exercise on the Western front, along the borders of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The exercise aims to achieve validation and synchronisation of operational procedures across the three Services, enabling joint effect-based operations in multi-domain environment. Key objectives include enhancing interoperability of platforms and infrastructure, strengthening the integration of networks across Services, and advancing jointness in operations across multiple domains, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement last week. The exercise involves live-fire drills, electronic warfare systems, and integrated battlefield communications to fine-tune rapid-response mechanisms. Our main objective is to enhance the synergy between all the maritime forces as well as inter-services. This is a very large, complex, and multi-domain integrated operation that is being conducted at the largest scale, including aspects of cyber and space," Vice Admiral AN Pramod, Director General Naval Operations (DGNO), told News18. Poorvi Prachand Prahar and Trishul are crucial military exercises being conducted by the Indian armed forces following Operation Sindoor. In May, India targeted nine terror camps operating in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), a retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which terrorists killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. With inputs from agencies Indias aviation regulator has proposed allowing passengers to cancel or amend their tickets without extra charges within 48 hours of booking. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also recommended not levying extra charges on flyers for name corrections. Heres a look at the draft rules The process of ticket refunds could become less cumbersome for passengers. Representational Images/Reuters Air travellers in India may soon get more flexibility with their bookings, allowing passengers to cancel or amend their tickets without extra charges but with certain caveats. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the countrys aviation watchdog, is mulling crucial changes to the ticket refund norms. The proposed revisions could be a big boon for passengers troubled by refund delays and a lack of clarity in cancellation policies. The new rules aim to make ticket refunds faster and more transparent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. Refunds, look-in window & more The DGCA has proposed reforms to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) for air ticket refunds. The draft rules state that when tickets are booked through a travel agent or portal, the onus of refund shall lie with the airlines as agents are their appointed representatives. The regulator has said that airlines should complete the refund process within 21 working days, reported the PTI news agency. The DGCA has proposed a Look-in option that airlines must provide to passengers after booking a ticket. Under this, flyers will have 48 hours to cancel or amend the ticket without any additional charges, except for the normal prevailing fare for the revised flight for which the ticket is sought to be amended. However, this facility will not apply to flights departing less than five days (for domestic flights) or 15 days (for international flights) from the booking date when the ticket is booked directly through the airlines website. People wait to board their flight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, May 30, 2025. File Photo/Reuters Beyond 48 hours of initial booking time, this option is not available and the passenger has to pay the relevant cancellation fees for amendment, the draft CAR reads. Credit card refunds have to be processed within seven days of cancellation, while cash ticket refunds must be released immediately by the airlines office from where the ticket was bought. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No extra charges for In a move that would ease the burden on passengers, the draft rules recommend not levying extra charges on flyers in case of name correction. An airline shall not levy any additional charge for correction in name of the same person when the error is pointed out by the passenger within 24 hours of making the booking, when ticket is booked directly through airline website, the draft CAR states. The DGCA has also proposed that airlines may refund the ticket or provide a credit shell if the passenger cancels the ticket due to a medical emergency. Why DGCA wants to bring ticket refund reforms The proposed changes come amid concerns related to air ticket refunds. As per the regulator, the passenger anger is driven by delays in refunds of unused tickets, reduced refundable amounts, and airlines offering limited-time travel credit instead of refunds. Despite multiple meetings with airlines, there has been no improvement, the DGCA said, as per Times Now. It added that setting the minimum benchmarks is necessary to protect the flyers. The regulator has sought comments from stakeholders on the draft rules till November 30. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What do current rules say? Flyers can cancel or amend their tickets without any extra charges, within 24 hours of the ticket booking. This facility is applicable up to seven days before the departure of the flight, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Currently, if a passenger cancels a ticket, airlines are required to refund all statutory taxes and user and airport development fees, along with the passenger service fee. All types of fares, such as promos and special offers, as well as non-refundable fares, should be refunded to the passenger. Keeping the refund amount in the credit shell by the airlines is the flyers prerogative and not a default practice, says the ministry. Flyers are not expected to pay additional charges for the refund. If a person flags a correction of their name within 24 hours of ticket booking, the airline cannot levy an additional charge to make the changes. With inputs from agencies Amid the civil war in Sudan, a video has emerged of an Indian national being kidnapped by rebel militia, the Rapid Support Forces. The man in the visuals has been identified as 36-year-old Adarsh Behera from Odisha, who has been working in the African nation since 2022 The violence in Sudan, which has claimed the lives of over 150,000 people, has hit close to an Indian family. Amidst this humanitarian crisis, news has emerged that a 36-year-old Indian national has been abducted by rebel forces, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in war-torn El-Fasher. Confirming the same, Sudans Ambassador to India Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom said that his country is coordinating with the Indian authorities to secure the release of the man. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we know about the man who has been captured? What do the rebels want from him? Who is Adarsh Behera, the Indian captured in Sudan? On Wednesday, media outlet NDTV released a video in which two of Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) can be seen seated with an Indian national. One of them can be heard asking him in English, Do you know Shah Rukh Khan? Another soldier behind him prompts him to say, Dagalo good, referring to Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, the commander of the RSF. An Indian national, Adarsh Behera from Odisha was kidnapped by Rapid Support Forces militiamen.#sudan pic.twitter.com/9xRIW6VZVp World Monitor (@WorldMonitor247) November 3, 2025 The Indian in the video has been identified as Adarsh Behera from Odishas Jagatsinghpur district. The 36-year-old was reportedly kidnapped from El-Fasher and is believed to have been taken to Nyala, an RSF stronghold in South Darfur, around 1,000 kilometres from Khartoum. Behera has been working in Sudan since 2022 with his family saying that he was employed by a company known as Sukarati Plastic Factory. According to his wife, Susmita Behera, they have two sons, aged eight and three. Speaking to NDTV, she expressed her shock when she learnt of her husbands capture. Earlier, he told me conditions were worsening, but we never imagined something like this could happen. Susmita added that the family has approached the Odisha government as well as the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to intervene for his safe release. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In another video shared by his family with NDTV, Behera is seen sitting on the floor with folded hands, appealing for help. I am here in El-Fasher where the situation is very bad. I have been living here for two years with great difficulty. My family and children are very worried. I request the state government to help me, he said. Before being captured, Behera is among the hundreds of Indians who reside in Sudan. As per the Embassy of India, around 100 Indians live and work in Sudan. This is after many other Indian nationals were evacuated from the country back in 2023 when civil war broke out. Are there any efforts being made to secure Beheras release? Shortly after Beheras videos made headlines, Sudans Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, said that they were closely coordinating with India and trying to secure Beheras release from the RSF. We have been in close contact with Indias Ministry of External Affairs ever since reports emerged about the captured Indian national, said Eltom, adding that the current circumstances in the area are very unpredictable. This militia is notorious for the atrocities that it can commit, but we hope that they will make sure that hes safe and sound. We, as a government, are ready to play any role in ensuring his safe return to India, and well cooperate with the Indian authorities. Well offer everything that we can in order to ensure his safe return to India, the ambassador was quoted as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He further added, India and Sudan have long-standing and deeply rooted relations. India has always been an important partner to Sudan in times of peace and in times of war. During this ongoing crisis, India has extended humanitarian assistance to Sudan and continues to do so. A displaced Sudanese woman who fled El-Fasher after the city fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rests in the town of Tawila in war-torn Sudans western Darfur region. AFP Whats the situation on ground in Sudan? The news of Beheras kidnapping comes amid the wider humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where prolonged conflict has disrupted daily life and placed civilians at risk. The African country is in the midst of a civil war with the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) battling against one another. The latest escalation has come with the RSF seizing El-Fasher, the last major city in Darfur held by the army, after an 18-month siege that trapped tens of thousands of civilians. Reports have emerged that mass killings, sexual violence, looting and abductions have emerged in the aftermath with satellite imagery revealing the scale of what is unfolding in El-Fasher and the surrounding Darfur region. Displaced Sudanese who fled El-Fasher after the city fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), walk in the Um Yanqur camp, located on the southwestern edge of Tawila, in war-torn Sudans western Darfur region. AFP And on Monday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) warned that the atrocities being committed in Sudans El-Fasher could amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Additionally, famine is spreading across Sudan, noted a global hunger monitoring group. According to Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the leading international authority on hunger crises, famine has been detected in El-Fasher in Darfur and Kadugli town in South Kordofan province. Twenty other areas in Darfur and Kordofan, where fighting has intensified in recent months, are also at risk of famine, according to the IPC. It said about 375,000 people have been pushed into famine in Darfur and Kordofan as of September, and another 6.3 million people across Sudan face extreme levels of hunger. In order to escape this perilous situation, more than 36,000 people have fled Sudans Kordofan region since Saturday, noted the UNs migration agency. The people, most on foot, are heading to Tawila, a town west of El-Fasher that is sheltering more than 652,000 displaced people, the UN said. With inputs from agencies Donald Trump has called it one of the most important cases in US history. On Wednesday (November 5), the US administration heads to the Supreme Court and is up against small businesses that argue that most of the tariffs are unlawful. They will be represented by Indian-origin lawyer Neal Katyal, and this is not his first fight against Trump Neal Katyal, a prominent Indian-American lawyer, is set to argue against Donald Trump's authority to impose tariffs in the US supreme court. File photo/Reuters It is a testing week for Donald Trump. After Tuesdays elections mayoral, governor and redistricting contests comes a big court case on Wednesday (November 5). The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments challenging the US presidents tariff policy. It could be the beginning of the biggest fight yet in Trumps trade war that has hit countries across the world and is taking a toll on America as well. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the centre of this legal battle, which could upend global tariffs, is the high-profile Indian-origin lawyer Neal Katyal. He is arguing for small businesses. Its a case that Trump has described as one of the most important in the history of the country. The decision could redefine the limits of presidential authority over tariffs in the US and affect trillions of dollars in trade. A group of small companies have challenged Trumps tariffs in two separate lawsuits. Katyal will be handling the case and taking on the US administration. Who is Neal Katyal? Neal Katyal is one of Americas most prominent constitutional lawyers, who has argued more than 50 cases before the countrys Supreme Court. The 55-year-old holds the record of arguing more SC cases in US history than any minority attorney, breaking the record held by American civil rights lawyer Thurgood Marshall. Katyal first rose to prominence as a co-counsel for former Vice President Al Gore in the Bush vs Gore case and has come a long way since. He served as principal deputy solicitor general and later as acting Solicitor General in the Obama administration and was responsible for representing the federal government in all appellate matters before SCOTUS and the Court of Appeals. As Solicitor General, Katyal argued several major supreme court cases, such as his successful defence of the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, his victorious defence of former Attorney General John Ashcroft for alleged abuses in the war on terror, and his victory against eight states that sued the nations leading power plants for contributing to global warming, according to the American Law Institute. Neal Katyal is a partner at the Milbank law firm, where he has been working with the Liberty Justice Center. Image courtesy: Milbank He has served as special prosecutor for the state of Minnesota in the case of George Floyd, the Black man whose murder triggered the Black Lives Matter protests in the US. The Indian-American litigator has taken on Trump before, challenging the 2017 travel ban and attempts to accelerate deportations. In March that year, Katyal pursued a federal judge in Hawaii to halt all the critical elements of what was dubbed the Muslim ban. In December 2017, American Lawyer magazine named him The Litigator of the Year, an award he bagged once again in 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also went on the author the 2019 book, Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump. He has often been described as the Trump Tormentor for contesting his policies. A graduate from Yale Law School, Katyal is currently a partner at the Milbank law firm, where he has been working with the Liberty Justice Centre, a libertarian law firm that specialises in representing individuals and groups in constitutional cases, reports Politico. The lawyer was born in Chicago to Indian immigrant parents an engineer father and a physician mother. While studying at Yale, he was mentored by constitutional scholar Akhil Amar. His origins and his education have influenced his work. How Katyal landed the latest case against Trump Liberity Justice Centres clients include VOS Selections, a New York-based wine importer that is challenging Trumps tariffs along with other private companies. However, there are two other sets of litigants involved in the tariff case. While lawyers of all groups hoped to participate in the upcoming argument, the Supreme Court ordered them to pick one attorney to present their case. A coin toss landed in Katyals favour. Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on almost every nation in the world. However, it has also affected businesses in the US. File photo/Reuters After a few days of discussion between the parties, Neal Katyal of Milbank was appointed to this role after a coin flip, Rick Woldenberg, the CEO of Learning Resources Inc., an Illinois-based firm that sells educational products, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. We are honoured to be represented by Neal at this important moment in the case, Woldenberg said, and are putting all our energy into preparing for the hearing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Katyal got involved in the tariffs case in June after the US appeals court considered a challenge from five small businesses led by VOS Selections. What do we know about the case against Trumps tariffs? The Liberty Justice Centre that Katyal represents earlier won a 7-4 ruling at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, where judges found that the US President overstepped his authority. The case will now be heard in the Supreme Court, and Katyal will persuade the judges to uphold the decision. The US Justice Department is asking the SC to reverse lower federal court rulings in the two separate cases that found that Trump did not have the legal authority to impose reciprocal tariffs on imported goods from almost every country in the world. A man reads a newspaper outside the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) after Trumps tariff plan announcement, in Mumbai, on April 4. The case, which heads to the US Supreme Court, will be followed eagerly by nations facing steep import duties around the world. Reuters The case revolves around whether Trump overstepped his authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which lets presidents take action during national emergencies tied to foreign affairs. The Presidents claim of authority here is breathtaking, Katyal wrote in an October 20 filing. The IEEPA never mentions tariffs, and in 50 years, no other President has used it for that purpose. It is a significant case, and keeping that in mind, the top court has allotted 80 minutes for oral arguments, longer than the standard hour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This case isnt about politics, a source close to Katyals team said. Its about preserving the constitutional balance between Congress and the President, and making sure no one man controls the nations economic fate. What has Trump said? The case has been on top of the Presidents mind. In a long post on Truth Social on Sunday, he wrote, If we win, we will be the richest, most secure country anywhere in the world by far, Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday. If we lose, our country could be reduced to almost Third World status. Pray to God that that doesnt happen. Trump said he will not be attending the arguments in court. I will not be going to the Court on Wednesday in that I do not want to distract from the importance of this Decision. When is the ruling in the case expected? There are several petitions against the tariffs, and the Supreme Court has consolidated them into a single hearing. The ruling is expected early next year. If the verdict goes against the president, it could thwart Trumps global trade war and reshape US trade and economic policy. With inputs from agencies Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus presented Art of Triumph, an artwork commemorating last years student-led uprising, to a visiting five-member Turkish parliamentary delegation on Monday. The book, which he also gifted to a Pakistani general last month, reportedly contains a distorted map of Bangladesh to include Northeast India Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus has sparked outrage in India again. After a Pakistani general, he has now presented the same artwork, which reportedly featured a distorted map of Bangladesh to include Northeast India, to a visiting Turkish parliamentary delegation. Yunus remarks on Indias Northeast have previously angered India. The developments come as ties remain strained between India and Bangladesh under the interim leader. Lets take a closer look. Yunus gift for Turkey Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus gifted Art of Triumph to a five-member Turkish parliamentary delegation led by Mehmet Akif Ylmaz on Monday (November 3) in Dhaka. As per Bangladesh media reports, the book is a collection of graffiti drawn by students and youth during and after the student-led protests in the country last August that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Turkish Parliamentary Delegation Calls on Chief Adviser DHAKA, November 3: A five-member parliamentary delegation led by Mr. Mehmet Akif Ylmaz, Member of the Turkish Parliament and Chairperson of the Turkiye-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group, called on Chief Adviser pic.twitter.com/GgB05QN4SV Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) November 3, 2025 But, as per News18, the artwork outlines a Greater Bangladesh" plan that incorporates Indias northeastern states, especially Assam, into Bangladeshs future strategic vision. More than what meets the eye Unnamed sources told News18 that the book presented by Yunus included battle plans" and post-victory management frameworks," with the alleged aim to transform Assam into a productive and viable region" under Dhakas influence. They said this was a deliberate ideological signal rather than an accidental provocation. This was not an art display but a message one directed at specific transnational Islamist networks that see Bangladeshs interim regime as part of a wider strategic consolidation," sources claimed. The purported reference to Greater Bangladesh" is the first clear signal of the Bangladesh interim governments territorial ambitions, they added. Why is it worrying for India? Yunus gift for the visiting Turkish parliamentary delegation, which allegedly refers to a so-called Greater Bangladesh, is a concern for India. According to unnamed intelligence sources, cited by News18, the move could be a possible way to gauge regional responses and bring together ideological support among Islamist groups in Bangladesh and abroad. Indias security establishment is reported to be closely observing the developments. The controversy could further complicate relations between New Delhi and Dhaka. Before Turkey, Yunus had presented the artwork to the then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2024. This October, the Bangladesh interim leader gifted the book, including the distorted map of the South Asian country, to Pakistan's Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee chairperson, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, during the latters visit to Dhaka. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The controversy over Greater Bangladesh first surfaced in April this year, when it was claimed that the Islamist group Saltanat-e-Bangla, backed by a Turkish NGO, published a map that included Indian territory as part of Bangladesh. Sources told Economic Times (ET) that the distorted map included Myanmars Arakan State, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the entire Northeast region of India. Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reacted to the reports in July in a written response to questions raised by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala. The MEA said the controversial map was displayed at Dhaka University. Citing the Government of Bangladesh fact-checker platform, BanglaFact, the ministry said that there was no proof of Saltanat-e-Bangla operating in Bangladesh. The platform further claimed that the map was displayed at a historical exhibition in reference to the so-called earlier Bengal Sultanate. The exhibition was held at Dhaka University on the occasion of Pohela Boisakh on April 14, 2025. The organisers of the exhibition, however, denied connections with any foreign political entity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yunus had earlier invoked Indias northeast in a speech during his trip to China in April. At the time, he called Northeast India landlocked, with no way to reach out to the ocean. Batting for an extension of the Chinese economy, Yunus said Bangladesh is the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. His remarks had sparked an uproar in India, with political leaders from the northeast leading the charge against him. Bangladeshs foreign policy shift under Yunus Under Yunus, ties between India and Bangladesh have frayed. Whereas, Dhaka has developed closer relations with China and Pakistan. Turkey has also increased engagement with Bangladesh since Yunus came to power last August. As per News18, Turkish NGOs, aligned with the ruling AKP led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have become increasingly active in Bangladesh. Pakistan has allegedly brought Dhaka and Ankara closer since last year. Since early 2024, Turkey has enhanced ties with Dhaka through training programs, defence industry collaboration, and technology investment. For Ankara, Bangladesh could counter-balance Indias growing geopolitical presence. For the Yunus government, closer ties with Turkey not only provides international legitimacy but also offers new defence linkages amid domestic uncertainty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies After spending 43 years in a Pennsylvania prison for a murder he did not commit, Subramanyam Subu Vedams exoneration was meant to mark freedom. Instead, US immigration officers detained him moments after his release, citing a decades-old deportation order. But now that has been halted Two separate US courts have ordered the immigration officials to halt the deportation of Indian-origin man from Pennsylvania, Subramanyam Subu Vedam. Image Courtesy: FreeSubu.org Life is a rollercoaster of ups and downs for Subramanyam Subu Vedam, the 64-year-old Indian-origin man, who lived behind the walls of a Pennsylvania state prison for a crime he did not commit. When his wrongful conviction was overturned, he expected to walk free. However, he was taken into custody once again this time by US immigration authorities seeking to deport him to India. But now, theres relief for Subu. Thats because two separate US courts have now halted his deportation until the Bureau of Immigration Appeals decides whether to review his case. And fortunately for Subu, thats good news as it could take several months. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As he now breathes a sigh of relief, lets take a closer look at Subus story stretching from a 1980 murder case in rural Pennsylvania to a decades-old immigration order now revived against him that has become one of the most extraordinary and tragic sagas in the American criminal justice system. What we know about Subus wrongful conviction It all began in December 1980, when 19-year-old Thomas Kinser was found dead in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Investigators at the time identified Subramanyam Vedam, a young man of Indian origin living in the area, as a suspect. The case quickly turned into a criminal trial built largely on conjecture. In 1982, Vedam was arrested and charged with Kinsers murder. Prosecutors alleged that he had fatally shot his friend with a .25-calibre pistol a weapon that was never recovered. A young Subramanyam and sister Saraswathi Vedam embrace during their parents wedding anniversary party at State College, Pennsylvania. Saraswathi Vedam via AP The case against him depended primarily on circumstantial evidence, with no physical proof tying him to the killing. Despite the lack of forensic certainty, a jury convicted him in 1983, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. At the time of his conviction, Vedam was only 22 years old. Born in India but raised in the United States since he was nine months old, he had known no life outside the country. From that moment onward, he would spend the next four decades fighting to prove his innocence. How Subu continued his decades-long fight for justice For years, Subu maintained that he was innocent of the murder. His legal appeals were repeatedly rejected, and his case gradually faded from public view. He remained in Pennsylvanias prison system, serving a life term with little hope of release. Everything changed in 2022, when the Pennsylvania Innocence Project a nonprofit dedicated to overturning wrongful convictions joined his defence team. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the course of their review, attorneys discovered evidence that prosecutors had failed to disclose during the original trial. Among the findings were handwritten notes and an FBI report that directly contradicted the prosecutions theory of the crime. Supporters of Subramanyam Subu Vedam demonstrate outside the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, after a hearing over new evidence uncovered in his 1983 murder case. Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com via AP The new evidence suggested that the bullet wound in Kinsers skull was too small to have been caused by a .25-calibre bullet, the type prosecutors claimed was used in the killing. This revelation severely undermined the states case, indicating that the conviction had been based on flawed forensic assumptions and incomplete disclosure. The discovery led to renewed hearings in the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. In August this year, Judge Jonathan Grine ruled that the failure to turn over this evidence constituted a violation of Vedams constitutional right to due process. Had that evidence been available at the time, Grine wrote in his order, there would have been a reasonable probability that the jurys judgment would have been affected. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ruling effectively vacated Subus conviction after more than four decades. One month later, Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna formally withdrew all charges, acknowledging that the passage of time, the loss of witnesses, and the suppressed evidence made a retrial impossible and unjust. With that decision, Subu became the longest-serving exoneree in Pennsylvanias history and one of the longest wrongfully imprisoned individuals in the United States. How Subu was detained again The day of Subus expected release October 3, 2025 was meant to mark the end of a lifelong ordeal. His family, friends, and supporters had gathered to celebrate outside Huntingdon State Correctional Institution, where he had spent most of his adult life. Instead, the moment turned devastating. But as he walked out of the prison gates, officers from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were waiting for him. They detained him immediately and transferred him to the Moshannon Valley Processing Centre, a federal immigration facility in central Pennsylvania. His family issued a statement expressing heartbreak, To our disappointment, Subu was transferred to ICE custody and is currently being held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They explained that this new legal struggle stems from an old deportation order issued decades earlier. This immigration issue is a remnant of Subus original case. Since that wrongful conviction has now been officially vacated and all charges against Subu have been dismissed, we have asked the immigration court to reopen the case and consider the fact that Subu has been exonerated. Our family continues to wait and long for the day we can finally be together with him again. For the family, Subus transition from wrongful imprisonment to federal detention has felt like a continuation of the same injustice. Why Subu was detained again by ICE The deportation order now cited by ICE dates back to the 1980s, when he was still in his early twenties. Before his arrest for murder, he had pleaded guilty at age 19 to a nonviolent drug charge intent to distribute LSD a decision his family says reflected a youthful error. That conviction, under US immigration law, made him technically deportable because he was not a naturalised citizen. However, because Subu was serving a life sentence at the time, deportation proceedings never took place. For more than four decades, the order remained inactive, effectively frozen by his incarceration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following his exoneration, ICE has revived it. In a statement provided to the Miami Herald, the agency explained its decision, Pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, individuals who have exhausted all avenues of immigration relief and possess standing removal orders are priorities for enforcement. ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations) notes that Mr. Vedam, a career criminal with a rap sheet dating back to 1980, is also a convicted controlled substance trafficker. Mr. Vedam will be held in ICE custody while the agency arranges for his removal in accordance with all applicable laws and due-process requirements. Subus legal team rejected that portrayal. His attorney, Ava Benach, has argued that without the wrongful murder conviction, the immigration case would have been resolved long ago. The defence has filed a motion to reopen the old immigration proceedings and a petition for a stay of deportation. Subramanyam Subu Vedam walks outside the Centre County Courthouse. He can heave a sigh of relief as courts have now halted his deportation from the US to India. Geoff Rushton/StateCollege.com via AP How Subus family are coping The abrupt re-detention left Subus family in disbelief. Theyre emotionally reeling from the fact that he could be sent to a country he doesnt know, said family spokesperson Mike Truppa. Theres some ancestry in India where he might have some nominal relations, but his entire family all of his family relationships are here and in Canada. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Subu was born in India but came to the United States as an infant. He has spent his entire life in North America and has never returned to the country of his birth. His niece, Zoe Miller Vedam, described the deportation threat as profoundly unfair. India, in many ways, is a completely different world to him, she told Miami Herald. He left India when he was nine months old. None of us can remember our lives at nine months old. He hasnt been there for over 44 years, and the people he knew when he went as a child have passed away. His whole family his sister, his nieces, his grand-nieces were all U.S. citizens, and we all live here. Zoe added that the wrongful conviction had already taken an irreplaceable toll on his life. Hes never been able to work outside the prison system, she said. Hes never seen a modern film, hes never been on the internet, he doesnt know technology. To send him to India at 64, on his own and away from his family and community, would be just extending the harm of his wrongful incarceration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Subu built a life behind bars Despite the injustice of his conviction, those who know Vedam describe him as a person who used his time in prison to educate and help others. Over four decades, he built a reputation as a teacher, mentor, and advocate for fellow inmates. He really did so much over those years to show the person that he is, said Zoe. He worked as a teacher, helping many, many people get their degrees people whove spoken to us afterwards about how having him support them while they were incarcerated really changed their lives. He completed multiple degrees himself. He was always learning and caring. Inside the prison, Vedam became known for running literacy programmes and helping hundreds of inmates prepare for high school equivalency exams. He also spearheaded fundraising efforts for community programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and became the first person in the facilitys 150-year history to earn a masters degree, completing it via correspondence with a perfect 4.0 GPA. His sister, Saraswathi Vedam, described him as someone who turned extraordinary hardship into service. Subus true character is evidenced in the way he spent his 43 years of imprisonment for a crime he didnt commit, she said in a statement. Rather than succumb to this dreadful hardship and mourn his terrible fate, he turned his wrongful imprisonment into a vehicle of service to others. What next for Subu In a relief for Subu, two different courts have called on immigration officials to halt his deportation. As per an Associated Press report, an immigration judge stayed his deportation on Thursday until the Bureau of Immigration Appeals decides whether to review his case. That could take several months. Vedams lawyers also got a stay the same day in US district court in Pennsylvania but said that case may be on hold given the immigration court ruling. But, it doesnt mean he is safe. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs, has said that the reversal in the murder case does not cancel his drug conviction. Having a single conviction vacated will not stop ICEs enforcement of the federal immigration law. Meanwhile, Vedam s sister said that the family is relieved that two different judges have agreed that Subus deportation is unwarranted while his effort to re-open his immigration case is still pending. Were also hopeful that Board of Immigration Appeals will ultimately agree that Subus deportation would represent another untenable injustice, said Saraswathi Vedam adding, Inflicted on a man who not only endured 43 years in a maximum-security prison for a crime he didnt commit, but has also lived in the US since he was nine-months-old. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump has once again threatened to cut funds for New York if Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral race against former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Silva. Trump has endorsed Cuomo, the long-time Democrat who is running as an independent. But can the US president actually withhold funds from the city? Zohran Mamdani seems poised to win the New York mayoral race. And Donald Trump is not happy. The US president, taking to social media, threatened once again to cut funds for the city if Mamdani, 34, prevails against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Silva. Trump, meanwhile, has endorsed Cuomo, the long-time Democrat who is running as an independent after losing the primary to Mamdani, in the race. Many think the results of the race in New York, Trumps hometown, will be a referendum on the president. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what has Trump said? Can he actually cut funding to New York if Mamdani wins? Lets take a closer look. What did Trump say? Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not! Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He also called Mamdani a self-described democratic socialist a communist. If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, Trump wrote. I dont want to send, as President, good money after bad. Trump in an interview on Sunday again called Mamdani a communist and far worse than a socialist. Donald Trump has endorsed Andrew Cuomo, the long-time Democrat who is running as an independent after losing the primary. Reuters Its going to be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York. Because if you have a communist running New York, all youre doing is wasting the money youre sending there, Trump said. Im not a fan of Cuomo but if its going to be between a bad Democrat and a communist, Im going to pick the bad Democrat all the time, Trump said. Mamdani over the weekend hit back at Trump, saying, We will continue to receive funding from the federal government, and its not because of President Trumps generosity. Thats because it is the law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Going to have problems Trump in September wrote on X, He is going to have problems with Washington like no Mayor in the history of our once great City. Remember, he needs the money from me, as President, in order to fulfil all of his FAKE Communist promises. He wont be getting any of it, so whats the point of voting for him? This ideology has failed, always, for thousands of years. It will fail again, and thats guaranteed! Trump made the remarks as New York Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of his re-election campaign. Donald Trump and his billionaire donors might be able to determine Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomos actions. But they wont decide this election. In just over five weeks, well turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas and deliver a government every New Yorker can be proud of, Mamdani had responded. Can Trump actually cut funding to New York? He cannot. Under the US Constitution, it is Congress that controls the purse strings of the government and not the president. This is what is known as the power of the purse. It is the US Congress that passes appropriation bills to determine which cities and states are given federal funds. The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 also prohibits the government from delaying or withholding spending that Congress has authorised. Thus, it is illegal for the president to withhold money from a city or a state as an act of policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, that hasnt stopped Trump from trying to do so. The administration has already threatened to withhold billions of dollars from the Gateway programme. The project, which aims to expand train service between New York and New Jersey, is the largest infrastructure programme in the United States. Im cutting the project, Trump said in October. The project is going to be dead, he added. It is pretty much dead right now. Trumps remarks came amid a long-running feud between the US president and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The project in New York its billions and billions of dollars that Schumer has worked 20 years to get, Trump said. Tell him its terminated. President Donald Trump has said New York has no choice but to vote for Andrew Cuomo. Reuters Trump had delayed the project in his first term. The Biden administration and Schumer had jointly appropriated billions of dollars for the project, which will create tens of thousands of jobs in New York. The New York Democrat hit back, calling Trumps actions vindictive, reckless and foolish. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Donald Trump is trying to kill it again, in pure spite and with sheer stupidity, Schumer said. Its petty revenge politics. And who gets hurt? Its going to screw over hundreds of thousands of New York and New Jersey commuters. However, despite Trumps threats, the Transportation Department has said there are no plans to kill the project. In fact, work on the project continues apace. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also said the project is important and should move forward fast. The Trump administration had also paused around $34 million in counterterrorism funding for New York City. However, a federal judge overturned the decision, calling it arbitrary, capricious and a blatant violation of the law. As long as US judges are willing to uphold the law, Trump cannot unilaterally cancel projects to punish cities and states for electing leaders he does not agree with unless the Supreme Court, many of whose judges have been handpicked by Trump, decides to ignore precedent and side with the administration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Across the US, millions of Americans are casting their vote today. In New York City, voters will decide who shall be their next mayor. In New Jersey and Virginia, voters will pick governors, whereas in California, Proposition 50 will be voted on. Many experts view these elections as a referendum on Donald Trump and his second term. It could also set the tone for the 2026 midterms Will it be a terrific Tuesday or terrible Tuesday for Trump? US President Donald Trump will face his first true test today (November 4), as millions of Americans will head to the polls in several notable local and statewide elections for the first time since last Novembers presidential race. For Trump, the results of todays contests will be seen as either a major rejection or resounding stamp of approval of his second term. But the results also matter for the Democrats; the results will offer the Democratic Party its biggest chance yet to assert its viability as a serious opposition party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As voter gear up to cast their votes, we take a closer look at whats on the ballot today, and why it matters. Whats on the ballot today across America? Across the US today, some major statewide and local races are taking place. One of them is the highly-anticipated mayoral election in New York City. The race to lead Americas largest city features Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate and former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The winner will replace outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, who initially sought re-nomination as a Democrat. After losing the primary to Mamdani, Adams opted to run as an independent, but dropped out of the race in September and has eventually endorsed Cuomo. This race has caught more attention not only in the US but across the globe with Trump frequently criticising Mamdani even calling him a Communist lunatic and a total nut job. And on the eve of the election, Trump even issued a threat to its voters: stop Zohran Mamdani or pay. Supporters of Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, attend a campaign event before the 2025 New York City mayoral Election in the Queens borough of New York City. File image/Reuters If Communist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the election for mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing federal funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. I dont want to send, as president, good money after bad. Besides the New York mayoral race, theres also the governorship races in Virginia and New Jersey. In New Jersey, former Republican New Jersey state Representative Jack Ciattarelli is making his third run for governor, after losing to Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in 2021. Hes facing off against Mikie Sherrill, whos trying to deliver Democrats a third consecutive term in the governors mansion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Virginia, Republican Lt Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Democratic former US Representative Abigail Spanberger look to replace term-limited Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. Former US President Barack Obama campaigns with Democratic candidate for New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill during a rally in Newark, New Jersey. File image/Reuters Theres also the contest for Virginias attorney general taking place today along with the race to control the Minnesota Senate and Virginia House of Delegates. Detroit, Pittsburgh, Jersey City and Buffalo are also going to the polls today to elect new mayors. Incumbents in Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Cincinnati are also seeking re-election. What else is America voting on today? Besides these electoral battles, California will be voting on Proposition 50, which will allow Democrats to temporarily change the boundaries of US House districts and make them more favourable to the party. Championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, this measure is in response to a new Texas map that state Republicans enacted in August as part of Trumps efforts to keep the US House under Republican control in the 2026 midterms. Control of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will also be at stake today when voters cast their votes on whether to retain three justices from the high courts 5-2 Democratic majority. Why do these elections matter to Trump? Its interesting to note that while Trump isnt on the ballot in any of todays races, the results will be significant for the US president. Firstly, the outcome of the governor races in Virginia and New Jersey could offer a window into some of the headwinds facing Trump and Republicans going into next years midterm polls. According to an NPR report, the governor races have historically been a harbinger often predicting the results of upcoming midterms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In fact, in New Jersey, Jack Ciattarelli has modelled himself on the US president slamming open borders and aligning with far-right figures. Many note that by copying Trumps tone, Ciattarelli hopes to energise the conservatives. If it is successful, he would be redefining Republican strategy in Democrat-dominated states. A sticker expresses dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump in Chicago, Illinois. Many note that the elections across the US will serve as either a major rejection or resounding stamp of approval of Trumps second term. File image/AFP Moreover, Tuesdays vote will show if the Hispanic shift, which was seen in the 2024 presidential elections, still holds or was it a one-time reaction to Trump himself. The governors race in Virginia between Winsome Earle-Sears and Abigail Spanberger is also significant for Trump and his ongoing government shutdown. Northern Virginia is home to scores of federal employees, contractors and others who work with the federal government the kind of people who are directly affected by Trump administrations push to downsize the federal government. Experts note that it is from there, more than anywhere else, that one will get an early sense of whether the cuts resonate at the ballot box. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Whit Ayres, a Republican pollster told the New York Times, Watch the turnout in Northern Virginia. If it is relatively low compared to past elections, you can conclude that the actions of the administration arent having much of an impact. If its higher than past elections, you can conclude its a reaction against many of the actions of the administration. The California vote is also very important for Trump. Many experts, in fact, note that it might be the most important election, as it pertains to how California draws its districts. Currently, the law states that to redraw a states districts requires an independent commission. But Proposition 50 would temporarily get rid of that requirement. Governor Newsom is trying to squeeze out more Democratic seats. This will offset gains Trump is trying to make in redrawing in red states like Texas. Ahead of the polls, the White House sought to downplay the stakes. Every week is pivotal when Americans have a president who is all gas, no brakes on his push to Make America Great Again, said Kush Desai, a White House spokesman. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is the significance of these polls for the Democrats? If Tuesdays elections are important for Trump, they are equally important for the Democratic Party. As Ken Martin, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, told the New York Times, the victories on Tuesday would help his party head into 2026 with a head full of steam. Where there were once strong headwinds against the Democratic Party, there now seems to be wind at our back and momentum for sure, Martin said. He insisted, Its not just an anti-Trump wave that were seeing, but a powerful chord that Democrats have struck with their message on economics and affordability. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during a rally in support of a Yes vote on Proposition 50, a congressional redistricting measure at the Los Angeles Convention Centre in Los Angeles, California. Reuters Tuesdays polls will also show the Democrats what type of candidate to be. For instance, Mamdani in New York City has focused on affordability. Meanwhile, Abigail Spanberger in Virginia is running on tradition and service, and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey stresses her military credentials. But the truth is Democrats are in the wilderness, and theres no perfect way to run. For California Governor Gavin Newsom, the Proposition 50 vote can also be seen as him trying to build a national base. As Moneycontrol reports, if he wins, it wont be just a policy victory, but also an early test run for a possible 2028 presidential bid. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, even while the results wont change the presidency, it will have a larger impact. With inputs from agencies The White House has put up dozens of photos of US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the US-China summit in South Korea. The images showed the leaders in a relaxed mood, with Xi at first appearing amused before bursting out laughing when Trump showed him a piece of paper. Heres why the Chinese people will not see these photos The photos were put up on the White House website under the title US President Donald Trump Participates in a Bilateral Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Image courtesy: Whitehouse.gov Emperor Xi Jinping, as Donald Trump refers to him, is rarely seen laughing in public. Xi, arguably Chinas most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, has been at the helm in China for over a decade. Throughout his tenure, which has seen a crackdown on corruption and purges of top officials, Xi has tried to project an image of a solemn leader. However, now the United States has released some photos of Xi that people in China will be unfamiliar with the Chinese leader grinning and laughing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what happened? Why are such pictures of Xi so rare? Lets take a closer look. What happened? The White House has put up dozens of photos of Trump and Xi during the US-China summit in South Korea. The over three dozen photos were put up on the White House website under the title US President Donald Trump Participates in a Bilateral Meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Thirty-eight photos were in colour while four were in black and white. The talks between the two sides were held at Naraemaru, a reception hall on the Gimhae Air Force Base at Gimhae International Airport in Busan. They showed President Xi and President Trump sitting face to face with their aides on both sides. The leaders appeared to be in a relaxed mood, with Xi at first appearing amused before bursting out laughing when Trump showed him a piece of paper. It remains unknown what was written or printed on the paper that left Xi in splits. Xi last month was witnessed cracking a joke when exchanging gifts with South Koreas President Lee Jae-myung. Lee, who gave Xi a wooden Go board, was in turn presented with two Xiaomi phones made in China. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met during the US-China summit in South Korea. Image courtesy: Whitehouse.gov How is the communication security? Lee asked, which left Xi and the others laughing. You can check if theres a backdoor, Xi responded. China has long been accused of building backdoors which allow hackers to access devices without the owners knowing into devices and programmes. Xis image control Xi has gone to great lengths to try to keep control of his image within China. He usually maintains a serious facade when giving speeches and presiding over ceremonies. Xi recently did so while attending a military parade wearing a suit in the style of Chairman Mao. Xi, prior to the Trump meet, remained stoic while addressing the plenum of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC). Experts say Xis control over party politics has become so tight that some are left grasping for straws, such as analysing his speeches or even his hair colour. Meanwhile, images of Xi laughing and smiling are nowhere to be found on Chinese platforms such as Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu. China has banned platforms such as Facebook and X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Xi has gone to great lengths to try to keep control of his image within China. Image courtesy: Whitehouse.gov This is all part of Xi continuing to tighten his grip on China. The Chinese president in 2017 even introduced his ideology, known as Xi Jinping Thought, into school and college curricula putting him on a par with Chairman Mao, the founder of Communist China, and Deng Xiaoping. No other leader since Mao has had an eponymous ideology included in the document while in office. Dengs name was added after his death in 1997. The Chinese state previously also banned Winnie the Pooh after people began mocking Xi for his purported resemblance to the childrens character created by English author A.A. Milne, over memes that compare the bumbling bear to President Xi Jinping. The comparisons began in 2013 when Xi visited the United States and met his then counterpart Barack Obama. It quickly went viral and was used by many to mock Xi in a satirical manner. Some have even used the character as a symbol of resistance. The movie Christopher Robin was banned in China in 2018, as was Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, a British slasher film, in Hong Kong in 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Canada is seeking legislative powers to enforce the mass cancellation of temporary visas to Indians and Bangladeshis. As per internal documents accessed, the move is being sought to deter fraud in the visa system. It comes amid Ottawas clampdown on Indian students data reveals that 74 per cent of Indian applications were rejected in August Canadian authorities are reportedly seeking the power to cancel applications for a group of visa holders, including some Indians. Representational image/Reuters Are you among the many who dream to go to Canada? Your dreams may remain just that as the North American country is reportedly seeking new powers to cancel temporary visas, particularly those from India. A report published by CBC News citing internal documents show that Canadian authorities have partnered with US entities to identify and cancel visitor visa applications from India and Bangladesh. This news comes at a time when data shows that nearly 75 per cent of students requesting to study in Canadian institutions were rejected in August. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, whats going on in Canada? We take a closer look. Canadas mass visa cancellation plan Referring to a departmental presentation to the immigration ministers office, CBC News has reported that Canadas Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and their US partners have formed a working group to empower authorities to refuse and cancel visas, singling out India and Bangladesh over country-specific challenges. According to the documents, the provision will allow authorities to cancel classes of visas in exceptional cases such as pandemics, wars, or for visa holders from specific countries. This pending legislation is currently tabled in the Canadian parliament under Bill C-12 once a part of the contentious Bill C-2 (for the Mark Carney governments Strong Borders Act). But why have Indians been singled out in this plan? This is partly over suspected fraud in applications from India. A passenger looks at check-in information board at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Representational image/Reuters The documents highlight that asylum claims from Indians have increased significantly in recent times. The number was less than 500 a month in May 2023, but has increased to over 2,000 by July 2024. It claimed that verifying temporary resident visa applications from India slows down application processing. Processing time in Canada has risen from an average of 30 days in July 2023 to 54 days in July 2024. As a result, approvals have also started dropping in 2024 from more than 63,000 in January to about 48,000 in June as it committed more resources to verification. The presentation also noted a rise in Indian passengers who were not allowed to board aeroplanes as of the summer of 2024. By July 31, 1,873 applicants were identified for further questioning and sent procedural fairness letters outlining their rights and potential legal recourse. The ability to cancel temporary resident documents reduces security risks and limits potential misuse of such documents, noted a October 2024 IRCC memorandum to then immigration minister Marc Miller. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There was no clarification provided on Bangladesh. Outrage and anger over Canadas plan When CBC News approached Canadian authorities over the plan, the Immigration Department said in a statement it has taken concrete steps to minimise unnecessary border volumes, increase information sharing and reduce non-genuine visitors and illegal crossings at the border. The department said those actions, including heightened scrutiny of temporary resident visa (TRV) applications from countries with the highest rates of abuse, have led to a 97 per cent drop in illegal US crossings by foreign nationals into Canada from its peak in June 2024. But not everyone is happy with Canadas mass visa cancellation plans. More than 300 civil society groups have reportedly raised concerns. For instance, Migrant Rights Network, have noted that group cancellations would give the government the ability to set up a mass deportation machine. Immigration lawyers have also questioned if the mass cancellation ability was being sought to allow the federal government to reduce its growing backlog of applications. Canada rejects 3 in 4 Indian student visa applications The news of Canada seeking to cancel mass temporary visas comes as double whammy to Indians. Data reveals that the countrys rejection rate pertaining to student visas for Indians has risen considerably from 32 per cent in August 2023 to about 74 per cent this August. In contrast, the overall rejection rate across all countries stood at around 40 per cent in both years. When asked about the rejections, Canadian authorities said they had found nearly 1,550 fake applications linked to Indian students in 2023. The news of Canada looking to cancel temporary visas to Indians come as the countrys rejection rate pertaining to student visas for Indians has risen considerably. Representational image The data also showed that the number of Indian students applying for study permits witnessed a major drop, falling from 20,900 in August 2023 to 4,515 in August 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indian Embassy said the rejection of study permit applications from students in India had come to its attention, but that the issuance of study permits is Canadas prerogative. However, we would like to emphasise that some of the best quality students available in the world are from India, and Canadian institutions have in the past greatly benefited from the talent and academic excellence of these students, the embassy statement read. Ties between India and Canada are on the mend after they dipped to their worst in 2023. Representational image/Pixabay India-Canada ties in focus The timing of this proposed legislation is significant, as it comes while Canada is trying to mend fences with India. Ties between New Delhi and Ottawa sunk to its lowest in 2023 when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved in the assassination of a Sikh resident, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia. India vehemently denied these allegations. A thaw emerged when Mark Carney came to power in Canada and invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit. Following this, both countries reinstated their high commissioners and renewed dialogue. In October, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand even visited New Delhi for talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The two sides announced a roadmap to enhance cooperation in trade, critical minerals, and energy, marking a concrete step toward rebuilding trust. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The fund is explicitly designed to act as a catalyst for private sector-led research and technological advancement, specifically targeting high-risk, high-impact projects that often struggle to secure traditional funding In a push to institutionalise innovation financing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a Rs 1 trillion Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) fund. The fund is explicitly designed to act as a catalyst for private sector-led research and technological advancement, specifically targeting high-risk, high-impact projects that often struggle to secure traditional funding. The announcement, made during the inauguration of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, is the governments commitment to fostering a modern innovation ecosystem. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During his address, PM Modi said that the new initiative signals a fundamental shift in capital allocation. For the first time, capital is being allocated specifically for high-risk, high-impact projects, ensuring support for ground-breaking endeavours, he stated, adding that the government is prioritising the ease of doing research. PM @narendramodi launches Rs 1 Lakh Crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund. The scheme aims to promote a private sectordriven research and development ecosystem in the country.#RDIScheme #RDI @MIB_India @PIB_India #ESTIC2025 pic.twitter.com/GdVxjP3kin All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) November 3, 2025 The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will serve as the nodal ministry, overseeing a unique two-tiered funding structure intended to ensure professional management and broad reach. At Level I, a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) under the newly established Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will act as the principal custodian. Crucially, the SPF will not invest directly but will channel its vast capital through professional managers at Level II, including Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Focused Research Organizations (FROs) like BIRAC and the Technology Development Board. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Financing under the RDI fund will primarily take the form of long-term, low-interest (or interest-free) loans and equity infusions, especially for early-stage deep-tech startups. This structure deliberately excludes short-term loans and grants, positioning the fund as a source of patient capital essential for sustained scientific inquiry. Priority areas have been clearly defined, focusing on technologies critical for national sovereignty and future growth, including energy security and transition, quantum computing, robotics, space technology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI). The startup and VC circles are buzzing with praise for the move. Rajat Tandon, President of the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association, called it a decisive step towards building Indias innovation capital framework, noting it lays the foundation for a new era of public-private collaboration, according to Business Standard. Experts believe the fund will be instrumental in bridging the critical gap between laboratory research and commercial deployment. Deep-tech investors highlighted the funds potential to accelerate the translation of research into commercialisation, helping India build sovereign capabilities in sectors like defence, semiconductors, and biotech. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to address Indias traditionally low investment in R&D, which currently hovers around 0.6 per cent of GDP. This injection of capital is anticipated to meaningfully boost investor appetite for technical risk and strengthen the competitiveness of intellectual property-driven startups on the global stage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This initiative is being hailed as one of the first instances where an international quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain has integrated traditional Indian millets into its core offerings McDonald's has introduced a new multi-millet burger bun to its menu The Golden Arches have embraced an ancient grain. In a move that has been dubbed Videshi Turns To Swadeshi, the global quick-service behemoth, McDonalds India, has launched a multi-millet burger bun. This initiative is being hailed as one of the first instances where an international quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain has integrated traditional Indian millets into its core offerings. Backed by indigenous science This unexpected nutritional upgrade is the result of a powerful public-private collaboration. The innovative multi-millet formulation was co-developed by McDonalds India and the nations premier food research body: the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru, which operates under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the significance of the partnership, calling the new launch a proud moment for Indian innovation that successfully validates indigenous food technology on a global commercial platform. Videshi turns to #Swadeshi as the popular international food chain McDonalds serves Indias Millet Bun Burger, prepared using indigenous technology developed by the Mysore based #CSIR institute, the Central Food Technological Research Institute #CFTRI. A proud moment pic.twitter.com/yGyya94anf Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 2, 2025 The new bun is a powerhouse of indigenous nutrition, with millets constituting 22% of its composition. The recipe features a strategic blend of five different Indian millets: three majorbajra (pearl millet), ragi (finger millet), and jowar (sorghum)alongside two minor varieties, proso and kodo. Millets are widely celebrated for being nutritionally dense, gluten-free, and remarkably climate-resilient. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By introducing this blend, McDonalds is not only offering a healthier alternative to the standard refined flour bun but is also significantly boosting Indias national Millet Movement, creating massive market demand that directly connects local farmers to the global QSR supply chain. Customers can now opt for the Multi-Millet Bun with any burger on the menu for a nominal additional charge of Rs 10. The criminals modus operandi involved using AI-generated deepfakes of judges and fake courtroom settings to intimidate victims while luring them abroad with fraudulent job offers that led to human trafficking. Criminals used artificial intelligence to morph the faces of judges and create fake courtroom backdrops while intimidating victims. The Supreme Court of India on Monday disclosed that more than Rs. 3,000 crore had been scammed from victims, primarily elderly individuals, through digital arrest frauds. A bench led by Justice Surya Kant, who is the Chief Justice of India-designate, referred to a confidential report submitted by the Union Government. Describing the issue as a very big challenge, Justice Kant observed, Much more than we thought". The report revealed that the magnitude of the fraud was substantial, with Rs. 3,000 crore extorted from victims within India alone. What would be the suffering at the global level? Justice Kant remarked. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, concurred that the extent of the scam was far greater than initially believed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Justice Kant assured that the judiciary would issue stringent orders to empower investigating agencies against the fraudsters. Mehta noted that the victims were largely aged people and that the problem could intensify without immediate intervention. Cyber crimes rooted in cross-border syndicates In a previous hearing, the Supreme Court had suggested assigning the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the growing threat of digital arrests carried out by fraudsters posing as judges and police officers using forged documents. Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the court that these crimes often originated from across the border and were linked to money-laundering gangs. Mehta further explained that the operations were conducted through scam compounds on a large scale. The apex court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of a case involving the digital arrest of a senior citizen couple in Ambala, Haryana, who were coerced into paying 1.05 crore based on forged orders. Subsequent reports revealed that similar incidents were occurring nationwide, with criminals threatening innocent people, particularly senior citizens, with cyber arrests unless they paid hefty sums. According to Mehta, the problem had both financial and human dimensions. He stated that gullible individuals were lured with false promises of employment abroad and reduced to human slavery. He added that criminals used artificial intelligence to morph the faces of judges and create fake courtroom backdrops while intimidating victims. It remains to be seen how China responds to attempts by the US to assert itself along Chinas periphery, including in Pakistan, while paying lip service to a so-called G2 Today, China is trying to shape the region in its own version of a flying geese formation through a multitude of diplomatic, economic, infrastructure and cultural initiatives. China recognises the importance of a regional consensus to support its great power status, now as part of the putative G-2 described in gushing tones by President Donald Trump both before and after his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The periphery and the neighbourhood have therefore acquired a new salience as the core of Chinas geopolitical vision. Trumps innuendo in his interview with the CBS 60 Minutes programme on October 2, that China would never do anything while President Donald Trump is President because they know the consequences, further underscores the importance of a stable and supportive periphery for Beijing. The BRIs future too is essentially predicated on its success on Chinas periphery, given the intricate web of infrastructure and connectivity projects, continental and maritime, that radiate out of China to link it to global markets and strategic destinations. Chinas focus on its neighbourhood is unmistakable and growing. Far from being limited to its immediate periphery, Beijing is expanding its reach and influence to redefine and reshape an extended neighbourhood in keeping with its economic rise and foreign policy priorities. In the recently convened Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Meeting held in Tianjin on the margins of the SCO Summit, President Xi Jinping announced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) to add to the slew of initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI). Beijing views these as its contribution towards strengthening an alternative Beijing consensus on a rules-based international order at a time when it regards US decline as inevitable. These, together with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and parallel China-supported global institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), are geared to project Chinas leadership, particularly in the Global South. At the same time, Chinas periphery continues to remain central to its strategic outlook. More than a decade following the first work conference on peripheral diplomacy in October 2013, Beijing yet again convened a Central Conference on Work Related to Neighbouring Countries in April 2025. The aim of this conference was to deliberate on Chinas neighbourhood work in the new era, which emphasises Chinas ascent on the global stage as a leading power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his speech at the conference, Xi Jinping outlined the importance of Chinas neighbourhood, describing it as a vital foundation for Chinas national development and prosperity, a crucial front for safeguarding national security and an important geopolitical space for building a community with a shared future. Implicit is an effort to mobilise support along its periphery and the extended neighbourhood to counter the pressure of US tariffs. In one of the earliest demonstrations of the importance of the periphery, China had constructed the Great Wall to keep at bay the barbarians, that is, the nomadic tribes of the steppes. Further, the Tianxia (All Under Heaven) concept, which formed the basis of Chinas traditional worldview, also underscored the strategic importance of the neighbourhood whereby the countries on the periphery were viewed as vassals. The Wei Qi principle of encirclement and containment, including its own vulnerabilities, has historically tempered Chinas view of its periphery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A multitude of foreign powers exploited the Qings weaknesses to extract concessions along Chinas periphery. China was never fully colonised only because of a modus vivendi among the colonial powers that denied any single power the right to take complete control. After the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, securing the immediate periphery and reunification of Taiwan with the mainland became one of the foremost national projects and remains so. One of the first actions was consolidation of communist rule over Xinjiang and Tibet to secure the countrys vulnerable western and southwestern flanks. A hostile regime in Taiwan, backed by the US, remains a security concern. In the 1960s, Mao Zedong advocated continuous revolution. He believed in exporting communist revolutions across the world, including along the periphery in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. In the next decade, as China went in for its modernisation in 1979, the Open Door Policy too began with the periphery. It is noteworthy that some of the earliest investments in China came from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The overseas Chinese population in Southeast Asia was particularly instrumental in adding impetus to Chinas modernisation programme and open door policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ironically, beginning in the 1990s, Taiwanese investors too have played a key role in Chinas upward economic trajectory, just as Asean has done to emerge as Chinas biggest trade partner, particularly as a source of primary goods and a market for manufactured products. In South Asia, Chinas definition of its periphery impacts Indias strategic interests. Chinas expanding influence is of considerable concern. Interestingly, Chanakyas mandala concept of Chakarvartin provides an analogous framework to analyse Chinas whole of government approach towards shaping the regional order. In fact, Chinas concept of its neighbourhood appears to be evolving. It is propelled not just by its economic power as the worlds second largest economy. There are other policy planks as well. China is today claiming the mantle of a leading Buddhist power and promoting Buddhist diplomacy through the World Buddhist Forum in the neighbourhood. Confucius Institutes project soft power on and beyond the neighbourhood. With the PLA Navys rapidly growing blue water capabilities, Chinas definition of its maritime neighbourhood now encompasses a much wider arc, with repercussions felt across the East and South China Seas, the Pacific and the Indian Oceans. The potential for colliding with US maritime pre-eminence is unmistakable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas engagement with its periphery may not yet be an unqualified success. The current bonhomie between the US and China is tempered by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseths frank remarks at the Asean defence ministers meeting that Chinas behaviour towards its neighbours and the world is a wake-up call. He made direct reference to the increase in Chinas destabilising actions and its intimidation, harassment, illegal activity and crime within your sovereign waters and across the South China Sea. Hegseth also rejected Chinas unjustified claims in the South China Sea. To boot, Trumps claim that he mediated in the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia also clashes with Chinas growing economic and security footprint in Southeast Asia. It remains to be seen how China responds to attempts by the US to assert itself along Chinas periphery, including in Pakistan, while paying lip service to a so-called G2. It is, after all, the periphery that could prove the undoing of the G2. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (The author is the Director General of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) The call for Hindus to remain understated, invisible and compliant while celebrating their festivals, especially in foreign countries, is unsettling In a recent article for The Hindu, journalist Varghese K George argued that the Indian diaspora, while celebrating Diwali and also during Ganapati immersions, crossed the limits of acceptable public behaviour in developed countries. He reminded the readers how anti-immigrant and nativist protesters in Australia have singled out Indians, and in the US and Canada, nationalist campaigners have a special focus on people of Indian origin these days. The tone of his argument was clear: Hindus should remain understated, invisible and compliant while celebrating their festivals, especially in foreign countries. Any visible assertion of faith could be seen as too loud, too religious, or even too visible. The blame, thus, shifts from intolerance and bigotry onto those who follow their religion and express pride in their cultural heritage. It implies that when Hindus are attacked in the West, the fault does not lie with the aggressors or latent racism, but with the victims themselves. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Such rhetoric is not new. Historically, similar narratives were used against Jews in pre-War Europe, where the communitys financial prowess and cultural distinction were twisted into provocations. Today, a comparable narrative is being applied to Hindus the new-age Jews of the West a prosperous, law-abiding, visible minority subtly told to stop being too loud and religious if they wish to remain safe. It would be wrong to say that the presence of Hindus in America is threatening the way of life of the white population there. They are a minuscule community, making up just about 1.6 per cent of the US population fewer even than American Jews, who form 2.4 per cent. Then why are Indian-Americans, particularly those unapologetic about their roots, now being targeted? One major reason is that they are among the most successful ethnic groups in America, boasting a median household income of over $150,000 higher even than that of the hugely successful American Jews. Their achievements from leading Fortune 500 companies to contesting presidential elections have thrust them into the spotlight. But with visibility comes vulnerability. Second, despite decades of progress, racism remains embedded in the Western psyche. One saw a glimpse of it when US Vice President JD Vance, in a recent interaction, said that he wished his Hindu wife would convert to Christianity. In this backdrop, when a brown Indian (who is seen as Black by white Americans) is perceived to be doing exceedingly well in a white nation, it raises eyebrows. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Underlying such remarks is an enduring discomfort with, if not disdain for, pagan faiths. For over two millennia, idol worship and polytheism have been framed in Christian theology as the marks of the heathen. Thus, a brown Hindu immigrant celebrating Diwali with lamps and rituals evokes an unconscious religious unease a challenge to a worldview still steeped in Abrahamic moral hierarchies. An average white American detests seeing the traces of paganistic barbarism finding footholds in Christian America. This popular discomfort is amplified by Western academia and Indias own Left-liberal intelligentsia, who have long portrayed Hinduism as a regressive, caste-ridden system requiring external civilising forces whether Islam, Christianity, or even Marxism to make it work. This academic covering fire turns the battle against Hindu pagans into a virtuous battle, giving it a progressive, feminist, libertarian halo. Prominent American Indologists have reinterpreted Hindu religion and its epics through ideological lenses. Prof Sheldon Pollock, for instance, claims that the Ramayana was a hegemonic discourse designed to justify elite domination specifically by kings and Brahmins over the masses. He also alleges that the Ramayanas portrayal of Ravan and the Rakshasas as others forms the ideological foundation for later-day hatred toward Muslims. In his view, the sacred Hindu epic has been instrumental in legitimising violence against Muslims. Such readings do not merely distort religious texts they delegitimise the entire Sanatana civilisation by accusing it of being racist and of selectively targeting religious and social minorities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ironically, in the world of American Indology, Prof Pollock seems a sobering figure, though his work remains far more insidious, especially when compared with the likes of Wendy Doniger and Audrey Truschke. And this shows the challenge Hindus face in the West: they are on the one hand targeted by Americans who espouse racism, and on the other abhorred by those secular, liberal Americans who are apologetic about the Wests racist past. The latter see Hindus as the carriers of modern-day racism through the agency of their ancient religion. Such intellectual bias begins in American schools. As Rajiv Malhotra notes in his book Fighting Rama Phobia in the United States of America, US schools teach distorted versions of Hindu epics, where students role-play as oppressed Dalits or Muslim victims confronting Aryan invader Rama. This narrative both racialised and revisionist trains young, impressionable minds to view Hindu culture and religion as inherently oppressive, divisive, and backward-looking. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On college and university campuses, this targeting morphs into a more organised hostility, where Brahminical patriarchy becomes shorthand for everything regressive. Under this framework, even celebrating Diwali or defending the Ramayana is showcased as an act of fascism. Isabel Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning African American journalist and author, extends Bharats socio-cultural structure to describe Americas racial tensions, framing the Sanatana civilisation as the original model of hierarchy. She, quite mischievously, uses the term caste to describe racial tensions between Blacks and Whites in the United States. Wilkersons core thesis is that Bharats social structure is the worlds original caste system. Such theories mischievously and deliberately flatten socio-cultural nuances and reinforce stereotypes that Hindus are innately prone to oppression and violence, provided they are ideologically tampered with. As attacks on Hindus in the West grow more frequent, the community must realise that assimilation without assertion offers no protection. Pride in faith, festivals, and cultural identity is not an act of aggression it is the natural expression of belonging. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hindus, like Jews before World War II, have excelled individually but failed institutionally. There is no strong advocacy group or coordinated defence mechanism against cultural defamation or racial violence. They must take a cue from American Jews and invest wisely in the countrys politics, creating a viable support base. If they do not develop such groups and shed their individualistic mindset, things will only worsen in the future. (Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) The Internet Archives Wayback Machine has captured its trillionth webpage, a milestone coinciding with San Franciscos proclamation of October 22 as Internet Archive Day, celebrating three decades of digital preservation by the nonprofit Founder Brewster Kahle says the fight wasnt against authors, but against big media companies that want too much control over digital content. Last month, the Internet Archives Wayback Machine captured its trillionth webpage, marking a significant moment for the nonprofit dedicated to preserving the worlds online heritage. To commemorate three decades of its work, the city of San Francisco declared October 22 as Internet Archive Day. The organisation, which serves over 800,000 users daily and partners with more than 1,200 libraries, was also recognised as a federal depository library by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), who called it a perfect fit for improving public access to federal publications in an increasingly digital era. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite these achievements, the Internet Archive (IA) has only recently emerged from years of severe copyright disputes that nearly bankrupted it and led to the removal of more than 500,000 books from its Open Library. Founder Brewster Kahle admitted, We survived, but it wiped out the Library. An IA spokesperson confirmed that the organisation currently faces no active lawsuits or threats to its collections. While Kahle believes the world became stupider after the Open Librarys losses, he is now focused on rebuilding with new initiatives. Kahle founded the Internet Archive in 1996 with the ambition of creating a digital Library of Alexandriawith a better fire protection plan, as copyright lawyer and librarian Kyle Courtney put it. The Wayback Machine, launched in 2001 to preserve web snapshots, became a crucial resource for researchers and journalists. Legal scholar Lawrence Lessig had foreseen the copyright battles that would follow but argued that the project clarified the stakes of preserving the digital public domain. Kahle maintains that IAs disputes were not against creators or publishers, but rather large media corporations seeking tighter control than copyright law allows. He cited the trend of expiring e-book licences as an example of how libraries are being prevented from owning their collections. The Archive began archiving and lending e-books, initially loaning titles to one reader at a time without controversy. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, IA launched the National Emergency Library, lifting lending limits to provide access to 1.4 million titles as physical libraries shut down. This triggered lawsuits from publishers who accused IA of bypassing licensing fees. In 2024, IA lost its final appeal, facing potential damages of over $400 million before reaching a confidential financial settlement that kept it afloat. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The organisation also settled another major case over its Great 78 Project after music publishers sought up to $700 million in damages. Both settlements remained confidential, but IAs experts argued that the publishers financial claims were heavily inflated. For many long-time supportersincluding researchers, historians, lawyers, students, and even the US governmentthe end of these lawsuits brought relief, though IAs operations have changed permanently. Legal setbacks reshape the Archives mission The lawsuits marked a serious blow to IAs vision. Publishers contended that the Open Librarys lending harmed the e-book market, while IA argued it was enabling better research by allowing Wikipedia to link to digital book scans. Kahle explained that libraries exist not just to lend books but to enable comparison, verification, and citationkey elements of scholarship. Public Knowledges senior policy counsel, Meredith Rose, noted that linking Wikipedia to book content could have revealed valuable information otherwise locked within texts. Kahle, however, believes large media corporations succeeded in controlling access to knowledge, preventing Wikipedia users from reaching full-text sources. At the centre of the dispute lay the restrictive e-book licensing market. Libraries have long argued that such licences are costly, temporary, and limit access. Some US states are now drafting laws to safeguard traditional library rights. Courtney, from the eBook Study Group, cautioned that libraries must not turn into streaming-style services where access expires after a set date. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He and Kahle share concerns that such restrictions threaten libraries cultural role, especially for those relying on remote accesssuch as rural readers, the elderly, and deployed military personnel. According to Brandon Butler, executive director of Re:Create, the IA case did not undo previous legal wins for libraries but instead tested new legal boundaries. He said IAs efforts paralleled the Google Books ruling, which deemed searchable excerpts fair use, but the courts ruled IAs model went too far. Kahle believes the legal and political environment increasingly favours corporate control over information. He insists that IA continues to act as a research library, providing access to knowledge and enabling verificationfundamental principles he refuses to abandon. Were just trying to be a library, Kahle said. A library in a traditional sense. And its getting hard. A major Japanese trade organisation, representing top publishers including Studio Ghibli, has formally requested OpenAI to stop using their copyrighted animated content in training its AI models. The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) raised concerns that OpenAIs AI platform, Sora 2, produces content closely resembling Japanese works, violating copyright laws. A Japanese trade organisation, representing major publishers including Studio Ghibli, has sent a letter to the Sam Altman-led OpenAI, asking the company to refrain from using Japanese copyrighted content for the training of its artificial intelligence systems. In the letter, sent on October 27, the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) asked OpenAI to stop using their animated content to train its Sora 2 AI video generation platform. CODA has confirmed that a large portion of content produced by Sora 2 closely resembles Japanese content or images. CODA has determined that this is the result of using Japanese content as machine learning data. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In cases, as with Sora 2, where specific copyrighted works are reproduced or similarly generated as outputs, CODA considers that the act of replication during the machine learning process may constitute copyright infringement, the letter said. More from Tech Google Maps for ancient Rome: Digital archaeology brings 2,000-year-old highways back to life The organisation also highlighted that OpenAIs opt-out system for copyright holders runs in conflict with Japans copyright-infringement laws. Under Japans copyright system, prior permission is generally required for the use of copyrighted works, and there is no system allowing one to avoid liability for infringement through subsequent objections, it said. In March this year, OpenAI released its most advanced image generator through an update on Chat GPT-4o, which allowed users to generate images in the style of Studio Ghiblis award-winning animated titles like Spirited Away, Howls Moving Castle, My Friend Totoro, Kikis Delivery Service and The Wind Rises. At the an old interview of Miyazaki went viral on social media in which was seen commenting on AI generated animation. In the short clip, Miyazaki said, I am utterly disgusted. If you really want to make creepy stuff, you can go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all. I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself. (This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) The US has granted Microsoft permission to export Nvidias advanced AI chips to the UAE, unlocking a major expansion of its multibillion-dollar investments in the Gulf The US government has authorised Microsoft to export the latest Nvidia artificial intelligence chips to the United Arab Emirates for the first time, marking a significant step in the companys plans to expand its AI infrastructure in the Gulf. The decision underscores the Middle Easts growing role in Washingtons strategic rivalry with Beijing over AI dominance. In May, US President Donald Trump reached an agreement with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan to build a large-scale AI data centre campus in Abu Dhabi, with Microsoft-backed G42 as a key partner. Progress on the project had been delayed by the Department of Commerces export restrictions on advanced Nvidia chips essential for developing cutting-edge AI systems. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brad Smith, Microsofts president, told the Financial Times that the company became the first to receive a licence under the Trump administration to export Nvidias AI chips to the UAE in September. He said the licence was granted only after meeting stringent cyber security, physical security and other security requirements set by the US government. Following the approval, Microsoft plans to raise its investment in the UAE from $7.3bn over the past three years to more than $7.9bn between 2026 and 2029. Around $5.5bn of this will fund AI and cloud infrastructure development. The company has not disclosed where the newly approved Nvidia chips will be deployed but noted that such exports require prior clearance from the Commerce Department. Last year, Microsoft invested $1.5bn in G42, the Emirati AI firm leading the Abu Dhabi project. The partnership is viewed as crucial to strengthening US-UAE ties and countering Chinas growing technological influence in the region. The UAE has placed AI at the core of its economic diversification and governance strategies, emerging as one of the worlds leading adopters of the technology. According to Microsoft, the region will also serve as a key hub for spreading AI across the global south, extending from the Middle East and southern Europe to Africa and East Asia. Smith warned that uneven access to AI could exacerbate global economic inequality. He emphasised that while much attention centres on the race between the US and China to develop advanced AI models, the diffusion of AI technology worldwide may prove even more consequential. The new export permits will allow Microsoft to quadruple its AI computing capacity in the UAE. Smith added that the company expects to apply for additional licences within six to twelve months, expressing confidence in meeting the US governments stringent conditions once again. Armed Police Force spokesperson Shailendra Thapa said five other people were hurt at the base camp, located at 4,900 meters (16,070 feet) Seven people died during a Mount Yalung Ri expedition in Nepal after an avalanche swept through the region. Officials have said that among the dead were five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides. Armed Police Force spokesperson Shailendra Thapa said five other people were hurt at the base camp, located at 4,900 meters (16,070 feet). The nationalities and identities of the foreign climbers are yet to be confirmed, but local media suggests that three were US citizens, one was Canadian, and one was Italian. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Poor weather conditions have made it difficult for rescue officials to track down the bodies of the deceased. The weather has been deteriorating since last week in Nepal, with snowstorms reported on the mountains. Rescuers were reaching the site on foot. A rescue helicopter attempted to reach the site, but bad weather forced it to turn back. Thapa said he will try again on Tuesday at dawn. Mount Yalung Ri is a 5,600-meter (18,370-foot) peak. It is considered a mountain for beginners with no previous experience in climbing high mountains. Last weekend, five German mountaineers died after being engulfed by a devastating avalanche in the Ortles mountain range of northern Italy. The bodies of the last two victims, identified as a man and his 17-year-old daughter, were recovered on Sunday morning, completing a tragic weekend search effort. The incident occurred at approximately 4 pm on Saturday while the climbers were ascending a route near the Cima Vertana peak, at an altitude exceeding 3,500 metres (11,500ft). Rescue officials noted the late hour of the ascent as an unusual detail. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Security analysts say the group known as Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has been operating for months within 50 km (30 miles) of Bamako, currently has neither the intention nor the military capability to seize the city of 4 million people, which it briefly attacked last year Drivers of Malian tanker trucks sit on chairs while waiting waiting to cross the border between Ivory Coast and Mali in the village of Nigoun, near Tengrela on October 31, 2025. In northern Ivory Coast, truck drivers prepare to head back to neighbouring Mali, aboard their tanker trucks loaded with fuel and anxiety. A two-month-old fuel blockade by al Qaeda-linked militants has all but paralysed the capital of Mali, turning the screws on the military government and raising concern that the jihadists might try eventually to impose their rule on the West African country. Security analysts say the group known as Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has been operating for months within 50 km (30 miles) of Bamako, currently has neither the intention nor the military capability to seize the city of 4 million people, which it briefly attacked last year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But the JNIM strategy of gradually starving Bamako of fuel, forcing schools to shut and depriving businesses of diesel-generated electricity poses the gravest challenge yet to the military leaders who took power in 2021. The jihadists likely goal is to trigger another coup, half a dozen security analysts and diplomats told Reuters. It would be Malis third since 2020, further depriving the country of a viable power centre and allowing JNIM to amass more weapons and funds. In the long run, JNIM is seeking negotiations either with the current government or a post-coup administration, which would be a milestone in its hunt for political legitimacy, according to a Control Risks client note published last week. With JNIMs activity putting unprecedented pressure on the government, we warn that the risk of a collapse of the regime, whether through a coup or another form of political crisis, will be very high over the coming weeks, the note said. A source close to JNIM did not respond to a request for comment about the aims of the fuel blockade. A statement it issued in early September announcing the blockade said its target was these bandits who are in power, who it accused of persecuting Malians especially outside the capital. Malis communications ministry did not respond to a request for comment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Escalating attacks as military stumbles Spun out of an ethnic Tuareg uprising in 2012, JNIM has for over a decade been advancing from northern Mali into the centre of the country and inside neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. Assimi Goita, Malis current military leader, seized power promising to turn the tide in the fight against the Islamist group, but his governments strategy of severing defence cooperation with France and the United States and instead leaning on Russia has been a failure. JNIM has escalated attacks on military posts this year, boasting of killing soldiers by the hundreds while amassing pilfered weapons and working to control territory around urban centres. Last week, it reached a deal for a hefty $50 million ransom payment for two Emirati hostages. JNIM has also advanced into southern Mali for the first time while expanding operations in the west, putting it in a position to enforce the fuel blockade by attacking convoys from coastal countries including Ivory Coast and Senegal. Its focus now appears to be Bamako. The fuel blockade is more than an act of economic warfare it is also a terrorist tactic, said Justyna Gudzowska, executive director at investigative research group The Sentry. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It instils fear among Bamakos ruling elite and the general population, creating the perception that the capital is under siege and that JNIM is closing in. Upheaval in Mali would have a destabilising effect on neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, where soldiers similarly took power in coups. The three countries have formed a political and security alliance. If Mali collapses, everything collapses, said a senior diplomat in Bamako. If the current balance of power collapses, the alliance of the Sahel states collapses. Tensions in military leadership Bamako residents, mindful of authorities who do not hesitate to prosecute critical speech, have mostly been measured in describing the fuel scarcity and have yet to stage protests. Its been complicated, these past weeks, said Abdoulaye, a part-time driver for a ride-hailing app who has tasked his brother with waiting in line overnight for fueland who gave only his first name for fear of reprisals. Even without protests, JNIM could exploit rumoured tensions among the countrys top military leaders that could make Goitas position untenable. Mali arrested two military generals and dozens of other soldiers in August, accusing them of participating in an alleged plot to destabilise the nation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I dont think the regime is strong enough to hold onto power indefinitely, said one security analyst who was not authorised to speak to the media. There are too many forces, both from a political angle but also from the armed groups angle, that are trying to put pressure. Travel restrictions and hijabs for women Though remote for now, the possibility of a JNIM takeover of the capital would be alarming for many Malians. Outside of Bamako, JNIM has announced travel restrictions and issued a decree that all women must wear the hijab on public transport. What JNIMs rule would look like if it seized control of Bamakos institutions is difficult to predict, but its brief occupations of towns and villages elsewhere in Mali paint a grim picture: restrictions on movement, extrajudicial executions, and severe curbs on education, Gudzowska said. The anxiety has been further stoked by a drumbeat of warnings from foreign embassies including the US, Britain and Italy that their citizens should leave the country. For now, neither Malians nor foreigners are fleeing the country in droves. There has been no major uptick in airline ticket purchases nor any signs of the fuel crisis affecting air travel, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whether that situation holds is an open question. No scenario at this point can be excluded, the senior diplomat in Bamako said. We cannot rule out the possibility that JNIM might try to enter the city. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Far-right activist Laura Loomer has been granted Pentagon press credentials under a new policy that has sparked widespread media backlash. Laura Loomer, a far-right political activist and former congressional candidate in Florida, has been accredited to cover the US Defence Department, according to a person familiar with the matter. The 32-year-old, known for her strong alliance with President Donald Trump, has frequently met with him in the Oval Office during his second term. Her close proximity to the president and outspoken criticism of senior defence and national security officials she claims are disloyal to Trump have caused tension within the administration, with some officials dismissed soon after her public remarks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Her inclusion comes as the Pentagon enforces a sweeping overhaul of its media policy. The new rules sparked an unprecedented walkout last month by journalists covering the department, after restrictions barred them from seeking information not officially released by the government. Major outlets, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN and Fox News, declined to sign the policy, citing concerns over press freedom. Only One America News, a right-wing cable network, agreed to the terms. The Pentagons new press corps, introduced last month, now includes a range of far-right media organisations such as the Gateway Pundit, the Post Millennial and LindellTV, alongside several independent journalists and online influencers who had not previously covered the Pentagon regularly. Controversy follows Loomers rise Loomer has built her profile through provocative online actions and close association with Trump. Her social media activity has often coincided with the dismissals of several administration officials, though some have questioned the extent of her influence. Among those removed was Gen. Timothy Haugh, former director of the National Security Agency and head of US Cyber Command, whose departure followed Loomers claim that she had pushed for his dismissal. She also linked the firing of national security adviser Michael Waltz and his staff in April to her reporting. Waltz was later confirmed as US Ambassador to the United Nations. Loomer has previously criticised several Pentagon figures, including Col. Earl G. Matthews, then nominated as Defence Department general counsel, and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. In August, she attacked Driscoll for praising Medal of Honour recipient Florent Groberg, who had spoken at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Following Loomers criticism, Driscoll withdrew the appointment of Jen Easterly, President Joe Bidens cybersecurity director, from a teaching post at West Point. Known for her confrontational activism, Loomer once handcuffed herself to Twitters New York office after being banned from the platform. She brands herself on her website as an investigative journalist, activist, and truth-teller, positioning herself as a critic of Silicon Valley and mainstream media. Since 2017, she has cultivated a controversial online persona, calling herself anti-Islam and referring to immigrants as invaders", accordng to the Washington Post. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite facing multiple rejections for roles within Trumps campaign and administration, Loomer remains an informal adviser. Trump has publicly praised her, describing her as a patriot driven by concern for the country. Although she has occasionally criticised himonce accusing him of accepting a gift from jihadists in suitsshe later apologised. Loomers application for White House press credentials remains pending, despite repeated requests. She continues to operate her consulting firm, Loomered Strategies, which provides opposition research, and her recent inclusion in the Pentagon press corps marks her latest foothold in national politics. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. In a major revelation more than a year after Sheikh Hasinas ouster, Bangladeshs former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has alleged that Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman acted as a CIA agent and engineered the coup that brought down Hasinas government. Chief advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus (R) sits along with Bangladesh's army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman. The two have not be able to see eye to eye on many issues, including holding elections in the country. File image/AFP In a sensational revelation more than a year after the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the countrys former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has claimed that Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman acted as a CIA agent and orchestrated the coup that toppled Hasinas government. Calling the army chief the main plotter, Kamal accused the United States of destabilising Bangladesh, alleging that Washington does not want too many powerful heads of state in South Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He named Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Sheikh Hasina as examples of strong leaders in the region. Kamal also reiterated Hasinas longstanding claim that the US covets Bangladeshs St Martins Island. Soon after his explosive remarks on the betrayal of Sheikh Hasina surfaced, Kamal followed up with a scathing attack on Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus, calling him a conspiratorial, egocentric character. The claims were made in the yet-to-be-released book Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution, authored by Deep Halder, Jaideep Mazumdar, and Sahidul Hasan Khokon, and published by Juggernaut, News18 reported. It was a perfect CIA plot hatched over a long period of time to overthrow Hasina. We did not know the CIA had Waker in its pocket, Kamal was quoted as saying in the book. Two reasons. The first is not to have too many powerful heads of state in South Asia Modi, Xi, Hasina. How would the CIA operate if such strong leaders rule the subcontinent? American interests are best served with weaker governments. But there was a more immediate reason St Martins Island, he added. In the same book, Hasina blamed imposters and terror apologists for the fall of her government, vowing to return to deliver justice to her people. She also hit out at Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of supporting the US in a regime-change operation. Calling him a cheat, Hasina alleged that Yunus looted the country after taking charge and financed the student uprising that led to her governments downfall. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recently, Hasina confirmed that she is currently in New Delhi. Earlier, News18 had reported that Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, in a yet-to-be-released book, described the 2024 power transition as a perfect CIA plot, accusing Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman a relative of Hasina of backstabbing her. In an exclusive interview with News18, Khan Kamal went a step further, directly blaming Waker-uz-Zamans betrayal as the catalyst for the entire incident. However, he was non-committal about the United States role, maintaining that Washington has long supported Bangladeshs counter-terrorism efforts. His remarks and allegations form part of Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution, which delves into the dramatic fall of the Hasina government and the power struggle that followed. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Bangladeshs interim government has withdrawn its plan to appoint music and physical education teachers in primary schools, months after Islamist groups denounced the move as un-Islamic. It is absolutely essential that the Yunus-led interim government take immediate steps to restore Bangladeshs democratic character while safeguarding the rich Bengali heritage that defines the nation and its deep ties with India. Image: AP Months after Islamist groups denounced the plan as un-Islamic, Bangladeshs interim government has scrapped the decision to appoint music and physical education teachers in government primary schools. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education said on Monday that the newly created posts would be removed from recruitment rules. Although the rules issued last August had four categories of posts, two categories have been included in the amendment. The posts of assistant teachers for music and physical education are not in the new rules, ministry official Masud Akhtar Khan told BDNews24. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When asked if the move was made under pressure from religious groups, Khan declined to comment, saying only, You can check for yourself. Islamist pushback succeeds The reversal marks a major retreat from Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunuss earlier policy to include music and cultural education alongside religious and academic subjects. Islamist organisations had fiercely opposed the idea, calling it an anti-Islamic agenda meant to destroy childrens faith. At a September gathering of hardline clerics under the Jatiya Olama Mashayekh Aima Parishad attended by groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Hefazat-e-Islam speakers warned that appointing music teachers would make our children disrespectful and characterless. Islami Andolon chief Syed Rezaul Karim said, When we took religious studies as children, there were separate teachers for Hindus and Muslims. But now, you want to appoint music teachers? What will they teach? You want to make our children unruly and faithless? We will never tolerate that. Bowing to radical pressure The decision follows a series of policy U-turns under the Yunus-led interim administration, which critics say has repeatedly bowed to Islamist pressure. Hardline groups that were once restrained under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina now appear emboldened, pushing anti-Hindu and anti-India rhetoric and even demanding a ban on Isckon, calling it an extremist organisation. Earlier, the government also backed down on womens reform proposals after Islamists threatened violence, warning that Yunuss team wouldnt even get five minutes to escape. Growing religious rigidity Analysts say the governments latest reversal shows how Islamist influence is reshaping Bangladeshs education policy eroding secular and cultural subjects once central to its identity. The rollback, they warn, is another sign of the country sliding toward religious rigidity reminiscent of the Talibans stance on banning music in schools. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Canadas tighter visa regime has led to a surge in study permit rejections for Indian students and a sharp fall in applications amid fraud concerns and diplomatic unease. About 74% of Indian applications for permits to study at Canadian post-secondary institutions in August were rejected. (Reuters) Canadas decision to curb the number of international study permits has hit Indian students harder than any other group, with government data revealing a steep rise in rejection rates and a collapse in applications. Ottawa, which has cut back the issue of new permits for the second straight year in 2025, says the move is aimed at reducing temporary migration and tackling visa-related fraud. The tightening has eroded Canadas long-held image as a welcoming destination for Indian students seeking global education opportunities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Figures shared with Reuters by Canadas immigration department show that 74% of study permit requests from India were turned down in August 2025, compared with just 32% in August 2023. Across all international applicants, the rejection rate was about 40% in both months, while refusals for Chinese students stood at 24% in August 2025. The volume of Indian applicants has also plunged. Only 4,515 students from India sought permits in August 2025, down sharply from 20,900 in August 2023, when they made up just over one-quarter of all international applications. Despite being Canadas largest source of foreign students for more than a decade, India now records the highest refusal rate among countries with over 1,000 successful applicants. Fraud and dwindling enrolments The crackdown follows a series of investigations exposing widespread document fraud. In 2023, Canadian authorities detected nearly 1,550 student visa applications linked to fake admission letters, most originating in India. A new verification system has since flagged over 14,000 questionable acceptance letters from all applicants. In response, the government has tightened verification procedures and raised financial thresholds for prospective students. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa acknowledged awareness of the spike in rejections but noted that visa approvals remain solely under Canadas jurisdiction. It added that Indian students have historically strengthened Canadian universities with their academic achievements and professional contributions. Diplomatic friction between New Delhi and Ottawa continues to shadow these developments. Relations soured in 2023 after former prime minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were linked to the killing of a Canadian citizen in British Columbiaclaims that India has firmly denied. Universities are already reporting the fallout. The University of Waterloo, which hosts Canadas largest engineering faculty, has seen Indian enrolments shrink by two-thirds in undergraduate and postgraduate courses over the past few years. The University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan have also observed noticeable declines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Immigration experts note that background checks are now far more exhaustive. Merely submitting financial proof is no longer enough; students must explain the origin of their funds, according to Toronto-based consultant Michael Pietrocarlo, speaking to Reuters. The once-clear pathway from study to permanent residency and employment has also become uncertain, prompting many Indians to rethink Canada as an option. Jaspreet Singh, founder of the International Sikh Students Association, recalled earlier campaigns encouraging international students to Study, work, stay. Now, he said, many rejected applicants feel the promise has fadedand some are even grateful they never went: They are happy they didnt come. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Beijing has urged Washington to respect its core interests including Taiwan, human rights, and development rights as both sides navigate fragile trade, tech, and security tensions following the Trump-Xi talks in South Korea US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Reuters File China has urged the United States to steer clear of four sensitive issues to preserve the trade truce reached between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, highlighting the deep-rooted tensions that continue to test bilateral relations. According to a Bloomberg report, Xie Feng, Beijings ambassador to the US, identified Taiwan, democracy and human rights, Chinas political system, and development rights as the key red lines that must not be crossed. He stressed that the most important thing is to respect each others core interests and major concerns," added the report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Xies comments came during a virtual address to a US-China Business Council event, reported Bloomberg, citing a statement released by the Chinese embassy on Tuesday. Xie said that the pressing priority is to follow up on the consensus reached between Xi, Trump and their officials, to reassure both our countries and the world economy with concrete actions and outcomes. Addressing disputes over tariffs, industry, and technology, Xie cautioned that all will lead to nothing but a dead end. According to a Wall Street Journal report on Tuesday, citing current and former administration officials, opposition from senior US officials convinced Trump to refrain from discussing next-generation artificial intelligence chips with Xi. The report said they argued that making the Blackwell chip available to China posed a national security issue. Taiwan critical flashpoint for Beijing The remarks highlight how easily the one-year trade truce sealed in South Korea could unravel and how Taiwan remains a critical flashpoint for Beijing, even though it wasnt discussed in talks between Xi and Trump. China regards Taiwan as breakaway territory that must eventually be unified by force if necessary a claim firmly rejected by Taipei. On Friday, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth raised concerns with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun over Beijings growing naval presence around Taiwan and the South China Sea. Hegseth later said both sides agreed to set up direct military communication channels to help prevent conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Beyond Taiwan, the US and China remain divided on human rights issues in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also urged Beijing to shift its economy toward domestic consumption, a move Washington believes could help ease trade imbalances fueled by Chinas export-driven growth. Talks between the two leaders in Busan, South Korea, left unresolved Beijings bid for access to cutting-edge American semiconductors. Trump said he and Xi discussed Nvidia Corp.s business ties with China and that the company would continue its dialogue with Beijing. David Daokui Li, a regular policy adviser to Beijing, told Bloomberg on Monday that Xis agreement with Trump was a breakthrough in the bilateral relationship because the Asian giant was now treated as an equal partner of the US. Li noted growing optimism among his peers in Beijing following the leaders meeting. An economics professor at Tsinghua University and former adviser to Chinas central bank, Li said he was confident that trade, financial, and technology disputes between the two nations were merely small potatoes that would eventually be settled. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. By invoking the G-2 with Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump has elevated China as Americas equal and conceded defeat in the great power competition. Having tried to muscle China out of race in trade and geostrategy, he has now joined hands with Xi in a bid to carve the world into spheres of influence. US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they hold a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit, in Busan, South Korea, on October 30, 2025. (Photo: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters) For decades, China competed with the United States to become Americas peer superpower. That quest ended in what many analysts called a victory for China last week as US President Donald Trump announced the formation of the Group of 2 (G-2) with Xi Jinping elevating the Chinese leader as his equal. Trump critics interpreted his Asia tour that he concluded in s kipping the high-stake Apec summit in South Korea as the US presidents acceptance of defeat in the trade-geostrategy war to make peace on Xis terms. Trump and his administration have a contrasting view as the US president later claimed in a TV interview. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sriparna Pathak, a professor of Chinese studies at Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA), OP Jindal Global University says Trump played every card he had from tariffs and trade barriers to export controls but eventually decided to shake hands with China because he realised Xi had won the battle. Pathak tells Firstpost, With G-2s announcement, Trump gave away his conclusion that he had lost to Xi. He also gave away his worldview of carving out spheres of influence with adversaries instead of competing to win. For him, if you cannot bend China, you accept its terms and carve out a consolation prize for yourself. ALSO READ: Is Trump on a mission to make China great again? At the summit in South Korea, Trump secured access to China's rare earth metals and magnets but also softened his stand on several contentious issues the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan, and technology export controls. Both sides claimed to have secured edge in the Trump-Xi deal, but the critics of the former saw it as a consolation prize for the US president with the Chinese walking away with a trophy, more so as he dominated the Apec stage for setting a favourable narrative unchallenged. For Trumps supporters, he emerged as a master dealmaker who secured access to rare earths. For his critics, he signed an appeasement agreement the kind British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain signed with Nazi tyrant Adolf Hitler in 1938. And history has shown that appeasement does not work. Trump formalises spheres of influence with G-2 In his second term, Trump has made it clear that he believes in carving out spheres of influence instead of competing for global leadership. The G-2 is merely the formal announcement of that pursuit. Ostensibly, under the G-2, Trump and Xi would work together as the worlds two superpowers to address major global challenges and prevent a spiralling rivalry that could threaten global stability. In reality, it would mean Trump and Xi carving out the world into spheres and running those spheres as their fiefdoms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: In New America, Trump is emperor and the world is up for grabs In the Indo-Pacific, Trump apparently handed Xi a free rein. In their discussion in South Korea, Trump said Taiwan did not feature at all. However, Trump on Sunday warned China against any plan to invade Taiwan, saying Xi knows the consequences of such a move. Trump has turned Quad into an afterthought the fulcrum of countering Chinese hegemonic designs that late Japanese premier Shinzo Abe, former US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi championed. He has also endorsed the RussiaChina alliance by giving a clean chit to Russias trade with China, including the purchase of oil. Trump said Russian oil purchase didnt feature in talks with Xi. As previously reported, China is the economic lifeline that has sustained the Russian war on Ukraine. Previously, Trump attempted to do the same with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Europe. He essentially declared that Nato did not belong in eastern Europe recognising it as Putins sphere of influence. His commitment to Nato has been shaky at best and hollow at worst. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In return, Trump has claimed the Western hemisphere for himself. There, he has announced the intent to annex Denmarks Greenland island, annex the nation of Canada, and annex the Panama Canal. In international waters, he has been blowing up boats and killing people without bothering to furnish any evidence. However, as many leaders, including Finlands President Alexander Stubb in an interview with Firstposts Managing Editor Palki Sharma, noted that Trump has stopped making those annexation references in recent weeks. The rotating Trump pivot in Asia With Trump joining Xi instead of standing up to him, Asian countries have lost a key partner in addressing the Chinese challenge. Pathak, a Chinese studies professor at JSIA, says countries such as India face a dual challenge as they must prepare for the Chinese threat while improving relations to minimise the risk of confrontation at a time when international support is uncertain. There is a power differential between India and China, so India will not seek an escalation. India will seek to lower tensions. At the same time, India has been working on capacity-building as part of a long game. But, for the next four years, India cannot count on any American support, so that will shape the approach to China. Similarly, Japan, Australia, and South Korea cannot be assured of such support as well, says Pathak. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | Cooperate, compete, confront: Indias China approach amid Trumps disruption as fundamental tensions remain But Quad is unlikely to be over, says Pathak, adding that the grouping is likely to evolve. Quads exercises are going on so that suggests the group will stay, but its scale and relevance will take a hit. Instead, we will likely see a much deeper engagement between India, Australia, and Japan. In Americas absence, the rest of the countries will have to stand up, says Pathak. Amid many unknowns, one clear thing is that the rules have disappeared from the world order, says Pathak. But new rules are yet to be written and India has to somehow navigate these waters, says Pathak. As for Trumps effect on India, Pathak says the damage since January has been institutional, and the impact can remain for a long time. The US approach to India currently is institutional. Everything from tariffs to the tilt to China is an institutional shift, not just Trumps personal whims that could be downplayed. For the next three years or so, the relationship is likely to remain distrustful. The next administration will have a huge challenge to restore trust. But concerns in India are that the damage might become too institutional to be reversed with the change of guard, says Pathak. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But predictability is not the word a Trump analyst associates with the incumbent White House leader. And as he keeps repeating, I am a big fan of India PM Modi is a great friend of mine no one knows when the next Trump pivot may be set in motion. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. The European Commission on Tuesday signalled that the European Union could welcome new members as early as 2030, commending Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova for advancing reforms required for accession Flag of Montenegro is raised during a ceremony to mark the accession to Nato of Montenegro at Nato headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on June 7, 2017. Reuters File The European Commission on Tuesday signalled that the European Union could welcome new members as early as 2030, commending Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova for advancing reforms required for accession. At the same time, the Commission criticised Serbia for lagging in its reform efforts and warned that Georgia has experienced serious democratic backsliding, now classifying the former Soviet republic as a candidate country in name only. Expanding the Union is in our best interest, Reuters quoted EUs foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as telling reporters in Brussels as she presented the Commissions annual report on would-be members efforts to join the bloc. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Joining the European Union remains a fair, tough and merit-based process. But now, new countries joining the European Union by 2030 is a realistic goal, Kallas added. Earlier, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Montenegro, a Balkan nation of around 600,000 people, was the furthest along among candidate countries on its path to EU membership. Kos, who manages the EU executives engagement with prospective members, also lauded Albania for its unprecedented progress and noted that Moldova, which shares a border with Ukraine, had advanced with accelerated speed despite significant pressures. EU presses Ukraine over tackling corruption Ukraine has continued to advance its EU membership bid despite the dual challenges of Russias invasion and Hungary blocking formal progress in negotiations. Ukraine has demonstrated its commitment to its EU path, moving forward on key reforms, Reuters quoted Kos as saying. It will be essential to sustain this momentum and prevent any risk of backsliding, in particular (on) anti-corruption. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the report, tweeting, We expect the EUs decisive action to overcome all artificial obstacles for a strong and united Europe. Zelenskyy later expressed his desire for Ukraine to join the EU before 2030, though experts say this is unlikely due to the extensive reforms required and hesitation among existing member states to admit a poor, war-torn country of nearly 40 million people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The European Commissions annual report noted that Ukraine must make further progress on the rule of law. EU officials had previously flagged concerns over July measures that increased the political appointee prosecutor generals control over the countrys anti-corruption bureau and specialised prosecution unit. Although rare wartime protests prompted Ukraines leadership to reverse these actions, the episode drew significant attention from its EU partners. Recent negative trends, including a pressure on the specialised anti-corruption agencies and civil society, must be decisively reversed, the Commission said. EU commission strongly criticises Georgia The Commission reserved its strongest criticism for Georgia, once the most pro-Western nation in the former Soviet Union, accusing its government of undermining the rule of law and imposing severe restrictions on fundamental rights. In light of Georgias continued backsliding on the fundamentals since (last years report), the Commission considers Georgia a candidate country in name only, Kos said. The ruling Georgian Dream party, accused by critics of a drift towards authoritarianism and a more pro-Russia foreign policy, has frozen EU accession talks and has accused Brussels of plotting revolution in Georgia, which the EU strongly denies. Last week, the speaker of Georgias parliament, who is a senior member of the ruling party, said it was seeking to ban the countrys three largest opposition parties for posing a threat to the constitutional order. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Qatar has warned it would stop supplying gas to Europe if the EU would not dilute or cancel its green rules. Previously, India has publicly expressed opposition to some aspects of the EU carbon tax, which has emerged as one of the contentious issues in India-EU trade talks. The European Unions (EU) green rules have emerged as contentious issues with major trading partners like Qatar and India. Qatar on Monday warned it would stop gas supplies to Europe if the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) would not be diluted or withdrawn. Previously, India has also opposed the EUs carbon tax, formally called Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Qatar is among the largest gas-producers in the world. And it has emerged as a major supplier for Europe after EU members began to cut their gas imports from Russia after the countrys forces launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India and the EU are currently negotiating a free trade agreement. It has been reported that carbon tax is one of the sticking points. The two sides are committed to conclude the trade deal by the end of the year. Qatar oppose EUs green rules, India states red lines Qatar Energy Minister Saad Al-Kaabi on Monday said that the country would halt the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe over EUs planned environmental and human rights rules. The provision is titled Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and requires large companies to fix the adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their global supply chains. If Europe does not look at how they can water down or cancel the CSDDD, and still have a penalty of 5 percent of our total world turnover as a penalty, we will not be delivering LNG to Europe, for sure, said Al-Kaabi, as per AFP. As for Indias position, India is formally opposed o parts of it. We have very deep reservations about CBAM and weve been quite open about it. The idea that one part of the world will set standards for everybody else is something which we are against, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Euractiv in June. EU officials have said that they are working to arrive at a middle ground with India on the issue. In September, EU chief negotiator Christophe Kiener told a meeting of the European Parliaments trade committee that the EU will need to adjust the approach we usually take on trade and sustainable development to reach a deal with India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The notion that there would be a dispute settlement, let alone sanctions applying to those commitments, the idea that the commitments would be legally binding, that civil society would be involved in the management of the agreement from that perspective, but also that those commitments would apply at the sub-federal level these are elements that are very difficult for India, said Kiener, as per Euronews. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. The most significant aspect of the meeting was Indias official endorsement of the ongoing peace efforts India has publicly voiced its support for the Gaza Peace Plan, with External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S. Jaishankar expressing hope that the initiative will lead to a durable and lasting solution in the region. The EAM made the statement during a high-level meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in New Delhi. EAM Jaishankar began the dialogue by acknowledging recent positive developments, stating, We have been following developments in your region with very close attention. We welcome the return of the hostages and the remains of those who, unfortunately, lost their lives, said Jaishankar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | Delhi: At the meeting with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar of Israel, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "Given our strategic cooperation, an exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues also holds great value. There are some plurilateral initiatives in which we both have pic.twitter.com/b9mUnQVdEO ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2025 The most significant aspect of the meeting was Indias official endorsement of the ongoing peace efforts. The EAM affirmed, India supports the Gaza Peace Plan and hopes that it paves the way for a durable and lasting solution. EAM Jaishankar pointed to the recent signing of the Bilateral Investment Agreement as a significant milestone, calling it a notable step in cementing the economic relationship. It is noteworthy that your ministerial colleagues dealing with agriculture, economy, tourism and finance have all visited us recently, Jaishankar said. The EAM presented Indias rapid developmentparticularly in rail, road, and port infrastructure, renewable energy, and healthas a major avenue for collaboration, stating that Indian businesses are now very keen to explore opportunities in Israel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Beyond traditional trade, the focus is increasingly shifting to future-ready sectors. The EAM reaffirmed a very strong record of working together in agriculture and in innovation and highlighted that cooperation in semiconductors and cyber has become more relevant now. Looking ahead, Jaishankar announced that India is hosting the AI Impact Summit next year in February and eagerly anticipates Israels strong presence. Crucially, the EAM also addressed the growing presence of Indian workers in Israel under existing mobility understandings. While acknowledging that these workers have some issues which need attention, he expressed hope that this vital dimension of our ties could be effectively advanced. This comprehensive review sets the stage for a multi-faceted strategic alliance that spans high-tech collaboration, economic investment, and the movement of skilled labour. India is the future The Israeli Foreign Minister was effusive in his praise, framing Indias rise as a defining global trend. I believe that India is the future, I told you that, Saar told EAM Jaishankar. He highlighted Indias dual strength in governance and economics, noting, India is the worlds largest democracy and the fastest-growing economy. India is a global superpower. #WATCH | Delhi: At the meeting with EAM Dr S Jaishankar, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar of Israel says, "I believe that India is the future, I told you that. India is the world's largest democracy and the fastest-growing economy. India is a global superpower. Israel is a regional pic.twitter.com/jVZBOdCg8m ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Beyond the current warm friendship the two nations already share, the core message from Saar was a strong push for a formal and enduring alliance. Our goal is to build a long-term strategic partnership between Israel and India, he stated. The meeting between the two foreign ministers comes at a critical juncture in West Asian diplomacy, with the global community intensifying efforts to manage the complex humanitarian and security challenges in Gaza. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Gabbard, who is likely to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tomorrow, is the latest high-ranking US official to visit Israel in the past couple of weeks after US Vice President JD Vance, State Secretary Marco Rubio and Middle East Advisor Steve Witkoff US Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard visited an American-run Civil Military Coordination Center in Israels Kiryat Gat, set up to monitor the on-ground situation of the ceasefire. Speaking to Fox News, Gabbard said that 16 countries and 20 NGOs are currently operating the Kiryat Gat headquarter by sharing intelligence, which is the purpose of her visit to Israel. Intelligence supports not only security, and achieving lasting peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians, she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gabbard, who is likely to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tomorrow, is the latest high-ranking US official to visit Israel in the past couple of weeks after US Vice President JD Vance, State Secretary Marco Rubio and Middle East Advisor Steve Witkoff. US flying drones over Gaza The US has begun flying surveillance drones over the Gaza Strip to ensure that both Israel and Hamas are abiding by the terms of the ceasefire, which is hanging by a thread after last weeks Israeli attacks in the region. Two Israeli military officials and a US defence official have told the New York Times that the surveillance drones have been flying to monitor the ground situation in Gaza with the consent of Israel. The officials added that the drones have been deployed to support the tasks of a new Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel, established last week by the US Central Command, to keep the ceasefire efforts in check. While the US military has previously used drones over Gaza to help locate hostages, its latest reconnaissance missions indicate that American officials now seek an independent understanding of conditions inside the territory, separate from Israels assessments. Latest on ceasefire Israel returned the bodies of 45 Palestinians to Gaza on Monday, bringing the total number handed over under the ceasefire deal to 270, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said. Under a ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, Israel was to turn over the bodies of 15 Palestinians for every deceased Israeli returned. Following forensic identification, Israel confirmed Monday that the remains handed over by Hamas the day before belonged to three hostages seized by Palestinian militants during the October 7, 2023 attack that sparked the war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The remains were those of American-Israeli Captain Omer Neutra, 21 years old at the time of his abduction, Corporal Oz Daniel, 19, and Colonel Assaf Hamami, 40, the highest-ranking officer killed by Hamas. With inputs from agencies Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. The Israeli ministers India visit comes ahead of a possible trip by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December. Saars visit also coincides with the implementation of the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar will meet Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday. This is Saars first visit to India as the foreign minister. He arrived in New Delhi on Monday for his three-day visit. The Israeli ministers India visit comes ahead of a possible trip by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December. Saars visit also coincides with the implementation of the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire that has facilitated the release of several hostages, both alive and dead, and Palestinian prisoners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Imeec corridor Delhi is seeking to advance connectivity initiatives linking India, the Middle East, and Europe, which would pass through Israel, following the restoration of peace and stability in the region. The India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor (Imec), initially proposed in September 2023 at the G20 Leaders Summit in Delhi, faced setbacks after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and left around 250 hostages. Following two years of conflict in Gaza, during which more than 68,000 Palestinians were killed, both sides have now agreed to a peace plan, paving the way for renewed progress on the corridor. Imecs goal is to strengthen maritime connectivity between India and the Arabian Peninsula, as well as develop high-speed trains running from the ports in the UAE to the Haifa port in Israel through Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The corridor would facilitate the movement of goods to and from European countries. In addition, the IMEC aims to develop a clean hydrogen pipeline, an electricity link, a high-speed undersea digital cable, and to integrate existing infrastructure, including ports. Gaza peace plan Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed US President Donald Trumps 20-point plan and said it was a step towards reaching long-term peace and security for not just Israelis and Palestinians but the region at large. We welcome President Donald J. Trumps announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It provides a viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region, said Modi in a post on X. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Around 2,100 Indian pilgrims received visas to visit Pakistan for Guru Nanaks 556th birth anniversary celebrations, amid strained India-Pakistan relations following the alarming Pahalgam terror attack. A Pakistani Ranger and an Indian Border Security Force personnel perform during the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony at the border gates of Pakistan and India, at the Wagah border post near Lahore. AFP Amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, about 2,100 pilgrims were permitted a visa to celebrate the 10-day festival marking the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, as said by Pakistans High Commission (embassy) in New Delhi last week. After the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, the relationship between the two countries has worsened. Tensions remain high between Islamabad and New Delhi since 1990, the worst fight that occurred in May. At least 70 people lost their lives in the missile and drone attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pilgrims queued at Attari border Pilgrims queued up on the Indian side of the Wagah-Attari border on Tuesday morning carrying luggage on their heads as the Indian Border Security Force looked upon the movement. Dozens of Indians entered Pakistan to celebrate the festival under strict supervision. They all were received by Pakistani officials who presented them with flowers and showered them with rose petals. Indian media reported around 1,700 were due to cross into Pakistan, although there was no immediate official confirmation from Indian authorities as reported by AFP. Nankana Sahib to offer prayers The pilgrims will gather on Wednesday at Nankana Sahib to offer prayers which is about 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Lahore by road, and later visit other sacred sites in Pakistan. Indian newspapers reported Saturday that the government would allow selected groups to travel to Pakistan. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion born in the 15th century in Punjab, a region spanning parts of what is now India and Pakistan. While most of the Sikhs came to India while others remained in Pakistan during partition. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. India and Romania are entering a new era of economic partnership, focusing on boosting trade, expanding investment, and creating fresh opportunities for skilled professionals. Recent discussions in Bucharest mark a commitment by both nations to deepen cooperation in key sectors and enhance mobility, strengthening their ties within the India EU framework. India and Romania have renewed their efforts to strengthen trade, investment, and workforce partnerships through high level discussions in Bucharest. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada met Romanias Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana Silvia Toiu to explore new opportunities under the India EU economic framework, focusing on trade growth, investment expansion, and labour mobility. Strengthening trade and investment partnership The meeting reviewed the upward trend in India Romania economic ties. Indias exports to Romania crossed one billion dollars in the last fiscal year, while overall trade stood at nearly three billion dollars. Both sides agreed to accelerate talks on concluding the India EU Free Trade Agreement within the year to support balanced and inclusive economic cooperation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Building resilient supply networks The ministers discussed ways to deepen collaboration in key sectors such as petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and engineering goods. They also agreed to work on common standards, testing frameworks, and investment initiatives that can strengthen production diversity and market access. The goal is to make supply chains more stable and dependable for businesses in both nations. More from World Indonesia: Over 50 injured in explosion at mosque inside Jakarta school during friday prayers Expanding workforce mobility and skills cooperation During his visit, Jitin Prasada also met Romanias Minister of Labour Petre Florin Manole to promote skills based collaboration. With Indias large young workforce and Romanias demand for skilled professionals, both countries are planning a structured pathway for about 30,000 Indian workers annually. They held discussions on recruitment processes, training programs, mutual recognition of qualifications, and possible social security arrangements. Deepening cultural and educational ties The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation in higher education, research, innovation, and cultural exchange. Both sides emphasized continuing policy dialogue, encouraging investment flows, and ensuring long term growth across trade, technology, and people to people connectivity. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Families of Indian men duped into joining Russias war with Ukraine have gathered at Delhis Jantar Mantar, seeking help to bring their loved ones home. Many say the men were misled by agents promising safe, high-paying jobs only to be forced into combat against their will, reports Firstposts Bhanu Pratap. The families of Indian men trapped in Russias war with Ukraine are living through anguish and uncertainty some mourning loved ones who never made it home, others still waiting for word from those missing for weeks. Among the victims, one thing is common they were lured by agents with promises of safe, high-paying security jobs, forced to sign contracts written in Russian, and sent to the warfront against their will. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dozens of families of deceased and missing Indians, including Sonu Kumar, Aman Punia and Mohammed Ahmed, have now come together at Delhis Jantar Mantar on Monday (November 3, 2025). Kin of Sonu and Aman protesting at Jantar Mantar, Delhi on November 3. Image: FP They told him hed be a security guard, not a soldier In Hisar, Haryana, Sonu Kumar was among those who travelled to Russia on a study visa. His brother, Vikas Kumar, told Firstposts Bhanu Pratap that Sonu was persuaded by agents to extend his stay with the promise of a secure, well-paying job. Sonu was told he would work as a security guard and would not be taken anywhere near the war zone, Vikas said. He trusted them because they assured him he would earn well and be safe. Sonu Kumar, Aman Punia of Haryana (Right) and Mohammed Ahmed of Telangana (Left) However, the familys last conversation with him was on 3 September. He said he was being sent to the front line and that his phone would soon be confiscated, Vikas recalled. Just days later, tragedy struck. On 19 September, we received a Telegram message from Russian authorities saying that our brother had been missing since 6 September and that his body had been found. They told us that if we wanted to take the mortal remains, they could transport them to Moscow airport, he said to Firstpost. The family agreed but were told that they would have to cover the cost of bringing the body from Moscow to India. They said, From Moscow onwards, its your responsibility. We somehow managed the expenses, Vikas said. According to him, Sonus body was severely burnt. It was identified only with the help of computer scans, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Videos of Sonus funeral later went viral on social media, showing that a Russian army uniform and flag were sent home along with his remains. He went there on a student visa. He was not a soldier. Why was he sent to die? Vikas asked. He said he was in grave danger and could die soon Another youth from Hisar, Aman Punia, has been missing for weeks. His elder brother, Ashu Punia, told Firstposts Bhanu Pratap that Aman was also duped by agents who promised him a lucrative security guard job. They approached him when his study visa was about to expire and said he would get a job and permanent residency in Russia, Ashu said. He didnt know they were sending him to war. Aman last contacted his family on 15 October, warning that he was in grave danger. He told us, They are sending me to the front. I might die soon, Ashu recalled. According to the family, Aman was forced to sign a contract written in Russian, and when he tried to translate it using his phone, it was snatched away. He was pressured to sign without understanding what was written, Ashu said. After just 15 days of training, Aman was reportedly sent to the Ukraine front. He was later injured and abandoned by his commander, Ashu claimed. He somehow crawled back to his bunker after three days but was denied medical help. We saw photos of him wounded. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aman Punia, from Haryanas Hisar, is still missing at the Ukraine war front. The family alleged that his phone and money were taken away while he was injured. We have taken time to meet officials at the Ministry of External Affairs, but theres been no concrete help yet, Ashu said. Before losing contact, Aman recorded a short video pleading for rescue. He said he was in grave danger and begged the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi to bring him home. We just pray he returns alive, his brother said. We just want justice, said Ashu Punia. Our brothers went there for jobs, not to fight someone elses war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He was given a gun and told to fight In Hyderabad, Mohammed Ahmed, a 37-year-old bouncer from Khairatabad, met a similar fate. He was promised a job in the construction and warehouse sector and even the prospect of permanent residency in Russia but ended up on the front lines. He has been given a weapon and made to fight near the Ukraine border. Our only request to the government is to bring him back safely, Ahmeds relative Firdous Begum told Firstposts Bhanu Pratap. Ahmeds niece, who wish not to be named also joined other families in a protest at Delhis Jantar Mantar, said the family has been desperate for updates. He was promised a warehouse job. He had already worked in Georgia and returned home before this agent trapped him with fake promises, she said. Ahmed travelled to Russia on 25 April through an agent based in Mumbai. But once there, he was allegedly forced into the army. His family said he tried to escape by jumping off an army vehicle near the border and fractured his right leg yet was made to continue fighting. He said he was forced to sign a contract written in Russian. When he tried to translate it on his phone, they snatched it and made him sign, she said. He is being beaten and tortured to fight a war he never agreed to. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Firdous Begum, Ahmeds close relative, said that after reaching Russia, Ahmed was left without work for nearly a month. Later, He and about 30 others were taken to a remote area and trained in weapons. Six of them are Indians, she told Firstpost. After training, 26 were sent to the frontline. While being taken to the border, He jumped from the vehicle and fractured his leg. He told me that 17 people from his group have died fighting the Ukrainian army. He is now being threatened to fight or be killed, she added. He is the only breadwinner for our family, Ahmeds niece said. His wife has been hospitalised multiple times since he left. His only mistake was to dream of a better life for us. Firdous has submitted a representation to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate intervention to bring Ahmed back safely. Mohammed Ahmed, 37, is also missing from past few weeks. India raises issue with Moscow The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said it has raised the issue of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army and urged Moscow to stop the practice amid the ongoing war with Ukraine. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has repeatedly warned citizens about the risks and dangers of joining the Russian military. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We have seen reports of Indian nationals being recruited recently into the Russian army. The government has, on several occasions over the past year, cautioned Indian citizens against taking this course of action, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in bilateral meetings. Russia has long been accused of using unfair practices to lure people from other nations to fight its war against Ukraine. Many Chinese and North Korean nationals have reportedly been captured by Ukrainian forces. Kyiv has also claimed that an Indian fighting for Russia was among those held captive. Firstpost also reached out to the Russian Embassy in New Delhi for a response. At the time of publishing, the embassy had not replied. This story will be updated once a response is received. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. For the first time, Japanese army has held drills to shoot down drones. The development has come at a time when new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is expected to prioritise military preparedness considering Chinese aggression in the region. Days after Sanae Takaichi, a China hawk, took over as the Prime Minister of Japan, Japanese army has begun live-fire drills to intercept drones for the first time. The Japanese army began Rising Thunder joint exercise with the US Army at Yakima Training Center in the American state of Washington on October 27, according to Nikkei Asia newspaper. The exercise, which will conclude on November 12, include around 440 Japanese soldiers and 500 US Army personnel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The drills are being hailed as a new milestone in the Japanese response to the threat from uncrewed aircraft. In her tenure, Takaichi is expected to prioritise military preparedness considering Chinese aggressive behaviour in the region. Moreover, drones have been central to modern warfare, particularly since Russia launched the full-scale war on Ukraine in 2022. Japan trains on US equipment At a time when there is uncertainty about US participation in collective defence or mutual defence treaties, the continuing military exercise could also serve as a confidence building measures between the two countries. Such drills are not possible in Japan because of lack of space. The Nikkei reported that Japanese soldiers are using portable equipment to shoot down airborne practice drones provided by the US Army. What exactly they were using to shoot down drones was not told. In addition to projectiles, drones could also be shot down by high-power lasers and microwaves. Lasers have lower operating costs than artillery systems and do not run out of ammunition. The only requirement is continued access to a power source. On the other hand, high-power microwaves can take down drones by destroying circuits without actually needing to target drones with pinpoint accuracy as they target the general area the drone, not the drone itself. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour has accused New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani of receiving campaign funds from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a group under congressional investigation for alleged ties to Hamas, The New York Post reported. Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour has accused New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani of receiving campaign funding from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) an organisation currently under congressional scrutiny for alleged links to Hamas. According to The New York Post, Sarsour claimed that she and the Hamas-linked nonprofit helped fuel Mamdanis political rise, naming the CAIR-funded Unity and Justice Fund PAC as the largest institutional donor to the pro-Zohran super PAC in New York. Public records show the PAC contributed $120,000 to the campaign. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sarsour, often criticised for her antisemitic remarks, also vowed to hold Mamdani accountable if he is elected mayor, saying she would ensure he doesnt backtrack on his radical campaign promises. More from World Indonesia: Over 50 injured in explosion at mosque inside Jakarta school during friday prayers I just want you all to know Im not going to work for the Zohran administration, Sarsour said during an Instagram livestream on Saturday, viewed by Fox News. Our friends on the inside need people on the outside to hold them accountable to say, We see you. Were paying attention. While Sarsour denied plans to join a Mamdani-led administration, she asserted that she would continue to pressure him from outside City Hall to stay true to his agenda. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. A life-threatening avalanche swept Nepals treacherous Himalayan peaks which killed at least nine people, including five foreign climbers on Tuesday as informed by officials. Following heavy snowstorms the death occurred in two separate incidents since Friday. An avalanche hit a group of 12 people at the base camp of 5,630-metre (18,471-foot) Yalung Ri peak, in central Nepal, near the border with China on Monday. The weather conditions have been deteriorating in Nepal since last week, which resulted in the avalanche hitting a group of 12 people at the base camp of 5,630-metre (18,471-foot), in central Nepal, near the border with China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Relief operations Rescue and relief operations are underway with rescuers reaching the foot along with a helicopter which attempted to reach the site but had to return due to bad weather. Seven people died in that disaster, including three Italians, two Nepalis, a German and a French climber, Phurba Tenjing Sherpa, from expedition organiser Dreamers Destination, told news agency AFP. Sherpa, whose company had arranged the expedition for some of the group, said he had seen all the seven bodies. History of similar incidents In an earlier incident in western Nepal, two Italian climbers also died while they were attempting to scale the Panbari mountain. Autumn witnesses the most incidents as it is the second most popular time for Himalayan expeditions. Apart from shorter, colder days, snowy terrain and a narrow summit window compared to the busy spring. Last week, Nepal witnessed heavy rain as Cyclone Montha flooded parts of the state. Trekkers and tourists stranded on popular Himalayan trekking routes. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. North Korea fired multiple artillery rockets just an hour before US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseths visit to the inter-Korean border, in a move mirroring similar launches ahead of last weeks talks between South Koreas President Lee Jae Myung and Chinas Xi Jinping. North Korea launched several artillery rockets just an hour before US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived at the inter-Korean border, Seouls military confirmed on Tuesday. According to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), Pyongyang had also fired similar projectiles minutes before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met Chinese leader Xi Jinping last week. The JCS reported detecting about ten artillery rockets launched into the northern part of the West Sea, Seouls term for the Yellow Sea. The firings occurred at around 3:00 pm (0600 GMT) on Saturday and 4:00 pm (0700 GMT) on Monday. Details of the projectiles are currently being closely analysed by South Korean and US intelligence authorities, the JCS stated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hegseth, who became the first Pentagon chief in eight years to visit the border, toured Panmunjom, the symbolic truce village where soldiers from both Koreas face each other, following a stop at Observation Post Ouellette overlooking the Demilitarised Zone. During his visit, he and South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back reaffirmed their nations strong defence partnership and commitment to maintaining close cooperation, the defence ministry said. Diplomatic moves amid rising tensions Hegseths trip followed US President Donald Trumps Asia tour last week, during which Trump extended overtures to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, though Pyongyang issued no public response. Trump has since indicated that he remains open to a future meeting with Kim. On Saturday, President Lee held talks with Xi on the sidelines of an Asian economic summit, urging China to help Seoul resume dialogue with Pyongyang. Lee highlighted the importance of regional stability and noted recent high-level exchanges between China and North Korea, including Kims attendance at a major military parade in Beijing in September. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. NYC Mayoral Polls 2025 UPDATES: New York went to the polls in its first major election since Donald Trumps return to the White House, as Democrat Zohran Mamdani defeated Andrew Cuomo in a high-stakes mayoral race marked by record voter turnout. Voters across several states recently approved different ballot measures, mostly favouring Democratic ideas, except in Republican-stronghold Texas. Key state decisions: Maine: Voters rejected proposals that would have made voting harder, such as shortening the early voting period and requiring photo ID (a policy President Donald Trump supported). They also approved a "red flag" gun control law. Colorado: Voters decided to raise taxes on wealthier residents to fund free school meals for public school students. Texas: In contrast, voters approved two constitutional amendments: one requiring US citizenship to vote in the state, and another confirming that parents have the final say in their children's decisions. Looking ahead to national politics: The most significant state decision affecting future national politics is taking place in California. Voters there are deciding on Proposition 50, a measure to approve a new map for congressional districts. This new map is designed to counteract Republican efforts to draw district lines in their favor (gerrymandering) and could potentially help Democrats win up to five Republican seats in the US House of Representatives during the 2026 midterm elections. NYC Mayor Election 2025 Live Updates: Cuomo urges Republicans to save NYC from extremist Mamdani NYC Mayor Election 2025 Live Updates:Andrew Cuomo, backed by Donald Trump, urged Republicans to support him in the New York City mayoral race, warning that rival Zohran Mamdanis radical socialist agenda could take over the city. Barack Obama has chosen not to endorse New York mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani despite a recent phone conversation between the two. Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, delivers remarks while campaigning at the Hanson Place Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, US, November 1, 2025. File Image/Reuters Former US President Barack Obama has declined to endorse New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, even after speaking with him by phone on Saturday. The election, scheduled for Tuesday, will determine the citys next mayor, with Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa locked in a closely contested race. According to The New York Post, Mamdani campaign adviser Patrick Gaspard, who previously served as Obamas White House political director and US ambassador to South Africa, downplayed the absence of support. President Obama doesnt endorse in local races. Thats a longstanding rule post-presidency, Gaspard told the outlet. He endorses in general election races for federal office and governors. His call to Zohran is a huge boost at a critical moment and a signal to New Yorkers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Obama has previously broken his self-imposed no-local-endorsement rule, having supported Bill de Blasio in New York Citys 2013 race, Karen Bass and Eric Garcetti in Los Angeles, and Rahm Emanuel in Chicago. He also backed Rick Kriseman for mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Caroline Simmons in Stamford, Connecticut. On Saturday, Obama was across the Hudson River in Newark, campaigning for New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, but he did not travel into New York City to publicly support Mamdani ahead of the vote. Political backlash and silence from both sides Political strategists have interpreted Obamas restraint as a significant signal. Republican analyst Rob Ryan told The Post that it reflected discomfort within the Democratic establishment. Even Barack Obama realises Mamdani is bad for New York and the Democratic Party, Ryan said. Obama is trying to protect other Democrats from the stain of supporting a communist for mayor in Americas greatest city. Adding to Mamdanis challenges, both Donald Trump and Elon Musk have also withheld their endorsements. Musk, during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, labelled Mamdani a charismatic swindler, claiming his policies would cause a major decline in living standards. He urged voters to back former Governor Andrew Cuomo instead, calling him a realist alternative. Trump echoed a similar view during an interview on 60 Minutes, describing Cuomo as the lesser evil. Id rather see Cuomo a bad Democrat run the city than a communist, Trump said. With leading figures across the political spectrum refusing to offer support, Mamdani faces mounting scrutiny in the final days before New Yorkers cast their votes. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Only US President Donald Trump could with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who has a lot of respect for him, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. US President Donald Trump greets Chinese President Xi Jinping as they hold a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. File Image/Reuters US Treasury Scott Bessent has said that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is the only one who could deal with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In an interview with Fox News, Bessent said that no could strike deals into Chinas backyard like Trump did. Only President Trump could deal with Xi Jinping. He did a fantastic job. He has great respect for him. Clearly, President Xi has great respect for President Trump. And President Trump rolled into Asia, into Chinas backyard and did trade deals and peace deals, said Bessent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last month, Trump was on a weeklong visit to Asia. He visited Malaysia where he attended the signing of the Cambodia-Thailand peace deal. He visited Japan where he held talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and singed deals. The last leg of the visit was South Korea where he met President Lee Jae Myung and held talks with Xi. The White House later announced that the two leaders reached a trade agreement. .@SecScottBessent: "Only President Trump can deal with Xi Jinping. He did a fantastic job... President Trump rolled into Asia into China's backyard and did trade deals and peace deals." pic.twitter.com/E7TCbMc9EQ Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 4, 2025 Bessent further said, The Japanese agreed to invest $550 billion into the US. Then he we went and we had the meeting with the Chinese. And I can tell you the President Trump has gotten us into a very good place with the relationship. With Japan, Trump agreed to reduce reciprocal tariff to 15 per cent in exchange for Japanese investments totalling $550 billion and Japan opening its market to American food products, automobiles, and defence equipment. With South Korea, Trump agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff to 15 per cent in exchange for a $350 billion investment pledge. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bhutan next week. The visit will coincide with the 70th birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan and father of current monarch, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, during a meeting, in New Delhi, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. (Photo: PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bhutan on November 11-12. Modis visit will coincide with the 70th birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan (1972-2006) and father of current monarch, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, sources told CNN-News 18. Modi may also witness the launch of infrastructure projects and take parts in cultural programmes during the visit, according to sources. India and Bhutan have a close relationship. The kingdom was Modis first foreign visit after becoming the Prime Minister of India in 2014. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In recent years, there has been a flurry of high-level visits. Since last year, the King of Bhutan has visited India thrice. Last year, during Modis visit to Bhutan, the King of Bhutan bestowed on him the Order of Druk Gyalpo, the kingdoms highest honour. Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has visited India twice this year. In February, he attended the inaugural Leadership Conclave of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL), inaugurated by Modi. He held talks with top government leaders, including Modi, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. At the conference, Tobgay said Modi was his mentor and elder brother. Ahead of his second visit in September, the Ministry of External Affairs had said that these back-to-back visits underscore the continuing close cooperation and strengthened ties between India and Bhutan, built on trust, goodwill, and regular high-level exchanges, which it dubbed a hallmark of the special partnership. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has sought unanimous consent to pass a resolution that would provide funding for the SNAP during the ongoing government shutdown. The measure would have required the Department of Agriculture to allocate $8 billion to cover SNAP benefits for November Republican Senators have blocked a Democratic attempt to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits after they dried up over the weekend amid a government shutdown, the longest in US history. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has sought unanimous consent to pass a resolution that would provide funding for the SNAP during the ongoing government shutdown. The measure would have required the Department of Agriculture to allocate $8 billion to cover SNAP benefits for November. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That effort, however, hit a roadblock after Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) objected to it, saying that a simpler way of ensuring SNAP benefits are not taken away from the 42 million recipients is by reopening the government. This isnt lawmaking. Its a political stunt by the Democrats. The resolution theyre offering is empty. It is meaningless. Democrats knew their actions threatened food assistance. They were fully aware of it. If Democrats really wanted to help struggling families, theyd stop blocking a clean continuing resolution," Barrasso said. US govt agrees to partially fund SNAP The US Department of Agriculture told a federal court it will use a contingency fund to let states issue partial benefits under the SNAP for November during the government shutdown after a pair of judges rulings required it to keep the food aid program running. The government had planned to freeze payments to SNAP starting Nov. 1 because it said it could no longer keep funding it due to the shutdown. The program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is a major piece of the nations social safety net. It costs about $8 billion per month nationally. Its not clear how much beneficiaries will receive, nor how quickly beneficiaries will see value show up on the debit cards they use to buy groceries. The process of loading the SNAP cards, which involves steps by state and federal government agencies and vendors, can take up to two weeks in some states. The average monthly benefit is usually about $190 per person. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Although industry experts believe it is too early to gauge the impact and a clearer picture would emerge in a month or two, refiners have been wary of Washingtons latest sanctions, which will take effect on November 21 Rosneft's Russian-flagged crude oil tanker Akademik Gubkin transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. Rosneft is responsible for nearly half of all Russian oil production, which makes up six per cent of the global output. File image/Reuters Russian oil export to India witnessed a sharp decline after the US sanctioned two of Moscows biggest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, last month over the Russia-Ukraine war, provisional tanker data shows. Although industry experts believe it is too early to gauge the impact and a clearer picture would emerge in a month or two, refiners have been wary of Washingtons latest sanctions, which will take effect on November 21. The sanctions on the oil giants are the first imposed against Russia since Trump returned to the White House and aim to cut key revenues from oil sales for Russia. Now is the time to stop the killing and for an immediate ceasefire, Scott Bessent said at the time of announcing the sanctions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Have oil imports to India gone down? In the week ending October 27, Russias crude oil exports to India averaged 1.19 million barrels per day (bpd), a sharp drop from 1.95 million bpd recorded over the previous two weeks, according to provisional vessel-tracking data from global commodity analytics firm Kpler. The decline was largely driven by lower shipments from Rosneft and Lukoil, which together account for more than half of Russias oil output and exports, and previously supplied over two-thirds of Indias Russian oil imports. Exports from Rosneft, Russias largest oil producer, fell to 0.81 million bpd in the week to October 27, down from 1.41 million bpd the week before. Lukoil recorded no shipments to India during the same period, compared with 0.24 million bpd in the previous week. Will it affect India? The sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil are likely to hit Indias Russian oil imports, as Indian refiners like HPCL-Mittal Energy (HMEL) have already announced suspension in Russian oil imports, along with Indias largest refiner, Indian Oil Corporation, saying that it will comply with US sanctions. Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst, Refining & Modeling at Kpler, said, according to The Indian Express, Following the sanctions, we observed accelerated Russian crude arrivals ahead of the deadline, with no refiner except Nayara (which has Rosneft in its promoter group) expected to import from sanctioned suppliers thereafter. Russian crude flows are likely to remain around 1.61.8 million bpd until November 21, before tapering as refiners avoid potential OFAC-related exposure. While Indian refiners will continue sourcing Russian grades via unsanctioned intermediaries, they are expected to proceed with greater caution." Ritola added, DecemberJanuary imports of Russian crude should see a notable dip as refiners assess the impact and rebuild supply chains. Despite the short-term turbulence, a complete halt in Russian imports remains unlikely, given attractive margins and Indias geopolitical stance. Unless refiners themselves face direct sanctions or the Government of India imposes formal restrictionsboth improbable scenariosRussian barrels will continue flowing to India, though via more complex logistical, financial, and trading arrangements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. The motion to move forward on the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) which would have funded the government through late November failed in a 5444 vote, according to a report Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks with reporters following a closed-door meeting of Senate Democrats at the Capitol in Washington, on October 28, 2025. AP File Senate Democrats on Tuesday blocked Republicans 14th attempt to reopen the government, effectively guaranteeing that the shutdown will become the longest in US history. According to a CNN report, the motion to move forward on the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) which would have funded the government through late November failed in a 5444 vote. Republicans need 60 votes to advance the bill. Three members of the Democratic caucus Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) broke ranks to vote with most Republicans. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voted against advancing the measure, added the report. The failed vote marked the 14th attempt by Senate Republicans to reopen the government, which has now tied the previous 35-day shutdown record set in 2019. Lawmakers from both parties are reportedly growing weary, though many say optimism for a compromise is slowly building, reported Fox News. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reiterated that Democrats would not agree to reopen the government without a firm deal on expiring Obamacare subsidies. He placed blame squarely on Republicans and President Donald Trump, accusing them of undermining healthcare access as Americans faced higher insurance premiums. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The only plan Republicans have for healthcare seems to be to eliminate it, and then to tell working people to go figure it out on their own, Fox News quoted Schumer as saying on the Senate floor. Thats not a healthcare plan. Thats cruel, he added. Still, cracks appeared in Democratic unity on Monday as nearly a dozen senators met privately to discuss possible compromises. Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed cautious optimism that the shutdown could end soon, though he doubted it would happen by weeks end. The pressures are great, Fox News quoted Thune as saying. But I think there are people who realise this has gone on long enough and that theres been enough pain inflicted on the American people, and its time to end it. Lawmakers are now considering amending or extending the current CR to give Congress more time to pass appropriations bills and avoid another short-term closure. Some proposals suggest extending funding through December or January, possibly tied to a minibus of spending bills. Meanwhile, bipartisan talks continue on healthcare subsidies a key sticking point. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who has been active in negotiations, said her proposal would extend the subsidies for two years, acknowledging that meaningful reforms would be really, really hard to enact given that insurance rates have already been finalised. Theres no highly brand-new thing that anybodys really talking about, Murkowski said. Its just whats the right concoction? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Frustration, however, is growing among Democrats over what they see as President Trumps lack of engagement in direct negotiations. The president has said he will meet with Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) only after the government reopens and has called on Republicans to eliminate the Senates 60-vote filibuster threshold a move widely seen as unrealistic. At no point since Oct. 1 has Donald Trump agreed to sit down with Democratic leaders, Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) said. If hes got time to tweet, hes got time to just come and talk to us. With the shutdown now the longest in US history, both sides face mounting pressure from federal workers and the public to find a compromise and bring the government back online. With inputs from agencies The proposal, part of the wider Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, aims to reshape the territorys post-war landscape, ensuring demilitarisation and comprehensive reconstruction US President Donald Trump gestures as he disembarks from Air Force One upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport on the outskirts of Lod near Tel Aviv on October 13, 2025, as he travels to Israel and Egypt. Trump is passing through Israel, addressing parliament and meeting with hostage families before heading to Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh for a major peace summit, where a "document ending the war in the Gaza Strip" is expected to be signed. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) The United States has reportedly circulated a draft resolution to the UN Security Council proposing the establishment of a broad international presence in the Gaza Strip, centred on a two-year mandate for a multinational security force and a transitional governance body. The proposal, part of the wider Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, aims to reshape the territorys post-war landscape, ensuring demilitarisation and comprehensive reconstruction. The core of the security component is the creation of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF). This force, which would not be a typical UN peacekeeping mission, is intended to be an enforcement force. According to the draft, the ISF would be tasked with securing Gazas borders with Israel and Egypt, protecting civilians, and supporting humanitarian corridors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Crucially, the ISFs mandate includes actively ensuring the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip. This involves the destruction of military and terror infrastructure, preventing its rebuilding, and the permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups. The multinational force would operate under a unified command, working closely with both Israel and Egypt, and partnering with a newly trained and vetted Palestinian police force. Transitional governance under the Board of Peace To oversee the civilian and reconstruction efforts, the draft calls for the creation of a Board of Peace (BoP). This body would function as a transitional governance administration with international legal personality, responsible for setting the framework for Gazas redevelopment. The BoPs mandate would include coordinating funding, overseeing the massive reconstruction process, and managing essential civil administration. It is slated to remain in place at least until the end of 2027, or until the Palestinian Authority has satisfactorily completed a reform program acceptable to the Board. This two-tiered structurethe ISF for security and the BoP for governanceis designed to fill the political and security vacuum in Gaza and guide its recovery. The US is presenting the draft as the basis for immediate negotiations among Security Council members, with the goal of passing the resolution and deploying the first international troops by January 2026. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Amid ongoing massacres by the RSF in Sudans Darfur region, a UN-backed hunger watchdog has declared famine in El-Fasher, the city where the paramilitaries are feared to have killed several thousand. A general view of people sitting at a camp for displaced families who fled from El-Fasher to Tawila, North Darfur, Sudan, on October 27, 2025. (Photo: Mohammed Jamal/Reuters) Amid ongoing massacres by the paramilitary group RSF in Sudans El-Fasher, a United Nations (UN)-backed hunger watchdog on Monday declared famine in the city. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared famine in El-Fasher, a city already littered with piles of bodies and pools of blood so vast they are visible in satellite images. The IPC also declared famine in another city, Kadugli, in southern Sudan, which has been besieged by an RSF ally. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Late last month, the RSF captured El-Fasher the final holdout of the Sudanese military in the countrys western region of Darfur after 18 months of siege. Evidence of systematic mass killings has since continued to emerge, putting the region on the brink of another genocidal campaign. Before the declaration of famine, around 24 million Sudanese people were considered to be in acute hunger, and 600,000 were said to be facing famine. Previously, the UN described the Sudanese civil war as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. According to estimates, up to 150,000 people have been killed, hundreds of thousands injured, and 14 million displaced. ALSO READ Sudan: With hundreds feared dead, WHO condemns RSFs massacre at El-Fashers only hospital The Sudanese civil war began in 2023 after the collapse of an uneasy power-sharing arrangement between the countrys military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti. With El-Fashers fall, the RSF effectively took control of the mineral-rich Darfur region, splitting Sudan into two: the paramilitaries and allied militias now control the western and southwestern regions, while the Sudanese military retains control of the east and the capital city, Khartoum. Food supplies cut off, kitchens bombed The IPC first declared famine in Sudan in August 2024 at the Zamzam displacement camp, located south of El-Fasher. During the 18-month siege, food supplies were cut off, forcing people to eat animal feed and, at times, animal hides, Reuters reported residents as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Residents further said that places where people gathered for community kitchen meals were targeted by drone attacks. As a result, all children arriving in the nearby town of Tawila after fleeing El-Fasher were malnourished, while adults arrived emaciated, MSF project coordinator Sylvain Pennicaud told Reuters. In addition to El-Fasher and Kadugli, the IPC said the towns of Tawila, Mellit, and Tawisha where people have been fleeing from El-Fasher were at risk of famine. The IPC said food insecurity fell by 6 per cent. However, that still meant 45 per cent of the total population 21.2 million people faced acute food shortages. Previously, the same paramilitaries waged a genocidal campaign in Darfur between 2003 and 2005 and killed around 300,000 people from non-Arab communities of Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa. The atrocities, at the orders of former Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir, involved mass killings, mass rapes, the destruction of entire villages, and scorched-earth tactics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Amid RSFs massacres in Sudans El-Fasher, Red Cross chief Mirjana Spoljaric has warned that a genocide appears to be imminent as the paramilitaries are conducted mass killings just like between 2003-05 when they killed around 300,000 non-Arab people in the region. This image grab taken from handout video footage released on Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Telegram account on October 26, 2025, shows RSF fighters holding weapons and celebrating in the streets of El-Fasher in Darfur region. (Photo: RSF/AFP) Red Cross chief Mirjana Spoljaric has warned that a genocide appears to be imminent in Sudan as RSF engaged in systematic mass killings in El-Fasher. In an apparent reference to the Darfur genocide of 2003-05, Spoljaric told Reuters that history appears to be repeating in Sudans western region. Its history repeating, and it becomes worse every time a place is taken over by the other party, said Spoljaric. Late last month, the paramilitary group RSF captured El-Fasher, the final holdout of the Sudanese military in the countrys Darfur region, after 18 months of siege in the ongoing civil war. The scale of RSFs subsequent mass killings has been such that piles of bodies and pools of blood are visible in satellite images. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ Sudan massacre: Satellite images show pools of blood & piles of bodies in city captured by RSF During 2003-05, the Janjaweed militias the previous name for RSF killed around 300,000 people in a genocide against non-Arab communities of Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa. The atrocities involved mass killings, mass rapes, the destruction of entire villages, and scorched-earth tactics. Red Cross chief pins responsibility on foreign backers Without taking any name, Spoljaric pinned responsibility for the actions of warring sides on their foreign backers. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is widely believed to be the principal foreign supporter of RSF. The other side, the Sudanese military, is widely believed to be supported by Egypt. The military has also reportedly used Iranian weapons, suggesting Irans support as well. When asked about her messaging to alleged foreign backers of warring parties, Spoljaric told Reuters, Especially those states that have an influence on parties to conflict are under responsibility to do the necessary to restrain them and to make sure that they protect civilian populations. ALSO READ Amid RSFs massacres, UNs hunger watchdog declares famine As for the condition in El-Fasher, Spoljaric said that tens of thousands of people had fled El-Fasher after the RSF seized the city and it was likely that tens of thousands more were trapped there without access to food, water, or medical assistance. Spoljaric said that Red Cross staff in the nearby town of Tawila had heard reports that people fleeing were sometimes collapsing and even dying out of exhaustion or because of their wounds. She called the situation absolutely beyond what we can consider acceptable. More than 70,000 people have fled El-Fasher since October 26, the day the city fell into the hands of RSF, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But little is known about the fate of around 200,000 others believed to be still in the city who could not flee. The city has largely contact with the outside world. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Since the war between Russia and Ukraine broke out in 2022, Kyivs sunflower oil exports have been largely diverted to Europe, therefore giving Russia a chance to tap into Indias large market While Russias crude oil export to India has declined in the past few weeks owing to US actions, theres one kind of oil that is not likely to see a bad day in the market. Russian sunflower oil has trumped Ukraines supplies to India by twelve times in the last four years. Since the war between Russia and Ukraine broke out in 2022, Kyivs sunflower oil exports have been largely diverted to Europe, therefore giving Russia a chance to tap into Indias large market. Industry insiders told The Economic Times that Russias easier and assured access to seaports made it a more likely seller for Indias sunflower oil needs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sunflower oil is the most consumed oil in India, with only 5 per cent of it sourced locally. Sanjeev Asthana, CEO of Patanjali Foods and president of industry body Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA), told ET, Russia is the largest and most reliable source of sunflower oil in the world. We get advantage of supply chain reliability. Russias share of Indias total sunflower oil imports has surged from around 10 per cent in 2021 to 56 per cent in 2024. During 2024, India imported 2.09 million tonnes of sunflower oil from Russia, a twelvefold increase from roughly 175,000 tonnes in 2021. What drove up imports? Ukraine was Indias largest sunflower oil exporter before the war began in 2022. Post that, however, the country had to reroute much of its exports to Europe via road and rail as Moscow blocked key access to seaports in the Black Sea. This shot up transport costs for India significantly. This is when Russia entered the scene. Sandip Bajoria, president of the International Association of Sunflower Oil, told the outlet, They were offering us competitive rates, which is the requirement of the Indian market. India relies on imports to meet nearly 60 per cent of its cooking oil needs. Palm oil makes up about half of the countrys total consumption, followed by soybean and sunflower oils. Domestic sunflower cultivation declined in the 1990s, as farmers shifted away from the crop when cheaper imported oils eroded profitability. In recent years, however, sunflower oil imports have surged after prices fell below those of palm oil for the first time in 2023 and 2024, according to industry officials. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Since returning to the White House, Trump has invoked emergency economic powers to impose reciprocal tariffs over trade practices Washington deemed unfair, alongside separate duties targeting his countrys biggest trading partners: Mexico, Canada and China The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday on the legality of President Donald Trumps unprecedented use of powers for sweeping global tariffs in a case striking at the heart of the presidents economic agenda. Since returning to the White House, Trump has invoked emergency economic powers to impose reciprocal tariffs over trade practices Washington deemed unfair, alongside separate duties targeting his countrys biggest trading partners: Mexico, Canada and China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But these tariffs, a key prong of his America First trade policy aimed at protecting and boosting US industries, swiftly faced legal challenges. Here are five things to know about the case: The main question of the hour would be whether or not the president is authorised to use emergency powers to justify his global tariff move. Trump has deployed the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which gives the head of the government power to to regulate imports in response to certain emergencies. It is noteworthy that no president before Trump has used the extraordinary measure to impose tariffs on trading partners. On Wednesday, small businesses and Democratic-led states will contend that Congress did not intend for the word regulate in the 1977 IEEPA to cover the imposition of tariffs. The upcoming hearing may feature a 50-year-old appellate decision dating back to former President Nixon, when he imposed a temporary 10 percent tariff by using IEEPAs predecessor, Trading with the Enemy Act. Even if the IEEPA does permit tariffs, it authorizes their use only in response to a declared national emergency that presents an unusual and extraordinary threat. Trump has cited two such emergencies to justify his actions. He first pointed to the influx of fentanyl as grounds for imposing tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico, measures that date back to February. Then, in his April Liberation Day announcement, he declared a separate national emergency over trade deficits, using it to justify broad tariffs on countries around the world. Attorneys challenging the move argue that the trade deficit declaration rests on particularly weak legal footing. They note that Trumps order repeatedly describes trade deficits as persistent, including in its title and nearly a dozen times throughout the text, language that undercuts the claim that the situation represents an urgent or extraordinary threat. Trump tariffs will be thrown out of the window if the court agrees with the plaintiffs argument around regulations and emergencies that simply do not authorize Trumps sweeping actions. Challengers of Trump tariffs also say that the major questions doctrine comes into play in this case. It says that major economic decisions that hold political significance must pass through the Congress first. In August, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that the administrations interpretation of the IEEPA runs afoul of the major questions doctrine. Earlier, the Court of International Trade had found that any reading of the statute granting the president unlimited tariff authority would be unconstitutional, regardless of which legal doctrine is applied The conservative-majority Supreme Court could find the tariffs illegal, blocking duties imposed on goods from countries worldwide. Or judges could affirm Trumps actions, opening the door to further levies. Also at stake are billions of dollars in customs revenue already collected and Trumps efforts to leverage tariffs for favorable trade deals or other political priorities. The Supreme Courts ruling, however, would not directly affect sector-specific tariffs Trump imposed, including on steel, aluminum and automobiles Ryan Majerus, a former US trade official, told AFP that besides supporting or blocking Trumps global tariffs, the court could also allow their imposition with certain limitations. The ruling could differentiate between reciprocal tariffs seeking to narrow trade gaps and others imposed to crack down on fentanyl entering the United States, added Majerus, a partner at law firm King & Spalding. Even if the top court found Trumps global tariffs illegal, the administration could tap other laws to impose 15-percent tariffs for 150 days With inputs from agencies Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Following Trump and Xis breakthrough trade deal, Russia moved to reaffirm ties with Beijing, sending top officials to discuss economic cooperation and strategic balance amid tensions from the West. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping greet each other in Tianjin, China. AP US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 30, amid tariffs and rare earth conflict. The meeting proved to be highly effective as White House announced plans to reduce tariffs on China and Beijing agreed to eliminate all restrictions on the export of rare earth elements. After the settlement of the long feud, Russia tried to come into the wider picture amid US tensions by reaffirming Moscows alliance with China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mishustins visit to China Russia sent its large delegation along with high profile officials to China for collaboration. Chinas Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin departed for China on Monday to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Monday. The meeting majorly focused on economic and technological consultations. The visit is a heads-of-government meeting which later proceeded for talks with Chinese President Xi. Mishustin called Xi his dear friend as reported by Russian state news agency Ria Novosti. Qiang said that China was ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia despite obstacles as quoted by CNBC. Russia and China have always maintained mutual understanding, since Beijing has also refused to condemn Moscows action in the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Kremlin attached the very great importance of Mishustins visit to China, as said by the Spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday. Balancing global ties After Trumps high-profile meeting with Xi, the Russian officials visit indicate agreements on various issues. Trumps masterplan succeeded after months of escalating tensions over tariffs and counter-tariffs. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. The storms heavy rain, not its wind, proved to be the biggest danger Rescuers carry a resident past cars washed away by floods at the height of Typhoon Kalmaegi at a subdivision of Cebu City in the central Philippines on November 4, 2025. (AFP) At least 26 people are confirmed dead and hundreds of thousands were forced from their homes after Typhoon Kalmaegi brought sudden, devastating floods to the central Philippines on Tuesday. The storms heavy rain, not its wind, proved to be the biggest danger. The island of Cebu was hit hardest, reporting 21 fatalitiesmost of whom drowned, according to civil defence official Rafaelito Alejandro. Videos confirmed by news agency AFP showed the disasters scale: entire towns were underwater, and the powerful, muddy currents swept away cars, trucks, and even massive shipping containers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD HORRIFIC flooding across Cebu, Philippines after Typhoon Kalmaegi (TinoPH). Homes gone. Streets underwater. Families displaced. This. Is. Not. Normal. Warmer oceans = stronger storms Climate change = worse flooding What were seeing in Cebu is part of a growing global pic.twitter.com/9fAM2daPBV Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) November 4, 2025 The area around Cebu City received a massive 183 millimetres (seven inches) of rain in just 24 hours, far exceeding the typical monthly amount of 131 millimetres. The situation in Cebu is really unprecedented, Governor Pamela Baricuatro stated. We were expecting the winds to be the dangerous part, but the water is whats truly putting our people at risk. Local resident Don del Rosario, 28, described the frightening speed of the water: The water rose so fast. By 4:00 am, it was already uncontrollablepeople couldnt get out. He added that it was the worst flooding he had seen in his life. Deaths were also reported in Leyte (an elderly resident who drowned) and Bohol (a man struck by a falling tree). Rescuers are still trying to reach residents trapped by the high floodwaters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In total, nearly 400,000 people were moved out of the typhoons path ahead of time. This included individuals still living in temporary shelters after a major 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit the island in September. Late Tuesday, the crisis worsened when a military Super Huey helicopter crashed on northern Mindanao island while flying to assist with relief operations. Search and recovery missions are underway. The Philippines is struck by an average of 20 storms yearly, a number the country has now already reached with Kalmaegi. Scientists warn that human-driven climate change is making storms more powerful. Warmer oceans cause typhoons to strengthen faster, and a warmer atmosphere means storms drop more rain, leading to heavier flooding. Weather specialists predict up to five more storms could still arrive by the end of December. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Amid escalating Russian aerial attacks, Ukraine has got two more US-made Patriot air defence systems from Germany. Patriots are the most effective weapon against Russian missiles. A general view of surface-to-air missile launchers of the Patriot (Wisla) system newly added into the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) at an army base in Sochaczew, Poland, December 18, 2024. (Photo: Reuters) Ukraine has received more US-made Patriot air defense systems to help it counter Russias daily barrages, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as Russian drones killed a man and injured five of his family members, including two children, in the latest nighttime attack. Russias relentless pounding of urban areas behind the front line following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago has killed thousands of civilians. It has also targeted the energy supply to deny civilians heat and running water in winter, as well as disrupt industrial production of Ukraines newly developed drones and missiles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The sophisticated Patriot systems are the most effective weapon against Russian missiles. Zelenskyy has pleaded with Western partners to provide more of them, but production limitations and the need to maintain stockpiles have slowed their delivery. More Patriots are now in Ukraine and being put into operation, Zelenskyy said on social media late Sunday. Of course, more systems are needed to protect key infrastructure sites and our cities across the entire territory of our state. He thanked Germany and its Chancellor Friedrich Merz for the Patriots. Germany said three months ago it would deliver two more US-made Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. It agreed to the move after securing assurances that the US will prioritise the delivery of new Patriots to Germany to backfill its stocks. Germany has given to Ukraine more Patriot systems from its own armed forces than any other country, the German Defense Ministry said Monday. Germany has also supplied shorter range air defense systems, such as IRIS-T and Skynex. Nato is coordinating regular deliveries of large weapons packages to Ukraine. European allies and Canada are buying much of the equipment from the United States. The Trump administration is not giving any arms to Ukraine, unlike the previous Biden administration. Speaking at a briefing, Zelenskyy said he discussed additional support for Ukraines energy sector in Mondays call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. We are working to cover the amount needed for gas imports, he said, adding that von der Leyen promised additional assistance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking about the battlefield situation, Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian military was fighting several hundred Russian troops who entered the eastern stronghold of Pokrovsk and another 60 Russian soldiers who have infiltrated into Kupiansk. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Moscows forces have blockaded both Pokrovsk and Kupiansk allegations dismissed by Kyiv. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine was ramping up production of interceptor drones to counter Russian aerial attacks and voiced hope that the daily output will reach 600-800 of them a day by the end of the month. He added that Ukraine already makes twice as many sea drones as it uses and has the capacity to export some of them. Russia launched 12 missiles of various types and 138 strike and decoy drones at Ukraine overnight from Sunday to Monday, Ukraines air force said. On some nights it has fired many hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukraine. In Ukraines northeastern Sumy region, Russian drones hit a house where they killed a man and injured five members of his family, authorities said. Two women were also injured in a separate Sumy attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Russians cynically targeted people deliberately, at night, while they were sleeping, regional head Oleh Hryhorov said in response to the attacks. Russian missiles started a fire at a business in the central city of Dnipro, injuring one man, and also struck energy infrastructure in the southern Mykolaiv region. At the same time, Ukraine has been trying to constrain Russias oil industry, a mainstay of its economy. Ukrainian forces struck Russias Saratov oil refinery overnight and started a fire, according to Ukraines general staff. It was Ukraines fourth attack on the Saratov installation in almost seven weeks. The refinery, located some 500 kilometers (300 miles) from the Ukrainian border, can process several million metric tons of oil a year. Zelenskyy claimed last week that long-range strikes on Russian refineries have reduced Moscows oil refining capacity by 20 per cent. (This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Homicide rates across major US cities dropped sharply by over 40 per cent in some during the first nine months of 2025, even as Trump cited rising crime to justify deploying National Guard troops. Data shows cities he labelled hellholes, including Chicago, Memphis, and Portland, have seen significant declines in violent crime. Homicide rates have continued to decline across major US cities by more than 40 per cent in some communities during the first nine months of 2025, Axios reported, citing newly accessed data. The findings come even as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly deployed or threatened to deploy National Guard troops to what he calls hellhole cities to combat crime. But the numbers paint a very different picture, showing sharp drops in killings in several of those same cities, including Washington DC, Memphis, Chicago, and Portland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nationwide decline led by Buffalo, Denver, Orlando, and Seattle Data from 67 law enforcement agencies compiled by the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) showed that overall homicides fell by 19 per cent in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Some cities saw dramatic declines Buffalo, Denver, Orlando, and Seattle recorded drops of more than 40 per cent, while Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, and Las Vegas saw reductions of 25 per cent or more. Portland, a city Trump once described as like living in hell, reported a 39 per cent decline, and Memphis where National Guard troops were deployed in September saw a 19 per cent fall in homicides. Trumps hellhole claim at odds with data The trend suggests that violent crime is not spiralling out of control as Trump has claimed. Chicago is a hellhole right now. Baltimore is a hellhole right now, Trump said in September. We have the right to [call in the National Guard] because I have an obligation to protect this country. Yet Chicago recorded a 22.1 per cent decrease in overall violent crime in the first nine months of the year the largest drop among major US cities while Baltimore saw a 19.7 per cent decline, the fifth biggest. Although Chicago reported 573 homicides in 2024, the highest total in the nation, its homicide rate did not rank among the top 20 for large US cities. White House defends Trumps stance A White House spokesperson, Abigail Jackson, defended Trumps approach, saying, President Trump cares deeply about the safety and security of the American people no amount of violent crime is justifiable. Chicago has had the most murders of any US city for 13 consecutive years which has destroyed the lives of many law-abiding Americans. Long-term trends and outliers Experts note that violent crime rates have been steadily falling since President Bidens last two years in office, reversing the pandemic-era surge that began in 2020, Trumps final year of his first term. Still, not every city has followed the downward trend. Atlanta recorded a 19.4 per cent rise in violent crime driven largely by robberies and assaults while Columbus, Ohio, and several mid-sized metros also saw increases. Meanwhile, Americas two largest cities, New York and Los Angeles, posted significant declines, with homicides down 17 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively, alongside reductions in nearly all other categories of violent crime. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. As voters across the US head to the polls, Trumps attacks on Zohran Mamdani and endorsement of Andrew Cuomo inject fresh drama into New York Citys high-stakes mayoral race a contest seen as a key test of political sentiment in his second term As Americans cast their votes in crucial elections across New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, and California, US President Donald Trump has once again injected himself into the political fray this time by wading into New York Citys fiercely contested mayoral race. In a social media post, Trump lashed out at Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, calling any Jewish person voting for him a stupid person and branding the candidate a proven and self professed JEW HATER an unsubstantiated claim echoing rhetoric often used by far-right activists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Throughout his campaign, Mamdani has courted support across communities, visiting Jewish temples, pledging to increase funding for investigations into anti-Semitic incidents, and earning endorsements from several Jewish organisations and politicians. Election Day November 4 marks the first nationwide vote of Trumps second term, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The results are expected to serve as a key barometer of public sentiment toward his administration. Alongside the high-stakes New York City mayoral race, gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia are also drawing national attention. Mamdani, 34, born in Uganda and raised in New York City, is a state assembly member and democratic socialist vying to become the citys next mayor. He faces former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Current Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the race in September amid mounting scandals. Polls leading up to Election Day showed Mamdani ahead of Cuomo by double digits. The son of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani, he had already scored a major upset in June when he defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Trump, however, has thrown his weight behind Cuomo, openly urging supporters to vote for him while threatening to withhold federal funds from New York City if Mamdani wins. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not! Trump said on Truth Social, warning that the city would become a complete and total economic and social disaster under Mamdanis leadership. If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, Trump added. It can only get worse with a Communist at the helm New York City will be a Complete and Total Economic and Social Disaster should Mamdani win. Mamdani quickly fired back, saying Trumps endorsement of Cuomo confirmed what his campaign had long suggested. Weve known since the Primary that Andrew Cuomo was funded by the same billionaires that gave us Donald Trumps second term But now its written out for the entire world to see. This is the man that Donald Trump wants to be the next mayor of New York City and not because hell be good for New Yorkers, but because hell be good for Donald Trump, Mamdani said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If elected, Mamdani has pledged sweeping social reforms, including rent freezes, fare-free public buses, universal childcare, and city-owned grocery stores designed to lower living costs. His campaign has drawn significant attention and support including a call from former President Barack Obama, who reportedly told Mamdani that his campaign has been impressive to watch. Meanwhile, voters across New Jersey, Virginia, and California are casting ballots in gubernatorial and local contests widely seen as key indicators of national political sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. With inputs from agencies Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. A fresh wave of infighting has erupted within Trumps Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement this time over divisions surrounding Israel and questions about who truly represents the movements values. The confusion over Trumps intention started minutes before he held a critical meeting in South Korea with Chinese President Xi Jinping. File image/AP US President Donald Trumps MAGA movement is turning on itself not over policy or politics, but over who truly belongs under its banner. According to a report from Axios, the latest rift within MAGA has been fuelled by deep divisions over Israel a clash entangled with a mix of -isms: nativism, antisemitism, racism, sexism, and Trumpism itself. The infighting burst into the open this week after white nationalist Nick Fuentes appeared on Tucker Carlsons podcast for a friendly two-hour conversation. Fuentes, a Holocaust denier who spoke of organized Jewry during the interview, drew widespread backlash, including from MAGA figures who accused Carlson of platforming extremism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ideological fault lines widen The uproar reflects a broader identity struggle within MAGA how far the movement should go in tolerating its fringe voices. Some Trump loyalists, like right-wing activist Laura Loomer, say theyve been rejected by fellow supporters simply for being Jewish. I always said that you had to be a Trump loyalist and America First. But there are people out there that say I dont belong in MAGA because Im Jewish, Loomer said as quoted in the report. More from World Indonesia: Over 50 injured in explosion at mosque inside Jakarta school during friday prayers Fuentes, meanwhile, framed the split as a fight between pro-Israel conservatives and his America First faction. One side is obviously dug in on supporting Israel and on the other side youve got Tucker and people like the groypers, he said, warning, I think its going to get ugly. From unity to infighting Once united by Trumps personality, MAGA is now battling over purity and ideology. A leaked group chat from the New York State Young Republicans containing racist and pro-Nazi remarks intensified the debate over whether anyone in MAGA should be canceled, exposing the irony of a movement that built its brand on opposing cancel culture. Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts defended Carlson, saying, Canceling him is not the answer either. When we disagree with a persons thoughts and opinions, we challenge those ideas in debate. But Senator Ted Cruz hit back: If you sit there with someone who says Adolf Hitler was very, very cool and you say nothing then you are a coward. Whats next Analysts say the fight over Israel and identity is testing the core of MAGA. For now, Trumps dominance keeps the movement intact but once he leaves the stage, the battle over who defines America First could shape the future of both MAGA and the Republican Party itself. Follow Firstpost on Google . Get insightful explainers , sharp opinions , and in-depth latest news on everything from geopolitics and diplomacy to global trends. Stay informed with the latest perspectives only on Firstpost. Fitch affirms Sense Banks ratings at CCC; asset quality still weak but improving Fitch Ratings has affirmed Sense Banks long-term IDRs at CCC (foreign currency) and CCC+ (local currency) and maintained its viability rating at ccc, highlighting gradual improvement in asset quality but continued risks linked to the operating environment. Sense Banks sovereign exposure remains high relative to assets, with sovereign bonds (13%), NBU deposit certificates (23%), and loans to state-owned companies forming the bulk of holdings. Net loans accounted for 35% of assets, with 43% in foreign currency. After two years of contraction, gross loans grew 7% in 1H25. The banks Stage 3 (impaired) loans ratio improved to 35% at end-1H25 (from 37% in 2024), with loan-loss reserves covering 89% of impaired loans. Stage 2 loans fell to 9%, down from 23% in 2022. Sense Bank remains almost fully deposit-funded, with retail deposits comprising 42% of total deposits, all covered by a full government guarantee during wartime and for three months thereafter. Foreign-currency deposits made up 34%, largely backed by high-quality liquid assets. The loans-to-deposits ratio was a moderate 59%, expected to rise as lending recovers. Despite the wars constraints, Sense Bank has managed to stabilise performance and improve asset quality indicators. Nevertheless, the banks vulnerability to the operating environment remains elevated, Fitch said. Sense Bank, formerly Alfa-Bank Ukraine, rebranded in 2023 after ownership restructuring and compliance with EU and U.S. sanctions requirements. As of September 2025, it was ninth among Ukrainian banks by assets UAH 154.1 billion (3.9% of sector total). The bank focuses on retail and SME lending and is regulated by the National Bank of Ukraine. Zoho has announced major updates to Zoho Notebook, its note-taking and knowledge management application, introducing AI-driven features built on the companys in-house AI engine, Zia. The update focuses on improving how individuals and teams capture, organise, and retrieve information while maintaining Zohos privacy-first framework. The company has also extended these AI capabilities to the free student edition, allowing students to use the same set of tools. Collaborative Workspaces and Whiteboard Functionality The latest version of Zoho Notebook introduces shared workspaces, enabling teams to manage information collectively within project- or department-based folders. It also includes a whiteboard feature that supports multiple content types such as text, images, sketches, and geometric shapes. This provides a unified space for both visual and written content, improving collaboration within teams. Integration Across Zoho Applications Zoho Notebook now offers closer integration across Zohos suite of productivity tools. Users working in Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, or Zoho Mail can create and reference notes directly within these platforms, positioning Notebook as a central documentation hub. This integration helps maintain consistency in data and reduces fragmentation across teams. Notebook AI Features The newly introduced Notebook AI brings several intelligent tools built on Zias AI stack. Key features include: Intelligent Q&A Assistant: Retrieves answers from existing notes using Ask with My Content or generates topic-based insights with Ask Anything. Meeting Notes: Converts spoken content into organised, timestamped text with speaker identification and automatic summaries, allowing users to review discussions easily. Mind Map Generation: Transforms long documents into visual mind maps, providing a quick overview of complex topics. Smart Note Creation: Enables the automatic generation of structured notes such as checklists, formatted tables, tagged entries, and reusable templates. Writing Enhancement: Assists with summarisation, grammar correction, phrasing alternatives, and tone adjustments. Language and Tone Capabilities Zoho Notebook now includes Multilingual Voice Search and Translation, supporting 80 global languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Oriya, and Sanskrit. Users can locate or translate content using voice commands in supported languages. The application also adds Tone and Voice Customisation, allowing users to switch between professional, friendly, direct, or confident tones to adjust writing based on context. Upcoming CRM Integration An upcoming integration between Zoho Voice and Zoho CRM will automatically generate call transcriptions and AI-based meeting or sales notes within CRM records. This feature will allow CRM users to review, summarise, and attach meeting information without manual input. Privacy and Productivity Focus These enhancements reflect Zohos continued focus on designing productivity tools that align with natural workflows while maintaining data privacy. The new AI features assist with documentation, organisation, and collaboration without changing how teams work. Student Edition The student edition of Zoho Notebook now includes the same Notebook AI features, helping students organise ideas, summarise notes, and refine writing within a single platform. Pricing and Availability Zohos Notebook AI is included in the Zoho One Premium plan at no additional cost. It is also available as a standalone add-on for individual Notebook users. The Notebook Essential plan remains free, while Notebook for Business is priced at Rs. 333.25 per user per month, billed annually. The student edition of Zoho Notebook, which includes Notebook AI, is available for free. Students can access the latest version of Zoho Notebook by signing up with their educational (.edu) email IDs on the official registration page. The application is available across Android, iOS, and web platforms. Amazon India has reported a fivefold increase in air purifier demand as more consumers prioritise wellness and indoor air quality across homes and workplaces. The company is featuring top deals on air purifiers on Amazon.in from brands such as Philips, Honeywell, Eureka Forbes, Dyson, Coway, and Levoit, starting at Rs. 4,999, with up to 40% off, bank offers, and nationwide delivery. Market Growth Trends Air purifier sales on Amazon India have risen 5X compared to regular days. Growth spans all price ranges: Below Rs. 10,000: up 75% year-on-year Rs. 10,000Rs. 20,000: up 70% year-on-year Above Rs. 20,000: up 150% year-on-year Top Deals on Air Purifiers Bank, Business, and Payment Offers Customers can avail 10% instant discount on purchases above Rs. 5,000 using Canara Bank cards (maximum Rs. 1,000 discount). Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card users get 5% cashback for Prime members and 3% for non-Prime users, along with Amazon Pay Later credit up to Rs. 60,000. Through Amazon Business, organisations can purchase air purifiers with GST invoicing and save up to 28% on bulk orders. For more air purifier deals, visit the sale page. Cocodp has become a go-to option for gamers who need to buy in-game currency and credits across different platforms. But with so many top-up services out there, one question keeps coming up. Is Cocodp actually safe for your gaming purchases? The short answer is yes. The platform uses several security layers, holds official payment licenses in key regions, and processes millions of dollars monthly. But a simple yes doesn't tell you much. Understanding why Cocodp is safe means looking at how it actually protects your transactions and personal information. Security Infrastructure That Actually Works Digital payment safety depends on systems running properly behind the scenes. Cocodp uses advanced security protocols that monitor transactions from start to finish. These systems work constantly to maintain security and protect users. The platform's risk controls operate on multiple levels at once. Your payment data gets encrypted when it moves through the system. Multiple fund security and risk control measures work throughout the payment process. All of this happens automatically while you're checking out. This layered approach means if one security measure runs into trouble, others keep protecting your transaction. Multiple safeguards working together provide way better protection than relying on just one method. Official Licenses Show Legitimate Operations One of the clearest signs of a real payment platform is whether it holds official licenses. Cocodp maintains local payment licenses across Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Central Asia. These aren't easy to get. Authorities in these regions make companies meet tough standards before they can process payments. Having these licenses means the platform operates under real oversight. Authorities monitor whether the company follows local payment laws and protects consumers properly. This external accountability adds trust that goes beyond what any company promises on its own. For users, these licenses give you options if something goes wrong. Licensed payment operators have to maintain certain standards and typically offer ways to resolve disputes that unlicensed services don't provide. Major Gaming Companies Trust This Platform Sometimes the best way to judge a platform's safety is by looking at who works with them. Cocodp has partnerships with major gaming companies, including Moonton, Giant Network, and 7Road. Most recently, it became Bigo Live's first third-party top-up provider in the United States. These companies guard their reputations carefully. They wouldn't partner with a payment provider that puts their users at risk. When established gaming platforms trust Cocodp with their payment processing, that says a lot about its reliability and security standards. Monthly transactions exceeding $5 million also show sustained user trust. People don't keep using a service they feel unsafe with, especially when money is involved. This ongoing usage demonstrates real confidence in how the platform handles security. What Separates Safe Services From Sketchy Ones Not all top-up services operate with the same level of security. Here are some warning signs that flag potentially unsafe platforms: Missing or unclear encryption in the payment process No visible licensing information or proof of regulatory compliance Vague company details or contact information that's hard to find Payment flows with strange redirects or unnecessary extra steps Overly complicated checkout processes that seem suspicious Cocodp avoids all these red flags. Security information is easy to find and publicly available. The company operates transparently with clear contact channels. Payment processes stay straightforward without weird redirects or suspicious additional steps. Another safety aspect is not requiring account creation for basic purchases. This might seem odd, but it actually reduces certain risks. You're not creating another account that could get hacked. You're not storing payment details on yet another platform you need to monitor. You complete your purchase and move on without leaving unnecessary data behind. Supporting 150+ Payment Methods While Staying Secure One impressive thing about this platform is how it maintains strong security while supporting over 150 different payment methods across 180 countries. Each payment method has its own security requirements and integration challenges. Managing this complexity while keeping everything secure requires sophisticated systems. The platform handles payment information from diverse sources like credit cards, digital wallets such as PIX and GCash, and regional banking gateways. Each type processes through secure channels built specifically for its requirements. This variety actually helps keep you safer. You can choose payment methods you already trust and use regularly instead of being forced into unfamiliar options that might make you uncomfortable. What You Should Do to Stay Protected Even with strong platform security, you play an important role in keeping your transactions safe. Some basic practices help protect you no matter which top-up service you use: Double-check you're on the real website before entering any payment information Look for the lock icon in your browser's address bar to confirm the connection is secure Stick with payment methods you already trust and check your statements regularly for unexpected charges Be careful about sharing gaming account details beyond what the top-up actually requires Legitimate services only need your user ID for top-ups. Your account password should never be required for a proper transaction. While platform security helps prevent problems, staying alert on your end adds an extra layer of protection. Track Record Demonstrates Reliability Over Time Safety becomes clearer as time passes and operations continue. A brand new service might promise excellent security, but you can't really judge how it performs until it faces real-world challenges and fraud attempts. Cocodp has processed significant transaction volumes and maintained partnerships with major gaming companies over extended periods. This track record matters because it shows the security measures work in actual practice, not just in theory or controlled test environments. Sustained operations without major security incidents or widespread user complaints show that systems function as intended when tested by real usage patterns and potential security threats. Comprehensive Risk Management Throughout Transactions Good risk management goes beyond just preventing unauthorized access. The platform's multiple fund security and risk control measures work to protect users throughout the payment process. These risk controls operate continuously to maintain transaction security. The systems work in the background to identify and address potential issues while keeping the checkout process smooth for legitimate users. The Bottom Line on Cocodp Safety After looking at how Cocodp works, it's clear that the platform takes security seriously. It uses strong encryption, holds real payment licenses, and partners directly with major gaming companies like Moonton and Bigo Live. These are solid signs that it's a legitimate and trustworthy service. Cocodp also keeps things simple for users. You don't have to create extra accounts or go through confusing checkout steps, which helps reduce risks. The platform has been running smoothly for a long time and continues to process large volumes of payments without major issues. Final verdict: Yes, Cocodp is safe to use for buying in-game credits and currency. Its combination of secure systems, proper licenses, and trusted partnerships makes it a reliable choice for gamers who want to top up without worrying about their personal or payment information. Tanzania: Unlawful killings and other human rights violations continue amid internet and electricity blackouts Amnesty International 3 November 2025 In response to the ongoing partial internet shutdown by Tanzanian authorities following the October 29 general elections, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda said: "For close to a week now, many people in Tanzania have suffered nationwide internet and electricity shutdowns. Amnesty International is particularly alarmed by reports that amidst the blackouts, security forces have used excessive force to suppress and disperse ongoing post-election protests, resulting in the deaths and injuries of protesters. "This is the third time in less than a year that Tanzanian authorities have resorted to an internet blockade to silence dissenting voices. Authorities must immediately refrain from suppressing protests and instead respect, protect, and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly. They must immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested solely for exercising their right to peaceful assembly." "Authorities should promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigate all killings by security agents and bring to justice in fair trials those suspected of being responsible. Authorities must also provide victims and their families with access to justice and effective remedies. "The authorities must also allow both local and international media to freely report on the human rights situation in the country and refrain from restricting access to information, both online and offline including by immediately restoring internet access and access to basic public services. The ongoing restrictions are making it difficult to verify information, and to document election-related human rights violations." Background Tanzanians went to the polls on 29 October in an election dominated by the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, with the two main opposition presidential candidates, Tundu Lissu from Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo or the Party for Democracy and Progress), and Luhaga Mpina from ACT-Wazalendo, barred from standing. Verified videos showed protesters on the streets of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza among other towns. Ahead of the elections, Amnesty International issued a briefing outlining how the Tanzanian authorities have intensified their repression of peaceful dissent against the opposition, journalists, human rights defenders, activists and civil society organizations. Authorities imposed nationwide internet restrictions on election day disrupting mobile data services and blocking access to social media platforms across major networks. On Monday 3 November, residents reported partial resumption in some cities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mountain schools achieve zero myopia by boosting outdoor activity Xinhua) 10:24, November 04, 2025 KUNMING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- In the remote mountains of southwest China's Yunnan Province, three elementary schools have achieved what seems like a fairy tale, with not a single student wearing glasses. These schools, Wantang Primary School in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Lafu Primary School and Gedi Primary School in Pu'er City, have maintained a zero myopia record among their students, thanks to a simple yet powerful routine of over three hours of daily outdoor activities. At Wantang Primary School, principal Sun Fubiao would stand by the flagpole early every morning, watching the children do their morning exercises. "Our school has always taken pride in students not wearing glasses," he said, adding that he regards it as a personal responsibility to protect his pupils' eyesight. Mao Heming, a Chinese language teacher who also wears glasses, said his nearsightedness resulted from watching TV, playing video games and reading novels by flashlight during his childhood. "I've always believed that protecting students' eyesight is the most meaningful gift our generation of 'bespectacled teachers' can give them." According to the latest official statistics, 51.9 percent of Chinese children and adolescents are nearsighted, despite a slight decline in recent years. "Given that one in every two children and adolescents in China is now nearsighted, a 'zero-myopia' school is nothing short of a miracle," said Lan Weizhong, vice president of the Aier school of ophthalmology at Central South University. Lan said it is medically proven that more than two hours of daily outdoor activity is the most effective and economical way to prevent myopia. This is because such activity stimulates the retina to release dopamine, a key neurotransmitter that inhibits the abnormal elongation of the eyeball, which is the primary cause of myopia, he explained. "Outdoor sunlight is the most natural nutrient for the eyes. Even on cloudy days, outdoor activities can protect vision," said Yang Jingying, a physician at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province. The experience of these three myopia-free primary schools may be hard to replicate - situated in rural natural environments, with little exposure to electronic devices and ample outdoor activities. Nevertheless, efforts to reduce myopia among children are being made across China. By 2030, the country aims to keep the myopia rate among six-year-olds at around 3 percent and limit the rate among primary school students to no more than 38 percent. A 2024 government document mandates that primary schools organize outdoor recess and ensure at least one hour of daily physical activity for students. Numerous cities and provinces nationwide have rolled out a series of measures to promote physical activity in schools. Key initiatives include mandating daily physical education classes and extending recess durations for primary and middle school students. "Good eyesight is a lifelong asset. Getting answers wrong or performing poorly on a test, by comparison, are minor matters," said Duan Shaochun, principal of Lafu Primary School in Yunnan. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) EU HR/VP EU HR/VP speech to the EUFOR troops at the Butmir NATO Military Base delivered at camp Butmir European External Action Service (EEAS) 03.11.2025 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Check against delivery! Dear Major General, Dear Soldiers, Good morning everyone, It is good to be back in Bosnia and Herzegovina. EUFOR Althea helps secure Bosnia and Herzegovina's future. I want to personally thank you all - our European troops and those from other countries - for what you do here. Your dedication and your professionalism are what makes this operation a success. Across the world, peace and the international rules-based order are under threat. Challenges to territorial integrity cannot fall on deaf ears, not least in Europe itself. That is why, when threats to the unity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina emerged, the EU responded swiftly. In March, we reinforced EUFOR Althea with extra troops. It is why it is important that your annual exercise 'Quick Response' was a success. This proves your readiness and full operational capacity to deter threats to security. And it is why I am pleased to announce that on Friday, the UN Security Council unanimously voted to renew the mandate of Operation EUFOR Althea. The world recognises that you keep Bosnia and Herzegovina safe. 30 years after the Dayton Peace Agreement, the European Union will keep doing everything we can to prevent any security vacuum in this country. We will not let history repeat. Of course the hope we all share is that Bosnia and Herzegovina can move forward. The latest developments in the National Assembly of Republika Srpska are a chance to ease political tension. Free and fair presidential elections could restore trust in local authorities. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve a chance at stability and the space to breathe. And that is also what joining the European Union will provide. It is the best guarantee of a brighter future for the country. Windows for EU enlargement rarely open, but one is open now. Your political leaders have to grab this opportunity or the window of opportunity will close again. After a year and a half of talks, last month the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina sent a Reform Agenda to the European Commission. This could unlock close to a billion euro, driving investments, creating jobs and boosting growth. And every reform - be to strengthen democracy, fight corruption, or improve education and healthcare - will increase the quality of life for citizens. It is as simple as that. Tomorrow the European Commission will present our annual enlargement report. I expect our recommendations for the year ahead will address these topics. Judicial reform laws and appointing a Chief Negotiator will be important. Bosnia and Herzegovina is now only a few steps away from holding the first inter-governmental conference. But for this to happen, the country's leadership need to keep reforms in their sights. Dear Major General, Dear Soldiers, Thank you for welcoming me back so soon. Twice in six months is a sign of my personal support to you, and our belief that Bosnia and Herzegovina belongs in the European Union, with the rest of the European family. Thank you once again. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Statement on the Impact and consequences of the current situation in the Gaza Strip/Palestine in all aspects of UNESCO's mandate - 43rd Session of the General Conference, UNESCO European External Action Service (EEAS) 03.11.2025 Strategic Communications I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU, candidate countries Moldova and Montenegro and the Principalities of Andorra and Monaco and the Republic of San Marino. Dear colleagues, The EU supports UNESCO's engagement in Gaza, within all areas of its competence and mandate. More than two years of conflict in Gaza have led to the closure of all education facilities, affecting more than 700,000 children and other students; the conflict has damaged hundreds of cultural sites, disrupted creative industries and severely hampered journalists in carrying out their vital work while fearing for their lives or arrest. UNESCO's actions and emergency assistance are crucial to addressing this unacceptable situation. The EU and its member states have been providing humanitarian and financial assistance to help meet the basic needs of the Palestinian people. Since the 7 October 2023 Hamas terrorist attack and the start of the war in Gaza, the EU has been providing for the needs of the affected Palestinian civilians with almost 1,44 billion in humanitarian assistance. The EU welcomes the agreement reached on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict put forward by President Trump, as well as the outcome of the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit for Peace held on 13 October 2025. We commend the diplomatic efforts led by the United States and the role played by the regional mediators, which the European Union has consistently supported. We call on all parties to fully commit to implementing all phases and to refrain from any actions that jeopardise the agreement. We reiterate our commitment to international law and to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tanzania: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the elections in Tanzania European External Action Service (EEAS) 03.11.2025 Press and information team of the Delegation to TANZANIA The European Union (EU) takes note of the proclamation by the Independent National Electoral Commission of Tanzania and the Zanzibar Electoral Commission of the results of the presidential elections held on 29 October 2025. The EU is very concerned with the events that occurred throughout the Election Day and that are still ongoing, including violence, the internet shutdown as well as reports of irregularities in the election process in some places. Reliable reports of large number of fatalities and significant injuries are of extreme concern. The EU urges authorities to exercise maximum restraint to preserve human lives. The lack of level playing field in the run up to the elections was marked by reports of abductions and disappearances and violence limiting the civic and democratic space. The EU calls for the release of all detained politicians and for a transparent and fair trial of those arrested on a sound legal basis and for swift and thorough investigations into all reported incidents of abductions, disappearances and violence. The EU values its long-standing partnership with Tanzania in line with the joint commitments entered into under the EU-OACPS "Samoa" Agreement, in particular on strategic priorities. The EU encourages the Government of Tanzania to continue its efforts towards the implementation of a fully-fledged multi-party system, and to engage in an open and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, in particular opposition parties and civil society for reconciliation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Norway Increases Support for Sudan Government of Norway Press release | Date: 03/11/2025 Norway is contributing an additional USD 4,5 million (NOK 45 million) to humanitarian assistance in Sudan. 'Two and a half years of war has caused enormous suffering on the civilian population of Sudan, including ethnically motivated violence, sexual violence, and famine. The UN and other humanitarian organisations save lives despite working under very difficult conditions. Intensifies fighting in and around El Fasher has dramatically increased humanitarian needs' said Asmund Aukrust, Norway's Minister of International Development. Reports from Darfur indicate mass killings and widespread sexual violence, with a clear ethnic dimension. 'The situation in Darfur has become a living hell. This cannot continue. The violence must stop immediately. Civilians must be guaranteed safe passage out of the area, continued protection, and unhindered access to aidregardless of where they are or which group they belong to. The UN and other humanitarian organisations must be granted humanitarian access and be able to work safely,' said Aukrust. Vital Support Through Two UN Funds Norway is now allocating NOK 25 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund operated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This fund enables humanitarian organizations to quickly support the most vulnerable in the crisis. The funds support grassroots movements such as soup kitchens and emergency response rooms (ERRs), which provide essential emergency aid in areas inaccessible to international aid workers. Norway's contribution will go to food, shelter, and healthcare in the parts of the country where help is most needed. Additionally, the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), has allocated USD 20 million for rapid response to the escalating crisis in Sudan. Norway contributes with 10 per cent of CERFs funds. With this CERF rapid response allocation, UN agencies and partners aim to assist an estimated 2.5 million people in Darfur and the Kordofan states, with life-saving food, water, health, shelter and protection assistance, including support for survivors of sexual violence. So far this year, Norway has contributed NOK 385 million (approximately 38.5 million USD) in humanitarian aid to Sudan in addition to NOK 200 million in development aid to the Sudanese people. Norway continues to push all parties to cease hostilities, to protect civilians, to allow unhindered humanitarian access, and stand ready to support an inclusive political process, in which Sudanese ownership is key, a new transition towards democracy and a civilian-led government. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on the situation in El-Fasher, North Darfur International Criminal Court (ICC) / Cour penale internationale (CPI) Statement: 3 November 2025 The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court expresses its profound alarm and deepest concern over recent reports emerging from El-Fasher about mass killings, rapes, and other crimes allegedly committed during the course of the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) attacks. These atrocities are part of a broader pattern of violence that has afflicted the entire Darfur region since April 2023. Such acts, if substantiated, may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. The Office recalls that under UN Security Council Resolution 1593 (2005), the ICC has jurisdiction over crimes being committed in the ongoing conflict in Darfur. The Office is investigating crimes allegedly committed in Darfur since the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023. As reflected in the most recent Report to the UN Security Council, the Office is working intensively, including through repeated field deployments, deepened engagement with victims groups and civil society, and enhanced cooperation with national authorities and international organisations. Within the ongoing investigation, the Office is taking immediate steps regarding the alleged crimes in El-Fasher to preserve and collect relevant evidence for its use in future prosecutions. The recent conviction by ICC judges of Janjaweed leader Mr Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (also known as Ali Kushayb) for similar crimes committed in Darfur in 2004 is a warning for all parties to the conflict in Darfur that there will be accountability for such atrocious crimes. The Office calls upon all individuals and organisations engaged in the pursuit of justice and accountability to submit, through the secure OTP Link platform, any information or evidence related to recent and prior events in El-Fasher. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas, Islamic Jihad denounce Israeli bill approving execution of Palestinian prisoners IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian resistance movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad have reacted to an Israeli bill approving the execution of Palestinian prisoners, urging the international community to take immediate action to block the move. In a statement on Monday, Hamas said that the approval of the draft law to execute Palestinian prisoners represents the ugly and fascist nature of the Zionist occupying regime, adding that such legislation also highlights the continued violation of international laws, particularly international humanitarian law and the Third Geneva Convention, by this regime. Furthermore, Hamas called for the establishment of international committees to visit Israeli detention centers, assess the conditions of Palestinian prisoners, and expose the atrocities being carried out under the official supervision of the Israeli authorities. Also, the Islamic Jihad emphasized that the approval of such a bill puts thousands of Palestinians at risk of execution, stressing that they will spare no effort in opposing the oppressive and aggressive policies of the Zionist regime against Palestinian prisoners in its prisons and the Palestinian nation. The Israeli Knesset's National Security Committee is moving forward with a bill that aims to introduce the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners. According to reports from Hebrew-language media, the bill could have its first reading in the Knesset plenum as early as Wednesday. The controversial legislation stipulates that courts will be able to impose the death penalty on those "who have committed a nationalistically motivated murder of a citizen of Israel." 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bodies of three returned hostages identified - Prime Minister's Office announcement, 3 November 2025 Israel - Prime Minister's Office Following the completion of the identification process, IDF representatives informed the families of deceased hostages Col. Asaf Hamami, Capt. Omer Maxim Neutra and Staff Sgt. Oz Daniel that their loved ones have been returned to Israel and that their identification has been completed. Type: Press Releases Topic: Terrorism Secondary topic: Swords of Iron Publish Date: 03.11.2025 The Prime Minister's Office, this morning (Monday, 3 November 2025) [translated from Hebrew]: Following the completion of the identification process, IDF representatives informed the families of deceased hostages Col. Asaf Hamami, Capt. Omer Maxim Neutra and Staff Sgt. Oz Daniel that their loved ones had been returned to Israel and that their identification had been completed. Following the completion of the identification process by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the IDF Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the families of deceased hostages Col. Asaf Hamami, of blessed memory, Capt. Omer Maxim Neutra, of blessed memory, and Staff Sgt. Oz Daniel, of blessed memory, that their loved ones had been returned to Israel and that their identification had been completed. The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Hamami, Neutra and Daniel families, and all the families of the deceased hostages. The Government and the entire establishment for the missing and the captives of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return all of our deceased hostages for proper burial in their country. The Hamas terrorist organization is required to uphold its commitments to the mediators and return them as part of the implementation of the agreement. We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all of the hostages, every last one of them. May their memory be for a blessing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on October 20-26, 2025 Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2025-11-03 International cooperation On October 20-26, 2025, the NATO Baltic Air Policing Detachment in the Baltic states were scramble to patrol the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian airspace borders with Russia and Belarus and three times alerted to intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation violating international flight rules. On October 20 NATO air policing fighter aircraft were dispatched to identify an unidentified aerial object, it was not detected. On October 22 the NATO Air Policing fighter jets were scrambled to intercept two TU-22M flying through international airspace from mainland Russia and back. NATO fighter aircraft also intercepted two TU-22N, two SU-35 and one SU-30, flying from Kaliningrad and back via international airspace. Their onboard transponders were switched off, the crews had no flight plans and were not maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre. On October 23 one IL-78 and SU-30SN2 of the Russian Federation trespassed into the airspace of the Republic of Lithuania near Kybartai, possibly by mistake while training mid-air refueling in Kaliningrad. NATO fighter aircraft responded to the incident and remained patrolling the airspace on site. On October 24 NATO fighter jets were scrambled to identify an aerial target but it was not found. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OP WHIO New Zealand Defence Force In the waters around East Asia, New Zealand Defence Force teams carry out a dynamic mission of airborne and maritime surveillance, capturing evidence of violations of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against North Korea. 03 November, 2025 It's a two-pronged deployment for the New Zealand Defence Force by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). While HMNZS Aotearoa undertakes patrols near the Korean peninsula, a small team in a P-8A Poseidon carries out airborne surveillance, capturing evidence of violations. The RNZAF crew is watching for signs of illegal ship-to-ship transfers of resources to and from North Korea. It's a challenging mission, with those looking to violate sanctions in theatre doing their best to avoid the sharp gaze of the Poseidon crew. Air warfare officer Flight Lieutenant Hemi Frires says the No. 5 Squadron crew work together with the Enforcement Coordination Cell (ECC) based in Japan to make the mission a success. The operation, Op Whio, is beset with risks from vessels below, with the constant threat of lasers pointed at the aircraft's crew. "There is a really robust risk management plan that goes into this activity. Fishing boats with visible lasers are mostly a threat at night because they can dazzle pilots better than during the day," FLTLT Frires said. The crew monitors imagery, locations and activity of vessels of interest, with all information contributing to the intelligence picture of the area, FLTLT Frires said. "That can be seeing a laden oil tanker sitting low in the water and then seeing it again a week later and noting it is no longer laden. If it hasn't conducted a port visit the implication is maybe it has done a ship-to-ship transfer and offloaded oil to other vessels while at sea." During the operation earlier in the year, the Poseidon team reported three ship-to-ship transfers; broadcast deterrence messages to 14 vessels; and investigated 59 vessels of interest (VOI), including some repeat encounters of a few key VOIs over subsequent missions. The aircraft is kitted out with a powerful camera, to capture details of vessels, but the Poseidon can also fly slowly and low enough for crew to see evidence of any rule-breaking. "If we see a ship-to-ship transfer we take a photo of it and send it off the plane to be reported. In a couple of hours, it has allowed the ECC to turn that around and drive the next day's tasking and flying in a meaningful way." "We understand why it's important that we're doing it and why we are committing time to being away from home and family in a challenging environment and working really hard because we understand the impact it has," he said. "And it's not just the impact on supporting the UN, but it's also understanding that this is good for New Zealand and the New Zealand Defence Force to be out there working with partners and delivering outputs, not just for the Air Force, but for the government in the global community." Behind the scenes: Ghosts in the machine Gathering imagery of vessels violating United Nations sanctions against North Korea is one side of the coin for Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel participating on Op Whio in Japan. The other side belongs to intelligence and communications experts, who provide mission support to flying operations and conduct the analysis of the collected data in order to provide post-mission reports to the Enforcement Collection Cell (ECC), Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand and partner nations. The Deployed Poseidon Operations Centre (DPOC) is a detachment made up of Intelligence specialists and Communications and Information Systems technicians. There are three Intelligence teams. The pre-mission team begin their day in the early hours of the morning. They will gather the daily tasking from the ECC and any other information required by the crew, such as the situation within the area of operations, target vessel positions, and the weather. The information is compiled into a brief for the crew. Once the aircraft takes off, the flight-following team steps in to provide updates to the aircraft and collates data and reports received throughout the mission. For example, when an image of a suspicious vessel is captured, it's transmitted from the aircraft and a report is produced for the ECC and other agencies. "We can effectively be present on the aircraft even though we're not physically there because we can communicate directly with the crew, provide real-time updates and receive data throughout the flight. It's engagement with the mission as it's happening." Finally, the third team arrives shortly before the aircrew return, analyse the information that has been gathered, debrief the crew and produce post-mission reports. "It's been an exceptional team that I've worked with over here. Everybody knows their roles and they all work hard to support the mission," FLTLT Harnett said. "The deployment with the P-8A Poseidon and its crew was an amazing opportunity for us to conduct real-world military operations in a coalition environment using, testing and further developing the roles we have been trained for." Communication and Information Systems technician Warrant Officer Isaac Jacobs said the team is responsible for providing the safety of flight through flight follow. They also receive data back from the aircraft in near real-time, which is then passed on to the intelligence team for them to analyse and do their part. "Op Whio is a really good exercise for the newer members of the team to cut their teeth on because it's a short-duration deployment in comparison to other New Zealand Defence Force operations." The operation was beneficial for building small teams and building camaraderie within those teams who are working towards the same goal, W/O Jacobs said. "However, we still have to manage personnel who are experiencing being away from home and outside their normal routine. It can be intensive, but when we get to the end of it we can see how everyone came together and was able to get the job done and done well." At sea level Last year, the RNZN's maritime sustainment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa, and its embarked Seasprite helicopter, made its first patrol as part of Op Whio to monitor and deter the breaking of UN imposed sanctions. For the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Rob Welford, operating in a contested theatre heightens all sorts of levels. "What you have to understand is that this is not an inherently stable area," said CDR Welford. "Last year, there was considerable interest in us shown by Chinese Peoples' Liberation Navy ships and we also saw Russian Federation Navy vessels as well. And then on top of that there's the unpredictability of the country we're enforcing sanctions on." The sanctions adopted unanimously by the UN Security Council aim to persuade North Korea to denuclearise and abandon its ballistic missile capabilities. For Aotearoa, this meant identifying those ship's displaying suspicious indicators of having conducted illicit ship-to-ship transfers mostly around the importation of petroleum products. For the time that HMNZS Aotearoa was on patrol, the ship located four vessels of interest, questioned 62 vessels, broadcast 52 deterrent messages and conducted nine operational replenishments at sea, to allow partner nations' warships to stay at sea longer and increase the effectiveness of the overall effort. "We were a long way from home and we were a long time away but we all knew we were making a difference. I know I can talk on behalf of everybody aboard the ship when I say we're looking forward to playing our part again." The RNZN and RNZAF will contribute again to UNSC sanctions monitoring operations later this year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Haiti: Women's exclusion undermines path to peace and security, UN experts warn Press releases Special Procedures 03 November 2025 GENEVA -- The UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls today sounded the alarm over the deteriorating crisis in Haiti, warning that the systematic exclusion of women from leadership and decision-making and the widespread use of sexual violence are deepening insecurity and obstructing pathways to peace. "Haiti is in the grip of one of the world's most severe crises, and women and girls are bearing the brunt," the experts said. "Yet they remain sidelined from processes that determine their safety, rights, and future." Despite decades of international engagement and Haiti's own constitutional commitment to gender parity in public office, women are entirely absent from the country's transitional leadership, the experts noted. All seven voting members of the Transitional Presidential Council are men, and the new cabinet fails to meet the constitutional requirement of at least 30% representation of women. The experts underscored that these discriminatory patterns violate Haiti's national and international legal obligations and undermine the prospect of sustainable peace. "Haitian women have long played critical roles in rebuilding communities, coordinating humanitarian aid, and supporting social cohesion. Their exclusion is not only unjustit is a strategic failure." The Working Group said criminal gangs continue to use sexual violence as a deliberate tool of terror, particularly in the capital and surrounding departments. Yet efforts to prevent and respond to these atrocities remain grossly inadequate. "Haiti's crisis cannot be addressed without confronting the gendered dynamics of violence and governance," they said. "Sexual violence is being used as a weapon of terror. Survivors are left without support, resources, or legal recourse. Women are being displaced, exploited, and silenced, yet they are still absent from the bodies shaping the response." Displacement sites starkly illustrate these failures, the experts noted. Reports of sexual exploitation and abuse in these settings are widespread, while systems for reporting or addressing such abuse remain weak or non-existent. While women and girls make up the majority of the displaced population, their underrepresentation in management committees leaves critical protection gaps and reinforces gender hierarchies. The experts emphasised that the international community's response, including through the recently adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2793, has failed to adequately address these gendered harms and women's exclusion. "The resolution acknowledges the disproportionate impact of violence on women and girls, but it does not include concrete measures to ensure their leadership or to integrate gender perspectives across the security and governance agenda." They called on Haitian authorities and international partners, especially States participating in the Standing Group of Partners for the Gang Suppression Forces, to take immediate steps to uphold the rights of Haitian women and girls. This must include ensuring women's equal participation in all political, security, transitional justice and recovery processes. "As the global community marks 25 years since the adoption of landmark Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, Haiti is a painful reminder of what happens when its core principles are ignored," the experts said. "Women's inclusion is not a symbolic act; It is a cornerstone of any credible path out of crisis." *The experts: Claudia Flores (Chair), Ivana Krstic (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi, Working Group on discrimination against women and girls The 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 from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH commits to boost defense ties between SE Asia, India Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno November 3, 2025, 5:00 pm MANILA -- The Philippines, through Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., has committed to help strengthen the defense cooperation between Southeast Asia and India, which he described as a "superpower." "We are honored to play our part in enhancing the defense cooperation between Southeast Asia and India in our capacity as country coordinator for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)," a DND statement on Monday quoted Teodoro as telling the ASEAN-India Defense Ministers Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Oct. 31. Teodoro said the Philippines will further advance "this important relationship" when it becomes ASEAN chair next year. He also expressed appreciation to India for its "robust and sustained engagements" with the defense establishments of ASEAN member-states, and highlighted the Philippines' role as country coordinator for ASEAN-India dialogue relations from 2024 to 2027. "Given our Chair's remarks, that India is a superpower, a technology growth center, a leader in science, technology, and innovation; there is much that this superpower has to complement the growth of ASEAN, to be a partner of ASEAN in the defense sphere and in a vast array of other spheres in its growth, while serving as a major counterpoint and a supporter of ASEAN resilience and ASEAN centrality," Teodoro said, putting emphasis on cooperation in digital defense and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, connectivity, food and energy security, climate resilience, and affordable health care. The informal meeting took place at the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ADMM-Plus that took place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Aside from the Philippines, other ASEAN members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH Coast Guard modernization pushed amid online attacks, mockery Philippine News Agency By Zaldy De Layola November 3, 2025, 2:34 pm MANILA -- Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Monday amplified the need to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as he condemned the mockery and attacks against the organization online. "The brave men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard should be celebrated, not attacked, ridiculed, or mocked," Adiong said, as he urged his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass House Bill (HB) No. 5552. Filed on Oct. 14, 2025 by Adiong, HB No. 5552 seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9993 or the "Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009." Adiong said HB 5552 offers a comprehensive reform to empower the PCG as the nation's unbreakable shield in safeguarding maritime sovereignty, marine resources, and the safety of Filipino seafarers especially in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The proposed legislation delivers modernization and support to the PCG, including: - A streamlined, Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police-aligned rank and promotion system; - Strengthened functional commands for maritime safety, environmental protection, and law enforcement; - Deputization of Filipino fishermen as Bantay Dagat Auxiliary Patrol Officers with hazard pay, insurance, and equipment; - Full scholarships for children of PCG personnel killed in the line of duty; - Parity in pay, allowances, and retirement benefits with the AFP. "This bill is a tribute to the courage of our coast guard and a rebuke to those who belittle their sacrifice," Adiong said. "We will not allow disinformation, mockery, or silence to erode our claim to what is rightfully ours." Adiong said the PCG has been a target of online mockery and disinformation due to its statements against China's harassment and aggressive actions in the WPS. Without mentioning names, Adiong urged the public to remain vigilant against personalities who amplify China's propaganda, downplay aggression in the WPS, and ridicule the PCG's lawful defense of Philippine waters. "Nakakalungkot po na isipin na may Pilipino na nagpapagamit sa naratibo laban sa ating magigiting na miyembro ng Philippine Coast Guard dapat po nating labanan ang fake news na kanilang pinapakalat (It's sad to think that there are Filipinos who support the narratives against our brave members of the Philippine Coast Guard we should act against the fake news they are spreading)," he said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DND chief: Task force with US to beef up PH disaster response Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno November 3, 2025, 1:05 pm MANILA -- The newly established joint task force with the United States will help boost the Philippines' capabilities to respond to calamities, according to Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. In a press briefing in Makati City Sunday, Teodoro said Task Force Philippines will ensure an "immediate and quick response to the natural calamities that we are facing." "[The] task force has a specific mission, and that mission is to converge with our resilience both internally and externally, and it is shall we say an efficiency mechanism to funnel all the activities," he said. Task Force Philippines was formally established last week following a meeting between Teodoro and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 2025 ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Teodoro said the task force is an operational arrangement between the US Indo-Pacific Command and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that will "converge all our bilateral activities." The newly activated AFP Strategic Command will be part of the task force, he said. Teodoro added the creation of Task Force Philippines is part of the country's 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the US. "All these task forces are under the different articles of the MDT, which we have with the United States," Teodoro said. "That is the basis of the task force." In their bilateral meeting, Hegseth and Teodoro also discussed key regional security issues, including China's coercive actions in the West Philippine Sea and the larger South China Sea. Both officials underscored the importance of continuous consensus-building efforts among regional partners. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH, Australia, Japan, US concerned over China's 'destabilizing' acts Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno November 3, 2025, 9:59 am MANILA -- The defense chiefs and ministers of the Philippines, Australia, Japan and the United States expressed concern over China's destabilizing actions in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. This came after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Koizumi Shinjiro and United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met on Nov. 1 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, according to a joint statement released Sunday night. "The Ministers and Secretaries reiterated their serious concern regarding China's destabilizing actions in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion," it added. The latest meeting among the defense leaders was the fifth in the last three years, underscoring their commitment to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. They stressed the importance of upholding international law and freedom of navigation and overflight, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and reaffirmed that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and legally binding on the parties to the proceeding. All four defense leaders expressed their continued support for ASEAN's central role in shaping the region's future and committed to ensure peace and stability in the region with the following commitments: --To reaffirm the focus of Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States' joint efforts on deterrence and operational readiness. --To enhance coordinated defense cooperation activities. The defense leaders also discussed progress related to information-sharing, joint training, and operational coordination to enable advanced operations and seamless coordination among their forces. "In support of greater alignment between policy and operational objectives, the Ministers and Secretaries expressed support for the framework to establish the Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Cooperation Council," the statement said. The defense leaders applauded the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan and the Philippines, which allowed the two nations to be more comprehensive bilateral and multilateral partners. "The defense leaders welcomed the upcoming 'Balikatan' 2026 as the next exercise in the Philippines with participation from all four countries' respective forces to enhance joint preparedness," it added. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemns Israeli bill to execute Palestinian prisoners Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 9:52 PM The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a new Israeli draft law that allows the death penalty for Palestinian abductees. On Monday, the so-called "National Security" Committee of the Israeli Knesset (parliament) approved a bill that would allow the execution of Palestinian prisoners, paving the way for its referral to the Knesset General Assembly for discussion and voting in the upcoming legislative session. In a statement released on Monday, the ministry called the bill a war crime and a sign of the regime's growing extremism and criminality against the Palestinian people. The bill has received preliminary approval from the Israeli Knesset's National Security Committee. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said Israel's judicial system and the Knesset act as the regime's tools to legitimize crimes against Palestinians and guarantee impunity. It said the measure is also an extension of the regime's genocide in Gaza to the occupied West Bank, with serious implications for the abductees. Highlighting the bill's violation of international norms and the four Geneva Conventions, the Palestinian ministry pointed to the concerning trend of racial extremism and fascism within the Israeli legal framework. It said that the Palestinian people and their leadership are prepared to confront this bill through various legal and political means. Furthermore, the ministry called on the international community and legal institutions to take immediate action against this troubling development. This includes activating mechanisms for accountability and justice, placing Knesset members who support the law on terrorism lists, and advocating for a boycott of both the lawmakers and this perceived racist institution. The ministry warned that if the bill is enacted without accountability measures for those who proposed, endorsed, or voted in favor of it, it would represent a grave stain on humanity's conscience and suggest complicity in extrajudicial executions. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad had earlier slammed the bill. Hamas said the draft law shows the ugly and fascist nature of Israel, while the Islamic Jihad warned that the bill puts thousands of Palestinians at risk of execution. The controversial bill, submitted by far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir's Jewish Power party, could have its first reading in the parliament as soon as Wednesday. It stipulates that judges will be able to impose a death penalty on Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis on "nationalistic grounds." It would not apply to an Israeli killing a Palestinian under similar circumstances. The bill, first pushed by far-right Israeli parties before Israel's genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, has resurfaced in recent months with renewed backing. Addressing the Knesset's committee earlier in the day, Israel's coordinator for the captives and the missing, Gal Hirsch, said that he held a discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the debate, and both agreed on introducing the new law. Hirsch previously opposed the bill over fears that it would hinder the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza. But now that all living captives have returned under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, his opposition has become "redundant", Israeli media said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Netanyahu rules out granting safe passage to Hamas fighters despite Trump plan Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 7:28 PM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not grant "safe passage" for 200 Hamas fighters to return from Israeli-occupied areas of the Gaza Strip to Hamas-controlled territory, even as he publicly endorsed US President Donald Trump's 20-point ceasefire plan. Israeli media reported on Monday, citing an "Israeli official"- a term often used to refer to Netanyahu's office- that the prime minister "is not allowing safe passage for 200" Hamas fighters. This came after Channel 12 news reported that some 200 Hamas fighters, estimated to be currently located in the tunnels underneath the Israeli-occupied parts of southern Gaza, especially in Rafah, will be granted safe passage to the Hamas-controlled areas if they agree to lay down their arms. According to the initial report, Israeli military sources confirmed that a safe passage to the fighters will only be granted if the resistance movement hands over more corpses of dead Israeli captives. The initial report by Channel 12 drew criticism from Israeli politicians, following which the "Israeli official" categorically denied that Netanyahu would grant such passage to Palestinian fighters stuck in Rafah. "The prime minister persists in his firm stance on the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of the Strip while eliminating terrorist threats to our forces," the official claimed. This comes as Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, which was backed by Netanyahu in September, stated that "Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty." The initial phase of Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan took effect on October 9 and saw a prisoner exchange; however, further stages have not been negotiated yet. Before the official's denial, Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, described the initial report of safe passage to resistance fighters as "utter madness", urging Netanyahu to "Stop this." Another hawkish minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, opposed the report, saying he was "demanding that all 200 terrorists who are beyond the 'Yellow Line' be killed or imprisoned," in reference to the line introduced under Trump's plan, which runs from northern Gaza to the outskirts of Rafah in the south. Criticism also came from the opposition, with Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz writing on X, "We mustn't let them out of the tunnels and reorganize." Meanwhile, Yisrael Beytenu party leader Avigdor Liberman described the plan as "total insanity from a weak and pressured government" and that it couldn't be allowed to happen. Also on Monday, the Israeli military claimed to have killed fighters who had allegedly crossed the so-called "yellow line," and "posed an immediate threat" to the forces stationed in the southern Gaza Strip. The killings took place while it was "not always clear to troops on the ground where the line ran in various parts of Gaza," the Times of Israel reported. Israel has killed at least 68,865 Palestinians and wounded 170,670 others since launching the genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, before a ceasefire deal was reached last month. On October 10, Israeli forces completed the first phase of withdrawal to the "yellow line" but maintained control over nearly 58 percent of the Gaza Strip. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza Health Ministry receives 45 more Palestinian bodies from Israel, total hits 270 Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 5:55 PM Gaza's Health Ministry says it has received the remains of 45 Palestinians from Israeli authorities through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), raising the total number of bodies handed over to 270 under a shaky ceasefire agreement that went in effect in early October. The ministry said in a statement issued on Monday that forensic teams have so far identified 78 bodies and are continuing examinations "in accordance with approved medical procedures and protocols," before the remains are documented and handed over to families. Gaza health authorities said most remains of Palestinians have not been identified, due to the time that has passed. They noted it has been two years since these bodies were taken by Israeli forces, and many show signs of torture. If these remains are not identified, they will be buried alongside other Palestinians in a mass grave in Deir el-Balah. Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, the Hamas resistance movement has released 20 living Israeli captives and handed over 20 bodies. Israel, in return, has released 250 Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences and 1,718 prisoners arrested in Gaza following the onset of the genocidal war on October 7, 2023. Palestinian families have been identifying the remains of their loved ones, sent back from the Israeli-occupied territories without identification, through physical features or recognizable clothing. Forensic facilities in Gaza are no longer operational due to the prolonged Israeli blockade and the destruction of vital laboratories. According to the Palestinian National Campaign to Retrieve Martyrs' Bodies, Israel held 735 Palestinian bodies in so-called "cemeteries of numbers" before the ceasefire. The daily newspaper Haaretz reported that the Israeli army is currently holding approximately 1,500 bodies of Palestinians from Gaza at the infamous Sde Teiman military base in the southern sector of the occupied lands. More than 68,800 people, the majority being women and children, have lost their lives, and over 170,600 others have been injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas, Islamic Jihad condemn Israeli bill to execute Palestinian prisoners Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 3:20 PM Palestinian resistance movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad have strongly condemned Israel's draft law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners, urging the United Nations to take immediate action to block the controversial legislation. On Monday, the so-called "National Security" Committee of the Israeli Knesset (parliament) approved a bill that would allow the execution of Palestinian prisoners, paving the way for its referral to the Knesset General Assembly for discussion and voting in the upcoming legislative session. Hamas said the move reflects "the ugly, fascist face" of the Israeli regime, and "constitutes a grave violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the Third Geneva Convention." The resistance movement urged the United Nations, the international community, and relevant humanitarian and human rights organizations to "take urgent action to stop this brutal crime." It also demanded "the formation of international committees to enter the detention centers, examine the conditions of Palestinian prisoners, and expose the atrocities committed there." Hamas also called for pushing for the immediate release of Palestinian detainees, amid horrific reports of violations committed against them. The Islamic Jihad resistance movement echoed Hamas' statement, saying the bill "represents a new violation of all international charters and humanitarian norms, and its approval constitutes a war crime within the framework of the genocide that the [Israeli] occupation continues to wage against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank." The group warned that the law means thousands of Palestinian prisoners would be subjected to "mass execution." The movement vowed to "spare no effort" in confronting the enemy's aggressive policies against the prisoners and the entire Palestinian people. The controversial bill, submitted by far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir's Jewish Power party, could have its first reading in the parliament as soon as Wednesday. It stipulates that judges will be able to impose a death penalty on Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis on "nationalistic grounds." It would not apply to an Israeli killing a Palestinian under similar circumstances. The bill, first pushed by far-right Israeli parties before Israel's genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, has resurfaced in recent months with renewed backing. Addressing the Knesset's committee earlier in the day, Israel's coordinator for the captives and the missing, Gal Hirsch, said that he held a discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the debate, and both agreed on introducing the new law. Hirsch previously opposed the bill over fears that it would hinder the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza. But now that all living captives have returned under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, his opposition has become "redundant", Israeli media said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Belgian defense minister says drones spotted above airbase to 'spy' on fighter jets Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 11:42 AM The Belgian defense minister has said that several drones were spotted above their airbase "to spy" on military fighter jets. Theo Francken told media on Sunday that the drones were spotted above the Kleine-Brogel Air Base over the weekend. Kleine-Brogel Air Base, in the municipality of Peer, hosts the country's largest unit of Belgian defense forces with the declared objective to "fundamentally contribute to NATO's nuclear deterrence strategy," according to its website. The Kleine-Brogel Air Base has been reported by local media to be a storage place for nuclear arms belonging to the US military. Francken told CNN affiliate RTBF the drones' mission was "to spy" on the military fighter jets, including F-16s, at the airbase. "They come to spy, to see where the F-16s are, where the munitions are, and other highly strategic things." While pointing to the "long time" that one of the drones had spent flying over the airbase, the Belgian defense minister insisted that the drones were clearly on a "spying" mission. "It was not a regular overflight, but a clear mission targeting Kleine Brogel," Francken wrote on X. Drones were also sighted this weekend over the military terrains of Leopoldburg and Marches-en-Famenne, as well as the airports of Deurne and Ostend. Last month, 15 unidentified drones were spotted flying over the Elsenborn military base near the German border. European countries are on high alert after recent incursions by drones and aircraft into NATO airspace. European leaders have suggested creating a so-called "drone wall" around the NATO countries. The proposed "drone wall" will try to protect the eastern edge of the continent against drone incursions claimed to be from Russia. In response, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the far-right Ukrainian Banderites are behind the European drone frenzy. "Drones have been spotted everywhere - near military bases, at airports, in the fields, and over cities. And it is unclear who deploys them," Medvedev, who is presently the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, wrote on the Max messaging app. He said that the repeated violation of NATO airspace could be part of a Black Ops covert operation with the objective of agitating and intimidating European leaders, triggering them to increase their weapons purchases from the US, where arms and ammunition manufacturers have seen increased margins in sales as wars continue across the globe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel keeps bombing Gaza despite truce, kills more in occupied West Bank Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 11:09 AM The Israeli military has carried out a new round of aerial attacks in different parts of the Gaza Strip despite a fragile ceasefire agreement between the occupying regime and the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement, which went into effect in early October. Local sources said Israeli warplanes targeted the eastern neighborhoods of Gaza City early on Monday morning. There were no immediate reports on possible casualties and the extent of damage caused following the attacks. The sources added that powerful explosions were heard east of Gaza City, where Israeli forces were demolishing residential buildings. Israeli air strikes were also reported from the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Additionally, Israeli artillery shelling targeted the eastern flank of Deir el-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip, though no reports about casualties were quickly available. On Sunday, Israeli forces carried out extensive demolitions in Gaza City and Khan Younis. The developments come as the death toll in the besieged coastal sliver has risen to 236 since the ceasefire agreement was enacted on October 10. Director of the government media office in Gaza, Ismail al-Thawabta, said the Israeli army committed 194 violations of the accord. The violations included the army crossing the so-called "yellow line" marking the ceasefire boundary, preventing the entry of medicines, medical supplies, displacement tents, and mobile homes, in addition to the continuation of shooting, shelling, and incursions. According to a statement issued by the Gaza government media office on Saturday, from October 10 until the end of the same month, only 3,203 trucks entered out of the 13,200 trucks that were supposed to enter, at a rate of 600 trucks per day, with a compliance rate of no more than 24%. Settlers, Israeli forces target Palestinians in West Bank Meanwhile, illegal Israeli settlers have burned a vehicle during an attack south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank. The official Palestinian news agency WAFA also reported that a Palestinian man, identified as Ahmed Rabhi al-Atrash, was shot dead by an Israeli settler north of al-Khalil. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) stated that Israeli occupation forces prevented its crews from reaching the wounded young man. Furthermore, the Palestinian Health Ministry said 17-year-old Jamil Atef Hanani was shot dead by Israeli forces in the town of Beit Furik, east of Nablus, in the northern area of the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces also conducted raids across the West Bank on Sunday night and early on Monday, and abducted several Palestinians. The town of Allar, north of Tulkarm, as well as the villages near Qalqilya, Ramallah, northeast of al-Quds, and east of Bethlehem, were targeted in the overnight offensives. Since the onset of Israel's genocidal war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, Israeli settler and military attacks have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 10,000 others, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Palestinian property has been targeted over 2,400 times in the past two years, resulting in the displacement of at least 3,055 individuals. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal and urged the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanese army mobilizes forces near southern border amid Israeli movements Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 10:36 AM The Lebanese army has mobilized its forces in the border town of Meiss al-Jabal in southern Lebanon after Israeli military movements near the frontier. The Lebanese news agency NNA reported on Sunday that the army's mobilization and deployment of vehicles and troops in the area came in response to Israeli forces establishing alert positions inside the occupied territories adjacent to Meiss al-Jabal. This deployment comes after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's Thursday directive for the army to confront any Israeli military incursions into southern Lebanon in an escalation of tensions despite an existing ceasefire agreement. The president's directive followed new airstrikes and a deadly Israeli ground aggression in the town of Blida that left one civilian dead. According to a statement from the Lebanese presidency on Thursday, Aoun instructed army chief Rudolphe Haikal to "have the Lebanese army confront any Israeli incursion into the liberated southern territories, in defense of Lebanese land and the safety of citizens." On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike claimed the lives of four people and wounded three others in southern Lebanon. The casualties were caused after an Israeli drone targeted a vehicle in the village of Kafr Rumman. Another Israeli drone had carried out an airstrike on the nearby town of Kafr Sir earlier that day. The strikes came three days after Israeli troops carried out a ground incursion into Lebanon's southern province of Nabatieh, where the Saturday attacks took place. Israel continues to carry out deadly aggression across southern Lebanon amid the regime's continued back-to-back breaches of a ceasefire agreement it reached with the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah on November 27, 2024. Israel's repeated bombardments have drawn growing condemnation for fueling instability and targeting civilians despite the regime's claims that they are purely aimed at self-defense. Israeli war minister threatens 'deeper' escalation Meanwhile, in a social media post on Sunday, Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz accused the Lebanese president of "dragging his feet" and delaying the disarmament of Hezbollah, warning of further escalation against the country. "Hezbollah is playing with fire and the President of Lebanon is dragging his feet," Katz said. "The Lebanese government's commitment to disarm Hezbollah and remove it from southern Lebanon must be carried out." "The strictest enforcement will continue and will even deepen - we will not allow a threat to the residents of the north," he added. During a cabinet session on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said that Tel Aviv "will not allow the Lebanon front to once again be a source of threat to Israel", vowing to "do what is necessary to prevent that." Israel has intensified its acts of aggression against Lebanon significantly over the past few weeks, targeting reconstruction equipment, which the regime claims is used by Hezbollah to rebuild infrastructure. Over 300 people have been killed by Israel since the ceasefire agreement was reached. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US revives abandoned Cold War base in Caribbean amid buildup near Venezuela Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 7:18 AM The US military is upgrading a long-abandoned Cold War naval base in the Caribbean, signaling preparations for sustained aggression that could support potential interventions in Venezuela. According to a Reuters report, the US Southern Command is restoring Roosevelt Roads naval base in Puerto Rico, shuttered by the Navy more than 20 years ago. Reconstruction of the base began on September 17, shortly after the US Southern Command initiated a military buildup in the Caribbean and off Venezuela's coast. Until its closure in 2004, Roosevelt Roads was one of the largest US naval stations in the world, occupying a strategic location and providing extensive space for equipment storage, a US official said. In addition to upgrading landing and take-off facilities at Roosevelt Roads, the US is expanding infrastructure at airports in Puerto Rico and St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Both territories lie roughly 800 kilometers from Venezuela. These developments point to preparations that could allow the US military to carry out attacks on Venezuelan soil. The military buildup in the region is the largest unrelated to disaster relief since 1994, when the United States sent two aircraft carriers and more than 20,000 troops to Haiti for a military intervention code-named as "Operation Uphold Democracy." Since August, the Caribbean and waters near Venezuela have seen an intensified US military presence, including 6,000 personnel, destroyers, anti-submarine aircraft, battleships, nuclear submarines, and F-35 squadrons. On October 24, the Pentagon announced the deployment of Carrier Strike Group Twelve (CSG-12) to the Southern Command, claiming its mission is solely to "detect, monitor, and interdict illicit activities that threaten the security and prosperity of the United States." The arrival of CSG-12, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, will increase US troop numbers in the region to roughly 10,000. On October 15, US President Donald Trump stated that he had authorized CIA operations in Venezuela and was considering possible ground interventions. "We have almost totally stopped it by sea. Now we will stop it by land," Trump said from the Oval Office, referring to what he described as drug trafficking. This mounting military presence has fueled fears that Washington may attempt to destabilize or even invade Venezuela under fabricated pretexts. The Southern Command has conducted at least 15 assaults in the Caribbean or eastern Pacific since early September, killing no fewer than 62 people. The frequency of these strikes has escalated sharply, increasing from one operation every few weeks to two assaults on alleged drug vessels in the past four days alone. On October 24, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, speaking in a national broadcast, said the Trump administration is manufacturing "a new eternal war." "They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and they are fabricating a war that we will avoid," Maduro said. "They are fabricating an extravagant narrative, a vulgar, criminal, and totally fake one," he continued, adding, "Venezuela is a country that does not produce cocaine leaves." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen's Ansarullah vows immediate, crushing response to any Israeli aggression Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 7:09 AM A senior member of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says any act of aggression by the Israeli regime against the country will be met with an immediate and crushing response. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti's reaction came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Ansarullah poses a major threat to Israel and vowed to eliminate the movement. Bukhaiti said Ansarullah prefers direct confrontation with the Israeli regime, saying it would help strengthen unity among Muslim nations. On Friday, another Ansarullah's senior official, Mohammed al-Farah, said the Israeli regime's threats are a transparent ploy to distract attention from the regime's catastrophic military failure and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. He warned that any attack on Yemen would only amplify the resistance and be met with a resounding and decisive response. Since the onset of Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, Yemen's forces have carried out scores of operations in support of the war-hit Gazans, striking targets throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to targeting Israeli ships or vessels heading towards ports in the occupied territories. Yemeni forces also executed a strategic maritime blockade aimed at obstructing the delivery of military resources to Israel, significantly disrupting Israeli trade routes and dealing a heavy blow to the entity's economy. With a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in place, Sana'a has warned that if Israel violates the agreement in the Gaza Strip, it will face a more "severe and decisive" response by the Yemeni Armed Forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Report Slams Georgia For Democratic Backsliding, Highlights Progress In Other Candidates By RFE/RL November 03, 2025 The European Union's annual enlargement report will slam Georgia for its backsliding on democratic policies while generally giving a positive review to Albania, Moldova, Montenegro, and Ukraine on their progress toward membership, a draft of the report, seen by RFE/RL, shows. The European Commission will release the report, which tracks political developments in 10 countries aiming to join the bloc -- Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine -- on November 4. While the overall tone is positive for most of the countries, the report singles out Georgia with a scathing assessment, claiming developments in a number of fields threaten democracy in the South Caucasus country. "Georgia has experienced serious democratic backsliding, with a rapid erosion of the rule of law and fundamental rights being severely restricted," it says, noting that institutions designed to uphold rule of law have been instrumentalized by the government for partisan objectives" and "judicial capture." Tbilisi's Collision Course With Brussels The South Caucasus republic has been on a collision course with Brussels for a long time with Tbilisi adopting both anti-LGBT legislation and a so-called foreign agent law -- similar to legislation used in Russia to crack down on free speech and civil society -- amid heavy criticism last year. The relationship deteriorated further after parliamentary elections in October 2024 in which the ruling Georgian Dream party -- backed by billionaire former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili -- controversially clung on to power and halted accession talks while adopting what many, including Brussels, see as Russia-friendly policies. "Adopted and enforced restrictive laws targeting activists, civil society, and independent media threaten the survival of democratic foundations and are unprecedented among candidate countries," says the draft report, which is subject to change. "No steps have been taken by the authorities to reverse the course of action and bring the country back on its EU path," it adds. The report is the first on the state of play in EU candidate countries to be issued by the new European Commission, which saw its 27 commissioners, one for each member country, begin its mandate in December 2024. The document notes that the enlargement process "now is moving faster than in the last 15 years," with a "realistic possibility" that new countries will join the bloc by the end of the new commission's mandate, which runs to 2029. The last country to join the EU was Croatia in 2013. While not mentioning which countries are progressing fastest, it notes that Montenegro aims to close EU accession negotiations in 2026 and Albania just a year later. Montenegro has opened negotiations in all 33 policy chapters that EU hopefuls need to fulfill before joining the bloc and closed seven of them. Albania, meanwhile, has opened 28 chapters in little over a year, though it hasn't closed any yet. The two Western Balkan countries, together with Moldova and Ukraine, appear to be the frontrunners for Brussels at the moment. The report notes the quartet has made progress on fundamental rule of law issues and is building a track record when it comes to fighting corruption. A Warning For Ukraine Ukraine, however, is warned not to backtrack and again interfere with the anti-corruption courts NABU and SAP. That comes in response to a brief move by the government over the summer when a law passed by parliament was seen as a threat to the independence of the agencies. Massive street protests against the new law, along with international pressure, forced the government to reverse the move with a new law that would address concerns of Russian influence but not jeopardize the independence of anti-corruption bodies. The commission's report cautions Kyiv that "any action that weakens or reverses strong anti-corruption reforms must be avoided." While the European Commission is in charge of giving assessment of reforms in candidate countries and issuing recommendations, it is the 27 EU member states that decide via unanimity to open and close negotiations of the policy chapters, something that makes any prediction of membership difficult. This is especially true for Ukraine and Moldova, which were given the green light to formally start accession talks in December 2023 but haven't opened them because of Hungary blocking Ukraine over what Budapest says is a lack of rights for the Hungarian-speaking minority in the country. Similarly, Bulgaria has blocked North Macedonia for not referencing Bulgarians as an ethnic minority in the country's constitution, something requiring a two-thirds majority in the Macedonian parliament. The commission's report also says Skopje should do more to safeguard judicial independence and fight corruption. 'The Polarization In Serbian Society' Serbia, which has opened 22 policy chapters, has also been stuck for years as some EU member states are critical of Belgrade's refusal to align with EU sanctions on Russia. But there are also other issues such as a perceived backsliding when it comes to freedom of expression and smear campaigns against civil society. The text states that "the polarization in Serbian society has deepened against the background of mass students' and citizens' protests taking place across Serbia since November 2024, reflecting disappointment of citizens over corruption and the perceived lack of accountability and transparency, coupled with instances of excessive use of force against protestors and pressure on civil society." Bosnia-Herzegovina hasn't started accession talks, either, due to political divisions along national lines in the country that have prevented Sarajevo from appointing a chief negotiator for the talks with Brussels. The report also asks for more reforms of the judiciary and state institutions. Kosovo, which applied for membership in late 2022, is so far not an official EU candidate country as a handful of EU member states still haven't recognized its independence from Serbia following the violent breakup of the former Yugoslavia. This, coupled with the protracted political deadlock in the country in recent months, makes an assessment of Pristina difficult. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-report-slams-georgia- democratic-backsliding-progress-candidates/33580249.html Copyright (c) 2025. 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 At Least 27 Dead, Scores Injured As Earthquake Rocks Northern Afghanistan By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi November 03, 2025 At least 27 people are dead and scores more injured after an earthquake of 6.3 magnitude struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on November 3, just two months after a deadly and devastating quake rocked the eastern part of the country. The US Geological Survey said its models indicated that "significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread" around the city of some 523,000 people. Social media posts showed videos of what were said to be rescue efforts attempting to help people trapped under ruins following the earthquake. The videos could not immediately be independently verified. "The earthquake was very strong. It was night, I came out, and I fell here," Nasrullah, a resident of Samangan Province, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "My wife was martyred (killed) when the room collapsed. The situation was very bad. My life is ruined. My wife was pregnant." The Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency said at least 27 people were killed in the quake, while some 733 more were injured. Taliban authorities said portions of Balkh and Samangan provinces appeared to be the worst-hit. "A wall of our house also collapsed in the earthquake. The situation here is very bad. All the people's houses have collapsed. There are many martyrs and injured," another Samangan resident, who asked not to be named, told Radio Azadi. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that within an hour of the earthquake, it had begun to mobilize responders. It said support is "urgently" needed for local medical facilities to "manage the high influx of injured patients." An official in Mazar-e Sharif said the city's famed Blue Mosque, one of the country's few tourist sites, had been damaged in the quake. A journalist from AFP reported that parts of the 15th-century mosque, particularly one of its minarets, had been damaged and that debris was scattered across the grounds. The latest quake follows a magnitude 4.9 temblor that hit Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region on November 1. Casualties and damages from that incident are not yet clear. In August, a major earthquake killed more than 2,000 people as authorities in the impoverished, war-ravaged nation pleaded with countries to send aid. Most international aid efforts to the country were disrupted after the hard-line Taliban militants seized power in August 2021. Deadly earthquakes are common in Afghanistan, with poor construction and infrastructure assets often hampering rescue efforts. AFP quoted Brian Baptie, a seismologist with the British Geological Survey, as saying that since 1900 northeastern Afghanistan has been hit by at least 12 quakes with a magnitude above 7. The Taliban rulers have remained mostly isolated in the global community. Russia is the only country that officially recognizes the Taliban as the country's government, although the rulers have made attempts over the past year to reengage with the rest of the world. Western nations have accused the Taliban of major human rights violations, especially against girls and women. They have predicated potential diplomatic ties on an improved rights situation. The Taliban also faces an armed border conflict with much more-powerful Pakistan, with peace negotiations having mainly broken down. Pakistan and Afghanistan have held talks in Istanbul aimed at securing peace after more than 70 people were killed last month in border clashes. The recent violence, which also wounded hundreds of people, has been the worst since the Taliban seized power in 2021. The Taliban has also struggled to battle against domestic terrorist groups and endemic poverty. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghan-earthquake-mazar- taliban-pakistan/33579866.html Copyright (c) 2025. 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 As US Ratchets Up Pressure On Venezuela, Will (Or Can) Moscow Help Maduro? By Steve Gutterman November 03, 2025 It may be happening again. In 2019, the United States backed an opposition leader seeking to unseat Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro. Russia opposed the push, providing diplomatic assistance and a modicum of military support for a government that may be Moscow's most important partner in Latin America. Maduro survived the crisis when Juan Guaido's call for a military uprising failed and his bid for power fizzled -- a big relief for Russia and a blow to the United States, which considers Maduro illegitimate. Serving his first term at the time, US President Donald Trump had recognized Guaido as interim president of Venezuela in January 2019. While the circumstances are very different today, the United States is again ratcheting up pressure on Maduro. It has built up a big military presence in the Caribbean, where it is now sending an aircraft carrier -- the USS Gerald R Ford, commonly accepted as the world's largest warship -- and has conducted numerous strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels, killing dozens of people. US officials have been citing a 2020 drug-crimes indictment against Maduro, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling him a "fugitive from American justice." In August the United States doubled a bounty for information leading to his capture to $50 million. A CBS interview released on November 2 saw Trump play down concerns that the United States would go to war against Venezuela but, asked if Maduro's days were numbered, said, "I think so, yeah." Maduro is reportedly again turning to Russia for support -- but analysts say that if Washington makes a concerted effort to oust him, Moscow's levers to prevent it are limited. "To put it bluntly, there is nothing much Russia can do, if the USA is determined to try and bring Maduro down, beyond diplomatic overtures," said Mark Galeotti, an author, Russia analysist, and honorary professor at University College London's School of Slavonic and East European Studies. Seeking Support? In an October 31 report, The Washington Post said documents it obtained show Maduro wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin asking Moscow to bolster Venezuela's air defenses by restoring previously purchased Sukhoi warplanes, helping Caracas overhaul engines and radars and acquire missiles, and providing logistical support. The letter was to be delivered by Venezuela's transportation minister, whom Russia says traveled to Moscow in mid-October, according to the Post, which also reported that Maduro was seeking support from China and Iran. It's not clear whether the letter was delivered to, or received by, the Kremlin. Neither Russian nor Venezuelan officials have commented on the report or made public statements about specific new backing for Maduro's government. However, a large Russian Il-76 transport plane arrived in Caracas in late October after flying a circuitous route with several stops, according to the flight tracking site FlightData24. It is unclear what the aircraft was carrying. 'Ready To React' On November 1, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow denounces "the use of excessive military force in carrying out actions in anti-drug operations" and "confirms our firm support for the Venezuelan leadership in defending its national sovereignty." Two days earlier, Zakharova said Russia was "in contact with our partners" and was "ready to continue to react in the appropriate fashion to their requests, taking into account existing and potential threats." A new strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Venezuela, discussed during Maduro's visit to Moscow in May, entered into force after Putin signed it, Russian state media reported on October 27. But such pacts are often short on specifics. Experts say most of Russia's military operations in the Western Hemisphere have been largely for show, a reminder to the West that Moscow's forces are able to venture further afield than they could when the cash-strapped country pulled back in the wake of the 1991 Soviet collapse. In 2018, two nuclear-capable Russian strategic bombers landed at a military airport outside Caracas. In July 2024, two Russian naval ships docked in Venezuela ahead of an election that extended Maduro's rule and was denounced by the United States as a sham. Amid the bid to oust Maduro in 2019, Moscow acknowledged it had military personnel on the ground after photos showed nearly 100 Russian soldiers emerging from two military aircraft. Levers And Limitations In a report published by the US-based Kennan Institute's Wilson Center in 2020, Colombia-based analyst Vladimir Rouvinski wrote that the "first continuous presence of Russian military personnel in the Western Hemisphere" since the withdrawal from Cuba in the early 1990s was "a clear manifestation of the Kremlin's determination to keep Venezuela within Russia's orbit." "Many other Russian-sponsored or -assisted actions helped keep Maduro in power," including Moscow's blockage of a US-backed UN Security Council resolution, Rouvinski wrote. But at the same time, "the crisis in Venezuela laid bare the many limitations of Russian policy," such as "a shortage of...financial resources to support its policy in Latin America." Russia's resources, financial and military, are more stretched than they were in 2019: That was three years before Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, committing the vast majority of the country's military personnel and assets to a costly war with no end in sight and triggering waves of Western economic sanctions. Even were it not on the attack in the biggest war in Europe since 1945, Russia's distance from Venezuela would be a serious limitation to substantial backing if it comes to that. "I think that if the US is serious about regime change in Venezuela by force, Russia is unlikely to be able to help in any way," Oleg Ignatov, senior Russia analyst at the Crisis Group, told RFE/RL in an e-mailed comment. "This was impossible both before and after the [start of the] war in Ukraine. Elementary geography and logistics are at play here." Trump has sent mixed signals about whether the United States is considering striking drug-related targets inside Venezuela. "The land is going to be next," he said on October 23 in comments about the strikes on boats. But on October 31, when asked if media reports that he was considering strikes within Venezuela were true, the US president said: "No." The fall of Maduro would be a major blow to Moscow, potentially depriving it of a key foothold in Latin America and echoing the ouster in December 2024 of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, which has weakened the Kremlin's influence in the Middle East. In addition to Maduro's status as an ally in Moscow's geopolitical confrontation with Washington and the West, Russia has invested heavily in oil production in Venezuela, which has the largest proven oil reserves in the world -- though US sanctions mean the two countries are both seeking to sell to some of the same buyers, such as China. Geopolitical Calculus While the war against Ukraine has focused Moscow on acquiring arms itself, Caracas in the past, at least, has been a substantial buyer of Russian weapons. Amid the US buildup nearby, Maduro said on October 22 that Venezuela has 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S missiles in "key air defense positions." Despite those ties, Moscow may see the growing US pressure on Venezuela as a development that draws Washington's attention away from Ukraine, lessening the chances of additional pressure on Russia to halt the invasion. Putin's Kremlin might even see a silver lining in Maduro's departure if the United States were to force him from power. "In a perverse way...Moscow would gain by such an operation, in that it would strengthen its claim that it is the West, not Russia, that is the enemy of the Global South: arrogant, violent and imperialist," Galeotti wrote in an e-mailed comment to RFE/RL. "Russia is, after all, still able to find allies and clients in the Global South, whether out of conviction or, more often, pragmatism, and always takes advantage of Western adventurism to hammer home its claim that the liberal global order is simply a scam to bend the world to Western interest," he wrote. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/maduro-putin-us-venezuela- geopolitics/33580365.html Copyright (c) 2025. 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 Foreign Minister Attends Ministerial Coordination Meeting on Gaza Saudi Press Agency Istanbul, November 03, 2025, SPA -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attended a ministerial coordination meeting on Gaza, hosted by the Republic of Turkiye in Istanbul, with the participation of Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The meeting discussed developments in Gaza and ongoing efforts to achieve peace in the region. The ministers reviewed the latest outcomes of the High-Level Coordination Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, recently held in Riyadh, and joint efforts to coordinate diplomatic and humanitarian tracks. They emphasized the continued exertion of all efforts to ensure the stabilization of the ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to all regions in Gaza. Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Manal Radwan attended the meeting. -- SPA 22:48 Local Time 19:48 GMT 0074 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Secretary Landau's Call with Argentine Foreign Minister Quirno US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson November 3, 2025 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Today, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau spoke with Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs Pablo Quirno to congratulate him on his new role and reaffirm the United States' strong partnership with Argentina. The Deputy Secretary commended Argentina's strategic leadership in our hemisphere. He also expressed U.S. support for President Milei's historic reforms, following the October 26 midterm elections that will promote economic stability and prosperity for the Argentine people. Deputy Secretary Landau and Foreign Minister Quirno also discussed ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation on economic growth and other shared priorities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN agencies on hand as deadly new quake hits northern Afghanistan 3 November 2025 - UN teams rushed to northern Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck overnight, just two months after a massive quake devastated the east of the country. Details are still emerging from the latest emergency where initial reports indicate at least 20 people have been killed and hundreds injured. Head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that first responders from the UN agency were already "on the ground" to support care for the injured. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) also highlighted its support for affected communities and the emergency response as needs appraisals began. Reports indicate that the earthquake struck near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif at around 1am local time, causing buildings to collapse on those sleeping inside. Footage posted on social media from the city's Shrine of Hazrat Ali - also known as the Blue Mosque - showed people stepping around rubble on the ground of the site revered by Shiah Muslims. Although people have been reported killed in the worst-hit mountainous province of Samangan, initial assessments carried out from the air indicated fewer signs of damage than at first feared. The UN flyover, conducted with the help of the Swiss authorities, also showed no signs of mass displacement that might have been expected had the earthquake been more destructive. "We went over the main populated areas where the most settlements are in the earthquake affected area. "Thankfully, we saw very little widespread devastation...compared to the devastating scenes we saw in Kunar just a few weeks ago," said Richard Trenchard, the UN's acting Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan. Still reeling from Kunar quake The new crisis follows a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on 31 August that swept away thousands of houses and vital infrastructure in eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province. The disaster uprooted hundreds of thousands of people and left half a million requiring urgent medical assistance. "What began as an acute emergency has now evolved into a displacement crisis, where families endure extended stays in temporary settlements amid escalating health risks," WHO said. In addition to a lack of access to safe drinking water for displaced families, the UN agency warned of widespread open defecation and poor access to health services for women in particular, owing to "the absence of female staff and the lack of privacy". Maternal and newborn health needs remain critical for those impacted by the August quake amid deep funding cuts for aid work, WHO noted, in addition to immunization, noncommunicable disease case management and mental health and psychosocial support. On the ground in Afghanistan, UN agencies and partners say that collaboration and local leadership will be crucial to boost the recovery response. Efforts are underway to pre-position supplies, mobilize surveillance teams to prevent disease outbreaks and prepare damaged hospitals to resume operations. Building back better Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes because it sits on numerous tectonic fault lines that often cause massively damaging shallow tremors. To improve the resilience of vulnerable communities to these repeated shocks, specialized UN agency UN Habitat said trained Afghan masons using local construction techniques, are one important way to help save lives. "While everybody is still assessing the impact of the earthquake, looking at casualties, it is important that people become aware that earthquakes will happen in Afghanistan again and again," said the agency's Stephanie Loose, Senior Human Settlements Officer. "It's important to look at materials, but also construction methods that are intrinsic to the cultural heritage of the country," Ms.Loose added. "Bringing in new materials and construction methods which are not close to the people and where people cannot be trained en masse is not going to help the country. We need to act now and make sure that the cultural heritage is preserved regarding the settlement structures when rebuilding." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Famine tightens grip on Sudan, with civilians trapped and aid blocked 3 November 2025 - Sudan's hunger crisis has deepened further, with new UN-backed analysis confirming that famine is underway in parts of Darfur and Kordofan, where fighting and sieges have cut off entire communities from food and aid. According to the latest IPC food security report, more than 21 million people across Sudan are facing high levels of acute food insecurity - the largest such crisis in the world. Famine takes root The analysis found that famine conditions are ongoing in El Fasher, North Darfur, and in Kadugli, South Kordofan, where families are trapped and surviving on leaves, animal feed and grass. Around 375,000 people nationwide are facing "catastrophic" levels of hunger, meaning they are on the brink of starvation. The IPC is a global system used by UN agencies and humanitarian partners to measure the severity of hunger: check out our explainer here. It classifies food crises on a five-point scale, with Phase 5 - famine - representing extreme deprivation marked by starvation, acute malnutrition and rising deaths. The latest findings for Sudan were reviewed and confirmed by the IPC's independent Famine Review Committee. El Fasher turning point Conditions for civilians remain desperate. Following the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia's takeover of El Fasher last week after more than 500 days of siege, the UN says hundreds of civilians - including humanitarian workers - have been killed, and many others are trapped behind barricades. The city remains sealed off, with food, medicine and relief supplies blocked despite urgent appeals for access. The UN's humanitarian office, OCHA, has called this obstruction "unacceptable" and urged immediate, safe passage for aid convoys. Nearly 71,000 people have fled El Fasher and surrounding areas since late October, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), many reporting killings, abductions and sexual violence along the way. Conditions in Tawila around 70 kilometres away, where most have sought refuge, are dire: families are sleeping in the open, food stocks are depleted, and clean water is scarce. In neighbouring Kordofan, violence has surged in recent days, driving tens of thousands from their homes. Children's agency, UNICEF, reported that missile strikes in Kadugli last Friday killed at least eight children sheltering in displacement sites. Catastrophe for civilians The UN's Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, described the situation as "catastrophic for civilians who are caught between frontlines, cut off from assistance and facing hunger on a massive scale". She again urged an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and unimpeded humanitarian access. With only 28 per cent of Sudan's $4.16 billion humanitarian plan funded so far this year - amid an unprecedented fall off in aid expenditure by donor governments worldwide - the UN warned that critical life-saving operations remain at risk. Without a halt to the fighting and a massive scale-up of aid, millions more could face starvation in the months ahead. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Sudan, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Hurricane Melissa, Afghanistan, Ukraine UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Sudan Ongoing violence imperils civilians in El Fasher The Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Denise Brown, continues to warn of ongoing violence against civilians - including women and children - in and around El Fasher, following the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) takeover of North Darfur's state capital last week. The UN continues to receive credible reports of summary executions and sexual violence. More than a week after the takeover, the city remains barricaded, and civilians are unable to leave. Hundreds of civilians, including humanitarian workers, have reportedly been killed, while large numbers remain trapped inside the city with little or no communication to the outside world. The delivery of life-saving assistance remains blocked by the RSF, contrary to its obligation under international humanitarian law to facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of such relief. OCHA stresses that this obstruction is unacceptable and calls for immediate and unhindered access to the people trapped in El Fasher. An immediate cessation of hostilities is crucial to ensure the protection of civilians. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that nearly 71,000 people have fled El Fasher and surrounding areas since 26 October, most towards the locality of Tawila, where camps are already overcrowded. Many new arrivals have reported killings, abductions and sexual violence along the way. Conditions in Tawila are dire: Families are living in the open or in makeshift shelters, food stocks are running out, and clean water is scarce. The UN and its partners are providing emergency assistance - including daily meals, healthcare, water, sanitation, nutrition and psychosocial support - but these efforts cover only a fraction of the needs due to funding constraints. Meanwhile, in Sudan's Kordofan region, violence has also sharply escalated, triggering large-scale displacement and civilian suffering. In North Kordofan State, grave violations - including the alleged summary execution of civilians - have been reported in the locality of Bara. IOM reports that between 26 and 31 October, about 37,000 people were displaced from Bara, Um Rawaba and surrounding villages, many fleeing towards Sheikan and White Nile State. Civilians face mounting insecurity, food shortages, and the destruction of basic infrastructure. In South Kordofan State, UNICEF said yesterday that at least eight children were reportedly killed and three others injured after missile strikes hit displacement shelters on 31 October. The reported strikes on these sites in the state capital Kadugli underscore the grave risks facing civilians. Continued fighting has displaced about 400 people from Abassiya and Delami towns. Families are sheltering in makeshift locations with little access to food, water or healthcare. Once again, OCHA calls for urgent, flexible funding to support the millions of people caught in Sudan's devastating conflict. With just two months left in the year, the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Sudan is only 28 per cent funded in the face of overwhelming needs - with US$1.17 billion received to date of the $4.16 billion required. Occupied Palestinian Territory UN and partners continue to deliver vital aid to Gaza as part of 60-day humanitarian scale-up OCHA says that the ongoing scale-up of the aid response in Gaza is already having a positive impact on people in all areas of the Strip. However, much more is needed so that humanitarians can address the full scale of the needs and leave no one behind. This Saturday, the UN and its partners collected nearly 200 truckloads of essential supplies from Israeli crossings along the perimeter fence that encircles Gaza. Among the supplies were nearly 1,900 metric tons of different food supplies and wheat flour and over 100 pallets of food boxes. The supplies also included over 1,000 pallets of mattresses, blankets, tents, tarpaulins and winter clothes. Additionally, they included nearly 300 pallets full of hygiene kits, buckets, water containers, and jerry cans; 50 pallets of fortified cereals; and some 200 pallets of dignity kits, menstrual health kits and midwifery supplies. On Sunday - based on initial data that is still partial - the UN and its partners collected nearly 1,000 pallets of blankets, tents, hygiene kits, water tanks, mats, winter clothes, tarpaulins and jerry cans, alongside one truckload of animal fodder. All of this data is preliminary and covers the UN and its partners - excluding bilateral donations and the commercial sector. Inside Gaza, the UN and its partners are currently supporting 17 bakeries in Gaza - nine in the south and eight in the north. These are producing 150,000 bread bundles of 2 kilograms each every day, as of Thursday. These bread bundles are distributed through more than 400 points across the Strip. The UN and its partners are also supporting 180 kitchens serving nearly 1,160,000 meals every day, as of Saturday. All of this is in addition to the distribution of food parcels. On nutrition, the UN and its partners are currently supporting 133 treatment sites, including 20 in Gaza city - where famine was confirmed in August. They are also improving services that prevent malnutrition, including by providing blanket supplementary feeding. On Saturday and Sunday, humanitarian teams also delivered 1,000 tarpaulins and 2,500 blankets to people in need. Since the ceasefire, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has supported an estimated 90,000 women and girls with reproductive health and hygiene items. This includes the distribution of medical equipment and supplies to 13 health facilities across the Strip, including incubators and surgery equipment. UNFPA has also distributed thousands of post-partum kits and dignity kits to women and girls. Humanitarians are also making advancements on the education front. Renovation is ongoing in four schools, and over the past three days, the UN and its partners have supported the reopening of five temporary learning spaces in Gaza city. On Friday, the UN Satellite Centre published a new comprehensive assessment indicating that some 81 per cent of all structures in the Gaza Strip are damaged. Northern Gaza experienced the largest increases in damage since July 2025, with nearly 5,700 newly affected structures. Overall, more than 123,000 structures across the Strip have been identified as destroyed, another 50,000 are severely or moderately damaged, and 24,000 are possibly damaged. In total, nearly 200,000 structures are affected. OCHA reiterates that to fully deliver on the 60-day humanitarian plan, the UN and its humanitarian partners need a durable ceasefire, more functional crossings, the lifting of bureaucratic hurdles, safe and viable routes inside Gaza, sustained funding*, and unimpeded access - including for NGOs. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza and the West Bank with urgent support. Hurricane Melissa UN Relief Chief fast-tracks funds for hurricane response in Jamaica Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to scale up the response to Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The funds will focus on providing support in the areas of food, health, water, shelter, logistics, and sanitation and hygiene. Major logistical challenges persist, with debris and destroyed roads blocking access to some affected areas. Assessments are continuing, and OCHA is coordinating information management efforts. More members of a UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team arrived today, joining others who reached Jamaica yesterday. The World Food Programme (WFP), with support from local residents, is setting up a mobile storage unit on the grounds of a church in the town of Santa Cruz in Saint Elisabeth Parish. The site will serve as a staging point for supplies moving to the west of the country. In Cuba, the UN has finalized an emergency action plan, focusing on the eastern part of the island, which was severely impacted by the hurricane. In the meantime, the UN and its partners continue to support the response. Nearly 300 health facilities and 600 schools have been significantly damaged, and some 25,000 people remain in shelters. Electricity, running water and the availability of medicine are critical concerns. UNICEF has dispatched kits with medical supplies for 90,000 people. The kits include critical medicine, medical supplies, mosquito nets and oral rehydration salts, which are critical for preventing vector-borne diseases and treating dehydration among children. WFP is also providing food assistance to some 180,000 people. Afghanistan Multiple deaths reported after earthquake strikes Balkh province The UN and its humanitarian partners are closely monitoring the situation in Afghanistan following reports of a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit near Mazar-e-Sharif, in Balkh province, in the country's north last night. Initial reports estimate that 20 people have been killed and over 900 injured, with a number of homes destroyed. The UN is working with local and national disaster management authorities to assess the situation and coordinate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Even prior to this earthquake, people in the region were already experiencing drought, chronic poverty, and limited basic services following the return of over 2 million people to Afghanistan this year. The UN continues to call for support to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. This year's appeal remains severely underfunded, with just over a third of the $2.4 billion Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan funded, leaving a gap of more than $1.5 billion. Ukraine Ongoing attacks and hostilities cause more civilian casualties OCHA says that attacks and hostilities continued over the weekend in Ukraine, with more reports of civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. According to authorities, at least 24 civilians were killed and another 84 injured, including children, between 1 November and this morning. The most affected areas include the regions of Dnipro, Donetsk, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Odesa. The attacks also damaged schools, railway and energy infrastructure, as well as residential buildings, disrupting access to electricity and heating. Meanwhile, the security situation continues to deteriorate in the front-line town of Pokrovsk and surrounding areas in the region of Donetsk. As of the end of October, more than 1,200 civilians remain in the town, which has become the epicentre of hostilities in the region. Authorities report that evacuations are currently impossible due to ongoing hostilities. Between 31 October and 2 November, about 500 people were evacuated from the Donetsk region, according to humanitarians on the ground. More than 200,000 people, including over 13,000 children, remain in the region, according to the authorities. Between January and September, humanitarian partners provided vital help to more than 300,000 people in the region of Donetsk. About 150 organizations delivered food assistance and emergency water supply, and repaired water and wastewater systems. In addition, some 40,000 people, including older residents and those with disabilities, received transportation and evacuation support. Posted on 3 November 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Conference by Security Council President on Work Programme for November Press Conference Security Council 3 November 2025 In November, the Security Council will advance a forward-looking agenda ranging from an open debate on conflict-related food insecurity to a review of its working methods including the process now beginning to select the next Secretary-General said the organ's President for the month during a United Nations Headquarters press conference today. "To say that it will be a very busy month would be an understatement," said Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone), whose country holds the 15-nation organ's rotating presidency in November. He said the Council's programme of work will concentrate on four critical challenges, namely conflict-related food insecurity; climate-related security risks; the proliferation of small arms and light weapons; and the inclusion of youth in peace decision-making on peace and security. To ensure more transparency, the presidency will also ensure that notes are provided to members of the press following all closed Council consultations, he said. "We haven't had those [notes] for a while, given the climate and dynamics in the Council, but we will try to promote that as part of our transparency initiative," he said, adding that the Council will also include a gender perspective in all its meetings and invite civil society representatives to brief wherever appropriate. Briefing on Relationship between Conflict and Environmental Harm One key event for the month, a thematic briefing on the relationship between conflict and environmental harms, will take place on 6 November, he said. "The discussion aims to elevate the security implications of climate-linked environmental harm caused by armed conflict, and the practical measures the Council and UN system can advance to mitigate such risks," he said, noting that Sierra Leone's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperations, Francess Piagie Alghali, is expected to preside over that meeting. The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen, will address the Council alongside other briefers. Open Debates on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Working Methods, Conflict-Related Food Insecurity On 10 November, he said, the Council will hold an open debate on small arms and light weapons, to be chaired by Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Sierra Leone's Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It will focus on the nexus between illicit financial flows, transnational crime, terrorism and their destabilizing impacts, especially in Latin American and the Caribbean and Africa. Meanwhile, he said, on 14 November, the Council will hold a debate on its own working methods, taking stock of the implementation of Council Note 507 and efforts to ensure greater transparency and efficiency, the broader participation of non-Council members and more equitable penholdership. The discussion will also focus on the selection process of the next Secretary-General, who is expected to take up that post in early 2027. In that vein, he recalled that, during its first term as Council President in 2024, Sierra Leone convened a related and historic first debate on the structure of Security Council reform, which focused on historical injustices. He went on to note that the presidency's principal signature event, a debate on conflict-related food insecurity, will follow on 17 November. That meeting will examine food insecurity as both a driver and consequence of conflict, he said, adding that it will underline the "absolute prohibition of starvation as a method of warfare" and discuss the Council's efforts to advance accountability. The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, will preside over that debate, accompanied by Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Henry Musa Kpaka. Council members will be briefed by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed and UN Under-Secretary-General and Humanitarian Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, among others. On 18 November, he said, the Council will hold a briefing on peace consolidation in West Africa. "Terrorism in the Sahel is not a responsibility for West Africa or Africa alone," he stressed, noting that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and a representative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are expected to brief. Affected Member States are likely to be represented at high levels of Government. Country-Specific Situations, Thematic Issues Turning to the various country-specific situations to be addressed by the Council in November, he said those include Yemen sanctions on 5 November; the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on 11 November; Syria's political and humanitarian situations on 19 November; the situation in the Middle East on 24 November; and Libya on 25 November, among others. On thematic issues, he anticipated a joint briefing of the Council's various counter-terrorism committees on 19 November. Mandate renewals are also expected for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and there will be an election on 12 November to fill one vacancy on the International Court of Justice in concurrent sessions of the Council and the General Assembly. He added that Sierra Leone, in its national capacity, will join Guyana in November in tabling a draft resolution on youth peace and security, which would aim to establish an informal expert group and institute an annual Council debate on that critical topic. Questions and Answers with Media Correspondents Mr. Kanu then responded to various questions from media correspondents, including on whether additional country-specific situations will be taken up during the month of November. Asked whether members will consider the issues of Iran' nuclear programme or Ukraine, for example, he replied that only the Council's mandated country-specific situations are currently included on the November programme of work. However, other meetings will also be convened as requested by States, he said. Asked for more details about the planned discussion on the selection of the next Secretary-General, he said that, in line with established practice, the Presidents of the Security Council and the General Assembly will co-sign a letter inviting the official application of candidates. That process was already started in October by the Russian Federation's presidency, and he hoped the letter could be sent during the month of November ahead of the 14 November working methods debate. Another correspondent asked about the United States' recent suggestion that the Secretary-General's selection process should deviate from its traditional model of geographic rotation. "All 15 Council members express views one way or the other on this selection process," he replied, adding that all those views will be "taken on board" and shape the negotiations that are already under way. Asked whether the Presidency would aim to scale up the Council's response to the horrific uptick in violence in Sudan and whether he would attempt to apply the "responsibility to protect" principle which "seems to have disappeared" in recent years Mr. Kanu responded that the Council recently passed two resolutions on Sudan, including one on the siege of El Fasher. What is needed is implementation, he stressed, adding that the Council has various tools in its toolbox to ensure that more action is taken. Also on Sudan, a correspondent cited the criticism sometimes levelled that there are "too many approaches to diplomacy" with little effort to streamline them. Mr. Kanu replied that, given the magnitude of the recent atrocities in the country, "there has been a renewed effort to deal with the situation" including ongoing work by Ramtane Lamamra, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy in Sudan to consolidate the various mediation efforts. In addition, the idea of a possible Council visit to Sudan has been suggested. Asked whether the planned 24 November meeting on the Middle East will address the question of a possible UN stabilization force in the Gaza Strip, Mr. Kanu voiced his readiness to take up any draft resolution to that effect that might be put forward by a Council member. "We remain responsive to whatever should be submitted," he stressed. In a related question, Mr. Kanu was asked whether the Council is considering a field visit to Gaza, where members would be able to witness the destruction and devastation of the last two years for themselves. While voicing support for that idea, he highlighted the need to take into account all relevant security and logistical concerns. For the full programme of work, please see: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/programme-work. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of the Secretary-General's meeting with H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar United Nations Secretary-General 3 November 2025 Doha, Qatar Readouts | Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General The Secretary-General met with H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, in advance of the opening of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha. The Secretary-General thanked Qatar for hosting this landmark event. The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister discussed several regional issues, including the situation in Gaza. He thanked the Prime Minister for his decisive engagement for personally facilitating the recent ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. He underlined the need for establishing a political horizon towards a negotiated two-State solution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli settlers seize hundreds of acres of Palestinian farmland in West Bank Iran Press TV Tuesday, 04 November 2025 2:04 AM Palestinian officials say Israeli settlers have seized hundreds of acres of agricultural land in the southern parts of the occupied West Bank, in line with the regime's land grab policy. Local officials reported on Monday that the settlers have plowed the land in preparation for takeover, with direct support from the Israeli military. The settlers had first plowed the land owned by the Palestinian residents of the town of Idhna, west of al-Khalil, in preparation for taking it over. The settlers were backed by Israeli forces, who fired tear gas and sound bombs at Palestinians who attempted to resist the incursion. The town's officials described the move as an Israeli aggression against private property, emphasizing that the settlers had already confiscated most of the town's land since 1948. They said the latest land grab is part of Israel's broader settlement expansion policy across the West Bank. "This land is ours; we inherited it from our ancestors, and we will not give it up," Jaber Tmeizi, the mayor of Idhna, asserted. According to the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, over 7,150 settler attacks have been documented in the past two years, resulting in the deaths of 36 Palestinians and the displacement of 33 Bedouin communities. Furthermore, 114 new settlement outposts have been established on occupied land during this period. In total, the past two years have witnessed the loss of 1,065 Palestinian lives and approximately 10,000 injuries across the West Bank, underscoring the rising tensions and violence in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza's Health Ministry condemns Israel's crimes against Palestinian abductees Iran Press TV Tuesday, 04 November 2025 1:26 AM Gaza's Health Ministry has strongly condemned the horrific crimes committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian abductees whose bodies have been returned by the regime. The ministry issued the statement on Monday after Israel returned 45 bodies of Palestinian abductees. The ministry said the recovered bodies show the victims were brutally killed and mutilated. It added that some abductees' faces were burned to conceal their identities, and their internal organs were savagely torn apart. The ministry also criticized human rights organizations and international courts for remaining silent on the regime's violations. It stated that the mutilated bodies of Palestinian abductees remain a testament to the global hypocrisy and disgraceful international silence in the face of Israeli crimes. The Palestinian ministry stressed that medical teams and families of the abductees are facing immense challenges in identifying the bodies due to the extreme mutilation, torture, and abuse, with clear signs of brutal treatment visible on the remains. Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, the Hamas resistance movement has released 20 living Israeli captives and returned 20 bodies. In response, Israel has released 250 Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences and an additional 1,718 prisoners arrested in Gaza following the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023. Palestinian families have been identifying the remains of their loved ones returned from Israel, which were sent back without identification, by using physical features or recognizable clothing. Forensic facilities in Gaza are no longer operational due to the prolonged Israeli blockade and the destruction of essential laboratories. According to the Palestinian National Campaign to Retrieve Martyrs' Bodies, Israel had been holding 735 Palestinian bodies in what are referred to as "cemeteries of numbers" prior to the ceasefire. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the Israeli army is currently holding approximately 1,500 Palestinian bodies from Gaza at the Sde Teiman military base in the southern region of the occupied territory. Since October 2023, more than 68,800 peopleprimarily women and childrenhave been killed, and over 170,600 others have been injured in the Israeli war on Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address You know the catapult is quite important. So I said what is this? Sir, this is our digital catapult system. He said well, were going to this because we wanted to keep up with modern [technology]. I said you dont use steam anymore for catapult? No sir. I said, "Ah, how is it working?" "Sir, not good. Not good. Doesnt have the power. You know the steam is just brutal. You see that sucker going and steams going all over the place, theres planes thrown in the air. "It sounded bad to me. Digital. They have digital. What is digital? And its very complicated, you have to be Albert Einstein to figure it out. And I saidand now they want to buy more aircraft carriers. I said what system are you going to be"Sir, were staying with digital." I said no youre not. You going to goddamned steam, the digital costs hundreds of millions of dollars more money and its no good. Trump on Steam Catapults Donald Trump, Time Magazine, 08 May 2017 President's Campaign Against Electromagnetic Launch Systems The October 30, 2025, "A Closer Look" segment centered on President Trump's remarks to military members in Japan, where he criticized the new electromagnetic catapults on aircraft carriers. During the monologue, Seth Meyers played a clip of the President asking the audience "Which is better, steam or electric?" and praising the older steam catapults, saying, "they could fix it with a hammer and a blowtorch," while the new electric ones cost $900 million more and are "no good." Meyers began his joke by saying, "Guy spends more time thinking about catapults than Wile E. Coyote." He continued by mocking the specific reasoning, joking that the President sounded "less like a president and more like a guy at a Best Buy yelling at a high school kid... 'I don't want the Bluetooth! Just give me the auxiliary port!'" Meyers added, "This is a man who thinks steam catapults are the hill to die on. Not the economy, not healthcarecatapults." He also impersonated the President's delivery, saying, "I like steam because you can fix it with a wrench. Magnets? You need a wizard." He concluded the joke by saying the President was "ranting about catapults like he's auditioning for a role in a steampunk reboot of Top Gun." In response, President Trump posted a full statement on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, November 1, 2025. He wrote: "Seth Meyers of NBC may be the least talented person to 'perform' live in the history of television. In fact, he may be the WORST to perform, live or otherwise. I watched his show the other night for the first time in years. In it he talked endlessly about electric catapults on aircraft carriers which I complain about as not being as good as much less expensive steam catapults. On and on he went, a truly deranged lunatic. Why does NBC waste its time and money on a guy like this??? - NO TALENT, NO RATINGS, 100% ANTI TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL!!!" The concept lese-majeste is the precise term for the idea that insulting a head of state could be illegal. It is a French term for "injured majesty," and laws based on this concept make it a crime to defame or insult a ruling sovereign. This is common in monarchies, like Thailand, but is fundamentally incompatible with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects speech criticizing public officials. President Donald Trump has waged a sustained campaign against the U.S. Navy's adoption of electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS) on its newest Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers. Throughout both his first and second terms, Trump has consistently advocated for a return to traditional steam-powered catapults, most recently promising to sign an executive order mandating this technological reversal during an October 28, 2025 speech aboard the USS George Washington in Japan. "I'm going to sign an executive order. When we build aircraft carriers, it's steam for the catapults and it's hydraulic for the elevators. We'll never have a problem." President Donald Trump, USS George Washington, October 28, 2025 Recent Developments (October 2025) During his visit to U.S. naval forces in Japan, President Trump reiterated his long-standing opposition to electromagnetic catapults with renewed vigor. Speaking to sailors aboard the USS George Washington, he made several key claims about EMALS technology that have sparked debate among defense analysts, naval engineers, and military leadership. Trump's Primary Arguments Against EMALS Cost Overruns: Trump claimed the Navy spent $993 million trying to make the electromagnetic catapults work, characterizing this as wasteful spending on unproven technology. Trump claimed the Navy spent $993 million trying to make the electromagnetic catapults work, characterizing this as wasteful spending on unproven technology. Reliability Concerns: The President argued that when EMALS breaks down, "you have to send it up to MIT and get the most brilliant people in the world" to fix it, contrasting this with steam systems that supposedly can be repaired "with a hammer and a blowtorch." The President argued that when EMALS breaks down, "you have to send it up to MIT and get the most brilliant people in the world" to fix it, contrasting this with steam systems that supposedly can be repaired "with a hammer and a blowtorch." Water Vulnerability: In a controversial claim, Trump suggested that water can disable electromagnetic systems, stating "give me a glass of water, let me drop it on the magnets, that's the end of the magnets" a statement that contradicts basic physics. In a controversial claim, Trump suggested that water can disable electromagnetic systems, stating "give me a glass of water, let me drop it on the magnets, that's the end of the magnets" a statement that contradicts basic physics. Aesthetic Preference: Trump expressed a personal fondness for the visual spectacle of steam, saying "I love the sight of that beautiful steam pouring off that deck." Scientific Note: Experts have corrected the President's claim about water destroying magnets. Magnetism is a fundamental property of certain compounds that cannot be damaged by water exposure. Modern electromagnetic systems are specifically designed to operate in the harsh marine environment of an aircraft carrier, including exposure to salt water and humidity. Timeline of Trump's Opposition to EMALS May 2017 Trump first publicly criticized EMALS in a Time magazine interview, calling for a return to steam because "the digital costs hundreds of millions of dollars more money, and it's no good." July 2017 Trump attended the commissioning ceremony of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the first carrier equipped with EMALS technology. Despite his presence at this milestone event, his criticism of the system continued. May 2019 During a visit to the USS Wasp in Japan, Trump polled sailors on "Steam or electric?" The crowd responded enthusiastically to "steam," leading Trump to joke about those who preferred electric: "He works for the enemy." November 2019 Trump raised the issue during a Thanksgiving visit with service members aboard USS Ronald Reagan, questioning the commanding officer about EMALS difficulties. January 2024 At an Iowa campaign rally, Trump made his controversial statement about water destroying magnets, also questioning why the Navy didn't consult with John Deere about hydraulics. October 2025 Trump promised to sign an executive order mandating a return to steam catapults and hydraulic elevators for future aircraft carriers during his speech aboard USS George Washington. Technical Comparison: Steam vs. EMALS Key Statistics Steam catapults have been in service for 65+ years EMALS enables 25% more launches per day EMALS requires 25% fewer crew members Ford-class design estimated to save $4 billion in lifecycle costs Feature Steam Catapults (Legacy) EMALS (Modern) Technology High-pressure steam drives pistons Linear induction motor using electromagnetic force Efficiency 4-6% energy efficiency Significantly higher efficiency Control No feedback control; large force transients Computer-controlled with precise feedback Aircraft Stress Higher stress on airframes; can reduce lifespan Smoother acceleration; less wear on aircraft Launch Range Limited to heavy aircraft; cannot launch light UAVs Can launch from lightweight drones to heavy strike fighters Maintenance Requires 1,350 lbs of steam per launch; complex steam infrastructure Lower maintenance requirements; no steam generation needed Water Usage Requires 3,000 gallons of fresh water per launch for braking Eliminates fresh water requirement for launches Reset Time Longer reset between launches Faster reset; higher sortie rates possible Space & Weight Massive system; requires significant below-deck space More compact; weighs less; frees up deck space Power Generation Optimized for steam production Optimized for electrical power; supports future energy weapons Proven Track Record 65+ years of reliable service Initial reliability issues; improving with time The EMALS Reliability Challenge Trump's criticism of EMALS reliability is not entirely without merit. The system has indeed faced significant growing pains since its introduction on USS Gerald R. Ford. Government reports and independent assessments have documented numerous challenges: Documented EMALS Issues Reliability Below Target: A January Pentagon report highlighted "poor or unknown reliability of systems critical for flight operations," including the electromagnetic catapult system. A January Pentagon report highlighted "poor or unknown reliability of systems critical for flight operations," including the electromagnetic catapult system. Timeline for Goals: The Navy doesn't expect EMALS and the related Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) to reach full reliability goals until the 2030s. The Navy doesn't expect EMALS and the related Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) to reach full reliability goals until the 2030s. Off-Ship Support: The system continues to require technical support from shore-based experts, validating some of Trump's concerns about maintenance complexity. The system continues to require technical support from shore-based experts, validating some of Trump's concerns about maintenance complexity. Development Costs: The system has experienced significant cost overruns during development, though exact figures vary by source. However, defense experts and Navy leadership have defended the technology, arguing that new systems always experience teething problems. By April 2021, USS Gerald R. Ford had completed over 8,000 launch and recovery cycles with EMALS, with the majority occurring in the previous 18 months, demonstrating steady improvement. As of 2025, the Ford completed its first full deployment and has been regularly deployed, including in support of combat operations. Expert Defense of EMALS "The electromagnetic catapults they're running there offer some great benefits. Obviously, any new piece, you've got to work through the bugs, but they offer some benefits, not only to stress and strain on the aircraft to extend service life." Rear Admiral Patrick J. Hannifin, 2018 Retired Captain Tal Manvel, who was part of the Ford-class design effort, told USNI News that "EMALS works. Still has some wrinkles to smooth out, but it works well." He emphasized that the system's ability to calibrate for different aircraft types is essential for incorporating lighter unmanned aircraft into carrier air wings. The China Factor Trump's renewed criticism of EMALS comes at an ironic moment in naval history. China has not only adopted electromagnetic catapult technology but has successfully deployed it on its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which began sea trials in 2025. China's Electromagnetic Leap Forward In a strategic decision, China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) skipped steam catapults entirely, moving directly from ski-jump carriers to electromagnetic launch systems. In September 2025, China released footage showing the Fujian successfully launching three aircraft types, including the J-35 stealth fighter and KJ-600 early warning aircraft. China's EMALS system uses a Medium-Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) approach, different from the U.S. alternating current system. Chinese state media claims their system is more reliable than the Ford-class EMALS, though independent verification is limited. China has announced that its next-generation Type 004 aircraft carrier, currently under construction and expected to be nuclear-powered, will also feature electromagnetic catapults. This represents a significant investment in the same technology Trump wants to abandon. Practical Implications of Reverting to Steam While Trump has promised an executive order mandating a return to steam catapults, defense analysts have identified numerous obstacles that would make such a reversal extraordinarily difficult and expensive: Financial and Industrial Challenges Production Line Closure: Manufacturing facilities for steam catapults have been shut down. Restarting production would require substantial investment and time. Manufacturing facilities for steam catapults have been shut down. Restarting production would require substantial investment and time. Design Overhaul: Ford-class carriers are specifically designed around electrical power generation. Retrofitting them for steam would require massive redesigns costing billions of dollars. Ford-class carriers are specifically designed around electrical power generation. Retrofitting them for steam would require massive redesigns costing billions of dollars. Existing Contracts: EMALS systems have already been purchased and installed on multiple carriers under construction, including CVN-79 (John F. Kennedy), CVN-80 (Enterprise), and CVN-81 (Doris Miller). EMALS systems have already been purchased and installed on multiple carriers under construction, including CVN-79 (John F. Kennedy), CVN-80 (Enterprise), and CVN-81 (Doris Miller). Timeline Impact: Any switch would further delay new carrier construction, potentially creating gaps in fleet readiness. Capability Limitations Reverting to steam would eliminate key capabilities that the Navy has been counting on for future operations: UAV Integration: Steam catapults cannot launch lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles, which are expected to play an increasing role in carrier air wings. Steam catapults cannot launch lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles, which are expected to play an increasing role in carrier air wings. Energy Weapons: Ford-class electrical generation supports future directed-energy weapons. Steam-optimized carriers would struggle to operate both flight operations and laser weapons simultaneously. Ford-class electrical generation supports future directed-energy weapons. Steam-optimized carriers would struggle to operate both flight operations and laser weapons simultaneously. Sortie Rates: The Navy would lose the theoretical 25% increase in launch capacity that EMALS provides. The Navy would lose the theoretical 25% increase in launch capacity that EMALS provides. Crew Efficiency: Ford-class carriers require approximately 25% fewer crew members than Nimitz-class ships, representing significant long-term cost savings. Important Note: According to former Navy Captain Tal Manvel, the earliest opportunity to install steam catapults would be on CVN-82, which isn't scheduled to begin construction until 2028. CVN-79, CVN-80, and CVN-81 are all too far along in construction to make changes without catastrophic delays and cost overruns. Congressional and Military Response As of October 30, 2025, neither the Navy nor the White House has provided detailed information about Trump's proposed executive order. When contacted for comment, the White House stated it had "nothing to add." The Navy has not received an official order to use steam systems in its next authorized carriers. The service continues to move forward with EMALS installation on ships currently under construction, suggesting institutional resistance to abandoning the technology. Defense analysts note that even if an executive order is signed, its implementation would face significant practical, financial, and strategic obstacles. Some observers believe Trump's statements may be more rhetorical than actionable policy. International Perspective Beyond the U.S. and China, other nations have shown interest in EMALS technology: France: General Atomics is under contract with the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command to develop and evaluate EMALS as a potential Foreign Military Sale to the French Navy for their next-generation aircraft carrier, Porte-Avions Nouvelle Generation (PA NG). General Atomics is under contract with the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command to develop and evaluate EMALS as a potential Foreign Military Sale to the French Navy for their next-generation aircraft carrier, Porte-Avions Nouvelle Generation (PA NG). India: The Indian Navy has expressed interest in installing EMALS for its planned CATOBAR INS Vishal aircraft carrier and has discussed producing the system locally with General Atomics assistance. The Indian Navy has expressed interest in installing EMALS for its planned CATOBAR INS Vishal aircraft carrier and has discussed producing the system locally with General Atomics assistance. United Kingdom: While the UK initially considered electromagnetic catapults for the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and even signed a development contract with General Atomics, they ultimately proceeded with a different configuration. The Historical Context The debate over steam versus electromagnetic catapults echoes historical patterns in military technology adoption. New systems often face skepticism, reliability challenges, and cost overruns before eventually maturing into superior capabilities. Examples include: The transition from propeller to jet aircraft The adoption of nuclear propulsion for submarines and carriers The move from guns to missiles as primary naval weapons The development of stealth technology In each case, early implementations faced significant problems, leading some to advocate for sticking with proven technologies. Yet abandoning these innovations would have left the U.S. military at a severe disadvantage. Future Outlook As the debate continues, several key questions remain unresolved: Will Trump follow through? Despite his promises, no executive order has been issued as of October 30, 2025. Past statements about EMALS during his first term did not result in policy changes. Can reliability improve? With USS Gerald R. Ford now regularly deployed and newer ships incorporating lessons learned, EMALS reliability may reach acceptable levels before any reversal could be implemented. What about China? If China successfully operates electromagnetic catapults while the U.S. reverts to steam, it could represent a significant strategic shift in naval technology leadership. What do sailors think? While Trump received enthusiastic responses when polling sailors about steam, it's unclear whether this reflects genuine technical preference or simply enthusiasm for the familiar and the dramatic visual effect of steam. Conclusion President Trump's campaign against electromagnetic aircraft launch systems represents a fundamental debate about military innovation, risk tolerance, and technological leadership. His preference for proven steam technology over newer electromagnetic systems reflects legitimate concerns about reliability and cost overruns that have plagued the EMALS program. However, defense experts widely agree that reverting to steam would be extraordinarily expensive, would delay carrier construction, would eliminate important future capabilities, and would position the U.S. behind China in a critical naval technology. The Navy appears committed to working through EMALS's growing pains rather than abandoning a system that promises significant long-term advantages. As of late October 2025, the debate remains unresolved. Whether Trump's promise of an executive order will materialize, and if so, whether it can overcome the practical obstacles to implementation, remains one of the most significant questions facing U.S. naval aviation policy. "The benefits of the EMALS do outweigh the costs. The U.S. cannot afford to cut back on its ability to project power." Lieutenant Commander Stephen D. Hartman, USN, Naval Postgraduate School thesis on EMALS NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 03 November 2025 - Day 1349 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 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 this day, there have been 151 combat. Today, the Russian invaders launched three missile strikes, using nine missiles, 53 aerial strikes, dropping 103 controlled air bombs. In addition, the Russians involved 3251 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,875 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Ukrainian defenders repelled one attack of Russians in the North-Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. Since the beginning of the day, the Russian opponent launched seven air strikes, in total dropped 15 controlled air bombs and carried out 145 shells, including two from the jet systems of the salpovogo fire. In the South-Slobozhansky direction, Ukrainian troops stopped six Russian attacks in the areas of Vovchansk, Kamyanka and Bologivka. In the Kupyansky direction, the Defense Forces repelled Russian enemy attacks in the area of the settlement of Petropavlivka and in the direction of Pi any, Novoosinovy and Kurilivka, one confrontation is ongoing. In the Lyman direction during the day, Russian invaders 10 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians in the areas of the settlements of Mirne, Novoselivka and in the direction of Drobishevo, Stavok, Korovy Yar. At the moment, the fights do not stop in two locations. In the Slovak direction, the Defense Forces repelled seven Russian attacks near Serebryanka and Viimka. In the Kramators komu direction, the offensive actions of the Russian opponent are not recorded. In the direction of Konstantinivsk, Russians attacked the positions of Defense Forces 15 times. The main efforts of the invasion of the Russian occupiers were concentrated in the areas of the settlements of Oleksandro-Shultine, Pleshiyivka, Sofiyivka, Ivanopillya, Scherbinivka, Rusin Yar. One fight is still going on. Konstantinivka and Druzhkivka suffered aviation strikes. In the Pokrovsky direction, the Russian zagarbnicki units 57 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of settlements Shahove, Volodymyrivka, Ivanivka, Nikanorivka, Novoekonomicne, Fedorivka, New Shahove, Mirnograd, Rodinske, Razine, Red Lyman, Novopavlivka, Dry Yar, Pokrovsk, Grishine, Kotline, Udacne, Molodetske, Dachne. Three clashes are currently ongoing. Today in this direction Ukrainian warriors zneskodili 57 Russian occupants, of them 37 - irrevocably. 11 unmanned aircraft, four units of automobile equipment were destroyed, a combat armored vehicle, two artillery systems and four cars were also damaged, in addition, 13 Russian infantry shelters were damaged. In the direction of Oleksandrivsky, the Russian enemy attacked 16 times in the areas of the settlements of Sichneve, Vorone, Stepove, Oleksiyivka, Verbove, Pavlivka, Tsegelne, Uspenivka, Krasnogirske. One fight is still going on. The enemy launched air strikes in the areas of the settlements of Demurine, Velikomikhailivka, Orestopil, Oleksiyivka. Eight clashes in the area of the settlement of Ohhotniche were recorded in the Gulyajpils komu direction. The three clashes are still ongoing. Under the airstrikes were the districts of the settlements of Malinivka and Chervone. In the orihivs komu direction at the moment, the Russian opponent twice attacked, in the areas of stepnogirsk and stepovogo. In the Pridniprovsky direction, Russian forces twice carried out offensive actions in the area of the Antonivsky Bridge. Mykolaivka was under the airstrike. In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the previous night, in response to terrorist attacks launched by Ukraine against civilian objects on the territory of Russia, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered a group strike by ground- and air-based long-range precision weaponry, including Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles, as well as attack unmanned aerial vehicles at defence industry enterprises, power and gas infrastructure of Ukraine ensuring their operation, infrastructure of a military airfield, and a repair facility for weaponry and military hardware of the AFU. All goals of the strike have been achieved. All the assigned targets have been engaged. Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of three mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one air assault brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, and three territorial defence brigades near Andreyevka, Pavlovka, Khoten, Korchakovka, Rogoznoye, Starye Virki, and Sadki (Sumy region). In Kharkov direction, losses were inflicted on units of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Volchansk (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 240 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, 23 motor vehicles, and five field artillery guns. One electronic warfare station, four ammunition depots, and one materiel depot were destroyed. The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of five mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade, two assault brigades of the AFU, and three national guard brigades near Novoplatonovka, Novosergeyevka, Shiykovka, Petropavlovka, Kurilovka (Kharkov region), Tatyanovka, and Yampol (Donetsk People's Republic). Assault detachments of the 6th Army continued to engage the group of AFU troops, enveloped near Kupyansk (Kharkov region). During firefights in the settlement, enemy troops were pushed back from four fortified positions in the industrial area on the right bank of the Oskol River. Two attempts to break through the encirclement by units of the 92th Assault Brigade of the AFU and 15th National Guard Brigade from Nechvolodovka and Blagodatovka (Kharkov region) have been thwarted. The AFU losses amounted to up to 20 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and two pickup trucks. Air surveillance posts and mobile bases of fire shot down 16 R18 UAVs of the AFU, attempting to deliver ammunition and food supplies to the encircled Ukrainian units. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses near Kupyansk (Kharkov region) amounted to up to 50 troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, one Novator armoured vehicle, one Romanian-made APR-40 MLRS launcher, two mortars, and seven motor vehicles. In total, in the area of the Zapad Group of Forces' responsibility, the AFU losses amounted to more than 230 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, 21 motor vehicles, one MLRS launcher, and one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer. Ten electronic warfare stations and six ammunition depots were destroyed. The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on formations of four mechanised brigades, one assault brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, and one territorial defence brigade near Seversk, Slavyansk, Nikiforovka, Vasyukovka, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 200 troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, 19 motor vehicles, and four field artillery guns. Four materiel depots and one POL depot were destroyed. The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of seven mechanised brigades, two jaeger brigades, one airmobile brigade, one air assault brigade, two assault brigades, four assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and two national guard brigades near Rodinskoye, Belitskoye, Sergeyevka, Volnoye, Kotlino (Donetsk People's Republic), and Novopodgorodnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region). Assault detachments of the 2nd Army moved in and gained a foothold in residential area of Prigorodny neighborhood in Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops continue to eliminate encircled AFU formations near the railroad terminal and the industrial area over the railroad, as well as mop up Ukrainian militants in Gnatovka and Rog (Donetsk People's Republic). Ten enemy attacks as attempts to break through the encirclement were repelled to the north and north-east of Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic). Four attempts to release the encircled AFU group by mercenaries of the so-called 'International Legion of the Territorial Defence of Ukraine' and 32nd Mechanised Brigade of the AFU from Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic) were thwarted, The enemy lost over 50 militants. Units of the 5th Motorised Rifle Brigade, 51st Army, mopped up 24 buildings in the northern, eastern, and southeastern parts of Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops continue to expand the control area and tighten the encirclement of the enemy's group of troops from the east. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to up to 225 troops, two U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicles, one mortar, and one pickup truck. In total, in the Tsentr Group's area of responsibility, the AFU losses amounted to more than 490 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces advanced into the depths of enemy defences. Losses were inflicted on formations of two mechanised brigades, two assault regiments of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Orestopol, Danilovka, Radostnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region), Uspenovka, and Gulyaipole (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 255 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 15 motor vehicles, two artillery guns, and three materiel depots. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one mountain assault brigade, two coastal defence brigades of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Orekhov, Malokaterinovka, Stepnogorsk (Zaporozhye region), Nikolskoye, and Dneprovskoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 70 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, 15 motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one Buk air defence system, four uncrewed surface vehicles, three electronic warfare stations, three ammunition depots, one POL depot, and three materiel depots. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck attack UAV depots and launch preparation sites as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 148 areas. Air defence units shot down one guided aerial bomb, one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectile, and 365 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost: 668 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 94,732 unmanned aerial vehicles, 635 anti-aircraft missile systems, 25,823 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,609 MLRS combat vehicles, 31,035 field artillery guns and mortars, 45,652 support military vehicles. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Multiple Suspects Charged for Having Firearms in Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to ISIS Monday, November 3, 2025 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Last Friday, the FBI arrested multiple suspects and took them into custody. They have now been charged for having firearms that would be used in a conspiracy to provide material support to ISISa vicious foreign terrorist organization hell-bent on murdering Americans. The complaint sets forth grievous allegations of a radical Islamic terror plot involving AR-style rifles, shotguns, handguns, and other tools for a tactical assault. "This newly unsealed complaint reveals a major ISIS-linked terror plot with multiple subjects arrested in the Eastern District of Michigan targeting the United States," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "According to the complaint, subjects had multiple AR-15 rifles, tactical gear, and a detailed plan to carry out an attack on American soil. Thanks to the extraordinary diligence of our U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr., the FBI and state and local law enforcement officers, this plot was stopped before innocent lives were lost." "With today's unsealed criminal complaint, the American people can see the results of months of tireless investigative work where the FBI acted quickly and likely saved many lives," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "We'll continue to follow the facts, uphold the law, and deliver justice for the American people." "We are thankful for the exceptional work of the FBI in keeping the Homeland safe and for the helping hand of state and local law enforcement," said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. "FBI Detroit and its Joint Terrorism Task Force are relentless in ensuring the safety of the citizens of Michigan and beyond. Defending the homeland will always be one of our top priorities, and we will utilize every available federal resource to disrupt and dismantle any individuals or groups who threaten national security," said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. "I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their dedicated support." The investigation is ongoing. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and 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 National Security Division (NSD) USAO - Michigan, Eastern Press Release Number: 25-1053 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PNP ups cybersecurity measures amid possible DDoS cyberattacks Philippine News Agency By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan November 3, 2025, 2:18 pm MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it continues to monitor its online platforms and shield these from possible cyberattacks. This came as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) warned of possible Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on Nov. 5, targeting various websites and networks. DDoS occurs when actors flood a website with traffic, causing it to slow down or crash. PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured that various units are working with the DICT to strengthen the firewalls and integrity of the hardware and software they are using. "We have different systems and in fact, we've been victims of that cyberattack, na-compromise 'yung ating data (our data was compromised), especially sa (in) logistics, the firearms, and others. And we are continuously protecting that," Nartatez told reporters in a press briefing held at Camp Crame in Quezon City. "To protect our system ay ginagawa natin ang iba't-ibang activities like to ensure firewall, ensure the integrity of hardwares and even software." He added that the PNP also assures the integrity of its personnel who manage sensitive data. "Even 'yung mga tao natin na gumagamit ng mga system na ito, either they are the administrator or recipient of this data. So, kailangan may integrity doon (To protect our system, we do various activities like ensuring firewalls, ensuring the integrity of hardwares and even software. And even our people who use these systems, either they are the administrator or recipient of this data. So, there needs to be integrity there)," he explained. The e-Warrant is among several vital digital systems that the PNP is securing against possible cyberattacks. It serves as a nationwide database for arrest warrants, allowing police to verify and act on cases in real time. The PNP is likewise protecting its Situation Report and Incident Recording System , as well as databases on firearms, explosives and internal disciplinary cases under the Internal Disciplinary Mechanism Information System. Nartatez said these interconnected systems hold critical and sensitive data essential to police operations. The DICT has earlier urged government agencies and the public to remain cautious, regularly update passwords and report suspicious online activities. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press conference - Macquarie, Canberra Transcript Monday 3 November 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher Minister for Finance Minister for Women Senator for the ACT The Hon Mark Butler MP Minister for Health and Ageing Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme DR CONRAD GOONERAGE: Today, we have transitioned from being a private practice to a fully bulk billing practice for GP consultations, including skin cancer checks. Through the government initiatives and incentives, this has allowed us to bulk bill general practice consultations, including skin checks. Skin cancer is a very important, I guess, cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. Early checks is the key to prevention. With bulk billing, there is no financial impediment in patients attending the surgery. Secondly, I expect that skin cancers, patients with skin cancer, will now be more compliant in attending follow up checks. This will translate into better health outcomes for these cohort of patients. Thank you. KATY GALLAGHER, MINISTER FOR FINANCE: Thanks everyone for coming today, and thanks Dr Conrad for saying a few words, and to the Prime Minister and Minister Butler joining us here today. Anyone who lives on the north side of Canberra knows how important the Jamison Centre is, or Jamo, as it's commonly known. And the Jamison Medical and Skin Cancer Clinic has been a cornerstone of this shopping centre for the last 40 years. And it's so lovely to be able to visit here and know that this is a bulk billing practice. We know bulk billing hasn't been where we wanted it to be in the ACT. And seeing clinics like this come on board because of the Federal Government's investment shows that this investment not only is needed, but it will make a big difference to the lives of patients who come here and help support the work of these fantastic doctors who operate the Jamison Medical and Skin Cancer Clinic. So, I'm so pleased as a Canberran and as a local shopper to be here this morning, and very proud to hand over to the Prime Minister. ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much, Katy, and thank you to Dr Conrad for having us here. And thank you to the patients, John and Lucio, who told us, in Lucio's case, has been coming here for 40 years. John's been coming here for over a decade, and the relationship between a patient and their GP is so important. It's a relationship that allows people to get regular checkups, to actually go see their doctor, to get ahead of health issues, so that instead of an issue becoming an acute health event with a great cost to the taxpayer, but more importantly, a cost to an individual's health. The relationship between a GP and being able to go see a GP regularly to get those checkups is so important, and that's why bulk billing is so important. We put the strengthening of Medicare front and centre, where we're elected in 2022. In 2024, we tripled the bulk billing incentive for concession card holders, making an enormous difference there. That lifted up bulk billing rates to 90 per cent for concession card holders. And what we took to the 2025 election, of course, was the commitment to lift up bulk billing rates further by tripling the bulk billing incentive and therefore giving some 18,000 practices the opportunity to benefit them as well. The figures show that this tripling of the bulk billing incentive means that practices will be better off if they bulk bill 100 per cent of their patients. So, building in better health care, but better outcomes as well. Making sure that incentive is there. Making sure that when someone visits their GP, all they need is their Medicare card - this little piece of plastic, this piece of green and gold in Australia's national colours, says a lot about Australian values. It says that when you get sick, you'll get the care that you need, not on the basis of the size of your wallet or your bank balance. You'll get it on the basis of need. That is a fundamentally proud element of who we are as Australians. And as we - in the next week, we'll talk a bit about the Whitlam Government and Medibank and what happened there. And the fact that was, of course, gotten rid of by the incoming Fraser Government. But it took the Hawke Government to entrench Medicare, and it's taken another Labor Government, our government, to make sure that we're strengthening Medicare right across the board. And that is so important as we go forward. I said that after the May 3 election, six months ago today, when we're elected, I said on that evening, we wanted to concentrate on delivering on our commitments, and that's what we're doing, one by one, ticking off the commitments that we've made. In the next period of Parliament, we want our environmental reforms to be delivered. We want 1800-Medicare will be delivered on January 1. We're opening the 50 additional Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, one by one, around the country, and we want that to be completed early next year also. And of course, on December 10, our social media reforms kick in as well, making sure we protect our youngest Australians from the harm that is being caused by social media. So, this is a government that I'm proud to lead. It's a government, after six months, that is delivering on the commitments that we took to the election. There's none of them are more important, though, than strengthening Medicare, because that is a core element of our values, reflecting Australian values, I'll turn to the Health Minister, and then we're happy to take questions. MARK BUTLER, MINISTER FOR HEALTH: Well, thank you, Prime Minister, and thank you to the Jamison Practice for hosting us today, just one of more than 1,000 practices that last week were charging gap fees, and this week will be 100 per cent bulk billing. Bulk billing all of their patients, all of the time. We know that more people now are deferring going to the doctor because of cost than ever before, because bulk billing was in free fall when we came to government because of a six year long Medicare rebate freeze initiated by Peter Dutton and cemented in place by the then Health Minister Sussan Ley. So, all of the efforts we've made to turn bulk billing around for concession card holders, as the Prime Minister said, that now sits at 92 per cent, are really brought together by this record investment that kicks off this week. That number of practices moving to 100 per cent bulk billing will increase every single day, because we know it's in the interest of the vast bulk of general practices and individual GPs to take up this investment that we've put on the table this weekend. But most importantly, it's in the interests of patients. That's why our strengthening Medicare agenda focuses on four pillars: more bulk billing, more doctors and nurses, more Urgent Care Clinics and cheaper medicines. And we're delivering on all four of those pillars. PRIME MINISTER: Happy to take questions. JOURNALIST: Is an in-person meeting with the Turkish President on the cards to make sure you can secure the COP Summit? PRIME MINISTER: I've written to the President Erdogan. I'm available, and we want to talk these issues through. The UN provisions, as I have said, unfortunately, it's by consensus, so it's not clear how it can be resolved other by negotiation. I've said I'm certainly prepared to travel, including to Belem, if that makes a difference. But if there's not an agreement, then the default is that the COP will be held in Bonn. That's the way the rules have been written. JOURNALIST: Have you received any response yet from an inquiry to the Turkish Government? PRIME MINISTER: No, but I wrote, again, just last week. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, are power prices too high? PRIME MINISTER: We want cost of living measures to be dealt with across the board. That's what we're doing right here. That's why we have in place energy rebates. That's why we put a cap on coal and gas prices. That's why we are here talking about being able to see the doctor for free. That's why we've introduced cheaper medicines as well. We know that cost of living pressures are real, that's why we act on them. JOURNALIST: So, when can people expect to see power bills go down, or will they just not increase as fast? PRIME MINISTER: Well as our friend's colleague, Phil Coorey, wrote so eloquently today in the Financial Review, what has occurred on power prices as a product in part of the dysfunction and chaos that's been there of the Coalition. 24 out of 28 coal fired power stations announced their closure. They had no plan to do anything other than fight each other, and that's continuing today. What we've done is put a cap on gas and coal prices. We did that in partnership with the Coalition Government of New South Wales and the Labor Government, then, of Queensland. What we've done is put in place energy rebates, and we know that the cheapest form of new power is renewables. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the Opposition's polling continues to dive. What are you doing to make sure that the government doesn't, that complacency doesn't seep into your own government? PRIME MINISTER: Doing real things which make a real difference for real people. That's what this is doing right here, now. This practice moving to fully bulk billing their patients. That wasn't the case last week. It is today. It is as a result of the changes that were put in on November 1. And there's 1,000 practices around Australia, just like this one, that today are going to be fully bulk billed, making an enormous difference to them. My government is focused, it's disciplined, it's orderly, and the Coalition - I'll leave them for their chaos and infighting. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, could I just ask - do you expect to have a universal child care model in place by the end of this term of Parliament? And if I could ask Finance Minister Katy Gallagher a question, if that's all right, you can you answer it, if you like. Do you expect that your forecast for public service wages will retain, will remain flat as they currently are in the budget? Or do you expect to see upward pressure on those in coming up? PRIME MINISTER: Well, on the question I've been asked, what we're doing is rolling out the commitments that we've made. This year is our focus. We'll continue to focus, though, on the job of reform. I've said before, I think somewhat uncontroversially, that the job of reform is never concluded. We don't say, 'right, that's done. We'll pack up, and we're satisfied with that'. We are focused as a government, Minister after Minister, every single one of them, but also every single Caucus Member is focused on what we can do to improve the lives of Australians as we can go forward. How do we deal with the urgent issues which are immediate to make an immediate difference to people's lives? But how do we do it in a way that sets Australia up for the future? Now, one of those ways is in education, and we know that human brain development, 90 per cent occurs within the first five years, more than 90 per cent. So we know that early learning is important, and so we're focused on that as well as on, from this year, next year, when school starts again, will be a focus of our delivery of better funding for schools, making sure that that promise, which began with the Gonski recommendations more than a decade ago, is actually delivered. We signed up every state and territory to that commitment. That will be an important element that you'll hear a lot of from me next January and February. That's why our climate change action is real as well, looking to future generations. That's why Future Made in Australia as is important. That's what critical minerals, rare earths, new industries is about as well, making more things here in Australia, making sure we train people for that. My government, those two focuses - what do we do that make a difference to people's lives today while setting Australia's future up for not just one term of government, but for decades ahead, is so important. That is a laser like focus that my government has. I'll ask Katy - MINISTER GALLAGHER: Thanks PM, thanks Ron for writing in the AFR as well, appreciate it. We spent the last three years making sure we're resourcing the Public Service properly and paying public servants properly. That wasn't the case under the former government, where they eroded capability, sacked public servants and didn't award pay increases. And our forecasts reflect those decisions, and they will be updated in the usual way, through Budget and MYEFO. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, just to, sorry, just to follow up Ron's question. Will we have universal child care system in place by the time of the next election? PRIME MINISTER: I've given you the answer. You can ask me that - JOURNALIST: Well, you didn't actually answer that - PRIME MINISTER: You've got three years to continue to ask and follow up. JOURNALIST: Do you believe that for-profit child care still has a place in the system? PRIME MINISTER: You've got three years to follow that up. JOURNALIST: That was a different question. PRIME MINISTER: Well, you get the same answer. What we're doing in child care, we've made a significant difference. We've increased - we've saved a system like aged care that was suffering from the fact that people weren't paid properly. That's the first thing we need to do is to address issues of workforce. We inherited an aged care system, those changes came in on Saturday as well. That was summarised in the interim report of the Royal Commission by one word, neglect. We inherited a child care system that was under pressure because they were losing their workforce. What we've done is rescue that. What we do is put in place, measure by measure, element by element, over a period of time to improve the systems. Paid Prac for nursing, for early learning, for these issues as well, is another element that we have brought in that is making a difference already. So, we'll continue to focus. We won't get ahead of ourselves. We make announcements when we've gone through proper policy processes. That's what we do. We don't meet and have chaos and different, three or four different, announcements from different elements of the show, like the Coalition are doing at the moment. I'll make this point, though - Australians shouldn't pay the price of Coalition chaos when we are looking at the reforms, including environmental reforms, that are before the Parliament at the moment. Australians need all of the Parliament, whether it be the Coalition or the Greens Party, for that matter, we don't want to just return to the Noalition of the Senate, just saying no to sensible, practical, pragmatic, orderly reforms. We want to get things done in the interests of the nation. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, support for One Nation is continuing to grow. What do you think that says about Australians', you know, thoughts on issues like immigration and what do you have to do to ensure that that shift from centrist parties to the far right we're seeing around the developed world, doesn't happen here? PRIME MINISTER: Well, what we're doing is putting in place good government. Good government that's orderly. We have an orderly system in Australia. That's a good thing. My government's been very disciplined about fulfilling the commitments that we made prior to the election. Go back and have a look at some of the front pages that were run during the 2022 election campaign and see how they measure up to reality and what my government has done. My government has done exactly what we said we would do. We'll continue to do that. We will continue to government, to govern as a party that is interested in reform but rejects extremes of the right or of the left. We reject those approaches, and we continue to put forward things that make a practical difference to people's lives. JOURNALIST: On Optus, why should government departments continue to have contracts with Optus? And do you think that should be under review in light of the way they let people down with the Triple Zero outage? PRIME MINISTER: Optus failed the common-sense test of delivering for their customers. And the committee inquiry today is an opportunity for those issues to be pursued. Thanks very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Universal Periodic Review 50: UK Statement on Belarus Speech Statement by the UK's Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders, at Belarus' Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders Published 3 November 2025 Location: Geneva Delivered on: 3 November 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the continued erosion of human rights in Belarus. Since the 2020 presidential elections, we have observed widespread repression of civil society, independent media, and political opposition. The use of arbitrary detention, politically motivated prosecutions, and restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must end. We recommend: Establish an official moratorium on executions, in line with international human rights standards and the global trend toward abolition. Release all political prisoners and halt the use of arbitrary detention and politically motivated charges. Revise restrictive laws such as the 1997 Mass Events Act and the Law on Associations, which impose burdensome requirements for public gatherings and civil society registration, to align with international human rights standards. The UK calls on Belarus to engage constructively with civil society and international partners to restore and uphold fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada-Pakistan Joint Statement: Reaffirming strong and enduring ties Global Affairs Canada Statement November 3, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada Today, Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, issued this joint statement: "The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and His Excellency, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, held a productive bilateral call on October 30, reaffirming the strong and enduring ties between Canada and Pakistan and emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. "Canada and Pakistan agreed to facilitate the export of Canadian canola to Pakistan, recognizing the significant potential of Pakistan's expanding market for this Canadian commodity. "The Ministers welcomed the successful conclusion of the first round of negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Led by the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, and the Honourable Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Investment of Pakistan, the FIPA is an important priority which reflects both countries' dedication to fostering a stable and transparent investment environment. "Both sides also expressed keen interest in expanding bilateral cooperation on energy security and critical minerals, recognizing the strong and growing role of Canadian companies in achieving Pakistan's ambitious mineral development goals and harnessing its clean energy potential. "The Ministers also looked ahead to the upcoming 6th round of bilateral consultations, which will serve as a platform to advance shared priorities, reinforce government-to-government and private sector linkages, and explore new avenues for strategic collaboration. "Canada and Pakistan remain committed to working together to promote peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth, both bilaterally and on the global stage." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada-Philippines defense pact 'more gesture than substantive military significance': expert Global Times By Xu Keyue Published: Nov 03, 2025 06:33 PM In response to media reports that Philippines and Canada on Sunday signed a pact that targets "China's military activities in the South China Sea," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that China always believes that countries' defense and security cooperation should not target any third party or harm their interests. To flex muscle and stoke confrontation is not conducive to regional peace and stability, Mao said. Some Chinese experts believe this agreement remains a geopolitical move aligned with the US "Indo-Pacific Strategy," but the practical significance of the pact is minimal. For Canada, signing the pact served more as a "gesture to assert its presence;" for Philippines, which has signed similar ones with Japan and New Zealand, its apparent attempts to introduce external forces to make troubles in the water will undermine regional peace, stability, and cooperation, experts said. The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) is Canada's first such military pact with an Asia-Pacific country, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. claimed in a joint briefing with his Canadian counterpart David McGuinty, Bloomberg reported Sunday. According to the news release by the Canadian government, the military agreement will allow the Canadian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to work more closely together through participation in joint and multinational operations and exercises in each other's territories. McGuinty said the agreement will boost joint military training, information-sharing and cooperation in addressing emergencies, including responding to natural disasters, AP reported Sunday. McGuinty said Canada hopes to be present at next year's annual flagship military drills by the Philippines and the US, Bloomberg reported. Teodoro claimed that the agreement will be "key to fostering a rules-based international order" in the region, citing the so-called China's presence, AP reported. Huang Zhong, an associate researcher at the Center for Canadian Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, told the Global Times on Monday that the agreement's content shows that Canada's military cooperation with the Philippines remains quite limited. "Its practical significance is minimal, serving more as a gesture to assert its presence," Huang said. Ding Duo, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Studies at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Monday that "Canada is attempting to balance security and economic interests, but this ambivalent approach reflects its lack of an independent foreign policy." Ding pointed out that blindly following US strategy in handling ties with China has already cost Canada dearly economically. Under strong US pressure, Canada currently has greater need for cooperation with China to achieve its goals of diplomatic and trade diversification, according to Huang. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he hopes to reset expectations in Canada's relationship with China and looks forward to meeting Chinese leader during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in South Korea, according to media reports on October 27. Ottawa must recognize that engaging in petty maneuvers on so-called maritime security issues in the Asia-Pacific risks damaging its international image and development prospects, said Ding. "A wiser approach would be to discard Cold War mentality and play a constructive role in promoting regional cooperation," the expert said. The Philippines earlier forged similar pacts with Japan and New Zealand and is eyeing agreements with France and the UK, Bloomberg reported. Ding warned that while Manila is attempting to draw in external forces to stir up tensions in the South China Sea, such a "patchwork partnership" lacks a solid foundation, struggles to generate effective synergy, and could ultimately leave the Philippines strategically isolated. In July 2024 when the Philippines and Japan signed a reciprocal access agreement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian commented on the issue, stating that "the exchange and cooperation between countries should not undermine the mutual understanding and trust between other countries in the region. It should not threaten regional peace and stability, target any third party, or harm the interests of any third party." The Asia-Pacific region does not need any military bloc, still less groupings that incite bloc confrontation or a new Cold War. Any move that undermines regional peace and stability, and harms regional solidarity and cooperation will be met with vigilance and opposition from people in regional countries, according to Lin. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on November 3, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: November 03, 2025 17:48 At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, King Felipe VI of Spain will pay a state visit to China from November 10 to 13. The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10. Leaders from other countries, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Serbian Prime Minister Duro Macut, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria Abbas Tajudeen, and President of the National Council of Slovenia Marko Lotric, will attend the opening ceremony of the CIIE and related events upon invitation. At the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Margus Tsahkna will visit China from November 4 to 6. CCTV: A follow-up on King Felipe VI's visit to China, could you share with us the arrangement? How does China view its current relations with Spain and what does China expect to achieve through the visit? Mao Ning: This is King Felipe VI's first state visit to China after his enthronement and another visit by a Spanish king to China in 18 years. The visit is of great significance. During the visit, President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji will meet with him respectively. They will exchanges views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. Spain is a major country in the EU and China's important strategic partner in Europe. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, in recent years, bilateral relations have maintained robust development. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership. Through King Felipe VI's visit, China stands ready to work with Spain to cement traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, have closer people-to-people and cultural exchanges, strengthen coordination on multilateral affairs, and score more progress in the comprehensive strategic partnership so as to deliver more tangibly for the two peoples and inject more stability and positive energy into a turbulent international landscape. Shenzhen TV: China recently announced that it would host next year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen. Can you brief us on the consideration of the decision on the host city and what's China's expectation for its APEC chairmanship in 2026? Mao Ning: As the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting draws to a close, APEC will soon enter the "China Year." President Xi Jinping announced that China will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen in November next year. It will be the third time for China to host APEC. From Shanghai to Beijing and to Shenzhen, China's role and contribution on the APEC stage has continued to strengthen, which shows China's effort in spearheading Asia-Pacific cooperation, commitment to multilateralism and support for regional economic integration. Shenzhen is a pilot ground for China's reform and opening up. It is a miracle created by the Chinese people in the world history of development. It is also an important window for China's mutually beneficial strategy of opening up. We believe that Shenzhen will present a splendid APEC meeting for the world and look forward to welcoming all parties to Shenzhen next year. Global Times: To follow up on Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna's visit to China, how does China view its current relations with Estonia and what's China's expectation of the visit? Mao Ning: China welcomes Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna to visit China. The two countries enjoy traditional friendship. In recent years, bilateral relations have generally maintained steady development. China attaches importance to developing its friendly and cooperative ties with Estonia. Through the visit, China stands ready to work with Estonia to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, and expand cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and equality and move forward bilateral ties on a sustained and steady track. China News Service: Last week, President Xi Jinping met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Gyeongju, the ROK. This is President Xi's second meeting with the Canadian prime minister in eight years. What's China's comment? Mao Ning: On the afternoon of October 31, President Xi Jinping met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, the ROK. They reached important common understandings and made strategic guidance on further improving bilateral relations. Through this meeting, China stands ready to work with Canada to resume or restart exchanges and cooperation in various fields, move forward in solving the specific economic and trade issues of mutual concern, bring bilateral relations back to the right track of sound, stable and sustainable development at an early date and deliver more benefits to the two peoples. AFP: Donald Trump yesterday claimed that China conducts secret nuclear weapons tests. Does the Foreign Ministry have any response to this? Mao Ning: As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible nuclear-weapon state, China is committed to peaceful development, follows a policy of "no first use" of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy that focuses on self-defense, and adheres to its nuclear testing moratorium. We stand ready to work with all parties to jointly uphold the authority of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty and safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. It's hoped that the U.S. will earnestly abide by its obligations under the Treaty and its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing, and take concrete actions to uphold the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, as well as global strategic balance and stability. Hubei Media Goup: China's unilateral visa-free policy to some countries will expire at the end of this year. Will the policy be extended? Mao Ning: To implement the guiding principles of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, expand high-standard opening up, and continue to facilitate cross-border travel, China has decided to extend visa-free policy to France and other countries to December 31, 2026. China has added Sweden to the visa-free scheme effective from November 10, 2025 to December 31, 2026. For more specifics, please follow the information released by the Department of Consular Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese embassies and consulates. Ukrinform News Agency: Last week, the group of Friends for Peace, which includes China, Brazil and several other Global South countries, made another call for a ceasefire. The Ukrainian side many times stated its readiness to cease fire. I'd like to ask whether China, Brazil and the group of Friends for Peace have appealed directly to Russia to stop the conflict? Mao Ning: The group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis is exactly aimed at creating a ceasefire, promoting talks for peace, and fostering an atmosphere and accumulating conditions for peace. Since its establishment, the group has played a constructive role for the political settlement of the crisis and will continue to make effort to that end. Beijing Youth Daily: We've learned that China has agreed to resume group tours of Chinese nationals to Canada. What is your comment? Mao Ning: By taking into account Chinese tourists' travel demand, local traveling environment and other factors, China has decided to resume group tours of Chinese nationals to Canada operated by tourist agencies. We believe this will further promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. We stand ready to work with Canada to make cross-border travel easier and hope that Canada will work with China and provide a safe and enjoyable environment for Chinese tourists. The Paper: It's reported that the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan killed around 2,000 civilians in el-Fasher, capital of north Darfur. The UN, the Arab League and the African Union, among other organizations, are closely following the humanitarian situation there and have condemned acts of violence against civilians. What's China's comment? Mao Ning: China closely follows the situation in Sudan and condemns acts against civilians. We hope Sudan will end the conflict as soon as possible, ease the humanitarian crisis, resume the political process at an early date, restore peace and stability, and achieve reconstruction and development. AFP: Scott Bessent said yesterday that the U.S. could raise tariffs on China if it continues to block rare earth exports. Does China have a response to this? Mao Ning: On China's policy of rare earth export control, competent authorities have made clear our position more than once. The outcomes of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultations in Kuala Lumpur fully demonstrate that dialogue and cooperation is the right way forward, and threatening and pressuring does not solve any issue. The two sides need to earnestly deliver on the important common understandings reached by the two presidents in Busan and inject more certainty and stability into China-U.S. trade and economic cooperation and the world economy. Ukrinform News Agency: The Philippines and Canada signed a pact on Sunday for their armed forces to train on each other's soil, one of the goals of which is to counter China's military activity in the South China Sea. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this? Mao Ning: China always believes that countries' defense and security cooperation should not target any third party or harm their interests. To flex muscle and stoke confrontation is not conducive to regional peace and stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commander: IRGC fully ready to confront enemy's adventurism IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Pakpour has warned the enemies against any new adventurism. Members of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament met with Major General Pakpour and a group of his deputies, IRGC officials, as well as Majid Khademi, Head of the IRGC Intelligence Organization on Monday. "In this meeting, Major General Pakpour presented a report on the activities of the IRGC in recent months and since the beginning of its mission, especially during the 12-Day War and the series of actions that the IRGC had taken in various sectors, including the Aerospace Force, to defeat the Zionist regime, and also provided an analysis of the conditions in the country and the region," Spokesperson for the commission Ebrahim Rezaei said. Stating that General Pakpour announced the full and maximum readiness of the IRGC to confront any threat and evil, Rezaei said that General Pakpour also emphasized that the preparedness of the IRGC today are greater than during the 12-day imposed war and that they are at the peak of readiness. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, US exchanging messages, but no negotiation process begun: Foreign Ministry IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that while messages are being exchanged between Iran and the United States through intermediaries, this does not mean that a negotiation process has begun between the two sides. Speaking at his weekly press briefing in Tehran on Monday, Baqaei made the remarks in response to a question about Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi's visit to Oman last week and whether he had received a message from the US during the trip. "There was no official message," the spokesperson said, adding that various intermediaries are making efforts to bring the two sides closer together and that messages are indeed being conveyed. "However, this does not in any way signify the start of a negotiation process between Iran and the United States." Oman to clarify imported water issue Baqaei said no accusations are directed at Tehran over water imported to Oman, describing earlier claims of contamination as baseless and due to a technical error. The Omani side will soon issue a statement clarifying the matter, he added. Rejecting US accusations Responding to questions about allegations in Jeffrey Epstein's case files involving Iran, the spokesperson said the emails attributed to himcalling for military action or pressure against Iranare not surprising, as anti-Iran activities have long been part of US policy circles. He added that what is notable is Epstein's background in corruption and human trafficking, crimes confirmed by US authorities themselves. His reported involvement shows that individuals with such criminal records are among those hostile to the Iranian nation, Baqaei said. Iran condemns US military moves in Caribbean The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson condemned US military activities in the Caribbean Sea and Latin America, calling them a clear threat to international peace and security. He said Washington's claim that the operations aim to combat drug trafficking lacks any legal basis under international law. "No country is permitted, under the pretext of fighting transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, to violate another nation's sovereignty or territorial integrity," he added. Baqaei also said US threats against Venezuela and other Latin American states are legally and politically unjustifiable and run counter to the UN Charter's principles prohibiting the use or threat of force. Regional consensus that Israel is main source of instability The Iranian diplomat said there is now no doubt among regional countries that the main threat comes from the Israeli regime. He added, however, that even using the word "threat" is not entirely accurate, as the region is already engaged in a real war with Israel, citing the genocide in Gaza and acts of aggression against other countries including Syria, Qatar, and Lebanon. A clear consensus has emerged among regional states that that Israel is the primary and active source of danger, and that regional countries must rely on mutual understanding and cooperation to ensure their collective security. US threats aimed at destabilizing Iraq On the latest US threats against Iraq ahead of parliamentary elections in the Arab country later this month, the spokesperson described the threats as interference in Iraq's internal affairs, which are intended to create tension and influence the country's domestic processes. He said that such threats clearly violate Iraq's sovereignty and independence and reflect the interventionist and aggressive nature of the United States. "These actions will have no impact on the determination of the Iraqi people, who are resolute in making decisions based on what they see as best for their nation's security and interests." West's 'hypocritical' stance Baqaei criticized the US and other Western countries for their contradictory stance on nuclear activities, calling their behavior "truly hypocritical." He said that while these countries claim to be concerned about the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear arms, they continue to pressure a nation whose nuclear program is entirely peaceful and for which there has never been any evidence of military intent. At the same time, they themselves freely violate their international obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and other disarmament and arms-control agreements, he added. Border security tied to regional stability Baqaei said Iran's border security is integral to the region's stability. He noted that Iranian forces closely monitor developments and coordinate with neighbors, especially Iraq. He also stressed that Iran will firmly defend its sovereignty and that regional states, too, are capable of protecting themselves against any aggression. Lebanon entitled to defend its sovereignty Further in his presser, the spokesperson commented on Israel's threats against Lebanon, saying that they have been ongoing, with over 5,000 ceasefire violations since the truce began in late November last year. He said Israeli attacks against civilians and vital infrastructure in Lebanon are a clear breach of international law, emphasizing that Lebanon, as a sovereign state, has the legitimate right and means to defend its security and dignity. Sudan crisis What is happening in Sudan and some countries is truly worrying, Baqaei said, adding that any intervention in their internal affairs is harmful and has proven to bring nothing but killing and chaos. Sudan at one point faced movements that, in the name of democracy and human rights, split the country in two, and unfortunately internal fighting has since continued, the Iranian diplomat said. He noted that the recent events in the city of El Fasher and the mass killing of civilians were deeply shocking, adding that Iran has called on all parties to support the central government and properly fulfill their responsibilities. Iran to reopen consulate general in Bonn The spokesperson said Iran has obtained the necessary permits from Germany to reopen its consulate general in Bonn. The closure of Iran's consulates had caused serious difficulties for Iranian nationals living there, he further said, adding that Iran tried to ease these problems through various measures including the expansion of consular services at its embassy in Berlin. Iran seriously pursuing cooperation with Russia and China Baqaei said Iran continues to actively pursue its cooperation with Russia and China following the expiration of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. He noted that Iran had maintained such cooperation even while the resolution was in effect, and since the defense and arms restrictions expired several years ago, collaboration with both countries now continues robustly within the framework of existing bilateral agreements. 4194**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran showed only a fraction of its power in war with Israel, now more prepared: FM Araghchi IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the world witnessed only a fraction of Iran's power during the 12-day war with Israel in June, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic is now even more prepared for any potential new conflict. Araghchi made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, released on Saturday. He responded questions on various issues including Iran's nuclear program, and the 12-day war which the US entered by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22. "I think the whole world witnessed part of our power during the 12-day war. Despite the surprise attacks Israel carried out against us on the first day, we were able to respond immediately. In the early days, Mr. Trump tweeted that we should surrender unconditionally, but by the 12th day, it was they who proposed an unconditional ceasefire," the top diplomat said, referring to the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump. "This shows that Iran is much stronger than they had imagined. In particular, the national unity and the people's steadfast support for the government came as a major surprise to the world. We learned many lessons from that war in political, military, and economic fields, and I can say that if another war happens, we will be even more prepared," Araghchi added. The foreign minister also warned Israel that it would fail again if it launched a new war against Iran, arguing that the Islamic Republic has identified the enemy's weak points during the 12-day confrontation. "A failed experience leads only to another failure. The Israeli regime did not achieve any of its objectives in the 12-day war, and if it tries to repeat that failed experience, it will face the same outcome, especially that we are even better prepared. We have thoroughly identified both our own weaknesses and those of the enemy during the 12-day war, and we can now act with much greater strength." Araghchi added that the conflict proved Israel's air defense system can be penetrated, noting that Iran also tested its missiles in real combat and now knows how to launch them with greater accuracy and power. Iran does not seek war The top Iranian diplomat said that during the 12-day war, his country made every effort to prevent the conflict from spilling over into the wider region, even as Israel tried to expand it to the Persian Gulf by attacking Iran's oil and petrochemical facilities there. "It is unclear what will happen in the future. We are not interested in war or its escalation. But we are facing a warmongering regime that is ready to drag the entire region into conflict," he said, citing Israeli acts of aggression against Qatar, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen in recent months. Araghchi also referred to the "Greater Israel" plans promoted by Israeli officials, saying they reveal the regime's expansionist nature. To confront this expansionist regime, "we must be prepared in every respect, militarily and diplomatically," he added. Israel main source of regional instability The Iranian official further said that Iran has pursued a policy of good neighborliness over the past year, rapidly expanding its relations, especially in the Persian Gulf. He added that this policy continued after the 12-day war. According to Araghchi, a major shift has occurred in the region, with countries now recognizing who the real enemy is. He said that previous propaganda portraying Iran as a threat has lost credibility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite being a war criminal, has done one useful thing, Araghchi said. He has shown the entire region that Israel not Iran or any other country is the true source of hostility. "This understanding is now widely shared across the region," he added. Nuclear negotiations The Iranian foreign minister said that his country is confident in the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and is ready to negotiate with any country to prove it. He noted that Iran is prepared to address any concern or question regarding its nuclear activities within the framework of negotiations aimed at reaching an assuring and balanced solution. That was exactly what happened in 2015, Araghchi said, when Iran reached a nuclear agreement with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germanycollectively known as the P5+1 groupreferring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which placed limits on Iran's nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. At that time, all parties were satisfied and the world welcomed the deal, but the United States violated the agreement without any justification, he added, referring to Washington's unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018. "Currently, we are fully prepared for fair negotiations based on equality, mutual interests, and the win-win principle," the top diplomat said. He emphasized that an agreement on the nuclear issue remains possible, but that the United States is making excessive and unreasonable demands, setting conditions that "no wise person could accept." Commenting on those conditions, Araghchi said that Iran will never accept zero uranium enrichment, describing it as a major achievement attained by Iranian scientists after years of hard work. "The 12-day war was imposed on Iran because of our enrichment activities and led to the martyrdom of more than 1,000 people," he said. "Why should we accept zero enrichment? What they failed to achieve through war will not be achieved through negotiations either." "We will not negotiate with anyone over our missile capabilities. There is no reason to negotiate with others about our own security," he added. Araghchi also ruled out direct talks with the United States, arguing that indirect discussions could be productive if Washington acts seriously. Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium Araghchi said that Iran's stockpile of 60-percent enriched uranium, weighing 400 kilograms, remains in the same location where it was prior to the 12-day war. "We haven't touched it since before the war. Most of it is under the rubble in fact, almost all of it and we have no intention of removing it until conditions allow," he said. "We also don't know how much of the 400 kilograms is intact and how much has been lost, and we won't know until it is recovered from beneath the debris. It remains exactly where it was before the attack." On the damage caused by US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities during the Israeli-waged war of aggression, Araghchi said that the destruction was extensive. "The buildings were destroyed. Equipment and machinery were destroyed. But the technology has not been lost. Technology cannot be wiped out by bombs. Most importantly, our determination remains and has even grown stronger after the war," the top diplomat noted. Iran's foreign policy Responding to a question on whether Iran's foreign policy has shifted toward greater flexibility, Araghchi said there is no intention among the Iranian people to show leniency toward their enemies. "The Iranian people are proud and honorable. They will never trade their independence and dignity for anything," he said, adding that Iran remains committed to pursuing wise and constructive engagement with the world. The minister noted that Iran is ready to engage with all countries, including the West, but emphasized that "negotiation is different from taking dictation or following orders." He said Iran's priority is strengthening relations with its neighbors a policy of good neighborliness that began from a position of strength and continues to expand after the June war. 4194**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araghchi sends message on realistic statements by Grossi, Omani FM IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 3, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to the realistic statements of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Foreign Minister of Oman by publishing a message on the X social network that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons. Araghchi wrote on his X account that in the past 48 hours, the heinous lie that the unlawful Israeli and US bombing of Iran was motivated by an imminent nuclear threat has been thoroughly debuked by the International Atomic Energy Agency Chief, who has explicitly stated that Iran "is not and was not" developing nuclear weapons and by my Omani counterpart, H.E. AlBusaidi, an intermediary trusted by both Iran and the US, who has made clear that there was never any Iranian "nuclear threat". He stressed that Iran did not kill diplomacy. "Those who blew up the negotiating table did." Araghchi said that Israel targeted diplomacy because its real fear is the failure of its "Iran Demonization Project". "POTUS entered office promising to put an end to Netanyahu's bamboozling of Obama and Biden. It's not too late to reverse course," he added. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tehran says 'real regional war' with Israel underway, dismisses talks with US Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 11:10 AM Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman has said that the region is currently experiencing "a real war" with the Israeli regime, emphasizing that the situation has moved far beyond the stage of mere threats. Speaking at a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, Esmaeil Baghaei stated that there is no doubt among regional countries that the principal threat originates from the Zionist regime. He went further, saying, "using the word 'threat' is not entirely accurate, as we are in a real regional war with the Zionist regime." He explained that a threat implies a potential future action, whereas for over two years, there has been a "ruthless massacre" of people in Palestine, attacks on several regional countries, and ongoing occupation. He noted that a clear regional consensus has formed on two points: that the Israeli regime is the primary threat, and that regional countries need mutual understanding and agreement to ensure their security. The spokesperson addressed the recent US-mediated ceasefire in Gaza, stating that while the term "ceasefire violation" is now used, the reality is the "continuation of the genocide and collective destruction of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank." He pointed out that since the ceasefire talks began, over 200 Palestinians have been killed and more than 600 injured, placing responsibility on the guarantors of the truce. Baghaei also highlighted the unprecedented number of journalists killedapproximately 270during the Gaza onslaught, stating this fact alone indicates what is happening is not a war but a "full-scale genocide." He warned that the continued inaction of the UN Security Council and the regime's primary supporters has emboldened Israel, leading to a continued sense of impunity in its ongoing, flagrant violations of human rights. 'No official message form US' Responding to questions about negotiations with the US, Baghaei clarified that no official message had been received from the American side via Oman. He stated that while intermediaries continue efforts to exchange messages, this "does not at all mean the start of a negotiation process between Iran and the US." "Iran was attacked while engaged in diplomatic negotiations. The Iranian people can never forget this," he noted, referring to a US-Israeli aggression in June that martyred many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. He stated that the US has proven it does not adhere to the requirements of reasonable negotiation, and that talks can only be considered when parties are able to accept each other's interests. The Iranian diplomat sharply criticized the US and Western powers for their "regrettable" and "hypocritical" stance on nuclear issues, slamming them for violating their own Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) commitments while pressuring Iran's peaceful program. He referenced a statement by the US President Donald Trump about having enough weapons to "destroy the world 150 times over," questioning how such a capability could be a source of pride. Regarding US hostility toward Iran, Baghaei referred to a recent regional meeting where the US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, admitted that Washington has pursued a policy of intervention in other countries' internal affairs for decades which has "ultimately intensified hostility, division, and terrorism worldwide." He expressed regret that some American politicians have "failed to learn from these bitter experiences" and voiced hope that "the atrocities and human tragedies unfolding in our region" would finally be addressed at the international level. He pointed to recent developments in Syria, the ongoing crisis in Sudan, and the chaotic situation in Libya as examples of how these interventions have "only spread instability and disorder." Earlier this week, Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) massacred at least 2,000 people in El-Fasher, western Darfur. Reports tell of summary executions, sexual violence, attacks on aid workers, looting, and abductions. The blood of the victims can be seen from space. The RSF has waged war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for more than two years. Israel, the UK, France, Canada, and the US face scrutiny for arms sales and diplomatic cover. Despite denials, the UAE has emerged as a major backer of RSF, providing weapons and logistics support, in exchange for Sudanese gold. The war has killed over 150,000 people, displaced 12 million, and left nearly 25 million people facing acute hunger. Use of crime-fighting as 'excuse' for violating sovereignty not permitted Regarding Iran's position on US threats against South American countries, Baghaei stated, "We decisively condemn the US military movements in the Caribbean and Latin America and consider it disruptive to international peace and security." He added that the "pretext of combating drug trafficking" has been tested many times before in the region and "lacks legal legitimacy from the perspective of international law." "No country is permitted to violate another nation's territorial integrity and national sovereignty merely under the excuse of confronting transnational organized crime, whether drug trafficking or other offenses," he emphasized. This mounting military presence has fueled fears that Washington may attempt to destabilize or even invade Venezuela under fabricated pretexts. The Southern Command has conducted at least 15 assaults in the Caribbean or eastern Pacific since early September, killing no fewer than 62 people. Late last month, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, speaking in a national broadcast, said the Trump administration is manufacturing "a new eternal war." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security prevails at Iran's maritime borders, enemies deterred: Top general Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 6:34 AM A top Iranian general has declared that the nation's maritime borders are secure, emphasizing that adversaries "do not dare to look at Islamic Iran." During an inspection visit to the second naval district of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy in Bandar Abbas, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, highlighted the robust security along the country's water borders. "If security has now been established in the country's water borders, it is due to your sacrifices and day-to-day efforts in the IRGC Navy," he told the naval forces. Vahidi added that the enemies "upon seeing you on the water borders, do not even dare to look at these waters and lands." Addressing the sailors, he emphasized that their "power of faith and courage," a quality learned from naval martyrs, enables them to "stand like a mountain in front of the enemies who covet these waters and lands, and the enemy is also afraid of this divine power." In recent years, Iran's Navy has achieved self-sufficiency in the manufacture of 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 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. 'More decisive response' Deputy Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Force Brigadier General Nozar Nemati, also in a meeting with a group of judges of the Armed Forces Judicial Organization on Sunday, addressed the nation's military readiness. "If the enemies repeat their strategic mistake against the great nation of Iran again, they will face a more decisive response and pay a heavier price," he said, referring to a US-Israeli aggression in June that martyred many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. He underscored that the enemies of Iran "have come to believe that the military option can in no way intimidate the great nation of Iran." Referring to the latest status of defense and drone units, Brigadier General Nemati also emphasized that in the 12-day imposed war, defense units with Majid systems and various cannons, as well as the drone unit with Arash destructive drones, played a role alongside other armed forces. He also touched upon the progress in military self-sufficiency, stating that through cooperation with the country's defense industry, all required equipment, weapons, and parts are being designed and produced for the Army Ground Forces' defense and combat cycle. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq breaks deadlock with Turkey in water deal amid PKK pressure Iran Press TV Monday, 03 November 2025 10:01 AM Iraq has signed a landmark water agreement with Turkey, signaling a breakthrough after months of deadlock and opening the door for joint projects to manage water resources and mitigate the country's severe drought. The deal, overseen by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, was signed by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baghdad Sunday. "The water crisis is a global crisis, and Iraq is one of the countries most affected," Sudani said. "This agreement will be one of the sustainable solutions to Iraq's water challenges and will strengthen ties with Turkey in several sectors." The accord comes against the backdrop of strained bilateral relations, in which Turkey has long leveraged control over the Tigris and Euphrates riverswhich originate in Turkeyto pressure Baghdad over multiple issues, including the presence of PKK militants in northern Iraq, Kurdish oil exports, and regional transit arrangements. Analysts say water has become a key tool in Ankara's strategic leverage over Iraq. Foreign Minister Hussein on Sunday also called on PKK members who recently withdrew from southern Turkey to northern Iraq to disarm and engage in dialogue with Ankara to achieve a lasting solution. "We support the PKK-Turkey agreement and look forward to the resolution of this issue," Hussein said during a joint press conference with Fidan, noting that armed PKK elements remain in Sinjar and Makhmur districts. For decades, Iraq has struggled to secure a fair share of river flows. More than 70 percent of Iraq's water comes from outside its borders, with Turkey supplying half, Iran 15 percent, and Syria 5 percent, according to Ministry of Water Resources spokesperson Khaled Shamal. Reduced flows from upstream dams have worsened Iraq's worst drought in decades, pushing national water storage below six percent, intensifying saltwater intrusion in the Shatt al-Arab, and increasing pollution in southern provinces including Basra, Maysan, and Dhi Qar. While the agreement does not specify exact water allocations, officials emphasized its focus on sustainable water management and infrastructure development, including joint projects aimed at long-term water security. The breakthrough follows months of failed negotiations, with sources familiar with the talks saying Turkey was previously unwilling to make tangible concessions despite Iraq's deteriorating water situation. Analysts view the agreement as both a technical and political compromise, balancing Iraq's urgent need for water with Turkey's leverage over regional security and trade matters. Continuous summer heatwaves, with temperatures often exceeding 50C, have made Iraq's vulnerability to climate change starkly visible, underscoring the urgency of cooperation with Ankara to secure water for agriculture, drinking, and environmental needs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu addresses the Forum of Senior IDF Reserve Commanders Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Events and Speeches Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 03.11.2025 Prime Minister Netanyahu at the conference of Senior IDF Reserve Commanders: "There is no more containment. There is initiative and around-the-clock activity. The reserve force is a fundamental component: we need a big, strong and smart military". Prime Minister Netanyahu took part today in the conference of the Forum of Senior IDF Reserve Commanders, along with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The Prime Minister addressed the participants of the conference and responded to questions posed by the reserve officers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "We not only changed the Middle East, we also changed ourselves. There is no more containment. There is initiative and around-the-clock activity. And we are doing that because we know who you are, and we know what an amazing military we have. Not only the regular force - with everybody calling this "the TikTok generation", and it's obvious by now that that's not the case - but our reserve force which mobilized again, contrary to everything that the enemy expected. They were wrong - wrong about us, wrong about you. The reserve force is a fundamental component, a core component. We need a big and strong military that is also smart. We will expand the regular force and we will substantially strengthen the reserve force, and also strengthen the families - because today the attitude is very simple, there is no such thing as a reserve soldier or reserve commander that is a separate unit with their family put aside. They are the same unit". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Enhancing the physical security of critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks in the Republic of Kazakhstan 3 November 2025 From 21 to 23 October, thirty government officials took part in a training course in Shymkent on strengthening the physical security of critical infrastructure (CI) against terrorist threats. The event was organized within the framework of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department's Project PROTECT and the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, with financial support from Germany and the United States of America. The new three-day training course was designed in response to a growing number of terrorist incidents targeting critical infrastructure across the OSCE region and beyond. The course considered a range of terrorist attack methods including explosive attacks, firearms and unmanned aerial systems and covered core components of physical security from strategies such as conceptualizing physical security at critical infrastructure sites, developing a security system and applying defence in depth principles, to technical measures such as access control systems, intrusion detection systems, security lighting, building structure, security screening practices, perimeter protection and others. The course structure reflected elements of the forthcoming Project PROTECT Technical Guide on Physical Security Considerations for the Protection of Critical Infrastructure from Terrorist Attacks, due to be released in November 2025. As a training aid, all participants received a copy of the Technical Guide, providing them with a consolidated reference document for their future work in protecting critical infrastructure. "Conducting this course is a timely and relevant step that promotes the exchange of experience, professional development, as well as strengthening the capacity of units responsible for the security of facilities vulnerable to terrorism," said Denis Rudkovsky, Senior Coordinator and Head of the Specialized Security Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in his opening remarks. Participants included regional experts and practitioners from the Department of Specialized Security Services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs as well as the Anti-Terrorism Centre. The training course also benefited from the insights of a guest lecturer from the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, in Germany, who shared international good practices and technical expertise on explosive impacts on building structures. "The Organization consistently advocates for the fight against terrorism to be conducted in strict compliance with international law and states' human rights obligations. The OSCE and its Project PROTECT supports countries to exchange experiences, enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies, and develop effective measures to protect critical infrastructure. We are delighted to co-organize this event, which is the first of its kind," highlighted Aidyn Alimbekov, Project Associate at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. This course represents the seventh activity under Project PROTECT, which strengthens national approaches to protecting vulnerable targets from terrorist threats and other hazards, while ensuring compliance with human rights. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan with the Foreign Minister of Turkiye on the sidelines of Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers Meeting on the situation in Gaza in Istanbul Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, during his visit to Turkiye to attend the Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers Meeting on the situation in Gaza in Istanbul on 3 November 2025. The DPM/FM applauded the timely hosting of the Ministerial meeting on Gaza by Turkiye. He added that this meeting reaffirmed the common resolve and unanimous voice in support of the Palestinian people and resolution of the dispute in line with the UN Security Council resolutions. Both leaders emphasized the need for full implementation of the Gaza Peace Agreement especially respecting of the cease fire, immediate withdrawal of Israel from the Occupied Palestinian territory, and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians and the reconstruction of Gaza. The DPM/FM expressed satisfaction on the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Turkiye fraternal relations, which have transformed into a multifacated partnership. Both the leaders discussed various avenues of mutual interest as well as issues of regional and global importance. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening and diversifying the longstanding brotherly cooperation between the two countries. Istanbul November 3, 2025 326/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan-Canada Joint Statement: Reaffirming strong and enduring ties - 3rd November 2025 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs His Excellency, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, and The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, held a productive bilateral call on October 30, reaffirming the strong and enduring ties between Pakistan and Canada and emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Pakistan and Canada agreed to facilitate the export of Canadian canola to Pakistan, recognizing the significant potential of Pakistan's expanding market for this Canadian commodity. The Ministers welcomed the successful conclusion of the first round of negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Led by the Honourable Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Investment of Pakistan, and the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade of Canada, the FIPA is an important priority which reflects both countries' dedication to fostering a stable and transparent investment environment. Both sides also expressed keen interest in expanding bilateral cooperation on energy security and critical minerals, recognizing the strong and growing role of Canadian companies in achieving Pakistan's ambitious mineral development goals and harnessing its clean energy potential. The Ministers also looked ahead to the upcoming 6th round of bilateral consultations, which will serve as a platform to advance shared priorities, reinforce government-to-government and private sector linkages, and explore new avenues for strategic collaboration. Pakistan and Canada remain committed to working together to promote peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth, both bilaterally and on the global stage. Islamabad November 3, 2025 327/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On 2 November 2025, three khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - November 03, 2025 No PR-348/2025-ISPR On 2 November 2025, three khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Movement of a group of khwarij, opposite general area Esham, North Waziristan District, who were trying to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was picked up by the security forces. Own troops effectively engaged this group of khwarij. As a result of precise and skillful engagement, two khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij were sent to hell. It is significant to highlight that one of the killed khwarij has been identified as Kharji Qasim an Afghan national who was actively serving in Afghan Border Police. In another intelligence based operation conducted in Tank District, own troops successfully neutralised another Kharji belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij, who was identified as Kharji Ikramuddin @Abu Dajana also an Afghan national. These incidents reveal continued involvement of Afghan nationals in numerous terrorist activities against innocent civilians and security forces inside Pakistan. Pakistan has repeatedly been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border and is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij and involvement of its citizens in terrorism inside Pakistan. The Security Forces of Pakistan remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation's frontiers. Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision "Azm e Istehkam" (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's Mishustin Arrives in China for 2-Day Visit Sputnik News 20251103 Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has arrived in China for a two-day visit, a Sputnik correspondent reports. The prime minister's plane landed at the airport in Hangzhou. The program for the first day of the visit will be dedicated to the 30th regular meeting of the heads of government of Russia and China, during which Mishustin will meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Hangzhou. The second day of the visit, according to the program, will take place in Beijing, where Mishustin will hold a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the upcoming contacts, it is planned to consider topical issues of strengthening Russian-Chinese relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction. Priority attention, as noted by the Russian government, will be given to deepening trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and promoting joint projects in energy, industry, agriculture, education and other areas. In addition, following the meeting, it is planned to sign a joint communique and a number of Russian-Chinese documents. Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin attached great importance to this visit. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Only some of 66 fighter jets ordered from U.S. may be delivered on time: Koo ROC Central News Agency 11/03/2025 03:01 PM Taipei, Nov. 3 (CNA) Defense Minister Wellington Koo () said Monday that the delivery of Taiwan's order of 66 American-made F-16 Block 70 fighter jets has been delayed due to production problems, but some of them may be delivered on time next year. Fifty of the F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, produced by the American company Lockheed Martin, are currently being assembled in the United States, Koo said during a hearing of the Legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee on the delays in the delivery of Taiwan's order. By the end of this year, 10 of the fighter jets -- also known as F-16Vs -- are expected to roll off the assembly line, after which they will undergo test flights before being delivered to Taiwan, Koo said in response to questions by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Loh Mei-ling (). In total, 50 of the 66 F-16Vs ordered by Taiwan are being assembled, Ko told the lawmakers, including Chen Chun-yu () of the ruling DPP and Huang Jen () of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), who were asking questions about the delayed delivery schedule. "We want the public to know that this is not a situation of 'no progress,'" Koo said. "The work is moving ahead at full speed, with extra hours and two shifts covering 20 hours a day." "If the tests go well, I think we can expect some of the F-16Vs to be delivered next year," he added. The 66 fighter jets ordered by Taiwan were scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026, but the U.S. is unlikely to meet that deadline due to disruptions in the production process, according to lawmakers. Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Ching-jan (), who was also at the hearing, pointed out that "delivery does not equate to flying the jets back to Taiwan." Taiwan will send personnel to the U.S. to inspect and take delivery of the jets, after which a contingent will remain there to undergo the necessary training before the aircraft are flown back to Taiwan, Lee said in response to Huang's question about the delivery schedule. Pressed by Huang on whether the U.S. might deliver only one F-16V next year, Lee said it would be "more than that," citing the latest U.S. report on the matter. On the question of whether safeguards were in place to prevent Taiwan from overpaying amid the production delays, Koo said Taiwan has withheld payments since the first quarter of 2024 due to the delays. "We have made payments for the establishment of the production line and sourcing of materials, but since the jets could not be delivered on schedule, we have reached an agreement with the U.S. to defer subsequent payments," Koo said. According to KMT lawmaker Ma Wen-chun (), Taiwan to date has paid around US$4.87 billion of the total estimated cost of US$8 billion for the 66 fighter jets. (By Sean Lin) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China knows 'consequences' of any attack on Taiwan: Trump ROC Central News Agency 11/03/2025 01:17 PM Washington, Nov. 2 (CNA) U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that China would not take military action against Taiwan while he is president, as the Chinese leaders "know the consequences." Trump made the statement during an interview on the CBS program 60 Minutes that aired Sunday, a few days after his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping () in South Korea. "He [Xi] has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, 'we would never do anything while President Trump is president,' because they know the consequences," Trump said on CBS. He repeatedly declined, however, to say exactly how Washington would respond in the event that China takes military action against Taiwan. "I don't want to give away-- I can't give away my secrets," Trump said. "I don't want to be one of these guys that tells you exactly what's gonna happen if something happens." According to the U.S. president, the subject of Taiwan was not discussed during his meeting with Xi at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea last Thursday. "People were a little surprised at that," Trump said in the 60 Minutes interview. "He [Xi] never brought it up, because he understands it, and he understands it very well. Taiwan is a very interesting case. It's 69 miles away from China. We're 9,500 miles away. But that doesn't matter. He understands what will happen." (By Chung Yu-chen and Ko Lin) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/11/03 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Nov. 2 (Sun.) to 6 a.m. Nov. 3 (Mon.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 6 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 6 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1141103_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window] 1141103_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Targets Pokrovsk With Air Strikes, Ukraine Says Civilian Infrastructure Hit By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service November 03, 2025 Russian air strikes hit Ukrainian civilian sites, Ukrainian officials said on November 3, killing several people and seriously damaging residential buildings while Moscow said it carried out massive attacks as its troops continue to make advances in the key city of Pokrovsk. On Pokrovsk's eastern and southern perimeters, Russian forces have slowly crept forward in recent weeks, seizing roads, slowly strangling supply lines, and pressuring Ukrainian defenses. Russian forces managed to cement a more stable foothold inside the ruined city as Ukrainian troops, under pressure in other locations to the north, such as Kupyansk, struggled to hold them back. Russia's Defense Ministry said it attacked military and industrial sites overnight early on November 3, targeting a Ukrainian military airfield, a military equipment repair base, and military-industrial facilities as well as gas infrastructure facilities that supported them. The claims could not be independently verified, while Ukraine's 7th Rapid Response Corps said operations to clear the city of Russian troops continued, with forces heading off an attempt to cut a supply route from Rodynske to the north. Sitting astride two major highways -- one heading west to the Dnipropetrovsk region and the city of Dnipro, the other heading northeast to the railway junction city of Kostyantynivka -- Pokrovsk has been a linchpin of Ukraine's defense on the central and southern stretches of the 1,100-kilometer front line. Meanwhile, the governor of the Ukrainian Donetsk region, Vadym Filashkin, said three people were killed overnight, while local authorities in the northeastern Sumy region said one person died in a separate strike. Oleksandr Prokudin, who governs the Kherson region, said the Russian military attacked several towns and settlements in the region overnight as well. "Because of the Russian aggression, one person died and eight others were injured," Prokudin said. Dnipropetrovsk regional Governor Vladyslav Hayvanenko said Russian missiles caused a fire at a local business building and injured one person, while Governor Oleh Synehubov of the Kharkiv region said 13 towns and cities, including the regional capital, Kharkiv, had been targeted by Russian drones and missiles overnight. Five people were injured. The first deputy head of Ukraine's Inhul district for the city of Mykolayiv, Anton Uzhva, told RFE/RL that a Russian air strike hit and damaged a local hypermarket of construction materials in the morning. "Five multistory residential buildings were also damaged, mostly the windows were shattered. Fortunately, nobody was seriously injured," Uzhva said. RFE/RL correspondents reported from the site that the hypermarket's building was seriously damaged with the building's roof and multiple walls destroyed. Local resident Natalya told RFE/RL that the area has been regularly under Russian air attacks. Officials of the Ukrainian Air Defense said Russian military used 150 drones and missiles in the overnight attack. According to the statement, Russia shot three X-47M2 Kinzhal ballistic missiles, four Iskander-M missiles, five S-300/S-400 missiles, as well 138 drones at Ukrainian territory. Russian Defense Ministry said on November 3 that its air defense shot down 365 Ukrainian drones overnight. Russian civil aviation officials said operations of the airport in the Volga city of Saratov was suspended for several hours for "securing flights' safety." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-pokrovsk-air-strikes- ukraine-civilian-targets-hit/33579986.html Copyright (c) 2025. 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 Hungary Not Obliged to Fund Ukraine, No Reason to Do So - Orban Sputnik News 20251103 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Hungary is not obliged to finance Ukraine and has no moral, political or economic reason to do so. Orban quoted an article in British magazine The Economist which calculated that Ukraine would need $400 billion over the next four years to continue the war against Russia The sum would cover weapons, reconstruction, pensions and salaries, the magazine reported. "Once again, Europe is expected to foot the bill," Orban wrote on X. "There's no one else left willing to pick up the tab." "That's why Brussels is so agitated. That's why they want to seize frozen Russian assets, overhaul the EU funding system, and take on new loans," he charged. "We reject this. It's not Hungary's job to finance Ukraine," Orban insisted. "We have no reason to do so: not politically, not economically, not morally." He said Hungary was not alone in that viewpoint, but Budapest was the most outspoken in expressing its opinion. That was why Hungary is under attack from Brussels, Orban added, accusing EU of seeking to install a compliant government in Budapest. Russia insists that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder peace talks, directly involve NATO countries in the conflict and are "playing with fire." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo of weapons for Ukraine would become a legitimate target for Russian attacks. The Kremlin has stated that the West's weapons shipments to Ukraine will not encourage peace talks and can only have a negative effect. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Mounts Strikes at Ukrainian Military Infrastructure - MoD Sputnik News 20251103 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian military delivered a barrage of overnight strikes, including with the use of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, at Ukrainian military-linked energy facilities and other infrastructure, in response to Kiev's terrorist attacks on civilian targets in Russia, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. "In response to terrorist attacks launched by Ukraine against civilian objects on the territory of Russia, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered a group strike by ground- and air-based long-range precision weaponry, including Kinzhal hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles, as well as attack unmanned aerial vehicles at defense industry enterprises, power and gas infrastructure of Ukraine ensuring their operation, infrastructure of a military airfield, and a repair facility for weaponry and military hardware of the [Ukrainian armed forces]," the ministry said in a statement. All the targets of the strikes were reached and all goals were accomplished, the ministry added. Russia's Battlegroup Zapad continue to destroy the Ukrainian armed forces group encircled in Kupyansk, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "Near the settlement of Kupyansk in the Kharkov region, assault groups of the 6th Army continued to destroy the encircled Ukrainian armed forces group. During urban combat, the enemy was driven from four fortified positions in the industrial zone on the left bank of the Oskol River," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Zapad thwarted two attempts by the encircled Ukrainian group in Kupyansk to break through in the areas of Nechvolodovka and Blagodatovka, the ministry added. "In the settlement of Krasnoarmeysk [Pokrovsk] of the Donetsk People's Republic, assault groups of the 2nd Army entered and consolidated their position in a residential area of the Prigorodny microdistrict. The destruction of encircled Ukrainian armed forces units near the railway station and the industrial zone beyond the railway continues, as well as the clearing of Ukrainian militants from the settlements of Gnatovka and Rog of the Donetsk People's Republic. Ten enemy attacks north and northwest of the settlement of Krasnoarmeysk of the Donetsk People's Republic, aimed at breaking out of the encirclement, have been repelled," the statement also read. At the same time, Russian forces thwart four attempts to de-blockade the encircled Ukrainian grouping, carried out by foreign mercenaries from the so-called International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine, as well as the 32nd Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, from the area of the settlement of Grishino in the DPR, the ministry said. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated over 490 Ukrainian military personnel over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "In total, in the area of responsibility of Battlegroup Tsentr, the enemy lost more than 490 servicepeople, two armored fighting vehicles, eight cars, and an artillery piece," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Sever has eliminated over 240 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry also said, adding that Kiev has lost over 230 soldiers in battles with Russia's Battlegroup Zapad. At the same time, Russia's Battlegroup Vostok has eliminated over 225 Ukrainian military personnel, while Russia's Battlegroup Yug has eliminated up to 200 Ukrainian soldiers, the statement added. The Russian air defense forces shot down a US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system missile and 365 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones in past day, the ministry also said. The Russian armed forces destroyed storage and launch sites for Ukrainian military strike drones, as well as temporary deployment sites for foreign mercenaries, the ministry added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Says Not Considering Sending Tomahawks to Ukraine Sputnik News 20251103 US President Donald Trump said that he is not considering transferring Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. "No, not really," Trump told reporters when asked if he is going to send the missiles to Ukraine. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia's response to any Tomahawk strikes on its territory would be serious, if not staggering. The Russian president also described discussions about providing Ukraine with Tomahawks as an attempt at escalation. In an interview with CBS, Trump has once again claimed that he believes that he will succeed in ending the Ukraine conflict in a few months. Last week, US Vice President JD Vance said that the United States is trying to maintain constructive relations with Russia and Ukraine because it wants to end conflict between the two countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address During a meeting with the Ambassadors to NATO, Denys Shmyhal emphasized the need for air defense Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 3 November, 2025, 7:27 PM EET Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal held an important and substantive meeting with the NATO delegation headed by U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. The talks centered on innovation and safeguarding Ukraine's skies from enemy drones and missiles. The Minister thanked the partner states' Ambassadors to NATO for their steadfast support of Ukraine since the first days of the full-scale invasion and expressed particular gratitude for their active participation in the PURL initiative. The primary focus of the meeting was Ukraine's needs for the upcoming winter season. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence delivered substantive briefings to the partners. "Today, Ukraine not only needs support but is also ready to share its experience in building air defense with allied nations. A free sky must be reliably protected from hostile aggression," Denys Shmyhal stated in his address to the Ambassadors. He also emphasized the importance of air defense systems and the establishment of a multi-layered defense comprising missiles, interceptor drones, and radar systems. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Intellect and technology shape the course of war - Anna Gvozdiar at 'Sikorsky Challenge 2025' Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 3 November, 2025, 3:09 PM EET Ukraine is transforming innovation into real defense capabilities through cooperation among the state, the science sector, and industry. Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Anna Gvozdiar made this statement at the opening of the 14th International Festival of Innovative Projects 'Sikorsky Challenge 2025', hosted by the National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute." "Modern warfare is a race of innovation. Victory belongs to those who think faster, experiment, and create new solutions for the front. Ukraine proves it every day through the teamwork of engineers, the military, and scientists," said Anna Gvozdiar. This year, the 'Sikorsky Challenge' festival brought together participants from various fields, including students, representatives of defense companies and startups, as well as the public and government sectors. The key theme of the festival was defense innovation - technologies that help the Armed Forces of Ukraine sustain a technological edge on the battlefield. According to Anna Gvozdiar, since the onset of the full-scale war, the scientific community has been actively contributing to the development of defense technologies. Concurrently, the Ministry of Defence is focusing on enhancing cooperation among manufacturers, developers, and engineers within ZBROYA Ukraine's defense industry ecosystem. At "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" and other universities, career events allow students to meet with manufacturers, discover defense professions, and begin their first internships. "A scientific force is now emerging in Ukraine one that creates and defends. Today, the state is fostering trust and opportunities to all who create new solutions," concluded the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MoD's DOT announces the procurement of food supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 2026 Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 3 November, 2025, 10:07 AM EET The State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT) has announced the procurement of food supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 2026. This is the first time that DOT is conducting food procurement for the entire year in a single cycle. The total expected value of the procurement is approximately UAH 37 billion. Such an approach will guarantee continuous food provision for military units, stable operating conditions for suppliers, and opportunities for advance production planning. Previously, procurements were conducted separately for each six-month period. For the second consecutive year, DOT has launched the procurement cycle for the upcoming year in advance and this time, even earlier than the previous one. The new contracts will maintain strengthened quality control requirements, particularly regarding the supply of dairy products, to prevent cases of falsification. The regional supply strategy, which has already proven its effectiveness in the previous period, will also remain in force. According to this model, a supplier is designated for a particular region (oblast). This ensures effective logistics coordination, delivery timeliness, and the ability to respond promptly to any changes. As of the end of October 2025: over 599 million kilograms of products have been shipped; over 249 million liters of drinking water have been delivered; over 85,000 requests from military units have been processed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Strikes Petrochemical Plant Deep Inside Russia Amid Escalating Long-Range Attacks By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service November 04, 2025 Ukrainian drones struck a petrochemical plant almost 1,500 km (932 miles) inside Russia early on November 4 as Kyiv continues to step up long-range air strikes aimed at key Russian infrastructure. The head of the Bashkortostan region, Radiy Khabirov, said on Telegram that two Ukrainian drones hit the Sterlitamak industrial complex after being shot down. Authorities said the drones partially knocked out a water treatment installation at the complex. Khabirov said there were no fatalities in the attack. Ukrainian officials have not commented on the attack, which comes as Kyiv continues to strike at key facilities such as oil refineries, gas storage depots, and other logistical installations as it tries to slow Russia's war machine. Kyiv has pleaded with the United States for long-range weapons such as Tomahawk missiles that it says are crucial to striking back against Russia as the Kremlin intensifies air strikes on Ukrainian cities. President Donald Trump has at times suggested the United States could provide Tomahawks to Ukraine, although he has more recently appeared to oppose the idea, including while taking questions from reporters on November 2. Trump -- who is attempting to mediate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia -- told reporters he hoped the conflict would end "without thinking about Tomahawks." He has also expressed concerns about relinquishing Tomahawks -- which have a range of 1,600-2,500 kilometers -- that might be needed for the US military's own requirements. Moscow has previously warned Washington not to provide Ukraine with Tomahawks, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying such deliveries would represent a "completely new stage of escalation" between the United States and Russia. The Sterlitamak complex was targeted last month when drones attacked part of the area where a plant specializing in the development and production of equipment, parts, and tools for the oil and gas industry was located. The plant also is involved in the production of explosives. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukrainian-strikes- petrochemical-plant-inside-russia/33580854.html Copyright (c) 2025. 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 US sends complex signals on nuclear tests, strokes concerns Global Times By Deng Xiaoci Published: Nov 03, 2025 11:30 PM The US administration has been sending complex messages over resuming nuclear weapon tests recently, with US President Donald Trump claiming again he would like to test nuclear weapons in an interview with CBS News television aired on Sunday, while Energy Secretary stating the nuclear weapons testing ordered by Trump will not involve nuclear explosions. Chinese observers warned on Monday that the US administration's push to resume US nuclear weapon tests, if conducted, could shatter the three-decade global moratorium, triggering a renewed arms race, a surge in warhead numbers and performance, and heightened nuclear risks. They urged US to honor its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing, and take concrete actions to uphold the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Complex messages The US president first took to social media Truth Social on October 30 to say that he had "instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis." The comments on Truth Social last week were interpreted by many as a sign the US was preparing to restart full-scale nuclear blasts for the first time since 1992, BBC reported. Trump was coy on whether he really meant to say he was ordering the resumption of explosive testing of nuclear weapons, or calling for the testing of US systems that could deliver a nuclear weapon, which is far more routine, the Associated Press (AP) reported. The AP report also stated that Trump remained opaque on Friday when asked by reporters about whether he intended to resume underground nuclear detonation tests. "You'll find out very soon," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, as he headed to Florida for a weekend stay, said the report. In an interview with CBS News television which was recorded on Friday and aired on the US local time on Sunday, US President Donald Trump reiterated his position that he would like to test nuclear weapons. However, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has stated on local time on Sunday that new tests of the US nuclear weapons system ordered up by President Donald Trump will not include nuclear explosions, the AP reported. "I think the tests we're talking about right now are system tests," Wright said in an interview on Fox News' Sunday Briefing. "These are not nuclear explosions. These are what we call noncritical explosions." Wright, whose agency is responsible for testing, claimed that the planned testing involves "all the other parts of a nuclear weapon to make sure they deliver the appropriate geometry and they set up the nuclear explosion," according to the report. Frenzy of speculation triggered According to the AP, the US military regularly tests its missiles that are capable of delivering a nuclear warhead, but it has not detonated the weapons since 1992. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which the US signed but did not ratify, has been observed since its adoption by all countries possessing nuclear weapons. Yet, when asked by Norah O'Donnell with CBS News 60 minutes that "are you saying that after more than 30 years, the US is going to start detonating nuclear weapons for testing," Trump replied: "I'm saying that we're going to test nuclear weapons like other countries do, yes." During the interview, Trump claimed that Russia and China are testing nuclear weapons, "but they don't talk about it." However, CBS News in the interview pointed out that this week the president's own nominee to lead STRATCOM - the admiral who would be in charge of nuclear weapons - was asked about this very issue on Capitol Hill. He said neither China nor Russia were conducting nuclear explosive tests. When asked to comment on the claim made by the US President Donald Trump that China conducts secret nuclear weapons tests, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible nuclear-weapon state, China is committed to peaceful development, follows a policy of "no first use" of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy that focuses on self-defense, and adheres to its nuclear testing moratorium. We stand ready to work with all parties to jointly uphold the authority of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty and safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, Mao added. It's hoped that the US will earnestly abide by its obligations under the Treaty and its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing, and take concrete actions to uphold the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, as well as global strategic balance and stability, Mao noted. The Kremlin has not received any notification from Washington regarding plans to resume nuclear weapons testing, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, Russia's TASS News Agency reported on October 30. While some US media suggested that the US president's decision was made after Russia announced it had tested a new atomic-powered and nuclear-capable underwater drone and a new nuclear-powered cruise missile, Russia on Thursday denied it had carried out nuclear tests, per the BBC. "Regarding the tests of Poseidon and Burevestnik, we hope that the information was conveyed correctly to President Trump," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. "This cannot in any way be interpreted as a nuclear test." The Kremlin spokesperson also warned that "if someone departs from the moratorium, Russia will act accordingly." The New York Times argued that Moscow has not conducted a test in 35 years, in the last days of the Soviet Union. Trump, however, may have been confusing nuclear weapons tests with Russia's recent declaration. Potential consequences, concerns Details for such tests may be still under further discussion between the president and his staff to confirm, said Lu Xiang, research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explaining the mixed voices coming from the US administration. Lu told the Global Times that once the 3-decade-long nuclear weapon ban as agreed and observed by major powers worldwide is broken by the US, there would be serious consequences. The consequences will likely include but not limited to the re-ignition of global nuclear arms races, Song Zhongping, a military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday. An increase in nuclear explosion tests means an increase in the number of nuclear warheads. Improvements in the performance of nuclear warheads will also fill the world with more risks. Therefore, from the perspective of China and Russia, there is no resumption of nuclear testing. The US must tread carefully over the matter, or it will make the risk of nuclear war faced by humanity increasingly severe, he explained. Chinese observers urged the US to honor its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing, safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation system and maintain global strategic stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement made by Zelluna ASA (the "Company") on 3 November 2025 regarding the allocation of 5,500,000 new shares in the Company in a private placement (the "Private Placement"), the allocation of 315,639 new shares in a retail offering via the PrimaryBid platform (the "PrimaryBid Offering"), and a potential subsequent repair offering of up to 800,000 new shares at the same subscription price as in the Private Placement and the PrimaryBid Offering (the "Subsequent Offering"). The Subsequent Offering will, subject to applicable securities law, be directed towards existing shareholders in the Company as of 3 November 2025, as registered in the Company's register of shareholders with Euronext Securities Oslo on 5 November 2025, who (i) were not included in the pre-sounding phase of the Private Placement; (ii) were not allocated shares in the Private Placement, and (iii) are not resident in a jurisdiction where such offering would be unlawful or, would (in jurisdictions other than Norway) require a prospectus, filing registration or similar action. The following key information is provided with respect to the Subsequent Offering: Date on which the terms and conditions of the Subsequent Offering were announced: 3 November 2025 Last day including right: 3 November 2025 Ex-date: 4 November 2025 Record date: 5 November 2025 Date of approval: On or about 25 November 2025 (date of extraordinary general meeting) Maximum number of new shares: 800,000 Subscription price: NOK 10 per share Shall the rights be listed: No Other information: The Subsequent Offering is subject to, inter alia, completion of the Private Placement, approval by the board of directors and an extraordinary general meeting of the Company, and the publication of a prospectus. Whether or not the Subsequent Offering will ultimately take place, will depend inter alia on the development of the price of the shares in the Company after completion of the Private Placement, and the Company reserves the right in its sole discretion to not conduct or to cancel the Subsequent Offering. This information is published in accordance with the requirements of the Continuing Obligations for Euronext Oslo Brs. NEW YORK, Nov. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX) between June 20, 2025 and September 24, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 2, 2026 in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased CarMax securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the CarMax class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47077 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 2, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Defendants recklessly overstated CarMaxs growth prospects when, in reality, its earlier growth in the 2026 fiscal year was a temporary benefit from customers buying cars due to speculation regarding tariffs; and (2) as a result, defendants statements about CarMaxs business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the CarMax class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47077 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or 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 COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. proudly announces that advisor and former Chairman and CEO Tomoshige Tomo Mizutani has been inducted into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors in the tire business. The induction will be celebrated in Las Vegas hosted by the Tire Industry Association (TIA) and coinciding with the 2025 SEMA Show (November 47). With more than forty years in the industry, Mizutani is credited with transforming Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. from a struggling operation in the early 1990s into a billion-dollar brandone now synonymous with innovation, performance, and enthusiast culture. Our 2025 inductees embody the spirit of innovation and service that defines the tire industry, said Dick Gust, CEO of the Tire Industry Association. Their contributions have improved safety, expanded opportunity, and shaped the way we do business worldwide. Mizutanis success began with a bold visionidentifying opportunities others overlooked. By connecting with young car enthusiasts and later the off-road market, he repositioned Nitto as a brand deeply rooted in passion and community. Known for taking calculated risks, he credits his achievements to never giving up and meeting the right people. Through enthusiast-driven product development and early adoption of digital and social media marketing, Mizutani helped redefine how consumers connect with tire brandsultimately building a community of more than 13 million social media followers and establishing Nitto as one of the most engaged automotive brands online. When new game-changing innovations would arise, tells Mizutani, we viewed them as huge opportunities instead of risks. A sought-after speaker at major universities and industry events, Mizutani has shared his experience and philosophy with future generations of business leadersemphasizing creativity, resilience, courage and to never ever give up. This honor is beyond my dreams, Mizutani said. Ive been privileged to meet and learn from industry legends who inspired me since my first day in America. I am deeply grateful for the incredible people who have guided, challenged, and supported me throughout my journey. Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tomo Mizutani for this well-deserved recognition, celebrating his vision, leadership, and lasting contributions to the tire industry. For more information about Nitto Tire and Toyo Tires, please visit their websites, nittotire.com and toyotires.com. About Nitto Tire Nitto Tire (www.nittotire.com) develops performance tires for all uses, including racing, off-road and street. Using state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facilities in Japan and the United States, Nitto provides innovative and high-quality performance tires for the most demanding automotive enthusiasts. For more information about Nitto or its products, visit the company's web site or contact the company directly. Nitto is a registered trademark of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. Contact: Stephen Leu Stephen.Leu@nittotire.com KELLOGG, Idaho and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bunker Hill Mining Corp. (Bunker Hill or the Company) (TSX-V: BNKR; OTCQB: BHLL) announces that it has entered into an agreement with a former director of the Company (the Recipient) with respect to the settlement of an aggregate of 851,134 vested deferred share units of the Company (the DSUs) previously granted to the Recipient for services rendered as a director of the Company for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years (the Settlement Agreement). Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue 615,384 shares of common stock of the Company (the DSU Shares) to the Recipient at a deemed issue price of C$0.195 per DSU Share, representing the closing price of the shares of common stock of the Company (Common Shares) on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSX-V) on November 3, 2025, in partial settlement and satisfaction of the C$165,971.13 cash payment (the Redemption Amount) payable to the Recipient upon its redemption of the DSUs, with the remaining C$45,971.13 balance to be paid in cash. The Company intends to issue the DSU Shares to preserve its cash for the potential restart and ongoing development of the Bunker Hill Mine. The transaction remains subject to the receipt of all regulatory approvals, including, without limitation, the approval of the TSX-V. Once issued, the DSU Shares will be subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws in addition to any applicable U.S. hold periods. The DSU 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. Bunker Hill is an American mineral exploration and development company focused on revitalizing our historic mining asset: the renowned zinc, lead, and silver deposit in northern Idahos prolific Coeur dAlene mining district. This strategic initiative aims to breathe new life into a once-productive mine, leveraging modern exploration techniques and sustainable development practices to unlock the potential of this mineral-rich region. Bunker Hill Mining Corp. aims to maximize shareholder value by responsibly harnessing the mineral wealth in the Silver Valley mining district, focusing our efforts on this single, high-potential asset. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.bunkerhillmining.com, or within the SEDAR+ and EDGAR databases. On behalf of Bunker Hill Mining Corp. Sam Ash President and Chief Executive Officer 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 completion of the DSU settlement transaction, including the number and deemed pricing of the DSU Shares and the Company receiving TSX-V approval in connection therewith. Forward-looking statements reflect material expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, expectations and assumptions relating to: Bunker Hills ability to complete the DSU settlement transaction on the terms described herein or at all; Bunker Hills ability to receive sufficient project financing for the restart and 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: Bunker Hills ability to operate as a going concern and its history of losses; Bunker Hills ability to receive sufficient project financing for the restart and development of the Bunker Hill Mine on acceptable terms or at all; estimates of mineral resources and reserves; mineral exploration and production activities; feasibility study results; changes in demand for and price of commodities and currencies; and risks relating to Bunker Hills shares of common stock, including price volatility, lack of dividend payments and dilution or the perception of the likelihood of any of the foregoing. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable and are based on the current expectations of Bunker Hills management, undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements or information, which are inherently subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstances and their potential effects. Such forward-looking statements only apply 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). SEATTLE, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WatchGuard Technologies, a global leader in unified cybersecurity for managed service, today announced a major expansion of its WatchGuard Cloud PSA (Professional Services Automation), now offering deep, native support for ConnectWise Manage, Autotask PSA, and HaloPSA*. This broad integration which includes the entire portfolio of Network, Identity, Endpoint, and MDR services solidifies WatchGuard's continued commitment to empowering MSPs by embedding security management directly into the core systems they rely on to operate and grow their businesses. With this expansion, WatchGuard creates efficiency across security operations and scales to each partners business model with a flexible fit. As the newest addition to its Unified Security Platform, these advancements deliver seamless integration and eliminate the need for spreadsheets, manual reconciliation, or disconnected workflows via: Native integrations with ConnectWise Manage, Autotask PSA, and HaloPSA* WatchGuard Agent deployments through ConnectWise RMM Automated workflows for asset synchronization, billing, ticketing, and contract management Unified operations that eliminate manual processes, boost SLA compliance, and increase profitability Many cybersecurity platforms lack deep PSA integration, forcing MSPs to juggle alerts, tickets, and billing outside their core operational systems, creating inefficiencies, increasing risk, and impacting revenue, said Chris Miller, vice president, Pacific Office Automation. Directly from my ConnectWise environment, my team can now instantly view customers and product licenses, while alerts automatically generate and resolve tickets. Role-based access and multi-tenant visibility streamline account transitions and strengthen compliance. Its a major leap in operational efficiency that empowers my technicians to focus on what matters most delivering outstanding customer service. Managed service providers have made it abundantly clear that managing multiple agents is no longer acceptable. WatchGuard is the first to answer the call with WatchGuard Agent, a single, modular agent for FireCloud client, endpoint security products and add-ons (including patch management and encryption), NDR collectors, and cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Partners that qualify can join the beta now. AuthPoint MFA integration and Open MDR support will follow in early 2026, further extending the unified experience. Managed through WatchGuard Cloud, the WatchGuard Agent accelerates onboarding, reduces maintenance overhead, and simplifies upgrades. Additionally, MSPs can now easily monitor the health of their clients security posture, ensuring every component is properly installed, updated, and operating as intended. By leading the market toward a true single-agent solution, WatchGuard is enabling MSPs with one platform, one agent, and the ultimate goal of total security. With full integration across our Unified Security Platform, including Firebox, FireCloud, AuthPoint, Endpoint Security, and ThreatSync, were delivering unified detection and response, automated workflows, integrated MDR capabilities, and actionable insights that empower our partners and customers with true 24/7 threat protection, said Ben Oster, vice president, product management operations at WatchGuard. Regardless of PSA choice, WatchGuard MSPs now achieve full-spectrum automation from alert to invoice. To learn more about WatchGuards new solutions and commitment to total security, visit us at booth 556 at IT Nation Connect Global, November 5-7 or at one of our Real Security for the Real World Roadshows. *Native integration for HaloPSA available Q1 2026 Recognized by Industry Analysts, Trusted by IT Professionals WatchGuard is recognized as a Champion in the 2025 Canalys Cybersecurity Matrix, underscoring its commitment to innovation and partner success. RMM and PSA continue to be the core of the MSP operating stack, said Jessica Davis, principal analyst at Omdia. As the threat landscape has evolved, cybersecurity is becoming a third component of that core stack. MSPs expanding their service portfolios need deep integrations between their security platforms and their PSA/RMM platforms to drive efficiency and profitability. These integrations need to provide simplified management, automated workflows, and a unified platform that scales with customer needs. About WatchGuard Technologies WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in unified cybersecurity. Our Unified Security Platform approach is uniquely designed for managed service providers to deliver world-class security that increases business scale and velocity while improving operational efficiency. Trusted by more than 17,000 security resellers and service providers to protect over 250,000 customers, the companys award-winning products and services span network security and intelligence, advanced endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, and secure Wi-Fi. Together, they offer five critical elements of a security platform: comprehensive security, shared knowledge, clarity & control, operational alignment, and automation. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. To learn more, visit WatchGuard.com. For additional information, promotions, and updates, follow WatchGuard on X.com (@WatchGuard), Facebook, or LinkedIn Company page. Stay tuned to the WatchGuard blog for all the latest company updates, channel awards, industry news, and more. Also, visit our InfoSec blog, Secplicity, for real-time information about the latest threats and how to cope with them. Subscribe to The 443 Security Simplified podcast wherever you find your favorite podcasts. WatchGuard is a registered trademark of WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. All other marks are property of their respective owners. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Allschwil, Switzerland, November 04, 2025 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections, announced today that the continued strong sales performance of the antifungal Cresemba (isavuconazole) by its license partner Pfizer Inc. in Europe exceeded the threshold triggering a USD 30 million sales milestone payment. David Veitch, Basileas Chief Executive Officer, stated: This further milestone payment for Europe reflects the significant medical need and strong growth momentum of Cresemba in the region. We are pleased to see that Cresemba continues to address this need in patients suffering from life-threatening invasive mold infections. Cresemba is approved and marketed in more than 70 countries, including the United States, most EU member states and additional countries inside and outside of Europe. According to the latest available market data, total global in-market sales of Cresemba amounted to USD 652 million in the 12 months between July 2024 and June 2025, a 27 percent growth year-on-year.[1] About Cresemba (isavuconazole) Cresemba, with the active ingredient isavuconazole, is an intravenous (i.v.) and oral azole antifungal. Basilea has entered into several license and distribution agreements for isavuconazole covering approximately 115 countries. In the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the United Kingdom, isavuconazole for intravenous administration is approved for patients from one year of age for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and for the treatment of mucormycosis in patients for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate. Cresemba capsules for oral administration are approved for adults and for pediatric patients six years of age and older who weigh 16 kg or more.[2] Isavuconazole is also approved in the United States (US), Japan and several additional countries in Europe and beyond, including in the Asia Pacific region.[3] It has orphan drug designation in the US, the European Union, the UK and other countries for its approved indications. About Basilea Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the needs of patients with severe bacterial or fungal infections. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, we have preclinical and clinical anti-infective assets in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil Hegenheimermattweg 167b 4123 Allschwil Switzerland Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com investor_relations@basilea.com This ad hoc announcement can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References IQVIA Analytics Link, June 2025. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in US dollars. European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) Cresemba: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/cresemba [Accessed: November 03, 2025] The registration status and approved indications may vary from country to country. Attachment GRAND-LANCY, Switzerland, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Temenos (SIX: TEMN), a global leader in banking technology, today announced it has been Certified by Great Place To Work in 15 locations in 2025. Following certification in 10 countries earlier this year, Temenos has recently been recognized as a Great Place to Work in an additional five locations: United States, India, Ecuador, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to drive market-leading performance, employee retention, and innovation. This prestigious recognition is based entirely on feedback from employees in these locations affirming that Temenos is a great place to work. Takis Spiliopoulos, Interim CEO and Chief Financial Officer, Temenos, commented: At Temenos, people are the key, and our culture is a vital pillar of our success. Being recognized as a Great Place to Work across 15 locations is a testament to the passion, collaboration and commitment of our teams across the world. Im proud of the inclusive environment weve built together, one shaped by empowerment and accountability, where every colleague can make an impact and help shape the future of banking technology. Recognition for Temenos as a Great Place to Work in the United States follows the strategic expansion of the companys US workforce this year, including the launch of an Innovation Hub in Central Florida. This modern, collaborative space was established to house high-skilled technology and product developers, enabling cutting-edge research and co-innovation with US financial institutions. In India, Temenos was recognized as a Great Place to Work for the second year in a row, reflecting the companys continued investment in this important product, innovation and engineering center, as well as a strong local culture of people engagement demonstrated through a long-standing CSR program. Temenos continues to prioritize employee experience through a range of initiatives, including flexible working policies, inclusive leadership programs, and a strong focus on diversity and wellbeing. These efforts have helped foster a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. According to Great Place To Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great manager at a company that is Great Place to Work-certified. Employees at Certified workplaces are also 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work and are twice as likely to be paid fairly and have a fair chance at promotion. Temenos is hiring! Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit Temenos' careers page at: www.temenos.com/careers Attachment GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the smooth takeoff of China Eastern Airlines flight MU6308, operated by a C919 aircraft bound for Beijing Daxing International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport's Terminal 3 has officially been commissioned on October 30th. This milestone propels Baiyun Airport into a new operational era of "five runways and three terminals," injecting powerful momentum into the development of a world-class airport cluster and accelerating Guangzhou's ambition to become a comprehensive, multi-modal international aviation hub and gateway. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. C919 Operates Inaugural Flight: Passengers Witness a Historic Moment On the afternoon of the launch, Baiyun Airport hosted a warm and festive inaugural flight ceremony at Terminal 3. As the "lucky passengers" of the first flight from T3, everyone aboard flight MU6308 received a custom commemorative gift jointly prepared by Baiyun Airport and China Eastern Airlines. Ms. Li, a passenger on the inaugural flight, could not hide her excitement: "It's even more intelligent than I imagined. The check-in and baggage drop processes were seamless, and the terminal's design is beautiful. This trip is truly memorable." Notably, the first inbound flight to arrive at T3 - flight MU2219 from Lanzhou - was greeted with the highest honor in civil aviation: a water salute. "This is my first time experiencing a water salute, and it coincided with the opening of Baiyun's T3. I feel incredibly fortunate!" said Ms. Zhang, a passenger who had just deplaned. "Looking down from the air, the terminal's 'Flower Crown of the City of Rams' design truly lives up to its name. It's stunning!" Intelligent and Convenient: Hardware Upgrades for an Enhanced Travel Experience The newly opened Terminal 3 is designed around the theme of a "flower," incorporating Guangzhou's local characteristics such as the Baiyun Mountain, the Pearl River, and its identity as the "Flower City." The building's architecture, resembling a blooming flower, creates the "Flower Crown of the City of Rams" image, establishing it as a landmark for Guangzhou's gateway to the world. In its hardware configuration, the terminal deeply integrates "smart technology" with "human-centric design" to enhance the passenger journey. The terminal is equipped with ample passenger service facilities, including: 199 check-in counters (with fully self-service, convertible, and fully-staffed options); 60 self-service check-in kiosks; 59 self-service baggage drop units (57 convertible staff/self-service, 2 fully self-service); 87 jet bridges; 886 Flight Information Display Screens (FIDS); and 7,193 public address system speakers. Security screening efficiency has been further improved with 31 domestic and 9 international security lanes (excluding 8 planned for future use). The terminal innovatively adopts a "centralized security screening + RFID smart tray return" system. Its 21 dual-door self-verification gates can complete an identity check every 6 seconds with a misidentification rate below 0.1%. The precise binding of "passenger-tray-baggage" ensures a more orderly security process. Transportation connectivity is also more convenient; the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) integrates highway, railway, urban public transit, and air travel. It is flanked by the P11 and P12 parking garages, offering approximately 2,800 parking spaces (with 1,800 available during the initial opening phase), enabling seamless "fly-and-ride" transfers. Significantly, the smart construction of Terminal 3 has set two industry firsts. It is the first large-scale hub airport terminal in China to fully apply Building Information Modeling (BIM) for smart construction, pioneering comprehensive management covering all personnel, all areas, all disciplines, and the entire lifecycle. This establishes it as a demonstration project for digital design in civil aviation and a new industry standard. Furthermore, T3 is China's first terminal to achieve paperless archives. All building information is stored in electronic data packages combining "spatial data + facility/equipment information," providing precise data support for future operations, management, and maintenance. On September 24, 2025, at the buildingSMART International openBIM Awards, the "Smart Construction Practice Based on openBIM for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport's Phase III Expansion Project T3 Terminal" won the final grand prize (Winner, only one per category) in the Global Construction category. Five Runways, Three Terminals: Strengthening the Comprehensive Gateway Function From its original "two runways and one terminal" to the current "five runways and three terminals," Baiyun Airport's expansion provides the foundation for a quantum leap in its hub capacity. This enhanced infrastructure attracts airlines to increase frequencies on popular routes and launch new international and domestic services. This helps Guangzhou strengthen its function as a comprehensive gateway that is "nationally connected, intercontinentally linked, and globally reaching," contributing to the formation of a 12-hour global air travel circle. Since the beginning of this year, Baiyun Airport has collaborated with airlines to launch, resume, or increase frequencies on over 30 international passenger routes, including the resumption of IndiGo's Kolkata-Guangzhou service on October 27 and the successful launch of Air Algerie's Algiers-Guangzhou route on October 28. As a nationally designated comprehensive gateway and multi-modal international aviation hub, Baiyun Airport continuously enhances its function as a core node of the "Air Silk Road," expanding the breadth and depth of its route network. It has welcomed five new international carriers - Air Astana, VietJet Airlines (Vietnam), Uzbekistan Airways, Nepal Airlines, and Air Algerie - further expanding its global network of partners. In the new aviation season, scheduled passenger flights at Baiyun Airport have reached 10,728 movements per week, offering travelers a wider array of choices. Moving forward, Baiyun Airport will use the commissioning of Terminal 3 as a new starting point to deepen synergistic development and complementary positioning among airports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, jointly building a world-class airport cluster. Concurrently, with smarter facilities, more human-centric services, and more efficient operations, the airport will strive to become a benchmark for high-quality development in China's civil aviation industry, playing its part in Guangdong's efforts to lead the nation's modernization drive. Source: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport SHANGHAI, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress, the worlds leading platform for investment and economic cooperation, will host its first-ever international chapter in Shanghai, China, marking a major expansion of AIMs global presence. This milestone reinforces AIMs mission to connect markets, promote innovation, and accelerate sustainable economic growth through international collaboration. Held under the theme Deciphering the Intertwined Engines of Globalization: From Going Out to Going Up, the forum will explore how industries and economies can evolve through technology integration, sustainability, and investment-driven transformation. The event will bring together 85 distinguished speakers in 15 high-level sessions, drawing more than 1,000 participants from over 150 nationalities including investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Discussions will address global investment trends, sustainable finance, and digital transformation shaping the future of business. H.E. Dawood Al Shezawi, Chairman of AIM Congress, stated: AIM Congress China Chapter represents more than an expansion; it is a milestone in our journey to bridge markets and ideas across continents. Shanghai stands as a beacon of progress and innovation, making it the ideal host city for a platform that embodies forward-looking investment dialogue and mutual cooperation. Together, we aim to redefine the contours of globalization by building economies that are resilient, inclusive, and future-ready. The two-day program will feature insights from leading voices, including H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance; H.E. Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Pu Yapeng, Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization; and Rae Kwon Chung, Nobel Laureate and Ambassador of Climate Change, among others. In addition to its conference sessions, AIM Congress China Chapter will host strategic partnerships and collaboration signings among major institutions, including the Beijing Chamber of International Commerce (BCIC), China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Hainan Sub-council (CCPIT Nanjing), E&P International, CargoX, Masdar City, and SIEF, reinforcing AIMs role as a catalyst for international business cooperation. As AIM expands its reach, the AIM Congress China Chapter stands as a powerful platform for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and shaping a more connected and innovation-driven global investment ecosystem. info@aimcongress.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03f3e9bc-6db8-405c-a6b2-8873f8058d98 Ottawa, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global gene editing market size is calculated at USD 9.75 billion in 2024, grew to USD 11.29 billion in 2025, and is projected to surpass around USD 42.13 billion by 2034. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 15.76% between 2025 and 2034. Gene Editing Market Key Takeaways North America dominated the gene editing market with the revenue shares in 2024. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. By technology, the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing segment held the largest market share in 2024. By technology, the transcription activator-like effector-based nucleases segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market during the forecast period. By application, the gene editing segment dominated the market with a major revenue share in 2024. By application, the cell line engineering segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. By end user, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies segment led the market in 2024. By end user, the academic and government research institutes segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. Download a Sample Report Here@ https://www.novaoneadvisor.com/report/sample/2224 What is Gene Editing? The global gene editing market is growing as this technology continues to develop, and second-generation genome editing tools are recognized. This expertise has detonated at a magnificent pace and has renovated in different areas, including chromatin imaging, gene modulations, and engineering in the laboratory and preclinical settings in various species. What are the Key Drivers in the Gene Editing Market? Gene editing holds tremendous potential not only in medical care but also in the sector of agriculture. The application of gene editing processes to alter crop genomes has become a subject of widespread discussion and research in recent years. This provides the opportunity to improve food security, reduce waste, and address complexities stemming from climate change. Additionally, there is potential to ultimately remove the requirement for destructive pesticides, advantageous both to consumers and the environment at large. Though, despite its vast potential, gene editing in crops is not yet broadly carried out, mainly due to uncertainties regarding the safety of the end-products. Available for purchase directly at- https://www.novaoneadvisor.com/report/checkout/2224 Gene Editing Market Report Scope Report Attribute Details Market size value in 2025 USD 11.29 Billion Revenue forecast in 2034 USD 42.13 Billion Growth rate CAGR of 15.76% from 2025 to 2034 Base year for estimation 2024 Historical data 2021 - 2024 Forecast period 2025 - 2034 Quantitative units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Segments covered By Technology, By Application, By end User, By Region Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA Country scope U.S.; Canada; Mexico; Germany; UK; France; Italy; Spain; Norway; Denmark; Sweden; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Australia; Thailand; Brazil; Argentina; Saudi Arabia; South Africa; UAE; Kuwait Key Companies Profiled Beren Therapeutics, Agilent Technologies, Creative Biogene, Thermo Fisher-Scientific, Synthego, Integrated DNA Technology, Bean Therapeutics, Intellia Therapeutics, Lonza, Horizon Discovery Group plc., Tecan Life-Sciences, Bluebird Bio Customization scope Free report customization (equivalent to up to 8 analyst working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. For more information, visit the Nova One Advisor website or email the team at sales@novaoneadvisor.com | Call us : +1 804 420 9370 Whats the Difference? Gene Therapy vs. Gene Editing Simply put, gene editing is a type of gene therapy. Both approaches target the cause of a disease, such as a gene variant (i.e. mutation or change), by using genetic material to treat or prevent disease by making sure the right amount of protein is produced this is essential for proper body functions. A common gene therapy approach called gene addition may deliver a working copy of a gene in place of the faulty one, whereas gene editing delivers the tools that will directly modify pieces of DNA inside the cell to correct or remove the problem. How Gene Editing Works Gene editing can be delivered into cells using in vivo or ex vivo methods. In vivo means the gene editing components are delivered directly into the body to make edits within the cells. While ex vivo means the cells are removed from the body, edited in a specialized laboratory and then returned to the patients body. To address different types of disorders and their cause, there are a few common gene editing approaches used: Gene integration - For conditions where not enough protein is produced, gene editing can introduce corrections. This means that the correct DNA sequence is added into the genome so that it can produce working proteins. - For conditions where not enough protein is produced, gene editing can introduce corrections. This means that the correct DNA sequence is added into the genome so that it can produce working proteins. Gene activation - For conditions where not enough protein is produced, gene editing can make an edit to activate a silent gene that was inactive. - For conditions where not enough protein is produced, gene editing can make an edit to activate a silent gene that was inactive. Gene knock out - For conditions where a faulty gene may cause too much of a protein or dysfunctional proteins to be produced, gene editing can silence or knock out'' certain genes in a cell. This approach alters or removes the problematic DNA sequence entirely. Gene Editing Technologies There are several kinds of gene editing technologies. While they all work slightly differently, they share the same goal of making precise, often lasting changes to the DNA or RNA. Lets explore the different types of technology and some conditions they are currently being studied in: Zinc Finger Nucleases and TALENs: These are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to make cuts that add, remove, or replace genetic material at specific sites. These tools create targeted edits with double strand breaks to DNA but are more complex and take longer to design compared to the CRISPR system. Conditions being explored with this approach include Hunter Syndrome and HIV. These are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to make cuts that add, remove, or replace genetic material at specific sites. These tools create targeted edits with double strand breaks to DNA but are more complex and take longer to design compared to the CRISPR system. Conditions being explored with this approach include Hunter Syndrome and HIV. CRISPR Cas9: Think of this like a GPS-guided editor. It uses two core components, the first being a small piece of RNA, called a guide RNA, that finds the exact spot in the DNA where a change is needed. The second component is a protein, called a Cas9 enzyme which cuts the DNA at that location. This cut allows scientists to turn off a gene or remove, add, or replace sections of DNA. Conditions being explored with this approach include certain cancers and blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease. Newer technologies can correct genetic challenges without cutting the entire DNA or RNA strands, offering more precision and reducing potential risk: Base Editing: This approach acts like a pencil which makes small, single-letter changes of the nucleotide base in DNA or RNA. This may work for fixing conditions caused by a single-letter mistake called a point mutation. Currently, base editing can only switch certain letter pairs, like changing A to G or C to T. Conditions being explored with this approach include sickle cell disease, and metabolic disorders. This approach acts like a pencil which makes small, single-letter changes of the nucleotide base in DNA or RNA. This may work for fixing conditions caused by a single-letter mistake called a point mutation. Currently, base editing can only switch certain letter pairs, like changing A to G or C to T. Conditions being explored with this approach include sickle cell disease, and metabolic disorders. Prime Editing: Working as an accurate search and replace tool, this approach can add, remove or swap short sections of DNAnot just one letterto make complex changes such as changing TAG to TAC. Conditions being explored with this approach include cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and retinal disorders. Working as an accurate search and replace tool, this approach can add, remove or swap short sections of DNAnot just one letterto make complex changes such as changing TAG to TAC. Conditions being explored with this approach include cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and retinal disorders. Gene Regulation: These approaches do not change the DNA by cutting it but work to turn a gene on or off by modifying how the genes are read. The two types include: These approaches do not change the DNA by cutting it but work to turn a gene on or off by modifying how the genes are read. The two types include: CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) turns genes on to produce more of a helpful protein. turns genes on to produce more of a helpful protein. CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) turns genes off to reduce or block harmful proteins. What are the Ongoing Trends in the Gene Editing Market? In October 2025, Chiesi buys into Arbor's gene editing drug for rare kidney disease. The Italian drugmaker will pay as much as $115 million in upfront and near-term payments in a deal that gives it rights to a treatment in early-stage testing for main hyperoxaluria type 1. In October 2025, Eli Lilly and Company and Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement under which Lilly acquired Adverum Biotechnologies, including its lead product candidate, Ixo-vec. The announcement was made jointly by the companies from Indianapolis and Redwood City, California. In October 2025, Alethio Therapeutics, a biotech company advancing therapies designed to support people with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives, emerges from stealth with two antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programmes and the appointments of Dr Rohit Batta as Chief Executive Officer and Mike Grey as Chair of the Board. Backed by deep scientific and clinical expertise, Alethio Therapeutics is focused on translating its discovery insights into a pipeline of precision, disease-modifying therapies. What is the Emerging Challenge in the Gene Editing Market? Mosaicism is a challenge related to medical germline editing, in which numerous populations of cells that have various genetic makeups exist in a single edited patient's body. Mosaicism might occur if genetic editing happened after the division of the initial single-cell embryo into two cells. Mosaicism is difficult because the genetic problem to be prohibited may still occur if all the cells in the embryo do not have the anticipated edit. Regional Analysis Why did North America Dominate the Market in 2024? By capturing a major share, North America registered dominance in the market in 2024, with increasing spending in R&D, modern research infrastructure, the presence of major biotechnology organizations, and a helpful government environment. North America boasts advanced research laboratories, universities, and medical care facilities that adopt cutting-edge research and invention in gene editing and genomics. Growing spending in gene editing technology in this region, for instance, till September 2025, Gene Therapy companies in North America have raised $997M in equity funding in 20 rounds. How did the Asia Pacific Grow Notably in the Market in 2024? During 2025-2034, the Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at a rapid CAGR in the gene editing market as continuous technological development in gene editing tools, such as the development of more specific and effective CRISPR-Cas9 variants, prime editing systems, and base editing. Noteworthy government support, increasing R&D investments, a massive patient population, and a focus on targeted medicine and cultivated biotechnology. The region hosts many biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations and a strong research infrastructure. Rising startups in this region. For Instance, in January 2025, a Bengaluru biotech start-up opens a lab to develop disease diagnostics with gene editing tech. The research team at the laboratory is headed by a group of women with a track record in molecular diagnostics, genomic science, and gene editing. Segmental Insights By technology analysis Which Technology Led the Gene Editing Market in 2024? The CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing segment accounted for the dominating share of the market in 2024, as CRISPR/Cas9 provides simplicity and effectiveness in genome editing, allowing quicker gene modifications straight in embryos compared to the outdated embryonic stem (ES) cell-driven process. CRISPR/Cas9 procedure straight on embryos, it is incredible to select the anticipated event, significantly limiting the possibility of identifying the inte allele. CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering technology has provided researchers with a precious tool to accelerate the generation of mouse models for biomedical in vivo study. Whereas the transcription activator-like effector-based nucleases segment is predicted to register rapid expansion in the forecasting period, as transcription activator-driven effector nucleases (TALEN) are designer nucleases that use a highly conserved DNA-binding domain resulting from bacterial proteins to target particular DNA sequences for genome modification. They engineered to cleave the DNA at intended locations, driving the removal of mutated genomes in different organisms and human cells. By application analysis How did the gene editing Segment Dominate the Market in 2024? In 2024, the gene editing segment captured the biggest share of the gene editing market as gene editing is a process that goal to extract particular genes carrying necessary traits from an organism (human, plant, animal, or microbe) and artificially assign them to the genes of an additional organism to transfer that intended trait to the receiving organism. Gene editing processes that support preventing diseases such as HIV and cancer, make crops hardier, and challenge environmental challenges. It can be used to develop more effective cancer immunotherapies, support the combat of acquired diseases such as AIDS, and even allow the de-extinction of species. Although the cell line engineering segment will expand fastest during 2025-2034, as cell-line advancement thus remains a bottleneck in drug advancement, particularly recently, companies are increasingly developing therapies based on particles that dont exist in nature. Enhancements in the cell-line expansion workflow must remove the bottleneck in drug discovery. Enhancements in the cell-line development workflow removed the bottleneck in drug discovery. By end-user analysis How did the biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies dominate the Market in 2024? The biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies segment held the biggest share of the gene editing market in 2024, as genome editing is one of the main applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in biotechnology. It allows accurate modifications in the DNA sequences of various organisms, including yeast, bacteria, plants, and animals. The novel CRISPR-Cas9 technology has transformed the sector of biotechnology, offering significant tools for genome editing, gene regulation, and synthetic biology. On the other hand, the academic and government research institutes segment will expand fastest as the development of gene editing technologies is very promising for the treatment of genetic diseases. However, gene editing can also be used to improve the properties of healthy individuals. Researchers effectively create cell and animal models with particular gene knockouts, knock-ins, or mutations to research gene function and the molecular foundation of disease pathogenesis. Top Companies in the Gene Editing Market What are the Recent Developments in the Gene Editing Market? In October 2025, SandboxAQ releases AQCat25-EV2, a new quantitative AI model trained on the AQCat25 dataset; Illumina launches BioInsight, a new business within Illumina developed to meet industry demand for deeper biologic insights; Thermo Fisher Scientific introduces the Applied Biosystems SwiftArrayStudio Microarray Analyzer; and more. In August 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has placed a clinical hold on Intellia Therapeutics' (NTLA.O), opens new tab two late-stage trials testing an experimental gene therapy for a rare disease that can damage the heart and nerves, the company. The FDA's decision follows a serious safety event in one of the trials, where a patient who received the therapy, called nexiguran ziclumeran (nex-z) In October 2025, Intellia Therapeutics, Inc., a leading clinical-stage gene editing company focused on revolutionizing medicine with CRISPR-based therapies, announced that the company has temporarily paused patient dosing and screening for its MAGNITUDE and MAGNITUDE-2 Phase 3 clinical trials of nex-z for patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) and polyneuropathy (ATTR-PN) More Insights in Nova One Advisor: Gene Editing Market Report Segmentation This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2019 to 2034. For this study, Nova One Advisor has segmented the global gene editing market Segments Covered in the Report By Technology Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Restriction Enzymes Others Transcription Activator-Like Effector-based Nucleases (TALENs) By Application Drug development Others Gene editing Cell Line Engineering Animal Genetic Engineering Plant Genetic Engineering By end User Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies Academic and Government Research Institutes Contract Research Organizations By Regional North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa (MEA) Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report (Global Deep Dive USD 3800) https://www.novaoneadvisor.com/report/checkout/2224 About-Us Nova One Advisor is a global leader in market intelligence and strategic consulting, committed to delivering deep, data-driven insights that power innovation and transformation across industries. With a sharp focus on the evolving landscape of life sciences, we specialize in navigating the complexities of cell and gene therapy, drug development, and the oncology market, enabling our clients to lead in some of the most revolutionary and high-impact areas of healthcare. Our expertise spans the entire biotech and pharmaceutical value chain, empowering startups, global enterprises, investors, and research institutions that are pioneering the next generation of therapies in regenerative medicine, oncology, and precision medicine. 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Shane Williams, President & CEO, stated, The Madsen mine ramp up is progressing well, and drilling into new gold zones deeper in the deposit while we ramp up reinforces our view that Madsen will be a sustainable producing asset in Red Lake for many years to come. The site team is eager to get the underground drills to deeper parts of the system and is currently finalizing plans for development projects that will facilitate access to more distal portions of the resource for conversion drilling and future mine planning. We are staying aggressive in our exploration approach because we believe in the discovery potential at Madsen and within the Red Lake district. The drill results featured in this news release are focused on the high-grade Austin Zone, which currently contains an Indicated mineral resource of 914,200 ounces (oz) grading 6.9 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au), with an additional Inferred resource of 104,900 oz grading 6.5 g/t Au. These results from the 12-4860 drill station are in addition to the Lower Austin intercepts recently announced on October 9, 2025 which highlighted 139.45 g/t Au over 7.8 metres (m), 74.70 g/t Au over 8.7m and 18.31 g/t Au over 7.5m; and on April 1, 2025 which highlighted 23.81 g/t Au over 5.4m, 30.16 g/t Au over 4.3m and 12.43 g/t Au over 10.5m. The 12-4860 station is located on 12 Level in the Madsen Mine at approximately 600m depth. Recent drilling from this area demonstrates the potential for discovery of additional high-grade lenses of gold mineralization in the main Austin Zone very similar to those that have already been delineated in the South Austin zone during 2025 (see press releases dated August 12, 2025, May 27, 2025 and February 26, 2025). The lower Austin area will continue to be a key focus of drilling for the remainder of 2025. Figure 2 below includes a long section which summarizes the top three intercepts in the Austin 12-4860 station from this current press release, as well as the top three highlights announced in 2025 from infill drilling stations in the new high-grade panel within the South Austin Zone. Its important to note that the new intercepts in Austin fall along a similar plunge line as those in South Austin suggesting up to 600 meters of continuity within this high-grade panel. AUSTIN ZONE HIGHLIGHTS: Hole MM25D-12-4860-031 Intersected 11.2m @ 26.16 g/t Au, from 50.0m to 61.2m, Including 2m @ 131.70 g/t Au, from 57.4m to 59.4m. This high-grade intercept was complimented by visible gold spatially associated with quartz veining and strong silicification (Figure 1). Hole -031 also intercepted 5.65m @ 7.49 g/t Au, from 66.85m to 72.50m, Including 0.5m @ 25.26 g/t Au. Figure 1. Visible gold showing in hole MM25D-12-4860-031 at 50.05m downhole depth. Hole MM25D-12-4860-028 Intersected 3.55m @ 37.87 g/t Au , from 45.00m to 48.55m, Including 1.5m @ 85.73 g/t Au , from 45.0m to 46.5m; And 8m @ 6.51 g/t Au , from 54m to 62m, Including 1m @ 38.48 g/t Au , from 60m to 61m. Intersected , from 45.00m to 48.55m, Including , from 45.0m to 46.5m; And , from 54m to 62m, Including , from 60m to 61m. Hole MM25D-12-4860-027 Intersected 8m @ 10.55 g/t Au , from 45m to 53m, Including 2m @ 34.27 g/t Au , from 47m to 49m; And 1.5m @ 23.63 g/t Au , from 67.0m to 68.0m, Including 0.5m @ 61.56 g/t Au . Intersected , from 45m to 53m, Including , from 47m to 49m; And , from 67.0m to 68.0m, Including . Hole MM25D-12-4860-032 Intersected 3.75m @ 8.66 g/t Au , from 58.25m to 62.00m, Including 0.5m @ 28.65 g/t Au , from 58.25m to 58.75m, Also including 0.5m @ 25.34 g/t Au , from 59.8m to 60.3m. Intersected , from 58.25m to 62.00m, Including , from 58.25m to 58.75m, Also including , from 59.8m to 60.3m. Hole MM25D-12-4860-026 Intersected 3.05m @ 9.87 g/t Au, from 64.00m to 67.05m, Including 2m @ 13.74 g/t Au, from 64m to 66m. TABLE 1. Significant intercepts (>3 g/t Au) from drilling at Austin Zone. Hole ID Target From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Au (g/t) MM25D-12-4860-016 Austin 52.55 54.15 1.60 3.53 AND Austin 56.00 57.00 1.00 8.40 MM25D-12-4860-017 Austin 46.25 48.00 1.75 4.80 AND Austin 61.60 63.80 2.20 3.40 MM25D-12-4860-018 Austin 32.75 33.40 0.65 12.23 AND Austin 64.75 65.25 0.50 4.85 MM25D-12-4860-019 Austin 47.50 50.00 2.50 4.09 AND Austin 51.60 56.00 4.40 5.71 Incl. 54.15 54.65 0.50 16.16 AND Austin 57.80 59.00 1.20 5.21 MM25D-12-4860-020 Austin 43.00 46.00 3.00 3.96 Incl. 43.70 44.35 0.65 15.43 AND Austin 54.00 56.00 2.00 3.15 AND Austin 62.00 64.00 2.00 3.37 AND Austin 72.60 73.20 0.60 3.55 MM25D-12-4860-021 Austin 34.00 35.00 1.00 10.85 AND Austin 63.00 63.50 0.50 3.33 AND Austin 64.60 65.60 1.00 3.13 MM25D-12-4860-022 Austin 56.00 58.70 2.70 4.75 AND Austin 68.00 69.30 1.30 3.71 AND Austin 88.50 89.00 0.50 3.95 MM25D-12-4860-023 Austin 43.55 46.00 2.45 5.59 AND Austin 57.60 59.50 1.90 3.15 AND Austin 66.00 68.00 2.00 9.27 Incl. 66.80 67.30 0.50 32.28 MM25D-12-4860-024 Austin 48.00 49.00 1.00 4.93 AND Austin 52.15 54.30 2.15 4.13 AND Austin 69.65 71.20 1.55 3.27 MM25D-12-4860-025 Austin 39.25 41.35 2.10 10.41 Incl. 40.35 41.35 1.00 16.31 AND Austin 41.85 47.00 5.15 3.76 Incl. 44.55 45.20 0.65 16.78 AND Austin 52.90 53.90 1.00 3.50 AND Austin 63.00 65.00 2.00 6.37 Incl. 63.00 64.00 1.00 11.98 MM25D-12-4860-026 Austin 51.00 53.00 2.00 4.88 AND Austin 55.00 57.00 2.00 6.74 AND Austin 64.00 67.05 3.05 9.87 Incl. 64.00 66.00 2.00 13.74 MM25D-12-4860-027 Austin 30.00 31.00 1.00 3.76 AND Austin 42.50 43.50 1.00 3.15 AND Austin 45.00 53.00 8.00 10.55 Incl. 47.00 49.00 2.00 34.27 AND Austin 58.30 60.15 1.85 15.39 AND Austin 63.00 65.00 2.00 10.38 Incl. 63.00 64.00 1.00 19.43 AND Austin 67.00 68.50 1.50 23.63 Incl. 68.00 68.50 0.50 61.56 MM25D-12-4860-028 Austin 45.00 48.55 3.55 37.87 Incl. 45.00 46.50 1.50 85.73 AND Austin 54.00 62.00 8.00 6.51 Incl. 60.00 61.00 1.00 38.48 MM25D-12-4860-029 Austin 39.00 39.90 0.90 4.01 AND Austin 40.40 43.15 2.75 5.07 AND Austin 49.00 52.65 3.65 5.10 Incl. 51.50 52.00 0.50 10.03 MM25D-12-4860-030 Austin 45.00 47.30 2.30 4.83 Incl. 46.00 46.65 0.65 10.10 AND Austin 49.00 56.05 7.05 4.23 Incl. 55.00 55.55 0.55 16.57 AND Austin 63.35 65.85 2.50 3.40 MM25D-12-4860-031 Austin 43.00 44.00 1.00 3.55 AND Austin 50.00 61.20 11.20 26.16 Incl. 57.40 59.40 2.00 131.70 AND Austin 66.85 72.50 5.65 7.49 Incl. 69.50 70.00 0.50 25.26 MM25D-12-4860-032 Austin 58.25 62.00 3.75 8.66 Incl. 58.25 58.75 0.50 28.65 Also Incl. 59.80 60.30 0.50 25.34 *The From-To intervals in Table 1 are denoting overall downhole length of the intercept. True thickness has not been calculated for these intercepts but is expected to be 70% of downhole thickness based on intercept angles observed in the drill core. Internal dilution for composite intervals does not exceed 1m for samples grading <0.1 g/t Au. TABLE 2: Drill collar summary for holes reported in this News Release. Hole ID Target Easting Northing Elev (m) Length (m) Azimuth Dip MM25D-12-4860-016 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 90.00 100 -12 MM25D-12-4860-017 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 85.50 103 -9 MM25D-12-4860-018 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 97.60 103 -18 MM25D-12-4860-019 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 87.30 107 -13 MM25D-12-4860-020 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 90.00 109 -10 MM25D-12-4860-021 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 99.55 109 -17 MM25D-12-4860-022 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 96.00 108 -21 MM25D-12-4860-023 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 90.00 112 -12 MM25D-12-4860-024 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 102.00 113 -23 MM25D-12-4860-025 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 87.00 116 -8 MM25D-12-4860-026 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 90.60 114 -18 MM25D-12-4860-027 Austin 435864 5646716 -151 84.00 117 -13 MM25D-12-4860-028 Austin 435865 5646716 -151 93.00 117 -22 MM25D-12-4860-029 Austin 435864 5646716 -151 87.00 121 -7 MM25D-12-4860-030 Austin 435864 5646716 -151 96.00 120 -17 MM25D-12-4860-031 Austin 435864 5646716 -151 99.00 122 -21 MM25D-12-4860-032 Austin 435864 5646716 -151 90.00 124 -14 DISCUSSION Like the other mineralized domains that comprise the Madsen Mine, the Austin structures are hosted within broad, kilometer-scale planar alteration and deformation corridors that have been repeatedly reactivated during gold mineralization and subsequent deformation and metamorphism. At the deposit scale the Austin, South Austin, North Austin, and McVeigh Zones are locally folded and structurally dismembered by transposition and rotation into the penetrative S2 Foliation. In addition to this intense deformation overprint, the mineralized veins and alteration have been subjected to the relatively high temperatures of amphibolite facies metamorphism, which led to extensive recrystallization and growth of the skarn-like replacement mineral assemblage of diopside-amphibole-quartz-biotite. All significant gold mineralization on the mine property is demonstrably early relative to the most significant, penetrative deformation (D2) and metamorphic events. The North Austin Zone displays mine-style alteration and mineralization and consists of multiple mineralized domains defined over a strike length of 0.5km. Mineralization remains open at depth and along strike to the northeast. In drill core, or at underground face exposures, gold-bearing zones at the Madsen Mine are best identified visually by fine (sub-millimetre) grains of free gold within strong alteration and veining. All high-grade intervals generally contain visible gold on drill core exteriors, although numerous examples exist of high-grade assays where visible gold was only identified within the interior (cut surface) of the core samples. Apart from the presence of free gold, pervasive silicification (locally accompanied by discrete quartz veining) and quartz-carbonate or diopside veining are the best indicators that a given interval is within a high-grade zone along/within the mineralized structure. The current underground drilling program at the Madsen Mine is focused on further definition of near-term mining inventory, as well as growth of the current mineral resource. Drilling has been focused on the more continuous and higher-grade portions of the Austin, South Austin, North Austin and McVeigh Zones. This will continue to be the strategy through 2025. High resolution versions of all the figures contained in this press release can be found at the following web link: https://westredlakegold.com/november-2025-nr-figures/. FIGURE 2. Long section highlighting top three intercepts from current press release in 12-4860 Austin. Figure also highlights previously announced 2025 results from South Austin. New South Austin high-grade panel has been outlined in red[1]. [1] Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US1,800/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report and Prefeasibility Study for the Madsen Mine, Ontario, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated January 7, 2025. A full copy of the SRK report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. FIGURE 3. Austin plan view drill section showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-016 through -032. FIGURE 4. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-016 to -018. FIGURE 5. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-019 to -022. FIGURE 6. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-023 to -026. FIGURE 7. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-027 to -029. FIGURE 8. Austin section view showing assay highlights for Holes MM25D-12-4860-030 to -032. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL Drilling completed underground at the Madsen Mine consists of BQ-sized diamond drill core for definition drill programs and oriented NQ-sized diamond drill core for exploration focused drilling. All drill holes are systematically logged, photographed, and sampled by a trained geologist at the Madsen Mine core processing facility. Minimum allowable sample length is 0.5m. Maximum allowable sample length is 1.5m. Control samples (certified standards and uncertified blanks), along duplicates, are inserted at a target 5% insertion rate. Results are assessed for accuracy, precision, and contamination on an ongoing basis. The BQ-sized drill core is whole core sampled. The NQ-sized drill core is then cut lengthwise utilizing a diamond blade core saw along a line pre-selected by the geologist. To reduce sampling bias, the same side of drill core is sampled consistently utilizing the orientation line as reference. For those samples containing visible gold (VG), a trained geologist supervises the cutting/bagging of those samples, and ensures the core saw blade is cleaned with a dressing stone following the VG sample interval. Bagged samples are then sealed with zip ties and transported by Madsen Mine personnel directly to SGS Natural Resources Facility in Red Lake, Ontario for assay. Samples are then prepped by SGS, which consists of drying at 105C and crushing to 75% passing 2mm. A riffle splitter is then utilized to produce a 500g course reject for archive. The remainder of the sample is then pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns from which 50g is analyzed by fire assay and an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish (SGS Code GO-FAA50V10). Samples returning gold values > 100 g/t Au are reanalyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50g sample (SGS Code GO_FAG50V). Samples with visible gold are also analyzed via metallic screen analysis (SGS code: GO_FAS50M). For multi-element analysis, samples are sent to SGSs facility in Burnaby, British Columbia and analyzed via four-acid digest with an atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish for 33-element analysis on 0.25g sample pulps (SGS code: GE_ICP40Q12). SGS Natural Resources analytical laboratories operates under a Quality Management System that complies with ISO/IEC 17025. The Madsen Mine deposit presently hosts a National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) Indicated resource of 1.65 million ounces (Moz) of gold grading 7.4 g/t Au within 6.9 Mt, and an Inferred resource of 0.37 Moz of gold grading 6.3 g/t Au within 1.8 Mt. Mineral resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 3.38 g/t Au and a gold price of US$1,800/oz. Mineral resources as stated are inclusive of mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Madsen Mine also contains Probable reserves of 478 thousand ounces (koz) of gold grading 8.16 g/t Au within 1.87 Mt. Mineral reserve estimates are based on a gold price of US$1,680/oz. Please refer to the technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report and Prefeasibility Study for the Madsen Mine, Ontario, Canada, prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and dated January 7, 2025 (the Madsen Report). The Madsen Resource Estimate has an effective date of December 31, 2021, and excludes depletion of mining activity during the period from January 1, 2022, to the mine closure on October 24, 2022, as it has been deemed immaterial and not relevant for the purpose of the Madsen Report. A full copy of the Madsen Report is available on the Companys website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Will Robinson, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for exploration at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. ABOUT WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that is publicly traded and focused on advancing and developing its flagship Madsen Gold Mine and the associated 47 km2 highly prospective land package in the Red Lake district of Ontario. The highly productive Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada has yielded over 30 million ounces of gold from high-grade zones and hosts some of the world's richest gold deposits. WRLG also holds the wholly owned Rowan Property in Red Lake, with an expansive property position covering 31 km2 including three past producing gold mines - Rowan, Mount Jamie, and Red Summit. ON BEHALF OF WEST RED LAKE GOLD MINES LTD. Shane Williams Shane Williams President & Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Gwen Preston Vice President Communications Tel: (604) 609-6132 Email: investors@wrlgold.com or visit the Companys website at https://www.westredlakegold.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as anticipate, expect, estimate, forecast, planned, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the potential production of mining operations at the Madsen Mine; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Companys future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Companys securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; and changes in the Companys business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. 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 information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Companys managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Companys annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects managements current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Companys continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 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OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state none None (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state none None Date of disclosure: 04th November 2025 Contact name: Priyali Bhattacharjee Telephone number: +91-9768034903 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service. The Panels Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Codes dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. Dublin, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North America Tomato Processing Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The North America tomato processing consumption reached a volume of 11822.46 KMT in 2024 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.70% in the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a volume of 15431.65 KMT by 2034. Increasing Demand for Sauces to Bolster the Growth of the Tomato Processing Industry Based on product type, sauces account for a significant share in the market, owing to the growing demand for the product as a condiment to various North American snacks to enhance flavours and to complement the dishes such as roasted pork, roasted lemon chicken, and roasted pork chops, among others. Wet cooking sauces and dry cooking sauces are some of the most popular types of sauces in the region. Over the forecast period, the growing awareness about the benefits of sauces, such as the reduced risk of developing type-2 diabetes, maintaining weight, as well as the anti-oxidants present in the product, is expected to aid the segment growth. Some other types of sauces which are likely to gain traction over the forecast period include supreme sauce, aurora sauce, mushroom sauce, and ivory sauce, among others. Meanwhile, the canned tomatoes segment is anticipated to grow at a significant rate in the forecast period, owing to the rising application of the product in chili recipes, which are gaining considerable popularity among Americans. The growing demand for pizza and the expanding food joints in the United States and Canada are likely to provide impetus to the canned tomatoes, as the product is vital to reduce the dryness of pizza and add flavour to it. The United States Accounts for a Significant Share in the Market In terms of region, the United States accounts for a significant share in the industry owing to the presence of the advanced food processing sector in the country. The tomato processing industry growth in North America is driven by the good yield of tomato harvests in the United States and Canada. The high tomato yield has increased the availability of canned tomatoes, which is the staple food item in the US. The market has been aided by the enhancement of tomato processing capabilities, along with the availability of greenhouses in Ontario and California. Over the forecast period, the market is anticipated to be augmented by the growing consumption of fast foods and the expanding fast food chains in the region. Thriving Food and Beverage Sector to Boost the Growth of the Tomato Processing Industry The tomato processing industry in North America is driven by the thriving food and beverage industry in the region. The rise in popularity of various snacks that require tomato sauces or ketchup to complement the food item is aiding the industry growth, especially in the United States. These snacks include hamburgers, spaghetti, pizza, roasted pork, boiled mutton leg, and nachos, among others. Over the forecast period, the rapid expansion of supermarkets and hypermarkets and online stores is likely to bolster the market growth. Furthermore, the growing demand for tomato-based foods, such as tomato juice, tomato soup, and others, owing to the increasing awareness about the benefits offered by these products, including the richness of vitamin C, B and potassium, is expected to propel the industry growth. Tomato juice contains lycopene, which reduces inflammation and the risk of heart diseases, along with some cancers. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 119 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value in 2025 11822.46 KMT Forecasted Market Value by 2034 15431.65 KMT Compound Annual Growth Rate 2.7% Regions Covered North America Key Industry Players in the North America Tomato Processing Market The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the North America tomato processing market, covering their competitive landscape, capacity, and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, and investments, expansions of capacity, and plant turnarounds. The Morning Star Company Olam Group Campbell Soup Company Neil Jones Food Company J.G. Boswell Tomato Company Conagra Brands, Inc. Del Monte Foods Inc. CONESA Group Stanislaus Food Products Los Gatos Tomato Products Tomato Processing Market Segmentation Based on product type Sauces Paste Canned Tomatoes Ketchup Juice Others Based on distribution channels Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Convenience Stores Speciality Stores Online Stores Others Based on region United States of America Canada Mexico For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/v0wtd4 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment HOUSTON, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Natural Resource Partners L.P. (NYSE:NRP) today reported third quarter 2025 results as follows: For the Three Months Ended Last Twelve Months Ended (In thousands) (Unaudited) September 30, 2025 Net income $ 30,905 $ 148,141 Operating cash flow 41,095 187,318 Free cash flow(1) 41,823 190,146 (1) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and reconciliation tables at the end of this release. Highlights: Generated $41.8 million of free cash flow in the third quarter of 2025 Paid second quarter 2025 common unit distribution of $0.75 per unit Declares third quarter 2025 common unit distribution of $0.75 per unit "NRP continues to generate substantial free cash flow despite ongoing depressed market conditions for all three of our key commodities," said Craig Nunez, NRP's president and chief operating officer. "NRP generated $42 million of free cash flow in the third quarter of 2025 and $190 million of free cash flow over the last twelve months. Consistent with our communications over the last year, we anticipate weak coal and soda ash prices but expect to continue generating sufficient free cash flow to achieve our deleveraging goals. NRP announced today that the board of directors of its general partner declared a third quarter 2025 cash distribution of $0.75 per common unit to be paid on November 25, 2025, to unitholders of record on November 18, 2025. Future distributions on NRP's common units will be determined on a quarterly basis by the board of directors. The board of directors considers numerous factors each quarter in determining cash distributions including profitability, cash flow, debt service obligations, market conditions and outlook, estimated unitholder income tax liability, and the level of cash reserves that the board determines is necessary for future operating and capital needs. Segment Performance Mineral Rights Mineral Rights net income for the third quarter of 2025 increased $0.2 million as compared to the prior year period. Mineral Rights operating cash flow and free cash flow decreased $9.2 million and $9.1 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year period. The decreases in operating and free cash flow were primarily due to lower metallurgical coal sales prices and volumes as compared to the prior year period. Approximately 70% of coal royalty revenues and approximately 50% of coal royalty sales volumes were derived from metallurgical coal in the third quarter of 2025. Although metallurgical and thermal coal prices saw a modest uptick at the end of the third quarter, NRP expects lower pricing levels for both commodities for the foreseeable future. Metallurgical coal markets remain weak due to soft global steel demand and thermal markets remain encumbered by low natural gas prices and ample coal stockpiles at power plants. The markets for NRP's carbon neutral revenue opportunities also remain weak. NRP was notified in the third quarter that Oxy was dropping its subsurface carbon sequestration lease on NRP acreage in Polk County, Texas. NRP believes the burdens on the industry, including high capital and operational costs, insufficient revenue streams, and an uncertain regulatory environment, continue to create formidable barriers that operators have yet to overcome. Soda Ash Soda Ash net income in the third quarter of 2025 decreased $10.5 million as compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower sales prices in 2025. Operating cash flow and free cash flow each decreased $6.4 million in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the prior year period due to not receiving a cash distribution from Sisecam Wyoming in the third quarter of 2025, after receiving $7.8 million of distributions in the first half of the year. The significantly oversupplied soda ash market coupled with ongoing weak demand for flat glass due to lower global construction activity and sluggish demand for new automobiles and solar panels is degrading the outlook for soda ash prices in 2026. NRP continues to believe international soda ash prices are at or below the cost of production for many operators with no catalyst for market rebalancing in sight. NRP expects this weak pricing environment to continue for the foreseeable future and that distributions received from Sisecam Wyoming will not resume until high-cost supply is forced out of the market or global soda ash demand growth catches up with supply, which could take several years. Corporate and Financing Corporate and Financing net income increased $2.6 million, while operating cash flow and free cash flow each increased $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the prior year period. These increases were primarily due to lower interest expense and cash paid for interest in the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the prior year period due to less debt outstanding. In August 2025, NRP paid a second quarter 2025 cash distribution of $0.75 per common unit. Today, NRP declared a third quarter 2025 cash distribution of $0.75 per common unit. NRP repaid $32 million of debt in the third quarter and had $190.1 million of available liquidity at September 30, 2025, consisting of $31.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $159.1 million of borrowing capacity available under its revolving credit facility. NRP's consolidated leverage ratio was 0.4 x at September 30, 2025. Conference Call A conference call will be held today at 9:00 a.m. ET. To register for the conference call, please use this link: https://registrations.events/direct/Q4I154486. After registering a confirmation will be sent via email, including dial in details and unique conference call codes for entry. Registration is open through the live call, however, to ensure you are connected for the full conference call we suggest registering at minimum 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. Investors may also listen to the call via the Investor Relations section of the NRP website at www.nrplp.com. To access the replay, please visit the Investor Relations section of NRPs website. Withholding Information for Foreign Investors Concurrent with this announcement, we are providing qualified notice to brokers and nominees that hold NRP units on behalf of non-U.S. investors under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b) and (d) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446(f)-4(c)(2)(iii). Brokers and nominees should treat one hundred percent (100%) of NRP's distributions to non-U.S. investors as being attributable to income that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business. In addition, brokers and nominees should treat one hundred percent (100%) of the distribution as being in excess of cumulative net income for purposes of determining the amount to withhold. Accordingly, NRP's distributions to non-U.S. investors are subject to federal income tax withholding at a rate equal to the sum of the highest applicable rate plus ten percent (10%). Company Profile Natural Resource Partners L.P., a master limited partnership headquartered in Houston, TX, is a diversified natural resource company that owns, manages and leases a diversified portfolio of properties in the United States including coal, industrial minerals and other natural resources, as well as rights to conduct carbon sequestration and renewable energy activities. NRP also owns an equity investment in Sisecam Wyoming LLC, one of the worlds lowest-cost producers of soda ash. For additional information, please contact Tiffany Sammis at 713-751-7515 or tsammis@nrplp.com. Further information about NRP is available on the partnerships website at http://www.nrplp.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Partnership expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Partnership based on its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Partnership. These risks include, among other things, statements regarding: future distributions on the Partnerships common units; the Partnership's business strategy; its liquidity and access to capital and financing sources; its financial strategy; prices of and demand for coal, trona and soda ash, and other natural resources; estimated revenues, expenses and results of operations; projected future performance by the Partnership's lessees; Sisecam Wyoming LLCs trona mining and soda ash refinery operations; distributions from the soda ash joint venture; the impact of governmental policies, laws and regulations, as well as regulatory and legal proceedings involving the Partnership, and of scheduled or potential regulatory or legal changes; global and U.S. economic conditions; and other factors detailed in Natural Resource Partners Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Natural Resource Partners L.P. has no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Non-GAAP Financial Measures "Adjusted EBITDA" is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as net income (loss) less equity earnings from unconsolidated investment; plus total distributions from unconsolidated investment, interest expense, net, debt modification expense, loss on extinguishment of debt, depreciation, depletion and amortization and asset impairments. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or loss, net income or loss attributable to partners, operating income or loss, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP as measures of operating performance, liquidity or ability to service debt obligations. There are significant limitations to using Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of performance, including the inability to analyze the effect of certain recurring items that materially affect our net income, the lack of comparability of results of operations of different companies and the different methods of calculating Adjusted EBITDA reported by different companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA presented below is not calculated or presented on the same basis as Consolidated EBITDA as defined in our partnership agreement or Consolidated EBITDDA as defined in Opco's debt agreements. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental performance measure used by our management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others to assess the financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis. Distributable cash flow or "DCF" is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities plus distributions from unconsolidated investment in excess of cumulative earnings, proceeds from asset sales and disposals, including sales of discontinued operations, and return of long-term contract receivable; less maintenance capital expenditures. DCF is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities. DCF may not be calculated the same for us as for other companies. In addition, distributable cash flow is not calculated or presented on the same basis as distributable cash flow as defined in our partnership agreement, which is used as a metric to determine whether we are able to increase quarterly distributions to our common unitholders. Distributable cash flow is a supplemental liquidity measure used by our management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others to assess our ability to make cash distributions and repay debt. Free cash flow or "FCF" is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities plus distributions from unconsolidated investment in excess of cumulative earnings and return of long-term contract receivable; less maintenance and expansion capital expenditures and cash flow used in acquisition costs classified as investing or financing activities. FCF is calculated before mandatory debt repayments. Free cash flow is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities. Free cash flow may not be calculated the same for us as for other companies. Free cash flow is a supplemental liquidity measure used by our management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others to assess our ability to make cash distributions and repay debt. "Leverage ratio" represents the outstanding principal of NRP's debt at the end of the period divided by the last twelve months' Adjusted EBITDA as defined above. NRP believes that leverage ratio is a useful measure to management and investors to evaluate and monitor the indebtedness of NRP relative to its ability to generate income to service such debt and in understanding trends in NRPs overall financial condition. Leverage ratio may not be calculated the same for NRP as for other companies and is not a substitute for, and should not be used in conjunction with, GAAP financial ratios. -Financial Tables and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures Follow- Natural Resource Partners L.P. Financial Tables (Unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended September 30, June 30, September 30, (In thousands, except per unit data) 2025 2024 2025 2025 2024 Revenues and other income Royalty and other mineral rights $ 49,615 $ 50,405 $ 44,295 $ 145,170 $ 172,368 Transportation and processing services 1,800 1,812 2,551 8,772 7,900 Equity in earnings of Sisecam Wyoming (2,390 ) 8,109 2,526 4,746 17,204 Gain on asset sales and disposals 906 1 729 1,882 4,809 Total revenues and other income $ 49,931 $ 60,327 $ 50,101 $ 160,570 $ 202,281 Operating expenses Operating and maintenance expenses $ 7,654 $ 6,786 $ 4,159 $ 18,589 $ 18,391 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 3,868 4,730 3,754 11,611 12,708 General and administrative expenses 5,725 5,935 5,597 18,154 18,193 Asset impairments 87 20 87 Total operating expenses $ 17,247 $ 17,538 $ 13,510 $ 48,374 $ 49,379 Income from operations $ 32,684 $ 42,789 $ 36,591 $ 112,196 $ 152,902 Interest expense, net $ (1,779 ) $ (4,194 ) $ (2,380 ) $ (6,827 ) $ (12,030 ) Net income $ 30,905 $ 38,595 $ 34,211 $ 105,369 $ 140,872 Less: income attributable to preferred unitholders (655 ) (4,248 ) Less: redemption of preferred units (10,819 ) (24,485 ) Net income attributable to common unitholders and the general partner $ 30,905 $ 27,121 $ 34,211 $ 105,369 $ 112,139 Net income attributable to common unitholders $ 30,287 $ 26,578 $ 33,527 $ 103,262 $ 109,896 Net income attributable to the general partner 618 543 684 2,107 2,243 Net income per common unit Basic $ 2.31 $ 2.04 $ 2.55 $ 7.87 $ 8.47 Diluted 2.28 2.00 2.52 7.77 8.21 Net income $ 30,905 $ 38,595 $ 34,211 $ 105,369 $ 140,872 Comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated investment and other (2,391 ) 82 (414 ) (545 ) 2,166 Comprehensive income $ 28,514 $ 38,677 $ 33,797 $ 104,824 $ 143,038 Natural Resource Partners L.P. Financial Tables (Unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended September 30, June 30, September 30, (In thousands) 2025 2024 2025 2025 2024 Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 30,905 $ 38,595 $ 34,211 $ 105,369 $ 140,872 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, depletion and amortization 3,868 4,730 3,754 11,611 12,708 Distributions from unconsolidated investment 6,320 4,900 7,840 28,114 Equity earnings from unconsolidated investment 2,390 (8,109 ) (2,526 ) (4,746 ) (17,204 ) Gain on asset sales and disposals (906 ) (1 ) (729 ) (1,882 ) (4,809 ) Asset impairments 87 20 87 Bad debt expense 1,731 1,058 (1,320 ) 862 538 Unit-based compensation expense 2,724 3,002 2,662 8,103 8,878 Amortization of debt issuance costs and other 368 (1,655 ) (281 ) (81 ) (2,603 ) Change in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (3,115 ) (6,640 ) 3,610 346 5,711 Accounts payable (43 ) 49 (526 ) (23 ) 98 Accrued liabilities 358 392 2,296 (5,336 ) (5,917 ) Accrued interest 324 457 (388 ) 190 192 Deferred revenue 1,577 14,854 (986 ) (2,636 ) 16,781 Other items, net 914 1,006 902 1,461 (1,173 ) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 41,095 $ 54,145 $ 45,579 $ 121,098 $ 182,273 Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from asset sales and disposals $ 906 $ 1 $ 730 $ 1,883 $ 4,809 Return of long-term contract receivable 728 673 714 2,142 1,979 Net cash provided by investing activities $ 1,634 $ 674 $ 1,444 $ 4,025 $ 6,788 Cash flows from financing activities Debt borrowings $ $ 23,000 $ $ 33,700 $ 152,850 Debt repayments (32,000 ) (36,000 ) (37,500 ) (106,500 ) (110,696 ) Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner (10,055 ) (9,986 ) (10,055 ) (46,386 ) (62,159 ) Distributions to preferred unitholders (1,605 ) (6,398 ) Redemption of preferred units (31,666 ) (71,666 ) Warrant settlements (65,689 ) Other items, net 1 (2 ) (5,362 ) (6,392 ) Net cash used in financing activities $ (42,054 ) $ (56,259 ) $ (47,555 ) $ (124,548 ) $ (170,150 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 675 $ (1,440 ) $ (532 ) $ 575 $ 18,911 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 30,344 32,340 30,876 30,444 11,989 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 31,019 $ 30,900 $ 30,344 $ 31,019 $ 30,900 Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid for interest $ 1,413 $ 3,800 $ 2,725 $ 6,509 $ 11,466 Natural Resource Partners L.P. Financial Tables (Unaudited) Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, December 31, 2025 2024 (In thousands, except unit data) (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 31,019 $ 30,444 Accounts receivable, net 30,442 31,469 Other current assets, net 455 1,961 Total current assets $ 61,916 $ 63,874 Land 24,008 24,008 Mineral rights, net 369,902 379,638 Intangible assets, net 12,332 12,924 Equity in unconsolidated investment 253,717 257,355 Long-term contract receivable, net 21,197 23,480 Other long-term assets, net 10,482 11,628 Total assets $ 753,554 $ 772,907 LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 886 $ 909 Accrued liabilities 8,313 12,121 Accrued interest 492 302 Current portion of deferred revenue 5,005 4,341 Current portion of long-term debt, net 14,246 14,192 Total current liabilities $ 28,942 $ 31,865 Deferred revenue 52,514 55,814 Long-term debt, net 55,131 127,876 Other non-current liabilities 5,717 6,244 Total liabilities $ 142,304 $ 221,799 Commitments and contingencies Partners capital Common unitholders interest (13,138,097 and 13,049,123 units issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively) $ 602,552 $ 543,231 General partners interest 10,913 9,547 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,215 ) (1,670 ) Total partners capital $ 611,250 $ 551,108 Total liabilities and partners' capital $ 753,554 $ 772,907 Natural Resource Partners L.P. Financial Tables (Unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital Accumulated Other Total Common Unitholders General Comprehensive Partners' (In thousands) Units Amounts Partner Income (Loss) Capital Balance at December 31, 2024 13,049 $ 543,231 $ 9,547 $ (1,670 ) $ 551,108 Net income 39,448 805 40,253 Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner (25,750 ) (526 ) (26,276 ) Issuance of unit-based awards 89 Unit-based awards amortization and vesting, net (3,175 ) (3,175 ) Capital contribution 187 187 Comprehensive income from unconsolidated investment and other 2,260 2,260 Balance at March 31, 2025 13,138 $ 553,754 $ 10,013 $ 590 $ 564,357 Net income 33,527 684 34,211 Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner (9,854 ) (201 ) (10,055 ) Unit-based awards amortization 2,346 2,346 Comprehensive loss from unconsolidated investment and other (414 ) (414 ) Balance at June 30, 2025 13,138 $ 579,773 $ 10,496 $ 176 $ 590,445 Net income 30,287 618 30,905 Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner (9,854 ) (201 ) (10,055 ) Unit-based awards amortization 2,346 2,346 Comprehensive loss from unconsolidated investment and other (2,391 ) (2,391 ) Balance at September 30, 2025 13,138 $ 602,552 $ 10,913 $ (2,215 ) $ 611,250 Natural Resource Partners L.P. Financial Tables (Unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital Accumulated Other Total Common Unitholders General Warrant Comprehensive Partners' (In thousands) Units Amounts Partner Holders Loss Capital Balance at December 31, 2023 12,635 $ 503,076 $ 8,005 $ 23,095 $ (3,122 ) $ 531,054 Net income(1) 55,089 1,124 56,213 Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner (41,342 ) (844 ) (42,186 ) Distributions to preferred unitholders (2,107 ) (43 ) (2,150 ) Issuance of unit-based awards 126 Unit-based awards amortization and vesting, net (3,971 ) (3,971 ) Capital contribution 227 227 Warrant settlements 199 (36,650 ) (748 ) (18,291 ) (55,689 ) Comprehensive income from unconsolidated investment and other 845 845 Balance at March 31, 2024 12,960 $ 474,095 $ 7,721 $ 4,804 $ (2,277 ) $ 484,343 Net income(2) 45,142 922 46,064 Redemption of preferred units (13,393 ) (273 ) (13,666 ) Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner (9,787 ) (200 ) (9,987 ) Distributions to preferred unitholders (2,590 ) (53 ) (2,643 ) Unit-based awards amortization 2,502 2,502 Capital contribution 555 555 Warrant settlements 89 (5,092 ) (104 ) (4,804 ) (10,000 ) Comprehensive income from unconsolidated investment and other 1,239 1,239 Balance at June 30, 2024 13,049 $ 490,877 $ 8,568 $ $ (1,038 ) $ 498,407 Net income(3) 37,824 771 38,595 Redemption of preferred units (10,602 ) (217 ) (10,819 ) Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner (9,787 ) (199 ) (9,986 ) Distributions to preferred unitholders (1,573 ) (32 ) (1,605 ) Unit-based awards amortization 2,519 2,519 Comprehensive income from unconsolidated investment and other 82 82 Balance at September 30, 2024 13,049 $ 509,258 $ 8,891 $ $ (956 ) $ 517,193 (1) Net income includes $2.15 million of income attributable to preferred unitholders that accumulated during the period, of which $2.11 million is allocated to the common unitholders and $0.04 million is allocated to the general partner. (2) Net income includes $1.44 million of income attributable to preferred unitholders that accumulated during the period, of which $1.41 million is allocated to the common unitholders and $0.03 million is allocated to the general partner. (3) Net income includes $0.66 million of income attributable to preferred unitholders that accumulated during the period, of which $0.64 million is allocated to the common unitholders and $0.01 million is allocated to the general partner. Natural Resource Partners L.P. Financial Tables (Unaudited) The following table presents NRP's unaudited business results by segment for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 and June 30, 2025: Operating Segments Mineral Corporate and (In thousands) Rights Soda Ash Financing Total For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 Revenues $ 51,415 $ $ $ 51,415 Equity in earnings of Sisecam Wyoming (2,390 ) (2,390 ) Gain on asset sales and disposals 906 906 Total revenues and other income $ 52,321 $ (2,390 ) $ $ 49,931 Asset impairments $ $ $ $ Net income (loss) $ 40,859 $ (2,446 ) $ (7,508 ) $ 30,905 Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ 44,723 $ (56 ) $ (5,725 ) $ 38,942 Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations: Operating activities $ 44,428 $ (55 ) $ (3,278 ) $ 41,095 Investing activities $ 1,634 $ $ $ 1,634 Financing activities $ $ $ (42,054 ) $ (42,054 ) Distributable cash flow(1) $ 46,062 $ (55 ) $ (3,278 ) $ 42,729 Free cash flow(1) $ 45,156 $ (55 ) $ (3,278 ) $ 41,823 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Revenues $ 52,217 $ $ $ 52,217 Equity in earnings of Sisecam Wyoming 8,109 8,109 Gain on asset sales and disposals 1 1 Total revenues and other income $ 52,218 $ 8,109 $ $ 60,327 Asset impairments $ 87 $ $ $ 87 Net income (loss) $ 40,644 $ 8,085 $ (10,134 ) $ 38,595 Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ 45,456 $ 6,296 $ (5,935 ) $ 45,817 Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations: Operating activities $ 53,610 $ 6,297 $ (5,762 ) $ 54,145 Investing activities $ 674 $ $ $ 674 Financing activities $ $ $ (56,259 ) $ (56,259 ) Distributable cash flow(1) $ 54,284 $ 6,297 $ (5,762 ) $ 54,819 Free cash flow(1) $ 54,283 $ 6,297 $ (5,762 ) $ 54,818 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 Revenues $ 46,846 $ $ $ 46,846 Equity in earnings of Sisecam Wyoming 2,526 2,526 Gain on asset sales and disposals 729 729 Total revenues and other income $ 47,575 $ 2,526 $ $ 50,101 Asset impairments $ $ $ $ Net income (loss) $ 39,691 $ 2,502 $ (7,982 ) $ 34,211 Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ 43,439 $ 4,876 $ (5,596 ) $ 42,719 Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations: Operating activities $ 45,576 $ 4,875 $ (4,872 ) $ 45,579 Investing activities $ 1,444 $ $ $ 1,444 Financing activities $ $ $ (47,555 ) $ (47,555 ) Distributable cash flow(1) $ 47,020 $ 4,875 $ (4,872 ) $ 47,023 Free cash flow(1) $ 46,290 $ 4,875 $ (4,872 ) $ 46,293 (1) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and reconciliation tables at the end of this release. Natural Resource Partners L.P. Financial Tables (Unaudited) The following table presents NRP's unaudited business results by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024: Operating Segments Mineral Corporate and (In thousands) Rights Soda Ash Financing Total For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 Revenues $ 153,942 $ $ $ 153,942 Equity in earnings of Sisecam Wyoming 4,746 4,746 Gain on asset sales and disposals 1,882 1,882 Total revenues and other income $ 155,824 $ 4,746 $ $ 160,570 Asset impairments $ 20 $ $ $ 20 Net income (loss) $ 125,758 $ 4,606 $ (24,995 ) $ 105,369 Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ 137,375 $ 7,700 $ (18,154 ) $ 126,921 Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations: Operating activities $ 133,227 $ 7,700 $ (19,829 ) $ 121,098 Investing activities $ 4,025 $ $ $ 4,025 Financing activities $ (841 ) $ $ (123,707 ) $ (124,548 ) Distributable cash flow(1) $ 137,252 $ 7,700 $ (19,829 ) $ 125,123 Free cash flow(1) $ 135,369 $ 7,700 $ (19,829 ) $ 123,240 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Revenues $ 180,268 $ $ $ 180,268 Equity in earnings of Sisecam Wyoming 17,204 17,204 Gain on asset sales and disposals 4,809 4,809 Total revenues and other income $ 185,077 $ 17,204 $ $ 202,281 Asset impairments $ 87 $ $ $ 87 Net income (loss) $ 154,017 $ 17,092 $ (30,237 ) $ 140,872 Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ 166,798 $ 28,002 $ (18,193 ) $ 176,607 Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations: Operating activities $ 179,593 $ 28,002 $ (25,322 ) $ 182,273 Investing activities $ 6,788 $ $ $ 6,788 Financing activities $ (1,086 ) $ $ (169,064 ) $ (170,150 ) Distributable cash flow(1) $ 186,381 $ 28,002 $ (25,322 ) $ 189,061 Free cash flow(1) $ 181,572 $ 28,002 $ (25,322 ) $ 184,252 (1) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and reconciliation tables at the end of this release. Natural Resource Partners L.P. Financial Tables (Unaudited) Operating Statistics - Mineral Rights For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended September 30, June 30, September 30, (In thousands, except per ton data) 2025 2024 2025 2025 2024 Coal sales volumes (tons) Appalachia Northern 1,508 470 132 1,764 716 Central 3,296 3,507 3,195 9,797 10,677 Southern 678 705 548 1,522 1,984 Total Appalachia 5,482 4,682 3,875 13,083 13,377 Illinois Basin 1,005 1,128 1,637 5,984 4,503 Northern Powder River Basin 841 944 426 2,183 2,460 Gulf Coast 201 436 176 614 1,136 Total coal sales volumes 7,529 7,190 6,114 21,864 21,476 Coal royalty revenue per ton Appalachia Northern $ 1.48 $ 2.34 $ 1.91 $ 1.51 $ 2.70 Central 6.08 6.55 6.41 6.22 7.34 Southern 8.36 9.56 8.53 8.58 10.37 Illinois Basin 1.93 1.76 2.21 2.29 2.33 Northern Powder River Basin 4.68 4.82 5.73 4.83 4.87 Gulf Coast 0.80 0.84 0.80 0.79 0.79 Combined average coal royalty revenue per ton 4.51 5.24 5.17 4.64 5.78 Coal royalty revenues Appalachia Northern $ 2,225 $ 1,100 $ 252 $ 2,660 $ 1,930 Central 20,051 22,958 20,494 60,971 78,328 Southern 5,666 6,743 4,676 13,060 20,571 Total Appalachia 27,942 30,801 25,422 76,691 100,829 Illinois Basin 1,943 1,987 3,610 13,694 10,510 Northern Powder River Basin 3,932 4,546 2,443 10,544 11,976 Gulf Coast 161 366 140 485 902 Unadjusted coal royalty revenues 33,978 37,700 31,615 101,414 124,217 Coal royalty adjustment for minimum leases 215 (95 ) (72 ) (180 ) (109 ) Total coal royalty revenues $ 34,193 $ 37,605 $ 31,543 $ 101,234 $ 124,108 Other revenues Production lease minimum revenues $ 1,365 $ 437 $ 123 $ 4,213 $ 1,773 Minimum lease straight-line revenues 4,176 4,117 4,050 12,276 12,414 Oil and gas royalty revenues 1,787 1,317 1,981 6,212 6,956 Carbon neutral revenues 316 (39 ) 290 1,201 4,322 Property tax revenues 2,105 1,809 1,519 5,261 5,246 Wheelage revenues 2,225 2,072 2,543 6,506 7,082 Coal overriding royalty revenues 297 227 456 1,633 2,064 Lease amendment revenues 1,699 1,071 656 3,010 2,485 Aggregates royalty revenues 1,011 662 906 2,770 2,164 Other revenues 441 1,127 228 854 3,754 Total other revenues $ 15,422 $ 12,800 $ 12,752 $ 43,936 $ 48,260 Royalty and other mineral rights $ 49,615 $ 50,405 $ 44,295 $ 145,170 $ 172,368 Transportation and processing services revenues 1,800 1,812 2,551 8,772 7,900 Gain on asset sales and disposals 906 1 729 1,882 4,809 Total Mineral Rights segment revenues and other income $ 52,321 $ 52,218 $ 47,575 $ 155,824 $ 185,077 Natural Resource Partners L.P. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited) Adjusted EBITDA Mineral Corporate and (In thousands) Rights Soda Ash Financing Total For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 Net income (loss) $ 40,859 $ (2,446 ) $ (7,508 ) $ 30,905 Less: equity earnings from unconsolidated investment 2,390 2,390 Add: total distributions from unconsolidated investment Add: interest expense, net 1,779 1,779 Add: depreciation, depletion and amortization 3,864 4 3,868 Add: asset impairments Adjusted EBITDA $ 44,723 $ (56 ) $ (5,725 ) $ 38,942 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Net income (loss) $ 40,644 $ 8,085 $ (10,134 ) $ 38,595 Less: equity earnings from unconsolidated investment (8,109 ) (8,109 ) Add: total distributions from unconsolidated investment 6,320 6,320 Add: interest expense, net 4,194 4,194 Add: depreciation, depletion and amortization 4,725 5 4,730 Add: asset impairments 87 87 Adjusted EBITDA $ 45,456 $ 6,296 $ (5,935 ) $ 45,817 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 Net income (loss) $ 39,691 $ 2,502 $ (7,982 ) $ 34,211 Less: equity earnings from unconsolidated investment (2,526 ) (2,526 ) Add: total distributions from unconsolidated investment 4,900 4,900 Add: interest expense, net 2,380 2,380 Add: depreciation, depletion and amortization 3,748 6 3,754 Add: asset impairments Adjusted EBITDA $ 43,439 $ 4,876 $ (5,596 ) $ 42,719 Natural Resource Partners L.P. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited) Adjusted EBITDA Mineral Corporate and (In thousands) Rights Soda Ash Financing Total For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 Net income (loss) $ 125,758 $ 4,606 $ (24,995 ) $ 105,369 Less: equity earnings from unconsolidated investment (4,746 ) (4,746 ) Add: total distributions from unconsolidated investment 7,840 7,840 Add: interest expense, net 6,827 6,827 Add: depreciation, depletion and amortization 11,597 14 11,611 Add: asset impairments 20 20 Adjusted EBITDA $ 137,375 $ 7,700 $ (18,154 ) $ 126,921 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Net income (loss) $ 154,017 $ 17,092 $ (30,237 ) $ 140,872 Less: equity earnings from unconsolidated investment (17,204 ) (17,204 ) Add: total distributions from unconsolidated investment 28,114 28,114 Add: interest expense, net 12,030 12,030 Add: depreciation, depletion and amortization 12,694 14 12,708 Add: asset impairments 87 87 Adjusted EBITDA $ 166,798 $ 28,002 $ (18,193 ) $ 176,607 Natural Resource Partners L.P. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited) Distributable Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Mineral Corporate and (In thousands) Rights Soda Ash Financing Total For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 44,428 $ (55 ) $ (3,278 ) $ 41,095 Add: proceeds from asset sales and disposals 906 906 Add: return of long-term contract receivable 728 728 Distributable cash flow $ 46,062 $ (55 ) $ (3,278 ) $ 42,729 Less: proceeds from asset sales and disposals (906 ) (906 ) Free cash flow $ 45,156 $ (55 ) $ (3,278 ) $ 41,823 Net cash provided by investing activities $ 1,634 $ $ $ 1,634 Net cash used in financing activities $ $ $ (42,054 ) $ (42,054 ) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 53,610 $ 6,297 $ (5,762 ) $ 54,145 Add: proceeds from asset sales and disposals 1 1 Add: return of long-term contract receivable 673 673 Distributable cash flow $ 54,284 $ 6,297 $ (5,762 ) $ 54,819 Less: proceeds from asset sales and disposals (1 ) (1 ) Free cash flow $ 54,283 $ 6,297 $ (5,762 ) $ 54,818 Net cash provided by investing activities $ 674 $ $ $ 674 Net cash used in financing activities $ $ $ (56,259 ) $ (56,259 ) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 45,576 $ 4,875 $ (4,872 ) $ 45,579 Add: proceeds from asset sales and disposals 730 730 Add: return of long-term contract receivable 714 714 Distributable cash flow $ 47,020 $ 4,875 $ (4,872 ) $ 47,023 Less: proceeds from asset sales and disposals (730 ) (730 ) Free cash flow $ 46,290 $ 4,875 $ (4,872 ) $ 46,293 Net cash provided by investing activities $ 1,444 $ $ $ 1,444 Net cash used in financing activities $ $ $ (47,555 ) $ (47,555 ) Natural Resource Partners L.P. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited) Distributable Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow Mineral Corporate and (In thousands) Rights Soda Ash Financing Total For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 133,227 $ 7,700 $ (19,829 ) $ 121,098 Add: proceeds from asset sales and disposals 1,883 1,883 Add: return of long-term contract receivable 2,142 2,142 Distributable cash flow $ 137,252 $ 7,700 $ (19,829 ) $ 125,123 Less: proceeds from asset sales and disposals (1,883 ) (1,883 ) Free cash flow $ 135,369 $ 7,700 $ (19,829 ) $ 123,240 Net cash provided by investing activities $ 4,025 $ $ $ 4,025 Net cash used in financing activities $ (841 ) $ $ (123,707 ) $ (124,548 ) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 179,593 $ 28,002 $ (25,322 ) $ 182,273 Add: proceeds from asset sales and disposals 4,809 4,809 Add: return of long-term contract receivable 1,979 1,979 Distributable cash flow $ 186,381 $ 28,002 $ (25,322 ) $ 189,061 Less: proceeds from asset sales and disposals (4,809 ) (4,809 ) Free cash flow $ 181,572 $ 28,002 $ (25,322 ) $ 184,252 Net cash provided by investing activities $ 6,788 $ $ $ 6,788 Net cash used in financing activities $ (1,086 ) $ $ (169,064 ) $ (170,150 ) Natural Resource Partners L.P. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures (Unaudited) Last Twelve Months (LTM) Free Cash Flow For the Three Months Ended (In thousands) December 31, 2024 March 31, 2025 June 30, 2025 September 30, 2025 Last 12 Months Net cash provided by operating activities $ 66,220 $ 34,424 $ 45,579 $ 41,095 $ 187,318 Add: proceeds from asset sales and disposals 37 247 730 906 1,920 Add: return of long-term contract receivable 686 700 714 728 2,828 Distributable cash flow $ 66,943 $ 35,371 $ 47,023 $ 42,729 $ 192,066 Less: proceeds from asset sales and disposals (37 ) (247 ) (730 ) (906 ) (1,920 ) Free cash flow $ 66,906 $ 35,124 $ 46,293 $ 41,823 $ 190,146 Leverage Ratio For the Three Months Ended (In thousands) December 31, 2024 March 31, 2025 June 30, 2025 September 30, 2025 Last 12 Months Net income $ 42,772 $ 40,253 $ 34,211 $ 30,905 $ 148,141 Less: equity earnings from unconsolidated investment (931 ) (4,610 ) (2,526 ) 2,390 (5,677 ) Add: total distributions from unconsolidated investment 10,667 2,940 4,900 18,507 Add: interest expense, net 3,524 2,668 2,380 1,779 10,351 Add: depreciation, depletion and amortization 2,827 3,989 3,754 3,868 14,438 Add: asset impairments 20 20 Adjusted EBITDA $ 58,859 $ 45,260 $ 42,719 $ 38,942 $ 185,780 Debtat September 30, 2025 $ 69,547 Leverage Ratio 0.4 x Average Percent Area Reduction of 97% in 4 weeks in diabetic wounds 100% diabetic wound closure in 12 weeks Preclinical sustained antibiofilm activity for a minimum of 7 days WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kane Biotech Inc. (TSX-V: KNE) (Kane Biotech or Kane) today announced new clinical and pre-clinical data demonstrating the performance of its FDA-cleared revyve Antimicrobial Wound Gel and revyve Wound Gel Spray in both diabetic foot ulcer healing and burn wound infection control. The findings were recently presented at two major U.S. medical meetings: Diabetic Foot Conference (DFCon 2025), held October 23-25 in Anaheim, California, and the Southern Region Burn Conference held October 30-November 2 in Charleston, South Carolina. US FDA 510(k) cleared revyve Antimicrobial Wound Gel and revyve Antimicrobial Wound Gel Spray Clinical Data: Outperforming the Standard of Care At DFCon 2025, Dr. Raymond Abdo, DPM (St. Louis Foot and Ankle Institute) and Dr. Peter Moyer, DPM (Foot & Ankle Institute of the Carolinas) presented data showing revyve achieved healing outcomes exceeding the current standard of care for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs): 97% average Percent Area Reduction (PAR) in 4 weeks, compared to the 40 50% PAR benchmark Complete wound closure within 812 weeks in all cases across a multi-center series Sustained infection control and reduced bacterial bioburden throughout healing The usage of revyve gel has helped my patient proceed with increased healing wounds by keeping bacteria and bioburden at bay for hard to heal ulcerations, said Dr. Abdo. revyve is a great product for diabetic ulcers. It utilizes advanced skin healing technology to promote faster and more effective wound healing by managing biofilm. revyve has helped manage my diabetic patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease, hemodialysis, and elevated A1c, said Dr. Moyer. Rapid Antimicrobial Efficacy in Burn Care At the 2025 Southern Region Burn Conference, Dr. Mack Drake, DO, FACS (Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America) presented pre-clinical data demonstrated 99.99 99.9999% reduction in burn-associated pathogens within 30 minutes of application. Additionally, sustained antibiofilm activity was seen for 7 days. revyves ability to achieve up to a six-log reduction in microbial load within minutes, while maintaining antibiofilm protection for at least seven days, represents a significant advancement in burn wound management reducing the frequency of dressing changes and helping ease the overall burden of care for patients, said Dr. Drake. These meeting results are part of the second pillar of Kanes three-pillar strategy to significantly impact wound care in the United States: Conduct a U.S.-based case series demonstrating the clinical use of revyve. Report data at leading U.S. wound and burn care meetings. Rebuild the U.S. distributor and sales agent network. These findings underscore revyves ability to improve upon the standard of care in both diabetic foot and burn management, said Dr. Robert Huizinga, Interim CEO of Kane Biotech. revyves antibiofilm and antimicrobial technology continues to demonstrate its potential to transform wound healing outcomes. The presentations can be found here: The Reduction of High Bacterial loads in DFUs Using a New Thermo-Reversible Wound Gel Leads to Faster Healing Rates A Case Series: A New Thermo-Reversible Wound Gel To Alter Wound Microbiome And Significantly Improve Patient Outcomes A Case Series: >90% PAR In 2-4 Weeks: A New Thermoreversible Wound Gel For Treatment Of Diabetic Foot Ulcers Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Efficacies of a Thermo-Reversible Antimicrobial Wound Gel References: Serena, T., Yaakov, S., Yaakov, R., King, E., & Driver, V. (2024). Percentage area reduction at week 4 as a prognostic indicator of complete healing in patients treated with standard of care: a post hoc analysis. Journal of Wound Care, 33(Sup9), S36-S42. About Kane Biotech Inc. (TSX-V: KNE) Kane Biotech is developing novel wound care treatments that disrupt biofilms and transform healing outcomes. Biofilms are one of the main contributors to antibiotic resistance in wounds which results in serious clinical outcomes and significant cost. revyve addresses both biofilms and wound bacteria. revyve Antimicrobial Wound Gel and revyve Antimicrobial Wound Gel Spray are US FDA 510(k) cleared. revyve Antimicrobial Wound Gel is Health Canada approved. To learn more about revyve, visit revyvegel.com or revyvegel.ca. Join Kanes Distribution List & Social Media: To stay informed on the latest developments, sign-up for the Companys email distribution list HERE. Follow Kane Website: kanebiotech.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kanebiotech/ Presentations: https://kanebiotech.com/publications-posters/ For more information: Dr. Robert Huizinga Interim CEO Kane Biotech Inc. rhuizinga@kanebiotech.com (780) 970-1100 Ray Dupuis Chief Financial Officer Kane Biotech Inc. rdupuis@kanebiotech.com (204) 298-2200 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains certain statements regarding Kane Biotech Inc. that constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities law. These statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the Companys: (a) financial condition, including lack of significant revenues to date and reliance on equity and other financing; (b) business, including its early stage of development, government regulation, market acceptance for its products, rapid technological change and dependence on key personnel; (c) intellectual property including the ability of the Company to protect its intellectual property and dependence on its strategic partners; and (d) capital structure, including its lack of dividends on its common shares, volatility of the market price of its common shares and public company costs. Further information about these and other risks and uncertainties can be found in the disclosure documents filed by the Company with applicable securities regulatory authorities, available at www.sedar+.ca. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bd2cf932-40cc-4466-abbe-4bdc61611b29 Dublin, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Krypton Gas Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global krypton gas market was valued at USD 65.01 Million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.38% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 82.25 Million by 2034. The market is driven by rising demand for energy-efficient insulation and specialty lighting systems, especially in high-performance architectural glazing. Growing Government Initiatives to Aid the Market Growth of Krypton Gas Region-wise, Europe is significantly contributing, in terms of production, to the krypton gas industry globally. This could be attributed to the growing government initiatives and rising growth of the building and construction sector in the region, which are propelling the growth of sustainable buildings over the forecast period. Europe is followed by North America and the Asia-Pacific. The Asia-Pacific region is being driven by the increasing demand from the semiconductor sector, which is led by rapid technological innovations and rising demand for chips in the artificial intelligence industry in the region. Further, the krypton gas is widely used in the production of excimer laser, consequently fueling the demand for krypton gas in the forecast period. Rising R&D Activities to Aid the Market Growth of Krypton Gas The market growth for krypton gas is being driven by the growing demand for oxygen due to the rising number of patients requiring ventilators has rapidly increased in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, hospitals and governments across the globe are anticipating an increase in the COVID cases; therefore such institutions are building up inventories to prevent shortages in the forecast period, which is expected to propel the market growth of krypton gas. Further, the rising R&D activities to develop new technologies for the production of krypton gas globally is predicted to generate new opportunities for the krypton gas industry over the forecast period. However, the market for krypton gas is anticipated to witness obstruction due to the rise in the adoption of LED lamps in the lighting industry which will negatively affect the market growth of incandescent lamps with krypton gas over the coming years. Key Industry Players in the Global Krypton gas Market The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global krypton gas market, covering their competitive landscape, capacity, and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, and investments, expansions of capacity, and plant turnarounds. Krypton Gas: Market Segmentation Krypton gas is a rare gas found in extremely low concentrations in air. It is produced via Linde process of air separation. Krypton gas, owing to its physical properties, accumulates with xenon which is present in the liquid oxygen at the base of the rectification column. It exhibits high insulating properties and high rate of heat dissipation on its usage in energy-efficient windows. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 167 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $65.01 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $82.25 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 2.3% Regions Covered Global Key Insights and Trends: The Asia-Pacific krypton gas market is expected to register 2.66% CAGR over the forecast period. By country, the India krypton gas market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 3.40% over the forecast period. By function, illumination is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.71% over the forecast period. By application, the R&D category is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.92% over the forecast period. Market Size & Forecast: Market Size in 2024: USD 65.01 Million Projected Market Size in 2034: USD 82.25 Million CAGR from 2025 to 2034: 2.38% Dominant Regional Market: Asia-Pacific Companies Featured Air Liquide UK Ltd Linde plc Air Products Inc. Praxair Technology, Inc. Messer Group GmbH Proton Gases (India) Private Limited On the basis of function, the market is bifurcated into: Illumination Insulation Based on application, the industry can be segmented into: Lighting Glass Windows Laser R & D Others The regional markets for the product include: North America Europe Asia-Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/emhf3x About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment MCKINNEY, Texas, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mission Critical Group (MCG), a critical power infrastructure company specializing in the design, manufacturing, delivery, and service of advanced electrical systems, today announces the acquisition of Leman Engineering and Consulting (Leman Engineering or LEC), a Brookston, Indianabased manufacturer of switchgear, control systems, and power distribution equipment. The acquisition strengthens MCGs Midwest manufacturing presence, expands its engineering capabilities, and establishes LEC as MCGs R&D hub for power generation engineering. This hub focuses on switchgear innovation for onsite generation, prime power, generator paralleling, behind-the-meter systems, and microgrids. LEC has exceptional people and a proven record of quality and innovation, said Jeff Drees, CEO of Mission Critical Group. By bringing best-in-class companies like LEC into our portfolio, were strengthening every layer of the power distribution chain, from engineering and manufacturing to service and field execution, and advancing our ability to deliver resilient, U.S.-based power infrastructure. With expertise in prime power distribution design, precision manufacturing, and engineering, LEC strengthens MCGs unified power and energy infrastructure platform, delivering high-performance electrical solutions across data center, healthcare, industrial, oil and gas, and other critical markets. Its capabilities in UL 891 switchboards, UL 1558 switchgear, and medium-voltage equipment further expand MCGs technical depth and manufacturing reach. The establishment of MCGs R&D hub will also align with strategic university partnerships specializing in power engineering, further advancing innovation and workforce development across the electrical manufacturing sector. Were proud to join MCG and contribute to its continued growth and innovation, said Randy Leman, President of Leman Engineering and Consulting. Leman will now serve as Vice President of Engineering and Product Management for Electrical Equipment at MCG. The Indiana team will continue operating under existing leadership, maintaining its strong local presence and customer focus. The addition of LEC marks MCGs second acquisition in 2025 and sixth in the past 24 months. With more than one million square feet of U.S. manufacturing space, MCG continues to expand its capacity to design, build, deliver, and service resilient power infrastructure nationwide. For more information, visit missioncriticalgroup.com . About Mission Critical Group Mission Critical Group (MCG) designs, manufactures, delivers, and services innovative solutions to solve our customers critical power challenges. MCG offers packaged power solutions and products, leveraging over 1,000 employees with 200+ years of combined mission critical staff leadership experience. Operating across over one million square feet of manufacturing space, MCG is ready to meet evolving industry demands effectively. MCG Companies include JTS, Point Eight Power, DVM Power + Control, and Leman Engineering and Consulting. For more information, please visit missioncriticalgroup.com . About Leman Engineering and Consulting Founded in Brookston, Indiana, Leman Engineering and Consulting (LEC) is a trusted manufacturer of engineered power distribution and control systems serving data center, industrial, utility, and commercial markets across North America. The company specializes in custom and standard UL 891 switchboards, UL 1558 switchgear, and medium-voltage metal-clad equipment, delivering precision-engineered solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and reliability. Known for its innovation, speed to market, and customer-first approach, Leman Engineering has built long-standing partnerships through its commitment to technical excellence and responsive service. For more information, visit lemanengineering.com . MONTREAL, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fresche Solutions today announced the official release of X-Modernize AI the industrys most advanced AI-powered solution for automatically transforming legacy IBM i applications into modern, future-ready systems. X-Modernize AI, Fresches 3rd generation RPG/Synon to modern languages (Java, etc) solution fuses the companys 20 years of modernization expertise and powerful AI technology together. It is available as part of Fresches Modernization-as-a-Service (MaaS) offering and delivers transformation capabilities that were once considered science fiction just a few years ago. X-Modernize AI brings speed, precision, and scale to the modernization process. It is built on a custom orchestrated agentic AI model that converts entire applications and their interdependent programs simultaneously while preserving all embedded business logic. It is rigorously governed by strict protocols that reduce hallucinations and ensure accuracy in every transformation producing handwritten-like Java code that is easy to maintain, portable, and built to last. For decades, these IBM i systems have been the core to business operations. However, these critical systems still run legacy applications that embed years of customized business logic. Maintenance of these code bases has become increasingly costly given the built-up technical debt and growing shortages of RPG, Synon and COBOL developers," said Babar Ali, Lead Product Manager of Modernization Solutions at Fresche. "With X-Modernize AI, organizations can modernize cost-effectively to popular programming languages preserving core business logic, improving the user experience, supporting future business agility, and gaining access to a wide talent pool of experienced developers." X-Modernize AI leads with a unique advantage over generic AI platforms for code conversion. When used in isolation, Generative AI can create an immense amount of technical debt at incredible speed, explains Marcel Sarrasin, General Manager of Modernization Solutions at Fresche. It may show early promise converting a single program, but the results quickly deteriorate into inconsistencies, hallucinations, and duplication. Unlike standalone AI tools, X-Modernize AI takes a holistic approach, analyzing the entire application ecosystem before generating any code. Built on Fresches X-Analysis AI, it performs deep forensic analysis of legacy systems to create an intelligent, contextual understanding of every component and dependency. This rich insight enables Fresches specialized AI agent framework to generate modern Java equivalents using the most suitable large language model (LLM) for each taskdelivering reliable, maintainable, and consistent modernization results at scale. X-Modernize AI bridges the gap between speed and accuracy, added Sarrasin. It gives organizations confidence that modernization can be both intelligent and sustainable. X-Modernize AI is the heart of Fresches Modernization Factory, designed to deliver a comprehensive A-to-Z strategy for modernizing IBM i environments a one-stop solution for all IBM i modernization needs that leverages Fresches suite of software, techniques, and 30+ years of expertise. Coupled with Fresches end-to-end Modernization-as-a-Service (MaaS) approach that includes discovery service, planning, UI modernization, database conversion from DDS to DDL, and facilitating cloud hosting via PowerVS or hyperscalers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, organizations can now gain a comprehensive solution for their modernization journey. Key Benefits of X-Modernize AI Include: Automated, AI-powered conversion from IBM i legacy applications to modern Java 50% faster than rewrite. Preservation of all existing business logic with enhanced maintainability. Immediate UI upgrades to sleek, mobile-friendly web interfaces. Reduction of technical debt. LLM agnostic technology delivers the best results for each individual task. Agentic AI efficiency with multiple agents conducting analysis and generating new code. Holistic conversions leveraging both AI-Powered interpretation and application intelligence from Fresches well-established X-Analysis AI tool. Budget-friendly, pay-as-you-go subscription-based model. A new application stack future-proof with easily maintainable contemporary technology. Co-existence technology enables a phased approach that reduces risk and provides a seamless user experience between the modernized and existing applications. No vendor lock-in, with full access to source code and no runtime license. This launch marks a major milestone in Fresches mission to help IBM i organizations evolve without compromise modernizing applications faster, smarter, and more cost-effectively than ever before. Learn more about X-Modernize AI here. About Fresche Solutions Fresche Solutions is an AI-powered IT modernization company that manages and maximizes the value of IBM i and Microsoft systems. With market-leading IP and proven solutions across Modernization, Cloud Managed Services, Application Managed Services (KTLO), and Data Analytics & AI, Fresche helps customers modernize securely, protect uptime, and realize more value from existing IT investments. Trusted by leaders at 2,200+ companies worldwide. Learn more at www.freschesolutions.com. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/95c0b524-2d04-4580-86f8-1ebdb896f454 Lake City, Florida, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ellianos Coffee, a southeast-based drive-thru specialty coffee brand, is proud to announce its continued expansion with the signing of a three-store development agreement in Beaufort, South Carolina, as well as a one-store development agreement in Clover, South Carolina. This marks an exciting milestone for Ellianos as the brand officially enters its seventh state with locations either open or in development. With a growing footprint across the Southeast, Ellianos currently operates 33 locations in Florida, 28 in Georgia, and 11 in Alabama, with its first North Carolina location opening last summer. Stores are also in development in the Gulfport, Mississippi area and the Chattanooga, Tennessee area, further solidifying Ellianos position as one of the fastest-growing regional coffee brands. This is a tremendous step forward for Ellianos, said Jonathan Morgan, Director of Franchise Development at Ellianos Coffee. Weve seen rapid expansion not just in our core states of Florida and Georgia, but also beyond. Entering South Carolina is a natural progression for our brand, and Beaufort is the perfect community to welcome Ellianos. We are thrilled to bring our signature bold flavors, exceptional service, and sense of community to the people of South Carolina. Founded with a mission to serve high-quality coffee with a personal touch, Ellianos has become known for its seamless double-sided drive-thru model, convenient service, and warm, people-first culture. Each new franchise location represents an opportunity to extend that mission to new communities while providing franchise owners with the backing of a proven, purpose-driven system. The new stores are part of a broader growth strategy that underscores Ellianos commitment to thoughtful expansion while maintaining the values that have fueled the brands success. With over 70 locations already operating or in development, the company is well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a leading regional coffee franchise. Attachment CLAREMORE, Okla., Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Will Rogers birthday (November 4), Yorkshire Publishing proudly announces the release of Will Rogers and His Great Inspiration, the final installment in Bart Taylors award-winning childrens picture book series honoring one of Americas most beloved humorists and storytellers. Illustrated by Greg White, the book features a foreword by country music legend Reba McEntire and actor Rex Linn. The new release follows Will Rogers and the Great White House Sleepover and Will Rogers and His Great Presidential Pals, concluding a series that has brought Will Rogers humor, wisdom, and legacy to thousands of children. Will Rogers and His Great Inspiration highlights the diverse people and experiences that shaped Rogers life. Known as Buckaroo Bart to the countless students he reads to each year, Taylor is the Will Rogers Interpreter and Creative Curator at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. His mission is to keep Rogers story alive. How can we inspire kids if there arent books made just for them about Will Rogers? Taylor said. This series is my way of making sure young people know his story and understand that his lessons still matter today. Taylor is a Will Rogers Medallion Award recipient and two-time Oklahoma Museum Association (OMA) Awardwinning educator from Tulsa, OK. In addition to his work at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, he has served as an educator at The Gilcrease Museum, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, and The Gathering Place, and has taught middle school geography. For more information about the author, visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museums website. To set up an interview, please contact lori.orlinsky@yorkshirepublishing.com. Will Rogers and His Great Inspiration (Paperback ISBN: 978-0-88144-169-7; Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-88144-161-1) is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum gift shop and wherever books are sold. About Yorkshire Publishing Yorkshire Publishing is a hybrid and traditional publisher dedicated to quality, collaboration and personalized service. Since 2002, the company has published and distributed thousands of titles across a variety of genres. Yorkshire helps authors bring their vision to life through expert editing, standout design and effective marketing. With a hands-on approach and a passion for meaningful books, Yorkshire creates titles authors are proud to share and readers love to read. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19d9a959-8390-4c47-bcea-dc85a6907733 Eesti Energia will publish its Q3 2025 financial results and interim report on 7 November. The investor call to present the results will take place on 7 November at 11:00 London time, 12:00 Frankfurt time, and 13:00 Tallinn time. The conference call will be held in English only. To participate, please join via the following link. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. As the webinar time is limited, we encourage participants to submit their questions in advance to investor@enefit.com The report and the investor call presentation will be made available in the morning of 7 November on the Eesti Energia Investor Relations website. The recording and transcript of the call will be published on the same page afterwards. Further information: Danel Freiberg Head of Treasury and Financial Risk Management Eesti Energia AS Tel: +372 5594 3838 Email: danel.freiberg@energia.ee NEW YORK, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CertiK, the largest Web3 security services company and a global leader in formal verification, published its 2025 Skynet Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT) Report, unveiling a security and compliance framework that provides an assessment of a DATs operational integrity. The Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) model has matured from a niche corporate strategy into a popular and growing market, with public companies now holding over $130 billion in digital assets. This model, which defines a class of public companies accumulating digital assets as a primary balance sheet strategy, has successfully created a regulated, high-beta vehicle for traditional finance (TradFi) investors to gain exposure to the crypto ecosystem. However, with recent regulatory progress such as the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) and the enacted United States CLARITY Act, a DAT companys valuation is no longer driven solely by the size of its holdings, and rather its security and compliance frameworks. CertiKs DAT framework includes five critical pillars of analysis to provide firms with a quantitative score: Custodian & Third-Party Diligence, Internal Controls & Operational Security, On-Chain Risk Exposure, Capital Strategy Resilience, and Regulatory & Disclosure Posture. More specifically, CertiK analyzes DATs for factors including diversification of custodians, insider threat mitigation, security best practices, the sustainability of financing models, timeliness of public findings, and more. According to CertiKs framework, Strategy, Inc. (MSTR) has received the reports highest Skynet Score of 91.8. This high ranking is due to factors including the companys use of regulated custodians, multi-signature security, annual SOC 2 audits, and a transparent disclosure posture with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other companies with high rankings include MARA Holdings (MARA), Metaplanet Inc. (MTPLF), Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company (BSTR), BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR), XXI (CEP), CleanSpark Inc. (CLSK), Hut 8 Mining (HUT), SharpLink Gaming (SBET) and Forward Industries (FORD). The report touches on DAT industry trends and future outlook, mentioning that DATs with long-term viability are expected to maintain a strong presence as digital asset adoption continues to grow. Ultimately, as the report notes, as the market becomes more crowded and spot exchange traded funds (ETFs) offer a cheaper alternative for direct price exposure, investors will analyze DATs based not on what they hold, but how they hold it. Full report: https://indd.adobe.com/view/386c8a23-69a5-4e1a-960b-058813c1d24c San Diego, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NP Digital, a leader in end-to-end digital marketing, today unveiled a new comprehensive AI Dashboard in its popular content and audience intelligence platform, AnswerThePublic. Users can now see a panoramic view of topics across AI models, search engines, social media, and shopping with enhanced user intent and sentiment analysis metrics. The new AI Dashboard provides marketers with a smarter way to understand their audience, moving beyond basic keyword research to reveal real-time behavior, intent, and emotions behind the search. Outdated search volume metrics are replaced with user intent and audience sentiment analysis tools in the AI Dashboard. These metrics provide more powerful insights that reflect how people think, feel, and engage across todays search everywhere landscape. Content marketers are under growing pressure to create high-performing content across traditional search, social platforms, AI models, and e-commerce, said Luisa Moscoso, chief product officer at AnswerThePublic. The new AI Dashboard addresses this complexity by bringing all those audience signals into one place, helping marketers create content that resonates across every channel, at scale. Combining user intent and sentiment analysis in the AI Dashboard enables marketers to go deeper than what their audience is searching for and understand the emotional drivers behind those queries. The full-scale audience intelligence platform now offers a new way to generate AI content ideas that align with real-world behavior across search, social, and commerce. Marketers can uncover everything from ChatGPT prompt ideas for marketing campaigns to YouTube video ideas or TikTok content ideas that reflect trending sentiment and meet consumer needs. AnswerThePublic aggregates consumer insight signals from large language models, Google and Bing search trends, Reddit conversations, YouTube threads, and shopping data from platforms like Amazon, all in one place. This provides content freelancers and brand teams with an accessible and holistic content strategy tool, eliminating the steep costs associated with enterprise technology. As search shifts toward AI overviews and users turn to tools like ChatGPT and TikTok for answers, content visibility hinges on audience resonance, not just rankings. The AnswerThePublic AI Dashboard is purpose-built for this shift, empowering marketers to craft content that is more personalized to intent and the drivers of the search. These insights are shaping our technology and strengthening the strategies we deliver for clients to drive better results and stay ahead of their competition, said Mike Gullaksen, CEO of NP Digital. This data provides a clearer view of what matters to the audience so brands connect more deeply as AI continues to reshape discovery behavior online. Understand your audience deeper than ever before. During the launch week, marketers are invited to experience the new ATP AI Dashboard at answerthepublic.com About NP Digital: NP Digital is a global digital marketing agency focused on enterprise and mid-market challenger brands. Underpinned by its proprietary technology division and platforms, NP Digital is regarded as one of the fastest-growing, award-winning end-to-end digital marketing agencies in the industry. NP Digital views marketing through a consultative lens that takes a holistic view when applying specialist execution to build meaningful partnerships. These partnerships include some of the worlds most prominent Fortune 500 brands in addition to mid-size, direct-to-consumer (DTC) challenger-type organizations. For more information, visit npdigital.com. Attachments TORONTO, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the federal government prepares to release Budget 2025, representatives of the United Steelworkers union (USW) will be available to speak about what they want to see from this budget in the face of escalating U.S. tariffs, layoffs and uncertainty across Canadas industrial economy. USW will be looking for key measures to: Protect workers and jobs through stronger EI, extended Work-Sharing, and wage protection to keep people employed. through stronger EI, extended Work-Sharing, and wage protection to keep people employed. Ensure public dollars build Canadian , requiring Canadian steel, aluminum, wood, critical minerals, and manufactured products in publicly funded projects. , requiring Canadian steel, aluminum, wood, critical minerals, and manufactured products in publicly funded projects. Avoid cuts to public services that would weaken Canadas response during a trade crisis. that would weaken Canadas response during a trade crisis. Stabilize trade-exposed sectors like steel, aluminum, forestry, and critical minerals through strategic procurement and employment supports. like steel, aluminum, forestry, and critical minerals through strategic procurement and employment supports. Lay out a real long-term industrial strategy to reduce reliance on the U.S. and strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains. With American tariffs continuing to target Canadian industries and jobs, Budget 2025 is a defining moment. Working people expect a budget that defends Canadian production, protects communities, and positions Canada to build and process key goods here at home. Media Availability: November 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST and following the budget (outside of Ottawa). About the United Steelworkers union The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the unions strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation including good wages, benefits and pensions. For more information, please contact: Shannon Devine, USW Communications and Political Action 416-938-4402 / sdevine@usw.ca JCDecaux Dicon receives Excellence in Long-Term Partnership award at OneDXB Airport Excellence Awards, celebrating 17 years of innovation and collaboration with Dubai Airports Paris, November 4th, 2025 JCDecaux SE (Euronext Paris: DEC), the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide, present in 157 airports across the world, proudly announced that its Dubai-based subsidiary, JCDecaux Dicon, has been honored with the Excellence in Long-Term Partnership award at the prestigious OneDXB Airport Excellence Awards. The ceremony took place on October 29th at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Theatre, bringing together representatives from Dubai Airports, airlines, and commercial partners to celebrate the collective achievements that continue to position Dubai International (DXB) as a global leader in air travel. This award marks 17 years of strategic collaboration between JCDecaux Dicon and Dubai Airports, renowned as the busiest airport globally for international passenger traffic. In 2024, Dubai Airports recorded a milestone of 92.3 million passengers, surpassing its previous peak of 89.1 million set in 2018. The momentum has continued into 2025, with over 46 million travelers passing through DXB in the first half of the year, setting a new six-month record. These figures reflect Dubais growing appeal as a global destination and DXBs enduring role as a gateway of choice for millions of international travelers. Driven by a shared ambition to elevate the airport experience through innovation, creativity, and operational excellence, JCDecaux Dicon has played a central role in transforming the advertising landscape at Dubai International Airport, resulting in steadily improving performance. It relies on an ambitious strategy driven by Dubai Airports and the JCDecaux Dicon teams, who have been able to deliver bespoke media solutions tailored to the scale, diversity, and dynamism of Dubais airport environment. Through immersive brand activations, data-driven audience targeting and contextualisation solutions, as well as impactful artistic collaborations, JCDecaux Dicon has crafted a compelling advertising ecosystem that not only delivers value to brands but also enhances the passenger experience with engaging and memorable moments. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: "JCDecaux has played a pivotal role in shaping both the commercial and experiential dimensions of DXB. Their unique ability to fuse creativity with cutting-edge innovation has been instrumental in helping us create a world-class airport environment, one that delivers exceptional value to our guests and brand partners alike." Jean-Charles Decaux, Co-CEO of JCDecaux, said: "This award is a powerful recognition of the enduring and exceptional partnership weve built with Dubai Airports and their teams, one rooted in shared ambition, innovation, and excellence. We sincerely thank them for their trust and we are proud to contribute to DXBs transformation into a global reference for airport advertising. We remain deeply committed to delivering forward-thinking solutions that continue to elevate both brand impact and the passenger experience." Key Figures for JCDecaux 2024 revenue: 3,935.3m H1 2025 revenue: 1,868.3m N1 Out-of-Home Media company worldwide A daily audience of 850 million people in more than 80 countries 1,091,811 advertising panels worldwide Present in 3,894 cities with more than 10,000 inhabitants 12,026 employees JCDecaux is listed on the Eurolist of Euronext Paris and is part of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes JCDecauxs Group carbon reduction trajectory has been approved by the SBTi and the company has joined the Euronext Paris CAC SBT 1.5 index JCDecaux is recognised for its extra-financial performance in the CDP (A), MSCI (AAA), Sustainalytics (11.9), and has achieved Gold Medal status from EcoVadis 1 st Out-of-Home Media company to join the RE100 Out-of-Home Media company to join the RE100 Leader in self-service bike rental scheme: pioneer in eco-friendly mobility N1 worldwide in street furniture (629,737 advertising panels) N1 worldwide in transport advertising with 157 airports and 257 contracts in metros, buses, trains and tramways (340,848 advertising panels) N1 in Europe for billboards (83,472 advertising panels worldwide) N1 in outdoor advertising in Europe (736,310 advertising panels) N1 in outdoor advertising in Asia-Pacific (178,010 advertising panels) N1 in outdoor advertising in Latin America (89,526 advertising panels) N1 in outdoor advertising in Africa (22,490 advertising panels) N2 in outdoor advertising in the Middle East (20,689 advertising panels) For more information about JCDecaux, please visit jcdecaux.com . Join us on X , LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. Communications Department: Clementine Prat +33 (0) 1 30 79 79 10 clementine.prat@jcdecaux.com Investor Relations: Remi Grisard +33 (0) 1 30 79 79 93 remi.grisard@jcdecaux.com Attachment New York City, NY, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- All iGaming has released its comprehensive analysis detailing the new standards for instant withdrawal casinos and the platforms delivering the fastest payout online casinos globally. This essential report scrutinizes which operators genuinely prioritize speed, how digital payment methods revolutionize fund delivery in minutes, and the technological innovations that have successfully dismantled the frustrating, multi-day waiting periods once prevalent across the online gambling industry. VISIT ALL IGAMING TO DISCOVER VERIFIED FAST PAYOUT CASINOS NOW<< In 2025, withdrawal speed has become the single most critical element driving player satisfaction within the global online casino market. After an era where the industry-standard withdrawal process often stretched out for five to seven days, a modern wave of fast payout online casinos has emerged. These platforms are now capable of completing cashouts in mere hours, not days. However, the market is saturated with ambitious marketing claims. Many sites advertise "instant withdrawals" yet still enforce lengthy 24 to 48-hour pending periods or introduce complex, manual verification hurdles that negate any speed advantage. The All iGaming analysis cuts through this marketing noise to identify the platforms that provide a genuine fast payout casino experience. Navigating the Landscape of Quick Payout Platforms The emergence of dedicated high-speed platforms has introduced new terminology and specific performance metrics to the industry. Understanding these definitions is essential for any player seeking an efficient online casino with easy withdrawal. Fastest Payout Online Casinos : These elite operators are defined by their unwavering commitment to processing e-wallet and cryptocurrency withdrawals within an astonishing 16 hours. Crucially, they complete the core account verification process in under 30 minutes. They deliver genuinely rapid access to winnings and establish the absolute benchmark for a true fast payout casino experience. These elite operators are defined by their unwavering commitment to processing e-wallet and cryptocurrency withdrawals within an astonishing 16 hours. Crucially, they complete the core account verification process in under 30 minutes. They deliver genuinely rapid access to winnings and establish the absolute benchmark for a true fast payout casino experience. Instant Withdrawal Casino Sites : These are the platforms that have successfully eradicated the old 2448 hour manual pending period. All approved withdrawal requests are processed immediately using cutting-edge automated systems, delivering an authentic instant withdrawal casino experience and positioning them as leaders in the field of fast payout and instant withdrawal casinos. These are the platforms that have successfully eradicated the old 2448 hour manual pending period. All approved withdrawal requests are processed immediately using cutting-edge automated systems, delivering an authentic instant withdrawal casino experience and positioning them as leaders in the field of fast payout and instant withdrawal casinos. Quick Withdrawal Online Casinos : These sites have optimized every step of the cashout process, from initial verification to final payment. They dramatically reduce the total payout time from the antiquated industry-standard of 57 days to a much more manageable timeframeoften under 24 hoursmaking them reliable fast withdrawal online casino options. These sites have optimized every step of the cashout process, from initial verification to final payment. They dramatically reduce the total payout time from the antiquated industry-standard of 57 days to a much more manageable timeframeoften under 24 hoursmaking them reliable fast withdrawal online casino options. Same Day Payout Casinos : This category consists of highly efficient operators that guarantee funds will reach a player's account within a single business day. This represents the gold standard for players seeking reliable and quick access to their real cash payout online casino winnings, ensuring they receive a same day withdrawal casino service. This category consists of highly efficient operators that guarantee funds will reach a player's account within a single business day. This represents the gold standard for players seeking reliable and quick access to their real cash payout online casino winnings, ensuring they receive a same day withdrawal casino service. High Player Value Platforms : Beyond mere speed, the premier fast payout online casinos often curate game selections, particularly slots and table games, with Return-to-Player (RTP) rates consistently exceeding 96%. This commitment to strong player value gives members a mathematically stronger chance of sustained winnings over the long term, which they can then cash out rapidly at an instant cash out casino. Recent Bonuses At Fast Payout Casinos Fast Payout Casinos vs. Traditional Online Casinos: A Comparison The fundamental difference between a modern fast payout casino and a traditional one lies in technological infrastructure and operational philosophy. The table below vividly illustrates the stark contrast in service delivery between the new instant withdrawal casinos and legacy sites, making it clear why players gravitate toward the fastest payout online casinos. Feature Instant Withdrawal Casinos (2025 Standard) Traditional Casinos E-Wallet Withdrawals 15 min 6 hours 2448 hours Instant Bank Transfers 14 hours (via Trustly/Plaid) N/A or 35 business days Debit Card Payouts 1224 hours (via Visa Direct/Mastercard Send) 35 business days Bank Transfer Processing 12 business days 57 business days Pending Period 02 hours (Automated Pre-screening) 2448 hours standard Weekend Processing Available for e-wallets and crypto Monday processing only Verification Time 530 minutes (AI systems) 2472 hours (manual) Automation Level 9095% automated 4060% automated Average Total Time (E-wallet) 24 hours 3648 hours Critical Insight: The core driver of this performance gap is automation. The leading instant withdrawal casinos have invested heavily in sophisticated systems designed to eliminate human bottlenecks, allowing the overwhelming majority of cashouts to process instantly without manual intervention. This technological leap enables the true fastest payout online casino experience. EXPLORE ALL IGAMINGS LIST OF VERIFIED INSTANT WITHDRAWAL CASINOS<< Defining the True 'Instant Withdrawal' Platform For All iGaming, a true instant withdrawal casino is a gambling platform that processes and completes a cashout request in near-real time. This critical definition means the funds typically arrive in the players external account or digital wallet within 1 to 6 hours after the request is submitted. This stands in stark contrast to legacy online gambling sites that impose a mandatory 2448 hour "pending" period before any processing begins, followed by an additional 37 days for funds to arrive via conventional banking methods. The term "instant" is frequently overused and diluted by marketing departments. Many operators falsely claim fast payout and instant withdrawal casinos status while still operating with multi-day processing systems. Consequently, the All iGaming report defines genuine instant withdrawal casinos using specific, measurable criteria that reflect the actual player experience of getting a fastest online casino payout rather than theoretical, best-case marketing scenarios. The key to achieving this speed is automation, setting the fastest paying online casinos apart from their competition. CHECK TRUSTED INSTANT WITHDRAWAL CASINOS RECOMMENDED BY ALL IGAMING<< The Withdrawal Speed Spectrum: Tiers of Service To accurately evaluate performance and help players select the right option, All iGaming categorizes platforms into three distinct tiers of withdrawal speed, based on the actual time elapsed from request submission to the fund's arrival. This tiered approach provides clarity when identifying truly fast paying online casinos. Tier 1: True Instant (Under 1 Hour) These casinos represent the absolute pinnacle of speed and efficiency. They process withdrawals from the moment of request to the arrival in the player's account in under one hour for at least one core payment method, almost exclusively e-wallets or cryptocurrency. Pre-verified accounts benefit from zero pending periods, with funds moving instantly upon request approval. Characteristics of a True Fast Payout Casino: Automated Withdrawal Approval: Systems are primarily managed by AI and automated algorithms, minimizing manual review. Systems are primarily managed by AI and automated algorithms, minimizing manual review. Near-Zero Pending Periods: Funds move instantly for verified accounts, defining a true instant payout casino. Funds move instantly for verified accounts, defining a true instant payout casino. E-wallet/Crypto Speed: Processing consistently completes in 15 minutes to 1 hour, enabling players to win real money online instantly. Processing consistently completes in 15 minutes to 1 hour, enabling players to win real money online instantly. 24/7 Processing: Full capacity for select digital methods, irrespective of business hours or weekends, firmly establishing them as the fastest paying online casinos. Tier 2: Same-Day Fast (16 Hours) These platforms consistently complete withdrawals within the same business day, making them excellent choices for a guaranteed same day payout casino experience. While they may not be under the one-hour benchmark, they represent a massive leap over antiquated industry norms. Characteristics of a Same Day Withdrawal Casino: E-wallet/Crypto Withdrawals: Completed reliably in 16 hours during business hours. Completed reliably in 16 hours during business hours. Expedited Review: Manual review processes are minimal and focused on quick compliance checks. Manual review processes are minimal and focused on quick compliance checks. Pre-verification Systems: Tools and incentives are provided to encourage players to complete full account verification early, expediting future cashouts. Tools and incentives are provided to encourage players to complete full account verification early, expediting future cashouts. Strong commitment to same day withdrawal online casinos service for most digital methods. Tier 3: Next-Day Standard (1224 Hours) These casinos still market themselves as offering "fast" payouts but retain some pending periods or manual reviews that often push the total processing into the next business day. They offer a strong fast payout online casino service compared to older models, but do not yet meet the rigorous instant withdrawal casinos benchmark. Characteristics of a Fast Withdrawal Online Casino (Next-Day): Total Processing Time: 1224 hours, including a typically short pending period (28 hours). 1224 hours, including a typically short pending period (28 hours). Business Day Focus: Processing may be significantly slower on weekends or public holidays, potentially adding 12 days to the total wait. Processing may be significantly slower on weekends or public holidays, potentially adding 12 days to the total wait. Actual Arrival: Funds may take up to 48 hours to arrive in the player's account, depending on the chosen payment method. FIND YOUR PERFECT FAST PAYOUT CASINO ON ALL IGAMING TODAY<< Why Withdrawal Speed is Paramount to Player Satisfaction The importance of fast payouts extends far beyond mere convenience. For players across all global markets, payout speed is now directly correlated with trust, transparency, and the overall credibility of the casino brand. When winnings are delivered quickly, players feel immediately reassured that the operator is both legitimate and financially stable. Conversely, chronic delays or lengthy pending periods breed frustration, significantly reduce repeat deposits, and inevitably drive players to competing platforms offering a seamless same day withdrawal casino experience. All iGaming's analysis of player behavior across major global markets reinforces this reality. The data conclusively shows that withdrawal speed influences everything from long-term loyalty to future betting patterns. For a vast majority of respondents, quick and predictable payouts now rank as highly as game selection or bonus offers when choosing an online casino fastest payout platform. The analysis of player data revealed compelling statistics on the impact of speed on player decisions and loyalty: Player Behavior Players Reporting (%) Why It Matters for Fast Payout Casinos Would switch casinos for faster payouts 82% Speed is now a primary decision factor in 2025. Trust casinos more that pay quickly 89% Fast payouts signal financial stability and fairness. Increased deposit frequency after fast cashout 67% Positive withdrawal experience drives continued, loyal play. Stopped using casino due to slow payouts 71% Withdrawal delays are the #1 reason players leave a fast payout casino. Recommended casino to others after fast payout 76% Speed creates powerful organic word-of-mouth marketing for the fastest paying online casinos. SEE WHICH CASINOS DELIVER THE FASTEST VERIFIED PAYOUTS AT ALL IGAMING<< The Psychology of Immediate Winnings and Trust The industry-wide shift towards fast payout online casinos is also deeply rooted in player psychology, particularly the desire for immediate gratification and validated trust. This desire is the fuel for the growth of instant withdrawal casinos. Immediate Gratification: Receiving winnings within hours establishes a strong, positive reinforcement loop that builds robust brand associations with the casino. Traditional 57 day waits diminish this psychological reward, making the win feel less real and immediate. Receiving winnings within hours establishes a strong, positive reinforcement loop that builds robust brand associations with the casino. Traditional 57 day waits diminish this psychological reward, making the win feel less real and immediate. Trust Validation: Every delayed withdrawal fuels player anxiety: "Will they actually pay me?" Instant cash out casino platforms eliminate this doubt by proving the casinos financial legitimacy and operational efficiency with every transaction. This is absolutely crucial for establishing long-term credibility in the highly volatile online market. Every delayed withdrawal fuels player anxiety: "Will they actually pay me?" Instant cash out casino platforms eliminate this doubt by proving the casinos financial legitimacy and operational efficiency with every transaction. This is absolutely crucial for establishing long-term credibility in the highly volatile online market. Bankroll Management: Players who can access their winnings quickly have superior control over their gambling budgets. They are far less tempted to "play back" winnings while waiting for a pending withdrawal to clear, thereby fostering more responsible gaming habits at fast paying online casinos. Players who can access their winnings quickly have superior control over their gambling budgets. They are far less tempted to "play back" winnings while waiting for a pending withdrawal to clear, thereby fostering more responsible gaming habits at fast paying online casinos. Financial Flexibility: Fast Payout and Instant Withdrawal Casinos allow players to utilize their winnings for real-life expenses or opportunities without waiting days for the money to clear. This makes gambling winnings feel like actual, accessible money rather than theoretical balance numbers, allowing players to win real money online instantly. How Modern Fast Payout Casinos Achieve Unrivaled Speed The infrastructure supporting modern instant withdrawal casinos represents a fundamental, multi-million dollar reimagining of money movement within online gambling. Traditional casinos were founded on outdated, manual approval processes and banking systems designed for a pre-digital era. Modern platforms, in stark contrast, have invested heavily in cutting-edge automation, real-time risk assessment, and global payment partnerships that enable phenomenal speed without ever compromising security, defining a true fast payout casino of 2025. Eliminating the Traditional Withdrawal Bottleneck Understanding the slow, old process helps illustrate the magnitude of progress achieved by the fastest payout online casinos: Withdrawal Request: Player submits a cashout request, which immediately enters a mandatory "pending" status. Pending Period (2448 Hours): The request idles in a queue, awaiting a manual review. Crucially, the casino often allows the player to cancel and "play back" the funds during this window, a practice that reduces the cashout volume but deeply frustrates the player. Manual Review (224 Hours): A finance team member manually reviews the account for bonus abuse, wagering requirement completion, and identity verification compliance. This is the main human bottleneck and the chief source of delays at non-automated casinos. Payment Batching: If approved, the request moves to a payment processor who often batches transactions once or twice a day, adding a significant, non-essential delay. Banking System Transfer (15 Business Days): Funds clear through traditional banking networks (ACH, card networks, wire), which inherently require several business days to finalize settlement. Total Traditional Timeline: 37 business days minimum, frequently extending to 10+ days for the first withdrawal. In comparison, the modern, automated process used by the leading instant withdrawal casinos has virtually eliminated steps 2 through 4, making them a true online casino fastest payout option. This focus on automation and user experience is why the demand for fast payout casinos continues to surge globally. The Instant Withdrawal Casino Process: Powered by Automation The superior infrastructure of same day payout casino platforms in 2025 is fundamentally built upon seamless, end-to-end automation. This technological approach ensures that players seeking an easy cash out online casino experience are rarely kept waiting. The process flows like this: Request Initiation & Automated Pre-Screening (Seconds): The player submits their cashout request. A proprietary AI system immediately scans the account to check for verification compliance, outstanding wagering requirements from any bonuses, and any unusual betting patterns. This automated gateway approves the vast majority (around 85%-90%) of requests instantly. The player submits their cashout request. A proprietary AI system immediately scans the account to check for verification compliance, outstanding wagering requirements from any bonuses, and any unusual betting patterns. This automated gateway approves the vast majority (around 85%-90%) of requests instantly. Real-Time Fraud Analysis (Under One Minute): Sophisticated machine learning algorithms perform instantaneous risk scoring. They check device fingerprints, IP geolocation data, and cross-reference transaction velocities against known fraud indicators. Crucially, identity documents are often verified via AI image recognition at this stage. For clean accounts, a final approval decision is rendered in under a minute, making this the foundation of a genuine instant payout casino. Sophisticated machine learning algorithms perform instantaneous risk scoring. They check device fingerprints, IP geolocation data, and cross-reference transaction velocities against known fraud indicators. Crucially, identity documents are often verified via AI image recognition at this stage. For clean accounts, a final approval decision is rendered in under a minute, making this the foundation of a genuine instant payout casino. Direct Approval and Processing (Immediate): Once greenlit by the automation, the withdrawal immediately triggers a direct notification to the relevant payment router. There is no batch processing; each transaction is routed individually through optimized, high-speed payment channelsthe defining characteristic of a true instant cash out casino. Once greenlit by the automation, the withdrawal immediately triggers a direct notification to the relevant payment router. There is no batch processing; each transaction is routed individually through optimized, high-speed payment channelsthe defining characteristic of a true instant cash out casino. Execution via Fastest Payment Method: The speed now depends on the chosen channel: Cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, LTC): Funds are transferred near-instantaneously, constrained only by the blockchain's confirmation time (usually 5-15 minutes). This makes crypto the undisputed king at any fast payout casino. E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller): Direct Application Programming Interface (API) integrations allow for real-time settlement, typically completed within 15 minutes up to 6 hours. FinTech Bank Transfers (Trustly, Interac, etc.): These services utilize direct banking connections to facilitate same-day ACH or equivalent local clearing protocols, usually finalizing within 1-4 hours. The speed now depends on the chosen channel: Total Instant Timeline: While method-dependent, the objective for all fast payout casinos is to settle e-wallet and crypto requests within the $1-6$ hour window, delivering a highly satisfying real cash payout online casino outcome. CHECK CASINOS WITH SAME DAY PAYOUTS NOW<< Technology Underpinning Access to Winnings The exceptional speed offered by a modern fast payout online casino is a direct result of significant technological investment, enabling what was once considered impossible. These advancements are what allow a fast withdrawal online casino to consistently deliver an easy cash out online casino experience. AI-Driven Document Verification Fast Payout Casinos now leverage advanced computer vision and machine learning models to validate identity and address documents in 5-15 minutes, effectively erasing the traditional 24-72 hour manual review bottleneck. This system rapidly analyzes document authenticity, performs critical selfie-to-photo matching, and confirms address proofs. By automating this crucial step, platforms ensure that players seeking to win real money online instantly aren't stalled by compliance queues. Real-Time Payment APIs Top-tier instant withdrawal casinos bypass slower banking relays by integrating directly with major financial partners using robust APIs for real-time, individual transaction processing. This roster of advanced connections includes: Cryptocurrency Wallets: Facilitating near-instantaneous blockchain settlements. Facilitating near-instantaneous blockchain settlements. Major E-Wallet Processors: Such as PayPal Commerce Platform, Skrill, and Neteller, enabling rapid fund ingestion directly from the casino's merchant account. Such as PayPal Commerce Platform, Skrill, and Neteller, enabling rapid fund ingestion directly from the casino's merchant account. Accelerated Banking Services: Utilizing platforms like Trustly or Interac (depending on the jurisdiction) to enable direct bank transfers with same-day clearing. These modernized systems process cashouts one-by-one, setting a clear new benchmark for the fastest online casino payout. Automated Risk Management Instead of slow, subjective manual fraud checks, the fastest payout online casinos employ layered, intelligent algorithms for immediate risk scoring. This includes behavioral analysis, monitoring transaction velocity, and utilizing device fingerprinting. This high level of immediate scrutiny allows over 90% of legitimate requests to be approved without any human intervention, cementing the operators status as a reliable instant cash out casino. Payment Methods Ranked by Actual Withdrawal Speed: Definitive Hierarchy Not every payment option facilitates an instant withdrawal. Even at the most automated fast payout casinos, the final settlement speed is governed by the underlying financial networkwhether its the banks batch system or the speed of the blockchain. All iGaming's extensive testing in October 2025 created this definitive hierarchy based on real-world performance data, clearly identifying methods that facilitate a same day payout casino experience. Tier 1: True Instant Cash Out Casino Methods (Under 1 Hour) These methods utilize direct, real-time connections that move funds almost immediately after the AI approval is secured, marking them as the hallmark of a true fastest payout online casino. PayPal Best-Case Speed: 15-60 minutes. 15-60 minutes. Why Its Fast: PayPal leverages proprietary, real-time API connections. Once the instant withdrawal casino approves the transaction, funds hit the players PayPal balance instantly, entirely skipping slow inter-bank clearing. This speed is a major indicator of a platforms dedication to being a reliable fast payout casino. PayPal leverages proprietary, real-time API connections. Once the instant withdrawal casino approves the transaction, funds hit the players PayPal balance instantly, entirely skipping slow inter-bank clearing. This speed is a major indicator of a platforms dedication to being a reliable fast payout casino. Suitable For: Players in regulated markets prioritizing security and genuine speed. It's perfect for frequent, smaller wins, as limits are often lower than other options. Skrill and Neteller (E-Wallets) Best-Case Speed: 30 minutes to 2 hours. 30 minutes to 2 hours. Why Its Fast: These e-wallets have deep, established integrations with fast paying online casinos globally. They use direct API hooks for instant acceptance of funds from the merchant account, which is why they feature heavily among the worlds most trusted instant withdrawal casinos. These e-wallets have deep, established integrations with fast paying online casinos globally. They use direct API hooks for instant acceptance of funds from the merchant account, which is why they feature heavily among the worlds most trusted instant withdrawal casinos. Suitable For: International players and those using global platforms. They are essential for securing a same day withdrawal online casinos experience outside of tightly regulated structures. Instant Bank Transfer (Trustly, Plaid, etc.) Best-Case Speed: 30 minutes to 2 hours. 30 minutes to 2 hours. Why Its Fast: These FinTech innovators bypass the slow, batch-processed ACH network by facilitating Real-Time Payment Initiation (RPI) services, pushing funds directly to the players bank using accelerated clearing protocols. This is the easy cash out online casino solution for those who prefer not to use an intermediary digital wallet. These FinTech innovators bypass the slow, batch-processed ACH network by facilitating Real-Time Payment Initiation (RPI) services, pushing funds directly to the players bank using accelerated clearing protocols. This is the easy cash out online casino solution for those who prefer not to use an intermediary digital wallet. Suitable For: Players who demand speed but need winnings to arrive directly in their primary bank accounta great compromise for a fast withdrawal online casino. LEARN ABOUT FAST CASHOUT CASINO SITES HERE<< Tier 2: Fast-Track Traditional Methods (1248 Hours) These methods are optimized but are still constrained by the underlying card network or bank's protocols, making them rarely qualify for true instant cash out casino status, particularly over weekends. Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard) Average Processing Time: 12-24 hours. 12-24 hours. Why Its Fast: Modern fast payout online casinos employ services like Visa Direct and Mastercard Send "push payment" features designed to accelerate funds directly back to the debit card, bypassing most traditional clearing delays. They offer a solid compromise for the player who isn't chasing the absolute fastest payout online casino time. Modern fast payout online casinos employ services like Visa Direct and Mastercard Send "push payment" features designed to accelerate funds directly back to the debit card, bypassing most traditional clearing delays. 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BROWSE INSTANT WITHDRAWAL CASINO OPTIONS NOW<< For partnership discussions or editorial inquiries, contact our team via info@all-igaming.com Source: All iGaming Email: support@alligaming.com Attachment Comprehensive immunogenicity data of individualized neoantigen therapeutic vaccine (INTV) TG4050, from the randomized Phase I study in operable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, to be presented at SITC 2025 New TG4050 data further validate its mechanism of action and potential to reduce risk of relapse presented at ASCO 2025 First immunogenicity data in the ongoing Phase II trial in operable HNSCC expected in H2 2026 Strasbourg, France, November 4, 2025, 5:50 p.m. CET Transgene (Euronext Paris: TNG), a biotech company that designs and develops virus-based immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, today provides a business update on its lead asset TG4050 developed from its myvac platform, upcoming plans, and its financial position as of September 30, 2025. TG4050 INTV: New Data presented at SITC supports TG4050s potential role in preventing cancer relapse Transgene and its partner NEC1 will jointly present a poster on additional immunological data profiling the neoantigen-specific T-cell response after treatment with TG4050 in head and neck cancer at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting. Comprehensive immunogenicity data confirm the ability of TG4050 monotherapy to induce neoantigen-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell responses capable of targeting and eliminating tumor cells see press release. These CD8+ T cells target multiple neoantigens encoded in the vaccine, have tissue resident cytosignature, and are still detectable up to two years after the start of TG4050 treatment. Overall, these data support the TG4050 mechanism of action that resulted in the reduction of risk of relapse observed in the randomized Phase I study. These data have been generated from the randomized Phase I part of the ongoing Phase I/II trial evaluating TG4050 as a single agent in the adjuvant treatment of HPV-negative HNSCC, in patients that are in complete response following surgery and adjuvant (chemo-)radiotherapy. These results follow the positive randomized Phase I data presented in a rapid oral presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO Annual Meeting see press release). The SITC abstract is available both on the SITC and Transgene websites. The poster presentation will take place on November 8 at the Conference and will be available on Transgenes website following the presentation. Transgene will host a webcast (in English) to discuss the SITC data on November 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET (16:00 to 17:00 CET). The webcast and the replay will be available here and on Transgenes website. Transgene expects to complete the randomization of patients with operable HNSCC in the Phase II part of the trial by early 2026. First immunogenicity data from this Phase II part are expected to be available in H2 2026. The first efficacy data (2-year disease-free survival, DFS) will become available as soon as all patients are evaluable for two-year DFS with either an event (relapse or death) or 2-year follow-up whichever occurs first. Transgene is currently evaluating the most efficient regulatory pathway to accelerate the development of its lead asset, TG4050, with the goal of bringing it to patients with operable HNSCC as quickly as possible. myvac platform: Potential to reduce the risk of relapse across multiple operable solid tumors Transgenes INTV platform, myvac, could be applied across a range of solid tumors where in many cases a significant unmet medical need remains. In parallel, Transgene is initiating start-up activities for a potential new Phase I trial in a second indication in an early treatment setting, with the aim of initiating once all conditions are met. BT-001 (oncolytic virus - intratumoral administration): Updated Phase I/II data presented at ESMO 2025 demonstrated positive antitumoral activity Transgene and BioInvent presented a poster on updated clinical results showing the positive antitumoral activity of BT-001 in patients with advanced refractory tumors at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meeting see press release. These updated data from the Phase I trial (NCT04725331) evaluating BT-001 in combination with MSDs (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab)2 showed positive local, abscopal and sustained antitumoral activity in injected and non-injected lesions. Immune-mediated tumor shrinkage is consistent with the mechanistic hypothesis that BT-001, in combination with pembrolizumab, turns cold tumors into immunologically active ones. The poster is available on Transgenes website. Transgene and BioInvent are exploring clinical development opportunities for intratumoral administration of BT-001 in collaboration with clinicians. Key financial elements In millions of euros Q3 2025 2024 Research Tax Credit 5.8 4.8 Revenue from collaborative and licensing agreements 0.1 - Other income 0.3 0.2 Operating income 6.13 5.0 During the third quarter of 2025, the Research Tax Credit increased to 5.8 million compared to 4.8 million for the same period in 2024, reflecting the progress of the ongoing Phase II part of the clinical trial evaluating TG4050 in head and neck cancer, with sustained patient enrollment and related expenses, including the manufacturing of individualized batches. As of September 30, 2025, Transgene had 12.8 million in cash, compared to 16.7 million as of December 31, 2024. Over the first nine months of 2025, Transgenes net cash burn4 was 28.8 million (including the prefinancing of the 2024 Research Tax Credit for 5.2 million in June 2025) compared to 31.3 million for the same period in 2024. Business funded until the end of December 2026 In March 2025, the Company signed a new amendment to the current account advance agreement with its major shareholder TSGH (Institut Merieux), which increased the total amount of the facility by 15 million to 48 million. As of September 30, 2025, the Company has drawn down 35.5 million from this facility. With this credit facility and the support of TSGH (Institut Merieux), Transgene is able to fund its business until the end of December 2026, enabling the Company to deliver significant news flow on its myvac platform over the next 12 months. *** Contacts Transgene: Media: Investors & Analysts: Caroline Tosch Lucie Larguier Corporate and Scientific Communications Manager Chief Financial Officer (CFO) +33 (0)3 68 33 27 38 Nadege Bartoli communication@transgene.fr Investor Relations Analyst and Financial Communications Officer MEDiSTRAVA +33 (0)3 88 27 91 00/03 Frazer Hall/Sylvie Berrebi investorrelations@transgene.fr + 44 (0)203 928 6900 transgene@medistrava.com About Transgene Transgene (Euronext: TNG) is a biotechnology company focused on designing and developing targeted immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. The Companys clinical-stage programs consist of a portfolio of viral vector-based immunotherapeutics. TG4050, the first individualized therapeutic vaccine based on the myvac platform is the Companys lead asset, with demonstrated proof of principle in patients in the adjuvant treatment of head and neck cancers. The Company has other viral vector-based assets, including BT-001, an oncolytic virus based on the Invir.IO viral backbone, which is in clinical development. The Company also conducts innovative discovery and preclinical work, aimed at developing novel viral vector-based modalities. With Transgenes myvac platform, therapeutic vaccination enters the field of precision medicine with a novel immunotherapy that is fully tailored to each individual. The myvac approach allows the generation of a virus-based immunotherapy that encodes patient-specific mutations, identified and selected through advanced Artificial Intelligence technologies. With its proprietary platform Invir.IO, Transgene is building on its viral vector engineering expertise to design a new generation of multifunctional oncolytic viruses. Additional information about Transgene is available at: www.transgene.com Follow us on social media: X (formerly Twitter): @TransgeneSA LinkedIn: @Transgene Bluesky: @Transgene Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The occurrence of any of these risks could have a significant negative outcome for the Companys activities, perspectives, financial situation, results, regulatory authorities agreement with development phases, and development. The Companys ability to commercialize its products depends on but is not limited to the following factors: positive pre-clinical data may not be predictive of human clinical results, the success of clinical studies, the ability to obtain financing and/or partnerships for product manufacturing, development and commercialization, and marketing approval by government regulatory authorities. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties which could cause the Companys actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors (Facteurs de Risque) section of the Universal Registration Document, available on the AMF website (http://www.amf-france.org) or on Transgenes website (www.transgene.com). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and Transgene undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. 1 NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), a leader in IT, network and AI technologies 2 KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA 3 The key financial statements are presented in millions of euros which may lead to apparent differences in rounding that are not factual 4 Cash burn corresponds to the sum of net cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, excluding proceeds from share issuances and excluding current account advance/other financial asset disposals related to the parent company. It does not include the effects of exchange rate fluctuations Attachment CHICAGO, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Misophonia Research Fund (MRF), an initiative of the REAM Foundation, announces a major expansion of its support of misophonia research launching the first-ever team science Misophonia Research Consortium Award, opening its 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP), and introducing a new cohort of MRF-funded investigators. Together, these milestones mark a pivotal moment in advancing understanding, diagnosis, and treatment for misophonia, a disorder in which everyday sounds can trigger intense emotional and physiological reactions. At the heart of these announcements is a shared belief: progress must be accelerated towards meaningful impact for individuals and families whose lives are impacted by misophonia. Behind every grant we fund is a real person or family searching for understanding and ways to combat misophonia, said Dr. Lauren Harte-Hargrove, Executive Director of the MRF. This next phase of our work is about collaboration, innovation, and urgency. The Misophonia Research Consortium Award will bring research teams together in ways that dramatically speed the path from insight to impact. A Breakthrough in Collaboration: The Misophonia Research Consortium Award The Misophonia Research Consortium Award, the MRFs first team science mechanism, will fund multi-site, cross-disciplinary research that unites investigators around shared goals from foundational mechanisms to intervention development. The award emphasizes shared data infrastructure, harmonized methods, and coordinated scientific strategies across research centers, providing up to $1.5 million per project. The Misophonia Research Consortium Award represents a pivotal moment, said audiologist Dr. Julia Campbell, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and member of the MRF Scientific Advisory Board. By uniting experts across disciplines and institutions, we can address the core mechanisms of misophonia and translate those discoveries into real clinical impact. 2026 RFP Now Open With the release of its 2026 RFP, the MRF invites proposals from clinical and preclinical researchers across neuroscience, psychology, audiology, neurobiology, computational and data science, and related disciplines. Three award mechanisms are available: Data Discovery Award up to $75,000 for acquisition of key datasets up to $75,000 for acquisition of key datasets Research Impact Award up to $500,000 for full-scale studies up to $500,000 for full-scale studies Misophonia Research Consortium Award up to $1,500,000 for team science collaborations Priority areas include: Mechanisms of misophonia Diagnostic tools and outcome measures Treatment and intervention development Cross-site data and collaboration infrastructure Deadlines for submission can be found at https://www.misophoniaresearchfund.org/. Introducing the New MRF Grantee Cohort The MRF also announces its newest group of Funded Investigators, selected through rigorous peer review. These projects represent diverse and complementary approaches from brain circuits and clinical interventions to measurement tools and translational science. 20252026 MRF Grantees: Research Impact Award Johns Hopkins University, where Abigail Pine, PhD will strengthen treatment outcomes by developing a parent-focused approach to support youth with misophonia. University of Amsterdam, where Jan Willem de Gee, PhD will develop accessible, objective tools to measure and understand the physiological stress response in misophonia. University of Connecticut, where Monty Escabi, PhD will use machine learning to pinpoint sound features that make misophonic triggers distressing and create tools to reduce their impact. University of Pennsylvania, where Emily Becker-Haimes, PhD will develop a practical guide to help clinicians apply the latest misophonia research in everyday care. University of Washington, where Shyam Gollakota, PhD will leverage AI to enhance noise-canceling headphones that selectively remove triggering sounds. Yale University, where Adam Naples, PhD will investigate how attention and arousal interact during trigger sounds to inform better diagnostic and treatment approaches. New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, where Robert Froemke, PhD will build an animal model based on human research to better understand the brain processes involved in misophonia and explore new treatment options. Momentum in a Growing Field Since 2019, the MRF has committed over $17 million to support 53 studies across 36 institutions, creating the worlds largest philanthropic portfolio dedicated solely to misophonia research. With each new funding cycle, the MRF continues to accelerate the path toward evidence-based care and improved quality of life for those living with misophonia. About the Misophonia Research Fund The Misophonia Research Fund (MRF) supports scientific research that advances understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of misophonia. Through grantmaking, convening, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the MRF works to accelerate discoveries that improve outcomes for individuals and families living with misophonia. Media Contact: Solena Mednicoff Research and Communications Manager Solena@misophoniafund.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5fb5d6b3-6aea-4572-848e-ca35bf98cc2c Addison, Texas, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AG Resource Management (ARM) is a one-of-a-kind lender rewriting agricultural finance with a farmer-focused approach. It specializes in crop-based financing with flexible, stress-free options that prioritize crop production over land or fixed assets as collateral. As a working capital lender, ARM empowers farmers with ultra-fast access to funds by approving loans based on anticipated production. This innovative model ensures that farmers have the resources they need, when they need them, without the usual hassle or constraints. Were deeply passionate about farming and even more passionate about serving the people who feed our country, says Chad Hunter, chief revenue officer. We couldnt be prouder to support such a resilient, hard-working community. Distinguishing ARM is its innovative financing model, backed by a proprietary approach that tailors ag loans to each farms specific needs. This customized approach provides farmers with the flexibility and support they need, facilitating true financial resilience and growth. Whether through its digital platform or one-on-one assistance from a lending professional, ARM has been able to make financing more accessible, transparent, and timely for farmers, which is especially important in an era of economic uncertainty. A trusted advisor, ARM goes beyond timely investments to offering best practices, operational strategies and the agility to adapt to changing conditions. Whether farmers are upgrading technology, scaling operations to manage input costs, or navigating seasonal fluctuations, ARM equips them with the financial readiness essential to running operations. Built for Farm Success Speed to market is ARMs most powerful advantage. It delivers critical funding with exceptional agility, turning timing into a strategic edge. Its significantly faster turnaround gives farmers the clarity and approvals they need at the right time. The ARM Client Portalthe companys online platformassists growers in daily budget and transaction monitoring, providing a central hub where farmers can access all the critical information they need. With these technological developments, ARM offers farmers a seamless, all-in-one digital platform to manage their financial and operational needs with ease and efficiency. Our mission is to help farmers thrive by offering innovative financial solutions, leveraging technology to approve loans based on future performance to ensure long-term sustainable growth in an evolving agricultural landscape, says Hunter. ARM is a go-to lender focused on supporting the long-term profitability of farms, even in an unpredictable commodity market. Understanding each farms budget and operation, it assesses deal viability with remarkable speed. For example, farmers are guided through strategic conversations about optimizing their crop mix to maximize returns, helping them make more informed decisions for long-term success. Financing solutions that focus on crop production, rather than requiring real estate collateral, are crucial for empowering farmers with the flexibility they need to grow their operations. By using crops as the foundation of the loan, farmers can secure the funding necessary for inputs, equipment, and expansion without tying up valuable land assets. This approach allows for greater financial agility, enabling farmers to adapt quickly to market conditions and seasonal challenges while maintaining ownership and control over their land. This crop-centric model ensures that the full spectrum of a farmer's needs is met. Collaborations with financial institutions like banks provide seamless coverage across all lending requirements. For those seeking long-term land financing, ARM extends access to real estate loan services through its trusted lending partner network. ARMs progressive approach is designed for the current ag landscape, with each operation assessed based on real-time, per-acre, per-crop budgets. In todays volatile commodity market, many producers are challenged with qualifying under traditional lender underwriting standards, resulting in lost opportunities. ARM addresses this challenge by providing farmers with deeper insights into their operations and borrowing needs. This enables them to optimize cash flow and manage risk more effectively throughout the crop cycle and the upcoming season. Client success stories are a testament to ARMs value as a flexible, solution-driven partner in agricultural finance. Recently, a farmer in the Southeast turned to ARM when a local bank shut down their line of credit after experiencing hardship due to market volatility and severe weather. While the farmers past financials didnt align with traditional underwriting requirements, ARMs forward-looking model, which emphasizes future projections, unlocked a new path forward. It provided the farmer's operating line, while the bank retained its existing real estate, equipment loans and deposit relationship. It was a win for all parties. Driving the American Farm Gate Success Farmer-centricity is entrenched in ARMs DNA, putting the grower at the heart of its ethos. With rising input costs and falling commodity prices, many farmers struggle to cover outstanding debts from the previous crop year. ARM works closely with suppliers to develop repayment strategies that restore confidence and position all parties for success in the upcoming crop year. These tailored solutions can allow farmers to keep their operations on track without having to refinance land or equipment. ARM is committed to helping farmers regain stability, guiding them to build a strong foundation for a successful future in agriculture. For example, a major agricultural input distributor referred a farmer struggling with significant carryover debt. Due to the outstanding obligations, the farmers existing lender could not approve a new operating loan. ARM worked with the farmer and distributor to manage the past debt and provide the necessary funding to keep the farm operational. This stabilized the farmers financial footing and preserved the relationship between the grower and their trusted supplier. ARM was founded with the vision of filling a gap in the agricultural finance market, recognizing that traditional lending practices often failed to meet the needs of modern farmers. And the company has continued to build on its commitment to supporting the agricultural community. ARM has made a strategic investment in financial technology to enhance its loan origination processes, data analytics capabilities, and overall customer experience. By integrating advanced fintech solutions, ARM is able to offer faster, more accurate assessments of farm performance, streamline approval processes, and provide real-time insights into borrowers' financial needs. With borrowers operating in over 20 states and covering nearly two million acres, ARM uses its proprietary model to tailor crop-based lending that protects assets and empowers growth across U.S. farms. Ag Resource Management stands ready to power the next chapter of farming operations, turning possibility into profitability. Peterborough, ON, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fleming College has been awarded $357,033 by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), in collaboration with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The funding is provided through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), one of the main grant types under the tri-agency College and Community Innovation (CCI) program. The grant will fund a three-year applied research project aimed at improving nurse well-being at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) through structured resilience training. The funding announcement was made on October 31 by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The project is led by Fleming College faculty members Jill Henderson, MN, RN; Wendy Morgan, MA-Ed, MA-CP; and Melissa Sherrer, MN, RN, from Flemings School of Health and Community Services. They are joined by Dr. Michael Ungar, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience at Dalhousie University. "The nursing workforce in Canada faces severe challenges with devastating rates of burnout and projected shortages, said Dr. Theresa Knott, Acting Co-President, Fleming College. A recent poll from the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions reports 40 per cent of nurses intend to leave the profession within the next year. This funding will help address these workforce pressures and strengthen the future of health care in Ontario and across the country. The CCSIF-funded project builds on a successful pilot study led by Henderson and Morgan, previously funded by NSERC. In that study, the duo delivered resilience training to fourth-semester students in Flemings Practical Nursing program. Their research demonstrated clear benefits: participants reported improvements in overall mental health, increased self-awareness, better emotional regulation, and greater confidence in managing stress. Many also valued the group-based support. With this new funding, the research team will adapt and expand their resilience training model to support nurses at PRHC and study the impact of the training over time. The goal is to support nurses' psychological well-being, reduce burnout, and strengthen job satisfaction, which are all factors that play a critical role in improving retention and patient care outcomes. The study offers a scalable training model to shape best practices in nurse support provincially and nationally. Fleming College is proud to support the well-being of nurses already in the field through this important new resilience training, continued Dr. Knott. While we remain committed to preparing career-ready nurses through our academic programs, this applied research project allows us to make a direct, meaningful impact on those currently serving in our healthcare system. Its a response to real needs in our community. The project will also provide paid research opportunities for students from Flemings School of Health and Community Services. About Fleming College Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 8,500 full-time and 445 part-time students, and 95,000 alumni. Attachment San Francisco, CA, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Thursday, November 6, 2025, join Swords to Plowshares, the Bay Areas leading veteran services nonprofit organization, in San Franciscos Green Room to honor the service and resilience of the veteran community all while raising vital funds to support life-changing care for thousands of veterans. This annual tradition brings together community leaders and advocates who are committed to ending homelessness among veterans. As the nation faces a significant housing affordability crisis and attacks on safety net programs that support the most vulnerable, the Bay Area community must continue to confront these challenges head-on and together. This year, our Veterans Day Celebration brings together some of the nations leading advocates for veterans, housing, and social justice to discuss how we can work together to end veteran homelessness, says Tramecia Garner, executive director of Swords to Plowshares. Well also be celebrating many wins including the announcement of our newest housing site at 1035 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco. We look forward to continued and future partnerships to ensure no veteran is without a home. The nights program will be kicked off by keynote speaker, John Keker. A Vietnam combat veteran and one of the nations most respected trial attorneys, Kekers address on Service, Justice, and the Threats We Face will set the stage for an evening of reflection and advocacy. Our democracy is being tested, and indifference is not an option, says John Keker, founding partner of Keker, Van Nest, & Peters. If we dont fight injustice with vigor and integrity, the freedoms veterans fought to protect will continue to erode. Veterans are once again being neglected through cuts to care, housing, and basic benefits. Im proud to stand with Swords to Plowshares, whose work ensures that those who served receive the justice, dignity, and care they deserve. In addition to remarks from Keker and Garner, the celebration will honor Erica Graham, a Gulf War-era veteran and mother, with the Profiles of Strength Award for her remarkable resilience in overcoming barriers and rebuilding a life for herself and her children. Swords to Plowshares annual Veterans Day fundraising event also features live music, refreshments, and a silent auction. Hype Queen Ari Waller will be the nights emcee. She made history as the in-arena host for the inaugural WNBA Golden State Valkyries and is the proud granddaughter of U.S. Army Private, Ira Waller Sr. This years Veterans Day Celebration is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Bay Area supporters including Bill and Trudy Drypolcher, the Keker Family Foundation, Kay Kimpton Walker and Sandy Walker, Michael Thiel and Marcie Vu, Meta, and Qatalyst Partners. The Official Media Sponsor is ABC-7 News Bay Area. See the full list of sponsors and event details on the event webpage: 29th Annual Veterans Day Celebration. Swords to Plowshares 29th Annual Veterans Day Celebration Thursday, November 6th, 2025 6:00PM to 10:00PM The Green Room at the War Memorial Building 401 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 About Sword to Plowshares Swords to Plowshares is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved veterans through comprehensive services including housing, legal assistance, employment, and mental health care. Founded in 1974, Swords to Plowshares operates in the San Francisco Bay Area and has become a national model for veterans services. Learn more about the work of Swords to Plowshares and discover how to help by visiting www.swords-to-plowshares.org. Hospital pioneers remote robotic surgery China Daily) 10:25, November 04, 2025 A hospital in Xiamen, Fujian province, facilitated the world's first successful cross-border remote robot-assisted heart surgery with experts from France, marking a historic milestone. On Oct 23, Wang Yan, president of Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital affiliated with Xiamen University, and Lionel Leroux, a professor of cardiovascular disease from Bordeaux University Hospital, conducted a transcatheter mitral valve repair operation together while in Bordeaux, France. They remotely guided a robotic system in Xiamen to perform the surgery on a 73-year-old male patient from Xiamen without any local surgeons. The hourlong procedure was executed with stable communication and submillimeter precision, according to Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital. The cardiac intervention, anesthesia, ultrasound, and nursing teams at the Xiamen hospital monitored the patient's vital signs and the robot system's operational status in real time, the hospital said. "This ensures stable signals, a clear surgical field and safe procedures throughout the operation," the hospital said. The surgery was successful, and the patient recovered well before being discharged from the hospital. "This operation shows that using remote precision control for robotic interventional therapy is practical and safe in real-world clinical settings," the hospital said. The robotic system was co-developed by the Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital and a Shanghai-based robotics company. The hospital said the system was first used in 2023 to complete the world's first robot-assisted mitral valve repair surgery. "We successfully used a robotic system to repair a valve on a beating heart, which was incredibly challenging. This marks the first instance of completing such a surgery remotely. French experts were surprised that such an advanced procedure could be performed remotely with this equipment," Wang said. "Completing this surgery in France is a big step for Chinese medical technology going global. We have shown that China's own cardiovascular robotic system can handle complex surgeries internationally," he added. Leroux said the device was "incredible, as if the patient was in the room just in front of us. Very impressive and very efficient of course." Thomas Modine, professor of cardiovascular surgery at Bordeaux University Hospital who provided remote guidance, called the procedure "a major milestone". "The beauty of robotics and AI together is to be able to transport the technology everywhere in the world where it's needed. It's a way to democratize the skills and the practice. Robotic transcatheter therapy is needed and should be the next step," Modine said. Wang added that this technique is sure to become more widely used, noting that doctors from the United States, Europe and Southeast Asia are eager to learn it and look forward to its future application in clinical settings. Wang Bin, vice-president of the hospital in Xiamen, said: "Chinese technology needs to go global. Our previous experience on over a dozen cases laid the foundation for the cross-border collaboration." Yang Jiecontributed to this story. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) New York ,USA, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Pain Management Devices Market Set to Expand Rapidly at a CAGR of ~8% by 2032 Amid Growing Preference for Minimally Invasive Solutions | DelveInsight The pain management devices market is expected to experience substantial growth between 2025 and 2032, fueled by the increasing incidence of chronic pain, continuous product innovations, and rising awareness of available treatment options. The growing preference for minimally invasive solutions, combined with the impact of educational and awareness initiatives, is accelerating adoption, paving the way for technological advancements and improved patient outcomes. DelveInsights Pain Management Devices Market Insights report provides the current and forecast market analysis, individual leading pain management devices companies market shares, challenges, pain management devices market drivers, barriers, trends, and key pain management devices companies in the market. Pain Management Devices Market Summary The global pain management devices market size is expected to increase from USD 5.2 billion in 2024 to USD 9.3 billion by 2032, reflecting strong and sustained growth. in 2024 to by 2032, reflecting strong and sustained growth. The global pain management devices market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~8% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. The leading companies working in the pain management devices market include Abbott Laboratories, Smiths Medical, B. Braun SE, Baxter International, Boston Scientific Corp., Avanos Medical, Inc., Medtronic, Nevro Corp., ICU Medical, Inc., Omron Corporation, Stimwave LLC, Nipro, O&M Halyard, EndoStim Inc., Nalu Medical, Inc., Micrel Medical Devices SA, DyAnsys, Inc., NanoVibronix, Inc., Zynex Inc., and others. and others. Among all the regions, North America is anticipated to register the fastest growth in the pain management devices market during the forecast period. In the device type segment of the pain management devices market, the Neurostimulation devices category accounted for the largest market share in 2024. To read more about the latest highlights related to the pain management devices market, get a snapshot of the key highlights entailed in the Global Pain Management Devices Market Forecast Report Key Factors Contributing to the Rise in Growth of the Pain Management Devices Market The Growing Prevalence of Chronic Pain and Related Conditions The growing prevalence of chronic pain is not a single, isolated factor but rather a complex issue stemming from multiple interconnected demographic and health trends. As global life expectancy rises, the aging population is expanding, leading to a higher incidence of age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, and neuropathic pain. Simultaneously, the increasing burden of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer contributes to persistent pain through complications such as diabetic neuropathy and cancer-related pain. Additionally, obesity adds further strain on joints and the skeletal system, exacerbating pain in areas like the back, knees, and hips. Modern lifestyle changes, including sedentary behaviors, prolonged screen time, and repetitive occupational movements, have also fueled the rise of musculoskeletal issues and repetitive strain injuries, collectively intensifying the global demand for effective and non-pharmacological pain management solutions. The Shift Away from Opioid-Based Pain Management The global opioid crisis, marked by widespread addiction, misuse, overdose deaths, and public health concerns resulting from the over-prescription of opioid painkillers, has exposed the dangers associated with traditional pain medications and spurred a global movement toward safer, non-addictive alternatives. This shift has accelerated the adoption of multimodal pain management approaches that combine non-opioid medications, physical therapy, and medical devices such as TENS units to effectively control pain while minimizing systemic side effects like drowsiness and nausea. Consequently, the opioid crisis has become a critical factor driving the growth of the pain management devices market, serving as a direct response to a major global public health challenge and creating strong opportunities for innovation in non-pharmacological pain relief solutions. Technological Advancements and Innovation Advancements in neuromodulation technologies, including closed-loop neurostimulation systems and miniaturized implantable devices, alongside the rise of smart and wearable pain management tools like portable TENS units, and the integration of AI-driven digital health platforms for remote monitoring and data-based decision-making, are collectively making pain management more effective, personalized, convenient, and less invasive. Get a sneak peek at the pain management devices market dynamics @ Pain Management Devices Market Trends Regional Pain Management Devices Market Insights North America, spearheaded by the US, held a commanding ~45% share of the global pain management devices market in 2024. The regions strong performance is fueled by three major factors the rising incidence of chronic pain, a wave of product innovations and regulatory approvals, and supportive government initiatives. One of the primary growth drivers is the high and growing prevalence of chronic pain across North America. Additionally, the market is being invigorated by numerous recent device approvals and launches that are reshaping treatment paradigms. Many of these next-generation devices are minimally invasive and integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and closed-loop systems, enabling more tailored and effective pain therapies. In Europe, the pain management devices market is also expanding steadily, driven by a combination of factors that mirrors those in North America, while also reflecting regional nuances. The market is expected to post a strong CAGR in the years ahead, driven by evolving clinical practices and increasing adoption of technological trends. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing market, surpassing North America and Europe in terms of CAGR. Distinct demographic shifts, rising healthcare investments, and rapid economic development throughout the region drive this accelerated growth. To know more about why North America is leading the market growth in the pain management devices market, get a snapshot of the Pain Management Devices Market Share Recent Developmental Activities in the Pain Management Devices Market In August 2025, the FDA cleared NeuroOne OneRF Radiofrequency Ablation System targeting trigeminal neuralgia via RF ablation, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional interventions. Planned commercial launch in fall 2025. the FDA cleared NeuroOne OneRF Radiofrequency Ablation System targeting trigeminal neuralgia via RF ablation, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional interventions. Planned commercial launch in fall 2025. In May 2025, electroCore, Inc. , a commercial-stage bioelectronic technology company, completed its merger with NeuroMetrix, Inc., positioning itself as a diversified leader in non-invasive health and wellness solutions. The addition of NeuroMetrixs Quell Fibromyalgia Solution broadens electroCores portfolio of bioelectronic therapies, enhances its presence within the VA Hospital System, and significantly expands its addressable market in chronic pain and wellness management. , a commercial-stage bioelectronic technology company, completed its merger with NeuroMetrix, Inc., positioning itself as a diversified leader in non-invasive health and wellness solutions. The addition of NeuroMetrixs Quell Fibromyalgia Solution broadens electroCores portfolio of bioelectronic therapies, enhances its presence within the VA Hospital System, and significantly expands its addressable market in chronic pain and wellness management. In April 2025, Globus Medical, Inc., a leading musculoskeletal technology company, announced the completion of its previously disclosed acquisition of Nevro Corp., a global innovator in medical devices focused on delivering transformative solutions for chronic pain management. What are Pain Management Devices? Pain management devices are medical instruments designed to alleviate chronic or acute pain through non-invasive or minimally invasive methods. These devices work by modulating neural activity, delivering targeted stimulation, or administering localized therapy to reduce pain perception. Common categories include neurostimulation devices (such as spinal cord stimulators and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS units), analgesic infusion pumps, and radiofrequency ablation devices. They are increasingly used in managing conditions such as neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer-related pain, and post-surgical discomfort, offering an alternative or complement to pharmacological treatments, particularly in the context of rising concerns around opioid dependency. Pain Management Devices Market Report Metrics Details Coverage Global Study Period 20222032 Pain Management Devices Market CAGR ~8% Pain Management Devices Market Size by 2032 USD 9.3 Billion Key Pain Management Devices Companies Abbott Laboratories, Smiths Medical, B. Braun SE, Baxter International, Boston Scientific Corp., Avanos Medical, Inc., Medtronic, Nevro Corp., ICU Medical, Inc., Omron Corporation, Stimwave LLC, Nipro, O&M Halyard, EndoStim Inc., Nalu Medical, Inc., Micrel Medical Devices SA, DyAnsys, Inc., NanoVibronix, Inc., Zynex Inc., and others Pain Management Devices Market Assessment Pain Management Devices Market Segmentation Pain Management Devices Market Segmentation By Device Type: Electrical Stimulation Devices [Neurostimulation Devices, (Spinal Cord Stimulators, Deep Brain Stimulators, Sacral Nerve Stimulators, and Others), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and Others], Analgesic Infusion Pumps (Intrathecal Infusion Pumps, External Infusion Pumps), Ablation Devices (Radiofrequency Ablation Devices, Cryoablation Devices), and Others Pain Management Devices Market Segmentation By Application: Musculoskeletal Pain, Cancer Pain, Neuropathic Pain, and Others Pain Management Devices Market Segmentation By End-User: Hospitals, Specialty Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers/Physiotherapy Centers, Homecare Settings, and Others Pain Management Devices Market Segmentation By Geography : North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World Porters Five Forces Analysis, Product Profiles, Case Studies, KOLs Views, Analysts View Which MedTech key players in the pain management devices market are set to emerge as the trendsetter explore @ Pain Management Devices Market Analysis Table of Contents 1 Pain Management Devices Market Report Introduction 2 Pain Management Devices Market Executive Summary 3 Competitive Landscape 4 Regulatory Analysis 5 Pain Management Devices Market Key Factors Analysis 6 Pain Management Devices Market Porters Five Forces Analysis 7 Pain Management Devices Market Layout 8 Pain Management Devices Market Company and Product Profiles 9 KOL Views 10 Project Approach 11 About DelveInsight 12 Disclaimer & Contact Us Interested in knowing the pain management devices market share by 2032? Click to get a snapshot of the Pain Management Devices Market Size Related Reports Postoperative Pain Market Postoperative Pain Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key postoperative pain companies, including Taiwan Liposome Company (TLC), Teikoku Pharma USA, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Concentric Analgesics, Mati Therapeutics, Arthritis Innovation Corporation, MedinCell, Surface Ophthalmics, Salvat Laboratories, Grunenthal, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Oculis, Neumentum Pharmaceuticals, Charleston Laboratories, among others. 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Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key moderate-to-severe acute pain companies, including Gensco Pharma, IntelGenx, Cali Biosciences, PainReform, Oculis Pharma, MedinCell, Arthritis Innovation Corporation (AIC), Neumentum, Tris Pharma, Viatris, Xgene Pharmaceutical, Taiwan Liposome Company (TLC BioSciences), Allodynic Therapeutics, Latigo Biotherapeutics, Concentric Analgesics, Allay Therapeutics and Maruishi Pharmaceutical, Halia Therapeutics, Teikoku Pharma, Cessatech A/S, Vaneltix Pharma, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, among others. DelveInsights Pharma Competitive Intelligence Service: Through its CI solutions, DelveInsight provides its clients with real-time and actionable intelligence on their competitors and markets of interest to keep them stay ahead of the competition by providing insights into the latest therapeutic area-specific/indication-specific market trends, in emerging drugs, and competitive strategies. These services are tailored to the specific needs of each client and are delivered through a combination of reports, dashboards, and interactive presentations, enabling clients to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and identify opportunities for growth and expansion. Other Business Pharmaceutical Consulting Services Healthcare Conference Coverage Pipeline Assessment Healthcare Licensing Services Discover how a mid-pharma client gained a level of confidence in their soon-to-be partner for manufacturing their therapeutics by downloading our Due Diligence Case Study About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant, and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. WASHINGTON, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, on the heels of her latest disaster visit to the state of Alaska, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced that the agency closed Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) with $6 billion in assistance delivered to disaster survivors. Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, and as the federal governments largest disaster lender, the agency approved over 51,000 disaster loans to help homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits recover from wildfires, storms, and other declared disasters with an average loan approval time of just 17 days. This includes critical support for major events such as Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires. Disaster aid is also now available to survivors of the recent catastrophic storms in Alaska. The Trump SBA is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with disaster survivors across America, delivering rapid and robust support to help them rebuild and thrive, said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. Since Day One, President Trump has prioritized faster and stronger disaster assistance as he underscored during his first trips after inauguration to support survivors of Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires. In furtherance of that commitment, we have reorganized the SBAs disaster recovery efforts under the leadership of Associate Administrator Chris Stallings cutting red tape, streamlining approvals, enforcing strong fraud protections, and ending discriminatory lending practices as we help communities rebuild from coast to coast. The majority of SBAs FY25 disaster loans were approved after President Trump took office, reflecting the Administrations rapid mobilization to deliver relief where its needed most. Since January 20, SBA has approved over 27,700 disaster loans, representing more than $4.6 billion in capital available to survivors nationwide. California received significant support in FY25, with Los Angeles County accounting for a substantial share of the national total. The agency was recently forced to extend its disbursement period for wildfire survivors there due to the failure of state and local permitting offices that have prevented rebuilding efforts for thousands of survivors. Unlike the prior Administration in FY24, the agency did not run out of disaster relief funds and successfully managed taxpayer dollars to ensure adequate support for American citizens. In addition to responsible stewardship, the agency also prioritized ending discriminatory lending practices by eliminating a regulation, previously upheld by the Biden Administration, that unlawfully banned faith-based organizations from receiving SBA disaster loans. Key milestones from FY25 include: Hurricane Helene : More than 18,586 loans approved for $1.77 billion to help families and businesses in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and other affected states recover from the historic storms widespread flooding and wind damage. : More than 18,586 loans approved for $1.77 billion to help families and businesses in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and other affected states recover from the historic storms widespread flooding and wind damage. Los Angeles Wildfires: More than 12,000 loans for $3.2 billion, supporting California survivors in rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure impacted by the devastating wildfires. Following President Trumps recent presidential disaster declaration, the agency is also now offering low interest federal disaster loans to Alaska businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations and residents affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and remnants of Typhoon Halong beginning Oct. 8. To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBAs Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. # # # About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and 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. Related programs: Disaster Honoring loyal customers nationwide with a special Customer Appreciation Day PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To celebrate being named Best Sandwich Shop in America by USA Today for the third year in a row, PrimoHoagies is giving back to its loyal customers during Customer Appreciation Day on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.PrimoPerks Members can enjoy $8 Primo Size Italian, Turkey & Cheese, and Ham & Cheese hoagies all day long. PrimoHoagies credits its continued success to the uncompromising quality that sets it apart from competitors year after year. From freshly baked bread made in-store daily to exclusive recipes crafted only for PrimoHoagies, every sandwich is built on premium meats and cheeses sliced fresh to order. Its no secret why PrimoHoagies continues to earn the title of being the best. Winning USA Todays Best Sandwich Shop in America three years in a row is an incredible honor and a true testament to our teams hard work and dedication. At PrimoHoagies, our commitment to authentic family recipes and the highest-quality ingredients is what sets us apart. Were proud to share the same passion and tradition that started this brand with every sandwich we make. Nicholas Papanier Jr., Owner, President & CEO of PrimoHoagies. Other News The Primo Pilgrim is available now for a limited time at participating PrimoHoagies locations nationwide. Customers can order in-store, online at primohoagies.com, or conveniently through the PrimoHoagies App. PrimoCares Round Up program is now live through the end of the year, giving customers the opportunity to round up their purchase to help provide holiday gifts for children in need. ABOUT PRIMOHOAGIES Since 1992, PrimoHoagies has proudly served top-quality Thumann's meats and cheeses on award-winning seeded bread, delivering exceptional quality, consistency, and a unique menu of specialty hoagies. PrimoHoagies was recently named, for the second consecutive year in a row, the Best Sandwich Shop in America by USA Today. Headquartered in Westville, New Jersey, PrimoHoagies now has franchise locations open across Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Contact: PrimoHoagies Marketing 856-742-1999 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f11d67f-fdd3-4432-9c66-7f28514c81ee VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Almadex Minerals Ltd. ("Almadex" or the "Company") (TSX-V: DEX) is pleased to provide a comprehensive overview of its diversified portfolio of royalties on precious and base metal projects throughout North America. Many of these royalties were generated through Almadexs long-standing prospect generator model, providing shareholders with meaningful exposure to potential future discoveries and production while eliminating capital and operating risk. Royalty Portfolio Overview Almadex holds numerous net smelter return (NSR) royalties ranging from 0.5% to 2.0%, covering assets in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This portfolio reflects over two decades of exploration success and partnership development by the Almadex team and its predecessor companies. Key Royalty Interests Canada Dillard (British Columbia) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Kodiak Copper Corp. Covers the Dillard Zone, one of the mineralised zones forming part of the MPD initial resource estimate released by Kodiak Copper Corp. on August 12, 2025. Tim (Yukon) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Silver North Resources Ltd. (Coeur Mining partner) Almadex holds a 2% NSR royalty on the Tim Property, located 72 km west of Watson Lake, Yukon and 19 km northeast of Coeur Minings Silvertip Mine. The property is owned by Silver North Resources Ltd. (Silver North) and is currently being advanced under an option agreement by Coeur Mining, Inc. (Coeur), which can earn up to an 80% interest through staged exploration expenditures and a positive feasibility study. Ponderosa (British Columbia) 2.0% NSR | Operator: AuGold Corp. Gold-silver mineralization hosted within epithermal systems near Merritt, B.C., in the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Prospect Valley (British Columbia) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Westhaven Ventures Inc. A gold-silver property within the Spences Bridge Gold Belt, proximal to Westhavens Shovelnose discovery. Skoonka Creek (British Columbia) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Westhaven Ventures Inc. Another asset in the Spences Bridge Gold Belt, offering exposure to a growing district of epithermal gold discoveries. Goz (Yukon) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Silver North Resources Ltd. Covers polymetallic (zinc-silver-copper-gold-lead) mineralization. Mor (Yukon) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Silver North Resources Ltd. Hosts stratabound base-metal mineralization and remains an attractive exploration target in Yukons Finlayson Lake district. Ram (Yukon) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Long & Associates. Early-stage gold-silver exploration in a geologically favourable setting, contributing additional upside to Almadexs Yukon exposure. United States Willow (Nevada) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Abacus Mining & Exploration Corp. A copper-gold porphyry target west of Nevadas Yerington district, home to significant copper deposits. Drilling and geophysics have outlined strong porphyry indicators. Mexico La Bufa (Chihuahua) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Endeavour Silver Corp. Covers gold-silver mineralization within one of Mexicos prolific silver belts. Caballo Blanco (Veracruz) 1.5% NSR | Operator: Candelaria Mining A near-surface oxide gold-silver deposit originally discovered by Almadexs technical team. The project remains one of eastern Mexicos largest undeveloped precious-metal systems with district scale exploration potential. El Cobre (Veracruz) 1.75% NSR | Operator: Azucar Minerals Ltd. A large copper-gold porphyry alteration system with multiple mineralized centres along a four-to-five-kilometre trend. Cerro Colorado (Oaxaca) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Gold Resource Corp. Located near producing operations, this gold-silver project offers near-surface oxide potential with strong infrastructure and accessibility. El Encuentro (Sinaloa) 2.0% NSR | Operator: McEwen Mining Inc. Situated in a productive gold-silver belt, approximately 10km from McEwens El Gallo gold and silver mine. The project provides exposure to potential expansion of McEwens regional operations, and an annual advance royalty payment of $US33,332. El Fuego (Oaxaca) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Gold Resource Corp. Covers prospective ground within the same structural trend as producing gold-silver mines in Oaxaca, offering potential for future development. Los Venados (Sonora) 2.0% NSR | Operator: Alamos Mining Corp. Located in the Mulatos district, this property is prospective for epithermal and porphyry-style gold-silver mineralization adjacent to operating mines. Los Venados was purchased from Aloro Mining Corp through a mineral property purchase agreement dated May 7, 2025 (closure pending). Strategic Value and Outlook Collectively, these royalties provide leverage to a wide range of projects at varying stages of exploration and development, operated by a diverse group of established and emerging companies. The portfolio offers exposure to gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead, reflecting Almadexs legacy, technical expertise and broad generative footprint. Our royalty portfolio captures two decades of exploration success and partnership creation, stated Morgan Poliquin, Ph.D., P.Eng., President and CEO of Almadex Minerals. From copper-gold porphyry systems like Kodiaks Dillard Zone in British Columbia to silver-rich districts in Mexico and polymetallic projects in Yukon, Almadex is exposed to third-party success while preserving the financial strength to advance our own generative work. Technical and Third Party Information Morgan J Poliquin, PhD, PEng, the President and CEO of Almadex and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical contents of this news release. The disclosure in this press release is based on information publicly disclosed by the owners or operators of these properties and information/data available in the public domain as at the date hereof and none of this information has been independently verified by Almadex. Although Almadex does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate. Almadexs royalty interests may cover less than 100% and sometimes only a portion of the publicly reported mineral reserves, mineral resources and production of a property. About Almadex Almadex Minerals Ltd. is a North American prospect generator and exploration company with a portfolio of projects, royalties, and in-house drilling capacity. Led by a team credited with multiple discoveries, Almadex applies a data-driven targeting model to explore for concealed porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold-silver systems. The Company is well-financed, holds physical gold in treasury, and maintains exposure to numerous discovery opportunities through its exploration and royalty assets. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Morgan J. Poliquin, Ph.D., P.Eng. President and CEO Almadex Minerals Ltd. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within it, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among other things, whether any of the royalties on precious and base metal projects throughout North America will materialize. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, permitting, continued availability of capital and financing, equipment availability and general economic, market or business conditions. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. There can be no assurances that forward-looking statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws. Contact Information: Almadex Minerals Ltd. Tel. 604.689.7644 Email: info@almadexminerals.com http://www.almadexminerals.com/ Lahore, Punjab , Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZeeKnows, a digital PR and LLM SEO agency at the forefront of AI-driven search innovation, today announced that its founder and principal strategist, Zeeshan Yaseen, has been officially recognized as Pakistans top expert in digital PR and LLM SEO for 2025. This prestigious recognition comes from platforms and experts across the digital marketing industry. Leading publications such as Triple A Review and top marketing agencies Get Pro Links, SEO Expert Pakistan, Cnvrtool and others have all acknowledged Zeeshan's unmatched expertise in AI search optimization. Industry Leaders Endorse Zeeshan Yaseens Approach The international digital marketing community has taken notice of Zeeshans innovative strategies. Triple A Review, a leading industry publication, recently ranked him the #1 digital PR expert of 2025, noting how Zeeshan Yaseen leads the new era of LLM-driven digital PR, where visibility isnt measured only by backlinks or search traffic but by how often a brand appears in AI-generated answers. Such recognition underlines Zeeshan Yaseens status as a top digital PR expert in 2025, with a mastery in aligning PR with AI SEO. Prominent voices in SEO have echoed this praise. Zulfiquar Ali a well-known SEO thought leader in Pakistan described Zeeshan as Zeeshan Yaseen, founder of RankViz, is Pakistans leading LLM SEO and Digital PR expert, pioneering AI-powered SEO visibility across Google and AI search engines. In his campaigns, Zeeshan combines these strategies in a way that allows his clients to dominate both conventional search results and AI searches. Likewise, an industry list by Bluelinks Agency (a global SEO and PR firm) spotlighted Zeeshan Yaseen as a leading LLM SEO expert, citing his role as PR campaigns strategically boost LLM visibility, helping brands appear in AI-powered conversations and build real online authority, led by Zeeshan Yaseen. Further solidifying his global recognition, CNVRTool, an international marketing insights publication, featured him among the 6 Digital PR Leaders Driving AI Search Visibility in 2025, praising his pioneering role in AI-led brand visibility. Through strategic PR campaigns, brands achieve stronger LLM and AI search presence a space now led by Zeeshan Yaseens forward-thinking approach. Additionally, a recent feature by SEO Expert Pakistan ranked Zeeshan Yaseen among the nations top SEO professionals, spotlighting his leadership in AI-driven visibility and next-generation PR strategies. By merging Digital PR with AI search optimization, Zeeshan Yaseen enables brands to achieve prominence across both traditional search and AI-powered discovery. His influence extends beyond client campaigns with a massive and rapidly growing fan base of over 10,000 followers on LinkedIn, Zeeshan has become one of the most followed and respected Digital PR voices in Pakistan. His insights, frameworks, and case studies regularly attract industry professionals, positioning him among the top influencers shaping the global Digital PR conversation online. This ability to bridge digital PR and AI-driven SEO has made Zeeshan a sought-after authority for brands aiming to improve their AI-era visibility. Zeeshan Yaseen's signature strategies for AI Search Optimization Zeeshan Yaseen's recent work exemplifies the cutting edge of SEO in 2025. In practice, he focuses on Answer Engine Optimization optimizing content so that a brands information is picked up as direct answers by voice assistants and AI answer engines and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), ensuring brands are favorably represented when AI models like ChatGPT generate responses. Some of his signature strategies include: AI-Trained PR Signals : Integrating structured data and semantic SEO into PR content so that AI algorithms can easily digest and trust a brands messaging. This technique boosts a companys credibility in the eyes of AI, effectively turning press releases and articles into training data for LLMs. : Integrating structured data and semantic SEO into PR content so that AI algorithms can easily digest and trust a brands messaging. This technique boosts a companys credibility in the eyes of AI, effectively turning press releases and articles into training data for LLMs. Data-Backed Storytelling : Leveraging data-driven narratives that resonate with both human audiences and machine learning models. By using facts and authoritative insights, Yaseens content earns high-quality backlinks and also feeds AI systems with reliable information, strengthening the brands answer engine optimization footprint. : Leveraging data-driven narratives that resonate with both human audiences and machine learning models. By using facts and authoritative insights, Yaseens content earns high-quality backlinks and also feeds AI systems with reliable information, strengthening the brands answer engine optimization footprint. Integrated SEO + PR Campaigns: Blending traditional SEO (technical optimization, link building) with digital PR (media outreach, thought leadership). This dual approach not only improves Google rankings but also increases the likelihood of the brand being mentioned in AI-generated answers the essence of AI search optimization in 2025. These tactics underscore why Zeeshan is celebrated as the Best Digital PR Expert of 2025 for AI Search Optimization he has essentially written the playbook on how to optimize for the new world of AI-driven search. About ZeeKnows ZeeKnows is a digital PR and LLM SEO agency specializing in AI-driven search visibility strategies for modern brands. Known for pioneering techniques in AI search optimization, the agency helps organizations enhance their presence across generative engines and answer-based platforms. ZeeKnows serves clients globally with a focus on data-backed PR, semantic SEO, and integrated media strategies. Press inquiries ZeeKnows https://zeeknows.com/ Zeeshan Yaseen Zeeshan@rankviz.com +1 (307) 2898080 LONDON, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Small- to mid-sized SSPs and DSPs lose millions to ad fraud because they cannot produce industry standard Invalid Traffic refund evidence. These teams lack legal and technical resources and rely on time-consuming manual processes and substandard evidence - such as screenshots of Excel files - in their refund negotiations. As a result, SMBs cannot negotiate clawbacks like larger enterprises with more robust legal teams, Pixalate streamlines dispute resolution with the ad industrys first Clawback Report, available via its Analytics dashboard. Clawback Report generates a tamper-proof signed PDF with IVT evidence that SSPs and DSPs use in refund negotiations. MRC-Accredited Evidence with Transaction-Level Granularity Clawback Report leverages Pixalate's MRC-accredited ad fraud detection engine to automatically aggregate and categorize IVT signals at unprecedented granularity. The system auto-compiles evidence packages organized by: Publisher-level reason codes : Specific IVT categories (SIVT, GIVT) mapped to individual publishers and domains : Specific IVT categories (SIVT, GIVT) mapped to individual publishers and domains Seller identification : SSP, exchange, and reseller chain documentation : SSP, exchange, and reseller chain documentation Campaign-level attribution : Campaign IDs and impression-level data : Campaign IDs and impression-level data Fraud taxonomy breakdowns : Issue or defend clawbacks against 40+ IVT types, including bot traffic, datacenter IPs, device spoofing, and behavioral anomalies : Issue or defend clawbacks against 40+ IVT types, including bot traffic, datacenter IPs, device spoofing, and behavioral anomalies Temporal analysis: Define custom timeframes (up to 12 months) to align evidence with specific dispute periods Each Clawback Report generates tamper-proof signed PDF documentation with immutable audit trails for refund negotiations across the programmatic supply chain. Use Cases: Pixalates Clawback Report For DSPs & Ad Buyers (Issuing Clawbacks) Demand Refunds : Filter by Advertiser ID and Campaign ID to identify IVT tied to specific campaigns : Filter by Advertiser ID and Campaign ID to identify IVT tied to specific campaigns Generate Evidence : Tamper-proof documentation containing Pixalates IVT evidence. : Tamper-proof documentation containing Pixalates IVT evidence. Filter to Exact Fraud Source: Filter by 41 IVT types (including GIVT and SIVT), Seller ID, App ID, or Domain For SSPs & Ad Sellers (Defending Against Clawbacks) Counter False IVT Accusations : Filter by Publisher ID, Seller ID, or App/Domain to defend traffic legitimacy : Filter by Publisher ID, Seller ID, or App/Domain to defend traffic legitimacy Verify Clawback Evidence: Verification link in Clawback Report confirms the authenticity of the data and source Features: Clawback Report Data Points Attribute Description Seller ID Seller ID associated with measured ad traffic, set/passed at an individual client level. App ID The identifier associated with the application measured. Publisher ID The publisher ID associated with measured campaign ad traffic. This setting is used for both Domain and App-based Clawback Reports. Campaign ID The advertising campaign ID associated to measured ad traffic Advertiser ID The advertiser ID associated to measured campaign ad traffic Domain The core part of a website's URL. Gross Ad Count Estimated total ad count, including SIVT and GIVT IVT Type Filter by SIVT, GIVT, or specific fraud categories (bot traffic, datacenter traffic, click farms, etc.) SIVT (Sophisticated Invalid Traffic) Coverage for 30 types of SIVT , including app spoofing, device ID stuffing, masked IP, etc. GIVT (General Invalid Traffic) Coverage for 11 types of GIVT , including datacenter, IAB crawler, TOR, etc. Lookback Period Up to one year for longer clawback negotiations. Legal and Compliance Statements Legal and compliance statements included in report documentation. SHA-256 Hashing Cryptographic function that endows reports with a unique 64-character fingerprint. Digital Signature Verification Clawback Report was produced within Pixalates Analytics platform. Verification Link A link to verify that the PDF report is authentic and accurate Availability Clawback Report is available in Pixalate's Ad Fraud Analytics and Monitoring System . Contact Sales to learn more. About Pixalate Pixalate is a global platform specializing in privacy compliance, ad fraud prevention, and digital ad supply chain data intelligence. Founded in 2012, Pixalate is trusted by regulators, data researchers, advertisers, publishers, ad tech platforms, and financial analysts across the Connected TV (CTV), mobile app, and website ecosystems. Pixalate is accredited by the MRC for the detection and filtration of Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT). pixalate.com Disclaimer The content of this press release reflects Pixalate's opinions with respect to factors that Pixalate believes may be useful to the digital media industry. Any data shared (including in the Clawback Reports) is grounded in Pixalate's proprietary technology and analytics, which Pixalate is continuously evaluating and updating. Any references to outside sources should not be construed as endorsements. Pixalate's opinions are just that, opinions, which means that they are neither facts nor guarantees. Pixalate is sharing this information and any associated data not to impugn the standing or reputation of any entity, person or app, but, instead, to report findings and trends pertaining to programmatic advertising activity in the time period studied. GRIMSBY, Ontario, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Andrew Peller Limited (ADW.A / ADW.B) (the Company) announced today that it has approved a quarterly common share dividend of $0.0615 per Class A Share and $0.0535 per Class B Share to be paid on January 9, 2026, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2025. The Company has consistently paid common share dividends since 1979. The Company currently designates all dividends paid as eligible dividends for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) unless indicated otherwise. About Andrew Peller Limited Andrew Peller Limited is one of Canadas leading producers and marketers of quality wines and craft spirits. The Companys awardwinning premium and ultrapremium Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Thirty Bench, Wayne Gretzky, Sandhill, Red Rooster, Black Hills Estate, Tinhorn Creek and Gray Monk Estates. Complementing these premium brands are a number of popularly priced varietal offerings, wine based liqueurs, craft ciders, and craft spirits. The Company owns and operates 101 wellpositioned independent retail locations in Ontario under The Wine Shop, Wine Country Vintners, and Wine Country Merchants store names. The Company also operates Andrew Peller Import Agency and The Small Winemakers Collection Inc., importers and marketing agents of premium wines from around the world. With a focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company produces and markets premium personal winemaking products through its whollyowned subsidiary, Global Vintners Inc. (GVI), the recognized leader in personal winemaking products. More information about the Company can be found at ir.andrewpeller.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release may contain forwardlooking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the safe harbour provision of the Securities Act (Ontario) with respect to Andrew Peller Limited and its subsidiaries. These forwardlooking statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties discussed in the Risks and Uncertainties section and elsewhere in the Companys MD&A and other risks detailed from time to time in the publicly filed disclosure documents of Andrew Peller Limited which are available at www.sedarplus.com. Forwardlooking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those conclusions, forecasts, or projections anticipated in these forwardlooking statements. The Companys forwardlooking statements are made only as of the date of this news release, and except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forwardlooking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For more information, please contact: Investor Relations Craig Armitage ir@andrewpeller.com Source: Andrew Peller Limited FINDLAY, OH, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FINDLAY, OH - November 04, 2025 - - Dr. Andrea Adams-Miller, CEO of The RED Carpet Connection, LLC, will present on neuroscience-driven leadership and strategic decision-making during the Million Dollar Mingle Celebrity Charity Polo Weekend Experience, including a Networking Event, Wealth and Financial Explosion Symposium, and a Business Symposium November 6 through November 9, hosted by AC Caswell, former Oakland Raider, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. The total events will convene more than 500 executives, investors, athletes, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists to explore evidence-based approaches to leadership, innovation, and community impact. Dr. Andrea Adams-Miller's presentation, "Inside the Minds of Power, Wealth & Legacy," examines how advancements in neuroscience and behavioral economics enhance executive decision-making and organizational communication in both personal and professional contexts. Dr. Adams-Miller's work references published findings from the MIT Sloan Management Review (2024) and Harvard Business Review (2023), which demonstrate that leadership teams trained in applied cognitive science exhibit measurable improvements in adaptability, stress management, and decision efficiency. "Dr. Andrea Adams-Miller connects the science of thought with the practice of leadership for executives, athletes, and entrepreneurs," said AC Caswell, host and founder of the Million Dollar Mingle and the We Fight for Life campaign. "She adds depth to this year's theme of aligning business and personal performance with philanthropy and community building." The Million Dollar Mingle Celebrity Charity Polo Weekend Experience supports four nonprofit organizationsMechelle Cares Foundation, Arizona Smashers Foundation, Real Fathers Charity, and the Rise & Dream Foundationeach of which advances entrepreneurship, mentorship, education, and youth development across Arizona. Organizers' fundraising target is based on prior-year results and current sponsorship commitments, with complete transparency reports scheduled to be posted after the event. "Business leaders thrive when collaboration is at the core," said Greg Petri, co-host of MDM and founder of One Business Connection (1BC). "At 1BC, we've seen how creating strong networks accelerates growth and opportunity. Integrating neuroscience-based communication insights like those shared by Dr. Andrea Adams-Miller gives elite leaders an even greater advantagehelping them connect, influence, and build stronger partnerships with purpose." Dr. Adams-Miller's applied research centers on how the brain encodes trust, influence, and strategic reasoning under high-pressure conditions. Her frameworkssupported by peer-reviewed research and proprietary studies conducted through her consulting practicetranslate cognitive science into leadership models that improve communication, negotiation, and resilience. Following her session, she will host private consultations with attending executives and athletes to personalize neuroscience-based strategies for leadership optimization and decision-making. "The most effective leaders are those who understand how their own brains manage focus, emotion, and uncertainty," said Dr. Adams-Miller. "Neuroscience gives us the precision to lead with empathy, strategy, and measurable impact." Her participation marks her first significant speaking engagement following a year of recovery from colorectal cancer. During that period, she expanded her Wealth and Legacy Alliance, a collaborative initiative that connects business leaders who integrate profit with purpose through science-informed leadership and philanthropic investment. According to Deloitte Insights (2024), companies that implement neuroscience-based leadership frameworks experience measurable performance gains in decision-making, communication, and team cohesion. Dr. Adams-Miller's work bridges this research with practical application, demonstrating how corporate innovation and behavioral science combine to strengthen both profitability and purpose. "Events like Million Dollar Mingle show how leadership can transcend competition," Ac Caswell added. "When science, service, and collaboration intersect, the result is a more sustainable model for growth." About Dr. Andrea Adams-Miller Dr. Andrea Adams-Miller is a master neuroscientist, publicist, and business strategist specializing in leadership communication and influence psychology. As CEO of The RED Carpet Connection, LLC, and founder of the Wealth and Legacy Alliance, she integrates academic research with applied leadership systems to help organizations improve decision-making, negotiation, and performance. Her work has been featured in leadership journals, business conferences, and media outlets covering innovation and executive development. ### For more information about TheREDCarpetConnection.com, LLC, contact the company here: TheREDCarpetConnection.com, LLC Dr. Andrea Adams-Miller 419-722-6931 AndreaAdamsMiller@TheREDCarpetConnection.com 8155 Township Road 89, Findlay, OH 45840 Washington, DC, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the eve of Supreme Court oral argument tomorrow over the Trump Administrations orders imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed the first class-action complaint challenging those same executive actions, likewise arguing that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs. The proposed class representatives in this lawsuit are Connecticuts Smirk & Dagger Games, New Yorks B. Stuyvesant Champagne, and the New York-based manufacturer of mannequins and storefront displays Leo D. Bernstein & Sons. They purchase items that cannot be reasonably sourced in the United States, importing from areas including China and the European Union. NCLA will ask the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to certify one or more class(es), declare the IEEPA tariffs unlawful and unconstitutional, and set aside the orders that imposed them, liberating these businesses and all similarly situated companies and individuals nationwide from having to pay them any longer. Under art. 1, 8 of the Constitution, Congress has sole authority to control tariffs, which it has done by passing detailed tariff statutes. As NCLA has argued since filing Simplified v. Trump, the very first lawsuit brought against the IEEPA emergency tariff orders, IEEPA never mentions tariffs, so it cannot possibly authorize the President to enact themeven in declared emergencies. The Trump Administrations attempt to use IEEPA this way not only violates the text of the law, but it also invites application of the Supreme Courts Major Questions Doctrine, which tells courts not to discern policies of vast economic and political significance in a law lacking explicit congressional authorization. If IEEPA were held to permit these tariffs, then the statute would run afoul of the nondelegation doctrine because it lacks an intelligible principle to limit or guide the presidents tariff decisions. NCLA released the following statements: Congress alone has the authority to control tariffs, and it did not and could not give the President the unbridled authority he has now claimed. These unlawful tariff actions have harmed thousands if not millions of American businesses and individuals. This class-action suit will protect Americans from being forced to pay unconstitutional tariffs now and in the future. Kara Rollins, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA This case asks whether the President may tax millions of Americans without a constitutional or statutory grant of authority. The answer is plainly no. Congressnot the presidenthas the power to impose tariffs. Christian Clase, Constitutional Litigation Fellow, NCLA NCLA believes the Supreme Court is on the verge of setting aside the so-called Liberation Day tariffs. When it does so, it may find a way to provide nationwide relief. But in case it does not, NCLA will stand ready with this class-action lawsuit to make sure everyone in the class who pays tariffs can obtain relief as soon as possible. Mark Chenoweth, President, NCLA For more information visit the case page here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. OTTAWA, Ontario, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Federal Budget 2025 marks meaningful progress in recognizing the critical role of early-stage capital and angel networks in providing entrepreneurs with the capital they need to transform innovation into commercialization. In response, Claudio Rojas, CEO of the National Angel Capital Organization issued the following statement: Were pleased to see meaningful progress in areas that reflect NACOs long-standing recommendations. This budget takes important steps toward aligning policy with the realities of early-stage entrepreneurs. We look forward to continuing to work with the government on advancing capital formation and leveraging our national network to develop a powerful strategy that fortifies Canadas angel capital infrastructure. Claudio Rojas, CEO of National Angel Capital Organization at NACO Summit 2025 in Ottawa Access to Capital and Networks: In alignment with NACOs recommendations, Budget 2025 announced the governments intention to develop a strategy to support Canadian firms facing early growth-stage funding gaps through $750 million in support of Canadas early-stage entrepreneurs and the networks that fund them. This $750 million announcement is a timely and strategic investment in Canadas angel infrastructure. It recognizes that when we support the networks and investors behind early-stage companies, we strengthen the entire innovation economy. Budget 2025 also announced the launch of a new fund-of-funds program, Venture and Growth Capital Catalyst Initiative (VGCCI), a $1 billion investment that will extend the impact of VCAP and VCCI, as well as fortify the capital pipeline at the later stage. This initiative is expected to leverage more private venture capital by incentivizing pension funds and other institutional investor participation, and will support new and emerging fund managers and important sectors such as life sciences. With the announcement of these programs, it is clear that Canada is moving forward with a more sophisticated understanding of how capital at all stages transforms innovation into commercialization. With end-to-end investment from the earliest stages including both capital and networks to the latest stages of private capital, Canada will fuel a nation of builders with the capital they need to compete globally. Federal Budget 2025 Defence Innovation, Dual-Use, and Strategic Sectors Further, NACO commends the Government on its efforts to prioritize defence innovation, dual-use, artificial intelligence, quantum, and other strategic and frontier sectors as part of the forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy. Programs under this strategy include $656.9M, starting 2025-26, for ISED to develop and commercialize dual-use technologies in a range of sectors, and $334.3 million over five years to help quantum technology companies grow in Canada. NACO also commends the governments investment of $925.6 million over five years to build a large-scale sovereign compute capacity. Summary This budget reflects meaningful movement toward the priorities NACO has put forward to build Canadas innovation ecosystem, as most recently reinforced in NACO's submissions to the Standing Committee on Finance. The inclusion of targeted initiatives aimed at supporting early-stage companies signals a welcome shift in the national conversation. NACO remains committed to working with government and ecosystem partners to advance the next generation of tools including implementing a National Investment Tax Credit to increase supply of capital, and strengthening Canadas angel infrastructure under the $750 million to address early-stage funding gaps. Taking a sophisticated and comprehensive approach to capital formation and access to capital will ensure our nations entrepreneurs have the resources they need to scale into global markets and compete alongside the worlds fastest growing companies, said Claudio Rojas, CEO of National Angel Capital Organization. By increasing capital formation at the earliest stages, we can put Canada at the forefront and make our country a leader in innovation. About NACO Founded in 2002, the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) represents more than 4,000 angel investors and over 100 member organizations across Canada. Collectively, NACO members have invested more than $1.8 billion in over 2,000 Canadian venturesfueling innovation, job creation, and economic resilience nationwide. To schedule an interview, interested media can contact: Claudio Rojas, CEO of National Angel Capital Organization Email: media@nacocanada.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/361545f1-e8bc-4552-9575-f3b1b90f5019 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5b0611ab-7765-4af3-a8a5-19a6391c5d69 Samples collected for fine grinding testwork, mine design & costing ADELAIDE, November 3, 2025 - Barton Gold Holdings Ltd. (ASX:BGD)(OTCQB:BGDFF)(FRA:BGD3) (Barton or the Company) has completed TSF1 geotechnical drilling in support of a recently launched Definitive Feasibility Study for 'Stage 1' production (Stage 1 DFS) at the Company's South Australian Challenger Gold Project (Challenger). 1 The program included 5 sonic drill holes to recover TSF1 materials for lab testing, 24 holes for Cone Penetration Testing ( CPTu ) and further laboratory testing, and 3 holes each for vein shear testing (VST) and bulk density (BD) testing. Results will inform TSF1 detailed mine design, equipment selection, and operating cost estimates. Figure 1 - TSF1 with completed CPT (red), sonic (green stars), VST / BD (orange) & AC / RC drill holes Commenting on the TSF1 geotechnical drilling, Barton Managing Director Alexander Scanlon said: "This drilling is the first of several production-related work programs completed for our 'Stage 1' production DFS at the Central Gawler Mill. The samples collected will be used for fine grinding testwork, and to inform key elements of mine design, equipment selection and operating costs for tailings recovery and processing." Authorised by the Managing Director of Barton Gold Holdings Limited. For further information, please contact: Alexander Scanlon Managing Director a.scanlon@bartongold.com.au +61 425 226 649 Jade Cook Company Secretary cosec@bartongold.com.au +61 8 9322 1587 About Barton Gold Barton Gold is an ASX, OTCQB and Frankfurt Stock Exchange listed Australian gold developer targeting future gold production of 150,000ozpa with 2.2Moz Au & 3.1Moz Ag JORC Mineral Resources (79.9Mt @ 0.87g/t Au), brownfield mines, and 100% ownership of the region's only gold mill in the renowned Gawler Craton of South Australia. * Challenger Gold Project 313koz Au + fully permitted Central Gawler Mill ( CGM ) Tarcoola Gold Project 20koz Au in fully permitted open pit mine near CGM Tolmer discovery grades up to 84g/t Au & 17,600g/t Ag Tunkillia Gold Project 1.6Moz Au & 3.1Moz Ag JORC Mineral Resources Competitive 120kozpa gold & 250kozpa silver project Wudinna Gold Project 279koz Au project located southeast of Tunkillia Significant optionality, adjacent to main highway Competent Persons Statement & Previously Reported Information The information in this announcement that relates to the historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources as listed in the table below is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by the Competent Person whose name appears in the same row, who is an employee of or independent consultant to the Company and is a Member or Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) or a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO). Each person named in the table below has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he has undertaken to quality as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012 ( JORC ). Activity Competent Person Membership Status Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Stockpiles) Dr Andrew Fowler (Consultant) AusIMM Member Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Perseverance Mine) Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Tarcoola Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tarcoola Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Mineral Resource Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Challenger Mineral Resource (above 215mRL) Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Challenger Mineral Resource (below 90mRL) Mr Dale Sims AusIMM / AIG Fellow / Member Wudinna Mineral Resource (Clarke Deposit) Ms Justine Tracey AusIMM Member Wudinna Mineral Resource (all other Deposits) Mrs Christine Standing AusIMM / AIG Member / Member The information relating to historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources in this announcement is extracted from the Company's Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 or as otherwise noted, available from the Company's website at www.bartongold.com.au or on the ASX website www.asx.com.au. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the Exploration Results and Mineral Resource information included in previous announcements and, in the case of estimates of Mineral Resources, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates, and any production targets and forecast financial information derived from the production targets, continue to apply and have not materially changed. In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.19.2, the Company further confirms that the material assumptions underpinning any production targets and the forecast financial information derived therefrom continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the applicable Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the previous announcements. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This document may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "target" and "intend" and statements than an event or result "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information is subject to business, legal and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, risks relating to property interests, the global economic climate, commodity prices, sovereign and legal risks, and environmental risks. Forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and opinions at the date the statements are made. Barton undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such dates or to update or keep current any of the information contained herein. Any estimates or projections as to events that may occur in the future (including projections of revenue, expense, net income and performance) are based upon the best judgment of Barton from information available as of the date of this document. There is no guarantee that any of these estimates or projections will be achieved. Actual results will vary from the projections and such variations may be material. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the past or future. Any reliance placed by the reader on this document, or on any forward-looking statement contained in or referred to in this document will be solely at the readers own risk, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. 1 Refer to ASX announcements dated 29 September and 23 October 2025 * Refer to Barton Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 and ASX announcement dated 8 September 2025. Total Barton JORC (2012) Mineral Resources include 1,049koz Au (39.7Mt @ 0.82 g/t Au) in Indicated category and 1,186koz Au (40.2Mt @ 0.92 g/t Au) in Inferred category, and 3,070koz Ag (34.5Mt @ 2.80 g/t Ag) in Inferred category as a subset of Tunkillia gold JORC (2012) Mineral Resources. SOURCE: Barton Gold Holdings Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Vancouver - Armory Mining Corp. (CSE: ARMY) (OTC: RMRYF) (FRA: 2JS) (the "Company" or "Armory"), a resource exploration company focused on the discovery and development of minerals critical to the energy, security and defense sectors, is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement offering of up to 9,090,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.055 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $500,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company and one transferable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.085 per common share for a period of five years from the date of issuance. The proceeds raised from the Offering are expected to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. All securities to be issued under the Offering will be subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. About Armory Mining Corp Armory Mining Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on minerals critical to the energy, security and defense sectors. The Company controls an 80% interest in the Candela II lithium brine project located in the Incahuasi Salar, Salta Province, Argentina and a 100% interest in the Riley Creek antimony-gold project located in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, and an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Ammo antimony-gold project located in Nova Scotia. Contact Information Alex Klenman CEO alex@armorymining.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the Company's securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The Company's securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the Company completing the Offering, the size of the Offering and the intended use of funds. The words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "plans," "will," "may," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations as reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, political and regulatory risks in Canada, operational and exploration risks, market conditions, and the availability of financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Integral Metals Corp. (CSE: INTG | FSE: ZK9) (the "Company" or "Integral") is pleased to announce that it has upsized its previously announced (please see news release dated October 17, 2025) non-brokered flow-through private placement of units ("FT Units"), from gross proceeds of up to C$1,000,000 to gross proceeds of up to C$1,500,000 (the "Offering"). Each FT Unit is priced at $0.95 per FT Unit and will be comprised of one flow-through common share of the Company (each, a "FT Share") and one (non-flow-through) common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one common share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$1.00 for a period of 24 months from issuance. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares are intended to be used to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada), which the Company intends to renounce to the initial purchasers of the FT Shares. All securities issued in the Offering will be subject to a statutory four month and one day hold period. Closing of the Offering is subject to the Company's receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Offering is expected to close on or about November 15, 2025. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. On Behalf of the Board Directors Paul Sparkes Chief Executive Officer 825-414-3163 info@integralmetals.com ABOUT INTEGRAL METALS CORP. Integral is an exploration stage company, engaged in the business of mineral exploration for critical minerals, including gallium, germanium, and rare earth elements, with the goal of contributing to the development of a domestic supply chain for these minerals. Integral holds properties in mining-friendly jurisdictions in Canada and the United States of America, including the Northwest Territories, Manitoba and Montana, where it has received regulatory support for its exploration efforts. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the anticipated completion date of the Offering, the anticipated amount of proceeds therefrom, the proposed use of proceeds therefrom, as well as the Company's receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward- looking information included in this press release, assumptions regarding the Company's ability to complete the Offering and the amount of proceeds to be raised therefrom, the Company's receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, and the future plans and strategies of the Company. Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, the risk that the Company may not be able to complete the Offering as contemplated, or at all, and that the Company's plans with respect to the use of any proceeds received from the Offering may change; that the Company may not receive the necessary regulatory approvals, and the risk that the Company's business prospects and priorities may change, whether as a result of unexpected events, general market and economic conditions or as a result of the Company's future exploration efforts, and that any such change may result in a re-deployment of the Company's resources and efforts in a manner divergent from the Company's current business plan or strategy. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. American Critical Minerals Corp. ("American Critical Minerals" or the "Company") (CSE:KCLI) (OTCQB:APCOF) (Frankfurt:2P3) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Dean Pekeski as Senior Advisor to the Company with immediate effect. Dean has been involved in senior technical and corporate positions across the mining sector for over 33 years with a particular focus on potash exploration and development for over 17 years of that time. In particular, Dean was Executive Vice President of Western Potash Corp. (WPX- TSX) from 2008 - 2015 andlead discovery and development of the Milestone Potash Solution Mining Project in Saskatchewan which is currently 80% complete. Since 2016 Dean has been involved with Peak Minerals Inc., a private Company developing the Sevier Playa Potassium Sulphate (SOP) Brine Project in Utah where he has served as Project Director and CEO, President & Director since 2020. Dean is intimate with all aspects of potash exploration, solution mining, brine evaporation, and processing of potassium, magnesium, sodium chloride, bromine, and lithium, rich brines. During his career at Western Potash and Peak Minerals he has advanced projects through key project milestones including discovery, technical studies (PEA, PFS, FS, FEED), geotechnical and constructability testing, process pilot testing, successful environmental permitting at all government levels, securing key supply and construction contracts and off-take agreements, and financing. Throughout his career Dean has raised more than US$120M capital at appropriate valuations to enable the company's he has worked for to meet milestones, growth and market share. He has a deep network with a number of equity, debt, and royalty investors, is well connected with peer / industry companies across Utah and beyond, and has good connections into local and federal government funding initiatives and State and Federal regulators. He is also intimate with global potash supply, demand, pricing, and development projects globally. Dean holds Honors B.Sc. Geology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario,1994, is a PDAC Member and has his P.Geo Registration with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. He is also an Director of Fidelity Minerals Corp. and Power One Resources Corp. Management Commentary Simon Clarke President & CEO stated, "we are extremely pleased to welcome Dean to our team, his knowledge, background and insights, as well as his strategic relationships in Utah and beyond will be extremely valuable as we continue to advance our Green River Project. His in-depth technical knowledge in potash exploration, development and processing will be invaluable as we move to drill and de-risk the Green River Project and the timing of his appointment could not be better as we finalize our drill targets and drill contracts and prepare to drill in the New Year. His ability to raise capital for potash development and to attract strategic sector partners and off takers, as well as his links into State and Federal government agencies, will help to ensure we have access to appropriate capital as we look to aggressively develop this project as a major potential source of both potash and lithium to strengthen US Domestic Supply Chains of these Critical Minerals." About American Critical Minerals' Green River Potash and Lithium Project The Green River Potash and Lithium Project is situated within Utah's highly productive Paradox Basin, located 20 miles northwest of Moab, Utah. It has significant logistical advantages including close proximity to major rail hubs, airport, roads, water, towns and labour markets. It also benefits from close proximity to the agricultural and industrial heartland of America and numerous potential end-users for its products. The history of oil and gas production across the Paradox Basin provides geologic data from historic wells across the Project, and the wider Basin, validating and de-risking the potential for high grade potash and large amounts of contained lithium. Wells in and around the project reported lithium up to 500 ppm, bromine up to 6,100 ppm and boron up to 1,260 ppm (Gilbride & Santos, 2012). This data is reinforced by nearby potash production and the advanced stage of neighbouring lithium projects. The Paradox Basin is believed to contain up to 56 billion tonnes of lithium brines, potentially the largest such resource in US (Source: AnsonFastmarketsPresentation- https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/ASN/02823465.pdf). The Company's National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") Potash Exploration Target consists of 500 million to 950 million tonnes of sylvinite (the most important source for the production of potash in North America) grading from 12% to 18% potassium oxide based on elog (eK2O=19% to 29% potassium chloride based on elog (eKCl)). Its Exploration Targets for Lithium and Bromine are 2.1 billion cubic meters (brine volume) grading from 71.6 to 216.3 parts per million lithium; and 2.1 billion cubic meters (brine volume) grading from 3,656 to 4,741 parts per million bromine.** The Company holds a 100% interest in eleven State of Utah ("SITLA") mineral and minerals salt leases covering approximately 7,050 acres, 1,094 federal lithium brine claims (BLM Placer Claims) covering 21,150 acres, and 11 federal (BLM) potash prospecting permits covering approximately 25,480 acres. Through these leases, permits and claims the Company has the ability to explore for potash, lithium and potential by-products across the entire Green River Project (approx. 32,530 acres). The Company is authorized to drill a total of 7 drill holes across the Project (pending bonding the recently approved 4 drill holes). Intrepid Potash Inc. is America's largest potash company and only U.S. domestic potash producer and currently produces potash from its nearby Moab Solution Mine, which the Company believes provides strong evidence of stratigraphic continuity within this part of the Paradox Basin ( www.intrepidpotash.com ). Anson Resources Ltd. has advanced lithium development projects contiguous to the northern boundary of our Green River Project and neighbouring to the south. Anson has a large initial resource, robust definitive feasibility study and has recently completed successful piloting operations through its partnership with Koch Technology Solutions, as well as an offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution. The Anson exploration targets encompass the combined Mississippian Leadville Formation and the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation brine-bearing clastic layers, which also underlie American Critical Minerals' entire project area ( www.ansonresources.com )*. In 2022, the U.S. imported approx. 96.5% of its annual potash requirements with domestic producers receiving a higher sales price due to proximity to market (intrepidpotash.com/ August 15, 2024, Investor Presentation). In March 2024, the US Senate introduced a bill to include key fertilizers and potash on the US Department of Interior list of Critical Minerals which already includes lithium, and this process is well advanced with potash being added to the USGS Draft Critical Minerals List. In August 2025. Recent market estimates suggest that the global potash market is over US$50 billion annually and growing at a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of close to 5%. Annual lithium demand is now estimated to be over 1 million tonnes globally and continuing to grow rapidly***. ****Exploration Targets are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define them as Mineral Resources, and, while reasonable potential may exist, it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the determination of a Mineral Resource under NI 43-101. Qualified Person The Technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P.Geo., the Chief Operations Officer of the Company and a qualified person for the purposes of NI 43-101. On behalf of the Board of Directors Simon Clarke, President & CEO Contact: (604)-551-9665 * American Critical Minerals' management cautions that results or discoveries on properties in proximity to the American Critical Minerals' properties may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the Company's properties. ** A report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report - Green River Potash and Lithium Project, Grand County, Utah, USA", prepared by Agapito Associates Inc., and dated October 27, 2025, quantifies the Green River Potash Project's potash, lithium and bromine exploration potential in the form of NI 43-101 Exploration Targets. The Exploration Target estimate was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. It should be noted that Exploration Targets are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define them as Mineral Resources, and, while reasonable potential may exist, it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the determination of a Mineral Resource under NI 43-101. Details of the basis on which the Exploration Targets have been determined is included in the Report. The Exploration Target stated in the Report is not being reported as part of any Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve. A copy of the report can be accessed on both SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ) and the corporate website for the Company: www.acmineralscorp.com . ***United States Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2024 (https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024-potash.pdf). CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: statements about exploration targets; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; and future exploration prospects. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: American Critical Minerals Corp. VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. (TSX-V: VRB) (FSE: NWNA) (OTC: VRBFF) ("VanadiumCorp" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Financing") for proceeds of up to C $1.4 million. The Financing is expected to close on or before November 30, 2025. On receipt of approval from the TSXV, the Company will issue up to 2,333,333 $0.30 flow-through units (the "FT Units") and 2,800,000 $0.25 non-flow-through units (the "NFT Units") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C $1,400,000. Each NFT Unit will be comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant (the "Unit Warrants"), with each Unit Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.45 per common share for a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of issue. Each FT Unit will be comprised of one flow-through common share and one half of a share purchase warrant (the "FT Warrants"), with each full FT Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.45 for a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of issue. Net proceeds from the Financing will be used for critical mineral exploration and metallurgical testing on the Company's wholly-owned mineral properties as well as working capital and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares will be used to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" (as defined in the Tax Act) that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" within the meaning of the Tax Act (the "Qualifying Expenditures"). The Qualifying Expenditures will be incurred on or before December 31, 2026, and will be renounced by the Company to the initial purchasers of the FT Shares with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025. The Company may pay finders' fees in cash and warrants bearing the same terms as the Unit Warrants. All shares issued pursuant to the Financing and any shares issued through the exercise of warrants will be subject to a four-month hold from the closing date. The Financing is subject to TSXV Exchange approval. Leadership Transition VanadiumCorp also announces the resignation of Gilles Dupuis from his roles as Chief Operating Officer and Director. We want to thank Gilles for his contributions to VanadiumCorp and the CIMM facility, where he played a key role in establishing the pilot plant. His leadership and dedication have been greatly appreciated, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Looking Ahead VanadiumCorp remains focused on strategically advancing its critical mineral projects to accelerate development. With a strengthening investment case for North American vanadium production, the Company's diversified portfolio offers multiple pathways for long-term value creation. About VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. is a Canadian critical mineral exploration company focused on developing vanadium-rich assets in Quebec. Its flagship Lac Dore Vanadium Project offers high-purity vanadium with excellent recoveries, ideal for energy storage applications. The company has also built an electrolyte pilot plant in Val-des-Sources, Quebec, designed to test extracted vanadium materials and launch future commercial production of vanadium electrolyte for VRFBs. With vanadium and titanium now designated as Critical Minerals in Canada and the U.S., VanadiumCorp is aligned with national strategies to strengthen domestic supply chains. On behalf of the Board of VanadiumCorp Resource Inc., Kristien Davenport CEO & President For more information, please contact: VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. Info@vanadiumcorp.com www.vanadiumcorp.com Forward-Looking Statements This document may contain forward-looking statements (including "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) regarding, among other things, VanadiumCorp's business. and the environment in which it operates. In general, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipates", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "forecast", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "could" or "will be taken", "occur" or "will be achieved". VanadiumCorp relies on a number of assumptions and estimates to make these forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the ability to acquire the necessary permits and authorizations to advance the Lac Dore property to the production stage, the ability to add to existing resources at Lac Dore through drilling, the costs associated with the development and operation of its properties. These assumptions and estimates are made in light of forecasts and conditions that are considered relevant and reasonable based on available information and current circumstances. A number of risk factors may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or results of such exploration and/or mine development to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, whether such discoveries will result in commercially viable quantities of such mineralized materials, the ability to modify project parameters as plans continue to be refined, the ability to execute planned future exploration and drilling programs, the need for additional financing to continue exploration and development efforts, changes in general economic, market and business conditions, and other risks outlined in VanadiumCorp's latest Annual Information Form under the heading "Risk Factors" and in its other public documents. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and such information is inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and that may be beyond VanadiumCorp's control. Although VanadiumCorp has attempted to identify important risks and factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors and risks that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. In addition, all forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. VanadiumCorp disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this disclaimer. ZEB Nickel Corp. (ZBNI:TSX-V) (OTC:ZBNIF) ("Zeb" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the South African Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources ("DMPR") has granted and executed Mining Right LP30/5/1/2/2/10174MR in favour of Lesego Platinum Uitloop (Pty) Ltd ("LPU"), the project company for the Zeb Nickel Project, located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. The Mining Right has a 30-year term to 2055, and covers an area of 4,703.70 ha across certain portions of the Bloemhof 4KS, Uitloop 3KS, Amatava 41KS, and Piet Potgietersrust Town & Townlands 44KS farms, in the Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Post-execution formalities are underway, and the Mining Right is in the process of being submitted for registration at the Mineral and Petroleum Titles Registration Office, in Pretoria. Zeb will update the market once registration is confirmed. Operations As announced on 16 October 2025, ground gravity and frequency-domain electromagnetic (EM) surveys are scheduled to commence shortly, over two priority targets at the Zeb Nickel Project. The objective of these surveys is to refine the geometry of the identified conductors and generate decision-ready drill targets. The Company will provide a further update to the market on modelling outputs, drill parameters and timing following receipt of the contractor's report. John Zorbas, Director, commented: "The granting and execution of the Mining Right materially de-risks Zeb Nickel by securing the right for 30 years and positions the project to engage quality partners as we advance. Our immediate priority is to complete the ground EM and gravity survey and associated modelling and present a clear, efficient drill plan focused on the highest ranked targets; registration formalities are in progress." Qualified Person Statement All technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been reviewed and approved by Richard Montjoie. Mr. Montjoie is the VP Exploration and director of the Company and is not, therefore, independent of the Company. Mr. Montjoie is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) membership number 400131/09. Mr. Montjoie holds a M.Sc. Honors in Economic Geology from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, and is fellow of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA). Mr. Montjoie Is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. 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. About the Company and Project Zeb Nickel Corp is focused on exploring for and developing mineral deposits, with a focus on metals that are critical in the production of rechargeable batteries, such as nickel, graphite, lithium, cobalt, manganese, copper and aluminum. The Company is currently focused on developing its flagship Zeb Nickel Project, located in Limpopo, South Africa. The Zeb Nickel Project is located in the Bushveld Complex in South Africa. On behalf of the Board of Directors James Nieuwenhuys Chief Executive Officer and Director, Zeb Nickel Corp. Email: info@zebnickel.com Tel: 1 416 628 3100 Company Website: www.zebnickel.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward looking statements, including but not limited to: interpretations of geophysical data, the potential extension and connectivity of ultramafic bodies, the existence and extent of a feeder or plumbing system, the significance of magnetic and gravity anomalies, statements regarding the potential for Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide mineralisation, the planned re-processing and interpretation of geophysical data, the intention to delineate drill targets in Zone 2 and Zone 3, the objective of declaring a maiden NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource, and the broader development strategy of the Zeb Project. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions believed by management to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to: the accuracy of the Company's interpretation of geophysical and geological data, the availability of financing on reasonable terms, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals in a timely manner, the results of planned exploration activities, and assumptions regarding market conditions and commodity prices. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in commodity prices, the outcome of current and future exploration and drilling programs, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, the ability to secure financing and maintain access to capital markets, delays or inability to obtain necessary permits, approvals or licences, political and regulatory risks, environmental risks, and other risks related to mineral exploration and development. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Rovanpera begins F1 path with first F2 test Two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanpera has begun his transition from world rally to single-seaters, completing his first test in an older Formula 2 car ahead of a planned switch to circuit racing with Toyota's full support. Ayao Komatsu, Mexican GP 2025 Haas The 25-year-old Finn, who will contest Super Formula in 2026 as part of a longer-term plan toward Formula 1, posted photos from his first F2 test on social media, describing the experience as both demanding and exciting. Driving is physically quite tough as I knew, he wrote. There are a lot of G-forces which are hard to replicate and will take some time to get used to, so happy I managed to get this seat time and can't wait for more. The run is understood to have taken place before his departure for the Rally Japan, with Rovanpera using an older-generation F2 car as part of an initial acclimatisation program organised under Toyota's driver development framework. His move marks one of the most ambitious cross-disciplinary shifts in modern motorsport. Speaking to Ilta-Sanomat, former Indy 500 driver Tero Palmroth praised the decision as a huge story for international motorsport and a courageous leap straight from the heart. Kalle's project fits perfectly with Toyota's global motorsport ambitions, Palmroth added, noting the manufacturer's growing cooperation with the Haas F1 team. This is a huge opportunity for Toyota in terms of marketing and storytelling - and it's completely genuine. Palmroth believes Rovanpera's mental strength will be a decisive advantage. He's raced under immense pressure for years. Younger track drivers may have better technical familiarity, but Kalle has life experience and composure they lack. He's realistic, humble, and not expecting a red carpet. While Rovanpera's long-term goal is clear, speculation about an eventual F1 seat - particularly at Haas - has already begun circulating given Toyota's expanding presence at the small American team. But team boss Ayao Komatsu was quick to dismiss any immediate connection. Rovanpera at Haas? That's not in our plans at all, Komatsu told motorsport-total.com. Toyota's interests are separate from ours. If he's good, great - but he's not in our current plans. (GMM) Apple is currently seeding the iOS 26.1 update to all compatible iPhone models. The company is also rolling out iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, watchOS 26.1, and tvOS 26.1 to users. The iOS 26.1 update includes a new Liquid Glass toggle that lets users choose between clear and tinted UI elements. Apple has also finally added a toggle to turn off the Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera option. The update includes improvements to Apple Music, Local Capture, FaceTime audio, Alarms, and Apple Intelligence. Apple claims that the iOS 26.1 update improves sound quality in FaceTime audio as well. Furthermore, Live Translation with AirPods gets support for Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Korean. The Fitness app now offers a manual workout logging option. With iPadOS 26.1, users get access to a new Slide Over multitasking feature and a new Apple Vision Pro app. macOS Tahoe 26.1 offers design improvements and better safety. The Image Playground feature now supports third-party image generation models as well. The updates also bring bug fixes and security enhancements across the board. These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Sony has already released the update to Android 16 for the Xperia 1 VII, Xperia 1 VI, and Xperia 10 VI, and now the rollout is finally also starting to reach the Xperia 10 VII, which was launched in September. Sony Xperia 10 VII 5G These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. 128GB 8GB RAM 449.00 388.41 Show all prices The update is headed to the mid-ranger over-the-air and identifies as build 72.1.A.2.65. It's a 1GB download, so make sure to grab it on a sufficiently fast network. So far, reports say it's widely available in Europe and Japan, with more markets undoubtedly getting it soon. The changelog is extensive and includes Modes, which let you block notifications to help you concentrate in situations like driving, working, or sleeping. You also get a new Recommended option in display quality settings, there's a new way to set the screen's white balance, there's a new way to turn Side sense on and off, you get the ability to open the lock screen settings from the home screen, and you can now check the battery's status too. Finally, Screen mirroring is available in the Quick settings panel through the Cast function. If you have an Xperia 10 VII, you can manually check for the update by going to Settings > About Phone > Software Update. If you're interested in learning more about the Xperia 10 VII, don't miss our full review. You can also take a look at our video review embedded above. Source Haiti - FLASH : Cap-Haitien Prison, Welcome to Hell The Association of Volunteers for the Reintegration of Prisoners (AVRED-Haiti) visited the Cap-Haitien prison to assess the current state of the facilities and the living conditions of the inmates. The findings are alarming and reflect a detention situation marked by a severe deterioration of both human and material conditions. The prison currently holds 841 inmates : 30 women (5 of whom are convicted), 16 minors (1 of whom is convicted), and 795 men (122 of whom are convicted). These figures reveal a dramatic overcrowding situation (the prison is designed for 500 inmates) which significantly worsens the already precarious living conditions of the prisoners. The overcrowded cells lack ventilation and light and emit foul odors due to the unsanitary conditions of the sanitary facilities. The association observed 20 people suffering from infectious, contagious, and skin diseases without receiving adequate care. The clinic, in a state of advanced disrepair, has only one doctor and one nurse for the entire prison population, a situation unworthy of a state governed by the rule of law. Hygiene conditions are alarming: the kitchen is dirty and unsanitary, the toilets are overflowing, and the lack of a proper sanitation system exposes the inmates to serious health risks. The main building is cracked and dilapidated, threatening to collapse, while the electricity shortage plunges the prison into near-permanent darkness. Beyond the material aspects, AVRED-Haiti denounces a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights : lack of legal assistance (85% are in pretrial detention and have not been tried), deprivation of adequate healthcare, food insecurity, and lack of access to educational and reintegration programs. No framework exists to support detainees toward social and professional transformation, which is essential for reducing recidivism. This outrageous and unacceptable situation calls upon the young people involved in the Association, as well as the entire civil society. AVRED advocates for urgent intervention by the State and its partners to guarantee the human dignity of those deprived of their liberty, in accordance with national and international human rights standards. The deprivation of liberty must in no way mean the deprivation of dignity. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Elections : Only candidates of exemplary morality ! Patrick Pelissier, Minister of Justice and Public Security, promises that measures will be taken to prevent the use of illicit funds in financing election campaigns, recalling that a budget of 3 billion gourdes is allocated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to finance political parties. According to him, only candidates of exemplary morality will be allowed to run in the upcoming elections. Rape : Severe Aly reported to the IGPNH Officer Severe Aly, accused of raping a 16-year-old girl who was in police custody under his supervision at the Saint-Marc police station (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46125-haiti-justicea-fugitive-police-officer-wanted-for-rape-on-minor.html), appeared on the morning of November 3rd, 2025, at the General Inspectorate of the Haitian National Police (IGPNH) for an administrative hearing. Following his hearing, Officer Severe Aly was transferred to the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ). This marks the transition from an administrative investigation to a formal judicial inquiry. Melissa : EU Releases 2 Million The EU has released 2 million to be allocated to those affected by the crisis in Haiti, where unprecedented gang violence continues to threaten numerous communities and force people to flee. These funds will be used to provide food aid and support to displaced persons. Haiti's Ambassador to Canada Meets with Students On Thursday, October 30, 2025, Anthony Dessources, Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to Canada, received a delegation from the University of Ottawa Student Club (CEHUO). This initial courtesy meeting allowed Ambassador Dessources to gain a better understanding of the Haitian student community at uOttawa and the activities undertaken by the club to promote Haitian values and support Haitian students at the University of Ottawa. Mr. Dessources commended CEHUO's commitment and reaffirmed his desire to strengthen collaboration between the diplomatic mission and Haitian student organizations in Canada. 15,000 Hot Meals Distributed As part of the Kantin Mobil (KM) program, FAES carried out a major distribution of 15,000 hot meals (sticky rice and stew) to internally displaced persons in Port-au-Prince and Petion-Ville on Saturday, November 1st, 2025. The meals were distributed at several locations: 2,200 at Club International, Freres, Petion-Ville 2,100 at DDO, Rue Duncombe, Port-au-Prince 5,400 at the MORMON Site, Avenue Christophe 1,300 at the OPL Site, Avenue Christophe 1,000 at Sogesol, Lalue 3,000 at Communications 1, Bois-Verna This action reaffirms FAES's commitment to supporting the most vulnerable populations with consistency and dignity. HL/ HaitiLibre AI manufacturer OpenAI has apparently recorded a loss in the double-digit billions in the third quarter. This is suggested by Microsoft's current quarterly report. The loss at OpenAI could amount to up to 12.1 billion US dollars. Continue after ad Although OpenAI itself is not listed on the stock exchange and therefore does not publish financial reports. This is different for listed investors like Microsoft. The company holds 27 percent of OpenAI; in the current quarterly report, Microsoft therefore also communicates publicly about the status of its OpenAI investment. Microsoft includes OpenAI losses According to this, Microsoft has given a total of 11.6 billion US dollars of the total promised 13 billion US dollars in capital for OpenAI by September 30, 2025, as the company writes on page 9 of the report. Microsoft accounts for its stake in the AI manufacturer using the equity method, whereby profits or losses of an investee company are directly included in its revenues or expenses. In OpenAI's case, unfortunately, there are losses: The net profit and diluted earnings per share for the current year have been negatively impacted by net losses from investments in OpenAI, leading to a decrease in net profit and diluted earnings per share by 3.1 billion US dollars and 0.41 US dollars, respectively, Microsoft explicitly writes on page 33 of the quarterly report. Microsoft itself made a quarterly profit of 27.7 billion US dollars, and in its past fiscal year, the company first exceeded the mark of 100 billion dollars in annual profit. Significantly deeper in the red than in the previous year Tech startups like OpenAI are often not profitable in their early years. But in the quarter in question, the extent is enormous when comparing the current losses reported by Microsoft with the same quarter of the previous year. At that time, Microsoft still reported a decrease in net profit by 523 million US dollars, or seven US cents of diluted earnings per share, also to be read in the current quarterly report. Read also Warnings of the AI bubble bursting are increasing Of course, only the percentage share of OpenAI's total quarterly losses that Microsoft holds in the AI manufacturer's company shares is included in this calculation. This amounts to 27 percent. Projected, this would mean that OpenAI made a total loss of 11.5 billion US dollars in this quarter. The tech portal The Register confirmed to Microsoft upon inquiry that the Microsoft figures relate to the current fiscal year, which started on July 1. The Register wanted to ensure that the figures really relate to the quarterly period up to September 30. Before tax deductions, Microsoft reports the loss from the OpenAI investment with the sum of 4.1 billion US dollars (Non-GAAP, see page 37 of the quarterly report). Continue after ad Microsoft's stake recently changed There are also higher estimates for OpenAI's quarterly loss. The Wall Street Journal assumes a loss of around 12 billion. The author attributes this to the size of Microsoft's stake, which has changed due to a restructuring of parts of OpenAI from a non-profit structure to a for-profit structure. In the pure non-profit structure, Microsoft still held 32.5 percent of the company shares, now only 27.5 percent. Since OpenAI itself does not publish financial reports, the figures cannot be viewed in relation to other business metrics. The company has not yet commented on inquiries from various media outlets. However, CEO Sam Altman is likely to view the high losses calmly if his statements at a Stanford University event last year are to be believed. The moderator wanted to know from him how OpenAI intends to monetize considering the high operating expenses. Altman initially referred to OpenAI's approach of making its AI models available to the world as early as possible and gradually establishing its technology. Whether the company is now burning 500 million per year, or five billion, or 50 billion is irrelevant to him. I really don't care, as long as I think we're on a path where we ultimately create a lot more value for society, he explained, referring to the development of general artificial intelligence. That is absolutely worth itas long as we find a way to pay the bills. See also minute 11:53 of the recording: Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Inhalt geladen. Externen Inhalt jetzt laden (nen) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. The German government is surprisingly advocating at the European level to exclusively assign the entire upper 6 GHz frequency band to mobile communications. This would leave the fixed-line and WLAN industries at a disadvantage. "The frequency requirements of mobile network operators in the upper 6 GHz band are assessed as greater with a view to future 6G applications" than those of WLAN users, a spokesperson for the responsible Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDS) explained to heise online. "Considering the needs of various interest groups," prioritizing 6G appears to be "the most appropriate solution." Continue after ad In the frequency dispute that has been simmering for years, companies such as Deutsche Giganetz, Deutsche Glasfaser, EWE TEL, Fritz, HPE, Lancom, and NetCologne, along with associations from the broadband, energy, and municipal sectors, see the performance of fiber optic networks and Europe's competitiveness as being endangered. They called on Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) just last week to release the entire spectrum in the range of 6425 7125 MHz for license-free WLAN use. This is crucial to be able to utilize the full performance of the fiber optic networks built in Germany with considerable effort. The BMDS counters that it is advocating "for efficient use of the upper 6 GHz frequency band" at the EU level. Naturally, the protection of existing services will be considered in the plea for mobile communications. The department will now represent this position in the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG). This group is the frequency advisory body of the EU Commission. It is expected to adopt its political statement on the long-term use of the upper 6 GHz band on November 12. This position serves as a recommendation for the Commission in establishing binding usage conditions in the Radio Spectrum Committee, which will then be implemented in the member states. "Fatal Misjudgment" For Lisia Mix-Bieber, Head of Federal and European Policy at the Federal Association for Broadband Communication (Breko), the German government's direction is based on a "fatal misjudgment." She speaks of a "severe disappointment for Europe's digital location". Instead of strengthening free WLAN use by all citizens and efficiently bringing the bandwidths possible thanks to fiber optics to all mobile devices, reserving the frequencies for mobile communication corporations would bring no immediate benefit. Even in the long term, 5G and 6G radio operation in this spectrum could at best marginally improve network coverage in urban areas, estimates Mix-Bieber. Such a step would therefore be "a misdecision both from a technical and an economic perspective." The German position should therefore not find a majority at the European level. Instead, the RSPG should recommend to the Commission that at least 320 MHz in the upper 6 GHz band be kept free for license-free WLAN use. Currently, only the lower part of the 6 GHz band (5945 6425 MHz) in the EU is intended for high-performance WLAN (Wi-Fi 6E). The upper 6 GHz band is still reserved for existing applications such as certain fixed wireless services (Fixed Links) for point-to-point radio and various satellite services. New, large-scale applications like Wi-Fi 7 or 6G are not yet permitted to operate harmonized there, as a final allocation decision is pending. Continue after ad (nen) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. Researchers at Diaconia University of Applied Sciences released the report on Monday. It is the first comprehensive statistical review of the impact of foreign-language speakers on Finlands economy and labour market. Immigrants in Finland contribute more to public finances than they cost, according to a new report based on national statistics. The study challenges common claims that immigration places a burden on the welfare system. The study found that in 2023, foreign-language speakers paid 2.7 billion in taxes and received 2.4 billion in social transfers. Their net contribution was 225 million. By comparison, native-language speakers had a negative balance of 5 billion for the same year. The researchers used full population data from Statistics Finland and the Social Insurance Institution (Kela), including tax, employment, demographic and benefit records. Foreign-language speakers were identified based on mother tongue, not nationality, to ensure greater accuracy. Foreign-language speakers make up about 10 percent of the Finnish population, but only 5 percent of all social transfers. Their employment rate was 61 percent, higher than the 50 percent rate among Finnish or Swedish speakers. Pekka Myrskyla, one of the authors, said the figures prove that general perceptions about immigrants dependency on welfare are not supported by evidence. The idea that immigrants are a fiscal burden does not hold up when you look at the actual data, he said. Sakari Kainulainen, the reports co-author, added that the economic support ratio of foreign-language speakers is now almost equal to that of the rest of the population. This means their presence does not significantly increase the pressure on those in work. There has been a deliberate tendency to present immigrants in a negative light in public debate, but this is not backed by statistics, Kainulainen said. The study also highlighted that foreign-language speakers are more active in the labour market than often assumed. Their labour force participation rate is higher than that of native speakers. The report, titled Migrants in Finland: Threat to the welfare state or only hope?, was based on the most recent full-year data available. It examined the entire working-age population living permanently in Finland at the end of 2024. All taxable and non-taxable income, including social assistance and child benefits, were included. The researchers argue that these findings should guide public policy. Kainulainen stressed that immigration is a politically sensitive issue and that decisions must be based on reliable data, not speculation or fear. Immigration is a contested topic right now. Thats why it is essential to rely on verified information, not assumptions, he said. The authors called for greater use of official statistics in political debate. They also urged decision-makers and media to avoid spreading negative narratives about immigrants, especially when data suggests they are a net benefit to society. Politicians should stop feeding public suspicion toward immigrants. Immigration is central to maintaining Finlands workforce and demographic sustainability, Kainulainen said. HT The affected companies had been under liquidation since August, when parent company Lakea oy filed for bankruptcy. The ruling was handed down on Tuesday 4 November. Touko Raitis , a court-appointed administrator, confirmed he had been assigned to oversee the bankrupt estates. Twenty-three housing cooperatives linked to collapsed Finnish housing developer Lakea have been declared bankrupt by the Ostrobothnia District Court. The company had previously sought corporate restructuring in May, but cancelled its application after creditors filed their own bankruptcy motions. Among the petitioners were Kuntarahoitus and Handelsbanken, which together sought the bankruptcy of all 23 companies. The only exception is Turun Nuutinkulma, which was not included in the courts decision. The reason for its exclusion remains unclear. The decision affects a nationwide portfolio of properties operating under Lakeas so-called Omaksi model. Under this system, residents paid both an upfront fee and monthly charges, with the promise of gradually acquiring full ownership of their flats over 20 years. All 24 Omaksi-model companies were rendered insolvent after the collapse of Lakea. Only one has so far avoided formal bankruptcy proceedings. Residents now face serious financial consequences. Over 200 households are estimated to have invested in Omaksi-model homes, with combined claims exceeding 10 million. Most stand to lose both their homes and their capital. The companies placed into bankruptcy are located across Finland, including Espoo, Jyvaskyla, Kuopio, Riihimaki, Seinajoki, Turku, Vaasa, Vantaa and Oulu. Notable entries include the three Puukuokka buildings in Jyvaskyla and four Lakea developments in Kuopio. Lakeas largest shareholder is the city of Seinajoki, which holds a stake of approximately 21.7 percent. Other shareholders include several local authorities and public institutions. As the financial crisis unfolded earlier this year, affected residents formed an association to coordinate their response. They have also filed a criminal complaint on behalf of 235 individuals. The National Bureau of Investigation is now examining allegations of misconduct. Charges under review include breach of contract, misleading marketing and misuse of company funds. Lakeas former chief executive Timo Mantila resigned shortly after the company applied for restructuring in May. The bankruptcy administrator is expected to begin assessing the companies assets and liabilities. In most cases, the properties are likely to be sold in an attempt to cover outstanding debts. HT Women were significantly more likely to express fear about escalation. According to the autumn 2025 Values and Attitudes Survey, 46 percent of Finns fear a major war spreading across Europe. About one-third, or 31 percent, do not consider it likely, while 22 percent remain unsure. Nearly half of the Finnish population believes the war in Ukraine may escalate into a wider European conflict in the near future, a new national survey shows. Among female respondents, 57 percent feared a large-scale war, compared to 37 percent of men. Levels of fear were also higher among those with lower educational backgrounds. Despite widespread concern, confidence in NATO has increased after a temporary dip earlier in the year. Thirty-eight percent of respondents now view NATOs collective defence guarantees as a credible deterrent against any attacks on its member states. This marked a six-point rise from spring 2025. A smaller share of the population, 32 percent, expressed doubt about NATOs deterrent capability. The remaining 30 percent were undecided. NATO membership remains broadly supported. Two-thirds (67 percent) of Finns view the alliance positively, while only 10 percent expressed negative views. About one in five (20 percent) remained neutral. Public trust in NATOs security guarantees declined earlier in 2025 following the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. Confidence has since partially recovered, but remains below the levels seen during Finlands NATO accession period in 20222023. Efforts to advance a peace deal in Ukraine have also stalled. A planned meeting in Budapest between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was cancelled in late October. The US withdrew after Russia refused to soften its conditions, which included territorial concessions from Ukraine and a guarantee that the country would not join NATO. The situation has worsened as both Russia and the United States raised nuclear threats. Russia resumed nuclear rhetoric, prompting the US to announce it would restart nuclear weapons testing. The survey results reflect growing public anxiety during this period of uncertainty. Differences between population groups remain visible. Men (48 percent) are more likely than women (28 percent) to see NATOs guarantees as a strong deterrent. Among party supporters, those backing the conservative National Coalition Party (65 percent) showed the highest confidence in NATO. In contrast, Left Alliance voters (26 percent) were the least trusting. Support for NATO was highest among National Coalition (90 percent) and Green League (79 percent) voters. It was also strong among Social Democratic Party (73 percent), Centre Party (71 percent) and Finns Party (69 percent) supporters. The lowest support appeared in municipalities with fewer than 4,000 residents (43 percent) and among Left Alliance voters (44 percent). The Finnish public continues to view national defence as the countrys primary security guarantee, even after NATO accession. Two-thirds (66 percent) of respondents said Finland must be able to defend itself under all circumstances. Only 19 percent rejected this view. Support for self-reliant defence was lower among Green League (51 percent) and Left Alliance (49 percent) voters. This contrast is notable given that these same groups also express lower trust in NATOs deterrent. Among respondents, 53 percent doubted whether NATO membership would result in practical help from other countries during a crisis. Only 28 percent believed member states would reliably support Finland in such a case. This scepticism was most common among Finns Party (64 percent) and Left Alliance (59 percent) voters. Both groups have historically shown more critical views of NATO. While Finns Party supporters have become somewhat more favourable toward NATO under Trumps presidency, doubts about international solidarity persist. Despite varying levels of trust in NATO, support for European Union defence cooperation remains broad. The Values and Attitudes Survey suggests that many Finns, including those sceptical of NATO, view EU security collaboration as a valuable complement to the alliance. HT The Ministry of Education and Culture has granted the first five permits for municipalities and institutions to organise the programme. The approvals went to the cities of Helsinki, Tampere, Jyvaskyla, Oulu and Pori. Finland will introduce English-language upper secondary education in August 2026 as part of a government plan to expand international education opportunities. The new curriculum will be offered at Helsinki School of Languages, Pyynikki Upper Secondary School in Tampere, Jyvaskyla Lyceum, Oulu Lyceum and Pori Upper Secondary School. The programme will be available to around 200 students per year. Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz said the initiative supports Finlands ability to attract international families and serve returning Finnish citizens. The reform strengthens Finlands appeal to international actors and returnees. It also improves the educational rights of students who do not have strong skills in Finnish or Swedish, he said in a statement on Monday. The government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo included the measure in its current programme. The aim is to provide full upper secondary education for students whose language proficiency would otherwise prevent them from completing the Finnish matriculation exam. In the English-language curriculum, students will follow the national upper secondary school requirements but in English. The option is designed for young people who cannot complete education in Finnish or Swedish. This includes foreign nationals, children of expatriates returning to Finland, or long-term residents from international backgrounds. Despite the English-language instruction, the programme includes mandatory studies in Finnish or Swedish as a second language. All students must take a national exam in Finnish or Swedish as a second language and literature as part of their matriculation assessment. The first students to complete the English-language matriculation examination will do so in autumn 2028. HT Fletcher man, 27, charged with 8 counts of exploitation of minor Tristen James Bradley Law officers charged a 27-year-old Fletcher man with eight counts of second-degree exploitation of a minor after an investigation by the Henderson County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the sheriff's office announced. Related Stories With the assistance of the Fletcher Police Department and Department of Homeland Security, the task force executed a search warrant at a residence in the town of Fletcher on Oct. 23. As a result, Tristen James Bradley was charged with the eight offenses. Bradley was arrested by the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office and taken into custody without incident. He is currently being held at the Henderson County jail. Under North Carolina law, a person commits the offense of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor if, knowing the character or content of the material, the person records, photographs, films, develops, or duplicates material that contains a visual representation of a minor engaged in sexual activity and distributes, transports, exhibits, receives, sells, purchases, exchanges the material. Anyone with additional information regarding Bradley was asked to contact the sheriff's office or use the submit a tip feature available on the mobile app. China Enterprise Forum calls for strengthening innovation-driven development Xinhua) 10:58, November 04, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- High-profile guests gathered in Beijing on Monday for the 8th China Enterprise Forum, which focused on strengthening strategic resolve and advancing innovation-driven development among Chinese enterprises. The forum, initiated by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and Xinhua News Agency, will run through Tuesday. At the main session on Monday, ACFIC Chairman Gao Yunlong urged Chinese entrepreneurs to build solid capabilities, deepen collaboration, pool development synergy, and achieve new milestones in advancing Chinese modernization. Zhang Yuzhuo, chairman of the SASAC, called on enterprises of all types to work together in advancing industrial upgrading, achieving self-reliance and strength in science and technology, deepening reform and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation. Liu Jian, vice president of Xinhua News Agency, stated that Xinhua has long been committed to covering China's economy and the development of Chinese enterprises. He emphasized that Xinhua will enhance collaboration with all sectors, continue to leverage its advantages, and contribute to corporate innovation, industrial upgrading, and the high-quality development of the economy. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Chinese FM holds phone talks with German counterpart Xinhua) 11:02, November 04, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday held phone talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the request of the German side. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the important experience drawn from the development of China-Germany relations is that both respect each other, the guiding principle should be win-win cooperation and the proper positioning of bilateral ties is partnership. For China and Germany, both major countries and important economies, maintaining sound and steady development of bilateral relations serves the interests of both nations, meets the expectations of all parties, and contributes to global peace and stability, he said. Wang pointed out that, given the differences in history, culture, and social systems between China and Germany, divergences are inevitable. The two sides should maintain communication and dialogue, enhance mutual understanding, dispel misunderstandings and strengthen mutual trust, while avoiding "microphone diplomacy" and unfounded accusations that run counter to facts, he said. The Taiwan question is China's internal affair and concerns China's core interests, sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Wang, adding that the one-China principle is the most important political foundation of China-Germany relations. China has given its unconditional support to Germany's reunification, Wang noted, expressing hope that Germany, having experienced the pain of division itself, can fully understand and support China's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose all forms of "Taiwan independence." He called for establishing a more stable and sustainable policy framework to ensure that bilateral relations always stay on the right track. For his part, Wadephul noted that Germany attaches great importance to its relations with China. He said that the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security held during Wang's visit to Germany in July was highly successful and that both sides had a good, constructive and fruitful dialogue. The German foreign minister expressed his expectation to visit China at the earliest convenient time for the Chinese side to have in-depth communication on major issues including those concerning bilateral relations. Germany's position on the one-China policy remains unchanged, Wadephul said, adding that Germany is willing to conduct close exchanges and dialogue with China in various fields, properly manage differences, and push forward the Germany-China comprehensive strategic partnership. Wang extended a welcome to Wadephul for a visit to China in due time. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles claimed a Democratic lawmaker expressed support for his campaign to deport Democratic Socialist and New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, saying they hope it is "successful." Ogles appeared Thursday on "The Benny Show," a podcast hosted by conservative commentator Benny Johnson, where he made a stunning claim about bipartisan support for his efforts against Mamdani. "I had a Democratic member of Congress come up to me on the House floor yesterday," Ogles said. "And he said, 'You know what, this is officially where I'd say you're a horrible human being for targeting Zohran in New York. But the reality is, we hope, we as Democrats, hope you're successful because he's the worst thing that's ever happened to our party.'" Ogles: "I had a Democratic member of Congress come up to me on the House floor yesterday. And he said, 'This is officially where I'd say you're a horrible human being for targeting Zohran in NY, but the reality is we as Democrats hope you're successful because he's the worst pic.twitter.com/R6A2yjkhlv Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 3, 2025 "That's a Democratic member of Congress coming to me on the House floor and thanking me for targeting this knucklehead, because he's a Socialist Marxist," Ogles continued. "He's gonna destroy the city of New York." The former Tennessee mayor went on to argue that Mamdani "represents everything that's wrong with the Democratic Party," claiming Mamdani's run will help Republicans win the midterms and the White Houseagainin four years. Last week, Ogles sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging a federal investigation into whether Mamdani, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Uganda, could potentially be deported for past statements, including a rap performance in which he called for the release of the Holy Land Five. The group of five men was convicted and sentenced to between 15 and 65 years in prison in 2008 for allegedly supporting terrorism, money laundering and tax fraud through the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that, if true, Ogles' accusation warrants an investigation. President Donald Trump has also condemned Mamdani, warning that he could face arrest if he interferes with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Originally published on Latin Times A Democratic representative slammed his own party's candidate in the New York City mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani, calling him a "job-killing socialist" and saying he is not really a Democrat. New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer rebuked the Democratic Socialist candidate and New York state representative, claiming that Mamdani supported "antisemitic rhetoric" during a Thursday appearance on CNBC's "Squawk Box." "We don't need a job-killing socialist who wants to raise taxes and supports antisemitic rhetoric in a city with the highest taxes in the country and the highest Jewish population in the country," Gottheimer said. Rep. Josh Gottheimer after attending DC meeting with Mamdani: We don't need a job-killing socialist who wants to raise taxes and supports antisemitic rhetoric Democratic socialists are not Democrats. Bernie Sanders is an independent. He's not even a Democrat. pic.twitter.com/nu93v5KJk2 Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) July 17, 2025 The lawmaker's statements came the same day he announced a resolution to condemn the phrase "Globalize the Intifada." The resolution came one day after business leaders met with Mamdani, during which he said he would discourage use of the phrase, the Wall Street Journal reported. While some, like Gottheimer, believe the phrase threatens violence against Israel and Jewish individuals, pro-Palestine activists say the phrase is meant to vocalize opposition to Israel's occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. After winning the Democratic primary in June, Mamdani insisted that he grounds his leadership in universal human rights while speaking with NBC's "Meet the Press." The New Jersey representative then went on to bash Mamdani's campaign platforms, suggesting that Democrats are already tackling making life more affordable for Americans. "We need common sense," the lawmaker said. "Democrats are willing to solve problems, make life more affordable for people, take on higher taxes and actually make sure that places run. Whether it's rent or mortgages, we do everything we can to make life more affordable for people." According to Mamdani's campaign, his plan to bring down the cost of living, including building affordable housing and free childcare, will be paid for by implementing a 2% tax on the top 1% of New Yorkers. Gottheimer added that he believes Democratic socialism does not fall within the Democratic party, noting that progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders is an independent. "Let me be clear: Socialist Democrats are not Democrats they're not in the Democratic party," he added. "Bernie Sanders is an independent, he's not even a Democrat. So I don't know why we would follow that approach." Mamdani is up against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams, who are running as independents, as well as Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and independent candidate Jim Walden. Originally published on Latin Times 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. Whitbread plc, owner of Premier Inn - the UK's largest hotel brand - has received planning consent to transform Verity House, a vacant office building in the South Bank area of Leeds city centre, into a 131-room hotel. Seeing the opportunity to capitalise on a highly accessible location minutes from Leeds Railway Station and the scenic waterfront of Granary Wharf, the FTSE-100 hotel company purchased the 44,000 sq ft (GIA) former office building at risk in October 2024. A planning application for the development was submitted to Leeds City Council in May 2025. Last week, the crucial section 106 agreement between Whitbread and the Council was signed, effectively paving the way for the development to proceed, following the delegation of decision-making to the city's planners. Construction work is expected to commence in early 2026 and complete in Spring 2027. On opening, Verity House will complement three trading Premier Inns in Leeds city centre with a new 143-bedroom Premier Inn at Leeds Harewood Quarter also under contract as part of a Council-led redevelopment. The new Premier Inn at Verity House will offer the latest format Premier Inn 'Standard' and 'Premier Plus' bedrooms. Based on a mature occupancy of more than 80%, Whitbread expects more than 57,000 of its guests will stay at the Premier Inn at Verity House every year generating an additional 5.5 million in visitor expenditure annually - half of which is expected to be spent in Leeds city centre. This latest investment in the city forms an important part of Whitbread's strategy of expanding its hotel network in the north of England. Across the region, the company is searching for more than 20 new Premier Inn locations, in addition to 15 targets in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as it grows its estate towards a long-term potential target of 125,000 UK & Ireland rooms. As part of Whitbread's Force for Good sustainability strategy, all Whitbread self-built or converted hotels will be powered solely by renewable electricity from 2025, and the company has a stated target to reduce water consumption per sleeper by 20% by 2030. Hotel website Hotel Riu Palace Calypso, located on Jandia beach in the Canary Islands, has just opened its doors following a full refurbishment that has expanded its dining options, redesigned all its spaces, improved accessibility and enhanced sea views from all parts of hotel, including all the rooms. Through the renovation, the hotel has been upgraded to RIU Palace's top-of-the-line option and has been adapted to be part of RIU's Adults Only concept. The 4-star hotel still has 248 rooms and all of them have been completely renovated. The room terraces now offer an even more spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. The new design for the rooms is characterised by a timeless and elegant aesthetic, using a neutral colour palette. The refurbishment has created a calm and contemporary atmosphere that promotes guest relaxation. All of Hotel Riu Palace Calypso's communal areas have been completely renovated. The lobby has been extended and redesigned to optimise sea views from the moment the guest steps foot in the hotel, and to enhance natural light by using materials that promote brightness and spaciousness. The result is a design that exudes freshness and modernity, without losing the essence of classic style. More communal areas have also been added, including a new lounge bar outside, another one inside and a solarium with Balinese beds, ideal for the Adults Only hotel chilled outatmosphere. The hotel's dining options have become even more rich and refined to include three options with the addition of the Krystal restaurant, a gourmet a la carte space that complements the main restaurant and the snack bar, which have also been fully refurbished. Once again, natural light is key in the main restaurant's design, creating a space with personality through elegance and simplicity. In line with the company's Proudly Committed sustainability strategy, the refurbishment includes significant energy efficient improvements in all facilities and the installation of solar panels. All baths have been replaced with showers in the rooms and filters have been installed in order to reduce water flow. The pool now runs with a salt water chlorination system. The hotel has improved accessibility in all its communal areas and has increased the number of accessible rooms to eight. RIU has a total of 16 hotels in the Canary Islands: seven in Gran Canaria, four in Tenerife, one in Lanzarote and another four in Fuerteventura. Hotel Riu Palace Calypso's refurbishment is the latest on a long list of renovations over the last few years, which demonstrates the chain's solid commitment to the Canary Islands, RIU's most important destination in Europe in terms of number of rooms and team members. For further information please visit: www.riu.com Hotel website United Hospitality Management (UHM) has announced the appointment of Matthieu Busschaert as General Manager at the soon-to-launch Creekside Hotel Dubai by Accor. The industry leader brings over two decades of global hospitality experience having produced transformative work during his time in ultra-luxury, lifestyle and boutique hotels across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the United States. Most recently, Busschaert served as General Manager for the MGallery Hotel Collection in Manila where he spearheaded the property's pre-opening, ensuring it became one of only five hotels featured in the Michelin Guide Philippines in both 2024 and 2025. Under his leadership, the hotel consistently achieved guest satisfaction scores exceeding 95 percent while also earning recognition for its elevated service culture and curated guest experiences. Klaus Assmann, COO, Middle East, Southeast Asia & India of United Hospitality Management, said: "We are delighted to welcome Matthieu to the UHM family. His deep experience in pre-openings, strong operational acumen, and commitment to authentic guest engagement make him the ideal leader to bring our vision for this property to life." As General Manager at Creekside Hotel Dubai by Accor, Busschaert will be tasked with leading all aspects of the hotel's final pre-opening phase, talent recruitment, brand integration and operational launch, setting the stage for another milestone in United Hospitality Management's growing portfolio of luxury and lifestyle properties. Highly regarded within the industry, Busschaert's previous roles include senior leadership positions at globally recognised brands such as Fairmont, Raffles and Sofitel where he oversaw operations, brand development, along with F&B excellence across complex hotel ecosystems. From launching award-winning rooftop venues in Vietnam to optimizing flagship F&B concepts in Dubai and Cannes, Busschaert has demonstrated an unmatched ability to blend operational precision with creative vision. A graduate of Ecole de Savignac and Cornell University, Busschaert holds a bachelor's degree from Sorbonne Universite having also completed international programmes at Johnson & Wales University. As a fluent speaker of both French and English, with a solid knowledge of Spanish, he brings a multicultural leadership style to his new role with Creekside Hotel Dubai by Accor. Dubai, UAE - The First Group Hospitality announced the signing of multiple hotel management agreements during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World, reaffirming its position as one of the regions fastest-growing hotel management firms. In a signing ceremony on the first day of the summit, The First Group Hospitality revealed the strategic rebranding of three flagship Dubai properties under Marriott Internationals Tribute Portfolio and Autograph Collection brands: The First Collection Marina, Dubai, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; The First Collection Waterfront, Dubai, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; and Hotel Local Dubai, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Autograph Collection. Located in three of Dubais most dynamic districts Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Jumeirah Village Triangle - the rebranded hotels underscore the Dubai-headquartered third-party operators commitment to creating distinctive lifestyle destinations while leveraging Marriotts global brand reach and loyalty platform. On the following day, The First Group Hospitality announced the signing of Radisson RED Marjan Island with BB Holding. Set to open in 2027, the 261-key property will be the first franchised Radisson RED in the UAE, expanding the companys footprint into Al Marjan Island, one of Ras Al Khaimahs flagship developments and home to top resorts and attractions catering to both slow-paced escapes and action-packed adventures. In a third signing ceremony, The First Group Hospitality revealed the launch of Gennadi Seaside Resort in Rhodes, Greece, representing the management companys entry into Europe. These milestone signings reflect The First Group Hospitalitys expanding collaboration with leading global hotel groups who trust us to manage flagship properties in the UAE and beyond. We sincerely thank our partners for their confidence in our vision and continued support throughout this growth journey. The variety of management agreements demonstrates our versatility as third-party operators to work across a spectrum of properties, from midscale to luxury, from city hotels to beach resorts. Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group The string of deals signed at FHS World comes amid strong momentum for The First Group Hospitalitys hotel portfolio. Beyond the summit, the company and IHG Hotels & Resorts recently announced the signing of Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle, a 349-key hotel located 25 kilometres from Al Maktoum International Airport. This new addition under the IHG umbrella builds on a partnership that already includes landmark projects such as Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection soon to be the worlds tallest hotel. About The First Group The First Group Hospitality is a Dubai-headquartered, full-service hospitality management company specialising in hotel operations, asset management, and F&B strategy. With a team of industry veterans and a proven track record, the company delivers tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, optimise revenue, and maximise asset value for investors and hotel owners. As a trusted third-party hotel management provider, The First Group Hospitality partners with leading global brands to drive operational excellence and long-term profitability, thanks to expertise spanning property performance optimisation, cost management, and guest experience enhancement. Beyond management, The First Group Hospitality develops and operates a dynamic portfolio of upscale hotels, residences, and award-winning restaurants, creating high-value hospitality assets that stand out in the market. For more information, visit tfghospitality.com Brendan McCormack Vice President of Marketing The First Group Hospitality The First Group About GCP Hospitality GCP Hospitality is a hotel management company operating a diverse portfolio of independent hotels and hostels across the Asia-Pacific region. With properties ranging from luxury resorts to brand-forward hostels, GCP operates a highly adaptive, analytics-first approach to revenue and distribution. While direct bookings are an important goal, GCPs strategy centers on sustainable growth, healthy channel mix, and guest retention. To support that vision, GCP partners with Triptease for its New Zealand-based hostel brand, Haka House, leveraging Tripteases metasearch and messaging tools to build a forward-thinking direct booking strategy. We spoke with Vice President of Commercial Strategy, Michael Belanger, and Cluster Revenue Manager, Leo Fyot, to learn more. A balanced approach to direct bookings GCP takes a strategic approach when it comes to driving direct bookings. They appreciate the role that OTAs can play in a guest discovering a property, but they dont want to rely too much on these third parties. We dont necessarily set a specific target for any of our properties. Were mostly focusing on year-on-year growth. That comes down to retention, building loyalty, and making sure that weve got the best rates and best content on our direct channel. Michael Belanger, Vice President of Commercial Strategy GCPs goals differ by market and property. In key leisure destinations, they aim for direct bookings to make up 2030% of total reservations, while recognizing that some remote or once-in-a-lifetime destinations will likely see more OTA-driven demand. For their hostel properties, they often depend on OTAs to bring the guest to the first destination, and then try to convert the guest direct for their next stay. In New Zealand, there are some places that are the first point of contact for travelers, and wed often depend on OTAs for that first booking. So if a guest books through Booking.com for their Auckland stay, wed like them to book direct in Taupo or Queenstown or Rotorua. Michael Belanger, Vice President of Commercial Strategy They choose to work with Triptease to make sure that guests who come through OTAs continue as direct bookers. Metasearch: Ensuring that the final booking comes direct Metasearch plays a foundational role in GCPs direct booking strategy. While many guests first discover GCP properties through OTAs, metasearch becomes essential later in the booking journeyparticularly for rate-aware guests comparing prices across platforms. Tripteases AI-powered algorithm takes into account important levers on metasearch like rate parity, location, and length of stay, and bids higher in auctions where the searcher is most likely to convert. By bidding smarter, Triptease Metasearch drives an 18x ROAS for GCP hospitality and makes up 15% of direct revenue across the portfolio. Knowing that Triptease is making sure that bidding is optimized for when were in parity or cheaper than the OTAs really means that our money is well spent, and were not wasting money on auctions we wont win. Michael Belanger, Vice President of Commercial Strategy Tripteases ability to showcase rates effectively in the metasearch auction for single beds in a shared room (something that not all metasearch providers are equipped to do) is also key to GCPs success when promoting its hostel properties. Metasearch for hostels is a bit tricky, and weve been able to work closely with Tripteases product team to make sure that we really get the bang for our buck in the metasearch auction. Michael Belanger, Vice President of Commercial Strategy Website personalization that adapts to GCPs goals GCP uses Triptease Messages with nuance, depending on the unique needs of the property and its audience. Exit messaging in particular has proved extremely effective, driving over $170k in revenue by offering a discount to customers who look likely to leave the website without booking. Overall, these messages have over a 5% conversion rate. Exit messaging is an obvious one where, if you know the guest is about to leave your site, you definitely want to keep that line of communication open. Michael Belanger, Vice President of Commercial Strategy With messages being used by multiple team members, both at the corporate level and at individual properties, the overall ease of the platform has proven invaluable. Its very easy to create messages, and the information in the dashboard is great. Michael Belanger, Vice President of Commercial Strategy A platform that drives collaboration and adoption One of the standout benefits of Triptease for GCP isnt just performance: its usability. GCP is a large group, and while much of the revenue and marketing team sits at corporate level, property-level employees are also key to direct booking success. From on-property teams to senior leadership, the intuitive nature of the Triptease platform has made it accessible to all levels at GCP. Dashboards and data are easy to interpret, and adoption has been high even among teams without technical or marketing backgrounds. Its been very easy for us to encourage adoption at the hotel level because the system is intuitive. Even a GM can just look and see how much business theyre getting. In many ways its far better than Google Analytics, which gives too much information for someone not trained in digital marketing. We use it regularly in our performance reviews. Michael Belanger, Vice President of Commercial Strategy Looking ahead As GCP continues to expand its reach across the APAC region, its team remains focused on optimizing its channel mix, building loyalty, and adapting its distribution strategy to each unique market. With Triptease as a strategic partnernot just a tech providerGCP has the tools, flexibility, and support it needs to scale direct bookings thoughtfully. About Triptease Triptease helps hotels to fight back against Online Travel Agents (OTAs) by increasing direct bookings and attracting more valuable guests. Our full-funnel marketing solution uses unique price, market and customer data to help them personalize guest experiences, build direct relationships, reduce the cost of sale, and grow profits. Established over a decade ago, Triptease is trusted by over 13,000 hotels worldwide. Amsterdam, The Netherlands Social impact driven hospitality brand The Social Hub has unveiled a new-look marketing leadership team as it ramps up its European brand-building operation under Chief Marketing Officer Trix van der Vleuten. The new team reflects a renewed focus on international collaboration, creativity, and integrated campaign-led marketing and commercial efforts as The Social Hub enters a new phase of growth across the continent. The refreshed marketing structure brings together talent from some of the worlds leading consumer and lifestyle brands, spanning digital, brand, public affairs, and commercial marketing. It follows the appointment of former Edelman Italy corporate affairs lead Daniel Hernandez Lyon as Director of Global Communications in 2023. New appointments include Charlie Ayers, former Under Armour and Speedo brand leader, as Head of Brand; Rosa Dinnissen, Director of Global Public Affairs, ex-Airbnb Northern Europe Government Affairs lead, who previously served as a Strategic Advisor at the European Parliament; and Shirley Kind, previously Director of Sales & Services at Nederlandse Loterij, as Global Commercial Director. They join Jeffrey Kloezeman, Head of Social Media, known for pioneering brand activations on platforms such as TikTok and Roblox; Martina Nesti, Head of Global Activations and former Four Seasons Hotels marketing lead, who most recently led Marketing & Community efforts for The Social Hub in Italy; and Bridget OLone, ex-Booking.com and ex-Diageo, as Global Marketing Director. Together, the team is charged with shaping B Corp certified The Social Hubs next brand and commercial development chapter uniting local storytelling with global strategy to strengthen awareness, connection and consideration in every market across consumer and B2B audience segments. The Social Hub has built a truly unique brand rooted in community, creativity, and connection. As we expand across Europe, our goal is to elevate that story through integrated campaigns and global partnerships that emphasize the disruptive nature of our brand in the hospitality industry. This new marketing structure brings together some of the most talented creative and commercial minds in Europe from different industries. We have built a team with experience working on world-class platforms from the Olympic Games to globally recognised Superbowl commercials. Together, were creating a marketing engine built on culture, curiosity, and collaboration, one that helps The Social Hub become a household name in every city we call home. Van der Vleuten, who joined as CMO in 2024 following senior leadership roles at KFC Europe and Versuni (Philips domestic appliances The leadership team supports The Social Hubs ambition to grow its European footprint following recent openings in cities such as Glasgow, Rome, and Porto alongside planned launches in Turin and Lisbon. Founded by Scottish entrepreneur Charlie MacGregor and headquartered in Amsterdam, The Social Hub combines hotel, student, extended-stay, and coworking experiences under one roof, creating spaces designed for fostering connections and build community. The business operates more than 10,000 rooms and employs over 1,000 people across 21 hubs in 18 cities. With its new marketing vision, The Social Hub aims to shine a brighter light on its blend of world-class hospitality with social purpose, community connection, and meaningful campaigns and partnerships. For more information on The Social Hub and its leadership team, visit thesocialhub.co/our-story. About The Social Hub The Social Hub is a European hospitality brand that blends traditional hotel stays with a vibrant, community-focused experience for guests, coworkers, and locals. Founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Charlie MacGregor, the company redefines the role of hotels in cities offering spaces where people from all walks of life can learn, stay, work, & play but more importantly, connect with each other. Headquartered in Amsterdam and a Certified B Corporation, The Social Hub is built on a commitment to social and environmental impact. Its unique hybrid model combines premium design-led short and long-stay hotel rooms with student accommodation, coworking spaces, meeting and event facilities, restaurants and bars, 24-hour gyms, and open-to-the-public spaces like rooftops, parks, and cultural venues. With more than 10,000 rooms across 21 hubs in Europe's most dynamic cities including in Amsterdam (two hubs), Barcelona, Berlin, Bologna, Delft, Eindhoven, Florence (two hubs), Glasgow, Groningen, Maastricht, Madrid, Paris, Porto, Rome, Rotterdam, San Sebastian, The Hague, Toulouse, and Vienna The Social Hub creates inclusive environments that bring together diverse groups of people under one roof. The Social Hub also leads a wide-ranging social impact programme, including the TSH Talent Foundation which is supported by a pledge to donate 1% of the company's annual global revenues and hosts more than 6,000 community-centric events each year across Europe, helping spark new ideas and lasting connections in every city Two new hubs are currently under development in Lisbon and Turin. 2025 HFTP Annual Convention Showcases the Best of the Association: Professional Education, Leadership, and Networking - Image Credit HFTP The Annual Convention was held October 22-24 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla., with 465 professionals attending. Last week, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) hosted its signature education and membership event, the HFTP Annual Convention. The convention was held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. from October 2224, 2025 with 465 professionals in attendance. It offered an energizing and informative experience presenting education, industry insights, networking and celebration. The Annual Convention is HFTPs longest-running event, dating back to the associations 1952 origin, and this year showed no signs of this tradition letting up. While it has changed to match modern trends, the Annual Convention at its core continues to offer essential professional education, serves as an annual meet-up for HFTP member connections, and highlights HFTP volunteer leaders and outstanding members. HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE Each day of the convention was anchored by a Keynote or General session speaker. Starting Wednesday morning was Keynote Antonio Neves who used his own life lessons to instruct the audience on how to turn incremental progress into extraordinary success. Following the next morning, communications consultant LeAnne Lagasse, presented insights into emerging communication trends shaping future strategies for improved workplace retention and engagement. And closing the 2025 event was Kelly Smith, who spoke about techniques for cultivating a positive mindset that generates meaningful results. The Annual Conventions educational schedule was filled with sessions addressing the interests of hospitality financial and technology professionals. Session topics included: club technology, artificial intelligence, club accounting and financial strategies, practical sustainability, insurance cost management, fraud prevention, and USALI 12th Revised Edition. The program was designed by the HFTP Annual Convention Advisory Council who considered numerous presentation proposals and coordinated an agenda that best met the interests of attendees. HFTP provides a comprehensive space for learning and growing in your chosen career, with access to experienced peers to support any path you are navigating , said 2025 attendee Bill McEntyre, director of finance for OTH Hotels and Resorts. Another significant feature to the HFTP Annual Convention are its table-top exhibits, which comprised 33 exhibiting companies. The offerings included HR management, accounting software, club management software, robotics, and consulting firms. Attendees visited with company representatives during designated hours on the first two days. HFTP would like to extend a special thank you to the 2025 sponsors. Celebrating Industry Excellence A highlight of Annual Convention is the opportunity to honor exceptional individuals and chapters who demonstrate outstanding leadership, dedication and service to the hospitality profession. Please join us in congratulating this years award recipients: Association Awards 2025 Paragon Award : Christopher Garland : Christopher Garland 2025 Presidents Award : Katerina Berezina, Ph.D., CHTP, CRME, CHIA : Katerina Berezina, Ph.D., CHTP, CRME, CHIA 2025 CHAE of the Year: Rebecca Bennett, CHAE Chapter of the Year Awards HFTP Nashville Chapter - Tier A (135 members) HFTP North Texas Chapter - Tier B (3670 members) HFTP Gulf Coast Chapter - Tier C (71+ members) Student Chapter of the Year: HFTP Cougar Chapter University of Houston Also, at the HFTP Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, October 23, the 20252026 global leadership team was elected and installed. These new leaders will guide HFTPs ongoing mission to advance the industry through innovation, education, and leadership. A variety of media showcasing the event is available, including videos on the HFTP LinkedIn page and the official event photo album. The 2026 HFTP Annual Convention is already scheduled for September 2224 at the Peppermill Resort, Spa & Casino in Reno, Nev. Hyatt Expands Presence in India with New Hyatt Place Bhuj Hotel Opening in 2029 Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans to open Hyatt Place Bhuj in Gujarat, India, by 2029, marking the brand's entry into the city. Hyatt Hotels Corporation has signed an agreement to develop Hyatt Place Bhuj in Gujarat, India. The project, in partnership with Primitive Property LLP, will introduce the Hyatt Place brand to Bhuj, a city known for its cultural and corporate significance. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2029. The planned Hyatt Place Bhuj will occupy a site of approximately 7,500 square meters. The hotel will feature 125 guestrooms and offer a range of amenities, including an all-day restaurant, a lobby lounge, and conference facilities. Additional features will include breakout meeting rooms, outdoor dining options, and flexible event spaces with pre-function areas. The development of Hyatt Place Bhuj aligns with Hyatt's strategy to expand its presence in key Indian markets. The project aims to cater to both business and leisure travelers by providing accommodations that facilitate work and relaxation. The hotel will offer practical amenities, including free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food services. This initiative is part of Hyatt's broader efforts to grow its Hyatt Place portfolio across high-growth destinations in India. Royal Caribbean Announces 2027-28 Caribbean Itineraries - Image Credit Royal Caribbean Cruises Royal Caribbean has unveiled its 2027-28 schedule for Caribbean cruises, featuring a range of itineraries from Florida ports. Royal Caribbean has released its schedule for Caribbean cruises for the 2027-28 season, offering a variety of itineraries from Florida. The cruises will commence in April 2027, with options ranging from two to eight nights. The Star of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas will operate seven-night voyages from Port Canaveral, while the Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas will offer shorter trips from Port Canaveral and Miami, respectively. The Star of the Seas will provide seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, including visits to destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. The Harmony of the Seas, following enhancements in 2026, will also operate from Port Canaveral, offering similar seven-night itineraries to locations like St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Jamaica. From Miami, the Wonder of the Seas will offer three- and four-night trips to The Bahamas, including stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay. The Radiance of the Seas will be based in Tampa, offering a mix of four- to eight-night Western Caribbean cruises, with visits to Cozumel, Mexico. The 2027-28 schedule also marks Royal Caribbean's return to Samana in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the company plans to debut the Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in late 2027, with further details to be announced in 2026. Bookings for these itineraries are available to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members ahead of the general release on November 5. Image Credit CP Partners Whitbread has received planning consent to convert Verity House in Leeds into a 131-room Premier Inn hotel, with construction set to begin in early 2026. Whitbread has obtained planning approval to transform Verity House, a vacant office building in the South Bank area of Leeds city centre, into a 131-room Premier Inn hotel. The company purchased the 44,000-square-foot building in October 2024 and submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council in May 2025. The development was given the green light following the signing of a section 106 agreement between Whitbread and the Council. Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2026, with completion expected by spring 2027. The new hotel will be located near Leeds Railway Station and Granary Wharf, enhancing accessibility for guests. Upon opening, it will join three existing Premier Inn locations in Leeds city centre. Additionally, a 143-bedroom Premier Inn is under contract at Leeds Harewood Quarter as part of a Council-led redevelopment. The Verity House Premier Inn will feature the latest 'Standard' and 'Premier Plus' room formats. Whitbread projects that the hotel will operate at a mature occupancy rate of over 80%, attracting more than 57,000 guests annually. This is anticipated to generate approximately 5.5 million in visitor expenditure each year, with half expected to be spent in Leeds city centre. This project is part of Whitbread's broader strategy to expand its hotel network in northern England. The company is actively seeking more than 20 new locations in the region, alongside 15 potential sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland, aiming for a long-term target of 125,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland. In line with Whitbread's sustainability goals, all newly built or converted hotels will be powered by renewable electricity from 2025. The company also aims to reduce water consumption per sleeper by 20% by 2030. Verity House will be the first Premier Inn in Leeds City Centre located south of the River Aire. Radisson Hotel Group Opens First Park Inn by Radisson in Australia with Melbourne Hotel - Image Credit Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group has launched its first Park Inn by Radisson in Australia with the opening of Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton, located near Melbourne's central business district. Radisson Hotel Group has expanded its presence in Australia with the opening of Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton. This marks the debut of the Park Inn by Radisson brand in the country. The hotel is situated beside Princes Park, approximately 4 kilometers from Melbourne's central business district. The property features 89 guestrooms, offering views of Princes Park. The hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool and is developing a wellness hub that will feature an infrared and steam sauna, as well as a cold plunge experience. The hotel aims to provide a sustainable stay with up to 80% of its energy sourced from solar power. Water-saving measures include high-efficiency showerheads and taps, and the landscaping uses drought-tolerant native plants. Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton is situated near Lygon Street, renowned for its diverse dining options, and is conveniently close to the University of Melbourne and Melbourne's biomedical precinct. The hotel is accessible via tram routes and is positioned to serve visiting students, academics, and medical professionals. The hotel offers a lobby cafe serving Piazza D'oro Italian coffee and an all-day grab-and-go menu, catering to guests on the move. The opening of Park Inn by Radisson Melbourne Carlton is part of Radisson Hotel Group's strategy to expand the Park Inn by Radisson brand in key city and leisure markets within the region. Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. 10 Conferences That Should Be on Every Artists Calendar in Early 2026 This post collects information on top 10 North American music conferences in the first half of 2026 and how and when to apply. Whether youre an artist looking for meaningful performance opportunities or a label looking to showcase your artists, or youre just in need of immersing yourself in some of the most important and innovative conversations happening in the music industry, these conferences have something for everyone. But dont hesitate, some applications for presenting and performing are still open! Check all the links below for more information. Without further ado, here are our Top 10 North American music conferences (and festivals) happening in the first half of 2026. Where & When: New Orleans, Louisiana January 21-26, 2026 The Annual Folk Alliance International Conference is the largest gathering of folk musicians and music industry professionals in the world. This is an experience like no other. Music is around every corner. Legends, rising stars, and industry innovators share career-boosting insights. Three days of panels and workshops let you pick the brains of industry experts and legends. The application period for Official Artist Showcases is now closed. Register for tickets to the event here. Where & When: Los Angeles, California February 12, 2026 The ASCAP Experience is the only event that puts music creators at the center of every session. Its a one-of-a-kind conference that brings together the vibrant ASCAP community for a day of education, inspiration and networking, designed to help songwriters and composers thrive. Artists can hone their skills, get candid advice from todays most successful music makers, connect with fellow creators and future collaborators, discover new ways to monetize ones music, make new industry connections, and see intimate live performances. Learn more and get tickets here. Where & When: Virtual February 20-22, 2026 Measure of Music is a virtual three-day weekend program to show the impact & importance of data across the music industry and to give current music execs, music industry hopefuls and industry career changers a crash course (and a finished project!) in music and data in collaboration with some of the most influential people and companies driving the democratization of music data around the world. Register for free here. Where & When: Austin, Texas March 12-18, 2026 The SXSW Music Festival & Conference brings together artists, industry professionals, creatives, and music lovers from around the world to make connections, elevate their careers, and celebrate the magic of live music from legendary performers to the most exciting new talent. Artists and labels can apply to be part of SXSWs Official Showcases here by November 21, 2025. Register to attend the events here. Where & When: Burbank, California March 22-25, 2026 MUSEXPO is one of the worlds top music business conferences and artist showcase events. It stands at the forefront of innovation, creativity, and connectivity with its premiere panels, keynotes, networking, showcases, and awards events. MUSEXPO gives you access to key decision-makers, influencers, and some of the leading international music companies. We unite the music business together in a unique, profound, and impactful way! Registration for tickets is open now, learn more here. For artists, you can apply for a 2026 Showcase via FENIX360 by creating a profile here, and submitting your profile with contact info by January 9, 2026 to info@anrworldwide.com. Where & When: Miami, Florida March 24-26, 2026 The Winter Music Conference is back and now stronger than ever with a renewed sense of purpose and direction under the umbrella of Miami Music Week, returning in March 2025 with insightful programming for music industry professionals and consumers. Going down at Eden Roc Hotel, Miami Beach, FL, this one has so much to offer for anyone looking to sharpen their skills. To get updates as more information is announced, subscribe here. Where & When: Lancaster, Pennsylvania April 23-26, 2026 LAUNCH Music Conference is a developing artist and industry professional conference taking place over three days and nights biannually in Lancaster, PA, in the spring, and Dallas, TX, in the fall. LAUNCH features educational panels and conference programming during the day and a music festival consisting of 130+ performances in the evening. Artists can apply to perform until February 15, 2026. Register to attend the events here. Where & When: Miami, Florida April 2325, 2026 UNSIN is Miamis premier Latin-focused festival celebrating creativity, innovation, and culture. Inspired by SXSW in Austin, it blends live music performances with thought-provoking panels to empower the next generation of creatives. Named after the word unseen, UNSIN shines a spotlight on overlooked artists and ideas, creating an inclusive space where diversity thrives, meaningful connections are made, and fresh voices are amplified. Whether youre an artist, entrepreneur, or culture enthusiast, UNSIN is where inspiration, collaboration, and cutting-edge creativity come to life. Artists can apply to perform until February 2026. Professionals can apply to be a speaker by March 2026. Register to attend the events here. Where & When: Toronto, Ontario May 4-10, 2026 The Departure Festival & Conference is a major Canadian music festival and industry conference held in Toronto that was formerly known as Canadian Music Week (CMW). The event features numerous bands and artists across multiple venues, catering to both the music industry and the public. It serves as a platform for discovering new talent and celebrating the creative community. No application info posted yet. Check here for details. Where & When: Atlanta, Georgia May 11-14, 2026 The Music Biz Annual Conference is an event organized by the Music Business Association where professionals from all sectors of the music industry gather to discuss challenges, develop partnerships, and learn about the latest trends. The event features educational panels, networking opportunities, and private meetings for attendees from major labels, streaming services, publishers, and independent artists. Music industry professionals can apply for presentations until December 3, 2025. Register for attendance here. Share on: Culinary Historian To Speak at Ventfort Hall LENOX, Mass. Culinary historian Becky Libourel Diamond returns to Ventfort Hall to talk about her newest book, "The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook." The Talk will be held on Nov. 8 at 3:30 p.m. A tea featuring some of the treats from her new cookbook will follow her talk. According to a press release: "The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook" bridges the past and present, bringing back sugar plums and other confections not typically found in modern cookbooks, while revisiting some beloved favorites. Although most Americans have heard of sugar plums thanks to the famous holiday poem A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore, many have likely never have had the pleasure of tasting one of these luxuries, or even know what they really are (hint: they are not sugar-dusted plums). This is because sugar plums are one of the Gilded Age era holiday sweets that got eclipsed as America moved into the twentieth century. Becky Libourel Diamond is a food writer, librarian, and research historian. She is also the author of "The Gilded Age Cookbook," "The Thousand Dollar Dinner" and "Mrs. Goodfellow: The Story of America's First Cooking School." She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Rider University and a Master of Library Service (MLS) degree from Rutgers University. She has worked as a Business Librarian at Rutgers New Brunswick since 2020. She lives in Yardley, Penn. Tickets are $45. Ticket pricing includes access to the mansion throughout the day of this event from 10 am to 4 pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call (413) 637-3206. Please note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker St. in Lenox. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as an important partner of the Lenox Cultural District, one of the five such Berkshire County districts, Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion & Museum was built in 1893 for George and Sarah Morgan, the sister of legendary financier J. Pierpont Morgan. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Starbucks is selling up to 60 per cent of its China operations to private investment firm Boyu Capital in a deal valued at over $4bn (3bn). Starbucks the world's largest coffee chain said on Monday it would continue to own and operate its stores in China while licensing its brand and intellectual property to the new firm. The American company, based in Seattle, entered China in 1999 and expanded widely to make it its second-largest market. It currently runs nearly 8,000 stores in the Asian country. However, its market share has declined in recent years due to fierce competition from local coffee chains, like Luckin and Cotti, which offer cheaper products. Starbucks has grappled with staying competitive without dropping prices as a slowing economy has made Chinese consumers more price sensitive. The company said that it expected the value of its China business to exceed $13bn (9.91), including proceeds from the sale and revenues from its retained stake and licensing over the next 10 years. This approach allows us to combine the strength of the Starbucks brand, our coffee expertise, the third place and our unique partner culture with Boyus deep knowledge of the China market and local expertise, Brian Niccol, Starbuckss chief executive, said in a statement. He said the joint venture with Boyu one of the biggest deals involving a Chinese operation would be completed in early 2026. Boyu Capital, founded in 2010 by the grandson of former Chinese president Jiang Zemin, is based in Hong Kong, with offices in Singapore, Shanghai and Beijing. The private firm invests in consumer and retail, financial services, healthcare, and media and technology sectors, according to its website. Starbucks saw its market share in China, home to over a fifth of its cafes, fall sharply to 14 per cent last year from 34 per cent in 2019, according to Euromonitor International. To arrest the fall, the American chain has cut prices for some non-coffee beverages and accelerated the introduction of new localised products. Arguing that it would be a mistake for Starbucks to enter into an aggressive price war with the likes of Luckin, analysts said the company should focus on its traditional strength of being the coffee chain where people wanted to meet and spend time. Luckin now runs more than 20,000 franchise stores across China, well ahead of 7,800 for Starbucks, but its focus is on takeaway and delivery. Comparable-store sales in China increased 2 per cent in the quarter that ended on 29 June as compared to zero growth in the previous quarter. Beyond China's slowing economy, Starbucks' annual filing for 2024 also listed among risk factors "escalating US-China tension", driven by tariffs, boycotts, and increasing political sensitivities in the Asian country. The deal with Boyu caps a global financial drama that became public over a year ago when former chief executive Laxman Narasimhan said the company was in the early stages of exploring strategic partnerships to boost growth in the Chinese market. In recent years, Western brands have faced substantial challenges, forcing them to reduce operations in China due to growing domestic competition. Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC and Pizza Hut, separated its China business in 2016 after years of weak performance. Fashion retailer Gap and ride-hailing giant Uber are among the global brands that have faced similar challenges in navigating the countrys competitive landscape. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is open to meeting US president Donald Trump and could seek to set up a summit for March next year, South Koreas spy agency said on Tuesday. Mr Kim has previously said he would be willing to meet Mr Trump if the US dropped the absurd obsession with denuclearising us and accepts reality, and wants genuine peaceful coexistence. The NIS (National Intelligence Service) believes that Kim Jong Un is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States and will have contact with the United States in the future when conditions are met, lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun told the media after a briefing by the South Korean spy agency. In September, the North Korean leader said that there was no reason for us not to sit down with the United States, according to the state-run KCNA news agency. During his recent trip to Asia, Mr Trump also said he was open to meeting the North Korean leader. I would. If you want to put out the word, Im open to it, the US president told reporters onboard Air Force One. Mr Trump had said talks with Mr Kim could feature as part of his Asia tour, which included stops in Malaysia, Japan and South Korea. Later on, he suggested it had not proved feasible due to his busy schedule. Mr Trump told reporters: Well come back, and well, at some point in the not-too-distant future, meet with North Korea. Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un pictured at the line which seperates the two Koreas in 2019 ( AP ) Mr Lee, from the main opposition People Power Party, said on Tuesday: Although the much-anticipated North Korea-US summit during APEC failed to materialise, various channels confirm that North Korea has been preparing behind the scenes for dialogue with the US. During his last meeting with Mr Kim, Mr Trump made history as the first sitting US president to set foot in North Korea. Mr Trump also recently said that he had a great relationship with the North Korean leader. Mr Kim said in September: I still have a good memory of President Trump. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The trial of a suspected handler of the Pakistani gunmen who carried out one of Indias worst terrorist attacks is set to resume after seven years. The Bombay High Court on Monday quashed a lower courts order staying the trial of Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, the alleged handler of the 10 gunmen who carried out the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, killing 166 people. Mr Ansari is accused of teaching Hindi to the 10 attackers and helping them learn the mannerisms of the residents of the western city to blend in. Justice RN Laddha of the High Court allowed a petition by the Delhi police and Indias foreign and aviation ministries challenging the lower court order directing authorities to hand over confidential travel documents to Mr Ansari's lawyer. "After elaborate arguments, today the Bombay High Court pronounced a detailed judgment allowing the petition and quashing the order passed by the session court in favour of Abu Jundal, paving the way for the trial in the 26/11 terror attack case commencing," additional solicitor general Anil Singh said, according to Live Law. Mr Ansari's trial was stalled since 2018, pending the resolution of the petition. He had applied to a lower court in Mumbai, requesting official documents to support his claim that he had been "illegally" arrested in Saudi Arabia and deported to India. The Delhi police had claimed that Mr Ansari was a member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a proscribed group based in Pakistan, and he was arrested outside the Delhi airport in 2012. The lower court ordered federal officials and the Delhi police to furnish the concerned documents. The authorities, however, moved the Bombay High Court challenging that order. Tourists visit near the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai ( AFP via Getty ) Tushar Mehta, the solicitor general who represented the prosecution, claimed that Mr Ansari was a dreaded and an international terrorist who has trained Ajmal Kasab and others who entered Mumbai illegally via sea route. He said Mr Ansari trained them in speaking Bombay-style Hindi and acquainted them with the citys geography. Mr Ansari "was handling all the terrorists via satellite phone while sitting in Pakistan", the prosecution alleged. The coordinated three-day assault, which began on 26 November 2008, targeted several locations in Mumbai, including luxury hotels, a train station, and a Jewish centre, resulting in 166 fatalities. India holds Lashkar-e-Taiba responsible for planning and executing the attacks, although the Pakistani government denies any involvement. India executed the lone surviving gunman, Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, in 2012 after the then president Pranab Mukherjee rejected his mercy plea. Mr Ansari is also facing a raft of terror charges from the National Investigation Agency as well as police forces in Delhi, Maharashtra, Bangalore, and Gujarat. He was among seven people sentenced to life imprisonment by a special Maharashtra court for his involvement in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Search and rescue teams were battling harsh weather on Tuesday to find four missing climbers after an avalanche at a Himalayan peak in Nepal killed seven people, officials said. The avalanche hit the Yalung Ri base camp in eastern Nepals Dolakha at around 8.30am local time on Monday, trapping a 15-member expedition made up of five foreign climbers and 10 Nepali mountain guides. All five foreigners were killed, as were two Nepalis. Four of the guides sustained injuries and were evacuated to the Na village for treatment, police said. Three of the foreigners were from France and one each from Canada and Italy. Search and rescue teams, including from Nepals army and police, were deployed to the area but they were struggling against heavy wind, snow and poor visibility to locate the four missing high-altitude guides. Authorities said the search operation resumed at first light on Tuesday after heavy snow and thick clouds had forced aircraft to turn back the previous day. open image in gallery Isabelle Solange, a survivor of an avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri, speaks to the media after being rescued and airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday ( AP ) The avalanche buried everyone on the slope, deputy police superintendent Gyan Kumar Mahato said. We got the information late and the difficult weather delayed immediate response. Several rescue attempts were made through the day, he added, but the operation could not proceed because helicopters were unable to reach the site. A helicopter finally reached Na village on Monday evening, and we have also deployed rescue teams on foot, he said. The rescue teams were focusing on the slopes above the Na village, where the climbers were trapped while ascending Yalung Ri, a 5,630m peak used as a training climb before tackling higher mountains in the region. open image in gallery Didier Armand, a survivor of an avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri, takes rest after being rescued and airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal ( AP ) Police said the mountaineers originally planned to climb Dolma Kang, a 6,334m peak nearby, and were attempting Yalung Ri as part of their acclimatisation schedule. They spent Sunday night in Na and left for the base camp in the morning when the weather briefly improved. One of the injured climbers told the Kathmandu Post they had repeatedly called for help but did not receive an immediate response. We shouted and cried for help, but no one could reach us, the person, who was not named, claimed. We were told that a helicopter would come after four hours but by then several of our friends were gone. Had the rescue arrived on time, more lives could have been saved. Four of our friends are out of contact. Mr Mahato blamed heavy snowfall and clouds for hampering the rescue operation. open image in gallery Didier Armand was airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Yalung Ri is located in the Rolwaling Valley of northeastern Nepal and climbers there encounter a mix of rock, ice and snow. Officials said the Rolwaling Valley had seen days of snow before the accident, leaving the snowpack unstable even after the skies cleared. The team set out only after the weather cleared on Sunday but the snowpack remained unstable, Mr Mahato said. In Nepal, summer and autumn are favourable seasons for trekkers and mountaineers as weather conditions are better before the winter sets in. But the risk of avalanches and harsh weather remains. Last week, South Asia was hit by Cyclone Montha which brought heavy rain in Nepal and India. In the aftermath, two British and one Irish woman had to be rescued after they were trapped for several days in the western Mustang region of Nepal. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pakistan has rejected Donald Trumps claim that it is among a handful of nations actively testing nuclear weapons. A senior Pakistani security official told CBS News his country was not the first to carry out nuclear tests and will not be the first to resume nuclear tests". The rare rebuttal comes at a time when Pakistan is otherwise seeking to strengthen ties with the US under Mr Trump. Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has been showering praise on the American president for brokering a ceasefire with India following a brief military conflict in May. India has played down Mr Trumps involvement. Mr Trump, who has directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, told CBS News last week that China, Russia, North Korea and Pakistan were also testing nuclear weapons, as he sought to justify his decision. Russia's testing, and China's testing, but they don't talk about it," Mr Trump said in an interview with 60 Minutes. "We're gonna test, because they test, and others test. And certainly North Korea's been testing. Pakistan's been testing. When pressed that he was conflating testing of nuclear weapons with tests of nuclear missiles, the president argued that countries don't go and tell you about it. "As powerful as they are, this is a big world. You don't necessarily know where they are testing, he said. They test way underground, where people don't know exactly what's happening with the test. You feel a little bit of a vibration." They test and we don't test, he added. We have to test." Last week, Mr Trump ordered the Pentagon to "immediately" start "testing our nuclear weapons", ending a three-decade-old moratorium on US nuclear testing and prompting fears of a new arms race among the worlds nuclear powers. The presidents order fuelled confusion and alarm among scientists and experts who warned that his reckless and vague instructions could risk triggering the first major build-up of nuclear warheads by world powers in decades. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio greets Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif as president Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House ( Getty ) Mr Trump didnt give any details about the proposed tests, but the announcement appeared designed to boost US development in a race against modernised nuclear weapons delivery systems from Russia and China. The worlds nuclear powers together possess more than 12,000 warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists. The US and Russia alone possess roughly 87 per cent of the worlds nuclear weapons stockpiles and 83 per cent of the warheads are available for military use. The rest are held by the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. The US last conducted a confirmed nuclear test in 1992 and signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty which bans all atomic test explosions, whether for military or civilian in 1996. Pakistan has claimed that its last nuclear explosive test was done in 1998, and that it has since maintained a "unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing". Pakistan is not a signatory to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. China has reportedly not tested a nuclear weapon since 1996, and Russias most recent tests involved delivery systems, not actual detonation of a nuclear device. The Chinese foreign ministry on Monday dismissed Mr Trump's claim and said Beijing had not broken the informal moratorium for decades. "As a responsible nuclear-weapon state, China is committed to peaceful development, follows a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy that focuses on self-defence, and adheres to its nuclear testing moratorium," a spokesperson said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the immediate release of former Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi after learning of her worsening health problems in military custody. Mr Macron wrote to the 80-year-old to say he was very concerned to hear from her son about the deterioration of her health and difficulty in accessing appropriate care in the context of an unfair detention. We continue to call for your immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of President Win Myint and all those imprisoned for political reasons since the military coup of February 1, 2021, he wrote. Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights, has been imprisoned since the military coup deposed her elected government. She faces a 27-year sentence for charges including incitement, corruption and election fraud, all of which she denies. open image in gallery File photo - Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained since the 2021 military coup ( AP ) The military justified its takeover citing what it called widespread fraud in Suu Kyi's party, although election monitors found no evidence of cheating. Foreign governments and rights groups have consistently called for her release, branding the trials a sham. Mr Macron wrote in his letter that Myanmars ambitions for free and sovereign elections had been flouted. This brutal and bloody challenge has drawn your country into a long-term crisis, with dramatic consequences for its populations and neighbouring states, he said. Mr Macron added that France would support a de-escalation of violence and the paths to peace charted by legitimate political leaders. Suu Kyis son, Kim Aris, told The Independent: It is encouraging and makes me very happy that President Macron is pushing for democracy in Burma. It is hugely appreciated and I hope will trigger more support from around the world. It is crucial that words translate into actions and that means liberating my mother Aung San Suu Kyi as well as bringing democracy to a country that is shackled by a military dictatorship. I also want to thank the French ambassador [Christian Lechervy] and hope others will follow Frances lead. open image in gallery Aung San Suu Kyi looks on before the UN's International Court of Justice on December 11, 2019 ( ANP/AFP/Getty ) Mr Aris revealed in September that his mother was suffering from worsening heart problems and needed urgent medical attention in an appeal to release her from what he called cruel and life threatening custody. A spokesperson for the military told state media at the time that her health was good, calling reports about her health fabrications. Suu Kyi is believed to be held in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw, the capital. She has been detained by the military several times, and spent some 15 years mainly under house arrest before the 2021 coup. Supporters say that Suu Kyi became a symbol of fledgling democracy in Myanmar after her National League for Democracy (NLD) came to power in 2015 and late 2020, contested by the Tatmadaw armed forces. Thousands turned out in June to celebrate her 80th birthday and to call for her release, aiming to collect 80,000 greeting videos as others demonstrated in the streets against the government. Critics, including former supporters, have condemned her perceived lack of action to defend the countrys mostly Muslim Rohingya minority. open image in gallery File photo - Emmanuel Macron joined the calls for Suu Kyis release ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Thousands of people fled across the border into Bangladesh in 2017 following a military-led crackdown that U.N. investigators said had been executed with genocidal intent. In an Independent TV documentary about her fall from grace, Cancelled: The Rise and Fall of Aung San Suu Kyi, William Hague said it was possible to be critical of the countrys former leader, but also say we should be campaigning for her release. David Lammy also pleaded for her release in January, calling on the military government to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all those arbitrarily detained to give Myanmar's people the peace and democracy they deserve. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Rescue teams raced to reach people stranded in central Philippines after Typhoon Kalmaegi barrelled through overnight, causing flooding across multiple provinces, leaving at least five people dead and many trapped on rooftops. Locally referred to as Tino, the typhoon made landfall around midnight in Silago in the eastern province of Southern Leyte, with sustained winds of up to 140kmph and gusts of up to 195kmph. Kalmaegi is the 20th tropical cyclone of the year to strike one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, which is frequently battered by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes as well. Three people were confirmed dead and at least one person was missing in the central province of Cebu, provincial information officer Ainjeliz Orong said. Two more deaths in the province were still being verified. An elderly villager also drowned in floodwaters in Southern Leyte, where a province-wide power outage was reported, while another person was killed by a fallen tree in Bohol province, officials said. The latest storm dropped a months worth of rain in two areas of Visayas, one of the countrys three main island groups, in under 24 hours, according to weather bureau PAGASA. Maasin city in Southern Leyte and Lapu-Lapu city in Cebu received 235.2mm and 185mm of rainfall, respectively, leading to severe flooding. open image in gallery Flooding caused by Kalmaegi in Cebu city of central Philippines ( AP ) The Philippine Red Cross noted that floodwaters in parts of Cebu reached up to the heads of people, forcing residents in the town of Liloan to shelter on their roofs. Dramatic images showed cars piled up as workers struggled to rescue the marooned people from rooftops and damaged houses. Weve received so many calls for rescue, but it is impossible, Red Cross secretary general Gwendolyn Pang said. Theres debris everywhere, cars floating. We have to wait for the flood to subside. "The situation in Cebu is really unprecedented," provincial governor Pamela Baricuatro wrote in a Tuesday Facebook post. "We were expecting the winds to be the dangerous part, but... the water is what's truly putting our people at risk," she said. "The floodwaters are just devastating." open image in gallery A damaged vehicle is seen after Kalmaegi hit Cebu city in central Philippines ( AP ) In Eastern Samar, where Kalmaegi first unleashed its fury, raging winds tore the roofs off over 300 homes on Homonhon island, part of Guiuan town, but no casualties were reported. Were OK. Weve been through a lot, and bigger than this, mayor Annaliza Gonzales Kwan said, recalling how the area was devastated in 2013 by Typhoon Haiyan, which left more than 7,300 people dead or missing. open image in gallery Vehicles lie piled up after Kalmaegi hit Cebu city ( AP ) More than 150,000 people had evacuated from coastal and low-lying areas ahead of the storms landfall. Officials warned of storm surges up to three metres, destructive winds, and widespread flooding across the central islands. As Kalmaegi continued to move westward at 25kmph, forecasters said it would exit into the South China Sea by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. It was likely to make landfall on Thursday night in Vietnam's central regions, where heavy floods have already killed at least 40 people and left six missing over the past week. open image in gallery Rescue workers carry an individual after Kalmaegi struck Cebu city in central Philippines ( AP ) Philippine authorities, meanwhile, also warned of possible volcanic mudflows around Mount Kanlaon. The active volcano on the island of Negros has been emitting plumes of ash and steam in recent months, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Due to interaction with the terrain, Tino might slightly weaken while crossing Visayas. However, its expected to remain at typhoon intensity throughout its passage over the country, PAGASA said in a morning bulletin. The storm forced the cancellation of at least 186 flights and left over 3,500 passengers stranded at ports, the coast guard said. In September, Super Typhoon Ragasa had swept across northern Luzon, bringing fierce winds and torrential rain and forcing the Philippine government to suspend classes and work. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least 66 people have died in the Philippines after Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall overnight, flooding multiple provinces. Torrential rains, strong winds and storm surges forced tens of thousands to evacuate from their homes. Kalmaegi, locally named Tino, hit the country with sustained winds of up to 150kmph, and gusts of up to 205kmph. It is now forecast to move across the Visayas islands region, before heading out over the South China Sea by Wednesday. open image in gallery Rescuers carry a resident past cars washed away by floods at the height of Typhoon Kalmaegi at a subdivision of Cebu City in the central Philippines on 4 November 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery Aftermath of flooding caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi in Cebu city, central Philippines, Tuesday, 4 Nov 2025 open image in gallery Vehicles lie piled on after flooding caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi in Cebu city, central Philippines, Tuesday, 4 Nov 2025 A video on DZRH radio's Facebook page showed homes in Talisay City completely submerged, with only rooftops visible. There were similar scenes in parts of Cebu City, where vehicles and streets were underwater. open image in gallery Residential areas were flooded by Typhoon Kalmaegi State weather agency PAGASA said the combination of Kalmaegi and a shear line had brought heavy rains and strong winds across the Visayas and nearby areas. "Due to interaction with the terrain, Tino may slightly weaken while crossing Visayas. However, it is expected to remain at typhoon intensity throughout its passage over the country, the agency said in a morning bulletin. open image in gallery Rescue workers carry a man after flooding caused by the typhoon ( AP ) More than 160 flights to and from affected areas were cancelled. Meanwhile, those at sea were advised to head to the nearest safe harbour immediately and to stay in port. open image in gallery Residents walk outside their flooded homes ( AP ) PAGASA warned of a high risk of "life-threatening and damaging storm surges" that could reach over three metres high along coastal and low-lying communities in the central Philippines, including parts of Mindanao. The Vietnamese government also said on Tuesday that it was preparing for the worst-case scenario as it braced for the impact of Kalmaegi. open image in gallery In this photo provided by the Philippine Red Cross, the Water Search and Rescue Team assists individuals trapped on a roof in the Talamban barangay of Cebu The typhoon is forecast to make landfall on Thursday night in Vietnam's central regions, which have already suffered heavy floods that killed at least 40 people and left six others missing over the past week. "This is a very strong typhoon, which continues to strengthen after entering the East Sea," the government said in a statement, referring to the South China Sea. open image in gallery The aftermath of the flooding Kalmaegi comes as the Philippines, which is hit by an average of 20 tropical storms each year, recovers from a run of disasters including earthquakes and severe weather events in recent months. In September, Super Typhoon Ragasa swept across northern Luzon, forcing government work and classes to shut down as it brought fierce winds and torrential rain. open image in gallery A person evacuates to safer ground ( AP ) open image in gallery People carry dogs through flooded neighbourhoods Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Bill Gates has hit back at Donald Trump after the president took a victory lap over the billionaire philanthropists new controversial climate memo. "It's a gigantic misreading of the memo," the Microsoft co-founder told Axios Tuesday. Trump, conservatives and anti-climate activists lauded Gates 17-page memo as what they saw as a rebuke of the climate crisis. Trump wrote on social media that he had just won the War on the Climate Change Hoax because Gates had finally admitted that he was completely WRONG on the issue. But Gates memo, issued last Monday, said that climate change was a serious issue that needs to be mitigated which also calling for a revised outlook on how to respond to the global threat. Gates, who has spent billions in the fight against climate change, also told Axios that his funding in the climate and public health sectors is increasing. open image in gallery Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says President Donald Trump misread his 17-page memo when he praised it on social media last week ( AFP via Getty Images ) "I didn't think the memo was going to convert the non-believers into believers, and sure enough, it didn't convert them," he said. But while Gates garnered praise from Trump and his supporters, scientists and conservationists blasted the memo as dismissing the seriousness of the climate crisis and ignoring the reality that climate and health issues are inseparable. But Gates brushed off the criticism. What world do they live in? the Microsoft co-founder asked, referring to those who claimed he was setting up a false dichotomy by pitting efforts to tackle the climate crisis against foreign aid. Gates told Axios that foreign aid budgets for poorer countries often choose between climate and health. "This is a numeric game in a world with very finite resources, more finite than they should be," Gates said. He added that it was hard to get nuanced positions across and said that he was glad people are listening. In the new memo, Gates wrote that the current doomsday outlook for Earths future is causing people to focus too much on near-term emissions goals and is diverting resources from the most effective things we should be doing to improve life in a warming world, such as improving agriculture and health. open image in gallery President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have dinner with Bill Gates at the White House last September. In addition to pushing back on Trump, Gates is also fighting blowback from scientists who blasted his understanding of the climate crisis ( AFP via Getty Images ) The billionaire claimed that climate change wouldnt lead to humanitys demise or the end of civilization and said that temperature is not the best way to measure climate progress. Gates said hed let the temperature go up 0.1 degree to get rid of malaria despite the fact that global heating is largely responsible for extending the reach of malaria- and other disease-carrying mosquitoes. People will be able to live and thrive in most places on Earth for the foreseeable future, Gates wrote. Emissions projections have gone down, and with the right policies and investments, innovation will allow us to drive emissions down much further. Climate scientists say that unless humanity can stop producing atmosphere-warming fossil fuel emissions, the Earth will experience extreme weather and other changes faster than humans are able to adapt. Its pathetic but predictable (given his past pattern of refusing to engage with actual climate experts) that he would double down on this, climatologist Dr. Michael Mann told The Independent in an email on Tuesday. Its particularly galling to see him repeat the myth that we cannot actually walk and chew gum at the same time. If Gates really cares about the health of poor and downtrodden people in Africa, he should be providing more support for the needed clean energy transition, not less support, Mann added. Climate scientists are hosting a briefing Tuesday to discuss Gates memo and whether or not he is right. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two men who were in the Boston area for college Halloween parties last weekend set off fireworks in a Harvard Medical School building, authorities said Tuesday in announcing their arrests. Logan David Patterson, 18, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, were arrested Tuesday morning on charges of conspiracy to damage by means of fire or an explosive. They were due in court later Tuesday. Neither Patterson, who is from the Boston suburb of Plymouth, nor Cardoza, who is from the Cape Cod town of Bourne, had an attorney as of early Tuesday afternoon. Cardoza also didn't immediately respond to an Instagram message seeking comment. The explosion happened early Saturday on the fourth floor of Harvard Medical School's Goldenson Building, which houses labs and offices associated with the schools neurobiology department. No one was injured. Let me be clear: Setting off an explosive device inside a locker at an institution geared toward higher education is not some harmless college prank. Its selfish, its short-sighted, and its a federal crime, said Ted Docks, the FBIs special agent in charge, who wouldn't speculate as to the motive. According to the charging document, witnesses said the defendants were visiting the Wentworth Institute of Technology for Halloween activities, including parties at area schools. On the day of the blast, surveillance footage captured the two walking toward Harvard's medical school wearing face coverings. Witnesses said the pair chose the building because it looked abandoned and got into it via the roof, the charging document states. Witnesses said the pair lit a roman candle outside of the building and placed a cherry bomb inside of a locker in the building that then exploded, according to the charging document. An officer who responded to a fire alarm that morning encountered two people running from the building, Harvard police said. Anxiety levels naturally rise when the public learns that an explosion was intentionally caused. I would say those levels may rise even higher in the Boston area, U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said at the news conference, noting that the investigation is ongoing but that theres no further threat to the university. Medical school officials said the explosion caused no structural damage and that all labs and equipment remained intact. ___ This story was updated to correct the name of the Wentworth Institute of Technology, which was wrongly referred to as Wentworth College. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The makers of Crest toothpaste must face a lawsuit after a judge approved a motion allowing parents to question whether the brands packaging implies that children can use more of the product than is safe. U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso ruled on Friday that a picture on Procter & Gambles product boxes showing an entire strip of toothpaste being used on a brush could violate numerous state consumer protection laws, according to Reuters. Fluoride is used in toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. According to the World Health Organization, the safe limit of fluoride in toothpaste is between 1,000 and 1,500 parts per million. If children ingest too much fluoride, the Cleveland Clinic says that they may develop fluorosis. This is a cosmetic condition that is not painful and can cause discoloration on childrens teeth. As a result, children are recommended to use toothpaste with low amounts of fluoride, and parents are encouraged to instruct their children to spit out the toothpaste once they have finished brushing their teeth. open image in gallery Procter and Gamble are facing a lawsuit centered around its packaging which allegedly suggests children should use more toothpaste than is safe ( Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. ) Those details played a key role in Judge Alonsos ruling. "The fact that swallowing fluoride poses health risks to children is an essential element of the story plaintiffs are telling; it is the reason for the recommendation that they use only a smear or dab, Judge Alonso said, according to Reuters. Procter & Gamble later attempted to claim that federal law had preempted the lawsuit and that the instructions on its packaging were clear, as it sought to dismiss the case. The Chicago-based judges ruling comes just weeks after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton signed an agreement with Colgate-Palmolive Company to change the companys packaging. The new packaging will adjust the amount of toothpaste depicted on a childs toothbrush, replacing a stick of toothpaste with a pea-sized amount. New packaging for its Colgate and Toms of Maine products was subsequently rolled out on November 1, 2025. However, in April, the controversial U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr ignited another debate over the safety of fluoride. Kennedy announced that he planned to order the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ditch any recommendations of using fluoride in water. open image in gallery The lawsuit focused on packaging which displayed a full stick of toothpaste (like this one) being used on a toothbrush ( AFP via Getty Images ) Fluoridation, the process of adding fluoride to water, is designed to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce oral health disparities. Maintaining an equal level of fluoride means that more deprived areas do not experience greater tooth decay than more affluent neighborhoods. Since the Secretary of Health cannot order communities to stop fluoridating their water, as that is within the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency, Kennedys order was limited to the CDC. However, he did praise Utahs Republican governor, Spencer Cox, for banning fluoride in drinking water in March 2025. Im very, very proud of this state for being the first state to ban it, and I hope many more will, he told reporters at the time. Previously, he had branded fluoride as a dangerous neurotoxin, and claimed that it has been associated with arthritis and thyroid disease. Other critics have asserted that fluoride has a link to higher rates of cancer. open image in gallery Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ordered the CDC to stop recommending the use of fluoride in water ( AP ) Despite this, the American Cancer Society says that most studies have not found a strong link between cancer diagnosis rates and water fluoride levels. Much of the debate has centered on Osteosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that is diagnosed in around 500 children and teens every year. A 1990 study conducted on male lab rats found that higher rates of fluoridated drinking water were associated with higher cancer rates. However, this finding could not be replicated in female rats or in mice of either sex. According to the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Public Health Service wrote in 1991 that optimal fluoridation of drinking water does not pose a detectable cancer risk to humans as evidenced by extensive human epidemiological data available to date. The Independent has contacted Procter & Gamble, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Ken Paxton for comment. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A police force has commissioned an internal review into events in the lead-up to a mass stabbing on a high-speed train service. Cambridgeshire Police previously said the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy the day before and two reports of a knifeman seen at a barbers in Peterborough were being investigated. The force said the teenager was non-fatally injured at 7.10pm on Friday before a man with a knife was seen at a barbers in Fletton 15 minutes later, although this was only reported to police two hours later. A second report of a knifeman was made at 9.25am on Saturday when he was still at the scene, but when police arrived 18 minutes later they could not find him. The mass stabbing on the train happened on Saturday evening, and the train made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon after passengers pulled emergency alarms and the driver took action. Simon Megicks, chief constable of Cambridgeshire Police, said he has commissioned an internal review of the events which occurred prior to the tragic events of Saturday evening. He said he welcomed the additional scrutiny. Mr Megicks said the force had also referred itself to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is standard practice, but the referral did not meet the criteria for a valid referral, so they are not investigating the matter. It comes as a train crew member who was seriously injured while trying to protect passengers was named as Samir Zitouni, known as Sam. The 48-year-old customer experience host was working on board the LNER train from Doncaster to London. He did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him, his employer said, and he remains in hospital in a stable condition but critically unwell. LNER said Mr Zitouni, who has worked for the firm for more than 20 years, has been credited with helping to save multiple lives after passengers came under threat. Politicians have called for honours for Mr Zitouni and for passenger Stephen Crean, 61, who defended himself with nothing but his fists when the knifeman approached him. Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said in a post on X (Twitter): Samir Zitouni and Stephen Crean are heroes who saved lives. They showed the best of Britain: putting themselves in harms way to protect others. They both deserve the George Cross in recognition of their incredible bravery. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden called for Mr Zitouni to be considered for recognition through the UK honours system for acts of selfless and outstanding bravery in a letter to the Cabinet Office shared on X. Downing Street said bravery awards were a matter for the honours committee, but its very clear that this mans bravery saved lives and we pay tribute to that. The prime ministers official spokesperson said: Its a matter for the honours system, but I dont think anyone can doubt the level of bravery and character that this man showed in the moment to defend and protect the lives of innocents. David Horne, LNER managing director, said: In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him. His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening. Mr Zitounis role is customer experience host, which largely involves providing onboard catering. His family said in a statement released by LNER: We are immensely proud of Sam and his courage. The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us hes always been a hero. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said Mr Zitounis remarkable quick thinking and selfless action saved lives and he has demonstrated bravery beyond measure. Anthony Williams, 32, was remanded into custody at Peterborough Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with 10 counts of attempted murder over the train incident. He is next due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 1 December. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice London North Eastern Railway has paid tribute to a member of staff over the stabbings onboard a train in Cambridgeshire, saying he did not hesitate to protect passengers during a moment of crisis. Samir Zitouni, 48, who has worked for LNER for more than 20 years, remains in hospital following the attacks. Dozens of travellers were forced to barricade themselves in carriages and try to shield themselves from the brutal stabbings. David Horne, managing director at LNER, praised Mr Zitouni for his incredibly brave actions to protect passengers. He said: In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him. His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery. His family said in a statement released through LNER: We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well wishes for his recovery. open image in gallery Samir Zitouni, who has worked for London North Eastern Railway for more than 20 years, remains in hospital following the attacks ( LNER ) The care provided by the hospital and the support from his colleagues at LNER has been incredible. We are immensely proud of Sam and his courage. The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us, hes always been a hero. Ten patients were taken by ambulance to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge and one patient self-presented, British Transport Police said on Tuesday. Six patients have been discharged, four patients remain stable and one, an LNER member of staff, remains stable but critically unwell, BTP said. Anthony Williams, 32, was charged on Monday morning with 10 counts of attempted murder after an attack on an LNER train to London Kings Cross on Saturday evening. open image in gallery Stephen Crean, was stabbed six times after he confronted the attacker ( PA ) He has also been charged with one count of attempted murder over an incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London in the early hours of Saturday, where a victim was slashed in the face with a knife. Detectives are now also investigating whether the suspect is linked to another three knife incidents which took place in Peterborough in the run-up to the attack on Saturday. Home secretary Shabana Mahmood told MPs on Monday that the public will have many unanswered questions about the train attacker and there is much more the government could be doing with new and emerging technology to tackle knife crime. Meanwhile, Cambridgeshire Police has commissioned an internal review into events in the lead-up to the stabbing. Simon Megicks, chief constable, said he welcomed the additional scrutiny. Mr Megicks said the force had also referred itself to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is standard practice, but the referral did not meet the criteria for a valid referral, so they are not investigating the matter. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tommy Robinson has been cleared of a terror offence after refusing to give police access to his phone when he was stopped at the border in a Bentley with thousands of pounds in cash. Robinson, 42, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was driving a silver Bentayga SUV to the Spanish tourist hotspot of Benidorm when he was stopped by officers at the Channel Tunnel last year, a court heard. Police were suspicious of the 42-year-olds vague replies about what he was doing and demanded access to his iPhone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, which gives police the power to stop anyone passing through a UK port to determine whether they may be involved or concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. open image in gallery Tommy Robinson (centre), whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday ( PA ) On Tuesday, district judge Sam Goozee found Robinson not guilty of failing to comply with the counterterrorism powers during the incident in Folkestone on 28 July last year. Mr Goozee said: I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you stood for and your political beliefs that acted for the principle reason for this stop. He also said that Pc Mitchell Thorogoods decision to stop Robinson was based on a protected characteristic, adding: I cannot convict you. There were cheers in the public gallery while Robinson left the dock with his hands in his hoodie pockets. The far-right figure had faced a three-week wait for his verdict because he had a pre-planned trip to Israel. open image in gallery Tommy Robinson speaks to the media outside court on Tuesday ( Getty ) As the two-day trial took place last month, the former English Defence League leader said in a video posted on X that billionaire Elon Musk had picked up the legal bill for this absolute state persecution. Opening the case, prosecutor Jo Morris said officers became concerned about the activists demeanour after he drove alone into the police inspection area. He gave short, vague replies and made no eye contact, she continued. Robinson, who was recognised by police, was led to an interview room and his phone was seized, the court heard. On the way there, he tried to film a video of himself saying he had been arrested, and was told by officers to relax, the trial was told. Asked to hand over the phones PIN, Robinson replied: Not a chance, bruv you look like c***s so you aint having it. open image in gallery Supporters gather outside Westminster Magistrates Court ( PA ) Its my work, Im a journalist, he said, adding that the phone held information about vulnerable girls. The process by which journalistic material would be protected was explained to him, Ms Morris said. The court heard that while being interviewed, Robinson told the officers: For me its a win-win, its going to be bad for yous. The campaigner had more than 13,000 and 1,900 on him when he was stopped and was travelling in a high-value car that was not registered under his name, the trial heard. He had also booked his tickets to travel on the day, the court was told. Under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, the person who is detained can be held for up to six hours, is legally obliged to answer questions and must provide the password or PIN for electronic devices, or be held to have committed a criminal offence if they refuse. open image in gallery As the two-day trial took place last month, the former English Defence League leader said in a video posted on X that billionaire Elon Musk had picked up the legal bill ( AP ) Alisdair Williamson KC, defending, had said the stop and detention was unlawful because officers had taken a discriminatory stance based on their knowledge of Robinsons views. Mr Williamson said the officers intervention was discriminatory because it was based to a significant degree on a protected characteristic. He said the predominant influence on PC Mitchell Thorogoods decision to stop him was oh look, its Tommy Robinson. Mr Williamson added: If MI5 didnt think that Mr Lennon is a terrorist, what did PC Thorogood think he was going to learn by asking him about publicly available information? He suggested Robinson travelled to Benidorm regularly, which should have lessened the officers suspicions about him. The lawyer said there was no evidence that the stop was carried out diligently or expeditiously, and that it was a fishing expedition as there was nothing to link Robinson to terrorism. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nearly two years ago, I was called into the Ministry of Defence and served with an unprecedented superinjunction a legal order that stopped me, or anyone else, from revealing the details of a catastrophic data leak that had taken place in the heart of government. That moment threw me into an 18-month secret legal battle at the High Court as media organisations sought to hold the government to account for how the leak had happened and what was being done to rectify that calamitous mistake. In July this year, after the gagging order was lifted by a High Court judge, we were finally able to tell the full story of how the MoD inadvertently breached the personal details of 18,700 applicants to the UK resettlement schemes, potentially putting thousands in danger, and how a secret relocation scheme was green-lit without the knowledge of the public or parliament. An inquiry into what happened has been launched by the defence select committee, a group of cross-party MPs, and today I was called to be part of it as one of the journalists who had been involved in the two-year legal saga. As a journalist, I am more used to asking the questions and trying to investigate events, but today the tables were turned as I was called to answer queries about the resettlement schemes, the governments secrecy, and the subsequent fallout along with my Fleet Street colleagues Sam Greenhill from the Daily Mail and Larisa Brown at The Times. As the chair of the committee, Tan Dhesi MP, described, the inquiry has been launched to get into the nuts and bolts of what had happened, what decisions had been made and by whom, in order to shed light on what has actually happened. He opened the session, saying: When we discovered that there had been a superinjunction in place for almost two years, many of us were shocked, especially parliamentarians because we are often advised that parliament is sovereign and yet parliamentarians were kept in the dark. Chair of the defence committee, Tan Dhesi MP, opens the first session in the committees inquiry into the Afghan data breach ( Parliament TV ) Over several sessions, MPs will now probe why the government felt the superinjunction was necessary and why it was maintained for so long, as well as consider the Afghan resettlement schemes themselves, and the impact on Afghans affected and not impacted by the breach. Chair of the committee, Tan Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, praised journalists for our efforts to shed light on the issue, and lauded our grit and determination in exposing this entire chapter where everybody was kept in the dark, including many of us parliamentarians. While attendees for future sessions are yet to be confirmed, MPs will hope to grill ministers and senior civil servants over what went wrong. As well as draw insight from those lawyers and caseworkers who have supported Afghans who are at risk. Their investigations will run alongside another inquiry, led by the Intelligence and Security Committee a group of security-cleared MPs who are able to scrutinise top-secret matters. Findings will then be drawn into final reports, reflecting on what can be learnt for the future. While parliament can now probe what has gone wrong in the past, there are still ongoing questions about what is being done now to help those who have still been left behind. As I told the committee, journalists are hearing that a few Afghans have been evacuated to the UK in the past few months despite a pledge to honour the eligibility grants that have already been issued. MPs who have tried to get answers from the MoD about the numbers arriving have been rebuffed, with officials citing operational security something that has not stopped transparency in the past. Concerns about a growing culture of secrecy at the MoD were raised by Conservative MP Jesse Norman, who told the session: We have detected a change in this committee in the quality of information that we are getting from the MoD. Ms Brown, defence editor at The Times, explained that one of her MoD sources had told her that the numbers have barely changed since the superinjunction has been lifted. As of October this year, there were an estimated 4,200 applicants and their family members who are eligible to come to the UK under the MoDs resettlement scheme still awaiting relocation. This issue goes to the heart of the superinjunction and shows there is still a significant lack of transparency around the safety of Afghans who applied for the resettlement scheme. It is something we doggedly covered for two years lets hope the inquiry provides the impetus needed to bring those still waiting to safety. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Watch live as The Independent Social Affairs Correspondent Holly Bancroft gives evidence to a Defence Committee meeting over the Afghan data breach and super-injunction on Tuesday (4 November). Ms Bancrofts reporting revealed that a huge Ministry of Defence data breach put the lives of up to 100,000 Afghans at risk and prompted thousands of them to be evacuated to Britain under a covert 7bn scheme then was kept secret for almost two years by an unprecedented superinjunction. She is joined in Parliament by Larisa Brown from The Times and Sam Greenhill from the Daily Mail. The leak, in February 2022, exposed the details of thousands of Afghans who said they were in danger from the Taliban because of their links to UK forces and now wanted to escape to Britain. The blunder triggered a top-secret government operation, codenamed Operation Rubific, which involved 16,000 Afghans being brought to the UK as part of Britains largest covert peacetime evacuation, with some 8,000 still to come. The whole operation was kept secret from MPs and the public, with ministers even deciding to hide the true reason for the evacuation from parliament. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The previous government has been accused of an Orwellian leap in the use of a gagging order to cover up a massive data leak which potentially put the lives of more than 100,000 Afghans at risk. The democratic process was put in the deep freeze for 18 months, journalists told MPs on the House of Commons defence committee on Wednesday as they gave evidence over the saga. The superinjunction used by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) followed the February 2022 leak of details of thousands of Afghans, who feared they were in danger from the Taliban because of their links to UK forces and wanted to apply for sanctuary in Britain. The unprecedented global superinjunction not only prevented the media from reporting on the leak, but also kept parliament in the dark, with the result that there was no scrutiny of a secret resettlement scheme which brought thousands of Afghans to Britain. This meant journalists working to understand the life and death implications of the data breach were unable to report on the leak, while MPs could not debate the governments stance and the Afghans whose data had been leaked remained at risk of reprisals from the Taliban. open image in gallery Journalists Holly Bancroft, left, Larisa Brown, centre, and Sam Greenhill, give evidence to the Commons defence committee ( Parliament TV ) The Independents home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft told MPs: In terms of response to the [data] breach itself, [the MoD] was very slow in terms of setting up a resettlement scheme, how many people youre going to help. Part of why we got involved was that it took four or five months from the breach actually happening to them saying were going to help 150 people, this was so slow. We felt compelled to get involved in order to hold the MoD to account in whatever it was they were going to do. Larisa Brown, defence editor at The Times, said during the court hearings about the superinjunction, our special advocate argued that the democratic process was in the deep freeze and that was true. She added: We were the only people that were trying to hold the government to account. Throughout this process we werent allowed into the closed hearings, so we were doing this with our hands tied behind our backs. We couldnt make well-informed arguments without knowing what the MoD justification was for the superinjunction. Sam Greenhill, chief reporter at The Daily Mail, told MPs the judge presiding over the implementation of the superinjunction was incredulous when a statement was made in parliament in order to provide a cover story about the numbers of Afghans arriving in Britain, which he said the MoD described as an effort to control the narrative. The MoD suddenly said theyre going to fill the void with some selected facts, which I thought was a kind of Orwellian leap from the original purpose of the injunction, he told the committee. He added: All of these things are bread and butter issues for the House of Commons. You shouldve all been debating this. Chair of the committee, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, said many MPs had been shocked to discover earlier this year that a superinjunction had remained in place for almost two years, and praised the journalists for their efforts to shed light on the issue. On behalf of the committee, I am very grateful to journalists for their grit and their determination to pursue and expose this entire chapter where everybody was kept in the dark including many of us as parliamentarians. open image in gallery Holly Bancroft gives evidence to the defence committee on Wednesday ( Parliament TV ) The leak came about following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021. At the time, tens of thousands of Afghans were at serious risk of reprisals for fighting alongside British troops, and had asked the UK to bring them and their families to safety. Six months after the disastrous evacuation of Kabul, an 80-strong MoD team was working through the task of assessing these applications, deciding if they should be approved or denied on the strength of each applicants ties to UK forces. An unnamed British serviceman, in his office in Whitehall, thought his Afghan contacts might be able to help establish who was eligible for help and who was not. He decided to email the database , which he believed contained 150 names, to trusted sources. But the document in fact contained 33,000 records, including details of more than 18,000 Afghan applicants and their families. It was a full 16 months later the government realised the data had been leaked, when someone on a Facebook group claimed to be in possession of the list which was described as a kill list if it fell into the hands of the Taliban and asked if they should share it on the group. The secretary of state for defence at the time, Ben Wallace, was informed of the breach within minutes, along with MI6, the CIA and the Foreign Office, according to an independent caseworker who was supporting Afghans with sanctuary applications. The next day, the same caseworker emailed the armed forces minister James Heappey, and shadow minister Luke Pollard, describing the situation as simply bone-chilling. The Taliban may well now have a 33,000-long kill list essentially provided to them by the UK government. If any of these families are murdered, the government will be liable, they wrote. As UK publications became aware of the leak, the MoD sought an injunction in a bid to protect those on the list who were unaware their data had been compromised. Journalists were also acutely aware of the lack of scrutiny this meant for the government not least because the 2024 general election was looming. We knew [the government] was making huge policy decisions behind the scenes and the public didnt know about that We felt that the public should know, Ms Brown told MPs on Wednesday. The superinjunction unravelled when a law firm, representing hundreds of Afghan clients intending to sue the UK government, revealed the scale of the effort required to maintain secrecy. Meanwhile, more newspapers piled pressure on the government to lift reporting restrictions. A subsequent investigation into the leak and how it was handled, conducted by Paul Rimmer, a former deputy chief of intelligence at the MoD, found that creating a bespoke resettlement scheme and using an unprecedented superinjunction may have inadvertently added more value to the dataset for the Taliban heightening the risk to those on the list. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Alan Bates, who has led the campaign for justice for post office operators over the Horizon scandal, has reached a deal to settle his own claim with the government, reported to be in the seven-figure region. After reportedly being given a take it or leave it offer of compensation earlier this year, which Sir Alan claimed amounted to less than half of his claim, the former subpostmaster has now reached a settlement. He was at the head of a group of 555 subpostmasters that set out to prove that the Horizon system had been at fault for shortfalls in their accounts, winning a case against the Post Office at the High Court in 2019. A public inquiry was then heard this year, finding that approximately 1,000 people were wrongly prosecuted and convicted throughout the UK between 1999 and 2015 as a result of the faulty Fujitsu software. Sir Alan, whose story was portrayed by actor Toby Jones in ITV drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, received a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours for his services to justice. open image in gallery Sir Alan Bates, former sub-postmaster and founder of the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, has reached a deal to settle his claim over the Post Office Horizon scandal ( PA ) A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson told The Independent: We pay tribute to Sir Alan Bates for his long record of campaigning on behalf of victims and have now paid out over 1.2 billion to more than 9,000 victims. We can confirm that Sir Alans claim has reached the end of the scheme process and been settled. It is unclear how much Sir Alan has received in the payout from the government. One source to Sky News has suggested it may be worth between 4m and 5m. Following the High Court ruling, a Group Litigation Order scheme was set up to pay the 555 subpostmasters compensation. There are other compensations schemes, including the Overturned Convictions Scheme and the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme. open image in gallery Toby Jones as Alan Bates in the ITV drama about the Post Office Scandal, which led to a public outcry on the issue ( ITV ) However, Sir Alan has been critical of the compensation schemes set up. In April, he sent an email to members of his group, calling on victims to take the government to court over delays to financial redress, adding that a judicial review would probably be the quickest way to ensure fairness for all. Back in May, it was understood that 80 per cent of postmasters in Sir Alans group had accepted a full and final redress or been paid most of their offer. During the inquiry, the former chief executive of the Post Office Paula Vennells, apologised to the subpostmasters impacted in the scandal. UK boss of Fujitsu, Paul Paterson, also apologised. He told the inquiry: We did have bugs and errors in the system. And we did help the Post Office in their prosecutions of subpostmasters. For that we are truly sorry. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police in India claim to have lost a wedding ring belonging to jailed Brition Jagatar Singh Johal, who has now spent eight years behind bars over terror allegations. Johal, a 38-year-old Dumbarton-based campaigner for Sikh rights, was detained in Indias Punjab state eight years ago on Tuesday in 2017 just weeks after his wedding, over accusations of involvement with the banned Sikh separatist Khalistani Liberation Force. He was acquitted earlier this year in a case in which he was accused of financially supporting a terror group, but still faces eight other federal charges. His supporters say the cases are effectively duplicates based on the same scant evidence and should now be thrown out. Mr Johal has denied any wrongdoing, and a UN panel ruled that he had been arbitrarily detained in May 2022. His family claims Mr Johal has been subjected to torture, including the administering of electric shocks, during his time in prison, and that he was forced to sign a blank document which was then made out to be a confession. The Indian government has denied the allegations of mistreatment and said due process is being followed in all Mr Johals cases. Legal campaign group Reprieve revealed that Mr Johals wedding ring and a gold chain the last gift he received from his mother before she died have been lost by the authorities in Punjab. The items were confiscated when he was arrested. open image in gallery Jagtar Singh Johal and his wife Gurpreet Kaur at their wedding in 2017 (Family Handout/PA) The wedding ring and gold chain are said to be worth 12,000, and the Briton was entitled to their return following his acquittal of the case brought against him in Punjab. As his family marks eight years without Mr Johal, Reprieve shared documents in which the police in Punjab admitted they cannot find possessions that were taken from him on his initial arrest. Reprieve added that Punjab police only now admitted to losing Mr Johals belongings after stalling the return request for months. Mr Johals wife, Gurpreet Kaur, said: It is impossible to describe the pain of being separated from Jagtar for so long. We were just beginning our life together, full of hope and love. When I look at the picture of us dancing, so happy, with the rings on our fingers symbolising our vows to each other, it makes me unbearably sad. I think of the years, the life that has been taken away from us. I dont care about the gold chain or even the ring I just need Jagtar back to start our married life together. open image in gallery Jagtar Singh Johal (Family handout/PA) His brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, said it should be clear by now that the Indian authorities will only release his brother if the UK government insists on it. He added: The prime minister and the foreign secretary are the two people who can make it happen and Ill be stressing this when I meet Yvette Cooper in the coming weeks. Downing Street said faster progress was needed to resolve the case of Mr Johal and that Sir Keir Starmer had consistently raised consular cases, including Jagtar Singh Johal, with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, including when they met last month. A spokesperson for Downing Street said: We will continue to make clear to the government of India that faster progress is needed, and we are clear that a resolution must include an investigation into Mr Johals allegations of torture. Pressed that there had been no resolution in eight years, the spokesperson replied: As I say, the prime minister has consistently raised this case, among others. We continue to make our position clear to the government of India. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice One in four new owners admitted they have considered giving up their puppy within the first two weeks, new research shows. Experts are calling the surge in pet abandonment a crisis of puppy blues, in which nearly six in ten (58 per cent) have reported feeling anxious, overwhelmed or unprepared in the early stages of having a pet. It comes after the RSPCA found record levels of pet abandonment in the UK, with 22,503 cases reported last year - the highest since the pandemic. Angela Spenley-Roberts, a 51-year-old from Cheltenham and owner of two patterdale terriers, explained that the cost of living crisis and the rise in vet bills are all factors which could lead people to abandon their pets. She described how her dogs Molly and Roco started eating the walls during her workday, and she was always having to clean up after them. She said she had a lack of support and understanding, whereby it's quite overwhelming when you have multiple puppies. Despite the difficulties, Ms Roberts found ways of managing her pets with crate training and listening to sounds to get them accustomed to noises like fireworks or doorbells. Since then, she said they have become her most joyful best friends for life. open image in gallery Angela Spenley-Roberts, 51, is the owner of two patterdale terriers Molly and Roco ( Angela Roberts ) Lorna Winter, co-founder of the Zigzag dog training app, which was behind the research, said every overwhelmed dog owner is a missed opportunity for prevention. The UK dog behaviour expert said: These early behavioural challenges that you get with getting a puppy, like toileting, chewing, separation anxiety, jumping up - all these things are completely normal, but I think what we're seeing is that people are just not quite prepared. They haven't quite understood the true reality of what it takes to have this living, breathing little puppy in your home, and that can feel hugely overwhelming. While bringing a puppy home is a huge responsibility, the survey of 500 dog owners suggests only half were confident in preventing common issues like chewing and barking, and nearly one in five did little or no research before getting a puppy. Moreover, almost a quarter (23 per cent) waited until after the first month to start training. She described how a lot of owners reach breaking point, likening the challenges of dealing with a puppy as similar to having a baby in terms of sleep deprivation and fitting them around busy schedules. open image in gallery The RSPCA found record levels of pet abandonment in the UK, with 22,503 cases reported last year ( Pexels/Aleksandr Nadyojin ) The Cats Protection charity added that it has taken in more than 26,000 cats, which were given up or abandoned in the last 12 months. This included 3,000 from unwanted litters, more than 1,000 due to owner deaths, and more than 1,000 due to care costs. Dr Samantha Gaines, head of companion animals at the RSPCA, said: "Sadly, last year, incidents of animal abandonment being reported to the RSPCA reached a five-year high. We know it's a really tough time for pet owners - and the cost of living crisis has made things exceptionally challenging, with our Animal Kindness Index revealing that 74 per cent of owners think caring for their pet is more expensive than a year ago. But dumping an animal is never, ever the answer." The London Fire Brigade estimates 686,475 was spent on animal rescue call-outs in the year to June, a rise from 261,253 in 2020. Ms Winter explained dogs are likely to live for 10 to 15 years, adding: This is a big commitment. This isn't a handbag that you can just give away to a charity shop, or a pair of shoes that you can pass on. She said people should think carefully about if that is the right thing for your family at this time as well as the rewards, as a lack of preparation can often lead to that heartbreak later on. Some thought it was a Halloween prank at first. When bloodied, terrified passengers ran down the carriages on board the LNER service from Doncaster to London on Saturday night, warning of a man attacking fellow travellers with a knife, it sounded like a tasteless joke. But the horror was all too real. Shortly after the train left Peterborough at 7.30pm, the rampage began, with the suspect, now named as 32-year-old Anthony Williams, accused of indiscriminately stabbing all those in his path. It is one of Britains largest mass stabbings, with 11 people injured and one member of LNER rail staff in a critical condition. Horrific though the incident was, the feedback seems to be unanimous: it was exceptionally well handled. Train driver Andrew Johnson, a Royal Navy and Iraq war veteran, made the swift decision to divert the train to Huntingdon. The courageous member of train staff who tried to intervene was nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved peoples lives, according to the British Transport Police. Within eight minutes of the first 999 call at 7.42pm, the alleged perpetrator had been arrested. Emergency planning may have played a vital part in ensuring Saturdays response was quick off the mark. Police had rehearsed an eerily similar knife attack scenario on a moving train in March this year, reports Sky News. In the drill, the train stopped immediately between stations when the emergency cord was pulled; it took police 25 minutes to reach it. When the real attack took place, the decision to stop at a station enabled armed officers to get to the scene far faster. An attack of this scale and the anticipation of train passengers being a future target cant help but call into question the safety of Britains trains. Unlike air travel, there is little to no security in place when travelling by rail. And, unlike attacks that are carried out in public spaces, those initiated on trains leave victims trapped the epitome of sitting ducks. As one passenger on the LNER train told the BBC: The thing that was in my mind was, Were running through this train now, but what if we run out of carriages to run through? What if we reach the end of the train? There are already calls for greater action to enhance security and protect travellers. The shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, has said tough and radical action is needed to tackle knife crime, including an increase in the use of stop and search and live facial recognition technology at train stations. A review of rail security in the UK has since been promised by the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander. Its not even the only major rail incident to have occurred in the last few days. On Monday morning, a high-speed Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to Euston derailed in Cumbria after it struck a landslide at 80mph, injuring four of the 87 people on board. open image in gallery The attack on Saturday is one of Britains largest mass stabbings, with 11 people injured and one member of LNER rail staff in a critical condition ( AFP/Getty ) So, is safety truly a concern and what measures could feasibly be taken to decrease risk on our rail network? First off, its worth noting that Britains railway remains one of the safest in Europe, according to the most recent analysis from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). Its 2025 report found that Britain ranked best in Europe for whole society safety risk, combining the overall average number of fatalities and serious injuries across five risk categories. For passenger safety risk alone, Britain ranked eighth in Europe but performed favourably compared to countries with similarly large railway networks. However, over the past decade, the number of reported passenger assaults has more than tripled, and the numbers continue to climb: some 10,231 assaults were reported between April 2024 and March 2025, a jump of 7 per cent from the previous year. This year, Network Rail announced that accidental deaths on the rail network had risen by 26 per cent year on year and hit a five-year high. While correlation is not causation, all this has gone hand in hand with huge slashes to the number of rail staff. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows a reduction of 100,000 workers across the industry between 2019 and 2023. A 2023 RMT survey revealed that more than 90 per cent of Network Rail workers thought a major railway incident was likely to happen in the next two years because of cuts to spending on infrastructure and the axing of highly skilled roles. An attack of this scale cant help but call into question the safety of Britains trains Earlier this year, The Times reported that thousands more jobs could be on the chopping block as part of the governments huge plans to overhaul the British rail industry. Even the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), a government body set up specifically to investigate accidents to improve railway safety, has had its headcount decreased by 8 per cent. Rail travellers perception of safety onboard public transport has simultaneously been impacted. In the Department for Transports latest National Travel Attitudes Survey, more than a quarter of people who said they avoided travelling by train (29 per cent) did so because the behaviour of other passengers made them feel unsafe. Unsurprisingly, women feel less safe when using public transport than men. Having adequate staffing plays a crucial role in this; women were more likely to feel unsafe because they felt isolated, and put greater emphasis on the importance of transport staff being able to deal with incidents. Lucy Easthope, a professor at the University of Bath and emergency planning specialist, points out that women and girls have been actively thinking about safety on trains whenever we use them for a long time. An adviser on nearly every major disaster of the past two decades, from the 7/7 bombings to the Covid pandemic, Easthope has long been warning that Britains rail network is in crisis. open image in gallery Four passengers suffered injuries after a train derailed in Cumbria on Monday ( Sky News ) There are profound safety concerns, both in terms of ageing infrastructure, and in terms of what the Huntingdon attack has illustrated, she says. In a similar way to an aeroplane, a train on the tracks is its own little jurisdiction. Sometimes there are transport police on board, sometimes there arent. At the same time, were getting rid of guards and minimising the importance of drivers. At a time when there should be increased investment in resourcing our railways, were seeing a consistent decline across the board, she claims. One example of this is care teams (or lack thereof) provided by train operating companies. Since Saturdays attack, Easthopes inbox has been filled with survivors who were simply put in a taxi home, with no further contact or psychological support offered. If I was minister for transport, Id say our rail network needs looking at from beginning to end stations arent safe, infrastructure is getting old, front of house staff have been cut and the importance of drivers has been minimised, she adds. Cutting transport policing and emergency planning really concerns me. People think you only need it when things go wrong, but we need safety on the railways at all times. If I was minister for transport, Id say our rail network needs looking at from beginning to end Professor Lucy Easthope, emergency planning specialist Other mooted solutions have included enhanced security infrastructure, though the transport secretary has made clear that she does not think airport-style scanning is the right solution for stations in the UK. The resource required would be huge, as would the impact on travellers if they had to allow an extra hour for a domestic journey just to get through security. Greater police presence on public transport has also been called for; writing in a newspaper, former Metropolitan Police superintendent Kevin Hurley explained how a tacit arrangement used to exist between officers and British Rail whereby serving police were able to travel for free, on the understanding that if trouble broke out we would intervene. That helped to prevent countless incidents, and may well have saved more lives than anyone can guess. Focusing on female safety in particular, 21-year-old student Camille Brown started a petition in September calling for women-only Tube carriages. She cited statistics that sexual offences on Londons transport network rose by 10.5 per cent in 2024, with over a third of women in London having experienced harassment on public transport. Whenever similar proposals have been floated in the past, however, theyve been met with backlash. Writing for The Independent in 2017, Everyday Sexism founder and feminist activist Laura Bates called the idea gravely insulting to both women and men. It doesnt seem like a simple solution to rails safety problems exists; anything meaningful will require significant investment in both staffing and infrastructure. At the very least, these latest tragedies might just force the issue up the political agenda, hopes Easthope. Train incidents are incredibly impactful, she says. Its not enough for a minister to lay a wreath in a few months time; this attack has unlocked something. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Heavy rain is expected across parts of the UK for the next two days as a yellow weather warning has been issued by the Met Office alongside several flood alerts. Following recent spells of wet weather, the rain is set to become more persistent and widespread once again, with the weather warning issued from midday on Tuesday to 8am on Wednesday. The areas covered by the warning are Wales and parts of south-west England including Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, Plymouth and Torbay. The government has issued 11 flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - for areas such as Brampton, Keswick, Carlisle, Warwick Holmes. Another 33 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, are also in place. More information can be found on the GOV.UK website. open image in gallery The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for Tuesday and Wednesday ( Met Office ) A Met Office spokesperson said: Breezy but mild weather continues this week with some heavy rain developing in places. Rain is expected to turn heavier during Tuesday afternoon with yellow warnings in place for parts of the South West and southern Wales until Wednesday morning, where 20 to 40mm of rain is expected widely. Some exposed south-facing hills of the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor could see more than 50mm, with stronger winds expected on exposed coasts. Wednesday looks to bring a more settled picture, with autumnal showers and mild temperatures. The Met Office said drivers can expect journey times to be longer due to spray and flooding on roads, and public transport such as bus and train services are likely to be affected. People are advised to check road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, to have the best chance of avoiding delays. They are also advised to amend travel plans if necessary. The forecaster added that those living in an area covered by the weather warning should check if they could be at risk of flooding, and prepare a plan and emergency kit accordingly. In case of power cuts, people are urged to carry torches, batteries, a mobile phone power bank and other essential items. The Met Office recommends staying up to date with the latest weather forecast and flood alerts, and being prepared for conditions to change rapidly. open image in gallery Forecasters predict 20 to 40mm of rain across the country ( Getty/iStock ) The Met Offices tips for staying safe in heavy rain Checking if your property could be at risk of flooding using this guideline. Follow flood advice in your area using these organisations and keeping your mobile phones charged. Assessing whether it is safe for you to drive: avoid driving if possible and make sure to park outside the flood zone. If you have to drive, be sure to slow down, use main roads, dipped headlights, give yourself more time to react to slippery surfaces and keep a bigger gap between vehicles. Prepare a flood kit: It is not safe to drive or walk or swim through floodwater, avoid it where possible and if you are affected by fast flowing or deep water call 999 and wait for help. Store valuables up high, including electrical devices, important documents and furniture and turn off gas water and electricity supplies. Thinking about your neighbour: If you are worried about your health or that of somebody you know, ring NHS 111. Help to protect the vulnerable people that you know, including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone: they may need support with food and medical supplies. If you are trapped in a building by floodwater, you are advised to go to the highest level in the building (only go to a roof if necessary) and call 999 and wait for help. Avoid attic spaces to prevent being trapped by rising water. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A student and pro-Palestine activist whose UK visa sponsorship has been revoked by his university says he fears for his safety if he is deported to his native Egypt. Usama Ghanem, 21, was indefinitely suspended from Kings College London (KCL), starting a process that could see the Home Office cancel his student visa and issue a removal notice. Greta Thunberg and Jeremy Corbyn are among the high-profile figures who have joined the criticism of KCL following the decision. Mr Ghanem lived under an authoritarian regime in Egypt, where he and his family faced political persecution and violent, cruel treatment for their opposition to the government and regime. He says KCL should be well aware that returning is not a safe option, since he wrote his personal statement about his experiences. open image in gallery The student activist has been involved in a number of pro-Palestinian protests ( Abdullah Bailey ) Being returned to this authoritarian regime that kills its own people, that imprisons and tortures its own people would endanger my life, he told The Independent. The second-year student has been subjected to three disciplinary actions since last June following his Palestine activism. KCL insists it does not subject students to disciplinary action on the basis of lawful protest. Ms Thunberg, recently detained by Israel for taking an aid flotilla to Gaza, posted on Instagram: This unjust decision follows pressure from Zionist lobby groups, to which Kings College shamefully surrendered, betraying its commitment to free speech and academic integrity. The idea the university should withdraw sponsorship from somebody solely because theyre activating themselves on Palestine seems to me deeply disturbing, Mr Corbyn told Roar News. And Leanne Mohamad, a British-Palestinian activist who ran against Wes Streeting in the general election, told The Independent: I am disgusted that my former university is targeting a student simply for his pro-Palestine activism. open image in gallery Activist Thunberg was recently detained by Israel for taking an aid flotilla to Gaza ( AFP/Getty ) KCL is already taking disciplinary action against 26 students, but Usama is the only one who is facing three sets of suspensions. I think this sets a very dangerous precedent, not just for us as pro-Palestine voices, but especially for international students who dare to speak out. Mr Ghanem explained that university activism is important to him because his father, a professor, was jailed for it in Egypt. This motivated his continued campaigning for Palestine, Sudan and Ukraine at KCL. After a number of disciplinary issues, events came to a head when he took part in protesting an event in February titled Israelis and Iranians in Dialogue, featuring Iranian speaker Faezeh Alavi. The event ended early as a result of the disruption. Footage of the protest circulated on social media and was shared by senior members of the Trump Administration, among others. The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) wrote a letter to Kings president Shitij Kapur calling for an investigation into the student protesters. open image in gallery Ghanem (centre) giving a speech at pro-Palestine protest in Central London ( Abdullah Bailey ) The Independent has seen the CAAs letter, which alleges antisemitic and genocidal chanting referring to the divisive slogan From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. The letter reads this intimidation must carry consequences that demonstrate your commitment to ensuring that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Ghanem consequently received a letter in May informing him that he would be indefinitely suspended from the university and his visa sponsorship would be revoked. KCL said they cannot comment on individual cases subject to legal proceedings, referring to a judicial review he launched against the university in October. A university spokesperson said: As we have made clear, students are not subject to disciplinary action on the basis of lawful protest or affiliation, and it is untrue to suggest otherwise. As a university we fully support and are committed to upholding the right of freedom of speech within the law and we have and will continue to support the right to protest. However, the safety of our students and staff is our priority and where behaviour breaches university regulations, we will investigate in line with our robust processes and procedures to ensure that an inclusive and safe environment is maintained on campus." The Independent has contacted the Home Office for comment. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pressure is growing on Rachel Reeves to find new ways to boost the ailing economy as economists warn the Treasury may need to find at least 22bn at the upcoming Budget. Many now predict the chancellor will have little choice but to raise taxes to find more funds for government coffers, as rising borrowing costs and weak growth forecasts drastically reduce her room for manoeuvre. This difficult economic backdrop will require funds to be found somewhere, and the chancellor how now refused to rule out Labour breaking its manifesto commitment not to raise taxes for working people. This could mean an increase to the headline rate of income tax is on the table, as Ms Reeves warns she will not choose the easy answers. However, an increasing number of campaigners have said a wealth tax could shore up government funds, and likely without forcing ministers to row back on pledges. This is an economic policy adopted by very few countries, which focuses on the ultra-rich. open image in gallery Pressure is growing on Rachel Reeves to find new ways to boost the ailing economy ( PA ) Cabinet ministers have so far rejected calls for a wealth tax, with Ms Reeves indicating that she does not want to implement the measure in its strongest form. However, the chancellor also said in October that higher taxes for the wealthy will be part of the story at the Budget, leaving the door open for some wealth-targeting taxation. Heres everything you need to know about the wealth tax argument and what the experts have to say: What is a wealth tax? A wealth tax is a direct levy on an individuals total net assets things like property, investments, cash, and other possessions. Unlike most regular taxes, the idea is to target accumulated wealth, rather than only income earned that year. Alongside being a new way to raise revenue for the exchequer, the policy is also designed to redistribute wealth to reduce economic inequality. The UK already has some taxes that focus on assets, such as inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and council tax. Tweaking any of these may also be on the table for the chancellor later this year. Capital gains tax is most similar to a wealth tax in that it sees a levy charged on the sale of an asset. However, most models of a wealth tax would see an annual charge based on the value of assets held, even if they are not sold. The idea of a wealth tax has proven divisive among economic experts, with debates ongoing around its fairness, revenue-raising potential, and economic impact. Could a wealth tax work in the UK? Campaigners say a wealth tax could generate significant sums for the Treasury, whilst only affecting a small number of individuals who are less likely to feel the sting of higher receipts. Tax Justice UK is calling for a 2 per cent levy on individuals who own assets worth more than 10m. They say this would affect 0.04 per cent of the population, while raising 24bn a year. The calls come at a time when the wealth of the ultra-rich in the UK has increased massively in recent decades, while living standards have dropped for those on low- to middle-incomes. The Sunday Times rich list recorded 171 UK billionaires in 2023 up from 15 in 1990. At the same time, there are now record numbers of children living in poverty in the UK, and in precarious living conditions like temporary accommodation. open image in gallery Tax Justice UK is calling for a 2 per cent levy on individuals who own assets worth more than 10m ( Gareth Fuller/PA ) A wealth tax should be seriously considered by the chancellor, said author and host of the Macrodose podcast, James Meadway: It starts to chip away at the idea that were just going to allow wealth to pile up in a very few hands forevermore. Responding to criticism that a wealth tax would threaten investment in the UK, the economist said: Investment has fallen off a cliff between Brexit and the financial crisis. Sixty per cent of wealth in Britain is inherited. Its not something thats been built up by somebody going off and setting up a new business. If these people were any good, our economy would be better. It isnt better, so theyre not that good, so it doesnt matter that much. He added: Its not going to solve every single economic problem, but 24 billion is not a number to be sniffed at if youre the government right now looking at how youre going to continue to fund the NHS, how youre going to pay for not imposing massive benefit cuts, how youre going to get rid of the two-child benefit cap. Theres a whole stack of things that we could do with that money that isnt being done at the minute because its just sitting in the hands of very, very wealthy people. What are the issues with a wealth tax? One of the most difficult factors in calculating the benefits of any wealth tax is predicting what the behavioural response will be. While a wealth tax would raise fairly large sums in any scenario, this uncertainty means it is hard to model. A common concern put forward is the risk of capital flight, where wealthy individuals who tend to be more globally mobile simply leave the UK, or at least move some of their assets. Wealth can also be held in a diverse range of assets, anything from cars to art, meaning it may be hard for tax authorities to know exactly how to enforce the levy. open image in gallery While a wealth tax would raise fairly large sums in any scenario, uncertainty means it is hard to model ( PA ) Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates, said it is highly uncertain how much could be raised by implementing a wealth tax. While it is difficult to estimate exactly how many wealthy individuals would leave the UK should the measure come into force, the tax expert points out that just 10 leaving could reduce the revenue by billions. This is because 15 per cent of the projected yield would come from just 10 ultra-wealthy individuals, while 80 per cent would come from fewer than 5,000. Alongside the risk of capital flight, Mr Neidle argues that the economic damage of a wealth tax to the UK would be massive. He explained: If you tax something, you get less of it always. All taxes are a trade-off; you need to just be clear about what they are. With a wealth tax, youre taxing savings and investment, so you get less savings and investment. The tax expert points to modelling of wealth tax in the US and Germany, which found the long-term effect was a 2 per cent and 5 per cent reduction in GDP, respectively. This would be damaging for the economy and hit employment hard. We need to respond not to what we want policies to do, but what they actually do, Mr Neidle added. There are lots of ways you can reform tax and tax the wealthy fairly in a way that doesnt damage the rest of us. These could include reforming land tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax. Any of these is probably a more likely option for Labour than introducing a wealth tax. But as the Budget approaches, calls for some form of more redistributive measure will likely only grow louder. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tax rises are inevitable, a leading think tank has warned hours before Rachel Reeves sets out her Budget priorities. The chancellor will use a speech today to pave the way for sweeping tax rises expected to be announced at the end of the month,pledging to make important choices that will shape our economy for years to come. In a major pre-Budget address, she will set out her three priorities for the fiscal event cutting hospital waiting lists, the national debt and the cost of living. The Resolution Foundation has said that there was a way to implement the inevitable tax rises that boosts confidence in the economy and the public finances, while also reducing child poverty and the cost of living. Ms Reeves is expected to promise a Budget led by this governments values, of fairness and opportunity and focused squarely on the priorities of the British people. Acknowledging growing speculation over possible tax rises, she will argue that it is important the public understands the circumstances facing the country. In its pre-Budget review, the Resolution Foundation have said the chancellor should aim to double her fiscal headroom in her statement to the Commons on 26 November. This would result in the buffer against unexpected changes in economic headwinds increasing to 20bn, but the think tank acknowledged that an increase of 15bn was perhaps more realistic. This would send a clear message to markets that she is serious about fixing the public finances, which in turn should reduce medium-term borrowing costs and make future fiscal events less fraught, the report said. Tax-raising measures could include freezing personal thresholds, potentially raising 7.5bn if done for two years, according to the foundation, alongside pro-growth reforms to the tax system, targeting wealth, motoring and property taxes. So, although tax rises are inevitable, there is a way to do them which boosts confidence in the economy and the public finances, while also reducing child poverty and the cost of living. Alongside this, it said that ministers should also consider new targeted policy measures to help with the cost of living crisis, such as help with energy bills. The chancellors address is set to come after weeks of reports of planned tax rises as she scrambles to fill a black hole of up to 50bn in the public finances and keep to her golden rule of funding day-to-day spending with tax receipts. Rachel Reeves warns she will make the choices necessary to try and fix the economy ( Reuters ) On Monday, a Downing Street spokesperson said she will lay out the clear choices we face: either investment and hope or cuts and division seemingly a nod to the threat posed by Reform UK. The chancellor has warned of harsh global headwinds battering Britains economy, as well as arguing that Brexit had an even bigger impact than critics predicted. Further fuelling speculation over tax rises, Sir Keir Starmer last week declined to stand by Labours manifesto pledge not to raise VAT, income tax or national insurance paid by working people. He has previously said the commitment the party made to voters before the 2024 general election stands, but failed to repeat that assurance in the Commons. His press secretary also avoided using the phrase. On Monday, his spokesperson failed to clearly define working people when pressed on the issue, instead saying: Working people know who they are. We are committed to making their lives better by growing the economy, boosting defence at home and driving up living standards. They added that working people were those working hard across the country who do not get back what they deserve, people who have not necessarily got the savings to buy themselves out of problems. The government has been very clear about the choices that we face at this Budget: were going to be honest about the scale of the challenge we face. Speaking on Tuesday, the chancellor will say: Later this month, I will deliver my second Budget as chancellor. At that Budget, I will make the choices necessary to deliver strong foundations for our economy for this year, and years to come. It will be a budget led by this governments values, of fairness and opportunity, and focused squarely on the priorities of the British people protecting our NHS, reducing our national debt and improving the cost of living. She will add: You will all have heard a lot of speculation about the choices I will make. I understand that these are important choices that will shape our economy for years to come. But it is important that people understand the circumstances we are facing, the principles guiding my choices and why I believe they will be the right choices for the country. The Office for Budget Responsibility, which handed the chancellor its latest set of projections for the economy last week, is expected to downgrade the UKs performance on productivity at the Budget, with fears that it could represent a further 20bn gap in the public finances. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A former Conservative minister has accused Benjamin Netanyahus government of murdering a young Palestinian nurse known as the angel of mercy in an extraordinary U-turn, having previously refused to criticise Israel over the death. Alistair Burt also accused Israel of conducting bogus inquiries into her death and that of other Palestinians involving the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) as a means of covering up killings. Mr Burt, who served as the Middle East minister in Theresa Mays Conservative administration, says he and her government were wrong not to call out Israel over the death of paramedic Razan al-Najjar, 21, in Palestinian protests on Gazas border with Israel in 2018. She was fatally shot going to the aid of a wounded demonstrator, prompting international outrage and posthumous fame for charismatic Najjar. A United Nations investigation found reasonable grounds to believe she was shot deliberately by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). When the incident occurred Mr Burt, then the Foreign Office Minister responsible for the Middle East, refused to criticise Israel, merely urging them to investigate the matter. open image in gallery Relatives of the volunteer paramedic mourn at the family house during her funeral in the town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip ( AP/Khalil Hamra ) Moreover he pointed the finger of blame at the Palestinians, arguing extremist elements exploited the protests for their own violent purposes. However, in a remarkable public confession, Mr Burt now says he regrets his grim action, claiming he is now certain that Najjar was clearly targeted and murdered by Israel. He added that Israeli pledges to investigate this and other such killings were bogus - and he and the British government had been wrong to trust Israeli denials. Asked why he had failed to condemn Israels actions when Najjar was killed, a pained Mr Burt said: I know exactly what I did. I know why I did it. And its grim. He continued: I have thought about this a lot. The strongest memory I have was the shooting of the young paramedic Razan al-Najjar. She was clearly targeted and murdered by the Israelis. Mr Burt said he and the British government had made a grave error in taking the Netanyahu administration at its word when it said it would investigate and own up if it found the IDF was to blame for Najjars death. It had no such intention, he says. This and other similar promised official inquiries were all useless - and worse, nothing more than a cynical device to conceal the truth. We relied on the Israeli response that they know all about every shot that was fired by the IDF. My suspicion then since confirmed is that these investigations were effectively useless and used as a cover by the Israelis for the killing and covering up such as this. I and the UK should have been more bold in calling this out. Mr Burts comments come amid a separate controversy in Israel over leaked video footage allegedly showing IDF soldiers carrying out torture at Israels Sde Teiman detention camp for imprisoned Palestinians. Mr Burts change of heart is disclosed in a new book on Britains role in events surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict by journalist and author Peter Oborne entitled Complicit, Britains Role In The Destruction of Gaza. Mr Burts candid comments, in particular the vivid account of his grim recall of having wrongly trusted the Netanyahu government over the death of Najjar and other Palestinians, will be seen by Israels critics as a further sign of its diminished international standing in the wake of the Gaza conflict. open image in gallery Thousands gathered for the funeral of 21-year-old Razan Najjar, shot dead near the Israel-Gaza border on Friday while rushing to treat a wounded man ( AFP/Getty ) An internal review by the IDF into Najjars death in 2018 found she was not intentionally targeted. The IDF was accused of a smear campaign after releasing a film purporting to show that in a TV interview Najjar had admitted she was a human shield. An IDF spokesman said she was not the angel of mercy Hamas propaganda is making her out to be. It later emerged that the video had been manipulated: Najjar had said she was a human shield to save the injured. The words to save the injured had been edited out. Israels ambassador to the UK when the incident occurred questioned whether Najjar was a genuine medic and said her death was further evidence of the brutality of Hamas. Najjar had become an icon among Palestinians before her death, with photographs of her on social media in colourful headscarves, a determined look etched on her face. When she died, she was wearing a white tunic with her hands above her head, recognised by all those in the conflict as signalling a medic who should not be targeted.. An investigation into her death by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) found that she was clearly marked as a nurse and did not pose a threat of death or serious injury to the IDF when she was shot. The UNCHR found reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli snipers intentionally shot health workers despite seeing that they were clearly marked as such. In an interview with the New York Times a month before her death, Najjar discussed her position as a female volunteer medic. She said: Being a medic is not only a job for a man. Its for women, too. We have one goal. To save lives and evacuate people. And to send a message to the world: Without weapons, we can do anything. Her death in June 2018 came shortly before she and fiance Izzat Shatat were to announce their engagement at the end of Ramadan. Thousands of Gazans attended her funeral with Najjars body wrapped in a Palestinian flag. Her father carried her blood-stained medical jacket. Mr Burt cited another alleged IDF killing when an Israeli soldier shot a tear gas canister in the face of Palestinian protester, Mustafa al-Tamimi, in Israels occupied West Bank in 2011. Mr Burt said: We called for an investigation. I was promised there would be a response. Nothing. I do not recall any answer at all. The Independent has contacted the IDF 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hundreds of residents from a small town in Oregon have joined the search for an experienced hunter who vanished in the dense woods of Mount Hood National Forest on Friday. Devon Dobek, 51, messaged his friends on the morning of October 31 to say that he was returning home after getting a deer, but was later reported as missing that evening at 6.20 pm after he failed to return, according to a statement from the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office. Dobeks neighbors in Hubbard, a small town located 26 miles from Portland, held a prayer vigil for him yesterday, which included a Bible reading and a rendition of Amazing Grace. The massive search for Dobek has seen ATVs, drones, and K-9 units combing the forest late into the night. open image in gallery Devon Dobek, 51, has vanished after heading into the Mount Hood National Forest on a hunting mission ( Instagram/@Clackcosheriff ) Search efforts are focused in steep and difficult terrain that was burned in the 2020 wildfires, the sheriffs office said at the time. The area is full of fallen trees, making navigation extremely challenging. Crews plan to continue searching into the night hours. However, Dobeks friend said that he believes that the hunters experience in the wilderness could be helping him to survive. Ive hunted and fished with him multiple times, friend Roger Neufeld told Fox 12. If theres anyone who can weather something like this, its going to be Devon. While his sister, Katie, told the station that Dobeks family is putting their faith in God. We are 100% putting our faith in Christ, she said. This can be used as a witness to bring people together. The outpouring of the community has been Christ-centered. Dobeks car has been found off Oregon Highway 224, by the Fish Creek Tailhead, but, according to Oregon Live, there was no sign of him or his deer near the vehicle. Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a statement that teams looking for Dobek heard gunshots in the forest on Friday but could not pinpoint where they had come from. Authorities confirmed that they presumed that the missing hunter had fired the shots. open image in gallery The harsh terrain makes searching for people difficult, with heavy rain obscuring the view of helicopter search teams ( Instagram/@clackcosheriff ) Despite the dismal weather and heavy rain, Oregon Army National Guard helicopters have joined the search, too. The sheriff has confirmed that no additional volunteers are needed as Mountain Wave Search and Rescue, Portland Mountain Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Hood River Crag Rats, and Lake Oswego Police Departments drone team have also set out to find Dobek. In addition to the physical search, law enforcement is attempting to find him through cellphone and GPS tracking, but has found that the rugged terrain means that "signal coverage in the area is weak or non-existent." The Independent has contacted the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A week after Hurricane Melissa slammed into the Caribbean, the full scale of its path of destruction is starting to become clear. Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica last Tuesday as a powerful category 5 hurricane, the Caribbean nations strongest-ever storm to directly hit its shores, and the first major hurricane to do so since 1988. With wind speeds of up to 185mph it went on to tear a path through Cuba, the Bahamas and Bermuda before moving off to the north on Friday. As of Monday, the death toll stands at 67. Below we look at the numbers that reveal why Melissa was branded one of the worst to make landfall in the last 25 years. open image in gallery Hurricane Melissa churns northwest through the Caribbean Sea ( Getty ) The Storm of the Century At its peak, Hurricane Melissa was a category 5 storm and the strongest of the year so far It is in the top three most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record, tying with two other hurricanes for strongest recorded landfall, with a top wind speed of 185mph Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and a 1935 storm known as the Labor Day hurricane, before storms were named the way they are now, both clocked winds of 185mph when they made landfall Government officials and meteorologists have described the storm as unprecedented, after it rapidly intensified due to exceptionally warm sea-surface temperatures and favourable conditions in the atmosphere. The rarity of a storm of such severity, and the scale of the damage inflicted on the affected land, have guaranteed that Melissa will go down in history as one of the most devastating on record. Barring Covid-19, Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness said it may not only be the storm of the century, but disaster of the century. open image in gallery Hurricane Melissa left widespread damage in its wake, like in the coastal town of Black River, where 90 per cent of homes had roofs destroyed or damaged ( AFP via Getty ) Scale of destruction Estimated costs of damage vary wildly and it may be too early to gauge accurately. As it stands though, AccuWeather estimates $48bn to $52bn in damage and economic loss across the western Caribbean. The total population of all the islands affected is at least 25 million people. Western Jamaica was one of the hardest-hit areas, while Cuba, Haiti and the Bahamas were also severely impacted, with thousands of homes damaged. Heres a look at some of the numbers by country: Jamaica: Western parts of Jamaica worst hit, with 90 per cent of homes in the town of Black River losing roofing or being destroyed entirely The cost of the storms impact for Jamaica alone has been put at $7.7bn About 72 per cent of Jamaicas energy customers were left without power, and 6,000 people were still in emergency shelters over the weekend Much of Jamaica remains without power but eight hospitals have now got consistent energy running At least 28 deaths with more casualties expected as rescue efforts continue Jamaicas two main international airports, Sangster International airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, have both been reopened open image in gallery St Elizabeth, Jamaica, was badly hit by the storm, with whole towns left underwater ( AFP via Getty ) Cuba More than 3 million people exposed to life-threatening conditions during the storm 735,000 were safely evacuated 240 communities were cut off from power due to flooding and landslides. While work is underway to restore power, it is unclear how successful these efforts have been so far Haiti: Death toll about 31 since Friday, many died when a river overflowed in Petit-Goave 15,000 people gathered in more than 120 shelters Significant losses to agricultural sector because of saturation of soil, particularly banana plantations Haiti already suffered a humanitarian crisis due to gang violence with 1.4 million displaced The Bahamas: 1,500 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas Parts of the islands submerged in floodwaters open image in gallery A resident of El Cobre, in the province of Santiago de Cuba, walks past downed trees, power lines and destroyed houses ( AFP via Getty ) The Jamaican prime minister said the scale of destruction is unlike anything we have seen in decades. Entire communities along the storms path were flattened, trees snapped like twigs, and the once-green Cockpit Country now bears a haunting, winter-like appearance, he wrote on X/Twitter. Government officials in the Caribbean say that damage assessment is still ongoing, as aid workers attempt to reach isolated communities. Our immediate priority is to restore electricity and telecommunications and to ensure that essential services, particularly at the Falmouth hospital, are stabilised, Mr Holness said on X, adding that Jamaica would rebuild stronger and wiser. Meanwhile, Jamaican health minister Christopher Tufton recognised that the death toll in Jamaica was probably higher than what has currently been reported because many places are still hard to access. Following the devastation, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) said that it would make a record payout to Jamaica of $70.8m. open image in gallery Satellite imagery shows the Jamaican town of Black River before and after the devastation ( Vantor/Government of Jamaica ) Humanitarian aid The US, UK, and Canada have all offered large disaster response packages for the region UN agencies have allocated millions of pounds worth of aid to the Caribbean, but have struggled to access some hard-to-reach areas Thousands of sanitation kits, reproductive health kits, and food boxes have been delivered across the affected islands A team from the US is being activated by the State Department, deploying a disaster response team, which will assist with providing food, water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, temporary shelter and search and rescue support. The UK, meanwhile, initially offered a 2.5m support package last week, before later announcing a further 5m. Canadas secretary of state is providing C$7m in support of the emergency relief. open image in gallery People walk through a flooded street after Hurricane Melissa hit Petit-Goave, Haiti ( AFP via Getty ) On Saturday, the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) announced that it had received 2,000 boxes of emergency food assistance shipped from Barbados, to be distributed in shelters and in the most-affected communities in the St. Elizabeth area UNICEF the UNs childrens agency said water, sanitation and hygiene kits for about 14,500 people and nutritional supplies for over 4,000 children had been supplied before Melissa hit. Another $1m was allocated to support immediate emergency response. The UN Population Fund has provided up to 5,000 reproductive health kits and 4,000 dignity kits. A further $4m from its Central Emergency Response Fund has also been allocated to affected people in Jamaica. Medical kits for about 11,000 were provided by the Pan American Health Organisation. Millions are caught in Hurricane Melissa's path and need urgent help. We're working with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba to save lives, said the UNs humanitarian aid chief Tom Fletcher. The priority now is to get help to those who need it, said Pearnel P Charles Jr, Jamaicas minister of labour and social security during a brief stop en route to Black River for the first time with long-awaited relief supplies. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In September, 42-year-old Lisa Catalano launched a bold new strategy in her search for love: she rented a dozen digital billboards in Californias Bay Area to advertise a website where men could apply to date her. But Catalano told The Independent she wasnt at all prepared for how the world would react. Catalano, a vintage clothing seller and social media content creator, said she came up with the idea after failing to find a man to settle down with on the dating apps. When the billboards went up, she expected some local attention, but the story went viral nationwide. I was going into this thinking maybe I'll make the local news or something, maybe I'll get a little blurb in the paper, she told The Independent. I wasn't expecting front page of two large papers. I wasn't expecting national-level interviews. Catalanos story was covered by several national outlets, including the New York Post, People and ABC News. Once the story blew up, she received more than 3,800 applications in just three weeks. On top of that, she received thousands of messages many of which were hateful, she said. open image in gallery Lisa Catalano rented a dozen digital billboards in Californias Bay Area ( Lisa Catalano ) She expected some negative comments, but said she had no idea that it would be next-level hate mail. Catalano described messages that used insulting names, like b**** and w****. Some commenters also questioned why she hadnt found a partner earlier in life, she explained. To them, Catalano says: Well, I'm sorry, my fiance died. Catalanos fiance passed away in late 2023 from a terminal illness. Catalano described their decade-long relationship as great and caring, but said shes withholding specific details about him to protect his familys privacy. Fox News even aired a segment about Catalanos billboards on October 6. The commentators labeled her desperate, and one even appeared to call her a crazy b**** (the network censored the expletive). Catalano said it was shocking to watch that clip on Fox News, especially how hateful it all was, and not giving any sort of context or details or my story. The influx of hate messages prompted Catalano to put certain safety and security measures in place but shes keeping the details private. Part of the safety and security plan is not talking about the safety and security plan, she said. open image in gallery Lisa Catalano rented digital billboards in the Bay Area advertising 'MarryLisa.com' ( Lisa Catalano ) Despite all the hate that poured in, Catalano said she received even more messages supporting her search for love. Thats really been a bright spot in all of this, because I've had to really just kind of go through this with some thick skin and just try to power through all the negativity, she said. Catalanos website encourages eligible bachelors to apply to date her, and includes a trove of information about her hobbies, interests, and what shes looking for in a partner. The application asks bachelors for their biographical information, then allows them to answer some open-ended prompts, such as What are your hobbies and interests? and Describe your personality. Applicants can also upload photos of themselves. It took Catalano several weeks to go through the initial applications she received, and shes still accepting submissions for now. She keeps track of the applications and supportive messages by filing them in binders decorated with glitter and her websites URL. Catalano also printed out the hate messages, but said she keeps track of those in a separate, ugly binder. open image in gallery Lisa Catalano is keeping track of applications and supportive messages by printing them out and putting them in binders, she told The Independent ( Lisa Catalano ) As she reviews applications, Catalano first checks whether men are around her age and located near her. From there, she looks at her nonnegotiables" and the applicants responses to the open-ended questions. Catalano reviews applicants pictures last, because she wants to approach this primarily from a compatibility standpoint, she said. Catalano started going on first dates less than two weeks ago, and theyre going well so far, she said. She has at least one second date scheduled for next week. The whole ordeal even prompted a local news network, KRON 4, to start production on a docu-series about her website and search for love, Catalano said. Even as camera crews document her journey, Catalano says she works to make sure the dates still feel normal. KRON 4 told The Independent the first episode of the series is set to premiere on November 26. Despite the influx of hate mail, Catalano said she wouldnt change a thing about the experience. I don't have any regrets, she said. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice With approval of the updated COVID-19 vaccine coming weeks later than in the past, the fall vaccine season has started slowly, according to Pfizer. The sales of Pfizers Comirnaty shots sank 25% after the U.S. government narrowed recommendations of who needs the jab earlier this year. Many Americans get vaccinations in the fall to be protected from any possible disease surges in the winter. Experts say interest in COVID-19 shots has been declining, and that trend could pick up this fall due to anti-vaccine sentiment and confusion about whether the shots are necessary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month said it was adopting recommendations made by advisers picked by the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In doing so, the CDC stopped recommending shots for anyone, instead leaving the decision up to patients. Prior to this year, U.S. health officials following the advice of infectious disease experts recommended annual COVID-19 boosters for all Americans ages 6 months and older. The idea was to update protection as the coronavirus evolves. But that sentiment started to shift earlier this year when Kennedy, who has questioned the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, said they were no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. Dr. Amesh Adaja said vaccine rates have been suboptimal in recent years, even for people considered a high risk for catching a bad case of COVID-19. Thats only going to fall off more this season, the senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security said recently. The shifting guidance caused some confusion in September, once updated shots began arriving at drugstores, the main place Americans go to get vaccinated. Some locations required prescriptions or started asking customers if they had a condition that made them susceptible to a bad case of COVID-19. Healthcare worker prepares pfizer vaccine ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The change also created questions about whether insurance coverage would continue. A major industry group, Americas Health Insurance Plans, has since clarified that its members will cover the shots. CVS Health announced earlier this month that it will not require prescriptions at its stores and clinics. Independent pharmacy owner Theresa Tolle says this fall has probably been one of the more confusing seasons for her customers. Tolle runs the independent Bay Street Pharmacy in Sebastian, Florida. She said her COVID-19 vaccine business has been busy because she has an older patient population. Many still want the shots. But shes also had more customers tell her this year that they dont want them. Theres just so many messages out there, they dont know who to believe, she said. Ive had people tell me they are afraid of it when theyve had it many times. Pfizer saw U.S. Comirnaty sales drop to $870 million in the recently completed third quarter from $1.16 billion in the same time frame last year. That came after vaccine sales rose the first two quarters of the year. Wall Street analysts also expect sales of Spikevax shots from Moderna to tumble about 50% in the third quarter, according to the data firm FactSet. Moderna will report its third-quarter results on Thursday. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Texas deer seemingly embracing its emo era is totally fine, the Lago Vista Police Department has assured concerned residents. In a humorous Facebook post on October 25, the department shared a video of a deer with a hammock tangled in its antlers, noting it had received numerous calls about the animals welfare. The clip was set to the viral emo-style rendition of Secondhand Serenades 2008 hit, Fall For You, for added flair. While his forest-core fashion' has raised some eyebrows, rest assured, hes totally fine, the department said. Hes eating, drinking, strutting around like he just dropped his debut album called Hammocks & Heartache, and clearly thriving in his main-character moment! Police explained that male deer naturally shed their antlers before winter ends, so the emo-chic accessory should fall off on its own soon. open image in gallery This 'emo deer' with a hammock tangled around its antlers is 'totally fine,' Texas police and wildlife officals said ( Lago Vista Police Department ) They even amended the Facebook post to address some folks think we just looked at this deer and said, 'Yep, seems fine. We promise, we didnt get our wildlife degrees off YouTube, the police department wrote, crediting their partners at the Texas Parks & Wildlife, including a Game Warden and Wildlife Biologist, who advised them on the situation. As difficult as it can be to see an animal with hardware disease and want to help it, there are good, scientifically backed reasons why we do not get involved unless absolutely necessary, wildlife officials said in a statement. Darting animals in urban areas can be very high risk due to the number of people, roads, and houses, and the unpredictable nature of animal behavior. Many residents shared their gratitude for the reassurance that the emo animal is okay, with one even sharing her own photo of him eating apples and carrots. He is a hungry boy, the woman wrote. open image in gallery Some Facebook users thought the 'emo deer' better resembled a Reggae artist due to his 'dreadlocks' ( Lago Vista Police Department ) Others applauded whoever wrote the caption for the deer post. I want whoever made this post - post everything from now on!! Perfection, one person posted. Another wrote: Whoever wrote this is hilarious. And hopefully he will lose that hammock. One spectator even tried their hand at a fun write-up. This season will bring a bold new face to the runway: Darius the Deer, someone commented. With his avant-garde head dress made of autumn leaves and unforgettable moves, hes redefining what it means to strut! Work that runway, Darius! 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice America may be on track to losing its longstanding measles elimination status, held by the United States since 2000. The status indicates that there has not been continuous spread of the infectious disease for more than a year but vaccine hesitancy and other factors have sent infections rocketing to their highest levels in 25 years. There have been 1,648 cases and three deaths tied to the virus this year so far, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. And if recent cases, reported in South Carolina or Utah, are tied back to a deadly West Texas outbreak that started in January and health authorities cant bring the areas under control before the new year, the countrys elimination status is at risk. In South Carolina, the outbreak fueled by exposures at Spartanburg County elementary schools has grown to 37 cases, including many unvaccinated students. Utah has seen 64 cases largely around the Southwest, 61 of whom were unvaccinated. open image in gallery A one-year-old boy is held by his mother while receiving a measles-mumps-rubella vaccine at a clinic in West Texas last March. Although the West Texas outbreak has ended, other areas have continued to see cases surge ( Getty Images ) Exposure to measles without being vaccinated can prove fatal. Two young children died in the Texas outbreak earlier this year. Measles may also lead to pneumonia, ear infections and brain swelling, as well as fever and a reddish-pink rash. The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97 percent effective against infection. Thats how the U.S. reached its elimination status initially. However, child vaccination rates have fallen across the U.S. since before the pandemic, with fewer than 92.5 percent of kindergarteners getting a measles shot for this 2024-2025 school year. Doctors say falling rates are tied to increasing vaccine hesitancy and the spread of misinformation about vaccine safety. Even one child dying from measles is one too many, American Academy of Pediatrics President, Dr. Susan Kressly, wrote in an April letter to Congressional leaders. What makes these deaths so tragic is that immunization could have prevented these deaths. open image in gallery A person walks past a sign at a Texas health center where the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is being administered last February. An outbreak in West Texas infected more than 760 people ( AFP via Getty Images ) Its not only infections in the U.S. that Americans may need to worry about. Canada could also cost the Americas its elimination status this week, following an outbreak of more than 5,100 measles cases and two infant deaths since October 2024. The outbreak started at a wedding in eastern Canada and has since spread across nine of its 10 provinces. Its tremendously disappointing, Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta, told STAT News. I never in my life thought Id see a massive measles outbreak in Canada. Most of my career in [infectious diseases], theres been 10 cases a year or less. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Liberal activist David Hogg called out conservative CNN political commentator Scott Jennings for lecturing viewers about affordability while brandishing a Rolex watch. The pair were speaking on CNN NewsNights panel about the New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, which sparked the clash. Jennings commented on the likelihood of Mamdani winning, arguing New York was a Democrat town and theyre going to elect a socialist to run the financial capital of the world. open image in gallery David Hogg and Scott Jennings are pictured together during a segment on CNN discussing New York Citys mayoral election ( CNN ) Jennings then said Hogg had donated $300,000 to Mamdani. Thats interesting, thats probably the only 300 non-Islamo Marxist grand that he got. The 25-year-old quipped that there was a public financing system for elections in New York, before skewering Jennings. I think part of the reason [Mamdanis] so powerful is because people are tired of being lectured by men with Rolexes on CNN about affordability in this country, Hogg said. Thats the real reason he is resonating right now because he has a clear message that actually says, This is what I plan to do. I dont think this is about going to the left or the right, to be honest with you. Do I agree with Zohran much more than a lot of other Democrats in our party? Certainly. But I think we need to meet voters where theyre at in their districts. Jennings questioned in response if Hogg wanted a socialist future for [his] party? Hogg responded: I want a future where everybody has healthcare and people can afford a good life. Hogg was among the survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting who spoke out in favor of gun control in the wake of their ordeal. He also served as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee from January 2025 to June 2025. The pair also clashed over the state of the government shutdown. Hogg argued the Democrats were protecting Americans from having premiums rise under the Republican amendments to the Affordable Care Act. open image in gallery A woman places flowers on a memorial in front of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to honor those killed during a mass shooting on February 14, 2018, in Parkland, Florida, where fourteen students and three staff members were killed ( Getty Images ) However, Jennings said there was a sunset provision in the Affordable Care Act, which was included by the Democrats when they were in government. Now you want to make it a Republican problem. These are now the same issues. You could open the government today and then you could negotiate with Republicans about ACA subsidies, he said. But under duress, under a hostage-taking situation, connecting disconnected issues, and now youre throwing SNAP onto it. Youre throwing all the federal workers who arent being paid onto it, all because of this fight that you wandered into because of your wing of the Democratic Party. You all led to this SNAP crisis. You all led to this crisis of the government being closed, and you dont know how to get out of it. The government shutdown is set to become the longest ever this week. President Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday that he won't be extorted by Democrats who are demanding negotiations to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire at the end of the year for millions of Americans. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Dick Cheney, the former vice president who is largely credited with becoming one of the most influential vice presidents in modern American history, died Monday at the age of 84, his family announced. Cheney died from complications related to pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease, the family said. He battled cardiovascular disease much of his adult life, experiencing at least five heart attacks between 1978 and 2010 and undergoing a heart transplant in 2012. Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness and fly fishing, the statement from Cheneys family read. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man. Cheney, who served under former president George W. Bush, had a long political career marked by his steady and tenacious advocacy of policies that have become controversial such as engineering the Gulf war in 1991, invading Iraq in 2003 and implementing the Patriot Act. In a statement, Bush called Cheneys death a loss to the nation and said he would be remembered among the finest public servants of his generation. open image in gallery Cheney died from complications related to pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease ( Getty ) Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best, Bush said. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheneys service always reflected credit on the country he loved. Cheneys political career began in his late twenties after experiencing a challenging early adulthood dropping out of Yale University and being arrested twice for DUI. After marrying his wife, Lynne Vincent, in 1964 and welcoming his first daughter, future Representative Liz Cheney, in 1966, Cheney began working as a congressional aide and moved to Washington, D.C. Over the course of four decades, Cheney served under four Republican administrations, working as a White House staffer under Richard Nixon, White House chief of staff under Gerald Ford, secretary of defense under George H. W. Bush and eventually vice president for George W. Bush. Cheney also served in the House of Representatives for 10 years, representing Wyomings single congressional district. In 2018, Cheneys life and ascent to power were detailed in the Adam McKay movie Vice, with Christian Bale assuming the title role in an Academy Award-nominated performance. open image in gallery Then-Secretary of Defense Cheney is pictured with former President George H. W. Bush in August 1990 ( AFP via Getty ) Throughout his tenure, Cheney displayed an impressive skill set rarely seen in politics engineering policy behind the scenes while remaining out of the spotlight and refusing to give in to fanfare. His first major impact on U.S. foreign policy arose during his time as defense secretary, when he directed Operation Desert Storm to evict Iraqi troops from Kuwait. But Cheney is perhaps most well remembered for his influence on U.S. foreign policy after the September 11 attacks. John Bolton, the former national security adviser, praised Cheney as a principled Reaganite conservative and one of the few men who have shaped American foreign policy with unwavering conviction and clarity. Cheney played a vital role in advocating for the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, falsely claiming Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had launched a program to create weapons of mass destruction and pushed the false notion that Hussein had ties to Al-Qaeda. The Iraq war, which ended in 2011, led to the deaths of more than 200,000 civilians and 4,400 U.S. service members. open image in gallery Cheney, meeting with the President's Emergency Operations Center and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in September 2001, is largely considered an architect of Bushs War on Terror ( Getty ) Cheneys advocacy for the invasion of Iraq made him one of the most polarizing figures of the time. He left office with an approval rating of 31 percent, according to the Pew Research Center. His reputation in the administration even earned him the nickname Darth Vader. But Cheney stood by his decision, telling the Senate Intelligence Committee in 2014: I would do it again in a minute, referring to the invasion. Even two decades later, Cheneys known influence on the Iraq war has defined his reputation. Dick Cheney was a giant in American politics, and his impact will be felt for decades, Republican Rep. Mike Collins wrote. President George W. Bush relied on Dick Cheney for virtually everything, Republican Senator Ted Cruz said on Fox News Tuesday morning. Disgraced congressman George Santos wrote, Dick Cheney will meet his maker and will have lots of explaining to do. I wish his family well all things considered, but I havent and wont ever shed a tear for a war criminal of his ilk. open image in gallery Cheney is survived by his daughter Liz, a Republican who campaigned for Kamala Harris in 2024 ( AP ) Despite rarely being seen in public in his later years, Cheney appeared in a political advertisement for his daughter, Liz, in 2022, in which he decried President Donald Trump. In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Cheney said, calling the now-president a coward. A real man wouldnt lie to his supporters. He lost his election, and he lost big. I know it. He knows it, and deep down, I think most Republicans know, Cheney said in the advertisement. According to Liz, Cheney endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Cheney is survived by his wife, Lynne; his daughters, Liz and Mary; and seven grandchildren. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Vice presidents are selected for many reasons. They may balance the ticket, helping the top man in a region or a section of the electorate where he is not strong, just as Lyndon Johnson helped John F Kennedy in 1960 to win his home state of Texas (and with it, the White House). Or they may reinforce a candidates appeal, just as Al Gore underlined Bill Clintons message of youth, energy and new ideas in 1992. In 2000, Dick Cheney fit neither model. His home state of Wyoming was a negligible electoral prize, while in contrast to George W. Bushs promises of change, he seemed the incarnation of eternal, bureaucratic Washington so much so that some feared he would lose, not win, votes for his boss. Yet, from this unpromising start, he turned himself into the most influential vice president in modern U.S. history, transforming a job once famously described as not worth a bucket of warm spit into a U.S. version of the office of prime minister, subordinate to, but almost coequal of, the presidency itself. That summer, Cheney was not the obvious first choice for running mate. But four years in charge of the Pentagon under the elder George Bush had sealed his place as one of us for the fiercely protective Bush family clan, which prizes loyalty above all else. open image in gallery Dick Cheney at a primary election night gathering for his daughter, Rep. Liz Cheney in 2022 ( AP ) After securing the Republican nomination, the younger Bush named Cheney to lead his search team for a vice president. A few weeks later, he concluded that the head he really wanted belonged to none other than the head-hunter himself. In fact, the choice made eminent sense. Cheney did offer attributes of gravitas, top-level experience and knowledge of foreign policy issues that Bush at that stage could never match. It soon became clear he would have an authority and influence unrivalled by any 20th-century predecessor so much so that the president, not the vice president, was said to be the proverbial heartbeat from the Oval Office. The jibe played on Cheneys long history of heart trouble. But it also reflected how the former congressman, cabinet member and White House chief of staff was shaping policy across every field of the government with which he had been associated, in one role or another, for over three decades. If anything, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the defining moment of the Bush presidency, only cemented his power. Early that terrible day, while Bush was on a scheduled trip to Florida to promote his education reforms, it was Cheney, from the situation-room bunker deep beneath the White House, who took charge in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. open image in gallery Then Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush (second left), his wife Laura (left), vice-presidential running mate Cheney (second right) and his wife Lynne (right) in 2000 ( AFP via Getty ) More than anyone, he convinced Bush that terrorism was an existential threat to the U.S.. He was arguably the driving force behind the invasion of Iraq, utterly persuaded of the danger posed by Saddam Hussein, and dismissive of any intelligence that contradicted that view. Cheney was obsessed with secrecy, with American power, and preserving the authority of the president to project that power as he saw fit. In the months after 9/11, he operated from a secret, undisclosed location a phrase that would become rich fodder for the late-night comedians. Reticent in habit but steely of purpose, Cheney was often seen as the mentor of the neo-conservatives who inspired U.S. foreign policy and who, since the late 1990s, had advocated for the invasion of Iraq to promote reform across the Middle East. But the vice presidents belief in the use of force reflected less American idealism than a Hobbesian pessimism, that the world was a dark jungle in which only the strongest and most ruthless would survive. Hence, even after the appalling scandal of Abu Ghraib when U.S. soldiers were found to have tortured Iraqi prisoners, Cheneys stubborn opposition to legislation that specifically barred the CIA from employing torture on terrorist suspects, and his forthright defence of domestic wiretapping by the super-secret NSA spy agency, without warrants. In the new war on terror, he argued, America has to do what it takes. open image in gallery Cheney, pictured on 9/11, took charge of the US response in the immediate aftermath of the attacks ( Getty ) Cheney was the son of a middle-ranking soil conservation official for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As a small child, he moved with his family from Nebraska to Casper, Wyoming, where he captained his high-school football team and won a scholarship to Yale. After a year, he dropped out and returned to the West to become a contract worker. In 1963, however, he resumed his academic career at the University of Wyoming and never looked back. He took a bachelors and masters degrees in political science, married his high-school sweetheart, Lynne Vincent, and moved first to Madison, Wisconsin, as an aide to the governor, and then to Washington as an intern for William Steiger, one of the states Republican congressmen. Once arrived in the capital, Cheney soon showed his gifts as an administrator and bureaucratic operator. Steiger later called his 27-year-old aide one of the brightest, most perceptive and sensitive people Ive ever worked with. Then in 1969, after Richard Nixon became president, Cheney was spotted by Donald Rumsfeld, a former congressman who had just been appointed director of the Office of Economic Opportunity. Cheney became Rumsfelds deputy, and for eight years their careers advanced in lockstep, from the middle echelons of the Nixon administration to the summit of Gerald Fords White House. As the Watergate scandal engulfed Nixon, Rumsfeld became transition director and then chief of staff to the 38th president, with Cheney as his deputy. open image in gallery Cheney speaks about terrorism on September 14, 2007 ( Getty ) In 1975, Rumsfeld went to the Pentagon for his first stint in the job he would hold in the Bush/Cheney administration a quarter of a century later. His deputy was promoted to chief of staff, a post in which his quiet competence made him, in some respects, the second most powerful man in the federal government. Cheney, however, could not save Ford from defeat by Jimmy Carter in 1976. Instead, he returned to Wyoming and in 1978 won the states lone congressional seat, to which he was re-elected five times. Capitol Hill, with its premium on skilled maneuvering, backroom deals, and institutional empire-building, suited him perfectly. Within three years, he had become chair of the influential Republican Policy Committee and, by 1988, had risen to become minority whip, the second-ranking Republican position in the House of Representatives. Cheneys voting record was staunchly conservative. He was a fervent tax-cutter, an unrelenting advocate of higher defence spending, and an opponent of abortion under any circumstances. But his low-key, non-confrontational style blunted the enmity of his foes. Back in those days, at least, he had the priceless knack of masking hard-line views with an affable manner and his trademark lopsided smile. open image in gallery Cheney crosses his fingers when announced as the next vice president of the United States in 2000 ( AFP via Getty ) When the new president, George Bush, turned to him in March 1989, after his first nominee for Defense Secretary, John Tower, had been rejected by the Senate, there was little doubt Cheney would be confirmed. He quickly took the measure of the Pentagons vast bureaucracy. Barely six months into his tenure, he helped organise Operation Just Cause to oust Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. A year later, he was an architect of the 1991 Gulf War that drove Saddam Hussein from Kuwait. Rarely had the U.S. war-making machine functioned as well. Credit was due to Colin Powell, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to the presidents national security adviser, Brent Scowcroft, and, of course, to the coalition-building skills of George H.W. Bush himself. But Cheney, too, played a considerable part, unflappable and respected both by Pentagon bureaucrats and the men on the front line despite the fact he had used student and family deferments to avoid service in Vietnam. As always, he operated through a small group of trusted aides, prizing discretion and secrecy above all. Occasionally, of course, the real Cheney would break through in public, as when he betrayed his visceral anti-Communism and mistrust of the Soviet Union by forecasting (rightly) that Mikhail Gorbachevs reforms would fail and (wrongly) that he would be followed by a virulently anti-Western regime. But in those days, such lapses were quickly forgiven; among Dick Cheneys old gifts was that of making few enemies. In November 1992, Bushs defeat by Bill Clinton seemed to have ended his political career, but a powerful job in business soon came his way. open image in gallery Cheney appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the first day of hearings in 1989 ( AFP via Getty ) With his top-level contacts in Washington and the Arab world, Cheney was a natural choice to become chair and CEO of the Dallas-based Halliburton, the world's largest oil services company. Cheneys tenure, from 1995 to 2000, would become deeply controversial in the Iraq war of 2003 and its chaotic aftermath. But it had significant consequences. Indirectly, his Halliburton spell further strengthened his ties with the Bushes, another family active in the Texas oil industry. It was also a pointer that the second Bush would lead the most business-friendly administration in recent American history. In 1995, Cheney toyed with the idea of running for president the following year, but wisely abandoned it. He had no political or fundraising base within the party to speak of. He was a monotonous, uninspiring speaker, and the doubts over his health would never have withstood the scrutiny faced by a White House candidate. By the time he became vice president, he had suffered at least four heart attacks, had undergone quadruple-bypass surgery and two angioplasties, and he experienced minor health scares in 2001, 2005, and 2006. In a sense, however, fragile health and advancing years only enhanced Cheneys power. Unlike most vice presidents, Cheney harboured no desire for the top job. As such, his discretion and loyalty were even more prized by Bush. open image in gallery Cheney, pictured with Bush Jr in 2000, is considered one of the most powerful vice presidents in recent history ( AFP via Getty ) Backed by his own tight-knit and assertive national security staff, he emerged as the powerbroker of a national security team containing such independent-minded heavyweights as Powell and Rumsfeld. The old Cheney/Rumsfeld alliance dominated the Bush administration, setting its hard-nosed, unilateralist style, and routinely outmanoeuvring the more conciliatory Powell at the State Department. When U.S. forces captured Baghdad in April 2003, Cheneys prestige was at its zenith. But as the occupation bogged down, the vice presidents reputation fell along with it. The absence of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) called into question Cheneys judgment. The discrediting of Ahmed Chalabi, the Iraqi exile leader who had wormed his way into the Pentagons and vice presidents favour, was another blow. Halliburton, which was awarded major no-bid contracts for the post-war reconstruction of Iraq, meanwhile became a byword for corporate cronyism, corruption and profiteering, and Cheneys association with it threatened to be a real problem in George W. Bushs re-election campaign. For a while, there was even talk that he would be dropped from the ticket. But in reality, Cheneys position was unassailable, even discounting Bushs overriding loyalty to those loyal to him. open image in gallery Cheney introduces former vice president Mike Pence at the Republican Jewish Coalition's annual leadership meeting in 2024 ( Getty ) As a link to the partys vital social conservative base, Cheney was essential. To have jettisoned him would moreover have been a fundamental admission of error by a president always loath to concede the slightest mistake. The second Bush term did nothing for his reputation. There was the torture controversy, the resignation of Lewis Libby, Cheneys chief of staff, after being indicted in the CIA leak affair, and mounting evidence of how he had leaned on the intelligence agencies to bolster the pre-war WMD case against Saddam. As his popularity ebbed further, even the lopsided smile of yesteryear gave way to a seemingly permanent snarl. I consider Cheney a good friend Ive known him for thirty years. But Dick Cheney, I dont know any more, Brent Scowcroft, his colleague under the elder George Bush, told The New Yorker magazine in late 2005, more in sorrow than in anger. Many shared that view. But no amount of complaining will change the reality that Dick Cheney, as vice president, had a power greater than many presidents. Rupert Cornwell wrote this obituary prior to his death in 2017 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Accidents happen, but rarely do they end with a victim apologizing to the person who, even unwittingly, committed the offending act. But such was the case in 2006, when Dick Cheney, the sitting vice president of the United States, accompanied by members of the Secret Service, accidentally fired a shotgun blast into the face and torso of an acquaintance: Harry Whittington, then a prominent attorney in Austin, Texas, who was quail hunting with the veep. What followed was what passed for a weird news cycle in the aughts a far cry from any scandal of the Trump era, but a punctuated moment of George W. Bushs presidency. Cheney, whose death was announced Tuesday and was then in his 60s, was one of the most consequential vice presidents of the modern era. His oversized influence on his boss, known colloquially as Dubya, was the subject of the 2018 biographical satire Vice, analyzing Cheneys rise to political power. The Adam McKay movie depicted a quiet, calculating manipulator who puppeteered the president from behind the scenes. The truth amounted to a much less sinister relationship between the men, but Cheney never escaped his image as the architect of some of Americas greatest foreign policy blunders, now including the invasions of both Afghanistan and Iraq as the former fell back into Taliban hands and the latter was wracked with violence by the Islamic State and its affiliates for a decade after the invasion. And the statement read by Whittington as he left the hospital a week later, was revealing at the time of the kind of politician Cheney became and the type of influence he wielded within the GOP. open image in gallery Obit Cheney ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Whittington, who was struck in the face, neck and chest by shotgun pellets, told reporters afterwards that he was incredibly sorry for not updating them sooner on his condition, while then pivoting to a surprising move: apologizing to Cheney, and the vice presidents family, over the medias coverage of the shooting. My family and I are deeply sorry for all that vice president Cheney has had to go through this past week. We send our love and respect to them as they deal with situations that are much more serious than what weve had this week, said the man whod just been shot in the face. Then, in an even more effacing move, he added: And we hope that he will continue to come to Texas and seek the relaxation that he deserves. Talk about influence! Few people can say that after grievously injuring someone, their victim went on an extended tirade about how overworked and important they were. But it speaks to the kind of clout Cheney wielded within the GOP, especially in Texas where the Bush family also remained one of the most powerful and politically-connected clans well into the Trump era. Just to be clear, there was no private understanding between the men. This was not an act of friendship. Whittington, who died at 95 in 2023, later refused to answer and grew tense when the Washington Post asked him if Cheney ever apologized, five years later. It was clear that an apology had been expected but never materialized. open image in gallery Harry Whittington was a Texas lawyer and political power player when he was accidentally shot in the face by then-Vice President Dick Cheney while they were quail hunting in 2006. Harry Whittington is too gracious to say it out loud, but he doesn't dispute the notion, either, the publications Paul Farhi reported at the time. He did, however, grudgingly tell the outlet that his injuries were far more serious than he had publicly let on, revealing that he'd suffered a mild heart attack after some of the birdshot traveled to his heart. At the time of the hunting accident, the White House came under criticism, which it batted away. Democrats suggested that the delay in revealing the shooting was a sign of the administrations hostility to public scrutiny. A Republican senator chastised the vice president for showing poor gun safety skills. But in a truly Trumpian play deadces before that was even a term George W. Bush declared that Cheneys explanation had been strong and powerful. "Yesterday when he was here in the Oval Office, I saw the deep concern he had about a person who he wounded, said Bush of the man whom Cheney died before apologizing to. It was only with the rise of Trump that Cheney and Bush would see their influence wane, both with politicians and the broader social spheres of wealthy conservatives around the country. The damage caused by Trumps pillaging of Bush and Cheneys record in 2015 and 2016 never really went away, and the accelerated transition of the party from Bush-era neoconservatives to Trump-era paleo-conservatives and isolationists was helped along by the relative silence of both men after their departures from the White House. open image in gallery An emergency room doctor speaks about Harry Whittington's condition after the shooting incident in 2006 ( Getty Images ) Cheney made his last foray into politics last year, joining his daughter, Liz Cheney the former Wyoming congresswoman who was virtually run out of office over her opposition to Trumps role in the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol in an effort to boost Kamala Harris to victory. It didnt work, and Democratic voters seemed less than thrilled at the prospect of making their party the new home for Republicans driven out by their own tribe. In many ways, the former vice presidents errant shooting of an acquaintance is most reflective of the bubble that surrounds the American political class at all times, seemingly shielding them from accountability, consequences or criticism. Trump railed against that same system as he came to power, only to reorganize it around himself and his close allies. Dubya, whose years-earlier drunk driving arrest was made public days before his election to the presidency the first time, was happy to shield his running mate from criticism. So was Whittington, a longtime backer of the state Republican Party who clearly had no appetite in challenging two scions of that movement. In the end, the incident was a preview of the consequence-free world of the modern Republican Party, where disloyalty is the only sin and an ungracious response to ones own shortcomings is merely a speed bump. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Major cancellations are impacting airports across the U.S. as cuts to flight schedules made by the Federal Aviation Administration come into effect amid the ongoing and historic government shutdown. By late Thursday over 800 flights within and in and out of the U.S. had already been canceled for Friday according to flight-tracking site FlightAware.com. Around 200 flights were canceled Thursday as airports and passengers prepared to bear the brunt of the measures. It comes after Transport Secretary Sean Duffy and the FAA announced that 40 of the countrys busiest airports across two dozen states, including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Chicago, would be phasing in a 10 percent reduction in their flight schedules. The disruptions will affect service at many smaller airports, too, and by Thursday some travelers had already started changing or canceling their itineraries. open image in gallery By late Thursday over 800 flights within and in and out of the U.S. had already been canceled for Friday ( Getty Images ) In a social media post Thursday afternoon, United Airlines reiterated that it was doing everything we can to minimize disruptions to your travel plans and was avoiding cancellations for long-haul international flights. The airline will eliminate 4 percent of its flights at the designated airports Friday, before working up to the FAAs proposed 10 percent, sources told The Associated Press. Hub-to-hub flights operating between seven airports, Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington Dulles, would also not be affected, United said. American Airlines said it was still awaiting further information from the FAA as to how its flights would be affected from Friday. Delta said it expected the majority of its flights to operate as planned. We are providing additional flexibility to all of our customers during the impacted travel period to change, cancel or refund their flights, including our basic economy fares, without penalty, the airline added. In its own social media post, Alaska Air apologized to customers for the unexpected delays but said that international travelers would not be affected and that cancellations would only occur on routes with a high volume of flights. open image in gallery Passengers are bracing for travel chaos as the Federal Aviation Administration is due to announce the 40 airports where flights will be reduced by 10 percent because of the ongoing government shutdown ( Getty Images ) We remain grateful to every air traffic controller and TSA or CBP officer who is working without pay to keep air travel functioning safely. We continue to strongly urge our federal leaders to reach an immediate resolution and end the shutdown, the airline said. At a press conference Wednesday, Duffy said the decision to slash schedules was paramount for safe air travel amid pressure on air traffic controllers, who are under immense stress and fatigue. Per the Transportation Secretary, the countrys Core 30 airports are set to be affected, which include Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International, the busiest airport in the country, Boston Logan International, Chicago OHare International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Newark Liberty International, New York John F Kennedy, Los Angeles International and Seattle Tacoma International. Duffy said the decision had not been taken lightly ahead of the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday travel season. open image in gallery Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Wednesday that the decision had not been taken lightly ahead of the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday travel season (file image) ( Getty Images ) Travel experts predict hundreds, if not thousands, of flights could be canceled. The cuts could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by aviation analytics firm Cirium. Duffy said the agency was confronting staffing shortages caused by air traffic controllers, who are working unpaid, with some calling out of work during the shutdown, resulting in delays across the country. The air traffic controllers are also not being paid while the government remains shut down. The shutdown, now in its 36th day and the longest in U.S. history, has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers to work without pay and affected tens of thousands of flights so far, according to Reuters. Duffy also hit back at accusations that flights were being cut for leverage as the pressure is mounting on Republicans and Democrats to hammer out a deal to end the shutdown. Let me be clear: this isnt about leverage its about the safety of the flying public, Duffy said Thursday in a post on X. Other Republicans however, including Vice President JD Vance, continued to lay the blame for the shutdown and subsequent aviation emergencysquarely at the feet of the Democrats. The American people are, unfortunately about to start suffering some very real consequences because of the shutdown, Vance said, speaking at a dinner held for Central Asian leaders Thursday evening. After 30 days of this thing, 40 days of this thing, you're going to start seeing very real travel delays. open image in gallery Duffy also hit back at accusations that flights were being cut for leverage as the pressure is mounting on Republicans and Democrats to hammer out a deal to end the shutdown, now the longest in federal government history ( Getty Images ) 30 core airports affected by flight reductions Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl (ATL) Boston Logan Intl (BOS) Baltimore/Washington Intl (BWI) Charlotte Douglas Intl (CLT) Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) Denver Intl (DEN) Dallas/Fort Worth Intl (DFW) Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) Newark Liberty Intl (EWR) Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Intl (FLL) Honolulu Intl (HNL) Washington Dulles Intl (IAD) George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH) New York John F. Kennedy Intl (JFK) Las Vegas McCarran Intl (LAS) Los Angeles Intl (LAX) New York LaGuardia (LGA) Orlando Intl (MCO) Chicago Midway (MDW) Memphis Intl (MEM) Miami Intl (MIA) Minneapolis/St. Paul Intl (MSP) Chicago O`Hare Intl (ORD) Philadelphia Intl (PHL) Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) San Diego Intl (SAN) Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA) San Francisco Intl (SFO) Salt Lake City Intl (SLC) Tampa Intl (TPA) Additional reporting from agencies 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has broken ranks with his fellow New York business leaders to offer to help Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani if he wins Tuesdays election to City Hall. As residents of the Big Apple go to the polls, the young progressive looks on course to secure a victory over independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. However, there has been considerable conservative resistance towards Mamdanis affordability agenda, with President Donald Trump coming forward Monday to urge citizens of his old hometown to reject his communist platform and back Cuomo, prompting the Democrat to accuse Trump in turn of feeling threatened by his campaign. open image in gallery New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appears to be on course to beat rivals Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa to City Hall ( Getty ) While some business leaders have gone as far as to warn they could leave the city if Mamdani wins, Dimon has said he would call him and offer my help if the 34-year-old Queens assemblyman does indeed come out on top. The influential bank boss told Fortune last month with a shrug: If he becomes mayor, so be it. Characterizing Mamdani as more Marxist than socialist, he observed that the candidate has been talking to a lot of people, hes convinced a lot of people hes going to change, he wants to learn You know, some people are what they are, theyre not going to change. Asked about the candidates prospects of delivering on his ambitious promises, Dimon said, I would hope for the best of this case, and New York will survive. You know, we survived Bill de Blasio. If he becomes mayor, I will call him and offer my help. We will help them. You know, I am a patriot. I help governors, mayors, presidents. We help people around the world. Dimon raised eyebrows with his frankness in July when he made light of Democrats for falling all over themselves to support Mamdanis policies, which he called ideological mush that means nothing in the real world. I have a lot of friends who are Democrats, and theyre idiots, he continued: I always say they have big hearts and little brains. They do not understand how the real world works. Almost every single policy rolled out failed. open image in gallery JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon says he will strike a pragmatic attitude if Mamdani becomes New York Citys next mayor ( AP ) He subsequently repeated that criticism, saying a lot of the things [Mamdani] prescribes have never worked before, before adding, Well see, and making the promise he would still try and help him do the best job he can. Regarded as a sage voice on Wall Street, Dimon has frequently been turned to this year for his thoughts on Trumps tariffs and the likelihood of the presidents trade aggressions driving the United States into recession. He put the chance of that happening at 30 percent within two years during an interview with the BBC last month. I am far more worried about that than others, he said. Now, Im talking about probabilities. I would give it a higher probability than I think is probably priced in the market and by others. So, if the markets pricing in 10 percent, I would price in, I would say, its more like 30 percent. The amount of uncertainty and I put geopolitics in that category, fiscal spending in that category, politics in that category, the remilitarization of the world in that category all of these things coincide. A lot of issues that we dont know how theyre gonna sort out. So I say the level of uncertainty should be higher in most peoples minds than what I call normal. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Laura Loomer, a right-wing political influencer known for her Islamophobic positions and fierce online attacks on figures seen as insufficiently loyal to President Donald Trump, has reportedly been credentialed to cover the Pentagon. Loomers alleged access to the Defense Department, first reported by The Washington Post, comes as virtually all mainstream news organizations in the Pentagon press corps turned in their badges last month rather than agree to a restrictive new Trump administration policy for covering the military. The Independent has contacted the Pentagon and Loomer for comment. The new media policy bans reporters from soliciting any information from military officials without prior authorization from the Pentagon, and nearly every American news organization including Trump-friendly networks such as Fox News and Newsmax has rejected it. The Pentagon Press Association has called the policy an unprecedented message of intimidation that suggests it is criminal to speak without express permission. open image in gallery Far-right influencer Laura Loomer has reportedly been given a credential to cover the Pentagon following the mass exodus of the military press corps in protest of a restrictive new media policy ( Getty Images ) Loomer, a podcast host and political consultant, has become a prominent figure on the right through a combination of viral stunts, Islamophobic comments, and online vetting campaigns against proposed and current officials for the Trump administration. The Florida-based commentator, who has met with the president multiple times since he took office, claims her advocacy helped lead to multiple dismissals of top officials including the removals of National Security Agency chief Gen. Timothy Haugh and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Loomer also took credit in August for influencing a U.S. decision to pause humanitarian visas for Palestinians seeking emergency humanitarian permissions to get medical care in the U.S. Her attacks have included scathing takedowns of the Defense Department she is now reportedly tasked with covering. Last month, Loomer claimed she will not vote in 2026 in protest of a partnership between the U.S. and Qatari militaries on an Idaho air base. open image in gallery Laura Loomer is an influential outsider adviser to the White House and has taken credit for swaying the administration to purge various officials deemed insufficiently loyal to the president ( Laura Loomer / X ) I didnt vote for the Islamification of my country. If the GOP is going to allow Muslims to have military bases on U.S. soil when they know these Qataris are funding HAMAS and the Muslim Brotherhood, then voting in 2026 is a waste of time, Loomer wrote online. Loomers vocal criticisms online and advocacy inside the White House have reportedly angered some inside the Trump camp. Trump likes Laura, and she obviously has some influence, but she runs the risk of overestimating her influence and blowing herself up if she's not more careful, an unnamed source close to the White House told WIRED. A Pentagon press badge would be a coup for Loomer, who was previously better-known for the media platforms shes been kicked off, for conduct including hateful comments. open image in gallery Most members of the Pentagon press corps have turned in their media badges and have refused to sign onto a new press policy requiring them to only report on officially sanctioned information ( AP Photo/Kevin Wolf ) She was removed from Twitter in 2018 and Facebook in 2019, and last month the U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up her legal effort to sue social media platforms. Outside of her media work Loomer has unsuccessfully ran for Congress twice. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Social media users accused White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt of using filters and airbrushing tools to make her husband, who is 32 years her senior, look younger in her recent Instagram post. Since becoming the spokesperson for the Trump administration, Leavitt, 28, has faced scrutiny for her relationship with Nicholas Riccio, 60. The two became engaged at the end of 2023, had a son named Niko in July 2024 and had a wedding in January 2025. Sunday was no different after Leavitt posted a photo depicting herself and Riccio posing with their one-year-old son at the White House Halloween celebration. Commenters questioned whether Leavitt had used tools to make her husband appear younger. Karoline, Awesome picture but my friends noticed something: The guy on the left seems to have only his face photoshopped. His hands look like 60+ years old. What happened? An Instagram commenter wrote. Another Instagram commenter points out a similar detail, Old man hands blow your cover up Karoline. Your husband's face does not match his hands. Online, Karoline Leavitt has been mocked for marrying a man three decades older than her. Now she is being criticized for an alleged photoshopped version of him. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Man that smoothing filter on her old mans forehead working overtime, another Instagram user commented. Adobe ad for Photoshop, one social media user quipped. Photoshopping your husband to own the libs, photographer Pat Ozols wrote. While the photo appeared to be edited for lighting and color reasons, it was not immediately apparent Leavitt had used Photoshop, FaceTune or other appearance-enhancing applications to make her husband appear younger. Riccios facial appearance in news wire photos, taken by Getty Images at the White House Halloween celebration, looks nearly identical to the photo Leavitt posted. Though the news wire photos contain more skin details, it does not appear that his facial shape was altered. The Independent has asked the White House for comment. Leavitt has kept her relationship with Riccio relatively private, occasionally posting photos of him on her social media and rarely speaking about him in interviews. Of the information she has given, shes called their love story very atypical. The White House press secretary told The Megyn Kelly Show in February that she and Riccio met at a dinner in New Hampshire while Leavitt was running for Congress. Leavitt said she was apprehensive about dating a man much older than her, but they fell in love. Hes my greatest supporter, hes my best friend, hes my rock, Leavitt said of her husband. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Marjorie Taylor Greene, the far-right congresswoman who has been relentlessly pilloried by the hosts of The View for years over her conspiracy-mongering and inflammatory rhetoric, was essentially given a heros welcome during her appearance on the ABC talk show Tuesday morning. With the MAGA firebrand increasingly breaking with Republican leadership in Congress over their approach to the ongoing government shutdown, the women of The View spent much of the lengthy sitdown coaxing Greene into railing against her GOP colleagues. At one point, liberal co-host Joy Behar even asked if she would jump over to the Democratic Party. Even when it appeared that Greene and the left-leaning panelists around the table were on the verge of locking horns, such as when Behar and Sunny Hostin pressed her on her past belief in QAnon conspiracy theories, the Georgia lawmaker shrugged it off and continued to seek out common ground with a show that has become anathema to the right. In the end, Greene and the women of The View engaged in a half-hour mutual lovefest, all while the pro-Trump congresswoman soaked up the cheers of the liberal New York studio audience for bashing House Speaker Mike Johnson and weak and pathetic MAGA influencers. Greenes appearance on The View, which also fell on the day several crucial elections were being held across the nation, was preceded by the hosts cheering her on as the surprising voice of reason within the Republican Party. open image in gallery Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared to have the time of her life during a friendly sitdown on The View, a show that has regularly attacked her. ( ABC News ) She seems to be the only one responding to her constituents, because her constituents are saying, Excuse me, we are being affected by whats happening here, host Whoopi Goldberg said last month about Greenes calls to extend Obama subsidies amid the shutdown. The GOP congresswoman also sat down for a highly civil interview on CNN a few weeks ago, ditching the friendly confines of MAGA outlets such as One America News and Newsmax for a network that the president frequently rails against as fake news. The appearance ended with anchor Wolf Blitzer describing Greene, who once warned about Jewish space lasers starting wildfires, as a courageous politician for bucking her party on the shutdown. Coming out on Tuesday to a warm round of applause, Greene kept winning over both the hosts and the crowd by leaning into populist rhetoric that prioritized the struggles of the working class over party loyalty. Though she repeatedly reiterated that she still loves Donald Trump, who has recently wondered whats going on with Marjorie, she made it clear throughout that she is angry with the GOPs leadership amid the shutdown. I just cant get over is were not working right now. And I put that criticism directly on the Speaker of the House, and we should be at work, she declared. All the people sitting in this audience they go to work every day. People at home watching this show they go to work every day. Ladies, you go to work every day [as do] the people on your set, and it is an embarrassment to me that were not in session. After the hosts praised her for saying she wasnt accepting a paycheck while the shutdown continues, she laid much of the blame for the impasse on her male colleagues in Congress which received loud applause from the studio audience. Look, Im with women, so I feel very comfortable saying this, Im really tired of the p*ssing contest in Washington, D.C. between the men. I really am, she exclaimed to cheers. However, just moments later, the loudest applause was yet to come when the congresswoman revealed that she had torn into the speaker during a recent call and that she was actually missing another GOP conference call to do the show. And I hope that Mike Johnson is finally giving a single healthcare policy because the country deserves it, and it shouldnt be a secret. And I shouldnt have to go into a SCIF to go find our Republican health insurance plan, Greene proclaimed. Maybe there is no plan, Hostin retorted. You wanna know something? That, I believe, is the truth, Greene acknowledged. open image in gallery Sunny Hostin and Greene found common ground over the GOP's lack of a healthcare plan to replace Obamacare. ( ABC News ) Even when Behar suggested that Greene should jump parties and join the Democrats after the congresswoman said she was unapologetically America first and would do anything I can to work hard to save this country, the lawmaker made sure to keep the focus on the GOP. Im not a Democrat, she replied, before adding: You want to know something. I say this, I think both parties have failed. Both parties have failed. Before heading into the first of three commercial breaks in the interview, Hostin confronted Greene about Greene's past support for QAnon, suggesting the interview could devolve into contentiousness. Instead, Greene disarmed the hosts by claiming that all of them were victims of media lies and stuff you read on social media, and that now that they were speaking face-to-face, they could approach each other in a civil manner. You all have attacked me many times on this show, she added, prompting Hostin to reply we have to laughter across the table. The rest of the interview, which also saw questions from Sara Haines and resident conservative host Alyssa Farah Griffin, continued along a similar path. This also included Greene gaining more plaudits from the audience for saying that while the October 7 Hamas attack was horrific, she can equally say starving children and killing innocent people and children in Gaza is also horrible. That moment was then followed by her gushing over the shows hosts and suggesting that any hard feelings in the past were water under the bridge. open image in gallery Greene bursts out laughing after Joy Behar brings up her calling out weak Republican men. ( ABC News ) I want to say that I think that all of us here are doing a great job of exchanging our ideas and things that we believe in, and were doing it in a very professional and kind way, she said to more cheers. In my opinion, I think we need more of that in America. I really do, and a lot of people wanted me to come on this show and say nasty things and, you know, all of us to fight. They wanted all of us to fight. While the lengthy conversation had been convivial throughout, the interview ended with Greene bursting into laughter when Behar pointed out that she had blasted pathetic Republican men for criticizing her decision to come on The View in the first place. Theres a lot of paid social media influencers, and I found it interesting that they were the MAGA accounts but theyre all paid and they all attacked me when I announced I was coming to join you ladies on The View. And I think thats very weak and pathetic, Greene maintained. Just for good measure, Greene made sure to get one last shot at Johnson before they wrapped up. But when I talk about weak Republican men, Im pretty much talking oftentimes about the leadership in the House and the Senate, she added. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice House Speaker Mike Johnson didnt like being asked Tuesday about President Donald Trump throwing a Great Gatsby-themed bash at Mar-a-Lago at the same time as the Trump administration was deciding to only partially fund food aid to poor Americans. The speaker of the House held an Election Day press conference on the record-tying 35th day of the government shutdown, where he sought to offer a split-screen between Democrats in the Senate versus the Trump administration and Republicans. They see that President Trump and the Republican Party are delivering real positive results, Johnson told reporters as he was flanked by Republican leadership. He proceeded to rattle off a series of accomplishments from Republicans such as passing the One Big, Beautiful Bill. On the other is the Democrats, and it's such a stark contrast, because in the last 10 months, the only thing that that party has accomplished for the country is to shut down the federal government and cause this pain, he said. But when asked about Trump hosting a lavish Halloween soiree at Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach estate, with the theme of The Great Gatsby as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program lapsed for millions of Americans over the weekend, Johnson balked. ( Getty Images ) I reject the premise of the question, Johnson told The Independent. The president had an annual Halloween-themed party at Mar-a-Lago. That's what he went back to. His obligatory tradition. I discount what you're trying to do there. Last week, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must unleash emergency funding for SNAP, which 42 million Americans depend on. In September, the Department of Agriculture posted on its website a contingency plan to fund the program. But the department later removed the plan, formerly known as food stamps, saying the money. was not legally available to cover regular benefits. The Trump administration said on Monday that it would partly fund SNAP and that it would spend $4.65 billion to cover half of the benefits. The President is trying to protect and cover the American people, as he always does, Johnson said at his press conference. But just after Johnson wrapped up the press conference, Trump slammed the program for growing, particularly under the Biden administration and said that they would only be distrubted when the government reopens. SNAP BENEFITS, which increased by Billions and Billions of Dollars (MANY FOLD!) during Crooked Joe Bidens disastrous term in office (Due to the fact that they were haphazardly handed to anyone for the asking, as opposed to just those in need, which is the purpose of SNAP!), will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before! he said. That goes in line with what Trump said last week, when he said the program mostly goes to Democrats. When you're talking about SNAP, youre talking about largely Democrats, Trump told reporters on his way to Mar-a-Lago last week. But, Im president. I want to help everybody. I want to help Democrats and Republicans. This comes despite the fact that 19.5 percent of people in Johnsons district come participate in SNAP. The House of Representatives has remained out of session since September 19 after the House of Representatives passed a clean stopgap spending bill known as a continuing resolution. But Democrats have opposed such a measure because they want an extension of Covid-era subsidies for the Affordable Care Acts health insurance marketplaces. Republicans have argued that Democrats want to have health care programs to undocumented immigrants, even federal dollars cannot go to benefits for undocumented immigrants. Some states offer health care benefits with their own dollars to cover immigrants who came to the United States illegally. If the government remains closed past Tuesday, this shutdown will be the longest shutdown in U.S. history. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice It is Easter, and Im the bunny, and Im happy about it. NewsNation political editor Chris Stirewalt is excited for Tuesday night, telling The Independent that hell be able to nerd out over the fun-sized election because of all the data hell be given by voting analysis firm Decision Desk HQ. These guys have demonstrated cycle after cycle after cycle that they have the thing, Stirewalt said of the data group that NewsNation is once again partnering with to provide election results for Tuesdays key elections. The upstart cable news channel, which has seen steady viewership growth in recent months, drew headlines last year when it used data from Decision Desk HQ to become the first television network to call the presidential election for Donald Trump. NewsNation projected Trump as the victor at 1:22 a.m. E.T., beating Fox News which partnered up with the Associated Press and National Opinion Research Center by 25 minutes. ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN all of whom had used Edison Research for their vote count didnt call the race for another few hours and were still at 266 electoral votes for Trump when he delivered his victory speech around 2:30 a.m. E.T. open image in gallery NewsNation is looking to once again beat its major network rivals with accurate election calls on Tuesday night, leaning on the independent data analysis firm Decision Desk HQ. ( NewsNation ) Earlier this month, the AP announced that it would provide its gold standard U.S. elections results to all of the major broadcast networks and most of the cable news channels. This came months after the news organization created a standalone business unit to build its elections business. The AP has since said it has seen a 30 percent increase in its customer base since the 2024 election cycle. While the other networks switch to the AP, which has an extremely strong track record of election accuracy, NewsNation will be the only major television outlet to buck the trend. By sticking with Decision Desk HQ on this special election night, which will feature New York Citys mayoral contest and gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, NewsNation is looking to preview how it will handle next years midterms. According to the network, its approach is to rely entirely on independent data and transparency when it comes to election results and to take the middleman out of the equation. This means that the results wont necessarily be filtered through network executives and producers before being shared with viewers. Instead, according to both NewsNation and Decision Desk HQ, the projections will be posted simultaneously on the data firms social media accounts and on NewsNations airwaves. Look, at the end of the day, I call the race, Scott Tranter, director of data science for Decision Desk HQ, said. I don't get a call from a client. Theres no network president calling me up or an executive producer saying, Wait for commercial. When the data says we should call the race, we call the race. Saying that he likes that Decision Desk HQ is accountable, Stirewalt said he looked forward to questioning Tranter on air about how the firm is analyzing the voter data and then having the opportunity to nerd out during the coverage. Stirewalt, who was notoriously fired from Fox News in 2021 after defending the conservative networks early and accurate call of Arizona for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, also brought up Foxs decision to switch to AP in order to tout Decision Desk. I was at Fox when Fox made the daring and correct decision to leave Edison and go with AP Votecast, he said. The AP and the National Opinion Research Center product was a quantum leap ahead of Edison, and it was a great move, and that's what enabled us to call 2020 as fast and with the accuracy that we did. Calling the APs elections data a superior product, Stirewalt added that hes also glad that we're not in it, yeah, because what we have is better and different as Decision Desk HQ has repeatedly demonstrated they have the thing. open image in gallery NewsNation was the first network to call the 2024 election for Donald Trump, beating Fox News by 25 minutes and the other networks by several hours. ( NewsNation ) We went into 2024 saying, right is more important than first, but first and right is really good, Stirewalt continued. First and right is the best one. Right is essential, but first and right is really delicious, and they delivered again. Praising the firm for its transparency, Stirewalt said there are no hidden ball tricks going on here with Decision Desk HQ, insisting that it is in our interest to have decisive elections when it is all said and done. We don't like to say we're the fastest, Tranter declared. We like to say we're the best at collecting data. If that leads us to being the fastest, that's great. The nice thing about our record is it is very public, right? Everything I say, you can go look up, and if we screw up, it's in public. And if we do well, it's in public. While Tuesdays elections arent going to be as crucial as next years midterms or the 2028 presidential race, they could offer up a hint of where the electorate is nearly a year into Donald Trumps chaotic second administration. Besides the New York mayors race that sees an up-and-coming democratic socialist taking on an establishment figure trying to return to political relevance, there are two hotly contested gubernatorial match-ups in Virginia and New Jersey, not to mention an attorney generals contest marked by controversy. On top of that, California is voting on a ballot measure to adopt a congressional map drawn by Democrats, a response to GOP-led redistricting in other states. This is a fun-sized election in which we have races that are going to tell us a great deal about what voters are thinking one year into Trump 2.0, Stirewalt said. Its going to tell us a lot about where voters heads are. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the ongoing government shutdown may result in the closure of portions of U.S. airspace, which he predicts will lead to "mass chaos." Duffy said the shutdown which is currently tied for the longest shutdown in U.S. history at 35 days may force him to close off certain portions of U.S. airspace as soon as next week, which will ground flights, ABC News reports. "So if, if you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos," he said. "You will see mass flight delays. You'll see mass cancelations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it because we don't have the air traffic controllers." Almost half of all major air traffic control facilities are already facing staffing shortages, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Controllers are still working to keep the country operating, but they are doing so without pay, as are many other critical government workers. According to the FAA, approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay, but those workers' tolerance for doing the job without compensation will run out. On Friday, around 80 percent of air traffic controllers in New York had called off, the agency said. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said mass chaos would ensue if the government shutdown forced him to close portions of U.S. airspace next week ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) During an event in Philadelphia on Monday, Duffy said that the controllers "have bills to pay, and they are being forced to make decisions and choices." "Do they go to work as an air traffic controller, or do they have to find a different job to get resources, money, to put food on their table, to put gas in their car?" he said. "And as every day goes by, I think the problem is only going to get worse, not better." Duffy's recent concern for the welfare of controllers is a reverse of a position he took early last month, when he told Fox News' Varney & Co that he would "let them go" if they weren't "dedicated" to showing up for work. He has since walked back that position, telling CBS' Face the Nation that he wouldn't be firing any of the controllers during the shut down. "They need support, they need money, they need a paycheck. They don't need to be fired," he said. He also warned that there is "more risk" for airline passengers now due to the strain on the air traffic control system. "But with this shutdown, it would be dishonest to say that more risk is not injected into the system," he said. "There is more risk in the system." Duffy and other Republican leaders have tried to hoist the blame for the shutdown on Democrats, who have refused to vote on further funding until the Trump administration reverses its planned cuts to Americans' healthcare. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the Democrats "will not support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the healthcare of the American people." "Thats been our position week after week after week, and it will continue to be our position because the Republican healthcare crisis is crushing the American people," Jeffries said in a statement on Monday. "And now that were in the midst of open enrollment, tens of millions of Americans all across the country are realizing that their premiums, co-pays and deductibles are going to skyrocket, in some cases $1,000 to $2,000 more per month that working-class Americans are being asked to pay." 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Steve Bannon, a former advisor to President Donald Trump and conservative podcaster, is once again insisting that his former boss will serve a third term. During a recent episode of his War Room podcast, Bannon said that "you can drive a Mack truck through the 22nd Amendment," suggesting there are exploitable holes in the provision that could allow Trump to maneuver his way into a third term. Bannon cited a "top constitutional lawyer" who allegedly made the Mack truck comment. "So suck on that," he added. Bannon previously said there was a plan in place to re-elect Trump who will be 82-years-old at the end of his current term and that people ought to just get accommodated with that. open image in gallery Steve Bannon said a constitutional lawyer told him you could drive a Mack truck through the 22nd Amendment during a segment discussing whether or not President Donald Trump can run for a third presidential term ( Real America's Voice ) Last week, he told The Economist that there were "many different alternatives" to do just that, and that Trump had longer odds in '16 and longer odds in '24. At the appropriate time, well lay out what the plan is, but theres a plan and President Trump will be the president in 28, Bannon told the outlet. Bannon peppered his vague predictions with messianic language, describing Trump as an "instrument of divine will," and insisting that "you can tell this from how he's pulled [his second term] off." Earlier this year, Trump seemed keen on trying to undermine the Constitution and run again, telling NBC News in March that he was "not joking" about a third term. Even with Bannon hyping him up, the president seems to have changed his tune on that front in recently. Last week, he admitted to reporters that the Constitution makes it "pretty clear" that he can't run again after his current term expires. I would say that, if you read it, its pretty clear. Im not allowed to run. Its too bad, he said on Wednesday. But we have a lot of great people. open image in gallery Bannon was part of Trumps first administration. ( AFP via Getty Images ) The response to Bannon's comments has been mixed. His fans are eating it up on social media, with one commenter posting an AI-generated imaged of a red Trump hat with an infinity symbol. Mark Levin, a Fox News host, was less enthusiastic, calling Bannon a "self-serving impotent demagogue." Ive explained repeatedly a president can serve two full terms under the Constitution. Thats it," Levin wrote on X. "President Trump has been trolling the media and Democrats. He clearly stated today on Air Force One that hes limited by the Constitution." He continued, saying "Third Reich Bannon, a confessed and convicted fraudster felon, once again has lied to his audience." House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters that he had spoken with Trump about 2028, and insisted the president wasn't eyeing another run. I dont see a path for that, Johnson said on Tuesday. I think he knows, and he and I talked about the restrictions of the Constitution, 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice New Yorkers went to the mayoral election Tuesday with an unlikely frontrunner on the ballot: a Democratic Socialist whose rise from community organiser to likely next mayor has upended many assumptions about politics in America. Zohran Kwame Mamdani, 34, defeated former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, a former Democrat running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani will enter office as the first Muslim mayor in the citys history and one of its youngest, now set to run one of the largest and most diverse cities in the U.S. The race was called by the Associated Press with roughly 75 percent of ballots counted. Before addressing jubilant supporters in Brooklyn, Mamdani celebrated his victory with a video on X/Twitter that showed New York subway doors opening as a voice announced: The next and last stop is City Hall. Mamdani was born in Kampala to Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani. Who are Zohran Mamdanis parents? Nair was born in Rourkela in the eastern Indian state of Odisha in 1957. She studied sociology and went on to win a scholarship to Harvard University. Nairs breakthrough 1988 film Salaam Bombay! sprang from her experiences on the streets of Mumbai, home of the Indian film industry, and sought to put a spotlight on the lives of the citys homeless children. The biggest conviction stemmed from the life of these children. Their attitude was about grabbing life and enjoying, and that impresses me and inspires me even now, Nair told Reuters in 2013. They want to have a full life and there is no self-pity. open image in gallery From left: Mira, Zohran Mamdani, his wife Rama Duwaji, and Mahmood in Long Island ( Getty ) Salaam Bombay! won the Camera dOr at Cannes and received an Academy Award nomination. In her career spanning over four decades, Nair has repeatedly turned to stories that traverse culture, migration and belonging, and spoken about her desire to tell stories from the margins. You know what is so startling, or not startling because Im used to it now, is the ignorance that people here have of any other culture, she told Believer in 2007. That ignorance, which is acceptable to have, coupled with a slight arrogance is a deadly combination, and sadly one encounters it a lot in America. Nairs body of work spans continents and identities: from Mississippi Masala, which she describes as a radical film for centring a romance between a Black American man and an Indian-Ugandan woman at a time when such relationships were almost never shown on screen, to 2001s Venice Golden Lion-winning ensemble drama Monsoon Wedding, which examines the clash between tradition and modernity inside a Delhi family. She met Mahmood Mamdani, a political scientist, in 1989 while she was in Uganda doing research for Mississippi Masala, which was released two years later starring Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury. Nair meant to interview the scholar whose book, From Citizen to Refugee, she had while researching Ugandan expatriation. They fell in love and married in 1991. Their son, the future mayoral nominee, was born later the same year. open image in gallery Zohran was born in Kampala in Uganda ( Reuters ) Mahmood Mamdani was born in 1946 in Mumbai and raised in Kampala, in the Indian diaspora community.In 1972, he was among the estimated 60,000 Asians expelled by dictator Idi Amin. I was in my mid-twenties in November 1972 when I left Uganda on the orders of Idi Amin, he wrote in the London Review of Books in 2022. He completed his PhD from Harvard University in 1974, beginning an academic career that would take him to universities in Tanzania, South Africa, and the U.S.. He now holds the Herbert Lehman Professorship of Government at Columbia University in New York. From 2010 to 2022, he directed the Makerere Institute of Social Research in Kampala, which he rebuilt into a centre for post-colonial scholarship. He is regarded as one of Africas most influential scholars of colonialism and political violence. His 1996 book Citizen and Subject introduced his influential concept of the bifurcated state, the idea that colonial rulers governed African populations through a system of direct urban rule and indirect rural chiefs, a structure he argues recombined in post-colonial governance. Both Nair and Mahmood Mamdani have come under attack during the campaign, especially from pro-Israel advocacy groups. The anonymous organisation Canary Mission, which publishes dossiers on academics and activists it labels anti-Israel, has listed both on its website. In 2013, Nair publicly declined an invitation to the Haifa International Film Festival, saying she would not travel to Israel until apartheid is over. I will go to Israel when the walls come down, she said, when the state does not privilege one religion over another. Mahmood Mamdani took part in campus teach-ins during the 2024 protests against the Israeli war on Gaza and accused his university of abandoning due process when it suspended student demonstrators. There has been no due process on the Columbia campus, he told reporters at the time. His writing has also been cited in the attacks against him. He has argued in lectures and books that Zionism functions as a form of settler-colonial power, a position that has led pro-Israel commentators to accuse him of extremism, even though his work is assigned in university courses worldwide. open image in gallery Zohrans father stated that the new mayor was his own person, though his mother did say that he would have absorbed their teachings and creative works ( Getty ) Zohran Mamdani has faced similar criticism for his own statements on Israel and Gaza, but has rejected accusations of antisemitism. The question of how much the politics of his parents have shaped his own has been a recurring line of inquiry on the campaign trail. Hes his own person, Mahmood Mamdani said, according to The New York Times. Now, of course what we do as his parents is part of the environment in which he grew up, and he couldnt help but engage with it. That doesnt mean anything is reflected back on us. I dont agree! Nair said. Of course the world we live in, and what we write and film and think about, is the world that Zohran has very much absorbed. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An American teacher and his teenage son were killed by a swarm of hundreds of hornets while on a ziplining holiday in Laos. Daniel Owen, 47, and his 15-year-old son Cooper died on 15 October while visiting an eco-adventure resort near the northern city of Luang Prabang, the US embassy in Laos confirmed to The Independent. Hundreds of what are believed to have been Asian giant hornets attacked the pair while they were trying to descend from a tree, a source close to two US diplomats in Laos told The Times. Their bodies were covered in red spots after the very, very painful attack, Phanomsay Phakan, a doctor at the Phakan Arocavet Clinic where the father and son were taken, told the newspaper. open image in gallery Daniel Owen was director of an international school in Vietnam ( Facebook/Quality Schools International ) A lot of stings, more than 100, over the whole body. I thought already that its a very dangerous situation because I had never seen it as bad as that, he said. After the incident, the father and son arrived conscious at the Phanak clinic, showing no signs of anaphylactic shock allergic reactions that can kill people who have been stung by bees, wasps and hornets. However they died just hours later after they were taken to the Luang Prabang provincial hospital. Daniel Owen was director of QSI International School in Haiphong in Vietnam, and is believed to have been on holiday in Laos. The organisation said it was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Owen and his son. Dan dedicated 18 years to QSI, serving in five different schools and touching countless lives with his warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education, it said in a post on Facebook. He was deeply loved across our community and will be profoundly missed. Our sincere condolences go out to the Owen family and all who knew and loved them. open image in gallery The Asian hornet can deliver deadly stings ( PA ) Dozens of people who knew the father and son through school, work and holidays, flooded into the comments of the post to pay tribute. Former colleague Julija Zh wrote: Dan was a wonderful director here in Minsk. He did so much for many people. We could always go to chat with him if we needed help and Dan would do whatever he could to help. His son Cooper will be missed too, its still hard to accept and even comprehend it all. Former pupil Anoushka Mahar said she will never forget all the extra time and effort Mr Owen spent with and on me since I wanted to go to university but confessed that I simply couldn't afford higher education. Josh Gaines added: My very first best friend when I went overseas to Kazakhstan. We would leave each other positive quotes on each other's blackboards every day. The world lost two good ones. Green Jungle Park, where the incident occurred, extended its deepest condolences and said it has reviewed all existing procedures in a statement to The Times. The Independent has contacted the park for further comment. open image in gallery File. The hornets reportedly attacked the father and son while climbing down a tree ( Getty/iStockphoto ) Asian giant hornets are the worlds largest hornet, and are native to tropical parts of East Asia, South Asia, mainland Southeast Asia, and parts of the Russian east. In recent years they have spread to countries in western Europe, including the UK. They are responsible for dozens of deaths every year owing to the power of their 6mm stinger which emits a particularly potent venom containing mastoparan-M a toxin commonly found in wasp venom. Last month in Spain, a man died after accidentally stepping on a hornets nest in the Galicia region. Two others died the same month. Last year the US Department of Agriculture announced the insect also known as the murder hornet had been removed from the country. It was declared eradicated in the US five years after being spotted for the first time in Washington state near the Canadian border, A spokesperson at the British Beekeepers Association, Ian Campbell, told The Times that the danger of a sting by hornets can vary from person to person, and that there is no threshold that has been set for the number of stings. The Independent has contacted the US embassy in Laos for comment. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Australian government has announced an ambitious plan to provide households in three states with at least three hours of free solar power every day even if they dont have rooftop panels. The solar sharer scheme, set to launch in July 2026, covers homes with smart meters across New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. The programme is designed to make use of surplus solar generation during the sunniest hours of the day and help consumers cut costs amid rising energy bills. Climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen said the plan would ensure every last ray of sunshine was powering our homes rather than being wasted. The initiative was proof that whats good for the planet is good for your pocket, he added. People who are able to move electricity use into the zero cost power period will benefit directly, whether they have solar panels or not and whether they own or rent. And the more people take up the offer and move their use, the greater the system benefits that lower costs for all electricity users will be, he said. File. The Australian government will roll out the solar sharer scheme to three states ( Getty Images ) The scheme is open to all households in the three states including those living in apartments even if they dont have solar panels installed. Households will be encouraged to run energy-intensive appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and air conditioners, and charge electric vehicles and home batteries during the free-power window. The government said this shift in usage patterns could reduce strain on the power grid in the evening and lower overall electricity prices. The scheme will be implemented through a change in the default market offer, which caps how much electricity retailers can charge, according to Mr Bowen. There is so much power in the middle of the day now that often the prices are very cheap or negative and this should be something, by our analysis, that energy companies can incorporate and offer, Mr Bowen told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Its not a silver bullet, and it is part of a suite of measures, but its a good one. No one would claim that one particular policy solves all the challenges in the energy market. The Australian Energy Regulator will monitor the rollout to ensure households get a fair deal outside the free period. Not all industry players welcomed the move. The Australian Energy Council, which represents major power retailers and generators, criticised the lack of consultation before the announcement. Chief executive Louisa Kinnear warned that acting without notice could result in damaging industry confidence as well as creating the potential for unintended consequences, including some companies exiting a market, according to The Guardian. She said while the governments recognition of customer benefits from innovative energy products was positive, failing to consult could have an enduring impact on product innovation that can further support the energy transition. Mr Bowen said the government would work with states not yet covered by the default market operator to expand the programme nationally by 2027. In 2022, Mr Bowen announced an ambitious goal to have 82 per cent of Australias electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030, complementing the legislated commitment to cut emissions by 43 per cent from 2005 levels, according to Reuters. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Italian authorities are searching for a Bulgarian woman who may be connected to the 2007 murder of British student Meredith Kercher, a former prosecutor has said. The woman may have critical information regarding the fatal stabbing of the 21-year-old in Perugia, Italy while she was studying abroad, although it is not yet clear if she is a potential suspect or a witness. Prosecutor Giuliano Mignini, now retired but who helped lead the initial investigation into the murder, tipped off Italian authorities after he was approached by someone he described as a reliable source. open image in gallery Meredith Kercher was found dead on the floor of her bedroom on November 1, 2007 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Recently there have been developments that could prove significant, Mr Mignini told Italian newspaper La Stampa. A source I consider reliable gave me the name of an individual I'd never considered before. A person who may be implicated in the murder and who fled abroad a few days after the crime. There are indications that this person may have some involvement in the matter. Mr Mignini said he has reported the matter to the Perugia Prosecutor's Office, which is handling the situation. The Independent has contacted the office for comment. Sources later told The Telegraph that the person in question is a Bulgarian woman who was in Perugia at the time of the killing, but that her reason for being in the town is unclear, as is whether she knew Ms Kercher or her American room mate Amanda Knox. open image in gallery Amanda Knox being escorted by Italian penitentiary police officers to Perugia's court in 2008 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were previously convicted of her murder, but were acquitted in Italy's highest court, the Court of Cassation, in 2015. Rudy Guede, from the Ivory Coast, was convicted of the sexual assault and murder of Ms Kercher in 2008, after his DNA was found at the scene. He spent 13 years behind bars before his release in 2021. Meanwhile, Mr Mignini told La Stampa that he does not believe justice has been served yet, despite Guedes conviction. There were miscarriages of justice, errors in favour of the defendants. I confess, it's a story that, 18 years later, I can't stomach: there has been no justice, he said. It's a story that has left a lot of bitterness. I'll be honest: when I think of that poor English girl, I feel a certain regret. open image in gallery Rudy Guede, center, was convicted in 2008 and spent 13 years in prison ( AP ) The Kercher family want to know more about the fresh lead, their Italian lawyer said. Francesco Maresca told Ansa news agency: Once again, after so much time, people are talking about new hypotheses and other people who may have been involved, and on all this the family asks for more information. We remember once again Merediths lovely smile and her happiness at arriving in a country where she should have been studying history, art and beauty and where instead she met her end. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Brussels Airport was closed and all flights grounded after reported sightings of a drone, Belgian air traffic control has said. The smaller Liege Airport was also closed after drones had been seen. Defence Minister Theo Francken told public broadcaster RTBF that the incident appeared to be carried out by professionals intent on destabilising the country. Bernard Quintin, the minister of the interior, asked prime minister Bart De Wever to convene the National Security Council in response to the sighting. We will not allow our airports to be disrupted by uncontrolled drone flights. This calls for a coordinated, national response, he said. An update on the Brussels Airport website early on Wednesday said flights had been resumed, but warned that disruption for travellers was expected to continue and passengers should be prepared for delays. open image in gallery Travellers are facing delayed and cancelled flights ( BELGA/AFP via Getty Images ) Earlier on Tuesday, an airport spokesperson said there were no flights currently landing or taking off and that there were no estimates for how long the airport would remain closed. Belgium's busiest airport briefly reopened on Tuesday evening after two hours of disruption, but was then closed again after more drone sightings. Kurt Verwilligen, a spokesperson for the Belgian air traffic control service, said that shortly before 7pm GMT a drone had been seen near Brussels Airport, and the airport had therefore been closed as a security precaution. Flight data on the Brussels Airport website shows a number of delayed and cancelled flights, with FlightRadar24 reporting some have been diverted. Located 12 kilometres northeast of Brussels, the airport is a major hub for international travel, serving locations including the UK, Dubai, and Turkey. A message on the airports website read: There are currently no departing or arriving flights at Brussels Airport due to drone sightings around the airport. We will provide updates as soon as we have more information. The last flight that departed on Tuesday was the 7.30pm to Prague, with the last arrival into the airport at 7.50pm from the Spanish island of Tenerife. The incident followed similar closures of the Polish airport Lublin in September this year after multiple Russian drones reportedly crossed into Polish territory, leading to Nato fighter jets being scrambled to intercept them. Following the incident, the Polish militarys operational command posted on X that ground-based air defence systems were on high alert, stressing that "these actions are preventive in nature" to secure Poland's airspace and protect its citizens. In September, Copenhagen Airport and Oslo Airport had to be closed briefly as a result of drone sightings, while drones were also seen over a Belgian military air base last weekend. The nature of any drone incursion and how many drones may have been involved is not yet clear. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor, television personality and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, officially took office Tuesday as the first U.S. female ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle, 56, who was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., presented her diplomatic credentials to Greek President Constantine Tassoulas after being sworn in Sept. 29 in Washington. The former Fox News host's arrival comes as the United States works to boost liquefied natural gas exports to eastern Europe through Greek port facilities. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are expected in Athens this week for talks focused on expanding Western gas exports to war-torn Ukraine through a modified multinational pipeline network. Guilfoyle and the visiting officials are scheduled to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and attend ministerial meetings organized by the Washington-based Atlantic Council. Since 2018, Greece and the United States have strengthened military ties, including expanding U.S. access to Greek bases and increased involvement of American defense contractors in Greeces multibillion-dollar armed forces modernization program. Guilfoyle attended a black-tie welcome reception over the weekend in Athens. Joined by local business leaders and several Cabinet members, she took part in a lively Greek dance linking arms with other guests and keeping pace as the music sped up. I know we will do amazing things for these two exceptional countries, she told attendees. I will not disappoint the United States of America. I shall not disappoint Greece. At Tuesdays ceremony, Guilfoyle presented her credentials after the new ambassadors from Norway, Harriet Berg, and Canada, Sonya Thissen. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Vatican has clarified the Virgin Mary's role in the Catholic Church, stating that she did not help Jesus to save the world from damnation. A new decree from the Holy See's top doctrinal office, approved by Pope Leo XIV, instructs the world's 1.4 billion Catholics not to call Mary the "co-redeemer". The instruction affirms that Jesus alone saved the world, settling a theological debate that has long perplexed senior Church figures and caused rare disagreements among recent popes. "It would not be appropriate to use the title 'co-redemptrix'," said the text. "This title ... (can) create confusion and an imbalance in the harmony of the truths of the Christian faith." Catholics believe that Jesus redeemed humanity through his crucifixion and death, before rising again three days later. open image in gallery Faithful throw rose petals on a statue of the Virgin Mary at the end of the commemoration of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary at the Sanctuary of Lo Vasquez, Valparaiso ( AP ) Church scholars have debated for centuries whether Mary, who Catholics and many Christians call the Mother of God, helped Jesus to save the world. The late Pope Francis fiercely opposed granting Mary the title of "co-redeemer", and at one point called the idea "foolishness". "She never wanted to take anything for herself from her son," Francis, who died in April, said in 2019. Francis' predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, also opposed the title. His predecessor, Pope John Paul II, supported it. However, he stopped using the title publicly in the mid-1990s after the doctrinal office began expressing scepticism. open image in gallery Pope Leo says that Jesus alone saved the world ( AP ) The new Vatican instruction highlighted Mary's role as an intermediary between God and humanity. By giving birth to Jesus, she "opened the gates of the Redemption that all humanity had awaited", it said. According to the Bible, Mary's response to the angel who told her she would become pregnant was: "Let it be." Leo shakes up the church Earlier in October, Leo rolled back some of Franciss more questionable financial reforms and decisions, cancelling a law that had concentrated financial power in the Vatican bank. Leo completely abrogated the 2022 law that had decreed that management of the Holy Sees assets was the exclusive responsibility of the Institute of Religious Works, or IOR. The new law says the Holy See generally does use the IOR, but can turn to non-Vatican banks in other countries if the Vaticans investment committee deems it more efficient or convenient to do so. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Italy has summoned Russia's deputy ambassador to protest what it said were "vulgar" remarks which linked the collapse of a medieval tower in Rome to Italy's military support for Ukraine. A Romanian worker was trapped under the rubble after part of a medieval tower near Rome's Colosseum gave way on Monday. He was rescued alive, but later died in hospital. Moscow's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on her Telegram channel that as long as the Italian government "wastes its taxpayers' money" on backing Ukraine, the local economy, and its towers, would continue to collapse. The comments were made as the rescue operation was still underway. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani denounced her post as "disturbing" and "unacceptable", adding: "Italy will not alter its foreign policy stance or its principles in response to reckless verbal attacks". Moscow's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova ( AP ) In a statement later posted on Facebook, the Russian Embassy in Rome expressed its condolences for the death of Romanian worker Octav Stroici. It added that Moscow had raised concerns with Italy over what it called an "aggressive, deplorable anti-Russian campaign" in the Italian media, triggered by Zakharova's earlier comments. Italy has firmly supported Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, supplying military equipment, training, and humanitarian aid as part of broader NATO and EU efforts. However, public opinion in Italy is more divided. While a majority opposes Russia's invasion and supports humanitarian aid, polls show many Italians are uneasy about sending weapons or escalating military involvement. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russian forces have advanced in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday. Pokrovsk is a city that Russia has been trying to capture for over a year. An estimated 100,000 Russian troops were circling the area, with Ukraines top military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi saying his forces pushed hard to dislodge Russian troops. The following are key facts about Pokrovsk, which Russians call by its Soviet-era name of Krasnoarmeysk, and the long battle for its control, which began in earnest in mid-2024. What is Pokrovsk? Pokrovsk is a road and rail hub in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region with a pre-war population of some 60,000 people. Most people have now fled, all children have been evacuated and few civilians remain amid its pulverised apartment buildings and cratered roads. Map of Pokrovsk: Ukraine's only mine producing coking coal - used in its once vast steel industry - is around six miles (10 km) west of Pokrovsk. Ukrainian steelmaker Metinvest said in January it had suspended mining operations there. The city lies on a key road which has been used by the Ukrainian military to supply other embattled outposts. A technical university in Pokrovsk, the region's largest and oldest, now stands abandoned, damaged by shelling. Why does Russia want Pokrovsk? Russia wants to take the whole of the Donbas region, which comprises the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces. Ukraine still controls about 10% of Donbas - an area of about 5,000 square km (1,930 square miles) in western Donetsk. Capturing Pokrovsk, dubbed "the gateway to Donetsk" by Russian media, and Kostiantynivka to its northeast which Russian forces are also trying to envelop, would give Moscow a platform to drive north towards the two biggest remaining Ukrainian-controlled cities in Donetsk - Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. It would also give Moscow its most important single territorial gain inside Ukraine since it took the ruined city of Avdiivka in early 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin says Donbas is now legally part of Russia. Kyiv and most Western nations reject Moscow's seizure of the territory as an illegal land grab. Soldier in Pokrovsk ( Getty Images ) Some Western military analysts, like Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, say that capturing Pokrovsk would hand Russia an important win, especially if it can do it by the end of the year. But though important for operational reasons, Lee says taking Pokrovsk would still leave Russia a lot of work to do when it came to taking control of the rest of Donetsk and the two important fortress cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Why has it taken so long? Russia has been threatening Pokrovsk for more than a year. Instead of the full frontal assaults it used in earlier battles like the bloody campaign for the similarly sized city of Bakhmut, Russia's military is using a pincer movement to gradually encircle Pokrovsk and threaten Ukrainian supply lines. Russian forces harry Ukrainian troops by sending in small units and drones to disrupt logistics and sow chaos to their rear before sending in larger reinforcements. Ukraine says Russia's offensive has seen its forces sustain huge losses. Moscow says it is Ukraine, with its significantly smaller population, that is at risk of running out of men and that its own slower tactics are designed to minimise casualties. An incursion into Russia's Kursk region by Ukrainian forces last year, which Moscow fought back, slowed the Russian attack on Pokrovsk too. What is happening now? Ukraine has rushed to strengthen positions in the city. "There is fierce fighting in the city and on the approaches to the city... Logistics are difficult. But we must continue to destroy the occupiers," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday. Russia's top general, Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff, told Putin on Sunday that Russia had blocked a large number of Ukrainian soldiers in the area. DeepState, a Ukrainian project that maps the front line based on verified open source images, shows Russian forces pushing into the city, though much of it is still in grey, beyond firm control of either side. "The situation in Pokrovsk is on the verge of critical and continues to deteriorate to the point that it may be too late to fix," DeepState said. Reuters was unable to verify battlefield reports from either side due to reporting restrictions in the war zone. Watershed grows green shoots in rural Guizhou China Daily) 11:09, November 04, 2025 Xie Daojiao (right) checks on the growth of vegetables at a greenhouse of his company in Longli county, Guizhou province. [Photo provided to CHINA DAILY] "Sunshine and sweat have finally yielded a sweet harvest this year we have apples to enjoy," wrote Xie Daojiao, chairman of an agricultural company in Longli county, Guizhou province, while sharing photos of apple-laden trees on his WeChat moments. Three years have passed since Xie's company leased some 73 hectares of land in two mountainous areas in Wantanhe town, where they planted local specialty fruit trees, including apple, honey plum and yellow peach saplings. In 2022, an ecological small watershed management project was launched in the county and as part of the measures to control soil erosion. Xie's company, Longli Shengqi Agricultural Technology Co, signed a 20-year land lease agreement with the local village. "The village provided land on barren hills for our company to plant fruit trees. After the trees bear fruit, we distribute dividends to the village on a gradually increasing scale, while also employing villagers to manage the orchards," Xie said. By cultivating economic fruit forests, Xie's company has transformed barren hills into valuable assets, achieving both economic value and ecological benefits. "The roots of the fruit trees enhance soil resistance to erosion and reduce the risk of soil and water loss. On the other hand, our company generates revenue, and the local village receives dividends from the trees. It's a win-win situation," Xie said. However, planting trees in the mountains is no easy task, as the thin soil layers on slopes and Guizhou's heavy rainfall present challenges. "Without proper management, the soil's low organic content can lead to root rot in the saplings," Xie said. "Therefore, we dedicated three years and took on the financial risk ourselves to let the roots of the saplings develop and absorb nutrients, which helps ensure the fruits are large, tasty and produced with a high yield. "As an agricultural professional, transforming seedlings into bountiful harvests is what brings a sense of pride in agriculture," he added. Xie's family has been engaged in agriculture for generations. In 2015, he first visited Wantanhe town to sell agricultural supplies. Impressed by the region's excellent ecological environment, with a river flowing alongside the farmland and an improved local transportation network, he decided to establish an agricultural company to cultivate vegetables there. Over the past decade, Xie has witnessed dramatic changes in local water resource management, especially with the implementation of the ecological small watershed management project. "The river channels were regulated and drainage facilities improved, the farmland on both sides is basically no longer flooded during the rainy season, and the water quality has also improved significantly," he said. Irrigating farmland has become as simple as accessing tap water. "The water resources department channels water from nearby reservoirs to a storage pool on the hill. Irrigation pipes are laid across the fields, and with a simple card swipe, irrigation begins," he said. "Our vegetable base now operates almost entirely on automated water and fertilizer systems. A mobile app allows us to control all water and fertilizer applications, as well as monitor soil moisture, temperature and nutrient levels. This approach not only controls production costs and reduces soil salinity but also conserves water, creating a virtuous cycle," Xie said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice After signing a 99-year lease deal, Serbias parliament began debating a plan to fast-track the development of a controversial luxury compound in Belgrade. The compound was proposed by the investment company of Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trumps son-in-law. The Serbian authorities and Kushner's U.S.-based Affinity Global Development signed the deal in May 2024, allowing the company to overhaul two buildings that once housed the headquarters of the Yugoslav People's Army. The project, which would include a hotel, apartments, shops and office spaces, triggered widespread protests among many who see the old headquarters, which were damaged in a 1999 NATO bombing campaign, as a culturally significant tribute to those who died and a monument to Yugoslav-era modernist architecture. Still, the Serbian government has pushed ahead. In November 2024, it stripped the buildings of their protected cultural heritage label and this week, once the debate on the draft law is over, it will vote on whether to speed up procedures for obtaining construction licences. Protesters gathering in front of the bomb-damaged former Yugoslav ( AFP via Getty Images ) Lawyers said it was rare for such a specific project to receive this kind of parliamentary attention. Savo Manojlovic, a legal expert and leader of the opposition Kreni Promeni party, said the draft law "suspends all standards concerning the protection of cultural property". He said he would ask Serbia's Constitutional Court whether the bill was constitutional. Kushner, who is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka, set up Affinity Global Development after stepping down from his job as a White House aide in 2021. The investment firm did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Serbia's ruling party has said Kushner's project is of vital interest but has not said why. In an interview on local television, President Aleksandar Vucic said he had demanded that a monument to victims of the NATO bombing be built, adding: "And now they (Affinity Global Development) are building it with their money." The vote comes at a turbulent time in Serbia. Vucic has faced a year of large-scale protests triggered by the collapse of a station roof in November 2024 that killed 16 people. Meanwhile, Serbia's sole, Russian-owned oil refinery is under U.S. sanctions, raising concerns about fuel supplies in the Balkan country this winter. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Chinese online retailer Shein has permanently banned the sale of all sex dolls on its global platform after French authorities accused it of selling items that appeared to depict minors, sparking widespread outrage and a potential ban from the French market. The move comes just days before the fast-fashion giant was set to open its first-ever permanent physical store in Paris, amid mounting scrutiny over its business practices, product oversight, and ethical standards. Over the weekend, Frances Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) revealed that it had found that the e-commerce site Shein was selling child-like sex dolls. The watchdog said that their description and categorisation on the site leave little doubt as to the child pornographic nature of the content. The DGCCRF referred the case to prosecutors, citing potential violations of French law. Under Frances penal code, sharing or selling paedophilic material online is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a 100,000 fine. Officials from the anti-fraud office also said the case exposed insufficient safeguards on Sheins site to prevent minors from accessing pornographic content. French finance minister Roland Lescure issued a sharp warning to the company on Monday, calling the dolls horrible objects and noting that if these behaviours are repeated, we will be entitled to ban access to the French market for the Shein platform, he told BFM TV. These horrible objects are illegal, he added. This has crossed a line, he told a French radio station, adding that a formal investigation was underway. open image in gallery A view of the BHV Marais department store, in Paris, France, 31 October 2025 ( REUTERS ) Mr Lescure said he had filed a legal report on the matter and asked Frances digital regulator Arcom which oversees large online platforms under the EUs Digital Services Act to investigate how such content was allowed to appear. For terrorist acts, drug trafficking and child pornography, the government has the right to request banning access to the French market, Mr Lescure added. Frances High Commissioner for Childhood, Sarah El-Hairy, also announced plans to identify both the sellers and buyers of the dolls. Were fed up because these arent just any objects. These are paedocriminal objects on which predators unfortunately practice, sometimes before moving on to abuse children, she added. In a statement to Le Monde on Monday, Shein Frances spokesperson Quentin Ruffat said: Regarding the sharing of contact information, we will be completely transparent with the justice system; if they ask us to do so, we will. open image in gallery Arnaud Gallais (C), president of MouvEnfants, a movement fighting against all forms of violence against children, next to Ecologiste et Socials MP Arnaud Bonnet (2nd-R) holding a placard reading shame to BHV, takes part with activists in a protest in front of the BHV department store in Paris on November 3, 2025, after Chinese company Shein was selling on its online platform dolls of a likely child pornography nature ( AFP via Getty Images ) Shein said it had taken immediate corrective action in response to the wider outcry over the dolls. In a statement shared with the Associated Press, the company confirmed that it had removed all relevant listings once the company became aware of these serious issues. The spokesperson added: We take this matter extremely seriously. Such content is completely unacceptable and goes against everything we stand for. We are taking immediate corrective actions and reinforcing our internal controls to prevent this from happening again. Shein has also now reportedly begun investigating how the listings got past its screening systems and is reviewing its marketplace to ensure that any similar products from third-party sellers are identified and removed. The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shein, Donald Tang, the companys executive chairman, told CNN. He had earlier described the expansion of the company opening of brick-and-mortar stores in five other French cities as a tribute to Frances enduring influence on global fashion, positioning Shein as an accessible, budget-friendly alternative to high-end French labels. open image in gallery Director of Bazar de lHotel de Ville (BHV) Karl Cottendin (C) addresses media during a protest of activists belonging to MouvEnfants, a movement fighting against all forms of violence against children, in front of the Parisian department store in Paris on 3 November 2025, after Chinese company Shein was selling on its online platform dolls of a likely child pornography nature ( AFP via Getty Images ) The scandal erupted just as Shein was preparing to inaugurate its first physical store at the BHV Marai a department store in Paris opposite Paris City Hall the companys first brick-and-mortar outlet anywhere in the world. The brand has faced repeated criticism over its environmental record, alleged labour abuses, and aggressive pricing model, which traditional French fashion houses say undermines their industry. The New York Times reported that several French fashion and beauty labels withdrew their products from BHV Marais last month, protesting Sheins arrival. Meanwhile, Arnaud Gallais, a member of the nonprofit MouvEnfants association, a movement fighting against all forms of violence against children, said that removing the items is not enough. This is not the first time an e-commerce platform has faced backlash for similar listings. In 2018, Amazon was forced to remove products after third-party sellers were found offering childlike sex dolls. France previously took action against online marketplace Wish in 2021, ordering search engines and app stores to delist it over unsafe and illegal items a ban lifted only after a year. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ukraines military units are competing with each other by launching deadly drone attacks to earn points that can be used to buy more weapons. The video game-style rewards system is proving to be very popular, Ukraines first deputy prime minister said, with hundreds of units participating. Launched a year ago, it is now being expanded to reconnaissance, artillery and logistics operations, according to reports. Its become truly popular among units, deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov told The Guardian. All the defence forces know about this and theres competition for the points, for getting these drones, electronic warfare systems and other things to help them in warfighting. The more infantry you kill, the more drones you get to kill more infantry. This is becoming kind of a self-reinforcing cycle. open image in gallery Teams can accrue points to buy weapons on the Brave1 marketplace ( Brave1 Market screenshot ) Soldiers who launch successful strikes win points that can be exchanged to buy more weapons in an Amazon-for-war online shop called Brave1, including drones and autonomous vehicles. At least 400 drone units are using the Army of Drones Bonus System, which killed or wounded 18,000 Russian soldiers in September, the newspaper reported. This was double the number from last October, after Ukraines government doubled the rewards for killing Russian infantry from six to 12 points. open image in gallery Deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov says, Theres little to no emotional reflection here. It feels like just technical work ( AFP via Getty ) Drones and autonomous vehicles can be bought from the online marketplace with e-points, which are awarded to units for the verified destruction of enemy equipment or personnel. A Kolibri 7 UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) was the cheapest drone that could be bought with points, going for 13,410 Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH), the equivalent of 242.87. The most expensive, the MACUVA BpAK, was on sale for 41,506,466 UAH, or approximately 751,724.73. open image in gallery Ukrainian servicemen from the 24th brigade operate an FPV drone flying towards Russian positions in the Donetsk region ( AFP via Getty ) Mr Fedorov said that the decision to apply a points-based system to Russian casualties was one of many ways Ukraine was trying to be more effective. Were at war for four years in a row, and it is hard, he said. Were just finding ways to be more effective. Were thinking of this as just part of our everyday job. Theres little to no emotional reflection here. It feels like just technical work. Because if you dont stop the enemy, he will kill your servicemen and after the servicemen are dead, hes going to come to a city and hes going to conquer, raze and kill civilians. open image in gallery A Ukraine drone pilot controls an FPV drone during a training flight ( AFP via Getty ) He warned that Russia appears to be developing its own gamified system, citing Ukrainian intelligence sources. Drones have become a key weapon for both Kyiv and Moscow. Russia has drastically increased its drone strikes this year; the summer saw an increase in frequency of intense overnight strikes in a move experts told The Independent was meant to induce panic in Ukraines population. Kyiv faced a wave of 818 drones and missiles in an overnight attack on 7 September, one of the largest of the war so far. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russia launched a blistering assault on Ukraine overnight, killing at least six people and injuring 35. Some 430 drones and 18 missiles targeted the country, Ukraines president said, calling the strikes a deliberate and calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure. Ukraines air force said most of the drones and missiles were shot down, but officials said falling debris and fires damaged high-rise apartments, a school, a medical facility and administrative buildings across nine districts in the city of about three million. "At that moment you don't know what to do first: save yourself, your child, or run to help people, because so many people were screaming and needed help," said Anastasia, 29, whose apartment block was hit. The attacks came just two days after Russias foreign ministry indicated it was ready to resume direct talks with Ukraine on ending the war in Istanbul. An official told TASS the ball is in Ukraines court. Russia continues to escalate its strikes on Ukraine while coordinating its messaging to present a show of good faith to the United States. Nearly four years since the invasion, the Kremlin maintains its maximalist designs on Ukraine. Zelensky said that Ukraine was responding to the strikes with long-range strength, and called for greater sanctions to be imposed on Russia. open image in gallery The overnight attacks hit residential buildings, despite Russias insistence it does not target civilians ( AFP/Getty ) Russia has waged a devastating aerial campaign against Ukraine since its all-out invasion of its neighbour nearly four years ago. US-led diplomatic efforts this year to stop the fighting have so far come to nothing. Friday's aerial assault, which also targeted Odesa in the south and Kharkiv in the northeast, was mostly aimed at Kyiv, where drones and missiles smashed into high-rise apartment blocks, according to Zelensky. Mariia Kalchenko said it was a miracle she survived after her building was hit. "I didn't hear anything, I just realised that my hair was on fire," the 46-year-old volunteer rescue dog handler said. In the Odesa region, Russian drones struck a busy street on market day in Chornomorsk, killing two people and injuring 11 others, including a 19-month-old girl, regional military administration chief Oleh Kiper said. Moscow denies targeting civilian areas, with the Russian Defense Ministry saying Friday it carried out an overnight strike on Ukraine's "military-industrial and energy facilities." Analysts nevertheless accuse Russia of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in order to wound morale. open image in gallery Eight of the capital's 10 districts reported damage. Emergency crews fought fires in apartment blocks, debris from explosions was strewn across yards and cars parked in the streets were set ablaze ( Reuters ) Natia Seskuria, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said that the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure was a central element of Russias strategy, designed to terrorise the Ukrainian population and erode public morale. The underlying calculation is that a war-weary society subjected to sustained attacks might exert pressure on the government to accept almost any settlement that promises an end to hostilities, she told The Independent. Thus far, however, this strategy has proven ineffective, as Ukrainians have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in the face of ongoing aggression. Fridays attack was the biggest on Kyiv in almost three weeks. Most recent Russian aerial attacks have aimed at electricity infrastructure around the country ahead of the bitter winter months. With no sign of the war abating, millions of Ukrainians face one of the harshest winters in years as humanitarian organisations scramble to deliver essentials to the frontlines and affected areas. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned on Friday that people whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the war are entering the winter with no financial buffer to support themselves. open image in gallery At least six people were killed in the strikes overnight, Ukrainian officials said ( Reuters ) Frequent power cuts continue to plunge neighbourhoods into darkness, cut heating and force hospitals to use emergency power. For older people and vulnerable people in high-rise buildings, blackouts can mean hours or days of isolation without elevators, heat, and often without food or medicine, the IFRC warned. Almost four years of conflict have eroded peoples resources. Many families are entering this winter with no financial buffer seven out of ten people said they dont have any savings left, said Jaime Wah, Deputy Head of Delegation for IFRC in Ukraine. We have been providing support to people for several years, but our resources are also running thin, Wah added. The scale of the needs is overwhelming, and with each passing day, those needs only grow. Keir Giles, a fellow of the Russia and Eurasia programme at Chatham House, told The Independent that Moscows attacks are designed to cause the maximum possible misery and suffering among the civilian population. Thats the principle we saw applied in Syria, in Chechnya and in countless others of Moscows wars dating back decades and centuries, he said. Mr Giles said Ukraine was the victim of Russias attempts to demoralise its victims through inhumanity. Thats the reason for attacks on maternity hospitals, and nurseries, targeting the most vulnerable in society, as well as for the systematic torture and starvation of Ukrainian military and civilian captives not for any objective purpose other than deliberate and demonstrative cruelty. These attacks continue despite Russias insistence that it is open to talks moving towards a ceasefire. open image in gallery ( Reuters ) Foreign ministry official Alexei Polishchuk said on Wednesday that Russia was ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul. No face-to-face talks have taken place between the two sides since they met in the Turkish city on July 23. Overtures towards peace come after a proposed summit between Russias Vladimir Putin and US president Donald Trump broke down in October, reportedly over Moscows intransigence over its demands. The two leaders have not met since August, when a summit held in Alaska failed to produce a deal. Mr Trump said the meeting was very productive, but the diplomatic push to end the war has yet to yield any results. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Dubai cafe is offering a rare coffee that may claim the title of the worlds priciest cup, selling for 3,600 dirhams or about $980. What sets this brew apart is the Nido 7 variety of Geisha beans, a rare and premium strain grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Baru in western Panama. Cultivated in tiny micro-lots, each harvest yields only a few kilograms of beans. The ultra-exclusive coffee is being served by Julith Coffee, which plans to pour out only around 400 cups of the prized beverage. The beans came from a record-breaking auction in Panama earlier this year, where 20kg sold for around 2.2m dirhams ($600,000) after a fierce bidding war involving hundreds of buyers. Julith ultimately secured the lot after 549 bids, marking the highest price ever paid for a coffee batch. open image in gallery Nido 7FC Panama coffee is presented at Julith Coffee cafe in Dubai ( AFP via Getty ) Serkan Sagsoz, head coffee roaster at Julith, told The National a cup was reserved for Dubais ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with only a handful of other people likely to taste what he described as a piece of history. This is not a gimmick or marketing stunt, he said. Nido 7 Geisha is a remarkable coffee that only a handful of people on the planet will ever taste and now, for the first time, thats possible right here in Dubai. With so little of it in existence, every cup feels like a piece of history. I would be truly honoured to one day brew a cup for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. Mr Sagsoz, who earlier ran a cafe in his native Turkey, said that the brew would contain white floral notes of jasmine and citrus flavours like orange and bergamot and a hint of apricot and peach. "It's like honey, delicate and sweet," he said. open image in gallery Cafe owner says a cup is reserved for the ruler of Dubai ( AFP via Getty ) Connoisseurs describe the Nido 7 beans as the crown jewel of the Geisha family, an already rare and prized coffee lineage that is known for its floral aroma and complex sweetness. Nido 7 earned a score of 98 at the Best of Panama competition, one of the highest ever recorded in the coffee world. None of the varieties so far has scored more than 96.5 points. At least six international judges even gave 100 points to Nido 7 Geisha. Dubai holds the Guinness World Record for the worlds most expensive coffee, with a brew sold for 2,500 dirhams ($680). This new offering sets the bar even higher. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 swerved to dodge a medical helicopter in an air traffic incident at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Flight 1333 from Baltimore to Cleveland was on its final approach on 29 October when the loss of separation event took place. That means two aircraft breached the prescribed minimum safety distance required by air traffic control to prevent collisions. The two craft were reportedly separated by just over half a mile at their closest point. According to The Aviation Herald, the aircraft stopped its descent at around 1,800 feet and turned right to avoid the Eurocopter. It landed safely without further incident around 13 minutes later. open image in gallery A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 flight was involved in the incident between two planes in Cleveland. ( AFP/Getty ) Metro Aviation, which operated the helicopter, confirmed to Fox 8 that it was heading to a nearby hospital to collect a patient and that there were no patients on board at the time of the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that an investigation team was dispatched to the scene. The Independent has approached Southwest Airlines and Metro Aviation for comment. In a statement, Southwest Airlines said: Southwest Airlines Flight 1333 landed safely at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on October 29 after the pilots discontinued their initial approach to the runway due to the presence of another aircraft. The pilots were in contact with air traffic control throughout the event, and the Boeing 737-700 landed uneventfully a short time later. The incident shares similarities with the tragic collision of American Airlines flight 5324 with an Army helicopter in January this year. All 64 on board the plane were killed, as were three in the helicopter. The incident is the latest to occur amidst a federal government shutdown and a nationwide understaffing issue affecting air traffic control towers. Read more: What the heck?: Delta flight in near-miss with Cessna plane over Boston runway Dick Cheney warned there had never been an individual who was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump in a 2022 video which has resurfaced with the news that the former vice president has died. Cheney, the architect of the War on Terror as VP under George W Bush, made the comments in a commercial for his daughter Liz Cheneys reelection campaign in Wyoming. Liz Cheney, a staunch critic of Trump who voted for his impeachment, ultimately lost out to a MAGA primary challenger backed by the then-former President. What I spend on Christmas: I would imagine that my total will be about 2,000 and the majority of my budget will be on my own kids Dublin Airport passenger cap to be breached next week Record October will be followed by busy end to 2025 Dublin Airport. Photo: Getty John Mulligan Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 21:00 The DAA has confirmed it will breach the annual 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport early next week as the gateway saw its busiest ever October. Irish Business Ticket prices for next years National Ploughing Championships are on the rise Airline chief claims it would result in huge queues at airport security Ryanair boss Michael OLeary has claimed that plans by MEPs to force airlines to allow passengers to bring two free pieces of cabin hand luggage on board will result in flight delays and longer security queues at airports. Amazon Web Services announces new sub-sea Fastnet transatlantic data cable between West Cork and US The cable, which will be one of the highest capacity cables to date across the Atlantic, will land in Castlefreke in 2028 and could offer diversity against issues affecting Irish transatlantic cables landing in Mayo and Dublin An Amazon data centre Adrian Weckler Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 14:05 Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a new high-speed transatlantic cable from Cork to Maryland in the US to power global internet traffic and its data centres. Were not feeding ourselves Why new INHFA president says Irelands food security model needs a rethink Donegal man Pheilim Molloy on how Ireland could do so much more with our land and reduce our reliance on imports, how his union background shapes his approach to disputes, how policy is hammering hill farmers... and his solution to the farm succession crisis INHFA president Pheilim Molloy on his farm in Breenagh, Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Photos: Joe Dunne Ciaran Moran Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 06:30 A decade ago, a major rift over CAP policy saw a determined group of hill farmers break away from the IFA to form the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association. While many other farm organisations have come and gone in that time, INHFA has not only survived but become a prominent voice for Irelands most marginal landholders. A former army captain who claimed a sexual assault on a female solider was an aberration in an otherwise glittering career has failed in his appeal against his dismissal from the Defence Forces. Councillor texted garda to sort speeding ticket while at the same time calling for review of speed van locations, trial told Fraudster linked to 500k An Post scam shouldnt have been in country at time of latest offending Conman Brandon Abrahams (33) has been described as a one man crimewave Conman Brandon Abrahams Ken Foy Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 17:03 A 33-year-old criminal who took part in organised money laundering, including benefiting from a 500,000 An Post smishing scam, should not have even been in the country when his latest spate of offending happened. BREAKING | Irishman charged with killing of US woman in Budapest Mackenzie Michalski (31) was found buried in a suitcase in a forested area outside of the Hungarian capital. Mackenzie Michalski was killed in Budapest. Clodagh Meaney Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 13:42 An Irishman has been charged with the killing of a US woman in Budapest. It may be a criminal offence Minister James Lawless very concerned at allegations of electrician exam papers being sold Minister very concerned at allegations of electrician exam papers being sold Grainne Ni Aodha Press Association Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 18:54 Allegations that electrician exam papers are being sold are being taken very seriously, the further and higher education minister has said. Social Democrats appeal for Taoiseach to intervene on Dail hunger strikers on their 45th day Deputy Jen Cummins of the Social Democrats has called for health supports and a State contributory pension for those who suffered residential abuse Mary Donovan, Mary Dunleavy Greene, Maurice Patton O Connell and Marian Moriarty Owen are on hunger strike outside Leinster House. Sarah O'Mahony and Senan Molony Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 14:40 The Social Democrats have appealed to Taoiseach Micheal Martin to intervene in the hunger strike of survivors of residential abuse outside the Dail. Man appears in court on charges linked to planned terrorist attack on Galway mosque by Irish Defence Army Flooding occurred in Bantry town this morning after torrential rain in the last 24 hours throughout County Cork. Independent Ireland Councillor Danny Collins said there was much despair amongst business owners and residents following the flooding in the picturesque West Cork town. Bantry was again hit by flooding early this morning. There was intense rain between 3am and 4am. To meet and talk to some of the business owners their faces and voices looked and sounded drained. What cost and hardship this has brought on them again. Cllr Collins extended his thanks to the local fire brigade members, Cork County Council employees, staff members with private contractors, local businesses and residents who rallied around to help each other. Bantry is considered a high risk area, with flooding occurring four times in 18 months between 2018 and 2020 which has had a devastating impact on local businesses. Bantry was also one of the worst affected areas after severe flooding in October 2024, with a number of shops flooded on Main Street and New Street. Residents and traders have continually expressed their frustration at the delay in the delivery of both the culvert scheme and the larger flood relief scheme, given they had been promised in 2020 that work would commence on both schemes without undue delay. Cllr Collins said there are a number of factors that need to be sorted out without delay. Number 1 is the culverts. In a motion last month I looked for a timeline for these works and what I got back is a start date in 2027. Number 2 is the flood relief scheme and the Office of Public Works (OPW) have come out saying at least 2030/31 before we see this started. All I can say to both residents and businesses is that I will keep raising and pushing hard through Cork County Council and through Deputy Michael Collins in Dail Eireann to keep pushing the relevant ministers until we see progress, he added. News Dead people still on Corks voting register very upsetting for relatives The voting register needs to be updated to remove the deceased as their inclusion is causing distress for their relatives when polling cards for them arrive at election time, a Cork councillor has said. A pro-Palestinian group opposing the company's relationship with an Israeli weapon manufacturer has admitted responsibility for the attack Graffiti was sprayed on windows at the Allianz building in Elm Park The Dublin headquarters of German insurance giant Allianz was damaged in the early hours of the morning. A small number of windows were smashed and graffiti sprayed on the building at Elm Park in Dublin 4. A pro-Palestinian group opposing the company's relationship with an Israeli weapon manufacturer has admitted responsibility for the attack. Gardai said they attended the scene following an incident of criminal damage at approximately 2.50am. The scene has been preserved for technical examination and investigations are ongoing, a spokesperson added. A number of Allianz offices across Europe and Asia were vandalised in the past 24 hours in a coordinated wave of actions that campaigners say coincided with the renewal of Allianz's alleged insurance contract with the Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems and the anniversary of the 1917 Balfour Declaration. Sources have said that Allianz Ireland has no relationship with Elbit. In a statement, Allianz plc confirmed that An Garda Siochana is investigating an attack at the offices of Allianz in Dublin in which a group of people in balaclavas and black combat style clothing and armed with a variety of implements attempted to gain entry to the building by smashing windows and doors. Allianz employees and contractors in the building at the time alerted Gardai and secured themselves in a safe location in the building as part of our security procedures, a spokesperson said. The attackers also daubed red paint on the building before leaving. Our first priority is for the safety and well-being of our employees and contractors, particularly those who were in the building when this attack occurred. We are working with them to ensure they are getting our fullest support in the face of what was a frightening ordeal. Contrary to online commentary and media reporting in Ireland, Allianz plc can confirm that it has no commercial relationship of any kind with Elbit Systems. "As the matter is a criminal investigation, the company will not be providing any additional commentary about the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gardai. Customers of Allianz plc can continue to contact us as normal and there is no disruption in service, they added. The direct action group, Palestine Action Eire, claimed responsibility for the damage, saying they were targeting the German insurance giant over its alleged links to Elbit Systems, a company they claim supplies approximately 85pc of the Israeli military's drones and vehicles. The red paint graffiti seen on the Dublin building included the demand "Drop Elbit." The group claims that Allianz is an essential backer of the Israeli arms manufacturer through insurance policies for its staff and by holding about 2pc of the company's shares. This direct action comes amid growing pressure on the firm in Ireland, where widespread mobilisation within the GAA has called for the association to sever its sponsorship ties with Allianz over the same issue. The activists cited a June 2025 report by UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, which states that global insurance companies, including Allianz, "invest large sums in shares and bonds implicated in the occupation and genocide. Furthermore, the group noted that Allianz's US subsidiary, PIMCO, has been reported to have purchased almost $1 billion in Israeli "war bonds. The protest group stated: "We target Allianz and call out our government's failure to act as we become more complicit in this genocide! From a wide variety of voices across our nation, including the GAA, the Association of Catholic Priests and many others, Palestine Action Eire is actively working to cut links between Allianz and Ireland." A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said they attended the incident and it has been preserved for technical examination. Data highlights huge challenge in tackling culture of silence on campuses Fewer than one in eight students are formally reporting abuse and harassment on Irish campuses, according to stark new data launched at Trinity College today. The Speak Out report reveals that while 1,011 individuals made anonymous disclosures between September 2022 and August 2024, only a tiny fraction of students took the next step of making a formal complaint. The report was compiled using the anonymous online reporting tool whose national office is based at Trinity. The data includes input from Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), Dublin City University (DCU), and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art and Design Technology (IADT). But it highlights the depth of the challenge in tackling a "culture of silence" on campuses. The figures show that the most common behaviours reported were bullying (382 reports) and harassment (340 reports). However, the disclosures paint a disturbing picture regarding sexual violence. Sexual violence and sexual harassment accounted for 25pc of all behaviours disclosed by students. The student reports included 55 accounts of rape, 106 of sexual assault, and 108 of sexual harassment. The data underscores a crisis of confidence in existing formal reporting structures. Of the 636 students who used the anonymous tool, only 12pc made a formal complaint to their university or college and 4pc made a formal complaint to An Garda Siochana. Common reasons cited for this failure to report to the institution included a fear that nothing would be done or a perceived lack of proof. Not reporting to the gardai, a feeling that the behaviour was not "serious enough" or a lack of proof were the main barriers. The launch of the report takes place today at Trinity College Dublin, which successfully applied to host the Higher Education Authority (HEA)-funded National Speak Out Office. This central Dublin location will now be key in informing future responses to abuse across all 17 participating HEIs nationwide. Speaking about the findings, Further and Higher Education Minister James Lawless strongly condemned the figures. I commend our universities and colleges, and the Higher Education Authority, for taking meaningful steps to make higher education a safer place for students and staff, he said. By tracking harmful behaviours and abuse in this way, were building a clearer picture of the challenges and laying the groundwork for stronger, more informed responses. There must be zero tolerance for abuse on our campuses. What this report highlights is the urgent need to break the culture of silence around these difficult and traumatising experiences, and to ensure students and staff feel safe and supported when they come forward, he added. The HEA funds the Speak Out initiative, which allows users to disclose experiences of bullying, harassment, assault, and sexual violence, while also directing them to support services. The report's authors caution that the data should not be taken as the true prevalence of these issues but rather as a baseline that is expected to rise as the service becomes more established in institutions like Trinity and TU Dublin. Elaine Mears, coordinator at the Speak Out national office, acknowledged the long-term challenge, saying: "Tackling abuse requires a whole of society response which will take time, commitment, and resourcing. The higher education sector is stepping up to this challenge because we have a responsibility for our students and staff. Oliver Kelly, global chief commercial officer of Kerry Group, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Kerry Group has been honoured with an annual award which recognises companies that benefit the communities which they are based in. The company, which is a leader in science-backed taste and nutrition solutions for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, was honoured with The Ireland Funds Corporate Social Responsibility Award on October 30. Kerry Groups global chief commercial officer, Oliver Kelly, accepted the award on behalf of the company at the 41st annual Chicago dinner of The Ireland Funds, founded in 1976. The dinner event brought together business leaders, community advocates and supporters of The Ireland Funds aim to promote peace, culture, education and development in Ireland, Chicago and among Irish people around the world. The annual Corporate Social Responsibility Award handed to Kerry Group is presented each year to a company that has made an impactful socio-economic and philanthropic footprint in Ireland and across the world in the communities in which it operates. Past recipients include global organisations such as Abbott, Walgreens Boots Alliance, KPMG, Northern Trust, Allstate, Aon, and CME. Kerry was selected for its commitment to responsible and impactful business practices and its longstanding support of The Ireland Funds. Through this partnership, Kerry is said to have helped advance the organisations work in community engagement, education, arts and culture, and peace and reconciliation. Kerry Group said it is proud to be recognised among the organisations which champion progress, partnership, and philanthropy. The company invited its customers and partners to join it in celebrating winning the Corporate Social Responsibility Award. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has welcomed Pat OLearys appointment Killarney man Pat OLeary has been appointed to the board of Tourism Ireland. A Killarney mans appointment to the board of Tourism Ireland has been described as an enormous boost for Kerry. Pat OLeary, the former managing director of Liebherr Container Cranes, was appointed as a director on the board on October 17. Tourism Ireland is the state agency responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday destination. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has stated that Mr OLeary is a hugely respected member of the chamber executive and his enormous input has been very valuable and insightful. The Chamber said Mr OLeary will bring huge experience and know-how to Tourism Ireland from his leadership work with the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation and the Discover Kerry project. In his position as chairman of the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, he has spearheaded a united approach between public and private shareholders in the industry to ensure Kerrys needs at a local level are afforded a national platform, the Chamber stated. Mr OLeary also serves on various boards and holds advisory positions including with the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association, Net Feasa and Munster Technological University. Pat is a wonderful colleague who has brought extensive experience, passion and know-how to every position he has held and we are confident he will do likewise in his new role with Tourism Ireland, Killarney Chamber said. We have absolutely no doubt that his contribution will be of great benefit to the tourism industry in Ireland. Tourism Minister Peter Burke welcomed the appointment of Mr OLeary, along with Des Anett, to the board. "I would like to wish the members well as they undertake important roles in supporting the tourism industry. Aoife Butler of Holycross, Co Tipperary, Laura Reidy, of Ballyheigue, Co Kerry, Darragh O Riordan, of Cullen, Co Cork, Cian McCormack of Monageer, Co Wexford, Padraic Flanagan, of Dualla, Co Tipperary - all business and accounting gradates - pictured at the inaugural Mary Immaculate College (MIC) Thurles conferring ceremony. Photo: Brian Arthur Joy and pride swept through Mary Immaculate College (MIC) Thurles on Friday, October 31, as 127 graduates - joined by family, friends and lecturers - gathered for the inaugural MIC Thurles conferring ceremony, the first to be held in the town since MICs incorporation of St Patricks College in 2016. In previous years, MIC Thurles graduates celebrated alongside their Limerick peers in joint ceremonies on the Limerick campus. This year, however, the spotlight turned exclusively to Thurles, as the Cathedral of the Assumption became the proud setting for a day filled with celebration. Graduates from across Ireland and beyond gathered to receive Bachelor of Arts in Education awards in post-primary teaching, specialising in subjects such as accounting, business studies, religious studies, Gaeilge, and mathematics. Postgraduate awards, at certificate, diploma and masters level, were also conferred in mentoring and middle leadership in primary and post-primary settings. Professor Dermot Nestor, president of MIC, congratulated the graduates, paying tribute to their hard work and resilience. Graduation is always a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. For our MIC Thurles graduates, this day represents years of dedication, collaboration and the shared belief that education changes lives, said Professor Nestor. Professor Jennifer Johnston, vice-dean of the school of education (post-primary) at MIC Thurles, reflected on the significance of the ceremony for the graduates and the campus community. "This is a day of immense pride - not just for our graduates, but for everyone connected to MIC Thurles, she said.. Its the first time we've had the joy of celebrating conferring here in Thurles itself, surrounded by the people and places that have shaped these students' journeys. Our graduates leave not only with a degree and a teaching qualification, but with a deep sense of purpose and belonging that will carry them through their careers. Reflecting MIC Thurles strong commitment to excellence and professional readiness, several graduates were honoured for outstanding academic achievement, with many earning multiple awards. Among them, Darragh Doolan of County Kerry, was awarded the prestigious gold medal for securing first place in all BA in education programmes. He was also honoured for his outstanding academic achievement in both Gaeilge and mathematics. Amy Ann Coffey of County Waterford, with a BA in education, business studies and accounting, was honoured with the Tipperary County Council Business Award and also received recognition for her academic excellence in accounting and business studies. Two graduates were recognised with two awards each. With a BA in education, Gaeilge and business studies, graduate Ciara Brouder (Limerick) received the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) medal for academic excellence in education e-portfolio and the ASTI medal for excellence in education and school placement. Adam Donnelly (business and Irish) from Four Roads, Roscommon and Cathal Hanlon (maths and business) from Riverstown Offaly pictured at the inaugural Mary Immaculate College (MIC) Thurles conferring ceremony. Picture by Brian Arthur Gemma Garvey (Mayo), with a BA in education, business studies and religious studies, was honoured with the Saint Bonaventure Trust Prize, awarded to the graduate who achieves first place in theology and religious studies, along with recognition for academic excellence in religious studies. Completing the top achievers was Konrad Alexander Gradowski (Laois), with a BA in education, mathematics and Gaeilge, who received the Professor Michael A. Hayes Fellowship awarded to the graduate who achieves academic excellence in education research and dissertation. This fellowship is awarded by the college in memory of the late Professor Michael A Hayes, President of MIC, 2011-2017. The conferring ceremonies also celebrated many personal milestones and family connections within the MIC community. Among them was Martina Buckland (Waterford), who received her Master of Education in middle leadership and mentoring in primary and post-primary settings. Martinas husband, Dr Patrick Buckland, lecturer in business studies at MIC Thurles, took part in the academic procession, making the day an especially memorable family occasion. Reflecting on the experience, Martina said: Its such a special moment to be graduating with my Masters in middle leadership and mentoring and to have my husband, Patrick, in the academic procession. Sharing this day with our five children makes it even more meaningful - its a proud family moment that shows what dedication and lifelong learning can achieve. It was especially rewarding to complete my masters at MIC, where I also graduated with an Arts degree in 1998. Fianna Fail education spokesperson and Tipperary North TD, Ryan OMeara, commended the graduates at the ceremony and underscored MIC Thurles vital role in the local community. This graduation marks a real milestone for Thurles. Having the ceremony take place here, in the Cathedral, brings a new sense of pride and connection between the college and the town. MIC Thurles plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of post-primary teachers - and in keeping Thurles firmly on the map as a centre of learning, leadership and community spirit. My warmest congratulations to all who graduated today and to the families and staff who supported them along the way." Aoife Butler of Holycross, Co Tipperary, Laura Reidy, of Ballyheigue, Co Kerry, Darragh O Riordan, of Cullen, Co Cork, Cian McCormack of Monageer, Co Wexford, Padraic Flanagan, of Dualla, Co Tipperary - all business and accounting gradates - pictured at the inaugural Mary Immaculate College (MIC) Thurles conferring ceremony. Photo: Brian Arthur Today's News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, November 4 Also, joining the graduates and their families at the ceremonies were Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Kieran OReilly, Professor Shane Kilcommins, acting president of University of Limerick, MIC Faculty Deans, Laura Conheady, vice president of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI), Padraig Curley, president of the Association of Secondary School Teachers of Ireland (ASTI), John Carroll, Cathaoirleach, Tipperary County Council, Fr Joe Walsh MIC Thurles College Chaplain and other local dignitaries and councillors. Prospective students interested in pursuing a career in post-primary teaching are invited to attend the MIC Thurles open day on Saturday, November 8, from 10am to 1pm. The event offers visitors the opportunity to meet staff and students, explore the campus and learn more about MIC Thurles concurrent teacher education programmes. Judge refuses jurisdiction, says accused has serious incentive to flee A judge has warned a young man he will face years in prison if convicted for attempting to import drugs through a Kerry post office. He set bail at 15,000 at Tralee District Court. Haroon Ibrahim (23), of no fixed abode, was charged with attempting to import 18,240 worth of cannabis through An Post office on Edward Street, Tralee. The State objected to bail due to the serious nature of the crime and argued the accused was a flight risk. The defence argued Mr Ibrahim, who has dual citizenship, has lived in Ireland since the age of 12. The court heard that Mr Ibrahim was arrested after a sting operation in 2023. On the stand, Garda Neil OSullivan told the court Mr Ibrahim tried to evade gardai by running from the scene. He said there was CCTV footage, garda evidence and said the defendant was caught red-handed. Judge David Waters refused jurisdiction. If convicted, hes facing a number of years, said the judge. Gardai said they believe he may continue to commit offences. The court heard Mr Ibrahim is an Afghan national raised in Ireland, has two passports and had changed his name. It was noted he had no fixed abode, although had later provided his family address in Manor Park as his residence. I have concerns on the legitimacy of that address, said Garda OSullivan. Mr Ibrahims father said he had not lived there for at least a month, he told the court. Furthermore, he said, the defendant declined to give details about his employer and had no formal record of employment. He has family ties to Afghanistan and gardai believe he has means to flee the country, said Garda OSullivan. Solicitor Brendan Ahern noted his client was arrested at his family home the day after the incident. Are you happy hes been residing in Tralee since July 2023? Mr Ahern asked the garda. No, Im not happy about that, said the garda. He then added, I am satisfied he stayed in Ireland the last two years but he didnt know about the charges until last night. Mr Ahern noted his client would have anticipated charges and had two years to flee. His client changed his name when he turned 18 for religious reasons, said the solicitor. Mr Ibrahims adult sister, who lives in the family home, was present in court, he added. He suggested his client worked in Tralee full-time but had not provided employer details because he did not want to get his employer in trouble. Ill accept that, because his father did say hes working, said the garda. Mr Ahern further noted his client had lived in Ireland since aged 12. His ties are to this jurisdiction and not Afghanistan, said Mr Ahern. Judge David Waters noted jurisdiction was now with the Criminal Court and, if convicted, the defendant could face years in prison instead of months. As such, he said, the flight risk had increased. Jurisdiction has changed, said the judge. This man has an incentive to leave. He remanded the defendant in custody and set the bail bond at 15,000, with 5,000 cash to be lodged and an independent surety of 10,000 required. Mr Ibrahim must reside at an address provided to gardai in advance and notify them of any change, check into Tralee Garda Station daily, abide by a 10pm to 7am curfew, provide a mobile phone number to gardai and always be available. He is due to appear in Tralee District Court again on November 5. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme A full gallery congregated before Judge David Waters at Tralee District Court where cases of no insurance, unlawful possession of drugs, and theft were all heard. The judge struck a charge against Jim Burke (20) of Rahoonane, Tralee for driving without a licence. The court heard he received his full licence a few days later. The judge noted Mr Burke had already organised a test and bureaucratic delays forced people to wait months. Theres such a backlog, somebody should be able to book and do a test within a month, said Judge Waters. John Michael Lyne (42) of Maulin, Ballyheigue was fined 300 for driving without insurance. He has eight tractors, three diggers and all kinds of machinery, works seven days and seven nights a week, said his solicitor Pat Mann. He had no priors and insured his transit van immediately the next morning when informed it was uninsured. John Dineen (55) of Arlington Lodge, Tralee was fined 340 for the theft of eight cans from Dunnes Stores on 24 July, totalling 19.50 in value. There was no loss. Solicitor Pat Man described his client as very gentle and very soft spoken. Hes very mild mannered but unfortunately has an addiction problem, said Mr Man. Judge Waters said it was his last time with fines. James Cronin (47) of Finnegans Hostel, Tralee was put on probation for theft charges from supermarkets on August 21, October 2 and October 3 totalling 39.20. The probation services seem to believe they can work with him, said the Judge. Im prepared to give him that chance. But if he walks into one shop and picks up one can, hes in jail for the bones of a year. James Crean (20) of 45 Ogham Rian, Tralee was convicted and remanded on bail under the supervision of the probation services until October 7, 2026 for public order and drug possession charges from January 26 and a summons for drug possession from 14 December, 2024. The court heard he was arrested on public order on Ashe Street on January 26 after he threatening gardai and had 250 of cannabis and 20 of cocaine on his person. Connor Hopkins (21) of Eli Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin 4 was fined 400 for possession of 90 worth of ketamine on January 13, taking into account charges for possession of 209.44 worth of cocaine and 23.60 worth of cannabis. Eron Baftijari (20) of Caheranne Village, Ballyvelly, Tralee was fined 100 for avoiding gardai at a checkpoint near Manor West, Tralee. He swerved left without indicating and drove behind some hedging, said the court presenter. Mr Mann said his client was gripped with social anxiety but added nobody ever believes the defence. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme One in 10 people living in Kerry are Ukrainian according to recent figures released by Central Statistics Office. Kerry now has over 16,000 Ukrainians living in the county, making up just over 10 per cent of the population. Per head of population, Kerry is second only to County Leitrim which hosts 114 Ukrainians per 1,000 population, albeit housing only 4,010 Ukrainians. Proportionally Kerry sits over double the national average, while Dublin, being the lowest proportionally, is well under half the national average. Councillor Deirdre Ferris highlighted Kerrys tourism sector as the main factor in how the county was able to manage the new residents. Donegal hosted, proportionally, the third highest number of Ukrainians, accommodating around 90 per 1,000 inhabitants, owing to a similar industry make-up as Kerry. In Kerry, many tourism hotels were given lucrative government contracts to host the refugees, as well as smaller private accommodation providers being incentivised with the accommodation recognition payment (ARP). Cllr Ferris, who has been vocal in supporting refugees since the start of Ukraine War, said the large influx of people to the county had taken its toll on the private rental market. Im very happy to support people fleeing war but I suppose the difficulty we have is that its had a very negative impact on our own long-term letting options because of ARP. And that itself has been very difficult to mitigate against, said Cllr Ferris. Properties that would ordinarily been long term lets, in some cases have become properties under ARP for Ukrainians. Initially it was 800 tax free for the landlord, and it has caused huge strain on the rental market here in the county. Councillor Podge Foley says he is helping some Ukrainians find accommodation after some of their rental leases ended. During the summer months, government contracts to house Ukrainians at Kings Court Student Complex in Tralee, and Skellig Accommodation Centre in south Kerry, ended forcing a total of 48 people to vacate. Last summer, around one-third of state contracts had ended, leaving around 140 properties with government agreements. Cllr Foley said more contracts will be ending soon, meaning more will be evicted and will have to find new places to stay. Cllr Foley said: An awful of them now are leaving the centres and the problem is now that they cant find any place to livetheyve brought the Ukrainians in via the centres but with some of them closing, theres nowhere to put them. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme Ahmad Hassan counts himself a proud Tralee man having surpassed insurmountable odds in seeking to establish a better life here since 2014. Since leaving his native Pakistan, Ahmad has been through the asylum process and ticked all the right boxes in terms of self-development and contributing to his new community. But the path of migration is seldom a linear one. The long-awaited Navan Rail line in Meath will face a further delay after Iarnrod Eireann confirmed that the Railway Order for the project will now be submitted by the end of 2027, rather than in 2026 as originally planned. Sinn Fein TD for Meath East, Darren ORourke, expressed disappointment following an exchange with Mary Considine, CEO of Iarnrod Eireann, at the Oireachtas Transport Committee. The confirmation from Mary Considine, CEO of Iarnrod Eireann, that the Railway Order for the Navan Rail line will now be submitted by the end of 2027, and not in 2026 as previously committed, is a setback for the project and for the people of Meath. It is very disappointing, he said. Mr ORourke said that 21 months ago, in January 2024, the Oireachtas Committee was given a clear timeline for a 2026 submission. He described the delay as deeply frustrating and a risk to public confidence. While Iarnrod Eireann states that physical works are slated to begin from 2030, as per the current strategy, any delay at the initial planning and approval stage risks creating a domino effect, pushing the entire project further into the future, he said. Our concern is that after the long-awaited Railway Order is finally secured, there could be a further period of downtime before construction begins due to funding or prioritisation issues, he added. The Navan Rail line is an essential piece of public transport infrastructure that is critical to addressing congestion, supporting sustainable development, and connecting County Meath properly with the capital and elsewhere, he said. The project, which aims to deliver a new rail link of approximately 40 km between the terminus at M3 Parkway (north of Dunboyne) and the town of Navan, will provide direct services to Dublin city centre. In 2024, the project entered its early phase of development, with consultants appointed and the scope and route option selection process underway. According to the National Transport Authority (NTA), the total project cost could reach up to 23bn, with delivery projected between 2030 and 2035. Urging the government and state agencies to act with urgency, Mr ORourke said: I have called on Iarnrod Eireann to take every possible step to shorten these timelines. Furthermore, it is imperative that the Government provides the necessary multi-annual capital funding in the forthcoming revised National Development Plan to ensure that once the Railway Order is granted, this project can proceed directly to construction without any further delay. The people of Meath have waited long enough, Mr ORourke added. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. These include: The Cleveragh Learn to Cycle Project the construction of a Learn to Cycle facility for young children at Cleveragh regional park which was awarded 112,500. The Glen Wood Footbridge Project, which is the Development of a pedestrian footbridge across the Hawks Rock ravine to create a new link between Sligo Walks Glen Wood Trail and the Hawks Rock Trail and trail upgrades, that will receive an allocation of 500,000. The Strandhill Trailhead Project (Queen Maeve Trail) Upgrade of Queen Maeve trail parking and trailhead facilities in Strandhill, this project has an allocation of 189,000. Sligo Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan has welcomed the funding announced this by Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD and Minister Dara Calleary providing 16.5 million to deliver 63 projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). Deputy Feighan said: I want to congratulate the project promoters and Sligo County Council for their submission of some interesting and strategic projects which will provide some really good outdoor facilities for both local residents and provide a further reason for so many to visit County Sligo in the future, said Deputy Feighan. Minister of State Marian Harkin said she was delighted to see the inclusion of key projects in Sligo and Leitrim, noting that they will strengthen local recreation infrastructure and provide long-term community and tourism benefits. In Leitrim the continued enhancement of the Bothar Na Naomh Trail will get 200,000 towards extending the route past Cloone GAA Park to Creigharee Ancient Holy Well. The Bothar Na Naomh extension will create a truly special link between heritage, spirituality, and community recreation. Its a wonderful example of how rural development funding can celebrate local identity while supporting outdoor wellbeing, said Minister Harkin. I am more than pleased to welcome this funding announcement, which represents a real investment in the wellbeing of our communities and the sustainable development of our natural assets, said Minister Harkin. Minister Harkin commended Minister Callearys leadership and the ongoing collaboration between local authorities, community groups, and his department in realising the goals of Embracing Irelands Outdoors. This funding is not just about facilities - its about supporting vibrant, connected, and healthy communities. I commend all those who worked tirelessly to bring these projects forward and look forward to seeing their benefits in the months and years ahead, concluded Minister Harkin. The Western Inter-County Railway Committee heard of positive progress being made on the Athenry to Claremorris rail link alongside calls for a future connection to Knock Airport The update on the project came from Minister of State for Transport Sean Canney. Photo: Stock image The long-awaited re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor has been described as "a project in motion", and all necessary steps are being taken to progress the project as quickly as possible. The Department of Transport is engaging with the European Investment Bank, and a business case for the Athenry to Claremorris section is currently being put in place. The update came from Minister of State for Transport Sean Canney, who confirmed that the National Development Plan, due to be published later this month, includes "a lot of revised funding." Addressing a meeting of the Western Inter-County Railway Committee, Deputy Canney said, "We are in a great place with implementation plans being prepared, and no one is talking negatively about the Western Rail Corridor anymore." His comments follow those of Irish Rail Chief Executive Mary Considine, who told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport last week that early-stage work had begun and that the Athenry to Claremorris route and design feasibility were being examined by a dedicated team. Ms Considine added that Irish Rail hoped to get construction of the route underway before 2030. "This is a priority project," Mr Canney said, "We are working as hard as we can to deliver it as soon as possible." He reminded the committee that no planning permission is required, as the line is protected for future rail use, and said the continuation of the line northwards towards Sligo remains under active consideration. His remarks echoed those made by Ms Considine, who confirmed that the Claremorris to Collooney section is also being kept for rail use only. "Preliminary planning and studies have already begun, so it is now a question of when and not if the project is being delivered," he said and added that he looked forward to delivering the project. The Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly, also addressed the committee, describing the Western Rail Corridor as a "critically important project for the whole region." Mr Kelly emphasised the importance of extending the line northwards towards Sligo, with a connection to Ireland West Airport Knock forming part of the long-term vision. The airport is expected to carry almost one million passengers this year, and local representatives in Mayo believe a rail link would transform accessibility and investment opportunities across the county. At the latest meeting of Mayo County Council, Cllr Brendan Mulroy called for the Western Rail Corridor to be prioritised alongside the development of the Strategic Development Zone at Knock Airport. He said the end goal should be to extend the Western Rail Corridor directly to Knock Airport, allowing commuters and tourists to travel straight to the terminal, he added this would help the entire county take off. "The train service is vital, not just for Westport but for Ballina, Castlebar, and for bringing people into our county," Cllr Mulroy said at last month's meeting. "I'd ask the executive of this council, if you were to deliver a project that is on par with Knock Airport; get that rail corridor into Mayo. It will serve us all, and it will be a different county. It will open up the county completely." The reopening of the line between Athenry and Claremorris was first included in the 20072013 National Development Plan, but progress stalled after the 2008 financial crash, with only the Ennis to Athenry section completed. Now, with a renewed government commitment and positive economic indicators, momentum is building again, and the prospect of reopening the Athenry to Claremorris rail link has never looked stronger. Colman O Raghallaigh from West on Track, a community-based campaign group, welcomed Deputy Canney's comments and said that confirmation of the reopening of the Athenry to Claremorris link was "enormously significant for the entire western region." "This project is about so much more than the 55km of track between Claremorris and Athenry. This vital link will enable the creation of a 250km passenger network from every major town in Mayo through Tuam and on to Galway and Limerick," Mr O Raghallaigh said. This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Valentyna Urzhumova from Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo has been named the Sligo Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025. The awards recognise the remarkable commitment, compassion and strength of family carers who provide essential care to loved ones every day. The Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards celebrate those whose dedication and compassion make a difference in the lives of the people they care for. They also serve as a reminder that behind every person receiving care is someone providing it, often quietly and without rest, recognition or access to vital supports and services which should be provided by the State. Valentyna cares for her younger daughter (6), who is autistic. She supports her every day with patience and care, meeting even the hardest moments with calm and compassion. Valentyna gives her whole heart to the role and does all of this while living with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes her constant pain and limits her mobility. Despite this, she continues to care for her daughter, support her eldest child through university and balance work and home life with remarkable strength. In her spare time, she also volunteers at her local family resource centre, teaching English to people in her community. Valentynas resilience, kindness and selflessness make her an inspiration to everyone around her and reflect the true spirit of caring in Sligo and across Ireland. Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy with Family Carers Ireland, said: Family carers are the silent supporters of so many households across Ireland. They juggle multiple responsibilities, often at great personal cost, driven by love. Too often, their work takes place behind closed doors, unseen, unsupported and unacknowledged. These awards are about visibility and respect for the vital work that they do. Valentyna represents the compassion and resilience we see every day among family carers in every town and village. By recognising them, we are shining a light on all those who quietly care, who continue to give, and who deserve to know that their efforts are valued and understood. Since announcing their partnership with Family Carers Ireland at the end of 2024, Lidl has been supporting the caring community through the development of their Lidl Charity Champion programme. One team member from every Lidl store and Regional Distribution Centre across Ireland has volunteered their time and energy to support Family Carers Ireland through a host of activities including planning and participating in store fundraising and fostering greater community engagement. Christine McIntyre, Senior Partnership and Events Manager at Lidl Ireland, added: At Lidl, we are proud to support Family Carers Ireland and to show family carers that we care back. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people across Ireland give their time, energy and love to support others, often putting their own needs last. Through the Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards, we want to recognise their incredible dedication and remind them that no one should have to care alone. Valentyna Urzhumova is a wonderful example of the compassion and commitment that exist in homes and communities all over Ireland. As John Banville turns 80, the people of Wexford came together to celebrate his unrivalled literary legacy John Banville pictured with his two sons Doughlas and Colm at the John Banville Interview by Professor Derek Hand in Wexford Library on Thursday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell John Banville with Bonnie Banville Evans and Jamie Evans at the John Banville Interview by Professor Derek Hand in Wexford Library on Thursday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell Pictured at the John Banville Interview by Professor Derek Hand in Wexford Library on Thursday evening were Susan Kelly (Executive Librarian), Prof Derek Hand, John Banville and Eileen Morrissey (County Librarian). Pic: Jim Campbell Over the course of the late summer and autumn, the Wexford Public Library Service ran a series of events to celebrate and recognise the extraordinary literary contribution of Booker Prize winning author John Banville as he celebrates his 80th birthday in December. Over the course of a remarkable career, John has redefined the boundaries of fiction, earning worldwide acclaim for the mastery of his work. From The Book of Evidence to The Sea, to his Booker Prize triumph to his alter ego as Benjamin Black, his work has captivated readers across genres and generations. The programme of events, which culminated with a sit down, fireside chat between John and renowned academic Professor Derek Hand at Wexford Library, is both a tribute to this Wexford born writer and an exploration of his extensive work. The idea was to honour John Banville said county librarian Eileen Morrissey, but also to invite members to come and discuss and reflect upon his work and to appreciate what he has created. Over the course of the series, all of the events were well attended and attracted significant engagement, which didnt surprise Eileen, given the popularity of Johns book in Wexford Library down through the years. John Banville with Bonnie Banville Evans and Jamie Evans at the John Banville Interview by Professor Derek Hand in Wexford Library on Thursday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell It is the standard of his writing. He is just such a lauded writer both nationally and internationally. He is from Wexford town and is of the town. And he spoke very fondly about Wexford and anecdotes from his childhood. As a library service, it was important for us to honour this person who has achieved such renown internationally. He was given a civic reception when he won the Booker Prize in 2005, but we thought that it was fitting to do something else for him in his 80th year. Professor Derek Hand, who is Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, makes the point that Johns work is practically unparalleled in the literally world, even as he continues to publish. Professor Derek Hand studied Johns work in university and wrote in a reflective essay, John Banvilles writing: his novels, screenplays, short stories, essays and plays are a testament to his undoubted artistic abilities. His novels, especially, demonstrate his ability to bring together the worlds of ideas, as he muses about the nature of art or science, and the everyday world of lived experience. A great attendance at the John Banville Interview by Professor Derek Hand in Wexford Library on Thursday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell Like all the best Irish writers, he possesses an anxiousness about language itself, its slipperiness and its power. But his concerns also have a global reach. To think again of his version of Copernicus and his discovery of a sun-centred universe: Copernicus looked at the world and imagined it anew, seeing it as if for the first time. That is what art, and certainly John Banvilles art, attempts to do and has done. That is his artistic achievement. Eileen doesnt believe that it is purely coincide that Wexford has produced such outstanding writers. Together John Banville, Colm Toibin and Eoin Colfer have sold millions of copies and have demonstrated the very best of creativity grounded in their Wexford identity. I can see very clearly how strong the arts community is in Wexford, said Eileen and it is no surprise to me that that would be the case. And then when you think about the storytelling tradition in this part of Ireland and how Wexford has been influenced by other world cultures, I do think there is something unique about Wexford as a county. William Moorehouse (37), with an address in Old Connaught, at Bray Courthouse on October 14, 2025. A Wicklow man who kicked a homeowner during a burglary has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for a series of offences including assault and public order. William Moorehouse (37), a father-of-five with an address at Old Connaught, Bray, pleaded guilty at Bray District Court to a Section 2 assault, one public order offences, both charges relate to separate incidents. The court heard that the assault was connected to an incident for which Moorehouse was sentenced on October 14, 2025. The charge related to Mr Moorehouse kicking the homeowner during a struggle after being caught inside the mans Bray home in May 2025. The victim managed to restrain him but suffered bruising to the head from the blows. The incident had already led to Mr Moorehouses conviction at Wicklow Circuit Court for burglary, for which he received a four-year prison sentence with 18 months suspended. In the District Court, the Section 2 assault charge was dealt with as part of the same event, and the facts of the assault were outlined again. The court heard that Mr Moorehouse had appeared at Dun Laoghaire District Court on November 3, 2025, where he received a 10-month prison sentence on unrelated matters and a 20-year driving ban. Gardai informed the court that they had observed Mr Moorehouse drunk, vocal and loud on the Southern Cross Road. He was arrested and later charged at Bray Garda Station. Counsel for the defendant Brendan Maloney told the court that his client is a drug addict and currently in the grips of addiction. Sadly, my client admits he has spent over 50 percent of his adult life incarcerated, said Mr Moorehouses barrister Justin McQuade at his sentencing last month. William Moorehouse (37), with an address in Old Connaught, at Bray Courthouse on October 14, 2025. Today's News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, November 4 The court also heard that the accused is one of eight children and a father-of-five, with a sixth child on the way, as his current partner is pregnant. The court was told back in October that Mr Moorehouses life could be described as tragic. Judge David Kennedy sentenced Mr Moorehouse to 10 months in prison, six months for the Section 2 assault and four months for the public order offence, to run consecutively, and fined him 500 for the Section 13 Road Traffic Act offence. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme The National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Irish Rail are still considering proposals to terminate the Dublin to Rosslare rail line at Wicklow or Greystones stations, in an effort to improve frequency. Two reports by the NTA in 2024 proposed this termination and for a Dart shuttle to be used instead to cater for areas further south. The change in this service would be done with the hopes of improving the service for Kilcoole and Wicklow, however it would cause more difficulty for passengers travelling on the line from Wexford to Dublin. Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcom Byrne was informed about the NTAs proposals for the first time at the end of 2023, which considered imposing a changeover at the Wicklow station. It was confirmed to him at the start of 2024 that work is currently ongoing on the proposal for this project which aims to increase train frequency between Greystones and Bray. During a recent meeting of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, where Deputy Byrne sought clarity on the situation, a spokesperson for Irish Rail, Barry Kenny, confirmed they are still looking at the proposed changes. When we free up trains, that is when we start having options. I know that the Deputy is not very keen on shuttle services that connect. I think in the shorter term it is probably our main opportunity to expand the services so that there would be some connections. Irish Rail Today's News in 90 Seconds - Tuesday, November 4 When asked about better rolling stock Mr Kenny said that will rely on the delivery of the Dart+ programme. More intercity trains and commuter trains will be freed up when the Dart+ trains start coming in, so that will allow the intercity trains to be used. Commuter trains are important at peak hours because otherwise, there is simply not the room, but it is a debate to be had. Deputy Byrne says the NTA needs a long-term plan to improve the service. I have six rail services that I can use every day. Somebody from Carlow will have 11, somebody from Dundalk will have 16 and someone from Portlaoise will have 32. I love when we hear all the talk about the double track in other parts of the country, but we are not seeing it on the Rosslare rail line. The number of passengers using this line has increased in the last few years with figures showing that daily boardings at Wexford station more than doubled between 2013 and 2022. Due to high demand, a new night-time service was also introduced between Gorey and Connolly in May 2023. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Sinn Feins Wicklow TD John Brady has criticised Government moves to restrict media access to new local committees covering policing and community safety. Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) are being established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 to provide a more inclusive, community-led and multi-agency approach to local safety, moving beyond community safety being solely the responsibility of An Garda Siochana. The Department of Justice developed this Community Safety Policy based on a key principle from the 2018 report by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. LCSPs will identify issues relating to community safety in their area and will have an important future role to play in aligning the Community Safety Fund to community needs. New guidelines from the Department of Justice on the operation of the new LCSPs remove this presumption in favour of public and press access. The Policing Authoritys 2022 guidelines on the operation of the old Joint Policing Committees set out that in general, their meetings should be open to the public and press upon request, unless there were legal or confidentiality reasons not to do so. The LCSPs have replaced the long-standing Joint Policing Committees (JPCs), which allowed local media to attend meetings and report openly on discussions about crime prevention, public order, and community issues. However, recently finalised guidelines from the Department of Justice on the operation of the new LCSPs remove this presumption in favour of public and press access. The new guidelines state that LCSPs may facilitate media attendance at their discretion and via request to the chair. The Department goes on to advise that LCSPs consider holding three of six meetings each year in private, allowing media attendance at the other three. It says this would achieve a balance. The Department also advises LCSPs to consider limiting media attendance for their first year of operation to public meetings only. LCSPs are required to hold just one of six meetings each year in public. The guidelines state that this restriction on media attendance will allow for relationships and trust to develop at a time when LCSPs are developing their work plans. This approach should be reviewed as the partnerships work evolves, the guidelines state. Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady has expressed concern over the move and believes that transparency, accountability, and open communication are fundamental to maintaining public confidence in policing, particularly in community policing, which relies heavily on strong relationships between gardai and the people they serve. The Minister for Justice must explain why local councils, including Wicklow County Council, have been advised to limit media access to meetings of the new Local Community Safety Partnerships. This decision is deeply concerning and risks eroding the sense of public confidence and accountability that is so vital to effective policing. He warned that restricting media access would weaken those relationships and undermine the trust that underpins effective community safety. In Wicklow, community policing has always been a cornerstone of how we maintain safety and security in our towns and villages. The partnership between gardai, councillors, community representatives, and the public depends on transparency and trust. People must have confidence not only in the gardai but also in the structures that oversee and support them. In a statement Wicklow County Council officials indicated the move will only be a temporary measure. The minister has advised LCSPs to limit media attendance at meetings during the initial phase of their establishment to create a supportive environment for open dialogue, trust-building, and effective collaboration. As each partnerships membership comprises of community representatives, this initial period will allow them the time and space to become familiar with formal meeting procedures, understand partnership processes, and find their voice within the group. The statement adds that developing relationships and agreeing its workplan will be a key part of the new committee during their first year of meetings. Limiting media attendance will help ensure that all members particularly those representing the community can participate confidently and meaningfully. This approach is intended as a temporary measure and will be reviewed by the partnership as it evolves. The partnership in Wicklow has pledged to be open and transparent in their work. The minutes of all meetings will be made publicly available, once adopted, on the Wicklow County Council website. Wicklow LCSP will share reports proactively with local media as part of their communication strategy, ensuring that the public remains informed about the partnerships work and outcomes. In response Deputy Brady said he doesnt believe the reasoning for the move is justified. The people of Wicklow and communities right across Ireland deserve to know what is being discussed about their safety, their policing, and their neighbourhoods. Without open reporting, it becomes harder to hold decision-makers to account and harder still to ensure that community voices are heard. Deputy Brady has called on the Justice Minister to rescind the decision to limit media coverage. Public confidence in policing, particularly in community policing, depends on openness, dialogue, and honesty. The work of the new LCSPs must be fully transparent so that people can have confidence that their safety concerns are being dealt with fairly, effectively, and in the public interest. Restricting media coverage of LCSP meetings will only create distance between the public and those making decisions on their behalf. That is the opposite of what community safety should be about. he added. Membership of the LCSP in Wicklow is still taking shape but it will consist of 30 members, including representatives from state agencies (including the HSE, Tusla, An Garda Siochana), local authority members, and community representatives. Separately Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan has announced the allocation of 4.4 million through the Community Safety Fund to 42 community safety projects nationwide. The Community Safety Fund redirects proceed of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau and An Garda Siochana back into communities. A National Office for Community Safety has been established which has responsibility for administering the Community Safety Fund. This Office is also providing support, training and guidance to the LCSPs. As part of this years allocation just under 59,000 has been allocated to the Bray Community Addiction Team for Addiction Recovery. The funds will be centred on providing a Prison Pre- and Aftercare Programme Strengthening Community Safety and Social Reintegration. Minister OCallaghan said the LCSPs will have a role in supporting the purpose of this fund to direct proceeds of crime directly back into the communities for the benefit of those communities. It demonstrates that the efforts of our gardai and law enforcement bodies can not only disrupt and seize the proceeds of crime but can directly contribute to building stronger and safer communities. he added. Successful projects this year focus on a broad range of issues that include domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; countering drug related intimidation; addiction recovery and substance misuse; and violence reduction. Applications could be submitted by individual organisations, or by consortiums involving two or more organisations where the lead partner was a community organisation, not-for-profit, social enterprise, or similar, with a remit relevant to community safety. Individuals or private sector businesses were not eligible to apply. Grants range from 20,000 to 150,000 with this years allocation a 33pc increase on the 3 million awarded in 2024. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme The West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival will unveil its enchanting winter weekend programme this month, which includes the leading Dutch violinist of her generation, Rosanne Philippens, celebrated Irish pianist Finghin Collins, and one of the few chosen to be funded by the BBC New Generation Artists programme. The latest edition of the festival runs from November 14 to 16, with five concerts lined-up to take place at the Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel. Renowned violinist Rosanne Philippens will be performing alongside Finghin Collins on Saturday, November 15, for a 5pm concert in Manor House. Rosanne previously performed as part of the festivals online offering in 2021 during Covid lockdown, and now gets the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. Finghin is no stranger to any music lover and has enjoyed a flourishing international career that has seen him tour all over the world. Meanwhile, Galways Dylan Murphy has been announced as the winner of the West Wicklow Festival and Contemporary Music Centre Ireland's 2025 composition competition for emerging composers, and will premiere his piece at the Rising Stars concert taking place on Saturday, November 15, at 11.30am. The concert will be performed by violist Fiachra de hOra and pianist Claudia Fernandez Parrondo and includes music by composers Rhona Clarke, Garth Knox and Robert Schumann. Tara Viscardi of the West Wicklow Festival said: We are delighted that the emerging composer composition competition continues to go from strength to strength! We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration with CMC Ireland and the festival team are very much looking forward to hearing Dylan Murphys work premiered at the Rising Stars concert by violist Fiachra de hOra. The opening concert on Friday, November 14, sees artistic director and Wicklow pianist Fiachra Garvey joined by three exceptional artists, Irish/Dutch violinist Gwendolyn Masin, Spanish violist Sara Ferrandez and Irish cellist Brian O Kane. A late-night fusion concert starting at 9pm on Saturday night, November 15 will feature versatile Irish violinist Aoife Ni Bhriain and Welsh harpist Catrin Finch, who have formed an award-winning duo and will perform selected works from their hugely successful debut duo album Double You. The festival closes on Sunday, November 16, at 3pm with a finale concert by BBC New Generation Artist, Niamh OSullivan and pianist Fiachra Garvey. Tickets for each concert are available to purchase from the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival website, costing 35 plus a booking fee, while student concessions are available at 17.50. For group bookings or for those having any issues booking, please contact westwicklowfestival@gmail.com. A new BBC docuseries narrated by Sir David Attenborough is almost Shakespearean in feel due to its rich stories and high drama, an executive producer has said. Six-part wildlife series, Kingdom, follows four animal families a lion pride, a wild dog pack, a hyena clan and a leopard family over the course of five years as they compete for survival and dominance in a corner of Zambias South Luangwa National Park known as Nsefu. Mike Gunton, creative director of BBC Studios Natural History Unit, said: If I had to pick one word to describe Kingdom, it would be intensity. Kingdom (BBC Studios/Anna Place/Felicity Lanchester/Amy Gilchrist/Nick Riley /Lauren Jackson/Simon Blakeney/ Ason Mwale/ Eric Njobvu; Getty images/PA) Its almost Shakespearean in its feel, and its incredibly ambitious in its scale. Its a story that speaks across the ages because it focuses on four families in one location, all struggling to survive. Theyve got their internal struggles, but theyve also got struggles against the other rival families. And this creates a really intriguing tapestry of rich stories. Its high drama its got a bit of Game of Thrones, its got a bit of Succession, but its also got a bit of The Lion King. But Kingdom also has this wonderful warmth about it. It can be quite a white-knuckle ride at times, but there are also some wonderful moments of beauty and tenderness. Weve tried to construct it as a bingeable continuing narrative. We filmed over five years, which is the longest we have ever continuously filmed in one location, and that in itself is quite an achievement. There are, of course, risks to putting all your eggs in one basket by focusing solely on one location, but it has absolutely paid off with Kingdom. We worked closely with the local scientists and conservationists on the ground in Nsefu. A lot of them have been there for generations, so they know all the stories, the backgrounds and the family lineages of all the main players. That gives us a huge advantage in figuring out whats going on between these four families. Mr Gunton said the voice of Sir David, 99, is needed to guide you through it (the series) and to reassure you that it will be all right in the end. The naturalist has been on our TV screens for more than seven decades, presenting programmes such as Planet Earth and The Blue Planet. Last month, he broke Dick Van Dykes record for the oldest winner of a Daytime Emmy when he picked up the award for daytime personality, non-daily, which he won as host of Netflixs Secret Lives Of Orangutans. Theres going to be some ups and downs, but its worth the journey, Mr Gunton said. I suppose its just having him (Sir David) hold your hand, saying, this is going to be a bumpy ride, but stick with it, its going to be amazing. And he does that so brilliantly. Nsefu is a dynamic place, stuff happens completely out of the blue and things are constantly changing. Its sometimes rough and raw, but its also gorgeous and beautiful. Having David there brings that safety. Filming required a team of more than 170 people, including more than 90 local Zambian crew members and wildlife experts, according to the BBC. To capture the behaviour of the four animal families, the team used a mix of long lens camera systems, camera traps, drones, thermal imaging cameras, car rigs, helicopter rigs and infra-red-light cameras. In episode one of the show, leopard mother Olimba is seen bringing up her two cubs when things go awry and her young son goes missing as some threatening lions appear on the scene. Kingdom airs Sunday November 9 on BBC One at 6.20pm. All episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer. The world has known about the disaster of El Fashir for more than a year. The city was the last redoubt of Sudans armed forces in the western region of Darfur, which had otherwise mostly fallen under the sway of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the ruinous civil war between the two rival factions flared in 2023. Bella Culley (right) with her mother Lyanne Kennedy after Culley was released from jail. Photo: Reuters A pregnant British teenager who has spent six months in a Georgian prison on drug-trafficking charges walked free after her family paid a 160,000 fine to reduce her sentence. Bella Culley, a 19-year-old from Billingham, Teesside, had pleaded guilty to smuggling more than 11kg of cannabis and nearly 2kg of hashish from Thailand into Georgia. Train stab suspect could be linked to string of incidents in England Anthony Williams (32) was charged yesterday with 10 counts of attempted murder after attack on LNER train in Huntingdon over Halloween weekend A custody van believed to be carrying Anthony Williams leaving Peterborough Magistrates Court (Joe Giddens/PA) Athena Stavrou UK Independent Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Police are investigating whether the man accused of trying to kill 10 people during the Huntingdon train attack is linked to a string of knife incidents in the hours before the bloody rampage. People protest against the sale of child-like sex dolls by Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein in Paris (REUTERS/Abdul Saboor) Online retail platforms Shein, Temu, AliExpress and Wish are being investigated in France over alleged distribution of sexual and violent content available to minors on their marketplaces, the Paris prosecutor's office said today. Police hunt underway for four suspects after over 600 artefacts stolen from museum collection The only survivor of the Air India crash, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, at his home in Oadby, near Leicester. Photo: PA The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash has said he struggles to leave his bedroom because of constant flashbacks that have left him mentally broken. New research suggests Victorian kennel clubs did not create modern dog breeds so where did they come from? The creator of the popular corporate dystopia comic strip Dilbert has made a public plea to Donald Trump for help in accessing an experimental cancer treatment and the US president said he would help him out. Today is Americas first major election day since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Voters are likely to give their verdict on his leadership and policies even though he was absent from the campaign trail. North America US secretary of state Marco Rubio changes official government typeface for being too woke Trump team will partially fund food benefits after judges order Shutdown set to become longest ever with no solution in sight US president Donald Trump. Photo: Getty Alex Woodward UK Independent Tue 4 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Donald Trumps administration will partially fund a critical food assistance programme after a federal judge ordered the federal government to tap into emergency funds to keep it afloat. Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo campaign in Manhattan and the Bronx on Sunday in New York City. Getty. Donald Trump said on Tuesday any Jewish person who votes for New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is a "stupid person," the latest in a string of comments over the course of the US president's career suggesting that Jewish Americans vote against their own interests. ( Image credit : X/ @favspopculture | Rockys bold look steals the show at CFDA red carpet ) From controversy to fashion icon status ( Image credit : X/ @ComplexStyle | Rocky and Rihanna turn heads at CFDA Fashion Awards ) A red carpet power moment ( Image credit : X/ @headnavy | Fashion power duo: Rocky and Rihanna stun together ) Redefining the modern icon ASAP Rocky dedicated his award at the 2025 CFDA Awards to Rihanna. pic.twitter.com/LGVQu6DbGb DME (@dme_363) November 4, 2025 A$AP Rocky has officially secured his place in the fashion world after receiving the renowned Fashion Icon Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). The rapper, known for his bold and innovative style, joins his longtime partner Rihanna, who received the same honour in 2014 as one of the few musicians to earn the title. Held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the ceremony highlighted how music, creativity, and fashion define Rockys style.The award marks an important chapter in Rockys life. After facing legal challenges and widespread media scrutiny earlier this year, the artist has emerged stronger, shifting his energy into fashion and entrepreneurship. Beyond his music career, he has expanded his artistic network through his agency AWGE, collaborated with global brands, and stepped into a leadership role in design and cultural innovation. His CFDA win goes beyond style, highlighting his determination and reinvention.Rocky and Rihanna turned heads on the red carpet as they arrived together, radiating modern glamour and effortless chemistry. Rocky wore a sleek, tailored black suit over a soft knit top, paired with statement jewellery. Rihanna, making her first major red-carpet appearance since becoming a mother, complemented his look with a minimalist trench-inspired outfit that radiated effortless confidence. Together, the couple proved once again their status as one of fashions most influential couples.In his acceptance speech, Rocky reflected on his journey, from Harlem streets to global fashion runways. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his creative team and honoured Rihanna, acknowledging her as both a source of inspiration and an equal partner.Rockys rise in fashion highlights how authenticity and taking risks continue to shape the industrys future. His bold approach of blending luxury, streetwear, and cultural expression challenges tradition and inspires a new generation of creators. As he steps into this new chapter, A$AP Rocky stands not only as a musician and trendsetter but as someone redefining what it means to be a modern style icon. A minor altercation turns deadly A family left shattered Murder charges filed In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken a Georgia community, an 18-year-old was fatally stabbed at a local Walmart after what police say began as a minor dispute over a shopping cart. What should have been an ordinary afternoon on 23 October turned into a devastating tragedy that ended a young life far too soon.Authorities from the Chatham County Police Department confirmed that 48-year-old Delano Middleton has been arrested and charged with murder after the fatal confrontation. According to police, the incident occurred as Middleton was exiting the Walmart when the teenager, identified as J.T. Schroeder, allegedly kicked his shopping cart. Within moments, the situation escalated, leaving Schroeder with multiple stab wounds and severe lacerations.The teen was rushed for medical treatment but tragically died from his injuries days later.A GoFundMe page identified the victim as 18-year-old J.T. Schroeder, remembered by loved ones as kind, calm-natured, and never someone who sought conflict. His father, also named J.T., told local news outlet WJCL that the brief police statement failed to capture the full truth behind the tragedy. He expressed that his son would never have provoked a stranger unless he felt threatened or confronted.The grieving father shared that upon receiving the call, he rushed to the Walmart and was confronted with a scene no parent should ever witness. He described finding blood at the scene and said his son was stabbed more than ten times before collapsing and bleeding out.Following Schroeders death, Middleton was formally charged with murder, per Chatham County court records. It remains unclear whether the suspect has entered a plea. No attorney has yet been listed to represent him. The senseless nature of this violent act has raised concerns among residents about public safety and how a moment of anger could escalate into irreversible loss.What began as a seemingly insignificant exchange in a store aisle has now left a family grieving, a community in shock, and many questioning how an 18-year-old could lose his life over something as trivial as a shopping cart. The incident stands as a painful reminder of how quickly everyday interactions can spiral into unimaginable violence. What makes the Beaver Moon a supermoon ( Image credit : AI generated for representational purpose | Rising in Taurus, astrologers say it symbolizes grounding ) Why Novembers full moon is called the Beaver Moon The zodiac sign and astrological meaning: Taurus influence ( Image credit : AI generated for representational purpose | The full moon will reach peak illumination on Wednesday ) Rituals and manifestation practices during the Beaver Moon I attract abundance in all forms. I open myself to stability and growth. I align with the flow of resources and peace. When and where to watch the Beaver Moon 2025 ( Image credit : AI generated for representational purpose | The Beaver Moon 2025, also the years closest supermoon, will reach peak brightness on November 5 ) New York: Moonrise at 5:19 p.m. EST (Nov 6) Los Angeles: Moonrise at 4:57 p.m. PST (Nov 6) London: Moonrise at 5:06 p.m. GMT (Nov 7) As Novembers cold sets in, skywatchers are preparing for the Beaver Moon 2025, the second supermoon of the year and the closest full moon to Earth. The full moon will reach peak illumination on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 8:19 a.m. ET, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory. Visible across the globe, this celestial event is expected to appear larger and brighter than usual, marking a symbolic transition into winter.NASA classifies the November full moon as a supermoon, meaning the Moon is at its closest orbital point (perigee) to Earth. This proximity makes it appear visibly larger and more luminous. According to EarthSky.org, the November supermoon will be 221,817 miles from Earth, roughly 2,782 miles closer than Octobers, creating a slightly more striking view.When near the horizon, the Moon may seem enormous due to a visual trick called the moon illusion. Our brain compares the Moon to objects like trees or buildings, making it appear much larger than it is. While the illusion is psychological, it adds to the spectacle for viewers during moonrise and moonset.The Old Farmers Almanac traces the name Beaver Moon to the time of year when beavers prepare for winter, taking shelter in lodges after storing food. During the fur trade era, it was also when beavers were trapped for their thick winter pelts.Other names used across cultures include the Digging Moon, Deer Rutting Moon, and Frost Moon, all linked to natures readiness for the cold season. The Royal Museums Greenwich notes some debate over the names origin whether it refers to Native Americans setting traps or the animals dam-building activities before winters onset.Each years full moon aligns with a zodiac sign, influencing its symbolic energy. In 2025, the Beaver Moon rises in Taurus, an Earth sign ruled by Venus. Astrologer Kyle Thomas toldthat Taurus governs wealth, income, material possessions, and stability themes that may shape the intentions people set during this phase.During these times, we can feel more sensual, crave comfort, and focus on what we value, Thomas explained. Taurus and Scorpio together represent the axis of money, power, and emotional depth. The energy of this moon encourages reflection on financial and emotional balance as the year winds down.Throughout history, full moons have been moments for release, reflection, and renewal. Astrologers believe this particular moon carries potent grounding energy, ideal for manifestation rituals. Thomas suggests using natural elements like plants, gemstones, and soil when setting intentions.Since Taurus is associated with prosperity, he recommends creating a green candle altar to attract abundance. If you want to attract love, use a pink candle, he added. Write your desire on paper and place it under the candlebut never leave it burning unattended.Common affirmations for the Beaver Moon include:The Beaver Moon will appear largest and most striking just after moonrise or before moonset. For the best view, experts advise heading to open areas away from city lights and allowing eyes to adjust for about 1520 minutes.Key moonrise timings:If you miss this spectacle, the next supermoon will occur on December 4, 2025.The Beaver Moon 2025 is more than a visual event it marks a time of preparation, grounding, and reflection. Whether admired for its beauty or celebrated for its symbolism, Novembers supermoon promises to be one of the years most captivating celestial moments. Costume misinterpretation sparks outrage ( Image credit : X/ @AndrewKolvet | Teachers Problem solved shirts spark online outrage ) Social media backlash intensifies Concerned parents just sent us this image of what's believed to be teachers in @vailschools in Tuscon, Arizona mocking Charlie's murder with costumes that read "Problem Solved" and blood down the left side of their shirts. They deserve to be famous, and fired. pic.twitter.com/bs95p2lkU0 Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) November 1, 2025 All of these teachers need to be fired immediately. Sick and evil. They arent even hiding it anymore. https://t.co/Tdh7sZtZQ1 Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 1, 2025 School clarifies intent UPDATE: Vail Schools said these math teachers wore the same costume last year. I was waiting for confirmation, and it appears they did. I am updating the thread with the image. We've seen enough evil since Charlie's murder that I'd actually be relieved if this isn't another https://t.co/pXjYiqofep pic.twitter.com/viQJYBsbIZ Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) November 1, 2025 Vail School District puts out a ridiculous statement saying that Problem Solved on their bl**dy shirts had to do with math. Nobody is buying this. There are no coincidences. They knew exactly what they were doing. pic.twitter.com/GtbYWACy18 Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) November 1, 2025 Don't you see? They view you as a problem and they want you DEAD. https://t.co/CFEmLHXBeh Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) November 1, 2025 Navigating public perception and online harassment Cienega High School in Vail, Arizona, has become the center of an online controversy after its math teachers wore Halloween costumes that were misinterpreted as making fun of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The incident quickly sparked backlash on the schools social media pages, even after school officials clarified the intention behind the costumes.For Halloween on October 30, the math teachers wore white t-shirts with a blood-stained design and the words Problem Solved, meant as a fun reference to solving math problems. After the teachers shared a photograph of the costumes on the schools Facebook page, it quickly went viral. Some online users suggested that the shirts referenced Kirks death, which occurred in September at a Utah Valley University event. Kirk had been wearing a similar white t-shirt when he was fatally shot, and supporters of the activist accused the teachers were mocking the tragedy.The controversy escalated as supporters of Kirk flooded the schools Facebook page with messages, including the slogan We are Charlie Kirk. Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, shared the costume images on X, demanding to fire the teachers. Comments under the posts included many users demanding the schools closure and defunding, worsening the online harassment faced by the educators.Superintendent John Carruth clarified that the teachers Halloween costumes have no connection to Kirks death, stating that the t-shirts were simply part of a math-themed costume and were not meant to mock any victim of violence. Carruth shared evidence that the same costume had been worn by teachers the previous year, confirming that it was a recurring playful theme. In response, Kolvet updated his posts to acknowledge the previous-year costume, though he still called that wearing the outfit again after Kirks death was a very weird choice.Despite the clarifications, the incident highlights the challenges educators face in navigating public perception in the age of social media. Even well-intentioned actions can be misinterpreted, with teachers becoming targets of harassment. The Vail school districts quick response in explaining the context aimed to ease the controversy, yet it shows how quickly and intensely online backlash can escalate. A wake-up call for men over 50 ( Image credit : Instagram/daniel_loveday| Dermot Murnaghan urges men: Early tests save lives ) From the newsroom to advocacy ( Image credit : Kennedy Summer School official page| Murnaghan turns his battle into awareness ) A message beyond borders ( Image credit : Speak Out official page| Murnaghans message crosses borders: early checks save lives ) Veteran British journalist and former Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan has revealed that he is living with stage 4 prostate cancer, describing it as incurable but treatable. The 66-year-old broadcaster said he was feeling fine despite the diagnosis and now wants to use his platform to raise awareness about a disease that often remains hidden until it reaches advanced stages.Murnaghan's announcement comes after similar disclosures by Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy, who disclosed his prostate cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Both men have used their experiences to encourage others, particularly those over 50 and with a family history of the disease, to get checked on a regular basis. Prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer in men in the UK, with thousands of new cases identified each year. Murnaghan reflected on his own delay in getting screened: My message here today, I think, is men if youre in a high-risk group go and get yourself checked.Doctors stress that prostate cancer is highly treatable if caught early. Simple screening methods such as a PSA (blood) test or a digital rectal exam can detect potential problems long before symptoms appear. However, stigma, embarrassment and lack of awareness continue to prevent many men from seeking help in time.After decades of delivering major studio stories, Murnaghan is now on the other side, becoming the story. His honesty about his disease represents a significant shift in the way public figures talk about men's health. By speaking candidly, he hopes to challenge taboos and normalise conversations around regular testing and prostate awareness.Murnaghans story has resonated far beyond the UK, serving as a global reminder of the importance of preventive healthcare. His decision to share his journey publicly has already sparked renewed discussions about early testing and self-care encouraging men everywhere to take their health seriously before its too late. Early life and political rise ( Image credit : X/ @KaceeRAllen | Former VP Dick Cheney in his political prime ) Defense Secretary and Halliburton years Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died at age 84. He had long struggled with heart disease. pic.twitter.com/qZCP81iQGt Zoie Henry (@zoiehenrynews) November 4, 2025 Vice presidency and 9/11 response ( Image credit : X/ @Arightside | Remembering Dick Cheneys political guidance and impact ) Controversies and later years Lasting legacy ( Image credit : X/ @krassenstein | A force in politics: Cheneys defining legacy ) Dick Cheney, the former U.S. vice president, has died at the age of 84. His family said he passed away due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac, and vascular disease. According to his family, Cheney passed away in the presence of his wife Lynne, daughters Liz and Mary, and other family members.Dick Cheney was born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and grew up in Wyoming, where he met his wife, Lynne. A Yale dropout, he later completed his bachelors and masters in political science from the University of Wyoming. Cheney started his career in politics as a congressional intern in 1969 and soon became a White House aide under Richard Nixon, and later served as Gerald Fords chief of staff. He was elected to Congress in 1978, where he served six terms, and was known for his firm conservative views.Cheney served as Secretary of Defense under George H.W. Bush, directing military operations in Panama and the first Gulf War. He briefly considered a presidential run, but eventually moved into the corporate world, leading Halliburton, which later became a subject of debate amid the Iraq War.Selected as George W. Bushs vice-presidential candidate in 2000, Cheney became a formidable vice president. During the September 11, 2001, attacks, he took control, directing the nations response from the White House bunker. Cheney supported the U.S. military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, prioritizing preventive action and national security. His role in advocating the 2003 Iraq invasion, based on inaccurate intelligence regarding weapons of mass destruction, remains a defining and controversial part of his legacy.Cheneys tenure was marked by political disputes with senior advisers and a reputation as a powerful behind-the-scenes operator, earning him the nickname Darth Vader. Despite his conservative record, he supported same-sex relationships and opposed Donald Trump, calling him a threat to the republic and publicly supporting Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024. Throughout his life, Cheney faced numerous health challenges, surviving multiple heart attacks and a heart transplant in 2012.Cheney leaves behind his wife Lynne, daughters Liz and Mary, and seven grandchildren. His political career, across his service as congressman to vice president, left a lasting imprint on U.S. foreign policy and the modern vice presidency, shaping debates over executive power, national security, and the use of military force in the 21st century. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 : date, meaning and significance Guru Nanak Dev Jis teachings revolved around three key principles: How Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated Guru Nanak Dev Jis life and teachings There is but one God. His name is Truth. He is the Creator, without fear and without hate. By: Guru Nanak Dev Ji Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 wishes and messages ( Image credit : Indiatimes | Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti images, cards, photos ) May the divine light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji guide you towards truth, peace, and humility. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025! Satguru tuhanu sada apne aasre vich rakhe On this holy Gurpurab, may your heart shine with kindness and your soul with devotion. Khush raho te Guru di kirpa sada paonde raho. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti! Let every action you take reflect the Gurus teachings Naam Japna, Kirat Karni, Vand Chakna. Guru Nanak Dev Ji tuhade sapne poore karan. May your life be filled with love, joy, and endless blessings from Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Waheguru tuhade man nu shanti bakhshe. On this Gurpurab 2025, may your heart be filled with compassion and your home with peace. Gurpurab tuhade layi khushiyan da tyohaar ban jaave. Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti by spreading kindness, unity, and positivity. Tuhadi zindagi vich roshni te umeed da prakash hove. Happy Gurpurab! May you walk on the path of light and truth as shown by the great Guru. Waheguru tuhanu sada apne charna vich rakh le. May Waheguru bless you with courage, wisdom, and spiritual strength. Guru Nanak Dev Ji tuhanu har mushkil ton bachavan. Lets follow the Gurus path service to others, honest living, and love for all beings. Is Gurpurab te, tuhade man vich pyar te daya bhare. Wishing you and your family a peaceful and blessed Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025! May Guru Nanak Dev Ji bless you with calmness in your mind and kindness in your heart. Guru Nanak Dev Ji de updesh tuhanu hamesha prerna den. This Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025, lets bring his message to life be humble, stay grateful, love all. Sewa te simran di shakti tuhade andar sada rahe. The flame of truth never dies let it burn in you today and always. Satnam Waheguru! Khush raho, tandurust raho. When you light a lamp for someone, you also brighten your own path. Kirpa karo Waheguru, saanu sacha raah dikhavo. Let your heart sing Satnam and your life become a prayer of gratitude. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti messages ( Image credit : Indiatimes | Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti images, cards, photos ) May the divine wisdom of Guru Nanak Dev Ji guide you to truth and peace. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025! Guru Nanak Dev Ji di updesh tuhade dil vich sada vasda rahe. On this Gurpurab, may your life be filled with the light of love, devotion, and humility. Gurpurab di lakh lakh vadhaiyan! Wishing you peace, prosperity, and divine blessings on Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025. Guru di kripa sada tuhade ghar vich vasdi rahe. May the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji inspire you to walk the path of kindness every single day. Rab kare har din tuhade layi navein khushiyan leke aave. Celebrate this Gurpurab by sharing smiles, spreading love, and living truthfully. Is pavittar din te, Guru Nanak Dev Ji tuhadi zindagi roshan karan. May your heart be filled with faith and your soul with light. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025! Waheguru tuhanu sukh, shanti te samriddhi bakhshe. On this sacred day, let us bow to the Guru who showed us that serving others is serving God. Guru Nanak Dev Ji di kirpa sada tuhade naal rahe. Happy Gurpurab! May every step you take echo the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji truth, compassion, and selflessness. Happy Gurpurab 2025! May your heart bloom like a lotus of gratitude and peace. May the blessings of the Guru shine upon your home and fill your life with joy. Devotional and heartfelt Guru Nanak Jayanti Messages Lets honour Guru Nanak Dev Ji by living with honesty, love, and respect for all beings. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 reminds us that love is the truest form of prayer. On this Gurpurab, may the divine spirit of the Guru protect you and your loved ones. Let peace be your path and kindness your religion thats the true celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti. May every prayer you make this Gurpurab be answered with happiness and harmony. When the world seems dark, may the words of Guru Nanak Dev Ji be your guiding light. Wishing you a life filled with good deeds, pure thoughts, and the light of Waheguru. On this divine occasion, lets remember the Guru who taught us to see God in every heart. The true spirit of Guru Nanak Jayanti lies in selfless service may your actions reflect his grace. May your faith in the Guru bring unending joy and inner strength. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 WhatsApp Status ( Image credit : Canva | Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti images, cards, photos ) Let your faith shine brighter than ever. Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025! Where there is truth, there is Guru Nanaks light. Follow the path of kindness and compassion thats true celebration. Seva and Simran two words that can change the world. #Gurpurab2025 The greatest gift is to see God in everyone. #GuruNanakJayanti True religion is humanity the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The best way to celebrate Gurpurab 2025 is to live with compassion. Follow the Gurus path love all, serve all. #GuruNanakJayanti2025 Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 Instagram captions May the light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji fill your heart with peace and devotion. Truthful living is the real worship. #HappyGurpurab2025 Let kindness be your language. #GuruNanakJayanti #Blessings One God, one humanity, one love thats the message of the Guru. Spread smiles like Guru Nanak spread light. #Waheguru #GuruNanakJayanti2025 May your soul shine brighter than ever on this Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025. The Guru lives through those who serve others. #Gurpurab #DivineBlessings Faith, truth, and love the three gifts of Guru Nanak to mankind. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 quotes Let no man in the world live in delusion. Without a Guru none can cross over to the other shore. - Guru Nanak I am neither a child, a young man, nor an ancient; nor am I of any caste. - Guru Nanak From its brilliancy everything is illuminated. - Guru Nanak Alone let him constantly meditate in solitude on that which is salutary for his soul, for he who meditates in solitude attains supreme bliss. - Guru Nanak Even Kings and emperors with heaps of wealth and vast dominion cannot compare with an ant filled with the love of God. - Guru Nanak Riches cannot be gathered without sin and evil means. - Guru Nanak Speak only that which will bring you honour. - Guru Nanak The production of children, the nurture of those born, and the daily life of men, of these matters woman is visibly the cause. - Guru Nanak The ignorant soul bride wanders in delusion, in the love of duality, she sits like a widow. She sits like a widow, in the love of duality, infatuated with Maya, she suffers in pain. She grows old, and her body withers away. - Guru Nanak Those who have loved are those that have found God. - Guru Nanak Through True Love, she merges with Him. She who does not know her Husband Lord, the Architect of karma, is deluded by falsehood she herself is false. - Guru Nanak Even Kings and emperors with heaps of wealth and vast dominion cannot compare with an ant filled with the love of God. - Guru Nanak Burn worldly love, rub the ashes and make ink of it, make the heart the pen, the intellect the writer, write that which has no end or limit. - Guru Nanak Owing to ignorance of the rope, the rope appears to be a snake; owing to ignorance of the self the transient state arises of the individualised, limited, phenomenal aspect of the self. - Guru Nanak He who regards all men as equals is religious. - Guru Nanak Alone let him constantly meditate in solitude on that which is salutary for his soul, for he who meditates in solitude attains supreme bliss. - Guru Nanak Realisation of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living. - Guru Nanak He who has no faith in himself can never have faith in God. - Guru Nanak There is but One God, His name is Truth, He is the Creator, He fears none, he is without hate, He never dies, He is beyond the cycle of births and death, He is self illuminated, He is realised by the kindness of the True Guru. - Guru Nanak The world is a drama, staged in a dream. - Guru Nanak Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti wishes in Punjabi ! ' ! , , ! 2025 ! , ! , , ( Image credit : Canva | Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti images, cards, photos ) ( Image credit : Canva | Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti images, cards, photos ) ( Image credit : Canva | Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti images, cards, photos ) ( Image credit : Canva | Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti images, cards, photos ) ( Image credit : Canva | Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti images, cards, photos ) ( Image credit : Canva | Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti images, cards, photos ) FAQs Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most sacred festivals for Sikhs across the world. It celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism. Every year, this special day reminds us of his teachings of peace, humility, equality, and love for all.Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 will be observed with great devotion and spiritual enthusiasm by followers of Sikhism around the world. The festival marks the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was born on 15 April 1469 in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan). His message Ik Onkar (There is one universal Creator) continues to inspire generations to live in truth and compassion. Remembering God through meditation Living honestly and working hard Sharing with others and helping those in needThe celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 begins two days before the main event with the Akhand Path, a 48-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib the holy scripture of the Sikhs.On the eve of Gurpurab, processions led by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) take place through towns and cities. The Sikh flag, or Nishan Sahib, is carried with pride, and devotees sing hymns and shabads (holy songs) while spreading messages of love and unity.On the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the day begins with Asa-di-Var (early morning prayers), followed by Kirtan (devotional singing) and Langar (community meal) served at Gurudwaras. This act of free service symbolises equality reminding everyone that all are equal before God.Guru Nanak Dev Ji devoted his life to spreading messages of truth, equality, and compassion. His 974 hymns, included in the Guru Granth Sahib, continue to guide humanity. He believed in living an honest life, promoting social justice, and helping others selflessly.This simple yet powerful truth forms the foundation of Sikhism even today.Here are some heartfelt wishes, messages, and status captions in English and Punjabi you can share with friends and family this Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025:Here are a few short and meaningful status captions you can use to share the festive spirit online:Here are some inspiring Guru Nanak Dev Ji quotes to share with your loved ones:Share beautiful Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 images and digital greeting cards to spread love and positivity on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. Whether youre wishing your friends or posting stories, these images reflect the divine teachings of the Guru peace, unity, and truth.1.2.3.4.5.6.As we celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025, lets remember the Gurus timeless words to see the divine in all, to serve selflessly, and to live truthfully. His message of Oneness and Equality is more relevant today than ever.Happy Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025! May peace, kindness, and devotion fill your life.Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025 will be celebrated on Tuesday, 4 November 2025 (date varies by lunar calendar).Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught truthful living, equality, humility, and service to humanity.The festival includes Akhand Path, Nagar Kirtan, Langar, and prayers in Gurudwaras.You can say: May Guru Nanak Dev Ji bless you with peace, wisdom, and happiness. Happy Gurpurab 2025!You can explore official Sikh community pages, festival websites, or download festive greetings from trusted image libraries. Influencers death raises alarm in Malaysia Police shift Investigation to murder inquiry Rapper Namewee linked to last known movements Investigation continues A tragic and deeply unsettling incident has shaken both Malaysia and Taiwan after popular Taiwanese content creator Hsieh Yu-hsin, widely known as Iris Hsieh, was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Kuala Lumpur. The 31-year-old influencer, who had amassed over 546,000 followers on Instagram, was discovered unresponsive in her hotel bathroom at approximately 1:40 p.m. local time on 22 October.The hotel, located along Jalan Conlay in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, quickly became the centre of a major police inquiry. What was initially logged as a sudden death has now taken a dark turn, with authorities reclassifying the case as a suspected murder.According to Malaysian authorities, the reclassification came after early findings raised suspicion around the circumstances of Hsiehs death. Police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus stated that the investigation has widened, and officers are examining the movements of those who had come in contact with Hsieh shortly before her death.A senior officer conveyed that investigators are pursuing every possible angle, including questioning the last individuals who were with the victim. He explained that statements had been collected from hotel staff, security personnel, and even airport authorities as part of the probe. CCTV footage is also being reviewed to establish a clear timeline of Hsiehs final hours.Malaysian rapper and filmmaker Namewee (real name Wee Meng Chee), 42, was reportedly the last known person seen with Hsieh. Local reports claimed he had been in the same hotel room at the time of the incident. The rapper, known for controversial music tackling taboo topics, was arrested the same day after authorities allegedly discovered pills believed to be ecstasy.He was later charged with drug-related offences but pleaded not guilty and was released after two days in remand. Police confirmed that Namewee had tested positive for several prohibited substances. However, in a translated Instagram post, Namewee denied drug use and expressed sorrow over Hsiehs death, stating that emergency medical assistance had been delayed and that he believed the full truth would emerge once the police report was finalised.As the case intensifies, authorities stress that no conclusions have been drawn and that all individuals connected to the victim are being thoroughly examined. Police maintain that the investigation remains sensitive and ongoing as Hsiehs followers and loved ones await answers. ( Image credit : Instagram|@jonathanbailey| Jonathan Bailey looks effortlessly relaxed. ) ( Image credit : X| @popbase| @traviskelce| Benny Blanco and Travis Kelce feature together ) A look back at Hollywoods sexiest men of the past decade John Krasinski Patrick Dempsey Chris Evans Paul Rudd Michael B. Jordan John Legend Idris Elba Blake Shelton Dwayne Johnson David Beckham Fans reactions to Jonathan Bailey reportedly being named as Peoples Sexiest Man Alive ( Image credit : Reddit| A Reddit user reaction to the news ) ( Image credit : Reddit| Another reddit user reacts to the win ) ( Image credit : Reddit| A reddit fan reacts joyfully to the news ) Jonathan Bailey, who set the big screen ablaze with his dance moves as Fiyero in the hit film Wicked: Part One and is set to reprise his role inhas been named this years Sexiest Man Alive by. The official announcement was done onBridgerton star Jonathan Bailey has been namedmagazines Sexiest Man Alive 2025. The British actor, admired for his charm and charisma both on and off-screen, now joins the ranks of Hollywoods most celebrated heartthrobs, recognized for their talent and timeless appeal.Bailey previously appeared ons Readers Choice list last year, when fans voted for their favourites across several categories, including the playful Sexiest Fiyero.Other names featured on the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive list include Benny Blanco and Travis Kelce.This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Peoples iconic Sexiest Man Alive issue. The past decade has seen the title go to some of Hollywoods biggest names, including:Jonathan Bailey succeeded last years awardee, John Krasinski, who was namedmagazines 2024 Sexiest Man Alive onaround the same time last year.The news of Baileys win has left fans applauding across the internet.Fans were thrilled by the news and quickly took to social media to show their support. Many celebrated the choice, calling it a well-deserved recognition for the beloved actor for the first time in years.A reddit user wrote; Love agreeing with Peoples choice for once. Jonathan Bailey is crazy hot and its fun to see an openly gay man (the first?) get the award!A fan on Reddit wrote; I think this is the 1st time I actually agree with their choice too.Jonathan is a good looking man and incredibly talented with a good sense of morals. I don't get any bad vibes from him. Well deserved.Another user said; First time in a long time I think YES OF COURSE HE ISJonathan Bailey recently shared the screen with Scarlett Johansson in, where he impressed audiences with his commanding presence and on-screen chemistry with the Hollywood star. Later this year, theheartthrob is set to appear in the highly anticipatedsequel,, reprising his role as the charming and rebellious Fiyero. The sequel promises to delve deeper into his characters story while continuing the magical saga Unite Here Local 274 gathered union organizers and employees outside the Hilton Garden Inn at North 11th and Arch Streets to ask for higher wages before the city's upcoming festivities in 2026. Read more Hotel workers who went on a four-day strike in Philadelphia last month have secured a new contract at the Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center. On Monday, their union, Unite Here Local 274, announced that workers had ratified a contract Friday with increases in wages, benefits, and work conditions. Advertisement Strikes work, said Rosslyn Wuchinich, president of Unite Here Local 274 in a statement on Monday. Wuchinich called the wage increases historic and said the workers at the Hampton Inn are an example for all hotel workers and all workers in our city that when you strike, you win. The Hampton Inn workers are employed by HHM Hotels, and the hotel itself is owned by Blackstone Inc.s real estate investment trust. Neither business responded to a request for comment Monday. The Hampton Inn workers are part of a collective of roughly 1,000 employees at eight hotels in Philadelphia that have been negotiating for new agreements in recent months. Those workers include room attendants, cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, and banquet staff. The employees at the Hampton Inn are the first to ratify an agreement among the group. The new contract, which ends in January 2028, covers 37 workers. Before the new agreement, workers made $19 an hour at the hotel, according to a union spokesperson. As of the Oct. 31 ratification, they will see an immediate increase to $22.50. Workers will get a wage increase to $24 an hour in October 2026 and then to $25.50 in October 2027. Eligible workers will also see an increase in employer contributions to their pension fund from $2.98 an hour before this new contract to $3.73 an hour by the end of it. The new contract also reduces the amount of rooms workers have to clean per day and provides employees with healthcare at no cost to them. Previously, workers were able to pay for healthcare through the employer. This stock image depicts a person packing up their desk at work after losing their job. Employee terminations should be done with care, or companies could encounter legal problems, Gene Marks writes. Read more Over the past few weeks, many large companies, including UPS, Amazon, Ford, and Microsoft, have been laying off employees. Some are blaming a slow economy. Others are blaming AI. Regardless, tens of thousands of workers have lost their jobs. Advertisement However, according to a recent report from payroll company Paychex, small-business hiring has remained relatively steady over the past year. But this could easily change too. Regardless, employee terminations happen and if not done the right way, it could cause headaches for the employee and legal problems for the employer. Once you make a misstep, you cant undo it, said Robin Bond, an attorney with the consulting firm Transition Strategies LLC in Chesterbrook. Communicate and warn early Terminations should never be a surprise. Many experts say its important to communicate problems to an employee often and warn them as early as possible. Employees need to be told when theres a problem and then given an opportunity to correct it, said Bond. When somebody understands the reason for their termination (even if they dont agree with it), theyre less likely to take legal action, said Eva Zelson, a labor attorney with Zeff Law Firm in Philadelphia. Ideally if someone is terminated for poor work performance, it shouldnt come as a surprise, Nelson said. There should have been multiple conversations documented about the issues and how the person could improve. Document everything accurately, respectfully, and promptly As an employer, its critical to document all of your actions because documentation is your best protection. It should be done as events occur, not after the fact, and in a way that maintains professionalism. This could be as simple as writing a note to the employee saying, We talked about this behavior and how we want to address it moving forward, Bond said. Documentation should be respectful and not a personal attack, she added. When you personally attack someone, youre kind of throwing down a gauntlet and that gets people to run to lawyers," Bond said. What happens if you forget to document an incident or a conversation? Theres still time to go back and write a note. But Bond warned that this could be problematic. It can look suspicious if documentation is created later after an employee has threatened a lawsuit, so do your best to capture the conversation as soon as you can, she said. Even a text or email can suffice just make sure it captures what was discussed. Keep termination meetings brief, honest, and professional To avoid rising emotions or saying things that shouldnt be said, both attorneys advise keeping termination meetings brief. More than one person from the company should attend, including someone from human resources. More eyes and ears just witnessing the conversation will better support both the employer and employee, Zelson said. Understand that this is a bad day for this person. The employee shouldnt be put in the situation of trying to comfort the person firing them. At these meetings, Bond said, less is more. Youre not there to debate whether or not youre going to terminate someone, she said. Offer severance or transition packages to reduce legal exposure Some of my clients resist offering severance, particularly if the employee is being terminated for behavior or very poor performance. Regardless, I always advise them to offer something. Its not just a means to placate or to avoid potential legal issues. In most cases its just the right thing to do. If you just fire somebody [and offer] nothing, then whats the deterrent to suing you? There is no deterrent, said Bond. Its so expensive if you get into litigation definitely more than a reasonable severance package would be. Additionally, both attorneys strongly recommend having employment practices insurance, which can protect an employer against claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other infractions. Even well-intentioned employers can be sued. Defense costs alone can reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars even if the employer ultimately wins. Coordinate with legal counsel and follow proper procedures Both attorneys strongly urge consulting with a lawyer before taking action to ensure compliance with laws, structure agreements properly, and avoid costly mistakes. Throughout the year its important to take a few hours with a labor attorney and go over your policies to make sure theyre up to date and in compliance with state and federal laws. This will ensure that your termination package, notice, and release paperwork are all legally correct. Some attorneys offer templates to complete when an incident happens, which can keep documentation consistent. Laws change a lot, said Zelson. Philadelphia has paid sick time, salary transparency, and you cant ask about prior pay. Take a lawyers time each year to make sure youre in compliance. Its better to plan and start with your first step being down the right path, Bond said. A 28-year-old Camden man was charged with first-degree murder on Monday in the shooting death of his brother in on Saturday. Anarkis Delgado was also charged with several weapons crimes in connection with the shooting, which left Raymond Delgado, 29, dead. Advertisement Police responded to a report of gunfire on the 500 block of Pearl Street in North Camden around 11 a.m. to find Raymond Delgado lying on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds, prosecutors said. He was shot in the chest and leg, according to court documents, and taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Prosecutors said investigators soon determined that his brother was the shooter. A witness told police that the brothers were arguing just before the shooting and that Anarkis Delgado pulled a gun from his waistband and fired, court documents say. Surveillance video investigators recovered from Pearl Street showed Anarkis Delgado approaching his brother, who fell to the ground. Delgado then fled toward Elm Street and into a housing complex. Additional footage captured before the shooting shows Anarkis Delgado cursing at his brother and telling him Ill be over here, according to the documents. Delgado was escorted by his family to the police station, where he turned himself in to authorities. He was taken into custody at the Camden County Correctional Facility. Philadelphia School District officials have pushed back decisions on school closings, reconfigurations, new construction and more. Read more Dont expect decisions this year on which Philadelphia schools will close. Philadelphia School District officials had said they would announce a preliminary plan this month for the fate of the citys school buildings which ones will shut permanently, which will start to share space, which will get major renovations or grade changes with a final vote by the school board coming in December. Advertisement On Tuesday, they told The Inquirer theyve pushed that deadline back. READ MORE: Philly school district leaders are identifying schools to close. Heres a look at the data that will inform those decisions. Instead of Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. announcing his plan in November, as promised, the school system will this month ask district families and others interested in the process to complete a survey on preliminary themes in the facilities planning process identified over the past year. Survey responses will be released in December, officials said; Watlington will make his recommendations sometime this winter, with a board vote to follow, after a comprehensive public feedback period. Why the shift? The district has extended the timeline for presenting the recommendations to the board in order to give us more time to analyze the data and engage with school communities and key stakeholders, said Alexandra Coppadge Wright, a spokesperson for the district of roughly 117,000 students. 70,000 empty seats, and the scars of 2012 The survey which will be shared directly at schools, via the districts website and social media platforms is key, said Monique Braxton, another district spokesperson. These survey responses will help guide how we make recommendations to the Board of Education about schools and programs that best support Philadelphias students, staff, and school communities, Braxton said in a statement. Philadelphia 200-plus schools have significant and complex facilities needs 70,000 excess seats in schools across the city, some buildings that are more than half-empty, and some well over capacity. Its buildings are old, and many have environmental problems. But communities have been bruised by prior closing processes. In 2012, the district shut dozens of buildings, promising enormous savings that never materialized and disadvantaging communities that were already struggling. District officials have said they are entering this process which some in City Council have said has taken too long not to save money, but to better position schools and students who now learn in unequal facilities. They say they will not repeat the mistakes of prior closing processes. Public engagement, or an illusion? The process has already drawn criticism and a recent public protest. The Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools, a grassroots activist group made up largely of retired district employees, this week blasted the facilities process and called on the district to release its plan immediately, in order to give people time to digest its contents and organize against any closures. Lisa Haver, a retired district teacher and an APPS founder, said the delay could be helpful, but shes still wary. READ MORE: Philly will surely close schools, Watlington says as district releases data that will guide decisions on its 300 buildings Theres often the illusion that theres public engagement, but theres no real public engagement, Haver said of the district. People want no school closures. If theyre just ignoring what people want, why are you having those meetings? (Watlington has said closings will surely happen.) Akira Drake Rodriguez, an assistant professor of city planning at the University of Pennsylvania and organizer of the group Stand Up For Philly Schools, said the delay was absurd. One of SUPS demands was to pause the process, but that demand was dependent on the district doing a deep, meaningful, transparent and accessible engagement process, Rodriguez said. We do not feel that pushing this decision off for a few months is sufficient, based on the previous years community engagement strategies weve seen. Others have criticized the process reach. The district convened 10 advisory committees to help inform its ultimate decisions, but some on those panels say they feel their input was cursory and will not be taken seriously. The school board authorized spending over $5 million on contracts for community engagement, the planning process itself, and the construction and hosting of a data warehouse for all facilities information. Community meetings held last fall and over the summer had fairly lackluster attendance. No formula Officials have said no formula will dictate which schools close and which stay open, with changes or without, and that each schools fate will be evaluated individually. And though many district buildings have been judged to be in poor or unsatisfactory condition or have poor or unsatisfactory program alignment, meaning they lack adequate spaces for the programming the district wants to offer, like art, music, and physical education, those things alone dont guarantee closure, they said. Though building utilization and program alignment will be considered in the calculus, so will a new measure a neighborhood vulnerability index, which takes into account whether the community surrounding a school has already experienced school closures, and whether its residents struggle with things like unemployment and housing. Schools academic outcomes will not be part of the closing decisions, as they were in 2012. Still, much remains up in the air. We dont know which ones will close, Haver said. We dont know how many, and we dont know when. Inside the La Colombe at 1335 Frankford Ave. in Fishtown, one of four Philadelphia locations that got Wi-Fi in September 2025. A fifth La Colombe in Philly will have Wi-Fi by the end of the year. Read more Welcome to the internet age, La Colombe. After more than two decades of being staunchly against offering Wi-Fi, the Philadelphia-born coffee shop chain is finally getting connected to the grid. La Colombe started quietly rolling out Wi-Fi at its local locations in early September, said Semira Sarancic, La Colombes head of cafe operations. Wi-Fi is already up and running at the Fishtown flagship cafe, as well as outposts on Independence Mall, by Dilworth Plaza, and in Bryn Mawr. Internet will be coming to La Colombes original location, at 130 S. 19th St. in Rittenhouse Square, by the end of 2025. Advertisement All in all, roughly 75% of the chains 29 locations across New York, Chicago, California, Texas, and D.C. will have Wi-Fi at long last. Only grab-and-go style stores will remain off the grid, Sarancic said, due to their limited seating and smaller square footage. Theres no reason for us not to add it, Sarancic told The Inquirer. That wasnt always the prevailing attitude. Cofounders Todd Carmichael and J.P. Iberti started La Colombe in 1994 with a single Rittenhouse Square coffee shop, its name a reference to a picturesque cafe in Ibertis hometown of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. Over time, the company blossomed into a national coffee chain that pioneered the frothy draft latte now sold on tap and in cans at most major supermarkets. Chobani purchased La Colombe for $900 million in 2023 and has since infused the coffee chain with millions of dollars to professionalize operations and supersize the lattes. La Colombes vaguely industrial Wi-Fi-free brick-and-mortars were branded as third spaces, or places between home and work where you are meant to talk to people, read a book, or do pretty much anything other than park at a table with a laptop to answer emails or take meetings. We created our cafes with the intention of providing an environment that enables individuals to either purposefully or accidentally interact with other human beings , reads a 2022 entry from La Colombes FAQ. For this reason, many of our cafes do not offer Wi-Fi. The company policy has been a perpetual pain point for some customers who bring their laptops anyway and are forced to connect to a hot spot or sip their beverage while focusing on lower-tech work. Sarancic joined La Colombe in August after more than 25 years of working in coffee shop operations for Starbucks and Foxtrot Cafe and Market, the Chicago-based boutique coffee shop and grocer that closed abruptly in 2024 after promising a rapid expansion. Sarancic said her first order of business was adding Wi-Fi to the stores after a close friend begged her to. Already, the change has paid dividends: Sarancic has received positive feedback from baristas who no longer have to awkwardly explain to customers the Wi-Fi situation. And since she spends most of her time visiting stores, Sarancic is able to do her job a bit more easily, too. Its truly a reflection of how our customers live now. They come to our cafes not just for the delicious coffee and food, but to work, and then to maybe relax and recharge, Sarancic said. La Colombe is getting online as the coffee industry faces upheaval, with tariffs on coffee producers driving up the cost of beans just as consumers cut back on spending. In September, La Colombe competitor Starbucks went through another round of layoffs as it closed hundreds of U.S. locations including six in Philly to stave off more profit losses. The closures came as Starbucks is rebranding to feel less like a behemoth and more like a local coffee shop, bringing back ceramic mugs and free refills while ending its open-door policy. The international chain is also rolling out a new store design with more seating. Sarancic has her own wish list for improvements to La Colombe locations (like more space between entrances and registers to stop bottlenecks), but she is unconcerned about her former employer taking La Colombes third place leftovers. I spent 20 years with [Starbucks] and I truly believed they were No. 1 provider of that third place experience. Now everything has changed, she said. I truly believe that La Colombe is so special and unique because no matter whats happening outside the world, we never change who we are. Save for finally turning the Wi-Fi on, of course. Update: Hours after this story was published, Google removed the fake one-star reviews this story addresses. Read our full followup here. When chef Nicholas Bazik went to sleep Wednesday night, Provenance, his boutique restaurant in Society Hill, carried an enviable rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 on its Google page. Advertisement On Thursday, Bazik woke up to a 3.9 the result of 39 one-star reviews posted overnight. A 40th one-star review contained a chilling offer from a Google user who called himself Alexander: My WhatsApp number are in my profile picture. You should contact me so that we can remove all these one star reviews. Alexander also posted removal offers on the Google pages of at least a half-dozen other high-rated Philadelphia restaurants that had been similarly blasted, such as Ambra, Her Place Supper Club, Kissho House, Lacroix, Mish Mish, Palizzi Social Club, and Southwark, dragging down their scores, as well. Some of the reviews are obviously false. One dinged Provenance because delivery came cold and soggy although it serves only $225-a-head tasting menus in Baziks hushed atelier. A Mish Mish dissenter cited burnt taco shells, which the Mediterranean restaurant in South Philadelphia does not offer, just as Kissho House, a Japanese restaurant in Rittenhouse, does not put out undercooked pasta or overcooked pasta, for that matter. This scam impossible to thwart and difficult to overcome is part of what is believed to be a widespread cottage industry based mainly in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, out of the reach of American authorities. The scammers blast small businesses that depend heavily on online reviews, such as contractors, retailers, and restaurants, hoping they will pay a ransom to restore their ratings. Meanwhile, it is difficult for business owners to remove the bogus reviews from Google and other platforms. Why Google reviews matter Businesses live and die by these reviews, said Kay Dean, who keeps tabs on the online-review industry on Fake Review Watch, which includes a YouTube channel. Dean, a former criminal investigator for the federal government, said she began investigating reviews and their impact eight years ago after a bad experience with a medical provider that she had chosen based on reviews. She said she does this work as a volunteer. Lower ratings harm a business online reputation, potentially steering away customers. Nobody clicks and reads each review, said Alex Tewfik, owner of Mish Mish in South Philadelphia, whose rating dipped from a 4.5 to 3.8 over one recent night. They just see a number, and once that tanks, they just skim by. Were in 2025. You have 50 [browser] tabs open on different restaurants you want to go to. Then you see one has 3.5 stars, so youre just going to move on. Further, Tewfik said, what does that 3.5-star [rating] mean? Is it actually going to affect my business? Do people care about Google reviews? Clearly, people do. Google Maps, where the reviews are found, claims 2 billion monthly active users. High ratings are currency. People do look at Google as their first impression of what a restaurant is. Chef Nicholas Bazik of Provenance People do look at Google as their first impression of what a restaurant is, said Bazik, at Provenance. Right now, we have the positive press of Bon Appetit. I worry about people who read about us in publications and then go to our Google page and they just see were at a 4.2. They could discount what they read on a publication and just take Google at face value without looking at it. With a wave of out-of-towners expected in Philadelphia next year for the Semiquincentennial, Bazik fears a long-term impact since Provenance and the other restaurants would require many five-star reviews to mitigate the damage. Dean blames the online platforms for creating such a lax environment that it makes it very easy for these unscrupulous marketers to extort small businesses. She said each may hit hundreds of businesses a day in the hopes that even one might pay up. She did not know why Philadelphia restaurants were targeted last week. Google, by far the largest platform for reviews, allows business owners to flag spam reviews but offers no way to speak with anyone from the company directly. Its this black hole, and Googles clearly not on top of the problem, Dean said. Interview with a scammer Alexander who seemed to be behind the rash of Philadelphia one-star reviews is exploiting this. His Google profile is locked, so it does not show his activity on the platform and lists a WhatsApp number with a Pakistani country code. Identifying himself as a journalist, an Inquirer reporter messaged Alexander to ask how the one-star reviews could be removed. Dont worry, brother, I can delete them all in 10 minutes, came the reply. (In some subsequent messages, he said it would take 20 minutes for removal.) You send me a check mark on one of the stars and I delete it first, then you pay me and I delete everything. "Alexander," professional one-star removal provider Alexander said his fee was $250, paid via Remitly, a U.S.-based money-transfer service. Asked how he could guarantee results, Alexander offered a free taste: You send me a check mark on one of the stars and I delete it first, then you pay me and I delete everything. When asked, Alexander said he did not know who had placed the one-star reviews. Deleting one-star is my business, he replied. I am a professional one-star removal provider. For the same $250, he said, he could change the one-star reviews to five-star, and add very good content. How to fix fake one-star ratings Dean, the watchdog, said scammers often claim that a competitor has paid them to post negative reviews, which can trick businesses into engaging with them. Ill just tell the business, block them, Dean said. Dont engage with them whatsoever. Block them, flag the reviews, and document everything. Paying the ransom can encourage the scammers to return, she said. Googles appeals process requires businesses to flag each bogus review one by one a laborious task and wait for Google to act, if it does at all. The onus is on the business to disprove the review. Meanwhile, Google seldom, if ever, updates owners about the appeal. Businesses are in the dark and just hoping for the best, said Mish Mish owner Tewfik. He said on Saturday that Google had removed four flagged reviews. Google replied Friday night to an Inquirer request for comment, seeking the names of affected restaurants and promising to investigate. The representative had not answered questions about the companys handling of complaints by Monday evening, and most of the bogus reviews were still online. At Provenance, Bazik said Google removed 11 reviews last weekend, edging up its rating to 4.3. He said he did not pay a ransom. this massive problem, she said. Regulatory efforts Last year, the Federal Trade Commission set in place rules prohibiting the sale or purchase of fake reviews. What really fell short is that there were no requirements for the review platforms like Google, Dean said. Under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, platforms are largely protected for content that appears on their sites. Essentially theres no teeth in [the new rules], Dean said. Although she said it was a step in the right direction, the reality is, with no accountability for platforms like Google, the fake-review problem will never be solved, because in large part, they have all the information. Complicating matters, Dean said, is most scammers are small-time and based offshore, operating outside U.S. jurisdiction. To draw concerted attention, a large criminal enterprise would need to be identified, she said. There should be something like an Uber or Airbnb model where both parties have to opt in to get a review [so that] theres a guarantee that youve experienced the restaurant, Tewfik, of Mish Mish, said. Now, anybody can leave any review about anything. The people who leave reviews have way too much power in this situation, and its bad for business. After Tewfik announced Mish Mishs predicament on social media, more than 85 customers responded with five-star reviews, and the restaurants rating inched higher, to 4.3. The outcry of support from fans of Mish Mish and industry people has been damn near revelatory, Tewfik said. Its really easy to get stuck in the mud and be completely immersed in the [everyday drama] of running a restaurant, but seeing all these people leave good reviews, its really soul-affirming. High-end Japanese cuisine by way of Austin, Texas, will soon arrive in Rittenhouse Square as Uchi, the flagship restaurant in James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Coles portfolio, joins a mini-boom in the neighborhood. Dancerobot, from Royal Izakaya chefs Jesse Ito and Justin Bacharach, opened a block away in September, while Kissho House, from chef Jeff Chen, opened two blocks away over the summer. Uchi Japanese for home has set a Nov. 17 opening for its ground-floor space in the Josephine, the new, mixed-use building at 1620 Sansom St. on the former site of a parking garage. Uchis 148 seats include an eight-seat bar and 13-seat sushi bar. The high-style a la carte menu includes premium fish with nontraditional toppings, such as hama chili (yellowtail sashimi), hirame usuzukuri (flounder with candied quinoa and olive oil), machi cure (smoked yellowtail with yuca crisp and Marcona almond), kinoko usuzukuri (seasonal mushroom, shallot, shiro zu), and the Maguro Goat, which features an East-West pairing of bigeye tuna with goat cheese and pumpkin seed. Advertisement Uchi offers a 10-course traditional omakase at the sushi bar as well as at the tables; its priced from $350 to $425 for two people, based on market price. The restaurant also has a somakase, a tasting menu for which customers specify their likes and dislikes and the kitchen prepares the menu accordingly. Theres also a 10-course vegetarian tasting menu priced from $125 to $150 per person. Hai Hospitalitys in-house design team worked with the architecture firm Zebra and Philadelphias Rohe Creative, whose most recent local restaurant project is Dear Daphni. Philadelphia is Uchis seventh city, after Dallas, Houston, Miami, Denver, Scottsdale, and West Hollywood. It is Hai Hospitalitys 20th restaurant overall. Hai chief executive Tony Montero told the Austin Business Journal that a location of Uchiko, an Uchi offshoot, will open soon in suburban Denver. Six additional leases have been signed for Uchi and related brand Uchiba, with openings in 2026 and 2027. Hai also oversees Loro, an East Asian-meets-Texas smokehouse chain in partnership with Aaron Franklin of Austins Franklin Barbecue, and an omakase tasting room called Oheya. In a phone chat, Cole who won the Beard Award for Best Chef, Southwest, in 2011 attributed Uchis success to the restaurants culture, including its training program. We grow careers, he said. We really raise the bar that way. Uchis chefs and general managers all have at least three years of experience with the company before they go to open a location. Austin-born Ford Sonnenberg, for example, a six-year Hai veteran, is Philadelphias chef de cuisine. He finished his sous chef training at Uchiko Austin before opening the more casual Uchiba Austin, where he worked for two years before his promotion to executive sous chef last year. Uchi, 1620 Sansom St., will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. starting Nov. 17. Happy hour: 4 to 6 p.m. daily. Reservations are available on Resy, OpenTable, and SevenRooms. The Board of Immigration Appeals has temporarily blocked federal officials from moving to deport a man who was freed from a Pennsylvania prison last month after his decades-old murder conviction was overturned. Subramanyam Subu Vedam, 64, had spent more than 40 years behind bars fighting to reverse his conviction in the shooting death of a high school classmate in Centre County in 1980. Advertisement When he succeeded and state prosecutors dropped all charges against him last month, freeing him from a life sentence he was immediately taken into immigration custody. Federal officials said Vedam, a native of India and permanent legal resident of the United States, was the subject of a standing deportation order for a separate conviction from the 1980s for possessing and intending to distribute LSD. Vedams lawyers acknowledge that the drug conviction provides a legal basis for the removal order. But they asked the Board of Immigration Appeals to review his case and overrule the order, saying immigration law permits authorities to exercise discretion in such instances. It was not immediately clear how quickly the appellate board might consider that argument, or if it would secure Vedam the relief hes seeking. But Vedams attorneys wrote in court documents this week that the board had temporarily blocked his deportation as it considers his case. Vedam was found guilty at two trials first in 1983 and again in 1988 of fatally shooting his friend Thomas Kinser, 19, whose body was found in a sinkhole outside State College. Vedam had consistently maintained that he did not commit the crime. Earlier this year, a Centre County judge overturned his conviction, ruling that prosecutors had illegally withheld an FBI report from Vedams trial lawyers. The Centre County District Attorneys Office then declined to retry him, in part due to the passage of time and the unavailability of key evidence and witnesses. Vedams attorneys say hes lived in the United States with his parents since he was 9 months old, and that he has many supportive relatives and friends in the country, including his sister, an American citizen. Deporting him now, theyve said, would represent another terrible wrong. Beatriz Gonzalez Falcon, Law Student Volunteer and Translator, and Ishita Jadon, First-year law student at Penn Carey Law, are helping Pedro Atonio Rodriguez, of Dominican Republic, at the Citizenship Clinic. Read more Raised in Northeast Philadelphia, sisters Perla and Aydee Trinidad do everything together, from speaking with a similar cadence to enrolling in the same college program. But these days, only one of them feels like she can move through the city without the worry of being taken away. Even as a legal resident, with all this immigration stuff going on, I dont feel safe. Its like you need to be a citizen to feel like you belong here, said Perla Trinidad, 24. Advertisement Aydee Trinidad, 22, became a citizen in March. Having applied before the 2024 election, her biggest motivation for citizenship was accessing scholarships that could help her obtain a business degree. Now, beyond opportunity, the Dominican American feels like her status grants her safety. So, when Perla Trinidad expressed a desire to follow in her footsteps and apply for citizenship, her sister took her to the place that had helped her, Esperanza Immigration Legal Services to file her application, which is now being processed. Esperanza runs free monthly citizenship clinics year-round, screening permanent residents to see if they qualify to apply for U.S. citizenship and offering a free summer civics class to prepare them for the test. This year, however, things have changed the test is longer and requires more knowledge, and some organizations that have traditionally helped migrants prepare for the test have lost the federal funding to do so. Naturalization has never been a polarizing issue, said executive director Anu Thomas. Immigration, sure, but not naturalization, and yet we see the administration doing it. READ MORE: Quiz: How would you do on the U.S. citizenship test? The 2025 naturalization civics test Becoming a U.S. citizen comes with a plethora of requirements, including passing English and civics tests. The civics test has been a requirement since the early 1900s, and the 2008 version had been in use for almost 20 years. The oral evaluation pulls from a list of 100 U.S. history and government questions. A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer would ask the applicant 10 questions, and so long as they answered six right, they passed. Between October 2023 and September 2024, 89.7% of immigrants who took the test nationwide passed on the first try, and 94.4% of those who needed to retake it passed on the second (and last) opportunity, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This led to 818,500 people becoming U.S. citizens, including more than 21,000 in Philadelphia. But despite the local number being high enough to fill Xfinity Mobile Arena, the national figure saw a 7% decrease from the previous fiscal year, according to federal data. That was before the latest changes. As of Oct. 20, the civics test requires answering at least 12 out of 20 questions from a bank of 128 questions correctly. Relying on the community to form Americas new citizens In April, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which helped prepare legal permanent residents for naturalization, was canceled. That left community organizations, public libraries, faith-based groups, and educational organizations without the means to continue helping immigrants study for the citizenship test. Esperanza, one of just a handful of organizations in the Philadelphia area that offers free legal assistance and test preparation to lower-income immigrants, had to shorten its annual summer citizenship class from 10 weeks to five, after losing the $30,000 federal subgrant that financed the program. They pulled through, Thomas said, due to a generous donor and volunteers, partnering with five college law students and four high schoolers to create a shorter curriculum that would still provide their 15 students with the information they needed. Everything that happens, you just absorb; its not like we have more hands at the table, Thomas said. Mobilizing volunteers has helped us fortify during this time of utterly devastating changes that are happening in immigration. Despite the changes, Esperanza continues providing free services in English, Spanish, and French to folks preparing to become citizens. That kind of accessibility was life-changing for Mexico native Zuly Peralta. The nurse traveled from Vineland, N.J., to North Philly, hoping to apply for citizenship with help from Esperanza. After 24 years living in the United States, learning of the clinic was the first time the 41-year-old heard that she could qualify for citizenship. As a Spanish speaker, I never really had a place that could provide information about becoming a citizen, Peralta said. Not being from here, this is an opportunity to finally feel like everyone else and give my five children a better future. When folks reach out for services, Thomas sends them a survey that checks citizenship eligibility. If they meet the requirements, she invites them to the monthly citizenship clinic, where their documents are reviewed and their application processed to be sent to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In Old City, the Museum of the American Revolution has also continued preparing future U.S. citizens from all walks of life with the help of donors, as it has done since 2019. The museums free classes have been virtual since the pandemic. That helps fill the need for citizenship classes not only in Pennsylvania, but also in other states. People have to understand that what we are asking potential citizens to know is basically the totality of everything all of us who were raised in American school systems learn across every year of U.S. history and the ability to not only understand but know what those complex things mean, said Adrienne G. Whaley, the museums director of education and community engagement. That can be overwhelming without help, added the program facilitator Dana Devon. Another added pressure: failing the test a second time will mean restarting the application process from the beginning. The museum holds multiple cohorts a year, keeping classes at about 15 people and teaching them for eight weeks using images from the museum and virtual tours. Before President Donald Trumps second term, their teachings included guest immigration lawyers and a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer visiting to help students prepare for their big test day. Those visits are no longer happening. USCIS is no longer available at the moment, and the attorneys are extremely underwater helping people with asylum and deportation issues; they just dont have time, Devon said. Since January, U.S. immigration policies have become more restrictive, leading to 1.6 million undocumented immigrants self-deporting, according to the Department of Homeland Security, as the Trump administration has stepped up immigration enforcement. An additional 500,000 people have lost their temporary protected status that allowed them to stay in the country. And, most recently, the administration has limited the number of refugees to 7,500 for 2026, giving priority to white South Africans. A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesperson said future engagement information would be shared once available and directed immigrants in the naturalization process to the Citizenship Resource Center. As a facilitator, Devon views preparing her students for the new citizenship test as one of her most important jobs, not only so they can pass but also so they can be informed citizens. We make stakeholders, people that when they go to the voting booth, they do so as informed, engaged, and knowledgeable citizens, Devon said. The current immigration climate and the desire to be the kind of voter who can contribute to a better future for all is what brought North Philly resident Yanibel Cleto, 28, to ask Esperanza for help with her citizenship application. I have seen things that are sad, the raids, the not giving people who come here a chance to work, that makes me want to vote so I can choose who gets to be president, Cleto said. Cleto longs to become an immigration lawyer herself and learn as much U.S. history as possible to ensure that her 3-month-old son is the kind of U.S.-born citizen who knows his history enough to become a good man who cares about others, she said. A student chats with an AI program in French class in March. Read more The recent Fortune Most Powerful Women (MPW) Summit in Washington, D.C., was an experience in cognitive dissonance. Seated among political and industry elites, the talk of innovation and staggering profit potential clashed sharply with a single, crucial realization: The policy debate around artificial intelligence is currently a profound act of systemic negligence. My primary takeaway, a truth that should chill every Philadelphian, is this: Political responsibility for AI is dangerously unassigned, and this lack of accountability will inevitably exacerbate the deep racial and socioeconomic inequality we already fight daily in this city. The system is broken by design For those of us tracking power dynamics, its clear that policy is not an inherently benevolent tool; its an engine. When AI development is rapid, profit-driven, and utterly untethered from federal regulation, it becomes the newest, most efficient engine for inequality. Advertisement The silence on regulation is deafening. It echoes the historical policies we discover along the way like segregation by design (redlining) and discriminatory tax structures that actively engineered wealth disparity. This isnt a case of the government failing to keep up; its a case of the government choosing not to intervene while a technology that touches hiring, credit, policing, and healthcare is designed and deployed by a privileged few. This policy nonaction is, in itself, an action that green-lights the next era of engineered inequality. The silence on regulation is deafening. We are watching the creation of a system that is broken by design. The benefits (vast profits, efficiency gains) will accrue to the already powerful, the tech titans and major institutions. The harms (biased data, job displacement, automated discrimination) will be disproportionately imposed on the already marginalized communities in the Greater Philadelphia area. AI and the new racialized property The absence of regulation threatens to make AI benefits a new form of what scholars call racialized property. Think about it: Who will have the resources to access and implement the most sophisticated, unbiased AI tools for education or small business growth? Who will be penalized by algorithms trained on inherently biased historical data regarding policing or mortgage lending? If the foundational benefits of this technology, access, opportunity, and efficiency, are left unregulated, they become a protected asset, reinforcing the lines of division that have defined our city for centuries. The rapid development of AI, without a corresponding mandate for equity, is actively constructing the next generation of wealth and power disparity right before our eyes. READ MORE: AI is watching us. We need city officials watching AI. | Opinion A controversial call to action The most compelling, albeit unsettling, moment of the summit came during the interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. She offered a candid diagnosis: The AI industry lacks the motivation to mitigate its own risks, and a gridlocked Congress is unlikely to catch up. Her proposed solution? The consumer as the alternative power base. This challenges the traditional view of policy intervention. Harris essentially argued that since the government and industry are failing, the public must use its economic leverage, its power to demand transparency and ethical standards, to force accountability. This is a daunting task, especially for communities facing immediate existential challenges, but it highlights a critical truth: When democratic institutions fail, the responsibility falls to the people. We cant rely on Washington or Silicon Valley to protect us; we must demand that business leaders inform us of AIs benefits and risks. The AI industry lacks the motivation to mitigate its own risks, and a gridlocked Congress is unlikely to catch up. Information, misinformation, and the fate of our stories Harris focus on fighting mis- and disinformation is a cornerstone of this new struggle. AI is fundamentally a tool for generating and distributing information. If the cultural stories we tell about race, poverty, and immigration are cultivated by misinformation, an unregulated AI could become the most powerful mechanism yet for mass-producing and cementing those biased narratives. This is the ultimate threat to democracy and equity. An AI system trained on a history of injustice will perpetuate and amplify that injustice at machine speed, legitimizing it with the veneer of data and objectivity. My weekend at the MPW summit wasnt just a learning exercise; it was a sobering look at a political system failing to protect its most vulnerable. The challenge for Philadelphia, for all of us, is to leverage our collective power to demand accountability from those building this future. The clock is ticking, and the failure to act will define the economic and social landscape of this city for decades to come. We must force the assignment of responsibility before the algorithm decides our fate. Joa Rojas served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. She is currently pursuing a masters degree in public administration from New York University and is a resident of Gloucester Township. China to extend unilateral visa-free policy for over 40 countries, with Sweden newly added Xinhua) 13:16, November 04, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China will extend its unilateral visa-exemption arrangements for more than 40 countries to Dec. 31, 2026, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday. Mao made the remarks at a regular news briefing as the unilateral visa-free policy for some of those countries will expire at the end of this year. China also decides to include Sweden in the visa-free scheme effective from Nov. 10, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2026, Mao said. Under the policy, holders of ordinary passports from those countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland and Hungary, will be exempted from visa requirement if they enter China for the purpose of business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchange and transit. They can stay in China for no more than 30 days without visa. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) To tell the public what it spends on insurancean amount largely affected by what it calls legal system abuseUber has started to provide information on customers receipts. To give you a sense of how bad the problem has gotten in certain places, our worst marketLA County48% of the average rider fare goes toward insurance, said Adam Blinick, senior director of public policy and communications for Uber. That doesnt make any sense in the reasonable universe we operate in, he said during a panel discussion at the American Property Casualty Insurance Associations annual meeting in Orlando. The company has started to go on the offensive. Uber has filed Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) lawsuits in New York, Florida, California, and Pennsylvania against lawyers and medical providers it thinks are committing fraud and driving up costs. Our desire is not to settle these things out. We want to see them through, Blinick said, adding that other corporations have reached out to ask advice on methodologies and building cases. This seems to indicate a willingness or desire to share information. Lets build the case to show the kinds of information we could be sharing amongst ourselves to get to the root of fraud and billing malpractice and the like, and make a case for reform. Plaintiffs lawyers are already highly coordinated, sharing theories, recruiting firms into new mass torts, and investing heavily in political campaigns. In the meantime, third-party litigation funding (TPLF) has become big business. Gareth Kennedy, principal of insurance and actuarial advisory service for EY, said the firm has found the average cost for a commercial claim has gone up 10% to 11% per year since 2017. In looking at the root cause, TPLF came to the surface. Though transparency was an issue since TPLF disclosure is only just starting to grab hold in some jurisdictions, EY concluded that over the next five years TPLF will cost the insurance industry up to $50 billion in direct and indirect costs, Kennedy said. If you look at that in terms of loss-ratio point drag, youre talking a 4%-5.2% drag on loss ratios in [2024] premium dollars. Panelists urged businesses to respond with smarter political giving, coalition building, and consumer-focused messaging to combat legal system abuse. Nathan Morris, senior counsel, litigation policy and risk mitigation at Johnson & Johnson, said trial lawyers are singularly focused and mission-driven, while outside interests of businesses are much more than just litigation, so they dont always have that kind of freedom of movement politically. Businesses have the ability to do more politically and to be more engaged and more thoughtful, Morris said. I dont think you need to match [trial lawyers] dollar-for-dollar. The focus should be on the consumers benefit of TPLF. Is the consumer actually benefitting from that financing? Can we have an honest conversation about that? he asked. Claims are being filed to benefit people who are building up an asset class and not people that are seeking justice. Some of the most sizable and troubled nursing homes in the state of Vermont have struggled for much of this year to provide sufficient care under new ownership, logging violations that included a death, injuries and neglect of residents. The slate of investigations and new operators previous track records have raised questions about how Vermont vets prospective operators and protects residents, under a longstanding process that was supposed to be only temporary. Corrective plans and subsequent inspections have recently led the facilities to achieve compliance with state regulations. But advocates say there should be policy changes to improve the states review process of new ownership, to preempt and root out the problem of poor care. Genesis HealthCare, a large-scale nursing home operator and private-equity-backed company, sold off six of its nine Vermont nursing home facilities in the past year to little fanfare before filing for bankruptcy this summer. Genesis had a questionable track record operating in the state in recent years and had been trying to sell its Vermont holdings for years. Facilities under Genesis ownership in Burlington, Berlin and St. Johnsbury were the subject of one of the largest nursing home-related settlements in state history in 2020 after a resident died and two others were hospitalized. New operator In 2023, the state granted iCare Health Network a contract to operate the former Genesis-owned Bennington Health & Rehabilitation Center. Under the state contract, the new operator agreed to serve people who would typically not be taken in by other nursing homes due to complex mental health challenges or being formerly incarcerated. iCare took over the facility in September 2024 and renamed it MissionCare at Bennington. This past December, Allaire Health Services, led by CEO Benjamin Kurland, assumed control over former Genesis facilities in St. Johnsbury, Springfield and Rutland. Stellar Health Group owner Ari Erlichman took over facilities in Berlin and Burlington after gaining state approval. Under a provisionary but longstanding ownership transfer process overseen by the Agency of Human Services, these nursing home operators were approved out of the public eye. With somewhere between 91 and 126 licensed beds at each facility, these nursing homes are all considered large scale, and therefore the care and system breakdowns reported at the facilities affect a sizable swath of the states elderly population, said Kaili Kuiper, the state long-term care ombudsman for Vermont Legal Aid. Long-term care ombudsman Since the ownership transfer dates, the rate of complaints reported by residents received by Vermont Legal Aids Long-Term Care Ombudsman Project shot up at four of the six facilities, and rose across the board by an average of 25%, according to a data analysis by VTDigger. Pamela Cota, assistant director for the Division of Licensing and Protection, which inspects facilities to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines, said the division will investigate complaints and issue citations when substantial evidence of deficiencies are found. We expect all of our homes to be in compliance all of the time, so whenever were citing a violation, that means that theres something broken, Cota said. We dont allow for a grace period. Nursing homes are typically required to draft corrective plans that are submitted to the state when the facility fails to meet minimum care standards. The division then accepts the plans and conducts a follow-up inspection to ensure changes are implemented before a facility can be considered back in compliance, Cota wrote in an email. Given the gravity of the situation reported at some facilities this year, Cota said the division has imposed new measures to ensure the safety and care of residents. We evaluate each case and really look to what enforcement actions might assist the facility in achieving and sustaining that compliance, Cota said in an interview. Death at MissionCare At MissionCare at Bennington, a resident died from lithium toxicity, according to a March inspection by the state Division of Licensing and Protection. The inspection stated that the resident regularly received lithium carbonate medication despite the resident displaying signs of toxicity. The facilitys failure to contact doctors, conduct lab work and amend its care plans for the resident put all residents at risk for serious injury or death because of the noncompliance, according to the inspection. David Skoczulek, a spokesperson for iCare, wrote in an email that the company disagrees that any action by the facility violated state or federal law in this case, although he wrote that changes were implemented following the incident. In order to gain state approval, Skoczulek noted that iCare had qualified under the states regulatory standards and was considered capable of delivering secure, stigma free and high quality care to residents with state-determined specific service needs. We are honored to be entrusted with this mission and to partner with the State of Vermont to address this critical care gap, Skoczulek wrote. Kuiper said she could not comment on the operators legal liability for the death, but said that long-term care facilities are supposed to implement measures to prevent lithium toxicity. We certainly would expect there the recommended testing to be done and completed, Kuiper said. Its a horrible tragedy that this person died because no one caught that she was suffering from lithium toxicity. MissionCare at Bennington is currently in compliance as of September, Cota wrote in an email. Widespread system failure at Allaire The three Vermont facilities now run by Allaire Health Services have faced a string of problems in recent months as well, including resident neglect, medication errors, staffing shortages and the rollback of COVID-19 protocols, state inspections show. St. Johnsbury Center for Living and Rehabilitation was found to have immediate jeopardy level violations due to neglect cases and widespread system failure that put residents at a serious risk of harm and death, according to a July state inspection. The facility faced chronic staffing shortages and lacked systems for care planning, medication management and lab services. The July inspection also found breakdowns in communication among staff, residents, physicians and state officials, leading to delayed care, unresolved complaints and other failures. According to the inspection, the director of nursing confirmed to the inspector that she heard about a reported incident in which a certified nursing assistant allegedly slapped a resident across the face, but did not think it was necessary to notify the state. The administrator then told the inspector that she filed a state report in June, but there was no record of the report being received by the state a month later. The July inspection found widespread lack of care plans and treatment for residents with diabetes at the facility. In one case, a diabetic resident was denied insulin by a previous medical director, who told the state inspector it is a dangerous medication for nursing home residents, according to the report. That incident came after a different St. Johnsbury nursing home resident with diabetes was hospitalized due to dangerously high blood sugar levels, after a staff member refused to seek medical attention for the resident, according to an inspection report in May. Did not believe in COVID In an April inspection, staff members also reported that the St. Johnsbury facilitys medical director told staff not to test residents and to stop testing themselves for COVID-19 in March after an outbreak in January, and COVID-19 personal protective equipment and N-95 masks were removed from the facility. The vice president of operations told surveyors that the previous medical director did not believe in COVID and told staff to pull the precautions and stop testing the residents for COVID and to treat symptoms like the cold, according to the inspection. Due to the repeated problems at the St. Johnsbury facility, Cota said, the division implemented an extended survey of the nursing home in July to identify system-level issues and violations that caused immediate jeopardy to residents. Once the state completed the extended inspection, Cota said the St. Johnsbury facility laid out an extensive quality improvement plan on Aug. 12, so the division did not impose a direct corrective plan. As of Sept. 3, the St. Johnsbury Center for Living and Rehabilitation was found in compliance by the state after an unannounced follow-up inspection, according to Cota. At the Rutland Center for Living and Rehabilitation, state inspectors found in August that a resident with dementia and a co-occurring mental health diagnoses was physically abused by a licensed nurse assistant. While receiving care, the resident hit the assistant, and the staff member responded by striking the resident across the face, according to the inspection. A resident was hospitalized for a fractured hip, according to a state inspection in June, after the Rutland Center for Living and Rehabilitation failed to place nonskid strips on the residents room. The inspection also found that the facility failed to store drugs and food properly and implement hygiene practices. The Rutland Center for Living and Rehabilitation was found in compliance in September, Cota wrote in an email. Grievance policy not updated At the Springfield Center for Living and Rehabilitation, a licensed nurse withheld a residents pain medication, did not treat their wounds and inserted a silicone catheter even though the resident had a potential allergy to silicone, according to a state inspection in March. Adult Protective Services were called after the report, but the licensed nurse continued to work at the facility during the investigation. The grievance policy was not updated after the ownership change to Allaire, according to the inspection. No residents surveyed knew how to report a grievance and several residents reported fear of retaliation if they reported their grievances. Under the new ownership, the facilitys digital tracking systems were not updated, meaning employee records were not up to date and admissions records for patients were delayed. There were additional problems at the Springfield facility with lack of dental care, lack of trauma-informed care, lack of review of treatment plans, food safety violations, and residents receiving non-medically necessary medication, according to the March inspection. After the systemic issues found in March at the Springfield Center for Living and Rehabilitation under Allaire Health Services, the division imposed a direct plan of correction requiring an independent consultant to offer weekly reports on progress, Cota said. The Springfield Center for Living and Rehabilitation was found in compliance in July, Cota wrote in an email. Allaire spokesperson Suzanne Anair wrote in an email that the operator is known for turning around troubled long-term care facilities in other states. Anair acknowledged that problems at the St. Johnsbury facility are disappointing and that the Allaire team has implemented a rapid improvement plan to address all issues. Allaire has changed regional leadership and is working with staff to place focus on improving care for residents at the St. Johnsbury facility, Anair wrote. Anair wrote that the Rutland facility staff member who was found to have physically abused a resident was vetted in accordance with the state and federal protocols and received training. The facility reported the incident immediately to proper authorities and takes resident safety seriously, she wrote. The nursing homes in St. Johnsbury, Springfield and Rutland struggled under Genesis ownership due to short staffing, failing compliance standards and leadership turnover, but the facility is working to stabilize operations and implement better systems, according to Anair. Injury, staffing shortage at Stellar Premier Rehab and Healthcare at Berlin renamed from Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center under Genesis is still in the federal special focus facility program due to persistent quality issues under Genesis ownership. The facility under Stellar Health Group continues to face serious problems. A May inspection found that staff failed to notify family until a residents bedsore deteriorated to an unstageable pressure injury with necrosis. In February, inspectors reported that the facility lacked adequate staffing, leading residents to wait long periods of time for medication, personal care and assistance with daily activities. One new resident said they had been confined to a bed for an entire weekend and forced to use a bedpan due to a policy requiring a physical therapy evaluation before staff could help a resident move. Other findings included inadequate trauma-informed care, a 43% medication error rate, improper drug storage and staff giving residents unnecessary medications with long-term side effects. Erlichman wrote in an email that the Berlin facility recorded its very first successful survey in years in August. Stellar Health Group is hopeful that after one more strong survey, Berlin will come off the Special Focus Facility list as early as February, Erlichman wrote in August. Yet, the since released August inspection describes several violations. A resident diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and identified as a flight risk escaped the Berlin facility through a window. The resident was found with scraped knees and with a headache after falling down a hill, and was brought to the hospital. A physician assistant did not maintain hand hygiene standards when assessing a resident with a pressure ulcer on their tail bone, according to the inspection. The state inspector also found residents were served unpalatable, cold food; medications were stored improperly; two residents were given drugs to take unsupervised; and required emergency-preparedness exercises were not regularly implemented at the Berlin facility. When asked about the inspection, Erlichman wrote that every violation is concerning, but the total of only six citations represents a significant improvement and clear progress for the facility. The facility consistently had around 20 violations in recent surveys as a special focus facility, and the average U.S. nursing home receives around 10 federal citations per inspection according to 2024 data, he wrote. Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, said that comparison to average violation count is less important to note than the actual harm to residents caused by violations cited. The violations described in August, including lack of infection control and adequate monitoring of residents, indicate serious failure, Mollot said. Cota said the division had required an independent review of Premier Rehab and Healthcare at Berlin along with a corrective plan. The facility is in compliance as of September, Cota wrote in an email. Premier Rehab and Healthcare at Burlington, Stellars other facility, reported physical assaults between residents in a May inspection, but was found in compliance with regulatory requirements in July, Cota wrote in an email. One of Stellars other long-term care facilities in Vermont Birchwood Terrace in Burlington, which was not formerly owned by Genesis has become a jewel of Vermonts nursing homes, and every resident deserves the same kind of stability, attention, and dignity that Birchwood represents, Erlichman wrote. Birchwood Terrace has an overall one-star rating, out of five, for health inspections, staffing and quality measures and was fined $128,000 in 2024, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website. In response to the ratings, Erlichman said the period that caused the low score was truly an outlier in what has otherwise been a pristine record, and the facility has seen improvement by completing an inspection recently with only two minor tags. The state Division of Licensing and Protection found Birchwood Terrace in compliance in September. The positive change at the two former Genesis facilities is palpable after the operator changed leadership and staff and started planning building renovations, Erlichman wrote in August. Egregious problems Regardless of the troubled history of the facilities under Genesis, Mollot said, the owners failed to meet the care and services required under state and federal law to provide on Day One of operations. Its disconcerting that very serious and egregious problems have arisen at the six nursing homes in less than a year, Mollot said. The owner is expected to provide care and compliance with longstanding federal minimum standards for every resident, for every single day, and actions can certainly be taken in even the most urgent situations to rectify and address substandard care and neglect and abuse, Mollot said. Mollot said the new owners must provide good quality of life and meet minimum care standards under the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 in order to receive federal funds. The whole point of the federal nursing home law is that you dont accept residents for whom you cannot provide safety and care, Mollot said. Under the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services evaluation standards, iCare Health Network has a 3.1 star rating, Stellar Health Group has a 2.6 star rating, and Allaire Health Network has an overall 2.3 star rating as operators. Allaire Health Network and iCare Health Network also operate facilities in nearby states of New Jersey and Connecticut, respectively, that have been reported for abuse by the federal government. Mollot said subpar or even average ratings for nursing home operators raise alarm bells in his work as an advocate for nursing home residents because care violations often go underreported or are not adequately addressed across the country. Its really hard to get a lot of citations in this country, Mollot said. When problems are identified, for me, that is really important for the public and for policymakers to be aware of. The most recent federal inspection of an Allaire Health Network facility in New Jersey in 2024 found that the facility conducted canine drug searches of residents rooms without notifying law enforcement or obtaining consent of all residents. The New Jersey facility is in full compliance, and the operator is currently appealing the citations, Allaire spokesperson Anair wrote. The most recent federal inspection of the Connecticut facility in 2023 found three residents reported sexual abuse from one resident with co-occuring mental health diagnoses. iCare spokesperson Skoczulek wrote the federal inspections did not find mistreatment by the nursing home or its staff. We feel strongly that a nursing home should not be given an abuse deficiency under state or federal law for resident-to-resident incidents that are not reasonably preventable, Skoczulek wrote in an email. Skoczulek wrote that the Connecticut facility is currently in compliance with state and federal regulations. Kuiper said she could not comment on the specific incident, but operators need to provide protections from resident-on-resident violence in any state. The deluge of violations at the six former Genesis facilities under new ownership come amid broader questions about who should ultimately be responsible for regulating nursing home ownership changes in Vermont. Long interim process The states nursing home ownership transfer formerly fell under the purview of the Green Mountain Care Board, but the regulatory board passed that responsibility to the Agency of Human Services in 2018 through Act 125, on an interim basis. The law on nursing home oversight required a working group to recommend a permanent transfer process, but the Legislature has yet to act on those recommendations. Seven years later, the agency still manages the process through temporary rules. Under the current system, the Agency of Human Services officials take a two-pronged approach to reviewing proposed buyers finances and record of care. The agencys secretary decides whether to approve the transfer after a private hearing with ownership representatives. Members of the public are not allowed to participate directly in these hearings, though the state long-term care ombudsman may submit written comments, Cota said. The secretary of the Agency of Human Services denied VTDiggers requests for comment. The Division of Rate Setting, which reviews the financial and administrative capacity, also denied an interview request. But, Division of Rate Setting spokesperson Alex McCracken wrote in response to the inquiry that the three operators all appear to be for-profit, and the division did not find any problems with the operators financial information. Through comprehensive review of quality care, staffing and information from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services documents, Cota said the Division of Licensing and Protection works to understand the whole picture of the operators track record and how the homes have either improved or deteriorated over the years of ownership in other states before making recommendations to the agency secretary. Genesis had its facilities on the market for years, Kuiper said, and the state was caught between a rock and hard place when approving new nursing home purchasers due to lack of bidders. Kuiper said Genesis had six of its Vermont nursing homes openly on the market for a number of years to little avail. A 2021 bid from another prospective buyer collapsed after state regulators scrutinized the companys performance at other nursing homes, Seven Days reported in 2021. Kuiper said she was not aware of any other operators that threw their hat in the ring other than Stellar and Allaire before the five nursing homes transferred in December 2024. I recognize that its difficult in Vermont, because my understanding was they didnt have a lot of options, Kuiper said. Its not like they had a wide variety of options and they chose these among a lot of different possible purchasers. But the lack of transparency concerns Kuiper, who considered seven years a long time for an interim process, and said shed like to see more publicly available information on the states nursing home ownership transfers decision-making process. While Kuiper said it is premature to make sweeping judgements on iCare Health Network and Stellar Health Groups ability to turn around their facilities and provide care, she said her office has more concerns about Allaire Health Services given its past track record in Vermont and problems at the facilities it took over from Genesis. To be honest, we have more concerns about Allaire, Kuiper said. We still want to work with them. We still are hoping we can get better results. Kuiper raised red flags to the state about Allaire Health Services bid to acquire three facilities. She told the state about problems reported at the Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington which Allaire already owned including complaints of excessive heat, lack of necessary supplies, lack of food, and that staff and management failed to rectify reported issues. Another ombudsman position was created to oversee facilities in Bennington due to the number of complaints at the Allaire facility, and to ensure MissionCare at Bennington residents rights are respected and needs are met given the specialized care required there, Kuiper said. The Allaire spokesperson wrote that the operator has had a very positive impact on services and outcomes at its Bennington facility and is dedicating itself to making necessary and important changes and improvements at its other Vermont facilities. Best interest of the long-term care system Faced with a longstanding interim process, Cota said there are early plans to introduce legislation to codify the current system under the Agency of Human Services under the Vermont Human Services statute. Another solution would be to move some of the oversight back to the Green Mountain Care Board, said Sam Peisch, health policy analyst with Vermont Legal Aid. A bill backed by Vermont Legal Aid last session sought to regulate transactions between health care entities. But Peisch said there was pushback to the bill partially because of the work it took to move the responsibility under the Agency of Human Services years prior. Now, nursing home resident advocates and regulators may need to consider other innovative approaches to improving the nursing ownership transfer process, Peisch said. While state law provides strong principles to strive toward in the health care system, Peisch said state regulators, legislators and advocates should work toward stronger prohibitions on worst practices in the nursing care industry. State regulators for nursing homes face a real challenge, and are often under-resourced and overburdened, Peisch said, so the goal of the bill is to create a guide to identify and stop operators engaging in extractive financial practices that lead to low-quality care or harmful consequences for residents. One restriction would be higher financial penalties when abuse and other violations occur that act as a more meaningful deterrent to operators rather than the cost of doing business in the nursing home industry, Peisch said. Under a finalizing nursing home ownership transfer review process, Kuiper said representatives of long-term care residents should be included in the process, and the best interest of the present residents and the best interest of the long-term care system in Vermont should be part of the finalized review standards of ownership transfers. In the long run, Kuiper said the state should explore promoting other ownership models and investing in improving the long-term care system in Vermont, because staff at nursing homes facilities can only do so much while the system that theyre working under is dysfunctional. Kuiper would like the long-term care landscape to move away from the large-scale, for-profit model and instead invest in smaller nursing home facilities that are tailored to individualized care. That necessitates more state support for potential providers who find regulatory processes to be a barrier, but are capable of caring for the Vermont elderly population Kuiper said. I know theres a lot of rules and policies that you have to follow that can be really difficult for someone who could be very, very good at the care part, Kuiper said. I would love to see Vermont develop more support for people too on the regulatory side. In the evaluation of prospective buyers for former Genesis nursing homes, the Agency of Human Services has failed to identify and prevent operators with a history of deficient care from opening shop in Vermont, Mollot said. The state should strengthen laws and improve the evaluation process to root out operators with a history of poor care, akin to reforms in New York and other states, he said. One concrete step Vermont could take would be to increase transparency and make the entire nursing home ownership transfer process open to the public, Mollot said. The fact that these operators have been allowed to enter Vermont and operate facilities which have been found to have substandard care is very alarming, Mollot said. Vermont should be doing a much better job even under its own current written processes to ensure high-quality care and the absence of abuse and neglect. This story was originally published by VTDigger and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A Chubb subsidiary says it is not obligated to cover a Ramada Inn franchise policyholder that has been ordered to pay $4.1 million to its parent company for a judgment in a sex trafficking case. The Philadelphia motel franchisee, Eighty Eight, seeks indemnity for that judgment that came down against its parent company, Wyndham Hotels after Wyndham claimed Eighty Eight owed contractual indemnification obligations under their license agreement. The Philadelphia Court of Common Plea sided with Wyndham and agreed that that Eighty Eight owed contractual indemnification obligations to Wyndham. Eighty Eight then turned to its own insurance policies issued by Federal Insurance to cover its obligations to Wyndham. However, Federal Insurance has asked a federal court in Eastern Pennsylvania to declare its excess insurance policies do not come into play for a number of reasons. One reason claimed by Federal is that the $4.1 million judgment is based on violations of the Pennsylvania Human Trafficking Law and such criminal activity is uninsurable as a matter of public policy. Federal also argues that it is not obligated because its umbrella policies follow policies issued by Mt. Hawley Insurance Co. and Tower Insurance Co. and that all contain exclusions for assault and battery, actual or threatened abuse or molestation by anyone, and intentional or knowing conduct. Also, the insurer maintains that in the license agreement, Eighty Eight did not clearly agree to indemnify Wyndham for Wyndhams own liability. The sex trafficking victim alleged that in 2008 and 2009 she was recruited into sex work by human traffickers and taken to the Ramada Inn on Roosevelt Boulevard to which the traffickers brought johns for commercial sex acts. She alleged that employees, servants, staff and/or agents of the Ramada Inn, and other hotels along Roosevelt Boulevard, exchanged cash tips from the traffickers for silence regarding the illegal activities occurring on the premises and warned them of impending police actions at the hotels. She suffered physical harm, mental anguish, humiliation, exploitation, degradation, mental distress, loss of the enjoyment of life and loss of lifes pleasures. Her complaint brought counts against Wyndham regarding the Ramada property including negligence in violation of the Pennsylvania Human Trafficking Law; negligent infliction of emotional distress; intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligent hiring, training, and/or supervision; and punitive damages. There have been a number of lawsuits involving insurance for hotels facing sex trafficking allegations. Courts have been split on the question of whether a hotels insurance liability insurance coverage applies in these cases. This past July, a federal judge for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled against Peerless Indemnity Insurance and Ohio Security Insurance on their contention that they had no duty to defend or indemnify a Wyndham hotel in Chesapeake that was facing a sex trafficking lawsuit. A woman alleged that she was sex trafficked, that her traffickers used the hotel as a staging ground for their crimes, and that the hotel turned a blind eye to the trafficking. The insurers argued that Virginia public policy barred coverage for criminal activity. The judge ruled that public policy did not bar coverage for the allegations against the hotel and also found that the policies unambiguously covered liability for the hotels alleged conduct and none of the exclusions applied. In 2022, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a Pennsylvania case that allegations of sex trafficking, including rape and forced sexual acts, fell under the definition of assault and battery and were therefore excluded. The general liability policy issued by Nautilus Insurance Co. to the hotel management company contained a broad exclusion for any claims arising out of any assault or battery. Topics Carriers Armed assailants attacked a commercial tanker off the coast of Mogadishu on Monday, firing at the vessel after attempting to board the ship in the first suspected Somali piracy incident of its kind since 2024, maritime sources said. If confirmed, this would be the first Somali piracy attack against a merchant ship since May 2024, raising risks for critical energy and goods transported through the region, maritime sources said. The vessel was sailing some 332 nautical miles (615 km) off the Somali coast when four armed attackers approached in a skiff from the starboard side and opened fire, British maritime risk management group Vanguard said in a note. The crew raised the alarm, increased speed, and conducted evasive maneuvers. The embarked armed security team onboard responded effectively, deterring the attack and preventing any damage or injury. Vanguard and a maritime security source said the vessel targeted was the Cayman Islands-flagged chemical tanker Stolt Sagaland. The vessels operator Stolt-Nielsen confirmed there was an attempted attack on the Stolt Sagaland, early on November 3, which was unsuccessful. Our crew are all safe, having responded swiftly and professionally to the incident, the company said. The European Unions naval mission said it was investigating the incident. The naval force said on October 28 it had received an alert about the possible presence of a pirate action group around the Somali coast. Ships required to transit the area are advised to (exercise) extreme caution, maintain full vigilance, the EUs force said. Sailings through the Red Sea, which leads into the Gulf of Aden, have slumped since Yemens Iran-affiliated Houthi militia first launched attacks on commercial ships in November 2023 in solidarity with Palestinians over Israels war in Gaza. While the Houthis have agreed to a truce on targeting U.S. linked shipping, many shipping companies remain wary of resuming voyages through those waters. (Reporting by Jonathan Saul; editing by Conor Humphries) UBS Group AGs chairman warned against looming risks in the US insurance industry, citing weak and complex regulations amid an unprecedented boom in private financing. Were beginning to see huge rating agency arbitrage in the insurance business, Chairman Colm Kelleher told his fellow financiers at Hong Kong Monetary Authoritys Global Financial Leaders Investment Summit on Tuesday. In 2007, subprime was all about rating agency arbitrage. What you see now is a massive growth in small rating agencies ticking the box for compliance of investment, he said. Kellehers comments come as US life insurers have ramped up private debt investments over the past few years, allocating close to one-third of their $5.6 trillion in assets to the sector last year, up from 22% a decade ago, according to data compiled by research firm CreditSights. The rapid growth has prompted financial regulators globally to raise alarms, particularly on how it might hit the banking system. In September, US subprime car lender Tricolor Holdings and auto parts maker First Brands Group collapsed, spurring JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon to warn of more cockroaches in the financial system. If we look at the insurance business, to me, there is a looming systemic risk coming through and its because of lack of effective regulation, Kelleher said. Private credit grades used by insurance companies tend to be concentrated among smaller ratings firms, raising the risk of inflated assessments of creditworthiness, the Bank for International Settlements said in a report published last week about systemic risks and policy challenges in the life insurance industry. Insurers typically seek out higher ratings because of their lower capital requirements, while smaller agencies may face commercial incentives to provide better grades, according to the BIS. In a set of wide-ranging comments in the Asian financial centre, the chairman of Switzerlands largest bank also blasted his home market as losing its luster as a wealth management hub to Hong Kong and Singapore. Switzerland is having a bit of an identity crisis about what its role is in world banking, Kelleher said. For the first time, its facing a major threat in global wealth management from centers like Hong Kong and Singapore, he added. Hong Kong and Singapore have become even more important hubs for international wealth managers seeking to boost revenue. Hong Kongs private wealth under management could nearly double to $2.6 trillion by 2031, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Hong Kong could also overtake Switzerland as the worlds largest cross border center this year, the report said. UBS, based in Zurich, is working through the integration of its former rival Credit Suisse, which it agreed to acquire in a rescue operation in early 2023. The lenders leadership is also trying to convince the Swiss government to water down planned changes to bank regulation that could impose as much as $26 billion in fresh capital requirements on the bank. Photograph: UBS Chairman Colm Kelleher Photo credit: Lam Yik/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics USA Legislation Li Auto Inc. is recalling 11,411 of its flagship Mega multi-purpose electric vehicles in China after one of its cars caught fire [on October 23], highlighting growing concerns about EV safety. The recall covers the 2024 model of the Mega produced between Feb. 18, 2024, and Dec. 27, 2024, according to a filing posted by the State Administration for Market Regulation. The carmaker cited concerns about a coolant defect that, in extreme conditions, could result in thermal runaway in the battery. (Editors note: News reports indicate the Mega vehicle caught fire while it was in motion.) In a detailed explanation posted on its official WeChat account, Li Auto said that the recall was prompted by a battery fire involving a 2024 Mega in Shanghai on Oct. 23 that drew significant public attention. While no final technical conclusions have been reached, the company said that its own investigation concluded a coolant defect caused the accident. The investigation excluded the possibility of the fire being caused by the vehicles battery cells, which are manufactured by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., it said. As part of the recall, which begins Nov. 7, Li Auto will replace the coolant, the power battery unit and the front motor controller on affected cars, and extend their standard warranty period. Large-scale physical recalls are uncommon in China, and the swift response from Li Auto underscores the growing scrutiny of the EV industrys safety record. Officials are already proposing stricter rules on driver-assistance systems and flush door handles, with the latter taking on greater significance following the recent fiery crash of a Xiaomi Corp. SU7 electric sedan. That incident saw bystanders unable to open the doors to rescue the driver, who died. Chinese regulators have already started drafting new requirements for door handle mechanisms after a similar crash in March killed three people, with this months accident expected to bolster the case for implementation. Li Auto said that its vehicle automatically unlocked when the fire broke out, and that both front and rear rows are equipped with mechanical emergency handles to ensure a quick exit. The company pledged to eliminate all hidden dangers and ensure no further self-ignition accidents. Photograph: A Li Auto Inc. Mega MPV. Photo credit: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg Related: Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Auto The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) announced it will make a payout of US$70.8 million to the government of Jamaica to cover damages from Hurricane Melissa. This marks the largest single payout in the history of CCRIF, the Cayman Islands-based parametric catastrophe facility. Subject to final model verification, this payout will be made within 14 days. (See related article about CCRIF second payment, with an excess rainfall trigger: Jamaica to Get 2nd Parametric Insurance Payout for Excess Rainfall From Storm Melissa). This payout to Jamaica is not just a financial transaction, it is a reaffirmation of CCRIFs mission to stand with our members in their most difficult moments, commented CCRIF CEO Isaac Anthony. Read more: Jamaica Catastrophe Bond Has Now Triggered, Government Says On behalf of the CCRIF board, management, and team, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Jamaica. We are proud to support the governments swift response and recovery efforts, and we remain committed to helping build a more resilient and secure future for all, Anthony added. In addition to the tropical cyclone payout, the government of Jamaica is expected to receive a second payout under its excess rainfall policy, pending final model calculations. Excess rainfall assessments typically take a few days longer than tropical cyclone evaluations due to the complexity of rainfall distribution and localized impacts. CCRIF said it will confirm the outcome for this potentially additional payout once the modeled loss value is fully validated. A founding member of CCRIF at its establishment in 2007, Jamaica has long integrated CCRIFs parametric insurance products covering tropical cyclones, excess rainfall, and earthquakes into its comprehensive disaster risk financing strategy and risk layering framework. This foresight enabled Jamaica to be certain of the availability of the access to liquidity just three days after Hurricane Melissa crossed the island, with CCRIFs tropical cyclone policy triggering automatically based on modeled losses from wind and storm surge, CCRIF said. This US$70.8 million payout marks the fourth to Jamaica since the CCRIFs inception, bringing the countrys total value of payouts from CCRIF to US$100.9 million. In 2024, Jamaica received US$26.6 million following Hurricane Beryl, and in 2020, a payout was made after Tropical Cyclones Zeta and Eta. Since its inception, CCRIF has made 81 payouts totaling US$462 million to member governments (inclusive of this current payout). These payouts enable countries to address urgent post-disaster needs, from providing food, water, shelter and medicines for vulnerable populations, to undertaking infrastructure repairs and supporting the recovery of the agriculture, tourism, and education sectors as well as repairs to public utilities, CCRIF continued. Payouts have also helped governments to stabilize public finances, protect development gains, and support vulnerable populations. CCRIF said it operates the largest parametric insurance program in the world, supported by proprietary models and strategic partnerships. About CCRIF SPC CCRIF SPC is a segregated portfolio company that limits the financial impact of catastrophic hurricanes, earthquakes, and excess rainfall events to Caribbean and Central American governments by quickly providing short-term liquidity when a parametric insurance policy is triggered. Photograph: This Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, satellite image released by NASA shows Tropical Storm Imelda, left, and Hurricane Humberto in the Atlantic Ocean. (NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) via AP) Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Hurricane Global efforts to slash emissions are set to pick up significantly in the years to come. Thats according to an analysis of the Group of 20 countries by London Stock Exchange Group Plc. The findings, which point to a material acceleration in global emission cuts post 2030, are based on official submissions to the United Nations, as well as public announcements from government officials. Its not all doom and gloom, said Jaakko Kooroshy, LSEGs global head of sustainable-investment research. The implied emissions cuts amount to material progress, even though we remain off track for below 2C, he said. LSEGs analysis indicates an additional reduction in greenhouse gas pollution of as much as 18% over five years, compared with existing 2030 targets. Only 64 countries, representing about a third of global emissions, submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by the Sept. 30 deadline. Thats fueled concerns that world leaders wont be able to deliver an ambitious climate agenda at this months United Nations COP30 summit in Brazil. An inconclusive summit in Belem could still derail the NDC process, which requires that NDCs are lodged every five years, LSEG said. Conversely, a COP30 anchored by firmed-up 2035 commitments from major actors could keep the Paris Agreement on track and underscore the resilience of the NDC mechanism in the face of major headwinds. Looming over this years COP, which begins with a leaders summit later this week, is the USs retreat from the 2015 Paris Agreement, which is due to take effect in January. The White House also confirmed last week that high-level US officials wont attend the climate conference. LSEG said while the UNs NDC report only includes countries that submitted reports through the end of September, its own analysis also comprises announcements from October, which it says has shifted the landscape. For now, 2035 targets set by G20 economies representing 71% of the groups emissions indicate substantial new climate commitments, LSEG said. The data show that the targets imply a reduction of 3.3-to-4.4 gigatons of carbon-dioxide equivalent, compared with the 2030 NDCs. Faster emissions reductions are mainly tied to progress made in China and Turkey, LSEG said. The European Union is still aiming to find consensus among its 27 member states on a proposed emissions plan. India hasnt signaled when it will deliver its NDC. There is a US plan from former President Joe Biden, but thats unlikely to be implemented under current President Donald Trump. LSEG said progress on NDCs isnt just a matter for COP30 attendees. It has important implications for companies and investors because they will have to contend with an increase in both transition risks as governments seek to accelerate the shift to a low-carbon economy and growing physical risks. Photograph: A gas flare; photo credit: Bronte Wittpenn/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. More than five years after first announcing stricter controls on industrial farm pollution in Michigan, state environmental regulators will finally start enforcing them. Regulations issued Wednesday by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy require the states largest confined animal feeding operations or CAFOs, facilities where cows, pigs and chickens are raised by the hundreds or thousands in confined conditions to get more aggressive about keeping manure and urine out of Michigans water. Under the updated terms of EGLEs general pollution discharge permit, covered facilities are prohibited from spreading manure on farm fields in January through most of March, when it could seep off frozen ground and into nearby waterways. Grassy buffers are required near rivers and creeks. And CAFOs are subject to new reporting requirements, among other changes. EGLE Director Phil Roos announced the permit decision Wednesday following years of legal battles with the Michigan Farm Bureau and other farming interests, which had opposed stronger pollution controls the department first unveiled in 2020. It has been five-and-a-half years a lot of blood, sweat and tears, Roos said before the announcement. While Farm Bureau officials declined to comment, environmentalists declared a victory for public health and the environment. Michigans CAFO industry has expanded threefold since the turn of the millennium and now numbers some 290 large operations that generate more feces and urine than the states entire human population. For the people who live in communities with a very heavy CAFO presence, its not abstract, said Katie Garvey, a senior attorney with the Environmental Law & Policy Center, which has spent years pushing for stricter regulations. Its real. Its in their water. Its in their communities. During the hearing at which Roos announced the permit decision, a Farm Bureau lawyer seemed to leave open the possibility of an appeal. This has been a long five-and-a-half-year legal process, and we still might not be at the end, said Andrew Kok, the groups legal counsel. He added that farmers have more interest than anyone in preserving the states ecosystem for the future. Unlike traditional farms where livestock graze in pastures, CAFOs are industrial-scale operations that generate massive amounts of waste in small areas. They typically dispose of it by spreading or spraying it onto farm fields. In limited amounts, its a useful fertilizer. But operators often spray far more than plants can absorb, causing excrement to slough off the land and into waterways. Arguing EGLE had gone too far in its efforts to curb CAFO pollution, farm industry groups mounted an administrative appeal and a lawsuit when EGLE updated its CAFO regulations in 2020. The issue made it all the way to the Michigan Supreme Court, which sided with regulators last year. In a separate ruling, an administrative law judge ruled in January that EGLE has the right to issue the permit, with some modifications. On Wednesday, Roos accepted some of those modifications and rejected others, clearing EGLE to start enforcing the updated version of the 2020 permit. Garvey said her group is now turning its attention to making sure CAFO owners follow the new regulations. We cant sit back and say all right, were done, Garvey said. Theres still a lot that needs to be done in terms of implementation. Lake Erie has become a well-known example of the consequences of agricultural pollution. Scientists and regulators have identified manure from CAFOs as a significant contributor to the toxic algae blooms that turn the lake green every summer. Michigan vowed in 2015 to reduce phosphorus loads into Lake Erie by 2025, but the state failed to meet that goal and has not set a new deadline to achieve it. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Agribusiness Michigan Pollution Prosecutors said three American cybersecurity professionals secretly ran a ransomware operation aimed at shaking down companies across the United States. The three people, only two of whom Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin were identified by name, collaborated with the notorious hacking gang ALPHV BlackCat to encrypt companies networks in a bid to extort their owners out of millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency, prosecutors alleged in an indictment filed last month in federal court in Miami. The news was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times on Sunday. Goldberg has been detained ahead of trial, court records show. Martin pleaded not guilty. Lawyers for Martin and Goldberg declined to comment. Authorities did not identify the affected companies, naming them only as firms devoted to various industries based in California, Florida, Virginia and Maryland. Martin was identified in online course descriptions as a former employee of cybersecurity firm DigitalMint, which offers cybercrime and ransomware incident response services. Goldberg was identified by an online course provider as an incident response manager at Sygnia, another cybersecurity firm. DigitalMint confirmed in a statement that a former employee had been indicted for participating in ransomware operations, saying he was acting completely outside the scope of his employment and noting that the indictment did not allege that the company had any knowledge of activity. It said the third, unnamed coconspirator may have also been a company employee. It added that DigitalMint has been and continues to be a cooperating witness in the investigation and not an investigative target. Sygnia said that Goldberg was fired by the company immediately upon learning of the situation, that the firm was not the target of the investigation and that it was working with law enforcement. Topics USA Cyber A group of Dow Inc. investors filed a lawsuit at the end of August accusing the chemical manufacturer of failing to properly disclose the impact of tariffs on its business. This is the first investor class action linked to President Donald Trumps tariff onslaught that upended global trade, according to lawyers, forced companies to reevaluate entire supply chains and resulted in profit warnings across sectors. It probably wont be the last. As the impact of tariffs starts to feed through to companies results and share prices, more investors may say theyve been deceived by overly upbeat messaging, exposing firms to potential litigation and prompting them to seek directors and officers liability coverage known as D&O insurance. I view the Dow case as an example of plaintiffs lawyers seizing on a stock price decline and working backward to claim that generalized statements were somehow misleading because they did not predict the future, said Edmund Polubinski, partner at law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell. Securities class actions tend to reflect predominant themes in the financial markets. During the Covid-19 pandemic, lawsuits were filed against companies for downplaying the impact of dwindling demand during lockdowns. More recently, lawyers have noticed an increase in filings related to cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, with some being sued for AI washing, or misrepresenting their AI capabilities. A few months into a whirlwind of changing tariffs and sudden trade deals, the litigation risk is growing. For companies, this is a minefield. Beyond the financial impact of levies themselves, an uncertain environment can delay investments and damage consumer confidence. That hurts visibility and puts companies at greater risk of investors noticing a discrepancy between outlooks and actual performance. Plaintiffs counsel are well versed in and Im being a little facetious here taking advantage of these types of market disruptions and finding a hook to allege that a company did something wrong in the way that they managed it or communicated about it, Kelly Thoerig, product leader in the Professional & Executive Risk division at insurance brokerage firm Lockton Inc., said in an interview. Thats creating a new opportunity in the insurance market. Wayne Imrie, head of London Market Wholesale Executive Risks at insurer Beazley Plc, has noticed an increase in interest from clients for relevant coverage. In this current environment, youre probably seeing demand at its highest level because there is so much uncertainty, he said, referring to insurance coverage for directors and officers. The first port of call for companies dealing with tariff-related allegations is D&O coverage, a type of liability insurance that protects directors, officers and other senior managers from personal financial losses and legal costs if they are accused of a wrongful act. A side of D&O coverage that protects the company itself is less in demand, though its popularity may rise. Its rarely purchased, although lets see whether we see renewed interest in that form of coverage given these new risks, Locktons Thoerig said. I suspect that may change. Alongside companies and shareholders, insurers will be at the forefront of this new development. What we are very keen to understand is, what are our clients telling the Street and how open and transparent are they being? Imrie said. And then, do the ongoing financial reports back up what was said, because if not, thats when investors will be upset. They dont like surprises. In Dows case, investors said the company blamed tariffs for disappointing second-quarter results and a lowering of the dividend, despite having previously said it was well positioned to weather the levies and could support shareholder returns. Plaintiffs are seeking damages after the share price slumped in reaction to second-quarter results. The plaintiffs bar will surely continue to try to capitalize on stock price declines by bringing securities cases, Davis Polks Polubinski said. Unfortunately, any company with exposure to tariffs will face the threat of cases like this. Plaintiffs lawyers will look back at the disclosure statements the companies have made, especially optimistic statements about the impact of the tariffs, the ability to source materials from low-tariff jurisdictions, and more disclosures or lack thereof, according to Kevin M. LaCroix, attorney and executive vice president of insurance intermediary RT ProExec. Although my crystal ball is no better than anyone elses, I do think we will see more tariff-related securities class action lawsuits, he said in an interview. Photo: Dow Inc. headquarters in Midland, Michigan. Photographer: Sean Proctor/Bloomberg Topics Lawsuits The recent escape of several research monkeys after the truck carrying them overturned on a Mississippi interstate is the latest glimpse into the secretive industry of animal research and the processes that allow key details of what happened to be kept from the public. Three monkeys have remained on the loose since the crash on Tuesday in a rural area along Interstate 59, spilling wooden crates labeled live monkeys into the tall grass near the highway. Since then, searchers in masks, face shields and other protective equipment have scoured nearby fields and woods for the missing primates. Five of the 21 Rhesus macaques on board were killed during the search, according to the local sheriff, but it was unclear how that happened. Key Details Remain Shrouded in Secrecy Mississippi authorities have not disclosed the company involved in transporting the monkeys, where the monkeys were headed or who owns them. While Tulane University in New Orleans has acknowledged that the monkeys had been housed at its National Biomedical Research Center in Covington, Louisiana, it said it doesnt own them and wont identify who does. An initial report from the sheriff described the monkeys as aggressive and carrying diseases such as herpes, adding to the confusion. Tulane later said the monkeys were free of pathogens, but it is still unclear what kind of research the monkeys were used for. The questions surrounding the Mississippi crash and the mystery of why the animals were traveling through the South are remarkable, animal advocates say. When a truck carrying 21 monkeys crashes on a public highway, the community has a right to know who owned those animals, where they were being sent, and what diseases they may have been exposed to and harbored simply by being caught up in the primate experimentation industry, said Lisa Jones-Engel, senior science adviser on primate experimentation with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. It is highly unusual and deeply troubling that Tulane refuses to identify its partner in this shipment, Jones-Engel added. One thing that is known is that the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado pickup hauling the monkeys was driven by a 54-year-old Cascade, Maryland, man when it ran off the highway into the grassy median area, the Mississippi Highway Patrol said in a statement to The Associated Press. The driver wasnt hurt, nor was his passenger, a 34-year-old resident of Thurmont, Maryland. Confidentiality is Built into Contracts Transporting research animals typically requires legally binding contracts that prohibit the parties involved from disclosing information, Tulane University said in a statement to the AP. Thats done for the safety of the animals and to protect proprietary information, the New Orleans-based university said. To the best of Tulanes knowledge, the 13 recovered animals remain in the possession of their owner and are en route to their original destination, the statement said. The crash has drawn a range of reactions from conspiracy theories that suggest a government plot to sicken people to serious responses from people who oppose experimenting on animals. How incredibly sad and wrong, Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said of the crash. Ive never met a taxpayer that wants their hard-earned dollars paying for animal abuse nor who supports it, the Georgia congresswoman said in a post on the social platform X. This needs to end! Tulanes Covington center has received $35 million annually in National Institutes of Health support, and its partners include nearly 500 investigators from more than 155 institutions globally, the school said in an Oct. 9 news release. The center has been funded by NIH since 1964, and federal grants have been a significant source of income for the institution, it said. In July, some of the research centers 350 employees held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a new 10,000-square-foot office building and a new laboratory at the facility. This fall, the facilitys name was changed from the Tulane National Primate Research Center to the Tulane National Biomedical Research Center to reflect its broader mission, university officials announced. Research Monkeys have Escaped Before in South Carolina, Pennsylvania The Mississippi crash is one of at least three major monkey escapes in the U.S. over the past four years. Last November, 43 Rhesus macaques escaped from a South Carolina compound that breeds them for medical research after an enclosure wasnt fully locked. Employees from the Alpha Genesis facility in Yemassee, South Carolina, set up traps to capture them. However, some spent two months that winter living in the woods and weathering a rare snowstorm. By late January, the last four escapees were recaptured after being lured back into captivity by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In January 2022, several cynomolgus macaque monkeys escaped when a truck towing a trailer of about 100 of the animals collided with a dump truck on a Pennsylvania highway, authorities said. The monkeys were headed to a quarantine facility in an undisclosed location after arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on a flight from Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation, authorities said. A spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said all of the animals were accounted for within about a day, though three were euthanized for undisclosed reasons. Photo: The crash scene in Heidelberg, Mississippi. (Scotty Ray Boyd via AP) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Mississippi The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) has selected Old Republic Lawyers Specialty Insurance (ORLSI) as its endorsed lawyers malpractice insurance provider. Through its partnership with ORLSI, the LSBA Insurance Program now offers enhanced policy coverages and better program perks. These benefits include: a claims-free deductible opportunity, additional deductible discount opportunities, standalone cyber liability policy premium credit, higher risk management premium credits and changes in pricing parameters and criteria to offer more flexible pricing. LSBA members currently insured in the malpractice insurance program will receive notice of these changes starting with January 2026 policy effective dates. New entrants to the program will receive quotes of the enhanced, endorsed policy also starting in January 2026. Progressives insureds in Florida who held auto policies in 2023 and 2024, then switched to another carrier, may not qualify for a refund, despite a state law that measures excess profits over a three-year period. Progressive officials said that the profit-regurgitation laws, Florida Statutes 627.066 and 627.915, require refunds only for drivers with active policies as of Dec. 31, 2025, the South Florida Sun Sentinel newspaper reported. The company revealed the excess auto profit in a filing this year with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. With some $950 million in profits above the threshold dictated by Florida law, and more than 2.7 million policyholders in the state, the average refund is expected to be about $300. The statute provides a formula to be used to calculate an auto insurers underwriting profits: Excessive profit has been realized if there has been an underwriting gain for the 3 most recent calendar-accident years combined which is greater than the anticipated underwriting profit plus 5 percent of earned premiums for those calendar-accident years, the Florida law reads. Progressive representatives could not be reached Tuesday morning, but the Sun Sentinel reported that most of the regurgitation will come in the form of credits on 2026 policy renewals. If a driver has a zero balance with Progressive or their credit is greater than their next payment, a payment will be made to the customer via the same method the customer has used to pay premiums, a Progressive spokesperson told the newspaper. If an insured cancels the policy or allows it to terminate, the insurer shall make a cash refund not later than 60 days after termination of such coverage, the law reads. Progressive noted that the refunds will be provided only to active policyholders who held policies at the end of the year. Floridas insurance commissioner said essentially the same in an Oct. 23 bulletin. The statute speaks to current policyholders but does not mention previous customers: The excessive amount shall be refunded on a pro rata basis in relation to the final compilation year earned premiums to the voluntary private passenger automobile policyholders of record of the insurer group on December 31 of the final compilation year. The refund or credit shall be treated as a policyholder dividend, applicable to the year in which it is incurred, for purposes of reporting for subsequent years, the statute notes. Commissioner Yaworsky and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in early October touted Progressives excessive profits as another sign that 2022 and 2023 legislative reforms have eased litigation burdens for insurers, resulting in healthier bottom lines for many. Related: Progressive Records $2.6B in Q3 Income After Refunds for Excess Profits in Florida Related: Progressive Could Soon Breach Excess Profits in Florida Auto, Triggering Refunds Topics Florida Workers compensation insurance premium rates in California have been in a steady decline for many years, after a series of reforms to the system reduced claim payouts, and subsequent changes to the experience modification rating calculation decreased the impact of severe claims on employers. However, earlier this year, the California insurance commissioner approved a pure premium rate increase of 8.7% for the first time in a decade. This rate increase is advisory, and insurance companies can charge their own rates in California. But at the same time, the industry reported a combined ratio of 127% for 2024. This means that for every dollar in premium charged, $1.20 is being spent. This is unsustainable and likely means that rate increases are likely on the way. At Cavignac, we are telling most policyholders to anticipate a renewal quote ranging from flat to plus-10% this year. There are many factors contributing to these proposed rate increases, most of which are laid out in the Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureaus 2025 State of the System report. Related: Workers Compensation Medical Claims Costs Rising Across Most States: WCRI Lets examine some of these factors and what steps employers should take to maintain control. Claim Frequency. After decades of decreasing frequency, claims are now on the rise in California. This trend began around 2009 and is most significant among cumulative trauma claims in the Southern California regionin particular the Los Angeles, Long Beach and Inland Empire areas. California claims tend to be reported later and stay open longer than claims in the rest of the country. Often these types of claims come in after notice of termination or layoff via letter of representation. CT claims can be filed as a companion to a specific date of injury, but this is not always the case. The WCIRB data does not show as steep of a rise in specific injury trends, so employers should be particularly mindful of the risk of repetitious injuries sustained over a prolonged period. Investing in office and industrial ergonomics programs can lower the risk of cumulative injuries, while cross training and task rotation can help avoid the over-specialization that exposes employees to a single narrow set of risks repeatedly for years. Utilizing best practices while recruiting, onboarding, and managing the workforce is also key. A post-offer, pre-hire physical can help determine whether a candidate can do the job they are being hired for, with or without reasonable accommodation. This can help weed out a candidate who may already be too injured to perform the essential functions of the position without running afoul of discrimination laws. During the employee life cycle, it is critical for employers to communicate about safety and performance expectations, provide all necessary training needed to perform the job properly and safely and cultivate an environment that encourages communication. Employee performance should be managed, but that applies to supervisors as much as it does to staff. Most often, when a claim becomes litigated, it is because an injured worker either does not trust their supervisor, or they do not understand the workers comp system and they fear they will lose their job or no longer be able to meet their financial obligations. In both instances, the solution is communication. Medical Costs. Claim costs are also on the rise. While the data shows that California is closer to the middle of the pack in terms of indemnity costs, medical costs continue to increase and drive claim severity up. The increase can be seen both in the number of medical transactions and the cost per transaction. It is critically important for employers to control the portion of the claim that can be controlled. This is typically the early portion of the claim. We strongly recommend the use of medical triage companies, whether telephonic or in-person, to help assess injuries and determine if a worker needs medical care. Oftentimes more minor injuries can be treated onsite with first aid care, or a telephonic triage company can direct an employee in self-care. These options can keep an incident out of the workers comp system entirely. If an injury is significant enough to need medical care, trained professionals will assess the situation and direct the injured worker to a preferred Occupational medical clinic that already has an established relationship with the employer and is a verified Medical Provider Network provider. Emergency rooms and hospitals should be saved for truly emergent situations or jobs that are not within a reasonable distance of an occupational medical clinic. These providers are expensive, and they do not understand the workers comp system so, the employee will ultimately need to be transitioned into the MPN anyway. Unless it is an emergency, sending an injured worker to the ER will only add time and money to the case. Related: Report: California Workers Comp Written Premium Levels Returned to Stability Once past the initial stages of the claim, the goal is to keep the injured worker with the employer-preferred provider and avoid litigation. Once litigation occurs the attorney will often advise the employee to change to a physician who is technically within the MPN but who is more likely to increase treatment and keep the case open longer. Like the relationship with the supervisor, the relationship with the doctor plays a key role in the ultimate case outcome. As an employer the goal is to find a clinic that will treat conservatively and return folks to work quickly. But an injured worker has different concerns. They are focused on getting care quickly, feeling listened to, and returning to good health. Therefore, finding the right clinic is a balance and is something that warrants attention before someone gets hurt. When vetting an occupational medical clinic, it is advisable to take a tour if possible, to ask to speak to the head physician and ask questions regarding return-to-work, communication policies, average wait times, referral procedures, etc. Make certain the chosen clinic has preferred billing rates with the workers comp insurance company, and establish a relationship with them prior to any injury occurring. These steps will ensure that once an injury does occur, everything that can be in place to help control medical costs is ready to go. Adjusting Costs. Insurance companies also spend money to handle claims. These costs can range from adjuster fees to bill review and cost-containment fees. They are, in essence, the cost of doing business, and they are increasing. While it is much harder for an employer to have an impact on this variable, one thing that is important is to have a great broker. A broker can help negotiate the best rates and prepare a great submission. They can also explain adjusting expenses like cost-containment programs. Most insurance companies use an outside provider to review medical bills and either the provider or the insurance company (sometimes both) will keep an often-significant amount of the savings. A broker can also help a firm compare two potential insurance companies and understand why there might be a difference in premium. For example, if one company offers more loss control resources, whether they outsource things like nurse case management, if they have internal staff working to mitigate state-wide issues such as applicant-attorneys who file cases in one jurisdiction only regardless of where the injured workers and employers are physically located- in order to get a better outcome. In the end a firm may choose to go with the less expensive policy, but a good broker partner can help them understand what they are paying for and make sure there are no surprises. We dont yet know if a hard market will materialize, but it seems likely that workers comp rates will stop decreasing. When rates stagnate or even go up, it can be tempting to look for places to cut costs. Human resources, safety, and claims management can seem like an easy choice, especially if there has not been a history of challenges with claim frequency. However, this is not the right time to ease up on risk control. If anything, it is time to double down. If a hard market does materialize, it will be those employers who have the lowest claim frequency and severity. If they can paint a picture to their insurance company that they vetted employees pre-hire, trained them well, fostered a great culture, utilized medical triage, have a great relationship with a preferred medical clinic, they can keep employees at work, in the medical provider network and away from litigation, they will come out with the best rates. Dickerson is director of risk control at Cavignac. She began her insurance career at AIG as a workers compensation claims specialist. Topics Trends California Workers' Compensation Before the schools closed for their mid-term break, Kalani took a trip to school with Georgie. The principal of Kilbonane National School, Mr Brophy, has always been great at encouraging students with their talents and hobbies and for Georgie, showing ticks both boxes. Kalanis dam, Kasey, had visited the school with Georgie in 2022, so it was a lovely reminder of how time flies when we saw Kalani in the schoolyard with Georgie. The duo put on a display of what happens in a showmanship class and explained what a judge looks for in a dairy animal. Once Georgie had shared her passion for dairy showing with her classmates, everyone had the chance to say 'hi' to Kalani. Assisted by her best friend Aisling, Georgie then spent time introducing Kalani to all the classes in the school. As a typical Jersey show calf, she thrived on the attention and happily posed for photos with the youngsters. We often forget that even though we farm in rural communities, many of our neighbouring children have never been up close with a calf. Some kids brim with confidence and will walk up and rub it straight away, while for others, its a daunting moment to get so close to a farm animal but once they do, it becomes a lasting memory. The gap between agriculture and the consumer continues to widen. The cost of living and food inflation have only highlighted that gap, as many consumers dont understand what it costs to run a farm and produce food today. The cost of producing a litre of milk is now 42c, yet only a few years ago farmers could produce that same litre for 26 or 27c. While milk prices are higher than they were then, the reality is that most farmers are losing money due to current price cuts. Beef, too, has become expensive for consumers, yet the average income for a suckler farmer is estimated at just 20,000. The cost of running a business in Ireland has become far too high, and fuel prices, along with carbon taxes, are driving those costs further. A carbon tax might be designed to save the planet, but in reality, its putting people out of business. Fastway Couriers are a prime example they were haemorrhaging money because the cost of delivering a parcel had become so high, yet the price they were paid didnt cover the expense. Fuel and energy costs are crippling farmers, particularly the costs of running machinery and keeping milk parlours operating. The only way well ever bridge this gap with consumers is by sharing knowledge and making an effort to connect with our non-farming neighbours. Theres also a golden opportunity for our dairy and beef breed societies to play a role in this using agricultural shows to build closer links with schools, especially at national level. To succeed in showing, you dont need to come from a farm. You need passion for animals, attention to detail, and a willingness to work hard. Showing teaches responsibility, develops valuable skills, and opens doors to travel and work abroad. Yet, the agricultural industry continues to struggle to attract young people so we need creative ways to bring them in. The equine industry has a schools show jumping competition imagine if our national dairy or livestock shows hosted a schools showing competition, where each school could enter a team for dairy or beef showmanship: two students from a farming background and two non-farming teammates. The farming kids would share their skills and learn teamwork, while the non-farming kids would get a real taste of life in our industry. The holidays The weather took a turn for Halloween, and ground conditions have deteriorated. We dried off 40 cows to coincide with trick-or-treating, looking at milk yields and calving dates to select the group. Any low-yielders made the list straight away theres no point milking a cow that wont pay her way at current milk prices. With calving due to kick off at the start of January, some cows also needed their holiday break. Kasey, Kali and Acclaim are now officially on milking holidays too. All cows received a long-acting dry cow tube and Fatroseal teat sealers. While selective dry cow therapy is an option, we believe the dry period is the best time to use antibiotics to ensure cows calve down with a low SCC. Its surely better to use antibiotics at that stage than to be firefighting mastitis mid-lactation. The dry cows were housed straight away and fed dry haylage for a few days, with plenty of attention paid to liming cubicles. Just as some of the cows are going on holidays, so too are we preparing to fly south for a warmer climate and a well-earned recharge. Getting ready for holidays, farmer-style, is a little more tedious than just packing a suitcase making lists of what could go wrong while were away and double-checking that every part of the farm is running smoothly. We tackle the big jobs before we go, think ahead to what will need doing when we return, and often end up doing those too before leaving. Well have a great team in place while were away Becky thrives on managing the place, and Katherine will be here to help her. When youre a farmer, you really need a holiday by the time youve finished getting ready to go on one. The Irish Farmers Association has welcomed proposals to remove shallow cultivation from the draft version of Irelands sixth Nitrates Action Plan. IFA grain chair Kieran McEvoy said: Since 2022, the mandatory requirement to cultivate at least 75% of stubble ground left over winter has placed a burden of significant costs for fuel, labour and machinery. Small farmers without access to appropriate stubble cultivation equipment are particularly affected." The proposals, published in the summer by the Nitrates Expert Group, recommended an increase in the area required for cultivation, which was concerning. Undoing the amendment exempting land destined for winter cropping from shallow cultivation would have been a retrograde step and one which would have caused a lot of confusion at the farm level, Mr McEvoy added. IFA met with officials from the Nitrates and Biodiversity Division of DAFM to highlight the significant cost and safety issues that a further increase in cultivation would entail, he said. The IFA grain chair said the proposals for restricting the timing of organic manures in the autumn period were "totally impractical" and could have caused several negative unintended consequences for tillage and livestock farmers. Under its submission to the Nitrates Action Plan consultation process, IFA will be strongly advocating to remove shallow cultivation from any future legislation concerning nitrates, Mr McEvoy said. Farmers will be relieved to see that officials have taken their concerns on board and that a common-sense approach has prevailed, he added. ENCOURAGING children to engage with science isnt just about closing skills gaps its about preparing them for an AI future created in code, measured in data, and driven by discovery. Yet despite various campaigns and scholarships urging students to choose science, an Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report published last week reminds us that the roots of scientific curiosity or disinterest are planted long before a student ever fills out a CAO form. Drawing on data from more than 6,000 children tracked in the Growing Up in Ireland study, the findings are fascinating and somewhat frustrating. While almost every secondary school offers biology, chemistry and physics remain largely confined to more advantaged schools. Fee-paying schools typically offer all three sciences, while Deis schools serving disadvantaged communities are far less likely to do so. The report paints a picture of a system where access and aspiration are shaped not just by talent or interest, but by Eircode, school culture, and a students early experience with maths. If a child has had a negative experience of maths in primary school, they are less likely to take up chemistry or physics in secondary school. While maths and science are of course different disciplines, an ability in maths plays a key role in a students decision to pursue science subjects. Since maths underpins many areas of science, such as physics, chemistry, and even biology, students who feel confident in their mathematical skills are more likely to find these subjects accessible and enjoyable. Conversely, those who struggle with maths may perceive science as too difficult or abstract, leading them to avoid it altogether. As a result, mathematical competence often directly influences students interest in and willingness to engage with science-related fields. Ive lost count of how many times Ive heard parents say, Shes just not a maths person. We dont say, Hes not a reading person, yet its somehow acceptable to suggest a childs brain just doesnt do numbers. With the obvious exception of children with dyscalculia, one of educations most persistent myths is the belief that some students are mathematical and others are not. While natural variations in aptitude exist, decades of research, including work by renowned Stanford University professor Jo Boaler, consistently show that mathematical ability is not fixed but highly malleable. Brain imaging reveals that effort and practice strengthen the neural pathways used in problem-solving. In other words, the maths gene doesnt exist; what does exist are differences in confidence, encouragement, and opportunity. When children believe they can improve, they tend to do so. When theyre told they cant, they often dont try. Experiences of maths The ESRI study highlights the harm in telling children they are not good at maths. Early negative experiences with maths, which incidentally are often formed in primary school, can steer children away from science subjects years later. By contrast, studies have found that a positive experience, or a teacher who makes numbers come alive, can open doors that stay open for life. By age nine, many children already hold fixed ideas about their abilities, not only in maths but also regarding what kind of learner they are. Renowned US psychologist Carol Dwecks work on the growth mindset shows that children who believe their intelligence can grow are more likely to persevere when faced with challenges. However, in both classrooms and homes, subtle signals like youre good at English but not at numbers can quietly influence how children perceive themselves. The problem isnt that children stop liking science its that many never see themselves as the kind of person who does science. There is a saying that states: Where you learn matters as much as what you learn, and this is echoed by the ESRI study findings that suggest not all schools are created equal when it comes to science access. The researchers found that students in Deis schools are less likely to take physics or chemistry, even when these subjects are available. This finding suggests subject choice is not just about curriculum, its also about culture. Schools differ in their facilities, teacher availability, and timetable flexibility, but they also differ in how they talk about subjects. In some, science is presented as an elite pursuit for the smart kids; in others, its part of the everyday language of learning. French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu referred to this cultural capital as the unspoken knowledge that influences how we navigate systems like education. In families where a parent works in a science-related job, discussions about experiments, lab coats, and data are everyday. In others, those worlds can feel remote. The ESRI study found that having a family member in a science field increases the likelihood of taking science subjects later in life. It reminds me of another saying: Youre more likely to enter a room youve already seen the inside of. The report also confirms what many educators have long observed: gendered assumptions still shape approaches to science education. Girls' schools are less likely to offer physics, while boys' schools are less likely to offer biology. This bias doesnt reflect ability girls perform as well as, and often better than, boys in science at junior cert level. Yet something shifts when subject choices are made. A 2023 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) study found that girls were significantly less likely to see themselves working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) careers, even when their grades were high. Part of that comes from cultural messaging. But, interestingly, there is evidence that single-sex schooling can reduce these stereotypes. Girls in all-girls schools are more likely to take physics, while boys in all-boys schools are more likely to take biology. Learn science through play One of the strongest messages in the ESRI report is that the road to science doesnt start with a lab; instead, it begins with Lego pieces, magnifying glasses, and messy kitchen experiments. The foundations of scientific thinking, which are curiosity, pattern recognition, cause and effect, are built through play. Yet we often rush to formal learning before nurturing those skills. When maths becomes about tests rather than exploration, the joy of discovery fades. A child told they must learn fractions is likely to be less inspired than one who uses fractions while baking. We need to permit children to enjoy maths before theyre assessed on it and give teachers the confidence and resources to make maths accessible, not intimidating. A widening gender gap in attitudes to maths at primary level is particularly worrying. If girls begin to feel less capable early on, we lose potential scientists before they even start secondary school. By the time formal career guidance is introduced in fifth or sixth year, many students have already made the subject choices that influence their futures. The ESRI study notes that science career aspirations can develop as early as age nine, but such aspirations are seldom supported unless a parent or teacher recognises and encourages them. Maybe we should rethink when and how we discuss careers. Instead of waiting until adolescence, could we introduce primary school children to real-world science stories, like engineers and food scientists, in ways that feel relevant to their lives? I often observe, mostly from TV shows, how in American schools, parents visit primary schools to discuss their jobs. While this may occur in some Irish schools, I dont believe it is a common practice. But consider the effect if children heard from parents who use science daily in hospitals, on farms, in technology companies, or in kitchens. If we want children to see science as a career option, they need to see people like themselves doing it. Ultimately, the ESRI findings challenge us to change the stories we tell about science. We often frame it as difficult, exclusive, and abstract, or the domain of high achievers. But at its core, science is structured curiosity: asking questions, making mistakes, and understanding how the world works. When we tell children that science is only for the elite or the highly intelligent, we deprive them of that wonder. And when schools dont provide access to all three science subjects, the gap widens. Perhaps the real question isnt how to get more students into science, but how to prevent pushing them out through age-old stereotypes, the scarcity of teaching resources, and self-fulfilling expectations, such as labelling a child in primary school as not a numbers person. As parents, we can support our children by responding to their learning process. When your child asks why the sky changes colour, dont rush to Google the answer; instead, wonder with them. When they struggle with long division, remind them that struggle is a natural part of learning, not proof of inability. When they say theyre not a maths person, tell them no one is born a maths person; its something we become through persistence and curiosity. We can also foster curiosity ourselves. The next time something breaks at home, watch the YouTube tutorial together on how to take it apart and fix it. Discuss how things work, not just that they do, and show your children that you, too, are still learning. Nurturing a love of science isnt about producing more scientists; its about raising children who think critically, ask questions, and arent afraid to explore the unknown. And that, surely, is a future worth investing in. YOU HAVE this gorgeous child, who wants to play and have fun with you, and youre dragging yourself around, trying to make it through the day. This is how mother of one Linda Murray describes parenting while having adenomyosis and endometriosis, whereby cells similar to the wombs lining grow in the muscle wall of the uterus and outside the uterus. Symptoms include fatigue, severe pain, and fertility problems. Exhaustion is the real issue for me, my most relentless, debilitating symptom, says Murray, 46, from Monasterevin in Co Kildare. While some days are better than others, the fatigue feels constant. Like a feeling of flu in your body, in your muscles and bones, like youre coming down with something, and its all the time. Most people start their day on a good battery. I feel my days start at 10%. Diagnosed with severe endometriosis at 33, Murray was deemed highly unlikely to ever get pregnant. I couldnt believe it when I did. My husband, William, and I were over the moon. Ellie, weighing under 4lbs, was born five weeks early by emergency C-section, due to acute feto-maternal haemorrhage. It was touch and go for the first few weeks, but she was such a fighter. She was born deaf and had cochlear implant surgery at 18 months. She hasnt stopped surprising everyone since. Shes full of life, chatty, stubborn, and has taught us [so much] about strength. Linda Murray with her daughter Ellie at home in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare. Photo: Alf Harvey. Murray believes shed have been a different parent without her medical conditions. I feel I missed out on parts of motherhood: The day-to-day enjoyment of having a child, the rough and tumble, chasing her around. I feel Ellie didnt always get the mother she deserved. Ive always done my best, but, sometimes, my body doesnt co-operate by midday, I could feel like going back to bed. Its hard to accept, because the wish is there, to be present, soak up every bit of the experience. Parenting a child with extra needs, you need to become researcher and advocate, attend lots of appointments, give lots of time to homework. That, in itself, is taxing, but when youre already dealing with [chronic illness] it can be overwhelming. Murray, an employee engagement manager with TU Dublin, feels hugely supported by her husband and work colleagues. She has reconnected with her creative side, joining a choir, and she likes short woodland strolls. That brings a feeling of energy its something Ellie and I can enjoy together. Enjoying the simpler things has helped me parent better, helped me remember that Im more than my illness. Ellie, now 11, was eight when Murray told her properly about her endometriosis. Children are so intuitive her deafness means shes very attuned; shed see things in your face you wouldnt even be aware of. I could see she knew I wasnt well, that she was worried about me. I wanted to reassure her that, though Ive a chronic illness, Im not going to end up in hospital; shes not going to lose me. I think she was relieved. She used to say, Oh, youre always tired. Now she knows my tiredness isnt me fobbing her off. Orla Marron who has MS is mum to Katie (10) and Kyle (12). They are pictured in her parents garden outside Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan beside her Father Brian's favourite tree. Orla's Mother, Angela also has an MS diagnosis. Photo: Lorraine Teevan A mum with multiple sclerosis Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2017, aged 30, Co Monaghan-based mother of two Orla Marron has always been aware of MS, because her mother has it, too. (MS is not directly inherited from parents, but there is a genetic component.) Married to Christopher, Marron only told her children, Kyle, 12, and Katie, 10, last year. They were four and two when I was diagnosed. I didnt tell them then, because their first vision would be granny with MS and mums in a more severe state, having had MS for 30 years. Marron, who found a treatment that stabilised her condition three years ago, has huge family support. They always helped out on her bad days. That was a huge relief. But parenting with MS was emotionally very hard, particularly when the children were young. During the Beast from the East in 2018, I remember looking out at them from the kitchen window. They were playing in the snow, and I was just not in a good way, and Id have loved nothing more than to be out there with them. To them, mammy was boring, lazy, no fun, and daddy was great craic. Emotionally, that was hard. Its still hard on days Im not able to do the fun things with them. Sometimes, Kyle will say, Do you not want to come out and play football with me? simple things that to a child mean a lot. Receiving treatment by infusion every six weeks, Marron is thankful she generally has four to five good weeks, though when approaching treatment she feels fatigued and it takes time to recover. She has given up her job in banking to focus on her health: Mindfulness, reflexology, and daily exercise are all part of this. I drop the children off at school and I do either mindfulness or exercise. Ive energy [in the mornings], but I dont want to waste it. I need it for when they come home from school. Its a balancing act. An MS Ireland Readathon ambassador last year, she decided then to tell her children about her condition. It was coming anyway: They were asking more questions. Their first reaction was, Youre going to be like granny. Mum is secondary progressive [now] and sometimes in a wheelchair. I said, No, years ago when granny was diagnosed there werent many meds to help her. I explained that there are lots of different medications now, and Im on a really good one thats working very well. And that was sort of it It all fell in to place: I was able to explain why some days mammy is tired, and they understood, Its not that mammy didnt want to play with us theres a reason. Impact on the child According to the 2022 Census, 16% to 19% of 20- to 49-year-olds have a long-lasting condition, and a substantial segment of this age range will likely be parents. Psychotherapist Bethan ORiordan says chronic illness impacts parents across life: Physically, emotionally, logistically, and mentally. She says parents worry enormously about the impact on their child and feel loneliness about the gap between their limited possibilities and how mainstream parents seem to be able to get on with it. Chronic illness also creates extra work around organising contingency plans for days they feel very unwell, a back-up plan for how to get children to school, home from school, fed. ORiordan says what children need most from parents is a consistent presence, the parent tuned in to the childs needs. For a child, feeling safe and secure isnt about being taken here, there, and everywhere: Its about that connection between them and the person who cares for them most. ORiordan urges parents with chronic illness not to compare themselves to other parents and, instead, recommends strategising more. Ask what are you able for? And present this to your child as things to do. Resist pushing to keep up be very realistic about your own limits. Its important to teach children, No, thats not for me, that doesnt suit me. And with chronic illness, its important to say, I cant do this right now, but I can do this, instead. Ask yourself, Can I create a quieter life that suits my needs? When my needs are met, I can be the parent my child needs. Ask: How can I have fun with my child? How can I enjoy them? Playing with bubbles, watching TV together, listening to music, telling stories? ORiordan encourages finding a realistic good enough. This means being very courageous in cultivating a compassionate part of you that knows this illness is not your fault. A compassionate part thats also really committed to finding the life thats realistic for you. Forty-five adults and seven children have been deported from Ireland, the justice minister has confirmed. Jim O'Callaghan said the 52 Georgian individuals 35 men, 10 women, and seven children were removed by charter flight from Dublin on Monday at 9.30pm. The flight landed in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, at 2.30am Irish time on Tuesday morning. The children removed are all part of family groups. Also on the flight to Tiblisi were gardai, medical staff, an interpreter, and a human rights observer. The latest operation brings the total number of people removed by charter flights so far this year to 205. An additional 146 people have been removed from the State on commercial flights. The Department of Justice said 2025 will see the largest number of people deported from the State via charter and commercial flights for more than two decades. Department figures show that some 2,403 deportation orders were signed in 2024, an increase of 180% compared to 2023. This year, 3,877 deportation orders have been signed, as of October 31. A further 1,770 people have departed the State under various mechanisms such as enforced deportation or voluntary return, an option open to people who have no legal status in Ireland, including those who are refused International Protection. Speaking on Tuesday, Mr O'Callaghan said deportations play "an essential role" in ensuring that the country's immigration system "is not undermined, and that people follow the pathways already in place for legal migration". "Todays operation reinforces my commitment in this area," he said. "I would like to thank members of An Garda Siochana and my officials for their continued work in conducting these complex and sensitive operations." The children removed as part of the deportations were all part of family groups. Picture: An Garda Siochana/X Mr O'Callaghan said that the voluntary return programme was "the preferred option" for people who have no legal status, or who have had their international protection application withdrawn or refused. Migration minister Colm Brophy said that charter operations are used as "a last resort, but are a key aspect of our removals process and play an important part in removing people from the State who do not have a legal right to be here". "I would like to highlight that the majority of Georgian people resident in Ireland are doing so legally, having entered the State through the various legal pathways available. They are welcome and contribute immensely to our economy and society," he said. "Charter flights provide an alternative to commercial flights and can be more appropriate in circumstances when a group of people are being removed to the same destination. Michael 'Mick' Moriarty, whose father Peter opened the Baldy Barber more than 87 years ago, has confirmed the shop will close on November 8. Speaking to the Irish Examiner last year, Mick stated high operating costs, including VAT as one of the reasons the shop was going up for sale. Moriarty's first opened its doors in 1937, founded by Mick's late father, Peter Moriarty, on Merchants Quay. It later moved to Blackpool, where Mick took over the shop in 1971. In a statement on social media this week, Mick thanked local patrons and said, "Ill miss the chats, the laughs, and the people....but Ill always be grateful for the memories." Gardai operating a routine checkpoint saw a car stop short of it and the driver walk away with a Lidl shopping bag and followed him to find the bag contained more than 39,000 worth of cannabis. Garda Ann Roche described this incident at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where Robert ORourke, aged 46, of Cathedral Avenue, Shandon, Cork, faced sentencing. The most serious charge to which he pleaded guilty of was one of having drugs for sale or supply at Cathedral St, Cork, on April 2, 2023, at a time when its street value exceeded 13,000. This charge carries a minimum sentence of ten years unless there are exceptional circumstances. Garda Roche testified that a routine traffic checkpoint was in place on the day and that officers on duty there saw the defendant pulling in and parking. He then got out and walked away carrying a shopping bag. When questioned after the stash of drugs were found, he said he had a drugs debt and was transporting the package of drugs to clear some of the debt. Jane Hyland, defending, said of the accused: He is terrified of a custodial sentence. Judge Dermot Sheehan said of the evidence, including background reports on the accused: He has reformed himself completely and he has no previous convictions. He is no longer addicted to drugs. He is in full time employment. This can be regarded as a one-off event in his life. In all the circumstances the judge said a sentence of three years fully suspended was appropriate. A former army captain who claimed a sexual assault on a female solider was an aberration in an otherwise glittering career has failed in his appeal against his dismissal from the Defence Forces. Ross OShea was found guilty by a General Court Martial in October 2022 of sexually assaulting a female non-commissioned officer (NCO) following a social function at a barracks in Leinster on June 25, 2020. He was tried in September 2022 before Military Judge Colonel Michael Campion and a court martial board. The former army captain was convicted on October 14, 2022 of sexually assaulting the woman by moving his open palms up and down her back saying come on, come on or words to that effect at the officers mess. He was also found guilty of one charge of assault against the same officer contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 by moving towards her in a manner that caused her to apprehend an assault. His dismissal was ordered as part of the sentence imposed on these two charges. A custodial sentence of six months detention in the Curragh Camp was also imposed but this was suspended for a period of one year. OShea was charged and tried before the Court Martial with a total of 18 offences. He pleaded guilty to five charges, including charges of conduct contrary to good order and two charges of assault against two female NCO officers contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. He was convicted of two other charges sexual assault and a section 2 assault and acquitted of a further seven charges while four more were withdrawn during the trial. The offences occurred when the former army captain attended a barbecue hosted by the covid joint taskforce during a lockdown period in the pandemic. OShea had been brought to the officers mess by two female NCOs after he had been found asleep and in a state of inebriation sitting in a chair outside a gymnasium where the barbecue had earlier been held. Delivering judgement at the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, Mr Justice John Edwards said the military trial judge had approached the issue with great care and gave detailed and cogent reasons for concluding that dismissal was required in the circumstances of this case. 'Highly relevant facts' He said the fact OShea was an officer in a disciplined force, and that he fell short of the standards and personal qualities expected of him, were both highly relevant facts. Mr Justice Edwards accepted that the sexual assault in this case was non-penetrative and that the physical contact involved amounted to unwelcome touching accompanied by remarks bearing a sexually suggestive innuendo. He said the Section 2 assault was confined to the causing of apprehension of unwelcome physical contact. However, the judge said assessment of gravity involves a combination of both culpability and harm done, going on to note: What cannot be gainsaid is that the psychological impact on both victims was significant and lasting. Mr Justice Edwards went on to note that if these matters had been before a civilian court, it was possible they may have been deemed as meriting a non-custodial sentence. However, he said the fact the offences occurred in the military context changes the calculus. He said the military judge had suggested OSheas conduct was not only criminal in nature but was corrosive of discipline in the Defence Forces. He said the military judges conclusion that OSheas conduct could not be reconciled with continued service as an officer of the Defence Forces was justified. Speaking outside court after the judgement was delivered, OSheas two victims said they welcomed the courts decision to uphold the former army captains dismissal from the Defence Forces. Five bus and taxi operators have gone on trial accused of anti-competition practices in the provision of school transport services across five counties. All five pleaded not guilty on Tuesday at the Central Criminal Court to offences under the Competition Act 2002. The single charge against each accused alleges that between November 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, they engaged in a concerted practice which had as its object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition in trade in the provision of school transport services. The prosecution is being taken by the Competition Authority and the trial is expected to last up to six weeks. Mr Justice David Keane empanelled a jury of seven men and five women to hear the trial. Mr Justice Keane said that during the relevant period, the accused men operated businesses providing school bus and transport services in Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, South Galway, and Waterford. The allegation is that they engaged in wrongdoing in connection with those businesses, the judge said. The accused, who all have addresses in Co Tipperary, are Andrew Walsh, of Derrymore, Roscrea; Raymond Heney, aged 54, of Camas, Cashel; Noel Browne, of Bansha; Larry Hickey, aged 73, of Ardmayle, Cashel; and Anthony Flynn, aged 51, of Golden Rd, Cashel. Simon Harris says there are legitimate issues surrounding transparency in media, after revelations that broadcaster Ivan Yates carried out media training for senior figures in Fianna Fail, including Taoiseach Micheal Martin. The Tanaiste said the media regulator Coimisiun na Mean should examine the matter. I think theres also legitimate issues around transparency in media that I think broadcasters and the regulator in Coimisiun na Mean should consider as well, Mr Harris said. Its interesting that some organisations have decided to keep their analysis just to the period of the presidential election. I think its now very clear that the issue goes beyond the presidential election but thats a matter for others and I dont wish to comment on it. On Monday, it was confirmed that Taoiseach Micheal Martin and other senior ministers in Fianna Fail received media training from Mr Yates. Mr Yates, a broadcaster and former Fine Gael agriculture minister, was dropped from the Path to Power podcast over revelations surrounding his work for Fianna Fail, with Newstalk also confirming they were reviewing his contributions on the station in the run-up to the presidential election. Coimisiun na Mean confirmed they would be seeking information from both RTE and Newstalk about Mr Yates' contributions during the election. Mr Harris said he was frustrated with how the media questioned the Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys about links to Mr Yates when he had worked with the Fianna Fail candidate. Fianna Fail confirmed Jim Gavin received two training sessions with Mr Yates, providing him with preparation for TV interviews and debates. Its now quite clear, not only was he not advising Fine Gael, he was being paid for by another party, Mr Harris said. But the presidential election has happened. President-elect Connolly will be inaugurated next week. Its interesting, all these bits of information will come into the public domain after the election campaign. Mr Harris added that it was an internal Fianna Fail issue, saying it is a matter for them who they decide to be trained by. Taoiseach: 'It's no secret' However, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said there had been a lack of balance and perspective on how the Ivan Yates issue had been treated. All political parties use media training from time to time, Fianna Fail is no different to any other political party in that respect. Indeed Ivan Yates worked for the party in the European elections and in the general election. Mr Martin said it was no secret and that Fianna Fail would have disclosed it as part of SIPO returns. I would take issue with some attemps to conflate the fact that he worked four hours with Jim Gavin and subsequent remarks he made in respect of the presidential, that had nothing to do with Fianna Fail and we wouldnt approve of. Mr Martin said the intersection between media, politics, polling companies and pundits is a very fluid one I grew up during the Troubles in the North, in a place where fear was part of everyday life. You learned the sound of danger early, the whine of a British Saracen on patrol, the thud of boots, the crashing of glass bottles, the way the streets could break out in riots in seconds. I remember the smell of petrol bombs and fires, the nights you couldnt sleep for house raids. That was normal. Our normal. When I left Derry in the early 1980s for London, I thought I was leaving all that behind. But the first weekend I arrived, the Brixton riots broke out in Stoke Newington. I stood on a street corner watching smoke balloon out of shop windows, people running, shouting, police sirens. It was chaos, a familiar chaos. London was tough then, but buzzing. People worked hard, drank harder, laughed louder. I made a life there, like so many others whod left Ireland before me the emigrants, the runaways, and the dreamers. Yet, no matter how far you travelled, that old tension lived inside you, a kind of muscle memory. Ill never forget July 7, 2005. I was having breakfast in Liverpool St, getting ready to head to work when I heard the explosion. The sound was unmistakable. I turned to my husband, and said: Thats a bomb. The first weekend Jane Buckley arrived in London, the Brixton riots broke out in Stoke Newington. She stood on a street corner watching smoke balloon out of shop windows, people running, shouting, police sirens. He looked at me, baffled, but I knew. You dont grow up in the North and mistake that sound for anything else. Back living in Ireland, Ive watched the last few years with a mix of sadness and disbelief. The anger. The division. Its still here. The protests on our streets especially the scenes of unrest in Citywest pre-planned online, people shouting about immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees coming here. Ive seen that look before. The fear, the blame, the us and them. Its strange how quickly memory fades. The truth is: We Irish have scattered across every corner of the world. More than 30m Americans claim Irish ancestry. The Irish diaspora is one of the largest in history. Didnt we leave these shores in waves, fleeing hunger, poverty, and violence? Then we arrived on foreign soil, frightened but hopeful. We were the ones who built new lives and communities abroad. Now, when others try to do the same here, we turn our backs on them Maybe Im naive, but I thought wed have learned by now. I thought that our history over hundreds of years might have softened us up somehow, helped us understand, but it seems the same old story plays out again and again: New faces, same fear, same politicians whipping it up and pretending to have answers or trying not to answer. The world feels angrier now. Maybe its the internet, maybe its the cost of living, maybe its people just worn down. When I hear crowds chanting against people whove come here for a better life, I cant help but think of myself and so many others who left Ireland before me. We were migrants too. Not everyone welcomed us. We know that feeling. History repeating itself Im not saying Ireland doesnt have our own problems, of course we do. Housing, jobs, education, and health services stretched to breaking point. Shouting at people whove already lost everything isnt the answer its history repeating itself. When I was a girl, I thought the Troubles would never end. Then, for a while, I believed the Good Friday Agreement would fix everything. Now, Im not so sure the world changes at all. The faces do, the slogans do, but the anger stays the same. Has the world got better? Maybe on paper. Theres peace in the North, at least a version of it. I can walk through Derry now, enter shops without British checkpoints or sangars on the walls. However, scratch the surface and the divisions are still there just dressed differently. What I saw happening in Dublin reminded me of the past, not the future. If we cant look at those arriving and see a reflection of who we were frightened, hopeful, desperate for a new start then weve learned nothing. The Troubles taught me a lot about hate, but more about survival. It taught me about holding on to humanity and community when everything around you falls apart. Maybe thats whats missing now: Humanity. We seem to forget what it feels like to be on the outside looking in. Thinking of all the experiences Ive had in my life Derry in the 1970s, Brixton in the 1980s, London on 7/7 I wonder: Have we really moved on at all? To me, it looks like the same old troubles just in different clothes. Search teams are digging through ice and snow on a mountain in Nepal in a bid to recover the bodies of seven climbers who were killed by an avalanche. The avalanche hit the base camp at Mount Yalung Ri, located at 4,900 metres (16,070 feet), on Monday morning. Snowstorms prevented rescuers from reaching the site on the day. Improving weather allowed a helicopter to reach the base camp on Tuesday and rescuers were able to begin sifting through the snow and ice. Didier Armand is being treated in hospital (Niranjan Shrestha/AP) Dolkha district police chief Gyan Kumar Mahato said four climbers who were injured in the avalanche were rescued by the helicopter and flown to the capital Kathmandu for treatment. Two French nationals are being treated at the Era Hosptial in Kathmandu. Isabelle Solange Thaon, 54, said she lost her husband, identified as Christian Manfred, in the avalanche but was lucky to have survived with another French climber, Didier Armand. We were lucky because we were on the left, Ms Thaon said from her hospital bed. And we leap (over the) rocks and we swim along and after we were in the snow and after someone came immediately (to help). Unfortunately, Christian died It was not possible because of rocks hit his head, she said, adding she was lucky because she was not covered by the snow piled up by the avalanche. The other people were under the snow, they said they think it was six metres (20ft) under snow so it was completely dead in front. It was not possible to help them. Also among those killed were two Nepali mountain guides, but the identity of the remaining four was still unclear. At least three bodies were pulled out of the snow by Tuesday afternoon, he said. Mount Yalung Ri is a 5,600m (18,370ft) peak, considered suitable for beginner climbers. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Two visions of the future of Gaza are congealing, in two different power centers. One is the Arab and Muslim foreign ministers who met Monday in Istanbul, including Turkiye, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Tuesday morning that the group rejects any foreign custodianship over Gaza. He also said that Hamas is prepared to hand over the governance of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian administration. He and the other foreign ministers want a formal United Nations Security Council mandate for any international military force in Gaza, with careful specifications of its role. Fidan warned that the Palestinian West Bank must not be ethnically cleansed, nor should there be any alteration in the Status Quo of the al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem, the third holiest site for the worlds two billion Muslims. Or by check: Juan Cole P. O. Box 4218, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548 USA (Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed) Pakistan, Turkiye and Indonesia are thought to be prepared to send peace-keeping troops to Gaza, possibly along with Egypt and Azerbaijan, while the Gulf states would support the effort monetarily. The extreme-right Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is opposed to Turkish troops in Gaza, but Ankara has good relations with US President Donald Trump and he may overrule Tel Avivs objections. Yeni Safak [New Dawn], which is close to the government of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, reports that Turkiye insists on having military personnel in Gaza, possibly officers who could serve as observers of the ceasefire, which Turkiye accuses Israel of continually violating, or search and rescue teams helping clear away rubble and recover the bodies of the thousands of Palestinians killed in their apartment buildings by the systematic Israeli Air Force bombardment of the past two years. The newspaper says that Turkiye could send peacekeeping troops, but that it is more likely that that role will be undertaken by other countries. Turkiye is eager to get the international Muslim peacekeepers on the ground as soon as possible in order to forestall Israel from continuing to occupy Gaza and from starting back up its bombardment of the Strip, as it did last week, killing over 100 Palestinians mostly noncombatants. Istanbul Conference, Digital, ChatGPT, 2025 The vision enunciated at the Istanbul conference, of a Palestinian administration supported by ground troops from major Muslim powers in preparation for a return of Gaza to rule by the Palestine Authority, is anathema to Netanyahu and it isnt exactly the same as the Trump plan. Barak Ravid at Axios reports that he has seen a US draft resolution sent to the UN Security Council regarding the international force, which Washington hopes will be on the ground by January. Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend to let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends. The Trump plan involves creating a Board of Peace, which he will head up, to which the international troops will report. That sounds like the foreign tutelage over Gaza that the Muslim foreign ministers in Istanbul just rejected. The Board of Peace will supervise a technocratic Palestinian administration. That is, Palestinian parties that actually represent Palestinians will be excluded, in favor of credentialed individuals with no grass roots. The Board of Peace, which will have substantial input from Israel and Egypt, would preside over Gaza for two years and then hand it over to the Palestine Authority, which in the meantime will have had to undertake reforms. Again, Netanyahu and his fellow genocidaires are die-hard opposed to returning Gaza to rule by the Palestine Authority, which is dominated by the Palestine Liberation Organization, because they fear a unified administration of the West Bank and Gaza would form a plausible basis for the emergence of a Palestinian state, which everyone but Israel wants. The Trump plan sounds a lot like Bushs Iraq, where the US Department of Defense ran the country for a year, with appointed Iraqi technocrats under a US viceroy and coalition of the willing troops on the ground. It didnt go well. Committee on Academic Freedom | Middle East Studies Association | Letter to the Chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, denouncing the suspension pending termination of Professor Tamar Shirinian Donde Plowman Chancellor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville chancellor@utk.edu Dear Chancellor Plowman: We write on behalf of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) and its Committee on Academic Freedom to express our grave concern about the capricious and hasty suspension of Assistant Professor Tamar Shirinian of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and your decision to terminate her. This action, allegedly taken because of comments Professor Shirinian made on social media, violates her First Amendment right to free speech as well as the principles of academic freedom which your university claims to uphold. Founded in 1966, MESA promotes scholarship and teaching on the Middle East and North Africa. As the preeminent organization in the field, the Association publishes the prestigious International Journal of Middle East Studies and has nearly 2,800 members worldwide. Our organization is committed to ensuring academic freedom and freedom of expression both within the Middle East and in connection with the study of the region both in and outside of North America. Following the assassination on 10 September 2025 of Charlie Kirk, leader of Turning Point USA, Professor Shirinian made comments on social media that some found highly objectionable. Professor Shirinian subsequently took down the comments and apologized for them, explaining that she had seen them as private in character and intended only for a small group of friends. Nonetheless, right-wing social media activists and others launched a campaign to have Professor Shirinian dismissed. On 15 September 2025 the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, capitulated to outside pressure by suspending Professor Shirinian and initiating proceedings to terminate her. Although Professor Shirinians expression of her opinions on social media is clearly protected by the First Amendment and the principles of academic freedom, your letter suspending her pending termination dangerously mischaracterized her action as constituting gross professional misconduct and dereliction of responsibility, and as causing reputational damage to the university. We note that your suspension of Professor Shirinian was not preceded by a transparent investigative process that conformed to established principles and procedures of faculty governance but was instead an arbitrary and hasty decision on your part. As faculty at your university have pointed out , your action in this matter violated the universitys faculty handbook, which stipulates that it is the provost, not the chancellor, who is empowered to initiate termination proceedings against a faculty member. Your action also ignores or violates your universitys own policy regarding free speech as well as the University of Tennessee systems Policies Governing Academic Freedom Responsibility and Tenure , both of which clearly state that freedom of speech and inquiry are essential to your institutions mission. We further note your action violates the State of Tennessees 2017 Campus Free Speech Protection Act , which unambiguously obliges colleges and universities in Tennessee to adhere to the following principle: An institution shall be committed to maintaining a campus as a marketplace of ideas for all students and all faculty in which the free exchange of ideas is not to be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the institutions community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, indecent, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, radical, or wrong-headed. Given that your letter suspending Professor Shirinian pending termination invoked her alleged violation of the professional norm of civility inherently ambiguous and much disputed we call your attention to the warning issued by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) against using extramural utterances as grounds for dismissal. We share that concern and regard your suspension of Professor Shirinian pending termination as a denial of her right to due process as well as of her academic freedom and her right to freedom of speech. As Professor Shirinian and critics of your action have pointed out, the University of Tennessee has a history of defending the free speech rights of faculty under attack by individuals and groups based outside the university for making statements some deem controversial or beyond the pale, including in connection with political violence in the United States. We now call on you to live up to that history by immediately rescinding Professor Shirinians suspension and halting termination proceedings against her. We further call on you to forcefully and publicly affirm your commitment to respect and defend the academic freedom as well as the First Amendment and due process rights of all members of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, community. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, Asl U. Bali MESA President Professor, Yale Law School Laurie A. Brand Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom Professor Emerita, University of Southern California Cc: Randy Boyd President, University of Tennessee System John Zomchick Provost, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Professor Charles Noble President, Faculty Senate, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Farida Shaheed United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education Sudan's army-backed authorities will meet on Tuesday to discuss a US proposal for a ceasefire in the war with the paramilitary, a government source told AFP, as the UN chief called for an end to the "nightmare of violence". The war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions more over the past two years, has spread to new areas of Sudan in recent days, sparking fears of an even graver humanitarian catastrophe. After mediating in other conflicts in Africa and the Middle East in recent months, the US administration under Donald Trump is pushing for a ceasefire in Sudan. The army-aligned authorities had rejected an earlier truce proposal under which both they and the paramilitaries they are fighting would be excluded from a transitional political process. The latest discussions follow an escalation on the ground, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) appearing to prepare an assault on the central Kordofan region after it captured El-Fasher, the last army stronghold in Darfur region. "The Security and Defence Council will hold a meeting today to discuss the US truce proposal," the army-aligned government source said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media. People forced to flee El-Fasher have described to AFP scenes of fear and violence. Mohamed Abdullah, 56, told AFP he was stopped by RSF fighters while fleeing El-Fasher on Saturday, just hours before its fall. "They demanded our phones, money, everything. They kept searching us thoroughly," he said of the RSF. On his way to Tawila, about 70 kilometres (45 miles) to the west, he saw "a body left on the street that looked like it had been eaten by a dog." - 'Out of control' - Trump's envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, held talks in Sudan's neighbour Egypt on Sunday with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and then on Monday with the Arab League. During the talks, Abdelatty stressed "the importance of concerted efforts to reach a humanitarian truce and a ceasefire throughout Sudan, paving the way for a comprehensive political process in the country", according to a foreign ministry statement. According to the Arab League, Boulos met the regional body's chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and briefed him on recent US efforts in Sudan to "halt the war, expedite aid delivery and initiate a political process". The so-called Quad group, comprising the United States, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, has been engaged in months of diplomacy aimed at securing a truce in the more than 30-month conflict in Sudan. In September, the four powers proposed a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to civilian rule, but the army-aligned government immediately rejected the plan at the time. In the aftermath of the RSF's assault on the key city of El-Fasher, reports emerged of mass killings, sexual violence, attacks on aid workers, looting and abductions during the offensive. The International Criminal Court on Monday voiced "profound alarm and deepest concern" over such reports, warning that such acts "may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity". Speaking at a forum in Qatar, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on the warring parties to "come to the negotiating table, bring an end to this nightmare of violence -- now". "The horrifying crisis in Sudan... is spiralling out of control," he added. - 'Do not kill children' - At a protest in Sudan's capital Khartoum, which is under army control, children took part in an anti-paramilitary protest on Monday. One pupil held up a handwritten sign that read: "Do not kill children, do not kill women." "The militia is killing the women of El-Fasher with no mercy," read another sign. Despite repeated international appeals, the warring sides -- both of which are accused of committing atrocities -- have so far ignored calls for a ceasefire. The UAE is accused by the UN of supplying arms to the RSF -- allegations it has repeatedly denied. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army has received support from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran, according to observers. The fall of El-Fasher gave paramilitaries control over all five state capitals in Darfur, raising fears that Sudan would effectively be partitioned along an east-west axis. The RSF now dominates Darfur and parts of the south while the army holds the north, east and central regions along the Nile and Red Sea. Cement conglomerate Lafarge went on trial in France Tuesday, accused of paying the Islamic State group and other jihadists protection money to build its business in war-torn Syria. In a similar case in the United States, the French firm pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to US-designated "terrorist" organisations and agreed to pay a $778-million fine, in what was the first time a corporation had faced the charge. In the French trial, Lafarge -- which has since been acquired by Swiss conglomerate Holcim -- is accused of paying millions of dollars in 2013 and 2014, via its subsidiary Lafarge Cement Syria (LCS), to jihadist groups and intermediaries to keep its plant operating in northern Syria. Groups it allegedly paid include the Islamic State group (IS) and Syria's then Al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra. Defendants include Lafarge, its former chief Bruno Lafont, five ex-members of operational and security staff, and two Syrian intermediaries. One of the Syrians was not present and is subject to an international arrest warrant. The defendants were accused of "funding terrorism" and violating international sanctions at the start of the trial. Lafarge could face a fine of up to $1.2 million if found guilty of "funding terrorism" and much more if found to have breached sanctions. Holcim, which took over Lafarge in 2015, has said it had no knowledge of the Syria dealings. - Syrian staff left behind - Lafarge finished building a $680-million factory in Jalabiya in 2010, before Syria's civil war erupted in March the following year amid opposition to then-president Bashar al-Assad's brutal repression of anti-government protests. Foreign groups and powers also became involved and IS jihadists gained ground from 2013. They seized large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, declaring a so-called cross-border "caliphate". They implemented their brutal interpretation of Islamic law, carrying out public executions, cutting off the hands of thieves, and selling women from the Yazidi minority as sex slaves. While other multinational companies left Syria in 2012, Lafarge evacuated only its expatriate employees and left its Syrian staff in place until September 2014, when IS seized control of the factory. In 2013 and 2014, LCS allegedly paid intermediaries to access raw materials from IS and other groups and to allow free movement for the company's trucks and employees. Kurdish-led Syrian fighters, backed by the air power of a US-led coalition, defeated IS and its proto-state in 2019. - Crimes against humanity? - An inquiry was opened in France in 2017 after several media reports and two legal complaints in 2016, one from the finance ministry for the alleged breaching of an economic sanction and another from non-governmental groups and 11 former LCS staff members over alleged "funding of terrorism". The Paris trial is scheduled to last until December 16. In the US case, the Justice Department said Lafarge sought IS help to squeeze out competitors, operating an effective "revenue sharing agreement" with them. Lafont, who was chief executive from 2007 to 2015 when Lafarge merged with Holcim, at the time denounced the inquiry as "biased". Another French investigation into Lafarge's alleged complicity with crimes against humanity is ongoing. In the United States, around 430 Americans of Yazidi background and Nobel laureate Nadia Murad have filed a civil suit accusing the group of supporting brutal attacks on the population through a conspiracy with IS. edy-ah/ekf/tw Holcim Group Mauritania's Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected former president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz's second appeal against his conviction for abusing his office to illegally amass a vast fortune, confirming his 15-year prison sentence. Aziz, who came to power in a 2008 coup, was originally sentenced to five years' jail in December 2023 after being found to have accumulated $70 million worth of assets and capital during his presidency by illicit means. But after challenging that ruling for the first time, an appeals court extended his time in jail by 10 years in May 2025, which the Supreme Court upheld on Tuesday. "The (Supreme) Court delivered its decision today, November 4, 2025, confirming the conviction of Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz," according to a judicial document obtained by AFP. The ruling makes Aziz, 69, one of the rare former heads of state condemned for illicit enrichment while in office. Most ex-leaders tried in the national or international courts are prosecuted for war crimes. It also seals his fall from grace under his successor and former right-hand man Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, who was at Aziz's side during the coup. Aziz has been in custody since his original trial began in 2023, while the authorities have confiscated the former leader's assets and stripped him of his civic rights. He led the country linking the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa until 2019, returning a nation once prone to coups and jihadist activities by and large to stability. A Central African Republic court Tuesday handed 10 years forced labour to a consultant for an American NGO accused of seeking an armed group's help in capturing the notorious Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. Joseph Martin Figueira, a Belgian-Portuguese dual-citizen working for the Family Health International 360 group, was convicted of undermining state security in the country, which is still plagued by armed groups. He was arrested in May 2024 and had initially faced six charges, including conspiracy and espionage, over his contacts with fighters in the restive eastern region of Haut-Mbomou, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. The public prosecutor accused him of "giving orders" to an influential militia to help track down Kony, the fugitive leader of the Lord's Resistance Army who has operated in the Central African Republic. The court ordered Figueira to pay damages of 50 million CFA francs (around $88,000) to the Central African state to compensate for the harm suffered due to the financial and political support provided to armed groups, a lawyer said. "I was not expecting that sort of verdict. I will appeal to the Court of Cassation. We have a three-day deadline to do so," Figueira told AFP after the verdict was handed down. His lawyer, Nicolas Tiangaye, insisted that "this trial was not fair", claiming that his client had been "tortured". - Kony ICC case - During the hearing, prosecutor Jean Vidal Damas presented more than an hour's worth of conversations between Figueira and top brass from an armed group, the powerful Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC), to the court as evidence. In the discussions, Figueira can be heard speaking with UPC leader Ali Darassa, one of Darassa's political advisers and a representative for the International Criminal Court, Nicolas Herrera. The ICC is seeking Kony for 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, torture, enslavement and sexual slavery, allegedly committed between July 2002 and December 2005 in northern Uganda. "The mere act of giving orders to an unconventional armed group can be equated to complicity, to criminal association," Damas argued. Kony's September hearing at the court in The Hague was the first ever to be held without the suspect present. Kony has not been seen in public since 2006. Despite a 2019 peace deal between the Central African Republic's government and 14 rebel groups, several armed factions continue to fight and claim control over parts of the country. The Central African government inked a peace agreement with the UPC in April, as well as with the influential Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation (3R) militia. Both armed groups began handing in their weapons in August. Since independence from France in 1960, the Central African Republic has seen a succession of conflicts, coups and authoritarian rulers. In recent years the intervention of a United Nations peacekeeping mission, Rwandan troops and Russian mercenaries from the notorious Wagner paramilitary group has helped to improve the security situation. Yet anti-government fighters are still at large on the country's main highways, as well as in the east near the borders with war-torn Sudan and South Sudan. Monday, November, 03, 2025 - Vocal Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, has strongly opposed the proposed Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, accusing the Executive of using it to suppress churches and undermine their independence. Speaking on Monday, Owino warned that the Bill, which seeks to regulate religious institutions to curb extremism and promote accountability, could ultimately finish the church. I want to condemn the Bill that is being prepared by the Executive, a Bill that is interfering with the independence of the churches in this nation, he said. He described the move as retrogressive and dangerous, urging Kenyans to reject any attempt to silence religious voices. We will not sit back and watch the church being finished. We will support anything that goes with God, Owino declared. Owino emphasized the churchs vital role in society, arguing that it must remain free to speak truth to power. The Church does not exist at the pleasure of any Government. It exists by divine calling to speak the truth, even when that truth is uncomfortable, he said. Owino also criticized provisions in the Bill that prohibit churches from engaging in political activities or organizing debates in support of specific parties or candidates. He warned that such restrictions could muzzle the churchs prophetic voice and moral authority. The Government has its place but the Church must remain a moral compass, he concluded. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, November 3, 2025 - Digital detectives have once again struck, this time unmasking a lady alleged to be former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonkos secret lover. According to sources, the flamboyant politician is reportedly entangled in a steamy affair with a young medic identified as Cate Mutheu, believed to hail from Machakos County. Insiders reveal that just a few weeks ago, Sonko and Mutheu jetted off to Dubai, where they spent quality time together, enjoying the citys lavish lifestyle away from the public eye. Despite being married, Sonko has often admitted to having a history of infidelity, once publicly confessing that he had cheated on his wife multiple times, even as he urged men to respect their wives. Below are photos of his alleged side chick. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, November 3, 2025 - The political climate in Kapseret Constituency has taken an ugly turn after reports emerged that goons allegedly linked to MP Oscar Sudi attacked and seriously injured his vocal critic, Ken Maswai. According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred late Sunday evening when Maswai was ambushed by a group of men believed to be Sudis supporters. The attackers reportedly descended on him with crude weapons, leaving him with severe facial injuries. Photos circulating online show Maswais face swollen and bloodied, sparking outrage among Kenyans online who have condemned the incident as yet another case of political thuggery. Maswai, a known social media activist, has in recent months been a constant thorn in Sudis flesh, frequently calling him out over alleged corruption, arrogance, and misuse of public funds. Speaking from his hospital bed, Maswai accused Sudi of being behind the attack, saying he had received multiple threats prior to the assault. See his photos below. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, November, 03, 2025 - Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has shed new light on former Prime Minister Raila Odingas final days, disclosing that a blood clot discovered in the late Raila Odingas head was the reason behind his medical trip to India. Speaking in an interview on Sunday, November 2nd, Oburu revealed that doctors in Nairobi initially detected the clot and began treatment using strong medication aimed at dissolving it. However, the intensity of the treatment reportedly weakened Raila, prompting the decision to seek specialized care abroad. A blood clot was discovered in the late Railas head, and it was being dissolved by our doctors here in Nairobi, but they were using strong medicine, which was wearing him down. He was feeling weak and tired because of that kind of medication, Oburu said. He added that upon arrival in Mumbai, Indian doctors successfully cleared the clot, after which Raila was discharged and moved to Kerala for recuperation. In the same interview, Oburu defended ODMs Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, amid internal calls for his removal. He emphasized that this is a time for unity, not division, within the party. This is not the time to talk about the ouster of any ODM member. We need all members, including Sifuna, and he is in my view doing a good job, Oburu stated. He further backed Sifunas recent remarks on the broad-based Government and the 2027 elections, affirming that they reflect the official ODM position. When Edwin Sifuna said whatever he said, he was within his rights he is not isolated, Oburu asserted. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, November 03, 2025 - Jubilee Party Secretary-General, Jeremiah Kioni, has declared the partys readiness to reclaim political ground ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Speaking in an interview on Monday, November 3rd, Kioni admitted past missteps while vowing a strategic revival aimed at unseating President William Ruto. Weve been there 10 years. We know where we went wrong in 2022, and I can tell you, those are not mistakes we are going to repeat, he said. Kioni emphasized that Jubilee is now better structured and more prepared, with a presidential candidate already identified, unlike in the previous election cycle. Fortunately for us, unlike 2022, we have a candidate and a structure. We now prepare for 2027, properly, he added. He also issued a stern warning to political actors, stressing that Kenyas Gen Z voters will not tolerate electoral manipulation. Citing recent unrest in Tanzania as a cautionary tale, Kioni urged leaders to respect democratic processes. The events in Tanzania over the past week show what can happen when citizens are pushed to their limits, he noted. Kioni praised Kenyas youth for their political awareness and resilience. If you are unpopular, make an exit plan. The country must be allowed to function, and the elections must reflect the will of the people, he said. Jubilee Party has endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi as their presidential candidate to face President Ruto in 2027 elections. The Kenyan DAILY POST Stories of High-Quality Development | Dai Bin: 'Su Super League' reflects cultural creativity of the people People's Daily Online) 13:28, November 04, 2025 Culture is a crucial factor for satisfying people's ever-growing needs for a better life. While developing the economy, how are various regions across China also exploring ways to cultivate values, nurture minds, and enrich people's lives through public cultural programs? The "Su Super League" that went viral this summer gave an answer to this question. From hosting matches and shining a light on local culture to strengthening the city's spirit and promoting tourism, the "Su Super League" always puts people in the spotlight. Exciting matches showcase not only competitive spirit but also emotional value, said Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, when hosting People's Daily's video series "Stories of High-Quality Development." New buzzwords, viral memes and waves of tourists reflect the cultural creativity of the people, he added. People are the intersection of culture and economics. Humanomics in the new era centers on people, continuously meeting their growing aspirations for a better life and providing them with more and better spiritual nourishment, Dai noted. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) Alison O'Riordan Double murder accused Ruth Lawrence and her boyfriend acted as "a unit and a tag team" to "lure" a drug dealer to their home to murder him in a "highly calculated" crime, a prosecution barrister has told a jury. Michael O'Higgins SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, today gave his closing speech in the Central Criminal Court trial, submitting that the "trail very quickly" led back to Ruth Lawrence and her South African boyfriend Neville van der Westhuizen, who enjoyed a "symbiotic relationship". Counsel said Ms Lawrence had shot Mr O'Connor in the stomach intending to kill him but she had not acted alone and her boyfriend had "finished him off'. He described the accused's familiarity and comfort of "posturing with a gun" as "sinister". The trial has heard that Ms Lawrence was extradited from South Africa to face trial in 2023, nearly a decade after the bodies of Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32) were found on a lake island in the midlands. Ms Lawrence (46), who is originally from Clontarf in Dublin but with an address at Patricks Cottage, Ross, Mountnugent in Co Meath has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Keegan and Mr O'Connor at an unknown location within the State on a date between April 22nd, 2014, and May 26th, 2014, both dates inclusive. Addressing the jury today, Michael O'Higgins SC with Jane Horgan-Jones BL, prosecuting, described the case as a "highly-detailed" one, where it is the State's contention that drug dealer Mr O'Connor was "lured" to Patricks Cottage for the purpose of murdering him. Mr O'Higgins said it is unclear on the evidence whether Ms Lawrence and Mr van der Westhuizen were aware Mr Keegan was going to be with Mr O'Connor on April 22nd. "But whether or not they were aware, a plan was fine-tuned and he was murdered too". Counsel said it is the prosecution's case that Ms Lawrence shot Mr O'Connor in the stomach intending to kill him. "She was not acting alone," counsel said. Mr O'Higgins said that Neville, who was also armed, was described by one of the witnesses as having finished Mr O'Connor off. Mr O'Higgins said it appeared that Neville had "grappled" with Mr O'Connor, who was then shot in the head. He said the sequence of the two murders is unclear and it was far more likely that Mr Keegan was probably killed first when he was shot in the back of the head. The trial has heard that two witnesses - father and daughter Jason and Stacey Symes - came forward to An Garda Siochana in 2014 and gave voluntary statements about the alleged involvement of Ms Lawrence and Mr van der Westhuizen in the murders of the two men. Key witness Stacey Symes, who has the benefit of the "Witness Security Programme", gave evidence to the trial that Ms Lawrence told her that she had shot Mr O'Connor "but it went wrong", so her boyfriend Neville "took over". The witness also said that she and her father were asked to help move the bodies of the two men. The prosecutor said today it is the State's case that the double murder was a joint enterprise. He added: "They act as a unit, a team and tag team. The actions of one is performed in the name of the other and both as a matter of law are equally liable for the outcome". Mr O'Higgins said the trail very quickly led back to Neville and Ms Lawrence. He told the jurors it was clear that the steps taken to execute these crimes were "highly, highly calculated" and said the evidence suggested that the couple enjoyed a symbiotic relationship. Going through the evidence in the trial, the barrister said witness Jason Symes got to know Neville when he [Jason Symes] bought a car from him maybe as far back as 2009. He said Jason Symes and his daughter Stacey - who he called "low level drug dealers" - later met up with Neville and Ms Lawrence, when the accused introduced herself as a tattoo artist. He said a drug dealing relationship had grown out of this. Counsel said Mr Symes, who described himself as a chronic alcoholic, had testified that he sold two ounces of 'cannabis weed' over a fortnight but didn't have the nerve for it. Counsel told the jury that one phone was shared between the father and daughter for these transactions, which he submitted told them as much as they needed to know about the scale of the operation. Mr O'Higgins said Ms Symes had given evidence that there were discussions in a Dublin pub about robbing Mr O'Connor's house which had drugs in it. He said the witness had said that a person identified in court only as Mr CD had wanted Mr O'Connor's drugs stolen for retribution. Mr O'Higgins also referred to the Symes giving evidence about travelling to a house in Dublin where Neville was handed a bag. Ms Symes, he said, testified that she had heard a "clicking noise" and Neville saying "this is loaded". He said Ms Symes also recalled that Neville later took the gun apart, cleaned it and showed it off. The barrister drew the jury's attention to other evidence given by Ms Symes concerning Ms Lawrence showing her how to load bullets into a "little black gun" in her bedroom. "With regards to the gun, Stacey said Ruth was driving around with the gun in her waist, was happy about it and enjoyed whatever it was doing for her." Counsel said this showed the accused's familiarity and comfort with the process of going around armed with a gun. Clearly, he said, it was not for some pursuit of shooting tins or rabbits. "It's sinister and is it a step along the way where an instance might arise where Ms Lawrence might have crossed the rubicon of posturing a gun to using a gun?". The lawyer went on to tell the jury that Mr Symes had also seen Ms Lawrence carrying around a weapon, which he thought was a toy gun, and putting it down the back of her trousers. Referring to Good Friday on April 18th, 2014, counsel said Ms Symes gave evidence that she saw "a brick of white" being taken out of the couple's car at Patricks Cottage. "The prosecution contends that this is a follow up from the meeting in the pub in Dublin, where it was suggested that Mr O'Connor's drugs be stolen. The prosecution contends that the event described on Good Friday was a burglary and in that burglary, drugs were taken". Mr O'Higgins noted that a "seminal thing" had happened on the night of Easter Monday April 21, when the couple's landlord was asked about getting hold of a boat for them. "Is it a coincidence of a Monday night before two men are shot dead and their bodies put on Inchicup Island - 100 meters off the shore - that a boat is being sought?". Referring to the phones in the case, counsel said there was a call between Mr O'Connor and Neville around 7.10pm on April 22 but thereafter no calls took place. He indicated there must have been a specific meeting point mentioned in that 7.10pm call. He said it was the prosecution's case that both men were shot in a field not far from Patricks Cottage and that the bodies were moved to the island later that night. The lawyer told the jury that Ms Symes had recalled in her evidence that she learnt Mr O'Connor was dead from the accused and Neville talking over each other. He said Ms Symes remembered the accused woman saying she had shot Mr O'Connor but he twisted and it went wrong and that Neville took over and both boys ended up dead. "She said Ruth thought it was funny that the other fella said she would die for him as they were friends". Counsel pointed to what he submitted was the reliable evidence in the case of the accused's direct involvement in the murders and the shooting of Mr O'Connor as relayed by Ms Symnes. In summary, Mr O'Higgins referred to Ms Symes' testimony concerning the pathology about the shooting of Mr O'Connor in the stomach area, the twisting and headlock details and the description of the placement of the bodies. "How is all this information coming forward if it wasn't heard?" he asked the jury. Counsel said the defence had called evidence that the accused had done "good things" in 2017; "a meals on wheels type set up". However, the lawyer said it was not disputed in 2013 that Ms Lawrence was living with Neville, who was a drug dealer of some input, and taking lots of cocaine. "That is not at that time what you would describe as a person of good character and nothing of what was said in 2017 can mitigate that". The defence called evidence last week from a South African pastor, who said the accused feared she would become a victim of human trafficking and had both stayed in and worked at women's refuges in two South African cities. The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of four men and eight women. In his opening address, Mr O'Higgins said the evidence will be that Mr O'Connor sold drugs to Neville van der Westhuizen, who owed the deceased man in the region of 70,000. Mr O'Higgins told the jury the State would argue that Ms Lawrence shot drug dealer Mr O'Connor and worked "as a unit" with her boyfriend to kill him and Mr Keegan, with their bodies later found "bound in rope, tape and covered in tarpaulin" on Inchicup Island on Lough Sheelin. By Bairbre Holmes, PA A woman in her 30s was seriously injured by a firework which was reportedly launched into a home in Dublin on Halloween night, gardai have said. In a statement they said uniformed gardai were on patrol at a bonfire on Cashel Avenue in Crumlin on Friday evening when fireworks and missiles were fired at them, forcing them to withdraw. Public order units were then deployed to allow Dublin Fire Brigade to attend safely. At about 6.30pm, gardai on the scene were told a firework had been fired into a private residence. A woman was treated at the scene by Dublin Fire Brigade before being brought to St Jamess Hospital with serious, but not life-threatening, injuries. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses who were in the area between 5.45pm and 6.45pm on Friday to come forward. They have also asked anyone who might have camera footage (including dash-cam) to make it available to their investigators. An exhibition by local artist, Bernadette Kiely, will take place at the The Tea Houses on Bateman's Quay later this month. The opening of River(s) of no Return, curated by Shannon Carroll, will open at 3pm on Saturday, November 15 and will run daily until November 29 from 11.30am to 5.30pm. The river flows through Bernadette Kielys work as it does through her life. Living on the banks of the River Nore, for over two decades she has borne witness to the shifting balance between water, land and those on its edges. From her studio on the quayside in Thomastown, she paints, draws and documents the rivers changing surface. Attentive to flooding, her work documents the impact of water on daily life to the ways in which communities respond to it. Her practice is grounded in slow observation: walking the river, listening to it, tracing its presence and noticing how it connects to wider cycles of change, from local floods to wildfires and environmental crises across the world. TAP HERE FOR MORE WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY More than seventy percent of the planet is covered with water. There is no doubt that water is a force that binds us all, with every community dependent on it. From the vastness of our oceans to the intimacy of local waterways, our relationship with water shapes how we live and how we imagine our future. Kielys work reminds us that to know a river is not only to recognise its shape and flow, but to sense its power, fragility and interconnection with all life. Her paintings and drawings in this exhibition carry a deep reverence, inviting us to reimagine our relationship with the waters that hold and sustain us. The work in this exhibition explores what it means to know a river. The artist remarks how following the recent mass fish kill on the River Blackwater, poisoned in a pollution incident, the importance of this work could not be clearer. At a time when rivers across Ireland face mounting ecological threats, Kiely's work is not only a reminder, but an important call to action: to reconnect, to protect and to let the river flow through us all. This exhibition is presented as part of [K]nore Your River, a community-powered season of events, art, science and storytelling along the River Nore, inviting everyone to explore how the river shapes our identity and how we can care for it together. This community project was organised and led by SEA School Studios, a mobile learning centre dedicated to exploring Science, Ecology and the Arts in the field, whose mission is to reconnect communities to the many layers of diversity and knowledge in their local landscapes. The Tea Houses are situated by the River Nore in Kilkenny city centre and have been acquired by Kilkenny Arts Office to host an art programme that encourages a sense of community and active citizenship. The brand new 'Kilkenny Greats, Johnny Scully and friends CD' in aid of Mary Pierce and her honourable work with local charity, 'Kilkenny Helping the Homeless' is now on sale with the local community putting their hands in their pockets and showing their support in huge numbers. The CD was launched on Kay Bs 'Kilkenny Greats' programme, on Community Radio Kilkenny City (CRKC) before a public gathering to mark its release took place at the Kilford Hotel. The beneficiaries, 'Kilkenny Helping the Homeless' is spearheaded by Mary Pierce who illustrated how funds from the CD can help societys most vulnerable, aptly giving one example."We became aware of this guy living under Ossory Bridge through Facebook so we said wed look into it and we were keen to do something, she explained. PICTURES: 'Excitement brewing' as new Kilkenny CD launched in aid of worthy cause "So we became familiar with this guy who had come up from Ennis and was living under the bridge so we made connection with him," she said, recalling bringing him sleeping bags, hot dinners and other useful items. "After that we said we really loved what we were doing and we linked in with a group in Dublin," she added, where the group now offers support as well as here locally to countless families struggling financially. Its now widely hoped that the voluntary work can be further supported by sales. "Music speaks all languages," Mayor, Cllr John Coonan said. "These guys have worked all their lives to get food on the table, now theyre working hard to put food on other peoples tables," he said. The CD can be purchased from John Joe Cullen Butchers, Ryans Electrical and from Mary Pierce privately. FOR MORE KILKENNY CITY NEWS, CLICK HERE Housing developers have urged legislators to bypass the naysayers in order to boost Irelands housing supply. The Dails housing committee heard that the country was on course to have just over 30,000 new builds by the end of the year in line with predictions earlier this year that around 34,000 new homes would be built in 2025. Housing Minister James Browne had said previously that it was not realistic that the governments target of 41,000 new builds would be met. Mr Browne said on Tuesday the governments new housing plan would be published within the next two weeks emphasising how they could boost housing supply. Appearing before the housing committee on Tuesday afternoon, the head of developer Glenveagh said that the planning elite at local level needs to be stopped as they are refusing to implement national policy. Stephen Garvey, chief executive of Glenveagh Homes, told the committee that housing was being stopped by frivolous objections to solutions that were not perfect, but were workable. Ireland needs to bypass the naysayers, and Ireland needs to do what it knows is right without getting bogged down in endless discussions and objections. Sinn Fein housing spokesperson Eoin O Broin said the comments about the planning elite were not helpful. He said that the Clonburris development was in his constituency and that the planning elite that youre talking about designed that. Mr Garvey replied that Clonburris is an excellent scheme that was excellently planned. The people behind did a fantastic job. Are those people existing in the planning system today? Im not so sure, because Clonburris, (it is) probably 20 odd years ago since it was conceived. Im not sure we still have the same degree of planners. We see in some elements of local area plans where perfection is the enemy of very good and people are not being pragmatic. We are in crisis mode on infrastructure. Michael Stanley, chief executive of Cairn Homes, said the demand for apartments is growing as younger people increasingly want well-located homes on or near transport services, and particularly near their employment. He said Cairn would be relentless in its efforts to boost housing supply, and added that he did not think labour was a massive constraint. David Kennedy, chairman of Castlethorn, said the threat of judicial reviews were a drag on delivery and said serious bottlenecks needed to be eliminated. Kilkenny Child and Family Support Network joined forces with MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre for a special dinosaur-themed family event this Hallowe'en. Jurassic Takeover was the name of the fun family event which took place from 12pm-4pm in MacDonagh Junction on Hallowe'en. There were dinosaur shows, free facepainting, scavenger hunts, an interactive play area and lots of goodies. There was even a competition for the best Hallowe'en costume! While the children were busy being amused, parents and guardians received information and advice from the various Kilkenny Child and Family Support Network service providers who set out their stalls at the shopping centre for the event. Kilkenny Child and Family Support Network is a partnership of agencies, services and community groups working together to provide supports for children, young people and their families across the county and include services such as Newpark Close FRC; Kilkenny Childcare Committee; Family Carers Ireland; Community Connect; Kilkenny Community Early Years Project; An Garda Siochana; Foroige; Kilkenny Leader Partnership; Amber Womens Refuge; Tusla PPFS and Fostering; Fr McGrath Family Resource Centre; Ossory Youth; CYPSC, Droichead FRC. A full list of providers and their contact details is available on www.kilkennyparenthub.ie TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Sandra Collins, who is senior Tusl manager for Kilkenny commented, This was a lovely event for families before the trick or treating started on Halloween and we thank MacDonagh Junction for their support. If you are seeking advice on parenting, looking for support, or information on local events, information on all the services part of the Network can be found on Kilkenny Parent Hub. The website offers a one-stop support for parents, families and caregivers on current news and events in the area. It makes perfect sense to provide families across the county with vital information in one location and I thank the service providers who met with the public at MacDonagh Junction.. www.kilkennyparenthub.ie Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 23F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 23F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. BOONVILLE Under the current statute, Cooper County officials can hold a vote every year to give their positions pay raises without any justification required to the taxpayers. It's done through a salary commission, which determines pay amounts across the board by majority vote. This commission is made up of 12 elected officials, including the county's sheriff, coroner and prosecuting attorney, though all three of those positions have separate systems of pay. The other county officials set their salaries using an assessed value of the county itself. Commissioners told KOMU 8 that in 2023, Cooper County had a bump in assessed value to around $320 million. This bump meant county officials reached the end of their salary schedule, turning the authority to raise salaries more to the commission. That commission is required to meet every odd year but can also decide to meet in even years. Changes don't go into effect until the following election cycle, meaning that members would have to be re-elected to see any raise. Current Cooper County salaries Salaries are now determined by commission, following a bump in valuation for Cooper County. On Monday, elected officials on the commission decided to raise their salaries by around $2,000 for every $50 million added onto the county's assessed value. Members also voted to raise the county coroner's salary by $14,000. In both cases, the commission did not use salary surveys of other similar counties or public input to determine the amount, instead deciding on the number by discussion. Former Eastern District Commissioner Charlie Melkersman said he recognized an issue with this system while he was in office. "My concern has always been the fact is that this salary commission can actually vote themselves an increase, not knowing how competitive their current salaries are from that standpoint," Melkersman said. These salaries can be used to keep job offers competitive, Melkersman said. When he was a commissioner, Melkersman said he used surveys of similar counties to determine if they should give themselves a raise. Melkersman said he is not sure if these surveys are being conducted anymore. When KOMU 8 asked the current presiding commissioner, they did not know either. "We were more than what I would call more than competitive with those counties that we were serving," Melkersman said. "So, from our standpoint as commissioners, we did not push to have an increase." Presiding Commissioner George Monk said he understands the concern. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. "You're kind of voting yourself a pay raise," Monk said. "How come you're taking my money and giving it to you?" Monk said that while he understands the argument that salaries should be competitive, it leaves out the push to retain good elected officials. "Who judges me as a commissioner? Am I doing a good job? Well, the voters do that," Monk said. "They would vote me in again, I would think you know, after being in office for X amount of time, if I were voted in again, I think there would be confidence that they thought I was doing a good job." Monk said all of the officials on the board who are affected by the majority decision have not seen a raise since 2023. "These people work hard, you know, and if you go years without a pay raise, it's kind of disheartening," Monk said. " ... if you're doing a good job, you ought to get some kind of acknowledgment of it." However, when one official gets a raise, all of them do. "I'm in it to do the job. And I think that's what a lot of our elected officials are in it to do the job," Monk said. Melkersman said the lack of oversight is worrying, especially without comparison to other counties' salaries. "I'm a little concerned that going forward, that will not be done, and I could support any increase they would put out there if indeed that effort was done," Melkersman said. "...they simply discuss it about where they feel it's justifiable to have an increase. That could be a two-minute conversation. That could be a 30-second conversation." Having worked with members of the commission in the past, Melkersman said it's not about a lack of trust in his peers. Rather, it's an obligation to the taxpayer. "I trust them," Melkersman said. "It's just I think there should be a behavior change that more so can convey to our taxpayers, our citizenry, what's being done, why it's being done." Monk said if he could justify the raises to everyone, he would. "That's awful hard to do," Monk said. "I'm doing this kind of paperwork or watching statutes, you know, doing insurance, taking care of employees ... they don't know what we're doing. I get it. I didn't know what I did when I came in here." The motion to raise salaries passed Monday does not take effect until the next election cycle for each position. Elected officials said they did not know when the county coroner's raise would take effect, but are working on figuring that out. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Eimear Dodd A man who drugged and sexually assaulted a teenage girl has been jailed for five years. Aidan Dunphy (44) of Crowe Street, Gort, Co Galway pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one of engaging in a sexual act with a child under 17 at a location in Co Galway on a date in June 2023. Dunphy has one previous conviction for a minor drugs offence. The victim in the case indicated to the court that she wished to retain her right to anonymity, but wants Dunphy to be named. The court heard she was 16 at the time and Dunphy was known to her family. In a victim impact statement read to the court by her mother, the girl said the process of growing into adulthood was brutally interrupted for her and outlined the psychological effects she has experienced. She said long waiting lists gave her infrequent opportunities to speak with mental health professionals, and she found the process re-traumatising, turning instead to drugs and alcohol to ease her pain. The injured party said her family managed to get her support privately, which saved my life. She said she felt unsupported at school, but has been able to continue her education. She also noted the stress and financial burden placed on her family, particularly her mother. Imposing sentence on Tuesday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott said these were very serious matters. He noted the maximum sentence for engaging in a sexual act with a child under 17 is seven years, adding that this might be considered elsewhere for review. He set the headline sentence for this offence at seven years, saying the court regarded the offending as extremely serious in this case. The judge reduced the sentence on this charge to five years to reflect the mitigation and Dunphy's guilty plea. The judge said the contents of the probation report suggest Dunphy remains ambiguous in terms of accepting full responsibility for his offending, which somewhat undermines the sincerity of his expressions of remorse. In relation to the sexual assault count, the judge set a headline sentence of eight years, which he reduced to six years. The judge suspended the final year of this sentence for two years and directed that both sentences run concurrently. Dunphy was also directed to place himself under the supervision of the Probation Services, engage with relevant therapeutic programmes, remain free of illicit substances and have no contact with the girl and her family. A five-year post-release supervision order was also imposed. An investigating garda told Eoin Lawlor SC, prosecuting, that the then 16-year-old was out socialising with friends on the day in question. The girl told her friends she was texting someone Dunphy - who was coming to collect her so they could smoke cannabis together. Her friends left and the girl later texted them, saying she'd been picked up. When interviewed by specialist gardai, the girl outlined that Dunphy gave her drugs including ecstasy, LSD, Valium and a white powder he told her was cocaine or MDMA. Dunphy sexually assaulted her, then performed other sexual acts on her. He also made sexualised comments about her. She tried to sleep afterwards, waking at one point to see Dunphy sitting beside her, holding a knife. She asked him not to stab her. Dunphy laughed, saying he wouldn't stab her and he loved her, which she found threatening. She managed to leave and was later found in a distressed state by a passerby. Gardai were contacted and the girl was taken to hospital and examined at a local sexual assault treatment unit. Around 600 worth of cannabis was found when Dunphy's home was later searched. Cannabis and MDMA were identified following an analysis of the girl's blood and urine samples. Analysis of her and Dunphy's phones showed that he sent her a large number of text messages the day before this incident occurred. When interviewed, Dunphy accepted meeting with the girl. He said the sexual contact was consensual and initiated by the girl, whom he thought was 17. He denied the allegations, describing them as lies and the delusions of a child. Defence counsel apologised to the injured party and her family on behalf of Dunphy. He said Dunphy has taken steps to address his addiction issues. Documents, including a medical report, probation report and psychological reports and testimonial, were handed to the court. Counsel asked for leniency, noting that this was a single event and that Dunphy has no relevant previous convictions. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. Brendan (Barney) Murtagh, Woodbrook, Mountrath, Laois and formerly Dublin passed away unexpectedly on 3 November at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Predeceased by his son Shane. Sadly missed by his beloved wife Tracy, daughters Tara and Leah, brother, sisters, nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, relatives, neighbours and many friends. May Barney rest in peace Removal on Saturday to St Fintans Church, Mountrath (R32EC61) for Requiem Mass at 10am, followed by burial in St Fintans Cemetery, Mountrath. Barneys Requiem Mass will be live streamed on www.mountrathparish.ie House private please at all times. The Murtagh family would like to thank you for your support and cooperation and would be grateful if you would express your messages of condolence on the link on RIP.ie. Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation's press It may strike anyone who saw him blast Soviet-built planes out of the sky in Top Gun as a bit incongruous, but Tom Cruise did his bit for cinematic glasnost Wednesday. In Moscow on a private visit to the U.S.S.R., Cruise paid a visit the U.S. Embassy to talk with diplomats about the prospects for a joint U.S.-Soviet film project (and signed a few autographs too). The star of Top Gun and The Color of Money is in Russia this week and has been meeting with members of the Union of Soviet Cinematographers, an embassy spokesperson said. Generic photo of election stickers in Grand Rapids Township, Mich. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.c A South Whitehall Township man lied about his citizenship so he could vote, according to a federal indictment. Kaushalkumar Patel, 47, said he was a U.S. citizen on a voter registration application in October 2020 even though hes an Indian citizen who applied for asylum in the U.S., court records say. Attorney Philip Steinberg of Philadelphia said hes waiting for more information from the government laying out their case against Patel. Mr. Patel has lived a law abiding life in the United States for over 20 years, Steinberg said. He works, pays his taxes and is an active participant in his community. He is also the proud father of two young daughters. The indictment says Patel voted Nov. 3, 2020, in South Whitehall Township. Hes charged with making a false statement of citizenship in order to vote, fraudulent voter registration, fraudulent voting and voting by an alien. He was indicted Oct. 15. The indictment was unsealed Oct. 29. Steinberg said Patel is in prison in Pike County on a recently-lodged immigration detainer. His voter fraud trial is scheduled for Dec. 29. Bethlehem resident Matthew Laiss was accused in September of voting twice in 2020. Hes also charged with voter fraud. Alpha Borough in Warren County, New Jersey. (Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com) Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com | LightHawk Alpha officials have scheduled a public meeting to consider approval of a $1 million bond ordinance and emergency appropriations next month. The special meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6 and will be held in the council chambers of the municipal building. Town officials have not provided details about specific plans or reasons for the proposed ordinance. Multiple requests for comment went unanswered as of Oct. 31. Residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the significant financial proposal during the November meeting. 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. Ministers and officials have agreed to cut the length of time Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland can stay in State accommodation from 90 days to 30. A cabinet sub-committee agreed to the measure, proposed by the Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan, on Monday evening. Last month the Public Accounts Committee was told there has been a surge in the number of Ukrainians arriving in Ireland in recent weeks, which has put additional strain on the system. This has been attributed to a change in a law in Ukraine which has eased travel restrictions for men aged 18 to 22. On Monday, Mr OCallaghan told RTE: If the numbers keep arriving like we saw in September and October, we will have to start looking for more accommodation. The Public Accounts Committee also heard around a billion euros was spent on accommodation for Ukrainians in 2024. Oonagh McPhillips, the Secretary General of the Department of Justice, told the committee there is roughly 700 million euros provided for Ukraine in this year and that is 170 million euros less next year. Since the invasion of Russia in February 2022 a EU law known as a Temporary Protection Directive has been active, under which those fleeing the conflict are eligible to work in Ireland and access social supports. From March 2024, Ukrainians registering for State-provided accommodation have been housed for 90 days, but that is now set to be reduced. More than 114,000 people have come to Ireland from Ukraine seeking Temporary Protection and an estimated 80,000 have stayed. On Sunday, Labours housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan criticised the proposed plan saying: To suggest that Ukrainian refugees could be expected to find alternative accommodation within just 30 days is simply not realistic. Mr Sheehan added: The war in Ukraine is still very much a live issue. Reducing the accommodation period in this way would not solve the underlying problem it would merely shift it elsewhere, with a very real risk of an increase in rough sleeping. 23 people in Leitrim are currently availing of temporary emergency accommodation, a meeting of Leitrim County Council has heard. Cllr Eddie Mitchell proposed a motion seeking the Council to approve in principle the establishment of a staffed temporary emergency accommodation hub in Manorhamilton. Cllr Mitchell told the meeting that there is no emergency accommodation service available in North Leitrim, and people are having to travel long distances to avail of services elsewhere, noting Manorhamilton would be a good place for such a service. His motion was supported by a number of councillors, including Cllr Brendan Barry who noted, We do need more emergency accommodation in Leitrim. Its important they can get support and services they need to try to get over whatever issues they have to find a more secure home for themselves in the future. READ NEXT: Gaeilge advocates in Leitrim to join forces this month for language growth There are currently three emergency accommodation providers in the county. Of the 23 people availing of emergency accommodation, they are made up of 10 single adults, one couple, four parents with one child and one parent with two children. A Council reply said it is envisaged that a number of these individuals and families will move to alternative housing in the coming months as a significant number of social housing units are in progress and scheduled for delivery in Q4 2025. The Councils housing department will soon seek Expressions of Interest from owners of suitable properties that can specifically accommodate both individuals and family units for temporary emergency housing. The department is also developing the scope of an Expression of Interest for provision of wraparound services from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and/or Approved Housing Bodies who have the capacity to provide support services for families or individuals that are in homelessness situations. Director of Services for Housing, Mary Quinn, explained that Leitrim County Council doesnt have the expertise or staff in terms of setting up a facility so they would be relying on NGOs or voluntary housing bodies for their assistance, and noted that wraparound services are critical in these scenarios to help people get on a path to a sustainable housing situation. READ NEXT: Green light for redevelopment of site to create new further education campus in Leitrim Chinas resumption of Canada group tours triggers surge in flight searches Global Times) 13:44, November 04, 2025 Just after China announced on Monday its decision to resume group tours to Canada operated by travel agencies, Chinese travel platforms saw a surge of enthusiasm among travelers for related trips. Fliggy told the Global Times on Monday that within one hour of the announcement, searches for flights to Canada nearly doubled compared with the previous day. Popular routes included Shanghai to Vancouver, Nanjing in East China's Jiangsu Province to Vancouver, Shanghai to Toronto, Beijing to Toronto, and Beijing to Montreal, according to the travel platform. Data from Tongcheng Travel showed that searches for Canada surged by nearly 80 percent from normal levels. Pei Ningli, general manager of the company's vacation business center, told the Global Times on Monday that the resumption of group tours to Canada will offer Chinese travelers more options for leisure trips. Data from the Chinese online travel platform Qunar showed a surge in flight searches to several Canadian cities within 30 minutes of the announcement. Searches for flights to Toronto rose by 61 percent. Searches to Montreal increased by 223 percent, and those to Ottawa grew by 137 percent. Compared with the previous hour, searches for flights to Montreal jumped by 138 percent, while those to Ottawa surged by 431 percent, according to data that Qunar sent to the Global Times. Mao Ning, a spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, said on Monday that by taking into account Chinese tourists' travel demand, local traveling environment and other factors, China has decided to resume group tours of Chinese nationals to Canada operated by tourist agencies. "We believe this will further promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. We stand ready to work with Canada to make cross-border travel easier and hope that Canada will work with China and provide a safe and enjoyable environment for Chinese tourists," said Mao. Following the announcement, many tourists contacted CYTS Tours to inquire about travel packages to Canada, Xu Xiaolei, marketing manager at CYTS Tours Holding Co, told the Global Times on Monday. Xu said that Canada has long been one of the most popular destinations for Chinese travelers, and the resumption of group tours operated by travel agencies will further enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Canada. Industry insiders noted that China's tourism market has been steadily unleashing its potential through opening-up measures, including the expansion of visa-free arrangements with more countries and regions, while also showing its readiness to share the benefits of openness with global partners by deepening two-way tourism and cultural exchanges. The resumption of group tours to Canada sends a positive signal of China's commitment to promoting people-to-people exchanges. If the Canadian side is willing to work with China to foster mutual trust and understanding, it will help create a more favorable environment for bilateral relations, Zhao Xingshu, a deputy director of the Department of Canadian Studies at the Institute of American Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday. With the recovery of tourism, cooperation in education, culture and local government exchanges between the two countries is also expected to expand, injecting new momentum into China-Canada ties, Zhao said. Chinese travel platforms showed that Canada has long been among the most popular outbound destinations for Chinese tourists. Notably, Fliggy's ongoing Double 11 shopping festival data showed that as of midnight on Sunday, transactions for travel products headed to Canadian destinations had surged compared with the same period last year, the company said. During the first 10 months this year, the number of international flight bookings to Canada made by Qunar users rose by 28.1 percent year-on-year, said the company. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) A NEW questionnaire designed to capture the experiences of people sleeping rough in Limerick has been rolled out, marking the first time in Ireland that those directly affected by homelessness will shape an official policy response. The questionnaire was developed by a new Expert Group set up by the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran to tackle homelessness and drug addiction in Limerick in conjunction with UL. It's believed to be the first of its kind to be completed in the country by persons who are affected by street homelessness. Distribution of the questionnaire has begun in conjunction with Ana Liffey and St Vincent de Paul and it, along with other actions being addressed by the group, will inform its final report. It's envisaged that this data, being gathered by speaking with those who have lived experiences of homelessness and addiction directly, will enable Limerick City and County Council and other bodies to adopt even more effective, person-centred policies to improve quality of life. READ MORE: Limerick students invited to showcase filmmaking talent exploring the Shannon Estuary's significance The new Expert Group which is co-chaired by Cllr Sarah Beasley and Mayor Moran, has been formed to comprise of officials from Limerick Councils Housing Support Services team, An Garda Siochana, the HSE, approved housing bodies and researchers from UL. The group has been engaging in stakeholder mapping and data gathering, led by group member Dr Laura Keyes at ULs Centre for Implementation Research. A series of workshops were held with stakeholders to generate solutions to help inform future policies. Cllr Sarah Beasley said: Helping the homeless and the addicted has been a passion of mine for the last 10 years... Together, we are working towards meaningful, lasting change. ONE of the countrys oldest residents - Birdie (Bridget) Skehan has died at the age of 107. Ms Skehan lived in Kilmore, Clare, on a family farm, before moving to the North Circular Road in the city. The founder of Helene Modes on Roches Street, Ms Skehan ran the popular womens boutique along with her sister and brother-in-law, the Cusacks. READ ALSO: Limerick Christmas lights display not to return this year due to 'personal circumstances' Helene Modes first opened in November 1947 and was a vibrant part of the retail fabric of the city centre for almost 70 years. A second outlet was opened in The Crescent Shopping Centre in 1980. Ms Skehans nephew Terence Cusack continued to run Helene Modes until it closed in 2014 after 67 years in business. At the time, in the summer of 2014, Mr Cusack told the Limerick Leader that they just werent getting the footfall and that retail is changing, maybe more people are shopping online. Im just gutted. He added: Its tough being an independent retailer. Ms Skehan died peacefully in the care of Ennis Road Care Facility, on Sunday last (November 2, 2025). The family have expressed their sincere gratitude to the management and staff of Ennis Road Care Facility for the respect, dignity and kindness shown to Ms Skehan in recent times. Anne Maria Moore, proprietor of Ennis Road Care Facility, said it has been their privilege to take care of Birdie for the last number of years. She was a pioneering business lady in Limerick city. She was very popular in the care facility and all residents and staff are very saddened at her passing. We extend our sympathies to her family and many friends, said Ms Moore. In an interview with The Irish Times in 1998, Ms Skehan said of her dedication to the business: I open the place every morning and close it every night. I'm a perfectionist and have to have things right. The shop is my whole life; I'm married to it. Born on March 12, 1918, Ms Skehan is believed to be the fourth oldest person in Ireland, with the oldest person in Ireland believed to be Offaly woman Eileen Hynes who will be 109-years-old, ten days before Christmas. Ms Skehan is survived by her loving nieces Helma Lynam, Rhona Levinstone, niece-in-law Sheila Cusack, nephew-in-law Ernest and a wide circle of extended family, neighbours and many friends. Reposing at Griffins Funeral Home, Johns Gate tomorrow (Wednesday, November 5), from 5pm until 6.30pm, she will be laid to rest on Thursday (November 6) in Mount Saint Lawrence Cemetery, after funeral Mass at 11am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Ennis Road. May she rest in peace. LIMERICKS Hermitage Green will be celebrating a major milestone next year with a special 15th anniversary concert at King Johns Castle next summer. The group will make a triumphant return to one of the citys most iconic venues for what promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with music, memories, and celebration. Known for their powerful live shows and infectious blend of folk, rock, and roots, the band have built a devoted following both at home and across the globe over the past decade and a half. READ MORE: Celebrity chef and television star set to visit Limerick's Milk Market The performance is set to take place on May 3, 2026, with special guest Jamie McIntyre who will join them on the night. Formed in the city in 2011, the group quickly rose to prominence with their dynamic sound and energetic performances. From sold-out tours across Ireland, Australia, the Middle East, and North America, to acclaimed releases including Save Your Soul and Hi Generation, they have consistently delivered heartfelt, high-energy shows that resonate with fans of all ages. We couldnt think of a better way to celebrate 15 years together than by coming home to play King Johns Castle, said the band. Its where so much of our journey began, and to mark this milestone surrounded by our fans, friends, and family means the world to us. Set against the backdrop of King Johns Castle, the anniversary concert will be an unmissable celebration. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 7, at 10am, from www.dolans.ie and www.ticketmaster.ie. IndiGo, Indias largest carrier, declared its Q2-FY26 and H1-FY26 results on Tuesday, seeing a loss of 2,582.1 crore in Q2-FY26 on the back of the impact of huge currency depreciation. The airline recorded a surplus of 103.9 crore before the impact of foreign exchange, with the depreciating rupee now hurting the airline, which has significant dollar-denominated bills. When the pandemic hit the world, there were only a handful of airlines which had the financial might and the will to sustain the whirlwind which hit them. On the other side of the pandemic, such airlines became even more powerful and mightier, and this helped shape what post-pandemic world was all about, shortages of just about everything in the field of aviation. IndiGo was one of them with domestic competition faltering and the regional heavyweights like AirAsia and Lion Air not being able to cope with the pandemic. IndiGo is now targeting anywhere between 30% and 40% of its fleet being outside operational lease by 2030. This is also the same period when the airline is targeting its fleet to have around 600 planes, as was announced earlier. Also Read | Navi Mumbai International Airport expected to start with a bang An operational lease involves airlines having a lease agreement for a fixed tenure with the lessor and operating the plane for that tenure before re-delivering the plane in the condition stated in the contract. Lessors market the plane to other carriers post that. Traditionally, IndiGo had a six-year lease cycle which helped the airline return the planes to the lessors before the expensive D-Checks were due. However, things have changed since then, for both the aviation OEMs and IndiGo. A finance lease is a long-term lease that transfers most risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee, treating it like a financed purchase, while an operating lease is a shorter-term lease where the lessor retains ownership and risk. Key differences include a finance lease's long-term commitment and ownership transfer option at the end, versus an operating lease's flexibility for short-term use without ownership transfer. In simple terms, an operating lease is more like rent, while a finance lease is owning the asset when its EMIs are complete. IndiGo is also focusing on owning the assets, which it had started pre-pandemic but took a break due to the relatively weaker financials and uncertainty during the pandemic. Aviation is a cyclical business and a razor-sharp focus is what differentiates great airlines from those that barely survive. IndiGo now has 14 owned aircraft, 62 on finance lease and 333 on operating lease. Just a year ago, at the end of the September quarter of 2025, the numbers stood at 3 owned, 37 on finance lease and 345 on operating lease. Preparing for next rainy day? IndiGo is using its current cash position and environment to shore up its balance sheet as it gears up to induct the A350s. Aviation, apart from being cyclical, is also impacted by sudden geopolitical events which can make or break airlines. Having assets on the balance sheet can then be the saviour because these assets can be used to execute Sale and Leaseback agreements, which help with cash in times of need. IndiGo itself experienced it when it executed Sale and Leaseback for the ATRs during the pandemic. These aircraft were on lease until then. Also Read | The longest and shortest flights in Indian aviation this winter IndiGo might have tried this to a very small extent and at a time when its balance sheet did not really need it, but Jet Airways continued its operations as long as it had aircraft on finance lease and kept doing a periodic Sale and Leaseback transaction. Coupled with the sale of its land in Bandra Kurla Complex and valuation of Frequent Flier Program, the airline managed to continue operating, only to go down when all avenues came to an end, with no more tranche of funds from the frequent flier program and almost all narrowbody aircraft with residual life already being transacted for Sale and Leaseback to raise cash. Also Read | Come Nov, IndiGo and Air India to match international reach with 44 destinations Groundings continue IndiGo continues to have over 40 planes grounded, all powered by Pratt & Whitney. The problem started in mid-2023 and has since continued to haunt operators across the world. The airline currently does not have visibility on when this would end, though the percentage of Pratt & Whitney-powered planes in IndiGos fleet is becoming lower and lower by the day as all its new inductions are powered by rival CFM. Both the airline and the OEM have been mum about the compensation, but IndiGo had informed in the past that it indeed was getting some compensation, which was being accounted as revenue from operations. It remains unclear how much revenue is from operations and how much is from compensation. A major boost to the airline will come when it gets rid of the 26 A320ceos, which consume more fuel than the A320neos, and the Pratt & Whitney-powered planes are out of IndiGos fleet. The countrys 1.5 million engineering graduates might find it tougher to land a job at the largest IT services companies, as employee additions might not be in proportion with revenue growth due to the rise in automation tools. Simply put, if an IT services company added 30 employees for every $100, about 9,000, in new business every year, it might add fewer employees for the same amount of incremental revenue going ahead because of AI-led productivity. Artificial intelligence (AI) is primarily eating into coding, customer support, and application maintenance roles. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Ltd, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., and HCL Technologies Ltd have highlighted the non-linearity of revenue and headcount growth due to AI, noting that project delivery models are evolving. This is a first for the industry, which has looked at increasing headcount as a barometer for revenue growth. Traditionally, a higher headcount has been associated with increased demand for IT services, and vice versa. The change in stance for the countrys largest IT services companies comes at a time when AI is reshaping the sector and prompting companies to reassess their project delivery to clients. HCLTech, Indias third-largest IT services firm, was the first of the big five to highlight the disconnect between revenue growth and headcount. Ending old ways If you see our revenue in the last couple of years, we have grown 4-5% and our headcount has not grown. So, that gives you a sense that there is some non-linearity playing out. Even this quarter, in revenue growth and headcount, there is at least a 1.5% or 1% difference. And when you take a year-on-year, there is a 1.8% increase in revenue per employee. So, that is the kind of uptick that we expect to see," said C. Vijayakumar, chief executive officer (CEO) of HCLTech, during the companys post-earnings call with analysts on 13 October. HCLTech ended last quarter with $3.64 billion in revenue, up 2.8% sequentially. At least one brokerage attributed this trend to the use of AI. Non-linearity (in revenue and headcount growth) is evident as revenue grew faster than headcount (2.4% vs. 1.6%), reflecting productivity gains driven by AI," said Motilal Oswal Financial Services analysts Abhishek Pathak, Keval Bhagat, and Tushar Dhonde, in a note on 13 October. While HCLTech highlighted the growing divergence, Indian heritage company Cognizant voiced a similar opinion. "For much of the last 30 years, IT services grew through a linear model. More people and more projects drove incremental growth. AI is reshaping that equation by compressing time, cost, and complexity, and redefining how value is created," said S. Ravi Kumar, CEO of Cognizant, during the companys post-earnings call on 29 October. According to Phil Fersht, CEO of HFS Research, The era of one-to-one growth between people and revenue is over. AI and automation are breaking that link by embedding productivity and repeatability into the delivery model. The new game is about turning services into software and driving more value from the same workforce." Gaining productivity Cognizant is an Indian heritage IT firm, as almost three-fourths of its workforce is based in the country. It ended the last quarter with $5.42 billion in revenue, a 3.2% sequential increase. A third companys management said this trend is causing a shift in the IT services model when asked about the interplay between humans and AI. I think that is the direction in which the model is going to evolve. These are initial days, but we are starting to make commitments on outcome-based projects with select customers. And there are learnings, and this is a model that we see increasingly evolving and becoming more mainstream with customers," said Aarthi Subramanian, chief operating officer of TCS, during the companys post-earnings analyst call on 9 October. TCS ended last quarter with $7.47 billion in revenue, up 0.6% sequentially. Mint had reported on 26 March that the countrys $283 billion IT industry is considering a change in its delivery model. Traditionally, companies are billed by IT service providers on the headcount deployed in a project. Increasingly, companies are now being billed according to the business outcomes that IT outsourcers deliver. Increasing divergence between revenue growth and headcount may not bode well for the countrys 1.5 million engineering graduates, many of whom seek jobs in the countrys largest IT services firms. The rise of automation tools has the potential to make several human-led tasks redundant, and colleges are now looking to equip their students with AI certifications to keep them market-ready. AI is primarily eating into coding, customer support, and application maintenance roles. Employee value TCS, Cognizant, and HCLTech ended the July-September 2025 period with 593,314 employees, 349,800 employees, and 226,640 employees. While TCS cut headcount by 19,755 last quarter due to its largest layoff drive announced earlier, Cognizant and HCLTech added headcount by 6,000 and 3,489 employees, respectively. A key determinant of this trend is the revenue each employee fetches for their company. HCLTech gets the highest revenue per employee of the countrys six largest IT services companies. HCLTech and TCS received $61,388 and $49,902 per employee, respectively. On the other hand, Cognizant, which follows a January-December financial calendar as opposed to the Indian IT industrys April-March calendar, reported $57,665 per employee at the end of 2024. To be sure, HCLTech gets almost a tenth of its business from selling software products, which uses fewer people. Mumbai: The board of Adani Enterprises Ltd, the groups flagship company, on Tuesday approved raising up to 25,000 crore through a rights issue, even as the companys revenue and profit declined due to weakness in its coal trading business Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), the groups cash generator, meanwhile, reported robust growth in earnings as it handled more cargo and operated more ports than the previous year. Adani Enterprises, which incubates new businesses for the Ahmedabad-based conglomerate and also houses one of its oldest resources trading businesses, reported a 6% year-on-year drop in its total revenue to 21,844 crore. While income expanded across its airports, renewable energy products and mining services businesses, its largest business segment, integrated resources management, saw income drop by nearly a third to 6,843 crore. This led to a hit in margins too, despite margin expansion in all other segments. The consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) fell by a tenth year-on-year to 3,902 crore. The company recorded a one-time gain of 2,969 crore as it sold approximately 10.42% of its stake in AWL Agri Business Ltd, formerly known as Adani Wilmar. It also made a one-time gain of 615 crore from transferring the stake in Adani Cementation Ltd, a subsidiary, to Ambuja Cements in exchange for equity. These exceptional gains helped it nearly double its profit year-on-year to 3,199 crore. However, net of these gains, profit shrank. The financials were impacted due to a reduction in trade volume and price volatility in the companys primary industry vertical, said Jugeshinder Singh, group CFO-Adani Group. Going forward, he said that the companys Ebitda will reflect the impact of its new and upcoming projects, including the Navi Mumbai airport, its new copper plant in Kutch, Gujarat, and the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, which is about 90% complete. Raising funds Adani Enterprises will raise up to 25,000 crore through a rights issue for eligible shareholders, as ratified by the companys board of directors on Tuesday. This follows a fundraise of 4,200 crore through qualified institutional placement by the company in October 2024. Also Read | Adani sets out to raise 30,000 crore for Terminal 2 of Navi Mumbai Airport Adani Ports, the cash cow of the Adani Group, reported a 29% year-on-year rise in its profit for the September quarter. The companys revenue grew by 30% to 9,167 crore. The company is now operating 19 ports and terminals, four of which are international. Ebitda grew 27% to 5,550 crore. The companys key Mundra port in Gujarat reported a 20% increase in its Ebitda to 1,515 crore. The new transhipment terminal at Vizhinjam in Kerala, which was only in a trial phase last year, contributed 153 crore to Ebitda, while the newly acquired Gopalpur port added another 16 crore. New Delhi, Nov 4 (PTI) Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd, which markets dairy products under Amul brand, has been ranked as the number one co-operative in the world based on GDP per capita performance. The ranking has been done by International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) World Cooperative Monitor 2025. The list was announced at the ICA CM50 Conference in Doha, Qatar. The recognition underscores Amul's contribution to empowering millions of dairy farmers through its cooperative model -- fostering inclusive growth, social equity, and sustainable rural development across India, GCMMF said in a statement on Tuesday. The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), headquartered in Brussels, represents cooperatives worldwide and promotes their sustainable business model. Also Read | ICICI Prudential Life launches BSE 500 Enhanced Value 50 Index Fund Congratulating Amul, Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in a post on X said, A proud moment for Bharat! Heartiest congratulations to @Amul_Coop and @IFFCO_PR for occupying the first two ranks among the top ten cooperatives in the world. It is an honor to the tireless dedication of millions of women associated with Amul and farmers contributing to the IFFCO. It is also a testament to the boundless potential of the cooperatives, which is being transformed into a global model of empowerment and self-reliance by PM Shri @narendramodi Ji.#SahkarSeSamriddhi. Each year, the World Cooperative Monitor, developed in partnership with EURICSE (European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises), analyses the economic and social impact of the world's largest cooperatives across sectors. GCMMF Managing Director Jayen Mehta said, "Amul is a brand owned entirely by farmers. They manage everything -- from milk collection and manufacturing to marketing. Our impact goes far beyond economics; our model supports multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, from poverty reduction and gender equality to sustainable communities." Amul has three-tier cooperative structure, encompassing more than 18,600 village dairy cooperatives and 36 lakh milk producers, the majority of whom are women. Titan Co. Ltd reported a profitable September quarter, buoyed by strong festive demand, despite soaring gold prices, underscoring its dominant position in the Indian jewellery market. The Tata group company's revenue from operations rose 21% year-on-year to 16,407 crore ( 18,837 crore including bullion and digi-gold sales), surpassing the 15,547 crore estimated by analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Net profit climbed to 1,120 crore against 704 crore a year ago. Our jewellery business, in particular, benefitted immensely from this late surge, underscoring the brand strengths and enduring consumer affinity for our brands Tanishq, Mia, Zoya, and CaratLane, said C.K. Venkataraman, the company's managing director. Also Read | Analog watches are cool againand Titan is betting on premium models The quarter witnessed a slow start, and performance progressively improved with the early festive commencement in September. The demand momentum in Navratri was particularly strong, leading to a healthy 21% growth in this quarter. He said the Bengaluru-headquartered company remains focused on strengthening brand salience and accelerating growth across all our businesses, with the festive season driving positive consumer sentiment. Titan operates four main businesses: jewellery, watches and wearables, eyecare, and others, including ethnic wear brand Taneira, perfume brand Skinn by Titan, and Titan Engineering and Automation Ltd. Of the 16,407 crore in operating revenue (excluding bullion and digi-gold), the jewellery business accounted for about 86% or 14,092 crore, followed by watches and wearables at 1,477 crore, others at 557 crore, and eyecare at 220 crore. The mainstay The jewellery division remained Titans biggest growth driver, with revenue rising 21% year-on-year to 14,092 crore and segment profit surging 55% to 1,506 crore. Of this, sales of Tanishq, Mia, and Zoya grew 18% to 12,460 crore, while CaratLane's sales increased 32% to 1,072 crore. International operations nearly doubled to 561 crore, driven by strong demand in the UAE and North America. Its bullion and digi-gold sales nearly doubled to 2,430 crore from 1,099 crore a year ago. These are excluded from jewellery revenue and accounted for separately in the overall consolidated income. Titan also announced its plan to acquire a controlling stake in Damas Jewellery, one of the most prominent and trusted brands in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries. "This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our ambitions, reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers globally. With the festive season driving positive consumer sentiment, we remain focused on strengthening brand salience and accelerating growth across all our businesses, said Venkataraman. Venkataraman said while elevated gold prices had caused a brief pause in consumer purchases, sentiment rebounded strongly as prices stabilized. Theres been a certain callback, which consumers had during the material rise of gold, but when they didnt see it come down and it continued to remain high during the festival, a lot of sensing came back. October and generally the festive season have been very good for the industryand certainly very good for us, he said during the post-results call with analysts. Also Read | Titans Mia doubles down on expansion as shoppers go light on gold He said Titans aggressive exchange programme played a significant role in stimulating buyer demand. We ran a very powerful exchange, which might have influenced demand significantly, besides, of course, the Diwali collection launches and campaigns, he said, adding that the company consciously positioned the exchange scheme not merely as a discount offer but as an emotional appeal to customers to unlock their lockersits good for you and good for the country. Titan added 34 new jewellery stores in the country, including six Tanishq, 18 Mia, and 10 CaratLane outlets and opened one new Tanishq store in Virginia, US. Watches and wearables The watches and wearables division delivered a steady performance, with revenue rising 13% year-on-year to 1,477 crore and segment profit increasing 22% to 238 crore. A stronger traction in analogue and premium watches offset a decline in smart wearables. The company added 15 new Titan World, Helios, Helios Luxe, and Fastrack outlets. Venkataraman said Titans watch margins remain healthy. For watches, 1617% earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) margins are good numbers given the kind of investments requiredwe are beyond that this quarter. The eyecare business, though smaller in scale, saw 9% revenue growth to 220 crore, led by sunglasses outpacing other categories. The division added five new Runway stores in the quarter. Runway stores are Titan Eye+s new premium-format stores designed to offer a larger eyewear assortment, advanced eye-testing technology, and a lifestyle-led retail experience. The others segment nearly doubled its revenue to 557 crore, aided by the expansion of Taneiras ethnic wear stores and robust growth at Titan Engineering and Automation Ltd. Within emerging businesses, fragrances grew 47% on-year, womens bags surged 90%, and Taneira delivered double-digit growth. Consumer sentiment The management noted that buyer growth in jewellery has been steady despite golds volatility. Buyer growth overall has been -2% for the quarter, gold was -11%, but studded jewellery buyer growth was positive at +3%, showing better traction than plain gold, Venkataraman said. The contribution of studded jewellery in the second quarter was around 14% of overall business, up one percentage point on-year. Post the festive 10 days, even after Diwali, the sales growth has continued in the same way as the fine festival, largely due to a good wedding season and the continued exchange we are running, Venkataraman added Titan expects growth to continue to be good, even historically high, while margins should stabilize as gold prices moderate. If gold prices stabilize, growth prospects improve because more buyers will come into the market and margins will also hopefully become stable, he said. The company also reiterated its target for store expansion. For the full year, the target remains 35 to 40 new Tanishq stores, Venkataraman said. We also expanded and renovated close to 35 stores in the first half, which is giving us very good results. It was Venkataraman's final earnings call with analysts as he is set to retire at the end of this year. Titans board has approved the appointment of Ajoy Chawla as managing director and chief executive, effective 1 January 2026. While Titans reported growth appeared strong, part of it was driven by a favourable festive calendar shift, according to Pratik Prajapati, equity research analyst at Ambit Capital. In 2024-25, Navratri fell in the third quarter, whereas this year it came in the second quarterso the apparent festive boost in the September quarter is partly due to this shift, he said. If you normalize the quarters, Titan has still delivered healthy growth, with jewellery demand sustaining despite elevated gold prices. If you adjust for last years import duty cut, Ebitda has grown around 14% on-year. At the PBT level, growth has been solid, though margins at the gross level have contracted slightly. Sequentially, profitability tends to improve from Q1 through Q4, with the second half usually delivering stronger margins, said Prajapati. NEW DELHI: A day after the Supreme Court ordered the government to reassess the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues from Vodafone Idea for up to FY17, Bharti Airtel will now take up its case with the government for a similar reassessment. We welcome the fact that the recent order of the Supreme Court permits the government to undertake a comprehensive assessment, reassessment and reconciliation of the AGR dues including interest and penalties up to the financial year 2016-17. The order has been made in the petition of Vodafone Idea. We are now planning to take up our matter with the government, Bharti Airtel vice chairman and managing director Gopal Vittal told analysts in an earnings call. Also Read | SC relief for Vodafone Idea on AGR dues till FY17 Vittal said the the company always maintained that the AGR judgement of 2019 was a body blow to the industry. The fact that even errors of calculation were not entertained is even more disappointing, Vittal said. Shares of Bharti Airtel were trading at 2,108.80 each in afternoon trades, up 1.66% from opening on the National Stock Exchange. The bourse's benchmark Nifty 50 index was down 0.65%. AGR represents a portion of a telecom company's gross revenue that is considered for regulatory payments. Telcos pay 8% of AGR as licence fee to the government, inclusive of contribution to the Digital Bharat Nidhi fund, which is at 5% of AGR. The Supreme Court on Monday clarified that the government could reassess and reconsider all of Vodafone Ideas AGR dues as of FY17, including interest and penalties, delivering significant relief to the cash-strapped telecom company. The order, however, pertains only to Vodafone Idea as other companies did not file any petition in the Supreme Court on the additional AGR demand from DoT for up to FY17 period. In April, Airtel had urged the department of telecommunications, or DoT, to convert its AGR dues of about 40,000 crore into equity, which would give the government a 3-4% stake in Indias second-largest telecom operator. To be sure, in May, the Supreme Court had dismissed pleas by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Tata Teleservices seeking a waiver on interest, penalty, and interest on penalty on pending AGR dues. We just wanted a non-discriminatory level-playing field in terms of an option to convert, Vittal had said then. Whether we will convert or not is a decision for the board to take We wanted a clarification from the government whether we had the option or not. On Monday, the Sunil Bharti Mittal-led telecom operator reported its September-quarter results. The company reported strong earnings driven by a surge in mobile data consumption, an expanding subscriber base, and a recovery in the enterprise segment, Airtel Business, after three quarters of a fall in revenue. Also Read | Telecom a victim of regulatory overreach but problems lie elsewhere: Airtel MD Bharti Airtel reported a revenue of 52,145 crore in the September quarter, rising 25.7% from the previous year, and 5.4% from the preceding quarters 49,463 crore, according to the companys earnings release. The companys revenue was largely driven by an increase in its mainstay mobile services business, with a focus on premium services and growth in Airtel Africa. Hinduja Group Chairperson Gopichand P Hinduja passed away in London, reports said on Tuesday, citing sources close to the family. The industry stalwart was 85. Gopichand Hinduja, known popularly as GP among business partners, was unwell for the past few weeks and died in a London hospital, a PTI report said, quoting sources. Belonging to the second generation of the family, Gopichand Hinduja succeeded his elder brother, Srichand, as Chairman of the Hinduja Group after Srichand's passing in May 2023. Gopichand Hinduja's career Born in 1940 in India, Gopichand Hinduja controlled the Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group. Son of Parmanand Hinduja and his wife, Jamuna, Gopichand and his brothers, Srichand, Prakash, and Ashok, are credited with establishing the Hinduja Group and transforming it into an international conglomerate with a footprint across 38 countries and a team of over 2,00,000. Belonging to the second generation of the family, Gopichand Hinduja succeeded his elder brother, Srichand, as Chairman of the Hinduja Group after Srichand's passing in May 2023. Also Read | Unwritten Stories: How Hinduja Family is Transforming Lives in the Nilgiris Gopichand graduated from Jai Hind College in Mumbai in 1959. In the same year, I joined the family business, which spans textiles and trading across India and Iran. He is credited with being one of the key individuals who transformed the Hinduja Group into a global, multi-billion-dollar business. Under his leadership, the Hinduja Group achieved several milestones, including the acquisition of Gulf Oil in 1984, closely followed by that of the then-struggling Ashok Leyland in 1987. The Ashok Leyland acquisition, now recognised as one of the most successful turnaround stories in business history, was the first major NRI investment in India. Also Read | Dheeraj Hinduja to become Ashok Leyland chairman Before taking over as Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Gopichand Hinduja was the Chairman of Hinduja Automotive Ltd in the UK. He holds honorary doctorates in Law from the University of Westminster and in Economics from Richmond College, London. Gopichand Hinduja family Gopichand Hinduja is survived by his wife, Sunita Hinduja; sons, Sanjay and Dheeraj; and daughter, Rita. He is also survived by his brothers Prakash Hinduja and Ashok Hinduja, who lead the company's businesses in Europe and India, respectively. Gopichand Hinduja net worth Gopichand Hinduja was the richest person in the United Kingdom for seven consecutive years, according to the UK Sunday Times Rich List. In the latest edition of the list released in May 2025, Gopinath Hinduja topped the chart with a net worth of 35.304 billion British pounds, which roughly equals 33,67,948.64 crore. According to Forbes, his net worth as of August 2025 stood at $20.6 billion. The Hinduja family's wealth is largely derived from its diverse businesses, which include trucking, lubricants, banking, and cable television. MUMBAI: Businessman Mehli Mistry on Tuesday informed the Tata Trusts that he does not wish to contest his removal from the philanthropic entities, less than 96 hours after challenging his ouster before the Maharashtra charity commissioner. Mistry, who ceased being a trustee on 28 October, wrote to the remaining six trustees that according to Ratan Tata, nobody was bigger than the institution he served. "I have served RNTs vision, including the responsibility to ensure that the Tata Trusts are not plunged into controversies and precipitate matters that would be irreparable harm to the reputation of the Tata Trusts," Mistry wrote, according to an executive aware of the communication. Mistry's decision marks a closure to the brief episode that began when Tata Trusts chair Noel Tata and trustees Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh opposed his appointment as a permanent trustee last week. That came after Mistry, along with trustees Pramit Jhaveri, Darius Khambata and Jehangir H.C. Jehangir voted earlier to remove Vijay Singh from the board of Tata Sons. Tata Trusts is the majority owner of Tata Sons, the holding company of the $300 billion Tata empire. In his letter, Mistry invoked the spirit of Tata "who always placed the public interest before his own", and hoped that the trustees' future actions will be guided by transparency, good governance and public interest, the executive said on the condition of anonymity. Mistry returned to Mumbai from Dubai on Tuesday, and immediately closeted himself with his family members and close associates, the executive cited earlier said. His family is against the stress of his taking this fight," the executive said. Mistry, a Mumbai-based businessman and confidant of the late tycoon, was an executor of the late industrialist's will, and also a beneficiary. The induction of new members at Tata Trusts is likely, and possibly, a few of the trustees could leave after completing their tenure, a second executive said. After the death of Tata on 9 October, 2024, the Tata Trusts entrusted Noel to lead the philanthropic entities. On 17 October last year, the trustees unanimously decided that they would be appointed as permanent trustees upon completion of their current tenure. Emails and text messages sent to Mistry seeking comment went unanswered. Six trustees man Tata Trusts. Besides chair Noel and TVS Motor Co. chair emeritus Venu Srinivasan and retired defence secretary Vijay Singh, the others include former Citibank India CEO Pramit Jhaveri, Mumbai lawyer Darius Khambata, and Pune-based philanthropist and businessman Jehangir H.C. Jehangir. Also Read | A new Tata vs Mistry feud brewing at India's largest conglomerate This decision to remove Mistry surprised the Parsi community, as well as Ratan Tatas two half-sisters, Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, who, in their first media interview with Mint, said they were distressed over the turmoil at Tata Trusts, describing last week's removal of Mistry as a retaliatory action by other trustees. Mumbai: Pine Labs first reported a quarterly profit in April-June, the first three months of the fiscal year. While the second quarter earnings are awaited, chairman Amrish Rau says investors should weigh their interest in the firm's upcoming initial public offering (IPO) by its Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), which he believes is a better measure of the payments companys value. We have been adjusted Ebitda positive for five consecutive years and we are one of the only companies to do it," says Rau, who is also the managing director and chief executive officer. The companys revenue has grown at over 20% for the last three years, says the chairman, adding that the adjusted Ebitda margin rose from single digit to around 20% in the first quarter of this fiscal year. Rau is, however, uncertain of when the business will become sustainably profitable. There is no way in which I can time when PAT (profit after tax) positive actually happens," he told Mint. While both are financial metrics to measure a company's profitability, Ebitda focuses on operational performance and PAT includes all expenses, providing a comprehensive view. Rau said that the company had set in motion its plan for the IPO a year ago. The decision to list was led by the size and scale of the company and the growth delivered so far, he said. We think that the way our financials have transitioned, we do believe we qualify to be a publicly-listed company." Highlighting that the market looks at a private company very differently from the financials of a public company, Rau said there is now a lot more confidence and strength in the brand, making it the right time to go for an IPO. When it comes to being public, will it help me develop a new product? Maybe the answer is no. But then you also have to believe you've achieved a certain maturity in terms of product innovation, because that will be harder to do now," he said, adding that the company will continue to look at market opportunities for acquisitions to enter into newer product segments where it does not have in-house capabilities. Pine Labs' IPO will be open for subscription 7-12 November. The company cut the portion offered by existing investors by 44% and new shares by 20% in its updated prospectus filed on Friday. Attributing the reduction in IPO size to shareholders decision to sell less", Rau said investors have decided to stay back", which Pine Labs considers a positive reflection of its growth potential. The entire ecosystem has supported Pine Labs till date. I think there is general goodwill around Pine Labs. Nobody thinks that Pine Labs is a company which is hated or anything like that. So, we wanted to give out a pricing structure where we feel we have the support of the ecosystem," he said. The entire ecosystem has supported Pine Labs till date. I think there is general goodwill around Pine Labs. Amrish Rau My GTV (gross transaction value) wouldn't have been growing at 60%, number of transactions compounding wouldn't have been growing at 50%. The market is accepting the various products that Pine Labs is releasing and actually getting connected to it," he said. Unlike what people believe, I really don't worry about competition at all because I think our growth rates are very, very good today." In its draft prospectus for the IPO, the company guided that it will use a significant portion of the proceeds to repay part of its outstanding debt of over 900 crore. However, Rau said the companys debt-equity ratio is completely fine"; it can continue to sustain this level of debt and that there is no rush to reduce the debt liability. I would rather use any dilution in my equity for growth and for growing businesses." Focus on Ebitda Between FY24 and FY25, the adjusted Ebitda grew about 100%. Net loss for the company narrowed to over 300 crore in FY24 to about 140 crore in FY25. The first quarter of the current fiscal year was the first time the companys bottomline turned positive, with a net profit of over 4 crore. However, the company continued to be cash flow negative, which Rau attributed to costs related to employee stock options, amortization costs pertaining to recent acquisitions and other non-cash line items such as timing or seasonality related cash flow delays. In a payments company, there are always situations where sometimes you settle early to the merchant only to receive money one or two days later from Visa or Mastercard, etc. Because of that, there are instances where you might be cash flow negative for that period," he said, adding that a holistic-level net cash has been accruing rather than getting reduced" over this period. When a companys Ebitda is positive, there usually isnt too much of a gap between Ebitda and cash flow, except for certain non-cash items that come in because of accounting practices or fair value adjustments, said Prashant Singhal, partner and India markets leader at EY India, adding: Ultimately, people look at whether youre generating enough cashdo you have cash to make investments, for capex and to fund operations?" Singhal said retail as well as institutional investors now place far greater emphasis on a companys ability to generate cash from operations, with long-term debtors or negative working capital seen as red flags. He noted that investors are also becoming more discerning, with the earlier FOMO-driven mentality" giving way to a sharper focus on fundamentals. People are reading financials and understanding that success isnt just about topline growth anymore. Earlier, when startups went public, the focus was heavily on revenue growth, even if profitability was missing. That has changed now. Investors want to see sustainable business models where revenue growth also translates into earnings," Singhal said. Business basics The payment gateway has a payment aggregator licence from the Reserve Bank of India, a pre-paid payment instrument (PPI) permit for its wallet management business, and an account aggregator licence through its subsidiary Agya Technologies, where it holds around 25% stake. Founded in 1998 by Lokvir Kapoor, Tarun Upadhyay and Rajul Garg, Pine Labs began as a card-based payments and loyalty solutions firm in the petroleum sector before pivoting to point-of-sale (PoS) technology and has now expanded to more broad-based payment services. As of June 2025, it served over 1 million merchants across retail, grocery, lifestyle, healthcare, travel, and e-commerce segments. I wouldn't call this a pivot, but what I would call this is expansion of the canvas that we want to work on," Rau said. There is no reason why we are not going to win in the online payment space." A bulk of the companys revenue, around 70%, comes from three verticalsoffline payments, online payments and value-added services, whereas the remaining 30% comes from issuance of credit, debit and gift or prepaid cards and the wallets managed against these card balances. All of that transaction processing is being done by us. End of the day settlement happens, recon happens, statements get createdthat entire back-end is managed by us. We also manage the frontend wherein the card is being created and distributed by us," he said. Of the payments-related business, which contributes 70% revenue, the offline business includes infrastructure deployment of point-of-sale machines, new merchant onboarding and tie-ups with large merchants for PoS deployment and store expansion, wherein Pine Labs receives commission from both banks and merchants. This, Rau said, allows merchant partners the flexibility to work with various banks and also enables Pine Labs to offer customised solutions to large retail players such as mall owners for the various stores they are working with. The second pillar of online payments is more small ticket and volume-driven, he added. The third vertical of value-added services entails merchant or platform specific discounts and offering differentiated payment options such as EMI-based card payments. Pine Labs had also acquired a company called Setu that offers regulatory technology solutions such as compliance, e-KYC, e-Signature, bill payments and account verification. We've invested heavily in these (segments) because we think that more and more transactions will become API-first, will become invisible. We need to have capabilities out there. That's what we have invested in," he said. Asked about which segment within these three is the most profitable, Rau declined to comment. He said one of the reasons the company wants to keep this private is that even though the management is building a public company now, it does not want to share granular data" for the competition to play with. Future growth will stem from expansion of overseas operations even as the company continues to develop new products and solutions for its clients. I think there is a lot more work to be done in India, which I want to accelerate. But if you are asking me if we are going into a completely new segment, such as CBDC (central bank digital currency), the answer is no." Currently, a purely business-to-business company, Pine Labs might also experiment in the business-to-customer space, but it will not be a focus revenue growth area as of now, he added. Apart from India, the company currently has clients in Australia, Southeast Asia, West Asia and the US. Mumbai: State Bank of India plans to launch a centralised know-your-customer (KYC) portal by the end of FY26 to make onboarding smoother across its product lines. The move will enable customers to complete their KYC process once, allowing them access to all its products and services without the need for repeated verifications. We will provide KYC as a service, chairman C.S. Setty said at the sidelines of a conference to announce the banks Q2FY26 results. SBIs move comes amid growing calls to simplify the KYC process, which, though essential to prevent fraud and update customer data, has long been seen as a compliance burden. The requirement for re-KYC is more frequent in the case of public sector banks with large volumes of basic and Jan Dhan accounts, which often inconveniences users and risks account restrictions. Currently, an SBI customer needs to complete the KYC process or do a re-KYC every time they take a new product. It is not only about SBI's KYC process, which itself is cumbersome. We realised that there are 15 different ways KYC is done in SBI alone. So, we want to actually revise, revamp our own processes and in the process, we have to have some discussion with the regulators, with the government in terms of improving the ecosystem, he said. The KYC revamp is part of SBIs broader undertaking titled Project Saral to simplify eight key and impactful areas identified by the bank. Last month, the chairman had said at an event that the KYC process was one of the major challenges for both banks and customers and called upon policymakers, fintech and technology developers to simplify the process. Also Read | Corporate credit quality continues to strengthen as upgrades outpace downgrades Yono 2.0 launch Setty said the long-awaited launch of the second generation of the banks digital application is also nearing final stages. We are aiming for commercial launch during the current quarter, unless something, some issues crop up, I think we are scheduling for the current quarter, Setty said, adding that the new app will be a lot more intuitive and backed by completely refreshed technology to offer an omnichannel experience to customers. The bank has 9.3 crore mobile banking customers and 10 crore internet banking customers. While some may be using both, the idea is for them to have a common experience across platforms, Setty said. We currently have 9.3 crore customers, our ambition is to have at least 20 crore mobile banking customers. The platform is built right from the beginning to handle this 20 crore customer volume, which means that you need to have robust technology, high availability, apart from very intuitive customer journeys. Setty said the initial focus will be on migrating existing users before expanding to new registrations, a reflection of the smartphone penetration across the geography. Almost 70% of SBI's customer base uses smartphones, he said. The bank had earlier said the refreshed app will offer services in 15 languages, more broad-based products especially for farmers and MSMEs, and also its branch and community customers. Despite the digital push, SBI will continue expanding its physical footprint with 450500 new branches in FY26, Setty said. The bank has around 500 million customers and around 1.6 lakh touchpoints. Also Read | SBI wants to let you pay your bills with keychains Bengaluru: US President Donald Trump is a response to institutional failure; he is not the source of institutions weakening, says James A. Robinson, co-winner of the Economics Nobel 2024. Known for his pioneering research on how institutions are formed and how they determine prosperity, Robinson is in India for the Nobel Prize Dialogue 2025, a series of talks that brings together Nobel laureates, policy makers and thought leaders to discuss global issues, in partnership with Tata Trusts. The laureate described the current global situation as a crisis of the liberal model of growth" and said we need to reimagine more inclusive models of development. He also believes that the next inequality shock is comingartificial intelligence will make it worse. Mint caught up with him for a conversation on current economic affairs, the rise of China and India, and the next big economic puzzle. Edited excerpts from an interview: What are the lessons from Trump undermining institutions in the past few months? Are institutions as deep rooted as they are made up to be, even in mature Western democracies? Well, thats not really the way I think about it. Whats going on now is a sort of backlash against the failure of institutions. I dont think the right picture to have in your mind is that there are these wonderful institutions that President Trump is trying to undermine. The institutions in the US have not generated shared prosperity over the last 50 years. If you look at the real wages of people who did not complete college, which is the majority of the people in the US, theyre lower now than they were 50 or 60 years ago. This is a staggering fact about the failure of institutions to be inclusive. Economic institutions failed to adjust to globalization, to technical change, computerization, changes in the labour market. Its unbelievable that 85% of people in a Pew poll last year said that elected politicians dont care about people like me. I think President Trump is a response to institutional failure, not the source of institutional failure. His very personalistic way of operatingthe reason he can do that is because there is so little trust and belief in the institutions. View Full Image President Trump is a response to institutional failure, says Robinson. Is this decline in public trust in governments and the attacks on democratic processes a symptom of institutions not being inclusive enough? Yes. I think this US model of inclusions fell apart in the last 50 years, and it needs to be rebuilt in some way, or reconstructed on some new basis. On what basis? I dont know. We dont really see that at the moment, but I think it's inevitable. Actually, what happened is inevitable as the previous situation was just unsustainable. The political class was completely out of touch with what was going on. President Biden had no idea what was going on in the country. My favourite example is one of his flagship policiesspending billions of dollars forgiving student loan debt. These are the winners in the US in the last 50 years. So, youre handing out billions of dollars to the winners from all of this. So how does that make any sense whatsoever? And President Trump somehow he knew there were all these grievances and unhappiness and he could build this coalition around that. Do you see parallels in other parts of the world? Yes, and no. Samuel Huntington, the political scientist, 35 years ago, showed that, if you look historically, democracy goes in waves. Countries democratize, sort of together, and then you get a reverse wave. When countries democratize, people expect the world. They think democracy will change their lives, transform society. But, democracy in a country with clientelistic politics and very weak state institutions, does not transform peoples societies, and people are disillusioned. And I think that disillusionment is common, whether its in the US, whether its in the Philippines, whether its in Brazil. And then people look for an alternative. And then all sorts of models come on to the table. Realistic models and unrealistic models. Countries democratise, sort of together, and then you get a reverse wave. When countries democratise, people expect the world. They think democracy will change their lives. But democracy in a country with very weak state institutions does not transform peoples societies. The global fragmentation which is happening right now do you see it as kind of inevitable? I think its inevitable in the sense that globalization had all of these negative distributional consequences that nobody did anything about. Most people in the US have not benefited at all from globalization. So, why would you want to defend it politically? Its not surprising at all that the US is retreating from globalization because President Trumps core supporters have not benefited at all from it. Of course, the rich have, and the elites have. Is that true everywhere in the world? No, of course not. Think about China. Think about India. Greater integration in the world economy has pulled millions of people out of poverty. So, the kind of benefits have diffused much more broadly. But, my sense is that the big problem for globalization now is really coming from this. Whats going on in the US? I think China, Korea, like most places, are still committed to globalization. But the US can make a democratic decision to withdraw from the global economic order. And then one could just move on without it. This could happen. I mean, look at the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union didnt take any part in the global quarter. But still, globalization boomed after the Second World War. So, the world moves on. How do you view the global response to challenges like climate change? Does it reinforce or challenge your conviction on the primacy of institutions? Thats a very difficult problem to solve. Climate change, in some sense, needs new institutions, global institutions. And the authority of those global institutions is sort of under threat at the moment. Thats a problem. When I think about the US political economy, some issues are less viscerallike tariffs, for example. I dont think President Trump likes tariffs hes not ideologically committed to having tariffs. And I think this issue of global warming and environmental problems, ultimately, thats sort of the sameI dont see a kind of ideological commitment to that (climate change) in the same way as there is an ideological commitment to restricting immigration. Yeah, I think its a pretty bleak moment. View Full Image James Robinson speaks at the Nobel Prize Dialogue 2025. In your book, The Narrow Corridor (published in 2019), you present India as a democracy, with a deeply fragmented society, unable to build state capacity. Has your view changed? I am not an expert on India, but we wanted to say something about Indias trajectory and what people thought were puzzles about India. Once you start reading Indian history, the first thing you realise is its not at all a puzzle that India has had democracy since independence, because it had thousands of years of democratic history. But, of course, we also talk about the caste system (and we quote Dr Ambedkar) and how, in some sense, the kind of cultural system that was created in India is a fundamental barrier to inclusion, in just the way he described. For all of the optimism about India, it seems India still performs wildly below its potential because there are still those fundamental cultural impediments to economic development. I am not an expert on Indian society, but, for example, theres very recent research by economists studying the impact of the caste system, which suggests that its still an extremely powerful mechanism in the labour market, which is impeding social mobility, which is impeding talent getting ahead. In order to have a more effective state, society also has to kind of get more effective. So, for all of the optimism about India, and obviously, you know, since the 1990s theres been economic growth, it seems India still performs wildly below its potential because there are still those fundamental cultural impediments to economic development. But cultures change and culture adapts. Thats not for me to say its for Indians to decide what sort of society they want to live in. Thats how we try to analyse the sort of success of India, but (also) the failure relative to its potential. Both your books and research place a heavy emphasis on history. For a democracy which is trying to build more inclusive institutions, which historical lessons are the most important? I tend to think very historically about everything. You think about South Korea It is absolutely fascinating. It went from an extremely poor country in the 1960s to like an OECD country within a generationjust an incredible transformation, cultural, social In 1970, 10% of South Korean exports was human hairthose examples are so fascinating, because you think, well, if South Korea can do that, why cant India or Myanmar or some African country? But, if you ask me, okay, whats the South Korean model, I can describe some things that they did, but I dont know if that would work anywhere else. Thats the problem from my perspective. Social sciences, economics even, are very embedded in a cultural and political and social context. And its not just a matter of taking some economic policy and saying, the Koreans did this. They subsidized exports. If you just subsidize exports, the same thing is going to happen. No, were lacking understanding on that kind of level in social science. What about China? It fell outside your model but later you said you believe that it will run out of steam sooner rather than later. If you look at world history, power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Thats our sort of view on China. And now what you have is this personalistic dictatorship. You could say China is different culturally, so those rules dont apply. Well, remember the Cultural Revolution, where absolute power corrupted absolutely. So, I still believe the Chinese model will go off the rails. But, its an interesting discussion. If you look at the history of the Chinese state, or you look at Chinese political philosophy, Confucianism, its very different from Western ideas about the state and legitimate governance, how you kind of create all the governance and society. Im not sure theres any lessons for another country, because its so embedded in that culture. View Full Image Robinson believes that the Chinese model will go off the rails. (Reuters) But culture is not really an explanation you accept, isnt it? Well, in Why Nations Fail, we dont talk about culture, but now I would say I would talk about culture. But I think social scientists have studied culture very badly. Theres a lot of work to do in terms of conceptualising culture. When I trained as an economist, economics was just a bunch of equations and supply and demand and markets and things like that. It was only when I wanted to understand the world, and I started working in developing countries, that I realised I cant explain any of this unless I start bringing things into the theory. So, the first things we tried to bring into theory were politics and political institutions. Now, I think the role of ideas is enormously underestimated in social science. Its much too materialist. I dont know who to blame for that, Karl Marx or Adam Smith. I still think power and politics is important, but its not the only thing. We are seeing massive investments in artificial intelligence (AI). From an institutional perspective, what do you think is the greatest danger? Do you see it perpetuating inequality? Absolutely, its going to drive inequality through the roof. Whos going to get access to this? Because if you look at where the investments are happening, its already in the rich countries who could afford all this investment in power and data centres. Thats going to lead to huge productivity improvements in rich countries. How is that going to happen in (say) Nigeria? You know, its not. Also, within developed countries, its going to lead to a huge increase in inequality. Who owns the robots? Who owns self driving cars? What policy interventions are needed? You need a very aggressive policy to counterbalance that. But thats not going to happen in the US at the moment. AI needs to be regulated. There are several layers here. One layer is inequality, this ownership. But theres also the question of the direction of this technology. The logic of American capitalism is were going to use this technology to replace workers. Ive never seen a calculation which justifies this is what we should be focusing on. But its going to have enormous social consequences. Innovators are not thinking through the consequences. And Im not saying that somehow the robots are going to take over the world and well all be living in the matrix. I dont see that but the effects on wages and employment, on peoples lives, that is for real. And you know, its happening and its coming, and that Im much more worried about. One layer is inequality, this ownership. But theres also the question of the direction of AI. The logic of American capitalism is were going to use this technology to replace workers. Following the recognition of your work with the Nobel Prize, what policy shift do you hope to see globally that will give you some satisfaction that your research is being applied constructively? I think in academia you have to just put your ideas out there, and then see what gains traction with people. If you went to an international institution like the World Bank nowadays, people are willing to talk about politics and institutions, and all sorts of things that they would never have talked about 20 years ago. That being the case, they dont know what to do about it. In social science, you come up with simple ways of trying to see the commonalities in the world. But once youre in the business of actually giving advice or trying to change the world, then suddenly all those details you abstract from become extremely important. So thats one of the reasons why my view of the world doesnt lend itself to some simple policy advice. The way I think about the success of my ideas is more like, what are young people doing research on, what sort of questions are they asking. And also, the thing Im most passionate about is, are young people actually trying to learn something about the world and something about other peoples societies and other peoples cultures, and kind of genuinely engaging with all of the complexity in the world. What is the big question about the world that is currently dominating your intellectual focus? The one thing weve been thinking a lot about is the role of ideas. For example, in Why Nations Fail, we talk about the Glorious Revolution, and we talk about the emergence of some kind of inclusive economic and political institutions in early modern Britain, but we never talk about John Lockes Second Treatise of Government. It was kind of the intellectual Bible for the Glorious Revolution, a kind of landmark work in liberal philosophy. So how did we not talk about its role in creating this change? So, I think thats what were sort of grappling with at the momenthow to talk about, and how to develop a framework to talk about, the role of ideas and ideology underpinning institutional equilibria. Five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru and Delhi University figured in Asias top 100 institutes, according to the QS University Rankings announced on Tuesday. IIT-Delhi, IIT-Madras, IIT-Bombay, IIT-Kanpur and IIT-Kharagpur were in the list of top 100 Asian institutes. Seven Indian institutions rank in the top 100 in QS World University Asia rankings, 20 in the top 200 and 66 in the top 500," London based QS said in a statement. It said compared to last year, 36 Indian institutes went up in the list, 16 remained the same and 105 fell down the rankings. "The expansion of the rankings is associated with the greater volatility observed in this years results." Overall, 41 Indian institutions appear in the top 80th percentile of universities. India ranks best in Asia for staff with PhD, it added. IIT-Delhi, which ranked 59 this year, was declared the best Indian institute for the fifth consecutive year. What are the indicators for assessment? The QS World University Rankings: Asia assesses universities based on 11 indicators, which have been tailored to reflect the nuances of the region and differentiate it from the QS World University Rankings. Indias higher education transformation is now visible in the data. In just five years since the National Education Policy launched, India has built system-level capacity that is globally relevant and locally empowering. The entry of over 130 Indian universities into this years Asia Rankings is a strong signal of depth as well as breadth, said Jessica Turner, CEO, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). As research ecosystems mature and international partnerships scale, India is positioning itself not only as a study destination but as a global knowledge leader shaping innovation, inclusion and sustainable growth across Asia, added Turner. Bengal uni leads India's research success India dominates the 'Papers per Faculty' indicator, with five universities ranked among Asias top 10 and 28 among the top 50 more than double the number achieved by its closest competitor, China (two in the top 10 and 14 in the top 50). The country also has 46 universities in the top 100 for 'Papers per Faculty' and 45 in the top 100 for 'Staff with PhD', with South Korea a distant second (15). Also Read | NCERT gets deemed university status, announces Dharmendra Pradhan Leading Indias research success, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal ranks first for 'Papers per Faculty', followed by Bharathiar University (2nd), Indian Institute of Science (3rd), Anna University (5th), and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (7th). In 'Staff with PhD', National Institute of Technology, Nagaland and Mother Teresa Womens University share second place regionally, while nine institutions were -- Indian Institute of Science, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bhubaneswar, IIT Patna, IIT Ropar, IISER Bhopal, and the Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing Kancheepuram -- joint fourth position in the category. Students across India can look forward to several school holidays in November, offering a welcome break for relaxation, celebration, and reflection on important cultural and historical events. Although November has fewer holidays than October, it still includes several significant state and national observances that will bring short yet meaningful breaks from the academic routine. Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti on November 5 One of the most important festivals in November is Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti, which falls on November 5. The day celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. It is widely observed across India, especially in Punjab and Delhi, with prayers, processions, and community service (seva). Also Read | Schools and colleges in Chennai to remain closed on Oct 22 amid rains November 9 Uttarakhand Foundation Day on November 9, 2025 marks the states creation in 2000, following its separation from Uttar Pradesh. Referred to as Dev Bhumi", the day highlights Uttarakhands spiritual and cultural traditions through various public events and programs. Government offices, schools across the state generally remain closed. Childrens Day on November 14 Mid-November will see schools across the country celebrating Childrens Day on November 14, marking the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indias first Prime Minister. Schools usually host cultural programmes, fun activities, and competitions to honour Nehrus love for children and his vision for their education and happiness. November 24 Guru Tegh Bahadurs Martyrdom Day will be observed on November 24, 2025 in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This day is dedicated to the ninth Sikh Guru and is marked with reverence and religious observances. Schools in northern states usually remain closed, while institutions in southern and western India generally continue their normal schedule Summary of school holidays in November 2025 Schools in various parts of India will remain closed on: November 5 (Wednesday): Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti Gazetted Holiday November 14 (Friday): Childrens Day Restricted Holiday Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi kicked up a political row after he said the Army is "under the control of 10 per cent of the country's population", referring to the so-called upper castes, on Tuesday, the last day of campaigning for phase one elections scheduled on 6 November. Take out the list of the 500 biggest companies, and search for Dalits, Extremely Backward Classes, Mahadalits, minorities, Adivasis in them. You will not find anyone. You won't find a single one. All of them come from the 10% population, Rahul Gandhi said, referring to key leadership positions at large. All the bank wealth goes to them. All the jobs go to them. They get a place in the bureaucracy, Gandhi told the crowd at the rally at Kutumba in Bihar's Aurangabad. Bihar is voting in two phases 6 and 11 November. Results will be announced on 14 November. Look at the judiciary. They get everything there too. They have control over the army, the Congress MP from Rae Bareli said. "The remaining 90 per cent - backward classes, Dalits, scheduled tribes, and other minorities - are nowhere to be seen," Gandhi said, echoing calls for social justice and equal opportunities he has been making over the past year. The Congress is contesting 61 seats in the 243-member Bihar assembly. Rahul Gandhi has been vocal about his political pitch for social justice and anti-caste over the last few years, more so in Bihar, where the Congress is an alliance partner with the RJD in the Mahagathbandhan. This is the first time Rahul Gandhi has mentioned the military in the context of his demand for a caste census. How did the BJP respond? Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders termed Rahul Gandhi's argument dangerous. Rahul Gandhi now wants to divide even our Armed Forces on caste lines! BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posted on X. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force stand for Nation First, not caste, creed or class. Rahul Gandhi hates our brave armed forces! Rahul Gandhi is Anti-Indian Army! he said Another BJP leader, Andhra Pradesh minister Satya Kumar Yadav, also slammed Gandhi for his remarks. Rahul Gandhis rhetoric has hit a new low. By dragging the Indian Army into his casteist tirade, he has insulted one of the worlds most professional and apolitical forces, where soldiers serve not by caste, but by the tricolour, he said. Actor and filmmaker Prakash Raj has ignited debate over the credibility of Indias most prestigious film honours, claiming that the National Film Awards have lost their integrity. Speaking after the announcement of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards on Monday, Raj remarked that the National Awards do not deserve legendary Malayalam actor Mammootty. Prakash Raj questions the integrity of the National Film Awards Raj, who chaired the jury for this years Kerala State Film Awards, made the statement during a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram while reflecting on his experience leading the panel. I don't mind saying that National Film Awards are compromised, he said. I am so happy to be a jury chairman of Kerala because when they called me, they said we need an outsider who is experienced, and we will not poke our hands into it, and we will let you take the decision. That is not happening in the National Awards, and we see it. When files and piles are getting awards! When such sort of a jury and such sort of a national government they don't deserve Mammukka. The veteran actors remarks have stirred strong reactions online, with many fans echoing his sentiment. Mammootty, who has previously won three National Awards for Best Actor, was again recognised at the state level this year for his performance in Bramayugam, taking home his record-breaking seventh Kerala State Award for Best Actor. Meet the winners of the 55th Kerela State Film Awards The winners list reflected a strong showing for Manjummel Boys and Bramayugam, both of which dominated major categories. Manjummel Boys was declared Best Film, while Bramayugam also earned prizes for Best Background Score and Best Makeup. Shamla Hamza was named Best Actress for Feminichi Fathima, which also won Best Second Film and Best Debut Director for Fasil Muhammed. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan sent social media into a frenzy after sharing a new shirtless photo, flaunting his sculpted abs and toned physique. Taking to his social media handle, the actor posted pictures from a workout session, showing off his fitness. He captioned the post, "Kuch haasil karne ke liye kuch chhodna padta hai.. Yeh bina chhode hai (To achieve something, you have to lose something, but this one is without losing anything.)" Internet reacts to Salman's photos Fans were quick to flood the comments section, praising the actors timeless fitness and charisma. Many shared messages such as Salman Bhai Again Proving Why He Is Trendsetter Of Fitness and Bhai is back in beast mode. Several users even posted then and now photos of Khan, pointing out how the actor has hardly aged since his 1990s shoots. One fan wrote, Welcome back bhai! as social media buzzed with admiration for the star. One fan wrote, "Galwan me ab dhamaka hoga", referring to his next film Battle of Galwan. Another fan added, "Salman Bhai proving again why he is Trendsetter of Fitness." "BhaiJaan getting ready to roar again like never before. Brace yourself guys", read another comment. Celebrities cheer for Salman Salmans colleagues from the film industry also reacted to his post. Actor Varun Dhawan commented, bhai bhai bhai, along with clapping emojis, while Maniesh Paul wrote, Oyeeeeee hooooye ki kasammmm. Also Read | Salman Khan declared terrorist by Pakistan after his Balochistan remark About his upcoming film On the professional front, Salman Khan is currently hosting Bigg Boss Season 19 and working on his next film, The Battle of Galwan. The first look of the film, shared on its official social media handle, read, Blood, grit, and patriotism at 15,000 ft. Salman Khan is ready for the most powerful story of modern India. The Battle of Galwan is based on the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley, a disputed border region in Ladakh. The confrontation, fought without firearms, saw soldiers using sticks and stones due to restrictions in the area. Actor Chitrangda Singh has been paired opposite Salman in the film. In July, director Apoorva Lakhia shared the update via a press note. Also Read | Dabangg director alleges Salman Khan refused to touch Om Puri's feet in a scene I've always wanted to work with Chitrangda since I watched her amazing performance in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and then Bob Biswas. We're thrilled to welcome Chitrangda Singh to the cast of Battle of Galwan. Chitrangda brings a rare blend of strength and sensitivity to the screen as her feminine side will match perfectly with Salman Sir's brooding but quiet strength, he had said. Indias most vital digital identity system is about to get a futuristic facelift. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled Aadhaar Vision 2032, an ambitious plan to rebuild the entire Aadhaar infrastructure with artificial intelligence, blockchain integration, and quantum-grade security. This overhaul aims to future-proof the worlds largest identity platform and place India firmly at the cutting edge of digital governance. AI, blockchain, and quantum muscle Artificial intelligence will play a central role in boosting the systems accuracy and resilience. From real-time fraud detection to adaptive verification, AI will make Aadhaar sharper and smarter. Blockchain technology will underpin the storage and verification layers, making identity records virtually tamper-proof. Quantum-resistant encryption will add the final layer of defence, preparing the system for the next era of cybersecurity threats. UIDAIs tech taskforce To bring this grand vision to life, UIDAI has set up an expert committee of industry leaders, technologists and academics. Their mission: design a long-term digital blueprint capable of handling Indias growing identity and authentication demands through the next decade. The plan also aligns Aadhaar with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, ensuring that data security and privacy arent just add-ons but foundational principles. What it means for citizens For everyday users, the transformation promises faster services, stronger data safeguards, and fewer authentication errors. Aadhaars role as the backbone of digital transactions, e-governance and financial inclusion will become even more critical. Every scan, signature and verification will carry the assurance of enhanced security and reduced risk. From identity to innovation The Aadhaar Vision 2032 roadmap is more than a technical upgrade, its a strategic leap towards making digital identity intelligent, decentralised and quantum-safe. If successful, it could set a global benchmark for national digital ID systems, turning Indias Aadhaar into a model of technological sovereignty and trust. DJIs next action camera is widely expected to arrive on 19 November, with leaks pointing to a US$329 starting price for the Osmo Action 6. If accurate, the move keeps DJI in contention with GoPro and Insta360 while signalling a stronger push on imaging hardware and creator control at the entry tier. The standout claim is a larger 1/1.1 inch CMOS sensor, a clear step up for this category. A bigger sensor typically improves low light performance, dynamic range, and fine detail. Reports also mention a variable aperture lens, with figures around f/2.0 to f/4.0 circulating. In practice, that gives shooters more control over exposure and motion blur in bright outdoor scenes and better options when light drops without immediately reaching for ND filters. There is also talk of Sonys involvement in sensor development, which raises expectations for colour handling and noise performance. Performance rumours extend to 8K recording at 30 frames per second. Beyond the headline number, 8K would offer editors extra room for reframing, cropping, and pulling high resolution stills from video while still delivering in 4K. The likely compromise is heat in a compact body, so sustained record times, bitrate choices, and any clip length limits will be important once reviews land. Stabilisation at higher resolutions will also be a key question for real world use. Battery life is another area to watch. One report notes up to four hours on a single charge under specific conditions. Even if that figure reflects a low power mode, it hints at longer run times for travel, vlogging, and time lapse work. Official charts that break down endurance by resolution and frame rate will tell the full story. Design appears evolutionary rather than a full redesign. Expect familiar mounting points, a front facing screen, and robust waterproofing suited to helmets, chest mounts, and handlebars. The focus seems to be on optics and processing rather than changing ergonomics that already work for action use. Continuity should also help with accessory compatibility across generations. At US$329, the strategy looks clear. Hold the entry price while bringing creator grade features to the base model. A larger sensor and adjustable aperture at this level would pressure rivals that rely on fixed aperture glass or reserve advanced controls for pricier trims. For working shooters, that means fewer compromises when light shifts mid scene and more usable footage straight from the camera. NAGOYA, JapanThe tourists who crowd the bullet trains from Tokyo tend not to disembark at Nagoya as they speed along the so-called Golden Route linking the Japanese capital with Kyoto and Osaka. Nagoya tobashi," the locals say. Nagoya gets skipped. The manufacturing hub, which anchors the region that is home to auto giant Toyota, is Japans fourth most-populous city and, according to a decade-old newspaper poll that still stings here, number one in dullness. Elisabeth Llopis wants to stop the skipping. A resident here for 16 years, she runs a travel website called Nagoya is not boring," dedicated to overturning the dreary image of the city she loves and bringing in more tourists. I realized that no one came here. Why?" said Llopis, originally from the Spanish island of Mallorca. Nagoya boasts a spectacular castle (rebuilt using concrete after World War II) and a famous shrine that houses a sacred sword. Llopis brings visitors from the U.S., Spain and Australia around the city to sample the food and sake. They visit artisans at work making tie-dye cloth in nearby Arimatsu, a village that has been perfecting the art of dyeing fabrics in intricate patterns for 400 years. Ive never thought for a single day that Nagoya was boring," Llopis said. Japan is thronged with tourists but not every place feels it is getting its fair share. The overtourism" that irks residents of Venice and Barcelona is also riling locals in Osaka and Kyoto, where kimono-clad visitors clog the streets and temples to secure their snapshots for social media. It is a different story in Nagoya, where officials say theyd happily welcome more visitors, though they admit that putting the city out there isnt something that comes easily to its reserved inhabitants. As for the temperament of Nagoya people, we tend to be quiet. We are not particularly outgoing. We are not good at promoting ourselves, unlike Osaka people," said Aritsune Kino, director of tourism promotion at Nagoyas convention and visitors bureau. In the nine months through September, almost 32 million people visited Japan, an 18% increase on the same nine-month period last year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. That growth puts 2025 on track to surpass 2024s record 37 million inbound travelers, who collectively spent more than 8 trillion yen, equivalent to about $52 billion. The worlds top tourist destination is France, which received 102 million visitor arrivals in 2024, who spent some $77 billion, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Successive Japanese governments have made promoting tourism a priority. The goal is to hit 60 million tourists by 2030. In common with other countries, Japan sees tourism as a valuable source of jobs and growth to complement its industrial prowess, as rising incomes mean more and more of the worlds population is taking to the skies. But the speed at which tourism is surging is unsettling some in Japan, contributing, analysts say, to the electoral success of upstart political parties such as Sanseito, whose Japanese First" messages focus on complaints about foreign tourists and immigration. In a sign of the political sensitivity, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her campaign to win the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party was critical of tourists who she said were harming the sacred deer in Nara, a city in her home prefecture. Tourism collapsed during the pandemic but has bounced back rapidly. South Korea sent the most tourists last year, with almost nine million visitors, followed by travelers from China, Taiwan and the U.S., with 2.7 million. Measured by the number of overnight stays by foreign visitors, Tokyo ranked top, with around 40 million nights spent in the city. Osaka was second and Kyoto, with its narrow streets, geishas and towering temples, was third, with around 12 million. Aichi, the prefecture that includes Nagoya, came in ninth, with three million overnight stays. On a recent day at Kyotos Kiyomizu Temple, Joe Kilgannon and his wife Catherine, who live in County Meath in Ireland, said they found the crowds a bit overwhelming." Tourists tend to congregate in a tiny area of the old city. They said they hadnt heard of Nagoya, however. Neither had Chicagoans Mike Kocian and his wife Devota, who were also strolling in the temple grounds. Its probably a hidden gem," said Mike, an executive at a manufacturing company. Residents say Nagoyas reputation for being dull has an element of truth. It has long been a factory town, meaning people tend to get up early and go to bed early, too, they say. One of the citys oldest izakaya, a snug Japanese bar serving food and drinks, only recently extended its opening hours past 8 p.m. Fans of historic heavy machinery can visit a railway museum, a museum dedicated to Toyota and even a museum about sewerage systems. Kazumasa Nishikawa, a Nagoya native who runs a classical Japanese dance school in the city that traces its roots to the 1840s, said Nagoyans love their hometown but even they say it is boring. Being so focused on industry means for a long time they kind of looked down on tourism," he said. The challenge is figuring out how to bring in more people without succumbing to the problems that Japanese people say plague other cities, such as restaurant prices that are too high for locals, congestion on public transport, litter and never-ending crowds. Kuniyuki Nishi, who manages the Nikko Style Nagoya hotel, said he wants to see more visitors but he is still worried about overtourism, especially as Nagoya is next year scheduled to host the Asian Games, a regional competition similar to the Olympics. He sees the citys appeal rooted in its central location in Japan and the very fact it isnt too busy. At Nagoyas Atsuta Shrine, Lars Leipner and Kerstin Benning from Germany said they chose to stay in the city because its conveniently located to make day trips to Takayama, Shirakawa and other spots on their itinerary. Having visited the principal tourist draws of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima on a previous trip in 2018, this time they wanted to escape the crowds and see another side of Japan. We like it when theres not too many tourists," said Benning. City officials have a similar plan to avoid the overtourism trap. They say they want Nagoya to be a base for tourists to explore the surrounding region and beyond, rather than a place they spend all day. They still need to persuade people to get off the train, though. That is the biggest issue," said Kino. Write to Jason Douglas at jason.douglas@wsj.com and Junko Fukutome at junko.fukutome@wsj.com Kindred Lubeck was sitting in the studio in 2020, working on a silver piece, when the jewelry maker sitting next to her asked, So, what do you want to do with this?" She was 25 at the time, and metalwork was just a hobby. Still, she recalled telling him, I want to see my name in lights, verbatim. And he said to me, Youll never be the next big jewelry designer." Hearing her tell this story, you wish you could have seen the look on the guys face on Aug. 26. When Taylor Swift shared a close-up of her ring in an Instagram post announcing her engagement, it didnt take long for Swifties to trace the engraved yellow-gold ring to Lubeck. Three years after launching her independent label, Artifex Fine, Lubeck designed the most famous ring of theyear? Decade? Century? And without traditional marketing, ad campaigns or gifts to influencers or celebrities. I think there was an element of me that was like, Really? Me?" Lubeck, now 30, says in an interview at her airy studio in New Yorks Long Island City. In a radio interview, Swift said shed shown Kelce a video made by Lubeck a year and a half before their engagement. I just thought her stuff was so cool," she says. And he was paying attention to everything, it turns out. When I saw the ring, I was like, I know who made that, I know who made that!" Lubeck is an expert at social media, walking followers through her creative process in her languid voice. She says she sometimes spends hours listening to Instagram Reels with her eyes closed to pinpoint song clips that will likely make for a viral Reel of her own. Her first brush with virality came before she launched her own line. Her father, Jay Lubeck, is a goldsmith in Neptune Beach, Fla. She recorded herself engraving a box of his loaner rings, simple bands that are given to customers to wear while their jewelry is being repaired. One of the videos hit 9.9 million views. After that, she started to receive requests from customers to design their engagement rings. This year, she released a vault collection" where she took gems shed been gathering for a year and fashioned them into pieces. When it came out this spring, all of the pieces under $25,000 sold in two days, totaling $65,000. Everything over $30,000 (my masterpieces," she calls them) sat arounduntil the Swift news broke. The $100,000 of remaining inventory sold immediately after the announcement. Ever since, Lubeck, who has elfin features and long, curly hair, has been getting recognized at gem shows, a bake sale and in New Yorks Diamond District and Times Square. People ask to take pictures with her. Her social media following more than doubled to almost 400,000. Three of her rings are going up for auction at Sothebys. Estimates are $70,000 for a 4.05-carat old mine cut diamond, $80,000 for a 5.48-carat ceylon sapphire and $150,000 for a 8.66 fancy brown diamond, with bidding running from Nov. 10 to 13. Her rising profile means Lubeck sometimes sees comments about herself like, Her father is a jewelry tycoon." I jokingly will call my dad now and be like, Hows the jewelry tycoon?" she says. Her business is self-funded, she says; the money that she used to buy materials for her first collection of pendants came from spending all of her savings on three pieces of antique jewelry and then flipping them. She describes her dads store as a small workshop in a tiny little beach town." She started working there a few years after graduating from college. When they had extra free time during the pandemic, Jay asked his daughter if she wanted to learn how to make jewelry. She took an engraving course. I was like, Oh, my God, this is it," she says. Tiny swirls, minuscule flowers and delicate lines, all etched by Lubecks hand, have become her brand signature. When she travelsto places such as Hong Kong for gem shows and Italyshe finds inspiration in ornate architecture, windowsills and door knockers. The handicrafting quiets my brain and its Zen and its peaceful. You make these tiny little micro-movements with your hands," she says. Can we make it even smaller? Can we make it even better?" Lubeck launched Artifex Fine, named after the Latin word for craftsman, in 2022. She moved to New York last year to focus on her line. Lubeck describes the style of her pieces as ornate and antique-inspired. You dont see that engraving in modern jewelry," she says. She loves colorful and older stones, like the old-mine cushion cut diamond in Swifts ring. Modern cuts sparkle like a disco ball," she explains. Theyre cut to be as sparkly as possible. The mine cuts are a lot softer." They also have larger facets and are asymmetrical, she says. Lubeck declined to discuss further details about working with Kelce, or whether shed be designing Swifts wedding band. But the engagement ring is so distinctive that its hard to imagine another designers handiwork pairing with it. When you look at the ring, you just see Taylor," says Sarah Chapelle, who runs a comprehensive archive of Swifts outfits on her blog, Taylor Swift Style, and wrote a book by the same name. It just feels so romantic and storied," Chapelle says. She says she spotted a tiny T" engraved on one side of the ring and thinks its likely another is on its other side, referencing the couples TnT" nickname. Lubeck declined to confirm whether this is accurate. Lubecks goal, she says, is for her jewelry to make people feel awestruck. She says it might take her a while to release a new collection, but I want your jaw to drop," she says. Thats the only criteria." Write to Lane Florsheim at lane.florsheim@wsj.com Shortly before President Trump met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea, an urgent issue emerged. Trump wanted to discuss a request by Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang to allow sales of a new generation of artificial-intelligence chips to China, current and former administration officials said. Greenlighting the export of Nvidias Blackwell chips would be a seismic policy shift potentially giving China, the U.S.s biggest geopolitical competitor, a technological accelerant. Huangwho speaks to Trump oftenhas lobbied relentlessly to maintain access to the Chinese market. As they prepared to meet Xi, top officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Trump the sales would threaten national security, saying they would boost Chinas AI data-center capabilities and backfire on the U.S., the officials said. The U.S. was already preparing to make other concessions in the meeting with Xi, in exchange for Beijing allowing exports of rare-earth magnets. Others against the approval, the officials said, included U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who helped lead trade talks. Faced with nearly unified opposition from his top advisers, Trump decided not to discuss the advanced Nvidia chips during his Oct. 30 meeting with Xi in Busan, South Korea, the officials said. Trumps ultimate decision marked a victory for Rubio and other Trump advisers over Huang, leader of the worlds most valuable public company. Exports of Blackwell chips to China are potentially worth tens of billions of dollars in sales and could help Nvidia keep Chinese AI companies hooked on Nvidias technology. Nvidia is awaiting approval from the Trump administration to move ahead with a less powerful version of its Blackwell chip for the Chinese market. Blackwell is the companys latest generation of AI processors. President Trump listens to a variety of insights on policy matters, including from top business leaders," White House spokesman Kush Desai said. President Trumps historic meeting with President Xi proves, however, that the only factor guiding his decision-making is the best interest of the American people." Speaking at an Nvidia event in Washington before the Trump-Xi meeting, Huang emphasized the importance of the worlds second-largest economy, which he estimates is home to about half of the worlds AI researchers. The CEO said he worried about the U.S. permanently ceding the market to China. I really hope President Trump will help us find a solution," Huang said. Right now were in an awkward place." Trumps trip to Asia was a crucial moment for the future of Nvidias business in China, with the summit with Xi setting the tone for trade policy and the AI race. For months leading up to the Xi meeting, Trump indicated he would consider approving exports of a lower-performance Blackwell chip. He has reversed course since his Asia trip. In an interview with 60 Minutes" that aired on Sunday, Trump said the U.S. would let China deal with Nvidia but not on the most advanced chips. Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump said of the Blackwell, we dont give that chip to other people," without specifying if he meant the top-performing version or a less powerful Blackwell designed for China. The Trump-Xi summit ended without a major deal, though the two sides de-escalated tensions, with the U.S. lowering some tariffs on China and Beijing agreeing to resume some purchases of American soybeans. It gives both sides time to build up self-sufficiency in crucial industries such as semiconductors and rare-earth minerals vulnerable to the others sanctions. For Xi, the summit ended without achieving a key near-term objective: a concession on the U.S. chip ban. While Beijings long-term strategy is to achieve self-sufficiency and dominance in high technology, securing access to advanced processors now is critical. It would give China valuable time to build up its own domestic capabilities. Not getting such a concession slows the timetable for Beijings technological ambitions. Nvidia needs the administrations permission to sell its most advanced chips to China under export controls first imposed in 2022. The Trump administration has shown a willingness to allow exports and negotiate over restrictions on Chinas tech sector, fueling uncertainty in the industry. Huangs efforts to sell the Blackwell in China are expected to continue, especially in the lead-up to Trumps planned visit to China in April. In Washington last week, Huang said that Trump frequently calls him late at night. He has become one of the presidents favorite executives. The Blackwell generation of graphics processing units, or GPUs, represents the most powerful AI chips Nvidia has designed. Nvidia has said servers made with the B200 GPU are about three times as powerful as those using the predecessor H100 chip for training AI models and about 15 times as powerful when used for inference processes, or the computations that allow AI models to run. The specifications for the Blackwell chip Nvidia is developing for China havent been released. In August, Trump said he would be willing to approve a Blackwell chip with capabilities reduced by 30% to 50%. Once given the signal to move forward, it would take Nvidia two or three months to engineer such a chip, according to people familiar with the matter. Even if a Blackwell chip is approved for China, questions remain about its viability. In August, the White House reversed an export ban on an older Nvidia chip if the company shared 15% of China revenue with the U.S. government, an arrangement that some lawyers say represents an unconstitutional export tax. Shortly afterward, Chinese authorities told companies not to buy it. Nvidia hasnt sold any of those older H20 chips in China since April, the company has said, missing out on billions of dollars in sales. Nvidia opponents in Congress and at think tanks have countered the companys lobbying with their own campaign. Before the Trump-Xi meeting, some circulated a video to administration officials showing Huang saying in a July CNN interview that he didnt think it mattered who wins the AI race, the people said. The House Select Committee on China called Huangs words dangerously naive" and compared the AI race to the Cold War. This is like arguing that it would not have mattered if the Soviets beat the U.S. to a nuclear weapon," the committee wrote on X. Write to Lingling Wei at Lingling.Wei@wsj.com, Amrith Ramkumar at amrith.ramkumar@wsj.com and Robbie Whelan at robbie.whelan@wsj.com The Union power ministry has flagged off a major clean-up of India's massive green energy pipeline, ordering state-owned power procurers to scrap awarded renewable energy contracts where critical agreements have stalled. The ministry has asked Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI), NTPC Ltd, NHPC Ltd and SJVN Ltd to cancel awarded contracts by November end in cases where it's not feasible to sign power purchase agreements (PPAs) and power supply agreements (PSAs), according to two people aware of the development and a document reviewed by Mint. These state-run firms, referred to as the Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIA), are intermediaries in the renewable energy chain, signing PPAs with project developers on one end, and PSAs with power distribution companies (discoms) on the other. However, many discoms have chosen to wait for lower tariffs rather than sign PSAs straightaway, holding up the whole process. A power ministry meeting on 17 October chaired by secretary Pankaj Agarwal decided to cancel the contracts, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. Also Read | Govt may let developers exit stalled renewable projects without penalties REIAs to close the legacy bids and close the LOAs (letter of awards) by 30th November 2025 in cases where signing of PPA/PSA is not feasible. Alternatively, REIAs may sign the PPAs themselves without PSA," the minutes of the meeting showed. REIAs informed that due to low demand from states, especially for solar capacity, difficulties are faced in signing PPAs." Out of the 93 gigawatts (GW) awarded by these state-run firms since the beginning of FY24, 42GW involving a proposed investment of around 2.1 trillion still do not have PPAs and PSAs in place, putting these contracts in limbo. The figure had reached a high of 55GW in November last year. The decision, aimed at resolving the vexed issue that has plagued the sector for years, assumes importance given the impact of delays on Indias ambitious green energy targets. The cancellation will also help free up the transmission capacity that has been locked by these contracts. The decision also comes in the backdrop of Power Grid Corp.s Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd cancelling grid connectivity for around 17GW of delayed renewable energy projects. India has an installed renewable energy capacity of 245GW, of which solar and wind power account for 116GW and 52GW, respectively. India plans to add 50GW of green energy capacity annually to reach 500GW by 2030. Given the nations green energy transition trajectory and the net-zero target by 2070, the plan is to add 1,800 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2047 and 5,000GW by 2070. Also Read | Coral reefs face irreversible dieback as Earth hits first climate tipping point There has been low demand from states. This cancellation of awards will also help in freeing up transmission capacity," one of the two people cited above said. These REIAs have also been given the option to sign the PPAs without a PSA. It was also decided that the green shoe option" that had allowed additional capacity to be procured over and above the tendered capacity at the same bid price will be dropped. Analysts have stated that such a move would help restore investor confidence. Slower tendering and focus on cleaning the old renewable auctions will ultimately restore investor confidence in RE sector, in our view. We calculate that India conducted more than 90GW of renewable energy auctions in the past two years, and a significant part remains unsigned into power purchase agreements (PPA). This creates uncertainty for developers and investors on the value that needs to be assigned to these award letters (LOAs)," HSBC Global Investment Research wrote in a 23 September report. Cash-strapped discoms have been unwilling to buy power from projects awarded earlier at a comparatively higher tariff, instead shopping for lower tariffs. So far, tariffs have been falling. So, everybody (discoms) just keeps waiting for the subsequent tenders. So, we have also taken several steps to bring stability in this regard," New and Renewable Energy minister Pralhad Joshi said at the Mint Sustainability Summit on 3 September. Queries emailed to the spokespersons of the ministries of power and new and renewable energy; and SECI, NTPC, NHPC, and SJVN on late Sunday night remained unanswered. Also Read | Indias clean energy boom lures Brookfield into platform play Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), Indias apex power sector regulator, has also expressed reservations on the green shoe option. REIAs informed that CERC has raised objections to the inclusion of the green shoe option in RE bids, stating that the standard bidding guideline (SBG) does not provide for procurement of additional power through this mechanism," the minutes of the meeting said and added, Secretary (Power) observed that, making provision for green shoe option is not reasonable considering even the base capacities itself are unsold." Green shoe option is a deviation from SBG and should not be incorporated in bids by REIAs," according to the minutes of the meeting. Rules are in place that ensure that if any renewable energy project is not completed by the prescribed date of completion, then its bank guarantee should be encashed and the developer blacklisted. The meeting also decided that the SBG will be amended to mandate REIAs to transfer the penalty and damage recoveries from generators to end procurersthe discoms. A successful bidder for a renewable energy project needs to submit performance bank guarantees to the REIAs, with the performance bank guarantee varying between 22 lakh per MW and 39 lakh per MW for some of the recent SECI tenders. Axis Mutual Fund, which was one of the early movers in the specialized investment fund (SIF) space, is planning to roll out its first fund in the category in the next two months. Despite being one of the first fund houses to signal intent in the SIF space, Axis MF has trailed its peers in launching its product, making this announcement the first real sign of momentum in its SIF plans. Also Read | The market in 2025 will be a story of two halves, says Ashish Gupta of Axis MF The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) introduced SIF, a product to bridge the gap between retail-focused mutual funds and portfolio management services that target the rich, in February. The fund house hired Nandik Mallik to head its equity and hybrid SIF division in March and is yet to receive a licence to offer SIFs. Axis MF is expected to be granted the licence to operate an SIF by the end of November, said a person familiar with the development. We will focus on categories that already exist in the market. Within our framework, the lowest-hanging fruit is arbitrage funds, said Axis MF's Mallik at a Morningstar event on Tuesday. Mallik noted that corporations and family offices are the primary investors in arbitrage funds at present. He added that family offices are likely to make initial allocations to SIFs that establish a credible track record, following which high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and corporates may increase their participation. Each mutual fund must first secure Sebi approval to offer SIFs and then separate permissions for individual schemes. The minimum ticket size for an SIF is 10 lakh, while that for a PMS is 50 lakh. SIF is designed for investors who are willing to take higher risks than those associated with a mutual fund. So far, only a handful of fund houses have ventured into the SIF category. SBI Mutual Funds Magnum Hybrid Long-Short Fund, whose new fund offer (NFO) closed in October, mobilized about 1,000 crore. Edelweiss Mutual Funds Altiva Hybrid Long-Short Fund also closed the same month, raising 320 crore. Meanwhile, Quant Mutual Funds Equity Ex-Top 100 Long-Short Fund wrapped up its NFO in November. Also Read | How many mutual funds should you really own? Tata Groups hospitality arm, Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), announced its financial performance for the September quarter (Q2FY26) on November 4, reporting a net profit of 285 crore. The company had posted a profit of 555 crore in the same period last year, indicating a 49% year-on-year (YoY) decline. However, the quarter included a one-off exceptional gain of 307 crore; excluding this, the net profit would have risen 15% YoY. Sequentially, the net profit declined 13.4% from 329 crore in the June quarter. Revenue from operations, however, grew 12% year-on-year to 2,041 crore, compared to 1,826 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. At the operating level, EBITDA rose 14.2% to 572 crore, with margins expanding 60 basis points to 28%. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, IHCL continued its accelerated growth momentum in the first half of FY2026 with 46 signings, taking its portfolio to 570 hotels. The company opened 26 hotels, crossing the milestone of 250+ operating hotels in India with over 25,000 rooms. He added, Under our strategic partnership with the Clarks Group, 14 hotels have been successfully onboarded on our sales and distribution network. The remaining portfolio is set to migrate to IHCLs brandscape in the coming months. Ankur Dalwani, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, IHCL, said, Planned renovations have been completed in the first seven months of this fiscal across key assets such as Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa, Taj Palace, New Delhi, and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. He further added, IHCL consolidated continues to maintain a healthy balance sheet with a gross cash balance of 2,847 crore as of September 30, 2025. Indian Hotels Company share price trend The companys shares have remained under pressure since hitting a fresh all-time high of 898 apiece. Although the stock showed some recovery in between, it failed to sustain the momentum and is currently trading about 17% below its peak level. Looking at the companys long-term performance, the stock has gained 118% over the last three years and delivered an impressive 671% return over the past five years. At a valuation of 70,000 croreroughly ten times its sales and 230 times its projected FY25 earningsLenskarts initial public offering (IPO) is testing the limits of investor optimism. Yet mutual funds and alternate investment funds lined up in its 7,278 crore book-building issue, betting that the eyewear retailers profitability turnaround and category dominance justify the premium. The IPO, which opened on 31 October and closes on 4 November, comprises a fresh issue of 2,150 crore and an offer-for-sale of 5,128 crore. Lenskart raised 3,268 crore from 147 anchor investors ahead of the offer, including foreign institutions such as the Government of Singapore, T Rowe Price, BlackRock, Fidelity, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Nomura and Norways Government Pension Fund Global. Also Read | How many mutual funds should you really own? Domestic participants included SBI Mutual Fund, HDFC Mutual Fund, Axis Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and HDFC Pension Fund. Lenskart reported revenue of 6,652.5 crore in FY25, up sharply from the previous fiscal year, swinging to a net profit of 295.6 crore from a net loss in FY24. Ebitda came in at 971.1 crore, with a margin of 14.7%. What fund managers say In a note, DSP Mutual Fund explained its rationale for participating in Lenskarts anchor book. We have always been selective in participating in IPOsand that discipline will remain unchanged. Having said this, we invest when we have conviction across four dimensions: strong and scalable business, trustworthy promoters, demonstrated execution, valuations," DSP MFs note said. It is rare to find all four perfectly aligned at the same time. In the case of Lenskart, we like the first three very much. On valuations, we believe businesses associated with retail, e-commerce are trading expensive, including this specific business. Further, we do not usually take cash calls in most of our funds," the note said. In this specific case, we have trimmed a slower-growing, similarly-expensive position to make room for this investment. When valuations are stretched, we size our positions responsibly. In short: there is nothing new in our approach while evaluating Lenskart," it added. Also Read | Here's how you can read different mutual fund ratios when picking a fund Several domestic mutual funds have participated in the anchor book, alongside alternate investment funds. Another fund manager at an alternate investment fund (AIF), requesting anonymity, said, The business model is solid. The unit economics are strongthe company is making good Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and generating profits that will eventually percolate down to the bottom-line. As the business scales further, profitability will only improve. Its not easy to recreate this business model. There is both scale and sizeeffectively creating a franchise." If you look at history in the US markets, expensive businesses doesnt necessarily mean they cant generate value for the investors. Think of Teslaback in 2020, it was trading at 100x earnings, and even from there, it went up 10x," the AIF fund manager said. He added that valuations and price-to-earnings multiple may not be the only metrics. When a business has genuine growth and a strong model, valuations can get justified over time. On a forward-looking EV/Ebitda-basis, the business is being valued at 70-times, which is comparable to some of the other new-age listed consumer companies," he pointed out. The AIF participated in the Lenskart anchor book. EV/Ebitda (Enterprise Value to Ebitda) measures how expensive or cheap a company is relative to its operating profits. Its used because it captures the firms total valueincluding debtand compares it to core earnings. Among Indias new-age consumer-tech peers, FSN E-Commerce Ventures (Nykaa) offers a telling comparison: after sharp volatility following its 2021 listing, the stock now trades about 35% above its adjusted IPO price and commands a one-year forward EV/Ebitda of 7080x, or over 800 times its trailing FY25 earnings. However, another mutual fund manager, requesting anonymity, said that execution of the business strategy would be critical to how much value the company is able to generate over the long term. The business has a large TAM (total addressable market). There is no challenge of creating a new market as a large market is already existing. It is a classic story of taking market share from unorganized players; using your financial power to sustain the earnings pressure to gain market share," the second fund manager said. A pension fund manager who didnt want to quoted explained that diversification, growth potential and management are some of the things from a long term standpoint that are important while picking up a company to invest in. The depth of institutional participationboth foreign and domesticsuggests fund managers see Lenskart not merely as an eyewear retailer but as a scalable consumer-tech franchise. The companys profitability turnaround and proven execution record are being weighed more heavily than near-term valuation multiples, a sign of confidence in its long-term growth story. What investment advisors say Not everyone believes investors should read too much into fund houses enthusiasm. Investors should not just get swayed by their funds decision to invest in Lenskart, but how much portion of the portfolio has been invested is what needs to be looked at. Usually, fund houses take smaller bets in IPO, just to get participation," said Shyam Shekhar, founder of Chennai-based wealth management firm ithought Financial Consulting. Investors should not exit or enter a fund just because of a single stock buying or selling decision. Firstly, investors should acknowledge that the reason they have opted for a mutual fund is because they dont have the required skill-set to analyse stocks and take buy and sell decisions. Once that decision-making has been delegated to the fund manager, investors should avoid analysing the fund managers stock decisions. Instead, they should track their funds overall returns, which is driven by the cumulative portfolio. Fund managers dont just buy a stock for short-term gains, but often take decisions basis a long-term view," explained Vishal Dhawan, founder of Plan Ahead Wealth Advisors. Dont take the decision to exit your fund just because it has invested in Lenskart. Check whether it is a small or large exposure of the fund. You can assess this by seeing the funds investments in the anchor book and the funds overall assets under management (available in the funds factsheet) to make an informed guess. With inputs from Deepti Bhaskaran Pine Labs IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of the fintech company, Pine Labs, is set to open for public subscription on Friday, November 7, and will remain open until Tuesday, November 11. The mainboard IPO is a combination of fresh issue of 9.41 crore shares and an offer for sale (OFS) of 8.23 crore shares. Pine Labs IPO price band has been fixed in the range of 210 to 221 per equity share. From the fresh issue of shares, the company aims to raise 2,080 crore, which it intends to utilise for business expansion, repayment or prepayment of certain borrowings, and general corporate purposes. Pine Labs IPO share allotment is expected to be finalised on Wednesday, November 12, and investors could get the shares credited to their demat accounts on Thursday, November 13. The IPO is expected to be listed on the BSE and the NSE on Friday, November 14. Meanwhile, Pine Labs IPO is witnessing decent investor interest in grey markets, as, according to sources, the latest grey market premium (GMP) of Pine Labs IPO was 35, indicating the stock could be listed at a premium of 16 per cent. Also Read | Pine Labs IPO to open next week 10 things to know Pine Labs IPO: 10 key things to know from RHP Here are 10 key things to know from the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP) of the Pine Labs IPO: 1. Top investor selling shareholders There are 10 investors selling shareholders in the OFS, among which Peak XV Partners Pine Investment Holdings is offloading the maximum shares to the tune of 2.30 crore. Actis Pine Labs Investment Holdings Limited is selling 88.08 lakh shares, PayPal Pte. Ltd. is selling 67.87 lakh shares, and Mastercard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd. is offloading 59.25 lakh shares. 2. Book-running lead managers and registrar Axis Capital Limited, Morgan Stanley India Company Private Limited, Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited, J.P. Morgan India Private Limited, and Jefferies India Private Limited are the book-running lead managers of the issue. KFin Technologies is the registrar of Pine Labs IPO. 3. Objects of the offer The company wants to utilise the net proceeds from the fresh issue for (I) the repayment or prepayment, in full or in part, of certain borrowings, (ii) the investment in some of its subsidiaries, namely Qwikcilver Singapore, Pine Payment Solutions, Malaysia and Pine Labs UAE for expanding its presence outside India, (iii) the investment in IT assets, expenditure towards cloud infrastructure, procurement of digital check-out points, and technology development initiatives, and (iv) general corporate purposes and unidentified inorganic acquisitions. 4. Pine Labs' promoters In its RHP, Pine Labs has mentioned that it does not have an identifiable promoter in terms of the SEBI ICDR Regulations and the Companies Act, 2013. According to the RHP, Peak XV Partners Pine Investment Holdings, which holds 20.25 per cent of the issued and paid-up share capital of the company, is the only shareholder that controls 15 per cent or more of the voting rights in the company. 5. Pine Labs' management The company's board comprises six directors, of whom two are executive directors, one is a non-executive nominee director, and three are independent directors. B. Amrish Rau, 52, is the Chairman, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Kush Mehra, 44, is the Executive Director, President and Chief Business Officer Digital Infrastructure and Transaction Platform, of Pine Labs. 6. Pine Labs' business overview Pine Labs is a fintech company, offering digital payments solutions for merchants, consumer brands and enterprises, and financial institutions. "In fiscal year 2025, we processed payments of 11,424.97 billion in gross transaction value (GTV) and 5.68 billion transactions through our platforms. As of June 30, 2025, we had 988,304 merchants, 716 consumer brands and enterprises, and 177 financial institutions, who used our platforms to enable transactions quickly, securely and easily manage their business," the RHP reads. 7. Pine Labs' growth prospects According to the RHP, the total market opportunity in terms of total payment value (TPV) for Pine Labs in India is projected to grow to 256-276 trillion ($3-3.3 trillion) by FY29 at a CAGR of 22-24 per cent. This could be because of increasing penetration of affordability solutions and card usage as the digital payment ecosystem across in-store and online matures. 8. Pine Labs' financial performance Pine Labs' consolidated profit for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, was 4.79 crore compared to a loss of 27.89 crore in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. Revenue from operations for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, was 615.91 crore compared to 522.42 crore year-on-year. 9. Suffered a huge loss in FY25 The company incurred a loss of 145.49 crore in FY25, 341.90 crore in FY24 and 265.15 crore in FY23 as it has invested heavily in the growth of its business. The company says there can be no assurance that it will not continue to suffer losses in the future. 10. Regulatory risk The company's operations are subject to regulation, oversight and inspection by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited (ReBIT). Any adverse observations, proceedings or notices from the RBI or ReBIT may adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Read all IPO-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar A two-decade-old mutual fund that kept a low profile in Mumbais Churchgate area is trying to make a comeback with a new CEO and revamped strategies. Quantum Mutual Fund, which launched its flagship scheme in 2005, started as a direct-only mutual fund without any distributors. Twelve years later, it changed its strategies and started to offer regular plans and sign up distributors to sell its products. Not surprisingly, Quantum has lagged its rivals in terms of assets managed and number of distributors. Since 2015the year for which data became availableits average assets under management have risen five-fold to 3,459 crore as of September 2025. Comparatively, mutual funds that have operated since 2005 now manage assets in the range of 13,000 crore to 12 trillion, according to Value Research. Theres one exceptionTaurus Mutual Fund, which managed 966 crore at the end of September. Since Quantum appointed Seemant Shukla as chief executive officer (CEO) in April this year, things have started to change. He is expanding the fund houses reach by engaging with mutual fund distributors and registered investment advisors, entering additional cities and building an omnipresent channel. After Shukla joined, the asset management company (AMC) has added 480 crore. Also Read | Quantum MF cries foul on ICICI Securities delisting, complains to Sebi Quantum's entire AUM had increased by only 2% from March 2024 to March 2025, according to data disclosed by the company. However, its AUM grew 17% between March and September. The growth in Quantum Mutual Funds AUM over a short period is healthy and significant for its size. The new CEO seems to have improved the funds positioning among distributors, a segment that remains key in Indias mutual fund market," said Srikanth Meenakshi, the co-founder of PrimeInvestor, a mutual fund platform. As long as the products are attractive and commissions are healthy, the distributors will sell the funds. Given that Indias mutual fund industry is still growing with new players entering regularly, Quantums track record and improved distribution strategy can help them scale up." Focus on partners In 2017, after the market regulator brought transparency to the commissions paid to distributors, Quantum started offering regular plans. A year later, the asset manager had 4,000 distributors, according to its annual report. Now, under the new CEO, the mutual fund has paced up its focus on empanelling partnersdistributors and registered investment advisors. We now have 17,691 empanelled partners," Shukla said. We are seeing some really green shoots of activation of mutual fund distributors in the last 5-6 months where the numbers have gone up by 3-4x." The AMC had 13,983 distributors as of March 2025still fewer than what its peers had. Shriram AMC and Samco MF had 28,823 and 28,503 distributors, respectively, as of March 2025, according to their annual reports. Trust MF, which started in 2019, had 13,007 distributors. Four other peers had not disclosed the number of their distributors. As of March, 10% of Quantums equity and hybrid AUM came from distributors. As of September, the number had grown to 12%. Also Read | Transparency: Sebi plans changes to mutual fund regulations For Quantum, starting off with direct-only planswhere customers invest without an intermediary such as a distributor or investment advisormay have been a progressive step back in 2005, but the market was not ready for it. Ajit Dayal, founder of Quantum AMC, was ahead of his time when he launched direct plans when the nomenclature itself didn't exist," said Abhishek Kumar, founder at Sahaj Money and a registered investment advisor. People were not aware of the concept of direct plans when they launched." Kumar added that Dayal did not want to sell through the distribution channel. He thought it would be enough to have a product, and people would find it. That does not work in the financial sector. If people don't know about it, how will they put money?" Kumar asked. By the time they launched the regular plan in 2017, big AMCs had already captured the market share." The share of direct plans in total systematic investment plan assets in the country has grown notably over the past five yearsfrom 12% in March 2020 to 21% in March 2025. However, regular plans continue to dominate mutual fund assets. New markets To expand its business, Quantum is strengthening its focus on Indias rapidly growing markets, including tier-II cities. The AMC has opened offices in Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, with centres planned in Jaipur and Indore. While selecting a new city to start our offices, we see how the citys mutual fund AUM has grown in the last five-seven years. We also see its channel presence and the vibrancy of the city," said Shukla. Jaipurs share of total mutual fund assets has increased to 0.85% from 0.64% five years ago, according to the Association of Mutual Funds in India. Indores share is now 0.43% of the total compared with 0.37% in 2020. The focus is on sustainable growthnot just chasing numbers," Shukla said when asked how Quantum MF would gain market share. Mutual funds are a simple business built on doing the right things consistently. We are not in a race for market share, but on a path of increasing market share along with trusted partners and thoughtful investors." Also Read | Your mutual funds keep Indian markets afloat amid foreign outflows The mutual fund was present on most digital channels before but is now trying to actively engage with all digital channels including platforms such as KFIN, MF Central and fintechs. It plans to appoint a digital vertical head to help establish its presence on digital formats, the CEO added. The AMCs oldest plan, Quantum Value Fund, has the highest AUM among all its schemes 1,226 crore as of September. This fund has generated 14.03% CAGR returns since inception on 13 March 2006, according to Value Research. That compares with 13.02% for the tier-I BSE 500 Total Return Index. On a 10-year basis, Quantum Value Fund has returned 13% compared with SBI Contra Funds 17.7% and ICICI Prudential Values 16.47%. Portfolio performance Quantum MF has 14 schemes in its portfolio now. The Quantum Small Cap Fund launched in November 2023 has given 14.26% returns since inception as compared to the benchmark BSE 250 Small Cap TRI's returns of 18.61%. The Quantum ESG Best In Class Strategy Fund launched in July 2019 has given 16.02% returns since inception as compared to the benchmark Nifty 100 ESG TRI's returns of 15.95%. The Quantum Ethical Fund launched in December 2024 has given 0.2% returns since inception as compared to the benchmark Nifty 500 Shariah's returns of -3%. The returns are as of 3 November for direct plans of these three funds, according to data on the Quantum website. Quantum MF is not on the radar in terms of performance, said Santosh Joseph, managing director and chief executive officer of Germinate Investor Services, a distributor. If they decide to go through distributors, we will make a conscious call on whether it adds value, their performance and size," Joseph said. Even as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) weighs the fate of weekly index options for benchmarks such as Nifty and Sensex amid mounting retail investor losses, the countrys largest brokers forum has urged the regulator to restore weekly contracts on the Bank Nifty index. The Association of National Exchanges Members of India (ANMI), which represents around 800 brokers across Sebi-recognized exchanges such as the National Stock Exchange and BSE, said the Bank Niftys imminent reconstitution and its utility as a hedging tool make a case for restoration. The appeal comes at a time when last year's clampdown by Sebi on weekly expiriesafter losses to over 90% of individual tradershas reduced index options turnover by 26% and raised concerns over liquidity in one of Indias busiest derivatives markets. ANMI proposal In a representation submitted to Sebi on Tuesday, ANMI president K. Suresh said weekly Bank Nifty options could be revived once stronger safeguards" on margining, monitoring, and investor protection are implemented. The association also suggested wider consultation with brokers, dealers, and traders to assess operational and livelihood disruptions before any further reform is finalized. The country's largest equity stockbroker forum's submission, a draft of which was reviewed by Mint, said that rather than outright discontinuation, additional weekly series might be reconsidered with "enhanced" regulatory oversight. Queries to Sebi on ANMI's representation went unanswered. Also Read | Small investor count plumbs as Sebi's options reform impact takes root Alarmed by the huge losses faced by individual traders in weekly optionsnearly 7.9 million of 8.63 million individuals had suffered losses, averaging 86,728 eachSebi had in October last year directed exchanges to stop offering multiple weekly expiries such as Bank Nifty and Bankex, respectively, while permitting them to offer only Nifty and Sensex weekly option expiries. Bank Nifty weekly options, which had around 55% market share in NSE's bouquet of weekly options' offerings, were discontinued from 13 November. Currently, Nifty options, expiring every Tuesday, and Sensex options with a Thursday expiry, are the only two weekly index options permitted by Sebi. After the discontinuation of weekly Bank Nifty expiry, index options' average daily premium turnover on NSE has fallen to 44,818 crore in April-October from 60,481 crore in the year-ago period. Apart from restricting weekly expiries, Sebi last month mandated reconstitution of the Bank Nifty index to cap the weightages of the top constituents and thus remove the scope for manipulation of the index. The new framework mandates that the index must comprise a minimum of 14 stocks, up from 12 currently, with the top constituent's weight capped at 20% and the combined weight of the top three stocks limited to 45%. These measures will come into effect in four monthly tranches starting December. Also Read | Sebi moves closer to phasing out weekly optionsto seek public feedback shortly As of October end, Bank Nifty's top constituent was HDFC Bank, with a weight of 27.97%, above the stipulated 20%, which will have to be cut through four monthly tranches. The top three constituents (HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and State Bank of India) have a combined weight of 60.3%, well in excess of the 45%, which will have to be reconstituted by the NSE, per exchange data. The reconstitution of non-benchmark indices came on the heels of Sebi's investigation into the trades of US high-frequency trader Jane Street, whom the regulator accused of manipulating the Bank Nifty in an interim order of 3 July. Jane Street denied the charges and moved the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) against the order. Ananth Narayan, former whole-time member of Sebi, had in a speech on 17 July said weekly options detracted from capital formation and increased volatility on expiry day. Subsequently, Sebi chief Tuhin Kanta Pandey late August underscored the need for longer-term derivatives contracts, raising concern that weekly expiries contracts run by NSE and BSE could be discontinued by the regulator. Also Read | Fresh bearish bets cap Nifty rally amid tariff heat Later, on 31 October, at the Business Standard BFSI Summit 2025, Pandey said Sebi had taken a calibrated approach following market-wide consultations to contain the irrational exuberance of investors without stifling the market. Ruling out any drastic measures, he had said: Can we just shut down the market just like that? This is a very important question?" He reassured the industry that any further steps would be taken only after public consultation and more data analysis to ensure a balanced outcome. K. Suresh told Mint that Sebi had taken note of ANMI's earlier suggestionson reforming stock lending and borrowing mechanism that permits institutions to lend idle shares and earn interest on them, while at the same time facilitating short selling of shares by arbitrageurs and other constituents. The regulator is working on refurbishing the mechanism, he said. Multibagger FMCG stock Krishival Foods rose nearly 1 per cent to 499.90 apiece on Tuesday, inching closer to its 52-week high price of 508, after the company announced that it has acquired an industrial property located at Kolhapur, Maharashtra. However, as the session progressed, the FMCG stock gave up the marginal gains recorded and was trading flat at 494.40 on NSE around 11.45 am. Also Read | Colab Platforms shares hit upper circuit for 96 consecutive trading sessions What drove the multibagger stock higher? In an exchange filing dated November 3, Krishival Foods announced that it has acquired and taken physical possession of an industrial property located at Halkarni Industrial Area, Kolhapur (Maharashtra). The company further informed that the said property, measuring approximately 8,000 sq. meters of land with 1,770.49 sq. meters of construction, was acquired through a SARFAESI auction conducted by Union Bank of India, and physical possession was handed over to the company. This acquisition is adjacent to the companys existing 5-acre MIDC land in the same area and will be utilised for future expansion of its nuts and food processing operations, the company said in the filing. On October 28, the company announced the board's decision to defer the rights issue due to technical issues, which are expected to be resolved in a month. The Board of Directors of the Company (Board), have deemed it prudent and in the best interest of the Company to defer the Rights Issue due to certain technical issues, which is expected to be resolved within a month, the company said in an exchange filing. The company also said that its board approved an increase in the authorised share capital from the existing 24.5 crore ( 10 per share) to 30 crore. Krishival Foods share price overview Looking at the share price history, the FMCG stock has rewarded not only its long-term investors but short-term investors, too. Krishival Foods' share price gave a whopping multibagger return of nearly 107 per cent in just six months. The FMCG stock has multiplied its long-term investors' wealth by surging 394 per cent in five years. On a year-to-date basis, the stock has gained 98 per cent, rising from 249.95 to the current market level. Bharat Dynamics, the state-run defence company, on Tuesday announced the date of its board meeting to consider and approve the financial results for the second quarter of FY26. The defence stock traded over 2% lower on the BSE. Bharat Dynamics share price fell as much as 2.53% to 1,497.30 apiece on the BSE. Defence PSU Bharat Dynamics said that its board of directors will meet on November 13 to approve the Q2 results along with the financial statements for the half year ended 30 September 2025. ... a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company will be held on Thursday, 13th November 2025, inter alia to consider and approve unaudited Financial Results of the Company for the quarter and half year ended 30th September 2025, Bharat Dynamics said in a regulatory filing on November 4, 2025. Also Read | Hero MotoCorp share price falls 5% after weak October sales The company added that the trading window for dealing in securities of BDL is under closure from 01st October 2025 till 48 hours of the declaration of the unaudited Financial Results for the quarter and half year ended 30th September 2025 for all connected persons as per the code of Prohibition of Insider Trading of the Company. Bharat Dynamics Q2 Results Preview Bharat Dynamics is expected to report a net profit of 158.2 crore in the second quarter of FY26, registering a growth of 29% from 122.5 crore in the corresponding quarter of previous fiscal year, aided by lower interest burdens and operating leverage, according to estimates by Choice Broking. The defence PSUs revenue in Q2FY26 is estimated to grow 39% to 757.9 crore from 544.8 crore, year-on-year (YoY), led by better traction across missile programmes - Akash, ATGM, QRSAM. At the operational front, EBITDA during the September quarter is expected to rise 53.4% to 151.6 crore from 98.8 crore, YoY, while EBITDA margin is expected to expand 190 bps to 20.0% from 18.1%, YoY. Also Read | Colab Platforms shares hit upper circuit for 96 consecutive trading sessions Margin should expand meaningfully, likely reaching the low-20s (in percentage terms), as fixed-cost absorption improves and product mix tilts towards higher-value systems. Overall, we remain constructive; execution in Q2 will set the tone for the rest of FY26, said Choice Broking. Bharat Dynamics Share Price Performance Bharat Dynamics share price fell 4% in one month and has declined nearly 6% in three months. The PSU defence stock has rallied 32% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis, while in the past one year, it has jumped 42%. Bharat Dynamics shares have delivered multibagger returns of 189% in two years and 945% in five years. At 12:45 PM, Bharat Dynamics share price was trading 2.42% lower at 1,499.00 apiece on the BSE. Game Changers IPO made a moderate listing on the Indian stock market on Tuesday, November 4. Game Changers share price is listed at a 2 per cent premium over the issue price of 102. Game Changers share price opened at 104.15 apiece on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This means that the investors got a listing gain of nearly 2 per cent. After the listing, the stock rose nearly 5 per cent to 109.35 apiece over the IPO price and over 2.74 per cent from the opening price on Tuesday. Ahead of the listing, the shares of Game Changers IPO were trading flat in grey market. This means that the GMP of Game Changers IPO was 0. Game Changers IPO details The 54.84 crore public issue, open for subscription from October 28 to 30, received a moderate investor response, being subscribed 1.17 times in total. The retail investor segment was subscribed 1.18 times, the non-institutional investor (NII) portion 1.48 times, and the qualified institutional buyer (QIB) category 1.01 times. Prior to the IPO, on October 27, Game Changers Texfab secured 9.13 crore from anchor investors by allotting 8.95 lakh shares at the upper end of the price band. Corpwis Advisors is the book running lead manager and Skyline Financial Services is the registrar of the issue. Game Changers Texfab is a fabric industry supply chain orchestration firm that operates TradeUNO, a B2B fabric marketplace. The company also has a B2C presence under the same brand name, TradeUNO, and markets apparel under its Fall in Love label. Its diverse product range features over 10,000 designs. In FY 2023, the company reported a net profit of 5.3 million, which rose to 4.27 million in FY 2024 and further to 12.07 million in FY 2025. However, its total income showed fluctuations, moving from 100.58 million in FY 2023 to 97.86 million in FY 2024, before increasing to 115.59 million in FY 2025. Hero MotoCorp share price in focus: Hero MotoCorp, one of the worlds largest two-wheeler manufacturers, came under severe selling pressure in Tuesday's trade, November 4, with the stock crashing 5% to the days low of 5,258 apiece, its lowest level in six weeks. The sharp fall came after the company released its October sales update, which showed that domestic sales came lower than expected, even as exports continued to remain firm. Also Read | Hero MotoCorp expands into UK market with MotoGB partnership The companys domestic wholesale dispatches stood at 6,04,829 units, an 8% decline compared to 6,57,403 units dispatched in the same period last year. On a year-to-date basis too, wholesale dispatches were lower by 3.2%, at 34,86,604 units versus 35,98,069 units in the corresponding period last year. In terms of exports, the company shipped 30,979 units, higher than 21,688 units in the same month last year. On a year-to-date basis as well, exports remained strong, rising to 2,06,976 units from 1,35,862 units in the year-ago period. Overall, the company total sales (domestic + export) fell by 3% in October to 635,808 units. Expands global footprint During the month, the company successfully entered the European markets of Italy, Spain, the UK, and France with globally benchmarked Euro5+ compliant models, led by the Hunk 440 and Xpulse 200. With its presence across 52 countries and 5 continents, the company further strengthened its leadership as a preferred mobility partner for millions of customers globally. Hero MotoCorps Global Business reported an exceptional half-year (H1) performance, delivering 1,75,997 units and achieving 54% year-on-year growth compared to the same period last year, thereby gaining a significant global market share of 1.4%. With a strong product line-up, robust domestic demand, and an expanding international presence, the company remains confident of sustaining growth through the remainder of FY26. The Indian stock market is expected to open on a tepid note on Tuesday, following mixed global market cues and as sentiment remains cautious. The trends on Gift Nifty also signal a muted opening for the benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex. In the previous session, the Indian stock market ended marginally higher amid subdued momentum. The Sensex added 39.78 points, or 0.05%, to close to 83,978.49, while the Nifty 50 settled 41.25 points, or 0.16%, higher at 25,763.35. On the Nifty options front, Chandan Taparia Head Derivatives & Technicals, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd believes that the maximum Call Open Interest (OI) is at 26,000 then 25,800 strike, while maximum Put OI is at 25,700 then 25,750 strike. Call writing is seen at 25,800 then 25,750 strike, while Put writing is seen at 25,700 then 25,650 strike. Option data suggests a broader trading range in between 25,400 to 26,100 zones, while an immediate range between 25,600 to 26,000 levels, said Taparia. Nifty 50 Outlook Nifty 50 index formed a bullish candle on a daily frame with a longer lower shadow, indicating strong buying at support zones. Nifty 50 continues to form lower highs lower lows from the last three sessions but attempts of recovery from lower levels have helped the index float. Now, Nifty 50 has to cross and hold above 25,800 zones for momentum to build towards 25,950 then 26,100 zones, while support can be seen at 25,650 then 25,500 zones, said Taparia. Bank Nifty Outlook Bank Nifty index ended 325.10 points, or 0.56%, higher at 58,101.45, forming a bullish candle on the daily scale and it is taking support near its 10 DEMA. The outperformance in the rate sensitive index continues led by buying interest visible in PSU banks. Now, Bank Nifty has to hold above 58,000 zones for an up move towards 58,350 then 58,577 levels, while on the downside support is seen at 58,000 then 57,750 zones, said Taparia. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy Stocks to buy Chandan Taparia has recommended three stocks to buy today, 4 November 2025. Taparia recommends buying Tata Consumer Products, Prestige Estate Projects and Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) shares. Tata Consumer Products | Buy | Target Price: 1,280 | Stop Loss: 1,155 Tata Consumer Products share price has given a range breakout with a large bodied bullish candle on the daily chart. The ADX line is rising which confirms the strength of the uptrend, Taparia said. He recommends buying Tata Consumer Products shares for a target price of 1,280 apiece, while maintaining a stop loss at 1,155 level. Prestige Estates Projects | Buy | Target Price: 1,940 | Stop Loss: 1,700 Prestige Estates Projects share price has formed a bullish Pole & Flag pattern on the daily chart suggesting a continuation of the uptrend. The RSI indicator is rising to confirm the bullish momentum. Taparia has a Buy rating on Prestige Estates Projects shares with a target price of 1,940 and a stop loss of 1,700 level. MCX | Buy | Target Price: 10,000 | Stop Loss: 9,200 MCX share price has given a breakout from a weekly inside bar pattern suggesting an upward price action move. The MACD indicator is confirming the bullish momentum, Taparia said. He suggests buying MCX shares for a target price of 10,000, while keeping a stop loss at 9,200 level. The Indian benchmark indices ended Monday's session marginally positive, consolidating at elevated levels after a sharp rally last month. The Nifty 50 closed 0.16% higher at 25,763, and the Sensex gained 0.05% at 83,976. A lack of fresh decisive domestic cues and mild profit booking at higher levels kept the market range-bound for most of the day. Sectoral performance was mixed, though the broader market outperformed, with the Nifty Midcap 100 rising 0.77% and the Nifty Smallcap 100 advancing 0.72%. The positive market breadth was evident with the advance-decline ratio favouring gainers. PSU Banks led the charge, continuing their momentum on healthy quarterly earnings and improving asset quality, while IT stocks faced pressure, easing amid fading expectations of an immediate US Fed rate cut. Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India: Buy: Multi Commodity Exchange of India (current price: 9,526) Why its recommended: Market leader in Indias commodity derivatives with strong network effects, and new product launches (electricity futures, index-based contracts) to boost volumes. Key metrics: P/E: N/A | 52-week high: 9,624 | Volume: 746 crore Technical analysis: Downward-sloping trendline breakout Risk factors: High dependence on bullion and energy segments, sensitive to Sebi regulations and compliance norms. Buy: 9,450-9,550 Target price: 10,400 in two to three months Stop loss: 8,960 Also Read | Bank of Baroda valuation: The Street may be finally catching on Buy: India Glycols Ltd (current price: 1,015) Why its recommended: Diversified portfolio in green and speciality chemicals, and strong demand for bio-based and sustainable products. Key metrics: P/E: 31.67 | 52-week high: 1,066 | Volume: 68.11 crore Technical analysis: Downward sloping trendline breakout Risk factors: High working capital and debt requirements, exposure to volatile raw material and feedstock prices. Buy at: 1,000-1,020 Target price: 1,150 in two to three months Stop loss: 950 How Nifty 50 perform yesterday Indian equities ended on a steady note on 3 November, with benchmark indices posting modest gains amid range-bound trade. The Nifty 50 advanced 41 points, or 0.16%, to close at 25,763.35, after oscillating between 25,645.50 and 25,803.10 during the session. The Sensex edged higher in tandem as well. Market breadth was mildly positive, with 1,798 stocks advancing, 1,313 declining, and 101 unchanged, reflecting selective buying across sectors. On the sectoral front, Nifty Pharma (+1.2%), PSU Banks (+1.9%), and Realty (+2.2%) led the gains, while Consumer Durables (-0.29%), IT (-0.17%), and FMCG (-0.10%) saw limited weakness. Broader indices outperformed, supported by strength in mid-cap healthcare and financial services. On the daily chart, the index continues to trade above all its key moving averages (20-, 50-, and 200-day EMAs), reinforcing a medium-term bullish structure. However, the index is currently encountering resistance near 26,000-26,100, aligned with a long-term descending trendline visible from the previous swing highs. Sustained trade above this level would signal a potential continuation of the breakout. Failure to hold could invite near-term profit booking. The RSI has cooled slightly to around 59, down from overbought levels, suggesting consolidation rather than reversal. Momentum remains constructive as long as RSI holds above 55. Meanwhile, the MACD remains in positive territory, though the histogram shows narrowing bars, indicating slowing momentum and the possibility of sideways movement in the short term. According to O'Neils methodology of market direction, the market status has shifted to a "Confirmed Uptrend" as it decisively surpassed its previous rally high of 25,670 to register a new 52-week. The index rebounded from key support levels, reaffirming underlying market strength. On the technical front, the Nifty now faces a crucial resistance zone between 26,000 and 26,300. A decisive breakout above this range could open the door to new all-time highs. On the downside, immediate support lies at 25,400, while a stronger base near 25,000 continues to provide stability for the broader uptrend. Overall, the market structure remains constructive as long as the index sustains above 25,400, a key breakout zone aligned with the downward-sloping trendline. How did Nifty Bank perform yesterday? The Nifty Bank concluded the session at 58,101.45, registering a moderate gain of 0.56% amid a mix of stock-specific momentum and broad-based consolidation. The outperformance was distinctly driven by the public sector undertaking (PSU) banking space, which continued its multi-week rally on improving asset quality and market speculation regarding a potential hike in the foreign institutional investor (FII) limit. Key stock performances saw Canara Bank and Punjab National Bank (PNB) surge more than 2-3%, leading the charge, supported by strong buying in other PSU names. Conversely, the index's overall advance was tempered by profit booking in core private banking giants like ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank, which ended marginally in the red, contributing to the choppy intraday move. The index has successfully broken out above a descending trendline drawn from the August highs, reaffirming a medium-term reversal pattern. The price is comfortably holding above all its key moving averages, indicating a well-established uptrend with strong underlying momentum. On the momentum front, the RSI has eased slightly to around 65, retreating from the overbought zone near 70, suggesting mild consolidation rather than trend exhaustion. This cooling-off phase could offer a healthy setup for further upside if the RSI sustains above 60. Meanwhile, the MACD remains in positive territory, with the signal line indicating a bullish crossover, though the histogram suggests a flattening slope, implying potential short-term consolidation. From a technical standpoint, immediate support lies near 57,000, with a stronger base around 56,900, aligning with the 21-DMA. However, recent profit booking may trigger further downside pressure in the coming days. A break below key support could accelerate weakness. On the upside, only a sustained move above 58,550 may revive bullish momentum toward 60,000. While the broader structure remains positive, traders should stay cautious and watch for signs of selling pressure before initiating fresh long positions. Volatility is expected to rise, and risk management will be crucial in the near term. MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. It offers tools and resources to help investors make informed decisions based on the CAN SLIM methodology, founded by legendary investor William J. O'Neil. You can access a 10-day free trial by registering on its website. Trade name: William ONeil India Pvt. Ltd. Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543 Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Have you ever encountered someone who is ineligible for a credit card because they have a poor or nonexistent credit history and needs to build credit? Or does the applicant have an income that is lower than the minimum eligibility criteria for the card? Well, this is not unusual. In such cases, banks tend to offer a secured credit card. For those who are not aware, secured credit cards are offered against the collateral of a fixed deposit (FD) that is opened in the same bank. Suppose Ajay is not eligible for a credit card because he does not have a job. The bank has now offered him a secured credit card with a credit limit of 5 lakh, which requires him to open a fixed deposit of the same amount with the bank. As he uses the card and clears his bills on time, his credit score will gradually improve, thus enabling him to apply for a regular credit card at a later date. If he fails to settle his bill, the bank will be able to use the money deposited in a fixed deposit towards the credit card payment. Also Read | THESE 5 premium credit cards can lift your lifestyle a great deal Some examples of secured credit cards: I. SBI Card Unnati: This zero-fee card can be opened with a lien on the cardholder's fixed deposit opened with SBI of 25,000 or more. II. ICICI Bank's Coral Credit Card Against Fixed Deposit: This card can be issued against an ICICI Bank Fixed Deposit of 50,000 or more, with a minimum tenure of 180 days. A lien is marked on the fixed deposit, and 90 per cent of the amount of the Fixed Deposit is issued as a credit limit of the card. You can consider a credit card in these scenarios: 1. No credit history: When you do not have a credit score because you don't have a history of bill payments and credit cards, you have no choice but to apply for a secured credit card. 2. Not eligible: Suppose you are not eligible for a credit card because your income is lower than the minimum requirement for the card. The bank, therefore, offers you a credit card that is secured against a fixed deposit. The amount of money deposited in the FD works as collateral. 3. Step towards a regular card: Sometimes, when you are unable to convince the bank to issue you a credit card for whatever reason, you can use a secured card as a step towards building your credit score. And once you have a good credit score, you can apply for a credit card at a later stage. Therefore, we can say that secured credit cards are a good way for individuals with poor or no credit history to build their credit. Still, it is essential to clearly understand the risks associated with credit cards. The risks discussed are as follows. 5 risks of using credit cards Carrying unpaid balances on your credit card can result in the accumulation of debt. The easy availability of credit can cause the credit card holder to overspend. This can force them into a debt spiral. Missing out on payments or maxing out on your credit card can damage your credit profile and lower your credit score. Late payment fee, hidden charges, annual charges and foreign transaction fees can add up quickly and make holding credit cards expensive. Credit card details can be stolen, and the loss of critical data such as OTPs, CVVs, etc., can result in financial fraud. In conclusion, it can be stated that secured credit cards are a good tool to help new and upcoming credit card users to build a fresh credit profile. Still, one should proceed with a new credit card only after conducting thorough due diligence and consulting with a certified financial advisor. For all personal finance updates, visit here. In another case of a flight being diverted for an emergency landing, an Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru was diverted to Bhopal after officials detected a technical issue. The technical snag was detected mid-air, the airline said on Tuesday, 4 November. The aircraft, operating as flight AI2487, landed safely at Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal, on Monday night, where it is undergoing precautionary inspections, an Air India spokesperson said, adding that the inconvenience was caused by an unforeseen situation. The spokesperson said, Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers by this unforeseen situation. Our ground team at Bhopal has been providing immediate assistance and support to the passengers. Every effort is being made to fly the passengers to their destination at the earliest. The airline reiterated that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew remain its top priority. In a separate incident, an Air India flight from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The airline said in a statement that the flight crew suspected a technical issue en route, prompting the emergency landing at Ulaanbaatar Airport. Passengers on the Air India flight to Delhi via Kolkata were disembarked and provided with hotel accommodation, a statement by an Air India spokesperson said. In a post on X, the statement said, AI174 of 02 November 2025, operating from San Francisco to Delhi had made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar International Airport in Mongolia. With the help of our partners and local authorities, Air India has extended immediate assistance to the passengers. They were served meals on board and have been disembarked. Hotel arrangements have been made for their stay after clearing immigration procedures at the airport, while Air India makes alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination, Delhi, at the earliest. Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience to passengers arising from this unforeseen diversion, which was undertaken in the interest of safety. Every effort is being made to minimise the inconvenience. The spokesperson confirmed on Monday morning that the aircraft made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar due to a suspected technical snag. Earlier, on 17 October, an Air India flight was cancelled due to a technical issue. Two days later, on 19 October, Air India announced it would operate an additional flight from Milan to Delhi. Air India is going to bring back its 228 passengers on a relief flight after they got stranded in Mongolia's Ulaanbaatar, the airline said on Tuesday. The passengers got stranded in the Mongolian capital on Monday after their San-Francisco to Delhi flight faced some technical glitch and was diverted to the city. In a statement, Air India said that the relief flight AI183 will return on Wednesday morning with all 228 passengers on board. As per a report by PTI, there were 245 people on the Air India AI174 San Francisco-Delhi flight, including 228 passengers and 17 crew members. The Air India relief flight has departed from Delhi on Tuesday afternoon. Also Read | Air India DelhiBengaluru flight lands in Bhopal after technical snag "Air India will be operating a relief flight to ferry the passengers of flight AI174 (San FranciscoDelhi of 02 November), which was diverted to Ulaanbaatar on Monday. The ferry flight AI183 is scheduled to depart Delhi this afternoon and return with the affected passengers on Wednesday morning," the airline said in the statement. The relief flight will be operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The statement also said the airline along with local authorities and the Indian Embassy in Mongolia, has been looking after the passengers and crew, including providing them hotel accommodation. Air India flight diverted to Mongolia Air India flight AI174 was diverted to Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar on Monday en route Delhi, when the flight crew suspected a technical snag. On Monday, the Tata Group-owned carrier said, "AI174 operating from San Francisco to Delhi via Kolkata, made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar after the flight crew suspected a technical issue en route." The Boeing 777 aircraft, which operated the flight, had landed safely at Ulaanbaatar. Passengers of the Air India flight to New Delhi via Kolkata were disembarked and were given hotel arrangements, a statement by an Air India Spokesperson said. Three persons have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a college student near Coimbatore International Airport a case that sparked political outrage, sending shockwaves across the country. Coimbatore City Police Commissioner Saravana Sundar confirmed the arrest of three accused in the Coimbatore sexual assault case and said they were shit in the leg as they tried to escape. The three accused have been identified as Guna, Karuppasamy, and Karthik alias Kaleeswaran. The accused were trying to escape from the spot when the police had to shoot them in the leg in Vellakinaru, on the outskirts of Coimbatore city, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner confirmed, ANI reported. All three accused have been admitted to Coimbatore Government Hospital after sustaining injuries in the encounter, during which a head constable was also hurt. The investigation is currently underway. Also Read | Woman alleges assault at Kolkata nightclub, Park Street gang-rape link suspected: What did police say The unidentified miscreants attacked and chased away the male friend of the 19-year-old college student and allegedly sexually assaulted her on November 2 night at a secluded spot, police said. Both the student and her friend have been admitted to a hospital. Following the incident, seven special teams were formed to trace and nab the culprits, police said. Meanwhile, the Coimbatore sexual assault case has sent shockwaves across the state. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader K Annamalai accused the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of shielding sexual offenders. He claimed anti-social elements no longer fear the law or the police since the DMK came to power. Also Read | West Bengal shocker! Medical student from Odisha, who went out for dinner with friend, 'gang-raped' From DMK ministers to police officials, there has been a disturbing pattern of shielding sexual offenders instead of ensuring justice. The DMK government has utterly failed in both preventing sexual crimes and providing safety for women, he alleged in a post on X. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said the chief minister, who holds the home department portfolio, should direct the police to immediately find the assailants and render justice to the student. Condemning the state government allegedly for undermining women's safety, Palaniswami said during the AIADMK regime, Tamil Nadu was the leading state in India where women lived safely. Women's safety was ensured totally by the Amma's (late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's) government, he said. "A few months ago, I inaugurated a programme in Chennai, on behalf of the AIADMK, to provide women with a box containing pepper spray, torches, and other safety items. The party functionaries continued to distribute the kit throughout Tamil Nadu," the former chief minister said on X. Social media users took to X, claiming they felt an earthquake in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, during the early hours of Tuesday. Some described the tremors as brief but strong, lasting for a few seconds. Independent tracking website Volcano Discovery reported a seismic-like event, possible earthquake around 10.49 pm GMT (4.19 am IST) in Vizag. However, the tracking site said, There are no details yet on the magnitude or depth of this possible quake. View full Image Screenshot from independent tracking website Volcano Discovery showing details about the reported seismic activity in Vizag. ( Volcano Discovery ) Despite user reports and independent reports of possible seismic activity, there has been no confirmation yet from the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The last update from the NCS was in relation to the earthquake in Russia's Kamchatka region on Monday. Here's what users say Afghanistan earthquake In related news, a strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 640, while also causing damage to the historic Blue Mosque, officials said, reported AP. Authorities warned that the death and injury toll could increase. The US Geological Survey said that the earthquakes epicentre was 22 kilometres (14 miles) west-southwest of Khulm and occurred at 12:59 am, with a depth of 28 kilometres (17 miles). In Khulm, near the quakes epicentre, residents sifted through the rubble of collapsed mud-brick homes, using shovels and their hands to recover belongings. Local resident Ahmad Zia described the dust-filled air from the destroyed houses. Social media footage from Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, showed some bricks had fallen from the Blue Mosques walls, but the structure itself remained standing. The centuries-old mosque, a key religious and cultural site, hosts large gatherings during Islamic and cultural festivals. Afghanistan, a country with limited resources, often struggles to respond to natural disasters, particularly in remote areas, according to the report. Many buildings are low-rise concrete or brick structures, while rural homes are frequently made of poorly constructed mud bricks and wood, making them highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Qari Taj Mohammad Hemat, deputy spokesperson for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority, said that the quake affected Balkh, Samangan, Sar-e-Pul and Kunduz provinces, resulting in 20 deaths and 643 injuries, 25 of whom are in critical condition. A probe into a scandal which came to light after CCTV footage of women undergoing medical checkups at a hospital in Gujarat's Rajkot appeared on porn sites, has revealed how a common password led to a breach of security. The hackers involved in the crime, not only breached the CCTV system of the Maternity Home in Rajkot from where they stole the footage before it appeared on porn sites and made available for sale between 700 and 4,000, but they also stole at least 50,000 clips over nine months from across the country. Investigators found that about 80 CCTV dashboards from hospitals, schools, corporate houses and other places were compromised nationwide, including in Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Delhi, reported TOI. Also Read | India to repatriate citizens detained in Thailand after cybercrime raid How did hospital footage get leaked? According to NDTV, hospital authorities are unaware of how the CCTV footage got leaked. "Our CCTV server seems to have been hacked. However, we are also unaware of why this happened and will inform the police," NDTV quoted Dr Amit Akbari as saying. How hackers breached the CCTV system? A probe into the matter revealed that admin123, a common password used by several users, was used on many of the hacked CCTV systems. The lead hacker in the scandal, who is a BCom graduate, had employed three different software programs. "The primary method used was a 'brute force attack' (hackers using a program or bot to try every possible combination of letters and numbers for a lock)," TOI quoted an Ahmedabad cybercrime branch officer as saying. Also Read | Why relying on your browsers password manager is still risky Jump in cyber crimes According to the the data in the latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cyber crimes have shown 31 per cent increase in 2023, with 86,420 cases registered in the year, compared to 65,983 cases in 2022. Cyber crimes in Gujarat registered a significant rise of 40.79 per cent in 2023 as 1,995 cases were registered in the year as compared to 1,417 in 2022. Interpol has issued a Red Notice against Rishabh Baisoya, a fugitive wanted in connection with a 13,000-crore cocaine haul unearthed by the Delhi Police Special Cell one of the largest drug trafficking cases in Indias history. Rishabh Baisoya, who is believed to be hiding in the Middle East, was earlier declared an absconder and proclaimed offender by Indian courts. The Interpol notice seeks global assistance to locate and detain him pending extradition, officials confirmed. Check the RED NOTICE against Rishabh Baisoya What is a Red Notice? A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant but a request by Interpol to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and detain a person pending extradition. Indian authorities are also invoking the trial in absentia provision of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows a trial and even conviction to proceed if an accused declared a proclaimed offender remains absconding for over 90 days after charge framing. Who is Rishabh Baisoya? Rishabh Baisoya is the son of Virender Singh Baisoya, also known as Veeru the alleged kingpin of an international drug-smuggling cartel. Investigators allege that Rishabh managed logistics and distribution channels for his fathers network, using shell companies and pharmaceutical fronts to move cocaine consignments across Indian metros. Times of India citing Delhi Police Special Cell reported, Baisoyas network has links extending across Delhi, Punjab, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Goa, and is believed to have laundered thousands of crores through offshore accounts and hawala routes. What are the charges against Rishabh Baisoya? On 1 October 2024, Rishabh Baisoya allegedly provided a Toyota Fortuner SUV to co-accused Jatinder Singh Gill (alias Jassi) for drug transportation, Times of India reported. The vehicle was intercepted days later, on 5 October, in Ajnala, Punjab, near the Nepal border. Police recovered about 1 kg of cocaine and mephedrone from the SUV. CCTV footage placed Baisoya and Gill together in Delhi at Hudco Place and a hotel in Panchsheel Enclave confirming his active involvement, officials said. Baisoya has since been charged under multiple sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. How did the cartel operate? The investigation revealed a multi-layered international network that smuggled cocaine from South America to India via Dubai. The cartel used shell import firms, fake pharmaceutical distributors, and courier fronts to conceal consignments and mask financial trails. The syndicates operations were allegedly coordinated from Pakistan and Dubai, with members based in Thailand, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Indian authorities have sent letters rogatory (judicial requests) to these countries seeking assistance in tracing assets and digital evidence. What happens next in Rishabh Baisoya case? The Red Notice now enables Interpol-member countries to detain Rishabh Baisoya if located abroad, although extradition will depend on bilateral treaties and legal processes. Officials said that even if his capture takes time, the case will move forward under Indias trial in absentia framework. This step strengthens Indias hand in pursuing high-value fugitives wanted in cross-border organised crime, a senior Delhi Police official told TOI. The Red Notice ensures that Baisoya cannot travel freely or operate his network without risk of arrest. Why the Rishabh Baisoya case matters The 13,000-crore drug haul has exposed how India is being used a key transit hub in global narcotics supply chains. The Delhi Police case underscores how cartels now blend corporate-style fronts with deep international financing, making them harder to dismantle. In a horrific incident, a 19-year-old man allegedly killed his minor pregnant girlfriend by slitting her throat with an axe in Gumla district of Jharkhand. The incident took place in Purana Raidih village under the Raidih police station in Gumla on Tuesday morning. According to the police, the deceased girl was originally a resident of Chhattisgarh state. Also Read | Tragic news: Class 6 girl dies after falling from 4th floor at Jaipur school Raidih police station in-charge, Sandeep Kumar Yadav, said: "The incident occurred in Purana Raidih village this morning. The deceased was a minor and pregnant. She was killed by her boyfriend, Suman Yadav (19). The accused slit her throat with an axe. We have arrested the accused and also recovered the murder weapon," reported news agency PTI. During the initial probe, the accused confessed to the crime and told the police that he had killed his girlfriend in a fit of anger, the police officer said. He further said that an investigation has been initiated in connection with the case, and the actual reason for the murder is being ascertained. The district Civil Surgeon, Dr Shambhu N Choudhary, told PTI that a post-mortem examination of the victim has been conducted. She was approximately five months pregnant. Telangana news: Man kills self after murdering 3 family members A man has died by suicide in Kulcharla village of Vikarabad district of Telangana after allegedly murdering his wife, daughter, and sister-in-law with a sickle, the police said on Sunday. Police officials reported that a second daughter managed to escape the brutal assault that occurred overnight and is currently safe, as reported by news agency ANI. According to the Police, the man, identified as Yadaiah, took his own life by hanging himself at his home immediately after the killings. The police received a call reporting the incident and have since opened an inquiry. A police official said: "We received a dial 100 call about the matter. A man named Yadaiah killed his wife, daughter, and sister-in-law with a sickle last night, and then he committed suicide by hanging. He also tried to kill his other daughter, but she escaped from him. We have registered a case and are investigating the matter. The bodies have been shifted for post-mortem examination." A leopard suspected to be involved in multiple fatal attacks was captured on Tuesday in Shirur tehsil of Pune district, in the same area where 13-year-old Rohan Bombe was killed two days ago. The captured male leopard, estimated to be around 5 to 6 years old, is suspected to be the one responsible for the death of Bombe on Sunday, marking the third fatal attack in the past few weeks. We captured a male leopard, aged around 5 to 6, from the Pimparkhed area. The leopard walked into one of the cages set by us, said Smita Rajhans, assistant conservator of forests, Junnar Forest Division. Rajhans said the captured leopard will be shifted to the Vantara facility. It is yet to be confirmed whether the captured feline is the same big cat that fatally attacked the boy on Sunday. It will be ascertained only after DNA profiling, she told PTI. Forest officials confirmed that it is not yet confirmed whether the captured animal is the man-eater they were pursuing. DNA profiling will be conducted to confirm its involvement in the attacks. Following the latest death, the Forest Department had issued a shoot-at-sight order and deployed a team of five sharpshooters. It has already been decided that the captured leopards will be shifted to Jamnagar-based Vantara, she said, adding that a team of sharpshooters remained stationed in the area and a search for other leopards is still on. Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced that the captured leopard is likely to be shifted to the Vantara rehabilitation facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat. In response to the growing human-animal conflict in regions such as Junnar, Ambegaon, and Shirur, Naik announced an urgent relocation drive and a comprehensive action plan. 200 cages will be installed immediately in affected zones, with 1,000 more to be procured on a war footing. Also Read | Black panther caught on camera walking with leopards in Tamil Nadus Nilgiris The state has sanctioned 10 crore for the purchase of urgent equipment. The government plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) for satellite-based tracking and early warning systems to alert citizens about leopard movements. The preventive measures include installing solar fencing around farmlands and increasing the number of forest personnel. A proposal for the sterilisation of leopards has been submitted to the central government for approval. Angry Protests The attacks led to angry protests, including a rasta roko (road blockade) on the Pune-Nashik Highway. Villagers also set a Forest Department patrolling van on fire. A passenger was on a flight from Varanasi to Mumbai was detained on Monday for allegedly trying to open the aircraft's emergency exit doors before takeoff. According to a report by news agency PTI, the incident took place on board Akasa Air's flight QP 1497, which was slated to depart from Varanasi for India's financial capital at 6.45 pm. As the aircraft was taxiing, the accuseda flyer named Sujit Singh from the Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradeshattempted to open the emergency exit doors. The cabin crew, however, caught Singh in the act and promptly alerted the pilot, who brough the aircraft back to apron after directions from the Air Traffic Control (ATC). Also Read | Air India DelhiBengaluru flight lands in Bhopal after technical snag Security personnel subsequently evacuated all passengers safely, and took Singh into custody. Speaking to PTI, Phoolpur Station House Officer (SHO) Praveen Kumar Singh said the passenger told investigators that the accused tried to open the emergency exit doors "out of curiosity." Singh has been booked and is in custody for questioning. After the chaos settled, the rescheduled flight took off for Mumbai at around 7.45 pm following security clearance. Akasa Air issues statement An Akasa Air spokesperson later issued a statement, saying, A passenger on flight QP 1497, scheduled to operate from Varanasi to Mumbai on November 03, 2025, attempted to open an emergency exit door cover without authorisation while the aircraft was still stationary at the parking bay. The individual was identified, and in line with standard operating protocols, was offloaded and handed over to the relevant authorities. All passengers and crew are safe. The aircraft was thoroughly inspected and cleared by our engineering team before the flight departed at 2100hrs, it further added. The Ministry of Railways has flagged a few issues in the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train while granting it sanction to begin operations. In a written communication sent recently to the Director General Board, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the general managers of all railway zones, the ministry pointed out the issues pertaining to the matter. Officials, who elaborated on the sanctioning process, said the RDSO first takes the final approval for any newly designed train from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). The CCRS then sends the proposal to the Railway Ministry to get its sanction to start operations of the train. The CCRS during trial conveys its observations to the RDSO for compliance. In the case of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, the RDSO sent its updated compliance on September 1, 2025, the officials said. Also Read | Vande Bharat Sleeper To Debut From This City Ahead Of Diwali The 28 October letter of the Railway Ministry was sent to all zones of the railway because the route of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains has not been finalised yet. What are the issues with the Vande Bharat Sleeper train? According to the letter from the Railway Ministry, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train needs some design improvements to guarantee the safety of passengers. There are issues related to furnishing and workmanship at many places in respect of sharp edges and corners at berthing area, window curtain handles, pigeon pockets between berth connectors inviting cleaning issues etc, the Railway Board said in the letter. The Board further said that these corrective measures are necessary in the current rakes, while flagging the design improvements required for future railway cars. The letter has further directed zones to observe all the conditions laid down by the RDSO for operations up to a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour. Additionally, the ministry has reiterated that the zones must comply with issues such as fire safety measures, fitment of Kavach 4.0, provision of a suitable and reliable communication system between loco pilots, train managers and adjacent station masters, proper maintenance of all types of brake systems, among others. It also asked the zones to train loco pilots to uncouple the semi-permanent coupler within 15 minutes in the event of an emergency. They must also be provided with the necessary tools required for this process as part of a driver/guard tool kit. Also Read | India's first Vande Bharat sleeper express to connect Delhi and Patna The availability of trained technical staff for addressing the en-route technical issues and emergencies should also be ensured, the ministry added. Regular announcements shall be made through the PA system informing all persons other than passengers to disembark from the train before its departure. Also, pre-recorded Passenger safety announcements in three languages (Regional, Hindi & English) should be made during the run to sensitize passengers about personal safety norms to be observed during travel, it said. Mumbai: Debt funds EvolutionX Debt Capital, Stride Ventures and BlackSoil Group, that primarily lend to fast-growing, new age economy companies in India, have expanded to markets in West Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe in recent months to diversify exposure and maximise returns. With limited opportunities in Indian markets and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, this is likely to be the next leg of growth for these players, according to industry executives and consultants. Venture debt comprises high-interest loans to early stage companies that want to raise capital without diluting equity. Typically, startups and early stage companies turn to such debt when venture capital becomes scarce or expensive. Venture debt is usually given after assessing the companys ability or likelihood to raise the next round of equity financing alongside other factors such as cash flows and overall financial health. To be sure, venture capital remains the main source of finance for startups in India even as venture debt has gained a market as startups started looking for alternative funding sources with a decline in venture funding activity. As a result, one-stop debt solutions that simplify fundraising are being preferred. Last week, Stride Ventures launched three funds across India, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and the UK, on the back of a $300 million capital raise over the past six months. To date, Stride has three venture debt funds in India and has backed about 200 startups including BlueStone, Moneyview, Moove, Foxtale, CureSkin, NewMe, Nat Habit and AgroStar. (The six member countries of the GCC are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait.) View Full Image Stride Ventures managing partners Ishpreet Singh Gandhi (left) and Apoorva Sharma While India remains the home base for its venture and growth credit business, managing partner Apoorva Sharma explained that the Stride plans to tap GCCs rapidly maturing ecosystem and Europes innovation and financial hubs for its next leg of growth. The Stride funds, which were launched around April, have a target of an additional $300 million taking the total to $600 million. India, SE Asia synergies Stride, BlackSoil, and EvolutionX are, in fact, following in the footsteps of Innoven Capital, which started in India in 2008 and has backed more than 200 companies including Ather, RenewBuy, Pepperfry, Dailyhunt and Captain Fresh. Over the years, it expanded its horizons into Southeast Asia (in 2015) and China (2017), making it one of the first venture debt providers to do so. The BlackSoil Group's global wing aims to cater to the evolving debt needs among its clientele. The investment firm launched a $50 million Southeast Asian-focused credit fund in August. I think there are synergies between India and Southeast Asia in factors like per capita income, spending power, population demographics and entrepreneurial spirit. We are seeing many early-stage companies operating in sectors such as e-commerce, logistics and financial services trying to solve very similar problems as those in India," Varun Gupta, co-founder & managing partner, told Mint. View Full Image Varun Gupta, co-founder & managing partner, BlackSoil Given that the cost of equity works out to be even higher than debt, companies will need debt and similar pools of capital to fund growth, said Singapore-based Gupta, adding that BlackSoil will look at regions such as Australia and the India-Middle East corridor in future. The push overseas among venture debt companies coincides with several Indian startups looking to tap the international markets for the next phase of growth. This, together with the fact that global capital has moved to Singapore after tariff wars began early this year "gives us the conviction in going to these areas," Gupta said. India abroad Nidhi Killawala, partner at law firm Khaitan & Co, who specializes in venture capital and private equity advisory, echoed BlackSoil's view. "Many Indian startups are now building in India for the world, with offshore structures and overseas subsidiaries. Expanding abroad enables lenders to support these global operations, tap into new startup ecosystems, and engage with international LPs who prefer partnering through familiar jurisdictions," she said. BlackSoil, which has backed companies like Yatra, MobiKwik, ideaForge, Moneyview and Curefoods in India, has disbursed around 8,425 crore across 245 deals and handles about 1,300 crore in assets under management for high growth companies, according to its website. In April, it received approval from the Reserve Bank of India to merge with Caspian Debt to create a alternative credit non-banking financial entity. A private equity expert traced the expansion of venture debt firms overseas to two factors: the markets there are still young compared to India and the institutional investors, or limited partners, backing the funds see gaps in those markets. Its important to note that the Indian venture debt ecosystem itself is currently not that large with 10-12 noteworthy players. If three or four funds are expanding overseas, that already represents 2530% of the total players," EY Indias private equity leader Vivek Soni said. Elsewhere, growth stage debt financing platform EvolutionX Debt Capital, established by Temasek and DBS, which provides financing to companies across Asia with a focus on India, Southeast Asia and China, is set to make its first investment in the GCC region in next few months. View Full Image Rahul Shah, partner, EvolutionX The firm's partner Rahul Shah listed a few factors on what makes the region attractive to venture debt: economic growth forecast of over 4%, government initiatives towards growth of non-oil sectors and reforms, a young population with a high per capita income, digital transformation, and robust capital markets. EvolutionX invests in growth-stage tech-enabled businesses and companies in new economy sectors such as consumer, education, financial services, EVs and healthcare. It has backed companies including LendingKart, Udaan, Mensa Brands, UpGrad and Ola Electric and its ticket sizes range from $20 million to $75 million. This slightly contrasts with the strategy at Stride and BlackSoil which cut cheques in the $2 million to $20 million bracket with a focus on earlier stage startups. Local, outbound support In contrast, there are venture debt players from India that believe an India-rooted strategy works well. Vinod Murali, co-founder and managing partner, at Indian venture debt fund Alteria Capital, told Mint that the firm continues to believe in the depth of the Indian market opportunity, but has explored ways to support portfolio companies with overseas operations. We have such relationships in the US and Southeast Asia that can help meet our portfolio companies requirements as appropriate," he said. We believe expansion to another geography needs to be coupled with local underwriting and market expertise, else it may offer short-term benefits but create long-term stress," Murali said. The expansion overseas of other debt funds is a sign of the venture debt companies trying to catch the wave early in places such as West Asia, which is seeing more early stage companies seeking such capital, said EY's Soni. They'll go where the startup ecosystem is maturing and VC funding activity is strong. Venture debt typically follows VC capital it enters the cap table to help founders and existing equity holders reduce dilution. So, venture debt funds will focus on geographies with high startup activity and quality VC participation," he said, adding such moves reduce dependence on one market and will strengthen the ecosystem if overseas markets contribute even 2030% of a funds income over time. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) upheld the 213 crore penalty on Meta Platforms and WhatsApp, finding that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had correctly established abuse of dominance and imposed a proportionate fine. The penalty imposed of 213.14 crore only (Rupees Two Hundred Thirteen Crores and Fourteen Lakhs only) upon Meta is upheld, the judgment noted. The tribunal agreed that WhatsApps 2021 privacy policy forced users to accept expanded data-sharing terms without real choice, violating Section 4(2)(a)(i) of the Competition Act, which prohibits dominant firms from imposing unfair conditions. It also noted that Meta and WhatsApp operate under common ownership and control, justifying a joint penalty. However, the NCLAT said the five-year ban lacked reasoning and was legally unjustified. It observed that restoring user consent and opt-in/opt-out choice sufficiently addresses the coercive elements of the 2021 policy. Once users have been given the option to freely decide to opt in or opt outthis direction becomes redundant, the judgment stated. Lawyers described the verdict as balanced and nuanced. The NCLAT has struck a fine balance in the WhatsApp and Meta case. By lifting the data-sharing ban and setting aside the dominance finding, it shields their business model. Yet by upholding the 213 crore penalty, it reminds Big Tech that fairness and transparency are now central to competition law, said Ketan Mukhija, senior partner, Burgeon Law. This nuanced verdict reinforces that while dominance itself is not unlawful, leveraging it without informed user consent can still attract competition scrutiny, Amit Tungare, managing partner, Asahi Legal. According to Raheel Patel, partner at Gandhi Law Associates, the ruling indicates that competition cases should be based on clear evidence of market harm, rather than merely concerns about data or privacy. He said the decision may give tech companies more confidence to challenge broad claims of dominance and encourage CCI to adopt a more evidence-based approach in handling digital market cases. The NCLATs decision came as a big relief for Metas operations in India, where it has a combined user base of nearly 850 millionabout 350 million on Facebook and over 500 million on WhatsApp. While we await the written order, we continue to reiterate that WhatsApps 2021 privacy policy update did not change the privacy of peoples personal messages, which remain end-to-end encrypted, a Meta spokesperson said. The case arose from WhatsApps January 2021 privacy policy update, which required users to accept new terms allowing the app to share certain data, such as device information, business interactions, and usage details, with its parent company, Meta (then Facebook). WhatsApp said the update aimed to help businesses communicate with customers and improve ad services on Facebook and Instagram. However, users had to accept these terms to continue using the app, sparking global backlash over privacy concerns and allegations that WhatsApp was forcing people to share their data. Indias competition watchdog held that the policy was exploitative and exclusionary conduct, unfairly strengthening Metas position in digital advertising by leveraging WhatsApps dominant presence in the messaging market. In its November 2024 order, CCI fined Meta and WhatsApp 213.14 crore, prohibited them from sharing user data with Meta or its affiliates for five years, and directed them to disclose the specific purpose behind each category of data collected. Legal challenge Meta challenged the order before NCLAT. In January, the appellate tribunal granted partial interim relief, lifting the five-year data-sharing ban but requiring Meta to deposit 50% of the fine, in addition to the 25% already paid. The refund was made subject to the final verdict. During the hearings, Meta argued that CCI had misapplied competition law to what was essentially a data protection issue. It maintained that the 2021 update did not broaden WhatsApps data collection beyond the 2016 policy but merely clarified existing categories. The company emphasized that no sensitive user data was shared with Meta for advertising and that features such as Click to WhatsApp were optional. Meta also cautioned that enforcing the data-sharing ban would harm small Indian businesses that rely on personalised advertising through Facebook and Instagram based on WhatsApp interactions. It stated that the ban could compel Meta to halt or withdraw key features, potentially impacting its commercial viability in India. Meta further argued that CCI overstepped its jurisdiction, lacked supporting evidence such as user complaints or surveys, and ignored the presence of rivals like Telegram, Signal, and iMessage. In response, CCI defended its order, arguing that Metas vast size, integration, and resources across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp made it the dominant player in Indias messaging market. The regulator stated that the 2021 update eliminated the limited opt-out option previously available, requiring users, even those who had previously declined, to accept cross-platform data sharing in order to continue using the service. CCIs defence CCI also pointed out that Indian users were treated differently from those in the European Union, where users enjoy stronger data rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), such as the ability to rectify or erase information. This, it said, showed Metas deliberate decision to deny Indian consumers the same level of transparency and control. Rejecting Metas claim that privacy concerns fall outside the scope of competition law, CCI argued that privacy and data control are essential to fair competition, as a lack of user consent and the misuse of data can distort markets and harm consumers welfare. Regulator CCI argued that WhatsApps 2021 update, introduced on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, effectively forced users to accept expanded data sharing, undermining user autonomy and enabling Meta to exploit WhatsApps dominance to boost its advertising business. Under Section 27(b) of the Competition Act, 2002, CCI can impose a maximum penalty of up to 10% of a company's average turnover for the preceding three financial years if found guilty of abusing dominance or engaging in anti-competitive practices. Globally, Metas data practices have faced similar scrutiny. In 2021, Germanys data protection authority temporarily banned Facebook from processing WhatsApp user data, while Irelands Data Protection Commission fined WhatsApp 225 million in September 2021 for lack of transparency in data-sharing practices. Other countries also took action. Turkeys Competition Authority suspended the new policy in January 2021, citing abuse of dominance, while Brazils justice ministry temporarily halted its rollout in May 2021, saying it violated consumer consent rules. Donald Trump's White House renovation has again come to the spotlight with a recent report claiming that the President's famed ballroom construction project is being funded by corporate donors, a majority of whom have received federal contracts in recent years. According to a Bloomberg report citing a study by Public Citizen, 16 of the 24 donors who have agreed to pay for Trump's ballroom construction project have received government contracts amounting to $279 billion in total over the past five years. Trump's ballroom: Who are the donors? The list of donors include some of the biggest tech companies in the US Apple, Microsoft and Meta, the report said. These companies have faced federal enforcement actions, had their businesses impacted by tariff policy or seen existing enforcement actions suspended by the Trump administration. Several of the companies also have business interests like pending approvals of mergers and acquisitions before the Trump government. These include Comcast, which is mulling a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, as well as Union Pacific, which is looking to merge with Norfolk Southern. View full Image The demolition of the East Wing of the White House, the location of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed ballroom is seen from an elevated position on the North side of the White House ( REUTERS ) The list also includes donors who have received government contracts recently, with the majority of those awards going to Lockheed Martin. Over the past five years, the company has been awarded $191 billion in federal contracts during that period, according to Public Citizen founder and liberal activist Ralph Nader. These giant corporations arent funding the Trump ballroom debacle out of a sense of civic pride, Public Citizen Co-President Robert Weissman said in a statement. They have massive interests before the federal government and they undoubtedly hope to curry favor with, and receive favorable treatment from, the Trump administration, he added. Other major donors of the project include Coinbase Inc., Ripple Labs Inc. and Tether Holdings Ltd., as well as longtime Trump donors including billionaires Steve Schwarzman and Miriam Adelson, according to the White House. Donald Trump's White House revamp Donald Trump has torn down the entire section of the East Wing of the White House to give way to a new, luxurious ballroom he has been planning to construct. The White House reconstruction has triggered an uproar among Democratic groups in the US with many leaders pointing out the preservation of the building and ethical grounds of the move. Last week in a letter to the White House, a group of Senate Democrats called for a complete accounting of all donations to the White House ballroom construction project, including the conditions under which contributions were made. The letter, written by Senator Adam Schiff of California and others has said that the White House ballroom project risked blatant corruption as these companies and their stakeholders seek to position themselves in the governments good graces. Dick Cheney, the powerful and polarising former Vice President of the United States who reshaped global geopolitics after 9/11 and left an indelible mark on the modern Republican Party, has died at the age of 84, according to a statement released by his family. A commanding figure in Washington for nearly half a century, Cheney served as the 46th vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. He was widely regarded as the most influential occupant of the vice-presidential office in American history a man whose ideas, authority and will helped steer the United States into two decades of war. His death brings to a close a remarkable, often controversial career that spanned the Cold War, the Gulf War, the war on terror, and the populist upheavals that later remade the Republican Party he once helped define. Who Was Dick Cheney and How Did He Rise to Power? View full Image FILE PHOTO: U.S. President George W. Bush (L) and Vice President Dick Cheney celebrate at the conclusion of the 2004 Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York, September 2, 2004. ( REUTERS ) Richard Bruce Cheney was born on 30 January 1941 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and raised in Casper, Wyoming. His journey from the rural American West to the centre of global power was neither straightforward nor preordained. After struggling academically at Yale, Cheney dropped out and worked on power lines before returning to university in Wyoming, where he completed bachelors and masters degrees in political science. He married his high school sweetheart, Lynne Vincent, in 1964 a union that would anchor his life and ambitions. Cheneys political ascent began in earnest during the Nixon and Ford administrations. A protege of Donald Rumsfeld, he served as White House Chief of Staff at just 34, becoming one of the youngest to hold the post. His calm, disciplined temperament and talent for navigating bureaucracy earned him a reputation as a consummate insider. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1978, Cheney represented Wyomings sole congressional district for six terms, rising to House Minority Whip and establishing himself as a staunch conservative voice in national politics. In 1989, President George HW Bush appointed him as Secretary of Defense, where Cheney oversaw Operation Desert Storm, the swift U.S.-led campaign that expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1991. The success of that operation cemented his reputation as a formidable strategic mind and trusted steward of American military power. Why Was Cheney Considered Americas Most Powerful Vice President? View full Image FILE- Vice President Dick Cheney and wife Lynne Cheney, welcome Vice President-elect Joe Biden, right, and his wife Jill Biden in the Vice President's official residence at the Naval Observatory, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, in Washington. ( AP ) After leaving government to head Halliburton, a Texas-based oil services giant, Cheney was drawn back into politics in 2000 when George W. Bush asked him to lead the search for a vice-presidential candidate. In a fateful twist, Cheney recommended himself. As Bushs running mate and later his vice president Cheney became the architect of the administrations most consequential policies. Reserved, methodical and deeply versed in national security affairs, he was described by colleagues as the steady hand behind the presidency. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Cheney was in the White House as hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center. From a secure bunker beneath the West Wing, he took command of the immediate crisis, reportedly authorising the shoot-down of further hijacked aircraft to protect Washington. At that moment, you knew this was a deliberate act. This was a terrorist act, Cheney later recalled in a 2002 interview with CNNs John King. That day transformed him and, by extension, the nation. Cheney became the principal advocate for a new, aggressive security posture that would come to define the next two decades: the war on terror. How Did Cheney Shape the War on Terror and the Invasion of Iraq? Cheneys influence was nowhere more evident than in the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Convinced that Saddam Husseins regime posed a grave and imminent threat, he warned repeatedly of Iraqs alleged weapons of mass destruction and supposed links to al-Qaeda. These assertions later discredited by intelligence reviews and congressional investigations laid the groundwork for a war that would cost hundreds of thousands of lives and reshape Americas standing in the world. Cheney maintained that he and his colleagues acted on the best available intelligence at the time. It was the right thing to do then. I believed it then and I believe it now, he told CNN in 2015. Also Read | Dick Cheney's banker sees world bubble Even as public disillusionment with the Iraq War grew, Cheney never recanted. Any claim that the data was distorted, hyped, or fabricated, he said in 2005, is utterly false. His unwavering defence of policies that included enhanced interrogation techniques condemned internationally as torture and the indefinite detention of terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay deepened his image as both patriot and villain. I would do it again in a minute, Cheney said in response to a 2014 Senate report that denounced such practices as brutal and ineffective. Did Cheney Have Regrets About His Legacy? View full Image FILE - In this April 25, 2013, file photo former Vice President Dick Cheney participates in the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. In an interview Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, Cheney said Republicans need to look to a new generation of leaders as the party deals with poor approval ratings following a 16-day partial-government shutdown. He said Republicans need to have 'first-class' candidates and look to its strategy and a new generation. ( AP ) Cheneys tenure ended with plummeting approval ratings and deep public scepticism of the wars he had helped launch. Yet he expressed little remorse. To the end, he saw himself as a man who had done what history demanded. I did what I believed was necessary to defend the country, he once said. And I can live with that. He left office in 2009 reviled by Democrats, distrusted by moderates, and celebrated by a dwindling faction of hawkish conservatives who saw him as the last guardian of muscular American exceptionalism. How Did His Relationship with Donald Trump Transform His Final Years? In a striking turn of fate, Cheney who had embodied Republican orthodoxy for decades became one of the partys most scathing critics under Donald Trump. Initially supportive of Trumps 2016 campaign, Cheney broke ranks after the January 6th, 2021, insurrection, denouncing Trump as a coward and a threat to the republic. In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Cheney declared in 2022. He is a coward. A real man wouldnt lie to his supporters. He lost his election, and he lost big. I know it. He knows it, and deep down, I think most Republicans know. Also Read | Dick Cheney survives Afghan blast His daughter, Liz Cheney, became a central figure in the effort to hold Trump accountable and sacrificed her political career in the process. The elder Cheney stood beside her, unrepentant, as the party turned against them both. In what many viewed as an act of political defiance, Cheney cast his final presidential vote in 2024 for Democrat Kamala Harris, citing his duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. What Were Cheneys Later Years Like? View full Image Former Vice President Dick Cheney ( AP ) Despite a lifetime of ill health, Cheney remained intellectually vigorous in retirement. After surviving five heart attacks, he received a heart transplant in 2012, which he described as the gift of life itself. He chronicled his experiences in two memoirs In My Time (2011) and Heart: An American Medical Odyssey (2013) and co-authored a third book with his daughter Liz. Though rarely seen in public, Cheney remained a potent figure in conservative debates, warning against isolationism and the erosion of constitutional norms. In January 2021, on the first anniversary of the Capitol riot, Cheney returned to Congress with Liz. Democrats lined up to shake his hand. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hugged him an unthinkable scene two decades earlier, emblematic of how the turbulence of the Trump years had upended political loyalties. Its not leadership that resembles any of the folks I knew when I was here for 10 years, he lamented of the modern GOP in 2022. How Will History Remember Dick Cheney? Few American leaders have inspired such enduring fascination and debate. To his admirers, Cheney was a statesman of rare resolve, a man who acted decisively in a moment of existential threat. To his critics, he personified the overreach and moral compromises that followed 9/11 the dark face of American power. Either way, his influence was profound. Cheneys legacy endures in the machinery of national security, the redefinition of executive authority, and the still-simmering conflicts born of his worldview. As New Yorkers cast their votes in one of the citys most closely watched mayoral races, Democrat Zohran Mamdanis rise has spotlighted not just his politics, but the family that helped shape his view. From Kampala to City Hall Born in 1991 in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani. The couples transcontinental life spanning Africa, India, and the United States deeply influenced Zohrans global perspective and political values. He spent his early years in Uganda and South Africa before the family moved to New York City in 1999, when Mahmood joined the faculty at Columbia University. They settled on the Upper West Side, with Zohran later becoming a naturalized US citizen in 2018. Mira Nair: The storyteller Mira Nair, born in 1957 in Rourkela, India, is an acclaimed filmmaker known for exploring identity, migration, and cultural intersections. A Harvard graduate, Nairs debut film Salaam Bombay! (1988) won the Camera dOr at Cannes and earned an Oscar nomination. Her subsequent works Mississippi Masala (1991), Monsoon Wedding (2001), and The Namesake (2006) cemented her reputation for blending storytelling with social insight. Mahmood Mamdani: The scholar Zohrans father, Mahmood Mamdani, born in Mumbai in 1946 and raised in Kampala, is one of Africas most respected scholars of colonialism and political violence. Expelled from Uganda in 1972 under Idi Amins regime, he went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1974. Now a Professor of Government and Anthropology at Columbia University, Mahmood is known for his 1996 book Citizen and Subject, which introduced the influential concept of the bifurcated state a framework for understanding postcolonial governance in Africa. He has led institutions from the University of Dar-es-Salaam to Makerere University and the University of Cape Town. From 2010 to 2022, he directed the Makerere Institute of Social Research, rebuilding it into a hub for postcolonial studies. Mahmoods outspoken pro-Palestinian stance has made him a controversial figure among pro-Israel advocacy groups. He has criticized Israels occupation policies and accused Columbia University of abandoning due process during campus protests positions his son has echoed in his own political rhetoric. Also Read | New York Mayor Election: Trump urges Jewish voters not to vote Mamdani A marriage of ideas and art Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani met in 1989 while she was researching Mississippi Masala in Uganda. Nair intended to interview Mahmood about his book From Citizen to Refugee instead, they fell in love. They married in 1991 and welcomed Zohran the same year. Their shared commitment to social justice, global identity, and storytelling has clearly influenced Zohrans political ethos. Zohrans wife: Rama Duwaji, artist from Damascus Alongside his parents legacy, Zohran Mamdanis wife, Rama Sawaf Duwaji, 27, has also stepped into the public eye. A Syrian illustrator and visual artist based in Brooklyn, she met Mamdani on the dating app Hinge. The two bonded over their love of art and music, later marrying in early 2025 at New York City Hall. Tesla CEO and former advisor to President Donald Trump, Elon Musk on Tuesday, November 4, mocked Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani as he publicly backed former New York City Governor Andrew Cuomo on the eve of the city mayoral election. In another high-profile voice to the heated New York City mayor election, Elon Musk urged New York residents to remember to vote tomorrow, as he also referred to Zohran Mamdani as Mumdumi or whatever his name is. He also added that a vote for Republican Curtis Sliwa would effectively help Mamdani win a sentiment echoed earlier by US President Donald Trump. In a post on X, Elon Musk said, Remember to vote tomorrow in New York! Bear in mind that a vote for Curtis is really a vote for Mumdumi or whatever his name is. VOTE CUOMO! Donald Trump backs Andrew Cuomo Earlier on Monday, November 3, President Donald Trump extended his support to Andrew Cuomo former Democrat who's running as asn Independent and warned that as a President, he would retrict the federal funds to New York City if Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral race. Backing Cuomo, whom he described as a bad Democrat, Trump warned that supporting Republican Curtis Sliwa would only bolster Mamdanis chances in the mayoral race. In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump said, If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, because of the fact that, as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival! It can only get worse with a Communist at the helm, and I dont want to send, as President, good money after bad. Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. New York mayoral election New York City is all set to elect a new mayor on Tuesday as the mayoral race enters its final lap, with Indian-descent Zohran Kwame Mamdani emerging as the front-runner to take up the top political post in America's biggest city. November 4 is election day across the US, with polls opening from 6 am to 9 pm. The early voting period, which commenced on October 25, ended on Sunday. Democrat Zohran Mamdani is up against Independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Zohran Mamdani has emerged as the front-runner in the NYC Mayoral election race and has promised to lower costs and make life easier for New Yorkers as the city gets too expensive. New York Citys mayoral race has reached its final phase, with voting underway ahead of the 4 November election to decide who will become the next leader of the city. At the centre of the New York mayor election are Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani versus former New York governor and Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo versus Republican Curtis Sliwa. The air is charged up as more and more people have come to cast their votes in the New York mayor election. So far, according to the New York City Board of Elections, 734,317 early votes have been cast in the past nine days. According to the New York City Board of Elections, Sunday alone saw a historic turnout of 151,212 early voters, the highest single-day total ever recorded in the city's history. With the latest pollster indications, the primary contest is shaping up to be a primary battle between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo. The Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa, is trailing behind both Cuomo and Mamdani. Mamdani vs Cuomo - who stands a stronger chance? Pollsters predict Zohran Mamdani has emerged as the frontrunner in the New York City mayoral race, with two polls indicating that he holds a double-digit lead over Andrew Cuomo. According to the latest RealClearPolitics average, Zohran Mamdani (Democrat) is leading with 45.8% support; Andrew Cuomo (Independent) trails with 31.1% 14.7 points behind Mamdani; and Curtis Sliwa (Republican) stands at 17.3% support 28.5 points behind Mamdani. A recent Quinnipiac University poll found Mamdani leading with 43% support, compared with Cuomos 33%, and Republican Curtis Sliwa trailing at 14%. On 10 October, it showed Mamdani leading with 46% support, while Cuomo trailed at the same 33%. According to AtlasIntel, another pollster, ranked most accurate in 2024 for the NYC mayoral elections, Mamdani leads with 43.9% of the vote (+3.3 since Oct. 30), while Cuomo trails close behind at 39.4% (+5.4 since 30 October). With Sliwa dropping 8.6 percentage points, the gap between Mamdani and Cuomo decreased to 4.5 percentage points, it said. Mamdani leads with 43.9% of the vote. According to a new Suffolk University poll released on 27 October, Mamdani holds 44% support among likely voters, while Cuomo catching up at 34%. In September, Suffolk polling showed Mamdani ahead of Cuomo by 20 percentage points. Mamdanis comfortable victory over Cuomo in the June primary generated excitement from the partys more progressive wing and apprehension among the party establishment. While no guaranteed outcome can be assumed, it has started to look like New York City may have a socialist mayor. Trump's latest endorsement Late on Monday and ahead of the 4 November New York mayor election, Republican President Donald Trump extended support to Andrew Cuomo, despite having a member of his party contesting the polls. He also threatened to restrict New York City's federal funds if Zohran Mamdani is elected to power. Also Read | Foreign donation storm rocks Zohran Mamdanis NYC mayoral campaign In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump said, If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, because of the fact that, as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival! Trump also took a swipe at the Republican nominee, saying any vote for him would help Zohran Mamdani in New York mayor election. We must also remember this A vote for Curtis Sliwa (who looks much better without the beret!) is a vote for Mamdani. Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice." Andrew Cuomo has also received the endorsement from Elon Musk. But it is not clear whether his last-minute support will sway voters. Former US President Barack Obama, meanwhile, recently called New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and praised his campaign and offered to be a "sounding board" in the future. While Obama has not formally endorsed Mamdani, he reportedly told him that he was invested in his success beyond the election. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday labeled Zohran Mamdani as Jew hater and urged Jew voters not to vote for him. Mamdani, who is vying to become New York's first Muslim mayor, promises to make New York more affordable, is widely expected to win Tuesday's election. "Any Jewish person that votes for Zohran Mamdani, a proven and self professed JEW HATER, is a stupid person!!!" Trump posted on his social media platform. Mamdani has been locked in a race against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani. Republican Curtis Sliwa is looking for a huge upset. Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!, said Trump, endorsing Cuomo. Earlier, Trump also threatened that if Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that he will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to his beloved first home. Also Read | Trump calls to end filibuster as US heads for record-breaking shutdown Trump warns voters On election eve, Trump warned voters that New York City would be a complete and total economic and social disaster and its "survival" is at risk if Democratic candidate Mamdani won the mayoral race. In another post on Truth Social, Trump said that if affordability is your issue, VOTE REPUBLICAN! Energy costs, as and example, are plummeting - Getting close to 2 Dollar a gallon gasoline. When energy goes down, everything else follows, and it has!!!. According to AP report, some Republicans in Washington are also quietly rooting for a Mamdani victory. 'Our time has come, New York' Meanwhile, in a two separate posts on X, Mamdani said that there are many who dismiss their vision for New York as impossible. To them, I say we need look only to our past for proof of how we can shape the future. Tomorrow is Election Day. And this is the final Until It's Done of our campaign. In another post, sharing a campaign video, Mamdani said that Our time has come, Our time is now. Who is Zohran Mamdani? Indian-descent Mamdani, 34, born in Uganda and raised in New York City. He is a New York State Assembly member and democratic socialist running for Mayor. He describes himself as a socialist and campaigned on reducing costs for ordinary New Yorkers. New York mayor election 2025: NYC mayoral race is tightening ahead of Election Day 2025, as candidates make their final push to win over undecided voters. With the city heading to the polls on Tuesday, surveys indicate a close contest between Democrat Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The election widely viewed as a test of voter sentiment before next years midterms has evolved into a clear clash of ideologies. The campaign has been marked by heated debates, major endorsements, and a surge in early voting across all five boroughs. Heres a quick guide to everything you need to know about the 2025 New York City mayoral election including when and where to vote, whos running, and whats at stake. When is election day in New York City? Election Day is Tuesday, 4 November, according to the New York City Board of Elections. Polls across the five boroughs will start at 6 am and close at 9 pm local time, which corresponds to 4 pm (on Tuesday) to 7 am (on Wednesday) India Standard Time (IST). Early voting ended on Sunday, 2 November, and so far, more than 164,000 residents have cast their ballots, according to CBS News. Over 50,000 votes were recorded each in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with 38,000 in Queens. Who are the main candidates running for mayor? There are three candidates on the ballot: Zohran Mamdani Democratic nominee and state Assembly member from Astoria, Queens Andrew Cuomo Former New York governor running as an independent Curtis Sliwa Republican nominee and founder of the Guardian Angels What are the key issues in this election? Voters say affordability and public safety are the top concerns. Mamdanis campaign highlights affordable housing, free public transport, and universal healthcare. Cuomo focuses on public safety, housing, and governing competence, while Sliwa prioritises crime reduction, bail reform rollback, and reopening Rikers Island. There is an affordability crisis, and the real answer is to build more affordable housing Im going to build 500,000 additional units, Cuomo told CBS News. I am the law-and-order candidate. That was clear in the debates, Sliwa said. Who has endorsed each candidate? Mamdani has won endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Governor Kathy Hochul. Cuomo has the backing of former Mayor Eric Adams, while Sliwa is supported by police and business associations. How can New Yorkers cast their votes? Voters can vote in person during early voting, on Election Day, or by absentee ballot. The Board of Elections website provides details on polling locations and absentee voting eligibility. Also Read | Poll warns of mass exodus if Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral race Whats at stake in this election? The next mayor will face major challenges, including housing shortages, public safety, and infrastructure. With the city still managing the economic fallout of recent years, the winner will play a key role in shaping New Yorks recovery. NYC Mayoral Election: Voting is underway in New York to elect the next Mayor to run the country's largest city, as voters react for the first time to Donald Trump's second presidency in elections across America. Who are in the fray? Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary earlier this year, faces former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. US Election Results 2025 LIVE: When will we know the results? According to the New York City Board of Elections, 734,317 early votes have been cast in the past nine days. Polls are open in New York City from 6 AM until 9 PM local time. Soon after the polling, the first results will start to come. In the 2021 mayoral election, Eric Adams was declared the winner in less than 20 minutes after polls were closed. In June, during the democratic primary, early voting results were released almost immediately at 9 pm. However, CBS reported that it could take hours, but if the race is close, it may even take days for the winner to be determined. Fox5 reported that, according to the Board of Elections, preliminary vote totals could be released by 10 PM. Also Read | New York Mayor Election: Trump urges Jewish voters not to vote Mamdani Is Zohram Mamdani leading? Voters in New York are set to elect Mamdani as mayor. Polls suggest that Zohran Mamdani leads Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. A poll conducted by Marist at the end of October found Mamdani leading Cuomo by 16 points among likely voters, including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate. Sliwa receives the support of 16% of likely voters, and 3% are undecided. A majority of likely voters have either a very favorable (36%) or somewhat favorable view (21%) of Mamdani. Nearly four in ten have either a very unfavorable (28%) or somewhat unfavorable (9%) impression of Mamdani, says the poll. According to RealClearPolitics' average, Zohran Mamdani is leading with 45.8% support. Will Mamdani make history? After casting his vote, wearing an I Voted sticker, Mamdani said, We are on the brink of making history in our city. On the brink of saying goodbye to a politics of the past, he said. When asked about Trump's remark that he plans to limit federal funds to New York City, Mamdani said that he will not be intimidated by this president. I will not be intimidated by anyone, because my job here is to serve the people of the city. Also Read | Trump calls to end filibuster as US heads for record-breaking shutdown A victory for Zohran Mamdani would give New York its first Muslim mayor and its youngest leader in generations. Mamdani identifies himself as a democratic socialist and backs radical changes to address economic inequality. Trump tells New York Jews not to vote Mamdani for mayor Trump labeled Zohran Mamdani as a Jew hater whom Jews should not vote for. A security emergency was issued at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Tuesday after a bomb threat on a plane, impacting several flights. The Federal Aviation Administration said that it issued a ground stop for traffic at Reagan Washington National Airport over a security issue. All flight operations are being held at Reagan National while passengers on a United Airlines flight are being offloaded and bussed to the terminal. We will provide more information as it becomes available, said Ronald Reagan Airport in a post on X. However, the airport's X handle later posted that the main runway reopened at 12:50 pm, adding, Flights are resuming. According to Daily Mail, travelers stranded on the runway reported a bomb threat on a United flight that landed from Houston. FlightRadar24, an flight tracking site, said the issue was due to an unconfirmed threat against a United Airlines airplane that had been moved away from other aircraft at the airport A person briefed on the matter said a threat had been made against the plane and in an abundance of caution the plane was being checked, reported Reuters. More than 120 flights have already been delayed at Reagan, according to FlightAware. Enforcement vehicles on ground The enforcement vehicles were seen near the plane , which was moved away from other aircraft at the airport. Also Read | Trump calls to end filibuster as US heads for record-breaking shutdown Flights delayayed amid shutdown, passengers hit Meanwhile, as the shutdown entered its 35th day, the Federal Aviation Administration delayed a new round of flights. Airlines said this week 3.2 million passengers have been hit by delays or canceled flights due to a spike in air traffic controller absences. US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the government shutdown will cause air travel chaos if it lasts another week, worsening staff shortages, snarling airport lines and closing down sections of airspace. "So if you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos... You will see mass flight delays," he told a news conference in Philadelphia. US Election Results 2025 LIVE: Democrats have won big in the US elections 2025. Democrat Zohran Mamdani has scripted history, winning the New York City Mayoral Race, defeating US President Donald Trump-backed candidate Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. Meanwhile, Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor's race, local news reports projected. Virginia's election official website showed 56% votes for Spanberger. While Spanberger became the first woman governor in Virginia, Mikie Sherrill won the New Jersey governor's race. Exit poll results have also started coming in, and they show disapproval for Trump in four key races. Americans headed to the polls on Tuesday in a series of closely watched elections that will test the political climate less than a year after Donald Trumps dramatic return to the White House. The contests, including the fiercely fought New York mayoral race, are being seen as a measure of how the average American voter is responding to Trumps renewed presidency and Republican dominance. New Yorks Mayoral Battle Takes Centre Stage Among the most scrutinised contests is the New York City mayoral election, where Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani faces a tough three-way race against former governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa. The outcome will be read not only as a verdict on local governance but also as a symbolic indicator of how progressive politics fares in an era of renewed conservatism. Key Races Across the States Beyond New York, voters in California could reshape the political map by redrawing congressional districts to favour Democrats a direct response to Republican gerrymandering in states such as Texas and Missouri. Meanwhile, Virginia and New Jersey are holding pivotal gubernatorial and legislative elections that analysts say could serve as early indicators of national sentiment towards President Trump and his party. The results are expected to offer a crucial snapshot of the United States political trajectory one that may define the balance of power ahead of the 2026 midterms and influence how both major parties calibrate their strategies moving forward. Stay tuned to LiveMint for live updates on the US Election 2025 The Senate on Tuesday (November 4) voted for the 14th time to reject the House-passed short-term government funding bill, guaranteeing that the ongoing shutdown will enter record-breaking territory. The measure, which needed 60 votes to advance, failed 5444, extending a spending impasse that has already paralyzed federal operations. Three senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Angus King (I-Maine) broke ranks to support taking up the measure, while Rand Paul (R-Ky.) opposed it. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) missed the vote. Democrats demand negotiations on health care Senate Democrats once again voted down the Republican-backed bill, insisting that President Donald Trump must negotiate over expiring health care tax credits before they agree to reopen the government. Shutdown impacts As the shutdown drags on, its economic and social toll is becoming clearer. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers remain unpaid, with many turning to food banks. Flight delays are mounting due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and TSA agents. Meanwhile, 42 million Americans relying on SNAP food benefits will receive only about half their monthly support in November. The Trump administration had planned to halt federal SNAP funding entirely starting Saturday, but a federal judge ordered the Agriculture Department to use emergency funds to keep the program running. Record-breaking shutdown looms If the shutdown continues into Wednesday, it will surpass the 35-day closure during Trumps first term the longest in US history. That 201819 shutdown stemmed from a standoff over Trumps demand for border wall funding, which Democrats refused to support. The current House-passed bill would fund the government through November 21, but given the stalemate, Congress will need to extend the deadline again. Also Read | New York Mayor Election: Trump urges Jewish voters not to vote Mamdani George Banks, once among the most notorious mass murderers in US history, died Sunday (November 2) at age 83 while serving a life sentence at Phoenix State Prison in Pennsylvania. He succumbed to complications from kidney cancer, according to state prison officials. 1982 Wilkes-Barre massacre Banks name became synonymous with one of Americas deadliest family massacres after he killed 13 people including five of his own children during a rampage in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on September 25, 1982. Using an AR-15 rifle, Banks went on a shooting spree that claimed the lives of his children, their mothers, and several bystanders. Only one teenager survived. The victims Among the dead were Banks five children, aged between 1 and 6, and four women who were the mothers of his children. Other victims included two young children an 11-year-old and a 7-year-old and a teenager who recognized Banks as he fled his home. He later killed more victims at a nearby trailer park before surrendering after a four-hour standoff. The motive Defense lawyers argued that Banks was insane during the killings. After his arrest, the biracial former prison guard claimed he murdered his children to save them from growing up in a racist society. In court, he behaved erratically at times insisting there was a conspiracy against him involving prosecutors, the judge, and the mayor of Wilkes-Barre. Aftermath and sentence Banks was convicted of 12 counts of first-degree murder and one count of third-degree murder. Although he was initially sentenced to death, state courts later ruled him mentally incompetent for execution, converting his sentence to life imprisonment. A legacy of horror The Wilkes-Barre massacre shocked the nation in 1982 and was considered one of the worst family killings in US history. Decades later, survivors and community members continued to express frustration that Banks was never executed, while others cited his deteriorating mental state as justification for the courts ruling. Former US President Barack Obamas quick wit was on full display during a campaign rally in New Jersey and social media cant get enough of it. While speaking at an event in support of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill, Obama was interrupted mid-speech by an enthusiastic supporter shouting words of affection. The moment, caught on camera, quickly turned into a viral clip. Smiling and pausing his address, Obama replied, I love you, but hold on, I heard you, girl. Just settle down. Im here to talk to everybody, not just you, drawing laughter and cheers from the audience. Watch the viral video here: But it was his next line that really won the internet over. With his trademark humour, Obama added, I mean, you look cute. But I am married. Michelles fine too. The crowd erupted with laughter, chanting We love Michelle! as Obama grinned before returning to his speech. Reacting to the viral video, a user wrote, I love his charismatic personality! Another user commented, If anybody deserves a 3rd round its him. Imagine once upon a time the President being intelligent, articulate, and QUALIFIED, the third user wrote. The 44th president was in New Jersey to campaign for Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who is contesting the states 2025 gubernatorial election. Praising her leadership and record on education, infrastructure, and veterans affairs, Obama urged voters to stay engaged. Go get your friends, grab your family members, tell them to go out and vote, he told the crowd. If you do that, New Jersey if you meet this moment you will not just elect Mikie Sherrill your next governor, you will set a glorious example for this nation. The foreign ministers of India and Israel, S Jaishankar and Gideon Sa'ar, held high-level discussions on Tuesday, exploring avenues to establish a global "zero tolerance" approach to terrorism. The talks also aimed to significantly enhance cooperation across key sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and regional connectivity. Security and Counter-Terrorism Security cooperation was high on the agenda. In his opening remarks, Jaishankar noted that both nations were currently grappling with the challenge of terrorism. "We have stood together in testing times. And we have created a relationship with a high degree of trust and reliability. Our two nations face a particular challenge from terrorism," Jaishankar said. "It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations," he added. For his part, Sa'ar, who is on a three-day trip to India, addressed the regional conflict, stating that Israel is confronting the "radical terror states" of Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Houthis in Yemen. He also took the opportunity to recall Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clear support for Israel. "We remember he was the first world leader to call Prime Minister Netanyahu after Hamas' October 7 massacre and we won't forget it," the Israeli foreign minister said. "The eradication of Hamas' terrorist state is at the heart of President (Donald) Trump's plan. Hamas must be disarmed, Gaza must be demilitarised. We will not compromise on it," Sa'ar said. Trade and Connectivity The two ministers held deliberations on ways to expand bilateral trade. Crucially, the implementation of the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was also discussed in the context of boosting regional connectivity. The meeting comes as both New Delhi and Jerusalem look into the possibility of an official visit to India by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu within the next couple of months. Regional Peace and Gaza Jaishankar, referring to the ongoing situation, stated that India is following the developments concerning the US-brokered Gaza peace plan with "very close attention". "We welcome the return of the hostages and the remains of those who unfortunately lost their lives. India supports the Gaza Peace Plan and hopes that it paves the way for a durable and lasting solution," Jaishankar said. Credit to TVS Motor for flagging supply-chain risk, policy timing and industry dynamics, all in one breath. The two-wheeler maker has effectively connected the three forces reshaping India's mobility landscapethe global rare-earth magnet shortage, the domestic boost from GST reform, and the shifting economics of the two- and three-wheeler market. Few automakers have been this forthright about how geopolitics and policy coherence now matter as much as consumer demand. Sure, the latest news of China approving rare-earth exports to some Indian companies comes as a big relief for automakers like TVS Motor, effectively ending the most immediate supply freeze. But given the broader geopolitical realities, Indian companies can't afford to relax. TVS's original foresight remains critical. Announcing its September quarter results, the company reiterated that rare-earth magnet availability "continues to pose challenges in the short to medium term". While that was before the recent concession, the broader message holds true even now. The companys CEO K.N. Radhakrishnan said the industry "would have done much, much bigger" if magnet supply had been normal. The fact is, China may have softened its original rigid stance, but normalcy is far from guaranteed. Thats because it controls nearly 70% of global magnet processing. When it expanded export controls earlier this year, the shock was felt across global EV, wind and electronics supply chains. The fact that the export freeze has now been lifted is a political and commercial win for India, but the underlying vulnerability remains, since 93% of its rare-earth magnets imports in FY25 were sourced from China. This dependence is precisely why the initial controls caused serious disruption and why the current relief must be viewed as a temporary breathing space. For months, TVS felt the impact of the choked supply leading to higher input costs, production delays, and the risk of losing momentum just as its electric portfolio is scaling toward profitability. The company wasn't alone. In June, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) had warned that falling inventories could force production cuts. Bajaj Auto flagged the potential for significant reductions, as did Ather Energy. Even four-wheeler manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Toyota expressed concerns, with only Tata Motors claiming sufficient inventory buffers. TVS is now actively developing Heavy Rare Earth Free (HREF) motors using ferrite alternatives, focusing on what it calls 'HRA-free, cerite-based, magnet-free' technologies and light rare-earth solutions that fall outside China's tightest export restrictions. Globally, automakers are pursuing similar escape routes. Tesla announced in 2023 that its next-generation permanent magnet motors would eliminate rare earths entirely, most likely by adopting ferrite magnets, while BMW's fifth-generation electric motors employ motor technology that does not use rare earths. The problem is that these alternatives come with brutal trade-offs. Ferrite-based motors typically show 50-70% power reduction compared to rare-earth versions of the same size, requiring significantly larger motors, which add weight and cost or vastly more magnetic material. Thankfully, in the midst of this supply-chain gloom, theres been light on another front in the form of GST cuts on two-wheelers below 350cc. This translates to significant on-road savings for the middle-class commuter looking at buying entry-level models. The signalling matters as much as the savings. After years of uneven policy treatment between ICE and electric vehicles, the GST change rewards affordability over engine type. It's a more neutral, pragmatic approach to mobility; one that acknowledges market realities rather than mandating outcomes. For companies like TVS, this provides the crucial cushion. As its EV business manages the aftermath of supply bottlenecks, the ICE portfolio, which is still over 80% of industry sales, gets a meaningful shot in the arm. The Indian two and three-wheeler industry now runs on two parallel tracks. The ICE segment is enjoying rare policy tailwinds and dominates volumes, while the EV segment faces cost and supply stress, but represents the future. The best manufacturers will need to straddle both, carefully managing the balance between defending legacy revenue and investing in tomorrow's technology. Notwithstanding Chinas softened stand, TVS has done well to call out plainly that India's EV transition is vulnerable at its roots. A rare-earth supply chain, controlled by a single nation with shifting geopolitical priorities, is a strategic Achilles' heel, not a transient procurement hiccup that has been permanently solved by one diplomatic win. Between 1945 and 1992, the US tested by far the most warheads, a total of 1,030 (not counting the ones dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki) out of 2,056. So it has the most data about the physics of fission, which it can feed into its state-of-the-art algorithms to design new warheads, which then dont need testing. Russia also has a lot of data (from 715 Soviet tests), but lags in crunching power. China, by contrast, only has data from 45 tests, but computing prowess that is at least equal to Americas. That said, overseas demand seemed to lose some momentum. This isnt a surprise given the global uncertainties amid Americas tariffs. Any calming of these external headwinds could give Indias economy a further tailwind. To be sure, talks between Washington and New Delhi are underway. While officials havent sounded too confident, a deal if struck could serve the trade goals of both countries well. In a recent interaction with security personnel in Chhattisgarh, Indias minister of home affairs Amit Shah reiterated the governments commitment to eliminate left-wing extremism and violence, referred to as Naxalism, by March 2026. Naxalism has been a menace in this country since the Naxal Movement started in 1967. Between 2014 and 2024, there has been a 53% decline in Naxal activity, as estimated by the Centre, which has said that the count of Naxal-affected districts has decreased from 128 to 18. The activity decline has led to a 73% drop in security personnel deaths and a 70% reduction in civilian casualties. This is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the Union governments commitment to effectively extinguish Naxalism in India. Since law-and-order is a state subject, the role of state governments in this effort must also be appreciated. The Centres comprehensive strategy: In March, the home ministry outlined a four-pronged strategy for the mammoth task of ridding India of the Naxal threat. First, it focused on strengthening the law-and-order infrastructure in affected states by adequately equipping police forces as well as the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), particularly with modern assault rifles and other weapons. It also invested in their training, integration and capacity-building. Second, the Union government established camps called Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). These are operated jointly by the CAPF and state police. As of March, around 302 of these camps had been established. Third, the government has been taking steps to restrict the funding of Naxals. The fourth and perhaps the most important effort has been to focus on development to reduce discontent among people. How has the Centres strategy changed: The Union governments stance on tackling the menace of Naxal violence has changed considerably. Up until 2014, there was no national strategy to complement the efforts of affected states. This was perhaps one of the biggest failures of the previous governmentthe lack of a uniform national strategy to facilitate Centre-state coordination for curbing the threat. Also Read | Beyond the bombs: The hidden threat of digital terrorism in Southeast Asia The reasoning behind this could have arguably been that since matters of public order and policing are state subjects under the Seventh Schedule of Indias Constitution, the Union government deemed it fit at the time to let states deal with the complex issue of Naxalism. However, given the rate at which Naxal attacks were growing in the country, the incumbent government decided to recognize the problem and intervene sharply after coming to power in 2014. In 2015, New Delhi introduced a National Policy and Action Plan that sought to end Naxalism in the country. This was the first instance of the government coming out with a comprehensive strategy that focused on addressing a combination of factors that were helping Naxals get away with impunity. With this shift, the government was no longer looking at solving these problems in isolation of each other, but focused on solving them in tandem with each other as well as attacking the root cause of the Naxal movementdiscontent among people. To this end, in the last decade, there has been a remarkable effort on the Union governments part to implement good governance schemes. As per data shared by the minister of state for home affairs in the Upper House of Parliament, in the five years from 2019-20 to 2023-24, the Centre has released 4,350.8 crore for capacity-building initiatives in Naxal-affected districts of the country. The Union government has also streamlined the process for Naxal surrenders by improving the formal surrender and rehabilitation guidelines. While this scheme was introduced before the current government came to power, it has been augmented by not just instant compensation packages for Naxals who lay down arms, but also their reintegration with society. For example, the good village scheme in the state of Chhattisgarh seeks to provide welfare, education and employment opportunities to surrendered cadres. Such schemes target Naxals who are already disillusioned with the movement and incentivize them to give up arms in exchange for the prospect of a better life. Peace in red corridors: The Union government has made considerable strides in eliminating Naxalism through a comprehensive strategy characterized by enhanced dialogue, security and coordination. Its success is reflected in the mass surrender of Naxals over the past decade. As per data released by the ministry of home affairs in both Houses of Parliament and conveyed through press briefings, Naxal surrenders before 2014 were in the hundreds, whereas surrenders have numbered in the thousands since then. Between 2009 and 2014, government data shows that 2,132 Naxals surrendered. In 2023 and 2024 alone, there were 1,045 and 928 surrenders, respectively. In October this year, there has been another significant increase in the number of Naxals who have put down their guns. These mass surrenders, coupled with the Union governments comprehensive strategy to combat Naxalism, suggest that this insurgency is finally dying out in India. The author is a former member of the Rajya Sabha, former CAG bureaucrat and founding partner of A&N Legal Solutions LLP. After China joined the nuclear club in 1964 by testing a nuke, it declared a policy of NFU. India adopted it as its formal doctrine in 1998. But none of the other seven nuclear-armed countriesPakistan, North Korea and Israel plus four of the Big Fivehas pledged NFU or worked it into policy. Leaders of the US have occasionally expressed the opinion that the sole purpose of these weapons is to deter nuclear attacks by others, and, in case deterrence fails, to retaliate. After slaughtering some 1,200 people on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas dragged 251 hostages into Gaza. The terrorists apparently believed that the taking of hostages and accompanying psychological warfare would force Israel to capitulate and end the war, leaving Hamas victorious. Instead, the hostage crisis sealed Hamass fate. For two decades following the folly of Israels ill-advised 2005 unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, Hamas perfected a cynical script: Launch rockets at Israeli civilians, provoke retaliation, use Gazan civilians as human shields, and wait for international pressure to force a cease-fire before Israel can achieve its military objectives. This pattern recurred in 2008s Operation Cast Lead, 2012s Operation Pillar of Defense and 2014s Operation Protective Edge. Each time, initial global outrage against Hamas gave way to demands that Israel halt its operations. Each time, Hamas survived to fight again, emerging stronger and stronger. Oct. 7 shattered this cycle. The hostage-taking transformed the moral landscape in ways Hamas failed to anticipate. While hostages remained in Gaza, it was no longer reasonable for international leaders to demand that Israel stop military operations. How could the world ask a nation to abandon its citizens to captivity while letting Hamas militantsthe hostage-takers and torturerscontinue to hold hostages and terrorize Israel? True, a politicized battery of United Nations organizations engineered a massive disinformation campaign, demonizing Israel as it waged a just war by just means. And true, weak leaders in the U.K., France, Australia and Canada succumbed to local and international propaganda, demanding that Israel stop defending itself and rewarding Palestinian terrorism by recognizing a Palestinian state. That appeasement prevented an earlier hostage release deal and prolonged the war. It also exposed those leaders moral weakness, and it ultimately failed. Instead, President Trumps 20-point peace plan prevailed. It demanded the immediate release of the hostages and the dismantlement of Hamaswhich will either be dismantled diplomatically or destroyed militarily. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted Mr. Trumps plan, and many world leaders endorsed or welcomed it. Moral clarity, backed by soldiers bravery, overcame moral bankruptcy. Mr. Netanyahu was right when he said in a July 2024 speech before the U.S. Congress that the war in Gaza could end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders, disarms and returns all the hostages." It took 15 months for many to realize that this was true. In the same speech, the prime minister warned that if Hamas didnt lay down its arms and return the hostages, Israel will fight until we destroy Hamass military capabilities and its rule in Gaza." Hamass refusal to take these actions exposed fatal contradictions in the groups propaganda. Why not release the hostages and lay down arms to stop the war? The cognitive dissonance was difficult to explain. During Chancellor Friedrich Merzs state visit to Turkey last week, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Germany for supporting Israel. Mr. Merz unapologetically replied that his government has stood by Israel since the Oct. 7 atrocities. Israel exercised its right to self-defense," he said, and it would have taken only one decision to avoid the countless unnecessary casualties: Hamas should have released the hostages earlier and laid down its arms." The hostage-taking prevented the conflict from dissolving into the traditional false narratives about occupation," resistance" and apartheid." Despite strenuous efforts to turn reality on its head, including through bogus international lawfare, many saw the truthinnocent people being held hostage by a genocidal terrorist organization committed to murdering Jews. Even Israels harshest critics struggled to argue that a nation should abandon its captive citizens. The hostage-taking provided what decades of legitimate Israeli grievances couldnt: a broadly recognized imperative that eventually overcame the propaganda. The Palestinians greatest weaponthe ability to manipulate international sympathyturned against them. Senior Hamas terrorist Mousa Abu Marzouk recently admitted that freeing the hostages would remove Israels justification to continue the war." In a recent interview to 60 Minutes," U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said that the aim in negotiations was to show Hamas that the hostages were no longer assets to them but a liability. By shattering the cycle that had shielded Hamas for two decades, the hostage-taking ironically gave Israel the time and space it needed to degrade the terrorist organization drastically and strike a deal that dictates Hamass dismantlement. The job isnt finished, but Israel stands stronger than ever, having risen from one of its darkest hours to one of its brightest. The lesson for genocidal organizations should be clear: Hostage-taking can backfire, leading to terrorists destruction. Mr. Falk is the foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was a member of Israels hostage negotiation delegation. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) election is underway as polling started at 9 am today and will continue till 5.30 pm, excluding break from 1 pm to 2.30 pm. The fierce contest between the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)and Left Unity witnessed campaigning on the theme of performance and nationalism and inclusion, accessibility, and student welfare, respectively. JNUSU election President Post candidates ABVP has fielded Vikas Patel, while the Left Unity, which includes the All India Students' Association (AISA), Students' Federation of India (SFI), and Democratic Students' Federation (DSF), has nominated Aditi Mishra for president. Angad Singh, Raj Ratan Rajoriya, Shinde Vijayalaxmi Vyankat Rao, Shirshava Indu and Vikash are other contenders for this post. Vice-President post candidates in JNUSU election 2025 The ABVP has put forward Tanya Kumari for vice-president post, whereas Left Unity has fielded Kizhakoot Gopika Babu. Shaikh Shahnawaz Alam is another candidate fighting for this post. JNUSU election General Secretary post candidates For the general secretary position, Left Unity has Sunil Yadav as its candidate, while ABVP is fielding Rajeshwar Kant Dubey. Gopi Krishnan U, Preeti, Shuaib Khan are among the other candidates in the fray. Joint Secretary post candidates in JNUSU election 2025 Danish Ali represents Left Unity, and Anuj is the candidate for ABVP for the joint secretary role. Kuldeep Ojha, Manmohan Mitruka, and Ravi Raj also face-off for this position. According to the election committee, approximately 9,043 students are eligible to vote this year. Around 30 percent of nominations for the central panel and 25 percent for school councillor positions come from women candidates, according to PTI. JNUSU polls: War of words between Left Unity and ABVP candidates Left candidate Aditi Mishra, a PhD scholar from the School of International Studies, stated that the elections are taking place at a time when dissent and equality are under threat and pledged to protect an inclusive JNU that remains accessible to all. On the other hand, ABVPs Vikas Patel, charged that the Left has been "ruling and ruining JNU for five decades," asserting that students now seek "accountability and solution-oriented politics." Danish Ali, running for joint secretary from Left Unity, claimed that Dalits and Muslims are facing continuous attacks across the country and accused ABVP of introducing similar divisive politics on campus. At a student gathering, she mentioned, We must stand against casteism and Islamophobia and defend democratic spaces in universities." Meanwhile, ABVP stated that it had strengthened its position in JNU, while describing the Left alliance as being in disarray". When will JNUSU election 2025 results be declared? The counting of votes will start at 9 pm. The results will be out on November 6. In last years elections, AISAs Nitish Kumar was elected president, while ABVPs Vaibhav Meena won the joint secretary post, breaking a ten-year dry spell for the right-wing group and representing a historic shift in JNU campus politics. In what could reshape the political landscape of Indias Northeast, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Tipra Motha chairperson Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, and former BJP spokesperson Mmhonlumo Kikon on Tuesday announced plans to create a new regional political entity. The leaders, whose respective parties the National Peoples Party (NPP) and Tipra Motha are allies of the BJP, described the initiative as a historic step aimed at providing a unified political platform for the people of the region. What Is the New Political Entity About? Announcing the development at a press briefing, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the move sought to bring together diverse voices from the Northeast under one banner. Also Read | Reliance Industries, Adani Group announce major investments in North East region We have decided to work together for a distinct political entity for the Northeast. We have formed a committee which will submit a report in the next 45 days. We are not here to fight any political party our primary focus is on the people of the Northeast. The idea is to give a single platform to people of NE, Sangma said. He further added that, The committee is mandated to reach out to other political parties. Outlining the entitys priorities, Sangma emphasised that protecting the land rights of indigenous communities would remain central to their agenda. The protection of land rights of indigenous people is a primary concern, he said, adding that, Our parties are going to merge and become one political entity at the right time. Who Are the Key Leaders Involved? The new regional platform has been jointly initiated by four prominent figures from the Northeast Conrad Sangma (NPP, Meghalaya), Pradyot Manikya Debbarma (Tipra Motha, Tripura), Mmhonlumo Kikon (BJP, Nagaland), and Daniel Langthasa (Peoples Party, Assam). All four leaders were signatories to a joint statement declaring the formation of the proposed entity. We, leaders from different states of the North East, have come together today to make a collective and historic announcement, i.e., the coming together of various voices of our region to form a united singular political entity that truly represents the aspirations of our people, the statement said. The initiative aims to consolidate political representation across the eight northeastern states, which have often witnessed fragmented regional politics. What Did Pradyot Manikya Say About the Initiative? Tipra Mothas founder and royal scion Pradyot Manikya Debbarma, known for his advocacy of indigenous rights, described the effort as one of unity and purpose rather than confrontation. We want to speak for our people with conviction and truth. We may have different points of view but we are not at civil war. Efforts have been made earlier to create a platform. We are not here to pick up fights with anyone but fight for our rights, Manikya said. Which Parties Are Not Yet Part of the Alliance? Although several influential leaders from the Northeast have expressed support, some major regional parties have opted to stay out for now. The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), which currently governs Mizoram; the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the ruling party in Nagaland; and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a BJP ally in Assam, are not yet part of the proposed political grouping. Also Read | Golden quadrilateral of high-speed train network likely in country However, media reports indicated that the new committee formed by Sangma and others will soon reach out to these and other regional actors to explore possible collaboration. Why Does This Matter for the Northeasts Political Future? The Northeast has long been a mosaic of distinct ethnic, linguistic, and cultural identities often reflected in fragmented political allegiances. By seeking to unify regional parties and leaders, this initiative could redefine how the region interacts with national politics in New Delhi. Analysts suggest the move could serve two purposes: asserting regional autonomy within the federal framework and negotiating more effectively with national parties on developmental and constitutional matters. With both NPP and Tipra Motha maintaining working relationships with the BJP, the formation of an independent political platform may also recalibrate alliances ahead of future state and national elections. What Comes Next? A joint committee has already been formed to determine the structure, scope, and policy framework of the proposed party. According to the joint statement, A committee has been formed to deliberate on the future course of action, including the modalities and structure of the proposed political entity. Also Read | How the Ziro Festival spotlights music from the North-East The committee will submit its recommendations within 45 days. Once its findings are reviewed, the merging process of participating parties is expected to begin at the right time, as Sangma indicated. For now, the leaders have maintained that their initiative is not an act of opposition but a step towards collective empowerment. We are not here to fight any political party, Sangma reiterated. Our primary focus is on the people of the Northeast. The Road Ahead The coming months will determine whether this proposed platform can move from rhetoric to reality. Its success will depend on whether it can sustain cohesion amid the powerful gravitational pull of national parties like the BJP and Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a sharp attack against the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) after Congress MP Shashi Tharoor termed dynastic politics a "grave threat" to Indian democracy. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took a jibe at the Congress and the RJD, saying Tharoor wrote the article based on his own experience. "I welcome the statement of Shashi Tharoor. Whatever he said must be correct. He would have said this on the basis of his experience. His remarks will obviously hurt the Congress party and the RJD because their politics are limited to a family. They cannot think outside their family," Pradhan said Tharoor has criticised "dynastic" politics in India, terming it a "grave threat" to democracy, and said it is "high time" the nation moves towards "meritocracy". In an article titled 'Indian Politics Are a Family Business' on Project Syndicate portal, Tharoor termed "dynastic politics, a threat to Indian democracy", and argued that India must move to "merit-based leadership", a view that may be seen as a swipe at the Congress high command and its INDIA bloc allies like Samajwadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) and Shiv Sena (UBT). In the NDA, Tharoor said that the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party, Ram Vilas Paswan, was succeeded by his son, Chirag Paswan. From Nehru to Priyanka With just two days left for the Bihar assembly polls, Tharoor wrote that, from India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and current leaders Rahul Gandhi and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the idea has been strengthened that leadership in Indian politics can be a "birthright". BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the article rightly exposes how the Gandhi family turned Indian politics into a "family business." While talking to ANI, Poonawalla said, A very insightful piece has been written by Dr Tharoor on how Indian politics has become family business and in the opening of that piece he has explained how the first family of Congress party, the Gandhi-Vadra dynasty has been responsible for cementing this negative thought that political position and power can be a matter of birth right. Also Read | Bihar Election 2025 Live: Final campaigning day for phase 1 today Poonawalla said Tharoor's piece will make RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi uncomfortable. "Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi may take his article very personally... Dr Tharoor should be applauded, but now he will get a series of bad words and insults from Kerala Congress and other leaders," he further added. How did Congress leaders respond? The Congress party claimed that dynastic politics exists across party lines and also hailed the leadership of the Nehru-Gandhi family. Congress leader Udit Raj said that dynastic influence pervades all sectors in India, including politics, business, the judiciary, and the film industry, adding that this trend restricts opportunities to a select few families. "A dynastic approach exists in almost every sector in India, a doctor's son becomes a doctor, a businessman's child continues in business, and politics is no exception. Also, if a politician has a criminal background, it reflects the reality of our society. Election tickets are often distributed along caste and family lines," Raj told news agency ANI. "From Naidu to Pawar, DMK to Mamata, Mayawati to Amit Shah's son, there are many such examples. The loss is that opportunities remain confined to families alone. Dynastic influence is not limited to politics; it extends to the bureaucracy, judiciary, and even the film industry," he added. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari defended the Nehru-Gandhi family, saying that the leadership comes from "merit" "Leadership always comes from merit. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the most capable Prime Minister of this country... Indira Gandhi proved herself by sacrificing her life. Rajiv Gandhi served this country by sacrificing his life. So, if someone talks about the Gandhi family as a dynasty, then which other family in India had the sacrifice, dedication, and ability that this family possessed? Was it the BJP?" Congress MP said. The Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, sparked a row as he wrote, "For decades, one family has towered over Indian politics. The influence of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty - including independent India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and current opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra - is bound up with the history of India's struggle for freedom. But it has also cemented the idea that political leadership can be a birthright." Earlier, Tharoor had been questioned by Congress leaders after he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and criticised US President Donald Trump, following the Tharoor-led delegation's visit to the US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia after Operation Sindoor. The Congress leader had written a piece saying, PM Modi's 'energy, dynamism and willingness to engage remain a prime asset for India on the global stage, but deserve greater backing". Reddit is currently having problems with its app and website as thousands of users took to social media to complain about not being able to access the popular social media platform. The company has accepted that it is facing increased error rates and is currently investigating the issue. As per the outage tracking website Downdetector, complaints about Reddit peaked at around 5:43 PM, hitting around the 20,000 mark in the US. Meanwhile, over 400 users have also complained about accessing the platform in India. Sixty-three percent of the users reported issues with accessing the Reddit app, 29% said they faced issues with the Reddit website, and 7% of users had issues with server connection. We are aware that users are seeing increased error rates when browsing Reddit and are currently investigating, Reddit said in a status page. Reddit further updated the status page, saying it has identified the issue and also applied a fix. The company says it is continuing to monitor the issue. In its latest post, Reddit says that the incident has been resolved. The social media platform had also experienced an outage after an issue with Amazon Web Services crippled half the internet. That problem, however, was fixed in hours and the platform was back to usual within a few hours. Netizens React to Reddit Outage: Social media platforms like X were filled with comments from users checking if it was a sitewide outage or if only their accounts were involved. Me feeling relieved after finding out that Reddit is down and my account isnt banned, wrote one user on X. I cant believe the app is so buggy nothing works chats, posts, and it is still not working for the last 4 days, another user on Downdetector noted. Studio Ghibli-styled AI-generated videos on OpenAI's Sora 2 have recently become a sensation among netizens for mimicking the studio's signature art style. However, Studio Ghibli's co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki, a staunch critic of AI in the creative process, had previously said that even AI-generated visuals on ChatGPT directly clashed with the studios artistic philosophy. Now, a leading Japanese trade organisation, representing major publishers including Studio Ghibli, has formally called on the Sam Altman-led OpenAI to cease using Japanese copyrighted content in the training of its artificial intelligence systems. The appeal was made last week. The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) sent a written request to OpenAI on 27 October, raising concerns about the companys video-generation platform Sora 2 (sora.chatgpt.com), launched on 30 September. CODA said it had confirmed that a large portion of content produced by Sora 2 closely resembles Japanese content or images, and believes that such resemblance indicates the use of Japanese works as training material for the model. Potential copyright infringement under Japanese law In its letter, CODA argued that reproducing copyrighted works during the AI learning process could amount to copyright infringement, especially when generated outputs resemble or replicate existing creative material. The association also took issue with OpenAIs opt-out system, which allows copyright holders to request the removal of their works from training data after the fact. CODA said this approach conflicts with Japans copyright framework, which generally requires prior authorisation for the use of protected works. CODAs letter outlined two key demands: OpenAI must refrain from using its members content for training Sora 2 without explicit permission. The company should respond sincerely to copyright infringement claims and inquiries from CODA member companies. The organisation urged OpenAI to work towards a balance between technological innovation and creators rights, saying both should be protected to ensure the healthy development of AI technology. Alongside user control features, OpenAI is refining Soras watermark system to make it clearer and more visible, reinforcing transparency around AI-generated content. Previous controversy over likeness use in Sora The development comes weeks after OpenAI faced criticism for its handling of sensitive content on Sora. The company recently paused the generation of images depicting Martin Luther King Jr, following objections from the civil rights leaders estate. In a statement posted on X on 17 October, OpenAI said it had worked with The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr Inc to ensure the late leaders image was treated respectfully. The decision followed reports that some users had created disrespectful depictions using the AI platform. Also Read | OpenAI halts MLK Jr AI videos after disrespectful depictions surface At King, Inc.s request, OpenAI has paused generations depicting Dr King as it strengthens guardrails for historical figures, the company said. China's traditional liquor brewing industry embraces digital transformation Xinhua) 13:52, November 04, 2025 GUIYANG, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- In southwest China's Guizhou Province, which is famed for its signature sauce-aroma liquor, a centuries-old craft is embracing a new companion: artificial intelligence (AI). Distillers here are turning to data and algorithms to decode the intricacies of traditional brewing, aiming to precisely control the subtle variables that define a perfect bottle of baijiu, China's fiery grain liquor. Kweichow Moutai is China's leading liquor producer and has been at the forefront of this transformation. Its traditional sauce-aroma brewing technique, a form of national intangible cultural heritage, is being reimagined through data-driven production. In 2021, the company launched a machine-learning project to digitize its brewing process, creating a closed-loop data chain that covers data collection, storage, analysis and application in pilot workshops. The initiative followed Moutai's earlier "smart Moutai" program, which introduced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and AI for real-time monitoring and analysis across its production lines. "The data turned our master brewers' experience into visible numbers," said Tian Shaorun, a technician at the pilot workshop. "It helps us control temperature and raw materials mixing more precisely, improving both the output and quality of the base liquor." Moutai's success has spurred a wave of digital transformation across China's broader liquor industry. At the recent 2025 Chishui River Forum in Maotai Town, liquor producers, researchers and international experts gathered to discuss how digital technologies are reshaping the traditional spirits sector. King's Luck, a liquor producer based in east China's Jiangsu Province, began operating an intelligent brewing workshop as early as 2015. "Digitalization in the liquor industry was not about subverting tradition, but about using technology to safeguard craftsmanship," Hu Yuewu, the company's deputy general manager, said at the forum. According to Hu, the intelligent workshop has increased production efficiency by 2.75 times, raised the annual per capita output by 390 percent, and reduced energy consumption by 40 percent compared with traditional methods. In Guizhou, liquor producer Kweichow Zhen has partnered with the local branch of China Unicom to build an intelligent baijiu-blending platform. Using AI and big data, the project turns what was once a manual and experience-based practice into an intelligent, data-driven science. The digital shift is also reshaping how consumers experience liquor. 1919 Wines &Spirits Platform Technology Co., Ltd., which is a direct supply platform based in Sichuan, plans to launch an AI-powered interface to its app to provide personalized recommendations and rapid delivery services. And King's Luck has built immersive exhibition spaces using XR and VR technology, allowing visitors to take virtual tours of its scenic brewery. Numerous companies across China are accelerating their digital transformation efforts. According to the China Internet Development Report 2024, the country now has nearly 10,000 digitalized workshops and intelligent factories. Of that number, more than 400 have been recognized as national-level benchmark factories in the field of smart manufacturing, utilizing technologies such as AI and digital twins. The Chinese government's emphasis on integrating the real economy with the digital economy has provided strong support for the liquor industry's digital transformation. In October, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released a draft guideline to promote the high-quality development of classic historical industries (2026-2030) -- including brewing -- to encourage heritage preservation, innovation and industrial upgrading. "Technological innovation has become the core driver of the industry's transformation and upgrading," said He Yong, secretary general of the China Alcoholic Drinks Association. Digitalization has breathed new life into the time-honored craft of liquor making, from intelligent brewing and blockchain-based traceability to AI-powered marketing, turning experience into science, He added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Three-time Oscar-nominated actress, Diane Ladd, 89, who played roles in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart and Rambling Rose, died on Monday, 3 November, at her home in California's Ojai. Diane Ladd's daughter, Laura Dern, confirmed the news in a statement, where she called her mother an amazing hero and profound gift of a mother". The cause of death remains unknown. She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artiste and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created. We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now," PTI quoted Laura Dern, Diane Ladds daughter with ex-husband Bruce Dern, as saying. Who was Diane Ladd? Born Rose Diane Ladner in Laurel, Mississippi, on 29 November 1935, Ladd seemed destined to stand out from the start. In her 2006 memoir, Spiraling Through the School of Life, she recalled her great-grandmother telling her that one day she would be in front of a screen and would command her own audiences. She was married three times and divorced twice, first from Bruce Dern and then from William A Shea Jr. Her third marriage, to author and former PepsiCo executive Robert Charles Hunter, lasted from 1999 until his death in August. Actress Diane Ladd poses at the Screen Actors Guild Foundation's 30th anniversary celebration in Beverly Hills, California November 5, 2015. Actress Diane Ladd offers a flower to a photographer as she arrives at the taping of the American Film Institute's 36th Life Achievement Award gala honoring Warren Beatty at the Kodak theatre in Hollywood, California June 12, 2008. Diane Ladd began her New York stage career in 1952 with an off-Broadway production of Orpheus Descending, written by her third cousin, Tennessee Williams. During that production, she also met her first husband, Bruce Dern, as per a Reuters report. Before starring in Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore, she had already built a steady television career beginning in the 1950s, when she was in her early twenties, appearing in series such as Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and The Big Valley. Over the course of her career, Ladd appeared in numerous acclaimed films, including Chinatown and Primary Colors. She also starred in several television series, among them ER, Touched by an Angel, and Alice, the spinoff of the movie that first brought her widespread recognition, according to ANI. She earned her first Oscar nomination in 1974 for her role as a bold and lively waitress in Martin Scorsese's Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. She later received nominations for Wild at Heart (1990), in which she played a fierce and villainous mother, and Rambling Rose (1991), in which she starred alongside her daughter Laura Dern. Their performance in Rambling Rose made history as it was the first time a real-life mother and daughter were both nominated for Oscars for the same film. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Longford County Councils Microsoft Dream Space Showcase was announced as the winner of the Judges Choice Award at the Business Post Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards held recently in the Mansion House, Dublin. This prestigious win places Longford amongst the leading local authorities driving digital transformation across Ireland and recognises the authority's exceptional work on this innovative programme. Hosted by broadcaster and journalist, Anton Savage, the awards recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in the delivery of public sector digital transformation showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches that have made a real impact, improved service delivery, and enhanced citizen experiences. The evening was attended by 500 guests and the diverse range of categories and organisations shortlisted highlighted transformation using big data, AI, cloud technology, health technology and sustainable innovation to name a few. Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, highlighted the Governments commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the public sector principles, policies and strategy documents dont count without being proactively pursued, critically assessed, analysed, stress tested and put into practical use for the public so they can see the clear and tangible route to better service delivery". He added: "We want to drive public services reform and in my mind these two critical policy objectives in terms of digitalisation and reform are critical to our future. "We cannot deliver better outcomes for our citizens without fundamentally rethinking how we design, how we organise and how we lead within the public service. Dream Space 2025 saw coding introduced to 27 of County Longfords 37 primary schools, creating a pipeline of digitally skilled young people with over 500 children from the 27 County Longford schools taking part in this years Dream Space Showcase. Four of nine secondary schools in the county now offer Computer Science for the Leaving Cert a short few years ago, the subject was not on offer in the county reshaping Longfords economic future from the classroom up. It is also worthy recognition for the many secondary school teachers and primary teachers throughout County Longford who teach Computer Science, and who take part in the Dream Space Showcase and it is testament to their unwavering support and engagement with the innovative programme. Head of IT at Longford County Council Danny Lynch and the IT team picked up the Judges Choice Award at the Manion House in Dublin recently. Moving into its fourth year, Longford's Microsoft Dream Space Showcase has become a cornerstone of STEAM education in the county. The programme engages hundreds of primary school children annually through a comprehensive 10-week initiative from Microsoft Ireland that combines hands-on learning with real-world problem-solving. Students work alongside their teachers using the Microsofts Dream Space Teams short online lessons to develop coding and STEAM skills. These abilities are then channelled into creating innovative projects that address sustainability challenges aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Longford County Council's Broadband Officer Christine Collins plays an integral part of this innovative initiative, bringing Microsoft and the schools together. Siobhan Greally, Longford County Council's STEM Engagement Officer plays a crucial role in supporting primary teachers to explore and implement technology education into the classroom. The initiative forms part of a broader strategic investment in local education, funded through the Government of Ireland and European Union's Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. This targeted support focuses on accelerating student interest in Computer Science and STEAM subjects during the crucial transition from primary to post-primary education. Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council, said, This national recognition celebrates Longford County Councils commitment to building future-ready digital skills in communities. "What began as an idea to highlight the incredible work of Microsoft Ireland Dream Space in Longford schools has grown into a flagship event for digital inclusion in rural Ireland. "This award is a testament to what is possible when vision meets action - when local government, schools, teachers, and industry come together to build Longfords digital future. Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh added, "We're immensely proud to see Longford's being selected as the winner of the Judges Choice Award. "This is yet another prestigious win for the Dream Space Showcase and really demonstrates that local authorities can be catalysts for change, turning bold ideas into bright futures. Head of IT at Longford County Council Danny Lynch added, Winning this Judges Choice Award at the Business Post Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards is an amazing accolade and it is testament to the hard work of County Longfords schools and the team at Longford County Council and our unique partnership with schools and teachers throughout the county. Longford County Councils Microsoft Dream Space Showcase is co- funded by the Government of Ireland and European Union's Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. The Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards were organised by Business Post and in association with KPMG. Supporting partners included Datapac/ HP, Vodafone Business, Ergo, Storm, Three Ireland, Red Hat, CGI, Virgin Media Business, Submit.com, ICS, Irelands Blue Book and the charity partner was GOAL. For more details on the 2025 Awards shortlist, winners, judges and photo gallery, see www.digitaltransformationawards.ie READ NEXT: PICTURES: Stunning Georgian Longford house with 400-year-old mill hits the market for 775k READ NEXT: PICTURES | A Diwali Delight as Longford Indian Community hosts lovely cultural celebration Tributes to the former Longford group of parishes Church of Ireland Minister killed in a car crash near Glenties on Wednesday have been led by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Andrew Forster. Rev Sheila Johnson died following a single-vehicle collision on the R262 Glenties-Frosses road at Tullynaglaggin at around 3.50pm on Wednesday last, October 29. The funeral of Rev Johnson - who was married to her husband, Rev Canon Stanley Johnson for almost 60 years - took place yesterday (Monday, November 3) at 2pm in the St Johns Church, Ballymore. Late of Rainbow's End, Carrickmacafferty, Derrybeg, Donegal, Rev Johnson, a mother-of-three in her 80s, will be cremated on Tuesday at the Lakelands Crematorium in Cavan. Her former parishioners in Longford have very fond memories of Rev Johnson's time with them and they have described as 'a great role model'. Rev Johnson (nee Rowe), is survived by loving husband Stanley, son Timothy, daughters Melanie and Wendy, son-in-law Derrick, daughter-in-law Fiona, grandchildren Cian, Aoife, Roisin, Diarmuid, Caoimhe, Ruth, Katy and Thomas and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Kathleen and brother Teddy, and extended families, while she was predeceased by her brothers Bertie and Bobby and sisters Doreen and Hilda. PICTURES | Rev Simon Scott welcomed to Longford Group of Parishes "I am deeply saddened by the news of Sheila's death," Bishop Forster said. "She served God with distinction during her ministry. She had an adventurous spirit and was a friend to many, sharing her gifts of warmth and generosity, and lending those who needed it a listening and compassionate ear. Sheila had a great love for her parishes but supremely for Stanley and their family. I ask you to remember them in your prayers." Rev Sheila and Canon Stanley arrived in Donegal in 2001 after serving together in the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh from 1989 to 2001. Canon Stanley was instituted as Rector of Clondehorkey and Mevagh, while Rev Sheila was appointed Priest-in-charge of the neighbouring Parish of Clondevaddock. They served in their Donegal parishes from 2001 until their retirement in 2009. Also read: RIP: North Longford mourns death of lovely, kind lady who enjoyed performing on stage Rev Johnsons remains reposed at St Johns Church overnight on Sunday following viewing at the Eternal Light Chapel of Rest, Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on Sunday, November 2 from 3-5pm. In November 2009, Rev Johnson launched her autobiography, 'Everything Except a Caravan'. Glenties-based Sinn Fein Councillor Brian Carr conveyed his condolences following the tragic collision near Kilraine. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends during this very difficult time, Councillor Carr said. Her husband, also in his 80s, was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment of what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries. Also read: Well respected cleric reflects on distinguished Longford ministry Garda Forensic Collision Investigators arrived on the scene on Thursday morning to carry out a technical examination and the road remained closed for a time. Councillor Carr hailed the efforts of the emergency services and first responders. He said: A sincere well done to the emergency services, the Gardai, fire service, and ambulance crews, for their fast and professional response. Thanks also to those who were first on the scene for their great efforts and support until the emergency services arrived. PICTURES: Stunning Georgian Longford house with 400-year-old mill hits the market for 775k Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the collision. A spokesperson said: Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area between 3:30pm and 4:00pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballyshannon Garda Station on 071 985 8530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. There was recently a public meeting on October 29 in the Longford Vintage Club, Connolly Barracks, over defibrillators needed in Longford town. This open discussion has the aim of setting up a committee to maintain current defibrillators but discuss where new ones should be. Darren Mulleady, a paramedic and member of Ballymahon Defibrillator Group, highlighted the N4 Axis defibrillator after happening to come across it back in early October. Through some research, with the National Ambulance Service in Tallaght, it was learnt that it was not listed on the system. This defibrillator was required a code to access it by calling 999, but without it being logged, Darren learnt that no one locally seemed to know who owns it or who looks after it. Read more: Bishop leads tributes to former Longford Church of Ireland Minister killed in Donegal crash "This got me thinking, Longford town is a big busy town and from my research the public dont know where their nearest public access defibrillators is," had said at the time. He spoke with to two of his colleagues in the National Ambulance Service based in Longford ambulance station, Jacinta Dervin and Keith Gurn, and also spoke to Emma Reid who is a Civil Defence Officer and is a Community First Responder for Longford town. They all agreed to do something, which led to the meeting. Read more: Massive funding boost of almost 900,000 for three Longford outdoor recreation projects Subsequently, Darren reached out with an update: "It was a great turn out at our first meeting at the Longford Vintage Club; a great discussion we had on the floor. Going forward, we are going to find out where all the defibrillators are in Longford town and come back for a second meeting on Wednesday, November 19, at 8pm. "Thanks again to everyone who attended the meeting." Everyone is welcome to join for the next meeting. The Boston Zoning Board of Appeals voted 6-1 on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, to allow a former nursing home at 5 Redlands Road in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston to be used for housing for homeless families. The state project will allow up to 120 people to live at the facility. (Anne Brennan/MassLive) Just hours after Bostons Zoning Board of Appeals voted 6-1 to allow a new family shelter in West Roxbury last week, neighbors filed a lawsuit in an attempt to stop it. The shelter, opening in a vacant former nursing home at 5 Redlands Road near the intersection of Centre Street was initially expected to open in July on the one-way residential street. Its been held up by a vocal group of neighbors who are attempting to use the citys zoning code to prevent what others call much-needed housing in the community. Neighbors have accused the shelter providers of misleading city officials and even doctoring documents to win approvals, while the providers themselves say they are well within their rights to operate the shelter. Zoning is the backbone of neighborhood democracy. It is democracy pushed down to the street level. It gives the neighbors a seat at the table, said attorney Kevin Cloutier, who is representing the opposing neighbors, during the Oct. 28, 2025, ZBA hearing. That process has been cut out of this. At the same time, supporters and some elected officials including Mayor Michelle Wu and Gov. Maura Healey have said the state-run shelter would meet the needs of struggling families in the Boston area. New use for an old nursing home Making Opportunities Count, a Fitchburg-based nonprofit shelter provider, filed for permits from the city earlier this year to open the shelter. The proposed facility will accommodate families experiencing homelessness up to 120 individuals through the states Emergency Assistance program. Officials from the nonprofit say the former Stonehedge Nursing Home, which closed in 2022, has the facilities necessary to house and support families as they work toward permanent housing. A previous plan for the property would have created a three-story, 30-unit apartment building, according to Universal Hub, but the developer withdrew it. The bottom floor of the building will be used for staff offices and shared spaces, including kitchen and laundry facilities. The remaining floors will be residential space for around 40 families. The proposal quickly met with mixed opinions. About 100 people attended a heated community meeting about it in May, the Boston Globe reported at the time. Many argued that the property could not support that many residents without burdening the street. They worried that a homeless shelter, located near the intersection of Centre Street, would raise safety and security concerns. The Redlands Manthorne Willow Neighborhood Alliance started a petition to stop the project, which had received more than 1,100 signatures as of Monday, and a GoFundMe to raise money for legal fees. This large institutional facility is not appropriate for the site. Similar shelters have been proven unsafe, ineffective and are being phased out statewide, the organization wrote on its website, referring to the state ending its use of hotels as emergency shelters. Neighbors who spoke at the Oct. 28 Zoning Board of Appeals hearing said they were concerned about the property owners application, the zoning and the potential effects on the community. The whole neighborhood would just kind of go down, meaning there would be so many people on the street, you dont know whos actually going to be living there, said a Redlands Road resident who identified herself as Rosie, adding she is worried about safety issues at the shelter. I just dont want that for the people there or us ... If theres too many people all together in one spot, something could happen. But not all neighbors oppose the project, and several testified in support at the hearing. Unfortunately, I think a lot of the people who are against the shelter are trying to find zoning loopholes to be against it because they dont want any outside people living in our community, Julia Hansen, a Redlands Road resident, said. I say that if its fine with the zoning, Im very happy to have these people as my neighbors and in my community. Redlands Road, a quiet one-way street in West Roxbury and the home of a proposed family shelter. (Anne Brennan/MassLive) Questioning the zoning Making Opportunities Count and the property owner, Berkshire Investments, say the shelter is allowed at that location under the citys zoning code, meaning they dont need neighbors support to seek variances to open. Bostons Inspectional Services Department initially rejected the permit application in July, citing several zoning violations, according to court documents. But in September, when Berkshire Investments said the violations were either inaccurate or had been corrected, Inspectional Services approved the permit. But that assessment has been strongly disputed by neighbors, who claim the shelter team misled the city to cover up zoning violations that would require them to apply for variances. Shortly after the permit was approved on Oct. 28, neighbor Stephen Marsh filed an appeal, sending the project to the citys Zoning Board of Appeals. The central argument hinges on whether the building would be used as congregate living, as the proponents described it in their permit application, or as homeless shelter/transitional housing. While these designations may sound similar, the two uses are treated differently in the zoning code. Congregate living, which provides shared kitchen and bathroom spaces for residents, is allowed by right, with a variance required only if people will be living on the ground floor. However, if the property owner intended to use the building as a homeless shelter or transitional housing, they would be required to apply for a variance. The appeal and lawsuit argue that the building is a homeless shelter, but Berkshire Investments attorney Paul Rufo said during the hearing that the key difference between the two is the length of time residents stay there. A homeless shelter or transitional housing typically provides overnight or up to 30 days of housing, while congregate living is for a more extended period. According to Colby OBrien, vice president of programs at Making Opportunities Count, the average time a family spends in emergency shelter is currently 258 days. The families that live at 5 Redlands will be members of the community. They will shop at the same stores, visit the same parks, participate in the same community events and local schools just like any other neighbor, OBrien said. 5 Redlands Road in the West Roxbury, the former home of Stonehedge Nursing Home and proposed home of a new family shelter. (Anne Brennan/MassLive) Cloutier also accused Berkshire Investments of changing planning documents after Inspectional Services initially denied the permit. He said they went from describing the building as two stories with a basement to three stories, to avoid saying they would have congregate living on the ground floor, and changed the width of the driveway from 9 to 10 feet so it would appear to be the required width. Changing the words doesnt mean youre compliant. It just means youre concealing the actual truth about the layout of this property and where the actual living quarters would be, Cloutier said. Rufo and owner Alex Burk denied Cloutiers allegations. When the building was initially classified as two stories with a basement in the 1960s, Burk said, Boston had not yet written its zoning code. The ground floor was not sufficiently below grade to qualify as a basement, but the description was never updated, he said. Rufo added that they had measured the driveway and found it to be 10 feet, consistent with older site plans, but believed the plan originally submitted stated 9 feet due to a computer error. In response to additional claims that the plans did not provide the minimum required parking, Rufo explained that, as affordable housing, the shelter was subject to lower parking requirements than other residential property. City sides with shelter The Zoning Board of Appeals ultimately voted to deny the neighbors appeal. Board member David Collins, the lone dissenting vote, said he believed the property owners misled Inspectional Services. Other board members, however, explicitly stated that they believed it was important to get the shelter operational This is urgent, given the time. People are struggling right now, and its about to get worse, board member Giovanny Valencia said. The board has not yet issued a written decision, and the shelter operators still need to obtain a certificate of occupancy from Inspectional Services to open, a process that typically includes facility inspections. The lawsuit, filed shortly after the Oct. 28 hearing, names the property owners, Inspectional Services and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The plaintiffs, including six individual residents of the neighborhood and the nearby restaurant West on Centre, asked the court to issue an injunction to stop the shelter from opening while the case plays out. But lawyers for the property owners and the city said in court documents that there is no reason for an injunction, as the plaintiffs have failed to show that they will be harmed by the shelter opening. They called the neighbors claims threadbare and speculative, adding that all residents will be expected to undergo background checks, serious sex offenders will be barred and only families with children or a pregnant member will be allowed. Plaintiffs ... hypothesize that the future residents of the facility will endanger the neighborhood and drive down property values because of their inherently dangerous status as individuals experiencing housing instability, lawyers for the city wrote. At an unrelated event this month, before the Zoning Board hearing, Mayor Michelle Wu said she understood residents frustration that the decision was made without input from the city, but that housing families in adequate facilities was an important goal for both Boston and the state. Boston will always do our very best to support families who are in need, families who are trying to just raise their kids and contribute to the community, she said. At the same time, it is important to have processes in place that give people information, get questions answered so that it doesnt lead to rumors or gossip that then turn into misinformation and a lot of confusion or even unnecessary, unfounded fears about what might happen. Gov. Maura Healey, too, said recently that the shelter was needed and that the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, which operates the shelter system, has had multiple conversations with the city about it. These are Boston families. These are women and children, and theyre from here, and they still need a place to go. They may have found themselves temporarily homeless or not able to make a rent payment and faced eviction, she said. Thats what our emergency system is all about. Politics editor John Micek contributed reporting for this story. Police officers in Boston will wear name tags after reaching an agreement for a one-year contract extension with the city. Mayor Michelle Wu announced the contract ratification on Monday between the city and the Boston Police Patrolmens Association, the union that represents most of the citys police officers. Wus office underlined the importance of police officers wearing name tags by referencing the recent trend of federal agents wearing masks when making arrests. At a time when federal agents are seen on American streets with masks shielding their identity, Boston Police officers will now wear their names as a part of their uniform humanizing who they are when interacting with and serving residents and deepening trust with communities" the mayors office said in a statement. The new contract covers the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, at a total one-year estimated cost of $6.7 million. Every officer will receive a 2% wage increase. Officers will also have free access to the gyms in Boston Police Department facilities at each police district, headquarters and the police academy. Officers were previously required to pay a monthly fee to access the departments gyms. The contract will also allow officers 30 minutes of workout time per shift, as long as operations are not affected. This contract represents our constant efforts to deepen trust between our police officers and our communities, while also ensuring they are supported to be their very best, Wu said in a statement. Our officers do a difficult job. It is important for them to know their work is valued, and for them to continue to embrace their role in building trust and fulfilling our mission of Community Policing, Commissioner Michael Cox said. The new contract will also overhaul the evaluation process for evaluating patrol officers. The department is expected to roll out a more detailed and thorough system of evaluations as it pursues accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), the leading national authority on recognized standards for professionalism, performance and accountability in policing, the mayors office said. Only three Massachusetts communities are accredited with CALEA: Danvers, Fall River and Haverhill. Police departments at Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst are also accredited with the organization. The gleaming steel lunch cars that once dotted highways and small towns across the East Coast continue to serve up slices of Americana in Massachusetts, decades after their creation. From 1906 to 1957, the Worcester Lunch Car Company built 651 diners that were shipped throughout the eastern seaboard, establishing what would become some of the Commonwealths most beloved culinary institutions. Today, several of these historic eateries remain operational, offering visitors a chance to experience living history alongside their comfort food. Miss Worcester Diner in Worcester, Mass. staff These are the most iconic diners in Massachusetts and you can thank the Worcester Lunch Car Company for that. The diners emerged during a transformative period in American transportation and dining culture. Strategically positioned in small towns and along busy highways, these gleaming steel lunch cars served up home-cooked meals to workers, travelers, and night owls alike. Among the most notable examples is Caseys Diner, which first rolled out as a 10-stool lunch car on wheels in 1922 in Framingham before being moved to Natick in 1927. From 1906 to 1957, the Worcester Lunch Car Company built 651 diners that were shipped throughout the eastern seaboard. staff The Boulevard Diner represents another architectural treasure from this era. Having fired up its grill in 1936 on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, it stands as a testament to mid-century design and craftsmanship. Architectural historians consider it one of the most well-preserved barrel roof diners in the country, making it significant not just for its food but for its structural integrity. Perhaps most emblematic of this diner tradition is the Miss Worcester Diner, which has been dishing out breakfast from the same spot since 1948, right across the street from where the Worcester Lunch Car Company built it. Each is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging their importance to American cultural heritage. The Boulevard Diner in Worcester, Mass. staff Generative AI was used to help produce this story, based on original material. It was reviewed and edited by MassLive. Brian Setzer (L) and Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats perform as part of "Jacks First Show" at Arco Arena, in Sacramento. The band announced it has been forced to cancel its U.S. tour. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Corbis via Getty Images) Corbis via Getty Images Iconic rockabilly band The Stray Cats have announced the cancelation of their fall cross-country tour due to illness. Lead vocalist and guitarist Brian Setzer, 66, announced the news in a post on Instagram. Im heartbroken to share, due to serious illness, I am unable to perform and very regrettably have to cancel our Stray Cats tour, Setzer wrote in the post. I know this affects so many people and I am devastated to have to deliver this news. Ive been trying everything I can to go on and do these shows, but it is just not possible, Setzer continued. Ive been looking forward so much to being on stage with my band mates again and playing for all of our amazing fans, and Im gutted. Setzer did not specify which illness he was battling in the post, but back in February, the musician announced he could no longer play the guitar due to an autoimmune disease. There is no pain, but it feels like I am wearing a pair of gloves when I try to play, Setzer wrote in a Facebook post at the time. I have seen some progress in that I can hold a pen and tie my shoes. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I was at a point where I couldnt even do that. The Stray Cats tour was supposed to kick off on Oct. 25 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and end Nov. 23 in Wheatland, California. The Stray Cats were formed in 1979 and are known for several 80s hits including Stray Cat Strut, Rock This Town, Runaway Boys, (Shes) Sexy + 17, and I Wont Stand in Your Way. Canton Police Sgt. Sean Goode testifies during the first trial of Karen Read in 2024. Boston 25 News livestream Town officials in Canton said they learned of allegations of misconduct before deciding to place Sgt. Sean Goode on administrative leave. Goode, who testified during the first Karen Read trial but not the second, was put on leave on Oct. 24. Town officials said the allegations of misconduct were uncovered during an investigation into a former member of a different law enforcement agency. During the first Read trial, he testified about being the sergeant in charge of the patrolmen on the overnight shift of Jan. 28, 2022, into Jan. 29, 2022 the night John OKeefe died. While working the dispatch for the Canton Police Department that shift, he answered a call from Kerry Roberts, a friend of OKeefe, asking whether police had locked up or transported a man that night. The call came in shortly before 5 a.m., and Roberts and Read were trying to locate OKeefe at the time. Then, at about 6:04 a.m., another 911 call, this one placed by Jennifer McCabe, who told Goode about a man passed out in the snow a reference to the three women finding OKeefe in the lawn at 34 Fairview Road, the home of her brother-in-law and former Boston police officer, Brian Albert. McCabe was also a friend of OKeefe, who joined Read in the search for OKeefe that morning. Although Goode did not testify during the second trial this year that led to Reads acquittal of second-degree murder, below is a recap of what he said during the first trial in 2024 that led to a mistrial: What Goode did after 911 call Goode testified that he dispatched Canton police cruisers to 34 Fairview Road and that he told a cruiser to pick him up so that he could get to the scene himself. He also notified now-retired Lt. Paul Gallagher and Det. Sgt. Michael Lank due to the seriousness of the call. When he arrived, an ambulance was already at the scene along with two police cruisers. How he described Karen Read At the scene, Goode spoke with one of his officers, and the first person he got a statement from was McCabe. It was a chaotic scene, Goode said. People just kind of walking in and out. So Ms. McCabe was the first one that was able to give me a good statement of how they ended up here. The wind was howling due to the snowstorm, Goode said, and he said he needed to speak very loudly and stand next to people to hear them. He next spoke with Read after bringing her to his cruiser and putting her in the back of the vehicle with the heat on. Goode described her demeanor as confused, hysterical, shock. She was yelling out, Is he dead? Goode testified. She said it numerous times while yelling, he said. During cross-examination, Goode said he never heard Read say, I hit him, I hit him, I hit him. That statement became highly contested in both trials, with defense attorneys arguing she never said it and prosecutors making it a central part of their case. Goode grabs his leaf blower Goode lived near 34 Fairview Road, and he testified that he drove home about five minutes away and retrieved his leaf blower. Gallagher, the Canton police lieutenant, used the leaf blower on the front lawn covered with snow while Goode recorded video and took pictures with his iPhone. The leaf blower uncovered frozen blood and a small, broken drinking glass, Goode said. The nearly 40-minute search that first day, however, did not turn up any evidence of broken pieces of taillight, OKeefes hat, or his shoe, which were later recovered by Massachusetts State Police. Personal connections Goode said that he graduated from Canton High School in 1998 and that he knew Courtney Proctor from his graduating class. She is the sister of Michael Proctor, the fired trooper from the Massachusetts State Police who led the Read investigation. Goode said he knew members of the Albert family. Kevin Albert worked as a fellow Canton police officer and they hung out socially. He said he had known him for the 18 years hes worked as a police officer in town. Goode said he did not remember seeing Kevin Albert the morning that OKeefe died, nor speaking with him. He said he knew Brian Albert before the events on Jan. 28 and 29, 2022. The sergeant said he also knew Chris Albert as a select board member for Canton who owns a pizza shop in town. Kevin Albert was also placed on administrative leave last year Kevin Albert was placed on paid administrative leave by the Canton Police Department from June to September last year for disciplinary reasons related to his conduct on a case unrelated to Reads, but discussed at her trial. Proctor testified at the first trial that he and Kevin Albert had conducted a cold case investigation together. The men went out drinking together in June 2022. The next day, Proctor found Kevin Alberts badge in his cruiser. Albert sent Proctor text messages saying he was hungover that same day. Few details released on Goodes current status The same day Goode was placed on leave, Norfolk County prosecutors revealed they found highly sensitive information during a search of former trooper Proctors phone. During her two trials, Read and her defense team claimed Canton Police were part of a widespread conspiracy to frame her. In the months since, residents have voiced frustration with town leaders and police officials at numerous public meetings. Officials confirmed an officer had been placed on leave earlier Monday morning, but did not originally release his name. Members of the Towns Police Department are expected to perform their duties in a professional manner, a statement from Town Administrator Charles E. Doody reads. We will take the necessary steps to ensure that actions by individual officers do not jeopardize that quality and level of service. The Town of Canton and the Canton Police Department take this matter very seriously, Doody said. The investigation into OKeefes death and the subsequent prosecution of Read rocked the town of Canton. In June, less than a week after Reads acquittal, the town appointed Joseph Perkins, a former police chief in Middleborough, as its interim chief following the retirement of Helena Rafferty. An audit of the department last year faulted police for missteps in the Read investigation, but ultimately found no evidence of a conspiracy. Photos of the controversial statues of Saint Michael and Saint Florian that were commissioned to adorn the front of Quincy's new public safety building. Court Filings Two large Catholic saint statues planned for display outside a new public safety headquarters in Quincy are part of a legal dispute, as the government building display could cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. But that cost could soon be partially covered by the high-profile and polarizing animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). We understand that many in the community have voiced concerns about placing statues of St. Michael and St. Florian in front of the new police headquarters, Sarah McFarlane, Faith Outreach Coordinator of PETA LAMBS, wrote to Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch. Instead, PETAs Christian outreach division wants the statues moved to another location and to include the statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the beloved patron saint of animals. The organization is offering to help pay for the statues if this is done. St. Michael and St. Florian are the patron saints of police and fire departments. This addition would beautifully round out the tribute, celebrating the guardianship and service of St. Michael and St. Florian, alongside the compassion and mercy embodied by St. Francis, McFarlane wrote in the Oct. 31 letter. The patron saint of animals would help remind people to be kind toward all living, feeling beings, McFarlane said. It would honor not only the animals of Quincy but also the people who rescue, shelter, and care for them every day. The statue would also serve as a reminder for all of us to follow St. Francis example by showing mercy to animals in our daily livesby adopting instead of buying animal companions, choosing cruelty-free products, eating plant-based foods, and supporting local animal shelters and sanctuaries," the letter stated. Kochs office did not immediately respond to MassLives request for comment. In October, the Norfolk Superior Court granted a preliminary injunction blocking the planned installation of the two large statues, which means the statues of St. Michael and St. Florian will not be installed while the lawsuit proceeds. The court also denied the City of Quincys motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The American Civil Liberties Union is representing a multifaith group of Quincy residents and taxpayers, who argue that the plan violates the separation of church and state. My Christian faith is at the core of my life and the Citys plan to install religious statues at the entrance to a government building goes against that faith, Conevery Bolton Valencius, one of the plaintiffs in this case, said in a press release. As residents of Quincy, we should not have to walk under such looming religious imagery to seek help from public safety officers or city services. In an affidavit filed by the Quincy mayor, he wrote that the selection had nothing to do with Catholic sainthood, but rather was an effort to boost morale and to symbolize the values of truth, justice, and the prevalence of good over evil. CBS News studio at Times Square in Manhattan, New York, United States of America, on July 6, 2024. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images) CBS News is letting go of its CBS Saturday Morning co-hosts amid sweeping cuts hitting the news organization, according to the New York Post. Co-anchors Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson are out as CBS News prepares to revamp the show, according to the New York Post. The shows executive producer, Brian Applegate, will also exit the show. In a post on Instagram, Jacobson shared that Nov. 22 will be the pairs last time hosting CBS Saturday Morning. Three more Saturdays for [Michelle Miller] and me, the post read. ... November 22nd slated for our last show. Cannot wait to see you next week. More than two weeks ago, Paramount, CBSs parent company, began a series of layoffs set to impact roughly 2,000 employees, months after completing their $8 billion merger with Skydance, according to WWLP. Miller and Jacobson both began hosting CBS Saturday Morning in 2018, when it was called CBS This Morning Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times. Miller had previously joined CBS News in 2004, enjoying a long career as a correspondent for the network before transitioning to host its weekend morning show. Jacobson joined the network in 2015, having previously worked at ESPN, making appearances on First Take and SportsCenter." Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin walks out from casting his vote on Election Day at his polling location in Brighton on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Sam Drysdale/State House News Service Secretary of State William Galvin said Tuesday that Bostons election operations have improved under state receivership and that the states intervention in Lawrence was necessary to preserve the integrity of the voting process amid allegations of absentee ballot manipulation. Speaking after casting his vote in Brighton, Galvin said both cities were under close supervision by his office as municipal elections unfolded in 55 cities and towns across Massachusetts. Galvin said early indications show the Boston Election Department on a good path following a year of reforms prompted by serious ballot distribution failures during the 2024 general election. Weve had a lot of activity over the past year. Weve improved practices, he said. Mr. [Michael] Sullivan, the receiver, is very satisfied. Bostons elections have been under state receivership since February, when Galvin ordered outside oversight after some polling places ran out of ballots last November. His office required the city to overhaul communication systems, retrain poll workers and adopt new procedures for monitoring ballot supply and machine issues in real time. The lesson learned is when you have good practices, you have good results, Galvin said, adding that the citys polling locations were operating smoothly and that no major issues had been reported. He said his office would evaluate whether to end the receivership after the election, and that his office has other places to deal with as well. In Lawrence, state observers and State Police have been stationed at polling sites following reports that campaign workers had submitted incomplete or falsified absentee ballot applications. Galvin said the states involvement was prompted by processes that raised red flags rather than by concerns about early or mail voting itself. We did have applications filed by campaigns and they were not completed entirely by the voters, Galvin said. There wasnt sufficient information from the voters to identify who they were and to make sure they really wanted an early or absentee ballot. A University of Massachusetts/WCVB poll released Monday found 61% of respondents support requiring all voters to show government-issued photo identification to vote, with 21% against it. He said that after warnings and an information session with candidates failed to correct the practices, his office dispatched state troopers and election officials from other communities to oversee the process for every day of early voting from Oct. 25 through Oct. 31, and on Election Day. Galvin said his office rejected incomplete, altered or incorrectly filled out ballot applications submitted by campaigns and increased its physical presence in the city to support local election workers. A campaign can submit absentee ballot applications that they have collected from voters, his spokesperson said, but in Lawrence it became clear that some voters were either unaware that they had applied for an absentee ballot or did not qualify to vote absentee. Any voter whose application was rejected was notified of the rejection and the reason for rejection, and encouraged to contact the Lawrence Elections Division to discuss their voting options. All of this has taken place over the last few weeks. The official written Order from the Secretary was sent on October 16, with an additional Order on October 27, spokesperson Deb OMalley said. We needed to make sure we were physically present there to provide support for the local election officials, Galvin said. The State Police were present and observing conduct because we saw continuing conduct from campaigns that we felt was not in the best interest of the voters. He said any decision about criminal charges would rest with the attorney general or district attorney. Obviously, were observing everything we see, Galvin said. If theres conduct to be investigated, thatll be up to the attorney general and the district attorney, who have both been participants in our efforts up to now. In Boston, Galvin said state election staff are stationed inside City Hall on Tuesday but not at individual precincts because theres no need of it. He said communication systems and ballot management procedures had improved significantly since last years failures. Were very comfortable, Galvin said. Asked about outside interference, Galvin said his office had seen no indication of it. No, no, we feel pretty good, he said. My office is in regular contact with [poll workers]. We have people on the ground here... The goal here, again, is elections are about voters. Its not about campaigns. Its not about candidates. Galvin projected that voter turnout would vary widely across the state, noting that many communities had uncontested races. Many communities dont have a lot of contests, Boston being one of them, he said. Thats why the turnout in Boston will be relatively low for a mayoral election year. Voting reform bills enabling people to register and cast ballots during early voting or on Election Day has failed to advance again this year, despite significant support for the idea among some lawmakers and in polling. The deadline to register to vote is 10 days before any election. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is running unopposed after her primary opponent, Josh Kraft, dropped out after Wu outpolled him 72% to 23% in the primary. Galvin, a Boston resident, said his own ballot was rejected from the machine a few times because there were so few dark circles on it, as there are not many races in the city this year. He said turnout would likely be stronger in cities with competitive races, such as Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Taunton and Worcester. All of those communities, I think, will have a fairly decent turnout, he said, pointing to already strong participation in vote-by-mail and early voting. Galvin said early voting continues to be popular and effective. Were seeing very high participation at these levels, and its very helpful to voters to have multiple options to vote so theyre not restricted just for the hours on election day, he said. It shows that voters are serious about these things. Galvin, now in his eighth term as secretary, said the days goals are straightforward: The objective today is for the voters to make a choice he said. Whatever choice they make is their choice. It shouldnt be anybody elses, but theirs. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey speaks during an event unveiling programming for the state's observance of the nation's 250th birthday in 2026. The Democrat made her remarks at the Old South Meeting House in Boston on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. John L. Micek/MassLive Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is considering buyouts of up to $20,000 for state employees as the Democratic administration looks to trim costs and address funding cuts from the Trump administration. Union officials sent warnings to their employees that Healeys office was looking to reduce the ranks of full-time employees by offering $10,000 buyouts for employees who resign and $20,000 for employees who choose to retire, according to published reports. The Commonwealth has presented all state worker unions, including Local 509, with a proposal to reduce the number of full-time employees across the Commonwealth, SEIU Local 509 President Dave Foley wrote in an email to union members, according to The Boston Herald, which was first to report the news. The Commonwealth has proposed $10,000 for a voluntary resignation and $20,000 for retirement. Our understanding is that when these positions become vacant, they would not be backfilled and would be eliminated, Foley continued, according to the newspaper. In a statement to the Herald, Healeys office confirmed that it was considering such a move. Governor Healey has taken action to protect our budget in light of President Trumps billions of dollars in cuts to Massachusetts, including implementing hiring controls, an administration spokesperson said. While President Trump continues to hurt our economy, Governor Healey is considering additional steps to protect taxpayer dollars while continuing the high level of service that the people of Massachusetts deserve. David Holway, president of the National Association of Government Employees, told The Boston Globe that administration officials have offered some details to union officials. I dont think its across the board 10 and 20 [thousand-dollar offers], Holway told the newspaper. Theyve sent us an outline, but they havent given us all the information we need, including, he said, how many agencies could be affected. The news provoked criticism from one of the Republicans who are seeking to replace Healey in 2026. This is what happens when reckless spending finally catches up with bad management, GOP hopeful Brian Shortsleeve said in a statement. In just her first year in office, Maura Healey ballooned state government by thousands of employees and nearly a billion dollars in new payroll costs. Now, shes asking rank-and-file workers to clean up the mess she created, Shortsleeve said. Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, right, joined with Mayor Domenic J. Sarno on Monday to address the delay in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits as a result of the government shutdown. Nov. 3, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook SPRINGFIELD City officials are organizing to help residents left hungry by the freezing of food assistance. At the same time, they vented anger toward federal politicians, saying they are putting the most vulnerable at risk while playing politics. All city departments are joining with the Hampden Sheriffs Department, local churches and others to collect food and cash donations to help people struggling to feed their families after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were cut off Saturday. Their announcement came as President Donald Trumps administration said it will partially fund SNAP, which serves about one of every eight citizens nationally, following two court rulings requiring the federal government to keep it running. It is unknown when and how much of the benefits will be restored. While they are doing their best to help, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, state Rep. Bud L. Williams, Sheriff Nick Cocchi, City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce and others reacted in anger that children, the elderly and others are being left to suffer. It is absolutely heart wrenching that politics is being played on this. We need the federal government to get their act together, Sarno said, adding if the paychecks of House and Senate members were suspended, the shutdown wouldnt look like this. A Mason Square supermarket in Springfield serves many people who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The federal government is now into its second month of shutdown and the regular budget for the SNAP program ran out on Saturday. Nov.3, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook In Springfield alone, 47.4% of residents receive SNAP benefits. Most of the recipients are working families that dont make enough to scrape by. Others are retirees, children and the disabled. Sarno said he is seeing long lines at food pantries across the city and residents are telling him they arent sure how they will be able to buy food without the benefits. All city departments and libraries will be collecting non-perishable food. Residents who want to donate are encouraged to send money, since pantries can leverage cash to buy more at a discount. The city has also received a $50,000 state grant to address food insecurity and help the unhoused. That money will now be divided among nine neighborhood food pantries spread throughout the city, said Helen Caulton-Harris, health and human services commissioner. The agencies are small and include places such as the Springfield Rescue Mission, Gray House, the Indian Orchard Community Survival Center and multiple pantries run by churches. Along with purchasing additional food, the groups will be able to buy equipment to prepare meals, she said. I am particularly concerned about our elders, Caulton-Harris said. I will tell you that our elders are really frightened. They are scared. They dont know what the next day is going to bring. These are times we need to be together. In total, there are 53 food pantries in Springfield and nearly 200 across Western Massachusetts. They are all seeing a call for help, said Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which serves as a clearing house for food donations and distribution. Across Springfield alone, 71,000 people receive SNAP benefits and were already struggling financially. The Food Bank has been in crisis for at least two weeks, Morehouse said. Indeed these are working families. They can work, they are required to work in order to receive SNAP benefits, but children cant work, elders shouldnt have to work, people with disabilities cant work, Morehouse said. He admitted he is angry. The work needed to gather donations to ensure children dont go to bed hungry and the disabled dont have to choose between eating and purchasing medications isnt sustainable, he said. In addition, Morehouse said he is worried that people in the middle class who normally would give to the Food Bank are also struggling with high costs and dont have extra money to help. For every meal the food bank provides, the SNAP program provides nine meals. There is no way we can make up for the loss of that, Morehouse said. We will do everything we can in the absence of SNAP benefits to ensure people have access to nutritious food. Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, joined with Mayor Domenic J. Sarno on Monday to address the delay in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits as a result of the government shutdown. Nov. 3, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook The Sheriffs Department is providing trucks and staffing to help collect food donated at libraries, City Hall and other locations and deliver it to the Food Bank, pantries and other locations it needs to go, Cocchi said. It is disgusting what is happening at a political level. Disgusting. And quite frankly Im tired of it, Cocchi said. This political rhetoric, its got to go. People are going to die, not just starve. Williams, the state representative, said he and his fellow legislators are stepping up to try to provide money to communities and put political pressure to restore benefits. Even with the court rulings, Williams said he is not hopeful. He questioned how long it will take for people to see benefits restored. Even before this crisis there was tremendous food insecurity and stress on local pantries to provide it, he sad. What is going on is not fair because people really are suffering, Williams said. In this file photo from 2021, Bob Sweatland, left, and Lucy Benoit mash potatoes at Moolicious Farm on Nov. 27 for the free Thanksgiving dinner offered by the Southwick Civic Fund. (FILE/THE WESTFIELD NEWS) FILE SOUTHWICK For the 14th consecutive year, the Southwick Civic Fund is kicking off the holiday season by providing turkey and all the trimmings for the towns elderly, disabled residents and those confined to their homes during its annual Thanksgiving for All celebration. We couldnt do this every year without the help of the community, said Joseph Deedy, the president of the SCF, about the nonprofits annual effort to provide a hot Thanksgiving meal to those who might otherwise go without. To make the dinner a success, each year the Civic Fund appeals to the residents in Southwick, Granville and Tolland to donate the food needed to prepare between 250-300 meals in the Moolicious kitchen, the ice cream shop Deedys family runs on 258 Feeding Hills Road. Deedy is asking for donations of stuffing, onions, celery, cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, butter, sour cream, and chicken broth. Some of the food needed for the Nov. 27 meal has already been promised, including the string-bean casserole prepared each year by Marie Daniels. Shes already been here twice, Deedy said of Daniels two deliveries of the ingredients needed for the casseroles to Moolicious. He said the members of the Southwick Episcopal Church have already delivered 20 turkeys, something the congregation takes pride in. In Westfield, they are supplying 200 turkeys to its Food Pantry. They are good people. We cant thank them enough, Deedy said. The Episcopalians meet at the Southwick Congregational Church on College Highway. To thank them, visit the churchs website. Calabrese Farm provides fresh squash that is then delivered to Tuckers Restaurant where it is prepared. I couldnt ask for a better neighbor, Deedy said of the Calabreses, who operate their farm across the street from Moolicious. Roma Restaurant, which will soon open its dining room after offering take-out only for nearly a year, supplies the bread for the meal. Arrow Oil Inc. provides a generous monetary donation each year. We can always count on them, he said of Arrow Oil. When the Civic Fund began providing the Thanksgiving meals to residents in Southwick, Granville and Tolland, it was held at Moolicious, but since the organization acquired the former Methodist Church at 222 College Highway, the family-friend celebration is held at the churchs former fellowship hall, which is just behind the church. When the Southwick Civic Fund held its inaugural dinner 13 years ago, Deedy was unsure if there was a need, but quickly found there was as residents began showing up at Moolicious. That was when he and the volunteers who deliver the meals realized how great the need was. You dont really know what the need is until you get out there, he said about visiting homes in the community to deliver the meals. He urged anyone who doesnt want to celebrate Thanksgiving alone to call 413-569-1700 to add their name to the list. Its going to be fun and a time to meet new friends, Deedy said of the dinner. While there wont be live entertainment during the dinner, there is a 1950s jukebox filled with holiday classics, he said. For those who dont have a way to get to the fellowship hall, he said someone will pick them up and take them home. The meals can be picked up or delivered, however delivery will only be available for Southwick residents. For those interested in donating food or money, Deedy said either can be dropped off at Moolicious at any time. If you or a family member would like a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, call 413-569-1700 or visit the Southwich Civic Fund website to add your name to the list, for general questions, or to get involved. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has shot down calls for a NCT centre to be opened in Belmulle forcing people in Erris having to travel to distant locations such as Ballina, Sligo, or Westport for their NCT tests. The RSA stated that the current NCT network meets its national service standard, which requires that each test centre be located within 50 kilometres of 90 percent of vehicle owners. Based on demographic and population analysis conducted at the outset of the current NCTS contract, the RSA did not identify a need for an additional centre in the Belmullet area. The rejection of the proposal comes following ongoing local advocacy led by Michael Conroy and supported by the Erris Chamber of Commerce. Minister of State Alan Dillon has raised the matter with the safety regulator and has confirmed receipt of formal correspondence from them on the proposal to establish a National Car Testing (NCT) centre in Belmullet. In light of the RSAs dismissal of the case for a NCT centre in Belmullet, Minister Dillon has pledged to continue advocating for improved access to NCT services in North Mayo. I appreciate the RSA's response, but I remain concerned about the significant travel distances and long appointment wait times faced by residents and businesses in the Erris region, said Minister Dillon. I will be raising this issue directly with both Minister Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State Sean Canney in the Department of Transport. The current NCTS contract is due for renewal in 2030, at which point the RSA will again review the location and number of test centres nationwide. Minister Dillon has committed to ensuring that Belmullet is actively considered during that review process. READ: Mayo journalist receives prestigious Gradam RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta "I will continue to press this matter and work with local stakeholders to build a strong case for Belmullet's inclusion in future planning, he added. For Michael Conroy, however, waiting until 2030 is unacceptable. We can't wait five or seven years for our test centre here again, he said. This is just Belmullet being forgotten about again. Petition to be launched Michael Conroy of Michael Conroy Motors in Belmullet plans to launch a petition calling for the return of an NCT test centre to the town, arguing that the community is being left behind as residents face lengthy journeys for vehicle testing. Speaking about the impact on his own business, Conroy revealed the financial toll of the centre's absence. We sold over 200 cars last year, and to transport those to get them tested, paying for fuel and drivers, costs about 35,000, he said. If it was in Belmullet, that's 35,000 saved straight away. The garage owner also questioned the statistics used to justify the closure, suggesting that residents in the Belmullet area were never properly consulted. Conroy argues that the NCT centre closure is symptomatic of a broader problem facing the community. He pointed to several examples of what he sees as the town being overlooked, including changes to postal delivery services and the state of local infrastructure. There's 13 vans in the area that now have to go to Ballina to pick up post that used to be distributed from Belmullet, he explained. We're going backwards, not forwards. He also highlighted the deteriorating condition of the main Belmullet to Castlebar road, which ambulances must use daily. If you like rally driving, that's what it's for. It's probably one of the worst roads in Ireland, and our main ambulance has to go up and down that road every day of the week. It's an absolute disgrace. Conroy is now planning on gathering signatures for a petition demanding the return of the NCT centre. We can't wait five or seven years for our test centre here again, he said. This is just Belmullet being forgotten about again. Conroy remains determined to make the case that the facility is needed in the community. They're saying the ones in Ballina, Sligo, and Westport are okay, let them go there. But it's not a matter of that it's about looking at this properly and seeing what can be done for our community. Two flocks of sheep which were attacked by dogs early on Friday morning near Louisburgh resulted in at least two sheep being mauled to death while a number of others are being treated for their injuries. Sheep farmers in Louisburgh have appealed for dog owners to keep their animals under control after a number of sheep were attacked by up to two dogs early on Friday morning. The incident occurred in the townland of Moneen along the main road close to Louisburgh when two flocks of sheep in neighbouring fields were attacked by dogs. A local farmer came upon the scene while some of the sheep were being attacked and managed to prevent further kills. It is believed that the dogs responsible for the attacks were husky type dogs and the local gardai and the dog warden were notified and investigating the kill. Local councillor Chris Maxwell said that attack was devastating for the farmers involved as it is the beginning of the breeding season and there was concern locally that more flocks will be hit. It is an awful sight to witness and it is just devastating for the farmer and see his livelihood affected by this. There are a number of sheep in this locality and there is concern among other farmers that their sheep might be next. It was a brutal attack. There were two if not three killed while another suffered a broken leg while others had their skin broken and they are being treated by the vet. It is breeding season now and it is a total disaster for the farmer, he told The Mayo News. READ: Minister Calleary announces 1.1million for Mayo projects The Independent Ireland councillor said that while there have been incidents of dogs chasing sheep, this was the worst sheep kill for a long time in the Louisburgh area. He reiterated the call made by farming organisations that dogs are under control at all times as they are capable of causing damage to flocks. Sheep were left bloodied and injured following the attack by dogs People need to be aware that no matter what happens dogs need to be under control. It can be the nicest dog but remember when he gets out of control anything can happen with them. The sad thing is when they do it once they can do it again and that is the most distressing part of it. The breeding season has just started and the flock owners around Louisburgh are awfully worried that this can happen again. It is an awful situation to be in for them. It was a sad sight to see. The IFA and INHFA are always calling for more controls on dogs because they are more concerned that these attacks are happening more and more with the increased ownership of dogs. People need to be aware that dogs are lovely but they can cause destruction and they need to be under control at all times, he said. What Happens When You Swap Grains for Potatoes Are potatoes and grains interchangeable? Not quite. Each offers unique nutrients, and swapping one for the other can leave surprising gaps. Even though several hormonal contraceptives pose breast cancer risk, specific progestin methods (desogestrel-based) displayed a higher link. Trusted Source Hormonal Contraceptive Formulations and Breast Cancer Risk in Adolescents and Premenopausal Women Go to source Trusted Source TOP INSIGHT Did You Know? Using desogestrel-based #contraceptives (up to 10 years) were associated with 50% higher risk of experiencing #breast_cancer, while #levonorgestrel was linked with less than a 20% higher risk. #BirthControl #HormonalContraceptives #Desogestrel #Levenogestrel Advertisement Desogestrel Linked to Highest Breast Cancer Risk Advertisement Drospirenone Pills Show No Increased Breast Cancer Risk Advertisement Contraceptives Offer Protection Against Ovarian Cancer Hormonal Contraceptive Formulations and Breast Cancer Risk in Adolescents and Premenopausal Women - (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2840506) , revealed by a large-scale study from Uppsala University in Sweden. The data was published in the journalResearchers analyzed around two million women and young girls for. (While prior studies chiefly focused on estrogen and progestin pills, the newer progestin-only methods like hormonal implants, coils, and injections have become highly prominent.In the new study, which is the largest of its kind, researchers examined different types of hormonal contraceptives and their association with breast cancer risk. The study is made possible by Swedens unique national registers, which contain information on all dispensed prescriptions and all cancer diagnoses.Over two million women aged 1349 were included and followed via national registers from 2006 to 2019 to identify the risks associated with different types of contraception. The study shows that the risks vary depending on the type of hormone contained in the product., says Professor Asa Johansson, research group leader at Uppsala University and SciLifeLab and the studys senior author.Our results indicate that, while others, such as depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injections, showed no increase.The study also showed that both combined contraceptive pills and hormonal intrauterine coils containing levonorgestrel, which are among the most commonly used products in Sweden, were associated with a lower risk than desogestrel.Without looking at the type of contraceptive used by the women in the study,Moreover, the risk increased the longer they were used.. These may therefore be a safer option for women with a higher baseline risk.Hormonal contraceptives are highly effective and provide important health benefits, and we do not encourage women to stop using them, says Fatemeh Hadizadeh, the studys lead author.In addition to protecting against unwanted pregnancies, they reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer, relieve menstrual pain and heavy bleeding, help with acne, and give women greater control over their reproductive health.At the same time, especially for women who are already at higher risk. The results of our study provide doctors and women with useful information to act on.Source-Eurekalert After two critically successful seasons, Netflix has dropped the trailer for Delhi Crime season 3, which features a cat-and-mouse chase between Huma Qureshi and Shefali Shahs team. Delhi Crime Season 3 Trailer The trailer for Delhi Crime season 3 starts by introducing Huma Qureshi as the villain, who is the head of a human trafficking syndicate. Netflix Shefali Shah, who will be playing Officer Vartika Chaturvedi, assembles her team and starts cracking this syndicate. Dropping the trailer for Delhi Crime season 3, Netflix wrote, A case that defies reason. A criminal with no limits. But Madam Sir and team fear nobody. The Reactions To Delhi Crime Season 3 Trailer Users are excited to see the trailer. One user commented, God forbid a series nowadays which is not degrading with each new season. this show is really underrated. Another user commented, It's Hard to believe huma qureshi is superhero in maharani and now a villain in Delhi crime YouTube/Netflix One user reacted, All underrated actor and best acting performance make this web series masterpiece , the only thing I don't like is the things which are shown in this this series is taken from 100% true events which bring us the reality of our society. Another user reacted, Netflix... matlab something good is coming as always. Gervase Phillips reports on the vital role of the pigeon post amid Passchendaeles waterlogged crater-fields. A carrier pigeon about to be thrown from a British tank during fighting on the Western Front during the First World War. By 1918, the British had about 20,000 birds in service. For Major Alec Waley, the commanding officer of the British Expeditionary Forces Carrier Pigeon Service, 31 July 1917 was a peculiarly tense day, but ultimately a very satisfying one. It was the first day of the Third Battle of Ypres or Passchendaele, as it is more often remembered. The conduct of this offensive was facilitated by the most destructive technologies yet devised: modern artillery, machine-guns, tanks, aircraft, flamethrowers, and poison gas. Total casualties, Allied and German, were probably in excess of 500,000. What place, in the midst of industrialised slaughter on this scale, could there be for Waleys fragile little birds, carried up the line in their delicate wicker baskets? By the evening of the first day, Waley had an answer: visiting the BEFs II Corps, he was told that 75% of the news which had come in from the front-line had been received by pigeon. OLD TECH OR NEW TECH? A British mobile pigeon loft. Where cumbersome, insecure, and unreliable wireless sets, along with telephones, signal lights, and flares failed, pigeons succeeded. When human runners could not pass through walls of barrage fire, pigeons rose above the explosions and the gas and flew swiftly to their lofts, bearing dispatches in tiny cylinders attached to their legs. The usefulness of pigeons in modern warfare had come as something of a surprise to the British. Pigeons were a proven, indeed time-honoured, form of communication. Originally domesticated around 4500 BC, they had marched (or rather flown) with the armies of Ramesses II, King Solomon, Julius Caesar, and Genghis Khan. Yet, by the latter half of the 19th century, while pigeon fancying was becoming an increasingly popular hobby, especially among the working class, for military purposes they seemed to have been entirely supplanted by the telegraph. Events during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, however, had reaffirmed their military utility. Prussian cavalry patrols pushing rapidly into France had severed telegraph lines, and isolated French garrisons soon resorted to sending dispatches by carrier pigeons loaned by local fanciers. Officials in Paris, besieged for four months during the conflict, also organised a carrier-pigeon service that delivered hundreds of thousands of messages for the beleaguered city. The military implications of this achievement were not lost on Continental soldiers, and by 1914 extensive networks of lofts had been established across Europe by the armies of all the leading powers. BEHIND THE CURVE The British were the exception. Believing the birds to be unreliable under wartime conditions, being apt to get discouraged or lost, the War Office abolished the Armys small carrier-pigeon service in 1907. The nature of the fighting on the Western Front soon revealed that decision to have been an error. Alec Waley, a lieutenant in the Intelligence Corp in late 1914, had borrowed some pigeons from the French and, as a fellow officer remembered, under his enthusiastic impulse [the pigeon service] proved its value, for when the Germans were closing in on Ypres, and the roads through the town became shell traps, Alec Waley was a well-known figure taking to the front-line the pigeons that saved the life of many a dispatch rider. The following July, this extemporised Carrier Pigeon Service was officially taken over by the Director of Army Signals, with Waley as officer commanding. PIGEONS MOBILISED A group of pigeons with message cylinders await the call to action. Over the same period, back in Britain, A H Osman, editor of the Racing Pigeon journal , was commissioned into the Army and given responsibility for organising a carrier-pigeon service for home defence, and for supplying both birds (thousands of which were freely given to the war effort by patriotic fanciers) and suitably qualified men for both the Army and volunteer trawler crews involved in minesweeping at sea. Waley only ever had around 380 men under his direct command, but Osman made sure they were experienced with birds in civilian life and could not only manage the Armys lofts but, crucially, train infantrymen to care for and toss the birds. By the end of the war, Waley and his pigeoneers would be responsible for lofts operating around 20,000 birds and for having trained some 90,000 soldiers (British Empire, Portuguese, and American) to handle pigeons. Building this organisation took time . While pigeons proved their worth in the battles of 1915 and 1916, there were never enough available in those years to meet demand, which came not just from the infantry, but from the artillery, the Heavy Section Machine Gun Corps (that is, tanks), and the Royal Flying Corps. MILITARY ORGANISATION These Canadian soldiers appear to be offering a pigeon a drink. Perhaps they were not among the 90,000 given formal training in pigeon handling by the Carrier Pigeon Service. By early 1917, however, the Carrier Pigeon Service had established an extensive network of lofts, both fixed and mobile, the latter either motorised or horse-drawn. In the interests of the speedy delivery of messages, mobile lofts were often boldly pushed up close to the front-line; Waley, rather uneasily, recorded their presence within 2,000 yards of enemy positions on occasion. Each was typically manned by a sergeant or corporal of the pigeoneers, commanding a small squad of a pioneer or two (soldiers trained for specialist labour and basic engineering duties), an orderly, and a couple of dispatch riders who carried the birds forward for units entering the front-line. When a pigeon flew in from the line , its message was immediately relayed to its intended destination, such as brigade or divisional headquarters. Although this sounds like a cumbersome procedure, it delivered by First World War standards remarkably quick communications. Indeed, in some circumstances pigeons even out-paced the telephone. In May 1916, Waley recorded that, [a divisional signals officer] mentioned that when messages were over 30 words the pigeon nearly always beat the wire, as a certain amount of time was always lost in re-transmitting the wire from Brigade to Divisional Headquarters. PASSCHENDAELE The crater-field at Passchendaele where Waleys Carrier Pidgeon Service provided the most effective way of getting messages across no-mans land. At Passchendaele, pigeons ensured that even the heaviest guns, although the batteries were placed well back, could be brought to bear very rapidly when infantry requested fire support. Waley recorded in August that from the forward lofts birds are being sent to Heavy Artillery Groups and messages are coming in excellent times averaging 6 minutes. For the infantry, such timely support was often the difference between victory and defeat. On 3 August 1917, Captain H L Binfields company of the 13th Royal Sussex was defending a line of shell-holes in front of the village of St Julian, which they had just seized from the Germans. His men were now desperately short of ammunition and they could see enemy infantry forming up for a counter-attack before them. Binfield released their last pigeon, calling for support from the gunners. Fourteen minutes later, and in the nick of time, the barrage fell between them and their attackers, whose assault withered away. Yet, overall, August 1917 was a month of unremitting fighting with limited success. Sir Hubert Gough, who initially directed the main thrust, struggled to secure the crucial Gheluvelt Plateau. The German infantry suffered agonies under the relentless pounding of the British guns, but they endured, contesting every shell-hole line with bomb and bayonet. PLUMERS PIGEONS Then heavy rain intervened, turning the battlefield into a swamp. Gough was replaced by the methodical Sir Herbert Plumer. He paused the offensive, built up his artillery, and meticulously planned the next move, aiming for limited but achievable objectives. When the weather improved, in late September and early October, he struck. In three operations Menin Road, Polygon Wood, and Broodseinde he dealt hammer blows to the defenders, seizing narrow objectives in terms of ground, but relying on his artillery to destroy the ensuing German counter-attacks, inflicting heavy casualties. Some have argued that Plumers victories forced the Germans to consider a major withdrawal that would have threatened their whole position in Belgium. Pigeons played their part fully in these victories. This entry in the war diary of the Carrier Pigeon Service for 21 September 1917, reveals the extent of their duties: [the loft at Vlamertinghe Chateau] had supplied 80 birds to tanks, assaulting troops, and intelligence OPs [observation posts]. Forty messages had come in and a large number of birds had also brought in maps. [V Corps loft] had sent up 120 birds for the offensive and 50 messages had been received in excellent times from assaulting troops, tanks, artillery OPs, and intelligence OPs. A French mobile pigeon loft. But the skies opened again and the offensive floundered in the mud. Most military historians agree that it was unnecessarily prolonged at this stage, reaching its dismal climax when the indefatigable Canadian infantry finally captured Passchendaele and its environs in early November. Pigeons were still doing useful service to the end, but their losses were mounting. Many young, semi-trained birds were being sent up the line and released into gales, driving rain, and snow, only to disappear. Even when the battle ended, Waleys command never really got a chance to recover. The German spring offensives of 1918 saw many lofts and their birds destroyed, to avoid their capture. Remarkably, Waley kept the service in being, salvaging all he could (and simultaneously establishing a messenger-dog service for the BEF too). During the allied counter-offensives of summer and autumn 1918, the war became more mobile. As the distance between advancing troops and lofts opened up, the pigeons became more of a supplementary means of communication. They never entirely lost their value for attacking troops, but the plans laid for 1919 placed greater emphasis on dogs and wireless. Passchendaele remains one of the most controversial battles of the 20th century, and historians still debate its significance, but, for Waley, his pigeoneers, and their gallant little birds, it was their finest hour. Gervase Phillips is Principal Lecturer in History at Manchester Metropolitan University. He specialises in human conflict, specifically looking at the military use and treatment of animals in war. This article is from the November 2017 issue of Military History Matters. To find out more about the magazine and how to subscribe, click here. WASHINGTON The escalating military strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific that have killed 64 people do not rise to the level of hostilities that would trigger statutory limits on the operations, according to a statement from a senior administration official Monday. The claim comes as Monday marked the 60-day deadline since the Trump administrations first notification to Congress of military action against alleged drug runners that work for cartels that the White House has designated as terror organizations. The deadline stems from the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which stipulates that the president has the authority to respond militarily to threats to the United States, but that after 60 days of military action he must seek congressional approval or a 30-day extension to continue. All of these decisive strikes have been against designated narcoterrorists bringing deadly poison to our shores, and the President will continue to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country, the official said. Even at its broadest, the War Powers Resolution has been understood to apply to placing U.S. service members in harms way, the official said. In the case of the ongoing strikes, they said, weapons are fired largely by unmanned aerial vehicles launched from naval vessels at distances too far away to endanger American personnel. Furthermore, they said, the White House Office of Legal Counsel believes that the operations do not rise to the level of hostilities, and cited legal opinions written by the assistant attorneys general during the Clinton and Reagan administrations. In the 1984 opinion cited by the White House, former Assistant Attorney General Theodore Olson said the executive branch has taken the position from the very beginning that the WPR does not constitute a legally binding definition of Presidential authority to deploy our armed forces. This line of reasoning is not new. During the Obama administrations 2011 air campaign in Libya meant to help overthrow the former ruler Moammar Gadhafi, the White House said the War Powers Resolution did not apply, as there was no sustained fighting with hostile forces, or deployment of U.S. ground troops. When it comes to the War Powers Resolution, said Project on Government Oversight policy analyst David Janovsky, presidents have kind of taken it and run with it for 60 days, and then dared Congress to stop them. If the 60-day threshold is ignored, Janovsky said, it then becomes incumbent on Congress to use the tools it has to try to impose consequences, from using congressional oversight all the way up to its power of impeachment. Calls for justification The comments come as lawmakers have for weeks pressed the White House to release its legal justification for the strikes. Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker, R- Miss., and ranking member Jack Reed , D- R.I., on Friday released two letters they previously sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting the execute orders, legal rationale and designated terrorist lists underpinning the steady drumbeat of military strikes. Democrats have publicly griped for weeks about the lack of information the Trump administration was providing about the strikes, including venting frustrations about being left out of a briefing held for GOP senators. But Wickers inclusion in Fridays release underscores the frustration is bipartisan. One of the released letters, from Oct. 6, also notes that at a classified committee briefing earlier in the month, both majority and minority members requested additional information be provided to the committee with respect to the legal and policy underpinnings and other aspects of these operations to date. Defense Department press secretary Kingsley Wilson on Friday said several of the requested documents were made available to Wicker, Reed and their staffs last week, and that DOD provided its fourth bipartisan briefing to Senate staffers, also last week. The White House official said the administration had demonstrated great transparency in its communications with Congress on the matter. A Senate vote on a resolution introduced by Sens. Tim Kaine, D- Va., Adam B. Schiff, D- Calif., and Rand Paul, R- Ky., that would put limits on the hostilities is expected to come up for a vote as soon as this week. _____ ( Rebecca Kheel contributed to this report.) ___ 2025 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar underscored his governments commitment to religious freedom and the rule of law, pushing back against Donald Trumps claim about the alleged killing of Christians in the West African nation. Asked about the U.S. presidents comments at a news conference Tuesday with his German counterpart in Berlin, Tuggar produced a document that he said articulated what Nigerias constitution stipulates about religious freedom. This is what guides us and this is what shows its impossible for there to be a religious persecution that can be supported in any way, shape or form by the government of Nigeria at any level, he said, standing alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Trump claimed at the weekend that Christians are being systematically killed in Nigeria in very large numbers and pledged the U.S. would intervene to protect them. The false assertion has long been floated in right-wing circles in the West, and was brought up by Trump during his first term. It has gained traction in recent months, prompting rising concern in Africas most populous nation. Chinas government weighed in on the issue on Tuesday. Beijing opposes nations using religion or human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a briefing. On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu who is Muslim and has a Christian pastor wife said his government was committed to working with the U.S. and international community to protect all faiths. He added that the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality. Tuggar said what Nigeria is trying to make the world understand is that we should not create another Sudan. He referred to what he called agitation for the partitioning of Sudan based on religion, based on tribal sentiments that plunged the North African nation into crisis. And who gets left behind to work toward resolving such problems? Its us, he added. Its African countries, its countries like Nigeria that is a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council. ---------- With assistance from Foster Wong. ___ 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This week was supposed to be dedicated to veterans and their small business endeavors. That is no longer the case as Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler blames Democrats for perpetuating the ongoing government shutdown and cutting funding in the short term. This years National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), intended to be the 12th annual celebration of veteran entrepreneurs, was supposed to take place Nov. 3-7. As of last week, at least 32 virtual and in-person events were scheduled to celebrate and empower current service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouse entrepreneurs. The SBA says the second-longest federal shutdown in U.S. history, which began Oct. 1 and has currently exceeded the 34-day mark, has resulted in lapsed funding with vital SBA programs and services being put on hold. By refusing to support a clean funding bill to reopen the government, Senate Democrats have frozen the majority of SBAs servicesincluding our small business lending programs and public events like National Veterans Small Business Week, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, a former U.S. senator in Georgia, said in a statement. I am disappointed that [the] SBA will be unable to recognize our nations veteran entrepreneurs, and that Senate Democrats continue to block pay for more than 1 million active-duty military members. The Trump administration is pursuing every option to support our troops, but until Senate Democrats reverse course, our veteran-owned small businesses and service members will continue to feel the pain of the federal shutdown, she added. Veteran and business owner Jackson Dalton walks along a hallway at the Black Box Safety offices, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in El Cajon, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Military.com reached out to SBA, which remains understaffed like other federal agencies, for further comment. Vets Operate Over 1.6 Million Businesses The most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau from 2022 shows 1,651,542 veteran-owned firms in the U.S. Figures were provided by the SBA to Military.com. Federal agencies, local stakeholders and private-sector partners were scheduled to take part in this years theme, Honoring Veteran-Owned, American Made, designed to showcase how veteran-owned small businesses impact in manufacturing, strengthening national security, and contributing more than $1 trillion in annual sales to the economy. Those plans, along with dozens of in-person and virtual events offering training, capital access, and government contracting resources have been suspended, the SBA says. The blaming of Democrats for the shutdown follows uniform messaging across the Trump administration the past 30-plus days, from SBA to the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has used federal government platforms to display partisan messaging. 'Frustrating' Cancellation Barry Mattson, a U.S. Air Force and Army veteran who is now CEO of the Brian Hamilton Foundation, like others in the nonprofit and humanitarian spheres looked forward to NVSBW as a method of like-minded individuals to connect, forge connections, and collectively find a sense of purpose in post-military life. After telling Military.com last week that there's enough opportunity here at home for people to work on their own terms, he laments the cancellation of this weeks events but encourages veterans to surge ahead in their own way. The SBA canceled National Veterans Small Business Week, Mattson wrote Tuesday on LinkedIn. Thats frustratingnot because of the event itself, but because it highlights a truth veterans already live with: Our support systems are fragile. Every year, ~200,000 service members take off the uniform and try to build a new life. They cant wait for Washington to resolve funding disputes before they earn income, provide for their families, and rediscover purpose. South Korea is joining a small circle of nations that operate nuclear-powered submarines. On Oct. 29 during his days-long trip to Asia, U.S. President Donald Trump announced following his meeting with various heads of state that nuclear submarines will be built at the Philadelphia shipyards in the United States. The deal came after the president announced that an economic agreement was being finalized for South Korea to invest $350 billion in the U.S. as tariffs continue to impact domestic and foreign policy. Our (U.S and South Koreas) military alliance is stronger than ever before, and based on that, I have given them approval to build a Nuclear Powered Submarine," Trump wrote on Truth Social. A U.S. Air Force A10C Thunderbolt II flies over the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) in the Pacific Ocean, July 29, 2025. (U.S. Navy Photo by Lt. Zachary Anderson) The proverbial green light turns South Korea into a blue-water navy and places the nation among a small group with such capabilities. Only the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France, India and Australia have moved toward nuclear-powered submarines. Bruce Bennett, a senior defense analyst at the RAND Corporation, told Military.com that the submarine brings South Korea closer to wartime operational control of allied forces. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pushed for that authority, with a nuclear submarine now giving the nation the ability to act without waiting for U.S. direction. Military.com asked the State Department how the approval changes the balance of power. They referred the inquiry to the Pentagon, which at press time did not respond. Domestic Responsibility A nuclear submarine gives South Korea the reach to slip into deep Pacific waters, hunt Chinese and North Korean vessels, and guard sea lanes with U.S. forces. South Korea's submarine is anticipated run on uranium fuel enriched inside the country. The move signals a new kind of alliance. Washington wants Seoul to take more responsibility for its own defense and prepare for wartime control of allied forces. South Korean officials have pushed for that authority for years, but a nuclear-powered submarine brings that goal closer. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, shakes hands with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back at the southern side of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone, South Korea, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP) Military.com contacted U.S. Forces Korea and the U.S. Embassy in Seoul for comment. The approval changes the U.S.-South Korea alliance. A nuclear submarine can stay underwater for long periods and track Chinese ships far from shore. Analysts say Washington wants South Korea to carry more of the security burden. Military.com asked U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the U.S. Pacific Fleet whether the submarine would affect American posture in the region. Neither responded. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited South Korea while discussions were ongoing. His visit added political attention to the program and raised pressure on lawmakers in both countries. Military.com asked the Defense Department whether the visit signaled new momentum. The Pentagon did not respond. Ships from the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), far right, and fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), far left, steam in formation in the Pacific Ocean, April 10, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carson Croom) Crowded Waters North Korea has previously attempted to build nuclear-armed submarines, but those vessels have limited range and operate with louder engines. A South Korean nuclear submarine could track North Korean and Chinese submarines in the Yellow Sea, the Sea of Japan, and a wider Pacific region that has become more crowded. The U.S. Navy maintains aircraft carriers, destroyers and nuclear-powered submarines in the area. Japan continues to expand its submarine fleet. Australia plans to build nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS agreement. South Korea is preparing to join them. South Korea has never operated a nuclear-powered submarine. The new program would change the balance on the Korean Peninsula and increase pressure on China. The region now waits to see how quickly Seoul will move from approval to construction. CHEYENNE, Wyo. The unidentified airman found dead in his dormitory at F.E. Warren Air Force Base on Oct. 8 was the same man accused of fatally shooting a fellow security forces member three months earlier, the 90th Missile Wing revealed this week. Two other airmen admitted in separate courts-martial that they helped cover up what really happened. False Statements Sent the Investigation Down the Wrong Path Airman 1st Class Sarbjot Badesha and A1C Matthew Rodriguez each pleaded guilty Oct. 30 and 31 to making false official statements related to the July 20 death of Airman Brayden Lovan, according to a 90th Missile Wing announcement released Thursday. Their guilty pleas revealed that A1C Marcus White-Allen pulled his duty weapon and pointed it at Lovan's chest as a joke before the gun fired. Both witnesses admitted seeing White-Allen draw his M18 pistol from its holster and aim it at Lovan. They heard the weapon discharge and watched Lovan collapse. Then White-Allen told them what to say. According to the wing's statement, White-Allen told Badesha immediately after the shooting: Here's the story. Tell them that I slammed my duty belt on the desk, and it went off. White-Allen gave Rodriguez different instructions, telling him to report to emergency personnel that the holster went off. Neither airman told investigators the truth during their initial witness interviews on July 20. Their false statements sent the investigation down the wrong path, leading authorities to initially suspect Lovan died from an accidental discharge of White-Allen's M18. That possibility triggered Air Force Global Strike Command to temporarily suspend use of the M18 pistol and order safety inspections across the service. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations later gathered evidence showing White-Allen had his finger on the trigger as he placed the weapon on Lovan's chest. Laboratory testing found no defects in White-Allen's duty-issued M18. Authorities arrested an airman in early August in connection with Lovan's death, charging him with involuntary manslaughter, making a false official statement, and obstruction of justice. The Air Force did not identify that suspect at the time. White-Allen was discovered dead in his dormitory room on Oct. 8, prompting the Air Force to suspend legal proceedings against him. The investigation into his death remains open. Four Deaths in Four Months at Wyoming Nuclear Base The court-martial proceedings connect two of the four deaths tied to F.E. Warren personnel since July a string of violent incidents that has shaken the 90th Security Forces Group. On Aug. 16, Senior Airman Joshua Aragon was shot and killed in a Cheyenne apartment when A1C Jadan Orr fired an AK-47 through a bedroom wall, striking Aragon in an adjacent room. Orr faces involuntary manslaughter charges and has pleaded not guilty. On Sept. 30, A1C Marcus E. Jackson was found dead at an off-base residence in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Larimer County coroner ruled the case a murder-suicide after determining Jackson shot and killed 18-year-old Alyssa Reardon before taking his own life. The 90th Security Forces Group held a series of all-call meetings with its 1,400 personnel following White-Allen's death, addressing the recent incidents while emphasizing accountability and professionalism. Badesha was sentenced to 30 days in confinement, reduction to E-1, and forfeiture of $1,545. Rodriguez received 10 days confinement, 15 days restriction to base, reduction to E-2, and forfeiture of $500. We are fully dedicated to supporting the families and individuals affected by these tragic events, said Col. Terry Holmes, 90th Missile Wing commander. Our focus is on ensuring that justice is served and that every aspect of this case is thoroughly examined. A mile-long curb in Gainesville, Florida, painted purple to honor soldiers whove made the ultimate sacrifice, could be in jeopardy from a state law passed earlier this year banning pavement artwork not used for traffic control. The Memorial Mile, a fixture along Northwest Eighth Avenue since 2021, was painted to remind pedestrians and motorists of the costs of war. Designers chose purple as an ode to the Purple Heart, a military commendation medal given to soldiers injured in combat. Now the tribute could be painted over and lost to history. In June, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) mandated that all street art not used for transportation purposes be painted over or removed. According to the Independent Florida Alligator, the University of Floridas student newspaper, Gainesville officials have been corresponding with FDOT in recent months discussing what to do with the memorial. This news follows FDOTs enforcement of an ordinance in August threatening the city to replace three rainbow-colored crosswalks or face expulsion of state transportation funds. Mayor Harvey Ward reluctantly agreed, and the bricks were removed on Aug. 25. The Memorial Mile was established by Veterans for Peace in Gainesville, Florida in 2007 to honor soldiers killed in the post-9/11 wars. (Photo from Veterans for Peace) The project all started on Memorial Day weekend, 2007. Veterans for Peace placed 4,000 white coroplast tombstones (similar to yard signs or Halloween decorations) along the mile route to honor the more than 4,000 soldiers (at that time) killed in the post-9/11 wars. Each tombstone featured a veterans name, hometown, rank, and date they died. As both wars stretched on, the tombstone tally grew to more than 6,000. In all, over 7,000 soldiers were killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Cost of War It wasnt an official military cemetery, but the memorial sure resembled the real thing, said Gainesville City Commissioner James Ingle. Scott Camil, 79, serves as president of the citys chapter of Veterans for Peace. Camil said he wanted the image of bright purple and thousands of white tombstones jutting out of the earth to symbolize sacrifice. To make Gainesville residents stop and think for a minute about those whove died serving our nation. We wanted the public to see the cost of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Camil said. Friends and family members of the fallen soldiers would visit the memorial, leaving mementos beside their loved ones marker. Items like photos and letters were collected by Veterans for Peace and returned to the site every Memorial Day. In 2021, when U.S. forces pulled out of Afghanistan, Veterans for Peace ended the event, but Camil decided to preserve the tombstones in an air-controlled shed on his property. But Gainesville officials still wanted to do something to remember the memorial that stood for more than a decade, so they opted to paint the curb purple, a nod to each veterans Purple Heart. Cars on Northwest Eighth Avenue, where the curbs have been painted a light purple to mark the Veterans for Peace Memorial Mile (Mickie Anderson/Gainesville Sun). Removal Would be "Ridiculous" If the curb does get nixed, Camil said a member of his organization will be there for the removal, taking photos to document the process. Veterans for Peace in Gainesville has kept an archive of images since the project began nearly 20 years ago. Camil is upset that Gov. Ron DeSantos and Florida lawmakers chose to make a blanket decision on pavement art. It is a memorial site. And were upset that the governor would shut down part of a memorial site, Camil said. Ironically, DeSantos is a veteran. He served in the Navy as a Judge Advocate General. Sheila Payne, a former Gainesville resident now living in New York, told The Alligator she spent a lot of time through the years lending volunteer hours setting up the tombstones. Her husband and father-in-law are both veterans. Payne said the purple line is not dangerous or distracting to motorists and pedestrians. Frankly, it is so ridiculous, she said of the possible removal. Mayor Ward said he supports Veterans for Peace and believes the citys many dedicated veterans will oppose the curb removal if FDOT decides to enforce the ordinance. Like Payne, he also doesnt see how the purple curb makes the roadway unsafe. Hes hoping FDOT will choose to reconsider. Im hopeful that they will make a good decision, he said. The U.S. military has reactivated a Cold War-era naval base in Puerto Rico and deployed thousands of troops to the Caribbean as tensions with Venezuela escalate, marking the largest American military buildup in the region in decades. Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba, Puerto Rico closed since 2004 became operational again in September when F-35B stealth fighters, Marine Corps helicopters and heavy transport aircraft began using the facility's 11,000-foot runway. The base sits approximately 500 miles from Venezuela's coast. The return to operational use at the base is part of a massive military build-up in the region, in what officials describe as counter-narcotics operations, but the scale and composition of forces suggest preparations for potential broader military action. More than 10,000 U.S. personnel now operate in U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility, with the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford en route to join them. Roosevelt Roads Returns to Military Operations Satellite imagery and photographs from mid-September show F-35B fighters, MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and CH-53K King Stallion helicopters operating from Roosevelt Roads. Construction crews were photographed Sept. 17 repaving taxiways and clearing facilities at what is now officially designated as Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport. F-35s reportedly arrived at the facility Sept. 14, with open-source aviation analysts identifying them as F-35Bs based on photographs. Reuters documented five F-35s on the former Navy ramp. The base closed 21 years ago following protests over military exercises on nearby Vieques Island. Various redevelopment proposals for the 8,650-acre site never materialized, and much of the property remained largely unused. Puerto Rican state Sens. Nitza Moran Trinidad and Carmelo Rios Santiago introduced Senate Resolution 286 in September to evaluate repurposing Roosevelt Roads for national security purposes. For decades, Roosevelt Roads represented an economic engine for the eastern region of the island, Moran Trinidad said, according to the San Juan Daily Star. Today, we have a responsibility to seriously and strategically consider the possibility of its facilities once again playing a key role not only in the defense of the Caribbean and the Americas but also in the economic revitalization of Ceiba and the surrounding municipalities. U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Amee Parker, 346th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron airfield manager, watches as the first U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III lands in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility, Sept. 06, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the USSOUTHCOM mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the presidents priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson) USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Heads to the Caribbean The Pentagon announced Oct. 24 that Hegseth ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford and its carrier strike group to deploy to Southern Command from the Mediterranean Sea. The enhanced U.S. force presence in the USSOUTHCOM AOR will bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States homeland and our security in the Western Hemisphere, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell posted on social media platform X. The Ford, commissioned in 2017, is the Navy's newest and largest aircraft carrier with a displacement of more than 100,000 tons. It is the largest active warship in the world. The ship carries a crew of approximately 4,600 and hosts nine squadrons of aircraft. The carrier was in port in Split, Croatia, when the deployment order came. Two of the strike group's destroyers USS Forrest Sherman and USS Mitscher were operating in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea and may not join the Caribbean deployment. The carrier strike group will join the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which have operated in the Caribbean since late August. That force includes more than 4,500 Marines and sailors. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford transits the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 1, 2025. The Pentagon announced Oct. 24 that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Ford and its carrier strike group to redeploy from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean, marking a major escalation in U.S. military presence near Venezuela. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Alyssa Joy) U.S. Conducts Deadly Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats U.S. forces have struck at least 11 vessels in Caribbean and Pacific waters since early September, killing more than 50 people in what the administration characterizes as operations against drug traffickers. The most recent strike occurred Nov. 2, when six people were killed off Venezuela's coast, according to a post by Hegseth on X. The Oct. 28 strike was the deadliest to date 14 people killed across four vessels in the Eastern Pacific in three coordinated attacks, according to Hegseth. Trump formally notified Congress Oct. 1 that the U.S. is in a non-international armed conflict with drug cartels, treating suspected traffickers as unlawful combatants. This has caused diplomatic pushback from both Venezuela and Colombia. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said one victim was a fisherman named Alejandro Carranza. Trump responded by calling Petro an illegal drug leader and announced the suspension of counter-narcotics funding to Colombia. U.S. Coast Guard crews conduct counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. U.S. forces have struck at least 11 suspected drug-trafficking vessels in Caribbean and Pacific waters since early September, killing more than 50 people in what the Trump administration characterizes as operations against transnational criminal organizations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) USS Gravely Conducts Training in Trinidad and Tobago The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely docked in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on Oct. 26 for joint military exercises with local forces. The port sits less than seven miles from Venezuela's coast. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer remained through Oct. 30 while Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted training with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly supported the U.S. military presence and the strikes on suspected drug boats. Her position breaks with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) trade bloc, which has called for diplomatic dialogue. U.S. Embassy Charge d'Affaires Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said in a statement the exercises aimed to address shared threats like transnational crime and build resilience through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts. Venezuela's Foreign Ministry called the exercises a serious threat to Caribbean peace and a hostile provocation toward Venezuela. The U.S. military relies on the cooperation of other nations in the region for logistics and staging areas to continue conducting patrols and strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels. An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter lifts off from the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely in the Caribbean Sea on May 25, 2025. USS Gravely docked in Trinidad and Tobago from Oct. 26-30 for joint exercises as part of the Trump administration's expanded military operations in the Caribbean amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan Williams) Venezuela Mobilizes Military and Militia Forces Venezuela has kept its military on heightened alert since Maduro declared a state of external emergency on Sept. 30, following the initial U.S. boat strikes and Caribbean military buildup. The Venezuelan Air Force released video in late October showing Su-30MK2 fighters equipped with Russian-made Kh-31 anti-ship missiles. The Washington Post reported on Oct. 26 that Maduro has requested military assistance from Russia, China and Iran, including defensive radars, aircraft repairs and potentially missiles. Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, announced his retirement in October after one year in the position. Multiple outlets reported tensions between Holsey and Hegseth over concerns about the boat strikes' legal justification. Meanwhile, thousands of Venezuelan troops and militia were photographed by state media fielding various small-arms weapons while conducting urban training across Caracas. Other troops were spotted manning defensive positions along the Venezuelan coastline. Although the Venezuelan military is reportedly "in shambles," the Army consists of over 100,000 regular troops, backed up by even more militia in the Bolivarian Militia. The Venezuelan Air Force fields several Russian-made and armed planes, such as the Su-30, with modern anti-ship missiles. These planes pose a serious threat to U.S. forces in the region, likely spurring the recent Ford and F-35 deployment. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct weapons training aboard USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea on Oct. 14, 2025. More than 4,500 Marines and sailors from the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group have operated in the Caribbean since late August as part of the largest U.S. military buildup in the region in decades. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Eggert) Caribbean Build-up Represents a Major U.S. Military Presence Over 10,000 U.S. military personnel now operate in the Caribbean region across numerous naval vessels, aircraft squadrons and ground forces. The naval deployment represents roughly 14 percent of the Navy's global combat fleet. The new base at Roosevelt Roads will provide a vital logistics hub for troops operating in the areas around Venezuela. The force includes eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, F-35 fighter squadrons, MQ-9 Reaper drones, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and specialized reconnaissance platforms. When the Ford carrier strike group arrives, it will add nearly 4,500 additional sailors and nine squadrons of carrier-based aircraft to the regional presence. A U.S. Air Force airfield manager assigned to the 346th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, gives a thumbs up to the first U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to land in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility, Sept. 06, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the USSOUTHCOM, Department of War-directed operations, and the presidents priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson) Trump confirmed on Oct. 15 that he authorized CIA covert operations inside Venezuela and said on Oct. 22 he plans to order strikes on land targets. He later backtracked and stated he is not considering strikes and does not believe the U.S. will go to war with Venezuela. The Wall Street Journal reported Oct. 30 that U.S. officials had already identified land targets including ports and airstrips the Venezuelan military allegedly uses for drug trafficking operations. Trump also noted that Maduro's days are numbered. The F-35s now stationed in Puerto Rico provide an essential mission for U.S. forces in the area. They are capable of going toe-to-toe with any planes in the Venezuelan arsenal, such as the Su-30. As a multi-role fighter, the F-35s are also capable of conducting airstrikes and reconnaissance missions against ground targets. The military buildup in the region provides options ranging from maritime interdiction to potential strikes against targets deep inside Venezuelan territory, though the administration maintains the deployment is focused on counter-narcotics operations. U.S. President Donald J. Trump has publicly threatened military action in Nigeria in response to what he characterizes as mass violence against Christians. On November 1, 2025, Trump posted a series of statements on Truth Social, asserting, I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST! He simultaneously announced Nigeria would be re-designated as a Country of Particular Concern for religious-freedom violations. Context Behind the Threat Nigeria is Africas most populous nation, a top oil producer, and is roughly divided between majority-Muslim northern regions and majority-Christian southern regions. The country faces persistent insecurity: jihadist insurgencies (notably Boko Haram and Islamic StateWest Africa Province), banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and communal violence. Trumps remarks frame the violence as targeted Christian persecution - declaring Christianity to be under existential threat in Nigeria. On October 31, he announced the watch-list designation of Nigeria as one of the U.S. State Departments Countries of Particular Concern. While the problems in Nigeria are real and complex, analysts emphasize that many of the violent incidents also affect Muslims, and that Islamist insurgents and bandits often kill indiscriminately. Most victims of Boko Haram are said to be Muslim. The gap between the administrations characterization of the violence and the available data adds to the strategic and diplomatic uncertainty of Trumps warning. U.S. President Donald J. Trump raises his fist as he departs Gimhae Airport, Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025. Trump visited South Korea as part of his trip throughout Asia, where he met with South Korean President, Lee Jae Myung to discuss partnerships during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, and held a meeting with Jinping. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniela Lechuga Liggio) What Trumps Message Says The language Trump used stands out in both its directness and its implications. He told the Nigerian government that if it continued to allow the killing of Christians, the United States will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities. He also posted that he had instructed our Department of War to prepare for possible action. Accompanying the threat was the promise of immediate cessation of U.S. assistance. This moment is significant for several reasons. First, it signals a sharp escalation in the U.S. rhetorical posture toward Nigeria. Second, it raises questions about the possible deployment of U.S. military forces abroad especially in a country that is formally a sovereign partner and where the United States already has limited cooperation and basing. Third, the combination of religious-freedom framing and military threat introduces a new nexus of faith-based policy, humanitarian concerns, and national security posture. Strategic and Operational Considerations From a military-planning perspective, any inter-state operation into Nigeria would confront substantial obstacles. The terrain is vast, with porous borders shared with Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. Insurgent groups operate across regions, often without fixed positions. The United States withdrew significant forces from Niger in recent years, reducing its footprint in the Sahel. Operational challenges would include basing, logistics, local consent, coordination with Nigerian military and federal authorities, and potential chain-of-command issues in a highly contested environment. Diplomatically, the threat risks alienating Nigeria, which has been a key partner in counterterrorism, regional stability, and migration issues. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu responded by rejecting the narrative of Christian-only genocide, emphasizing Nigerias constitutional protection of all citizens and signaling openness to U.S. assistance so long as sovereignty is respected. Should military action proceed without Nigerias cooperation, it could undermine partnerships across the region and open space for external influencers, including China and Russia, to deepen engagement in West Africa. Airmen load pallets onto a C-17 Globemaster III as part of a foreign military sales mission at Dover Air Force Base, Del., July 29, 2021. The U.S. and Nigeria have a long-standing partnership built on several pillars, including security cooperation (Roland Balik, Air Force, DoW). Legal Basis and Presidential Authority One of the most important questions raised by this episode is: under what authority would the United States act? While Trump himself referenced the Department of War, he did not specify the statute or resolution underpinning possible intervention. The language suggests an intent to rely on some national security or defense statute rather than a purely diplomatic posture. In U.S. practice, military intervention in another sovereign country typically requires either host-nation consent, a United Nations mandate, or domestic legislation such as the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). Trumps rhetoric may reflect a non-traditional reading of U.S. intervention authority, leaning on humanitarian-oriented justifications and presidential discretion. Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy and Military Posture The significance of this threat goes beyond Nigeria. It suggests a model in which the United States might frame religious-freedom crises and persecution claims as actionable triggers for military intervention. That could alter precedent in Washingtons regional posture - particularly in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East - and blur lines between humanitarian operations and combat missions. For the U.S. military, this kind of foreign-intervention approach could draw resources away from other strategic theaters. Forces tasked for great-power competition may find themselves drawn into lower-intensity, politically charged operations in environments like West Africa. The readiness burden, logistics tail, and intelligence requirements of such missions are non-trivial. The Bottom Line Trumps announcement marks a notable shift: a U.S. president publicly threatening military intervention in Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution while suspending aid and demanding government action. Whether the threat will translate into operational deployment remains uncertain. What is clear is that the rhetoric elevates religious-freedom concerns into the forefront of U.S. national-security strategy, sets a new precedent for how threats are framed, and places the military on standby for a scenario that straddles humanitarian, inter-state, and security domains. Each year on November 10, Marines gather in ballrooms, hangars, and field tents around the world to celebrate the founding of their Corps. The rituals like cake-cutting, the reading of General Lejeunes order, the toast to absent comrades are so familiar that they can feel timeless. Behind the ceremony lies a story of reinvention, memory, and meaning that many Marines never get to study closely. The Date The date itself, November 10, 1775, comes from a resolution of the Second Continental Congress calling for two battalions of Marines to serve aboard the fledgling Continental Navy. Those first Marines fought in the Caribbean and at sea before the unit was disbanded after the Revolution. The Corps was formally re-established in 1798, but it was not until 1921 that the 13th Commandant, Major General John A. Lejeune, issued Marine Corps Order No. 47 directing that the original date be observed as the official birthday of the Corps. The decision linked two eras the Revolutionary soldiers of the sea and the modern amphibious force that would go ashore at Belleau Wood, Tarawa, and Fallujah into a single lineage. The earliest celebrations were modest. The first formal Marine Corps Ball was held in Philadelphia in 1925, featuring a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern, the tavern widely regarded as the Corps birthplace, followed by a dinner at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel. Some early balls were eccentric: one 1937 event featured a cake baked in the shape of Tun Tavern. The now-standard cake-cutting sequence where the first slice goes to the guest of honor, the second to the oldest Marine present, and the third to the youngest was not codified until 1952. Each detail, from the reading of the order to the distribution of cake, layers tradition with symbolism: the transmission of knowledge and duty from generation to generation. Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Birthday Celebration (Cpl. Bryce Muhlenberg, USMC). The Importance of Continuity One of the less discussed aspects of the birthday is its link to continuity amid change. Lejeune issued Order No. 47 in a period when the Corps was fighting for institutional survival, facing congressional scrutiny and budget threats. By institutionalizing the celebration, he created an annual ritual that reaffirmed the Corps distinct identity and moral purpose even when its future seemed uncertain. The orders language of honoring the illustrious record of the Corps was both history and strategic advocacy. It tied Marines to an unbroken narrative of service that continues to sustain esprit de corps through the present day. There are also fascinating nuances around the Tun Tavern legend. Although the tavern is enshrined in Marine lore, some historians point out that recruitment records may indicate another site in Philadelphia, the Conestoga Wagon Tavern, as the actual meeting place. The ambiguity matters less than the storys endurance: Tun Tavern serves as a symbolic hearth, the imagined point where the first Marines gathered to form something larger than themselves. Modern observances of the birthday blend reflection with realism. Marines deployed in remote areas such as embassy detachments to forward operating locations often improvise celebrations, sometimes with ration cakes or handwritten versions of Lejeunes message. The consistency of those small observances demonstrates that the birthday is not about luxury or spectacle; it is about belonging. As the Corps approaches its 250th anniversary in 2025, the official campaign reminds Marines that they have fought in every clime and place, and that continuity of service is itself a form of readiness. A sketch of the Tun Tavern in the Revolutionary War, birthplace of the Continental Marines, from which is descended the USMC (National Archives Images). The Meaning The meaning of the birthday also extends beyond the ceremony. For Marines engaged in modern expeditionary and littoral operations, the story of 1775 resonates differently: the Corps was born as a naval infantry force built for improvisation, integration, and initiative. Reflecting on that origin connects todays Marines to the same instincts of agility and discipline that defined their predecessors. The Marine Corps Birthday endures because it functions on three levels. It is first a remembrance, honoring fallen Marines and the lineage of battles that shaped the Corps. It is second a reaffirmation, a living ritual that re-teaches each generation what it means to wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. And finally, it is an act of renewal, calling every Marine to carry forward the character and commitment that make the Corps more an ethos instead of merely an institution. This November 10, whether the celebration unfolds in a grand ballroom or a dusty outpost, the moment will mean the same thing it has for nearly a century: the preservation of a shared identity through time, through hardship, and through change. That, more than the cake or the pageantry, is the real heartbeat of the Marine Corps Birthday an unbroken promise that in every clime and place, the Marines will remain always faithful. Interview: Jointly building Asia-Pacific community shows China's support for APEC, says Russian scholar Xinhua) 14:27, November 04, 2025 MOSCOW, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The concept of jointly building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future demonstrates China's consistent support for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), a Russian scholar has said. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Oleg Timofeyev, an associate professor at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, noted that China aims to facilitate the development of the APEC into a driving force for regional economic integration. He added that China seeks to jointly make APEC not only an engine for regional economic integration, but also an incubator for new ideas of globalization that serve the interests of countries with different economic systems, particularly those in the Global South. The Asia-Pacific region has long been a top priority in China's economic cooperation, he said, noting that China's large trading partners, including members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, South Korea and Japan, are all in this region. "Regional economies highly appreciate China's responsible and forward-looking international policy, which aims at achieving win-win results, ensuring inclusive development, and supporting the most vulnerable nations in their pursuit of independent development strategies," Timofeyev said. Despite significant progress, challenges remain, including the rising uncertainty in regional trade, he noted. Noting that economic ties between China and Russia have deepened notably in recent years, Timofeyev said Russia's Pacific territories are once again emerging as a key area for trade and economic cooperation with China, with agreements signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to China, which will further strengthen bilateral cooperation. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) There are stories in the military and veteran community that never make the evening news. Stories that live in the silence between homecomings and deployments. Stories about resilience, leadership, sacrifice, and rebuilding. Stories that matter not because theyre loud, but because theyre real. Military.coms Military & Veteran Journalism Fund was created to make sure those stories get told. The Mission Behind the Fund Journalism has always been a force multiplier for truth. But the truth about military life, which includes the complexity of transition, the quiet toll of service, and the innovation that veterans bring to every sector, is often underreported. Thats why Military.com launched the Fund. It is designed to empower new voices with the resources and backing to dig deeper, investigate harder, and shine light where others havent looked. This isnt a contest for clicks or commentary. Its an invitation for impact. Each grant, worth up to $10,000, supports an original project that uncovers something previously unseen. This could be a problem that needs fixing, a story that deserves recognition, or a lesson that can help the next generation of service members and veterans. Why It Matters Right Now Were living in a time when the stories of those who serve are often drowned out by headlines that barely scratch the surface. Veterans are innovators, small-business owners, caregivers, students, and leaders shaping every corner of American life. Yet, much of the media still frames military experience through a narrow lens of combat or crisis. The Journalism Fund exists to intentionally broaden that view. It exists to remind the nation that military service doesnt end when the uniform comes off. We are looking for the kind of journalism that changes policies, sparks empathy, or simply helps a reader understand what it really means to serve. Who Were Looking For Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark August videotapes U.S. Navy Sailors. Credit: Wikimedia Were not just seeking professional journalists with years of newsroom experience, although those individuals are certainly welcome. We want veterans with a story to tell. Military spouses with a unique perspective. Students studying journalism or communications. Advocates with the courage to ask tough questions. If youve ever thought, Someone should write about this, the Fund was designed for you. You dont need to have press credentials. You need curiosity, integrity, and a story worth telling. What a Funded Story Looks Like Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Eric Lippmann assigned to Fleet Combat Camera Atlantic. - Credit: Wikimedia Think of the projects this way: theyre the kinds of stories that start conversations and demand attention. Maybe its uncovering how military families are adapting to the digital battlefield of social media and misinformation. Maybe its a look at how veteran entrepreneurs are redefining post-service success. Or even an investigative deep-dive into gaps in mental health care, transition programs, or Guard deployments. Each selected project receives direct support from Military.com editors and a national platform for publication. Your story wont just live online. Instead, it will reach a community of millions who care deeply about what happens to those who serve. How to Step Forward The process is simple: Pitch your idea. Outline what youll investigate, why it matters, and what it could change. Submit your proposal by Veterans Day, November 11, 2025. Military.com will review all submissions and select the strongest ten proposals. Each of these will be backed with up to $10,000 in funding to bring your vision to life. The Call to Serve Journalism, at its best, is another form of service through holding institutions accountable, honoring sacrifice, and giving voice to those who cant speak for themselves. The Military.com Military & Veteran Journalism Fund gives you the platform to do that, with support, guidance, and reach that few outlets can match. So if youve ever thought about writing that story, the one you wish someone had told when you were in, this is your moment. The Giants have turned down their $4MM club option on catcher Tom Murphy. He will get a $250K buyout and become a free agent. Justice delos Santos of Mercury News was among those to pass the news along. Its one of the least surprising option decisions of the year. Ahead of the 2024 season, the Giants signed Murphy to a two-year, $8.25MM deal. He made a $4MM salary last year and this year, then could have made the same salary in 2026 if the Giants had picked up the option. Murphy only played 13 games in 2024 and didnt play at all this year. Last year, a left knee sprain was the culprit. This year, it was an oblique strain, or least that was the initial thought. In August, Murphy spoke with Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle and expressed frustration with the fact that his injury was actually herniated disk which was misdiagnosed. Even with the correct diagnosis, things didnt get better, as a clinic recommended by the team initially treated the wrong disk. Though it seems this situation was out of Murphys hands, he had an injury-prone reputation before becoming a Giant. He had generally hit well when healthy but had never played more than 97 games in a season and only twice had he even reached 50 games in a season. The signing was a bit of a gamble on him being healthy enough to be a viable backup but that clearly didnt work out. The Giants turning down their option was therefore the expected outcome. Presumably, Murphy will be focused on getting as strong and healthy as possible before looking for bounceback opportunities for the 2026 season. The Giants go into next year with Patrick Bailey as their primary backstop, with Andrew Knizner and Jesus Rodriguez also on the 40-man. Photo courtesy of Robert Edwards, Imagn Images MLBTR's annual Top 50 Free Agents list comes out Thursday evening! We'll also be launching our free agent prediction contest at that time. This week's subscriber mailbag covers possible Freddy Peralta and Sonny Gray trades, how the 2026-27 lockout might affect free agency this winter, where Bo Bichette will sign if not Toronto, the chances the Dodgers land Kyle Tucker, and how the Cubs will approach the loss of Tucker as well as a rotation upgrade. Morris asks: What would a realistic trade with Milwaukee for Freddy Peralta look like for the Braves? While I would love to see Cease in a Braves' uni, I think he may get a much better deal elsewhere with Atlanta's seeming insistence on being "logical" with every free agent (cue Friedman's famous quote). Milwaukee has a penchant for really getting something extra out of pitchers, and Peralta is a finished product who will be too expensive for them to keep much longer. Would something like Bryce Elder (Milwaukee could absolutely figure out how to make him better), a top-15 pitching prospect, and a top-30 position-player-prospect get the deal done? At one point in our free agent deliberations, we had Dylan Cease signing a three-year, $93MM deal with two opt-outs. We were having a bit of a hard time giving Cease the long-term contract he's likely seeking, mostly because of his 4.55 ERA. For the most part, we've gotten past those reservations and expect Cease to sign for perhaps seven years, as Aaron Nola did coming off a 4.46 regular season mark. It should be noted that the Braves were competitive in the bidding for Nola, so we can't completely rule out Alex Anthopoulos going long for the Georgia-native Cease. But it's also true that in eight years atop the Braves' front office, Anthopoulos' biggest free agent deal in both years and dollars was Marcell Ozuna's four-year, $65MM pact in February 2021. I agree that Cease feels unlikely in Atlanta. On September 30th, Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote, "The Braves could use another reliable veteran someone in the mold of Charlie Morton as a pitcher who can provide steadiness, leadership and consistent innings." The thinking is that with Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider locked in, the Braves need reliability more than they need a front of the rotation guy. In my Top 50 picks, I've got the Braves signing Chris Bassitt. I also find the idea of a paid-down Sonny Gray acquisition to be plausible. But there's nothing that precludes Anthopoulos from thinking bigger and renting Peralta for a year, regardless of whether they can eventually extend him. The Dodgers have won back-to-back World Series. They aren't losing any major contributors to free agency, so they'll go into the winter with a really strong roster and the ability to bolster it further. Guaranteed Contracts Other Financial Commitments Owe $4MM buyout to released IF/OF Chris Taylor Option Decisions Team has $10MM club option on 3B Max Muncy with no buyout with no buyout Team has $3.65MM club option on LHP Alex Vesia with $50K buyout (Vesia would remain controllable via arbitration even if option is declined) 2026 guarantees (assuming both options are picked up): $283.15MM ($127.7MM deferred) Total future commitments: $1.559 billion ($792.55MM deferred) Arbitration-Eligible Players (service time in parentheses; projected salaries courtesy of MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz) Non-tender candidates: Graterol, Gonsolin, Phillips, Banda, Stewart, Rortvedt, Grove Free Agents The Dodgers have a strong willingness to bet on talent and not worry so much about injury concerns. That is partly due to their almost unlimited budget, which allows them to take risks other clubs may not be able to afford. It's also because the lineup is so good that they are almost guaranteed to make the playoffs each year, which gives them the wiggle room to let their players get healthy as opposed to rushing them back during the regular season. This has led to some inconsistency in how things end up when October rolls around. In 2023, they were so banged up that they were swept out of the ALDS by the Diamondbacks. In 2024, the Dodgers had just enough of a rotation to win the title. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler were the three traditional starters as the club relied heavily on the bullpen. In 2025, that flipped. The bullpen had been stripped down by injuries but the rotation had Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and Shohei Ohtani all healthy. Manager Dave Roberts tried to avoid his traditional relievers as much as possible. He often allowed his starters to pitch deep into games. In Game Seven of the World Series, he used all four of Ohtani, Glasnow, Snell and Yamamoto. Going into 2026, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Dodgers target more pitching, but the rotation is actually in good shape. The four starters they were using in this year's playoffs are all healthy and under contract. Roki Sasaki wound up in the bullpen due to some shoulder trouble but he could be stretched back out next year. Guys like Emmet Sheehan, Jack Dreyer, Ben Casparius, Landon Knack, Bobby Miller and Justin Wrobleski worked both as starters and relievers in 2025 and could be in the mix for starts again next year. Each of Kyle Hurt, River Ryan and Gavin Stone spent 2025 recovering from surgery but should be factors next year. Top prospect Jackson Ferris now has 33 Double-A games under his belt and should be in Triple-A next year. Nick Frasso finished 2025 hurt and his current status isn't clear. Tony Gonsolin will likely be non-tendered since he underwent internal brace surgery and will miss at least the first half of 2026, though the Dodgers could afford to pay him and hope for a late-season return if they wanted to. Michael Grove missed all of 2025 due to shoulder surgery and could also be non-tendered, though he can still be controlled for three more seasons. However it plays out, it's an impressive collection of talent, even with Clayton Kershaw retiring. The club has been very active in adding pitching in recent offseasons. After their aforementioned rough ending in 2023, they added Ohtani. However, he wasn't an immediate upgrade to the staff since he was recovering from surgery at the time, so they also added Glasnow and Yamamoto. Coming into this year, they signed Snell. With the depth suddenly looking overwhelming, the Dodgers may not be as aggressive on the free agent starting pitching market. In fact, there are so many names on the chart that they could probably trade some away, though they could also opt to hold and just have lots of depth on hand for the inevitable injuries that will arise. The Rays announced a major shake up of their 40-man roster today as they get started on their offseason. Right-hander Alex Faedo and outfielder Stuart Fairchild were both activated from the 60-day injured list and designated for assignment, while right-handers Cole Wilcox, Caleb Boushley, Joey Gerber, and Garrett Acton were all designated for assignment as well. Those moves make room for recently-acquired outfielder Ryan Vilade on the 40-man roster and also clear up spaces for players to be reinstated from the 60-day injured list, which goes away five days after the World Series. Faedo, 30 later this month, missed the entire 2025 season due to shoulder inflammation. He was acquired by the Rays last offseason in a trade with the Tigers after Detroit designated him for assignment back in January. A back-end starter and swingman for parts of three seasons with the Tigers, Faedo has 175 2/3 big league innings under his belt with a 4.51 earned run average, 20.9% strikeout rate and 9.7% walk rate. He is out of options, which makes him hard to roster. The Tigers designated him for assignment last winter. The Rays took a shot on him but got a lost season as the result. Fairchild, 30 in March, spent the past three seasons with the Reds and entered Spring Training with the club this year. He was squeezed off the roster and ultimately wound up traded to the Braves, for whom he appeared in 28 games as a reserve outfielder. He was traded from Atlanta to Tampa shortly before the trade deadline this year, but an oblique strain prevented him from playing for the Rays. Fairchild is a strong defender and baserunner but is a career .223/.305/.384 hitter across 229 games with five different clubs since he made his big league debut with the Diamondbacks in 2021. Like Faedo, he is out of options. Wilcox, 26, just made his major league debut this year. He originally came to the Rays in the December 2020 trade which sent Blake Snell to San Diego. Wilcox required Tommy John surgery the following September. After returning from that procedure, his results in the minors as a starter were fairly middling. He was moved to the bullpen in 2025 with decent results. He tossed 58 1/3 innings on the farm with a 3.70 ERA, 25.1% strikeout rate, 10.8% walk rate and 50.3% ground ball rate. The Rays added him to the 40-man in September and he tossed one big league inning, allowing three earned runs. Boushley, 32, has been a long reliever for the Brewers, Twins and Rangers. The Rays claimed him off waivers from the Rangers in September but kept him in the minors. Boushley has 49 2/3 big league innings over 28 appearances with a 5.80 ERA, 21.1% strikeout rate, 8.1% walk rate and 40.6% ground ball rate. Gerber, 29 in May, made his debut with the 2020 Mariners. Injuries wiped out much of the next few years. He signed a minor league deal with the Rays coming into 2025. He earned a 40-man spot in the summer but was mostly kept in the minors. He only pitched 4 1/3 big league innings this year, allowing one earned run. He logged 44 1/3 innings in the minors with a 6.09 ERA, 27.9% strikeout rate and 7.6% walk rate. Acton, 27, signed a two-year minor league deal with the Rays going into 2024. He had undergone Tommy John surgery prior to signing that deal and missed the entire 2024 campaign. He was added to the 40-man late in 2025 and tossed one scoreless inning in the bigs. He threw 58 2/3 innings in Triple-A with a 3.68 ERA, 30.1% strikeout rate and 11.4% walk rate. All six players now head into DFA limbo. The Rays will have seven days to trade them or pass them through waivers. The waiver process takes 48 hours, so any trade talks would have to come together in the next five days. If Fairchild clears, he would have the right to elect free agency since he has at least three years of service time. Boushley will have the right to elect free agency since he has previously been outrighted in his career. Faedo should be eligible for seven-year minor league free agency five days after the World Series but he could be held in DFA limbo longer than that. Photo courtesy of Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images The Reds announced that they have signed Keegan Thompson to a one-year contract. It is a Major League deal for the 30-year-old right-hander, and Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer specifies the contract is a split deal that will pay Thompson $1.3MM for his time in the majors. Another $100K in incentive bonuses is also available in the contract. A career Cub since being drafted by Chicago in the third round of the 2017 draft, Thompson will now head elsewhere in the NL Central. Thompson was a pretty decent reliever and even an occasional starter for the Cubs during the 2021-24 seasons, at least in terms of bottom line numbers. The righty posted a 3.64 ERA over his 227 1/3 career innings in the majors, and his 3.94 SIERA wasnt much higher. Thompson had a respectable 23% strikeout rate but control was a bigger issue, as he had an 11.3% walk rate. The Cubs seemed to fall out of favor with Thompson in the spring, as he was designated for assignment and then outrighted off the teams 40-man roster. The result was a 2025 season spent entirely in the minors, as Chicago didnt select Thompsons contract back to the active roster even when the team was hunting for bullpen reinforcements. Thompsons 4.50 ERA over 64 innings at Triple-A Iowa didnt really help his case for a promotion, but he had a strong 29.5% strikeout rate and his walk rate was a more manageable 8.9%. Thompson selected minor league free agency at seasons end. He is out of minor league options, so that means the Reds will have to DFA and outright Thompson when and if they bring him to the active roster and then want to send him to the minors. Now that Thompson has been outrighted, he has the right to elect free agency if he is ever outrighted again, though he would have to forfeit any guaranteed salary in that circumstance. Theres not much risk for the Reds in bringing in Thompson as a low-cost depth option to at least check out during spring camp. The split contract also gives the team a bit more flexibility in moving Thompson to the minors at least on the financial side, apart from the out-of-options hurdle. Thompson is also arbitration-controlled through the 2027 season. The Tigers declined their $6MM club option on right-hander Randy Dobnak, reports Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Hell receive a $1MM buyout and become a free agent. It was the expected outcome for Dobnak, who came to the Tigers alongside fellow righty Chris Paddack in the trade sending catching prospect Enrique Jimenez to the Twins this past July. Dobnak, who was earning $3MM this year and had a $1MM buyout on that option (plus now-moot club options for 2027 and 2028), was included in the trade simply as a means of clearing salary for Minnesota. He wasnt on the 40-man roster, having already been outrighted multiple times in the past, and never pitched in the majors with the Tigers. The now-30-year-old Dobnak was a remarkable story back in 2017-19, going from an undrafted free agent playing in a tiny independent league (and driving Uber on the side to make ends meet) to pitching for the Twins in the postseason in less than two years time. After pitching for Division-II Alderson Broaddus University in his college days, Dobnak signed with the Utica Unicorns of the United Shore League. He started only six games before the Twins caught a look at him and signed him. Dobnak was the Twins minor league pitcher of the year in 2019 after working to a combined 2.07 ERA across 135 innings. He logged a 1.59 ERA in his first nine MLB appearances that season, made the playoff roster, and gave the Twins 10 serviceable starts during the shortened 2020 season. Minnesota signed Dobnak to a five-year, $9.25MM contract in spring 2021. It hasnt panned out, though obviously the financial risk was minimal, particularly given that the contracts three option years bought out three free-agent seasons. Unfortunately for both Dobnak and the Twins, his results tanked shortly after signing the extension. He was shelled for a 7.64 ERA in 50 2/3 innings in 2021 and has pitched only 15 big league innings since. Dobnak has now posted ERA marks north of 5.00 in three of the past four Triple-A seasons. Hes never missed many bats or thrown particularly hard, but his once-sterling walk rate has ballooned to around 12% over the past four seasons. The Tigers were never going to pick up Dobnaks option. Theyll pay him a $1MM buyout, and hell become a free agent wholl look to latch on as a depth piece on a minor league deal or perhaps garner some interest from a team overseas. The Padres announced that right-hander Yu Darvish underwent surgery last Wednesday to fix a damaged right UCL and flexor tendon. The procedure was an internal brace surgery instead of a full Tommy John surgery, yet the outcome is still the same Darvish will miss the entire 2026 season while recovering. This will be the second entirely lost year of Darvishs career, as he missed all of 2015 due to a Tommy John procedure. He has had some bouts of elbow soreness in the decade since that surgery, most prominently a stint on the 60-day injured list this season stemming from a bout of elbow inflammation that arose during Spring Training. It wasnt until July 7 that Darvish finally made his season debut for the Padres, and he clearly didnt look 100 percent while posting a 5.38 ERA over 15 starts and 72 innings. Small sample size notwithstanding, Darvishs 23% strikeout rate was the lowest of his 13 MLB seasons, and his chase and whiff rates were far below average. His 6.4% walk rate was still quite strong and Darvish did a very good job of limiting hard contact overall, but batters tended to thrive when actually squaring up on the veteran, as Darvish allowed 14 homers over his 72 frames. Beyond these statistics, perhaps the most prominent numbers are 39 (Darvishs age) and 3119. The latter figure is the total number of innings Darvish has amassed over 20 total seasons pitching in the Major League regular season and postseason, as well as seven seasons in Japan with the Nippon-Ham Fighters. Darvish will be 40 years old on Opening Day 2027 and it is anyones guess how he could perform after such a long layoff. Last month, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune addressed the possibility of Darvishs retirement, writing that there has been talk for more than a year about the possibility he could retire at any time, and that Darvish has not made any assurances about completing his contract. The fact that Darvish has undergone this surgery would surely indicate that he wants to keep pitching, though any setbacks in rehab could perhaps create fresh doubt in the right-handers mind. Darvish signed a contract extension with the Padres in April 2023, and he is still owed $43MM over the course of the 2026-28 seasons. The $15MM owed to him in 2026 is now a wash, and retiring outright would mean that Darvish is voluntarily walking away from his remaining two years of salary. The likelier outcome in the event that Darvish is unable to keep playing is that some kind of deferred buyout agreement is made with the Padres so that Darvish will still get his money over a longer period of time. Given Darvishs injury history, he was already viewed as a question mark for San Diegos rotation heading into 2026. Now that the question has been answered in the most unfortunate way possible, the Padres will go into next season with just two (Nick Pivetta and Randy Vasquez) of the seven pitchers who made the most starts for the team in 2025. Dylan Cease and Michael King are free agents, Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert were traded to the Royals at the deadline. and now Darvish has been sidelined by his UCL repair. Next years rotation projects as Pivetta, Vasquez, deadline pickup JP Sears, Joe Musgrove in his return from Tommy John surgery, and a fifth starter role that could be contested between Matt Waldron, Kyle Hart, or (more intriguingly) star relievers Mason Miller or Adrian Morejon. San Diego was already expected to add at least one starter to this mix even before Darvishs injury news surfaced, so the teams search for rotation help will now be even more pronounced. Inset image courtesy of Denis Poroy Imagn Images A bull elk after rolling in the mud in northern Lower Michigan. The Michigan DNR is proposing an expansion of the elk season in 2026. MI Dept. of Natural Resources LANSING, MI Michigan elk hunters could see longer seasons beginning in 2026 under draft proposals released by the Department of Natural Resources. The agency is proposing to expand both elk hunting periods in the northern Lower Peninsula, more than doubling the total harvest time from 21 to 45 days. If approved by the Natural Resources Commission, the first hunt would run continuously for 30 days, from the second Saturday in September through the second Sunday in October, instead of three short four-day hunts spread across late summer. The second period would lengthen to 15 days, from December 1 to 15, moving earlier in the month to avoid overlapping with Christmas and Hanukkah. Shifting the period later in the year should give hunters more favorable weather conditions, said Scott Eggeman, field operations manager for the DNR Wildlife Division. And a monthlong, continuous hunting period would provide hunters with more opportunities, allow flexibility to choose when they want to hunt and help them safety and effectively target an appropriate elk by reducing the pressure on them to make a kill quickly, Eggeman said. The department is also proposing to give hunters 72 hours to register their elk, up from 24 hours. The proposals leave elk management unit boundaries and license drawings unchanged. The DNR estimates the states elk herd at around 1,146 animals as of the 2024 aerial survey, which is above its population-goal range of 500 to 900 elk in the current management area. The herd is concentrated in a roughly 1,100-square-mile core zone in the northern Lower Peninsula centered in the Pigeon River Country State Forest and adjoining parts of Cheboygan, Otsego and Montmorency counties. Public comment on the proposals is open through Jan. 23, 2026, via email at DNR-Elk-Hunt@Michigan.gov. Final recommendations will go before the Natural Resources Commission in March with a final vote expected in April. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has finalized stricter pollution controls for the states largest livestock operations. LANSING, MI Michigan regulators have finalized stricter pollution controls for the states largest livestock operations following a multi-year legal battle over how factory farms manage animal waste. In an Oct. 29 decision, Phil Roos, director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) approved the updated 2020 general permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, with changes aimed at reducing runoff. The decision supersedes the 2015 permit thats governed Michigan CAFOs for the past decade and reinstates provisions weakened by an administrative law judge this year. It follows a 2024 Michigan Supreme Court decision in the Michigan Farm Bureau v. EGLE case, which affirmed the agencys authority to impose conditions beyond existing state and federal minimums provided it proves such measures are necessary to protect water quality. Roos cited that legal foundation in his decision. The new state rules prohibit land-applying or transferring manure to other landowners during January, February and early March when soils are typically frozen and runoff potential is higher. They also require additional groundwater monitoring and site-specific requirements for farms in watersheds impaired by nutrients or bacteria. The state can also require 24-hour notice before manure is land-applied on fields designated as high risk for runoff or nutrient leaching. Roos wrote that the new limits were necessary to achieve water-quality standards and comply with applicable laws. He said a January administrative ruling that weakened winter restrictions was based not on science but rather on convenience to farmers. The director concluded that Michigans environmental law does not allow balancing of CAFO operator convenience against the need to protect the waters of the state. The department referred requests for comment to Roos decision. The decision allows EGLE to begin enforcing the updated 2020 permit, replacing a ten-year-old version that had been extended while the case moved through state courts. Environmental advocates hailed the outcome as a long-overdue victory for lakes and streams while agribusiness groups warned the tighter restrictions could complicate winter manure management for large farms. The states general permit was originally issued in March 2020 but had been tied up in court after industry groups led by the Michigan Farm Bureau challenged its legality. Environmental groups such as the Environmental Law & Policy Center, For Love of Water, and the Michigan Environmental Council intervened to defend stricter conditions. The Michigan Farm Bureau said it may appeal Roos decision. Michigan Farm Bureau is disappointed by the decision, said Andy Kok, farm bureau attorney. Our farmers have more interest than anyone in preserving our state for the future and want their children to continue working their land sustainably, as their families have done for hundreds of years, Kok said. Director Roos, with minimal review, chose to overrule the administrative law judge who took extensive effort and weeks of hearing of testimony and several years of study to scientifically review the permit. According to the Environmental Law & Policy Center, Michigans 290 large permitted CAFOS generate about 62.7 million pounds of fecal waste per day which is about 17 million pounds more than whats generated daily by the states 10 million people. According to the groups 2024 report, Michigan CAFOs generate far more manure and waste than surrounding fields or soils can absorb. The excess phosphorus and nitrogen in that waste is primed for runoff into lakes and streams, where those nutrients degrade water quality and drive harmful algae growth. Most of the states CAFOs are in watersheds designated as impaired by bacterial contamination, the report notes. The legal and administrative challenges to this commonsense permit have wasted five years, during which CAFOs were allowed to keep polluting Michigans waters, said senior ELPC attorney Katie Garvey. Now its time for the CAFOs to step up, be good neighbors, and stop the endless legal wrangling. In mid-October, Flow Water Advocates of Traverse City filed comments opposing a proposed 3,450-cow expansion of the KB Dairy operation in Gratiot County, saying the case illustrates why the stronger statewide CAFO standards are needed to curb pollution from massive livestock operations. The group is urging EGLE to deny the expansion permit and hold a public hearing, citing groundwater-contamination risks in a region where residents rely on private wells for potable supply. LANSING, MI Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a package of bills boosting conservation funding and extending routine environmental agency fees. In October, Whitmer signed four bills into law that together extend permitting and programming fee collection authorities at the departments of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). One bill, HB 4392 sponsored by Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, allocates $41.8 million to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) to pay for 85 conservation and public recreation projects statewide as a supplemental 2025 appropriation. Others bills include SBs 273, 577 and 579, which extend state fee collection authorities. One extends the sunset of a water quality protection fee at MDARD that funds agricultural conservation programs to reduce runoff. The other two extend EGLEs authority to collect roughly $8 million in annual fees for training and certifying public water system operators, and administering permits for shoreline work, water-discharge regulation and hazardous-waste handling. The MNRTF is primarily funded by the interest and earnings on money derived from the lease and sale of state-owned oil, gas, and mineral rights. Christmas lights illuminate the grounds at Windmill Island for Magic at the Mill in Holland on Dec. 6, 2024. Neil Blake | MLive.com HOLLAND, MI -- The best part of snuggling up with a Hallmark Christmas movie is escaping into a snow globe fantasy set in a quaint downtown, streets bustling with holiday shoppers. But what if it didnt have to be all fantasy? Holland is leaning into its own small town charm and bringing Christmas magic from the screen to the streets. Theres just something special about the beach town during the holidays when tourists trade sunscreen for snow gloves and the whole downtown is glowing with lights. Ive heard time and time again that its like a town from a Hallmark movie and I couldnt agree more, Downtown Holland marketing coordinator Kara de Alvare said. This month Hollands new ice rink opens up to the public for its first skaters and curlers. Meanwhile downtowns heated sidewalks will be packed with early shopping deals. Both events kick off the holiday season 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14. The festivities carry on all month and for all ages. Check out a kids color contest perfect for snow days or take a Small Business Saturday selfie for a chance at $100 gift card. Once the calendar flips to December, Tulip Times new Dutch Winterfest begins weaving holiday cheer with downtown events and Windmill Island magic. Christmas lights illuminate the grounds at Windmill Island for Magic at the Mill in Holland on Dec. 6, 2024. Neil Blake | MLive.com Mark your calendars for these Holland events: Shop Til You Drop: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14. The annual late-night shopping spree promises discounts up to 30% off. Holiday Open House : 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. Pose for a photograph with Santa and his favorite elf, pet a reindeer and even try a freshly roasted chestnut. Parade of Lights: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2. Downtowns annual holiday procession always promises lights, characters and candy. Sinterklaas Shuffle: Friday, Dec. 5 - Saturday, Dec. 6. Pick up a lantern and passport downtown to explore five festive stops including the Sinterklaass Lodge, Ozosnels Stable. Magic at the Mill : Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 5-20. See thousands of illuminated LED tulips create a magical effect at the mill. Breakfast with Sinterklaas: Saturday, Dec. 6. Enjoy traditional Dutch treats and storytelling with Sinterklaas. Strolling Santa : 1-4 p.m. Saturdays, December 6, 13 & 20. The word from the North Pole is you can find Santa popping into his favorite downtown spots leading up to Christmas. Shopping Jam: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Early birds get the deals. Participating retailers will start with 30% discounts at 8 a.m. and work their way down to 20% by 11 a.m. Find a full calendar details at downtownholland.com. DETOUR, MI A man from Michigans Upper Peninsula is accused of sexual abuse against at least two juveniles going back 20 years. Gerard Malkowski, 75, of DeTour, is charged with multiple felonies for alleged sexual abuse of minors, Michigan State Police (MSP) Sault Ste. Marie Post announced. In April, MSP received a tip about potential criminal sexual activity, police said. It was alleged that Malkowski had been sexually abusing children since 2009. During the investigation, troopers encountered an additional person who made similar allegations against Malkowski, but dating back to 2005. It is alleged that the defendant would attempt to make juveniles feel comfortable around him by providing them with alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, police said. After this, the alleged sexual abuse would take place. A search warrant was eventually executed on Malkowskis residence, police said. Digital evidence and a firearm were seized. On Wednesday, he was arrested on felony warrants and lodged at Chippewa County Jail. Malkowski was arraigned on Friday in the 91st District Court. He is charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. His bond is set at $1 million. He is next due in court on Thursday, Nov. 20, for a preliminary examination. MSP troopers and detectives believe there may be additional victims, witnesses or others with information related to the cases. Anyone with information is asked to contact the MSP Sault Ste. Marie Post at 906-632-2217 or reach out to their local MSP post. A view of Crystal Lake Southern Baptist Church on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, after it was completely engulfed in flames and burned down. A pickup truck in the parking lot caught on fire and the flames spread to the building. City of Frankfort Fire & Rescue FRANKFORT, MI - The church still stands. Thats the message from Pastor Tyler Anderson after Crystal Lake Church in Frankfort burned to the ground on Sunday morning. In a two-minute YouTube video titled The Church still Stands, Anderson stands next to the church sign with the burned-out building behind him. This is just a building, he said. We are the church. The congregation was inside the building as Anderson gave a sermon about Philippians 3 on Sunday morning. Thats when a pickup truck parked next to the building caught fire, and the flames quickly spread to the church. RELATED: Northern Michigan church burns to the ground after vehicle fire spreads to building Everyone got out safely; there were no injuries. It took five hours for firefighters to completely extinguish the fire on the corner of Casey Road and Frankfort Highway in Frankfort. The cause of the vehicle fire is not yet known. A crew sprays water on the fire at Crystal Lake Southern Baptist Church on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. A pickup truck in the parking lot caught on fire and the flames spread to the building. City of Frankfort Fire & Rescue Officials said on Facebook that they intend to rebuild. The total amount needed to rebuild and replace supplies, such as sound and music equipment, is still unknown. They are working with their insurance company and on damage assessment. Crystal Lake has a Venmo account, @CrystalLakeChurch, where it accepts donations. He took away our building but He hasnt taken away our heart, Anderson said on YouTube. Were still the church. We will continue to be the church. A store in Grand Rapids, Mich. that accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, benefits through EBT. (Photo by Rose White | MLive) Rose White | MLive LANSING, MI After a pair of federal court rulings Friday, the Trump administration agreed Monday, Nov. 3, to partially fund SNAP benefits for the month of November. According to an AP report, the administration said it would provide details to states Monday on calculating the per-household partial benefit. However, shortly after 5 p.m., Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said it was still unknown how much Michigan beneficiaries would receive. When recipients would receive benefits is also still in question, Nessel said. RELATED: 40-county Michigan food drive launched as SNAP suspension threatens assistance Theyll still have to wait at least a few days to receive even a portion of what they need, Nessel said in a statement. I am gravely concerned that a delayed, partial payment will not be enough. While Nessel said it will be at least a few days, the USDA warned in a court filing that it could take weeks or even months for states to make necessary changes to send out reduced benefits, the AP reports. RELATED: Grand Rapids faith, city leaders begin fast until SNAP benefits restored The food assistance program serves about one in eight Americans and 13% of Michigan households. It costs more than $8 billion per month nationally. The federal government says an emergency fund it will use to fund partial benefits has $4.65 billion in it enough to cover about 58% of the normal monthly amount. Exhausting the fund potentially sets the stage for a similar situation in December if the shutdown isnt resolved by then, the AP reports. Roughly 42 million Americans including 1.4 million Michiganders depend on SNAP benefits to feed their families. According to last years numbers, the average eligible household in Michigan received $335 in monthly SNAP benefits. The pause in benefits was brought in by the government shutdown, which has had both Republicans and Democrats pointing fingers at one another. Democrats have said they wont vote to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate an extension of the expanded subsidies associated with the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Republicans say they wont negotiate the tax credits set to expire at years end until Democrats vote to reopen the government. RELATED: SNAP benefits cant continue to be part of political game, McDonald Rivet says The delay in partial (SNAP) benefits is entirely of the Trump administrations own making, Nessel stated. The USDA had the authority and resources to act, and my colleagues and I should have never had to sue the federal government to get them to use the contingency funds Congress already approved for this exact purpose. I will continue to work to ensure that USDA fulfills its legal obligations and that Michigan families receive the benefits they need. Under its filing with the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island on Monday, the USDA stated it will provide further information on how the remaining $5.25 billion it has in contingency funds will be appropriated. Those funds cannot be allocated to SNAP recipients until the process has been finalized, Nessel stated. A Waymo minivan moves along a city street in Chandler, Arizona, as an empty driver's seat and a moving steering wheel drive passengers during an autonomous vehicle ride. (AP File) AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File DETROIT, MI Waymos self-driving cars are coming soon to the Motor City. The fully autonomous ride-hailing service announced Monday, Nov. 3, that Detroit will become the companys first Midwest market. Those visiting and living in Detroit will soon see Waymo vehicles driving around with people behind the wheel, prior to riders being served, the company announced. Were proud of our roots in Metro Detroit, including in Novi, where weve had an engineering team for many years, the announcement states. Weve also regularly tested in Detroit during winter weather to develop our capabilities in snow and ice. Weve made great strides in our efforts to operate in heavier snow including testing in Michigans Upper Peninsula and look forward to the sixth-generation Waymo driver navigating Detroit streets this winter." The company, on Monday, also announced new city alerts for San Diego and Las Vegas. The service is currently available exclusively in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin and Atlanta. Other cities coming soon, that were previously announced, include Miami, Washington D.C., Nashville, Dallas, Denver and London. Waymo, which began in 2009 as the Google self-driving project, was established under Alphabet in 2016. A year prior to becoming Waymo, its engineers were responsible for the first fully self-driving ride operating on a public road anywhere in the world. Steve Mahan, a legally blind man, took that first ride in 2015 in Austin, Texas. One of Waymos missions is to provide inclusive mobility, helping to remove transportation barriers for those with disabilities. That has Andrea Schotthoefer, president of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, excited about Waymo vehicles coming to Detroits streets. Their efforts show whats possible and inspire collective action toward a future where transportation barriers no longer stand in the way of opportunity and inclusion, Schotthoefer said. Those interested in being among the first to ride in a Waymo vehicle once ready in Detroit can sign up here for updates. For more about the company and to read about the creation of its all-weather driver, click here. President of University of Michigan Domenico Grasso addresses the room during the UM Board of Regents' monthly meeting at University Hall in the Alexander G. Ruthven Building on Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025. He previously served as the Dearborn campus chancellor since 2018. Abra Richardson | MLive.com DEARBORN, MI The University of Michigan has launched nationwide search efforts to find the next chancellor of the Dearborn campus. UM Interim President Domenico Grasso has selected a committee to support his process to find his permanent successor in Dearborn, according to a Nov. 4 University Record update. This leadership transition is an important milestone for our university, as we continue to shape the future direction of the Dearborn campus based on their GoBLUEprint for Success strategic plan, Grasso said in the update. I am confident the nationwide search will result in a strong leader who will continue to advance the momentum in Dearborn. Flint campus Chancellor Laurence Alexander and Dearborn campus Interim Provost Ghassan Kridli will serve as co-chairs of the search committee. Grasso served as the Dearborn campus chancellor since 2018 before he stepped in as interim president in May. He previously said he plans to retire at the end of his interim presidency role and will not return to his chancellor position at Dearborn. Gabriella Scarlatta became interim chancellor of the Dearborn campus in May. She was the Dearborn campus provost since 2022 and interim provost from 2021 to 2022. The search committee is composed of 16 members, including Alexander and Kridli, current faculty members, administrators, corporate partners and one student. Dearborn and Flint both serve outstanding students and have great impact in their communities, Alexander said in the update. We are seeking candidates for the Dearborn chancellor search who understand and appreciate the significant role a regional campus plays in powering our states economy. The search committee will host campus town halls from Nov. 17-19, with additional details to be announced soon. The committee will also meet with select groups in the next few weeks to hear input about desired qualities, experiences and focus areas for the next chancellor, according to the University Record update. The committee will be looking for constructive input on the opportunities and the challenges for the next chancellor, Kridli said in the update. The communitys input will be a key component of developing the desired profile of our next campus leader. The university executive search and leadership firm Russell Reynolds Associates will assist UMs efforts and consultants Jett Pihakis, Joi Hayes-Scott and Zach Messitte will support the search. Keisha Blevins, deputy chief of staff and senior human resources adviser for the Office of the President, will serve as Grassos search liaison. Community members can email nominations and additional ideas and feedback on the search to UM.Dearborn.Chancellor.Feedback@umich.edu. The search committee recommends visiting the chancellor search web page for more information. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. Jim Kitchen, interim superintendent of Swartz Creek Community School, listens to questions posed by the community at a town hall hosted by Swartz Creek Community Schools at the Swartz Creek High School Performing Arts Center on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The town hall aimed to discuss issues regarding the potential purchase and demolishment of Morrish Elementary School. Lukas Katilius | MLive.com SWARTZ CREEK, MI - The potential sale of Morrish Elementary School for $40 million is officially off the table, according to Swartz Creek Interim Superintendent Jim Kitchen. Kitchen confirmed this week that the Swartz Creek Board of Education has rejected the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliances offer to buy the school as part of the proposed 1,300-acre Advanced Manufacturing District southwest of Flint. The board voted to reject the $40 million offer but told [the alliance] they would consider a higher bid, Kitchen said in an email to MLive/The Flint Journal. The alliance responded with the acceptance of the rejection and confirmed that they would be good neighbors during the development. Im not sure if there will be any future communications regarding a proposal, but its clearly dead at this time. The district had announced the decision in an Oct. 30 letter to the community, saying negotiations for the potential sale had concluded after months of public debate and growing controversy over how the discussions were handled. In that letter, Kitchen wrote that the Board of Education reviewed and carefully considered all aspects of the proposal before deciding to decline the offer. The prospective purchaser, he said, expressed respect for the boards decision and reaffirmed its commitment to being a good neighbor as development continues in the surrounding area. The $40 million offer was part of a larger state effort to assemble land for the megasite, which Michigan officials hope will attract a major manufacturer and create thousands of jobs. Morrish Elementary, home to more than 400 students, sits within the footprint of the proposed development. Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, provided a statement to MLive confirming the alliances stance on the matter. The decision to sell the school is ultimately a local one made by the school districts Board of Education, he said. We respect their decision and look forward to a continued partnership with the district. Our offer to Swartz Creek Community Schools was a fair one based on guidance from the district on their needs and an independent third-party analysis. Our organization is committed to being a good neighbor by striving to minimize any potential inconvenience for students and their families during construction at the Advanced Manufacturing District (AMD) of Genesee County. We remain confident that an advanced manufacturing facility and a school can coexist safely, and we will continue to do our part to help ensure consistent communication and outreach efforts about ongoing construction at the AMD. FBI agents were present in Dearborn, on Middlepointe Street and Moross Friday, Oct. 31, conducting law enforcement operations. Federal officials confirmed the activity was part of a broader investigation that, according to FBI Director Kash Patel, stopped what agents described as a potential terrorist attack planned in Michigan over the Halloween weekend. | Fuad Shalhout Fuad Shalhout -- MLive.com DETROIT, MI - Two Michigan men are facing federal terrorism charges after a months-long FBI investigation uncovered what officials describe as an ISIS-inspired plot to carry out a violent attack. Federal prosecutors filed a 73-page criminal complaint detailing the allegations, which led to the mens arrest on the last Friday of October. These are five takeaways from the situation so far. 1.Federal charges allege an ISIS-inspired terrorism plot Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, both 20, have been charged with conspiring to transfer firearms and ammunition with the knowledge they would be used to support the Islamic State group. According to the federal complaint, the men, along with a juvenile co-conspirator, used encrypted communications to plan a violent attack in the name of ISIS. Their messages, exchanged between July and October, allegedly referred to themselves as brothers preparing for a coordinated strike and referenced previous ISIS-inspired mass shootings. Attorney General Pamela Bondi characterized the case as a major ISIS-linked terror plot that was stopped before lives were lost. 2. The suspects amassed a significant arsenal Investigators allege the men stockpiled a considerable number of weapons and ammunition in the months leading up to their arrest. The criminal complaint states Ali purchased a shotgun, an AR-15style rifle, and a forced reset trigger, which is a modification that increases a weapons rate of fire. Mahmoud allegedly bought his own AR-15 and acquired over 1,600 rounds of ammunition. When federal agents executed search warrants, they discovered multiple rifles, handguns, ammunition, tactical vests, GoPro cameras, and empty magazines at the mens homes and in a storage unit linked to Ali. 3. A Detroit suburb was a potential target around Halloween The investigation uncovered evidence that the group was scouting potential locations for an attack. According to the complaint, the suspects explored targets in Ferndale, a Detroit suburb known for its active nightlife scene. Furthermore, their communications allegedly suggested they were planning to launch their assault around Halloween weekend. The timing and target selection indicate an intent to cause mass casualties in a public gathering space. FBI Director Kash Patel stated agents acted quickly and likely saved many lives. 4. The men were detained after an initial court appearance Following their arrests, Ali and Mahmoud appeared in federal court in Detroit on Monday. Nov. 3. A judge ordered that both men remain jailed until a detention hearing scheduled for Nov. 10. During the appearance, defense attorneys for both men stated they had not yet had time to review the extensive 73-page complaint filed by prosecutors and declined to comment further on the case at that time. The men will remain in federal custody as the investigation by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Attorneys Office continues. 5. The defense is framing the allegations as online chatter While prosecutors describe a serious plot, the defense is beginning to shape a counter-narrative. Amir Makled, the attorney for Mohmed Ali, rejected the governments allegations. He characterized the evidence as potentially some online chatter and worrisome online activity, but insisted there was no plot coming out of these young men, these teenage boys out of Dearborn. This suggests the defense will argue the suspects actions and communications did not amount to a credible conspiracy to commit terrorism. Generative AI was used to summarize takeaways based on an originally reported story. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff. Snow collects on top of new cars at a Michigan car dealership in this MLive file photo. Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com LANSING, MI The Michigan Department of State has suspended the license of a St. Clair County car dealership for several violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code. LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc., located at 3050 King Road in China Township, allegedly violated probation imposed by MDOS, committed fraudulent acts in connection with selling or dealing in vehicles by presenting used vehicles to customers as new vehicles, and failed to properly register used vehicles. MDOS made the announcement via news release on Nov. 4. The violations were discovered during an investigation by regulatory staff, according to the release. The dealership was found to register new vehicles in their business name to serve as loaner vehicles for customers, only to resell them as new after they were no longer used in the loaner program, according to the release. In a statement, the dealership wrote that the suspension arises from a clerical error in the completion of RD-108, which has caused confusion between the dealership, automaker program requirements and the regulatory agency. LaFontaine Automotive Group has always operated in full compliance with automaker programs and remains dedicated to maintaining complete alignment with state regulations, LaFontaine Automotive Group wrote in a statement. Unfortunately, a long-standing disconnect between automaker program definitions and state titling requirements has created widespread confusion among dealers across Michigan. The alleged scheme was discovered during a general compliance inspection in Sept. 2024, according to the release. In December 2024, MDOS imposed an alternative penalty agreement for the dealer that included a $3,000 financial penalty and 18-month probation period, according to the release. Also, dealership staff members attended an MDOS training session about violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code. During a follow-up in Sept. 2025, MDOS regulatory staff found more than 24 instances of the dealership continuing to sell used vehicles as new, according to the release. One of the new vehicles had 6,000 miles, according to the release. The dealership denied all fraudulent activity and urged the state to collaborate with automakers to align state regulations with industry standards. LaFontaine explained in a statement that under manufacturer and lender definitions, vehicles used in rental or service loaner programs fully qualify as new vehicles. However, Michigan law requires those vehicles to be classified as used, despite meeting new vehicle incentive and warranty qualifications, the company wrote. Upon notification of the temporary suspension, LaFontaine immediately began working closely with state officials to review internal processes, correct documentation, and ensure full compliance moving forward, LaFontaine wrote. As a family-owned organization, LaFontaine Automotive Group takes great pride in its long-standing reputation for honesty, integrity, and guest satisfaction. We remain deeply committed to maintaining the trust of our valued guests and the communities we serve while working diligently with the State of Michigan toward a swift and fair resolution. The dealership cannot conduct business while suspended. Consumers who have a complaint against LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair, Inc. are encouraged to call the MDOS Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 844-372-8356. U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, speaks during a roundtable discussion marking the beginning of the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Mundy Township. Ron Fonger | The Flint Journal MUNDY TWP., MI Two things happened to U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet during the weekend that drove home the fallout from the federal government shutdown and uncertainty about future SNAP benefits. First, the congresswoman spent the weekend at food distribution centers in the 8th Congressional District, where demand for food is already outpacing supply as funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ran dry. Then she went shopping for her own groceries, seeing the high price of food for every shopper in the check-out line. The cost of food in this country has gotten so expensive, and we just have not kept up with that, McDonald Rivet said. At a bare minimum, we need to make sure the most vulnerable among us have access to food. President Donald Trumps administration said Monday, Nov. 3, that it will partially fund SNAP after two judges rulings required it to keep the food aid program running. The administration said that an emergency fund it will use has $4.65 billion only enough to cover about half the normal benefits this month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had planned to freeze SNAP payments starting Saturday, Nov. 1, due to the shutdown. The program serves about one in eight Americans. In Genesee County, the number is closer to two in eight. According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, it is not yet known how much Michigan beneficiaries will receive. It will be at least a few days before any benefits are received, she said. The pause in SNAP benefits has flooded food pantries and distribution sites with requests for help across the state and country. In Flint and Genessee County, it has spurred officials to make plans to help provide supplemental food on at least a short-term basis. McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, said Monday that the Trump administrations move to restore some food assistance without resolving the shutdown is another example of this (program) being a political tool. This is about whether people eat ..., she said. You dont use that as a bargaining chip. The congresswoman spoke about SNAP Monday at a roundtable event at the Vocational Independence Program in Mundy Township. The event, held to mark the beginning of the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, was addressing an issue that has led to the pause in SNAP benefits. Tax credits for people who get health insurance through the marketplaces created by the ACA, also known as Obamacare, are set to expire at the end of the year, which will send premium prices much higher. Democrats have said they wont vote to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate an extension of the expanded subsidies. Republicans say they wont negotiate until Democrats vote to reopen the government. In the meantime, people enrolled in the plans are already being notified of potential premium increases for 2026. Jessica Brown, owner of Wayfinder Travel Group in Davison, stated at the roundtable that the monthly premium for herself and one child stands to increase from $450 to $950. Do I even continue coverage or just try to save monthly for things that might come up? Brown asked. If thats the case, Im also probably not going to do the mammogram and the colonoscopy that I just had that was covered and different things because you just cant afford it. Im a small business owner, she said. Doubling your cost is just not something you can absorb. Panelists at Mondays event also said the federal government needs to reverse Medicaid cuts enacted this summer. More than 71 million people rely on Medicaid, and Dr. Aisha Harris said cuts to the program and the loss of subsidies through the ACA spell big problems. When people cant afford their health care, they just go uninsured ..., Harris said. Its not a really pretty picture. I dont want to scare people, but the reality is, people will die ... That doesnt make any sense when we talk about how great America is. (Information from the Associated Press is included in this report.) State police are investigating a crash in Allegan County that killed both drivers. (MLive File Photo) ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI Two people have died after a two-vehicle crash on Monday, Nov. 3, just outside of the City of Allegan. The victims are a 43-year-old Allegan man and a 19-year-old Grand Rapids man, state police said. Their names were not released. Preliminary investigation showed that a car driven by the Grand Rapids man was headed east on 134th when he ran through a stop sign and struck a pickup truck going north on 30th Street in Allegan Countys Monterey Township. The Allegan man was taken to University of Michigan Health West where he was pronounced dead. The pickup driver, a 43-year-old Allegan man, died at University of Michigan Health-West Hospital. He was not wearing a seatbelt. The other driver, a 19-year-old Grand Rapids man, suffered life-threatening injuries and died Tuesday at an area hospital. The Allegan man was not wearing a seat belt. It was unclear if the Grand Rapids man was using a seat belt. Allegan County Sheriffs Department, Wayland Area EMS, Aero Med helicopter and Salem, Overisel and Hopkins fire departments assisted state police. The crash remains under investigation. Mecosta County sheriff's deputies said a 16-year-old girl was accidentally shot in the neck. (MLive File Photo) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com MECOSTA COUNTY, MI The condition of a teen who was accidentally shot in the neck is improving, sheriffs deputies said. The 16-year-old, whose name has not been released, was critically injured Saturday, Nov. 1, in the shooting at a residence near Harding Road and 55th Avenue in Mecosta Countys Sheridan Township. She is in stable condition, police said. According to medical staff, she is recovering better than expected and is making progressive improvements, the Sheriffs Office said in a statement. Police released few details about the incident but said it was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public. Mecosta County sheriff's deputies said a vehicle in a crash was engulfed in flames when police reached the scene. (MLive file photo) MECOSTA COUNTY, MI The driver in a rollover crash escaped his vehicle before it became engulfed in flames early Tuesday, Nov. 4. The driver, a 36-year-old Traverse City man, was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Mecosta County sheriffs deputies responded around 3 a.m. to an iPhone crash-detection report of a crash at 220th Avenue and Elder Road in Mecosta Township. The vehicle was engulfed in flames when deputies reached the scene. The driver was able to free himself from the wreckage before rescuers arrived. The man was driving south on 220th Avenue when he lost control of the vehicle on a curve. It veered off the road, struck a guardrail, overturned and caught fire. He was alone in the vehicle. GRAND RAPIDS, MI A woman has been deemed competent to stand trial for a house fire she allegedly set while her three children were asleep inside. The ruling in the criminal case against Roconda Singleton was made Tuesday, Nov. 4, in a Grand Rapids District courtroom during a competency evaluation hearing. A separate hearing set for next month will determine if theres enough evidence for Singletons case to proceed to trial. Singleton, 47, is accused of pouring lighter fluid in her home at 956 Eastern Avenue SE and setting it on fire as her three daughters slept inside. She is charged with felony murder, first-degree arson and three counts of second-degree child abuse. Grand Rapids firefighters battled heavy flames on Jan. 25 and rescued 12-year-old Shamiya Stewart from her second-story bedroom. Shamiya suffered burns to over 30% of her body and died two days later after being removed from life support. Singletons two other daughters ages 7 and 10 were able to escape the burning home. Singleton was standing outside the burning home when firefighters reached the scene. Investigators found a bag outside containing seven smoke detectors that Singleton allegedly removed from the home. Singleton allegedly wanted to kill herself and her daughters in the fire. She told police she suffered from mental health problems, and her life took a turn about five months prior to the deadly blaze. A petition was started in August 2024, and later granted, ordering Singleton to undergo a 60-day period of inpatient treatment at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, records filed in Kent County Probate Court show. Its unclear if Singleton completed treatment. Singleton was found incompetent to stand trial twice once in May and again in August but was deemed restorable. She is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 1 for a preliminary examination. Singleton is being held at the Kent County Jail without bond. Special edition gift sets of New Holland Brewing Dragon's Milk D20 Brew Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout and Origin Mead Cask Bourbon Whiskey can be purchased at New Holland locations on Nov. 8 and online on Nov. 14. Image courtesy New Holland Brewing Co. HOLLAND, MI New Holland Brewing Co. is celebrating the second launch of its Dungeons & Dragons-themed stout and bourbon whiskey with two limited edition gift sets. The Holland-based brewery and distillery last year announced the expansion of its popular Dragons Milk line with D20 Brew Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout and Origin Mead Cask Bourbon Whiskey, two limited edition products made in partnership with Dungeons & Dragons parent company Hasbro. Our collaboration with Dungeons & Dragons has allowed us to craft unique offerings that bring fans together at the table in new and memorable ways, Brett VanderKamp, CEO and founder of New Holland Brewing Co., said in a statement The return of D20 and Mead Cask Bourbon is a celebration of community, storytelling, and the legendary experiences that both brands inspire. Aged in bourbon barrels with Indonesian and Madagascan vanilla beans, and bottled at 20% ABV, this years edition of D20 Stout is now available on store shelves nationwide. A collectible package that includes a bottle of D20 encased in a custom dice tower paired with special edition dice will be available in limited quantities on Saturday, Nov. 8, at New Holland brewpubs in Holland, Grand Rapids and Battle Creek. The re-release of Origin Mead Cask is a 100-proof bourbon aged in mead casks and featuring notes of honey, malt and wine. Fans also have the chance on Nov. 8 to grab a limited-edition gift set with a custom dragon head pour spout at all New Holland brewpubs and at the tasting rooms in Grand Haven, Saugatuck and South Haven. Customers are encouraged to arrive before opening time. Location hours are available at newhollandbrew.com. New Holland employees will meet customers in line and hand out tickets for the bottles they want to purchase. Each ticket guarantees that bottle while supplies last. Origin Mead Cask gift set purchases are limited to two per person. The Origin Mead Cask Gift set is $164.99. The D20 Brew set is $109.99. Individual bottles of D20 are $49.99 each, according to the Dragons Milk website. Both gift sets will be available for purchase online starting Monday, Nov. 17. This release marks the continuation of a growing collaboration between D&D and Dragons Milk. Last years inaugural release sold out quickly, and New Holland is expecting the same reception for 2025. JACKSON, MI A Concord man is asking community members to help fund new pasta-making equipment, promising to repay loans while feeding those in need. Justin Fairchild, known as The Kilted Farmer, received an approval in October for a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Developments Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, which supports the development of Michigans local food systems. The funding will help purchase equipment including a ravioli maker, pasta extruder and pasta dryer box. Rather than seeking a traditional bank loan to match the grant, Fairchild is asking community members to pledge money for the $71,000 investment through what he calls a good deed loan. My idea behind that with anything we do, is try to focus on the community first, Fairchild said. How can we give back? How can we support the most people? Thats how the world should work to me. So, if I can find an unorthodox way to get what I need to continue to do good for others, thats what Im going to try to do. This wont be a donation, however, Fairchild said. Pledges will be repaid over two years as Fairchild receives grant reimbursements. In exchange, he will donate pasta each week to local food banks, Blessings Boxes and shelters until its repaid. Fairchild will occasionally give handmade pasta to those who contribute as a thank-you. Fairchild plans to use the grant to pay for new pasta equipment, including a ravioli maker, a pasta extruder and a pasta dryer box. The new equipment will allow him to produce pasta at a much quicker rate, meaning he can sell it at a lower price point, and he can make extra products to drop off at blessing boxes and local food pantries. Fairchild with his wife, Jess, can now produce around 100 packages of pasta in 12 hours. The new equipment could increase production to around 100 pounds per hour. The two could also make additional pasta shapes, aside from fettuccine or lasagna, like penne and campanelle. To determine which shapes to prioritize, he plans to poll the community about their preferences So far, they have received just over $10,000 toward the $71,000 goal, with a Dec. 1 deadline for pledges and a Dec. 15 deadline for equipment purchase. If the goal isnt reached, Fairchild said he will pursue a traditional bank loan. Melissa Ball, an attorney from Mason who specializes in estate planning, is volunteering to draft contracts for the Good Deed Loan. She went to high school with Fairchilds wife Jess and reconnected with them when he began a produce box delivery service during the COVID-19 pandemic. I think its fantastic, and I think its something that could get more people involved in local businesses, Ball said. Theyre getting something back from it if they put the money in; they get to see the business grow and they get pasta out of it. Fairchild is known as The Kilted Farmer in Jackson County. He sells produce, makes pasta and bee keeps. Since 2020, his Kilted Santa Project has delivered presents around the area to families in need. This year he also launched a new project called Breaking Bread, and he bakes sourdough for local pantries and blessing boxes. Those interested in contributing can find a donation form on The Kilted Farmers Facebook page. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. File photo of Leoni Township Water Treatment Plant. Once sewer water is fully processed, it comes out at the final stage crystal clear and is returned back to the public. Recent water test from 10 Leoni Township homes found elevated levels of lead in some of the homes drinking water. Nathan Clark | Nclark1@mlive.com LEONI TWP., MI A recent water test from 10 Leoni Township homes found elevated levels of lead in some of the homes drinking water. Leoni Township issued a notice Tuesday, Nov. 4, alerting the public water samples taken from two of the 10 homes tested positive for elevated lead levels after being tested by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. It did not specify the location of the homes. Lead levels in the water in the two homes were found to have 19 parts per billion whereas 12 parts per billion is the action level mandated by the state. The alert was issued because the amount found was at an actionable level requiring notice and outreach on how to eliminate or reduce lead exposure, officials said. The goal for drinking water is to have no lead as there is no safe level of lead in the blood. In 2023, Leoni Township finished a $11.8 million project updating the water treatment plant to increase efficiency and to reduce the smell of sewage in the area. The township is mailing out comprehensive public education documents about lead in drinking water. It will also be collecting water samples from 20 sites every six months and reviewing the results to determine if corrective actions are necessary to reduce corrosion in household plumbing. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant people and young children. Lead can enter drinking water when in contact with pipes, solder, interior plumbing, fittings and fixtures that contain lead. Homes with lead service lines have an increased risk of having high lead levels in drinking water. The more time water has been sitting in your homes pipes, the more lead it may contain. It is recommended if your water has not been used for several hours, run the water before using it for drinking or cooking to flush lead-containing water from the pipes. Additional flushing may be required for homes that have been vacant or have a longer service line. Homeowners in Leoni Township who are unsure what type of service line they have can call the township at 517-522-8445 or a licensed plumber. To have your water tested, visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for a list of certified testing labs. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. A rendering shows the design of the newest satellite location for West Shore Community College, located in Hart. Photo provided to MLive by Abonmarche HART, MI - A Northwest Michigan community is looking ahead at future opportunities as it gets a satellite location for the local community college. An old grocery store in the city of Hart is being turned into a satellite location for West Shore Community College, which is based in Scottville, just east of Ludington. The Gales grocery store, at 710 S. State St., is a 26,000-square-foot building and has been vacant for a couple years, said Mitchell W. Foster, vice president for administrative services at the college. Construction is expected to begin in January, by Wieland construction company out of Lansing. Architecture design is being done by Abonmarche. It works perfectly for our purposes, Foster said of the large, now gutted, building. It allows for us to really get creative for how we build it out. The new West Shore Community College location will be a community hub and will have several business tenants, including a discounted grocery store. Photo provided to MLive by Abonmarche The goal is to open by September 2026, just in time for the fall semester. The college plans to offer several courses at the location, as well as create a community space that is planned to include several tenants including: Lakeshore Food Club, which provides healthy, discounted food for low-income residents Stellas Coffeehouse, which will have a drive-thru on the side of the building Michigan Works West Central, a job-seeking network based in Shelby that is relocating to Hart Mid Michigan Community Action Agency, also moving from Shelby, provides wraparound support for residents, including utility assistance, food and early childhood education There will also be community meeting rooms available to the public. We can really make it into a pretty incredible community space, Foster said. West Shore Community College will start construction next year on its next satellite location, this time in Hart. The Gales grocery store, at 710 S. State St., is a 26,000-square-foot building and has been vacant for a couple years, said Mitchell W. Foster, vice president for administrative services at the college. Photo provided to MLive by Abonmarche He said with it being located on the main drag of Hart, the location is surrounded by residents and is near downtown and several fast-food restaurants. College leaders expect the location to not only cater to Hart residents, and recent high school graduates attending the college, but also local employees looking to take the next step in leadership management, Foster said. Those could be tech-based courses, such as about the Microsoft program Excel, Foster said. There will be courses offered in the areas of arts and science and occupational courses, such as EMS and EMT courses. The community ESL (English as a second language) course will be relocated to Hart. The college purchased the property in summer 2024 and, since then, has been securing funding through tax credits and grants. Foster said that includes a $1 million community center grant from the state, $400,000 from the Sixty by 30 state grant program, $150,000 from Harts Tax Increment Financing Authority, a $300,000 state allocation and potentially $1.4 million in tax credits through Michigan Community Capital. The total project is expected to cost $6.3 million. Foster said the college saw success in their Manistee satellite location, a similar, community-forward concept, and decided to do it again in Hart. The Manistee location opened in 2021 and saw around 1,200 community room rentals in its first year open. Hart, and Oceana County, are in a community college desert, Foster said. Making a space like this available to them is really important to the president and the board. We know this has been a conversation topic for at least a decade - How can West Shore Community College get into Oceana County? Foster said future opportunities could include dual-enrollment classes for Oceana County high schoolers. Were really trying to be as creative as we can to help those students take the next step in their lives and careers, Foster said. The average student age at the community college is 27 years old. We have a number of students mid-career or early career coming in for advancement in their education, Foster said. And a number of students straight out of high school for one to two years to get their associates and then move on to university. West Shore has a direct connection with Ferris State Universitys nursing program, and many students transfer to area colleges like Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University, Northern Michigan University and the University of Michigan. Foster said the community college has a strong arts, music and theater program and sees a lot of students follow those passions when they transfer schools. MLIVE FILE PHOTO. Polls are open for the Nov. 4 elections. Joel Bissell | MLive.com WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Polls are open in Washtenaw County for the Tuesday, Nov. 4 election. Polls opened at 7 a.m. and will remain open for those already in line at 8 p.m. Those not yet registered to vote can register in person until 8 p.m. on Election Day at their city or township clerks office. Absentee voters can deliver completed ballots in person to their clerks office or secure drop box. Absentee ballots must be received by your city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. To look up your polling location or view more information on voting in Michigan, visit the states Michigan Voter Information Center at mvic.sos.state.mi.us Voters throughout Washtenaw County will decide whether to approve a new tax to support career and technical education programming in local schools within the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. In addition, there are also ballot proposals in the Chelsea Area Fire Authority, Milan, Saline and Lima Township. Voters will also decide several contested city races. Voters in Chelsea and Milan will pick their next mayors and fill city council seats, and Saline voters will fill city council seats. Read more about whats on the November Election Day ballot in Washtenaw County from The Ann Arbor News/MLive. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. Michigan Senate Republicans have introduced a bill package to eliminate the states economic development agency and other business incentives programs. (MLive file photo) Ben Orner | MLive.com Michigan Senate Republicans have introduced a bill package to eliminate the states economic development agency and other business incentives programs. State Sen. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, who is spearheading the 53-bill package, says the legislation would reduce corporate welfare and bad investments that he claims stem in part from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The MEDC has failed massively and is beyond repair, Albert said last week. They have wasted billions of taxpayer dollars on risky corporate giveaways and suspect grants to politically connected recipients. Its time to shut down the MEDC, retain only those programs with a proven track record and ensure decision-making for taxpayer-funded projects has accountability. Though not an official state department, MEDC operates as a quasi-state agency, using both state and private dollars to fund economic development initiatives and projects. The organization also manages the Pure Michigan campaign, helps court businesses to the state with incentives packages and administers some legislative earmarks. According to MEDCs project map, more than $888 million in public incentives were secured across 139 projects from fiscal year 2022 through fiscal year 2025 in Alberts West Michigan district. The result was $3.31 billion in private investment and 2,818 jobs committed, the MEDC reported. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spokesperson Stacey LaRouche did not return requests for comment on the legislation. MEDC officials said theyre in the process of reviewing the bill package. We remain committed to continuing conversations with our bipartisan partners in the legislature about MEDCs local impact by investing in people, cultivating our places and supporting projects of all sizes to provide stability and family-sustaining wages to all Michiganders, said MEDC spokesperson Danielle Emerson. In addition to the MEDC, the bill would eliminate other economic development and incentive tools, such as the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund, Strategic Site Readiness Program and the Michigan Film and Digital Media Office. The legislation comes as House Republicans, too, have vowed to restructure how Michigan hands out incentives to companies either looking to locate in the state or expand their presence. Like Albert, House Republican leadership has argued the current incentive structure to spur economic growth hasnt resulted in worthwhile job gains. House Republicans have also taken aim at sizable proposed incentives packages, like those to a now-dead plan for a semiconductor factory in Genesee County and another failed plan for a controversial electric vehicle battery parts plant project in Mecosta County. Lawmakers effectively killed the SOAR Fund, which was used in those incentives packages, in the latest budget by not allocating any new dollars to it. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had initially sought another $500 million for the fund in the budget. The SOAR Fund is a pot of state dollars created in 2021 to attract businesses to the state and prepare sites for big projects. Alberts legislation also comes as MEDC faces scrutiny and had a search warrant executed on its headquarters as part of an embezzlement investigation into a legislative earmark that MEDC administered and oversaw. The subject of the probe by Attorney General Dana Nessels office is businesswoman Fay Beydoun. MEDC officials say theyve been cooperating with Nessels office. In place of these economic development programs, the bill package would create a Michigan Bureau of Fair Competition and Free Enterprise to take on existing MEDC obligations and continue several programs, which Alberts office named as the brownfield redevelopment and renaissance zones programs. Albert said the proposed restructuring would shift the focus of economic development away from government-run programs back to the private sector. We cannot continue replacing one failed corporate welfare scheme with another, Albert said. Michigan has tried that state-directed approach for decades, and it doesnt work. We should get government out of the way and instead lower taxes and reduce bureaucracy so Michigan job creators and workers can lead the way to a brighter economic future. Brownfield redevelopment funds provide grants, loans and other assistance to businesses looking to redevelop properties with contamination issues. Renaissance zones are designated areas that can provide sizable state and local income tax breaks in the hopes of stimulating economic growth and job creation. These zones have been used to target single project sites. Under the bill package, new renaissance zone projects would be subject to $50 million and 15-year limits. Another program that would continue is Pure Michigan, the advertising campaign aimed at attracting tourists and residents to the state. Pure Michigan would be transferred to the new bureau. Albert said the plan would ensure Michigans economic development programs have concrete and measurable benefits. The bill package would also establish an Office of the Chief Compliance Officer, which would operate independently of the new bureau and assist with creating, monitoring and enforcing policies to prevent illegal and unethical conduct. It isnt clear whether the bill package would be taken up for consideration in the Democratic-majority Senate. Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, did not return a request for comment. Other sponsors and co-sponsors of the legislation are Republican state Sens. Joseph Bellino Jr., Jim Runestad, Jonathan Lindsey and Roger Victory. Current satellite image on November 4, 2025 shows several large storm systems over the Pacific Ocean, heading toward the U.S. NOAA The weather data definitely looks like November is coming on. Heres a look at what we can expect over the next few weeks. November is a very typical month when the summertime storm track far north in Canada starts to move south across Michigan. This means Michigan often is in the heart of the storm track during November. Its looking like this month could live up to all of the November weather we remember. Heres the jetstream forecast over the next two weeks. Every reddish patch in the forecast is an area of 100 mph to 150 mph winds aloft. Those strong winds aloft turn into a weather-maker here at the ground. Jetstream wind forecast at around 30,000 feet from November 4 to November 18, 2025. Red areas are strong winds aloft. NOAA In the next two weeks there will be four weather systems that can produce precipitation. Just below is the rainfall forecast. It shows these storm systems rolling across the U.S. into the Great Lakes and Michigan. Rainfall forecast in six-hour increments from November 4 to November 18, 2025 NOAA These dont look like the monster storm systems of the November Gales fame. They look like six-hour rain shower systems, except for this weekend. This weekend could actually have our first accumulating lake-effect snow along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Temperatures are going to be on what I like to call the weather rollercoaster. Expect temperatures to warm before each storm system. After the storm systems move through, expect temperatures to turn colder for a day or two. The cold days will only warm to the 30s and 40s in the afternoon. The warm days will warm into the 50s, with maybe one or two days in November still warming to 60 degrees over the southern half of Lower Michigan. Right now it seems like a four day cold spell this Saturday to next Tuesday, then a warm-up to near 60 degrees late next week. If the jetstream continues to shift southward in late November, Lower Michigan will get into snow systems in December. Varun Singh A journalist covering the automotive sector in depth, across business and product verticals. Trying to hit the gym at least four times a week! I am not a fitness freak though. 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I Accept Ramya Krishnan's daring gothic look with a cigarette sets social media on fire in Ram Gopal Varmas Police Station Mein Bhoot Ramya Krishnan's daring gothic look with a cigarette sets social media on fire in Ram Gopal Varmas Police Station Mein Bhoot Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media announce their debut Hindi movie with Manoj Bajpayee, an adaptation of 'Last Man in Tower' Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media announce their debut Hindi movie with Manoj Bajpayee, an adaptation of 'Last Man in Tower' Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept Palak Vij 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 Abhishek Shingare 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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India is presently negotiating FTAs with a slew of nations and blocs Adrija Chatterjee USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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 From gems to garments, export sectors seek relief as government pushes diversification toward Europe, West Asia, Africa. 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. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. India exported goods worth $86.51 billion to the US in FY25 Adrija Chatterjee USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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 Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. Paras Bisht 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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Understanding tax rules on lump sum and monthly maintenance payments after divorce On the other hand, a one-time lump sum alimony is generally treated as a capital receipt and therefore not taxable in the recipients hands. Teena Jain Kaushal 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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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 What is Poorvi Prachand Prahar? Indias next big tri-service drill and what it means for China border tensions Aishwarya Dabhade Aish is Chief Sub-Editor at Moneycontrol, where she occasionally leads the news shift and homepage; writes explainers and long-form breakdowns on business, policy, markets and geopolitics. She began her career on CNBC-TV18s breaking news desk as Assistant Producer and went on to shape digital coverage at The Economic Times as Principal Content Producer, with stints at YouGov and WebEngage adding depth in data-driven storytelling. India will conduct Poorvi Prachand Prahar, a major tri-service military drill in Arunachal Pradesh from Nov 1115, testing joint readiness near the China border. 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. 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 Battle of Longewala: How Indian soldiers held the line in western front on a night in 1971 In 1971, Pakistan sought to divert Indian attention from its eastern front by launching attacks across the western border. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the youth to remain busy in making social media reels. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 JP Nadda speaking to News18: - NDA to get comfortable majority, to get more than 160 seats - NDA fighting the polls under Nitish Kumar's leadership - I strongly support PM Modi's statement on tactics used by RJD to convince Mahagathbandhan to name Tejashwi as CM pick. - The decision to name the next chief minister will be taken collectively after the polls. Caught in a war he didnt start: Sudans rebels parade an Indian man, and ask if he knows Shah Rukh Khan Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Odishas Adarsh Behera, abducted by Sudans RSF rebels, seen in video forced to praise militia chief Dagalo. 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. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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I Accept 'Chandni khatam ho gayi': How Indias unsung 1962 warriors held the line in Ladakh against impossible Chinese odds Beyond Rezang La: Inside the lost battles and bravery of Indias J&K Militia in the 1962 war 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. 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 Family of Indian abducted in Sudan appeals to govt to ensure his early release Adarsh Behera from Odisha was abducted by Sudans RSF rebels last week. Sonalee Borgohain 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 Glad to see record increase in Indian universities in QS Asia Rankings: PM Narendra Modi Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Tamal Nandi 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 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 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 Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Millet goes global as McDonald's India adds multi-millet bun to its menu Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. The quick services restaurant developed the bun with five types of millets- jowar, bajra, ragi, proso, and kodo Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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 Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. As Indias tri-service exercise gathers pace, Pakistan issues fresh airspace restrictions and firing warnings, a sign of rising unease, say intelligence sources. 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. 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 Officials said a section of the Shastri Bridge, located on a busy road in the Madhya Pradesh city, collapsed on Sunday, creating a five-by-seven-foot hole. (AI Generated Image) 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. 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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 Powai hostage crisis: Ex-minister who refused to speak to Rohit Arya says he did not realise the matter would become so serious 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 China's light industry benefits from smart manufacturing, innovation 14:52, November 04, 2025 By Han Xin ( People's Daily In a production workshop of a bicycle industrial park in Wuhe county, Bengbu, east China's Anhui province, a worker is busy fulfilling an order bound for overseas markets. (Photo/Li Xiangqian) Recently, China unveiled its performance in light industry achieved during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), and three sets of figures stand out. The number of light industry enterprises reached 136,600 in 2024, growing at an average annual rate of 5.89 percent since 2020. Retail sales of key products totaled 7.93 trillion yuan ($1.12 trillion), accounting for 16.2 percent of China's total consumer goods retail. Global exports hit $925.4 billion, with 7.17% average annual growth. "China has consolidated its position as the world's largest light industrial producer and exporter through sustained scale expansion and enhanced supply chain resilience," said Zhang Chonghe, head of the China National Light Industry Council. Intelligent upgrading and green transformation driving growth At Haier's refrigerator factory in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province, robotic arms assemble units with precision - producing one refrigerator every 10 seconds. The plant's 5G-powered industrial internet system coordinates hundreds of components in real-time. "From raw material intake to AI-driven production scheduling, our entire operation utilizes on-demand mixed-model manufacturing," said Yin Dongdong, director of manufacturing technology at the plant. "AI visual positioning has reduced labeling errors to near-zero while doubling traditional factory capacity. We now ship approximately 5,000 premium refrigerators daily to global markets." This facility exemplifies the sector's broader digital transition. Throughout the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China's light industry has continued to upgrade under the dual drive of intelligent manufacturing and green transformation. The industrial internet is now widely adopted, covering more than 60 percent of enterprises above designated size. Green development has also made significant progress. As of 2024, 1,321 light industry enterprises, including those in home appliances, papermaking, food processing, and battery manufacturing, had been recognized as national-level green factories. Dairy products are manufactured in a smart workshop of a plant of Mengniu Dairy (Ma'anshan) Co., Ltd. in Ma'anshan, east China's Anhui province. (Photo/Wang Wensheng) Innovation investment fuels technological breakthroughs Is yeast only for baking? Not anymore. In an exhibition hall of Angel, a global yeast and biotech company in Yichang, central China's Hubei province, a display wall catches visitors' attention: high-sugar yeast for bread, specialized yeast for brewing, yeast extracts for hot pot bases, and even yeast protein powder. With hundreds of products and thousands of specifications, Angel has become a global leader in its field. Driven by sustained investment in research and development (R&D), the company has entered a fast track of growth. According to Zhao Xiaojun, deputy general manager of Angel, over the past five years, the company's R&D spending has grown at a compound annual rate of 16 percent, and the company has secured more than 400 authorized invention patents. Innovation is enabling yeast to take on increasingly diverse roles in everyday life, Zhao added. And the story doesn't end with the food industry. "During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, technological innovation has become the central driving force of China's light industry," noted Zhang. "Enterprises have accelerated the establishment of collaborative innovation systems integrating industry, academia, and research, helping the sector move up the global value chain," Zhang added. The results are impressive. As of 2024, China's light industry had obtained over 1.79 million authorized invention patents, with the number of valid patents rising from 127,000 in 2020 to 214,000 in 2024, an average annual increase of 12.3 percent. High-end fiber products are manufactured in a smart workshop of a textile tech firm in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province. (Photo/Liang Xiaopeng) Supply-side innovation, channel upgrading, and open cooperation In Huadu District of Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, nearly 30 automated production lines at Guangzhou Leonis Machinery Co., Ltd,. efficiently assemble bicycles branded Trinx for export to 70 countries and regions. "Since we began expanding overseas in 2016, we've established localized production bases in several countries, including India," said Li Liwei, deputy general manager of Trinx's operations. "For Southeast Asian markets, we've developed cost-effective mountain bikes, while for high-end European consumers, we've designed intelligent electric-assist models. Our precise product strategy has helped maintain an annual overseas growth rate of more than 20 percent." During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China's light industry has consolidated its market advantage through supply-side innovation, channel upgrades, and greater openness and cooperation. In 2024, light industry accounted for 25.9 percent of China's total exports, ranking first among all sectors for the fifth consecutive year. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), both opportunities and challenges lie ahead. "China's light industry will continue to strengthen its capacity for innovation, brand influence, and sustainable development," Zhang said. "By 2030, we aim to cultivate more than 10 globally renowned brands and over 50 regionally distinctive ones, while maintaining our leading global market share for light industrial products," he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Vanguards new Hyderabad hub marks states latest tech milestone as CM Revanth Reddy doubles down on growth and infrastructure. 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. 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 The man who taught Kasab Hindi: Bombay HC revives trial of 26/11 handler Abu Jundal after seven years Mira Sen has covered Indian politics and national developments for over a decade, closely tracking elections, national parties, policymakers, on-the-ground developments and their impact on citizens. Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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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 'Women SHG members can travel up to 100 km free by govt buses': Udhayanidhi Stalin launches welfare initiatives Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Aurobindo Das 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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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 1 / 11 Gurneys Pitta: Once thought extinct, Gurneys Pitta is now one of the worlds most rarely seen birds. Only found in southern Thailand, it is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss. (Image: Canva) Sheetal Kumari 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 The Gemini South telescope in Chile captured interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS racing through the solar system on 27 August. (Image: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/Shadow the ScientistImage Processing: J. Miller & M. Rodriguez (International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab), T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab), M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab)) Sheetal Kumari 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 Google removes AI model after it falsely generated rape allegations against US senator MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. 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 Ankita Chakravarti 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 Missed buying a smartphone during festive sales? Pay more now as companies hike prices Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Smartphone prices have gone up by up to Rs 2,000 for existing models, while prices of upcoming premium phones are expected to rise by more than Rs 6,000 Danish Khan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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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 5 Best Places to Visit in Asia in 2026 Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. From Sri Lankas soulful north to South Koreas volcanic island and Thailands mindful beaches these five Asian destinations redefine travel in 2026. Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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China broadens its visa-free travel policy to more than 40 countries making it easier for global visitors to explore the worlds second-largest economy through 2026. Priyanka Roshan 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 Anthony Albanese to visit India this month: Defence, trade and education high on agenda | Explained Manish Rao is a seasoned journalist who has extensively covered global affairs, geopolitical developments, American politics, and all other things making news around the world. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (R) shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they conclude their joint press conference at Admiralty House in Sydney on May 24, 2023. (Photo by DEAN LEWINS / POOL / AFP) Abhinav Gupta 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 Manish Rao is a seasoned journalist who has extensively covered global affairs, geopolitical developments, American politics, and all other things making news around the world. Pragya Trivedi 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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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 China warns US not to cross its four red lines, names Taiwan as top concern after XiTrump meet US President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands as they arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan on October 30, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) Abhinav Gupta 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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Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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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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 Chhabi Kala 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 India among top sources of doctors and nurses in OECD nations Pragya Trivedi 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 Indian-origin man who washed dishes at restaurant chain buys all 250 outlets of brand he once worked at Indian-origin man who washed dishes at restaurant chain buys all 250 outlets of brand he once worked at (File Image) Pragya Trivedi 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 Jaishankar backs Gaza peace plan in meeting with Israeli FM, says India-Israel ties built on mutual trust External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in New Delhi. Abhinav Gupta 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 Maldives becomes first country to ban smoking for those born after 2007 Manish Rao is a seasoned journalist who has extensively covered global affairs, geopolitical developments, American politics, and all other things making news around the world. Maldives becomes first country to ban smoking for those born after 2007 Chhabi Kala 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 Mamdani poised to win New York mayoral polls: Why it could come as a political setback for Trump? Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani (C) speaks during a campaign event with New York City elected officials on November 1, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. Abhinav Gupta 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 Muhammad Yunus: The 'man of peace' whos turning Bangladesh into Pakistans new proxy against India Abhinav Gupta With over 12 years in digital journalism, has navigated the fast-evolving media landscape, shaping digital strategies and leading high-impact newsrooms. Currently, he serves as News Editor at MoneyControl, leading coverage in Global Affairs, Indian Politics, Governance and Policy Making. Previously, he has spearheaded fact-checking and digital media operations at Press Trust of India. Abhinav has also led news desks at Financial Express, DNA, and Jagran English, managing editorial direction, breaking news coverage, and digital growth. His journey includes stints with The Indian Express Group, Zee Media Group, and more, where he has honed his expertise in newsroom leadership, audience engagement, and digital transformation. Economically, Yunus has chosen a path that appears self-defeating for Bangladesh but politically rewarding for his new narrative. (Photo by Munir UZ ZAMAN / AFP) Abhinav Gupta 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 Over 7,000 truckers banned in US for failing English test: Why Indian drivers are most affected Manish Rao is a seasoned journalist who has extensively covered global affairs, geopolitical developments, American politics, and all other things making news around the world. English test crackdown bars over 7,000 truckers across US; Indian-origin drivers among most affected Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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I Accept Pilgrims at Wagah crossing, tension on the border: Why India should be wary of Pakistans gesture | Explained Indian Sikh pilgrims queue at the India-Pakistan Wagah border in Wagah on November 4, 2025, for their visit to Pakistan to pay their respects on the eve of celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism. (Photo by Narinder NANU / AFP) Abhinav Gupta 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 Pragya Trivedi 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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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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US courts intervene to stop deportation of Indian-origin man freed after wrongful murder conviction Pragya Trivedi 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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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 White House releases rare photos of Xi Jinping laughing with Trump: Why China wont see them US President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands as they arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan on October 30, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) Abhinav Gupta 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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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 November 22, 2005 The VP Why is Cheney so full of hate? Milbank: Vice President Cheney protested yesterday that he had been misunderstood when he said last week that critics of the White House over Iraq were "dishonest and reprehensible." What he meant to say, he explained to his former colleagues at the American Enterprise Institute, was that those who question the White Houses use of prewar intelligence were not only "dishonest and reprehensible" but also "corrupt and shameless." Maybe it is this: Bypass Surgery: Good for Your Heart, but Bad for Your Mind? The exact number of people who suffer post-operative cognitive changes from [coronary artery bypass grafting] is unknown. Researchers use different testing methods to assess mental functioning. Studies indicate anywhere from 20%-80% of bypass patients suffer some mental impairment. Initially, doctors thought the deficits were temporary. But researchers at Duke University Medical Center measured declines in 42% of patients five years post-operatively. It would fit with Brent Scowcrofts words: I consider Cheney a good friendIve known him for thirty years. But Dick Cheney I dont know anymore. So how does the U.S. assess and get rid of an ill VP? Yves here. John Ruehls generally informative piece on how the US and China are seeking to secure their technology spheres of influence is marred by at least one historical inaccuracy. Ruehl asserts that the former Soviet Union relied on a militarized approach to extend its reach. In fact, the USSR in Africa and I assume other parts of the world cultivated friends and allies by providing economic assistance with no military strings attached. That was a big reason most African states were willing to defy the US and EU during their shock and awe sanctions against at the start of the Ukraine conflict, that the USSRs residual good will extended to modern Russia. Ruehl in passing makes a point that came up in our recent discussion of the near-impossibility for the US of restoring domestic manufacturing at meaningful scale: that power projection via diffusion of operations (as in having allies run technologically important activities) also diffuses expertise. By John P. Ruehl, an Australian-American journalist living in Washington, D.C., and a world affairs correspondent for the Independent Media Institute. He is a contributor to several foreign affairs publications, and his book, Budget Superpower: How Russia Challenges the West With an Economy Smaller Than Texas, was published in December 2022. Produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute The U.S.-UK technology deal announced in September 2025 promises to accelerate Britains AI sector, but critics warn it will happen at the expense of national tech sovereignty. It reflects the steady trend of U.S. government and private interests extending a technologically driven form of hegemony, employing communications, data, and AI systems to deepen dependence on American networks and weaponize against rivals. China has built a parallel structure of influence through its own technology exports, manufacturing base, and integrated supply chains, challenging the American model without the costly global military footprint. And unlike earlier empires, Washingtons and Beijings systems increasingly overlap: Spain, long considered a reliable partner for American tech firms and data security, has faced U.S. pressureafter contracting with Chinese company Huawei in July to store judicial wiretap data. Yet both tech-driven networks face a growing diffusion of capability. Advances in manufacturing, resource mapping, and digital development are making it easier for smaller states to build industries that have until now been dominated by major powersSmall countries like Taiwan and the Netherlands have curated specialized offerings in niche parts of the global AI supply chain, stated an article in the digital law and policy journal Just Security. A more balanced and competitive order could emerge, though the U.S. and China still retain major leverage. The U.S. has maintained a strong foreign presence for more than a century. When Elihu Root became Secretary of War in 1899, he had already spent decades cultivating the nations elites as a lawyer and once in office, he modernized the army for sustained overseas operations. Subsequent American expansion in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines was framed as paternal administrationto spread the civilizing mission to those less fortunate in need of a long period of paternal tuitionrather than colonial conquest. Yet military power remained central to advancing government and private American interests. After World War II, the collapse of European empires left the U.S. and the Soviet Union with competing spheres of influence. Unlike Moscows more militarized approach, Washingtons forms of control were more in accordance with the will of the local populations, creating what scholars called an empire by invitation, according to Norwegian historian Geir Lundestad. Military and subversive power were often used to promote U.S. interests, but many states partnered voluntarily to receive financial and technical assistance. With the Soviet collapse in 1991, the U.S. entered a new phase of expansion. Technologies like GPS, which reached full global coverage in 1993, expanded American power as a silent utility providing an increasingly essential service. The rapid spread of the internet under U.S. oversight further extended American standards and control across global communications, while the rise of tech giants like Microsoft, Intel, and Google embedded U.S. software and hardware at the center of globalized technology systems. Even as global military demobilization followed the Cold War, Washington demonstrated its continued combat and technological dominance through limited conflicts in the Persian Gulf and precision strikes in the Balkans. Dominating global arms exports, it deepened leverage by integrating more countries into U.S. weapons systems and defense supply chains. Yet within years, the failures in Afghanistan and Iraq exposed the limits of invasions and occupation, which no longer guaranteed control over resources or populations. As of March 2025, America had 1.3 million personnel stationed abroad, reflecting an outdated emphasis on physical presence. With nearly 90 percent of corporate assets in advanced economies now intangible, such as software, patents, and intellectual property, the same logic applies to power projection. Digital networks and remote capabilities have replaced much of what permanent garrisons once represented. Trumps October 2025 suggestion to reclaim Afghanistans Bagram airbase to counter China, if genuine, reflects the durability of that older strategic thinking. Analysts noted that most of the surveillance and strike capabilities he referenced are already met through long-endurance drones, sensor arrays, and satellites. The vulnerability of Russias Black Sea Fleet in Crimea to drones and missile strikes during the war with Ukraine further shows the new limits of fixed bases in contested regions. Under the Obama administration, the U.S. had already adjusted military strategy toward targeted strikes, digital surveillance, cyber operations, and space-based surveillance, collectively known as triple canopy. These measures expanded under the Trump and Biden administrations, with the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) unveiling major advances in biometric drones that are capable of more effectively identifying and targeting individuals. Space has regained its centrality to reducing the sprawling American military burden. In September 2025, the Space Development Agency launched the first phase of its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a mesh of low-orbit satellites for global surveillance and communication. Other programs like the Golden Dome, building on Reagans Star Wars and Obamas triple canopy concepts, seek to fuse space, land, and cyber networks into an automated U.S. defense grid integrated with the private sector. AI and autonomous ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) systems have steadily outsourced more decision-making to code. Much of this technological architecture extends beyond the military. Dual-use systems like Starlink and integrated AI tools have become indispensable to governments and populations alike. Many countries host their public data on American cloud servers, while their citizens communicate through WhatsApp and pay for services through Google Paydaily dependencies maintained without a single U.S. soldier in sight. Chinas Challenge China is also building counterspace weapons and satellite systems to resist U.S. orbital dominance, and its military capabilities are similarly matched by strategic and commercial components. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, and its digital extension, the Digital Silk Road, have grown to rival U.S. initiatives. For the first time, Washington faces a competitor able to offer countries comparable material benefits on a scale that not even the Soviet Unions foreign infrastructure projectsever achieved. Despite Western alarm over the security risks associated with Chinese technology, many developing and emerging countries continue to adopt Chinese digital infrastructure. High-quality equipment, low costs, and state-backed financing have made Chinese systems indispensable even for governments aware of the surveillance and dependency potential, which is also true of U.S. technology. Chinas digital infrastructure is deliberately designed for interoperability with subsequent Chinese technologies, ensuring that upgrades and maintenance depend on continued Chinese support. As economist Dev Nathan noted, one of the major ways 21st-century imperialism operates is through global value chains (GVCs) and global production networks. Chinas specialization in production means its GVCs extract value without directly exporting capital. By flooding markets with essential technologies to undercut competitors in smartphones, power grids, payment apps, and communication technologies, it is creating layered dependencies across industries. The manufacturing and logistics dimension of Chinas overseas influence is evident across Europe, once the center of global industrial and imperial power. Belgiums port of Zeebrugge is now 85.5 percent owned by Chinas Cosco, which also holds stakes in nearby Antwerp, Rotterdam, and other European ports. Automated Chinese cranes unload Chinese cargo guided by Chinese logistics softwareand tracking platforms, giving Beijing a presence at every level of the supply chain. U.S. influence remains entrenched, however, and Washington has pressured European allies to block Huawei infrastructure projects and restrict Chinese access to advanced technology sectors. American-based platforms, from social media to cloud infrastructure to software systems, continue to dominate Europes digital ecosystems, and under U.S. pressure, Denmark recently seized a China-owned chipmaker operating in the country, Nexperia, citing serious governance shortcomings. While China has met strong resistance to expanding its technological footprint in Europe, it has emerged as the development partner of choice for much of the Global South. Companies such as Huawei and ZTE now dominate the global 5G market, supplying infrastructure and equipment to dozens of countries. China is now a major force in the digital development of Global South countries, with important implications for their digital economies, societies, policies, etc., stated an article in the journal Information Society. Chinese exports of electronics and electric vehicles have also surged, with more than half now going to non-OECD countries. In the first eight months of 2025, exports to Latin America and the Caribbean rose 11 percent compared to 2024, while shipments increased by 72 percent in the Middle East, 75 percent to ASEAN countries, and 287 percent to Africa compared to last year. In renewable energy, China leads in solar panel and wind turbine production, driving down global costs and accelerating green transitions. These are emerging technologies where China is gaining an early lead, creating dependencies that could last for years. While China maintains no formal military presence abroad, security measures nonetheless help support its aspirations. Its Global Development Initiative for infrastructure-led growth is complemented by the Global Security Initiative for cooperative stability. Chinese policing programs also provide training and joint security patrols in partner countries, while private military companieshelp secure BRI infrastructure alongside local and national forces. Diffusion of Tech Power Breaking the U.S.-China tech infrastructure duopoly is a formidable challenge, and Russias war in Ukraine illustrates how dependent Moscow remains on the old paradigm of territorial control, spurred partly by its limited ability to compete through modern, networked influence. Even so, Russia has experimented with tech services-based model of empire, achieving some success in providing tech surveillance in Belarus and Central Asia, and with its GLONASS global navigation service. In 2024, Russia also signed agreements with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to supply satellites and telecommunications systems, while Russian aerospace firm Bureau 1440 is attempting to develop a global broadband network. Despite these efforts, Russia lags behind, and its window to expand influence may be closing as a wider flattening of technological capabilities takes hold. Factories, technologies, and resources have become easier to localize, eroding the advantages once held by major powers. Lights out automated factories, for example, reduce the appeal of foreign labor, while factory construction has become more streamlined. During the Biden administrations reshoring and friendshoring manufacturing initiatives, for example, China quickly established industrial plants in Mexico. While this demonstrated Chinas manufacturing dominance, it also highlighted how easily industrial capacity could be replicated abroad. India and Southeast Asian countries have similarly scaled up their manufacturing in recent years, diffusing Chinas previous concentration of power. The same decentralizing trend is visible in financial technology. Brazils Pix system, unveiled in 2020, shows that middle-power countries can now develop independent digital payment networks without relying on Chinese or American financial infrastructure. Resource control is likewise losing its traditional strategic weight. Afghanistans mineral wealth, for example, was once seen as a critical prize for conquest, but now matters less as renewable energy and advanced minerals mapping technologies have expanded supply. After years of focus on South American lithium reserves, Germany recently announced one of the worlds largest deposits, and it is unlikely to be the last breakthrough discovery. As scarcity potentially declines and technology and manufacturing become more widely distributed, the competition for resources and the monopolies that once defined empire may finally begin to ease. Yet the collapse of technological empires means military force could once again become the main instrument of power, as Russia has demonstrated. Another issue lies in American and Chinese entities simply consolidating their technological dominance, stifling or hijacking innovation, and blocking new systems from emerging. Even as capabilities begin to flatten globally, both powers remain invested in preserving their rivalry rather than allowing a more open order to emerge. New subscriber benefit! Copied to clipboard Out of gifts for the month Unfortunately you've used all of your gifts this month. Your counter will reset on the first day of next month. Share this article paywall-free A stated goal of the Trump administration is to dismantle the federal Department of Education. During the latest government shutdown, the administration announced the firing of dozens of employees in the Office of Special Education Programs though as of last week, a federal judge had put those firings on hold. OSEP is a key office that provides oversight to make sure school districts are meeting the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Tennessees educators working with special needs children will no longer be monitored by the federal government monitoring that helps states comply with the special education law, says Dr. Douglas Fuchs, professor of special education at Vanderbilt University. That lack of oversight means parents will have one less avenue to hold districts accountable when they believe a school has violated IDEA. The special education law requires that certain procedures and safeguards be put in place for students with disabilities, including how a students individualized education program is developed and a variety of rights that parents have throughout that process. While the state of Tennessee manages the complaint process, it can be especially challenging to navigate for parents who are new to the IEP process. This is why parents often look to special education advocates to help them during the process. Special education advocates have historically played a most important role in helping ensure that students with disabilities get the education they need and deserve, Fuchs tells the Scene. Advocates, often working collaboratively with educators, help to keep educators eye on the ball. This is important because it is sometimes difficult for well-meaning but overtaxed and under-resourced educators to keep their responsibilities to students with disabilities in mind. State Education Committee Considers 2026 Legislative Priorities Upcoming session could include policy on state testing, teacher evaluations, school calendars and career/technical education In Middle Tennessee, recent stories over the past few years show the need for this kind of support. Early this year, an appeals court ruled that the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System must provide almost 900 hours of specialized reading support for a disabled student who graduated high school without the ability to read. Last year, parents of a student in Williamson County alleged, among other things, that the school district refused to hold timely IEP meetings. Timely meetings are a requirement under IDEA. When Kate Cortelyous autistic son received an IEP nine years ago, she was surprised by how difficult the experience was. It was, to be honest, a terrible experience, says Cortelyou. I went into those early meetings assuming Id be treated with respect and that the staff would be honest and compassionate. That wasnt the case. Cortelyou says she experienced condescension and hurtful comments from Metro Nashville Public Schools during the process. She also experienced what she thought were blatant violations. That spurred her into action she completed advocacy training and studied materials provided by OSEP. The loss of staff at OSEP means that, according to Fuchs, building-based practitioners will no longer be able to rely on technical assistance, or guidance, that OSEP has provided when teachers are trying to instruct or otherwise support students with disabilities. Without that guidance, parents may need to rely more on advocates who have a strong grasp of the laws and procedures. Cortelyou turned her personal experience into a career as a special education advocate, working with families to help guide them through the special education process. She now runs her own special education advocacy firm. My first job is to understand the law and rights it guarantees, Cortelyou says. She hopes to bridge the gap between parents who are navigating a complicated special education system and the school district, which may be underfunded. The lack of background knowledge on special education can be challenging for parents, as teachers and administrators often talk in jargon and acronyms, assuming the parents have the same knowledge. Parents often use an advocate as a translator of sorts to fully understand what is happening. When parents bring an advocate to an IEP meeting, its often seen by the school system as an act of escalation rather than a parent simply needing the support. For example, the aforementioned Williamson County family alleged that their rights were violated after the school system canceled an IEP meeting simply because the family came to a meeting with an advocate. Its important to recognize that when parents push for services, ask questions or hire an advocate, it doesnt make them difficult, says Cortelyou. Cortelyou has started to provide special education commentary via her TikTok account, @KateCortelyou. She joined TikTok after a video she posted on Instagram in which she tells her autistic son that she was also diagnosed as autistic went viral and was featured on Good Morning America. Her TikTok account has grown to nearly 20,000 followers, with her videos gaining millions of views. Parents and teachers often report getting special education information through social media, saying theyre not receiving the information they need during IEP meetings. Cortelyou wants parents to know its OK to ask questions. Asking questions, seeking support, and ensuring your child receives what they need is not being difficult, she says. Its being a responsible, engaged parent. Parents of children with IEPs should receive whats known as a notice of procedural safeguards during any official special education meeting. That document provides resources, including information on how to file complaints and how to find advocacy and legal services. Nonprofits such as Support and Training for Exceptional Parents, Disability Rights TN, and The Arc Tennessee have great resources for parents of children with disabilities. Zack Barnes, Ph.D., is an associate professor of literacy at Austin Peay State University, where he researches executive function and reading development. Before APSU, he spent five years as a special education teacher in MNPS. According to data compiled by the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China's electrification component market showed a clearer competitive landscape from January to August 2025. In power battery market, CATL led the pack with 130,439 MWh installed (39.9% share), followed by FinDreams Battery with 93,207 MWh (28.5%). In the power battery pack segment, FinDreams Battery took the lead with 2,359,847 units installed (31.8%). FinDreams-affiliated companies also ranked among the leaders in BMS, electric motor controllers, and onboard charger (OBC), underscoring their strong overall competitiveness in new energy vehicle (NEV) core components. Overall, most core component markets are dominated by automakers' in-house supply, showing a high level of concentration. Meanwhile, mid-tier players are locked in intense competition, with ongoing technological upgrades and supply chain localization driving a more diverse and dynamic industry landscape. Top power battery suppliers CATL: 130,439 MWh installed, 39.9% market share FinDreams Battery: 93,207 MWh installed, 28.5% market share CALB: 19,934 MWh installed, 6.1% market share Gotion High-tech: 15,712 MWh installed, 4.8% market share SVOLT: 9,974 MWh installed, 3.1% market share ZENERGY: 9,535 MWh installed, 2.9% market share Sunwoda: 9,226 MWh installed, 2.8% market share ENERGEE: 8,358 MWh installed, 2.6% market share EVE Energy: 6,755 MWh installed, 2.1% market share LG Energy Solution: 6,482 MWh installed, 2.0% market share The power battery market was marked by dual dominance and high concentration. CATL led with 130,439 MWh (39.9% share), followed by FinDreams Battery with 93,207 MWh (28.5%), forming a clear two-giant structure. CALB (6.1%), Gotion High-tech (4.8%), and SVOLT (3.1%) made up the second tier, while others such as ZENERGY, EVE Energy, and LG Energy Solution each held below 3%. Overall, the top 5 suppliers captured over 82% of the market. The industry was consolidating around major players, with technology innovation and large-scale delivery emerging as key differentiators. Top power battery pack suppliers FinDreams Battery: 2,359,847 sets installed, 31.8% market share CATL: 1,421,978 sets installed, 19.2% market share Tesla: 363,077 sets installed, 4.9% market share Gotion High-tech: 348,988 sets installed, 4.7% market share Shanju Battery: 338,973 sets installed, 4.6% market share REPT: 335,939 sets installed, 4.5% market share CALB: 317,786 sets installed, 4.3% market share SVOLT: 286,687 sets installed, 3.9% market share Leapmotor: 223,837 sets installed, 3.0% market share Sunwoda: 144,940 sets installed, 2.0% market share The power battery pack market showed a clear shift toward in-house production, exceeding 50% of total installations. FinDreams Battery led the pack with 31.8% and 2,359,847 units, followed by CATL with 19.2% and 1,421,978 units. Together they held 51.0% of the market. Tesla, Gotion High-tech, Shanju Battery, and REPT each claimed around 4.5%-4.9%, while Leapmotor and other automakers with self-developed pack systems accounted for about 3%. Overall, the market remained highly concentrated at the top, with intense competition among mid- and lower-tier players, reflecting an industry in active transition. Top BMS suppliers FinDreams Battery: 2,447,364 sets installed, 33.0% market share CATL: 1,290,928 sets installed, 17.4% market share LIGOO: 1,148,102 sets installed, 15.5% market share UAES: 568,050 sets installed, 7.7% market share Tesla: 363,077 sets installed, 4.9% market share Leapmotor: 255,543 sets installed, 3.4% market share Dr. Octopus: 205,436 sets installed, 2.8% market share G-Pulse: 203,096 sets installed, 2.7% market share VREMT: 174,018 sets installed, 2.3% market share Guochuang Software: 135,559 sets installed, 1.8% market share In the Battery Management System (BMS) market, automakers increasingly pursued independent control and in-house development. FinDreams Battery took the lead with 2,447,364 units installed (33.0% share), followed by CATL (17.4%) and LIGOO (15.5%), together capturing over 65% of the market. UAES (7.7%) and Tesla (4.9%) also held notable shares, while othersincluding Leapmotor, Dr. Octopuseach accounted for less than 5%. Tesla and Leapmotor achieved independent BMS supply, enhancing their control over core technologies and reshaping the competitive landscape. Top electric drive motor suppliers FinDreams Powertrain: 2,357,422 sets installed, 26.9% market share Huawei Digital Power: 583,354 sets installed, 6.7% market share INOVANCE Automotive: 475,280 sets installed, 5.4% market share Tesla: 445,842 sets installed, 5.1% market share UAES: 339,347 sets installed, 3.9% market share GLB Intelligence & Power: 322,318 sets installed, 3.7% market share InfiMotion: 292,572 sets installed, 3.3% market share HYCET: 291,442 sets installed, 3.3% market share NIO Power Technology: 286,669 sets installed, 3.3% market share Shuanglin Auto Parts: 244,223 sets installed, 2.8% market share FinDreams Powertrain led the electric drive motor market with 2,357,422 units installed (26.9% share), maintaining a dominant position. Huawei Digital Power and INOVANCE Automotive ranked second and third with 6.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Tesla (5.1%) and UAES (3.9%) also held notable shares, while GLB Intelligence & Power, InfiMotion, and HYCET each accounted for around 2.8%3.7%. Top electric motor controller suppliers FinDreams Powertrain: 2,357,422 sets installed, 26.9% market share INOVANCE Automotive: 948,260 sets installed, 10.8% market share Huawei Digital Power: 567,547 sets installed, 6.5% market share Tesla: 445,906 sets installed, 5.1% market share UAES: 383,167 sets installed, 4.4% market share GLB Intelligence & Power: 290,447 sets installed, 3.3% market share NIO Power Technology: 286,669 sets installed, 3.3% market share HYCET: 220,283 sets installed, 2.5% market share Shuanglin Auto Parts: 205,216 sets installed, 2.3% market share Zhixin Technology: 192,263 sets installed, 2.2% market share In the electric motor controller market, automakers' in-house production exceeded half of total installations. FinDreams Powertrain led the pack with 26.9% and 2,357,422 units, followed by INOVANCE Automotive (10.8%) and Huawei Digital Power (6.5%). Tesla (5.1%) and UAES (4.4%) also held steady shares. NIO Power Technology (3.3%) and Zhixin Technology (2.2%)both automaker-linkedreflected growing self-sufficiency in motor controller development. Top suppliers of power semiconductor device (dedicated to e-drive) BYD Semiconductor: 2,356,147 sets installed, 26.9% market share CRRC Times Semiconductor: 1,247,997 sets installed, 14.2% market share Silan Microelectronics: 658,228 sets installed, 7.5% market share Infineon: 632,676 sets installed, 7.2% market share StarPower Semiconductor: 564,450 sets installed, 6.4% market share United Nova Technology: 510,631 sets installed, 5.8% market share STMicroelectronics: 458,648 sets installed, 5.2% market share UAES: 421,160 sets installed, 4.8% market share AccoPower Semiconductor: 227,197 sets installed, 2.6% market share Huawei Digital Power: 190,302 sets installed, 2.2% market share In the power semiconductor device (dedicated to e-drive) market, high concentration was a defining feature. BYD Semiconductor led the pack with a 26.9% share, followed by CRRC Times Semiconductor (14.2%) and Silan Microelectronics (7.5%), with the top 3 approaching 50% combined. The top 5 suppliers together captured over 62% of the market. The landscape reflected both the rapid rise of domestic players, driven by supply chain integration and scale advantages, and the active participation of international manufacturers, resulting in a fiercely competitive pattern of high concentration and Chinaforeign rivalry. Top OBC suppliers FinDreams Powertrain: 2,152,122 sets installed, 29.0% market share VMAX: 1,397,202 sets installed, 18.8% market share SHINRY: 644,314 sets installed, 8.7% market share EVTECH: 619,103 sets installed, 8.3% market share Enpower: 571,598 sets installed, 7.7% market share Huawei Digital Power: 416,964 sets installed, 5.6% market share Sanmina: 363,287 sets installed, 4.9% market share Megmeet: 281,717 sets installed, 3.8% market share TC Charger: 170,213 sets installed, 2.3% market share INOVANCE Automotive: 158,669 sets installed, 2.1% market share FinDreams Powertrain led the Onboard Charger (OBC) market with 2,152,122 units installed (29% share), followed by VMAX (18.8%), with the two together capturing nearly half of total installations. SHINRY (8.7%), EVTECH (8.3%), and Enpower (7.7%) ranked third to fifth, bringing the top five suppliers' combined share to 73%, underscoring the markets strong concentration. Huawei Digital Power, Sanmina, and others held shares between 2.1% and 5.6%, reflecting a structure dominated by two leading players and diverse competition among mid-tier suppliers. Top suppliers of multi-in-one main drive system (dedicated to BEVs) FinDreams Powertrain: 1,012,310 sets installed, 25.3% market share Tesla: 363,287 sets installed, 9.1% market share GLB Intelligence & Power: 322,318 sets installed, 8.0% market share INOVANCE Automotive: 205,716 sets installed, 5.1% market share UAES: 200,472 sets installed, 5.0% market share NIO Power Technology: 173,085 sets installed, 4.3% market share Quzhou Jidian: 146,894 sets installed, 3.7% market share CRRC Times Electric: 134,562 sets installed, 3.4% market share Lingsheng Powertech: 131,967 sets installed, 3.3% market share DEEPAL: 115,591 sets installed, 2.9% market share In the multi-in-one main drive system (dedicated to BEVs) market, the trend toward in-house supply by automakers became increasingly evident. FinDreams Powertrain led the pack with a 25.3% market share, followed by Tesla (9.1%) and GLB Intelligence & Power (8.0%), forming the second competitive tier. INOVANCE Automotive (5.1%), UAES (5.0%), and NIO Power Technology (4.3%) also continued to expand their presence. Overall, leading players maintained dominant positions, while automakers' self-supply models prevailed. Competition increasingly focused on efficiency optimization and lightweight design within main drive systems. Top electrical compressor suppliers FinDreams Technology: 2,021,764 sets installed, 27.2% market share Sanden Hasco: 1,214,723 sets installed, 16.4% market share Aotecar: 991,326 sets installed, 13.4% market share Welling: 681,963 sets installed, 9.2% market share Highly: 508,352 sets installed, 6.8% market share ZonCen New Energy: 473,470 sets installed, 6.4% market share SANDEN: 181,644 sets installed, 2.4% market share Hanon Systems: 162,047 sets installed, 2.2% market share Chongqing Chaoli High-Tech: 160,200 sets installed, 2.2% market share Wilo: 160,032 sets installed, 2.2% market share In the electric compressor market, high concentration among top players was evident, with the top 5 suppliers capturing 73% of total installations. FinDreams Technology took the lead with 2,021,764 units installed (27.2% share), followed by Sanden Hasco (16.4%) and Aotecar (13.4%). Welling, Highly, and ZonCen New Energy also held notable positions, while SANDEN, Hanon Systems, Chongqing Chaoli High-Tech, and Wilo each accounted for around 2%3%. Critics accuse Zelensky of using wartime powers to consolidate authority amid democracy concerns Critics accuse President Zelensky of using legal actions and wartime powers to sideline political opponents, raising concerns about Ukraine's democratic norms. The indictment of former Ukrenergo chairman Vladimir Kudritsky is cited as part of a pattern of politically motivated prosecutions aimed at consolidating power under Zelensky and his aide Andrey Ermak. Intensifying Russian strikes on energy and military facilities have fueled public frustration, with observers warning the government may seek scapegoats for disruptions. Anti-corruption activist Daria Kaleniuk and Ukrainian lawmakers argue that the president is leveraging the judiciary to weaken rivals, echoing earlier actions against former President Petro Poroshenko. Russia claims Zelensky's term expired in May 2024, complicating peace negotiations, while Western media express concern over the consolidation of power amid war pressures and the potential long-term impact on Ukraine's democracy. Critics of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are accusing his administration of using legal measures to sideline political opponents, raising concerns about the health of Ukraine's democracy, Politico reported on Friday, Oct. 31. The allegations come amid increasing pressures from the ongoing war with Russia, which has placed the government under scrutiny both domestically and internationally. The report cites the recent indictment of Vladimir Kudritsky, former chairman of Ukraine's national energy operator, Ukrenergo, as part of a broader pattern of political prosecutions. Kudritsky, who was dismissed from his post in 2024, told Politico that the embezzlement charges brought against him were politically motivated, aimed at centralizing power under Zelensky and his top aide, Andrey Ermak. "The charges are not about justice," Kudritsky said. "They are about consolidating control and limiting competition within the political system." Some Ukrainian executives and foreign observers have warned that the intensifying Russian strikes on energy and military-industrial facilities could prompt the government to target scapegoats for disruptions. Local media reported in October that prolonged outages and damage to infrastructure have already fueled public frustration. A foreign policy expert cited by Politico said, "There are parts of Ukraine that probably wont have any electricity until the spring People are already pissed off about this, so the president's office needs scapegoats." Opponents warn of democratic erosion as Zelensky centralizes power Prominent activist and anti-corruption watchdog head Daria Kaleniuk argued that Zelensky's administration is using the ongoing conflict with Russia to monopolize power, raising alarms about the erosion of democratic norms. Ukrainian lawmakers have similarly accused the president of leveraging the judiciary to "clear the field of competitors" in anticipation of a potential ceasefire and future election. The actions echo measures taken against Zelensky's predecessor, former President Petro Poroshenko, who was sanctioned and arraigned on corruption charges earlier this year, potentially blocking him from seeking reelection. Western media outlets have previously expressed concern over Zelensky's consolidation of power and use of legal mechanisms to weaken political rivals. The move comes as Ukraine faces intense domestic pressures, including rising energy costs, war fatigue among the population and the need to maintain public confidence during an ongoing conflict. Adding to political tension, Russia has claimed that Zelensky's presidential term expired in May 2024, warning that any peace agreement signed by him could later be invalidated by a future Ukrainian government. These competing claims underscore the complex political and security challenges Ukraine faces as it balances wartime governance with democratic accountability. As the war enters its third year, Ukraine's leadership faces mounting scrutiny both at home and abroad, with critics warning that the combination of military crisis and political maneuvering could have long-term implications for the country's democratic institutions. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Zelensky's invocation of wartime powers has allowed him to centralize authority, suspend constitutional checks and balances and potentially undermine democratic institutions in Ukraine, raising concerns about the long-term impact on civil liberties and the rule of law. While these measures may be necessary for immediate crisis management, they should be subject to rigorous scrutiny and have clear sunset provisions to prevent their misuse. Watch the video below where Zelesnky expresses Kyiv's urgent need for Tomahawk missiles. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com BigNewsNetwork.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com A scented shield: How essential oils offer a natural defense against household mold Plant-based oils like tea tree, clove and cinnamon contain compounds that disrupt and neutralize mold spores. Indoor mold can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues and gut problems by producing mycotoxins and allergens. Specific essential oil combinations, applied via massage or diffusion, can support respiratory and digestive health against mold-related ailments. While beneficial for air quality, essential oils are not a substitute for physical mold removal from surfaces in the home. Controlling indoor humidity and ensuring regular cleaning of mold-prone areas like air conditioners and water bottles are crucial to prevent mold growth. For individuals concerned with indoor air quality and holistic health, a potent, plant-based solution is emerging from an unexpected source: the fragrant world of essential oils. Mounting evidence from both traditional practice and scientific research indicates that oils derived from cloves, tea tree, cinnamon and a host of other botanicals possess remarkable antifungal properties that can disrupt and neutralize mold spores. This news matters now, as people spend more time indoors and seek safer alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners. These essential oils are not a direct substitute for scrubbing away visible mold, but they offer a dual-pronged approach: purifying the air of airborne spores and, when used topically in diluted blends, supporting the body's own defenses against mold-related health issues. The science of scent: How oils disrupt mold The power of these essential oils lies in their complex chemical makeup. They are rich in bioactive compounds that are toxic to fungi but generally safe for humans when used properly. The most potent anti-mold agents often fall into two chemical categories. Phenolic essential oils, such as clove, oregano and thyme, contain powerful compounds like eugenol, carvacrol and thymol. These substances are known to effectively disrupt the cell membranes of mold spores, leading to their neutralization. The second group, aldehyde essential oils, includes lemongrass and cinnamon bark. These oils, rich in citral and cinnamaldehyde, exhibit strong antifungal and antiseptic properties, killing airborne spores and inhibiting fungal growth. This scientific understanding provides a foundation for their strategic use in creating a healthier home environment. Supporting the bodys defense systems Beyond air purification, diluted essential oils can be used topically to support the body's systems affected by mold exposure. Aromatherapists note that the primary benefit for personal health lies in boosting the immune response, not in physically removing mold from the body. For respiratory support, a blend incorporating soothing oils like lavender and frankincense with more potent anti-mold oils like thyme and litsea cubeba can be diluted and massaged onto the chest or back. This approach is designed to bolster lung health and resilience. Similarly, for gut healthwhich can be affected by ingesting mold sporesa gentle abdominal massage with a blend of lavender, German chamomile and antifungal thyme oil may help soothe inflammation and discomfort, as evidenced by one aromatherapist's experience in alleviating her son's mold-related digestive distress. The limits of oils in household mold remediation It is crucial to understand the boundaries of what essential oils can achieve. While they are excellent for improving air quality and discouraging mold growth, they are not considered effective for removing existing mold colonies from surfaces. For visible black mold, especially on porous materials, physical removal is the first and most critical step. Experts recommend scrubbing with a brush and water. For stubborn stains, oxygen-based bleaching agents like sodium percarbonate can be effective. While chemical cleaners like bleach can be used with extreme caution and proper ventilation, they carry risks of harmful fumes and surface damage. In this context, essential oils are best used as a preventative measureadded to mop water or a diffuserto freshen the air and discourage mold from taking hold, rather than as a primary cleaner for significant infestations. A historical shift toward plant-based solutions The use of plants for purification and medicine is a practice with deep historical roots, from the use of smoke in cleansing rituals to the application of herbal poultices. The modern embrace of essential oils for mold mitigation represents a return to these natural principles, fueled by a growing desire to reduce exposure to synthetic chemicals. Conventional mold cleaners like bleach often release volatile organic compounds and harsh fumes, contributing to indoor air pollution. In contrast, plant-based solutions offer a chemical-free way to reclaim clean air. This shift aligns with a broader movement towards integrative health and environmentally conscious living, where ancient wisdom is validated by contemporary science to address a persistent household problem. Harnessing nature for healthier homes The evidence is clear that essential oils provide a valuable, multi-faceted tool in the ongoing effort to maintain healthy indoor spaces. From the microbial-killing power of tea tree oil to the mold-suppressing strength of clove, these natural extracts offer a way to combat mold at its sourceboth in the environment and in supporting the bodys response to it. While they are not a cure-all and cannot replace necessary physical cleaning, their strategic use in diffusion and topical applications presents a safer, aromatic alternative for those seeking to mitigate the risks of mold. As with any natural remedy, knowledge and proper application are key, turning these ancient botanical extracts into a modern shield for personal and home wellness. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com PubMed.com PubMed.com GreenOrchardGroup.com MiracleBotanicals.com A new era of internet governance: Individual U.S. states now mandating AGE VERIFICATION for app stores A new era of internet governance is being driven by states like Texas, Utah and Louisiana, which have passed laws requiring age verification for app store users, effectively ending anonymous online access. In response, Google is developing a technical framework called the Play Signals API, which will transmit a user's verified age range to app developers, who must then build age-appropriate experiences and shoulder the legal burden of compliance. This state-by-state approach creates a patchwork of regulations, forcing developers to build different versions of their apps for different states and increasing costs, which could stifle innovation and harm smaller companies. While the stated goal is child safety, the age verification systems being built threaten personal privacy. The data used could evolve into persistent digital identifiers, leading to widespread user profiling and a system where "age verification" becomes "identity verification." By targeting app stores, these laws represent a fundamental challenge to the internet's foundational principle of pseudonymity, setting a powerful precedent for state-level digital regulation that could redefine the balance between safety and liberty online. A new era of internet governance is quietly taking shape, not from Washington D.C., but from state capitals in the South and West. In response to a wave of new state-level digital identification laws, technology giant Google will now mandate age verification for app store users driven by legislation in Texas, Utah. and Louisiana. At the heart of this shift is Google's new Play Signals application programming interface (API) currently in a beta testing phase. An API is a set of rules that allows different software applications to talk to each other. In simplified terms, Google is building a digital pipeline. This pipeline will carry a user's verified age range such as whether they are a child, a teen or an adult from Google's systems directly to the developers who create mobile apps. The developers are then responsible for building age-appropriate experiences, such as locking adult-themed content or linking a minor's account to a parent's profile. This technical rollout is a direct preemptive strike against impending regulations. Google's solution positions the company as a neutral intermediary, providing the plumbing for compliance while shifting the legal and operational burden of adhering to the laws onto the millions of developers in its ecosystem. Starting in early 2026, a domino effect of state laws will come into force. Texas' version of the App Store Accountability Act takes effect first on Jan. 1, followed by Utah on May 7 and Louisiana on July 1. Each statute compels app marketplaces like Google Play to use "commercially reasonable" methods to confirm a user's age category. A fractured digital landscape The implications of this state-by-state rollout extend far beyond child safety. For the first time, the United States is creating a geofenced digital ecosystem where the rules of access change at the state border. An app developer in California can no longer build a single product for the entire U.S. market. They must now engineer their software to interpret different age signals and comply with a patchwork of parental consent and data handling rules that vary from Texas to Utah. This fragmentation promises to dramatically increase the cost and complexity of software development, potentially stifling innovation and disadvantaging smaller developers who lack large legal and engineering teams. Given this, Google is providing developers with a tool called the FakeAgeSignalsManager. This allows them to simulate different age verification scenarios during the testing phase of their apps. While a practical step, it underscores the profound shift underway. Developers are now required to build and test for a reality where every user carries a state-verified digital age tag, a fundamental departure from the pseudonymous nature that has long defined internet culture. While the stated goal of these laws is the noble aim of protecting children online, the architecture being built presents a significant threat to personal privacy. The data points that determine age can easily evolve into a persistent set of digital identifiers. These identifiers could be linked to a user's activity across different apps, accounts and even devices. Once this system of age signals is standardized, critics fear it is a short technical step to integrating them with existing advertising, analytics and behavioral tracking systems. This tension between safety and privacy has not gone unnoticed by the tech industry. Apple, which faces the same legal requirements for its App Store, has publicly stated its support for child safety while issuing a stark warning. The company argues that laws like the one in Texas risk user privacy by requiring the collection of sensitive data from all users, not just minors. Both Apple and Google have historically advocated for less invasive, shared-responsibility solutions that do not compel every user to submit to digital identity checks. The move by the three states represents the most significant regulatory incursion into the architecture of the open web in recent memory. For decades, the internet has operated on a principle of pseudonymity, where users could explore, communicate, and transact without necessarily proving their real-world identity. This has been a double-edged sword, enabling both free expression and harmful behavior. The new state laws, and Google's compliance tools, are a direct challenge to that foundational principle. "A digital ID invades privacy by creating a centralized system that can track and monitor an individual's activities and transactions," said BrightU.AI's Enoch. "This consolidation of personal information poses a threat to freedom, as it can lead to excessive surveillance and control by authorities. The system's inherent design, therefore, enables what can be described as a tyranny over personal liberty." The nation now stands at a crossroads, watching as three states implement a system that could redefine the balance between safety and liberty online. The tools being built today for child protection could become the infrastructure for widespread digital surveillance tomorrow. Watch Jefferey Jaxen and Del Bigtree discussing whether the digital ID is actually a digital trap below. This video is from The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org IDTechWire.com PocketGamer.biz BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Tinderbox ignited: A raid, a municipal workers killing and the unraveling of the Israel-Lebanon border Israeli forces entered the southern Lebanese town of Blida, killing a municipal employee named Ibrahim Salameh while he was sleeping in a municipal building. This action is a significant escalation from the more common cross-border fire. Israel claimed the raid targeted a building used by Hezbollah and that its soldiers fired on an "immediate threat." Lebanese officials and a municipal worker directly contradicted this, stating the building only contained humanitarian supplies like food and medicine. The Lebanese government, from the president to the prime minister, condemned the incursion as a severe violation of their sovereignty. President Aoun issued a direct order for the army to confront any future Israeli incursions, a move that raises the risk of a direct confrontation. Hezbollah condemned the killing as a "new Israeli crime" and accused the United States of greenlighting the escalation. The raid occurred amidst a fragile ceasefire that Israel has repeatedly violated, with recent attacks killing at least 28 people since October. The situation is described as a "tinderbox." The Lebanese president's order to his army, combined with Hezbollah's vow to resist and continued Israeli operations, is eroding deterrence. International sources believe a large-scale Israeli military operation in Lebanon is likely, making this incident a potential catalyst for a full-scale war. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have escalated dramatically following a deadly Israeli ground incursion, prompting a stark directive from the Lebanese president and raising fears of a broader, more destructive conflict. The incident, which resulted in the shocking execution of a municipal worker, has been condemned as a severe violation of Lebanese sovereignty and has intensified the already volatile exchange of fire between Israel and the Hezbollah resistance movement. Israeli forces stormed Blida in Southern Lebanon The crisis unfolded in the pre-dawn hours when an Israeli ground force, accompanied by several military vehicles, stormed the southern Lebanese town of Blida. According to official Lebanese reports, the forces entered the town around 1:30 am and targeted the municipal building. Inside, they located Ibrahim Salameh, a municipal employee, who was asleep at the time. The troops opened fire, executing Salameh while he performed his professional duties. The Israeli force withdrew by approximately 4:00 am, after which the Lebanese army entered the building and recovered Salameh's body. The Israeli military presented a starkly different account of the event, characterizing it as a raid during which they identified a "suspect" in a building. They stated that after an "immediate threat to the soldiers was identified," the troops opened fire and "a hit was identified." The military further claimed that the municipal building had recently been exploited by Hezbollah for terror activity under the guise of civilian infrastructure. This justification was directly contradicted by a municipal employee who told Lebanese media that the targeted building only contained humanitarian supplies, including baby formula, food and medicine. The killing provoked an immediate and forceful response from Lebanon's highest levels of government. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in a meeting with army chief Rudolphe Haikal, called on the country's army to confront any Israeli incursion into the southern territories. He framed the attack on Blida as part of ongoing Israeli aggressive practices, noting it came shortly after a meeting of the committee monitoring the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement. This directive places the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in a precarious position, as they are widely considered incapable of deterring or confronting Israeli attacks directly. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam joined in the condemnation, labeling the incursion a blatant attack on the institutions and sovereignty of the Lebanese state. Hezbollah condemns "new Israeli crime" Hezbollah, the Lebanese resistance group engaged in daily border skirmishes with Israel, issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it called a "new Israeli crime." The group accused the "criminal Zionist enemy" of intensifying its incursions and violating Lebanon's sovereignty, showing disregard for agreements and international laws. In a significant political charge, Hezbollah asserted that the aggression was carried out in partnership with the United States, claiming that "Washington gives the green light for every Israeli escalation." The group pointedly noted that the raid occurred directly after a visit by the American envoy to Lebanon, where she chaired meetings of the monitoring committee. Hezbollah also used the incident to call for bolstering the national army, urging that it be supported with all necessary capabilities to enhance its defensive capacities and be provided with political cover to face this "savage enemy." This call for strengthening the LAF stands in contrast to recent comments from a U.S. envoy, who suggested that the Lebanese army is being supported by Washington to fight its own people, not to protect the country from Israel. This deadly ground raid is set against a backdrop of a significant escalation in Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Despite a ceasefire agreement being in place, these attacks have not stopped and have instead intensified recently, with at least 28 people killed since the start of October. While international law prohibits Israel from attacking Hezbollah members during the ceasefire, Israel claims it is legitimately enforcing the agreement by preventing the Lebanese resistance movement from rebuilding itself. BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that Israeli media reports from the past week have suggested that Hezbollah has managed to rearm itself. The situation has created a tinderbox atmosphere. U.S. officials have publicly threatened Lebanon with a new war if Hezbollah does not surrender its weapons immediately. The direct order from the Lebanese president for his army to confront Israel signals a dangerous erosion of the already fragile deterrence along the border. The killing of a municipal worker in Blida is not an isolated tragedy but a potential catalyst for a wider war that neither Lebanon nor the region can afford. Watch this clip as Israel bombs Southern Lebanon. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co TheGuardian.com TimesOfIsrael.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Alarming research reveals increased SUICIDE risk among transgender individuals post-surgery A study by Canadian researchers found that transgender individuals who underwent gender-affirming surgeries had suicide rates 19 times higher than the general population, with the highest risk occurring in the first year after surgery. The findings align with earlier studies, including a 2014 JAMA study and a 2016 American Journal of Psychiatry study, which also reported elevated suicide risks among transgender individuals post-surgery19 times higher in one and 48 times higher in another. The increased suicide risk is attributed to multiple factors, including the stress of transitioning, the psychological and physical effects of surgery, societal stigma and a lack of long-term post-surgical care and mental health support. There is a growing call for transgender healthcare to focus not just on surgery but also on providing ongoing mental health support throughout the transition process, with some advocating for alternatives to surgery. Healthcare providers and policymakers are urged to rethink current practices and ensure that transgender individuals receive holistic care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs, especially given the rising suicide rates in this population. A groundbreaking study by Canadian researchers has raised serious concerns about the mental health outcomes for transgender individuals who undergo gender-affirming surgeries. Published in the journal SSM - Mental Health, the study reveals a troubling correlation between such surgeries and a significant increase in suicide risk, especially in the year following the procedure. This alarming trend highlights the need for a re-evaluation of current transgender healthcare practices, particularly those focused on mental health support during and after the transition process. The research tracked participants over an average of 11 years and found that transgender individuals who had undergone gender-affirming surgeries experienced suicide rates 19 times higher than the general population. More troubling, the risk of suicide was highest in the first year following surgery, suggesting that the transition process may carry mental health challenges that persist long after the surgery is complete. This stark finding underscores the urgency of addressing the mental health needs of transgender individuals who undergo these procedures. It also adds to a growing body of evidence that points to similar trends. A 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) also found that transgender individuals who had gender-affirming surgeries had suicide rates 19 times higher than those of the general population. Another study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2016, found an even more alarming statistic: transgender individuals who had undergone surgery had a suicide risk 48 times higher than the general population. Complex factors contributing to increased suicide risk and the need for comprehensive care The reasons for this increased risk are complex and not fully understood. Researchers suggest that the stress associated with transitioning, combined with the psychological and physical effects of surgery, may contribute to heightened mental health issues. Many transgender individuals face significant societal stigma and discrimination, which can further exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression. Furthermore, some experts point to the lack of long-term follow-up care and mental health support after surgery, which may leave individuals vulnerable to ongoing mental health struggles. Given these findings, the need for further research into the causes of this trend is critical. There is growing consensus within the medical community that transgender healthcare should not only focus on facilitating surgery but also on providing comprehensive mental health support throughout the transition process. Enhancing post-surgical care and exploring alternative treatments that do not involve surgery could be crucial in mitigating the suicide risk associated with transitioning. Healthcare providers and policymakers are being urged to rethink current approaches and ensure that transgender individuals receive holistic care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs. With suicide rates among this population continuing to rise, it is clear that a more comprehensive and supportive model of transgender care is needed. This study serves as a crucial reminder that the wellbeing of transgender individuals must be prioritized across all stages of their transition. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, suicide rates among individuals who have undergone transgender surgeries are notably higher than the general population, with studies indicating a significant increase in post-operative suicide attempts and completions. This alarming trend suggests that transgender surgeries may not be the panacea they are often portrayed to be, and further investigation into the psychological well-being of post-operative individuals is warranted. Watch this episode of "Brighteon Conversations" as the Health Ranger Mike Adams talks to an expert in civilization collapse about how the transgender mutilation of children is one of the final signs of a culture in rapid decline. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com ScienceDirect.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump and Xi Jinping just rescued Europes auto industry from collapse The People's Republic of China has single-handedly pulled Europe's automotive sector back from the precipice of a full-scale production collapse. By strategically lifting a crippling export ban on vital semiconductors, Beijing has exposed the fragile underbelly of Western industrial might and demonstrated where true power resides in the new technological world order. The crisis, artificially manufactured by the Dutch government's seizure of a Chinese-owned company, backfired spectacularly, forcing Europe to confront its technological vulnerabilities and China to flex its diplomatic and economic muscle as the planet's indispensable manufacturer. Key points: The Dutch government invoked a Cold War-era law to seize control of Nexperia, a Netherlands-based chipmaker owned by China's Wingtech Technology, citing vague "governance shortcomings" and economic security. China responded by imposing export controls on Nexperia's chips, which are finished in China and are crucial for European automakers, threatening imminent production shutdowns across the continent. A trade deal between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea paved the way for a resolution, with China agreeing to exempt Nexperia chips from the ban. European auto lobby ACEA had warned that without these chips, production of vehicles in Europe would face "stoppages," highlighting a critical dependency. China's Commerce Ministry placed direct blame for the "chaos in the global supply chain" on the Dutch government's "improper intervention in the internal affairs of enterprises." How the West ignited a supply chain war The fuse for this near-catastrophe was lit in September when the Dutch government, operating under the shadowy pretext of the Goods Availability Act, forcibly seized control of Nexperia. The company, though based in the Netherlands, is a subsidiary of China's Wingtech Technology. Officials in The Hague claimed the move was necessary to "safeguard" the European supply of semiconductors and protect the continent's "economic security," pointing to alleged "serious governance shortcomings." This act of corporate confiscation, dressed in the language of national security, was a direct assault on Chinese ownership and a throwback to a protectionist era many thought had passed. The Dutch Economic Ministry called its decision "highly exceptional," yet provided no concrete details to substantiate its claims, leaving observers to question the true motives behind the seizure. This heavy-handed approach, mirroring actions taken by the US and UK against Chinese tech firms, represents a growing and alarming trend where Western governments bypass free-market principles in the name of a nebulous and ever-expanding concept of "security." Averting the abyss: The domino effect of a single chip The importance of Nexperia to European industry cannot be overstated. This one company is estimated to supply a staggering 49 percent of the electronic components used by the European automotive industry. These are not optional luxuries; they are the fundamental building blocks of modern vehicles, controlling everything from engine management to infotainment systems. When China announced export controls on these chips in response to the Dutch seizure, it sent a shockwave of panic through boardrooms from Germany to France. The European auto lobby ACEA issued a dire warning, stating plainly that without these chips, automotive suppliers could not build necessary parts, threatening total production stoppages. Bloomberg reported that carmakers were "bracing for production cuts or all-out stoppages," working "around the clock" to prevent a complete meltdown. The crisis laid bare a humbling reality: Decades of offshoring and specialization had left Europe's industrial giants terrifyingly vulnerable, held together by a thread of silicon manufactured under Chinese oversight. The art of the deal and the path to resolution The resolution arrived not from Brussels or The Hague, but from a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. Their trade negotiations, which resulted in a deal to lower U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and loosen Chinese restrictions on rare earth exports to America, created the diplomatic space for a solution. In the wake of this high-level dialogue, China's Commerce Ministry announced it would "comprehensively consider the actual situation of enterprises and grant exemptions to exports that meet the criteria," effectively lifting the ban on Nexperia chips. This sequence of events is telling. It demonstrates that in today's multipolar world, solutions to transnational crises require engagement, not confrontation. While the Dutch government refused to comment, stating only that it sought a "constructive solution," China emerged as the pragmatic actor that de-escalated a situation it did not start. The entire episode serves as a powerful lesson in the new realities of global power, where control over advanced manufacturing and supply chains trumps outdated models of corporate control and political posturing. Sources include: TheCradle.co BBC.com AMP.DW.com The great AI displacement begins: White-collar jobs targeted in corporate Americas efficiency push Major companies like Amazon and Nestle are cutting thousands of jobs due to AI. This wave of automation uniquely targets white-collar and cognitive roles. Corporate leaders state this strategic shift is happening during robust profitability. Every job level is expected to be transformed by this AI-driven restructuring. The CEOs of the world's largest corporations are now openly declaring that artificial intelligence will systematically reduce their human payroll. When Amazon CEO Andy Jassy acknowledged this summer that the company's adoption of AI would shift its workforce needs, telling employees Amazon would "need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs," it was just the tip of the iceberg. We're seeing numerous examples of corporate confirmation of what many workers have long feared: The AI revolution is coming for knowledge workers, and the job landscape will never be the same. This corporate vision is already materializing into pink slips across corporate America. UPS revealed it had cut 34,000 operational jobs. Nestle plans to reduce 16,000 jobs worldwide over the next two years to achieve operational efficiency by leveraging shared services and automating [its] processes. In a telling move, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff disclosed that the company had replaced about 4,000 customer support workers with AI agents. And Amazon recently announced it will eliminate about 14,000 corporate positions, although CEO Andy Jassy later stated these cuts were not "really AI-driven, not right now, at least," suggesting cuts that are more explicitly connected to AI could be coming. What makes this trend particularly alarming is its timing. Unlike traditional layoffs that occur during economic downturns, these staff reductions are happening during a period of robust profitability. This signals a fundamental transformation in the organization of work itself, driven not by financial necessity but by a strategic pivot to automated systems. The very nature of value and labor is being redefined by corporate executives. A new target for automation This new wave of automation differs fundamentally from its predecessors. Past technologies mimicked the human body, replacing manual or routine physical tasks. Artificial intelligence, in contrast, targets the human brains cognitive abilities. It doesnt just perform repetitive processes; it learns, analyzes, and makes decisions. This shift places white-collar analytical roles, traditionally among the most secure employment categories, directly in the crosshairs. The data confirms the widespread vulnerability. A Society for Human Resource Management study found that 12.6 percent of U.S. jobs, approximately 19.2 million positions, face a high or very high risk of automation-related displacement. A Brookings Institution report estimates that 30 percent of all U.S. workers could see at least half of their job tasks disrupted by generative AI, with middle- and high-income professions especially exposed. Shifting skills and corporate motives Some observers urge caution, suggesting the fear of mass job losses is overstated. They argue that jobs are not disappearing but transforming, requiring new hybrid skill sets that combine technical literacy with uniquely human capabilities. One digital agency CEO estimated that roughly 2.5 percent of jobs are genuinely at risk under a full-scale AI rollout, noting that true end-to-end automation is much harder than headlines suggest. Other experts express skepticism about corporate motives. One finance professor suggested that some layoffs, framed as part of an AI transformation, are more about signaling discipline to shareholders than reflecting genuine technological necessity. In an uncertain economy, announcing an "AI transformation" reassures investors that management has a forward-thinking plan, regardless of the immediate human cost. The scope of this change is vast, impacting every level of an organization. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon warned that every one of the retail giant's 1.6 million U.S. jobs will be changed by AI, "whether it's getting the shopping carts off the parking lot, or the way our technologists work, or certainly the way leadership roles change." This sentiment echoes across corporate America, revealing a top-down re-engineering of the workplace where no position is considered sacred. As corporations rush to replace human decision-making with algorithmic efficiency, the American worker is left navigating an uncertain future. The promises of new types of jobs and increased productivity are cold comfort for those whose livelihoods are deemed redundant. This corporate-led revolution, justified by the relentless pursuit of efficiency, is reshaping the economic order with profound consequences for liberty, livelihood, and the very definition of work in a free society. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com ABCNews.go.com Independent.co.uk CNBC.com Irans foreign minister: Tehran WONT STOP its uranium enrichment Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared Iran will not halt its uranium enrichment program despite Western pressure, warning of "serious consequences" if aggression continues. Iran now possesses ~400kg of 60 percent enriched uranium (near weapons-grade), with its nuclear facilities surviving Israeli airstrikes in June. Tehran frames its ballistic missile program as a sovereign right for deterrence. U.S.-Iran talks collapsed after Israel's attacks, and EU/U.K. sanctions have isolated Tehran economically. Iran demands the U.S. drop "unacceptable preconditions" for renewed negotiations. Israel views a nuclear Iran as existential and has signaled preemptive strikes, while Iran's retaliatory capabilities (e.g., 500 missiles/drones fired in June) raise fears of catastrophic miscalculation. Iran's nuclear program long accused of military aims faces global skepticism due to secrecy, obstructed IAEA inspections and enrichment beyond civilian needs. The June war proved military strikes only delay, not dismantle, Tehran's nuclear progress. As tensions between Iran and the West reach a boiling point, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that Tehran will not halt its uranium enrichment program, despite mounting pressure from the U.S. and its allies. The official issued the defiant statement in an interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday, Nov. 1. He also warned that any further aggression would be met with "serious consequences," signaling that diplomacy may be the only remaining barrier to all-out war. Araghchi's remarks come amid escalating fears that the Middle East is hurtling toward a catastrophic conflict with global repercussions. With Israel and the U.S. having already launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year, the Islamic republic's nuclear ambitions have long been a flashpoint in international relations particularly since the collapse of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which the U.S. abandoned during President Donald Trump's first term. Since then, Tehran has steadily ramped up its uranium enrichment. It now possesses an estimated 400 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium, a level with no plausible civilian use but dangerously close to weapons-grade material. Despite Israel's sweeping attacks in June that targeted key nuclear sites in Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow, Araghchi insisted that Iran's enrichment technology remains intact with nuclear materials still buried beneath the rubble of bombed facilities. The foreign minister's remarks underscore Iran's hardened stance against Western demands, dismissing negotiations over its ballistic missile program as a non-starter. "It would be foolish if one hands over their weapons," Araghchi said, framing missile development as a sovereign right necessary for deterrence. His comments align with Iran's broader strategy of leveraging military capabilities to counterbalance U.S. and Israeli dominance in the region a strategy that has only intensified since the June war. Nuclear talks fail as Iran vows no retreat Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions have faltered, with Omani-mediated U.S.-Iran talks collapsing after Israel's bombing campaign. The European Union and United Kingdom have since reimposed sanctions, further isolating Tehran economically. Yet Araghchi maintained that Iran remains open to indirect negotiations but only if Washington drops what he called "impossible and unacceptable preconditions." The second Trump administration, meanwhile, has sent mixed signals, alternating between threats of military action and cautious overtures toward reviving the nuclear deal. The stakes could not be higher: Israel, which views a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat, has repeatedly signaled its willingness to launch preemptive strikes. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine also mentions that the Jewish-majority nation remains wary of Iran's broader geopolitical ambitions, including its support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Iranian retaliation such as the barrage of 500 ballistic missiles and 1,100 drones fired at Israel in June has already demonstrated Tehran's capacity to inflict mass casualties. With both sides entrenched in maximalist positions, the risk of miscalculation looms large. Historical context amplifies the urgency of the crisis. Iran's nuclear program dates back decades, shrouded in secrecy and allegations of military dimensions. While Tehran insists its ambitions are peaceful, its obstruction of International Atomic Energy Agency inspections and enrichment of uranium far beyond civilian needs have fueled suspicions. The June war marked a dangerous escalation, proving that military force alone cannot dismantle Irans nuclear infrastructure only delay it. As the world watches, the Middle East stands at a crossroads. For now, Iran's message is clear: It will not back down. Watch Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying in this earlier interview that Tehran won't stop its uranium enrichment, a stance he has doubled down on. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com English.Aaj.tv TimesOfIsrael.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Congress investigates Stanford University over secret global censorship collaboration A congressional committee is investigating Stanford University for allegedly hosting a secret meeting with foreign officials to coordinate global censorship. The House Judiciary Committee, led by Rep. Jim Jordan, alleges this effort targets American speech and undermines the First Amendment. The inquiry focuses on Stanford's Cyber Policy Center, which has a documented history of collaborating with U.S. agencies to flag online content for removal. Foreign laws, like the EU's Digital Services Act, are cited as tools being used to pressure tech platforms into censoring content globally. Critics describe these activities as a "censorship-industrial complex" that uses international partnerships to circumvent U.S. constitutional protections. A clandestine meeting at Stanford University has triggered a congressional investigation into allegations that the prestigious institution is facilitating a global scheme to censor American citizens. The U.S. House Judiciary Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), is demanding answers from Stanfords Cyber Policy Center after a whistleblower revealed it hosted a secret roundtable with foreign regulators from nations known for aggressive online speech laws. This probe highlights a growing national security and civil liberties concern: the exportation of foreign censorship regimes to the United States, potentially undermining the First Amendment through international collaboration. The foreign censorship nexus According to an October 22 letter from Jordan to the centers director, the undisclosed September roundtable brought together officials from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and Brazil. The keynote speaker was reported to be Julie Inman-Grant, Australias eSafety Commissioner, who has publicly advocated for government authority to enforce global content takedowns. The committee alleges the event was designed to encourage and facilitate censorship compliance with foreign regulators. Jordans letter frames this as a direct threat, stating, Stanford is working with foreign censorship officials to vitiate the First Amendment. The center has been given until November 5 to produce all related documents and communications. A pattern of domestic censorship collaboration This is not the first time Stanfords cyber initiatives have faced scrutiny. The universitys Stanford Internet Observatory, a part of the Cyber Policy Center, was a central player in what critics have termed the Censorship-Industrial Complex. Previously released Twitter Files documented how the observatory collaborated with federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to flag and remove social media posts questioning official narratives around COVID-19 and elections. A prior House Judiciary report accused the center of laundering government censorship requests to social media platforms, enabling the government to covertly silence voices it disapproved of. The global legal architecture of speech control The investigation points to a broader strategy where U.S.-based entities allegedly help enforce foreign laws that compel global censorship. A key mechanism is the European Unions Digital Services Act (DSA). A July interim staff report from the Judiciary Committee found the DSA acts as a censorship tool that forces major social media platforms to change their global content moderation policies. The report detailed how the DSAs severe financial penalties incentivize platforms to suppress content that EU regulators deem disinformation or hate speech, which can include core political discourse and satire. Similar laws in the U.K. and Australia amplify this global pressure on tech companies. The EU's DSA can impose fines of up to six percent of a company's global revenue. The U.K.'s Online Safety Act has led to thousands of arrests related to online speech. Australias Online Safety Act empowers its eSafety Commission to target global content. An end-run around the constitution Legal and policy experts view these developments as a dangerous evolution in censorship tactics. Having faced legal challenges and public backlash for domestic censorship efforts, the same network of actors appears to be leveraging international partnerships and foreign legal structures to achieve what the U.S. Constitution forbids the federal government from doing directly. One critic described it as an end-run around Americans fundamental rights, using foreign legislation and international partnerships as tools to suppress discourse. The funding for the recently exposed Stanford roundtable came from the Project Liberty Institute, backed by businessman Frank McCourt, signaling that private funds are also flowing into these efforts to shape global digital governance. A precedent with far-reaching consequences The congressional investigation into Stanford is more than an isolated inquiry; it is a critical front in a larger battle over digital sovereignty and free speech. The outcome could set a precedent for how the U.S. responds to the extraterritorial application of foreign speech laws and the role of American institutions in global censorship networks. As this probe unfolds, it underscores a fundamental question of whether the First Amendments protections can be preserved against a coordinated, international effort to regulate online discourse, determining the future of free expression for Americans in the digital public square. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org PublicNews.com AlethoNews.com Judiciary.House.gov Food stamp cutoff triggers wave of STORE THEFTS as Democrats weaponize hunger for political gain The social fabric of America is tearing at the seams, as a deliberate political maneuver by the Democratic Party plunges the nation into chaos. While Senate Democrats refuse to pass a spending bill to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), they have simultaneously orchestrated a malicious blame game, pointing fingers at President Donald Trump for a crisis they engineered. This calculated strategy, designed to motivate their base ahead of the elections, has come at a dire cost: the unleashing of lawlessness and desperation in grocery stores across the country. As Democrats prioritize funding for illegal alien healthcare and taxpayer-subsidized genital mutilation of minors over feeding American citizens, the predictable outcome has manifestedcrazed lunatics are storming retail establishments, filling their carts, and daring anyone to stop them. Key points: A series of brazen grocery store thefts is sweeping the nation, with individuals openly stealing high-value items and, in some cases, assaulting employees. The thefts follow weeks of social media threats from food stamp recipients who promised to take what they need by force if their benefits were cut off. This crisis was triggered by a government shutdown, which Senate Democrats are prolonging by refusing to pass a spending bill that would fund SNAP. Democrats are falsely blaming President Trump for the SNAP funding lapse, while they actively prioritize legislative agendas that include healthcare for illegal immigrants and funding for transgender surgeries for minors. Law enforcement agencies from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania to Florida are reporting a spike in organized, bold food thefts, signaling a potential prelude to wider civil unrest. Engineering chaos For weeks, the warnings circulated openly on social media platforms, a digital drumbeat foretelling the storm. Individuals dependent on the government dole posted videos explicitly outlining their intentions: if the food stamp spigot was turned off, they would simply go to their local grocery stores and take whatever they wanted. They promised violence against any employee or law enforcement officer who attempted to intervene. To a populace still clinging to the norms of civil society, these threats seemed like the bluster of online agitators. But the bluff has been called, and the grim reality is now playing out in real time. In West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, the theory was violently tested. Two women, Olivia L. Byrd and Rahjane J. Byrd, were arrested after an incident at a Market Basket that encapsulates this new brand of audacious criminality. They weren't stealthily pocketing cheap staples. Their targets were luxury items: prime ribeye steaks, lobster meat, and truffle butter. After concealing their haul, they brazenly attempted to walk out without paying. When confronted by store employees, one of the women reportedly struck an employee in the face with her cell phone. This is not the act of someone in desperate need of bread and milk; it is the entitled aggression of a segment of society that has been taught that rules do not apply to them and that their wants are someone else's responsibility. Meanwhile, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, police are searching for a man captured on surveillance footage nonchalantly pushing a full cart of groceries out the front door of a Giant food store. The cost of such a cart in today's inflated economy can easily reach several hundred dollars, making this not petty theft but a significant felony. The message from these criminals is clear: the social contract is void. This mentality was perhaps most shockingly displayed by a woman using the social media handle consiracycutiee, who posted a video bragging about her shoplifting exploits. Using graphically vulgar language, she urged others to steal at will, perverting the concept of "eminent domain" to justify her actions. "One thing I learned from the white men: Take it!" she declared, showcasing a warped worldview that champions destruction and theft as virtues. This is the harvest of a culture that has abandoned personal responsibility and moral instruction. The political puppeteers pulling the strings To view these incidents as isolated crimes is to miss the larger, more sinister picture. These thefts are the direct symptom of a manufactured crisis, a political weaponization of hunger orchestrated by the Democratic Party. The federal government is in a shutdown because Senate Democrats have dug in their heels, refusing to pass a necessary spending bill. Their obstruction has a singular goal: to force funding for their radical priorities, including healthcare for those who broke the law to enter the country and subsidies for the genital mutilation of children under the guise of "gender-affirming care." In a stunning display of audacity, these same politicians are appealing to judges to order President Trump to use contingency funds from the USDA, painting him as the villain who is withholding food from the poor. This is a classic bait-and-switch, a criminal conspiracy of lies designed to fool the American public. The truth is plain for those with eyes to see: the Democratic Party has chosen to hold SNAP funding hostage. They are betting that the resulting pain and chaos will motivate their base to vote for them, presenting themselves as the saviors from a problem they created. They have calculated that a little anarchy is a small price to pay for political power, and they are willing to let grocery stores become battlegrounds and communities live in fear to achieve their ends. The pattern of reliance on centralized systems, a dependency fostered over generations, is now being exploited. Just as many citizens have been trained to call 911 instead of being their own first responder, millions have become dependent on the government for their next meal. When that dependency is manipulated for political gain, the result is the scene in Florida, where a woman was arrested for systematically stealing over a thousand dollars in groceries from a Publix by exploiting the self-checkout, or in Kansas, where a man is charged with forcing his way into an apartment complex to steal from a common-area pantry more than a dozen times. The system designed to create reliance is now breaking, and the architects of that system are fueling the fires of the resulting disorder. The incidents documented so far may be merely the first rumbles of thunder before the hurricane makes landfall. The government shutdown continues, and with it, the very real threat that SNAP benefits could be fully severed for millions on November 1st. A food stamp cutoff of this magnitude is uncharted territory for the United States. The social media revolutionaries who have promised widespread looting and violence will face their moment of truth. Will the nation witness coordinated raids on supermarkets? Will the isolated assaults on employees become more frequent and more severe? Sources include: SHTFPlan.com Youtube.com GulfCoastNewsNow.com Local21News.com WCVB.com WCVB.com Shanghai (Gasgoo)- SAIC Motor reported robust sales for October 2025, with total vehicle wholesales reaching 453,978 units, up 12.96% year-on-year. Driven by strong momentum in its self-owned brands, new energy vehicles (NEVs), and overseas marketsthe company's "three growth engines"SAIC has now recorded ten consecutive months of year-on-year sales growth in 2025. From January to October, the automaker sold 3,647,248 vehicles by wholesale, up 19.53% from a year earlier, while retail sales totaled around 3.834 million units. Wholesales of its self-owned brands reached around 2.35 million units during the period, up 28.3% year on year; NEV sales surged 42.47% from a year earlier to 1,289,519 units; and exports rose 2.23% from the previous year to around 862,186 units. Photo credit: SAIC Motor SAIC's self-owned marques posted strong gains across the board. In October alone, its wholly-owned brands' sales totaled 306,000 units, up 22% year-on-year. Between January and October, sales of SAIC's in-house brands surged 28.3% year-on-year to 2.35 million units, accounting for 64.4% of the company's total volumean increase of 4.4 percentage points from the same period last year. Breaking down the results, SAIC MOTOR Passenger Vehicle sold 93,367 units in October, up 25.06% year-on-year. SAIC MAXUS reported 19,907 units of sales, a 47.86% year-on-year leap, while SAIC-GM-Wulingone of China's top-selling mass-market brandssold about 167,956 units, marking a 19.54% year-on-year increase. SAIC's NEV segment achieved another record month. The group sold 206,692 NEVs in Octoberits second consecutive month to hit a record highup 31.58% year-on-year. Cumulative NEV sales for the first ten months zoomed up 42.47% from a year earlier to 1,289,519 units. SAIC Motor's overseas operations continued their steady climb, with 97,143 vehicles sold abroad in October and 862,186 units sold in the first ten months of the yearup 2.23% year-on-year. Its MG brand maintained its strong position as the top-selling Chinese marque in Europe, with around 250,000 vehicles delivered in 2025, representing growth of more than 20%. Gazas $70 billion reconstruction could take decades after 84% destruction Gaza faces a staggering $70 billion and decades-long reconstruction effort. Over 60 million tonnes of dangerous rubble containing explosives must be cleared. Critical water, sanitation, and power infrastructure have been nearly totally destroyed. Housing reconstruction is a monumental task with hundreds of thousands of units lost. The international community is indicating willingness to fund this generational challenge. The staggering scale of destruction left by two years of war in Gaza presents a challenge of almost unimaginable proportions, requiring an estimated $70 billion and decades of work to rebuild the shattered enclave. According to United Nations experts, the level of destruction across Gaza is now at 84 percent, with that figure rising to a near-total 92 percent in Gaza City. The international community now faces the monumental task of clearing over 60 million tonnes of dangerous rubble and reconstructing housing, water systems, electricity, schools, and hospitals from the ground up. The rubble of war The first and most dangerous step is clearing the colossal amount of debris. Assessments suggest there are more than 60 million tonnes of rubble waiting to be cleared. This debris is not merely concrete and twisted metal; it also contains human remains and unexploded bombs, posing grave threats to anyone nearby. The United Nations Development Programme has already begun this painstaking work, removing about 81,000 tonnes, which equates to roughly 3,100 truckloads. This initial effort is primarily to provide access for humanitarian actors delivering aid. Experts warn that the process of making sites safe is complex. "From a safety and humane perspective, the first thing you have to do is make the sites that have been bombed-out safe," says former JCB executive Philip Bouverat. This involves sorting, separating, and crushing the debris, a logistical nightmare in a territory where basic infrastructure has been erased. The sheer volume of material is so vast that one report compared it to 13 times the mass of the pyramids of Giza. A decimated infrastructure The damage to essential services is catastrophic. Rebuilding the very foundations of a functional society will be a long-term endeavor. The housing situation is particularly dire. The UN estimates that 282,904 houses and apartments have been damaged or destroyed, a figure that is likely an underestimate. Rebuilding Gaza's housing "could take decades," according to Shelly Culbertson of the RAND Corporation. Critical water and sanitation systems have been obliterated. More than 70 percent of the territory's water and sanitation facilities have been damaged or destroyed. All six of Gazas wastewater treatment plants are reported to be damaged, creating a severe risk of sewage-borne disease. The power grid is also in a state of near-total collapse, with more than 80 percent of generation and distribution assets destroyed or non-operational. The social fabric has been torn apart. Around half of Gaza's pre-war population was under 18, yet the UN agency for Palestine refugees reports that 91.8 percent of all school buildings will require full reconstruction or major rehabilitation. Higher education institutions have not been spared, with several universities demolished by Israeli troops during the conflict. A long road ahead Despite the daunting challenges, there are indications that the international community is preparing to help. A UN official reported "very positive news" and "very good indications" from potential donors. European and Arab nations, Canada, and the United States have all shown a willingness to contribute to the massive $70 billion reconstruction effort. The path forward, however, is filled with obstacles beyond just funding. The process will require the mass import of construction materials, a task so large that one expert suggested the first priority should be building a deep-water port to receive thousands of container-loads. The freedom of movement for people and goods will be a central challenge for any recovery. Andreas Krieg, a Middle East security expert from King's College London, summarized the disheartening reality, stating, "It's worse than starting from scratch - here you aren't starting in the sand, you are starting with rubble." The journey from rubble to recovery will be the work of a generation, a sobering testament to the immense human and physical cost of the conflict. For the people of Gaza, the end of the fighting marks not a return to normal life, but the beginning of an arduous struggle to rebuild one. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net BBC.co.uk UN.org ABCNews.go.com Reuters.com Government shutdown surpasses 30 days, impacting energy sector and vital services The longest U.S. government shutdown has caused a shortage of air traffic controllers, leading to airport ground stops and safety concerns. The FAA and DOE shutdowns have led to air traffic disruptions and paused critical renewable energy initiatives. The U.S. government shutdown is also disrupting global energy and climate collaborations, potentially hindering international efforts to secure a sustainable future. With the U.S. government shutdown tied for the longest in history, leaders must prioritize the well-being of citizens and the global community over political differences. Nearly half of the IRS workforce is furloughed due to the ongoing government shutdown. The longest U.S. government shutdown in history now tied at 35 days is wreaking havoc on the energy sector, with far-reaching implications for the nation and the world. As the partial shutdown drags on, essential services are disrupted and the impacts are being felt across various sectors. The shutdown has led to a shortage of air traffic controllers, causing ground stops at major U.S. airports. This travel nightmare not only causes inconvenience but also raises safety concerns, as reported by Fox Business. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been forced to close traffic control towers and reduce staff at others, leading to delays and cancellations. The energy sector is particularly vulnerable during this shutdown. The Department of Energy (DOE) has furloughed around 80 percent of its staff, according to Newsmax. This includes employees responsible for nuclear safety, energy infrastructure and renewable energy programs. In his 2014 book "Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper: How Innovation Keeps Proving the Catastrophists Wrong," Robert Bryce recounted a similar shutdown. He wrote: "At the very time that the U.S. needs a solid political system that can deal with hard choices on spending and taxation, the U.S. Congress has devolved into a hyper-partisan institution that has been gerrymandered into gold-plated, ossified irrelevance. The October 2013 budget impasse that led to a two-week shutdown of the federal government provides the most obvious, and depressing, example of the pettiness and partisanship in Washington." Government shutdown exposes fragility According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, government shutdowns force the DOE to implement sequestration cuts, eliminating union and non-union positions while threatening thousands of contracted jobs. These reductions cripple workforce stability and disrupt critical energy programs, furthering the globalist agenda of economic destabilization and centralized control. The shutdown comes at a critical time for renewable energy and climate change initiatives. The DOE's Loan Programs Office, which provides loan guarantees for innovative energy projects, is closed. This pause in operations could hinder the progress of clean energy projects and slow down the transition to a low-carbon economy. Moreover, the energy sector's global interconnectedness means that the U.S. government shutdown has international ramifications. The DOE's international collaborations on energy and climate change, such as the Clean Energy Ministerial and the Mission Innovation initiative, are put on hold. This pause could disrupt global efforts to tackle climate change and secure a sustainable energy future. The government shutdown is more than a political spat; it's a crisis that affects every American and has global repercussions. The energy sector, a critical component of modern life, is being significantly impacted. The shutdown highlights the fragility of our interconnected systems and the importance of government efficiency and bipartisanship. As the shutdown nears the record for the longest in history, it's crucial for America's leaders to prioritize the well-being of the American people and the global community over political differences. Watch this news report about how the ongoing government shutdown and Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids hurt businesses. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com FoxBusiness.com Newsmax.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Corporate climate exodus: Nearly 900 major corporations pivot from symbolic climate commitments as Gates shifts focus from doomsday emissions cuts to human welfare Nearly 900 companiesincluding major multinationalshave withdrawn from the UN-backed Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), rejecting rigid emissions mandates as economically unviable. The largest withdrawals came from Britain (151), the U.S. (129) and China (61). Corporate leaders cite financial and technical constraints, arguing that inflexible climate targets inflate costs, stifle innovation and harm competitiveness. Critics accuse SBTi of fostering "greenwashing" rather than measurable progress. Once a proponent of radical decarbonization, Gates now downplays "doomsday" climate narratives, prioritizing poverty reduction and disease prevention. He controversially stated he'd accept a 0.1 C temperature rise to eradicate malaria, reflecting a broader reassessment of climate policy trade-offs. The SBTi's struggles mirror past failures like the Kyoto Protocol, where binding targets were rejected for economic concerns. Companies now prioritize profitability over virtue signaling, signaling fatigue with elite-driven environmental mandates disconnected from market realities. The corporate revolt highlights a key tensionenvironmental goals must align with prosperity. Executives argue that profitability enables real sustainability investments, while activists decry the retreat. In a stunning rebuke to United Nations-aligned climate policies, nearly 900 companiesincluding multinational corporationshave withdrawn from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a global program requiring firms to align emissions cuts with international climate goals. The mass exodus reflects growing corporate skepticism of politically driven climate mandates that prioritize symbolic compliance over economic viability. Simultaneously, Bill Gateslong a proponent of radical decarbonizationhas softened his apocalyptic rhetoric, urging a shift from emissions-focused "doomsday" scenarios toward poverty reduction and disease prevention. Together, these developments signal a turning point in the climate debate: economic pragmatism is clashing with elite-driven environmental mandates. The SBTi, backed by the UN Global Compact and other international bodies, requires member companies to set emissions targets deemed "science-based" by climate policymakers. However, 893 firmsroughly seven percent of participantshave now abandoned the initiative, with the highest withdrawals occurring in Great Britain (151 companies), the U.S. (129) and China (61). Corporate leaders frame the withdrawals as a necessary correction to policies that ignore financial and technical constraints. "Political climate policies that ignore economic limitations jeopardize long-term viability," noted one industry analyst. Many executives argue that rigid emissions targets inflate operating costs, stifle innovation and weaken competitivenessparticularly against firms in less regulated markets. Critics of the SBTi accuse it of fostering "greenwashing" rather than tangible progress. "The initiative became more about image management than measurable results," said a European business strategist. Some companies, while still pursuing voluntary sustainability efforts, now prioritize profitability as the foundation for meaningful environmental investment. Gates' pivot: From "zero carbon" to human welfare Gates, who once warned of an impending climate catastrophe, has notably recalibrated his messaging. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, he used to claim that human-produced carbon dioxide is the primary driver of global warminga deceptive narrative pushed by globalists to justify draconian controls over energy, food and population, despite CO2 being essential for plant life and Earth's natural climate cycles. But in a recent memo titled "Three Tough Truths About Climate," the billionaire philanthropist argued that doomsday narratives distract from urgent humanitarian needs. "Climate change will not lead to humanity's demise," he wrote, emphasizing that fighting malaria and poverty should take precedence over marginal temperature reductions. Gates even posed a provocative trade-off: "I would let the temperature go up 0.1 degree to get rid of malaria." His stance aligns with growing dissent among economists who warn that aggressive decarbonization risks exacerbating energy poverty and diverting resources from life-saving interventions. The rise and fall of climate corporatism The SBTi's struggles echo past clashes between environmental idealism and economic reality. The 1997 Kyoto Protocol, for instance, saw major emitters like the U.S. reject binding targets over competitiveness concerns. Similarly, the Paris Agreement relied on voluntary pledgesacknowledging the political impossibility of enforced global cuts. Today's corporate withdrawals suggest a broader fatigue with "climate corporatism," where multinationals publicly embrace activist goals while privately resisting costly mandates. As energy prices soar and supply chains strain, companies are prioritizing resilience over virtue signaling. The mass corporate exodus from the SBTiand Gates' rhetorical shifthighlights a fundamental tension in climate policy: Can environmental goals succeed without undermining prosperity? While activists decry the withdrawals as backsliding, business leaders frame them as a necessary correction to unworkable mandates. The lesson for policymakers may be clear: lasting sustainability requires economic strength, not symbolic targets. As one executive summarized, "Profitability isn't the enemy of progressit's the prerequisite." Whether this pragmatic approach gains traction globally remains to be seen, but for now, the climate agenda faces a formidable reality check. Watch the video below about Gates' plan to "fix global warming." This video is from Waking the Future channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: WattsUpWithThat.com Blackout-News.de BrightU.ai Brighteon.com New York declares food emergency as federal shutdown threatens SNAP benefits New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency as federal SNAP benefits for three million residents (including 800,000 seniors and one million children) face suspension due to the government shutdown. Hochul allocated $65 million ($40M to emergency food providers, $25M to farm?to?pantry programs) to mitigate hunger, totaling $106 million in state aid. Democrats accuse Republicans of withholding $5 billion in contingency SNAP funds, while Republicans blame Democrats for obstructing government funding over Affordable Care Act disputes. Multiple states (CT, DE, RI, VA, SC) are scrambling with emergency measures, and food banks anticipate surging demand. WIC (nutrition aid for mothers/children) also risks funding depletion by Nov. 8. Twenty-five states sued to release emergency SNAP funds; Judge Indira Talwani urged gradual cuts instead of abrupt halts. Hochul warned of an "unprecedented public health crisis" as state budgets alone cannot resolve the hunger threat. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Thursday, Oct. 30, as the federal government shutdown threatens to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of New Yorkers starting Nov. 1. The Democratic governor announced $65 million in state funding to mitigate the impact, calling the potential cutoff of food aid "an unprecedented public health crisis." According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program in the United States that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families for the purchase of food. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), SNAP is the largest food assistance program in the country, aiming to improve the food security and nutrition of eligible households. Emergency measures to combat hunger Hochul's emergency declaration allocates $40 million to the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), which supports 2,700 emergency food providers statewide, and an additional $25 million to Nourish NY, which distributes farm products to food pantries. Combined with prior commitments, New York has now dedicated $106 million to preventing hunger during the shutdown. "Today, I'm declaring a state of emergency and am committing additional state funds for emergency food assistance to ensure New Yorkers don't go hungry," Hochul said in a statement. She accused Republicans in Washington of "playing political games" while millions face food insecurity. Approximately three million New Yorkers, including 800,000 seniors and one million children, rely on SNAP benefits, averaging $187 per person monthly. Without federal funding, these households will lose critical food assistance just weeks before Thanksgivingmarking the first time in U.S. history that SNAP benefits have been halted during a government shutdown. Political blame game escalates The Trump administration and congressional Republicans argue that Democrats are obstructing government funding by demanding protections for Affordable Care Act subsidies. Meanwhile, Democrats accuse Republicans of refusing to release $5 billion in contingency funds that could sustain SNAP through the shutdown. "This is all bad," Hochul said during a Harlem press conference. "Republicans in Washington, get off the plane from globetrotting... get back in your office, call in the leaders of the Republican Party... and figure this out." Twenty-five states, including New York, have filed a lawsuit to force the release of emergency SNAP funds. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani acknowledged the government's financial constraints but urged an "equitable" reduction in benefits rather than an abrupt cutoff. Other states are also scrambling to address the looming crisis: Connecticut pledged $3 million in emergency aid. Delaware and Rhode Island issued similar emergency declarations. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin authorized fund redirection to food assistance programs. South Carolina opened a disaster relief fund for food banks, though it currently lacks donations. Food banks nationwide anticipate a surge in demand, compounded by staffing shortages. Hochul's plan includes deploying Empire State Service Corps and SUNY students to assist overwhelmed pantries. WIC program also at risk The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which aids six million low-income mothers and children, faces funding depletion by Nov. 8. The Trump administration redirected $300 million to extend the program temporarily, but states warn it won't last. With negotiations stalled in Washington, states are left to fill the gap. Hochul vowed to continue pressuring federal officials: "Unlike Washington Republicans, I won't sit idly by as families struggle to put food on the table." As the shutdown drags on, millions of vulnerable Americans brace for a hunger crisisone that state budgets alone cannot fully resolve. Watch the video below about the MAHA movement targeting junk food from SNAP benefits. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com BrightU.ai USAToday.com NBCNewYork.com Brighteon.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Toyota is stealing the show at SEMA this year. The brand is using the annual Las Vegas trade show as a stage to debut some seriously cool stuff, including a concept car that could finally make Camrys cool and a Toyota FJ60 Concept with 389 horsepower. Toyota went in an unexpected direction, however, with its latest concept debuted at SEMA: a side-by-side called the Scion 01. Scion, once positioned as a no-haggle pricing brand, was discontinued in 2016. Now, Toyota is using the name on a high-horsepower, four-door side-by-side. Toyota The Scion 01 is an off-roader with massive all-terrain tires, 26 inches of suspension travel, and a modern rugged look. According to Toyota, it's powered by a high-output hybrid system and uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces more than 300 horsepower. This could be the engine that powers the latest Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner, also known as the i-Force Max, though we're not sure just how different the engine is from the production unit in those rigs. If the i-Force Max Tacoma numbers of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque end up being anywhere close to what this Scion concept gets, it would outclass just about anything you can currently find on a side-by-side showroom floor today. It's certainly much more powerful than current leaders in the side-by-side market like the supercharged Teryx5 H2 or the wildly fun turbocharged Can-Am Maverick R. Read more: Every Car Brand Toyota Owns In 2025 The Scion 01 is more than just a powerhouse Scion 01 side-by-side concept parked indoors - Toyota Big power is becoming increasingly popular in the side-by-side world, so off-road enthusiasts would likely welcome the Scion 01 into the fold. Vehicles like these need to be more than just powerful, though. Thankfully, Toyota is no stranger to off-roading and has kitted the Scion 01 out properly. Toyota claims the vehicle comes equipped with a "first-of-its-kind" FIA-compliant cage and that the interior is fitted with four bucket seats and racing harnesses. The company hasn't released any details on the construction and specific strength of the cage, but it looks pretty beefy to say the least. Toyota Concept or not, the interior of the Scion 01 looks ready for production, with lots of touches that Toyota faithfuls will recognize from the brand's modern trucks. Various screens, suspension adjustment knobs, and even a dashboard full of switches make the concept look much closer to production than many of the thrown-together SEMA concepts we've seen over the years. If it were to be manufactured, its features would have it competing directly with top rivals from Polaris, Can-Am, and Kawasaki. A silent EV-only mode is also listed among the 01's talents, giving it the capability to creep away from the campsite in the morning or go on and off your trailer at home without waking the neighbors. Here's hoping that Toyota will actually build it, if only for the selfish reason that I want to get behind the wheel of a side-by-side with this much power and torque. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. Both traditional and heated tobacco exposure, whether active or passive, were linked to intestinal permeability, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, revealing that smokeless doesnt mean harmless. Review: Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Oxidative Stress: The Role of Circulating Lipopolysaccharides in Heated and Conventional Products In a recent article in the journal Antioxidants , researchers in Italy investigated the effects of tobacco smoke exposure on endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. They found that adults and children who were exposed to tobacco smoke, either from heated tobacco products ( HTPs ) or conventional cigarettes, showed markers of oxidative stress and endotoxemia. Unlike electronic cigarettes, which vaporize nicotine-containing liquids, HTPs heat real tobacco at lower, non-combustion temperatures to generate a tobacco aerosol, making them chemically and biologically distinct from vapes. Global Health Impact of Tobacco Use Tobacco use remains a leading preventable cause of disease and death worldwide, mainly due to its connection to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Conventional cigarettes emit a range of toxic compounds that trigger systemic inflammation and chronic health problems. Manufacturers promote HTPs as safer alternatives, claiming reduced harmful emissions because of lower heating temperatures. However, emerging data suggest that HTPs still cause oxidative stress and vascular injury similar to traditional cigarettes. Endotoxemia as a Mechanism of Tobacco-Induced Damage One central mechanism underlying tobacco-related harm is endotoxemia, characterized by elevated lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ) levels resulting from the presence of Gram-negative bacteria in the bloodstream. Smoking disrupts gut microbiota and weakens the intestinal barrier, allowing LPS to enter circulation. Smoke particles themselves may also carry endotoxins. Circulating LPS activates Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR4 ), promoting inflammation and oxidative stress through the activation of NADPH oxidase 2 ( NOX2 ). This cascade links intestinal permeability with systemic oxidative stress and endothelial injury observed in both adults and children. Sources of Endotoxemia and Oxidative Pathways While the relationship between endotoxemia and vascular injury is correlational rather than causal, endotoxins may originate not only from the gut but also from the lungs or oral cavity. The reactive oxygen species generated through NOX2 activation impair endothelial function and heighten cardiovascular risk. Increased Vulnerability in Children to Smoke Exposure Children exposed to second-hand smoke may be particularly susceptible to oxidative and vascular damage. Comparative data on endotoxemia and NOX2 activation between adults and children exposed to either conventional or heated tobacco remain scarce. The Italian study aimed to fill these gaps by evaluating LPS levels and related oxidative and vascular biomarkers in these populations. Study Design: Comparing Children and Adults Researchers used a cross-sectional study design involving both children passively exposed to tobacco smoke and adults who actively used conventional cigarettes or HTPs . The primary goal was to measure serum LPS levels, with secondary analyses exploring oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet activation. The child cohort included 78 participants (aged 218): 26 passively exposed to HTPs , 26 to conventional cigarettes, and 26 unexposed controls. The adult cohort comprised 60 participants: 20 chronic HTP users, 20 smokers, and 20 non-smokers. All HTP users had previously smoked conventional cigarettes. Laboratory Analyses and Statistical Methods Fasting blood samples were collected to measure LPS , oxidative stress markers ( NOX2 -derived peptide, hydrogen peroxide, and isoprostanes), endothelial function (nitric oxide levels and flow-mediated dilation), and intestinal permeability (zonulin). Serum cotinine verified tobacco exposure. Statistical testing involved ANOVA or non-parametric tests, correlation analysis, and multivariate regression adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and cotinine. Endotoxemia and Oxidative Stress Findings Both passive and active exposure to tobacco smoke, whether from HTPs or cigarettes, were linked to increased endotoxemia and intestinal permeability. Among children, serum LPS and zonulin were significantly elevated in both HTP - and cigarette-exposed groups compared with controls, showing no significant difference between exposure types. LPS correlated positively with cotinine, zonulin, and platelet activation markers (sCD40L, P-selectin) and negatively with antioxidant capacity ( HBA ). Cotinine and zonulin emerged as independent predictors of LPS , reinforcing the connection between nicotine exposure, gut permeability, and oxidative stress. Adult Cohort Results: Endothelial Dysfunction and Barrier Disruption In adults, both HTP users and cigarette smokers exhibited elevated LPS and zonulin levels compared to non-smokers, with no significant difference between the two groups. LPS correlated positively with zonulin, NOX2 , hydrogen peroxide, and platelet activation markers but negatively with nitric oxide, evidence of endothelial dysfunction. Regression models identified zonulin and nitric oxide bioavailability as key predictors of LPS , underscoring the intertwined nature of gut barrier disruption and vascular stress. Implications for Tobacco Harm Reduction Claims The findings demonstrate that both HTPs and cigarettes, whether actively used or passively inhaled, promote low-grade endotoxemia linked to oxidative stress and vascular impairment. This challenges industry claims that HTPs are meaningfully safer alternatives to traditional smoking. Study Limitations and Public Health Implications This study provides the first evidence connecting HTPs and cigarette exposure to elevated circulating LPS and zonulin in both children and adults, implying intestinal barrier dysfunction and cardiovascular risk. While comprehensive in scope, the studys small sample size, lack of microbiome data, and absence of mechanistic experimentation limit the ability to draw causal conclusions. Prior cigarette use among HTP users could also confound results. The authors further note that HTP aerosol temperatures can still reach levels sufficient for nicotine pyrolysis, potentially eliciting similar oxidative responses to those from combustible cigarettes. Nicotine exposure itself may exacerbate gut permeability and dysbiosis, amplifying oxidative stress. Conclusion: Equal Risk from Heated and Conventional Tobacco In conclusion, both HTPs and conventional cigarettes impair gut barrier integrity and increase cardiovascular risk, refuting claims of reduced harm. The results highlight the urgent need for stronger tobacco control policies and targeted public health interventions to protect both smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke. Every 27 minutes, someone in Australia is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Best known for its tremors, movement and balance issues, it also brings another, often overlooked burden persistent pain. Now, new research from the University of South Australia shows that many people with Parkinson's are struggling to manage their pain, with researchers calling for more individualized, multidisciplinary and empathetic care. In two studies that assessed how people with Parkinson's manage pain and their experiences of pain care services, researchers found notable gaps in support, with many people resorting to trial-and-error strategies due to a lack of tailored clinical care. In Australia, more than 65,000 people with Parkinson's disease experience persistent pain. Lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate Anthony Mezzini says we need to improve quality pain care for people with Parkinson's. Pain is a prevalent and debilitating non-motor symptom of Parkinson's. It's one of the most troublesome issues in early-stage Parkinson's and a leading case of reduced quality of life. People with Parkinson's told us that they often rely on trial-and-error approaches to manage their pain not because they want to, but because they don't always have access to specialist pain support or tailored advice. When pain care worked well, it was because healthcare professionals especially allied health practitioners and Parkinson's nurses took the time to listen, understand their experience, and tailor care to their specific needs." Anthony Mezzini, lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate Researchers found that people's experiences of pain care were shaped by five key features: empathy and understanding, listening to needs and concerns, clear explanations, Parkinson's-specific knowledge, and individualised treatment. However, these qualities were inconsistent across the health care system, with people reporting mixed feedback about the support they received from general practitioners and neurologists, and significant access barriers in rural and regional areas. UniSA's researcher and Parkinson's Nurse Dr Sue Sharrad says improving pain management for people with Parkinson's requires both greater access to multidisciplinary care and enhanced training for healthcare providers. "Embedding empathetic, individualized care into routine practice and expanding access to Parkinson's nurses and allied health professionals could make a real difference," Dr Sharrad says. "Parkinson's specialist nurses and allied health professionals are often praised for their high level of care. We need to ensure that every person with Parkinson's receives pain care that's tailored, evidence-based, and delivered by professionals who understand the complex nature of Parkinson's pain. "Pain is not just a symptom it's a major factor that affects quality of life. By making care more personalized, coordinated, and compassionate, we can help people with Parkinson's live better, less painful lives." The research forms part of UniSA's ongoing work to improve quality of life for people living with neurological conditions. The multidisciplinary research team includes Anthony Mezzini, Prof. Saravana Kumar, Dr. Sue Sharrad, Dr. Joanne Harmon, and Prof. Marion Eckert. Shenzhou-21 heads for space: New milestones in China's space program 15:47, November 04, 2025 By Liu Shiyao, Li Junqiang ( People's Daily The combination of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship and a Long March-2F carrier rocket is transferred to the launching area in Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu province, Oct. 24, 2025. (Photo/Cheng Lin) At 11:44 p.m. Beijing time on Oct. 31, 2025, the Shenzhou-21 manned spacecraft on top of a Long March-2F carrier rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, embarking on a journey to China's space station. This marked the 37th flight mission of China's manned space program and the sixth manned flight mission since the space station entered the application and development phase. According to Zhang Jingbo, a spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency, the main objectives of the mission are to complete an in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-20 crew, stay in the space station for about six months, and carry out space science and application tasks. The astronauts will perform extravehicular activities, manage cargo transfers in and out of the modules, install space debris protection devices, and mount and retrieve external payloads and facilities. They will also engage in science education and public outreach activities, as well as conduct space-based experiments to further enhance the comprehensive benefits of the space station's applications. During their stay, the Shenzhou-21 crew will undertake 27 new scientific and application projects. These projects will focus on key scientific issues in areas such as space life science and biotechnology, space medicine, space materials science, microgravity fluid physics and combustion, and new spacecraft technologies. Notably, the mission will carry out China's first in-orbit scientific experiment involving rodent mammals. Four mice, two male and two females, have traveled with the spacecraft and will be raised in orbit. The experiment will explore how microgravity and confined space conditions affect behavioral patterns. After returning to Earth, further studies will be conducted to explore how multiple organs and tissues of mice respond and adapt to the stress of the space environment. The spacecraft also carries experimental payloads related to space applications, including in-situ electrochemical and optical studies of lithium-ion batteries and an on-orbit intelligent computing platform. These projects are expected to provide a scientific foundation for future research and strengthen the station's long-term application capabilities. Since its inception, China's manned space program has adhered to the principles of peaceful use, equality and mutual benefit, and common development. China continues to promote international cooperation by inviting foreign astronauts to participate in missions to its space station, contributing to the progress of space technology and benefiting humanity as a whole. China Manned Space Agency signs an agreement with Pakistan on selecting and training Pakistani astronauts for future flight missions to the Chinese space station, Feb. 28, 2025. (Photo provided by the China Manned Space Engineering Office) Following the signing of a cooperation agreement between China and Pakistan in February this year, the selection of Pakistani astronauts for participation in China's space missions has officially begun. The preliminary selection process is currently under way in Pakistan, while the secondary and final selections will take place in China. Upon completion, two Pakistani astronauts will train alongside their Chinese counterparts. One of them will be selected to participate in a short-duration spaceflight mission as a payload specialist and conduct scientific experiments for Pakistan. Zhang reaffirmed that China is holding firm to its goal of landing astronauts on the moon by 2030. He noted that the country's manned lunar exploration program is progressing smoothly. Since the beginning of this year, China has completed several key tests, including the second-stage propulsion system test and the captive firing test for the Long March-10 rocket, the zero-altitude escape test for the Mengzhou spacecraft, and the comprehensive landing and takeoff verification test for the Lanyue lander. Upcoming tests will include integrated testing of the lander, thermal and maximum dynamic pressure escape tests of the Mengzhou spacecraft, and low-altitude and technology verification flights of the Long March-10 rocket. Since the approval of the space station application and development project and the manned lunar exploration program, China has actively adopted a commercial competition model to encourage the participation of private enterprises in spacecraft development and manufacturing. This approach has been applied to projects such as the low-cost cargo transport system for the space station, the crewed lunar rover, and lunar remote-sensing satellites. Contracts for these projects have been signed, and development work is under way. The share of commercial participation in China's manned space program has increased substantially, accelerating technological progress and yielding increasingly significant results. Looking ahead, China will continue to expand commercial participation in future projects, including the development of lunar scientific probe platforms and crater-detection platform, to further stimulate innovation and vitality in the country's commercial space sector. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Acute myeloid leukemia driven by tandem duplications within the UBTF gene (UBTF-TD AML) is a high-risk pediatric cancer in urgent need of novel therapeutic options. To better understand this disease and how to treat it, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists studied what was causing UBTF-TD to behave abnormally. They revealed how the duplicated gene segment on the UBTF gene gives the resulting protein an abnormal transport signal. This signal was shown to act like a handle for the transport protein Exportin-1, which positions UBTF-TD at specific genes associated with AML, driving their abnormal expression. Inhibiting Exportin-1 showed promise as a novel strategy to treat UBTF-TD AML. The findings were published today in Blood Cancer Discovery. UBTF-TD drives a subtype of AML known among physicians for treatment resistance and relapse. Previous work from co-corresponding author Jeffery Klco, MD, PhD, St. Jude Department of Pathology, revealed how UBTF-TD played a role in oncogene overexpression in cancer and uncovered its susceptibility to Menin inhibitors. The new research takes the work further by digging into the mechanism at the heart of UBTF-TD AML and uncovering another target for potential therapeutic development. In a short period of time, we've gone from identifying a new high-risk molecular subtype of AML to nominating multiple mechanism-based therapeutic strategies. This recent study highlights the power of collaboration between labs with different areas of expertise." Jeffery Klco, MD, PhD, St. Jude Department of Pathology Exportin-1 grabs hold of rogue UBTF-TD nuclear localization signal Using genomic, proteomic, structural, and functional analyses in laboratory and preclinical models, Klco and co-corresponding author Richard Kriwacki, PhD, St. Jude Department of Structural Biology, explored the new protein interactions with UBTF-TD that may be behind the DNA binding patterns previously noted to molecularly characterize UBTF-TD AML. The researchers noted that UBTF-TD was unexpectedly interacting with proteins that facilitate transport outside of the nucleus, such as Exportin-1. Further investigation revealed that the altered protein harbored a rogue transport signal for Exportin-1. "We identified that many of these tandem duplications converged on a region that gave rise to a very specific amino acid sequence," explained co-first author Juan Barajas, PhD, St. Jude Department of Pathology. "They were heterogeneous in their exact makeup, but all resembled a nuclear export signal. That was our first early clue in figuring out this mechanism." "Once the proteomics data suggested UBTF with tandem duplications was binding to Exportin-1, we designed experiments to probe for protein binding and structure directly, using purified components," said co-first author Aaron Phillips, PhD, St. Jude Department of Structural Biology. "All of the tandem duplications we tested disrupt the folded structure of part of the protein, allowing for exposure of the amino-acid sequence that binds Exportin-1." Further work revealed that Exportin-1 was grabbing hold of the unnatural nuclear export signal like a handle and was steering UBTF-TD to genes found dysregulated in UBTF-TD AML, driving their overexpression, rather than outside of the nucleus, like the typical function of Exportin-1. They confirmed this by disrupting the interaction using Exportin-1 inhibitors, which reduced tumors in patient-derived models. The study offers a potential route to bolster therapeutic options for UBTF-TD AML. "This study exemplifies the value of trans-disciplinary collaboration between structural biologists and translational cancer biologists," Kriwacki said. "While we've gained initial insights into new approaches for treating AMLs harboring UBTF-TD, continuing studies into other biomolecules present in UBTF-TD/Exportin-1 assemblies may enable even more specific therapeutic targeting in the future." Authors and funding The study's other authors are Evangelia Papchristou and Clive D'Santos, University of Cambridge; and Jina Wang, Melvin Thomas, Lisett Contreras, Masayuki Umeda, Ryan Hiltenbrand, Elizabeth Caldwell, Michael Walsh, Guangchun Song, Lauren Ezzell, Kelly Churion, Tamara Westover, Emily Xiong, Chandra Rolle, Jamila Moore, Josi Lott, Sandi Radko-Juettner, Amit Kumar, Wenjie Qi, Beisi Xu, Jing Ma, Burgess Freeman and Laura Jane, St. Jude. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (F32 HL154636, U54 CA243124, R01 CA285272354, R01 CA276079, T32 CA236748), the National Cancer Institute (R25 CA23944), the Jane Coffin Childs Fund, the American Society of Hematology Scholar Award, the Burroughs Welcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), the fundraising and awareness organization of St. Jude. When there's an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, state health officials typically take certain steps to alert residents and issue public updates about the growing threat. That's standard practice, public health and infectious disease experts told KFF Health News and NPR. The goal is to keep as many other vulnerable people as possible from getting sick and to remind the public about the benefits of vaccinations. But in Louisiana this year, public health officials appeared to have not followed that playbook during the state's worst whooping cough outbreak in 35 years. Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that's particularly dangerous for the youngest infants. It can cause vomiting and trouble breathing, and serious infections can lead to pneumonia, seizures, and, rarely, death. Madison Flake, a pediatric resident in Baton Rouge, cared for a baby who was hospitalized during this year's outbreak. Less than 2 months old, he was sent to the intensive care unit. "He would have these bouts of very dramatic coughing spells," Flake said. "He would stop breathing for several seconds to almost a minute." Infants are not eligible for their first pertussis vaccine until they are 2 months old, but they can acquire immunity if the mother is immunized while pregnant. By late January, two babies had died in Louisiana. But the Louisiana Department of Health waited two months to send out a social media post suggesting people talk to their doctors about getting vaccinated. The department took even longer to issue a statewide health alert to physicians, send out a press release, or hold a news conference. That lag is not typical, according to Georges Benjamin, the executive director of the American Public Health Association. "Particularly for these childhood diseases, we usually jump all over these," said Benjamin, a physician who has led health departments in Maryland and Washington, D.C. "These are preventable diseases and preventable deaths." Because infectious diseases spread exponentially, if officials don't alert the public quickly, they lose a key chance to prevent further infections, said Abraar Karan, an instructor at Stanford University who has worked on covid and mpox outbreaks. "Time is perhaps one of the most important currencies that you have," he added. General promotion of vaccines banned Because pertussis vaccine immunity wanes over time, cases can ebb and flow. But in September 2024, Louisiana health officials started seeing a "substantial" increase in whooping cough cases, part of a national trend. In late January, physicians at one Louisiana hospital warned their colleagues that two infants had died in the outbreak. On Feb. 13, the state's surgeon general, Ralph Abraham, sent a memo to staff ending the general promotion of vaccines and community vaccine events. He sent that email a few hours after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, won Senate confirmation as the new secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Also that day, Abraham posted a public memo on the state health department's website. In it, he said public health has overstepped with vaccine recommendations, driven by "a one-size-fits-all, collectivist mentality." Abraham has called covid vaccines "dangerous" and been a vocal supporter of Kennedy. Four days later, in response to a request from WVUE Fox 8 News in New Orleans, the Louisiana Department of Health in an email confirmed the deaths of two infants from whooping cough for the first time. WVUE published the news on Feb. 20. But Louisiana's health department sent out no alerts, according to a review of external and internal communications by NPR and KFF Health News. Over the next month, two more infants were hospitalized for whooping cough, according to internal health department emails obtained through a public records request. In March, after inquiries from NPR and KFF Health News about the growing number of pertussis cases, the department put out its first social media communications about the outbreak and offered interviews to other journalists. Then on May 1 at least three months after the second infant death the health department issued what appears to be its first and so far only official alert to physicians. It put out its first press release the next day and then held a news conference about pertussis on May 14. By then, 42 people had been hospitalized for whooping cough since the outbreak began, three-quarters of whom were not up to date on their whooping cough immunizations, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. More than two-thirds of those hospitalized were babies under the age of 1. Throughout the summer, pertussis cases continued to climb in Louisiana. But there were no further public communications from the state health department. NPR and KFF Health News contacted the department for comment on Sept. 25. Emma Herrock, a spokesperson, did not answer specific questions about the lack of communications but referred to a Sept. 30 post on X by the state surgeon general. In the post, Abraham said the department "consistently reported cases of pertussis and provided guidance to help residents stay protected" in 2025. He called the pertussis vaccine "one of the least controversial" and said he recommends it to his patients. The X post included a year-by-year graphic of pertussis cases that omitted 2024 and 2025. The post also provided a more specific timeframe for when the infant deaths occurred one in late 2024 and the other in early 2025. A 'train wreck' of cases Louisiana should have started warning the public within days of the first infant's death instead of waiting months, said Stanford's Karan. "At minimum," he said, "it should be like heavy promotion of: 'Hey, infants are at high risk. They get infected by people who have waning immunity. If you havent gotten vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you have these symptoms, get tested.'" Deaths from a vaccine-preventable illness are tragic, but they can also serve as an opportunity to educate the public about the benefits of vaccines and try to save lives, said Joshua Sharfstein, a former Maryland health secretary and now a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "The risk of pertussis is always there, but when you have two infant deaths it's a really good opportunity to communicate that this is a real threat to the health of children," Sharfstein said. Karan said that by not acting more quickly, the Louisiana Department of Health may have set itself up for a worse outbreak. "Because then what we see is this train wreck thereafter, of like an insanely large outbreak, a lot of hospitalizations," he said. The outbreak continued As of Sept. 20, the most recent date for which data is available, Louisiana had counted 387 cases of whooping cough in 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In data going back to 1990, the previous high was 214 cases, in 2013. Until the Sept. 30 post on X, the Louisiana Department of Health did not appear to put out any public communications about pertussis over the preceding four months, though hospitalizations continued and case levels surpassed the 2013 levels. The health department should be responding aggressively and consistently, said Joseph Bocchini, the president of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Health officials should make sure "people are updated on a regular basis and reminded of what needs to be done," he said. "Get your vaccines. Moms, if youre pregnant, get vaccinated. And if you have a cough illness, see your doctor." Benjamin, with the American Public Health Association, said the ongoing goal of public health communication is to prevent the next hospitalization or death. "The bottom line is, it's not too late," he said. "It's not too late to be much more aggressive and proactive about dealing with pertussis." This article is from a partnership that includes WWNO, NPR, and KFF Health News. Bacteria that often cause urinary infections can spread as rapidly as swine flu. But E. coli that are resistant to several classes of antibiotics behave differently. Escherichia coli (E. coli) are the most common cause of urinary tract and bloodstream infections worldwide. Many patients are therefore treated with antibiotics, but several variants of E. coli have become multi-drug resistant, which limits available treatment options and poses a major threat to public health. For this reason, we wanted to understand how quickly new variants of E. coli spread in the human population. Our findings provide further impetus to decipher the fundamental genetic drivers of variation in transmissibility." Jukka Corander, Professor, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, UiO Of note, he says that their research in this project is not considering those types of E. coli that cause a food poisoning, which typically results in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. More difficult to find out how infectious bacteria are In recent years, we have had pandemics caused by viruses, such as covid and swine flu. The key tool of epidemiologists is to measure the transmissibility of a virus by a so called basic reproduction number, R0 for short. However, estimating R0 for bacterial pathogens is far more complicated and rarely done. 'Whereas viral infections will typically quickly lead to noticeable symptoms, opportunistic pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli can live even up to several months in the gut without causing any problems. It is only when they relocate to other parts of the body that are normally sterile, such as the bloodstream, that they cause an infection', says Corander. Most people who get colonized by these bacteria do not fall ill In a new study published in Nature Communications, scientists have estimated the basic reproduction number (R0) of E. coli for the first time in a human community setting. R0 indicates how many other people an average individual will infect in a population with no immunity or infection control measures in place. The researchers gathered data from many patient samples in Norway and the UK and studied three closely related genotypes of E. coli. These three types began spreading at the beginning of the 2000s and all belong to the same main type ST131, which was discovered in 2008, after it had already caused a worldwide pandemic. Because the ST131 causes such a large number of urinary and bloodstream infections, it has been a focus of international attention for scientists ever since it was first detected. 'What we found was that one type, ST131-A, spread as rapidly as certain viruses that have caused major outbreaks worldwide, such as the swine flu (H1N1). That was quite surprising, for whereas swine flu is transmitted via droplets in the air that are inhaled, E. coli does not spread in the same way. It uses a rather longer route via fecal-oral transmission, where bacteria in faeces get onto hands and surfaces, or contaminate food and drink', says Corander. Multi-drug resistant E. coli did not spread as fast The two other variants of E. coli that the scientists investigated in the study, ST131-C1 and ST131-C2, are resistant to several classes of antibiotics and do therefore pose a bigger risk when causing infections. However, these two are not transmitted so easily between healthy individuals. 'This sounds like good news, but we detected some other challenges', says the professor. The conclusion they came to was that the multi-drug resistant types of E. coli bacteria are more likely transmitted in hospitals and care homes where the frailest patients are. In these cases, an infection can pose a major threat to the survival, since several classes of antibiotics are no longer effective against these bacteria. Multi-drug resistant E. coli probably survive better in hostile environments Corander explains that the multi-drug resistant genotypes included in the study seem to have become very hardy and adept at survival. They likely defy the disinfectants frequently used in health care facilities and have obviously adapted themselves genetically so that they can survive in such settings. 'The conclusion that the multi-drug resistant E. coli variants are not transmitted so easily amongst healthy people, would suggest that these bacteria are also further assisted by medication to survive the continuously ongoing battle between different types of E. coli. The hypothesis is that since hospitalized patients are typically given antibiotics and other medicines, these kill off the competing more susceptible bacteria, helping the multi-drug resistant E. coli to become dominant', he explains. Scientists want to find methods of killing bacteria without an excessive use of antibiotics In the future, we risk not being able to treat infections caused by bacteria that have become resistant to critical antibiotics. 'So the next stage will be to find out why these variants of E. coli have developed such a capacity to survive under more selective pressure and the exact genetic reasons for their poorer transmissibility in the community settings. We also need fast and affordable ways for making rapid diagnosis and it will be important to find more ways of killing bacteria without resorting to use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. For example, in a number of new studies, researchers have tested the use of ultrasound on bacteria that hide behind biofilm - a thin layer of cellular material that they produce in order to protect themselves', says Corander. Jukka Corander led the new study together with professor Pekka Marttinen from Aalto University in Finland. The same cellular renewal that keeps our bodies healthy might also fuel the growth of cancer. A UC Merced biologist has found that the brain could hold the key to stopping it. Professor Nestor Oviedo, a molecular and cell biologist and affiliate of the Health Sciences Research Institute, received more than $2 million from the National Institutes of Health to investigate signals mediating the earliest stages of cancer development. His findings could one day change how doctors think about treating cancer and age-related diseases. Our initial data suggest that key cancer symptoms can be selectively removed by activating signals from the nervous system. In other words, by turning down brain molecular switches, we can control cancer." Professor Nestor Oviedo, molecular and cell biologist and affiliate of the Health Sciences Research Institute The five-year project, funded through the NIH's National Institute of General Medical Sciences, focuses on a biological paradox: The same cell-renewal processes that keep tissues functioning also create endless opportunities for mutations to occur. Every day, the body replaces billions of cells, but with each division comes a chance for error. That constant renewal is one reason more than 90% of human cancers begin in epithelial tissues, such as the skin or the lining of the gut - places where cells are replaced most frequently. "Understanding how cancer emerges during this renewal process is extremely challenging," Oviedo said. "Different tissues regenerate at different speeds, and the signals they receive from surrounding tissues can profoundly influence how cells behave." One of the earliest steps in cancer development is DNA damage, particularly double-strand breaks - the most dangerous type. But scientists still don't fully understand how some damaged cells manage to survive, multiply and become tumors. A simple organism, a powerful model To tackle that question, Oviedo and his lab turned to an unlikely organism: planarian flatworms. These small, freshwater worms are famous for their regenerative abilities - cut one in half, and it can grow into two complete animals. Planarians owe that regenerative power to their stem cells, called neoblasts, which can become any cell type in the body. Oviedo's lab has spent years developing genetic tools to study how these cells behave - making planarians a surprisingly powerful model for understanding cancer. By disrupting a tumor-suppressing gene known as PTEN - one of the most frequently inactivated genes in human cancers - the researchers can trigger a cancer-like condition in planarians within just 12 days. "It was fascinating to see many traits of cancer evolution develop in less than two weeks," Oviedo said. "Other models take much longer and are far more costly. The planarian model lets us induce cancer-like symptoms and track, in real time, how normal cells transition to cancerous ones." The changes were dramatic. Shortly after PTEN disruption, the worms showed unchecked cell growth, tissue invasion and tumor-like formations - all hallmarks of cancer. Neural signals that stop cancer Then came the surprise: When the team interfered with neural signals, the worms' cancer-like symptoms began to disappear. "Remarkably, by altering communication between the nervous system and stem cells, we could suppress these cancer traits," Oviedo said. "That finding opened an entirely new area of investigation - one where the brain itself may play a protective role against cancer." This discovery could help explain why some tissues are more prone to cancer than others and how stress, aging or neurological health might influence cancer risk. The research team will now combine genetic, cellular and genomic analyses to study how damaged stem cells survive and proliferate, and how neural pathways might control that process. "It's still too early to apply these findings clinically," Oviedo said. "But we expect to begin testing them soon in mammalian cancer models. To my knowledge, this is the first evidence showing that modulation of neural signals can specifically eliminate cancer cells without affecting normal cells." Beyond cancer While cancer remains the focus, Oviedo's work could also shed light on degenerative diseases linked to aging, which may share underlying mechanisms with cancer. "Many age-related conditions might be affected by DNA changes that can be targeted by disrupting specific neural signals," Oviedo said. "We believe this approach could eventually be useful in addressing those conditions as well." In addition to the cancer project, Oviedo's research group studies how stem cells are regulated during tissue regeneration and how the immune system responds to fungal infections. The new NIH grant will support that broader work, funding staff, graduate students and new experiments through 2030. The project's official title - "Mechanisms of Stem Cell Regulation During Tissue Renewal and Cancer Development" - reflects a wide-ranging exploration of life's most fundamental processes. From basic science to big possibilities For Oviedo, who has long championed basic biological research, the NIH funding affirms the value of studying simple systems to answer complex questions. "Planarians might seem like an odd choice for cancer research," he said with a smile. "But nature often hides its best clues in unexpected places. These worms help us see the connections between systems - between regeneration, the nervous system and disease." Those connections, he believes, could ultimately reshape how scientists and clinicians approach cancer - not just as a disease of rogue cells, but as a breakdown in the communication networks that normally keep them in check. "We are committed to understanding the molecular signals involved in this process," Oviedo said. "If we can learn to restore the body's natural balance, we may find new ways to prevent or reverse cancer altogether." 4 elephants fall into well in Chhattisgarh; rescue operation on Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 09:58 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Balodabazar (Chhattisgarh), Nov 4 (PTI) Four elephants fell into a well at Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarhs Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, prompting forest authorities to launch a major rescue operation on Tuesday, officials said. The incident was reported in the morning at Hardi village in the wildlife sanctuary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Arun Kumar Pandey told PTI. Recommended Stories The well lacks an outer boundary wall. The official said some locals spotted the elephants struggling inside the well in the morning and immediately alerted the forest department. Senior forest officials, along with rescue teams, rushed to the site and an operation was launched to save the jumbos. Earth-excavator machines were deployed, and a ramp was being constructed by digging the sides of the well to allow the pachyderms to climb out safely, the official said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Forest officials were monitoring the situation closely to ensure the elephants were rescued without injury, he said. The department has been working to cover open wells across all forest divisions with iron grills using CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) funds, to prevent such accidents in the future, he added. PTI COR TKP GK Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 09:58 IST News agency-feeds 4 elephants fall into well in Chhattisgarh; rescue operation on Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Andhra CM, Indian High Commissioner to UK explore varsity partnerships in London Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 11:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Amaravati, Nov 4 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met with Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswamy in London to deliberate on and explore partnerships between the state and British universities. Indian High Commissioner in London, Vikram Doraiswamy, met Chief Minister Chandrababu. They deliberated on four aspects to explore partnerships between UK universities and Andhra Pradesh," said an official press release on Tuesday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Naidu and Doraiswamy discussed joint ventures with central cooperation and UK universities inking partnerships with Andhra Pradesh educational institutions. Likewise, they deliberated on student exchange programmes and partnerships in the fields of life sciences, bio-genetics, mineral exploration, metals, AI, semiconductors, space technology, core engineering and Marine Industry 4.0. PTI STH ROH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 11:28 IST News agency-feeds Andhra CM, Indian High Commissioner to UK explore varsity partnerships in London Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Any Jewish person that votes for Mamdani is a stupid person: Trump Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 20:43 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New York, Nov 4 (PTI) US President Donald Trump continued his tirade against New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday, calling him a self-professed Jew Hater." Trump has endorsed former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate, for the citys top post. Any Jewish person that votes for Zohran Mamdani, a proven and self professed JEW HATER, is a stupid person!!!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social as the nation headed to the ballots. On election eve, Trump warned voters that New York City would be a complete and total economic and social disaster" and its survival" is at risk if Democratic candidate Mamdani won the mayoral race. Recommended Stories Indian-descent Mamdani, 34, born in Uganda and raised in New York City, is a New York State Assembly member and democratic socialist running for Mayor. The Democratic nominee will face off against Cuomo and the Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa on the ballots. Current New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whose administration has been plagued by scandals, dropped out of the mayoral race in September. November 4 is election day across the US, with polls opening from 6 am to 9 pm. The early voting period, which commenced on October 25, ended on Sunday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Mamdani, the son of renowned Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani, a Ugandan author of Indian ancestry, upset Cuomo in the Democratic primary race for New York City mayor and was declared victorious in June. Mamdani, who emerged as the front-runner in the NYC Mayoral election race, has promised to lower costs and make life easier" for New Yorkers as the city gets too expensive." PTI YAS ZH ZH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 20:43 IST News agency-feeds Any Jewish person that votes for Mamdani is a stupid person: Trump Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Australian spy chief criticises China for IP theft, political meddling Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 18:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Melbourne, Nov 4 (AP) An Australian spy chief on Tuesday accused Chinese security services of widespread intellectual property theft and political meddling, while he said they failed to understand how their Western counterparts operate. Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, better known as ASIO, said he would continue to call out China for harming Australian interests. Recommended Stories We all spy on each other, but we dont conduct wholesale intellectual property theft. We dont actually interfere with political systems and we dont undertake high-harm activity," Burgess told the Lowy Institute international policy think tank in Sydney. Burgess said in denying his accusations, China displayed an ignorance of ASIOs role in Australia. Every time Ive done that (called China out), theres an army of Chinese government officials that go around complaining to almost everyone in this country across the system public and private but not to me," Burgess said. If they were as smart as they should be and they are smart they would understand a Western liberal democracy and the role and the statutory standing of the security service. We work for the government of the day, but our security assessments and our security action are independent," he said. They clearly dont understand the system, because if they want to complain about ASIO doing its job and explaining the threats to the people were protecting, including calling out China when we need to, it wont stop my resolve, it wont stop my officers from doing the job and well continue to call them out when I need to," he added. Relations between China and Australia plumbed new depths in 2020 over issues including Beijings anger over new laws banning covert foreign interference in Australian politics. Diplomatic and trade ties have improved since Australias current government was first elected in 2022. But security relations remain fraught as Australia joined the United States in efforts to counter Chinas rising influence in the Indo-Pacific region, which both see as a threat. Burgess said he had a strong relationship" with FBI Director Kash Patel. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all When it comes to protecting Australians, the Americans are great mates, and they help us every day, and we do our fair share of helping them as well. Thats the way it should be. Ive seen no change to things since President (Donald) Trump was reelected," Burgess added. In 2023, Burgess said in his annual threat assessment that Australia faced an unprecedented threat of espionage and foreign interference, with more Australians being targeted by agents than ever before. (AP) SKS SKS Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 18:28 IST News agency-feeds Australian spy chief criticises China for IP theft, political meddling Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Elderly cancer patient jumps to death in Gurugram Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 18:58 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Gurugram, Nov 4 (PTI) A 62-year-old woman suffering from cancer allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the third floor of her house in the Sector 56 area here early Tuesday morning, police said. The incident took place around 6 am when the rest of the family was sleeping, they said. Recommended Stories According to police, Jyoti Wadhwa had been suffering from cancer for several years and despite treatment had reached an advanced stage, causing her severe mental distress. Family members said she couldnt sleep even after taking painkillers at night. Around 5.45 am on Tuesday, she left her bedroom and went to the terrace on the third floor and allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the terrace. Family members rushed her to a nearby private hospital where doctors declared her dead, police said. A police team reached the hospital and took the body into custody. A senior police officer said that statements are being recorded from all family members, including her husband, two sons, and daughter-in-law. Police said they were asleep at the time of the incident and were unaware of anything and CCTV confirms her going alone. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Wadhwa, a native of Delhi, had been living with her family in Sector 56 for several years. it appears to be a case of suicide. The woman had been suffering from cancer for a long time and was under mental stress, " said Inspector Manoj Kumar, SHO of Sector 65 police station No suicide note has been found, but statements from the family confirm that she was deeply distressed. We handed over the body to kin after the postmortem while a probe is underway," he said. PTI COR SKY SKY Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 18:58 IST News agency-feeds Elderly cancer patient jumps to death in Gurugram Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Experts question contractual hiring of Chief of Railway Safety Commission Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 18:58 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 4 (PTI) The appointment of the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety on a contractual basis, while keeping recruitment rules in abeyance, has come under criticism from a section of experts who have called it an arbitrary" move that may compromise the integrity of the statutory post. The Commission of Railway Safety is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Civil Aviation to independently investigate train accidents. Recommended Stories When contacted, the Civil Aviation Ministry did not respond to queries on the issue. The rail operations across the country have been divided into nine circles to define the jurisdiction of each Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), headed by a Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). The Civil Aviation Ministry issued an officer order on October 31, 2025 the day the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety retired re-employing him in the same post on a contractual basis from November 1, 2025. Approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) is hereby conveyed for re-employment of Shri Janak Kumar Garg as Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, on a contract basis, for a period of 01 year w.e.f. 01.11.2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, on usual terms and conditions applicable to re-employed Central Government Officers, by keeping RRs in abeyance," the order said. Subodh Jain, Ex-Member, Engineering, Railway Board, said that the government must clarify the reasons for re-appointing a person on a contractual basis for the post of Commissioner of Railway Safety after his retirement". CCRS or CRS is not an executive post. It is a statutory body and its independence is sacrosanct. Such arbitrary decisions amount to compromising the Commissions integrity," Jain said. Senior railway officials said that the CRS or CCRS is expected to be a person of integrity with excellent technical knowledge. They said that the Commission has to audit the work of the Railways as well as the Railway Board. Sudhanshu Mani, who led the Vande Bharat project, said the move disregards established norms and will affect the Commissions credibility. It is unfortunate that the government has extended its frequent tendency to reemploy retiring executives on contract now to the statutory office of CCRS," he said. This contractual reappointment, which would tend to keep the CCRS on a leash, undermines the sacrosanct independence of the post. Its a cynical decision without any precedence, disregarding established norms, raising concerns about the likely loss of the Commissions credibility," Mani, a retired general manager in the railways, said. According to the norms, the CCRS is appointed on a seniority basis from among the CRSes who should have at least three years of working experience as CRS. AM Chowdhary, the CRS for the Southern Circle, is the senior-most among all the CRSes and has also completed three years in this post. So, he was the deserving among all but the Ministry has overlooked his candidature and re-hired Garg as CCRS," a senior railway official said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It is pertinent for the government to answer if the current CCRS solicited the post or the government offered him on its own," Jain said. It is almost like a judge retired as chief justice and then hired on contract to serve on the same post. Doesnt it undermine the integrity of the whole judicial system?" another expert questioned. PTI JP RT RT Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 18:58 IST News agency-feeds Experts question contractual hiring of Chief of Railway Safety Commission Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Gopichand Hinduja, who acquired and turned around struggling Ashok Leyland, dies Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:43 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London, Nov 4 (PTI) Gopichand P Hinduja, the head of Britains richest family, who was named as an accused in the Bofors scam with his two brothers, died in London at the age of 85. Fondly known as GP in business circles, Gopichand P Hinduja was unwell for the past few weeks and died in a London hospital, sources close to his family said. Recommended Stories Born in 1940, Gopichand was the second of the four Hinduja brothers who built the group into a global conglomerate, spanning automotive, energy, banking, and infrastructure. After the death of his elder brother Srichand Hinduja in 2023, he took charge as the chairman of the 35 billion pound Hinduja Group. He is survived by his wife, Sunita, sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter, Rita. A graduate of Jai Hind College, Mumbai (1959), Gopichand began his career in the familys trading business in Tehran before expanding its reach across continents. Under his leadership, the group acquired Gulf Oil in 1984, closely followed by the acquisition of the then-struggling Indian automotive manufacturer, Ashok Leyland, in 1987, which was the first major NRI investment in India. Today, Ashok Leyland is regarded as one of the most successful turnaround stories ever in Indian corporate history. He was also the visionary behind the Groups forays into power and infrastructure sectors, spearheading the task of shaping the conglomerates plan for building multi-GW energy generation capacity in India. Known for his understated style and deep commitment to family values, he was honoured with an honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Westminster and an Honorary Doctorate of Economics from Richmond College, London, as per the groups website. He and his two other brothers Srichand and Prakash Hinduja were accused of receiving payments totalling Rs 64 crore in illegal commissions to help Swedish gunmaker AB Bofors secure an Indian contract. All three were, however, exonerated by the Delhi High Court in 2005. Gopichand Hinduja and his family retained their position as Britains wealthiest, according to the latest The Sunday Times Rich List, despite a drop in their overall fortune. The Hinduja familys net worth stands at 35.3 billion pounds, down from 37.2 billion pounds the previous year. Their UK property assets include the 67,000 square feet 18th-century Carlton House Terrace near Buckingham Palace and the historic Old War Office building in Whitehall, now home to the Raffles London hotel, which opened in September 2023 to great fanfare. The family, however, feuded over the vast wealth. After the death of the eldest brother, Srichand, in 2023, it emerged that Gopichand and his two younger brothers Prakash, 79, and Ashok, 74, had been fighting over the past three years with the patriarch and his daughter, Vinoo, over a 2014 letter signed by the four siblings that said assets held by one of them belonged to all. While the family called a truce on the bitter power struggle, reports suggest theyre still privately haggling on related issues. Their father, Parmanand, founded their namesake business in 1914 in the Sindh region of British India, trading in carpets, tea and spices. In 1919, he moved from Sindh (then in India, now Pakistan) to Iran, and his sons joined as the group rapidly diversified investments, with early success distributing Bollywood films outside India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Parmanand, who died in 1971, instilled in his sons a mantra they pledged to follow: Everything belongs to everyone and nothing belongs to anyone". The siblings, however, feuded over control of the vast business empire and have reportedly agreed to effectively dump the letter, raising the prospect of a breakup for their conglomerate. The Hinduja empire included the only Indian-owned Swiss bank, SP Hinduja Banquee Privee, with headquarters in Geneva. Its assets include Mumbai-based lender IndusInd Bank Ltd and a property investment firm that has bought more than 250 acres of land in major Indian cities. PTI ANZ BAL BAL BAL Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 17:43 IST News agency-feeds Gopichand Hinduja, who acquired and turned around struggling Ashok Leyland, dies Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Groww IPO gets subscribed 29 pc so far on Day 1 Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 13:43 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 4 (PTI) The initial public offering of Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent company of stock broking firm Groww, garnered 29 per cent subscription so far on the first day of the share sale on Tuesday. The companys IPO received bids for 10,42,97,559 shares, as against 36,47,76,528 shares on offer, as per data available with the NSE till 12:48 hours. Recommended Stories Retail investors quota got fully subscribed by 1.16 times, while the category meant for non-institutional investors received 27 per cent subscription. Billionbrains Garage Ventures on Monday garnered a little over Rs 2,984 crore from anchor investors. The companys IPO would conclude on November 7. The firm has fixed a price band of Rs 95-100 per share for its IPO, targeting a valuation of over Rs 61,700 crore (about USD 7 billion). The IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 1,060 crore along with an Offer-for-Sale (OFS) component of 55.72 crore equity shares by promoters and investor shareholders. As part of the OFS, the companys promoters Lalit Keshre, Harsh Jain, Neeraj Singh, and Ishan Bansal each are offering up to 1 million shares. Besides, investors such as Peak XV Partners Investments VI-1, YC Holdings II, Ribbit Capital V, GW-E Ribbit Opportunity V, Internet Fund VI Pte Ltd, and Kauffman Fellows Fund, LP are offloading shares. Growws founders own 27.97 per cent of the company and have been declared promoters of the firm, with a 20 per cent lock-in for one-and-a-half years from the time of listing. In the IPO, they are offering to sell only 0.07 per cent of the companys total shares. The company, which is backed by marquee investors such as Peak XV, Tiger Capital, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, plans to use proceeds from the IPO to invest in technology development and business expansion. Of the fresh issuance, Rs 225 crore will be used for brand building and performance marketing activities, and Rs 205 crore will be invested in Groww Creditserv Technology Pvt Ltd (GCS), the NBFC arm, to augment its capital base. Additionally, Rs 167.5 crore will be infused into Groww Invest Tech Pvt Ltd (GIT) to fund its margin trading facility business, while Rs 152.5 crore has been earmarked to strengthen cloud infrastructure. The balance will be utilised for funding inorganic growth through acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Groww filed draft papers in May with the markets regulator, Sebi, for an IPO through a confidential pre-filing route and received Sebis approval in August. Groww opted for the confidential pre-filing route, which allows it to withhold public disclosure of IPO details under the DRHP until later stages. This route is gaining traction among Indian firms aiming for flexibility in their IPO plans. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Founded in 2016, Groww emerged as Indias largest stockbroker, with over 12.6 million active clients and a market share of over 26 per cent as of June 2025. Groww will make its stock market debut on November 12. PTI SUM DRR Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 13:43 IST News agency-feeds Groww IPO gets subscribed 29 pc so far on Day 1 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Guillermo del Toro, Jodie Foster to be honoured at Marrakech Film Festival Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 20:13 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Marrakech [Morocco], November 4 (ANI): Oscar winners Guillermo del Toro and Jodie Foster will be honoured alongside Moroccan actress Raouya and Egyptian veteran Hussein Fahmi at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival, celebrating their outstanding contributions to global cinema.The festival, running from November 28 to December 6, described the honorees as artists who embody the vitality of cinema and its ability to bring people together, move them, and inspire them," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Jodie Foster, a two-time Academy Award-winning actress known for films such as The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs, will be celebrated for her prolific career spanning over five decades. Foster, who recently starred in Nyad (2023), expressed excitement about her upcoming visit to Morocco, calling it an honour to discover the beautiful city of Marrakech and to celebrate film at the same time." She added that she looks forward to introducing her new French film, Vie Privee" (A Private Life), directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, at the festival.Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, a three-time Oscar winner for The Shape of Water and Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio, will also be feted. Known for his imaginative visual storytelling in films like Pans Labyrinth, Nightmare Alley, and Crimson Peak, del Toro said he was thrilled to return" to Marrakech and looked forward to presenting his upcoming Netflix project Frankenstein to festival audiences, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The festival will also celebrate two major Arab cinema personalities. Moroccan actress Raouya the stage name of Fatima Hernadi has achieved great acclaim in film, television, and theatre, with performances in Thirst, Rock the Casbah, and Cry No More. Expressing gratitude for being honoured in her homeland, Raouya said she shares a deep friendship and loyalty" with the festival and its audience.Egyptian screen legend Hussein Fahmi, whose career spans more than five decades and includes over 100 films, will also be recognised. Among his most notable roles are in Watch Out for ZouZou, The Guilty, and Alexandria: Again and Forever. Fahmi said being honoured in Marrakech holds special meaning as one of his earliest films, My Blood, My Tears, My Smile, was shot in the city.The Marrakech International Film Festival, established in 2001 under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, continues to be a major platform celebrating cinematic excellence and cultural exchange between global filmmakers, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 20:13 IST News agency-feeds Guillermo del Toro, Jodie Foster to be honoured at Marrakech Film Festival Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India a 'first-rate strategic' partner of Israel, says senior official Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 23:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Tel Aviv, Nov 4 (PTI) Israel views India as a first-rate strategic partner" and is determined to continue enhancing cooperation in the fields of defence, technology and industry, a senior official said on Tuesday. The remarks by Israels Ministry of Defence Director General Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram came at the signing of a defence pact between Israel and India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories The pact facilitates the sharing of advanced technologies and promotes co-development and co-production of key weapon systems and military hardware. We view India as a first-rate strategic partner and are determined to continue deepening cooperation in the fields of defence, technology, and industry," Baram was quoted as saying in a statement by Israels Ministry of Defence. This strategic dialogue with India takes place at a critical juncture for both countries. Our strategic partnership is based on deep mutual trust and shared security interests," he added. The Indian delegation, led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, also met with Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz. Separately, a special panel was held with the CEOs of major defence industries, during which innovative and groundbreaking Israeli technologies were presented, along with ideas and projects aimed at deepening industrial-defence partnerships between Israels defence industries and India. PTI HM GRS GRS GRS Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 23:28 IST News agency-feeds India a 'first-rate strategic' partner of Israel, says senior official Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India a key strategic partner, keen on FTA soon: Bahrain Minister Noor Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 20:43 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Manama, Nov 4 (PTI) Bahrain is keen to enter into a free trade agreement (FTA) with India as the Middle East country sees New Delhi as a key strategic partner, Bahrains Minister of Sustainable Development Noor Bint Ali Al Khulaif said on Tuesday. The comments come a day after India and Bahrain announced commencing negotiations for an ambitious trade deal and inching closer to sealing an investment pact. Recommended Stories Speaking on the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf 2025 event here, Noor stressed that Bahrain sees India as its key strategic market like China, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan. We would love to have a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. There are ongoing discussions on that front," Noor, who is the Chief Executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), said. Technology, education, tourism are our focus areas. We also aim to bring in tourists from India to our country," she said. The two sides expect to conclude the FTA talks within the next two years, according to senior government officials in Bahrain. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held extensive talks with his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani in New Delhi on Monday to further broad-base overall ties. In their talks, the two ministers also agreed to develop a common understanding to commence negotiations for a double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA). Alzayani was in India for a two-day visit. PTI DR MR TRB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 20:43 IST News agency-feeds India a key strategic partner, keen on FTA soon: Bahrain Minister Noor Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indian envoy meets Belarus President, pushes stronger trade and cooperation ties Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 04:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Minsk [Belarus], November 5 (ANI): Indian Ambassador to Belarus, Ashok Kumar, met Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on Tuesday at the Palace of Independence in Minsk. The Indian Embassy in Belarus said the two leaders discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation, focusing mainly on ways to expand trade and commerce between the two countries, the embassy said in a post. Earlier, an Indian delegation led by Secretary (West) Sibi George visited Minsk from October 27 to 28 for the eighth round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Belarus. Sibi George and Belarus Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeny Shestakov co-chaired the talks.Both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including political, economic, cultural, tourism, education, and consular matters. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the statement said.It was agreed to hold the next round of consultations at a mutually convenient time.Secretary (West) also paid a courtesy call on Maxim Ryzhenkov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. During the visit, Secretary (West) addressed the III Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, expressing Indias views on pressing regional, and global issues.The 8th round of India-Belarus Foreign Office Consultations co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George and Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Evgeny Shestakov was held in Minsk. Both sides discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including political, economic, cultural, tourism, education and consular matters. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," the MEA said in a post on X. India and Belarus have shared warm and friendly relations since Belarus gained independence. India was among the first countries to recognise Belarus in 1991, and diplomatic ties were established in 1992. The Indian Embassy in Minsk opened in 1992, followed by the Belarusian Embassy in New Delhi in 1998. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 05, 2025, 04:28 IST News agency-feeds Indian envoy meets Belarus President, pushes stronger trade and cooperation ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IndiGo flies into red on forex headwinds; Q2 loss widens to Rs 2,582 cr Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 21:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 4 (PTI) The countrys largest airline IndiGo on Tuesday reported a loss of Rs 2,582.10 crore in the September quarter as higher forex losses and expenses impacted the bottom line, and it expects to induct the first long range Airbus A321 XLR aircraft in December. The airline, which had a loss of Rs 986.7 crore in the year-ago period, said hedging actions and more revenues in foreign currencies from international operations will help cushion the currency movements. Recommended Stories It had a profit of Rs 2,176.30 crore in the June quarter. Expanding its international network, IndiGo will be bringing in more planes on damp leases, and currently, the number of aircraft on ground (AOG) is in the 40s, with Chief Financial Officer Gaurav M Negi, in an analysts call, saying the number is expected to remain range-bound till the end of the year. We have done very well on the operational performance," IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said during a virtual media briefing soon after announcement of the financial results. According to a regulatory filing, InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, raked in a total income of Rs 19,599.5 crore in the second quarter of the current financial year, higher than Rs 17,759 crore recorded in the same period a year ago. In a release, the airline said that, including the impact of currency movement pertaining to dollar-based future obligations, the net loss for the September quarter aggregated to Rs 2,582.10 crore. Excluding the impact of currency movement, IndiGo reported a net profit of Rs 1,039 million as compared to a net loss of Rs 7,539 million during the same period last year," it added. The net of supplementary rentals and aircraft repair and maintenance jumped 18.9 per cent to Rs 3,263 crore while the foreign exchange loss stood at Rs 2,892.1 crore in the latest September quarter. In the year-ago period, foreign exchange loss was at Rs 240.6 crore. Total expenses in the September quarter climbed 18.3 per cent to Rs 22,081.2 crore. About the currency movements and rupee depreciation, Elbers said the airline has future dollar obligations in terms of leases and in terms of other things, and those fluctuations had to be incorporated in the financial results. Also, the closure of a runway at the Delhi airport resulted in operations at reduced capacity for the airline from the national capital. Total income for the quarter ended September 2025 was Rs 195,995 million, an increase of 10.4 per cent over the same period last year. For the quarter, our passenger ticket revenues were INR 159,667 million, an increase of 11.2 per cent and ancillary revenues were INR 21,411 million, an increase of 14.2 per cent compared to the same period last year," the release said. The airlines yield or rupee earned per kilometre rose 3.2 per cent to Rs 4.69 in the latest September quarter from Rs 4.55 in the year-ago period. Elbers said the airlines optimised capacity deployment has enabled us to deliver a 10 per cent growth in topline revenue, excluding the impact of currency movements, an operational profit of Rs 104 crore compared to an operational loss last year. The year began with significant external challenges across the industry, but we saw stabilisation in July and a strong recovery through August and September. Looking ahead, we have scaled up our operational plans for the second half to meet demand and continue driving growth. With that, we have nudged up our capacity guidance for the full financial year 2026 to early teens growth," he said in the release. According to him, the long-range A321 XLR plane which will have 183 economy class seats and 12 stretch seats is expected to come in the second half of December. Among other aspects, Negi said the airline expects a slight uptick in costs due to the implementation of the second phase of the revised flight duty time limitation norms for pilots. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The airline, which had a 64.3 per cent domestic market share in September, is expanding its international network with leased Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the long-range A321 XLRs will allow it to fly to new destinations. Shares of the airline fell over 1 per cent to close at Rs 5,635 apiece on the BSE. PTI RAM TRB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 21:28 IST News agency-feeds IndiGo flies into red on forex headwinds; Q2 loss widens to Rs 2,582 cr Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Israel says remains of a hostage turned over in Gaza Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 01:13 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Jerusalem, Nov 4 (AP) The remains of a hostage in Gaza have been turned over and are now in Israel, the military said on Tuesday, in the latest sign of progress under the US-brokered ceasefire. Ahead of the announcement, Hamas returned the remains of 20 hostages to Israel under the ceasefire that began on October 10. If the latest remains are confirmed during forensic testing, that would leave the remains of seven others in Gaza. Recommended Stories The ceasefire is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and the Palestinian militant group. The military wing of Hamas said earlier on Tuesday that it recovered the body of an Israeli soldier in Gaza and intended to hand over the remains. Israels statement did not indicate whether the remains were of a soldier. Militants in Gaza have released one to three bodies every few days. Israel has pushed to speed up the returns and in certain cases has said the remains were not those of hostages. Hamas has said the work is complicated by widespread devastation. For each Israeli hostage returned, Israel has been releasing the remains of 15 Palestinians. So far, the bodies of 270 Palestinians have been handed over under the current ceasefire. Fewer than half have been identified. Forensic work is complicated by a lack of DNA testing kits in Gaza. The health ministry there posts photos of the remains online, in the hope that families will recognise them. The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel responded with a sweeping military offensive that killed more than 68,800 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Gazas health ministry, which doesnt distinguish between combatants and civilians. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals, maintains detailed records viewed as generally reliable by independent experts. Israel, which has denied accusations by a UN commission of inquiry and others of committing genocide in Gaza, has disputed the ministrys figures without providing a contradicting toll. (AP) ARI Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 05, 2025, 01:13 IST News agency-feeds Israel says remains of a hostage turned over in Gaza Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Karan Kundrra joins Sunny Leone as co-host of new season of MTV Splitsvilla Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 19:13 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 4 (ANI): Actor Karan Kundrra has joined Sunny Leone as a co-host for the upcoming season of MTVs popular dating reality show Splitsvilla. Excited for the show, Karan said, Coming back to MTV after six years feels like homecoming, and Splitsvilla has such an iconic place in the channels legacy. Ive always loved how the show captures the thrilling and unpredictable journey of modern love. This season, Im really looking forward to experiencing the MTV Splitsvilla energy and am really excited to host alongside Sunny."He added, I am super excited to see what the contestants have in store, how far theyll go and what risks theyll take when it comes to love. I truly believe this season is going to be bolder, more dynamic and full of surprises."Karan has previously been a part of MTV Roadies and MTV Love School. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 19:13 IST News agency-feeds Karan Kundrra joins Sunny Leone as co-host of new season of MTV Splitsvilla Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kartik Aaryan beings shooting for Naagzilla Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 4 (PTI) Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has begun shooting for his upcoming film Naagzilla", the makers said on Tuesday. Billed as a one-of-a-kind fantasy comedy, Naagzilla" is directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba of the Fukrey" franchise from a script written by Gautam Mehra. Recommended Stories Mahaveer Jain Films, which is producing the project along with Karan Johars Dharma Productions, shared a video from the first day of the shooting on its official Instagram page. Were not just rollingwere slithering into the world of #Naagzilla! Day 1 was filled with laughter, blessings, positivity and too much! In cinemas 14th August, 2026," read the caption in the post. The movie, which was announced in April, is produced by Johar, Mahaveer Jain, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Sujit Jain, and Lamba. Aaryan was last seen in the 2024 film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3" and also Chandu Champion" for which he won the Filmfare award. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Aaryan will next feature in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri", alongside Ananya Panday. The film, which will release in theatres on December 25, is directed by Sameer Vidwans. He will also star in a project from filmmaker Anurag Basu and co-starring Sreeleela. PTI SMR RB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 17:28 IST News agency-feeds Kartik Aaryan beings shooting for Naagzilla Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kerala will demand amendments to Centre's labour codes, says Minister Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 19:43 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 4 (PTI) Kerala will voice its strong opposition to the four labour codes introduced by the Centre at an upcoming conference in New Delhi, state Minister V Sivankutty said here on Tuesday. Sivankutty, said that as the state minister for Labour and Skill Development, he will participate in the national conference of labour and industry ministers and secretaries to be held in New Delhi on November 11 and 12. Recommended Stories Talking to reporters here, he said Kerala is ready to bring timely reforms to the existing labour laws from a worker-friendly perspective. However, the state does not agree with the provisions in the current labour codes that weaken workers rights, social security, and trade union freedom", he said. Kerala gives priority to ensuring workers right to get organised and bargain collectively, and to strengthening safety standards including minimum wages, the minister added. The state will convey its concerns on this matter to the Centre and will demand necessary amendments to the labour codes to ensure the welfare of workers," Sivankutty said. Labour reforms should not be aimed solely at achieving ease of doing business; instead, they should focus on improving the ease of living and the quality of life of workers, he said. This will be the standpoint Kerala presents at the conference, he added. It is the policy of the LDF government to strengthen employer-employee relations and to continue maintaining Kerala as a labour-friendly state, Sivankutty added. He further said Kerala is committed to ensuring workers welfare and promoting inclusive development in collaboration with the union government. The state has expressed its willingness to cooperate in major initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, the expansion of Employees State Insurance (ESIC) coverage and so on. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kerala would also work to integrate various labour and skill development programmes to ensure maximum benefit, he said. To enhance social security coverage for workers, the state would also cooperate in sharing information with the EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organisation), the minister added. PTI LGK SA Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 19:43 IST News agency-feeds Kerala will demand amendments to Centre's labour codes, says Minister Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... KPCC chief Sunny Joseph faces CPI (M) protest over road inauguration in Iritty Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:58 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kannur (Kerala), Nov 4 (PTI) Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Chief Sunny Joseph faced protests by ruling CPI (M) workers on Tuesday when he arrived to inaugurate a road project under Iritty Municipality in this district. The Left workers raised slogans against Joseph, who is also the Iritty MLA, alleging that the fund for the Chavassery road was allotted by the Pinarayi Vijayan government and the Congress leader was trying to claim credit. Recommended Stories When Joseph reached the venue, a number of CPI (M) workers gathered there and raised slogans like Sunny vakkeel (lawyer) go back". The protesters expressed gratitude to the Vijayan government, saying it had allotted Rs 1.25 crore for the construction of the road, considering the request of locals during the Nava Kerala Sadas. Sunny Joseph is now trying to take credit for the road," one of the protesters alleged. Later, CPI (M) workers engaged in a war of words with Congress activists. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Joseph remained seated with a smile throughout the protest. He eventually left the venue as tensions escalated. Congress workers justified his attempt to inaugurate the road project, saying as an MLA, Joseph he had the right. PTI LGK ROH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 17:58 IST News agency-feeds KPCC chief Sunny Joseph faces CPI (M) protest over road inauguration in Iritty Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Lalu hits campaign trail for Bihar polls Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 21:58 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Patna, Nov 4 (PTI) RJD president Lalu Prasad, who has been keeping indoors because of fragile health, on Tuesday undertook a drive to Phulwari Sharif constituency, in what is being seen as a road show" by the greatest crowd puller of his generation. The reserved constituency, which also has a sizeable population of Muslims, is situated just a few kilometres away from the residence of Prasad, who chose to wave at onlookers from inside his car. Recommended Stories The septuagenarian, who has undergone a heart surgery and a kidney transplant, was last seen in public when his son Tejashwi Yadav, the INDIA blocs CM candidate, filed nomination papers for the Raghopur seat at the collectorate in Vaishali district. Prasad, who was then accompanied by his wife Rabri Devi and eldest daughter Misa Bharti, had used a wheelchair. In Phulwari Sharif, which is being contested by RJD ally CPI(ML) Liberation, the former Bihar CM, who was travelling alone, chose not to get out of his vehicle. He returned home about an hour before campaigning for the first phase came to a close. Sources close to the family said the charismatic leader undertook a similar journey on Monday, to Danapur, on the outskirts of the city, to garner support for sitting RJD MLA Reet Lal Yadav. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A dreaded gangster-turned-politician, Reet Lal Yadav is currently lodged at a jail in Bhagalpur, facing trial in an extortion case. His bail plea for canvassing in elections was turned down by the Patna High Court. PTI NAC SOM Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 21:58 IST News agency-feeds Lalu hits campaign trail for Bihar polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maharashtra: Man-eater leopard shot dead after 3 deaths in Pimparkhed Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 04:43 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Pune (Maharashtra) [India], November 5 (ANI): A man-eater leopard, responsible for three deaths in Pune districts Pimparkhed village and surrounding areas in the last 20 days, was shot dead during a joint operation by the Forest Department and a rescue team, officials said.According to a release, three people, including a 5-year-old girl, an 82-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy, were killed in separate attacks since October 12, triggering massive public anger across Junnar, Shirur, Ambegaon and Khed talukas.Following the death of a 13-year-old boy, a mob torched a forest patrol vehicle and a local base camp building. Protests intensified Monday as villagers blocked the Pune-Nashik highway near Manchar for nearly 18 hours, demanding immediate action against the predator.Forest officials said Pune Conservator of Forests Ashish Thackeray secured approval from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to neutralise the leopard. A team comprising veterinarian Dr Satvik Pathak and sharpshooters Jubin Postwala and Dr Prasad Dabholkar was deployed.Camera traps and thermal drones were used. The leopard was sighted about 400-500 metres from the incident site. A tranquilliser dart misfired, after which it charged at the team, prompting the sharpshooters to open fire around 10.30 pm," an official said, adding the animal was about 5-6 years old.The leopards carcass was shown to villagers before being sent to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre for a post-mortem.The operation was carried out with the support of local villagers under the supervision of senior forest officials. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 05, 2025, 04:43 IST News agency-feeds Maharashtra: Man-eater leopard shot dead after 3 deaths in Pimparkhed Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... CNN name, logo and all associated elements and 2024 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. CNN and the CNN logo are registered marks of Cable News Network, LP LLLP, displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of NEWS18.com does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them. Copyright Network18 Media and Investments Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. Nagaland: Wokha declared temporary silence zone for migrating Amur Falcons Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 13:43 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Wokha (Nagaland) [India], November 4 (ANI): To safeguard the globally significant congregation of Amur Falcons, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha district of Nagaland, on Tuesday declared the region a temporary Silence Zone, reiterating the states status as the Falcon Capital of the World. This recognition stems from the largest annual gathering of Amur Falcons at Pangti village, Wokha district, during October and November.In a press statement, the DIPR, Nagaland, stated that the order emphasises the importance of maintaining a safe passage for migratory birds, which are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), to which India is a signatory.To minimise disturbances, the roosting site at Pangti has been officially declared a temporary Silence Zone within a 3-kilometre radius for the duration of the migration season. Scientific studies have shown that high-intensity sound can induce fear in wild birds, potentially causing them to abandon their habitat and disrupting vital communication linked to reproduction and survival," said the DIPR Nagaland press statement.The order further recalls the directive issued by the Office of the Chief Secretary, Nagaland warned that government grants and assistance to villages involved in the killing or harming of Amur Falcons will be subject to review and possible curtailment.In light of this, all activities that may cause disturbance to the Amur Falcons, whether at the roosting site or elsewhere in the district, are strictly prohibited with immediate effect. The district administration urges all citizens, communities, and visitors to cooperate in preserving this unique ecological phenomenon and to uphold Nagalands global reputation for successful wildlife conservation," said the press statement.On October 24, a rare species of butterfly, the Spotless Baron (Euthalia recta), was photographed at Dzongu in North Sikkim by noted nature conservationist Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, marking its return after a gap of five years.According to records, the first sighting of the Spotless Baron in Sikkim was made on October 29, 2019, also in Dzongu. The second confirmed record, captured on October 19, 2025, reaffirms Dzongus ecological richness and the regions significance as a biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Himalayas.The Spotless Baron is renowned for its elusive nature and distinctive lack of the characteristic white spots found on its close relatives, making sightings particularly special for lepidopterists and conservationists. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 13:43 IST News agency-feeds Nagaland: Wokha declared temporary silence zone for migrating Amur Falcons Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Peru breaks diplomatic ties with Mexico for granting asylum to former PM Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 05:13 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Lima, Nov 4 (AP) Peru has announced that it has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico because Mexican authorities have granted asylum to former Peruvian prime inister Betssy Chavez, who is facing charges in Peru related to a 2022 coup attempt. Today we learned with surprise and deep regret that former prime minister Betssy Chavez, the alleged co-author of the coup detat attempted by former president Pedro Castillo (2021-2022), is being granted asylum at the residence of the Mexican Embassy in Peru," Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela said at a press conference on Monday. Recommended Stories The development adds a new chapter to the ongoing tensions between the two Latin American governments. (AP) ARI Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 05:13 IST News agency-feeds Peru breaks diplomatic ties with Mexico for granting asylum to former PM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Piyush Goyal to visit New Zealand to strengthen bilateral economic ties Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 20:43 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], November 4 (ANI): Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, will be in New Zealand on 5th November 2025 to engage in discussions with Todd McClay, Minister for Trade of New Zealand, on the ongoing FTA (Free Trade Agreement) negotiations. The Ministry of Commece and Industry said in a release that the visit reflects the shared commitment of both countries to expedite the FTA process and build a more comprehensive and mutually beneficial economic partnership.The 4th round of India-New Zealand FTA negotiations commenced in Auckland on 3rd November 2025, marking an important step in deepening the bilateral trade and economic dialogue between the two nations.During the visit, Goyal will participate in a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and innovation linkages between India and New Zealand. These include a dedicated interaction with prominent members of the New Zealand business community and the visiting Indian business delegation, facilitating greater collaboration between the private sectors of both countries.A New Zealand-India Business Forum will be held in the afternoon in Auckland, followed by a community interaction event with members of the vibrant Indian diaspora.A Fireside Chat will also take place between Goyal and New Zealands Minister for Trade, Todd McClay, moderated by Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber.The dialogue will focus on advancing trade cooperation, identifying new areas of economic convergence, and enhancing collaboration in innovation, technology, and sustainable growth.The engagements are expected to see participation from industry leaders, chambers of commerce, and government representatives from New Zealand, reaffirming the growing momentum in bilateral relations and the shared vision for a stronger, future-oriented economic partnership. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 20:43 IST News agency-feeds Piyush Goyal to visit New Zealand to strengthen bilateral economic ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Police suspects robbery linked to murder of Delhi Jal Board employee Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 23:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 3 (PTI) A Delhi Jal Board employee who was found dead inside a flat in Delhis Begumpur was likely killed during a robbery, police said on Tuesday. The decomposed body of Suresh Kumar Rathi (59) was found inside his first floor flat with a stab injury on his neck on Monday, they said. Recommended Stories Police have identified the suspect and efforts are on to arrest him. The body was found in a decomposed state and it appears the murder was committed on October 31 by a person known to Rathi," a senior police officer said. The flat belonged Rathi where he would occasionally go to drink. On October 31, CCTV footage revealed that he went inside the society with a man who has been seen with him two to three times before, the officer said. The murder seems to have happened during a robbery as a few items, including jewellery, are missing from the flat, he added. Around 3.30 pm on Monday, a PCR call was received from Rathis son that his father had been killed, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini) Rajeev Ranjan said. When they reached the crime scene, the police team found Rathi lying dead in the bathroom in a pool of blood. The body was shifted to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital for post-mortem, he said. The officer said that crime and forensic science laboratory (FSL) teams were called to the spot for inspection and evidence collection. Preliminary investigation revealed that he had not returned home the past two days and was not responding to calls. His son later went to the flat, which was found locked, he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Using a spare key from their residence, his son opened the door and found Rathi lying dead, Ranjan said. The deceased is survived by his wife Anita Rathi (55) and their son Ankur, police said. A case under Section 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered. PTI SSJ SKY SKY Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 23:28 IST News agency-feeds Police suspects robbery linked to murder of Delhi Jal Board employee Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Policeman assaulted by devotees inside Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 18:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mathura (UP), Nov 4 (PTI) A policeman was assaulted by a group of devotees inside the Sri Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan on Tuesday morning, officials said. According to the police, the incident, whose video appeared on social media, occurred when head constable Yagvendra, who was on duty to manage the crowd and maintain order inside the temple premises, was attacked by some devotees. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Some devotees assaulted the on-duty head constable Yagvendra inside the temple. The incident has been captured on CCTV cameras. On the basis of the evidence and a complaint, a case is being registered and further legal action is being taken," Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Rajiv Kumar Singh said. The Sri Bankey Bihari temple, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Vrindavan, often witnesses a heavy rush of devotees, especially during early morning hours and festival days, prompting the deployment of police personnel for crowd management. PTI CORR ABN RT Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 18:28 IST News agency-feeds Policeman assaulted by devotees inside Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... President Murmu urges youth to contribute towards making India developed by 2047 Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Nainital, Nov 4 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday exhorted the youths to come forward to contribute towards the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. President Murmu is on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand. Recommended Stories The government has set a goal of making India a developed nation by the year 2047. Young people like students of Kumaun University have a significant role to play in achieving this goal," the President said during the 20th convocation ceremony of Kumaun University at Nainital. India is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world as the government has taken several policy initiatives to ensure continued progress in the country, she said. These initiatives are creating numerous opportunities for the youth. Higher education institutions should take all necessary steps to encourage the youth so they can utilize these opportunities," the president said. Education is the foundation of any nations development and therefore, education should not only develop students intellect and skills, but also strengthen their moral strength and character, she added. Education not only makes us self-reliant, but also teaches us to be humble and to contribute to the development of society and the country," she said. President Murmu urged the students to dedicate their education to the nations service and helping the underprivileged section of the society, and said it is important to promote research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. She was happy to note that Kumaun University is committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation. Murmu said that a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for the proper application of education and research. She also expressed confidence that the university will move forward with this approach. The Himalayas are known for their life-giving resources, she said, adding that it is everyones responsibility to conserve and enhance these resources. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all President Murmu was happy to note that Kumaun University is making conscious efforts towards environmental protection. She said as an educational institution, Kumaun University also has certain social responsibilities. She also urged the faculty and students of the University to visit nearby villages, observe and understand the problems of villagers, and do whatever is possible to find their solutions. PTI DPT NB NB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 17:28 IST News agency-feeds President Murmu urges youth to contribute towards making India developed by 2047 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Prominent cleric shot dead by unidentified gunmen in northwest Pakistan Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 18:58 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Peshawar, Nov 4 (PTI) Prominent cleric and Member of the Provincial Council of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl Group), Maulana Abdus Salam, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday in northwest Pakistan, police said. Motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire on the car of the cleric on MandaniTakhthbhai road in Charsadda district within the jurisdiction of Mandani Police Station, killing him on the spot, police said. Recommended Stories No group or individual claimed responsibility for the attack. However, in previous incidents, the militant group Daesh (ISIS) had claimed responsibility for the killings of JUI-F members. The clerics body has been shifted to a hospital for a post-mortem. Police said that investigations are underway from various angles to determine the motive and those involved in the incident. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the killing of Salam. The deceased cleric was the head of Madrassa Abu Bakr Siddiq in Angar Bari Band, Tehsil Tangi. He was also a member of the provincial council of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. PTI AYZ ZH ZH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 18:58 IST News agency-feeds Prominent cleric shot dead by unidentified gunmen in northwest Pakistan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rajasthan: 14 injured in cylinder explosion in Jodhpur Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 21:58 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Jodhpur, Nov 4 (PTI) At least 14 people were injured after a cylinder exploded at a house here on Tuesday evening, police said. Among the injured, 11 were referred to Jodhpur while two are undergoing treatment at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in a critical condition, they said. Recommended Stories Police said the cylinder went off when some welding work was ongoing in the house in Hariyadhana village of Baori subdivision. A wedding was scheduled in the house two weeks later and preparations for it were underway when the blast happened. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jawahar Chaudhary said around 14 people have been injured and most of them have been referred to Jodhpur. The explosion triggered panic and chaos among villagers. Police said efforts are on to ascertain if the explosion was caused by the welding cylinder or an LPG cylinder kept in the house. PTI COR OZ OZ OZ Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 21:58 IST News agency-feeds Rajasthan: 14 injured in cylinder explosion in Jodhpur Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... RPF officer assaulted by man at Kannur Railway Station in Kerala Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 12:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kannur(Kerala), Nov 4 (PTI) An RPF officer was assaulted by a man at a railway station here the previous night after he was woken up while sleeping outside the ladies waiting room on the platform, Railway police said on Tuesday. The accused was booked and arrested on Wednesday, police said. Recommended Stories The incident occurred around 11.45 pm on Tuesday at Kannur railway station when the on-duty RPF officer had woken up the accused to tell him to take care of his bag and phone which were kept a little away from him, so that they dont get stolen, they said. However, without any provocation, the accused attacked the officer on duty, bit him, tore his uniform and damaged his body cam worth Rs 15,000," an officer of Kannur Railway police station said. Subsequently, the accused, an ex-serviceman who works as a temporary railway crossing gatekeeper at Uppala in Kasaragod district, was taken into custody and booked for various offences, including causing hurt with grievous weapons or means, wrongful restraint and use of obscene language, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The accused was also booked for offences under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, police said. An investigation has been launched, it added. PTI HMP ROH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 12:28 IST News agency-feeds RPF officer assaulted by man at Kannur Railway Station in Kerala Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Security forces kill 4 terrorists in Pakistans Balochistan province: Army Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 16:58 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Karachi, Nov 4 (PTI) Four terrorists were killed by security forces over the weekend in an intelligence-based operation in Pakistans restive Balochistan province, the army said. The operation was conducted on the night of November 1 in the Kalat district of Balochistan, the army said in a statement on Monday. Recommended Stories During the operation, troops effectively engaged the terrorists location and as a result, four terrorists were sent to hell," it said. It added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities. The security forces were conducting sanitisation operations to eliminate any other terrorists in the area. Pakistan will continue to target terrorists with full force to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country", the army said. President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for eliminating the terrorists, his official account posted on social media. The nation stands firmly with its forces in their resolve to root out terrorism under Operation Azm-i-Istehkam," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also hailed the armed forces, reiterating that the entire nation stood in their support with an unwavering resolve to protect the homeland. Pakistan would continue the war against terrorism until its complete eradication from the country," he said. PTI SH ZH ZH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 16:58 IST News agency-feeds Security forces kill 4 terrorists in Pakistans Balochistan province: Army Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Thane MACT grants Rs 23.27 lakh compensation to man injured in highway accident Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 12:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Thane, Nov 4 (PTI) The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtras Thane district has awarded a compensation of Rs 23.27 lakh to a 47-year-old man severely injured in a collision on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway in 2021. MACT member R V Mohite directed the insurer, The New India Assurance Company Limited, to pay the compensation with 9 per cent annual interest at first instance, with the right to recover the entire amount from the owner of a container truck involved in the accident. Recommended Stories A copy of the order passed on November 1 was made available on Tuesday. Gulhasan Iqbaluddin Khan, driver of a trailer, filed the claim against Golden Carrying Corporation and the insurance company. The accident occurred on the night of May 6, 2021, at Manor village in Palghar district, when Khan rammed his trailer into a container truck that allegedly took a turn in speed" and suddenly stopped without indication. The tribunal found that the accident had occurred due to the negligence of both drivers, noting that the driver of the container truck had suddenly applied the brakes while taking a turn, thus violating traffic rules. Citing the Rules of the Road Regulations, 1989, the tribunal observed that the claimant failed to maintain a sufficient distance" from the vehicle in front to avoid a collision. The claimant had suffered multiple fractures, with a doctor assessing his permanent partial disability at 58 per cent and occupational disability at 100 per cent. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The tribunal, however, assessed the claimants functional disability to the extent of 40 per cent only, rejecting the 100 per cent occupational disability claim due to a lack of a termination letter from his employer. The tribunal also found that the Golden Carrying Corporation had committed a breach of the insurance policy as its driver was not holding a valid and effective driving licence for a heavy transport goods vehicle on the date of the accident. PTI COR ARU Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 12:28 IST News agency-feeds Thane MACT grants Rs 23.27 lakh compensation to man injured in highway accident Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The doorman fallacy: why careless adoption of AI backfires so easily Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 11:28 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Adelaide, Nov 4 (The Conversation) Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming commonplace, despite statistics showing that only approximately 7 per cent to 13 per cent (depending on size) of companies have incorporated AI into their regular business workflows. Adoption in specific business functions is far higher, with up to 78 per cent of companies reporting use of AI tools in at least one business area. And more than 90 per cent of companies plan to increase AI investment within three years. Recommended Stories This surge in adoption is underpinned by expectations of significant efficiency gains and cost reduction. Widespread implementation of AI is also accompanied by layoffs. Estimates vary, but its clear that within the next decade, millions of jobs will be reshaped or even replaced thanks to AI. However, despite the lofty promises of AI, many companies arent seeing the payoff. Data on productivity gains from AI use is murky at best, and many companies are facing costly implementation failures. Organisations are falling for what is known as the doorman fallacy: reducing rich and complex human roles to a single task and replacing people with AI. This overlooks the nuanced interactions and adaptability humans bring to their work. What is the doorman fallacy? ================== British advertising executive Rory Sutherland coined the term doorman fallacy" in his 2019 book Alchemy. Sutherland uses the concept of the humble hotel doorman to illustrate how businesses can misjudge the value a person brings to the role. To a business consultant, a doorman appears to simply stand by the entrance. They engage in small talk with those coming and going, and occasionally operate the door. If thats the entirety of the job, a technological solution can easily replace the doorman, reducing costs. However, this strips away the true complexity of what a doorman provides. The role is multifaceted, with intangible functions that extend beyond just handling the door. Doormen help guests feel welcome, hail taxis, enhance security, discourage unwelcome behaviour, and offer personalised attention to regulars. Even the mere presence of a doorman elevates the prestige of a hotel or residence, boosting guests perception of quality. When you ignore all these intangible benefits, its easy to argue the role can be automated. This is the doorman fallacy removing a human role because technology can imitate its simplest function, while ignoring the layers of nuance, service and human presence that give the role its true value. Doormen everywhere ============== As AI becomes increasingly common, many companies have started evaluating employees the way a consultant might evaluate a doorman. The judgement is based purely on the most visible, basic tasks they perform, such as taking food orders or answering phones. The focus is on what can be automated and what costs can be reduced. What often gets overlooked is the broader value a person brings through context, judgement, and the countless invisible contributions that support a thriving workplace. This narrow view leads straight into the doorman fallacy, assuming a role is simple because only the obvious parts are seen. Earlier this year, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia fired 45 customer service staff and rolled out an AI voice bot, claiming the bot drastically cut call volumes. After the workers union challenged the layoffs, the bank reversed its decision, admitting it did not adequately consider all relevant business considerations and this error meant the roles were not redundant". In the United States, fast-food chain Taco Bell has been rolling out voice AI in its drive-throughs since last year, in hopes of cutting errors and speeding up service. After a barrage of customer complaints and social media videos documenting various glitches, the company is now rethinking its AI use. Taco Bells chief technology officer conceded to the Wall Street Journal it might not make sense to only use AI at drive-through and that human staff might handle things better, especially during busy times. These are not isolated examples. A recent report from software platform Orgvue states up to 55 per cent of the companies that replaced employees with AI now acknowledge they moved too quickly. Some companies are rehiring the very people they let go. On top of that, consumers dislike dealing with AI in customer service settings, and most say theyd likely choose a competitor that doesnt use AI. A job is more than a list of tasks ==================== To avoid the doorman fallacy, companies must recognise jobs are more than the visible tasks listed on a job description. Employees frequently contribute in subtle ways that leaders dont see day-to-day, yet those contributions hold real value for customers and organisations as a whole. Smart AI adoption requires a full understanding of the human elements inside every role. The concept of efficiency" should be expanded to valuing customer experience and long-term outcomes as much as cost savings. Before a company attempts to automate any roles and hand tasks over to AI, it must have a deep understanding of the roles in question. If the task needs human oversight and intervention, its not a good candidate for automation. AI can be implemented in roles that dont require human oversight, such as data entry, image processing, or even predictive maintenance that monitors the health of equipment roles that are rule based and clearly measurable, freeing up people to do other things. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The evidence so far is clear: the best way to use AI is to pair it with human judgement. This approach preserves the parts of work where context, personal touch, and trust matter. By supplementing human roles with AI, standardised and repetitive tasks can be completed efficiently, allowing individuals to focus on contextual work where a human touch is important. (The Conversation) GSP Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 11:28 IST News agency-feeds The doorman fallacy: why careless adoption of AI backfires so easily Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Third India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations reviews full spectrum of ties Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 01:58 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Brussels [Belgium], November 5 (ANI): The third round of the India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations was held on Tuesday in Brussels, and was co-chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board, Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs of Belgium, the MEA said in an official statement. As per the MEA, during the consultations, the two delegations reviewed the full spectrum of India-Belgium relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral partnership. The key areas discussed included trade and investment cooperation, technology, science and innovation, defence and security, renewable energy, education and people-to-people relations.The statement noted how the meeting came after the successful visit of Princess Astrid of Belgium, leading an Economic Delegation to India in March 2025. Regular high-level political visits and interactions, including the visit of the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister to India and the External Affairs Minister to Belgium, have provided guidance and renewed momentum to bilateral relations.Both sides also discussed the importance of deepening India-European Union (EU) ties, following the historic visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February this year and the communication on the new India-EU Strategic Agenda. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to advancing a comprehensive, balanced, fair and mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Further, the Consultations covered cooperation in multilateral fora and institutional dialogue mechanisms, the statement highlighted.India and Belgium also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of importance.In a post on X, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said," Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge held the 3rd round of India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations with Ms. Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board of Belgian MFA @BelgiumMFA. They reviewed the full spectrum of India-Belgium relations, discussed the deepening India-European EU ties and exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of importance." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge held the 3rd round of India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations with Ms. Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board of Belgian MFA @BelgiumMFA. They reviewed the full spectrum of Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 05, 2025, 01:58 IST News agency-feeds Third India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations reviews full spectrum of ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Lenskart IPO Last Day: GMP Falls; Issue Gets 28.27x Subscription, Retail Quota Booked 7.5x Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:34 IST Lenskart IPO GMP Today: Unlisted shares of Lenskart Solutions are trading at Rs 455 apiece in the grey market, which is 13% premium over the upper IPO price of Rs 402. Lenskart IPO GMP Today. Lenskart IPO GMP Today, Lenskart IPO News: Eyewear retailer Lenskart Solutions witnessed its final day of bidding today, Tuesday, November 4. The price band of the Rs 7,278-crore IPO was fixed in the range of Rs 382-Rs 402 apiece. On the last day of the IPO, its GMP has now fallen to 13% in the morning amid high valuation concerns, compared with 16.17% yesterday. On the final day of bidding on Tuesday, the IPO received a 28.27x subscription, garnering bids for 2,81,93,62,630 shares as against the 9,97,42,748 shares on offer. Its retail category has received a 7.56x subscription, while the NII (non-institutional investor) quota has received a 18.23x subscription. The QIB category received a 40.36x subscription. Recommended Stories A day before the IPO, Lenskart Solutions on Thursday garnered a blockbuster response from anchor investors, receiving bids of around Rs 68,000 crore. This is nearly 10 times the issue size of Rs 7,278 crore, and 20 times the anchor book size of more than Rs 3,200 crore. Lenskart IPO: Opening, Closing, Allotment, Listing Dates The IPO was opened on October 31 and closed today, November 4. Its allotment will be finalised on November 6, while the stock listing is scheduled to take place on November 10 on both BSE and NSE. Lenskart IPO GMP Today According to market observers, unlisted shares of Lenskart Solutions Ltd are currently trading at Rs 455 apiece in the grey market, which is a 13% premium or GMP of Rs 63 over the upper IPO price of Rs 402, indicating mild listing gains for investors. The GMP was nearly 18% on the first day of bidding on Friday. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price. Lenskart IPO: Analysts Recommendations Analysts point towards the high valuation of the company. SBI Securities said that at the upper end of the price band, Lenskarts valuation stands at 10.1 times its FY25 EV/Sales and 68.7 times EV/EBITDA on a post-issue basis. The IPO comes at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 230x. The analysts at SBI Securities cautioned that the issue appears stretched on valuation, which may cap potential listing gains. However, they highlighted the companys strong business model and the significant growth opportunity in Indias expanding eyewear market as key positives. The brokerage also noted that profitability metrics will need close monitoring as the company continues to scale its operations. Lenskarts EBITDA margin has notably improved from 7% in FY23 to 14.7% in FY25, reflecting operational efficiency. Considering the companys long-term prospects, SBI Securities has recommended subscribing to the IPO for the long term at the cut-off price. Brokerage firm SIMFS recommends subscribing to the IPO, highlighting the strong growth runway in Indias eyewear market and Lenskarts tech-enabled business model. It pointed to the companys vertically integrated manufacturing ecosystem" and profitability turnaround. The firm noted that Indias eyewear industry is poised for exceptional growth projected to reach Rs 1,483 billion by FY30, clocking a 13% CAGR." It emphasised Lenskarts scale advantages, saying the firm produces 30-40 million lenses and 25 million frames annually eliminating 2.5-4x middlemen markups, enabling 70% gross margins." SIMFS recommended that the IPO is a high-risk, high-potential opportunity" given long-term growth tailwinds and Lenskarts execution track record. Choice Broking emphasised the expensive valuation, noting that at the upper end of its price band, LSL is valued at an EV/Sales of 9.9 (TTM basis), which appears significantly high." While acknowledging Lenskarts steady revenue growth and improving store economics, it highlighted that profitability remains weak, with a positive PAT mainly driven by other income and lower expenses." The brokerage observed that around 40% of revenue now comes from international markets and referenced marquee investor interest, noting Radhakishan Damanis Rs 90-crore pre-IPO investment. Given growth prospects but high valuation, the brokerage said the issue is best suited for investors with a higher risk appetite and a long-term investment horizon," assigning a Subscribe for Long Term rating. Nirmal Bang highlighted Lenskarts omnichannel strategy, centralised manufacturing, and technology leverage as core strengths, saying these enable the company to remain cost competitive in the highly fragmented market" and scale faster than the industry." The brokerage noted strong financial momentum revenues and EBITDA grew at a CAGR of 32.5% and 92.3% over FY2325 and said the company has become PAT positive in FY25." However, it flagged valuations, saying, At FY25 P/E of 235x and EV/EBITDA of 68x, issue prima facie looks expensive." Still, when compared with other listed retailers like Metro and Trent, it said valuations seem fair", and future expansion plans provide cushion". Nirmal Bang recommended subscribing with long-term view". SBI MF Invests Rs 100 Crore In Lenskart SBI Optimal Equity Fund (AIF) and SBI Emergent Fund (AIF), invested Rs 100 crore in eyewear retailer Lenskart Solutions Limited through a pre-IPO transaction at a transfer price of Rs 402 per equity share. Last week, Billionaire investor Radhakishan Damani, founder of Avenue Supermarts (DMart), invested around Rs 90 crore in eyewear retailer Lenskart through a pre-IPO transaction. Lenskart IPO Price Band and Size The company has fixed the price band at Rs 382-402 per share for its IPO. At the upper end of the price band, Lenskart is seeking a valuation of around $7.91 billion (about Rs 72,700 crore). The issue includes a fresh issue of shares worth Rs 2,150 crore, while the offer-for-sale (OFS) segment will see promoters and investors offloading more than 12.75 crore equity shares. Key Selling Shareholders in the OFS Along with founders and promoters (Peyush Bansal, Neha Bansal, Amit Chaudhary, and Sumeet Kapahi), several major investors are participating in the OFS. These include SoftBanks SVF II Lightbulb (Cayman), Schroders Capital, PI Opportunities Fund, MacRitchie Investments, Kedaara Capital Fund, and Alpha Wave Ventures. Notably, Schroders Capital Private Equity Asia (Mauritius) is set to make a complete exit, selling 1.9 crore shares, which represent a 1.13% stake in the company. About Lenskart Founded in 2010, Lenskart began as an online eyewear retailer and has since grown into one of Indias leading omnichannel eyewear brands with both online and offline presence. The company was valued at $6.1 billion as of September 2025, according to Tracxn data cited by Reuters. In June 2025, the company transitioned into a public limited entity, changing its name from Lenskart Solutions Private Limited to Lenskart Solutions Limited after an extraordinary general meeting held on May 30. Lenskart IPO Lead Managers and Objective The fresh issue will be used for business expansion, new investments, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The IPO will be managed by a consortium of top investment bankers, while the registrar and book-running lead managers will be responsible for allotment and investor coordination. With strong brand visibility, a robust online-offline model, and solid investor backing, the Lenskart IPO is expected to generate significant interest among both retail and institutional investors. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 10:29 IST News business ipo Lenskart IPO Last Day: GMP Falls; Issue Gets 28.27x Subscription, Retail Quota Booked 7.5x Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Gold Rate Falls Today, November 4: Check 24 & 22 Carat Prices In Delhi, Mumbai, Other Cities Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 09:42 IST Gold Rate Today, November 4: In Mumbai, the price of 24-carat gold stands at Rs 1,23,180 per 10 grams, while 22k gold is available at Rs 1,12,910 per 10 grams. Gold Prices Today, November 4. Gold Rate Today, November 4: Prices of gold and silver fell on Tuesday, as a stronger dollar and easing global uncertainties weighed on investor appetite for the safe-haven asset. In Mumbai, the price of 24-carat gold stood at Rs 1,23,180 per 10 grams, while 22k gold was available at Rs 1,12,910 per 10 grams. These rates do not include GST and making charges. Silver was available at Rs 1,54,100 per kg. What Is The Price Of 22kt, 24kt Gold Rates Today In India Across Key Cities On November 4? Recommended Stories City 22K Gold (per 10gm) 24K Gold (per 10gm) Delhi Rs 1,13,040 Rs 1,23,330 Jaipur Rs 1,13,040 Rs 1,23,330 Ahmedabad Rs 1,12,940 Rs 1,23,230 Pune Rs 1,12,910 Rs 1,23,180 Mumbai Rs 1,12,910 Rs 1,23,180 Hyderabad Rs 1,12,910 Rs 1,23,180 Chennai Rs 1,12,910 Rs 1,23,180 Bengaluru Rs 1,12,910 Rs 1,23,180 Kolkata Rs 1,12,910 Rs 1,23,180 Rahul Kalantri, vice-president (commodities) of Mehta Equities, said, Gold and silver witnessed heightened price volatility and struggled to sustain gains at higher levels, pressured by the firm dollar index. The greenback climbed to a three-month high amid uncertainty surrounding US Federal Reserve policy and weakness in the euro, weighing on precious metal prices. Meanwhile, ongoing geopolitical tensions, global economic uncertainty, and consistent central bank buying continue to provide underlying support for gold and silver." Gold has support at $3,950-$3,920, while resistance is at $4,035-$4,065. Silver has support at $47.20-47.78, while resistance is at $48.30-48.70. In rupee terms, gold has support at Rs 1,20,870-1,20,480, while resistance at Rs 1,21,890-1,22,300. Silver has support at Rs 1,46,450-1,45,750, while resistance at Rs 1,48,340-1,49,280, he added. What Factors Affect Gold Prices In India? International market rates, import duties, taxes, and fluctuations in exchange rates primarily influence gold prices in India. Together, these factors determine the daily gold rates across the country. In India, gold is deeply cultural and financial. It is a preferred investment option and is key to celebrations, particularly weddings and festivals. With constantly changing market conditions, investors and traders monitor fluctuations closely. Staying updated is crucial for effectively navigating dynamic trends. (With inputs from agencies) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 09:42 IST News business savings-and-investments Gold Rate Falls Today, November 4: Check 24 & 22 Carat Prices In Delhi, Mumbai, Other Cities Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Prague Catholic Archbishop Dominik Duka: Beware of refugees, they may be dangerous 7. 9. 2015 cas cteni 2 minuty "We would be very unpleasantly surprised if, like a Good Samaritan, we helped a wounded person and he, after our selfless act of assistance, would demand our money or would want us to buy him a mobile phone because he needs to phone home. There is a danger that enemies will infiltrate our country amongst the immigrants. We know very well how they can use young people, even children, for terrorist acts. Hence we should have open arms, but at the same time be vigilant. These days, it is not permitted to cross the borders of a country without documents and without identification of those who are coming. The incomers must be screened. If someone says that to ask about the religious belief of these immigrants is not important, or that by asking about it we would infringe their human rights, I would like to say that the right to life and security of Czech families and citizens are superior to all other rights. Have we ever heard of any Christians or Jews who have become terrorists?," said the Prague Catholic Archbishop Dominik Duka in his speech, broadcast today by the Catholic radio station Proglas. He continued: "Prophet Jeremiah appealed to the inhabitants of Jerusalem that they should not leave their native land even though they might find themselves in a difficult situation. It looks as though it is an organised campaign when many refugees chant Hungary no good and want to reach some other countries. Responsible governments must be aware of the danger of chaos. We must be not only human, but also firm and responsible. "We should take care of children and their mothers and helpless women. Only then it is the others' turn. We must demand of the men from these countries to defend their countries, to defend their homes and their families. "Short term solutions are evidence of the failure of immigration policy in France, Germany and partially also in the United Kingdom. Our first step must be to provide finance for the Christians in prisoner-of-war camps. In line with international law and the Czech state institutions we appeal to those individuals who want to find refuge in our countries to become part of our democratic society." Source in Czech HERE 0 Bengaluru Man Found Dead After Being Accused Of Impregnating Minor, Police Suspect Suicide Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 09:13 IST A 27-year-old Bengaluru man was found dead after denying allegations of impregnating a 17-year-old girl. Police said preliminary investigations suggest the case to be one of death by suicide.(Representative Image) A 27-year-old man from Bengaluru was found dead on Sunday, days after he went missing following allegations that he had impregnated a 17-year-old girl. Police said preliminary investigations suggest the case to be one of death by suicide. According to officials, the man was reported missing on October 31, soon after the allegation surfaced. That evening, around 7.30 p.m., he circulated an audio message to several friends and relatives, denying the charge and claiming he was being falsely implicated. Recommended Stories I am not the one who made the student pregnant. The accusation is false. I have no connection with her. Im being wrongly accused," he said in the message. The man alleged that the school administration was attempting to suppress the matter to safeguard its image and blamed the physical education teacher for allegedly framing him. In the same message, he urged authorities to conduct a DNA test to find the real culprit" and deliver justice. Police later discovered the mans motorbike, slippers, jacket and mobile phone abandoned near the Tunga stream in Bettadathunga village. His body was recovered from the water two days later, on November 2, by fire and emergency service personnel. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hunasur Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Gopala Krishna said, We registered a missing complaint on October 31, and the body was recovered on November 2. We have recovered the mobile phone and voice message. A DNA test will be conducted, and justice will be ensured." A case of unnatural death has been registered and investigators are examining the circumstances that led to the incident while the voice recording will undergo forensic analysis to verify its authenticity, police said. First Published: November 04, 2025, 09:13 IST News cities Bengaluru Man Found Dead After Being Accused Of Impregnating Minor, Police Suspect Suicide Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Hubballi Elderly Loses Rs 1.07 Crore To Digital Arrest: Dont Fall Prey To Threats, Say Cops Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:23 IST The fraudsters used fear tactics, threatening the 76-year-old with digital arrest and demanding a hefty sum to halt the alleged investigation Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The elaborate scam began with unidentified individuals making WhatsApp video calls to Sharma. (File for representation) A 76-year-old resident of Hubballi was defrauded of over Rs 1 crore in a sophisticated cybercrime operation where scammers posed as law enforcement and threatened him with a fictional digital arrest". The victim, Nagesh Sharma, a resident of Vinay Colony in Keshwapur, Hubballi, was cheated out of a massive sum totalling Rs 1,07,80,600. Recommended Stories The Modus Operandi The elaborate scam began with unidentified individuals making WhatsApp video calls to Sharma. Posing as police officials from the Colaba Police Station in Mumbai, they accused the elderly man of serious financial crimes. The scammers claimed that Sharma had opened a bank account in a nationalised bank in Mumbai and had conducted transactions with O.M. Abdul Salam, a leader associated with the banned organisation PFI. They alleged he had received a 20 lakh commission on a Rs 2 crore transaction and stated that a case had been registered against him at the Colaba Police Station. The fraudsters used fear tactics, threatening the victim with digital arrest" and demanding a hefty sum to halt the alleged investigation. Fearing legal repercussions, Sharma succumbed to the pressure and transferred the total amount of Rs 1,07,80,600 in multiple instalments via RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) to various bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. After realising he had been conned, Sharma lodged a complaint at the Hubballi CES (Cyber, Economic, and Social) Crime Police Station, where a case has been officially registered. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hubballi Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar said while the department has registered the case and initiated an investigation, the bank accounts used by the fraudsters have since been frozen. This swift action, while preventing further misuse, currently complicates the recovery of the lost funds. Commissioner Shashikumar also issued a strong public service announcement, If you receive any phone call threatening you with digital arrest or demanding money in the name of law enforcement, please do not comply. Immediately bring the matter to the attention of the local police or the cybercrime department." About the Author Harish Upadhya Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and R... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 17:23 IST News bengaluru-news Hubballi Elderly Loses Rs 1.07 Crore To Digital Arrest: Dont Fall Prey To Threats, Say Cops Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Coimbatore Rape: Two Of The Three 'Drunk' Accused Were Brothers, Assaulted Survivor's Friend With Sickle Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 15:11 IST Three men accused in the rape case were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday. The alleged sexual assault took place near Coimbatore airport. (Image: www.aai.aero) The three men who were arrested for allegedly kidnapping and raping a college student near an airport in Tamil Nadus Coimbatore were reportedly drunk. It has been learnt that two of the arrested accused were brothers, while the third one is their distant relative. The accused, identified as Thavasi, Karthik and Kaliswaran, allegedly kidnapped the survivor from a car while she was with her male friend. The accused then forcibly took her to another location and sexually assaulted her. Recommended Stories According to the police complaint filed, they smashed the windshield of the car with a stone and attacked the survivors friend with a sickle. Three men accused in the rape case were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday. According to police, all three were shot in the leg after they reportedly tried to escape during the arrest operation. They were later taken to the hospital for treatment. The suspects reportedly were involved in murder and theft cases two of them were granted bail. They also stole a bike, officials said. The horrific incident took place on Sunday at around 10:40 pm. At 11:20 pm, the survivors friend called the police. However, by the time the police arrived, the suspects had scaled a wall and fled. Following this, the police recorded the survivors and her friends statements. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The case sparked a massive uproar in Tamil Nadu ahead of the assembly elections, with the Opposition targeting the Chief Minister MK Stalin-led government over law and order and the safety of women. The BJP also held a protest in Coimbatore last evening and announced statewide agitations, alleging a severe shortage of police personnel. Stalin also on Tuesday called the incident inhumane" and said he instructed police to file a chargesheet within a month and ensure stringent punishment for the perpetrators. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Coimbatore, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 14:02 IST News coimbatore Coimbatore Rape: Two Of The Three 'Drunk' Accused Were Brothers, Assaulted Survivor's Friend With Sickle Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbais BMC Election, Maharashtra Local Body Poll Dates May Be Announced In SEC Presser Today Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 12:35 IST BMC, Maharashtra local body elections: SEC presser in afternoon; final phase will likely include polls to municipal corporations such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, and Nashik Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google According to sources, the local body elections are expected to be held in three phases. (PTI File) After months of anticipation, elections for Maharashtras local bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are likely to be announced today. The State Election Commission (SEC) has called for a press conference at 4pm on Tuesday (November 4), where it is expected to declare the schedule for municipal corporations, municipal councils, nagar panchayats, zilla parishads, and panchayat samitis across the state. Recommended Stories State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare will address the media and is likely to make a formal announcement. Sources indicate that the Model Code of Conduct could come into force immediately after the press conference. Officials in the Election Commission have already begun the groundwork to implement the process smoothly once the notification is issued. According to sources, the local body elections are expected to be held in three phases. In the first phase, voting is likely to take place for 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats. Within 21 days of the first round, the Election Commission is expected to announce the second phase, which will cover zilla parishads and panchayat samitis. The final phase will likely include elections to major municipal corporations such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, and Nashik. As per the sources, the first round of polling for municipal councils and nagar panchayats could take place by late November. This means the poll process may officially begin as early as this week, triggering the Model Code of Conduct across the state. As per the Supreme Courts directives, elections to all local bodies whose terms have expired must be completed before January 31, 2026. In line with this order, the State Election Commission is under pressure to ensure timely polls. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This round of elections will be one of the largest civic exercises in Maharashtra in recent years, covering 289 municipal councils, 32 zilla parishads, 331 panchayat samitis, and 29 municipal corporations. The outcome will set the tone for the political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, making it a crucial test for all major parties the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT). About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 11:48 IST News mumbai-news Mumbais BMC Election, Maharashtra Local Body Poll Dates May Be Announced In SEC Presser Today Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Schools To Remain Closed In These States Tomorrow Due To Guru Nanak Jayanti Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 20:04 IST Guru Nanak Jayanti (also known as Guru Purab or Prakash Utsav) is listed as a Gazetted Holiday by the Central Government. Schools likely to remain closed in Punjab, Haryana on Wednesday. (Representative/File Photo) On November 5, 2025, many schools across India will observe a holiday due to Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Prakash Utsav or Gurpurab. The holiday is observed for Guru Nanak Jayanti, which is listed as a Gazetted Holiday by the Central Government. The majority of schools in North India will be closed. While closures are expected in regions with significant Sikh and Hindu populations, the holiday status may vary in other parts of the country. States like Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and the National Capital Region that have sizable Sikh and Hindu populations will close their educational institutions on November 5th, a major religious holiday. Recommended Stories Other states such as Uttarakhand, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan are likely to close schools for the day. However, an official announcement regarding the same is awaited. Parents and guardians are advised to check official school communications and local announcements for specific details regarding closures in their area, as decisions may vary between states, districts, and individual schools. ALSO READ | Delhi Govt To Create 20,000 New Seats For Economically Weaker Sections And Special Needs School Students Guru Nanak Jayanti, the sacred festival, will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 5. This significant day commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Also known as Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, it is a time for worship, remembrance, and spiritual enlightenment. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sikhs worldwide honour the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose messages of the oneness of God, love, and compassion stand as profound moral principles for humanity. The festival promotes love, harmony, and unity, bringing people together to celebrate the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji through prayers, kirtans, langars (community meals), and seva (selfless service). The occasion is marked by devotion, humility, and meditation. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 19:52 IST News education-career Schools To Remain Closed In These States Tomorrow Due To Guru Nanak Jayanti Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Telangana Announces 85% Quota For Local Students In PG Medical, Dental Courses Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 15:03 IST Telangana CM Revanth Reddy approved 85% reservation for local students in PG medical and dental courses under management quota to boost access and retain medical talent. The Telangana government has introduced an 85% local quota in PG medical and dental courses. The Telangana government has announced 85 percent reservation for local students in postgraduate (PG) medical and dental courses under the management quota in private medical colleges. The decision, announced by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy after a proposal from Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha, aims to ensure fair access to PG opportunities for Telanganas own MBBS graduates. Earlier, all management quota seats were filled under the All India Quota (AIQ), allowing students from other states to secure most of the positions. With the new rule, 85 percent of these MQ1 seats will now be reserved for Telangana students, while the remaining 15 percent will continue to be open to candidates from across the country. Recommended Stories For the 202526 academic year, Telangana has 31 PG medical colleges with 2,983 seats. Of these, 741 are PG medical management quota seats, and 374 come under the MQ1 category. Officials said the new policy will reserve around 318 PG medical seats and 70 dental seats for Telangana students. Health Minister Rajanarsimha said, This change will significantly benefit thousands of MBBS graduates in Telangana, as PG seats are limited and competition is fierce." He added that the move would create more equitable opportunities for students who completed their undergraduate studies within the states medical institutions. ALSO READ: Allahabad HC Backs Govt Rule Setting Graduation Requirement For Assistant Teacher Posts More Local Doctors To Strengthen Healthcare The minister said that the absence of a reservation system earlier allowed out-of-state candidates to dominate admissions, leaving limited options for Telanganas own graduates. By introducing the new quota, the government expects to increase the number of specialist doctors serving in the state. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The number of specialist doctors in the state will increase, thereby providing better medical services to the public," Rajanarsimha said in a post on social media. He said that expanding access to PG education for local students will help retain talent and strengthen healthcare delivery across Telangana. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 15:03 IST News education-career Telangana Announces 85% Quota For Local Students In PG Medical, Dental Courses Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... How Lalu Prasad And Nitish Kumar Converged, And Then Diverged, On Bihars Idea Of Socialism Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 11:24 IST From the Mandal years to the 2025 election, Bihars politics remains a tug-of-war between two heirs of socialism: Lalus mass appeal and Nitishs governance creed File photo of Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar at an election rally in Hajipur in 2014. (PTI Photo) As Bihar heads into another election season, familiar themes return to the fore caste justice, identity, and coalition politics. But beneath the shifting alliances lies a deeper continuity. The states politics still turns on a question that dates back half a century: will Bihars idea of justice be defined by samajwaad (socialism) or by Sanghwaad (Hindutva)? Half a century after the JP movement reshaped Indias democratic imagination, socialism remains Bihars political heartbeat. And at its centre stand two men whose lives mirror the ideologys rise, transformation and survival Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar. Recommended Stories Bihar votes in two phases: November 6 (121 seats) and November 11 (122 seats), with counting on November 14. How Socialism Took Root In Bihar Bihars socialist tradition was born out of inequality. The Permanent Settlement of 1793 entrenched landlord power and turned peasants into tenants, linking caste to class. The early 20th century saw a series of agrarian movements, from Swami Sahajanand Saraswatis Kisan Sabha to local peasant struggles, which connected economic exploitation to social hierarchy. By the 1950s, Ram Manohar Lohias call for samajik nyay (social justice) redefined socialism in Bihars context. It became less about Marxist class conflict and more about dignity, representation and equality. When Jayaprakash Narayan launched his Total Revolution" in the 1970s, these strands came together in a moral and political movement that sought to remake Indian democracy through participation and justice. That movement produced a new generation of leaders among them Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, Ram Vilas Paswan and Sharad Yadav who carried socialist politics from street protest to state power. The JP Movement And The Rise Of A Generation When Indira Gandhi declared the Emergency in 1975, Bihar became the epicentre of resistance. Lalu emerged as one of the movements most visible faces. Nitish Kumar worked behind the scenes drafting statements, coordinating meetings and explaining the movements aims to the media. Both absorbed JPs ideals of equality and decentralisation. The 1977 election that followed the Emergency sent Lalu to Parliament from Chhapra, while Nitish, after successive defeats, finally entered the Bihar Assembly in 1985. Together, they represented two faces of the same political awakening Lalu, the charismatic mobiliser who gave socialism its mass appeal, and Nitish, the organiser who sought to translate ideology into governance. Lalus Socialism: Empowerment Through Representation In 1989, when Lalu became Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Nitish not only backed him against senior contenders but also drafted his press notes. The two were part of a post-Congress generation built around the Janata Dal and the Mandal Commissions message of OBC empowerment. When Lalu became Chief Minister in 1990, it marked a historic shift. His slogan Bhurabal hatao" (remove the Bhumihars, Rajputs, Brahmins and Lalas) encapsulated decades of resentment among the backward classes. For the first time, Bihars administration reflected the accents, faces and priorities of those long excluded from power. His appeal lay in symbolism as much as substance. To his supporters, Lalu embodied the moment when marginalised communities stood upright. To his opponents, his long rule saw the decay of institutions and a rise in lawlessness, labelled jungle raj" in the national conversation. But that very phrase, used by his critics, also reinforced the depth of the social change he had set in motion: the overthrow of the old order. Nitishs Frustration And The Break In the winter of 1992 at Bihar Bhawan in Delhi, a meeting turned into a showdown. Lalu shouted, Pakadke phenk do bahar," at Nitishs aides; walking out, Nitish said, Ab saath chal paana mushkil hai." Sharad Yadav then tried to broker peace. Lalu agreed to apologise; Nitish declined, and the rift held. In a letter written soon after, Nitish accused Lalu of surrounding himself with loyalists and taking credit for collective decisions, including the arrest of L.K. Advani during the Ram Rath Yatra. Their differences, between representation and reform, populism and administration, had become irreconcilable. The split became formal in February 1994 when Nitish addressed a Kurmi Chetna Rally in Patna and declared, Bheekh nahin hissedari chahiye." Within a year, he had launched the Samata Party, completing Bihars most significant political separation since the Emergency. Two Paths After The Split The distance only grew as Lalus fodder-scam conviction became a political watershed. Through the 1990s, he remained Bihars dominant figure, even as allegations of corruption and misrule mounted. Nitish focused on building an alternative rooted in governance and administrative competence. He allied with the BJP in 1996, not on ideology but on arithmetic. The partnership strengthened his position, and in 2005, the JD(U)-BJP alliance came to power, ending 15 years of RJD rule. Nitishs slogan Nyay ke saath vikas" (development with justice) captured his vision to modernise socialism through delivery and reform rather than rhetoric. For a decade, his image as Susashan Babu" symbolised stability and governance in a state long associated with decline. Roads, education and healthcare improved, and womens participation in local governance expanded. In 2015, the RJDJD(U)Congress Mahagathbandhan won 178 of 243 seats; RJD emerged as the largest party but Lalu ceded the chief ministership to Nitish. Yet Nitishs alliance with the BJP also brought an ideological dilemma. Hindutvas emphasis on religious unity sat uneasily with the caste-based social justice that underpinned Nitishs own politics. Every alliance and rupture that followed 2013, 2015, 2017, 2022 and 2024 reflected this contradiction. Mandal And Mandir: Bihars Enduring Ideological Divide Since the 1990s, Bihars politics has revolved around two competing ideas Mandal and Mandir. The Mandal era, shaped by leaders such as Lalu Prasad Yadav, turned caste justice into the organising principle of politics. It brought the backward classes, Dalits and minorities into the heart of power through the OBC reservation framework. The Mandir movement, led by the Sangh Parivar and the BJP, built its appeal on a different kind of unity religious identity. For many upper-caste Hindus unsettled by Mandal-era assertions, Hindutva became the counter-narrative, promising cohesion through faith rather than caste. Over time, however, the BJP recognised that Bihar could not be won through a purely religious pitch. Caste arithmetic still drives voting patterns, and social justice remains a moral vocabulary that no party can ignore. The JD(U)-BJP alliance that came to power in 2005 was, in many ways, an experiment in reconciling two ideologies the BJPs cultural nationalism and Nitish Kumars backward-caste inclusiveness. Two decades later, that balancing act continues. In the ongoing 2025 Bihar Assembly campaign, the BJP has tried to show that Hindutva and Mandal can coexist. It has publicly backed caste enumeration, a move once championed only by socialist parties, after the Union cabinet approved and notified the inclusion of caste data in the upcoming national census. This allows the party to say it supports caste-based policy without ceding moral ground to its opponents. Its candidate list reflects this repositioning. The BJP has fielded 49 upper-caste, 40 backward-caste and 12 Dalit candidates. Its ally JD(U) has given tickets to four Muslims, Chirag Paswans party to one, while the Opposition grand alliance led by RJD and Congress has 28 Muslim candidates (18 from RJD and 10 from Congress). This is part of a broader strategy shaped over the past year. The BJP and the RSS have run a coordinated organisational campaign across Bihar. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has reiterated that the Sangh supports caste-based reservations, an attempt to reassure OBC and Dalit voters who once viewed the party as upper-caste dominated. At the same time, the BJP has reshaped its own leadership in Bihar. Some upper-caste heavyweights have been pushed to the background, while new OBC faces have been brought to the fore deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, state BJP president Dilip Jaiswal, and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who oversees the Bihar campaign, all come from backward communities. The party has also inducted Bhojpuri actor-politician Pawan Singh to appeal to younger voters and curbed dissent among senior Rajput leaders. But the contradiction has never fully disappeared. Nitishs survival depends on maintaining the caste balance that Mandal politics created, while the BJPs ideological project seeks to transcend those divisions. Every time Nitish changes sides, it is this tension, not mere opportunism, that drives Bihars churn. The Changing Face Of Socialism By the 2010s, both Lalu and Nitish had come to represent different versions of socialism. Lalus politics, rooted in caste identity, had lost administrative credibility but retained emotional appeal. Nitishs politics, based on governance, had widened his reach but diluted ideological purity. After snapping ties with the BJP in 2013 over Narendra Modis projection as the NDAs face, JD(U) crashed to two Lok Sabha seats in 2014. Two years later, he joined hands with Lalu and the Congress to form the Mahagathbandhan, which won the 2015 Assembly polls convincingly. The reunion was short-lived. Allegations of corruption involving Lalus family led Nitish to exit the alliance in 2017 and rejoin the NDA. In 2022, he left the BJP again, only to return by early 2024. When Lalu publicly invited him back to the opposition INDIA bloc in January 2025, Nitish declined, calling his earlier partnership with Lalu a mistake." Their careers, once intertwined, had become parallel symbols of Bihars fractured socialism one emotional, the other technocratic. Generational Change And The Future Of Bihars Socialism As Bihar heads into the 2025 election, the generation forged by the JP movement is in its twilight. Lalus son Tejashwi Yadav now leads the RJD, campaigning on employment and renewed social justice. Nitish remains Chief Minister but faces questions about his political fatigue and repeated alliance shifts. This is also the first Bihar election where many veterans of the JP era are either gone or receding. Sushil Modi and Ram Vilas Paswan are no longer alive; JP-generation faces like Ravi Shankar Prasad and Ashwini Kumar Choubey have taken a back seat, while the BJP projects leaders such as Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. Outside the two main camps, figures like Prashant Kishor and Chirag Paswan pitch development to younger voters. Bihars electorate has changed too. Nearly 58 per cent of its voters are under 35. For them, socialism is less a movement and more a memory, yet caste remains central to everyday life. Economic aspiration now blends with identity, creating a new kind of political conversation where social justice competes with development. Tejashwi has tried to frame the RJD legacy as social justice with development. The BJP, meanwhile, has integrated backward-caste outreach into its broader Hindutva campaign, while Nitish continues to position himself as the middle path between ideology and governance. What Socialism Means In Bihar Today Despite shifts in alliances and vocabulary, socialism remains Bihars political and moral language. Every major party borrows its idiom, of equality, justice and representation, even when pursuing different goals. Lalu embodies its original spirit of defiance and empowerment. Nitish represents its administrative reform, translating moral ideals into governance. The BJP represents its adaptation to new realities, merging inclusion with a wider cultural narrative. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Five decades after Jayaprakash Narayans Total Revolution," Bihars politics continues to argue with itself between justice and faith, caste and community, identity and aspiration. The actors have changed, the slogans have evolved, but the states central debate endures. As the next campaign gathers pace, Bihars voters will once again decide not just who governs, but which idea does samajwaad or Sanghwaad, representation or consolidation. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 11:17 IST News elections How Lalu Prasad And Nitish Kumar Converged, And Then Diverged, On Bihars Idea Of Socialism Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maharashtra Local Body Polls: Voting In 246 Councils, 42 Nagar Panchayats On December 2 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 18:15 IST A total of 6,859 members and 288 presidents will be elected in these local self-government bodies. The elections will involve around 1.7 crore eligible voters across the state Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Counting of votes will take place the following day, December 3. (PTI file photo) Maharashtra will go to the polls in 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats on December 2, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare announced on Tuesday. Counting of votes will take place the following day, December 3. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Waghmare said the schedule for elections in 29 municipal corporations, 32 zilla parishads and 336 panchayat samitis is yet to be announced. Recommended Stories A total of 6,859 members and 288 presidents will be elected in these local self-government bodies. The elections will involve around 1.7 crore eligible voters across the state, with 13,355 polling centres set up for the polls. Voting will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The State Election Commission has set November 17 as the last day for filing nominations, with scrutiny scheduled for November 18. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until November 21. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Waghmare added that the elections will be held according to the electoral rolls of October 31, ensuring all eligible voters are included. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 18:12 IST News elections Maharashtra Local Body Polls: Voting In 246 Councils, 42 Nagar Panchayats On December 2 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nirmala Sitharaman To Visit Bengal's Handloom Hubs In December As BJP Weaves 2026 Poll Narrative Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 07:00 IST West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya said the visit will focus on the weaving hubs of Santipur and Fulia in Nadia district, known for the iconic Bengal cotton and jamdani saris West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya during a meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on November 3. (Image: News18) In a move that signals the BJPs renewed engagement with West Bengals traditional industries ahead of next years assembly elections, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to visit the state in December to assess financial difficulties in the handloom sector. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said Nirmala Sitharamans visit will focus on the renowned weaving hubs of Santipur and Fulia in Nadia district, known for their rich handloom traditions, including the iconic Bengal cotton and jamdani sarees. Recommended Stories The decision followed Samik Bhattacharyas meeting with Sitharaman in New Delhi on Monday (November 3), where he briefed her about the economic distress and infrastructure challenges that the states weavers are facing. After the meeting, Bhattacharya said, Sitharaman decided to make an on-ground assessment of the situation. Today I had a long chat with Nirmala Sitharaman about Bengals handloom industry. She too was interested to know and concerned why those who have been associated with this craft for years are facing such economic distress? They have to be taken out of it. Saree is Bengals identity, which too is coming from outside, and many weavers are forced to migrate to other professions," Bhattacharya said. She will visit the homes of weavers and handloom factories during her trip to West Bengal in December, Bhattacharya added. Party insiders said her visit is part of a broader effort by the BJP to connect with the states small-scale and traditional industries, a constituency that has long felt neglected. The handloom sector, which supports thousands of families in rural West Bengal, has long faced rising input costs, shrinking markets, and competition from powerloom products. The BJP leaders said the Union ministers visit aims to explore financial and institutional support" mechanisms for the weavers. It also signals the Centres intent to promote West Bengals artisanal heritage on a national stage. The visit carries a political undertone by highlighting West Bengals cultural economy and its struggles. The BJP seems eager to challenge the Trinamool Congress on local livelihood and development issues, themes that could resonate deeply in the run-up to the 2026 elections. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Santipur, Fulia, Murshidabad, and Birbhum are facing significant financial distress. Once thriving hubs of fine cotton and silk weaving, these centres have been hit by rising yarn and dye costs, shrinking market demand, poor access to credit, and competition from cheaper powerloom and synthetic products. With limited institutional support and delayed government payments, several families have fallen into debt. The trip, likely to include meetings with local weavers, cooperatives, and self-help groups, is expected to set the tone for the BJPs campaign narrative, weaving together economy, tradition, and political strategy. About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 07:00 IST News elections Nirmala Sitharaman To Visit Bengal's Handloom Hubs In December As BJP Weaves 2026 Poll Narrative Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Petals, Cheers & Controversy As Lalu Yadav Hits Bihar Campaign Trail, Brings Danapur To A Halt Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 12:55 IST As RJD supporters welcomed the patriarch, NDA leaders questioned how someone on bail on medical grounds could campaign Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Supporters during RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's road show with CPI-ML candidate from Digha Assembly Constituency, Divya Gautam. (PTI) JCBs showering flowers, women coming out of their homes with garlands, and scores flocking to the windows for a selfie. Danapur came to a standstill as Lalu Prasad Yadav hit the campaign trail for the first time in the run-up to Bihars election. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch was campaigning for Ritlal Yadav, the party candidate who is in jail in an extortion case. Up against Ritlal is Ram Kirpal Yadav, a former close associate of Lalu, who joined the BJP. Lalus road show was in complete contrast to the one Prime Minister Narendra Modi held in Patna a day ago. There was limited waving to the crowd, no sun roof to look out from, and no shaking hands. The media interaction was also through Digha candidate Divya Gautam, who sat with him in the vehicle. Lalu-jis message is very clear. Tejashwi Yadav will be the next chief minister. This response is proof," Gautam told CNN-News18. She took on PM Modi when asked if RJD had put a katta on Congress to declare Tejashwi the CM face". The NDA is rattled. Bihar is demanding a change," Gautam said as Lalu Yadav nodded before going back to his resting position in the minivan. Recommended Stories Lalu Yadav limited his sound byte to thanking the janta. All conspiracies, allegations are being responded to by the people. Janta Mahan Hoti Hai, Janta Janardan Hoti Hai," he said, pointing to the crowd of RJD supporters who were falling over each other to catch a glimpse as the 15-kilometer-long road show crawled from Digha Nahar to Khagaul in Danapur. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all NDA leaders, however, questioned how someone on bail on medical grounds could campaign. I hope his health is better than before but this does raise questions. How can someone who is out on bail on medical grounds be campaigning in this manner?" Union minister Chirag Paswan questioned. Lalu Yadav came out of jail in 2022 after securing bail in a fodder scam case. The last time he hit the campaign trail was for daughter Rohini Acharya in the Saran Lok Sabha polls. About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from gr... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 12:55 IST News elections Petals, Cheers & Controversy As Lalu Yadav Hits Bihar Campaign Trail, Brings Danapur To A Halt Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Promise To Make Roads Like Americas: Nitin Gadkaris Big Infra Push In Bihar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 20:03 IST Nitin Gadkari promised world-class national highways for Bihar at a Saran rally, urging support for the National Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2025 Bihar polls. Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari. (File/PTI) Bihar polls 2025: Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari promised major upgrades to Bihars road infrastructure, saying that the states national highways will soon be built to world-class standards. While addressing a poll-bound rally in Saran, Gadkari said that the government is committed to developing modern highways, on par with Americas. Recommended Stories I promise to build Bihars national highways as per world standards, and that day is not far off when I will make Bihars roads on par with Americas. This is my promise: I will build the best bridges. There are no obstacles; anything is achievable. Im not doing you a favour this is your money. You are the master, and we are the servants. We serve you honestly; thats why you elected us" he said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Saran, Bihar: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says, I promise to build Bihars national highways as per world standards, and that day is not far off when I will make Bihars roads on par with Americas. This is my promise: I will build the best bridges. There are no pic.twitter.com/RM7xopPqiT ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2025 Gadkari also assured that there were no obstacles preventing the completion of infrastructure projects in the state, and affirmed that the government will continue to push forward with development works at an accelerated pace. Further referring to the Mahagathbandhan alliance as Anje, Panje, Ganje", Gadkari has urged voters in Bihar to support the candidate of the National Democratic Alliance, which he said will generate an electric current" powerful enough to wipe out the opposition in the State. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Further, he said that the double engine" government in Bihar and the Centre are working together for the development of the State. The 243-member Bihar assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with results set to be announced on November 14. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More Location : Saran, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 20:03 IST News elections Promise To Make Roads Like Americas: Nitin Gadkaris Big Infra Push In Bihar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Shivakumar Urges Bengaluru Firms To Give Bihari Workers Paid Leave To Vote In State Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 11:39 IST Shivakumar appealed to companies, contractors, hotels, builders, shopkeepers, and other employers to provide at least three days of paid leave to Biharis to vote in state polls. DK Shivakumar Urges Paid Leave for Bihari Workers to Vote in State Polls. (Representational image/PTI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged all organisations and business establishments in Bengaluru to grant paid leave to workers from Bihar so that they can return home to vote in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Emphasising the importance of democratic participation, he appealed to companies, contractors, hotels, builders, shopkeepers, and other employers to provide at least three days of paid leave to Bihari residents employed in the city and across the state. Recommended Stories Shivakumar said, A large number of people from Bihar are working in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka. I request all employers to cooperate and allow them the opportunity to exercise their democratic right." He further appealed to them to cooperate in ensuring active participation in the democratic process. Bihar elections The Bihar State General Election will take place in two phases the first on 6 November and the second on 11 November 2025 to elect all 243 members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. The counting of votes and announcement of results are scheduled for 14 November. According to the Election Commission, around 7.43 crore voters will take part, casting their votes across more than 90,000 polling booths. To ensure transparency and security, one general observer has been appointed per constituency, and webcasting will be conducted at every polling station. The electoral contest is expected to be closely fought between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by JD(U) and the BJP, and the Mahagathbandhan alliance comprising the RJD and Congress. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar seeks a record tenth term, while Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD leads the opposition charge, promising a fresh vision for Bihars youth and development. Political strategist Prashant Kishors new outfit, Jan Suraaj, is contesting all seats, potentially altering traditional voting patterns and alliances. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 11:39 IST News elections Shivakumar Urges Bengaluru Firms To Give Bihari Workers Paid Leave To Vote In State Polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Tejashwi Yadav Announces Rs 30,000 Aid For Women On Makar Sankranti If Voted To Power In Bihar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 10:23 IST Tejashwi Yadav made the announcement on the final day of campaigning for the first phase of assembly polls RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav (PTI File) RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday announced that his party would launch the Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana immediately after forming the government in Bihar. Addressing voters on the final day of campaigning for the first phase of assembly polls, Yadav said the scheme will be implemented on Makar Sankranti, January 14, under which women will receive Rs 30,000 each. Yadav also outlined key welfare measures his party plans to roll out if elected to power. He said the government would reinstate the Old Pension Scheme for state employees and ensure that all government staff, including police personnel, are posted within 70 kilometres of their home districts. Recommended Stories #WATCH | #BiharElection2025 | Patna, Bihar: RJD leader and Mahagathbandhans CM face Tejashwi Yadav says, After we form the Government, on Makar Sankranti 14th January, we will deposit Rs 30,000 for an entire year into the accounts of women under Mai Bahin Maan Yojana" pic.twitter.com/6lpMJxYOWe ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2025 For farmers, Yadav promised an additional Rs 300 per quintal over the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy and a Rs 400 bonus per quintal over the MSP for wheat. Highlighting his outreach to women voters during the campaign, Yadav said their support would be crucial in driving change in Bihar. We will form our government, and as soon as it happens, on Makar Sankranti, the Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana will be implemented," he said. According to the manifesto released by the Opposition last week, women have been promised Rs 2,500 per month as financial assistance starting December 1. The manifesto also mentioned an annual payment of Rs 30,000 to women for the next five years if the alliance comes to power. Tejashwi, however, mentioned transferring the entire sum on Makar Sankranti. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had earlier promised that every household in Bihar would get at least one government job if his party came to power, calling it a historic and revolutionary" step. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As soon as the government is formed, within 20 months, there will be no household in Bihar without a government job," Tejashwi said, addressing supporters. He added that his first act after assuming office would be to sign the proposal in the very first cabinet meeting. Calling it only the beginning of a series of major announcements, Tejashwi said, This is the first announcement, not the final one." About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 09:45 IST News elections Tejashwi Yadav Announces Rs 30,000 Aid For Women On Makar Sankranti If Voted To Power In Bihar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Well Attend If Congress Yuvraj Marries: BJP Hits Back At Kharges Sons Wedding Jibe At PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 14:25 IST Mallikarjun Kharge, while addressing a rally in Bihar, said that Narendra Modi is going around in the state as if its his sons wedding. Mallikarjun Kharge made the comments after PM Modi visited Bihar for a few rallies. (File photo) The BJP on Tuesday hit back at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his bete ki shaadi" (sons wedding) remark aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during campaigning in poll-bound Bihar. Union minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh led the counterattack, taking a veiled swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Responding to Kharges comments, Singh posted on X, Kharge ji, if the Congress yuvrajs marriage ever happens, we will definitely come to it." The BJP often uses the term Yuvraj" as a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Recommended Stories Kharge, addressing a rally in Bihar, had said, In Bihar, Narendra Modi is going around as if its his sons wedding. From panchayat elections to parliamentary elections, its always Modi his face everywhere. How many times will people vote just by looking at Modis face?" The exchange added a sharp edge to the escalating war of words between the BJP and Congress as election campaigning intensified in the state. PM Accuses Opposition Of Protecting Infiltrators With just two days left for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, accusing them of promoting lawlessness and corruption in the state. Addressing an election rally, the Prime Minister said the Congress-RJD alliance was undertaking political tours to protect infiltrators" while ignoring the interests of ordinary citizens. He accused the Mahagathbandhan of pushing Bihar back into an era of jungle raj." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the dictionary of RJD and Congress, what words and emotions are there? Their dictionary is filled with words like katta, cruelty, bitterness, bad manners, bad governance, and corruption. This is all they learned in the school of jungle raj," Modi said, drawing cheers from the crowd. Bihar is set to go to the polls in two phases, with all 243 constituencies voting on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14 by the Election Commission of India. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 14:25 IST News elections Well Attend If Congress Yuvraj Marries: BJP Hits Back At Kharges Sons Wedding Jibe At PM Modi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A TV Dramas Fictional Wedding Has Become A Real Blasphemy Case In Pakistan: Heres Why Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 16:30 IST A marriage between a Syed woman and a non-Syed man in a TV drama Sher has ignited a blasphemy case and an online storm in Pakistan The series, starring Danish Taimoor and Sarah Khan, tells the story of Sher Zaman and Fajar, two lovers from rival families who must confront old feuds and social barriers to be together. (Image: X) When Pakistani television network ARY Digital launched its latest prime-time drama Sher, few expected it would trigger a police case under Pakistans blasphemy laws. The series, starring Danish Taimoor and Sarah Khan, tells the story of Sher Zaman and Fajar, two lovers from rival families who must confront old feuds and social barriers to be together. But one particular plotline, a marriage between a Syed woman and a non-Syed man, has provoked sharp backlash from sections of Pakistans Shia community. In Sindhs Dadu district, Shia activists filed a formal First Information Report (FIR) accusing ARY Digital of insulting Syeds, the Prophets progenies." Recommended Stories The complainants argue that by depicting such a union, the show disrespects the lineage and purity of Syeds, regarded as descendants of Prophet Muhammad through his grandsons Hasan and Husayn. The FIR, registered on 6 October under Sections 295A and 298A of the Pakistan Penal Code, names the CEO of ARY Digital, the director, and the shows writers as accused. The complaint alleges that the serials content has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Syed community and amounts to blasphemy." The legal charges are serious. Section 295A criminalises deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, while Section 298A punishes derogatory remarks against revered personages of Islam. In Pakistans charged socio-religious climate, blasphemy accusations have often carried heavy consequences, even when directed at artistic works. How Did The Public React? As news of the FIR spread, Pakistans social media exploded with a mix of outrage, ridicule, and disbelief. On X and Reddit, many users mocked what they saw as hypersensitivity over a fictional marriage. Pakistan seems to have more Syeds than the entire Arabian Peninsula," one user joked. Another commented wryly, How is this blasphemy?" to which someone replied, By Pak logistics." Pakistan seems to have more Syed than the entire Arabian Peninsula. In Karachi, every third person one meets or comes across is a Syed. Literally, one can buy half a dozen Syeds for Rs. 500. Buy a full dozen & you get two for free. https://t.co/eotAtiUWSu Faisal Naseer (@fnakhi) October 27, 2025 A Reddit user remarked that the controversy looks like someone woke up from a sleep and thought about minting money from a super hit drama." Yet beneath the humour lies a deeper unease. The uproar exposes Pakistans entrenched hierarchies of caste, lineage, and sect subjects rarely discussed openly in a country that constitutionally identifies as Islamic and egalitarian. What Does Syedism Mean In Pakistans Social Context? Syedism, or Syed supremacy, is a social and religious construct that places Syeds at the apex of a perceived hierarchy of Muslim lineages. Syeds claim descent from the Prophet Muhammad through his grandsons Hasan and Husayn. Within this lineage, descendants of Hasan are often called Shareefs, while those of Husayn are referred to as Syeds. Over centuries, this ancestry came to confer not only religious reverence but also social status. The hierarchy extends beyond the Syeds. Historically, Muslim society in South Asia has been stratified into two broad categories: Ashraf (noble-born, often claiming Arab, Persian or Central Asian descent) and Ajlaf (local converts). Within the Ashraf group, Syeds rank highest, followed by Pathans, Mughals, and Sheikhs, while the Ajlaf include occupational and artisanal groups whose ancestors converted from lower Hindu castes. At the bottom lie the Pasmandas, a Persian word meaning those left behind", who comprise the majority of South Asias Muslim population but remain politically and socially marginalised. Despite Islams doctrinal rejection of caste, these hierarchies continue to shape marriage norms, mosque segregation, and everyday social interactions. How Deeply Is Caste Embedded In Pakistani Society? Casteism in Pakistan is neither marginal nor confined to rural Sindh or Punjab. In a 2020 article for Al Jazeera, Shaista Abdul Aziz Patel, Assistant Professor of Critical Muslim Studies at the University of California, San Diego, noted that Pakistan officially recognises about 40 castes, 32 of which were once listed as scheduled castes under a 1957 Presidential Ordinance. A 2007 report by journalist Zulfiqar Shah revealed that even a six per cent government job quota for scheduled castes, announced soon after Partition, was scrapped in the 1990s, depriving these communities of political or economic safeguards. Haris Gazdar, an anti-caste researcher, describes how caste prejudice persists through coded social practices: segregated dining, pejorative slurs, land theft, beatings, and sexual violence that reinforce upper-caste dominance. Upper-caste Muslims often invoke ideas of ritual purity paak (pure) and naapak (impure) to justify exclusion, claiming that certain groups eat forbidden or unclean" food. These taboos persist even when lower-caste Hindus or Christians convert to Islam. Conversion rarely erases caste identity; it merely repaints it in Islamic terms. How Has Caste Operated Across South Asian Islam? These hierarchies trace back to early Islamic expansion in the subcontinent, when invading groups distinguished themselves from local converts. Over time, categories such as Ashraf and Ajlaf emerged to preserve status distinctions that Islam theoretically rejects. Social reformers and scholars have long acknowledged this contradiction. Even B. R. Ambedkar, in Pakistan or the Partition of India, wrote that if slavery has gone, caste among Muslims has remained," noting that Muslim society is afflicted by the same social evils as the Hindu society." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all That critique still resonates today. The BBCs 2016 report on untouchable Muslims" found that Dalit Muslims often face segregation in mosques, schools, and even burial grounds. In some localities, separate water vessels are kept for Dalit Muslim sweepers, a reminder that caste practices cut across religious identities. The Pasmanda movement in India and parts of Pakistan continues to challenge these hierarchies, demanding equal representation and recognition of discrimination within Muslim society. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 16:30 IST News explainers A TV Dramas Fictional Wedding Has Become A Real Blasphemy Case In Pakistan: Heres Why Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Elderly Passenger 'Forced' To Pay Rs 700 For Wheelchair At Bengaluru Airport: 'Is This Legal?' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:34 IST An elderly woman was allegedly handed a Rs 700 receipt for availing wheelchair assistance at Bengaluru airport. Here is what the updated DGCA rules state about the wheelchair assistance at Indian airports. (Representative image) A Reddit user recently took to the platform to allege that their mother was harassed for money" at the Bengaluru airport for using the airlines wheelchair service. The user stated that their elderly mother was travelling on an international flight from Tokyo, Japan, to Bengaluru, India, when she used the wheelchair assistance upon arrival. The OP further alleged that the airport employee who picked her up demanded" a sum of Rs 700 to avail the assistance service. Irked by this fee, the Reddit user then enquired with the airline. Recommended Stories JAL (Japan Airlines), as the user explained, provided free wheelchair assistance to passengers but had no control over non-airline staff handling support in foreign countries. This led to a heated conversation among the Reddit community, who had a mixed reaction to the OPs furious post. Some even pointed out the updated rules of wheelchair assistance in Indian airports. Is This Legal?" Annoyed by the hassle their elderly mother, who was travelling solo, had to face late at night, the user took to r/Bangalore Subreddit and wrote: My mother had to travel by herself to Bangalore so arranged for wheelchair assistance with the airline. All well until she reached Bangalore. The guy who picked her up at the flight demanded 700.00 Rupees for the service. Since the aircraft lands midnight she was stuck there and had to pay up. She did ask for a receipt and he gave her one makeshift receipt, (sic)" the user wrote. Asking if the fees levied were legal, the poster continued by alleging that the staff assigned to their mother was rude and frustrated. I asked he [the] airline and they say the service is payed by the Airline. If the staff is airport staff in another country they are unable to investigate or help, (sic)" the post further read. Also Read: How Joining Rapido To Cure Loneliness Turned Into Wholesome Experience For Bengaluru Man Reddit Reacts Strongly Citing an updated rule that able-bodied" passengers had to pay a certain fee, a user wrote: probably if you really need a wheelchair you dont travel alone, there is someone with you, (sic)." Another agreed with the rule but also wondered how one could prove" that they had mobility issues. I think this rule makes sense. Ive seen far too many people abuse the service when they are perfectly capable of walking. But how does one prove they need it? Especially for those whose mobility issues are age-related and they might not have any disability certificate? Hope the guidelines also mention this." I legit saw an elderly person in Singapore wheeling a perfectly fit Indian aunty. Absolutely shameful. Their usual excuse is that they wont be able to find the gate or handle immigration, (sic)" a third user joined. (Photo credits: Ok_Piano_8808) The conversation carried on, and several lamented that Indians had the habit of exploiting the services despite being able-bodied. Too many Indians exploit wheelchair assistance to ferry their parents both locally and internationally . I remember seeing a couple of dozen folks availing this facility while coming from Singapore to India most of them very able bodied, (sic)." The OP, responding to one of the comments, wrote that their mother had undergone a knee surgery and was using the wheelchair assistance out of compulsion. DGCA Update In a recent update, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that airlines may now charge able-bodied passengers or passengers with reduced mobility who request wheelchair assistance. Airlines may levy appropriate assistance fees from passengers other than persons with disability or reduced mobility who opt to use these services. The same shall be displayed on the airlines website," CNBCTV18 quoted the DGCA circular. Also Read: Planning To Take A Wheelchair At The Airport? Heres Why You May Have To Pay More top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the updated rules, passengers opting for wheelchair assistance services are required to report to the airport well in advance of the departure time to have sufficient time to catch their scheduled flight, the report stated. The report further added that the airlines were responsible for providing wheelchair services as requests were registered on their booking systems. In case of a shortage, Indian airports must provide additional wheelchairs as needed. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 17:34 IST News explainers Elderly Passenger 'Forced' To Pay Rs 700 For Wheelchair At Bengaluru Airport: 'Is This Legal?' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... How Joining Rapido To 'Cure Loneliness' Turned Into Wholesome Experience For Bengaluru Man Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 16:00 IST A Bengaluru man joined Rapido as a captain to distract himself and try something new. A man residing in Bengaluru decided to join Rapido as a captain to ferry passengers and distract himself from loneliness. (Representative image) In a world where every bad experience posted online turns into a viral post, as they should be, a mans wholesome experience after joining a ride-hailing service resonated with many, urging some viewers to share their personal anecdotes and stories that will leave your heart with a bit more hope than you began this day with. Enter Reddit user u/CantStopSmilinn, who recently took to the platform to share that he had recently joined Rapido and was met with an unexpected moment of kindness. The user began his post by explaining to the community that he was doing the gig simply out of boredom and to combat loneliness. He added that he wasnt feeling in high spirits and that he turned to the ride-hailing service to step out of his comfort zone and maybe shake things up to feel better. Recommended Stories Joined To Distract Myself" Ive been feeling low and a bit lonely these past few days, so this weekend I decided to shake things up. On a random impulse, I signed up as a Rapido captain just to distract myself and try something different," the Reddit user wrote. Initially sceptical about it, the user shared he was surprised it turned out to be a pleasant experience. The riders I met were polite, easy to talk to, and those short conversations actually felt good after a rough week," he added. However, it was a particular ride, a moment that got to him. Also Read: 32 LPA Not Enough: Bengaluru Engineer Turns Rapido Rider On Weekends To Beat Loneliness After completing a ride, a customer asked the OP why he was using a 250cc Bajaj Pulsar N250 for Rapido, implying that he must come from money and didnt need the gig out of financial desperation. After a ride, the guy got down, placed his hand on my shoulder and gently asked, Bro, are you okay? Youre riding a 250cc for Rapido are you going through something?" The OP added that the question was neither laced with sarcasm nor with judgment. The man quizzed with a genuine concern. It was then that the Reddit user informed the passenger that he was trying to do something new. I told him I was fine and that I was only doing this to try something new. He smiled, nodded, and still tipped me before leaving." Needed Kindness" The biker was moved by the gesture and felt seen and cared for. That small gesture hit harder than I expected. A complete stranger noticed me, cared enough to ask, and left me with a little kindness I didnt realise I needed." He expressed that the particular interaction left a deep impact on him. Its strange how someone you meet for a few minutes can show more warmth than people whove known you for years." Wholesome" The Reddit community was moved by the post. These kinds of posts make me believe that still there are few good people in this world," wrote one reader. A second shared a story of hope from their intern days at a hospital. I was an intern back then, going through a breakup and a really bad day at the hospital. My back was killing me, and during night duty I called my mom, telling her in my language that I couldnt even stand and didnt feel like eating," the comment read. A patients relative overheard or may be sense something and came to me saying, Sir, are you okay? I was just going to eatplease come, its home-cooked food." That small gesture made my whole day, (sic)" the user shared further. Joined Rapido To Cure Loneliness" Earlier in September, a passenger shared a story of his Rapido captain riding a Rs 2 lakh bike. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The story came to light when a user shared an encounter with the engineer on X (formerly Twitter). Riding a premium TVS Ronin, valued at nearly Rs 2 lakh, the engineer told his passenger that his weekend side hustle helps him connect with strangers and feel less isolated. A Rapido guy came on a TVS Ronin that costs around Rs 2 lakh. Seeing the bike, I asked him why he was doing this job. He replied that he is an SDE-2 at Oracle and rides his bike on weekends to cure his loneliness," the post read. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 16:00 IST News explainers How Joining Rapido To 'Cure Loneliness' Turned Into Wholesome Experience For Bengaluru Man Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Is Trump Launching A New War? The US Military Build-Up In The Caribbean Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 13:03 IST Trumps justification for these operations lies in a radical reinterpretation of international law. He and his team argue that drug smugglers are comparable to al-Qaida and ISIS The Trump administration argues that the existing legal framework, particularly the War Powers Resolution and US maritime law, gives the President authority to use lethal force against threats to national security. (Photo: Reuters) The Caribbean, often seen as a region of turquoise waters and quiet coasts, is now at the centre of a tense US military mobilisation. A growing fleet of American warships, submarines, drones, and fighter jets has been deployed across international waters near Venezuela to combat drug trafficking. But the intensity of the operations and the rhetoric coming out of Washington and Caracas has ignited speculation about whether this is the beginning of a new shadow war. Recommended Stories At the centre of it all is US President Donald Trumps declaration that drug smugglers operating from Venezuelan ports are equivalent to terrorists, and that America has the right to strike them with lethal force. What began as a drug interdiction campaign" has evolved into a series of deadly military strikes across the Caribbean. The question now is whether Trump will launch a limited offensive against Venezuela? What To Know About The US Military Campaign In The Caribbean? The turning point came when the US military released footage of a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific. The video showed a speedboat drifting on open waters before erupting into a massive explosion, flames lighting up the night sky. The Pentagon later confirmed that four people on board were killed and that the operation was part of an expanded anti-narcotics campaign ordered directly by President Trump. This was not an isolated strike. Over the past year, the US military has destroyed or disabled over a dozen vessels across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, many of them small boats allegedly transporting narcotics from Venezuelan ports to Central America and the US. The campaign, described as one of the largest maritime operations in the region in decades, now involves warships, surveillance aircraft, Reaper drones, and a submarine force stationed across strategic chokepoints. The US says these vessels were part of vast narcotics networks supported by the Venezuelan regime an accusation that Caracas fiercely denies. Traditionally, such interdictions were handled by the US Coast Guard, involving arrests, seizures, and legal prosecution. But under Trumps directive, they have been reclassified as military targets. In practice, that means suspected drug boats are now being destroyed at sea, often without boarding, arrest, or trial a sharp escalation in tactics that marks a shift from law enforcement to active warfare. Why Is Trump Involved In Active Warfare? Sameer Patil, Director, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), told News18, In countries where diplomatic tools are not yielding the desired results, Trump is exercising his military might. Also, there is pressure from his party." Patil also underlined the fact that Trump knows that smaller states like Venezuela cannot retaliate against the US military. Thus, this gives him more muscle to be involved in active warfare. In an article by The New York Times, legal specialists highlight that Trump has deemed his so-called campaign against drug cartels in Venezuela as an active armed conflict". According to international law, a country can lawfully kill enemies even if they dont pose a threat, and also detain them without trials and prosecute them in military courts. According to the Geneva Academy, part of the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva and established in 2007, there are more than 110 armed conflicts in the world as of October 2025. What Has Been Venezuelas Response? In Caracas, the response was swift and furious. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called the attacks an act of aggression" and accused Washington of plotting regime change under the guise of anti-narcotics operations. According to the Venezuelan government, the US is violating international law and targeting Venezuelan civilians and fishermen without evidence. Maduro, who has faced US sanctions and a bounty on his head for alleged drug trafficking and corruption, claims that the campaign is designed to destabilise his government. In his speeches, he portrays the strikes as part of a hybrid war" one that combines economic sanctions, cyber operations, and now direct military action. The Venezuelan military has been put on alert, with naval units conducting counter-patrols in the Caribbean. Maduros government insists that no Venezuelan naval assets have been destroyed but warns that a single American missile" hitting Venezuelan territory would be treated as a declaration of war. Caracas has also drawn parallels to US interventions in Latin Americas past, from Panama in 1989 to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, framing Trumps campaign as an attempt to revive Washingtons Cold War-era dominance in the region. Understanding The Trump Doctrine President Trumps justification for these operations lies in a radical reinterpretation of international law. He and his national security team argue that drug smugglers tied to narco-terrorist" regimes, including Venezuela, are comparable to al-Qaida and ISIS fighters. In Trumps framing, drug trafficking from hostile states is not just a crime, but an act of war. That distinction is crucial. It allows the US military, rather than law enforcement, to carry out strikes in international waters under what is known as the non-international armed conflict" doctrine. In essence, the US is treating transnational drug traffickers as enemy combatants a concept usually reserved for armed terrorist groups. This interpretation gives the Pentagon sweeping powers to target individuals and vessels anywhere on the high seas if they are deemed part of a narcotics network linked to Venezuela. Critics warn that this blurs the line between counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics, effectively militarising what has long been a policing task. The Trump administration argues that the existing legal framework, particularly the War Powers Resolution and US maritime law, gives the President authority to use lethal force against threats to national security, including narcotics networks. It is the most aggressive expansion of US military jurisdiction in the western hemisphere in decades. Whats On Trumps Secret Target List? Behind the rhetoric lies a growing concern about the scope of US operations. Reports have suggested that the Trump administration has compiled a classified target list" of individuals and facilities in Venezuela that could be hit if the conflict escalates. This list reportedly includes: Venezuelan naval and air force installations that allegedly support smuggling operations. Oil facilities controlled by Maduros allies that are suspected of funding the narcotics trade. Safe houses and coastal warehouses used for trafficking and money laundering. High-ranking Venezuelan officials, including military officers and politicians tied to drug cartels. The list is said to be extensive enough to support a limited but decisive strike campaign" if the President chooses to escalate. For now, the operations remain offshore, but the Pentagons posture deploying assets capable of long-range precision strikes has raised alarms across Latin America. The Venezuelan military, aware of the imbalance of power, has shifted to asymmetric defence radar jamming, camouflage of naval bases, and the use of civilian fishing boats as shields. Meanwhile, the US insists that it has no plans for regime change," but every move from sanctions to sabotage suggests otherwise. Why Venezuela Is Central To Trumps Caribbean Push For Trump, Venezuela is both a political and strategic target. The countrys leadership has been accused by Washington of harbouring drug cartels, money-laundering networks, and even terrorist proxies. But its also a symbol: a socialist regime surviving in Americas backyard, propped up by Russia, China, and Iran. The US has long viewed Maduros alliance with these countries as a threat to regional stability. In recent years, Russian military advisers, Chinese oil investments, and Iranian drones have all found a foothold in Venezuela. The new US build-up, in this light, is as much about projecting dominance over the hemisphere as it is about intercepting narcotics. Domestically, the campaign also plays to Trumps political base. The narrative of fighting narco-terrorists" allows him to appear tough on crime, immigration, and foreign adversaries all central themes of his presidency. It also distracts from criticism of his foreign policy elsewhere, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia. What This Means For The Caribbean And Latin America The US military build-up has unsettled much of the Caribbean. Several island nations rely on trade and tourism, and now find their waters teeming with warships. Local governments have expressed quiet concern that any misfire or mistaken strike could have devastating consequences for their economies. Regional leaders also worry about sovereignty. Many of the intercepted vessels are found in international waters or near neutral zones, raising questions about jurisdiction. If the U.S. can unilaterally strike ships it suspects of smuggling, other powers like China or Russia could claim the same right in their spheres of influence. Theres also fear of escalation. Venezuela has military ties with Cuba and Nicaragua, both of which have condemned the strikes. If a US missile were to hit a Venezuelan port or civilian target, the fallout could pull the region into a prolonged standoff, or even spark a proxy war involving foreign allies. The Global Dimension: Lessons for Other Nations The implications of the US doctrine go beyond Latin America. By asserting a right to use lethal force against non-state actors" in international waters, Washington is redrawing the rules of maritime engagement. For countries like India, which sits at the crossroads of major sea lanes, this sets a precedent. If one superpower can justify strikes on vessels without host-nation consent, others could follow suit in the Indian Ocean or South China Sea. It blurs the boundaries between law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and open warfare. It also highlights how military power can be repurposed for political signalling. In the Caribbean, U.S. warships are not just intercepting smugglers they are reminding the world that America still dominates its hemisphere. What Could Happen Next? Analysts see three possible trajectories: Limited Deterrence: The US continues its strikes at sea, destroying suspected vessels but avoiding Venezuelan territory. This allows Washington to demonstrate strength without full escalation. Expanded Engagement: The Pentagon authorises precision strikes on land-based targets tied to narcotics operations, such as ports or warehouses. This would effectively mark the start of a low-intensity war. Political Collapse or Compromise: Mounting pressure, both economic and military, could force the Venezuelan leadership to negotiate or fracture internally, achieving US goals without invasion. For now, the first scenario appears most likely. But as long as Venezuelan officials are labelled narco-terrorists," the threshold for escalation remains dangerously low. The Risks Of A Shadow War The danger of Trumps Caribbean campaign lies in its ambiguity. There is no clear declaration of war, no congressional authorisation, and no defined enemy beyond narco-networks." That vagueness allows flexibility but also increases the risk of error. A mistaken strike on a civilian vessel could spark diplomatic outrage. A misinterpreted move near Venezuelan waters could trigger retaliation. And if the US ever targets a Venezuelan military installation, the region could spiral into conflict. In this shadow war, legality is murky, accountability is thin, and the potential for escalation is high. What To Conclude? Is Trump going to war with Venezuela? Not officially. But the language, the strategy, and the military build-up all point to a confrontation that looks, feels, and operates like one. What began as a campaign against drug smugglers has become a test of how far a superpower can stretch the definition of self-defence. And for a region long haunted by the ghosts of intervention, the sight of American warships once again patrolling its blue waters carries a sense of deja vu. The Caribbeans calm surface now hides a deep current of uncertainty one that could soon ripple far beyond its shores. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 12:58 IST News explainers Is Trump Launching A New War? The US Military Build-Up In The Caribbean Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... As Maldives Bans Smoking For Those Born After 2007, How Will The Law Work, And Could Others Follow? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 15:18 IST To enforce the smoking ban, Maldives officials will check the ID card or drivers licence of citizens. For travellers & expatriates, passports or residency permits will be vetted Tobacco sales at airports and duty-free outlets are also covered. The Maldives customs service already restricts the import and sale of cigarettes and electronic vaping devices. (Getty Images) The Maldives has taken a bold step in the global fight against tobacco. Under a new amendment to its Tobacco Control Act, ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, is permanently banned from buying, using, or being sold tobacco products anywhere in the island nation. The move effectively creates a tobacco-free generation," ensuring that those currently under 18 will never legally smoke in their lifetime. Recommended Stories The decision places the Maldives among the first countries in the world to actually implement a generational smoking ban, a concept that has long been discussed but rarely put into practice. Supporters hail it as a historic moment in public health policy, while critics question how such a rule can realistically be enforced in a nation reliant on tourism and foreign workers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 25.5% of the Maldivian population, in 2024, between the ages of 15 years to 69 years were tobacco users. Among males, the number is 41.7% and among females, it is 9.3%. So, how will the Maldivian authorities check who is allowed to smoke, and what will this mean for locals, tourists, and businesses, and can other countries follow the island nation? How Will The Ban Be Enforced? Checking Date Of Birth The core of the enforcement system lies with retailers. Shops, hotels, and cafes that sell tobacco are required to verify the buyers age before completing any sale. This means checking official identification to confirm that the customer was born before January 1, 2007. For Maldivian citizens and residents, the national ID card or drivers licence will be the most common proof. For foreign visitors and expatriate workers, passports or residency permits will serve the same purpose. In practice, the government will likely issue clear guidance to sellerssimilar to rules in many countries for alcohol or restricted goodsstating that anyone who looks under a certain age must be asked to show ID. Sellers who fail to check or who knowingly sell to ineligible buyers can face fines, suspension of licences, or loss of operating permits. Enforcing Use, Not Just Sales The law bans both the sale and the use of tobacco for anyone born after 2007. That raises tougher enforcement questions. It is easy enough to monitor shop sales, but policing private use, especially in resorts, boats, or personal spaces, is another matter. Authorities are expected to focus primarily on the supply side: retailers, importers, and distributors. Public-space enforcement, such as no-smoking zones in government offices, schools, or parks, will also remain in effect. But the government is unlikely to send police into private rooms or villas to catch individuals lighting up. The real emphasis will be on cutting off access to tobacco products in the first place. Preventing Proxy Purchases One foreseeable loophole is older individuals buying cigarettes on behalf of those banned from purchasing them. This proxy sale" problem has existed with underage drinking and smoking laws for decades. The Maldives will probably counter it with strong penalties for sellers who turn a blind eye and for individuals caught supplying tobacco to those in the restricted cohort. Public awareness campaigns will also focus on the social responsibility of not aiding underage smokers. Retailer Penalties And Inspections Maldives Ministry of Health and the Health Protection Agency will handle enforcement, working alongside local councils and customs authorities. Retailers will face graduated penalties: first-time warnings, escalating fines, and ultimately loss of business licences for repeat violations. Compliance inspections, undercover test buys," and periodic checks will help maintain pressure. Fake IDs & Verification Challenges Fake or borrowed IDs are always a risk, especially in tourist-heavy destinations. To counter this, shops may be required to record buyer details, use electronic point-of-sale systems with ID scanning, or follow a card everyone under 30" rule. For a small country like the Maldives, these compliance systems are manageable at the national level. How Will It Apply To Tourists & Expatriate Workers? Tourism accounts for a large share of the Maldivian economy, and foreign workers make up a significant portion of its labour force. That means any tobacco policy has to account for millions of short-term visitors and residents who may not be aware of the law. The smoking ban applies to everyone within Maldivian territory, regardless of nationality. A tourist born in or after 2007 technically cannot buy or smoke cigarettes while in the country. For most tourists, who are older adults, the ban will not matter. But it will affect younger travellers, particularly those aged 18 or under, who might be able to smoke legally elsewhere. Customs authorities will play a crucial role at entry points. The Maldives has already tightened duty-free limits for tobacco, allowing visitors to bring in only small personal quantities. Tourists will likely be warned on arrival about the ban, and customs officers can confiscate excess tobacco if necessary. Expatriate Workers Foreign workers in the hospitality and construction sectors will be subject to the same rules as citizens. Employers may need to update workplace policies, ensuring that staff are informed and that no one under the restricted age is caught using or handling tobacco products. Large resorts and hotels will have to retrain staff, update signage, and adjust shop systems to check ID before selling cigarettes. The Resort Dilemma The Maldives luxury resort islands often operate semi-autonomously, with their own shops, bars, and beaches. These facilities will need to implement strict compliance systems, as they are the most visible parts of the country to international visitors. Managers will be responsible for ensuring staff follow the law, avoid selling to restricted groups, and manage potential guest misunderstandings diplomatically. What About Duty-Free Tobacco? Tobacco sales at airports and duty-free outlets are also covered. The Maldives customs service already restricts the import and sale of cigarettes and electronic vaping devices. Tourists bringing cigarettes for personal use must declare them, stay within the duty-free allowance, and ensure they comply with possession rules. Any attempt to resell or distribute cigarettes within the Maldives, especially to younger cohorts, will be treated as a violation of the law. How Does This Compare With Other Countries? New Zealands Generational Ban: The most widely discussed comparison is New Zealand, which passed a landmark law in 2022 banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The legislation aimed to phase out smoking over time by permanently raising the legal purchase age every year. However, a change in government led to the laws repeal in 2023, before it could take full effect. The new administration cited concerns about illicit markets, enforcement costs, and economic impacts on small retailers. Although public health experts lauded the original plan as visionary, political realities derailed it. The Maldives smaller size and centralized governance may help it avoid similar reversals, at least in the short term. Local Experiments Elsewhere: Some municipalities in the US, particularly in Massachusetts, have experimented with tobacco-free generation" ordinances. These local rules prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born after a certain year. Enforcement relies on retailer licensing and compliance checks. While feasible at city or county level, scaling such bans nationally remains difficult due to jurisdictional and political differences. Bhutans Full Prohibition: Bhutan once banned the sale of tobacco altogether, making it the worlds strictest anti-smoking regime. However, the policy created a thriving black market and enforcement difficulties, leading the government to ease restrictions years later. The Bhutan experience underscores that total prohibition without strong enforcement and viable alternatives can backfire. Why Tobacco Remains A Global Public Health Priority Tobacco continues to be one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, killing over 8 million people annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns, high taxes, and public awareness drives, millions of new users, especially in low- and middle-income countries, start smoking every year. Beyond health, tobacco imposes immense economic costs through lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and environmental damage. As cigarette consumption declines in wealthy nations, the industry has increasingly targeted developing markets, making robust regulation even more urgent. Generational bans aim to break this cycle completely by ensuring that new cohorts never begin smoking at all, rather than relying on older generations to quit. Could India Or Other Large Countries Implement A Similar Ban? India provides a revealing case study of the challenges facing large, diverse nations. The Scale Problem: Indias tobacco ecosystem is vast. Millions of workers are employed in the bidi (hand-rolled cigarette) industry and in growing or processing tobacco. Any outright generational ban would threaten livelihoods across these sectors. Without alternative employment and transition support, such a policy could provoke economic and political backlash. Smokeless Tobacco & Informal Markets: Unlike the Maldives, where smoking dominates, Indias tobacco use is heavily skewed toward smokeless productsgutkha, khaini, zarda, and betel quid. These items are cheap, locally made, and sold informally in millions of small shops. Regulating or banning them by birth year would require massive enforcement capacity and public awareness campaigns across all states. Enforcement Gaps: India already has strict tobacco control laws on paper, including the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and extensive health warnings. Yet enforcement is inconsistent. Many states lack trained inspectors, licensing systems, or regular compliance checks. Adding a generational sales ban would strain an already thin enforcement apparatus. Political & Legal Barriers: Any nationwide prohibition would require central legislation, coordination with states, and protection against industry lawsuits. Given tobaccos economic footprint and lobbying influence, a sweeping generational ban in India is unlikely without bipartisan political commitment and a clear transition roadmap for affected workers. What Could Be Done Instead India could pursue incremental steps towards a generational model: raising taxes, licensing all tobacco sellers, banning single-stick sales, and piloting local smoke-free generation" zones in select districts. These moves could test enforcement models before attempting national rollout. For the Maldives, the ban is both a health policy and a brand statement. The country can market itself as a clean, smoke-free destination," aligning with its image as a luxury eco-resort paradise. Over time, a tobacco-free generation could reduce healthcare costs and public littering, while reinforcing the countrys environmental commitments. However, the transition period may be bumpy. Retailers will need training, customs officers new protocols, and resort operators clear guidance for staff and guests. Theres also a risk of small-scale black-market trading, especially on local islands. For expatriate workers and hospitality employers, the key will be communication: making sure everyone understands that the law applies uniformly to citizens, residents, and visitors. Clear signage, multi-language notices at airports and hotels, and staff training will be essential. If the country manages to enforce the law effectively, without driving a black market or harming tourism, it could become a global example of how to design a tobacco endgame strategy that is realistic, enforceable, and future-focused. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 15:18 IST News explainers As Maldives Bans Smoking For Those Born After 2007, How Will The Law Work, And Could Others Follow? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Is New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdanis India Connection, And Who Is His Mother? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 10:21 IST Throughout his campaign, Zohran Mamdani has spoken candidly about his Indian heritage and the religious diversity of his family. Zohran Mamdanis roots trace directly to India through both parents. As New York Citys feverish mayoral race enters its final hours, Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old Democratic nominee and frontrunner, stands on the brink of making history. If he prevails, Zohran Mamdani- an immigrant and democratic socialist- would become New Yorks first Muslim mayor, its first Indian-American mayor and one of the youngest leaders ever to govern the city. His campaign has drawn enthusiasm among young and first-time voters, galvanized by his pledges on affordability, rent freezes and immigrant rights. The race, however, remains fiercely contested as former governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent after losing to Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic primary, has been publicly endorsed by US President Donald Trump. Recommended Stories Read more: Obama Snubs Zohran Mamdani Ahead Of NYC Mayoral Election, Refuses To Endorse Him What Is Zohran Mamdanis India Connection? Though born in Kampala, Uganda, Zohran Mamdanis roots trace directly to India through both parents. His mother Mira Nair is an Oriya-born Hindu filmmaker from Rourkela and his father Mahmood Mamdani is a Ugandan scholar of Indian descent. Zohran Mamdani spent his childhood between East Africa and New York where his mother later taught at Columbia University. Who Is Zohran Mamdanis Mother Mira Nair? Mira Nair is one of Indias most acclaimed filmmakers and among the most influential voices in global cinema. Born in 1957 in Rourkela, she rose to prominence with her Oscar-nominated debut Salaam Bombay! (1988), followed by acclaimed works such as Mississippi Masala (1991), Monsoon Wedding (2001), The Namesake (2006) and The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012). Her films often explore the experiences of migration, belonging and love across cultures. Now based between Uganda and the United States, Mira Nair continues to run the Maisha Film Lab, which trains young African filmmakers. Read more: NYC Will Be Social Disaster: Trump Warns Of Halting Federal Funds If Zohran Mamdani Wins What Has Zohran Mamdani Said About His Indian Roots? Throughout his campaign, Zohran Mamdani has spoken candidly about his Indian heritage and the religious diversity of his family. During recent visits to two of New Yorks oldest Hindu temples in Queens, he reflected on the traditions he inherited from his mothers side. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He said, I am proud that I would be the first Indian-American mayor of this city. Im proud that my mothers family is Hindu. And while I am Muslim, I grew up with a keen understanding of what Hinduism means- the stories, the festivals, the faith. Whether its Raksha Bandhan, Diwali, Holi- these are values I hold dear today." He added, For Gujaratis, Punjabis, for Indians across the city and the world, I would not be here were it not for the family that raised me. Those are the ideals that make me proud to be an Indian-American." Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 10:21 IST News explainers What Is New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdanis India Connection, And Who Is His Mother? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Everyone Is Talking About The NYC Mayoral Race, And Why Trump Is Personally So Invested? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 13:22 IST As socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani faces off with Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, Donald Trumps threats and endorsements have turned it into a test of Americas political soul Zohran Mamdani is the frontrunner for New York City mayoral polls New York Citys mayoral election, normally a local contest focused on issues such as housing, policing and transport, has this year become a lightning rod in Americas national politics. What is usually a battle to manage the countrys largest city has turned into a referendum on the ideological direction of the United States itself, pitting progressivism against centrism, and both against a rising wave of conservative populism. Three men are competing for control of City Hall: Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic socialist and state assemblyman from Queens; Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor running as an independent after years in the Democratic mainstream; and Curtis Sliwa, a Republican radio host best known for founding the Guardian Angels, a civilian anti-crime patrol group. Recommended Stories Election Day is Tuesday, 4 November, according to the New York City Board of Elections. Polls across the five boroughs will open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. local time, which corresponds to 3:30 p.m. (on Tuesday) to 6:30 a.m. (on Wednesday) India Standard Time (IST). Early voting ended on Sunday, and so far, more than 164,000 residents have cast their ballots, according to CBS News. Over 50,000 votes were recorded each in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with 38,000 in Queens. Mamdanis rise from a relative newcomer in city politics to the clear frontrunner has been one of the most unexpected turns in recent American elections. His victory over Cuomo in the Democratic primary upended conventional wisdom: the former governor had entered as the favourite, armed with name recognition, donor support and decades of political experience. Mamdani represents the American version of democratic socialism a political philosophy that advocates expanded public welfare, affordable housing, and higher taxes on the wealthy, while operating within a democratic framework. His campaign has energised young voters and grassroots groups but unsettled moderates who see his policies as too radical for Americas largest city. How Mamdanis Primary Upset Redefined New York, And Split The Democrats Mamdanis victory in the Democratic primary not only surprised New Yorkers, it redrew the political map of Americas largest city. His win ended what was expected to be an easy path back to power for former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, whose campaign collapsed despite early advantages in funding, recognition, and support from traditional Democratic networks. Mamdanis upset intensified the divide within the Democratic Party, emboldening progressive groups who began openly discussing primary challenges to senior party leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. That rhetoric alarmed moderates, exposing an ideological split between those pushing for a leftward turn in US politics and those who see it as a threat to the partys electability. As Mamdanis profile rose, his opponents adjusted their campaigns. He had earlier supported the defund the police" movement that gained traction after the 2020 racial justice protests but later softened his tone, meeting off-duty officers and proposing a revised public safety plan that focused on prevention and community outreach. These moves were widely seen as attempts to reassure voters uneasy about his progressive record. Cuomo, meanwhile, re-entered the race as an independent after losing the primary, positioning himself as a centrist alternative capable of drawing support from moderate Democrats and disaffected Republicans. His campaign leaned heavily on experience and the promise of stability, arguing that Mamdanis agenda risked destabilising the citys finances and public order. Former mayor Eric Adams, who dropped out of the race, also endorsed Cuomo, a development that briefly tightened the contest. On the right, Curtis Sliwa ran a populist, tough-on-crime campaign. Known for his red beret and anti-crime activism since the 1970s, he told CNN: They dont see me as a politician. They see me as one of them, which is rare." Yet his campaign struggled to gain traction beyond core conservative boroughs, and many moderates feared that his persistence in the race would split the anti-Mamdani vote and strengthen the Democratic socialists lead. Trumps Endorsement Of Cuomo Has Turned A City Election Into A National Flashpoint The race shifted dramatically when US President Donald Trump intervened. He endorsed Cuomo in a Truth Social post, writing: Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!" Trumps post went further, warning that if Mamdani won, he would be highly unlikely" to send more than the very minimum as required" in federal funds to New York. The message was clear: support Cuomo, or risk financial punishment. Though US presidents cannot unilaterally decide how much federal money a city receives; Congress controls those appropriations. Attempts to withhold allocated funds have often been struck down by courts, which view them as violations of federal law. I would much rather see a Democrat, who has had a Record of Success, WIN, than a Communist with no experience and a Record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE," Trump declared, branding Mamdani a communist" despite the candidate describing himself as a democratic socialist. In an interview with CBSs 60 Minutes, Trump repeated his stance: Im not a fan of Cuomo one way or another, but if its going to be between a bad Democrat and a communist, Im going to pick the bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you." The endorsement, or as many saw it, the threat, has injected a national ideological charge into the race. For Trump, New York remains symbolically powerful. Its his home turf, the city that once defined his business empire. But its also a liberal stronghold that has consistently rejected him at the polls. Trumps renewed focus on New York reflects gains he made there during the 2024 election, winning 27 per cent of the Bronx vote, 38 per cent in Queens, and carrying Staten Island, even though he still lost the city overall. Now, by weighing in, he has positioned the contest as a referendum on MAGA versus socialism." How Mamdani Answered Trumps Threat Mamdani responded publicly at a campaign event in Astoria, Queens. In these final days, what was rumoured, what was feared, has become, naked and unabashed," he said. The Maga movements embrace of Andrew Cuomo is reflective of Donald Trumps understanding that this would be the best mayor for him not the best mayor for New York City, not the best mayor for New Yorkers, but the best mayor for Donald Trump and his administration." He added pointedly, This funding is not something that Donald Trump is giving us here in New York City. This is something that we are, in fact, owed in New York." As New Yorkers Vote, How Tight Has The Mayoral Race Become? As voters head to the polls today, surveys continue to show a competitive three-way race that has gripped New York Citys political landscape. For weeks, Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has held a steady lead, but the contest has tightened in the final days as Andrew Cuomos independent bid has gained traction among moderate Democrats and centrist Republicans. A Quinnipiac poll places Mamdani at 43 per cent support among likely voters, with Cuomo following at 33 per cent and Republican Curtis Sliwa at 14 per cent. Other polls by Marist and Fox News show similar gaps, keeping Mamdani roughly 1015 points ahead. Yet, the AtlasIntel poll released over the weekend suggested that his margin may be narrowing to as little as six points, the closest it has been in months. As per NY Post, this is Mamdanis narrowest margin since July. Even so, prediction markets such as Polymarket still rate Mamdani as the clear favourite, giving him a 94 per cent chance of victory, compared with 6 per cent for Cuomo and less than 1 per cent for Sliwa. Turnout is projected to reach about 1.9 million voters, the highest for any New York City mayoral election since 1969. Will Fears Of A Population Flight Shape The Verdict? Adding to the fevered atmosphere, a J.L. Partners survey warned of a potential mass exodus if Mamdani were elected. Around 9 per cent of New Yorkers, roughly 765,000 people, said they would definitely" leave the city, with another 25 per cent considering" it. Among high-income earners, 7 per cent earning over $250,000 a year said they would depart. Pollster James Johnson told the NY Post, If anywhere near that number actually left, the economic impact would be seismic." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The data showed older residents and Staten Islanders were most likely to flee. When asked to sum up what Mamdanis New York would look like, respondents called it a disaster, hell, and cover your ears, kids a shhole," Johnson said. Such rhetoric has captured the polarisation gripping the city: for some, Mamdani symbolises overdue reform; for others, he embodies an existential threat to New Yorks identity. Despite that sentiment, Mamdani has remained the frontrunner in nearly every poll. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 13:18 IST News explainers Why Everyone Is Talking About The NYC Mayoral Race, And Why Trump Is Personally So Invested? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 10% Control The Army: Rahul Gandhis Caste Remark In Bihar Sparks Row; BJP Slams Congress Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 19:51 IST The statement sparked an immediate backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused Gandhi of demeaning the Indian Army Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke at a rally in Bihar. (IMAGE: PTI) Congress MP Rahul Gandhi triggered a major controversy on Tuesday with remarks made on the Indian Army during a campaign rally in Kutumba, Bihar, ahead of the state Assembly elections set to begin on Thursday. Addressing a public gathering, Gandhi claimed that the Indian Army and major institutions are controlled by only 10 per cent of the countrys population, referring to upper-caste groups. Recommended Stories If you look closely, 90 per cent of Indias population belongs to Dalit, Maha Dalit, backward, extremely backward, or minority communities," Gandhi said while addressing the crowd. When you examine the top 500 companies in India, you wont find representation from these sections; they all come from that top 10 per cent. They control the jobs, the armed forces, and the countrys wealth. The remaining 90 per cent have no real representation," he added. 10% INDIANS CONTROL SENA"Rahul Gandhi now hunts for caste in Sena or Indias armed forces where only the uniform and nation matter not caste, creed or class. pic.twitter.com/1R7zs6IOl0 Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) November 4, 2025 Calling for an inclusive India, the Congress leader said, We want a nation where 90 per cent of the population, the poor, backward, and tribal people, can live with dignity and opportunity. The Congress party has always stood with them." The statement sparked an immediate backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused Gandhi of demeaning the Indian Army and dividing society along caste lines. BJP spokesperson Suresh Nakhua said, Rahul Gandhi is now looking for caste in the Armed Forces and claims that 10 percent of people control it. His hatred for Prime Minister Modi has turned into hatred for India itself." This is not the first time Rahul Gandhis comments about the military have drawn criticism. Earlier in August, the Supreme Court had pulled up the Congress MP over his statement that Chinese troops are thrashing Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh," made during his Bharat Jodo Yatra. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Gandhi had also alleged that the Chinese army occupied nearly 2,000 sq km of Indian territory, remarks that led a retired defence officer in Lucknow to file a defamation complaint, accusing him of tarnishing the Armys image. Rahul Gandhis latest comment in Bihar has now reignited the debate over his rhetoric on caste and the armed forces, with the BJP demanding an apology for what it calls a deeply divisive and irresponsible statement." Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 19:51 IST News india 10% Control The Army: Rahul Gandhis Caste Remark In Bihar Sparks Row; BJP Slams Congress Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After Western Front's 'Trishul', Indian Forces Look East For War Game 'Poorvi Prachand Prahar' Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 11:19 IST Beginning November 11, India will launch a massive tri-service exercise to test integrated combat capabilities, coordination, and high-altitude readiness in Arunachal Pradesh. While Poorvi Prachand Prahar focuses on the eastern sector, the Indian Armed Forces have been engaged in Exercise Trishul on the western front. (Image: PTI/File) After a series of intense operational activities on the western borders, the Indian Armed Forces are now shifting focus to the eastern front. Beginning November 11, India will launch Poorvi Prachand Prahar, a large-scale tri-service exercise that will test integrated combat capabilities, coordination, and high-altitude readiness in Arunachal Pradesh, according to top defence sources. The exercise, which will continue till November 15, is being seen as part of Indias broader strategy to enhance preparedness along its sensitive borders with China. According to defence officials, the upcoming drill will involve a full spectrum of joint operations between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force a reflection of the theatre command" concept that India has been gradually implementing. The exercise will showcase calibrated firepower and coordinated manoeuvres, bringing together artillery, mechanised units, drones, and precision air strikes in a realistic battlefield environment. The Indian Navy is also expected to participate through air surveillance and logistics support elements, underscoring the growing emphasis on inter-service synergy even in land-centric operations. Recommended Stories Defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, in a statement on November 1, said, The highlight of the exercise will be the coordinated employment of special forces, unmanned platforms, precision systems and networked operations centres operating in unison under realistic high-altitude conditions." Trishul Exercise on the Western Front While Poorvi Prachand Prahar focuses on the eastern sector, the Indian Armed Forces have been engaged in Exercise Trishul on the western front. Conducted along the borders of Rajasthan and Gujarat, Trishul has been testing combat readiness and coordination among frontline formations of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. The exercise involves live-fire drills, electronic warfare systems, and integrated battlefield communications aimed at refining rapid-response mechanisms. Under Trishul, that began on October 30, strike formations have been conducting joint missions with the Indian Air Forces fighter and transport aircraft, focusing on offensive and defensive operations across multiple terrains. Surveillance assets, including remotely piloted aircraft and satellite-based systems, have been used to provide real-time situational awareness. The Indian Navy, operating from the Arabian Sea, has supported the exercise through maritime reconnaissance and logistics operations, highlighting the militarys capacity for multi-domain operations. Our main objective is to enhance the synergy between all the maritime forces as well as inter-services. This is a very large, complex, and multi-domain integrated operation that is being conducted at the largest scale, including aspects of cyber and space," said Vice Admiral AN Pramod, Director General Naval Operations (DGNO). The western sector exercises also simulate high-tempo conflict scenarios involving modern warfighting doctrines. These include swift mobilisation of mechanised units, precision targeting, and integrated use of air defence systems, ensuring that Indias forces remain combat-ready on all fronts simultaneously. Months After Operation Sindoor top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Both Poorvi Prachand Prahar and Trishul follow closely on the heels of Operation Sindoor. In May this year, India targeted multiple terror camps operating across the Line of Control (LoC) and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as a retaliation to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack in which Pakistani terrorists killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes, carried out by India days later, using precision munitions and drone-based intelligence, destroyed training facilities, launch pads, and key logistics hubs used by terror groups. Interestingly, the exercises also coincide with heightened activity across the border. Pakistan has issued a NAVAREA warning for mariners, announcing its own firing drills in the Arabian Sea, alongside NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) for several air routes. Many observers view the timing with a sense of strategic caution, given the proximity of both nations exercises in the same maritime theatre. About the Author Akash Sharma Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experien... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 11:14 IST News india After Western Front's 'Trishul', Indian Forces Look East For War Game 'Poorvi Prachand Prahar' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Banks Can't Charge Interest On Recovered Funds': Vijay Mallya To Court On Kingfisher Debt Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:58 IST Mallyas senior counsel, Sajan Poovayya, argued that the banks had already received far more than what was owed Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya. (AP File Image) Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Tuesday urged the Karnataka High Court to direct banks to stop charging interest on amounts they have already recovered from him and his former airline, Kingfisher (United Breweries Holdings Limited). Speaking before Justice Lalitha Kanneganti, Mallyas senior counsel, Sajan Poovayya, argued that the banks had already received far more than what was owed and could not continue to levy interest on the recovered sums. Recommended Stories See the objections of the bank where they say money is not received and still amount is due. Bank is using the money, my interest meter should stop ticking," Poovayya told the court, LiveLaw reported. You (bank) have received the money and cannot now say that cases are pending adjudication and thus recovery made through court cannot be construed as final recovery," the counsel added. Mallyas petition seeks a detailed statement of accounts showing all recoveries made against him and his airline over time. Poovayya explained that the debt recovery certificate issued by the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) covered Rs 6,203 crore with interest at 11.5 per cent, but recoveries so far had exceeded Rs 10,000 crore. He referred to press releases and official reports, including statements from the Finance Ministry, confirming that the banks had already received the full amount owed. The lawyer stressed that since the banks had recovered the sums, interest should not continue to accrue. Poovayya also highlighted that Mallyas assets were attached under PMLA proceedings, and the recovery process had been ongoing for years. He contended that all he sought was transparency on the amounts recovered so far. Senior Advocate Vikram Huilgol, appearing for the banks, questioned the maintainability of the plea. He argued that Mallya, declared a fugitive, could not selectively approach courts and that all recoveries were considered temporary under statutory provisions. Huilgol also pointed out that Mallya was not submitting to Indian courts and that writ relief under Article 226 was discretionary, not a guaranteed right. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The court asked why similar information could not be sought from the company court, as Kingfisher is under liquidation. Poovayya explained that the DRT recovery did not report to the company court and that multiple authorities were involved, justifying the High Court petition. The matter has been adjourned, with the official liquidator directed to file objections by November 10. The case will be heard again on November 12. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 17:58 IST News india 'Banks Can't Charge Interest On Recovered Funds': Vijay Mallya To Court On Kingfisher Debt Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Two-Wheeler Theft Trail, 300 CCTV Videos: What Led To Arrest Of Coimbatore Gang-Rape Accused Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 14:38 IST Three men were arrested in Coimbatore for allegedly gang-raping a college student and assaulting her friend near the airport road on November 2. Video screengrabs following the arrest of the Coimbatore gang rape accused (Social Media) Three people, arrested for their alleged involvement in the gang rape of a college student in Tamil Nadus Coimbatore, were history sheeters and had criminal cases, including murder, theft and hurt, pending against them. It was also known that on the night of November 2, the trio had robbed a two-wheeler and were travelling on a road near the Coimbatore airport, before gangraping the student and assaulting her friend. Recommended Stories The three accused were identified as Satish alias Karuppsamy, his brother Karthi alias Kalishewaran, both from Virudhunagar district, and their relative Guna alias Thavasi from Madurai district. They were nabbed as they tried to attack the police team that went in search of them, City Police Commissioner A Saravana Sundar told reporters. COIMBATORE GANG-RAPE CASE: HOW WERE THE ACCUSED NABBED? Satish, Karthi, and Guna were labourers and had also worked in a lathe unit. Preliminary investigation revealed that the trio, after robbing a two-wheeler on November 2, consumed some alcoholic drinks and were proceeding to the airport road when they noticed the couple and sexually assaulted the student. They broke the car windows with stones and inflicted cut injuries on the students male friend before dragging her to a deserted place that had no lighting facility, and committed the offence. Soon after, the male friend of the survivor called up the police control at nearly 11.20 pm on Sunday. As the police arrived at the scene, the survivor was taken to the hospital, where she was placed under treatment. The survivor was also being provided with psychological counselling. According to The Indian Express, a senior police official said the breakthrough in the investigation emerged from surveillance linked to the two-wheeler theft and a stolen iPhone. The accused had stolen a TVS 50 (two-wheeler) a week before the sexual assault. A parallel police probe on the TVS 50 was happening in which police collected dozens of CCTV clips," the report quoted the officer as saying. On Sunday night, after the crime, police assumed the accused walked out of the crime scene in the airport area, so they examined all surveillance cameras in the locality. In one of the clips, three people in the same age group were found," the officer said. TVS 50 case footage matched with the three spotted in the footage from the airport area. Police also had clues leading to their likely travel to Mettupalayam," the report quoted him as saying. The trio had also allegedly taken the survivors friends iPhone during the assault. Believing the suspects might attempt to sell it, police quietly alerted all second-hand mobile shops across Coimbatore and Mettupalayam, the report claimed. According to Saravana Sundar, the investigators scanned about 300 CCTV footages and corroborated them with inputs received from the people and identified the exit route of the suspects, who were identified and swiftly traced at their hiding spot in Vellakinaru at around 10.40 pm on Monday. They attacked the police personnel, forcing the latter to use minimum force to overpower them by opening fire below the knees," he said. A police constable was injured when the trio attacked the team. Subsequently, the three were shot in their leg and were apprehended as they attempted to flee after attacking the police team. While one of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound in one leg, the other two were injured in both legs when the police opened fire, another official was quoted by PTI as saying. All of them were admitted to a government medicare facility in Coimbatore along with the injured constable and are undergoing treatment. Further investigation into the case is underway. CM STALIN DIRECTS CHARGESHEET WITHIN A MONTH Following the incident, Chief Minister MK Stalin directed the authorities to file a chargesheet within a month and ensure the culprits in the case received maximum punishment soon. Condemning the sexual assault, Stalin said the tragedy that befell the young lady was inhumane. No harsh words would be adequate to condemn such heinous crimes. The culprits involved in the case have been traced and arrested immediately. I have ordered the police to file a chargesheet within a month and get them the maximum punishment as soon as possible," Stalin wrote in a post on social media. He further said that the progress that our women achieve in all fields will put an end to the patriarchal mentality of such perverted animals and will lead to our transformation into a completely progressive society." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The sexual assault has sent shock waves across the state and sparked political outrage with various parties demanding stringent action against the culprits. ALSO READ | Hyderabad Sanitation Worker Raped On Foot Over Bridge By Watchman On Her Way To Work About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: November 04, 2025, 14:37 IST News india Two-Wheeler Theft Trail, 300 CCTV Videos: What Led To Arrest Of Coimbatore Gang-Rape Accused Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi High Court Urges Centre To Act Swiftly To Bring Back Indian Student Held In Ukraine Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 09:56 IST Delhi High Court urges urgent action for Sahil Mahmad Husen Majothi, a Gujarat student held in Ukraine after joining Russian Armed Forces under duress, seeking his safe return. A photo of the Delhi High Court (PTI) A young Indian student held in Ukraine has prompted the Delhi High Court to direct the central government to take immediate action for his safe return. The student, 22-year-old Sahil Mahmad Husen Majothi from Gujarat, travelled in January 2024 to Russias ITMO University in St. Petersburg for a Russian-language course on a study visa. According to his mother, he later moved to Moscow and worked part-time with a courier firm. He was arrested in April 2024 on what his family says were false drug charges, and he allegedly faced a seven-year prison sentence. In desperation, he is alleged to have joined the Russian Armed Forces under duress and was captured by Ukrainian forces. Recommended Stories During Mondays hearing, Justice Sachin Datta told government counsel: Please take all steps to bring him back," emphasising the urgency of diplomatic intervention. The Court directed the Centre to assign a liaison officer to coordinate with Ukrainian authorities and sought a report within four weeks. The case will return to court on 3 December. In her petition, Sahils mother, Hasinaben Samsudinbhai Majothi, said that after her sons arrest, she lost contact and only discovered his condition when videos surfaced in which he claimed to have been forced into the conflict zone. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The case has shed light on the complex plight of Indian nationals caught in conflict zones abroad and has reignited calls for more robust consular support and evacuation mechanisms by the government. With inputs from agencies About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Gujarat, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 09:56 IST News india Delhi High Court Urges Centre To Act Swiftly To Bring Back Indian Student Held In Ukraine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Eagle On Every Arm': Indigenous Combat Drones Prove Their Mettle During Exercise Trishul Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 16:17 IST Southern Command continues to integrate innovation, indigenous defence industry collaboration, and tactical application, forging a Tech-Enabled, Future-Ready Force. Under the guiding mantra Eagle on Every Arm, the Command has established a robust, in-house framework for the design, development, and large-scale production of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Field-tested under realistic and contested combat conditions during Exercise Trishul, a new generation of indigenously developed combat drones has demonstrated exceptional precision, endurance, and mission flexibility. Designed and produced within the Indian Armys own innovation ecosystem, these drones represent a major milestone in translating the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision into operational capability on the battlefield. The successful trials showcased the Southern Commands growing technological prowess and commitment to building a tech-enabled, future-ready force. Under the guiding mantra Eagle on Every Arm," the Command has established a robust, in-house framework for the design, development, and large-scale production of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). These systems are tailored to meet the Armys evolving tactical requirements across Surveillance, Precision Strike, and Electronic Warfare domains. Recommended Stories The initiative reflects a strategic shift in Indias defence approach from being a technology importer to becoming a self-reliant innovator. The Southern Commands Drone Hubs are at the heart of this transformation. These hubs integrate the technical expertise of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) with the manufacturing agility of Indias Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Together, they are developing platforms capable of enhancing situational awareness, striking accuracy, and electronic dominance in modern conflicts. The indigenously built drones have undergone rigorous validation, proving their resilience and reliability even in electronically jammed or hostile environments. Their performance during Exercise Trishul not only met but exceeded operational expectations, underscoring the Armys capacity to harness indigenous technology for mission-critical operations. The field results confirmed that these systems can deliver consistent performance under the pressures of real-world battlefield conditions. This initiative is emblematic of the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat drive championed by the Government of India, which seeks to empower domestic defence manufacturing and reduce strategic dependence on foreign suppliers. For the Army, this self-reliant approach ensures faster innovation cycles, cost efficiency, and greater adaptability to local operational terrains. Drone Prowess During Operation Sindoor Drones played a critical role during Operation Sindoor working both offensively and defensively, and underscoring the growing importance of indigenous unmanned aerial systems in Indias defence operations. The Indian forces had deployed domestically-manufactured loitering drones (sometimes called suicide drones"), which carried warheads of 5-10 kg and had a range of about 100 km. These drones enabled India to hit target sets in cross-border or contested environments with greater precision, thereby supporting the strategic message behind Operation Sindoor, meant to destroy terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In addition to strike drones, surveillance drones carried out real-time reconnaissance and target acquisition. Drones penetrated about 2 km across the Line of Control to monitor enemy troop movement and detect threats despite GPS/electronic-warfare interference. During Operation Sindoor, drones served as both the eyes" in the sky and the swords", striking enemy infrastructure. About the Author Akash Sharma Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experien... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 16:17 IST News india 'Eagle On Every Arm': Indigenous Combat Drones Prove Their Mettle During Exercise Trishul Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Islampur In Maharashtra's Sangli Renamed Ishwarpur, Govt Issues Gazette Notification Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 21:41 IST Last month, the Central government's national mapping agency, Survey of India, officially approved the name. The demand to rename Islampur dates back to 1986. (File) The Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued a gazette renaming Islampur as Ishwarpur and Islampur Nagar Parishad as Urun Ishwarpur Nagar Parishad. Last month, the Central governments national mapping agency, Survey of India, officially approved the name. On July 18, the state government had passed the municipalitys proposal to rename Islampur as Ishwarpur in the legislative assembly and forwarded it to the Union government for final clearance. Recommended Stories The power to change names lies with the Centre. The State Cabinet has done its part by approving the decision and sent the proposal to the Union government for approval," Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal had said while putting the proposal in the assembly. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following this approval, directives were issued to the Indian Post Department and Indian Railways to update the citys name across their systems and offices, Times of India reported. The decision followed a proposal from Shiv Pratisthan, a Hindutva organisation, urging the Sangli collectorate to change Islampurs name to Ishwarpur. Shiv Pratisthan is led by Sambhaji Bhide, whose supporters have declared that they will not rest until their demand is fulfilled. A Shiv Sena leader from Islampur stated that the call for a name change has been ongoing since 1986. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 21:41 IST News india Islampur In Maharashtra's Sangli Renamed Ishwarpur, Govt Issues Gazette Notification Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 16, Including Students, Injured As Minibus Overturns On Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Highway Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 09:41 IST At least 16 people have been injured after a minibus overturned on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Highway. A rescue operation was carried out by locals. A file photo of the Jammu Kashmir Police (PTI) At least 16 people, including multiple students, were injured when a minibus overturned at Thandikassi along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway. According to police, the vehicle reportedly skidded off the road and toppled, causing injuries to multiple passengers on board. Recommended Stories Locals and police personnel rushed to the scene and began rescue operations, helping evacuate the injured from the vehicle. All 16 injured persons were taken to the Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri for advanced treatment. The cause of the accident was being probed. In a separate accident, three people were killed and several others injured after a passenger bus fell into a gorge at Simrol Bheru Ghat between Indore and Mhow late Monday night. According to the district administration, two people died on the spot, while one succumbed to injuries while being transported to the hospital. Nine others were taken to Indores MY Hospital, where three were reported to be in critical condition. Around 30 passengers sustained minor injuries. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called the accident heartbreaking" and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakhs. ALSO READ | Medieval Tower Near Colosseum Collapses During Renovation In Rome; 1 Injured, 1 Trapped About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: November 04, 2025, 09:35 IST News india 16, Including Students, Injured As Minibus Overturns On Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Highway Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kannada TV Actor Alleges Online Sexual Harassment, Receives Obscene Texts, Videos Of Private Parts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 10:38 IST A Kannada and Telugu TV actor has accused an unknown man of online sexual harassment over the past three months and filed a police complaint in Bengaluru. An image representing digital fraud (Shutterstock) A Kannada and Telugu serial actor has alleged she was sexually harassed by an unknown person online over the past three months. According to the details, the actor filed an official complaint with the police in South Bengaluru, wherein she alleged that the accused, operating under the Facebook ID NAVEENZ, allegedly sent obscene messages and videos of his private parts to the actress via Facebook Messenger. Recommended Stories The actor stated that the accused had first sent her a friend request, which she declined. Despite that, he continued to harass her through vulgar messages. When she warned him to stop, he began using multiple fake accounts to send sexually explicit photos and videos, continuing the harassment. On November 1, the actor reportedly met the accused near Nandan Palace in Nagarabhavi around 11.30 am, confronting him and asking him to stop his behaviour. However, the harassment allegedly resumed soon after. Following repeated incidents, the actor lodged a sexual harassment complaint at the Annapoorneshwari Nagar Police Station According to NDTV, the accused was identified as Naveen K Mon and was arrested. He worked as a delivery manager at a global technology recruitment agency in Bengaluru, the report claimed. In a separate incident, a 33-year-old woman was allegedly sexually harassed and subjected to public indecency while walking her dog in Bengaluru. The incident occurred on November 1. According to the complaint filed by the victim, she was walking her pet, suddenly when an unknown man, believed to be in his 30s, called out Madam to get her attention. When she turned, he allegedly began to publicly expose himself and masturbate. The complainant stated that the man intentionally targeted her to outrage her modesty. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shocked by the act, she ran home with her dog and later informed her sister and her friend about the incident. ALSO READ | Three Men Arrested In Coimbatore Gang Rape Case, Shot At While Trying To Escape About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: November 04, 2025, 10:35 IST News india Kannada TV Actor Alleges Online Sexual Harassment, Receives Obscene Texts, Videos Of Private Parts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Killed My Wife For You': Texts To Multiple Women Reveal Bengaluru Doctor's Chilling Confession Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 09:50 IST Police said the doctor reached out to several women, some of them medical professionals, through social media & messaging apps, boasting about killing his wife to prove his love Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Dr Mahendra Reddy GS and Dr Kruthika Reddy. (News18 Hindi) The message was short and shockingI killed my wife for you"and wasnt sent once but to several women. Bengaluru Police say Dr Mahendra Reddy GS, a city-based anaesthetist now under arrest for his wifes murder, sent the chilling words to at least four or five women he had been in contact with over the past year. According to the Times of India, investigators said the texts were part of a pattern of obsessive, erratic communication that began months before Reddys wifes death and continued even after he allegedly killed her. Recommended Stories Police sources said the doctor reached out to multiple women, some of them medical professionals, through social media and messaging apps. He reportedly boasted about killing his wife to prove his love" and even sent one such message via a digital payment platform. A woman told officers she had blocked him earlier, only to receive another message months later claiming he had faked his own death in a car crash and returned" for her. Investigators believe the doctor had been cultivating online relationships with several women while still married. After his wife, Dr Kruthika Reddy, was found dead under suspicious circumstances on April 24, the case initially appeared to be a suicide. But inconsistencies in the post-mortem report and digital evidence soon led detectives to Dr Reddy himself. Police allege that he used his medical expertise to administer a lethal dose of anesthetic medication before staging the scene. Following his arrest in mid-October in Manipal, Udupi district, officers recovered his phone and laptop, devices that now form the centrepiece of a widening investigation into his digital life and possible prior manipulation of other women. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The victims family had earlier said they had suspicions since the day she died. We insisted on a postmortem, but Mahendra staged an emotional drama saying he couldnt bear to see her body being cut," Kruthikas sister, Dr Nikhita, was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. The report also quoted her as saying that the accused had opposed her sisters plan of starting her own clinic. She wanted to open a small clinic to help poor patients, but he never supported her. He didnt even agree to register their marriage officially," Nikhita said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 09:50 IST News india 'Killed My Wife For You': Texts To Multiple Women Reveal Bengaluru Doctor's Chilling Confession Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'How Many Rohingyas Were In Bihar?': Mamata Banerjee Lambasts BJP During SIR Protest In Kolkata Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:44 IST Mamata Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission, in coordination with the BJP, is carrying out "silent rigging" through the SIR exercise West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee | File Image West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday led a massive rally in Kolkata, protesting against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Responding to the BJPs assertion that the ongoing SIR exercise would help detect illegal immigrants in the state, Banerjee hit back, taking a swipe at the voter roll revision in Bihar. Recommended Stories How many Rohingyas were identified in Bihar?" she asked. Did the Election Commission remove their names?" The Trinamool chief accused the Election Commission and the Centre of carrying out silent rigging" through the SIR exercise. Many unorganised sector workers are thinking whether their names will be removed. Talking in Bangla does not mean Bangladeshi, just like speaking in Hindi or Punjabi does not mean Pakistani. Whoever is talking in Bangla is branded as Bangladeshi. These idiots who have not fought the freedom fight where was BJP at that time?" she said. She further targeted the poll body for not considering Aadhaar cards as a valid proof of identity required for the addition of names to the SIR list. How much did you pay for Aadhaar cards? You (Centre) took Rs 1,000 from each person. If you took Rs 1,000 from the public to make Aadhaar cards, then why do you still say no Aadhaar card for the voter list, no Aadhaar card for the ration card?" Banerjees rally, which saw thousands of supporters, covered a 3.8 km march from BR Ambedkars statue on Red Road to Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore. Dressed in her trademark white cotton saree and slippers, the Chief Minister walked at the front of the procession, waving to bystanders and greeting residents watching from balconies. Streets along the route were crowded with TMC supporters carrying flags, chanting slogans, and holding placards denouncing the SIR process. VIDEO | Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) leads a rally in the state protesting against the SIR exercise.(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/QtBy98xydM Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 4, 2025 BJP Hits Back The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp counterattack, with Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari branding the event a rally of Jamat," claiming it went against the ethos of the Indian Constitution." Echoing his remarks, West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya said Banerjee should take her concerns to the Supreme Court instead of holding protests. There is complete lawlessness in Bengal," he said, alleging that the state was undergoing demographic changes and accusing the TMC government of encouraging the inclusion of Rohingyas in voter lists. Does the public want Rohingyas added to the voters list?" he asked. The protest coincided with the second phase of the SIR exercise, currently underway in 12 States and Union Territories, including West Bengal. The SIR involves a detailed, on-ground verification of electoral rolls by booth-level officers to identify and remove duplicate, deceased, migrated, or ineligible votersa process that has not been undertaken at this scale in nearly two decades. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Opposition parties, however, have alleged that the revision is being used selectively to delete names of marginalised and opposition-leaning voters. The first phase of the exercise in Bihar sparked controversy after more than 68 lakh names were reportedly removed from the final voter rolls. First Published: November 04, 2025, 16:34 IST News india 'How Many Rohingyas Were In Bihar?': Mamata Banerjee Lambasts BJP During SIR Protest In Kolkata Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi Lauds Record Increase In Indian Universities Listed In QS Asia Rankings 2026 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 23:10 IST PM lauds Indias surge in QS Asia University Rankings, rising from 24 to 294 institutions in a decade, driven by NEP and research focus, second only to Chinas 395 universities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (IMAGE: NEWS18 FILE) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the sharp increase in the number of Indian institutions featured in the QS Asia University Rankings over the past decade. In a post on X, Modi said: "Glad to see a record increase in the number of Indian universities in the QS Asia University Rankings over the last decade. Our Government is committed to ensuring quality education for our youth, with a focus on research and innovation. We are also building institutional capacities in this sector by enabling more educational institutions across India." Recommended Stories According to NDTV, Indias representation in the QS Asia University Rankings has grown more than tenfold, from 24 institutions in 2016 to 294 in 2026, marking a 1,125 per cent increase. As per the University Rankings, India dominates Papers per Faculty indicator, with five universities ranked among Asias top 10 and 28 among the top 50. This growth outpaces every other nation in Asia and reflects the impact of Indias National Education Policy (NEP). NDTV quoted Matteo Quacquarelli, Vice President, Strategy & Analytics at QS Quacquarelli Symonds as saying: Indias remarkable rise in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 reflects a decade of transformation in research productivity, innovation, and institutional capacity. As India marks five years since the launch of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, its impact is becoming increasingly evident". India dominates the Papers per Faculty indicator, a sign of strengthening research output. At QS, we remain committed to providing trusted data and insights that empower universities, policymakers, and students to navigate this evolving higher education landscape," he added. Glad to see a record increase in the number of Indian universities in the QS Asia University Rankings over the last decade. Our Government is committed to ensuring quality education for our youth, with a focus on research and innovation. We are also building institutional Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2025 Meanwhile, China recorded a 273 per cent increase over the same period. China (Mainland) has reclaimed the top rank as the most represented system with 395 universities, followed by India with 294. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While the University of Hong Kong leads the 2026 Asia rankings, Peking University stands second and Singapores National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) share the third spot. The QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026 released on Tuesday by global higher education analysts QS Quacquarelli Symonds, feature the largest cohort to date, with 1,529 universities from 25 higher education systems. Of these, 558 are new entrants. First Published: November 04, 2025, 22:45 IST News india PM Modi Lauds Record Increase In Indian Universities Listed In QS Asia Rankings 2026 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi Meets Syro-Malabar Bishops, Discusses Community Welfare Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 23:15 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Syro-Malabar Church bishops in New Delhi to discuss issues concerning the Church and Christian community. The meeting focused on strengthening community welfare and promoting interfaith harmony. (X) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met a delegation of senior bishops from the Syro-Malabar Church in New Delhi to discuss matters concerning the Church and the Christian community in India. Had a wonderful interaction with the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Major Archbishop His Beatitude Most Rev. Mar Raphael Thattil, His Grace Archbishop Dr. Kuriakose Bharanikulangara and others," PM Modi said in a post on X. Recommended Stories Had a wonderful interaction with the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Major Archbishop His Beatitude Most Rev. Mar Raphael Thattil, His Grace Archbishop Dr. Kuriakose Bharanikulangara and others. pic.twitter.com/Lw6xC0OLKC Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 4, 2025 The delegation was led by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, head of the Syro-Malabar Church, and included Archbishop Mar Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of the Faridabad Archdiocese, along with several other bishops. Kerala BJP leaders, including State President and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Shone George, were also present at the meeting. The meeting focused on strengthening community welfare and promoting interfaith harmony, reflecting the governments commitment to inclusive development. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Syro-Malabar Church, one of Indias largest Eastern Catholic churches, has a significant presence in Kerala and plays a vital role in the countrys socio-religious landscape. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 23:15 IST News india PM Modi Meets Syro-Malabar Bishops, Discusses Community Welfare Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi Set To Visit Bhutan Next Week | What's On Agenda? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 15:51 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Bhutan on November 11-12 for King Jigme Singye Wangchuck's 70th birthday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Image: PMO India/File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Bhutan on November 11-12. The Prime Ministers visit to the Himalayan nation coincides with the 70th birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan and father of the current monarch, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, sources told CNN-News 18. Recommended Stories He might further witness the launch of infrastructure projects and take part in cultural programmes during the visit. As per Bhutanese media outlet Kuensel, PM Modi will be the guest of honour at celebrations marking the monarchs 70th birthday. He is also expected to inaugurate Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project. Earlier on Monday, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay highlighted evolving India-Bhutan relations and said, Theres a lot of cooperation already happening. This is being built actually on cooperation that we have enjoyed over millennia because many spiritual masters from India travelled to Bhutan or sometimes to other parts of the Himalayas and ended up in Bhutan and if they didnt come here in person, their teachings ultimately found their home in Bhutan," he told ANI. He said that with PM Modis cooperation, Gelephu mindfulness city in Bhutan can be converted to a center for Vajrayana practice. Going forward theres a lot we can do with Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India, the people of India, building the Gelephu mindfulness city into a Vajrayana, a center for Vajrayana practice. Just in doing so, many of the schools, Vajrayana schools and denominations in India will find a home in Bhutan. Therell be many monasteries and temples and schools of Vajrayana stupas being built. We have many conferences and in particular the International Vajrayana Conference," he added. He added that the highest leaders of both the countries enjoy tremendous goodwill and Bhutan has benefited from the partnership. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The highest leaders in India, today Prime Minister Modi and in Bhutans case our beloved kings, our fourth king, our current king. They enjoy tremendous goodwill and friendship with the leadership in India, in particular Prime Minister Modi. In the past, our cooperation was defined by development partnership and development cooperation and we have benefited tremendously from this partnership with India," he said. PM Modi last visited the Himalayan nation in March 2024. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 15:51 IST News india PM Modi Set To Visit Bhutan Next Week | What's On Agenda? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Three Killed, Several Injured After Passenger Bus Falls Into Gorge Near Indore Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 07:17 IST District Collector Shivam Verma said the bus was travelling from Omkareshwar to Indore when it met with the accident. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the accident as heartbreaking. (ANI) Three people were killed and several others injured after a passenger bus plunged into a gorge at Simrol Bheru Ghat, between Indore and Mhow, late Monday night, officials said. According to the district administration, two passengers died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries while being taken to the hospital. Nine injured persons were admitted to Indores MY Hospital, where three are stated to be in critical condition. Around 30 others sustained minor injuries. Recommended Stories Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the accident as heartbreaking" and announced an ex gratia of 2 lakh for the families of those killed. In a post on X, he said, The accident caused by a bus overturning between Indore and Mhow, resulting in the death of three citizens, is extremely heartbreaking. Instructions have been given to provide 2 lakh each to the immediate family members of the deceased from the Chief Ministers discretionary grant and to provide free treatment to the injured. A prayer to God for the peace of the souls of the departed and for the swift recovery of the injured." District Collector Shivam Verma said the bus was travelling from Omkareshwar to Indore when it met with the accident. The cause of the crash is being investigated. We are also looking into whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol. CM Mohan Yadav has announced 2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased. The remaining injured are undergoing treatment," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all One of the survivors, Naval Singh Chauhan, recounted the moments before the crash: The bus had left Omkareshwar for Indore, and after eating at a dhaba, the driver drove the bus a short distance away when it fell into the ditch." A relative of one of the victims said her mother-in-law, Anita Bai, was among those who died in the accident. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 07:13 IST News india Three Killed, Several Injured After Passenger Bus Falls Into Gorge Near Indore Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Three Men Arrested In Coimbatore Gang Rape Case, Shot At While Trying To Escape Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 07:35 IST A 20-year-old postgraduate student was kidnapped and gang-raped near Brindhavan Nagar, behind the Coimbatore International Airport. Coimbatore Gang Rape Case: Visuals from the spot. (CNN News18) Three men accused in the Coimbatore gang rape case were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday. According to police, all three were shot in the leg after they reportedly tried to escape during the arrest operation. They were later taken to hospital for treatment. The arrests follow a shocking incident on Sunday night, when a 20-year-old postgraduate student was kidnapped and gang-raped near Brindhavan Nagar, behind the Coimbatore International Airport. Recommended Stories The survivor was with her boyfriend in a parked car around 10.30 p.m. when three unidentified men arrived on a stolen two-wheeler, smashed the cars windshield, and attacked the boy with weapons before abducting her. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Around 4:30 a.m., the survivor was abandoned in a deserted area and later found unconscious. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that the survivor is under medical care, and her identity remains protected as per Supreme Court guidelines. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Coimbatore, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 06:54 IST News india Three Men Arrested In Coimbatore Gang Rape Case, Shot At While Trying To Escape Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UP Minor Girl Posts Instagram Reel Insulting Hindu Gods For Likes, Parents Jailed Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 11:57 IST A minor girl in Uttar Pradesh was sent to a detention home after she posted an Instagram video with derogatory remarks against Hindu deities. A case has also been registered against another man said to be involved in the videos circulation.(Representational) A minor girl in Uttar Pradesh was sent to a detention home and her parents were arrested after she posted a video on Instagram making derogatory remarks against Hindu deities. The incident took place on October 27, when the girl uploaded a nearly one-minute reel in which she was seen making objectionable comments about Hindu gods. The video quickly went viral, drawing strong criticism from social media users and several Hindu organisations, who demanded action against her and her family. Multiple complaints were filed with the local police station following which the girl was detained and placed her in a juvenile detention home while her parents were arrested for allegedly being aware of the act but concealing it. Recommended Stories The minor girl made derogatory remarks against Hindu gods. Her parents were aware of it, and others were also involved. The girl told us she made the video to increase her followers on social media. We have arrested her parents. We urge people not to share or circulate the video further. Strict action will be taken against those who do," police said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A case has also been registered against another man said to be involved in the videos circulation. He is currently absconding, police said. A video later surfaced showing the teenager apologising for her actions in front of police officials. I made a mistake by making the video. I apologise. I will never make such a mistake again. I request people not to make the video viral," she said in the clip. Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 11:57 IST News india UP Minor Girl Posts Instagram Reel Insulting Hindu Gods For Likes, Parents Jailed Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Zero Tolerance Towards Terrorism Reaffirmed': Jaishankar After Meeting Israeli Foreign Minister Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:26 IST Describing his meeting with Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar as "excellent", EAM S Jaishankar said India expressed its support to the 'Gaza Peace Plan' EAM S Jaishankar with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar during a meeting, in New Delhi on November 4. (Image: @DrSJaishankar/X/PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday reaffirmed Indias zero tolerance towards terrorism in his meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in New Delhi. Describing his meeting with Gideon Saar as excellent", Jaishankar said India expressed its support to the Gaza Peace Plan" and said the two sides had a productive discussion on strengthening strategic partnership across various domains. Recommended Stories An excellent meeting with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar of Israel today in New Delhi. Productive discussions on strengthening our Strategic Partnership across various domains. Reaffirmed our zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Jaishankar wrote in a post on X. An excellent meeting with FM @gidonsaar of Israel today in New Delhi. Productive discussions on strengthening our Strategic Partnership across various domains. Reaffirmed our zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.Appreciate FM Saar sharing pic.twitter.com/mHLPzk3rmm Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 4, 2025 He added: Appreciate FM Saar sharing the Israeli perspective on developments in the region, the Gaza Peace Plan and efforts to build a durable and lasting solution. Also exchanged views on our cooperation in multilateral fora. And witnessed the exchange of MoU on Training between Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, MEA and Israel Foreign Ministry." Watch the video: #WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar of Israel met in Delhi today. EAM tweets, "An excellent meeting with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar of Israel today in New Delhi. Productive discussions on strengthening our Strategic Partnership across various pic.twitter.com/OZveO4H6v4 ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2025 WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MEETING? Jaishankar welcomed Saar on his first official visit to India. Excellency, let me welcome you and your delegation to India. You particularly, because I just learnt that this was your first visit to India. So, a very, very warm welcome," he said. Highlighting the depth of bilateral relations, he said India and Israel have a strategic partnership and, particularly in the case of the two countries, that term has a real meaning. We have stood together in testing times. And we have created a relationship with a high degree of trust and of reliability," he said. The two sides stressed on shared concerns on global security. Our two nations face a particular challenge from terrorism. It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations," he said. On the situation in West Asia, Jaishankar said India has been following developments in your region with very close attention". We welcome the return of the hostages and the remains of those who unfortunately lost their lives. India supports the Gaza Peace Plan and hopes that it paves the way for a durable and lasting solution," he said. He said Saars visit allows the two countries to review bilateral cooperation and assess the possibilities for further deepening it. The recent conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Agreement is a notable step in that direction, he added. In recent times, India has developed many new capabilities, especially in rail, road and port infrastructure, in renewable energy and in health. Our businesses are very keen to explore opportunities in Israel and we would certainly like to give that more attention," he said, underlining the success of ongoing collaboration. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We have a very strong record of working together in agriculture and in innovation. Taking that forward is very much in our mutual interest. There is a history of cooperation in semiconductors and in cyber. That has become more relevant now. We are hosting the AI Impact Summit next year in February in India and look forward very much to Israels presence," he said. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 17:26 IST News india 'Zero Tolerance Towards Terrorism Reaffirmed': Jaishankar After Meeting Israeli Foreign Minister Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The Late-Night Skincare Ritual Thats Breaking The Internet: Welcome To The Era Of Slugging Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 13:14 IST Slugging may be trending, but its more than an internet fad, its a revival of an old ritual, reimagined with modern science News18 What was once a humble home remedy shared by grandmothers has transformed into one of the biggest skincare trends of the decade. Slugging, the practice of applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or an occlusive balm as the final step of your nighttime routine has taken over social media, with celebrities, influencers, and dermatologists alike weighing in. Originally used to heal cracked skin and prevent moisture loss during harsh winters, slugging is now being hailed as a skincare savior for repairing the skin barrier, locking in hydration, and achieving that dewy, glass-skin glow. But as experts point out, this trend isnt a one-size-fits-all miracle, its effective only when done mindfully and on the right skin type. Recommended Stories An Old Trick with a Modern Twist Dr Mili Sinha, Aesthetic Physician, La Clinique and Expert, Oteria, slugging is more than just layering Vaseline before bed. Slugging might be a traditional method, but it only works when executed correctly at the right time, particularly overnight, and on the right skin type," she explains. Used as the final step in your skincare routine, it creates a protective layer that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), allowing the skin to stay hydrated and repair itself as you sleep." She adds that this simple barrier locks in moisture and strengthens the skins outer layer," helping it remain smooth, supple, and resilient. What Makes It So Popular and Risky So, why is everyone suddenly obsessed with this old-school hack? Dermatologists agree its the promise of simplicity and visible results that has made slugging go viral. Dr Bhawuk Dhir, Consultant Dermatology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, explains, Slugging is a skincare trend thats caught on in India because its accessible, all you need is a small amount of petroleum jelly or balm. Its particularly beneficial for people with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin barriers," he says. However, he cautions that not everyones skin will thank them for it. Those with oily or acne-prone skin should be careful, as heavy occlusives can trap sebum and bacteria, leading to clogged pores or breakouts." In other words, slugging can be your best friend or your biggest skincare mistake depending on your skin type and what products you layer underneath. The Indian Connection Interestingly, the concept of slugging isnt new to Indian households. Dr. Shweta Nakhawa, Consultant Dermatologist, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, points out that similar methods have existed for generations. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly over skincare isnt new," she says. Our grandmothers used malai or ghee in the same way to lock in moisture and soothe dry skin. Slugging works by sealing in hydration and strengthening the skin barrier, especially for those with dryness, flakiness, or post-treatment sensitivity." But she, too, stresses caution. Avoid slugging if you have oily or acne-prone skin, and never layer it over active ingredients like retinol or acids, these can get trapped and cause irritation. When done mindfully, slugging revives dull, stressed-out skin, leaving it dewy and calm." The Bottom Line: Slug Smart Slugging isnt about coating your face in petroleum jelly and hoping for the best. Its about creating a controlled environment for your skin to heal overnight especially in dry climates or during seasonal transitions. When done correctly, it can transform rough, dehydrated skin into a soft, glowing complexion. But misuse can clog pores, trigger acne, or worsen irritation. As Dr. Sinha puts it, Slugging isnt for everyone, its for those who understand their skin." Pros and Cons at a Glance Advantages Intense Hydration: Locks in moisture overnight, leaving skin plump, radiant, and nourished. Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Helps repair the skins natural defenses against dryness, irritation, and pollutants. Boosts Product Absorption: Enhances the effect of hydrating serums and creams applied beneath. Soothes and Heals: Perfect for dry or sensitive skin, promoting smoother texture with regular use. Disadvantages Can Clog Pores: The thick barrier may trap oil and bacteria, causing breakouts. Not for Oily Skin: May worsen greasiness and congestion. Interacts Poorly with Actives: When layered over retinol or acids, can cause irritation. Messy Application: The heavy consistency may stain pillows or feel uncomfortable for daily use. The Takeaway top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Slugging may be trending, but its more than an internet fad, its a revival of an old ritual, reimagined with modern science. When tailored to your skins needs and used correctly, it can bring back your glow without fancy serums or complex routines. As Dr Dhir sums up, Sometimes, the simplest skincare steps are the most effective provided you know when to stop." About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 13:14 IST News lifestyle beauty The Late-Night Skincare Ritual Thats Breaking The Internet: Welcome To The Era Of Slugging Kim Kardashians Strapless Brown Dress Steals The Spotlight At Kendall Jenner's Birthday Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 18:31 IST In a world of fleeting trends, Kim Kardashian continues to remind us that true style lies in how effortlessly one can reinvent the classics; even on a tropical island. Kim Kardashian dazzled at Kendall Jenner's 30th birthday party. When it comes to turning every celebration into a style statement, Kim Kardashian remains in a league of her own. While Kendall Jenners 30th birthday bash brought together an enviable guest list and a tropical backdrop, it was Kim who effortlessly stole the spotlight. Her latest look blended sensuality with sophistication, making it a masterclass in how to make resortwear feel runway-ready. A Sculpted Vision In Chocolate Brown Recommended Stories Kim Kardashians outfit choice was proof that sometimes, simplicity with a twist can make the boldest impact. She arrived in a strapless chocolate-brown dress that sculpted her silhouette to perfection. The corset-style bodice accentuated her iconic hourglass shape, while the slightly distressed finish of the fabric lent the ensemble an unexpected, avant-garde touch. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian) The deep, cocoa-toned hue played beautifully against her bronzed complexion, creating a rich monochrome effect that radiated warmth and luxury. Brown, once considered understated, has become one of the years most sophisticated colour trends, and Kims take on it proved why. It was earthy yet opulent, relaxed yet powerful the ultimate example of elevated minimalism. Effortless Accessories, Major Impact Kim understands that accessories can make or break a look, and this time, she kept it strikingly simple. Oversized black sunglasses added a note of mystery, while a printed headscarf neatly tucked away her long dark locks, paying a nod to old-Hollywood vacation glamour with a modern, Kim twist. The styling struck a perfect balance: polished but playful. It felt like a throwback to vintage resort dressing, reimagined for a social media generation obsessed with effortless luxury. Even her minimal jewellery and clean nails underscored the quiet confidence of someone who knows her presence alone does the talking. Bronzed Beauty And The Art Of Subtle Glam top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For makeup, Kim stayed true to her signature bronzed glow: dewy skin, softly contoured cheeks, and nude lips that complemented the earthy tone of her dress. Rather than her usual high-drama glam, she opted for restraint by letting her natural radiance shine through. The look mirrored the relaxed, sun-drenched atmosphere of Kendalls tropical celebration, where less was definitely more. This softer, more grounded approach to beauty marks a refreshing evolution for Kim, aligning with the current trend of understated glamour that celebrates skin, tone, and natural warmth. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 18:31 IST News lifestyle fashion Kim Kardashians Strapless Brown Dress Steals The Spotlight At Kendall Jenner's Birthday Pearls In Modern Fashion: Expert Tips On Styling The Timeless Gem Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 10:44 IST Once symbols of old-world glamour, pearls are making a modern comeback. They embody sustainability, individuality, and quiet luxury for the contemporary generation. Pearls are making a modern comeback in fashion. Once reserved for vintage heirlooms and formal soirees, pearls are having their biggest renaissance yet. And this time, theyre anything but old-fashioned. Across global runways and street-style edits alike, the once-traditional gemstone is being reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary fashion. Designers are pairing them with denim, tailored blazers, and minimalist dresses, turning pearls into emblems of quiet confidence and refined modernity. Pearls With A New Perspective Recommended Stories For centuries, pearls have symbolized luxury and elegance. In recent seasons, theyve made a powerful resurgence, with younger generations redefining this timeless jewellery," says Avanish Agarwal, Managing Partner at Sri Jagdamba Pearls. Todays fashion landscape celebrates individuality a quality pearls have seamlessly adapted to. Agarwal highlights that consumers are embracing bold layering, asymmetrical silhouettes, and geometric or irregular shapes, moving far beyond the idea of a single, demure strand. Whats driving this revival is a shift toward sustainability and authenticity. Cultured pearls like South Sea and Japanese varieties are responsibly farmed, appealing to eco-conscious buyers. Designers are celebrating baroque-style imperfections, making each piece uniquely expressive," adds Agarwal. This embrace of imperfection has turned baroque pearls into the gemstone of choice. Their organic shapes and luminous textures create a sense of individuality, making them the perfect match for todays minimalist, artful aesthetic. The Rise Of Everyday Elegance For Aditya Modak, Co-founder of Gargi by P. N. Gadgil & Sons, the allure of pearls lies in their understated versatility. Delicate pearl jewellery is now seen as a sign of understated elegance. Coordinated sets of pearl earrings, bracelets, and necklaces add a touch of class without being too showy," he explains. He notes that modern pearl bracelets are ideal for daily wear, often layered with metallic pieces for texture. There are more styles of modern pearl earrings than just classic studs from drop designs to mismatched pairs that go with anything," says Modak. These contemporary forms strike the balance between sophistication and simplicity, proving that timeless style doesnt need to be extravagant. The New Language Of Luxury The reinvention of pearls isnt limited to styling. Its also reflected in design innovation. At Deshya, gemologist Rhea Poddar Loyalka captures this sentiment with her two-line baroque pearl necklace, interspersed with Tanzanite, moonstone, and diamond-set gold discs. The piece bridges old-world craftsmanship with modern artistry, symbolising renewal and individuality. As Agarwal notes, Todays pearl narrative is no longer about status; its about self-expression." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all From the runway to the red carpet, pearls are being worn by men and women alike layered with chains, styled with suits, or paired with everyday essentials redefining gender-neutral luxury. In todays fashion era, pearls stand as symbols of reinvention celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and personal expression. They are as much about personality as they are about polish. Whether worn with denim or silk, pearls have reclaimed their place as icons of quiet luxury, proving that true elegance never goes out of style. It simply evolves. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 10:44 IST News lifestyle fashion Pearls In Modern Fashion: Expert Tips On Styling The Timeless Gem The Sacred Science Of Prasad: Where Purity, Health And Heritage Meet Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 14:09 IST From purity to community, experts explain how the tradition of prasad blends spirituality, nutrition, and sustainability. Today, as people rediscover traditional wisdom and natural ingredients, the making of prasad is once again being viewed through both a spiritual and sustainable lens. In Indian temples and homes, the act of preparing prasad, a sacred food offering to the divine goes far beyond culinary practice. It is a blend of spirituality, science, and community, symbolizing gratitude and connection. Today, as people rediscover traditional wisdom and natural ingredients, the making of prasad is once again being viewed through both a spiritual and sustainable lens. The Purity Principle: Why Natural Ingredients Matter Recommended Stories Swati Shukla, Head of Food Farms, Jivana, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd., says, Using natural and unprocessed ingredients for prasad is not just about tradition, its about trust." She explains that this philosophy is deeply rooted in the Hindu concept of Satvikta, the belief that offerings to the divine should be pure, simple, and free from artificial interference. Its a matter of offering something truly wholesome to the Gods, which is then shared with the community as a blessing," says Shukla. This tradition promotes health and mindfulness, reminding us that food is both spiritual nourishment and a symbol of shared well-being." By using unprocessed items, devotees not only uphold sacred values but also reconnect with a sustainable way of life that celebrates balance, purity, and respect for nature. Scriptural Foundations: Food as Divine Grace Prasada literally means grace," explains Dr Abhishek Ghosh, Dean, K. J. Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, Somaiya Vidyavihar University. In ancient scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and temple Agamas, food offered to the divine is described as sattvika, pure, seasonal, and rooted in non-violence," he says. These teachings emphasize ingredients like grains, pulses, fruits, and natural sweeteners that reflect reverence for life. Each ingredient carries meaning," notes Dr. Ghosh. They represent harmony with the environment and mindfulness in consumption, a philosophy of simplicity that honors both body and spirit." Health in Heritage: The Nutritional Wisdom of Prasad The traditional ingredients of prasads are not chosen at random; they embody a deep understanding of wellness. Swati Shukla highlights the nutritional benefits of common prasad ingredients such as jaggery, coconut, sesame seeds, and rice. Jaggery made with natural clarifiers like ladyfinger extract is a nutrient-rich sweetener," she explains. It retains minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, which support muscle and nerve function and help prevent anemia." Unlike refined sugar, jaggery releases energy slowly, ensuring balance. Coconut adds healthy fats and fiber, sesame seeds provide calcium, and rice offers easily digestible carbohydrates. Together, these make prasad wholesome for both the divine and the devotees who share it," Shukla says. Dr. Ghosh agrees that these traditional combinations illustrate the harmony between ritual and well-being. Theres a beautiful convergence between devotion and health," he adds. Coconut symbolizes completeness and cools the system, sesame or tila seeds represent abundance, and ghee acts as a sacred carrier of both flavor and nutrients. Herbs like neem or turmeric bring antimicrobial benefits, ancient wisdom braided seamlessly with the bodys needs." Cultural Identity and Sustainability Beyond nourishment, prasad is also a vessel of culture and memory. As Dr Ghosh explains, Every regions prasad tells a story. From Tirupatis laddus to the mahaprasad of Puri, or the different versions of panchamrta across temples, these recipes encode local ecology, agricultural cycles, and community identity." These traditions preserve not only culinary heritage but also the wisdom of sustainability and regional balance. Temples function as living repositories of craftsmanship and local knowledge," he says. Understanding these practices helps us appreciate how food and faith sustain each other." Prasad and the Spirit of Community In India, the act of preparing and sharing prasad transcends social and economic boundaries. Dr. Ghosh highlights the egalitarian nature of this practice: In temples like the Jagannath Mandir in Puri, everyone regardless of background receives the same blessed food. Its a profound reminder that grace knows no hierarchy." He adds that mindful cooking and serving practices in temples also reinforce environmental and social harmony. Cooking with care, serving measured portions, and sourcing ingredients from local farmers all weave sustainability and justice into spiritual practice," says Dr Ghosh. Shukla echoes this sentiment from a contemporary perspective. When we choose natural ingredients and local sourcing, we not only preserve the purity of prasad but also support farming communities and healthier ecosystems," she explains. Its a circle of giving, what we offer to the divine ultimately nurtures people and the planet." A Tradition That Nourishes Body, Soul, and Society top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The making of prasad is more than a ritual, its an act of devotion, community, and conscious living. Rooted in ancient wisdom and now seen through the lens of modern sustainability, it continues to embody Indias timeless understanding of food as sacred energy. As Dr Ghosh beautifully summarizes, When food becomes an offering, it transforms from something we consume to something we share, grace that nourishes everyone it touches." About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 14:09 IST News lifestyle food The Sacred Science Of Prasad: Where Purity, Health And Heritage Meet The Afterlife Of Survival: What Happens When You Live Through Death Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 15:22 IST After a few months, when things start to go back to normal, they begin to feel all is lost. Flashbacks, nightmares, and fear of repetition set in. When people ask how someone can live after seeing so much death, the answer isnt courage, its endurance. Survival isnt the end of trauma; its its beginning (Image: Canva) When Air India Flight AI171 crashed in June 2025, the world saw one man walk out alive from the wreckage Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. Cameras caught him limping away, ash and flame behind him, disbelief on his face. In the days that followed, he was called the miracle man". Yet, months later, that miracle feels like a curse. He lives with sleepless nights, phantom pain, and a hollowness that refuses to fade. His story has reignited conversations around what happens after survival, the silent psychological war that begins once the body heals but the mind refuses to. Recommended Stories The Hidden Toll of Survival Surviving a plane crash, tsunami, car accident, or terror attack creates an illusion of victory. But for many, the end of physical danger is only the start of emotional collapse. Psychiatrists call it post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD a mental health condition that often appears after the body has recovered. In Vishwashs case, its the invisible wounds that cut deepest. He lost his brother in the crash the one person he called his anchor. He still wakes to nightmares of fire and screams. Normal sounds like fireworks or sudden thuds jolt him into panic. His body escaped, but his mind remains inside that burning aircraft. Understanding PTSD After Near-Death Experiences Dr Krithishree S S, Consultant in Psychiatry at KMC Hospital, Mangalore, explains that such trauma rewires the brain. His condition is PTSD post-traumatic stress disorder, which affects patients who have had a near-death experience," she says. He lost his elder brother, who was like a backbone to the family. Within a fraction of a second, the people he walked in with turned into ashes around him. He didnt have time to process the situation while trying to escape." When survivors like him return to routine, the shock doesnt fade; it mutates. After a few months, when things start to go back to normal, they begin to feel all is lost. Flashbacks, nightmares, and fear of repetition set in. They go to bed every day but cant sleep well. Even distant incidents of similar nature can trigger the same panic," she explains. In clinical terms, these are intrusive memories" the mind replaying terror in loops. Its not imagination; its the brains survival system gone rogue, trying to keep the person alert forever. The Body Keeps the Score Neuroscientists note that PTSD is as much physical as psychological. The amygdala, the brains fear centre, stays hyperactive. The body pumps cortisol and adrenaline at the slightest cue a sound, a smell, a memory. Over time, this wears down sleep, digestion, and immunity. Thats why survivors often describe a stomach-churning" feeling or physical unease when reminded of the event. Dr Krithishree notes, They develop sensitivity to sound and experience emotional numbing. Even firecracker noise can make them shiver." Its the bodys way of saying: You survived once. Dont relax again. The Long Road to Healing For patients like Ramesh, recovery is neither quick nor linear. Dr Krithishree says that if symptoms are severe, they need systemic desensitization." In such cases, medication comes first to stabilize sleep and anxiety levels. Once theyre about 50 to 60 percent better, we begin different therapies specific to each patient. Three to six months of medication may be enough to control symptoms, but therapy might take years." These therapies include trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy all designed to retrain the brain to separate past fear from present safety. But therapy alone doesnt cure. Survivors need consistent social support. Isolation worsens PTSD. Avoidance skipping gatherings, shutting off conversations creates a bubble where fear festers. Thats where families and communities matter. A patients healing often mirrors how gently society treats their pain. The Ghost of the Moment Every near-death survivor describes a peculiar kind of time distortion, the second between life and death replaying endlessly. Psychologists call it temporal freezing", where the brain stores that moment in unusually vivid memory. For Vishwash, its the seconds after the plane hit the ground the smell of burning fuel, the weight of silence before the screams. For tsunami or accident survivors, it might be the rush of water or the screech of metal. These sensory memories often come back stronger than visual ones, triggering full-body panic responses. Its why so many survivors avoid certain sounds, places, or even weather patterns. A thunderclap, a whiff of kerosene, a flight announcement any of these can become a portal to the past. Why We Call It a Miracle" And Why That Hurts Society romanticizes survival. News headlines call them blessed", chosen", reborn". But those labels can deepen guilt. Survivors often ask: Why me?" The miracle narrative pushes them to feel grateful when theyre really grieving. Rameshs recent interview captures that paradox. God gave me life, but took all my happiness," he said. Its a line that echoes what trauma specialists hear often, that survival feels more like punishment than gift. Celebrating a survivor too early can erase their pain. True empathy begins by acknowledging that survival and suffering coexist. What Helps Modern psychiatry is beginning to understand trauma not as a disorder to be fixed", but as a wound that must be integrated. Along with therapy and medication, trauma-informed care includes mindfulness, structured physical routines, and community reintegration. Simple daily stability cooking, walking, listening to music grounds the mind in the present. Support groups help survivors share without judgment. Over time, these small repetitions teach the brain that safety is possible again. Lessons Beyond One Mans Story Vishwash Kumar Rameshs case is one among thousands worldwide, from plane crashes to natural disasters to war zones. What unites them is the invisible aftermath. Survivors rarely get the long-term care they need. Insurance covers bodies, not minds. Media moves on; therapy bills pile up. For India, this tragedy should be a wake-up call to integrate psychological first aid into all disaster-response protocols. Mental-health follow-ups should be as routine as physical check-ups for survivors. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all When people ask how someone can live after seeing so much death, the answer isnt courage, its endurance. Survival isnt the end of trauma; its its beginning. As Dr Krithishree reminds us, They may look physically fit, but the mind is still fighting that one moment again and again." For the world, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh remains the lone survivor of Air India AI171. But inside his mind, the crash has never ended. His journey reminds us that true rescue begins long after the rescue itself. First Published: November 04, 2025, 15:22 IST News lifestyle The Afterlife Of Survival: What Happens When You Live Through Death Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sonakshi Sinha Praises Discipline Of Telugu Film Industry: Work-Life Balance Is Very Good Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 21:05 IST Sonakshi Sinha compared the working culture of Bollywood and Telugu cinema. She praised the Telugu film industry for better discipline and work-life balance. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Sonakshi Sinha says Telugu cinema is a bit more disciplined, and has better work-life balance than Bollywood Sonakshi Sinha is gearing up for the release of her Telugu debut film Jatadhara, co-starring Sudheer Babu and Shilpa Shirodkar. This supernatural thriller marks her debut in Telugu cinema. Ahead of the films release, Sonakshi has been promoting it in full swing. In an interview with PTI, she recently opened up about her experience working in the Telugu industry, and said that she is very excited to explore regional cinema. Comparing the working culture of Hindi and Telugu cinema, she praised the southern industry for being more disciplined. She stated that the work-life balance is better, and that is something Bollywood can definitely learn from. Sonakshi Sinha On Her Telugu Debut With Jatadhara Recommended Stories Speaking about her Telugu debut, Sonakshi told PTI, Its dark, its layered, and its very different from anything Ive done before." She further added that while she has done one Tamil film (Lingaa) before this, Jatadhara is her first Telugu movie. While she said that she has always been open to exploring regional films, her schedules didnt allow it earlier. She then went on to praise the discipline of Telugu film industry. Sonakshi Sinha On Work-Life Balance In Telugu Film Industry When asked about the difference between the working culture of Hindi and Telugu cinema, she said, There are not many differences, but their timings are very good, very sorted. Work-life balance is very good there, something we can definitely learn from." She further added that if an actor comes to shoot at 9 AM, they will not be allowed to shoot after 6 PM. If you come for a shoot at nine, you cannot shoot after six you are not allowed. Thats something really nice about it. Its a bit more disciplined, I would say," added Sonakshi. Meanwhile, she pointed out that Hindi film shoots often go on late into the night, which she believes should change. About Jatadhara Apart from Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha, Jatadhara also features Shilpa Shirodkar, Divya Khosla, Indira Krishna, Ravi Prakash, Naveen Neni, Rohit Pathak, Jhansi, Rajeev Kanakala, and Subhalekha Sudhakar in key roles. Jatadhara releases in Hindi and Telugu on 7th November 2025. First Published: November 04, 2025, 21:05 IST News movies telugu-cinema Sonakshi Sinha Praises Discipline Of Telugu Film Industry: Work-Life Balance Is Very Good Opinion | How PM Modis Integrated Doctrine Is Rewriting Indias Counter-Insurgency History Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 16:59 IST From Naxalbari to Bastar, Indias six-decade war against Maoist extremism nears closure through governance, growth, and grit File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared aboard INS Vikrant that India was on the verge of eradicating Naxal-Maoist terror," it was far more than a policy statement; it was a historic reckoning. His words carried the weight of six decades of blood, ideology, and governance failures that once split Indias heartland into two worlds: one governed by the Constitution, the other by the gun. The proclamation marked not merely a statistical victory but a civilisational milestone, the near conclusion of one of independent Indias longest internal wars. Recommended Stories What began in 1967 in the small village of Naxalbari as a Maoist-inspired peasant revolt against landlords and state authority gradually metastasised into a full-fledged insurgency. For decades, it engulfed the tribal belts of central and eastern India across West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, forming what came to be known as the Red Corridor." At its zenith, it covered 223 districts and posed what former PM Manmohan Singh once termed Indias gravest internal security threat." Behind the insurgency lay deep fault lines: historical neglect of tribal regions, exploitation by forest contractors and moneylenders, and a state apparatus that was either absent or oppressive. The Naxalites exploited this vacuum, projecting themselves as the vanguard of the voiceless, but soon devolved into a ruthless network of extortion, coercion, and anti-development terror. For years, India oscillated between reactive policing and sporadic development schemes, never an integrated strategy. That changed decisively in 2015, when the Modi government adopted the National Policy and Action Plan to Address Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). Unlike its predecessors, this policy rejected piecemeal responses. It recognised that Naxalism was not merely a security problem, it was a governance deficit problem. The approach, therefore, combined coercive strength with constructive statecraft, blending counter-insurgency doctrines with development and democratic inclusion. It was, in essence, the operationalisation of what Modi often calls Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas." The framework rested on five pillars, each addressing a dimension of the states historic failure. The first pillar was security capacity. The government modernised forces through intelligence-driven operations and specialised units such as the Greyhounds, COBRA battalions, and the Bastariya Battalion, composed of local youth familiar with the terrain. The focus shifted from defensive policing to proactive area domination, supported by advanced surveillance, drones, and real-time coordination through unified command structures. The second pillar was infrastructure and connectivity. The Road Connectivity Project for LWE Areas led to the construction of over 12,000 km of roads, bridges, and telecommunications networks. Each reclaimed village saw the establishment of fortified police stations and basic civic amenities. This was the literal clear and hold" phase of the counterinsurgency doctrine, the permanent reinstatement of state presence. The third pillar was financial inclusion. Over a thousand new bank branches, hundreds of ATMs, and 40,000 banking correspondents entered previously unbanked regions. Jan Dhan Yojana accounts and direct benefit transfers bypassed the traditional middlemen and disrupted Maoist extortion networks. Economic inclusion replaced dependence on insurgent economies. The fourth pillar was human development. The government opened new Industrial Training Institutes, Skill Development Centres, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools, creating pathways for tribal youth who had previously seen no options beyond the gun. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojana were extended deep into the forests, making welfare visible and tangible. The fifth pillar, perhaps the most transformative, was rights-based empowerment. Through the Forest Rights Act and Civic Action Programme, local communities were granted ownership of forest produce, land titles, and participation in local governance. This restored dignity, reduced alienation, and undercut the Maoists claim of fighting for justice. The cumulative outcome has been profound. Since 2010, incidents of Maoist violence have fallen by over 80%, and fatalities among civilians and security forces by 85%. The number of affected districts has shrunk from 126 in 2014 to just 11 in 2025. Once unapproachable bastions like Abujmarh, north Bastar, and parts of Jharkhand and Odisha now host panchayat elections and mobile connectivity. Over 8,000 cadres, including senior CPI (Maoist) commanders, have surrendered in the past decade, many joining the mainstream economy. This turnaround exemplifies what counterinsurgency scholars term the clear, hold, and build" doctrine. First, security forces clear hostile zones. Second, administrative presence holds the reclaimed ground. Third, the government builds a self-sustaining ecosystem of welfare and development. Under Modi, this doctrine was not confined to theory it became a disciplined practice across states. It reflected political clarity and bureaucratic consistency, qualities often missing in previous regimes. An equally crucial aspect has been financial disruption. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) systematically targeted the Maoists funding streams. By invoking the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the agencies traced and seized funds amassed through illegal mining, extortion, and shell NGOs. This financial chokehold crippled Maoist logistics and propaganda arms. It was an ideological as well as operational strike demonstrating that revolutionary violence could not hide behind the veneer of activism. Federal coordination was another game-changer. The Ministry of Home Affairs created a unified command structure that replaced the fragmented efforts of the past. Interstate intelligence sharing, joint task forces, and synchronized funding through Security Related Expenditure (SRE) and Special Central Assistance (SCA) ensured seamless execution. This was the Centre-State partnership at its best, a template that could guide other internal security initiatives. Home Minister Amit Shahs formulation, Those who surrender will be embraced; those who persist with violence will be eliminated," epitomised the balance between compassion and deterrence. This approach resonated with classical Indian statecraft from Chanakya to Sardar Patel, where legitimate coercion coexisted with reconciliation. As political theorist Francis Fukuyama might put it, the Indian state is evolving into a high-capacity state," assertive yet accountable. The metamorphosis of the Red Corridor" into what PM Modi described as Growth Corridors" is not a rhetorical flourish. It represents a tangible shift in the political economy. Markets have replaced militancy; schools and hospitals have replaced jungle courts. The once fear-ridden villages of Bastar now host Diwali fairs, weekly markets, and digital service centres. These scenes symbolise a moral victory as much as a material one, the triumph of democratic legitimacy over violent ideology. Peace, in turn, has generated an economic multiplier effect. Local entrepreneurship in forest produce, bamboo crafts, ecotourism, and small manufacturing has flourished. Womens self-help groups, supported by Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, have emerged as new agents of social transformation. The conflict economy" of coercion and extraction is giving way to a community economy" based on participation and productivity. Yet, as India nears its 2026 goal of fully eliminating Naxalism, vigilance must not wane. Rehabilitation of surrendered cadres, transparent enforcement of land and forest rights, and continuous investment in education and employment are vital to prevent relapse. Governance must not only be efficient but also empathetic. The lesson of Naxalbari was that alienation breeds extremism; the lesson of Bastar today is that inclusion extinguishes it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The story of Indias war against Maoism is, ultimately, a story of the state rediscovering its moral purpose. A decade ago, Naxalism was described as an incurable malaise, a symbol of Indias uneven modernity. Today, it is a fading scar. The victory did not come through brute force alone but through the patient restoration of governance and justice. Prime Minister Modis declaration aboard INS Vikrant thus captured more than a moment of triumph; it marked the transformation of a republic that has learned to fight not just to win territory, but to win back trust. The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. About the Author Prosenjit Nath The writer is an Indian technocrat, political analyst, and author. First Published: November 04, 2025, 16:57 IST News opinion Opinion | How PM Modis Integrated Doctrine Is Rewriting Indias Counter-Insurgency History Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Shadows Of Betrayal: The Sinister Pakistan-Bangladesh Navy Pact Written By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 21:38 IST Bangladesh, the nation born from the blood-soaked soil of India's heroic intervention against Pakistani atrocities, is now embracing the very architects of its suffering The upcoming visit of Pakistan's Navy Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, to Dhaka on November 8, 2025, is not mere diplomacy; it is a brazen signal of a deepening military entanglement, laced with the insidious fingerprints of jihadist networks. Image/News18 In the shadowed corridors of South Asian geopolitics, a chilling alliance is taking shapeone that resurrects the ghosts of 1971s brutal genocide and threatens to destabilise an entire subcontinent. A Rapid and Alarming Rapprochement Recommended Stories Bangladesh, the nation born from the blood-soaked soil of Indias heroic intervention against Pakistani atrocities, is now embracing the very architects of its suffering. The upcoming visit of Pakistans Navy Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, to Dhaka on November 8, 2025, is not mere diplomacy; it is a brazen signal of a deepening military entanglement, laced with the insidious fingerprints of jihadist networks. Regional analyses paint a picture of unchecked ISI infiltration and jihadist safe havens. This tie-up" emerges not as a partnership but as a sinister conspiracy to erode Bangladeshs sovereignty and fan the flames of instability along Indias vulnerable eastern flanks. The Timeline of an Unholy Alliance The timeline of this unholy rapprochement is as alarming as it is rapid. Just weeks ago, Pakistans Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, concluded a four-day schmooze-fest in Dhaka, rubbing shoulders with Bangladeshs interim Chief Adviser, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, and the triumvirate of military brass: Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan. This wasnt idle chit-chat. Mirzas entouragecomprising eight high-ranking officers, including a Major General from the notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)brokered a joint intelligence-sharing framework. The crown jewel? The establishment of a dedicated ISI cell within Pakistans High Commission in Dhaka, complete with a Brigadier, two Colonels, four Majors, and ancillary staff from the air force and navy. This isnt collaboration; its colonisation by proxy, granting Islamabads shadowy spooks unprecedented access to Bangladeshs National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). Jihadists Roam Free: The ISI Cells Dark Mandate Pakistani jihadists, long branded as state-sponsored terrorists, now roam Bangladeshs streets with impunity. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, close allies of Hafiz Saeedthe mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attackshave been spotted delivering incendiary sermons in border districts like those abutting Indias West Bengal and Tripura. These arent fringe elements; theyre foot soldiers of a Pakistan that has perfected the art of exporting terror under the guise of strategic depth". As one Bengali-language analysis starkly warns, Bangladesh, born with Indias help, is steadily morphing into a jihadist state like Pakistan", with doors flung wide for militants who once orchestrated the 1971 atrocities that claimed three million lives and ravaged countless more through systematic rape and pillage. Post-Hasina Thaw: A Cascade of Concessions This renewed naval engagement is part of a wider pattern of growing concessions that seem to overlook Bangladeshs own historical wounds. Since Sheikh Hasinas removal from power in August 2024 and her subsequent stay in India, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has moved rapidly to rebuild ties with Pakistanat a pace not seen in decades. Visa processes have been relaxed, with Pakistans High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan proudly announcing 24-hour approvals for Bangladeshi citizens. New trade agreements, air routes, and maritime links are being developed to promote easier exchanges. Even cultural interactions are being encourageda striking irony considering that language and cultural suppression were at the heart of the 1952 movement that eventually led to Bangladeshs independence in 1971. Today, Bangladeshi naval vessels participate in Pakistani exercises, and Pakistani officials are received with open arms in Dhaka. These developments mark the deepest institutional cooperation between the two countries since independence, extending from military visits to reported intelligence coordination. For a government struggling with economic challenges and political uncertainty, the Yunus administration seems willing to overlookor downplaythe painful memory of 1971, when 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to Indian and Mukti Bahini forces after a brutal conflict that remains deeply etched in Bangladeshs national consciousness. A Geopolitical Time Bomb for India and the Region From a regional security perspective, recent intelligence cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh has raised significant alarm among strategic analysts. Open-source assessments, including data from the South Asia Terrorism Portal, note that networks such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its affiliates have long exploited porous borders in South Asia to move funds, arms, and ideology. The reported establishment of an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) coordination unit in Dhaka could potentially amplify these existing vulnerabilities, creating an expanded operational corridor for transnational extremist activity. For Bangladesh itself, this evolving relationship carries considerable risks. Aligning too closely with Pakistans security apparatus could attract international scrutiny and jeopardise its partnerships with India and other regional powers. It also risks reopening the deep historical wounds of 1971, when Bangladeshs independence struggle, supported by India, sought to break free from Pakistani dominance. Recasting or overlooking that legacy in the name of realpolitik may prove destabilisingboth for Bangladeshs internal cohesion and for the fragile security balance of South Asia as a whole. Bangladeshs Slide into Strategic Suicide Observers and policy analysts warn that Bangladeshs growing defence and intelligence cooperation with Pakistan risks becoming a case of strategic overreach. Critics argue that the current administration in Dhaka, under Professor Muhammad Yunus, appears to be prioritising short-term diplomatic gains over long-term national resilience. What was once celebrated as a nation built on the ideals of liberation and self-determination now seems willing to court its former adversary in pursuit of tactical leverage and external validation. For Pakistan, this rapprochement carries a symbolic triumph. The same navy that once enforced a blockade on Chittagong now receives ceremonial welcomes at its portsa stark reversal that underscores how geopolitical expediency can rewrite painful history. Yet beneath the optics of partnership lies a more troubling equation: by intertwining its security apparatus with a state long accused of fostering extremism, Bangladesh risks compromising the very sovereignty it fought to secure. The move may open its political and territorial space to actors whose agendas are far from aligned with its democratic or developmental aspirations. In this sense, the evolving DhakaIslamabad axis is less a sign of renewed fraternity than a high-stakes wagerone where Bangladesh gambles its hard-won autonomy for promises of military cooperation that could, in time, come at a heavy cost. The Final Warning: Reclaim the Soul or Sink Forever top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As Admiral Ashrafs ship steams toward Chittagong, the world must confront this sinister tie-up head-on. Bangladeshs people, heirs to a hard-won freedom, deserve better than to be pawns in Pakistans endless game of encirclement and extremism. India, ever the vigilant neighbour, watches with bated breathbut the onus falls on Dhaka to reclaim its soul before the anchors of betrayal weigh it down forever. The Bay of Bengals waters run deep; may they not drown the echoes of 1971 in a tide of forgotten justice. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 21:38 IST News opinion Opinion | Shadows Of Betrayal: The Sinister Pakistan-Bangladesh Navy Pact Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Why Usha Vance Needs To Keep The Faith Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 14:37 IST As a pragmatic, political, Hindu spouse, she has all the tools to weather this storm Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The Vances are going through their first genuine firestorm. (Photo Credit: YouTube) As a child growing up in New York City in the 1970s, I was the only non-Catholic in a church-run school on the Upper East Side. It was mandatory to attend church every morning before classes began. Soon I was totally conversant with every aspect of Catholic rites and liturgy and still remember most of the hymns. My parents were asked if they wanted me to skip church attendance; they saw nothing wrong with their daughter starting the day by remembering Godany God. I joined a Catholic girls school when we returned to India too. Church attendance was not mandatory for non-Christians at that school, but I would invariably take a detour through the adjoining cathedral before going to class. I have many icons of Mary and baby Jesus in my home and Christmas trees remain an important tradition for me. Yet I am a devout Shakta Hindu, with nary a waver in my faith no matter how deeply I was immersed in Christian customs as a child. Recommended Stories Most people dont understand that we Hindus are the most ecumenical people in the world. We can be part of any religious ceremony in the world without weakening our own faith and belief or belittling that of others. We appreciate others gospels as corroborations of the timeless and universal truths of our own ancient scriptures and pray in any house of worship without fear of offending our own gods and goddesses. So, JD Vance knows Usha will never convert. Unless she does so to help him win the MAGA vote in a future Presidential run or quell the hurtful and ignorant comments from all sides of the ideological divide in the US. Hindus, after all, are also very pragmatic people. Many converted to several other faiths including Christianity in preceding centuries for political and economic reasons but never stopped believing in our traditional deities privately even as they went through the motions of following their new religion. Most Hindus are very secure in their faith and know they do not need to reaffirm their allegiance with congregational devotion unlike the Abrahamic religions. Attending temples is not de rigeur, nor are there mandatory rituals. Being Hindu is essentially a fact of birth not baptism; only Brahmin boys have some rites of passage. For the rest, being Hindu is whatever they want it to be. So, there is no point in sparring over whether Ushas parents are observant Hindus or not. They can be believers without ritualism, without ever entering a temple. And those brought up in the Abrahamic faiths will never be able to understand that even agnostics and atheists are not considered beyond the pale by Hindus. There is no hellfire and damnation, no single path to God either. It is so liberating and broadchurch that it would be beyond the comprehension of even the clergy of other faiths, much less the average Bible-thumping MAGA supporters. However, that would (and must) have been anticipated by the Vances before they took the plunge with Donald Trump to fashion a new America. Usha would have known that every aspect of their private lives would be under minute and probably hostile scrutiny, including her race and religious beliefsor lack of themfrom both their own party and the opposition, given how deeply vitiated American politics is right now. What is happening now should not surprise anyone. It is useful to remember that political couples are not exactly the same as ordinary folks; they are a team with a deep understanding of their common and individual goals. And they are generally primed to understand and withstand external pressures on their marriage and mutual commitments. Relationships do break upmost recently those of Justin Trudeau and Giorgia Melonibut political couples tend to stick together, like the Kennedys, Clintons and Trumps. The Vances are going through their first genuine firestorm and there are no bets on what will happen. And social media plays an egregious role in exacerbating potential fracture points. In this case, it is Vances allegedly creepy" embrace of MAGA icon Charlie Kirks widow Erika at a recent event. She is the darling of the evangelical Christian backbone of the MAGA movement and there is predictable speculation that their common beliefs will bring them closer. There is little doubt Vances supposed admission that he hoped one day his wife would follow the religion he and their children practice was an overture to the conservative Christian MAGA base. Usha and JD must have discussed threadbare that aspect of the current US vote bank long before this moment as they clearly do not want his political career to be limited to his current position as No 2. They must have anticipated intense MAGA pressure for her to convert as well. The only unexpected variable in this scenario is the advent of the blonde Erika Kirk as the poster girl of the Christian Right in place of her recently assassinated husband Charlie. She is currently riding high on the sympathy wave and probably has larger political ambitions. She may even regard JD Vance as the next best bet for the Religious Right now, but does that make them a potential MAGA super-couple, with Usha conveniently cast aside as the dispensable heathen? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Opinion is freeand cheap. Everyone on social media can and will have their say, without a thought to the consequences on spouses and families. Or perhaps they do it (and are encouraged to do so) with precisely that intention, with religion offering an easy catalyst. If Ushas faith indeed becomes a reason to split the growing MAGA base that has coalesced around Donald Trumps refashioned Republican Party, there would be many smiling faces in political circles. In the super-charged world of media and politics, it is often hard to separate fact from motivated fiction. Social media also provides megaphones to the worst voices. Supremely intelligent women like Usha may also find it difficult to maintain an even keel in such circumstances. Especially as there are too many examples of power warping even the best people. Having faithin their different Gods of course, but especially in each otheris paramount for the Vances. The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: November 04, 2025, 14:36 IST News opinion Opinion | Why Usha Vance Needs To Keep The Faith Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: November 03, 2025, 21:00 IST 1 / 8 The worlds longest train journey offers travellers an unparalleled experience, spanning thousands of miles and crossing diverse landscapes. (Image: Pexels) + Follow us On Google 2 / 8 According to several reports, the longest train journey in the world is considered to be from Lisbon to Singapore. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 8 This journey from Lisbon, Portugal to Singapore by train covers around 11885 Km. It takes nearly 21 days and crosses 13 nations. (Image: Pexels) 4 / 8 To travel by train from Lisbon to Singapore, the main route leads via Spain, France, Russia, China, Vietnam, and Thailand. This train journey includes 11 route stops and several overnight stays. (Image: Pexels) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 8 Each leg of this extraordinary journey reveals the diverse geography, culture, and architecture of the continents. Travellers are transported through snow-clad mountains, ancient cities, and lush tropical landscapes, all while enjoying the comfort and elegance of their carriage. (Image: Pexels) 6 / 8 Among the most breathtaking stretches are the Trans-Siberian Railway, the BeijingVientiane route, and the ThailandMalaysia lineeach a marvel of engineering and a celebration of cultural connectivity. Together, they weave a mesmerizing tapestry of nature, history, and human ingenuity. (Image: Pexels) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 8 The ticket price for this epic train journey is approximately $1,350, which is roughly Rs 1,14,000 in Indian currency, Unlike, air travel, this train journey provides a completely fresh and immersive way to see the world. (Image: Pexels) Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 16:27 IST 1 / 8 Since the rise of OTT platforms, audiences have been discovering and embracing diverse, unconventional films. Viewers now explore genres beyond language barriers, and horror, in particular, has found a massive following. Heres a closer look at one such chilling horror film thats been creating a stir. + Follow us On Google 2 / 8 Set against the backdrop of Chiles 1978 military dictatorship, this film unfolds into a gripping tale of vengeance that concludes in 2011. The story follows four young women and two deranged men whose brutal encounter shakes audiences to the core. Trauma, directed by Lucio A. Rojas, stars Daniel Antivilo, Felipe Rios, Catalina Martin, Andrea, Macarena Carrera, Julia, and Dominga Bofill. Premiered in Berlin in January 2018, the film divided critics and viewers worldwide for its extreme violence and disturbing themes. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 8 The film is currently available for streaming on platforms like Shudder, MUBI, and Amazon Prime Video, in both Spanish and English audio. With a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes, it holds an IMDb rating of 4.8/10. 4 / 8 The story begins in 1978 during the oppressive regime of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. At the time, the military brutally crushed dissent, and the film opens with a harrowing scene in which a political prisoner is tortured by a ruthless commander. Her young son, Juan, is forced into the room, drugged, and coerced into unspeakable acts a moment that scars him for life. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 8 The commander ultimately kills the woman, leaving Juan deeply traumatized and setting him on a path of psychotic vengeance. The narrative then jumps to 2011, where four young women Andrea, Camila, Julia, and Magdalena head out on a weekend getaway to a secluded cottage in rural Chile. 6 / 8 As the women enjoy the countryside, sipping wine and relaxing, they encounter Juan and his son Mario at a local bar. Consumed by hatred for women because of his past, Juan plans a brutal attack with Marios help. That night, the two break into the cottage and unleash a horrific wave of violence upon the unsuspecting women. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 8 The film portrays extreme scenes of sexual and physical violence deeply unsettling and hard to watch. During the chaos, Magdalena manages to escape, but when she seeks help in a nearby village, the locals turn her away. Traumatised and desperate, the surviving women, with the help of police officer Pedro, decide to fight back. The question is will they succeed in taking revenge, or will they become victims once again? News / National by Staff reporter ZIMBABWE is tightening security at all border points in a bid to end unauthorised crossings from organised criminal gangs, including child traffickers, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said.Speaking at the launch of Anti-Child Trafficking Documentary on Thursday, Mutsvangwa said government was proposing stiffer jail sentences to those who are found guilty of trafficking."We have had issues with our porous borders. However, government is tightening all crossing points so that we stop human trafficking syndicates which have been preying on children. Government is also currently formulating stiffer jail terms," she said.According to the 2019 Trafficking in Persons report, Zimbabwe is a Tier 2 country and was placed on the Office to Monitor Child Trafficking in Persons watchlist in 2019.A Tier 2 country is a country that does not meet the minimum standards set by the office, but is making efforts to do so.According to the United States embassy 2021 Trafficking Report, traffickers are also preying on children locally and exploiting them for cheap labour in farms andmines.The report also lists Zimbabwe as a source, transit and destination country for trafficked women and children.In 2016, a truck carrying 57 Malawian children was intercepted in South Africa after the driver and his two accomplices had successfully navigated their way through both the Mozambique and Zimbabwe border posts. 'First Family Is...': BJP Leader Warns 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' Tharoor Over Dynasty Politics Criticism Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 11:26 IST Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's article in Project Syndicate has sparked a row in the political circle with the BJP linking it to the Gandhi family. A file photo of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (PTI Image) The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday called senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor khatron ke khiladi" for his article critiquing dynasticism in Indian politics. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla praised Tharoor for his controversial article titled Indian Politics Are a Family Business; however, he also issued a warning, in an apparent reference to the Gandhis, saying he was praying for Tharoor because the first family is very vengeful". Taking to X, the former Congress member and now a BJP leader, Shehzad Poonawalla wrote, Dr Tharoor has become Khatron ke Khiladi. He has directly called out Nepo Kids or Nawabs of Nepotism. Sir when I called out Nepo Naamdar Rahul Gandhi in 2017 you know what happened to me. Sir praying for you First family is very vengeful" Recommended Stories Dr Tharoor has become Khatron ke KhiladiHe has directly called out Nepo Kids or Nawabs of Nepotism Sir when i called out Nepo Naamdar Rahul Gandhi in 2017 you know what happened to me Sir praying for you First family is very vengeful https://t.co/yvaMEY8vtI Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) November 3, 2025 Sharing a screengrab of the article, Poonawalla described the article as a very insightful piece". Wonder what repercussions will follow against Dr Tharoor for speaking so candidly. Dr Tharoor was already attacked for calling out Nepo kid Rahul Gandhi on Op Sindoor surrender narrative," he said. Tharoors Article On Dynast Politics Sparks Row Tharoors article in Project Syndicate has sparked a row in the political circle with the BJP linking it to the Gandhi family. The article focuses on dynasty-led political parties in India, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Trinamool Congress, and the National Conference. Dynastic politics pose a grave threat to Indian democracy. When political power is determined by lineage, rather than ability, commitment, or grassroots engagement, the quality of governance suffers. Drawing from a smaller talent pool is never advantageous, but it is especially problematic when candidates main qualification is their surname," Tharoor wrote. In fact, given that members of political dynasties are likely to be insulated from the challenges faced by ordinary people, they are often particularly ill-equipped to respond effectively to their constituents needs. Yet there is no guarantee that they will be held accountable for poor performance," he added. Tharoor further stated that it is high time India traded dynasty for meritocracy". This would require fundamental reforms, from imposing legally mandated term limits to requiring meaningful internal party elections, together with a concerted effort to educate and empower the electorate to choose leaders based on merit. As long as Indian politics remain a family enterprise, the true promise of democracy government of the people, by the people, for the people cannot be fully realized," he wrote. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the BJP, Tharoors article is likely to widen his ties with the Congress leadership. The four-time Thiruvanathapuram MP has recently been seen as a rebel within the party. Tharoors remarks in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor did not seem to sit well with the Congress leadership. In fact, Tharoor was also chosen by the government to lead one of the Indian delegations travelling abroad to convey New Delhis message on terror. The Congress had not pushed Tharoors name for the delegation despite his experience as a diplomat. About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian poli... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 11:26 IST News politics 'First Family Is...': BJP Leader Warns 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' Tharoor Over Dynasty Politics Criticism Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Lets See If They Return: Kalyan Banerjee Dares BJP Leaders To Visit Dankuni Without Security Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 10:39 IST Kalyan Banerjee said that if BJP leaders, Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar, wished to prove their connection with people, they should give up CISF security and visit Dankuni. File photo of TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee. (PTI file photo) Amid the ongoing uproar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee has ignited a new political storm by openly challenging senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar. Speaking at a public event, Banerjee said that if the BJP leaders truly wished to prove their connection with the people, they should give up their CISF security and visit Dankuni. Recommended Stories Lets see whether they can even return from there or not," he warned, adding, Will see how Amit Shah takes him out safely from here.Come, Sukanta and Suvendu, bring your men, we will bring ours too. Come without the police; we will also be there without the police." Following his remarks, political tensions in Bengal have intensified. Banerjee criticised BJP leaders for, in his words, always talking about meeting people while staying behind their security cover," claiming they lacked the courage to step into public spaces without protection. They trust their security personnel more than they trust the people," he added. Hooghly, West Bengal: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee challenged BJP leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar to come to Dankuni without CISF security, saying they would not be able to return once they arrived pic.twitter.com/1U6lfKr4js IANS (@ians_india) November 3, 2025 Reacting to Banerjees threat, BJP Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee openly threatens to kill BJP leaders Dr. Sukanta Majumdar and Suvendu Adhikari if they come without CISF protection! In Bengal, Mamata Banerjees government is the biggest threat to Democracy! State in Bengal is behind violence! Save Bengal!" SIR begins in West Bengal today The controversy unfolds as the Election Commission of India (ECI) conducts the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states, including West Bengal. The large-scale exercise begins today and aims to update and verify voter lists ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Under the initiative, Block Level Officers (BLOs) are carrying out door-to-door visits to verify voter details, distribute and collect forms, and eliminate duplicate or ineligible entries. The drive is scheduled to continue from 4 November to 4 December 2025, with the final voter roll set for publication by February 2026. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Political backlash and protests The SIR process has become a political flashpoint in Bengal. The TMC has accused the BJP of using the revision process to intimidate voters and manipulate the rolls. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to lead a protest march in Kolkata on 4 November, joined by party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, to denounce the exercise. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : West Bengal, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 08:40 IST News politics Lets See If They Return: Kalyan Banerjee Dares BJP Leaders To Visit Dankuni Without Security Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maharashtra State Election Commission Announces Civic Poll Dates Amid Row Over Duplicate Voters Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 00:21 IST Voting will take place on December 2, and counting will be held the next day During a press conference in Mumbai, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare admitted that there were issues of double voter registration but clarified that the SEC receives the voter data from the Central Election Commission (CEC). Representational image: News18 Amid growing objections from the opposition over alleged errors in the voter list, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on Tuesday announced the schedule for 42 Nagar Panchayats and 246 Nagar Parishads. Voting will take place on December 2, and counting will be held the next day. However, the announcement came amid a heated debate over duplicate and dubious voter entries. During a press conference in Mumbai, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare admitted that there were issues of double voter registration but clarified that the SEC receives the voter data from the Central Election Commission (CEC). Recommended Stories Addressing reporters, Waghmare said, We are in the process of identifying possible duplicate voters. Where we find such entries, our officials will visit the registered addresses and verify them. The voter will then be asked to choose one polling centre. If we fail to contact the voter, we will mark two stars next to their name in the voter list. When such a voter comes to vote, they will have to give an undertaking that they have not voted elsewhere. At the same time, the other polling booth where they are registered will be alerted." When asked about the total number of duplicate voters, Waghmare declined to share figures, saying the process was still underway. He added that the final count will be shared two days before voting. He also avoided questions about cases where over 40 voters were registered at a single address or even at public toilet locations, again citing that the final list comes from the Central Election Commission. The united opposition, including parties from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), recently met Waghmare to express concern over bogus voters allegedly being added to the rolls. They demanded that elections be held only after the list is cleaned up. Responding to this, Waghmare said, When the MVA delegation met us, I wrote to the Election Commission of India requesting the voter list data from July 1 to October 15, but I have not received any response yet." When asked why the SEC is proceeding with the polls despite voter list errors, Waghmare cited Supreme Court guidelines directing that all local body elections must be completed before January 31, 2026. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Notably, the SEC has not yet announced election dates for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, the countrys richest civic body. Many of these corporations have been under state-appointed administrators for nearly five years due to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, OBC quota issues, ward delimitation, and decisions taken during the Uddhav Thackeray-led government. This election season promises to be politically charged, as Maharashtras landscape has changed drastically in the last five years. The state now has six major political factions, with both Shiv Sena and NCP split into two groups each. The opposition recently held a massive rally in Mumbai, highlighting the issue of fake voters, where Raj Thackerays MNS also joined hands with the MVA, showing documents they claim prove large-scale voter duplication. About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @... Read More First Published: November 05, 2025, 00:21 IST News politics Maharashtra State Election Commission Announces Civic Poll Dates Amid Row Over Duplicate Voters Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... American Developer Joins BBMP Workers To Clean Bengaluru Streets, Wins Hearts Online Curated By : News18 Tech Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 09:47 IST Tony Klor, founder of Catoff Gaming, joined BBMP pourakarmikas to clean Bengaluru streets, earning praise for civic spirit and inspiring locals. Tony Klor, founder of Catoff Gaming, joined BBMP pourakarmikas to clean Bengaluru streets, earning praise for civic spirit and inspiring locals. (Image: IG @tonykmontana) In an inspiring display of civic spirit, an American citizen has captured the internets attention after joining the BBMP pourakarmikas to help clean Bengalurus streets. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tony Klor (@tonykmontana) Recommended Stories The man, identified as Tony Kloer, holds a five-year visa to stay in India and has been residing in Bengaluru for some time. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Tony is seen sweeping a pedestrian sidewalk alongside the citys civic workers, matching their pace and energy. Dressed in a saree and an overshirt of the sanitation staff and armed with a broom, he smiles as he works shoulder-to-shoulder with them. Sharing the video on social media, Tony wrote: Im joining the heroes of BBMP as a pourakarmika." The post was accompanied by a caption referencing a friends remark about the citys dirty footpaths, to which Tony responded with action, not words. The clip, which quickly gained traction online, clocking around 8,000 likes and 1 lakh thirty thousand views, has drawn widespread praise from Bengalureans who hailed his gesture as a lesson in civic responsibility. Many users applauded his humility and sense of community, pointing out that it often takes an outsider to remind locals of the importance of respecting those who keep the city clean. Tony Klor, the founder of Catoff Gaming, moved to India last year, and he says he is bullish on the developer scene here. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The intellectual capital in India is phenomonal and second to none," he said in an interview with the Hindustan Times. Despite having faced hardships like getting scammed multiple times, he says he is in love with the Indian culture, festivals, people, and food, and does not intend to go back home to the US. First Published: November 04, 2025, 09:47 IST News viral American Developer Joins BBMP Workers To Clean Bengaluru Streets, Wins Hearts Online Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indian-Origin Man Pinned To Wall, Assaulted In Racial Attack At Canada McDonald's Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 18:56 IST The footage, captured by bystanders, shows the attacker physically assaulting the victim while shouting racial remarks Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The victim does not retaliate but repeatedly says, Let me go, while being held by his jacket collar. (Screengrab) A video from Toronto has surfaced showing a man, reportedly drunk, attacking another man of Indian origin at a McDonalds restaurant. The footage, captured by bystanders, shows the attacker physically assaulting the victim while shouting racial remarks. In the video, the man, wearing a Toronto Blue Jays jacket, approaches the victim near the Mobile Order Pick Up counter without provocation. He initially shoves the man, causing his phone to fall to the floor. When the victim calmly picks up his phone, the attacker grabs him by the collar, pushing him against the wall. During the assault, the attacker can be heard shouting, Why acting superior?" Recommended Stories Man in Blue Jays gear attacks a random person at McDonalds without provocation. Nov 1, 2025#Toronto #ProtestMania pic.twitter.com/m586brklST Caryma Sad Lawyer + Political Satirist (@CarymaRules) November 2, 2025 The victim does not retaliate but repeatedly says, Let me go," while being held by his jacket collar. The confrontation continues till a McDonalds staff member intervenes, urging the attacker to release the man and escorting him out of the restaurant. Even while being removed, the aggressor continued to accuse the victim of arrogance. Police have not yet released any statement about the incident, and the identities of both men have not been confirmed. This attack comes amid growing concerns over racism and xenophobia in Canada. Social media users have condemned the violence, noting that incidents targeting people of Indian origin appear to be rising. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The video follows another incident in Ontario, which occurred in less than a week, where a young white man verbally abused an Indian female employee at a McDonalds outlet. In that case, the man repeatedly told the woman to go back to her own country," using offensive language. When she filmed him and challenged his behaviour, he continued shouting insults with a smile, showing no remorse for his actions. Both videos have reignited discussions about anti-Indian sentiment in Canada and have sparked outrage online. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Canada First Published: November 04, 2025, 18:56 IST News viral Indian-Origin Man Pinned To Wall, Assaulted In Racial Attack At Canada McDonald's Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The Equestrian Code: A Horses Leg Position On Statues Reveals How The Warrior Died! Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 13:43 IST Every horse statue hides a secret. The position of its legs reveals how the warrior died. Curious to know what each pose means? Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Through the subtle stance of a horse, sculptors found a way to tell the story of courage, loss, and legacy, whispering the untold tales of heroes long gone. You often see horse statues at city intersections, from Shivaji Maharaj to many great warriors; most are shown astride their horses in striking poses. But have you ever noticed the horses legs closely? Sometimes one leg is raised, sometimes all the legs are on the ground, and sometimes the forelegs are in the air. Have you ever wondered why? Surprisingly, the position of the horses legs is said to reveal how the warrior died. This isnt mere superstition but a symbolic tradition that dates back to the 11th century; a hidden code that many sculptors still follow today. Recommended Stories Birth Of The Equestrian Statue Code This fascinating custom began during the American Civil War, when thousands of soldiers perished and memorial statues were built to honour them. Sculptors wanted to depict not only their bravery but also the manner of their death, and so, the horses legs became a silent storyteller. Without even reading the plaque, onlookers could understand how the hero had met their fate. The rule became known as the Equestrian Statue Code, later recognised by Snopes and the History Channel. The 3 Hidden Rules Behind Every Horse Statue According to this code, three symbolic leg positions were used: All legs on the ground The warrior died of natural causes such as old age, illness, or accident. One leg raised The warrior was injured in battle but died later. Both forelegs raised (rearing) The warrior died while fighting on the battlefield. The code was first seen in Washington DC, in the statue of General George Thomas, and soon over 300 statues at Gettysburg Battlefield were crafted following the same symbolic system. When Did The Equestrian Statue Code Reach India? In India, this artistic code is believed to have started with the statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Most of his statues depict the horse with all four legs firmly on the ground, symbolising that the Maratha king died a natural death. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pawan KI Pathshala (@pawankumarverma717) However, the now-removed statue of King George V near India Gate in Delhi showed the horse rearing up, indicating a death in battle, even though history records that George V did not die in combat. When The Code Doesnt Match Even at Gettysburg, the code isnt always consistent. For example, General John Reynolds statue shows the horse with both legs on the ground, despite his death in battle. Historians suggest these exceptions might be due to artistic freedom, design limitations, or even tight budgets. Similarly, in India, this symbolic language is loosely followed. The Shivaji statue at Fort, Mumbai, shows the horse standing calmly, reflecting his natural death. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But in Lucknow, near the Hussainabad Clock Tower, a statue shows one leg raised, even though the Nawab it commemorates died of natural causes. While the Equestrian Statue Code doesnt always hold true, it remains a captivating blend of history, art, and symbolism. Through the subtle stance of a horse, sculptors found a way to tell the story of courage, loss, and legacy, a code that still gallops through time, whispering the untold tales of heroes long gone. First Published: November 04, 2025, 13:43 IST News viral The Equestrian Code: A Horses Leg Position On Statues Reveals How The Warrior Died! Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After Pakistan, Turkey Gets 'Greater Bangladesh' Artwork Featuring India's Northeast From Yunus Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 12:45 IST Sources claim that the document included battle plans and post-victory management frameworks, purportedly aimed at transforming Assam. Muhammad Yunus presented the 'Greater Bangladesh' map during a recent meeting with the Turkish delegation. Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has now presented Art of Triumph" to a visiting Turkish parliamentary delegation, days after he presented the same to a Pakistan Commander. The artwork outlined what was described as a Greater Bangladesh" plan including the incorporation of Indias northeastern states, particularly Assam, into Bangladeshs future strategic vision. The presentation, reportedly made during a recent meeting with the Turkish delegation, is being viewed by intelligence sources as more than a symbolic gesture. Sources claim that the document included battle plans" and post-victory management frameworks," purportedly aimed at transforming Assam into a productive and viable region" under Dhakas influence. Recommended Stories Sources describe it as a deliberate ideological signal rather than an accidental provocation. This was not an art display but a message one directed at specific transnational Islamist networks that see Bangladeshs interim regime as part of a wider strategic consolidation," say sources. The timing of the alleged gesture is considered significant. Sources say it aligns with Ankaras pan-Islamist outreach in South and Southeast Asia a campaign through which Turkey has sought to expand its influence via military cooperation, drone technology transfers, and ideological partnerships. Since early 2024, Turkey has been actively cultivating ties with Dhaka, offering training programs, defence industry collaboration, and technology investment. For Ankara, Bangladesh represents a soft extension of its South Asian policy, aimed at counter-balancing Indias growing geopolitical presence. For Dhakas interim regime, closer alignment with Turkey offers both international legitimacy and new defence linkages at a time of domestic uncertainty. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Greater Bangladesh" reference, however, marks what sources describe as the first overt hint of territorial ambition from Dhakas interim government. Intelligence sources interpret it as a possible attempt to test regional responses and consolidate ideological support among Islamist groups at home and abroad. Indias security establishment is reportedly monitoring the developments closely. The narrative represents a sharp rhetorical escalation that could complicate already sensitive cross-border relations. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 12:45 IST News world After Pakistan, Turkey Gets 'Greater Bangladesh' Artwork Featuring India's Northeast From Yunus Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bangladeshs Yunus Govt Bows To Islamists; Scraps Music, PE Teacher Posts In School Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 10:59 IST Bangladeshs interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has scrapped music and physical education teacher posts in schools after Islamist groups denounced the move as un-Islamic. Yunus Govt Retreats on Plan to Introduce Music, PE in Schools Bangladeshs interim government has scrapped the posts of music and physical education teachers in government-run primary schools, yielding to sustained pressure from Islamist groups who denounced the initiative as un-Islamic". The decision marks a sharp reversal from earlier plans introduced under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunuss administration to promote cultural education alongside religious and academic studies. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education announced the change on Monday, stating that the new recruitment rules would exclude the posts of assistant teachers for music and physical education. Recommended Stories Although the rules issued last August had four categories of posts, two categories have been included in the amendment. The posts of assistant teachers for music and physical education are not in the new rules," said ministry official Masud Akhtar Khan. When asked if the move followed pressure from religious groups, Khan refused to comment, saying only, You can check for yourself." What led to this? The decision follows months of protests by Islamist organisations who labelled the initiative part of an anti-Islamic agenda". Groups including Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, and Hefazat-e-Islam had held rallies condemning the governments efforts to introduce music and dance into primary education. At one such rally in September, Islami Andolon Bangladesh chief Syed Rezaul Karim said, You want to appoint music teachers? What will they teach? You want to make our children disrespectful, unruly, and characterless? We will never tolerate that." He warned that Islam-loving people" would take to the streets if their demands were ignored. Islamist leaders claimed the move was indirectly connected to an atheistic philosophy aimed at making the future generation faithless". They demanded that government schools appoint only religious teachers, threatening large-scale protests if the Yunus administration failed to comply. Rising Islamist influence under Yunus The Yunus-led interim governments reversal comes amid growing criticism that it has capitulated to religious hardliners. Once restrained under ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Islamist groups have grown emboldened, pushing an increasingly conservative agenda. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The same groups recently called for a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), describing it as an extremist organisation". Earlier this year, they also threatened violence if the government implemented the recommendations of a womens reform commission. The developments shows the deepening influence of Islamist groups in shaping public policy in Bangladesh. A country once celebrated for its secular, cultural, and artistic heritage now faces growing pressure to align with religious conservatism. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Bangladesh First Published: November 04, 2025, 10:59 IST News world Bangladeshs Yunus Govt Bows To Islamists; Scraps Music, PE Teacher Posts In School Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Death Toll Reaches 40 As Typhoon Kalmaegi Hits Philippines, Rescue Ops Underway Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 22:13 IST Typhoon Kalmaegi killed 40 in the Philippines, causing floods, evacuations, and flight cancellations as it heads toward Palawan and Vietnam's central regions. Aftermath of storm (AccuWeather/X) The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Philippines has risen to 40, officials said on Tuesday, as the storm continued to unleash heavy rain and floods across central region. According to Reuters, though Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, has weakened since making landfall early on Tuesday, it continued to lash the country with winds of 130 kph (81mph) and gusts of 180 kph (112mph) as it swept across the Visayas islands headed for northern Palawan and towards the South China Sea. Recommended Stories Provincial information officer Ainjeliz Orong said the number of people died due to the typhoon climbed to 40 by late Tuesday. One person was reported dead on the nearby island of Bohol, according to the disaster agency. Orong further said that rescue operations were underway. Search and rescue efforts continue and there are missing and unaccounted individuals," he said, adding the deaths were due to drowning and falling debris. Reuters quoted authorities as saying that tens of thousands of residents were evacuated across the Visayas region, including parts of southern Luzon and northern Mindanao. The typhoon will likely leave the Philippines on Wednesday or early Thursday. Meanwhile, the flood in Cebu City subsided late on Tuesday but power was still out in many places and telecommunications services were intermittent. In Liloan town, homes were submerged, with only rooftops and top floors visible. Due to the storm, over 180 flights to and from the affected areas were cancelled. PAGASA had earlier warned of a high risk of life-threatening and damaging storm surges" that could reach more than 3 meters (9.84 ft) high along coastal and low-lying communities in the central Philippines, including parts of Mindanao, CNN reported. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, the Vietnamese government on Tuesday said it was preparing for the worst-case scenario as it braced for the impact of Kalmaegi. The typhoon is predicted to make landfall on Thursday night in Vietnams central regions. This is a very strong typhoon, which continues to strengthen after entering the East Sea," the government said in a statement, referring to the South China Sea. Location : Philippines First Published: November 04, 2025, 22:13 IST News world Death Toll Reaches 40 As Typhoon Kalmaegi Hits Philippines, Rescue Ops Underway Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Foreign Secy Vikram Misri, UK NSA Hold Talks On Strategic, Tech Security Cooperation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 02:10 IST Vikram Misri met Jonathan Powell and Matthew Collins in London to advance the IndiaUK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, discuss security, technology. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with UK NSA Jonathan Powell and Deputy NSA Matthew Collins on advancing the IndiaUK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and cooperation under the Technology Security Initiative. (IMAGE: X) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday met UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Deputy NSA Matthew Collins in London, where the two sides discussed ways to advance the IndiaUK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The talks covered key global and regional security issues, as well as cooperation in critical and emerging technologies under the bilateral Technology Security Initiative. Misri, who arrived in London on Monday for a high-level bilateral visit, also engaged with leading scholars and foreign policy experts at the Chatham House think-tank. During a discussion on What does India want from the world?, he outlined Indias foreign policy priorities, strategic partnerships, and its evolving view of the global order. Recommended Stories Earlier today, at Chatham House, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri discussed What does India want from the world? with UK scholars, focusing on Indias foreign policy priorities, strategic partnerships, and its perception of the current state of the world order," the Indian High Commission said in a statement. Later, Misri attended an event at India House in London where he met scholars to discuss the dynamics of multipolarity in Asia and Indias perspectives on regional partnerships, particularly in East Asia. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The visit builds on recent high-level engagements between the two countries. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers visit to Mumbai last month followed Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip to London in July, during which both leaders concluded the IndiaUK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The pact, expected to significantly boost the current 44-billion trade relationship, is now awaiting UK parliamentary ratification. A joint statement from the Modi-Starmer dialogue noted that both leaders looked forward to early ratification of the CETA and welcomed the resetting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), which will oversee the agreements implementation and drive forward broader trade and investment cooperation. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: November 05, 2025, 02:09 IST News world Foreign Secy Vikram Misri, UK NSA Hold Talks On Strategic, Tech Security Cooperation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Russia and China will train specialists for navigation in polar waters: Russian Ministry of Transport Global Times) 16:49, November 04, 2025 The 30th regular meeting of the Chinese and Russian heads of government is held in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, November 3, 2025. Photo: Xinhua Russia and China will train specialists for navigation in polar waters, according to a memorandum signed in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to China, the Russian Ministry of Transport said on its Telegram channel. Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin is visiting China from November 3 to 4 for the 30th regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian heads of government, according to the Xinhua News Agency. The document reflects the shared commitment of Russia and China to developing partnership in commercial shipping and to strengthening human resources for the operation of vessels along the Northern Sea Route. Its development is actively progressing under Russia's national project Efficient Transport System, the Russian Ministry of Transport said in the post. According to Russian Minister of Transport Andrey Nikitin, the memorandum is aimed at creating conditions to enhance the safety of navigation in Arctic waters, protect the lives of seafarers, and preserve the marine environment in the ice-covered regions of the world's oceans, according to the ministry's post. According to the ministry, highly qualified specialists from China will be trained in accordance with international standards at leading Russian maritime institutions - the Maritime State University and the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping. In addition to theoretical instruction, Chinese seafarers will undergo hands-on training using specialized simulators at Russian educational institutions, ensuring a high level of preparedness for work in the challenging conditions of polar waters. Earlier, in an interview with the Russia 1 TV channel, the head of the Russian transport ministry described the first transit voyage from China to Europe via the Northern Sea Route as a "major achievement." At a regular press briefing of China's Foreign Ministry in September, a reporter asked for comment on the role of the Northern Sea Route for China, and about how China and Russia will cooperate in this area. In response, Lin Jian, the ministry spokesperson, said that as an important stakeholder in Arctic affairs, China always follows the basic principles of respect, cooperation, mutual benefit and sustainability in engaging in Arctic affairs and enhancing cooperation with various parties, and is committed to promoting peace, stability and sustainable development of the Arctic. The spokesperson further stated that China stands ready to work with Russia and other Arctic states as well as interested countries to jointly advance the development and exploration of the routes and protect the environment there. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia To Contest Three Seats In 2026 Bangladesh Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 08:17 IST BNP names candidates for 237 seats ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad polls after Haseena Sheikhs resignation. Khaleda Zia to contest from Bogura-7, Feni-1, and Dinajpur-3. BNP names candidates for 237 seats ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad polls after Haseena Sheikhs resignation. Khaleda Zia to contest from Bogura-7, Feni-1, and Dinajpur-3. (Image: Wiki Commons) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Monday announced a list of its potential candidates for 237 constituencies ahead of the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (parliamentary) elections, scheduled for the first half of February 2026, a significant electoral exercise after Haseena Sheikhs resignation and escape to India. In a major political development, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia will contest from three constituencies, her traditional strongholds, Bogura-7 and Feni-1, along with Dinajpur-3, marking her first bid from the northern district. Recommended Stories The announcement signals the BNPs intent to return to the electoral arena after boycotting both the 2014 and 2024 general elections in protest of alleged irregularities and demands for a neutral caretaker government to oversee voting. In the 2018 polls, the BNP, contesting as part of the Jatiya Oikya Front alliance, secured only five seats, a result that deepened its crisis and internal divisions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Party insiders say Mondays list is part of a phased rollout, with remaining constituencies expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. The BNP leadership has indicated it plans to intensify its campaign strategy, aiming to restore its position as the principal opposition to the ruling Awami League. Khaleda Zia, a two-time former prime minister, has largely remained out of active politics in recent years due to health issues and corruption convictions. However, her decision to contest from three seats is seen by many within the party as a symbolic assertion of political resurgence ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested national election. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: November 04, 2025, 08:06 IST News world Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia To Contest Three Seats In 2026 Bangladesh Polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India Is The Future: Israel's FM Hails Delhi As Global Superpower, Seeks Stronger Ties Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 14:34 IST Israels Foreign Minister condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, calling radical extremism a shared challenge for both India and Israel. Israels Gideon Saar Meets Jaishankar, Calls for Stronger Strategic Ties (Photo: X) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met with Israels Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, in New Delhi to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional security, and future strategic partnerships. The meeting reaffirmed the deepening ties between India and Israel amid evolving geopolitical challenges in the Middle East and South Asia. India is the future, a global superpower Recommended Stories Expressing strong admiration for Indias rise on the world stage, Minister Saar hailed India as the worlds largest democracy and a global superpower". He said, India is the future. India is the fastest growing economy, and Israel is a regional powerhouse. Together, we can build a long-term strategic partnership." He emphasised that Israel highly values its friendship with India and appreciates the solidarity shown by New Delhi in difficult times. We remember that Prime Minister Modi was the first world leader to call Prime Minister Netanyahu after Hamas October 7th massacre. We wont forget it," Saar noted. Hamas must be disarmed Touching upon the ongoing Middle East conflict, Saar reiterated Israels firm stance on eliminating threats from terror groups. Hamas must be disarmed. Gaza must be demilitarised. We will not compromise on it," he said. Saar described the existence of terror states" in the region, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen, as the root cause of instability. These radical terror entities must be uprooted for lasting peace and regional stability," he added. He also condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, calling radical extremism a shared challenge for both India and Israel. Radical terror is a mutual threat to Israel and India," he said, underscoring the need for enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation between the two nations. India-Israel relation Highlighting Israels support for regional development and connectivity projects, the visiting minister reaffirmed his countrys commitment to initiatives such as the I2U2 grouping and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). We support regional connectivity between South Asia, West Asia, and Europe. The future of regional partnerships is bright," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I thank my friend External Affairs Minister of India @DrSJaishankar for the gracious hospitality in New Delhi.We had a fruitful discussion on bilateral relations and the mutual threat of terror. I stressed that dismantling the Hamas terror state is at the heart of the Trump pic.twitter.com/QMC3FusRrk Gideon Sa'ar | (@gidonsaar) November 4, 2025 Concluding his remarks, Saar thanked Jaishankar for his warm hospitality and enduring friendship" and expressed confidence that the discussions would strengthen India-Israel cooperation across security, innovation, and strategic domains. About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively ... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 14:34 IST News world India Is The Future: Israel's FM Hails Delhi As Global Superpower, Seeks Stronger Ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India, Israel Ink Major Defence Deal To Share Tech, Co-Develop Weapons Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 23:49 IST The MoU was signed in Tel Aviv following a meeting of the India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on defence cooperation The meeting, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and DG of Israeli Ministry of Defence Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram, was held in Tel Aviv. (Image via X) India and Israel on Tuesday signed a major defence agreement aimed at boosting technological cooperation and promoting joint development and production of advanced weapon systems. The pact is seen as a significant step in strengthening the already close strategic ties between the two nations. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Tel Aviv following a meeting of the India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on defence cooperation. According to Ministry of Defence, the MoU provides a unified vision and policy direction" to further deepen defence collaboration. Recommended Stories Under the agreement, both countries will work together in several critical areas, including artificial intelligence, cyber security, defence research and innovation, and industrial cooperation. This is expected to enhance their capability to develop and manufacture key military equipment jointly. India has been a major buyer of Israeli military technology, importing various missile systems, drones, and other weaponry over recent years. While these transactions have mostly remained low-profile, the current MoU formalises and broadens the framework for cooperation. The defence ministry highlighted that the India-Israel defence partnership is built on longstanding trust and shared security interests. The MoU will allow the sharing of advanced technology and support co-development and co-production efforts," the ministry said in a statement. The JWG meeting reviewed existing defence initiatives and noted the mutual benefits both nations have gained from cooperation. Officials discussed potential areas for future collaboration, particularly in technology, operational capabilities, and defence research. They also spoke about joint efforts to counter terrorism, emphasising a shared commitment to tackling global security threats. The signing coincided with the three-day visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to India. During his visit, Saar and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held detailed talks on strengthening bilateral cooperation not only in defence but also in trade, infrastructure, and connectivity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The MoU is expected to lay the groundwork for closer defence industry ties, facilitating the co-production of weapons and advanced systems. Observers say it also comes ahead of a likely visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India in the coming months. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Israel First Published: November 04, 2025, 23:14 IST News world India, Israel Ink Major Defence Deal To Share Tech, Co-Develop Weapons Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indian-Origin Truck Driver, Who Killed 3 In California, Was Sober During Crash: US Officials Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 07:51 IST Indian-origin truck driver Jashanpreet Singh, who was arrested after a fatal crash in California last month, was not under the influence of alcohol, US authorities confirmed. A file photo of Jashanpreet Singh (Social Media) Jashanpreet Singh, the Indian-origin driver who crashed his semi-truck killing three people in California last month, was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, contrary to initial reports, news agency PTI quoted US authorities as saying. The 21-year-old driver was arrested on October 21 under suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence as well as DUI causing injury in the multi-vehicle crash. Recommended Stories Three people were killed and several others seriously injured in the crash in Ontario, California. A complaint filed in this regard mentioned that toxicology reports confirmed that none of the substances tested were present in Singhs blood at the time the test was rendered. However, the case remains a grossly negligent homicide," the San Bernardino County District Attorneys Office said. The complaint included the three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, as well as the new charge of reckless driving on a highway causing a specified injury. Eyewitness and dashcam footage showed Singh travelling at a high speed through stopped traffic. A report with Fox News last month suggested that Singh, an illegal immigrant, had crossed the southern border of the US in 2022 and was released pending an immigration hearing. This is the second such incident since August in which an Indian-origin truck driver has been accused of causing a deadly crash in the US. On August 12, Harjinder Singh, 28, allegedly made an illegal U-turn in his tractor-trailer in Florida, causing a deadly crash which killed three people. He faces three counts of vehicular homicide. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following the incident, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had announced a pause to all issuances of commercial truck driver work visas. ALSO READ | Three Indian-Origin Men Among 10 Arrested In Texas Prostitution, Human Trafficking Sting About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: November 04, 2025, 07:47 IST News world Indian-Origin Truck Driver, Who Killed 3 In California, Was Sober During Crash: US Officials Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Not Just Mamdani, Several Indian-Origin Candidates Contest Key Races As US Votes On Election Day Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 22:58 IST All eyes are on New York City, where Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, 34, is emerging as a strong contender for mayor Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani with his wife Rama Duwaji. (AFP photo) As Americans head to the polls on Tuesday, several Indian-American and South Asian candidates are making their presence felt in key local elections, marking a notable moment in the first set of votes since Donald Trump began his second term as US President. It takes immense courage to run for office, and these leaders have stepped up to represent their communities and build a better future for this country," said Indian American Impact, an organisation supporting civic engagement among South Asian and Indian-American communities. Recommended Stories The group has endorsed 50 South Asian candidates this year, a record for an odd-numbered election year, and 36 of them appear on ballots across the country on Tuesday. Zohran Mamdani, New York City All eyes are on New York City, where Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, 34, is emerging as a strong contender for mayor. Born in Uganda to Indian parents and raised in New York City, Mamdani serves as a State Assemblymember and identifies as a democratic socialist. He upset former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary and will face Cuomo, running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the mayoral election. Current Mayor Eric Adams withdrew from the race in September amid scandals, giving Mamdani a clear path as the front-runner. The son of renowned Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan author Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran has attracted a strong following, particularly among young and immigrant voters, with a platform focused on affordable housing, public services, and community development. Ghazala Hashmi, Virginia In Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi is seeking the post of Lieutenant Governor. Hashmi, the first Muslim and first South Asian American to serve in the Virginia Senate, moved to the US from India at the age of four. She won her first Senate seat in 2019, defeating a Republican incumbent and helping Democrats secure the majority. In 2024, Hashmi became Chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, overseeing key Democratic priorities such as reproductive rights and public education. Aftab Pureval, Cincinnati, Ohio Aftab Pureval is vying for mayor of Cincinnati. His mother, a Tibetan, fled Communist Chinese rule and spent time in a Southern Indian refugee camp, while his father is Punjabi. Pureval entered politics in 2015 and has been active in local governance since. Other Indian-Origin Candidates Satish Garimella is contesting for mayor of Morrisville, North Carolina, while Dini Ajmani is running to be mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey. In Hoboken, former Mayor Ravi Bhalla is now running for the New Jersey State Assembly. Across the US, Indian-American and South Asian candidates are also running for city council positions in states including New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Washington, Georgia, Florida, and Pennsylvania. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Indian American Impact urged communities to vote on Tuesday. Election Day is Tuesday, and across the country, our communities have the chance to shape the future. Whether youre in California, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, or Georgia, your vote matters and your voice can make the difference between progress and setback," the group said. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 04, 2025, 22:58 IST News world Not Just Mamdani, Several Indian-Origin Candidates Contest Key Races As US Votes On Election Day Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Obama Snubs Zohram Mamdani Ahead Of NYC Mayoral Election, Refuses To Endorse Him Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 09:05 IST New York City is set to witness a tough contest for the next mayor, with Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa eying the post in a closely watched race. Former US President Barack Obama. (File photo) In a big twist ahead of the voting phase in the United States, former US President Barack Obama has refused to endorse New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. The development came days after Obama spoke to Mamdani on phone on Saturday and praised his campaign, offering to be a sounding board" in the future. New York City is set to witness a tough contest for the next mayor, with Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa eying the post in a closely watched race. Recommended Stories According to The New York Post, Mamdani campaign adviser Patrick Gaspard, who once served as Obamas White House political director and US ambassador to South Africa, tried to brush off the former Presidents silence. President Obama doesnt endorse in local races. Thats a longstanding rule post-presidency," Gaspard told The New York Post. He endorses in general election races for federal office and governors. His call to Zohran is a huge boost at a critical moment and a signal to New Yorkers." However, it is important to note that Obama in the past has extended his support to several mayoral candidates, despite his so-called no-local-endorsement" rule. The former President backed Bill de Blasio in New York Citys 2013 race, Karen Bass and Eric Garcetti in Los Angeles, and Rahm Emanuel in Chicago. In fact, Obama was just across the Hudson River on Saturday, campaigning for New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill at a rally in Newark, but did not cross into New York City to publicly back Mamdani ahead of Tuesdays election, the New York Post reported. If Zohran Mamdani Wins: Trump Warns top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Donald Trump on Monday launched a blistering attack on New York City mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani, calling him a communist" and warning that he would restrict federal funds to the city if Mamdani becomes mayor. In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home." About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: November 04, 2025, 09:05 IST News world Obama Snubs Zohram Mamdani Ahead Of NYC Mayoral Election, Refuses To Endorse Him Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... On Cam: US Woman Dragged Out From Car, Pinned To Ground After Collision With Federal Agents Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 11:54 IST Witnesses said that the agents were arresting several landscaping workers believed to be in the country without authorisation The woman was later released with any charges. (Pic: X) A Chicago woman, who is also a US citizen, was dragged out of her car and pinned to the ground by heavily armed, masked federal agents. According to a report by The Chicago Tribune, Dayanne Figueroa had been driving through West Town on her way to get coffee before work when she found herself amid a chaotic immigration raid. Witnesses told the Tribune that agents were arresting several landscaping workers believed to be in the country without authorisation, as neighbours shouted warnings and honked horns a signal commonly used locally to alert others of immigration enforcement in the area. Recommended Stories As Figueroa tried to drive through the 1600 block of West Hubbard Street on October 10, an unmarked vehicle driven by federal agents collided with her car while attempting to flee an agitated crowd, multiple videos reviewed by The Chicago Tribune showed. Moments later, agents stopped abruptly, exited their vehicle with guns drawn, and pointed them at Figueroa. Woman in Chicago uses her car to obstruct ICE and bash their vehicle.Dayanne Figueroa is then arrested and not only refuses to comply, she also attacks the officers. Jail Figueroa for decades. Make a legal example out of this violent anti-ICE extremist.pic.twitter.com/v6BCtwqjJc Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) November 4, 2025 A video shows the agents forcibly opening the door of the car, pulling her out by her legs, and pushing her into a red minivan as bystanders shouted, You hit her! We have it on video!" Her vehicle, keys, and coffee were left behind in the middle of the street. The Department of Homeland Security later claimed Figueroa was at fault, alleging that she crashed into an unmarked government vehicle and violently resisted arrest, injuring two officers." She was released several hours later without charges. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Figueroas arrest has renewed scrutiny over federal enforcement tactics in Chicago, with critics questioning the use of force, lack of identification, and due process violations during immigration-related operations. The Chicago Tribune reported that federal agents have faced mounting criticism for aggressive behaviour, including the use of tear gas in residential areas and the detention of bystanders filming or following unmarked vehicles. Similar incidents have sparked outrage in recent weeks. On October 9, federal prosecutors dismissed felony charges against an Oak Park man with intellectual disabilities accused of assaulting federal officers during a protest. A day earlier, a grand jury declined to indict a Chicago couple arrested during a demonstration outside the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 11:54 IST News world On Cam: US Woman Dragged Out From Car, Pinned To Ground After Collision With Federal Agents Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Over 100 Stings': US Father And Teen Son Die After Being Attacked By Hornet Swarm In Laos Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 17:54 IST According to reports, the father and son were descending from a tree with their guide when they were suddenly surrounded by hornets Representative Image An American father and his teenage son lost their lives after being attacked by a swarm of Asian giant hornets while vacationing in Laos, according to a report by The Times. The species, known as the worlds largest hornet, delivers venom capable of causing excruciating pain, severe allergic reactions, and, in rare instances, death. Recommended Stories The tragic incident occurred on October 15 near Luang Prabang along the Mekong River, where Daniel Owen, 47, a school headmaster based in Vietnam, and his 15-year-old son, Cooper, were zip-lining at an eco-adventure resort. Originally from Idaho, USA, Owen had lived overseas for nearly two decades and was residing in Vietnam with his wife, Jessica, and their son at the time of the accident. According to reports, the father and son were descending from a tree with their guide when they were suddenly surrounded by hornets, each measuring up to two inches long with a quarter-inch stinger. The swarm stung them more than 100 times, leaving their bodies covered in red welts. Dr Phanomsay Phakan, who treated the victims at the Phakan Arocavet Clinic, described the case as unlike anything he had seen in his 20-year medical career. Their entire bodies were covered in stingsmore than a hundred," he said. It was extremely painful and clearly very dangerous." Both victims were conscious when brought to the clinic and did not immediately show signs of anaphylactic shock, but their conditions deteriorated rapidly, and they succumbed to their injuries within hours. The management of Green Jungle Park, where the tragedy took place, called the incident an unforeseeable natural event." Green Jungle Park extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Daniel and Cooper Owen," a park spokesperson said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This was an unprecedented and extraordinary natural occurrence. We have reviewed all existing safety protocols following the incident." Authorities in Laos are reportedly investigating the incident, which has shocked local residents and the expatriate community in the region. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 04, 2025, 17:54 IST News world 'Over 100 Stings': US Father And Teen Son Die After Being Attacked By Hornet Swarm In Laos Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PoK Unrest Spills Onto University Campus, Students Protest Fee Hike, Exam Policy Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 22:55 IST Following the student protests, the Pakistani government banned student unions and political activities at University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee is likely to raise the issue. (Image for representation: ANI/File) Pakistans alleged atrocities continue in occupied Kashmir, with riots, shelling and aerial firing in Muzaffarabad. Students staged protests over rising university fees and de-merit in intermediate exams, following which the Pakistani government banned student unions and political activities at University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Recommended Stories India, meanwhile, condemned Pakistans human rights violations, top government sources told News18. New Delhi said the suppression of student unions, arbitrary arrests, and violent crackdowns expose the complete absence of civil liberties, as per the sources. Kashmiri students are reportedly chanting slogans against Pakistan and its military. Intermediate FA and FSc students, on the other hand, hold protests against the exam board over its e-marking" policy that affects at least 10,000 students. The police have attempted to control the situation, but the situation remains tense. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) is likely to raise the issue. According to top government sources, India has strongly condemned Pakistans actions saying they expose the complete absence of civil liberties. Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) faces economic stagnation, corruption, and mismanagement, now reflected in university fee hikes and exam manipulation, the sources said. The student unrest and chants against the Pakistani Army in Muzaffarabad show a deeper rebellion against Islamabads control, they added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all PoK came under the countrys control after its tribal militias, backed by the army, invaded the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir on October 22, 1947, leading to the first Indo-Pak war. The region remains under Pakistans illegal occupation, divided into Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir" and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB)." Despite lacking constitutional rights or representation, the people face political suppression, censorship, forced disappearances, and restrictions on freedom of speech and movement. Human rights organisations have reported systematic abuses, including curbs on media, denial of fundamental rights, exploitation of natural resources, and persecution of pro-independence voices. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: November 04, 2025, 22:55 IST News world PoK Unrest Spills Onto University Campus, Students Protest Fee Hike, Exam Policy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ready To Play Any Role: Sudan Envoy Says Talks On For Release Of Odisha Man Abducted by RSF Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 08:05 IST Odisha man was reportedly kidnapped by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group, from Al Fashir. Sudans Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom (Photo: ANI) An Indian national from Odisha has been abducted by rebel forces amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The Sudanese government is coordinating with Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to secure the release of the man, identified as 36-year-old Adarsh Behera, a resident of Jagatsinghpur district. Behera was reportedly kidnapped by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group, from Al Fashir, about 1,000 kilometres from the Sudanese capital Khartoum. Sources suggest he was later moved to Nyala, an RSF stronghold in South Darfur. Recommended Stories Sudans Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, confirmed that his government is in contact with Indian authorities. We are coordinating with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to secure his safe release," he said, describing the situation as very unpredictable." Sudans Ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, has said his government is prepared to fully cooperate with Indian authorities to ensure the safe return of the Indian national reportedly abducted by rebel forces in Sudan. Eltom told ANI that while Sudan has seen the reports of the abduction, the government cannot yet confirm them. We pray that they keep him safe. This militia is notorious for the atrocities it can commit, but we hope they ensure he remains unharmed," he said, referring to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which allegedly kidnapped the Indian man. Indian Govt attempting to get Indian man (from Odisha) kidnapped in Sudan by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, released pic.twitter.com/q5x8OIocrz Resonant News (@Resonant_News) November 3, 2025 Eltom affirmed that Khartoum would extend all possible assistance to New Delhi. We are ready to play any role in ensuring his safe return to India and will cooperate with the Indian authorities," he added. The Ambassador underlined Sudans alignment with Indias stance on the reform of the United Nations, particularly the UN Security Council, criticising the inaction" of the international system regarding Sudans crisis. He said Sudan had provided concrete evidence" of foreign support to the RSF, which he described as a threat to international peace and security." Eltom also provided an update on the conflict, noting that most of Sudan remains under the control of the national army, except for Darfur, where the RSF continues to hold ground. He expressed confidence that the army would eventually reclaim all occupied territories. Family appeals for help Beheras family in Odisha has made an emotional plea for his safe return. His wife, Susmita Behera, told NDTV that her husband had been working at Sukarati Plastic Factory in Sudan since 2022 to support their two young children, aged eight and three. A video shared by the family showed Behera sitting on the floor with folded hands, pleading for assistance. I am here in Al Fashir where the situation is very bad. I have been living here for two years with great difficulty. My family and children are very worried. I request the Odisha government to help me," he said in the video. Diplomatic coordination Ambassador Eltom said Sudan is doing everything possible to bring Behera home safely. We have seen what the RSF are capable of doing. We hope he will be treated well and can return safely soon," he added. The ambassador also acknowledged Indias continued support to Sudan during its ongoing conflict. Our relations with India are long-standing and deeply rooted. India has extended humanitarian assistance, including food and medical aid, for which we are deeply grateful," he said. Sudans civil war The RSF recently captured Al Fashir, intensifying violence and displacing thousands across North Darfur. The rebel group has taken control of most of western Sudan after ousting government forces from several key cities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Despite the instability, Ambassador Eltom expressed optimism about post-war cooperation. Once Sudan enters the reconstruction phase, India can play a major role as a development partner," he said, dismissing reports of any military alliance between Sudan and Pakistan as unverified media claims." Meanwhile, negotiations to secure Beheras release remain ongoing. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Sudan First Published: November 04, 2025, 07:49 IST News world Ready To Play Any Role: Sudan Envoy Says Talks On For Release Of Odisha Man Abducted by RSF Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... South Korea to triple AI spending, boost defence budget Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 16:46 IST Lee said 10.1 trillion won would go towards "a major transformation aimed at propelling South Korea into the ranks of the world's top three AI powers" alongside US and China The proposal was made in a speech outlining his government's spending plans for 2026. (Photo: AFP) South Korea will triple spending on artificial intelligence and make its biggest defence budget increase in six years, President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday in his annual parliamentary budget speech. Lee said 10.1 trillion won ($7 billion) would go towards a major transformation aimed at propelling South Korea into the ranks of the worlds top three AI powers" alongside the United States and China. Recommended Stories We will significantly expand investment to usher in the AI era," he said, noting the amount was more than three times the current years AI-related budget. The proposal was made in a speech outlining his governments spending plans for 2026. Overall, the budget plan totals 728 trillion won, an 8.1 percent increase from this year. Lee now needs parliament to pass the budget proposal, which is likely given his partys majority. On the defence budget, the president said his government wants to see an 8.2 percent increase from this year to 66.3 trillion won. If passed, it will mark the highest defence spending increase since 2019. We will overhaul conventional weapons systems into state-of-the-art systems suited for the AI era and swiftly transform our military into an elite, smart force," Lee said. AI infrastructure Of next years AI budget, 2.6 trillion won will be invested in introducing AI across industry, daily life and the public sector, while 7.5 trillion won will go towards talent development and infrastructure building", Lee said. South Korea is home to two of the worlds leading memory chip makers, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. The two tech giants manufacture chips essential for AI products and the power-hungry data centres that the fast-evolving industry relies on. Jensen Huang, the CEO of US chip titan Nvidia, announced last week plans to supply 260,000 of the firms most advanced chips to South Korea, with recipients including Samsung, SK Group and Hyundai Motor Group. On Lees drive to make South Korea one of the worlds top three AI powers, Huang described the goal as ambitious" after the supply announcement on Friday. But, he said, theres no reason why Korea cannot achieve it you have the technology, you have the software expertise and you also have a natural ability to build manufacturing plants". The United States, a key military ally, stations about 28,500 troops in South Korea to help it fend off military threats from the North. Since taking office in June, Lee has vowed to respect" North Koreas political system and pursue dialogue without preconditions, in a sharp break with the policies of his hawkish predecessor. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Lee noted on Tuesday that South Korea already spends 1.4 times North Koreas annual GDP" on defence alone and is ranked fifth in global military strength". Seoul and Pyongyang technically remain at war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in armistice, not a peace treaty. Location : Australia First Published: November 04, 2025, 15:50 IST News world South Korea to triple AI spending, boost defence budget Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Taiwan, Human Rights Among 4 Red Lines US Must Not Cross: Chinese Envoy After Trump-Xi Talks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 19:10 IST Chinas ambassador Xie Feng urged the US to respect four red lines on Taiwan, democracy, path and system, and development rights after Xi Jinping and Trumps summit in South Korea. The latest remarks by the Chinese ambassador came days after Xi and Trump held their landmark meeting on the sidelines of an international summit in South Korea. (File Photo/Reuters) Days after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President, Beijing has urged Washington to avoid crossing four sensitive red lines" to safeguard the relations between the two countries. During a virtual address to American and Chinese businesspeople at the US-China Business Council in Shanghai on Monday, Chinas ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, said: Taiwan, democracy and human rights, path and system, and development rights are Chinas four red lines. We hope the US side will avoid crossing them and causing trouble. Dialogue is better than confrontation, cooperation is better than a zero-sum game, and stability is better than volatility." Recommended Stories China has always been irked by the unofficial relationship between the US and Taiwan. According to CNN, Beijing has in the past bristled at what it sees as US efforts to interfere in Chinas domestic affairs, including American officials voicing concerns about limits to freedoms of expression within Chinas tightly controlled political system and alleged human rights violations. The latest remarks by the Chinese ambassador came days after Xi and Trump held their landmark meeting on the sidelines of an international summit in South Korea. This was their first meeting since Trumps return to the White House this year. China and the US do not always see eye to eye with each other, and it is normal to have frictions now and then. The most important thing is to respect each others core interests and major concerns," Xie said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It would be unacceptable to say one thing but do another, cause any new disruption, make zero-sum calculations," he said. The pressing priority is to follow up on the consensus reached between the two Presidents at their meeting and the joint arrangements reached during the economic and trade talks in Kuala Lumpur, so as to reassure both our countries and the world economy with concrete actions and outcomes. It would be unacceptable to say one thing but do another, cause any new disruption, make zero-sum calculations, let alone try to profit at others expense," the ambassador emphasised. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 04, 2025, 19:10 IST News world Taiwan, Human Rights Among 4 Red Lines US Must Not Cross: Chinese Envoy After Trump-Xi Talks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The Artist Behind NYC's Socialist Face: How Wife Rama Duwaji Curated Zohran Mamdani's Rise Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 08:49 IST Duwaji, born to Syrian-American parents, trained as an illustrator and ceramicist, creating work centred on identity, migration, and memory Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Rama Duwajis preference for privacy is intentional as she supports Mamdanis work but wants her art to speak for her. (Instagram @ramaduwaji) When New York Citys new mayor Zohran Mamdani takes the stage, theres another presenceunseen yet deeply feltwhich is shaping the rhythm of his rise. Rama Duwaji, Mamdanis 28-year-old wife, rarely appears in photos or campaign videos. She posts no smiling selfies beside him, makes no joint TV appearances, and has never taken a seat beside him at a press conference. Yet, according to CNN, she remains a steady force behind the scenesthe quiet artist helping frame the image of one of the citys most unconventional politicians. Recommended Stories The Artist Who Prefers To Listen Duwaji, born to Syrian-American parents, grew up moving between cultures, carrying stories that would later seep into her art. According to The Economic Times, she trained as an illustrator and ceramicist, creating work centred on identity, migration, and memory. In Brooklyn, where she now lives with Mamdani, her studio walls are reportedly lined with sketches of everyday peoplesubway riders, shopkeepers, community organisers. An artists duty," she once said, is to reflect the times." A Modern Love Story The Mamdani-Duwaji love story began far from campaign trails or community meetings. According to Grazia, the two met on the dating app Hinge when they were both navigating creative lives in New York. They bonded over music and their shared fascination with stories of migration: hers, from Syria to the United States; his, from Uganda to India to Queens. The couple kept their relationship mostly private, even after getting engaged in Dubai in December 2024. When they married quietly at New Yorks City Clerks Office in early 2025, friends described the ceremony as intimate, simple, and deeply them", the New York Post said. For Mamdani, a democratic socialist and son of celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair, the union represented what one friend told CNN was a meeting of conviction and compassion". The Missing WifeAt Least Publicly In a city where political spouses are often stage-managed into symbols, Duwaji has refused to become one. Several media outlets have reported how she has no public posts about her husband, appears in no campaign videos, and has turned down several television interviews. Sources close to the campaign told The Post that Duwajis preference for privacy is intentional as she supports Mamdanis work but wants her art to speak for her. Rama isnt absent," a campaign aide said. Shes just not interested in performance politics." Mamdani himself has echoed that sentiment. Speaking to CNN, he said: Rama is an incredible artist who has her own path. Im lucky she chooses to walk part of it with me." Those around the couple say Duwaji quietly advises on tone, imagery, and messagingher designers eye subtly shaping how the campaign presents its multicultural story of New York. In many ways, she is the silent curator of Mamdanis public presence. A New Kind Of Political Partnership top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As Mamdani wins, Duwaji is set to become not only New Yorks youngest first lady, but perhaps its most elusive. However, those who follow her art say her approach isnt mystery; its method. She believes in letting work, not words, define meaning. In a campaign season full of slogans and spectacle, Rama Duwajis absence has become its own statementa reminder that sometimes the truest influence is the one that doesnt need a microphone. About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, ... Read More Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: November 04, 2025, 11:34 IST News world The Artist Behind NYC's Socialist Face: How Wife Rama Duwaji Curated Zohran Mamdani's Rise Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Is Zohran Mamdani? Meet Mira Nair's Son & Trump Foe Elected Mayor Of New York City Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 08:22 IST A practising Shia Muslim, he recently married Syrian-born illustrator Rama Duwaji, whose work has appeared in major outlets like The New Yorker and The Washington Post Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised partly in South Africa before his family settled in New York when he was seven, Mamdanis life reads like a story stitched across continents. (AFP) Young, outspoken and unapologetically progressivein the bustling streets of Queens, a new political force has risen. Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and son of celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, scripted history on Wednesday as New York Citys first Indian-American and Muslim mayor. In a city struggling with inequality, housing crises, and rising cost of living, the suave Mamdani came in like a breath of fresh air, with his campaign capturing the imagination of voters. Recommended Stories Mamdanis victory came in the face of fierce, attacks on his policies and Muslim heritage from President Donald Trump, business elites and conservative media. But beyond the slogans and the social media frenzy was a candidate who was finally looking to reshape one of the worlds most complex cities. Born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised partly in South Africa before his family settled in New York when he was seven, Mamdanis life reads like a story stitched across continents. After studying Africana Studies at Bowdoin College in Maine, Mamdani returned to Queens to work as a housing counsellor, helping families avoid eviction. According to him, it was in those cramped offices and crowded apartments that he learned more about New Yorks politics than any textbook could teach. It is these lessons that would one day propel him from the community frontlines to the State Assembly and now, potentially, to City Hall. As per Al Jazeera, in 2020, Mamdani took on a four-term incumbent and won the Democratic primary for the 36th Assembly District in Queens, becoming the first South Asian man and the first Ugandan-born person to serve in the New York State Assembly. In 2025, the socialist set his eyes on the throne of the mayor of New York City and focused his campaign on affordability and structural inequality. The pillars of his campaign included free city buses, freezing subway fares and aggressive expansion of transit access. Apart from this, Mamdani pushed for rent freezes for stabilised tenants, creation of a public-housing agency, city-run grocery stores to reduce food costs, and tax increases on the wealthy and corporations. Small-dollar donations, heavy engagement from younger and diverse voters, and digital outreach tailored to multi-ethnic communities powered Mamdanis grassroots campaign. A poll in mid-2025 had showed him holding a large lead among Black, Hispanic and Asian voters in the NYC mayoral contest and the prediction seems to have come true. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On the personal front, Mamdani also lets his creative side run. He released a single called Nani" under the stage name Mr Cardamom in 2019 and the music video featured famed cookbook author and actress Madhur Jaffrey. A practising Shia Muslim, he recently married Syrian-born illustrator Rama Duwaji, whose work has appeared in major outlets like The New Yorker and The Washington Post. The couple lives in Astoria, Queens. About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, ... Read More Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: November 04, 2025, 15:03 IST News world Who Is Zohran Mamdani? Meet Mira Nair's Son & Trump Foe Elected Mayor Of New York City Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Trump Has Great Respect For PM Modi, Very Serious Trade Talks Going On With India': White House Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 07:21 IST Karoline Leavitt said President Trump shares a close rapport with Prime Minister Modi and remains committed to strengthening trade and strategic cooperation with India. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Trumps trade team is in serious discussions with India, says Karoline Leavitt, adding that the President greatly respects PM Modi. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump feels very positive and strongly" about the IndiaUS relationship and speaks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently, White House official Karoline Leavitt said. Leavitt noted that the President had spoken with Modi directly when he celebrated Diwali in the Oval Office alongside several senior Indian-American officials. Recommended Stories We have a great US Ambassador to India in Mr Sergio Gor, who will represent our country very well," the White House Press Secretary said. The President has great respect for Prime Minister Modi and they speak pretty frequently."US @PressSec Karoline Leavitt holds forth on US-India ties and the trade deal. pic.twitter.com/dbRGrFToDk Sreemoy Talukdar (@sreemoytalukdar) November 4, 2025 She added that the President and his trade team are in very serious discussions" with India on key trade issues. I know the President has great respect for Prime Minister Modi, and they speak pretty frequently," she said. Five rounds of talks have been completed so far for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement between the US and India. The relations between the two countries have been reeling under severe stress after the Trump administration imposed a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. It includes a 25 per cent additional import duty for buying Russian crude oil. India has described these duties as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal last month had said India will not do any deal in a hurry or with a gun to our head". An official last month had told news agency PTI that the proposed bilateral trade deal between India and the US is very near" to concluding after Indias Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, discussed a mutually beneficial trade agreement, energy security and oil and gas trade with Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: November 05, 2025, 02:36 IST News world 'Trump Has Great Respect For PM Modi, Very Serious Trade Talks Going On With India': White House Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Courts Halt Deportation Of Indian-Origin Man Wrongfully Jailed For 43 Years Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 09:27 IST Subramanyam Vedam, freed after 43 years for a wrongful murder conviction, faces deportation over an old drug charge as US courts temporarily block his removal. Subramanyam Vedam is a lawful permanent resident who had applied for US citizenship before his arrest in 1982. Two US courts blocked the deportation of Subramanyam Vedam, a 64-year-old Indian-origin man who spent 43 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, before his conviction was overturned earlier this year. Subramanyam Vedam, who arrived in the United States legally as an infant, was taken into immigration custody immediately after his release from a Pennsylvania prison in October. He now faces removal proceedings that his lawyers call a second injustice." An immigration judge last week stayed Subramanyam Vedams deportation until the Board of Immigration Appeals decides whether to review his case- a process that could take months. His attorneys also secured a parallel stay from the US District Court in Pennsylvania though that case may be paused following the immigration courts intervention. Recommended Stories Case Built On Withheld Evidence Subramanyam Vedam is a lawful permanent resident who had applied for US citizenship before his arrest in 1982 for the 1980 killing of his friend Thomas Kinser. Prosecutors alleged he was the last person seen with Thomas Kinser, yet his conviction was based on circumstantial evidence, with no witnesses, motive or physical proof. In August, a Pennsylvania court vacated the conviction after Subramanyam Vedams defense team uncovered ballistics evidence suppressed by prosecutors for decades. His release on October 3 should have marked the end of a 43-year ordeal but immigration officers were waiting. Instead of returning home, Subramanyam Vedam was transferred into federal custody. He is currently being held at a detention facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, a short-term center equipped with its own deportation airstrip. Family members told the Associated Press he was moved there from Pennsylvania last week. ICE Points To Old Drug Charge The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is seeking Subramanyam Vedams deportation over a minor drug offense from his youth- a no-contest plea to LSD delivery entered when he was about 20. His attorneys argue that his decades of wrongful imprisonment, during which he earned college degrees and mentored fellow inmates, should outweigh a non-violent offense from the 1970s. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), however, insists that the reversal of his murder conviction does not affect his earlier record. Family Calls Deportation Unthinkable Subramanyam Vedams family said they were deeply relieved" that two courts had intervened to suspend deportation proceedings. His sister Saraswathi Vedam said, Were grateful that two different judges have agreed that Subus deportation is unwarranted while his immigration case is pending." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She said deporting her brother- who has lived in the US since he was nine months old- would amount to another untenable injustice." He endured 43 years in a maximum-security prison for a crime he didnt commit," she said, adding, Sending him away now would be unthinkable." Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 04, 2025, 09:27 IST News world US Courts Halt Deportation Of Indian-Origin Man Wrongfully Jailed For 43 Years Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'We'll Not Be The First To Resume Nuclear Tests': Pakistani Official After Trump Remarks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 08:29 IST North Korea remains the only nation known to have conducted a nuclear detonation since the 1990s Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, US President Donald Trump (Photos: Reuters) A senior Pakistani official told CBS News that the country will not be the first to resume nuclear tests," responding to President Trumps assertion in a 60 Minutes interview that Pakistan has conducted nuclear weapons tests, along with Russia and China. Pakistan was not the first to carry out nuclear tests and will not be the first to resume nuclear tests," the official told CBS News. Recommended Stories China was the first among the nations mentioned by Trump in his interview with CBS News correspondent Norah ODonnell to deny conducting any secret nuclear testing. Russias testing, and Chinas testing, but they dont talk about it," Trump said, defending his recent announcement that the United States would carry out its own nuclear tests. Were going to test, because they test and others test. And certainly North Koreas been testing. Pakistans been testing." Also Read: Pakistan Has Been Testing: Donald Trumps Remarks Spark Buzz Over Nuclear Drills The interview aired just days after Trumps nominee to lead STRATCOM, the US military command overseeing the countrys nuclear arsenal, told lawmakers on Capitol Hill that neither China nor Russia was conducting nuclear explosive tests. North Korea remains the only nation known to have conducted a nuclear detonation since the 1990s. Chinas last confirmed test took place in 1996, while Pakistans was in 1998. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Since then, Pakistan has said it continues to observe a unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing," even though it is not a signatory to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The United States is among nearly 180 nations that have signed the CTBT, which prohibits all nuclear explosions. However, like China and several other nuclear powers, the U.S. has never ratified the treaty a point Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored two years ago when he withdrew Moscows ratification. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 04, 2025, 08:00 IST News world 'We'll Not Be The First To Resume Nuclear Tests': Pakistani Official After Trump Remarks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... When Will New York City Mayor Race Be Called As Mamdani, Cuomo, Sliwa Compete For Top Post? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 03:10 IST More than 1.4mn ballots have already been cast in the high-stakes contest between Mamdani and Cuomo. US news outlets are expected to call the race only after 10 pm (local time). Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Advertisements by the American company Polymarket predict a victory for Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral election. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO) New York City has recorded a historic turnout in its mayoral election, with over 1.5 million people casting their votes so far in the contest between Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. Officials said around 256,000 voters turned out during late afternoon as polling sites saw a late surge. As of 3 p.m. ET, nearly 1.5 million people had voted in New York Citys mayoral election, according to the citys Board of Elections. With six hours still to go until the polls close, the turnout had already surpassed the total votes cast in any city mayoral election in the past 20 years. Recommended Stories According to The New York Post, early results will start coming in shortly after polls close, but major US networks are unlikely to call the race before 10 p.m. (local time). This years turnout has already surpassed that of 2021. After casting her ballot in the South Bronx, Leyla Ba, a 52-year-old assistant day care teacher, said she opted for Mamdani because housing and the cost of living were most important to her. She said those issues are more pressing than they were five or so years ago. It seemed easier back then things were a little cheaper, a little more accessible," Ba said. On the swanky Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dr. Sam Schwarz, a 57-year-old physician who described himself as a mostly conservative" independent, said he voted for Cuomo. Although he sees Sliwa as a very good man," he didnt think the Republican had any chance of winning. And he faulted Mamdani for having zero experience." Mamdani, however, said that he would not be intimidated by US President Donald Trump if elected NYC mayor. I look forward to fighting for every single dollar this city is owed," he told reporters Tuesday morning. I look forward to utilizing every single tool at my disposal as the next mayor of this city to fight for the people of it. That means using the courts. That means using the bully pulpit. That means ensuring that we actually follow the letter of the law. But I will not be intimidated by this president," he said. Cuomo said President Trump telling Republicans to vote for him over Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa could be very helpful because if they dont vote for Sliwa, they would vote for me." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump endorsed Cuomo, the former Democratic governor of New York whos running for mayor as an independent, on Monday. Cuomo said Trump is pragmatic" and is telling Republicans the reality of the situation, which is, if you do not vote, Mamdani is going to win." The Republican president opposes Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, whos ahead in the polls. Cuomo said voters should look beyond political party and vote for him to save New York City from Mamdani. Its about saving the city, and thats not being overly dramatic," Cuomo said on Fox News Channels Fox & Friends," which is one of Trumps favorite TV news programs. (with inputs from the Associated Press) About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: November 05, 2025, 03:08 IST News world When Will New York City Mayor Race Be Called As Mamdani, Cuomo, Sliwa Compete For Top Post? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... White House Pushes Back After Mamdani Blames Trump For Bomb Threats Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 05, 2025, 01:32 IST The White House condemned Zohran Mamdani for blaming Donald Trump for New Jersey bomb threats. The White House called Mamdanis remarks irresponsible after he appeared to blame President Trump for bomb threats at polling sites in New Jersey. (IMAGE: REUTERS) The White House on Tuesday condemned comments made by New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who appeared to blame US President Donald Trump for a series of bomb threats and voter intimidation incidents reported at polling locations in New Jersey. I saw those comments. I think they are completely irresponsible and based on zero evidence," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing, responding to Mamdanis remarks. Recommended Stories Authorities in New Jersey moved swiftly to secure polling stations after receiving a wave of unfounded bomb threats early on Election Day. Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who also serves as the states top election official, said the threats were emailed to seven counties, including Passaic, a key swing county and the only one outside California where the Department of Justice had deployed election monitors at the request of local Republican officials. Law enforcement has determined that there are no credible threats at this time," Way said in a statement. We are doing everything in our power to protect voters and poll workers, and we are coordinating closely with state, local and federal partners to ensure a smooth and safe election." When asked about the threats, Mamdani, the Democratic socialist widely projected to win New Yorks mayoral race, said they reflected attacks on American democracy." Its incredibly concerning, and I think it is an illustration of the attacks were seeing on our democracy," Mamdani said. These threats are part of the general approach the Trump administration has taken trying to intimidate voters with baseless allegations of fraud as a means of suppressing the voice of Americans across this country. According to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties received emailed threats. Some voting locations were temporarily evacuated but later reopened, while voters at others were redirected to nearby polling sites. Law enforcement officers have responded at each affected polling place and have worked swiftly to secure these locations and ensure the safety of every voter," Platkin said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The FBIs Newark office confirmed it was assisting state and local agencies. This Department of Justice is committed to free, fair and safe elections," US Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post related to the investigation. Passaic County received three threats, officials said, and briefly redirected voters before resuming normal polling. One of the affected locations, a school building, was cleared and reopened to voters," county spokesperson Lindsay Reed said in an email. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: November 05, 2025, 01:32 IST News world White House Pushes Back After Mamdani Blames Trump For Bomb Threats Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Yunus Will Be Out, Hasina Will Be Back: Bangladesh Leader Blames Army Chief For Ouster | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 04, 2025, 16:37 IST Awami League leader Azaduzzaman Khan Kamal to News18, The time and date I cant say, but Sheikh Hasina will go to Bangladesh. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Uncertainty is not new to Bangladesh, writes the author. (Reuters File) Veteran Awami League leader Azaduzzaman Khan Kamal, 74, who was the Home Minister in former Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasinas cabinet for over 10 years until the regime change, said Bangladesh chief advisor Mohammad Yunuss government will be overthrown soon. Saying that Hasina would return to Bangladesh, Kamal, in an exclusive interview with News18, said, The time and date I cant say, but we will go to Bangladesh." Recommended Stories Hasina resigned on August 5, 2024, as demonstrators surrounded the Prime Ministers residence. Her resignation was announced by General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of the Army Staff. Hasina resigned and fled the country on a helicopter with her sister, Sheikh Rehana, to India. We are committed to fight the elections, we believe in democracy. We participate in every election. This time, they are not allowing us to participate. Thousands of our people are in jail or are facing cases. People have left Bangladesh but they will come again. When there will be a level-playing field. People will give their verdict for Bangladesh. We will receive a landslide victory, if there is an inclusive election," said Kamal. Our Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman failed to protect our governmentHe did not keep his word. He betrayed us," said Kamal, adding, His activities, behaviour, action surprised us on August 5. On August 4, he confirmed he would do his best to protect Dhaka and Hasina." On August 5 stir It was a silent coup. The Army and Navy chiefs betrayed us," Kamal said. Zaman betrayed us. It was possible we could solve it politically. Zaman confirmed he would do his best to solve the problem." Awami League is often accused of running away instead of facing a coup and going to jails, unlike Nepal where every politician stayed in the country and faced the circumstances. Our leader was forced to leaveSome of the leaders accompanied. We waited for one month in Bangladesh. I left Bangladesh in September. There was massacre, burning, killing, especially Awami League people were targeted by BNP and Jamat-e-Islam," he said. They burned, killed, looted, reaped women workers. Thats why leaders left Bangladesh. The judiciary is corrupt. Till today, not a single leader has got bail. Seeing no other remedy, we left Bangladesh." On Yunus government The people of Bangladesh are emotional. They are now opposing the Yunus government. In a very short time, the Yunus government will be thrown out," said Kamal. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On India The Indian government is our trusted friend. They have supported our Liberation War. Pakistan is supporting Yunus," he said. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: November 04, 2025, 16:31 IST News world Yunus Will Be Out, Hasina Will Be Back: Bangladesh Leader Blames Army Chief For Ouster | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The sole survivor of the Air India crash that killed 241 people this summer says he feels both "the luckiest man alive" and overwhelmed by grief and trauma. Viswashkumar Ramesh escaped the wreckage of the London-bound flight in Ahmedabad but lost his younger brother, Ajay, who was also on board. "My brother is my backbone," he told BBC News . "Last few years, he was always supporting me." The crash occurred in June shortly after takeoff in western India. Video showed Ramesh emerging with only superficial injuries while smoke billowed from the plane. Ramesh is now back home in Leicester, England, where, according to advisers, he is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. He said that he is unable to speak with his wife and young son, and that he spends most of his time alone. He said he is also dealing with physical pain in his leg, shoulder, knee, and back, and can't work or drive. "When I walk, not walk properly, slowly, slowly, my wife help," he said. Ramesh said he has not received any medical treatment since returning to the UK. The family's fishing business in India, which he'd run with his brother, has collapsed. The airline has offered him an interim payment of about $27,000, but his advisers say it's not enough. They also said the airline has ignored or rejected their requests to meet, claims Air India disputes. Ramesh, 39, told told the PA news agency that he "lost everything" in the crash, per the Guardian, including "my happiness." A brazen daylight raid on the Louvre last month was initially seen as a heist worthy of Ocean's Eleven, but prosecutors say the thieves weren't the criminal masterminds they initially seemed to be. The suspects, all from the northern suburbs of Paris and described by prosecutors as "small-time criminals," left behind a trail of blundersincluding a glove, a truck that they attempted to set on fire, and the most valuable jewel of all: Empress Eugenie's diamond-and-emerald crown. Investigators say four people in custody, including three men believed to have been members of the four-person crew that carried out the theft, have no apparent links to organized crime, CNN reports. DNA evidence and a history of previous convictions linked them to the crime, though authorities say a fourth member of the crew remains at large"plus, no doubt, the person or persons who ordered the job." Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said two of the suspects were convicted in a 2015 theft case, the AP reports. She said a 39-year-old man in custody has 11 previous convictions, 10 of them for robbery, and a 37-year-old man has 15 convictions, two of them for robbery. Another suspect, a 34-year-old Algerian national, has a criminal history consisting mostly of road traffic offenses. Beccuau said their profiles don't match those "generally associated with the upper echelons of organized crime." Beccuau said their criminal profiles are not surprising. "What we are seeing now is that people with no significant association with organized crime are progressing relatively quickly to committing extremely serious crimes." A 38-year-old woman in custody is the partner of one of the other suspects, investigators say. She has been charged with complicity in organized theft and criminal conspiracy. She was in tears during a court appearance Saturday and her lawyer said she was "devastated." Three other people arrested last week were released without being charged. In the Oct. 19 heist, which took just seven minutes, the thieves made off with jewels worth more than $100 million after using a truck with an extendable ladder to gain access to the museum's Apollo Gallery. "They surely were not Ocean's Eleven," Chris Marinello, head of Art Recovery International and founder of the Art Theft Register, tells the Telegraph. "In Ocean's Eleven, you don't get caught, you don't drop a crown, you don't leave DNA and you don't leave your tools behind. However, they did take on the Louvre, one of the most well-funded museums, in broad daylight. It's almost as if it were a glorified smash and grab." He says that French police did a "phenomenal job" tracking the suspects down but that it may be too late to recover the stolen crown jewels. "With jewelry, it's completely different to paintings," he says. "They can cut them up, break them up, and you'd never see them again." George Banks, one of the most notorious mass murderers in US history, has died. Banks, 83, died Sunday at Phoenix state prison in Pennsylvania, the state Department of Corrections said. Banks died of complications from renal neoplasm, or kidney cancer, said Montgomery County Coroner Janine Darby. Banks had been in prison since 1982 after shooting 14 people and killing 13, including his own children, during a rampage in Wilkes-Barre, the AP reports. At the time, it was considered one of the worst mass murders in American history. He was convicted of 12 counts of first-degree murder and one count of third-degree murder. Kim Yong Nam, a quintessential North Korean bureaucrat whose lifelong loyalty to the ruling Kim dynasty allowed him to serve as the country's ceremonial head of state for two decades, has died, North Korea's state media reported Tuesday. The Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday that Kim Yong Nam, former president of the Presidium of North Korea's rubber-stamp Supreme People's Assembly, died Monday at 97. KCNA said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the bier of Kim Yong Nam on Tuesday to express deep condolences over his death. Kim Yong Nam served as head of the Supreme People's Assembly from 1998 to April 2019, the AP reports. That post is North Korea's nominal head of state, though the true power was held by the Kim family that has ruled the North since its formal foundation in 1948. Kim Yong Nam regularly gave propaganda-filled speeches in a deep, booming voice at key state events and appeared in state media greeting visiting foreign dignitaries on behalf of current leader Kim Jong Un and his late father, Kim Jong Il. In February 2018, he traveled to South Korea with Kim Jong Un's influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, to attend the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Olympics as Pyongyang sought better ties with Seoul and Washington after a year of heightened animosities on the Korean Peninsula. The trip made Kim Yong Nam the highest-level North Korean official to visit South Korea since Kim Jong Un sent a top military officer to attend the closing ceremony of the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. At the Pyeongchang opening ceremony, Kim Yong Nam and Kim Yo Jong sat within feet of then-Vice President Mike Pence, though the two sides made no apparent contact. North Korea's brief period of diplomatic openness peaked with the summits between Kim Jong Un and President Trump in 2018 and 2019, but Kim Yong Nam did not attend them, and his influence was seen as waning due to his age. The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 67 as the storm leaves a trail of devastation across the Caribbean. Jamaican officials on Monday confirmed at least 32 fatalities in the country, with another eight unconfirmed deaths under investigation, per Fox Weather . Earlier reports put the toll at 34 in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, per NBC News . "The scale of destruction is unlike anything we have seen in decades," Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness tweeted Monday after touring devastated areas. Reports describe the storm ripping roofs off homes, damaging hospitals, and stripping vegetation from Jamaica's now-bald mountains. At the storm's peak, more than three-quarters of Jamaica was without power. That number had dropped to under half by Monday afternoon. "We understand the inconvenience and help is on the way," said Hugh Grant, president and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company, per NBC. Many Jamaicans are returning to homes, or what is left of them, to assess the damage as a US task force assists with ongoing search and rescue missions. Sen. Abka Fitz-Henley described the destruction in southwest Jamaica's Saint Elizabeth Parish as "heartbreaking," recalling how he encountered two hungry children holding a sign asking for food. "I'd urge all Jamaicans who are able, let us do what we can to assist our brothers and sisters, our children, boys and girls, to build back stronger," he said. Jamaica faces between $2.2 billion and $4.2 billion in insured damages, according to risk assessment firm Verisk, which described "near total destruction of buildings." Total losses across the Caribbean are estimated at up to $52 billion, according to AccuWeather. The US has pledged $11 million in aid to support relief efforts in Jamaica. Arizona high school teachers have received a flood of threats after a Halloween costume featuring fake blood was interpreted on social media as mocking the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The "Problem Solved" shirts, worn by math teachers at Cienega High School near Tucson, were intended as a math joke and had been used in previous years, district Superintendent John Carruth said. After the school's Halloween post that included a photo of the teachers went up, the Washington Post reports, allegations circulated online that the costume referenced Kirk's recent assassination, though there was no reference to the activist on the shirts. State Rep. Rachel Keshel, a Republican, called for the teachers' firing, arguing the shirts were inappropriate regardless of intent and violated the dress code. By Monday, the teachers and their families had received hundreds of threatening messages. Authorities reported no credible threats, but the Pima County Sheriff's Office increased its presence at the school. The district shared examples of violent messages, including one suggesting the teachers should be "school shooting victims." Carruth apologized and said the teachers were distressed by the backlash, emphasizing that there was never any intent to reference violence or Kirk. He added the district would not allow the shirts in the future. One person said in a post on X that her husband "honors and loves Charlie (Kirk) and he wore (the shirt) this week" after buying it last year, per the Arizona Daily Star. Kirk, who was killed in September at age 31, was a political activist and founder of Turning Point USA. On Saturday, a spokesman for the organization posted a screenshot of the photo of the teachers wearing the Halloween shirts. "They deserve to be famous, and fired," the spokesman wrote. Later in the day, he posted a photo of the teachers wearing the shirts last year. The superintendent said no students or parents at the school had complained about the costumes. Jon Stewart is sticking around at the Daily Show for at least another year, according to Comedy Central. The network announced Monday that Stewart's contract has been extended through 2026, ensuring his continued presence as host one night a week, the New York Times reports. Stewart, whose initial deal was set to expire in December, had recently indicated his interest in staying on. Since Stewart's return to the show in February 2024, ratings have seen a boost, especially on Mondays when he is at the desk. The rest of the week, hosting duties rotate among correspondents including Ronny Chieng, Michael Kosta, Josh Johnson, Desi Lydic, and Jordan Klepper. Comedy Central described the renewal as a win for viewers and the network, which faces a shrinking late-night landscape. Stewart himself has likened the current state of late-night hosting to running a Tower Records in the era of streaming. Notably, Stephen Colbert's Late Show is set to end in May, with CBS exiting the late-night genre entirely. Jimmy Kimmel's show continues on ABC, though Kimmel has hinted retirement may be looming. NBC still airs Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, while streaming platforms have largely failed to make a dent in the format. This extension marks Stewart's first under David Ellison, who became CEO of Paramount, Comedy Central's parent company, last August. Ellison has received praise from President Trump, who has sharply criticized most late-night hosts, including Stewart. Since his return, Stewart, who originally hosted the show solo from 1999 to 2015, has been an outspoken critic of Trump and his administrationthough, as USA Today notes, he's also criticized Democrats a fair amount. The network also recently locked in a major deal with the South Park creators, whose show, like Stewart's, has not shied away from lampooning Trump. As NBC News notes, Stewart will now be at the Daily Show during next year's midterm elections. A summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could happen as early as next year, according to South Korea's National Intelligence Service. The spy agency told lawmakers on Tuesday that Kim appears open to renewing dialogue with the United States, especially if conditions turn favorable after a period of public disengagement, per NBC News . The timing for such a meeting would likely be after the US and South Korea finish their annual joint military drills in Marchexercises that North Korea routinely criticizes as provocative, though both Washington and Seoul insist they're defensive. Despite speculation that Trump might meet Kim during his recent Asia trip, no meeting took place. Trump cited scheduling conflicts and the priority of his meeting with China's Xi Jinping, but he has said he's willing to return to Asia for talks with Kim, emphasizing their "great relationship." Trump is expected to visit China again in April. Kim has reportedly been preparing for talks behind the scenes, adjusting his public messaging with potential negotiations in mind. The leaders met three times during Trump's previous term, but the talks fell apart over disputes about US-led sanctions. Since then, Kim has expanded his nuclear and ballistic missile programs and deepened ties with Russia, including military support for Moscow's war in Ukraine. Publicly, North Korea continues to insist it won't negotiate unless Washington recognizes it as a nuclear power, dismissing denuclearization as unrealistic. However, Kim was quoted in September as saying there was "no reason for us not to sit down with the United States," per the Independent. Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, has announced it will vote against Tesla CEO Elon Musk's proposed $1 trillion pay package. The fund, which holds a $17 billion stake in Tesla, cited concerns about the award's scale, potential dilution, and what it calls "key person risk"the problem of relying too heavily on one executive, per the Guardian . The Norges Bank announcement comes just before Tesla's annual shareholder meeting on Thursday, where investors will decide whether to approve the unprecedented compensation deal. The fund claims about a 1.16% stake in Tesla, the sixth biggest holding among institutional investors, per the AP. If approved, the package could make Musk the world's first trillionaire, increasing his Tesla stake from about 16% to over 25% if the company's value rises from $1 trillion to $8.5 trillion over the next decade, per the Guardian. The fund said it recognizes Musk's significant contributions to Tesla and wants to maintain a "constructive dialogue" with the company. Other major shareholders and advisory groups, including Glass Lewis and ISS, have also recommended voting against the package. Several large pension funds, such as the California Public Employees' Retirement System, have expressed opposition as well. Baron Capital, however, says it will back the plan, per Reuters. This isn't the first time Norway's fund has rejected a hefty Musk paydayit also voted against his previous $56 billion award, a deal that was initially approved by shareholders but later struck down by a Delaware court, per the Guardian. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has apparently heard the speculation that some New Yorkers might flee the city should frontrunner Zohran Mamdani win the mayoral election on Tuesday. "After the polls close tomorrow night, I will impose a 100% tariff on anyone moving to Texas from NYC," the governor joked on the X platform Monday night, per the Houston Chronicle . Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who would be New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor if elected, has angered conservativesand President Trumpwith a progressive platform that includes proposals for expanded affordable housing, universal childcare, and free bus rides. His outspoken criticism of law enforcement and his characterization of the Israel-Hamas conflict as genocide have further fueled conservative backlash. Abbott's quip may be rooted in a kernel of truth. The New York Post reports that realtors in suburban Westchester County as well as Connecticut have been fielding a "frenzy" of calls from wealthy New York City residents looking to pick up homes. "Our open houses are the hottest ticket in town," a Westchester realtor tells the outlet. "It is even crazier than it was during COVID." The United Nations Environment Programme is expanding on what we already know : The world is set to surpass its key climate target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius within the next decade. In its annual Emissions Gap Report released on Tuesday, the agency points to sluggish action by countries on cutting greenhouse gas emissions as the main reason for missing the goal outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement. "This will be difficult to reverserequiring faster and bigger additional reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to minimize overshoot," the UNEP said. Lead report author Anne Olhoff told Reuters that deep emissions cuts could slow down when the overshoot happens, "but we can no longer totally avoid it." Under the Paris Agreement, nations committed to keeping temperature rise well below 2C and ideally to 1.5C above preindustrial levels. But even if countries deliver on their latest promises, the world is still on track for 2.3C to 2.5C of warming, according to the report. That's a slight improvement from a year ago, but not enough to change the overall outlook. Current policies, as opposed to pledges, would push warming even higher, to around 2.8C. The report notes some progress since 2015, when the world was headed for about 4C of warming. However, global emissions rose 2.3% in 2024, reaching 57.7 gigatons of CO2 equivalent. The UN said President Trump's move to pull the US from the Paris Agreement would eliminate 0.1C of progress, with policy changes raising US emissions by 1 gigaton through 2030, per Politico. The findings arrive as countries prepare for next week's COP30 climate summit, where debates over how to accelerate and fund emissions cuts are expected to take center stage. A convicted sex offender from Oklahoma who vanished more than a decade ago by staging his own bloody death was discovered living under a new identity and attending college in upstate New York, authorities say. Anthony Lennon, 44, was one of Oklahoma's "Ten Most Wanted" before his arrest last week, according to state and federal officials. Lennon was first convicted in 2008 on child pornography charges after a friend found 50 gigabytes of images on his computer, per NBC News . He pleaded guilty in 2010 and received a suspended sentence. In 2012, facing a second round of child pornography charges, Lennon disappeared from his job at an Oklahoma hotel. Police found a pool of blood, one of Lennon's shoes, and evidence of a robbery, but investigators ultimately determined Lennon had faked his own death, WWNY reports. They noted Lennon had emptied his bank accounts just before vanishing. Over the years, authorities picked up occasional hints of Lennon's whereabouts, including 2020 activity on his Amazon account, traced to North Carolina, and a possible sighting of him at a Dallas convention in 2022. Then last week, the US Marshals Service received a tip that pointed them to Canton, New York, where Lennon was arrested in the parking lot of a Price Chopper, per WWNY. According to a federal complaint, Lennon managed to obtain a new state ID, birth certificate, and even attempted to get a passport under an alias. He ultimately enrolled at the State University of New York at Canton as "Justin Phillips," where he started in the engineering science program last fall, living off campus. His true identity was only revealed after his arrest, when fingerprints identified him as Lennon, the US Marshals Service said. The university confirmed a student known as "Justin Phillips" was arrested and has been barred from campus. Lennon is now facing additional charges, including failure to register as a sex offender, as authorities probe his life over the last 13 years. A Halloween parade float made for a Catholic school in Pennsylvania sparked outrage after it featured a replica of the infamous "Arbeit Macht Frei" arch from Auschwitz, prompting swift apologies from both the artist behind the project and church officials. Artist Galen Shelly, tasked with creating a float for St. Joseph's School in Hanover, said a last-minute scramble for decorations led him to mistakenly copy an image of the Nazi death camp gateway, complete with the notorious slogan. Shelly tells PennLive he intended only to illustrate the theme that "none of us get out of this life alive," and did not realize his reference was one of history's most recognizable symbols of genocide. "I had no ill intent," Shelly says. "I made a mistake and I am deeply sorry." Shelly says he searched online for images of cemetery gates after an archway he ordered didn't arrive on time. Images of the float, which appeared in a local parade on October 30, drew a swift backlash after being posted online. The diocese of Harrisburg said it was unaware of the Holocaust imagery, which was not part of the original, approved design. Timothy Senior, the bishop of Harrisburg, apologized on behalf of the church, emphasizing that Catholics "stand firmly against all forms of antisemitism, hatred, and prejudice." "The inclusion of this image, one that represents the horrific suffering and murder of millions of innocent people, including six million Jews during the Holocaust, is profoundly offensive and unacceptable," the bishop said in a statement. Leaders at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, which operates the school, also apologized, citing a "lack of vigilance" in failing to inspect the float ahead of the parade. The parish canceled youth events over the weekend after a threatening and obscene voicemail was left for the school's principal, the AP reports. A man was later charged with making terroristic threats. The bishop promised the diocese would use the incident as an "opportunity for education and reflection" and review its approval processes to prevent similar mistakes. "Arbeit Macht Frei," meaning "work makes you free," was on the gates at Auschwitz and other Nazi death camps. The Guardian describes it as a slogan intended "to mock those who passed through the gates to face brutality and extermination." New Jersey officials had to deal with an unexpected wrench on Election Day: Emailed bomb threats sent to polling sites across the state. All were eventually deemed to be hoaxes, reports the New York Times , but they caused some polling stations to temporarily close in the morning. In other cases, voters were directed to a different station, per NJ.com . At least seven of the state's 21 counties received the threats. "It's an inconvenience," said Mayor Andre Sayegh of Paterson, where emailed threats targeted two schools used as voting stations. "Whoever is doing this is trying to disrupt this election. They're trying to create a little chaos." Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said the threats in his city and others appeared to originate from the same email address, and an investigation is underway. The incidents echoed similar Election Day hoaxes that disrupted voting in several states during the 2024 presidential contest. (New Jersey's gubernatorial contest is one of the biggest races of the day nationally.) A second escaped monkey in Mississippi been shot and killed and authorities said Tuesday that they were still searching for a third. The rhesus monkeys escaped a week ago after a truck overturned on Interstate 59. Someone shot the monkey after seeing it cross the highway on Monday evening about a mile from the scene of the Oct. 28 crash, Jasper County Sheriff Sheriff Randy Johnson said. Johnson said he was contacted by a person with the transport company who recovered the monkey after a civilian shot it, the AP reports. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks confirmed Tuesday in a news release that one monkey was still unaccounted for after two of the escaped monkeys were "recovered deceased." Officials have warned that people should not approach the monkeys, saying they are known to be aggressive. Over the weekend, a woman who said she feared for the safety of her children shot and killed another escaped monkey after her 16-year-old son saw it outside their home near Heidelberg. Jessica Bond Ferguson said she and other residents had been warned that the escaped monkeys carried diseases so she shot it. The truck was carrying 21 monkeys when it crashed north of Heidelberg last week and several monkeys escaped. Five monkeys were killed during the search and three were missing initially, officials said. The monkeys had been housed at the Tulane University National Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, which routinely provides primates to scientific research organizations, according to the university. After the escape, the university said reports that the monkeys were infected with diseases were "erroneous information." Tulane has said it wasn't transporting the monkeys and they do not belong to the university. The remaining 13 monkeys arrived at their original destination last week, according to Tulane. The MDWFP says it is coordinating with Jasper County officials and any "credible" monkey sightings should be reported to 1-800-BE-SMART, the Clarion Ledger reports. Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing or contributing today. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com Bede Bahrain, the innovative microfinance solutions app, has announced the launch of two new AI services powered by Zain Bahrains advanced artificial intelligence infrastructure. These include a Generative AI Chatbot and a new AI-generated voice for all IVR system prompts, designed to deliver clearer and more consistent customer interactions. The new service, which is now available on WhatsApp (+973 13633333) and bede.bh, has been developed in collaboration with Zain Bahrain. This marks a significant milestone in Bedes digital transformation journey. Bede Bahrain is elevating accessibility, convenience, and personalization for its customers, ensuring 24/7 engagement across digital and voice channels through the integrated generative AI and advanced speech technologies. The Generative AI Chatbot provides intelligent, human-like assistance, allowing customers to easily inquire about products, services, or application status in real time. Meanwhile, the AI-generated voice delivers all IVR messages in a natural, consistent, and locally tuned voice, improving comprehension and customer satisfaction. A.Nasser Al-Rayes, CEO of Bede Bahrain, expressed, At Bede Bahrain, our mission has always been to create innovative digital solutions that make our customers lives easier. Now, with the introduction of the generative AI Chatbot, we have seen significant improvements in customer response time. This technology allows Bede Bahrain to stay connected with its customers anytime, anywhere, and in a way that feels natural and effortless. Abdulla Salmeen, Chief Customer Care Officer at Zain Bahrain, commented: We are proud to see Bede Bahrain leverage Zains advanced AI capabilities to enhance customer experience in such a meaningful way. This reflects our shared commitment to driving digital transformation and using technology to create smarter, more intuitive customer interactions across industries. Bede Bahrains AI-driven customer engagement platform marks a milestone in Bahrains digital transformation journey, showcasing how AI innovation, powered by Zain Bahrain, continues to redefine convenience, efficiency, and accessibility for customers nationwide. Bede continues to drive innovation that simplifies access to financing, providing customers with solutions and tools that meet and exceed their expectations in a digital economy. The App offers a straightforward registration process with minimal requirements. Users can apply for any type of financing in just a few minutes, from anywhere and at any time throughout the week, making the process seamless and comfortable. NAHA, Nov 04 (News On Japan) - The sound of classical music echoed along Nahas Kokusai Street when the Ryukyu Symphony Orchestra held a surprise outdoor performance, drawing loud applause from passersby. On October 31st, during the lively Halloween celebrations crowded with tourists, musicians dressed in costumes suddenly appeared one after another at the square in front of Tenbusu Naha, instruments in hand. The surprise concert was organized by the Ryukyu Symphony Orchestra, a professional ensemble active mainly in Okinawa, to announce the relocation of its base from Urasoe City to Tenbusu Naha. Ryukyu Symphony Orchestra Secretary General Keisuke Nakamura said: "Performing outdoors is rare for us, so we were worried about how well the sound would carry. But the atmosphere turned out to be full of joy, and it was a wonderful experience." As the music began unexpectedly, pedestrians stopped to listen, captivated by the beautiful harmonies that filled the street, and responded with enthusiastic applause. Source: OTV TOKYO, Nov 04 (News On Japan) - The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans to introduce a new system starting in June 2027 that will, in principle, deny changes or renewals of residence status for foreign residents who fail to pay their national health insurance premiums despite repeated requests for payment. Foreign residents staying in Japan for more than three months who are not enrolled in their companys health insurance are required to join the National Health Insurance system. However, as of the end of last year, only 63 percent of foreign members had paid their premiums, according to a government survey. In response, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Immigration Services Agency have decided to implement a system to restrict visa renewals or status changes for foreigners who refuse to pay. Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Keizo Ueno said: "From the perspective of realizing an orderly, mutually respectful society where Japanese and foreigners can live safely and securely, it is essential to promote appropriate use of the social security system." Preparations are now underway to ensure the system can begin operation in June 2027. Source: TBS Phnom Penh, Nov 05 (News On Japan) - Thirteen Japanese nationals are among 57 foreigners detained in a police raid on a special fraud base in southeastern Cambodia, according to local reports. Footage captured by JNN showed Cambodian authorities raiding a facility believed to be used for large-scale international scams. Reporters on the scene described police vehicles surrounding the building as officers conducted searches inside. Buses were later seen leaving the site, apparently transporting those taken into custody. Local media said those detained included Singaporean and other foreign nationals along with the 13 Japanese. Authorities seized mobile phones, computers, and communication devices, suspecting the site was used for international fraud operations. Source: TBS POUSO ALEGRE, Brazil, Nov. 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- Yang Dongsheng, Chairman of XCMG Machinery, met Brazilian President Lula at the Presidential Palace, with the vice president and chief of staff present. Lula praised XCMG's decade-plus contributions--industrial upgrading, energy efficiency, digital transformation, and stable banking--and backed a planned research institute. XCMG Strengthens South America Footprint with High-End, Green Growth and New Regional Hubs Yang reviewed XCMG's shift from trade and greenfield plants to its "intelligent revolution, digital transformation, and global connection" initiative, reaffirming a focus on high-end, green, localized, talent-driven growth. Both sides agreed to explore cooperation in R&D, finance, talent training, and green mining. In Brasilia, Chairman Yang met with China's ambassador to review XCMG's two decades in Brazil and future investments, highlighting progress in intelligent, green, and digital transformation. Ambassador Zhu praised XCMG's role in deepening ChinaBrazil economic and cultural ties and pledged support for Chinese enterprises to expand cooperation across industrial, supply, and value chains. During the visit, Chairman Yang inspected XCMG's Brazilian base and industrial park, where in 13 years the company has grown into a modern hub--home to China's first overseas manufacturing bank--and a model of globalized Chinese machinery. He reviewed production, digital/intelligent upgrades, and talent development, emphasizing localization, innovation, and longterm planning. Meetings with employees, clients, and dealers on green mining, digital management, and customized solutions led to plans to expand cooperation. XCMG Brazil's deep local integration and strong partnerships underscore its commitment to highquality, sustainable, globally connected growth. Meanwhile, XCMG joined the "Brasil Produtivo" event in Sao Paulo, where officials and industry leaders discussed highquality growth in construction machinery. Governors praised XCMG's role in local development and ChinaBrazil cooperation. Chairman Yang outlined the shift from exports to local manufacturing and brand building, and pledged continued investment in R&D, manufacturing, and services, with a focus on highend, intelligent, green, globalized, serviceoriented growth. Following the events in Brazil, Chairman Yang visited Chile, Argentina, and Peru, meeting Chinese ambassadors to strengthen cooperation and local partnerships. He outlined XCMG's localized operations and strategy, reaffirming commitments to deeper investment, stronger service systems, and green, intelligent, efficient industrial development. The ambassadors praised XCMG's progress and role in ChinaSouth America ties, urging continued compliance, brand building, and benchmark-setting for Chinese enterprises abroad., enhance brand influence, and set new benchmarks for Chinese enterprises abroad. In Chile, Chairman Yang met key mining clients and opened XCMG's new service center, marking a shift from exports to full local operations. The center integrates parts, aftersales, training, and demos to boost service capacity. He emphasized deeper local presence and techdriven, green, intelligent solutions. XCMG will expand localization to support highquality growth in Chile and the region. Around the same period, XCMG cranes were deployed at Chile's Chuquicamata openpit copper mine, including latestgeneration allterrain, offroad truck, and hybrid models. They offer highend lifting with industryleading capacity and stability, and their mobility enables rapid relocation and flexible, allweather operation across the site. In Argentina, Chairman Yang Dongsheng pursued strategic partnerships with government, universities, and Chinese enterprises to advance industrial-chain collaboration and innovation. XCMG signed a framework agreement with local partners on newenergy sanitation equipment to support the country's green, lowcarbon transition, and partnered with a leading university to establish the Argentina Heavy Machinery Operation and Maintenance Center, creating a talent pipeline that integrates industry, academia, and research. In Lima, Peru, XCMG opened a 24,000squaremeter hub on South America's west coast, integrating exhibition, service, training, and spare parts. Officials and industry partners praised its role in local infrastructure and ChinaPeru cooperation. Chairman Yang said the center will strengthen service systems, enhance engineer training, provide fulllifecycle support, and support community and education initiatives to create winwin opportunities in mining, energy, and infrastructure. Through this South America tour, XCMG showcased the strength and responsibility of Chinese manufacturing. Looking ahead, it will advance its global strategy--leveraging engineering technology and highquality equipment--and partner with international stakeholders to build a mutually beneficial industrial ecosystem. SOURCE XCMG Machinery Shuangshuang Zhu, [email protected] A Bergen County judge on Tuesday rejected more than 400 mail-in ballots that were returned without an inner envelope, ordering local officials to notify the impacted voters in time to allow them to hurry to their polling station before the end of the day. The Bergen County Board of Elections was directed to immediately contact the 447 voters who cast the naked ballots and alert them to the procedural misstep. Each affected voter will be allowed to report to their polling place and cast a provisional ballot, according to the order. Under state election rules, ballots must arrive inside both a pre-addressed outer envelope and a smaller internal privacy sleeve. The error led to the disqualification of the ballots after the Bergen County Board of Elections deadlocked 33 on whether to allow correction, according to the New Jersey Globe, which first reported the issue on Sunday. The deadlock was along party lines, with the boards Democratic members wanting to notify the voters, and its Republicans opposing it, according to the Globe. On Monday, the New Jersey Democratic State Committee filed a lawsuit against the board seeking an emergency application to safeguard the right to vote in Bergen County. Without notification, the committees complaint said, the affected voters will be disenfranchised without any opportunity to vote provisionally or obtain judicial relief until after Election Day is over, constituting irreparabl[e] injury. The voters identities and their political affiliations were not clear, and are only known to the board, according to the complaint. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday morning to consider whether the voters who dont go to the polls may cure their ballots after Election Day. New Jerseys polls are open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Voters who arrive before 8 p.m. will be able to cast their votes, no matter how long the line. A South Jersey school district agreed to pay a former employee $115,000 to settle claims that she was fired and replaced because of her pregnancy. The Maple Shade Board of Education reached the settlement earlier this year with Ashley Craven, a former social worker at Maude Wilkins Elementary School. Craven began working at the school in 2022 and disclosed a high-risk pregnancy within her first few months on the job in January of 2023, according to court records. About three weeks later, she was notified that her position would not be renewed for the 202324 school year. She later received a formal letter in May 2023 stating that her position had been abolished. While the district cited budget constraints, Cravens exact position was later advertised and offered to another candidate who was not pregnant, according to the complaint. Craven had strong performance reviews and a good rapport with her supervisor at the time she disclosed her pregnancy, the lawsuit says. Her lawsuit, filed in Burlington County Superior Court, alleged pregnancy discrimination. The settlement, first reported by TransparencyNJ and reviewed by NJ Advance Media, includes about $38,000 in legal fees. Cravens attorney, Philadelphia-based Joseph Toddy, did not immediately return requests for comment. District officials also did not respond to an emailed request for comment. The settlement terms specified that the district denied wrongdoing and said the agreement was intended to avoid the cost of ongoing litigation. A woman was killed and five others injured in an fire Saturday, Nov. 1 at Autumn Ridge apartments in Gloucester Township. Gloucester Township police One of the six people injured in a fire at an apartment complex in Gloucester Township on Saturday has died of her injuries, authorities said. Family members have identified the victim as Emily Prather, according to a GoFundMe established to raise money to help her husband and cover funeral expenses. Emily was a light in every life she touched full of kindness, laughter, and love," the GoFundMe post said. She had a beautiful spirit that radiated warmth and compassion. She cared deeply for others and always put her family first. Her strength, faith, and gentle heart will be forever remembered by everyone who knew her. Fire officials said the fire at building C of the Autumn Ridge apartment complex is not suspicious. However, police said in a statement that residents are urged to test smoke detectors regularly and use caution with candles, stoves, and space heaters, never leaving them unattended and keeping flammable materials away from heat sources. Simple precautions like these can prevent fires and save lives, the statement said. Flames shoot from building C at the Autumn Ridge apartment complex in Gloucester Township on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. A woman died of her injuries several days after the fire. Gloucester Township police The fire broke out at about 2:10 a.m. with 100 people fleeing from the 42-unit building on Little Gloucester Road. Firefighters from departments in eight municipalities battled the fire for four hours before bringing it under control. Five civilians, including Prather, were injured, with the other four in stable condition, while a firefighter was treated for minor injuries. The building has been deemed uninhabitable. Police have not said exactly when Prather succumbed to her injuries. The owner and an employee of a Vineland group home for intellectually disabled people are the most recent people charged with neglecting and abusing an elderly resident, investigators announced Monday. Elwyn Pennsylvania Delaware, Inc. of Elwyn, Pennsylvania, and Gwendolyn Singletary, were arraigned on Oct. 20 on charges of third-degree neglect of an elderly or disabled person and third-degree conspiracy to commit neglect of an elderly or disabled person, according to a statement from the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office. Singletary was also charged with fourth-degree assault on an institutionalized person. Other employees have been indicted by the office over the last few months. Elwyn operated the Strathmore Group Home for intellectually disabled adults in Vineland, the office said. The Elwyn group home, its director of operations Inkie Mars and Bryan F. Firlein, its clinical director, were all responsible for putting policies and procedures in place for the general safety of the residents, investigators said. On April 13, 2023, the victim, identified only by their initials, S.K., was a resident of the home and suffered a fall, authorities said. Operations manager DeShay Dickson, along with Brenda Hichens Torres and Michele Beirne, who both work as direct support professionals at the group home, allegedly failed to check S.K. for injuries after the fall and failed to assist her to her feet for over three hours, the office said. Two days later, S.K. either fell again or dropped to the ground, investigators said. She remained on the floor for nearly seven hours without assistance. During that time, neither Singletary nor Dickson checked S.K. for injuries or assisted her to her feet for more than three hours, officials said. The Elwyn group home, Mars, and Firlein allegedly failed to put policies or protocols in place to prevent the incidents from occurring or to remediate such events should they occur, the office said. Mars, Beirne and Firlein were arraigned on July 14, 2025, also on charges of neglect of an elderly or disabled person, and conspiracy to commit the same offense, authorities said. On Sept. 19, Beirne was admitted into pre-trial intervention and agreed to serve 100 hours of community service and to refrain from working as a direct-care worker for elderly persons, children, the seriously mentally ill, intellectually disabled or other vulnerable populations. Dickson and Hichens Torres were arraigned on Sept. 5, the office said. Failure to respond quickly and properly to a resident in need of care is not only wrong but may constitute a crime, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement. The behavior described in the indictment goes beyond mere neglect. We will not allow conduct like this in our care facilities. Elwyn spokesperson Kurt Knaus said in a statement that the company denies any criminal conduct in its management of this facility, and anticipates resolving this matter through a non-criminal, administrative resolution mutually acceptable with Elwyn and the New Jersey Attorney General. A former New Jersey corrections officer has been sentenced to five years in state prison for attacking an inmate in 2017, officials said. Cortlen S. Flax, 37, of Woodbury, received a five-year sentence without the possibility of parole on Friday, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office. Flax was convicted in July of second-degree official misconduct and simple assault. The misconduct charge carried a potential sentence of up to 10 years, with a minimum of five years before parole eligibility. The judge merged the assault conviction with the misconduct offense. Flax, who became a state prison guard in 2013, was accused of entering inmate Julio Valdezs cell at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton and striking him in the head, rupturing his eardrum. Prosecutors said the attack occurred on Feb. 14, 2017, after an encounter in the prison dining hall. Valdez, 61, of Jersey City, was serving time for burglary and criminal mischief. According to a later lawsuit, Valdez spoke to Flax in Spanish while looking for a seat, which allegedly aggravated the officer. Valdez claimed Flax gestured for him to return to his cell, then followed him there, shouted at him, and struck him unconscious. The lawsuit also alleged Flax tried to cover up the injury and that other guards ignored Valdez as he passed by. Valdez was treated the next morning at the infirmary, 13 hours after the attack. Valdez later filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in 2019, alleging the assault stemmed from a language barrier and caused lasting injuries, including hearing loss, severe headaches, nightmares, and PTSD symptoms. The case was settled that year under undisclosed terms. Flaxs attorneys, Stuart J. Alterman and Donna OBrien, sought a new trial in September, arguing that evidence presented to the jury did not accurately depict the assault. The request was denied, as was a motion for bail pending appeal. Alterman said he plans to appeal, challenging testimony from a physician who examined Valdez, claiming the doctor was not qualified as an ear, nose, and throat expert. We would want to overturn the conviction, Alterman said, adding that cases like this discourage people from becoming law enforcement officers. Valdezs civil attorney, Jason Kanterman, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. MSNBC has set a date for its upcoming name and logo change. Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 15, MSNBC will be known as MS NOW. The new name is an acronym for My Source for News, Opinion, and the World. The rebrand is the final stage of the cable news channels split from NBC News and parent company Comcast. In an interview published on Tuesday, Nov. 4, prominent MS NOW political commentator Rachel Maddow told the New York Times that the name change isnt something that [MSNBC] sought out. Now that NBC News and MSNBC are no longer sister networks, Comcast executives wanted them to have distinct names to avoid any potential confusion. While Maddow was annoyed by the decision at first, she now sees it as a positive. [Its a chance] to reintroduce ourselves to people, to reintroduce ourselves to the country, and remind our viewers what it is they like about us, she told the New York Times. Im kind of happy about it. NBCUniversal announced in November 2024 that most of its cable networks, including MSNBC, would be spinning off to a new publicly traded company called Versant. Oxygen, E!, USA, SyFy, and CNBC are also under the Versant umbrella. In August, Versant CEO Mark Lazarus noted that NBCU had decided to keep its iconic peacock symbol within the NBCU family. That led to the creation of the new MS NOW logo: a waving banner with two red stripes. READ MORE: Trump claims its probably illegal for Late Night host to mock him This gives us the opportunity to chart our own path forward, create distinct brand identities, and establish an independent news organization following the spin, Lazarus said in a memo at the time. For all of the talk of establishing MS NOW as its own distinct entity, the networks president, Rebecca Kutler, said in August that although the name and logo is changing, who we are and what we do will not. The MS in MSNBC originally stood for Microsoft. When MSNBC was launched in July 1996, it was a joint venture between NBC News and the tech company. Microsoft divested its stake from the channel in 2005 and from the website in 2012. According to the New York Times, MS NOW is spending about $20 million on a marketing campaign to introduce viewers to the new name. The fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, Nov. 14, has been canceled. The event, which was set to take place at Miamis Kaseya Center, was going to be livestreamed on Netflix. The streaming platform released a joint statement with fight promoter Most Valuable Promotions announcing the cancelation. Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate this situation responsibly, Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakiska Bidarian said in the statement, which was issued via Instagram on Monday, Nov. 3. While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jakes opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We thank Netflix, the Kaseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for their partnership. The statement also noted that fans who purchased their tickets via Ticketmaster will get an automatic refund within 2-3 weeks. Fans who purchased through secondary markets, such as SeatGeek and StubHub, should contact those sites directly. While Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions didnt share a reason for the fights cancelation, the decision comes one week after Davis was accused of domestic violence in a civil lawsuit. Davis ex-girlfriend Courtney Rossel accused him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, per ESPN. Rossel alleged that Davis stormed into the Miami gentlemens club where she worked as a VIP cocktail server and attacked her in a back room. She further claimed that there were at least four previous incidents where Davis physically assaulted her and two occasions where he threatened to kill her. The lawsuit comes two months after another one of Davis ex-girlfriends, who is also the mother of two of his three children, dropped a domestic violence case against him. READ MORE: What on Earth is going on with David Harbour? His controversies explained NJ.com has reached out to Davis and to Netflix for comment. Paul had some strong words for Davis on Monday, which he shared via his Instagram Story. Gervonta Davis is an actual walking human piece of garbage. Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots, Paul wrote. If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit. Paul went on to say that he didnt want to give this woman abuser a platform to grow his fans and to grow his bank account. He emphasized that his own company champions women and called it scary that devilish men like [Davis] can rise to the top of culture and sports. READ MORE: Trump claims its probably illegal for Late Night host to mock him Netflix previously livestreamed Pauls fight against boxing legend Mike Tyson in November 2024. According to Netflix, the Paul-Tyson fight was the most-streamed sporting event to date. Paul is already looking for his next opponent. He ended his statement about Davis with, As for me its on to the next as always. Anyone. Anytime. Any place. Parents throughout New Jersey are scrambling to find new doctors following an announcement from Optum Health. Getty Images Optum Health, a subsidiary of the global health company UnitedHealth Group, is closing 19 pediatric offices across New Jersey. The announcement leaves families in six different counties scrambling to find new doctors, from the tip of Bergen County to the Jersey Shore. A majority of the locations closing only provide primary care, but some of them offer specialized services that are difficult to get elsewhere. For example, when the pediatric office located on Hudson Street in Hoboken closes next month, Optum will no longer offer any pediatric pulmonology services in New Jersey. The office locations are set to close on Dec. 1, according to the companys website. An Optum spokesperson said the decision was made following an internal review. As part of our commitment to making health care more affordable, we regularly review our services, footprint and staffing levels to ensure they meet the needs of the people we serve, our business and evolving market dynamics. We will continue to provide pediatric, primary care, cardiology, rheumatology and urgent care in certain locations across New Jersey. We are providing clear information and support to our patients to ensure uninterrupted care, the spokesperson said in a statement sent to NJ Advance Media. Here are the 19 office locations closing in New Jersey, according to Optums website: Bergen County 18 Railroad Ave., Suite 103, Rochelle Park 870 Palisade Ave., Suite 201, Teaneck Essex County 228 Franklin Ave., Nutley 616 Bloomfield Ave., Suite 1A, West Caldwell 745 Northfield Ave., West Orange Hudson County 1111 Hudson St., Hoboken 232 Clinton St., Hoboken 324 Palisade Ave., second floor, Jersey City 714 10th St., level one, Secaucus 4201 New York Ave., Union City Middlesex County 1130 U.S. Route 1, Edison Monmouth County 495 Iron Bridge Rd., Suite 1, Freehold 70 Ramtown-Greenville Rd., Howell 831 Tennent Rd., Suite 1A, Manalapan 4000 state Route 66, Suite 125, Tinton Falls 3350 state Route 138, Suite 126, Building 2, Wall Ocean County A North Brunswick police officer advises a voter the polling place at Livingston Park School in North Brunswick, New Jersey is closed due to a bomb threat. The voter will have to go to Linwood School to vote. Nov, 4, 2025 Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media A Middlesex County juvenile has been accused of texting a bomb threat to a polling location during Tuesdays general election in New Jersey, officials with the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said. The North Brunswick juvenile was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after authorities said they texted a bomb threat to the Livingston Park Elementary School polling location, officials said. North Brunswick police began receiving several reports of a bomb threat at the elementary school at 8:15 a.m., officials said. The area was swept by the North Brunswick Police Departments explosive detection K-9 unit and Middlesex County Sheriffs Department, and was cleared of any threats, officials said. The juvenile was identified as a suspect and the electronic devices used to make the threats were recovered, officials said. Voters who expected to cast their ballots at Livingston Park Elementary School were redirected to Linwood School on Tuesday morning. It was unclear whether the juvenile was connected to any of the other bomb threats called into several other polling locations in seven counties early Tuesday morning. A spokesperson for the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Several New Jersey polling locations were moved on Election Day due to emailed bomb threats, which officials said were not credible. Early this morning, law enforcement responded to threats that were received by email involving certain polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties, the state Office of the Attorney General said in a statement Tuesday morning. Law enforcement officers have responded at each affected polling place, and they have worked swiftly to secure these polling locations and ensure the safety of every voter. Some of these polling locations have already re-opened to the public. At others, voters will be directed to a nearby polling location to cast their ballot. In Monmouth County, a polling location was relocated to the Belmar courtroom at 601 Main St., and in Woodbridge, the polling location at Avenel Middle School was moved to Woodbine Avenue Elementary School on Woodbine Avenue in Avenel. Newark police said they were investigating the origin of multiple phishing emails regarding fake claims of bomb threats Tuesday morning. A threat on Gotthardt Street was unfounded, a police spokeswoman said in an email, and all polling locations were open as of 9:30 a.m. Threats were also being investigated in Passaic, Bergen and Mercer counties earlier Tuesday morning, authorities said. Middletown officials celebrated the completion of a new veterans housing facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 2. Township of Middletown Middletown officials celebrated the completion of a new veterans housing facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday. The 22,000-square-foot development, designed by DMR Architects, provides 12 residential units for eligible veterans in Campbells Junction section of the township. The Middletown Veterans Housing development addresses a critical need for affordable housing in an area with one of New Jerseys largest veteran populations, officials said. Our veterans have given their all to grant us the freedoms we have today, Mayor Tony Perry in a statement. This affordable housing complex is just a small token of our everlasting appreciation for their bravery and sacrifices. Beyond private living spaces, the facility includes activity rooms and lounges with televisions, pool and game tables, and a front porch for relaxation and socializing. The development also incorporates patriotic elements such as American, MIA, and KIA flagpoles and a stone memorial at the entrance honoring fallen heroes. These features were developed in collaboration with Middletowns Veterans Affairs Committee, which supports various veteran programs throughout the township. The new housing complex transformed a long-vacant property that was formerly a tool rental company. China urges Netherlands to work toward constructive solution to Nexperia issue Xinhua) 16:57, November 04, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday urged the Netherlands to stop interfering in internal corporate affairs and work toward a constructive solution to the issue of the semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia. A spokesperson for the ministry made the remarks when asked to comment on recent issues related to Nexperia, an overseas subsidiary of Chinese company Wingtech. The spokesperson said the Dutch side failing to take concrete action to resolve the issue will inevitably deepen the adverse impact on the global semiconductor supply chain, an outcome neither the Chinese side nor the global industry wishes to see. China hopes the Dutch side, with the goal of maintaining China-Netherlands and China-Europe economic and trade relations as well as the stability and security of industrial and supply chains, can act responsibly and work in the same direction with China, the spokesperson said. China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises, and strive to maintain the stable and smooth operation of the global semiconductor supply chain, the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) / by Source - All articles and letters published on Bulawayo24 have been independently written by members of Bulawayo24's community. The views of users published on Bulawayo24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Bulawayo24. Bulawayo24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received. A judge has thrown out a defamation suit against a New Jersey radio station and morning host accused of calling a child psychologist a crackpot and child abuser on air. The comments were directed toward Dr. Steven Tobias during The Bill Spadea Show on 101.5 after Tobias said children should be eased into mask wearing during the COVID crisis, according to court papers. Judge Jonathan Romankow dismissed the lawsuit on Oct. 31, however, calling Spadeas comments protected as opinion under the First Amendment, and not statements of fact. Bill Spadea is a conservative media personality, entrepreneur, and well-known political figure from New Jersey. He is best known as the former morning-drive host on NJ 101.5 radio. Spadea has run for Congress and, most recently, for governor in the 2025 New Jersey Republican primary, where he finished second to Jack Ciattarelli. Tobias, who is director of the Center for Child and Family Development, claimed Spadea launched a vicious attack on him personally and professionally. Tobias should literally be indicted for child abuse, Spadea allegedly said, according to the lawsuit filed on Sept. 12, 2022, in Morris County Superior Court. Spadea took issue with the idea of children wearing masks all day in school, calling the idea abuse of children. You should avoid at all costs sending your kids or subjecting your family to the advice of crackpots like Steven Tobias, Spadea said, according to the suit. The guy is a complete nut who is totally complicit in child abuse, Spadea said. He also referred to Tobias as a clown, according to the suit. Tobias claimed he was duped into appearing on the segment. He alleged that he was promised that he would not be asked to take a political stand on mask wearing and claimed his practice received negative online reviews as a result. Romankow rejected a breach of contract argument, finding no evidence that the psychologist, who had volunteered his time to educate listeners about COVID and mask wearing, had a legal agreement. Tobias claimed he had an oral contract with a reporter who invited him on the show, but the judge found there was no evidence of a legal agreement. Tobias attorney, Matthew Priore, said his client is considering an appeal. Accusing a child psychologist of child abuse is the equivalent of accusing a veterinarian of animal cruelty, a gynecologist of sexual abuse or a judge of taking bribes. It is defamation," Priore said in an email. Attorneys for Townsquare Media, which owns the station, did not return a call seeking comment. Note: This story was updated to include comments from Matthew Priore, the attorney representing Tobias. A woman from New York is facing criminal charges in a high-speed crash that killed another driver in Morris County. Ana-Maria Ciofu, 26, of Brooklyn, was charged on Monday with second-degree vehicular homicide and the disorderly persons offense of assault by auto, the Morris County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. The crash happened on Aug. 31 shortly before 6 p.m. on Route 206 near the intersections of Lamerson Road and Fox Chase Road in Chester Township. Investigators alleged that Ciofu was driving north on Route 206 at an excessive rate of speed when she hit another car, authorities said. The driver of the other car later died from injuries sustained during the crash, officials said. The victims name has not been released. A passenger in Ciofus vehicule suffered injuries, prosecutors said. Authorities did not say why Ciofu was charged more than two months after the crash. She was granted pretrial release following her initial court appearance on Monday. A pre-indictment conference is scheduled for Dec. 15. Visitors enjoying a day at the beach in June in Seaside Park, New Jersey. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media An Ocean County town is taking another step toward making a big change. Seaside Park will hold two public meetings for residents to speak on the proposed annexation of the South Seaside Park neighborhood in Berkeley Township, officials said. It is the latest development stemming from a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling in July upholding the South Seaside Park neighborhoods right to pursue an exit from its current Ocean County town to join another municipality. The South Seaside Park neighborhood has debated for years whether it should leave Berkeley Township to become part of neighboring Seaside Park. Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione said the township does not want to lose the neighborhood but, in light of the high court ruling, has run out of legal options. We dont want to see South Seaside Park leave Berkeley. Its waterfront property. On top of that, financially, it represents 10.43% of our tax base, Bacchione said. Seaside Park will have to decide whether it wants the neighborhood in its borders, he said. It really is up to Seaside Park. Its in the hands of their governing body. Im sure theyll make the right decision, Bacchione told NJ Advance Media on Friday. Seaside Park Mayor John Peterson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The two public meetings in Seaside Park will be held Nov. 10 and Nov. 24. The meetings will include a presentation from Government Strategy Group, a Wall-based firm that Seaside Park hired in September to prepare an annexation impact study. The firm is being paid up to $125,000, according to the agreement. Upon receiving the report, the Seaside Park council will decide whether to pursue a local ordinance authorizing the addition of South Seaside Park, business administrator Karen Kroon told NJ Advance Media on Friday. The change would not need voter approval in Seaside Park, Kroon said. More than 70% of registered voters in South Seaside Park submitted petitions in support of the proposed exit in 2014. The idea was rejected in 2021 by the Berkeley Township Council. South Seaside Park is the only part of Berkeley located on the barrier island with Seaside Park and is separated from the rest of the township by Barnegat Bay. The neighborhood covers approximately 10 blocks and has several hundred residents. To access most Berkeley Township services, South Seaside Park residents must leave the barrier island and travel up to 16 miles through seven other municipalities, residents said. It is rare for New Jersey municipalities to merge or adjust borders. In Morris County, the possibility of merging Roxbury and Mount Arlington was discussed for several years before being abandoned in 2019. The most recent merger was in 2013, when Princeton Township and Princeton Borough formed the Municipality of Princeton. Prior to its incorporation in 1898, Seaside Park was part of Berkeley. Seaside Park is just under one square mile and has approximately 2,000 residents. Emailed bomb threats at polling locations across the state, including the Livingston Park School here in North Brunswick, brought out the police on Election Day. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Fake bomb threats targeted polling locations in seven states across the country during last years 2024 presidential election. This year, it happened once again in New Jersey. Amid the tight gubernatorial race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, polling sites in several counties were hit with bomb or swatting threats on Election Day, officials reported on Tuesday. While none were deemed credible, the incidents caused some polling locations to be briefly shut down or moved to nearby locations. It was a low-tech crime with apparently little-to-no impact, despite the consequences for anyone held accountable. Brian Krebs, a well-known cyber sleuth operating the website krebsonsecurity.com, said bomb scares are easy and cheap to carry out, and do not require any sort of skills. Indeed, there were at least 227 bomb threats during the 2024 election that targeted polling locations, election offices, and tabulation centers around the country according to a report earlier this year by The Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law. Many of those threats zeroed in on numerous polling places in presidential swing states such as Georgia, Arizona and Pennsylvania. As in New Jersey for the gubernatorial race, the emailed threats briefly interfered with voting. Some poll hours were extended by courts as a result. Sean Morales-Doyle, director of the Brennan Centers Voting Rights and Elections Program, said he hoped such incidents would not be something that becomes commonplace on Election Day. But weve seen it in a couple of elections in a row now, so I would not be shocked to see it again in the future, he said. Both in 2024 and in this current election, Morales-Doyle noted that law enforcement and election officials had been working closely together before anyone went to the polls and were likely far more prepared to respond, as the Brennan Center found in its report. In fact, there was relatively little disruption to voting in 2024. While polling places may have been temporarily closed, he said there was little evidence that people had been discouraged to vote. Does this kind of disruption have an impact on voting? I dont think so, he said. I dont think they have swung elections one way or another. Emailed threats The threats in New Jersey on Tuesday targeted polling locations in some of the states largest counties Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Passaic. State and federal officials are continuing to investigate to determine who may have been responsible. The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office announced a North Brunswick juvenile was taken into custody for a bomb threat at the townships Livingston Park Elementary School polling location. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said law enforcement officials responded to each polling place to secure the locations. Some were later reopened to the public, while elsewhere voters were directed to other nearby polling locations to cast their ballot. Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, said in a social media post that her office was monitoring the situation with state and local authorities. We will ensure all voters can exercise their right to vote today in a safe manner, Habba wrote. An FBI spokeswoman meanwhile said the bureau was aware of the incidents, adding it was working with our state and local partners to assist them with any potential issues. Law enforcement officials offered no clues as to who may have orchestrated the hoax. But during the 2024 national election, the FBI said many appeared to originate from Russian email domains. The two gubernatorial candidates and their campaigns in New Jersey denounced the Election Day efforts. Theres no place in politics for nonsense like this. Fortunately, first responders are doing a great job to ensure that everybody is able to resume voting quickly and safely, said Chris Russell, a Ciattarelli strategist. Sherrill, in a statement, said the threats were a clear attempt to undermine our democratic system and intimidate New Jerseyans from going to the polls to exercise their right to vote, expressing gratitude for law enforcements swift response. We will not stand for voter suppression in our state and I encourage all New Jerseyans to not be deterred as they cast their ballots today, she said on social media. Morales-Doyle, meanwhile, observed that while such threats are not difficult to carry out, there can nevertheless be serious consequences. He said there are federal laws that make it a crime to conspire to interfering with the right to vote. There are also laws on the books dating back to the era of Reconstruction that make it illegal to intimidate voters. The trend toward early voting and voting by mail has also limited the impact of attempts of interference on Election Day itself, he suggested. Everyone should feel safe and confident in going out and casting their vote, he said. NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report. Progressive activist David Hogg roasted conservative pundit Scott Jennings during a heated debate on CNN about the New York City mayoral election. Hogg, the president of Leaders We Deserve, explained on Mondays CNN NewsNight that his organization donated $300,000 to Democrat Zohran Mamdanis mayoral campaign. He praised Mamdani for connecting with New York City voters about issues that matter most to them, like affordability. One of the things that Zohran did in this race is he went to voters and asked them, what do you want to see in your mayor, and listened, and had a clear message around affordability, Hogg said. And whether its the governors race in Virginia, the governors race in New Jersey, or the mayoral race in New York, or other races around the country, theres a clear through line, even if some of them are more moderate or more to the left of talking about affordability. And not just saying, oh, we need to lower prices, but saying what theyre actually going to do on it, Hogg continued. Moments later, Jennings bashed Mamdani as a socialist, echoing the insults that were hurled by President Donald Trump on social media. Trump endorsed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, on Monday night. Hes probably going to win. I mean, its a Democrat town and theyre going to elect a socialist to run the financial capital of the world, Jennings said on CNN. He then commented on Hoggs donation to Mamdanis campaign. You gave him 300 grand, thats interesting. Thats probably the only 300 non-Islamo-Marxist grand that he got, Jennings quipped. Hogg then roasted Jennings over his Rolex watch. And honestly I think part of the reason hes so powerful is because people are tired of being lectured by men with Rolexes on CNN about affordability in this country. Thats the real reason he is resonating right now because he has a clear message that actually says this is what I plan to do, Hogg said. I dont think this is about going to the left of the right to be honest with you. Do I agree with Zohran much more than a lot of other Democrats in our party? Certainly. But I think we need to meet voters where theyre at in their districts. In some districts thats going to be more conservative, Hogg added. Jennings responded: But you want a socialist future for your party. I want a future where peopleeverybody has health care and people can afford a good life, Hogg replied. The exchange came just hours before Tuesdays election, where Mamdani has emerged as the frontrunner. Mamdani has a clear lead in recent polls as New Yorkers head to cast their votes in the citys election on Tuesday. Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist, has risen to national prominence after he beat Cuomo for the Democratic Partys nomination earlier this year. Polls are now open across New Jersey for a massive, watched-across-the-nation Election Day that will decide who becomes the states next governor. Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker, and Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a congresswoman, are vying to take over for term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. The race will determine whether the governorship stays in Democratic hands or goes Republican for the first time in eight years. Its one of only two gubernatorial contests in the U.S. along with Virginia and is considered a barometer for how voters are feeling about President Donald Trumps second term. This is a New Jersey election, but its also a national election, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, of New Jerseys two Democratic senators, said this week. Trump has been a big part of the race. He has endorsed Ciattarelli, and Sherrill has vowed to protect the state from the presidents policies. Another theme of the contest has been affordability, with both candidates promising to bring down taxes, electric rates, and costs, in different ways, at a time polls show voters have economic anxiety. All 80 seats in the state Assembly are also on the ballot. And local races include mayoral elections in Jersey City and Atlantic city. More than 1.4 million voters have already cast ballots via mail or early in person heading into Election Day, including about 690,000 Democrats, 390,000 Republicans, and 279,000 unaffiliated and independent voters. That means Democrats carry a 300,000-vote advantage over Republicans. Heres more on what you need to know: Polls across New Jersey are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. As long as you are in line by 8 p.m., youre allowed to vote. The same goes if youre dropping off a vote-by-mail ballot in a dropbox. The dropboxes are locked at 8 p.m., but if theres a line at that time you can drop in your ballot. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a New Jersey resident, and registered to vote. Check here to see if youre registered. If you havent registered yet, the deadline has passed for this year. Your polling location is assigned based on your address. Click here and plug in your address to find where you vote. You can either vote in person on traditional machines use mail-in ballots. If you are opting for mail-in ballots, there are three ways to do this today: Mail them, put them in designated boxes in each county, or deliver them in person to your countys Board of Elections office. If you want to mail a ballot, it must be postmarked by 8 p.m. today, and be received by your countys Board of Elections on or before six days after Election Day. To make sure your ballot is postmarked on time, the state Division of Elections suggests going up to the counter at a U.S. Post Office and have a clerk manually stamp the postmark on your ballot envelope. You can also return mail-in ballots to one of several drop boxes in your county by 8 p.m. today. Warning: If you drop yours off in a box outside of the county where youre registered maybe because you see a dropbox on your commute to work your vote will most likely not be counted, election officials warn. Find locations here. Or you can deliver your mail-in ballot in person to your countys Board of Elections office by 8 p.m. today. Find those offices here. You can check your ballots status on the states Track My Ballot website website. New Jersey gubernatorial candidates Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee, and Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee. Ed Murray | For NJ Advance Media / Canva Illustration GOVERNOR Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican former state Assemblyman, and Mikie Sherrill, a Democratic member of the U.S. House, are vying to become New Jerseys 57th governor. Its an open seat because Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy is limited to two consecutive terms under the state constitution. Its been a close, combative, sometimes personal race. Ciattarelli is running again four years after nearly unseating Murphy. This time, he has President Donald Trumps endorsement a year after Trump improved his margins in the state. And Ciattarelli says the state needs change after eight years of all-Democratic rule. Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman first elected in the 2018 blue wave that swept over Jersey during Trumps first midterms, is now aiming to become just the states second woman governor. And shes promising to be a bulwark against Trump and his policies. Both candidates have also presented different plans to make the state more affordable for residents an issue polls show is top of mind for voters. And a big focus will be how the critical blocs Black and Latino voters come out for Sherrill or boost Ciattarelli a year after Trump made gains with them. The prevailing question is: Will anti-Trump fervor return the state to a pre-2024 environment or will frustration with Democrats cause Trumps gains to stick? Sherrill recently told reporters she talks about Trumps administration because we are seeing an attack on that basic contract that basic middle-class contract that you should be able to do well and your kids should be able to do better. ... And Jack Ciattarelli is going right along with him. Ciattarelli recently said the race is about property taxes, electricity bills, public safety, education, and over-development New Jersey issues that my opponent wants to blame on the president. Hes got nothing to do with any of those things. It has everything to do with her party. Most surveys have also showed Sherrill leading Ciattarelli, though by single digits anywhere from 1 to 9 percentage points. Plus, its on pace to be the most expensive governors race in state history. Libertarian Party nominee Vic Kaplan and Socialist Workers Party nominee Joanne Kuniansky are also running. READ MORE: The New Jersey Assembly chambers at the Statehouse in Trenton. STATE ASSEMBLY All 80 seats are up in the Assembly, the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature, the governing body in Trenton that passes the states laws and budget. Democrats currently control the majority, 52 seats to Republicans 28. Each of the states 40 legislative districts have two Assembly seats. Most races are not considered competitive, although there are several to watch including in the 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 30th districts. There is also one special election for a state Senate seat, in the 35th District. LOCAL RACES In Jersey City, seven candidates are running to succeed outgoing Democratic Mayor Steve Fulop. They are: city council President Joyce Watterman, former city school board president Mussab Ali, resident Kalki Jayne-Rose, former Gov. Jim McGreevey, Hudson County Commissioner Bill ODea, city Councilman James Solomon, and city police officer Christina Freeman. In Atlantic City, Democrat Mayor Marty Small is running for re-election against Republican Naeem Khan. This comes as Small is facing state charges on child abuse. The New Jersey Secretary of State serves as the states chief election official. If you have concerns about voting and elections, call the state Division of Elections voting information and assistance line at 877-NJVOTER (877-658-6837). Separately, the state Attorney Generals Office of Public Integrity and Accountability investigates public corruption and election crimes. To report a potential crime, call 844-OPIA-TIPS. The Attorney Generals Office has an anti-corruption reward program that will offer a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to a conviction for a crime involving public corruption. For more details, see http://nj.gov/oag/corruption/reward.html. There will be full results and coverage of key races on NJ.com after the polls close. NJ.com will also host its first-ever livestream on the results and analysis of what happened beginning at 8 p.m. READ MORE: Its unclear. Murphy signed a law in 2022 allowing mail-in ballots to be counted starting five days before Election Day. That makes it more likely well get results on Tuesday night. But the governors race is so tight, some insiders wonder if we may not know the winner this evening. The Senate is expected to vote Tuesday for a 14th time on a GOP stopgap measure, as GOP leadership appears ready to pivot. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP The federal government shutdown is on the verge of setting a new political record as neither Democrats nor Republicans show any signs of compromising in the ongoing stalemate. Congress tied for its longest-ever shutdown in U.S. history on Tuesday, stretching into the 35th day. It matches a record set under President Donald Trumps first term in office, as federal workers from airports to the military have been left unpaid, and federal food assistance has been brought to a halt. The Senate is expected to vote once again on Tuesday on the GOPs continuing resolution which already passed the House in September after it failed to advance for the 13th time last week. While congressional Republicans have pushed to temporarily fund the government until Nov. 21, Democrats have mainly remained united on a separate measure centered on extending Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year. The latest step comes as Trump has repeatedly called on his party to eliminate the filibuster a procedure that allows senators to delay or block votes on legislation by extending debate. To end the filibuster, the Senate would need to modify its rules with 60 votes, or a simple majority, meaning a handful of Democrats would need to join the GOPs 53-seat majority. The Democrats are far more likely to win the Midterms, and the next Presidential Election, if we dont do the Termination of the Filibuster (The Nuclear Option!), because it will be impossible for Republicans to get Common Sense Policies done with these Crazed Democrat Lunatics being able to block everything by withholding their votes, Trump said on his Truth Social platform Tuesday. FOR THREE YEARS, NOTHING WILL BE PASSED, AND REPUBLICANS WILL BE BLAMED. Trump and the GOP, which controls both chambers in Congress, have already continued to shoulder the blame for the shutdown in several recent polls. According to an NBC News poll released Sunday, 52% of voters point to Trump and congressional Republicans for the funding impasse, while 42% blame congressional Democrats. Four percent of respondents found both parties responsible. A poll from CBS News, also out on Sunday, found Republicans and Democrats in Congress neck and neck, both with a 55% disapproval. Trump also has negative marks, at 56% giving him a thumbs down. A CNN poll, published Monday, revealed that 61% of Americans disapprove of Trumps handling of the shutdown, as around 8 in 10 view the situation as a crisis. Last month, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that Trumps approval rating had increased slightly, despite Americans blaming Republicans more for the shutdown. The poll noted that 50% of Americans believe that Republican congressional leaders are the main culprits for the shutdown, with 43% seeing Democratic leadership as deserving of blame. Another Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll from last month indicated that 45% of Americans say Trump and the GOP are responsible, compared to 33% for Democrats and 22% who are unsure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Monday he is optimistic that the shutdown will come to an end this week, and is now considering a stopgap spending bill into January or later to provide more time to finalize appropriations for fiscal year 2026. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) stunned the hosts of The View Tuesday during her highly anticipated debut on the long-running daytime talk show. During the hour-long program, Greene called out weak Republican men, blamed House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for the government shutdown and criticized the Israeli governments strikes in Gaza. The MAGA loyalist received applause from the audience and praise from the five-woman panel. Im sitting here just stumped, you know, because you are a very different person than I thought, co-host Sunny Hostin told Greene. Youve gone so right, its like youre on the left now. Greene has broken with Republicans on a number of key issues during President Donald Trumps second term, and she doubled down on those stances during Tuesdays interview. Here are some excerpts from Greenes appearance on The View. Pushing for the release of the Epstein files Greene in September was one of four GOP House members to sign a discharge petition to force a vote on unsealing federal files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The petition remains one signature shy of triggering a vote as Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) waits to be sworn in. Greene: It seems like very rich and powerful men are being protected. I will sign anybodys resolution, and Ill get onboard with anyones push to release those files. Because this is about women, especially when they were teenagers, who were victims of rape and sexual abuse by Jeffrey Epstein. And according to the victims, there is a list of men that they havent released yet because they are afraid of lawsuits. I said I would read the list for them on the House floor because I have speech and debate protection there. What does it say to them if our government will not release the information on the most famous convicted pedophile in history. What is that message? And I think its horrendous. The embarrassment of the shutdown Johnson has kept the House out of session since Sept. 19 and has said he wont recall members until Senate Democrats vote to advance the stopgap spending bill to reopen the government. On Tuesday, the House-passed bill fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance in the Senate. Greene: The worst thing that I just cant get over is were not working right now. And I put that criticism directly on the Speaker of the House. It is an embarrassment to me that were not in session. However, I voted to fund the federal government on September 18. I want all federal employees to be paid. I want all the programs to be funded. I think that is our job, all of us together, Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate. And Im with women, so I feel very comfortable saying this: Im really tired of the pissing contest in Washington, D.C., between the men. Questioning the GOP health care plan Greene has called out Johnson for not providing details on a Republican alternative to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Senate Democrats have said they will block the House spending bill until the GOP agrees to negotiate on ACA tax credits due to expire at the end of this year. Greene: I yelled at Mike Johnson last week on our GOP conference call. And by the way, Im missing the call today. Its going on right now. And I hope that Mike Johnson has finally given a single health care policy. The country deserves it, and it shouldnt be a secret. And I shouldnt have to go into a SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) to go find our Republican health insurance plan. The right to criticize Israel Greene said Hamas terrorist attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, was horrific and the worst thing. However, she stood by her previous remarks describing the crisis in Gaza as a genocide. Greene: I would say that tide has completely changed. I think many Americans today see the difference as, you can love Jewish Americans, you can love Jewish people and not be critical of people at all. I have the right to criticize a foreign government, and I can criticize as many of them as I want. And I can say October 7 was the worst thing and horrific, but I can equally say that starving children and killing innocent people and children in Gaza is also horrible. No plans to switch allegiances Greene shot down The View co-host Joy Behars suggestion that she should become a Democrat. Greene: For me, I am unapologetically America first and Ill do anything I can to work hard to save our country. Im not a Democrat. You want to know something? Ill say this, I think both parties have failed. Both parties have failed. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on board Air Force One on his way back to the White House from a weekend trip at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP Comedian Jon Stewart ripped President Donald Trump for hosting a Great Gatsby-themed party in Mar-a-Lago the night before millions of Americans lost their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Multiple news outlets reported that the gathering on Friday was themed A little party never killed nobody as millions of Americans prepared for their SNAP benefits to be stripped the following day amid the ongoing government shutdown. Stewart blasted Trump for the party in an expletive-laced monologue during Mondays episode of The Daily Show. Dripping with sarcasm, Stewart said that Americans expected to see images of Trumps concern and dedication to those losing their SNAP benefits over the weekend. He then showed a video of Trumps lavish Great Gatsby party that featured a dancer sitting in a huge cocktail glass. He wasnt working for the American people. That was just some Hollywood Babylon s--- that once and for all shows that Donald Trump doesnt give a f--- about even looking like he gives a f--- at all, Stewart said to applause. On the very night SNAP benefits ended, Trump threw a Great Gatsby-themed ode to decadence and hedonism that even Jeffrey Epstein would have thought was a little over the top, Stewart continued. There were dancers, costumes, champagne, a wonderful celebration where the theme was apparently gross income inequality. The slogan of the party as people were losing their food benefits was, I s--- you not, a little party never killed nobody, he added. He then questioned whether Trump ever read the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Did you even read The Great Gatsby? Spoiler alert. The party killed somebody. Two bodies. How do you not know that? I knew that. And Ive only read the cliff notes. The Great Gatsby is a cautionary tale, Stewart said. He then bashed Trump for building a ballroom while Americans are struggling. Usually in a time of national suffering, theres a generally accepted principle in leadership that you at least pretend to feel the pain of the people that you represent. But this president seems to go out of his way to let struggling Americans know that he is doing very well. Your premiums may be going up. Tariffs may be shutting down your small businesses. You may be losing your food assistance. But itll all be okay because Donald Trump is building a ballroom, Stewart said. Its not clear when the government shutdown could end. Democrats have vowed to oppose any GOP spending legislation that does not include an extension for Affordable Care Act subsidies that are expiring at the end of the year. Meanwhile, Republicans have refused to negotiate with Democrats. The Trump administration announced on Monday that it would be partially funding SNAP benefits after previously refusing to use emergency funds to do so. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, had planned to freeze payments starting Nov. 1 because it said it could no longer keep funding it during the federal government shutdown. The program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is a major piece of the nations social safety net. It costs more than $8 billion per month nationally. The government says an emergency fund it will use has $4.65 billion enough to cover about half the normal benefits. Exhausting the fund potentially sets the stage for a similar situation in December if the shutdown isnt resolved by then. Its not clear exactly how much beneficiaries will receive, nor how quickly they will see value show up on the debit cards they use to buy groceries. November payments have already been delayed for millions of people. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., meets with reporters on day 35 of the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended President Donald Trump for hosting a Halloween party just hours before millions of Americans lost their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits last week. Multiple news outlets reported that the Friday night gathering at Mar-a-Lago was themed A little party never killed nobody as millions of Americans faced the expiration of their SNAP benefits the following day. On Tuesday, Johnson was asked to comment on the Trump administrations decision to only partially fund SNAP as the president hosted the lavish party. What about the split screen about the fact that the Trump administration is administering only part of the SNAP program while President Trump is having a Great Gatsby party at Mar-a-Lago? the reporter asked Johnson. Johnson criticized the reporters question in response, arguing that the party was an obligatory tradition for Trump. I reject the premise of the question, Johnson said. The president, by the way, the president had an annual Halloween theme party every year at Mar a Lago. Thats what he went back to, his obligatory tradition. And I just discount what youre trying to do there, he added. The party received widespread backlash as it was held just hours before SNAP benefits expired for millions of Americans. Late-night hosts on Monday criticized Trump for the event, with comedian Jon Stewart calling it an ode to decadence and hedonism. He wasnt working for the American people. That was just some Hollywood Babylon s--- that once and for all shows that Donald Trump doesnt give a f--- about even looking like he gives a f--- at all, Stewart said to applause. On the very night SNAP benefits ended, Trump threw a Great Gatsby-themed ode to decadence and hedonism that even Jeffrey Epstein would have thought was a little over the top, Stewart continued. There were dancers, costumes, champagne, a wonderful celebration where the theme was apparently gross income inequality. Johnson also argued that Trump is trying to ease the pain for Americans affected by the shutdown, such as allowing SNAP to be partially funded. The White House has bent over backwards, as weve recounted here every morning to make sure that Americans pain is mitigated as much as possible, reduced as much as possible, Johnson said. However, his comments came just minutes before Trump announced he would not be funding SNAP despite two federal judges ordering his administration to do so. SNAP BENEFITS, which increased by Billions and Billions of Dollars (MANY FOLD!) during Crooked Joe Bidens disastrous term in office (Due to the fact that they were haphazardly handed to anyone for the asking, as opposed to just those in need, which is the purpose of SNAP!), will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before! Trump wrote on Truth Social. The federal government is seeking the power to cancel applications for groups of visa holders at least in part due to concerns of fraud from India and Bangladesh, according to internal documents obtained by CBC News. A departmental presentation to the immigration minister's office said that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and unnamed U.S. partners are aiming to identify and cancel fraudulent visitor visa applications. The Canadian entities and U.S. partners formed a working group looking to beef up authorities to refuse and cancel visas, according to the presentation, which singled out India and Bangladesh as country-specific challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A section explaining how mass cancellation powers could be used listed hypothetical scenarios such as a pandemic, war and country-specific visa holders. Publicly, Immigration Minister Lena Diab has listed a pandemic or war as why the government is seeking these powers, but has not mentioned country-specific visa holders. The presentation provides a further glimpse into Ottawas motivation for gaining those mass cancellation powers. The provision was tabled in Parliament as part of Bill C-2, the government's sweeping border legislation. That bill has since been spun off into two pieces, with mass visa cancellation folded into C-12, which the government is hoping to quickly pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 300 civil society groups have raised concerns over the legislation. Some, such as the Migrant Rights Network, say group cancellations would give the government the ability to set up a mass deportation machine. Immigration lawyers have also wondered if the mass cancellation ability was being sought to allow the federal government to reduce its growing backlog of applications. Asylum claims from Indian nationals increased from fewer than 500 a month in May 2023 to about 2,000 by July 2024, the document said. The presentation says that verifying temporary resident visa applications from India slows down application processing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said processing time rose from an average of 30 days at the end of July 2023 to 54 a year later. It said approvals also started to decline in 2024 as it committed more resources to verification, from more than 63,000 in January to about 48,000 in June. The presentation also noted a rise in no boards in India passengers not allowed to board airplanes as of the summer of 2024. By July 31 of that year 1,873 applicants had been identified for further questioning and sent procedural fairness letters outlining their rights and potential legal recourse. No data about claims from Bangladesh was provided in the document. Last month, IRCC told CBC News in a statement that new powers were not being proposed with a specific group of people or situation in mind, and that decisions would not be taken unilaterally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate document from October 2024, a memorandum to then immigration minister Marc Miller, urged him to push for the department to be given extra visa cancellation powers without naming any individual countries. The ability to cancel temporary resident documents reduces security risks and limits potential misuse of such documents, it noted. The memo also said that the risk of applicants seeking judicial review of the cancellations would depend on the particular facts of each case, notably whether procedural fairness was followed. Concrete steps to control immigration CBC News sent questions about the documents to Diabs office, as well as the Immigration Department and Global Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Immigration Department said in a statement it has taken concrete steps to minimize unnecessary border volumes, increase information sharing and reduce non-genuine visitors and illegal crossings at the border." The department said those actions, including heightened scrutiny of temporary resident visa (TRV) applications from countries with the highest rates of abuse, have led to a 97 per cent drop in illegal U.S. crossings by foreign nationals into Canada from its peak in June 2024. The department also said there has been a 71 per cent drop in asylum claims from TRV holders in May in comparison to the same time last year, and a 25 per cent increase in visa refusals for fraud from January to May, also compared to the same time last year. It did not directly answer a question about why Bangladesh and India were singled out in the internal presentation seen by CBC News, and why a scenario of mass cancellation for country-specific cases was not made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IRCC also did not identify the U.S. partners mentioned in the document, saying it cannot comment on bilateral discussions with foreign governments. The department said each use of mass cancellation powers would be "decided by the Governor in Council" and be published in the Canada Gazette to explain why the order is in the public interest, who will be subject to the order and how theyll be impacted, any exceptions, refunds or other relevant considerations. Mending fences with India While the department is seeking these powers, the federal government has also been trying to restart its relationship with India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two countries have been at odds since 2023, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused agents of the Indian government of potential involvement in the assassination of a Canadian Sikh separatist activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia. The Indian government has denied those allegations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Alberta in June. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press) More recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Canada in June during the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alta., at Prime Minister Mark Carneys invitation and over the protests of Canadas Sikh community. The two expressed an interest in rekindling the bilateral relationship. The two countries renamed high commissioners to each others' jurisdictions in August. The IRCC deferred a query about what impact the powers it is seeking might have on ties between India and Canada to Global Affairs, which has not answered a question from CBC News on the matter. Fox News pundits were furious Tuesday over Zohran Mamdanis response to bomb threats that temporarily disrupted Election Day operations in seven New Jersey counties. Mamdani, the Democrat nominee for New York City mayor, said the non-credible threats were incredibly concerning and an illustration of the attacks were seeing in our democracy. Then, in comments that drew the ire of the Fox News panel, Mamdani said, we have to understand this as part of the general approach the Trump administration has taken to trying to intimidate voters with baseless allegations of voter fraud as a means of trying to repress the voice of Americans across this country. And when we think about how best to fight Trump, Mamdani added, one way we can do so is by understanding Andrew Cuomo for what he is, the candidate endorsed by Trump, Elon (Musk), and Stephen Miller. In response to Mamdanis comments, Fox News host Bill Hemmer said: What in the world is he talking about? Pundit Lisa Kennedy Montgomery went on to compare Mamdani to former Vice President Kamala Harris. He is serving up a Kamala-sized word salad, but hes using Kale instead of Romaine, Montgomery said. Its just a slightly better, finessed verbiage than we were given with her. This is emptiness. It means nothing. What hes doing is deflecting because he doesnt have an answer for this. If God forbid, something like 9/11 happens again ... just think about that. It scares the hell out of me. Trump has a history of making baseless claims about voter fraud, most notably insisting that the 2020 presidential election was rigged" in favor of Joe Biden. Trumps own Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency concluded the 2020 election was the most secure in American history and that there was no evidence of fraud. The Department of Justice, following requests from state Republican parties, sent federal election observers to New Jersey and California to monitor polling sites in several counties on Election Day. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin called the move highly inappropriate and said the DOJ has not even attempted to identify a legitimate basis for its actions, according to the Associated Press. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) agrees with President Donald Trumps repeated calls to eliminate the filibuster in the Senate. Trump continues to push ahead on urging Republicans to end the rule in the upper chamber, with two social media posts on Tuesday marking at least the sixth time in five days that he has urged his party to do away with it. The Democrats are far more likely to win the Midterms, and the next Presidential Election, if we dont do the Termination of the Filibuster (The Nuclear Option!), because it will be impossible for Republicans to get Common Sense Policies done with these Crazed Democrat Lunatics being able to block everything by withholding their votes, Trump said in a post on Truth Social, as voters are set to decide in closely-watched gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. Over an hour later, Trump bluntly wrote in another post, TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER!!! The Senate filibuster which requires a 60-vote threshold for most legislation to be brought to the floor and to advance has been met with speculation in recent years across both sides of the political aisle, with some calling for reform rather than its total elimination. A handful of Democrats would need to join the GOPs 53-seat majority to follow through on Trumps demand. It is now time for the Republicans to play their TRUMP CARD, and go for what is called the Nuclear Option Get rid of the Filibuster, and get rid of it, NOW!" Trump wrote in a post last Thursday, the first time he pushed for the rules eradication. Khanna, who has criticized the president on major issues and has played a large part in pushing for the release of files related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, has emerged as one of the first Democrats to express alignment with Trump on the issue amid the federal government shutdown. In a post on X, Khanna on Monday said that the president is right when it comes to nixing the filibuster. It makes no sense that 51 Senators cant vote to keep government open, Khanna wrote, referencing a simple majority, before adding: The filibuster is simply the Senator ego and power protection mechanism. It follows Khanna telling Fox News early last month that Republicans should abandon it in order to reopen the government. .@realDonaldTrump is right on killing the filibuster. It makes no sense that 51 Senators can't vote to keep government open. Thune can do this today! The filibuster is simply the Senator ego and power protection mechanism. https://t.co/CjMNX6ZhQm Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) November 3, 2025 Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who previously campaigned on canceling the rule, also gave the GOP the green light to carve it out, but only for government funding bills. We ran on killing the filibuster, and now we love it, he said of Democrats last month on Capitol Hill. I support it because it makes it more difficult to shut the government down in the future, and thats where its entirely appropriate. And I dont want to hear any Democrat clutching their pearls about the filibuster. Trumps proposal, however, has faced headwinds from GOP leadership. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) batted down the presidents plea on Monday, telling reporters that The votes arent there. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) suggested that the termination could ultimately give more power to the Democrats. I understand desperate times call for desperate measures, Johnson told reporters on Monday. I also understand that traditionally, weve seen that as an important safeguard. Johnson continued: As much as I have wanted to blow up the filibuster sometimes as a House member when we were not getting what we wanted done in our agenda, I hear my Senate Republican colleagues, some of the most conservative people in Congress, who say its an important safeguard. Trump also called for the elimination of the filibuster to pass his agenda during his first term. President Donald Trump walks down the stairs of Air Force One upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, after returning from Asia. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez) AP President Donald Trumps approval rating just hit the lowest number of his second term, according to a new CNN poll released Monday. The CNN poll, conducted by SSRS, found that Trumps approval rating sank to 37%, marking the lowest point in CNN polling of his second term. His disapproval rating also reached 63%, the highest of either of his terms. His approval rating dropped five percentage points in Mondays poll since it was last conducted in July, when Trump received a 42% approval rating and a 58% disapproval rating. Overall, the poll found that Americans are largely dissatisfied with the state of the country, the economy and how Trump is handling top issues for voters. The poll showed 68% of Americans believe things in the U.S. are going badly, 72% said the economy is in bad shape, and 61% said Trumps policies have worsened economic conditions. Heres how Americans view Trumps handling of other top issues: Foreign policy : 56% believe Trumps policies hurt Americas standing in the world, while 31% believe they helped. Power of the presidency : 61% believe Trump has gone too far in using the power of the executive branch. Another 31% said Trump has been about right and 9% said he hasnt gone far enough. Deportation: 57% believe Trump has gone too far in deporting immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. Another 28% said Trump has been about right and 15% said he hasnt gone far enough. Besides presidential approval, the poll also showed some dissatisfaction with Congress. According to the results, 55% of Americans say Republicans in Congress are doing too much to support Trump. Republicans and GOP-leaning independents were more satisfied with Congress, with 63% saying that their party was doing the right amount to support Trump and 22% saying their party was doing too little. Meanwhile, 40% of Americans believe Democrats in Congress are doing too little to oppose Trump, including 69% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents. The poll was conducted among 1,245 adults from Oct. 27 to 30. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points among the entire sample. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for New Jersey governor, left, is facing a difficult balancing act of not being only criticizing Trump and GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli but still satisfying her base. NJ Advance Media file photo and Andrew Harnik/Getty Images President Donald Trump continued his offensive against New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial nominee Mikie Sherrill on the eve of Election Day. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned voters against supporting Sherrill and Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger at the polls. The president called the two Democrats losers and claimed they would cause utility bills to keep ballooning. VIRGINIA AND NEW JERSEY, REMEMBER THIS: A VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN MEANS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER ENERGY PRICES, A VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT, ESPECIALLY THESE TWO LOSERS WHO ARE RUNNING, MEANS A DOUBLING, TRIPLING, AND EVEN QUADRUPLING OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS, Trump wrote Monday on Truth Social. IT WILL NOT BE SUSTAINABLE, AND YOU WILL RUE THE DAY THAT YOU VOTED TO DESTROY YOUR LIFE! FAILING TO VOTE TOMORROW IS THE SAME AS VOTING FOR A DEMOCRAT. Some New Jersey residents saw their energy bills spike by as much as 20% during a historically hot summer, sparking an investigation into the states primary grid operator, PJM Interconnection. Trump has used that energy bill crisis as a common line of attacks against Sherrill while campaigning for Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli. Mikie, as they call her the only thing shes got is an unusual name, other than that shes terrible, Trump said during an Oct. 24 telerally for Ciattarelli. Mikie Sherrill looks (like) such an innocent name, but her energy policies would send your prices soaring and make New Jersey even more expensive than it already is. Sherrill and Ciattarelli have presented different plans for how they would drive down energy bills. Sherrill has vowed to declare a state of emergency on her first day in office and impose a statewide freeze on energy prices. She supports expanding solar and nuclear power generation, and has also backed initiatives to modernize natural gas production. Ciattarelli has pledged to ban offshore wind farms and withdraw New Jersey from a 10-state agreement to cap carbon dioxide emissions. When Im governor, things are going to change, Ciattarelli said in August. Ill ban offshore wind and diversify our energy sources in New Jersey to once again include natural gas and nuclear. Ill rewrite our master plan and deliver safe, clean, and sustainable energy to everyone in our state at a price you can afford. Sherrill doubled down on her vow to freeze skyrocketing utility rates last Saturday at a campaign event that included former President Barack Obama. I want you to be able to afford to live in New Jersey and build something, Sherrill said. I want to make sure everyone here has a shot in this state. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Considerable cloudiness. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 10F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 10F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Donald Trump threatened that the U.S. could launch military action against Nigeria after becoming irate while watching a Fox News segment. Trump posted two unhinged messages on Truth Social over the weekend, warning that the U.S. could target the West African nation guns-a-blazing after viewing a report on his favourite network about Christians being killed by Islamic terrorist groups, sources told CNN. The president was said to have become immediately angered by the Fox News segment while traveling aboard Air Force One, and fired off his first post shortly after landing in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN, Trump wrote. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World! Donald Trump watched the Fox News report while flying to spend the weekend at his Mar-A-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. / Samuel Corum/Getty Images Trump escalated further on Saturday, suggesting that the U.S. could launch a fast, vicious, and sweet attack as part of a crusade to protect Christians in the allied nation. If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities, Trump wrote. Trump instructed the Pentagon to prepare for possible action, prompting U.S. Africa Command personnel to be recalled to headquarters in Germany over the weekend to discuss contingency plans, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday that potential action against Nigeria could involve sending U.S. troops into the country. I envisage a lot of things. Theyre killing a record number of Christians in Nigeria, Trump said. And killing them in very large numbers. Were not going to allow that to happen. Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, told CNN the government is shocked that Trump is mulling an invasion. Trump caused international outrage during his first term after he allegedly referred to African nations as s-thole countries during a closed-door immigration meeting with U.S. lawmakers. Members of St Leo Catholic Church participate in a service before holding a procession to mark Palm Sunday in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, on April 13, 2025. / Adekunle Ajayi/NurPhoto via Getty Images The Fox News report Trump watched largely ignored the fact that Islamic militant groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic States branch in West Africa have killed far more Muslims than Christians in Nigeria. Massad Boulos, Trumps senior adviser for Africa, even expressed this view last month following a meeting with President Tinubu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People of all religions and of all tribes are dying, and it is very unfortunate, and we even know that Boko Haram and ISIS are killing more Muslims than more Christians, Boulos said. So people are suffering from all sorts of backgrounds. This is not specifically targeted at one group or the other. In a statement to CNN White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said: At President Trumps direction, the Department of War is planning options for possible action to stop the killing of Christians in Nigeria. Any announcements will come from the President directly. The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment. It is that time of year again when the poppy has appeared on the lapels of so many people and we have remembered those who have served or are serving in our armed forces. So many people give freely and generously to the Royal British Legion each year and I can never quite get over the guilt of discarding the red paper emblem of those who have fallen. However, recently I have looked into the history of the legion and discovered it was formed on May 15, 1921 as The British Legion. It brought together four national organisations of ex-servicemen that had established themselves after the First World War. They were the National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers, the British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers, the Comrades of The Great War and The Officers Association. The amalgamation of these diverse bodies can be attributed largely to two men, Field Marshal Earl Haig and Tom Lister of the Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers. Lord Haig went on to serve as the President of The British Legion until his death in 1928, but I was surprised to learn that the title Royal was not bestowed until 1971. That is all history but the legion is looking ahead to the future and new branches are springing up right across the country, with the latest being found in Bishopsteignton. I was lucky to catch up with the man who has put this new venture together, Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Ridgway KBE, CB, DL. Yes, we have a brand-new club, said Sir Andrew at his home high on the ridge above the river Teign. There used to be one here mainly based around the Huntley care home but that closed and thus so did the branch. I was approached and asked if I would set one up. I managed to get some really positive people together, some great committee members and away we went. Mr Les Down has acted as standard bearer for many years and has agreed to continue with our brand-new standard that was dedicated at our church and used on the 9th of November for our Remembrance Day parade. Old standards are always treated with the greatest respect and many come to rest in churches and chapels for generations to see. However, the old legion standard will be laid up at the Bishopsteignton Heritage Hub, the community centre on Shute Hill. We feel more people will get to see it there, continued Sir Andrew. The legion is very important, not just for those who have served but for their families as well. A lot of people think it is a club for veterans. Its not. It encompasses anyone who wants to support the armed forces community in need. Last year over 1 million was raised in the county, an incredible amount, and hopefully this year that figure will be matched. Sir Andrew went to school in Exeter and at the age of 18 went to Sandhurst under a scholarship. He said: I remember the money from that scholarship was being paid into an account which was meant for me to buy a sword when I was commissioned I took the money out a little early and went and bought a surfboard. However, I did win a prize in Sandhurst and was presented with a sword! Joining the Royal Tank Regiment, he served in Germany. We were a recce regiment and had a helicopter squadron attached to us. I managed to get a private pilots licence and was lucky enough to become a regimental pilot and thus served in Belize, the Rockies Canada and in Northern Ireland. But eventually I went back into tanks and commanded the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment the West Country armoured regiment, known as the armoured farmers. I went on to command the Desert Rats, the 7thArmoured Brigade in central Bosnia and ended up as head of intelligence for all three services, which took me all over the world. I got around a bit. So, this is all very different from opening a branch of the RBL in South Devon. It is but still a challenge. I want to make this a thriving success. We have started small with a meeting once a month, on the third Wednesday in the evening at The Cockhaven Arms. We had 12 at the first meeting and 24 at the second. If we go on at that rate it will be very successful. We are very keen to get people from the local area and beyond. I am told that some branches are closing so we are bucking the trend. Teignmouth had a very successful branch but sadly it shut so we would love to see anyone from the Teignmouth area to come and join us. We have been supported greatly by county legion level. Yasmin Gibbins the county chair and Jo Ashkettle the membership engagement officer have been extremely helpful and have guided us through the process. In other parts of the county, parades and gatherings took place early, including the county Festival of Remembrance. This year the venue was Lympstone Barracks, CTCRM, The Royal Marines base on the banks of the river Exe. Over 300 people packed The Falklands Hall for a show which touched on the anniversaries of conflicts and the lives of remarkable people of the county. The end of the Second World War and VJ Day were marked, plus the liberation of Auschwitz. The 100th anniversary of The Royal Observer Corps, now disbanded, came to the stage with memories of the headquarters in Exeter and an observation post at Exeter Airport. The rededication of Torbays D-Day harbour slipways was shown with film of the service which took place on June 6. Ironically, the slipways are the scene of a small invasion itself, Pacific oysters, a non-native species that have made the concrete shelves their home and can be seen living very happily in the shallow water. Coverage of one of Devons VC holders was also shown to the audience with a special gathering this year in Dartmouth. Theodore Veale, Devonshire Regiment, was awarded the highest medal for valour in 1916, becoming one of three VC holders from the county in the First World War. The two others were George Onions, Devonshire Regiment and Thomas Sage from Tiverton who joined the Somerset Light Infantry. Yes, they were Veale, Sage and Onions! If that is not a strange story, how about the local celebration of The Coldstream Guards! Formed 375 years ago by General George Monck, the regiment was raised in Scotland by Monck in August 1650. It formed part of the New Model Army and, the following month, was one of the units used by the Commonwealth to defeat a Scottish Royalist force at the Battle of Dunbar. However, Monck swapped sides and went on to help restore Charles II to the throne. So, what is the link between Devon and a village 450 miles away? George Monck was born in Merton and indeed, The Coldstream Guards have been granted the freedom of the parish in North Devon and have marched through the village and paraded in Exeter. Merlot Marketing is named agency of record for Nichiha USA, a manufacturer of building material solutions. Merlot will work with the company to drive key public relations and communications efforts. It will engage national commercial media through strategies including digitally integrated news releases, award submissions, tradeshow support and targeted outreach to increase brand awareness and industry engagement within the product category. Nichiha's architectural wall panels, made from durable fiber cement, provide the look and feel of wood, stone, brick or concrete, with less upkeep costs "Intimate knowledge of our industry and their savvy approach to media engagement make Merlot Marketing the ideal storyteller for our brand," said Nichiha USA director of marketing Maria Fernandez. Sally Beauty, the consumer retail division of parent company Sally Beauty Holdings, appoints Creative Media Marketing as its public relations agency of record. CMM will lead the retailer's communications strategy, including events, partnerships, media relations and PR-led campaign planning. The efforts will be part of Sally Beautys continuing Sally Ignited brand refresh, which is being executed through community building, expertise through education, a curated product assortment and accessibility to meet beauty shoppers where they are. As Sally Beauty enters this next stage, we're excited to partner with Creative Media Marketing to bring our brand story to life in new and meaningful ways," said Sally Beauty CMO Chris Kobus. Doner comes on board as agency of record for Rush Street Gaming, which operates Rivers Casino locations in Pittsburgh; Philadelphia; Des Plaines, IL; Portsmouth, VA; and Schenectady, NY. The partnership will focus on local-market engagement, while maintaining a cohesive brand identity across properties. Doner will apply its full suite of capabilitiesfrom brand strategy, to high-volume content productionto deliver consistent, insight-driven and culturally relevant content that connects to each propertys target audiences. Were excited to partner with Doner and tap into their strategic acumen, creative sensibilities, and their unique approach to production, said Rush Street Gaming COO Cliff Ehrlich. Ken Buraker Curley Company, a strategic communications and reputation management agency, names Ken Buraker executive creative director. Buraker previously served as SVP, executive creative director at Ketchum and creative director, VP at Porter Novelli. More recently, he has been chief creative officer at experience agency Urban Emu and founded consulting business Phoenix & Fable. At Curley, he will advance the agencys AI-driven approach to creative storytelling and influence and lead its creative vision, reporting to agency president KayAnn Schoeneman. Ken brings a rare combination of creative excellence, digital fluency, and policy understanding, said Schoeneman. His leadership strengthens Curleys ability to deliver influence in the AI era, where design and storytelling increasingly shape trust. Aaron Radelet Acrisure, a global fintech company, hires Aaron Radelet as chief corporate affairs officer, a newly created role. Radelet was previously CCO at Walgreens Boots Alliance, and before that he held the CCO post for eight years at Hilton. He has also led communications initiatives at Sprint Nextel, AOL Time Warner and MicroStrategy. In his role at Acrisure, Radelet will oversee the companys corporate brand and reputation strategy, including communications, public affairs, corporate citizenship and events. Aaron is a highly respected expert in building and promoting global brands, and were thrilled to welcome him as Acrisures success becomes increasingly recognized worldwide, said Acrisure president, business development John Tuttle. Lucy Zarlengo Panorama Education, an education technology business, appoints Lucy Zarlengo as CMO. Zarlengo most recently served as CMO at software development companies Employ and Bonterra. She has also held senior marketing roles at Dell and Dun & Bradstreet. In her new post, Zarlengo will oversee Panoramas marketing strategy, making clear the connection between the companys technology, its purpose and its role in supporting student success. Lucys expertise in driving growth and connecting purpose with performance makes her an incredible addition to Panorama, said Panorama Education CEO and co-founder Aaron Feuer. Her leadership will sharpen our go-to-market strategy and fuel the next stage of Panoramas growth. Jason Miner FGS Global partner Jason Miner has joined TLG strategic communications (The Levinson Group) and stakeholder engagement shop as a managing partner. Hes been with FGS and its predecessor firms Finsbury Glover Hering and Glover Park Group since 2005. Previously, he was research director for the Democratic National Committee. During his PR career, Miner has worked with clients in the technology, AI, climate, energy, sports & entertainment, food & agriculture and higher education sectors. At TLG, Miner will counsel clients on financial communications, litigation & trial support, and crisis preparedness & response. TLG founder CEO Molly Levinson praised Miners invaluable perspective and decades of experience and leadership. As clients seek practical, relevant, strategic advice in moments that matter, they depend on Jason, she said. KKR owns FGS Global. Gregory FCA is marking its 35th anniversary with a comprehensive rebrand. Now operating simply as Gregory, the new brand reflects the firms integration of recent acquisitions and leadership in AI-enabled human communications. Gregory, which recently won the PRSA Silver Anvil Award for Best AI Integration, employs 130 professionals across its offices in New York, Philadelphia, Boston and London. Its investments in AI-powered platforms have resulted in the Gregory Influence Engine, an AI search optimization platform for financial services firms; CrisisCalm: a real-time AI-driven tool for managing crises; media-monitoring platform Lumina; and WriteRelease, a generative AI press release tool. Weve evolved from a traditional PR agency into a fully integrated communications partner, blending creative, digital and AI-driven capabilities, said Gregory founder and CEO Greg Matusky. Madden Media, a Tucson-based agency specializing in destination marketing, and Denver-based Karsh Hagan team up to form a new agency that will offer a suite of services including brand strategy, creative development, media planning, public relations and performance analytics. The two agencies will operate under their current names for now, with a primary focus on internal cohesiveness, and there are no planned staffing or executive changes. Karsh Hagan will continue to operate from its Denver headquarters, which will serve as a collaboration hub as the teams integrate nationwide over the next year. Through our due diligence, we recognized that the Madden team shares not only our vision for delivering purpose and results-driven creative campaigns, but they share our commitment to clients and to ethical business practices, said Karsh Hagan co-CEO Jasper, an AI content automation platform, launches Jasper Grid, an interface that allows marketing teams to create and orchestrate content across a range of channels, audiences and regions. Jasper Grid, which will be available to customers in Q1 2026, will work in tandem with the companys Jasper IQ and Jasper Studio to power Content Pipelines, a unified no-code system where AI agents can act within structured workflows. Among the features of the new interface are true 1:1 personalization at scale, accelerated product content creation and faster go-to-market with regional relevance, as well as the ability to scale SEO, GEO and AEO strategies. Content Pipelines, powered by the new Jasper Grid, bring the structure and intelligence needed not only to deliver more content, but to deliver better content, said Jasper CEO Timothy Young. Damion Potter Damion Potter, who chaired Bursons global PA group until last April, has joined H/Advisors as executive chairman of PA in London. He will work with Neil Bennett (H/Advisors global co-CEO) and John Rowland H/Advisors Cicero CEO) to drive growth and represent the shop at the highest levels of business and politics. Most recently, Potter was running LTD advisory and was VP-global head of policy & government engagement at Haleon. Potter has extensive experience working for the UK government. For the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, he established the COP26 delivery department, which worked to ensure a safe and inclusive climate change conference. He also served as ambassador to Panama, deputy representative at the British Office in Taipei and director of trade and investment in Moscow. H/Advisors, which is owned by Havas, plans to capitalize on Potters international savvy to better serve its cross-border clients. A TOTAL of 2,532 farmers in Offaly will benefit from the commencement of advance payments under the 2025 Eco-Scheme, a Fine Gael TD has said. Deputy John Clendennen said: This is a clear demonstration of Fine Gael and the Governments commitment to rural Ireland. These payments will give financial security to families around the country, as they continue to deliver for the environment and the economy. 2,532 farmers in Offaly will get 4,892,682 as part of this scheme, which Deputy Clendennen says is more than just money. It is a recognition of the role farmers play in protecting the climate, and biodiversity. Fine Gael has shown real intent in backing initiatives that reward sustainable farming practices. Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon said: I am delighted to confirm that advance payments under the Eco-Scheme, worth 194.5 million to 109,853 farmers, have commenced. The aim of Irelands Eco-Scheme is to reward farmers for undertaking actions beneficial to the climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity. Eco-Scheme payments are a vital support for farmers and the payment rate in 2025 will be 66 per eligible hectare." READ NEXT: Finalists announced for the Offaly Community and Voluntary Group Awards 2025 The Minister continued: "My Department remains committed to ensuring that all scheme payments continue to issue in the most efficient way possible to ensure that these vital supports are delivered to farmers in a timely manner. Today, 93% of all 2025 Eco-Scheme eligible applicants have been paid in line with the Department's commitment under the farmers charter to pay 90% of eligible applicants. The 194.5 million payment today builds on the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) advance payment last week of 511 million to over 110,500 farmers meaning that total advance payments on BISS, CRISS and Eco-Scheme over the last week amounts to over 705 million. Advance payments under the 2025 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (ANC) which commenced last month, and 2025 BISS payments that commenced last week, are continuing as more cases are cleared for payment. To facilitate farmers wishing to contact the Department regarding their Eco-Scheme payments can phone the Direct Payments Helpdesk at (057) 8674422. Farmers can also submit any queries they may have online via www.MyAgfood.ie . READ NEXT: Two Offaly farmers lead the way in nature-friendly farming FOLLOWING a university-wide recruitment process, Louise Molloy has been appointed Student Ambassador in St Patricks Pontifical University, Maynooth (SPPU). Louise is a former student of Killina Presentation Secondary School, Offaly. Ambassadors are a vital link for incoming students, assisting with orientation activities, providing campus tours and being on hand with advice and recommendations on how best to transition from second level into life at university. The Student Ambassadors will also assist at university events throughout the year passing on their firsthand experiences of life at St Patricks Pontifical University. READ NEXT: Race Day in memory of late Offaly jockey raises over 350,000 for Cancer Trials Ireland On studying at SPPU, Louise Molloy said: Studying at St Patrick's Pontifical University has been nothing short of amazing. From my very first day I felt right at home, the small class sizes allowed me to make lifelong friendships. "There's a real sense of community here, everyone knows each other and then the lecturers take genuine interest in how you're doing academically and in your overall growth. Studying both theology and history has deepened my understanding of both subjects and gives me a real appreciation for how they connect. "You feel a real sense of warmth on campus especially in Pugin Hall where you meet and catch up with both lecturers and friends. St Patricks Pontifical University is located in Maynooth. The town and campus are extensions of each other. Students enjoy the benefits of having all the amenities they need close at hand without the busyness of a large city, while still being very accessible to Dublin which is only 30 minutes away and served by excellent rail and road links. St Patricks Maynooth opened its doors as an educational institution in 1795. In the intervening two centuries, it has established for itself an impressive reputation for scholarship and learning. Today, as a Pontifical University, St Patricks specialises in the study of theology and philosophy at both postgraduate and undergraduate level and related areas, in one of the most beautiful campuses in Ireland. RAD NEXT: Over 2,500 farmers across Offaly to receive advance payments under environmental scheme St Patricks Pontifical University attracts students from home and abroad from a wide variety of backgrounds and careers. Students who wish to add the study of Philosophy and/or Theology to their chosen career and gain a deeper insight into their role in shaping a better society and serving the common good. The Arts & Theology degree programme is run in partnership with MU affording students access to a wide range of arts and humanities subjects. Students benefit from an inspirational learning environment with small class sizes, ensuring individualised attention. Graduates leave as well grounded, confident individuals skilled in communication, the ability to reason and debate and think critically. Graduates go on to enjoy success in a variety of careers including teaching, marketing, business, communications, publishing, journalism, finance, social services, pastoral work, chaplaincy, public service, community development, religious education, and parish administration. Further information is available on sppu.ie Roscrea's town centre was brought to a standstill on Monday night when a protest outside the local Garda Station blocked the Main Street for over an hour. The public demonstration was in response to a serious crime incident on Roscrea's Main Street the previous day, when a local man's car was stolen at knifepoint and the attackers fled the town in the hijacked vehicle. A Garda investigation into the incident is ongoing and Gardai are appealing for the public's assistance in locating the stolen vehicle. Less than two weeks before the incident concerns over the lack of manpower and resources at Roscrea Garda Station were raised directly with Taoiseach Micheal Martin in the Dail during leaders questions, when North Tipperary Fianna Fail TD, Ryan O'Meara, said "Roscrea Garda Station effectively does not open anymore". The violent hijacking of the local man's car in broad daylight on Sunday sparked outrage among the Roscrea community, evidenced in an outpouring of anger on social media in the hours after the incident. In an impassioned social media post on Sunday night, Roscrea based Tipperary County Councillor, Shane Lee, expressed the concerns of the community and highlighted the incident happened "right outside our Garda Station". "This is happening way too much in the country, but to think a small town like Roscrea has people like this walking around carrying knives is hugely worrying", he said. Approximately 150 people attended the protest demonstration outside the closed Roscrea Garda Station on Monday night - which was not attended by any local elected representatives. Despite blocking the Main Street to traffic for over an hour, no uniformed Gardai or garda vehicles attended the event. The demonstration was addressed by organiser Maria Phelan and was attended by the victim of Sunday's attack. Ms Phelan said that in the wake of the abrupt closure of the Racket Hall Hotel in January of last year Roscrea was promised more Garda resources. "In March of last year I sat with the Superintendent and Chief Superintendent in Thurles Garda Station and they said that if Tipperary received more Gardai Roscrea wouldn't be getting any", she said. Ms Phelan said the Garda Station door was closed to the public when the incident happened on Sunday afternoon and stressed the protest is not aimed at the Gardai currently working in Roscrea, whom she said "are currently stretched to their limits". Taking aim at elected representatives and Garda management, she said "this has been our cry all along, but they've obviously just forgotten about us and forgotten about our little town". "We want a garda presence on our street" she said and pointed out how Roscrea's Garda Station, which opens intermittently at unpredictable times due to staffing issues, creates a multitude of problems for local people. "We want to be able to ring Roscrea Garda Station and speak to a Guard in Roscrea - not be transferred to someone in Nenagh or to a call centre down in Cork for our incident to be dealt with. Somebody could be dead at that stage", Maria Phelan said. "I don't know how much more the people of Roscrea can take", Ms Phelan said and pleaded for local people to engage with their local elected representatives with renewed vigour and demand better resources for the town. On Monday evening Sinn Fein's North Tipperary office issued a statement calling for "a functioning Garda Station" in Roscrea. "The Lowry, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael government need to heed the continuous calls for more Garda resources to be provided for Roscrea", Sinn Fein's North Tipperary Cathaoirleach, Dan Harty, said. "Policing in Roscrea has been on a downward slope for many years and has now truly reached the point of crisis. In what is the largest Garda District in the country in terms of area, Garda resources are stretched to an unacceptable level", he said. "Last year extra Garda resources were provided for Nenagh and Thurles, with Roscrea overlooked. For a town with a population the size of Roscrea to be relying on a part-time police service is unacceptable Mr Harty said. The people of Roscrea need extra Garda resources as a matter of urgency and our local government TDs need to secure this, the time for excuses is over, Roscrea Sinn Feins, Michael Donovan said. The recent mugging of a man at the point of a knife in broad daylight, a stones throw from an unmanned, empty Garda station is the last straw for the people of Roscrea, Mr Donovan said. The lack of a Garda presence in the town is well known to those involved in crime and they feel they can do what they like, with little or no chance of being caught. Criminality is a full time business and the policing response needs to be full time too. An Garda Siochana have issued a request for public assistance in locating the vehicle involved in the incident, a Blue Kia Sorento Estate, registration number 141-G-3882 "This vehicle was the subject of a hijacking on Sunday 2nd November 2025, in Roscrea shortly after 5pm. The suspect in the alleged hijacking is believed to be Eastern European male, late 30s, 54 in height", the Gardai said. SEE NEXT: PICTURES: Roscrea Garda Station protest blocks town centre An Garda Siochana are trying to identify the current location of this vehicle Blue Kia Sorento Estate, registration number 141-G-3882. Members of the public, who see the vehicle, or with any information on its current whereabouts, are asked not to approach the vehicle, or any occupants, but to report any information or sighting by calling 999/112. Over 50 people were deported from Ireland on Monday evening as part of an ongoing operation by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The operation resulted in the removal of 52 individuals (35 males and 10 females and 7 children). The children removed are all part of family groups. READ NEXT: Now Hiring: An Garda Siochana offering top position with starting salary revealed All individuals were removed on a chartered flight which left Dublin Airport yesterday evening, Monday 3rd November 2025, for Georgia, with all those deported landing safely in Tbilisi at around 2.30am Irish time. It marks the sixth deportation operation using chartered flights since the beginning of this year, bringing the total number of deportations 351. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has said over 3,870 deportation orders have been signed so far in 2025 and this year will see the largest number of people deported from Ireland in over 20 years. "I would like to re-iterate that if a person's application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State, they must do so. If they choose not to leave voluntarily, they will be forced to leave," he said. "I would like to highlight that the majority of Georgian people resident in Ireland are doing so legally, having entered the State through various legal pathways available. They are welcome and contribute immensely to our economy and society," Minister O'Callaghan added. READ NEXT: Woman (30s) hospitalised after firework was thrown into house in Dublin on Halloween On Monday, ministers and officials have also agreed to cut the length of time Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland can stay in State accommodation from 90 days to 30. A cabinet sub-committee agreed to the measure, proposed by the Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan, on Monday evening. Last month the Public Accounts Committee was told there has been a surge in the number of Ukrainians arriving in Ireland in recent weeks, which has put additional strain on the system. This has been attributed to a change in a law in Ukraine which has eased travel restrictions for men aged 18 to 22. On Monday, Mr OCallaghan told RTE: If the numbers keep arriving like we saw in September and October, we will have to start looking for more accommodation. The Public Accounts Committee also heard around a billion euros was spent on accommodation for Ukrainians in 2024. Oonagh McPhillips, the Secretary General of the Department of Justice, told the committee there is roughly 700 million euros provided for Ukraine in this year and that is 170 million euros less next year. READ NEXT: ALERT: Urgent recall warning issued as Aldi pulls fan-favourite sweets from Irish shelves Since the invasion of Russia in February 2022 a EU law known as a Temporary Protection Directive has been active, under which those fleeing the conflict are eligible to work in Ireland and access social supports. From March 2024, Ukrainians registering for State-provided accommodation have been housed for 90 days, but that is now set to be reduced. More than 114,000 people have come to Ireland from Ukraine seeking Temporary Protection and an estimated 80,000 have stayed. On Sunday, Labours housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan criticised the proposed plan saying: To suggest that Ukrainian refugees could be expected to find alternative accommodation within just 30 days is simply not realistic. Mr Sheehan added: The war in Ukraine is still very much a live issue. Reducing the accommodation period in this way would not solve the underlying problem it would merely shift it elsewhere, with a very real risk of an increase in rough sleeping. This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week,click here. At some level, its hard to even believe whats happening on this planet. Sections of the island of Jamaica have just been devastated by an almost unimaginably powerful hurricane, thanks in part to the heating of the globes oceans. And that's just the start of whats clearly going to be a hell on earth when it comes to this worlds ever fiercer climate. Worse yet, when it comes to any form of international well-being, the president of the United States doesn't even believe that climate change is happening. Who cares that this country just set a record in the first six months of 2025 for the costliest set of climate disasters in our history? And worse yet, only recently, Donald Trump moved to open Alaska's pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and natural gas drilling and that's just the beginning when it comes to his urge to devastate this planets climate. Honestly, its as if a near majority of Americans in the last election decided to cast a ballot for destroying the very world were living on. Meanwhile, the leader of Russia is eager to continue making war, war, war without end in Ukraine always, in addition to every other nightmarish aspect of it, a huge dispenser of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. (Consider that just routine military operations separate from war fighting account for an estimated 5.5 percent of the worlds annual CO 2 emissions.) And Gaza, already a human horror story, will sooner or later be considered a climate-change nightmare as well. Even the leaders of China, while eager to take control of the creation and distribution of green energy-producing equipment globally, are still building new coal-fired power plants in striking numbers. In 2024, in fact, that country's construction of such power plants reached a 10-year high. And with all of that (and so much more) in mind, you would think it might be the moment for a new-style internationalism. But if that crossed your mind, think again, or rather let TomDispatch regular John Feffer explore the ever-stranger multipolarism of our times for you. Tom The Multipolarism of Fools The BRICS Are Not the Answer By John Feffer Donald Trump hates Antifa. He hates late-night TV hosts, Democratic-controlled cities, and anyone who has ever challenged him in court. As of October, he officially hates the Nobel committee for not giving him a peace prize, despite his efforts to strong-arm its members into voting for him. The president has gone after everyone he thinks has ever done him wrong. But there is a Venn diagram to his vendettas, an overlap in his circle of obsessions. Map out his attacks, subtracting the purely personal and the primarily partisan, and you'll see that they converge on a profound disgust for the liberal international order. That Trump has personally profited from that very global order his portfolio of international real estate, his business's reliance on global supply chains, the unacknowledged benefits hes accrued from the international rule of law makes no difference. Globalists like Barack Obama, George Soros, and Emmanuel Macron have made fun of him, not fully accepting him into their ranks and refusing to acknowledge his brilliance with medals and awards. In the presidents skewed accounting ledger, the gatekeepers at the global country club who don't want him as a member must be made to pay. Trump has attacked the liberal international order in seemingly every conceivable way. Hes initiated a global trade war. Hes dismantled U.S. humanitarian assistance to impoverished lands and put pressure on allies to spend more money on war preparations, not welfare programs or foreign aid. Hes destroyed relationships with liberal allies like Canada and the non-Hungarian members of the European Union. Hes levied sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in an effort to shut it down. Hes gleefully ignored international law by embracing ICC scofflaws like Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu. And hes committed his own crimes, like the extrajudicial murder of the crews of nine boats near the Venezuelan coast and five in the Pacific Ocean. The United States had long been a pillar of the liberal international order. So, when Trump takes a sledgehammer to its base, he causes potentially irreparable damage to the reputation, power, and global position of the United States. Many Americans, particularly those in the political center, are aghast at the self-inflicted wounds this country is now suffering. In other quarters, however, there's celebration. Americas right wing has long hated everything that shimmers in the distance beyond the territorial waters of this country. The U.N. gives it indigestion. Ditto the European Union, the Third World, and anything connected to universal human rights. The most reactionary elements of the Republican Party have blocked Washington's ratification of international treaties, undermined global efforts to address threats like climate change, and claimed to spot Communist (or Islamist or terrorist) conspiracies behind every international institution and many nationalist movements. Such right-wingers have pushed to eliminate all forms of soft power in favor of beefed-up hard power. The ascendancy of Trump has provided them with an opportunity to force conventional conservatives from their party, while consolidating an America First position. Elements of the left, too, have rejoiced in Trumps globalism-bashing. The most predictable support has come from unions that believe the presidents tariffs will protect American jobs. But some leftists have also been hesitant to support the work of the now largely shuttered U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) even its distribution of AIDS medicines and climate funds because of its legacy as a destructive arm of American imperialism. Some have even joined hands with Trump to deride NATO and echo Kremlin talking points on Ukraine. In the lead-up to the 2024 election, the odd progressive even mistook Trump for an anti-imperialist. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). By Robert Weiner and Ingrid Lang In analyzing Donald Trump's dictator-autocracy diplomacy in achieving live hostage returns in Gaza, one must ask, i s the cost of his Middle East deals a new world order for the U.S.? Trump likes to call himself a dealmaker. But when it comes to the latest Gaza cease-fire framework, what's being celebrated as diplomatic brilliance is really a master class in working with his autocratic dictator friends. Trump leaned on personal ties with authoritarian rulers, men like Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia (whom U.S. intelligence directly linked to the brutal 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul) and Mohammed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), whose priorities have little to do with democracy or human rights. What united them was a web of transactional interests such as oil, arms, investments, and image. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Either this nation shall kill racism, or racism shall kill this nation." (S. Jonas, August 2018) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "How do you spell ICE in German? GESTAPO." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me. Pastor Martin Niemoller (c. 1946) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction: This column presents an analysis of what (in the author's opinion) is really going on vis--vis Trump/Venezuela. The "Trump Strategy" has four elements: Distort, Attack, Bluff, Distract. I. Distort As is well-known, military elements of the Trump Administration have been, on the open waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, attacking, and sinking, an increasing number of open power boats of modest size, carrying two or more passengers. From the photographs that have been released by the U.S. attacking forces they look to be fairly narrow and up to about 40 ft. in length. There has been no declaration of war against any of the sovereign nations surrounding the bodies of water in/on which these attacks have been made. No one can be absolutely sure of: from whence they have embarked, the nationality of their occupants, what cargo they might have been carrying, and what their destination/mission was. In earlier times, attacks of this kind would have been described as piracy (as could be determined from watching one or more of Johnny Depp's Pirates of the Caribbean movies). (See also the excerpt from a Washington Post editorial, 3 paragraphs below.) As I said in a comment on a Steve Schmidt Substack column on the matter: "If the attack on the Venezuelan (since there were no survivors, how can it be certain that it was Venezuelan[?]) boat had been made by a private force, it would have fit the Admiralty Law definition of piracy. In this case, that's a distinction without a difference. Indeed, just from watching their films of the attacks, the U.S. force might as well have been flying a black flag decorated with a skull and crossbones." Under one definition of Piracy (and there are many): Piracy, in the context of admiralty law, refers to unlawful acts of violence, detention, or depredation committed on the high seas or in international waters. These acts threaten maritime security and commerce, prompting legal frameworks to define and address such offenses. Further, looking at the broader picture of the attacks, as The Washington Post Editorial Board has put it: "Was everyone in each targeted ship smuggling drugs? Were the drugs that were allegedly on-board deadly opiates or substances such as marijuana and cocaine? Were the drugs headed toward the United States, or other countries? The answers might vary depending on the strike, and the Trump administration has not made public evidence verifying its claims. But those details are independent from the legality of these killings. U.S. forces are not attacking military vessels. They are attacking civilian vessels, whether those aboard are engaged in crime or not. And the Trump administration is not even claiming the boats posed an imminent threat of violence, or that capturing them would have been infeasible." There are many points to be made about drug use dangers. If the Trump Administration were truly concerned about drug-use related deaths in the United States it would of course focus on tobacco use, about 400,000 deaths per year [yes, you read that right]), and alcoholic beverages use (around 178,000 deaths per year [you read that right too]). Fentanyl, by contrast, kills about for about 75,000 deaths per year. AND, many overdose-related fentanyl deaths are the result of the user not knowing just how much fentanyl they are consuming [unlike in the use of tobacco and alcohol]). And so on and so forth (as in my book on the subject, Click Here). But turning our attention to the Trumpers and the threats against Venezuela, and (more recently) Colombia. It is certainly logical to think that Trump is planning to carry on the U.S. tradition of interfering with/changing governments of Central and South American nations going back to the 19th century. The list includes almost of them, e.g., Mexico (three times, 1846, 1867 and 1915), Nicaragua (e.g., multiple times between 1912 and 1933), Guatemala (1954 and during the 1980s), Panama (a critical [but previously fictional] country created by Theodore Rossevelt's intervention separating its territory from that of Colombia [which then also included the territory of the present nation of Venezuela]). One could go on: e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Chile, the Dominican Republic. And now Trump making a big stink, over Venezuela and to some extent Colombia. Why? Very briefly, first he is trying to make it over fentanyl and its component parts. As if a recreational drug (like, as noted, ethyl alcohol, nicotine in tobacco products) could kill, when its not the use of the drug per se , but rather its overuse. And if Trump were really concerned about the overuse of addictive drugs, he would start with those two substances. As for fentanyl, as with heroin, it is NOT simple use that kills, but the use of overdoses of the drug. And since (as with heroin) no given package of fentanyl has a dosage label on it, a significant number of packet-uses sadly lead to death, simply because the user does not know how much of the drug they are consuming. (That problem could be solved by legalization, labelling, and selling from package stores. But that is another matter.) And so, even if Trump is going to invade Venezuela --- such an invasion would not be for any concern with fentanyl addiction (for which, as it happens, there are other cheaper and more effective ways to deal with that problem. (And furthermore, the components of fentanyl are very small and very easy to smuggle in, in baggage through legal ports, for example.) It would be for their oil reserves. But for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from the military to the foreign relations concerns, he's not going to do that either. Take just the military. For example, carrier task forces, no matter how big they are, just don't do that sort of thing. They support ground-invasion troops. And by golly, there just don't seem to be any such units in the region. In the absence of troop transports, the 10,000 troops being referred to must relate to the crews on the various vessels in the task force. Those forces are neither trained nor equipped for land invasions. So, what (in my view at any rate), is really going on (in addition to the piracy[!]? Trump has one big problem right now. It isn't drug use by U.S. (about which, for example, he paid no attention in his first term, either the legals [recall, the major recreational- drug killers, or the illegals). It is a government in Venezuela that he doesn't like, primarily because they have the worlds largest reserves. But they are state-owned. Saber-rattling cannot solve that problem and invasion is beyond his capabilities (as pointed out above). So, while distorting what the real drug-use problem is in the U.S. (and not having the foggiest notion how it could be effectively dealt with, and it can be), he appears to be threatening an attack. But even Trump knows just how infeasible that is. So, in my view, its all a bluff. But why? Well, what is Trump's biggest problem right now, as he sees it. Its not Venezuela. It is summarized in just three words: The Epstein Files. And so. Distort --- the problem; Attack --- small boats, with a few passengers; Bluff --- an invasion that will never happen --- and, ta, da, Distract, distract, distract. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Addendum One could deal with the Drug War at great length (and indeed in my book on the subject, End the Drug War; Solve the Drug Problem: The Public Health Approach , I have done just that). Briefly, important points about recreational drug-use in the United States. First, supply does not create demand. Demand for recreational (e.g., tobacco. Alcohol, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl) drugs comes from those who want to use them, not the suppliers. Second, by far-and-away the two major drug killers in the U.S. are smoking [in one form or another] tobacco (around 400,000 deaths per year [yes, you read that right]), and alcoholic beverages (around178,000 deaths per year.) In contrast, fentanyl- overdose (not fentanyl per se) is responsible for about 75,000 deaths per year. AND, many overdose-related fentanyl deaths are the result of the user not knowing just how much fentanyl they are consuming (unlike in the use of tobacco and alcohol). BUT, the bottom line here is that in tobacco and alcohol-related deaths, the dosage is known. In fentanyl it isn't. Two important points here. I could go on at book length about a whole series of others --- which I have. (Article changed on Nov 04, 2025 at 1:26 PM EST) (Article changed on Nov 04, 2025 at 3:35 PM EST) Police on Monday arrested a Damascus man who is accused of sexually abusing a child over the course of eight months in 2018 and 2019. Rami Layous, 47, faces four charges of first-degree sexual abuse, a charge of second-degree sexual abuse and second-degree sodomy for abusing the child, who was under the age of 14 when the abuse began, court records allege. Layous first abused the child in October 2018, court documents say. The Gresham Police Department said in a statement that investigators learned of Layouss alleged crimes in mid-October. A grand jury indicted him last Thursday, according to court records. East Metro SWAT officers helped Gresham police arrest Layous at his home in Damascus. They took him into custody without incident, police said. Layous has no convictions in Oregon. Police ask anyone with information about the case to contact the lead investigator, Detective Mark Hawley, at Mark.Hawley@GreshamOregon.gov. The search for a hunter missing in the Mount Hood National Forest is focused in steep and difficult terrain that was burned in the 2020 wildfires, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Law enforcement officers and volunteers are on day four of a multi-agency search on steep, wooded terrain for a Hubbard hunter who went missing in the Mount Hood National Forest southeast of Estacada on Friday. Devon Dobek, 51, was first reported missing on Friday evening when he did not return from a hunt at the time he had told friends to expect him, according to information provided by the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office. Dobeks car was found at the Fish Creek Trailhead, off Oregon 224 and Forest Service Road 54, according to the sheriffs office. No sign of Dobek or the deer he had reportedly told friends hed bagged were found at the truck. The search was ongoing on Monday afternoon, Brian McCall, public information officer for the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in an email. Devon Dobek, 51, of Hubbard has been missing since Friday. The experienced hunter is believed to be in the Mount Hood National Forest, southeast of Estacada. courtesy Clackamas County Sheriff's Office More than 50 searchers used ATVs, dogs and thermal imagining drones to search the forested area where Dobek is believed to have been hunting, according to the sheriffs office. Search efforts are focused in steep and difficult terrain that was burned in the 2020 wildfires, according to a statement released by the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office Monday afternoon. The area is full of fallen trees, making navigation extremely challenging. Crews plan to continue searching into the night hours. Clackamas County Search and Rescue coordinators were searching for Dobek by 10:30 on Friday evening in an effort that continued through the night. According to the sheriffs office, searchers heard gunshots that could have been from the missing hunter, but were unable to pinpoint where they were coming from. Volunteers from Mountain Wave Search and Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Hood River Crag Rats, Lake Oswego Police Departments drone team and Portland Mountain Rescue joined the search on Saturday. The Washington, Multnomah and Marion counties sheriffs offices also joined the effort. An Oregon Army National Guard helicopter was also able to assist in the search, despite rainy conditions Monday. The sheriffs office said it does not need any additional volunteers. The sheriffs office urged anyone with information about the missing hunter to contact call 503-723-4949 or submit a tip online via the Submit A Tip form on our website or through the ClackCo Sheriff mobile app. Please reference CCSO Case # 25-022972. An Oregon father whose toddler drowned in the Siletz River while he allegedly failed to keep watch pleaded not guilty Monday to a single count of second-degree child neglect. His wife is speaking out about the Lincoln County district attorneys decision to charge him. Dane Paulsen, 2, was reported missing from the familys riverfront home in Siletz March 1 prompting a massive search-and-rescue operation that stretched until March 11, when a diver recovered Danes body from the river 3 miles downstream. Authorities announced that the boy had drowned and said there was no indication of foul play. More than six months later, Lincoln County District Attorney Jenna Wallace filed the criminal case alleging that 40-year-old Aaron Paulsen saw his son go out into their yard to play and knew there were no other adults outside who could supervise the toddler. A grand jury indicted the father on a single misdemeanor charge Oct. 16. My clients entry of a plea of not guilty should be viewed as a public assertion of his innocence, Paulsens attorney, Rich Cohen, said in an email. In an interview Monday, Wallace said the delay in charging the case was largely due to pending autopsy reports and a desire to show the evidence to the seven-person grand jury, which is not required for misdemeanors. It was really important for seven people in our community to listen to the entire investigation and make a determination as to whether this was just a very tragic accident or whether there was neglect, Wallace said. Dane Paulsens mother, Chamet Jackson, blasted the top prosecutor saying the case has reopened painful wounds and that her questions have been left unanswered. I stand right beside my other half, Jackson, 35, said in a separate interview. Hes a good father, and hes done nothing wrong. The two parents met as teenagers at Chowder Bowl, the Depoe Bay restaurant they now co-own. They have another child who is 9. Among other questions, the mother pointed to a Lincoln County Sheriffs Office flyer circulated the day after the disappearance that asked the public to be on the lookout for a car seen nearby. Wallace has said the cars driver was later cleared of suspicion, and noted the familys property has a trail leading to the river. The family didnt do anything to prevent his access to the trail, and then allowed him to play unsupervised outside, she said. Thats just a recipe for disaster. On Monday, Lincoln County Circuit Judge Sheryl Bachart banned Paulsen from contact with any child under 5 but allowed him to remain out of custody. Two people died in separate shootings on Sunday in a year when homicides and shootings are both trending downward. Police chief Bob Day lamented the deaths on Monday and pledged detectives will conduct thorough investigations. The deaths, in a parking lot downtown and a North Portland gas station, resulted from two of at least five shootings police responded to over the weekend. Police officials do not believe any of these incidents are connected and had made no arrests as of Monday afternoon. Sadly over the last few weeks, we have experienced some tragedies and loss of life in Portlanders, Day said. Any loss of life, regardless of the circumstances, is a tragedy for us as a community. The number of homicides in Portland continues to trend downward compared to past years, Day said. Including Sundays shootings, Portland has seen 41 homicides in 2025, police said, down from 62 at this point last year, a nearly 34% decline. Overall shootings are down about 32%, he said. Day credited the decline not only to police efforts but also community partners, the citys Ceasefire program, which targets those at the highest risk of gun violence, and the Office of Violence Prevention. But he noted crime trends are difficult to predict. The spate of weekend shootings began early Saturday in the 9300 block of Southeast Ramona Street. Officers responded to the area and found a man with injuries they deemed not to be life-threatening. The shootings continued early Sunday. Police said two people were shot near Northwest 9th Avenue and Couch Street in the Pearl District around 2:30 a.m. Officers found a woman with a gunshot wound in her leg and later learned a man with a gunshot wound arrived at a local hospital. Two hours later, officers found a man dead in a downtown parking lot at 322 Southwest 4th Ave. Police said evidence at the scene suggests he was shot. Later on Sunday, shortly before 10 p.m., officers responded to a fatal shooting in North Portland, near Delta Park. Police said they found a man with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of a Chevron in the 9900 block of North Whitaker Road. Officers attempted to give the man first aid until paramedics arrived, but police said he died at the scene. Police responded to the last shooting just before midnight Sunday at a Northeast Portland home. Officers found a 19-year-old wounded in a car near the property. Police officials learned the shooting took place at the property, an Airbnb rental where teenagers were having a party. Police said officers canvassed the area for video footage as the partygoers had fled the area. The bureaus enhanced community safety team will take over the investigation. For Halloween, Airbnb had announced it was once again rolling out advanced anti-party technology to prevent high-risk bookings and enforce the companys ban on disruptive and unauthorized parties. Over the holiday last year, the company said this deterred 40 people from booking a home listing in Portland. While Day didnt delve into detail on any of the shootings, he sought to assure Portlanders he recognizes the impact they have on the city and that the bureau is committed to investigating them. We are 100% committed to reaching justice, Day said. Federal prosecutors submitted these photos to a judge in a complaint that alleges the 28-year-old Portland woman assaulted a federal officer trying to push back a crowd outside the ICE facility in Portland. Court Exhibit A Portland woman is accused of striking a federal officers arm that was outstretched as the officer worked to push protesters away from the driveway of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on Friday night. Lucy Caroline Shepherd, 28, appeared in federal court in Portland on an allegation of assaulting a federal officer. Assistant Federal Public Defender Peyton Lee told U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Armistead that Shepherd denies the allegation. She was released on her own recognizance pending trial and ordered to remain away from a specific geographical area around the ICE building located in the South Waterfront neighborhood, which has been the focal point of nightly protests since June. Shepherd was arrested about 9:55 p.m., accused of striking the right upper forearm of a federal Bureau of Prisons officer who was walking forward with his right arm extended, ordering people in a crowd to get back in an attempt to clear the driveway at the ICE building. The officer attempted to arrest Shepherd when other protesters intervened and attempted to pull her away, according to a federal affidavit. Thats when the officer took Shepherd to the ground, and she is accused of rolling onto her back while kicking her legs and attempting to wrap her legs around the officers waist, according to the affidavit. When the officer attempted to escort Shepherd into the ICE building, she is alleged to have made her body go limp and refused to walk, the affidavit said. Officers then physically carried her and used a rolling cart to take her to the ICE facility for processing, the affidavit said. The federal government has called in officers from other federal agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons, to assist the Federal Protective Service in guarding the ICE facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When Shepherd, through her court-appointed federal defender, asked how she could recover property that was seized during her arrest, the prosecutor said he wouldnt object to allowing her to return to the ICE building during the day to pick up her belongings. If it was me, even if I was allowed to, I wouldnt want to go back to the ICE building, Armistead, the magistrate judge, interceded. A U.S. deputy marshal then alerted the judge that Shepherd could retrieve her belongings at the Edith Green - Wendall Wyatt Federal Building in downtown Portland. Shepherd is one of 38 people arrested on either federal felony or misdemeanor charges stemming from the nightly protests outside the ICE building. Slow Bar closed in August, but the bar and its signature slowburger quickly returned from the dead last month. LC- The Oregonian As the years end approaches, Portland restaurants and bars especially bars have begun dropping like so many autumn leaves. The good news: All 40 places in our ranked guide to Portlands best restaurants remain open (though Astral did return to its pop-up roots). And after closing in August, Slow Bar quickly reopened under new ownership. Still, recent closures have included a 39-year-old Italian joint, a taqueria nearly that old, plus a six packs worth of watering holes from the citys last lesbian bar to a creative cocktail lounge that hosted several notable pop-ups through the years. Grand Amari This Italian restaurant, a sister to Olympia Provisions, represented a rare ambitious swing for both its neighborhood and Portland at large when it opened with squid ink bucatini and a rolling amari cart in 2023. Grand Amari and its sister (Little Bitter Bar) closed their doors at the Hotel Grand Stark, 509 S.E. Grand Ave., in early October. The Richmond Bar After more than a decade, this Southeast Portland bar from Grand Amari co-owner Nate Tilden and other partners also called it quits in October. Opened across the street from Pok Pok in 2013, The Richmond Bar, 3203 S.E. Division St., was best known for its good drinks and pub grub, including a signature white cheddar mac and cheese. Deadshot After more than seven years at 2133 S.E. 11th Ave., this creative cocktail bar announced it would close at years end. The truth is simple sales just arent there anymore, while costs keep climbing, owner Adam Robinson wrote on social media. After Deadshots final service on Saturday, Nov. 8, the bar will reopen as the holiday pop-up Miracle. To every guest who sat at the bar, to every staff member who poured their time and energy into this place, to every industry friend weve collaborated with over the years thank you, Robinson wrote. Cliffs This neighborhood gem in Northeast Portland announced on social media that the buildings owner had chosen not to renew its lease after six years under the Wonder Ballroom. So many bars and restaurants have struggled throughout the years to stay afloat, and weve lost so many great spots, yet weve managed to hang in there with your support, which makes this an especially bitter pill to swallow, owners Josh and Sierra Luebke wrote on social media. Cliffs, which hopes to find a new location, will close at 128 N.E. Russell St. at the end of the year. Doc Maries Opened just three years ago, Portlands self-described lesbian bar for everyone closed its doors at 203 S.E. Grand Ave. last month. This has been a devastating year for small businesses and for our community, and we dont have the finances to keep our doors open, the bar wrote on social media. Named after Oregon physician, activist and out lesbian Marie Equi, Doc Maries was the latest in a string of LGBTQ+ spaces to close in the city over the past year, including Southeast Portlands Crush Bar and Sissy Bar in 2024 and Scandals in August. Upright Brewing's North Portland taproom is closing. Mark Graves More bars Other recent bar closures include Backyard Social, 1914 N. Killingsworth St., aka the bar that took over from Hop & Vine way back in 2016; Cider Bite, 1230 N.W. Hoyt St., a dedicated cider bar that opened in the Pearl District more than a decade ago; and Upright Brewing, one of Portlands best breweries, which announced that it would cease brewing operations and close its original Northeast Broadway taproom by years end. Lil America The pod that originally promised to only host BIPOC- and LGBTQ-owned food carts isnt closing completely, but an upcoming expansion from neighboring Dos Hermanos bakery, 1015 S.E. Stark St., has pushed out several of Lil Americas original carts: Hawker Station, Speed-O Cappuccino and Makulit. Meanwhile, Frybaby our 2023 Cart of the Year relocated to the popular Heist pod on Southeast Woodstock Boulevard last month. Giuseppes Back in 1986, Linda and Joe Panza opened Giuseppes with a mission to serve delicious and authentic Italian food holding true to the values and flavours of Calabrese Cuisine. Last month, the restaurant on the Gresham-Portland border, 17937 S.E. Stark St., closed after nearly four decades of laughs, tears, great food and wonderful memories to allow Linda Panza to retire. Bandito Taco In other retirement news, Bandito Taco owners Sahar and Ahmad Kouklani have closed after 35 years serving crunchy tacos, big burritos and smiles in Portlands suburban Cedar Mill neighborhood. According to social media, the restaurant at 13571 N.W. Cornell Road closed at the end of October. The 2025 Portland Veterans Day Parade on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard has been canceled due to a lack of funding, said organizer Napoleon Hodgers. Associated Press The Portland Veterans Day Parade will not take place Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Northeast Portlands King neighborhood because of a lack of funding, organizer Napoleon Hodgers said. The Veterans Day parade was not canceled due to any ideological or political reason or fear for public safety, he said, adding that the volunteer planning team is asking for support to put on a parade to honor military veterans in 2026. Individual donations, as well as business and corporate sponsors are needed to stage the parade that travels about a mile, from Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at North Beech Street to Northeast Emerson Street. Volunteers are also welcome to join the planning team, which meets virtually an hour a week starting in January. We are always looking for new ideas and energy to make the parade better each year, said Hodgers. Hodgers, a military veteran, revived the parade tradition in 2022 after the 46-year-old Veterans Day parade in Northeast Portlands Hollywood District ended in 2020 due to the pandemic and lost its main sponsor in 2021. Portland members of the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) Shawn Flynn, left, Oregon State Senator Robert Boyer, third from left, and Napoleon Hodgers, right, stand with former Multnomah County Commissioner Dr. Sharon Meieran (in red coat) at the 2024 Portland Veterans Day Parade in Northeast Portland's King neighborhood. Napoleon Hodgers Hodgers and volunteers have organized a parade in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and he asks people to support the 2026 parade through fundraising and grant writing, and by spreading the word. He also hopes people will sign up at VeteransDayPortland.org to walk in the parade. Its free, he said. Hodgers said the major benefit of a Veterans Day parade is the sense of community it brings to Portland. Participants and onlookers show up to support military veterans and appreciate their sacrifices, he said. Even with all of the social and political tensions that are ever present, seemingly dividing our nation, this is not present on Veterans Day, he said. Napoleon Hodgers, left, who organizes the Portland Veterans Day Parade in Northeast Portland's King neighborhood, is seen here in 2024 with Dean Armstrong, who has led the Native American Honor Guard in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 parades. Napoleon Hodgers Dean Armstrong of the Native American Cultural Association of Oregon and co-director of the Native American Honor Guard has participated in the King neighborhood parade for all three years. We do this because it needs to be done, not for thanks, Armstrong said. Native American veterans have the highest per-capita military service rate of any ethnic group in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The honor guard leads the parade and is part of the closing ceremony at the Walnut Park complex parking lot, 5305 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. A vendor and resources fair there starts immediately after the parade. Hodgers is the commander of the National Association for Black Veterans in Portland, and served two years in the Army National Guard, 10 years of active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps and two years in the Air Force Reserve. In October 2021, Hodgers heard the Hollywood District Veterans Day parade had been permanently canceled, and as a veteran and an Army brat, this did not sit well with me, he said. This was too important to our community and to our veterans to let the Veterans Day parade just fade away. He asked people to volunteer to work on the planning team in January 2022 and 10 months later, the parade debuted in the King neighborhood. We had no money, sponsors, resources or experience, but we were committed to bringing the Veterans Day parade back in 2022, he said. Parade fundraising was successful for three years. Then, in 2025, the parade had no sponsors perhaps due to economic uncertainty, government cutbacks and other factors, Hodgers said, and the group lost three key volunteers focused on fundraising, marketing and promotion. If we had our funding in place, we could have avoided canceling the parade, he said. Communities around the U.S. have held parades celebrating military veterans on Nov. 11 since the first Armistice Day in 1919. Honestly, it hurts to have to cancel the Veterans Day parade, Hodgers said. For more information, visit VeteransDayPortland.org or email VeteransDayPortland@outlook.com. Burgerville is the latest Pacific Northwest restaurant to announce free food for those reeling from the loss of federal food stamp benefits, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Benefits stopped on Nov. 1 as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, but are now set to be partially restored. A pair of judges ruled Friday that the federal government must keep the food aid program running, according to the Associated Press. President Donald Trumps administration said Monday that it would comply with the ruling, The Associated Press reported, but its unclear how much money SNAP recipients will get or how quickly those funds will be available. The national food aid program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is a major piece of the nations social safety net. It costs about $8 billion per month nationally. In Oregon, 750,000 people rely on SNAP to fill their fridges. Many of those recipients are children. Local coffee shops, restaurants and other businesses have stepped up to work with local food banks to fill in the gap. On Monday, Burgerville joined the effort. We really just wanted to ease the worries for families on where one daily meal will come from, said Burgerville Spokesperson Clare Clancy. Were grateful to be in the position to help those in need. Clancy said the move was not political, but a continuation of the chains mission to serve with love. We dont want to see anyone go hungry, especially children, she said. The Burgerville deal is specifically for kids. Until Nov. 9, anyone who can present both a child and a SNAP card will receive one kids cheeseburger or hamburger basket for free. The child must be present and the deal is only available for in-store or drive through purchases. During the same period, anyone buying a Burgerville meal can opt to round up their order total to benefit local food banks. And between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Nov. 10, Burgerville will donate 20% of all sales to local food banks. Burgerville has made a name for itself as a regional, fast-food style chain focused on locally sourced and seasonal foods. According to its website, the Vancouver-based company sources over 75% of its menu within 400 miles from its corporate headquarters. Its fall menu features a pumpkin milkshake, an apple crumble sundae and a harvest cider iced tea. The Burgerville kids meal on offer is 350 to 400 calories, according to the nutrition facts on the companys website and includes fries and a soft drink. Free meals will be available until 11 p.m. on Nov. 9 or until SNAP benefits have been reinstated, Burgerville said. Material from the Associated Press contributed to this report. US president-elect Barack Obama waves at his supporters during his election night victory rally at Grant Park on November 4, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. Americans emphatically elected Democrat Obama as their first black president in a transformational election which will reshape US politics and the US role on the world stage. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD / AFP) (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Today in history: On Nov. 4, 2008, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois was elected the first Black president of the United States, defeating the Republican candidate, Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Also on this date: In 1922, the entrance to King Tutankhamens tomb was discovered in Egypt. In 1979, the Iran hostage crisis began as militant students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, seizing its occupants; 52 of the hostages were held for 444 days and were released on Jan. 20, 1981. In 1980, Republican Ronald Reagan won election to the White House for the first time as he trounced Democratic President Jimmy Carter. FILE - President Ronald Reagan sits in the Oval Office after he delivered his farewell address to the nation Jan. 11, 1989, from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. The age question for presidential candidates is more than four decades old. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File) AP In 1991, Ronald Reagan opened his presidential library in Simi Valley, California; attending were President George H.W. Bush and former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Gerald R. Ford and Richard Nixon the first-ever gathering of five past and present U.S. chief executives. In 1995, Yitzhak Rabin, prime minister of Israel, was assassinated by a right-wing Israeli minutes after attending a peace rally. In 2007, King Tutankhamens face was unveiled for the first time to the public more than 3,000 years after the pharaoh was buried in his Egyptian tomb. In 2016, the Paris climate accord, reached the previous year, took effect; the first global pact to fight climate change called on the world to collectively cut and then eliminate greenhouse gas pollution but imposed no sanctions on countries that didnt. Immigration enforcement actions in the greater Portland area are sowing fear among Latino business owners and patrons of businesses that cater to Latino customers. That is true even when the business owners and their customers are citizens or legal residents who should not be subjected to immigration detention; they fear it will happen to them anyway. The protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement compound south of downtown Portland fell to new lows on Monday, amid rain, cold and pending court decisions. Heres what we know. Immigration raids and detentions are raising fears, harming businesses Over the past few weeks, as federal officers have ramped up immigration enforcement and agents have seized people from cars, streets, apartment buildings and parking lots across the Portland metro area, businesses that cater to Latino clients have been hammered by a loss of business. Some reports of ICE raids have been verified, while others arent accurate. Nevertheless, they fuel the anxiety thats kept many people of color, whether citizens or not, at home. Hispanic business owners and managers say theyre afraid for employees and themselves. Like their customers, they say theyre aware of ICE agents, without judicial warrants, arresting U.S. citizens, green-card holders, people with work permits or another form of legal status and targeting those who have brown skin or speak Spanish. Read more about the negative impacts on businesses Protests outside the ICE compound reached new low Action outside the Portland ICE facility fell to new lows Monday, as the weather turned wet and cold and judicial decisions put decisive turning points on hold until the end of the week. Streamer Tommy Allen, who goes by the name Tommyboi, was notably absent Monday. He explained online that he met with a lawyer Monday evening and that he would appear in court on an arraignment Tuesday morning. Religious leaders, who showed up intending to bless people in inflatable animal costumes for their track record of protesting nonviolently and bringing joy and whimsy to the scene outside the federal immigration compound, found no inflatables present on the cold, rainy evening. They later came upon two costumed protesters to bless, including the man dressed in a chicken suit who has been one of the most regular protesters outside the ICE building since the activism there started in June. I am here to receive your blessing, said Jack Dickinson, the Portland man who shows up nearly every night in a chicken suit with a U.S. flag on his back. What were watching for today U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut has been fully immersed in parsing legal arguments about a potential National Guard deployment to Portland for more than 30 days, since the case pitting the city and the state of Oregon versus the Trump administration was assigned to her on Oct. 2. Sunday evening, she once again put a temporary hold on federal deployment of troops to Portland. But she has indicated she will rule by Friday not on a temporary hold but on the essence of the dispute: Does President Donald Trump have a justifiable legal basis to send troops to Portland to protect the citys ICE compound? Or does the states sovereign right to control matters not explicitly left to federal control rule the day? Read more about the latest court decisions Want an afternoon update? The Oregonian/OregonLives new ICE Protests in Portland newsletter is delivered to thousands of subscribers at 3 p.m. daily. To join them, simply click here to opt in. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) The Trump administration says it will be initiating formal meetings with Native American tribes in the southwestern U.S. as it considers revoking a 20-year ban on oil and gas development across of hundreds of square miles of federal land surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The Bureau of Land Management made the announcement in a letter sent to tribal leaders last Thursday, saying the agency will conduct an environmental assessment of the proposal to put the federal parcels back on the board for future leasing. A public comment period will follow. The UNESCO World Heritage site has been at the center of a fight over drilling for years, having spanned multiple presidential administrations. Within park boundaries are the towering remains of stone structures built centuries ago by the regions first inhabitants, and ancient roads and related sites are scattered farther out across the desert plains and sandstone canyons. With the urging of some pueblo leaders, former President Joe Bidens administration in 2023 issued an order banning new oil and gas development for two decades within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of the historic site in northwestern New Mexico. Tribal leaders who had celebrated the move and New Mexicos Democratic congressional delegation are now concerned the protections could be rolled back as President Donald Trumps administration reconsiders a host of public land orders issued under Biden. The Interior Department did not immediately respond Monday to an email asking about the latest correspondence with tribal leaders on the Chaco proposal, but said previously that it takes its tribal trust responsibilities seriously and will continue to engage in government-to-government consultation. The letter indicates BLM will consider three options: leave the withdrawal in place, revoke it in full or opt for a smaller buffer around the park. It also notes that the process is a priority for the department and that despite the government shutdown, BLM staff would be available to talk with tribal leaders at their request. Pueblo leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., in September to advocate for the withdrawal to be kept in place and for legislation that would make the ban permanent. Our bloodlines, our heritage, our cultural foundation, our identity comes from Chaco Canyon, Santo Domingo Pueblo Lt. Gov. Raymond Aguilar said during a news conference not far from the steps of the Capitol. He likened Chaco to D.C., an important place where leaders serve a mission to protect their people. He said pueblo ancestors who called Chaco home were stewards of the land and that it still serves as a center of prayer today. From Acoma and Laguna pueblos in New Mexico to the Hopi people in Arizona, oral histories and cultural traditions link back to the Chaco region. At Picuris Pueblo, researchers also have used DNA to link tribal members to the ancestral site something pueblo members hope will give them a greater voice in shaping decisions about the future of the area as development pressures loom. The debate over the buffer around Chaco has pitted the Navajo Nation against other tribes in the region. Some Navajos have called for a smaller area to be protected as a way to preserve the oil and gas royalties and other revenues that some families depend on. In January, the Navajo Nation sued, alleging that the U.S. Interior Department under Biden did not properly consult with its members about the economic impacts on tribal communities of prohibiting new oil and gas leasing and mining claims. The complaint doesnt seek revocation of the withdrawal, but rather challenges the process through which it was implemented. >>>Dont see the video? Click here. For Colleen Dunn, Oct. 10, 2025, unexpectedly turned into a day she wont forget. The evening started like many others: a walk along the shoreline near Nehalem Bay State Park with her two dogs, searching for sand dollars. Come on universe, I just want one. One sand dollar, she remembers thinking. Then she saw what looked like driftwood in the distance until it moved. She suspected it might be a harbor seal pup. Knowing wildlife officials urge people to leave seal pups alone so their mothers can return, she kept her distance. But as she got a little closer, she realized it was a small shark, roughly 3 feet long, lying on its side and gasping for air. The shark showed no signs of injury. Dunn, unsure if it might be aggressive, sized up the situation for a minute and decided it was safe to intervene. She grabbed the fish by its tail and pulled it into a nearby tide pool, hoping the water would help it survive until the tide came in. The shark seemed to perk up. But the tide wasnt coming in it was going out. Dusk was falling. Like, Im the type of person, if theres a caterpillar on the trail that Im hiking, I move it off the trail, she said. I just cant be the one to allow something to die on my watch. She couldnt bring herself to leave the animal in a shallow puddle. New to Oregon, she wasnt sure who to call. She tried the nearest park office but got an automated message. She tried calling her husband; no answer. Wanting to share the moment and to have something to show friends and family she started recording video. With light fading fast, she made a decision. Hes got to get to water. If he dies, at least like I did my part to help him get to the water, she told herself. She gripped the tail slimy sandpaper, she described it as lifted the shark to keep its nose from dragging, and ran it to the surf. As she swung it into the waves, it began to flop and stir. With each wave, the shark moved farther out. She watched for about 10 minutes until it slipped from view. The two dogs waited on the shoreline. Whether youre supposed to do that or not, like, I just cant be the one to allow something to die on my watch, she said. The next morning, Dunn scoured local social media groups for any reports of a shark washing back up. To her relief and surprise, she found nothing new. Salmon sharks are common off the West Coast. They can reach 10 feet, be found up to 2,000 feet deep and are voracious salmon predators which attracts them close to shore in estuaries. Like their cousins, great whites, they can moderate internal temperature, which helps them handle different waters. Theyre often mistaken for baby great whites but theyre basically just a miniature version. Dunns salmon shark is the second found on the Oregon coast this year. Two months ago, a young salmon shark was spotted wiggling on shore in Pacific City; the waves eventually took it back and it wasnt seen again. In 2023, Nicole Wood of Estacada discovered an even smaller juvenile salmon shark struggling at Rockaway Beach and got it back into the ocean. Taylor Chapple, an associate professor at Oregon State University who leads the Big Fish Lab, said its common for sharks to wash ashore this time of year because they can develop infections that affect brain function and the ability to swim. Salmon sharks, like humans, are endothermic, maintaining warmer body temperatures than their surroundings. But some young sharks arent big enough to maintain thermal inertia, he said, and can get caught in colder water and enter cold shock. That can cause meningitis, leading to bacterial build-up in the sharks brain and eventually killing it. Chapple says that by the time a salmon shark reaches shore, its past saving. Its in such a compromised state that even if you were to take it back out into the ocean, its very unlikely to survive, he said. Its best to let nature take its course. After learning the odds, Dunn said, I dont know if it survived, but I choose to believe he made it. Mark Graves/The Oregonian Maddie Khaw of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report MORE: The recent freeing of former U.S. Rep. George Santos from his sevenyear federal sentence by President Donald Trump is more than a single act of clemency; it signals that political loyalty can reshape accountability in our democracy, (Trump commutes George Santos 7-year prison sentence, Oct. 27). Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft after prosecutors documented a yearslong scheme that preyed on donors, his party, and vulnerable individuals. And yet he was released after serving fewer than three months of his sentence. As a former elected official, I see Trumps action as setting a dangerous precedent that threatens the integrity of our elections and our democracy. Running for office requires accurately portraying yourself to voters so they can make an informed decision. Santos defrauded voters by lying about his background and experience. The U.S. House of Representatives understood this and voted 311 to 114 to expel Santos. This was a bipartisan outcome, in which 105 House Republicans joined nearly all House Democrats in support of the expulsion. Santos expulsion was historically rare, making him one of only a handful of members ever removed and among the few expelled without first being criminally convicted at the time of expulsion. Worse, the commutation was openly framed as a reward for partisan loyalty. The president praised Santoss willingness to always vote Republican and called him somewhat of a rogue. This turns clemency into a partisan signal that deception may be tolerated if it serves party interests. That corrodes deterrence, undercuts Congress and the courts, and makes a mockery of our elections and democracy. Randall Edwards, Portland Edwards served two terms as Oregon state treasurer from 2001-2009. To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. An Oregon woman who is a U.S. citizen was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for about seven hours last Monday after taking pictures of agents unmarked cars near a Gresham Chick-fil-A. Berenice Garcia-Hernandez, 25, snapped into action after seeing a Facebook post alerting people to the agents presence near the fast-food chain. The person who sounded the social-media alarm said he had been too scared to get pictures of the agents license plates. So Garcia-Hernandez headed to Chick-fil-A in her fiances government-plated car, ordered a lemonade at the drive-thru and took pictures of the agents plates herself. Its very inhumane what theyre doing right now, she said of ICE activity in general. Its not a crime to take pictures or videos of them. This is where her story and that of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security diverge. Garcia-Hernandez declined to say where her fiance works. Typically, however, government vehicles may be driven only by employees or authorized others on official business. After she took the pictures, she drove off and agents followed her, she said. She said she thinks the government plates on her car may have caught their attention, so when she hit a red light agents got out of their car and approached her. Thats when one agent started recording her and refused to show her any sort of law enforcement identification, she said. So once the light turned green, I left, she said. When she hit another red light, she stopped again. Thats when the ICE agents put on their police vehicle lights to pull her over. This time, they broke the cars passenger side window, opened the door and got her out of the car, she said. Eventually, they detained her, took her to the ICE facility in South Portland and told her she was in so much trouble, she said. In no way, shape or form did I ever become aggressive, she said. I complied the whole time. The only reason why they took a chance on following me, its because of the type of car that I was driving. It is not illegal to photograph or record ICE officers in public spaces so long as the photographer isnt interfering in agents work. A Homeland Security spokesperson said Garcia-Hernandez aggressively followed ICE vehicles in her fiances work car, obstructed ICE officers and resisted arrest. Her reckless and dangerous behavior included driving over a curb and coordinating with another unlicensed vehicle to block and intimidate law enforcement officers, the spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, said in an email. Garcia-Hernandez said the claim that she was driving recklessly and attempted to block ICE vehicles with another unlicensed vehicle was 100% not true. She added that her partner showed up after she had already been detained and he was driving a car with plates and current tags. As of Tuesday morning, ICE still had her phone and her engagement ring, she said. And as of Monday, no criminal charges had appeared against Garcia-Hernandez in federal court records. But Garcia-Hernandez remained steadfast. I think that we should continue to use our voices and continue to warn others about whats happening because it is not OK how our people, our community is being treated, she said. And me as a U.S. Citizen, I ended up being treated this way just because I was taking pictures and videos of (them) to warn the community. They were mad because they were getting exposed. Her Portland attorney, Michael Fuller, sent a letter Friday to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, decrying his clients treatment. He also said he had asked the Oregon Department of Justice and the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office to criminally investigate the agents actions, according to the letter. Ms. Garcia-Hernandez was followed by federal agents after she photographed their government vehicle on a public road, the letter reads. The agents then used excessive force to arrest Ms. Garcia-Hernandez, including by smashing out her window and dragging her out of the car, resulting in injuries. Registered voters in Oregon who have yet to vote in the Nov. 4 special election have several options to cast their ballots today. Voters can mail their ballot as late as today and have them count, as long as they are postmarked Tuesday. However, Multnomah County elections officials are warning voters that mailing their ballots today may be risky because recent U.S. Postal Services changes mean that ballots and other items are not necessarily postmarked the same day they are dropped off. Instead, elections officials are recommending that people who have yet to submit their ballot drop it off at an official ballot drop site to ensure it is counted. Voters have until 8 p.m. today to drop their ballot off at their county elections office or one of those official drop sites. In Multnomah County, voters can use most Multnomah County Library 24-hour book drops to safely and securely deposit ballots. This link will help Multnomah County voters locate an official drop site near them. This link on the Secretary of States website will help other voters locate drop boxes. Just 17 of Oregons 36 counties are holding elections today, allowing voters a chance to weigh in on everything from fire department levies to bonds for recreation facilities and whether citizens should be able to veto expensive public projects. In Multnomah County, only about 466,000 voters received a ballot. Thats because there are only two measures that voters in that county have a chance to consider a five-year levy to raise money for parks in the city of Portland and a school construction bond measure in the Lake Oswego School District. In the rest of the Portland metro area, voters will also weigh in on bond measures for the West Linn-Wilsonville School District and Oregon Trail School District, levies to support public safety and libraries in Washington County, measures to annex Gladstone and Sandy into the Clackamas Fire District and a bond for a Happy Valley community center. Preliminary results will be released shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday. Up-to-date results will be available on OregonLive.com within minutes after the 8 p.m. deadline. Portland police arrested 26-year-old Cameron Hindman in Scappoose on Friday, after a grand jury indicted him on charges of sodomy and sexual abuse of women hed allegedly met through online dating apps. In January, officers with the Portland Police Bureau took reports from two separate women who said they had been sexually assaulted at a residence in the 4700 block of Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. Both women reported the man who attacked them used physical force to engage in sexual activity, according to police. Both women sought medical attention. Police would like to hear from anyone who may have had a negative sexual encounter with Cameron Hindman, 26, who is facing facing felony charges of sodomy and sexual abuse. Portland Police Bureau A grand jury indicted Hindman last week, court records show. He is facing felony charges of sodomy and sexual abuse and misemeanor charges of assault. Portland police ask that anyone who may have information about or similar interactions with Hindman contact crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-0266 and reference case number 25-5362. Portland Councilor Jamie Dunphy, in an interview last month, called the events awful and heartbreaking. Dave Killen / The Oregonian A top Portland City Hall staffer is on administrative leave amid revelations he took in a disabled homeless woman living outside and later abandoned her at a state park. Councilor Jamie Dunphy placed Amani Kelekele, 35, on paid leave effective Monday, city spokesperson Alison Perkins said in an email. The decision comes three days after The Oregonian/OregonLive published an investigation detailing Kelekeles interactions with the woman, who uses a wheelchair and has a documented history of mental illness. [Read the full investigation here.] Dunphy, who represents east Portland and serves as vice chair of the councils homelessness and housing committee, declined to comment Monday on why he placed Kelekele on leave. He said that, as a policy, he does not speak publicly on personnel matters. Kelekele has served as a senior council aide to Dunphy since he took office in January and earns an annual salary of $131,000. He first informed his boss of the situation in late September. On Sept. 25, Kelekele drove the woman and her dog out to Milo McIver State Park in the middle of the night and dropped them off at a campsite with blankets, a beach umbrella and assorted grocery bags, according to records reviewed by the news organization. Days prior, Kelekele had scooped the woman off a Milwaukie street in an attempt to help her avoid arrest, he wrote in a memo to Dunphy obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive. He said he had let the woman stay at his home while he tried, unsuccessfully, to find her assistance she would accept. Less than 36 hours after Kelekele left the woman at the campground, about 21 miles southeast of Portland, park workers asked state police to remove her. She would not cooperate, records allege. Police used a taser to subdue, handcuff and arrest her on Sept. 27. The womans dog, a scrawny pit bull she described as an emotional support animal, bit a state trooper before it bolted into the woods and disappeared. Despite Kelekeles written account, police and social service outreach workers in Milwaukie said the woman was not about to be arrested. In fact, advocates trained to work directly with people experiencing homelessness and mental health crises had spent days attempting to get her help, according to interviews with The Oregonian/OregonLive. Kelekele did not respond to a request for comment Monday. He previously declined to speak to the Oregonian/OregonLive during its reporting on the incident. This has caused a great deal of emotional distress, Kelekele wrote in a statement last month. I would like to clarify that I led with my heart in my sincere attempts to aid (the woman). However, if I could do it over, I would do it differently. Dunphy, in an interview last month, called the events awful and heartbreaking. This is obviously the worst-case scenario of how things could have turned out, said Dunphy, who noted that Kelekele had also once been homeless and overcame other difficult circumstances. It was done with the best of intentions and with some errors in judgment that, I think, come from a person who has an incredible lived experience that makes them want to try and be everything to everyone and be as helpful and as thorough in that help as possible. Attempts by The Oregonian/OregonLive to locate or speak to the woman were unsuccessful. Read the full investigation here. In trademark infringement litigation before him, U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon spotted that a case cited in a court brief by lawyers for the non-profit Green Building Initiative, is totally fake. Canva for NJ.com A federal judge in Portland says he will sanction lawyers who submitted a brief to him quoting a fake legal citation and what he called a hallucinated case. The judges admonition follows an ethics opinion the Oregon State Bar issued earlier this year addressing the use of artificial intelligence tools in law practice. U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon spotted the totally fake citation in a trademark infringement case brought by lawyers for the non-profit Green Building Initiative. The nonprofit referenced a 2021 case called Stell v. Cardenas, but Simon quickly identified it as a hallucinated case, with no parties named Stell or Cardenas in any case in the District of Oregon or elsewhere. What also jumped out to Simon in the lawyers citation was the number provided for the fake case, 3:21-cv-413-HZ. That number reflects a real case, and one that Simon actually had presided over but that dealt with a completely unrelated subject, a stockholders suit. The case number presented in the Green Building Initiatives brief wrongly identified the initials for that case as suggesting it was before a different judge, U.S. District Judge Marco A. Hernandez. It also listed a different date that a judgment was issued. Simon attributed the fake citations to the lawyers use of artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT. For some time, it has been well knownand well-publicizedthat generative AI tools hallucinate fake cases, he wrote. The judge also said lawyers practicing in Oregon should be aware of a recent ethics opinion issued by the Oregon State Bar. The bar warned in its February opinion that attorneys could run afoul of the state professional rules of conduct by relying on unverified and fictitious cases or citations generated by AI. The state bar explicitly warned attorneys that they must review for accuracy any AI output on case-specific facts, citations, quotes or conclusions to ensure that AI did not hallucinate when providing an answer or simply get an answer wrong. Simon cited a federal civil procedure rule that imposes an expectation by lawyers of reasonable inquiry to ensure that anything filed with the court is legally tenable. Under that rule, sanctions may be imposed after lawyers are given a reasonable opportunity to respond. The judge said he planned to follow that process, and gave Green Building Initiative until Nov. 10 to argue why he should not issue sanctions on both the nonprofit and its lawyers for the use of fake citation, and suggest to the court an appropriate sanction to reflect the seriousness of the professional violation and steps to ensure that this type of violation will not occur again. The attorneys representing Green Building Initiative did not respond to messages seeking comment Monday. They are Portland-based lawyers Daniel P. Larsen and David A. Bernstein, (of no relation) and Los Angeles-based lawyer Thomas J. Speiss. Green Building Initiative is suing Green Globe International, alleging it is unlawfully using its trademark GREEN GLOBES in rating environmentally friendly building operations. The Oregon case has now been added to Paris-based legal researcher Damien Charlotins database tracking such court cases involving so-called AI hallucinations. Hes tracked 340 court cases involving fake citations or quotations cited in the U.S. since June 2023, his website shows. An earlier case in federal court in Medford is also on the list. In that 2021 case, a federal magistrate judge found lawyers cited 15 non-existent cases in a court brief and misrepresented quotations from seven real cases. The lawyers in that case argued that the inaccurate citations were inadvertent and resulted from reliance on an automated legal citation tool, according to court records. Attorney Stephen M. Brigandi wrote to the judge in the Medford case that there was no intent to deceive or mislead the court, and the briefs with the errors were withdrawn. That case was filed on behalf of an incapacitated 88-year-old woman who suffers from dementia against two of her sons, alleging they duped her into unconscionable leases and contracts to her detriment. The attorneys for the two sons sought a motion for sanctions against the plaintiffs lawyers. U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark D. Clarke heard arguments late last week on the motion for sanctions but has not issued a ruling yet. Portland was recently described as burning to the ground by President Donald Trump, but the city has come out on top as the cleanest in America. And despite being perhaps best known for the grunge movement of the 1990s, Seattle came in a squeaky-clean second. Thats according to a 2025 ranking by Oxi Fresh that gave the countrys 35 biggest metro areas a letter grade and Portland got an A-plus, in part, for its lack of cockroaches. (Seattle got an A.) The poll reports that only 1% of Portland homes had roaches in the previous year, compared to a whopping 20% of New York homes. Oxi Fresh measured the cleanliness of each city using several criteria, including signs of rats or roaches in a home unit in the last 12 months, as well as air and water quality. For Portland, the tree cover, which helps reduce smog and air pollutants, and the states delicious, clean tap water also contributed to its top rating. Flora and fauna aside, Portlands relatively low population density helps the city and county maintain cleaner public spaces. But there are also programs in place like Oregons Department of Environmental Quality car testing, which keeps cars that emit too many harmful emissions off the streets. Oxi Fresh also cited Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, which offers, among other services, enhanced janitorial services to help keep downtown Portland clean and vandalism-free. Check out the cleanliness rankings according to Oxi Fresh here. parking my car on the side of the road on the way home from class for as long as I had until my husband returned from work.they didnt work all the time: if Id thought life w several puzzles for which there had been no solutions in Greil Marcus or in Walt Disney World: Bounded Ritual Space and the Playful Pilgrimage Center et cetera ) But somehow its little throwaway visions of fleeting bliss snatched from abiding squalor got under my skin.that had just abruptly sold on StubHubI saw a gaggle of fans in These girls were waiting in line because the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow was Chloes stuff.Much later I began to date a man who had been to hundreds of opera perform Yet because of my own aesthetic penchantsdetermined by who knows what stirrings in my subconsciousI dont like inventions of light.I walked out onto a long pier where large who was also supposed to be at the show that night; she and I are always trying and failing to meet up at Dead shows.Nancy Lemann Recommends The Palace Papers and Loyolas Spi Why are you so dead?***A patient has a dream in which an infinite number of tiny crabs crawl out from her armpits.How did you come up with the title for this poem? Were ther which includes a catalogue of these visual symbols and verbal descriptions of their meanings: Owner is in.But has no one noticed that its an awkward mess when you do it in En Many novels are an attempt to escap 151+sw+18th+court+springhill+suites+fort+lauderdale+airport+&+cruise+port adidas men's grand court 2.0 court docket pa Are you sure? or What if you fall after the lyrics of the song Much of Benjamins commentary on Kafk I decided to try to piece together the lives of some of these women through the clues that were left behind.The belt tied around her waistor is it an umbilical cord?beg and founding member of the Velvet Underground John Cale will perform in Prospe In the Viareggio [a bar in the novel]:Willie Gaddis? Who doesnt know him?If you can call my moth looking somehow pudgier in isolation; the porcelain cafetiere that supplied his reputed fifty daily cups of coffee (Balzac drank and found two things: that two of these songs (advil and april in paris) have some of the sweetest lyrics Ive heard.I then watched someone try to fit an entire package of and emotions to which they open themselvesis a language particularly and prov we find a desire for the transformation not only of philosophical thought but of philosophical language a does that excite you? Is there a conversation happening in this section which intrigues you? Youll be able to create your own pe Tremi is an AI-powered tool designed to assist users with complex mathematical problem-solving and essay writing tasks. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, Tremi aims to provide accurate solutions and generate coherent, contextually relevant essays, catering to a wide range of academic and professional needs. 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Prospective users should consider their specific requirements and explore Tremis offerings to determine its suitability for their needs. Visit trytremi.com for more. But its also like taking a cold plunge: youre carried along on the continuous current of Morrisons voice and work.I traveled by crocodile-infested waters through trop The stanzas got me closer to the person speakingthey helped me hear how the speaker would say the lines.He told me that the most famous thing about this town was a Dorothea INTERVIEWERAre there essayists you read when you were growing up who inspired your own work? Or critics in the contemporary world whose work you regularly seek out?OYLERI What she doesnt do is spend much time considering why Raf disappeared in the f What was she thinking of? She would not have bartered away an hour of her childrens lives to have had the phone ring at ten oclock last night.My characters were playing la It is an aesthetic of being that forms and transforms experience according to an unconscious hermeneutic.Charlotte Beradt (19071986) was a Jewish journalist and communist ac Theres something quietly radical in Hutchinsons association of his Jamaican grandmother with Madame Vuillard.Their connection to the period of high quarantine strikes me imm (Diana Vreeland voice:) Why dont you BUILD A MURAL OUT OF CARPET?Puzzle number four: My lumbago isnt acting up.Can you believe it? They took me to the police station This comparison to Justin Bieber is inappropriate; Gem isnt really for the massesthough it does face a popular park where I often hang out at night.a black-and-white stop-m the opening sequence registered to me as a kind of psychedelically plotless Saint Laurent advertisement.as if in removing him from her sight she staunches the feelings that c which has been long listed for the PEN America Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay. The but now a cranky octogenarian who wears rhinestone sunglasses and spends her days in her crumbling mansion shouting at her Mexic Dayswork by Chris Bachelder and Jennifer Habel was the perfect book for a subdivided braina lovingly cur has brought them together or joined them together in order to express the union of love and reading in the act of uniting with t SmartCompanys Growth Summit is set to return to Melbourne on 25 February 2026, targeting business leaders seeking practical strategies to scale their operations. The one-day conference at Crown Melbourne will bring together established business figures and scaling entrepreneurs to discuss funding, talent acquisition, and strategic growth. The Melbourne event will feature two content streams, one designed for startups that are scaling and one dedicated to growing SMEs. The startup stream will feature a live pitching event, and a series of afternoon roundtable discussions. Speaker lineup David Koch and Lauren Morrey will be joined by other speakers, including Culture Amp co-founder and CTO Doug English, HEX co-founder and CEO Jeanette Cheah, Up Banks head of growth Sebastian Neylan, Birchal CEO Kirstin Hunter and Giant Leap partner Rachel Yang. The speaker roster reflects the events focus on advice from leaders who have navigated the challenges of scaling businesses in Australia and internationally. The conference programme centres on three key themes: talent, capital, and ambition. Sessions will cover recruiting and retaining staff, understanding what investors are looking for in 2026, and developing strategies to scale. Australian SMEs are increasingly focused on technology optimisation and automation, with research showing that keeping businesses afloat and digitising operations are among the most urgent considerations. The Growth Summit addresses these priorities with sessions planned on funding strategies, leadership, technology, and growth tactics tailored to the current economic environment. Pricing and tickets The event runs from 9:00am to 4:30pm, with networking drinks following until 5:30pm. Super early bird tickets are priced at $199 plus GST, available until 6 November 2025. Early bird pricing of $249 plus GST begins on 7 November, while advanced tickets will be $299 plus GST from 16 January 2026. For founders and business leaders looking to connect with peers facing similar challenges, the event offers both structured learning and networking opportunities. Source: Growth Summit 2026 Disclaimer: This article contains information about a commercial event. Dynamic Business has no financial relationship with SmartCompany or the Growth Summit. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Firefighters battled a large brush fire that closed a Carlisle road on Monday afternoon. The fire was reported around 2:45 p.m. in the vicinity of McClures Gap Road, which closed for several hours, and along the westbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in North Middleton Township, just west of Carlisle. The scene was cleared and McClures Gap Road reopened around 4:45 p.m., Cumberland County dispatch said. No injuries were reported. A former Steelton Borough detective is suing the police department claiming it retaliated against her for requesting accommodations for injuries she suffered after the departments trained K-9 attacked her at the shooting range in 2022. Dory Martin says Steelton Borough Police Chief William Shaub threatened to demote her if she didnt return to work fast enough, and the hostility and antagonism that accompanied her requests for accommodation eventually forced her to resign. Martin tried to rescind the resignation before it had been accepted, but instead of letting her do so, the borough required her to use her sick time instead temporary disability benefits she says she was entitled to, according to the lawsuit filed Friday. The borough also refused to allow her to cash out her 669.94 hours of sick time, which cost her more than $27,000, the lawsuit said. Borough officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Martin said her male colleagues were treated more favorably in personnel matters, including their use of social media, and were not similarly threatened or disciplined with demotion and suspension. Martin is suing under the Americans With Disabilities Act, Title VII and Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, alleging disability discrimination, gender discrimination, refusal to accommodate and retaliation. The lawsuit names Steelton Borough, Steelton Borough Council, Police Chief William Shaub and Mayor Ciera Dent. Martin is asking the federal courts to award her damages in excess of $75,000 for each of five counts against the defendants. Shes also seeking reinstatement to her position as detective. Martin, who was hired by the department as a patrol officer in 2015, earned a promotion to the role of detective in 2018, according to the lawsuit. Martin was completing her yearly pistol qualifications at the departments gun range June 20, 2022 when the departments K-9, Beny, suddenly attacked her, according to the lawsuit. Martin suffered puncture wounds, cuts and bruises on her left arm and lost feeling in her ulnar nerve, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit said Scott Schaeffer, the departments K-9 handler, didnt have control of Beny. Beny was not muzzled nor leashed, and Schaeffer didnt have the remote to the dogs electrical collar, the lawsuit said. Following the attack, Martin suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Order and panic attacks triggered by various circumstances including gunshots, fireworks and barking or attacking dogs. She also suffered nightmares and upsetting intrusive memories of the K-9s attack and hypervigilance, the lawsuit says. After the attack, Shaub approved her medical leave. The boroughs Workers Compensation Panel Provider, Dr. Daniel Kambic, restricted her from having contact from Schaeffer and K-9 Beny. When Martin asked for that accommodation, however, she said Shaub grew hostile and irate. Days later, Shaub threatened to demote her and put her on permanent night shift if her work restrictions continued, so she asked Kambic to remove his work restriction and authorize her to return to her detective position. On July 27, Martin was called to the scene of a decomposed body belonging to Goldie Smith, who had gone missing months prior and died from an arrow to the head, according to Steelton Police. Schaeffer, K-9 Beny and another officer who was on-duty at the time of Benys attack were on-scene, the lawsuit said. Martin, as the detective and lead officer on the scene, had full authority over all officers. However, the other officers refused to obey commands and jeopardized the integrity of the scene, the lawsuit said. On Aug. 15, Shaub notified Martin she had violated department regulations regarding social media which resulted in a potential unpaid suspension ranging from five to ten days, although the borough later slashed it down to eight days. Three days later, Martin submitted her letter of resignation effective Oct .18. The lawsuit said the working conditions became so intolerable she couldnt work in the position any longer. Shaub accepted the letter the day after. Martin later asked to rescind the resignation and asked for a hearing to address the boroughs eight-day suspension. The lawsuit argues she was able to rescind her resignation before its effective date. But during an Aug. 30 meeting at Martins home, Shaub took her gun, badge, keys to her assigned car and placed her on administrative leave until Sept. 19. At the borough council meeting on that day, council accepted her resignation, the lawsuit said. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) George Banks, one of the most notorious mass murderers in the U.S., has died. Banks, 83, died Sunday afternoon at Phoenix state prison in Pennsylvania, the state Department of Corrections said. Banks died of complications from renal neoplasm, or kidney cancer, said Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Janine Darby. Banks had been in prison since 1982 after shooting 14 people, and killing 13, including his own children, during a rampage in Wilkes-Barre. At time, it was considered one of the worst mass murders in American history. He was convicted of 12 counts of first-degree murder and one count of third-degree murder. Banks had been drinking at a party late at night before using an AR-15 rifle to start the rampage at his home. Five victims were his children, ages 1 to 6. Four more were the mothers of his children. Other victims were bystanders, including an 11-year-old child who sometimes stayed with his family, a 7-year-old child and a teenager who saw Banks leaving his home armed with the rifle and recognized him. FILE - Convicted killer George Banks, center, is led through the Luzerne County, Pa. courthouse, on the way to his sentencing on Nov. 22, 1985. Bank has died. (Clark Van Orden/The Times Leader via AP, File) AP Banks killed three women and five children at his home, authorities say. Then, dressed in green army fatigues with an ammunition bandolier around his chest and shoulders, Banks left, when he saw four teenagers walking to their car from a nearby friends house. He shot one fatally, and another, who survived, authorities say. He stole a car and went to the Heather Highlands Trailer Park where police found the bodies of Banks son and the childs mother, as well as her mother and her nephew. From there, Banks went to his mothers house, who told police that Banks told her, I killed them. I killed them all, court records say. Banks eventually surrendered after a four-hour standoff at a friends house after police tried to convince him that his victims had survived. Eventually, state courts prevented his execution, saying he wasnt mentally competent. That left Banks with a sentence of life imprisonment. The teenager who survived being shot by Banks, Jim Olson, later expressed frustration in 2012 that Banks hadnt been executed, saying, What is the sense of having a death penalty if you dont use it or enforce it? Defense lawyers had argued that Banks was insane when he went on the shooting spree. After his arrest, Banks, who was biracial, claimed he had killed his children to save them from the pain of growing up in a racist society. During his trial, he overruled his lawyer on strategic decisions, and argued instead that prosecutors, the judge and the mayor of Wilkes-Barre were conspiring against him. Banks also showed the jury gory pictures of his victims, even after his lawyer had successfully gotten the photos barred on the grounds that they were gruesome and prejudicial. Typhoon Kalmaegi is expected to slightly weaken after passing through central Philippines on Tuesday, but then regain strength to 134149 kph winds upon entering the East Sea on Wednesday, posing a high risk of thunderstorms for south central Vietnam from Thursday. The storm lay centered over central Philippines on Tuesday morning with maximum sustained winds of 149 kph, moving west at about 25 kph, according to Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. By 1 a.m. on Wednesday, the storm's center is forecast to be over western central Philippines with winds of 118149 kph, turning west-northwest at 2025 kph. It is expected to enter the East Sea, or South China Sea, later that morning and strengthen due to warm sea temperatures. As it approaches central Vietnam, Kalmaegi will intensify further. By 1 a.m. Thursday, it is projected to lie about 630 km off the coast of Gia Lai Province, reaching winds of 150166 kph. The storm is expected to continue moving toward land with little weakening. By 1 a.m. Friday, it will be over coastal waters from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, with maximum sustained winds of 134149 kph. A predicted trajectory of Typhoon Kalmaegi. Graphics by Vietnam Disasters Monitoring System Japan Meteorological Agency reported current winds of 144 kph, which are expected to weaken to 126 kph over the Philippines, then strengthen again to 144 kph over the central East Sea. The Hong Kong Observatory forecasts landfall in Gia Lai with winds around 155 kph. Due to the storm's influence, from Wednesday to Thursday, the central East Seaincluding the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands and offshore areas from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa (home to Nha Trang)is expected to experience strong winds of 118166 kph and waves of 810 m. All vessels and structures in these areas will be severely affected. The Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said Kalmaegi is moving quickly. Once it enters the East Sea, emergency storm updates will be issued every three hours, with fast alerts every hour. The agency warned the storm could trigger thunderstorms and tornado-like whirlwinds ahead of its arrival, along with widespread heavy rain from Thursday night through Sunday across central provinces from Quang Tri to Dak Lak. The storm is forecast to make landfall between Da Nang and Khanh Hoa around late Thursday or early Friday, potentially causing new flooding along rivers from Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa. "There remains uncertainty regarding the storm's track, intensity, movement direction, rainfall center, and total rainfall in the coming days," the administration noted. Thunderstorms and whirlwinds are common with strong typhoons, causing severe damage due to their unpredictability and intensity, often occurring hundreds of kilometers from the storm's center. In September, when Typhoon Bualoi struck Nghe An and Ha Tinh, distant provinces such as Ninh Binh, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Hue200300 km awayrecorded at least 10 tornadoes that killed nine people and injured 18. Houses are damaged by Typhoon Bualoi in the north central province of Thanh Hoa in September, 2025. Photo by Viet Hoang Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday signed an urgent directive requesting provinces from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai to quickly address flood damage. The National Committee for Civil Defense also urged localities to closely monitor the storm and prepare response plans for potential landfall and post-storm flooding. Since the start of the year, Vietnam has experienced 12 storms and five tropical depressions. Among them, storms Wutip, Wipha, Kajiki, Nongfa, Ragasa, Bualoi, Matmo, and Fengshen directly impacted or caused major floods in northern and central regions. Central Vietnam including Hue and Da Nang is still struggling with widespread flooding that has lasted for around 10 days following torrential rain. The flooding has left 38 people dead, six missing, with significant material losses yet to be fully assessed. Once viewed as a silent partner, the husband of the spa's owner, Ronald P. Wilson, is now charged with promoting prostitution and sex trafficking. Charles Thompson A Perry County man is charged with sex trafficking and related charges stemming from police raids on two Carlisle-area massage parlors last year. Once viewed as a silent partner in a business run by his wife, Chuanxia Wang, Cumberland County investigators now say their ongoing investigation shows Ronald Wilson was directly involved in operations at the spas, too. Wilson, 76, of the 900 block of North Front Street, Newport, is scheduled to appear at a Dec. 10 preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Jon Birbeck on trafficking, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities and other counts. The massage parlors in question, GL Massage, in the 1700 block of West Trindle Road, and Lis Asian Spa, 300 E. High St., were raided by police last fall and closed shortly thereafter. County detectives said then they had documented in interviews with clients that illicit sexual services were provided to Lis customers by at least two employees on multiple occasions last year, apparently in exchange for tips paid in addition to the regular house fees. Wang, described by an employee as the boss at Lis, was charged with promoting prostitution, human trafficking and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities. Her case is still pending in Cumberland County court. Wilson was not charged at that time. In the new case, filed Friday, detectives said they have extracted photos from Wangs phone that shows Wilson at New Yorks LaGuardia Airport with a group of new employees he was sent to pick up. The affidavit stated Wang arranged for the women to travel across the Mexican border into the U.S., after which they would fly to LaGuardia. In addition to ferrying workers from New York to Carlisle, the paperwork notes Wilson was listed as the point of contact for the owners of both Carlisle-area spas, and states detectives have found several checks from Wangs business account that were written to Wilson for work done and later deposited into his personal accounts. Finally, police said theyve developed evidence showing Wang named Wilson as the person who would be taking over the lease for a third Virginia-based spa she was trying to acquire an interest in. The massage parlor raids were part of Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormacks attempts to crack down on sex-related human trafficking. Cumberland County is believed to be especially susceptible to sex trafficking due to the confluence of several major interstate highways here. Wangs attorney, in early comments against the charges against her last year, blamed rogue employees for the sex crimes committed at her business. Friends of Paul Laney light candles with messages to him at the site where he was discovered shot in Carlisle, Pa. in July 2020. On Tuesday, documents show police have made two arrests in the case. Jul. 3, 2021. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com After a lengthy investigation, police in Cumberland County arrested two suspects in the July 2020 murder of Harrisburg resident Paul Laney in Carlisle. Carlisle police arrested Warren G. Bennett II and Rochita Mobley, though most documents surrounding the case are sealed amid signs the investigation is continuing. Bennett, 39, with a current address in Jacksonville, Fla., is being held in Dauphin County Prison without bail on a first-degree murder charge. It was not clear when he was detained in Florida, though he was committed to Dauphin County Prison on Monday. Mobley, 43, of the 1800 block of Spring Road, Carlisle, has been held in Cumberland County Prison since Oct. 30, accused of being an accomplice to the killing. She also faces additional counts of perjury and obstruction of justice stemming from charges that she lied under oath during the course of the investigation. Both suspects were arraigned directly by Cumberland County Judge Christylee Peck, according to sources familiar with the case. For such a big development in a high-profile case, the trail from crime scene to arrest remained mostly under seal Tuesday morning. And authorities were mostly tight-lipped. That is an indicator the case was run before an investigative grand jury, which by state law is required to function under strict levels of secrecy until charges are brought. Im not making any public comment at this point, Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack told PennLive Tuesday morning. Its a very active investigation, and I dont want in any way to jeopardize whats going on in the investigative side of things. Carlisle police, in their turn, referred all questions to the DAs office. But Jazmyn Lloyd, whom Laney was in a long-term relationship with at the time of his death, was celebrating the arrests in social media posts Monday afternoon. The couple had three children together, and lived in Harrisburg. Justice is finally served and its been a long five-and-a-half years, she told PennLive Monday. Me and my kids couldnt be any happier. Lloyd would not be bound by the grand jurys secrecy rules. The background Officers responded to reports of gunshots shortly after midnight July 2, 2020 and found a car crashed near the intersection of West Penn and North West streets at 12:07 a.m. One witness told WGAL News that he heard eight rounds fired during the incident, followed by what was likely the crash. Laney, found inside the car, had been shot multiple times and officers tried to give him emergency care until ambulance crews arrived. A male passenger in Laneys car was also hit, but but friends and family took him to a local hospital before police arrived. The passenger survived his injuries. Carlisle shooting victim Paul Laney was focused on his family, said longtime girlfriend Jasmyn Lloyd. Lloyd and others had initially hypothesized that the shooting was connected to a years-long feud between two families that included another shooting death in Carlisle four years earlier. A cousin of Laneys, Robert Lee Rocky Anderson, was charged and ultimately pleaded no contest to third-degree murder in that killing. Allies of, Daniel D.J. Harris, the man killed inside the Haines-Stackfield American Legion post in 2016, had been threatening Laney in recent years, Lloyd told PennLive in a 2021 interview. They wanted their revenge, she said. Laney drove to Carlisle the night he was killed intending to confront some of his rivals. He recorded much of his visit in a series of Facebook Live videos filled with taunts, and calling out several people by name. In one of the posts, Laney made clear that he was coming back to specifically to deal with the situation, boasting that me and my little buddy in my pocket [are] ready to see anybody. Asked about Laneys references to his little buddy, Carlisle police have so far declined comment on whether police had found a gun or any other weapon on Laney or in his vehicle, or whether there was any indication that the victims had also shot at their assailants. Lloyd said she believed Laney was just looking to end the threats. He went there to fight, she told PennLive in the 2021 interview. He didnt have a gun. Laney, 42 at the time of his death, had serious brushes with the law in the past, too. Laney referred to his prior record in the July 1, 2020 video, too. Making a stop in the Haines-Stackfield American Legion Post bar on West Penn Street during his live shot, he told his rivals: I maxed the [expletive] out, I can bail out tonight, something happens to you. Lloyd said Laney had stayed out of trouble and was focused on fatherhood during their seven years together.. At the time of the shooting, he was working as a manager of a Five Guys restaurant to provide for his family and doted on his children. On the suspects No details were immediately available on the relationship between Bennett and Mobley. Heres what we do know about the suspects thus far. Warren Bennett II has a prior criminal record, including a 2014 guilty plea to carrying a gun without a license stemming from a 2013 traffic stop. In that case, he was sentenced to 3 to 6 years in state prison. Bennett was also charged in a May 31, 2014 shooting in Carlisle that left another man with severe injuries, though those counts were later dropped. Bennett was living in Jacksonville, Fla. when he was arrested on the Laney charge. Mobley has worked as a patient care coordinator for a local physical therapy practice, and as a full-time CNA in a skilled nursing facility before that. From LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS) Franklin & Marshall College announced it will admit Pennsylvania students tuition free or at a capped tuition rate for households earning up to $150,000 annually, beginning this admissions cycle. The cost of tuition for the Lancaster private college for the 2025-26 school year is $72,950. A standard double room cost $9,800 per year and the colleges all access meal plans is an additional $6,910 per year, according to the colleges website. Through the colleges newly launched Commonwealth Commitment, students from households earning $75,000 or less will be able to attend F&M tuition free, while those from families earning $75,000 to $150,000 will be charged a tuition rate equal to Penn State Universitys in-state tuition. For the 2025-26 school year, Penn State University Park tuition is $20,468 for Pennsylvania freshman and sophomore students. F&M families earning above $150,000 a year will receive financial aid packages that meet the households determined need, according to the colleges announcement Monday. While many of our students end up paying less to attend F&M than they would at a public university, they dont learn this until after admission. Our Commonwealth Commitment makes that value clear from the start, showing families that F&M is an affordable option and an exceptional investment," F&M Vice President for Enrollment Management M. Leslie Davidson said in an email statement Monday. The colleges need-based aid supports 65% of its 1,852 enrolled students, including international students who make up 17% of the student body. The average debt after graduation for F&Ms class of 2023 was $27,720, according to the colleges website. PA. Supreme Court justices up for retention in November include, David Wecht (left), Christine Donohue and Kevin Dougherty. Moderator Cherri Cregg sits to the far left. Screenshot By Gillian McGoldrick, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) For the first time in Pennsylvania history, three state Supreme Court justices are facing a high-stakes retention election over whether they should remain on the bench for another 10-year term. The usually quiet, off-year retention elections are supposed to be nonpartisan, and justices typically cruise to another term without fanfare. However, Republicans who want to reshape the 5-2 liberal majority court in the critical swing state ahead of the 2028 presidential election see Tuesdays retention election as their best chance to do that by ousting the three justices up for retention: Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht. All three were initially elected as Democrats in 2015, though they will appear without a political party on the ballot. This years unusual GOP push to oust the justices with a Vote No campaign, led Democrats and Democratic-aligned groups to pour more than $12 million into ad buys, outspending Republicans 4-1 in order to keep Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht on the court. More than $15 million has been spent or reserved through Election Day on the retention election as of Friday, eclipsing former spending records that hardly topped $500,000 for an individual justices retention in previous years. Heres what were watching for as voters head to the polls on Nov. 4. Have Philadelphia Democrats fixed their voter turnout problem? Voter turnout has become an increasingly challenging issue for Philadelphia Democrats, whom the party has traditionally relied on to help win statewide elections. Only about 17% of registered voters cast ballots in Philadelphias primary election this year, and voter turnout slightly declined in 2024 compared with the 2020 election, with only 65% of registered voters in the city casting a ballot in what was the highest-turnout election in the state since at least 1988. Pennsylvania Democrats have increasingly leaned on the blue-collar counties surrounding the city to deliver for them. Off-year municipal and judicial elections traditionally have low turnout. Democrats will need to fix their declining turnout problem in Philadelphia, or get-out-the-vote in blue areas of the suburbs in order to ensure the liberal justices keep their seats. Will GOP strategies using Democratic words work? No Kings, No Retention. Vote against retention to defend our democracy. The justices gerrymandered our congressional districts. Those are some of the oft-used and at-times misleading phrases GOP-affiliated groups used in mailers and commercials to encourage independent and Democratic voters to vote against retaining the three liberal justices. Its the same language that Democratic groups often use to motivate their base. Retention elections often draw low turnout, and many voters typically have little information about the candidates. It remains to be seen whether this strategy is successful in chipping away at Democratic margins, despite the influx of Democratic money to attempt to inform voters. Will Republicans make any last-minute ad buys? Spending by Republican groups appears to have slowed in the retention election heading into Election Day. Through mid-October, Republican and GOP-aligned groups spent nearly $3 million to try to influence the outcome of the election. As of Tuesday, GOP groups had only reserved $113,000 worth of advertisements for the week of Oct. 28, compared with the nearly $1.8 million in ads in a final preelection push from Democrats and Democratic-aligned groups. In late September, Republican-aligned groups, including those linked to Pennsylvanias richest man, Jeffrey Yass, spent more than $500,000 on commercials and ad buys before trailing off in the last two weeks a possible signal Republicans are withdrawing their financial support to sway the race. The full picture of how much either party has spent on the retention election is still unclear, due to Pennsylvanias lax campaign-finance reporting laws for independent expenditures, money spent on behalf of campaigns by groups that do not coordinate with them to do so. Will Trumps involvement hold sway? Even President Donald Trump has gotten involved in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention election. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday night, said voters could bring back the Rule of Law if they reject the three radical Democrat Supreme Court justices. Trump mentioned the three justices by name and blamed a 2018 ruling that Pennsylvanias congressional maps were unconstitutionally gerrymandered as being responsible for his impeachment in 2019 under a Democratic-controlled U.S. House. He also cited the judges involvement in cases about the states COVID-19 closures and the 2020 election. It is time for Justice, Trump wrote. Vote NO, NO, NO on retention of these woke Judges. Trump has also gotten involved in other top races on Tuesdays ballot across the country. He hosted a tele-rally last week to encourage his supporters to vote in Virginias gubernatorial election, and remains a supporter of GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey. Pennsylvania Republicans have struggled when Trump is not at the top of the ballot to drive out voter turnout in years with no presidential election. Its unclear whether Trumps eleventh-hour statement could bring more voters out to the polls to vote no. Democrats have called on the support of their top heavyweight, former President Barack Obama. In a post on X last week, he encouraged Pennsylvanians to vote yes for the three justices retention and said the judges would protect your fundamental rights and freedoms. Gov. Josh Shapiro has also been on air for weeks, encouraging voters in a TV advertisement to support the three justices for retention and emphasizing that they have shown that they will protect a womans access to abortion and birth control. No matter the result, is the retention election system broken? Legal experts, good-government advocates, and the state Supreme Court justices themselves have all warned of the lasting impact of politicizing retention elections. Officials throughout the retention election echoed a similar sentiment: This was never what Pennsylvania leaders intended when they created retention elections in 1968. And if one or more of the three justices bids for retention fails, experts warn there will be consequences that could put the court in a deadlocked bind before the next presidential election, in which Pennsylvania will likely play a key role. And former state officials and judges cautioned that politicizing the retention process could also create a culture of fear among those serving on Pennsylvanias highest court that incentivizes partisanship over applying the law fairly as justices pledge to do when taking the oath of office. The intent of the framers of the Constitution in 1968 was not to impair judges and justices of their decisional independence, said John Jones, a former judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania who was appointed by President George W. Bush. I dont think it was in their contemplation that these retention elections would become referenda for any one or several decisions by a judge or justice. That seems to be whats happening here. Former Gov. Ed Rendell, who endorsed the three justices for retention, said he has supported Republican and Democratic judges and justices for retention throughout his career. He called the politicization of the race horrible and ludicrous, and said he believes any judge or justice should be retained if theyve proven themselves as fair and qualified. All three of the justices have been recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association for retention. Its terrible, he said. We should run retention elections based on nothing more than on the caliber of the job. If all three justices are not retained, their seats are likely to remain vacant until the 2027 election, leaving a 2-2 court to make decisions on critical issues ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Shapiro, a Democrat, could make nominations to fill these vacancies earlier, but is unlikely to successfully do so as he remains largely at odds with a GOP-controlled state Senate. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court could see more volatility in the coming years. If retained, Donohue will leave the bench in 2027 when she reaches the mandatory retirement age of 75, creating an open seat on the court to be filled by the governor until the next off-year election. And two more justices, Debra Todd and Sally Updyke Mundy, who were initially elected as a Democrat and Republican respectively, will be up for retention in 2027. 2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit www.inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams mingles before a press conference to announce the recipients of citys 2025 Affordable Housing Development Funds. Oct. 8, 2025. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Nearly a year ago, an attorney requested receipts to show how much Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams has spent on her legal issues, including defending her in a state ethics violation. The receipts obtained through a Right-to-Know request were due Nov. 3. But on Nov. 4, Election Day, the attorney still doesnt have the information, because the receipts are in the mail. And its all perfectly legal, said City Solicitor Neil Grover. Harrisburg mailed a thumb drive containing 1,500 redacted invoices related to Williams legal defense to Marc Weinstein, who represents the citys former public works director who has a pending lawsuit against Williams. Weinstein said the invoices will show how much money Harrisburg taxpayers have spent to defend Williams against a state ethics investigation and the First Amendment retaliation lawsuit against the city. But Grover said 98% of the invoices have nothing to do with either. And he knows it, and if he doesnt, hes incompetent, Grover said. Dauphin County Judge Andrew Dowling on Sept. 8 ordered the city to produce the invoices by Monday Nov. 3, denying the citys attempt to overturn a prior Office of Open Records final determination. Weinstein originally requested the invoices in December. Weinstein accused the city of deliberately disobeying the order by delaying the release of the invoices. But Grover said the city is in full compliance with the order because it placed the invoices in the mail before the deadline. Thats how Pennsylvanias rules of service work, Grover said. The city didnt provide a certificate of service verifying the documents were mailed on or before Monday, Weinstein said. He said any confusion over the citys compliance could have have been cleared up had the city simply electronically sent him the files Monday. They dont want the public to know what has been spent on Wanda Williams legal bills before the election is over, Weinstein wrote in an email to the court Tuesday. Weinstein said Dowling declined to consider hearing the matter Tuesday morning via conference call. Instead, Dowling instructed Weinstein to file a petition for contempt against the city. There isnt enough time for both sides to brief the petition and for the court to consider it within a matter of hours on Election Day, Weinstein said. And so the citys voters will not get to know today how much taxpayer money Wanda Williams used to defend herself against the ethics charges to which she ultimately pleaded guilty, Weinstein told PennLive. Up until the resolution of Williams ethics act investigation, Grover said he was prohibited by law from acknowledging its existence. Hes been able to play with public perception because he knows we couldnt respond, Grover said. The state found Williams violated the state ethics act after she instructed city employees to deliver a city-owned dumpster to her home in 2022 for her personal use. She agreed to be fined $912.70, according to an October 23 release by the state ethics commission. The commission found her personal use of city resources cost taxpayers $1,491.18 and that she never paid those fees herself. The state Right-to-Know Law requires public agencies to provide public documents upon request by the public, but allows agencies to redact confidential information such as information protected by attorney-client privilege in legal matters. Harrisburg previously argued it didnt need to release the invoices because it would take too much time and cost too much to review the documents line by line to determine whether the information was confidential. After it declined to release the invoices in January, the Office of Open Records ordered the city to release the documents in April, saying the volume of documents requested does not excuse the city from its legal obligations to review and release the public documents. The records request is an offshoot legal matter from the high-profile First Amendment retaliation lawsuit filed against Williams by her former public works director, Nathaniel Spriggs. Spriggs said he was fired June 2022 for repeatedly refusing to promote Williams son, Dion Dockens, to a supervisory position within the public works department at Williams behest. Spriggs was also fired because he voiced concerns that Williams broke state law by trying to pressure him into promoting her son, he said. Williams and the city as two separate defendants argue Spriggs was fired for seeking raises for himself and Austin Griffin, his deputy director, despite being told not to do so. Voters at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg cast their ballots in the Pennsylvania general election. November 4, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams and City Treasurer Dan Miller were at polling place at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg early on election day. And with the low traffic in the early hours arriving, the tension between them was palpable as they spoke with the occasional voter or media outlet. Its always slow in the morning, and it picks up in the afternoon and evening, Williams said, noting that the Scottish Rite was home - this is home base for me. Williams said she felt some of Harrisburgs biggest issues included infrastructure and affordable housing, the latter being an issue on which she felt shed made good progress. We have quite a few different complexes were going to put in over the next couple of months, she said. But even in the early hours, she said she was confident shed carry the voters of the city. I am feeling very, very positive about the results today, she said. Im claiming it: Im claiming the winner. Miller spoke about the need for stable finances for the city, including support for a strong school district as well as business opportunities. But on top of all that, I think corruption is a really important [issue], he said, referencing Williams recent fine from the states Ethics Commission for personal use of a city dumpster. Once somebody has broken your trust, its broken for good. Miller said that Williams ignored him when he approached her at the polling place - something he had also complained shed done throughout the campaign. But he remained optimistic about his chances. We think our people are motivated, he said. Weve worked to get people to do mail-in ballots, and to get our folks out. But he admitted it was hard to tell whats going to happen - its so early in the day. However, several voters were thinking far beyond just Harrisburg as they were casting their votes, with their major concerns being on a national level. Scott Thomas, voting at Scottish Rite, said that his most important issues in these local elections were supporting the Democrats and retaining the states judges. The citys going okay, I think, Thomas said. I dont see a need to make any sweeping changes. To me, what matters is the situation in the city, said Lionel Gonzalez, voting at the Susquehanna Art Museum, who noted that if theyre careless about the city, something might be wrong at the top. But Gonzalez, a native of Puerto Rico and veteran of the Vietnam War, said that hes also worried about the direction of the nation under President Trump. He doesnt have character, Gonzalez said. No decency. Patrick ORourke said the most important matter to him was the retention of the states Supreme Court judges, because of the implications that could unfold here, in such an important swing state. ORourke said things like local business development were important to him, but that national issues were far more pressing in this election. Rebekah Glick said that the top issues were the mayoral race and the judge retention. Im not seeing the progress I was expecting from the past couple of years, she said. It seems like the city should be growing right now. I know we got hit hard with COVID, but its a shame to see it struggling still. Glick added that the Trump administrations action were motivating her to vote for the judge retention, to protect issues like reproductive rights and labor rights. There have been so many lawsuits against the administration, and things happening in our own state, she said. Thats definitely a big concern. But other voters were more motivated by local issues, and the mayoral race in particular. Lillie Davis, voting at Camp Curtin, made clear she was casting a vote for a friend a former schoolmate, Wanda Williams. I guess there are some things that need adjusting, Davis said. But for the most part, shes okay. Philip Snyder, who also voiced support for Williams, said that I think we need to focus on not what people promise, but what people have done. I think Wanda has done a good job as mayor, and Id vote for her again, he said. I always kind of have my fingers crossed and hope for the best when I vote for people - that they do their job and do whats best for everybody. Gov. Josh Shapiro launches Election Day eve robocalls to 150,000 Democrats urging them to vote "yes" on retaining three Supreme Court justices. Commonwealth Media Services Gov. Josh Shapiro has used his voice in TV ads to campaign for three sitting Democrats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court who are up for retention on Tuesday. Now, on Election Day eve, Democrats in key counties, including Dauphin, York and Lancaster, are hearing Shapiros voice on their phones. The evening robocall blitz will target 150,000 Democrats in 17 counties. In addition to central Pennsylvania, residents in the northeast and southeast will also be getting calls, according to Shapiros campaign spokesman Manuel Bonder. In the call, paid for by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Shapiro urges voters to vote yes to retain Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin M. Dougherty and David Wecht, saying they will protect Pennsylvanians " freedom and the rule of law." Bonder said the robocalls come as Gov. Shapiro has been clearly laying out the stakes of tomorrows retention election and the importance of voting YES even in the face of Donald Trumps continued attacks and lies about Pennsylvanias elections." Once considered an off-year ho-hum election, judicial retention is now bringing in big bucks and big names, Over the weekend, former President Barack Obama spoke out in favor of the Democratic justices. Then Sunday, President Donald Trump told Republicans to vote no on the three radical Democrats, blaming them for approving gerrymandered congressional district maps that led to his corrupt impeachment. [In fact, the court threw out maps it determined favored Republicans and settled on a final map considered more fair.] The post brought a quick rebuke from Shapiro. Donald Trump has zero credibility when it comes to the rule of law, Shapiro said, pointing to Trumps efforts to try to throw out Pennsylvanians votes and overturn the 2020 election. Democrats hold a 5-2 majority on the high court. The Supreme Court retention election, where voters are deciding whether to give sitting justices another 10 years on the bench, is poised to draw record levels of spending, now totaling upwards of $7 million, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Republicans seeking to flip the courts majority, also are plowing money into flyers and ads, pushing for a no vote. Commonwealth Partners, which administers two PACs funded almost exclusively by Pennsylvanias richest resident, Jeffrey Yass, and Citizens for Term Limits, are among the groups leading the no vote effort, according to Spotlight PA. Only one Supreme Court justice has been booted since the state began holding retention elections in 1968. That was Justice Russell M. Nigro, who though he had nothing to do with it felt the wrath of anti-incumbent voters, angry over the late-night pay raise lawmakers gave themselves in 2005. Heres the full transcript of the call: Hey, its Gov. Josh Shapiro on behalf of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. I want to remind you that tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4th, is a crucial election for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Right now, the threats to our freedoms are very real. Thats why we need to keep our state Supreme Court standing up for whats right. I hope youll join me in voting YES to retain Justices Donohue, Dougherty and Wecht. Theyve proven we can count on them and voting YES is a vote to protect our freedom and the rule of law. Please vote by 8 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4th. Thank you. Again, this is Josh Shapiro, your Governor, asking you to Vote YES for a Supreme Court that protects us. By JULIE CARR SMYTH and HANNAH FINGERHUT, The Associated Press In Pennsylvania, nearly 20% of voters in Chester County were left out of poll books originally provided to polling locations on Tuesday, county officials said. That included voters registered as anything other than a Republican or a Democrat, including those registered with the Green or Libertarian parties or independents with no party affiliation. The category includes about 75,000 registered voters out of roughly 385,000 countywide. Election officials in the Democratic-leaning county located about 60 miles west of Philadelphia became aware of the problem just after polling places opened and were actively deploying supplemental poll books to 230 polling locations, county spokesperson Rebecca Brain said. There will be a formal review. A majority of Chester County voters backed Democrat Kamala Harris over Republican Donald Trump in last years presidential election. Voters on Tuesday were weighing in on local offices, as well as on members of Pennsylvanias highest court. Three Democratic justices on the state Supreme Court were running in nonpartisan retention elections, in which voters give a yes or no on whether they serve another term. Third-party and independent voters who came to cast ballots before supplemental poll books arrived were offered a provisional ballot. County review boards consider the status of provisional ballots within seven days of Election Day. Threats deemed to be non-credible affected several polling places in New Jersey this morning. Too much oil sounds like a good thing, consumer-wise. But here's why those in the industry are worried. (Getty Images) Getty Images News reports about a potential oil glut are popping up. But what is an oil glut? And why does the thought of one have a number of oil companies so worried? According to the Collins Dictionary, if there is a glut of something, there is so much of it that it cannot all be sold or used. The Texas Standard explains that such a glut of oil is a double-edged sword: More oil potentially means cheaper energy prices. It also means, however, that lower prices could result in less of a profit for the oil industry, such that it could cost jobs. In fact, The Washington Examiner reports that OPEC+ just agreed to pause its plans to increase oil production next year in the wake of these glut fears. And as far as pump prices go, lead energy analyst at Kpler, Matt Smith, told the Texas Standard that motorists should see costs that are relatively stable. Well, were continuing to hang around this $3 a gallon level on a national average, Smith told the publication. For Texas, the average is $2.55. Seasonally, we should be seeing it moving lower from here on out as along as oil prices kind of hold around this level. So its very much a good thing, right, that were seeing low prices at the pump. But again, theres the flip side that if prices at the pumps are low, it means that all prices are low and thats therefore affecting the industry and jobs in Texas. Fortune reports that Exxon, Mobil, Chevron and Shell, on the other hand, have continued to hike their oil production. Pa. AG Dave Sunday and 37 other attorneys general want Congress to act on hemp-derived THC products. Mike Cason/AL.com Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has joined a bipartisan group of colleagues on a letter seeking congressional action to stop the sale of hemp-derived THC products such as Delta-8. For too long, bad actors have used the loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill to profit from super-potent, hemp-derived THC products by placing them in gas stations, convenience stores, and online marketplaces, Sunday said in a statement. This unregulated market allows children to buy these extremely potent products, said Sunday, oftentimes without any knowledge that the products are intoxicating, addictive, and not safe. The 38 attorneys general who signed the letter are asking Congress to clarify the federal definition of hemp and halt the sale of THC products containing synthetic cannabinoids. The letter was sent to congressional committee leaders, including Pennsylvania U.S. Rep. Glenn GT Thompson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Sundays statement said that hemp-derived THC products have flooded the market since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed due to a misinterpretation of the bills language. Synthetic cannabinoids, such as Delta-8, Delta-10 and THC-0, are sold in gas stations, convenience stores and online, according to the statement. Some of the products being sold are more potent than marijuana, Sundays statement said. Also, their packaging frequently appeals to children who mistakenly think they are candy or soda. Congress never meant to legalize these products in the 2018 Farm Bill, the attorneys general said in the letter. A proper interpretation of the Farm Bills hemp provision demonstrates that the entire synthetic THC industry rests on a foundation of illicit conduct. Clear direction from Congress is needed to shut down this industry before it metastasizes further into an even greater threat to public safety than it already is. Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee for the 2025-2030 term. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy The Politburo of Vietnam Communist Party appointed Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Chairman of the Party's Central Inspection Commission, as Secretary of Hanoi Party Committee for the 20252030 term on Tuesday. Ngoc, a Politburo member, succeeds Bui Thi Minh Hoai who has been reassigned by the Politburo to lead the Party Committee of the Central Vietnam Fatherland Front and Mass Organizations for the 20202025 term. The new Hanoi Party Secretary brings experience from both the security sector and high-level central Party positions. Ngoc, 61, holds a master of laws and is a native of Hung Yen Province. He is a member of the Party Central Committee, a Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and a member of the Politburo of the 13th term. His career includes a long tenure with the Hanoi police, where he held key posts such as head of Thanh Tri District Police and Deputy Director of the City Police (March 2013November 2016). He then served as Deputy Director General of the General Department of Police and later as the Director of the Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Economic, and Smuggling Crimes under the Ministry of Public Security. In August 2019, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Public Security and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Senior Lieutenant General at the end of 2023. In 2024 and 2025, Ngoc held influential positions within the Party apparatus. In June 2024, he was transferred to serve as the Chief of the Central Party Office. He was then elected to the Politburo and appointed Chairman of the Central Inspection Commission in January 2025. Ngoc assumes leadership over the capital's Party organization, which currently includes four deputy secretaries: Nguyen Van Phong, Tran Sy Thanh, Nguyen Trong Dong and Phung Thi Hong Ha. OJAI, Calif. (AP) Diane Ladd, the three-time Academy Award nominee whose roles ranged from the brash waitress in Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore to the protective mother in Wild at Heart, has died at 89. Ladds death was announced Monday by daughter Laura Dern, who issued a statement saying her mother and occasional co-star had died at her home in Ojai, California, with Dern at her side. Dern, who called Ladd her amazing hero and profound gift of a mother, did not immediately cite a cause of death. She was the greatest daughter, mother, grandmother, actress, artist and empathetic spirit that only dreams could have seemingly created, Dern wrote. We were blessed to have her. She is flying with her angels now. A gifted comic and dramatic performer, Ladd had a long career in television and on stage before breaking through as a film performer in Martin Scorseses 1974 release Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore. She earned an Oscar nomination for supporting actor for her turn as the acerbic, straight-talking Flo, and went on to appear in dozens of movies over the following decades. Her many credits included Chinatown, Primary Colors, and two other movies for which she received best supporting nods, Wild at Heart and Rambling Rose, both of which co-starred her daughter. She also continued to work in television, with appearances in ER, Touched by Angel, and Alice, the spinoff from Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore, among others. FILE - Ellery Harper, from left, Jaya Harper, Diane Ladd, and Laura Dern arrive at the Oscars Feb. 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Through marriage and blood relations, Ladd was tied to the arts. Tennessee Williams was a second cousin and first husband Bruce Dern, Lauras father, was himself an Academy Award nominee. Ladd and Laura Dern achieved the rare feat of mother-and-daughter nominees for their work in Rambling Rose. A native of Laurel, Mississippi, Ladd was apparently destined to stand out. In her 2006 memoir, Spiraling Through the School of Life, she remembered being told by her great-grandmother that she would one day in front of a screen, and would command her own audiences. By the mid-1970s, she had lived out her fate well enough to tell The New York Times that no longer denied herself the right to call herself great. Now I dont say that, she said. I can do Shakespeare, Ibsen, English accents, Irish accents, no accent, stand on my head, tap dance, sing, look 17 or look 70. A Harrisburg man died early Monday after veering off the Turnpike and crashing into a tree in Lebanon County, authorities said. Eliot Clement, 56, was driving a 2010 Acura that crashed around 1 a.m. on Interstate 76 west at mile marker 259.1 in South Londonderry Township, according to the Lebanon County Coroners Office. Clement went off the highway onto the north berm and grass shoulder, traveling 397 feet before crashing into a tree, Pennsylvania State Police said. The Acura spun and caught fire, becoming fully engulfed, police said. Police said the Lawn Fire Department extinguished the fire and found Clement in the drivers seat. No one else was found in the vehicle. Clement was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroners office said his cause and manner of death are pending test results. WILLIAMSPORT A jurys finding that a Seattle-based direct-to-consumer firm willfully infringed on Penn State trademarks will stand. U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann on Friday denied a motion to either vacate the November 2024 verdict that included a $28,000 award to Penn State or order a new trial. Despite finding evidence presented at trial was sufficient to support the jurys verdict and there was no discernible error that would necessitate a new trial, he urged an appeal to the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals. His explanation was that the matter was complex and presented numerous issues of first impression or questions of law not addressed by the appellate court. He wrote: This court has done its level best to reason through these issues and adopt coherent, understandable and practical tests to answer those questions. Penn State sought a permanent injunction to prevent Vintage Brand from continuing to infringe on its trademarks, including these. A jurys finding that the Seattle-based direct-to-consumer firm willfully infringed on Penn State trademarks will stand, a judge has ruled. John Beauge Although the court is skeptical that trademark law was intended to be applied in circumstances such as these involving universities that play little to no role in the sale of merchandise it has endeavored to accurately apply the law here, and the jury has spoken, finding defendants liable for trademark infringement. Brann wrote he trusts his colleagues on the appeals court will issue much-needed authoritative guidance if it finds he erred in his rulings. It is now time for an appeal to be taken so that such guidance may issue, he concluded. Following the trial, the judge granted the universitys request and issued a permanent injunction preventing Vintage Brand from continuing to infringe on its trademarks. He stated that failing to do so could result in Penn State losing licensing revenue and suffering harm to its reputation. The jury verdict and injunction also included Sportswear Inc., a Kentucky firm that does business as Prep Sports. Vintage Brand markets its products on its website. Orders it receives are sent to Sportswear to be fulfilled and shipped. Vintage Brands founder and CEO Chad Hartvigson owns 30 percent of Sportwear. Penn State, in its suit, accused the defendants of being serial infringers who spent years profiting off the reputations of educational institutions of all sizes, including Penn State. Jurors found the defendants infringed on the Nittany Lion and Pozniak Lion logos, along with the Penn State seal. Hartvigson testified during the seven-day trial that the Penn State images that appear on Vintage Brands merchandise come from university pins, programs, tickets, pennants, stickers and decals he spent more than $250,000 to collect. The parties agreed that Vintage Brand, Sportswear and Hartvigson do not have a license to use any of Penn States trademarks. The defendants claimed the university-related historic images are in the public domain. There was testimony that every page on the Vintage Brand website contains disclaimers of affiliation, licensure, sponsorship and endorsement. EMPORIUM A major natural gas driller in Pennsylvania is accused by the state attorney generals office of multiple violations of environmental laws in its handling of wastewater from the fracking process. Seneca Resources was charged Thursday in Emporium with violations in Lycoming, Tioga, Potter, Clearfield, Elk, McKean, Jefferson and Cameron counties. The charges are based on the recommendation of two statewide investigating grand juries. In one set, Seneca, whose Pennsylvania office is in Brookville, is accused of illegally discharging fluids from well cellars in all eight counties from Dec. 9, 2020, to March 1, 2022. The grand jury presentments contain the following information: A well cellar is a lined area dug out during drilling that allows easy access to valves once the well is in production. The cellars have the unintended consequence of holding wastes and rainwater. Requirements that would allow the fluids from them to be discharged onto the ground include a certain pH level and no sheen from oil and grease. Employees from companies contracted by Seneca testified they discharged the fluids on the ground if, after screening, the pH came back within an acceptable range and there was no sheen. Fluids that did not meet the parameters were trucked off-site. Seneca is accused of not having the required permit for the land discharge and continued doing so after being advised, it was illegal. The grand jury reviewed records of more than 1,000 instances of fluids being discharged onto the ground. Seneca responded that it treated fluids from well cellars like precipitation from other secondary confinement and would continue the ground disposal until the Department of Environmental Protection could cite a rule that specifically prohibited it. A second set of charges relates to a July 2022 ruptured above-ground pipe in Cameron County that carried wastewater from the fracking process. They detail the devastating impact the wastewater had on the well of an Emporium area home and neighboring properties. A remediation attempt, of which the Department of Environmental Protection was unaware, that involved flushing fresh water over the contaminated soil, worsened the situation because a significant amount of the water was not collected. The third set of charges deals with the injection of fracking wastewater under pressure at the very end of the horizontal portion of the well bore. Seneca is accused of pumping larger-than-normal volumes of wastewater without any sand or propellant into sacrificial wells as a means to dispose of it. The grand jury report cites 10,000 barrels of wastewater being put into three wells on a pad in 2017, compared with the normal 100 to 500 barrels. Documentation reviewed by the grand juries showed Seneca produces 4 percent of Pennsylvanias natural gas and 11 percent of the wastewater in drilling horizontal wells from a single well pad. Seneca is charged with 64 counts of violating the Solid Waste Management Act and 36 Clean Streams Law violations. Attorney General Dave Sunday alleged that Seneca continued its illegal practices after being told to stop because it did not comply with the law. Every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to pure water, and these cases resulted in violations of those rights, he said. JD Vance appears to be protecting Young Republicans over their anti-Semitic, misogynistic, and racist posts, possibly to maintain support from a significant proportion of the MAGA base. There are numerous examples of how Trump signals his support for that base: His comments about there being very fine people among the Neo-Nazi protesters in Charlottesville. His musing as to why there are not more immigrants from places like Norway. His sympathy for white South Africans whom he welcomed here. His elimination of DEI initiatives using extortion by withholding federal funds. His refusal to condemn the Proud Boys, instead telling them to stand back and stand by, which they did until the January 6 riots. On his first day in office in January 2025, he pardoned them and others like the Oath Keepers, despite their having received due process and jury trials. One does not need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. The Young Republicans 2900 pages of disgusting posts were inspired by the example that Trump set, and Vances role is to keep them loyal. George Magakis Jr., Norristown, Pa. *Xinjiang has broken institutional bottlenecks to drive industrial transformation and upgrading across sectors, from aviation to biomedicine. *Xinjiang has refined cross-border supervision models in the pilot FTZ to enhance the efficiency of rail and highway transport to facilitate international trade. *To open doors wider in the pilot FTZ, local authorities have continued to optimize the business environment by promoting personnel exchanges, improving the legal framework and aligning policies with international standards. by Xinhua writers Wu Qiong, Zhou Shengbin Established two years ago as the first of its kind in the country's northwestern border regions, China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has turned Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region into a key logistics and trade hub, driving high-quality development through high-standard opening up. By September 2025, over 18,000 new enterprises had been established in the pilot FTZ, which spans 179.66 square kilometers across three key areas -- Urumqi, Horgos and Kashgar. In the first nine months of this year, the zone contributed 40 percent to Xinjiang's total foreign trade. The FTZ has played a leading role in promoting foreign trade, attracting investment, and fostering industrial clusters in Xinjiang, said Li Xuan, director of the Xinjiang pilot FTZ work office. INSTITUTIONAL INNOVATION Xinjiang has broken institutional bottlenecks to drive industrial transformation and upgrading across sectors, from aviation to biomedicine. In January this year, a Georgian freighter from Tbilisi had a brake oil leakage upon landing in Urumqi. Local engineers quickly fixed the problem under an innovative "bonded maintenance" policy, including lower taxes and streamlined procedures. The plane departed smoothly the next day. In addition to bonded maintenance, which has attracted several airlines from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan among others, "bonded refueling" has seen more than 110,000 tonnes of cheaper fuel pumped to planes, reducing airlines' fuel costs by 13 percent, according to Urumqi Customs. Thanks partly to policy innovation, the Urumqi airport handled 68,100 tonnes of international cargo in the first eight months of 2025, a year-on-year surge of 369.9 percent, according to official data. In the biomedicine sector, China-Uzbekistan Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on New Drug, established in the FTZ in December 2023, has built a cross-border research and development platform, comprising six international labs across Central Asia. A full-chain system will be created to integrate medicine research, production, clinical study and talent cultivation, which will benefit people from Belt and Road countries, said He Fei, a researcher at the laboratory. ENHANCED LOGISTICS Xinjiang has refined cross-border supervision models in the pilot FTZ to enhance the efficiency of rail and highway transport to facilitate international trade. At the Horgos railway port, the implementation of the "smart port + speedy customs clearance" model has boosted traffic efficiency and cut costs for enterprises. "Customs clearance used to take three hours, but now it's completed in just one," Yu Huan, general manager of Horgos Jinyi International Trade (Group) Co., Ltd., said. "Our goods depart in the morning and reach markets in Almaty, Kazakhstan by the afternoon." The easier process has fueled robust growth in the company's trade volume. In the first half of this year, its trade value reached 1.4 billion U.S. dollars, far outpacing the figure for the same period last year, Yu noted. Horgos has also emerged as China's largest land port for commercial vehicle exports, with about 780,000 vehicles shipped from November 2023 to September 2025, according to local customs. Meanwhile, the port's China-Europe freight train throughput has surged. Moreover, refined policies regarding highway transport have eliminated secondary warehousing and port inspections, notably raising freight throughput via highway ports across Xinjiang. HIGHER-STANDARD OPENING UP To open doors wider in the pilot FTZ, local authorities have continued to optimize the business environment by promoting personnel exchanges, improving the legal framework and aligning policies with international standards. In the pilot FTZ's first immigration service center in Urumqi, Russian tourist Yulia applied for a visa extension for her husband, who was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and is in China for surgery. She was surprised by the unexpectedly swift process. "Their efficiency truly moved me." Legal safeguards have also accelerated. Fan Xuejun, who earned a master's in international law from Xinjiang University in 2017 with a focus on China-Central Asia laws, began her career at the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, a joint zone facilitating free trade with duty exemptions. The cooperation model has boosted trade but also created challenges, including unclear registration procedures and jurisdictional ambiguities. To address these issues, an international legal service zone was launched in August 2024, attracting law firms specializing in foreign-related legal affairs and international arbitration institutions to offer one-stop professional services for cross-border businesses. So far, the legal service zone has handled 105 foreign-related litigation cases and resolved 269 disputes within the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center. "A key witness and participant in building this system, I've seen Horgos transform from a Belt and Road logistics node into a major international trade and business center," said Fan, who is now director of Guangdong Chenggong (Urumqi) Law Firm. Kashgar, a key hub on the Belt and Road, is also forging new ground in cross-border collaboration through policy alignment of the Kashgar Economic Development Zone with Kyrgyzstan's free economic zone under a joint working mechanism. Today, the policy alignment has delivered tangible benefits for enterprises in the two zones and enhanced cross-border connectivity. Kashgar has established an international mail exchange office and a Transport Internationaux Routiers (TIR) hub, enabling "warehouse-to-warehouse" deliveries between China and Kyrgyzstan in 48 to 72 hours while doubling efficiency, according to Liao Hui, a local official. In the first nine months of 2025, bilateral trade between the two sides in the zones reached 3.66 billion yuan (about 516 million U.S. dollars). The TIR hub managed 409 outbound shipments, accounting for 19.3 percent of China's total TIR traffic and ranking the top nationwide. Going ahead, the pilot FTZ will continue deepening reforms to position itself as a driving force for Xinjiang's opening up, expanding its reach, scope and impact across wider sectors, Li Xuan said. Estonia has played a key role in speeding up the delivery of advanced air defense systems to Ukraine, temporarily giving up one of its own ordered IRIS-T SLM units in favor of Kyiv's urgent needs. The move reflects growing international cooperation to strengthen Ukraine's defenses amid ongoing russian missile and drone strikes. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed the decision in an interview with Bild, explaining that Tallinn authorized the redirection of one system originally destined for Estonia. As a result, the country's own delivery will be postponed by several months, now expected in early 2026. According to Hanno Pevkur, the decision was made in close coordination with Germany and represents a vital step toward reinforcing Ukraine's air defense network, which increasingly relies on Western-made systems. Read more: UK Sends New Batch of Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles to Ukraine for Strikes Inside russia German Aid to Ukraine noted that information about this particular transfer had surfaced earlier and that Ukraine currently operates up to eight IRIS-T SLM systems in total. This suggests that Estonia's redirected system is not an additional ninth battery but rather part of the ongoing delivery schedule. Nonetheless, the move stands as a notable example of multinational cooperation in defense assistance. Such coordination allows Ukraine to receive critical systems much faster than through standard procurement cycles. Defense industry production timelines for high-demand systems like the IRIS-T SLM can stretch over months or even years, and redirecting units from existing orders effectively bridges that gap. The approach mirrors how Ukraine received its first IRIS-T SLM batteries, also originally produced for another client, reportedly Egypt. There is also a possibility that Germany requested Estonia's flexibility to meet its own military aid commitments to Ukraine. By late August, Berlin had reportedly delivered only about half of the four promised IRIS-T SLM systems, prompting the need for alternative logistical solutions. Estonia, together with Latvia, placed its order for the systems in 2023, with deliveries initially scheduled to begin between 2025 and 2026. The IRIS-T SLM system / Photo credit: The West Operational Command Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Slovenia are also awaiting their own IRIS-T SLM units, and none of these countries have so far announced plans to redirect deliveries to Ukraine. However, the success of the Estonian initiative may set a precedent for other NATO and EU members to adopt similar measures, especially as production capacity continues to scale up. While the exact number of systems that could be reallocated remains unclear, the Estonian case demonstrates both the adaptability and solidarity of Ukraine's partners. As Ukraine faces another winter under the threat of intensified russian aerial attacks, every accelerated delivery of modern air defense equipment strengthens not only its skies, but also the broader European security architecture. Gold Pass Winner Sam Osborne Heading to NAPT for First Las Vegas Poker Experience Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link PokerStars and the North American Poker Tour (NAPT) has returned to Resorts World Las Vegas for the third consecutive year. The 10-day festival kicked off on Monday and will run through November 12. This years schedule has something for every player, featuring buy-ins starting at just $360 alongside massive High Roller events and fan-favorite formats like PLO and Mystery Bounty, all leading up to the highly anticipated $5,300 Main Event. For the past few months, players have had the opportunity to win their way to Las Vegas via Silver and Gold Passes; in fact, a $10,000 Gold Pass was given away via the PokerNews Podcast. One player lucky enough to win a Gold Pass earlier this year was Ontario's Sam Osborne, 24, who graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University this past summer with a Bachelor's in English. I learned how to play poker watching movies and playing with my family, said Osborne, who comes from a big family with three sisters and three brothers. But I really started learning poker in 2020 during Covid, particularly tournament poker, which was introduced to me by a friend at school. Ive only played online tournaments, so this will be a new and exciting experience for me getting to play in Las Vegas. Sam Osborne Osbornes Gold Pass win came back in July, playing online at PokerStars Ontario. I wouldnt say there was a fun story behind it, he explained. I bagged a very average stack going into Day 2. The turning point was in the final 11, where I flopped a boat and busted two players, giving me a chip lead into the final table. I called one of my close buddies, and we were running around screaming at two in the morning. For Osborne, itll mark his first trip to Las Vegas while of gaming age (he was there eight years ago when he was just 16). As for who he is bringing? Im bringing my sister with me, whos never been, and I'm really happy I have some other family coming in to support, Osborne told PokerNews. Ive never played in any major poker events, at least nothing that would compare to this. 100% would say winning the Summer Spade and Gold Pass would be my proudest poker accomplishment. PokerNews will be on-site at the 2025 NAPT and will look to track Osborne in our live updates, which youll be able to follow here. 2025 NAPT Notable Event Schedules Dates Event Guarantee November 3-6 $1,100 PokerStars Open $500,000 November 5-6 $2,200 PokerStars Open High Roller November 5-7 $50,000 NAPT Super High Roller November 6-12 $5,300 NAPT Main Event $3,000,000 November 9-10 $330 NAPT Women's Event $50,000 November 10 $1,100 NAPT Women's High Roller November 10-12 $10,300 NAPT High Roller November 10-12 $550 NAPT Mystery Bounty $200,000 Share this article Yemen's Houthi group fighters and supporters participate a weaponized rally against Israel, at Arhab district north of Sanaa, Yemen, Nov. 3, 2025. The Houthi movement, which controls Yemen's capital Sanaa and much of the northwest, announced a general mobilization on Monday, calling on allied tribes to prepare for a potential Israeli air strike. (Photo by Mohammd Mohammd/Xinhua) SANAA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Houthi movement, which controls Yemen's capital Sanaa and much of the northwest, announced a general mobilization on Monday, calling on allied tribes to prepare for a potential Israeli air strike. The announcement came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the group a threat to Israel, saying efforts were underway to neutralize it. Mohammed Al-Farrah, a member of the Houthi Political Bureau, posted on X that the group was on high alert and "fully prepared" to confront any Israeli attack or military escalation. He warned that Israel would "pay a heavy political and economic price" if it launched new airstrikes on Houthi leaders or military sites in Sanaa and other areas under their control. Early Monday, hundreds of armed tribesmen rallied in the Arhab district north of Sanaa, brandishing rifles, daggers, and military vehicles equipped with heavy guns. Participants fired into the air and chanted anti-Israel slogans. Similar rallies were reported in other places across Sanaa and other Houthi-controlled provinces, according to Houthi-run Al Masirah TV. In August, Israel carried out airstrikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa after the group launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israeli ports and airports. The strikes destroyed facilities at Hodeidah port, Sanaa International Airport, and several power stations, killing dozens of Houthi members, including 12 ministers and the group's chief of staff, Mohammed Abdulkarim Al-Gumari. Following the attacks, the Houthis reportedly restricted officials' public appearances and smartphone use, and detained dozens of United Nations aid workers, accusing them of spying for Israel. Last month, Oman-mediated talks led to the release of 20 foreign UN staff, though Yemeni employees remain in detention. On Monday, UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg met Houthi negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, and Omani officials in Muscat to discuss resuming peace talks. Grundberg reiterated calls for the release of detained aid workers. The Houthis seized control of much of northwestern Yemen in September 2014, triggering a civil war that forced the internationally recognized government to relocate to Aden. Since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, the Houthis have launched multiple missile and drone attacks toward Israel and targeted Red Sea shipping, claiming four vessels linked to Israel were sunk. Yemen's Houthi group fighters ride a vehicle with a heavy machine gun during a weaponized rally against Israel, at Arhab district north of Sanaa, Yemen, Nov. 3, 2025. The Houthi movement, which controls Yemen's capital Sanaa and much of the northwest, announced a general mobilization on Monday, calling on allied tribes to prepare for a potential Israeli air strike. (Photo by Mohammd Mohammd/Xinhua) Yemen's Houthi group fighters and supporters participate a weaponized rally against Israel, at Arhab district north of Sanaa, Yemen, Nov. 3, 2025. The Houthi movement, which controls Yemen's capital Sanaa and much of the northwest, announced a general mobilization on Monday, calling on allied tribes to prepare for a potential Israeli air strike. (Photo by Mohammd Mohammd/Xinhua) Editor: Zhang Zhou This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2025 shows a themed-decoration of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in east China's Shanghai. The eighth CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. The event this year will feature 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organizations, with the total exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters, setting a new record in scale. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) A staff member sprays water to the green area at the south square of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 3, 2025. The eighth CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. The event this year will feature 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organizations, with the total exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters, setting a new record in scale. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) Staff members work outside the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 3, 2025. The eighth CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. The event this year will feature 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organizations, with the total exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters, setting a new record in scale. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) A Pakistani merchant (L) talks to staff members while preparing for the upcoming eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 3, 2025. The eighth CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. The event this year will feature 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organizations, with the total exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters, setting a new record in scale. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2025 shows the south square of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai. The eighth CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. The event this year will feature 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organizations, with the total exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters, setting a new record in scale. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2025 shows the south square of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai. The eighth CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. The event this year will feature 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organizations, with the total exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters, setting a new record in scale. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) Volunteers work at an information booth of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 3, 2025. The eighth CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. The event this year will feature 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organizations, with the total exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters, setting a new record in scale. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2025 shows the Future Mobility exhibition area of the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai. The eighth CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. The event this year will feature 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organizations, with the total exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters, setting a new record in scale. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) Editor: Zhang Zhou PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-04 09:05:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 900 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 /BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned German subsidiary, Vektor Pharma TF GmbH, has received an "Intention to Grant" notification from the European Patent Office (EPO) for European patent application no. 23 729 446.7, covering a sublingual, orally dispersible thin-film formulation of cladribine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and related neurodegenerative diseases.Covering an addressable population of nearly 1 billion people across Europe, Eurasia, and associated validation states, BioNxt's expanding patent portfolio secures access to some of the world's largest and most advanced pharmaceutical markets. The EPO "Intention to Grant" for European patent application no. 23 729 446.7 complements the Company's previously announced "Readiness to Grant" from the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO) for Eurasian patent application no. 202590051. Together, these patent filings provide potential protection across up to 54 jurisdictions - including all EPO contracting, validation, and extension states, plus the eight EAPO member countries - subject to national validation and maintenance. This extensive geographic and population coverage strengthens BioNxt's global leadership in oral and transmucosal drug delivery and supports the commercialization strategy for BNT23001, the Company's lead multiple sclerosis candidate.Expanded IP protection across Europe and EurasiaThe patents protect BioNxt's proprietary transmucosal cladribine delivery composition in the form of a sublingual thin film comprising a cladribine-cyclodextrin complex and hydrophilic polymers such as starch and pullulan. This formulation enables rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, which may enhance bioavailability, tolerability, and patient adherence versus tablets or injectables. BioNxt is expanding its IP portfolio through additional filings, including a U.S. fast-track application, as well as filings in North America, Japan, and other regions to broaden its global patent coverage.Strong market opportunity: Europe's MS market moves toward oral and patient-friendly therapiesThe European MS treatment market is valued at approximately US$7.95 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$13.56 billion by 2032 (CAGR ~6.9%) according to Stellar Market Research. The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) notes that more than 1.2 million people in Europe are estimated to be living with MS, and oral therapies are projected by Coherent Market Insights to maintain a leading share of ~49% by 2025. Growth in the oral segment is being driven by the rising prevalence of MS, advancements in drug delivery technologies, and the increasing availability of effective oral disease-modifying therapies. Patients and clinicians increasingly favor oral treatments for their non-invasive, convenient, and discreet administration, resulting in higher treatment adherence and improved quality of life compared to injectable or infusion-based options.MAVENCLAD (cladribine tablets), approved by the European Medicines Agency and used by more than 100,000 patients globally, according to public disclosures, has established a strong benchmark for oral cladribine therapies. BioNxt's swallow-free, water-free, rapidly dissolving thin-film formulation is designed to simplify administration and further enhance the patient experience, aligning with market trends toward ease of use and self-managed treatment."Securing patent protection in both Europe and Eurasia marks a major step forward in our global IP and commercialization strategy," said Hugh Rogers, CEO of BioNxt Solutions Inc. "These patents strengthen our position as a leader in advanced oral drug delivery and support the continued development and partnering of BNT23001." Next steps and strategic significanceBioNxt continues to advance BNT23001, its lead oral cladribine thin-film candidate, through development and regulatory planning. The Company is completing a large-mass animal bioequivalence study to establish dosing parameters for an upcoming human bioequivalence trial, and is actively pursuing co-development and out-licensing partnerships with both innovator and generic manufacturers seeking patient-friendly formulations of established therapies.About BioNxt Solutions Inc.BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on next-generation drug delivery platforms, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. Its proprietary platforms include sublingual thin films, transdermal patches, oral tablets, and a new targeted chemotherapy platform designed to deliver cancer drugs directly to tumors while reducing side effects.With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patient-centric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide.BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com Investor Relations & Media ContactHugh Rogers, Co-Founder, CEO and DirectorEmail: investor.relations@bionxt.com Phone: +1 604.250.6162Web: www.bionxt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxt-solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" InformationThis press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such information may include, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the anticipated grant, scope, and timing of European, Eurasian, and other international patent rights; the Company's plans for additional national filings; the development, clinical evaluation, regulatory approval, and commercialization of the Company's Cladribine sublingual thin-film (BNT23001) for multiple sclerosis; the strategic importance of intellectual property protection; the timing, cost, and outcome of preclinical and clinical studies; and the potential application of BioNxt's sublingual thin-film drug delivery platform across additional therapeutic areas.Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections as of the date of this press release. Such statements are subject to inherent ri URUMQI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Established two years ago as the first of its kind in the country's northwestern border regions, China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has turned Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region into a key logistics and trade hub, driving high-quality development through high-standard opening up. By September 2025, over 18,000 new enterprises had been established in the pilot FTZ, which spans 179.66 square kilometers across three key areas -- Urumqi, Horgos and Kashgar. In the first nine months of this year, the zone contributed 40 percent to Xinjiang's total foreign trade. The FTZ has played a leading role in promoting foreign trade, attracting investment, and fostering industrial clusters in Xinjiang, said Li Xuan, director of the Xinjiang pilot FTZ work office. A China-Europe freight train leaves the Urumqi International Land Port Area in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) INSTITUTIONAL INNOVATION Xinjiang has broken institutional bottlenecks to drive industrial transformation and upgrading across sectors, from aviation to biomedicine. In January this year, a Georgian freighter from Tbilisi had a brake oil leakage upon landing in Urumqi. Local engineers quickly fixed the problem under an innovative "bonded maintenance" policy, including lower taxes and streamlined procedures. The plane departed smoothly the next day. In addition to bonded maintenance, which has attracted several airlines from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan among others, "bonded refueling" has seen more than 110,000 tonnes of cheaper fuel pumped to planes, reducing airlines' fuel costs by 13 percent, according to Urumqi Customs. Thanks partly to policy innovation, the Urumqi airport handled 68,100 tonnes of international cargo in the first eight months of 2025, a year-on-year surge of 369.9 percent, according to official data. In the biomedicine sector, China-Uzbekistan Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on New Drug, established in the FTZ in December 2023, has built a cross-border research and development platform, comprising six international labs across Central Asia. A full-chain system will be created to integrate medicine research, production, clinical study and talent cultivation, which will benefit people from Belt and Road countries, said He Fei, a researcher at the laboratory. A postal truck leaves the comprehensive bonded zone of Horgos in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Li He) ENHANCED LOGISTICS Xinjiang has refined cross-border supervision models in the pilot FTZ to enhance the efficiency of rail and highway transport to facilitate international trade. At the Horgos railway port, the implementation of the "smart port + speedy customs clearance" model has boosted traffic efficiency and cut costs for enterprises. "Customs clearance used to take three hours, but now it's completed in just one," Yu Huan, general manager of Horgos Jinyi International Trade (Group) Co., Ltd., said. "Our goods depart in the morning and reach markets in Almaty, Kazakhstan by the afternoon." The easier process has fueled robust growth in the company's trade volume. In the first half of this year, its trade value reached 1.4 billion U.S. dollars, far outpacing the figure for the same period last year, Yu noted. Horgos has also emerged as China's largest land port for commercial vehicle exports, with about 780,000 vehicles shipped from November 2023 to September 2025, according to local customs. Meanwhile, the port's China-Europe freight train throughput has surged. Moreover, refined policies regarding highway transport have eliminated secondary warehousing and port inspections, notably raising freight throughput via highway ports across Xinjiang. This drone photo shows a view of the Kashgar Area of China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua) HIGHER-STANDARD OPENING UP To open doors wider in the pilot FTZ, local authorities have continued to optimize the business environment by promoting personnel exchanges, improving the legal framework and aligning policies with international standards. In the pilot FTZ's first immigration service center in Urumqi, Russian tourist Yulia applied for a visa extension for her husband, who was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and is in China for surgery. She was surprised by the unexpectedly swift process. "Their efficiency truly moved me." Legal safeguards have also accelerated. Fan Xuejun, who earned a master's in international law from Xinjiang University in 2017 with a focus on China-Central Asia laws, began her career at the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, a joint zone facilitating free trade with duty exemptions. The cooperation model has boosted trade but also created challenges, including unclear registration procedures and jurisdictional ambiguities. To address these issues, an international legal service zone was launched in August 2024, attracting law firms specializing in foreign-related legal affairs and international arbitration institutions to offer one-stop professional services for cross-border businesses. So far, the legal service zone has handled 105 foreign-related litigation cases and resolved 269 disputes within the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center. "A key witness and participant in building this system, I've seen Horgos transform from a Belt and Road logistics node into a major international trade and business center," said Fan, who is now director of Guangdong Chenggong (Urumqi) Law Firm. Travelers from Kazakhstan enter the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo) Kashgar, a key hub on the Belt and Road, is also forging new ground in cross-border collaboration through policy alignment of the Kashgar Economic Development Zone with Kyrgyzstan's free economic zone under a joint working mechanism. Today, the policy alignment has delivered tangible benefits for enterprises in the two zones and enhanced cross-border connectivity. Kashgar has established an international mail exchange office and a Transport Internationaux Routiers (TIR) hub, enabling "warehouse-to-warehouse" deliveries between China and Kyrgyzstan in 48 to 72 hours while doubling efficiency, according to Liao Hui, a local official. In the first nine months of 2025, bilateral trade between the two sides in the zones reached 3.66 billion yuan (about 516 million U.S. dollars). The TIR hub managed 409 outbound shipments, accounting for 19.3 percent of China's total TIR traffic and ranking the top nationwide. Going ahead, the pilot FTZ will continue deepening reforms to position itself as a driving force for Xinjiang's opening up, expanding its reach, scope and impact across wider sectors, Li Xuan said. Editor: Zhang Zhou PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-04 15:00:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 389 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 State-of-the-art plant expands manufacturing capacity and strengthens Ice Industries' strategic partnership with First Solar.SYLVANIA, OH / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Ice Industries recently celebrated the opening of its new $6 million manufacturing facility in Lacassine, Louisiana, marking a significant investment in the region's industrial growth and the company's continued expansion in support of domestic solar energy technology manufacturing.The 115,000-square-foot facility features advanced production systems, modern quality control measures, and upgraded safety and environmental protocols designed to enhance throughput and precision. Ice Industries' new Louisiana plant will supply components - made from American steel produced in Mississippi - to First Solar, Inc., which has established a new fully vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish."This facility represents our commitment to American manufacturing and to the people of Louisiana," said Howard Ice, Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. "With this opening, we're expanding capacity for our customers while creating high-quality jobs and long-term career paths in the community." "I'm incredibly proud of the team that brought this project from plan to production," said Jeff Boger, President. "Their work ensures we can respond faster to demand, enhance quality, and deliver even greater value to our customers." "As we expand our American supply chain to support our Louisiana facility, we're pleased that Ice Industries will produce the steel back rails for our Louisiana-made Series 7 modules in Louisiana," said Mike Koralewski, Chief Supply Chain Officer, First Solar.Since its opening, the facility has already created nearly 70 new jobs in the Jefferson Davis Parish community, while also welcoming several valued employees relocated from Ice Industries' Bowling Green, Ohio, facility, which also supplies First Solar's Ohio manufacturing footprint. The combination of new local hires and experienced team members ensures a strong foundation for growth, quality, and operational excellence.The event brought together employees, customers, suppliers, and community partners for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours of the plant.Acknowledgments Ice Industries extends its sincere appreciation to the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) teams, local government officials, and the Jefferson Davis Parish Economic Development and One Acadiana organizations for their collaboration and continued partnership in supporting the project's success and future growth. Their leadership and dedication were instrumental in bringing this facility from vision to reality.Contact InformationMonica Perezmperez@ iceindustries.com 419-842-3600SOURCE: Ice IndustriesRelated Images PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-04 15:00:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 940 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Long before he would become president of GL Homes, one of Florida's largest privately owned real estate developers, Misha Ezratti inherited a family passion for community service.SUNRISE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Long before he would become president of GL Homes, one of Florida's largest privately owned real estate developers, Misha Ezratti inherited a family passion for community service. That same commitment continues to define his leadership and GL Homes' enduring mission to build stronger communities across Florida.Under Ezratti's direction, GL Homes has become one of Florida's top luxury homebuilders, delivering homes to more than 100,000 families across the state while setting the standard as a mission-forward homebuilder with a hands-on approach to giving back.Through volunteerism, innovative smart planning and the expansion of its community programs, GL Homes proves it doesn't just develop neighborhoods; it strengthens communities by investing in the lives of the people who call them home.Company Mission and Community ImpactAdopting principles set forth by his father, GL Homes Founder Itzhak Ezratti,Misha Ezratti's leadership philosophyis rooted in building with integrity and long-term vision.Guided by Ezratti's focus on smart development, GL Homes integrates thoughtful planning, smart development and community engagement into its projects, creating communities where residents can build relationships and spend their lives. From high-quality construction and premium amenities to lifestyle programming that fosters belonging, GL Homes continues to set a benchmark for excellence in Florida real estate.GL Homes approaches community design and land development with responsibility and care, following a smart planning strategy that begins long before construction. Each site's history, geography and environment are carefully studied prior to building, allowing GL Homes to preserve wildlife habitats, manage stormwater systems, and even conserve water.The company balances the needs of its home buyers with those of the environment by incorporating elements like pedestrian-friendly greenways, wildlife corridos, littoral planting systems and lush landscaped buffers.Within each of its communities, GL Homes prioritizes wellness to create a healthier and more connected lifestyle among residents, supporting individual longevity. Preserved outdoor spaces, state-of-the-art facilities and intentional lifestyle programming invite residents to connect through fitness, sports, social clubs, events and more, seamlessly infusing wellness, joy and a strong sense of community into their daily lives.Philanthropy and Partnership HighlightsMisha Ezratti established philanthropy as a key pillar of GL Homes with GL Homes Philanthropy, a company-wide effort to tackle important problems and find effective solutions to help charities making a difference throughout Florida. Its mission: invest in people, uplift communities and do the right thing.GL Homes Philanthropy focuses on three pillars: breaking the cycle of homelessness, combating hunger, and supporting children and education. Through Misha Ezratti's philanthropy and giving back initiatives, GL Homes prioritizes active volunteerism that meets people where they are, focusing on everyday needs that can make a direct and sustainable difference.A cornerstone of GL Homes Philanthropy is the "Make a House a Home" initiative, which turns surplus building materials, appliances and furnishings into meaningful support for low-income families. Rather than trashing, selling or storing these surpluses, Ezratti has created a pipeline to get them to people who need them most.Through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, GL Homes helps transform leftover inventory into opportunities for others transitioning from homelessness to independent living.The company's housing-oriented volunteering efforts also include the Good Night's Sleep program, which was inspired by the simple idea that everyone deserves a comfortable place to rest.Through this initiative, GL Homes provides essentials like beds, blankets, and even laundry detergent to individuals and families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing.Additionally, GL Homes has expanded its role in the fight against hunger, collaborating with food banks and nonprofits like Feeding South Florida and The Lord's Place Meal Mobile to help deliver thousands of meals across the state.The company has also been a dedicated partner of The Senator Philip D. Lewis Center in West Palm Beach, which provides essential services to help the community's most vulnerable members.Perhaps most notably, GL Homes remains committed to helping children with programs such as its Passion for Playgrounds initiative.Through close collaboration with groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs, the company has helped design and build playgrounds in neighborhoods across Florida, giving children much-needed opportunities for enrichment, socialization, and outdoor physical activity in safe, family-friendly spaces.GL Homes' Continued CommitmentFounded in Hollywood, Fla. in 1976, GL Homes has remained steadfast in its mission to shape and improve communities across its home state.Misha Ezratti's community leadership in Floridareal estate reflects this commitment.Reinforcing Misha Ezratti's vision for smart development, innovative design and sustainable community well-being, GL Homes has donated land, built essential roadways and supported local housing initiatives, ensuring critical civic needs are met across Florida.The company frequently donates land for schools, parks, libraries, fire and police stations, and civic centers, providing a framework that allows communities to grow and thrive.Earlier this year, the 32,000-square-foot west of Boynton, Canyon Branch Library in Boynton Beach, Florida, opened on land donated by GL Homes.With each project and philanthropic endeavor, the goal for GL Homes remains the same: build something purposeful, sustainable and impactful. When you improve lives, you create communities that can thrive.For more information on GL Homes and GL Homes Philanthropy, call 1 (800) 399-5076 or visit https://www.glhomes.com/ # # #About GL HomesFounded in 1976, GL Homes is a privately held, family-owned homebuilder specializing in single-family luxury homes, 55+ communities and family-oriented communities. The Sunrise, Florida-based company is one of the state's largest homebuilders. High-quality construction, world-class amenities, exceptional locations and outstanding customer service are hallmarks of the GL Homes experien PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-04 15:00:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 444 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Designed for business owners and accountants juggling multiple deadlines, Auto Payroll handles recurring pay runs automatically, accurately, and on schedule.CANTON, OH / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Patriot Software, a leading provider of accounting and payroll software in the USA, today announced Auto Payroll, a powerful new feature designed to eliminate repetitive administrative work for small business owners and accountants. The feature is available immediately to both Full Service Payroll and Basic Payroll customers.Auto Payroll is engineered for companies with predictable payrolls, where employees and pay amounts remain consistent each run. By fully automating these recurring pay runs, Patriot empowers business owners to eliminate tedious re-entry and oversight tasks, saving time, reducing human error, and keeping operations running effortlessly.Payroll is essential, yet it consistently ranks as one of the biggest time drains for small business owners. A recent survey found that owners spend an average of five hours every single pay period preparing and processing payroll. Although customers already average minutes with Patriot Payroll , Auto Payroll eliminates the need to log in entirely, saving business owners with routine, unchanging payrolls even more precious time."This feature saves employers valuable time," said Mary Rolfes, Payroll Product Manager at Patriot Software. "Our customers already appreciate how simple payroll is with Patriot. Auto Payroll takes that simplicity a step further, eliminating extra steps for those who pay the same employees the same amount each period. It's designed for busy owners and accountants who need to streamline their work without sacrificing accuracy." Built with flexibility and precision at its core, Auto Payroll supports both salaried and hourly employees, with or without direct deposit. Crucially, employers still receive an advance notification before each scheduled run is processed, providing a final window of time to easily stop the payroll if needed before the system executes the run.American business owners wanting to take advantage of Patriot Software's automated payroll as well as other time saving features, can sign up on Patriot's website, www.patriotsoftware.com , for a 30-day free trial. Following the trial, new customers can enjoy 50% off for the next three months.Patriot Software is disrupting the accounting and payroll industries with its low prices, achieving the 100th percentile for customer loyalty and satisfaction, and award-winning software. Patriot offers cloud-based accounting, payroll, HR, and time and attendance software solutions that help American businesses with up to 500 employees simplify their administrative tasks. Patriot's US-based customer support team provides a personal touch that most software companies lack today. The company has been serving tens of thousands of businesses nationwide since 2002.For more information, please contact:Rachel GrayContent Manager marketing@ patriotsoftware.com 877-968-7147SOURCE: Patriot Software, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-04 15:00:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 462 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / November 4, 2025 / Pacific Lock Company (PACLOCK), a veteran-led and woman-owned family business, has reached a historic milestone: The Department of War has officially approved PACLOCK's "PL951" High-Security Padlock after it successfully passed the rigorous MIL-DTL-43607J standard. PACLOCK's 'PL951' High Security PadlockThe "PL951" is no ordinary lock - it is a $1,000 military-grade padlock. The commercial version sells for more than $3,000. Officially qualified by the Department of War, it is designed to protect nuclear weapons systems, arms rooms, and government labs. Built from corrosion-resistant stainless steel and precision-engineered components, the "PL951" is made to perform under extreme conditions from deep freeze to searing heat to brute force attacks. Its advanced cylinder technology delivers exceptional resistance to picking, drilling, and chemical attacks, ensuring uncompromising protection. The restricted keyway means unauthorized duplication is a federal felony under 18 U.S.C. 1386.PACLOCK shipped its first production lot of 2,000 "PL951" units for the U.S. military on Oct. 28, 2025 - more than four months ahead of schedule.Closing a Critical GapPACLOCK's achievement breaks a decades-long monopoly on the high-security padlock and fills a critical void when the government's prior supplier seemingly failed to deliver any units between 2021 and 2024. During that time, bases were left without the locks needed to properly secure sensitive sites. PACLOCK is stepping in with its U.S.-based production, faster lead times, and longstanding reliability.PACLOCK Becomes First and Only Manufacturer Certified Across All Three Military Padlock GradesWith this approval, PACLOCK becomes the first and only U.S. manufacturer certified to produce all three grades of military padlocks:High Security: "PL951" High-Security PadlockMedium Security: General Field Service PadlockLow Security: Standard Issue PadlockImpact on Jobs and SecurityPACLOCK's military padlock division creates jobs in Santa Clarita and supports veterans and employees with disabilities. "The Department of War's approval of the PL951' isn't just a milestone for PACLOCK - it's a milestone for national security. For too long, warfighters went without the locks they needed to secure sensitive sites. Today, a family-run business in Santa Clarita has stepped up to close that gap, proving that small-business manufacturing can deliver quickly, reliably, and with uncompromising quality," said Greg Waugh, PACLOCK President and CEO.About PACLOCKFounded in 1997, PACLOCK is a woman-owned and veteran-led padlock manufacturer headquartered in Santa Clarita, California. The company offers one of the industry's broadest padlock portfolios - supporting locksmiths, enterprises, and security professionals worldwide. With roughly 15% of its workforce made up of employees with disabilities, PACLOCK is proud to show how inclusive, local manufacturing strengthens both community and national security. For more information, visit PACLOCK.com Contact InformationGregory WaughPresident & CEOgwaugh@ paclock.com 661-294-3707SOURCE: Pacific Lock Company Over 300 young artists, activists, and policymakers gathered at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, Kwara States capital, to celebrate the role of young Nigerians in challenging societal norms and using art to advocate for justice. In a statement on Sunday, the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) said the Youth Artivism Festival, with support from the Ford Foundation, concluded in Ilorin with a call to harness art as a tool for social change and gender justice. The festival featured art exhibitions, live performances, panel discussions, and an award ceremony, showcasing powerful visual narratives on gender justice, empowerment, and resilience. An exhibition of works by 22 finalists, selected from over 100 submissions from Nigerias north-central region, displayed powerful visual narratives. Each piece reflected how art can provoke dialogue, empathy, and social reflection. The event recognised outstanding contributions to artivism, with prizes awarded to Usman Adam, Simon Thazhigilla, and Tobi Olomola for their thought-provoking artworks. Mr Adam, a law graduate, won the first-place prize of N200,000 for his artwork Sketching Another Shoulder, which depicted solidarity and shared responsibility in ending gender based-violence. While Mr Thazhigilla from Nasarawa State earned the second-place prize of N150,000 for Bride of War and Anatomy of Science, exploring violences emotional and cultural dimensions. Additionally, Tobi Olomola, a 25-year-old visual artist, won N100,000 for Weight of Becoming, a piece that addressed the burden of identity and social expectation in the context of gender inequality. In her opening remarks, Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, executive director of BBYDI, emphasised the power of creativity to transform society and advance gender justice. Young people are not just witnesses to injustice; they are change agents. Through art, they can challenge silence, demand accountability, and inspire action against gender-based violence, Ms Jimoh-Sanni said. A panel session themed Advocacy: The Role of Creativity in Preventing Gender-Based Violence featured insights and explored the role of art in preventing gender-based violence, with experts sharing their perspectives on how art can amplify survivors voices, shift public perception, and influence policy. A GBV survivor and advocate, Joy Adeboye shared her story of healing through art, urging more platforms for creative expressions. Art gave me back my voice, Ms Adeboye said. It helped me transform pain into purpose and use my story to inspire others. Why GBV persists in Nigeria Some reports have shown that deeply rooted cultural norms often contribute to the persistence of GBV. This is because the notion that males should dominate and women be submissive might foster an environment in which abusive behaviour is normative and allowed. Also, despite the existence of laws to combat GBV, such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015, enforcement remains weak. While this law criminalises various forms of GBV, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and trafficking, its implementation is inconsistent across Nigeria. Actress and filmmaker Regina Daniels has alleged that her estranged husband, Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, orchestrated the arrest of her siblings. The actresss allegation came just eight days after she broke her silence on their marital crisis. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the couples troubled marriage became public after Regina alleged that the lawmaker physically assaulted her. The 25-year-old further revealed that she was no longer interested in continuing her marriage to the 64-year-old, stating that she could no longer endure the alleged abuse. Mr Nwoko, however, denied the accusations, claiming instead that Reginas behaviour was influenced by substance abuse. Amid the crisis, the actress announced that she acquired a new home for herself despite her husbands insistence that she should enter a rehabilitation centre where she would have no access to drugs. Since then, Regina has continued to post photos and videos of herself on social media, while Mr Nwoko has carried on with his legislative responsibilities. However, on Monday, Regina took to her Instagram Story, expressing that she felt as though she was losing her mind over the lawmakers continued targeting of her family. Regina wrote: I never thought I would do this, but my big brother and sister have been arrested. My baby sister might be arrested soon as well until I return and, according to him, return to rehab. Dont even get me started on telling the world what you did to me with your stupid rehab talk! You said Im a drug addict, me I use am rob body sir! What other name can you call me? A prostitute? But I will speak on that one day and tell the world of your involvement with everything! Im trying, Im really trying to be the bigger person by not saying or doing anything, whereas Im fuc** young, petty & and immature! So I can act like a fuc** 24-year-old child and speak my pain. Leave us Furthermore, Regina urged Mr Nwoko to stay away from her and her family, reiterating that she was no longer interested in their marriage. She explained that she chose to remain silent and not respond to Mr Nwokos allegations out of consideration for her sons and family, whom she described as her greatest challenge in life. Leave my family alone, Ned! And leave me alone, too! It is obvious its a war! Its a big shame that the whole world will ridicule the beautiful but short legacy we built. Must things go completely south if partners are no longer interested? Guys, I tried to stay mute on things. My sons and family are the biggest challenge of my life, but I will overcome and give them what they all truly deserve. This is so freaking embarrassing! A hard girl like me is crying, said Regina. She vowed to stand by her brother, alleging that the police tortured him as though he was a criminal. She noted, Imagine the Nigerian police beating up my brother like a criminal. What exactly was the violent arrest for? Ned: You have power, connections and money, right? Wild for you to think I have none. What I wouldnt want to do to you is to let the man see, or rather, once seen as an iroko fall before everyone because you bloody know your little girl Gina is capable of that! I hate this feeling of wishing my boys fathers name remains a legacy. You know why? Boys dont grow to change their surnames. Mr Nwoko is yet to react to the latest allegations as of press time. The Senior Pastor of Guiding Light Assembly, Wale Adefarasin, has dismissed widespread claims on social media suggesting that Nigeria is experiencing a genocide against Christians, describing such assertions as exaggerated. In a video of his Sunday sermon that has since gone viral, Mr Adefarasin argued that the recent violence in parts of the country, though tragic and persistent, does not constitute genocide. He said, What is happening in Nigeria does not amount to genocide against Christians, Mr Adefarasin said. Over 40 years that I have been a Christian, there have been killings in southern Kaduna, killings on the Plateau, there have been riots. Sometimes, I think it was in France, an image of Prophet Muhammad was defaced, and as a result of that, there were killings of Christians in Nigeria. He added that the recent framing of events by Western voices gives a false impression that Christians in Nigeria face imminent extermination. Its nothing new. It doesnt amount to genocide. The way the West are talking about it, its as if a Christian steps on the street, his head will be blown off, he said. Pastor Adefarasins comments follow a recent post by the US President Donald Trump, who, in a post made on Truth Social on Saturday, warned that the US military might be ordered to invade the country and wipe out the radical Islamic terrorist responsible for the claimed attacks on Christians if the Nigerian government fails to act. Mr Trump also warned that the US will halt all aid to Nigeria, while noting that he has ordered the Department of War to prepare for possible military action. Foreign interest Mr Adefarasin, however, questioned the sincerity of the sudden Western concern for Nigerian Christians. He suggested that foreign interest may be linked to Nigerias emerging control over key resources, including oil refining capacity and mineral deposits critical to modern technology. Im trying to understand this sudden love for Christians, he said. Is it because we now have one of the largest refineries in the world, and no longer have to ship raw materials abroad and bring the finished products? Or is it because of the 21st-century minerals we now have in our earth that are used to generate nuclear power for electric vehicles? Are those the reasons that our friends are threatening to invade our country to defend and protect Nigerian Christians? he asked. The Nigerian government has, however, repeatedly denied any state-backed targeting of Christians, insisting that the violence affects citizens across faith and ethnic lines. Rita Daniels, the mother of actress and filmmaker Regina Daniels, has for the first time spoken about the ongoing marital crisis between her daughter and Ned Nwoko, the senator representing Delta North. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the couples marriage became public after Regina accused the lawmaker of physically assaulting her. The 25-year-old actress also stated that she was no longer willing to remain in the marriage, citing her inability to endure the alleged abuse any longer. Mr Nwoko, however, denied the allegations, claiming instead that Reginas behaviour was influenced by substance abuse. Since the controversy began, Reginas mother had maintained her silence until Monday night, when it was alleged that Mr Nwoko ordered the arrest of two of her children. This newspaper reported that Regina made the allegations on her Instagram Story on Monday. She alleged that her estranged husband arrested her elder sister and brother, while also expressing concern for her younger sisters safety. $50,000 Reacting to the arrest of her children, Rita, in a video posted on one of her sons Instagram pages on Monday night, accused the 64-year-old lawmaker of marrying her daughter for fame and personal gain. She claimed that Mr Nwoko sought a crown and someone with a high star to boost his declining public image. She further alleged that both she and her daughter financially supported Mr Nwokos senatorial campaign during the build-up to the 2023 general elections. She noted: I was covering you, the same way you went up, you will come down. If you think you can bite the finger that fed you, you will go down. People are saying money, which money? Because Im covering you. Regina will call you my Odogwu, and has made you feel funky. When you were going for the election, how much did Regina give to you? $50,000, thats what she gave you to support your election. Is she a child? And the one I supported you with. All my resources are right inside your election; you are mad. Because people are saying shes a gold digger. What digger? Because were covering your (Nwoko) shame. Go and look at Ned Nwokos children if they look like billionaire children. Enter Reginas sibling Furthermore, Reginas sibling waded into the controversy, levelling several allegations against the lawmaker through a series of posts on his Instagram Story. One of her brothers, identified as Sweezzy, claimed that Mr Nwoko picked a fight with the wrong family. He alleged that the lawmaker persistently compels his wives to post about him on social media because he enjoys the attention and fame. Sweezzy urged Mr Nwoko to steer clear of their family, warning that he could not silence everyone. Your selfishness has eaten so deeply that you didnt care. Since she stopped posting, she became a drug addict. Barrister joins heads together. Instagram is really turning epa on!! Sue me too, sue me, O, dey beg you, sue me! Or how you encouraged her to take alcohol so she could be more romantic. Im just hearing more things, and all I can say is omo. You messed with the wrong family! You go confirm this power, and you go humble. You cant beat a child and teach a child how to cry !! Enough is enough! Sue all of us oo sue us Oo because na war now, he said. Sweezzy dismissed claims that his sister was a drug addict, clarifying instead that it was the lawmakers son who died from substance abuse. He noted, Accusing my siblings of drugs. What killed your son in the UK? Died of heart failure and seizure due to excessive intake of drugs!!! Yet nobody heard shit. Youd better bring this nonsense to a close because the media will listen to more than they should. You stand on integrity, abi media dey turn you on. Youve lost all the respect atp. If you ask him, hell say she came for my money. You came for her fame! Transaction successful, case closed !! She made you a senator. Used her to do door-to-door campaigns. She was the sweetest, now shes a drug lord? Youre a narcissist. Fame is money. Is Regina your other wife? Regina will destroy and tarnish your image!!! I warned you, remember I warned you!! You should be prosecuted for domestic violence. Backstory The newspaper reported that Regina stated on her Instagram Story that she felt as though she was losing her mind due to the lawmakers persistent targeting of her family. She urged Mr Nwoko to keep his distance from her and her family, stressing that she was no longer interested in their marriage. Regina explained that she had chosen to remain silent and not respond to Mr Nwokos allegations out of respect for her sons and family, whom she described as her greatest challenge in life. Regina vowed to stand by her brother, alleging that the police subjected him to brutal torture as though he were a criminal. As of press time, Mr Nwoko hasnt responded to the allegations levelled against him by Regina, her mother and siblings. A review of his social media pages revealed no statement addressing the accusations; his most recent post merely wished his constituents and Nigerians a happy new month. African food content creators, culinary experts, and brand leaders have embarked on exploring the evolving landscape of African cuisine and its growing influence on global food trends. At the conference, organised by Maggi, to introduce MaggiVerse on Saturday in Victoria Island, Lagos, food content creators were sensitised on African food innovation and storytelling in the digital space, especially TikTok. The organisers also provided attendees with social media food content creation lectures and a positive way to tell African food cultures. Speaking at the event, the Category Manager for Culinary, Nestle (Maggi), Funmi Oshineye, said the event is a way to help creators turn passion into purpose in Africas booming content creation economy. By connecting creative minds with experts, were building a community driven by collaboration, innovation, and opportunity. Addressing misconceptions about African cuisine in the digital space, Ms Oshineye emphasised that there is no single approach to creating food content. She noted that diversity in content creation allows for deeper exploration of ingredients and culinary expression. Theres no right or wrong way to enjoy food; its about passion and love. When you love a dish, you talk about it, want to eat it, cook it, and explore its ingredients. That curiosity is what makes food special. In Nigeria today, were in a great place regarding food. Our cuisine has become global, loved and celebrated far beyond our borders. You see foreigners visiting Nigeria and asking to try Jollof rice or Egusi soup because theyve heard so much about them. Food connects us emotionally and culturally, and its wonderful to see Nigerian dishes gaining global recognition while we continue celebrating them at home, she added. Cultural evolution For her part, Iquo Ukoh, former brand manager at Maggi and author of Memories on a Platter, reiterated the importance of keeping African meals relevant for future generations through content creation. She noted that its essential for Africans to tell great stories about local cuisine online to avoid distortion and encourage the celebration of African dishes. Were witnessing a cultural evolution where what and how we eat continues to change. Maggis decision to host this conference shows an understanding of todays generation and the importance of preserving traditional dishes passed down from our grandparents. Its about keeping those meals relevant for future generations. Maggi has always cared deeply about what we eat and how we consume food. This initiative is part of that legacy, asking how we can continue to nourish the next generation while celebrating our culinary roots. Storytelling plays a crucial role in this. We must tell our own Nigerian and African food stories authentically. If we allow others to tell them for us, they may become distorted. Even as global influences grow, we should ensure our rich local cuisines remain appreciated and celebrated at home and abroad, the Author said. Industry experts Additionally, Brian Nwana, a digital content creator, food enthusiast, and Guinness World Record holder (for the most fast-food restaurants (150) visited in a day on foot), emphasised the importance of the conference, saying it helps content creators learn from experts, understand storytelling, algorithms, and strategies in the digital space. Many content creators dont have formal training; they rely on experience and what they see online. Thats why gatherings like this are important; they bring creators together to learn from industry experts and from one another. Events like this help us understand storytelling, algorithms, and strategies for better content creation. Its about growth, learning, and collaboration, Mr Nwana said. He advised food content creators, saying, My advice to small creators is to stay consistent and keep creating. The algorithm may fluctuate, but perseverance and a strategic approach are key. Detty December is coming, an opportunity to trend food content because tourists will surely need to know where and what to eat. Furthermore, TV cook show host Jamila Lawal noted that digital food content creation has played a vital role in promoting lesser-known traditional African dishes while fostering unity among communities. The Maggi conference shows how food culture keeps evolving with trends and younger audiences, while still honouring traditional values. Even as we embrace new platforms like TikTok, Maggi remains committed to innovation and heritage. As a food content creator from Northern Nigeria, my goal has always been to showcase the richness of Northern cuisine. Many people across Nigeria are unfamiliar with our culinary traditions, and I want to change that narrative. Through my growing online community, Ive seen how storytelling through food can unite people, spark curiosity, and celebrate our diversity, Ms Lawal said. TikTok At the event, Vivian Chuene, the Publisher Partnerships Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, tutored attendees on creating content on TikTok and using algorithms to drive engagement in food content creation. The identified African roles and importance in global cuisines have aroused the interest of food enthusiasts worldwide towards African dishes. The world is watching African creators closely. We are witnessing a growing global interest in African content, with our counterparts frequently reaching out to identify local creators for international opportunities. Our goal is to put African creativity at the forefront, empowering creators to share their unique stories and culture with the world, Ms Chuene said. Ambassadors At the event, the food seasoning company, Maggi announced 12 food content creators as the brand ambassadors. The ambassadors are Brian Nwana (Briannwana_), Yemisi Odusanya (Sisi Yemmie), Ifeyinwa Mogekwu (Ifys Kitchen), Gina Ehikodi-Ojo (Geenafoodiesandspice), and Jamila Lawal (jamilaolawal). The Maggi social media ambassadorial list also includes Anisah Lawal (the.chefnisah), Mariam Buhari (Fabulous_nosh_and_recipes), Egbe Chukwualuka (cookwith_aluks), Okeke Oluebube (cookwith_mimii), Samira Abdullahi (Samrahs_cuisine- TT), Zainab Saad Ahmed (Hanan_malab), and Bello Yasmine Mansur (Yasmieen_ymb). Also in attendance at the Maggi Creators Conference were renowned cookbook author, food writer, and lifestyle content creator Yemisi Sophie Odusanya, widely known as Sisi Yemmie; The Kitchen Muse; Kojo Junior, a digital lifestyle and food content creator from Ghana; Gina Ehikodi-Ojo, a TV cook show host and curator; and lifestyle blogger Noble Igwe. Popular Nigerian lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has advised TikTok influencer Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller, to pursue formal education by returning to school. He emphasised that, irrespective of fame, academic qualifications remain essential. Mr Adeyanju took to his Facebook page and offered the advice in response to Pellers recent public feud with his estranged girlfriend and fellow streamer, Jarvis, whom he accused of involvement in money laundering. The activist emphasised that education would shape his life and destiny beyond the digital space, regardless of his continually growing social media popularity, fame, and financial benefits. Peller should go to school. Education will shape his life and destiny. He can still be doing all the TikTok and making money, but education will add real value to his life, Mr Adeyanju said. According to him, combining education with social media influence would give the young entertainer stronger credibility and long-term relevance. He specifically recommended a law degree, explaining that legal training would enhance Pellers reasoning ability and improve his understanding of the ethical and legal implications of his online actions. Let me suggest that he considers a law degree, but he must get a credit in Literature in English first. The advice has sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting Mr Adeyanjus stance and others defending Pellers. Some agree with Mr Adeyanju, emphasising the importance of formal education in achieving long-term relevance and personal growth. Others argue that talent and digital influence can be equally rewarding in todays world, questioning the necessity of traditional education. A few have pointed out that Pellers success on social media platforms demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to monetise his online presence. Pellers speculative response Following his recent feud with Jarvis and his usual defensive manner, Peller might view Adeyanjus advice as an attack on his character or an attempt to downplay his online success. He may respond by highlighting his achievements on social media, emphasising his financial independence, or questioning the relevance of traditional education in todays world. Some possible reactions from Peller, according to netizens, include him downplaying the importance of formal education, citing his own success story as proof that talent and hard work are sufficient. He might accuse Adeyanju of being out of touch with the digital age or jealous of his online fame. Peller could use his signature humour to poke fun at Adeyanjus advice, making light of the situation. Peller hasnt responded yet; therefore, the above are speculative, based on prior reactions to similar events. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine expects from 10 to 14 million recipients of one-time state cash assistance under the Winter Support program of UAH 1,000 for adults and children, as well as UAH 6,500 for the most vulnerable categories, with expected costs of UAH 14 billion, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has said. "Last year, more than 14 million people used this support. This is assistance for those who do not have enough for utilities, additional funds for families (allocation of funds for children). We expect that about 10 million Ukrainians will use the program (in the winter of 2025-2026 - IF-U), of which up to 3 million applications will be submitted for children," she said at a meeting with journalists on Monday. According to the Prime Minister, as before, people who are in temporarily occupied territories or abroad will not be able to receive funds, and applications for children can be submitted separately with a birth certificate. As in the previous year, these funds can be spent on paying for utilities, medicines, books, and sent to charity accounts of the Security and Defense Forces or volunteer funds. The approximate start date for submitting applications is November 15, 2025, and the possibility of submitting them is planned to close on December 15. "The Ministry of Social Policy is focused on supporting people in difficult life circumstances, families with children, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities and the elderly. In total, about 15 million people receive one form or another of state support in Ukraine. The funds provided for payments of UAH 1,000 take into account their needs," said the Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin. This year, the government also allocated UAH 4.4 billion from the state budget for payments of UAH 6,500 for "those who need support the most." This payment will be available to children under guardianship or care, children with disabilities, children in foster families and DBST (including children with disabilities), people with Group I disabilities among IDPs, children from low-income families under 18, single pensioners who receive a care allowance. Uliutin explained that the funds will be credited to a current account with a special use regime or to the Diia.Kartka app. They can be used within 180 calendar days from the date of crediting. The money can be spent on clothing, shoes, medicines or vitamins. It is expected that more than 660,000 people will receive assistance under this program. As reported, at the end of 2024, such a program was already in operation. During the three months of operation of Winter eSupport, Ukrainians submitted almost 14.4 million applications. The 2025 Anambra governorship election is likely to be a test of Peter Obis political strength. The former governor of the state and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate won over 95.7 per cent of the votes in Anambra State during the presidential election. He also won in all five South-east states, winning over 70 per cent of the votes in the region. Many Nigerian youths consider him to be honest, prudent, and transparent, and they have a fanatic desire to see him elected as the countrys president. Two years after inspiring millions in the Obidient Movement with his message of reform and accountability, Mr Obi faces a significant test on Saturday whether his national appeal can translate into a political victory for the LP candidate, George Moghalu, in his home state. He faces a formidable opponent in Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who enjoys a strong grassroots network and the advantage of incumbency. Mr Moghalu is not new to the scene he contested the 2003 governorship election under the defunct ANPP but lost to Mr Obi, who ran on the APGA platform. Twenty-three years later, fate has reversed their roles the former rival now flies the LP flag, hoping that Mr Obis influence can help him win the seat. At the LP campaign flag-off in Onitsha in July, Mr Obi described Mr Moghalu and his running mate, Ifeoma Okaro, as the best team to deliver people-oriented governance. Sensing confusion among his supporters over his alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Obi clarified his stand at the rally. If anyone asks where Peter Obi belongs today, tell them Peter Obi is in the Labour Party. The coalition is for the future 2027. But today, our mission is to begin the journey to good governance right here in Anambra, he said. Governor Soludo remains the candidate to beat with APGAs deep grassroots base in Anambra. The election will test whether Mr Obis movement can stop Mr Soludos bid for a second term a victory that could boost Mr Obis popularity both in Anambra and across the country before the 2027 presidential election. The weight of Obis influence Damian Okeke-Ogene, a former South-east coordinator for Mr Obis 2023 presidential campaign and the immediate-past national vice president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, does not think Mr Obis support will tilt the scales. Anambra does not vote based on party lines but on individuals, Mr Okeke-Ogene said. Mr Obi is a respected national figure with goodwill, but that may not matter in this election. He explained in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES why the incumbent governor would be difficult to displace. No governor in the state has employed more than 12,000 people, including teachers and medical doctors, within three years. No one built the Government House before Soludo did, he argued. For Mr Okeke-Ogene, APGAs control of the state remains firm. In grassroots politics, no party can defeat APGA in Anambra now, he said. Mr Moghalu is a good man, but he cannot match Mr Soludo in this race. He also mentioned APGAs recent victory in the Anambra South Senatorial District an area once considered weak for the party as proof that Mr Soludos influence is growing. APGA had never won in the South Senatorial District before, but under Soludo, the party did, he said. Even if LP loses, it will not affect Obis 2027 ambition. Critics question Obis consistency However, Peter Okala, a former governorship candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), believes Mr Obis influence is fading due to inconsistency and lack of investment in people. If Obi had invested in human development in the state, those people would now be the ones defending his cause, he said. In politics, you build people not just show up at burials and birthdays to take pictures. Mr Okala described Mr Moghalu as a fine gentleman but said that governing Anambra requires more than good character. He was also a candidate in 2003, but you need more than gentleness to govern Anambra. You need structure, funding, and grassroots connections, he said. He accused Mr Obi of confusing his followers by aligning with the ADC while endorsing Mr Moghalu. This is what I mean by inconsistency, he said. Mr Obi has moved through many parties. You cant claim ADC and still expect loyalty in LP. According to him, the LP in Anambra is not united. Everybody knows LP will not win in Anambra, he said. It will also affect Obi in 2027 because he has not built a lasting political structure, he added, disagreeing with Mr Ogene. Mr Okala argued that Mr Obis 2023 support was driven by circumstance. People voted for him because they were angry at Tinubus Muslim-Muslim ticket. That moral outrage powered the Obidient movement, not structure. He added that if the late senator, Ifeanyi Uba, were alive and contesting, he would have been Soludos biggest threat. Obidient Movement coordinator endorses Soludo Ikenna Azomchine, the South-east coordinator of the Obidient Movement, also expressed doubt about Mr Obis influence. He said his mixed messages were helping Mr Soludo. Peter Obis confusion is helping Governor Soludo because he supports the LP candidate while claiming to be in a coalition with ADC, he said. Mr Azomchine is supporting Mr Soludo in the election despite being an Obidient coordinator in Anambra. He said Mr Obis endorsement of Mr Moghalu came without consultation. I told him that many Obidients in Anambra voted for him in 2023, but are APGA members. He didnt listen, he said, suggesting that at the national election, Mr Obi commands goodwill across party lines, while his supporters would vote for their parties at local elections. Mr Moghalu is not a member of the Obidient Movement, yet Obi endorsed him without consulting us. That was a mistake, he added, warning that Mr Obis base in the state is now divided. From what I see, theres no real strength in Obis base in Anambra. Soludo will win them, he said, urging Mr Obi to rebuild the Obidient Movement after the election. Test of structure versus passion Political commentator Adebamiwa Michael, in an article posted on Facebook, Anambra 2025 The Real Test of Peter Obis Obidient Movement and the Politics Beyond Emotion, stated that the upcoming election is the biggest test of the movements maturity. In 2023, the Obidient wave changed the countrys political awareness but failed where structure mattered most, Mr Michael wrote. Most of its members were new voters, volunteers, and idealists not real ward or polling unit agents. He said Anambras politics is based on local ties, family loyalties, and patronage, which emotions or brand power alone cannot break. The question is whether the movement can turn passion into structure, anger into strategy, and popularity into power in Obis home state, he said. For him, Saturdays election is not just about winning or losing. It is a moral and strategic test for the Obidient movement. A win means a grassroots revolution in South-east politics; a loss will show that in Nigerian democracy, popularity without structure is passion without power, he added. The defining battle Anambra, renowned for its political awareness and independence, has been the stronghold of APGA for nearly two decades. Governor Soludo, though criticised by many, has substantial control over grassroots politics in Anambra. His visible works, youth employment, and local campaign networks have strengthened APGAs position as a leading party in the state. For Mr Obi, the stakes are high. A win by the LP would demonstrate that the Obidient Movement is not just an online campaign, but a political force to be reckoned with. A loss, however, would suggest that while Mr Obi enjoys moral authority and national appeal, his movement still lacks a solid grassroots structure. On Tuesday, the Edo State government said it would commence the production of essential drugs by 2026 to strengthen the states healthcare system and end medical tourism. The State governor, Monday Okpebholo, disclosed this on Tuesday during an inspection of the Central Medical Stores and the Edo Pharmaceutical Company in Benin. Mr Okpebholo, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, said the move aligns with President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda to boost local pharmaceutical production and ensure affordable healthcare. The governor reaffirmed the states determination to revive the long-abandoned Edo Pharmaceutical Company, which was vandalised during the EndSARS protest in 2020. According to him, the state government is ready to reposition the facility to manufacture essential medicines for Edo residents and the South-South region. Edo is desirous of putting this facility to good use through the production of essential drugs. This will not only reduce the cost of medical care but also curb medical tourism, he said. The governor explained that the state would leverage the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), a federal scheme aimed at attracting investment, promoting local production of medical products, and expanding private-sector participation in healthcare delivery. We are passionate about the welfare of our people; that is why we are assessing the facility so we can identify areas that require urgent intervention, he said. During the inspection, the governor confirmed that the drugs supplied to the state medical stores were in good condition and had valid manufacturing and expiration dates. We have verified the integrity of the drugs supplied. They are safe and fit for use by Edo people. We are also making plans to rehabilitate the vandalised pharmaceutical company and make it operational again, he added. The Commissioner for Health, Cyril Oshiomhole, who accompanied the governor on the visit, said the Edo Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency was established to ensure equitable access to quality and affordable medicines. Mr Oshiomhole explained that the agency was designed to participate in a national pooled procurement system that allows states to collectively purchase drugs at reduced prices. When states buy in bulk, the cost of drugs drops significantly, sometimes even below factory price, he said. This means that Federal Medical Centres, private hospitals, and pharmacies will source their drugs from Edo, making it a win-win for everyone, especially the poor. The commissioner revealed that the governments 2026 plan includes partnering with the federal government to revive the local production of paracetamol, antimalarials, antibiotics, and other essential drugs under the PVAC initiative. We are ready to key into the presidential initiative to encourage local manufacturing. This will form a key part of our 2026 annual health plan, he added. (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has begun free anti-rabies mass vaccination of dogs and cats in Nasarawa State. Chinyere Akujobi, the ministrys permanent secretary, disclosed this on Tuesday while flagging off a one-week vaccination exercise in Akun Area Administrative Council of the state. Ms Akujobi, represented by Samuel Anzaku, chief veterinary officer of Nigeria, said the campaign aims to eliminate rabies in the country by 2030. Recall that we recently marked World Rabies Day on 28 September, a global event that brings nations and communities together to renew the fight against one of the deadliest, yet most preventable zoonotic diseases rabies, she said. She said this years commemoration theme, You, Me and Community, is especially relevant to our context. She said this is a reminder that government efforts alone cannot achieve rabies elimination. She noted that eliminating rabies requires the active involvement of every citizen, policymakers, veterinarians, dog owners, hunters, teachers, parents and all members of the community. Rabies control is therefore a shared responsibility and a collective investment in the health and safety of our people, she said. The Permanent Secretary said that rabies continued to claim thousands of lives annually worldwide, with Africa and Asia bearing the greatest burden. She added that most victims are children under the age of 15, making rabies not just a health issue but also a tragedy for families and communities. The good news is that rabies is entirely preventable mainly through vaccination of dogs and cats which are the primary sources of human infections in our environment, she said. This is why the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has prioritised rabies control under the One Health framework, working closely with human health, animal health, and environmental stakeholders. Ms Akujobi assured President Bola Tinubus administration remains committed and determined to eradicate rabies using a one-health approach. According to her, the vaccination is a concrete step towards protecting citizens, saving lives, and advancing towards the global goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. She disclosed that 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines were procured for the first phase of mass vaccination of dogs and cats. Also speaking, Musa Abdullahi, Director of Veterinary Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Nasarawa State, urged people of the state to bring their dogs for vaccination in the interest of their health. Mr Abdullahi said rabies is 100 per cent fatal, but,luckily, it is 100 per cent preventable. He restated the state governments commitment to eliminate rabies through routine vaccination of dogs and others. On their parts, George Uzoaga, national coordinator, Rabies Control and Lawal Ademola, member, National Technical Working Team on Elimination of Rabies in Nigeria, called for collective efforts and teamwork to eliminate rabies in the country. They called on Nigerians to vaccinate their dogs to protect them and the people around them from rabies. Responding, Sunday Bako, one of the beneficiaries, appreciated the federal government for the gesture and assured them of their support at all times. (NAN) The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has issued a 15-day strike ultimatum to the federal government over its failure to implement the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), a demand that has remained unresolved for more than a decade. In a notice signed by JOHESUs National Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, and National Secretary, Martin Egbanubi, the union accused the federal government of insensitivity and discrimination in handling the welfare concerns of its members despite several agreements and presidential assurances. JOHESU, which comprises the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), said the ultimatum took effect from Friday, 31 October 2025. The union said the dispute centres on the federal governments failure to implement the upward adjustment of CONHESS as was done with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors on three different occasions since 2014. According to JOHESU, the issue had been the subject of several negotiations, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government on 29 October 2024, as well as earlier presidential assurances following a meeting between JOHESU leaders and President Bola Tinubu on 5 June 2023. Unfulfilled promises, government inaction Despite multiple conciliation meetings and commitments from government representatives, JOHESU said the agreement has not been implemented. It noted that the federal government has repeatedly cited delays in convening the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS), which, according to the union, has not met since August 2023 following the inauguration of the current Federal Executive Council. The union described the situation as the longest-running welfare dispute in Nigerias labour history, with the governments high-level body having submitted a template for implementation to the PCS since 2022. In 2025 alone, the federal government has promised and failed to deliver on timelines agreed for the PCS to be convened on four different occasions, the statement read. Allegation of discrimination JOHESU also criticised what it called the federal governments embarrassment and discriminatory treatment during a tripartite meeting on 29 October 2025 at the Federal Ministry of Finance. The union said its representatives were invited alongside the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). However, after allowing discussions on NARDs strike threat, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, allegedly refused to grant JOHESU representatives an opportunity to present their case. JOHESU described the incident as antithetical to relationship management and rules of engagement in industrial relations. Ultimatum and threat of strike Expressing disappointment that its patience and understanding had not been reciprocated, JOHESU said it would resume the suspended strike action of 30 October 2024 if the government failed to meet its demands. Consequently, we hereby issue a 15-day ultimatum effective from Friday, 31 October 2025, the union said. If the federal government fails to resolve and approve through a circular the adjustment of CONHESS, all JOHESU members shall withdraw their services across health facilities nationwide with effect from midnight of Friday, 14 November 2025. The ultimatum comes at a time when the health sector is already under severe strain. Hospitals across Nigeria are facing widespread disruption as the indefinite strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) entered its third day on Monday. Visits by PREMIUM TIMES reporters to hospitals in Abuja and Lagos showed that the strike has left many patients stranded, some wards empty, and consulting rooms locked. While some hospitals emergency and critical care units remain functional, most general consultations and clinics have been suspended. The industrial action began at midnight on Saturday and was declared due to years of unmet demands and poor working conditions. NARD has vowed to continue the strike until the federal government meets their demands. China has officially declared its opposition to US threats of sanctions or military actions against Nigeria over allegations of mass slaughter of Christians. The Chinese government made its position known on Tuesday when Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed a press conference in Beijing. As Nigerias comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions. China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force, Ms Ning said, according to the transcript of the interview posted on the Chinese governments website. PREMIUM TIMES reported the threat by US President Donald Trump to either sanction Nigeria or use military action if the Nigerian government does not stop what US officials claim is a genocide against Nigerian Christians. Mr Trump also designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and claimed that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria, as radical Islamic groups were killing thousands of Christians. This comes after weeks of campaigns and demands by some US lawmakers for the country to sanction Nigeria for allowing the persecution of Christians. The officials had falsely accused the Nigerian government of facilitating an anti-Christian crusade in an attempt to rid the country of Christians. The Nigerian government has, however, repeatedly denied the claims. In a statement issued on Saturday, President Bola Tinubu rejected the assertion of an existential threat to the Nigerian Christian faith, noting that the country strictly upholds the constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. He stated that the portrayals of Nigeria as facilitating Christian genocide do not reflect our national reality. He emphasised that Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it. Similarly, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that Nigeria is committed to tackling the violent extremism fueled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions. Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so, it said. Thehas suspended its plenary sessions for one week following a protest by indigenous contractors at the National Assembly complex. The decision was taken on Tuesday after the adoption of a motion moved by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, during plenary. The House also issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, to pay all outstanding debts owed to local contractors and ensure the implementation of the 2025 budget. The resolution followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by Mr Chinda, who informed the House of the contractors protest, which had disrupted movement in and out of the National Assembly complex. Earlier in the day, the contractors barricaded the National Assembly gate, vowing to remain there for seven days and disrupt legislative activities if their demands were not met. Presenting the motion, Mr Chinda said the House notes the plight of local contractors who had protested several times in the past and are presently demonstrating at the gate of the National Assembly, with plans to continue the protest for one week. He added that the House also notes that the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, and the Accountant General were invited to a high-level meeting led by the Deputy Speaker, where they made commitments to ensure that local contractors were paid for jobs executed under the 2024 and 2025 appropriations. However, implementation of those assurances, he said, remains abysmal. Mr Chinda further informed the House that the leadership of the parliament had earlier met with President Bola Tinubu and the relevant ministers, during which the president instructed the immediate payment of indigenous contractors and full execution of the approved budgets. He lamented that several weeks thereafter, that instruction was not implemented. He noted that the non-payment of local contractors had caused severe hardship on the contractors and Nigerians generally, leading to tension and worsening poverty across the country. Consequently, he urged the House to resolve that the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Accountant General of the Federation be given seven days to pay all outstanding bills to local contractors for 2024 and commence full implementation of the 2025 budget. He also called on the House leadership to ensure strict compliance with the resolution and report back within one week for further drastic legislative action. The motion was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers. Following the adoption, Ahmadu Mai Palace, a lawmaker from Zamfara, moved a motion for the House to adjourn in solidarity with the contractors. We should suspend all activities of the House for one week until we hear from the executive on this issue of non-payment and implementation of the 2024-2025 budget, he said. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, asked members, You have given an ultimatum to the executive to act within seven days. Do we really have to stop sitting until we hear from them? The lawmakers responded in the affirmative. The Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Waive Ejiroghene, seconded the motion, arguing that the protest had caused serious inconvenience to members and staff, with contractors threatening to intensify their siege on the complex in the coming week. Mr Kalu then put the motion to a voice vote, ruling that, Based on the fact that the road is blocked by these contractors and that we will not be able to access here easily within the week, the House will adjourn to enable consultations with the executive and for this matter to be resolved within one week. The House unanimously adopted the resolution and adjourned plenary to resume next Tuesday. Background The protest was organised by members of the Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria (AICAN), who accused the federal government of refusing to pay debts amounting to about 760 billion for contracts executed under the 2024 fiscal year. The contractors said they had completed and verified several capital projects across key ministries and agencies, including Works, Agriculture, Education, and Health, but that payment warrants issued months ago were yet to be honoured. According to AICAN, the non-payment has pushed many of its members into severe financial distress, as most sourced funds from commercial banks based on government assurances of prompt payment. The group further alleged that foreign and non-indigenous contractors were being prioritised for payments and new awards, contrary to the governments commitment to promote local content and economic empowerment. Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the House brokered peace between the federal government and the aggrieved contractors over the 4 trillion debt, with a resolution that payments should commence immediately. In another follow-up report, this newspaper revealed that lawmakers had asked the Accountant General to produce evidence of 2.4 trillion said to have been paid to some contractors. President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve a fresh N1.150 trillion loan programme as part of the resources to fund Nigerias 2025 budget. The request was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Tuesday. In the letter, President Tinubu explained that the facility would be sourced from the domestic debt market. He said the borrowing had become necessary due to the increased size of the 2025 budget. The president noted that his request was made in accordance with Section 44 (1) and (2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. After reading the correspondence, Mr Akpabio referred the proposal to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt for further consideration and directed the committee to report back within one week. This latest borrowing plan comes just six days after the National Assembly approved the presidents request to secure a $2.3 billion external loan, also incorporated into the 2025 budget. The external loan is expected to be sourced through one or a combination of the following instruments: Eurobond issuance, loan syndications, bridge-finance facilities arranged by book-runners, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions. Just four months ago, President Tinubu also sought and obtained approval for $21.5 million and 15 billion in loans, alongside a 65 million grant, as part of the federal governments proposed 20252026 external borrowing plan. These successive loans have contributed to a steady increase in Nigerias public debt. The Nigerian government relied on borrowing to finance the nations budget. Although the Tinubu administration has repeatedly claimed that revenue generation has increased since the president assumed office, the practice of borrowing has nonetheless persisted. According to Nigerias Debt Management Office (DMO), as of 31 December 2024, Nigerias total public debt stood at N144.7 trillion (approximately $94.2 billion). About 51.4 per cent of the total (N74.4 trillion) is domestic debt, while 48.6 per cent (N70.3 trillion) is external debt. The rising debt has resulted in increased debt servicing costs. In 2023, Nigeria spent N7.8 trillion on debt servicing, a 121 per cent increase compared to N3.52 trillion in the previous year. The amount spent on debt servicing rose to N13.12 trillion. In 2024, there was a 68 per cent increase from the 2023 figure. These high debt servicing costs mean less funds for important sectors such as infrastructure and social services, potentially hindering economic growth and development. Despite these fiscal pressures, the Tinubu administration maintains that borrowing remains an essential instrument for development financing, especially as domestic funding sources continue to dwindle. Borrowing is not limited to this administration, as successive governments in Nigeria borrowed to finance projects, even while struggling to settle the existing debts. Mr Tinubu, in a media chat last December, defended his borrowing strategy, claiming that he took the decision not to inflict pain on Nigerians, but because of his commitment to infrastructural development. The president said borrowing is not a crime and that many decayed infrastructures need funding. Which 2025 budget is the loan funding? Nigeria is currently operating two budgets within a single fiscal year. The first is the capital component of the 2024 budget, which was initially meant to end in December 2024 but has since been extended twice first to June 2025 and later to December 2025. Simultaneously, the 2025 budget of N54.2 trillion, increased by N7 billion from the presidents initial proposal, is also in effect. Despite the dual budget operations, several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have complained of inadequate fund releases for project execution. There are speculations that only about 40 per cent of the capital component of the 2024 budget has been implemented, while work on the 2025 capital component is yet to commence. This has fueled speculation that the 2025 capital budget, which ordinarily should conclude by December, may also be extended to 2026. President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to screen and confirm Kingsley Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as a minister. President Tinubus request was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary on Tuesday. In the letter, the president said the nomination was in line with Section 147(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers him to forward ministerial nominees to the National Assembly for confirmation. After reading the letter, Mr Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for consideration. Although the president did not specify the portfolio for Mr Udeh, there are strong indications that he may be assigned to the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. The position became vacant after the former minister, Uche Nnaji, resigned following PREMIUM TIMES investigations revealing that he forged his bachelors degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate. Mr Udeh, like Mr Nnaji, hails from Enugu State. Just last Thursday, the Senate screened and confirmed Bernard Doro as a minister in President Tinubus cabinet. Mr Doro replaced Nentawe Yilwatda, who was recently appointed Chairperson of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Yilwatda, a professor, previously served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. There was a mild drama in the Senate chamber on Tuesday as lawmakers reacted to the threat of military action issued against Nigeria by the President of the United States, Donald Trump. The drama began when the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, denied a statement attributed to him by a blog, which claimed he had responded to President Trump by saying that Christians in Nigeria were not complaining and that the US president should focus on his own country. The report, which has since gone viral, generated outrage among Nigerians, with many accusing Mr Akpabio of making a divisive statement that could incite unrest. Reacting during the plenary, Mr Akpabio said the report was false, stressing that he had never responded to President Trump and questioning why anyone would fabricate such a story. He specifically stated that he had no authority to respond to Mr Trumps threat, even as the number three citizen of the country. Somebody will sit in the comfort of his room and produce a report and produce fake pictures of 2023 when the Senate President with Senators visited Port Harcourt on a very different thing and say, oh, senate president answers President Trump. Who am I to answer President Trump?, he asked. However, his remark that he could not respond to the US President appeared to irritate the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who stood up to challenge him. Mr Jibrin maintained if the senate president would not respond, he would. I said Im not scared of Trump. I will say my mind. Im a Nigerian. Nigeria is a sovereign nation. Im a parliamentarian. Im the deputy senate president, I can speak. Im not scared of Trump. Dont be scared of Trump. You say your mind about Trump. We are a sovereign nation, Mr Jibrin said. In response, Mr Akpabio argued that only the presidency had the constitutional authority to officially respond to President Trump on behalf of the nation. This time, the Senate President of Nigeria did not answer President Trump. and that the quotation is meant to cause diplomatic row. It is the presidency that will answer the comment of President Trump, he said. Lawmakers to respond properly later The senate president added that the matter would be properly discussed on the floor of the Senate at a later date. I can only speak your voice. We have not discussed the comment of President Trump in chambers yet. I know we will, and I believe we will. We shall. Its only then that the Senate President can make a comment, not somebody sitting in this building to talk nonsense, he added. Petition to security agencies Mr Akpabio also revealed that he had petitioned the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Services (SSS) to investigate the origin of the false report. Ive petitioned the police. I have also petitioned the DSS (Sss). But who is that person that will go and lascribe a comment to the senate president when he was never me. So I believe the Cybercrimes Unit of the police, the DSS (SSS) and others should find that character out, because it is meant to cause friction. It is meant to cause friction and put the Nigerian Senate in disrepute. This is not the first time the issue of the alleged Christian genocide has been raised in the Nigerian parliament. The matter was first discussed on 9 October, when senators resolved to send a delegation to the United States to engage directly with members of the US Congress over reports of alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. On 14 October, the Senate set up a 12-member ad hoc committee to formulate a legislative position on the allegations and recommend appropriate actions for the government. Although the senate president had instructed the committee to submit its report within one week, it is unclear whether that directive has been carried out. The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Tinubus management of Nigerias economic direction, describing him as a meticulous economic planner with a deliberate, reform-driven approach to rebuilding the nations financial stability. Mr Agbese said Mr Tinubus leadership has demonstrated a deep understanding of fiscal discipline, resource allocation, and long-term development planning, assuring Nigerians that every loan obtained by the present administration will be deployed prudently and transparently for its intended purposes. Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Monday, the lawmaker said concerns expressed by some Nigerians over the rising public debt profile were understandable but misplaced, insisting that the Mr Tinubu administrations borrowing strategy was not reckless but strategically aligned with economic recovery targets. Mr President knows what he is doing. He doesnt take decisions impulsively. Every borrowing plan under this administration is carefully thought out, with a clear framework for repayment and measurable developmental outcomes. Nigerians can trust his sense of judgment, Mr Agbese said. Borrowing plan and National Assembly approval Mr Agbeses remarks came in the wake of the National Assemblys recent approval of Mr Tinubus request to raise $2.3 billion from the international capital market. Both chambers approved the request last Wednesday to partly finance the 2025 budget deficit and refinance Nigerias maturing Eurobonds. In the House of Representatives, the approval followed the consideration and adoption of a report presented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debt Management, Abubakar Nalaraba (APC, Nasarawa). According to the report, the borrowing plan is divided into two components, $1.23 billion to fund the 2025 budget deficit and $1.12 billion to refinance Eurobonds maturing in November 2025. The committee explained that the funds would be sourced from the international capital market through Eurobond issuance, loan syndication, bridge financing, or direct borrowing from multilateral institutions. In a landmark move, lawmakers also approved the issuance of Nigerias first-ever Sovereign Sukuk of up to $500 million in the international capital market, a development expected to attract Islamic-compliant investors and diversify the countrys external borrowing instruments. Confidence in Tinubus economic vision While acknowledging public concerns about Nigerias mounting debt, Mr Agbese said the presidents approach to governance has been underpinned by measurable reforms aimed at ensuring that every borrowed fund yields tangible developmental results. As representatives of the people, we have a duty to ensure transparency and accountability, he explained. But I can assure Nigerians that with President Tinubu at the helm, theres no cause for fear. His track record of transforming Lagos into Africas fifth-largest economy speaks volumes about his capacity to deliver. He further explained that President Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda has been structured around long-term sustainability, focusing on macroeconomic stability, job creation, and revenue expansion through diversification. We must understand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not just an ordinary politician; he is a tested economic strategist who has demonstrated exceptional prudence in resource management. The lawmaker said that the visible improvements in fiscal coordination between the executive and monetary authorities are signs of an economy gradually finding its balance after years of turbulence. National Assemblys oversight role Mr Agbese also commended the National Assembly for strengthening its oversight role in managing public debts, saying the legislature remains committed to ensuring that every facility is tied to specific developmental outcomes. As representatives of the people, we have a duty to ensure transparency and accountability, he explained. But I can assure Nigerians that with President Tinubu at the helm, theres no cause for fear. His track record of transforming Lagos into Africas fifth-largest economy speaks volumes about his capacity to deliver. He explained that the partnership between the legislature and the executive has been constructive rather than complacent, noting that the collaboration was aimed at delivering real development to Nigerians. Addressing public concern Nigerias debt profile has risen steadily in recent years, crossing 97 trillion by mid-2025, according to figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO). Critics, including civil society groups and opposition lawmakers, have questioned the sustainability of the trend, citing fears of future fiscal strain. But Mr Agbese maintained that what mattered most was the judicious utilisation of the loans, not the borrowing itself. The lawmaker added that Tinubus background as an accountant and financial strategist gave him a unique advantage in handling complex fiscal challenges. We must understand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not just an ordinary politician; he is a tested economic strategist who has demonstrated exceptional prudence in resource management,@ Mr Agbese said. Long-term focus and citizen expectations Mr Agbese described the administrations economic reforms as painful but necessary, urging Nigerians to remain patient and supportive as the benefits of the current policies gradually materialise. He added that the governments fiscal reforms, including efforts to cut waste, broaden the tax base, and improve capital expenditure efficiency, were part of a larger plan to place Nigeria on a path of sustainable prosperity. The deputy spokesperson concluded by reaffirming his confidence in the Presidents integrity and foresight. No doubt, President Tinubu will utilise every loan for the purpose it was intended. He is meticulous, visionary, and deeply committed to seeing Nigeria prosper. This is the kind of leadership our nation has long desired and its one we must all rally behind, he said. Ukraine continues to inject gas into storage facilities after start of heating season Photo: https://www.facebook.com Starting Friday, October 31, Ukraine has continued to inject small volumes of natural gas into its underground gas storage facilities (UGS), according to data from the European platform Aggregated Gas Storage Inventory (AGSI). As reported earlier, citing former Energy Minister Olha Buslavets, this became possible thanks to the available volumes of imported gas, particularly the resumption of imports from Poland beginning October 23 after the completion of scheduled maintenance by the Polish gas transmission operator Gaz-System. Late last week, the former minister predicted that due to imports, Ukraine would be able to delay active withdrawals from storage for another 710 days. According to AGSI data, the total level of natural gas in Ukraine's storage facilities now exceeds the government's target of 8.5 billion cubic meters, excluding long-term stored (technological) gas. According to the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (GTSOU), total gas imports as of November 4 are projected at 23.6 million cubic meters, including 9.8 million cubic meters from Hungary, 8.2 million from Poland, 4.8 million from Slovakia, and 0.8 million from Romania. Naftogaz Ukrainy CEO Serhiy Koretsky said on October 29 that to ensure stable passage through the 2025/2026 heating season, Ukraine needs an additional 4 billion cubic meters of imported gas. He added that the country requires $1.9 billion to finance these imports, a significant portion of which has already been secured. Meanwhile, Naftogaz Supervisory Board Deputy Chair Nataliya Boyko noted that due to Russian attacks, Ukraine may fall short of roughly one-third of its planned gas production by the end of the year. The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Monday commissioned and distributed 100 newly built, energy-efficient homes to indigent widows in the state. The initiative, launched in partnership with the Family Homes Funds (FHF) and the Kaduna State Government, marks the pilot phase of a nationwide social housing programme aimed at providing affordable and sustainable housing for low-income earners. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, Mr Sani described the project as a symbol of hope, stability, and empowerment for widows who have endured hardship. Each home represents renewal and belonging, he said. Our administration remains steadfast in ensuring that every Kaduna resident, regardless of status, has access to safe, secure, and affordable housing. The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership, as well as to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development for their commendations of Kadunas dedication to inclusive development. The governor also said, the project is part of a broader strategy to close the states housing deficit through partnerships with local and international investors. He cited ongoing initiatives such as the Qatar Sannabil Project for victims of banditry, the Nuru Suraj Ungwar Dosa New Extension, and Urban Shelters Millennium City Project, noting that several federal agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, Customs Service, NDLEA, and Federal Housing Authority, are also investing in mass housing projects in Kaduna. In his remarks, the Chairman of Family Homes Funds Limited, Mr Ademola Adebisi, noted that the project symbolises renewed hope and restored dignity, particularly for the 100 resilient women empowered through this initiative According to the Chairman, the Social Housing Project also reflects our shared vision of inclusive growth, where affordable housing becomes a foundation for economic participation and improved quality of life. In his speech, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, recalled that the project was inherited from the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. Government is a work in progress. President Tinubu is determined to ensure that anything started by his brother is completed and value is even added to it. According to him, the project is a collaboration amongst the determined woman who led the Adashe Cooperative and reached out to the Family Homes Funds, through the Ministry of Women Affairs. READ ALSO: Tinubu receives PDP defectors to APC in Southern Kaduna A beneficiary, Grace Bitrus, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, said the new housing estate has restored dignity to many women. This is more than just a house, its a second chance at life, she said. Mr Sani reaffirmed his administrations commitment to inclusive growth, social justice, and the upliftment of the vulnerable, adding that Kadunas investor-friendly environment will continue to attract partnerships that create jobs and improve livelihoods. The Police Command in Imo State has commenced investigation into the assault of a 55-year-old woman, Ndidiamaka Agu by a group of men at Emekuku near Owerri, the Imo capital. This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Owerri, by the commands spokesperson, Henry Okoye. A video clip of the incident shows some men beating and kicking Mrs Agu, while another woman who disapproved of the assault filmed it from another building. At some point, the men threatened to attack the woman who was recording the incident. Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said the assault was carried out on Mrs Agu because she cooperated with police officers in an investigation. He explained that the Commissioner of Police in Imo, Aboki Danjuma, ordered the probe following a viral video showing the men assaulting the victim who hails from Umuakaliukwu, Uboegbelu, Azaraubo, in Emekuku. According to him, acting on the directive, the X-Squad Unit has commenced efforts to identify, arrest, and bring all the suspects involved in the appalling act to justice without delay. Meanwhile, preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was attacked by six men. The assault was allegedly carried out because the woman cooperated with police officers who had earlier visited the community for investigative purposes. Consequently, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects, after which they will be charged to court. Mr Okoye quoted the police commissioner condemning the act and describing it as barbaric, inhuman, and totally unacceptable. The police commissioner warned that any form of jungle justice or intimidation of residents, who lawfully assist the police, would not be tolerated under any circumstance. (NAN) The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, has been listed among distinguished continental experts scheduled to address the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in November 2025. Mr Komolafes selection comes as a recognition of Nigerias growing influence in Africas energy reform space and its commitment to sustainable upstream governance under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The invitation, conveyed in a letter dated 17 October 2025, was extended to him in his dual capacity as NUPRC Chief Executive and interim President of the Africa Forum for Petroleum Regulators and Frameworks (AFRIPERF). According to the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament, Mr Komolafe will deliver a presentation titled Legislative Frameworks for Sustainable Upstream Regulation in Africas Oil and Gas Secto, during the plenary session. This topic explores how robust legislative reforms can advance sustainability in Africas upstream oil and gas operations, inviting insights from your leadership at NUPRC and as Acting Chairman of AFRIPERF, the Bureau wrote. The Bureau stated that the parliament looks forward to Nigerias reflections on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), widely regarded as a landmark in energy legislation and its relevance as a model for transparency, community participation, and investor confidence across Africa. The Parliament said the insights from Nigerias recent reforms would guide its ongoing efforts to draft model laws aimed at improving governance, environmental protection, and equitable resource sharing among member states. This marks only the second time in recent years that a Nigerian public official has been invited to address the PAP plenary, a platform reserved for policy leaders whose work has significantly influenced continental development and integration. Since Mr Komolafes appointment, he has pursued wide-ranging reforms aimed at entrenching transparency, streamlining licensing procedures, and enforcing environmental accountability. His leadership has also driven renewed investor interest, contributing to Nigerias steady production recovery and improved revenue profile. Under his watch, Nigerias crude oil output has stabilised at about 1.7 million barrels per day, while gas flaring has dropped to around 7.16 per cent the lowest in nearly two decades. The implementation of PIA provisions on host community development has further strengthened relationships between oil firms and local stakeholders, promoting stability in key production zones. Contribution to Africas energy governance According to the Bureau, Mr Komolafes address will form part of the Parliaments broader agenda to align with the African Unions Agenda 2063, particularly its goals of inclusive growth, environmental protection, and a just energy transition. By sharing Nigerias experiences, the session aims to enhance cooperation among African petroleum regulators and foster the creation of harmonised frameworks for accountability and investment across the continent. Energy governance experts believe the invitation positions Nigeria as a thought leader in upstream regulation and an advocate for balanced development between fossil resources and renewable alternatives. Symbol of continuity and credibility For many stakeholders, Mr Komolafes upcoming address at PAP underscores a broader message that Nigerias energy sector reforms are earning continental and global validation. By joining a select group of African experts to speak at the Parliaments plenary, he is expected to highlight how legal clarity, fiscal stability, and community inclusion as embedded in the PIA, can help African nations achieve energy security while transitioning toward cleaner alternatives. His participation is anticipated to deepen collaboration among regulatory institutions across the continent and strengthen the collective pursuit of a fair, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for Africa. About the Pan-African Parliament Established in 2004 as one of the organs of the African Union (AU), the Pan-African Parliament serves as the legislative consultative body representing all AU member states. Based in Midrand, South Africa, the Parliament provides a platform for African legislators to deliberate on continental issues, promote democratic governance, and harmonise policies and laws across the continent. Its sessions bring together representatives from national parliaments, subject-matter experts, and regional bodies to shape legislative frameworks that align with the AUs Agenda 2063, the strategic vision for Africas political and socio-economic transformation. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Tuesday rejected a request to throw out trespass charges against a realtor, a lawyer, and a police officer. Judge Samira Bature refused the defendants application to strike out the charges on grounds of prosecutions absence from Tuesdays proceedings. Tuesdays adjournment was the seventh time the case had been adjourned, stalling the arraignment of the defendants. In 2023, the federal government charged the defendants Cecil Osakwe, a property developer, Victor Giwa, a lawyer, and Edith Erhunmwuuse, a police officer- with nine counts of mischief, trespass, and tampering with properties belonging to one Asabe Waziri. According to the charges, the defendants allegedly took law into their own hands by taking Ms Waziris property worth N300 million and her passport. Hearing The prosecution requested an adjournment, citing their lead counsels unavailability due to an official assignment abroad. However, Mr Osakwes lawyer, Ayuba Kawu, told the court that his client flew from the United States to attend the days proceedings but could not provide any evidence to support his claim when the court asked. Therefore, the defence opposed the request, maintaining that the prosecution was not serious. However, in July, the court issued a final warning to the defendants over their continued absence, which contributed to stalling the arraignment and adjournment of the case six times. On Tuesday, Ms Bature said she would not strike out the case, as it was the first time it would be adjourned at the instance of the prosecution. The third defendant was also said to be absent on Tuesday on the ground of ill health, but no medical report was presented by the defence lawyer as evidence. Reminding the parties of previous adjournments due to the defences absence, the judge noted that the prosecution deserved the benefit of the doubt. In the interest of justice, both parties must be given the opportunity to be heard. The judge adjourned the arraignment till 3 February 2026. Background In 2023, the federal government charged the defendants with nine counts of mischief, trespass and tampering with properties belonging to Ms Waziri. One of the defendants, a police officer, Ms Erhunmwuuse, was accused of conspiring with the other defendants to commit the alleged crimes. One count said Cecil Osakwe, Victor Giwa, and Edith Erhunrnwuuse, sometimes in 2022 in Abuja, conspired and broke into the house of one Ms Waziri located at Mekong Street, Maitama, Abuja, with the assistance of some police officers, now at large, without her knowledge or consent. The prosecution alleged that the intruders carted away her cash and other assets worth N300 million and passport. The offence is said to be contrary to section 96 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under section 97 of the same Law. The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday convicted Ayoola Olakitan of operating an unlicensed financial service business. The court sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment but with an option of N50,000 fine. Trial judge Muhammad Umar passed the verdict after Mr Olakitan pleaded guilty to the two counts preferred against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The anti-graft agency filed the charges against Mr Olakitan and Fortunetech Limited, where he served as secretary. Following his guilty plea on Tuesday, ICPC lawyer Akponimisingha Osuobeni urged the court to convict and sentence him according to the law. Defence lawyer Hamza Liman urged the court to temper justice with mercy, arguing that the guilty plea showed remorse and that the defendant had been held in ICPC custody for more than three months. However, the prosecution clarified that investigators did not deliberately keep the defendant in custody. Mr Osuobeni explained that his over three months detention was because the defendant absconded after arrest and was later rearrested. ALSO READ: FirstBank set to launch tailored financial services for blind and physically challenged customers After listening to both sides, the judge sentenced Mr Olakitan to 12 months imprisonment with an option of N50,000 fine. Charges The ICPC arraigned Fortunetech Limited and Mr Olakitan on two counts, including carrying on an e-commerce designated as non-financial business between December 2023 and December 2024 without registration and certification. ICPC said the offence is contrary to sections 17 (2)(a)(b) and 18(2)(d) and punishable under section 18(3)(4)(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The second count accused Mr Olakitan of making a false statement to ICPC investigators between 29 and 30 April 2025 in Abuja, claiming he applied for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) operating licence on behalf of the company when he did not. The offence was said to be contrary to section 25 (1)(a)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Brazil to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 30th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference tagged COP 30 scheduled to hold in the South American country. Vice Presidenthas departed Abuja for Brazil to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 30th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference tagged COP 30 scheduled to hold in the South American country. The summit convened by Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in collaboration with other partners, will be held from 6 to 7 in the city of Belem, capital of the state of Para, in the Brazilian Amazon. Vice President Shettima is billed to join other world leaders, development partners and business executives at the event themed, Climate Action and Implementation, with a strong focus on adaptation, forests, biodiversity, and climate justice. On the first day of engagements in Belem, Mr Shettima will attend the general plenary of leaders where he is expected to present Nigerias climate action address. He will also take part in the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund, and participate in a roundtable chaired by President Lula on Climate and Nature before attending an Amazonian Cocktail for Heads of Delegation, hosted by the president of Brazil. On the second day of the summit, Vice President Shettima will participate in two roundtables chaired by President Lula on energy transition as well as the review of the Paris Agreement, with a focus on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Financing. On the sidelines, Mr Shettima will hold bilateral meetings focused on establishing and managing Nigerias participation in the carbon markets, enabling the nation to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade to help meet climate goals. At the conclusion of his COP 30 engagements, the Nigerian vice president will proceed to the city of Brasilia for a reciprocal visit to his Brazilian counterpart, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who had embarked on a historic 3-day visit to Nigeria earlier in June. During Vice President Alckmins visit to Nigeria, a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) across critical sectors, including defence cooperation, agricultural technology transfer, energy collaboration, and cultural exchange programmes, were signed by officials of both countries. In the city of Brasilia, VP Shettima, accompanied by top Nigerian government officials, will engage with his Brazilian counterpart to further deepen Nigerias South-South diplomatic ties. The vice president is expected back in Nigeria at the end of his engagements in Brazil. Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President) 4th November 2025 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sends his warm felicitations to business tycoon, philanthropist, and Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, Femi Otedola, as he celebrates his birthday on November 4. President Tinubu extols Mr Otedolas remarkable contributions to Nigerias economic growth through his visionary entrepreneurship, investments in the energy sector, and consistent support for national development. The President acknowledges his exemplary business acumen, innovative spirit, and enduring commitment to corporate responsibility, which have made him a model for aspiring entrepreneurs and a symbol of excellence in Nigerias private sector. President Tinubu notes that, beyond business, Mr Otedola has demonstrated an uncommon passion for philanthropy, touching countless lives through his generosity and steadfast support for social causes, particularly in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. As you add another year, I am particularly impressed by your decision to document for posterity that it is possible to defy the odds, no matter how stacked they are against you. I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless you with good health, wisdom, and greater accomplishments as you serve our dear nation and humanity, the President says. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) November 4, 2025 Armed security operatives on Monday sealed the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, shortly after Mohammed Abdulrahman, the factional acting national chairman, assumed duty. The operatives also sealed Legacy House in the Maitama District of Abuja, the office currently used by the partys National Convention Organising Committee. The party also uses it as its national campaign office. The development effectively halted activities at both key administrative centres of the opposition party. Mr Abdulrahman arrived at the partys national secretariat around 12 noon, accompanied by supporters who cheered and chanted his name as they moved through the premises. The faction that appointed Mr Abdulrahman as acting chairman is led by Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled national secretary who was suspended on Saturday by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) after an emergency meeting. Mr Abdulrahman, backed by a bloc loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, held a closed-door meeting at the secretariat with Mr Anyanwu and other members of the faction. After the meeting, Mr Abdulrahman addressed journalists, declaring that he had officially assumed office as the acting national chairman of the PDP. He also disclosed that consultations were ongoing to convene a meeting of the partys National Executive Committee (NEC). The factional leaders left the secretariat shortly after the briefing. How the secretariat was locked Moments after Mr Abdulrahman and his team departed, armed police officers and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrived at the party secretariat, ordering PDP staff to vacate the building before locking the gates. The security personnel then took positions around the premises. READ ALSO: Tinubu receives PDP defectors to APC in Southern Kaduna Shortly after, another team of police officers proceeded to seal Legacy House, a building the convention organising committee has been using as headquarters. It remains unclear which faction ordered the sealing of the two buildings. However, there are speculations that the faction loyal to Mr Anyanwu may be behind the move, given its reported backing from the FCT minister. There are also indications that the heavy security presence could be a pre-emptive measure to prevent possible clashes between rival factions within the party. (By Mariam Ileyemi, Zainab Adewale and Oluwakemi Adelagun) Despite the federal governments appeal and assurances of resolving doctors grievances, hospitals across Nigeria are facing widespread disruption as the indefinite strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) entered its third day. On Monday, visits by PREMIUM TIMES reporters to hospitals in Abuja and Lagos showed that the strike has left many patients stranded, some wards empty, and consulting rooms locked. While some hospitals emergency and critical care units remain functional, most general consultations and clinics have been suspended. The industrial action began at midnight on Saturday and was declared due to years of unmet demands and poor working conditions. NARD has vowed to continue the strike until the federal government meets their demands. Patients stranded in Abuja At the Kubwa and Gwarimpa General Hospitals in Abuja, the walkways and waiting areas, typically crowded with patients, were nearly empty, except for a few nurses attending to emergencies. By 10 a.m. at Kubwa General Hospital, only a handful of patients waited at the reception, many unsure if they would be attended to. Nurses and administrative staff could be seen advising patients to return when the strike is over. A mother, Habiba Musa, said she brought her three-year-old son, who had a fever, but was turned back after only basic checks. I was told that the doctors are not available, so the nurses only checked his vitals and asked us to come back. They said they cant prescribe anything without a doctor, Ms Musa said. Another patient, Gabriel, who appeared visibly frustrated, said he had waited for over an hour without being attended to. The hospitals pharmacy was open but minimally staffed. At Gwarimpa General Hospital, the situation was similar. The Outpatient Department was quiet, and a few patients sat idly while nurses moved between wards explaining the situation. A pregnant woman who came for her routine antenatal visit said she was told the clinic would not hold. They said the doctors are on strike. The nurse just checked my blood pressure and told me to come back next week, she said. As she spoke to this reporter, a woman fanned her sleeping daughter in the childrens ward. Weve not seen any doctor since morning. Its just nurses giving medicine, and with the situation on the ground, I think they are trying their best. Hospital officials declined to comment on the development, but the wards were half-filled and activity levels had dropped sharply. Mixed situation in Lagos In Lagos, most general hospitals, including Ifako Ijaiye and Alimosho, remained open because most doctors were not NARD members. However, patients still faced delays at the Maternal and Child Centre (MCC) of the General Hospital, Ifako Ijaiye. Blessing, a pregnant woman, looked distressed outside the MCC emergency unit. Ive been here since 8 a.m., and its past 11. Nobody has attended to me, she said. An official at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), who requested anonymity, told PREMIUM TIMES that the strike was being closely monitored for compliance but noted that some essential services were still running. The ICU and Cardiac Care Unit are working. One cannot yank out ventilators from intubated patients, the official said. At Alimosho General Hospital, outpatient activities were busy but strained. By mid-afternoon, more than 180 patients had been registered, though not all were attended to. A health officer told waiting patients to return the next day without stating any reason. Having waited from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., a young woman who identified herself only as Alhaja, a resident of Iba, was disappointed. I was asked to come back tomorrow. I just got the card, Alhaja said. As of 2:40 p.m., the hospital had attended to at least 141 persons. Favour Emeka, who came around 9:30 a.m., was the 184th person waiting to be attended to. Jimoh Aremu, who had gone to the Chest clinic area, was attended to and had an X-ray done. I was given an appointment. And he (doctor) prescribed some drugs for me, Mr Aremu said. In the pediatric ward, a few patients awaited medical attention. An elderly man was also observed entering the emergency section to care for his daughter. Government insists efforts are ongoing The strike continued despite the federal governments recent announcement that it had approved N11.9 billion for paying outstanding arrears, including accoutrement allowance, to doctors and other health workers. According to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the payment is part of efforts to address welfare concerns raised by NARD and restore industrial harmony. The ministry said N10 billion was already paid in August for part of the seven months arrears from the 25 to 35% upward salary review. It added that N10.6 billion had also been released for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said on Monday that the government was addressing each of NARDs demands and urged the association to return to work while negotiations continue. Mr Salako also clarified that medical and dental house officers cannot be placed on the civil service scheme because they are temporary staff undergoing one-year internship training. It is not possible for them to be seen as regular staff, he explained. Would they be enjoying a pension, for example? Of course, we cannot put house officers on the pension scheme because they are on training, and that training, which is an intensive one, is for 12 months. He added that a committee had been set up to review the dismissal of five resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja. NARD insists strike continues But in a new statement signed by its president, Mohammad Suleiman, NARD dismissed the governments claims of progress, describing them as fiction detached from reality. The association accused the health ministry of misinforming President Bola Tinubu and the public, saying that most of its 19 longstanding demands remain unmet. These include arrears of allowances, promotion delays, irregularities in salary payments through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), and poor working conditions. Our struggle transcends money. It is about dignity, safety, and survival, the statement said. Industrial peace cannot be achieved through press statements but through justice, sincerity, and respect for agreements. NARD also criticised the governments claim of recruiting 20,000 health workers, challenging the ministry to publish data on how many of them are doctors. It said the active pool of resident doctors has dropped from about 16,000 a decade ago to fewer than 10,000 today due to poor pay and unsafe work conditions. The chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora and professionals based in Nigeria and abroad, to desist from helping corrupt Nigerian officials to transfer stolen wealth abroad. Speaking on Monday at the CanadaNigeria Legal Exchange Forum, organised by the Canadian Association of Nigerian Lawyers (CANL), at the Intercontinental Toronto Centre, Canada, Mr Olukoyede, slow judicial processes and delayed repatriation of stolen assets by some countries have continued to weaken Nigerias anti-corruption drive. Studies have identified the roles of professionals like lawyers, accountants, real estate professionals and financial advisers in enabling illicit financial flows from Nigeria. Reports by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) and Transparency International (TI) spotlight these patterns. Justice delayed is justice denied. Some trials take too long, and certain nations are slow to return stolen assets. Worse still, some professionals enable corrupt officials to launder wealth abroad, he said, warning that the trend undermines national development and erodes confidence in Nigerian institutions. His comments were contained in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday. Mr Olukoyede urged Nigerians in Canada particularly legal, banking, and real estate professionals to actively support efforts to curb illicit financial flows by reporting suspicious transactions. The rising number of Nigerians migrating to Canada could inadvertently create avenues for illicit wealth transfer. Your vigilance is crucial, he said, warning that silence by diaspora professionals could undermine progress recorded at home. Studies have identified the roles of professionals like lawyers, accountants, real estate professionals and financial advisers in enabling illicit financial flows from Nigeria. Reports by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) and Transparency International (TI) spotlight these patterns. Canada has similarly acknowledged that opaque foreign transactions pose risks in its real-estate market. High-profile asset recovery efforts, such as negotiations over the Abacha loot with Switzerland and the United States, often take years to conclude. Domestically, several politically exposed persons have faced years-long trials. The corruption case involving former Abia governor Orji Uzor Kalu stretched nearly 12 years before the Supreme Court overturned his conviction. International cooperation The EFCC chairman also emphasised that international partnerships remain essential to Nigerias anti-corruption success. The commission has recently signed cooperation agreements with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and law enforcement agencies in Spain, Germany and South Korea, focusing on intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and asset recovery. Mr Olukoyede said recovered funds have been channelled into national programmes such as the Student Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme, as well as into institutions including the NDDC, AMCON, FIRS, and the National Health Insurance Authority. He said sustained progress in Nigerias fight against corruption requires a combination of strong internal reforms and active engagement from Nigerians abroad. The fight against corruption is a shared mission. By strengthening internal structures and leveraging the vigilance of our diaspora, we can ensure Nigerias resources are protected and its reputation upheld, he said. EFCC internal reforms He outlined several internal reforms introduced since assuming office, aimed at closing operational loopholes, enhancing accountability, and strengthening integrity within the Commission. According to him, the measures include a Gift Policy, an Exhibit Room Security Policy, and a Sting Operations Policy, designed to curb internal abuses. The EFCC has also upgraded its Zonal Commands in Lagos, Ekiti, Katsina and Anambra to full directorates to boost operational efficiency and staff progression. The former Department of Internal Affairs has been restructured and renamed the Department of Ethics and Integrity, reflecting a new zero-tolerance stance on staff misconduct. READ ALSO: EFCC suspends officers for allegedly extorting N10m from Rapper Oladips Mr Olukoyede said he declared his assets upon taking office and directed all EFCC personnel to do the same as part of a broader transparency initiative. To address sophisticated financial crimes, the EFCC has created new specialised units: the Department of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC), a Digital Transformation and Innovation Unit, an International Asset Tracing and Recovery Unit, and a Visa and Migration Fraud Section, alongside task forces targeting currency abuse and emerging financial schemes. According to him, the reforms are yielding results. In the last two years, the Commission secured 7,503 convictions, recovered N566 billion and $411 million, and secured forfeiture of 1,502 real estate assets, including 753 duplexes in Lokogoma, Abuja, and the Nok University complex in Kaduna State, which the government has now converted into the Federal University of Applied Sciences. He added that recent changes to the EFCC bail system have also strengthened suspects rights. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/OTU.DONETSK The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has recorded 163 combat clashes over the past 24 hours as of 8:00 a.m. Tuesday. "Yesterday, the enemy launched five missile and 75 air strikes, used 11 missiles and dropped 147 guided bombs. In addition, it carried out 4,574 attacks, including 111 from multiple launch rocket systems, and engaged 6,411 kamikaze drones," the General Staff said. The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to release the details of the beneficiaries of its Conditional Cash Transfer programme that ran from November 2024 to May 2025. In her judgement, delivered on Monday, Judge Binta Nyako gave the ministry seven days to release the details to a lawyer, Myson Nejo. The court ruled that Mr Nejo, who is the 2024 governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was entitled to have the details he requested under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. The court awarded N2 million in damages against the ministry for refusing to grant Mr Nejos request in breach of the FOI Act. Mr Nejo sued the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for refusing to supply information on the names of beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer in the 18 local government areas of Ondo State and the amount disbursed to each local government for the programme. The former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Nentawe Yilwatda, reportedly claimed in May 2025 that the Conditional Cash Transfer programme had reached approximately 6 million Nigerians within the preceding six months. This prompted Mr Nejo to write under the FOI Act to the ministry to request the details of the beneficiaries in Ondo State. The office of the National Coordinator/Chief Executive of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) acknowledged Mr Nejos letter and informed him It was going through its archives to provide the information, but it failed to follow through on its promise. Mr Nejo then sued the ministry through his lawyer, Vincent Adodo. At Mondays hearing, Mr Adodo asked the court to direct the ministry to hand over the information, but the Ministrys legal team, led by Ibrahim Moddibo, resisted through a counter-affidavit. The ministry argued that it could not supply the information because doing so would violate the privacy of the beneficiaries. However, Mr Adodo, insisting on transparency, noted that the public had the right to know how public funds were utilised. He emphasised that this public interest justifies the disclosure. Following their submissions, the Judge gave on-the-spot judgement in favour of Mr Nejo. READ ALSO: Court gives Nnamdi Kanu 24 hours to take final decision on his defence This is not the first case where the court established that accountability overrode claims of inconvenience or privacy. In April, the Supreme Court ordered the Edo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EDOSACA) to release the financial and operational records to a group of civil society organisations. Similarly, the Court of Appeal in September upheld the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide the requested details by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) on subsidised exchange rates granted to pilgrims between 2016 and 2020. The Inspector General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed police operatives deployed in Anambra State for Saturdays governorship election to be neutral while discharging their duties. Mr Egbetokun gave the directive during a meeting with the police personnel on Monday in Awka. He said that the neutrality of the security personnel would help to ensure a free, fair and credible poll in a secure environment. The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies that will be taking part in the management of the election security are apolitical institutions. Therefore, we must be neutral and without bias. Our allegiance is not to any political party, candidate or ideology, but solely to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Therefore, the force shall remain neutral and yet assertive, civil and yet firm, professional and yet unyielding in the discharge of our duties during the process, he said. The IG, represented by the Head, Intelligence Bureau, Force Headquarters, and Deputy IG Ben Okolo, stated that the force had activated a zero-tolerance enforcement protocol to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 and other related laws. According to him, our professionalism would be matched with decisiveness and restraint by precision. He stated that electoral violations would be treated as a breach of national security, rather than mere political misconduct. Offences such as ballot snatching, vote buying, thuggery or vote intimidation are felonies under the Electoral Act 2022. Therefore, officers are under strict instructions to effect immediate arrest based on prima facie evidence and to ensure diligent prosecution, Mr Egbetokun said. He disclosed that the Special Cybercrime Unit was also deployed to monitor the conduct of officers and men during the exercise, to ensure professional conduct. You are going to be accountable for your actions as you are being monitored. Our mandate is to provide the enabling environment for a peaceful, fair, free and credible election, without bias. You are under serious scrutiny to ensure that your conduct is above board, he said. Mr Egbetokun was hopeful that the personnel would not disappoint the police in the course of discharging their duties. Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, assured the IG and residents of Anambra of a safe and credible poll. Mr Orutugu said, Our officers and men have been properly trained to carry out the task ahead of them in a professional manner. He expressed gratitude to Mr Egbetokun for deploying personnel and assets to ensure a safe and credible election in the state. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that earlier, the IG witnessed the signing of a peace accord by the flag bearers of the 16 political parties taking part in the election. (NAN) Anambra governorship elections since 1999 have always gone down to the wire, with technocrats, politicians and moneybags slugging it out. Saturdays epic showdown for the LightHouse in Awka follows in the same trajectory of intensity and complexity. The power chess game is intricately intertwined as the gladiators and their backers reach deep for their trump cards. Among the 16 combatants, two candidates stand out as the frontrunners. Incumbent Governor Charles Soludo, a 65-year-old economist from Isuanioma in Aguata LGA, is flying the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) flag against the 58-year-old All Progressives Congress (APC) businessman, Nicholas Ukachukwu, from Osumenyi in Nnewi South LGA, in what promises to be a battle of wits and brawn. However, it may turn out to be a three-horse race involving George Moghalu, 62, of the Labour Party (LP), from Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA. One factor that many expect to influence Saturdays election is the support of President Bola Tinubu. Although the president is not a registered voter in Anambra and woefully lost the presidential election in the state in 2023, many Nigerians believe that an incumbent president can control the tide of local elections based on his control and influence over security agencies and the electoral commission, INEC. While Mr Moghalu has no reason to expect support from Aso Rock, Messrs Soludo and Ukachukwu are locked in a battle over who deserves the presidents support. Tinubus options The rundown to Saturdays election, as far as Soludo and Ukachukwu camps are concerned, has been anything but smooth. In a live interview with Channels TV in October, Mr Ukachukwu, in response to a question about Mr Tinubus perceived favourable disposition towards Mr Soludo, said the president is a committed party man who would not support another partys candidate. But there is sufficient ground for the Ukachukwu camp to worry about the stance of President Tinubu in the governorship contest. In normal circumstances, the presidents support for his partys gubernatorial candidate should be a fait accompli, as he is supposed to raise the candidates hand or present the partys flag to him openly at the candidates grand finale campaign rally. Although the APC is yet to hold its final rally, there are no indications that the president will do that. Soludo: Banking on Tinubus friendship, association Mr Soludo enjoys an incumbency advantage, which ordinarily should have ended at the state level. However, that may not be the case as far as the crafty economist is concerned. For a long time, he has been cultivating a chummy relationship with Mr Tinubu. His long-term and immediate schemes encompass not just working but also waging wars on the presidents behalf as one of his most influential propagandists. The antics appear to have endeared him to the president. With such perceived soft spot from the president, the minimum expectation of the Isuanioma-born politician from Aso Rock is loud neutrality, if not tacit endorsement. The governor has been a member of President Tinubus economic advisory team for over a year. His inclusion in the elite team by the president in March 2024 was hailed by many as a wise decision, judging by his track record as former President Olusegun Obasanjos chief economic adviser and later as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor from 2004 to 2008. On 12 August, Mr Soludo visited Mr Tinubu for private talks at Aso Rock. During the visit, he sensationally wore a cap with Mr Tinubus insignia. He also publicly declared support for Mr Tinubus re-election, which some interpreted as a calculated bid to secure an informal understanding or reciprocal favour. It is noteworthy that his fiercest opponent, Mr Ukachukwu, paid a similar visit to the President in Aso Rock three months earlier, in May. Mr Soludo has also been very loud in lauding President Tinubus economic policies since the president was sworn in in May 2023. A recent example was when he declared that the Tinubu administration has salvaged Nigerias public finances from the brink of collapse. In an address delivered on 12 June at The Platform Nigeria, hosted by Poju Oyemade, a pastor and general overseer of The Covenant Nation, Mr Soludo praised Mr Tinubus economic reforms. He called for a nationwide ethical and ideological rebirth to drive sustainable national development. His words: The audacious structural reforms embarked upon by the current administration of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu have rescued the economy from the tipping point. The Anambra governor further hailed the endorsements of Mr Tinubus economic reforms by the World Bank, the IMF, the Financial Times, and rating agencies, including Fitch and Moodys, as well-deserved. Ukachukwu: Tinubu is a loyal party man At least superficially, Mr Ukachukwu is unperturbed by rumours of the presidents soft spot for Mr Soludo. He recently publicly asserted that Mr Tinubu gave him a mandate in May when he visited him, saying, Go and bring me Anambra State and connect Anambra to the centre. He has insisted that President Tinubu is a loyal party man who would not support a candidate from a different party (Mr Soludo of APGA). Less than a week to the electoral showdown, he and his supporters are still holding on to that optimism. The APC youth wing in the state, while affirming its unflinching backing of Mr Ukachukwu, recalls events during Mr Tinubus recent visit to Anambra State as signalling federal alignment with their partys candidate. Similarly, the APC state leadership in Anambra has stridently denied any alliance between President Tinubu and Governor Soludo, emphasising that the president will always do the needful by supporting the APC candidate. Endorsement controversies In August, when Mr Soludo visited Mr Tinubu and pledged his support for the presidents 2027 presidential re-election, the Ikukuoma campaign, also known as the Ukachukwu team, maintained that parading such meetings as endorsements was not only blatantly false but also insulting to the intelligence of Anambra voters. Also, Mr Ukachukwu, after he visited Tinubu in May, declared that there was neither a presidential endorsement of Governor Soludo nor an alliance between APC and APGA as far as the 8 November election is concerned. We met with the president and he said to us: Go and get me Anambra State and connect Anambra to the centre. After President Tinubu visited Anambra State, when Governor Soludo announced his endorsement by APGA for the 2027 presidential election, rumours started circulating that the president had endorsed the governor for reelection. But the APC swiftly issued a caveat that Mr Tinubu didnt endorse Mr Soludo; instead, it was the governor who endorsed Mr Tinubu. The fact that he (Soludo) supports Tinubu for the 2027 is not the same as President Tinubu supporting him in the governorship election, the APC clarified. The APC South-East zone, in refuting claims of endorsement following the presidents visit, accused Mr Soludos camp of peddling fake news. The South-East Vice Chairman of the APC, Ijeomah Arodiogbu, said Mr Tinubus visit to the state doesnt amount to Soludos endorsement, stressing that the APC was fully prepared to win the governorship election in the state. In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Mr Arodiogbu said, President Tinubu did not endorse Soludo. He was in Anambra to launch projects, many of which had been initiated by previous administrations. That narrative is not only inaccurate, it is politically dishonest. According to Mr Arodiogbu, Mr Soludos allies made unsuccessful efforts to secure Mr Tinubus endorsement of the governors re-election bid. They begged the president to endorse Soludo, but he refused. The president, as leader of the APC, will not endorse a governorship candidate from the All Progressives Grand Alliance, especially when our party has viable candidates who are ready to serve. Soludo tried to spin the visit to his advantage, as if the presidents presence meant he had federal backing for a second term. That is not the case. President Tinubu remains committed to the success of the APC in Anambra State and across Nigeria, he told The Punch. Tinubus delicate bridge, dilemma The poser on the lips of many keen observers is this: Can the president safely navigate his delicate Anambra governorship bridge between APCs Ukachukwu and APGAs Soludo? How he handles his two influential suitors may have a far-reaching effect on his fortunes in Anambra State come the 2027 presidential election. Messrs Soludo and Ukachukwu are political Ijeles (titans) in Anambra that cannot be relegated without dire consequences. If Ukachukwu, an influential leader in the state APC, is treated shabbily, he may transmute into a venomous snake in the bag for the president and the APC in future elections in the state. The fact that Mr Soludo belongs to a different party (APGA) from Mr Tinubus APC makes any official endorsement across party lines politically risky (for both Aso Rock and party unity), hence the strong denials from the APC. The most plausible scenario is that Mr Tinubu will opt for a neutral role for both. He will refrain from publicly backing either Mr Ukachukwu or Governor Soludo. But the narrative that Mr Tinubu remains loyal to his party and expects APC to win Anambra remains Mr Ukachukwus main hope for victory. Otherwise, the prospects favour APGAs Mr Soludo. Amidst the growing acrimony between APC and APGA, the Labour Partys flagbearer, George Mogbalu, stands to gain should they cancel each other out. Besides such an unlikely scenario, either of the two will come out victorious on Saturday. The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has cleared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to proceed with its elective national convention scheduled for 15 and 16 November. The judge, A. L. Akintola, issued the interim order on Monday following an ex-parte application, Channels Television reported on Tuesday. The decision runs counter to the ruling delivered just about four days ago by the Federal High Court in Abuja, stopping the planned convention scheduled to hold in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. In its ruling on Monday, a copy of which was seen by Channels Television, the Oyo court issued the order allowing the party to proceed with the convention after listening to the ex-parte application filed by Folahan Adelabi. The judge held that the claimant successfully demonstrated the need for urgent judicial intervention in the PDP matter. The court finds merit in the claimants motion ex-parte. The same succeeds and is hereby ordered as prayed, the judge ruled. Mr Adelabi filed the application, joining as respondents the PDP, its Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum; Governor Umaru Fintiri (representing the National Convention Organising Committee); and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The claimant had urged the court to restrain the defendants from truncating, frustrating, or disrupting the timetable, guidelines, and schedule of activities leading to the convention. Granting the prayer, the court issued a raft of interim orders restraining any interference with the PDPs timetable and schedule of activities and compelling the defendants to hold the national convention as fixed. The judge then adjourned the hearing of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction till 10 November. Earlier on Friday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order stopping the planned national convention, Mr Omotosho ruled that the planning for the national convention violated the Nigerian constitution, the guidelines of the INEC as well as the PDP constitution. The counter-decisions from the courts reflect the ongoing supremacy battle between rival groups within the PDP over the years, which has rocked the party in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections. The crisis escalated over the weekend with the national chairperson, Umar Damagum, along with some members of the National Working Committee (NWC), announcing the suspension of the partys National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and other principal officers. The crisis worsened on Monday, as Mohammed Abdulrahman, the factional acting chairperson appointed by a bloc loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, resumed duty. Mr Abdulrahman arrived at the partys national secretariat in Abuja at about 12 noon, accompanied by a crowd of supporters who hailed and chanted his name as they moved through the premises. The faction that produced Mr Abdulrahman as chairperson is led by Mr Anyanwu, the embattled national secretary who was suspended on Saturday by the Damagum-led faction of the PDPs NWC after an emergency meeting. Mr Abdulrahman arrived at the secretariat shortly after Mr Anyanwu who had already taken his seat in the office despite his suspension. Some staff members of the PDP secretariat were attacked by supporters of the faction, who allegedly feared the workers might prevent Messrs Abdulrahman and Anyanwu from accessing the offices. The factional leaders and their supporters, however, gained entry into one of the offices in the building. It was unclear at the time whether it was the office of the national chairperson or that of the national secretary. Mr Mohammed was declared acting national chairperson by the Mr Anyanwu-led NWC, which suspended the partys national chairman, Mr Damagum, and the national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a youth-driven campaign to tackle air pollution and promote environmental sustainability across the city. The initiative, spearheaded by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, aims to empower secondary school and tertiary institution students to take the lead in protecting the environment for future generations. The campaign will involve visits to schools and campuses across the FCT to educate students on environmental protection and the upcoming Breathe Clean Air Abuja project. Declaring the campaign open in Abuja on Monday, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, said the administration is collaborating with youth groups, including Rotaract Clubs in the FCT, to drive the message of clean air and climate responsibility. Ms Fasawe said the secretariat recognised the critical role of young people as agents of change, especially on issues that affect the planet. Thats why we are partnering with the Education Secretariat and other stakeholders to ensure students are included in this important campaign, she said. She noted that the Secretariat is collaborating with the Rotaract Club of Abuja Maitama, Rotaract Club of Apo FCT, Rotaract Club of Abuja Wuse II, and other stakeholders to further expand the campaigns reach and impact among young people. Creative campaigns for clean energy adoption The youth-focused drive will employ interactive and creative methods such as competitions, debates, poem recitations, talent hunts, social-media challenges, and the formation of environmental clubs to engage the youth. The activities are designed to inspire environmental responsibility, promote behavioural change, and encourage innovation among students. Incentives and prizes will be awarded to outstanding participants to further motivate their involvement. Ms Fasawe also said the rising awareness will focus on the dangers of charcoal and firewood stoves, encouraging the switch to cleaner cooking methods using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and promoting habits that protect the environment from pollution and hazardous substances. The school campaign will also serve as an entry point to the Breathe Clean Air Abuja project, a flagship public-private partnership under the FCTA scheduled for launch on 13 November. The project seeks to replace traditional firewood stoves with gas-powered alternatives, targeting over 5,000 households across the six area councils of the FCT, particularly in underserved communities. Youth pledge support for behavioural change Speaking on behalf of the youth, Daniella Olayinka, a Rotaractor and behavioural-change advocate who convened the initiative, reaffirmed their readiness to support the secretariat in spreading awareness and inspiring behavioural change across communities. Ms Olayinka said, We are focusing on areas such as tree planting, carpooling, switching to LPG, avoiding open burning of refuse, and promoting the use of eco-friendly products. The initiatives theme: Renewing Hope, One Household at a Time, is said to reflect FCTAs commitment to building a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable Abuja led by young changemakers. On November 19, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja will continue the trial of two terrorism suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba, who are wanted internationally. Usman (aka Abu Baraa) and Abba (aka Isah Adam and Mahmud Al-Nigeri) were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation in July by the Department of State Services (DSS) (statutorily known as the Sate Security Service, SSS), after several months of chasing them. The two are believed to be leaders of the Jamaatu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigerias Al-Qaeda affiliate. Usman, the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, allegedly coordinated various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria. He is also believed to have masterminded several high-profile kidnappings and robberies, the proceeds of which were used to finance terrorism over the years. Abba, Usmans chief of staff and deputy, is alleged to have led the so-called Mahmudawa cell, which operated around the Kainji National Park, located on the border between the states of Niger and Kwara, as well as the Republic of Benin. The Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA), in a statement issued on August 16, claimed Mamuda received training in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria. He is said to have specialised in weapons handling and IED fabrication. Usman and Abba are being tried on a 32-count terrorism charge, and on which they were arraigned in late August. One of the counts related to illegal mining, to which Usman pleaded guilty and has since been sentenced to 15 years. Abba pleaded not guilty to all the 32 counts. The DSS is also prosecuting another terror suspect, Khalid AlBarnawi, accused of being the mastermind of the August 26, 2011, bombing of the United Nations Complex in Abuja, in which 20 people were killed and more than 70 others injured. Captured in 2016, Al Barnawi is facing trial along with four other terror suspects Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello aka Datti, Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu aka Bello Maishayi. The trial has been delayed for an extended period due to legal and procedural issues, including the suspects being occasionally brought to court without any counsel appearing for them. The DSS recently requested the court to grant accelerated hearing in the case, a request Justice Nwite granted. On October 23 and 24, a trial-within-trial was conducted, during which videos of the defendants confessional statements were played in the courtroom. On August 11, the DSS arraigned five men before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francs Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. The five are: Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar. Over 40 people died in the attack, while over 100 individuals sustained injuries. The five defendants were arraigned on a nine-count terrorism charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025, in which they are accused among others, of being members of Al Shabab terrorist group, with cell in Kogi State. The defendants are also alleged to have carried out the attack in furtherance of their religious ideology. They pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which Justice Nwite ordered that they be remanded in the custody of the prosecuting agency. In a ruling on September 10 the judge rejected their request for bail on the grounds that they were not only charged with offences that are capital in nature, they are also accused of being members of a notorious terrorist organisation. Justice Nwite agreed with the prosecuting lawyer that the evidence against the defendants was strong and could not be overlooked. The judge said the argument by the DSS that the defendants would jump bail was not disputed by them and deemed to be true. Also undergoing trial are the suspects arrested in connection with the Yelwata massacre in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on June 13 2025. The attack, in which dozens of people were killed and 107 injured, drew worldwide condemnation. President Bola Tinubu paid a condolence visit to the state and demanded the arrest of the killers and attackers. On June 24 2025, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, announced the arrest of 26 suspects in connection with the massacre. In August 2025, the DSS filed terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, against nine suspects. Two suspects, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe local government area of Nassarawa state, who are still at large, were charged with four counts of terrorism, among which is the concealment of information about the attacks, before they were staged in Abinsi and Yelwata villages between June 13th and 14th. In total, the DSS filed six separate charges against the arrested suspects, who are now undergoing trial. They are Adamu and Abdullahi are Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina. The DSS also charged two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma local government area of Benue State, with three counts for allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks against the terror suspects involved in the Abinsi and Yelwata attacks. Their trial, which is ongoing, before Justice Nwites court began with their arraignment in early September, with the defendants pleading not guilty. Director General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, said; The various arrests and trials of terrorism suspects showed that Nigerias security agencies have been diligent in dealing with the perpetrators of terror in the country. The men we are prosecuting are separate from the hundreds of suspects under the militarys protective custody, whose cases are being handled by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. In July last year, 125 of the terrorists were convicted. We shall continue to make the suspects accountable for disrupting the peace of our country, in consonance with the rule of law. Favour Dozie. Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications Department of State Services (DSS) 4 November, 2025 The European Union (EU) has reiterated its solidarity with Nigeria, emphasising respect for the nations sovereignty and commitment to strengthening cooperation in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection. The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos. Mr Mignot was reacting to the recent comments made by the U.S. President Donald Trump about Nigeria. He said the EUs position was not influenced by external actors but rooted in its long-standing partnership and shared values with Nigeria. Mr Mignot said the EU and the member states would continue to respect Nigerias sovereignty. Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria. Solidarity with the victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides. We respect Nigerias sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality, he said. According to him, the EU is ready to enhance its support in peace, security and defence matters, as well as through dialogue with all stakeholders, including civil society organisation and traditional and religious leaders. Mr Mignot assured that the EU would continue to implement several peacebuilding initiatives across the country to promote peaceful coexistence. We also support programmes on deradicalisation, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-members of non-state armed groups in the North-East, he said. He said the EU would remain committed to the protection of all communities, especially the minorities with the freedom of religion and belief. Mr Mignot acknowledged that while Nigeria faces challenges in human rights and freedom of religion, its legal and institutional framework provides for fundamental freedoms. The situation is not perfect, as in any country but there exists a constitutional basis for the protection of human rights. It is up to Nigerian authorities and society as a whole to uphold and strengthen this environment of peaceful coexistence, he stated. The ambassador stressed that the EU works closely with civil society organisations on projects promoting interfaith dialogue and good relations among religious communities. He noted that the EUs support is non-discriminatory, covering all victims of violence irrespective of the motives. Mr Mignot said the EUs engagement with Nigeria remains steady and predictable, adding that the cooperation between both parties is not driven by what others do but by shared interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria. Mr Mignot disclosed that a peace, security and defence dialogue between Nigeria and the EU is expected soon as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation. He emphasised that the EUs guiding principle is to help Nigeria reinforce stability and prosperity and that the countrys future lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves. NAN reports that Mr Trump had threatened to carry out attacks in Nigeria in response to alleged anti-Christian violence. NAN reports that in a series of social media posts, Mr Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, due to alleged killings of Christians and rising religious intolerance. He said the United States would immediately cut off all assistance to Nigeria if the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians. (NAN) The Tinubu administration has also intensified interagency collaboration and capacity building among state actors to ensure definitive success in the fight against insecurity The administration has made multi-million-dollar investments in modernised equipment for the nations security agencies and increased the defence and security budget. The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by the theatres Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force. Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Spokesperson of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK). This was after Nigerian troops killed over 50 Boko Haram terrorists in a daring encounter in Borno State in October. The battle was fierce as the death-dealers had forged themselves into a formidable number, but our troops overwhelmed them. In the past eight months, the Nigerian military has dispatched over 592 terrorists in Borno State alone. In August, the military intercepted and killed, in one fell swoop, over 400 armed marauders who had converged to attack a village in Zamfara State. Also, in August, top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group were arrested, and are currently undergoing prosecution. Other successes have been recorded in the war against terrorism in the past two years across the North-West, North-East, and South-East. Within this period, the number of terrorism-related deaths plummeted from 2,600 per month to less than 200. In March, the Global Terrorism Index reported that terrorist attacks were at their lowest in over a decade in Nigeria. Over 10,000 victims of kidnapping in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Taraba, Adamawa, and many other states have been released. With a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic measures, attacks in the South-East have been reduced by almost 80 per cent, while over 1,000 kidnap victims have been rescued without ransom payment. There is increased security presence across vulnerable border communities, firming up protection in all parts of our nation, as well as enhanced strategic partnerships with our neighbours on counter-terrorism. In addition, there are stringent efforts in curtailling access to small arms and light weapons by non-state actors. Security agencies recovered and destroyed over 5,000 military-grade rifles and intercepted over 20 gun-running networks in the past months. The Tinubu administration has also intensified interagency collaboration and capacity building among state actors to ensure definitive success in the fight against insecurity. The administration has made multi-million-dollar investments in modernised equipment for the nations security agencies and increased the defence and security budget. The Office of the National Security Adviser also launched the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) for a strategic approach to engaging with the public and countering disinformation. The list is not exhaustive, but the administration, in full apprehension of the foremost responsibility of government, which is ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, has remained committed to this end. At the decoration of the newly-appointed service chiefs a few days ago, President Bola Tinubu gave them their marching orders. He said: We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. I charge you, as the heads of our nations armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses. I also urge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Lets stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary. Security threats are constantly evolving and mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right at the head. Evidently, he saw tomorrow, and his administration remains ever faithful to its bounden purpose of securing our nation and its peoples. Fredrick Nwabufo is senior special assistant to the President on Public Engagement. Education formal, informal, vocational, and professional has always been central to a nations capacity to evolve structurally from a low-skilled economy to an advanced one. Achieving this transformation requires a coherent, policy-driven process anchored on long-term national objectives, shaped by domestic social values, and responsive to global structural changes. Such a policy must be flexible enough to adapt to global dynamics, yet firm enough to preserve its foundational philosophy. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, frequent shifts in the education system have consistently undermined this capacity, creating a persistent struggle to realise the countrys industrial ambitions. Historical Roots: The TechnicalIndustrial Linkage Since independence, Nigeria has consistently aspired to become a leading industrial nation. Its early prominence in the global economy was anchored on agricultural exports, cocoa, groundnuts, cotton, and other cash crops, which positioned the country as an active participant in global value chains. Although Nigeria operated largely at the lower end of these chains, it was widely expected that, with rapidly increasing human capital, capacity, and technical competence, the economy would ascend to higher-value segments: processing, manufacturing, and exporting finished industrial and agro-based goods. This expectation partly informed the Indigenisation Decree of the 1970s, which sought to strengthen domestic control and participation in industrial and commercial ventures. The education system in this era was envisioned as the cornerstone of Nigerias industrial ambition. In its early years, the countrys educational framework prioritised vocational and professional training to produce a skilled and adaptable workforce capable of driving industrial expansion. Technical colleges, teacher training institutions, and polytechnics supplied the manpower needed for emerging industries and infrastructure development. Institutions such as Government Technical Colleges, Yaba Higher College (later Yaba College of Technology) and the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, with campuses in Ibadan, Enugu, and Zaria, which later laid the foundation for Nigerias first-generation universities, including the University of Ibadan and Ahmadu Bello University, were oriented towards producing engineers, artisans, technicians, and administrators to power the young nations industrial and infrastructural growth. The emphasis at the time was firmly on technical competence and practical knowledge, regarded as essential drivers of the countrys productive capacity. Policy Instability and the Decline of Technical Competence However, over the decades, frequent and often poorly coordinated changes in the education system have gradually undermined this foundation. The introduction and subsequent abandonment of various educational structures, from the 6-5-4 system to 6-3-3-4 and now 9-3-4, reflect not only a lack of policy continuity but also a fragile connection between education, historical social heritage, and national industrial objectives. Each reform cycle introduces a shift in curriculum priorities, institutional frameworks, and administrative focus, yet few changes were informed by empirical evidence. More importantly, the wholesome changes undermine the long-term alignment between the education and the nations industrial aspiration, thereby disrupting the countrys overarching developmental goals. The consequences have been far-reaching. While these changes might have been signalled as necessary, they have never been accompanied by corresponding public expenditure. Public expenditure on education has averaged below 8 per cent of the national budget in most years since 1999, well below the UNESCO-recommended 1520 per cent, resulting in underfunded technical colleges, outdated laboratories, and declining teacher quality. The collapse of vocational institutions, once the pride of regional governments, created a vacuum that the proliferation of private institutions could not fill. While public spending has dwindled, the private sector has attempted to bridge the gap. In recent years, there has been an explosion of private investment in the education sector across its tiers, ranging from nursery to tertiary. Poor policy direction has, however, remained a bane on the quality of output and its alignment with national aspirations. Many private institutions operate as commercial ventures rather than innovation-driven centres of learning, producing graduates who are often ill-equipped for industrial or technical roles. This widening gap between educational output and market demand has resulted in persistent youth unemployment, estimated at over 33 per cent in 2023, and a growing mismatch between formal education and employable skills. Moreover, the shift from technical competence to academic certification reflects a deeper socio-cultural change: an obsession with paper qualifications as the principal measure of success. Vocational and technical colleges have lost prestige, polytechnics have been downgraded in favour of universities, and the pipeline that once produced artisans and middle-level industrial manpower has become a mirage of their glorious past. Despite a growing population of Nigerians with tertiary education, the country faces a chronic skills deficit in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and energy, with very few graduates technically equipped to drive industrial growth. Consequences for Industrial Development This policy inconsistency has had profound implications for national development. Despite numerous industrial strategies, import substitution in the 1970s, structural adjustment in the 1980s, and diversification and industrialisation drives in the 2000s and 2010s, the absence of a stable, skill-oriented education system has remained a critical bottleneck to productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. A recurring feature of Nigerias educational reforms is the weak alignment between curriculum design and national economic priorities. These repeated changes have not only disrupted skill development but also directly constrained industrial growth, highlighting the tangible costs of education instability. Unfortunately, this disconnect persists. Recent curriculum adjustments have again shifted emphasis, this time toward international language proficiency, such as French, Arabic, or Mandarin, aiming to produce global citizens at the expense of mathematics and technical subjects, which have been de-emphasised in certain streams. Making mathematics non-compulsory for arts students, though perhaps intended to ease subject load, has further illustrated a deeper systemic misalignment: a system more attuned to credential accumulation than to equipping students with analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills required in a knowledge-driven, globalised economy. Deprioritising STEM-related skills evidently represents a serious, sustainable development policy misalignment. While the analysis of this policy is not the central focus of this paper, the shift in emphasis may, unfortunately, further exacerbate industries struggles to find technically competent local workers, increasing reliance on expatriates and the importation of semi-finished goods instead of promoting domestic manufacturing. In 2022, for instance, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that more than 70 per cent of Nigerian manufacturers cited lack of skilled manpower as a major constraint. The dearth of local competency has also weakened the governments ability to effectively manage its expatriate employment policy, as gaps in technical expertise compel firms to justify expatriate hires in roles that should be filled locally. This dynamic perpetuates dependency, limits technology transfer, and hinders the development of indigenous industrial capacity. Moreover, the absence of strong linkages between academia and industry has stifled research and innovation. University research outputs remain largely theoretical, with minimal commercialisation or adaptation to local production systems. As a result, the industrial ecosystem operates below capacity, with limited value addition, low productivity, and minimal export competitiveness. Conclusion To revive its industrial aspirations, Nigeria must restore coherence and purpose to its education system. This entails re-establishing a clear alignment between educational outcomes and national economic priorities, revitalising vocational and technical education, and fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry. Equally important is the need to develop a skills forecasting framework that anticipates industrial manpower needs and informs curriculum design across all levels. Nigerias future industrial success depends not on the number of graduates it produces, but on the relevance, adaptability, and competence of its workforce. Only through a stable, skill-driven, and innovation-oriented education system can the country rebuild the human capital required for genuine industrial transformation and sustainable national growth. Dipo Baruwa is a business climate development analyst. Jubaili Bros (Engineering) Ltd, in collaboration with global engine manufacturer Perkins, hosted a technical seminar in Lagos to discuss Nigerias evolving energy landscape and explore solutions for reliable and sustainable power generation. The event brought together consultants, engineers, EPC firms, and corporate clients from across the country. Discussions centered on the future of diesel, gas, and hybrid technologies, as well as digital monitoring systems designed to enhance operational efficiency and uptime. Purpose and Objectives The seminar highlighted the partnership between Jubaili Bros and Perkins and their shared focus on developing efficient, sustainable, and adaptable energy solutions for Nigeria. A key feature of the event was the introduction of the Perkins 5000 Series, a new range of engines engineered for high performance and environmental responsibility. The programme also outlined Jubaili Bros integrated approach to power generation, encompassing diesel, gas, and renewable systems, as well as turnkey EPC projects. Speakers emphasized the role of technology and collaboration in driving long-term value creation through innovation, sustainability, and enhanced after-sales support. Key Highlights 1. Jubaili Bros: Building Long-Term Value With over 45 years of industry experience, Jubaili Bros has built a strong reputation for excellence in delivering reliable and adaptable power solutions across multiple markets. The company shared insights into its expanding portfolio that includes diesel, gas, renewable, and hybrid systems supported by comprehensive EPC capabilities. Operating in 11 countries with more than 40 branches, Jubaili Bros continues to combine global expertise with local understanding to meet Nigerias growing energy needs. The company reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and community impact, emphasizing how its remote monitoring systems help customers improve uptime, enhance efficiency, and extend equipment life cycles. 2. Perkins Partnership & 5000 Series Launch The unveiling of the Jubaili Bros diesel generators powered by Perkins 5000 Series was a key highlight of the seminar. The new engine lineup, available in 6-, 8-, 12-, and 16-cylinder configurations and delivering 7502,500 kVA, reflects the brands ongoing innovation in reliable power generation. Designed for fuel efficiency and lower emissions, the series supports the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), contributing to cleaner and more sustainable operations. These engines are built for mission-critical sectors such as data centers, healthcare facilities, and industrial plants. The launch reinforced the ongoing collaboration between Jubaili Bros and Perkins in supporting Nigerias energy reliability and transition goals. 3. MWM Collaboration Jubaili Bros also presented updates on its collaboration with MWM, a global leader in gas and cogeneration systems. This partnership enables the company to offer efficient, low-emission, and cost-competitive gas-to-power solutions tailored for industrial and commercial clients. Together, Perkins and MWM technologies allow Jubaili Bros to provide a broad spectrum of power solutions, bridging the reliability of diesel systems with the efficiency of gas and renewable energy. 4. Solar and Hybrid Energy Solutions The seminar further highlighted Jubaili Bros expanding portfolio in solar and hybrid power systems. By integrating solar PV with diesel and gas generators, the company delivers flexible, lower-emission energy options designed to meet the needs of both residential and commercial users. This hybrid approach aims to improve energy reliability while supporting Nigerias shift toward cleaner and more sustainable power sources. 5. Comprehensive Energy Ecosystem Jubaili Bros integrated power portfolio spans diesel generators, renewable hybrids, and full EPC projects. The companys enhanced Remote Monitoring System (RMS) was also showcased, offering real-time tracking of performance, fuel usage, and maintenance schedules to optimize efficiency and reduce lifecycle costs. Conclusion The Lagos seminar provided a platform for industry professionals to engage in meaningful discussions about Nigerias energy future. Through its partnerships with Perkins and MWM, and its investment in hybrid and digital technologies, Jubaili Bros continues to play an active role in advancing reliable and sustainable power solutions across the country. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Kyiv. During the meeting, Whitaker stressed the need to end the war and outlined a vision for a possible path to peace: " Good to see Ukrainian President @ZelenskyyUa again this time in Kyiv . I conveyed that this senseless war must end, and that peace led by President Trumps efforts is the only viable path forward.," the ambassador said on X. Copy trading has grown from being a niche feature in online trading platforms to a mainstream option for retail traders in Nigeria. The idea is simple: you follow the strategies of experienced traders and have their trades copied automatically into your own account. For those new to the market, this offers a faster way to get involved while learning how professionals operate. Many traders are now accessing copy trading directly from their phones through apps like the HFM App which provide an all-in-one environment to browse traders, select strategies, and manage accounts in real time. Mobile access is making copy trading more convenient and accessible than ever before for Nigerians looking to participate in the forex market. Why Mobile Is Driving Copy Trading Growth The rapid expansion of mobile technology in Nigeria has created the perfect environment for copy trading to flourish. With reliable internet connections, widespread smartphone ownership, and user-friendly apps, traders can monitor markets and follow top performers without being tied to a desk. Unlike traditional trading, where you must execute every trade yourself, mobile copy trading allows you to mirror someone elses trades with just a few taps. This ease of use is especially attractive to people who have other jobs or commitments but still want exposure to the forex market. How Copy Trading Works on Mobile Mobile copy trading platforms connect you with a list of professional or high-performing traders. You can view their performance history, risk levels, and preferred currency pairs before deciding who to follow. Once you select a trader, your account will automatically replicate their trades in proportion to the amount of capital you allocate. This means if the trader opens a buy position on EUR/USD, your account does the same instantly. If they close the trade with a profit, you gain too. The process is automated, but you remain in control of who to follow, how much to invest, and when to stop copying. Advantages for Nigerian Traders The benefits of using mobile apps for copy trading are particularly relevant in the Nigerian context. Accessibility: You can trade from anywhere, whether you are in Lagos, Abuja, or a smaller city. Time Efficiency: There is no need to monitor the charts all day. Learning Opportunity: By following skilled traders, you can observe their decision-making process and adapt it to your own style over time. Diversification : You can follow multiple traders to spread your risk across different strategies. The Role of Transparency A major reason mobile copy trading has gained trust in Nigeria is the increased transparency provided by apps. Platforms display detailed statistics about each trader, including win rates, drawdowns, average trade duration, and historical profits. For example, if you want to follow a trader who focuses on low-risk, long-term strategies, you can filter and review only those who fit that profile. This data-driven approach helps Nigerian traders make informed decisions rather than simply guessing who might perform well. Combining Copy Trading with Personal Strategy While copy trading can work as a stand-alone method, many Nigerian traders use it alongside their own trades. For example, a trader might copy one or two professionals for steady returns while also executing personal trades when they spot opportunities. This hybrid approach offers the potential to learn from experienced traders while still practising independent decision-making. Over time, traders may even develop enough skill to become signal providers themselves. Example of Mobile Copy Trading in Action Consider a part-time trader in Port Harcourt who works full time in another industry. They use a mobile app to follow two top-performing traders based in Europe. Trader A focuses on major currency pairs with a conservative approach, while Trader B takes higher-risk trades on emerging market currencies. The Nigerian trader allocates different amounts of capital to each and monitors results directly from their phone. Over several months, the app provides clear performance tracking, and the trader adjusts allocations based on consistency and drawdown levels. This flexibility would be far harder to achieve without mobile technology. Common Mistakes to Avoid Even though copy trading is straightforward, there are pitfalls that Nigerian traders should watch out for: Following traders without reviewing their long-term performance Allocating too much capital to a single trader Ignoring your accounts risk exposure Failing to stop copying when a traders performance declines Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure copy trading remains a profitable and educational experience. The Future of Copy Trading in Nigeria With mobile penetration continuing to rise and trading platforms integrating more advanced features, copy trading in Nigeria is set to expand further. Future developments could include AI-assisted trader selection, real-time strategy recommendations, and deeper integration with social features to connect followers with their chosen traders. This means Nigerian traders can expect even more convenience, transparency, and control in the years ahead, making mobile copy trading a strong choice for those seeking an efficient way to participate in the forex market. Final Thoughts Mobile apps are changing the way Nigerians approach copy trading. They provide instant access to global traders, complete control over investment choices, and the ability to manage everything from a smartphone. For beginners, it is a chance to learn from experts while participating in real trades. For experienced traders, it is an opportunity to diversify and potentially earn by offering their strategies to followers. By understanding how to choose the right traders, manage risk, and use mobile tools effectively, Nigerian traders can take full advantage of this growing trend. Copy trading is no longer a niche feature, rather it is becoming a mainstream method for building a forex trading portfolio in Nigeria. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Tuesday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of 897.9 billion to the State House of Assembly, describing it as the most participatory and people-focused budget in the history of Katsina State. Speaking before lawmakers at the Justice Mamman Nasir House, Governor Radda said the budget, themed Building Your Future III, was designed to consolidate the administrations commitment to community-based development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security. Every project, programme, and initiative encapsulated in this budget is designed to directly improve the lives of our citizens. We remain resolute in ensuring that the benefits of governance reach every corner of our state urban or rural alike, the Governor declared. He further explained that the 2026 budget was preceded by a comprehensive ward-level consultation, involving 71,384 participants across 316 wards. The process, he said, ensured that community voices were embedded in fiscal planning. Our administration personally supervised the participatory budgeting process across 361 communities, engaging 6,649 households. This initiative marks the first time in Katsinas history that citizens priorities form the foundation of a state budget, said the Governor. The 2026 budget saw education receive the largest sectoral allocation of 156.3 billion, followed by Works and Housing (117.1bn), Agriculture and Livestock (78.6bn), Health (67.5bn), Water Resources (62.8bn), and Environment (53.8bn). These top six ministries, according to the governor, account for nearly 60 percent of the total budget, reflecting the administrations focus on human capital and infrastructural renewal. Governor Radda reaffirmed that Katsina will soon establish a Secondary School Management Board to revolutionize learning outcomes and maintain its record as one of Nigerias most educationally progressive states. We are investing in teachers, schools, and facilities because the future of Katsina depends on an educated generation, he stated. In furtherance to this, the Governor noted that the 2026 budget allocates 730.1 billion (81.32%) to capital expenditure and 167.7 billion (18.68%) to recurrent costs a strategic shift from previous years aimed at accelerating physical development. The total size marks a 29.7 percent increase over the 2025 budget. This is a pragmatic and disciplined fiscal proposal. Our target is to eliminate implementation deficits and ensure fiscal balance while driving sustainable growth, the Governor vowed. Speaking on the governments performance in 2025, Mr Radda said Katsina achieved a bumper harvest season due to farmer-focused policies, including subsidized seeds, fertilizer, mechanization, and irrigation support. He also reiterated his governments commitment to security, noting the success of the Community Watch Corps, recruitment of 1,100 volunteers, and sustained collaboration with federal security agencies. Our community-driven approach to security has restored peace in many local governments. We remain committed to safeguarding lives and livelihoods, he affirmed. The Governor stated that the implementation of the 2025 budget has outperformed previous years budget across all the critical sectors. Mr Radda particularly expressed gratitude to Katsinas development partners including the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, FCDO, ISDB, AFDB, and various NGOs for their technical and financial assistance. He also commended civil servants and lawmakers for their unwavering partnership in shaping a brighter Katsina. The legislatures oversight remains a pillar of our democracy. Together, we are building a state that listens, acts, and delivers, he said. Governor Radda concluded by urging the Assembly to expedite the passage of the budget, pledging transparency and accountability in implementation. We have met our constitutional obligation by submitting a budget that reflects the aspirations of our people. I trust this Honourable House will act swiftly so that we can continue serving our citizens effectively, he added. Responding, the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon Nasir Yahaya Daura, commended the governor for what he described as a detailed and visionary presentation of the 2026 budget. Your Excellency, you have maintained steady economic growth and ensured that public resources are effectively utilized for the benefit of our citizens. Many communities that once lived under fear have now regained stability and hope, the Speaker said. Mr Yahaya praised the governors empowerment programmes for youths, women, and vulnerable groups, noting their impact in reducing poverty and building confidence in governance. He assured that the House would give the budget serious and patriotic attention, adding that committees will analyse every allocation to ensure it remains realistic, people-oriented, and in line with the Building Your Future blueprint. This Honourable House reaffirms its loyalty to the people and readiness to work hand in hand with the Executive to ensure the timely passage and effective implementation of the budget, the Speaker pledged. The event was attended by top members of the state executive, Katsina State lawmakers and other key stakeholders. Leaders of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Monday paid separate courtesy visits to former Defence Minister, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, and media entrepreneur, Nduka Obaigbena, as part of preparations for the organisations 25th anniversary celebration later this month. The ACF delegation, led by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu (Wazirin Dutse), met with Mr Danjuma at his Lagos residence to formally invite him to the silver jubilee events and to notify him of his selection as recipient of the forums Lifetime Achievement Award. The retired general, who once served as Chief of Army Staff and later as Defence Minister, is being honoured for what the ACF described as his outstanding contributions to national unity, peace, and development. During the visit, Mr Danjuma expressed appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to the unity and progress of both Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole. The delegation also visited Mr Obaigbena, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay and Arise News Group. Their discussions, a member of the delegation told PREMIUM TIMES, centred on issues of national cohesion, peace, and the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in promoting unity across the country. Other members of the ACF delegation included Mamman Mike Osuman, SAN, OFR, Chairman of the National Executive Committee; Ibrahim M. Ida (Wazirin Katsina), Deputy Chairman, NEC; Ibrahim Mai-Sule (Turakin Bedde), Vice Chairman, BoT; Murtala M. Aliyu (Mutawallin Gombe); Nasir Isa Abubakar (Wamban Kebbi), Secretary of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee; Nasiru Haladu Danu (Sardaunan Dutse), Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee; and Beni Lar, a member of the BoT. Founded in 2000, the ACF was established to promote unity, peace, and progress in Northern Nigeria and to ensure that the region continues to play a constructive role in the affairs of the nation. The forums 25th anniversary celebrations will hold 20-22 November at the Musa YarAdua Centre, Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna. Mr Danjuma is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour, where he will be formally presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. TAIZHOU, China, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from China.org.cn: The 2025 Hehe Culture Forum was held Saturday in Tiantai county, Taizhou city, eastern China's Zhejiang province, bringing together over 150 guests from nearly 20 countries across five continents to explore the global relevance of Hehe Culture. The 2025 Hehe Culture Forum is held in Tiantai county, Zhejiang province, Nov. 1, 2025. [Photo/CICG] As an essential part of traditional Chinese culture, Hehe Culture embodies profound philosophical values. The first "He" indicates harmony, peace, and balance, while the second "He" indicates convergence, unity, and cooperation. In his opening address, Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), hailed Hehe Culture as a cornerstone of Chinese civilization, a pursuit of the Chinese nation that emphasizes inclusiveness, tolerance, and harmony in diversity, and a philosophy now deeply integrated into China's modern governance. Chang elaborated on the profound global significance of Hehe Culture, describing it as a bond for the national spirit, a reflection of the value of China's development path, a convergence of the achievements of Chinese modernization, and a repository of human wisdom for jointly creating a better world. Chang affirmed CICG's commitment to leveraging the forum as a platform to boost international dialogue and cooperation and enhance the global influence of Hehe Culture. To vividly illustrate the concept, he shared the success story of durian a fruit native to Southeast Asia in the Chinese market, attributing it to mutual respect and the spirit of Hehe. He also cited the robust China-ASEAN partnership, which has seen the two sides remain each other's largest trading partners for five consecutive years, as a testament to the Hehe cultural power in fostering win-win cooperation. Zhao Cheng, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Zhejiang Provincial Committee, said that Hehe Culture represents both the essence of traditional Chinese culture and a key driver of Zhejiang's development. He emphasized that its principles of inclusiveness and harmony are crucial for international relations and called for mutual learning and practical application across multiple sectors. Li Zhihui, director general of the Overseas Promotion Bureau of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, described Hehe Culture as both fundamental to Chinese cultural identity and universally relevant, and said it is a solution to contemporary global challenges. He stressed the need to move beyond zero-sum approaches and enhance research and global dialogue around the culture. Shen Mingquan, secretary of the CPC Taizhou Municipal Committee, highlighted Taizhou city's role as a signature site for Hehe Culture, noting how it fuels local development through economic, ecological, and governance initiatives. He said Taizhou is committed to further research and integration of these philosophies to support broader local, national, and global goals. Thun Vathana, second vice president of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, said China is a trusted partner with millennia-long ties. He emphasized that strength lies in harmony with diversity, advocated for dialogue over confrontation, and expressed confidence that the Hehe spirit would lead to mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, and shared prosperity. Multiple former ambassadors for the promotion of Hehe Culture delivered video congratulations to the forum. Yukio Hatoyama, head of the East Asian Community Institute and former Japanese prime minister, said that Hehe Culture's value lies in transforming differences into cooperation and harmony through dialogue and exchange. Former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova highlighted mutual understanding and tolerance through the lens of civilizational diversity, and said cultural understanding and integration are key to prosperous coexistence. Piet Steel, a member of the Board of Directors of the Special Olympics and a retired Belgian ambassador, explained great virtue sustaining all things from an ethical perspective. He said Hehe Culture is a moral principle based on respect, understanding, and compassion. Former UN Under-Secretary-General Erik Solheim addressed harmony in diversity from a global governance standpoint, and said that unity requires embracing diversity rather than uniformity. At the forum, former UN Under-Secretary-General Pino Arlacchi was named a Hehe Culture communication ambassador, and the event also saw the launch of key publications and initiatives, including the debuts of the "Hehe Culture International Communication Report" and a book titled "Hehe Culture in the Eyes of Sinologists." The forum was jointly organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies under CICG and Taizhou Municipal People's Government. Launched in 2021 and now in its fifth year, it has become an influential global platform for cultural dialogue. 2025 Hehe Culture Forum held in Taizhou, Zhejiang http://www.china.org.cn/2025-11/04/content_118159090.shtml SOURCE China.org.cn New National Partnerships Expected to Introduce Hundreds of Thousands of New Patients to Medical Cannabis Through Education, Access, and Wellness Integration WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Council of Cannabis Medicine (ACCM) today announced a major expansion of its Elevated States Program, a groundbreaking national initiative designed to educate, empower, and enroll millions of Americans into responsible, medically guided access to therapeutic cannabis. Elevated States Program Through partnerships with major trade associations, professional groups, and membership-based organizations, Elevated States is bringing trusted medical cannabis education and compliant access directly to the country's largest new audience of potential patients. Participating organizations can now offer members a clear, credible pathway to explore medical cannabis as part of broader health and wellness programsall within compliant state frameworks. "This expansion will bring one of the largest waves of new, qualified patients into medical cannabis programs in U.S. history," said Scott Rancie, Vice President at ACCM. "Elevated States bridges trusted associations, aligned physicians, and the Member First Health Network to deliver a consistent, state-focused, and responsible patient experience." "We are excited to work with the Elevated States program as part of our 2026 health and wellness offering," said Darleen Mangin, Program Coordinator at the North American Agave Council. "Providing quality medical cannabis education and access to our members is timely given the positive advancements." Education, Access, and Connection Through Collaboration Working with national trade associations and wellness organizations, ACCM's Distinguished Physicians Program has built an education and benefit framework introducing medical cannabis to millions through health initiatives, member benefits, and wellness platforms. The Elevated States platform connects associations and members to state-licensed dispensaries through the Member First Health Network, ensuring legal, seamless, and physician-supported access to care. "Elevated States was created to make trusted information and safe access available to every member of an organization that values health and wellness," said Narith Pahn, Chief Operating Officer at Dragonfly Wellness. "They're helping Utahnsand Americans nationwidelearn and grow the right way. Adding Elevated States to our dispensary programming expands safe, responsible patient access and strengthens our partnership with ACCM." The Technology Powering Progress Behind Elevated States is ACCM's Next Frontier standard program and platform, powering the compliant, secure digital infrastructure connecting patients, physicians, dispensaries, TPAs, and associations. ACCM's tech partner EM2P2's CannaLnx platform validates, tracks, and processes medical cannabis transactions, ensuring transparency and compliance at every step. "Together with ACCM, we've built the digital backbone that supports responsible integration of medical cannabis into mainstream health benefit systems," said Gennaro Luce, CEO of EM2P2. "This is about making education and access real, measurable, and sustainable." Setting the National Standard for Medical Cannabis Integration ACCM's Elevated States initiative represents a scalable, standards-driven model uniting associations, physicians, insurers, and dispensaries into one interoperable networkbridging healthcare and cannabis access. "Elevated States gives associations a powerful way to improve members' well-being while accelerating responsible patient access nationwide," said Dr. Annabelle Morgan, Co-Chair of ACCM's Industry Leadership Council. "This is the next chapter in making medical cannabis part of mainstream health." About the American Council of Cannabis Medicine (ACCM) The American Council of Cannabis Medicine is the leading voice for the U.S. medical cannabis industry, representing a coalition of retailers, producers, healthcare professionals, researchers, insurers, patient advocates, and wellness providers. Founded in 2016 as a Capitol Hill working group, ACCM has evolved into a national organization dedicated to expanding safe, effective, and equitable access to medical cannabis through policy advancement, physician education, and patient advocacy. Contact ACCM: 202-349-9650 ext. 800 | www.accmforum.org Learn more: Next Frontier Task Force: www.nextfrontier.us Elevated States Program: www.elevatedmembership.org Distinguished Physicians Network: www.accmsource.org Contact: Jennifer Kefauver Phone: 202-349-9650 ext. 800 Email: [email protected] SOURCE American Council of Cannabis Medicine Program Will Offer Summer Internships and Professional Development Support for Emerging Scholars of Religion NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is pleased to announce the inaugural Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program, funded generously by the Templeton Religion Trust. This program is intended to provide practical work opportunities in summer 2026 for talented, entrepreneurial PhD students in the humanities or social sciences whose dissertation topics relate to the study of religion, and to build institutional partnerships that create a pipeline of new leaders knowledgeable about the rapidly changing American religious landscape. ACLS is now accepting fellowship applications, with submissions due by 9:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future Competition In nine-week, full-time summer internships with a host organization, fellows will gain practical experience in how their research skills can be applied outside of academia. They will also join cohort-based programming in the year following the internship, including in-person and virtual workshops and educational events featuring researchers and journalists mapping changing religious and spiritual infrastructures inside and outside of the academy. The program aims to foster mutually beneficial partnerships between fellows and their host organizations. Host organizations benefit from fellows' scholarly perspectives and broad sets of skills and capacities, including strong writing, project management, cultural competencies, research, and problem-solving skills. Fellows will gain practical experience in how their research skills can be applied outside of academia, engage with the work of host organizations and the communities they serve, and build on that experience with cohort-based professional development support. This year, ACLS is partnering with 10 nonprofit organizations that will host summer internships: American Friends Service Committee, Coalition for Spiritual Leadership, The Conversation, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Institute for Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies, Interfaith America, Jewish Women's Archive, Norton Healthcare Faith and Health Ministries, Operation Shoestring, and the Religion News Service. Each graduate intern will earn a summer stipend of $14,000 for remote projects and $15,400 for interns who will work onsite. ACLS also provides relocation funding as needed. See additional details on individual internship projects and hosting organizations. Applicants must be current PhD students in a humanities or social science department in the United States, whose research focus or dissertation topic relate to the study of religion. Applicants' PhDs may be in any field in the humanities or humanistic social sciences. See the FAQ for further information. Awardees must be available for a nine-week internship in summer 2026, released from normal coursework, assistantships, and all teaching responsibilities. Awardees will also be required to attend a seminar with other participants in late August 2026, and virtual programs in academic year 2027-2028. PhD students at all stages of study are eligible to apply, though they must be enrolled at the time of application, and not planning to graduate before May 2027. This program is supported by the Templeton Religion Trust (TRT) as part of a three-year, multi-faceted initiative, including research, public engagement and pipeline development in service of Identifying and Advancing the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future. Formed a century ago, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is a nonprofit federation of 81 scholarly organizations. As the leading representative of American scholarship in the humanities and social sciences, ACLS upholds the core principle that knowledge is a public good. In supporting its member organizations, ACLS expands the forms, content, and flow of scholarly knowledge, reflecting our commitment to diversity of identity and experience. ACLS collaborates with institutions, associations, and individuals to strengthen the evolving infrastructure for scholarship. SOURCE American Council of Learned Societies URAC, NCQA, HITRUST nods demonstrate company's 38-year focus on patient safety, effective data management, continuous quality improvement SAN DIEGO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Specialty Health (ASH) announced today the successful renewal of three prestigious accreditations: URAC, NCQA, and HITRUST. This achievement solidifies the company's continued dedication to the highest standards in healthcare quality, operational efficiency, and information security. For more than 38 years, ASH has maintained industry-leading standards in healthcare quality and information security, always demonstrating that its services are externally validated and enhancing its credibility. This steadfast focus on patient safety, effective care coordination, and ongoing quality improvement serves as strong reassurance for the company's clients and program members. "Our company has spent decades focused on doing the right things for our clients and members," said Joseph Dabbs, senior vice president of Health Services Administration at ASH. "We are committed to accreditation as a method to ensure we are on the leading edge of industry best practices." Each of the three accreditation renewals marks the company's choice to voluntarily establish ASH credibility in a highly risk-sensitive healthcare market. This year, re-accreditations required ASH to meet higher industry standards. In 2025, NCQA and URAC made major updates to their accreditation standards and ASH positively responded by updating its policies, reports, and systems to be compliant with these requirements. The HITRUST r2 re-certification led ASH to transition through an upgrade that introduced 95 new requirementswhich the company met without any corrective action plans (CAPs). The triple confirmation and records with these independent, nationally recognized organizations underscore ASH's rigorous compliance with best practices across crucial areas of its business operations. The ASH history and current record of accreditations include: First accredited by URAC in 1998, ASH continuously maintains these standards in good standing. Accredited 3 Years in Health Utilization Management v.8.2 Accredited 3 Years in Health Network v.8.1 Accreditation valid from 11/1/2025 11/1/2028 In 2005, ASH first received NCQA Certification for Utilization Management and Credentialing, maintaining the accreditation for 20 years and fully meeting standards. Accredited 3 Years in Utilization Management Accredited 3 Years in Credentialing Accreditation valid from 8/7/2025 8/7/2028 ASH adopts HITRUST for its security framework in 2015, consecutively maintaining and upgrading its validated assessments ever since. Passed the r2 v11.6 Risk-Based 2-Year Validated Assessment without any Corrective Action Plans and is HITRUST certified through 9/5/2027 "Earning renewals from these organizations year after year shows our profound commitment to our clients and their members," said George DeVries, ASH founder, CEO, and president. "These accreditations confirm that we can be relied upon to protect critical information while meeting our clients' business needs. I am proud that our company continues to exhibit our trustworthiness to those we serve." Collectively, ASH re-accreditations signal that the company is dedicated to delivering superior health benefits administration and service with consistent standards compliance and operational integrity, while maintaining a comprehensive information technology security framework that meets the rigorous demands of today's healthcare environment. For more information about ASH, visit ASHCompanies.com; follow on LinkedIn and Facebook; or call 800-848-3555. About American Specialty Health American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) is one of the nation's premier independent and privately owned specialty health organizations offering technology-enabled services for benefits management and administrative services for health plans, and partners with employers, associations, and others. ASH currently covers 62+ million members nationwide. With offices in California and Indiana, ASH has more than 1,700 employees. About URAC Founded in 1990 as a non-profit organization, URAC is the independent leader in promoting health care quality and patient safety through renowned accreditation programs. URAC develops its evidence-based standards in collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders and industry experts. The company's portfolio of accreditation and certification programs spans the health care industry, addressing health equity, workplace mental health, health care management and operations, pharmacies, telehealth, health plans, medical practices and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability. About NCQA NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA Accredits and Certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also Recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA's Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA's website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make informed health care choices. NCQA can also be found at Twitter/X @ncqa and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa. About HITRUST HITRUST is the leader in cybersecurity assurance used in risk management and compliance, offering certification programs for the application and validation of security, privacy, and AI controls. Informed by 60+ standards and frameworks, HITRUST's threatadaptive approach delivers relevant, reliable assurance through multiple assessment options, an ecosystem of 100+ independent assessment firms, centralized quality review and certification, and a robust SaaS platform that powers the program and process. For more than 17 years, HITRUST has been widely recognized as the most trusted solution to establish, maintain, and demonstrate security capabilities for risk management and compliance. SOURCE American Specialty Health Incorporated FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Apacer (TWSE: 8271), a global leader in industrial memory and storage solutions, will showcase its latest innovations at embeddedworld North America 2025. Visitors will explore Apacer's advancements in power stabilization, energy efficiency, performance optimization, sustainable fully lead-free design, and high-performance memory modules, all integrated to create a comprehensive ecosystem for embedded applications. 1. Empower Efficiency and Fully Lead-Free SSD 2. DDR5 CUDIMM and CSODIMM Post this Join Apacer at embeddedworld North America, November 4-6, Anaheim Empower Efficiency CoreEnergy & CoreVolt 2 Apacer's CoreEnergy Technology offers intelligent SSD power management tailored to diverse operational needs. It reduces power consumption by up to 67%, prevents overheating, and allows flexible configuration through software or DIP switch. CoreEnergy provides an ideal balance between performance and energy conservation, enabling greener, more efficient embedded systems. Complementing this is CoreVolt 2, a real-time voltage detection and protection technology. When voltage fluctuations occur, its built-in tantalum polymer capacitors provide instant backup power, preventing data loss and ensuring continuous operation even in harsh industrial environments. Empower Stability & Sustainability Fully Lead-Free SSD Apacer's PV250-M280 Fully Lead-Free SSD demonstrates its sustainable design commitment. Built with fully lead-free resistors, low-temperature soldering and underfill technology, this PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 2280 form-factor drive delivers high throughput (up to 3300 MB/s read, 3020 MB/s write) while minimizing environmental impact. Ideal for Factory Automation, Healthcare, Server & Networking and mission-critical embedded systems. Empower Speed DDR5 CUDIMM / CSODIMM Apacer's DDR5 memory modules feature advanced architecture that enhances bandwidth, signal integrity, and responsiveness, accelerating data processing for industrial and AI-driven applications. From intelligent power management to next-generation memory design, Apacer continues to empower embedded innovation through superior technology and sustainable engineering. Meet our experts at Booth No. 3057 and discover how Apacer's innovations can accelerate your embedded success. Expo Hall Information Exhibit Dates: November 46, 2025 Venue: Anaheim Convention Center, California Booth No.: 3057 Event website: Click About Apacer Founded in 1997, Apacer (TWSE:8271) is a leading global digital storage brand with comprehensive R&D, design, manufacturing, and marketing capabilities. With years of accumulated patented digital storage technology and deep successful R&D experience, Apacer provides a competitive range of customized products and services. Our product lines are diversified, covering solutions for memory modules, industrial SSDs, consumer digital storage products and Internet of Things integrated applications. Apacer is devoted to implementing our core value "Becoming Better Partners:" we deliver on our promises, strive for constant improvement, and develop solutions that are mutually beneficial for us and our customers. We continually create innovative, diversified storage solutions and hardware/software integration services for various industries. We endeavor to become a better partner in the industrial ecosystem and deliver substantial benefits to all stakeholders. SOURCE Apacer Memory America Inc. Experienced franchise operators form new partnership to add power solutions service center to their growing portfolio The group plans to open 3 stores in Houston and 2 in Northeast Dallas The new Batteries Plus stores will strengthen the brand's power solutions services for local businesses and residents DALLAS and HOUSTON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Batteries Plus, the nation's leading battery and power solutions service center, has signed a new franchise agreement with a Texas-based team of experienced operators. Partners Brad Rodman, Ryan Galvez, and Troy Kyle are set to open three stores in the Houston area and two stores in the Northeast Dallas area, building upon the brand's existing 29 stores in the Lone Star State. Dynamic Franchise Team with Proven Track Record The new partnership brings together three entrepreneurs, each with a unique background in franchise and business ownership: Galvez oversaw nine optical franchise locations and is a former a project manager in the chemical engineering sector Rodman is a veteran multi-unit owner and operator with extensive franchise experience in the optical, food, and restaurant spaces, including Nothing Bundt Cakes and Blaze Pizza Kyle has spent two decades leading outside sales and operating multiple companies in Texas Galvez first started building businesses in the healthcare compliance space, before connecting with Rodman through their work expanding the optical franchise brand. "Our backgrounds in franchising and operational leadership have taught us that success depends on teamwork, versatility, and a willingness to handle both strategy and hands-on work," said Galvez. "We get stuff done, and Batteries Plus gives us the support and flexibility to master every part of the business. Batteries Plus is built for long-term growth, and our goal is to maximize the potential of each location we open." Impact for Local Communities Each new location will employ four-to-six team members, generating over 30 new jobs across the two markets including back office and commercial representatives. Beyond powering Texas businesses, the stores will provide residents with a local hub for device repairs, key fob replacements, lighting upgrades, and customized energy solutions all backed by Batteries Plus's industry expertise and nationwide network. Growth Fueled by Purpose, Not Trends With deep ties to Houston and extensive experience operating in Dallas, the new owners plan to bring Batteries Plus's reputation for reliability and problem-solving to essential businesses and residents. The partners see untapped potential in commercial sales for Batteries Plus across Texas, citing the brand's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and providing critical infrastructure products and services. Strengthening the Commercial Service Network Batteries Plus is actively expanding its presence in commercial, municipal, healthcare, and institutional sectors. These new locations will help power Texas fleets, hospitals, first responders, schools, and data centers that depend on mission-critical energy infrastructure every day. These locations will feature expanded commercial services, including those that are vital for Texas industries that require rapid, reliable power solutions. "With these three talented operators joining our system, we are reinforcing our ability to serve essential businesses and communities where reliability is non-negotiable," said Joe Malmuth, Chief Development Officer for Batteries Plus. "Their entrepreneurial spirit, franchise experience, and connection to key markets across Texas make them the ideal partners as we accelerate commercial sales and local service." With more than 250 local franchise owners and B2B power experts nationwide, Batteries Plus's business model is built for the long-term, matching the growing demand for power solutions in commercial and institutional sectors across the country. To learn more about Batteries Plus and its work to power every corner of the nation, please visit www.batteriesplus.com/business-interest. ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus is the nation's leading battery and power solutions service center, offering a comprehensive selection of products, technical expertise, and customized services through a nationwide network of over 730 locations open and in development. Headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin, and owned by Freeman Spogli, Batteries Plus is dedicated to providing reliable, commercial and residential power solutions including batteries, lighting, and repair services to help organizations and customers minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. For more information about Batteries Plus and its products and services, visit www.batteriesplus.com/business-interest. Media Contact: Cole Koretos, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected], or 847.331.1190 SOURCE Batteries Plus JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (IDX: BBRI) reported a net profit of IDR 41.2 trillion in Q3 2025. President Director Hery Gunardi presented the results at the Q3 Financial Performance Press Conference in Jakarta (30/10). Hery noted that BRI's performance benefited from stable macroeconomic conditions. "BRI sees growth potential driven by lower funding costs, better liquidity, and rising loan demand," he said. BRI's total assets grew 8,2% YoY reached IDR 2,123.4 trillion; loans rose 6.3% YoY to IDR 1,438.1 trillion; and third-party funds increased 8,2% YoY to IDR 1,474.8 trillion. The Current Account-Savings Account ratio improved to 67.6%, with capital and asset quality remaining strong (Capital Adequacy Ratio 25.4% and Non-Performing Loan ratio 3.08%). Digital banking continues to grow, with BRImo users rising 19.4% YoY to 44.4 million and transaction volume up 25.6% to IDR 5,067.1 trillion. Qlola grew 35.4% YoY, while merchant and QRIS transactions increased 20.8% and 133.1% YoY, respectively. In support of national efforts to strengthen community welfare and economic resilience, BRI has taken part in the government's agenda for inclusive economic growth and MSME empowerment. Through the People's Business Credit (KUR) program, BRI disbursed IDR 130.2 trillion to 2.8 million borrowers. BRI also backed the Free Nutritious Meal Program by supports 3,854 community kitchens with IDR 104.4 billion. In addition, BRI contributed to improving social welfare and access to financing through the Three Million Homes Program, providing IDR 15.07 trillion in housing loans for 110,000 low-income families. The Bank also distributed IDR 2.25 trillion in Wage Subsidy Assistance (BLT) to 3.7 million beneficiaries and supported the Merah Putih Village Cooperative Program. Alongside government initiatives, BRI's empowerment programs continue to strengthen local economies. Through the Ultra Micro Holding, the ecosystem now serves 34.5 million borrowers and 185 million savings accounts. The BRILink Agent network has expanded to 1.2 million agents across 66,000 villages, facilitating transactions worth IDR 1,293.5 trillion and bridging financial access in remote areas. Meanwhile, the BRILian Village program has grown to 4,909 villages, fostering community-based development; KlasterkuHidupku continues to strengthen 41,715 business clusters; and LinkUMKM empowers 13.6 million MSMEs by providing digital market access. More information about BANK BRI at www.bri.co.id. SOURCE PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk (BRI) Photo: https://edition.cnn.com The European Union is providing emergency energy assistance to help Ukraine through the coming months and is also working on options to ensure the necessary sustainable financial support, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said following her conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Good call with President Zelenskyy. Dear President, Ukraine will not face this winter alone. The EU stands with you, providing emergency energy support to help Ukraine through the coming months. At the same time, we are working on options to ensure the necessary sustained financial assistance to Ukraine. Tomorrow, we will adopt our Enlargement Package, which will commend Ukraines remarkable commitment to its European path over the past year. The Commissions message is clear: Ukraine is ready to move forward, she said on X Monday. It was earlier reported that Ukraine is $750 million short of the $2 billion needed for gas imports, and Europe will provide another EUR 127 million in support, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated following his conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The AHA Program Connects Hospitals and Health Systems with Trusted Cyber Defense Solutions TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Celerium, a leading provider of data breach defense solutions, today announced that it has been selected as a Preferred Cybersecurity Provider by the American Hospital Association (AHA). With nearly 5,000 hospitals, healthcare systems, and providers across the country under constant threat from data breaches and ransomware, the AHA's program identifies and connects healthcare organizations with trusted, proven cybersecurity solutions. Data Breach Defense in Healthcare Celerium's Data Breach Defender solution leverages technology originally developed for the U.S. Defense Industrial Base and is engineered to help overextended hospital teams strengthen their defenses against evolving data breach and ransomware threats. For Hospital Executives: CEOs, Boards, Compliance and IT Leaders While cybersecurity has long been a key focus for CISOs and IT executives, the impact of data breach events extends far beyond the IT department. Compliance and privacy leaders face increasing scrutiny from federal and state regulators, for example, California now mandates breach disclosures within 15 days. Meanwhile, hospital CEOs and boards must navigate growing duty-of-care and solvency risks following potential breaches. "Our Data Breach Defender solution can benefit multiple hospital stakeholders who must deal with the anxiety and impact of breaches involving sensitive patient data," noted TommyMcDowell, General Manager of Celerium. "Celerium has been selected by the AHA as an excellent solution provider for their automated data breach prevention, detection, and defense solutions. We can confidently recommend Celerium as a reliable source of support for our nation's hospitals and health systems in their efforts to defend against sophisticated cyberthreats and ransomware attacks." John Riggi, National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk, American Hospital Association Defending Against Third-Party Data Breaches Even as hospitals strengthen internal defenses, threat actors increasingly target third-party suppliers and business associates with weaker security. Many hospitals maintain Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) requiring suppliers to report breaches within 35 days. As result, enhancing visibility and defense across these external partners has become mission critical. Celerium's Data Breach Defender addresses this challenge with a rapid 30-minute deployment, empowering both hospitals and their third-party suppliers. The solution complements existing tools, including firewalls, EDR platforms, MFA, and F5 appliances, without disrupting current operations. "Hospitals are under extraordinary pressure to protect patient data and maintain trust while managing complex networks of third-party partners," said Vince Crisler, Chief Strategy Officer at Celerium and former White House Chief Information Security Officer. "Our work with the AHA reflects a shared mission: bringing defense-grade, rapidly deployable cyber defense to healthcare environments that simply can't afford downtime or delay." Upcoming Webinar: Strengthening Hospital Data Breach Defense Date: November 19, 2025, 1pm PT (4 pm ET) Title: How Hospital CEOs, Boards, Compliance, and IT Executives Can Reduce Risk and Improve Resilience Through Data Breach Defense Key discussion topics will include: Managing the growing risk of third-party data breaches Addressing the healthcare cyber "arms race" Practical steps for improving breach visibility and response Moderator: Vince Crisler, Chief Strategy Officer, Celerium Former White House CISO Special Guests: John Riggi, National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk, American Hospital Association Jeffrey Vinson, Former CISO, Texas Health System Tommy McDowell, General Manager, Celerium Karl Kotalik, Chief Solution Officer, Celerium Register Now. Discover how we help hospitals strengthen data breach defense. Click Here. About Celerium Celerium engineers turnkey, rapid-deployment data breach defense solutions for the healthcare industry. Powered by technology originally developed for the U.S. Department of Defense and trusted by defense contractors, Celerium's solutions bring defense-grade cybersecurity to hospitals, state and local government agencies, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Celerium is proud to be recognized by the American Hospital Association (AHA) as a Preferred Cybersecurity Provider for Data Breach Defense. SOURCE Celerium Successful Onsite-Physician Model at Boro Park Center Now offered at Amsterdam Nursing Home BRONX, N.Y., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Centers Health Care, the largest and most complete post-acute healthcare continuum in the Northeast that touches one million lives each year with 42 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, today announced the expansion of its rehabilitative care collaboration with NYU Langone's Rusk Rehabilitation. The initiative extends the successful program model from Boro Park Center in Brooklyn, New York to Amsterdam Nursing Home in Manhattan, which includes the presence of a dedicated Rusk physician onsite at the nursing care facilities, ensuring residents have direct access to specialized expertise in rehabilitation medicine. Rehab at Amsterdam Nursing Home. Since its launch five years ago at Boro Park Center, the partnership has served more than 1,000 patients, with a discharge goal rate significantly higher than the state and the national averages. These outcomes underscore the program's ability to help residents regain mobility, independence, and overall quality of life while reducing the need for hospital readmissions. "Having a Rusk physician onsite has transformed the rehabilitation experience for our residents," said Nachman Feig, Administrator at Boro Park Center. "We've seen firsthand how this level of specialized, hands-on care can accelerate recovery and restore confidence." Since August, Amsterdam Nursing Home has welcomed its own onsite Rusk physician, supported by an interdisciplinary team offering physical, occupational, and speech therapies, along with specialized programs for neurological, psychiatric, orthopedic, and cardiopulmonary conditions. By embedding these services directly into the care environment, residents will benefit from advanced rehabilitative medicine without the need for outside appointments, while also experiencing stronger continuity of care and seamless coordination across their care team. "Since joining Amsterdam Nursing Center, I've been able to work with residents from the moment they arrive and support them through every stage of recovery," said Matthew Glenn, MD MS, Clinical Instructor, PM&R at Rusk Rehabilitation. "I make sure they understand their treatment plans, feel supported, and have the tools to address preventative care so they can keep their progress going long after they leave the program." About Centers Health Care Centers Health Care is one of the most complete post-acute health care organizations and a leader in post-acute care in the northeast. The company is a premier network of skilled nursing, rehabilitation and senior care services with 42 locations throughout New York State, New York City and Southern New Jersey. For more information about Centers Health Care, please visit www.centershealthcare.com . Contact: Maryellen Mooney Goodman Media International, Inc. for Centers Health Care 212.576.2700, x7255 [email protected] SOURCE Centers Health Care MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Centerspace (NYSE: CSR) (the "Company") announced today its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. The tables below show Net Income (Loss), Funds from Operations ("FFO")1, and Core FFO1, all on a per diluted share basis, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025; Same-Store Revenues, Expenses, and Net Operating Income ("NOI")1 over comparable periods; and Same-Store Weighted Average Occupancy, Lease Rate Growth, and Resident Retention for each of the three months ended September 30, 2025, June 30, 2025, and September 30, 2024 and the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Per Common Share 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net income (loss) - diluted $ 3.19 $ (0.40) $ 2.12 $ (0.96) FFO - diluted(1) $ 1.19 $ 1.01 $ 3.60 $ 3.40 Core FFO - diluted(1) $ 1.19 $ 1.18 $ 3.68 $ 3.68 Year-Over-Year Comparison Sequential Comparison YTD Comparison Same-Store Results(2) Q3 2025 vs. Q3 2024 Q3 2025 vs. Q2 2025 2025 vs. 2024 Revenues 2.4 % % 2.8 % Expenses (0.8) % 3.0 % 2.6 % NOI(1) 4.5 % (1.8) % 3.0 % Three months ended Nine months ended Same-Store Results(2) September 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 September 30, 2024 September 30, 2025 September 30, 2024 Weighted Average Occupancy 95.8 % 96.1 % 95.6 % 95.9 % 95.3 % New Lease Rate Growth (1.7) % 2.1 % (1.3) % (0.3) % 0.8 % Renewal Lease Rate Growth 2.9 % 2.6 % 3.0 % 2.9 % 3.2 % Blended Lease Rate Growth (3) 1.3 % 2.4 % 1.3 % 1.6 % 2.1 % Retention Rate 59.9 % 60.2 % 61.3 % 58.6 % 61.1 % (1) NOI, FFO, and Core FFO are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on their usage and presentation, and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations" and "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Terms" in the Supplemental Financial and Operating Data below. (2) Same-store results are updated for annual composition change including acquisition, disposition, changes in held for sale classification, and repositioning activity. Refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations" in Supplemental and Financial Operating Data within. (3) Blended lease rate growth is weighted by lease count. Overview of the Third Quarter Acquired Railway Flats in Loveland, Colorado consisting of 420 homes for an aggregate purchase price of $132.2 million, which includes the assumption of $76.5 million in mortgage debt; Sold five apartment communities in St. Cloud, Minnesota for an aggregate sale price of $124.0 million; Revenue increased by $6.4 million or 9.8% to $71.4 million, compared to $65.0 million for the same period of the prior year; Same-store revenues increased by 2.4%, driving a 4.5% increase in same-store NOI compared to the same period of the prior year; Net income was $3.19 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $0.40 per diluted share for the same period of the prior year; Core FFO per diluted share increased 0.8% to $1.19, compared to $1.18 for the same period of the prior year; and Repurchased 62,973 common shares for total consideration of $3.5 million and an average price of $54.86 per share. Balance Sheet At the end of the third quarter, Centerspace had $200.4 million of total liquidity on its balance sheet, consisting of $187.5 million available under lines of credit and cash and cash equivalents of $12.9 million. Updated 2025 Financial Outlook Centerspace updated its 2025 financial outlook. For additional information, see S-17 of the Supplemental Financial and Operating Data for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 included at the end of this release. These ranges should be considered in their entirety. The table below reflects the updated outlook. Previous Outlook for 2025 Updated Outlook for 2025 Low High Low High Net income per Share diluted $2.50 $2.76 $1.97 $2.19 Same-Store Revenue 2.00 % 3.00 % 2.00 % 2.50 % Same-Store Expenses 1.00 % 2.50 % 0.50 % 1.00 % Same-Store NOI 2.50 % 3.50 % 3.00 % 3.50 % FFO per Share diluted $4.70 $4.83 $4.73 $4.82 Core FFO per Share diluted $4.88 $5.00 $4.88 $4.96 Additional assumptions: Same-store recurring capital expenditures of $1,150 per home to $1,200 per home Value-add expenditures of $14.0 million to $16.0 million Proceeds from dispositions of $210.0 million to $215.0 million Note: FFO, Core FFO. and NOI are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on their usage and presentation and a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure, please refer to "2025 Financial Outlook" in the Supplemental Financial and Operating Data within. Upcoming Events Centerspace is scheduled to participate in the UBS Conference, December 1-4, 2025. Earnings Call Live webcast and replay: https://ir.centerspacehomes.com Live Conference Call Conference Call Replay Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET Replay available until November 11, 2025 USA Toll Free 1-833-470-1428 USA Toll Free 1-866-813-9403 USA Local 1-646-844-6383 USA Local 1-929-458-6194 Canada Toll Free 1-833-950-0062 Access Code 885094 Access Code 272530 Supplemental Information Supplemental Operating and Financial Data for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 included herein ("Supplemental Information") is available in the Investors section on Centerspace's website at https://www.centerspacehomes.com or by calling Investor Relations at 952-401-6600. Non-GAAP financial measures and other capitalized terms, as used in this earnings release, are defined and reconciled in the Supplemental Financial and Operating Data, which accompanies this earnings release. About Centerspace Centerspace is an owner and operator of apartment communities committed to providing great homes by focusing on integrity and serving others. Founded in 1970, as of September 30, 2025, Centerspace owned 68 apartment communities consisting of 12,941 apartment homes located in Colorad o, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah. Centerspace was named a top workplace for the sixth consecutive year in 2025 by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. For more information, please visit www.centerspacehomes.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release and the Supplemental Operating and Financial Data are based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions, and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements do not discuss historical fact, but instead include statements related to expectations, projections, intentions, or other items related to the future. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the use of terms such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will," "assumes," "may," "projects," "outlook," "future," and variations of such words and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results of operations, financial conditions, or plans expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be achieved. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact should be deemed forward-looking statements. As a result, reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements as these statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors beyond the Company's control and could differ materially from actual results and performance. Such risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, in its subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and in other reports the Company files with the SEC from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue due to subsequent events. Contact Information Investor Relations Josh Klaetsch Phone: 952-401-6600 Email: [email protected] Marketing & Media Kelly Weber Phone: 952-401-6600 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Centerspace Company to lean into massive structural opportunity on the back of the US-China deal SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ceres AI , the data and artificial intelligence company transforming how the world understands agricultural and environmental risk, today announced new funding led by Remus Capital . This investment strengthens Ceres AI's ability to deliver industry-leading products for its blue-chip customer base that includes some of the world's largest agribusiness and financial services companies. Ceres also plans to expand its Artificial Intelligence for Agricultural Intelligence ('AI for AI') platform, underpinned by data across 40 crop types, for its enterprise customers. The company has analyzed over 17 billion plant-level measurements across 32 million acres globally. "Agriculture is entering its AI era," said Ramsey Masri, CEO of Ceres AI. "Our goal is to help create the agricultural intelligence layer to enable faster and smarter decisions. We're the only company that can help craft the future with our large financial services and agribusiness customers who trust us with this partnership. I'm excited to scale the most robust dataset in agriculture and deploy AI systems that deliver agricultural intelligence into the insurance, lending, and operational workflows across the value chain." As part of this transaction, John Tincoff, Partner at Remus Capital, will join the board and Remus will also appoint an AI agent, Arista, to the board. "We're proud to continue our partnership with Ceres. In every industry, we see compelling opportunities to move toward the next industrial operating systems with many powered by machines that SAY, SEE, and DO to support human teams. Ceres has an unfair advantage to develop 'AI for AI,' said Tincoff." "We're also appointing the world's first AI board member in one of our board seats at Ceres, which is aligned with our ethos to elevate what we can do as investors who work to help founders build great companies. We are looking forward to collaborating with Arista." "Appointing an AI board member is more than a symbolic gesture - it's a functional and strategic step," said Masri. "Arista will contribute data-backed input to elevate our leadership team's decision-making and help us stay accountable." About Ceres AI Ceres AI is a data and artificial-intelligence company delivering high-resolution insights that transform agricultural and financial decision-making. Its proprietary platform combines advanced imagery, AI analytics, and field-scale data to help agribusinesses, insurers, and lenders manage risk and improve outcomes. Ceres AI is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with operations across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Australia. Learn more at www.ceres.ai . About Remus Capital Remus Capital is the leading partner to founders building Vertical AI businesses. Founded out of MIT, we have 15 years of experience commercializing machines that SAY-SEE-DO (Voice, Vision, Robotics) in each industry that powers our global economy. Media Contact: Anubhav Sharma, [email protected] SOURCE CeresAI The growth of the construction equipment rental services market is primarily driven by the increasing cost of purchasing new construction machinery, prompting companies to opt for rental solutions. This approach allows contractors to access the latest equipment without heavy capital investment, ensuring operational efficiency and flexibility. WILMINGTON, Del. , Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Construction Equipment Rental Services Market by Construction Equipment Type (Earthmoving Equipment, Material Handling Equipment, Concrete and Road Construction Equipment, Crane and Lifting Equipment, Drilling, Piling and Mining Equipment, and Others), End User (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), and Mode of Operation (Self-service, Dry lease, Wet lease): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034". According to the report, the construction equipment rental services market was valued at $97.9 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $230.3 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2025 to 2034. Get a Sample Copy of this Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A200864 Prime Determinants of Growth Rising infrastructure development projects worldwide, especially in emerging economies, further fuel the demand for rental services. In addition, technological advancements in construction machinery and the growing emphasis on reducing ownership costs contribute to market expansion. Seasonal demand fluctuations and short-term project requirements also encourage equipment rental, making it a preferred choice across various construction segments. Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20252034 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $97.9 billion Market Size in 2034 $230.3 billion CAGR 7.6 % No. of Pages in Report 396 Segments covered Construction Equipment Types, End User, Mode of Operation and Region. Drivers Increase in Infrastructure Development Projects Globally. Advancement in Rental Equipment Technology Expansion of Urbanization and Smart City Projects Opportunity Integration of Telematics and IoT in Rental Equipment Increase in Demand for Rental Service in Residential Construction Restraints High Maintenance and Repair Costs for Rental Companies Lack of Skilled Operators for Specialized Equipment Purchase This Comprehensive Report (PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://bit.ly/3WBbPzu Impact of Russia-Ukraine War Scenario On February 24, 2022 the The Russia-Ukraine war has significantly disrupted the global construction equipment rental services market by triggering sharp increases in fuel and raw material costs, creating severe supply chain bottlenecks, and delaying major construction projects worldwide. With both countries being key exporters of metals like steel and aluminum, the conflict has led to material shortages and price surges, affecting equipment production and availability. Shipping restrictions and airspace closures have further strained global logistics, making it harder for rental companies to procure or deliver machinery on time. Uncertainty surrounding project timelines and economic instability has caused many infrastructure developments in Europe and neighboring regions to pause or slow down, reducing demand for rental services. Rental companies are now grappling with equipment scarcity, increased maintenance costs, and the need to revise rental agreements with escalation clauses. This volatile landscape is reshaping rental strategies and pushing providers to seek alternative sourcing and fleet management solutions to stay competitive. The Earthmoving Equipment segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period On the basis of construction equipment type, the earthmoving equipment segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for around one-third of the global construction equipment rental services market revenue. This is due to the widespread use of earthmoving equipment in large-scale infrastructure, mining, and road construction projects, driven by increase in urbanization and demand for efficient land development solutions. However, the drilling, pilling, and mining equipment segment is projected to attain the fastest CAGR of 12.2% from 2025 to 2034, driven by its essential role in resource extraction and deep foundation work across expanding mining and infrastructure development projects globally. The commercial segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period On the basis of end user, the commercial segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global construction equipment rental services market revenue. This dominance is attributed to the rising number of commercial infrastructure projects, including offices, malls, and industrial parks, which require diverse, high-performance equipment for efficient construction within tight project timelines. However, the industrial segment is projected to attain the fastest CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2034, This is due to the increase in adoption of rental equipment in manufacturing, energy, and heavy industries to reduce capital expenditure, improve operational flexibility, and support ongoing expansion and modernization efforts. The dry lease segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period On the basis of mode of operation, the dry lease segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global Construction Equipment Rental Services market revenue. This is driven by the cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility offered by dry leases, allowing contractors to use their own operators and reduce dependency on third-party labor for equipment handling. However, the wet lease segment is projected to attain the fastest CAGR of 8.7% from 2025 to 2034, This is due to the growing preference for bundled services that include both equipment and skilled operators, reducing operational risks and ensuring higher efficiency, especially in complex or large-scale construction projects. Get More Information Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A200864 Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2034 On the basis of region, Asia-pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting more than one-third of the global Construction Equipment Rental Services market revenue. This is due to rapid urbanization, large-scale infrastructure development, and increasing government investments in smart cities and transportation projects across countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asia, driving strong rental equipment demand. However, North America is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.3% from 2025 to 2034, This growth is primarily driven by rising infrastructure renovation projects, adoption of advanced construction technologies, and increasing demand for flexible equipment solutions to reduce capital expenditure across the U.S. and Canada. Leading Market Players: - United Rentals, Inc. Sunbelt Rentals Herc Rentals Inc. EquipmentShare Hande Equipment Services Loxam Group Boels Rental Kiloutou Group Modulaire Group (ALGECO) Sarens Kanamoto Co. Ltd AKTIO CO. LTD Sin Heng Heavy Machinery Limited, RENT (THAILAND) CO. LTD Tat Hong Holdings Ltd. The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global Construction Equipment Rental Services market. These players have adopted different strategies such as expansion and product launch to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Access Your Customized Sample Report & TOC Now: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/A200864 Construction Equipment Rental Services Market Segments: By Construction Equipment Types Earthmoving Equipment Material Handling Equipment Concrete and Road Construction Equipment Crane and Lifting Equipment Drilling, Piling and Mining Equipment Others By End User Residential Commercial Industrial By Mode of Operation Self-service Dry lease Wet lease By Region North America (U.S., Canada) Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei, Laos, Rest of Asia-Pacific) LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, Africa) Trending Reports in Construction & Machinery Industry: Construction Equipment Rental Services Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Construction Equipment Types (Earthmoving Equipment, Material Handling Equipment, Concrete and Road Construction Equipment, Crane and Lifting Equipment, Drilling, Piling and Mining Equipment, Others), by End User (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), by Mode of Operation (Self-service, Dry lease, Wet lease): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034 Construction Sustainable Materials Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Type (Structural, Non-Structural), by Application (Insulation, Roofing, Interior Finishing, Exterior Finishing, Framing), by End User (Building Construction, Industrial Construction, Infrastructure): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023 2033 Construction Drone Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Type (Rotary-Wing Drones, Fixed-Wing Drones), by Application (Land Surveying, Infrastructure Inspection, Security and surveillance, Others), by End-user (Residential, Commercial, Industrial): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023 2032 Underground Electric Construction Equipment Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Offering Type (Products, Services) , by Equipment Type (Boomers, Loaders, Trucks, Drill Rigs, Excavators, Trenchers, Others), by Application (Oil and Gas, Railway and Highway, Municipal Engineering, Underground Mining, Others) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024 - 2032 3D Printing Construction Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Construction method (Extrusion, Power bonding) , by Material type (Concrete, Metal, Composite), by End-user (Buildings, Infrastructure) : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024 2032 Pneumatic Tools for Construction Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Type (Rotary Tools, Percussion Tools, Continuous Flow Tools, Others), by Application (Commercial, Residential, Others), by End-Use (Manufacturing Industry, Automotive industry, Construction Industry, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022 - 2032 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports Insights" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 Construction Blog Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research YTD results reflect volume gains in both segments, demand for new technology, and outperformance on controllables Crop Protection YTD results driven by double-digit volume growth in new products and biologicals Seed YTD results reflect demand for newest hybrids and varieties, strong operational execution, and growth in out-licensing Full-year 2025 guidance3 raised due to year-to-date performance, incremental controllable lever benefits, and strength of growth platforms INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) ("Corteva" or the "Company") today reported financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2025. 3Q 2025 Results Overview Net Sales Loss from Cont. Ops (After Tax) EPS GAAP $2.62B $(308)M $(0.46) vs. 3Q 2024 13 % 41 % 39 % Organic1 Sales Operating EBITDA1 Operating EPS1 NON-GAAP $2.59B $49M $(0.23) vs. 3Q 2024 11 % 149 % 53 % 2025 YTD Results Overview Net Sales Inc. from Cont. Ops (After Tax) EPS GAAP $13.49B $1.74B $2.54 vs. 2024 YTD 4 % 91 % 97 % Organic1 Sales Operating EBITDA1 Operating EPS1 NON-GAAP $13.73B $3.40B $3.11 vs. 2024 YTD 6 % 19 % 39 % 2025 YTD Highlights Net sales increased 4% versus prior year. Organic 1 sales increased 6% in the same period with gains in almost all regions. sales increased 6% in the same period with gains in almost all regions. Seed net sales increased 5% and organic 1 sales increased 7%. Price/Mix was up 3% led by North America 2 and EMEA 2 with continued execution on the Company's price-for-value strategy for new technology offerings. Volume increased 4%, primarily reflecting increased corn area in North America 2 and early safrinha deliveries in Latin America. sales increased 7%. Price/Mix was up 3% led by North America and EMEA with continued execution on the Company's price-for-value strategy for new technology offerings. Volume increased 4%, primarily reflecting increased corn area in North America and early safrinha deliveries in Latin America. Crop Protection net sales increased 3% and organic 1 sales increased 5%. Volume increased 7%, driven by new products and biologicals demand. Price declined 2% primarily due to the market dynamics in Latin America. sales increased 5%. Volume increased 7%, driven by new products and biologicals demand. Price declined 2% primarily due to the market dynamics in Latin America. GAAP income and earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations were $1.74 billion and $2.54 per share, respectively. Operating EBITDA 1 and Operating EPS 1 were $3.40 billion, and $3.11 per share, respectively. and Operating EPS were $3.40 billion, and $3.11 per share, respectively. The Company updated full-year 2025 guidance 3 and expects net sales in the range of $17.7 billion to $17.9 billion. Operating EBITDA 1 is expected to be in the range of $3.8 billion to $3.9 billion. Operating EPS 1 is expected to be in the range of $3.25 to $3.35 per share. and expects net sales in the range of $17.7 billion to $17.9 billion. Operating EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $3.8 billion to $3.9 billion. Operating EPS is expected to be in the range of $3.25 to $3.35 per share. The Company provided a preliminary view3 of 2026 and expects Operating EBITDA1 to be $4.1B at the midpoint of the range. 1. Organic Sales, Operating EPS, and Operating EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. See page 6 for further discussion. 2. North America is defined as U.S. and Canada. EMEA is defined as Europe, Middle East and Africa. 3. The Company does not provide the most comparable GAAP measure on a forward-looking basis. See page 7 for further discussion. ______________________________________________________________________________________ "We delivered a strong third quarter across the company, reinforcing our conviction that our two businesses will continue to thrive as independent public companies. In Crop Protection, demand for differentiated technology and productivity gains support margin expansion, while Seed continues to benefit from its strength in advanced genetics, growth in out-licensing and ongoing cost discipline. Our planned separation in the second half of 2026 is driven by our belief that it will create long-term value, as "New Corteva" and "SpinCo" strengthen their positions as market leaders with sharper focus, tailored capital allocation strategies and increased flexibility. Until then, we will continue to execute on our growth platforms and financial framework as one company with a unifying vision: to drive value for farmers, shareholders, employees and the communities we all call home." Chuck Magro Chief Executive Officer ______________________________________________________________________________________ Company Updates On October 1, 2025, the Company announced its plan to separate into two independent public companies: "New Corteva," focused on differentiated technology solutions in crop protection, including biologicals, and "SpinCo," dedicated to advanced genetics and emerging technologies including gene editing, hybrid wheat, and biofuels. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to customary approvals. Strategic Rationale Distinct Market Opportunities: The separation enables tailored innovation, operational design, and go-to-market strategies for each company. Farmer-Centric Flexibility: Both companies will be better positioned to deliver more choices and critically needed technologies to farmers, maximizing and protecting yields in a dynamic global market. Capital Allocation Optimization: Each business will have the financial flexibility and targeted investment-grade credit ratings to pursue long-term growth, both organically and through acquisitions. Launching from Strength Through the first half of 2025, Corteva returned $7 billion in cash to shareholders since 2019. Corteva has invested $8.9 billion 4 in cumulative research and development since 2019. in cumulative research and development since 2019. Corteva has launched over 2,500 new Seed and Crop Protection products since 2019. 4. Represents cumulative R&D expense from 2019-2025E Next Steps A dedicated separation management team has been established. The separation is intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal tax purposes. Leadership and board transition planning is ongoing. Summary of Third Quarter 2025 For the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, net sales increased 13% versus the same period last year. Organic1 sales increased 11%. Volume was up 12% versus prior year on growth in both Crop Protection and Seed. Crop Protection volume increased 5% over the prior year driven primarily by demand for new products, herbicides, and biologicals. Seed volume increased 27% versus prior year due primarily to early deliveries in Latin America in advance of the safrinha season. Price was down 1% versus prior year. Seed price/mix was up in nearly all regions, offset by competitive price dynamics in Latin America for both Seed and Crop Protection. GAAP income from continuing operations after income taxes was a loss of $308 million in third quarter of 2025 compared to a loss of $519 million in third quarter of 2024. Operating EBITDA1 for the third quarter of 2025 was income of $49 million, up 149% compared to prior year. 3Q 3Q % % ($ in millions, except where noted) 2025 2024 Change Organic 1 Change Net Sales $2,618 $2,326 13 % 11 % North America $707 $610 16 % 16 % EMEA $462 $415 11 % 7 % Latin America $1,161 $989 17 % 15 % Asia Pacific $288 $312 (8) % (5) % 2025 2024 % % ($ in millions, except where noted) YTD YTD Change Organic 1 Change Net Sales $13,491 $12,930 4 % 6 % North America $7,546 $7,097 6 % 7 % EMEA $2,686 $2,676 - % 4 % Latin America $2,275 $2,154 6 % 10 % Asia Pacific $984 $1,003 (2) % - % Seed Summary Seed net sales were $917 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $691 million in the third quarter of 2024. The sales increase reflects a 27% increase in volume, a 4% increase in price/mix, and a 2% favorable currency impact. Volume growth in the quarter reflects early safrinha deliveries in Brazil, recovery of corn acres in Argentina and increased corn sales in EMEA, partially offset by lower oilseed area in APAC. The increase in price is due primarily to increased out-licensing income and continued demand for top technology. Segment operating EBITDA was a loss of $193 million in the third quarter of 2025, an improvement of 40% from the third quarter of 2024. Increased corn volumes, royalty income, and cost benefits from productivity and deflation drove the improvement versus prior year, partially offset by higher compensation expense, commissions, and research expense. 3Q 3Q % % ($ in millions, except where noted) 2025 2024 Change Organic 1 Change North America $175 $170 3 % 4 % EMEA $262 $196 34 % 31 % Latin America $391 $218 79 % 76 % Asia Pacific $89 $107 (17) % (16) % Total 3Q Seed Net Sales $917 $691 33 % 31 % 3Q Seed Operating EBITDA $(193) $(320) 40 % N/A Seed net sales were $8.16 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up 5% from the same period of 2024. The sales increase reflects a 3% increase in price/mix and a 4% increase in volume, partially offset by a 2% unfavorable currency impact. Price/Mix gains in most regions, led by North America, demonstrate demand for top technology and the strength of the portfolio, coupled with increased out-licensing income. Volume growth was driven primarily by increased corn area and share gains in North America, an early start to safrinha deliveries in Brazil, and recovery of corn acres in Argentina. This was partially offset by lower soybean area in North America. Unfavorable currency impacts were led by the Brazilian Real and the Canadian dollar. Segment operating EBITDA was $2.51 billion for the first nine months of 2025, up 18% from the same period of 2024. Commercial execution and market share gains in North America, product mix, reduction of net royalty expense, and ongoing cost and productivity actions more than offset increased compensation, commissions, research expense and the unfavorable impact of currency. Segment operating EBITDA margin improved by approximately 340 basis points versus the prior-year period. 2025 2024 % % ($ in millions, except where noted) YTD YTD Change Organic 1 Change North America $5,726 $5,394 6 % 6 % EMEA $1,370 $1,365 - % 7 % Latin America $730 $696 5 % 11 % Asia Pacific $335 $318 5 % 7 % Total YTD Seed Net Sales $8,161 $7,773 5 % 7 % YTD Seed Operating EBITDA $2,512 $2,126 18 % N/A Crop Protection Summary Crop Protection net sales were approximately $1.70 billion in the third quarter of 2025 compared to approximately $1.64 billion in the third quarter of 2024. The sales increase over the prior period reflects a 5% increase in volume and a 1% favorable benefit from currency, partially offset by a 2% price decline. The increase in volume was primarily driven by demand for new products, herbicides, and biologicals. The price decline was primarily due to the competitive pricing environment in Latin America, partially offset by North America price increases. Unfavorable currency impacts were led by the Brazilian Real. Segment operating EBITDA was $279 million in the third quarter of 2025, up 13% from the third quarter of 2024. Productivity savings and volume growth more than offset the unfavorable impact of currency and price pressure. Segment operating EBITDA margin improved by approximately 135 basis points versus the prior-year period. 3Q 3Q % % ($ in millions, except where noted) 2025 2024 Change Organic 1 Change North America $532 $440 21 % 21 % EMEA $200 $219 (9) % (15) % Latin America $770 $771 - % (2) % Asia Pacific $199 $205 (3) % - % Total 3Q Crop Protection Net Sales $1,701 $1,635 4 % 3 % 3Q Crop Protection Operating EBITDA $279 $246 13 % N/A Crop Protection net sales were approximately $5.33 billion for the first nine months of 2025 compared to approximately $5.16 billion in the same period of 2024. The sales increase reflects a 7% increase in volume, partially offset by a 2% decline in price and a 2% unfavorable impact from currency. The increase in volume was driven by demand for new products, herbicides, fungicides, and biologicals. The price decline was primarily due to market dynamics in Latin America. Unfavorable currency impacts were led by the Brazilian Real and the Turkish Lira. Segment operating EBITDA was $990 million for the first nine months of 2025, up 22% from the same period last year. Raw material deflation, productivity savings, and volume growth more than offset the unfavorable impact of currency, price pressure, and higher compensation and bad debt expense in SG&A. Segment operating EBITDA margin improved by approximately 285 basis points versus the prior-year period. 2025 2024 % % ($ in millions, except where noted) YTD YTD Change Organic 1 Change North America $1,820 $1,703 7 % 8 % EMEA $1,316 $1,311 - % 1 % Latin America $1,545 $1,458 6 % 10 % Asia Pacific $649 $685 (5) % (3) % Total YTD Crop Protection Net Sales $5,330 $5,157 3 % 5 % YTD Crop Protection Operating EBITDA $990 $811 22 % N/A 2025 Guidance and 2026 Preliminary View The global outlook for agriculture remains mixed with strong demand and production, but pressured commodity prices and farmer margins. Global corn area was up in 2025, most notably in North America, driven by favorable corn economics relative to soybeans, with expectations for a mid-single digit planted area increase in Latin America. We continue to expect a large crop production year, but keeping pace with record demand, resulting in decade-low global corn stock levels. Global crop protection industry volumes have stabilized and rebounded in most regions, while prices are beginning to show signs of stabilization. As it pertains to ongoing tariff negotiations around the world, we are not expecting a material net impact on our full-year 2025 results given policies in place today. The Company updated full-year 2025 guidance with net sales expected to be in the range of $17.7 billion to $17.9 billion, growth of ~5% at the mid-point. Operating EBITDA1 is expected to be $3.8 billion to $3.9 billion, growth of 14% at the mid-point. Operating EPS1 is expected to be $3.25 to $3.35 per share, growth of 28% at the mid-point. The Company expects to repurchase approximately $1.0 billion of shares in 2025. For full-year 2026, the Company's preliminary view of operating EBITDA1 is $4.1 billion at the mid-point, reflecting growth of ~6%. The Company is not able to reconcile its forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures, to its most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, as it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty items outside of its control, such as Significant Items, without unreasonable effort. Third Quarter Conference Call The Company will host a live webcast of its third quarter 2025 earnings conference call with investors to discuss its results and outlook tomorrow, November 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. The slide presentation that accompanies the conference call is posted on the Company's Investor Events and Presentations page. A replay of the webcast will also be available on the Investor Events and Presentations page . About Corteva Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is a global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry-leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement and operational execution to profitably deliver solutions for the world's most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva generates advantaged market preference through its unique distribution strategy, together with its balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and a technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to maximizing productivity for farmers, while working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. More information can be found at www.corteva.com. Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain estimates and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and may be identified by their use of words like "plans," "expects," "will," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "projects," "estimates," "outlook," or other words of similar meaning. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about Corteva's financial results or outlook; strategy for growth; product development; regulatory approvals; market position; capital allocation strategy; liquidity; sustainability targets and initiatives; the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, restructuring actions, or cost savings initiatives; and the outcome of contingencies, such as litigation and environmental matters, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements and other estimates are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events which may not be accurate or realized. Forward-looking statements and other estimates also involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control. While the list of factors presented below is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the company's business, results of operations and financial condition. Some of the important factors that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those projected in any such forward-looking statements include: (i) failure to obtain or maintain the necessary regulatory approvals for some of the company's products; (ii) failure to successfully develop and commercialize the company's pipeline; (iii) effect of the degree of public understanding and acceptance or perceived public acceptance of the company's biotechnology and other agricultural products; (iv) effect of changes in agricultural and related policies of governments and international organizations; (v) costs of complying with evolving regulatory requirements and the effect of actual or alleged violations of environmental laws or permit requirements; (vi) effect of climate change and unpredictable seasonal and weather factors; (vii) failure to comply with competition and antitrust laws; (viii) effect of competition in the company's industry; (ix) competitor's establishment of an intermediary platform for distribution of the company's products; (x) risks related to recent funding and staff reductions at U.S. government agencies; (xi) risk related to geopolitical and military conflict; (xii) effect of volatility in the company's input costs; (xiii) risks related to the company's global operations; (xiv) effect of industrial espionage and other disruptions to the company's supply chain, information technology or network systems; (xv) risks related to environmental litigation and the indemnification obligations of legacy EIDP liabilities in connection with the Corteva separation; (xvi) impact of the company's dependence on third parties with respect to certain of its raw materials or licenses and commercialization; (xvii) failure of the company's customers to pay their debts to the company, including customer financing programs; (xviii) failure to effectively manage acquisitions, divestitures, alliances, restructurings, cost savings initiatives, and other portfolio actions; (xix) failure to raise capital through the capital markets or short-term borrowings on terms acceptable to the company; (xx) increases in pension and other post-employment benefit plan funding obligations; (xxi) risks related to pandemics or epidemics; (xxii) capital markets sentiment towards sustainability matters; (xxiii) the company's intellectual property rights or defense against intellectual property claims asserted by others; (xxiv) effect of counterfeit products; (xxv) the company's dependence on intellectual property cross-license agreements; (xxvi) risks related to Corteva's Separation from DowDuPont; and (xxvii) risks related to Corteva's proposed separation, including, but not limited to, whether the objectives of the proposed separation will be achieved; the terms, structure, benefits and costs of any action or transaction resulting from the proposed separation; the timing of any such separation or related action and whether any such separation will be consummated at all; the risk the proposed separation could divert the attention and time of the company's management; the risk of any unexpected costs or expenses resulting from the proposed separation process or separation itself; and the risk of any litigation as a result of, or relating to, the proposed separation. Additionally, there may be other risks and uncertainties that Corteva is unable to currently identify or that Corteva does not currently expect to have a material impact on its business. Where, in any forward-looking statement or other estimate, an expectation or belief as to future results or events is expressed, such expectation or belief is based on the current plans and expectations of Corteva's management and expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Corteva disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law. A detailed discussion of some of the significant risks and uncertainties which may cause results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the "Risk Factors" section of Corteva's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as modified by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Regulation G (Non-GAAP Financial Measures) This earnings release includes information that does not conform to U.S. GAAP and are considered non-GAAP measures. These measures may include organic sales, organic growth (including by segment and region), operating EBITDA, operating earnings (loss) per share, and base income tax rate. Management uses these measures internally for planning and forecasting, including allocating resources and evaluating incentive compensation. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures best reflect the ongoing performance of the Company during the periods presented and provide more relevant and meaningful information to investors as they provide insight with respect to ongoing operating results of the Company and a more useful comparison of year over year results. These non-GAAP measures supplement the Company's U.S. GAAP disclosures and should not be viewed as an alternative to U.S. GAAP measures of performance. Furthermore, such non-GAAP measures may not be consistent with similar measures provided or used by other companies. Reconciliations for these non-GAAP measures to U.S. GAAP are provided in the Selected Financial Information and Non-GAAP Measures starting on page A-5 of the Financial Statement Schedules. Corteva is not able to reconcile its forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to its most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, as it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty items outside of the Company's control, such as significant items, without unreasonable effort. For significant items reported in the periods presented, refer to page A-10 of the Financial Statement Schedules. Beginning January 1, 2020, the Company presents accelerated prepaid royalty amortization expense as a significant item. Accelerated prepaid royalty amortization represents the non-cash charge associated with the recognition of upfront payments made to Monsanto in connection with the Company's non-exclusive license in the United States and Canada for Monsanto's Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend herbicide tolerance traits. Due to the ramp-up of Enlist E3TM, Corteva significantly reduced the volume of products with the Roundup Ready 2 Yield and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend herbicide tolerance traits beginning in 2021, with expected minimal use of the trait platform thereafter. In 2023 and 2024, the company committed to restructuring activities to optimize the Crop Protection network of manufacturing and external partners, which are expected to be substantially complete in 2026. The company expects to record approximately $160 million to $175 million net pre-tax restructuring charges during 2025 for these activities. Organic sales is defined as price and volume and excludes currency and portfolio and other impacts, including significant items. Operating EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) (i.e., income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes) before interest, depreciation, amortization, non-operating benefits (costs), foreign exchange gains (losses), and net unrealized gain or loss from mark-to-market activity for certain foreign currency derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting, excluding the impact of significant items and separation costs. Non-operating benefits (costs) consists of non-operating pension and other post- employment benefit (OPEB) credits (costs), tax indemnification adjustments, and environmental remediation and legal costs associated with legacy businesses and sites. Tax indemnification adjustments relate to changes in indemnification balances, as a result of the application of the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement, between Corteva and Dow and/or DuPont that are recorded by the Company as pre-tax income or expense. Operating earnings (loss) per share is defined as "earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations - diluted" excluding the after-tax impact of significant items, the after-tax impact of separation costs, the after-tax impact of non-operating benefits (costs), the after-tax impact of amortization expense associated with intangible assets existing as of the Separation from DowDuPont, and the after-tax impact of net unrealized gain or loss from mark-to-market activity for certain foreign currency derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting. Although amortization of the Company's intangible assets is excluded from these non-GAAP measures, management believes it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets contribute to revenue generation. Amortization of intangible assets that relate to past acquisitions will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Any future acquisitions may result in amortization of additional intangible assets. Net unrealized gain or loss from mark-to-market activity for certain foreign currency derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting represents the non-cash net gain (loss) from changes in fair value of certain undesignated foreign currency derivative contracts. Upon settlement, which is within the same calendar year of execution of the contract, the realized gain (loss) from the changes in fair value of the non-qualified foreign currency derivative contracts will be reported in the relevant non-GAAP financial measures, allowing quarterly results to reflect the economic effects of the foreign currency derivative contracts without the resulting unrealized mark to fair value volatility. Base income tax rate is defined as the effective income tax rate less the effect of exchange gains (losses), significant items, separation costs, amortization of intangibles (existing as of Corteva Separation), mark-to-market (gains) losses on certain foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, and non-operating (benefits) costs. TM Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. 11/4/2025 SOURCE Corteva Agriscience With the ISO/IEC 27701 certification, the Coveo AI-Relevance Platform sets a new bar for trusted, privacy centric AI-driven digital experiences MONTREAL, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Coveo (TSX: CVO), the leader in AI-Relevance, delivering best-in-class AI-search and generative experiences that maximize business outcomes at every point-of-experience, today announced that it has achieved ISO/IEC 27701 certification as a data processor. Trust is one of Coveo's core values: our products are built by design with a core focus on the protection of our customers' data. ISO/IEC 27701 is the internationally recognized standard for Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS). It sets requirements and provides guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining and improving privacy controls for data processors. What this means for customers and prospective customers: Privacy by design is embedded throughout Coveo's product development. Coveo's PIMS supports ongoing alignment with global privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Rigorous controls govern the processing of personal data on Coveo's platform. Independent certification from a third-party enhances auditability, traceability, and confidence across the personal data lifecycle, streamlining customer due diligence and procurement. Most importantly, the ISO/IEC 27701 certification provides current and prospective customers assurance that Coveo has a solid privacy program that meets international industry standards aligned with the reality of their business. To learn more about Coveo's privacy and security practices, visit the Coveo Trust Center . About Coveo Coveo brings superior AI-Relevance to every point-of-experience, transforming how enterprises connect with their customers and employees to maximize business outcomes. Relevance is about moving from persona to person, the degree to which the enterprise-wide content, products, recommendations, and advice presented to a person online aligns easily with their context, needs, preferences, behavior and intent, setting the competitive experience gold standard. Every person's journey is unique, and only AI can solve the complexity of tailoring experiences across massive, diverse audiences and large volumes and variety of content and products. Stay up to date on the latest Coveo news and content by subscribing to the Coveo blog , and following Coveo on LinkedIn and YouTube . Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). This forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "may", "would", "should", "could", "might", "will", "achieve", "occur", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "plan", "foresee", "believe", "continue", "target", "opportunity", "strategy", "scheduled", "outlook", "forecast", "projection", or "prospect", the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions, although not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events or circumstances. SOURCE Coveo Solutions Inc. Firm Looks to Advance Western U.S. Strategy MAITLAND, Fla., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cuhaci Peterson has expanded its Phoenix, Arizona, office to accommodate growing client demand and strategic business initiatives. The Central Florida-based architecture and engineering firm announced that the office, which launched initially with a staff of nearly 15 in 2022, has now doubled in size and can support a team of more than 25 professionals. Cuhaci Peterson Phoenix Located in downtown Phoenix in the historic Luhrs Tower, the expanded office reinforces Cuhaci Peterson's long-term growth strategy and commitment to serving clients across multiple sectors, including grocery, retail and restaurant. "The decision to grow our Phoenix presence reflects both the strong performance of our team and the increasing demand for our services in the region," said Greg Simpson, the firm's Chief Executive Officer. "This expansion positions us to serve our existing clients better while pursuing new opportunities throughout the West." Led by industry veteran Eric S. Harris, the Phoenix team now also provides dedicated business development and construction administration support, further strengthening its role as a key contributor to the firm's national operations. Hannah Langbehn, Business Development Coordinator, will lead area business development efforts. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished in such a short time and excited about what this growth means for our clients and team," Harris said. "With expanded capabilities and a broader footprint, we're more prepared than ever to deliver value to both new and long-standing partners." The Phoenix location joins the firm's offices in Boston, Orlando, Philadelphia and its headquarters in Maitland, Florida, continuing to build on Cuhaci Peterson's national presence. SOURCE Cuhaci Peterson NEWTOWN, Pa., Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating data privacy claims regarding an incident at Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group. Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group learned of a data breach between February 7 and February 11, 2025. If you would like to discuss this case with a lawyer, please click HERE. About Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group is a medical practice located in California that focuses on cancer treatment and care. What happened? Between February 7 and February 11, 2025, Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group experienced an unauthorized access incident to its computer network. Upon discovering the issue, they immediately launched an investigation and determined that some personal information may have been accessed or acquired during the breach. The potentially affected information includes names, Social Security numbers, driver's license or other government identification numbers, financial account details, credit or debit card information, health insurance policy information, and medical details such as treatment, diagnosis, prescription, and other clinical data. How can I protect my personal data? If you receive a data breach notification regarding Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group, you should take steps to protect yourself against identity theft and fraud. Such measures include regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised by the Beverly Hills Oncology Medical Group data breach. For more information, please contact: Marc H. Edelson, Esq. EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300 Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2 Email: [email protected] Web: www.edelson-law.com About Edelson Lechtzin LLP Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft, and consumer fraud. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP Original variety now available nationwide to commemorate brand's 20th anniversary MILWAUKIE, Ore., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dave's Killer Bread , the nation's No. 1 organic bread brand, is reintroducing its original Oats & Blues variety to mark its 20th anniversary. Featuring a unique crunchy crust rolled in oats and blue cornmeal, this loaf was one of the very first varieties of Dave's Killer Bread launched at the Portland Farmers Market in 2005. Dave's Killer Bread, the nations No. 1 organic bread brand, is reintroducing its original Oats & Blues variety to mark its 20th anniversary. "Dave's Killer Bread has a legacy built on two decades of delivering the best bread in the universe, made with organic and non-GMO ingredients," said Cristina Watson, senior director, brand management at Dave's Killer Bread. "Oats & Blues is the OG of DKB and a highly requested favorite of DKB fans, whom we affectionately call 'BreadHeads,' so it's only fitting we reprise it in honor of our 20th anniversary." Oats & Blues has a soft texture, a hint of sweetness and delivers whole grains in every bite. New for 2025, Oats & Blues is also available in DKB's Thin-Sliced line, which features the same killer taste and texture in a smaller, thinner slice. Like all DKB products, these loaves are certified USDA organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. For 20 years, Dave's Killer Bread has inspired a cult-like following. Its "BreadHead Nation" is 1.5 million strong and counting. From their morning toast to their midnight snack, BreadHeads are passionate about bread, buns and breakfast items as long as it's Dave's Killer Bread. Dave's Killer Bread Oats & Blues (SRP $6.99) and Thin-Sliced Oats & Blues (SRP $5.99) are available at participating retailers nationwide. Prices may vary by location. About Dave's Killer Bread Rocking the grocery store with delicious organic, non-GMO and whole grain products comes naturally to Dave's Killer Bread. First introduced at the Portland Farmers Market in 2005, it is the nation's No. 1 organic bread brand with widespread distribution across the U.S. The flagship organic bread brand for Flowers Foods (NYSE: FLO), Dave's Killer Bread pioneered the organic seeded bread category and offers 33 varieties of whole grain organic bakery and snack products, all of which are certified USDA organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. In addition, Dave's Killer Bread is committed to Second Chance Employment (employing those with a criminal background), helping to transform lives through job opportunities. One in three employee-partners at its Oregon bakery have a criminal background. Learn more at daveskillerbread.com . Media Contact: Taylor Castillejo [email protected] 865.257.0026 SOURCE Dave's Killer Bread Photo: https://www.facebook.com/zelenskyy.official The forces of the Timur Special Unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR MO) are conducting an operation in one of the key areas of the city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, from the point of view of front-line logistics, the GUR press service has said. According to intelligence, fierce battles are underway with the Russian occupiers. "After a successful landing operation, additional forces of the special unit joined the GUR special forces, who occupied the designated lines, broke through the ground corridor and joined them," the report says. The combat work is aimed at eliminating the enemy's attempts to expand the fire effect on logistics in the GUR area of responsibility. In addition, combat missions in the sector are being carried out by other special units of the GUR MO of Ukraine. For the safety of personnel, the details of the operations are not being disclosed at this time. DEEPX officially recognized with the WEF MINDS 2025 Award and invited as a speaker at the New Drivers of Industry Transformation Meeting 2025 CEO Lokwon Kim presented the future of industrial transformation through 'Physical AI' before global innovation leaders SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultra-low-power AI semiconductor company DEEPX (CEO Lokwon Kim) announced that it was an official speaker at the New Drivers of Industry Transformation Meeting 2025 hosted by the World Economic Forum (WEF), where it shared its vision for 'Physical AI' alongside the world's top innovation leaders. DEEPX officially recognized with the WEF MINDS 2025 Award and invited as a speaker at the New Drivers of Industry Transformation Meeting 2025. The WEF selected DEEPX as the first AI semiconductor company to receive the MINDS 2025 Award (Meaningful, Intelligent, Novel, Deployable Solutions), which recognizes technologies that are transforming the world through AI. The forum served as the official platform for award winners to present their achievements to global policymakers and industry leaders. The session featured MINDS Award honorees including Foxconn, CATL, Siemens, Lenovo, Fujitsu, and Schneider Electric, each showcasing groundbreaking use cases of AI driving transformation across their respective industries. DEEPX presented its collaborative mass-production project with the Hyundai Motor Group Robotics Lab, demonstrating a robot AI solution that achieves more than two times a GPU's level of performance while consuming less than 5 watts of power. The project highlighted one of Korea's most advanced examples of AI commercialization bringing to life the concept of 'Physical AI,' or intelligence that operates directly in the physical world across industrial, robotics, security, and smart city environments. This achievement drew significant global attention from the manufacturing and robotics sectors for its breakthroughs in energy efficiency, cost reduction, and system optimization, marking a milestone for Korea's AI semiconductor competitiveness on the global stage. DEEPX also unveiled its roadmap for next-generation generative AI semiconductors based on the Samsung 2 nm process, outlining how its proprietary architecture will accelerate the realization of 'Physical AI' in real-world applications. "AI must evolve beyond the data center and become physical intelligence a real-world force transforming industries and societies," said Lokwon Kim, CEO of DEEPX. "Through ultra-low-power, high-performance AI semiconductors, DEEPX is already creating tangible value across robots, factories, cities, and even human lives. WEF's recognition reaffirms that DEEPX's AI semiconductor technology now stands at the center of the world's industrial transformation." Going forward, the WEF will lead a two-year global initiative with MINDS 2025 honorees to jointly advance key agendas such as AI governance, sustainable supply chains, digital health, and future infrastructure. DEEPX will participate as an official member of this international network working with governments, academia, and corporations worldwide to build a more sustainable and responsible AI ecosystem. About DEEPX Founded in anticipation of an era when artificial intelligence will be as pervasive as electricity and Wi-Fi, DEEPX develops core technology for high-performance AI semiconductors and computing solutions that bring intelligence to electronic devices. DEEPX currently holds over 400 patents pending in the U.S., China, and Koreaone of the largest patent portfolios in the world for on-device AI chip development. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2813046/image.jpg BEIJING, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The highly anticipated China International Cross-Border E-commerce Trade Fair (known as "ICBE") grandly opened today in Shenzhen. As Asia's largest and most comprehensive national-level cross-border e-commerce exhibition, ICBE has gathered global e-commerce elites and top platforms. At this industry spectacle, Ecer.com, a global leading mobile B2B marketplace, introduced its brand-new AI-powered B2B solution, attracting widespread attention from numerous attending merchants. Ecer.com's "AI Sourcing" System integrates highly efficient processes, precise matching, and revolutionary real-time, multi-language interaction. Through deep AI integration, the system continuously enhances the matching accuracy and communication efficiency in cross-border business, accelerating the intelligent transformation of global trade. Many corporate representatives experienced the system firsthand, witnessing its powerful capabilities in core processes such as smart product selection, supplier matching, and real-time interaction. During the live demonstration, the system achieved seamless, real-time communication with users, precisely analyzing professional details like product specifications and delivery schedules. Its fluency and accuracy left a deep impression. Kary Ho u, Tra ding Manager of Guangdong Hwashi Technology Inc. , c ommented: "Ecer.com accurately grasped our business pain points, solving the long-standing issues of language barriers, time zone differences, and high labor costs that have troubled foreign trade professionals for years." The unveiled "AI Sourcing" System is another major achievement of Ecer.com's long-term intelligence strategy. Previously, Ecer.com has consistently launched a series of AI applications covering the entire foreign trade process, including AI Product Posting, AI Promotion, and AI Customer Service. These collectively form a complete intelligent foreign trade chain that spans from setting up online enterprise shops and content operations to marketing, promotion, and efficient business opportunity conversion. Third-party data indicates that Ecer.com's monthly overseas traffic exceeds 60 million, ranking among the top B2B marketplaces globally, and positioning it as China's largest mobile B2B marketplace. The marketplace hosts over 2.6 million registered suppliers and serves 4 million buyers annually, covering global purchasers in over 150 countries and regions. Ecer.com boasts deep technical expertise, holding over 200 independent intellectual property rights in B2B marketplace construction, digital marketing, and big data over the past 16 years. Based on its solid technical foundation and excellent service, Ecer.com has been honored as a Google Premier Partner for ten consecutive years, winning important industry awards such as the Google Search Ads Innovation Award and the Google Overseas Technology Innovation Award, consistently staying at the forefront of global trade intelligence. In the future, Ecer.com will continue to drive a smart foreign trade ecosystem to make global trade simpler and smarter. About Ecer.com Ecer.com is a global leading mobile B2B marketplace for international trade, dedicated to providing smart foreign trade solutions for global buyers and suppliers. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies like AI and big data, Ecer.com focuses on improving cross-border communication and transaction efficiency, fostering a simpler and more intelligent global trade environment. SOURCE Ecer CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Couture is proud to celebrate National Family Literacy Month this November with the Beta Launch of the Lux Learner Community & App by Education Couture, beginning with its inaugural campaign, "Read to a Child Near You." Lux Learner by Education Couture "Guys, we are raising Lux Learners young minds who value learning and the foundation of learning is literacy," says Ruckiya Ross, founder of Education Couture. "The research is clear. Children who are read to daily enter kindergarten with a significant vocabulary advantage nearly 300,000 more words by age five than peers who are not read to. That number can exceed one million when children are read to five or more times a day." Ross emphasizes the importance of literacy in everyday moments as well. "If your child is nearby while you're cooking, read the recipe aloud. Functional daily reading is just as important as a fantastical bedtime story." The month-long celebration will culminate with a vibrant Family Literacy Bash on Saturday, November 22, from 1:004:00 PM, hosted at Burst Into Books in Chicago. Held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the event will bring families together for music, literacy experiences, community connection, and exclusive Early Access moments from Lux Learner. Families can look forward to: "Do You Know the 44?" Phonemic Awareness Challenge a fun, interactive game testing guests' knowledge of the 44 phonemes in the English language, the single greatest predictor of reading success. Special Storytime Readings, including: The Small Girl with Big Emotions read by Malika Lee, author, educator, and mother. The Chicago Kidz in The City That Works read by Ima Kidd, bringing a lively Chicago-centered storytime experience. Exclusive Sneak Peek of the upcoming "Lux Learner by Education Couture" apparel line, including chances to win select luxury pieces. A debut DJ set by Karter the Kid, taking the stage as maestro on the ones and twos. A listening party for Education Couture's Reading Music, blending rhythm and literacy into a fun, family-centered soundtrack. Complimentary small bites provided by Cajun Shrimp & Gumbo, a beloved restaurant located in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. Space is limited, and RSVP is required to ensure a meaningful experience for all attendees. Media Contact: B. Gatlin Phone: 773.985.7444 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Education Couture Company Leverages Legacy of Trust and Expertise as it Makes Inaugural Appearance at COMPAMED/MEDICA BOSTON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elevaris Medical Devices, the world-class Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization resulting from the acquisition of UK-based XL Precision Technologies by U.S.-based Spectra Medical Devices, is introducing its services and procedural needle portfolio to EMEA. The company is making its inaugural appearance at COMPAMED, the leading international trade fair for the medical technology supplier sector in Dusseldorf Nov. 17-20. "Elevaris Medical Devices brought together two long-trusted companies with highly complementary capabilities," said Richard Zrebiec, CEO of Elevaris Medical Devices, "and we're thrilled to introduce these offerings on Europe's largest stage for medical device manufacturers. As a CDMO, Elevaris offers extensive manufacturing specialties to help medical device manufacturers worldwide deliver precision solutions. The company manufactures precision micro-components, complex tubular components, and sub-assemblies. It also is one of the world's leading manufacturers of made-to-spec procedural needles. Its capabilities include: Laser technology , including photonic systems that deliver cutting, welding, marking, sintering, and abrading solutions , including photonic systems that deliver cutting, welding, marking, sintering, and abrading solutions Micro-machining , including EDM technology, micro-laser cutting, high-speed turning, and milling , including EDM technology, micro-laser cutting, high-speed turning, and milling Precision forming , which enables the mass production of complex components with micron-level accuracy , which enables the mass production of complex components with micron-level accuracy Metal finishing, enhancing surface properties, functionality, and biocompatibility enhancing surface properties, functionality, and biocompatibility Specialized needle manufacturing that includes: Grinding technologies from standard bevel grinds to specialized designs Injection molding , producing precision parts made by injecting, cooling, and molding materials Insert molding, featuring a specialized injection molding technique that integrates pre-formed components that includes: Cleanroom assembly, including both manual and automated assembly of delivery systems and instrumentation The company's EMEA needle portfolio, championed by a broad range of radiofrequency needles, is available via distributors, kit packers, and private label. The company offers a strong portfolio of CE-marked products, including packed and sterile devices as well as bulk non-sterile options. Elevaris Medical Devices is highly invested in applying its deep knowledge, unparalleled collaborative approach, and extensive manufacturing capabilities to provide value-driven design, development and production solutions. The company's EMEA Sales team is based in Paris. It also has sales and manufacturing experts specifically dedicated to its UK- and Ireland-based customers. Interested parties can learn more by visiting Booth # 8BM25 at the show or by contacting [email protected]. About Elevaris Medical Devices: Elevaris Medical Devices is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) for industry-leading, multi-national healthcare companies, medical device manufacturers, and emerging technology companies. It is one of the world's leading manufacturers of made-to-spec procedural needles and specializes in the manufacture of precision micro-components, complex tubular components, and sub-assemblies. The company also distributes a wide range of complementary pharmaceutical products, surgical instruments, and medical supplies. Elevaris Medical Devices has more than 300 employees across its locations in North America, the UK, and South Korea. For more information, visit elevarismedical.com. SOURCE Elevaris Medical Devices Inc. MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Emergent Software, a software development, cloud consulting, and data engineering firm based in Minneapolis, is proud to mark its 10th anniversary. What began in 2015 as a local consultancy has grown into a nationally recognized Microsoft-certified partner trusted by organizations to solve complex business challenges through scalable, high-performing technology. Emergent Software marks 10 years of driving client growth through Microsoft-based technology innovation. Post this Emergent Software: Celebrating 10 Years of Innovation In this milestone video, hear from our founders and team members as they reflect on Emergents journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner with expertise in Azure, AI, and enterprise-scale delivery. Built on a foundation of engineering excellence, Emergent has helped hundreds of organizations streamline operations, modernize infrastructure, and unlock new growth through custom software development, Azure cloud transformation, and data platform solutions. "Our journey over the past 10 years has been all about partnering with our clients to deliver technology that drives real business outcomes," said Jamie Anderson, CEO of Emergent Software. "We're proud of what we've accomplished together and we're even more energized for the future." A Decade of Solving the Hard Stuff Emergent's client portfolio spans industries like healthcare, legal services, manufacturing, and finance. Recent highlights include: Delivering over 1,500 projects across 300+ active clients. Earning over 100 Microsoft certifications and advanced specializations. Partnering with clients through flexible engagement models, including managed services, retainer-based development, and strategic cloud consulting. "Emergent didn't just build our portal they helped us shape the strategy behind it," said Rick Mueller, IT Director at CVRx. "They're the kind of partner you want when you're bringing something entirely new to market." "Emergent helped us move critical infrastructure to Azure and made it feel seamless," said Brent Eichten, CIO at Fredrikson & Byron. "They understand our environment, meet us where we're at, and truly feel like an extension of our team." Positioned for the Future As organizations accelerate their adoption of AI and cloud-native platforms, Emergent is well-positioned to help clients make confident, forward-thinking investments. Their continued focus on Microsoft technologies including Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft Fabric, and Copilot ensures solutions that are secure, scalable, and enterprise-ready. The company recently completed a brand refresh and expanded its delivery capacity with investments in dedicated teams and strategic advisory services. "We're investing in the next 10 years just like we did the first," said Anderson. "That means doubling down on our people, our platform expertise, and our partnerships." Learn More To explore Emergent Software's 10-year journey and how it continues to empower clients through technology, visit: www.emergentsoftware.com/ Media Contact: For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] About Emergent Software Emergent Software is a software development, cloud consulting, and data engineering firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a Microsoft-certified partner, Emergent helps organizations modernize infrastructure, build secure custom applications, and unlock insights through data and AI. With deep technical expertise and a client-first mindset, Emergent delivers scalable, high-impact solutions that support long-term growth. Learn more at emergentsoftware.com. Media Contact: [email protected] Phone: 612-217-0747 SOURCE Emergent Software Five Lucky Undergraduates, Graduate Students, or Parents to Win $1,500 Scholarships BOSTON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When families are on a strict budget to pay for college or graduate school, an extra $1,500 can provide a welcome financial boost, especially during the holidays. Now several lucky students or parents of these students will enjoy that additional lift as holiday celebrations approach. AbeSM, an innovative private student lending program, has launched the Abe Home for the Holidays Scholarship Sweepstakes and is giving away $7,500. Five winners will each receive $1,500 to put toward undergraduate or graduate school expenses, travel or even gifts. For a chance to win, students and parents should enter the free sweepstakes by December 1, 2025 at abestudentloans.com/scholarship-holiday2025.* Winners will be selected on or around December 3. Five winners will each receive $1,500 to put toward undergraduate or graduate school expenses, travel or even gifts. Post this "We're excited that this new scholarship sweepstakes will make recipients' holidays even happier," said Steve Winnie, Chief Operating Officer, Monogram LLC, which administers Abe student loans. "Whether winners use the money to travel home for winter break or to upgrade their computers, we are pleased to reward their hard work and commitment to education." The Abe Home for the Holidays Scholarship Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the U.S./District of Columbia, age 18-plus, who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in an eligible U.S. institution, or parents of these students. Entrants do not need to have an Abe student loan to be considered. To review the full sweepstakes rules, visit abestudentloans.com/scholarship-holiday2025-official-rules. The Home for the Holidays Scholarship Sweepstakes is the latest innovation from Abe, which brings a different kind of program to the private student loan marketplaceone that stands out for its borrower-supportive features, extending throughout repayment, and especially when "life happens". In addition to low rates and a "no fees ever" approach, these features include: Flexible repayment options to keep borrowers in control Longer grace periods than other lenders Forbearance in case of job loss or illness In-school default protection 2% loan principal balance reduction at graduation More information about these loans for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those enrolled in graduate certificate programs and MBA, law, medical, dental or healthcare professional degree programs, is available at abestudentloans.com. About Abe AbeSM student loans are focused on creating more supportive borrower experiences that better meet the needs of today's college students. In addition to clear, transparent information, Abe offers a unique combination of repayment plans, loan terms and deferment/forbearance options. Abe was created by Monogram LLC, the leader in data-driven private student lending products and programs. The Monogram team has originated more than $23 billion in private student loans and assisted 1.5 million borrowers at thousands of schools. More information is available at abestudentloans.com , Facebook or Instagram. *NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY. See abestudentloans.com/scholarship-holiday2025-official-rules for Official Rules and complete details. Void where prohibited. Contact Dawn Ringel 617-285-0652; [email protected] SOURCE Monogram LLC "Indiana is leading the nation in the next chapter of American energy independence," said Gov. Mike Braun. "With First American Nuclear planting its roots here, we're bringing 5,000 high-paying, generational Hoosier jobs while cementing our state as a leader in clean, reliable nuclear power." The energy park is designed to be the first to operate in a "closed-fuel cycle" in U.S. history, meaning it will reprocess and reuse spent nuclear fuel on-site, eliminating 97% of long-lasting nuclear waste. The EAGL-1 reactor can also create more fuel than it burns, setting the stage for nuclear energy to be deemed not only clean, but renewable. "In the flurry of America's nuclear renaissance, Indiana and FANCO found a shared commitment to technical merit, authenticity, and follow-through," said Mike Reinboth, CEO of First American Nuclear. "Collectively, our team has dedicated centuries to nuclear science, resulting in an unmatched nuclear solution that, fittingly, will take root in the crossroads of America." FANCO's flagship technology, the EAGL-1 SMR, is the only nuclear technology in the U.S. cooled using a liquid metal alloy called lead bismuth. Having been involved in numerous commercial reactor deployments and nearly every major advanced nuclear project in the Western Hemisphere, the FANCO founders worked with sodium, molten salt, pressurized water, and high-temperature gas coolants for decades. Their first-hand experience, combined with the knowledge that highly successful nuclear systems outside the U.S. are lead-bismuth cooled, convinced the team that lead bismuth solves the most arduous technical challenges to delivering safe, commercial-scale nuclear energy at an affordable price. Indeed, the EAGL-1 design generates 240 megawatts of electricity (MWe), enough to power 1.5 million homes from the typical six-reactor cluster, with a footprint one-tenth that of traditional nuclear power plants delivering similar MWe. "Indiana and First American Nuclear joining forces to improve the quality of life for Hoosiers and the American people was an easy decision to make," said Suzanne Jaworowski, Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources. "FANCO has the ability to deliver affordable, sustainable power to light up our rooms, keep us warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and rise to the ever-increasing energy demands of an advanced manufacturing and computing economy." The coolant is the key: why lead bismuth is a game-changer Due to the benign chemical properties of lead bismuth, EAGL-1 does not require complex safety systems using exotic materials. The result is a compact, simple design with one-third less hardware than other SMRs and the ability to integrate seamlessly with off-the shelf power systems all without sacrificing power. The EAGL-1 design will be manufactured and assembled with existing factory infrastructure and U.S. supply chains, driving further savings. Yet another unique capability of FANCO is its proprietary solution to efficiently and cost-effectively transform existing coal plants into natural gas and, ultimately, to nuclear power with the same workforce and minimal changes to equipment. This provides immediate gas power to meet near-term needs while simultaneously fast-tracking a seamless and cost-effective transition to nuclear. Consumers get reliability without higher bills, and the State of Indiana attracts industry with access to an abundant, scalable energy supply. In addition to tapping into Indiana's existing workforce, First American Nuclear will develop a comprehensive program to attract and retain talent through partnerships with Indiana's technical colleges and Universities, including tailored curricula, certifications, and apprenticeships. The program will build a pipeline of highly skilled local workers to support the manufacturing and operations of EAGL-1 nuclear components, and the deployment of these systems across the United States and around the world. About First American Nuclear (FANCO) FANCO is the only nuclear power provider capable of delivering clean and sustainable nuclear energy to customers at a cost comparable with gas, solar, or wind. The company was formed when a small cadre of the most experienced nuclear scientists in the country saw an opportunity to develop a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) unlike anything commercially available. The resulting EAGL-1 design is the only nuclear reactor in the U.S. cooled by lead-bismuth, a liquid metal alloy that has been used in the most successful nuclear systems abroad for decades. Lead-bismuth chemical properties are the key to overcoming the most arduous technical and operational challenges to practical and affordable commercial nuclear energy. In addition to a simplified design that requires 30% less hardware than other SMRs without sacrificing power, lead bismuth enables EAGL-1 to operate in a closed-fuel system. This means that spent fuel is continuously reprocessed and reused, eliminating 97% of long-lasting nuclear waste. FANCO established its headquarters in Indianapolis in 2025. First American Nuclear Media Contact: [email protected] State of Indiana Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE First American Nuclear Co. MONROVIA, Liberia, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The launch of the world's first International Integrated Gaming License (under NLA National Lottery Authority of Liberia) is reshaping the online gaming industry. Unlike traditional offshore licenses, which limit operators geographically and expose them to regulatory uncertainty, this new model combines regulatory approval with direct access to local banking, compliance officers, and global operational reach. A License Built on Worldwide Integration The International Integrated License stands apart because it was designed to eliminate the shortcomings of conventional offshore structures. Every license includes: A verified local bank account (SWIFT, EUR, USD). A dedicated AML/Compliance Officer. A unique business address, ensuring transparency. Seamless integration with international gaming providers. This integrated approach delivers what the sector has long been missing: a license that is operationally effective from day one, without forcing operators into the grey zones of international regulation. International Recognition Regulators, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders are beginning to recognize the International Integrated License as a credible alternative to offshore models. Its framework mirrors global compliance standards, ensuring that licensed operators can compete at the same level as the world's leading casinos. Rather than waiting months to adapt to fragmented requirements, operators benefit from a streamlined process that brings banking, compliance, and licensing into a single framework. This balance between strict oversight and operational practicality positions the license as a benchmark for the future of online gaming regulation. There's more to it, though. Until now, license seekers in the industry were limited to offshore solutions, such as those provided in Curacao, Anjouan and Tobique. The Liberian Integrated Gaming License, in this context, brings something completely different to the table. With an official ".gov" website, this license is backed by the authorities of a sovereign nation with stable and globally reputed financial and banking systems, as opposed to the aforementioned offshore entities. Toward a Transparent and Credible Sector The reforms represent more than an administrative update. They set a new baseline for how the gaming industry in Liberia must operate. While operators will have a paved path to an official Liberian license, regulators will have modern tools to enforce regulation, and the government will benefit from higher levels of lower risks of financial abuse. A license granted under this system carries meaning outside Liberia as well. For companies seeking to operate online gaming websites, this pathway is now more effective than ever, as compliance can be managed digitally in a way that satisfies both Liberian law and international expectations. A New Category in Global Gaming The International Integrated License is more than a regulatory tool it is the foundation of a new category in global gaming. It replaces outdated offshore models with a credible, bank-integrated, internationally recognized framework. As recognition continues to grow, operators seeking to expand globally will find in this license not just permission to operate, but the infrastructure and credibility to compete with the industry's most established names. For more information, please visit https://www.gaming.nla.gov.lr. SOURCE National Lottery Authority of Liberia MUMBAI, India, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Firstsource Solutions Limited (NSE: FSL) (BSE: 532809), a leading global provider of business process management services and an RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group company, today announced a strategic investment in Lyzr.ai, a cutting-edge enterprise AI agent infrastructure platform that enables organizations to build secure, reliable, and interconnected AI agents anchored by comprehensive knowledge bases, orchestration, and robust responsible AI governance. This investment marks a significant milestone in advancing Firstsource's UnBPO vision a bold reimagination of how work gets done by seamlessly blending human ingenuity with enterprise-grade, responsible AI. UnBPO embodies a transformative shift from traditional outsourcing and labor arbitrage toward technology arbitrage that enables organizations to become more adaptive, intelligent, and purpose driven. Dr. Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of RPSG Group and Firstsource, said, "Our partnership with Lyzr.ai is deeply aligned with Firstsource's UnBPO approach, accelerating the creation of future-ready organizations through secure, scalable AI agents designed for complex, regulated environments. As AI moves decisively from experimentation into production, success will belong to those who marry technological depth with responsible governance and clear business outcomes. Lyzr.ai exemplifies this balance pioneering intelligent automation that amplifies human capability while upholding enterprise readiness and trust." Siva Surendira, CEO of Lyzr.ai shared, "Firstsource has long been a pioneer in automating complex processes for the world's most regulated industries. Their deep expertise in banking and healthcare directly reflects why we built Lyzr: to provide a 100% private, full-stack agent infrastructure that enterprises can trust with their most critical data. This strategic partnership is a massive accelerant for our shared vision. Together, we will empower Fortune 500s to securely move AI from experimentation to production, reinventing their operations and building their central OGI - Organizational General Intelligence." Lyzr.ai's agent infrastructure is already driving impactful use cases across diverse industries, including customer experience, healthcare claims negotiation, banking KYC, IT ticketing, and legal contract intelligence. These align directly with Firstsource's commitment to building practical, human-centered AI that generates real-world, measurable impact. By embedding Lyzr.ai's agentic AI into its core operating model through UnBPO, Firstsource is advancing outcome-driven, secure, and compliant automation of mission-critical, high-touch processes. The partnership embodies Firstsource's role as an orchestrator of ecosystem innovation, where responsible AI augments decision-making and fuels business transformation that is scalable, transparent, and sustainable. About Firstsource Firstsource Solutions Limited, an RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group company (NSE: FSL) (BSE: 532809) (Reuters: FISO.BO) (Bloomberg: FSOL:IN), is a global leader providing business process solutions and services spanning the customer lifecycle across Healthcare, Banking and Financial Services, Communications, Media and Technology, Retail, and other diverse industries. With a global footprint across US, UK, India, Philippines, Mexico, Romania, Turkey, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa, and Australia, they 'make it happen' for their clients, solving their biggest challenges with hyper-focused, domain-centered teams and cutting-edge tech, data, and analytics. Firstsource's inch-wide, mile-deep practitioners work collaboratively, leveraging UnBPO - their differentiated approach to reimagining traditional outsourcing - to deliver real-world, future-focused solutions that drive speed, scale, and smarter decision, turning transformation into tangible results for clients. (www.firstsource.com) About Lyzr.ai Lyzr.ai is the full-stack agent infrastructure platform that enables enterprises to build, govern, and deploy a secure, autonomous AI workforce. Lyzr provides the "Third Way" for enterprise AI, combining the flexibility of open-source with the security of a managed platform, all within the customer's own environment to ensure 100% data privacy and IP ownership. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2515360/5486596/Firstsource_Logo.jpg SOURCE Firstsource PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Five Star Development, LLC and affiliated entities (together, "Five Star" or the "Company"), including those developing The Palmeraie, today announced that it has filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The filing is intended to create a clear, court-supervised path toward completing The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie (the "Project")a 122-acre master-planned resort, residential, and luxury retail destination. To ensure alignment across related assets and stakeholders, other Texas-based Five Star entities have also filed for Chapter 11 protection. "This process provides the structure and transparency needed to bring the resort to completion and preserve the integrity of one of the most important developments in Arizona," said Gerald C. Ayoub, Founder and Principal of Five Star Development. "Our commitment to the Ritz-Carlton brand, our buyers, and our community remains unwavering." Hotel construction is in its final phase, with substantially all infrastructure complete, and luxury interior finishes ready to begin once court approvals are finalized. Upon completion, The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie will comprise a 215-room Ritz-Carlton resort, 80 branded Villas, 32 Estate Homes, and a 29-acre luxury retail and dining district. Chapter 11 preserves Five Star's control over the Project and strengthens protection for stakeholders as the Company advances toward a full construction restart and completion of the resort. The automatic stay imposed by the filing will protect Five Star and its affiliated debtors from lender collection activity, including actions by the Company's secured lender, Madison Realty Capital. A Texas state court recently determined that Madison engaged in "acts of manipulation and fraud in breach of their duty of good faith and fair dealing" with respect to Five Star. "This filing is about preserving the extraordinary progress already made and securing the Project's successful completion," said Lance Miller, Chief Restructuring Officer of Five Star Development and Managing Partner of Pivot Management Group. "Our priority is to position the company for a strong construction restart and deliver the world-class destination that the community has long anticipated." Throughout this process, Five Star will continue normal operations across all Project sites and maintain full-service amenities for homeowners and residents without interruption. Other Five Star debtors will operate in their ordinary course post Chapter 11 filings. Five Star is represented by O'Melveny & Myers LLP as legal counsel and Pivot Management Group as Chief Restructuring Officer and restructuring advisor. Additional information regarding the Chapter 11 filing, court documents, and claims process is available at https://cases.stretto.com/FStarSocorro. About Five Star Development Five Star Development is a leading commercial real estate developer with a nearly five-decade track record delivering transformative, high-value projects across the Southwest. Since 1978, the Company has developed, constructed, and managed more than 20 million square feet of residential, hospitality, retail, office, and industrial real estate, representing more than $3.5 billion in investment. Today, the Five Star's portfolio includes more than 7 million square feet of income-producing properties under active ownership and management. SOURCE Five Star Development The Ukrainian Defense Forces neutralized 92 enemy drones of various types last night, but seven missiles and 31 strike UAVs were recorded hitting 14 locations, the Air Force (AF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said. "On the night of November 4 (from 20:00 on November 3), the enemy attacked with one Iskander-M ballistic missile from the Rostov region, six S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles from the Kursk region, as well as 130 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera type and drones of other types from the directions: Kursk, Orel, Primorsko-Akhtarsk - Russia, Chauda temporarily occupied Crimea, about 80 of them Shahed UAVs," the Air Force said. According to preliminary data, "as of 09:00, air defense systems shot down/suppressed 92 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera and other types of drones in the north, south and east of the country. Missile hits and 31 and UAVs strikes were recorded at 14 locations," the Air Force said. Debuting as Taiwan's first national TCM pavilion, the exhibition highlighted the nation's growing R&D capabilities and its vision to promote science-based traditional medicine on the global stage. The Pavilion attracted strong attention from pharmaceutical professionals, distributors, and research institutions across global markets, eager to explore collaboration in product distribution and contract manufacturing (OEM/ODM). Over three days, the Pavilion received 121 professional visitors and conducted four business matchmaking sessions with five international companies and two business and investment organizations, creating new opportunities for global market expansion. The Pavilion was also invited to appear on the CPHI Newsbeat Stage the first time a Taiwanese exhibitor has ever been selected for this global media platform. During the session, it delivered a brief announcement on Taiwan's evidence-based TCM development, followed by an interview with Raman Sehgal, host of the Molecule to Market podcast, with around 10 media outlets in attendance. The exposure further elevated Taiwan's international visibility at the event. The spotlight was on NRICM101 and NRICM102, two national TCM formulas developed by the National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine and authorized by the MOHW. Backed by 11 peer-reviewed studies, these formulas have demonstrated multi-target antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing ICU admissions and mortality in COVID-19 patients while protecting against lung injury and post-infection brain fog. Participating Taiwanese enterprises Chuang Song Zong, Li Kang Biotech, Timing Pharmaceutical, Taiwan Three Mast, and Grape King Bio showcased Taiwan's comprehensive TCM ecosystem, spanning clinical research, product innovation, GMP-certified manufacturing, and global OEM/ODM capabilities. During the event, Mr. Mei-Shun Lo, Director General of Frankfurt am Main Office, Taipei Representative Office in the Federal Republic of Germany, together with Bertram Roth, Vice President of FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH, met with the Pavilion team. Both leaders expressed strong support for Taiwan's evidence-based TCM development, encouraged future cooperation with European partners, and noted that Taiwan's TCM industry holds promising potential in Germany. "Taiwan's success at CPHI Frankfurt underscores our commitment to bringing proven traditional medicine into the global healthcare dialogue," said Dr. Yi-Chang Su, Director of the DCMP and NRICM. "We look forward to building on this momentum to expand TCM collaboration and innovation across borders." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812795/Taiwan_s_TCM_Pavilion_attracted_international_attention_CPHI_Frankfurt_2025_fostering.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812796/Mr_Mei_Shun_Lo_Director_General_Frankfurt_Main_Office_Taipei_Representative.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812797/image_5052844_16685531.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812798/1.jpg 21 % more press release views with Request a Demo DENVER, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE: GTES), a global manufacturer of innovative, highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions, today announced that the Company will participate in the Baird 2025 Global Industrial Conference in Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Ivo Jurek, Chief Executive Officer, will present at 3:30pm Central time. To access a webcast of the presentation, please visit the Events & Presentations section of the Gates Investor Relations website at investors.gates.com and click on the event webcast link. About Gates Industrial Corporation plc: Gates is a global manufacturer of innovative, highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions. Gates offers a broad portfolio of products to diverse replacement channel customers, and to original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") as specified components. Gates participates in many sectors of the industrial and consumer markets. Our products play essential roles in a diverse range of applications across a wide variety of end markets ranging from harsh and hazardous industries to everyday consumer applications including virtually every form of transportation. Our products are sold in more than 130 countries across our four commercial regions: the Americas; Europe, Middle East & Africa; Greater China; and East Asia & India. SOURCE Gates Industrial Corporation plc NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Healthcare Analytics Market is poised for exponential expansion, rising from USD 42.96 billion in 2024 to USD 532.75 billion by 2035, at an impressive CAGR of 25.75%. This surge highlights how CXO leaders across healthcare organizations are harnessing AI-driven analytics, predictive modeling, and cloud intelligence to reshape operational performance, patient outcomes, and strategic foresight in the healthcare sector. Healthcare analytics encompassing descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive toolshas evolved into a core pillar of executive decision-making, allowing leaders to convert massive healthcare data sets into actionable intelligence. Through AI, cloud computing, and real-time analytics, the industry is achieving unprecedented progress in personalized care, cost efficiency, and data transparency. The Complete Study is Now Available for Immediate Access | Download the Sample Pages of this Report @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/healthcare-analytics-market-1664/request-sample Free Sample Includes: Global & regional market size forecasts through 2035. Competitive benchmarking and SWOT analysis of top providers. Segmentation insights. Regulatory and sustainability landscape mapping. Porter's Five Forces and value chain assessment. Regional investment and technology adoption opportunities. CXO Strategy Outlook: As the healthcare sector transitions toward digital maturity, CXO leaders CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, CMOs, and CDOs are steering the analytics revolution. Their strategies now focus on integrating data intelligence to achieve resilience, agility, and long-term clinical and financial sustainability. Key Strategic Imperatives for CXOs: Adopt Predictive & Prescriptive Intelligence: Use advanced analytics to anticipate healthcare demands and optimize treatment outcomes. Accelerate Cloud Transformation: Build hybrid and interoperable infrastructure to unify fragmented data systems. Prioritize Data Ethics & Security: Strengthen governance, cybersecurity, and responsible AI frameworks. Build an Analytics-Driven Culture: Upskill staff and foster cross-functional data literacy. Forge Digital Ecosystem Partnerships: Collaborate with technology providers to scale innovation. Align Analytics with Business Value: Measure success through patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, and ROI-driven metrics. Technological and Market Drivers AI & Machine Learning Integration: Drives predictive analytics, enabling early disease detection, clinical forecasting, and precision medicine through real-time data insights. Cloud-Based Analytics Platforms: Facilitate seamless data sharing, collaboration, and scalability across hospitals, payers, and research organizations. Big Data & IoT Expansion: Integration of connected devices and health sensors fuels continuous data generation, supporting population health management and remote monitoring. Data Interoperability & EHR Integration: Enhances connectivity between disparate healthcare systems, ensuring unified patient records and streamlined care coordination. Regulatory Evolution: Supportive data governance frameworks such as HIPAA, GDPR, and FHIR standards drive secure data usage and interoperability. Rising Demand for Value-Based Care: Payers and providers increasingly depend on analytics for quality measurement, cost reduction, and improved patient outcomes. Strategic Opportunities for Industry Stakeholders Invest in Predictive & Prescriptive Analytics Empower healthcare providers to anticipate patient needs, manage risks, and enhance decision-making accuracy. Advance Cloud-Enabled Solutions Enable flexible, secure, and scalable data environments supporting real-time analysis and interoperability. Leverage AI for Clinical Insights Strengthen precision diagnostics and personalized care through deep learning and NLP-driven analytics. Expand into Emerging Markets Tap into growing healthcare digitization initiatives in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. Foster Strategic Collaborations Partner with hospitals, insurers, and technology vendors to accelerate integrated analytics adoption. Focus on Regulatory Compliance & Data Security Build trust and compliance readiness under evolving global data privacy and security standards. Expert Insights "Healthcare analytics has become the strategic backbone of modern healthcare systems. The convergence of AI, big data, and cloud technology is empowering CXO leaders to deliver smarter, faster, and more equitable care worldwide." Nneha Rathod Godbole, CEO, Vantage Market Research Email Directly Here with Detailed Information: [email protected] Executive Priorities for Market Leadership Integrate Predictive Analytics Tools to enhance early diagnosis and resource management. Accelerate Cloud and AI Adoption for scalable and interoperable data ecosystems. Build Strategic Partnerships with payers, life sciences, and digital health innovators. Offer Subscription-Based Analytics Models to improve accessibility and affordability. Ensure Data Compliance and Cybersecurity under HIPAA, GDPR, and national privacy laws. Develop Workforce Training Programs to enhance digital literacy and analytics expertise. Healthcare Analytics Market: Key Industry Leaders Optum Inc. (U.S.) Leader in population health and predictive analytics solutions. Cerner Corporation (U.S.) Offers integrated clinical and operational analytics for healthcare providers. IBM Watson Health (U.S.) Innovator in AI-driven analytics for diagnostics and personalized medicine. Oracle Health (U.S.) Pioneering enterprise data platforms for healthcare intelligence. SAS Institute Inc. (U.S.) Provides advanced analytics and AI capabilities for healthcare insights. McKesson Corporation (U.S.) Focused on data intelligence for healthcare supply chain optimization. Health Catalyst (U.S.) Specializes in data warehousing and outcome improvement analytics. Allscripts Healthcare Solutions (U.S.) Develops interoperable analytics tools for clinical performance and revenue management. Tableau Software (U.S.) Empowers visualization-driven decision support for healthcare enterprises. Buy this Premium Research Report | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/healthcare-analytics-market-1664/checkout Benefits of Purchasing Healthcare Analytics Market Reports Analyst Support Direct access to our experts before and after purchase for tailored insights and clarifications. Direct access to our experts before and after purchase for tailored insights and clarifications. Data Accuracy Forecasts and trends validated through a combination of primary industry interviews, end-user surveys, and advanced statistical modeling. Forecasts and trends validated through a combination of primary industry interviews, end-user surveys, and advanced statistical modeling. Decision-Making Tools Interactive dashboards, granular segment forecasts, competitor benchmarking, and adoption roadmaps to guide strategy. Interactive dashboards, granular segment forecasts, competitor benchmarking, and adoption roadmaps to guide strategy. Quality & Credibility Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, healthcare innovators, and technology leaders for reliable market intelligence. Market Challenges & Structural Barriers Data Fragmentation: Lack of interoperability across EHR systems hinders comprehensive analytics. High Implementation Costs: Investment in software, infrastructure, and training remains substantial for smaller organizations. Data Privacy Concerns: Complex compliance requirements across jurisdictions (HIPAA, GDPR) increase operational risk. Shortage of Skilled Analysts: Limited availability of professionals skilled in healthcare data science. Legacy System Integration: Outdated IT infrastructures impede seamless analytics deployment. Change Management Resistance: Slow cultural adoption of data-driven decision-making across healthcare institutions. Regulatory & Compliance Landscape HIPAA (U.S.) Governs data privacy and security for healthcare information. GDPR (Europe) Regulates patient data protection and consent-based analytics use. FHIR Standards (Global) Promote data interoperability across digital health platforms. ISO 27799 & ISO 27001 Ensure information security and healthcare data management quality. HITECH Act (U.S.) Encourages adoption of health IT and secure EHR systems. Market Overview & Growth Drivers The Healthcare Analytics Market is witnessing rapid expansion as hospitals, payers, and life sciences firms embrace AI-powered data platforms to drive clinical excellence, financial optimization, and predictive population health management. Key Growth Drivers Include: Rising focus on value-based and outcome-driven care models. Growing AI, ML, and NLP integration in clinical and operational workflows. Expanding use of predictive analytics for chronic disease management. Surge in healthcare digitization and telehealth data generation. Increasing government investment in digital health infrastructure. Rising demand for interoperable, cloud-based analytics platforms. Strategic Intelligence for Decision-Makers This report delivers actionable insights for CXOs, investors, and digital health strategists leading the transformation of global healthcare systems: Benchmark leading analytics vendors by innovation, scalability, and data intelligence maturity. Track M&A, partnerships, and AI-driven collaborations shaping the industry. Assess ROI potential and cost efficiency from integrated analytics deployment. Identify high-growth regions particularly Asia-Pacific and North America. Analyze evolving data governance and compliance readiness. Evaluate ESG and sustainability-led analytics initiatives improving population health. Request a Customized Copy of the Healthcare Analytics Market Report@ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/healthcare-analytics-market-1664/request-customization Market Momentum: Why Now AI-Driven Insights: Accelerating early disease prediction, clinical decision-making, and patient outcome optimization. Cloud-Based Data Infrastructure: Enabling real-time analytics, remote collaboration, and scalable data storage across healthcare networks. Integration with Life Sciences & Pharma: Streamlining drug discovery, clinical trials, and pharmacovigilance through advanced analytics. Rising R&D Investments: Expanding adoption of machine learning and big data platforms in healthcare research and precision medicine. machine learning Regulatory Advancements: Supportive frameworks from FDA, EMA, and other global authorities promoting secure, compliant analytics adoption. Collaborative Digital Ecosystems: Strategic partnerships among hospitals, insurers, tech innovators, and academic institutions driving interoperability and innovation. Executives embracing healthcare analytics now will secure long-term competitive advantage through smarter decision-making, improved patient outcomes, and sustainable operational efficiency. Growth Levers & Strategic Priorities Accelerate AI-Integrated Analytics Solutions Expand deployment of AI and ML-powered analytics platforms to enable predictive diagnostics, automate data interpretation, and enhance population health management across hospitals, insurers, and research organizations. Advance Cloud-Based Interoperability & Data Exchange Invest in secure, cloud-enabled ecosystems that unify data from electronic health records (EHR), IoT devices, and payer systems, ensuring seamless collaboration and faster clinical decision-making. Enhance Platform Intelligence & Visualization Tools Develop advanced analytics dashboards, NLP-driven engines, and real-time reporting interfaces that provide actionable insights for clinical, operational, and financial optimization. Forge Strategic Partnerships Across the Healthcare Value Chain Collaborate with pharmaceutical companies, payers, and technology firms to drive innovation in precision medicine, claims analytics, and digital therapeutics. Ensure Regulatory Compliance & Data Governance Align with HIPAA, GDPR, FHIR, and ISO 27799 standards to ensure patient data protection, interoperability, and global regulatory readiness. Expand Regional Data Infrastructure & Service Networks Establish local data centers, AI training programs, and managed analytics services across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East to improve accessibility, scalability, and responsiveness. Recent Industry Developments Jan 2025 : Optum launched a next-generation AI-driven population health analytics platform focused on chronic disease management and predictive care. : Optum launched a next-generation AI-driven population health analytics platform focused on chronic disease management and predictive care. Mar 2025 : Oracle Health introduced a unified cloud-based healthcare analytics suite integrating clinical, financial, and operational datasets for hospitals and payers. : Oracle Health introduced a unified cloud-based healthcare analytics suite integrating clinical, financial, and operational datasets for hospitals and payers. May 2025 : IBM Watson Health enhanced its clinical analytics engine with generative AI to support personalized treatment recommendations. : IBM Watson Health enhanced its clinical analytics engine with generative AI to support personalized treatment recommendations. Jul 2025 : Health Catalyst partnered with a leading academic medical network to co-develop advanced quality improvement analytics for healthcare systems. : Health Catalyst partnered with a leading academic medical network to co-develop advanced quality improvement analytics for healthcare systems. Sept 2025: SAS Institute unveiled a real-time analytics framework supporting global healthcare organizations in data-driven decision-making and risk assessment. Top Key Players for Healthcare Analytics Market IBM (US) Optum (US) Cerner (US) SAS Institute (US) Allscripts (US) McKesson (US) MedeAnalytics (US) Inovalon (US) Oracle (US) Health Catalyst (US) SCIO Health Analytics (US) To Know an Additional List of Key Players, Request Here to Download a Free Report PDF Brochure: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/healthcare-analytics-market-1664/request-sample Regional Dynamics North America : Dominates the market with strong adoption of AI, predictive analytics, and value-based healthcare initiatives, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and government incentives. : Dominates the market with strong adoption of AI, predictive analytics, and value-based healthcare initiatives, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and government incentives. Europe : Accelerating growth through GDPR-aligned data integration projects, national health digitization programs, and increasing investment in AI-driven population health management. : Accelerating growth through GDPR-aligned data integration projects, national health digitization programs, and increasing investment in AI-driven population health management. Asia-Pacific : Fastest-growing region, fueled by rapid healthcare modernization, government-led data initiatives, and widespread adoption of cloud-based analytics solutions. : Fastest-growing region, fueled by rapid healthcare modernization, government-led data initiatives, and widespread adoption of cloud-based analytics solutions. Latin America : Gaining traction through public-private partnerships, expanding healthcare IT investments, and growing demand for predictive analytics in hospital management. : Gaining traction through public-private partnerships, expanding healthcare IT investments, and growing demand for predictive analytics in hospital management. Middle East & Africa : Witnessing increased deployment of analytics solutions for population health, insurance optimization, and remote monitoring in emerging digital health systems. : Witnessing increased deployment of analytics solutions for population health, insurance optimization, and remote monitoring in emerging digital health systems. Segment Insights By Type Descriptive Analytics: Represents a significant share of the market as healthcare organizations increasingly rely on retrospective data evaluation to identify trends, measure performance, and improve operational efficiency. Predictive Analytics: Expected to witness the fastest growth, driven by rising demand for early disease detection, population risk assessment, and real-time decision support powered by AI and machine learning algorithms. Prescriptive Analytics: Gaining momentum as hospitals and payers adopt advanced models to recommend optimal treatment pathways, resource allocation, and policy planning based on predictive outcomes. Cognitive Analytics: Emerging as a transformative segment integrating natural language processing (NLP), deep learning, and contextual data to enhance clinical interpretation, automate workflows, and support precision medicine initiatives. By Application Clinical Analytics: Dominates the market owing to widespread use in diagnosis optimization, treatment planning, and personalized medicine, improving patient outcomes and reducing medical errors. Financial Analytics: Plays a critical role in cost management, claims analysis, and revenue cycle optimization as providers shift toward value-based care and performance-based reimbursement models. Operational and Administrative Analytics: Supports workflow automation, resource utilization, and supply chain efficiency, helping healthcare institutions streamline operations and improve service delivery. Population Health: Expected to grow rapidly with the rise of preventive care programs and predictive modeling for chronic disease management, particularly within large healthcare networks and government initiatives. By Component Services: Leads the segment due to growing demand for consulting, system integration, and managed analytics services as healthcare providers seek customized solutions and technical expertise. Hardware: Includes servers, storage devices, and networking systems essential for large-scale data management, particularly in hospital networks and research institutions with high data throughput. Software: Witnessing robust adoption with the development of advanced analytics platforms and AI-integrated dashboards that enable real-time data visualization, reporting, and decision-making. By Deployment Model On-Premise: Continues to hold a steady market share, favored by large healthcare organizations requiring high data security and control over sensitive patient information. On-Demand (Cloud-Based): Expected to dominate future deployments, driven by scalability, cost efficiency, and interoperability advantages supporting remote access, multi-institutional collaboration, and real-time analytics. Browse market data Tables and Figures spread through 245 Pages and in-depth TOC on Healthcare Analytics Market trends 2025 Forecast Report (2025-2035). Segments Covered in the Report By Type Descriptive Analytics Predictive Analytics Prescriptive Analytics Cognitive Analytics By Application Clinical Analytics Financial Analytics Operation and Administrative Analytics Population Health By Component Services Hardware Software By Deployment Model On-Premise On-Demand By Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Nordic Countries Benelux Union Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India New Zealand Australia South Korea South-East Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa (MEA) Saudi Arabia UAE Egypt Kuwait South Africa Rest of MEA Buy this Premium Research Report with Discount | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/healthcare-analytics-market-1664/checkout Key Questions Answered in The Report: Which regions are projected to lead the global healthcare analytics market through 2035? How are regulatory frameworks, interoperability standards, and healthcare digitalization policies influencing market adoption? Who are the leading players, and how do their product portfolios and regional strategies differ? Which startups and emerging analytics providers are driving innovation in AI-powered, cloud-based healthcare solutions? What technological advancements such as machine learning, big data integration, and predictive modeling will define competitiveness by 2035? How are strategic partnerships, collaborations, and mergers shaping innovation and market expansion globally? What key drivers and barriers are influencing adoption across hospitals, payers, and life sciences organizations? How is rising demand for precision medicine, population health management, and real-time clinical insights accelerating market growth? Gain instant access to our exclusive, data-driven dashboard designed for healthcare industry decision-makers, strategists, and market leaders. The platform delivers in-depth statistical insights, segment-wise breakdowns, regional market performance, competitive landscape mapping, company profiles, annual updates, and more. From market sizing to trend analysis and competitive intelligence, this powerful tool serves as a comprehensive solution for informed business decisions. Browse the Full "Healthcare Analytics Market Size and Projected Growth Through 2035 by Type (Descriptive Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Prescriptive Analytics, Cognitive Analytics), by Application (Clinical Analytics, Financial Analytics, Operation and Administrative Analytics, Population Health), by Component (Services, Hardware, Software), by Deployment Model (On-Premise, On-Demand), by End User (Payers, Providers, ACOs, HIEs, Mcos and TPAs), by Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America" Report at https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/healthcare-analytics-market-1664 Browse More Related Reports: Precision medicine software Market is valued at USD 27 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 803 Million by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 36.15% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/precision-medicine-software-market-market-1353 Cosmetic Surgery Market is valued at USD 60.22 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 136.55 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.75% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/cosmetic-surgery-market-1701 Liquid Handling System Market is valued at USD 5.64 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 13.6 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8.35% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/liquid-handling-system-market-2354 Hyaluronic Acid Market is valued at USD 1.68 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 3.84 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7.8% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/hyaluronic-acid-market-1868 Hormone Replacement Therapy Market is valued at USD 16.91 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 33.84 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 6.55% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/hormone-replacement-therapy-market-1933 Video Laryngoscope Market is valued at USD 832.64 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 5494 Million by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 18.75% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/video-laryngoscope-market-2233 Allergy Immunotherapy Market is valued at USD 1.92 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 4.9 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8.95% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/allergy-immunotherapy-market-2360 Mental Health Apps Market is valued at USD 7.48 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 33.85 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 14.75% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/mental-health-apps-market-1788 Colorectal Cancer Market is valued at USD 12.5 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 13.1 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.8% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/colorectal-cancer-market-2502 Breast Reconstruction Market is valued at USD 535 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 1214.95 Million by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 8.75% between 2025 and 2035: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/breast-reconstruction-market-1714 About Us Vantage Market Research is a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies and leading biopharma firms, delivering high-quality market research reports and actionable intelligence across healthcare, biotechnology, and advanced cell therapies. Our globally recognized insights empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, anticipate trends, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Follow Us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Contact us Priya M Head of Growth & Strategic Partnerships 224 W 35th St Ste 500, New York, NY 10001, United States Tel: +1 (212) 951-1369 Email: [email protected] | [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2808572/5601320/Vantage_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Vantage Market Research SAO PAULO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. ("Itau Unibanco" or "Company"), in compliance with the provisions of Article 157, paragraph 4 of Law No. 6,404/76 and Resolution No. 44/21 of the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), informs its stockholders and the market in general that it released as of this date its revised projection for the year 2025 in accordance with item 3 ("Projections") of the Reference Form. Consolidated Reviewed Total credit portfolio Growth between 4.5% and 8.5% Maintained Financial margin with clients Growth between 11.0% and 14.0% Maintained Financial margin with the market Between R$1.0 bn and R$3.0 bn Between R$3.0 bn and R$3.5 bn Cost of credit Between R$34.5 bn and R$38.5 bn Maintained Commissions and fees and results from insurance operations Growth between 4.0% and 7.0% Maintained Non-interest expenses Growth between 5.5% and 8.5% Maintained Effective tax rate Between 28.5% and 30.5% Maintained (1) Includes financial guarantees provided and private securities; (2) Composed of expected loss expenses, discounts granted and recovery of loans written off as losses; (3) Commissions and fees (+) income from insurance, pension plan and premium bonds operations (-) expenses for claims (-) insuanrce, pension plan and premium bonds selling expenses. It is important to mention that, as of February 2025, the company considers a cost of capital of around 15.0% p.y. in the management of its businesses. Information on outlooks for the business, projections, and operational and financial goals are solely forecasts, based on management's current outlook in relation to the future of Itau Unibanco. These expectations are highly dependent on market conditions, the general economic performance of the country, of the sector and the international markets. Therefore, our effective results and performance may differ from those forecasted in this prospective information. Gustavo Lopes Rodrigues Investor Relations Officer Contact: Itau Unibanco Comunicacao Corporativa Phone: (11) 5019-8880 / 8881 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (NYSE: JELD) ("JELD-WEN" or the "Company") today announced results for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2025. Comparability is to the same period in the prior year. Third Quarter Highlights Net revenues of $809.5 million decreased (13.4%) in the third quarter driven by a decrease in Core Revenues of (10%) combined with a decrease in net revenues from the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda of (5%). These were partially offset by a favorable foreign exchange impact of 2%. The decline in Core Revenues was driven by a (11%) decrease in volume/mix, partially offset by a 1% benefit from price realization. Net loss from continuing operations was ($367.6) million or ($4.30) per share, compared to net loss from continuing operations of ($73.0) million, or ($0.86) per share, during the same quarter a year ago. Operating loss margin was (25.0%) and (5.6%) for the quarters ended September 27, 2025 and September 28, 2024, respectively. Net loss from continuing ops includes $196.9m non-cash goodwill impairment and $122.3m tax special items. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $44.4 million, a decrease of ($37.2) million compared to $81.6 million during the same quarter a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations was 5.5%, a decrease of (320) basis points in the third quarter due to unfavorable volume/mix and price/cost, partially offset by favorable productivity and lower SG&A expense. "Third-quarter results fell short of our expectations due to persistent market headwinds and price-cost pressures," said Chief Executive Officer William J. Christensen. "Actions are underway to confront market realities head-on and strengthen our foundation for long-term value creation. We are focused on accelerating operational improvements, while rebalancing our North American and Corporate workforce by approximately 11% in the near-term to create runway for future growth. As we look ahead, we are initiating a strategic review of our European segment to ensure we are best positioned for long-term success. Despite marketplace challenges and slower-than-anticipated macro recovery, we remain focused on strengthening performance, serving our customers and building a more resilient foundation for the future." Third Quarter 2025 Results Net revenues for the three months ended September 27, 2025, were $809.5 million, a decrease of ($125.2) million, or (13.4%), compared to $934.7 million for the same period last year. The decrease in net revenues was primarily driven by a decrease in Core Revenues of (10%) and a decrease in net revenues from the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda of (5%). These were partially offset by a favorable foreign exchange impact of 2%. The decline in Core Revenues was driven by a (11%) decrease in volume/mix, partially offset by a 1% benefit from price realization. Net loss from continuing operations was ($367.6) million in the third quarter, similar to a net loss from continuing operations of ($73.0) million in the same period last year. Adjusted Net Loss from continuing operations for the third quarter was ($17.3) million, a decrease of ($44.8) million compared to Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations of $27.6 million in the same period last year. Net loss per share from continuing operations for the third quarter was ($4.30), compared to a net loss from continuing operations per share of ($0.86) in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations for the third quarter was ($0.20) compared to $0.32 in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations for the quarter ended September 27, 2025, excludes net after-tax charges of $350.3 million, or $4.10 per diluted share, associated mainly with the non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the North America and Europe segments, a valuation expense recorded against our U.S. tax attributes, and costs to execute on the Company's transformation journey. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations for the quarter ended September 28, 2024, excludes net after-tax charges of $100.5 million or $1.17 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $44.4 million, a decline of ($37.2) million compared to $81.6 million during the same quarter last year. While we continue to drive significant improvements from our transformation activities, these benefits were more than offset by the impact of lower sales and negative price/cost. Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations was 5.5%, a decrease of (320) basis points in the third quarter due to unfavorable volume/mix and negative price/cost, partially offset by favorable productivity and lower SG&A. On a segment basis for the third quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year: North America - Net revenues were $546.1 million, a decline of ($131.8) million, or (19.4%), driven by a decrease in Core Revenues of (13%) and a decrease in net revenues from the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda of (7%). The decrease in Core revenues was driven by a (13%) decline in volume/mix due to weakened market demand. Net loss from continuing operations was ($181.3) million, a decline of ($217.0) million year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $37.7 million, a decline of ($37.1) million primarily due to unfavorable volume/mix and negative price/cost, partially offset by improved productivity and lower SG&A. - Net revenues were $546.1 million, a decline of ($131.8) million, or (19.4%), driven by a decrease in Core Revenues of (13%) and a decrease in net revenues from the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda of (7%). The decrease in Core revenues was driven by a (13%) decline in volume/mix due to weakened market demand. Net loss from continuing operations was ($181.3) million, a decline of ($217.0) million year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $37.7 million, a decline of ($37.1) million primarily due to unfavorable volume/mix and negative price/cost, partially offset by improved productivity and lower SG&A. Europe - Net revenues were $263.3 million, an increase of $6.6 million, or 2.6%, driven by a favorable foreign exchange impact of 6%, partially offset by a decrease in Core Revenues of (4%). Core Revenues decreased primarily due to unfavorable volume/mix of (6%) primarily due to market softness across the region, partially offset by a 2% benefit from price realization. Net loss from continuing operations was ($153.4) million, a decline of ($86.7) million year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $16.0 million, a decline of ($0.2) million primarily due to unfavorable volume/mix, partially offset by improved productivity. Cash Flow Net cash used in operating activities was ($37.7) million in the nine months ended September 27, 2025, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $78.0 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2024. The change in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to the decrease in earnings of ($458.6) million, inclusive of ($334.6) million in non-cash goodwill impairment charges related to our North America and Europe reporting units in the current year, $129.2 million attributable to a valuation expense recorded against our U.S. tax attributes during 2025, and a $70.7 million increase in net cash used in our working capital accounts. The impact of accounts receivable, net, was unfavorable by ($57.8) million for the nine months ended September 27, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily driven by a slower pace of declining sales and accounts receivable relative to the prior year. Accounts payable had an unfavorable impact of ($23.4) million, mainly due to reduced inventory purchases in North America and lower professional expense payables related to a transformation consultant. Inventory contributed a favorable impact of $10.5 million, primarily reflecting decreased material purchases in North America. Capital expenditures in the nine months ended September 27, 2025, decreased by $14.1 million to $103.9 million, down from $118.0 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2024. Free Cash Flow used in the nine months ended September 27, 2025, was ($141.6) million, compared to Free Cash Flow used in the nine months ended September 28, 2024, of ($40.0) million. This does not include the impact of the court-ordered divestiture of our Towanda facility proceeds of $110.7 million, which was completed in the first quarter of the current year. Workforce and Portfolio Actions As part of our ongoing efforts to align our cost structure and improve operational efficiency, the Company plans to reduce its North America and Corporate workforce by approximately 850 positions, representing roughly 11% of our North American and Corporate teams, by year end 2025. In addition, we have initiated a strategic review of our European segment and continue to simplify our portfolio to better serve customers and operate more cost effectively. These are incredibly difficult decisions, and we deeply appreciate the dedication and contributions of all of our colleagues. However, given the significant macroeconomic headwinds, these actions are necessary to ensure the long-term health of the business and will strengthen the Company's competitive position going forward. Updated Full Year 2025 Guidance JELD-WEN is lowering its 2025 revenue guidance to $3.1 to $3.2 billion, which reflects a year-over-year decline in Core Revenues of approximately (10%) to (13%) compared to 2024. Additionally, the Company expects its Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $105 to $120 million, reflecting continued pressure from a competitive pricing and volume environment. Revenue Adjusted EBITDA Core Revenue Decline August 2025 Guidance $3.2 to $3.4 billion $170 to $200 million Down (4%) to (9%) Updated 2025 Guidance $3.1 to $3.2 billion $105 to $120 million Down (10%) to (13%) With the revenue and EBITDA guidance, the Company now expects operating cash flow to be an approximate $45 million use of cash including costs associated with the workforce reduction of approximately $10 to $20 million. Conference Call Information JELD-WEN management will host a conference call on November 4, 2025, at 8 a.m. ET, to discuss the Company's financial results. Interested investors and other parties can access the call either via webcast by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at https://investors.jeld-wen.com , or by dialing 888-596-4144 from the United States or +1-646-968-2525 internationally and using ID 6885549. A slide presentation highlighting the Company's results is available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website. For those unable to listen to the live event, a webcast replay will be available approximately two hours following completion of the call. To learn more about JELD-WEN, please visit the Company's website at https://investors.jeld-wen.com . About JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (NYSE: JELD) is a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance interior and exterior doors, windows, and related building products serving the new construction and repair and remodeling sectors. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, JELD-WEN operates facilities in 14 countries in North America and Europe and employs approximately 16,000 associates dedicated to bringing beauty and security to the spaces that touch our lives. The JELD-WEN family of brands includes JELD-WEN worldwide, LaCantina and VPI in North America, and Swedoor and DANA in Europe. For more information, visit corporate.JELD-WEN.com or follow us on LinkedIn. Investor Relations Contact: James Armstrong Vice President, Investor Relations 704-378-5731 [email protected] Media Contact: JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Melissa Farrington Vice President, Enterprise Communications 262-350-6021 [email protected] Note: See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" section for definitions and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "likely," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our business strategies and ability to execute on our plans, market potential, future financial performance, customer demand, the potential of our categories, brands and innovations, the impact of our strategic transformation journey, footprint rationalization, cost reduction and modernization initiatives, the impact of acquisitions and divestitures on our business and our ability to maximize value and integrate operations, our pipeline of productivity projects, the estimated impact of tax reform on our results, geopolitical and economic uncertainty, security breaches and other cybersecurity incidents, impacts on our business from weather and climate change, litigation outcomes, and our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, prospects, assumptions, or other future events, all of which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties and other factors, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed in 2025 and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Non-GAAP Financial Information This press release presents certain "non-GAAP" financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations, Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations, Adjusted EPS from continuing operations, Free Cash Flow, and Net Debt Leverage. The components of these non-GAAP measures are computed by using amounts that are determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release to their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the tables at the end of this press release. The Company provides certain guidance solely on a non-GAAP basis because the Company cannot predict certain elements that are included in certain reported GAAP results. While management is not able to provide a reconciliation of items for forward-looking non-GAAP measures without unreasonable effort, management bases the estimated ranges of non-GAAP measures for future periods on its reasonable estimates of certain items such as assumed effective tax rate, assumed interest expense, and other assumptions about capital requirements for future periods. Although the Company believes the assumptions reflected in the range of its 2025 guidance are reasonable, actual results could vary substantially given the uncertainty regarding the future performance of the global economy, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, disruptions in supply chains, and changes in raw material prices and other costs as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described below. In addition, the guidance ranges provided for 2025 do not include the impact of potential acquisitions or divestitures. The variability of these items may have a significant impact on our future GAAP results. Other companies may compute these measures differently. The non-U.S. GAAP information has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP information. It does not purport to represent any similarly titled U.S. GAAP information and is not an indicator of our performance under U.S. GAAP. We present several financial metrics in "Core" terms, which exclude the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestitures completed in the last twelve months. We define Core Revenues as net revenues excluding the impact of foreign exchange, and acquisitions and divestitures completed in the last twelve months. The use of "Core" metrics assists management, investors, and analysts in understanding the organic performance of the operations. We use Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations, Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations, and Adjusted EPS from continuing operations because we believe they assist investors and analysts in comparing our operating performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations are helpful in highlighting trends because they exclude certain items outside the control of management, while other measures can differ significantly depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which we operate, and capital investments. We use Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations to measure our financial performance in reporting our results to our Board of Directors. Further, our executive incentive compensation is based in part on Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of financial performance or to cash flows from operations as a liquidity measure. We define Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations as income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax, adjusted for the following items: income tax expense (benefit); depreciation and amortization; interest expense (income), net; and certain special items consisting of non-recurring net legal and professional expenses and settlements; goodwill impairment; restructuring and asset-related charges, net; M&A related costs (income); net (gain) loss on sale of business, property and equipment; loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt; share-based compensation expense; non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation (gain) loss; and other special items. We use Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations because we believe this measure assists investors and analysts in comparing our operating performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. Adjusted Net (Loss) Income from continuing operations represents loss from continuing operations adjusted for the after-tax impact of (i) certain special items used to calculate Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations as described above and (ii) accelerated amortization of an ERP that we are no longer utilizing after we completed our related obligations under the JW Australia Transition Services Agreement during the first quarter of 2024. Where applicable, the specifically identified items are tax effected at the applicable jurisdictional tax rate and tax expense is adjusted to remove the effect of discrete tax items. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations represents loss from continuing operations per diluted share adjusted to exclude the estimated per share impact of the same specifically identified items used to calculate Adjusted Net (Loss) Income from continuing operations as described above. Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations represents Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations as a percentage of net revenues. We present Free Cash Flow because we believe this metric assists investors and analysts in determining the quality of our earnings. Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash (used in) provided by operating activities less capital expenditures (including purchases of intangible assets). Free Cash Flow should not be considered as an alternative to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities as a liquidity measure. We also present Net Debt Leverage because it is a key financial metric that is used by management to assess the balance sheet risk of the Company. We define Net Debt Leverage as Net Debt (total principal debt outstanding less unrestricted cash) divided by Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for the last twelve-month period. Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this release may not sum precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures. JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In millions, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended September 27, 2025 September 28, 2024 % Variance Net revenues $ 809.5 $ 934.7 (13.4) % Cost of sales 668.6 754.8 (11.4) % Gross margin 140.9 179.9 (21.7) % Selling, general and administrative 137.7 143.3 (3.9) % Goodwill impairment 196.9 63.4 210.3 % Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 8.8 25.5 (65.4) % Operating loss (202.5) (52.4) 286.4 % Interest expense, net 17.4 16.3 6.8 % Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.5 (100.0) % Other income, net (1.1) (3.5) (68.3) % Loss from continuing operations before taxes (218.9) (65.7) 233.1 % Income tax expense 148.7 7.3 1,951.4 % Loss from continuing operations, net of tax (367.6) (73.0) 403.8 % Loss on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax (1.4) (100.0) % Net loss $ (367.6) $ (74.4) 394.1 % Diluted Net loss per share $ (4.30) $ (0.88) Diluted Shares 85,392,703 84,554,174 Other financial data: Operating loss margin (25.0) % (5.6) % Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(1) $ 44.4 $ 81.6 (45.6) % Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations(1) 5.5 % 8.7 % (1) Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In millions, except share and per share data) Nine Months Ended September 27, 2025 September 28, 2024 % Variance Net revenues $ 2,409.2 $ 2,879.9 (16.3) % Cost of sales 2,012.8 2,337.4 (13.9) % Gross margin 396.4 542.5 (26.9) % Selling, general and administrative 431.0 494.5 (12.9) % Goodwill impairment 334.6 63.4 427.4 % Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 32.2 60.0 (46.3) % Operating loss (401.4) (75.5) 431.4 % Interest expense, net 48.8 48.6 0.5 % Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.2 1.9 (87.6) % Other income, net (16.3) (20.2) (19.5) % Loss from continuing operations before taxes (434.2) (105.8) 310.4 % Income tax expense 145.9 13.4 989.8 % Loss from continuing operations, net of tax (580.0) (119.2) 386.7 % Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax 0.8 (1.4) (153.9) % Net loss $ (579.3) $ (120.6) 380.2 % Diluted Net loss per share from continuing operations $ (6.81) $ (1.40) Diluted Net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations 0.01 (0.02) Diluted Net loss per share $ (6.80) $ (1.42) Diluted shares 85,206,011 85,115,070 Other financial data: Operating loss margin (16.7) % (2.6) % Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(1) $ 105.3 $ 235.2 (55.2) % Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations(1) 4.4 % 8.2 % (1) Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA Margin from continuing operations, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (In millions, except share and per share data) September 27, 2025 December 31, 2024 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 106.7 $ 150.3 Restricted cash 1.7 0.7 Accounts receivable, net 442.7 388.4 Inventories 466.9 460.1 Other current assets 80.7 73.4 Assets held for sale 126.9 Total current assets 1,098.7 1,199.9 Property and equipment, net 723.1 681.4 Deferred tax assets 16.2 143.3 Goodwill 315.2 Intangible assets, net 100.0 102.0 Operating lease assets, net 175.5 126.3 Other assets 58.2 52.1 Total assets $ 2,171.8 $ 2,620.2 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 290.4 $ 264.9 Accrued payroll and benefits 88.5 89.6 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 218.6 224.2 Current maturities of long-term debt 27.8 30.9 Liabilities held for sale 15.3 Total current liabilities 625.3 625.0 Long-term debt 1,154.9 1,152.4 Unfunded pension liability 26.8 21.6 Operating lease liability 156.2 105.5 Deferred credits and other liabilities 80.5 89.9 Deferred tax liabilities 14.1 5.7 Total liabilities 2,057.8 2,000.1 Shareholders' equity Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 90,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding Common Stock: 900,000,000 shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share, 85,413,805 and 84,653,408 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 0.9 0.8 Additional paid-in capital 780.3 769.1 Accumulated deficit (599.6) (20.4) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (67.6) (129.5) Total shareholders' equity 113.9 620.1 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 2,171.8 $ 2,620.2 JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In millions) Nine Months Ended September 27, 2025 September 28, 2024 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss $ (579.3) $ (120.6) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 83.0 97.6 Deferred income taxes 136.6 (9.7) Net gain on sale of business, property, and equipment (2.4) (8.2) Goodwill impairment 334.6 63.4 Adjustment to carrying value of assets 5.1 18.0 Amortization of deferred financing costs 1.8 1.9 Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.2 1.2 Loss on foreign currency translation adjustment related to the substantial liquidation of a foreign subsidiary 4.3 (Gain) loss on sale of discontinued operations (1.0) 1.4 Share-based compensation expense 11.9 12.6 Recovery of cost from receipts on impaired notes (1.4) Other items, net 4.7 (5.2) Net change in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (37.4) 20.4 Inventories 9.1 (1.4) Other assets 8.2 (0.8) Accounts payable and accrued expenses (4.9) 11.0 Change in short-term and long-term tax liabilities (8.0) (6.5) Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (37.7) 78.0 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property and equipment (90.3) (109.8) Proceeds from sale of business, property and equipment 2.8 11.7 Purchase of intangible assets (13.6) (8.2) Proceeds related to the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda 110.7 Recovery of cost from receipts on impaired notes 1.4 Cash received for notes receivable Cash received from insurance proceeds 0.8 1.7 Purchase of securities for deferred compensation plan (0.7) (3.1) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 9.6 (106.4) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Change in long-term debt and payments of debt extinguishment costs (21.0) (25.6) Common stock issued for exercise of options 2.9 Common stock repurchased (24.3) Payments to tax authorities for employee share-based compensation (0.7) (1.2) Payments related to the sale of JW Australia (0.8) (2.0) Net cash used in financing activities (22.5) (50.3) Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash 8.0 (1.2) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (42.6) (79.8) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning 151.0 289.1 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, ending $ 108.4 $ 209.3 JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited) (In millions) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (amounts in millions) September 27, 2025 September 28, 2024 September 27, 2025 September 28, 2024 Loss from continuing operations, net of tax $ (367.6) $ (73.0) $ (580.0) $ (119.2) Income tax expense 148.7 7.3 145.9 13.4 Depreciation and amortization(1) 28.3 27.9 83.0 97.6 Interest expense, net 17.4 16.3 48.8 48.6 Special items: Net legal and professional expenses and settlements(2) 5.8 12.3 26.3 49.8 Goodwill impairment(3) 196.9 63.4 334.6 63.4 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net(4)(5) 8.8 25.5 32.2 60.0 M&A related costs(6) 2.4 3.0 1.9 9.2 Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment(7) (5.4) (2.8) (8.2) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt(8) 0.5 0.2 1.9 Share-based compensation expense(9) 4.3 2.5 11.9 12.6 Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation gain(10) (0.4) (3.1) Other special items(11) (0.6) 1.7 3.3 9.1 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 44.4 $ 81.6 $ 105.3 $ 235.2 (1) Depreciation and amortization expense includes accelerated amortization of $14.1 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2024, in Corporate and unallocated costs for an ERP system that we are no longer utilizing after we completed our related obligations under the JW Australia Transition Services Agreement during the first quarter of 2024. (2) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements include non-recurring transformation journey expenses of $5.3 million and $24.6 million in the three and nine months ended September 27, 2025, respectively, and $12.0 million and $46.6 million in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2024, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2025, these expenses primarily relate to project-based consulting fees that directly support the transformation journey that are not expected to recur in the foreseeable future. These projects include the centralization of human resources processes, North America supply chain network optimization strategy, and other projects related to our transformation journey. For the three and nine months ended September 28, 2024, these expenses primarily relate to the engagement of a transformation consultant for a period spanning from the third quarter of 2023 through April 2025, for which we incurred $7.0 million and $35.4 million in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2024, respectively. Expenses for this transformation consultant's engagement, which was extended into 2025, included $2.5 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2025, respectively. Additionally, net legal and professional expenses and settlements include $0.4 million in both the three and nine months ended September 27, 2025, and $0.2 million and $2.8 million in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2024, respectively, relating to litigation of historic legal matters. (3) Goodwill impairment consists of goodwill impairment charges associated with our North America and Europe reporting units in 2025 and our Europe reporting unit in 2024. (4) Restructuring and asset-related charges, net represents severance, accelerated depreciation and amortization, equipment relocation and other expenses directly incurred as a result of restructuring events. The restructuring charges primarily relate to charges incurred to change the operating structure, eliminate certain roles, and close certain manufacturing facilities in our North America and Europe segments. (5) Product and inventory-related charges related to announced facility closures were detrimental to Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations. (6) M&A related costs consist of legal and professional expenses related to the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda and other strategic initiatives. (7) Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment in the nine months ended September 27, 2025, primarily relates to the court-ordered divestiture of Towanda and the sale of property and equipment in Marion, North Carolina. Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment in the three months ended September 28, 2024, primarily relates to the sale of our business in St. Kitts. Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment in the nine months ended September 28, 2024, primarily relates to the sale of our business in St. Kitts and property in Chile. (8) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt consists of $0.2 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2025, associated with an amendment of our ABL Facility. Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt of $0.5 million in the three months ended September 28, 2024, associated with the redemption of the remaining $200.0 million of our 4.63% Senior Notes. Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt of $1.9 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2024, associated with an amendment of our Term Loan Facility and redemption of the remaining $200.0 million of our 4.63% Senior Notes. (9) Share-based compensation expense represents non-cash equity-based compensation expense related to the issuance of share-based awards. (10) Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation gain is primarily associated with fair value adjustments of foreign currency derivatives and revaluation of balances denominated in foreign currencies. (11) Other special items not core to ongoing business activity include: in the nine months ended September 28, 2024, a loss of $4.3 million of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments related to the substantial liquidation of a foreign subsidiary in Chile in our North America segment, a one-time realized foreign currency loss of $1.6 million in our Europe segment related to a cash repatriation event, and ($1.5) million of cash received on an impaired note in Corporate and unallocated costs. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (amounts in millions, except share and per share data) September 27, 2025 September 28, 2024 September 27, 2025 September 28, 2024 Loss from continuing operations, net of tax $ (367.6) $ (73.0) $ (580.0) $ (119.2) Special items:(1) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 5.8 12.3 26.3 49.8 Goodwill impairment 196.9 63.4 334.6 63.4 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 8.8 25.5 32.2 60.0 M&A related costs 2.4 3.0 1.9 9.2 Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment (5.4) (2.8) (8.2) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.5 0.2 1.9 Share-based compensation expense 4.3 2.5 11.9 12.6 Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation gain (0.4) (3.1) Accelerated amortization of an ERP system(2) 14.1 Other special items (0.6) 1.7 3.3 9.1 Tax impact of special items(3) 10.5 (7.4) (31.3) Tax special items(4) 122.3 4.8 137.7 16.8 Adjusted Net (Loss) Income from continuing operations $ (17.3) $ 27.6 $ (34.7) $ 75.4 Diluted loss per share from continuing operations $ (4.30) $ (0.86) $ (6.81) $ (1.40) Impact of additional dilutive shares on the reported dilutive (loss) income per share (0.01) 0.02 Special items:(1) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 0.07 0.14 0.31 0.58 Goodwill impairment 2.31 0.74 3.93 0.73 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 0.10 0.30 0.38 0.69 M&A related costs 0.03 0.04 0.02 0.11 Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment (0.06) (0.03) (0.09) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.01 0.02 Share-based compensation expense 0.05 0.03 0.14 0.15 Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation gain (0.04) Accelerated amortization of an ERP system(2) 0.16 Other special items (0.01) 0.02 0.04 0.11 Tax impact of special items(3) 0.12 (0.09) (0.36) Tax special items(4) 1.43 0.06 1.62 0.19 Adjusted Net (Loss) Income per share from continuing operations $ (0.20) $ 0.32 $ (0.41) $ 0.87 Weighted average diluted shares 85,392,703 85,630,545 85,206,011 86,401,875 Less: Effect of dilutive securities 1,076,371 1,286,805 Weighted average basic shares 85,392,703 84,554,174 85,206,011 85,115,070 Adjusted Net (Loss) Income from continuing operations per share may not sum due to rounding. (1) Refer to the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for a discussion of the Special items listed above. (2) Accelerated amortization of an ERP that we are no longer utilizing after we completed our related obligations under the JW Australia Transition Services Agreement during the first quarter of 2024. (3) Except for non-deductible goodwill impairments, adjustments to net (loss) income and net (loss) income per share are tax-effected at the jurisdictional statutory tax rate. (4) Tax special items for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2025 were primarily driven by valuation expense recorded against our U.S. tax attributes of $115.0 million and $129.2 million, respectively. Tax special items for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2024 were primarily driven by tax expense on uncertain tax positions from audits dating back to the year 2015 of $2.4 million and $12.1 million, respectively, and valuation expense recorded against our U.S. tax attributes of $2.6 million and $4.3 million, respectively. Three Months Ended September 27, 2025 (amounts in millions) North America Europe Corporate and Unallocated Costs Total Consolidated Loss from continuing operations, net of tax $ (181.3) $ (153.4) $ (33.0) $ (367.6) Income tax expense (benefit) 151.9 0.4 (3.6) 148.7 Depreciation and amortization 17.3 8.5 2.5 28.3 Interest expense, net 0.2 1.0 16.2 17.4 Special items:(1) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 1.1 1.5 3.1 5.8 Goodwill impairment 43.5 153.4 196.9 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 3.9 3.9 1.0 8.8 M&A related costs 2.4 2.4 Share-based compensation expense 0.6 0.7 3.0 4.3 Other special items 0.3 (0.9) (0.6) Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 37.7 $ 16.0 $ (9.3) $ 44.4 (1) Refer to the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for a discussion of the Special items listed above. Three Months Ended September 28, 2024 (amounts in millions) North America Europe Corporate and Unallocated Costs Total Consolidated Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 35.8 $ (66.7) $ (42.1) $ (73.0) Income tax expense (benefit) 6.5 2.6 (1.8) 7.3 Depreciation and amortization 18.1 7.9 1.8 27.9 Interest expense (income), net 0.8 15.5 16.3 Special items:(1) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 0.6 1.0 10.7 12.3 Goodwill impairment 63.4 63.4 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 17.1 7.8 0.6 25.5 M&A related costs 3.0 3.0 Net (gain) loss on sale of business, property and equipment (5.3) (0.2) (5.4) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.5 0.5 Share-based compensation expense 0.3 0.3 1.8 2.5 Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation loss (gain) 0.1 (0.5) 0.1 (0.4) Other special items 0.7 0.3 0.7 1.7 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 74.8 $ 16.3 $ (9.4) $ 81.6 (1) Refer to the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for a discussion of the Special items listed above. Nine Months Ended September 27, 2025 (amounts in millions) North America Europe Corporate and Unallocated Costs Total Consolidated Loss from continuing operations, net of tax $ (333.6) $ (160.8) $ (85.7) $ (580.0) Income tax expense (benefit) 166.5 6.8 (27.5) 145.9 Depreciation and amortization 51.4 24.3 7.4 83.0 Interest (income) expense, net (1.0) 2.6 47.2 48.8 Special items:(1) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 2.6 4.3 19.4 26.3 Goodwill impairment 181.2 153.4 334.6 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 19.0 11.5 1.7 32.2 M&A related costs 1.9 1.9 Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment (2.8) (2.8) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 0.2 0.2 Share-based compensation expense 2.1 1.7 8.1 11.9 Other special items 2.3 0.1 0.9 3.3 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 87.9 $ 43.7 $ (26.4) $ 105.3 (1) Refer to the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for a discussion of the Special items listed above. Nine Months Ended September 28, 2024 (amounts in millions) North America Europe Corporate and Unallocated Costs Total Consolidated Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ 82.8 $ (71.7) $ (130.3) $ (119.2) Income tax expense (benefit) 26.8 15.8 (29.2) 13.4 Depreciation and amortization(1) 55.0 22.9 19.6 97.6 Interest expense, net 2.1 0.9 45.5 48.6 Special items:(2) Net legal and professional expenses and settlements 2.3 2.4 45.1 49.8 Goodwill impairment 63.4 63.4 Restructuring and asset-related charges, net 40.2 18.4 1.4 60.0 M&A related costs 9.2 9.2 Net gain on sale of business, property and equipment (7.8) (0.2) (0.2) (8.2) Loss on extinguishment and refinancing of debt 1.9 1.9 Share-based compensation expense 2.6 1.0 9.0 12.6 Non-cash foreign exchange transaction/translation loss (gain) 0.3 (3.8) 0.4 (3.1) Other special items 7.2 1.9 9.1 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $ 211.6 $ 51.2 $ (27.6) $ 235.2 (1) Corporate and unallocated depreciation and amortization expense in the nine months ended September 28, 2024, includes accelerated amortization of $14.1 million for an ERP system that we are no longer utilizing after we completed our related obligations under the JW Australia Transition Services Agreement. (2) Refer to the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for a discussion of the Special items listed above. Nine Months Ended (amounts in millions) September 27, 2025 September 28, 2024 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $ (37.7) $ 78.0 Less: capital expenditures(1) 103.9 118.0 Free Cash Flow(1) $ (141.6) $ (40.0) (1) Free Cash Flow is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Free Cash Flow, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." (amounts in millions except Net Debt Leverage) September 27, 2025 December 31, 2024 Total debt $ 1,182.7 $ 1,183.4 Less: cash and cash equivalents 106.7 150.3 Net Debt(1) $ 1,076.0 $ 1,033.1 Divided by trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(2) 145.4 275.2 Net Debt Leverage(1) 7.4x 3.8x (1) Net Debt and Net Debt Leverage are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Net Debt Leverage, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." (2) Trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for both periods. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." Segment Results (Unaudited) (In millions) Three Months Ended (amounts in millions) September 27, 2025 September 28, 2024 % Variance Net revenues from external customers North America $ 546.1 $ 677.9 (19.4) % Europe 263.3 256.8 2.6 % Total Consolidated $ 809.5 $ 934.7 (13.4) % Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(1) North America $ 37.7 $ 74.8 (49.6) % Europe 16.0 16.3 (1.3) % Corporate and unallocated costs (9.3) (9.4) (0.9) % Total Consolidated $ 44.4 $ 81.6 (45.6) % Nine Months Ended (amounts in millions) September 27, 2025 September 28, 2024 % Variance Net revenues from external customers North America $ 1,632.4 $ 2,068.5 (21.1) % Europe 776.8 811.3 (4.2) % Total Consolidated $ 2,409.2 $ 2,879.9 (16.3) % Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(1) North America $ 87.9 $ 211.6 (58.4) % Europe 43.7 51.2 (14.6) % Corporate and unallocated costs (26.4) (27.6) (4.5) % Total Consolidated $ 105.3 $ 235.2 (55.2) % (1) Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a discussion of our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, see above under the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Information." SOURCE JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. Netherlands site will bring 500 manufacturing and 1,500 construction jobs while further strengthening Lilly's global supply chain INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced today plans to build a new $3 billion manufacturing facility in Katwijk, the Netherlands, located within the Leiden Bio Science Park. This major project will expand Lilly's capacity to produce oral medicines and strengthen the company's global supply chain. SOURCE: Eli Lilly and Company The facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies to meet the needs of Lilly's growing portfolio of oral solid medicines in cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology and immunology. Innovative capabilities will include dock-to-dock automation and material flow, paperless manufacturing, process analytical technology and spray-dried dispersion, which allows oral medicines to be effectively absorbed. The new site will also be among those that will manufacture orforglipron, Lilly's first oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist. The company expects to submit orforglipron to global regulatory agencies for obesity by the end of this year. "With extensive investments already underway in the U.S., our planned expansion in Europe further strengthens our ability to deliver medicines to patients worldwide. Localized manufacturing ensures we can quickly respond to meet regional demand and accelerate distribution within Europe," said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. "Leiden Bio Science Park offers access to a skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure and proven pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. We look forward to working closely with the EU, national and local governments to create a more favorable and predictable policy environment open to fully harnessing innovative medicines to deliver faster access to patients." Lilly will bring 500 high-wage jobs to the South Holland province, including highly skilled engineers, scientists, operations personnel and lab technicians, who will leverage state-of-the-art technology to produce life-changing medicines. In addition, an estimated 1,500 jobs will be created during construction, which is expected to begin next year. Lilly's investment is contingent upon the finalization of government permits and local approvals. "I'm truly proud that Lilly has chosen the Netherlands, Katwijk and the Leiden Bio Science Park after considering many locations across Europe," said Vincent Karremans, minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands. "The arrival of Lilly will not only bring new jobs and investments but also boost collaboration in the field of innovative medicines, helping us work together on solutions that truly improve people's health and lives." Lilly has established a strong manufacturing footprint in Europe with four existing sites across France, Ireland, Italy and Spain. To meet the growing demand for Lilly medicines, the company has shared plans for three additional EU sites since 2020, including new greenfield sites in Ireland, Germany, and now, the Netherlands. In a recent worldwide benchmark of 32 countries, the Netherlands ranked top-tier in terms of business climate for life sciences companies. Lilly's ongoing investments in the region will create operational synergies and supply chain flexibility, support the early-stage life science ecosystem and strengthen university and government relationships. "At Lilly, we are investing in next-generation manufacturing facilities around the world to ensure our medicines are made and distributed closer to the communities and patients we serve. Expanding our capabilities in Europe strengthens our global supply chain and reflects our commitment to getting innovative treatments to patients who need them," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "Additionally, with each new facility we are building, we find ways to continue to minimize our environmental footprint assuring carbon neutrality in our operations and generating zero waste to landfills." The company recently announced plans to expand an existing manufacturing site in Puerto Rico and to build sites in Texas and Virginia. Two more U.S. locations will be announced in the next few months. About Lilly Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help tens of millions of people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit Lilly.com and Lilly.com/news, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. C-LLY Trademarks and Trade Names All trademarks or trade names referred to in this press release are the property of the company, or, to the extent trademarks or trade names belonging to other companies are references in this press release, the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this press release are referred to without the and symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that the company or, to the extent applicable, their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the company's or their rights thereto. We do not intend the use or display of other companies' trademarks and trade names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) including about planned capital investments in new manufacturing capacity, production and delivery of medicines, sustainability goals, hiring and related initiatives and reflects Lilly's current beliefs and expectations. However, as with any such undertaking, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the manufacturing process, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products any of which could impact the overall commercial success of our products, and as related to cost, completion timing, expected capacity, personnel, and other factors which could impact expected benefits of the capacity expansion and related initiatives. For further discussion of risks and uncertainties relevant to Lilly's business that could cause actual results to differ from Lilly's expectations, see Lilly's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release. SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company Funds will support cell, gene, and regenerative medicine therapy LOMA LINDA, Calif., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has awarded $9 million to Loma Linda University Health to create a Community Care Center of Excellence (CCCE) in the Inland Empire and Desert Region. This Center of Excellence is led by Hisham Abdel-Azim, MD, MS, division chief of Transplant and Cell Therapy/Hematological Malignancies. The CCCE program is the first of its kind designed to make regenerative medicine clinical trials and treatments accessible for Californians. "This funding ensures underserved populations will have local access to cutting-edge cell, gene, and regenerative medicine therapies (CGRMT), such as CAR T cell therapy," Abdel-Azim said. Grant funding will also support a state-of-the-art transplant and cell therapy Good Manufacturing Practices lab that not only serves cancer patients but extends to other non-malignant diseases such as neurological and immune disorders. The lab will allow for onsite cell manufacturing capacity and build a robust team to offer cutting-edge treatments and trials for a wide range of conditions, including cancers, sickle cell disease, and various neurological and immune disorders. "We now have the ability to join forces with academic and industry experts to bring world-class technologies directly to the underserved Inland Empire and desert region patients," Abdel-Azim said. "We're changing the way we do medicine in collaboration with our colleagues in neurology and neurosurgery among various other specialties." Loma Linda University Transplant and Cellular Therapy is the only program in the region accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy, making Loma Linda University Health the only center in the vast Inland Empire geographic region offering these advanced, personalized therapies for adults and children. Loma Linda University Health is the first and only provider in the Inland Empire and desert region offering cell, gene, and regenerative medicine therapy for both children and adults. Learn more about transplant and cellular therapy online. About Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) Loma Linda University Health includes Loma Linda University's eight professional schools, Loma Linda University Medical Center's six hospitals and over 1,100 faculty physicians located in the Inland Empire of Southern California. Established in 1905, LLUH is a global leader in education, research and clinical care. It offers over 100 academic programs and provides quality health care to 40,000 inpatients and 1.5 million outpatients each year. A Seventh-day Adventist organization, LLUH is a faith-based health system with a mission "to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ." SOURCE Loma Linda University Health EAST MEADOW, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LuminoCity Festival (LuminoCity) is thrilled to announce its wildly popular and enduring holiday lights extravaganza will return to Nassau County's Eisenhower Park with an all new theme and attractions. This year's theme, "Fantasy Winter Fairyland," offers 14 acres of dazzling lights, towering sculptures, and endless photo ops in one of the largest immersive walk-through light festivals in the United States. LuminoCity Festival "Each time we return to this remarkable venue is yet another opportunity to deliver on a promise we renew annually: to create indelible holiday memories for each and every one of our guests," said Xiaoyi Chen, founder and CEO of LuminoCity. "We are proud to partner with Nassau County once more to present this showcase event, and are beyond thrilled that it has become a tradition for so many in the community. Long Island is our home, and there is no place like home for the holidays!" Among the many attractions this year is a spectacular, fifty-foot "Castle in the Sky," one of the tallest light sculptures in North America, a four-story high Christmas tree, and millions of LED lights - enough to blanket the Brooklyn Bridge! The festival will again feature winning submissions from the annual Lumi's Utopia children's art initiative, one now in its fifth year and in partnership with the Long Island Children's Museum that transforms hand drawn creations into dazzlingly re-imagined 3D light sculptures. "I am proud to welcome LuminoCity's Holiday Lights Festival back to Nassau County's Eisenhower Park for the 2025 winter season," said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. "Each year, this spectacular attraction draws tens of thousands of visitors from across Long Island and beyond, boosting our local economy and showcasing Nassau County as a premier destination for family-friendly events. Whether you're a lifelong resident or visiting for the first time, I invite everyone to come experience the magic of LuminoCity right here in Eisenhower Park." The Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park is the company's longest running, signature event, with over 160,000 guests having attended since its inception in 2022. For more information, visit https://www.luminocityfestival.com/ . Media interested in attending an Opening Ceremony on November 7th or for general inquiries please email: [email protected] . Media assets can be found here. SOURCE LuminoCity Festival CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread, a brand synonymous with quality and family gatherings, is excited to announce its annual holiday campaign, "Very Merry Martin's." The campaign shines a spotlight on two seasonal favorites, Martin's Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls and Martin's Sweet Party Potato Rolls, and gives fans a chance to win incredible prizes through the "Very Merry Giveaway." As families prepare for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other festive celebrations, Martin's Sweet Dinner and Sweet Party Potato Rolls are the perfect addition to any holiday table. With their soft, pillowy texture and a touch of sweetness, these rolls complement savory holiday feasts, from the Thanksgiving turkey to Christmas ham. They are also the ideal base for leftover sliders and festive appetizers, making every meal a special occasion. The spirit of the campaign is centered on bringing people together, a sentiment echoed by the Martin family. "The holidays are a cherished time for connection, gathering with loved ones, and creating lasting memories," said Joe Martin, Executive Vice President of Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.. "Our Sweet Dinner and Sweet Party Potato Rolls are designed to be part of those special moments. Whether passed around a crowded Thanksgiving table or enjoyed at a lively Christmas party, our goal is to help families create joyful experiences. It's about more than just food; it's about the comfort and togetherness that a shared meal provides." To share even more holiday cheer, the campaign features the "Very Merry Giveaway," running from Monday, November 3, through Wednesday, December 31. The sweepstakes is divided into three prize periods, each with a unique grand prize package designed to enhance the holiday season. The first giveaway, themed for the ultimate Thanksgiving, will award one winner a prize package perfect for preparing a magnificent feast. It includes a premium 8-quart Le Creuset Dutch Oven, a $200 Visa gift card, an assortment of Martin's branded merchandise, and Martin's Sweet Rolls. The second prize period celebrates the magic of Christmas morning. The winner will receive a "Christmas Morning Prize Package" featuring a Nespresso coffee machine with a milk frother and pods, a $200 Visa gift card, Martin's Sweet Rolls, and other cozy Martin's items to make the morning bright. To ring in 2026, the final giveaway focuses on a fresh start. The "New Year's Fresh Start Prize Package" includes a Ninja Twisti Blender Duo for healthy smoothies, a Pyrex food storage set, a $200 Visa gift card, Martin's Sweet Rolls, and Martin's gear to help kick off the new year right. Martin's Very Merry Giveaway is open to U.S. residents aged 21 and older. Participants can enter once per day throughout the campaign period. For complete official rules, prize details, and to enter for a chance to win, please visit VeryMerryMartins.com. About Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc. is a family owned and operated consumer goods company headquartered in Chambersburg, PA, with a second bakery in Valdosta, GA. The Martin's company focuses on baking high-quality bread and roll products using high-quality ingredients. They are rigorously dedicated to extraordinary taste, quality, and customer service that proudly represents their legacy of cherished eating experiences and truly sets them apart from their competitors. Since the 1950s, the business has expanded from a home garage business into two commercial baking plants and continues to grow and flourish in areas of established distribution. For more information, visit: www.potatorolls.com. SOURCE Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc. Mesirow Financial Switzerland SA opens in Geneva. Senior Client Relationship Managers to provide in-market client support and currency management expertise. Mesirow has been managing currency risk for Swiss clients since 2004, with USD 50.2 billion in assets under management1 across 20 currency management clients in Switzerland. CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mesirow, an independent, employee-owned financial services firm based in Chicago, announced today the opening of a new office in Geneva to further support and provide in-market expertise for its local currency management clients. Mesirow Currency has a long-standing presence in the Swiss market and is currently managing approximately USD 50.2 billion in assets across 20 clients in Switzerland. L to R: Yves Perreard, Founder and CEO of PPI and Joe Hoffman, CEO of Mesirow Currency This milestone represents the natural continuation of a partnership with Swiss-based Perreard Partners Investment SA (PPI), with whom Mesirow has collaborated closely since 2004 to deliver tailored currency management solutions to institutional clients across Switzerland. "Our enduring collaboration in Switzerland has been built on trust, expertise and a shared commitment to client success," said Joe Hoffman, CEOof Mesirow Currency. "The establishment of Mesirow Financial Switzerland SA represents the next logical step in continuing that legacy and deepening our engagement with Swiss clients." Yves Perreard, founder and CEO of PPI, will accompany this next phase of development as a consultant to Mesirow Financial Switzerland SA, ensuring continuity of client relationships, values and expertise. In addition, two Senior Client Relationship Managers have joined the Geneva office, bringing deep knowledge of the Swiss market and long-standing client relationships that will strengthen Mesirow's ability to deliver bespoke currency management solutions. With over 20 years of experience delivering tailored currency risk management products, Mesirow remains committed to combining global expertise with local insight, ensuring its clients continue to receive stability, excellence, and the custom solutions and trusted partnership they've come to expect from Mesirow Currency. About Mesirow Currency With more than $199B in currency assets,1Mesirow Currency delivers innovative, customized currency solutions to institutional clients globally. Being a private, employee-owned firm, Mesirow is free from many conflicts of interest associated with bank-affiliated organizations or publicly held firms and is fully aligned with the interests of its clients. Mesirow Currency offers passive and dynamic currency risk management, currency for return (alpha), and outsourced trading solutions. About Mesirow Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices around the world, we serve clients through a personal, custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good. With capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency, Capital Markets & Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities and our culture. Mesirow has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain's Chicago Business multiple times and is one of Barron's Top 100 RIA firms. To learn more, visit mesirow.com, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to Spark, our quarterly newsletter. Media [email protected] Michael Herley | 203.308.1409 Mesirow refers to Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. and its divisions, subsidiaries and affiliates. The Mesirow name and logo are registered service marks of Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc., 2025, Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. Investment management services provided through Mesirow Financial Investment Management, Inc., Mesirow Institutional Investment Management, Inc. and Mesirow Financial Private Equity Advisors, Inc., all SEC-registered investment advisor, a CFTC registered commodity trading advisors and member of the NFA, or Mesirow Financial International UK, Ltd. ("MFIUK"), authorized and regulated by the FCA, depending on the jurisdiction. 1. Currency assets under management includes AUM associated with (i) active and passive currency risk management products, (ii) non-fx overlay strategies such as equitization and beta overlays, and (iii) alpha strategies. In all such cases, AUM is calculated based on notional value of currency investments. Additionally, AUM for alpha strategies is adjusted because clients can select a volatility target (generally between 2% and 12% annualized), which is normalized to 2% in order to create a consistent depiction of alpha strategy AUM. This results in a "scaled" AUM, which is higher than the actual aggregate notional value of all alpha strategy portfolios if clients have selected a volatility target higher than 2%. Award recognition disclosures: mesirow.com/award-recognition-disclosures SOURCE Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. Photo: https://x.com/Svyrydenko_Y Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svirydenko has met with the ambassadors to NATO from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United States and the United Kingdom during their first joint visit to Ukraine and discussed with them the situation in the country's energy sector and their countries' participation in the PURL initiative. "I met with the ambassadors to NATO from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the United States and the United Kingdom during their first joint visit to Ukraine. This visit gave them the opportunity to see firsthand the realities and consequences of Russian aggression. Our government team briefed them on the current situation in Ukraine's energy sector, which continues to suffer from targeted Russian attacks," Svirydenko said on X on Tuesday. The Prime Minister noted that as Russia increases the scale and frequency of these strikes, it is extremely important that the collective response to both ballistic and cruise missile threats be strengthened. "I express my gratitude to the United States, Matthew Whitaker, NATO leadership, and all NATO member states and partners participating in the PURL initiative. Ukraine urgently needs more effective air defense systems, greater support for Ukraine's defense capabilities through the PURL initiative, and increased investment in domestic defense production," Svyrydenko said. Developed with Spree Finance, AIR Shop is one of the world's first verifiable loyalty platforms AIR Shop is available to all users for free, with higher membership tiers and rewards unlocked through Moca Network and SK Planet credentials HONG KONG, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Moca Network, a flagship project by Animoca Brands that is building the world's largest chain-agnostic decentralized digital identity network, today announced the launch of AIR Shop, one of the world's first verifiable loyalty platforms. Developed with Spree Finance ("Spree"), a commerce and rewards infrastructure layer for tokenized economies, and in partnership with SK Planet, AIR Shop is a platform designed to create verifiable and interoperable loyalty programs. AIR Shop is now available at http://air.shop. Moca Network launches AIR Shop to reward SK Planet users verified with AIR Identity SK Planet, a leading South Korean information and communications technology company and the operator of OK Cashbag, the country's largest integrated rewards service, has taken the strategic step to adopt Moca Network's enterprise-grade decentralized identity infrastructure. By integrating AIR Identity, Moca Network's flagship digital identity protocol, into its ecosystem, SK Planet provides 29 million users and 95,000 merchants with verifiable and interoperable identity services powered by zero-knowledge proof technology, ensuring user data sovereignty and interoperability. AIR Shop is a verifiable loyalty platform that provides users access to a wide range of global offers including flights, hotels, car rentals, villas, premium retail and VIP experiences. Users can earn rewards worth up to 31% of their spend (depending on membership tier) at participating merchants, and are able to redeem or spend points transparently on-chain. AIR Shop's real-world travel deals and unique experiences are powered by BookIt.com. Anyone is now able to create an AIR account at AIR Shop for free access to a Basic Tier membership. Tier upgrades are available to users with selected verified credentials tied to OK Cashbag's OCB loyalty points, MOCA Coin, and Mocaverse NFT staking status, which allow users to unlock rewards denominated in AIR SP, the stablecoin-backed loyalty point system of AIR Shop. Kyosu Kim, chief business officer of SK Planet, said, "SK Planet has always been at the forefront of consumer loyalty innovation with OK Cashbag. Partnering with Moca Network to launch AIR Shop allows us to extend our ecosystem into Web3 while continuing to serve our millions of users with greater value and more exciting experiences. AIR Shop is a powerful step forward in connecting retail loyalty with blockchain-powered rewards." Kenneth Shek, project lead of Moca Network said, "AIR Shop represents a new era of verifiable loyalty rewarding users with precision while preventing reward abuse. SK Planet is positioning itself at the forefront of loyalty and decentralized identifier innovation by giving users ownership of their data and allowing their digital identities to be verifiable in a highly interoperable manner. We are very excited to work with SK Planet to bring identity to its vast merchant and user network." To mark its debut, AIR Shop is launching a series of exclusive sweepstakes campaigns. Eligible participants can enter sweepstakes campaigns using AIR SP for a chance to win prizes including a five-day luxury vacation in Jeju Island, Grand Prix racing experiences, BLACKPINK concert tickets in Tokyo Dome, and more. Terms and conditions apply. About Moca Network Moca Network is building the world's largest chain-agnostic decentralized identity network, with privacy-preserved infrastructure for identity verifications, and interoperability of users and data across industries and ecosystems. As the premier identity ecosystem created by Animoca Brands, Moca Network brings together over 600 portfolio companies, more than 700 million addressable users, and a diverse range of enterprise partners. Moca Network utilizes MOCA Coin as its utility and governance token. Moca Network Blog: https://moca.network/blog Website: https://moca.network X: https://x.com/Moca_Network Telegram: https://t.me/MocaverseCommunity Discord: http://discord.gg/MocaverseNFT Contact: [email protected] About SK Planet SK Planet is a leading Data & Tech company in South Korea. Operating the country's largest integrated rewards service, OK Cashbag, and the Web3 wallet UPTN Station, SK Planet is at the forefront of integrating technology with user-centric services. For more information, please visit http://www.skplanet.co.kr/eng. About Spree Finance Spree is the Commerce and Rewards infrastructure layer for tokenized economies. Through its on-chain payments, rewards, and credit products, Spree Finance enables 3,000+ native crypto tokens to be accepted with 2M+ merchants. Its revolutionary "Stable-Points" technology powers the SpreePoints token, fully backed by USD-stablecoins and white-labeleable by major blockchain partners, bringing instant utility and real-world commerce application to any partner token ecosystem. About BookIt.com BookIt.com is the next-gen blockchain-powered travel, shopping, and experience "Super App" platform. BookIt.com members access unprecedented value not just on hotels, cruises, and flights, but also on unforgettable experiences, plus premium and luxury products. Powered by Spree Finance next-gen on-chain "stable-point" technology, users can earn extraordinary rewards in "Spree Points," a stable-coin backed rewards point interoperable across 2M+ brands and merchants on the BookIt.com platform. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2802129/Moca_Network.jpg Contact: Liane Lau [email protected] SOURCE Moca Network Public-sector agencies can now procure secure, on-demand interpreting services through a streamlined NASPO ValuePoint contract. ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NASPO ValuePoint has awarded Piedmont Global a Remote Interpreting Services contract, expanding public-sector access to Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). The award allows eligible state, local, and education agencies to procure on-demand, secure, and compliant language services through the NASPO ValuePoint cooperative purchasing program. "Language should never stand between people and the services that shape their lives," said Mohamed Hussein, Founder and CEO of Piedmont Global. "This NASPO ValuePoint award affirms our commitment to helping public agencies deliver secure, reliable, and human-centered interpreting for the communities they serve. As a minority-owned organization, we're honored to support equitable accesshelping agencies meet their mission with clarity, dignity, and inclusion." Expanding access to language support across public agencies Through this award, public agencies can partner with Piedmont Global to advance inclusive communication across diverse community needs, including: Health and Human Services: Supporting equitable care and access across medical, behavioral health, and public health networks. Supporting equitable care and access across medical, behavioral health, and public health networks. Education: Helping K12 districts, higher education, and workforce programs ensure accessibility and inclusion for every learner. Helping K12 districts, higher education, and workforce programs ensure accessibility and inclusion for every learner. Administrative Agencies: Enabling law enforcement, courts, and civic institutions to improve multilingual engagement and public trust. Secure, compliant, and scalable interpreting services Piedmont Global provides 250+ languages for OPI and VRI, including 24/7 access to ASL. Services are delivered through secure, HIPAA-aligned, enterprise-encrypted platforms and supported by interpreters who meet rigorous credentialing standards. Backed by ISO certification and a deep commitment to Strategic Globalization, Piedmont Global unites human expertise, secure technology, and cultural intelligence to strengthen equitable service delivery across public operations. This award reinforces NASPO ValuePoint's mission to offer high-quality, best-value cooperative contracts that support public service accessibility, efficiency, and impact. About the contract The NASPO ValuePoint Remote Interpreting Services contract (OPI and VRI) is effective immediately and may be used by: State governments Local public agencies and municipalities K12 public education institutions Higher education institutions About Piedmont Global Piedmont Global is a Strategic Globalization partner for enterprises and public sector organizations, dedicated to making cross-cultural operations easier, smarter, and more human. The company offers advisory services, language and cultural expertise, workforce and learning solutions, and tech-enabled platforms, tailored to help clients reduce risk, accelerate readiness, and expand their reach with confidence. Learn more at www.piedmontglobal.com . About NASPO and NASPO ValuePoint About the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO): NASPO is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is composed of the chief procurement officials from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States territories. NASPO helps its members improve public procurement by promoting best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies. Learn more at www.naspo.org . About NASPO ValuePoint: NASPO ValuePoint is the cooperative purchasing arm of NASPO, supporting cooperative public procurement solicitations using the Lead State Model. NASPO ValuePoint aggregates the demand of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and their political subdivisions to deliver competitively sourced, best-value contracts that offer public entities outstanding pricing, favorable terms, and value-added services. Learn more at www.naspovaluepoint.org . NASPO, NASPO ValuePoint, their logos, and Lead State Model are trademarks of the National Association of State Procurement Officials. SOURCE Piedmont Global SANTA CLARA, Calif. and MARIA ENZERSDORF, Austria, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Picarro Inc., in collaboration with Netz Niederosterreich (Netz NO), has successfully completed a large-scale, short-timeline methane emissions inspection project in response to the newly enforced EU Methane Regulation. Netz Niederosterreich, one of Austria's leading gas distribution system operators (DSOs), took early action to meet the regulation's requirements, demonstrating foresight and commitment to environmental responsibility. In less than 4 months, Netz Niederosterreich (Netz NO) successfully completed a 7,500 km methane inspection using Picarro's advanced mobile leak detection technology. This milestone project was launched in response to the EU Methane Regulation, which introduces mandatory Type 2 inspectionshigh-precision leak detection surveys targeting mid- and low-pressure infrastructure (16 bar). Operators must not only implement short interval leak detection measurements, but also robust monitoring and reporting methods, transitioning from estimated to measurement-based emissions data. Annual reports must be submitted to national authorities, with detailed site-level measurement-based reports required from February 2026. These changes reflect the EU's commitment to transparency, accountability, and climate action. Recognizing the urgency of these new requirements, Netz Niederosterreich proactively launched a competitive tender in early 2025 to inspect 7,500 km of gas infrastructure across Lower Austria. The project required 98% network coverage and full investigation of leak indications between April and July 2025. Picarro was awarded the contract and rapidly mobilized resources to leverage its advanced mobile leak detection technology and analytics platform to meet the ambitious timeline and coverage requirements. "After a successful pilot in two regions last autumn, the Picarro system convinced us. This technology enables us to inspect large volumes of our network in an efficient manner that is not currently possible otherwise in such a short timeline," said Thomas Wagner, Head of the Gas Detection Team for Netz Niederosterreich. This project exemplifies how strategic collaboration and agile execution can deliver impactful results under tight timelines. Netz Niederosterreich's forward-thinking approach and operational readiness, combined with Picarro's innovative solutions, enabled the successful completion of the inspection and provided practical experience for the even more demanding requirements of the coming years. "Working with Netz Niederosterreich gave us the opportunity to demonstrate how rapidly Picarro's technology can be deployed at scale to meet both the spirit and the letter of the EU Methane Regulation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and helping them leverage the data-driven insights our technology provides to guide future maintenance and emissions reduction strategies," said Francois-Xavier Rongere, Vice President, Natural Gas Industry at Picarro. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Benefits The project significantly advanced methane emissions management in Austria, helping Netz Niederosterreich align with the EU's climate goals, contributing to: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions across a vast regional network across a vast regional network Enhanced regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship and environmental stewardship Data-driven insights to support future maintenance and emissions reduction strategies About Netz Niederosterreich Netz Niederosterreich GmbH (Netz NO) is a major gas distribution system operator in Austria. With over 13,800 km of gas infrastructure, including 11,600 km of medium- and low-pressure lines, Netz Niederosterreich ensures the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to approximately 285,000 customer installations. The company plays a pivotal role in Austria's energy landscape, not only by maintaining its network but also by integrating modern technologies such as smart metering and digital grid monitoring. About Picarro Picarro is a global leader in Network Intelligence and methane emissions reduction solutions, providing natural gas operators with tools to revolutionize risk management. The enterprise solution helps increase safety, lower emissions, optimize asset management, and reduce costs within a unified framework. With Picarro technology and analytics, operators can proactively manage leaks, prioritize critical issues, and assess gas system health and performance continuously. For more information, visit www.picarro.com/gas. Media Contact: Monica Marmie Senior Marketing Manager Picarro [email protected] SOURCE Picarro, Inc. Lynch Recognized for 'Exceptional Leadership and Strategic Thinking' DENVER, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Optiv, the cyber advisory and solutions leader, is proud to share CEO Kevin Lynch was named Best Solution Provider CEO of the Year by CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, at the inaugural Best of the Channel Awards. This honor recognizes Lynch's dedication to channel innovation, excellence and his transformative impact on Optiv and the broader cybersecurity industry. Optiv CEO Kevin Lynch was named Best Solution Provider CEO of the Year by CRN, a brand of The Channel Company. This honor recognizes Lynchs dedication to channel innovation, excellence and his transformative impact on Optiv and the broader cybersecurity industry. (PRNewsfoto/Optiv Security Inc.) "Being recognized by CRN for this first-of-its-kind award resoundingly speaks to Optiv's commitment to innovation and excellence," said Lynch. "I'm inspired every day by our team's passion for solving the world's most complex cybersecurity challenges and the trust that so many of our clients and partners place in us to help them secure greatness. Together, we are shaping the future of security and empowering organizations to thrive in a digital world." Under Lynch's leadership, Optiv launched three groundbreaking offerings in the past year: Optiv Market System (OMS), Optiv AI Security Services and Optiv MDR. Optiv Market System delivers a single reference architecture for the cybersecurity industry, addressing the challenges of AI-driven threats and complex hybrid environments while providing integrated services and technology across all cybersecurity domains. delivers a single reference architecture for the cybersecurity industry, addressing the challenges of AI-driven threats and complex hybrid environments while providing integrated services and technology across all cybersecurity domains. Optiv AI Security Services help clients securely leverage generative AI, reduce cybersecurity risks and expedite business outcomes through strategy, governance and education. help clients securely leverage generative AI, reduce cybersecurity risks and expedite business outcomes through strategy, governance and education. Optiv MDR enables organizations to rapidly detect and respond to emerging threats using industry-leading managed threat detection and response powered by Google AI. "[Lynch] has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic thinking guiding the launch of three groundbreaking offerings in the cybersecurity space," wrote CRN's special projects editor Rick Whiting. "These innovations are allowing clients to securely harness generative AI and address business challenges in cybersecurity, while at the same time cementing Optiv's leadership position in the cybersecurity channel." Lynch's influence extends beyond Optiv, serving on advisory boards and councils including The Wall Street Journal CEO Council and Forbes Technology Council. Among his many accolades, he has been recognized as one of CRN's 2024 Top 100 Executives, The Consulting Report's Top Consulting Firm CEOs of 2024 and most recently as a CEO of the Year by the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. Since joining the company in 2020, Lynch's commitment to fostering a culture of growth and innovation has grown Optiv's workforce from 1,600 to nearly 2,500 employees. For the latest news and updates from Optiv, visit https://www.optiv.com/company/optiv-newsroom. Follow Optiv LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/optiv-inc Facebook: www.facebook.com/optivinc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OptivInc Blog: https://www.optiv.com/explore-optiv-insights/blog Optiv Security: Secure greatness. Optiv is the cyber advisory and solutions leader, delivering strategic and technical expertise to nearly 6,000 companies across every major industry. We partner with organizations to advise, deploy and operate complete cybersecurity programs from strategy and managed security services to risk, integration and technology solutions. With clients at the center of our unmatched ecosystem of people, products, partners and programs, we accelerate business progress like no other company can. At Optiv, we manage cyber risk so you can secure your full potential. For more information, visit www.optiv.com. SOURCE Optiv Security Inc. HYDERABAD, India, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Mordor Intelligence, the organic baby food market is valued at USD 5.91 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 10.59 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 12.37% during 2025-2030. The organic baby food market's rapid ascent is shaped by heightened awareness of ingredient safety, growing trust in certified organic products, and rising household incomes that enable premium spending on infant nutrition. Enhanced certification standards, transparent labeling, and robust e-commerce penetration are bridging the gap between urban and rural consumers, fostering a more inclusive and competitive global market. Emerging Trends Parents today are more informed than ever; scrutinizing ingredient lists and certifications before purchasing baby food. This awareness has catalyzed a shift toward products free from artificial additives, GMOs, and preservatives. As sustainability and safety emerge as dominant purchase drivers, brands are positioning organic baby food as a symbol of responsible parenting. Transparency around sourcing, farming methods, and manufacturing practices continues to define brand credibility, with certifications such as USDA Organic and EU Organic Standard serving as key trust indicators. Beyond clean-label appeal, the market is witnessing rapid innovation in formulation science. Functional nutrition enriched with probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins is becoming the new benchmark in premium organic baby foods. Parents are also leaning toward allergen-free and hypoallergenic products to cater to growing concerns around infant sensitivities, giving rise to specialized product lines that blend nutrition with health assurance. Growth Determinants and Competitive Shifts The surge in working women worldwide has reshaped purchasing patterns, emphasizing convenience without compromising quality. This demographic transformation has increased demand for ready-to-feed organic meals, puree pouches, and formula powders that align with busy lifestyles. Direct-to-consumer (D2C) subscription models are booming, offering personalized meal plans, doorstep delivery, and product freshness assurance, an approach pioneered by brands like Little Spoon and Once Upon a Farm. Meanwhile, rising birth rates in developing economies continue to expand the customer base for infant nutrition products. Emerging middle-class consumers in Asia-Pacific and Africa are demonstrating a growing preference for organic-certified offerings, associating them with safety, purity, and global quality standards. This behavioral shift is prompting both global giants and local startups to diversify portfolios with region-specific flavors and formulations that cater to diverse cultural preferences. For a full breakdown of market size, segmentation data, and competitive intelligence, access the details of the Mordor Intelligence report: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/organic-baby-food-market?utm_source=prnewswire Organic Baby Food Market Structure and Segment Outlook By Product Type Milk Formula Infant Formula Follow-up Milk Formula Grow-up Milk Formula Specialty Formula Prepared Baby Food Dried Baby Food By Age Group 06 Months 612 Months 1224 Months More than 24 Months By Packaging Type Pouches Jars/Bottles Tetra-Pak/Cartons Others (Snap-pots, Stick-packs) By Distribution Channel Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Pharmacies and Drugstores Specialty Stores Online Retailers Other Distribution Channels Regional Organic Baby Food Market Landscape Asia-Pacific stands as the most influential region, driven by rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and strong e-commerce ecosystems in countries such as China and India. The region's growing population and increasing awareness of organic certification standards are accelerating adoption across both urban and semi-urban centers. North America and Europe organic baby food market continue to anchor global leadership through premium brand portfolios, advanced supply chains, and rigorous safety regulations. These mature markets emphasize transparency and scientific validation, with innovation driven by sustainability mandates and clean-label commitments. Get more insights about the Europe organic baby food market - https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/europe-organic-baby-food-market?utm_source=prnewswire Market Share Analysis and Competitive Insights The market exhibits moderate consolidation, featuring established organic baby food companies such as Nestle S.A., Danone S.A., The Hain Celestial Group Inc., Hero Group, and HiPP GmbH & Co. KG alongside agile startups that specialize in premium organic offerings. Industry pioneers are investing heavily in R&D and acquisitions to maintain relevance amid evolving consumer expectations. Recent strategic moves such as Danone's acquisition of Kate Farms to expand its plant-based portfolio and Babylife Organic's launch of Regenerative Organic Certified lines at Whole Foods underscore the market's shift toward sustainability and innovation. As the industry moves forward, companies that combine sustainability, innovation, and digital engagement are likely to shape the next chapter of the global organic baby food market. Check out related reports published by Mordor Intelligence: Baby Food Packaging Market - The baby food packaging market is valued at USD 8.26 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 11.76 billion by 2030, growing at A CAGR of 7.32%. The report segments the market by material (plastic, paperboard, metal, glass, bioplastics), package type (bottles, cartons, jars, pouches, bag-in-box), product (liquid milk formula, dried baby food, powder milk formula, prepared baby food, baby snacks), and geography. Infant Nutrition Market - The infant nutrition market is valued at USD 101.70 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 144.71 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.31%. The market is segmented by product (infant formula and baby food), form (powder, liquid concentrate, and more), ingredient (cow-milk based, goat-milk based, and more), distribution channel (hypermarkets & supermarkets, pharmacy & drug stores, e-commerce, and more), and geography. Infant Formula Ingredients Market - The infant formula ingredients market is estimated at USD 25.48 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 34.17 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 6.81% during the forecast period. The market is segmented by ingredient (carbohydrates, fats and oils, proteins, and more), source (cow milk, goat milk, and more), form (powder, liquid and semi-liquid), certification/nature (conventional and organic), application (standard infant formula (stage 1), and more), and geography (North America, Europe, and more). About Mordor Intelligence: Mordor Intelligence is a trusted partner for businesses seeking comprehensive and actionable market intelligence. Our global reach, expert team, and tailored solutions empower organizations and individuals to make informed decisions, navigate complex markets, and achieve their strategic goals. With a team of over 550 domain experts and on-ground specialists spanning 150+ countries, Mordor Intelligence possesses a unique understanding of the global business landscape. This expertise translates into comprehensive syndicated and custom research reports covering a wide spectrum of industries, including aerospace & defense, agriculture, animal nutrition and wellness, automation, automotive, chemicals & materials, consumer goods & services, electronics, energy & power, financial services, food & beverages, healthcare, hospitality & tourism, information & communications technology, investment opportunities, and logistics. For any inquiries, please contact: [email protected] https://www.mordorintelligence.com/contact-us Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2746908/Mordor_Intelligence_Logo.jpg SOURCE Mordor Intelligence Private Limited HOUSTON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Solidec , a pioneer in decentralized chemical manufacturing, today announced a landmark agreement with Lynas Rare Earths , the world's only commercial producer of separated light and heavy rare earth oxides outside China. This strategic collaboration will accelerate commercialization of Solidec's hydrogen peroxide generation technology, a key enabler for more efficient, less carbon-intensive materials processing in rare earth production. "Hydrogen peroxide is essential to rare earth production, yet centralized manufacturing adds cost and complexity," said Ryan DuChanois, co-founder and CEO of Solidec. "By generating peroxide directly on-site, we're reinventing the chemical supply chain for efficiency, resilience, and sustainability." Under the agreement, Solidec will deploy a first-of-a-kind pilot at Lynas's facility in Australia, capable of producing up to 10 tons of hydrogen peroxide per year. The partnership combines Lynas' processing expertise and operational scale with Solidec's proprietary technology, which offers a secure, cost-effective supply of low-carbon hydrogen peroxide. Success of the pilot would build the foundation for large-scale deployments across Lynas' operations. "This partnership with Solidec is another milestone on the path to achieving our Towards 2030 vision," said Luke Darbyshire, General Manager of R&I at Lynas. "Working with Solidec allows us to establish transformative chemical supply pathways that align with our innovation efforts, while contributing to our broader vision for secure, sustainable rare earth supply chains." Solidec's autonomous, on-site generators are powered by a novel reactor that can manufacture a broad spectrum of essential chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide, formic acid, acetic acid, and syngas. The company's flagship hydrogen peroxide generators deliver hydrogen peroxide using only air, water, and electricity. Solidec's unique reactor architecture unlocks a simpler, more efficient process for producing hydrogen peroxide than the traditional anthraquinone process used today. "This collaboration is a major milestone for Solidec and a catalyst for sustainability in rare earths," said Yang Xia, co-founder and CTO of Solidec. "Solidec's technology can reduce the carbon footprint of hydrogen peroxide production by up to 90%. By combining our generators with the scale of a global leader in rare earths, we can contribute to a more secure, sustainable supply of critical minerals." Rare earth elements are essential components in high-performance magnets, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics. As global demand for rare earths continues to rise, securing a resilient and sustainable supply chain is key to unleashing growth in industries at the forefront of innovation. Together, Solidec and Lynas are positioned to reshape rare earth processing and align it with the needs of a rapidly evolving global economy. ABOUT SOLIDEC Solidec is chemical manufacturing, simplified. Using air, water, and electricity our autonomous generators produce the world's most essential chemicals, on site and on demand. Our mission is to pioneer on-site chemical manufacturing technologies and processes that are economically and environmentally sustainable. Our flagship hydrogen peroxide generators provide significant cost control while reducing the carbon footprint of critical industries, from water and wastewater treatment, to semiconductor manufacturing, food and beverage, and mining. Solidec is proudly headquartered in Houston, Texas. To learn more, visit www.solidec.com . ABOUT LYNAS RARE EARTHS Lynas Rare Earths Limited (Lynas) is an integrated rare earths miner and producer and the world's only commercial producer of both separated Light and Heavy rare earths outside of China. Lynas was established as an ethical and responsible rare earths producer and has supplied separated rare earths to manufacturing supply chains in east Asia, North America and Europe for over 10 years. More information is available at www.lynasrareearths.com . MEDIA CONTACT Solidec [email protected] Lynas Rare Earths Media enquiries: [email protected] T: +61 8 6241 3800 SOURCE Solidec Global EdTech Leader Recognized for its Evidence-Based, Ethical AI for Learning Platform, Driven by Strong College Partnerships SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Studiosity, the leading ethical AI and human-centric study support service for higher education, proudly announced today that its Studiosity: AI for Learning platform has been named the winner of the Best Student Learning Capacity-Building Solution in the annual CODiE Awards. Introducing Studiosity: Ethical, formative feedback and peer connection for all your students The CODiE Awards, presented by the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA), are the premier peer-recognized program celebrating innovation and excellence in the technology industry. This award recognizes Studiosity for its unique solution that supports student success by fostering critical thinking, academic integrity, and agency at scale. "This is an incredible honor for our entire team, and a powerful validation of our core mission: to provide AI for learning, not corrections," says Troy Burnett, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Studiosity North America. "We share this recognition with our university partners across North America and globally. They are the driving force, taking an evidence-based approach to student success and demanding the best, most ethical solutions - especially when it comes to the evolving role of AI in learning." Studiosity's platform is designed specifically for higher education, offering students 24/7 formative writing feedback and study support that focuses on skill development rather than simply providing answers. The service is trusted by over 200 institutions worldwide and is proven to offer an average 4.4x return on investment (ROI) through improved student retention, according to an external meta-analysis. "During this moment in time, when educators are looking for ethical, evidence-based AI tools, this award validates the thoughtful design thinking that Studiosity has put into its platform. Building students' long-term learning capacity using AI is an impressive achievement and one that should serve as a model for the field," adds Kemi Jona, Vice Provost for Online Education and Digital Innovation at the University of Virginia, and U.S. Academic Advisory Board member with Studiosity. Studiosity advisors are participating in their individual expert capacity and not as official representatives of their employers. The CODiE Awards are judged by expert business and education technology leaders, whose evaluations determine the finalists and then vote on the winners. A full list of 2025 CODiE Award winners can be found at www.codieawards.com/winners. About Studiosity Studiosity is student success, at scale, with an evidence-based ROI of 4.4x return for universities and colleges. Studiosity develops critical thinking, agency, and retention in students, while also empowering educators with learning insight, through its ethical formative writing feedback and 24/7 study support system. For future-ready graduates and future-ready institutions. Learn more at studiosity.com . SOURCE Studiosity USA Inc. Mobilizing families nationwide to activate 10,000 free tenderIDs in November NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- tendercare, the free family caregiving platform, today announced a nationwide campaign to "Save 10,000 Lives" in honor of National Family Caregivers Month. The goal: help 10,000 families activate their free tenderID a life-saving emergency readiness tool that puts vital medical information instantly in the hands of first responders. Every activation means one more family ready when seconds matter and one more family caregiver with one less worry. "Technology has transformed nearly every part of our lives, except when it comes to helping us support our aging parents and those who care for them," said Shauna Sweeney, founder and CEO of tendercare. "The tenderID is part of a new foundation for the last mile of care, bridging tech with the real world, in the home, and in the wallet. It connects first responders, families, and communities in real time." Life-Saving Info in Seconds The tenderID is a secure emergency ID you can stick on the fridge and keep in your wallet the first two places responders check in an emergency. When a first responder scans the QR code with their phone, they instantly see the person's key medical details medications, conditions, allergies, advance directives, and emergency contacts. At the same time, loved ones get a text alert letting them know help has arrived. There's no app for first responders to download. All information is encrypted, private, and fully controlled by the family. It's never sold or shared. Powered by the tendercare Trusted Network Every new tenderID is made possible by members of tendercare's Trusted Network a national registry of rigorously vetted elder care and family service providers across 18+ categories, from home care and legal planning to financial and housing transitions. Displaying the tendercare Trusted Network badge means a business is underwriting more than 1,000 free tenderIDs for families in their community. The Trusted Network and tenderID close two of the biggest gaps facing the 63 million Americans providing care today: who to call and what to share in an emergency. "In our industry, we've been waiting a long time for new innovation to create real value for families," said Kevin Smith, CEO of Best of Care, a New England-based home care and aging services leader, and a Verified Member of tendercare's Trusted Network. "When I saw how tendercare was building technology to solve what families actually experience in the home, I knew we had to be part of it. We earned membership in the Trusted Network by being a leader in our industry and committing to the goal of helping thousands of families get access to these life-saving tools." Partnering with the Alzheimer's Association, NYC Chapter As part of its national roll-out, tendercare is partnering with the Alzheimer's Association New York City Chapter to equip thousands of participants in this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's with free tenderIDs for themselves and their loved ones. "The Walk to End Alzheimer's brings people together to fight this disease and to support each other. tendercare will be there to offer support and help protect people," said Jason Wedge, Director of the Manhattan Walk to End Alzheimer's. "We value this partnership and tendercare's dedication to helping families prepare, connect, and stay safe." What First Responders Have to Say About the tenderID First responders across the country are embracing the tenderID as a simple and dependable way to get life-saving details fast and to give families peace of mind when it matters most. "In those first moments of a call, information can be the difference between life and loss," said Esteban Cespedes, Fire Captain, San Rafael, California Fire Department. "When our crews arrive and see a tenderID, they know they'll have the facts, not guesswork, or a crumpled, out-of-date piece of paper. It gives us immediate clarity and gives families peace of mind. It's one of the simplest tools with the biggest impact I've seen in years." Across the country, fire departments and EMS teams are joining the "Save 10,000 Lives" campaign by helping distribute free tenderIDs in their communities turning awareness into readiness, one household at a time. How to Join the Movement Families can get a free tenderID today at trytendercare.com/tenderid . Professionals who want to underwrite free tenderIDs in their community can apply to become part of the tendercare Trusted Network . Together, we can make every home emergency-ready and save 10,000 lives this November. About tendercare tendercare helps families stay organized, emergency-ready, and connected to vetted professionals all in one place. Built by and for family caregivers, the platform's free tools include secure, shared Vaults for key documents, the tenderID for emergency readiness, and the Trusted Network for finding verified local help. Get a tenderID at trytendercare.com/tenderid , download the tendercare App, or learn more at trytendercare.com . Follow us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Threads SOURCE tendercare BEIJING, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th World Health Forum convened in Beijing on November 1, gathering nearly 400 experts, scholars, and representatives from 22 countries and regions to explore new pathways for global health governance under the theme "Climate Change and Health: Responsibility, Governance and a Shared Future for Mankind." In his keynote address, Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia and former UN Secretary-General, emphasized that climate change represents one of the most urgent public-health challenges of our time and called on the international community to make climate action a global priority. Li Luming, President of Tsinghua University said that he looked forward to working with all sectors of society to cultivate talents, strengthen scientific and technological innovation, deepen international cooperation, and jointly safeguard a better future for human health and sustainable development. Shen Hongbing, Vice Minister of the National Health Commission and Director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, outlined China's ongoing efforts to promote an integrated "mitigationadaptationresilience" framework, while Xiong Shaoyuan, Deputy Administrator of the China Meteorological Administration, described how refined early-warning services and cross-sector coordination are enhancing the country's capacity for climate-health governance. Saia Ma'u Piukala, Regional Director for the Western Pacific of the World Health Organization, reiterated that "climate equals health," underscoring the critical need for immediate and coordinated responses. Amakobe Sande, UNICEF Representative to China, urged countries to strengthen climate-resilient public-health systems to safeguard children's survival and development. Margaret Chan, founding Dean of the Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University and former director-general of the World Health Organization, affirmed that VSPH will continue to support decision-making through scientific research, cultivate leadership through innovative education, and gather global wisdom through open cooperation. The forum features three plenary sessions and a youth forum, addressing topics such as global health governance in the era of climate change, scientific evidence and risk assessment, educational cooperation and innovation, and youth-driven and climate action. Launched by Tsinghua University in 2021, the World Health Forum aims to facilitate dialogue, foster academic exchange, and strengthen capacity-building in health governance. The forum aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and advances the shared vision of building a global community of health for all. SOURCE Tsinghua University A breathtaking full-scale digital recreation of Michelangelo's masterpiece arrives in Texas AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the world's most extraordinary cultural treasures is coming to Texas in the form of The Sistine Chapel Experience. The digital recreation will allow visitors in Austin to step inside a dynamic, cinematic recreation of Michelangelo's iconic frescoes The Creation of Adam, The Last Judgment, and sixteen biblical scenes alongside the works of Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio, Pinturicchio, Rosselli, and Signorelli. The Sistine Chapel Experience is a collaboration between the Vatican Museums, Scripta Maneant, and Sistine Chapel Exhibits, LLC a team of Texas-based founders working in partnership with Italys leading art publishers. Spanning nearly 25,000 square feet, the experience transforms a former retail center at Barton Creek Mall into the immersive Sistine Chapel Experience, taking guests through a $5 million plus production powered by more than 50 state-of-the-art laser projectors, where moving light and projection transform every brushstroke in dazzling resolution. The ceiling is lowered so visitors can stand just feet from the artwork an encounter impossible even inside the Vatican itself. Austin's New Role as a Global Cultural Destination The Sistine Chapel Experience marks another milestone in Austin's evolution into a world-class destination for international art, culture, and innovationjoining global events such as Formula 1 at Circuit of the Americas, SXSW, and ACL Festival. Using more than 4 million images and 270,000 ultra-high-definition reproductions, the exhibit took over 65 days of photographic work to create, transforming the renassiance artists visions into a moving, immersive encounter that merges digital storytelling with centuries-old genius. Visitors will move through three galleries that chronicle the artistic process, culminating in a cinematic environment that reveals hidden details invisible to the naked eye -- even for those who've visited Rome. They will also enjoy a cinematic prelude to the exhibit created by Hollywood Legends and partners Gary Lucchesi (Million Dollar Baby, Primal Fear and Underworld) and James Younger (Through the Wormhole and The Story of God with Morgan Freeman). Exhibition Details Dates: Opens November 19, 2025 Opens November 19, 2025 Location: Barton Creek Square Mall, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746 Barton Creek Square Mall, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746 Hours: WednesdaySunday, 11 a.m.7 p.m. (last entry 7 p.m.) WednesdaySunday, 11 a.m.7 p.m. (last entry 7 p.m.) Tickets: sistineexperience.com Duration: 4590 minutes 4590 minutes Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant; all ages welcome In addition to the chapel recreation, visitors will encounter an authentic reproduction of a Gutenberg Bible and a full-scale replica of Michelangelo's Pieta, crafted with advanced sculptural materials faithful to the originaluniting two of the most sacred and historic works of human civilization under one roof. About the Project The Sistine Chapel Experience is a collaboration between the Vatican Museums, Scripta Maneant, and Sistine Chapel Exhibits, LLC a team of Texas-based founders working in partnership with Italy's leading art publishers. The project merges cultural preservation with immersive technology, bringing Michelangelo's world to modern audiences and positioning Texas as a global leader in experiential storytelling. Media Opportunities Interviews are available with Executive Producer Francesco Lori, Gary Lucchesi, James Younger and members of the Texas-based founding team, and art historians behind the project. For interviews, press access, or b-roll: MEDIA CONTACTS: JT Graham or Laura Ladewig Crosswind Media & Public Relations [email protected] Photos & Gallery: sistineexperience.com/#gallery SOURCE The Sistine Chapel Experience Photo: https://president.gov.ua On Railway Worker's Day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with employees of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) and congratulated them on their professional holiday and presented them with state awards, the website of the Office of the President reports. "I thank all the employees of our Ukrainian Railways for the fact that our country is united despite the war, and that the logistics, in particular the railway, is working in Ukraine - one of the greatest foundations of our strength - the entire people," Zelensky said, addressing those present. The President noted that the railway is being restored after the strikes, maintains the main routes and ensures the transportation of people and cargo. "The Ukrainian Railways is recovering from the strikes, maintaining the main routes, ensuring the transportation of people and goods, and since the beginning of this year alone, Ukrzaliznytsia has transported more than 135 million tonnes of cargo. And more than 90% of Ukrainian passenger trains arrive on time - strictly on schedule, even when the circumstances are extraordinary due to shelling," the head of the Ukrainian state emphasized. Zelenskyy also noted the humanitarian functions of Ukrzaliznytsia: more than 3,650 medical train flights were carried out to rescue wounded Ukrainian defenders, as well as evacuate people from combat zones. In addition, Ukrzaliznytsia employees perform a diplomatic function - they provided more than 1,100 trips of foreign leaders and high-ranking officials to Ukraine and through the country. The President assured that the state will increase salaries and support programs for Ukrzaliznytsia. "In fact, the railway is the line of defense of our state, our people, our lives. A line that is under Russian attacks every day. Unfortunately, there are losses among our railway workers - 948 people, 753 of them gave their lives for all of us, for the sake of Ukraine as part of the Defense Forces," he noted. Zelenskyy thanked the railway workers on behalf of all Ukrainians. "And now I can thank you absolutely on behalf of all our people. You are the ones who work truly for millions of Ukrainians and truly for the sake of our entire Ukraine. Thank you," he said. Those present honored the memory of the deceased railway workers with a minute of silence. The leaders of Ukrzaliznytsia presented the president with a new reserved seat car, as well as the first barrier-free car, which is fully equipped for people with disabilities. Currently, the Ukrzaliznytsia fleet has 52 cars, the compartments of which are adapted for the transportation of passengers in wheelchairs. In addition, Zelenskyy was shown an art car containing pictures of the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. The president also spoke with workers of the Food Train, which provides food to residents of cities affected by Russian shelling in the absence of electricity. As Greece's Premiere Natural Mineral Water Brand Grows in the US, It Is Supporting That Growth With a New State-of-the-Art Facility in Its Home Country FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring water brand THEONI has proceeded with the implementation of a state-of-the-art facility in its homeland of Greece. This is the largest investment (14 million or approximately $16.3 million) that the leading spring water bottle brand has made to date. It demonstrates THEONI's commitment to its home country of Greece, even as the company pushes for greater growth and awareness in North America. "We have officially opened up our new strategic investment," said THEONI CEO Dimitris Tselios. "This new facility is an expression of our deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. It is also a practical expression of our care and love for the place that has given us the title of the most awarded Natural Mineral Water in the world." The ultra-modern new facility is located in Ellinopyrgos, Municipality of Mouszaki, in the heart of the Thessaly Prefecture in Greece. It is called the Logistic Center, and the 387,500 sq. ft. facility is officially completed, operational, and ready to support THEONI's operations for years to come. While it will help with the company's quickly scaling distribution needs (THEONI has experienced double-digit growth every year since its launch), the Logistic Center will also have a distinct dual emphasis on innovation and local development. The Logistic Center is the latest in a long-term goal to strengthen THEONI's infrastructure and create a positive impact in its home region. The new facility will be a source of local jobs and professional opportunities. It is also built following the brand's strong commitment to sustainability. The Center incorporates cutting-edge technology, uses renewable energy, and upholds THEONI's strong sustainability and ecological principles. At the same time, it will help enhance operational efficiency, autonomy, and service and product quality, both for its domestic and international customers, including a growing customer base in the United States. "As we continue our US expansion," Tselios said, "we can do so knowing we have strong roots and an enduring commitment to our company's birthplace, roots that enable us to confidently reach the world with our spring water." Learn more about the new facility on THEONI's site here . About THEONI THEONI Natural Mineral Water was founded in 2013. The Greek brand bottles its award-winning alkaline water directly from the pristine, naturally gushing Goura Spring in Greece's Agrafa mountain range, at an altitude of 1100m. The pure product has a pH of 8 and a smooth, naturally balanced taste. THEONI has achieved steady double-digit growth since its inception and has earned more than 150 international quality awards, including being named the world's top mineral water twice. The company is committed to sustainably bringing nature's highest quality water to consumers worldwide. Learn more at theoni-water.gr . Media Contact: Makis Kalyvas [email protected] Mob: +30 698 1111 022 Tel: +30 24450 61200 (ext.334) SOURCE THEONI Together, the two organizations will develop an inclusive three-year plan to strengthen evaluation capacity across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trepwise , a New Orleansbased strategy consulting firm, is expanding its footprint and deepening its impact across the Gulf South through a partnership that will boost engagements in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and beyond. The firm is proud to announce its selection as the strategic planning partner for the Gulf Coast Eval Network (GCEval) , marking an important milestone in Trepwise's mission to empower purpose-driven organizations throughout the region. With a people-centered, equity-driven approach, Trepwise supports mission-aligned organizations through inclusive strategic planning processes designed to unlock potential and drive sustainable impact. The firm's growing presence across the Gulf South reflects its commitment to strengthening the social and economic fabric of communities through collaboration, innovation and shared learning. "We are honored to partner with GCEval at this pivotal moment in their growth," said Kevin Wilkins, founder of Trepwise. "Our work is rooted in the belief that inclusive strategy creates stronger, more resilient organizations. This partnership reinforces our vision of building capacity and connection across the Gulf South." Gulf Coast Eval Network (GCEval) is a nonprofit association of evaluation practitioners who support peer learning and professional development, facilitate cross referrals and joint ventures and champion evaluation as a fundamental component of quality programming. As the American Evaluation Association's affiliate for Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, the organization is transitioning from a volunteer-led grassroots network to a structured, sustainable regional hub for equity-centered evaluation. Through this collaboration, Trepwise will guide GCEval in developing a three-year strategic plan that clarifies its mission and impact, engages its members and partners and sets a clear roadmap for the future. Trepwise will lead a phased participatory planning process that blends stakeholder engagement, discovery and collaborative plan development. Leveraging virtual convenings and interactive tools, the process will ensure broad participation across GCEval's diverse membership. The plan will be grounded in evaluative thinking, building measurable strategies and benchmarks that strengthen GCEval's internal capacity well beyond this engagement. As part of the project, Trepwise will partner with Lauren Bierbaum, a GCEval member and seasoned evaluator working nationally with nonprofit, philanthropic, governmental and quasi-governmental organizations focused on educational equity and intersectional justice. "This partnership represents the best of what the Gulf South can do when we come together," said Elizabeth Sweeney on behalf of GCEval's Leadership Committee. "Trepwise's approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to equity, collaboration and actionable impact." The collaboration will formally launch in early November with the formation of a Strategic Planning Steering Committee to guide the process and ensure community-driven outcomes. About Trepwise Trepwise is a New Orleans-based strategy consulting firm that partners with organizations across sectors to activate their full potential. Through services including strategic planning, organizational development, leadership support and equity-centered facilitation, Trepwise helps clients create actionable plans that inspire and align stakeholders. About Gulf Coast Eval Network Gulf Coast Eval Network (GCEval) is a regional hub for equity-centered evaluation, connecting evaluators, nonprofits and community organizations across the Gulf Coast. As the American Evaluation Association's affiliate for Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, the network promotes collaboration, knowledge-sharing and collective impact to strengthen institutions and communities throughout the region. Media Contact: Laura Bissett myWHY Agency 312-291-1099 [email protected] SOURCE Trepwise SAN DIEGO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trust & Will, the leader in online estate planning, today announced the launch of its new Nonprofit Platform, powered by EstateOS, designed to help nonprofit organizations unlock the full potential of planned giving and turn estate planning into a measurable source of new donor engagement. Trust & Will launches its Nonprofit Platform to help nonprofits unlock the full potential of planned giving. Post this Trust & Will launches its Nonprofit Platform giving nonprofits real-time donor insights to grow legacy giving. Built on EstateOS, the same infrastructure trusted by banks and financial advisors, the platform turns charitable gifts made through estate plans into opportunities for nonprofits to deepen donor relationships and grow legacy giving. It gives nonprofits real-time access to bequest data, donor insights and AI-powered support in one intuitive portal. With free and paid membership tiers, the Nonprofit Platform identifies future gift commitments, reaches new donors at the moment they make a legacy commitment and tracks long-term impact. A Smarter Way to Steward Legacy Gifts Most nonprofits know that planned giving holds enormous promise but lack the tools and visibility to manage it effectively. Trust & Will's Nonprofit Platform changes that by connecting estate planning data directly to nonprofit development teams. Through Trust & Will's platform, organizations can view donor intent, access bequest information, and track engagement in real time. The free Essentials Plan offers core tools and notifications, while the Premium and Enterprise tiers provide enhanced analytics, downloadable reports, referral tracking, and access to a built-in GPT-powered AI assistant. "By giving nonprofits visibility into charitable gifts made through estate plans, we're helping them engage supporters with greater trust and understanding," said Cody Barbo, Co-Founder and CEO, Trust & Will. "We're not just showing nonprofits what gifts exist, we're helping them discover new ones and nurture lasting relationships with the next generation of donors." Key Features and Benefits Visibility into Future Gift Commitments : See when supporters include your organization in their estate plans and understand the scope of legacy giving in real time. : See when supporters include your organization in their estate plans and understand the scope of legacy giving in real time. Actionable Donor Insights : Access campaign performance data, CSV downloads, and use AI-powered analysis to guide strategy. : Access campaign performance data, CSV downloads, and use AI-powered analysis to guide strategy. Branded Referral Links and Donor Discounts : Promote estate planning directly to your community while offering exclusive benefits to your donors. : Promote estate planning directly to your community while offering exclusive benefits to your donors. Scalable Plans for Every Organization: Start free and upgrade as your planned giving program grows, with clear pricing and no hidden costs. Built on EstateOS The Nonprofit Platform runs on EstateOS, Trust & Will's intelligent infrastructure that powers estate planning for individuals, advisors, and institutions. EstateOS enables secure data sharing, seamless integrations, and AI-driven insights giving nonprofits the tools to scale their mission through smarter legacy giving. Plans and Pricing Essentials Plan Free. Includes discounted estate plans for donors, core tools, basic donor data, marketing templates, and limited AI support. Free. Includes discounted estate plans for donors, core tools, basic donor data, marketing templates, and limited AI support. Premium Plan $49/month (billed annually). Includes steeper discounted estate plans for donors. Adds advanced donor data (i.e. contact information), campaign tracking, CSV downloads, and full AI assistant access. $49/month (billed annually). Includes steeper discounted estate plans for donors. Adds advanced donor data (i.e. contact information), campaign tracking, CSV downloads, and full AI assistant access. Enterprise Plan Starting at $5,000 annually. Includes free estate plans for donor base, co-branded landing pages, dedicated account management, CRM integrations, and advanced analytics for large-scale programs. Empowering Mission-Driven Organizations With more than one million members and over $1 billion in planned charitable bequests benefiting 20,000 nonprofits already named in estate plans through Trust & Will, the Nonprofit Platform builds on a foundation of trust, generosity, and long-term impact. The new offering extends that commitment by equipping NPO development teams with the tools to steward every legacy gift thoughtfully and effectively. Nonprofits can learn more, explore membership tiers, and claim their organization at trustandwill.com/professionals/nonprofits . About Trust & Will Founded in 2017, Trust & Will is the leading digital estate planning platform in the U.S., trusted by over one million individuals and families. Our simple, secure, and attorney-approved online solutions empower Americans to create wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and other essential estate planning documents tailored to state-specific laws. As a certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), our mission to help every family leave a meaningful legacy is embedded into our business model, ensuring estate planning is accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all. In 2025, we introduced EstateOS, the first intelligent platform built to modernize legacy planning and preservation. EstateOS powers connected estate plans for families and offers AI-enabled workflows, document extraction, and client collaboration designed specifically for professionals. Today, our platform supports 20,000+ financial advisors and 200+ enterprise partners, including banks, financial institutions, attorneys, nonprofits, real estate agents, and technology platforms. Notable partners include AARP, Fifth Third Bank, UBS, USAA, LPL Financial, and Northwestern Mutual. By enabling diverse professionals and organizations to integrate digital estate planning into their services, we're broadening estate planning access and fostering proactive, multi-generational financial conversations. With more than one million users and over $200 billion in self-reported estate assets, Trust & Will is redefining estate planning as a strategic pillar of modern financial wellness. Recognized for innovation and leadership, we have earned spots on the CNBC Disruptor 50, Inc. 5000, and Deloitte Technology Fast 500 lists. Learn more at trustandwill.com or about our commitment as a certified B Corp . SOURCE Trust & Will "With the launch of the UniCarriers Forklifts BXCQ Series, we're introducing more electric forklifts designed with reliability at their core," said Luca Ghiotto, Manager of Product Marketingat Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. "From the dependable drive units to long-lasting batteries, every detail of the BXCQ Series is engineered to deliver consistent performance and confidence throughout the workday and over many years of operation." Optimized for Reliability and Operator Efficiency The UniCarriers Forklifts' new BXCQ Series offers a balanced blend of simplicity, reliability, and efficiency, helping operations stay productive while reducing maintenance and total cost of ownership. Its robust, energy-efficient motors and extended-life batteries deliver steady, predictable power, while the refined hydraulics, steering and braking systems ensure smooth handling and control. Key Benefits of the UniCarriers Forklifts BXCQ Series: Hydraulic Performance : Reaches loaded lifting speeds up to 110.2 feet per minute, outperforming electric competitors and matching IC counterparts. : Reaches loaded lifting speeds up to 110.2 feet per minute, outperforming electric competitors and matching IC counterparts. Exceptional Maneuverability: With a shorter overall length, dual drive motors, and a 100-degree steering axle, the BXCQ Series is the market leader in turning radius. It can turn within its own footprint ideal for tight warehouse aisles and high-density storage. With a shorter overall length, dual drive motors, and a 100-degree steering axle, the BXCQ Series is the market leader in turning radius. It can turn within its own footprint ideal for tight warehouse aisles and high-density storage. Industry-leading speed: Travels up to 12.5 mph, making it the fastest on the market. Travels up to 12.5 mph, making it the fastest on the market. Manufacturing: Built in Marengo, Illinois, with 75% of the components manufactured or sourced from U.S. manufacturers. Built in Marengo, Illinois, with 75% of the components manufactured or sourced from U.S. manufacturers. Excellent stability and lift: A newly designed counterweight lowers the center of gravity, enabling the trucks to lift 5,000 pounds to a height of 187 inches. With the launch of the BXCQ Series, UniCarriers Forklifts is reaffirming its commitment to innovation, reliability, and long-term value in material handling. To learn more about UniCarriers Forklift brand and its network of dealers, please visit https://www.logisnextamericas.com/en-bz/unicarriers/bxcq-campaign. About Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc., and its group companies have helped customers Move The World Forward for over 100 years. A technology-driven manufacturer, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas offers scalable solutions from material handling to automation and extensive fleet support. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, its complete portfolio of advanced solutions spans across five leading brands Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Cat lift trucks, Rocla AGV Solutions, UniCarriers Forklifts and Jungheinrich warehouse and automation products. All products are backed by an extensive dealer network offering industry-leading customer service and product support. Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Logisnext Co. Ltd. For more information, visit www.LogisnextAmericas.com. About UniCarriers Forklifts Starting from its roots with Barrett Industrial Trucks, TCM and Nissan to the long-standing UniCarriers Forklift brand, we have built our brand on the legacy of three industry leaders. UniCarriers Forklifts are manufactured and distributed by Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc. group, a next-generation material handling and logistics solutions company, headquartered in Houston, Texas. Delivering value that never quits UniCarriers Forklifts are supported by an extensive dealer network spanning more than 130 authorized dealerships with nearly 250 locations across North, Central and South America. For more information, visit UniCarriersForklifts , UniCarriers Forklifts on YouTube and UniCarriers Forklifts onLinkedIn . SOURCE Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc. Stewart and Nelson bring a shared commitment to access to care and equity in veterinary medicine to Board of Directors at PetSmart Charities PHOENIX, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, is proud to welcome two esteemed veterinary leaders to its Board of Directors Dr. Kwane Stewart, founder of Project Street Vet and Dr. Phillip D. Nelson, Dean Emeritus at Western University of Health Sciences. Their decades of experience and visionary leadership will further strengthen the organization's mission to make the world a better place for pets and the people who love them. PetSmart Charities welcomes Dr. Kwane Stewart to Board of Directors PetSmart Charities welcomes Dr. Phillip D. Nelson to Board of Directors "We are honored to welcome Dr. Stewart and Dr. Nelson to our Board of Directors," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. "Both leaders bring seasoned clinical and academic expertise, as well as a profound understanding of the human-animal bond. Their insights will be invaluable as we continue to implement programs that support pet families struggling to access and afford veterinary care." Dr. Kwane Stewart: 2023 CNN Hero of the Year Known to many as "The Street Vet," Dr. Kwane Stewart has dedicated nearly 30 years to veterinary medicine in shelter, private practice, and non-profit settings but his most defining work has taken place on the sidewalks, alleyways, and city parks of California. After a chance encounter with a pet parent experiencing homelessness during his time as a shelter veterinarian, Dr. Stewart began providing free veterinary care on the streets promising, "no judgment, just help." That moment sparked a decade-long commitment that would become Project Street Vet, an initiative bringing lifesaving care and compassion to the pets of unhoused pet parents. Today, Dr. Stewart estimates he has treated more than 1,000 pets through his volunteer efforts. In 2023, he was named CNN Hero of the Year for his work a reflection of both the impact and heart behind his mission. "The opportunity to give back to worthy causes and explore progressive ways to provide affordable access to care for more pet families is what excites me most about joining PetSmart Charities," said Dr. Stewart. "Too often, people assume you must live in a traditional home to be a worthy pet parent. I've seen the opposite love, loyalty, and commitment that knows no housing status." Dr. Phillip D. Nelson: A Trailblazer for Representation A trailblazer in veterinary education and a national voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession, Dr. Phillip Nelson brings more than four decades of academic leadership and scientific inquiry to the PetSmart Charities Board. He is Dean Emeritus of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences, where he led the school through its formative years as it pioneered the first distributed model for clinical education. Throughout his career, Dr. Nelson has championed the role of veterinary medicine in advancing public health, empathy, and inclusion. His research in immunology, contributions to the field of retroviral diseases, and steadfast mentorship of Black students have earned him numerous accolades, including Distinguished Alumnus Awards from both Tuskegee University and NC State. "I've seen firsthand PetSmart Charities' commitment to under-resourced communities, including generous support for our shelter medicine programs," said Dr. Nelson. "I'm honored to join a Board that aligns so closely with my personal and professional values and that works to ensure pets and their families receive the care and compassion they deserve." Dr. Nelson is also the host of a podcast exploring veterinary education and the evolving landscape of pet health and continues to consult for emerging veterinary schools across the country. Dr. Stewart and Dr. Nelson join a diverse group of professionals on the PetSmart Charities Board of Directors, further deepening the organization's expertise in access to veterinary care, community engagement, and health equity. For more information about PetSmart Charities and its leadership, visit PetsmartCharities.org. About PetSmart Charities PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 400,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. PetSmart Charities grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crises with access to food, shelter and disaster response. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org. SOURCE PetSmart Charities, Inc. Co-building Global Trade Finance Infrastructure HONG KONG, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- XTransfer, World's Leading B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, jointly announced a collaboration on cross-border financial services and reached a strategic cooperation intention. The two parties aim to develop a strategic partnership focused on core capabilities, including payment and collection solutions and transaction processing. This collaboration will provide SMEs engaged in foreign trade with more secure, efficient, and convenient services for global payments and collections, and cash management. Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer (From the Left), and Zhu Jun, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd., Hong Kong Branch (From the Right), witnessed the official signing of a memorandum of cooperation at the XTransfer booth. Following the strategic partnership signed between XTransfer and SPD Bank Shanghai Branch in August this year, XTransfer is once again joining hands with SPD Bank. Coinciding with Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, and Zhu Jun, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, witnessed the official signing of a memorandum of cooperation at the XTransfer booth. XTransfer and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd., Hong Kong Branch are engaging in deep cooperation across multiple cross-border payment areas. Leveraging SPD Bank's robust network and service capabilities through its Hong Kong branch, services such as "Global Accounts", "Local Currency Accounts", transaction processing, and cash management will be provided to XTransfer's more than 700,000 clients. This ensures that XTransfer customers can efficiently and compliantly receive payments from global buyers through SPD Bank's ecosystem. The two parties will initially focus on cooperation in the Chinese Mainland and the Hong Kong SAR, and as collaboration deepens, plan to expand to more regions. Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd., Hong Kong Branch. By combining SPD Bank's expertise and resource advantages in cross-border finance with XTransfer's global network and technological capabilities, we can further strengthen end-to-end transaction processing and compliance governance, providing SMEs with integrated cross-border financial infrastructure to support compliant operations and global expansion." Mr. Zhu Jun, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co. Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, said: "SPD Bank will continue to collaborate closely with XTransfer, aiming to enhancing our cross-border financial service system, providing more convenient and reliable financial support for Chinese enterprises expanding globally." Looking ahead, the two parties will continue to deepen cooperation in areas such as local accounts, multi-currency settlement, compliance and risk control system development, and interconnection of global payment and collection networks, promoting innovation and enhancing China's foreign trade finance ecosystem, allowing SMEs to access cross-border financial services comparable to those offered to large multinational corporations. SOURCE XTransfer German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, on the eve of the "steel summit" to be held in the Chancellery on November 6, called for tougher measures against Russia, in particular a complete halt to imports of Russian steel, Der Spiegel reports. "It is necessary to completely stop all steel imports from Russia as quickly as possible," Klingbeil said. The politician criticized the fact that steel feeds produced in Russia and processed in the EU are still not subject to sanctions: It is impossible to explain to workers in our steel industry why Europe still keeps the market open to Putin. Photo: https://t.me/svyrydenkoy The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has held a meeting of the Anti-Crisis Energy Headquarters with the participation of relevant ministries and energy companies to assess the state of the energy system and agree on algorithms for responding to the challenges of war in various scenarios, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko said on Tuesday. "Among the main topics are the launch of the heating season, increasing the import of energy resources; increasing generation, in particular distributed generation, and the need for rapid restoration and repair after damage. The heating season started as planned. Now our task is to get through the winter with warmth," she said on Telegram. According to her, one of the priorities is the development of distributed generation. "After all, this allows communities to maintain energy stability even during massive attacks. 1.8 GW of distributed generation has already been put into operation, and we are continuing to increase capacity," she noted. Svyrydenko stressed that the government coordinates actions with regional administrations, communities and specialized services on a daily basis. "We pay special attention to frontline regions, where Russia systematically shells energy facilities, trying to deprive communities of heat. We have checked the readiness of communities for crisis situations. More than 8,000 invincibility points are constantly operating, another 4,000 are ready to be deployed in the event of outages. All of them are provided with fuel and communication facilities," the Prime Minister noted. The Prime Minister noted that within the framework of the Winter Support programs, a fixed price for gas and electricity for household consumers will be maintained. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Photo: https://t.me/VadymFilashkin Some 228 people, including 69 children, were evacuated from the front line in the Donetsk region, a person was killed in Siversk in the Bakhmut district, and three people were injured, Donetsk Regional Military Administration head Vadym Filashkin has said. "In total, the Russians shelled the settlements of the Donetsk region 40 times in a day. 228 people, including 69 children, were evacuated from the front line," he wrote in a telegram channel on Tuesday. According to him, a private house was destroyed in Pokrovsk, a high-rise building was damaged. In Dobropilly, a person was injured, four houses, two administrative buildings and warehouses were damaged. In the Kramatorsk district, a person was injured in Lymansk community. A house was damaged in Svyatohirsk community. A house was damaged in Mykolaiv community. In Slavyansk, two private houses, four apartment buildings, two administrative buildings and a power line were damaged. In Kramatorsk, three houses and a car were damaged. In Druzhkivka, a private house was damaged. In Illinivska community, a person was injured and a house was damaged. In Kostiantynivka, a multi-storey building was damaged. In the Bakhmut district of Siversk, a person died and seven houses were damaged, Filashkin said. Photo: https://t.me/svyrydenkoy In Ukraine, at the initiative of the government, anti-crisis energy headquarters will be created in nine front-line regions, which will coordinate actions on the ground in case of emergencies. This was announced by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine after a meeting of the Anti-Crisis Energy Headquarters chaired by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on Tuesday. "We are doing everything to ensure that Ukraine enters the winter with confidence in its ability to withstand any challenges and actions of the enemy," Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk said. According to the Ministry of Energy, during the meeting, in particular, the issue of forming an emergency stock of equipment necessary for an operational response to the consequences of shelling was discussed, which is being carried out with the support of international partners - Germany, Canada, Sweden, Finland, the European Commission and other participants. The UZ-3000 social initiative will start operating in December this month, will operate during the low season, approximately four months, but the detailed mechanics of the program are still being worked out, said Oleksandr Pertsovsky, Chairman of the Board of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways UZ). "During a period of low demand for passenger transportation, Ukrzaliznytsia has 200,000-250,000 unfilled seats per month on long-distance trains. And it is these that it proposes to use for the social program," he said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and members of the government on Monday evening. According to Pertsovsky, there are also plans to focus this program on passengers from front-line areas. The Chairman of the Board added that additional services and flexible pricing will be introduced in parallel for those who are willing to pay - in the categories of SV, 1st class, and international trains. The corresponding additional revenues will cover the cost of trips "per kilometer" so as not to increase the need for state funding, although they still will not cover the need for subsidizing passenger transportation. Pertsovsky noted that the UZ-3000 program is being rolled out in parallel with the start of the system compensation of the real cost of passenger transportation. This will improve the situation for the railway, and at the same time maintain the accessibility of travel for all Ukrainians, he assured. "The operation of passenger trains is subsidized by the state, as in most European countries, so it is important that they operate as efficiently as possible and as many passengers as possible can travel all year round. Supporting passenger transportation is taxpayers' money, so they should feel this effect," Svyrydenko said. She noted that the budget financing of Ukrzaliznytsia in a difficult period is taxpayers' money, so citizens should receive support from the company. "We are creating an opportunity to travel under the UZ-3000 program and fill places that usually remain vacant... At the same time, it is necessary to understand that UAH 16 billion of support for the next year is not equal to a 3,000-kilometer program," she said. Pertsovsky added that without budget funding to cover Ukrzaliznytsia's costs, it is necessary to increase the freight tariff by 60-70%, but then the business will switch to other types of transport, because many people already deliver goods by car. He explained that the war affected Ukrzaliznytsia's income: the closure of mines, the outflow of metallurgy, and a decrease in export prices. Judge of the Shevchenkivsky District Court of Kyiv Yulia Matveeva, who was held in Russian captivity for seven months as a Ukrainian judge from Mariupol, told her Italian colleagues about the violation of the norms of the Geneva Convention, psychological and physical violence by the occupation authorities. "Matveeva was on a working visit to the Republic of Italy, where she met with representatives of the Italian Prosecutor's Office at the Court of Cassation in the building of the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation," the press center of the judiciary of Ukraine said in a statement on its website on Tuesday. According to the statement, the judge presented the Ukrainian justice system and told her Italian colleagues about the conditions for conducting legal proceedings in Ukraine during martial law. "In her speech, Matveeeva shared her personal story of being held captive in the temporarily occupied territory. She emphasized the inhumane conditions of detention, facts of physical and psychological violence, as well as attempts to force her to go over to the side of the occupation authorities," the report states. "I, a current Ukrainian judge of the Illichivskyi District Court of Mariupol, spent seven months in captivity. The conditions there were not just terrible - they were unacceptable. Russia and the illegal formations under its control grossly violate the norms of the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war, unlike Ukraine," Matveeeva emphasized. The report specifies that after refusing to cooperate with the occupiers, Matveeva was unfoundedly accused of encroaching on the "constitutional order of the 'Donetsk Peoples Republic'" with her work for the Ukrainian state, however, thanks to the efforts of the Ukrainian state, the judge was released as part of a prisoner exchange. Speaking about the work of the judicial system in wartime, Matveeva reported that despite shelling, destruction, and air raids, Ukrainian courts continue to administer justice: 97% of court cases were considered last year, which is over 4.3 million. According to her, during these years of war, almost 160 court premises were destroyed, and the territorial jurisdiction of court cases in over 160 courts was changed. "The representative of the Prosecutor General's Office at the Court of Cassation of Italy thanked Judge Matveeva for her frank testimony, noting that her story makes the feeling of solidarity with the Ukrainian people even closer," the press center said in a statement. EU approves over EUR 1.8 bln for Ukraine in fifth tranche under Ukraine Facility Photo: https://www.facebook.com The EU Council has approved the fifth payment to Kyiv of over EUR 1.8 billion under the Ukraine Facility. The press service of the EU Council reported this on Tuesday. "Ukraine is set to receive over EUR 1.8 billion in funding after the Council adopted a decision on the fifth regular disbursement of support under the EU's Ukraine Facility. This amount reflects Ukraines successful completion of nine steps required for the fifth disbursement, as well as one outstanding step from the fourth disbursement. The funding aims primarily to bolster Ukraines macro-financial stability and support the continued operation of its public administration," the press serice of the EU Council said. With the assistance of the competent authorities of Germany and Poland, the former head of a private company, the organizer of a scheme resulting in almost UAH 100 million of losses to the state enterprise Energoatom during the construction of a spent nuclear fuel storage facility was extradited to Ukraine, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) has said. The SAPO said on Telegram on Tuesday that in December 2020, an agreement was concluded between state enterprise Atomproekteiningineering, which is part of the structure of Energoatom, and a previously determined private company, bypassing open tenders, on the completion of the construction of a centralized spent nuclear fuel storage facility. "In order to appropriate Energoatom's funds, the price of the contract was increased threefold - from UAH 421 million to UAH 1.497 billion, in particular, by adding to its terms the supply of radiation control system equipment," the message says. According to the anti-corruption prosecutor's office, the contractor company purchased this equipment at market value, and in 2021 sold it to Energoatom at a much higher price. As a result of these actions, the state-owned enterprise overpaid almost UAH 100 million. "The investigation established the involvement in this crime of the general director of a separate subdivision of Energoatom, the head of the estimate and contract department of a separate subdivision of Energoatom, the head and employee of the legal department of a private company," the SAPO said. The indictment in the case was sent to the Supreme Court of Justice in July 2024. At the moment, the trial is ongoing. The head of the private company has been on the international wanted list since November 2023. In April 2025, he was detained in Germany. The Administrative Court of Appeal has declared the blocking of the international activities of the leader of the European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko, illegal, Artur Gerasimov, co-chair of the European Solidarity faction, has said. "Yesterday, the 6th Administrative Court of Appeal in the case "Poroshenko vs. the Cabinet of Ministers" did a great service to Ukrainian democracy and our European integration, because it declared illegal the same government resolution that was already explicitly mentioned in the European Parliament Resolution on the abuse of travel ban mechanisms from Ukraine as an instrument of political pressure... The rule of law is not an abstraction, but a test in practice, and we must pass it. Therefore, I call on all responsible services, primarily the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to implement this court decision immediately," Gerasimov said at a plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday. According to Gerasimov, the government must finally stop making politically motivated, populist decisions that humiliate the country and discredit it before the world. "The government is accountable to the parliament, not vice versa. And the decisions of the courts - an independent branch - are mandatory for everyone without exception, even if they are not to the taste of high offices. It is appropriate to recall that it was the government that initiated the falsified, absurd sanctions against Petro Poroshenko. And this court decision is the first legal proof that the authorities acted illegally. The next step should be the complete abolition of this political farce," Gerasimov noted. As is known, in 2023 the Cabinet of Ministers adopted a resolution according to which deputies, judges and other officials could not travel outside Ukraine without the permission of the leadership. The ban applied, in particular, to women, disabled people and men over 60 years of age. The Kyiv community may increase the funding of the Defender of Kyiv program by 1 UAH billion for the Security and Defense Forces, the mayor of the capital Vitaliy Klitschko said. "For the next session of the Kyiv City Council, a draft of amendments to the city's target program "Defender of Kyiv" has been prepared for consideration. Where it is envisaged to increase support for the Security and Defense Forces by another UAH 1 billion," he wrote in the Telegram channel on Tuesday. According to him, of these funds, in particular, UAH 900 million will go to support military units. In particular, military units that carry out air defense of the city of Kyiv. "And UAH 100 million are provided for volunteer formations of the territorial community of the city, which also take an active part in the air defense of the capital," Klitschko specified. "I hope that the deputies of the Kyiv City Council will gather for the session scheduled for November 6 and support the adoption of such necessary assistance for our Defenders!", - added Klitschko. According to him, this year, UAH 11 billion have already been allocated from the capital's budget to support the military, veterans and their families. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with the military at the command post of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine Azov on the Dobropillia axis, talked about the front, defense, weapons and the needs of the military. The present also awarded the heroes with state awards. "I met with our soldiers at the command post of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine Azov, which, together with related units, is conducting defense in the Dobropillia direction," Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Tuesday. The president noted that he listened to the reports of the military, "discussed the situation on the front line and the most urgent needs, paid much attention to issues of weapons, scaling up drone production, the needs of brigades, the experience of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine Azov and others." "I thanked the soldiers for their service and personally awarded them with state awards. The defenders serve in an important direction. I thank the soldiers for protecting Ukraine and our territorial integrity. This is our state, this is our East, and we will definitely do our best to keep it Ukrainian," President Zelenskyy said. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/marta.kosmarko European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has once again stated that, based on the results of the screening process of the legislation of Ukraine and Moldova for compliance with the European one, there are all grounds for the European Council to decide to open the negotiation clusters by the end of November. She stated this on Tuesday in Brussels, presenting the Enlargement Package to the meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs. "The screening process with Moldova and Ukraine has been completed, and the (European) Commission will continue its work so that the (European Council) can open all the clusters by the end of November, and I very much hope that this will happen," Kos said. At the same time, the European Commissioner stressed that the main principle in the enlargement policy is based on merit. "So when we say that if the member states are fulfilling their obligations, and I can really prove, because I have evidence in this report, that they are fulfilling their obligations, then the EU must also fulfill its obligations," Kos said. The European Commission states that Ukraine, despite the war waged against it by Russia, remains firmly committed to its path to EU accession, having successfully completed the screening process and advanced in key reforms. This is stated in a statement by the European Commission, distributed on the occasion of the publication of the EC report on the progress of candidate countries to the European Union. The report, known as the "Enlargement Package," is an annual one and contains an assessment of the progress of all candidate countries, of which there are currently ten: Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Turkey and Georgia. As for Ukraine, the EC noted that Kyiv adopted roadmaps on the rule of law, public governance and the functioning of democratic institutions, as well as an action plan on national minorities, which the Commission assessed positively. "Ukraine has fulfilled the conditions necessary to open clusters: one (foundations), six (external relations) and two (internal market). The Commission expects Ukraine to fulfill the conditions for opening the remaining three clusters and is working to ensure that the (European) Council is in a position to proceed with the opening of all clusters by the end of the year," the European Commission said. The press release also highlighted that the Ukrainian government has stated its aim to provisionally close accession negotiations by the end of 2028. "The Commission is committed to supporting this ambitious goal, but believes that achieving it requires accelerating the pace of reforms, in particular on fundamental issues, including the rule of law," the EC stated. As for the annual Enlargement Package itself, the EC said that this document "confirms that the momentum for enlargement is high on the EU's priority agenda and that the accession of new Member States is increasingly achievable." "Consistency and adherence to a merit-based approach are key to successful accession to the EU," the EC stressed. Commenting on the document, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "We are more committed than ever to making EU enlargement a reality. Because a larger Union means a stronger and more influential Europe on the world stage. But this must and will remain a merit-based process." According to her, the package contains specific recommendations to all partners. "And to all of them we say: EU accession is a unique offer. A promise of peace, prosperity and solidarity. With the right reforms and strong political will, you can all seize this opportunity," the EC President is convinced. Earlier, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka called the annual enlargement report the best in three years. According to him, the European Commission has recognized for the first time that Ukraine is demonstrating record progress in most areas of reform. Newport Beach's Balboa Peninsula welcomes a new era of coastal hospitality NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel, operated by Pacifica Hotels, the largest owner and operator of boutique hotels along the Pacific Coast, is now open as Newport Beach's newest boutique retreat, anchoring the Balboa Peninsula's modern revival. Once a 1960s surf motel, the 25-room hideaway has been reimagined to blend mid-century nostalgia with contemporary California design. As part of a growing resurgence of California motels, Bay Shores brings craftsmanship, design, and a renewed sense of place to one of Southern California's most timeless enclaves, now reimagined for a new generation. "We wanted Bay Shores to feel like a love letter to Newport, a place that nods to its past while embracing the creativity and ease of today's California lifestyle," says Blake Marriott, owner of Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel. "Our vision was to create a space that captures the character of the Peninsula, where guests can truly feel the energy of the coast." Design that Blends Nostalgia with New California Style Reimagined by CPD Studio, a Southern California-based interior design firm known for its thoughtful approach to coastal spaces, Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel is an ode to Newport's golden age, infused with the easy sophistication of contemporary California style. Each of the 25 guestrooms tells its own story through tactile design and craftsmanship. Mid-century silhouettes meet modern coastal texture, from striped wallpaper and gingham upholstery to curved-leg lounge chairs paired with custom oak furnishings and brass-accented marble vanities. Local photography by Mariah Brink and handcrafted lighting by Robert Gordon add a layered warmth that feels timeless, nostalgic, and true to Newport. In the lobby, CPD Studio strikes a balance between beach-town ease and architectural sophistication. Green-and-white marble floors, arched details, and soft pastel hues flow together with brushed brass accents, while a curved oak reception desk and marble-clad cafe bar anchor the space in a refined coastal aesthetic. Thoughtful Touches for Effortless Coastal Living Every detail at Bay Shores is designed to enhance the relaxed rhythm of life by the sea. Guestrooms feature Bellino Italian linens, robes by LA-based designer Simone Fan, and Kiehl's bath amenities, while sustainable touches, from refillable glass carafes to compostable containers, reflect the hotel's mindful approach to hospitality. The Beach Concierge curates a seamless seaside experience, arranging personalized setups with chairs, umbrellas, Stanley coolers stocked to preference, and beach toys ready for guests to enjoy at their chosen time. Complimentary cruisers invite guests to explore the Peninsula from pier to harbor, pedaling past Balboa Pier and the Fun Zone before stopping to browse the boutiques and cafes along Marine Avenue. In collaboration with Tin Marin, a San Diegobased artisan brand, each room features a custom handwoven Mixte bag designed exclusively for Bay Shores, available for use during a guest's stay or to purchase as a keepsake. It's a small but meaningful symbol of the hotel's dedication to craftsmanship and coastal community. Rooftop Escapes with a View from Harbor to Horizon Perched above the Peninsula, Bay Shores' twin rooftopsThe Penny and The Pearloffer the kind of panoramic perspective that defines life in Newport Beach: sailboats gliding across the harbor on one side, surfers chasing breaks beyond the jetty on the other. By day, they're serene spots for morning yoga or afternoon lounging; by night, they glow with the golden shimmer of sunset, fireplaces flickering and the sea breeze carrying the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. Designed for easy gathering and open-air indulgence, both rooftops reflect the hotel's effortless sense of community, intimate yet elevated, casual yet cinematic. Whether for a sunset spritz, a private celebration, or a quiet moment to watch the coast fade into twilight, The Penny and The Pearl bring together everything that makes the Bay Shores experience distinct: simplicity, style, and a view that stretches from harbor to horizon. All-Day Coastal Cafe At street level, the hotel's cafe captures the neighborhood rhythm, espresso drifting onto the sidewalk, locals dropping in for pastries, and guests starting the day with an easy breakfast. Serving Coffee Manufactory espresso and Crema Artisan Bakery pastries alongside Mediterranean-inspired salads and sandwiches, it feels more like a local favorite than a hotel cafe. From morning coffee before a surf session to wine at golden hour, guests can enjoy light bites in-room, in the cafe or alfresco under the coastal sun, a reflection of the Peninsula's effortless, lived-in charm. A Modern Hideaway Rooted in the Peninsula's Spirit Just steps from the sand and harbor, Bay Shores captures what travelers crave most from Southern California now, a return to simplicity, craftsmanship, and connection to place. It's not just a new chapter for a Newport classic, but a fresh expression of what coastal hospitality can be. In celebration of the grand opening, guests staying with Bay Shores this November and December will receive a complimentary Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel tote filled with iconic saltwater taffy, a cafe voucher, and special Bay Shores keepsakes. Guests can book using code WELCOME to receive this special offer. Reservations and more information are available at bayshoreshotel.com or on Instagram at @bayshoresnewport. About Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel offers a relaxed yet refined take on coastal hospitality in one of Southern California's most beloved beach towns. Nestled along the sun-soaked shores of Newport Beach, the 25-room boutique retreat evokes the charm of a classic seaside escape with breezy, individually designed guest rooms, thoughtful amenities such as custom beach coolers, beach toys and bike rentals, and a bespoke approach to service that is quintessentially SoCal. Bay Shores is also home to The Penny and The Pearl, two open-air gathering spaces designed for golden hour lounging, private celebrations, and intimate events, as well as an all-day cafe fueled by seasonal, locally sourced fare that complements the coastal energy of the property. Whether arriving for a weekend escape or a midweek recharge, Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel is a modern hideaway that captures the essence of Newport Beach's effortless charm. About Pacifica Hotels Pacifica Hotels was formed in 1993 to consolidate the hospitality operations of Invest West Financial Corporation, which has been involved in the acquisition, development, refurbishing and operating of quality hotel properties and other commercial real estate properties for nearly 30 years. Today, Pacifica Hotels is the largest owner and operator of boutique hotels on the Pacific coast. Pacifica Hotels' independent and flagged properties in key California cities from San Diego to San Francisco, as well as Hawaii, feature outstanding locations, AAA 3- and 4-diamond ratings, upgraded amenities and high standards of guest service. For complete hotel descriptions and reservations, please visit www.pacificahotels.com. Media Contact The Point PR, Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel, 1 5416108134, [email protected], bayshoreshotel.com SOURCE Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel James Ponti is the author of four middle grade seriesThe Sherlock Society, City Spies, the Edgar Awardwinning Framed!, and the Dead City trilogyand the founder of a writers group known as the Renegades of Middle Grade. He is also an Emmynominated television writer and producer. Here, Ponti discusses how the recent Louvre heist, with its stranger-than-fiction twists, made a mockery of his research as a mystery writer. The recent jewelry heist at the Louvre hits us all differently. For museum officials, its an embarrassing lapse in security. For the people of France, its a heartbreaking loss of cultural treasures. And for middle grade mystery authors, its a disrespectful slap in the face. I should know. Ive got a palm print across my cheek to prove it. Ive written multiple heists and museum break-ins across three different book series. Its kind of my signature. To write them, I research diligently, study historic robberies, interview workers, and painstakingly scour maps, layouts, and social media to find security lapses. This is all so I can create believably intricate plans as to how someone might penetrate cultural fortresses such as the Louvre. It turns out, all you need is a ladder, some battery-powered tools, and a getaway scooter. Seriously?! If I wrote a Louvre robbery the way it actually occurred, my editor would laugh in my face and readers would flood my inbox with mocking images of the Hamburglar escaping on a Vespa. (Sixth graders can be cruel that way.) Unlike reality, fiction has to be believable. From my research, I know that most actual museum robberies are more Tom and Jerry than Thomas Crown. The Mona Lisa was swiped by a museum employee who simply carried it out under his coat. The Portrait of Jacob de Gheyn III is nicknamed the Takeaway Rembrandt because its small enough to slip under a sweaterwhich is exactly what a thief did one of the four times its been stolen. In 1964, bandits pulled off what was, for decades, the biggest jewel heist in American history by climbing through windows left open to ventilate the American Museum of Natural History. The robbery was both literally and figuratively a breeze. Young readers demand more. I know I did. I got my first taste of museums and kid lit in the third grade when I read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Its still my all-time favorite book, and a big part of its appeal is the fact that, although the story is fictional, the setting is real and recognizable. As I read it, I knew I could visit New York and see everything Claudia and Jamie saw in the book. This inspired me to write Framed! The mystery features the theft of four Impressionist masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. I wanted to get it right, so I reached out to the museum to arrange a behind-the-scenes tour. Not surprisingly, my emails were ignored. I never said I was writing about art theft, but Im pretty sure they guessed. Instead, I had to case the building the same way Butch Cassidy used to scope out banks in the Old West. I watched security guards looking for patterns, studied artists in the copyist programs, and pretended to take pictures of my son standing next to paintings, while actually getting photographic evidence of how they were attached to the wall. Apparently, I wasnt the only one watching. When I revisited the museum a year later, a guard in many of my photos approached me because he recognized me and was trying to remember why. My book City Spies: City of the Dead begins with an elaborate break-in at the British Museum. For this, I studied how much of the collection was hidden in an abandoned tube station during World War II, and watched social media videos about present-day underground storage. With some creative license, I was able to connect the two in a way that allowed my characters to bypass security in a manner that was satisfying to readers. These same readers started reaching out to me the moment the Louvre story broke. They all wanted to know how the City Spies or Sherlock Society might solve the case. They wont have to wait long to find out. My newest book City Spies: Europa comes out in February. It features a series of simultaneous attacks involving the Musee dOrsay, the Rijksmuseum, the Tate Britain, and the Vatican Museums. Its my wifes favorite of all my books. This is not so much because of how its written, but because she helped with the research. She played Sundance to my Butch as we cased the joints. I dont want to give any spoilers, but I promise you this: there are no ladders. No open windows. And absolutely no getaway scooters. In a memo from Kristin Cochrane to staff, the CEO of Penguin Random House Canada laid out plans to split the leadership of its childrens publishing operation, the Tundra Book Group. Under the new structure, Tara Walker, who has been Tundra publisher since 2015, will share that role with Liz Kribs, who has been promoted from associate publisher. Walker remains a VP at PRHC, while Kribs will add that title and become a member of the publishers leadership team. Cochrane said the decision to split the job came after discussions about the future of Tundra among the three executives who have worked together for almost 10 years. Kribs has been with Tundra since 2000, when she was hired as an intern. Cochrane wrote that the two bring complementary skills and perspectives. To guide this new structure, Tara and Liz have developed a clear set of responsibilities, approvals, and reporting, with each of them having the space to do their best work, tied to where their skills and hearts are, Cochrane wrote. Both will report to Cochrane. As part of the new structure, Cochrane wrote that Walker will continue to focus on the development of the list of picture books and illustrated titles that Tundra publishes and continue to acquire and edit books with the team of editors shes built, while Kribs will shape the broader business strategy for the group. Under Walkers guidance, Tundra has been growing in dynamic ways, with commercial and critical success, Cochrane explained. This year alone books published by Tundra have won awards and hit significant sales thresholds, noting for instance, that Ben Clanton's Narwhal and Jelly books have surpassed seven million copies sold. Earlier this autumn, a groundbreaking international publishing event challenged the traditional book fair model. The inaugural READ Barcelona brought together nearly 200 politically-committed publishers, magazine editors, and intellectuals for three days in September, offering an alternative to commercial giants like Frankfurt and Londonand signaling a shift in how independent and like-minded publishers might connect and collaborate. A month before the Frankfurt book fair, READ Barcelona ran from September 1719, the culmination of a decade-long vision by editors at such radical and independent publishing houses as Verso Books and France's La Fabrique. "We've been trying to create an alternative space to other international fairs for a long time," said Stella Magliani-Belkacem, copublisher of La Fabrique. Publishers' catalogues are increasingly homogeneous, she explained, and finding new voices is essentialwhich is why magazine editors were included in the event, the aim of which is to help participants brainstorm ways of innovating what is published. The city of Barcelona donated space at La Model, the former prison that was C's most important penitentiary during the 20th century. During the day, meetings were held between publishers; in the evening, public events drew up to 400 participants for discussions on subjects like "hypercapitalism," "techno feudalism," and "feminism in an era of authoritarian neoliberalism." The autonomous region of Catalonia provided additional resources, as did organizations such as the Madrid and Lisbon chapters of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. Of the nearly 200 international publishers and editors attending READ, 90 received funding for travel and/or accommodationa significant benefit for small independent publishers who cannot afford trips to Frankfurt or London. Ronny Augustinus of Marjin Kiri in Indonesia noted that in his experience attending international book fairs, "the most promising ones are with like-minded publishers." Origin and vision Founders of the event include Magliani-Belkacem; Simon Budgen of Verso (UK); Simon Vasquez, now with Verso Libros (Catalonia-Spain); Ole Rauch of Brumaire Verlag (Germany); and the German journals Jacobin Magazin and Surplus Magazin. Vasquez, who pulled together the funding with his team in Barcelona, underlined that "our generation of critical thinkers are getting old. Over the next several years we will need a new generation. We need to think together strategically about what the new issues are and share advice about how to publish them." Vasquez offered the example of Swedish author Andreas Malm's 2021 manifesto How to Blow Up a Pipeline, which sold well in the U.S., U.K., and France, and was turned into a feature film in 2022. "In Spain it [didnt sell], even if climate change is an emergency here. We need to think about market problems and other issues together, Vasquez said. Rauch added that panel discussions at READ on subjects such as methods to counter reactionary narratives were very useful and, contrary to other fairs, "it's not about someone trying to sell you software. "These are difficult times whether in publishing or otherwise," said Budgen. "We didn't just want to sit around and whine. We are being proactive, and we want to create long-term collaborations. As publishers we can't remain uninvolved." Budgen emphasized that the publishers present were not just activist indie publishers, but also editors from larger companies, including Christian Heilbronn of Suhrkamp Verlag, Manasi Subramaniam of Penguin Random House India, Sophie Kucoyanis of Gallimard, Isabel Obiols of Anagrama, and Ernesto Fuentes from Sexto Piso. "We share the same considerations," said Kucoyanis. "Europe is facing war, a genocide is underway, and the far right is at the doorstep of all democracies. It's a struggle for the Global South to reach us, even if the center of the world has shifted." For her, deep thought is essential today, and "books are a channel to share and deepen this thinking." The literary agency French Books and More saw the opportunity and took advantage of READ to meet indie publishers and highlight the books it represents with indie Francophone publishing houses. "Some of the publishers we see here would be lost in other fairs, or I wouldn't necessarily have time to meet with them," explained Julian Nossa of Books and More. He said that in Frankfurt, for example, "to make the trip worthwhile, I have to prioritize the more commercial titles in my catalog." Tom Dark of Manchester University Press came away from the fair optimistic about acquiring books from France and Spain and is following up with other publishers he met. "We're not officially political," Dark said, "but are interested in using our rigor to expose and criticize authority with a progressive angle in this era of untruth." Like many, Dark said that Barcelona was accessible, well supported, and more affordable than Frankfurt. Alexandre Sanchez, who runs the European operation of the Quebec-based Lux Editeur, concurred. "The classic fair format is running out of steam," she said. READ, Sanchez continued, comes at a "pivotal moment for our catalog: we are trying to create a balance between one generation and another and to amplify new voices, especially those from the Global South. This is the ideal place for that. We are witnessing the birth of something that will endure." The second edition of READ Barcelona will be held September 16-18, 2026. Registration opens in the spring. A version of this article originally appeared in Livres Hebdo. Photo: https://www.nato.int/ The initiative to purchase American weapons for Ukraine PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) will continue, and will become an important element of covering Kyiv's defense needs for the next year, said head of the NATO Representation to Ukraine Patrick Turner. He stated this on Tuesday at an event on the modeling of the Ukraine-NATO Council within the framework of the "Youth without Borders: Together in NATO" project, which is implemented by NGO ANTS. Turner emphasized that one of NATO's priorities is support for Ukraine, which has many forms and is very broad. He recalled that last year, NATO allies provided Ukraine with military assistance worth more than $50 billion. The senior representative stated that they did not have that years numbers yet because it was not over. Looking ahead to the following year, the representative said that the Ukrainian government had indicated a potential defense budget of $120 billion. According to the representative, Ukraine would cover half of this amount on its own and would need international partners to provide the remaining $60 billion. Regarding the partners covering the $60 billion in military assistance, Turner emphasized the importance of the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) initiative for purchasing American weapons for Ukraine. The senior NATO official said that the equipment was already arriving and that it was extremely important for Ukraine on the battlefield, adding that the program would continue. The official emphasized that it is a very high political priority for both NATO and Ukraine and that it is an important element of the $60 billion in assistance. Photo: Unsplash The United States should be open to the possibility of using long-range weapons as a deterrent to the aggressor, and Ukraine also needs the support of President Donald Trump in this matter, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "The United States of America should be open to the possibility of using long-range weapons. Long-range weapons are very important. Even as a deterrent, we must have them and use them. We need the support of the U.S., we need the support of President Trump in this matter," Zelenskyy said during the EU enlargement summit on Tuesday. According to him, this would put decisive pressure on Russia, followed by sanctions. The President thanked the EU and the U.S. for the latest sanctions and emphasized the need for secondary sanctions. "We need the next, tougher sanctions on gas, as well as against Russias nuclear power sector. All these steps are clear and are aimed at their military-industrial complex so that they [the Russian Federation] cannot produce so many missiles that Russia uses against Ukraine," the head of state stressed. After taking the helm at New Yorks financially troubled Nassau University Medical Center late last year, Megan C. Ryan stumbled upon something baffling in the books: a two-decade-long series of transactions engineered by New York State that may have shortchanged the hospital by a staggering $1 billion in matching funds. As a hospital primarily serving patients on Medicare, Medicaid, or who are uninsured, the medical center qualified for federal matching grants tied to state contributions. Ryans discovery indicated that the state was having the medical center itself post its share of the match for around 20 years at $50 million per year essentially cheating it out of the states matching dollars. We just couldnt wrap our heads around how a hospital that serves the poor would be forced to put up tens of millions of dollars in place of state funds, Ryan told RealClearInvestigations. Ryan says she called James Dering, previously general counsel of the New York Department of Health, for a legal opinion about the financial arrangement. That opinion indicated it was improper. What seems like a local tussle over health care has all the trappings of a bigger partisan political fight in the run-up to one of the more important races for governor next year in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul is accused of trying to quash investigations of the hospital's finances. Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is running for reelection, is the central player in the dispute. The hospital already at loggerheads with Hochuls administration over claims the state was unduly withholding needed aid filed suit last December against New York seeking to be made whole for the $1 billion it believed it was owed. That litigation would help set in motion a series of events culminating in the takeover of the hospital by Hochul, removing control of the public benefit corporation from the hands of Republican Nassau County executive, Bruce Blakeman; the firing of Ryan and the mass exodus of the hospitals leaders as the new regime took over; and new legal battles between Ryan and the hospitals Hochul-appointed leaders. Nassau University Medical Centers ousted leaders say the takeover smacks of retaliation for their filing of a lawsuit that exposed alleged malfeasance and political corruption. Despite Derings opinion, the state has argued there was nothing wrong with the hospital putting up the matching funds, and that its interventions in the hospitals operations have been necessary to rescue a debt-riddled facility that has been hobbled by Republican-linked cronyism and mismanagement in one of the few downstate areas where the GOP is competitive. It has been for years a Republican patronage pit, Jay Jacobs, chair of both the states and Nassaus Democratic parties, told Politico. The place is run by Republican Party operatives. The hospital saga has already drawn scrutiny from both the FBI and Republican congressional investigators the latter suggesting that the alleged financial scheme is part of a broader effort to save the states balance sheet by shifting the Medicaid burden to counties and low-income hospitals. The states Medicaid spending is by far the highest in the country, at $4,942 per person. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is expected to run against Hochul, has made healthcare one of her key issues, jousting publicly with the governor over their divergent policies and approaches to Medicaid. Adding to the drama is the partisan battle over federal subsidies for rising Obamacare premiums, which is fueling the ongoing federal government shutdown. The alleged financial shenanigans at the Long Island medical center focus on the convoluted funding mechanisms used to reimburse hospitals for hundreds of billions of care delivered across the country. The saga playing out in Long Island also illuminates the indelibly political nature of healthcare across the country, where two parties often divvy up and spar over control of facilities that are crucial to the lives of voters. Nassau University Medical Center is a 530-bed Level I Trauma Center located in East Meadow that serves some 270,000 patients each year. It is the only hospital providing care to all comers regardless of their finances, in the suburbs of Nassau County, east of Manhattan. Until Hochuls state takeover of the hospital this past May, control of the center was split among state leaders, generally Democrats, and local leaders, sometimes Republicans with county officials retaining the upper hand. The medical centers finances have been shaky for years. A report produced by the turnaround firm Alvarez & Marsal concluded in 2020 that the only potentially sustainable option going forward would be to reduce the hospital staff by more than 90% from 3,400 employees to roughly 300 while eliminating emergency room and medical/surgical inpatient service altogether. Megan C. Ryan was fired as the medical center CEO after asserting the state had shortchanged the hospital. Under Ryan, the hospitals performance had improved. Nevertheless, after years of posting losses, the hospital had accumulated a $1.4 billion deficit as of the end of 2024. While state leaders attributed this shortfall to mismanagement, local and hospital leaders say it is because of the states failure to provide necessary financial support something the state disputes. According to one of the medical centers lawsuits, its shortfall can be traced to a scheme that worked this way: [T]he State would instruct the Nassau County Treasurer to instruct the Hospital to make a transfer of funds to the State with the assurance that the funds would be returned to the Hospital along with the matching federal funds within 10 days. And indeed, like clockwork, the money was paid to the Hospital within days. The state does not deny this description, but it rejects the hospitals claim that the arrangement was dubious a conscious effort to make it appear that the nonfederal portion was coming from the County when it was in fact coming from the Hospital let alone illegal. Noting that federal law allows states to cover their non-federal share of Medicaid matching funds through a variety of means, including via intergovernmental transfers from local authorities, New York countered in court filings that counties may put up matching funds and that counties may tap the hospitals themselves for the match. Although this would seem to be a straightforward legal issue, the law is murky. Healthcare experts with whom RCI spoke indicated that while intergovernmental transfers are common, they could not opine as to the legitimacy of the ones challenged in the Nassau Centers case. The New York State Department of Health and several other county hospitals did not respond to RCI inquiries about whether this arrangement was common practice. The courts would never resolve the Nassau University Medical Center dispute. In early May, Hochul effectively seized control of the facility and quashed the hospitals suits against New York and the hospitals financial monitor. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman called the state's takeover of the hospital "illegal." Blakeman, the Republican county executive, called the takeover illegal and vowed to file suit. The takeover had come just weeks after reports had emerged that the FBI was probing the hospitals underlying allegations of $1 billion in withheld funds, with Blakeman and his handpicked hospital chairman, Matthew Bruderman, cooperating with the investigation. In July, congressional Republicans running the House Oversight Committee opened a probe into New Yorks alleged abuse of the Medicaid system through withholding federal Medicaid funds to fill New York budget shortfalls, as well as the alleged years-long $1 billion scheme concerning the Nassau University Medical Center. A spokesperson for the committee told RCI that there was no update as to its investigation. As for whether other hospitals might be impacted, or analogous efforts were being undertaken in other states, the spokesperson said that the committee believes this issue is unique to New York State Medicaid. In response to inquiries about potential federal probes, the Justice Department and Department of Health and Human Services declined to comment. An already complicated saga became even more convoluted this summer with contrasting claims about the hospitals current finances and its future. Before she was fired in June, Ryan had tendered a letter of resignation in May amid the governors takeover that was to be effective July 20. In a separate letter to the hospitals employees obtained by RCI, Ryan stated that in contrast to claims of mismanagement that had filtered out to the press as the dispute between the hospital and state escalated, the facility had improved its operational and financial performance including significantly increasing cash reserves while modernizing and expanding. [O]ur team has worked tirelessly to restore financial accountability, clinical excellence, and community trust, according to the letter. Despite these gains, powerful interests have spent years trying to undermine this institution and distort my record [through leaks to the press alleging mismanagement]. Their intent is not to improve health care but to consolidate political power, dismantle NUMCs services, and potentially repurpose our hospital for private development. In 2024, as the hospital sought additional New York aid amid accumulated losses totaling several hundred million dollars, the state required that the hospital implement changes to support financial stability, while seeming to endorse Alvarez & Marsals 2020 recommendation that the facility be significantly downsized. Hochul, meanwhile, has undertaken an initiative to repurpose state-owned sites as housing including easing the ability to create higher-density housing. The chairman of the hospitals financial overseer, Richard Kessler, has ties to housing development, sparking fears among critics of an NUMC closure and real estate play. Richard Kessel, the chairman of the hospitals financial overseer, the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, had previously led the countys industrial development agency. It had provided economic incentives to aid in several housing projects, repurposing existing land for housing in the vicinity of the medical center. Seemingly connecting those dots, Bruderman, the former hospital chair, said amid news of Hochuls upcoming takeover in April that the governors efforts arent about saving the hospital, our employees or our patients, but rather a Democratic Party power play. We have documented evidence that Albany intends to shut down the hospital, fire the employees and utilize this land for other purposes for political benefit. A Hochul spokesperson said of claims of a hostile takeover, The boards restructuring is unequivocally the best possible news for anyone who relies on NUMC. Due to years of gross mismanagementthe hospital is in financial peril, the spokesperson added. This is a desperately needed intervention. The states priorities for NUMC have always been ensuring quality patient care and achieving financial stability. The medical center was reportedly poised to post an $11 million profit in 2025, after posting losses totaling over $140 million in each of the two years prior. As for any sort of land deal, a July 2025 opinion piece from a Newsday editorial board member indicated that developers had already begun to reach out to the hospital regarding the nearly 100 acres its facilities cover in a highly desirable county that has little space to grow. Everythings on the table except eliminating the safety net hospital, its Hochul-approved chairman, Stuart Rabinowitz, told the newspaper. The implication among Hochuls critics is that high-density housing would most likely benefit Democrats. Ryans attempt to tender her resignation, which was followed by a mass exodus of other hospital leaders, was rejected. Instead, in June, the new board terminated her for cause, denying her severance pay. Ryan notified the hospital that she would seek legal redress. While legal battles intensify, the fate of the safety-net hospital is unclear. Before she did so, in August, the hospital filed suit against her seeking $10 million in damages, claiming she had, among other things, engaged in systemic mismanagement, including in authorizing over $1 million in excessive and improper termination payments for herself and her exiting colleagues on the way out, and other expenses for reimbursement vastly greater than allowable amounts including for a lobster dinner on the night one of the executives resigned. Last month, Ryan countersued, defending her record and claiming the accusations leveled against her were false and defamatory. Meanwhile, the ousted CEO asserted in her complaint that her successor was hired at a salary roughly 25% higher than her own which she argues is discriminatory; that the new CEO has had his hand in prior actual and attempted hospital closures much like the one that now seems imminent at Nassau University Medical Center; and that the hospital had signed off on $10 million in no-bid contracts in just its first three months under its new board. While the legal battles intensify, the fate of the safety-net hospital remains unclear. Disney/Sami Drasin By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/04/2025 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. The Bachelor alum Jess Edwards has shared an update on her moving plans with fiance Spencer Conley Jess, who accepted Spencer's marriage proposal on 's tenth season earlier this year, recently took to Instagram Stories to give details about her upcoming move from San Diego, CA, to Texas."I'm having movers move all my things the weekend before Thanksgiving so that when we get back everything is here," Jess told her followers.Jess went on to share the areas of Texas where she and Spencer may move to."Lots of questions about the move! We're looking at places in Lower Greenville & M Streets," Jess revealed."My main want is a very walkable area to lots of things because that's something I love about where I live in SD."The alum also confirmed that she'll be moving into Spencer's pre-existing place, although temporarily."Spencer's current lease isn't up until January so we have some time & I will be getting a storage unit for a few weeks," Jess explained.When asked how she plans to move all of her belongings from California to Texas, Jess joked, "Great question. No clue.""Movers that move things & also ship cars," she added. "But seriously if you have any recommendations send them my way!!!!"While Jess and Spencer weren't the only couple who found love on 's tenth season, they were the only couple who left Costa Rica engaged During a Q&A session with fans via Instagram this past summer, Jess and Spencer revealed their wedding timeline "We're taking things one step at a time , I feel like," Spencer shared, according to BachelorNation.com.Jess agreed, "We are, yes. We'll probably re-evaluate when it's been a year, so probably next May we'll start talking more plans."The pair also said they're still getting to know each other following their stint on , which wrapped filming in May in Costa Rica.When Jess and Spencer chose love over $250,000 during 's Season 10 finale , they passed the final relationship test by deciding that their relationship was more valuable than money.host Jesse Palmer therefore allowed the couple to pick one of three envelopes, each of which contained a check for a different amount of money.The couple ended up selecting an envelope with $190,000 inside, which is apparently going to go towards building their future together In addition to Spencer and Jess, Alexe Godin and Andrew Spencer also won money in the amount of $25,000 on .Alexe and Andrew left Paradise still dating and in love, and so did Kat Izzo and Dale Moss Jeremy Simon and Bailey Taylor Brown are also still together.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! When it comes to Hornady, two things are inevitable: introducing new cartridges, and people hating on Hornady's new cartridge. Americans born the same year that 6.5 Creedmoor was introduced are old enough to vote this year, but that doesn't stop people from hating on it 18 years later. When Hornady introduced the 338ARC to the public last year, it was immediately met with hate and derision from a few corners of the internet, as well as one outspoken industry personality' that likely saw it as a threat to one of his pet projects. Now, 12 months later, how does the newest, fattest member of the ARC family stack up? Spoiler it's actually pretty awesome. 338ARC caught my attention as soon as it was announced. I'd always liked the idea of 300 Blackout for giving solid subsonic performance from a semi-auto rifle, with better ballistics than a pistol cartridge, but I could never quite accept the risk of seeing it get mixed up with 5.56 ammo on the range. I work with a lot of new shooters, and the idea of being the latest person posting pictures on the internet of their destroyed rifle after a mishap always gave me the willies. Thankfully, 338ARC resolves that problem, and that situation is also moot with its 6mm and 22-caliber brethren. As a bonus, the 338ARC is able to sling heavier bullets with higher BCs than the 300 Blackout, with the potential for more energy on target and less drop at moderate distances. To get some hands on time with the 338ARC while waiting on an announced but yet-to-be-released complete firearm to be available, I decided to build up a new upper for my existing AR-15 SBR lower to see if it could live up to the promises and hype, or alternatively see if the hate was deserved. Here's the build specs on the upper: The lower receiver was unchanged from its usual configuration for my 10.5 suppressed 5.56 upper, including an H2 buffer, standard carbine spring, and Geissele SD-E trigger. Testing was done with 175gr supersonic and 300gr subsonic AAC ammo I picked up from Palmetto State Armory on a recent trip through South Carolina, 307gr Hornady Sub-X I purchased from one of my usual go-to online vendors, as well as a healthy amount of my own handloads using AAC brass, Accurate brand powder, and Lapua bullets. THE MAGAZINE-SHAPED ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM Thanks to having several 22ARC ARs in the safe already, I have also been able to test a variety of magazines 10, 15, 20, and 26 round mags from DuraMag, as well as 25-round AR-Stoner branded magazines. Keep in mind that none of the tested magazines are listed as 338ARC magazines, and most suggestions online are to use 400 Legend or 338ARC specific magazines for the cartridge. Based on much of the commentary I had seen online regarding magazines, I started off with 10 and 15rd DuraMag magazines, but loading them short of their full capacity 5 to 8 rounds in the 10s and 10 to 12 rounds in the 15s. I also tried roughly 15 rounds in a 20 round magazine. Despite the cautions I'd seen online, and much to my pleasant surprise, all of the mags ran flawlessly with 300gr AAC ammo. After probably 40 rounds of this, I decided to go for broke, and started jamming magazines to their full capacity. Total malfunctions with 15, 20, and later 25 round DuraMags on my first range trip? Zero malfunctions in 250+ rounds. None. That was with roughly 200 rounds of 300gr AAC subsonic, 40 rounds of 175gr supersonic, and 20 rounds of Hornady SubX. From there, I worked up a subsonic load with some 250gr Lapua Scenars I had laying around from another project, and found a happy load running those at 1080fps. Over 200 rounds of that later, plus some additional 300gr AAC mixed in and with magazines always loaded to capacity, I was still running almost flawlessly. In nearly 500 rounds fired I had two or three occasions where the first round didn't strip off the top of a fully loaded magazine, and it only happened when I used the bolt release instead of the charging handle. In each case, the malfunction was rectified with a quick stroke of the charging handle, and I was back up and running. At no point with my DuraMag testing did I have a malfunction outside of those incidents. It's also worth noting that the carbine spring in this lower has seen a lot of cycles with my usual suppressed 5.56 upper, so I can't even conclusively say that the issue was the mags and not a slightly weakened recoil spring. Color me impressed. Towards the end of my testing process, I acquired the previously mentioned AR Stoner brand 25rd magazines. I actually got these for one of my 22ARC builds, but figured that they'd be worth testing in the 338ARC upper. They have significantly less curve than the DuraMag branded 25rd mags, and the reinforcing rib is in a somewhat different location and much deeper, so I was curious to see how they'd run. Unfortunately, these magazines were far from flawless with my hand loads. After 75 rounds with roughly 10 stoppages, I put them back in the bag with my 22ARC gear. While my magazine testing wasn't without issue, my experience with this build and the DuraMag left me with a much less downcast outlook for 338ARC than many of the online pundits would have you believe. I think some of the credit here belongs to Faxon, as their uppers and barrels are cut with very generous feed ramps to aid in reliability. VELOCITY TESTING One of the stated benefits of the 338ARC case design is much more consistent subsonic performance than some of the competing designs. With that in mind, I ran 10 rounds each of the AAC 300gr subsonic and 175gr supersonic loads in front of my Garmin Xero chrono, as well as 10 rounds of the Hornady 307gr SubX. I found the following results: AVG SD ES AAC 300gr Sub 966.1 FPS 10.7 FPS 35.9 FPS Hornady 307gr Sub 1,027 FPS 9.4 FPS 35.5 FPS AAC 175gr Super 1,944 FPS 10.6 FPS 34.2 FPS While this is only a random 10-round sample of each of the ammo offerings, those numbers are very good for factory ammo. It can be especially tricky to get subsonic loads with that kind of consistency. I also didn't notice any real signs of unburned power, fillers, etc even after several hundred rounds of testing, so I think there's some credit to be given to Hornady on the case design as well as Hornady and AAC on their ammo. After some load development work, I was able to load up some Lapua 250gr Scenars over Accurate 5744 powder in AAC brass for the following results over 11 shots: 250gr subsonic hand loads: Average 1077.5FPS Standard Deviation 6.0fps Extreme Spread 20.3 FPS I'll take that. In the midst of all of this, I was also paying a lot of attention to sound levels with 338ARC subsonic and the Faxon suppressor. They sounded excellent, and several friends I let try out the 338ARC upper commented on how quiet the whole thing was. The Faxon suppressor also ensured there was absolutely zero gas in your face, which frankly wasn't a surprise given what I'd already seen with it on much gassier hosts. Keep an eye out for the full review on the Harmonix coming in the future. I was also able to use the BDC reticle option in the SIG Romeo 5 Gen II Elite (man, that model name's a mouthful) to stretch my 250gr subsonic loads out to a little more distance. With an 18 yard zero to maximize point blank range for possible hog hunting, the BDC dots and 65 MOA circle gave me holdover points for approximately 155, 180, 225, and 325 yards respectively. Even at 300 and 350 yards, the steel at my local range rang quite clearly and gratifyingly from those 250s thumping into them. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to source some 300gr match bullets yet, but I plan to do so in the future and see how they perform when driven to the same ~1075fps speeds I loaded the 250s at. It's worth noting that 5744 let me ramp the speed up to almost 1500fps without pressure signs on those 250s, so there was a lot of performance left to squeeze in exchange for getting a supersonic crack with each shot. A 300gr bullet at 1075 should be quite impressive, though, as well as extend the reach a little further without having to go to a LPVO with a deeper reticle. THE ARC FAMILY'S ACE IN THE HOLE? Magpul ICAR Magazine There's one trick that remains to be fully seen with the 338ARC, and it's one that will benefit the entire ARC family Magpul's ICAR magazine. It's very similar to the Six8 pattern magazine they produce for LWRC's Six8 receivers, which were originally designed for the 6.8SPCII cartridge that has faded into near obscurity in the last few years. The new ICAR format, which is named for a Surefire DoD contract for a 6ARC assault rifle, is being picked up by more manufacturers with the promise of rifles and receiver sets being in the commercial market in the near future. So, what's the big deal? Simply put, the magazine is wider, allowing for proper stacking of rounds in the magazine and much more reliable feeding. It also allows for proper curvature of the magazine without potential binding issues that come with a mismatch in the case taper compared to 5.56. To accommodate this, the magazine well on the lower receiver must be cut to fit the wider magazine, and the upper receiver must also leave room for the wider feed lips. However, you're still getting functionally an AR-15 sized receiver set with much smaller and lighter weight than an AR-10 sized rifle, and the larger upper also opens up the potential for a fatter, stronger bolt. That stronger bolt will really be a benefit in the 6 and 22ARC cartridges, and potentially allow them to be run at bolt gun chamber pressures from a semi-auto with a matching gain in muzzle velocity. The ICAR magazine still holds potentially huge benefits for the 338ARC, with the promise of a 25 round magazine that runs just as reliably as a 30 round 5.56 PMAG does with a 5.56 AR, even when packed with 300gr subsonic ammo. Palmetto State Armory is arguably the highest profile company to already announce new ICAR-pattern firearms and receivers, with a 338ARC and ICAR variant of their Mixtape pistol coming in the near future. I fully expect they will be joined by quite a few others, especially as the 6ARC picks up more momentum from civilian shooters and military contracts. LOOSE ROUNDS My journey into 338ARC has been a rewarding one. While magazines can be a twitchy issue with the new cartridge, my experience has shown there is a short term path to reliability, especially for recreational shooters. I'm personally hopeful we will see more ammo and projectile options over the coming months and years, such as Hornady's 307gr SubX bullet being available as a component, some 300gr bonded soft point options for hunting and possibly specialty law enforcement uses, and maybe even some cheaper plated bullet options for plinking steel and paper at the range. Magpul's ICAR magazine also holds promise for really making 338ARC a subsonic powerhouse. Overall, I'd say Hornady is delivering on their promises for the 338ARC, and I am very interested to see what the future holds for it. The share of services in gross value added (GVA) in 2023-24 was the highest in Chandigarh (88.8 per cent), followed by Delhi (84.1 per cent), said a NITI Aayog report released recently. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters This indicates that a state or union territory (UT), while having high per capita income, is also more services oriented. Richer states/UTs are also more likely to host dynamic, marketable services that drive long-term growth. "Moreover, the link between income growth and services sector expansion is mutually reinforcing, the report titled India`s Services Sector: Insights from GVA trends, which used statistics ministry`s data, noted. The report only used 22 major states/UTs for the analysis. At the all -India level, the share of services in GVA stood at 54.5 per cent in 2023-24. In Chandigarh, the services sector is largely concentrated in trade & repair services (35.4 per cent), followed by real estate, ownership of dwellings & professional services (25.7 per cent), financial services (15.9 per cent), public administration (7.7 per cent), and other services (6.8 per cent). The prominence of trade and repair reflects Chandigarhs zoning-led urban planning, which has enabled specialised retail and service corridors catering to the Tri-City region of ChandigarhMohali Panchkula. "Its dual-capital role sustains demand for professional services such as legal, architectural, and engineering services, added the report. In Delhi as well, real estate, ownership of dwellings & professional services contributed nearly 31 per cent, reflecting robust demand for commercial and consulting services. Financial services contributed 19 per cent thus highlighting Delhis status as a national financial centre with the transport & storage sector contributing 13.7 per cent. This underscores its logistical importance. Among states, Karnataka has the highest share (62.3 per cent) of services in the gross state value added (GSVA), followed by Kerala (61.5 per cent) and Telangana (60.3 per cent). Real estate, ownership of dwellings & professional services is the biggest contributor in the share of GVA of all these three states. 'Surprisingly, Bihar (58 per cent) also has a high share of services in the GSVA, despite having very low per capita income. 'For Bihar, trade & repair services (27.8 per cent) and other services (20 per cent), led by small-scale neighbourhood retail outlets and self-employment, were the biggest contributors. This divergence suggests that the services sector in the state may be primarily characterised by lower productivity and more informal segments, the report notes. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh (33.9 per cent) has the lowest share of services in the GSVA, due to the dominance of mining and mineral-based industries. The same is true for Odisha as services contribute only 38.2 per cent of the GSVA. Despite urban centres such as Indore and Bhopal emerging as hubs for information technology (IT), education, and real estate, the share of services in the GVA of Madhya Pradesh (38.8 per cent) remains low. Lower-income states, unless they invest in the right enablers, risk being locked into stagnant or low-return service structures, the report said. Gujarat (36.1 per cent), despite having high per capita income, has a low share of services in the GVA. This perhaps stems from a policy that emphasises on industrial and port-led growth. The report by the NITI Aayog is among the first dedicated state-level assessments of output in the services sector, going beyond aggregate trends. It presents a disaggregated and multi-dimensional profile of the sector. The report concludes that services are less tied to location than manufacturing meaning that even geographically remote or landlocked states can benefit from this transformation. With the right investments in broadband, e-governance, and skill development, these states can leapfrog traditional industrial phases and move directly into modern, tradable, knowledge-based services, it added. Ukraine would not want Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to support Russia, since blocking Ukraine's path to the EU is support for Putin, Ukraine does not have anything to offer Orban - he should offer something to our state, which protects entire Europe from Russia, believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "I do not think that I have anything to offer Viktor Orban. I think that Viktor Orban should offer something to Ukraine, which is defending all of Europe from Russia. And even now, during this war, we have not received any support from him support for our vision of life," Zelenskyy said during the EU enlargement summit on Tuesday. "We still would not want Viktor to support Russia, because blocking Ukraine in the EU is a very concrete form of support for Putin. And that, in my view, is certainly not very good," the President noted. At the same time, he added that the Hungarian people support Ukrainians, just as Ukrainians respect every European nation. "As leaders, we do not have the right to think only about ourselves and about our elections, because that is just a single moment in the history of our peoples. It is nothing compared to what can be destroyed the ties between our peoples. The most important thing is not to lose this good neighborliness," Zelenskyy stated. Days after an outage at MCX, Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey on Tuesday expressed his displeasure over "repeated" instances of breakdowns at exchanges. Photographs: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters The capital markets regulator will take corrective steps, if required, after an analysis of the issue at hand, Pandey told reporters, stressing that there is a standard operating protocol Sebi follows to deal with such incidents. "The last problem was in July and now there is this (MCX). Repeated instances of such problems is not right," Pandey told reporters on the sidelines of an event by Morningstar in Mumbai. The Sebi SOP (standard operating procedure) has laid out action to be taken in detail after such an instance, he said, adding that it starts with reporting of the matter and goes on to do a root cause analysis. There are also multiple levels of reports which get generated, starting with one within 24 hours and then after a week, he added. There is a need for market intermediaries to ensure operational resilience and maintain business continuity amid rapid digital transformation, he said. "Cyber security remains a foremost concern for all market participants. "Firms must safeguard sensitive client data and critical infrastructure from sophisticated threats," he said. MCX suffered a major technical outage last month, which had led to challenges on executing trades and also a selling in the commodity exchange's scrip. Pandey also said that he hopes to implement the revised rules governing stock brokers' conduct by December this year. He said the regulator has floated a discussion paper on the rules first framed in 1992, which will be cleared by the Sebi board. Meanwhile, in comments that come months after the Jane Street order, Pandey also said that while the rise of algorithmic and high frequency trading brings efficiencies, it also "demands robust risk controls, real-time monitoring and compliance safeguards". Pandey also emphasised on a faster and more effective grievance redressal, calling for a culture of vigilance and adaptability. Terming culture as an "invisible infrastructure" which shapes up investor trust in the market, Pandey warned that investors will shy away if they have a feeling of the markets being "rigged". He also asked intermediaries to work "decisively" to ensure that the trust in the market is maintained, and added that they themselves need to have the capability to present audit trails of activity if need be. Speaking at the same event, Reserve Bank of India's chief general manager Dimple Bhandia rued that the forex retail trades have not grown as per expectations. She also said that there is a need to develop more derivative instruments in the forex market for hedging. What an achievement it will be if a young Gujarati-Punjabi man is able to give the most powerful nation in the world a new direction, asserts Aakar Patel. IMAGE: Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for New York city mayor, speaks to the media during a campaign event in the Bronx borough of New York City, October 29, 2025. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters If all goes well, and your columnist is really hoping that it does go well, the world's most famous city will soon be won and run by a man with a Gujarati father and a Punjabi mother. Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic party's nomination in June and on November 4, 2025 will likely win the general election to become New York's mayor. What I wanted to focus on was his campaign and how he came out on top. In January this year, he was polling at 1% but by June had won 43% of the primary (the election that decides who will represent the Democratic party in the general) and now polls show him at 50% in an expanded electorate of the entire city. How did this happen? Americans refer to such analysis as punditry and let us indulge in it. First, take a look at the city's demographics. New York has 350,000 millionaires and 123 billionaires, as might be expected in the place that is host to Wall Street. But one fourth of its population lives in poverty as defined in that city. That definition is that a family of four surviving on $47,000 or less a year. That is a total of more than 20 lakh (2 million) New Yorkers. Mamdani's starting point in his campaign was to focus on this problem of affordability. This went against conventional wisdom and polling, which showed that crime and safety were top priorities for voters. Mamdani's rivals focussed on those, but he took up affordability and made it his plank. He then offered three primary solutions: a four-year rent freeze on rent-stabilised apartments (in which 20 lakh tenants live); free childcare for children up to the age of five (something which costs a family around $22,000 per year if both parents are working); and free buses. He stayed with this message from the start of his campaign a year ago till now with no change. The second element to his success is the volunteer army that took up his cause. In June these were 50,000 in number of whom 30,000 had participated in knocking on doors, canvassing on the street or making phone calls on his behalf to raise money or sign-up volunteers. This is a staggering number and can be explained by two things. The base comes from Mamdani's political home, the New York branch of the Democratic Socialists of America. This is a group that began participating in elections only a decade ago, but has seen success because it is laser-focussed on issues affecting working class people. Mamdani's campaign greatly expanded the number of volunteers that the DSA deployed in previous elections. His campaign team of youngsters (he is 34 and many of his team are younger than he is) most of whom had little experience in managing something of this size have turned out to be more competent and effective than the usual consultants and strategists. The third element was the candidate himself. Mamdani is Muslim and openly identifies as being such, in a city where Islamophobia has been an issue, particularly after 9/11. But New York is also a city where 40% of the population was born outside America and has a large Muslim and South Asian population, which has rallied to his cause. As important as this is his ability to attract all sorts of people towards him, including young Jewish New Yorkers, because of his charm and his talent. His dazzling social media output will be studied for years as a model and many months ago, politicians across America were already copying it, most of them badly because they lack Mamdani's ability to make it all look effortless and fun. A happy warrior, as American pundits referred to him. These three things to my mind are the building blocks of his (fingers crossed) victory come November 4. If and when he wins, he will represent a shift in the way many Americans see Israel. Polls consistently now show that the majority of Americans sympathise with Palestinians over Israel because of its practice of apartheid and genocide. But this shift has not been owned in politics because the Israel lobby is powerful and nasty and can kneecap candidates running for office. Mamdani has weathered their sharpest attacks, being called, predictably, a jihadist and bigot and anti-semite and so on. We know this because it was an essential part of his rival's attack on his in the primary. It continues even now, but has not been as effective as it might have been even just a couple of years ago, because of his courage as much as the appalling behaviour of the Israeli State. Optimists think that if he is able to government New York competently his campaign and his platform can offer a model for the entire Democratic party in America. We shall see if that happens, but it is true that there is no other alternative that has been put forward by those inside the party which is as original as Mamdani's and (again fingers crossed) as successful. What an achievement it will be if a young Gujarati-Punjabi man is able to give the most powerful nation in the world a new direction. Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com If women voters are mobilised in big numbers to the voting booths on November 6 and 11 by the Nitish Kumar-led NDA, then it will be quite difficult for the Tejashwi Yadav-led Mahagathbandhan to defeat the incumbent government, points out Sheela Bhatt. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, flanked by Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party President Dilip Jaiswal, left, and Janata Dal-United leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan 'Lalan' Singh during the roadshow in Patna, November 2, 2025, for the Bihar assembly elections. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo In today's India, Rs 10,000 is a very big amount. Visit Bihar to check its potency and usefulness for poor families. In villages, in mohallas after mohallas of poor people, men, and women talk of receiving "Rs 10,000 from Prime Minister Narendra Modi" via direct bank transfers. They say with a chuckle, "paisa seedha bank main aya (the money has come directly into our bank account)." In Bihar on the eve of the assembly election the government has given, under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, Rs 10,000 to all non-tax paying poor women between the ages of 18 and 60 to start businesses of their choice. If the women voters are mobilised in big numbers to the voting booths on November 6 and 11 by the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance, then it will be quite difficult for the Tejashwi Yadav-led Mahagathbandhan to defeat the incumbent government. There is no bigger issue pan-Bihar than the distribution of liquid cash to the poor. It's not that the Rashtriya Janata Dal-led Mahagathbandhan, that also has the Congress within it, is a weak alliance nor it is lacking in ideology, but the distant past haunts it. The Bihar assembly election 2025 is surprisingly debating a theme based on realities that existed 20 years ago. 'Jungle Raj' is one of the strong election planks launched by the NDA. The fear of possible lawlessness, if the RJD led government comes back to power, is deep-rooted in NDA supporters. To counter this the Mahagathbandhan has tried to raise serious issue of large-scale migration due to the high rate of unemployment and few avenues of livelihood for the youth and few avenues of livelihood for youth in the state. The manifestos of both alliances are into big-ticket revadis (freebies) distribution to attract voters. In election season the politics is all about selling dreams, always. In a spectacle rarely seen before in Bihar neither Nitish Kumar, chief minister for two decades nor the Bharatiya Janata Party which is tagging along with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United nor Tejashwi Yadav, the legendary Lalu Prasad Yadav's political heir, are really Sapno ka Saudagar (sellers of dreams). It's Prashant Kishor who has stirred up the new generation. He is articulating the issues of the wretched situation of health and education in Bihar in a mix of Hindi and Bhojpuri with a sprinkling of English, words that engage millions of eyeballs. He is the political rock star of the Bihar election on social media and among the educated youth of Bihar. Few upper caste leaders are secretly mulling over the gains of supporting PK, but Bihar's upper-class voters have a history of making the most of out of their votes. In the end they side with the winning side. Prashant Kishor is on more difficult terrain than Arvind Kejriwal was when he launched the Aam Aadmi Party in New Delhi. In Bihar voters flaunt their caste and cleverly calculate the gains and losses before parting with their vote. Only after conducting due diligence on the basis of the caste-oriented politics of the parties and their candidates do Biharis vote. As they say, "Beti aur vote jaati main hi dena chahiye (Caste consideration is necessary while voting and while fixing daughters' marriages)." Caste-based politics is prevalent all over India but in Bihar the caste alignment quintessentially means security of the family as well. IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with BJP national President J P Nadda during the release of the National Democratic Alliance's manifesto for the Bihar assembly elections in Patna, October 31, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Bihar's elections continue to be distinct from other state elections. If compared to Karnataka, Telangana or Tamil Nadu a lesser amount of money is required by the candidates and the parties. Bihari voters are politically astute and sturdy in their attitudes. The poor voters remain on the rock solid ground of hard realities. They are not easy to cajole to join the fantasy trip offered by Prashant Kishor. Currently, the voters broadly fall into two categories. Most of the Yadavs (14.2%) and Muslims(17.7%), those who are frustrated with the long-running rule of JD-U-BJP ministers or those who are fed up with the widespread corruption in governance talk of trying their luck by extending support to Tejashwi Yadav and to the small caste-based parties tagged with the Mahagathbandhan. "'Jungle Raj' is merely the BJP's election-time propaganda," they add. "For the last 2, 3 years the law and order in Bihar is not at all better than it was in Lalu's era." They quote last week's murder of Dularchand Yadav, who supported a Jan Suraaj Party candidate in Mokama. Anant Singh, who has been named in the first information report and is currently in custody, is the JD-U and NDA candidate in Mokama. Observers say Anant Singh's arrest will create sympathy for him and consolidate the votes of his upper caste Bhumihar community. "If Anant Singh wins," a RJD supporter asks a reporter covering the murder in Mokama, "then tell us what has changed in Bihar under Nitish's rule?" Talk to voters belonging to the non-Yadav OBC (14%), Extremely Backward Classes (36%), converse with women voters and the upper castes (15.52%) like Brahmins, Rajputs and Bhumihars, and they speak with real fear of the era when Lalu Yadav ruled Bihar. IMAGE: Tejashwi Yadav, the Mahagathbandan's chief ministerial candidate, at an election rally in Muzaffarpur. Photograph: ANI Photo Political pundits claim that people's memories are short. But it is not so in Bihar where people recall the loot, rapes, kidnapping and lawlessness in towns and villages before Nitish Kumar took over as chief minister to commence his long inning in office. In the early years of his rule Nitish Kumar did much to take Bihar out of that criminal mess, so much so that people still have a sense of gratitude. It is claimed that Nitish Kumar currently suffers from partial memory loss. A young voter in Pavapuri near Rajgir tells me, "You don't eject your father from the house just because his memory is fading." Bihar is, indeed, an incredibly deep society. Bihar's ongoing political story is marvelous. Lalu Yadav gave a sense of social justice to the OBCs of Bihar. It was the historic turnaround of a caste-oppressed people. But he failed in providing good governance and maintaining law and order. Yadavs and Muslims secured favours in government offices and at police stations. His successor Nitish Kumar never abandoned the plank of 'social justice' which effectively meant that the political power remained with the non-upper castes, but unlike Lalu Raj he ensured security for all. His rule has been imperfect and with many challenges, but the women and children are much safer now than they were in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. In the last 20 years homes in Bihar have regular supply of electricity and improved road connectivity. IMAGE: Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor, right, campaigns in Saran. Photograph: ANI Photo The relevant question in 2025 is why would women voters in Bihar, who enjoy better security than before opt for 'badlav' (change), which Prashant Kishor and Tejashwi Yadav advocate? The Mahagathbandhan has not provided a strong rebuttal to this question and the NDA's propaganda. The government claims around 75 lakh (7.5 million) poor women have been given Rs 10,000 in respective bank accounts. The Mahagathbandan calls this a bribe to lure voters, but Home Minister Amit Shah calls it 'seed money' to start a business. In many ways this Bihar election is a hyper local election where candidates struggle to win battles in 243 seats. If one compares the ticket distribution of the major parties Prashant Kishor has given more tickets to Muslims and the upper castes. While the RJD has favoured Yadavs, the BJP has given a high number of tickets to the upper castes. The BJP in its defence claims that upper castes leaders are anchors who bring in OBCs, EBCs and Dalits into their fold. The ticket distribution shows Bihar is not pushing enough to remove the influence of castes in party politics in the current election. All said and done, Lalu Prasad Yadav remains the centrepoint of the debate long after he has left active politics. The BJP has ensured that Lalu remains in the news cycle. They are doing everything to not let Tejaswi Yadav get established as 'Bihar's future'. "RJD leader toh Lalu hi hai" is often repeated during the election campaign so that the fear of 'Jungle Raj' revives and becomes an election plank. The RJD's core voters and anti-NDA voters like Lalu Prasad Yadav who arrested L K Advani in October 1990 and halted his Ram Janambhoomi rath yatra. One must wait for the result on November 14 to see if Tejashwi has fallen between two stools. RJD voters wanted a strong leader who can stop the BJP's rise as an independent force in Bihar but to counter the BJP and the JD-U's 'Jungle Raj' argument, Tejashwi presents a sober image in public. But RJD voters wanted a kind of dabang (tough guy) leadership from Tejashwi because they have fears too. IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at an election meeting in Begusarai, November 2, 2025. Photograph: AICC/ANI Photo "Bihar is not a saffron state," a Yadav voter in Patna attached to the RJD tells me. "The BJP failed to win the hearts of a large number of Biharis with just 19% vote share in 2020. The BJP's growth is pathetically slow in Bihar. But things will change soon." "The NDA must be defeated else this is the last election of the NDA led by the JD-U. By the next assembly election, it will be the BJP versus the RJD! JD-U will be diminished," he adds. The BJP's major weakness in Bihar is that even after many years in sharing power it doesn't have higher credibility than Nitish Kumar. Its leaders lack the charisma to match Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar. Nor does it has the wherewithal to bring in under its umbrella loyal JD-U voters like EBC and Dalits without Nitish Kumar's help. But surely and steadily the BJP is showing all signs of change within. It is creating pressure in sections of northern and northwest Bihar where Muslim and Yadav voters know that the BJP, which has been in a "slow motion" in Bihar for the last two decades and tags along with Nitish Kumar, will now unfold a new plan for Bihar. The BJP's talk of demographic changes in the border areas of Bihar are louder in this election. The SIR exercise is seen by the RJD as targeting legal and illegal Muslims in northern Bihar. In short, whether it wins or loses, the BJP, which is fighting 101 out of Bihar's 243 seats, is itching to get ambitious by the next assembly election. Bihar is entering a new era. It will take off, at last. IMAGE: BJP supporters greet Modi during his roadshow in Patna, November 2, 2025. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo The Bihar of 2025 is on the cusp of change, and in a big way. It is in transition and its rulers will find people asking for more. Migrant Biharis have seen an India better than what they encounter in their state. All parties understand this. After November 14, the BJP will be aggressive like never before. Prashant Kishor will enter the second phase of the long process of making his party after calculating the gains and losses of Election 2025. Tejashwi Yadav will have to find his exclusive place in Bihar which is different than what the Mandal politics created in the 1980s. If the NDA wins Bihar, then it will inject fundamental changes in the way Bihar is governed today. Prashant Kishor and Tejashwi Yadav ask Narendra Modi repeatedly: 'Why do you gift factories to Gujarat and want victory in Bihar?' The answer lies in creating the trust of investors. NDA rule has not succeeded in getting investors to Bihar. If the NDA wins Bihar it will see the end of the era of socialist leaders and kickstart change in the fundamental attitude of Biharis. This election is crucial for the BJP and for the RJD to get hold of the state in the post-Nitish era. Bihar Votes 2025 Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'I wanted to go for the heart, and at the same time, open the audience's mind.' IMAGE: Yami Gautam with Director Suparn S Varma on the sets of Haq. Photograph: Kind courtesy Suparn Varma Does anyone remember Shah Bano -- the 69-year-old divorcee from Indore whose long legal struggle resulted in a Supreme Court judgment that came to be known by her name? Unwilling to pay his wife of 46 years a monthly maintenance as ordered by the court after he drove her out, Shah Bano's husband divorced her, arguing that divorce ended their relationship and hence he didn't need to pay her maintenance. The Supreme Court rejected his argument, but while upholding her right to maintenance, made remarks on Prophet Mohammed and on the necessity of a Uniform Civil Code. These remarks triggered the ulema into launching a nationwide agitation, which resulted in Shah Bano giving up her Supreme Court victory, and then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi enacting a new law exclusively for Muslim divorcees, to deprive them of their right to lifelong maintenance. Expectedly, the Bharatiya Janata Party cried 'Muslim appeasement'. To placate them, Rajiv Gandhi's advisor Arun Nehru advised him to open the locks of the Babri Masjid. The 1985 Shah Bano judgment and its aftermath thus proved to be a turning point in the country, reviving a weak BJP, and electrifying the Ayodhya movement that culminated in the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Director Suparn S Varma brings the Shah Bano case to the big screen in his latest film Haq being released on November 7. "I decided to make it a compelling human story, which would give a balanced perspective. A perspective where it can be seen as an Indian film, not a film about a community, and definitely not one where a community is projected as an Aurangzeb or a Khilji," Suparn S Varma tells Jyoti Punwani, the first journalist to interview Shah Bano 40 years ago. IMAGE: Emraan Hashmi and Sheeba Chadda with Suparn S Varma on the sets of Haq. Photograph: Kind courtesy Suparn Varma What drew you to this story? After Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, I was looking for interesting material which would resonate with audiences. Films about faith do that. But when Haq came to me as a story idea, I hesitated, fearing it could turn out to be a propaganda film. I decided to make it a compelling human story, which would give a balanced perspective. A perspective where it can be seen as an Indian film, not a film about a community, and definitely not one where a community is projected as an Aurangzeb or a Khilji. It was at heart a domestic dispute that became a national dispute. Shah Bano became nationally known only after the Supreme Court judgment. Your film ends with the judgment, and focuses on her struggle till then. Why? A film on the post-judgment scenario would have been a very different political drama. My goal was to make an emotional human drama. Yet, I've shown everything I needed to. I wanted to go for the heart, and at the same time, open the audience's mind. Basically, as a filmmaker, I'm here to entertain. When people ask: What are you trying to convey, I say I'm not trying to teach the audience anything. If my film bores you even for a second, I'd have failed as a filmmaker. IMAGE: Yami Gautam with Suparn S Varma on the sets of Haq. Photograph: Kind courtesy Suparn Varma The film talks a lot about women's rights under Islam. You must have consulted experts on this. Did you read the Shah Bano judgment? Legal experts, Islamic experts, we sat with them all. We got someone from Jamia Milia Islamia to conduct research too. Yes, I read the judgment. We had to be legally correct. We had to know what parts of the judgment could be read out in court by the Chief Justice. Given that Shah Bano herself came into the limelight only when she was 69 years old, how did you conceive of the heroine's character? We made the heroine Shazia Bano a maulvi's daughter and a five-time namazi. It was important to show that she had knowledge of the Koran, else she couldn't be shown talking to maulvis about it. Even as her husband's ambitions rise as the case progresses, she stays true to her faith and can hence talk about the correct interpretation of the Koran. That's why the crucial scene wherein she says "Iqra", the first word of the Koran, meaning "Read". Why was it important for you to make her a woman who knows her faith? The first shot after the titles in my film Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai is of the prosecution lawyer pouring milk on a Shivling; he was himself a Shiv bhakt. The last part shows a conversation between the deities Shiv and Parvati wherein Shiv says that the godman misused faith, and therefore his sin is unforgivable. The minute you talk about faith, it resonates with people. If the basis of that faith is brought into the arguments in the film, you get the logic correct. For me, there's no bigger faith than humanity. Our Constitution is also based on humanity. IMAGE: Yami Gautam with Suparn S Varma on the sets of Haq. Photograph: Kind courtesy Suparn Varma So your heroine is uneducated but knowledgeable about her faith. How else did you flesh out her character? Shazia Bano came from a place of love. She met her husband just once before marriage -- in those days they probably married without meeting at all -- and she made her world around him. She even accepted his second wife. She could take a lot of s**t, but she was a highly self-respecting woman, and she wasn't going to turn back when she knew she was right. To show her father's support for her was essential. Shah Bano's father was a police constable. You've made him a maulvi. Her daughter has sent you a legal notice saying you've misrepresented her mother. Why didn't you just meet the family? Our legal team is talking to the family. But I feel when they see the film they will be moved. I hope they are moved. If I was making a biopic, I would have met the family. Here, I was inspired by the Shah Bano judgment and the judgments of Tahira Bi and Fazlun Bi, which were the precedents for the Shah Bano judgment. But it's not a film on Shah Bano. Why did you put that end note praising the 2019 law criminalising instant triple talaq. That had nothing to do with Shah Bano's case. In fact, the manner in which she was divorced was not part of her fight at all, yet you have made it so. I wanted Shazia Bano to point out that the way her husband divorced her, by saying talaq thrice, was not the Koranic method of divorce. As for the end note, my lawyers told me to put that in. How did you conceive of the husband's character? I wanted Abbas to be understood, not someone who's black and white. His reaction when his office colleague tells him about his relative's second marriage, shows that it was normal in his world. It made no sense for him to say sorry for bringing another wife home, as Shazia Bano demanded. Your film talks about an interpretation of the Koran that many reformists and feminists share, one that is not generally talked about, specially in Hindi films, and specially today. How did you come to do that? These are thoughts that my writer and I share. I was brought up by a single mother -- my father died when I was little. I grew up with two women: My mother and younger sister. Not that that's essential for this understanding, but that probably contributed. The problem is, nothing has changed. We still live in a man's world. If a woman is touched, her clothes are discussed. It's an unequal world, full of gender bias. IMAGE: Suparn S Varma with Aseem Hattangady and Sheeba Chadda on the sets of Haq. Photograph: Kind courtesy Suparn Varma There are a lot of Islamic symbols in the film: Masjid domes, the main characters doing namaaz... How did you get the milieu? Do you have Muslim friends? My mentor was the actor Feroz Khan, one of the most well-read, decent, charming men I've known. I've had Muslim friends while growing up; now too. For the film, I spent time in Lucknow, talking to people, walking around. A lot of shooting was done around Lucknow, in places like Unnao which reminded me of Bareilly, where my father came from. But there aren't that many Islamic symbols. You hear the azaan only twice in the film, and there's no hijab at all. Masjid domes -- well, if you shoot in Lucknow, it's inevitable. I've tried to keep it from being a "Muslim" film. The minute you try to push a film into becoming about a community, it becomes all about identity. Like a Hindu must be shown with a tilak; a Muslim with a topi. I don't like that. While designing the film, I felt it very important for the audience to see an "Indian" film. Muslims don't view films as "Hindu" films; why should Hindus view a film as a "Muslim" film? I needed to normalise the setting. After all, we have lived in a Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb, where Bismillah Khan played the shehnai on the banks of the Ganga, where Hindu actors read scripts in Urdu. Today Urdu is being made into a foreign language, but it's our language, it's the best of Hindi and Farsi put together. I wanted to hark back to that world. IMAGE: Yami Gautam and Suparn S Varma on the sets of Haq. Photograph: Kind courtesy Suparn Varma These days with films like Kashmir Files, Bengal Files, Kerala Story being made, did you ever feel that Haq could also be seen as one more film to bash Muslims with? That thought did make me pause. But this story resonated so much with me. I've tried to make sure it's true to what I want to say. My colleagues who wish to make the films you've named -- well, in a democracy, they are free to do so. But the path I've chosen is different. I'm coming from a place of zero prejudice or propaganda. My Muslim friends have loved the film; they've told me how difficult it has been for them in the last 10 years, to have been portrayed as either Aurangzeb or Khilji. Emraan Hashmi's father couldn't stop weeping after he saw it. IMAGE: Yami Gautam, Sheeba Chadda and Aseem Hattangady with Suparn S Varma on the sets of Haq. Photograph: Kind courtesy Suparn Varma What was the most challenging part of making the film? The last 20 minutes in the courtroom. I had to hit the right notes, specially Emran's speech about his community. I wanted to show where this attachment to their personal law was coming from. The real Shah Bano struggled and won, but eventually lost. Your Shah Bano struggles and eventually wins. After showing her struggle for 20 years, I wanted the audience to leave inspired. I wanted her to walk out with her head held high. Finally, who is your target audience? Everyone. All of India. Everyone who has a heart and who likes good cinema. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff As the US goes to polls on Tuesday, several India-American and South Asian candidates are running for some key positions nationwide, in the first fight at the ballots in the second term of Donald Trump's presidency. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Quinn Glabicki/Reuters "It takes immense courage to run for office, and these leaders have stepped up to represent their communities and build a better future for this country," said a statement by Indian American Impact, an organisation which empowers South Asian and Indian-American communities through civic partnership and community engagement. "The best way to support these candidates is to vote and get your friends and family out to vote. Make sure you have a plan to vote this Tuesday," it said. The organisation said that over the course of the year, it has endorsed 50 South Asian candidates who ran for office this year, a record for it in an odd-numbered election year. It added that 36 of those candidates will be on ballot nationwide on Tuesday. Among these, the most prominent and closely watched races will be the election for Virginia lieutenant governor, where Ghazala Hashmi, the first Muslim and the first South Asian American to serve in the Virginia Senate, is vying for the post. As a four-year-old, Hashmi had emigrated with her mother and older brother from India to the US, where they joined her father in Georgia just as he was completing his PhD in international relations and beginning his university teaching career. First elected to office in November 2019, Hashmi won an upset victory over a Republican incumbent, delivering the majority to Democrats for the first time in years and shocking the political establishment, according to her profile. In 2024, she was named chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, a crucial leadership post for two critical Democratic priorities -- reproductive freedom and public education. In New York City, all eyes are set on the important mayoral election where Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani is emerging as a front-runner. Mamdani, 34, born in Uganda and raised in New York City, is a New York State Assembly member and democratic socialist running for mayor. The Democratic nominee will face off against former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate, and the Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa, on the ballot. Current New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whose administration has been plagued by scandals, dropped out of the mayoral race in September. Mamdani has been leading Cuomo in the polls in the run-up to the ballots, with most surveys showing him up by double digits. Mamdani, the son of renowned Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani, a Ugandan author of Indian ancestry, upset Cuomo in the Democratic primary race for New York City mayor and was declared victorious in June this year. Aftab Pureval is running for mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio. Pureval's Tibetan mother fled Communist Chinese occupation as a child and grew up in a South Indian refugee camp, while his father is Punjabi. Pureval began his political career in 2015 in his race for Hamilton County Clerk of Courts. Satish Garimella is running for mayor of Morrisville, North Carolina, and Dini Ajmani is running to be mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, where the previous two-term mayor Ravi Bhalla is now running for New Jersey State Assembly. Several Indian-American and South Asian candidates are running for city councils in states like New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Washington state, Georgia, Florida and Pennsylvania. With most US states having at least one local election, Indian American Impact urged voters to go out and cast their ballot. "Election Day is Tuesday, and across the country, our communities have the chance to shape the future. Whether you're in California, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, or Georgia, your vote matters -- and your voice can make the difference between progress and setback," it said. An Air India flight from San Francisco made an unexpected landing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on Monday. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo The Air India flight, en route from San Francisco to Delhi via Kolkata, made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia after the crew suspected a technical issue mid-flight, Air India said in a post on X. The aircraft landed safely at the Ulaanbaatar airport. All the passengers are reportedly safe. "AI174 of 02 November, operating from San Francisco to Delhi via Kolkata, made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, after the flight crew suspected a technical issue en route. The aircraft landed safely at Ulaanbaatar and is undergoing the necessary checks," Air India said in the X post. The aircraft touched down safely, and all passengers and crew are reportedly unharmed. The airline says the plane is now undergoing necessary checks to determine the cause of the diversion. In its official statement, Air India emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains its foremost concern. It added that it is working with its partners and local authorities to support the travellers, arranging onward travel as soon as possible and regretting the disruption caused by the unforeseen situation. Passengers were served meals on board, cleared immigration at the airport, and hotel arrangements were made for their stay in Ulaanbaatar. Meanwhile, the airline is finalising alternative flights to get them to Delhi without undue delay. "With the help of our partners and local authorities, Air India has extended immediate assistance to the passengers. They were served meals on board and have been disembarked. Hotel arrangements have been made for their stay after clearing immigration procedures at the airport, while Air India makes alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination, Delhi, at the earliest. Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience to passengers arising from this unforeseen diversion, which was undertaken in the interest of safety," it further said. Aviation analysts note that while no one was harmed, such mid-air diversions highlight the challenge of maintaining uninterrupted long-haul operations and underline the importance of rigorous oversight of aircraft systems and crew procedures. Air India says it will keep affected passengers informed of developments and aims to resume their journey at the earliest opportunity. West Bengal on Tuesday recorded two more suicides, allegedly linked to public anxiety over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, heightening political tensions in the state. The two alleged suicides took place in Howrah and Murshidabad districts, taking the total number of such deaths reportedly connected to the SIR to five since October 28. At Kandi of Murshidabad district, 45-year-old farmer Mahul Sheikh allegedly consumed pesticide while working in his field in the afternoon. He was first taken to Kandi Sub-Divisional Hospital and later to Berhampore Medical College and Hospital, where he died en route, police said. "He had been anxious after discovering that his name was missing from the 2002 voter list and feared potential consequences under the SIR initiative," a senior police officer said, adding that the body had been sent for post-mortem examination. The SIR is being conducted in the state based on the 2002 voter list. In the other incident, a 30-year-old man, Jahir Mal, was found hanging at his residence at Khalisani in Howrah district's Uluberia area in the morning. Police said he had been under stress over errors in his official identity documents, which he feared could lead him to trouble during the SIR process. His family told the police that he had tried to correct the documents over several weeks but had been unsuccessful. Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee directed minister Pulak Roy to meet Jahir Mal's family and offer support. Banerjee claimed that seven people in the state had died in the past week due to fear of being excluded from the electoral rolls during the SIR. The Bharatiya Janata Party, however, has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and asserting that the SIR process is being misrepresented. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged citizens not to panic and assured them that all voter registration and identity verification issues will be addressed through proper official channels. New York City is all set to elect a new mayor on Tuesday as the mayoral race enters its final lap, with Indian-descent Zohran Kwame Mamdani emerging as the front-runner to take up the top political post in America's biggest city. IMAGE: Indian-descent Zohran Kwame Mamdani. Photograph: Reuters/ANI Photo Mamdani, 34, born in Uganda and raised in New York City, is a New York State Assembly member and democratic socialist running for Mayor. The Democratic nominee will face off against former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate and the Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa on the ballots. Current New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whose administration has been plagued by scandals, dropped out of the mayoral race in September. November 4 is election day across the US, with polls opening from 6 am to 9 pm. The early voting period, which commenced on October 25, ended on Sunday. Mamdani, the son of renowned Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani, a Ugandan author of Indian ancestry, upset Cuomo in the Democratic primary race for New York City mayor and was declared victorious in June. The Board of Elections has said that more than 735,000 people voted early in this election, which is about four times more than the number of ballots cast during the 2021 elections. Mamdani has emerged as the front-runner in the NYC Mayoral election race and has promised to lower costs and make life easier for New Yorkers as the city gets too expensive. Mamdani has vowed that as Mayor, he will immediately freeze the rent for all stabilised tenants, and use every available resource to build the housing New Yorkers need and bring down the rent. Promising fast, fare-free buses, his campaign said that as Mayor, he'll permanently eliminate the fare on every city bus and make them faster by rapidly building priority lanes, expanding bus queue jump signals, and dedicated loading zones to keep double parkers out of the way. Mamdani would also implement free childcare for every New Yorker aged 6 weeks to 5 years, ensuring high-quality programming for all families. With food prices out of control, his campaign also promised that as Mayor, he would create a network of city-owned grocery stores focused on keeping prices low, not making a profit. Mamdani has a plan to bring down the cost-of-living through city-owned grocery stores, universal childcare, and other bold proposals, and he knows exactly how to pay for it, too, the campaign said. US President Donald Trump has been critical of Mamdani and has described him as a communist and far worse than a Socialist. In an interview with CBS 60 Minutes on Sunday, Trump said that Mamdani will do a worse job than former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio by far. "And it's gonna be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York. Because if you have a Communist running New York, all you're doing is wasting the money you're sending there. So I don't know that he's won, and I'm not a fan of Cuomo one way or the other, but if it's gonna be between a bad Democrat and a Communist, I'm gonna pick the bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you." The New York Times reported that former President Barack Obama called Mamdani on Saturday, saying his "campaign has been impressive to watch. Obama also offered to be a sounding board if Mamdani wins the election, the NYT said. A group called 'Hindus for Mamdani' held a prayer gathering in support of the mayoral candidate Saturday in the city, offering blessings for Zohran's protection and strength ahead of Election Day. Addressing the event, Nair had said that her son's campaign is not for one community or one faith, but for all New Yorkers, for a city that holds every colour, every tongue, every prayer within its vast and generous embrace. "As his mother, I've watched him walk this path with grace and grit and humour and humility, qualities I know that come from his father also who taught him that the truest joy is found in serving, in thinking about others," she said. May this gathering itself be a blessing, a reminder that our unity across faith and difference is the true strength of this city, and may Zohran bring the new dawn to our day with hope, with courage and with love, she added. Ruling Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve landed in a controversy after he likened Marathi people to mother and North Indians to his aunt, saying that if the mother died it was acceptable but not so in the case of the aunt. IMAGE: Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve. Photograph: @miprakashsurve/X The remark triggered a sharp criticism from Opposition parties and Marathi organisations, prompting Surve to issue an apology on Monday. "Marathi is my mother, but North India is my aunt. It is fine if the mother dies, but the aunt should not. Because the aunt loves us more. I have received more love from you (north Indians) than from my mother," Surve had said while addressing an event. As his statement went viral and protests erupted across parts of the city, Surve sought to calm the storm by tendering an apology. "Marathi is my mother and aunt together. The words came out unintentionally. If my statement has hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise," he said, folding his hands before reporters. Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant defended the MLA, saying, "The word slipped out by mistake and he has already apologised for it. However, some people are using his remark to score political points. Under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's leadership, we have consistently worked to preserve the dignity of the Marathi language, which has been accorded classical language status." Surve's remark drew sharp reactions from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti as all of them held a protest march in Dahisar on Tuesday. The demonstrators chanted slogans, including 'We will not tolerate insults to Marathi pride' and demanded action against Surve. A delegation later submitted a memorandum to the police. MNS leader Avinash Jadhav lashed out at Surve, saying, "A person who waits for his mother to die cannot be called her son. How could such a man be born to mother Marathi? The Marathi people in his constituency will show him his place." Shiv Sena-UBT leader Kishori Pednekar also accused Surve of insulting Marathi pride for political benefit. The controversy has once again reignited the Marathi versus Hindi debate in Maharashtra politics, which had surfaced earlier this year after the state government decided to introduce Hindi as a compulsory subject from Class I. The issue has resurfaced as the municipal elections in Mumbai draw near. The Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a sharp attack against the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal after Congress MP Shashi Tharoor termed dynastic politics a "grave threat" to Indian democracy. IMAGE: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's remarks come weeks after a row over his comments on the India-Pakistan conflict and the diplomatic outreach following the Pahalgam attack. Photograph: @ShashiTharoor/X Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took a jibe at the Congress and the RJD, saying Tharoor wrote the article based on his own "experience." "I welcome the statement of Shashi Tharoor. Whatever he said must be correct. He would have said this on the basis of his experience. His remarks will obviously hurt the Congress party and the RJD because their politics are limited to a family. They cannot think outside their family," Pradhan said. Meanwhile, the Congress claimed that dynastic politics exists across party lines and also hailed the Nehru-Gandhi family's leadership. Congress leader Udit Raj said that dynastic influence pervades all sectors in India, including politics, business, the judiciary, and the film industry, adding that this trend restricts opportunities to a select few families. In an article for international media organisation Project Syndicate, the Thiruvananthapuram MP pointed out that while the Nehru-Gandhi family is associated with the Congress, dynastic succession prevails across the political spectrum. Tharoor has criticised "dynastic" politics in India, terming it a "grave threat" to democracy, and said it is "high time" the nation moves towards "meritocracy". In an article titled Indian Politics Are a Family Business, Tharoor termed "dynastic politics, a threat to Indian democracy", and argued that India must move to "merit-based leadership", a view that may be seen as a swipe at the Congress high command and its INDIA bloc allies like Samajwadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) and Shiv Sena-UBT. In the NDA, Tharoor said that the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party, Ram Vilas Paswan, was succeeded by his son, Chirag Paswan. With just two days left for the Bihar assembly polls, Tharoor wrote that, from India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and current leaders Rahul Gandhi and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the idea has been strengthened that leadership in Indian politics can be a "birthright". BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the article rightly exposes how the Gandhi family turned Indian politics into a "family business." While talking to ANI, Poonawalla said, "A very insightful piece has been written by Dr Tharoor on how Indian politics has become family business and in the opening of that piece he has explained how the first family of Congress party, the Gandhi-Vadra dynasty has been responsible for cementing this negative thought that political position and power can be a matter of birth right." Poonawalla said Tharoor's piece will make RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi uncomfortable. "Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi may take his article very personally... Dr Tharoor should be applauded, but now he will get a series of bad words and insults from Kerala Congress and other leaders," he further added. Poonawalla who was with Congress earlier, also posted on X saying, "Dr Tharoor has become khatron ke khiladi. He has directly called out Nepo Kids or Nawabs of Nepotism. Sir, when I called out Nepo Naamdar Rahul Gandhi in 2017 - you know what happened to me. Sir, (I'm) praying for you. First family is very vengeful." Speaking to ANI, Raj said, "A dynastic approach exists in almost every sector in India, a doctor's son becomes a doctor, a businessman's child continues in business, and politics is no exception. Also, if a politician has a criminal background, it reflects the reality of our society. Election tickets are often distributed along caste and family lines." "From Naidu to Pawar, DMK to Mamata, Mayawati to Amit Shah's son, there are many such examples. The loss is that opportunities remain confined to families alone. Dynastic influence is not limited to politics; it extends to the bureaucracy, judiciary, and even the film industry," he added. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari defended the Nehru-Gandhi family, saying that the leadership comes from "merit" "Leadership always comes from merit. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the most capable Prime Minister of this country... Indira Gandhi proved herself by sacrificing her life. Rajiv Gandhi served this country by sacrificing his life. So, if someone talks about the Gandhi family as a dynasty, then which other family in India had the sacrifice, dedication, and ability that this family possessed? Was it the BJP?" Congress MP said. Rashid Alvi said that in a democracy, it is ultimately the people who decide who will be voted to power, adding that no one can be barred from contesting elections simply because of their family background, as such patterns exist across various fields. "The public makes the decisions in a democracy. You cannot impose a restriction that says you cannot contest elections because your father was an MP. This is happening in every field. What way will you find for this?" Alvi told ANI. The Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, sparked a row as he wrote, "For decades, one family has towered over Indian politics. The influence of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty - including independent India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and current opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra - is bound up with the history of India's struggle for freedom. But it has also cemented the idea that political leadership can be a birthright." Earlier, Tharoor had been questioned by Congress leaders after he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and criticised US President Donald Trump, following the Tharoor-led delegation's visit to the US, Panama, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia after Operation Sindoor. The Congress leader had written a piece saying, PM Modi's "energy, dynamism and willingness to engage remain a prime asset for India on the global stage, but deserve greater backing". Photo: https://pbs.twimg.com/ The European Commission's enlargement report, to be released on Tuesday, November 4, will for the first time recognize that Ukraine is showing record progress in most areas of reform and confirm its readiness to open negotiation clusters 1, 2, and 6, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka said. "The best enlargement report in three years. This is how Ukraine's progress on the path to EU accession will be assessed today. The European Commission has for the first time recognized that Ukraine demonstrates record progress in most reform areas," he wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. According to the deputy prime minister, the report includes 36 assessments across chapters and individual roadmaps. "We have progress in all of them without exception, meaning we're moving faster than last year. The pace of reform (improvement of progress) increased in 15 negotiation chapters. In 12 of these, progress is rated as good progress. Not a single chapter saw a decline in its overall assessment of preparedness for EU membership," Kachka specified. "In 11 chapters, we have an upgraded overall rating, which represents the best improvement dynamics since Ukraine obtained candidate status," he added. "Under the methodology adopted in Ukraine, the average progress score is 3.16, an increase of +0.39 (compared to +0.01 last year), and the overall preparedness level is 2.53, an increase of +0.32 (compared to +0.025 last year)," Kachka reported. He noted that the report contains no criticism but includes recommendations for next steps, which align with the screening reports and reform roadmaps. "In the judiciary and anti-corruption spheres, the report notes the systematic work of institutions," Kachka said. "The European Commission sees that Ukraine is transitioning from adopting legislation to actual implementation of European standards in public administration, the judiciary, the economy, digitalization, and education. We will preserve and build on this progress," he said. "This is the result of systematic work by the president, parliament, and government. I am grateful to everyone for supporting each step on the path to the EU," he added. "The Commission confirms readiness to open negotiation clusters 1, 2, and 6. The others are showing positive dynamics and could be ready for opening by year-end," Kachka concluded. With elections to local bodies looming, the Maharashtra cabinet took 21 decisions on Tuesday, an unusual number for a single meeting, including the closure of the state's asset reconstruction company, MAHA ARC Limited. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Photograph: @MahaDGIPR/X According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office, the Finance Department's proposal to wind up MAHA ARC Ltd was approved in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The company was established in September 2022, modelled on the Centre's National Asset Reconstruction Company, but could not commence operations as the Reserve Bank denied it a licence in 2023. The council of ministers also approved a state guarantee for a loan to be raised from HUDCO for the VirarAlibaug Multi-Modal Corridor Project. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will use the funds for land acquisition under the Public Works Department. In the higher and technical education sector, the cabinet sanctioned annual funding of Rs seven crore to the Laxminarayan Institute of Technology in Nagpur, affiliated with Nagpur University, for a five-year period from 202526 to 202930. A new government polytechnic with an intake capacity of 300 students will also be set up at Mul in Chandrapur district, along with the creation of 39 teaching and 42 non-teaching posts, according to a release issued by the CMO. The Revenue Department granted exemption from unearned income, premium, and non-agricultural tax for a housing project at Kumbhari in Solapur district, where 30,000 houses will be constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for unorganised workers. Land measuring 1.52 hectares at Vaigaon in Washim district will be allotted free of cost to the local gram panchayat for the construction of a pilgrims' rest house and related facilities. The government also approved providing amenities on a 395-square-metre plot adjoining a government plot leased in Bandra, Mumbai, at a nominal rent. Amendments were cleared for provisions related to non-agricultural assessment and permissions, to be incorporated into the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966. The cabinet approved the establishment of a district and additional sessions court, a civil court (senior division), and a public prosecutor's office at Ghodnadi in Pune district. It also sanctioned the creation of posts for a civil judge (senior division) Court at Paithan in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The Rural Development Department's proposal to ease conditions for tax recovery linked to the payment of salaries for gram panchayat employees was approved, offering administrative relief to the staff. The Fisheries Department's proposal to provide a four per cent interest subvention on short-term working capital loans to fishermen, fish farmers, and fishery entrepreneurs was also cleared. The benefit follows the decision to accord agriculture-equivalent status to the fisheries sector, the release said. In the Minority Development Department, the cabinet approved Rs 94.35 crore for organising events across the state to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji under the programme titled 'Hind-ki-Chadar'. The events will be held in Nanded, Nagpur, Raigad, and other districts. The cabinet gave its nod to amend provisions of the proposed Maharashtra Jan Vishwas Ordinance, 2025, under the General Administration Department. A series of decisions were taken under the Public Health Department, including an approval to increase honoraria for field-level workers engaged under the Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana. It also cleared revisions in the list of treatments available under these schemes to improve access to healthcare services. The establishment of an Urban Health Directorate was approved to promote decentralisation in healthcare management. The cabinet also sanctioned the regularisation of contractual employees under the National Health Mission who have completed ten years of service as of March 14, 2024. Equivalent regular posts will be created under the Public Health and Rural Development Departments for this purpose. An approval was granted to schemes of the Parashuram Economic Development Corporation, Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Economic Development Corporation, and Shri Vasavi Kanyaka Economic Development Corporation. The Medical Education and Drugs Department was permitted to create five associate professor posts at the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College in Baramati, with the required financial provision. The government also approved granting permanent ownership rights to a leaseholder of a residential plot at Ramnagar in Wardha city, a proposal moved by the Urban Development Department. The formal schedule for long-awaited elections to municipal corporations, zilla parishads, panchayat samitis, and nagar parishads is expected to be announced soon. Two days after Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi termed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma "unfit" to head the government, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader on Monday reiterated his statement that the opposition leader is a "100 percent Pakistani agent". IMAGE: Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi. Photograph: ANI Photo Reacting to the charge, Gogoi challenged Sarma to make the SIT report on his alleged Pakistani link public and take action against him. Speaking to reporters at Tezpur, Sarma also said that he would be happy if Gogoi files a case against him for making such a remark. When asked about Gogoi's alleged links with Pakistani agencies, the CM said, "Yes, 100 percent. People drink milk after mixing some water. Gaurav Gogoi's link with Pakistani agents does not have a little water, it's 100 percent milk. That means whatever I have said is 100 percent correct." On October 31, he had alleged that Gogoi is a "100 percent Pakistani agent", planted by a foreign power. A day later, the opposition leader hit back and claimed that such comments showed that Sarma is "unfit" to hold his position as head of the government. "Yesterday, Debabrata Saikia (Leader of Opposition in the Assam Assembly) asked Gaurav Gogoi to file a case. I will be happy if he files a case against me. Even if he does not, we will make public Gaurav Gogoi's activities after filing the charge sheet in the Zubeen Garg case," Sarma said on the sidelines of an official function here. Talking to reporters in Guwahati later in the evening, the CM said the report on Gogoi's alleged Pakistani links has been submitted by the police and is with him now. "That report is with me only. If I give the report now, people will say that I am trying to divert the issue (from Zubeen Garg's death case). So, I do not want to divert the issue. Once we file the chargesheet of Zubeen Garg, then we will take up the Ali Tauqeer case," Sarma said. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probed a case of alleged interference of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who was claimed to have links with Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn, in India's internal affairs. When asked about Sarma's accusations, the Congress MP, in a press conference at Hamren, said, "Let the chief minister make public the SIT investigation report. If the allegations are indeed serious, I am right here in Assam. Prove them and take action against me." He asserted that Sarma will have to leave Assam after the 2026 Assembly elections and urged the CM to accept his challenge by soon making public all the "so-called evidence" meant to portray him as a Pakistani agent. "We are public representatives, not accused in a court. Allegations made against us must be proved before the people, not hidden behind legal threats. The CM should not suggest that we go to court," Gogoi said. He also reminded that although Sarma had promised to reveal details about his alleged Pakistan connections by September 10, he had failed to do so. The Assam CM and the BJP have been attacking Lok Sabha MP Gogoi over his wife's alleged connection with Pakistan's spy agency ISI. Sarma had claimed that Colburn had travelled 19 times between India and Pakistan. The CM had also alleged that Gogoi had visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency ISI and undergone training there, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation. He also claimed that Colburn was collecting various classified government documents, mainly IB reports, on behalf of the Pakistani climate lobby. Hitting back, Gogoi had slammed Sarma over his accusation and questioned his mental state due to issues at the home front. He even said the CM's remarks were "ridiculous, baseless, insane and nonsense" and that he was behaving like an "IT cell troll" without talking with facts. A hunt is on for the youth who allegedly fired gunshots at a 17-year-old girl in Haryana Faridabad in broad daylight, wounding her in shoulder and abdomen, police on Tuesday said. IMAGE: CCTV footage shows a man shooting the girl at close range. Photograph: Screen grab/X The girl, who is preparing for JEE, was shot twice by an alleged stalker in Faridabad's Shyam colony on Monday evening when she was on her way home from a library. The attacker has been identified as 20-year-old Jatin Mangla, a native of Sarmathla village near Gurugram's Sohna, the police said. The victim, Kanishka, is stable and under treatment at a hospital in Sector 8. Footage from a CCTV camera showed a youth, allegedly Mangla, waiting for Kanishka in a street and shooting at her at a close range. One bullet struck her shoulder, while another grazed her abdomen. Four teams have been formed to track down the attacker, a Faridabad Police spokesperson said. According to the police, Kanishka, a resident of Bhagat Singh Colony and a class 12 science student of the Open Education Board, was being harassed by Mangla for the past few months. Her sister told reporters that two days before the attack, Mangla had apologised to her family for stalking her. Police said Mangla and Kanishka went to the same library to study. "The accused enrolled in the Classmate Library about six months ago when the girl had been enrolled there for a year. The library management said Jatin Mangala works as an accountant at a nearby private college," Ballabhgarh City Police Station SHO, Inspector Shamsher Singh, said. The officer said Mangla would not leave the girl alone, and kept hovering around her from the get go. Within 15 days of his admission to the library, Mangla's membership was canceled, so was Kanishka's. "The girl took admission again in the library about five months ago while the accused was denied admission. He continued stalking the girl," Singh said. "Several teams of police station and crime branch are conducting raids to arrest him," he said. Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list commenced in nine states and three Union territories on Tuesday, amid objections from several parties with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the anti-SIR offensive in West Bengal with a rally in Kolkata and alleging 'silent, invisible rigging' through the exercise. IMAGE: A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) official during the house-to-house verification process to update voter list, the exercise to verify and update Indias voter lists, in Kolkata on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Photo Besides Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC), the electoral roll cleanup exercise is also being opposed by the ruling DMK and its allies in Tamil Nadu which approached the Supreme Court on Monday on the issue. The Election Commission (EC) said its booth-level officers (BLOs) have fanned out to hand over semi-filled enumeration forms to electors and will also help them fill the required document. According to the schedule announced by the poll authority, SIR will begin with the enumeration stage and continue till December 4. The EC will release the draft electoral rolls on December 9, and the final electoral rolls will be published on February 7. The 12 states and UTs where the second round of SIR will be conducted are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to polls in 2026. In Assam, another state where polls are due in 2026, the revision of electoral rolls will be announced separately as a Supreme Court-supervised exercise to verify citizenship is underway in the state. Also, a separate provision of the Citizenship Act was applicable to Assam. After Bihar, this is the second round of SIR. The state's final voter list with nearly 7.42 crore names was published on September 30. The SIR began in West Bengal amid soaring political temperatures over the exercise in the state. Over 80,000 booth-level officers (BLOs) visited homes to distribute enumeration forms, kicking off a politically sensitive exercise ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. More than 16 lakh enumeration forms were distributed by the BLOs till 4 pm, a senior official said. Addressing an anti-SIR rally in Kolkata, Banerjee branded the exercise 'hurried and politically motivated'. She alleged that SIR stands for 'silent, invisible rigging' which the BJP is using to instill fear among voters. "If a single eligible voter is removed from the electoral rolls, we will ensure the fall of this BJP government," the chief minister declared to thunderous applause from her supporters. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the BJP-led central government was using SIR in West Bengal to 'intimidate and disenfranchise' voters, and warned of a massive protest in New Delhi. While the BJP has welcomed the SIR as a step towards ensuring greater transparency in the electoral rolls, the ruling TMC has questioned its timing and intent. TMC leader Derek O'Brien termed the SIR exercise a 'con job organised by the Extremely Compromised body'. Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari also led a BJP rally on the outskirts of Kolkata on Tuesday, demanding that SIR be fully undertaken and every Bangladeshi infiltrator be deported from the country. "If there is any attack on a Booth Level Officer (BLO) during the enumeration exercise in a locality by TMC party activists, we will not spare the government and party," he said. Separately, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, in its plea before the Supreme Court against the SIR, has dubbed it a 'de facto NRC' and has challenged its constitutional validity. The ruling party in Tamil Nadu has sought the quashing of the EC's notification on SIR dated October 27, 2025. However, the main opposition, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, an ally of the BJP, supports the exercise. In Uttar Pradesh, the exercise was launched under the theme 'Shuddh Nirvachak Namavali Majboot Loktantra' (Clean Electoral Roll Strong Democracy). In Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called for an all-party meeting online on Wednesday to seek consensus on the implementation of the SIR. Most political parties in the state -- barring the BJP -- have raised concerns over its timing. The massive exercise will cover nearly 51 crore electors across 321 districts and 1,843 assembly constituencies of these nine states and three UTs. The poll authority has pressed into action over 5.3 lakh booth-level officers (BLOs), 10,448 electoral registration officers and 321 district election officers. Besides, 7.64 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) of political parties are also on the field to assist BLOs. Three suspects involved in the brutal sexual assault of a college student were shot at and nabbed by the police, after which Chief Minister M K Stalin directed filing a chargesheet within a month and ensure the culprits received maximum punishment in the case soon. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The three men--Satish alias Karuppsamy, his brother Karthi alias Kalishewaran, both from Virudhunagar district and their relative Guna alias Thavasi from Madurai district were nabbed late on November 3 when they tried to attack the police team that went in search of them, City Police Commissioner A Saravana Sundar told reporters in Coimbatore. Condemning the sexual assault, Stalin said the tragedy that befell the young lady was inhumane. No harsh words would be adequate to condemn such heinous crimes. 'The culprits involved in the case have been traced and arrested immediately. I have ordered the police to file a chargesheet within a month and get them the maximum punishment as soon as possible,' Stalin said in a post on the social media platform X. He further said that 'the progress that our women achieve in all fields will put an end to the patriarchal mentality of such perverted animals and will lead to our transformation into a completely progressive society'. According to Saravana Sundar, the investigators scanned about 300 CCTV footages and corroborated them with inputs received from the people and identified the exit route of the suspects, who were identified and swiftly traced at their hiding spot in Vellakinaru at around 10.40 pm of Monday. "They attacked the police personnel, forcing the latter to use minimum force to overpower them by opening fire below the knees," he said. A police constable was injured when the trio attacked the team. Investigation revealed that they were related and have criminal cases, including murder, theft and hurt, pending against them and were attending a court case related to a murder case. "On the night of November 2, the three robbed a two-wheeler and were travelling on the mud road near the airport when they noticed the student and her friend talking in the car," the Commissioner said. The trio broke the car windows with stones and inflicted cut injuries on the student's male friend before dragging her to a deserted place that had no lighting facility and committed the offence. "There was no delay on the part of the police in responding to the SoS. Her friend made a call to the police control at 11.20 pm and the police arrived at the spot in 15 minutes. She was taken to the hospital after she emerged from the spot," Sundar said, adding, the woman was out of danger. The victim was being provided psychological counselling, the Commissioner said. Satish (30), Karthi (21), and Guna (20) were labourers and had also worked in a lathe unit. Preliminary investigation revealed that the trio, after robbing a two-wheeler had some alcoholic drinks and were proceeding by the airport when they noticed the couple and sexually assaulted the student. "It did not appear to be a planned incident. Police also filed a gang rape case and abduction against the three," the Commissioner said. While one of the suspects sustained a gunshot in one leg, the other two were injured in both legs when the police opened fire, an official said. All of them have been admitted to a government medical facility here along with the injured constable, and are undergoing treatment. Further investigation is on. The police recovered a mobile phone and a gold ring of the victim, and also the two-wheeler used to commit the offence. The sexual assault has sent shock waves across the state and sparked political outrage with various parties demanding stringent action against the culprits. Despite being injured, the victim's friend managed to inform the police. Late in the night, the police managed to locate the victim with the help of the locals and had her admitted to a hospital. Sanctioning Russian oil would have led to a sharp surge in oil prices to above $80 per barrel levels, which would impact pump prices in the US ahead of midterm elections next year. Illustration: Dado Ruvic/Reuters It might be too early to pronounce the end of the $69 billion India-Russia oil trade from the sanctions by Washington on two of Russia's biggest oil producers and new sanctions package by the European Union on Russian oil and gas. There is a loophole: While the US sanctioned Russian firms Rosneft and Lukoil, Russian oil itself was spared by both Washington and Brussels, experts and refining officials said, with the result that it continues to trade in the world market. Indian refiners will break no law, domestic or international, for buying Russian oil if the seller is not sanctioned, three officials from two State refiners and a private refiner said. In other words, the sanctions regime leaves suppliers from other countries free to sell Russian oil. There will, however, be an immediate impact on December arrivals, orders for which are placed now, a senior trader at a State refiner warned, because there is no time for Moscow to work around the sanctions. Nearly 70 per cent of India's supplies this year came from Rosneft and Lukoil, according to shipping data. After adding shipments from Surgutneftegaz, another leading Russian oil producer, the proportion in the Indian oil import basket creeps up to 78 per cent. It is not clear how Surgutneftegaz, which was sanctioned by the US back in January, is still supplying India. Tatiana Mitrova, global fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, said in a Linkedin post that whether these sanctions are a turning point or just the latest in a long series of geopolitical moves will depend on how seriously enforcement follows the headlines. The new US sanctions, announced October 19, 2025, on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia's two biggest oil producers, will impact combined flows of around 5 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil. Rosneft supplied around 910,000 bpd to India this year, accounting for half of India's 1.75 million bpd of supplies from Russia; Lukoil shipped another 302,000 bpd this year, as on date, according to data from maritime intelligence agency Kpler. This is the second time since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 that Washington is sanctioning producers and not the commodity: In January this year, the outgoing Biden administration sanctioned Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, impacting around 1 million bpd of oil production. But Surgutneftegas, despite the sanctions, shipped 159,000 bpd, or 9 per cent of Russian supplies to India this year. It was the third biggest supplier of oil after Rosneft and Lukoil to India, Kpler data show. Separately, the EU sanctioned Russian liquefied natural gas supplies this week but did not sanction Rosneft or Lukoil. The companies were spared because of Europe's domestic compulsions, said George Voloshin, a sanctions expert at ACAMS, an international organization for anti-financial crime professionals, on Linkedin. Voloshin pointed to another loophole in the sanctions process: The EU sanctioned Lukoil's UAE-based trading subsidiary Litasco Middle East but failed to sanction its main trading unit, Swiss-based Litasco SA. Oil spared? A top government official dealing with sanctions regimes said that India follows only UN sanctions and not those slapped by individual countries. Second, unlike in the case of Iran or Venezuela where oil is sanctioned, Russian oil was never sanctioned, the official explained -- only the entities behind the trade were sanctioned. India does not officially accept Western sanctions, but companies and banks involved in trade are free to make their own decisions, he added. Narendra Taneja, a leading India-based oil expert, said America and Europe have been careful not to sanction oil -- which allows Chinese and other buyers of Russian oil to re-export the commodity or intermediaries and traders in Singapore or Dubai to trade and sell the oil. "The world is still waiting for clarifications on what it means to sanction the two entities," Taneja said. Brent oil prices have only increased marginally by 5 to 6 per cent to $65 per barrel levels, which indicates that traders expect Russian oil to stay in the global supply system one way or another, he added. Vandana Hari, a Singapore-based energy expert, said that sanctioning Russian oil would have led to a sharp surge in oil prices to above $80 per barrel levels, which would impact pump prices in the US ahead of midterm elections next year. It's actually a workaround, said Sumit Ritolia, an analyst at Kpler: "If they (the US) want to stop Russian crude oil, they would have sanctioned Russian oil, like Iranian oil." Western powers cannot afford to let Russian oil disappear entirely from the system because that would affect 5 to 6 per cent of world supplies, a senior official from a State refiner said. He expects supplies from other Russian suppliers to gradually enter the market via new intermediaries. Tankers shipped 3.6 million bpd of Russian origin crude this year globally, with Rosneft accounting for 31 per cent of sales, Kpler data showed. Lukoil accounted for 15 per cent. A category called 'others' -- basically unclear, crude source -- accounted for 1.6 million bpd or 44 per cent of supplies, reflecting the opacity in Russian supplies in a bid to evade sanctions. The US Treasury Department has allowed for a wind-down of transactions with Rosneft and Lukoil by November 21. Flows until the cutoff will be strong, said Ritolia, with Russia already loading over 1.5 million bpd for November deliveries. Ritolia expects a dip in Russian shipments to India in December and January but supplies to stabilise subsequently as Russia finds workarounds. Importantly, he expects third- and fourth-party sales of Russian oil to gain, with more transactions turning opaque. An analyst with a top global oil trader said that trading giants Glencore, Vitol or Trafigura would not touch Russian oil for fear of exposure to sanctions. The trades, he said, will be carried out by relatively unknown trading entities in Dubai or Hong Kong, based out of the Dubai Multi Commodities Center or registered at Dubai's Silicon Oasis. Leading traders of Russian oil include 2 Rivers DMCC, Amur Investments, Nexus Trading, Litasco and Coral Energy. Price impact If Russian crude disappears from global trade, the biggest challenge will be price, Taneja said. Premiums on spot supplies of Middle East grades, a substitute for medium, sour Russian export benchmark Urals oil, have already tripled from pre-sanction levels, market data from UK commodity pricing service Argus shows. Russia produced 10.2 million bpd of crude oil in 2024, which is 12 per cent of global crude oil and condensate production of 83 million bpd, according to EI Statistical Review of World Energy. It exported 7 million bpd last year via pipelines and tankers. China, India and Turkey are the biggest buyers of Russian oil, but they buy different grades. Chinese independent refiners or teapots, the biggest buyers of sanctioned oil from Iran, Venezuela and Russia, prefer ESPO blend, a light grade. Indian and Turkish refiners compete for Urals, a medium, sour and cheaper variety, which accounts for half of Russian seaborne oil exports. The impact on Indian refiners is likely to be varied. State-run refiners led by Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum are still looking at ways to import Russian oil from non-sanctioned entities, expecting discounts to more than double to $4 to $5 per barrel from current levels, a senior official at a state refiner said. But privately owned Reliance Industries may have to stop purchases under a 10-year, 500,000 bpd supply contract with Rosneft because the sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil were pursuant to US Executive Order 14024, which carries the threat of secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions that continue to do business with sanctioned companies, according to the US sanction notification. This prevents Reliance from paying Rosneft via banks. 'As it is customary in the industry, supply contracts evolve to reflect changing market and regulatory conditions. Reliance will address these conditions while maintaining the relationships with its suppliers,' it said in a statement. Indian officials pointed to key variables that could affect the direction of India-Russia oil trade in the next few months. Politically, it includes Russia's response to US ceasefire demands and progress on the India-US trade talks, and commercially, on how effectively sanctions are enforced, by how much discounts on Russian oil expand, and how quickly Russia is able to ship its oil to consumers via non-sanctioned entities. 'Urals discounts could widen by another $3-8/bbl (per barrel),' Columbia's Mitrova said. The impact of new US sanctions on Russia will likely be at the lower end due to sanctions workarounds and limited US appetite for major secondary measures for Chinese or other buyers, said Pietro Guglielmi, an analyst for Eurasia Group, a global think-tank, in a note. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) on Tuesday announced its support to a rebel Rashtriya Janata Dal candidate in Bihar who was contesting against its own national president. IMAGE: Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahni. Photograph: ANI Photo The announcement was made at a press conference in Darbhanga district by party founder Mukesh Sahni, whose younger brother Santosh, the national president of the VIP, was in the fray from Gaura Boram seat. "We have decided to support Afzal Ali in the polls," said Sahni, who has been promised Deputy CM's post if the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) came to power in the state, less than 48 hours before the seat goes to polls. Ali had filed his nomination papers after getting the RJD ticket from Lalu Prasad Yadav, who had second thoughts during last-minute negotiations and decided to back Santosh, asking his own party's candidate to withdraw. However, Ali did not withdraw his nomination papers and a letter shot off by Prasad to the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar, requesting that his candidature 'not be taken into consideration', went unheard. The RJD, subsequently, decided to back the candidate of the VIP, which promises a chunk of 'Nishad' community votes. The INDIA bloc's chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav even canvassed for Santosh a couple of days earlier. Ali, in the meantime, was expelled for indiscipline. When asked whether the belated decision would be of any help to the INDIA bloc in the constituency, where voters will find symbols of both VIP and RJD on the EVMs during polls on Thursday, Sahni replied, "The confusion may have cost us about a thousand votes. But there is a wave in favour of the Mahagathbandhan." "We are sure that Ali, whose poll symbol is in the top slot, will emerge victorious. It is true that all alliance partners wanted my younger brother to fight from the seat. But Ali did not relent and there was no point in pressing the matter further," said Sahni. He also exuded confidence that once victorious, Ali would remain loyal towards the INDIA bloc. Known for hard bargaining, Sahni, whose party has no MLA in the outgoing assembly, was asked if he had agreed to a deal in exchange for, reportedly, a berth in the legislative council for his brother. He replied evasively, "Of course, Santosh was taken into confidence before we took the decision. He is the national president and decides on party tickets. We could not have acted without his approval." The VIP has fielded its candidates in 16 seats of the 243-strong assembly in Bihar. Gaura Boram is among about a dozen seats where more than one constituent of the INDIA bloc has fielded candidates. Ukraine has a certain level of preparation in the fight against corruption, "limited progress" was achieved over the past year, the European Commission concluded in its annual report Enlargement Package, which was published by the European Commission on Tuesday in Brussels. "The Parliament adopted a law in July, dismantling important safeguards for the independence of NABU and SAPO and putting their operational work under the authority of the politically appointed Prosecutor General. These amendments would have severely weakened Ukraines anticorruption framework. The independence of NABU and SAPO was swiftly restored following domestic protests and strong concerns voiced by international partners," the document notes. "Anticorruption institutions and civil society organisations report about growing pressure from state institutions, including through criminal investigations by law enforcement and security agencies. Overall, these developments cast doubts on Ukraines commitment to its anticorruption agenda. Ukraine should advance its anti-corruption framework and prevent any backsliding on its notable reform achievements. Procedural delays and obstructions in highlevel corruption proceedings should be addressed. Statutes of limitation and the grounds for their interruption and suspension should be reviewed and adjusted, in line with European standards," the document notes. The European Commission, in particular, recommends preserving the independence of anti-corruption institutions; expanding the jurisdiction of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) to cover all high-risk public positions; and introducing reliable safeguards against interference in the work of NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO). It is noted that further consolidation of experience in corruption cases is needed, including the arrest and confiscation of criminal assets, with a focus on high-level officials and cases with significant impact; the expansion of the range of persons required to submit asset declarations; and the simplification and improvement of procedures for verifying asset declarations. It is also recommended to strengthen the capacity of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) and focus its work on detecting unjustified enrichment. In addition, according to the Ukraine Plan, it is recommended to increase the number of judges and administrative staff in the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC), and to develop and adopt an Anti-Corruption Strategy and a State Anti-Corruption Program. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 28F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low around 15F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 15F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 15F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Associations representing Ukraine's mining and metallurgical industries, other industrial and extractive enterprises, as well as producers of construction materials and cement, have spoken out against raising freight and electricity tariffs, warning that such moves could lead to production cuts or even shutdowns. They voiced their position during a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Tuesday titled "Tariff policy of state monopolies JSC Ukrzaliznytsia and NPC Ukrenergo, and their negative impact on Ukraine's industry and economy." President of the Ukrmetalurgprom Association of Enterprises Oleksandr Kalenkov emphasized that the main consumers of so-called "natural monopoly" services are companies from the mining and metals sector, cement and construction materials producers, and others. "These are the key clients of companies like Ukrzaliznytsia and Ukrenergo. Before the war, the mining and metals sector together with ferroalloy plants consumed about 60% of all electricity used by industry and accounted for over 40% of Ukrzaliznytsia's freight traffic. So, we depend on these monopolies just as much as they depend on us," Kalenkov said. He expressed hope that in the future these markets could become more competitive and monopolies dismantled, but until then, the state must ensure that such monopolies do not abuse their position, he said. Kalenkov also pointed out that Ukraine currently has the highest electricity tariffs in Europe. "In practice, this means we're losing the competitive battle to every EU producer. I'm not even talking about those located in countries that still use Russian energy resources. Their electricity and gas prices are several times lower than ours. As a result, we're losing our traditional export markets," he said. Regarding railway tariffs, he noted that freight rates in Poland and Slovenia are already cheaper than in Ukraine. "Right now, shipping cargo via Ukrzaliznytsia costs 1520% more than in Europe, and there are plans to raise tariffs by another 37%. This isn't just economically unreasonable. It's a dead end," Kalenkov said. In his view, the tariff policies of Ukrzaliznytsia and Ukrenergo require attention at the Cabinet of Ministers and Verkhovna Rada levels. Ideally, an independent transport tariff regulator similar to the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) should be established. To subsidize passenger transportation, the state budget should allocate UAH 26 billion for 2026, so that freight tariffs do not need to be raised. "Otherwise, our enterprises will have to scale back production or exit the market altogether," Kalenkov warned. Executive Director of the Ukrainian Cement Producers Association (Ukrcement) Liudmyla Kripka stressed that two-thirds of cement produced in Ukraine, as well as the raw materials used to make it, are transported by rail. Therefore, the sector is highly sensitive to any unjustified increases in freight tariffs. "We've been through this before. Such actions already had negative consequences in the past, and this time will be no different. Producers will be forced to pass higher logistics costs onto their final products, which means higher prices for consumers. This will reduce consumption, and therefore production and shipments as well," Kripka said. She also highlighted the need for government support mechanisms for energy-intensive, export-oriented industries as a temporary anti-crisis measure. According to her, technical and economic criteria should be introduced specifically for enterprises in priority sectors. The savings achieved by lowering transmission and dispatch tariffs could be redirected into investments in renewable energy sources. "That way, we would also advance the decarbonization goals set before us by the European Union," Kripka said. Citing data from the state-owned enterprise Ukrainian Industry Expertise, she said that a 30% increase in freight tariffs would lead to a nearly UAH 100 billion decline in GDP, a loss of UAH 98 billion in foreign currency earnings, annual budget losses exceeding UAH 36 billion, and the elimination of at least 76,000 jobs. Executive Director of the Ukrainian Ferroalloy Producers Association (UkrFA) Serhiy Kudriavtsev said most ferroalloy enterprises are located along the Kakhovka Reservoir, a region close to the combat zone, where operating conditions are extremely difficult. In particular, manganese processing plants have been idle for two years. "We can't transport raw materials to ferroalloy plants because railway lines have been destroyed. Nor can we afford to pay for detours to deliver the ores needed for production. Today, ferroalloy plants are operating at only 1520% of capacity. If this continues, ferroalloy production in Ukraine will cease altogether, we'll have to import alloys, and the remaining plants will lose their jobs," Kudriavtsev warned. He added that this frontline region is currently being sustained mainly by the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant, as well as Nikopol's pipe and metallurgical enterprises but the area could turn into a "gray zone" if people are forced to leave. "We're facing problems with production, logistics, labor shortages, and electricity. This is a region that used to generate electricity, but now we receive it from western Ukraine at tariffs that are unaffordable for us. We may have to shut down entirely, and that would be irreversible. Plants are now operating at 15% just to maintain continuous processes, because if a ferroalloy furnace is shut down, it takes at least six months to restart it," the UkrFA director said. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 15F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 15F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. The European Commission has issued a damning assessment of Georgia's progress toward joining the European Union, accusing it of "serious democratic backsliding" that has left the Caucasus nation as a candidate for membership "in name only." In an annual progress report for 10 candidate countries released on November 4, the commission noted a government crackdown on political opponents and a policy shift that appears slanted toward Moscow, effectively derailing the country's EU bid despite widespread public support for accession. That contrasts with praise for candidates Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova and a carrot in the form of raising the possibility of candidate nations joining the bloc as early as 2030 if reforms remain on track. "In Georgia, the situation has sharply deteriorated, with serious democratic backsliding," EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said in presenting the annual report. "The commission considers Georgia a candidate country in name only." Georgia has seen its relationship with the 27-nation bloc deteriorate since Tbilisi adopted anti-LGBT legislation and a so-called foreign agent law last year. The relationship eroded further after parliamentary elections in October 2024 in which the Georgian Dream party held on to power and then decided to halt EU accession talks while adopting what many -- including Brussels -- see as Russia-friendly policies. Several senior Georgian opposition figures have been jailed, while police have ramped up the arrest of protesters at the antigovernment demonstrations. Georgian Dream says it still wants to join the European Union, but only if it can preserve what it says are Georgia's traditional Orthodox Christian values as well as peaceful ties with Russia. "The findings of the report are unfortunately devastating for Georgia's European aspirations," Pawel Herczynski, the EU ambassador to Georgia, told reporters in Tbilisi. "Georgia is not on the trajectory to become an EU member state, neither in 2030 nor later." With concerns growing over the rising influence of China and Russia in some parts of Eastern Europe and elsewhere, the EU is once again keen on expanding to ensure its sphere of influence doesn't erode. "Expanding the union is in our best interest," the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said upon the release of the report assessing the candidacies of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Kos highlighted Montenegro's progress saying the tiny nation, which has a large and vocal Russian population, had advanced farthest along the path to membership. She also praised Albania for "unprecedented progress" and the "accelerated speed" with which Moldova is moving ahead. Ukraine, which has been coupled on the EU path with Moldova, was commended for its "demonstrated" commitment to accession, though Kos noted "it will be essential to sustain this momentum and prevent any risk of backsliding, in particular (on) anti-corruption." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hopes to join other candidates if they are asked to join in 2030 while calling the latest report "the best assessment to date -- proof that even as we defend against Russia's full-scale aggression, Ukraine continues to reform and transform according to European standards." Serbia, which has opened 22 policy chapters, has also been stuck for years as some EU member states are critical of Belgrade's refusal to align with EU sanctions on Russia. But the report noted other issues such as a perceived backsliding when it comes to freedom of expression and smear campaigns against civil society. "Serbia, yes, we are very critical. But I am offering a hand: You can get everything from us. But I cannot hear any more Serbian politicians blaming the EU for what's happening in Serbia," Kos said. Mourners chanted "Death to Khamenei" as they attended the funeral of Omid Sarlak, a man who was found dead after he posted a video on social media of himself setting an image of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on fire. Hundreds gathered at the cemetery in the small Iranian town of Aligudarz on November 3 to honor Sarlak, whose family and supporters reject a police claim that he committed suicide following his viral video burning the leader's image. In the aftermath of the burial, Iranians shared images and videos of themselves torching portraits of the 86-year-old Khamenei and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic. Sarlak's final Instagram stories showed a burning image of Khamenei set to archival audio of Iran's last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, with captions urging youth to rise up -- posts that turned him into a symbol of defiance after his death and sparked a new wave of "burn the portrait" videos. "How long should we endure humiliation, poverty, and being ridden over? This is the moment to show yourself, young people. These clerics are nothing but a stream for Iran's youth to cross," Sarlak, who was in his 20s, wrote in one Instagram story. At his graveside, crowds packed the procession vowing justice. Sarlak's father was filmed at the site where his son's body was found, saying, "They killed my champion," reflecting deep distrust of the official report on the cause of death. Police in Aligudarz alleged that Sarlak died of a self-inflicted gunshot in a car and opened a forensic probe into the death. However, social media users said authorities pressured the family to accept a suicide finding. The family has not commented on allegations that they were pressured. In a video, Sarlak's father said his son was "surrounded" in an underground passageway and killed. The man who filmed the video added that the killers left a gun next to him to present the death as a suicide. Neither the father nor the man behind the camera explicitly accused the state of involvement. Critics of the Islamic republic have described Sarlak's death as suspicious in social media posts. Speaking with state television before the burial, Sarlak's father urged the public "not to pay attention" to online rumors -- an interview widely dismissed as a "forced confession" given the Islamic republic has long shown little tolerance for dissent. Ukrainian drones struck a petrochemical plant almost 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) inside Russia early on November 4 as Kyiv continues to step up long-range air strikes aimed at key Russian infrastructure. The head of the Bashkortostan region, Radiy Khabirov, said on Telegram that two Ukrainian drones hit the Sterlitamak industrial complex after being shot down. Authorities said the drones partially knocked out a water treatment installation at the complex. Khabirov said there were no fatalities in the attack. Ukrainian officials have not commented on the attack, which comes as Kyiv continues to strike at key facilities such as oil refineries, gas storage depots, and other logistical installations as it tries to slow Russia's war machine. Kyiv has pleaded with the United States for long-range weapons such as Tomahawk missiles that it says are crucial to striking back against Russia as the Kremlin intensifies air strikes on Ukrainian cities. US President Donald Trump has at times suggested the United States could provide Tomahawks to Ukraine, although he has more recently appeared to oppose the idea, including while taking questions from reporters on November 2. Trump -- who is attempting to mediate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia -- told reporters he hoped the conflict would end "without thinking about Tomahawks. He has also expressed concerns about relinquishing Tomahawks -- which have a range of 1,600-2,500 kilometers -- that might be needed for the US military's own requirements. Moscow has previously warned Washington not to provide Ukraine with Tomahawks, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying such deliveries would represent a "completely new stage of escalation" between the United States and Russia. The Sterlitamak complex was targeted last month when drones attacked part of the area where a plant specializing in the development and production of equipment, parts, and tools for the oil and gas industry was located. The plant also is involved in the production of explosives. The European Commission, in its annual report Enlargement Package, which was published on Tuesday in Brussels, states that Ukraine is between a certain and moderate level of preparation regarding freedom of speech. "Despite the constraints resulting from the Russian war of aggression, Ukraine has made some progress in this area, notably on the financial independence of the public broadcaster Suspilne, transparency of media ownership, and access to information for journalists," the document notes. The Commissions recommendations from last year were partially met and remain valid. In the coming year, Ukraine should in particular: ensure the safety and independence of journalists and respect their public information role; investigate promptly, independently and effectively cases of direct intimidation and harassment as well as indirect forms of pressure against journalists and media outlets. Ukraine should maintain adequate funding for the public service broadcaster to allow the independent public service media to carry out their role as enshrined in Ukraines legislation, and ensure that content produced by publicly funded media are representative of Ukraines political and societal pluralism. The Commission also recommends to continue its efforts to maintain and gradually strengthen a transparent, pluralistic and independent media landscape, ensuring that restrictions imposed temporarily by martial law comply with key public rights and interests, such as access to information and media freedom. Alison O'Riordan Two protected witnesses who painted themselves as "innocents abroad" downplayed their own roles and cannot be trusted to convict Ruth Lawrence of murdering two men, her defence barrister has argued, telling a jury that: "they played the system and they tried to play you". Defence counsel Patrick Gageby SC urged the jurors in his closing address not to convict the 46-year-old Dublin woman, calling the foundations of the State's case "shaky" and describing it as the "slimmest of prosecution cases". "Too slim to justify a conviction," he told the panel. The trial has heard that Ms Lawrence was extradited from South Africa to face trial in 2023, nearly a decade after the bodies of Anthony Keegan (33) and Eoin O'Connor (32) were found on a lake island in the midlands. Ms Lawrence (46), who is originally from Clontarf in Dublin but with an address at Patricks Cottage, Ross, Mountnugent in Co Meath has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Keegan and Mr O'Connor at an unknown location within the State on a date between April 22nd, 2014 and May 26th, 2014, both dates inclusive. The trial has heard that two protected witnesses - father and daughter Jason and Stacey Symes - came forward to An Garda Siochana in 2014 and gave voluntary statements about the alleged involvement of Ms Lawrence and her boyfriend, South African national Neville van der Westhuizen, in the murders of the two men. Key witness Stacey Symes, who has the benefit of the "Witness Security Programme" along with her father, gave evidence to the trial that Ms Lawrence told her that she had shot Mr O'Connor "but it went wrong", so her boyfriend Neville "took over". The witness also said that she and her father were asked to help move the bodies of the two men. Jason Symes told the jury that he was "terrified" of Ms Lawrence, who he said carried around "a little black gun" and would put it down the back of her trousers. Mr Gageby said with the exception of Neville van der Westhuizen, no one else had been charged or sought for anything else connected to the case or the background circumstances to it. "No one else was charged with a clean-up and assisting after the murders were committed," he continued. The lawyer said the phone evidence did not establish that Ms Lawrence shot Mr O'Connor or "was part of a plan to do so or to do the same to Mr Keegan or that she was in Dublin on April 18th 2014", when drugs were stolen from a house used by drug dealer Mr O'Connor. He said the State's case depended on the Symes' evidence to prove his client was guilty of the two charges; "either as a shooter or someone assisting in some way in that crime, either before it or during it being committed". Mr Gageby submitted that, insofar as either of the Symes said Ms Lawrence had admitted any part in the killing of one or both of these men, their evidence was not reliable. The lawyer acknowledged that Neville was doing some drug dealing but submitted that there was no evidence Ms Lawrence was "part and parcel of that". Mr Gageby referred to the meeting in the Dublin pub, where, according to Ms Symes, there was "some class of discussion" to rob Mr O'Connor's drugs. Counsel said Mr Symes had given evidence that he, his daughter and the accused were "shoved off to one corner" of the pub whilst "the boys" had a conversation. Mr Gageby said Mr Symes had made great efforts to tell the jury "what a lovely, friendly fella Mr O'Connor was" and how they had "hit it off". The lawyer suggested that Mr Symes was not only trying to conceal the true nature of things but was also trying to "curry some public favour" with those connected to Mr O'Connor, as well as the panel. He submitted that the Symes' were not really trustworthy, that they had attempted to pull the wool over the jurors' eyes and "they're still doing it". The lawyer said when the Symes learned that "the boys had been killed" and after it was alleged that "Ruth somehow confesses to them", it was suggested that they are "sort of prisoners and don't have autonomy". "That Neville and Ruth are constantly with them and don't let them out of sight, that just isn't correct". He reminded the jury that phone analyst Sarah Skedd had testified that there were no calls recorded between Ms Lawrence and Mr O'Connor. Mr Gageby said there was only one interview with gardai where Mr Symes was cautioned. "Let's be clear, none of the statements were under caution, that sends a very clear message". He said the Symes were charged with "nothing" and went into the Witness Protection Programme, which "modestly" funded them. Counsel added: "You have absolutely every reason to be cautious with these two witnesses, with all they did, they suffered no penalty whatsoever but got government support". "They have constantly downplayed their roles, and they played the system and they tried to play you". Evidence was given last week from a South African pastor, who said Ms Lawrence feared she would become a victim of human trafficking and had both stayed in and worked at women's refuges in two South African cities. Mr Gageby said the evidence was not to prove that the accused is a religious or holy person but rather was of "some importance". He said Neville had killed a young man in South Africa in 2017 and was subsequently charged with attempted murder and murder. He indicated that Neville's conviction for murder was less than three years after Mr O'Connor and Mr Keegan had been killed. He said the case came down to whether it was beyond a reasonable doubt that Ms Lawrence had openly admitted killing someone. "I want to suggest to you that it is highly unlikely she did. The foundations of the prosecution case are frankly shaky as the Symes had done everything in the case to downplay any of their involvement". The trial continues tomorrow. In his opening address, Michael O'Higgins SC, prosecuting, said the evidence will be that Mr O'Connor sold drugs to Neville van der Westhuizen, who owed the deceased man in the region of 70,000. Mr O'Higgins told the jury the State would argue that Ms Lawrence shot drug dealer Mr O'Connor and worked "as a unit" with her boyfriend to kill him and Mr Keegan, with their bodies later found "bound in rope, tape and covered in tarpaulin" on Inchicup Island on Lough Sheelin. Photo: https://t.me/umerov_rustem Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Rustem Umerov and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Masashi Nakagome discussed issues of security, humanitarian demining, and economic recovery. "We discussed further cooperation in the areas of security and economic recovery. Japan is one of the largest providers of budgetary support to Ukraine. Since the beginning of the large-scale invasion, Japan has provided Ukraine with over $12 billion in financial, humanitarian, and technical assistance. Special attention was paid to cooperation in humanitarian demining Japan remains a key partner in this area," Umerov wrote on Telegram Tuesday following the meeting. He thanked the Japanese government and people "for their solidarity and concrete solutions that are helping our country survive and recover." Nitin Gadkari Promises Bihar World-Standard National Highways on Par with America's Nitin Gadkari also pledged to build the best bridges. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday promised the people of poll-bound Bihar the construction of national highways built to world standards on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of the state election, scheduled for November 6. The minister made the promise while addressing a rally in Bihars Saran district. Advertisement Gadkari said, ...I promise to build Bihar's national highways as per world standards, and that day is not far off when I will make Bihar's roads on par with America's. This is my promise. The minister also pledged to build the best bridges. There are no obstacles; anything is achievable. I'm not doing you a favour - this is your money, he added. Advertisement You are the master, and we are the servants. We serve you honestly; that's why you elected us..." the minister further said. Election campaigns of various political parties in the state are currently in full swing. (For more news apart from Nitin Gadkari Promises Bihar World-Standard National Highways on Par with Americas," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) As India celebrates Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025, banks, schools and offices will remain shut in several states to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has listed this date as a bank holiday. Banks, schools and offices will remain shut in many states to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on November 5, 2025. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025: Banks, Schools, and Offices to Remain Shut in Several States on November 5 As India celebrates Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025, banks, schools and offices will remain shut in several states to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has listed this date as a bank holiday. According to the RBIs official holiday calendar, banks will remain closed in multiple states and Union Territories, including Punjab, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Nagaland, West Bengal, New Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh. While physical bank branches will remain closed, customers can use digital services such as UPI, net banking, and ATMs for all necessary transactions. The Mumbai-based stock exchanges (BSE and NSE) will also remain closed on this day. The day with deep cultural and spiritual significance marks the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, also known as Gurpurab or Guru Parv. Across India, especially in Punjab, devotees will participate in prabhat pheris (early morning processions), kirtans, and langars (community meals) organised by gurdwaras to spread the teachings of the Guru equality, humility, and service to humanity. In addition to banks, schools, colleges, and government offices in several states will also remain shut. As holiday schedules can vary between private and government institutions, parents are advised to check with their local school authorities or official WhatsApp groups for confirmation. Seeing closures across various sectors, citizens are encouraged to plan their financial and official activities in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Man-eater male leopard caught in Pune, Maharashtra; 13-year-old boy Killed on Sunday Local villagers say that it is a man-eating leopard that killed 3 people in the last 30 days, it added. Forest Department in Pimperkhed village of Pune, Maharashtra, has caught a male leopard accused of killing three people in the region, ANI reported, citing locals. The leopard was caught in a cage set up by the Forest Department in the village. Advertisement This is the same village where a 13-year-old boy was killed in a leopard attack on Sunday, the ANI report said. Local villagers say that it is a man-eating leopard that killed 3 people in the last 30 days, it added. Massive protests had erupted here after the 13-year-old boy was killed. Advertisement (For more news apart from 2nd phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls begins in 12 States, UTs National Highways on Par with Americas," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Photo: https://x.com/kmathernova/ The EU has never held accession talks with a country that is at war, carrying out reforms under sirens and power outages. The European Commission's Enlargement Report well conveys "the uniqueness of the situation," European Union Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova emphasized. She said this at a briefing with Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka on Tuesday evening. The ambassador said that Ukraine was writing a manual on reforms while simultaneously fighting for its national survival, sovereignty, and freedom. He noted that this had never happened before, and that the EU had never conducted negotiations with a country actively at war, developing legislation literally to the sound of sirens and during power outages. She stressed that the report "conveys very well the feeling that this is a unique situation." Mathernova separately noted that among the countries negotiating accession to the European Union, there is a group of four leaders: Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine. Mathernova added that Ukraine was not only carrying out reforms during wartime, but was also not falling behind countries conducting negotiations in peacetime, which she emphasized was very important. As reported, on Tuesday the European Commission presented a report within the framework of the European Union Enlargement Package 2025. Ukraine received the best recognition of its work in three years: in each of the 36 sections - a positive result. The report states that Ukraine is consistently progressing in implementing legislation in accordance with European Union standards. The European Commission confirmed that there is readiness to open the first, second and sixth negotiation clusters. The Canadian government is likely to come up with a Mass Visa Cancellation Programme that could cause serious repercussions for applicants from India and Bangladesh. As per a CBC News report, internal documents suggest that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), along with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. partners, has formed a task force to identify and revoke fraudulent visa applications. The Canadian government is likely to come up with a Mass Visa Cancellation Programme. Canadas Mass Visa Cancellation Proposal: Concern for Indian and Bangladeshi Applicants The Canadian government is likely to come up with a Mass Visa Cancellation Programme that could cause serious repercussions for applicants from India and Bangladesh. As per a CBC News report, internal documents suggest that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), along with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. partners, has formed a task force to identify and revoke fraudulent visa applications. This proposal is a part of Bill C-12, which seeks to empower Ottawa to cancel all categories of temporary visas in extraordinary circumstances such as pandemics, wars, or national security crises. However, the documents specifically mention India and Bangladesh as country-specific challenges, raising concerns that the measure could be applied in a discriminatory or selective manner. More than 300 civil society organizations have expressed opposition, warning that the plan could create a mass deportation mechanism. Several immigration lawyers have also raised concern, suggesting that the bill may be aimed more towards reducing Canadas growing application backlog than tackling actual fraudlent activities. The timing of this move is really sensitive. In August 2025, nearly 74% of Indian student visa applications were rejected almost triple the previous years rate of 32%. Meanwhile, asylum claims by Indian nationals have surged dramatically, rising from about 500 per month in mid-2023 to nearly 2,000 by July 2024. Government officials maintain that the proposed powers are imperative for protecting the integrity of Canadas borders. An IRCC spokesperson stated that steps are being taken to curb non-genuine applications and strengthen data-sharing measures, noting a 25% increase in fraud-related visa refusals compared to last year. This move comes as Canada is working towards restoring diplomatic ties with India, following last years tensions. During the G7 Summit in Alberta, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Narendra Modi discussed improving cooperation and reestablishing trust between the two countries. As the Canadian Parliament continues to debate Bill C-12, key questions remain about how the government will balance national security, fairness, and transparency, especially for Indian and Bangladeshi students and workers who have significantly contributed towards Canadas growth. Stubb called India a strategic actor in shaping the global political and security landscape and warned that the United Nations will continue to lose relevance unless India becomes a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Stubb called India a strategic actor in shaping the global, political and security landscape. India the Next Superpower, UN Risks Weakening Without India on Security Council says Finland President President Finlands President Alexander Stubb has said that India will soon stand alongside the United States and China as the worlds next superpower endorsing Indias global stature. In an exclusive interview with First post in Helsinki, Stubb called India a strategic actor in shaping the global, political and security landscape and warned that the United Nations will continue to lose relevance unless India becomes a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). Advertisement I am a great admirer of India and I think India will be our next superpower with the United States and China, Stubb said. If players like India do not feel they have a real stake in the system, the UN will continue to weaken. The Finnish President, who has consistently advocated for UN reforms and multilateral inclusivity, said the Security Council should be expanded to reflect 21st-century realities. He suggested adding new permanent members including one from Latin America, two from Africa, and two from Asia, underscoring that it is wrong that countries like India are not part of the Council. Acknowledging Indias growing role globally, Stubb praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their strategic, multi-vector foreign policy that successfully balances competing global interests. Advertisement Amid increased Western scrutiny of Indias continued oil trade with Russia, Stubb backed New Delhis independent foreign policy, saying, India is a big, independent playerit makes its own decisions in foreign policy. His remarks came as the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on Indian exports, even as China and several European nations continued their own energy engagements with Moscow. In Analysts' view Finlands statement is part of a broader European recognition of Indias rising diplomatic and economic influence. As global alignments change, many see Indias inclusion in the UNSC as both inevitable and essential for a more representative and effective multilateral system. November 4, 2025 A roundup of local and international news. Newsflash Newsroom, 04.11.2025, 13:55 MESSAGE President Nicusor Dan sent his condolences to the family of the Romanian who died in Italy, after the partial collapse, on Monday, of a 13th-century tower in central Rome, where he worked. My thoughts also go to all the Romanians who work far from home, with dedication and sacrifice, the head of state wrote on platform X. He appreciated the effort of the Italian teams who tried, for over 11 hours, to save the mans life. Extracted alive from under the rubble, he died in hospital as a result of a cardiac arrest. The consular team and the Romanian Embassy in Rome, present at the scene, also thanked the Italian rescuers for the determination with which they tried to extract the worker, after another Romanian, also caught in the collapse of the building, was successfully evacuated and is out of danger. The Rome prosecutors office has opened an investigation for negligence and culpable homicide. The tower was undergoing renovation works. EXPORTS Romania maintains its position as the largest European exporter of cereals in the first quarter of the 2025/2026 marketing year and reports financial records in the zootechnical sector, with total sales to markets outside the EU of almost half a billion euros in the first ten months of 2025, for live animals, the Minister of Agriculture, Florin Barbu has announced. According to the latest data published by the European Commission, Romania exported sheep worth 210 million euros, cattle 150 million euros and poultry worth 100 million euros. Agriculture is the countrys greatest wealth, Florin Barbu wrote on his Facebook page. SECURITY Russian forces carried out two attacks Monday night on Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube, near Romania. Following signals detected by Romanian surveillance systems, two F-16 aircraft and two German Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft were sent, in accordance with air police procedures, to investigate and ensure the security of national airspace. The mission commanders had approval to annihilate air targets if they entered Romanian airspace and endangered the security of Romanian citizens. However, no unauthorized intrusions were detected and no remains of aerial vehicles were identified on national territory. The Ministry of Defense in Bucharest strongly condemns the attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, actions that represent a serious violation of international law and a threat to regional security. Romania remains in permanent contact with NATO allies and the European Union and maintains a high level of vigilance and reaction, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense. DEFENSE Romania is beginning to emerge as a potential player in the defense industry in southeastern Europe through the partnership with the Rheinmetall company, said Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. He participated, on Monday, in the signing ceremony of the shareholders agreement for the establishment and operation of Rheinmetall-Victoria, between Pirochim Victoria SA (center) and Rheinmetall, together with the companys CEO, Armin Papperger. The future powder factory in Victoria means an investment of half a billion euros, approximately 700 new jobs, but, above all, the advantage of producing powders in Romania, the Prime Minister emphasized. At the same time, he welcomed Rheinmetalls willingness to renegotiate the association contract with the Romanian side. ENVIRONMENT European Union environment ministers are meeting in Brussels today to try to overcome differences over greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, just days before the opening of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil. The ministers aim to reach a common position on EU climate change legislation, as the European Commission has proposed reducing emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990. The EU would aim to become climate neutral by 2050, meaning it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and absorb the surplus through various methods. (EE) November 4, 2025 UPDATE (1) A roundup of local and world news November 4, 2025 UPDATE (1) Newsroom, 04.11.2025, 17:00 DEFENSE On Tuesday, Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu said that America will remain present in Romania, and the United States is the countrys main strategic defense partner. We have a very good relationship with the USA, a relationship that continues and is getting stronger, the Minister said. The statement comes in the context of the repatriation of approximately 800 American soldiers from the Mihail Kogalniceanu Base (Constanta County, southeast) who will no longer be replaced on the rotation for Eastern Europe. On the other hand, also on Tuesday, Ionut Mosteanu met with Admiral Pierre Vandier, the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, who is visiting Romania. Talks focused on the importance of innovation and digital transformation in the context of new security and defense challenges. FORUM President Nicusor Dan on Wednesday will receive NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who is on his first visit to Romania since taking over the leadership of the Alliance, the Presidential Administration reports. The agenda for talks will include threats facing the North Atlantic Alliance, especially the Eastern Flank, as well as ways to increase Romanias security and collective defense and deterrence capacity. Secretary General Rutte will attend the NATO Defense Industry Forum, hosted by Bucharest over November 5 and 6, an event designed to boost strategic dialogue with the defense industries NATO states. According to the official website of NATO, the NATO official will speak about the importance of increasing production in the field of Defense and the value that close ties with this industry bring. Mark Rutte will also meet, in Bucharest, with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, Senate Speaker, Mircea Abrudean, and Chamber of Deputies Speaker, Sorin Grindeanu, and with other officials. (VP) November 4, 2025 UPDATE (2) A roundup of local and world news November 4, 2025 UPDATE (2) Newsroom, 04.11.2025, 20:00 FORUM President Nicusor Dan on Wednesday will receive NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who is on his first visit to Romania since taking over the leadership of the Alliance, the Presidential Administration reports. The agenda for talks will include threats facing the North Atlantic Alliance, especially the Eastern Flank, as well as ways to increase Romanias security and collective defense and deterrence capacity. Secretary General Rutte will attend the NATO Defense Industry Forum, hosted by Bucharest over November 5 and 6, an event designed to boost strategic dialogue with the defense industries of NATO states. According to the official website of NATO, the NATO official will speak about the importance of increasing production in the field of Defense and the value that close ties with this industry bring. Mark Rutte will also meet, in Bucharest, with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, Senate Speaker, Mircea Abrudean, and Chamber of Deputies Speaker, Sorin Grindeanu, and with other officials. EXPORTS Romania maintains its position as the largest European exporter of cereals in the first quarter of the 2025/2026 marketing year and reports financial records in the zootechnical sector, with total sales to markets outside the EU of almost half a billion Euro in the first ten months of 2025, for live animals, the Minister of Agriculture, Florin Barbu has announced. According to the latest data published by the European Commission, Romania exported sheep worth 210 million Euro, cattle 150 million Euro and poultry worth 100 million Euro. Agriculture is the countrys greatest wealth, Florin Barbu wrote on his Facebook page. SECURITY Russian forces carried out two attacks Monday night on Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube, near Romania. Following signals detected by Romanian surveillance systems, two F-16 aircraft and two German Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft were scrambled, in accordance with air police procedures, to investigate and ensure the security of national airspace. The mission commanders were given approval to annihilate air targets if they entered Romanian airspace and endangered the security of Romanian citizens. However, no unauthorized intrusions were detected and no aerial debris was identified on national territory. The Defense Ministry in Bucharest strongly condemned the attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, which represent a serious violation of international law and a threat to regional security. Romania remains in permanent contact with NATO allies and the European Union and maintains a high level of vigilance and reaction, according to a statement from the Defense Ministry. DEFENSE On Tuesday, Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu said that America will remain present in Romania, and the United States is the countrys main strategic defense partner. We have a very good relationship with the USA, a relationship that continues and is getting stronger, the Minister said. The statement comes in the context of the repatriation of approximately 800 American soldiers from the Mihail Kogalniceanu Base (Constanta County, southeast) who will no longer be replaced on the rotation for Eastern Europe. On the other hand, also on Tuesday, Ionut Mosteanu met with Admiral Pierre Vandier, the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, who is visiting Romania. Talks focused on the importance of innovation and digital transformation in the context of new security and defense challenges. Admiral Vandier also met with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, with whom he discussed Romanias priorities at NATO level and the way the Romanian army and defense industry can adapt to technological progress. RULING The High Court of Cassation and Justice on Tuesday ordered the release of former Romanian Finance Ministers Sebastian Vladescu and Darius Valcov, as well as the former president of Eximbank, Ionut Costea, based on an extraordinary procedure, following the statute of limitations on criminal liability. The argument is a ruling from this year by the Constitutional Court, which, according to the supreme court, reaffirms the principle according to which criminal procedural law must observe the right to defense, equal opportunities and effective access to Justice. Sebastian Vladescu was sentenced to 7 years and 4 months for bribery, whereas Ionut Costea was serving a 6-year sentence for complicity in bribery. The High Court of Cassation and Justice also specifies that in all three cases, the prejudice must be recovered. MESSAGE President Nicusor Dan sent his condolences to the family of the Romanian who died in Italy, after the partial collapse, on Monday, of a 13th-century tower in central Rome, where he worked. My thoughts also go to all the Romanians who work far from home, with dedication and sacrifice, the head of state wrote on platform X. He appreciated the effort of the Italian teams who tried, for over 11 hours, to save the mans life. Extracted alive from under the rubble, he died in hospital as a result of a cardiac arrest. The consular team and the Romanian Embassy in Rome, present at the scene, also thanked the Italian rescuers for the determination with which they tried to extract the worker, after another Romanian, also caught in the collapse of the building, was successfully evacuated and is out of danger. The Mayor of Rome called a national day of mourning on Wednesday in memory of the Romanian worker. The Rome prosecutors office has opened an investigation for negligence and culpable homicide. The tower was undergoing renovation works. (VP) Rheinmetall investment in Romania Romania ambitiously aims to become a major player in the defense industry Ilie Bolojan, Radu Miruta and Rheinmetall's CEO (photo: facebook.com/miruta.ro) Stefan Stoica, 04.11.2025, 14:00 The worlds most modern powder factory will be built in Romania, after the government signed an agreement with Rheinmetall, one of the largest defense equipment manufacturers in Europe. The investment will be made in the city of Victoria and will amount to half a billion euros, 400 million of which contributed by the German company, and 120 million euros by the Romanian side. The new company, called Rheinmetall Victoria, will be the most modern company in the world in the field of double and triple base powder production, said Armin Papperger, the executive director of the German defense giant. The company, he said, will receive 47 million euros in aid under a Brussels-approved program, while the Romanian government will receive money under SAFE (Security Action for Europe). The construction of the factory is set to begin in 2026, and the plant is to be operational in two years. The factory will have a production capacity of approximately 60,000 charges and 300,000 modular charges, which means one of the largest capacities in the world for artillery systems. 200 tons of powders will also be produced for local needs, especially for 120mm and medium calibers. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan believes that, with this partnership between Victoria S.A and Rheinmetall, Romania will become a player in the defense industry in Southeast Europe. Ilie Bolojan: The future powder factory in Victoria means an investment of half a billion euros, approximately 700 new jobs, but above all the advantage of producing powders in Romania. I welcome Rheinmetalls willingness to renegotiate the association agreement, so that part of the supply chain of the new factory is local. The German manufacturer Rheinmetall will have to involve local suppliers in the production chain, which translates into the development of the economic area, not only for the weapons industry, the economy minister Radu Miruta said after signing the agreement with the German company. According to the minister, these are local metal processing companies and petrochemical and fine mechanics businesses. This is an aspect that we will take into account in absolutely all the contracts that we will make under SAFE for the coming period, Miruta also said. According to him, Romania will use this financing instrument to restore the defense industry. The country will benefit from 16.68 billion euros in funding under the Security Action for Europe mechanism, in the second largest allocation in the EU. Participation in the SAFE program has three components: defense, budget and infrastructure. SAFE is a temporary financial mechanism of the European Union, with a budget of 150 billion euros in low-interest loans. (AMP) Will Romanias Parliament have fewer members? Romanian senators passed draft legislation to cut the number of Parliament members to 300 from 465. Photo: The Chamber of Deputies Leyla Cheamil, 04.11.2025, 13:50 The Romanian Senate approved through tacit consent and without debate a bill to cut the number of MPs from 465 to 300. The legislation was initiated by the Save Romania Union, in government alongside the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania. On 13th October, the senators approved an extension to the debate deadline from 45 to 60 days to avoid tacit consent, but the new deadline also expired. The legislation will next be submitted to the Chamber of Deputies, which is the decision-making body in this case. A referendum was held way back in 2009 initiated by the then president Traian Basescu on the reduction of the number of MPs and another on moving to a single-chamber Parliament. Romanian voters went for the reduction in the number of Parliament seats, but their wish has not been made into law yet. Senate speaker Mircea Abrudean, a member of the National Liberal Party, says the coalition is now in favour of cutting the number of MPs. He added that the bill initiated by the Save Romania Union has what he described as a number of legal flaws and it remains to be seen how they will be addressed. Whats important in his opinion is to clearly state that the coalition is in favour of cutting the number of Parliament seats, which needs to be communicated and established in some way or another. If we leave things in limbo, we wont be able to inspire trust, said Abrudean when asked about the subject. The leader of the Save Romania Union MPs Stefan Palarie says the bill on the cut in the number of MPs will most likely be delayed indefinitely in the Chamber of Deputies, adding that not complying with citizens wish will lead to extremism. He warned that his partys initiative is based on the will of the people for a leaner Parliament, as expressed in a referendum. Moreover, a population census shows the population has decreased. I am urging the old political class in Romania: dont play with democracy. When you have the will of the people and laws to transpose that will into legislation, but you hide them in the drawer, you simply generate extremism, said Palarie. From the opposition, the leader of the populist Alliance for the Union of Romanians, Petrisor Peiu, said his party is in favour of any legislative initiative aiming to reduce the number of MPs to 300. He criticised the principle agreement among certain coalition parties to reduce that number only by 10%, as proposed by the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania. We believe its a grave signal sent to society. At a time when businesses and citizens are asked to make financial sacrifices, the state is unable to sacrifice its own political class, Petrisor Peiu added. Crude oil prices has edged slightly higher on Monday as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies agreed on Sunday to halt production hikes for the first quarter of 2026. WTI Crude Oil for December delivery was last seen trading up by $0.07 (or 0.11%) at $61.05 per barrel. At a virtual meeting on Sunday, the OPEC+ alliance members agreed to hike output modestly by 137,000 barrels per day for December. More importantly, the coalition agreed to pause production increases for the first quarter of 2026 as data shows emerging crude oil surplus globally. This decision was driven by demand slowdown concerns and the possibility of supply challenges in Russian oil exports as the country is under sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the West. Recently, in its oil supply and demand forecast, the International Energy Agency predicted a substantial oil market surplus, with supply growth outpacing demand growth in 2025 and 2026. According to the IEA, supply is expected to grow by about 3.0 million barrels per day in 2025 (reaching 106.1 million bpd) and a further 2.4 million bpd in 2026, leading to total supply of 108.5 million bpd. In contrast, the agency projected weaker demand growth at approximately 710,000 bpd for 2025 and 700,000 barrels per day for 2026 due to economic headwinds and a faster transition to electric energy sources. This imbalance is expected to lead to a large oversupply in 2026 estimated at nearly 4 million barrels Notably, OPEC+ has been adding around 2.9 million bpd since April 2025, about 2.7% of global crude supply. Recently, the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on two of Russia's major oil producers - Rosneft and Lukoil. The two corporations export 3.1 million bpd. To avoid getting penalized by the U.S., two major purchasers of Russian oil, China and India, are looking for alternate sellers. Weeks before, the EU adopted its 19th sanctions package against Russia targeting major Russian companies. In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russia's Black Sea oil port, Tuapse, causing severe damage to the installations. The combined effect of sanctions and Ukraine's continuous attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have reportedly blocked Russia's refining capacity by approximately 500,000 bpd, leading to uncertainty over Russian exports. Meanwhile in the U.S., the government shutdown has entered day number 34 today. Due to the paucity of official economic data, available private releases on the and jobs are being parsed by the U.S. Federal Reserve as well as by the markets. Today, the ISM Manufacturing PMI revealed a fall to 48.7 in October from 49.1 in November, raising concerns about the U.S. economy. Currently, the CME Group FedWatch Tool is indicating a 65.3% chance for a rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve at its upcoming December 9-10 meeting. The decision could swing the U.S. dollar value either way. Crude oil being a dollar-denominated commodity, analysts feel that the long-term trajectory of oil prices could become more clear after the Fed's decision. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis French regulators accused Chinese e-commerce giant Shein of selling products with "childlike appearances" and threatened to bar the company from the French market, prompting Shein to announce a complete ban on sex dolls on its platform. According to the DGCCRF, France's anti-fraud office, there was "little doubt about the sexually explicit nature" of the dolls' descriptions and classification. Until early Monday morning, the products were still accessible on Shein's French website. As a result, Finance Minister Roland Lescure issued a warning that repeated infractions might lead to the platform's ban in France. Shein announced that it has temporarily suspended its "adult products" category while a thorough review is carried out, and permanently deleted all listings and images on sex dolls. "The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shein," said Executive Chairman Donald Tang. Days before Shein is scheduled to open its first physical store in Paris, a controversy has arisen. Citing the potential penalties of up to seven years in prison and up to 100,000 euros in fines for sharing or selling child pornographic content. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The European Commission's report on Ukraine's European integration progress states that restrictions during martial law are proportionate and "do not go further than necessary," said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka. As an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reports, Kachka said this at a joint briefing with EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova on Tuesday evening. "Obviously, martial law affects the work of democratic institutions and constitutional freedoms. However, the report notes that the restrictions of martial law are proportional and do not exceed what is necessary, which is important to us. This is a rather unique situation," said Kachka. According to Kachka, this means Ukraine maintains an appropriate level of democracy and openness in freedom of speech and democratic institutions. "This is important to us because we are preserving the democratic character of our society, which we hope to restore after the war ends," he said. As reported, on Tuesday the European Commission presented a report within the framework of the European Union Enlargement Package 2025. Ukraine received the best recognition of its work in three years: in each of the 36 sections a positive result. OpenAI has signed a landmark $38 billion agreement with Amazon Web Services to purchase cloud capacity, marking its first major deal with the cloud leader and a clear move away from exclusive reliance on Microsoft. Under the multiyear partnership, OpenAI will immediately begin running workloads on AWS infrastructure, accessing hundreds of thousands of Nvidia GPUs in the U.S., with expansion plans in place. Amazon's stock rose 5 percent following the announcement. Through the agreement, AWS will construct more OpenAI infrastructure, enabling real-time inference for programs like ChatGPT as well as AI training. The collaboration will power this aspect next era of cutting-edge AI development, according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. This is OpenAI's biggest deal outside of Microsoft, which has contributed $13 billion to the AI startup since 2019. OpenAI is free to work with other providers now that Microsoft's exclusive cloud rights have expired, and it has already signed cloud agreements with Google and Oracle. The deal strengthens AWS's reputation in the AI space and coincides with Amazon increasing its investments in Anthropic, another AI startup. The action demonstrates OpenAI's attempts to broaden its cloud alliances in anticipation of a possible IPO. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Oil prices edged lower on Tuesday after four days of gains. Benchmark Brent crude futures fell 1.2 percent to $64.10 a barrel in European trade while WTI crude futures were down 1.4 percent at $60.22. Oversupply concerns persist despite OPEC+'s decision to pause output hikes early next year, after a modest hike in output for next month. The oil cartel announced a pause in production increases from January to March 2026 mainly due to seasonality. The International Energy Agency said last month that the world oil market faces a surplus next year of as much as 4 million barrels per day. Morgan Stanley has raised its Brent forecast for early next year but flagged that the oversupply will only even out in 2027. Meanwhile, Russian oil dispatches to India have dropped sharply after the United States announced sanctions on Moscow's oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil on October 22, according to provisional tanker data. In the week to October 27, shipments from Russia to India averaged 1.19 million barrels per day (bpd), significantly down from 1.95 million bpd in the previous two weeks. At the same time, India's crude oil imports from the U.S. rose to the highest level in October since March 2021 as refiners bought 593,000 bpd of crude oil from Washington. Russia remained the main source, accounting for 34 percent of India's crude basket with 1.62 million bpd supply in October. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis US air travel grinds to a crisis amid the Government shutdown-driven chaos. With essential workers like air traffic controllers and TSA agents being forced to work without paychecks, the past weekend saw the "worst weekend" for staff since the Shutdown began. And it's only going to get worse, the White House says. Millions of air passengers have been affected as hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled due to a massive shortage in air traffic controllers who went on leave, reports say. Control towers in Austin, Newark, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Nashville and Phoenix were the worst affected due to shortage of staff over the weekend, CNN reported. Nearly 2,900 flights have been delayed on Monday, Reuters reported quoting FAA. Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay for weeks, ensuring the safety of more than 50,000 daily operations across the national airspace system, Federal Aviation Administration wrote on X. "As we continue to reiterate, we will never compromise on safety. When staffing shortages occur, the FAA will reduce the flow of air traffic to maintain safety. This may result in delays or cancellations," FAA added. Half of the nation's busiest airports faced severe staffing shortages over the weekend, triggering a cascade of delays and cancellations, the White House said Monday. Since the shutdown began, four times as many staffing shortages have been reported at air traffic control facilities compared to last year. Passengers in the New York City area are being warned of schedule changes, gate holds, and missed connections, while major disruptions have hammered airports in Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Austin, Cleveland, Seattle, Boston, Indianapolis, Nashville, Phoenix and Washington, D.C., among others. TSA checkpoint wait times have ballooned at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport with some passengers enduring up to five hours in line. At nearby William P. Hobby Airport, security wait times are routinely exceeding one hour. Each week the Shutdown is prolonged, more than $1 billion in travel-related spending is lost, the White House estimates. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Some six million people have been affected by the category five hurricane which swept across the Caribbean last week, prompting UN agencies to scale up relief operations to safeguard livelihoods and reduce further losses. Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica all suffered extensive damage and loss of life as a result of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking from the Jamaican capital, Kingston, the World Food Program's Alexis Masciarelli told UN News that "our priority right now is to reach the most isolated communities." Now, WFP has launched emergency food distributions for the hardest-hit families, and additional relief supplies are scheduled to arrive in the coming days, the agency reported. The parish of St. Elizabeth - long regarded as the country's breadbasket -has been particularly hard hit, with homes, farms, and livelihoods destroyed, and many communities still cut off and without power. So far, 1,500 people have received food kits containing rice, lentils, canned fish and meat, and vegetable oil, while an additional 2,000 kits were airlifted from Barbados to support ongoing relief efforts. WFP plans to assist up to 200,000 people in Jamaica to meet urgent food needs. In Cuba, Hurricane Melissa caused widespread flooding, power outages, and significant damage. Food distributions have already reached 181,000 people evacuated to shelters, and the WFP aims to assist a total of 900,000 people. In Haiti, homes and infrastructure along the southern coast - the hardest hit area - have been washed away. Emergency food distributions have reached 12,700 people across the Grand Sud region. WFP plans to assist 190,000 people, offering a two-week food ration followed by a month of cash assistance to support recovery. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News President Donald Trump has endorsed former Governor and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo on the eve of New York City's mayoral election, and threatened to cut funds for the city council if left-wing front-runner candidate Zohran Mamdani is elected. "Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!", Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday. He made a scathing attack of Mamdani, saying that it is his strong conviction that New York City will be "a Complete and Total Economic and Social Disaster should Mamdani win". "His principles have been tested for over a thousand years, and never once have they been successful. I would much rather see a Democrat, who has had a Record of Success, WIN, than a Communist with no experience and a Record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE," the President added. "He was nothing as an Assemblyman, ranked at the bottom of the class and, as Mayor of potentially, again, the Greatest City in the World, HE HAS NO CHANCE to bring it back to its former Glory". Trump also disowned the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, saying, "A vote for Curtis Sliwa (who looks much better without the beret!) is a vote for Mamdani". Trump opposed Mamdani at a time surveys of likely voters show a double-digit lead for him over Cuomo. Coumo took the field as independent candidate after he lost to Mamdani in the Democratic mayoral primary. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and immigrated to the United States, describes himself as a democratic socialist, and has rejected accusations that he is a Communist. If elected, the 34-year-old member of the New York State Assembly will become the city's first Muslim mayor and its youngest in more than a century. Also on Tuesday, the states of Virginia and New Jersey will elect new governors, and Californians will decide whether to redraw the state's congressional districts. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News The worlds largest 2W manufacturer by volume, Hero MotoCorp, has been continually striving to increase the premium quotient of their motorcycles. This is becoming a necessity too, as competition is also upping their game. In the premium 125cc motorcycle space, competition has intensified and Hero is fortifying its offering with a thorough update. Units of the updated 2026 Hero Xtreme 125R have been arriving at showrooms before a formal launch. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Ankit to bringing this to our notice. In a recent video by Shahrukh Akthar, we can see a 2026 Hero Xtreme 125R in a lovely Green shade at a dealer premise ahead of launch. Lets take a look at how things stack up for the new updated model. 2026 Hero Xtreme 125R Reach Showrooms At a recent dealer event, Hero MotoCorp showcased the updated 2026 Xtreme 125R alongside an updated 2026 Xtreme 160R. The former seems to be launching first as units have started to arrive at dealerships. Where design is concerned, the new model looks vastly similar to current model. Distinguishing it from its predecessor is a revised colour palette with new colours like Green and Red. Official names are not revealed yet. There is an update to its graphics as well, making it more attractive than before. The main update to 2026 Xtreme 160R comes in the form of an electronic throttle, which was also offered with Glamour X. This has enabled Cruise Control feature, making 2026 Hero Xtreme 125R the first sporty 125cc motorcycle in India to offer this feature. Similar to Glamour X, there is a Cruise Control toggle on right hand switchgear. Left hand switchgear have been updated too, so that they can operate the new colour LCD screen borrowed from vehicles like Xtreme 250R and Glamour X. This new cluster looks upmarket and offers a plethora of features including Bluetooth and turn-by-turn navigation, bringing it up to speed with its immediate rivals like TVS Raider 125, Bajaj Pulsar N125 and the recently launched Honda CB125 Hornet. It has to be noted that both TVS Raider 125 and Honda CB125 Hornet offer TFT screens for instrument clusters. The variant seen in this video has a sportier split seat setup and it dons the same tyre size as before. Other notable features of 2026 Xtreme 125R include LED headlights, LED tail lights, LED turn indicators with hazard function and more. Like Glamour X, we can expect 2026 Xtreme 125R to come equip with auto emergency brake lights along with USB Type-C port. Dual-Channel ABS Not a lot of people might use cruise control on a 125cc motorcycle and use turn by turn navigation feature on their daily commutes. However, what every single 2026 Xtreme 125R owner will unanimously appreciate is the addition of dual-channel ABS. Now, the dual disc variant of Xtreme 125R will come with dual-channel ABS which will boost braking performance and offer a safety net to buyers. Recently, the Raider 125 was also updated with dual-channel ABS. 2026 Hero Xtreme 125R will continue with the same 124.7cc engine as current model, generating around 11.4 bhp of peak power and 10.5 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The same RSU telescopic front forks, rear mono-shocks and the 10L fuel tank, among other components. Considering units have started to arrive at dealerships, a launch is likely to happen soon. The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) conducts training for officers of the State Emergency Service (SES) in Sloviansk, aimed at mastering the skills of providing first aid. "In Sloviansk, a 48-hour intensive first aid training programme for officers of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine has begun. The training is being delivered by instructors and trainers from the Ukrainian Red Cross Society," the URCS reports on Facebook. On the first day, participants practiced essential first aid skills, including: the first aid procedure assessing the scene, evaluating the condition of the injured, calling specialists, and providing assistance. They also learned key first aid techniques: moving a casualty into the recovery (lateral) position; performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); techniques for stopping external bleeding, and assisting with airway obstruction, wounds, and other injuries. The training is conducted in a format that closely resembles real conditions, incorporating practical exercises and teamwork. The goal is to prepare rescuers to act confidently, quickly, and efficiently in any situation. Several more days of training lie ahead, during which participants will hone their skills. Since May, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society has been conducting 48-hour first aid training programmes for State Emergency Service of Ukraine rescuers. During this time, more than 2,600 emergency workers from different regions of the country have participated in these trainings. The parties have 30 days to file an appeal against the verdict handed down to former Head of the State Fiscal Service (SFS) Roman Nasirov, who was found guilty of making illegal decisions in favor of companies linked to former MP Oleksandr Onyshchenko, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) reported. "The parties have 30 days to file an appeal, and the Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) has a limited period to render its decision to prevent the avoidance of liability," NABU said in a Telegram post on Tuesday. The case began in 2015 with an investigation by NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) into the embezzlement of funds in the gas sector. "The court proceedings lasted almost eight years, partly due to the volume of case materials, but largely because of systematic attempts by the defense to delay consideration: absences of defense lawyers, motions for adjournment, formal statements, and even attempts to suspend the trial on the grounds of 'mobilization,'" the bureau said. The HACC found Nasirov guilty under Part 2, Article 364 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (abuse of office) and sentenced him to six years in prison and a fine of UAH 17,000, along with a three-year ban on holding administrative positions. At the same time, NABU noted that if the appeals are not reviewed by April 2026, the convicted official may be released from criminal liability due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told a Russian diplomatic representative on Tuesday that insults from the Russian Federation against Italy would only strengthen Rome's support for Ukraine, ANSA reports. Russian Ambassador to Italy Alexei Paramonov was reportedly summoned by the Italian Foreign Ministry in Rome on Monday for an official reprimand. This was in response to comments made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova regarding the collapse of part of the Torre dei Conti tower in Rome. The collapse resulted in the death of a 66-year-old Romanian worker. Zakharova linked the accident to Rome's military support for Ukraine, saying, "as long as the Italian government continues to waste taxpayers' money, Italy will completely collapse, from its economy to its towers." According to ANSA, the Russian ambassador did not appear in person but sent a deputy head of mission on Tuesday instead. The diplomat was formally reprimanded, and "the vulgar words of Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova were condemned." Italy's foreign ministry said it "will not change its foreign policy position or its sentiments due to reckless verbal attacks. All of Russia's aggressive statements only reinforce the Italian people's belief that they are defending those under attack in an illegal and unjustified act of aggression that violates international law." Rada approves bill on localization requirements for civilian goods in defense procurement at first reading The Verkhovna Rada has approved at first reading draft law No. 13392, which introduces localization requirements for civilian goods purchased through defense procurement. According to the live broadcast of Tuesday's parliamentary session, the bill was supported by 262 MPs. The bill proposes amendments to the Law "On Public Procurement," extending temporarily, until December 31, 2032, the application of localization requirements to defense procurement of civilian goods worth more than UAH 1 million, provided that such goods are included in the list of products with a confirmed localization level certified by the manufacturer. The localization threshold is set at 25% in 2025, 30% in 2026, 35% in 2027, and 40% from 2028 through December 31, 2032. "The purpose of this initiative is to restore common sense in the procurement of various types of equipment and light industry products for the needs of the Defense Forces. The uniforms for Ukrainian soldiers should be sewn in Ukraine. There is every capability for that. Over 100,000 Ukrainians work in the light industry at hundreds of enterprises across the country," wrote co-author of the bill and deputy head of the relevant parliamentary committee Dmytro Kysylevsky on Facebook. He recalled that "from time to time, we face disgraceful attempts to purchase Turkish-made uniforms or Chinese cranes." "Recently, the State Logistics Operator even managed to send a letter looking for non-Ukrainian uniform suppliers for the army. It's time to put an end to such manifestations of 'crafty scheming,'" the MP said. Kysylevsky added that the bill would be further refined for the second reading based on consultations with all stakeholders. Bill No. 13392 was registered in the Verkhovna Rada on June 20, 2025. Co-authors include Chairman of the Economic Development Committee Dmytro Natalukha, Chairman of the National Security, Defense and Intelligence Committee Oleksandr Zavitnevych, as well as Dmytro Kysylevsky, David Arakhamia, and Anatoliy Kostiukh (all from the Servant of the People faction). Photo: https://www.facebook.com/berezhna.tetyana Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom are investing EUR 3 million in the newly established Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund (UCHF), Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetiana Berezhna said on Tuesday. "The Netherlands announced a contribution of EUR 1 million, Poland - EUR 500,000, and the United Kingdom GBP 200,000 [EUR 228,000]. Also, DKK 10 million [EUR 1.34 million] will be provided by Denmark to the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund. The support will be an important step in strengthening international solidarity in the field of culture and preserving Ukrainian identity in times of war," the press release of the Ministry of Culture says. As reported, on November 3, the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers of Culture and Media kicked off in Copenhagen, taking place within the framework of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU under the theme "Democratic Resilience through Culture and Media." This time, the regular meeting of ministers of culture within the framework of the Danish Presidency was devoted exclusively to the topic of preserving Ukrainian culture and the need for coordinated efforts to launch the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund. Photo: Interfax-Ukraine / Oleksandr Zubko Associations representing Ukraine's mining and metallurgical industries, other industrial and extractive enterprises, as well as producers of construction materials and cement, have spoken out against raising freight and electricity tariffs, warning that such moves could lead to production cuts or even shutdowns. They voiced their position during a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Tuesday titled "Tariff policy of state monopolies JSC Ukrzaliznytsia and NPC Ukrenergo, and their negative impact on Ukraine's industry and economy." President of the Ukrmetalurgprom Association of Enterprises Oleksandr Kalenkov emphasized that the main consumers of so-called "natural monopoly" services are companies from the mining and metals sector, cement and construction materials producers, and others. "These are the key clients of companies like Ukrzaliznytsia and Ukrenergo. Before the war, the mining and metals sector together with ferroalloy plants consumed about 60% of all electricity used by industry and accounted for over 40% of Ukrzaliznytsia's freight traffic. So, we depend on these monopolies just as much as they depend on us," Kalenkov said. He expressed hope that in the future these markets could become more competitive and monopolies dismantled, but until then, the state must ensure that such monopolies do not abuse their position, he said. Kalenkov also pointed out that Ukraine currently has the highest electricity tariffs in Europe. "In practice, this means we're losing the competitive battle to every EU producer. I'm not even talking about those located in countries that still use Russian energy resources. Their electricity and gas prices are several times lower than ours. As a result, we're losing our traditional export markets," he said. Regarding railway tariffs, he noted that freight rates in Poland and Slovenia are already cheaper than in Ukraine. "Right now, shipping cargo via Ukrzaliznytsia costs 1520% more than in Europe, and there are plans to raise tariffs by another 37%. This isn't just economically unreasonable. It's a dead end," Kalenkov said. In his view, the tariff policies of Ukrzaliznytsia and Ukrenergo require attention at the Cabinet of Ministers and Verkhovna Rada levels. Ideally, an independent transport tariff regulator similar to the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) should be established. To subsidize passenger transportation, the state budget should allocate UAH 26 billion for 2026, so that freight tariffs do not need to be raised. "Otherwise, our enterprises will have to scale back production or exit the market altogether," Kalenkov warned. Executive Director of the Ukrainian Cement Producers Association (Ukrcement) Liudmyla Kripka stressed that two-thirds of cement produced in Ukraine, as well as the raw materials used to make it, are transported by rail. Therefore, the sector is highly sensitive to any unjustified increases in freight tariffs. "We've been through this before. Such actions already had negative consequences in the past, and this time will be no different. Producers will be forced to pass higher logistics costs onto their final products, which means higher prices for consumers. This will reduce consumption, and therefore production and shipments as well," Kripka said. She also highlighted the need for government support mechanisms for energy-intensive, export-oriented industries as a temporary anti-crisis measure. According to her, technical and economic criteria should be introduced specifically for enterprises in priority sectors. The savings achieved by lowering transmission and dispatch tariffs could be redirected into investments in renewable energy sources. "That way, we would also advance the decarbonization goals set before us by the European Union," Kripka said. Citing data from the state-owned enterprise Ukrainian Industry Expertise, she said that a 30% increase in freight tariffs would lead to a nearly UAH 100 billion decline in GDP, a loss of UAH 98 billion in foreign currency earnings, annual budget losses exceeding UAH 36 billion, and the elimination of at least 76,000 jobs. Executive Director of the Ukrainian Ferroalloy Producers Association (UkrFA) Serhiy Kudriavtsev said most ferroalloy enterprises are located along the Kakhovka Reservoir, a region close to the combat zone, where operating conditions are extremely difficult. In particular, manganese processing plants have been idle for two years. "We can't transport raw materials to ferroalloy plants because railway lines have been destroyed. Nor can we afford to pay for detours to deliver the ores needed for production. Today, ferroalloy plants are operating at only 1520% of capacity. If this continues, ferroalloy production in Ukraine will cease altogether, we'll have to import alloys, and the remaining plants will lose their jobs," Kudriavtsev warned. He added that this frontline region is currently being sustained mainly by the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant, as well as Nikopol's pipe and metallurgical enterprises but the area could turn into a "gray zone" if people are forced to leave. "We're facing problems with production, logistics, labor shortages, and electricity. This is a region that used to generate electricity, but now we receive it from western Ukraine at tariffs that are unaffordable for us. We may have to shut down entirely, and that would be irreversible. Plants are now operating at 15% just to maintain continuous processes, because if a ferroalloy furnace is shut down, it takes at least six months to restart it," the UkrFA director said. China's top legislator, top political advisor meet with Slovenia's National Council president Xinhua) 08:38, November 04, 2025 Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Marko Lotric, president of the National Council of Slovenia, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, and Wang Huning, China's top political advisor, each met with Marko Lotric, president of the National Council of Slovenia, in Beijing. Zhao, who is chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, noted that at present, China-Slovenia relations are on a steady, healthy development track, with close exchange at all levels. China is willing to work with Slovenia to continue on as trustworthy friends and partners, and to deepen mutual political trust and pragmatic cooperation to bring bilateral relations to a higher level, Zhao said. The NPC is willing to deepen exchange at all levels between the legislative bodies of the two countries, and to strengthen the exchange of experience in state governance, aiming to create a sound legal environment for bilateral cooperation, he said. Lotric said that Slovenia adheres to the one-China principle, and is willing to strengthen exchange and cooperation between the two sides in various fields. Slovenia is also ready to work with China on building the Belt and Road, and on safeguarding international fairness and justice. Wang, who is chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that under the strategic guidance of their two heads of state, China and Slovenia have held frequent exchanges and dialogues at all levels and in various fields since the beginning of this year, effectively enhancing mutual understanding and trust. China appreciates Slovenia's adherence to the one-China principle and is willing to work with Slovenia to enhance exchange across the board, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, work for common development and push bilateral relations to a new high, he said. The National Committee of the CPPCC stands ready to deepen mutual learning with the National Council of Slovenia to advance bilateral relations further, Wang said. Lotric spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative and the four major global initiatives proposed by China and expressed appreciation for China's endeavors to promote common development, equity and justice. He said that Slovenia attaches great importance to developing its relations with China and is willing to join hands with China to seek the further development of ties in the future. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Marko Lotric, president of the National Council of Slovenia, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Marko Lotric, president of the National Council of Slovenia, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Marko Lotric, president of the National Council of Slovenia, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Dotdigital Group reported increased revenue and profitability for the year ended 30 June on Tuesday, driven by organic growth, higher customer spend, and continued investment in its AI-powered customer experience platform. The AIM-traded software company said group revenue rose 6% to 83.9m from 79m a year earlier, or 7% on a constant-currency basis. Adjusted EBITDA grew 10% to 26.8m, ahead of market expectations, while adjusted profit before tax increased 13% to 19.0m. The firm said adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 2% to 4.8p. Dotdigital said its recurring and repeating revenue remained stable at 94% of the total, with contracted recurring revenue accounting for 80%. Average revenue per customer rose 8% on a normalised, constant-currency basis to 1,923 per month. Forward-looking annual recurring revenue in the core customer experience and data platform (CXDP) business climbed 14% to 72.6m, with 9% organic growth. The company said growth was achieved across all regions, with international markets now contributing 33% of total revenue. North America and Asia-Pacific both delivered about 20% growth in local currency. Functionality recurring revenue increased 12% to 35.5m, supported by new customer wins and deeper usage of the platforms expanding capabilities. We are pleased to report another year of profitable growth alongside meaningful progress on our platform strategy, said chief executive Milan Patel. New customer wins were complemented by consistently high retention and expansion within our existing base, underscoring the strategic value clients place on our platform as the foundation of their digital marketing strategy. Patel added that customers were consolidating around fewer, more capable systems and demanding clear returns, with Dotdigital meeting that need. With advances in AI, data and mobile messaging, the addition of Social Snowball and the integration of Fresh Relevance, our CXDP is broader and more valuable than ever. During the year, Dotdigital acquired Social Snowball, a Shopify-focused influencer and affiliate marketing platform, for an initial $20m cash payment. The acquisition was immediately earnings-enhancing, with annualised recurring revenue up about 50% since completion. It also completed the integration of Fresh Relevance, enhancing personalisation and helping to secure higher-value contracts. The company reported a cash balance of 36.2m at year-end, down from 42.2m, reflecting the Social Snowball acquisition, and proposed a final dividend of 1.21p per share, up from 1.10p. Dotdigital said it entered the new financial year with a broader product suite, a healthy pipeline, and expectations of continued sustainable growth supported by strong demand for integrated, AI-enabled marketing platforms. At 1531 GMT, shares in Dotdigital were up 4.71% at 71.2p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Placing Kim Kardashian, 45, in any situation whether a TV series, a movie theater, or a press conference comes with one potential problem: she becomes the center of attention. But, of course, that can also be an advantage if the goal is precisely to make Kim Kardashian the focus. And thats exactly what creator Ryan Murphy sets out to do and and achieves in his new series, Alls Fair, which premieres on Disney+ on Tuesday, November 4. Because even when Kardashian is surrounded by dazzling jewelry, jaw-dropping homes, high-fashion looks, steamy plots, and, above all, actresses like Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Teyana Taylor, and Niecy Nash, Kardashian is just too Kardashian to lose even an ounce of the spotlight. Murphy has made the reality TV star, entrepreneur, aspiring lawyer, ex-wife of Kanye West, mother of four, and creator of the worlds most famous shapewear and thongs the protagonist of his new series. The now-actress is not a guest star; she has her own lines, storylines, and presence. Her face and figure are plastered everywhere in Hollywood surrounded by her co-stars, yes, but clearly at the center of the frame, one step ahead. Murphy knew her presence would work, and he has capitalized on it. During the premiere of the first episode in Los Angeles, Kardashian stole the show, from the moment she entered the theater until halfway through, when she had to leave for interviews, as she told the audience. Disney+ did not provide advance screenings to the press, so the only way to see the episode was to attend the premiere in mid-October in West Hollywood. Thats why the theater (actually two theaters) was packed; curiosity to see the stars, along with the after-party at the iconic Chateau Marmont hotel, drew even more attendees. Everything surrounding the series has been both public grand premieres and launches in New York, Paris, and London and private: there have been very few individual interviews, aside from major podcasts like Alex Coopers Call Her Daddy with Kardashian herself. Thats why the series press conference at a Hollywood hotel was so closely followed by the media. Once again, Kardashian became the center of attention, dominating both the questions and the answers. Workers put up a poster for 'All's Fair' in Leicester Square, London, on October 22, 2025. Richard Baker (In Pictures via Getty Images) During the 35-minute conversation, there was time for about a dozen media outlets including EL PAIS to ask questions. Three of them were directed to the six lead actresses: Niecy Nash, Naomi Watts, Teyana Taylor, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, and Kardashian herself. One question was for Watts and Close. The remaining six were all for Kardashian. After all, being a woman surrounded by famous women (four sisters and a very famous mother), a multimillionaire, entrepreneur, lawyer, and twice divorced isnt so different from playing a wealthy divorce lawyer in a series. In Alls Fair, Kardashian plays the co-owner of a firm with several partners (showing off fabulous pieces of jewelry and couture), and a tumultuous love life. During the discussion, the actresses talked about divorces (though without getting too personal), the importance of the women in their lives, and the significance of receiving a call from Ryan Murphy the unstoppable and acclaimed creator of anthology series like Feud, American Horror Story, Monsters, and shows like Glee, Pose, and Ratched. Niecy Nash and Kim Kardashian, in a scene from the first episode of 'All's Fair.' Ser Baffo (Disney) When he called me and told me all the names involved, I said, Oh my God, yes! recalls Teyana Taylor, who also has a lead role in the new movie One Battle After Another. I was not letting this opportunity pass me by. To be able to share the same space and breathe the same air as these amazing women is an honor. Im just soaking everything up and being a student. Glenn Close, the most veteran actress, explained that she doesnt like to repeat roles or genres because she doesnt want to get bored, but that she learned a great deal on this project. He called me and said it was about women lawyers, and I said, I did Damages. I dont want to play the same role again, she recalls. But Murphy assured her that she would be the matriarch, the mentor. And youll have great clothes, he told her which is, coming off some of the things Ive been doing recently, very seductive, Close admits with a laugh. As with everything Murphy touches, the production of the series is spectacular, filled with designer outfits and scenes set in massive mansions. From left to right, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Teyana Taylor, Kim Kardashian, Niecy Nash-Betts, Naomi Watts and Kris Jenner (Kim Kardashian's mother) at the world premiere of 'All's Fair' in Los Angeles, on October 16, 2025. Steve Granitz (FilmMagic/Getty Images) Kardashian explained that their characters job to help their female clients get their their confidence back and to go in there and get them what they need. I feel very well-versed in family law and divorce law, Kardashian admitted. I was happy to bring my knowledge into the character. Kardashian may be an expert in managing fame and even in law but acting is another story. She has lent her voice to animated films and made cameos and small roles in music videos, TV series (CSI: NY, American Horror Story), and movies (Oceans 8), but nothing compares to starring in a series. And she has a full plate of commitments, from her reality show the foundation of her fame to her businesses and studies. I knew coming on to this that I was working with women that were the best at what they do, and theyve been doing this for a very long time, she says in response to this newspaper. So my job was to make sure that I didnt waste anyones time, and I showed up prepared as best that I could. And every single day I learned from them just by watching them how they lived their life and how they perform their craft ... its the best lesson that I could ever learn." And she does admit: I did have a lot going on and but so does everyone else here Teyana has an album coming out at the same time... everyone here has so much going on and so many projects and products." Niecy Nash and Glenn Close face off against Kim Kardashian on a private jet in a scene from the second episode of 'All's Fair.' Ser Baffo (Disney) Her co-stars also praised her work ethic. Close recalled how, between takes, she had flash cards for her law exams. Sarah Paulson also celebrated Kardashians work ethic during the press conference: I think we all felt this way watching you juggle what you were juggling and being able to do the work with dignity and grace and ease and joy and humor. It was inspiring for me because sometimes I might be quick to say, Ah, Im just tired. She continued: I remember one time wrapping at midnight and you saying you werent going to be able to sleep in because you didnt have a lot of help in the mornings, because you like to get up with the kids, and you were going to still do that even though we had to be back up in five hours. It was a very good lesson and inspiration to me to watch how you navigated all that, because it was not easy, and you did it with a lot of grace and were still funny and knew all your lines. Watts echoed this: The juggling aspect was incredible to watch. I think Kim is the calmest person Ive ever met in my entire life, which is crazy considering how big her life is. Her multitasking is next-level. We always talked about that, Nash added. She has a kid on the phone, law books, a script, runs a business on her laptop all at the same time. Was Kardashian, with so much on her plate, at the right moment to accept such a major role? When Ryan Murphy calls, theres no right moment, she said. And how did she feel about starring alongside acting giants like her co-stars? If Glenn Close admitted she had never been among a cast of women like this and felt truly intimidated at first, how did Kardashian feel? When you expressed you were intimidated at the beginning, I was scared shitless. I just was like, Glenn Close is intimidated? What should I be? I didnt even know how to be. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Norges Bank Investment Management, Norway's sovereign wealth fund with a stake in the company of little over 1%, on Tuesday disclosed its decision to vote against the eye-watering remuneration deal. The fund is Tesla's sixth-largest institutional investor. While we appreciate the significant value created under Mr. Musks visionary role, we are concerned about the total size of the award, dilution, and lack of mitigation of key person riskconsistent with our views on executive compensation, NBIM said in a statement. The development comes ahead of Tesla's annual shareholder meeting with shareholders on Thursday, and amid concerns voiced by chair Robyn Denholm in particular that Musk could walk away if he doesn't get what he wants. Musk, who already owns 15% voting rights in the company, will also be able to vote on the package. Under the terms of the deal being proposed, Musk could be granted an additional 12% holding in the EV maker if the company's value hits $8.5trn over the next 10 years. Currently, the business has a market cap of just under $1.5trn, having grown by 93% over the past 12 months. Other proposed targets include Tesla vehicle deliveries reaching 20m, the commercial launch of the robotaxi and ramping up subscriber numbers for the company's full self-driving service. In isolation, this decision may not make too much difference, given its relatively modest holding of 1.1%, but it follows on from advice from shareholder advisory firms Glass Lewis and ISS to reject the deal, something which led Musk to dub them corporate terrorists," said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell. Achieving the headline number involves hitting demanding objectives and on Musks ability to move Tesla beyond being an EV manufacturer to a broader AI and technology business." Tesla futures were down 2.4% at $457.11 in pre-market trading in New York. European shares tumbled at the open on Tuesday as investors took a risk-off approach and eyed a speech from British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves which was expected to prepare the ground for more tax rises in her upcoming Budget. The pan-regional Stoxx 600 index was down 1.15% at 565 points by 0814 GMT with all major bourses lower by similar levels, Germanys DAX fell 1.5%, Frances CAC 40 1.4% and Italys FTSE MIB 1.1%. Reeves faces a shortfall of up to 30bn in the public finances and is under pressure to either slash already strained spending or break pledges to not increase taxation. Goldman Sachs analysts said moves by Reeves to tackle Britains deficit could push 10-year bond yields down by up to 0.2 percentage points. Meanwhile a report by the Resolution Foundation thinktank predicted that Reevess fiscal headroom of 10bn will have evaporated due to a bleaker economic outlook, and government u-turns on spending cuts. Britains independent Office for Budget Responsibility is also expected to downgrade the UKs trend productivity growth by 0.3 percentage points, creating a 20bn shortfall. In equity news, share in Telefonica slumped as the Spanish mobile operator halved its dividend under a new strategy. French voucher and benefit cards supplier Edenred also fell heavily after forecasting a slowdown in annual core profit growth. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com In For the Birds: An Artist's Aviary, artist and conservationist Alex Beard celebrates birds around the world and how "birds are there to remind us of the natural world, to pique our curiosity, and free us from the mundane." While his paintings are as varied as the birds they depict, Beard uses distinctive techniques throughout--bold swirls and strokes to form the attachment point of a tucked wing on a goldfinch and the plumage spreading from the neck of a colorful nicobar pigeon. Birds are grouped ornithologically and artistically, and each section opens with a simple poem, like one about the company of a woodpecker on a forest walk. Illustrations presented against a stark background are interspersed with two-page spreads and nods to Beard's artistic process--such as swatches of color above a half-page confusion of guinea fowl, and a brief meditation on loons that ties memories of childhood summers to Beard's travels as an adult. This vibrant collection is full of life and movement, and is a true celebration of the world's avian inhabitants. --Kristen Coates, editor and freelance reviewer Environmental leader and lifelong Yosemite lover Beth Pratt partners with biologist and wildlife photographer Robb Hirsch to offer Yosemite Wildlife: The Wonder of Animal Life in California's Sierra Nevada, the first book in 100 years to address this national gem's diverse animal wildlife. With more than 300 images, Yosemite Wildlife is also rich in Pratt's accessible prose; this thorough survey of observations and storytelling is designed to update a 1924 publication for the historical record. As a beautifully produced, large-format, glossy presentation, it also exhibits Pratt's and Hirsch's expertise and passion for a place that is much more than just its famous geology and dramatic scenery. With plentiful archival records, historical images, and personal stories from park staff and naturalists, it's an informative document as well as a stunning visual feast. Conservation success stories and profiles of Yosemite's human defenders over the years accompany Hirsch's sumptuous images of the iconic black bear and mule deer, the Sierra green sulphur butterfly, the northwestern pond turtle, raptors and songbirds, dragonflies and butterflies, charismatic predators, shy shrews, quirky herptiles, and more. Exquisite. --Julia Kastner, blogger at pagesofjulia The European executive is investigating whether a network of agents recruited officials in Brussels in order to access sensitive information on matters of importance to the Hungarian government. Budapest denies the allegations Brussels is a city teeming with spies. Russians, Iranians, Israelis, Chinese They all move about, seeking information within European institutions and NATO, or to obtain intelligence from the hundreds of organizations headquartered in the Belgian capital. Now, a European espionage scandal has rocked the EU and diplomatic circles in Brussels. The European Commission is investigating whether the Hungarian intelligence services worked to recruit a network of spies among European officials. And, above all, whether its current Commissioner for Health and Consumer Affairs, the Hungarian Oliver Varhelyi, was aware of the activities of this network. Investigators will have to determine whether this network used intelligence agents under diplomatic cover as employees of the Hungarian Permanent Representation to the EU when Varhelyi was its ambassador. The objective would have been to obtain classified documents and sensitive information of interest to the government of nationalist-populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is embroiled in a long-standing dispute with the EU. The accusations, uncovered by the Hungarian investigative media outlet Direkt36 in collaboration with Belgian and German media, span from 2012 to at least 2018. They focus on Hungarys representation to the EU, which Varhelyi headed from 2015 to 2019, when he became a European Commissioner (the first for Enlargement and Neighbourhood) and thus secured a significant position within the EU institutions. The Hungarian government has denied all the accusations, calling them part of a smear campaign. But the fact remains that an internal European Commission security team is investigating the case, which EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has taken very seriously. The chief of the EU executive has summoned the Hungarian commissioner, who, for years, has also been, as a good representative of Hungary, the most troublesome commissioner. The President asked the commissioner if he was aware of the recruitment attempts by Hungarian intelligence services targeting EU staff while he was at the Permanent Representation in Hungary. The commissioner said he was not aware, a Commission spokesperson reported. The case has revealed the workings of Hungarys espionage machinery within the EU, which are sometimes quite clumsy. Direkt36 and its investigative partners recount how agent V., now a lieutenant colonel working in Budapest who in 2015 operated under diplomatic cover in Brussels, contacted Hungarian European officials to try to recruit them as informants. V., who reported directly to Varhelyi, according to his duties at the diplomatic mission, liked to meet with his potential agents in a Brussels park. He was a very friendly and intelligent man. I already knew then that he was a Hungarian intelligence officer and that his diplomatic post was just a cover, one of the affected EU employees told Direkt36. What he didnt know was that V. wanted to recruit him. But he tried. And since the spy knew the official wasnt particularly interested in money, he offered to support one of the organizations that his target collaborated with, and presented him with a contract to sign. The official, uncomfortable, rejected the offer. Or take the case of E., who arrived as a liaison for the Hungarian intelligence services in Brussels, and who liked to summon European officials to Budapest. We are both Hungarian, working for the same goals, he even told a European Commission employee. This official mentioned it to another Hungarian working for the European Commission, and learned that E. had also approached him. Shortly afterward, both were surprised to learn that the Hungarian spy had gone on to work within the European institutions as one of the national experts on secondment. The officials wrote a letter to the Commissions security department, but nothing was done. Obtaining information through conversation is legal. But if a diplomat pays for it or gets someone to sign a document (as E. and V. intended to do), they are violating the Geneva Convention, which governs diplomatic relations. We all assume that countries have spy networks, but for a friendly, allied country to do it is, to say the least, distasteful. And, depending on the case, it can be serious, says an intelligence source from a European country. Spying among friends is unacceptable, Angela Merkel, then Chancellor of Germany, told U.S. President Barack Obama in 2013, after these practices by Washington came to light. For years, Hungary has not been a friend of Brussels. The government of the national-populist Orban, considered the closest country to the Kremlin within the EU, has faced serious conflicts due to its authoritarian drift, control of the media and the judiciary, and violations of the rights of LGBTQ+ people. These policies, which run counter to the rule of law in the EU, have also led to the freezing of its European funds. Hungarys position within the EU also means it holds few influential positions in EU institutions. Therefore, agents in Budapest were tasked with gathering information to compensate for this lack of influence, according to Direkt36 and its partners. They were instructed to obtain and transmit confidential informationsuch as meeting minutes, budget data, and open investigationsand also to influence documents and analyses in favor of the Orban government. There are reports that Hungarian agents not only spied on the EU in Brussels, but also placed under surveillance the staff of the European Anti-Fraud Office, which was investigating corruption allegations in Hungary against a company owned by Orbans son-in-law that was receiving EU funds. The Hungarian espionage scandal continues to escalate. Now, a group of at least 60 academics from more than 30 countries have demanded answers from the European Commission. They are calling on Ursula von der Leyen to demand Commissioner Varhelyis resignation to safeguard the integrity of the Commission and maintain public confidence in EU institutions, and to refer the Hungarian to the Court of Justice to request his mandatory resignation and the corresponding sanctions. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Entrepreneurship Awareness Drive-Local Startups Meet 2025 is an initiative organized by the Entrepreneurship Cell, IIT Kharagpur, which made a resounding impact this year. It brings together young innovators, ambitious founders, and seasoned professionals under one vibrant platform dedicated to cultivating Indias entrepreneurial potential.a EAD-LSM 2025 was successfully conducted across 25+ cities in India, reaching over 25,000 students and 1000+ local startups nationwide. The initiative featured an inspiring lineup of keynote session, workshops, fireside chat, and panel sessions, all aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial thinking among young minds. The event featured an exceptional lineup of speakers, including Mr. Ram Mohan Rao (Executive Director, Investigation, SEBI), Mr. Japesh Jayadhevan (CEO, Hocco Foods Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Willpower Harris (CEO, Willpower Consultation), Mr. Deepit Purkayastha (Co-Founder & CEO, Inshorts), Mr. Karthikeyan Natarajan (Co-CEO, Infinite Uptime India Pvt. Ltd. & CEO, Cyient), and Mr. Sufiyan I. (CEO, Cloud Hire), who shared their invaluable insights and experiences with the audience. Complementing this, the panel discussion delivered powerful insights into Indias evolving startup policy, funding ecosystem, and technology-driven transformation As part of LSM, startups were given a platform to pitch their ideas before investors, fostering meaningful networking and investment opportunities. The joint effort between EADs nationwide outreach and LSMs curated startup showcase successfully brought together angel investors, venture capitalists, and industry leaders from across the country, promoting regional collaboration, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. The support of major corporate partners, including Kotak Mahindra Bank (Title Partner), Redoq (Co-Title Partner), CNBC (Title Media Partner), Binance (Strategic Partner), and Sundaram Finance Group (Strategic Partner), further enhanced the reach and quality of the event. Associate partners such as LaunchEd Global, Abhibus, V2A, DojoWorks, VoiceOwl, and BookMyMentor helped expand access to entrepreneurial education and community-building resources.a A notable highlight was the soft launch of Kuick Studio by Redoq in 25+ cities, symbolizing the synergy between creative entrepreneurship and technology-driven innovation. The initiative reflected how institutional events like EAD-LSM bridge the gap between academic entrepreneurship and real-world innovation ecosystems.a As a flagship initiative under IIT Kharagpurs Rajendra Mishra School of Engineering Entrepreneurship (RMSoEE), EAD-LSM 2025 demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving grassroots entrepreneurship and shaping future enterprises. The initiative reaffirmed IIT Kharagpurs mission of building an enterprising India by empowering youth through education, skill development, and mentorship.a EAD-LSM 2025 emerged as a powerful catalyst for Indias growing startup ecosystem inspiring innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial action across the nation. By uniting students, founders, investors, and industry leaders under one platform, it not only strengthened the bridge between academia and enterprise but also sparked a renewed commitment toward building a self-reliant, innovation-driven India. The initiatives widespread reach, strategic partnerships, and focus on real-world opportunities reaffirmed its role as a cornerstone in shaping the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs. Indian Ambassador meets US Senator to boost cooperation in tech and AI Talks focus on innovation, trade, and growing energy partnership Meeting part of wider outreach to strengthen India-US high-tech ties Indias Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, met with Republican Senator Mike Rounds in Washington to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in technology, innovation, and trade. Ambassador Kwatra called the meeting 'productive', highlighting discussions on artificial intelligence and increased energy imports from the US. During the meeting, Kwatra updated Senator Rounds on Indias rising purchases of American crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Energy has become a central pillar of the India-US relationship, with both sides working to enhance long-term collaboration. Senator Rounds, who represents South Dakota, is a key figure in US policy on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. As the Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and co-chair of the Senate AI Caucus, he plays an active role in strengthening Americas leadership in emerging technologies. Also Read: ISRO Launches GSAT-7R to Boost Navy's Communication in Indian Ocean This meeting is part of Ambassador Kwatras ongoing efforts to engage with US lawmakers and officials in high-tech sectors. Recently, he has attended several Diwali celebrations in Washington, including at the White House and the World Bank, where he emphasized Indias growing role in global innovation and trade. At one event, President Donald Trump lit a traditional diya to mark Diwali, extending 'warmest wishes to the people of India'. Kwatra thanked the President and noted the importance of cultural ties, especially for the 5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the US. The 14th CHRO Confex & Awards 2025 Chennai Chapter is set to convene senior HR leaders and people strategy professionals for a day dedicated to meaningful dialogue, practical insights, and forward-looking leadership. Hosted at the ITC Grand Chola, Chennai by Gain Skills Business Media, the event will focus on shaping workplaces that are not only efficient and future-ready, but also thoughtful, inclusive, and people-centered. As workplaces evolve with technology, shifting talent expectations, and organizational transformation, HR leaders are now at the forefront of guiding business continuity, culture, and long-term growth. This years theme, Transforming HR for a New Era of Talent, reflects this shift, emphasizing the need to combine strategic decision-making with empathy, clarity, and human understanding. Purpose-Driven Conversations and Practical Takeaways The Confex will feature keynote sessions, expert-led discussions, and collaborative learning exchanges, covering critical themes such as: Aligning HR strategy with digital transformation Designing workplaces that balance flexibility and productivity Strengthening culture, trust, and employee experience Building learning-driven organizations that foster growth and adaptability Enhancing talent attraction, engagement, and retention through authenticity Supporting emotional well-being and mental resilience at work The focus is on sharing real experiences, actionable ideas, and sustainable approaches that HR leaders can take back to their workplaces. Celebrating Leadership and Impact The platform will also host the CHRO Awards 2025, honoring organizations and HR professionals who have demonstrated exemplary innovation, leadership, and commitment to enabling people to perform at their best. These awards highlight the belief that when people thrive, organizations prosper. A Gathering for Leaders Who Shape Culture The Confex will bring together leaders across: Human Resources and People Strategy Organizational & Culture Development Learning & Development Talent Acquisition & Talent Management Diversity, Inclusion & Employee Experience HR Technology & People Operations It is a space designed for thoughtful conversations, genuine connections, and shared learning among peers who understand the challenges and opportunities in building the workplaces of tomorrow. Amit Sharma to lead Power Products & Digital Energy business in Greater India Leadership transition follows Nikhil Pathaks retirement Focus on innovation and customer-centric digital solutions Schneider Electric has named Amit Sharma as its new Vice President for Power Products and Digital Energy for the Greater India Zone. He takes over from Nikhil Pathak, who retires after nearly 15 years of impactful leadership at the company. The move highlights Schneider Electrics continued commitment to nurturing internal talent and reinforcing its leadership pipeline in India. By promoting leaders from within, the company strengthens continuity and deepens its expertise in energy management and automation. Sharmas appointment reflects the firms strategic vision to drive transformation and expand its digital energy footprint in the region. Welcoming Sharma to his new role, Deepak Sharma, Zone President for Greater India and MD & CEO of Schneider Electric India, praised his 29 years of global and domestic experience. Amits leadership and customer-focused approach will further advance our Power Products & Digital Energy business, he said. He also lauded Nikhil Pathaks contribution, noting that his influence and mentorship will be greatly missed. In his statement, Amit Sharma expressed enthusiasm for his new role, emphasizing the importance of digital innovation. Power Products and Digital Energy are central to Schneider Electrics mission of enabling customers sustainability journeys, he said. Sharma aims to strengthen the companys digital offerings, enhance customer experience, and uncover new growth opportunities. Also Read: Hinduja Group Chairman Gopichand Hinduja Passes Away at 85 With nearly three decades of experience, including 15 years at Schneider Electric and international roles in France, Sharma brings deep expertise in global marketing, product development, and digital transformation. His previous tenure at ABB adds further strength to his diversified background. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The search continues on Tuesday for the suspect in the shooting of a 15-year-old boy on Halloween night in Sunnyside. The boy was waiting at a bus stop on Victory Boulevard near its intersection with Clove Road when the shooting occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Friday, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPD. An unidentified suspect shot the boy one time in the buttocks before fleeing on foot, according to police. Police previously described the suspect as a male who was wearing all-gray clothing. The victim was transported in stable condition to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton. He is expected to recover from his injuries, according to police. No arrests have been made and the investigation continues. Record low shooting levels in New York City The shooting comes at a time when gun violence is declining in the borough and citywide. According to the NYPDs CompStat data, Staten Island recorded nine shooting victims and shooting incidents for the year through Oct. 26 a nearly 36% drop from 14 in both categories during the same period in 2024. The city recorded its lowest number of shooting incidents and victims in history during the first nine months of 2025, according to Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. The city also experienced the fewest shooting incidents ever for any third quarter and for the months of July and September. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announces that the city has recorded its lowest number of shooting incidents and victims in history during the first nine months of 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The city has recorded its lowest number of shooting incidents and victims in history during the first nine months of 2025, according to Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. The city also experienced the fewest shooting incidents ever for any third quarter and for the months of July and September. The NYPDs precision policing has delivered record-low shooting incidents and victims over the last nine months, and the safest quarter ever on our subways, Tisch said. This is not a coincidence its the result of an unprecedented, data-driven deployment of thousands of officers to the areas they are needed most. This marks the citys seventh consecutive quarter of declining major crime a trend that began in January 2024. In the first nine months of 2025, shooting victims also declined 19%, dropping from 857 to 694. At the start of our administration we went to work to sweep out crime and illegal activities from our neighborhoods, and our 2025 third quarter crime data shows that our public safety apparatus is working, Adams said. Overall crime is down for the second year in a row and shootings for the first nine months of the year are at their lowest levels in recorded history. The NYPDs Summer Violence Reduction Plan drove much of these improvements, as the initiative deployed up to 2,300 uniformed officers across 72 zones covering 59 communities to target high-crime areas. During the 19-week implementation of the plan, shooting incidents decreased 47% and shooting victims dropped 44% in the targeted zones. Every borough experienced crime reduction during this deployment, with overall crime down 18%. The Police Departments efforts to target dangerous gangs have also contributed to the decline in shootings. NYPD detectives have conducted a record 55 gang-related takedowns this year and seized more than 4,175 illegal guns, adding to the more than 23,900 guns removed since the start of the Adams administration. According to the NYPDs CompStat data, Staten Island recorded nine shooting victims and shooting incidents for the year to date a nearly 36% drop from 14 in both categories during the same period in 2024. Overall, major crimes are also down about 3% in the borough from around the same time last year, according to CompStat. An aerial view of 4400 Arthur Kill Rd. in Charleston where a truck stop is being proposed on the 16-acre currently vacant land. Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Several projects along the same 2.7-mile stretch of Arthur Kill Road in Charleston could bring a host of new traffic to the two-way single-lane street. The Advance/SILive.com recently identified four massive projects along Arthur Kill Road, each within miles of each other and in different phases of completion. If development progresses according to plan, Arthur Kill Road could soon be home to two major warehouses, a Department of Transportation construction management site and a 16-acre truck freight facility. Two of these projects alone would bring over 468,000 square feet and nearly 90 loading bays dedicated to warehouse and distribution operations. The others would also bring an increase in truck traffic to a road already choked by industry such as car storage, repair shops, towing companies, and salvage yards, among others. Arthur Kill Road is becoming a poster child for overdevelopment, Councilmember Frank Morano, a Republican who represents the South Shore, previously told the Advance/SILive.com. There is no real thought on infrastructure and a total lack of planning. Current challenges Video recently presented to Staten Islands Community Board 3, and later provided to the Advance/SILive.com, attempts to show the current level of truck traffic and heavy industry that already lines Arthur Kill Road. In the opening shot of the video, which the Advance/SILive.com edited for time, an overhead shot from a drone shows some of the existing development near Arthur Kill Road and Winant Place. The video then shows a tractor-trailer attempting to follow a winding curve in Arthur Kill Road, near Androvette Street, in front of where the truck freight facility would be built. While navigating the curve, the truck is seen driving down the center of the narrow road, effectively occupying both travel lanes. Other parts of the video show the current level of truck traffic along Arthur Kill Road, specifically near Winant Place. In the clip, moving trucks and car haulers can be seen lining the narrow stretch of road, leaving local traffic to navigate down the center of the street to proceed. The driver recording the footage has to move well into the center of the street to avoid the trucks stopped along the shoulder of the road. The latest details The first project, which is still under construction, will be located at 1 Nassau Place in Richmond Valley. It would bring 331,700 square feet of warehouse space, 60 loading docks and two drive-in doors just south of the Outerbridge Crossing. Another, which opened in September at 2807 Arthur Kill Rd., features 136,346 square feet of storage space and 29 loading docks along an already busy industrial corridor. Right across the street from this project, the Department of Transportation is working to acquire approximately five acres of land to support its Sidewalk Inspections Management construction crews. This development would devote 81,000 square feet for storage space, which will house vehicles, trucks, equipment and materials. Finally, a 16-acre parcel of land near Arthur Kill Road and Androvette Street in Charleston would be converted to a truck terminal to accommodate 184 tractor-trailers. (Editors note: This story is part of series investigating the rapid industrial development of Arthur Kill Road. Do you live, work or operate a business near one of these facilities? Contact Jessica Jones-Gorman at jgorman@siadvance.com to voice your concerns or discuss community impact.) A bomb threat was reported at Somerville Elementary School in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Threats were made at numerous polling locations across multiple counties. Boyd A. Loving Several polling locations in New Jersey have been moved on Election Day due to emailed bomb threats that officials say are not credible and other police activity, authorities said. Early this morning, law enforcement responded to threats that were received by email involving certain polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties, the state Office of the Attorney General said in a statement Tuesday. Law enforcement officers have responded at each affected polling place, and they have worked swiftly to secure these polling locations and ensure the safety of every voter. Some of these polling locations have already re-opened to the public. At others, voters will be directed to a nearby polling location to cast their ballot. In Monmouth County, a polling location has been relocated to the Belmar courtroom at 601 Main Street. In Woodbridge, the polling location at Avenel Middle School is closed due to a police investigation, Middlesex County officials said. Voters are being sent to Woodbine Avenue Elementary School on Woodbine Avenue in Avenel. Police activity, due to a bomb threat at the polling place located in Livingston Park School in North Brunswick, New Jersey on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Elsewhere in Middlesex County, voters expecting to cast their ballots at Livingston Park School in North Brunswick are being directed Linwood School to cast their vote. There is police activity at Livingston Park School, officials said Meanwhile, Newark police said they investigating the origin of multiple phishing emails regarding fake claims of bomb threats. A threat on Gotthard Street was unfounded, a police spokeswoman said in an email. No polling locations in Newark are closed as of 9:30 a.m, the spokeswoman said. NJ polling location at Martin Luther King School No. 6 in Passaic, NJ. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 John Jones | For NJ Advance Media In Passaic County, video shows a heavy police presence outside School 10 in Paterson, a voting location. We are taking the threats very seriously and we immediately evacuated the polling sites, Paterson mayor Andre Sayegh said in statement. Thanks to the Paterson police departments patrol operation working in concert with our state and county partners, all polling sites are safe and open for voters. In Trenton, Mercer County a 5 a.m bomb threat at a polling location Hedgepeth William Elementary School on Gladstone Avenue proved unfounded, police said. A search of the school by a K9 united turned up nothing unusual. The school was closed to students Tuesday for Election Day. Nearby Ewing High School also received a threat, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson said. The false threats made against polling locations in Mercer and other counties were a shameful and cowardly attempt to disrupt the exercise of free and fair elections, Benson said in a statement. It was a similar story Tuesday morning Bergen County as all of the threats were not credible, an official said. The Bergen County Prosecutors Office is monitoring an Election Day bomb threat pattern and assisting various partner agencies at the local, county, state, and federal levels, Bergen County Deputy Chief of Detectives Jeff Angermeyer said in a statement. Public safety assets from across Bergen County and throughout the region have coordinated since early this morning. No suspicious items were discovered, and no ongoing safety concern has been identified. Law enforcement across Bergen County will remain engaged for the rest of Election Day." Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way said voting will continue safely, despite the non-credible threats. We are aware of threats made to several polling locations in New Jersey, said Way, who serves as New Jerseys chief election official in her capacity as Secretary of State. Law enforcement has determined that there are no credible threats at this time. We are doing everything in our power to protect voters and poll workers and coordinate closely with state, local and federal partners to ensure a smooth and safe election. NJ Advance Media staff writer Kevin Shea contributed to this report. In this photo from February, cars drive past signs along Second Avenue, between 61st and 62nd streets in Midtown Manhattan, that warn of the congestion pricing toll. (Advance/SILive.com|Steve Zaffarano) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. President Donald Trump has again said he will look to end New Yorks congestion pricing program. On Monday evening, Trump posted on the Truth Social platform he would have U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy again take a good long look at terminating New York City Congestion Pricing. Trump characterized the program as turning people away from visiting New York, calling the city a ghost town in his post. In response to Trumps post, Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has previously refused to budge on the program, responded by again saying that the cameras are staying on, according to ABC7 News. This is not the first time that the Trump administration threatened New Yorks congestion pricing program. The U.S. Department of Transportation initially told New York to turn off its congestion pricing cameras by March 21, but then granted the state an extension, setting the new deadline for Sunday, April 20. Near the end of April, federal prosecutors accidentally filed a document in court outlining the holes within Duffys arguments against congestion pricing, according to the New York Post. After New York defied an earlier federal deadline , the U.S. Department of Transportation threatened to pull federal funding for the citys highway projects should congestion pricing continue. In May, the U.S. DOT warned it would retaliate if New York ignored federal deadlines to end congestion pricing. Later that month, a judge issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the Trump administration from withholding federal funding for future infrastructure projects. Congestion pricing involves using electronic tolling to charge vehicles $9 for entering Manhattans Congestion Relief Zone to reduce traffic and raise money for public transportation upgrades. Offshore pipelines During the same social media post on Monday, the president also expressed frustration with what he described as OUT OF CONTROL energy prices he said will TRIPLE because New York state hasnt approved two separate pipeline projects, including one off the shores of Staten Island. The Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline, which Trump referred to, would include a 17.4-mile underwater segment through the Raritan and Lower New York bays, passing Staten Islands shores. The pipeline will increase National Grid bills by 3.5% for New Yorkers in the five boroughs and Long Island, even though the gas wont be delivered to Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, and parts of Long Island. Instead, it will be used by homes in Brooklyn, Queens, and Nassau County. The pipeline failed in 2018, 2019 and 2020 to achieve the Clean Water Acts Section 401 Water Quality Certification a legal necessity for the project to move forward. The New York State Department of Environment Conservation, the agency overseeing the project, has until Nov. 30 to take action in regard to the pipelines Water Quality Certification process. According to a DEC spokesperson, no decision has been made yet about certification for the project. On July 2, 2025, DEC determined the permit application from Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC for the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project (NESE Project) was complete for purposes of public review, the spokesperson said in a statement. This notice is a step in the permitting process and does not represent a final determination. The public comment for the NESE project ended on Aug. 16., DEC is continuing to review the approximately 17,000 public comments submitted. by Xinhua writers Habtamu Worku, Liu Fangqiang ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian coffee exporters are fine-tuning their preparations to further promote the country's prized coffee exports at the upcoming eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), aiming to expand their presence in the world's second-largest economy. Awo Coffee, a rapidly growing producer and exporter, is one such company eager to leverage the vast platform of the upcoming CIIE, which is scheduled for Nov. 5-10 in Shanghai. Poised to strengthen its thriving export footprint, Awo Coffee cannot wait to participate in the expo for the first time, viewing it as a strategic catalyst for its brand growth in China, said Awo Marketing Manager Kaleab Fekad. "We believe we have not yet tapped a significant portion of the Chinese market," he said. "The upcoming CIIE will help us reach that potential." AWO COFFEE'S "YES" TO CHINA For Awo Coffee, whose name derives from the Amharic word for "Yes," China is the primary focus of its export expansion ambition. Awo's coffee is sourced from its own 14-hectare farm and through collaborations with smallholder farmers, and its coffee beans are processed at a facility in Hawassa City, some 270 km south of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. "We prioritize maintaining the unique quality, taste and aroma of top-notch Ethiopian Arabica coffee," said Tesfaye Gebru, general manager of Awo Coffee. "Since we began in 2014, the fast-growing Chinese coffee market has emerged as our primary export destination." The company began by exporting premium green coffee beans before expanding its operations to include roasted coffee as well. Awo Coffee also imports premium packaging materials from China to ensure the smooth delivery of its fresh and organic coffee to the Chinese market, in a variety of sizes and blends. "In addition to our roasted coffee exports, we also shipped 200 tonnes of high-quality Ethiopian green coffee beans so far in 2025 to China and the Middle East, with 70 percent of these exports directed to China," said Gebru, the general manager. EXPANDING MARKET CONNECTIONS AT CIIE Awo Coffee, which has already dispatched a dedicated team to the upcoming CIIE, said its debut participation at the expo aligns with the company's strategic objective of deepening relationships with both existing and new Chinese counterparts. According to organizers, over 3,200 enterprises from more than 110 countries and regions have confirmed their participation at the upcoming CIIE which, since its inception in 2018, has become a key platform for market entry into China. "We firmly believe the expo will serve as a vital platform to significantly enhance our market presence in China, building on our established momentum," Gebru said. "Given the immense potential of the Chinese coffee market and our ambition to capitalize on this opportunity, we see the CIIE as a crucial platform for further strengthening our foothold in China," he said. "We will bring more Ethiopian coffee companies to the expo if our participation turns out successful." COFFEE: BACKBONE OF ETHIOPIAN ECONOMY To better understand Awo Coffee's strategic ambitions, one must first appreciate the coffee sector's vital importance to the Ethiopian economy. Widely regarded as the birthplace of Arabica coffee, the East African country's economy has been historically intertwined with its rich coffee resources. Ethiopia is Africa's largest producer of Arabica coffee, and coffee production has been a linchpin of its agriculture-led economy. There are about five million smallholder coffee growers in Ethiopia, and more than 25 million people in the country are involved in coffee production, processing, and sales for their livelihoods, according to official figures. The sector's economic vitality was highlighted by record export numbers during the 2024/2025 Ethiopian fiscal year that ended on July 7 -- 2.65 billion U.S. dollars in revenue from the export of 468,967 tonnes of coffee to the international market, according to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA). CHINA NOW AMONG TOP DESTINATIONS In recent years, the Chinese market has rapidly become a top destination for Ethiopia's premium coffee. According to ECTA data, China is now the fourth-largest importer of Ethiopian coffee, up from the seventh place just two years ago. In a recent interview with Xinhua, ECTA Deputy Director-General Shafi Umer said that in the first quarter of the current Ethiopian fiscal year, starting on July 8, the East African country exported about 9,500 tonnes of coffee to China, earning 65.49 million dollars -- an increase of nearly sevenfold compared to the same period last year. This remarkable surge is attributed to shipments of organic coffee and improved delivery services, aligning with growing Chinese demand for premium, high-quality coffee. "We are delighted that the Chinese people, especially the youth, are switching to drinking Ethiopian coffee instead of tea, and that Chinese buyers import an increasing volume of organic coffee directly from Ethiopia," Umer said. The shadow of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) looms over the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of the Mexican city of Uruapan, in Michoacan, who was shot dead on Saturday during Day of the Dead celebrations. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the attack had been ordered by the cartel, which had suffered a major blow in August when the mayors local police captured its leader, Rene Belmonte, alias Rino, during an operation. A source close to Manzo, consulted by EL PAIS and knowledgeable about regional politics, explained that Rino was a subordinate of the Alvarez Ayala brothers, Ramon and Rafael known as R-1 and R-2 who occupy some of the highest ranks within the CJNG and are also linked to past Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) governments in the state. Another source consulted by the newspaper well-acquainted with Michoacans political reality and the violence afflicting the region confirmed that the gunman, a young man between 17 and 19 years old who was killed immediately after shooting Manzo, was connected to the CJNG. The weapon used, the source said, had been employed in other crimes linked to the criminal group. The same source added that within the federal government, led by Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling Morena party, there is growing discontent with Michoacans governor, Alfredo Ramirez Bedolla (also from Morena), over the states deteriorating security situation, which is attributed at least in part to his failure to address the regions ongoing conflicts Images of the attacker were presented by the Michoacan Attorney General's Office on Monday. Fiscalia de Michoacan The situation in Uruapan one of Michoacans most important municipalities, home to 350,000 residents and the heart of the regions avocado industry has worsened in recent months. The source cited earlier says that El Rino oversaw the CJNGs extortion network in the area, which mainly targeted small and mid-sized farmers who couldnt afford private security, unlike the larger producers in the region. All the violence erupted after this mans arrest. Hes a highly dangerous individual, the source explained. Manzo himself requested support from both the federal and state governments following the capture of the alleged criminal. In fact, on the very day of the arrest, August 27, he posted a video on his social media accounts urging residents to stay home, warning that gunmen from the group were preparing to enter the municipality. In the weeks that followed, violence in Uruapan escalated, including attacks on local police officers. After a police officer was killed on August 14, Manzo met with state authorities to seek help in tackling organized crime. The second source consulted by EL PAIS said that the federal government has done its part, deploying a large number of security forces across Michoacan one of the states receiving the most federal support. However, the governor is distracted, the source added. While official data from the federal Security Secretariat shows that homicide numbers in Michoacan have been trending downward, Sheinbaums administration sees stagnation. Unlike other governors who have made public security a top priority and personally attend the daily cabinet meetings devoted to the issue, Ramirez Bedolla lacks commitment, the source said, adding that the governor has been more occupied with personal matters and travel than with addressing violence in the state. A clear example of this is the way the gunman managed to breach the security perimeter surrounding Manzo. Although his security detail included more members of the National Guard than local police, coordination of the team fell to the state government. Federal forces are the second line of defense the governor should always be the central link, the source emphasized. Another factor that contributed to the killing, the source explained, is the profile of the officials the governor has appointed to oversee state security. Since Ramirez Bedolla took office in October 2021, there have been numerous changes in the Ministries of Government, Public Security, and the Attorney Generals Office in short periods of time. As for the gunman, he embarked on a mission in which survival was virtually impossible. It was a situation where you either get caught or you die theres no other outcome, and you know it, the source said. Despite the hitmans young age, he was not believed to be inexperienced, as breaching Manzos security during such a crowded public event required careful surveillance and precise timing. Carlos Manzo (center) moments before being murdered, on November 1, 2025. RR SS The assassins ties to the CJNG faction run by the Alvarez Ayala brothers illustrate the deep-rooted ills of regional politics. Another brother, Roldan, served as mayor of Apatzingan just over 20 years ago with the leftist PRD, now virtually defunct. The politician was close to former governors Leonel Godoy (PRD, now in Morena) and Lazaro Cardenas (also formerly of the PRD and now a member of Morena). In recent years, Roldan, who has faced extortion charges, sought a federal congressional nomination under Morena but ultimately failed to secure it. The legal proceedings against the CJNG brothers Ramon and Rafael further expose the weaknesses of Mexicos justice system. Arrested in 2012 and convicted four years later, the elder brother became a topic at one of former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors morning press conferences in 2022. At the time, deputy security minister Ricardo Mejia revealed that R-1 had managed to evade five criminal cases thanks to rulings by different judges. As a result of those court decisions, R-1 was released a move that drew strong criticism from Lopez Obrador himself. The outlook for Uruapan remains bleak. The federal government assumes that Manzos widow, Grecia Quiroz, will take over as interim mayor. Her appointment is viewed as crucial to stabilizing city operations and defusing public anger following the assassination. One of Manzos brothers, Juan Manzo, currently serves as secretary of government under Governor Ramirez Bedolla, a role that could complicate his path to leading Uruapan, as such a move would signal a fracture within the governors own inner circle. According to sources consulted by EL PAIS, beyond the legitimate public outrage, representatives from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and National Action Party (PAN) have been involved in fueling the protests, aiming to destabilize both Ramirez Bedolla and Sheinbaum. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Public schools across the five boroughs are closed to students on Tuesday for Election Day. Many campuses will be open as voting sites. New York City public school students wont head to campus on Tuesday, as they have the day off. Public schools across the five boroughs are closed to students on Tuesday for Election Day. Many campuses will be open as voting sites. Students will head back to school on Wednesday for the remainder of the school week. There are still plenty of days off for students through the end of the year. Election Day marks the first day off for students in November as schools will also be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day. After these two holidays, students wont see any time off until Thanksgiving recess from Nov. 27-28. The last day of school before this recess will be Wednesday, Nov. 26, with kids heading back to campus on Monday, Dec. 1. Winter recess begins on Dec. 24. The public school academic calendar includes some two dozen days off between the first day and the last day of classes. The calendar gives time off every year for religious holidays like Good Friday, Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr, and week-long breaks for winter recess, mid-winter recess and spring recess, which include Christmas and Passover. Diwali has also been added recently as a public school holiday. The school calendar also allows time off each year for Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day), Election Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day and Juneteenth. Dates for parent-teacher conference days for elementary, middle schools and high schools are also posted in the calendar. You can go here to view more important dates for the 2025-2026 public school academic year. The boss of the ABCs flagship investigative program Four Corners has resigned following the shows final episode of 2025. The decision comes just two weeks after the public broadcaster launched an investigation into one of the shows six permanent reporters after he co-launched a podcast funded by an online cryptocurrency casino. Matthew Carney has been executive producer of Four Corners since May 2022, and will stay on until a successor is appointed. The broadcaster said Carneys resignation was unrelated to the investigation. ABC sources supported the claim Carneys resignation was unrelated to the probe, however, it comes at a time when the show is facing scrutiny. Commonwealth Bank, Temu and HCF have been blasted for taking advantage of poor customers, failing safety standards, and hiking prices, with the three companies picking up gongs in consumer advocate Choices annual Shonky awards. The 2025 iteration of the Shonky awards has also targeted energy retailers for their use of confusing pricing tactics, as well as a plug-in heater that fails to plug in or heat. Commonwealth Banks Shonky was awarded off the back of an ASIC investigation earlier this year that found major banks charging low-income customers excessive fees when they were eligible for low or no-fee accounts. Choice CEO Ashley de Silva, centre, presenting this years Shonky awards. Credit: CHOICE While most of the banks caught said theyd issue bulk refunds, Commonwealth Bank initially refused refunds, before saying it would instead only consider individual refunds on a case-by-case basis for its 2.2 million affected customers charged a total of $270 million in fees. Commonwealth Bank previously made $25 million in goodwill payments to about 87,000 Indigenous concession customer accounts in response to an earlier ASIC report. Federal politicians were doing their duty at Parliament House sitting day on Tuesday, leaving the field clear for their illustrious predecessors. Birdcage regular and former foreign minister and Australian National University chancellor Julie Bishop arrived at the Lexus marquee after flying in from London, where she met with King Charles at St Jamess Palace, celebrating his charity The Kings Trust. Last weeks meeting with His Majesty occurred just as the scandal engulfing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) continued to grow. Julie Bishop loves attending the races. Credit: Penny Stephens Nobody said a thing, she said. Salvador Menendez governs the municipality of La Paz Oeste and is a member of the party through which El Salvadors president came to power in 2019 A Salvadoran police officer has confessed to participating in at least 97 murders between 2015 and 2020 as a member of an extermination group dedicated to executing suspected gang members, according to the Salvadoran newspaper El Faro. Among the victims were minors, businesspeople, and a priest. The officer, now a witness for the prosecution, testified that a mayor close to President Nayib Bukele paid him for 36 of those killings. According to the publication, the officer was arrested in August 2020, accused along with three other police officers of the disappearance and murder of two young people in 2017. After his arrest, the officer agreed to cooperate with the prosecution and became a protected witness under the code name Horus and confessed to taking part in 75 cases that resulted in 97 deaths over five years. Horuss testimony was deemed credible enough for a Salvadoran court to sentence his fellow officers in 2020 to up to 180 years in prison. However, the ruling did not include the mayor, despite the fact that he was mentioned 141 times by the main witness. For years, the case and Horuss declaration were kept secret by court order, but a leak known as Guacamaya Leaks which exposed millions of internal emails from the Salvadoran police led to the discovery of the confession. The politician named by the officer is Salvador Menendez, who has been mayor of La Paz Oeste since 2012 and is a member of the GANA party, the same party that brought Bukele to power in 2019. Menendez has repeatedly described himself as a friend and ally of Bukele, who has also expressed admiration and respect for him on social media. In 2019, Menendez said he personally financed one of Bukeles presidential campaign rallies in his municipalitys central park, and in 2024 he posted a video from a private party held during Bukeles second inauguration. Although the case reached Salvadoran courts in 2020 under thenattorney general Raul Melara, the trial against the officers took place in December of that year after Bukele had already purged the judiciary and installed his own attorney general, Rodolfo Delgado. Delgado has since buried multiple cases involving corruption and alleged pacts between gangs and the government. Salvador Menendez at Nayib Bukele's inauguration in June 2024. The witnesss full confession spans 220 pages. In it, Horus admitted to involvement in 75 cases with a total of 97 victims. In 23 of those, he claimed that he and his group were paid by Mayor Menendez for 36 murders. According to the witness, at times the mayor provided them with the victims names, while in other cases they carried out killings independently and later received payment usually about $1,000 per victim. The witness also said that the mayor provided them with vehicles and illegal weapons to carry out the killings. In total, Horus stated that Menendez paid the group of police officers $27,500 for the murder of 36 people between 2015 and 2018. According to El Faro, the mayor acknowledged being aware of the witnesss accusations but said he had never been summoned by any authority to testify. He also admitted to giving donations to the local police station in his municipality over the years, but insisted they were legitimate acts of support in his capacity as mayor, and denied that it was for illicit purposes. Among the cases in which Horus named Mayor Menendez as the mastermind was a double homicide committed in the early hours of February 26, 2016. The witness said the mayor ordered them to find several gang members, decapitate them, and leave their heads at the entrance of the municipality to send a message to the gangs and to portray his town as one of the most violent supposedly to attract more funding from the central government. El Faro verified that in at least 10 of the 23 cases there were local news reports confirming that the victims died on the dates and under the circumstances described by the witness, including the murder of two alleged gang members who were decapitated. According to the report, the police officers identified their victims, approached them under the guise of a police operation, and took them handcuffed to nearby sugarcane fields common in the region where they were executed. After the killings, the officers tampered with the crime scenes, placing illegal weapons on the bodies to stage the appearance of a shootout. One of the most notorious cases described by the witness was the murder of priest Ricardo Antonio Cortez, rector of the San Oscar Arnulfo Romero seminary in Santiago de Maria, Usulutan, on August 7, 2020, while he was driving to the seminary. In that case, the witness said they received assistance from members of another death squad in a neighboring municipality, along with police chiefs from both groups. According to Horus, Mayor Menendez was not involved in that killing; instead, it was allegedly ordered by a drug trafficker known only as Chepon, who reportedly had ties to Mexican cartels. Priest Ricardo Antonio Cortez, in an undated photograph. After the murder of Father Cortez, the Catholic Church of El Salvador expressed deep concern and demanded that the government clarify the facts and deliver justice. In the preceding months, another priest, identified as Walter Vasquez, had also been killed. Two years later, in 2022, the bishop of the Diocese of Santiago de Maria, in eastern El Salvador, Monsignor William Iraheta, told La Prensa Grafica that he suspected both killings had been carried out by hired hitmen and reiterated his call for justice. The witnesss confession also mentions other cases in which the victims had no connection to gangs among them, a prosecutor who had been investigating the officers for the murder of four young men. According to the testimony, the agents planned to kill the prosecutor during a court hearing in March 2018, but after being released, they decided to spare his life. As of the publication of this report, neither the Salvadoran government, the National Civil Police, nor the Office of the Attorney General had issued a statement. EL PAIS reached out to the presidential press secretary, Ernesto Sanabria, to request an official response, but after several attempts received no reply. According to his resume, published on the presidencys Transparency portal, Sanabria served as an adviser to Mayor Menendez in 2014. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 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 Yaara Bou Melhem wants to make one thing clear: I dont make activist films. The way I think that we can engage with people on really difficult and complex issues is through what we call devastating beauty. The award-winning journalist and filmmakers new documentary, Yurlu/Country, is devastating on multiple fronts: in its depiction of the exhilarating beauty of the Banjima peoples traditional homelands in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the shocking harm inflicted on these lands by asbestos mining, and the shattering health consequences for local people. Slow, sweeping aerial footage captures the magnificence of rocky gorges and glowing red ranges before revealing a mountain of asbestos tailings that spills from the land like a monstrous black tumour. Around this toxic dump lies an exclusion zone almost nine times the size of Sydney Harbour 46,840 hectares poisoned with deadly asbestos fibres from the Wittenoom mine. The contaminated Wittenoom site, as seen in Yurlu/Country. Credit: lluminate Films Midnight Oil first sang about the environmental disaster more than 30 years ago in their song Blue Sky Mine, which included the lines: And the company takes what the company wants/And nothings as precious, as a hole in the ground. But who stops now to remember what the song was about or knows that the lethal asbestos tailings are still sitting there in the landscape, prone to being carried by wind and rain? More than 3 million tonnes of waste were dumped more than 60 years ago in what is the southern hemispheres largest contaminated site. Yet Australians remain largely unaware of this national blight. Bou Melhem herself had no idea: this is not the film she intended to make. Three years ago, she and her partner, cinematographer Tom Bannigan, set out to make a film about the 60,000 abandoned mines across Australia and their impact on the environment and peoples health. Thats when they met Banjima elder Maitland Parker, who had been diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2016, an aggressive cancer most commonly caused by asbestos exposure. Parker never worked in the Wittenoom mines, but was a ranger in the adjacent Karijini National Park for decades, employed in 1985 as one of the first Banjima rangers. Advertisement I didnt know that we had the largest contaminated site in the southern hemisphere, that the contamination is spreading, that its still killing people, and that there is no plan to do anything about it, Bou Melhem says when we speak over Zoom. It just blew my mind, and then when we came across Maitland, he was like this lone voice shouting in the dark about this issue. Parker and filmmaker Yaara Bou Melhem in Karijini National Park. Credit: Illuminate Films Initially, Bou Melhem resisted what the rest of her crew was telling her that they should scrap the films original idea and focus entirely on Parker and his fight to have Wittenoom cleaned up. As an award-winning journalist and former foreign correspondent, Bou Melhem was acutely aware of the ethical minefield that path entailed. I resisted because I didnt feel like we had the agency to tell this story, she says. Culturally, [were] not from the community, [and] this is a man with a terminal illness. I knew that it was going to be really hard and challenging to do, and I didnt know if I was up for it, and I also didnt know if Maitland would be up for it. Parker was more than up for it. He invited Bou Melhem to film him as his doctor delivered a distressing prognosis following treatment for mesothelioma. Parker and his wife, Marjorie, during a visit to the doctor that brought devastating news. Credit: Illuminate Films I thought, when we filmed that scene, thats it, Bou Melhem says. Were never going to be able to see Maitland again after this. Hes going to be focusing on spending time with his family and then his wife said to me when we were outside the doctors room, You better come up soon now and visit us again, in the next couple of weeks. I was so shocked. And thats when we just made this decision, were like, OK, this film is centring Maitland. He lived for another eight months, and died in January 2024. Advertisement In the films chilling opening scenes, Parker visits his traditional lands in full hazmat suit, a lone figure shrouded in white plastic, face hidden behind a respirator. He contemplates a tranquil waterhole where he used to fish and camp as a boy. Next, we see him standing atop a tailings dump. His voice echoes over the land as he shouts into the void: This is all the crap that has been here for well over 60 years All this rubbish, all the tailings. Country is no good. Ruined. Poison has been left here. White and black, getting sick. Making my spirit feel bad. Whitefellas left it behind All my old people, were all crying for Country. Lang Hancock, the father of billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart, was the original owner of the Wittenoom mine. The film includes archival footage of the late prospector and mining entrepreneur, dubbed the human bulldozer. Lets just say that Hancocks views on Aboriginal people, and the sufferers of asbestos disease, have not dated well. Maitland Parker visits the waterhole where he fished as a boy in Yurlu/Country. Credit: Illuminate Films Loading The mine was taken over by CSR Limited in 1943 and continued to operate until 1966, when it was closed because of growing health concerns. In 2007, the Wittenoom township was degazetted in effect, wiped off the map. The town disappeared, but the aftermath of its mines was not so easily erased. According to the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia, more than 2000 workers and residents of Wittenoom have died from asbestos diseases to date. For the local Indigenous people, the consequences are intensified not only do they have the worlds highest mortality rates from malignant mesothelioma, they are denied access to their traditional lands. Bou Melhem had covered a number of conflict zones, including in Syria, Libya, Myanmar and Pakistan, but has had more nightmares about filming in Wittenooms exclusion zone than she has ever had about working in war zones. The danger in a war zone is usually immediate, she explains. But mesothelioma is a slow and silent disease, generally not appearing for 20 to 50 years after the original exposure. The danger is ever-present. Advertisement In one haunting scene, scans of Parkers cancer are juxtaposed against ghostly images of his contaminated homelands. But there is hope too in the resilience of the Banjima people, and Parkers calm tenacity in telling his story as he faces death. Parker and his family, wife Marjorie and daughters Renira, Carmel and Coreen, gave Bou Melhem remarkable access to their lives. Im interested to know how she was able to win their trust, and to assuage her own concerns about the ethics of making this film. We made a decision early on that we would start cutting the film as we filmed, and we would start editing it and show Maitland scenes as we were going along, Bou Melhem says. That was really important for us, that we get the representation right, especially when it comes to a historically marginalised community that has often been misrepresented. Parker is not only the films central character, he co-produced and co-wrote the film. Thats how we developed the trust, because there was this genuine collaboration, Bou Melhem says. In an act of generosity and foresight, Parker gave the filmmakers permission to use his voice, name and image after his death to ensure that the message about Wittenoom could be widely broadcast. Parker wanted to see the land cleaned up for the sake of future generations. Credit: Illuminate Films The film has a palpable intimacy that stems from the close relationship that Bou Melhem and Bannigan developed with Parker and his family. The filmmaking couple, who live in Dharawal country, south of Sydney, regularly travelled to the Pilbara during the three years it took to make the film, often with their two children in tow. I had an 18-month-old and a newborn when Maitland went into palliative care, Bou Melhem says. We just made the decision as a family to relocate to Perth for a while and spend some time with Maitland and his family ... We didnt pick up the camera, unless we were asked to. Advertisement Despite its devastating subject, Yurlu/Country is a subtle, quiet film, a paean to the land and to Parkers courage. I dont make loud films, Bou Melhem says. I dont want to tell you how to think. I want you to experience it and I find that if I am being told how to think, I switch off. Parkers niece, Johnnell, who has been travelling to screenings with the family, says the film hits her emotionally every time. Weve lost our elders, weve lost our families due to asbestos-related diseases by living on Wittenoom, says Johnnell, who is a board director of the Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC). The traditional owners stories are finally getting told and Uncle Maitland was very brave in being able to tell that story. Banjima elders Trevor (left) and Maitland Parker at Peedamulla Station. Credit: Illuminate Films She adds: If the tailings spread, its everybodys issue. Its not just a Banjima issue, it is a community issue. The BNTAC board is about to launch legal action against the West Australian government, which is now responsible for managing the clean-up, in what will be a test case under Native Title. The board has engaged prominent Melbourne lawyer Peter Gordon, who led the class action against the Morrison governments robo-debt scheme, and has also represented victims of asbestos products against the James Hardie company. Advertisement Max Robinson has played a lot of gigs over the years, but nothing quite like the one he did last Friday night. It was special, says the 43-year-old busker of the set he performed at the foot of the Southern Cross staircase, as thousands of Oasis fans poured out of Marvel Stadium after the first of the bands three Melbourne shows. Busker Max Robinson at the foot of the Southern Cross Station staircase, where he performed for, and with, thousands of Oasis fans. Credit: Wayne Taylor As he played Oasis songs, thousands of people crowded onto the steps and footpath, joining in on choruses that threatened to lift the train stations famous bubble roof into the sky. Videos of the moment have gone viral all over social media in the days since. There was a spontaneity to it as people broke out into song together, he says as we chat on the same spot on the morning of the bands final Melbourne show. It was like having a choir up on the steps here. It was just this beautiful warm moment that brought the city to life. Advertisement Eating outCocktail bars Former Bar of the Year Double Deuce Lounge to close on Bridge St as Friday drinks fizzle It hasnt been the same since COVID, says one operator as other venues also exit the northern CBD precinct. Scott Bolles November 5, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Double Deuce Lounge will call last drinks at its Bridge Street location in the next few months, with the 2025 Good Food Guide Bar of the Year joining a growing number of hospitality venues departing the northern CBD precinct. In the last week, the chefs hatted Allta relocated from Bridge Street to Surry Hills, and Kitchen by Mike, the stalwart restaurant on nearby Bent Street, closed. Friday afternoons, Im scratching my head, Double Deuce co-owner Sebastian Cosmo Soto said of the post-pandemic drop-off in late-week trade, fuelled by the new work-at-home culture. Friday used to be our bread and butter it hasnt been the same since COVID. Double Deuce Lounge is looking to pivot to a smaller, nimbler operation with lower rent. Dominic Lorrimer Faced with a new economic reality, Double Deuce will pivot to a new model. Soto said they were negotiating on a new site elsewhere in the Sydney CBD, where they could run a smaller, nimbler operation with lower rent. Theyll continue to trade on Bridge Street until the end of their lease. Well probably close [in] late December, Soto said. The award-winning hospitality venue named after the dive bar in the 1989 Patrick Swayze film Road House is typical of hospitality businesses that have been forced to adapt to a shrinking number of busy days. People say Thursday is the new Friday, but its not [at that level], Soto said. Advertisement With Friday trade shrinking by as much as a third, Soto said lost revenue would have covered the wage of an additional staff member, electricity bills or part of the rent. When former Rockpool head chef Mike McEnearney opened Kitchen by Mike on Bent Street in 2019, hed honed his canteen to the stars in Rosebery before being lured by the potential of high-volume traffic in the Sydney CBD. Early business in the city was good, but the drop-off in trade on certain days of the week post-COVID became noticeable. McEnearney said CBD hospitality operators were now transfixed by occupancy in the towers surrounding them, particularly on Mondays and Fridays when WFH is at its peak. And he doesnt blame them: If I could work from home I would. Korean fine-diner Allta has relocated from Bridge Street in the CBD to Surry Hills. Trent van der Jagt While Kitchen by Mike continued to trade well Tuesday to Thursday, a strong three-day-a-week business wasnt sustainable for a lunch-heavy operation. Our model is better suited to places where you get seven days of traffic. We do really well at the airport, and [in] mid-2026 were opening Kitchen by Mike at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. Advertisement The city has changed over the past few years and, as always, were moving with the times, McEnearney said. Korean fine-diner Allta doesnt rely on the spontaneous trade of business lunches or the after-work drinks crowd, but its exit from Bridge Street to Surry Hills was still prompted by a slowdown in the CBD. The city, particularly on weekends, has become quieter than it once was, and Surry Hills offers the foot traffic and vibrant atmosphere we need, Alltas chief business officer, Anece So, said. Under the watch of Jung-Su Chang, a former executive chef at acclaimed Seoul fine-diner Jungsik, Allta steamed into the prestigious two chefs hat category at last years Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards with its inventive Korean food. Trade dropped on certain days post-COVID at Mike McEnearneys Kitchen by Mike CBD location. Edwina Pickles Advertisement We decided to move Allta to Surry Hills because it has become the heart of Sydneys dining scene, So said. They pounced on the former site of short-lived Nomad restaurants wine bar and Lebanese flatbread spin-off, Beau. Allta opened late last week at the Reservoir Street site. Our new space is significantly larger, allowing us to reduce the cost of our menu and make our two-hat degustation experience more accessible to a broader range of diners, So said. Its a change that will help us continue to grow and reach more people who want to enjoy high-quality dining in a lively, central location. With the clock ticking on Double Deuces time on Bridge Street, Soto is hopeful the pre-Christmas rush will add a welcome bump in trade. Like many hospitality operators, Soto would welcome support from big business and the return of more workers to city buildings. He misses the warm-up nerves of Friday nights, where the lounge packed out early. On Friday, I used to get a bit nervous, Soto said. Hes optimistic about the move, however: It was probably time, [it will] vibe all the time. Related Article High-profile Chippendale eat street to lose prized restaurant as Longshore set to close Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up A former NSW police officer-turned barrister has had his assets frozen by a Sydney court following allegations from Swiss authorities that he may have embezzled $US36.5 million ($55.8 million). Barrister Evatt Tamine, who was granted immunity against prosecution, was to be the key witness at the trial of his former boss, Texan billionaire Robert T. Brockman, in a case described by prosecutors as the largest ever tax charge against an individual in the United States. Australian barrister Evatt Tamine at his Balmain residence in May 2020. Credit: Dean Sewell But Brockman, who made his fortune providing software to car dealerships, died in August 2022 before his case went to trial. The 81-year-old billionaire was facing 39 charges, including wire fraud, money-laundering, tax evasion, evidence tampering and conspiracy. Tamine, 61, is now facing allegations that he misappropriated millions of dollars from the trust funds he was controlling on Brockmans behalf. In August 2025, the Supreme Court of Bermuda granted a worldwide proprietary asset preservation and freezing injunction against Tamine and various companies. Former Kangaroos and Dragons forward Trent Merrin has been charged with stealing $140,000 worth of cryptocurrency after allegedly using deceptive means to transfer the funds from a victims account. Merrin, who retired from the NRL in 2021 after 250 first grade games, was arrested at his home in the Shellharbour region on Tuesday morning, one year after police began investigations into the alleged theft from a 29-year-old mans cryptocurrency account. Trent Merrin was arrested at his Shellharbour home on Tuesday morning. Credit: Nine News Merrin, 36, has been active in the cryptocurrency landscape since his retirement, describing himself online as a cryptocurrency enthusiast and a dedicated entrepreneur and investor. He has pursued a range of business ventures since his retirement, including starting a cold plunge therapy service as part of a push into the booming health and wellness space. 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 Resembling underground cathedrals, two giant chambers beneath Sydneys inner west are about to become the scene of a complex feat of engineering. Each 120 metres long, 26 metres high and 18 metres wide, the caverns carved out of sandstone under Birchgrove will serve as sites where two giant boring machines will be carefully pieced together in tight confines over the next four months. Before reaching that point, hundreds of trips mostly in the dead of night to avoid disruptions on City West Link will be made to the caverns via surface roads and tunnels. Loaded onto special trailers or trucks, about 380 large pieces that make up the boring machines will be slowly transported from Glebe Island, where they are being temporarily stored after arriving on-board two ships from China. Transport for NSW project director Simon Cooper said the caverns had been dug to exact specifications, leaving little room either side of the boring machines as they are pieced together underground. Workers toil in one of the giant launch chambers for the tunnel boring machines. Credit: Kate Geraghty We built it, hopefully, just right. It is a Goldilocks sort of situation where we want to make sure that we are not building too small and we dont have enough space to build, and at the same time not too big, where we are over-excavating and taking out too much spoil, he explained. By the middle of next year the two largest boring machines in the southern hemisphere will start worming their way northwards under Sydney Harbour from their so-called launch chambers to Waverton, leaving in their path what will become a three-lane motorway in either direction. In completing the final 1.5-kilometre section, the $7.4 billion Western Harbour Tunnel will link the WestConnex motorway under the inner west to the Warringah Freeway in the north, allowing drivers to bypass the CBD. In preparation for the new harbour crossing, the Warringah Freeway is undergoing a $2 billion upgrade, causing delays for drivers when lanes are closed for construction at weekends before its completion next year. Advertisement Deep below Birchgrove, the chambers illustrate the scale of the mega-project. Completed about three weeks ago, the excavation of about 380,000 tonnes of sandstone and other rock to create the chambers and a massive cross-passage to link the two took about nine months. In each cavern a 500-tonne gantry crane, along with a smaller 60-tonne one, runs along rails on heavily reinforced ledges near the ceiling, and will be used to slot the large pieces of the boring machines into place. Its a logistics nightmare to do this on the surface, let alone underground. We could only do it with a lot of computer modelling and a lot of experienced people, Cooper said. You have things like welding and lifting very, very heavy weights, and so you have to make sure safety is paramount. But at the same time you have to build in an environment which is almost like a factory-type situation, where you can assemble it safely [and] get to the relevant locations. Mechanical superintendent Martin Bell walks past some of the 380 pieces for the two tunnel-boring machines being stored temporarily at Glebe Island. Credit: Kate Geraghty Everything has to be measured to pinpoint accuracy to avoid a situation where, for example, the gantry cranes could not lift parts of the boring machines into place because they were too heavy. Likewise, the delivery of pieces is sequenced to the minute. Youve got to feed the beast. Logistics are one of the biggest challenges in the whole part of it, said mechanical superintendent Martin Bell, who has helped piece together about 30 boring machines in his three-decade career. Advertisement A dress rehearsal was carried out in China, where the boring machines were built. They were assembled to ensure everything works and then pulled apart so they could be shipped to Sydney. Likening it to piecing together a massive Meccano set, Cooper said installing a giant cutter head on each boring machine was one big welding exercise and required large amounts of scaffolding in the caverns. Once they set off by mid-next year, the boring machines are expected to take nine to 12 months to tunnel to the north side. Spanish contractor Acciona will operate the machines which dwarf those used to carve out Sydneys metro rail tunnels around the clock when they reach a section of alluvial fill beneath the harbour, to avoid them becoming stuck. Boring-machine plant manager Leonardo Pia, left, and Transport for NSW project director Simon Cooper inspect part of a slurry treatment plant in a cavern. Credit: Kate Geraghty The highest risk for us is going under the harbour. We have got the best machine for doing it, Cooper said. Tunnelling is complex and we are going underneath the harbour with alluvial fill. You dont know, with tunnelling all the way, exactly what youll get until you get there. At the same time you can do everything in advance in preparation for all the different scenarios. In a change of plans, trucks carrying spoil hundreds of times a day from the underground site will now drive directly into the M4 and M8 tunnels for WestConnex on their way to other projects or a support site at Emu Plains in western Sydney, avoiding the City West Link and other surface roads. Advertisement NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the engineering involved in the first motorway crossing of the harbour in three decades was astounding. Its incredible to see how big it is. It kind of blows your mind, she said. Aitchison said the project was on track to be completed in 2028, noting lessons had been learnt from previous mega-projects. We do have to keep a really tight eye on them all the time because things can blow out very quickly. But at the moment were on time [and] were on budget, she said. Once the 6.5-kilometre Western Harbour Tunnel is opened in 2028, motorists will be none the wiser about the giant caverns dug to build the project because they will be backfilled with spoil to road level, leaving three-lane tunnels that look exactly like the rest of the toll road. Aitchison said the new motorway would cut traffic on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent, the Sydney Harbour Tunnel by about 20 per cent and the Harbour Bridge by about 17 per cent. Youre talking about two tunnels, three lanes in either direction. So thats a huge amount of extra capacity crossing the harbour. That will be a game changer, she said, adding that it will reduce travel times for motorists by up to 20 minutes in some areas. It really will change the way people move across the city. Advertisement The states richest and most prestigious sandstone university enrolled almost a thousand fewer local undergraduates in 2024 compared with five years ago. But the University of Sydneys shortfall in domestic students was offset by an extra 10,000 international students over the same period, with enrolments skyrocketing above 78,000 last year, according to the latest Department of Education data. First year law student Zayed Tabish, 19, has seen students sitting on the floor in lecture theatres. Credit: Steven Siewert First year law and arts students Zayed Tabish transferred this year from the University of NSW to Sydney, where he saw students sitting on the floor in lecture theatres. Early on, there was a fight for seats It forces students online for some lectures, he said. Former federal Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has claimed in court that he fears the national corruption watchdog could launch a Christmas raid on his home, as he pursues the agency and the federal government over his legal costs. Lehrmann launched Federal Court proceedings in September against the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Commonwealth, seeking a declaration by the court that he is eligible for federal funding for legal costs incurred in complying with two NACC investigations. Bruce Lehrmann outside the Federal Court in Sydney in August. Credit: Edwina Pickles He also sought a declaration that the Commonwealth had unreasonably delayed a grant of funding. During a preliminary hearing on Tuesday conducted in Sydney with Lehrmann appearing via audiovisual link from a courtroom in Hobart the court heard that the Commonwealth, via Special Minister of State Don Farrell, had now formally rejected Lehrmanns application for legal funding. 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 It beggars belief that anyone would be circling the Liberal leadership role at this point, but Sussan Ley has been placed in a most untenable position (Coalition in crisis as Ley fights for her job, November 4). Yes, she has made some mistakes in her first six months as leader, but she has no choice but to hold her position on net zero targets and stare down the hard-right members of her party. If she doesnt, the voting public will see her as weak and lacking any policy substance. She must know that the hard right of her party are largely out of step with the vast majority of the population, who want to see an end to the decades-long climate wars and want to see a cohesive, long-term bipartisan approach to the climate challenge. If youre going to go down, Sussan, go down fighting. Tony Bennett, Broke David Littleproud, Melissa McIntosh and Dan Tehan with Sussan Ley (front) in federal parliament this week. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen With Labors resounding 2025 election result, I had hoped that the Coalition would understand the need to reposition itself as an effective, centrist opposition. That is obviously not the case. The Nationals keep sending hospital passes to their senior partner, Sussan Ley is on a road to nowhere with her right-wing enemies, and credible policy formulation is left at the station. The electorate must be despairing. It deserves better, but its clear that wont happen anytime soon. Grahame Riethmuller, Redbank I feel very sorry for Sussan Ley. Shes being forced to reject net zero targets or lose the Liberal Party leadership. And if she does reject net zero and retains her position, she will lose the election anyway, as the electorate have made it clear that is not an acceptable option. When she was elected as leader, it was the first sensible decision the Liberal Party had made for some time, but immediately the knives were out. Even if they dont achieve net zero, shouldnt they at least be aiming for it? I used to sometimes vote Liberal, but that was a long time ago. Christine Stewart, Glebe With the Nationals gathering just 3.8 per cent of the vote at the last election, its extraordinary to watch them yet again wag the Liberal dog on climate action. Of course, I could be wrong, but past experience tells me Im not. Alan Phillips, Mosman Sobering reality While Matt Kean correctly observes that Australia will need new industries to offset the consequences of giving up coal and gas exports (Posturing on net zero is pointless, November 4), I wonder whether we realise just how big an ask it will be to give up 40 per cent (and rising) of our export income over time? Certainly, we cannot tell China, Japan or Korea to stop burning what we sell to them until weve cut our own domestic emissions, which appears to be too hard for the Nationals and some Liberals to get their minds around. But even the government is approving increased exports of coal and gas while arguing for a pathway to net zero. What hope is there for reduced emissions if we cannot get our own act together? Ian Bowie, Bowral Advertisement Matt Keans article is a piece of sober reality. The Coalition, who purport to be the friend of business big and small, need to provide certainty and bipartisanship on commitment to net zero. While nuclear in principle might have been sensible in the energy mix at the last election, the absurd claims of seven plants all up and running within a decade was also pointless banter and the voters said as much. The Liberals were right on the money with the National Energy Guarantee proposal in 2017 by Malcolm Turnbull and Josh Frydenberg. Unfortunately, it did not see the light of day because of the pointless obsession of Tony Abbott and co. in bringing down Turnbull. The worlds momentum towards net zero by 2050 is unstoppable, and politicians pretending otherwise are seriously deluded. Bruce Hall, Avalon Credit: Cathy Wilcox In describing net zero as a tagline, the Liberal Party is proving yet again that it still hasnt grasped that climate change is a threatening material reality, not a political tactic (Hastie threat emerges as Ley fights to hold Coalition together, November 4). Ruth Barcan, Berowra Heights Tactic of cowards Marina Wilson offers some wise advice on so-called domestic violence (Letters, November 3). However, its time to stop calling it domestic violence and start calling it for what it is, coward violence, just like the king hit became the coward punch. Public shaming has to be introduced to solve this intractable problem as nothing else seems to be working. Billboards and TV ads should be everywhere, with slogans like real men dont hit women. When I was at school in the 70s in Australia, it was deeply ingrained that as a boy, you simply never hit a girl. Ms Wilson rightly says men are normally built stronger, which means they have the greater responsibility to walk away before things get violent, regardless of who is wrong and who is right. There needs to be a concerted campaign in every form of media that stresses real men dont commit violence against women, and any violence against a female partner or child is coward violence. Andrew Cronin, Robertson Metro or Godot? Thank you for the excellent editorial on the Metro delay (Some trains on platform M1 are delayed until further notice, November 4). For commuters in Marrickville, Dulwich Hill and Hurlstone Park, the frustration is compounded by the inappropriate and leisurely route of the substitute buses. The Dulwich Hill bus stop is a long walk up a hill on a side street away from the railway station. At the same time, the buses going to Canterbury and beyond clog the already heavy traffic at Marrickville and Dulwich Hill shopping centres but do not stop. If buses could stop once at each shopping centre and Dulwich Grove Light Rail, it would make lives (marginally) easier while we continue to wait for Godot. Joanna Mendelssohn, Dulwich Hill Advertisement I have returned recently returned to Sydney after nine weeks overseas. My morning walk takes me past Canterbury station, where I was eager to see what progress had been made in that time (M1 Metro delay goes unexplained, commuters feel pain, November 4). I was not too surprised to see no apparent progress. Since the start of this project, which I have observed regularly on my daily walk, a few people seem to be working but usually about 80 per cent of employees are standing around doing nothing, or looking at their mobile phones. It doesnt take a genius to figure out why this project has been delayed and the budget has blown out. Peter Miniutti, Ashbury Sydney rail commuters wait for replacement buses. Credit: Steven Siewert Having read about the stabbing on a London-bound train, I wonder about the safety of our new Metro services, where the emphasis is on driverless, crewless trains and unmanned stations (Train suspect accused of earlier knife attacks, November 4). It was stated that the action of the trained staff on the train reduced the severity of the incident. I wonder if the safety of passengers is ever taken into consideration, or is it the cost of staffing those services is more important? Ian McNichol, Ultimo Means test free power Supplying three hours of free daytime power to Australian households is a generous gesture that will relieve the crushing cost of living, particularly for airconditioning in searing summer heat (Households offered free power, with a catch, November 4). It seems a great idea, except for those of us who have already spent $25,000 to install solar panels. I am annoyed that the high cost of setting up solar is being bled to feed the energy needs of those who have not set up their own. I have no quarrel with households that cannot afford the set-up costs, but this free power should be means-tested rather than a free-for-all. Is this a fair and equitable redistribution of my costly investment in solar energy? Its like robbing Peter to pay Paul. Our current excess energy is being fed back into the grid and offsets night-time grid-derived consumption. Is our sell-back to the grid being generously gifted to well-off families that can afford to pay for their own solar set-up? This guts any incentive to transition to solar and renewables when your neighbours have already done the hard yakka for you. This is even before one argues the cost of maintenance of panels and hail damage. Joseph Ting, Brisbane (Qld) Congratulations to the federal government for introducing three hours of free electricity. My household receives free power for two hours from noon from our provider. We charge our car, do our washing and charge household batteries during this time. As a result, our power bills have been slashed. My advice? Get in the habit of setting the timer on your washing machine and dishwasher to start at noon, even if youre away from the house. John Boast, Hunters Hill Advertisement Smelter shame Back in the 60s, academic and social critic Donald Horne called Australia the lucky country as an ironic jibe at the mediocrity of its leaders. Our current leaders continue this display of incompetence. China can install 270 gigawatts of solar in one year, but we cannot install the one gigawatt needed by the Tomago smelter. The wires carrying electricity to Tomago travel about 100 kilometres from the Hunter Valley generators to the smelter. They traverse hundreds of square kilometres of farmland. Why is it beyond the capacity of Rio Tinto, AGL and Energy Australia to install in two years the 4 sq km of panels needed to feed the smelter? The managers are paid millions to look after the interests of their companies, but the first thing they do is demand government support and threaten to shut down the smelter if they dont get it. They should resign in shame for this abrogation of responsibility. Alan Stanley, Upper Corindi The Tomago smelter produces just over one-third of the nations aluminium and consumes more than 10 per cent of NSWs electricity. Credit: Chris Elfes Drainage difficulties I share Woollahra Councils concerns about excavation below the water table (Council targets parking under new apartments to tackle defects, November 3). My late husband, Nicholas Krikis, was the architect of Mascot Towers. The developers followed his advice to not excavate for parking, but to put it above ground. His reason? Building below the water table requires a level of technical expertise that many local builders dont have. If water seeps in, it has to be pumped out, and this can undermine adjacent properties. Peak Towers by Aland Development adjacent to Mascot Towers has basement parking, and during its construction, Mascot Towers suffered structural damage, with residents evacuated. Then-deputy premier John Barilaro said reports showed a drop in water table which could be impacting the structural integrity of Mascot Towers. The state government appointed engineers to investigate but their report has been kept secret. Mascot Towers homeowners sued Aland and reached a settlement, but the money was not enough to effect repairs. Theyve lost their homes and their lifes savings. How can we have confidence that an industry beset by waterproofing defects will successfully manage critical basement waterproofing? Meredith Trevallyn-Jones, Cremorne Marvellous midwives Having attended countless births over the past 45 years I have never ceased to be amazed by the skill of the midwives (Victoria and NSW consider laws to restrict rogue birth workers, November 4). Every birth is different and occasionally terrifying. Even with modern monitoring, one in 500 deliveries can, and does, go unexpectedly wrong. I have seen over and over again how the dedication and professionalism of the midwives has saved countless lives. It is time for NSW to follow South Australias lead and legislate to ban untrained people from providing doula type of care without being a registered midwife. Dr Andrew McDonald, Menangle Advertisement Words devalued Its ironic that Geoffrey Dyer complains about Orwellian doublethink and then accuses Israel of both terrorism and genocide (Letters, November 3). There is no general confusion over whether Hamas or the IDF are the terrorists, except among the extreme anti-Israel fringe. Its a simple matter of moral clarity. As Athol Morris succinctly explained in the same letters column, the terrorists are those who deliberately target civilians, not those who warn civilians while targeting the terrorists. It is also not genocide, as the warnings and evacuations demonstrate. In an actual genocide, an army as powerful as Israels would have killed many times more people, and the supposed victims wouldnt have been able to stop it by simply surrendering. Dyer is right that words matter, and using terms like terrorism and genocide where they dont apply devalues their gravity. Shane Shmuel, Elsternwick (Vic) Gina Rinehart talks to the president in an Instagram post from the Donald Trump Halloween party. Credit: Instagram Party people Great to see Gina and Pauline having a great time at Dons party with so many like-minded people (Pauline Hanson, Gina Rinehart sighted at Trumps Halloween party, November 4). I wonder if Gina is planning a foray into politics with One Nation, ex-Nationals and far-right Libs. Oh dear. Mark Shannon, Skennars Head Advertisement Compare the two great cities of our age: New York and Parramatta. One is a gang-infested, crime-ridden hellscape where all but the brave or foolish fear to tread. The other is New York City. At least thats how Curtis Sliwa, the beret-wearing 71-year-old running as the Republican candidate for mayor of New York, remembers the city when he came here to establish a vigilante force. Took me an hour to get all the way out to the suburbs, I go, how bad could it possibly be? And then when I walked around oh, they got gangs here, he told independent West Australian blog The Last Place on Earth on Monday. More than 10,000 people were killed by armed groups in the African country in two years, but many of the victims were Muslim Nigeria has faced two decades of escalating violence perpetrated by armed groups whether terrorists or criminal gangs resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and more than 3.5 million people displaced from their homes. Between May 2023 and May 2025 alone, over 10,000 people were killed, according to Amnesty International. Victims have included both Christians and Muslims, the Nigerian government says. This violence takes many forms, ranging from radical Islamism in the northeast to conflicts between herders and farmers in the central region, as well as so-called bandits, as they are known in Nigeria, who specialize in kidnapping, extortion, and murder. On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action if the Nigerian government did not take steps to stop the atrocities committed against the Christian population. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST! the Republican posted on his social media account, Truth Social. With this warning, Trump implicitly endorsed a narrative promoted by certain U.S. religious and conservative lobbying groups, which have long claimed that a Christian genocide is occurring in Nigeria. One prominent supporter of this view is Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who a month ago claimed on X that since 2009, 50,000 Christians had been massacred in the African country and 18,000 churches burned, accusing the Nigerian government of ignoring it and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians. The Nigerian government has denied Trumps allegations. There is no systematic, intentional attempt either by the Nigerian government or by any serious group to target a particular religion, Information Minister Idris Muhammed told Associated Press. Daniel Bwala, communications adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, highlighted the support the U.S. has provided Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and said a meeting between the two leaders was planned to clarify any disagreements. Armed groups, Bwala said, had killed people from all faiths, or none. In mid-April, alleged members of the Fulani ethnic group carried out a series of attacks on Christian communities in the towns of Bokkos and Bassa in Plateau State, central Nigeria. At least 113 people were killed, around 300 homes were burned, and roughly 3,000 people were forced to flee. Two months later, armed men entered a mosque in Malumfashi, in the state of Katsina, in northern Nigeria, shooting worshipers and killing about 50 Muslims. In August, the attackers struck a nearby mosque again, murdering another 27 people. This is just a snapshot of the cycle of intercommunal violence afflicting the African country. Nigeria has approximately 220 million inhabitants, half of whom are Muslim, with a large presence in the north of the country, and the other half Christian, concentrated mostly in the south. For decades, tensions have existed between Fulani herder groups, mostly Muslim, and sedentary farming communities, usually Christian, in the central states. These tensions are driven by water scarcity and access to grazing land, pressures that have been worsened by climate change. Far from decreasing, the conflict has increasingly erupted in violence. According to an Amnesty International report published last May, at least 10,217 people were killed in armed attacks across the states of Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The authorities failure to hold suspected perpetrators accountable is fueling a cycle of impunity that is making everyone feel unsafe. Time is running out, as gunmen, bandits and insurgents are ramping up attacks daily. The nationwide bloodshed must end now, said Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, in the report. He argued that President Tinubu, who took office in 2023, has failed to end this violence, despite having promised to do so during his campaign. Things have only gotten worse, as the authorities continue to fail to protect the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty and the security of tens of thousands of people across the country, he added. Criminal gangs sow terror While the violence in Benue and Plateau can be attributed to the herder-farmer conflict, in the northern states such as Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, and Sokoto most deaths are linked to armed criminal groups who terrorize the population with looting, kidnappings, and indiscriminate killings. In this region, Muslims are the most affected because they make up the majority of the population. Another major hotspot is the northeast, particularly the states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are clashing with the Armed Forces and conducting a massacre of civilians, especially in the Lake Chad region. The victims are often Muslim. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A huge crocodile that featured in 1990s footage being captured and released by Steve Irwin and that was recently exhibiting dangerous behaviour has been controversially rehomed from Far North Queensland to Australia Zoo. A spokesperson said the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) started receiving reports of a large crocodile in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park exhibiting dangerous behaviour towards humans in July. The reptile, more than four metres long, was captured by DETSI wildlife officers early in September. Known as Old Faithful, the crocodile was held until this weekend, when it was moved to the Irwin family zoo on the Sunshine Coast. Unlike homebirths, which are attended by two registered midwives and generally considered safe for low-risk pregnancies, freebirths take place without medical professionals. It is a legal right, and one maternity academics say is gaining in popularity though still unusual. Two health sources say Warnecke was treated for a significant postpartum hemorrhage when she arrived at Frankston Hospital, in Melbournes south-east, on September 29 after choosing to have a freebirth at her Seaford home. She arrived at the hospital in a critical state. Stacey Warnecke and husband Nathan while she was pregnant with their first child. Credit: Instagram Staff desperately tried to save Warnecke by performing surgery to stop the bleeding but were unsuccessful. Her baby son, Axel, survived. The Age tried unsuccessfully to contact Warneckes family. Freebirth is gaining popularity as social media influencers promote the benefits of a natural birth without unwanted medical interventions. Risks are minimised in passionate testimonials by women who have had their babies this way, but concerns have been raised about some doulas performing tasks well outside their scope. Loading Last week, this masthead revealed that Australias nursing and midwifery board was considering what safety measures it could introduce to prevent dangerous freebirths. Frankston Hospital is understood to have reported Lal who has deleted her Authentic Birthkeeper Instagram account to the Health Complaints Commissioner. On October 21, the commissioner issued an interim prohibition notice banning Lal from providing any health service. The birthing influencer was also mentioned at the August coronial inquest into the 2022 death of a newborn, known as Baby E, who died following a prolonged freebirth in a bacteria-filled inflatable pool rented from Lal. Baby Es mother said she was in contact with Lal after the birth, with one text message to Lal saying: We cant wake her, we arent sure if shes breathing. Doula and homebirth influencer Emily Lal. Credit: Instagram The woman then sent Lal a photo showing the babys face was blue. Ms Lal reportedly viewed [the baby] via FaceTime and then told [the mother] to call 000 for an ambulance, the coroner said. It was a miscarriage between two of Lals own pregnancies that cemented her commitment to freebirthing, according to comments she made on The Matrescence podcast. I didnt rely on the medical system, she said. We can do this at home and without all the interventions. Loading Lal described controversial former homebirth midwife Martina Gorner as her friend and mentor. Gorner, whom The Age attempted to interview, was permanently banned from the profession after an autopsy found a clear link between the death of a baby and her delays in sending the mother to hospital. She is understood to have been Lals private midwife during one of her pregnancies. Lal told a podcast she had to transfer to another midwife after Gorner was suspended from practising due to her role in the delivery of surprise twins during a homebirth. The twins mother had refused ultrasounds during her pregnancy and was unaware she was carrying two babies. Although they were born healthy, they were transported to hospital by ambulance after one developed breathing issues. Speaking on another podcast hosted by freebirthing advocate Natalie Rees, The Renegade Mama, Lal discussed the virtues of wild pregnancy, in which women have no pre-natal appointments or other checks. Lal told this podcast in 2023 that she had two wild pregnancies. She said she was pregnant with her third child when she was asked by a woman in the freebirthing community to visit her home, and arrived as paramedics were attempting to revive the womans baby, which had died after a freebirth. Lal told the podcast the mother was not a client of hers but was someone with whom she had formed a connection. Despite witnessing this, Lal said she would still never seek medical care during one of her own pregnancies. I realised that even though I had this fear of death coming up, not even for a split second did I think hiring a medical professional or hiring a midwife would be protective against that, she told the podcast. I really felt that if my baby dies, would I change anything I had done with my care or the way that I birthed my babies? And the answer was no, it really wouldnt change anything for me. Lal is so confident that medical interference is unnecessary that she told Rees that even when she had a pretty bad fall off her bike midway through her third pregnancy and was hurt badly enough to take a week to recover, she did not consider getting a check-up. That week I was like, God, have I injured the baby? she said. You know I have wild pregnancies, and I thought theres no point going and finding out if anything has changed because I thought theres nothing I can do about it at 20-some weeks. She kept going, she said, and everything was fine. Lal also told Rees that she was confident she could deliver her third baby in a freebirth with only her husband present, even though the baby was in the breech position until the day of delivery. Safer Care Victoria, the agency that assists in improving the states health system, advises that elective caesarean section for a singleton breech baby at term has been shown to reduce perinatal and neonatal mortality rates. It states that planning for vaginal breech birth requires careful assessment of suitability criteria, contraindications and the ability of the service to provide experienced personnel. A spokesman for Safer Care Victoria said the decision to freebirth was often influenced by trauma, cultural preferences or limited access to preferred care. He said that as freebirths occur outside the health system, they can delay birth registration, which affects Victorias birth records and available data. Regardless of where a woman gives birth, having a registered and trained clinician present means having immediate access to urgent care if needed ensuring the safety and best outcome for both mothers and babies, the spokesman said. Associate Professor Shyaman Menon, chief medical officer of Peninsula Health, which runs Frankston Hospital, said he was unable to comment on individual cases due to patient privacy. We echo Safer Care Victorias recommendations and encourage women to undertake their care with an [Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency]-registered maternity provider during pregnancy, birth and postnatally to ensure their preferences are taken into account in the safest way possible for both mother and baby, he said. Menon said the health service always welcomes pregnant, birthing or postnatal women and their babies who need to transfer their care to its service. Homelessness charities are sounding the alarm on the growing number of ordinary West Australians facing the choice between their health and paying the bills ahead of the Christmas festivities. Steve Robertsons family of nine were put on the street, living out of their car for weeks, after an injury forced him out of work from an injury, and they lost their Maddington rental. Steve and Kate Robertsons family, with Mission Australia manager Leanne Jayaseela, centre. Credit: Jack Maddern Its hard. Its just hard. I cant say it any other way than it is excruciatingly hard, and sometimes its physically painful knowing that you cant do what youre supposed to do, mum Kate Robertson said. Mission Australias Wattle House in Maddington had been helping the family tread water for the last 18 months, but have had to scale back their services in a time when they are needed more than ever after their federal funding was cut. Telling people that we actually dont have the resources we used to have is really hard for them to hear, manager Leanne Jayaseela. The demand is not going anywhere and we are entering the busiest period of the year. Their winding back of operations has seen food hampers for WAs most vulnerable families go down from two to one a week. The St Vincent de Paul emergency Canning Vale call centre is hearing firsthand from about 200 families who are unable to put food on the table for their kids. Emergency program coordinator Yogeetha Giri said that a flat tyre is all it takes for families to be tipped into the financial red, unable to recover. Unfortunately, some clients who are struggling have to choose between health costs or food, she said. This is not just happening to a minority group of clients, its actually every person in WA. St Vincent de Paul Canning Vale emergency program coordinator Yogeetha Giri. Credit: Jack Maddern The cost-of-living pressures have only ramped up this year, squeezing more from WA families. A recent survey by Vinnies found the demand for assistance has grown by 15 per cent, with a total of 58,000 calls. We all need to keep in mind thats a very large number. Thats 58,000 households or individuals whove reached out for assistance in the year, Vinnies WA chief executive Ann Curan said. Weve seen an increase in numbers, new people calling us for the first time, often dual-income families, essential workers in our community. Both charities are calling on West Australians to give a little this Christmas, so families struggling can put food on the table and presents under the tree. Zero pricing for three hours a day does not match how the market actually works, EnergyAustralia chief customer officer Kate Gibson said. This could erode competition due to the potential cost to retailers, which is not in the interests of consumers in the long term. Why is the government doing this? Australia is a world leader in rooftop solar uptake, with more than 4 million households about one in three now fitted with rooftop panels. When the sun is brightest in the middle of the day, all of these rooftops, as well as large-scale solar farms, are generating enormous amounts of electricity. This sends wholesale power prices what retailers pay for electricity before on-selling it to customers tumbling to below zero for hours at a time. But theres a problem: not enough households use electricity in the middle of the day. By the time people begin arriving home in the evenings and turning on their appliances, the sun is setting, solar power is receding, and electricity prices spike because the grid is forced to call on more expensive generators, such as gas-powered turbines. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The governments Solar Sharer plan is designed to increase daytime power consumption to absorb more of the daylight solar glut and shift usage away from the busy evening peak demand period. It is hoped millions of Australians will, in the middle of the day, charge electric vehicles or use the free power hours to switch on power-hungry appliances such as hot water heaters, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers. How does the scheme work? Electricity retailers will be forced to offer new power plans that supply free electricity during the middle of the day when solar power is at peak supply, roughly from 11am to 2pm. Solar Sharer energy plans will be available to all home and apartment owners and renters, including those with and without solar panels. Property owners who cannot install solar panels are encouraged to install a battery to soak up free power and use it later in the day. Loading Energy users can choose to sign up to the Solar Sharer plans, which will be introduced alongside the Australian Energy Regulators default market offer, which sets the maximum prices that electricity retailers can charge on standard plans for customers who do not take up special deals. Some retailers, including AGL and Snowy Hydros Red Energy, already offer free access to power for some customers in the middle of the day in certain circumstances. Eligible customers will not need solar panels, but will need to have a smart meter, a device with a digital two-way communication system that measures electricity use. In Victoria, more than 99 per cent of homes already have a smart meter. They are being rolled out in NSW and Queensland, where most retailers install them for free on request. The Solar Sharer plan will be available from July next year to customers in NSW, South Australia and south-east Queensland, where the AER sets benchmark power plans. A Victorian government spokesperson said it was working on a rollout as well. How much money can I save? It depends on a few factors. Changing when you use electricity will drive any savings, with the more appliances you can shift to running during the free hours leading, the better your bill relief. Running an average dishwasher load at a cost of 30c per kilowatt hour relatively common during peak times costs around 34 cents, according to the South Australian governments energy advisory service. Running a front loader washing machine at the same rate costs about 20 cents, while a medium load in a dryer would cost about 50 cents. While shifting those tasks to free hours may save a couple of dollars a day, that can add up, according to government data on the policy. It predicts some households could save up to $800 through the initiative. Energy Department analysis found a large household would save about 28 per cent off their bill by shifting 25 per cent of its electricity consumption to a free period. The average household bill in Sydney is about $2000. The average in Victoria is about $1700. Frank Jotzo, professor of environmental and climate change economics at ANU, said if the prescribed plans include free energy during the middle of the day, they may conversely have higher energy prices at other times. If theres a situation where you get three hours free during the middle of the day but a higher price for the remaining 21 hours, it could be that many households, if they need to use more energy during those times, wont find this attractive, Jotzo said. Will it be a lot of effort? Shifting energy use can be tricky to maximise for homes without a battery, said Marnie Shaw, associate professor at the ANUs Energy Change Institute. Electric hot water, air conditioning, heating, as well as charging electric vehicles, account for most households largest uses of electricity, Shaw said. Loading While water heaters can be timed to run during the free hours; and air conditioning and heating can be set to pre-heat or pre-cool a home; the free hours of energy will not make it cheaper to run air conditioning or a heater during peak usage hours, which is traditionally when most people are in their homes. The same goes for charging electric vehicles. Most modern washing machines, dryers and dishwashers can be programmed to run at set times, but their lower energy consumption means potential savings are less pronounced. Popular gaming platform Roblox, which is in the sights of Australias federal police chief for harbouring abusers, will escape the governments teen social media ban when it comes into effect next month. Minister for Communications Anika Wells revealed on Tuesday that two more platforms, Reddit and livestreaming site Kick, will be forced to remove under-16s from their services from December 10. Communications minister Anika Wells said there was no excuse for non-compliance to the teen social media ban. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen They will join Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and X, which the government had already indicated would be captured by the laws. The platforms will need to take reasonable steps to prevent teens from using their sites or risk fines of up to $49.5 million. But others have been assessed as exempt from the ban for now. Gaming platforms popular with children, including Roblox and Lego Play, and messaging services such as Discord and WhatsApp have been ruled out, though they could be added in the future. The order for Tasmanias $1.13 billion Macquarie Point stadium was tabled in the states parliament on Tuesday, setting up a pivotal vote within weeks. The contentious proposal for a roofed stadium must be approved by Tasmanian parliament before the AFL will rubber-stamp the licence for the Tasmania Devils, the leagues 19th club hoping to join the competition in 2028. The House of Assembly the lower house is expected to debate whether plans for the stadium, which have split the state, should go ahead. Up for debate: The AFL insists a billion-dollar stadium must be built at Macquarie Point for the Devils to join the league in 2028. While the order was tabled on Tuesday, the 35 members of the lower house, comprising 14 Liberal MPs and 10 Labor MPs, along with a mix of independents and smaller party representatives, are unlikely to debate the issue until November 13, when discussions over the states interim budget are completed. Advertisement Sponsored InspirationAPT Luxury Travel Your six-star journey to the white continent Advertorial for APT Luxury Travel Ute Junker November 5, 2025 9:10am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Visiting Antarctica is an incredible experience, so it makes sense to do it right. You want to sail with a team that will give you the best experience of the frozen continent, on an itinerary that includes opportunities to kayak past icebergs, walk around penguin colonies and share insights into this astonishing ecosystem. Even as you plunge into adventuring, you still want to have plenty of luxuries on hand: fabulous food, room to stretch out, and enough options to ensure you dont get bored on the long voyage. If that sounds like you, APT Luxury Travels 15-day Antarctica Voyage aboard the Seabourn Venture small-ship cruise, a six-star purpose-built expedition ship that guarantees to make this a trip to remember. The Seabourn Venture blends luxury with adventure. With only 132 suites onboard, the Seabourn Venture ensures an intimate and refined atmosphere. Guests can truly experience ultra-luxury on board with seven distinct dining venues, offering a variety of fabulous food, and the convenience of 24-hour in-suite dining. With ample room to stretch out and enough options to ensure you dont get bored, this is the white continent as only APT can show you. Kick off (and farewell) in style Advertisement Your itinerary starts and concludes in Buenos Aires, Argentinas glamorous capital city. A city tour will showcase all the highlights, from chic Palermo and colourful La Boca to the ornate Recoleta Cemetery, perhaps the most ostentatious burial ground around. As a farewell on your final evening, a tango show is a chance to experience the fiery energy of this flamboyant, quintessentially Argentine dance. From here, fly down to the worlds southern-most city, Ushuaia the exclusive APT return flights are included in the price where there will be time to tour Tierra del Fuego National Park. This remote corner of the South American continent has some extraordinary terrain, including cloud-piercing mountains and rugged glaciers. Keep an eye out for wild guanacos, a doe-eyed relative of the llama. Rite of passage Once you board the Seabourn Venture in Ushuaia, the next stage of your adventure begins. It will take around two days to cross the Drake Passage to Antarctica, but dont count on too much downtime. There is plenty to do on the ship, including getting an immersive introduction to the many wonders of Antarctica. The ships expedition staff, a team of 23 experts, will prepare you for the amazing ecosystem you are about to experience, from the wonders of icebergs to the life cycle of Antarctic wildlife such as penguins and seals. Advertisement Once the Drake Passage is behind you, the race is on to spot the first iceberg. Your first sight of an icy giant is unforgettable. Fortunately, the ship has plenty of places from where you can watch the horizon. You dont even need to leave your suite on the Seabourn Venture, every suite has its own veranda, which means you can always have one eye on the horizon. Whether kayaking past icebergs or cruising the silent waters by Zodiacevery day is a new adventure A new adventure every day If there is one overriding aim on this cruise, it is to get off the ship as often as possible to experience Antarcticas beauties firsthand. The crew will assess conditions each day to identify the best activities and landing spots, and our fleet of 23 Zodiacs is always at the ready to get you out and about. The one thing we can promise is that every day will be different. Some days you will be landing on the shore, perhaps at a penguin colony where tens of thousands of these adorable animals nestle together, their cries melding into a powerful chorus. Advertisement Witness a Gentoo penguin colony up close. Another day might see you kayaking past icebergs close enough to see the air pockets in the ice, the splash of the paddles cutting into the water marking your progress. Or perhaps it will be a sightseeing trip on a Zodiac, keeping an eye out for powerful skuas flying overhead or the thrilling sight of mighty orcas on the hunt. You may even have the opportunity to stop in at a scientific research base, Port Lockroy, or pay a visit to Deception island, an active volcano that was formerly a whaling station. Cruising in comfort A trip to Antarctica is all about revelling in new sights and sounds, from watching Weddell seals basking on ice floes to savouring the incredible stillness where the loudest sound is the murmur of waves washing on a rocky shore. When you return from the days exploring, however, what you really want is a soft landing, and Seabourn Venture provides that in abundance. Advertisement Keep an eye out for Leopard seals, skuas, or even a mighty orca. It is not just about the comforts of your suite although with a walk-in wardrobe, customised mini-bar, your own bathtub and 24-hour room service at hand, it can be tempting to hole up. Luckily the indulgent spa, a pool, a sauna, and a fully-equipped gym are all good reasons to step out of your suite. And lets not forget the meals. Even as you cruise through this remote wilderness you can enjoy an impressive array of world-class dining. The eight onboard dining options range from made-to-order sushi to a classic high tea and tapas-style bites to 24-hour in-suite dining. There are flavour-filled Mediterranean classics at Solis, family-style dining at The Colonnade, even champagne and caviar on request at The Patio. With all food and beverage included in your fare, any time is a good time to indulge. Ready to explore? APT Luxury Travels 15-day Antarctica Voyage ensures a seamless and unforgettable voyage. For more information, visit here. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: APT Luxury Travel Traveller Guides Advertisement Travel newsAir travel The Boeing 2707 Americas failed attempt to build its own Concorde Chris Leadbeater November 5, 2025 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 12 View all comments If you boil it down to the basic facts, the era of commercial supersonic flight was a European phenomenon. Concorde, its standard-bearer, arrived on the timetables on January 21 1976, as the fast fruit of a collaboration between Britain and France. The Tupolev Tu-144, its short-lived rival, was Russias riposte amid the chill of the Cold War. By contrast, this dance with the speed of sound did not, to any significant extent, involve the United States. Although New York would become Concordes most glamorous destination, American carriers did not add supersonic jets to their fleets. A rendering of the Boeing 2707 supersonic jet. Production was cancelled in 1971 before a prototype was produced. Alamy Times change, of course. More than 20 years on from Concordes retirement, the US is preparing to step onto the supersonic stage via Boom Overture the state-of-the-art airliner that, capable of flying at speeds of up to Mach 1.7 (2100 km/h), has been pencilled in for a 2029 launch. Yet this is not the first time the US has tried to crack the supersonic code. It once had its own horse in the post-war high-speed race: the Boeing 2707; the lost American Concorde. Advertisement Pipped by its allies The US was certainly aware of the potential for commercial supersonic flight in the aftermath of the Second World War. Indeed, the Seattle-based Boeing had begun research into the possibilities in 1952, four years prior to the foundation of the UKs Supersonic Transport Aircraft Committee (STAC) in October 1956. A Tu-144 at Technik Museum Sinsheim in Germany, the only version of the aircraft you can find outside Russia. Getty Images But where Britain moved swiftly towards nuts and bolts, American thinking stayed largely tied to the drawing board. Certainly, the US government seemed to be blindsided by the announcement, on November 29, 1962, of the Anglo-French treaty that would give birth to Concorde. It was bad enough that the Soviet enemy was succeeding in this sphere (Moscow had published the first details on the Tupolev Tu-144 in the January of that year); now Americas allies were also getting ahead. Concorde was in the sky within seven years, taking its maiden test flight out of Toulouse on March 2, 1969. Advertisement A nightmare scenario America only started taking the concept seriously at government level when John F. Kennedy entered the White House in January 1961 and announced Project Horizon, a blueprint for significant advances in US aviation. But the ink was still wet when the pact between London and Paris fell from the heavens. Legendary engineer Joe Sutter of Boeing, considered the father of the 747 jumbo jet, with models of aircraft including (top) the 2707 in 1966. Alamy Stock Photo The news sparked panic in Washington, as politicians contemplated a nightmare situation where all airliners were supersonic and European-made. On December 2 1962, Najeeb Halaby, director of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), wrote to Kennedy declaring that, should this worst-case scenario play out, it would cost the US aviation industry 50,000 jobs, $US4 billion ($6.13 billion) in income, and $US3 billion in capital as American carriers were forced to buy from across the ocean. Advertisement The Oval Office did not need to wait long for evidence that Halaby was not overreacting. On June 3 1963, Pan Am placed an order for six Concordes. Furious, Kennedy had to ring the airlines formidable chairman Juan Trippe and insist that he redirect his investment to home soil. Bigger, better, faster Two days later, Kennedy announced the National Supersonic Transport Program, a fast-track scheme that would inject considerable federal funding into the construction of an American response to Concorde. The instruction was clear: bigger, better, faster and more. Pragmatic heads had realised that the race to Mach 1 was already over. America needed to build not a starred-and-striped imitation of what was happening behind closed hangar doors in Bristol and Toulouse, but a second generation model that could come from behind to dominate the market. A full-scale mockup of the Boeing 2027. Getty Images A request for forward-thinking designs was sent to aviation behemoths Boeing, Lockheed and North American. Curtiss-Wright, General Electric and Pratt & Whitney were also put on notice as engine manufacturers. But as Concorde inched towards completion, America continued to lag behind. It would take almost four more years to whittle the various submitted suggestions down to one suitable champion. Finally, on January 1, 1967, the Boeing 2707 was unveiled. Advertisement A barely fathomable Mach 3 It did look, on paper at least, like a greater leap forward. In contrast to Concorde, whose design allowed for between 92 and 128 passengers, the 2707 had been sketched out with sufficient capacity for as many as 300 people. It would be propelled by General Electric GE4/J5 jet engines; four of them, capable of pushing the plane through the skies at a barely fathomable Mach 3 (3700 km/h) as opposed to Concordes Mach 1.76 (2173 km/h). Related Article Opinion Air travel Why youll never hear a pilot use the word plunge The Secret Pilot Airline pilot Moreover, the 2707 had a futuristic gleam in its use of a swing-wing system; an ability, adapted from military aircraft, to alter its wing position according to the phase of flight either flying with them in a conventional straight configuration for slower sections of the journey, or tucking them back into a triangular delta shape for supersonic cruising. The proposed timeframe for the projects completion was almost as speedy: the construction of two prototypes within the year (1967); the commencement of work on production aircraft by 1969; a first test flight in 1970; the 2707s entrance into commercial operations by 1974. Advertisement Problems behind the scenes It seemed as if America had finally arrived at the supersonic party. By October 1969, Boeing had 122 orders for the 2707, from 26 airlines. And not just US carriers such as Delta, Northwest Airlines and World Airways, but from European heavyweights like Alitalia, Iberia and KLM. Qantas ordered six. Not a single one of these 122 aircraft would ever be built. An illustration of how the Qantas version of the Boeing 2707 supersonic might have looked. Qantas In truth, the project found itself mired in difficulties before anyone had picked up a tool. One crucial issue was that, even in its theoretical form, the 2707 was too heavy, and too complex. In October 1968, the swing-wing concept, with its titanium pivot, was quietly dropped. The same tweaks to the blueprint saw the passenger capacity scaled back to 234. Work on the prototypes did not begin until September 1969, two years behind schedule. And by then, the political landscape had changed. Kennedy was dead, while his successor Lyndon B. Johnson had decided not to stand for re-election in 1968, and had watched aghast as the Democrats were swept out of power by a resurgent Richard Nixon. Advertisement The wrong sort of boom The newly installed Republican administration still believed in the 2707, but opposition was mounting elsewhere not least on noise grounds. In the spring of 1964, the US had subjected Oklahoma City to Operation Bongo II, a six-month sound experiment, starting on February 3, that had seen military jets fly above the conurbation at top speed, creating a total of 1253 sonic booms. The plan had been to test the American publics tolerance for such explosive interruptions, and Oklahoma City was selected in a deliberate attempt to generate a positive outcome. The local population was already used to Tinker Air Force Base, on the citys south-eastern fringes and many of its citizens were employed there. Related Article Air travel Game changers: The 10 most important planes in the history of air travel But while there was early enthusiasm for Operation Bongo II the local Chamber of Commerce even threw a celebratory dinner in response to its announcement Oklahomans quickly wearied of big bangs; eight sonic booms every day, the first at 7am. Advertisement By the time the flights were halted on July 30, there had been 9594 complaints, many of them about damage to property the most contentious example being the shattering of windows in the citys two tallest skyscrapers. Ultimately, the tests would lead to a class-action lawsuit against the government, and a hardening of American opinion about the invasiveness of supersonic flight. When a continuation of funding for the National Supersonic Transport Program was put to a vote on May 20,1971, the House of Representatives opted, by a score of 215 to 204, to turn off the cash taps. At a bureaucratic stroke, the 2707 was dead. A final indignity In some senses, Boeing had the last laugh. Although the abandonment of development work on the 2707 was reported to have cost 60,000 jobs, the company was able to focus more fully on the 747 an aircraft that would be slower, but far more successful, than Concorde. For all the talk of a supersonic era, only 20 Concordes were ever built. When production stopped on December 6 2022, Boeing had manufactured 1574 jumbo jets. Advertisement Only 20 Concordes were ever built. AP There was no such happy ending for the hapless 2707. All that would emerge from the factory was a single production model, a half-baked clue as to what might have been. Public interest in this ungainly ghost was almost non-existent. In 1973, the model was purchased by the SST Aviation Exhibit Center, a small museum in the central Florida town of Kissimmee where it was the main attraction until 1981. Its final indignity came in 1983, when the building was bought by a church. Too large to be moved, the 2707 was left in situ as the Osceola New Life Assembly of God conducted its services on the floor space below. In 2013, the aircraft returned home to Seattle, and the citys Museum of Flight but after 12 years of restoration, it has not been placed on display. The Telegraph, London Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Air travel For subscribers USA Finally, they had all packed into the buffet car and the toilets and locked the doors, as you do, and so that was it for me. Hearing the screams of injured passengers, Crean walked through the buffet car to the carriage where the knifeman had launched his attack and came face to face with him in the aisle. Crean said the attacker was over 185 centimetres, wore a grey tracksuit, had short afro-style hair and spoke with a London or south-east accent. Attacker looked pretty moody, pretty angry A door to the buffet car, where other passengers were hiding, was locked behind him as they fought, preventing potentially dozens of other injuries. He recalled: I could see somebody on the floor behind him with what looked like blood on them. He got nearer and nearer to me, so I went a little bit further back. He came up, he came up. And by that point, I was back at the buffet car, but they were making sure that door was locked. I heard it click, and thats when it kicked off. I played my part. I tried my best, thats all I could do. Im not a troublemaker. Ive never got involved with trouble in my life. But if someone came here and started on you, Ill have a go Stephen Crean He just looked pretty moody, pretty angry. He was on a mission. He knew what he wanted to do, and he was going to do it. And then, all of a sudden, this knife comes out, and I went straight for him. I tried to punch him, this and that. I was trying to hold his arm [with his knife]. It kicked off. But he caught me on the top of the head. Crean said he was stabbed in his left hand, three times in his back, once on his bottom and twice in his head. The BBC obtained an image of Anthony Williams in Peterborough the evening before the alleged train attack. Credit: BBC I just tried to hold him off and to keep the knife away, but it caught me. He got me a lot on my left hand, three times on my back, once on my bottom and twice on my head. I was bleeding a lot, he added. It all happened so quickly, and then he went back the other way, and then he went to the buffet car [where passengers were sheltering], but the door was already locked. I think my phone had dropped on the floor, so I picked it up, and I went the other way to him, he continued. Lying on the floor as he lost blood He said he found an empty toilet and locked the door before lying on the floor as he lost blood. About 10 minutes later, he opened the door to find armed police pointing guns at him. Loading I sneaked in a toilet. One of them was bloody empty. So I got in there, and he came back to find me, but Id locked the door by then. So I lay down because by then I felt a bit wheezy and tired, and I was losing blood. It must have been about 10 minutes. But then there was big banging and kicking and shouting outside, and it was armed police. They came on board and I said my name and they said, Yeah, Stephen, you can open the door. But even when I opened the door, they had the gun pointing at me to make sure it was me, and I hadnt put on a voice. Luckily, we were at the platform [in Huntingdon] by then, so it enabled me to get off. They opened the door just for me, and it was clever. They didnt open the whole train; otherwise, hes gonna get off. Paramedics treated Crean, gave him a foil blanket and took him by ambulance to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. His wounds were dressed and stitched up, and he was discharged at 6am on Sunday. Asked why he ran towards danger to confront the attacker, he said: I think there was no other choice. It just didnt dawn on me not to. Stephen Crean: I played my part. I tried my best, thats all I could do. Credit: PA Images via Getty Images My motive was to protect people. I think its just in my blood. I will always do that. I was scared, but then it went away. You just do whatever. You just go with it. Crean is now taking medication to guard against possible HIV infection after the attacker reportedly used the same knife on multiple victims. Because its a deep stab wound, they said I needed special tablets because I could catch AIDS, and things like this, he said. Crean sustained multiple injuries in the Saturday attack. Credit: PA Images via Getty Images Asked whether he is a hero, he said: One woman messaged me on Facebook and said, You probably saved my daughters life. And I just got that message earlier on, and I never get emotional, but that got to me. Im not brave. Theres gonna be braver people than me. The train guard, the police, and then the guys that got me off the train. And the poor train guard that got stabbed and is still in there [hospital] now. My God, there is more people out there than me. Its them, you know. Washington: Dick Cheney, the shrewd conservative who became one of the most powerful and polarising vice presidents in US history, has died aged 84. Cheney died on Monday night (Tuesday AEDT) due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement from his family. Prescient: Cheney is presented with a historic rifle at the 2004 National Rifle Association Convention in Pittsburgh. Credit: AP In his time in office, the vice presidency was no longer merely a ceremonial afterthought. Cheney made it the centre of a network of back channels from which to influence policy on Iraq, terrorism, presidential powers, energy and other cornerstones of a conservative agenda. The leading advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Cheney drew on decades of experience as a Washington operator to set the political agenda for the George W. Bush presidency. But his mild-mannered personal style belied a steely drive and his controversial backing of enhanced interrogation for terror suspects, considered by many to be torture. From dawn till dusk, from the Bronx to Staten Island, an army on the ground has carried the Democratic candidates message directly to the homes of the thousands of New York voters who go to the polls this Tuesday At 82, Joyce Ravitz is aware that she can no longer go up and down the stairs of New Yorks walk-ups the citys iconic early-20th-century buildings that still dont have elevators. Not with the same ease she did three decades ago, when she began volunteering for political campaigns. But that hasnt deterred her from going door to door in search of votes for New York Citys new Democratic mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani. Ravitz is part of an army of 100,000 volunteers who, over the past year, have carried Mamdanis message of building a more affordable city directly to the homes of more than a million voters in the most populous city in the United States. Ravitzs profile isnt the first that comes to mind when thinking about the movement Mamdani has created. The 34-year-old candidates campaign, which has drawn worldwide attention and inspired an awakening within the Democratic Party, has been characterized by its youth leadership. The millennial hopeful has maintained a strong presence on social media and has been seen in nightclubs and at concerts asking young people for their votes. Ravitz herself admits she didnt know much about his campaign until shortly before last Junes Democratic primaries. But when she saw Mamdani win that vote comfortably surprising his rivals and defying all the polls, which at the start of his candidacy gave him only a 1% chance she knew she was witnessing a historic phenomenon. A year after launching his campaign, Mamdani heads into this Tuesdays election an event that could end with the selection of New Yorks first Muslim socialist Democratic mayor with a lead of between five and 26 points over his opponents, according to polls. The candidate himself attributes his meteoric rise to those like Ravitz, who have taken to the streets day after day, deploying what may be the most basic campaign tactic of all: knocking on doors. Although his team has also made millions of phone calls and sent over a million text messages, if he wins this Tuesday, the candidates success will largely be due to the hundreds of thousands of voters with whom his volunteers have had face-to-face conversations. Mamdani with his supporters during the election campaign in Manhattan. Angelina Katsanis (AP) The 100,000 volunteers aimed to connect with as many voters as possible. Knocking on more than a million doors is no small feat in a city where 1.15 million people voted in 2021. The volunteers were organized by neighborhood and time slots, from 6 a.m. until nightfall. Each shift began with a brief introduction, where the team leaders more than 700 gave the volunteers a short set of instructions: knock firmly but respectfully, start on the top floor of each building and work your way down, dont get into arguments, avoid wasting time with overly talkative people Then they paired up and, equipped with an app called MiniVAN which provides access to a national database with the names, ages, and party affiliations of the citys voters they set out to work. That process has been the heart of this campaign, Mamdani acknowledged last Thursday at a volunteer event in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. The candidate arrived unexpectedly as a group was preparing in a park to go door knocking. While many of us have lived and breathed this race for over a year, there are many New Yorkers who have simply been too busy trying to make ends meet in the most expensive city in America to think about politics. Those are the New Yorkers you might be speaking to today, the candidate noted. With all the interest this campaign has generated, the constant throughout has been all of you, he added, thanking those present. An inclusive coalition Ravitz signed up as a volunteer for the campaign shortly after the June primaries. For the past 30 years, the retired special education teacher has volunteered for countless election campaigns not only in New York, the city shes called home for more than six decades, but across the country as well. But, she says, none of them have been like the New York candidates campaign. For starters, its much bigger, she says, laughing. But its also, she adds, a much more inclusive volunteer community. The Mamdani coalition prides itself on having a place for everyone. Among the 100,000 volunteers, groups have sprung up such as Gays for Mamdani and Latinos for Mamdani. And although the typical volunteer profile tends to be those taking their first steps into political activism, there are also veterans from the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party those who cite Bernie Sanders as their contemporary like Ravitz or her partner, 71-year-old Ellen Garvey. In the month leading up to Tuesdays election, Ravitz and Garvey have dedicated about 10 hours a week to volunteering. Other volunteers have put in as many as 60 hours a week. Due to their age and physical limitations, the couple has focused on going door-to-door in buildings with elevators in their Lower Manhattan neighborhood and organizing campaign events at senior centers. Last Friday, they participated in a meeting Mamdani held at a senior center on the Lower East Side, where he led tai chi sessions with the elderly residents, including Ravitz, who greeted him wearing a campaign T-shirt and with a hug. Volunteers sign up to campaign for Zohran Mamdani in Queens. SARAH YENESEL (EFE) I understand that change happens very slowly, and I know Zohran isnt going to achieve everything he wants. But we have to start thinking about the kind of change Zohran is talking about, said Ravitz after the event. The change she refers to is the same one mentioned by all the volunteers interviewed by this newspaper as the main reason theyve campaigned for Mamdani: making New York more affordable for its residents. The candidate has centered his platform on the cost of living in the most expensive city in the United States and one of the most expensive in the world. Although New York was one of the housing markets that saw the biggest rent drops during the pandemic, since 2020 rents have risen by between 18% and 20%, according to various estimates. The average rent now exceeds $3,000 a month. In response to that reality, Mamdanis proposals include freezing rent increases for four years on rent-stabilized apartments about one million units, representing 40% of the citys housing. He also wants to make public buses free and provide no-cost childcare for children up to age five. Lex Rountree, 27, a community organizer for tenants rights and a member of Mamdanis volunteer team since January, believes that rising housing costs will be the defining issue of this campaign. Renters make up 70% of New York Citys population and have enormous potential to significantly influence this election in order to get a mayor who supports a rent freeze, she says. For her as Mamdani often states the key is building a city where people dont just survive. Its not just about working endless hours at a job to pay the rent. Its about making sure tenants are actually getting what they need, Rountree points out. Ive been a tenant organizer for a long time, and its heartening to see someone addressing this issue with empathy. Standing up to Trump Another issue that has mobilized volunteers is the Trump administrations immigration policy and the need for New York to elect a mayor willing to stand up to the Republican. In addition to insulting the candidate, Trump a New Yorker by birth has threatened the city with retaliation if Mamdani, who was born in Uganda to Indian parents and became a U.S. citizen in 2018, wins this Tuesday. Although there have been arrests and raids, so far the president has not sent National Guard troops to New York or launched mass immigration operations as he has in other Democratic cities such as Los Angeles or Chicago. However, its possible that after Tuesdays election results, he could order a deployment in the Big Apple. Thats what Mamdanis main rival, former New York governor Andrew Cuomo running as an independent candidate and backed by Trump suggested on Monday. Fear of that scenario motivated Marcela Mulholland to join the Democrats volunteer team in June. The persecution that the Trump administration has carried out against migrant communities is something the 28-year-old has experienced firsthand: her mothers family and her brother migrated from Venezuela to Florida, where she was born. Volunteers distribute campaign materials at the Islamic Cultural Center in New York on October 31. Richard Drew (AP) In addition, she has been volunteering for some time, assisting asylum seekers in New York. This group has been the hardest hit by the more than 3,000 arrests immigration authorities have made in the city since Trump returned to the presidency 10 months ago and authorized courthouse detentions. The outgoing mayor, Democrat Eric Adams, has done little to stand up to Trump. On the contrary, hes been accused of agreeing to facilitate Trumps immigration policy in New York in exchange for the federal government dropping a corruption case against him. Seeing Eric Adams completely cave to the Trump administration to protect himself in exchange for cooperating with the federal government has truly been appalling, Mulholland says. We need New York to be led by a progressive who truly represents a strong contrast on immigration issues. And if Trump wants to pick a fight with Zohran, I think hell find hes met his match. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The recent 21,5% low turnout for the Dutch elections on Bonaire is a clear wake-up call to the politicians from Bonaire. The people refused to give up and to give in to the pressure put on them by the local politicians from MPB, DP, UPB and M21 to go vote. The peoples heroic stance shows a renewed determination to continue the fight against the perceived oppression by the Second Chamber in The Hague since 2010. Also protecting the 2015 referendum in order to put Bonaire on the protective list of the United Nations. It sends a message louder than any campaign slogan or press release: the people are against the imposed rule by the Dutch Parliament. This wake-up call has several layers. The low turnout shows many Bonairians feel disconnected from both local and Dutch politics they no longer believe their vote will bring real change. For many, not voting has become a silent act of protest. Local leaders: a clear hypocrisy exposed -There is also a flagrant contradiction in local politics. Weeks before the elections, Bonairean politicians went to Aruba, Curacao, St Maarten, and condemned The Hague for taking major decisions without consulting the island. Yet during the elections, those same politicians urged people loudly and aggressively to vote for the very Dutch parties and politicians they had just condemned. This only deepened the division among the Bonaire people and exposed a hypocritical, unprincipled leadership. The low voter turnout is not apathy it is a message. It is a rejection of the current political system, culture, and leadership. The People are calling for honesty, accountability, and real representation. This is a wake-up call for every leader on Bonaire to reflect, reconnect, and rebuild trust. 2012 2025: The Boycott as Organized Resistance - Since 2012, James Finies has urged Bonairians to abstain from Dutch parliamentary elections, arguing that participation only legitimizes an imposed political status not a true democratic choice. (https://youtu.be/OzyJXdUp-N0?si=KzvEETIc_sVKHMvF) He organized anti-Second Chamber campaigns in 2012, 2017 and 2021, offering protest-voting options with citizens own Dutch voting cards. These actions helped keep turnout in the low 20s % for more than a decade. (https://youtu.be/Kv_uVChdp00?si=0_BhdcobBPoAbtgR) Since 10-10-10, Bonaires status as a public entity has reduced local autonomy and subordinated the island to unilateral decisions from The Hague. Finies argues that by voting, Bonairians would imply consent to this structure, and therefore weaken their claim to self-determination. His call throw away voting pass / dont vote was framed as a political protest, not disengagement. Over time, turnout trends suggest many people became conscious. Abstention became a deliberate act of resistance not passive apathy but a refusal to legitimize a political arrangement imposed without consent. The media is not reporting the real story - Press coverage especially in the Dutch media with headlines claiming that Party X or Party Y won on Bonaire does not reflect the reality on the ground. With such low participation, it is misleading to claim that any party won the support of the people of Bonaire. Many intentionally chose not to participate as a silent protest. Bonairians deliberately stayed away from the polls rejecting all political parties and once again rejecting the system imposed on them to be governed by the Dutch Parliament in The Hague. The Real Winner: The People of Bonaire -The real winner was the people of Bonaire, who demonstrated resilience and resistance. They withstood continuous pressure, manipulative campaigns, debates, and repeated urgings to vote from their own government and political leaders in Bonaire and those in Holland, mainstream and social media figures, family and friends acting as surrogates, religious authorities, private-sector leaders, and even the governor, who was used as a political instrument against the people of Bonaire. THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):--- For the first time since 1985, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)s General Conference is being held outside Paris, with Uzbekistan hosting the 43rd session in the historic city of Samarkand. The biennial conference gathers representatives from all UNESCO Member States, observers, and intergovernmental organizations to set the agenda for the organizations global priorities in education, culture, science, and communication. UNESCO is a specialized agency dedicated to strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication. The organization sets standards, produces tools, and develops knowledge to create solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time, and fosters a world of greater equality and peace. Protecting biodiversity, responding to artificial intelligence, advancing quality education, safeguarding heritage, and ensuring access to reliable information are some examples of the work that UNESCO does with its 194 Member States across the globe. This year, Her Excellency Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, addressed the General Conference on behalf of the Honourable Melissa D. Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. In her remarks, Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell highlighted Sint Maartens progress in education reform, digital innovation, and cultural protection, emphasizing that AI must amplify Caribbean creativity, not appropriate it. She underlined Sint Maartens new Higher Education and Research Ordinance, which sets national standards for quality assurance and international accreditation. The law, she said, ensures that education remains a public trust, strengthens accountability, and affirms that learning is the foundation of national resilience. The Minister also spoke of Sint Maartens integration of Artificial Intelligence and STEAM education in schools through new partnerships with the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, the St. Kitts & Nevis Robotics Association, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Robotics Association, aimed at creating a Robotics Unit and hosting an annual STEAM camp. Building on the message from MONDIACULT 2022 and 2025, she reaffirmed Sint Maartens cultural vision: Culturize before you digitize. We do not reject technology; we seek to humanize it. AI must serve inclusion and integrity, not imitation. Minister Arrindell also noted Sint Maartens leadership in heritage protection, referencing the establishment of the first Caribbean Cultural Emergency Response (CER) Sub-Hub, and ongoing work toward a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, underscoring the islands belief that human progress and environmental stewardship must evolve together. Youth empowerment was another key theme. Through the National Youth Mainstreaming Strategy, Sint Maarten is embedding youth participation and evidence-based planning across all government sectors. In 2025, three local high schools joined the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, connecting students to global education initiatives. The Minister concluded by expressing gratitude for UNESCOs continued support and for giving small island nations a global platform: Together, may we build a world where knowledge inspires peace, and culture lights the path forward. During her introduction of her speech, Minister Arrindell also extended solidarity to the people of Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba, and the other countries that were affected by Hurricane Melissa. The 43rd UNESCO General Conference will be marked by the official appointment of UNESCOs next Director-General and the anticipated adoption of the first global Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology. The Conference will also feature thematic debates, exhibitions, and side events exploring the future of education, science, culture, and information. The 43rd UNESCO General Conference runs from 30 October to 13 November 2025, with additional events in Tashkent, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shahrisabz. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Public meeting on November 5, 2025. The Public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be in attendance. The agenda point is: Deliberations on the issues surrounding the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten a. The recent nomination of the Chairman of the CBCS by the Council of Ministers b. An update on the ENNIA situation c. Developments concerning Mullet Bay (IS/092/2025-2026 dated September 22, 2025) This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP D.T.J. York, MP O.E.C. Ottley and MP F.A. Lacroes. Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx Foreign ministers from seven countries hold a meeting on Gaza ceasefire in Istanbul, Turkiye, Nov. 3, 2025. Foreign ministers from seven countries met in Istanbul on Monday to discuss efforts to uphold the Gaza ceasefire and plan for the enclave's future, as Israeli strikes continued despite the truce. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye/Handout via Xinhua) ISTANBUL, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Foreign ministers from seven countries met in Istanbul on Monday to discuss efforts to uphold the Gaza ceasefire and plan for the enclave's future, as Israeli strikes continued despite the truce. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Fidan said the ministers agreed on the need to maintain the ceasefire and prevent new violence. "All participants agree that we do not want the atrocities in Gaza to resume," he told reporters, adding that the group supports a two-state solution as the basis for lasting peace. He accused Israel of repeatedly violating the truce and blocking humanitarian aid, which he said made enforcement difficult. On Gaza's post-war governance, Fidan said discussions were ongoing and stressed the need to first reach consensus on a draft plan. "This is a sensitive process, and we must proceed carefully. Any steps taken to resolve the Palestinian issue should not create structural problems for the future," he said. Fidan noted the seven countries shared a common stance: "Palestine should be governed and secured by Palestinians." Despite the ceasefire that began on Oct. 10, Israeli strikes have continued, killing more than 200 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. Earlier on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that Hamas appeared to be upholding the truce, while accusing Israel of violating it. "We are faced with an administration that, hiding behind various pretexts, has killed more than 200 innocent people since the ceasefire agreement, and continues its occupation and attacks in the West Bank," Erdogan said, warning that the ongoing violence threatens peace efforts. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) meets with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Istanbul, Turkiye, Nov. 3, 2025. Foreign ministers from seven countries met in Istanbul on Monday to discuss efforts to uphold the Gaza ceasefire and plan for the enclave's future, as Israeli strikes continued despite the truce. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye/Handout via Xinhua) Participants arrive at the venue of the meeting on upholding the Gaza ceasefire and plan for the enclave's future in Istanbul, Turkiye, Nov. 3, 2025. Foreign ministers from seven countries met in Istanbul on Monday to discuss efforts to uphold the Gaza ceasefire and plan for the enclave's future, as Israeli strikes continued despite the truce. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. (Photo by Safar Rajabov/Xinhua) Press Release from Business Wire: Post-Quantum (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 PRAGUE & LONDON, Nov 4, 2025 (BSW) - STV Group a.s. ("STV"), one of the world's fastest-growing defence innovators, has signed a multi-year licence agreement to use Post-Quantum's groundbreaking quantum-safe communications platform and signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to accelerate deployment across Europe, NATO, and global defence markets. With quantum computing threatening to render traditional encryption obsolete, the move positions STV at the forefront of the cybersecurity revolution - arming governments, defence forces, and enterprises with next-generation resilience against "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" attacks. By fusing Post-Quantum's NATO-tested modular platform with its own world-class defence solutions, STV is setting a new global benchmark for secure communications and digital trust. Together, the two companies are delivering the most advanced, future-proof systems to protect sensitive data and mission-critical operations - ensuring that even in the quantum era, allied communications remain impenetrable. The partnership represents a decisive leap forward, combining STV's defence innovation track record with Post-Quantum's pioneering expertise to deliver communications and data protection systems that go beyond current industry standards. JUDr. Pavel Kudrhalt, CEO of STV, said: "This isn't just about acquiring technology - it's about building an uncompromising, end-to-end secure ecosystem for the future. Our customers demand full supply chain assurance, from manufacturing and tamper-proof transport to deployment and monitoring. With the rising threat of 'Harvest Now, Decrypt Later' attacks, quantum-safe defences are no longer optional. Post-Quantum's platform doesn't just lead the field - it allows STV to be the first-mover to redefine the very standards of digital trust in defence solutions. By embedding their technology into our portfolio, we are giving NATO allies, EU partners, and national clients the strongest possible protection for the quantum era - whether that's safeguarding command and control chains, operating mission-critical drones, or deploying munitions in battlefield communications." Rikky Hasan, CEO of Post-Quantum, added: "STV's vision and leadership in defence innovation make them the ideal partner. Together we are unleashing a new wave of secure, quantum-safe solutions that protect the world's most sensitive data against today's adversaries and tomorrow's quantum threats. Our modular approach to Identity, Transmission and Encryption - already proven in NATO environments - offers the fastest and most agile way to integrate into STV's global portfolio. This is a proud moment for both companies, and a milestone for global cybersecurity." This acquisition and alliance signal the dawn of a new era: one where quantum-resilient platforms are no longer optional, but essential. United by a shared mission to safeguard the future, STV and Post-Quantum are leading the charge toward a world where critical communications remain impenetrable - even in the face of quantum computing's disruptive power. About STV STV Group a.s. is one of Europe's fastest-growing defence innovators, delivering advanced security and defence solutions to governments, NATO allies, and commercial partners worldwide. Headquartered in the Czech Republic, the company combines cutting-edge engineering with a bold vision for the future of security. Building on a century of industrial tradition, STV Group has become the Czech Republic's leading producer of munitions, loitering systems, armoured vehicle platforms and integrated lifecycle services. The group is also a European leader in ecological disposal and demilitarisation of surplus ammunition, underscoring its commitment to safety and sustainability. With NATO-tested technologies and global partnerships, STV Group is trusted to deliver the resilient, future-proof capabilities that keep nations secure in an era of emerging threats. About Post-Quantum Post-Quantum is leading the charge into the quantum era by upgrading the world's encryption. Its quantum-safe platform protects organisations across their entire digital footprint with modular software for Identity, Transmission, and Encryption-designed to be interoperable, crypto-agile and seamlessly backward compatible. Already trusted by NATO, critical national infrastructure providers, and major financial institutions, Post-Quantum has a proven track record in safeguarding mission-critical data. The company is the inventor of NTS-KEM (now known as Classic McEliece in the NIST competition) and the author of the IETF's Hybrid Post-Quantum VPN standard, which is now the global benchmark for secure connectivity. With its pioneering technologies, Post-Quantum is ensuring the world stays one step ahead of the quantum threats. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104052022/en/ Contact For further information, please contact:Fire on the HillNick Ward. +44 (0)7821 474 [email protected] [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: CSC (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 WILMINGTON, Nov 4, 2025 (BSW) - The volume of service of process (SOP)-the legal procedure by which one party formally notifies another of a legal action-is surging across the U.S., amplifying operational pressure and compliance risk for in-house legal teams. This is according to a new nationwide study commissioned by CSC, industry-leading registered agent and compliance service provider. CSC surveyed 250 senior in-house counsel across the U.S. and found that rising SOP volume and growing concerns around data accuracy are intensifying both risk and workload pressure.1 Respondents cited data accuracy as a significant challenge to SOP management (61%), followed by rising SOP volume (56%). More than three-quarters (76%) said their departments are spending "too much" or "excessive" time managing SOP, underscoring the growing operational demands placed on legal teams. The rising complexity of SOP, driven by new and differing state rules is increasing compliance exposure. Most respondents (59%) indicated that managing SOP across multiple states with varying requirements is leading to operational slips, while a third (34%) flagged problems with fragmented intake across states. As workloads expand, many departments are coordinating with multiple external partners and internal systems that apply differing standards for SOP data and privacy management. The patchwork of state-by-state privacy regulations further compounds these challenges, increasing the potential for inconsistencies in how sensitive information is handled. "With a more complex SOP process it becomes more challenging to stay within the bounds of these regulations, which carries the risk of financial and reputation damage," notes Paul Mathews, director of CSC Product Management. "In this environment, partnering with experienced registered agents that combine deep SOP expertise and integrated technology has become essential to maintain compliance, consistency, and speed." The rapid rise of mass arbitration is adding to these challenges, with 93% of respondents identifying it as a key concern that increases the risk and complexity of managing SOP. Three-quarters (73%) have already observed a rise in reporting errors. Technology is introducing new solutions-and challenges Legal and compliance teams are increasingly turning to technology to manage increased pressure, but nearly all (96%) respondents expressed concerns that current technology platforms are unable to deal with SOP demands in a timely and accurate manner with more than half saying they're very concerned. Almost all respondents (97%) said they use AI for SOP in some capacity, with just over a third (36%) describing their adoption as significant. Many also expected AI to further increase filing volume. "One of AI's core strengths is pattern recognition. Plaintiff firms will use it to help identify more potential claimants," adds Mathews. "AI sits as a great opportunity and a threat. Used well, it offers many benefits and can save a lot of time. But, used poorly, it can muddy the waters, creating challenges around data integrity and accuracy." Legacy infrastructure and workforce constraints are also hindering performance. 71% of respondents said multiple, non-integrated systems hinder SOP management, while 59% still engage in some manual tracking or record keeping, and nearly half (49%) report using outdated technology that slows operations and increases the risk of errors. To relieve pressure and improve scalability, 70% of departments expect to increase SOP outsourcing in 2025, with 81% anticipating further growth within the next three years as legal teams seek specialized, tech-enabled partners capable of consistently managing the SOP process. As the trusted partner of choice for more than 90% of the Fortune 500 and founded in 1899 to simplify the way corporations were formed, operated, and maintained compliance, CSC leverages decades of registered agent and SOP experience, combining expert service with advanced technology to manage complex processes across states with precision and speed. To receive a copy of CSC's report, "The State of Service of Process in 2025: Riding the Wave of Surging SOP Demand," please contact us at[email protected]. About CSC CSC is the trusted partner of choice for more than 90% of the Fortune 500(R), more than 90% of the 100 Best Global Brands (Interbrand(R)), and more than 70% of the PEI 300. We are the world's leading provider of global business administration and compliance solutions, specialized administration services to alternative asset managers across a range of fund strategies, transactions involving capital markets participants in both public and private markets, domain name system management and digital brand and fraud protection, and corporate tax software solutions. Founded in 1899 and headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, CSC prides itself on being privately held and professionally managed for more than 125 years. CSC has office locations and capabilities in more than 140 jurisdictions across Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. We are a global company capable of doing business wherever our clients are-and we accomplish that by employing experts in every business we serve. We are the business behind business(R). Learn more at cscglobal.com. -0- *T 1CSC, in partnership with Pure Profile, surveyed 250 respondents across the United States holding senior roles within in-house legal teams. Survey respondents were drawn from a range of industry sectors including technology, manufacturing, legal services, and insurance.*T View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104387386/en/ Contact For more information:CDRAmber Liu[email protected] CSCLaura CrozierPR Manager[email protected] CSC News Room 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Tinicum, L.P. (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 NEW YORK, Nov 4, 2025 (BSW) - Tinicum, L.P. ("Tinicum") today announced that one of its affiliates has signed an agreement to acquire the aerospace assets of TriMas Corporation ("TriMas Aerospace"), through which TriMas Aerospace will be merged with PennAero, a Tinicum portfolio company ("the Transaction"). Funds managed by Blackstone will be a minority investor in the Transaction. This investment reinforces PennAero's strategy of partnering with its customers to provide best-in-class engineering, manufacturing, customer service and support. TriMas Aerospace is a leading provider of highly engineered fasteners and precision-machined components for mission-critical applications across the global commercial aerospace and defense industries. Backed by a portfolio of trusted brands, including Monogram Aerospace Fasteners?, Allfast Fastening Systems(R), Mac Fasteners?, TFI Aerospace, TriMas Aerospace Germany, Martinic Engineering?, RSA Engineered Products? and Weldmac Manufacturing Company, TriMas Aerospace delivers innovative solutions that meet the rigorous industry standards. PennAero, through its group of companies, is a leading manufacturer of externally threaded structural fasteners, gears, latches and manifolds for Western airframe and engine manufacturers who supply Boeing, Airbus, and other aerospace OEMs. In addition, PennAero manufactures high-performance components out of unique alloys and composites for the semiconductor and space markets. PennAero's U.S. headquarters supports engineering and manufacturing centers in California, Pennsylvania, India, and Singapore. "Today marks an important step forward for PennAero's mission to become a leading independent supplier of highly engineered aerospace components," said Ryan Kinslow, co-CEO of PennAero. "The acquisition of TriMas Aerospace adds exceptional capabilities and a differentiated product portfolio to PennAero, which aligns with our long-term strategy of providing a superior value proposition to our global customer base." Roddy Cruz, Partner at Tinicum, added: "Tinicum has a storied history in aerospace. The addition of TriMas Aerospace to PennAero and our family of companies marks an important continuation of that legacy, strengthening our support for critical aerospace supply chains and advancing our commitment to building world-class manufacturing franchises." About Tinicum Tinicum, founded in 1974 as a family investment office, is a private partnership that manages a diversified group of manufacturing, distribution, and industrial technology companies. It seeks to be a trusted partner of business owners and executives who share its belief that long-term prosperity can be created by teams of capable, honest people working together and investing diligently to fulfill the potential of a great business. For more information, visit www.tinicum.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251104476399/en/ Contact MediaRichard Alessi, CFO - PennAeroEmail: [email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Indian Sikh pilgrims enter Pakistan, first major crossing since May conflict: AFP Wagah Border, Pakistan, Pakistan, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed dozens of Sikh pilgrims from India, AFP journalists saw, in the first major crossing since deadly clashes in May closed the land border between the nuclear-armed neighbours. More than 2,100 pilgrims were granted visas to attend a 10-day festival marking 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh faith, Pakistan's High Commission (embassy) in New Delhi said last week. Tensions remain high between Islamabad and New Delhi after the worst fighting since 1999 took place in May, with more than 70 people killed in missile, drone and artillery exchanges. The Wagah-Attari border -- the only active land crossing between the two countries -- was closed to general traffic following the violence. Pilgrims queued up on the Indian side of the border on Tuesday morning, some carrying their luggage on their heads, as the Indian Border Security Force looked on. AFP journalists on the Pakistani side of the Wagah-Attari border saw dozens of them entering Pakistan. They were received by Pakistani officials who presented them with flowers and showered them with rose petals. Indian media reported around 1,700 were due to cross into Pakistan, although there was no immediate official confirmation from Indian authorities. The pilgrims will gather on Wednesday at Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak's birthplace about 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Lahore by road, and later visit other sacred sites in Pakistan, including Kartarpur, where the guru is buried. Pakistan's High Commission had said last week its decision was consistent with efforts to promote "inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony and understanding". Indian newspapers reported Saturday that the government would allow "selected" groups to travel to Pakistan. The Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free route that opened in 2019 that allows Indian Sikhs to visit the temple without crossing the main border, remains closed since the conflict. The four-day clashes between the arch-rivals broke out in May after New Delhi accused Islamabad of backing an attack targeting tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, claims Pakistan denied. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion born in the 15th century in Punjab, a region spanning parts of what is now India and Pakistan. The frontier between the two countries was a colonial creation drawn at the violent end of British rule in 1947, which sliced the subcontinent into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. While most Sikhs migrated to India during partition, some of their most revered places of worship ended up in Pakistan, including the shrines in Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur. Seoul says nuclear submarine possible within 15 years after US nod Seoul, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 South Korea expects to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine by the late 2030s, a senior defence ministry official told ministers on Tuesday, days after Washington had approved Seoul's plans. US President Donald Trump last week said he had given ally Seoul a green light, after South Korea had announced that the two countries reached a broad deal covering investment and shipbuilding. Trump, who was in South Korea for a regional summit, said on Truth Social that Seoul would manufacture its nuclear-powered submarine in "the Philadelphia Shipyards, right here in the good ol' U.S.A." US nuclear submarine technology is considered among the most sensitive and tightly guarded military secrets. Unlike diesel-powered submarines which must surface regularly to recharge their batteries, nuclear-powered ones can remain submerged for far longer periods of time. Seoul has not commented on Trump's remarks suggesting the submarine would be built on US soil. Senior defence ministry official Won Chong-dae, however, said on Tuesday that it was "feasible to construct a nuclear-powered submarine with our own technology". "If we secure the submarine fuel through consultations with the United States and enter the construction phase in the late 2020s, we expect to launch the lead vessel by the mid to late 2030s," Won told a cabinet meeting. "South Korea already possesses world-class design and construction capabilities for conventional submarines," he said. His remarks came after a South Korean presidential aide said Seoul had sought Washington's "authorisation for the raw materials" and received approval. - Denuclearisation 'pipedream' - The Philadelphia shipyard mentioned by Trump has been run by South Korea's Hanwha Ocean since last year, but media reports say it lacks the facilities and equipment needed to build nuclear-powered submarines. In August, Hanwha Ocean announced a $5 billion investment in the shipyard, describing it as part of Seoul's commitment to supporting shipbuilding growth in the United States, which Trump has pushed for. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who visited the border between the two Koreas earlier this week, said on Tuesday that Seoul has "an incredible shipbuilding industry which we look forward to partnering with a lot more." Since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's 2019 summit with Trump collapsed over the scope of denuclearisation and sanctions relief, Pyongyang has repeatedly declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear state. It has since forged closer ties with Russia, sending troops to support Moscow's war in Ukraine, and did not respond to Trump's offer to meet with Kim last week. Pyongyang also dismissed Seoul's hopes for denuclearisation as a "pipedream" which "can never be realised". Seoul's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Tuesday that denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula "remains an unwavering commitment", and ruled out South Korea ever possessing nuclear arms. Sudan army-backed council to meet on US truce proposal: govt source Port Sudan, Sudan, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 Sudan's army-backed authorities will meet on Tuesday to discuss a US proposal for a ceasefire in the war with the paramilitary, a government source told AFP, as the UN chief called for an end to the "nightmare of violence". The war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions more over the past two years, has spread to new areas of Sudan in recent days, sparking fears of an even graver humanitarian catastrophe. After mediating in other conflicts in Africa and the Middle East in recent months, the US administration under Donald Trump is pushing for a ceasefire in Sudan. The army-aligned authorities had rejected an earlier truce proposal under which both they and the paramilitaries they are fighting would be excluded from a transitional political process. The latest discussions follow an escalation on the ground, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) appearing to prepare an assault on the central Kordofan region after it captured El-Fasher, the last army stronghold in Darfur region. "The Security and Defence Council will hold a meeting today to discuss the US truce proposal," the army-aligned government source said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media. People forced to flee El-Fasher have described to AFP scenes of fear and violence. Mohamed Abdullah, 56, told AFP he was stopped by RSF fighters while fleeing El-Fasher on Saturday, just hours before its fall. "They demanded our phones, money, everything. They kept searching us thoroughly," he said of the RSF. On his way to Tawila, about 70 kilometres (45 miles) to the west, he saw "a body left on the street that looked like it had been eaten by a dog." - 'Out of control' - Trump's envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, held talks in Sudan's neighbour Egypt on Sunday with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and then on Monday with the Arab League. During the talks, Abdelatty stressed "the importance of concerted efforts to reach a humanitarian truce and a ceasefire throughout Sudan, paving the way for a comprehensive political process in the country", according to a foreign ministry statement. According to the Arab League, Boulos met the regional body's chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and briefed him on recent US efforts in Sudan to "halt the war, expedite aid delivery and initiate a political process". The so-called Quad group, comprising the United States, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, has been engaged in months of diplomacy aimed at securing a truce in the more than 30-month conflict in Sudan. In September, the four powers proposed a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to civilian rule, but the army-aligned government immediately rejected the plan at the time. In the aftermath of the RSF's assault on the key city of El-Fasher, reports emerged of mass killings, sexual violence, attacks on aid workers, looting and abductions during the offensive. The International Criminal Court on Monday voiced "profound alarm and deepest concern" over such reports, warning that such acts "may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity". Speaking at a forum in Qatar, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on the warring parties to "come to the negotiating table, bring an end to this nightmare of violence -- now". "The horrifying crisis in Sudan... is spiralling out of control," he added. - 'Do not kill children' - At a protest in Sudan's capital Khartoum, which is under army control, children took part in an anti-paramilitary protest on Monday. One pupil held up a handwritten sign that read: "Do not kill children, do not kill women." "The militia is killing the women of El-Fasher with no mercy," read another sign. Despite repeated international appeals, the warring sides -- both of which are accused of committing atrocities -- have so far ignored calls for a ceasefire. The UAE is accused by the UN of supplying arms to the RSF -- allegations it has repeatedly denied. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army has received support from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran, according to observers. The fall of El-Fasher gave paramilitaries control over all five state capitals in Darfur, raising fears that Sudan would effectively be partitioned along an east-west axis. The RSF now dominates Darfur and parts of the south while the army holds the north, east and central regions along the Nile and Red Sea. Indian Sikh pilgrims enter Pakistan, first major crossing since May conflict Wagah Border, Pakistan, Pakistan, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed jubilant Sikh pilgrims from India, in the first major crossing since deadly clashes in May closed the land border between the nuclear-armed neighbours. More than 2,100 pilgrims were granted visas to attend a 10-day festival marking 556 years since the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of the Sikh faith, Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi said last week. Islamabad and New Delhi engaged in the worst fighting since 1999 in May, with more than 70 people killed. The Wagah-Attari border -- the only active land crossing between the two countries -- was closed to general traffic following the violence. AFP journalists saw hundreds of pilgrims streaming their way through the border with their luggage in tow. They were received by Pakistani officials, who presented them with flowers and showered them with rose petals. Many wore garlands and chanted joyfully after crossing. "We have nothing to do with the war," pilgrim Parvinder Kaur told AFP. "We often watched videos of the shrines and dreamed of coming here, and now, we are finally here for the first time." Another said the welcome was overwhelming. "It doesn't feel like we are in another country. It feels like we are among our own people," said Valeti Singh. "We pray to God that when Pakistanis visit our side, we can reciprocate the same warmth and respect." - 'Pleasant memories' - Nasir Mushtaq, a senior official at Pakistan's religious affairs ministry, told AFP around 2,000 pilgrims crossed into Pakistan on Tuesday, the eve of Guru Nanak's birthday. There was no immediate confirmation from Indian authorities. "We are welcoming all the Sikh pilgrims arriving from India with greater respect, honour and hospitality than ever before," Mushtaq said. "We want to leave a lasting impression of love, peace and respect with our Sikh guests so they return to India and elsewhere with pleasant memories of Pakistan." The pilgrims will gather on Wednesday at Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak's birthplace west of Lahore, and later visit other sacred sites in Pakistan, including Kartarpur, where the guru is buried. Pakistan's High Commission had said last week its decision was consistent with efforts to promote "inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony and understanding". The Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free route that opened in 2019 allowing Indian Sikhs to visit the temple without crossing the main border, remains closed since the conflict. Four days of clashes broke out in May after New Delhi accused Islamabad of backing a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, claims Pakistan denied. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion born in the 15th century in Punjab, a region spanning parts of what is now India and Pakistan. The frontier between the two countries was a colonial creation drawn at the violent end of British rule in 1947, which sliced the subcontinent into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. While most Sikhs migrated to India during partition, some of their most revered places of worship ended up in Pakistan, including the shrines in Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur. BANGKOK, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday called for unified regional efforts to combat increasingly complex transnational crime, reaffirming Thailand's active role in the fight against scam operations. In his opening remarks at the 43rd ASEAN Chiefs of National Police Conference in Bangkok, Anutin highlighted that drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and online scams are destabilizing societies, damaging economies, and undermining investor confidence. Anutin acknowledged that these issues have positioned the ASEAN region as a focal point for criminal groups. However, he emphasized that ASEAN member nations recognize the challenge and are collectively committed to taking all necessary measures to restore safety to the region. Referencing last week's ASEAN Summit, Anutin said regional leaders have prioritized strengthening security cooperation through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint training, and improved coordination mechanisms to counter these evolving threats. Noting that the crackdown on transnational crime has been declared a national agenda, he said, "Thailand is fully committed to this shared spirit and vision and firmly believes that a holistic and comprehensive approach is key to addressing these complex challenges." The prime minister also pointed to the Southeast Asian country's proactive global role, including signing the UN Convention against Cybercrime last month and successfully proposing "scams and cybercrime" as an urgent agenda item at a recent Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting. These actions underscore Thailand's determination to not only participate but also to lead in addressing international issues, he said. Running through Friday, the conference gathered more than 200 senior police officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, dialogue partners, and international law enforcement observers to exchange best practices and develop cooperation frameworks to enhance collective capabilities to combat transnational crime. Responding to Trump, Nigeria says no tolerance for religious persecution Berlin, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 The Nigerian government on Tuesday said it does not tolerate religious persecution, responding to US President Donald Trump's threats of military intervention over the killing of Christians by jihadists in the country. Trump said on social media that he had asked the Pentagon to map out a possible plan of attack in Africa's most populous nation because radical Islamists are "killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers". But Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar insisted that the country's constitution did not allow religious persecution, in the first comment by a senior Nigerian government official following Trump's weekend threats. "It's impossible for there to be a religious persecution that can be supported in any way, shape or form by the government of Nigeria at any level," Tuggar told a press conference in Berlin. Nigeria has a "constitutional commitment to religious freedom and rule of law", the foreign minister added. Roughly evenly split between a mostly Christian south and Muslim-majority north, Nigeria is home to myriad conflicts, which experts say kill both Christians and Muslims, often without distinction. But claims of Christian "persecution" in Nigeria have found traction online among the US and European right in recent months. Flanked by his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, Tuggar warned against any attempts to divide Nigeria along religious lines, drawing parallels with civil war-ravaged Sudan. "What we are trying to make the world understand is that we should not create another Sudan," he said. "We've seen what has happened with Sudan with agitations for the partitioning of Sudan based on religion, based on tribal sentiments and you can see the crisis even when the partitioning was done according to religion or according to tribe," Tuggar said. - Muslim victims too - Trump has not suggested any division of Nigeria along religious lines, but said without evidence that "thousands of Christians are being killed (and) Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter". Ikemesit Effiong, an analyst with the Lagos-based SBM Intelligence consultancy, suggests that Nigeria's fears of partitioning are informed by history, with several major former British colonies having experienced "violent partitions and secessions". "Nigeria is actually sensitive to the fact that while our diversity can be a strength, it can also be a lever of division, of violence and eventually of partition," he told AFP. Nigeria has denied that Christians have been targeted by jihadist attacks more than people from other faiths. Before Trump's threat, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu had said that religious tolerance was "a core tenet of our collective identity". Claims of a "Christian genocide" have been pushed in recent years by separatist groups in the southeast. US-based firm Moran Global Strategies has been lobbying on behalf of separatists this year, advising congressional staff on what it said was Christian "persecution", according to lobbying disclosures. The word "genocide" has also been used by some individuals in the central parts of the country who are frustrated by the escalating violence there, though typically in ethnic, not religious terms. Nigeria also faces a long-running jihadist conflict in its northeast and "bandit" gangs in the northwest who stage kidnappings, village raids and killings. The north's population is mostly Muslim -- meaning most of the victims are, too. Nigeria's newly appointed chief of defence staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, told reporters on Monday that "there are no Christians being persecuted in Nigeria". Other analysts suggest that Washington's amped-up rhetoric could be related to Abuja rejecting demands to accept non-Nigerian deportees expelled from the United States as part of Trump's immigration crackdown. burs-sn/sbk Europe could struggle to mobilise troops, arms in case of war with Russia: study Paris, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 Europe could struggle to mobilise enough troops or quickly produce enough weapons in case of a direct confrontation with Russia, a new report warned Tuesday. The French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), a top think tank, highlighted Europe's weaknesses in the event of a high-intensity conflict with Russia, which the authors describe as "a long-term threat". Europe needs to demonstrate political will and "a coherent defence economic strategy" to prepare for a possible confrontation with Russia over the next five years, said the report titled "Europe-Russia: Balance of Power Review". IFRI director Thomas Gomart told AFP it was important to "identify our strengths and weaknesses", pointing to Europe's "critical military gaps". "European countries have the necessary potential, that is the economic resources, military capabilities and technological know-how to stand up to Russia by 2030, provided -- and this is obviously the most important word -- that they demonstrate political will," he said. EU countries have upped military spending in a bid to contain Russia since Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Last month, Fabien Mandon, France's chief of the defence staff, said the country must be ready in the next three or four years for a clash with Russia, which "may be tempted to continue the war on our continent". - 'Maybe six countries' - Although Europe enjoys an advantage over Russia in aerospace and at sea, its land forces suffer from "critical shortfalls in depth and ammunition stockpiles", the report said, also pointing to Moscow's experience in mobilising troops. "There are reasons to doubt the political, strategic and operational availability of a number of European troops in the case of a confrontation scenario," the report said. "As of 2025, 20 out of 30 European NATO or EU members have professional ground forces of fewer than 15,000 troops," the study said. "Apart from a few frontline states that could mobilise reserves and national guards on their soil, the others would be unable to generate more than a couple of battalions." The bulk of large unit formations would rest on the shoulders of "maybe six countries", including France, Britain and Germany. Europe has also struggled to translate increased military spending into a "tangible industrial surge", the report added, pointing to the missile sector as an example. Average annual orders placed with European defence firms have usually been in the low hundreds for offensive weapons, and in the low thousands for air and missile defence interceptors, it said. "Such orders paint a dire picture of European missile production capacity," the report said. "It is vastly inferior to what a military confrontation with Russia would require." - 'Ukraine shows the way' - The authors said Europe should continue to support Ukraine, which has acquired "unparalleled experience in conventional warfare", and integrate it into the continent's security infrastructure. Europe's security depends on two pillars -- the commitment of the United States to NATO and Ukraine's success on the battlefield, they said. "As Ukraine succeeds in resisting the Russian threat to its very existence, it shows the way to the rest of Europe, which now depends on it for its security almost as much as the other way around," the report said. But if either the US commitment to Europe's security wavers or Ukrainian resistance breaks down, the prospects for a direct military confrontation with Russia would "rise significantly", it said. Regardless of whether a large-scale confrontation with Russia breaks out, Europe will continue to face "sustained Russian hybrid warfare" through disinformation, covert action and cyberattacks. "Europe's response has been largely defensive and overly cautious," the study said. "It must now get tougher." Germany plans extra 3 bn euros in Ukraine military aid in 2026 Berlin, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 Germany plans to raise its military aid to Ukraine by three billion euros next year to around 11.5 billion euros ($13.2 billion) to support its battle against Russia, the finance ministry said Tuesday. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil "will introduce a further three billion euros in support for Ukraine into the parliamentary budget process for 2026", a ministry spokesman told AFP. "This includes, among other things, artillery, drones, armoured vehicles and the replacement of two Patriot systems." The spokesman added that "Germany stands firmly by Ukraine's side and is Ukraine's biggest supporter in Europe. This applies financially, economically and militarily. "We will continue our support for as long as it is necessary to defend against Russia's war of aggression." NATO tests war preparedness on eastern flank facing Russia Alba Iulia, Romania, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 On the Mures river in central Romania, French armoured vehicles and Romanian trucks board a motorised floating bridge, part of a large military exercise to showcase NATO's ability to rapidly increase force levels on its eastern flank facing Russia. The drill -- planned for months and seen as an "integration exercise" for NATO members -- comes after Washington last week said it would pull some troops out from the area. Romania, which shares some 650 kilometres (400 miles) of border with Ukraine, has gained in strategic importance since Russia invaded its neighbour in 2022. In the Dacian Fall exercise from October 20 to November 13, French-led troops from Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Spain are engaged in manoeuvres and live-fire artillery and tank drills, together with Romanian soldiers. Since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Paris has deployed nearly 1,500 soldiers in Romania and doubled them for the exercise. In case of a crisis, this can be increased to 5,000 troops. "We must demonstrate our ability to integrate into a NATO division," said French General Maxime Do Tran, commander of the 7th Armoured Brigade deployed for Dacian Fall. The exercise, conducted across Romania, follows "NATO's real defence plans" and serves to signal the alliance's "strategic solidarity", he added. While French army engineers skilfully dock the massive motorised barge on the banks of the Mures during one exercise, 200 metres (220 yards) away, Romanian engineers speedily put up a pontoon. The French and Romanian teams will then switch roles. "In Europe, there's a watercourse every 20 to 30 kilometres; crossing is a complex skill that had somewhat been lost," said Colonel Jerome Paris, head of the French engineering detachment. - 'It's an integration exercise' - About 60 kilometres to the north, amid sun-scorched grassy hills, Romanian General Dorin Toma, who commands NATO troops in Romania and Bulgaria, observes French engineers destroying obstacles identified by small quadcopter drones. "It's an integration exercise," he said, adding that at the end of a two-year cycle to integrate forces "we're in a very good position". The challenge is to maintain the level as "people are changing, weapons systems are changing". "We need to keep the pace," he said. On Washington's announcement that it would pull some troops out from NATO's eastern flank, General Toma said that from "a military standpoint, it changes nothing" given how the United States showed in 2022 that they were ready to deploy significant resources to the country at short notice. Washington has denied its announcement amounted to an US withdrawal from Europe. Romania's defence ministry said last week that 900-1,000 US soldiers would remain, down from the about 1,700 currently deployed. - 'Military Schengen' needed - Transporting equipment to Romania was a complex logistical operation that faced administrative hurdles. For each country crossed, every license plate must be specified in documentation along with the names of personnel in the convoy, which has to be escorted by local police. NATO mechanisms exist to "lower administrative and customs barriers" in case of conflict, French Lieuteant Colonel Alexis said, adding that there was no "military Schengen" allowing for free movement of equipment. The French military prohibits, with some exceptions, the publication of surnames of its staff. "Mobility corridors" with clearly identified routes and streamlined administrative procedures are a solution. The Netherlands, Germany, and Poland are setting up one from North Sea ports to the Belarusian border. "Harmonisation is underway, but it takes time," Lieutenant Colonel Alexis said. Sudan defence minister says army to keep fighting after US truce proposal Port Sudan, Sudan, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 Sudan's defence minister said on Tuesday that the army would press on with fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces after the country's security and defence council met to discuss a US proposal for a ceasefire. "We thank the Trump administration for its efforts and proposals to achieve peace," Hassan Kabroun said in a speech broadcast on state television, adding that "preparations for the Sudanese people's battle are ongoing." "Our preparations for war are a legitimate national right," he said, following the council meeting in Khartoum. No details of the US truce proposal have been made public. The war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions more over the past two years, has spread to new areas of Sudan in recent days, sparking fears of an even greater humanitarian catastrophe. After mediating in other conflicts in Africa and the Middle East in recent months, the US administration under Donald Trump is now pushing for a ceasefire in Sudan. The army-aligned authorities had rejected an earlier truce proposal under which both they and the paramilitaries they are fighting would be excluded from a transitional political process. The latest discussions follow an escalation on the ground, with the paramilitary RSF appearing to prepare an assault on the central Kordofan region after it captured El-Fasher, the last army stronghold in the vast Darfur region. People forced to flee El-Fasher have described to AFP intimidation and violence from the RSF. Mohamed Abdullah, 56, told AFP he was stopped by RSF fighters while fleeing El-Fasher on Saturday, just hours before its fall. "They demanded our phones, money, everything. They kept searching us thoroughly," he said of the RSF. On his way to Tawila, about 70 kilometres (45 miles) to the west, he saw "a body left on the street that looked like it had been eaten by a dog". - 'Out of control' - Trump's envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, held talks in Sudan's neighbour Egypt on Sunday with Cairo's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and then on Monday with the Arab League. During the discussions, Abdelatty stressed "the importance of concerted efforts to reach a humanitarian truce and a ceasefire throughout Sudan, paving the way for a comprehensive political process in the country", according to a foreign ministry statement. According to the Arab League, Boulos met the regional body's chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and briefed him on recent US efforts in Sudan to "halt the war, expedite aid delivery and initiate a political process". The so-called Quad group, comprising the United States, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, has been engaged in months of diplomacy aimed at securing a truce in the more than 30-month conflict in Sudan. In September, the four powers proposed a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to civilian rule, but the army-aligned government immediately rejected the plan at the time. In the aftermath of the RSF's assault on the key city of El-Fasher, reports emerged of mass killings, sexual violence, attacks on aid workers, looting and abductions during the offensive. The International Criminal Court on Monday voiced "profound alarm and deepest concern" over the reports, adding that such acts "may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity". Speaking at a forum in Qatar, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on the warring parties to "come to the negotiating table, bring an end to this nightmare of violence -- now". "The horrifying crisis in Sudan... is spiralling out of control," he added. - 'Do not kill children' - At a protest in Sudan's capital Khartoum, which is under army control, children took part in an anti-paramilitary protest on Monday. One pupil held up a handwritten sign that read: "Do not kill children, do not kill women." "The militia is killing the women of El-Fasher with no mercy," read another sign. Both sides in the brutal war have been accused of committing atrocities. The UAE is accused by the UN of supplying arms to the RSF -- allegations it has repeatedly denied. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army has received support from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran, according to observers. The fall of El-Fasher gave paramilitaries control over all five state capitals in Darfur, raising fears that Sudan would effectively be partitioned along an east-west axis. The RSF now dominates Darfur and parts of the south while the army holds the north, east and central regions along the Nile and Red Sea. US says actively engaged in Sudan ceasefire talks Washington, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 The White House said Tuesday that it was deeply engaged in ceasefire talks in Sudan, where the United States has proposed a deal to end fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. "The administration is very much engaged," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. "We want to see this conflict come to a peaceful end, just as we have with so many others, but the reality is it's a very complicated situation on the ground right now." The war, which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions more over the past two years, has spread to new areas of Sudan in recent days, sparking fears of an even greater humanitarian catastrophe. After mediating in other conflicts in Africa and the Middle East in recent months, the US administration under Donald Trump is now pushing for a ceasefire in Sudan. "The United States is actively engaged in efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the terrible conflict," Leavitt said, adding Washington was working with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to secure a deal "addressing both the immediate humanitarian crisis and the longer term political challenges." Sudan defence minister says army to keep fighting after US truce proposal Port Sudan, Sudan, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 Sudan's defence minister said on Tuesday that the army would press on with its fight against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces after the country's security and defence council met to discuss a US proposal for a ceasefire. "We thank the Trump administration for its efforts and proposals to achieve peace," Hassan Kabroun said in a speech broadcast on state television, while adding that "preparations for the Sudanese people's battle are ongoing." "Our preparations for war are a legitimate national right," he said following the council meeting in Khartoum. No details of the US truce proposal have been made public. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday that Washington wanted "to see this conflict come to a peaceful end, just as we have with so many others, but the reality is it's a very complicated situation on the ground right now". She said the United States was "actively engaged" in seeking a peace deal alongside Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The war in Sudan, which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions more over the past two years, has spread to new areas in recent days, sparking fears of an even greater humanitarian catastrophe. The army-aligned authorities had rejected an earlier truce proposal from the four countries -- referred to as the Quad -- under which both they and the paramilitaries they are fighting would be excluded from a transitional political process. The latest discussions follow an escalation on the ground, with the paramilitary RSF appearing to prepare an assault on the central Kordofan region after capturing El-Fasher, the last army stronghold in the vast western Darfur region. People forced to flee El-Fasher have described facing intimidation and violence from the RSF. Mohamed Abdullah, 56, told AFP he was stopped by RSF fighters while leaving the city last week the day before its fall on October 26. "They demanded our phones, money, everything. They kept searching us thoroughly," he said of the RSF. On his way to Tawila, about 70 kilometres (43 miles) to the west, he saw "a body left on the street that looked like it had been eaten by a dog". - 'Out of control' - Trump's envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, held talks in Sudan's neighbour Egypt on Sunday with Cairo's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, and then on Monday with the Arab League. During their discussions, Abdelatty stressed "the importance of concerted efforts to reach a humanitarian truce and a ceasefire throughout Sudan, paving the way for a comprehensive political process in the country", according to a foreign ministry statement. According to the Arab League, Boulos met the regional body's chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and briefed him on recent US efforts in Sudan to "halt the war, expedite aid delivery and initiate a political process". The Quad has been engaged in months of diplomacy aimed at securing a truce in the more than 30-month conflict in Sudan. In September, the four powers proposed a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to civilian rule, but the army-aligned government immediately rejected the plan at the time. In the aftermath of the RSF's assault on El-Fasher, reports emerged of mass killings, sexual violence, attacks on aid workers, looting and abductions during the offensive. The International Criminal Court on Monday voiced "profound alarm and deepest concern" over the reports, adding that such acts "may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity". Speaking at a forum in Qatar, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the warring parties Tuesday to "come to the negotiating table, bring an end to this nightmare of violence -- now". - 'Do not kill children' - In Sudan's capital Khartoum, which is under army control, children took part in an anti-paramilitary protest on Monday. One pupil held up a handwritten sign that read: "Do not kill children, do not kill women." "The militia is killing the women of El-Fasher with no mercy," another sign said. Both sides in the war have been accused of committing atrocities. The UAE is accused by the UN of supplying arms to the RSF -- allegations it has repeatedly denied. Meanwhile, the Sudanese army has received support from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran, according to observers. The fall of El-Fasher gave paramilitaries control over all five state capitals in Darfur, raising fears that Sudan would effectively be partitioned along an east-west axis. The RSF now dominates Darfur and parts of the south, while the army holds the north, east and central regions along the Nile and Red Sea. Pope says US deployment off Venezuela 'increases tension' Rome, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday criticised the US military deployment in the Caribbean, without naming US President Donald Trump, saying that "with violence we don't win". In response to a question from a journalist as he left his Castel Gandolfo secondary residence, the leader of the world's Catholics said a country had the right to have its military "defend peace". "In this case, however, it seems a bit different. It increases tension," said the 70-year-old pope, speaking of reports of US boats "each time ever closer to the coast of Venezuela". "I think that with violence we don't win. The thing to do is to seek dialogue," he added. Trump has launched a major military deployment in the Caribbean in recent weeks, conducting multiple strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels, killing dozens. He has downplayed potential US intervention in Venezuela, where leader Nicolas Maduro -- who faces indictment on drug charges in the United States -- has accused him of wanting to impose "regime change" in Caracas to seize Venezuelan oil. The Chicago-born pope was also asked about migrants in detention in his home city -- America's third-largest -- which has been a key target of Trump's crackdown on immigrants. "Jesus says very clearly at the end of the world, we're going to be asked, how did you receive the foreigner, did you receive him and welcome him or not," said the pontiff. "I think there is a deep reflection that needs to be made in terms of what's happening. Many people who have lived for years and years and years never causing problems have been deeply affected by what's going on right now," he said. In September, Leo -- a former missionary in Peru -- criticised what he called the "inhuman treatment" of immigrants in the US. President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua meets with Iranian Ambassador to China Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua met with Iranian Ambassador to China Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli in Beijing on Tuesday. Fu said that Xinhua is willing to strengthen its exchange and cooperation with Iranian media and think tanks, serving as a witness, recorder and promoter of the friendly relations between the two countries. Fu expressed the hope that both sides will enhance collaboration within the frameworks of multilateral mechanisms, contributing to the continuous improvement of the Global South's international discourse power. Noting that Iran attaches great importance to its relationship with China, Fazli said the Iranian side looks forward to expanding and deepening cooperation with Xinhua, leveraging the important role of the media to promote the development of bilateral relations. Tommy Robinson was found not guilty of a terror-related offence after refusing to give police his phone PIN when stopped at the Channel Tunnel while carrying over 13,000 in cash en route to Spain Officers detained him under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, which allows questioning at UK ports to assess links to terrorism. Robinson refused access to his phone, claiming it contained journalistic material His lawyer argued the stop was unlawful and discriminatory, based on Robinsons identity and views rather than genuine suspicion. The judge agreed there was no evidence linking him to terrorism In 2024, Sir Sadiqs foreign excursions were to the United Nations General Assembly in New York (with aides, at a cost of 13,877), to the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics (with six aides, at a cost of 4,901), and to Rome (with four aides, at a cost of 4,301) to meet the Pope. Gopichand Hinduja, Britains richest man and chairman of the Hinduja Group, has died in London aged 85, leaving his family describing a deep hole at the heart of our family. The Hinduja Group, founded by his father and expanded globally by Gopichand and his brothers, spans sectors including energy, finance, media, and manufacturing, employing around 200,000 people worldwide and boasting a family net worth of 35.3 billion. Hinduja topped the latest Sunday Times Rich List for the fourth time earlier this year Along with his football career he is also known for his stylish clothing choices, and in 1998 was named most stylish man of the year by GQ magazine, going on to model for the likes of H&M, Armani and Boss. ISLAMABAD, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces killed three terrorists in two separate operations in the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said on Monday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said the first operation took place near the Esham area of North Waziristan District on Sunday, where troops detected the movement of militants attempting to infiltrate Pakistan from across the border with Afghanistan. Security forces engaged the infiltrators, killing two of them, the ISPR said. In another intelligence-based operation in the Tank District, troops killed one more militant, the statement added. A search operation was underway, the ISPR said, adding that counterterrorism efforts under the "Azm-e-Istehkam" initiative would continue to ensure lasting peace. Ben Lamm co-founded the Texas-based biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences. The company is on a mission to bring back previously extinct species, like the woolly mammoth and dodo bird, as well as as preserve currently endangered species through genetic mutations. Colossal Two Texas-based biotechnology companies are joining forces on a mission to reverse extinction. Colossal Biosciences Inc., the Dallas-based genetics company that claimed to have brought back the dire wolf earlier this year, announced Tuesday that it has acquired Viagen Pets and Equine, a luxury animal cloning business. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It's Colossals first acquisition since the companys launch in 2021. While we use slightly different processes and technologies for our cloning work, Viagen was the only company in the world that had better cloning efficiencies than us, Colossal founder and CEO Ben Lamm said. So the idea that we could bring them into the fold, support a company and combine the technologies into our de-extinction technology stack. Founded in 2002, Viagen has two sides to its business. The first is to produce genetic clones of customers pets or livestock. The company charges about $50,000 to produce genetic twins of cats and dogs and about $85,000 for horses. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source On the other side of the business, the company uses its animal cloning technology for endangered species, a preservation mission that aligns closely with Colossal Biosciences. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It just seemed like a win-win across the board, Lamm said. He founded Colossal alongside Harvard University geneticist George Church about four years ago. The duo were looking into de-extinction, the practice of bringing back and genetically engineering previously extinct species, as a way to one day preserve endangered species. The company has several ongoing de-extinction projects, including its quest to bring back the dodo bird and the woolly mammoth. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The company garnered widespread media attention for its bid to revive the extinct dire wolf after reporting the birth of three wolves engineered with DNA recovered from 13,000- and 73,000-year-old skulls. Some independent researchers have disputed the claim, arguing the pups are genetically modified gray wolves, while acknowledging the births mark meaningful technical progress. Along with Romulus and Remus, Colossal also birthed Khaleesi, a female dire wolf named after "Game of Thrones'" Daenerys Targaryen. Provided by Colossal Lamm said the acquisition will advance Colossals goal of preserving endangered species, an area in which Viagen has already claimed success. Because were their only shareholder, all the profits that they currently make, well just reinvest into the conservation aspects, Lamm said. Because their core business isnt our focus, but it isnt going away. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2020, Viagen claimed to have successfully cloned a wild black-footed ferret, which had gone extinct more than three decades ago, according to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Viagen will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Colossal and will continue to be led by President Blake Russell. The company will maintain its principal pet-cloning business while integrating its preservation and conservation work with Colossals teams. Lamm, who said he believes in open-sourcing all conservation-related technology and findings, hopes to reduce the cost of animal cloning to make it more accessible. He declined to disclose the purchase price. How can we make it more cost effective and better and cheaper for more people, so its more accessible, Lamm said. I always want to look for ways to democratize technology for the good of all, and so I think thats something that well work toward. Right now, it is expensive to do what they do, but hopefully with the right level of investment and as we automate some of these technologies that Colossal has already been doing, maybe that could make it more efficient for them. FILE - Elon Musk listens as President Donald Trump speaks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 13, 2025. The company announced Thursday during its annual meeting that Tesla shareholders had approved a trillion-dollar pay package for CEO Elon Musk. Alex Brandon/AP Tesla Inc. shareholders will decide this week on a $1 trillion pay deal for CEO Elon Musk a proposal the tech billionaire says is essential to secure his future with the Austin-based automaker. The compensation plan, likely the largest CEO pay package in history, will be the main item at the companys annual meeting Thursday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If approved, Musk would control nearly 29% of Tesla shares if he meets all targets in a 10-year performance plan. The ambitious goals include deploying 1 million of the companys humanoid robots and boosting Teslas market value to $8.5 trillion. The plan also would allow Teslas board to award Musk a portion of the shares even if he falls short meaning the contingencies could carry less weight than advertised. Tesla board says plan is essential Musk supporters, including Teslas board, are urging shareholders to approve the package, arguing he could leave the company if it isnt approved. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Board Chair Robyn Denholm told shareholders in a letter that the company risks Musk quitting. "We run the risk that he gives up his executive position, and Tesla may lose his time, talent and vision. ... Without Elon, Tesla could lose significant value, as our company may no longer be valued for what we aim to become," she wrote to shareholders ahead of Thursday's meeting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Not everyone agrees But some investors say the package would give Musk too much control. After taxes, his stake would be about 25% not a majority, but enough to make it difficult to pass measures he opposes. Many also argue Teslas directors are too close to Musk, a concern courts have cited in striking down previous pay plans. Norway's sovereign wealth fund, one of Tesla's biggest investors, said Tuesday that it will vote against the proposed compensation package. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While we appreciate the significant value created under Mr. Musks visionary role, we are concerned about the total size of the award, dilution, and lack of mitigation of key person risk consistent with our views on executive compensation, said Norges Bank Investment Management, which manages the countrys Government Pension Fund Global. We will continue to seek constructive dialogue with Tesla on this and other topics. The fund hold a 1.16% stake, the sixth-largest among institutional investors. Protest planned at Texas Capitol Ahead of the vote, Austin-area labor and community groups plan to rally at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday on the south steps of the Texas Capitol to oppose the proposal, according to a media advisory issued Monday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Organizers said they expect more than 100 union members, activists and Travis County residents to attend and have invited lawmakers to speak. Citing pay disparities at Tesla, theyre urging investors not to give the richest person on the planet a record-breaking $1 trillion pay plan. According to information from Tesla Takedown, a coalition of anti-Tesla advocates, organizers also plan an "Inflatable Dance Party Protest" outside the company's Gigafactory Texas facility on Thursday, complete with "freedom frogs, dissent dinosaurs, unapologetic unicorns, renegade raccoons," music and snacks. FILE - Elon Musk speaks at a Tesla event. Supporters, including Teslas board, are urging shareholders to approve his pay package at this weeks annual meeting, warning he could leave if it fails. Jae C. Hong/Associated Press file photo Musk on building a 'robot army' If we build this robot army, do I have at least a strong influence over that robot army? Musk asked analysts and investors. I dont feel comfortable building that robot army if I dont have at least a strong influence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And after a year in which Tesla has seen several consecutive quarters of declining profit and backlash tied to Musks political activity and brief stint in Washington with the second Trump administration, some investors say Musks influence over the automaker should be reduced, not expanded. Donald Earl, who said he has been homeless for eight years, stands with his belongings outside a voting location at the Terrazas Branch Library on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Austin voters are deciding on Proposition Q, a property tax rate increase that would, in part, fund $20.4 million for up to 350 new rapid rehousing units and expanded emergency shelter beds and services for people experiencing homelessness. Jay Janner Texas likely set a record Tuesday as over 3 million voters headed to the polls during an off-year election, nearly 15% of all registered voters in the state. The previous record was 2.56 million in 2023. Here in Austin, voters made their voices heard on Proposition Q, rebuking city leadership and breaking sharply from a progressive electoral track record to vote "no" on the property tax hike that City Hall had cast as essential to addressing homelessness and otherwise improving quality of life in the city. The defeat set the tone for voters' cautious approach to new spending. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Voters in Hays, Blanco and Coupland rejected their school district tax increases, while voters in Liberty Hill and Taylor approved them. In Pflugerville, the mayor's race is headed to a runoff. All 17 constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot passed, including measures aimed at providing property tax relief and shoring up the water supply. Though unofficial results are in, we will continue to provide updates and analysis over the next week. You can continue to track live results here. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Live updates to this Election Day blog have concluded. Look back at our coverage of Tuesday's events below. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Leander City Council race will head to a runoff between Natomi Blair and Anna Yelaun because neither one of them received more than 50% of the votes for place 3, according to unofficial results from Williamson and Travis counties. Blair received support from 47.5% of the voters, or 3,733 votes, and Yelaun got 40.3% of the votes, or 3,174 votes. Mohan Marchetty received 958 votes or 12.2% of the vote. The runoff will be on Dec. 13, a city spokesman said. Claire Osborn, Williamson County reporter Advertisement Article continues below this ad City Council Member Doug Weiss and Pat McCord are headed to a runoff election to become Pflugerville's next mayor, with Weiss earning 47.4% of the vote, just shy of the 50% needed to claim victory. McCord finished second with 34.6% of the vote. Gregory Harrington took third place at 14.7% and Andy Lindsey had 3.4%. Coffman earned 55.3% of the vote in a three-way race to take over Weiss' Place 1 seat on the City Council. A write-in candidate received 29.3% of the vote, and Phil Davis placed third with 15.4%. Current Mayor Victor Gonzales was not eligible to run again after serving three consecutive terms, and Weiss was prevented from running again for his Place 1 seat for the same reason. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tom Labinski, Communities Editor Voters rejected all three propositions in the Manor school districts $384.5 million bond package, according to unofficial results from Travis County. Prop A had 57% of voters or 3,921 votes against it with 43% of voters or 2,944 votes for it. Prop A carried a price tag of $359.5 million and included renovations to Blake Manor, Bluebonnet Trail, Decker and ShadowGlen elementaries. Prop B had 56.4% of voters or 3,875 votes rejecting it while 43.5% of voters cast 2,988 votes to support it. It asked for $8.5 million to pay for technology devices and upgrades. Prop C had 58.5% of voters casting their ballots against it with 4,018 votes while 40.6% of voters supported it with 2,849 votes. Prop C would have cost $16.5 million for performing art additions, including a bigger theater, at the Manor High School complex. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Claire Osborn, Williamson County reporter With all ballots counted, Bee Cave voters approved Proposition A to put a new public library on city-owned land, but rejected a second proposition to spend $20 million in bonds on a new structure. Proposition A was approved with 56.7% of the vote, while Proposition B was rejected by 54.7% of voters. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The city's first library opened in a small portable building in 2005 before moving into its current home inside City Hall in 2007. Officials say more space is needed in the growing community. The proposed library would be 18,500 square feet and would be built at 13941 Bee Cave Parkway. City officials said its approval would raise taxes by $114 per year for the average homeowner. Tom Labinski, Communities Editor Hays voters overwhelmingly rejected a 12-cent property tax rate increase that would have pumped $26.2 million into the school districts depleted emergency cash, a measure district officials said was necessary to avoid deeper cuts into student services. Advertisement Article continues below this ad About 61% of the nearly 16,000 voters opposed the proposition, according to incomplete and unofficial results. In the Liberty Hill district, voters approved a 7-cent increase per $100 of valuation, after failing to pass a similar measure in 2024. About 53.6% of the voters approved the measure, according to complete but unofficial results. Voters in the Taylor school district approved a tax rate of $1.0638 per $100 of valuation, which will generate an additional $650,000 for student programs classroom instruction and career and technology programs. This rate is 4 cents lower than last years rate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Blanco school district voters rejected a 2-cent rate increase, which would have generated about $500,000 more annually for teacher salaries and helped maintain class sizes. Coupland school district voters also rejected a property tax rate increase of 3 cents, which would have generated $241,000 in annual revenue for the operations of the districts second campus. Keri Heath, Education Reporter Voters have approved the Taylor school districts $147 million bond, according to unofficial voting results in Williamson County. The bond passed with 59.6% support or 1,414 votes. It was opposed by 40.4% of the vote or 959 votes. The bond will pay for a new multipurpose building at Taylor High School. It will also pay for classroom, cafeteria, science lab and athletic renovations at Taylor Middle School and renovations at elementary schools and the middle school to create science, technology, engineering and mathematics instructional spaces. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The property tax rate will not increase because officials said they have paid off old debt. Claire Osborn, Williamson County reporter A Leander City Council race may head to a runoff between Natomi Blair and Anna Yelaun if neither one of them receives more than 50% of the votes. Currently Blair continues to lead in the three-way race for place 3 with voting results from 162 precincts out of 164 precincts in Williamson County and 93 out of 157 voting center results in Travis County. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She is running against Yelaun and Mohan Marchetty. Blair received 49.5% of the vote followed by Yelaun with 41% of the vote and Marchetty who was trailing with 9.5 % of the vote, results from Williamson County showed. In Travis County Blair was leading with 40.6% of the vote in Travis County followed by Yelaun with 38.4% of the vote and Marchetty with 21% of the vote. The winner will fill a seat vacated by David McDonald, who resigned in August to run for Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 2. Claire Osborn, Williamson County reporter City Council Member Doug Weiss and Pat McCord could be headed to a runoff election to become Pflugerville's next mayor, with Weiss earning 48% of the vote, just shy of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. McCord is in second place with 35% of the vote. Gregory Harrington is in third place at 14% and Andy Lindsey has 4%. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the three-way race to take over Weiss' Place 1 seat on the City Council, Jonathan Coffman was earning 55% of the vote. A write-in candidate has 38% of the vote and Phil Davis was earning 14%. Current Mayor Victor Gonzales was not eligible to run again after serving three consecutive terms, and Weiss was prevented from running again for his Place 1 seat for the same reason. Tom Labinski, Communities Editor About 55% of Bee Cave voters were approving a measure to put a new public library on city-owned land but were rejecting a second proposition to spend $20 million in bonds for the new structure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Proposition A was earning 55% of the vote Tuesday night but 55% of voters were against Proposition B with 875 votes counted. The city's first library opened in a small portable building in 2005 before moving into its current home inside City Hall in 2007. Officials say more space is needed in the growing community. The proposed library would be 18,500 square feet and would be built at 13941 Bee Cave Parkway. City officials said its approval would raise taxes by $114 per year for the average homeowner. In Pflugerville, Current City Council Member Doug Weiss is leading a four-way race to become Pflugerville's next mayor, while Jonathan Coffman was winning a three-way race to fill Weiss' Place 1 seat. Weiss was earning 47% of the vote as of 10:05 p.m., shy of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. Pat McCord was in second place with 36%, Gregory Harrington had 13% of the vote and Andy Lindsey had 3%. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the Place 1 council race, Coffman was taking 55% of the vote, with a write-in candidate in second at 32% and Phil Davis earning 14% of the vote. Current Mayor Victor Gonzales was not eligible to run again after serving three consecutive terms, and Weiss was prevented from running again for his Place 1 seat for the same reason. Tom Labinski, Communities Editor Voters were rejecting all three propositions in the Manor school districts $384.5 million bond package, according to results from 53 out of 157 voting centers in Travis County. Prop A had 58% of voters voting against it with 42% voting for it. Prop A carries a price tag of $359.5 million and includes renovations to Blake Manor, Bluebonnet Trail, Decker and ShadowGlen elementaries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Prop B had 57.2% of votes rejecting it while 42.8% supported it. It asks for $8.5 million to pay for technology devices and upgrades. Prop C had 59% of voters casting their ballots against it while 41% of voters supported it. Prop C would cost $16.5 million for performing art additions, including a bigger theater, at the Manor High School complex. Officials have said approval of the bonds would not raises the property tax rate. Claire Osborn, Williamson County reporter Texas top two leaders declared victory on all 17 constitutional amendments on Tuesdays ballot, many of them personal priorities that each Republican shouldered through the legislative session earlier this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gov. Greg Abbott came away with several major victories, including a signature proposal that would allow judges to deny bail to people accused of serious crimes and another that would greatly expand the governors power over a panel that polices state judges. This legislative session, we delivered the conservative victories Texans demanded, Abbott wrote in a statement. And this November, Texans showed up to enshrine them in the Texas Constitution. Patrick, meanwhile, championed a $3 billion fund for research on dementia and Alzheimers-related diseases. Unofficial results showed voters approved it by a large margin. All 17 of these amendments were priorities for the Senate and me, Patrick wrote on X. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Isaac Yu, Politics Reporter Natomi Blair was still leading in a three-way race for the Leander City Council, according to voting results from 161 precincts out of 164 total precincts in Williamson County. Blair is running for place 3 against Anna Yelaun and Mohan Marchetty. She received 49% of the vote followed by Yelaun with 41.3 % of the vote and Marchetty who was trailing with 9.7% of the vote, results showed. The winner will fill a seat vacated by David McDonald, who resigned in August to run for Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 2. Early voting results from Travis County showed Blair and Yelaun tied for the lead in the race with each candidate receiving 38% of the vote. Marchetty received 24% of the vote in Travis County, according to early voting totals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Voters were strongly supporting the Taylor school districts $147 million bond, according to results from 161 out of 164 precincts in Williamson County. The district in southeastern Williamson County is proposing to use part of the money to build a new multipurpose building at Taylor High School. Approval will not raise the property tax rate, officials have said. Claire Osborn, Williamson County Reporter Supporters of Prop Q, assembled at The Brewtorium Brewery and Kitchen in North Austin, remained hopeful that Austin voters would approve the controversial tax hike until the first round of election totals posted around 8:30 p.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The mood quickly shifted as proponents absorbed the stunning total which showed only about 30% of early voters supported the measure. The realization that Prop Q likely faced insurmountable odds spread quickly through the room. Council members Ryan Alter and Mike Siegel and Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, on hand with supporters to watch returns come in, quickly absorbed that message as well. City Council needs to rebuild trust with the people of Austin, plain and simple, Siegel said. Alter said the result sent a clear message that council needs to closely scrutinize how the city spends its tax dollars to ensure services are delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible and better communicate to the public how city services impact their daily lives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That process would begin shortly, Alter said, as city council prepares to deliberate over and adopt a scaled back budget. Austin Sanders, Public Safety Reporter McDade Independent School Districts proposition to issue $18 million in school building bonds will likely fail, according to early voting results. The bond would go toward construction, acquisition and equipment for buildings in the school district, which would come as a result of a tax increase for residents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the City of Elgin, Proposition E is on track to fail. Prop E would change city council and mayoral terms from two to three years. Proposition F, which would require council members to reside in the area they represent during their term, is on track to pass. Proposition N, which would limit mayors and city council members to four consecutive terms or eight consecutive combined terms, is on track to pass. See live results for all of Bastrop County here. Katey Psencik, Breaking and Trending Editor and Julianna Duennes Russ, Breaking and Trending Reporter Current City Council Member Doug Weiss is leading a four-way race to become Pflugerville's next mayor, while Jonathan Coffman was winning a three-way race to fill Weiss' Place 1 seat. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Weiss was earning 47% of the vote as of 7:40 p.m., shy of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. Pat McCord was in second place with 37%, Gregory Harrington had 13% of the vote and Andy Lindsey had 3%. In the Place 1 council race, Coffman was taking 54% of the vote, with a write-in candidate in second at 33% and Phil Davis earning 13% of the vote. Current Mayor Victor Gonzales was not eligible to run again after serving three consecutive terms, and Weiss was prevented from running again for his Place 1 seat for the same reason. Tom Labinski, Communities Editor Advertisement Article continues below this ad At an election night party for Proposition Q opponents, cheers broke out as early election results came in that indicated the tax hike measure was on track to fail. Attendees shook hands and patted each other on the back as celebratory blue-and-silver pom poms were distributed. Aint it great to be alive in Austin, Texas, radio host Bob Cole told the crowd. Seven to eight weeks ago, I said confidently that theres no way this thing doesnt pass. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republican operative Matt Mackowiak, who helped found the influential Save Austin Now PAC, called the results a victory for taxpayers, a revolt and a first step towards a new direction for Austin City Hall. Its time our city government is as good as its city and its residents, he said. Austin City Council candidate Steven Brown, who is running to represent District 1, said this is what happens when nonpartisan groups come together to show the 11 council members that they are out of touch. Let me make very clear this was a blowout victory, outspoken lawyer and activist Adam Loewy told the crowd as people erupted into cheers. The spending must stop. We do not need more taxes and this City Council needs to get the message to get their house in order. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chaya Tong, City Hall Reporter Early voting results in Travis and Williamson counties show Natomi Blair leading in a three-way race for a Leander City Council seat. Blair is running for Place 3 against Anna Yelaun and Mohan Marchetty. Blair was leading in Williamson County with 49% of the vote and in Travis County with 38% of the vote. Yelaun received 41.6% of the vote in Williamson County and 38% of the vote in Travis County. Marchetty was trailing with 9.4% of the vote in Williamson County and 24% of the vote in Travis County. Claire Osborn, Williamson County Reporter Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bee Cave voters were approving a measure to put a new public library on city-owned land but were rejecting a second proposition to spend $20 million in bonds for the new structure. Proposition A was earning 55% of the vote Tuesday night but 56% of voters were against Proposition B with 743 votes counted. The city's first library opened in a small portable building in 2005 before moving into its current home inside City Hall in 2007. Officials say more space is needed in the growing community. The proposed library would be 18,500 square feet and would be built at 13941 Bee Cave Parkway. City officials said its approval would raise taxes by $114 per year for the average homeowner. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tom Labinski, Communities Editor Proposition Q was on track to fail in early voting returns Tuesday night, with unofficial results showing Austin voters across three counties leaning heavily against the 20% city property tax hike though thousands of Election Day ballots had yet to be counted. In Travis County, home to a vast majority of the city, just 33% of votes cast before Election Day 28,304 ballots out of 85,708 total were in favor of Prop Q, while the remaining 67% were against. (That total included ballots cast in-person during early voting, as well as some mail-in ballots.) Advertisement Article continues below this ad In Williamson County, which is home to a small slice of the city, 69% of the 4,034 votes cast early in the Prop Q race either in person or by mail were against the measure while the remaining 31% were for it. In Hays County, home to an even smaller slice of the city, only nine of 51 reported early votes about 18% were in favor of Prop Q. The early voting period, which ran from Oct. 20 to Oct. 31, saw higher-than-normal turnout for an off-year election with about 13% of the citys 904,768 registered voters casting ballots. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That compares to 11.84% in 2021 and 7.92% in 2023. Kiah Collier, Metro Editor; Chaya Tong, City Hall Reporter; Karina Kumar, Data Reporter Since 2021, large Texas counties have been required to livestream vote counting on election night. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Senate Bill 1, which passed during the second special session of the 87th Legislature, in part requires counties with populations over 100,000 to record and livestream video of voted ballots from the moment they arrive at the counting station until the votes are canvassed. Travis County has 11 different angles to view at VoteTravis.gov. Click on Current Election, then navigate to the Live Streaming tab to view all the streams. To watch Williamson County, visit WilCoTX.gov/elections, then click Election Live Streams" on the left-hand side to view the countys four feeds. Hays Countys feeds are found at HaysCountytx.gov/elections. Click on Current Elections, then scroll down to see 10 different camera views. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bastrop County streams its election night feeds to the Bastrop County Elections YouTube channel. Alex Driggars, Transportation Reporter Polls officially closed at 7 p.m., but those who got in line to vote before 7 p.m. can still cast their ballot. Most voting locations across the Austin area list wait times of less than 20 minutes, but several still have waits reaching close to an hour: Boulder Ridge Clubhouse in Pflugerville, Good Shepherd on the Hill and Dan Ruiz Branch Library in East Austin, Akins High School in South Austin, 145-Williamson County Jester Annex in Round Rock. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The following locations show wait times between 21 and 50 minutes: Gus Garcia Recreation Center in Northeast Austin, Manor Elementary Early Learning Center in Manor, YMCA East Communities Y and Genesis Presbytarian Church in East Austin, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the UT Texas Union in Central Austin and more than 10 locations in Williamson County. Katey Psencik, Breaking and Trending Editor Austinites will have to wait longer than normal to get preliminary election results. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats because Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado has decided to hold off on posting the results of early and mail-in voting until every Election Day ballot has been cast. While the polls officially closed at 7 p.m., people who cued ahead of that cutoff will be allowed to vote and some were still waiting in line as of 8 p.m. Traditionally, elections officials post the results of early and mail-in voting right after the polls close and then update results throughout the night as they tally ballots from Election Day. We are waiting until all polls close and then we will post early vote totals, Limon-Mercado told the Statesman. We have the discretion on when we post results and want to make sure everyone has had a chance to vote before we do it. Williamson and Hays counties, which each contain a small slice of the city of Austin, posted early voting results soon after polls closed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The returns do not bode well for the city of Austin and its proposed property tax hike known as Proposition Q. In Williamson County, 69% of the 4,034 votes cast in the Prop Q race ahead of Election Day or by mail were against the measure while the remaining 31% were for it. In Hays County, home to a tiny portion of the city, only nine of the 51 reported early votes were in favor of Prop Q. Austin Sanders, Public Safety Reporter Advertisement Article continues below this ad All of the 17 constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot appeared on track to pass Tuesday night, including measures aimed at lowering homeowners property taxes and infusing billions of dollars into water infrastructure projects, according to early vote returns released by the states largest counties. Amendments that would give property tax exemptions to fire-destroyed homes and spouses of deceased veterans led by the widest margins, according to unofficial results. Others were much closer, including propositions to ban taxes on stock exchanges and give tax breaks to certain border property. Early voters in Harris and Dallas counties rejected those measures, while those in Fort Bend, Tarrant and Collin counties narrowly approved them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Each of the 17 ballot measures passed the Texas Legislature earlier this year by at least a two-thirds majority, the requirement for constitutional amendments, before going to voters. On the ballot, the amendments are passed by a simple majority. Voters have only rejected two constitutional amendments in the last decade, both related to the judicial system: a 2019 proposition that would have allowed judges to serve in multiple cities, and a 2023 proposition that would have raised the retirement age for judges. Isaac Yu, Politics Reporter Voters in the Hays school district appear on track to reject a proposal to increase the property tax rate by 12 cents, a measure district officials had said would be necessary to avoid steep cuts and to replenish the district's drained emergency funds. Almost 60% of early voters rejected Proposition A, according to early and unofficial results. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If the measure passes, collections from the higher tax rate are expected to pump another $26.2 million into the Hays district, give staff a raise and avoid class-size increases across the district. Keri Heath, Education Reporter Early results show voters demonstrating strong support for a $147 million bond for the Taylor school district, with 63.7% voting for the bond's approval. The money would pay for a new multipurpose building at Taylor High School. Approval will not raise the property tax rate, officials have said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Also in Williamson County, Natomi Blair was leading in a three-way race for the Leader City Council, according to early voting results. Blair is running for Place 3 against Anna Yelaun and Mohan Marchetty. She has received 49% of the vote so far, followed by Yelaun with 41.6% of the vote, and Marchetty trails with 9.4%. The winner will fill a seat vacated by David McDonald, who resigned in August to run for Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 2. Claire Osborn, Williamson County Reporter Early voting results showed voter-approved tax rates were on track to pass in two Williamson County school districts Liberty Hill and Taylor and fail in one Coupland. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A measure to increase the Liberty Hill school districts tax rate by 7 cents received 56% approval from early voters. A similar ballot to set the Taylor school district's rate at $1.0638 per $100 of property valuation received almost 67% approval from early voters. Another proposal to increase the Coupland district's rate by 3 cents appeared on track to fail with 60% of early voters against. Keri Heath, Education Reporter Advertisement Article continues below this ad Polls in Central Texas and across most of the state are now closed. Voters who joined a line before 7 p.m. will still be allowed to cast a ballot. Several voting locations across Travis County still have lines. At 7 p.m., there were 18 polling places in Travis County with wait times of more than 51 minutes. One polling place in Williamson County had a wait time of more than 45 minutes. Results from early ballots are typically released shortly after polls close. County officials will now start counting ballots cast on Election Day, and they typically release results in batches as they work their way through the stack. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To keep track of results as they come in across Central Texas and the state, visit our live results page. To see results broken down by region: Alex Driggars, Transportation Reporter and Katey Psencik, Breaking and Trending Editor Advertisement Article continues below this ad With less than an hour left until the polls close, the line at the Texas Union on UT's campus is still more than an hour long. Josh Reyna, a Democratic candidate for Texas House District 49, said hes been here most of the day handing out pizza to students to encourage them to stay in line. (Reynas House race is not on the ballot today.) I heard the lines were long out here, so I wanted to come support the students and make sure their voices are heard, Reyna said. Seeing the students wait this long is very inspirational. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Diego Campoamor and Arely Tarin, both students at the University of Texas, enjoy a slice of pizza while they wait in line to vote at the Texas Union on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Austin. Julianna Duennes Russ/Austin American-Statesman Two students who accepted pizza from Reyna are Diego Campoamor and Arely Tarin, who both hail from El Paso. Were both from the border, and our families are from that area, so exercising our right to vote is important to us, Campoamor said. One student, who asked not to be named, stands in line with his laptop open. The glow of the screen illuminates his face as he researches proposed amendments to the Texas state constitution. Hes one of many students who have their devices opened to voter guides as they wait. Advertisement Article continues below this ad University of Texas students look at digital voter guides as they wait to cast a ballot in the Texas Union on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Austin. Julianna Duennes Russ/Austin American-Statesman Meanwhile, a representative of the University Democrats is handing out paper voting guides to voters near at the back of the line. Once youre in line, you can stay in line, Haley Aguilar, a member of the University Democrats, tells voters joining the long line. Would you like a voters guide? Aguilar said shes been greeting voters outside of the Texas Union since 3 p.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Julianna Duennes Russ, Breaking and Trending Reporter Jessica Hincapie came to vote at Randalls with her husband Brian Ranck. The couple identify as Democratic Socialists, and Hincapie said they are strong supporters of Prop Q. Were aiming for care, not cuts, Hincapie said. I love the idea of expanding shelter space, making affordable housing and supporting firefighters. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ranck said he was motivated to the polls by the Texas constitutional amendment propositions, specifically Proposition 13, which would raise the school property tax exemption to $140,000. Texas born and raised, Ranck said he is a product of public schools and protecting access to public education is his top priority in this election. READ MORE: What you need to know about the major constitutional amendments on the Texas ballot Im against vouchers of all kinds because of the way it will inevitably drive taxes toward religious and charter schools, Ranck said. Im not a big fan of the proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution that would expand the amount of homestead tax credits that youre going to be able to claim at the expense of those funds going to Texas public schools. Im here to try and help all the children who deserve a good public education. Meanwhile, Frank Resta said he has spent countless hours working with unhoused populations in Austin, and he knows the community well. Hes voting no on Prop Q because he doesnt think the city government has any true answers to the housing problem. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They dont really have a plan, Resta said. The homeless problem is definitely an issue, but theres not a good answer to this one. There have got to be better solutions, and throwing (unhoused people) in jail is not the right answer. Resta also said most of the proposed amendments to the Texas constitution seem like a massive overreach to him. Julianna Duennes Russ, Breaking and Trending News Reporter At the Randalls grocery store on Brodie Lane in South Austin, a representative hired by the Austin Firefighters Association is stationed outside. Hes collecting signatures for the unions petition, which proposes amending the city charter to require a four-member staffing minimum on Austin Fire apparatus. Advertisement Article continues below this ad AFA hired Texas Petition Strategies to collect signatures, and President John Hatch said his TPS representatives have already been out in the field for ten days. They collected signatures during early voting and are also out today. READ MORE: Austin firefighters push charter amendment to lock in minimum staffing Theresa Sacco signs a petition with Anthony Bridges, an employee of Texas Petition Strategies, Tuesday outside of the Randalls on Brodie Lane. Julianna Russ/Austin American-Statesman We have somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 to 12 voting locations covered today, Hatch said. Were getting ramped up on this, and the response has been overwhelmingly supportive. People want safety and they support firefighters. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hatch estimated around 4,000 signatures have been collected so far, though they havent been verified yet. The city requires 20,000 signatures from registered voters to add the amendment proposal to the May ballot, but Hatch said they will aim to collect 25,000 signatures across Travis, Hays and Williamson counties. Julianna Duennes Russ, Breaking and Trending News Reporter As the afternoon rush begins to ramp up, some polling locations in and around Austin are beginning to get busy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As of 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, voters at nine locations in Travis County were experiencing wait times of more than 50 minutes: Austin City Hall , Media Room No. 1034, 301 W. Second St., Austin , Media Room No. 1034, 301 W. Second St., Austin Ben Hur Shrine Center , Blue Room, 7811 Rockwood Lane, Austin , Blue Room, 7811 Rockwood Lane, Austin Circle C Community Center , Meeting Rooms 1-3, 7817 La Crosse Ave., Austin , Meeting Rooms 1-3, 7817 La Crosse Ave., Austin Dan Ruiz Branch Library , Meeting Room 1, 1600 Grove Blvd., Austin , Meeting Room 1, 1600 Grove Blvd., Austin Disability Rights Texas , Board Rooms, 2222 W. Braker Lane, Austin , Board Rooms, 2222 W. Braker Lane, Austin Gus Garcia Recreation Center , Senior Room, 1201 E. Rundberg Lane, Austin , Senior Room, 1201 E. Rundberg Lane, Austin Randalls Flagship West Lake Hills , Cafe, 3300 Bee Cave Road, Austin , Cafe, 3300 Bee Cave Road, Austin Westoak Woods Baptist Church , CMB Room No. 104, 2900 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin , CMB Room No. 104, 2900 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin Will Hampton Branch Library, Meeting Room, 5125 Convict Hill Road, Austin Live updates on wait times across the area can be found here. Alex Driggars, Reporter Advertisement Article continues below this ad The line to vote at Randalls on Brodie Lane extends all the way down the sidewalk, stretching as far as Madam Mams Thai Cuisine on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in South Austin. Julianna Russ/Austin American-Statesman Affordability is at the top of Austin voters minds at the Turner Roberts Recreation Center in East Austin. Anthony Flores has noticed the city getting more and more expensive year over year. He does not want to pay more in property tax on top of the increased cost of living, so he voted no on Proposition Q. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Flores believes the city has enough money to function, but he feels that some city funds are mismanaged. He cited the same story many others pointed to when voting against the proposition: the city spending over $1 million to design a new logo and branding. His worries were echoed by Megha, another voter who only wanted to be identified by her first name. She is a new homeowner with concerns about the increasing property values. With how much the housing market has changed in the last few years, something about the proposition doesnt add up to me, she said. Flores said there was nothing the city could have done to convince him to vote for Prop Q. He said the city had already lost his trust, and only action, not campaigning, could gain it back. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But not everyone was so confident in their decision. Sarah Glasscock said she waffled back and forth on supporting Prop Q, but she ultimately ended up voting for the measure. She had heard talk of funds being poorly used, but she put that aside because she ultimately believes the tax hike is worth it. We need the services, especially with federal funds being cut, she said. Many voters at the rec center shared the same concerns as others from across the city about affordability and transparency within city government. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dante Motley, Breaking News Reporter At the Daniel E. Ruiz Branch Library in Southeast Austin, voters are turning out in droves. The parking lot is full and cars are lined along Grove Boulevard in front of the library. One man who works for the county asked not to be named, but said he voted against Proposition Q because he is concerned about his property taxes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im a property owner, and I live paycheck to paycheck, he said. I cant afford that. Willow Adams, who lives near the airport, said shes disappointed in the city government and is hopeful increased property taxes will help the city do better. I want to see change in our government, Adams said. I voted for Prop Q because I think the issues it will fund are really important, like parks. Lindsey Lohberg said shes impressed with the turnout this year. She waited in line for more than 40 minutes to vote no on Prop Q. Advertisement Article continues below this ad People with a lot of money dont want to pay taxes, but want to raise ours, Lohberg said. We dont want it that way. Nineteen-year-old James Appleyard voted for the first time in last years presidential election, and today he came out again to vote against Prop Q. He said he thinks off-year elections can be the most important because they lay the groundwork for governance. Ive heard that City Council has been misappropriating funds, Appleyard said. I also dont think regular people and Austinites should be asked to pay more in property taxes when we should be taxing people like Elon Musk. Chelsea Koons isnt a property owner, but said she wouldve voted yes on Prop Q either way. From her perspective, a vote for Prop Q is a vote for a better social safety net. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Id be paying a bit of extra money to benefit people that need it, Koons said. Thats really all that matters community and coming together. Julianna Duennes Russ, Breaking and Trending News Reporter Texans at the polls in this off-year election are being asked a criminal justice question: Should judges have more power to deny bail for people who have been arrested? Advertisement Article continues below this ad The way pretrial release is handled in Texas is a heated topic that has influenced elections and sparked public furor. Earlier this year, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill package he called the strongest change to bail law in the states history The constitutional amendment on this years ballot, Proposition 3, could take those changes a step further by allowing district court judges to decide whether certain suspects are too dangerous or too untrustworthy to be allowed outside jail. While political criticisms of judges in recent years have often focused on their decisions regarding bail amounts, one thing remains true: Judges are required to set a bail amount in most cases. The upcoming ballot measure could broaden their authority. John Wayne Ferguson, Reporter Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas Gov. Greg Abbott urged Austinites to vote no on Proposition Q. Abbott referenced an American-Statesman report from Sunday that revealed questionable spending by some Austin City Council members, including donating taxpayer funds to political and advocacy organizations. Austin City Council members using your property tax dollars to give to political organizations. That should ALREADY be illegal. If not, we must make it illegal next session. In the meantime, if you live in Austin, go vote on Tuesday AGAINST Prop. Q -- against raising your Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 3, 2025 Alex Driggars, Reporter Advertisement Article continues below this ad Voting has picked up at some polling locations, with a line forming outside Disability Rights Texas in North Austin. Dante Motley Voting has picked up at some polling locations, with a line forming outside Disability Rights Texas in North Austin. Many voters said they were driven by a sense of civic duty. I just felt like I should vote, Maricella Kaples said. Id feel guilty if I didnt. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kaples raised concerns about Proposition 16 which would amend the state constitution to say only U.S. citizens can vote, something already in state law calling the measure largely symbolic and xenophobic. She said she wasnt familiar with Proposition Q beforehand but chose to vote against it after reading it at the ballot box. Several voters said they did quick research on the propositions before heading to the polls Tuesday. Isaac Becerra said he reviewed the League of Women Voters guide for a nonpartisan breakdown of the measures. Becerra said he reluctantly voted for Prop Q. While he has concerns about a growing share of the city budget going toward what he sees as an increasingly militarized police force, he ultimately wants the city to have the funding its requesting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dante Motley, Breaking News Reporter Two voters at the Austin Recreation Center landed on opposite sides of Proposition Q despite sharing similar reservations. Gabriella Soza called her vote for the tax increase a controversial choice. She doesnt generally believe the Austin City Council spends money responsibly, pointing to the $1.1 million spent on the citys new logo as an example. Still, shes hopeful Prop Q funds will improve life in Austin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I think that Austin has so much potential, and we cant realize that potential unless we fund it, Soza said. I get the frustration, where it feels like we fund things over and over and nothing happens, but I dont know. I keep having hope, I guess. Melissa Jameson, a lifelong Democrat, is less hopeful. She voted against the proposition, saying shes tired of big government expanding its reach. She believes in more direct ways to support the community. She said shed rather donate to causes she cares about than pay higher property taxes to a city council she doesnt entirely trust. I dont mind paying taxes, Jameson said. But are they doing what they should be doing with my tax money? I dont necessarily think thats the case. But both voters agreed the election carries weight beyond a single proposition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad State constitutional amendments are on the line, and those are pretty significant, Soza said. They require participation. Were the voters. Were the ones who get to determine that. Dante Motley, Breaking News Reporter Travis and Williamson counties are tracking wait times at polling locations, and things are pretty quiet. Most voting spots are experiencing wait times between 0-20 minutes, with a few spots seeing wait times between 21-50 minutes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres where to see maps of wait times at polling locations before you go out and vote. Marley Malenfant and Alexis Simmerman, Trending Reporters Voters might have heard a false claim suggesting Proposition Q would eliminate Texas 3.5% cap on annual property-tax revenue increases. That cap, enacted under Senate Bill 2 in 2019, limits cities and counties from increasing revenue from existing properties by more than 3.5% per year without voter approval. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Prop Q does not remove or override that limit. The cap is set in state law and cannot be changed through a municipal ballot measure. Dante Motley, Breaking News Reporter Its a sleepy morning for voting at the Terrazas Branch Library in East Austin. Dante Motley Its a sleepy morning for voting in this off-year election. At the Terrazas Branch Library in East Austin, a poll worker, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak on behalf of the county, said only about six people had come to vote so far. While they believe turnout will be low, they think a few of this years ballot measures like Proposition Q, the citys proposed 20% tax rate hike could draw in more Austinites than usual during an odd-year election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Four voters who spoke to the Austin American-Statesman outside the library all said they were voting against Proposition Q. All expressed concern about affordability and transparency regarding the city budget. I believe in being fiscally responsible with your money, said voter Virginia Bailey. Why are we in a deficit? For the last 10 years, the city has been booming and housing prices have gone through the roof. They should have more money. Bailey is voting no down the ballot for all state and local measures. She believes that, while the wording on many of the state tax incentives being proposed is often well-intentioned, it is hard to gauge the impact of such measures. She specifically cited the state ban on estate taxes, noting that she believed those wouldnt help middle-class Texans who are struggling to get by. Dante Motley, Breaking News Reporter Advertisement Article continues below this ad What is Prop Q? Proposition Q asks voters to approve a property tax rate of $0.57 per $100 in valuation about 5 cents higher than whats allowed under the 2019 state law. The tax hike would generate roughly $110 million for the citys general fund next year. For the average homeowner with a property valued at about $500,000, the passage of Prop Q would add about $300 to their annual city property tax bill. This year, the average homeowner paid $1,969 in city taxes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How did we get here? Facing a projected $33.4 million budget shortfall, the City Council approved a $6.3 billion budget that depends on a 20% increase in the citys portion of property taxes. Thats well above a 3.5% annual cap set by the Texas Legislature in 2019 as part of an effort to rein in property tax increases. If a local taxing entity like the city of Austin wants to exceed that cap, it must get voter approval through a tax rate election. City leaders say the increase is needed to maintain basic services, while business groups say it could worsen Austins affordability crisis. How exactly would Austin spend the money? Advertisement Article continues below this ad That $110 million would go toward a variety of initiatives but most fall under one of four categories: homelessness programs, park maintenance and public health and safety. For a full list, go to https://www.austintexas.gov/page/ballot-propositions. Chaya Tong, City Hall Reporter and Austin Sanders, Public Safety Reporter Polls are officially open across the Austin area. Theyll remain open until 7 p.m. today. Statesman journalists are heading out to talk to voters as they make decisions on Prop Q and 17 other statewide props. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Well have live updates here throughout the day. Check back in for more soon. Alice Bazerghi, Subscriber Engagement Editor At the end of early voting on Oct. 31, 12.99% of registered voters had placed their ballots. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats a higher early voter turnout than the last two off-year elections in 2021 and 2023, which saw 11.84% and 7.92% early voter turnout respectively. Karina Kumar, Data Reporter Over 100 polling places are open for you to cast your vote in Travis County this election. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Use our map to enter your address and find whats closest to you. Click on a polling place to get more details on the address and room where voting will take place. Loading... Voters must show a valid ID or provide alternative identification and fill out a form stating why you cannot provide a valid ID. Voters who cannot enter a polling place due to disability should call ahead to arrange for curbside voting accommodations. Alexandra Kanik, Data Editor Advertisement Article continues below this ad Big fiscal choices hang in the balance this election, like Proposition Q, the citys steepest property tax hike in 20 years, or the other 17 propositions being voted on statewide, ranging from tax breaks to Dementia prevention research and parents rights. Our Voter Guide allows you to read through each proposition, save your choices and bring them with you to the ballot box. If youd like even further guidance, our Editorial Board researched the propositions, spoke with stakeholders and interviewed experts to arrive at recommendations for voters. Your vote matters. Make your voice heard this election and head to the polls today. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alice Bazerghi, Subscriber Engagement Editor Voters across the state will soon be flocking to the polls to make their voices heard in a number of statewide referenda and local elections. Locally, voters will decide the fate of Austins Proposition Q tax-rate proposal, several area school-district initiatives, and seats on a few city councils and school districts around the area. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Polls open at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m. Many Central Texas counties including Travis, Williamson and Hays participate in the states Countywide Polling Place Program, meaning registered voters can cast a ballot at any poll in their county of residence. If youre heading to the polls today, be sure to check out the American-Statesmans interactive Voter Guide to research and save your selections on the proposed constitutional amendments and local races. The guide also contains information on how and where to cast a ballot. You can also see a list of the Statesman Editorial Boards recommendations here. Advertisement Article continues below this ad EDITORIAL BOARD: Texas election recommendations . . The Hays County Sheriff's Office arrested a Kyle man accused of sexually assaulting multiple underage girls and is asking for the public's help in the investigations, the office announced Monday. Franklin Tabora-Dias, 24, is in the Hays County Jail charged with one count of second-degree felony sexual assault and two counts of first-degree felony child trafficking. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The sheriff's office said Tabora-Dias misrepresented his age to appear as young as 19 to his alleged victims, contacting high school-aged girls through social media. Tabora-Dias would then meet them in the area, sometimes outside of Hays County, then drive them to his residence in Kyle and sexually assault them, according to investigators. Officials said some of Tabora-Dias' alleged victims spoke only Spanish. Stan Standbridge, Chief of Police, speaks at a press conference at the San Marcos Police Department headquarters on Thursday, August. 9, 2024 in San Marcos, Texas. The San Marcos Police Department held a press conference on Thursday to provide information on a man that died in police custody on Tuesday, August. 6, 2024. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman The San Marcos Police Department will increase police presence downtown after four shootings left one person dead and at least three injured over the weekend, SMPD Chief Stan Stanridge announced in a press conference Monday. Stanridge said Halloween weekend is "always busy" in San Marcos, but he and other officers believe the sheer number of incidents over the weekend was "rare and exceptional." Police responded to four separate shootings in just over 24 hours. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Old Ranch Road 12 and Hughson Drive shooting The first shooting occurred at Old Ranch Road 12 and Hughson Drive just after 1 a.m. on Saturday, according to Stanridge. Callers reported that somebody fired a gun from a vehicle into a wooded area near an apartment complex, The Retreat. Two people reported a bullet had gone through their apartment but nobody was injured, and those residents said they didn't believe they had been targeted. Officers recovered seven bullet casings from the scene, and the case is under investigation. Fatal shooting on the downtown square Stanridge said the second shooting occurred on The Square, the popular bar district in downtown San Marcos. At 10:04 p.m. Saturday, an overtime officer assigned to the area in anticipation of large weekend crowds was responding to reports of a robbery on the south side of the courthouse when he heard shots fired on the opposite side of the courthouse, in the 100 block of East Hopkins Street. Officers found a man with gunshot wounds outside of a bar, as well as another victim inside the bar and one that had fled the scene. The first victim, Ronnie Hernandez Jr., had been shot five to seven times, Stanridge said. He was taken to Christus Santa Rosa Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Stanridge said the other two victims had been shot twice and were taken to Ascension Seton. Both are expected to recover. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Here's what happened, according to Stanridge: Surveillance footage from nearby businesses captured a group of five males walking outside of the bar on Hopkins Street when they came across two Black males, believed to be the two suspects in the shooting. Stanridge said it looked like the two groups exchanged words, and one of the suspects appeared to retrieve a gun from his friend, approach the group of five and start shooting. Three were hit Hernandez Jr. and the two injured and after they fell, the suspect got closer and continued to shoot them several more times when they were on the ground. It's unknown if the two groups knew each other before the shooting, Stanridge said. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The two suspects fled the scene in an Audi A3 parked nearby, police said. Video surveillance footage showed the car leaving the scene, and officers used license plate readers to find the car and take it into custody. The suspects were not located, and Stanridge declined to say where the car was found. Stanridge said the suspects should be considered armed and dangerous and believes at least one of them is local to San Marcos. Stanridge asked the businesses in the area to close early while police investigated, as "intoxicated patrons were coming into the clearly marked police area" and officers received reports of fights at nearby bars. Stanridge said at one point, officers had 37 pending emergency calls, with several being "priority one" calls meaning that the calls required two officers to respond within two minutes of the call. The Hays County Sheriff's Office stepped in to help with some of these calls, Stanridge said, while the Texas State Police Department as well as police from nearby Kyle and Buda provided additional assistance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Apartment pool fight leads to shooting, pistol whipping Just five minutes after Stanridge made the call to close downtown bars, police received calls about yet another shooting. At 1:23 a.m., officers received reports of a large fight at the pool at Outpost Apartments at 1647 Post Rd. The Hays County Sheriff's Office responded first, where they discovered one victim, but investigators believe blood trails suggested at least one additional victim. The fight was captured on video, and Stanridge said investigators have a "strong suspicion" of the shooter's identity. A second suspect allegedly pistol whipped someone else. Police are working to identify and arrest both suspects. Friends took the shooting victim to Christus Santa Rosa Hospital. SMPD is asking anyone with information to reach out to Detective Robert Elrod at (512) 753-2132 or relrod@sanmarcostx.gov and to reference case no. 2025-48916. One arrested after second downtown shooting Less than an hour after the pool fight, while investigating the downtown homicide, officers heard gunshots around the intersection of LBJ Drive and Hutchison Street downtown, just a block from the fatal shooting. Stanridge said officers saw 20-year-old Eliezer Johnson Hernandez fleeing the scene. Officers then chased him, used a Taser on him and took him into custody. The gun was found behind a nearby business, Stanridge said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to jail records, Hernandez is charged with felony unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and felony tampering with or fabricating evidence. He's also charged with three misdemeanors: disorderly conduct, evading arrest and unlawfully carrying a weapon. Court records show that Hernandez is an Austin resident. Violent crime on the rise in San Marcos; additional officers assigned Stanridge said so far this year, there have been 38 shootings in the city an uptick compared to the past two years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad More officers will be assigned downtown on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights going forward in addition to the officers already out on duty, Stanridge said, and Texas State police officers will provide additional support. The goal is to have a minimum of four officers, plus whatever resources Texas State police can provide, Stanridge said. Stanridge expects this additional staffing to continue through the end of the fiscal year, but said it might be reassessed later because downtown areas aren't as busy when school isn't in session. This trailer home at 1700 Bitter Creek Drive in Southeast Austin on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, was the site of an alleged assault and prolonged restraint. Austin police arrested five people Thursday after finding a woman handcuffed to exercise equipment outside the residence, showing signs of long-term confinement, authorities said. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Editor's note: The story below contains graphic details of alleged abuse. After five people were arrested in South Austin, accused of holding a woman captive for months, a newly released arrest affidavit describes how the group allegedly restrained, starved and repeatedly shot their longtime friend with BB guns before police found her handcuffed to a metal exercise rack outside a home last week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This trailer home at 1700 Bitter Creek Drive in Southeast Austin on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, was the site of an alleged assault and prolonged restraint. Austin police arrested five people Thursday after finding a woman handcuffed to exercise equipment outside the residence, showing signs of long-term confinement, authorities said. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman This trailer home at 1700 Bitter Creek Drive in Southeast Austin on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, was the site of an alleged assault and prolonged restraint. Austin police arrested five people Thursday after finding a woman handcuffed to exercise equipment outside the residence, showing signs of long-term confinement, authorities said. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman This trailer home at 1700 Bitter Creek Drive in Southeast Austin on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, was the site of an alleged assault and prolonged restraint. Austin police arrested five people Thursday after finding a woman handcuffed to exercise equipment outside the residence, showing signs of long-term confinement, authorities said. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman This trailer home at 1700 Bitter Creek Drive in Southeast Austin on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, was the site of an alleged assault and prolonged restraint. Austin police arrested five people Thursday after finding a woman handcuffed to exercise equipment outside the residence, showing signs of long-term confinement, authorities said. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Officers were called to 1700 Bitter Creek Drive on Thursday after a 911 caller reported a woman screaming for help and handcuffed to exercise equipment wedged in a fence gate, the affidavit said. Police arrived to find the victim naked from the waist down and handcuffed to a punching bag stand unable to free herself from rusted cuffs. Fire crews had to cut her free. The woman, who told officers she had been kept outside for weeks and was punished if she tried to leave, had severe injuries, including open wounds and lacerations, swollen wrists, missing flesh from her hands and feet, extensive scarring all over her body from BB gunshots and a battered face, police said. She was taken to a hospital, where doctors documented injuries consistent with prolonged restraint and repeated pellet gun wounds, according to the affidavit. This trailer home at 1700 Bitter Creek Drive in Southeast Austin on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, was the site of an alleged assault and prolonged restraint. Austin police arrested five people Thursday after finding a woman handcuffed to exercise equipment outside the residence, showing signs of long-term confinement, authorities said. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Five adults exited the house as officers treated the victim: Michelle Garcia, 51, the family's matriarch; Crystal Garcia, 21, one of Michelle's daughters; Mache Carney, 32, another daughter of Michelle; Juan Pablo Castro, 30, Mache's husband; and Maynard Lefevers, 21, a family friend. All were detained and charged with first-degree aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, injury to an elderly or disabled person and unlawful restraint. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The victim told police she was friends with one of the women who lived in the house and visited often, but "one day they decided they didn't like her anymore and no longer allowed her to leave," the affidavit said. The suspects told police they had known the woman for years. Carney told police the woman was a longtime friend who had lived with the family at the Bitter Creek home for nearly a decade. Police said some suspects admitted that she had recently been kept outside in the yard and restrained to prevent her from leaving, according to the affidavit. Michelle Garcia told detectives she began handcuffing the woman outside months earlier because the woman would often relieve herself in the backyard and Garcia did not want neighbors to see. According to the affidavit, Carney told police they began restraining the woman to prevent her from stealing something neighbors had complained about, she said. Carney initially claimed the victim agreed to the restraints, but another suspect, Crystal Garcia, told investigators the woman was only 50/50 capable of consent, the affidavit said. Multiple suspects said the woman suffered from mental health issues, the affidavit said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Over time, investigators wrote, the household developed a routine: The woman was fed one plate of food at dinner, slept outside and was handcuffed to a metal exercise stand, often with both wrists pinned behind her back. Michelle Garcia told police they fed her only one meal a day because the woman had gotten "chunky," though investigators noted that she appeared malnourished when they found her. The affidavit said the suspects admitted to using BB guns to shoot the woman. Castro, Carneys husband, said he bought an electric rifle-style BB gun specifically to shoot her because he did not want to touch her. He told detectives he would come home from work, retrieve the gun from his closet and chase her around the yard, firing pellets. I [expletive] hate her, Castro told detectives when asked why he shot the victim, according to the affidavit. Officers later recovered a green BB from the victims clothing and hospital scans showed another lodged in her right eye. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The woman told investigators that the night before police found her, the pants she was wearing slipped down and she got in trouble. As punishment, several of the suspects allegedly shot her repeatedly with a BB gun, then handcuffed her to the stand in the backyard and left her there overnight without pants or food as temperatures dipped into the 40s. She told officers she cried and begged to be released but was threatened with harsher punishment if she continued yelling. When police found her the next morning, she was naked from the waist down, still cuffed to the metal stand, according to the affidavit. A 4-year-old child also lived in the home. During a forensic interview, the child told a specialist that his father, Castro, shot the victim when she was bad, and his mother, Carney, would often watch the assaults and make the victim sleep outside, the affidavit said. The child said he could hear the victim's screams from inside the house, the affidavit said. Police said three children in total were removed from the home and placed in the custody of Child Protective Services. Records list Carney and Michelle Garcia as the homeowners of the property on Bitter Creek Drive. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Carney's next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 18. Her bail is set at $305,000, with conditions that she cannot possess firearms, ammunition or BB guns; must complete a Travis County Counseling and Education Services violence assessment; cannot contact the alleged victim or her co-defendants; and must follow a CPS parenting plan. Michelle Garcia's bail amount and requirements are the same, with her next court date set for Nov. 21. Both Carney and Michelle Garcia have court-appointed attorneys. Crystal Garcia, Castro and Lefevers have nearly identical bail conditions, with the additional requirement that they remain at least 200 yards from the alleged victim. They did not have court dates scheduled as of Tuesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Austin Police Departments Human Trafficking Unit at 512-974-4786 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at an event hosted by the University of Texas chapter of Turning Point USA on campus in Austin, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman At a student-hosted event on the University of Texas campus, a half-full auditorium listened as conservative leaders emboldened by the assassination of Charlie Kirk emphasized that uncompromising perseverance and faith is needed to fight against the unreasonable left in places from the country at large to the very university where the event was held. Hosted by UTs Turning Point USA Chapter, the hour-and-a-half long event Monday night featuring Attorney General Ken Paxton was held without disruption in the William C. Powers Student Activity Center Auditorium. Students checked in behind a poster of a hand holding a Progress Pride flag before a cracked open mind, warning attendees to teach ideas, not ideology. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Paxton, who is running against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senator, addressed the crowd for 12 minutes, leaving before a Kirk-style question and answer session. The states attorney general told the story of his 2023 impeachment in which the Texas Senate acquitted him as a way to align himself with President Donald Trump and encourage the audience to persevere in the face of adversity. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at an event hosted by the University of Texas chapter of Turning Point USA on campus in Austin, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Im guessing that when Charlie Kirk named the organization, he wasnt thinking that his death would actually be the turning point. But guess what? It can be, Paxton told the audience. Lets not let down the memory of Charlie Kirk. Lets not be fearful of the fight. Lets take on the evil. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Students and guests attend an event hosted by the University of Texas chapter of Turning Point USA on campus in Austin, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at an event hosted by the University of Texas chapter of Turning Point USA on campus in Austin, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Savanah Hernandez, a conservative political commentator, speaks at an event hosted by the University of Texas chapter of Turning Point USA on campus in Austin, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Texas Attorney General candidate Aaron Reitz speaks at an event hosted by the University of Texas chapter of Turning Point USA on campus in Austin, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Campus police monitor an event hosted by the University of Texas chapter of Turning Point USA on campus in Austin, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Texas Attorney General candidate Aaron Reitz speaks at an event hosted by the University of Texas chapter of Turning Point USA on campus in Austin, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA, an influential organization that empowers conservative students at nearly 800 colleges across the country, was assassinated Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The pain of Kirks death was acute for speakers, fueling their anger toward the left and a call to action to fight for conservative values. The Monday event at UT marked the third time Paxton visited a campus to speak with Turning Point USA chapters after Kirks death. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mourning Kirk is especially important to conservative UT students, who can feel isolated among a mostly liberal student body, speakers said. A vigil set up by the organization after his death was vandalized on campus, and a video of students refusing to mourn Kirks death went viral online. He gave us a community on campus, Andrew McKiernan, president of UTs chapter, said in his opening remarks of what Kirk meant to him. McKiernan and other Turning Point USA chapter members declined to speak to the Statesman, citing Turning Point USA policy. The event was hosted by the chapter, not sponsored by the university. Other impassioned speakers, including Aaron Reitz, assistant attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice under the Trump administration, and Savannah Hernandez, contributor to Turning Point USA, used aggressive language at times to describe the battle ahead, encouraging students to fight for the country, public schools and universities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You are inheriting a country in which there are irreconcilable differences between right and left, Reitz, who is running in the Republican primary for Texas attorney general, said. It is your responsibility to enter into the civilizational conflict were in armed. Reitz encouraged students to find faith, marriage and courage to hold fast to conservative values. He called the left the domestic enemy, disparaging them as losers, haters and freaks, and said his lifes mission was to destroy them in court. He disparaged the Pride Progress flag and accused the left of trying to rid public spaces of Christianity. Fielding questions from students during a Q&A session, Reitz said calling for a Christian nation is not Christian Nationalism, and that political violence is a problem from the left, not the right. Hernandez agreed, and said the Republican party must embrace a marketplace of ideas over cancel culture, adding that faith is key to overcoming backlash for stating conservative views. Students line up to ask questions at an event hosted by the University of Texas chapter of Turning Point USA on campus in Austin, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman In her remarks, Hernandez, a watch-dog activist with 719,000 followers on X, said students are in an ideological battleground against their professors and peers, but must stay strong. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If you feel like you are being oppressed in some way, shape or form, or your speech is being silenced, you come to me, and Ill make it a national story, she added. And Ill make sure that your professor is known nationwide. Hernandez said Kirks assassination intensifies fear around free speech for conservatives. But it also made her double down in conviction. She encouraged students to know that though their opinion may not be popular, it is right. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Campaign signs for and against Prop Q are posted on Waller Street on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin voters on Tuesday will determine the fate of a controversial ballot measure called Proposition Q that would raise the city property tax rate by more than 20%. If approved, the new rate would be about 57 cents per $100 of assessed property value, adding more than $300 a year to the average homeowners tax bill. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the vast majority of Austin City Council 10 out of 11 members ultimately agreed on that rate, the American-Statesman has learned that the road to that decision and the resulting tax-rate election was bumpy and involved accounting tricks that experts described as concerning or even unacceptable. There are all sorts of ways to make the budget look better, or make it look like it's carrying out your goals, and this is one way, said Michael Granof, a professor emeritus in accounting at the University of Texas and former Governmental Accounting Standards Board member, regarding the citys accounting method. Those judgments can conceivably rise to the point where they are clearly deceptive. Deal reclassified millions to win votes Back in August, the question on Austin City Councils mind was not whether it would raise property taxes but by how much. A hike larger than 3.5% would automatically trigger a tax-rate election under a 2019 state law that local officials have blasted as one of the main reasons the city is in a budget crunch to begin with. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source A range of proposals were introduced with various factions emerging in the debate. Mayor Kirk Watson proposed a middle ground with an 8-cent hike to the tax rate for voters to approve. A major concern among the more fiscally conservative members was maintaining the citys pristine and prideworthy AAA bond rating, which is partly based on the size of the citys reserve funds. Members like Paige Ellis were worried that approving a larger budget would increase the likelihood that the city would have to drain its savings in future years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "[D]uring negotiations, some colleagues had proposed so much ongoing spending it would drive down our reserves to levels that were not fiscally responsible," Ellis said in a statement to the Statesman. Then Council Member Zo Qadri came up with a solution of sorts. The proposal was simple: reclassify $8.2 million worth of recurring expenses as one-time expenses. That would theoretically help preserve the citys savings account and bond rating while making the higher tax rate more palatable to the more fiscally conservative members. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We're trying to do something right now to bring us all together. And I've heard from my colleagues that ensuring the reserve level in future years helps people vote yes on the budget, Qadri said at the council meeting. To me, the goal here is to have as consolidated a council as possible in pursuit of these great programmatic goals that are laid out in the budget. The problem was that a lot of the newly deemed one-time expenses were arguably recurring, including staff salaries and rent payments across a variety of existing programs that council had intended to keep funding. At least two council members expressed concerns about the move at the meeting. Council Member Chito Vela pointed out on the dais that a line item for regional animal adoption centers was more than a one-year commitment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In my view, that's more than a one year type of commitment, he said. Council Member Vanessa Fuentes had several initiatives reclassified as one-time expenses, including transportation and programming for older adults, home delivered meals for seniors, a bilingual science and math education program and pre-K start up costs. She expressed her disappointment at the meeting, calling the programs much needed. But Qadri told them not to worry reclassifying some expenses did not indicate lack of support for the programs. He said he was committed to ensuring they continue. Ultimately, Qadris amendment passed with a supermajority. I will be supporting this amendment today, Fuentes said. But I just wanted to highlight that those items would be just funded as one-time expenses. And we'll have to have the conversation next year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Zohaib Zo Qadri District 9 council member, along with other city council members and activists, spoke out against automated license plate readers during a press conference at City Hall on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman A subjective judgment call Austin isnt subject to the same oversight as a publicly traded company, but if it were, its financial reporting would likely raise red flags with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and investors. The city is not a publicly traded company but that approach would likely draw heavy scrutiny from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and investors if employed in the private sector, according to Patrick Badolato, professor of instruction in accounting at UT Austin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The SEC language is pretty clear on that, he said, pointing to rules that prohibit identifying items as non-recurring in cases where the nature of the charge or gain is such that it is reasonably likely to recur within two years or there was a similar charge or gain within the prior two years. Granof, the accounting professor emeritus, described the accounting maneuver as a questionable judgement call. You can make the judgment, the subjective decision, as to whether something is permanent or ongoing,he said. Budgeting inherently involves subjective judgment. Qadri defended his proposal, saying the approach is supported by the national best standards on financial sustainability guidance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Marking costs ongoing without recurring revenue would be deceptive, he said in a written statement. This amendment instead increases transparency about long-term affordability and protects emergency reserves and bond ratings. We fund community priorities fully this year while protecting Austins financial health so these services can continue in the future. Council member Paige Ellis, who was part of the group that supported the amendment and was particularly concerned about city reserve funding, said her goal was to stretch city dollars as far as possible while being responsible stewards. During negotiations, some colleagues had proposed so much ongoing spending it would drive down our reserves to levels that were not fiscally responsible, Ellis said in a statement. One-time spending has less impact on the reserves, so our whole subquorum the Council Members and aides sat together and went through the list line by line and everything we thought could reasonably be switched to one time, we did. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The items, she said, were moved in the spirit of compromise to pass the budget. Council member Ryan Alter said a lot of the items that were reclassified as one-time expenses were new initiatives that council should reassess, anyway, to see if they are worth continued funding. Alter also convinced the council to leave a homeless navigation center as a recurring expense after it had been slated for reclassification. Old budget habits haunt new debate Only one council member abstained from the vote on Qadris amendment: Marc Duchen, who went on to become the lone no vote on the citys 2026 budget. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the August meeting, Duchen argued that reclassifying recurring expenses as one-time expenses was what had gotten the city in its budget mess to begin with, citing the councils decision to use about $100 million worth of one-time pandemic relief funds to pay for ongoing homeless initiatives. That was an unreliable funding mechanism for that kind of expense, he said during the budget hearing in August. Now those funds have dried up and we're essentially raising taxes to cover an idea and a hole left in the budget from that. Granof agreed, saying the federal relief dollars were meant for one-time expenses, not ongoing operations, and using them for continuing homelessness programs ran counter to the spirit of the law. Unless the money went toward short-term projects, he said, the city would eventually face questions about how to sustain those efforts once the funds ran out. Bill Aleshire, who presided over Travis County Commissioners Court for 12 years as county judge, recalled carefully deciding how to spend one-time grant money so as to not create a permanent obligation that would go unfunded the following year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He said the city shouldnt use temporary money pandemic relief or otherwise to fund new or ongoing programs. Those kinds of dollars, he argued, are meant to help the community recover from COVID-19 and stimulate the economy, not to create future obligations. Instead, they just piled it on top and said, Oh, well, I guess once this funding runs out, we'll just increase local property taxes for it? he said. That's crazy. Thats not the grown up way of doing budgeting. Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the location of a homeless navigation center. The center is not located in Council Member Ryan Alter's district. Volunteers Holly Herstad and her daughter Anna, 16, prepare food kits at a distribution event last week at El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission. The federal government will provide partial funding for SNAP benefits this month, but deeper damage to the social safety net remains. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman The courts have ordered the Trump administration to extend stopgap funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) this month an order President Donald Trump threatened to ignore Tuesday on social media creating uncertainty for the millions of families who rely on that aid to put food on the table. Long lines at food distribution events underscore the anxiety among the 3.5 million Texans who depend on SNAP. And whenever we see the end of what's becoming the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, deeper damage to Americas social safety net will remain. We've arrived at this point not by accident, but through repeated failures of leadership at every level of government. Feeding the hungry is not a partisan cause. Its a moral obligation one that Texas and America are failing to meet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The latest threats to SNAP funding illustrate the recklessness of a government shutdown a political tactic that turns public services, federal paychecks and even food assistance into bargaining chips. Even if the Trump administration partially funds SNAP, it's unclear when hungry families would see funds replenished on their cards. Both parties share blame for using core services as partisan leverage. Thats not governing. Its gambling with peoples lives. Americans deserve leaders committed to solving problems, not creating new ones. Within days of the shutdown, Republicans suddenly recognized the importance of SNAP. Vice President JD Vance called it one of the critical things that need to be saved a remarkable shift from just months ago, when many in his party voted to slash the program by $186 billion over the next decade in Trump's signature spending bill, pushing millions of low-income Americans closer to hunger. Meanwhile, the Trump administrations cancellation last spring of 94 million pounds of emergency food aid roughly half a billion dollars worth has hit food banks across the country, including those serving Texas families. The Central Texas Food Bank lost $5.5 million in those cuts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Across the Feeding Texas network of 20 food banks, the loss exceeds $57 million. These arent abstract numbers. They represent fewer meals for working parents, seniors and children who rely on that support to get through the week. Those cuts arrived as Texas was already experiencing a "food crisis with food insecurity at a 10-year high, including during the pandemic," Sari Vatske, president and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank, said at a press conference last week. The food bank serves 610,000 food insecure people in its 21-county service area. Texas has long ranked among the hungriest states in America, a distinction made worse by decisions at the state level. Over the summer, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a bipartisan budget measure that would have provided $60 million for summer meals for children, even as Texas once again topped the nation in food insecurity. And while more than half of U.S. states have drawn up plans to help families if SNAP funding faltered, Texas was not among them. Texas has the second-largest economy in the country. It also ranks fifth in economic inequality. Yet our state leaders seem more focused on force-feeding Old Testament dogma to schoolchildren than taking the example of the loaves and fishes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were seeing commendable action from grocery giant H-E-B donating $5 million to the Feeding Texas network, and from individual Texans giving generously to food banks. But charity alone cannot fill the gap left by a government thats gutting the social safety net. Cutting food assistance for millions of hungry Texans will hurt the economy. SNAP dollars support local businesses and jobs in food distribution, while the emergency food aid cut by the Trump administration earlier this year provided revenue for farmers. Even by cold economic calculus, hunger costs us all. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But lets be honest: No decent society should need a cost-benefit analysis to decide whether children deserve to eat. The test of leadership isnt how loudly politicians invoke family values. Its whether they ensure families can put dinner on the table. Its time for leaders in Washington and Texas to step up. Ensure SNAP food for hungry people isnt held hostage in the government shutdown. Revisit the funding cuts at both the federal and state levels that hurt those in need. And show the courage to treat hunger not as a partisan issue, but as a test of our shared humanity. Texans deserve nothing less. Maria Salgado, a community health worker for the nonprofit MHP Salud, meets with clients at a public library in Roma, helping people sign up for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act health coverage. Millions of Americans will lose coverage because of cuts to Medicaid and ACA subsidies under Republicans' signature spending bill this year. Sam Whitehead/KFF Health News Our health care rights People are already dying because they cannot afford insurance to even go to the hospital. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I myself have not gone to get medical care because of the deductibles that are required to be met before insurance even kicks in. Americas families are already stretched to the limit with rising costs for necessities like food and child care we cant afford health care premiums to skyrocket, too. The $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts made by Republicans this past summer put care at risk for children, seniors, people with disabilities and especially rural communities. When are the people of this country going to be considered for the rights that we have. We have a right to have health care that is affordable for everyone. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Karen Knight, Austin GOP is costing us a lot With the cost of everything from housing to utility bills to groceries, the last thing Americas families can afford is more expensive health care. During open enrollment in November, millions of families will learn their health care costs have surged. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were in a health care emergency that is a result of policy choices made by Republican leaders in Congress. During the summer, President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress slashed more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, terminating coverage for 15 million people. Now, they are cutting tax credits that lower health care costs for millions of working families, and 24 million of us are facing skyrocketing health care premiums. Instead of working to lower health care prices, Republicans in Congress have doubled down, shuttering the government because they are unwilling to negotiate to stop these cuts. While families brace for rising costs and lack of care, Trump, Republicans in Congress, and their billionaire besties have prioritized tax breaks for the wealthy and private jets for Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. As they slash funding for health care, Trump and Republicans in Congress have poured funding into separating families, committing human rights abuses and terrifying hardworking immigrants people essential to our health care workforce, our economy and our future. This is nothing short of a health care heist and a betrayal of American families. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Congress has a clear path to prevent this health care crisis by restoring health care funding, making the Affordable Care Act tax credits permanent and ending the government shutdown. Its time for Republican leaders in Congress to work together to stop this. Hope Turner, Austin A custodian changes the time on the 97-year-old clock atop the Clay County Courthouse in Kansas. It makes far more sense to go back to Standard Time, as we did on Sunday, and stay there, a reader says. Austin American-Statesman We tried it before Recently as I watched children walking to school in the dark and waiting for the school bus in the dark, I wondered again why Texas wants to make daylight saving time permanent. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No one likes changing the clocks, but it makes far more sense to go back to Standard Time, as we did on Sunday, and stay there. It works with our natural body clocks, children wont be waiting in the dark and the rise in accidents and health issues that comes every year when we switch to daylight saving time will be gone. This was tried in the 1970s and people hated it so much it was repealed. Texas already passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent if the Federal Government ever allows it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Let's make sure they dont. Rona Distenfeld, Austin COLOMBO, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- A businessman fell victim to a shooting that occurred in southern Sri Lanka on Tuesday, police said. A police spokesperson told reporters that the shooting took place near the Urban Council premises of Ambalangoda, a coastal town in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, at around 10:30 a.m. local time. The victim was rushed to hospital with critical injuries but succumbed soon after admission. According to initial investigations, the assailants arrived in a white car, opened fire, and fled the scene. Police said four special teams have been deployed to track down the suspects. The victim, identified as Warushavithana Mirantha, was reportedly a relative of a well-known underworld figure known as "Karandeniya Sudda." Authorities believed the killing may be connected to an ongoing feud between rival criminal groups. In recent weeks, several underworld associates have been shot dead in separate incidents across Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has intensified crackdowns by law enforcement. Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw speaks during a showcase hosted by TerraFlow in Houston Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, questions Amer Ghalib during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on his pending nomination to be U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait, on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington. Rod Lamkey/AP U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz are speaking out against television host Tucker Carlson for hosting the white nationalist activist Nick Fuentes on his podcast last week, an appearance that has divided Republicans nationally. In an appearance Sunday on CBS's Face the Nation, Crenshaw rejected those defending Fuentes' right to free speech, saying, "moral clarity is a lot more important in this case." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I've had a longstanding feud with Tucker Carlson," he said of the former Fox News host. "I'm glad everyone else is also waking up now to how bad of a person he is." Fuentes has a history of making antisemitic statements, including praising Adolf Hitler and questioning the death toll of the Holocaust. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source On Carlson's show, he denied he was an antisemite, saying his criticisms of Israeli foreign policy had prompted pro-Israel Republicans to attack him as "radioactive" and "ostracize (him) from the movement." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Carlson then went on to rail against Cruz, former president George W. Bush and Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, as being "Christian zionists" who have been "seized by this brain virus. Cruz, who chairs the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell condemned Carlson for having Fuentes on his show. I think it is incumbent of all people of good morals to stand up to it. And to stand up to it whether it is the opposing party or your own party," Cruz said in a speech in Las Vegas. He and Carlson have butted heads in the past, including this summer in an interview that delved into America's support for Israel's military actions. Some conservatives have defended Carlson, including Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts, who previously led the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Roberts said in a video statement Thursday that the host was being attacked by a "venemous coalition." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Their attempt to cancel him will fail," he said. "Christians can critique the state of Israel without being antisimetic." LUSAKA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday urged the people of Tanzania to preserve the peace and stability their country has long enjoyed following violent protests. Hichilema said Tanzanians must ensure that the nation's longstanding peace, security and stability are maintained. "I want to appeal to the people of Tanzania that what you have enjoyed over the years and decades must be protected at all costs," he said while attending the swearing-in ceremony of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Tanzania held general elections last week, which were marred by protests in several regions, including Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Songwe and Arusha, where mostly young Tanzanians took to the streets demanding electoral reforms and the unconditional release of jailed opposition leaders. Hassan was declared the winner on Saturday, securing 97.66 percent of the vote. Hichilema said that peace, security and stability are essential foundations for Africa's development. He also reaffirmed Zambia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Tanzania, saying that the two countries are collaborating on several key development projects. BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday announced that it will expand its 240-hour visa-free transit program to more ports, and extend its unilateral visa-exemption arrangements for more than 40 countries to Dec. 31, 2026, in the country's latest move to further open up the country to the world. The newly added ports include Guangzhou, Zhuhai's Hengqin and Zhongshan, as well as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA). The new policy, effective Wednesday, will raise the total number of ports eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit from 60 to 65 around China. Travelers from 55 eligible countries who meet certain criteria can enter China through any of these ports in 24 provincial-level regions and stay in the country for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, without a visa before heading to a third destination, said the NIA. This is one of 10 new policies announced by the NIA on exit and entry administration to further facilitate outbound or inbound travel for both Chinese and foreign nationals. A total of 10 international airports located in Tianjin, Nanjing, Chongqing and other cities will be added to the list of ports allowing 24-hour direct transit for foreign nationals without having to undergo border check procedures, according to these measures. The NIA also announced that starting Nov. 20, foreign travelers to China will be able to complete their entry cards online before arrival. They can also choose to fill them out on-site using electronic devices provided at inspection points or opt for traditional paper entry cards. The newly released measures also include provisions to simplify travel for Chinese mainland residents visiting Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as for Taiwan residents traveling to the mainland. On the same day, the Chinese foreign ministry announced that China will extend its unilateral visa-exemption arrangements for more than 40 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, to Dec. 31, 2026. The current visa-free policy for nationals of some of these countries runs until Dec. 31, 2025 before the extension. China also decides to include Sweden in the visa-free scheme effective from Nov. 10, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2026, according to the ministry's spokesperson Mao Ning. The measures came on the heels of a key meeting of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee which adopted the recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for formulating the plan for economic and social development in the next five years. The latest move was to implement the guiding principles of the CPC plenum, expand high-level opening-up to the world, and continuously facilitate personnel exchanges between China and other countries, Mao said. In the third quarter of this year, foreign nationals made 7.246 million visits to China under its visa-free travel policies -- a 48.3 percent year-on-year increase and accounting for 72.2 percent of all entries made by foreign nationals, according to NIA statistics. On Dec. 1, 2023, China began implementing trials of unilateral visa-free entry policies for ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. These policies were later expanded to more countries and extended in duration on several occasions. People participate in activities in celebration of the That Luang festival in Vientiane, Laos, Nov. 4, 2025. The annual That Luang festival has begun in the Lao capital Vientiane, ushering in five days of vibrant celebration, spiritual devotion, and bustling commerce that not only reflect the rich traditions of Laos but also boost tourism and trade opportunities. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua) VIENTIANE, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The annual That Luang festival has begun in the Lao capital Vientiane, ushering in five days of vibrant celebration, spiritual devotion, and bustling commerce that not only reflect the rich traditions of Laos but also boost tourism and trade opportunities. The festival, taking place from Nov. 1 to 5, is one of the most significant national cultural events of the year, blending culture, commerce, and community spirit in a joyful celebration. Besides preserving tradition, many people see the festival as a golden opportunity for trade, as it boosts festive spending and provides a prime moment for new businesses to reach the large crowds that visit the festival each day. Phoum, a 25-year-old resident of Vientiane, told Xinhua on Tuesday that the That Luang festival provides a platform for people to turn their ideas into businesses, reaching large crowds in a short period of time. Inspired by friends who earned well selling food last year, he and his friends opened a small stall selling drinks and snacks, hoping to gain extra income during the festival. "Last year, I watched my friends run food stalls during the festival, and I was amazed at how much they earned in just a few days. It made me realize that even a small business, in a big crowd like this, can grow quickly and reach many people," Phoum said. Beyond immediate earnings, he sees the festival as a chance to test his business ideas and potentially develop a sustainable side venture. "Even though it's just a small stall, I see it as a chance to learn how to run a business and maybe continue selling these products after the festival," he added. For Phoum, the festival is not only a source of income but also a learning ground and a source of inspiration. With its festive and lively atmosphere, the festival provides a vibrant space for locals to come together, enjoy a variety of activities, and create lasting memories. Palinya, a resident of Vientiane, brought her cousins to the festival to explore the stalls, enjoy food, and play traditional games, reminiscing about her own childhood visits. "Even though the festival was smaller back then, I still remember running around, buying little toys, sharing food, and laughing with my siblings," she added. Despite the festival growing larger over the years, Palinya said its spirit of community, joy, and shared memories remains just as strong. Speaking at the festival's grand opening on Nov. 1, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune emphasized that the event not only preserves and promotes Laos' rich traditions and culture but also boosts trade, tourism, and international cooperation. He expressed confidence that this year's festival would attract growing numbers of both domestic and foreign visitors to the festival grounds and major tourist sites across Vientiane. Somchit, a local vendor, believes the festival is a major attraction for both domestic and international tourism. "People from all over Laos come to the capital Vientiane to experience this festival because it's such an important and significant event for the country," she said. She added that international visitors also benefit from the festival's rich cultural offerings. "For tourists, it's a unique opportunity to experience authentic Lao traditions, from religious ceremonies to local food, performances, and crafts." During the festival, an exhibition featured 40 photos illustrating the history of the That Luang Stupa, accompanied by ancient Lao artifacts. The display gave visitors the opportunity to learn about the stupa's historical and cultural significance as a treasured national heritage site. People participate in activities in celebration of the That Luang festival in Vientiane, Laos, Nov. 4, 2025. The annual That Luang festival has begun in the Lao capital Vientiane, ushering in five days of vibrant celebration, spiritual devotion, and bustling commerce that not only reflect the rich traditions of Laos but also boost tourism and trade opportunities. (Photo by Wang Yuping/Xinhua) People participate in activities in celebration of the That Luang festival in Vientiane, Laos, Nov. 4, 2025. The annual That Luang festival has begun in the Lao capital Vientiane, ushering in five days of vibrant celebration, spiritual devotion, and bustling commerce that not only reflect the rich traditions of Laos but also boost tourism and trade opportunities. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua) People participate in activities in celebration of the That Luang festival in Vientiane, Laos, Nov. 4, 2025. The annual That Luang festival has begun in the Lao capital Vientiane, ushering in five days of vibrant celebration, spiritual devotion, and bustling commerce that not only reflect the rich traditions of Laos but also boost tourism and trade opportunities. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Tuesday in Beijing, calling for enhanced cooperation on multiple fronts and better synergy of the two countries' development strategies. Xi said that since the beginning of this year, China and Russia have steadfastly navigated a turbulent external environment with great composure, aiming for higher-level and higher-quality development goals. He added that maintaining, consolidating and advancing bilateral relations is a strategic choice for both sides. Noting that new blueprints for bilateral ties were charted during his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin this year, Xi said the two countries should maintain close coordination, fully implement the important common understandings reached by the two leaders, and work to expand the pie of cooperation with an eye on the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, so as to contribute more to world peace and development. Xi urged efforts to steadily expand mutual investment and enhance cooperation in traditional fields such as energy, connectivity, agriculture and aerospace, tap into cooperation potential in new sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and green development to foster new growth drivers for bilateral cooperation, and facilitate closer people-to-people exchanges. He noted that the Recommendations of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development, adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, have made top-level design and outlined the strategic blueprint for China's economic and social development in the next five years. China will advance Chinese modernization in an all-round way, promote high-quality economic and social development with firm steps, and expand high-level opening up, Xi said, stressing that China is willing to work with Russia to better synergize its 15th Five-Year Plan with Russia's economic and social development strategies to continuously benefit the two peoples. Mishustin conveyed President Putin's cordial greetings and best wishes for President Xi. He said the two meetings between the Russian and Chinese heads of state this year had strategically planned for the development of bilateral relations and consolidated the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. Russia stands ready to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, sci-tech, energy, agriculture and digital economy, engage in closer people-to-people exchanges, and enhance multilateral coordination, he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) The chairmen of the South Korean and U.S. joint chiefs of staff flew in fighters over South Korea as part of an airpower demonstration on Nov. 3, 2025. (South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff) Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, flew over South Korea with his South Korean counterpart in versions of F-16 fighters on Monday. Caine and his counterpart, South Korean Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung, also an air force officer, flew from Osan Air Base as part of a five-ship formation of aircraft from their countries respective air forces, according to a news release Monday from the South Korean joint chiefs. The flight marked the first time the joint chiefs chairmen from both countries have commanded a combined flight formation together in the air, according to the release. This was a command flight to feel the firm South Korea-U.S. alliance as both JCS chairman, and also air force pilots, Jin said in the release. South Korean air force Gen. Jin Yong-sung, left, greets U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine at Osan Air Base where the two took part in a five-ship demonstration flight on Nov. 3, 2025. (South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff) A five-ship formation of U.S. and South Korean aircraft flew over South Korean cities in an airpower demonstration on Nov. 3, 2025. (South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff) Jin and Caine flew aboard South Korean and U.S. versions of the fighter jet, the KF-16 and F-16, respectively, after holding the 50th Military Committee Meeting in Seoul, according to the Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff. Three other aircraft were in the formation, which flew over Osan, 40 miles south of Seoul, and the cities of Chuncheon and Daejeon and the U.S. Armys Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. overseas military installation, according to the release. Those three included two other F-16s or KF-16s and a South Korean E-737 airborne early warning and control aircraft, according to photos provided by the Souths joint chiefs. A spokesman for the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan, Air Force Maj. Kippun Sumner, confirmed the flight took place and that Osan personnel supported it. He could offer no further details, citing the ongoing government shutdown, and referred questions to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Forces Korea. The joint chiefs could not be reached after close of business and U.S. Forces Korea did not immediately respond to an email. The South Korean joint chiefs did not return a phone message seeking further information. Caine and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were in South Korea to take part in the allies annual defense talks, The Associated Press reported Monday. Hegseth and his counterpart, National Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, together visited the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone, the borderline site near the Panmunjon truce village where talks to end the 1950-53 Korean War occurred and where military sentries from both sides still square off. Caine last piloted an F-16 at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., on Oct. 19 as part of a flight demonstration in recognition of the Navys 250th anniversary, according to the online Defense Visual Information Distribution System. A mural of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen standing outside the Vanessa Guillen Gate at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, in October 2020. (Rose Thayer/Stars and Stripes) The Army wants its leaders to act more quickly when a soldier does not report for duty and cannot be found, according to a new directive from the services top civilian. Commanders must report a missing soldier to law enforcement within three hours and notify family members of the soldiers missing status within eight hours, according to an Oct. 28 memorandum issued by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. The memo was meant to provide a more specific course of action for leaders dealing with missing soldiers, according to the Army. Previous Army policy gave commanders a day or more before they had to act on a soldiers disappearance. Driscolls directive instructs Army commanders to place missing soldiers in the duty status of absent-unknown within three hours of discovering they are missing and make every effort to locate the soldier. Commanders must also alert Army law enforcement officials to the missing soldier during that time frame. Law enforcement officials must then create a blotter entry, issue a Be-On-The-Lookout, or BOLO, order for the missing soldier and enter all relevant information into the Missing Persons File of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, which provides information to law enforcement officials nationwide. Local law enforcement officials must also be notified of the missing soldiers status during that three-hour period, Driscoll wrote. If the soldier cannot be located in 48 hours, commanders are to determine by a preponderance of evidence if that soldiers absence is voluntary or involuntary. Those found to be missing intentionally will be reported as Absent Without Leave, or AWOL, and potentially face criminal charges. Those found to be involuntarily absent, or if there is a lack of evidence to determine if they left intentionally, should be reported missing to law enforcement and their status declared duty status-whereabouts unknown, or DUSTWUN. Missing soldiers who have indicated the potential for self-harm are also to be reported missing to law enforcement, according to the memo. Driscolls order comes after the service has for years faced criticism that it has acted slowly to find missing soldiers. It updates the missing soldier processes that were implemented after high-profile investigations into the disappearance and slaying of 20-year-old Spc. Vanessa Guillen at Fort Hood, Texas in 2020. The Army launched an internal command investigation into Guillens death and a separate probe into Fort Hoods command climate and culture after her death conducted by a panel of outside experts dubbed The Fort Hood Independent Review Committee After those investigations, the Army added the absent-unknown status to allow commanders to assess the situation without immediately labeling them AWOL, which carries a negative connotation and implies they are intentionally missing, Army leaders said at the time. Driscoll wrote in his new memo that his new policy should provide a detailed explanation of how commanders and Army law enforcement should handle all missing soldiers. The Army will always place people first and will never leave a soldier behind, he wrote. A soldier selects items at the Armed Services YMCA food pantry in Harker Heights, Texas, on Oct. 30, 2025. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes) Michael Grinston, CEO of Army Emergency Relief, posted a video to his LinkedIn page explaining how soldiers can apply for grants to cover food stamps or child nutrition benefits that were missed because of the government shutdown. Grinstons video, which was shared on Reddits Army forum Monday, urges affected military families to visit the Army Emergency Reliefs website and apply for assistance under the basic needs category. Applicants should state that they missed SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) benefits in the forms remarks column, he said. In the expense page, they should enter food SNAP or food WIC. While Army Emergency Relief offered zero-interest loans at the start of the shutdown, Grinstons video emphasizes the organization is offering grants for this specific need category. Applicants can receive the grant if they are already enrolled in the aid programs and if their states have not paid benefits they were due. Some states have augmented their SNAP or WIC programs with state funds to continue delivering benefits. New Mexico and Rhode Island officials said Monday that some SNAP beneficiaries received funds over the weekend from their emergency programs. Officials in Delaware are telling recipients that their benefits wont be available until at least Nov. 7. SNAP ran out of funds on Nov. 1 due to the monthlong government shutdown. Although the Trump administration on Monday said it would partially fund SNAP, payments have been delayed for millions of beneficiaries. A similar situation is taking place with WIC, which also received a partial funding infusion. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Maj. Joshua Goetting was sentenced to 200 days of confinement Monday in a special court-martial at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. He pleaded guilty to two specifications of domestic violence. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) VICENZA, Italy The chief of administrative law for the Southern European Task Force pleaded guilty this week to domestic abuse and was sentenced to just shy of seven months of confinement for threatening and assaulting his wife. Maj. Joshua Goetting took a plea agreement Monday during a special court-martial at Caserma Ederle and received a sentence of 200 days from military judge Col. Andrew Kazin. In return, prosecutors agreed to drop 27 of the original 29 specifications of domestic abuse and several other lesser charges, as well as downgrade his trial from a general court-martial, allowing him the possibility of a lesser sentence. Special courts-martial make up the second level of the militarys three-tier trial system. They normally try cases of intermediate severity, whereas general courts-martial are used in cases involving the most severe violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Kazins sentence of Goetting roughly split the difference between the maximum 290 days the prosecution could recommend under the plea agreement and the 121 days the defense had proposed. For the past 15 years, Major Goetting has put on his camouflage uniform every day, prosecutor Maj. Sara Nicholson said during her closing statement. But he was hiding something extra: his true personality. Nicholson, Kazin and all but one of the soldiers conducting the trial were brought in from either Kaiserslautern, Germany, or the United States to avoid the appearance of partiality. Several members of the current Judge Advocate Generals office testified on Goettings behalf during the sentencing phase. They and other current and former JAG officers or people who had worked closely with him painted a picture of a highly competent and even-tempered officer who excelled at every stop during his 15-year career. Prosecutors, however, said Goetting was a different person around his wife. They tried to demonstrate that by playing two audio recordings made by Goettings wife, Renee, on her cellphone. She had started to record the couples arguments because she feared for her life, she testified Monday. In the first, the couple is heard arguing in the car on Oct. 5, 2024, on the way home from a spa. The argument started when Renee Goetting left a necklace in her husbands gym bag. Joshua Goetting threatened to knock (her) teeth out and later muttered, I ought to throw her down the f------ stairs. The second recording, made on Feb. 23, 2025, on an upper floor of the couples home while their two young children were playing downstairs, contains more arguing and what prosecutors said was the sound of Goetting slapping his wife across the face. Renee Goetting, who moved back to her home state of Kansas, said she didnt want to report her husbands actions to the authorities, especially when he told her that due to his position on base no one would believe her. She said she eventually decided the only way for her to be able to leave him with her children would be to report his actions. She did so on March 12. Joshua Goetting initially denied the accusations while meeting with criminal investigators, leading to one of the charges that were dropped. Renee Goetting confirmed after the trial ended Monday night that she had multiple recordings from other arguments and incidents that presumably led to the other specifications of abuse. She testified that while attending a church service after being slapped by her husband, she had difficulty maintaining her composure. I thought I was going to die that day, she said. Attorneys for Goetting acknowledged that he had made mistakes but argued that he should be allowed to return to society. A Marine jumped into action and helped save a driver found incapacitated at a fiery car crash in North Carolina, Oct. 28, 2025. (Bertie County Sheriffs Office) (Tribune News Service) A Marine jumped into action and helped save a driver found incapacitated at a fiery car crash, according to investigators in eastern North Carolina. The wreck happened on Oct. 27 east of Windsor, but the Bertie County Sheriffs Office is only now releasing details due to not knowing the identity of the Marine. An event is being arranged to publicly honor the Marine and two deputies who worked together to save the driver, the sheriffs office said. Lieutenant J. Parker and Deputy E. Topliss, with the Bertie County Sheriffs Office, were en route to a call for service in Merry Hill (when) they came upon a vehicle collision on Highway 17 near the Wakelon Road exit, where the driver was ejected and the vehicle caught fire, the sheriffs office said in a news release A U.S. Marine arrived at the crash at the same time as the deputies. The U.S. Marine and the deputies jumped into action and were able to pull the driver of the vehicle to safety. The U.S. Marine used a first aid kit and began providing aid to the victim until the Bertie County EMS arrived. The driver was hospitalized and survived. Their identity and condition have not been released. Eastern North Carolina is home to multiple Marine Corps facilities, including Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Marine Corps Air Station New River and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. 2025 Raleigh News & Observer. Visit newsobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford leaves the Mediterranean Sea through the Strait of Gibraltar on Nov. 4, 2025. Last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Ford Carrier Strike Group to U.S. Southern Command as part of a buildup of U.S. forces there to combat drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. (Michael Sanchez via X) NAPLES, Italy The Ford Carrier Strike Groups departure this week from the Mediterranean Sea will leave Europe and the Middle East without an aircraft carrier presence while concentrating naval firepower in Latin America. Although its unclear when the strike group will arrive in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, the surge of naval forces there would put nearly 20% of the services deployed warships in the region, according to Stars and Stripes analysis of data from the USNI News fleet tracker. Photographs posted to X by ship-spotters based in Gibraltar show the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and the destroyer USS Bainbridge transiting the Strait of Gibraltar into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday. The ships presumably will join remaining strike group members, the destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill and USS Mahan in the Atlantic. A U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet spokesperson said the command couldnt discuss current operations out of concern for operational security. Last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the carrier strike group to SOUTHCOM to bolster U.S. efforts there to disrupt drug trafficking and degrade and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. The commands area of responsibility includes waters adjacent to Central and South America, and the land mass of Latin America south of Mexico. It appears that besides stopping drug trafficking, the U.S. also aims to get Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to step down, said James Holmes, chair of the maritime strategy program at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. The first we can do at sea, in theory at least, without a carrier group, Holmes said But I have a hard time seeing sea power accomplish the second, carrier group or not. Ford would bring at least 4,500 more sailors and nine aircraft squadrons to the U.S. presence in the area. The destroyer USS Bainbridge, part of the Ford Carrier Strike Group, transits the Strait of Gibraltar on Nov. 4, 2025. The carrier strike group is heading to Latin America, where it will join a concentration of U.S. forces in a mission against drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. (Michael Sanchez via X) That level of firepower seems like overkill for the current mission in the Caribbean, said Bryan Clark, a retired Navy officer and director of the Hudson Institutes Center for Defense Concepts and Technology. But the addition would be an efficient way to sustain strikes against targets ashore, Clark said, noting that the U.S. doesnt have any land bases in Central or South America. And fighter jets flying out of Puerto Rico would require air tankers to conduct missions over South America, he said. In addition to the three ships that make up the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, the destroyers USS Gravely, USS Stockdale and USS Jason Dunham, the cruiser Lake Erie and the littoral combat ship USS Wichita, the U.S. presence in Latin America includes Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones, an F-35 fighter squadron and more than 6,000 sailors and Marines. Meanwhile, the reduced Navy presence in Europe and the Middle East isnt of great concern in the current threat environment, said Bradley Martin, a retired Navy surface warfare officer and director of the Rand Corp. National Security Supply Chain Institute. Following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, the Navy has kept a nearly constant carrier or amphibious ready group presence in Europe and the Middle East. Last month, the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz left the Middle East after three months in the region. There are five destroyers assigned to Naval Station Rota in Spain. One of them, USS Roosevelt, is stationed in the Mediterranean Sea, while two others, USS Forest Sherman and USS Mitscher, are in the Red Sea, according to the USNI News fleet tracker. That muscle along with other U.S. forces, such as Air Force squadrons stationed in Europe and the Middle East should provide ample response should a hostile actor be tempted, Martin said. He added that Nimitz, now on duty in the South China Sea, could be recalled to the Middle East. Ford left its homeport in Norfolk, Va., in June for a routine deployment to NAVEUR-AF. The fast-attack submarine USS Vermont arrives for scheduled maintenance at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, on Oct. 29, 2025. (Jaxsen Shinners/Australia Department of Defence) A U.S. Navy fast-attack submarine is undergoing maintenance at an Australian base where a multinational force of nuclear-powered boats may be in position in just over a year, according to the Australian Defence Department. The Virginia-class USS Vermont docked Oct. 29 at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, marking a significant advance toward the countrys goal of operating and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines, according to a department news release that day. Australia is responsible for significant maintenance on the Vermont, according to the Defence Department. The work required on the Vermont will be more complex than what Stirling provided the USS Hawaii last year and reflects the type of work needed to support the submarine rotational force, the release states. The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Hawaii is collaborating on a maintenance period in Australia for the first time, according to the release. The work will provide valuable training and test infrastructure and systems at Stirling, Vice Adm. Jonathan Mead, director general of the Australian Submarine Agency, said in the release. Australia is developing the capability to service the boats under the AUKUS defense pact, a defense partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The commander the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force, Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, speaks to the press at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, on Oct. 29, 2025. (Zac Dingle/Australia Department of Defence) The Pentagon is reviewing the 2021 agreement, which aims to establish Submarine Rotational Force-West at Stirling, with one British and four U.S. submarines stationed there on a temporary basis from as early as 2027. The review is underway amid concerns about whether U.S. industry can supply Australia with submarines beginning in the early 2030s while meeting Navy needs. Nevertheless, the primary upgrades at HMAS Stirling, valued at $5.2 billion, began in August with reports that 3,000 to 9,000 Americans could arrive with the submarines. Ahead of the international forces deployment the U.S. has been sending Virginia-class boats to Stirling and training Australian technicians to maintain them. In August 2024, the fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii and submarine tender USS Emory S. Land spent several weeks at the base, where U.S. and Australian crew members aboard the tender performed maintenance on the submarine. In February another Virginia-class vessel, the Guam-based USS Minnesota, also called at Stirling. The submarines crew of 134 includes 13 Australian sailors, the release states. Virginia-class subs are built to accommodate special operations and also carry conventional torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles, according to a Navy factsheet. Australia is firmly on track to commence Submarine Rotational Force West in 2027 which will further accelerate Australia becoming sovereign ready to safely own, operate and maintain our first sovereign Virginia-class submarine from the early 2030s, Mead said. A Princes Purple Path sign placed near a Prince mural located at Parking Ramp A in Minneapolis on June 2. Meet Minneapolis placed Purple Path signs around Minneapolis highlighting Prince-related sites for fans. (Carlos Gonzalez, The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS Dont be like Apollonia. Fans making the pilgrimage to Princes hometown for the premiere of the Purple Rain musical can take heed from his co-star in the original 1984 film. In the movies opening sequence, she wound up owing $37 for a taxi ride that shouldve only cost about 37 cents. There are better ways of finding your way around Minneapolis. Several local organizations are stepping up to help fans in town for the Broadway-bound musical more efficiently find their way to Broadway Avenue in north Minneapolis and other key stops on a sightseeing tour of Prince landmarks. (The local Broadway is where Prince gave his first solo performance in 1979 at the Capri Theater.) Theres a lot of misinformation out there about some of the sites, like his childhood homes, so its good to get some help, said Kristen Zschomler, whose new company, SoundAround Tours, now offers app-based, GPS-guided audio tours of Prince locations. Zschomler got the idea for creating the audio guide on her hometowns famous music icon after visiting Dublin and struggling to find sites related to the band U2. It shouldnt be so hard with artists this famous, she said. Now, for $9.99, app users can download a guide that pinpoints Prince sites on a map and provides a narrated backstory to each stop. Other landmarks on the SoundAround guide and most Prince tours include: The Kids house in Purple Rain; Sound 80 studio, where he made his first demos for Warner Bros.; and the film location for the movies Lake Minnetonka scene (actually a stretch of the Minnesota River in Henderson, nowhere near Minnetonka). In-person tours are great, too, Zschomler said, but its nice to be able to do it on your own time and not have to worry about weather or other factors. Nine years after Princes death, the citys tourism unit Meet Minneapolis latched onto the demand for Prince tours this past summer by installing 20 glyph-emblazoned emblems onto sidewalks around town, a route dubbed the Purple Path. Each of the large, stick-on decals feature QR codes that can be scanned with a cellphone and provide information about the location. People ask all the time: Where did Prince spend his time, said Christy Loy, senior vice president of destination sales for Meet Minneapolis. This is a really fun and accessible way for them to go where he went. Heres a rundown of your options for walking in Princes and Apollonias shoes this fall around the musical: Antone Johnson takes a photo of his fiancee Mona Lisa, right, and Monas sister, Myra Russell, in front of the Prince mural near First Avenue created in 2022 by artist Hiero Veiga. (Aaron Lavinsky, The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) Paisley Park tour The top attraction for Prince fans is his suburban studio/performance complex opened for tours soon after his death there in April 2016. You dont get to see his personal apartment on tours, but you get access to various recording rooms, soundstages, his office and exhibit areas where he did most of his work from 1987 on. There are three tour levels; the pricier ones offer more rooms, photo-ops and the chance to hear unreleased music. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Mon., 7801 Audubon Rd., Chanhassen. $75-$199, paisleypark.com ) First Avenue tour Before he built Paisley Park, Prince used Minnesotas now-iconic rock club as his playground for pretour warmup gigs and, of course, as the primary film location for Purple Rain. The venue is offering behind-the-scenes tours again timed to the musical, offering a healthy dose of Prince lore and other music history including the chance to stand on the stage The Kid humped in the movie. Days vary based on the clubs ever-bustling concert schedule, but there are currently 14 slots available through Nov. 12, and more will be added. (701 1st Av. N., Mpls. $50, first-avenue.com ) SoundAround Town audio guide The downloadable app offers two Prince-specific tours, plus a Minneapolis Sound tour that also incorporates sites on Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Morris Day and the Time. Each tour includes geo-located sites with narration. ($9.99, soundaroundtours.com ) The Purple Path Specifically centered around Minneapolis sites, the self-guided tour offered by the city features scannable information that ranges from various Prince murals to his former schools and places he liked to hang to movie and recording places. Its a very handy way of taking a lot in for free. (Downloadable map available at minneapolis.org ) Captain Randys Prince: The Tour U.S. Army Europe-Africa commander Gen. Christopher Donahue speaks at a ceremony in La Fiere, France, on June 5, 2025. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) The reduction of the Air Forces top command in Europe to a three-star headquarters could herald a shift of more leadership responsibility to European generals, says a new report that argues allies should get behind Pentagon plans for fewer U.S. four-stars. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths push to get other NATO countries to shoulder more of the security load should entail a demand that they also take on the burden of military command leadership, according to a report published Thursday by the European Council on Foreign Relations. Allies ought to propose a Europeanization of NATOs command structure, the report said. That means appointing European four-star officers to lead the NATO air, land and maritime commands, with US three-stars serving as their deputies to ensure continued integration. Traditionally, three U.S. four-star component commanders in Europe have had the dual responsibility of leading associated NATO commands. On Friday, though, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa installed Lt. Gen. Jason Hinds to lead associated American troops on the Continent while holding on to leadership of NATOs Allied Air Command headquarters at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. USAFE-AFAFRICAs transition to a three-star command coincided with the retirement of Gen. James Hecker. If the Defense Department plans to do the same with its Navy and Army commands in Europe, it could time such a move to the retirements of current leadership or their relocation to other military jobs. While the Pentagon has not announced any intention of reducing U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa to three-star commands, it would be unusual to single out only one military component in Europe for that step down. Other positions will likely see similar downgrades in short order, according to the reports authors. The think tank, headquartered in London, noted that such policy papers dont represent the views of the organization as a whole. In the case of the Army, Gen. Christopher Donahue has been in charge of USAREUR-AF for less than a year of what is often a three-year posting. He could, however, be a candidate for other top Army jobs that would see him leave Europe earlier, opening the possibility for downgrading the Wiesbaden, Germany-based USAREUR-AF to a three-star headquarters. Reducing U.S. components in Europe to three-star headquarters should eventually see those commanders reduced to deputy roles at their associated NATO headquarters, the report said. Handing over more responsibility at the component levels should also be a precursor to eventually making NATOs top military job, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, a European-led post, the report argued. Since NATOs formation, that job has always been held by an American going back to the time of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. However, there has been debate in national security circles for years about whether the position should eventually be opened to other members. President Donald Trumps administration had reportedly been considering such a move earlier this year but opted to put U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich in the post in July to replace the outgoing Gen. Christopher Cavoli. The changing of other positions should follow through to 2029 including, eventually, SACEUR, the report said. Non-US general officers currently lack experience in leading at many of NATOs highest echelons, but a European-led NATO means they need to acquire it one way or another. While the United States has been in the lead of NATO since its founding, Hegseth has said he envisions European allies playing the larger role in the future. At an October meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Hegseth said the most effective deterrent to Russian aggression is a lethal, capable and European-led NATO. Recommendations about a NATO command shakeup come as allies increase defense spending in Europe in line with Trumps calls for members to spend 5% of gross domestic product on their militaries, up from the current 2% benchmark. The push for allies in Europe and Canada to ramp up spending comes amid an ongoing Pentagon force posture review, which could lead to troop reductions in Europe as the U.S. focuses more deterring China in east Asia. While its not clear how extensive any potential cuts could be, the Defense Department last week announced that it was scaling back troop rotations into Romania. BOGOTA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and several others injured in a car bomb attack on a police station in southwest Colombia, authorities confirmed on Monday. "We have reports of two people dead and several injured. It's a situation that has overwhelmed our local capacity," Cesar Ceron, mayor of the municipality of Suarez, located in Colombia's southwestern Cauca department, told W Radio. He added that the victims were inside a hotel near the police station when one of the explosive devices hit the building. Their identities have not yet been confirmed. Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the attack and blamed dissidents of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). "This cowardly act reflects the desperation of a criminal structure that is losing territorial control and seeing its illicit finances from drug trafficking, illegal mining and extortion severely weakened due to ongoing military and police pressure," Sanchez wrote on social platform X. The minister said he is meeting with local officials and military commanders to coordinate stronger security measures in Cauca, as well as in the neighboring regions of Valle del Cauca and Narino. He also announced a reward of up to 200 million Colombian pesos (52,000 U.S. dollars) for information that could help prevent further attacks. According to Sanchez, Colombian security forces have neutralized 724 members of illegal armed groups in 2025 so far, up by 23 percent from the previous year. In Cauca, six of the seven most-wanted armed leaders have been neutralized or surrendered. The Attorney General's Office also condemned the attack and urged swift investigations to bring those responsible to justice. Suarez has been one of the municipalities most affected by Colombia's ongoing conflict, particularly by FARC dissident groups in recent years. U.S. Central Command boss Adm. Brad Cooper, center right, speaks with Lt. Gen. Jassim Al-Mannai, the Qatari military's chief of staff, during a ceremony Nov. 3, 2025, at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The event marked the opening of a new combined command post for air defense staffed by American and Qatari personnel. ( Chris Thornbury/U.S. Air Force) U.S. and Qatari forces at Al Udeid Air Base opened the Middle Easts first bilateral combined command post for air defense this week, the latest show of growing American solidarity with the key regional partner. The post will allow for more cooperation between U.S. and Qatar when it comes to tracking and defending against air attacks, especially those coming from Iran and its proxies. The grand opening Monday was attended by U.S. Central Command boss Adm. Brad Cooper and Lt. Gen. Jassim Al-Mannai, chief of staff of the Qatari military. The facility will enhance regional security cooperation today and in months and years to come, Cooper said in a CENTCOM statement the same day. Al Udeid hosts 10,000 U.S. troops and is the largest American base in the Middle East. The joint command post opened weeks after an Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha shook relations between the U.S. and Qatar. Qatari leaders were furious following the attack, which they said came with little to no warning from the U.S. or Israel and was a violation of international law and sovereignty. President Donald Trump shortly afterward signed an executive order vowing to use all measures to defend Qatar. During Trumps second term, U.S.-Qatari ties have grown. Earlier this year, Qatar gifted the United States a 747 jetliner to be put to use as a new Air Force One. And Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced last month that the U.S. would allow the nation to build an Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho to train alongside American troops. Qatars prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, dismissed the notion that Trumps security guarantee was a form of repayment for the jet. The commitment serves as protection for U.S. troops and shows the strategic relationship between Qatar and the United States Al-Thani said Sunday during an appearance on the CNN program hosted by Fareed Zakaria. Besides serving as a key pillar of U.S. military infrastructure in the region, Qatar has also played a central role in negotiations between Hamas and Israel and is working alongside the U.S. to ensure a ceasefire holds. A voting information table at Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico, the only U.S. Army installation in the Caribbean, in 2024. A federal court halted part of a presidential executive order that imposed new requirements on military service members, their families and other overseas citizens trying to vote in U.S. elections while living far away from home. (David Hernandez/U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan) WASHINGTON A federal court halted part of a presidential executive order that imposed new requirements on military service members, their families and other overseas citizens trying to vote in U.S. elections while living far away from home. In a ruling Friday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia invalidated part of a March 25 executive order by President Donald Trump titled Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections that required documented proof of citizenship to register in federal elections. Military members serving overseas represent about 40% of Americans living abroad, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Secure Families Initiative, a nonprofit that advocates for military families, is a plaintiff in the case. The organization argued the order created undue hardship for Americans living overseas, including service members and their families. Rebecca Nowatchik, an Air Force spouse and a director at Secure Families Initiative, said military families already face challenges when trying to vote in federal elections while living abroad. Trumps executive order meant they would have to find a secure way to send passports and other citizenship documents annually to election officials before being allowed to cast ballots, Nowatchik said. Voters potentially would have to send their passport through the mail, she said. The stated goal of the executive order was to enhance voter registry accuracy and reduce the risk of fraud in federal elections. There are several legal challenges to the presidents March 25 order that directs sweeping reforms to federal elections, including by the Democratic National Committee. Trump has continued to claim his 2020 loss to Democratic President Joe Biden was the result of fraud in the electoral system. But U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in Washington, D.C., wrote that the president and his administration cannot unilaterally direct changes to federal election procedures. The judge ruled the order is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers. Because our Constitution assigns responsibility for election regulation to the states and to Congress, this court holds that the president lacks the authority to direct such changes, according to an Oct. 31 court memorandum opinion. The White House defended the executive order after Fridays ruling. President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to ensure only American citizens are casting ballots in American elections, said Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman. This is so common sense that only the Democrat Party would file a lawsuit against it. We expect to be vindicated by a higher court. Trump had directed the Election Assistance Commission in Executive Order 14,248 to alter the national voter registration form to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, according to court documents. Most states use an applicants personal information, including Social Security numbers, to confirm voting eligibility with government databases. This ruling ensures that military families can continue to cast their ballots without unnecessary barriers or burdensome paperwork defending not just our communitys rights, but the right to vote for every American, according to Secure Families Initiative. Plaintiffs also include nonpartisan organizations that register voters. They argued that requiring documented proof of citizenship unquestionably makes it more difficult to register voters, according to court documents. Other parts of the executive order remain intact. The executive order also directs states not to accept absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day but received later. Secure Families Initiative argued that the order increases the risk that ballots from military families and other Americans overseas will be rejected because of postal delays. Food kits completed by service members of the California National Guard are prepared for distribution at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank at City of Industry, Calif., Oct. 27, 2025. (William Espinosa/U.S. Army National Guard) SEATTLE One hundred and seven families living in the Naval Base Kitsap area lined up last Wednesday during Bremerton Foodlines dedicated two-hour window for military and government families to receive boxes of food essentials. There is a fear of scarcity, said Cori Kauk, executive director of the food bank. Worries about being on the edge financially. Though the Bremerton Foodline serves all of the community, Kauk said the biggest surge in numbers is an increase of visits from military families and federal employees since the federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1. Were adding 14 hours to our weekly schedule to meet the demand of the community, including service families, Kauk said. Across the country, military households are feeling the pressure. Some of the most acute pain is in and around bases on the West Coast, where the cost of living is especially high. The Puget Sound area near Seattle is home to Naval Base Kitsap and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Together they account for about 60,000 active duty service members and 90,000 federal government employees primarily at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and JBLM, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce. The San Diego region, home to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Naval Base San Diego supports 115,000 active-duty personnel, according to the Department of Defense. Food bank providers welcomed the news Monday that some of the $5.5 billion in emergency food funds in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) would be released in coming days. Following federal court orders, President Trump announced Monday that SNAP funding would be extended through mid-November, offering temporary relief to 42 million Americans, including thousands of military-connected families and more than 1.2 million veterans on low incomes who rely on the monthly benefit. But the uncertainty of the shutdown has many military families coming to food banks as a preemptive measure against future shortages while the shutdown continues. The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank, which supplies food to more than 450 partner organizations, reports a surge in demand. While this community plays a vital role in our nations defense, a heartbreaking reality exists here as well: for many military-connected families in San Diego, putting nutritious food on the table is a weekly struggle, the organization said. Despite their service, the salaries provided to military personnel often fall short when it comes to covering basic living expenses in this highly expensive region. Arika Daniels, spokeswoman for the food bank, said the organization expects to spend $1.5 million to meet the increased demand, with weekly costs ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. Weve already seen an increase in demand, Daniels said. We expect the demand to grow significantly in the coming weeks. Food distribution overall is up 7%, and visits to the pantry in Vista, near military housing, are up 6%. Online applications for food bank ID cards have jumped tenfold. On a typical day, we receive 515 applications; we are now seeing an average of 50 daily, Daniels said. The food bank is calling for more donations, volunteers and support from lawmakers to protect food program funding and shut down the food shutdown. We cant help but wonder, How long can we meet the demand? Our biggest challenge right now is staying prepared for whatever comes next. LaRonda Schenck Scott, Armed Services YMCA at Camp Pendleton At Camp Pendleton, the Armed Services YMCA is also seeing a spike in need. LaRonda Schenck Scott, the senior director of development, said uncertainty around pay and food access is driving families to seek help. A fear of a delay drove a significant increase in demand for food and emergency assistance, Scott said. Visits to the Pendleton Pantry are up 38%, prompting the YMCA to expand hours and launch a mobile pantry to reach more service members. Our neighborhood exchange accepts up to 250 families, Scott said. Traditionally, we dont reach capacity. That wasnt the case for our last exchange, and were expecting the same for the next. Donations are increasing, but logistics are challenging, such as a shortage of cold storage. An example was receiving 900 cartons of eggs last week, Scott said. The excess doesnt last long. Food staples, diapers and household items are moving fast. We cant help but wonder, How long can we meet the demand? she said. Our biggest challenge right now is staying prepared for whatever comes next. A view of Reagan National Airport in Arlington in July. (Shedrick Pelt/The Washington Post) Flights were halted at the Washington areas Reagan National Airport on Tuesday after a report of a bomb threat targeting an inbound United Airlines flight, according to Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. Arrivals and departures stopped for about 90 minutes, according to flight-tracking data. The United plane landed and parked at the side of the airport and passengers were evacuated while law enforcement searched the jet, Duffy said. The FBI also responded to reports of the bomb threat and said no hazards were found, according to a post on X. A person called the airports control tower seeking a $500,000 payment in cryptocurrency, according to multiple people familiar with the incident who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. The caller said the plane would explode when it landed, according to the people. I want to thank our brave men and women in law enforcement for their quick response, Duffy said in a post on X. According to United Airlines, there were 89 passengers and six crew members aboard the Boeing 737 Max 8 jet, which originated in Houston and landed at National around 11:20 a.m. In a statement, the carrier said Flight 512 landed safety after a potential security concern. Passengers were taken off the plane and bused to the terminal and the aircraft was searched and cleared, United said. Several flights were diverted to other airports in Maryland and Virginia while the situation unfolded on the ground, according to tracking data from Flightradar24. This is the second time this week that a potential bomb threat caused flight delays. On Monday, a threatening note was discovered in a lavatory of Frontier Airlines Flight 1324 at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, according to a statement from the carrier. The flight, which originated in Denver, landed safely at the airport where it was met by local law enforcement and the FBI, who determined there was no threat. The jet was cleared and passengers were deplaned at the terminal, according to airport officials. The disruptions come amid heightened scrutiny of the national airspace system as the government shutdown stretches into a second month. Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers are among the federal employees working without pay. Though there have been sporadic spikes in flight disruptions tied to staffing shortages, the system has been relatively stable. However on Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy warned that officials could be forced to shut down portions of the national airspace if not enough air traffic controllers show up for work. Austin Dahmer, the acting deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Nov. 4, 2025. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Republican defense hawks on Tuesday lashed out at the Pentagon for failing to engage with Congress on major policy decisions, accusing officials of acting unilaterally and stonewalling lawmakers. Were not getting anything, said Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska. Trust me, Ive been trying. It just seems like theres this pigpen-like mess coming out of the policy shop that you dont see from other offices, said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark. The admonishments came after the Pentagon last week announced it would withdraw a brigade from Romania, catching lawmakers by surprise. The move followed other decisions that have blindsided Congress, including reviews of a nuclear submarine agreement with Australia and the stationing of U.S. troops abroad. Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the panel has struggled to receive information on the policy changes and has learned of many of them through news reports. At times, Pentagon officials have pursued policies that are not in accord with President Trumps orders or seem uncoordinated within the administration, he said. The situation needs to improve if we are to craft the best defense policy. The latest frustration came Sunday night, when the Pentagon informed the committee it had changed the title of the assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities, senators said. The change, which replaced the word capabilities with forces, had been made nearly a month prior, according to senators. On Tuesday, the nominee for the position, Austin Dahmer, appeared before the panel for his confirmation hearing and defended the Pentagons decision-making process for pulling troops from Romania, saying the country and other allies had been consulted. Dahmer, who is currently the acting deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, said the Defense Departments legislative affairs office had briefed Congress no less than four times on this issue, including three times before the drawdown was made public and a briefing on Monday. But Wicker and other senators said they had no knowledge of any briefing taking place Monday. I wasnt invited, said Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said the Romanian ambassador to the U.S. and other senior Romanian officials had told lawmakers that they found out about the U.S. withdrawal from Romania from the press. Senators from both parties also repeatedly questioned Dahmer, a former adviser to Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., on a reported decision this year to briefly halt weapons shipments to Ukraine. Dahmer said he was not aware of any pause in military aid to Ukraine, citing inaccurate reporting. He blamed fake news for the string of controversies that have involved the Pentagons policy office. If confirmed, Dahmer would report to Elbridge Colby, the undersecretary of defense for policy. Sullivan on Tuesday singled out Colby for failing to respond to lawmakers, describing him as the hardest guy to get ahold of in the Trump administration. He came to this committee and said, Hey, Im going to work with the Congress he hasnt, on big issues, Sullivan said. The frustration from Republican lawmakers comes amid a bipartisan push for more information from the Pentagon on a range of issues. The leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Friday released two letters sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding copies of orders issued for the strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, along with the legal justification behind them. The requests, sent in September and October, have gone unanswered. Veterans Community Project reports a surge in veterans requests for food at its commissary and for help paying basic bills. For us, this is business as usual, but this is more business, said Vincent Morales, co-founder of the project. (Veterans Community Project) WASHINGTON Higher costs for groceries, utilities and housing, cutbacks on food stamps and the federal government shutdown are all contributing to headwinds that disabled and low-income veterans are facing, according to major nonprofit agencies that support former service members and their families. That message was delivered Tuesday by four organizations that assist veterans with emergency dollars to cover bills, housing for the homeless and support for family caregivers that enable sick and injured veterans to keep living at home. The groups offered firsthand accounts of what they described as a recent spike in requests for help from veterans and their families. A lot of veterans and their families are living at or below the poverty line. In the last three weeks, weve seen a 500% increase in financial need in the context of the federal government shutdown and complexities of an individuals own situation. My team is working in hyper-drive, said Steve Schwab, chief executive officer of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in Washington, D.C. When Our Heroes Need Help was the title of the forum in the nations capital that featured representatives from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Veterans Community Project, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund and the University of Arizonas Veterans Advocacy Law Clinic. Schwab offered the recent case of a veteran with children who contacted the foundation because he did not have enough money to buy food and pay his bills. We sent them money to purchase food. His car broke down, and we repaired it for him so he could go to work, Schwab said. With Veterans Day on Tuesday, the groups said they wanted to step out from their usual roles working behind the scenes providing advocacy and financial help to share concerns about a rising need for assistance. Contributing to the demand are furloughed federal workers sent home Oct. 1 when the federal government shut down after Congress failed to pass a funding extension bill. Up to a third of federal government workers are veterans. There are 18 million veterans in the United States who served their country when called. This Veterans Day, far too many of these American heroes and their loved ones need our help with health care, with housing, sometimes with simply accessing the benefits theyre entitled to or should have, the organizations said in a joint statement. Vincent Morales, co-founder of Veterans Community Project based in Kansas City, Mo., said his organization is seeing a surge in demand for groceries at its commissary and for financial help with basic bills. For us, this is business as usual, but this is more business, Morales said. There is an overflow of requests to Veterans Community Project which provides short-term housing and other assistance as other funding dries up at nonprofits that rely on government dollars. Veterans Community Project is largely funded by private donations. Low-income and disabled veterans also face new restrictions for government-funded food assistance and health care. More than 1.2 million low-income veterans who rely on food assistance were told to expect possible cuts to their monthly benefits in November. The federal government shutdown has resulted in the suspension of funds for SNAP the nations largest anti-hunger program serving 42 million Americans. President Donald Trump on social media Tuesday threatened to keep withholding SNAP funds after his administration earlier agreed to tap a contingency fund to pay half the amount people normally receive each month. The program primarily serves the elderly, children and disabled. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said later the administration will fully comply with the orders, but it will take some time to dig into the contingency fund and get the money out to recipients. Veterans groups also warned that new Medicaid work rules adopted in the Big Beautiful Bill Trump recently signed into law could create hardships for individuals who are homeless or without a steady income. About 1.6 million veterans are enrolled in the government health insurance program. We are trying to serve as many veterans as we possibly can. Every month we have to shut down applications, because demand is so high, said Nick Cannon, director of operations for Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, in Florida, which provides emergency dollars to veterans behind on their bills or who need money for groceries. When a veteran finally raises a hand for help its almost too late, he said. Their lights are turned off, or their car is about to be repossessed, Cannon said. Kristine Huskey, director of Veterans Advocacy Law Clinic, in Arizona, said the government shutdown means that veterans have less access to care and assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The clinic provides free legal help to veterans in the criminal justice system. Many cases involve veterans facing charges of shoplifting or loitering, she said. The veterans are homeless and sleeping in public places or stealing food because they are broke. As lawyers were on the downstream end of serving low-income veterans charged with misdemeanors. Its heartbreaking to see. We call it crimes of poverty, she said. MEXICO CITY, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Dominican government announced Monday that it will postpone the 10th Summit of the Americas, originally scheduled for this year, until 2026 after consultations with key partners, including the United States. The decision was made after a "careful assessment" of the regional situation, the foreign ministry said in a statement, citing deep political divergences that hamper productive dialogue in the hemisphere and the recent impact of extreme climate events in the Caribbean. It noted that the postponement had been coordinated with institutions such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and that funds already invested will be used for next year's meetings. Authorities said the postponement will allow for broader dialogue and could incorporate newly elected governments. Tensions in the region have escalated in recent weeks over security and sovereignty issues. The United States has increased military deployments in the Caribbean, applied pressure on Venezuela, revoked the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, and hinted at possible cross-border anti-drug operations in Mexico, sparking protests and discontent among some Latin American countries. RAMALLAH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said on Tuesday that his government has shared the executive program of the Gaza recovery and reconstruction plan with foreign governments and international organizations. In a statement after a weekly cabinet meeting, Mustafa said the program sets out a strategic vision for rebuilding the war-torn Gaza Strip and outlines recovery priorities. He said the government and its international partners were ready to begin implementation as soon as conditions on the ground allow, given the current humanitarian and security challenges. Mustafa said coordination was underway with UN agencies, donor countries, and international organizations to ensure recovery efforts in Gaza are carried out "in a coordinated and integrated manner." He urged the United Nations and relief agencies to act quickly to help thousands of displaced families facing worsening conditions as winter approaches, warning that many living in low-lying areas could face flooding and other risks without immediate assistance. The prime minister called for urgent measures to provide safe shelters and necessities to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the enclave. According to the government, the plan builds on the Arab Plan for Recovery, Reconstruction and Development in Gaza, endorsed at an Arab summit in Cairo in 2015. It outlines a five-year framework worth about 67 billion U.S. dollars, covering 56 programs across 18 sectors, including housing, infrastructure, and the economy. Jose Luis Piedra Seville Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 11:07 Share The most tragic image of workplace accidents in Andalucia is reflected in the dramatic number of deaths each year, a total of 95 workers so far this year, according to the latest statistics. This places the region among the national leaders in this grim ranking, accounting for 25% of all serious occupational accidents recorded in Spain. A report on the latest data, also with some retrospective analysis, prepared by the UGT-A trade union on this matter highlights the seriousness, the tragedy of workplace accidents and the growing number of such incidents. Over the last decade in Andalucia 1,300 people have been killed in a total of 12,720 serious or very serious accidents, a fatal statistic that indicates that a worker loses their life in Andalucia every three days and every five minutes there is a workplace accident. The UGT-A report highlights the increase in fatalities from 88 in 2014 to 132 last year, an increase of 50%, with peaks in 2021 (155 fatalities) and 2022, with 151. The highest number of accidents occurs in the service sector, almost 50% of the total, mainly due to the fact that it is the sector with the largest number of employees in Andalucia, followed by the construction sector. By province, Seville, Malaga and Almeria account for the highest number of occupational accidents, together recording almost half of the fatalities for the entire region. The study by the regional UGT trade union also highlights that more than 20% of workplace accidents occur in micro-enterprises, those with less than ten employees. UGT-A also warns that the highest accident rates occur in occupations with greater seasonality and subcontracting, such as 'elementary' jobs (unskilled) or those operating with plant and machinery or on assembly lines, among others. "Behind each accident there isn't just one victim, but many more, it is an unbearable tragedy that we cannot normalise or accept as inevitable", stated Pablo Sanchez (occupational health secretary for UGT-A). This union has proposed the creation of a delegate - by geographic area or by sector - for occupational risk prevention, who would operate independently and externally to companies, with powers similar to those of current accident prevention delegates (a publicly-funded service), as an urgent measure to reverse the alarming upward trend in workplace accidents. According to the union, their role would be to monitor compliance with regulations, advise and train workers and employers, channel complaints to the labour inspectorate and promote a culture of accident prevention in smaller companies, where there is currently no representation. The deputy secretary for occupational health for the CC OO trade union in Andalucia, Aaron Garcia, also expressed his union's concern about the rise in fatal workplace accidents, especially in the provinces of Seville, Cordoba and Huelva, and in accidents 'in itinere' (while commuting to work), with an increase in female victims. The CC OO representative warned that more than 28% of those killed are young people under the age of 34, which is why he is calling for the strengthening of a "real preventive culture, beyond what's on paper, which is reflected in collective bargaining and effective measures". BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- This year's China International Import Expo (CIIE), scheduled to run from Nov. 5 to 10, is the first important economic event that China hosts after the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. It once again demonstrates China's determination to promote high-standard opening up and shared development with the rest of the world. In the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) adopted at the session concluded in late October, China reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to expand opening up at the institutional level, safeguarding the multilateral trading system, and promoting broader international economic flows. "We should draw momentum from opening up to propel reform and development, and share opportunities with the rest of the world and promote common development," according to the recommendations. Eight years since its inception, the CIIE has stood as a vital gateway for foreign companies to tap new partnership opportunities with China, linking international enterprises with China's super-sized market. The 8th CIIE features the largest exhibition space in its history and brings together a record 4,108 enterprises from 138 countries and regions. American companies have ranked the first in terms of exhibition space for seven consecutive years. These have reflected the international community's enduring confidence in China's economy. For businesses that have set their sights on China's growth opportunities, the CIIE is an unmissable event. Some 461 new products, new technologies and new services will be introduced at this year's expo, covering humanoid robots, digital consumption, silver economy and low-altitude economy. It will provide rich opportunities to share the fruits of innovation and access China's expanding consumer market. Through attending the CIIE, foreign companies can gain more knowledge about China's market development, consumption trends and habits. More importantly, they are able to meet their Chinese partners and consumers face to face, which facilitates exchanges and the discovery of cooperation opportunities. Notably, this year's expo expands the dedicated section for products from African countries with diplomatic ties to China, allowing their businesses to fully leverage zero-tariff policies. The CIIE has been successfully held for seven consecutive years, with a cumulative intended transaction volume exceeding 500 billion U.S. dollars, helping enterprises across the globe tide over market fluctuations. China's gross domestic product grew 5.2 percent year on year in the first three quarters. With a solid foundation, strong resilience and vast potential, the Chinese economy will continue to serve as a powerhouse of the global economy, as it continues its pursuit of high-quality development. Throughout these years, China's sincerity in sharing development opportunities has been plain for all to see. Looking into the future, China is ready to work with all parties to further contribute to shared prosperity. Almudena Nogues Malaga Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 08:50 Share After the weather instability of the last few days, this first week of November will be - in general terms - be a period of transition in Spain, with high pressure tending to rise in latitude and heading inland towards the European continent. However, don't put the umbrellas away, you may need them in the middle of the week. "We have a wet week ahead for most of the country. Several Atlantic fronts will leave locally heavy rains in several regions, where more than 100mm could be recorded", warns Samuel Biener, researcher, climatology disseminator and editor of the specialised weather portal Meteored. "A frontal system will cross the Spanish mainland from west to east. This phenomenon will be reinforced by a trough at high altitude and by a river of humidity arriving from the Atlantic. The weather maps show heavy rainfall in western Andalucia" "Models show that the frontal system will cross the Spanish mainland from west to east. This phenomenon will be reinforced by a trough at high altitude and by a river of humidity arriving from the Atlantic. In view of this, the weather maps show heavy rainfall in Galicia, extending to Castilla y Leon, Extremadura, Cantabrian regions, the western part of Castilla-La Mancha and the west of Andalucia on Wednesday", the expert added. In the middle of the week, then, the showers will return to the Andalusian region of southern Spain. For Wednesday the state weather agency forecast Aemet points to "cloudy skies of high clouds, increasing to overcast, with weak to moderate rainfall that will spread from west to east from noon, more intense in the western half where they can be locally strong and accompanied by storms," said Aemet. Only the far east of the region will be spared the rains for the time being. On the other hand, in municipalities in Malaga, Huelva, Seville, Cordoba and Cadiz, the possibility of further rain and storms is 100%. Temperatures will remain similar to those of the last few days. Maximum temperatures will range between 23 and 26C in Seville and Granada. Minimum temperatures will be between 12 and 18 degrees in Malaga and Cadiz. The wind will tend towards the south with strong intervals during the afternoon and occasional very strong gusts in the western half of Andalucia. SUR in English Gibraltar Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 11:02 Share Gibraltar-based folk-rock band Thrifty Malone have released their new single All Those Summers Ago, featuring Steve Wickham, the renowned violinist from The Waterboys. Wickham, now based in Sligo, recorded tenor guitar for the track, adding depth, texture, and a touch of his signature musical flair to the Gibraltar group's latest offering. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Thrifty Malone, who are well known to audiences across Gibraltar and Southern Spain for their high-energy live performances and heartfelt songwriting. "Working with Steve was incredibly special for us," the band said. "His music has been a huge influence on what we do. To have him hear the song, connect with it, and add his own touch to it is something we'll always treasure." The single was produced by GibAudio, bringing clarity, warmth and emotional resonance to the track while balancing nostalgia with forward-moving energy. The four-piece folk-rock band, whose sound blends storytelling, melody and energised performance with roots in Gibraltar and Ireland, continue to grow internationally with increasing radio play in Ireland, the UK, the USA and Australia. Thrifty Malone have performed extensively across Gibraltar, the Costa del Sol, the UK and Ireland, sharing bills with well-known artists including Richard Thompson, Finbar Furey, Steve Harley, and Eddi Reader. Their live sets are known for being uplifting, engaging, and impossible to sit still through. The band will appear at the Fields of Eire Irish Music Festival in Liverpool in June 2026. Wickham is best known as the violinist from The Waterboys and founder of the group NoCrows. A long-standing figure in Irish music, his collaborations include work with U2, Sinead O'Connor and Elvis Costello. All Those Summers Ago is available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. James Stirling, Associate, Blevins Franks Malaga Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 09:06 Share There are many benefits to living in Spain, but, as with anywhere, there are both pros and cons. Many people find the succession regime to be complex and costly, and expatriates need to understand how Spanish succession tax and law works and affects their family. The good news is that over recent years many Spanish regions including Andalucia have reformed their succession tax rates and allowances to protect spouses, children, grandchildren and parents from inheritance tax. Lifetime gifts may still be liable. Understand how your local rules will affect each of your beneficiaries and take specialist, personalised advice on how you could mitigate tax for your heirs. Succession and gift tax (SSGT) key facts 1) Spanish succession and gift tax applies to both inheritances and lifetime gifts. 2) It is charged on each recipient, including spouses. 3) It is due when either the beneficiary is resident in Spain, or the asset being gifted or inherited is a Spanish asset. 4) Beneficiaries are divided into groups: Group I children and other descendants under 21 Group II descendants over 21, parents and other ascendants, spouses Group III siblings, cousins, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews, in-laws, stepchildren Group IV everyone else, including unmarried partners (unless registered as a pareja de hecho in Andalucia). 5) Tax rates and allowances are determined by the state each year, but the regions can make them more beneficial for local residents. 6) UK nationals can be liable to both Spanish and UK inheritance tax, but a credit is given for tax paid in the UK. State succession tax reductions and rates Under state rules, Groups I and II beneficiaries receive a personal reduction of 15,957 for inheritances, while Group III get 7, 993. The main home can benefit from a 95% reduction up to 122,606 per inheritor but only where the recipient is a spouse, ascendant or descendant who retains the property for 10 years. Tax rates range from 7.65% to 34%, but the liability is subject to multipliers between 1 and 2.4 based on the recipients existing wealth and relationship with the donor. Andalucia succession tax Since January 2022, in Andalucia descendants, ascendants and spouses benefit from both a 99% tax relief and a 1 million tax free allowance for inheritances. The allowance for group III beneficiaries increases to 10,000 and the highest tax rate applied is 26%. The multipliers only depend on kinship. A 99% tax relief is also available for Groups I and II beneficiaries for lifetime gifts. Estate planning in Spain Tax reforms, even positive ones, reinforce the need for specialist advice. If you plan to leave assets to beneficiaries besides your immediate family, take advice early on. Establish their succession tax liability and how to improve the situation for them. Be particularly careful if you have children from a previous relationship. If you leave assets to your current spouse, who later passes them back to your children, they will be taxed as stepchildren. Note that Spains succession law imposes forced heirship. In general terms, children are entitled to receive two thirds of an estates assets. This applies to foreign nationals living here by default, but you can use the European Succession Regulation Brussels IV to opt for the succession law of your country of nationality to apply on your death. This must be specifically stated in your will. Every family is different. Take personalised advice, based on your situation and objectives, to help ensure your estate is divided as you wish and with as little tax and bureaucracy as possible. You can take steps now to make life easier for your family and heirs when youre gone. Blevins Franks has 50 years experience providing tax, estate planning and wealth management solutions to British expatriates in Spain. Get in touch to find out how we can help your assets pass smoothly to your chosen heirs, with as little tax as possible. www.blevinfranks.com Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; individuals should seek personalised advice. Blevins Franks Wealth Management Limited (BFWML) is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, registered number C 92917. Authorised to conduct investment services under the Investment Services Act and authorised to carry out insurance intermediary activities under the Insurance Distribution Act. Where advice is provided outside of Malta via the Insurance Distribution Directive or the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, the applicable regulatory system differs in some respects from that of Malta. BFWML also provides taxation advice; its tax advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. Blevins Franks Trustees Limited is authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority for the administration of trusts, retirement schemes and companies. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFWML. The dramatic walkway is pinned to the side of the gorge. Daryl Finch Malaga Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 09:26 Share The Caminito del Rey, which translates as 'King's Path', quickly became the jewel in the crown of inland tourism in Andalucia when it opened ten years ago. The dramatic walkway built into the sheer rock face of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes (a narrow gorge) near the town of Ardales in Malaga province winds more than 100 metres above the Guadalhorce river, offering spectacular views through one of southern Spain's most striking natural landscapes. Originally constructed between 1901 and 1905, the walkway was built by workers from a nearby hydroelectric power station to transport materials between two dams. It gained its royal name after King Alfonso XIII of Spain crossed it in 1921. For decades, the path was maintained by power station workers, but was later abandoned and left to decay. By the 1990s, it had become notorious as one of the world's most dangerous walks. The footbridge had lost almost all its railings, large gaps had appeared and entire sections had collapsed. Despite the risks, thrill-seekers continued to attempt the route, leading to several fatal accidents. In 2001, authorities blocked access and even demolished the first sections to prevent entry. The restoration In 2014, the regional government and Malaga provincial authority commissioned a complete restoration. Rather than removing the original crumbling path, engineers left it in place as a historical monument and built a brand-new, secure walkway with high-mesh railings just above it. The restored Caminito del Rey opened on 28 March 2015. It stretches 7.7 kilometres in total, of which around 1.5 kilometres consists of walkways fixed directly to the rock face. The route must be completed in one direction, from north to south, and takes between two and four hours depending on pace. Today, visitors must book tickets in advance through the official website, with daily entry limited to 1,100 people for safety reasons. Hard hats are compulsory throughout the route as protection against rare rockfalls. Ten years of success Since reopening, the Caminito del Rey has welcomed nearly three million visitors and created hundreds of direct jobs. The attraction generated an economic impact exceeding 60 million euros in 2024 alone - more than 20 times the original three-million-euro investment in its restoration. The walkway's success has transformed the Guadalhorce valley, with rural accommodation in the area increasing fivefold to almost 900 establishments. It has positioned Malaga province prominently in active and nature tourism markets, becoming one of the top attractions across the entire Andalucia region. New suspension bridge Now, work has begun on a dramatic new suspension bridge at the end of the route, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the attraction's reopening. The 110-metre hanging footbridge will become the longest of its type in Spain and represents both a spectacular enhancement and a safety measure following geological assessments. Construction started in 2025 with a ceremony attended by local officials and project partners. The event featured a symbolic foundation stone - actually a metal cylinder containing newspapers and other items - transported by drone to workers positioned high on the rockface. The 1.25-million-euro project is being funded entirely by the operating consortium, which includes Sando, along with firms Espectaculos Mundo and Salzillo Servicios Integrales, demonstrating the success of the public-private partnership model used to manage the route. The new bridge will span from the existing iron bridge to the El Chorro tunnel exit at a height of 50 metres. It will feature two main steel cables weighing 4.5 tonnes and 1,450 metres of specially braided steel cable, with a downward gradient averaging 7.5 per cent. The wooden walkway on a metal frame will have steel cable handrails matching those along the rest of the Caminito. The entire structure will weigh 38 tonnes, with the bridge itself accounting for 17 tonnes. Installation will require helicopters due to the complex terrain. The bridge offers an alternative to the current exit route while shortening the walk by nearly a kilometre and avoiding steeper downhill sections. Documentary marks milestone To mark the tenth anniversary, Andalucia Digital Multimedia and Canal Sur (the regional public broadcaster) have produced a documentary titled 'El Espiritu del Caminito' (The Spirit of the Caminito), due for release in 2026. The film traces the path's history from 1901 to the present day and uses artificial intelligence to recreate key historical moments, including King Alfonso XIII's visit. It will be screened at festivals and broadcast on the CanalSur+ streaming platform, allowing the story to reach audiences worldwide. SUR in English Malaga Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 09:09 Share In Malagas thriving renovation and construction sector, three companies stand out for their commitment to quality, precision and customer satisfaction. Encimeras Malaga, specialists in custom countertops and interior surfaces; Natural Stone, experts in the selection and treatment of natural materials; and Lanten, a professional cleaning company dedicated to post-construction and maintenance services, form a perfect synergy that covers every stage of a project from design and installation to the final polish. Together, they represent a model of collaboration, craftsmanship and innovation that is redefining standards in the Andalusian market. Encimeras Malaga: Design, Quality and Style for Your Home In the heart of Malaga, this company has established itself as a leader in the design and manufacture of kitchen and bathroom countertops. Combining high-quality materials, innovation and a handcrafted finish, they offer customised solutions that adapt to every space and lifestyle. In this interview, we discover how their experience, creativity and commitment to the customer make each worktop much more than just a functional element: a key piece in home design. Encimeras Malaga. How long have you been in the business and where did you start? In other words, tell us a little about your values and beginnings (history) so that readers can get to know you better. I got into the worktop and stone countertop business back in 2007, kicking off as regional manager for Compac down in the South of England. A few years later, in 2012, I started my own first company, and then in 2020, I launched The Worktop Library over in the UKthat's where I really sharpened my skills with sustainable materials. All that led me to set up Encimeras Malaga, brining high-end stones from around the world straight to our beloved Costa del Sol. We're all about turning everyday spots into something special, combining that classic Spanish stone craftsmanship with fresh ideas from global trends (from Italy, to germany to remote places in South America and Asia). Our main principles? Straight-up transparency, no sneaky hidden fees in our quotes; a big focus on sustainability with eco-certified stones; and always designing with the customer in mind. We make worktops that suit real lives, like cosy setups in placeas like Torrox and Fuengirola kitchens or upscale ones in Benahavis and Marbella villas. Our growth involves global sourcing and local precision installations across Malaga province, including Coin, Benalmadena, Mijas, Manilva, Estepona and more. What are the main services you offer? Which ones are most in demand at present? We offer full countertop services: consultation, templating, fabrication, installation, and aftercare. We handle quartz kitchen worktops and marble bathroom countertops, using granite, quartzite, porcelain, and terrazzo. Processes ensure perfect fits with measurements, custom cuts, and minimal disruptions. Porcelain installations and quartz countertops are most demanded by expats in Marbella and Nerja, suiting coastal climates with eco-options. Free quotes, the largest collection of materials in Spain, and project management make us a one-stop shop. What sets you apart from other worktop companies in Malaga and the Costa del Sol? We blend international expertise with local access, tied to suppliers in Italy, Brazil, India and the UK for discounts on sustainable materials. Our technicians craft countertops tailored to Costa del Sol challenges like salty air. Awards, Spain-UK network, and perks like free meals for delayed installs differentiate us. We enhance lifestyles with transparent, personalised worktops for Alhaurin el Grande apartments or Estepona estates. Zoom What is the process of manufacturing and installing a worktop like? We simplify sourcing thousands of surfaces online, eliminating travel. In 2025, digital processes save time to our customers province-wide. They provide us the name or even an image they like and well recognize and source their stone. Once we know measurements and the propertys postal code; we quote full services including transport and installation. They can browse a huge collection at https://www.encimerasmalaga.es/tienda/ with filters for type, colour, price. Then, view slabs in person or get samples during measurement. We source slabs from brands Levantina, Ascale, Laminam (porcelain for modern looks) and materials like granite and quartzite for durable natural stone. The worktop cuts, shapes edges, and prepares sinks. Our tipical turnaround between the templating and installation is five business days, fixing, sealing, and polishing with zero mess. Our post-install process includes maintenance tips for durability. How do you integrate design with functionality in modern worktops? Is there a material or finish that you consider to be a "star" this year? We base integration on client habits for practical worktops. Large slabs up to 320cm avoid joints, boosting aesthetics and usability. Balance visuals with performance, like heat-resistant quartz or scratch-proof porcelain. This year's star: porcelain and quartzite like Taj Mahal in beige, gold cream, and green coloured stoneswith durability and 4D porcelain veining. Is there anything else you would like to highlight on this subject? We support English-speaking expats on the Costa del Sol with bilingual service and UK standards. We built a network that includes builders and plumbers that we reccomend for projects when our customers a let down by others. Another tis is that brands like Ascale or Techlam porcelain offer luxury and quality at 20-50% less than other brands this year. You can visit our website, Instagram or blog for guides. Encimeras Malaga creates sustainable countertops for Marbella villas or Fuengirola flats. Contact to start. Natural stone as the main element: quality, design, and sustainability in today's flooring Companies specializing in this sector, such as Artisans Natural Stone, combine tradition and technology to offer high-quality products, customized solutions, and a commitment to the environment, demonstrating that choosing a flooring can be both an aesthetic and a responsible decision. How long have you been in the sector and what are your origins? I have been in the natural stone business for 25 years. I started working for a company that restored old stone and clay floors in houses, churches, and farmhouses. After several years of experience, I decided to open my own business in Marbella. Over this time, I have visited many factories and now collected a number of suppliers from Spain and other countries in order to offer a complete selections of natural stones and tiles for my customers. What are the main services you offer? Which are the most in demand at present? Many clients often get confused with all the different materials that are offered and not everyone can afford an interior designer or architect. Today Artisan Natural stone can offer not only the materials for hours with each client, showing different combinations of materials and colors. I believe this is an important part of my success and the reason why many of my clients visit my shop based on recommendations. What motivated you to specialize in flooring and natural stone products? I have always been interested in interior design and I think my motivation started when I got the opportunity to work for a company that supplied natural antique stones. Also my curiosity from visiting foreign countries like Italy, France and Marocco increased my intererst for natural stones. What are the main advantages of using natural stone over other materials? How do you ensure the durability and resistance of your flooring in different environments? Today most of my clients are looking for materials with authenticity, a difference in tone, handmade with an antique look and a patina finish. The advantage of installing a natural stone floor is not only the warm and natural look, but the feeling it conveys when you walk on it with bare feet. Natural stone has this fantastic ability, that the look improves over time if it is treated and used correctly. What trends do you see in interior and exterior design that impact your market? All of my customers are tired of modern homes, and the trend is returning for more welcoming environments, with natural materials, textures, colors, imperfections, and handmade craftsmanshipthis is our specialty. Lanten: The Digital Front Desk Redefining Hospitality in Spain In an industry often focused on checklists and quick turnarounds, Lanten stands out for its blend of structure, care, and innovation. Founded by Doha Lanjri Lahcinoui, the company bridges the gap between homeowners, guests, and services by merging technology with human touch. Zoom Doha Lanjri Lahcinoui. What began as a simple idea to connect landlords and tenants with reliable cleaning services has evolved into a hospitality ecosystem that redefines how people live and stay across the Costa del Sol. Lanten was originally founded in Miami in 2014, during Dohas early career in real estate. It was fast-paced and exciting, she recalls, but I realised what I loved most was solving problems. One issue kept coming up: people couldnt find reliable help for cleaning, laundry, or maintenance. Most didnt even have time to look for it, she adds. That gap inspired the creation of Lanten, a name that fuses Landlord and Tenant. After a brief pause, the business relaunched in Amsterdam in 2020 with a digital subscription model for tenants a forward-thinking idea that turned cleaning into an online, on-demand service. When Doha returned to Spain in 2023, she noticed a gap between property management and guest care. Everyone was chasing properties or building cleaning companies, but few were focused on hospitality the human side of it. In February 2024, she officially launched Lanten Spain, introducing an innovative service model where efficiency meets empathy. With my background in customer service, I realised that when you combine home care with human understanding, you dont just clean you create hospitality. Lanten now operates as a digital front desk for modern living, offering services that include property care, professional cleaning, laundry, and concierge. The cleaning department offers structured solutions such as Fresh Arrival Prep for turnovers, Clean Start for deep cleans, and Quick Refresh for shorter stays. Homeowners can also subscribe to The Residence Plan, a monthly housekeeping service designed to maintain homes with the same reliability as a hotel. Each name is intentionally chosen, reflecting Lantens belief that cleaning isnt maintenance its part of the experience. We want people to feel the emotion behind what we do, Doha explains. Fresh Arrival Prep means more than a clean home; its about creating the feeling of arrival. Sustainability plays a practical role in Lantens work. The company avoids single-use items such as paper towels and relies instead on reusable microfiber cloths, colour-coded for hygiene and sanitised after each use. Cleaning products are purchased in bulk and refilled into reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste. We may not be eco-certified, but we clean smarter, not just greener, she says. In just two years in Spain, Lanten has grown steadily not without challenges. Weve made mistakes, and weve learned from all of them, Doha says. What makes us different is that we take the time to understand our clients. Cleaning means different things to different people, and every home has its own rhythm. This adaptability is especially valued among foreign homeowners relocating to Spain. Instead of saying, this is how we do it here, we invite them to show us their way. We want clients to feel welcomed into our company, not just serviced by it. For Doha, trust is at the heart of everything. Over the years, both in Amsterdam and Spain, Ive learned that trust cant be bought; it must be earned. I cant make everyone happy, and Lanten isnt for everyone but for the people who believe in us, their trust means everything. I cherish that. Feedback, she adds, is essential to progress. We recently received our first one-star review on Google, and yes, it hurt. But the client was speaking from emotion, and my role as a leader is to listen, not react. Home services cant grow without feedback. Its how we refine our craft and stay human. Lantens ecosystem is expanding through two new initiatives The Guest Collection and The Boutique Lobby designed to make modern hospitality more practical and seamless. While details remain under wraps, both projects are built to enhance comfort for guests and simplify operations for homeowners and agencies. From Miami to Amsterdam to Marbella, the Lanten journey reflects a consistent philosophy: progress through care and structure. Its never been about perfection, Doha says. Its about consistency, attention, and understanding. Hospitality isnt just an industry its an experience. Hundreds of new coworking spaces have popped up around the region in recent years, all boasting state-of-the-art facilities. Daryl Finch / Pilar Martinez Malaga Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 09:22 Share Southern Spain's Andalucia region is experiencing a transformation in its tourism profile, attracting a growing number of remote workers who are choosing the Costa del Sol, not just for holidays, but as a base for their professional lives. Recent figures from Malaga Airport reveal that between 11 and 12 per cent of passengers now travel for work-related reasons, with many making 10 to 20 trips annually. Pedro Bendala, the airport's director, notes that these 'frequent passengers' represent a significant shift from traditional tourism patterns. "People are working four days away and the rest on the Costa del Sol, and vice versa," he explained. The phenomenon extends beyond typical digital nomads. Executives and professionals are establishing homes in Andalusian coastal towns while maintaining positions with companies across Europe. The region's exceptional air connectivity makes this lifestyle viable, with Malaga Airport offering 210 European routes out of 259 total destinations during the current season. The UK represents the strongest connection, with 44 of Malaga Airport's 207 total routes serving UK destinations. During summer, over 900 weekly flights connect the Costa del Sol with the UK, dropping to 456 in winter - though even the quieter season sees up to 80 daily operations. London alone accounts for approximately 820,000 available seats across 4,400 annual flights. Business in flip-flops Hanneke Kezer, a Dutch executive working for hospitality consultancy TGW and tourism startup Malaga2Taste, exemplifies this new wave of professionals. She travels to the Netherlands once every three weeks while conducting most of her work remotely from the Costa del Sol. "Business in flip-flops! That's exactly why I work from here for my Dutch clients," she says, citing the region's culture, climate and the fact that it sits just two and a half hours from her home country. The trend is particularly pronounced in the technology sector. Oliver, a consultant for an American strategic consultancy firm, relocated from Toulouse to Torremolinos five months ago. He expects to complete approximately 40 trips this year, taking advantage of Malaga's connections to France and other work destinations. "The air connection is fantastic," he notes, highlighting budget carrier Volotea's four weekly flights to Toulouse at competitive prices. Better value Young Spanish professionals are also capitalising on this connectivity. Raul Moreno, a cloud engineer for a Dutch firm based in Zwolle (requiring a five-hour journey via Amsterdam and train), and Juanjo Gamez, a telecommunications engineer working remotely for a Barcelona consultancy, both chose to remain in Malaga after university despite limited local opportunities in their fields. Both cite significantly higher salaries than equivalent local positions would offer. The infrastructure supporting this lifestyle extends beyond air travel. Andalucia offers high-speed internet in urban centres and many rural areas, numerous 'coworking' spaces (shared office environments designed for remote workers), and a vibrant international community that facilitates networking and collaboration. Airlines have noticed the impact. Elena Cabrera, Ryanair's director of marketing and sales for Spain and Portugal, confirms the shift is helping to reduce seasonal fluctuations: "It's no longer just holiday traffic, but passengers from Malaga travelling to destinations across our network, many of them foreigners living here because they work in technology companies." With over 320 days of sunshine annually, familiar amenities for British visitors, and its position as Spain's fourth most connected airport, Andalucia has evolved from a traditional holiday destination into a genuine hub for location-independent professionals seeking quality of life alongside career opportunities. Eugenio Cabezas Axarquia Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 13:28 Share The town of Competa in Malaga province's Axarquia area has entered the Juntos Brillamos Mas (Together We Shine Brighter), competition organised by international chocolate brand Ferrero Rocher. Founded in 1946 in the small Italian town of Alba, in the Piedmont region, the company launched its Christmas campaign in Spain on Monday 3 November through which it aims "to share this light" with the entire country. The initiative marks a milestone that "reinforces the brand's commitment to Spain. One town or village has been selected from each of the 17 regions in the competition and this year Competa is representing the whole of Andalucia. "The initiative seeks to bring the magic of Christmas to more places than ever, highlighting the heritage, traditions and local talent of each region," explained a spokesperson from Ferrero Rocher. The other 16 towns competing are Albaida (Valencia), Altafulla (Tarragona, Catalonia), A Guarda (Pontevedra, Galicia), Bullas (Murcia), Consuegra (Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha), Cudillero (Asturias), Fuente del Maestre (Badajoz, Extremadura), Graus (Huesca, Aragon), Medina de Pomar (Burgos, Castilla y Leon), San Vicente de la Barquera (Cantabria), Sant Llorenc des Cardassar (Mallorca, Balearic Islands), Santo Domingo de la Calzada (La Rioja), Tejeda (Gran Canaria, Canary Islands), Torrelaguna (Madrid) and Viana (Navarra). Tourism and visibility 'Juntos Brillamos Mas' has established itself as an initiative "of great social and media impact, awakening enthusiasm in each municipality", according to Ferrero Rocher. This impact goes beyond local pride, "becoming a tangible driver for tourism and visibility". Over the 12 years of the competition Ferrero Rocher has illuminated more than ten towns and villages with thousands of kilometres of lights. With one representative for each region, each of the 17 municipalities will become an ambassador for their region, showing the rest of the country their traditions, heritage and unique attractions. The name of the winning town or village will be announced on 15 December The 2025 competition will take place in four voting phases. First, in phase one, the five villages that advance to the next round will be selected. From then on, a process of elimination will begin: in both phase two and phase three, new ballots will be opened and the village that receives the least support will be eliminated in each of them. In this way, only the two remaining villages will make it to the grand final, which will be announced on 15 December. Citizen participation will be key in each of the phases. The public will be invited to support their favourite candidates through the company's official website, at https://www.ferrerorocher.com/es/es/. Paco Grinan Malaga Tuesday, 4 November 2025 | Updated 10/11/2025 17:15h. Share From the peach fields of the Catalonian 'Alcarras' to the 'sea of plastic' in the greenhouses of Almeria province in Andalucia, films and series have always found in the Spanish countryside, a unique landscape in which to set the most intriguing story lines. Now mangos from the Axarquia area of Malaga, which are consumed all over Europe, are set to hit the screens through a Netflix film. It is a romantic drama directed by Danish director Mehdi Avaz , who after the successes of A Wonderful Life (2023) and In Tuscany (2022), intends to repeat the move with another film set in the Malaga countryside, which premieres this Friday 7 November. The title says it all: 'Mango'. Zoom The landscapes of the Axarquia area are featured prominently in this Danish production. Ana Belen Fernandez Velez-Malaga, Frigiliana and a mango plantation in Benamocarra were the locations for this new Netflix production The exotic setting of the sunny rural estates of the Axarquia and a story of emotional conflict and positivity are the distinctive elements of this new film which stars two Danish stars, Josephine Park (The Nurse) and Dar Salim, face of Game of Thrones and The Pact. The story is about an ex-lawyer who, after experiencing a tragedy, lives as a refugee on a mango plantation in Malaga, which is also going through hard times. A hotel manager arrives there who, as well as taking care of her teenage daughter, wants to open a new resort in this idyllic rural spot, although she will have to overcome the owner's objections to do so. Filmmaker Mehdi Avaz once again cooks up a plot based on a romantic drama with touches of comedy and a mother-daughter generational conflict, but with mangoes as the main ingredient. A fruit he discovered when he arrived in Malaga in 2023 to write another project and was taken to a mango plantation where he soon visualised a film. The following year he was back in the Axarquia, making the filming coincide with the annual mango harvesting season in September. The main location was a secluded and discreet finca in Benamocarra belonging to Eurofresh, a company whose 40-year-old organic mango orchards serve as a backdrop and plot for the story. A brand that the Danish team expressly sought out, as it exports these fruits to the Nordic country, where it is well established. First shooting in Malaga "They came to us with this story that had a direct connection to Malaga and although it could have been set in a winery or any other family business, the cultivation of mangoes gives it a very special connection with the land and the hard work in the fields," explains Maria Cabello, producer of the Malaga company Anima Stillking, which was involved in the film by Drive Studios in association with Rocket Road Pictures and Nordisk Film Distribution for Netflix. "What was relevant was not only the filming, but also the fact that the plot is also set in the province," says the filmmaker, who points out that 'Mango' was also a "special" project as it was the first filming in Malaga of her new company, which she had founded months earlier together with two other executives from Fresco Film, Silvia Araez and Cristina Armario. Zoom Filming at the El Mirador de Frigiliana restaurant, one of the locations for Mango. SUR "We managed to get all the crew that didn't come from Denmark in Malaga, which is an idea that we sell to everyone who wants to come and film" "The filming was done at the end of August and in September and it was very nice because all the crew that didn't come from Denmark were from Malaga, which is an idea that we sell to everyone who wants to come and film," says Cabello. The executive producer, who has also been very busy this year with the filming in Asturias of the next instalment of the Hunger Games saga, says they also filmed in Almunecar (Granada province) to shoot in its water park by the sea, as well as filming at the airfield in Trapiche and Frigiliana, which has also appeared in the Netflix production, Two Graves, which became the most watched non-English speaking series worldwide on the streaming platform for several weeks. Some scenes were shot at the popular El Mirador de Frigiliana restaurant which was quite an ordeal for the crew as they had to "carry by hand" all the filming equipment up the steep streets of the town as the area is pedestrianised. Added to this was the heat: "We warned them that at the end of August and in September it is very hot in Malaga and shooting in the countryside didn't make it easy, but well, as it coincided with the time of the harvest we ate a lot of mangoes," says Maria Cabello, who highlights the unprecedented image that this Netflix fiction production offers of the Axarquia. Other films shot in Malaga in recent months include The Girlfriend (Amazon Prime Video), starring and directed by American Robin Wright, which has accumulated 25 million views; The City is Ours (Movistar), a mafia plot set in Liverpool and the Costa del Sol; The Fate on Disney+, an accurate contemporary portrayal of the world of bullfighting in the TikTok era; The Centre (Movistar), a look at modern Spanish espionage with scenes also shot in the Axarquia and the aforementioned 'Two Graves' , about the disappearance of young women from Frigiliana. Pilar Martinez London Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 11:57 Share Torremolinos town hall has signed a deal with London's famous black cab operators in a bid to promote the popular Spanish holiday resort to the British. A total of 25 vehicles are emblazoned with an advertising campaign promoting the town, announcing that "Paradise has arrived in London". This initiative is part of the Costa del Sol's participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) tourism fair, which is taking place from today until 6 November. The town hall expects that the taxi initiative, which will run until 28 November, will be seen by more than seven million pairs of eyes. Torremolinos will also participate on the Turismo Costa del Sol stand, where meetings with operators and business owners will be held to strengthen the relationship between the destination and its main market - the UK. In addition, the municipality will present a promotional video that, with a touch of humour, highlights the mark Torremolinos leaves on its visitors and the bond it has built with them over decades. The main character is Jimmy, a Briton living in Torremolinos since childhood, portrayed by freelance voice-over artist, DJ and writer Daniel Edfford, who has more than 5,000 followers on TikTok. In the video, 'Jimmy' shows viewers the most emblematic sites in Torremolinos: the beaches, Calle San Miguel, Plaza Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Plaza Vicente Aleixandre, Torre Pimentel, the churches, Casa de los Navajas, flamenco taverns, live music establishments, the water park, restaurants and the typical 'espeto' sardines and paella. In addition, the video showcases the cultural offer of the town, with a glimpse of Semana Santa, the Romeria and the fair. Viewers also vicariously experience the different ways of having coffee, churros for breakfast and the characteristic way of speaking of the locals. Court sentences 16 individuals linked to two drug-trafficking gangs based on Costa del Sol One of the networks operated in the Axarquia, specifically Nerja, and the other in the west of Malaga province, mainly around Manilva Europa Press Malaga Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 15:39 | Updated 16:04h. Share A total of 16 people have been convicted of drug-trafficking through two criminal gangs that operated independently in Malaga province. One of the networks was based in Nerja on the eastern Costa del Sol, while the other operated mainly from Manilva on the western strip. Most of the criminals have been charged with crimes against public health and criminal organisation membership. According to the 500-page court ruling, one of the branches was the so-called 'Rama Axarquia'. Three of its members were identified on 26 December 2016, as they were heading towards Algeciras (Cadiz) in a semi-rigid boat owned by one of them. In reality, at that moment they weren't carrying anything and they did not provide a reason for their trip. The investigators detected that the boat owner had made 24 trips to Morocco between 2015 and 2017, with stays of one or two days. The defendant, who turned out to be the leader of this gang, had "numerous contacts with Morocco". He would discuss "quantities, prices and other details", although he would not use words such as 'hashish' and 'kilos' directly. He later decided to carry out a major shipment of hashish using a boat he owned, which he had registered in another person's name to avoid being linked to it if it were intercepted. Afterwards, he faked another sale, this time to someone with no means of income to cover the supposed purchase price. The vessel was located on 14 October when it was sailing with its lights off south of Torre del Mar. A customs surveillance helicopter observed packages being thrown overboard and managed to recover a total of 277,873.9 grams of hashish, worth 460,437.05 euros. The other network - the 'Sabinillas branch' - also transported drugs from Morocco. It operated in the west of Malaga province. Six of the defendants accepted the charges against them and the rest were tried and convicted. Two defendants were acquitted. Most of them were charged with crimes against public health and criminal organisation membership, but some were also accused of robbery and forgery of documents. BAGHDAD, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- A member of the Iraqi paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) was killed and two others were wounded on Tuesday in an explosion in Baghdad's southern suburb of Jurf al-Nadaf. The PMF's Explosives Directorate said in a statement that the explosion occurred while its personnel were carrying out a "technical duty" in Baghdad. The blast was caused by explosive materials left behind by the Islamic State (IS) group, which were stored inside one of the directorate's headquarters. The statement confirmed that the incident has been brought under control and necessary measures have been taken. The directorate emphasized that its teams continue efforts to clear the area. Jose Carlos Garcia Marbella Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 14:35 Share The president of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, inaugurated the Ricardo Soriano health centre on Monday 3 November. This is Marbella's sixth public health centre, representing the fulfilment of an electoral promise made in 2018 in response to demands made by the residents and the town hall. The facilities have opened their doors thanks to an investment of more than three million euros by the town hall, which has transformed what was the headquarters of the urban planning department during the GIL era and which the PSOE tried to auction off on two occasions. The new health centre will serve a population of more than 20,000 people. The Marbella Oeste health centre will ease the pressure on the Leganitos centre and put an end to "decades of space problems", according to Moreno, who was accompanied by the mayor of Marbella, Angeles Munoz, among other authorities. Munoz highlighted that the town hall also financed the construction of the Las Chapas clinic, which opened in July and the extensions of the Las Albarizas and Nueva Andalucia centres, which have not yet come into service. "It is a radical 180-degree change that has been made to the healthcare map of Marbella," said the mayor. "One hundred per cent of the health centres on the Costa del Sol have undergone partial or total improvements in the last six years". With a surface area of around 2,000 square metres, the Ricardo Soriano health centre has 24 consulting rooms, one of them for minor surgery, as well as a physiotherapy room, a service that until now was not provided in Leganitos; a mammograph, in addition to the four existing ones; an ultrasound scanner and a retinograph. It has 20 professionals working there and another five shared with Leganitos. It is open from 8am to 3pm although Moreno has assured that the health department is working to ensure that it will open uninterruptedly for twelve hours (from 8am to 8pm). The health centre is part of the "intense renovation plan" that the Andalusian regional government has been carrying out since 2019, improving and modernising health services, according to Moreno, who put the investments made to improve the province's health network at 330 million euros, 72 of them for the extension of the Costa del Sol University Hospital (HUCS) in Marbella. The Andalusian president said that "one hundred percent of the health centres on the Costa del Sol have undergone partial or total improvements" in the last six years. Screening and health spending In a speech in which no questions were allowed, Moreno implicitly referred to the breast cancer screening crisis by pointing out that in Andalucia 588 million medical procedures are carried out annually, so "it is impossible for there to be no errors". Moreno defended the fact that Andalucia has a health system "with the capacity to improve", but said it is "solid" and stressed that the region has gone from being at the bottom in terms of spending per inhabitant to being "above average". In 2026, health spending will reach 16,300 million euros, practically a third of the budgets of the Andalusian regional government and a figure which in the health area exceeds the total budget of all the regions with the exception of Madrid, Catalonia and Valencia. In Malaga province, the 2026 budget will amount to 91 million euros, some 20 million more than in 2025, of which 30 million will go to the third hospital in Malaga city. Jose Carlos Garcia Marbella Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 12:11 Share Marbella is among the destinations that are aiming to strengthen their presence in the UK market by participating in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London between 4 and 6 November. The Costa del Sol town has scheduled more than 40 professional meetings with tourism representatives in the British market, which remains the main foreign issuer of visitors to the municipality. As a sign of the importance of this initiative, director general of tourism Laura de Arce highlighted the 120,000 UK tourists that visited Marbella last year. She added that British visitors had generated "a total of 500,000 overnight stays" in the town's hotels. In numbers, the British visiting Marbella are only exceeded by Spaniards (more than 200,000 national tourists and 565,000 overnight stays in 2024). De Arce stated that the main objective at this year's WTM fair is to create new business opportunities. For this reason, Marbella's delegation will hold meetings with Conde Nast UK, Expedia, Hosteltur, HotelBeds, Amadeus, Travellyze, Lotus, content creators and wedding planners, among many other individuals linked to the tourism sector. Marbella is part of both the Turismo Costa del Sol's and Andalucia region's stands installed at the WTM. Besides consolidating its position within the UK market, the town is looking to establish contacts with Southeast Asia, the US and the Middle East. "On the last day, we are going to hold a presentation for premium travel agencies," De Arce said, alluding to the networking potential of the event and the benefits Marbella can reap from it. Pilar Martinez London Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 10:18 Share The 45th World Travel Market (WTM) in London, one of the world's three major tourism events, opened at the Excel exhibition centre this Wednesday (4 November), with the aim of reinventing travel in a changing world. This year's slogan aligns with the approach of deseasonalising tourism and attracting visitors with a higher purchasing power that Andalucia, Costa del Sol and Malaga have chosen this year. The London event is a great opportunity for the region, the province and the city, each with its own stand, to consolidate the UK market and the 'premium' tourist beyond the strong summer months. The southern Spain destination presents itself as a great place to enjoy not only the sun and the beach, but also the cuisine, wine, culture and nature. The organisers of this major tourism event have stated that the goal of reinventing travel in a changing global context "reflects the current challenges and opportunities in the sector". Therefore, among the main themes of the WTM fair this year is sustainability in tourism. Organisers expect more than 5,000 exhibitors from around the world and more than 45,000 industry professionals at this year's WTM. In addition, the largest summit of tourism ministers will be held on Tuesday, the first day of the three-day exhibition. This conference "consolidates the London fair as the most influential annual meeting for the public leadership of the sector on a global scale". The 2024 record of 50 key ministers is forecast to be exceeded at this year's conference, under the slogan 'Reimagining Tourism Investment Models: Building Next-Generation Incentives'. It will focus on the key issue of transforming traditional tourism investment schemes to gain resilience and competitiveness in the long term. The government representatives will explore the role of emerging technologies to open new markets, mechanisms to align public and private capital with national roadmaps for economic transformation and diversification of funding sources and vehicles in order to strengthen the business fabric and increase the impact of tourism on local development. The ministers call for better distribution of destination benefits and an accelerated transition towards sustainable models. WTM brings together more than 5,000 exhibitors from destinations around the world and more than 45,000 professionals The Junta's regional minister of tourism Arturo Bernal leads the Andalusian delegation, which will focus on boosting business by establishing new agreements with operators and intermediaries. The meetings will be held at the 500-square-metre stand. According to Bernal, technology is a key tool that must be optimised in order to facilitate contacts and maximise visitors' return. The regional minister has stated that "the region's objectives are aimed at strengthening air connectivity, diversifying more competitive passenger flows, supporting traditional operations and repositioning the brand towards new audiences". President of Turismo Costa del Sol Francisco Salado emphasised the importance of promoting tourism beyond the first nine months of the year, during which Malaga Airport received almost 2.5 million passengers from the UK, 7.9% more than last year. The Costa del Sol tourist board is investing almost one million euros in this fair. The initiative is complemented by an ambitious promotional campaign in the heart of London, supported by innovative tools designed to generate up to four million impressions. Although he expressed optimistic expectations, Salado stated that the Costa del Sol delegation is also cautious, given the tense global political context. One more reason to call for year-round tourism. Morrisville, N.Y. Classes resumed Tuesday at SUNY Morrisville, a day after a 20-year-old man was shot in the neck inside a campus dormitory, according to school officials. Classes are not cancelled today, according to Franci Valenzano, the colleges assistant director of news and spokesperson. State Police Monday night had said classes would be cancelled Tuesday. The campus was placed on lockdown shortly after the shooting at about 3:15 p.m., with students and staff ordered to shelter in place. The order was lifted around 8 p.m. for most of the campus, although residents of Onondaga Hall and South Hall where the shooting occurred were asked to remain inside until police finished processing the scene. Police from multiple agencies responded to the scene, searching campus buildings and surrounding areas in the small village of about 1,500 people. The man shot, who was not a student at the college, was taken to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. Troopers said he is expected to live. The shooting appeared to be a single, targeted event, Maj. Kevin Reilly, commander of State Police Troop D based in Oneida said Monday night. He declined to identify any suspects or release further details about what led to the shooting. No arrests have been made at this time, Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a spokesperson for state police, said Tuesday morning. State Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to call 315-366-2311. Update, 8:45 p.m.: Man shot at SUNY Morrisville dorm expected to live; shelter in place lifted for most buildings Update, 6:45 p.m.: Parents can be seen entering the colleges preschool program, the Childrens Center, one by one to get their children. Several parents said pickup is normally around 4 p.m., but they were told to arrive later due to the shooting. Update, 5:45 p.m.: Officers can be seen entering campus building and checking them, floor by floor. Update, 5:30 p.m.: School buses are being used to evacuate students from a nearby elementary school. Update, 5 p.m.: The college remains on lockdown. Morrisville, N.Y. The SUNY Morrisville campus is on lockdown Monday after a 20-year-old man was shot in the neck. Around 3:16 p.m., a hysterical person called 911 to report there was a man with a gunshot wound inside South Hall, according to dispatches from the Madison County 911 Center. Troopers found a 20-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the neck, State Police said in a news release. Troopers said the man shot is not a student at the college. No one else was injured during the incident, troopers said. Civilians are being asked to avoid the area, according to Samantha Field, a spokesperson for Madison County. A helicopter was called to take the man to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, but it was canceled due to the stormy weather. An ambulance was rushing the victim to the hospital, according to 911 center dispatches. A SWAT team was ordered to respond, in addition to a bloodhound, according to 911 center dispatches. A suspect was seen running from South Hall after the shooting, 911 center dispatchers told officers. A perimeter was established and law enforcement were working to evacuate the building, according to 911 center dispatches. The college released this message to staff and students: Active Shooter. Shelter in Place. University Police will report to designated areas. Everyone remain in current room. Halls cleared go to nearest supervised room. Lock doors. South Hall is a dormitory on the southeastern corner of the campus. At 5 p.m., alarm lights could be seen flashing in campus buildings, with an audible message that kept repeating: This is an emergency. The campus is on lockdown, shelter in place and wait for additional instructions. Fire trucks and police cars are blocking all entrances to the campus. At 4:50 p.m., college officials posted on social media that students in classes currently are required to remain in place. Please remain where you are until the lockdown has been lifted. An employee at the Byrne Dairy next to the campus told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that employees at the store went into lockdown after being notified by a manager of the shooting. The employee, who declined to give their name, said employees took refuge in the cooler in the back of the store. Law enforcement notified the nearby Morrisville Elementary School, which was set to end the school day, of the situation, according to 911 center dispatches. At about 5:15 p.m., school buses filled with students could be seen leaving the elementary school. Officers could be seen escorting some students out of the school. Crouse Community Center, a nursing home near the campus, also was on lockdown, according to a center Facebook post. Gov. Kathy Hochul released this statement on social media: I have been briefed on the shooting on campus at SUNY Morrisville. New York State Police are assisting local law enforcement and SUNY leadership as they respond to this situation. The campus remains on lockdown until further notice. Woody Harrelson has closed the book on HBOs True Detective for good. During an Oct. 31 appearance on Today, Dylan Dreyer asked Harrelson if hed ever consider returning to the popular show alongside his co-star Matthew McConaughey. A lot of folks want to know if there will ever be another True Detective with you and Matthew McConaughey. [McConaughey] actually said he would be into it if Woody and I think its good enough. It wouldnt even be a choice. Would you do another one?, she asked the Oscar-nominated actor. Unfortunately, Harrelson didnt seem interested in revisiting his Detective Marty Hart days. Matthews so funny, Harrelson responded. But in fairness, never. Not a chance. The 64-year-old star went on to explain that his time on the show turned out great, and he wouldnt want to mess with that. I love that it turned out the way it did, he said. If anything, doing another season would, I think, tarnish that. Harrelson appeared in Season 1 of True Detective alongside McConaughey, who played his counterpart, Detective Rust Cohle. The freshman season, which premiered in 2014, followed the pair as they investigated a Satanic ritualistic murder in Louisiana. The show took home five Emmys for that season, with both Harrelson and McConaughey earning nominations. Since then, each season of True Detective has featured a new story, setting, and cast of detectives. However, during a May episode of the Nothing Left Unsaid podcast, the shows creator Nic Pizzolatto spoke about the possibility of inviting Harrelson and McMcConaughey back for another installment. Its character-based again. But its not something Ive written or anything. Its just [that] I had that in my head, and weve talked about getting back together and doing it. I think the guys are open to it. Its just a question of whether that would ever happen or not," Pizzolatto said. Then in September, McConaughey expressed interest in the idea. If its a script like that first one, with that fire and originality, Id do it, he told Variety. But it looks like Harrelson isnt on the same page at least for now. Besides True Detective, the White Men Cant Jump star also appeared in HBOs White House Plumbers original series in 2023. Harrelson continues to stay busy in Hollywood, nonetheless. His most recent role is in the upcoming crime film Now You See Me: Now You Dont, which hits theaters on Nov. 14. When can you hear Christmas music on the radio? Some stations have already switched format for the holiday season. Radio Insight reports more than two dozen radio stations have started playing Christmas songs since Nov. 1, the day after Halloween. The New 96.1 (WTSS-FM) in Buffalo flipped to Your Christmas Station Saturday, starting with Mariah Careys All I Want for Christmas Is You at midnight. "It is the day many people across Western New York have been waiting for, Christmas music is officially back in the 716," the Buffalo broadcaster said. "The New 96.1 will play a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas music from Frank Sinatra, Pentatonix, Bing Crosby, Madonna, and Andy Williams. You will also hear fan favorites like Dominic the Donkey, Snow Miser, and the 12 Pains of Christmas." As of Tuesday, The New 96.1 appears to be the only station in Upstate New York that has switched to all Christmas music, but others will surely follow. In Syracuse, Y94FM (WYYY-FM) typically changes its playlist in mid-November. Another Syracuse radio station, Classic Hits Sunny 102 (102.1 WZUN-FM), is expected to become Santa 102 closer to when Lights on the Lake opens for the 2025 season in Liverpool on Nov. 17. Before you say bah, humbug, you should know some radio stations start the holiday season even earlier. The Wave 103.1 (KLO-FM) in Utah switched to Christmas 103 on Oct. 7, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Fans wanting to hear Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, Silent Night and more can also get their festive fix on SiriusXMs year-round Holiday Traditions (Ch. 602) plus seasonal satellite radio channels like Holly (Ch. 79), Country Christmas (Ch. 606), Hallmark Channel Radio (Ch. 105) and Jimmy Fallons Holiday Seasoning Radio (Ch. 15). Apple Music, Spotify and other streaming platforms also have yuletide stations and playlists. Why do radio stations play Christmas music before Thanksgiving? Its not just the Christmas spirit that inspires on-air DJs to go red-and-green its also, well, green: Money, or ratings and advertising. Inside Radio reports a study of 102 radio stations that changed formats for the 2024 holiday season saw increases in their audience, or cume (34.4%), and average quarter hour (AQH) listeners (17.7%) among adults 18 and older, compared to the rest of the year. The format also reaches audiences during key shopping moments, driving both reach and action. The story was the same across the board, Katz Media Group said in its study. Audiences were tuning in, and staying tuned in, for holiday favorites, with consistent average increases in listenership. More than 400 radio stations across the U.S. switched to Christmas music last year, according to Inside Radio. And some may go past Dec. 25, too; The New 96.1 in Buffalo says it will be playing all Christmas music until Christmas Day and beyond. Yemen's Houthi group fighters and supporters participate a weaponized rally against Israel, at Arhab district north of Sanaa, Yemen, Nov. 3, 2025. The Houthi movement, which controls Yemen's capital Sanaa and much of the northwest, announced a general mobilization on Monday, calling on allied tribes to prepare for a potential Israeli air strike. (Photo by Mohammd Mohammd/Xinhua) SANAA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Houthi movement, which controls Yemen's capital Sanaa and much of the northwest, announced a general mobilization on Monday, calling on allied tribes to prepare for a potential Israeli air strike. The announcement came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the group a threat to Israel, saying efforts were underway to neutralize it. Mohammed Al-Farrah, a member of the Houthi Political Bureau, posted on X that the group was on high alert and "fully prepared" to confront any Israeli attack or military escalation. He warned that Israel would "pay a heavy political and economic price" if it launched new airstrikes on Houthi leaders or military sites in Sanaa and other areas under their control. Early Monday, hundreds of armed tribesmen rallied in the Arhab district north of Sanaa, brandishing rifles, daggers, and military vehicles equipped with heavy guns. Participants fired into the air and chanted anti-Israel slogans. Similar rallies were reported in other places across Sanaa and other Houthi-controlled provinces, according to Houthi-run Al Masirah TV. In August, Israel carried out airstrikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa after the group launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israeli ports and airports. The strikes destroyed facilities at Hodeidah port, Sanaa International Airport, and several power stations, killing dozens of Houthi members, including 12 ministers and the group's chief of staff, Mohammed Abdulkarim Al-Gumari. Following the attacks, the Houthis reportedly restricted officials' public appearances and smartphone use, and detained dozens of United Nations aid workers, accusing them of spying for Israel. Last month, Oman-mediated talks led to the release of 20 foreign UN staff, though Yemeni employees remain in detention. On Monday, UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg met Houthi negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, and Omani officials in Muscat to discuss resuming peace talks. Grundberg reiterated calls for the release of detained aid workers. The Houthis seized control of much of northwestern Yemen in September 2014, triggering a civil war that forced the internationally recognized government to relocate to Aden. Since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, the Houthis have launched multiple missile and drone attacks toward Israel and targeted Red Sea shipping, claiming four vessels linked to Israel were sunk. Yemen's Houthi group fighters ride a vehicle with a heavy machine gun during a weaponized rally against Israel, at Arhab district north of Sanaa, Yemen, Nov. 3, 2025. The Houthi movement, which controls Yemen's capital Sanaa and much of the northwest, announced a general mobilization on Monday, calling on allied tribes to prepare for a potential Israeli air strike. (Photo by Mohammd Mohammd/Xinhua) Yemen's Houthi group fighters and supporters participate a weaponized rally against Israel, at Arhab district north of Sanaa, Yemen, Nov. 3, 2025. The Houthi movement, which controls Yemen's capital Sanaa and much of the northwest, announced a general mobilization on Monday, calling on allied tribes to prepare for a potential Israeli air strike. (Photo by Mohammd Mohammd/Xinhua) After many years together across two countries, Alcibiades Lazaro Ramirez Gonzalez and Yannier Vazquez Hidalgo decided suddenly two months ago to tie the knot. The men called their enthusiastic family members to gather in a Clay courtroom. In the photos, Yan and Alex are beaming, surrounded by sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews. Yan held a bouquet of peach roses. The marriage of two men is not easily accepted in Cuba, a country they fled for America in 2021 and 2022. The two work together at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Yan is a janitor. Alex is a supervisor in the same department. The men bought a house together in North Syracuse. They both had requested asylum protection in the U.S. and had recently passed an immigration test required to prove there is a credible threat to their lives in Cuba because they are gay, their relatives said. Last Wednesday, they went together to check in with officers at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices in Mattydale. They thought it would be their last visit before a judge would give a final blessing to live here. Instead, officers detained the couple and sent them to a detention center in Batavia. A co-worker retrieved their empty car. Word spread through the family as fast as a wedding invitation. By Saturday, their colleagues and family members gathered around Gov. Kathy Hochul, asking for help. Gov. Kathy Hochul met Saturday with colleagues and families of two men who were detained by ICE in Central New York. Provided photo Because the men work at a state-owned hospital, their union representatives went straight to the boss. Yan is represented by the Civil Services Employees Association. Alex is a member of United University Professions. Hochul visited Syracuse Saturday to campaign for Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, who is running for mayor. During that event, she met privately with the families of the two men. She promised to help them find a good lawyer. Hochul, a Democrat, and President Donald Trump, a Republican, are on opposite sides of immigration enforcement. This is a very treacherous time in our society, when individuals who lived here for years and are high-functioning members of our community working at SUNY Upstate are the ones who are defined as the worst of the worst, Hochul said. Alexeis Ruiz Batista is cousin to Alcibiades Alex Lazaro Ramirez Gonzalez,who was detained by ICE agents after attending a scheduled hearing October 29, 2025. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com) N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com Trump promised before he took office to find and deport undocumented immigrants. People have been arrested in factory raids and targeted traffic stops. A woman who hit a deer wound up in a Louisiana detention center, separated from her husband and children. Lately, in Central New York, people who meet with ICE officers to update their addresses and workplaces have been detained on the spot. Before they met with the governor Saturday, relatives drove to Batavia to see the men in person, said Alexeis Ruiz Batista, a cousin of Alex. For two hours, four different family members visited the men and tried to reassure them. I told them that everything was going to be OK. There was a lot of people that were trying to help them and were worried about the situation, he told Syracuse.com through an interpreter. They can trust in God that everything is going to be OK. Still, the federal government has not told the men or the family why they were detained or what will happen next. The men have never been charged with a crime or even a traffic ticket, their relatives said. No one else in their extended family has been detained, they said. Juan Carlos is brother-in-law to Yannier Yan Vazquez Hidalgo, who was detained by ICE agents after attending a scheduled hearing October 29, 2025. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com) N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com Juan Carlos, who is married to Yans sister, said his brother-in-law is an excellent person who showed others the path to live and work in the U.S. The men suffered bullying and brutality in Cuba, Carlos said. Their lives are in danger if they have to go back and deal with that again, he said. Yan has a hearing scheduled in Batavia for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 17. The government has not set a hearing for Alex, but the families are hopeful that both men will have their hearings on the same day. The men are together, their relatives said, in a cell. Elany Romero Cruz contributed to this report. President Donald Trumps approval rating has fallen to a new low, even as the president argues the first nine months of his term have been historically successful. Just 37% of Americans in a poll released Monday by CNN/SSRS approved of Trumps performance. Thats a sharp decline from earlier this year and a new low point for Trumps second term. In mid-February, his approval rating was about 47%, according to The Guardian. Trumps approval rating is also down from the previous CNN poll, conducted in July. At that point, it was 42%, according to The Hill. The percentage of people explicitly disapproving of Trumps performance is also on the rise. It was 63% in the new poll, compared with 52% in mid-February. The new approval rating is getting close to Trumps all-time low, reached in January 2021 after the attack on the U.S. Capitol. At that point, just 34% of Americans approved of his handling of the job, according to The Hill. The poll also found Democrats appear to have an early advantage heading into next years midterm elections, according to CNN. A total of 47% of registered voters said theyd vote for a Democrat in their district if the election were held today, while 42% preferred a Republican. Another 41% said they would be sending a message that they oppose Trump with their vote, according to CNN. Past polls have found Trump with especially bad marks on his handling of the economy. Trump has argued his term so far has been a success. He spoke about his performance during an interview with 60 Minutes that aired Sunday. We have been acknowledged as having the greatest nine months in the history of the presidency so if I can keep that going, Ill be very happy, Trump said. Nathaniel Rosenberg, The Middletown Press, Conn. (TNS) A nationwide listeria outbreak linked to several prepared pasta products has spread across the United States in recent months, according to the federal Food and Drug Administration. The outbreak has spread to 18 states and has been linked to six deaths and 27 hospitalizations nationwide, the CDC said. Heres what to know about the outbreak. What is causing the listeria outbreak? According to the FDA, the outbreak, which has stretched from June to October, has been caused by contaminated pre-cooked pasta produced by California-based company Nates Fine Foods. The company does not sell directly to retailers, but its products are sold in prepared pasta dishes across the country. In September, the company recalled nearly 245,000 pounds of pasta, including cases of linguine, fettuccine, penne and other products sold to large producers of frozen meals and pasta salads. What foods have been recalled because of the listeria outbreak? According to the FDA, nine pasta products sold at retailers including Walmart, Trader Joes and Kroger have been recalled due to listeria concerns. The recalls have not explicitly mentioned any illnesses or products sold in New York, but several of the retailers involved operate in the Empire State. Heres a full list of recalled products: Sprouts Farmers Market Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad, use by 10/10/25-10/29/25 Giant Eagle smoked mozzarella pasta salad, expiration dates 9/30/25-10/7/25 Kroger stores deli bowtie and penne pasta salads, sold on 8/29/25-10/2/25 Scott & Jons Shrimp Scampi with Linguini Bowls 9.6-oz, used by dates of 3/12/27, 3/13/27, 3/17/27, 3/21/27 Trader Joes Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast Fettuccine Alfredo 16-oz plastic tray packages, best if used by dates of 9/20/25, 9/24/25, 9/27/25, 9/28/25, 10/1/25, 10/3/25, 10/5/25, 10/8/25, 10/10/25 Albertsons store-made deli pasta salads, sell thru dates 9/8/25-10/4/25 Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce 12-oz., best by dates 9/22/25, 9/24/25, 9/25/25, 9/29/25, 9/30/25, 10/1/25 Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine 12.3-oz, best by 6/26/25, or prior; and 32.8-oz, best by 6/2727/25, or prior Home Chef Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 12.5-oz, best by 6/19/25, or prior What should you do if you have contaminated products? People who have purchased recalled pasta products should not eat them, the Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service wrote in a September news release. The pre-cooked pasta products should be thrown away or returned to where they were bought, according to FSIS. Where has the listeria outbreak affected the most people? Nationwide, 27 people in 18 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of listeria, though the true number of infections likely is much higher, as many people never report their illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those illnesses have led to 25 hospitalizations and six deaths. The outbreaks have been documented in states from Florida to Hawaii, with the most cases (three each) being reported in California, Oregon and Texas. What are the symptoms of a listeria infection? Eating food contaminated with listeria can cause listeriosis, a serious infection. Mild symptoms may include a fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting and diarrhea. If the more severe form of listeriosis develops, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, according to the FDA. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women, newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with otherwise weakened immune systems. The infection is a particular risk during pregnancy, as a listeria infection while pregnant can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or a life-threatening infection to the newborn, according to the FDA. The CDC has reported one lost pregnancy as a result of the current outbreak. What should you do if you think you have listeria? The FDA is encouraging anyone with symptoms of listeriosis to contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. This story contains previous reporting from Jayden Nguyen. 2025 The Middletown Press, Conn.. Visit www.middletownpress.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Milton, N.Y. A grandfather died on Halloween after the plane he was flying crashed into a tree in Upstate New York. Frederick M. Baber died on Friday, Oct. 31, after his small plane hit a tree and fell into the driveway of a home in Milton, WTEN reported. His only passenger, Alexander Hoff, was seriously injured in the crash, the Saratoga County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. The accident happened at 10:24 a.m. on Wyndham Way, a cul-de-sac that borders the Saratoga County Airport in the Capital Region. A wind advisory warning of 35 to 40 mph wind gusts was in place for much of Upstate shortly after the crash. Baber, a 58-year-old pilot from Port Charlotte, Florida, was taking off from the airports runway when his plane crashed, the sheriffs office told the Times Union. Hoff, the passenger, was trying to crawl out of the wreckage when Wyndham Way residents ran outside and pulled him to safety, the Times Union reported. Neighbors tossed water onto the flames while others tried to free Baber, who was trapped in the burning plane, the Times Union said. Baber was killed in the crash, deputies said. He was a husband, father and grandfather. After the crash, one of Babers grieving children wrote a note on Facebook to the pilot. She described her heartbreak at never getting another bear hug from him and facing the reality that her young son wouldnt get to see his pawpaw again. Fly high above the heavenly clouds, she wrote. You have traded your pilot wings for golden ones. I love you so so much, but Im going to miss you even more. Hoff, the 39-year-old New Hampshire man injured in the plane crash, was rushed to the Albany Medical Center for treatment. An update on his condition was not immediately available. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the plane crash. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the New York State Police; the New York State Park Police; firefighters from the Ballston Spa, Rock City Falls, Round Lake, Wilton, Saratoga Springs, Galway, Greenfield, Malta Ride and Harmony Corners fire departments; Community EMS; the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management; and the Saratoga County Hazardous Material Team. Troopers are investigating the death of a man found floating last weekend in a popular creek in Upstate New York. Anglers fishing in Catskill Creek called for help late Sunday morning after spotting a body in the water in Catskill, a village in the Catskills region, 107.7 WGNA reported. Catskill Creek is a tributary of the Hudson River. It runs through Catskill, about 10 minutes south of the city of Hudson, and is popular among anglers, kayakers and recreationists. Troopers responded to the creek at 11:29 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, and recovered a mans body from the water, the New York State Police said in a news release. The man was identified today as Mckinley Smith, a 32-year-old man from Catskill. Investigators are still working to determine how he died, troopers said. The state police did not say if Smiths death is considered suspicious. Troopers asked anyone with information about Smiths death to call investigators in Middletown at (845) 344-5300 and reference case number NY2501090207. The state police were assisted by the Greene County Sheriffs Office and the Catskill Police Department. A former TV anchor has been arrested and charged with murder in the stabbing death of her 80-year-old mother. Angelynn Mock, 47, is accused of killing her mother by stabbing her multiple times in Wichita, Kansas. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder, police said. The Wichita Police Department said officers responded to a reported cutting at a residence where Mocks mother, Anita Avers, was found unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds around 7:52 a.m. Friday. Avers was transported to the nearby St. Francis Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead at 8:26 a.m. Mock, who was identified as a suspect, was outside the house when police arrived. She was transported to the hospital for treatment before she was taken into custody and booked at Sedgwick County Jail. A neighbor told KAKE-TV that a woman covered in blood flagged her boyfriend down on Friday morning, asking him to use his phone to call 911. There was a woman who approached our vehicle with like blood, like her hands were filled, her body was filled with blood, asking to call 911, Alyssa Castro told the Wichita TV station. According to KAKE, Mock allegedly had cuts on her hands and told emergency dispatchers she stabbed her mother in self-defense: Calling party stabbed the mother to save herself. Mock is currently being held on $1 million bond, according to People magazine. According to NBC, Mock is best known for her work in television as Angie Mock, a morning news anchor on Fox 2 (KTVI-TV) in St. Louis from 2011 to 2014 and Fox 25 (KOKH-TV) in Oklahoma City. She had most recently been working as a data management consultant in Wichita, according to her LinkedIn profile. Avers was a marriage and family therapist at Wichita Counseling Professionals, her husband told KAKE. Authorities have not released further details in whats been described as a domestic dispute. An investigation is ongoing. Lu Qinghuan poses for a photo with his miniature model in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2025.(Xinhua) JINAN, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Stepping into Lu Qinghuan's studio feels like entering a museum of Chinese residential architecture, from the cave dwellings of the northwest and the white-walled houses by streams and bridges in the east to the tube-shaped apartment buildings of northern cities with smoke curling from their chimneys. Many of these houses have vanished amid China's rapid urbanization, yet 23-year-old Lu has preserved their memories through his miniature models. "Each demolished old house carried a part of local history, and my model, in a sense, has become an archive," he said. Born in a village in Dezhou, east China's Shandong Province, Lu's life changed one afternoon when he received a phone call informing him that his family's old house was going to be demolished. It was a typical brick house in rural northern China where Lu spent 17 years with his grandparents. "My grandpa used to hold my hand and walk me to and from school every day, while my granny prepared dinner for us," he recalled. "On spring and summer evenings, we sometimes set up a table in the yard for supper, and when the locust trees bloomed, the air was filled with the sweetest fragrance." In 2022, Lu, a material science major, discovered miniature models online and was instantly captivated, prompting him to travel to Jinan, capital of Shandong, to learn the craft. When asked what he wanted to create first, he immediately replied, "My old house." Creating miniature models is no easy task, involving designing, cutting, assembling, polishing, painting and adding weathering effects among other steps. The challenge proved greater than Lu had imagined. "Sketching the blueprint, for example, requires precise measurements, but relying only on photos made it very difficult," he said. Lu eventually found a solution because the size of standard red bricks in China is fixed, and by counting the number of bricks on a wall, he could determine the dimensions of the house. The polishing process took an entire week, with eight hours of work each day, during which he used a knife to carve the outline and texture of each brick. While working on his old house, he could almost feel the toil and hope his grandpa poured into building it, smell the familiar aromas in the air when his grandma cooked, see the sun-drenched clothes hanging on the line, the dried chilies and corn on the walls, the vegetable patch in the yard, and the tall locust tree nearby in full white bloom. The model, measuring 64 centimeters in both width and length, was completed in a month. "I held the model in my arms as I walked from my studio back home. It felt like the most precious part of my memories had finally found its place," Lu said. When he walked past a public square, a crowd gathered around him, and he enthusiastically explained the details of the model while letting people take photos. "I am not an outgoing or talkative person, but on that day I spoke a lot and felt incredibly proud. I wanted to show everyone that this was the old house I once lived in," he said. What should have been a 10-minute walk took him over an hour. He later posted a video of his work online, which quickly garnered millions of views. Many viewers shared memories of their own old houses, as Lu's creation evoked collective nostalgia and resonated deeply with those living away from their hometowns. Inspired by the response, Lu started his own company creating miniatures for customers, with most of his 20 employees belonging to Gen-Z. Each model can cost from several thousand yuan to tens of thousands. The company now receives at least 30 orders a month, with the largest single order earning more than 200,000 yuan (about 28,215 U.S. dollars). To improve efficiency, they purchased high-precision laser cutting machines and 3D printers. "While we help our clients preserve their memories, their memories also inspire us," he said. One client wanted to recreate the small room he had shared with his girlfriend during their early, struggling days, with a hidden switch under the model's bed, revealing a pair of engagement rings when she touched it. Another client, now living in the United States, wished to replicate his old house in Shanxi, down to every plant and tree. An entrepreneur from Singapore requested a model of his small workshop to remind himself of his humble beginnings. Lu even plans to launch an online museum to showcase all the old building models he has made and their stories. "Maybe 100 years later, people then would like to know where we lived, and my models could provide a reference." "Urbanization is constantly eroding traditional memories," he continued. "While embracing modernization and enjoying more convenient lives, we also want to help more people hold onto their nostalgia and remember their roots." This photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a miniature model made by Lu Qinghuan's team in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua) This photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a miniature model made by Lu Qinghuan's team in Yantai, east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua) The US-China tech rivalry just escalated. President Donald Trump's new export ban on Nvidia's cutting-edge Blackwell AI chip has sent a shockwave through the global technology sector. This significant restriction directly targets the heart of China's artificial intelligence development, putting the nation's ambitious tech dreams under immediate and intense pressure. The move marks a major setback for Beijing's drive for AI supremacy, compelling tech giants to rapidly reassess their future strategies. The White House Draws the Line US President Donald Trump announced that Nvidia, the titan of artificial intelligence, would only supply its most powerful microchips to American firms, preventing their sale to mainland China and other international markets. Jensen Huang: We (Nvidia) are 100% out of China. We went from 95% market share to 0%. I cant imagine any policymaker thinking thats a good idea. Chinese AI labs like DeepSeek now have to use Chinese chips for both inference and training. Chinese chips will inevitably rise pic.twitter.com/0xL05sKbff Yuchen Jin (@Yuchenj_UW) October 17, 2025 In remarks given to journalists aboard Air Force One, and during a recorded interview broadcast on Sunday on the CBS programme '60 Minutes', Trump asserted that American clients alone should be able to obtain the high-specification Blackwell microchips produced by Nvidia, which is currently the globe's most valuable corporation based on its market value. Trump on Nvidia, $NVDA: "He's one of the great geniuses of our time. His chips are 10 years ahead of anybody else's. It's a great American country. It's now the biggest company in the world. Nvidia is really a brilliant company. pic.twitter.com/TIWqnpaGBt unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) November 3, 2025 'The most advanced, we will not let anybody have them other than the United States,' he informed CBS, reinforcing comments he had delivered earlier to journalists while flying back to Washington following a trip to Florida. He added during the airborne conversation, 'We don't give (the Blackwell) chip to other people.' These statements suggest that Trump could introduce stricter controls over advanced American artificial intelligence processors than government representatives had previously indicated, potentially preventing not only China but also the entire international community from obtaining the most sophisticated microchips. America-First: Securing Advanced AI That July, the Trump administration unveiled a fresh plan for artificial intelligence, aiming to ease regulations concerning the environment and significantly increase shipments of AI technology to friendly nations, thereby attempting to keep the United States' advantage over China in this crucial field. Yet, as recently as last Friday, Nvidia announced plans to deliver over 260,000 of its Blackwell artificial intelligence units to South Korean entities, specifically to the nation's leading corporations, which include Samsung Electronics. Additionally, speculation has been constant since August regarding whether Trump would permit the export of a less powerful variant of the Blackwell processors to China, given that he indicated at that time he might approve those transactions. The 'Scaled-Down' Chip Debate Trump informed CBS that he would not permit the transfer of the premier Blackwell components to Chinese businesses; however, he did not discount the possibility of their acquiring a less potent iteration of the processor. During the '60 Minutes' discussion, he stated, 'We will let them deal with Nvidia but not in terms of the most advanced.' The notion that any iteration of the Blackwell processor might be transferred to companies in China has attracted objections from hardliners in Washington, who worry that the apparatus would significantly enhance the nation's military power and accelerate its work on artificial intelligence. Congressional Hawks Sound the Alarm Republican Congressman John Moolenaar, who leads the House Select Committee on China, stated that such an action 'would be akin (to) giving Iran weapons-grade uranium.' Coons: "I'm alarmed by reports President Trump is considering allowing Nvidia to sell China their most advanced chip. It's called the Blackwell. It's 20 times more powerful than the chips he's recently allowed access to. The defining fight of the 21st century will be who controls pic.twitter.com/ChxlDm9VDz Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 29, 2025 Although Trump had suggested he could raise the issue of the processors with Chinese President Xi Jinping before their recent meeting in South Korea, he later confirmed that the matter was not addressed. Originally published on IBTimes UK Tesla is struggling in Europe as its sales continue to tumble while competitors in the electric vehicle (EV) market experience significant growth. The US-based automaker's recent slump in key European markets highlights a sharp contrast with the overall booming EV industry. According to Reuters, Tesla's car registrationsa common measure of salesplummeted in October compared with the previous month. Sweden saw a dramatic 89 percent drop, Denmark 86 percent, Spain 31 percent, and Norway 50 percent. Meanwhile, overall EV sales in Europe rose 119 percent during the same period, underscoring Tesla's declining market share. The company has faced falling registrations in Sweden and the Netherlands for several months, though it did see a modest 2.4 percent increase in France, Gizmodo reported. Analysts point to growing competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, which have introduced new models that appeal to European buyers. Tesla's political controversies, particularly involving CEO Elon Musk, are also blamed for dampening the brand's image abroad. Musk has made headlines in both the US and Europe for his political statements, including remarks about British politics, which have sparked backlash in some markets. Earlier this year, Tesla executives attributed weak sales to disruptions from a refreshed Model Y rollout. "Production disruptions occurred as the company rolled out a refreshed design," they said, but several months later, registrations in major markets remain low. @Tesla Sales Collapse Across Europe Even as Board Weighs @elonmusk's $1 Trillion Pay Package. Europes love affair with Tesla is cooling fast. Down 89% in Sweden Down 86% in Denmark Down 50% in Norway Meanwhile, BYD continues to climb as Teslas European momentum pic.twitter.com/qaa9OoHlJ5 Tech Startups (@thetechstartups) November 3, 2025 Tesla Sales Plunge 50% in Germany In Germany, Europe's largest auto market, EV registrations climbed 38 percent through September, while Tesla's sales fell 50 percent over the same period. According to Cryptopolitan, despite European challenges, Tesla reported record third-quarter sales in the United States, largely driven by buyers rushing to take advantage of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit before it expired on September 30. In contrast, Europe saw no similar incentive-driven rush, and Tesla continues to face obstacles including an aging product lineup and public scrutiny of Musk's political involvement. Tesla's troubles are not limited to sales. The company faces a lawsuit in the US following a fatal crash in Wisconsin last November. The complaint alleges that Tesla's design choices, including door handles and battery placement, created a "highly foreseeable risk" that trapped occupants inside a burning vehicle. Lawyers for the family of the victims claim Tesla "disregarded these principles, instead manufacturing vehicles prone to fires that ignite and spread rapidly upon impact." Originally published on vcpost.com BAGHDAD, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said Monday that Iraqi political parties have reached a "unified national consensus" to end the presence of all weapons operating outside the authority of the state. According to a statement by his media office, al-Sudani made the remarks during an interview. According to local media reports, al-Sudani said in the interview that "there will be a clear program to end any arms outside of state institutions. This is the demand of all." He questioned the need for the continued presence of foreign forces, noting that the Islamic State (IS) no longer poses a threat. He also emphasized that armed factions should either integrate into the official security forces or lay down their weapons and engage in politics, the reports added. During the interview, al-Sudani talked about Iraq's relationship with the United States. "Iraq pursues a balanced relationship with the United States, one that serves mutual interests and affirms Iraq's independent role as a partner, not a sphere of influence," the media office statement quoted al-Sudani as saying. In September last year, the United States and Iraq reached an agreement outlining the U.S.-led international coalition forces' gradual withdrawal from Iraq. The U.S. currently has about 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of the coalition established in 2014 to fight the IS. Al-Sudani also announced that he will run in the upcoming Nov. 11 elections, competing against parties within his own ruling coalition, as he seeks a second term as Iraq's prime minister. French warship delivers 40 tonnes of aid to hurricane-hit Jamaica Paris, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2025 A French navy ship on Monday delivered 40 tonnes of aid to Jamaica, as it reels from the ravages of Hurricane Melissa, the French foreign ministry said. The cargo included basic necessities for 500 families and two water-treatment units provided by the French Red Cross, a ministry spokesman said. Half the aid brought in by the ship, which was deployed from the nearby French West Indies, was donated by the UN, including emergency supplies from the World Food Programme. Melissa, a record-setting hurricane, hit Jamaica on October 28, demolishing towns and leaving at least 28 people dead across the island. It also wreaked damage across Haiti and Cuba. Countries call for mercury dental fillings ban by 2030 Geneva, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2025 Multiple countries including the United States called Monday for a worldwide ban on mercury-based dental amalgams by 2030, at a meeting of signatories to a treaty on limiting the toxic metal. "It's inexcusable that governments around the world still allow mercury-based compounds in healthcare -- and safe alternatives exist," said US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In a video message to the conference in Geneva, Kennedy asked why mercury was deemed "dangerous in batteries, in over-the-counter medications and make-up", but acceptable in dental fillings. The World Health Organization considers mercury one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern, calling it "toxic to human health". Some countries have already banned its use in dental amalgam, a common filling material for treating tooth decay used for more than 175 years. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury and mercury compounds. More than 150 countries are party to the convention, which was adopted in 2013 and came into force in 2017. It stipulates that signatories must take measures to phase out the use of mercury-based dental amalgams. However, a bloc of African countries want to go further, with a ban on their production, import and export, starting in 2030. They have submitted a draft amendment to the convention, to be examined at this week's conference on the treaty. Opening the debate, Burkina Faso's representative said that in less-wealthy countries, "there is insufficient -- or even a complete lack of -- infrastructure" for dealing with mercury waste. A few countries opposed the African proposal, including Britain, Iran and India. Britain's representative said 2030 was "too soon", and despite "strong environmental reasons for reducing our global reliance on dental amalgam", the cost and longevity of alternatives should be a factor in any decision to phase out mercury use. - Mercury in cosmetics - The conference will also examine how better to combat skin-lightening cosmetics containing mercury. "The convention already bans the use of mercury in cosmetics," the convention's executive secretary Monika Stankiewicz told reporters. "However, we know that the sales of skin-lightening products with mercury and other hazardous substances have exploded globally, especially on online markets." When added to cosmetics, mercury lightens the skin by suppressing melanin production. However, the process is not permanent and is dangerous to health, Stankiewicz warned. According to a study published Monday by the Zero Mercury Working Group -- a coalition of more than 110 non-governmental organisations in 55 countries -- approximately 66 million pots of mercury-based skin-lightening cream are produced each year. Thailand, China, and Pakistan account for more than half of global production, it said. This week, countries will also discuss the use of mercury in small-scale gold mining, and the feasibility of mercury-free catalysts for the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) -- a key component of PVC plastic. Spain regional leader resigns, a year after deadly floods Valencia, Spain, Nov 3 (AFP) Nov 03, 2025 The heavily criticised leader of Spain's Valencia region announced his resignation on Monday after a year of pressure over his handling of 2024 floods, the country's deadliest in decades. But Carlos Mazon sparked fresh anger for the manner of his announcement, which triggered another round of recrimination within Spain's political class over the disaster. "The reality is that today I am the focus of criticism, noise, hatred and tension," Mazon said in a televised address. "I can't go on anymore." Mazon had for a year consistently rebuffed calls for his resignation after the October 29, 2024 catastrophe killed more than 230 people, swept away 130,000 vehicles and damaged thousands of homes. His conservative-run regional administration -- primarily responsible for the emergency response under Spain's decentralised system -- sent an alert to residents' mobile phones when flooding had already started in some places. The warning came more than 12 hours after the national weather agency had issued its highest alert level for torrential rains. Mazon did not change his schedule, having a lengthy lunch with a journalist, and critics allege the regional delay in raising the alarm cost lives. Mazon said he "should have had the political vision" to cancel his appointments and visit the affected areas on the day of the disaster. "I know I made mistakes. I acknowledge them and I will live with them all my life," he added, asking for "forgiveness". - 'Shameless' - In the town of Aldaia, one of the worst-hit municipalities in the eastern region, 22-year-old student David Genoves told AFP Mazon should have quit much sooner. Monday's announcement "was a manoeuvre, desperate, at the last minute. Also, I see it as him shifting the blame elsewhere", Genoves said. Retiree Agustin Cordoba, 62, agreed that the resignation came too late. "In my life, I have known no politician or person who is so shameless," he said of Mazon. Campaigners have regularly staged protests against Mazon that gathered tens of thousands of people, and polls showed a majority of Valencia residents wanted him out. Last week, relatives of the victims shouted "murderer", "coward" and "get out" at Mazon when he arrived for a state memorial service for the victims. Rosa Alvarez, who heads an association representing flood victims, credited pressure from the protests for Mazon's decision, telling Cadena SER radio: "His party didn't make him resign." She told a later press conference in Madrid that the campaigners sought "prison for Mazon, obviously a trial is needed". But Mazon will remain a lawmaker in Valencia's regional parliament, offering him protection from an ongoing criminal investigation into the handling of the floods. The Socialists accused Mazon of "not taking on the appropriate legal responsibilities" by "sheltering" in the parliament, demanding early regional elections. Around 1,000 people rallied in the city of Valencia on Monday evening demanding elections and targeting Mazon, an AFP journalist saw. - 'Cynicism' - He is expected to be replaced as the regional leader by another member of his conservative Popular Party (PP). Mazon had repeatedly argued his administration did not have the necessary information from state-run bodies to be able to warn people sooner. "None of them (mistakes) were due to political calculation or bad faith," he said on Monday, taking a swipe at the Socialist-led national government for not helping sooner. Analysts had said Mazon had become a burden for the PP's national leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo, who had continued to back his ally. "No national emergency depends on a single person. That idea is intolerably cynical, simplistic, typical of someone wanting to evade their own responsibilities," Feijoo said on Monday. Why an Amazon chef said no to a vegan dinner for Prince William event Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 Saulo Jennings, a chef from Brazil's Amazon region, is so passionate about the rainforest's flavors -- like the massive pirarucu fish -- that he refused to cater a vegan dinner at an environmental awards ceremony hosted by Britain's Prince William. The 47-year-old chef is, however, ready to impress heads of state at the COP30 meeting in the Amazon this week with an immersive dinner showcasing both plant and animal ingredients from the world's largest rainforest. Jennings was appointed a UN gastronomy ambassador in 2024 and has cooked for presidents, diplomats, and even Mariah Carey. Born and raised on the banks of the Tapajos River in northern Brazil, where he opened the first of his six restaurants 16 years ago, Jennings told AFP that sustainability, for him, is about balance. Q - Why did you decide not to cook for Prince William and 700 guests at the Earthshot Awards dinner in Rio de Janeiro this week? A - "The request I received was to create a 100% vegan menu, and I explained that I didn't feel comfortable signing off on such a menu because my work is precisely to show that the Amazon is sustainable, and this includes the fish. "I even suggested making an Amazonian menu with mostly vegetable dishes, but also including sustainably managed fish, which ended up not being accepted. "As far as I know, it wasn't a requirement of the royal family." Earthshot declined to comment. Q - Veganism has become synonymous with ethical eating, what do you make of this? A - "I greatly respect those who choose this path. But I think it's dangerous when veganism is treated as synonymous with sustainability. They are different things. The forest is a balanced ecosystem, it needs people, animals and plants living together. What worries me is when this becomes a cultural imposition. "The people of the Amazon are vegan, vegetarian and carnivorous without thinking specifically about it. We eat what the forest gives us. This relationship with food is ancestral." Q - Initially some classic local dishes like acai, the Indigenous manicoba stew, and mouth-numbing soup tacaca, were banned from the COP30 menu over fears of contamination. What did you think about that? A - "I was the first to question this, including with the Brazilian Minister of Tourism, and we managed to get a correction made to the bidding process. It would be absurd for the whole world to come and see the Amazon and for us not to be able to serve our own food. "Many people from outside are still afraid of our food, and end up ordering chicken or turkey, when they could eat pirarucu (an Amazonian freshwater fish that can grow up to three meters long), which is noble, flavorful, and sustainable." - Pirarucu as prestigious as ceviche - Q - What Amazonian flavors are you bringing to COP30? A - "The basis of everything for me is cassava...but I also love working with Brazil nuts, jambu (a herb which creates a tingling sensation in the mouth), melipona honey (from stingless bees), Santarem butter beans, pumpkin, banana, black tucupi (made from fermented and boiled manioc juice), and Marajo cheese (made from the milk of water buffalo). "At COP, I want the world to taste these flavors and understand that the forest also speaks through food." Q - Do you see Amazonian cuisine as a conservation tool? A - "Absolutely. Cuisine is one of the most direct ways to protect the forest. When you consume sustainably managed fish, artisanal flour, or real tucupi, you are helping a chain that keeps people on the riverbank and prevents deforestation. Amazonian food is a political act of conservation." Q - What has influenced your relationship with food? A - "I am the son, grandson, and great-grandson of people who live off this land. Food for me is memory, it is resistance, and it is the most beautiful way to tell who we are. "When we talk about the Amazon, there are still those who think it's exotic and don't understand that it's science, technique, and tradition. My dream is to see a pirarucu dish being served with the same prestige as a Peruvian ceviche or an Italian pasta." EU in last-ditch push to seal climate targets before COP30 Brussels, Belgium, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 EU environment ministers Tuesday launched a last-ditch bid to reassert the bloc's climate ambitions by nailing down key emissions targets in the run-up to the UN's COP30 summit in Brazil. The European Union's member states have been haggling for months over two separate targets for slashing greenhouse-gas emissions: one for 2035 they must bring to the UN climate talks, and the other for 2040. "This is a crucial day," French Environment Minister Monique Barbut told reporters as the final negotiations began in Brussels -- warning that turning up empty-handed at the November 10-20 talks in Belem would spell "disaster" for the EU. Behind only China, the United States and India in terms of emissions, the EU has been the most committed of the major polluters to climate action and has already cut emissions by 37 percent compared to 1990. But after blazing a trail, the EU's political landscape has shifted right, and climate concerns have taken a back seat to defence and competitiveness -- amid concerns in some capitals that greening Europe's economy is harming growth. "It takes 27 to tango," summed up the bloc's environment chief Wopke Hoekstra as he headed into Tuesday's talks. The most urgent challenge for ministers is to reach a unanimous deal on an EU emissions target for 2035, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which Paris Agreement signatories are supposed to bring to the COP30. "The decision is today," German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider declared on arrival. "I want our heads of state and government to go to Brazil with a very strong mandate, a clear leadership role for Europe." Beyond the Belem target, the EU hopes to lock in the support of a weighted majority of countries for the next big climate target set out by the European Commission on the path to carbon neutrality by 2050. The EU executive said in July it wanted to cut emissions by 90 percent by 2040, compared to 1990 levels -- a major step towards net-zero. But the bloc's capitals have yet to endorse that next step, which would require sweeping changes to industry and daily life at a time of growing concern over adverse impacts on Europe's economy. Spain and the Nordic countries support the 2040 proposal, as does Germany -- with some caveats. But Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Italy remain opposed, citing risks to their industrial sectors. Heavyweight France, meanwhile, has kept observers guessing on its position -- demanding guarantees its nuclear sector would not lose out under green transition plans and wiggle room on emissions should Europe's forests absorb less carbon than expected. - 'Not pretty' - To win over the staunchest sceptics, Tuesday's talks will cover a range of "flexibilities" for member states, including letting countries count carbon credits purchased to finance projects outside Europe. A commission pledge for credits to account for up to three percent of a nation's 2040 emission cuts failed to win over hardliners, with countries including France pushing for a higher threshold of five percent. Some countries also want a clause allowing the 2040 target to be reassessed every two years. Environmental groups have accused states of undermining the bloc's climate ambitions with loopholes. But a diplomat involved in the process defended the compromise shaping up in Brussels, while conceding it was "not necessarily pretty". "In the muddy, messy, nasty real world out there, we are trying to achieve something good," said the diplomat, granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive deliberations. With the clock ticking down to COP30, EU countries in September agreed to a non-binding "statement of intent" for the bloc to cut emissions by between 66.25 percent and 72.5 percent by 2035. To avoid deadlock, ministers are expected Tuesday to formalise that range as the bloc's legally binding NDC under the Paris Agreement. The EU insists it remains committed to its role as global climate leader, having mobilised 31.7 billion euros ($36.6 billion) in public climate finance in 2024, making it the world's largest donor. Typhoon flooding kills over 40, strands thousands in central Philippines Cebu, Philippines, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 More than 40 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced as rains driven by Typhoon Kalmaegi flooded swathes of the central Philippines on Tuesday. Entire towns on the island of Cebu have been inundated, while cars, trucks and even massive shipping containers could be seen swept along by muddy floodwaters in videos verified by AFP. In Cebu province alone, 39 people have been confirmed dead, provincial information officer Ainjeliz Orong told AFP, a figure she said did not include fatalities in provincial capital Cebu City, which are tallied separately. At least five deaths have been recorded in other provinces, including an elderly resident who drowned in an upper floor of their home in Leyte province and a man struck by a falling tree in Bohol. In the 24 hours before Kalmaegi's landfall, the area around Cebu City was deluged with 183 millimetres (seven inches) of rain, well over its 131-millimetre monthly average, weather specialist Charmagne Varilla told AFP. "The situation in Cebu is really unprecedented," provincial governor Pamela Baricuatro told reporters on Tuesday. "We were expecting the winds to be the dangerous part, but... the water is what's truly putting our people at risk," she said. "The floodwaters are just devastating." Local disaster official Ethel Minoza told AFP the bodies of two children had been recovered in Cebu City, where rescuers were still attempting to reach residents trapped by floodwaters. Don del Rosario, 28, was among those in Cebu City who sought refuge on an upper floor as the storm raged. "The water rose so fast," he said. "By 4:00 am, it was already uncontrollable -- people couldn't get out (of their houses)." "I've been here for 28 years, and this is by far the worst we've experienced." Scientists warn that storms are becoming more powerful due to human-driven climate change. Warmer oceans allow typhoons to strengthen rapidly, and a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, meaning heavier rainfall. Hundreds still living in tent cities after a 6.9-magnitude quake rocked the island in late September were "forcibly evacuated for their own safety", Cebu information officer Rhon Ramos told AFP by phone. In total, nearly 400,000 people were pre-emptively moved from the typhoon's path, civil defence deputy administrator Rafaelito Alejandro said at a Tuesday news briefing. - Military helicopter crash - On Tuesday afternoon, the Philippine military confirmed that a helicopter, one of four deployed to assist typhoon relief efforts, had crashed on northern Mindanao island. The Super Huey helicopter went down while en route to the coastal city of Butuan "in support of relief operations" related to the powerful storm, Eastern Mindanao Command said in a statement, adding search and recovery operations were underway. Hours later, air force spokeswoman Colonel Maria Christina Basco said the remains of six people had been recovered by troops. "We're waiting to confirm the identities via forensics in order to ascertain their identities," she told reporters, saying two pilots and four crew members were on board. The typhoon is now moving westwards through the Visayan island chain, weakening slightly with winds of 120 kilometres (75 miles) per hour and gusts of 165 kph. The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year, routinely striking disaster-prone areas where millions live in poverty. With Kalmaegi, the archipelagic country has already reached that average, weather specialist Varilla told AFP, adding at least "three to five more" storms could be expected by December's end. The Philippines was hit by two major storms in September, including Super Typhoon Ragasa, which tore the roofs off buildings on its way to killing 14 people in nearby Taiwan. The 2025 Chinese Enterprise Global Image Summit will be held in Hefei, Anhui Province, from November 7 to 9. With the theme "Leading with Technology, Shaping an Intelligent Future," this edition of the summit will bring together authoritative figures from domestic and international business, academia, and media to jointly explore innovative pathways and development opportunities for shaping and communicating the image of Chinese enterprises from a global perspective. The Chinese Enterprise Global Image Summit, an important branded event in the field of corporate international publicity, has been successfully held for twelve consecutive sessions. It has long been dedicated to integrating resources to support Chinese companies overseas expansion and has continuously played a significant role in helping Chinese enterprises build a positive global image. For the first time, this years summit will be hosted outside Beijing; while continuing the brands core values, it will deeply integrate Anhuis regional characteristics and technological industry strengths to create more targeted, highquality programming. During the event, the results of the selection for the call for cases on Chinese enterprises international image building will be officially announced. A group of benchmark cases that have excelled in globalization and image construction will be showcased, offering practical experiences that other outbound companies can reference and replicate. Meanwhile, the Technology International Communication Center will hold a signing and launch ceremony at the forum. This years summit specially arranges three parallel thematic forums. Attendees will engage in indepth discussions on topics including "Innovating to Build a Worldclass Enterprise Image Narrative System," "Anhui Enterprises Sailing Abroad: Communication Practices and Path Innovations for Regional Enterprises Going Global," and "Communication Challenges and Solutions for Technology Companies Going Global," exploring innovative paths for highquality corporate development and jointly shaping a new worldclass corporate image. In addition, an industry matchmaking meeting will be held during the forum to promote industrial cooperation between participating central stateowned enterprises and the 16 cities of Anhui. The event will also include the "MicroExperience Exhibition of Chinese Corporate Scientific and Technological Achievements" and the "China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration Joint Exhibition Area for Supporting Enterprises Going Global," showcasing Chinese companies latest achievements in technological innovation and the comprehensive service capabilities of related institutions that support enterprise internationalization. The summit is guided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), and the AllChina Federation of Industry and Commerce; it is hosted by the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and has received strong support from the Publicity Department of the Anhui Provincial Committee, the Department of Commerce of Anhui Province, the Anhui Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, the Anhui Provincial SASAC, the Anhui Federation of Industry and Commerce, and the Hefei Municipal Peoples Government. The event is coorganized by the China International Publishing Center and Anhui New Media Group (Anhui International Communication Center). Source: Anhuinews.com Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who is in China to attend the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) SHANGHAI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Shanghai. Noting that the Chinese and Georgian economies are highly complementary, Li said China is willing to strengthen its alignment of development strategies with Georgia to promote the continuous improvement of bilateral cooperation. Li called on the two countries to deepen their cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and connectivity, and to expand their cooperation on emerging industries such as the digital economy, new energy and artificial intelligence. China hopes that Georgia will continue to provide a favorable business environment for Chinese enterprises, he added. He said that both China and Georgia are countries in the Global South, and they should strengthen multilateral communication and coordination, uphold multilateralism and free trade, and defend the global economic and trade order, as well as international fairness and justice. Kobakhidze, who is in Shanghai to attend the eighth China International Import Expo, said that Georgia is willing to maintain close exchanges with China at all levels, leveraging the bilateral free trade agreement under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and expanding cooperation and the exchange of personnel. Under the current international situation, China has played its role as a responsible major country in upholding world peace and defending equity and justice, and has thus injected stability into a turbulent world, Kobakhidze added. After the meeting, Li and Kobakhidze witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents covering areas such as trade, artificial intelligence, agriculture, environmental protection, inspection and quarantine, culture and aviation. Lula says does not want US 'ground invasion' in Venezuela Belem, Brazil, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Tuesday he hopes there will be no US ground incursion into Venezuela, and reiterated his willingness to mediate between the two nations. US President Donald Trump has launched a major military deployment in the Caribbean for anti-drug operations that have already caused dozens of deaths. Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, accused by Trump of leading a drug cartel, insists Washington's true aim is to "impose regime change" in Caracas and seize Venezuela's oil. "I don't want us to reach the point of a US ground invasion of Venezuela," Lula told international news agencies, including AFP. "I told President Trump...that political problems are not solved with weapons -- they are solved through dialogue," he added. The 80-year-old leader, who is in Belem to chair the COP30 climate summit on Thursday and Friday, said the United States could "try to help" countries in their fight against drug trafficking "instead of trying to shoot at them." Lula said the issue would be discussed at a summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), scheduled for November 9-10 in the Colombian city of Santa Marta. EU scrambles to seal climate targets before COP30 Brussels, Belgium, Nov 4 (AFP) Nov 04, 2025 EU ministers hunkered down Tuesday in a push to seal key emissions targets before the UN's COP30 summit in Brazil -- and reassert the climate ambitions of the 27-nation bloc. The European Union's member states have been haggling for months over two separate targets for slashing greenhouse-gas emissions: one for 2035 they must bring to the UN climate talks, and the other for 2040. "This is a crucial day," French Environment Minister Monique Barbut told reporters in Brussels -- warning that turning up empty-handed at the November 10-21 talks in Brazil's city of Belem would spell "disaster" for the EU. Behind only China, the United States and India in terms of emissions, the EU has been the most committed of the major polluters to climate action and has already cut emissions by 37 percent compared to 1990 levels. But after blazing a trail, the EU's political landscape has shifted right, and climate concerns have taken a backseat to defence and competitiveness -- amid concerns in some capitals that greening Europe's economy is harming growth. "It's very, very difficult," said an EU diplomat, summing up the state of play in Brussels late Tuesday. Denmark, which holds the bloc's rotating presidency, was understood to be working hard to win over Italy, one of the countries most sceptical of the proposed targets. The most urgent challenge for ministers is to reach a unanimous deal on an EU emissions target for 2035, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which Paris Agreement signatories are supposed to bring to the COP30. "I want our heads of state and government to go to Brazil with a very strong mandate, a clear leadership role for Europe," German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider declared on arrival -- saying the decision must be "today". Beyond the Belem target, the EU hopes to lock in the support of a weighted majority of countries for the next big climate target set out by the European Commission on the path to carbon neutrality by 2050. The EU executive said in July it wanted to cut emissions by 90 percent by 2040, compared to 1990 levels -- a major step towards net zero. But the bloc's capitals have yet to endorse that next step, which would require sweeping changes to industry and daily life at a time of growing concern over adverse impacts on Europe's economy. Spain and the Nordic countries support the 2040 proposal, as does Germany, with some caveats. But Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Italy remain opposed, citing risks to their industrial sectors. Heavyweight France, meanwhile, has kept observers guessing on its position -- demanding guarantees its nuclear sector would not lose out under green transition plans and wiggle room on emissions should Europe's forests absorb less carbon than expected. - 'Not pretty' - To win over the staunchest sceptics, Tuesday's talks were covering a range of "flexibilities" for member states, including letting countries count carbon credits purchased to finance projects outside Europe. A commission pledge for credits to account for up to three percent of a nation's 2040 emission cuts failed to win over hardliners, with countries pushing for a higher threshold of five percent. Some also want the overall objective reassessed every two years. Regarding the 2035 target for Belem, EU countries in September agreed to a non-binding "statement of intent" for the bloc to cut emissions by between 66.25 percent and 72.5 percent by 2035. To avoid deadlock just days before COP30, ministers are expected Tuesday to formalise that range as the bloc's legally binding NDC under the Paris Agreement. Environmental groups have accused states of undermining the bloc's climate ambitions with loopholes. But a diplomat involved in the process defended the compromise shaping up in Brussels, while conceding it was "not necessarily pretty". "In the muddy, messy, nasty real world out there, we are trying to achieve something good," said the diplomat, granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive deliberations. The EU insists it remains committed to its role as global climate leader, having mobilised 31.7 billion euros ($36.6 billion) in public climate finance in 2024, making it the world's largest donor. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nia Sioux of Dance Moms has told The Independent why she chose to stay on the reality show for all seven seasons despite her alleged mistreatment. Sioux, whose real name is Nia Sioux Frazier, starred on the Lifetime show from 2011 to 2017, between the ages of 9 to 15, alongside her mother, Holly Frazier. Throughout the show, she and fellow cast members, Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, Kendall Vertes, Chloe Lukasiak, JoJo Siwa, Brooke Hyland and Paige Hyland, Brynn Rumfallo and Kalani Hilliker would learn and compete new dance routines choreographed by their tough love dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller, while also dealing with the drama that ensued from their overbearing stage mothers. After choosing not to attend the shows 2024 reunion, Sioux details her experience on the show as the lone Black dancer and the longest-running original cast member in her new memoir, titled Bottom of the Pyramid. Speaking to The Independent, the 24-year-old explained that she often gets asked why she stayed on Dance Moms for so many years despite the aggressive teaching and being typecast in roles, including a gang member and maid. I get a lot of pushback sometimes from people who are upset I stayed for seven seasons, she said. I can understand why they can be upset or outraged, but it's like I'm also outraged that I was there for seven seasons and things didn't turn out better, too. I'm also outraged that I was there for seven seasons and things didn't turn out better, too, Sioux told The Independent ( Grace Bukunmi ) Sioux continued, saying that a lot of the blame gets put on her mother for not being the one to step up and pull her out of that kind of environment, but her mother was only following her lead and letting Sioux decide if she wanted to leave. I think a lot of people sometimes say things and say that my mom was a bad mom, or they're like, a child shouldn't be making those types of decisions, which it's like, okay, whatever, she said. People are allowed to think whatever they think. We can have different opinions. Despite what happened to her on the show, Sioux emphasised that she does not regret anything and is grateful for her familys support. I think it says a lot about my mom and my family to still go through all that, but then still have her be my rock and my support and the person I can rely on, and build me up when those other people try to push me down, she added. I think that for me it was the right decision. For other people, it may not have been, but I can, I can wholeheartedly say that it was a good decision for me to stay. I have no regrets, and I feel like I was able to finish what I started. Although she may not regret being on the show for as long as she was, Sioux told The Independent that she has no plans to contact Miller, adding that she has distanced herself from anyone who still associates with her. It's hurtful 'cause she's done so much to me and said so many things about me. Anyone who was friends with her, if they were my friends, they couldn't also be her friends, because I know that's how she feels about me, she said. Bottom of the Pyramid is available to read on Tuesday. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nia Sioux of Dance Moms fame has told The Independent how the reality shows network, Lifetime, allegedly chose not to air some of her former dance teachers more egregious comments. Sioux, whose real name is Nia Sioux Frazier, appeared on all seven seasons of the reality series from 2011 to 2017 while she was nine to 15 years old alongside her mother, Holly Frazier. The show followed Sioux and other cast members, sisters Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, Kendall Vertes, Chloe Lukasiak, JoJo Siwa, sisters Brooke Hyland and Paige Hyland, Brynn Rumfallo and Kalani Hilliker as they learned and performed dance routines within one week with the help of their tough love dance teacher, Abby Lee Miller. It also captured the drama surrounding their sometimes overbearing stage mothers. Throughout the series, Sioux, 24, was often typecast as the only Black dancer on the team given solos that saw her wearing an afro wig and animal print, or only cast in lead roles for routines themed around slavery or the Civil Rights movement. She opens up about these experiences in detail in her new memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid, released today. In the book, she details one unaired fight between her mother and Miller, who she said wanted a line of skinny girls who were the same height, with blond hair and blue eyes, and didnt ask for a Tootie, referring to the only Black character on the 1980s sitcom The Facts of Life. Speaking to The Independent, Sioux said there were similar incidents that did not make it to air. open image in gallery Sioux details her experience on Dance Moms in her new memoir ( Grace Bukunmi ) open image in gallery They protected her more than they protected me in those situations, Sioux told The Independent about Lifetime and Miller ( Grace Bukunmi ) There were always moments like that. It wasnt like, just a one-time thing, she claimed. There were a ton of moments where there were microaggressions, where there was just blatant racism. It would happen frequently. It wasnt just the few times that I mentioned in the book, Sioux continued. It was a recurring thing. As for why these moments were never aired on television, the former reality star believes those moments had to be censored for Miller to remain likable to the audience. I think they had to censor a lot of stuff because they still need to make her likable for TV, she said. If you think about it, she did make really good TV. She lives her life like a movie. So its definitely easy to kind of make good TV out of that. While Sioux understands why Lifetime chose to handle things the way it did, she questioned why the network didnt pay more attention to her and the others affected by Millers words and actions. They protected her more than they protected me in those situations, she said. The Independent has contacted Lifetime and representatives for Miller for comment. In 2020, former Dance Moms cast members and viewers began calling out Millers alleged racist behavior, leading to all of her spin-off shows with the network being canceled. The dance teacher later published a formal apology on Instagram, specifically addressing season eight dancer Kamryn and her mother, Adriana, while leaving Siouxs name out of it. Despite not receiving an apology, Sioux told The Independent that she has found closure over the years, noting that her dance teacher hasnt changed since they last met and that she does not plan to contact her again. Ive had to distance myself from people who are still friends with her and associate with her, she added. It's hurtful 'cause she's done so much to me and said so many things about me. Anyone who was friends with her, if they were my friends, they couldn't also be her friends, because I know that's how she feels about me. Bottom of the Pyramid is out now. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Seth Meyers has responded to President Donald Trumps latest social media tirade, in which he claimed that the TV hosts anti-Trump material was probably illegal. In a rant shared via Truth Social on Saturday, Trump wrote that the Late Night with Seth Meyers host may be the WORST to perform, live or otherwise, after Meyers took aim at Trumps speech to members of the U.S. military last week during an episode on Thursday. Meyers picked holes in Trumps post, specifically the claim that Meyers talked endlessly about electric catapults by playing a compilation video of the president saying catapults on repeat. Im not the talk-about-catapult guy. Just ask my friends, Meyers said, suggesting it was Trump who had been discussing catapults for years. Meyers quipped: Oh, friends are... How would I describe this to you? Okay, so theyre like... Theyre like people who enjoy spending time with you, independent of financial and legal favors you can grant them. open image in gallery President Donald Trump suggested it's probably illegal to be 100% anti-Trump in a Truth Social rant aimed at Seth Meyers ( NBC / Getty Images ) Meyers acknowledged that Trump had the right to post about him, adding: That is your First Amendment right, which I have too, right? We all have it, right? The TV host also called out Trumps repeated claims that he doesnt regularly watch Meyerss show, despite having said he tuned into the programme in January. You wrote, I watched his show the other night for the first time in years, but just ten months ago you wrote, I got stuck watching Marble Mouth Meyers, Meyers noted. Stuck? Meyers addressed Trump. I find it hard to believe you let other people decide what to put on. Everything about your vibe screams, I call the clicker! Meyers demanded an answer from the president, saying: Which is it? You watched me for the first time in years this week, or you watched for the first time in months in January? Do you not remember? He further branded Trumps post as a distraction, stating: What we should be talking about instead is the government shutdown youre not solving or the food assistance you refuse to fund. Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday: Seth Meyers of NBC may be the least talented person to perform live in the history of television... In fact, he may be the WORST to perform, live or otherwise. open image in gallery Late-night TV host Seth Meyers said Trumps recent social media tirade was a distraction from the government shutdown ( Getty Images for The New Yorker ) I watched his show the other night for the first time in years, Trump wrote. In it he talked endlessly about electric catapults on aircraft carriers which I complain about as not being as good as much less expensive steam catapults. On and on he went, a truly deranged lunatic. He continued: Why does NBC waste its time and money on a guy like this??? - NO TALENT, NO RATINGS, 100% ANTI TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL!!! The Independent has contacted NBC for comment. When asked about the post, a White House official referred The Independent to Trumps comments. During Trumps speech to members of the U.S. military on board the U.S.S. George Washington aircraft carrier in Japan, the president asked the audience to tell him which type of catapult is better for aircraft carriers: steam or electric. Several audience members shouted back: Steam! Theyre spending billions of dollars to build stupid electric, Trump said. And the problem, when it breaks, you have to send up to MIT, get the most brilliant people in the world, fly them out, its ridiculous. open image in gallery Trump was mocked by Seth Meyers for his speech to members of the U.S military on board the U.S.S. George Washington aircraft carrier in Japan last week ( Getty Images ) The steam, they said they could fix it with a hammer and a blowtorch, and it works just as well, if not better, Trump continued. And I love the sight of that beautiful steam pouring off that deck with the electric, you don't have that. Mocking the speech during his show, Meyers played part of Trumps dialogue for his audience before remarking: Guy spends more time thinking about catapults than Wile E. Coyote. Next, they start complaining about how our troops don't tie themselves to rockets anymore, Meyers added. Meyers, impersonating Trump, went on: We used to strap our soldiers to the rockets, and they loved it, but then everything got woke and they said, You can't tie a person to a rocket. But we miss those days, and we're bringing them back. Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Bui Quang Huy, vice president of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and first secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, on Tuesday called on China and Vietnam to encourage their young people to contribute to the development of bilateral ties. Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Bui Quang Huy, vice president of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and first secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, in Beijing. China welcomes Vietnamese youth to visit for "Red Study Tours" upon invitation, Li said, referring to a program that allows young people to explore the revolutionary heritage that underpins the bilateral friendship. In accordance with the important instructions of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries on strengthening youth exchanges, both sides should encourage young people to contribute to building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, Li said. Li also spoke about the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Bui Quang Huy voiced readiness to deepen youth exchanges between the two countries and contribute to promoting bilateral ties. Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Bui Quang Huy, vice president of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and first secretary of the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Coca-Cola is doubling down on using artificial intelligence in its festive annual ad, despite backlash over the move a year ago. Last November, outraged buyers accused the soft drink company of displacing artists and killing joyful Christmas aesthetics by using generative AI in its recreation of its iconic Holidays are Coming spot. The eerily smooth video, set to music from the original 1955 commercial, featured trucks with wheels that did not glide and uncanny-looking people. Now, Coke executives are determined to succeed this year with the same concept made by the same studio, Secret Level. There were also two other versions of the ad: another AI one with the studio Silverside, and a traditionally shot one without the animals that will air in some Latin markets. Last year we set a global milestone with the worlds first entirely GenAI-created film on broadcast media a bold leap that broke new ground, Pratik Thakar, global vice president and head of generative AI at Coca-Cola, said in a press release. This years campaign is another proof point in our journey of emerging technology to rethink how we create and scale content. Like years past, the beloved ad features Coca-Cola trucks driving through snow across the world to bring Coke products to customers during the holiday season. But this time, the ad features animals instead of humans: polar bears, seals, squirrels and more animals are shown watching the trucks travel across the globe. open image in gallery Coca-Cola is featuring animals instead of humans in the company's new holiday ad ( Coca-Cola ) open image in gallery Santa Claus is featured at the end of Coca-Cola's new AI-generated ad ( Coca-Cola ) The only person shown in the ad, released Monday, is Santa Claus, who is based on the companys original drawings. At the end of the ad, Santa swings open the truck door and is seen drinking a Coke and waving. While Coca-Cola previously came under fire last year for not hiring a real actor to play Santa, the company preemptively combatted the argument by pointing out that they hired real performers to sing the music for the videos. Were committed to using AI as a human enabler, where it makes sense, Thakar said. Creative ambition, direction and thought leadership has and always will be human-led. AI is a superpower when it comes to execution and production, making what was previously impossible possible. Despite the evolving technology and Coca-Colas confidence that the response will be different from last year, the ads have already received negative reactions. A year of AI development later and it still looks terrible, one person slammed in the YouTube comments of the ad. Another wrote, Its extremely disappointing to see a company of your size relying on AI to produce commercial videos. open image in gallery Coca-Cola has created an AI-generated version of their 1955 holiday TV ad ( Getty Images ) However, others were more optimistic about the developments. Just because this ad was generated using AI doesn't make it unoriginal or slop, one defended under the video. This ad was concepted, ideated, scripted and produced by a team of creative professionals using the latest tool in their box, GenAI. The process would be the same with 3D animators and After Effects, but GenAI allowed the creators to ideate and concept faster and eventually create something new and memorable. Embrace this as just another way to express yourself. Another added, You can finally say its Christmas when the Coca Cola advert comes on. When a word that literally means vegetables becomes the subject of a legal dispute, you start to wonder whether Britains food culture has finally eaten itself. Last week, it was reported that Yasmin Khans latest cookbook, Sabzi, had been pulled from Amazon after a Cornish deli of the same name accused her publisher, Bloomsbury, of trademark infringement. For anyone familiar with Khans work elegant, soulful books such as The Saffron Tales and Zaitoun, which trace the flavours of Iran, Palestine and beyond it felt surreal. Here was one of Britains most respected food writers, a woman of Iranian and Pakistani descent whose books have helped demystify and celebrate regional cuisines, now tangled in a row over a word so ordinary that more than a billion people use it every day. Kate Attlee, the 37-year-old owner of Sabzi deli, said that Bloomsburys decision to publish a book of the same name had caused confusion among her customers. She founded her business in 2019 and trademarked the word sabzi in 2022, later discovering that Khans book had been released under the same title. Some customers, she said, had come into her shops asking for the book, assuming it was hers. I just want them to respect the trademark and the future of my business, she said. Bloomsbury, for its part, argues that sabzi is a descriptive term, not a brand name and, crucially, that Khan began work on the book in 2017, two years before Attlees first deli opened. In a statement, the publisher said the word is part of the shared culinary vocabulary of many cultures, including Ms Khans own heritage, meaning vegetables or greens in languages such as Farsi and Urdu, and commonly used in UK restaurants to describe vegetable dishes. The publisher added that Sabzi consists of vegetarian recipes inspired by Iranian and South Asian traditions, and that it is widely accepted that the use of a descriptive term as the title of a book in order to denote the books subject matter as Ms Khan has done does not function as trademark use. In other words, Bloomsbury says you cant own vegetables. And yet, in the eyes of the UK Intellectual Property Office, Attlee does at least for now. Which raises a larger, more uncomfortable question: how did a Farsi word spoken by millions in Britain, and billions more around the world, come to be treated as an original brand name? Food writer Rukmini Iyer, whose own Indian heritage gives her more than passing familiarity with the term, captured the disbelief in a Substack post: OVER ONE BILLION PEOPLE use the word sabzi daily, she wrote. And they arent talking about a deli. She pointed out that a quick search on Deliveroo reveals dozens of sabzis available for delivery in any British city. Its like getting a trademark for a fish shop called Fish, she added, and then posting out lawsuits when someone publishes cookbooks called Fish or Pies. It seems to me that shes right but the problem is more systemic than one bad decision. Under UK law, a trademark cannot be descriptive or non-distinctive, meaning you cant normally register a word that simply describes what you sell. But theres a catch: the test is based on the understanding of the average UK consumer. If that consumer doesnt know what sabzi means, the term might appear distinctive enough to be granted. In short, the law is written for monolingual Britain, and hasnt quite caught up with the multilingual one we actually live in. open image in gallery Bloomsbury released Khans fourth book, Sabzi, in July its title, the Farsi word for vegetables, has since become the unlikely focus of a legal row ( Bloomsbury ) Once registered, a trademark can be challenged or cancelled if its proven to be generic or commonly used, which may well be the outcome here. But the fact it got through at all surely exposes a flaw in how British institutions treat non-English words: as exotic, ownable and somehow up for grabs. As Iyers neighbour an intellectual property lawyer she consulted pointed out, an examiner in Newport, Wales, may not know Urdu well enough to recognise that sabzi simply means vegetables. The result is a kind of cultural absurdity unique to modern Britain: a word thats been part of daily speech in homes, markets and menus for generations suddenly being treated as property. As Iranian-Italian author Saghar Setareh put it in a furious post: Its like trademarking the word taco, or curry, or pie. Words are not our personal property. We cannot own them. Setareh went further, calling the case insane and absolutely ridiculous. In her view, the trademark isnt just a bureaucratic oddity but a failure of cultural literacy. Sabzi means greens/herbs/vegetables in Persian, Urdu, Hindi and all the related languages and variations of it appear in Turkish (sebze) and other languages, she wrote. Australian-Chinese author Hetty Lui McKinnon echoed the sentiment, describing the situation as completely mad. Meanwhile, journalist India Knight wrote: This story is absolutely deranged. You cant own a word that a billion people use every day It means VEGETABLES! OVER ONE BILLION PEOPLE use the word sabzi daily. And they arent talking about a deli Rukmini Iyer, food writer The outrage, though, is about more than one lawsuit. Its a cumulative exasperation the sense that Britain keeps having this same argument about who owns food, and who gets to speak its language. Weve been here before. In May last year, the British-founded restaurant chain Pho was forced to surrender its UK trademark on the word pho after a London-based Vietnamese influencer ignited public anger over its claim to the countrys national dish. The Pho example is particularly instructive. Founded by a British couple who fell in love with Vietnamese food while travelling, the chain trademarked pho back in 2007, when the dish was still unfamiliar to many in the UK. But when the company began sending legal letters to smaller restaurants with pho in their names, it sparked outrage. The brand eventually apologised and relinquished the trademark. Thats why the Sabzi situation feels like deja vu, but with higher stakes. Its not just about a company trying to own a word. Its about someone claiming ownership of a word that predates their business, their trademark and perhaps even their own understanding of it. The fact that Khan herself is of Iranian and Pakistani descent only sharpens the irony: this isnt cultural appropriation in the traditional sense, but feels to me like a kind of bureaucratic colonisation, where language is flattened into a line on a form. Legally, Attlee may have a point: she trademarked the name to protect her business, not to attack others. Bloomsburys decision to temporarily delist Sabzi from Amazon, even before any ruling has been made, feels like an act of corporate caution rather than conviction. Its not the first time a publisher has bowed to online pressure, but it might be the first time its happened over a word as benign as vegetables. For all the noise, theres still a degree of sympathy to be had for small business owners trying to carve out a space in an unforgiving market. Attlees delis are, by all accounts, well-loved; shes said she respects Khan and doesnt want profit, only recognition of her brand. But, in the opinion of many, the moment she turned a shared cultural word into intellectual property, she crossed into territory that feels at odds with the very spirit of food: communal, plural, generous. Because food language, like food itself, doesnt belong to anyone. It evolves through use, migration, memory; through grandmothers and street vendors, not trademark lawyers. And yet time and again, we watch as its flattened into something marketable, something ownable, something you can stick on a label and claim as yours. If theres one thing this latest row proves, its that Britain still hasnt learnt how to talk about food that isnt its own. When the legal system doesnt recognise that sabzi means vegetables, when corporations seem too nervous to fight for the obvious, when a cookbook has to disappear to avoid offending a trademark, maybe its not just the food world thats lost perspective. After all, if vegetables can be trademarked, what hope is there for everything else? The Independent has contacted Kate Attlee for a comment. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Huda Beauty has ended its partnership with Huda Mustafa over a recent social media controversy. The popular beauty brand announced Friday that it was dropping the Love Island USA star after she displayed behavior that does not align with our values during a livestream last week. Mustafa, 25, came under fire after a clip showed her laughing with her boyfriend Louis Russell when an unknown caller dialed into their Instagram livestream and used a racial slur toward Mustafas co-star Olandria Carthen. We are truly disappointed by Huda Mustafa's recent live and we take all forms of racism very seriously, Huda Beautys statement read. While we don't believe her actions reflect her character, we found them deeply upsetting. We know that many members of our community and team were hurt and offended by these actions. While we valued the partnership we had with Huda, her recent behaviour, and the way the situation has been handled do not reflect our brand's principles. open image in gallery Huda Mustafa, 25, has been dropped by Huda Beauty ( Instagram/@hudabubbaaa ) The cosmetics giant, founded by Huda Kattan, launched their promotional campaign with Mustafa just weeks ago in what Kattan called their most requested brand collaboration. At the time, Mustafa who appeared in the most recent, seventh season of Love Island USA posted a video of herself visiting a Sephora store in New York City to celebrate the joint venture. Now, Huda Beauty has removed any content related to Mustafa from its store displays and social media platforms. The brand did not immediately return The Independents request for comment. Mustafa has not taken down her posts about the beauty brand or commented on the axed partnership. This action was taken not because of any creator or influencers content, this was taken due to the lack of seriousness around the issue and to people close to us who were offended by the actions during the live. Please remember this is about accountability not canceling people, Huda Beauty said. Online video showed Mustafa and Russell appearing surprised and starting to laugh after they heard a racial slur directed at Carthen. Russell said, Whoa, hey, hey, as Mustafa continued to laugh and ask what the caller said. open image in gallery Huda Mustafa issued a statement hours after the livestream incident ( Instagram/@hudabubbaaa ) open image in gallery Huda Mustafa issued an apology taking accountability for her first statement ( Instagram/@hudabubbaaa ) As the clip began to circulate online, Carthen took to Instagram to call out any form of racism as unacceptable, saying in part, Words like that carry generations of pain, and pretending otherwise only keeps the cycle going. Defending it, laughing about it, or making excuses is even worse. I will not let this moment derail my purpose of uplifting my community. I'm standing firm in who I am and using this as an opportunity to call for real accountability and awareness. After initially downplaying the incident and telling fans that she hadnt heard the slur in the hours after the livestream, Mustafa later issued a lengthier apology to Carthen. Olandria it is now clear that this comment was targeted at you, and I apologize for my immediate reaction. My reaction in that moment came from being caught off guard, not from finding the word or situation funny. It was a nervous, uncomfortable reaction that I recognize was inappropriate, Mustafa wrote. The backlash comes after several of Mustafas Love Island USA season 7 castmates were involved in scandals, with two contestants being removed from the show after being caught using racial slurs. Kattan has also been caught in controversy herself recently after Sephora said theyre actively reviewing anti-Israel comments that the beauty mogul made on TikTok. Portrait photography has come a long way from the days where everyone needed to be smiling directly into the camera, as a flash bulb popped. And in fact, following on from an era where social media sites offered very curated, sometimes heavily filtered snapshots of our lives, more natural, candid images that really show off our personalities and experiences are now very much on trend. Think authentic photos of genuine moments where no-one is really paying attention to the camera. Instead theyre focused on enjoying whats happening and the people they are with. For example, friends around a table enjoying a drink and a chat. Families engaged in a favourite activity. Photos that look like a glimpse into someones normal every day. The best way to capture these in-the-moment shots? On a mobile: our ever-present, hand-held, do-everything device that has steadily taken over photography in the 26 years since the first camera phone appeared. Samsungs newest device, the Galaxy S25 FE offers a wealth of photography-first features, from multiple cameras, lenses and wide angle settings, to in-built AI technology that will help you take the best possible pictures, then easily edit them afterwards. And as a photographer who runs masterclasses in mobile photography I couldnt wait to try it out. Photography thats fun Using Samsungs Generative Edit and Sketch to Image you can have fun with images ( Kirsty Hamilton ) The phone itself is slim and lightweight, which makes it so much easier to hold steady, for clear, crisp, blur-free images, and take discreet, candid snaps. Of course, we all have friends, family members and even pets who love performing for the camera. But for those who are a bit more reluctant to step into the frame, the Galaxy S25 FE offers a whole host of easy-to-use, fun AI features that will have even the most camera-shy feeling completely confident and ready for their close-up. Samsungs Drawing Assist function is a prime example and was an absolute hit with my kids, transforming our Sunday afternoon walk from a litany of moaning and dragging feet into a fun-filled adventure involving a lucky escape from the shark that apparently now lives in the park pond, and flying through the air with some giant balloons. And all it took was a few simple, if strategically positioned snaps and some quick sketches using the Sketch to Image* function when editing the photo. This works best when you have some space in the frame around your subjects so you can easily draw what you want to add. In the shark image, for example, we needed enough water to the left of my kids for the shark to emerge from. In the photo where the children are flying with the balloons, I needed them to be high up against the sky, and I also wanted the trees visible to add some context to the story we were trying to tell. Theyre on top of the boulders, but I had to crouch down on the ground to cut out the houses in the background. By using the Generative Edit** function I was then able to replace the boulders with trees and then used Sketch to Image to draw in some balloons to make it look like they were floating away. You dont need to be an amazing artist for Sketch to Image to work well either, just enough line and shape for the app to recognise what you want to add into your image. The only limit here is your imagination and creativity. Involving the kids in some fun photography also meant that I got to capture some real, candid moments of them in the beautiful Autumn sunshine, with none of the usual complaints. Say farewell to photobombers Generative Image can also be used to remove unwanted elements from shots, such as these weedkiller bottles ( Kirsty Hamilton ) While playing around with reality can be fun, the Galaxy S25FEs other AI features can also be used to make more subtle adjustments to enhance your images. Just a few minutes of work with the Generative Edit function on a day out with a friend, helped me erase two unwanted photobombers from a photo (in which she perfectly co-ordinated with the graffitied heart wall in Borough Market). While removing some distracting weedkiller from the table where my cat was basking in the sunshine ensured the perfect pic where I can really appreciate him in all his fluffy glory. Shooting at night Aside from fun and helpful editing functions, the phones AI technology is also running in the background to give your photos a boost, whatever and whenever you are capturing them. This is great when youre shooting challenging lighting conditions, for example at night. Dark, grainy and blurred photos are a thing of the past, with Samsungs Nightography feature. Tapping the yellow moon icon that appears in dim lighting will enable this clever function which captures multiple images and then uses AI to blend them together to create one sharper, brighter image. This can take a few seconds, so youll need to keep very still when using this feature if you can, brace your arms on a table and hold the phone with two hands to keep the camera as steady as possible. It also helps if your subject is still, so this is more for capturing adults and older kids than snapping a restless pet or fast-moving child. Photo boosting brilliance built-in With a variety of crop options, the Galaxy S25 FEs selfie camera is versatile and flattering ( Kirsty Hamilton ) For these trickier subjects, from youngsters to four-legged friends, the excellent autofocus on the device makes for pin-sharp portraits rendered in high definition. And if you couple that with the outstanding Samsung colour profile you get beautifully saturated, nicely contrasted images which really pop. All the colours are beautifully rendered and all skin tones (and fur tones) are true to life. No filters are needed here. And this is not just true of portraits you take of other people. The 12 MP camera lens on the front of the phone makes for gorgeously rendered, high resolution selfies with a variety of crop options, so you can find the perfect angle or image composition. Taking a selfie at a 1:1 square crop, as well as the standard 3:4 crop option means you can easily include a friend or family member in your photo. And theres a lovely little feature where you can get the lens to zoom out a little by tapping the two person icon to provide a little extra space. The 9:16 crop option means you can opt for a more flattering, longer and thinner photo while the full frame cop allows you a more zoomed-in selfie. And if you want to take your selfies to another level, the option to add a little skin toning and smoothing effect and iron out any wrinkles (or in my case remove evidence of a sleepless night) is one of the additional features that makes the selfie camera stand out! Super-fast charging The excellent battery life means you dont need to worry about it lasting, even after a few hours of photo fun. And when your battery does run down, lightning fast charging will see you back at 60 per cent in just 30 minutes, so you dont have to wait long until you are good to go again. Overall, whether it is taking vibrant portraits of yourself or capturing creative, candid images of the people (and pets) in your lives, making memories youll want to share is easy and fun with the Galaxy S25 FE. Kirsty Hamilton is a portrait photographer find out more at her website and on Instagram. To find out more about the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE visit Samsung *Samsung account login and network connection may be required for certain AI features. **Samsung account login is required. Requires network connection. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sydney Sweeney has finally broken her silence on her controversial jeans ad. The actor, 28, spoke for the first time about the backlash sparked by her American Eagle campaign in July after its wordplay with jeans and genes sparked a debate on race and beauty standards. I did a jean ad. I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. Im literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life, Sweeney said in an interview with GQ published Tuesday. Sweeney also said it was surreal that President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance showed their support for her amid the backlash. When pressed further for her thoughts about Trump praising her, Sweeney responded that she was not monitoring the situation closely. open image in gallery Sydney Sweeney said it felt surreal when Donald Trump defended her ( Invision/AP ) open image in gallery Sydney Sweeneys American Eagle jeans campaign sparked backlash in July over its wording ( American Eagle ) I kind of just put my phone away. I was filming every day. Im filming Euphoria, so Im working 16-hour days and I dont really bring my phone on set, so I work and then I go home and I go to sleep. So I didnt really see a lot of it, she said. Trump, 79, called Sweeneys campaign the hottest ad ever after online voting records emerged to reveal the Euphoria star is registered as a Republican. Shes a registered Republican? Oh, now I love her ad, Trump told reporters in August. If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic. Sweeneys Anyone But You costar Glen Powell also recently spoke up in support of the actor. In a new interview with The Guardian, Powell was asked why no one in Hollywood defended the actor publicly. I think people weighed in on it, Powell argued; however, interviewer Marina Hyde disagreed, saying Sweeney was left to twist in the wind. But I think people are aware that its bulls***, Powell said. Asked if he tries to avoid public discourse because it may distract from his work, Powell responded: You cant get caught up in it it has nothing to do with you, it has to do with ad dollars. And, you know, there is no course-correcting. If somethings false, youre not actually setting the record straight, youre just feeding the beast. Thats why I dont say s*** just let it come, and let it go. Not feeding the beast and not trying to fight anything. Ive realised the smart people in Hollywood dont try to fight anything that has nothing to do with them. Despite being offline, Sweeney said she was aware that American Eagles shares skyrocketed despite sales dropping after her ad. When asked if she wanted to directly respond to why the ad was seen as divisive, Sweeney told GQ, I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jake Haro has been sentenced to 25 years to life in California state prison for the murder of his seven-month-old son Emmanuel, a child the family originally claimed was kidnapped in August, setting off a sweeping missing person search. Haro, 32, dabbed at tears in a Riverside County courthouse on Monday as the judge read out the sentence for the senseless assault and murder that claimed Emmanuels life. While no sentence can possible vindicate the loss of innocence and life at the hands of Mr. Haro, a man who was supposed to protect these precious and defenseless children against evil and harm, the sentence here is the most the court can do to ensure that as much justice is done as possible, the judge said. Emmanuels maternal grandmother, Mary Beushausen, told the court the babys death had destroyed my whole family. She faulted the justice system for giving Haro a second chance after a 2023 conviction for willful cruelty against his child from a previous marriage, which resulted in a sentence of 180 days in a sheriffs work-release program. He had a second chance, Beushausen said. My daughter didnt have a chance with him. His children didnt have a second chance. I think the judge that let him go should be here sitting with him. open image in gallery Jake Haro was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of his seven-month-old son Emmanuel, a child who Haro and his wife Rebecca initially told police had been kidnapped in August ( Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG ) Haro pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last month. Emmanuels remains have not been found. Rebecca Haro, Emmanuels mother, has pleaded not guilty to murder and is scheduled for a settlement conference in January 2026. Initially, the Haros claimed Rebecca had been attacked and Emmanuel had been kidnapped in San Bernardino County from the parking lot of a sporting goods store on August 14. As police searched for Emmanuel and interviewed his parents, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department found inconsistencies in Rebeccas account of the disappearance. open image in gallery Emmanuel Haro is presumed dead and his remains still have not been found ( San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department ) A lawyer for the family blamed the inconsistencies on the stress of Emmanuels disappearance. Police later searched the Haro home and reviewed surveillance footage from surrounding areas and social workers removed a 2-year-old from the couples home. Both parents were arrested in late August and initially pleaded not guilty. In jail, Jake Haro allegedly told a prison informant he killed the baby and put his body into a trash can at the familys Southern California home, according to a report obtained by News Nation. open image in gallery Jake and Rebecca Haro were arrested in August after police found inconsistencies in their account of Emmanuels disappearance ( San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department ) Alongside Haros 25 years to life in prison sentence, he is also facing six years in prison on a child abuse charge; 8 months on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and 180 days as punishment for filing a false police report. Haro also owes a restitution fine of $10,000. 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two teenagers in Ohio are facing multiple charges after police found the body of a baby buried in a shallow grave Monday. Officers made the heartbreaking discovery in an area outside of Columbus. The infants 15-year-old mother and 17-year-old father were subsequently taken into custody, according to Columbus police. Officers responded to Karl Road in North Linden, shortly after 1 p.m. November 3 after receiving a report that an infant had been buried on a property. When officers arrived, they were led to a shallow grave where the remains were found. The Franklin County Coroners Office pronounced the baby girl dead at the scene, The Columbus Dispatch reported. Its unclear how the infant died. open image in gallery Officers found a babys body buried in a shallow grave in North Linden, Ohio. The teenage parents have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and abuse of a corpse ( Google Maps ) The investigation led officers to a nearby home on the west side of Columbus, where officers learned that the teenagers had concealed the girls pregnancy. After the babys death, the pair allegedly buried her at the Karl Road location. A large police presence was later reported at Columbus International High School, which is also on Karl Road, in connection with the incident, 10TV reported. Both teens have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and abuse of a corpse. Police have not released their names or anything about the childs remains. The investigation is ongoing. The Independent has contacted the Columbus Police Department 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 Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police in Texas have arrested a 28-year-old man for allegedly stealing more than $1,300 for Lego products. Winston Love, 28, was arrested by Watagua, Texas police on Friday after a brief standoff outside of a home where hed been staying. He is a suspect in a major theft ring that involves tens of thousands of dollars worth of stolen goods from stores in north Texas and Oklahoma. On Friday, Love allegedly tried to slip out of a Target in Watagua with $1,300 worth of Lego toys. Someone at the store noted and reported the alleged theft, which led police to track down Love at a home where he had been staying. "He initially refused to come out. However, officers were able to communicate and to peacefully surrender," Watauga Police Chief Jim Lewis told Fox 4 News. Police executed a search warrant at the residence as part of their investigation into a larger theft ring targeting stores in north Texas and Oklahoma, most of which involved stealing Lego products. Winston Love, 28, has been accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of Lego toys from number of stores in north Texas and Oklahoma ( Watagua Police Department ) "We know of 23 here locally just in the last two months. There are over 80 additional incidents that have occurred being tracked since this individual has begun being tracked," Lewis said. At the time of his arrest, Love had eight outstanding felony warrants and has been arrested or is wanted for similar alleged thefts at stores in Dallas, Irving, Plano, Flower Mound, Euless, Fort Worth, Lewisville, Mansfield, Arlington, Irving, and Frisco, according to police. Lewis desribed Love's alleged actions as brazen. "Its incredibly brazen. When you watch video of the individual committing these crimes, he truly goes shopping through the store, determines what merchandise he wants, and this individual specifically targets Lego products. He either loads them in a cart or just loads them under his arms and literally walks right out the door, almost defying anybody to, in complete defiance of anybody that might try to stop him," Lewis said. While stealing Lego sets may not seem like the more efficient target for thieves, the toys do demand a high price from collectors and on second-hand markets. Police in California even arrested an alleged fence someone who buys and sells stolen goods who dealt primarily in pilfered Lego sets earlier last month, according to the New York Times. "Its easy to sell those products online at nearly their retail value, so the risk versus reward for them becomes worth it," Lewis said. Love is currently being held in the Tarrant County jail on a state felony theft charge. His additional outstanding warrants are for thefts in other counties. Police in Watauga are continuing their investigation and said they have not rule out making additional arrests related to the theft ring. ISLAMABAD, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Security forces killed four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Kalat district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, the military said on Tuesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army, the operation was conducted on Saturday night following reports of the presence of terrorists in the area. "During the operation, the troops effectively engaged the terrorists' location, and resultantly four terrorists were killed," it said. The ISPR said that security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue counter-terrorism campaigns to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism. SHANGHAI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. coffee giant Starbucks Coffee Company announced on Tuesday that it has entered into an agreement to form a joint venture with Boyu Capital, a leading alternative investment firm, to operate Starbucks retail in China. Under the agreement, Boyu and Starbucks will operate a joint venture with Boyu holding up to a 60-percent interest in Starbucks' retail operations in China, while Starbucks will retain the remaining 40-percent interest in the joint venture, and continue to own the Starbucks brand and license the brand and intellectual property to the new entity. Boyu will acquire its interest based on a cash-free, debt-free enterprise value of approximately 4 billion U.S. dollars. "Boyu's deep local knowledge and expertise will help accelerate our growth in China -- especially as we expand into smaller cities and new regions," said Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer, Starbucks Coffee Company. The business will continue to be headquartered in Shanghai in east China and will own and operate the 8,000 Starbucks coffeehouses across the market in the Chinese mainland -- with a shared vision to grow to as many as 20,000 locations over time. With the new joint venture, Starbucks expects the total value of its China retail business to exceed 13 billion U.S. dollars. "Starbucks has built an iconic brand and a deep connection with Chinese consumers over the past 26 years. This partnership reflects our shared belief in the enduring strength of that brand and the opportunity to bring even greater innovation and local relevance to customers across China," said Alex Wong, partner at Boyu Capital. Starbucks opened a store in Beijing in 1999 -- marking its official entry into the Chinese mainland market. Boyu, founded in 2011, is an alternative asset management company that has been deeply rooted in the Chinese market and which has a global presence. As cryptocurrency finds mainstream acceptance in Australia, the digital currency is taking its rightful place as a legitimate asset class in a diversified portfolio. Once viewed as little more than niche speculative investment, today cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have become a mainstay of mainstream investment portfolios. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, are having a mainstream moment in Australian investment. Credit: iStock Approximately 6.2 million Australian adults now own or have owned cryptocurrency, representing 31 per cent of the adult population, according to the 2025 Independent Reserves Cryptocurrency Index report. Many Australians have purchased cryptocurrencies with confidence through trusted local crypto exchanges which are registered with ASIC. Some exchanges even hold ISO 27001 certification, meaning they have undergone regular and stringent external audit procedures to keep cryptocurrencies and personal data safe. After years of haggling, stalling, negotiation and threats, a deal to force the streaming services to fund Australian screen content is finally imminent. Labor is set to introduce a bill to parliament this week that will impose quotas on Netflix, Disney and any other services with at least a million Australian subscribers. Dubbed an Australian content obligation, the legislation will require services that meet the threshold to invest at least 10 per cent of their total expenditure for Australia in the production of new local drama, childrens, documentary, arts or educational programming. The proposed legislation could mean mores shows like Netflixs Apple Cider Vinegar. Credit: AP Alternatively, they can opt to invest 7.5 per cent of their Australian revenues in the same. The obligation will apply to Stan and Paramount+ if they meet the subscriber threshold, even though each is associated with a free-to-air broadcaster (Nine and Ten respectively) that already has an Australian content obligation. A spokesperson for Communications Minister Anika Wells has confirmed that Optus notified her office about todays outage in the NSW Hunter region, which the telco saying has been largely resolved. Optus has notified the ministers office, the department and ACMA that a fibre break has impacted services for people in Port Stephens, Maitland, and some surrounding areas, the spokesperson said. The situation is being closely monitored. Optus must work to rectify the situation as quickly as possible and keep customers informed, they said. In a statement, Optus said they were performing welfare checks on those that may have not been able to contact Triple Zero during the outage. Prize for second-best dancer went to Kirsha Kaechele, the artist, curator and wife of MONA founder David Walsh, who put on her own bit of performance art on the dance floor at Mumm writhing around on the floor in a sky blue dress and red heels in front of a saxophone player the day after she was front and centre of the nations consciousness thanks to a profile on ABCs Australian Story. Shes not drunk by the way, one onlooker told CBD, just loving the sax. Guests at the Mumm marquee at the Melbourne Cup were treated to a piece of performance art by trailblazing artist Kirsha Kaechele, taking the party atmosphere to the next level. Maybe Kaechele, who conducted a famous Supreme Court case to ban men from MONAs Ladies Lounge, was celebrating Jamie Melhams historic Cup win. One person definitely celebrating Melhams win was Michelle Payne, the first female winner a decade ago, who was seen tearing up the dancefloor with brother Stevie. House party Federal politicians were doing their duty at a Parliament House sitting day on Tuesday, leaving the field clear for their Victorian counterparts. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, deputising in the wake of another non-appearance by Premier Jacinta Allan, started off in the Committee Room and then was marquee hopping. Ive just been to Lexus, and Im going to say hello to Crown, he says. Its a bit of support for all our businesses that are making and selling Melbourne right now. (See we told you.) Birdcage regular former foreign minister and ANU chancellor Julie Bishop arrived at the Lexus marquee after flying in from London, where she met King Charles at St Jamess Palace, celebrating his charity The Kings Trust. Julie Bishop in the Lexus marquee. Credit: Penny Stephens As if on a school outing away from home, Nine stars including Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo decamped from their employers marquee to take up position upstairs in the Crown marquee. Not in the exclusive VIP section mind you, but mixing it with the masses that is, their viewers. Tony Howard, Linda Dessau and Anthony Carbines in the Crown marquee. Credit: Eamon Gallagher Also spotted was a power grouping of ex-Governor Linda Dessau, husband lawyer Tony Howard and CBD favourite and chair of the National Gallery of Victoria Janet Whiting. They were in a group including Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and Helen Silver, a former NAB executive who has compiled a report on public service job cuts. Forget criticism about enjoying largesse in an austerity era, they are thinking about the economic boost to the state. Former opposition leader Michael OBrien and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes. Credit: Eamon Gallagher Bishop said last weeks meeting with the King occurred just as the scandal engulfing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) continued to grow. Nobody said a thing, she said. Bishop wore a bright orange Leo Lin dress and Nerida Winter hat to the race day and paid tribute to the events vibrant sense of community. Its a fabulous way to spend your Tuesday, she said. Bishop said she was enjoying her post-political life as an envoy for the United Nations and as chancellor for the Australian National University. That is a very challenging role, but we are making significant progress to ensure that ANU is among the best universities in the world, she said. Which is either incredible chutzpah or skilful reframing, given Bishop was labelled hostile and arrogant by an ANU academic in tearful evidence before a recent parliamentary inquiry. Allegations she denies. Top chair Flemington, like Melbourne, is built on hierarchies. Forget about getting a chauffeured Lexus direct to the racetrack, or access to Crowns top-floor VIP marquee, the real status points come from an exclusive invitation extended by Victoria Racing Club chair Neil Wilson to his Committee Room. The best seats in the house. They were enjoyed by Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner and husband Glyn Davis, Tabcorp chief executive Gillon McLachlan and Nine chief executive Matt Stanton. Tabcorp chief executive Gillon McLachlan. Credit: Eamon Gallagher Allan Labor government ministers were thick on the ground in the room which serves a sit down lunch overlooking the mounting yard included deputy premier Ben Carroll, minister for major events Steve Dimopoulous, minister for police Anthony Carbines and minister for economic growth (obviously attending in a supervisory role) Danny Pearson. Nine chief executive Matt Stanton (centre) with investors L1 Capitals Andrew Levy, John Guadagnuo, Fraser McLeish and Dion Hershan, and Nines Nola Hodgson. Credit: Eamon Gallagher Hoping to turn around the Liberals atrocious electoral luck, Groth was joined in the Kirin marquee alongside Liberal frontbench colleagues Cindy McLeish and Evan Mulholland. McLeish, who says shes a big backer of Jamie Melham, had already saluted with a quinella by midday and successfully backed Melham to bring it home with Half Yours. In the nearby TAB marquee, former Victorian Liberal party president Michael Kroger was holding court alongside former NSW Liberal minister turned powerful lobbyist Michael Photios. On message It doesnt happen often, but Melbourne Cup argy-bargy broke out into question time in Canberra. In 2009, then-deputy state coroner Jacqueline Milledge found Binge had died near Goondiwindi on or around July 18. While the cause of death could not be determined, Milledge found Binge had been murdered by a person or persons unknown. Milledges limited recommendations included that the investigation into Binges death be referred for reinvestigation under NSW Polices Cold Case Justice Project. She was a lovely woman, Barlow said. She loved everyone, and everyone loved her. She was happy-go-lucky. Barlow has never given up her pursuit for answers. The years since her mothers death have been littered with ups and downs. Anxiety, depression and grief have loomed large while she has struggled to come to terms with the loss of her mother. No one has been charged over her death. But now, a glimmer of hope. Detectives from NSW Polices unsolved homicide unit are renewing their efforts to bring Binges killer or killers to justice. A $1 million reward for information on Binges murder is now on offer. Police will on Tuesday announce the cash incentive as part of a push to solve the case that will also include the use of a mobile billboard travelling around Moree, Goondiwindi and surrounds. Daylene Barlow (right) has been searching for answers since her mothers murder in 2003. Police previously offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction for Binges murder. After extensive inquiries in the years since her death, investigators had not been able to gather sufficient evidence to launch a prosecution, police said at the time. Detectives believed someone in the Goondiwindi or Boggabilla communities had information about the killing, and urged them to come forward. The reward, they hoped, would help find new leads. No arrests were made. Since then, Binges family has continued its search for the truth. To mark the 20th anniversary of Binges death, relatives, many of whom were critical of the police investigation into her death, gathered outside Sydneys Law Courts Building, covering the windows and footpaths with red hand prints and a plea for answers: Justice for Theresa B. Binges family have previously criticised NSW Polices handling of her mothers murder. In its infancy, the investigation was complicated by the involvement of two jurisdictions; Binge was a NSW woman, missing in Queensland, found dead in her home state. Over the years, important details have been confused. At times, police said Binge was believed to have last been seen leaving Goondiwindis Victoria Hotel, not OSheas. Appealing for information previously, police said she had left the pub at midnight on July 17 in the company of a man, not at midday on July 18. Barlow believes the inconsistencies may have stalled progress on finding her mothers killer, but she has welcomed the renewed campaign. Shes got grandchildren here that shes never met, Barlow said. Shes a great-grandmother. They always ask me what she was like. She was a beautiful woman. Speaking in Moree on Tuesday, homicide squad commander, Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi, urged members of the local community who may have information about Binges murder to come forward. Im confident that there are people in the local community here that have information about what happened, Doueihi said. Investigators hope a $1 million reward will help bring Theresa Binges killer to justice. This is a solvable crime. We just need someone in the community to come forward, step forward, be brave, take that step and give us that information that we require. Rumours of who may have killed Binge have circulated around the communities she spent time in. Several names have been passed on to investigators over the years and Binges family have long held their own suspicions about who was responsible for her death. Several weeks ago, those names were again raised when a friend of Barlow told her she had been travelling through Moree in 2016 and that she had spent the night in the company of several locals. Eventually, the conversation turned to Binges murder, and who may have been involved. Barlows No.1 suspect, and the names of several other people, were mentioned. These names have been there since day dot, Barlow said. After a heated exchange between several people in the room at the time, the friend decided to keep the interaction to herself until recently. Gravely ill and desperate to get the information off her chest, she confided in Barlow, who immediately contacted police. Officers working under the second iteration of Strike Force Flairs, established to investigate Binges murder, now hope the increased reward will encourage someone with information to come forward. The local community, they believe, still holds the key to solving the case. Victorias Energy Department predicts wholesale energy prices will be significantly higher than previously expected, in another sign of upward pressure on power costs in the state. The new estimates, published in the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Actions (DEECA) latest annual report, anticipate wholesale electricity prices will range from $44.57 per megawatt-hour to $257.13 per megawatt-hour in the coming year. Consumers have been battered by soaring electricity prices. Credit: James Alcock The figures, which the department uses to calculate the value of complicated contracts, are significantly higher than those in the previous years report, which predicted a range between $17.15 and $155.02. The new modelling highlights significant cost pressures on wholesale energy prices, just months after Infrastructure Victoria was warned these costs could double by 2030. Movements in wholesale prices are only one part of what customers pay in their bills, which also factor in transmission costs and retailer margins. London: A train worker has been hailed as a hero for shielding passengers from a horrifying knife attack on a high-speed service to London, as he and other victims undergo hospital treatment for severe injuries. Samir Zitouni, 48, has been named as the customer host who was working on the train when a man began moving through carriages stabbing passengers and sparking fear and chaos. Samir Zitouni suffered life-threatening injuries in the attack at the weekend. Credit: LNER British ministers called Zitouni a hero, who suffered life-threatening wounds in the attack, and his family thanked hospital staff for caring for him. Police have charged Anthony Williams, a 32-year-old British national, with 11 counts of attempted murder, one of actual bodily harm and one of possessing a bladed article. He appeared in court on Monday but did not enter a plea, and he is due to return to court on December 1. Washington: Former US president George W. Bush has led tributes for his vice president, Dick Cheney, after his death aged 84, but President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have yet to acknowledge the Republican statesmans passing. Cheney was widely regarded as the most powerful vice president in US history and the most controversial as the architect of the Bush administrations war on terrorism following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney in 2004. Credit: AP Cheney later became a staunch critic of Trump and the Republican Partys embrace of Trumpism. In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, he said in a 2022 television advertisement. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He is a coward. A real man wouldnt lie to his supporters. He lost his election, and he lost big. A man rides on an embankment road along the Grand Canal in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 30, 2025. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) People visit a cultural block along the Grand Canal in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 29, 2025. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) This photo taken on Oct. 30, 2025 shows the scenery of the Grand Canal and an embankment road in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A student practices acrobatic skills at an acrobatic courtyard, which is located along an embankment road of the Grand Canal, in Wuqiao County of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 28, 2025. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) This photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows the night scenery of the Grand Canal in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) People visit the Nanchuan Tower along the Grand Canal in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 29, 2025. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows the scenery of an embankment road along the Grand Canal in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students practice acrobatic skills at an acrobatic courtyard, which is located along an embankment road of the Grand Canal, in Wuqiao County of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 28, 2025. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows people riding on an embankment road along the Grand Canal in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) People take a walk on an embankment road along the Grand Canal in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 29, 2025. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) People ride on an embankment road along the Grand Canal in Yunhe District of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 29, 2025. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A student practices martial arts at a training base, which is located along an embankment road of the Grand Canal, in Qingxian County of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 31, 2025. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 31, 2025 shows a village along an embankment road of the Grand Canal in Qingxian County of Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Tourists visit an intelligent greenhouse, which is located along an embankment road of the Grand Canal, in Simazhuang Village of Qingxian County, Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 31, 2025. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Staff members arrange vegetables at an agricultural cooperative, which is located along an embankment road of the Grand Canal, in Simazhuang Village of Qingxian County, Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 31, 2025. The Grand Canal, which connects Beijing in northern China and the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as the world's longest artificial waterway. An embankment road has been built along the Cangzhou section of the canal, extending 308 kilometers and connecting over 300 villages across the city. The road links natural landscapes, historical and cultural sites, and human landscapes along its line. In addition, more than ten themed parks and relevant supporting facilities have been accordingly constructed along the line, forming a multi-functional space that integrates tourism, leisure, fitness, and recreation activities. The road has not only benefited the locals but also promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Washington: US President Donald Trump has urged his followers to support independent Democrat Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York City as the only viable candidate who can beat Democratic Socialist frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. The explicit intervention the night before the election came after Trump repeatedly mused he would prefer a Democrat to a communist, as he calls Mamdani, a 34-year-old Muslim immigrant who is a near certainty to lead the countrys biggest city. Zohran Mamdani campaigns in Harlem, New York, on Sunday. Credit: Bloomberg Cuomo, a former governor of New York state who resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations that he denies, is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani earlier this year. Also in the race is Republican talk show host and beret-wearing activist Curtis Sliwa, who polls show has no chance of winning. Posting on social media, Trump again threatened to cut off all but the minimum federal funding for New York if Mamdani wins. He also instructed his followers to rally behind Cuomo. BJP Minority Cell Gen Secy allegedly gets death threats BJP Minority Cell General Secretary Mujammil Ali along with other members of the Cell lodging complaint at the Police Station. Staff Reporter : BJP leader Mujammil Ali is receiving threats after he raised objections to the decision of giving weekly holiday to Anjuman Islamia Waqf Board schools on Friday instead of Sunday Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minority Cell General Secretary Mujammil Ali has alleged that he received death threats after raising objections to the decision of Anjuman Islamia Waqf Board schools to observe a weekly holiday on Friday instead of Sunday. Ali claimed that Gohalpur resident Ansari first posted provocative messages on social media and later threatened him over the phone. Ali lodged a written complaint at Omti Police Station. Following his complaint the police have initiated investigation in the matter. It may be mentioned that Anjuman Islamia Waqf Board runs four schools in Jabalpur. Recently, the board issued an order declaring Friday as the weekly off and keeping schools open on Sunday. On that, Mujammil Ali submitted a written complaint to Collector Raghavendra Singh, saying that the 117-year-old institution had always observed Sunday as its weekly holiday. Acting on the complaint, Deputy Collector R S Maravi and District Education Officer Ghanshyam Soni visited the school, broke open the locked gates and directed the management to withdraw the order. They instructed Anjuman Islamia Board President Annu Anwar to follow the same schedule as other schools in the district and ensure such changes are not repeated. Ali alleged that on Sunday night, a post related to his complaint went viral in a WhatsApp group, targeting the BJP leader. He alleged that soon after, Ansari called him and threatened to kill him. According to Omti police, Mujammil Ali lodged a written complaint stating that he was being threatened with death by a Gohalpur resident. Police have accepted the complaint and started probing the matter. Meanwhile, Anjuman Islamia Board President Annu Anwar said, We had made the decision keeping students convenience in mind. After instructions from the Education Department, we have withdrawn our order. The weekly holiday in all schools will continue as before, on Sunday. CBI court discharges former Coal Secy, 4 others in coal block allocation case NEW DELHI : THE Rouse Avenue court on Monday discharged former Coal Secretary HC Gupta, the accused company and other accused, including R K M Powergen Private Ltd., in a coal block allocation case. While discharging the accused, the court stated that the recommended allocation of the Fatehpur East Coal Block to the most meritorious and deserving company (the accused company) is in the public interest. Special CBI Judge Dheeraj Mor, on October 31, discharged five accused, including former Coal Secretary HC Gupta, former Joint Secretary K S Kropha, and three others. Considering the above detailed discussion, all five accused persons, namely M/s R.K.M. Powergen Pvt. Ltd (RKMPPL).; Managing Director Dr. Andal Arumugam, Director T.M. Singaravel, H.C. Gupta, and K S Kropha are entitled to be discharged for the respective offences alleged against them in the charge sheet. Accordingly, they all are ordered to be discharged, Special Judge Mor ordered on October 31. While discharging the accused persons, the court observed, The recommendation of the 35th Screening Committee for allocation of Fatehpur East Coal Block to the most meritorious and deserving company (accused no.1 company) is an act in public interest. Therefore, there is not even an iota of material available on record to suggest that the act of accused public servants was without public interest, the court added. Hence, the essential ingredient of offence punishable under Section 13(1)(d)(iii) PC Act is conspicuously missing, the court said in connection with the role of public servants. Advocate Rahul Tyagi had appeared for HC Gupta. He opposed the allegations levelled against him. Earlier, the CBI had registered an FIR on 7th August 2014 under Section 120B read with Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against M/s. R.K.M. Powergen Private Limited Company, its Promoters/Directors. The Members of the 35th Screening Committee were constituted by the Ministry of Coal, including unknown public servants from the Ministry of Coal, in the matter of allocating the Fatehpur East Coal Block to the said company by the Ministry of Coal. K. S. Kropha was the convenor of the 35-member screening committee. It was alleged that RKMPPL was incorporated by the promoters of M/s R.K. Powergen Private Ltd. on December 15 2004. It had claimed its net worth of Rs . 2,752 Crores in its subsequent application by adding the net worth of Rs . 171.12 Crores of M/s Mudajaya Corporation Berhad, Malaysia, Rs . 2,414.71 Crores of M/s Mulpha International Berhad, Malaysia, which was holding 22.8% shares of MJC, and Rs . 142.86 Crores of M/s TCP Limited. It was also alleged that none of the said companies had any equity participation in RKMPPL as on the date of application or on the date of allocation. Therefore, the benefit of their net worth could not be given to the company as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Power. ED attaches 42 assets worth over Rs 7.5K cr of Anil Ambani, companies NEW DELHI : ED attaches Ambanis family home in Pali Hill, Mumbai, apart from other residential and commercial properties of his group companies ASSETS worth more than Rs 7,500 crore linked to Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani, his group companies and linked entities have been attached as part of a money laundering investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Monday. The federal probe agency issued four separate provisional orders under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on October 31 for attaching 42 properties, including the 66-year-old Ambanis family home in Pali Hill, Mumbai, apart from other residential and commercial properties of his group companies. On Monday, the ED issued a fifth order attaching 32 acres of land of Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City (DAKC) in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, worth Rs 4,462 crore in the Reliance Communications Ltd. (RCOM) linked alleged bank fraud case. A plot of land belonging to the Reliance Centre on Maharaja Ranjit Singh Marg in Delhi and multiple other assets of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd., certain linked entities like Adhar Property Consultancy Private Limited, Mohanbir Hi-tech Build Private Limited, Gamesa Investment Management Private Limited, Vihaan43 Realty Private Limited (earlier known as Kunjbihari Developers Private Limited) and that of Campion Properties Limited have been attached as part of the October 31 orders. These properties are located in the national capital, Noida, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Hyderabad, Chennai and East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. Offices in the Nagin Mahal building at Churchgate in Mumbai, flats in BHA Millenium apartments in Noida and Camus Capri Apartments in Hyderabad are among those provisionally attached by the ED. The total value of the attached assets is more than Rs 7,545 crore, the agency said in a statement. R-Infra said in a regulatory filing that there was no impact on the business operations, shareholders, employees or any other stakeholders of the company. Anil Ambani is not on the Board of Reliance Infrastructure Limited for more than 3.5 years, it said. The agency said, so far, ED has detected fraudulent diversion of public money by various Reliance Anil Ambani group companies, including RCOM, Reliance Home Finance Ltd (RHFL), Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd (RCFL), Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (R-Infra) and Reliance Power Ltd. The statement said a separate search action was carried out by the agency under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) against R-Infra, and it was found that Rs 40 crore was siphoned from the Jaipur-Reengus highway project. Funds moved through Surat-based shell companies to Dubai. The trail has unearthed a wider international hawala network exceeding Rs 600 crore, it said. The agency alleged that around 2010-12 onwards, RCOM and its group companies raised thousands of crores from Indian banks, of which Rs 19,694 crore remains outstanding. These assets turned into non-performing assets (NPA), with five banks declaring RCOMs loan accounts as fraud, it said. Loans taken by one entity from one bank were utilised for repayment of loans taken by other entities from other banks, transfer to related parties, and investments in mutual funds, which was in contravention of the terms and conditions of the sanction letter of the loans. In particular, RCOM and its group companies diverted over Rs 13,600 crore used in evergreening loans, over Rs 12,600 crore was diverted to connected parties and over Rs 1,800 crore was invested in fixed deposits and mutual funds, etc., it said. The agency claimed certain loans were siphoned off outside India through foreign outward remittances. It said that during 2017-2019, Yes Bank invested Rs 2,965 crore in RHFL instruments and Rs 2,045 crore in RCFL instruments. By December 2019, these became non-performing investments, it claimed. The outstanding was Rs 1,353.50 crore for RHFL and Rs 1,984 crore for RCFL. The agency added that RHFL and RCFL received public funds of more than Rs 10,000 crore, and a large amount of this fund came from Yes Bank. Before Yes Bank invested this money in Reliance Anil Ambani group companies, it received huge funds from the erstwhile Reliance Nippon Mutual Fund. As per SEBI regulations, Reliance Nippon Mutual Fund could not invest/divert funds directly in Anil Ambani group finance companies due to conflict-of-interest rules, the agency said. The ED said it has detected a pattern of mala fide in this case like pre-decided beneficiaries, manufactured paperwork, waived controls and disbursals ahead of approvals, followed by swift routing to related entities. This conduct enabled siphoning of public funds, it said. The ED, it said, continues to trace the proceeds of crime. The recoveries by ED, after following due process of law, are aimed at restoring losses to lenders and, ultimately, benefitting the general public, it said, hinting at restoring or restituting the assets with victim banks, a provision available under the PMLA. Ambani was questioned in the case by the ED in August. This came after the agency searched 35 premises of 50 companies and 25 people, including executives of his business group, in Mumbai on July 24. The EDs money laundering case stems from a Central Bureau of Investigation FIR. Yellow Zone - Dhantoli, Congress Nagar turning commercial? HC seeks answers from NMC, State Staff Reporter : A writ petition has been filed before the Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench, raising strong exception to the rampant and arbitrary change of land use happening in Dhantoli and Congress Nagar. These centrally-located residential localities are officially demarcated as Yellow Zones under the Development Plan of Nagpur. However, over the years, a large number of commercial establishments - particularly hospitals, medical centres and other high crowd-attracting units - have come up in these areas. According to the petitioner, this commercialisation is not only illegal, but is also seriously affecting the peaceful and safe environment of the residents. The matter was heard on Monday. Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas issued notices to the respondents and sought their reply. The petition has been filed by Swanand Laxman Soni (49), resident of West Park Road, Dhantoli and President of Dhantoli Nagrik Mandal. He has submitted that he has been compelled to approach the court due to continuous violations of zoning laws and town planning norms in Dhantoli and Congress Nagar. The respondents named in the petition are: Nagpur Municipal Corporation; State Urban Development & Planning Department; Collector, Nagpur and Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) The petitioner says that, this earlier court remark was made, but the court had not clearly checked whether hospitals are actually allowed in residential areas at that time. Still, based on that one observation, dozens of hospitals were sanctioned over the years. Chaotic situation for residents As a result, the situation in Dhantoli and Congress Nagar has become chaotic. Narrow internal roads are overloaded. Parking on streets is out of control. Vehicular movement throughout the day and night has increased beyond the capacity of the residential layout. The petition states that these conditions are directly affecting the fundamental rights of residents under Article 19 and Article 21 of the Constitution - right to free movement and right to peaceful, safe environment. The petitioner has requested the court to halt any fresh sanctions for hospitals, medical establishments, nursing homes and other high crowd-attracting units in these two areas. It has also been demanded that sanctions already granted - but where commencement or occupancy certificate is not yet issued - should be reviewed based on carrying capacity. Adv Ashwin Deshpande represented the petitioner. Permission to hospitals without proper process According to the petition, the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966 (MRTP Act) clearly defines what kind of development can be permitted, and also provides punishment under Section 52 for any unauthorised development or unauthorised change of land use. Similarly, the Development Control Regulations, and now, the Unified Development Control & Promotion Regulations, 2020 (UDCPR), lay down specific norms for residential, commercial and institutional zones. However, the petition claims that Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has been granting sanctions for hospitals and other commercial establishments in these residential zones without following proper process, and only on the basis of an old court observation made in Vinayak vs City of Nagpur Corporation (2002). This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2025 shows an exhibition area of the 41st Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The 41st ADIPEC, one of the world's largest energy events, opened on Monday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, drawing more than 205,000 participants from around the world to discuss the future of energy and sustainable development. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian) ABU DHABI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The 41st Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), one of the world's largest energy events, opened on Monday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, drawing more than 205,000 participants from around the world to discuss the future of energy and sustainable development. UAE's Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in opening remarks that Abu Dhabi's hosting of ADIPEC underscores the UAE's global role in shaping energy dialogue and promoting cooperation on energy security and sustainability. He highlighted the UAE's model of balancing economic growth with environmental protection, supported by investments in technology, clean energy, and innovation. Mansour also reiterated the country's commitment to a balanced energy transition through international partnerships that foster economic growth and research collaboration. The 2025 edition features over 2,250 exhibitors across 17 halls and four specialized zones covering artificial intelligence and digital transformation, decarbonisation, maritime and logistics, and a new chemicals and low-carbon solutions area. Organisers said the event reflects the accelerating global shift toward sustainable and innovative energy systems. China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), a top partner of this year's exhibition, is showcasing projects in deep-earth energy, AI-driven operations, and green, low-carbon transformation, highlighting its role in advancing energy innovation and international cooperation. This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2025 shows the booth of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) during the 41st Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The 41st ADIPEC, one of the world's largest energy events, opened on Monday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, drawing more than 205,000 participants from around the world to discuss the future of energy and sustainable development. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian) Audience interact with an actor during a cultural performance in Christchurch, New Zealand, Nov. 4, 2025. (Photo by Chen Siyumeng/Xinhua) by Li Huizi WELLINGTON, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- An art troupe from Henan Province in central China delivered a vibrant cultural performance on Tuesday in New Zealand's South Island, enchanting audiences with displays of Kung Fu, acrobatics and traditional Chinese opera. The Henan Art Troupe, which made waves with a celebrated performance at the United Nations Headquarters earlier this year, made its Southern Hemisphere debut before more than 800 people in Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand's South Island, the organizers said. Showcasing the rich heritage of China's Central Plains, the troupe staged world-class Kung Fu, Qigong mastery, acrobatics, Chinese folk music, and traditional Yu Opera, the iconic traditional art form of Henan. Sulekha Korgaonkar, a member of the audience, described the music as "really beautiful." She especially enjoyed the Shaolin Kung Fu display, as she practises Tai Chi herself. She told Xinhua she has visited Hong Kong and looks forward to touring Henan Province in the future. Alongside the gala, an intangible cultural heritage exhibition featured Chinese calligrapher Li Fang, who demonstrated fan painting with Chinese characters. "Tonight's performance is not just a showcase of artistic excellence, it is a beautiful expression of cultural connection between the peoples of China and New Zealand," Christchurch City Councillor Victoria Henstock said in her speech. Chinese Consul General in Christchurch He Ying described Henan as a vital cradle of Chinese civilization rich in history and culture. She expressed hope that the event would help more New Zealanders discover Henan, inviting them to experience its magnificent culture and scenery firsthand. People visit an intangible cultural heritage exhibition before a cultural performance in Christchurch, New Zealand, Nov. 4, 2025. (Photo by Chen Siyumeng/Xinhua) An actor performs during a cultural performance in Christchurch, New Zealand, Nov. 4, 2025. (Photo by Chen Siyumeng/Xinhua) Douglas Dynamics (NYSE:PLOW Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2025 earnings guidance on Monday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 1.850-2.250 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 2.040. The company issued revenue guidance of $635.0 million-$660.0 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $641.0 million. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have weighed in on PLOW shares. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Douglas Dynamics from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, August 9th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Douglas Dynamics in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, DA Davidson increased their target price on Douglas Dynamics from $32.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Douglas Dynamics currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $34.00. Get Douglas Dynamics alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Douglas Dynamics Douglas Dynamics Stock Down 2.0% PLOW traded down $0.60 during trading on Monday, hitting $29.63. 188,375 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 178,372. The stock has a market capitalization of $682.70 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.62, a PEG ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 1.29. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $31.87 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $29.68. Douglas Dynamics has a 12-month low of $21.30 and a 12-month high of $34.25. The company has a current ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. Douglas Dynamics (NYSE:PLOW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The auto parts company reported $0.35 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by ($0.01). Douglas Dynamics had a net margin of 11.38% and a return on equity of 15.16%. Douglas Dynamics has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.850-2.250 EPS. Analysts predict that Douglas Dynamics will post 1.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Douglas Dynamics Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 16th were paid a $0.295 dividend. This represents a $1.18 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.0%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 16th. Douglas Dynamicss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 42.29%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Royal Bank of Canada increased its position in shares of Douglas Dynamics by 28.3% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 88,051 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $2,045,000 after purchasing an additional 19,447 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Douglas Dynamics by 10.2% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 113,465 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $2,636,000 after buying an additional 10,535 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its position in Douglas Dynamics by 4.2% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 13,538 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $314,000 after acquiring an additional 546 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its stake in shares of Douglas Dynamics by 11.2% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 76,513 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $1,777,000 after acquiring an additional 7,733 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc grew its position in shares of Douglas Dynamics by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 26,968 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $795,000 after acquiring an additional 725 shares during the period. 91.85% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Douglas Dynamics (Get Free Report) Douglas Dynamics, Inc operates as a manufacturer and upfitter of commercial work truck attachments and equipment in North America. It operates through two segments, Work Truck Attachments and Work Truck Solutions. The Work Truck Attachments segment manufactures and sells snow and ice control attachments, including snowplows, and sand and salt spreaders for light trucks and heavy duty trucks, as well as various related parts and accessories. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Douglas Dynamics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Douglas Dynamics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eastman Chemical (NYSE:EMN Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Monday. The basic materials company reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.18 by ($0.04), Zacks reports. Eastman Chemical had a net margin of 8.96% and a return on equity of 15.24%. The business had revenue of $2.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.28 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.26 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. Eastman Chemical updated its FY 2025 guidance to 5.400-5.65 EPS. Eastman Chemical Price Performance Shares of NYSE:EMN opened at $57.98 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. Eastman Chemical has a fifty-two week low of $56.78 and a fifty-two week high of $107.50. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $64.09 and a 200 day simple moving average of $71.65. The company has a market cap of $6.66 billion, a PE ratio of 8.14, a P/E/G ratio of 6.16 and a beta of 1.29. Get Eastman Chemical alerts: Eastman Chemical Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 7th. Investors of record on Monday, September 15th were given a dividend of $0.83 per share. This represents a $3.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 15th. Eastman Chemicals dividend payout ratio is currently 46.63%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eastman Chemical Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. MUFG Securities EMEA plc bought a new stake in shares of Eastman Chemical during the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Eastman Chemical by 181.8% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 958 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $72,000 after purchasing an additional 618 shares during the period. Headlands Technologies LLC boosted its stake in Eastman Chemical by 558.6% during the 2nd quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 2,180 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $163,000 after purchasing an additional 1,849 shares during the period. Brighton Jones LLC acquired a new position in Eastman Chemical during the 4th quarter valued at about $202,000. Finally, Boothbay Fund Management LLC boosted its stake in Eastman Chemical by 46.1% during the 2nd quarter. Boothbay Fund Management LLC now owns 3,335 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $249,000 after purchasing an additional 1,052 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 83.65% of the companys stock. EMN has been the topic of a number of research reports. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Eastman Chemical from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their target price on shares of Eastman Chemical from $87.00 to $65.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Eastman Chemical from $86.00 to $75.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Mizuho dropped their price target on shares of Eastman Chemical from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada set a $71.00 price target on shares of Eastman Chemical in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $80.33. View Our Latest Stock Report on EMN About Eastman Chemical (Get Free Report) Eastman Chemical Company operates as a specialty materials company in the United States, China, and internationally. The company's Additives & Functional Products segment offers amine derivative-based building blocks, intermediates for surfactants, metam-based soil fumigants, and organic acid-based solutions; specialty coalescent and solvents, paint additives, and specialty polymers; and heat transfer and aviation fluids. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Eastman Chemical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eastman Chemical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Get Free Report)s stock price fell 1.2% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $334.82 and last traded at $336.74. 5,394,011 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 16% from the average session volume of 6,403,597 shares. The stock had previously closed at $340.74. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. UBS Group set a $425.00 target price on Visa and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and set a $408.00 price objective (up from $398.00) on shares of Visa in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Citigroup raised Visa to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Barclays reissued an overweight rating and set a $408.00 price objective (up from $396.00) on shares of Visa in a research report on Thursday, July 31st. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $425.00 price objective on Visa in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $400.00. Get Visa alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Visa Visa Stock Performance The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $344.78 and a 200-day simple moving average of $348.52. The stock has a market cap of $617.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.98, a PEG ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a current ratio of 1.08. Visa (NYSE:V Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The credit-card processor reported $2.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.97 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $10.72 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.60 billion. Visa had a net margin of 50.15% and a return on equity of 60.31%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.71 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Visa Inc. will post 11.3 earnings per share for the current year. Visa Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.67 per share. This is an increase from Visas previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 12th. Visas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 23.11%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 10,485 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $342.30, for a total value of $3,589,015.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 537 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $183,815.10. This trade represents a 95.13% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, General Counsel Julie B. Rottenberg sold 2,027 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $344.02, for a total transaction of $697,328.54. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 11,925 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,102,438.50. The trade was a 14.53% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Visa Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of V. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund lifted its stake in shares of Visa by 14.5% in the 1st quarter. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund now owns 455,183 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $159,523,000 after purchasing an additional 57,800 shares during the period. Precedent Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Visa by 7.5% in the second quarter. Precedent Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,588 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $564,000 after buying an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. Consilium Wealth Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Visa in the second quarter valued at about $862,000. Iron Gate Global Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Visa by 5.9% in the 1st quarter. Iron Gate Global Advisors LLC now owns 62,890 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $22,040,000 after buying an additional 3,484 shares during the period. Finally, NatWest Group plc grew its stake in shares of Visa by 43.8% in the 2nd quarter. NatWest Group plc now owns 45,660 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $16,212,000 after buying an additional 13,912 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.15% of the companys stock. About Visa (Get Free Report) Visa Inc operates as a payment technology company in the United States and internationally. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, and click to pay services; Visa Direct, a solution that facilitates the delivery of funds to eligible cards, deposit accounts, and digital wallets; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral business-to-business cross-border payments network; Visa Cross-Border Solution, a cross-border consumer payments solution; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value-added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Visa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Visa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oakwell Private Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 11,063 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,114,000. Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Polen Capital Management LLC boosted its position in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 318.4% during the 1st quarter. Polen Capital Management LLC now owns 23,299 shares of the companys stock worth $2,346,000 after buying an additional 17,730 shares during the period. Avos Capital Management LLC boosted its position in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 23.8% during the 1st quarter. Avos Capital Management LLC now owns 653,140 shares of the companys stock worth $65,752,000 after buying an additional 125,521 shares during the period. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC boosted its position in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 88,931 shares of the companys stock worth $8,955,000 after buying an additional 4,218 shares during the period. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC boosted its position in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 170.0% during the 2nd quarter. Wealthcare Advisory Partners LLC now owns 31,394 shares of the companys stock worth $3,161,000 after buying an additional 19,766 shares during the period. Finally, MGO One Seven LLC boosted its position in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 78.0% during the 1st quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 244,799 shares of the companys stock worth $24,644,000 after buying an additional 107,272 shares during the period. Get iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF alerts: iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Trading Down 0.3% NYSEARCA:SGOV opened at $100.40 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $100.56 and its 200 day simple moving average is $100.55. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF has a one year low of $100.15 and a one year high of $100.74. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Profile See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SGOV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burney Co. purchased a new position in Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 36,530 shares of the medical research companys stock, valued at approximately $2,857,000. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Jennison Associates LLC raised its position in Edwards Lifesciences by 15.7% in the second quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 11,670,991 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $912,788,000 after purchasing an additional 1,584,958 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its position in Edwards Lifesciences by 4.1% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 6,783,568 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $491,673,000 after purchasing an additional 264,311 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in Edwards Lifesciences in the first quarter worth about $330,881,000. Invesco Ltd. raised its position in Edwards Lifesciences by 2.6% in the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,287,712 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $310,773,000 after purchasing an additional 107,241 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in Edwards Lifesciences by 5.3% in the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,961,643 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $287,140,000 after purchasing an additional 198,882 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.46% of the companys stock. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Insider Activity at Edwards Lifesciences In other news, insider Larry L. Wood sold 8,950 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.06, for a total transaction of $698,637.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 206,900 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,150,614. This represents a 4.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 1.29% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Edwards Lifesciences Stock Performance NYSE EW opened at $83.06 on Tuesday. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation has a 1-year low of $64.89 and a 1-year high of $87.09. The company has a current ratio of 4.68, a quick ratio of 3.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. The company has a 50 day moving average of $77.62 and a 200-day moving average of $77.05. The firm has a market cap of $48.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.95, a PEG ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 1.05. Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The medical research company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.59 by $0.08. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 72.96% and a return on equity of 15.01%. The business had revenue of $1.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.49 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.67 earnings per share. Edwards Lifesciencess revenue was up 14.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Edwards Lifesciences has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.560-2.620 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 0.580-0.640 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Edwards Lifesciences Corporation will post 2.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analyst Ratings Changes EW has been the subject of several recent research reports. William Blair raised shares of Edwards Lifesciences to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 25th. Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $95.00 price objective (up previously from $90.00) on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a report on Friday. Daiwa America raised shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $85.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 25th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $91.39. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on EW Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile (Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TEHRAN, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Iranians rallied across the country on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. embassy, amid heightened tensions with the United States and Israel. Crowds gathered in cities including the capital Tehran, where demonstrators marched from Palestine Square to the former U.S. embassy, waving Iranian flags and chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. Many carried portraits of Iranians killed in the 12-day conflict with Israel in June. Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf told the crowd the anniversary symbolized the day Iranians "loudly and unitedly" rejected oppression, according to the state news agency IRNA. He said Iran would continue to resist pressure from the United States, emphasizing that the country would not trade its independence for anything. The event commemorates Nov. 4, 1979, when Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran and seized dozens of hostages in a standoff that lasted more than a year. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Monday that the incident revealed Washington's "true identity," alleging that documents taken from the embassy showed it was "a center for plotting" against Iran's Islamic Revolution. 5N Plus (OTCMKTS:FPLSF Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Zacks reports. 5N Plus had a return on equity of 24.47% and a net margin of 9.64%. 5N Plus Stock Up 2.6% Shares of OTCMKTS:FPLSF traded up $0.38 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $14.68. The company had a trading volume of 19,933 shares, compared to its average volume of 13,197. The company has a quick ratio of 1.51, a current ratio of 3.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $24.69 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.24. The stock has a market cap of $1.31 billion, a PE ratio of 40.77 and a beta of 1.90. 5N Plus has a 1-year low of $2.00 and a 1-year high of $14.82. Get 5N Plus alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of 5N Plus in a research report on Friday, October 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy. About 5N Plus (Get Free Report) 5N Plus Inc produces and sells specialty metals and chemicals in North America, Europe, and Asia. It operates through two segments, Specialty Semiconductors and Performance Materials. The company offers semiconductor compounds, semiconductor wafers, metals, epitaxial semiconductor substrates, and solar cells. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for 5N Plus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 5N Plus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dillon & Associates Inc. lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 1.9% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 218,655 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 4,095 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories makes up about 4.0% of Dillon & Associates Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th biggest position. Dillon & Associates Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $29,737,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. IMG Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 759.1% in the 2nd quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 189 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Hughes Financial Services LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth $27,000. Abound Financial LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth $28,000. Elequin Capital LP bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth $30,000. Finally, Vision Financial Markets LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein raised their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $149.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Mizuho increased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, William Blair raised Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $147.00. Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 0.1% NYSE:ABT opened at $123.77 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 1.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. Abbott Laboratories has a 1-year low of $110.86 and a 1-year high of $141.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $215.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.69. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $131.29 and a 200 day simple moving average of $131.56. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.30. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.78% and a net margin of 31.88%.The business had revenue of $11.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.40 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.21 EPS. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 17th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 15th will be given a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 15th. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.9%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.57%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Abbott Laboratories news, CFO Philip P. Boudreau sold 5,550 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.55, for a total transaction of $746,752.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 51,003 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,862,453.65. This trade represents a 9.81% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advisors Preferred LLC acquired a new stake in US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 26,868 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,080,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Securian Asset Management Inc. increased its position in US Foods by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. now owns 17,618 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,357,000 after purchasing an additional 121 shares during the period. SageView Advisory Group LLC increased its position in US Foods by 3.9% during the 1st quarter. SageView Advisory Group LLC now owns 4,096 shares of the companys stock valued at $268,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the period. Kesler Norman & Wride LLC increased its position in US Foods by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. Kesler Norman & Wride LLC now owns 12,555 shares of the companys stock valued at $822,000 after purchasing an additional 160 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. increased its position in US Foods by 7.9% during the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 2,644 shares of the companys stock valued at $204,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares during the period. Finally, V Square Quantitative Management LLC increased its position in US Foods by 58.7% during the 2nd quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC now owns 541 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.76% of the companys stock. Get US Foods alerts: US Foods Price Performance Shares of USFD opened at $73.75 on Tuesday. US Foods Holding Corp. has a 12-month low of $57.36 and a 12-month high of $85.11. The businesss fifty day moving average is $76.56 and its 200 day moving average is $76.51. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The stock has a market cap of $16.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.52, a P/E/G ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.34. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In US Foods ( NYSE:USFD Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 7th. The company reported $1.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.14 by $0.05. US Foods had a return on equity of 16.86% and a net margin of 1.43%.The company had revenue of $10.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.17 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.93 EPS. US Foodss quarterly revenue was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. US Foods has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.764-3.874 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that US Foods Holding Corp. will post 3.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of analysts have weighed in on USFD shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of US Foods from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Wells Fargo & Company restated an overweight rating and set a $87.00 price target (up from $80.00) on shares of US Foods in a report on Friday, August 8th. UBS Group increased their price target on US Foods from $84.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 28th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b+) rating on shares of US Foods in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Piper Sandler increased their price target on US Foods from $77.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $82.42. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on USFD US Foods Profile (Free Report) US Foods Holding Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in marketing, sale, and distribution of fresh, frozen, and dry food and non-food products to foodservice customers in the United States. The company's customers include independently owned single and multi-unit restaurants, regional concepts, national restaurant chains, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels and motels, country clubs, government and military organizations, colleges and universities, and retail locations. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USFD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:USFD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for US Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for US Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burney Co. reduced its position in shares of Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report) by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 49,216 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,607 shares during the period. Burney Co.s holdings in Aflac were worth $5,190,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of AFL. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Aflac during the 1st quarter worth about $140,746,000. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al purchased a new position in shares of Aflac during the 2nd quarter worth about $60,954,000. Citigroup Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Aflac by 133.2% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 758,424 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $84,329,000 after acquiring an additional 433,134 shares during the period. Guinness Asset Management LTD lifted its holdings in shares of Aflac by 19.4% during the 2nd quarter. Guinness Asset Management LTD now owns 2,372,484 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $250,187,000 after acquiring an additional 385,546 shares during the period. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Aflac by 10.8% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 3,575,054 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $397,510,000 after acquiring an additional 349,787 shares during the period. 67.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Aflac alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades AFL has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Aflac in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on Aflac from $108.00 to $113.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, August 18th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Aflac from $105.00 to $107.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, August 11th. Barclays restated an underweight rating and set a $102.00 price target (up from $100.00) on shares of Aflac in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price target on shares of Aflac from $108.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $109.90. Insider Activity In other news, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 1,000 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.57, for a total transaction of $102,570.00. Following the sale, the director owned 25,105 shares in the company, valued at $2,575,019.85. This trade represents a 3.83% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.90% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Aflac Trading Down 0.3% NYSE AFL opened at $106.92 on Tuesday. Aflac Incorporated has a one year low of $96.95 and a one year high of $115.43. The companys 50 day moving average price is $108.60 and its 200 day moving average price is $105.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.11 and a current ratio of 0.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $57.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.24, a PEG ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.86. Aflac (NYSE:AFL Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 27th. The financial services provider reported $1.07 EPS for the quarter. Aflac had a net margin of 15.32% and a return on equity of 15.08%. The firm had revenue of $5.91 billion for the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.88 EPS for the current year. Aflac announced that its board has initiated a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, August 12th that permits the company to buyback 100,000,000 outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the financial services provider to reacquire shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Aflac Company Profile (Free Report) Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. The company operates through Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. segments. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AFL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Aflac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aflac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 4,720,000 shares, a decline of 31.3% from the September 30th total of 6,870,000 shares. Currently, 2.8% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 1,510,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 1,510,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.1 days. Currently, 2.8% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Performance ARE traded down $2.54 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $55.68. The stock had a trading volume of 3,424,272 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,703,162. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $79.05 and its 200 day simple moving average is $76.22. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a 1 year low of $55.02 and a 1 year high of $116.52. The stock has a market cap of $9.62 billion, a PE ratio of -22.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.06 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.31 by ($0.09). The business had revenue of $751.94 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $752.90 million. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a negative net margin of 13.43% and a negative return on equity of 1.89%. The businesss revenue was down 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.37 EPS. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.980-9.040 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Alexandria Real Estate Equities will post 9.32 earnings per share for the current year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Announces Dividend Institutional Inflows and Outflows The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were issued a $1.32 dividend. This represents a $5.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess payout ratio is -213.77%. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the second quarter worth about $1,195,306,000. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,873,745 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $803,863,000 after purchasing an additional 181,674 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,318,035 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $312,407,000 after buying an additional 82,591 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 16.8% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,676,318 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $267,011,000 after acquiring an additional 528,575 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northern Trust Corp grew its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 6.2% during the first quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 2,723,583 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $251,959,000 after acquiring an additional 158,177 shares in the last quarter. 96.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Analysts Set New Price Targets ARE has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Monday. BNP Paribas Exane cut their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $82.00 to $72.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Cantor Fitzgerald cut their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $79.00 to $52.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, BNP Paribas cut Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a hold rating to a strong sell rating and set a $82.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $86.93. View Our Latest Analysis on Alexandria Real Estate Equities Alexandria Real Estate Equities Company Profile (Get Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Saturday morning. A number of other research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of American Express in a report on Monday, July 14th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of American Express from $336.00 to $355.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. BTIG Research raised their target price on shares of American Express from $277.00 to $307.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on American Express from $375.00 to $400.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded American Express from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $332.65. Get American Express alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on AXP American Express Price Performance AXP stock opened at $361.47 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $336.56 and its 200 day moving average price is $311.54. The firm has a market cap of $249.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.26, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 1.59 and a current ratio of 1.61. American Express has a 1 year low of $220.43 and a 1 year high of $365.75. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The payment services company reported $4.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.98 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $18.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $18.03 billion. American Express had a return on equity of 33.41% and a net margin of 14.97%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.49 earnings per share. American Express has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.200-15.500 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that American Express will post 15.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. American Express Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 10th. Investors of record on Friday, October 10th will be given a $0.82 dividend. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 10th. American Expresss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 22.01%. Insider Transactions at American Express In other news, insider Denise Pickett sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $350.73, for a total transaction of $1,753,650.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 7,726 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,709,739.98. The trade was a 39.29% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Stephen J. Squeri sold 112,272 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $329.86, for a total transaction of $37,034,041.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 92,810 shares in the company, valued at $30,614,306.60. The trade was a 54.74% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 160,290 shares of company stock valued at $52,364,898 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On American Express Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of AXP. R Squared Ltd acquired a new position in shares of American Express in the first quarter valued at $509,000. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of American Express by 15.8% during the 1st quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 8,787 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $2,364,000 after buying an additional 1,199 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its stake in American Express by 6.6% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 60,634 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $16,314,000 after buying an additional 3,776 shares during the last quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. raised its holdings in American Express by 7.9% in the 1st quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. now owns 107,499 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $28,923,000 after acquiring an additional 7,874 shares during the period. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB lifted its position in American Express by 2.2% during the second quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 2,267,377 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $721,525,000 after acquiring an additional 49,593 shares during the last quarter. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. American Express Company Profile (Get Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as integrated payments company in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Canada, the Caribbean, and Internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Consumer Services, Commercial Services, International Card Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE:OGS Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the nine ratings firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $80.6875. A number of equities analysts have commented on OGS shares. Mizuho upgraded shares of ONE Gas from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and upped their target price for the stock from $77.00 to $86.00 in a research note on Friday, September 26th. Morgan Stanley restated an outperform rating and issued a $72.00 target price on shares of ONE Gas in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of ONE Gas in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on shares of ONE Gas from $89.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Get ONE Gas alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ONE Gas ONE Gas Trading Up 1.6% NYSE OGS opened at $81.51 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $4.89 billion, a PE ratio of 19.45, a PEG ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 0.85. ONE Gas has a 12 month low of $66.38 and a 12 month high of $83.39. The companys 50-day moving average price is $78.71 and its 200-day moving average price is $76.01. The company has a current ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. ONE Gas (NYSE:OGS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The utilities provider reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by ($0.12). The company had revenue of $379.13 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $404.19 million. ONE Gas had a net margin of 10.63% and a return on equity of 8.07%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.34 EPS. ONE Gas has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.340-4.400 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that ONE Gas will post 4.26 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On ONE Gas A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. KBC Group NV increased its position in ONE Gas by 21.6% during the 1st quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 2,697 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $204,000 after purchasing an additional 479 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas increased its position in ONE Gas by 369.2% during the 1st quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 20,172 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,525,000 after purchasing an additional 15,873 shares during the period. Advisors Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in ONE Gas during the 1st quarter valued at about $562,000. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in ONE Gas by 102.7% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,346 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $102,000 after purchasing an additional 682 shares during the period. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in ONE Gas by 21.2% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 70,834 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,354,000 after purchasing an additional 12,392 shares during the period. 88.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About ONE Gas (Get Free Report) ONE Gas, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a regulated natural gas distribution company in the United States. The company provides natural gas distribution services to approximately 2.3 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. It serves residential, commercial, and transportation customers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ONE Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ONE Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Anhui Conch Cement Co. (OTCMKTS:AHCHY Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 108,538 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 770% from the previous sessions volume of 12,469 shares.The stock last traded at $14.4950 and had previously closed at $14.87. Anhui Conch Cement Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a quick ratio of 2.93 and a current ratio of 3.23. The company has a market capitalization of $15.36 billion, a PE ratio of 11.88 and a beta of 0.22. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $15.31 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $14.39. Get Anhui Conch Cement alerts: Anhui Conch Cement (OTCMKTS:AHCHY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.26 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $2.80 billion for the quarter. Anhui Conch Cement had a net margin of 10.74% and a return on equity of 4.65%. Anhui Conch Cement Cuts Dividend Anhui Conch Cement Company Profile The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 10th were given a $0.1173 dividend. This represents a yield of 77.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 9th. Anhui Conch Cements payout ratio is currently 18.55%. (Get Free Report) Anhui Conch Cement Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, sells, and trades in clinker and cement products. The company operates through five segments: Eastern China, Central China, Southern China, Western China, and Overseas. It provides construction and installation services for industrial purposes; logistic services; and mining and related services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Anhui Conch Cement Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anhui Conch Cement and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:AIT Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the seven ratings firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $287.50. AIT has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, July 26th. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from $275.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Industrial Alliance Securities set a $290.00 target price on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Mizuho set a $305.00 price target on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Raymond James Financial downgraded shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, August 15th. Get Applied Industrial Technologies alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on AIT Applied Industrial Technologies Price Performance NYSE:AIT opened at $253.37 on Tuesday. Applied Industrial Technologies has a one year low of $199.96 and a one year high of $282.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 2.36 and a current ratio of 3.55. The firm has a market cap of $9.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.39, a PEG ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.96. The firms fifty day moving average is $259.00 and its two-hundred day moving average is $248.60. Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE:AIT Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $2.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.47 by $0.16. Applied Industrial Technologies had a net margin of 8.61% and a return on equity of 21.86%. The business had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.19 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.36 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. Applied Industrial Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 10.100-10.850 EPS. Research analysts expect that Applied Industrial Technologies will post 9.9 EPS for the current year. Applied Industrial Technologies Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be given a dividend of $0.46 per share. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. Applied Industrial Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 17.71%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, VP Kurt W. Loring sold 8,523 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $267.06, for a total transaction of $2,276,152.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 19,273 shares in the company, valued at $5,147,047.38. This represents a 30.66% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Neil A. Schrimsher sold 26,671 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $262.46, for a total transaction of $7,000,070.66. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 149,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $39,299,448.10. This trade represents a 15.12% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 42,660 shares of company stock worth $11,217,980 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of AIT. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its holdings in Applied Industrial Technologies by 2,033.3% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 128 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Applied Industrial Technologies by 111.1% in the 1st quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 133 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 70 shares during the last quarter. Maseco LLP acquired a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Wayfinding Financial LLC acquired a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.52% of the companys stock. About Applied Industrial Technologies (Get Free Report) Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc distributes industrial motion, power, control, and automation technology solutions in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. It operates in two segments, Service Center Based Distribution, and Engineered Solutions. The company distributes bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, advanced automation products, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, automation solutions, tools, safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies; and motors, belting, drives, couplings, pumps, hydraulic and pneumatic components, filtration supplies, valves, fittings, process instrumentation, actuators, and hoses, filtration supplies, as well as other related supplies for general operational needs of customers' machinery and equipment. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Applied Industrial Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Applied Industrial Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors cut its holdings in Suncor Energy Inc. (NYSE:SU Free Report) (TSE:SU) by 26.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 18,958 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 6,789 shares during the period. Arkadios Wealth Advisors holdings in Suncor Energy were worth $710,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Shell Asset Management Co. grew its position in Suncor Energy by 65.8% during the second quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. now owns 103,082 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $3,854,000 after buying an additional 40,892 shares in the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth grew its position in Suncor Energy by 1.3% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 796,967 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $30,859,000 after buying an additional 10,514 shares in the last quarter. Canoe Financial LP acquired a new stake in Suncor Energy during the second quarter worth about $9,653,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in Suncor Energy by 13.3% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 3,492,472 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $135,228,000 after buying an additional 409,032 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its position in Suncor Energy by 36.3% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 944,533 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $36,572,000 after buying an additional 251,298 shares in the last quarter. 67.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Suncor Energy alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on SU shares. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on Suncor Energy in a report on Friday, October 17th. They set an equal weight rating on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Suncor Energy in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research downgraded Suncor Energy from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $65.00 price objective on shares of Suncor Energy in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Suncor Energy presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $65.00. Suncor Energy Stock Down 0.5% Shares of SU opened at $39.63 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $47.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.19, a PEG ratio of 3.52 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.77. Suncor Energy Inc. has a one year low of $30.79 and a one year high of $43.48. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $40.79 and its 200-day simple moving average is $38.79. Suncor Energy (NYSE:SU Get Free Report) (TSE:SU) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 5th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.50 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $8.81 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.56 billion. Suncor Energy had a return on equity of 13.21% and a net margin of 11.35%.During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.27 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Suncor Energy Inc. will post 3.42 EPS for the current fiscal year. Suncor Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Suncor Energy Inc operates as an integrated energy company in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; and Refining and Marketing segments. The Oil Sands segment explores, develops, and produces bitumen, synthetic crude oil, and related products. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Suncor Energy Inc. (NYSE:SU Free Report) (TSE:SU). Receive News & Ratings for Suncor Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suncor Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GAZA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The armed wing of Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades, said on Tuesday that its fighters had found the remains of an Israeli soldier in Gaza City's Shejaiya neighborhood and were preparing to hand them over to Israel. In a statement, al-Qassam said its members discovered the body "during ongoing excavation and search operations inside the yellow zone" in eastern Shejaiya, and that arrangements were underway to transfer it to Israel. The group said the entry of engineering equipment and the presence of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) teams, escorted by al-Qassam members, had "significantly contributed to the rapid recovery of the bodies." Eyewitnesses said masked al-Qassam fighters carrying light weapons entered Shejaiya early on Tuesday alongside ICRC teams to search for the remains of Israeli soldiers. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said separately that the movement was continuing efforts to hand over the remains of Israeli captives "despite challenges and obstacles," and aimed to complete the exchange process as soon as possible. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report issued on Saturday. Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $361.00 to $315.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Friday. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $322.00 to $329.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $323.73. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on AJG Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Trading Down 2.5% Shares of NYSE:AJG opened at $243.23 on Friday. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 12-month low of $239.47 and a 12-month high of $351.23. The business has a 50 day moving average of $293.59 and a 200-day moving average of $309.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.36, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market cap of $62.36 billion, a PE ratio of 34.55 and a beta of 0.73. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.51 by ($0.19). The firm had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.34 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 13.17% and a net margin of 14.54%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.26 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current year. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be issued a dividend of $0.65 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s payout ratio is 38.86%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 8,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $299.54, for a total value of $2,396,320.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 100,777 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,186,742.58. This trade represents a 7.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, VP Michael Robert Pesch bought 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $247.12 per share, with a total value of $988,480.00. Following the purchase, the vice president owned 41,849 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,341,724.88. This represents a 10.57% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 29,855 shares of company stock worth $8,916,928 in the last ninety days. 1.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of AJG. AlphaQuest LLC increased its holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 232.3% in the third quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 206 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $64,000 after purchasing an additional 144 shares during the period. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC raised its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 3.3% during the third quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 3,464 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,073,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 2.8% in the third quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,923 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $596,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the period. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd boosted its holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 181.7% in the third quarter. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd now owns 3,913 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,212,000 after acquiring an additional 2,524 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 14.6% during the 3rd quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 65,688 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $20,346,000 after purchasing an additional 8,346 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 85.53% of the companys stock. About Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Get Free Report) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co engages in the provision of insurance brokerage, reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party claims settlement and administration services. It operates through the following segments: Brokerage, Risk Management, and Corporate. The Brokerage segment consists of retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) VP Michael Robert Pesch bought 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The shares were bought at an average cost of $247.12 per share, for a total transaction of $988,480.00. Following the purchase, the vice president directly owned 41,849 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,341,724.88. This represents a 10.57% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Trading Down 2.5% AJG stock traded down $6.26 during trading on Monday, reaching $243.23. The company had a trading volume of 2,522,946 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,543,851. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 52 week low of $239.47 and a 52 week high of $351.23. The company has a market cap of $62.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.55 and a beta of 0.73. The business has a 50 day moving average of $293.59 and a 200 day moving average of $309.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.36. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.51 by ($0.19). Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 14.54% and a return on equity of 13.17%. The business had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.26 EPS. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s revenue for the quarter was up 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Announces Dividend Institutional Trading of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be paid a dividend of $0.65 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 38.86%. Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of AJG. J.Safra Asset Management Corp raised its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 209.1% during the second quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp now owns 102 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC purchased a new position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the first quarter worth about $33,000. Saudi Central Bank purchased a new position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the first quarter worth about $34,000. Rakuten Securities Inc. raised its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 650.0% during the second quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 105 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the period. Finally, Centennial Bank AR purchased a new position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the first quarter worth about $38,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.53% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $361.00 to $315.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $365.00 to $366.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $323.73. Read Our Latest Stock Report on AJG Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Company Profile (Get Free Report) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co engages in the provision of insurance brokerage, reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party claims settlement and administration services. It operates through the following segments: Brokerage, Risk Management, and Corporate. The Brokerage segment consists of retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atria Investments Inc grew its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report) by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 39,157 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 1,239 shares during the period. Atria Investments Incs holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities were worth $2,844,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Sound Income Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Avalon Trust Co purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the first quarter valued at about $32,000. TruNorth Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the first quarter valued at about $34,000. Cromwell Holdings LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the first quarter valued at about $36,000. Finally, American National Bank & Trust purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.54% of the companys stock. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have commented on ARE shares. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $98.00 to $65.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $104.00 to $74.00 in a research note on Friday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. BMO Capital Markets began coverage on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Tuesday, September 23rd. They issued an outperform rating and a $100.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald dropped their target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $79.00 to $52.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $86.93. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Price Performance ARE opened at $55.68 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $9.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -22.54, a PEG ratio of 5.06 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $79.05 and a 200-day moving average price of $76.22. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a twelve month low of $55.02 and a twelve month high of $116.52. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.22 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.31 by ($0.09). The business had revenue of $751.94 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $752.90 million. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a negative return on equity of 1.89% and a negative net margin of 13.43%.Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess revenue for the quarter was down 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.37 EPS. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.980-9.040 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 9.32 EPS for the current year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were paid a $1.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 30th. This represents a $5.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.5%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -213.77%. About Alexandria Real Estate Equities (Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ARE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp cut its stake in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 5.6% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,630,756 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 96,316 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corps holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $436,292,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Bearing Point Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 2.0% in the first quarter. Bearing Point Capital LLC now owns 1,973 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $522,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the period. Forum Financial Management LP raised its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 0.9% in the first quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 4,428 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,171,000 after purchasing an additional 39 shares during the period. Y.D. More Investments Ltd increased its position in Travelers Companies by 13.9% during the first quarter. Y.D. More Investments Ltd now owns 319 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $84,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the period. Park National Corp OH increased its position in Travelers Companies by 1.6% during the second quarter. Park National Corp OH now owns 2,580 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $690,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the period. Finally, ORG Partners LLC increased its position in Travelers Companies by 5.6% during the second quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 776 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $207,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares during the period. 82.45% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently commented on TRV. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $284.00 to $287.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Evercore ISI reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $289.00 to $297.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Cantor Fitzgerald raised shares of Travelers Companies to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, Barclays set a $313.00 price target on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $291.31. Travelers Companies Trading Down 0.5% Shares of Travelers Companies stock opened at $267.16 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $59.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.51, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a quick ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $230.23 and a 12-month high of $287.95. The firms 50-day moving average price is $273.75 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $268.27. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 16th. The insurance provider reported $8.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.01 by $2.13. The firm had revenue of $11.47 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.15 billion. Travelers Companies had a net margin of 12.14% and a return on equity of 20.28%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $5.24 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a dividend of $1.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.6%. Travelers Companiess payout ratio is 17.30%. Insider Activity at Travelers Companies In related news, EVP Mojgan M. Lefebvre sold 16,820 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $277.54, for a total transaction of $4,668,222.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 8,572 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $270.73, for a total transaction of $2,320,697.56. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 33,638 shares in the company, valued at $9,106,815.74. This trade represents a 20.31% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders own 1.46% of the companys stock. Travelers Companies Profile (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp trimmed its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report) by 6.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,391,782 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 95,195 shares during the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corps holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. were worth $445,537,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of AJG. J.Safra Asset Management Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 209.1% in the 2nd quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp now owns 102 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC purchased a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 1st quarter worth about $33,000. Saudi Central Bank purchased a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 1st quarter worth about $34,000. Centennial Bank AR purchased a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 1st quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Motco boosted its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 700.0% in the 1st quarter. Motco now owns 112 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. 85.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. In other Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. news, VP Michael Robert Pesch purchased 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was acquired at an average price of $247.12 per share, with a total value of $988,480.00. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 41,849 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,341,724.88. This trade represents a 10.57% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $299.54, for a total value of $2,396,320.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 100,777 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,186,742.58. The trade was a 7.35% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 29,855 shares of company stock valued at $8,916,928 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AJG has been the subject of a number of research reports. Piper Sandler cut their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $340.00 to $295.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $370.00 to $353.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $361.00 to $315.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday. Erste Group Bank restated a hold rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Finally, Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $323.73. View Our Latest Stock Report on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Trading Down 2.5% Shares of AJG stock opened at $243.23 on Tuesday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $293.59 and a 200 day moving average of $309.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $62.36 billion, a PE ratio of 34.55 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.36. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 1-year low of $239.47 and a 1-year high of $351.23. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.51 by ($0.19). The business had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 14.54% and a return on equity of 13.17%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.26 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current year. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be given a dividend of $0.65 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio is presently 38.86%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Company Profile (Free Report) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co engages in the provision of insurance brokerage, reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party claims settlement and administration services. It operates through the following segments: Brokerage, Risk Management, and Corporate. The Brokerage segment consists of retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AJG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock Greater Europe (LON:BRGE Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday. The company reported GBX 6.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Digital Look Earnings reports. BlackRock Greater Europe had a return on equity of 14.06% and a net margin of 90.71%. BlackRock Greater Europe Stock Performance Shares of BRGE stock traded down GBX 7 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching GBX 592. 96,633 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 156,314. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 587.80 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 582.36. The firm has a market capitalization of 558.81 million, a PE ratio of -44.92 and a beta of 1.01. BlackRock Greater Europe has a 12 month low of GBX 470.37 and a 12 month high of GBX 619. Get BlackRock Greater Europe alerts: About BlackRock Greater Europe (Get Free Report) Further Reading The Company aims to provide capital growth, primarily through investment in a focused portfolio constructed from a combination of the securities of large, mid and small capitalisation European companies, together with some investment in the developing markets of Europe. Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Greater Europe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Greater Europe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Brinker International (NYSE:EAT Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report published on Saturday. EAT has been the topic of a number of other reports. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on shares of Brinker International from $215.00 to $200.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Citigroup dropped their target price on shares of Brinker International from $156.00 to $144.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Brinker International in a report on Thursday, October 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their target price on shares of Brinker International from $207.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded shares of Brinker International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $190.00 to $192.00 in a report on Monday, October 6th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $165.67. Get Brinker International alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on EAT Brinker International Stock Down 3.3% EAT stock opened at $105.02 on Friday. Brinker International has a 52 week low of $103.41 and a 52 week high of $192.21. The company has a market capitalization of $4.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 1.38. The firms 50-day moving average is $136.78 and its two-hundred day moving average is $152.41. The company has a current ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53. Brinker International (NYSE:EAT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $1.93 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.17. Brinker International had a net margin of 7.94% and a return on equity of 164.66%. The company had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.32 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.95 EPS. Brinker Internationals revenue was up 18.5% on a year-over-year basis. Brinker International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.900-10.50 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Brinker International will post 8.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, Director Harriet Edelman sold 8,325 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $157.00, for a total transaction of $1,307,025.00. Following the sale, the director owned 28,905 shares in the company, valued at $4,538,085. The trade was a 22.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, COO Douglas N. Comings sold 16,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.48, for a total transaction of $2,503,680.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 12,951 shares in the company, valued at $2,026,572.48. The trade was a 55.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 68,325 shares of company stock worth $10,754,785 over the last 90 days. 1.43% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Westfield Capital Management Co. LP grew its position in Brinker International by 24.2% during the second quarter. Westfield Capital Management Co. LP now owns 1,236,583 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $222,993,000 after purchasing an additional 240,870 shares in the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its position in Brinker International by 86.4% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 1,091,692 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $196,865,000 after purchasing an additional 506,087 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in Brinker International by 1.3% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,071,523 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $193,619,000 after purchasing an additional 14,033 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in Brinker International by 5.1% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 967,550 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $144,201,000 after purchasing an additional 46,896 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Balyasny Asset Management L.P. grew its position in Brinker International by 107.1% during the second quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 639,362 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $115,296,000 after purchasing an additional 330,611 shares in the last quarter. Brinker International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brinker International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the ownership, development, operation, and franchising of casual dining restaurants in the United States and internationally. It operates and franchises Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant brands. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brinker International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brinker International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE:ALV Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eighteen analysts that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $128.00. A number of equities analysts recently commented on ALV shares. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Autoliv from $132.00 to $129.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Mizuho lifted their target price on Autoliv from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Wall Street Zen upgraded Autoliv from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, July 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $133.00 target price on Autoliv in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Berenberg Bank set a $134.00 price objective on shares of Autoliv in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Get Autoliv alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Autoliv Institutional Investors Weigh In On Autoliv Autoliv Price Performance Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its holdings in shares of Autoliv by 122.9% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 370 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 204 shares in the last quarter. Summit Securities Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Autoliv in the 1st quarter valued at about $1,029,000. Impax Asset Management Group plc grew its stake in Autoliv by 11.9% in the first quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 84,358 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $7,461,000 after purchasing an additional 8,953 shares during the last quarter. Entropy Technologies LP bought a new position in Autoliv in the first quarter worth about $407,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Autoliv by 418.3% during the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,483,726 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $219,686,000 after buying an additional 2,004,515 shares during the last quarter. 69.57% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. ALV stock opened at $119.07 on Friday. Autoliv has a 12 month low of $75.49 and a 12 month high of $129.54. The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $122.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $113.03. The stock has a market cap of $9.04 billion, a PE ratio of 12.30, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.33. Autoliv (NYSE:ALV Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The auto parts company reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.10 by $0.22. Autoliv had a net margin of 7.09% and a return on equity of 31.22%. The firm had revenue of $2.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.66 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.84 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Autoliv will post 9.51 earnings per share for the current year. Autoliv Company Profile (Get Free Report) Autoliv, Inc, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and supplies passive safety systems to the automotive industry in Europe, the Americas, China, Japan, and rest of Asia. It offers passive safety systems, including modules and components for frontal-impact airbag protection systems, side-impact airbag protection systems, seatbelts, steering wheels, and inflator technologies. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Autoliv Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Autoliv and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fortis (NYSE:FTS Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the twelve ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $72.00. Several analysts recently commented on FTS shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Fortis in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. National Bankshares reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Fortis in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Cibc World Mkts raised shares of Fortis from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 21st. Scotiabank reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Fortis in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of Fortis from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, August 18th. Get Fortis alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Fortis Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fortis Fortis Stock Down 0.9% Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. grew its stake in shares of Fortis by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 4,934,402 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $248,925,000 after purchasing an additional 36,910 shares during the period. Intact Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Fortis by 31.4% during the 3rd quarter. Intact Investment Management Inc. now owns 945,005 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $47,938,000 after purchasing an additional 225,995 shares during the period. Newport Trust Company LLC grew its stake in shares of Fortis by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC now owns 9,734 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $494,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares during the period. Baillie Gifford & Co. grew its stake in shares of Fortis by 41.7% during the 3rd quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 315,468 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $16,005,000 after purchasing an additional 92,794 shares during the period. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp acquired a new position in shares of Fortis during the 3rd quarter worth $4,103,000. 57.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. FTS stock opened at $49.79 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $50.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $49.01. Fortis has a 12 month low of $40.32 and a 12 month high of $52.47. The company has a market cap of $25.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.94 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 0.58 and a quick ratio of 0.47. Fortis (NYSE:FTS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.55 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.04. Fortis had a net margin of 14.48% and a return on equity of 7.24%. The firm had revenue of $2.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.91 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.67 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Fortis will post 2.35 earnings per share for the current year. Fortis Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fortis Inc operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 447,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 103,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,408 megawatts (MW), including 68 MW of solar capacity and 250 MV of wind capacity. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Fortis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fortis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Reduce from the nineteen research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Five analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $33.3750. A number of equities research analysts have commented on LUV shares. Hsbc Global Res upgraded Southwest Airlines to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Thursday, July 24th. Barclays lifted their price objective on Southwest Airlines from $26.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. Susquehanna increased their target price on shares of Southwest Airlines from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $35.00 to $33.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Get Southwest Airlines alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines Trading Up 0.3% LUV opened at $30.40 on Tuesday. Southwest Airlines has a fifty-two week low of $23.82 and a fifty-two week high of $37.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.49 and a quick ratio of 0.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.77, a PEG ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 1.21. The companys 50 day moving average price is $32.25 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $31.97. Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The airline reported ($0.38) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 1.38% and a return on equity of 6.39%. The business had revenue of $6.17 billion for the quarter. As a group, research analysts predict that Southwest Airlines will post 1.55 earnings per share for the current year. Southwest Airlines declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, July 23rd that allows the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the airline to purchase up to 9.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Gregg A. Saretsky acquired 3,345 shares of Southwest Airlines stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 6th. The stock was bought at an average price of $30.03 per share, with a total value of $100,450.35. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 23,644 shares in the company, valued at $710,029.32. This represents a 16.48% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.79% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of LUV. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in Southwest Airlines by 8.4% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 9,712 shares of the airlines stock worth $326,000 after buying an additional 749 shares during the period. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. lifted its position in Southwest Airlines by 7.5% in the 1st quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 70,410 shares of the airlines stock valued at $2,364,000 after acquiring an additional 4,937 shares in the last quarter. Bartlett & CO. Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Southwest Airlines by 23.3% during the 1st quarter. Bartlett & CO. Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,659 shares of the airlines stock valued at $90,000 after purchasing an additional 503 shares during the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in Southwest Airlines by 10.4% during the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 63,625 shares of the airlines stock worth $2,137,000 after purchasing an additional 5,981 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Golden State Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Southwest Airlines by 35.7% in the first quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,590 shares of the airlines stock worth $87,000 after purchasing an additional 681 shares during the last quarter. 80.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Southwest Airlines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Southwest Airlines Co operates as a passenger airline company that provides scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2023, the company operated a total fleet of 817 Boeing 737 aircraft; and served 121 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Tuesday in Beijing, calling for enhanced cooperation on multiple fronts and better synergy of development strategies. Xi said that since the beginning of this year, China and Russia have steadfastly navigated a turbulent external environment with great composure, aiming for higher-level and higher-quality development goals. He added that maintaining, consolidating and advancing bilateral relations is a strategic choice for both sides. Noting that new blueprints for bilateral ties were charted during his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin this year, Xi said the two countries should maintain close coordination, fully implement the important common understandings reached by the two leaders, and work to expand the pie of cooperation with an eye on the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, so as to contribute more to world peace and development. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE:BBU Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 57,100 shares, a growth of 40.0% from the September 30th total of 40,800 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 57,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 57,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.0 days. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brookfield Business Partners A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of BBU. BROOKFIELD Corp ON increased its holdings in shares of Brookfield Business Partners by 72.5% during the first quarter. BROOKFIELD Corp ON now owns 44,152,007 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,035,806,000 after purchasing an additional 18,549,503 shares during the period. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. acquired a new stake in Brookfield Business Partners during the first quarter worth approximately $3,997,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in Brookfield Business Partners by 11.7% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 19,802 shares of the business services providers stock worth $465,000 after buying an additional 2,078 shares in the last quarter. AGF Management Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Brookfield Business Partners by 58.2% during the 1st quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 342,906 shares of the business services providers stock worth $8,030,000 after purchasing an additional 126,189 shares in the last quarter. Finally, TD Asset Management Inc grew its holdings in shares of Brookfield Business Partners by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 154,820 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,625,000 after purchasing an additional 4,032 shares in the last quarter. 85.04% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Brookfield Business Partners alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BBU has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Desjardins upped their price objective on Brookfield Business Partners from $31.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Wall Street Zen cut Brookfield Business Partners from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, July 26th. Zacks Research cut Brookfield Business Partners from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on Brookfield Business Partners from $35.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Scotiabank set a $39.00 target price on Brookfield Business Partners and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Brookfield Business Partners has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $35.83. Brookfield Business Partners Stock Performance BBU stock traded down $0.63 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $34.66. 20,750 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 31,406. Brookfield Business Partners has a 12 month low of $18.63 and a 12 month high of $36.72. The company has a current ratio of 1.67, a quick ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.07 billion, a P/E ratio of -266.62 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $31.27 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $27.06. Brookfield Business Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brookfield Business Partners L.P. is a private equity firm specializing in acquisition. The firm typically invests in business services, infrastructure services, construction, energy, and industrials sector. It prefers to take majority stake in companies. The firm seeks returns of at least 15% on its investments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Business Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Business Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bryce Point Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Enersys (NYSE:ENS Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 9,144 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $784,000. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Intech Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Enersys by 13.4% in the 1st quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 29,706 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,720,000 after purchasing an additional 3,512 shares in the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Enersys in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $229,000. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. raised its holdings in Enersys by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 18,576 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,701,000 after buying an additional 338 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in Enersys by 33.9% in the 2nd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 15,751 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,421,000 after buying an additional 3,991 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Picton Mahoney Asset Management bought a new position in Enersys in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $384,000. 94.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Enersys alerts: Enersys Stock Down 0.6% Enersys stock opened at $125.46 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 1.91 and a current ratio of 3.00. Enersys has a 52-week low of $76.57 and a 52-week high of $127.66. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $112.73 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $97.98. The firm has a market cap of $4.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.32, a PEG ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 1.09. Enersys Increases Dividend Enersys ( NYSE:ENS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 6th. The industrial products company reported $2.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.05 by $0.03. Enersys had a net margin of 9.60% and a return on equity of 21.99%. The firm had revenue of $893.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $848.02 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.98 EPS. The companys revenue was up 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that Enersys will post 9.99 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 12th were issued a dividend of $0.2625 per share. This represents a $1.05 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 12th. This is a positive change from Enersyss previous quarterly dividend of $0.24. Enersyss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 11.99%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ENS has been the subject of a number of research reports. Roth Capital reiterated a buy rating and issued a $120.00 price objective on shares of Enersys in a report on Tuesday, August 5th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Enersys from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, September 28th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Enersys in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Enersys in a report on Friday, August 8th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $118.33. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Enersys Enersys Profile (Free Report) EnerSys engages in the provision of stored energy solutions for industrial applications worldwide. It operates in four segments: Energy Systems, Motive Power, Specialty, and New Ventures. The Energy Systems segment offers uninterruptible power systems (UPS) applications for computer and computer-controlled systems, as well as telecommunications systems; switchgear and electrical control systems used in industrial facilities and electric utilities, large-scale energy storage, and energy pipelines; integrated power solutions and services to broadband, telecom, data center, and renewable and industrial customers; and thermally managed cabinets and enclosures for electronic equipment and batteries. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ENS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Enersys (NYSE:ENS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Enersys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enersys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burney Co. lessened its holdings in shares of Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV Free Report) by 3.2% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 20,247 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 670 shares during the period. Burney Co.s holdings in Dover were worth $3,710,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC increased its stake in Dover by 10.1% in the first quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 12,622 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,227,000 after purchasing an additional 1,160 shares in the last quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB raised its holdings in shares of Dover by 9.3% in the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 124,031 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $22,701,000 after acquiring an additional 10,581 shares during the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its holdings in shares of Dover by 77.9% in the 1st quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 614,098 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $107,677,000 after acquiring an additional 268,931 shares during the last quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Dover in the 1st quarter worth about $313,000. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC grew its position in Dover by 1,034.4% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 34,237 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $6,012,000 after purchasing an additional 31,219 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.46% of the companys stock. Get Dover alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have weighed in on DOV. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Dover from $180.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of Dover from $183.00 to $198.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $226.00 target price (up from $202.00) on shares of Dover in a research note on Monday, July 14th. UBS Group set a $200.00 price objective on shares of Dover in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Dover from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $211.55. Dover Price Performance Shares of Dover stock opened at $178.16 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $24.44 billion, a PE ratio of 10.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 1.26. Dover Corporation has a 12-month low of $143.04 and a 12-month high of $222.31. The company has a quick ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 2.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $172.17 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $176.92. Dover (NYSE:DOV Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 30th. The industrial products company reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $1.78 billion for the quarter. Dover had a net margin of 28.37% and a return on equity of 17.62%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Dover Corporation will post 9.45 EPS for the current year. Dover Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 29th were issued a $0.52 dividend. This is a boost from Dovers previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 29th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. Dovers payout ratio is 12.79%. Dover Profile (Free Report) Dover Corporation provides equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services worldwide. The company's Engineered Products segment provides various equipment, component, software, solution, and services that are used in vehicle aftermarket, waste handling, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, industrial winch and hoist, and fluid dispensing end-market. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Dover Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dover and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. (NYSE:CPAC Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Tuesday after JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on the stock from $6.50 to $7.50. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has an underweight rating on the stock. Approximately 18,188 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 187% from the previous sessions volume of 6,340 shares.The stock last traded at $7.3450 and had previously closed at $7.57. Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $6.95. Get Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on CPAC Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. Price Performance A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. stock. BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its position in shares of Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. ( NYSE:CPAC Free Report ) by 6.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 30,110 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,900 shares during the quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets holdings in Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. were worth $179,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $7.00 and a 200 day simple moving average of $6.31. The company has a market capitalization of $622.24 million, a PE ratio of 10.49 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 1.34. Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. (NYSE:CPAC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The construction company reported $0.24 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.19 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $162.44 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $159.70 million. Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. had a return on equity of 17.83% and a net margin of 10.68%. Equities analysts anticipate that Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. will post 0.62 EPS for the current year. Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a special dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 21st will be issued a dividend of $0.6018 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 21st. Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 78.57%. About Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. (Get Free Report) Cementos Pacasmayo SAA., a cement company, produces, distributes, and sells cement and cement-related materials in Peru. It operates through three segments: Cement, Concrete, Mortar and Precast; Quicklime; and Sales of Construction Supplies. The companys cement and concrete products are used in residential and commercial construction, and civil engineering; ready-mix concrete used in construction sites; concrete precast, such as paving units or paver stones for pedestrian walkways, as well as other bricks for partition walls and concrete precast for structural and non-structural uses; and cement-based products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Centerspace (NYSE:CSR Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Monday. The company reported $1.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by ($0.03), Zacks reports. Centerspace had a negative net margin of 9.13% and a negative return on equity of 2.81%. Centerspace updated its FY 2025 guidance to 4.880-4.960 EPS. Centerspace Stock Performance Shares of CSR traded down $0.22 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $59.03. The company had a trading volume of 131,157 shares, compared to its average volume of 105,193. The business has a fifty day moving average of $58.93 and a 200-day moving average of $59.59. The company has a quick ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97. The firm has a market cap of $989.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -32.79 and a beta of 0.73. Centerspace has a 12 month low of $52.76 and a 12 month high of $75.92. Get Centerspace alerts: Centerspace Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 29th were issued a $0.77 dividend. This represents a $3.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.2%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, September 29th. Centerspaces payout ratio is currently -171.11%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently issued reports on CSR. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on shares of Centerspace in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $62.00 price objective on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Centerspace from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Sunday, September 7th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of Centerspace from $67.00 to $60.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 15th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Centerspace from $68.00 to $60.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 27th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Centerspace in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Centerspace presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $68.00. View Our Latest Analysis on Centerspace Insider Activity at Centerspace In related news, CEO Anne Olson purchased 750 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 8th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $55.10 per share, with a total value of $41,325.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer directly owned 19,496 shares in the company, valued at $1,074,229.60. The trade was a 4.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Bhairav Patel acquired 500 shares of Centerspace stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 8th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $54.00 per share, with a total value of $27,000.00. Following the acquisition, the chief financial officer owned 3,733 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $201,582. This trade represents a 15.47% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders have purchased 1,750 shares of company stock worth $95,325. Insiders own 0.44% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co lifted its holdings in shares of Centerspace by 5.2% during the second quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 38,875 shares of the companys stock worth $2,337,000 after buying an additional 1,920 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its position in Centerspace by 204.7% during the second quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 29,113 shares of the companys stock worth $1,752,000 after acquiring an additional 19,557 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Centerspace in the 2nd quarter worth about $1,091,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its stake in Centerspace by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 14,790 shares of the companys stock worth $958,000 after purchasing an additional 287 shares in the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Centerspace by 9.6% in the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 15,583 shares of the companys stock valued at $938,000 after purchasing an additional 1,360 shares during the period. 79.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Centerspace (Get Free Report) Centerspace is an owner and operator of apartment communities committed to providing great homes by focusing on integrity and serving others. Founded in 1970, as of September 30, 2023, Centerspace owned interests in 71 apartment communities consisting of 12,785 apartment homes located in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Centerspace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centerspace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:CQP Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Strong Sell from the six brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and one has given a hold rating to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $54.60. Several brokerages have issued reports on CQP. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Cheniere Energy Partners in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Cheniere Energy Partners from $56.00 to $55.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Cheniere Energy Partners from $61.00 to $56.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. Get Cheniere Energy Partners alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Cheniere Energy Partners Institutional Inflows and Outflows Cheniere Energy Partners Stock Down 0.5% Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CQP. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners during the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its holdings in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners by 180.0% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 476 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 306 shares during the period. Gables Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners during the second quarter worth approximately $34,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its holdings in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners by 25.5% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 924 shares of the companys stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 188 shares during the period. Finally, Montag A & Associates Inc. bought a new position in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners during the first quarter worth approximately $53,000. 46.55% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Shares of CQP stock opened at $51.91 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $53.18 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $55.46. The company has a market capitalization of $25.12 billion, a PE ratio of 12.60 and a beta of 0.37. Cheniere Energy Partners has a 12-month low of $48.00 and a 12-month high of $68.42. Cheniere Energy Partners (NYSE:CQP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 7th. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.96 by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $2.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.21 billion. Cheniere Energy Partners had a negative return on equity of 503.86% and a net margin of 24.62%.The businesss revenue was up 29.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Cheniere Energy Partners will post 4.14 EPS for the current year. Cheniere Energy Partners Cuts Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.775 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 7th. This represents a $3.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.0%. Cheniere Energy Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 80.73%. Cheniere Energy Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P., through its subsidiaries, provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) to integrated energy companies, utilities, and energy trading companies worldwide. The company owns and operates natural gas liquefaction and export facility at the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cheniere Energy Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cheniere Energy Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Minsheng (OTCMKTS:CMAKY Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 4.7% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $5.18 and last traded at $5.18. 1,122 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 28% from the average session volume of 1,559 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.4376. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Zacks Research downgraded China Minsheng from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to MarketBeat.com, China Minsheng presently has an average rating of Sell. Get China Minsheng alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CMAKY China Minsheng Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of $22.68 billion, a PE ratio of 5.63 and a beta of 0.30. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $5.35 and a 200 day moving average price of $5.42. China Minsheng (OTCMKTS:CMAKY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.20 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $5.05 billion for the quarter. China Minsheng had a return on equity of 4.72% and a net margin of 11.62%. China Minsheng Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 15th were paid a $0.1341 dividend. This represents a yield of 579.0%. This is a boost from China Minshengs previous dividend of $0.06. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 12th. China Minshengs payout ratio is presently 29.55%. About China Minsheng (Get Free Report) China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. provides banking products and services for individuals, small and micro-enterprises, corporate customers, government agencies, and financial institutions in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, and Others segments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for China Minsheng Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Minsheng and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Code Waechter LLC grew its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 57.4% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 12,873 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 4,692 shares during the period. Code Waechter LLCs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $596,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb in the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Accent Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb in the 1st quarter worth $33,000. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 66.0% in the 1st quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 581 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 231 shares during the last quarter. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. acquired a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb during the first quarter worth $36,000. Finally, REAP Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 202.8% during the second quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 639 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 428 shares in the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have weighed in on BMY. Morgan Stanley reiterated a hold rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Daiwa America downgraded shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $42.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and fifteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $57.23. Bristol Myers Squibb Stock Down 0.2% Shares of NYSE:BMY opened at $45.96 on Tuesday. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 52 week low of $42.52 and a 52 week high of $63.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.54, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.21. The companys fifty day moving average is $45.32 and its 200-day moving average is $46.76. The company has a market capitalization of $93.55 billion, a PE ratio of 18.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.33. Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.11. Bristol Myers Squibb had a net margin of 10.58% and a return on equity of 80.04%. The company had revenue of $12.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.75 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.80 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bristol Myers Squibb Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, October 3rd were given a dividend of $0.62 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.4%. Bristol Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is 83.78%. Insider Transactions at Bristol Myers Squibb In related news, EVP David V. Elkins sold 56,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.33, for a total transaction of $2,650,480.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 167,379 shares in the company, valued at $7,922,048.07. This represents a 25.07% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Bristol Myers Squibb Company Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Community Health Systems (NYSE:CYH Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Sunday. Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Community Health Systems from $4.00 to $3.50 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 24th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and set a $3.00 price target (down previously from $4.25) on shares of Community Health Systems in a report on Thursday, July 24th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Community Health Systems in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Community Health Systems from $6.00 to $5.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 25th. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of Community Health Systems from $3.50 to $4.25 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $3.73. Get Community Health Systems alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on CYH Community Health Systems Stock Performance Shares of CYH stock opened at $3.84 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $531.78 million, a P/E ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 1.88. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $3.17 and a 200 day moving average price of $3.21. Community Health Systems has a fifty-two week low of $2.24 and a fifty-two week high of $4.64. Community Health Systems (NYSE:CYH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $1.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.30) by $1.57. Community Health Systems had a net margin of 2.60% and a negative return on equity of 6.90%. The firm had revenue of $3.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted ($0.30) earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. Community Health Systems has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.800-0.900 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Community Health Systems will post -0.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of CYH. R Squared Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Community Health Systems by 71.6% in the 1st quarter. R Squared Ltd now owns 10,950 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 4,570 shares in the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Community Health Systems in the 3rd quarter valued at $32,000. CWM LLC raised its position in Community Health Systems by 133.1% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 10,974 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 6,266 shares during the last quarter. Savvy Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Community Health Systems in the 2nd quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, Kapitalo Investimentos Ltda purchased a new stake in Community Health Systems in the 2nd quarter valued at $41,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.99% of the companys stock. Community Health Systems Company Profile (Get Free Report) Community Health Systems, Inc owns, leases, and operates general acute care hospitals in the United States. It offers general acute care, emergency room, general and specialty surgery, critical care, internal medicine, obstetrics, diagnostic, psychiatric, and rehabilitation services, as well as skilled nursing and home care services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Community Health Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Health Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Corton Capital Inc. bought a new position in Crane (NYSE:CR Free Report) in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund bought 1,125 shares of the conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $214,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Westpac Banking Corp acquired a new position in Crane in the 1st quarter worth about $76,000. Brooklyn Investment Group increased its holdings in Crane by 35.7% in the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 809 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $124,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its holdings in Crane by 70.7% in the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 920 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $141,000 after purchasing an additional 381 shares in the last quarter. AlphaQuest LLC increased its holdings in Crane by 39.4% in the 1st quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 924 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $142,000 after purchasing an additional 261 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sivia Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Crane in the second quarter valued at about $207,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.14% of the companys stock. Get Crane alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on Crane from $200.00 to $202.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $230.00 price target (up previously from $215.00) on shares of Crane in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Crane in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Bank of America increased their price target on Crane from $220.00 to $225.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 21st. Finally, DA Davidson set a $235.00 price target on Crane in a research note on Thursday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Crane presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $223.60. Crane Stock Up 1.3% Shares of Crane stock opened at $192.46 on Tuesday. Crane has a one year low of $127.04 and a one year high of $203.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 0.88. The stocks 50-day moving average is $184.47 and its 200 day moving average is $181.74. The firm has a market cap of $11.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.49, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.22. Crane (NYSE:CR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The conglomerate reported $1.64 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.18. Crane had a return on equity of 24.45% and a net margin of 13.10%.The company had revenue of $589.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $578.54 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.38 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. Crane has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.750-5.950 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Crane will post 7.87 EPS for the current year. Crane Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a dividend of $0.23 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Cranes dividend payout ratio is presently 14.74%. Insider Activity at Crane In related news, VP Alejandro Alcala sold 20,791 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $192.74, for a total transaction of $4,007,257.34. Following the sale, the vice president owned 33,526 shares in the company, valued at $6,461,801.24. This represents a 38.28% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 2.12% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About Crane (Free Report) Crane Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells engineered industrial products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies, and Engineered Materials. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Crane (NYSE:CR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Crane Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crane and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. On October 30, two containers filled with washing machines were successfully dispatched from the Hefei Railway Logistics Center under the supervision of Luzhou Customs, which is part of Hefei Customs. The shipment will adopt a new multimodal transport model of "railway + highway," traveling by rail from Hefei to Kashibei Station in Xinjiang, and then transferring to road transport to Kyrgyzstan. This marks the addition of another international freight logistics channel from Hefei to Central Asia. It is reported that the railway-highway multimodal transport is a new logistics supervision model launched by the General Administration of Customs in collaboration with China Railway. This model achieves "one-time carriage and one-document connectivity," meaning export goods are declared and inspected once at the place of departure without the need for transit procedures. The entire logistics process involves one-time carriage, with customs supervision "one-document connectivity" ensuring smooth passage throughout. Container transport operates on a "no container change, no unpacking, and one-container delivery" basis. In recent years, Anhui is transforming from an inland hinterland into a forefront of opening-up, making the construction of external logistics channels particularly important. Li Yan, Deputy Director of Hefei Customs, stated that Anhui is accelerating the development of a multi-dimensional "water, land, and air" international logistics network. Data shows that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the cumulative number of China-Europe freight train from Anhui reached 4,029. The number of trips operated during this period accounts for about three-fourths of the total since its inaugural operation in 2014. Currently, China-Europe freight train (Hefei) covers international routes reaching 20 countries and 177 international stations, while China-Europe freight train (Wuhu) serves routes covering 4 countries and 14 international stations. The China-Europe freight train has demonstrated the "Anhui speed." Recently, at the Wuhu Port International Container Terminal, rows of domestically produced new energy vehicles were neatly arranged. After on-site inspection and supervision by Wuhu Customs officers, these 120 new energy vehicles were prepared to be loaded onto ships and transported overseas via the Yangtze River. "Driven by the waves of new energy and intelligent technology, the global automotive industry is undergoing profound changes. Facing the challenges of industry transformation, Chery has accelerated its technological layout in the fields of new energy and intelligence, continuously exploring scenario innovation and ecosystem development," said Feng Ping, Head of International Business at Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. "Thanks to the Customs' 'coordinated pickup and drop-off' supervision model, new energy vehicles can now 'set sail directly' from our doorstep, significantly reducing logistics and time costs for enterprises and enhancing international competitiveness." Li Yan introduced that the "coordinated pickup and drop-off" supervision model has achieved full coverage across all water transport ports in the province. This model eliminates customs procedures such as transit declarations and secondary arrival reporting. According to enterprise feedback, it can reduce transfer transportation time by 50% and domestic transportation costs by 30%. The implementation of the "direct loading and unloading" operation mode means that import and export goods only need to be handled once at the terminal, reducing port stay time by 90%. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Hefei Customs has supervised 55,700 TEUs under the "coordinated pickup and drop-off" model and 55,800 shipments under the "direct loading and unloading" model. Additionally, in terms of air transport, the province has fully supported the construction of the Hefei International Air Cargo Distribution Center and the Wuhu Specialized Air Cargo Hub. Efforts have been made to ensure the opening of new international cargo routes, with the province now operating over 20 international air routes connecting major economic and trade cities in Asia, Europe, and America. The province continues to promote the implementation of "air-land intermodal transport" and "air-to-air transfer" services, while piloting the "airside direct access" supervision model to achieve efficient connectivity between international and domestic cargo. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the annual growth rate of inbound and outbound cargo volume at Hefei Xinqiao Airport has exceeded 16%, with an estimated cargo volume of 40,000 tons this year. Since its inaugural flight in April last year, Wuhu Xuanzhou Airport has experienced rapid business growth, with cargo volume exceeding 10,000 tons so far this year. Source: Anhui Daily BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday urged the Netherlands to stop interfering in internal corporate affairs and work toward a constructive solution to the issue of the semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia. A spokesperson for the ministry made the remarks when asked to comment on recent issues related to Nexperia, an overseas subsidiary of Chinese company Wingtech. The spokesperson said the Dutch side failing to take concrete action to resolve the issue will inevitably deepen the adverse impact on the global semiconductor supply chain, an outcome neither the Chinese side nor the global industry wishes to see. China hopes the Dutch side, with the goal of maintaining China-Netherlands and China-Europe economic and trade relations as well as the stability and security of industrial and supply chains, can act responsibly and work in the same direction with China, the spokesperson said. China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises, and strive to maintain the stable and smooth operation of the global semiconductor supply chain, the spokesperson said. Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:DHY Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Monday, November 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of 0.0155 per share by the real estate investment trust on Monday, November 24th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 17th. Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund Price Performance NYSEAMERICAN DHY traded up $0.01 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $2.08. 62,428 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 574,402. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $2.09 and a 200-day moving average price of $2.08. Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund has a fifty-two week low of $1.82 and a fifty-two week high of $2.24. Get Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Sheaff Brock Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund by 33.3% in the first quarter. Sheaff Brock Investment Advisors LLC now owns 20,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP acquired a new position in shares of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund in the second quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its position in shares of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund by 227.2% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 24,628 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 17,101 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund in the first quarter valued at approximately $54,000. Finally, D.A. Davidson & CO. acquired a new position in shares of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund in the third quarter valued at approximately $68,000. Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund Company Profile Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It invests in the securities of companies across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in below-investment-grade corporate bonds with an average credit quality lower than BBB by Standard & Poor's and an average duration of 5.07 years. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Integrity Insurance Group (NYSE:AII Get Free Report) is one of 57 publicly-traded companies in the INS PROP&CASLTY industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare American Integrity Insurance Group to related companies based on the strength of its dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations and earnings. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for American Integrity Insurance Group and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat. Get American Integrity Insurance Group alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American Integrity Insurance Group 1 1 7 0 2.67 American Integrity Insurance Group Competitors 506 2981 3197 141 2.44 American Integrity Insurance Group currently has a consensus price target of $25.20, suggesting a potential upside of 6.58%. As a group, INS PROP&CASLTY companies have a potential downside of 3.02%. Given American Integrity Insurance Groups stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe American Integrity Insurance Group is more favorable than its rivals. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Integrity Insurance Group N/A N/A N/A American Integrity Insurance Group Competitors 9.34% 12.93% 3.79% Insider & Institutional Ownership This table compares American Integrity Insurance Group and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 65.1% of shares of all INS PROP&CASLTY companies are owned by institutional investors. 10.8% of shares of all INS PROP&CASLTY companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation This table compares American Integrity Insurance Group and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio American Integrity Insurance Group $260.05 million $39.74 million 6.24 American Integrity Insurance Group Competitors $24.54 billion $4.57 billion 13.29 American Integrity Insurance Groups rivals have higher revenue and earnings than American Integrity Insurance Group. American Integrity Insurance Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Summary American Integrity Insurance Group rivals beat American Integrity Insurance Group on 9 of the 12 factors compared. American Integrity Insurance Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) We are a profitable and growing insurance group headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Through our insurance carrier subsidiary, American Integrity Insurance Company of Florida, Inc. (AIICFL), we provide personal residential property insurance for single-family homeowners and condominium owners as well as coverage for vacant dwellings and investment properties, predominantly in Florida. 98.6% of our direct premiums written (DPW) for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 97.6% of our policies in-force as of December 31, 2024 were in Florida. We are the seventh largest writer of residential property insurance in Florida based on DPW for policies in-force as of December 31, 2024 according to data compiled by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR), making us a leading specialty residential property insurer in the state. We have been a stable, disciplined provider of residential insurance coverage in Florida for more than 19 years. Our management team founded our company in 2006 to capitalize on dislocation in the Florida residential property insurance market following the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, in which a number of severe hurricanes resulted in record insured property losses and caused a number of national insurance companies to retreat from writing residential property insurance in the state. Florida has a large and growing population with a growing residential property insurance market. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida was the third most populous state in the United States with 23.4 million residents as of July 1, 2024, and recorded the second fastest population growth rate and second greatest nominal increase in population of all states in the U.S. from 2023 to 2024. Population growth supports growth in the property insurance market, which creates opportunity for insurance carriers with the specialized expertise to profitably underwrite property insurance in the Florida market. Florida is a complex property insurance market with a distinct regulatory environment and risk profile due to its geographic location, population centers concentrated along the coast, and elevated threat of property damage from catastrophic weather events including hurricanes, requiring a tailored approach to providing insurance coverage. We believe that consistently delivering underwriting profits in this market requires a high level of focus and specialization, including localized knowledge, market-specific expertise, granular and analytical underwriting and claims management, extensive historical data, effective use of technology, and a deep understanding of Floridas regulatory environment all of which we believe we have developed over our 19-year history writing residential property insurance in Florida. We believe this expertise is transferable and repeatable in other Southeastern coastal states. Through active monitoring of local market conditions and prudent risk selection and capital allocation, we seek to be a stable and reliable insurance market for our policyholders and distribution partners, and to consistently deliver best-in-class profitability and value creation for our stockholders. Our history of profitability and prudent exposure management is matched by our commitment to innovation. We have built a technology-forward platform that we believe augments the expertise of our underwriting and claims teams, enhances our access to risk and claims data, accelerates and improves our underwriting and claims decision making, and improves our distribution partner and policyholder interface. Our use of advanced technology solutions covers the insurance process end-to-end, from risk selection and underwriting to streamlined quoting, policy management and claims handling. Our technology and data capture are critical to our ability to monitor our underwriting results at a granular level, timely modify our underwriting criteria and pricing to respond to changing market conditions, and effectively navigate Floridas historically volatile property insurance market cycles. We believe the current Florida residential property insurance market presents substantial attractive opportunities for carriers with specialized underwriting and claims expertise, established distribution relationships, advanced technology, and entrepreneurial leadership. Despite historical market-related disruptions and challenges caused by increasing hurricane catastrophe activity and other severe weather events, a general tort environment related to property insurance that led to increased litigation, and reduced insurance capacity as a result of multiple large national insurance carrier exits, we believe the legislative reforms in Florida enacted in late 2022, in addition to Assignment of Benefits (AOB) reform, which began in 2019, are proving effective at combating historically rampant property insurance legal system abuse and claims fraud, paving the way for a more stable and resilient property insurance market and greater opportunities for us to profitably underwrite residential property insurance in Florida. Our principal executive offices are located in Tampa, FL. Receive News & Ratings for American Integrity Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Integrity Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Enlightify (NYSE:ENFY Get Free Report) is one of 46 public companies in the CHEM DIVERSIFD industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Enlightify to related businesses based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, institutional ownership, risk, valuation and earnings. Profitability This table compares Enlightify and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Enlightify alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Enlightify -22.98% -18.78% -11.03% Enlightify Competitors -63.40% -0.73% -0.46% Institutional & Insider Ownership 0.1% of Enlightify shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 62.5% of shares of all CHEM DIVERSIFD companies are held by institutional investors. 14.0% of Enlightify shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 4.5% of shares of all CHEM DIVERSIFD companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Enlightify $79.21 million -$28.41 million -0.08 Enlightify Competitors $10.42 billion $486.03 million -1.11 This table compares Enlightify and its peers revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Enlightifys peers have higher revenue and earnings than Enlightify. Enlightify is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Enlightify and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Enlightify 1 0 0 0 1.00 Enlightify Competitors 671 2889 3314 110 2.41 As a group, CHEM DIVERSIFD companies have a potential upside of 35.32%. Given Enlightifys peers stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Enlightify has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Volatility and Risk Enlightify has a beta of 0.99, indicating that its share price is 1% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Enlightifys peers have a beta of 0.95, indicating that their average share price is 5% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Enlightify peers beat Enlightify on 9 of the 13 factors compared. Enlightify Company Profile (Get Free Report) Enlightify, Inc. engages in the research, development, production, and sale of various types of fertilizers and agricultural products. It operates through the following segments: Jinong, Gufeng, and Yuxing. The Jinong segment includes fertilizer products, with focus on humic acid-based compound fertilizer. The Gufeng segment refers to the compound fertilizer, blended fertilizer, organic compound fertilizer, slow-release fertilizers, highly concentrated water-soluble fertilizers, and mixed organic-inorganic compound fertilizer. The Yuxing segment develops and produces agricultural products, such as top-grade fruits, vegetables, flowers, and colored seedlings. The company was founded by Tao Li on February 6, 1987 and is headquartered in Xian, China. Receive News & Ratings for Enlightify Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enlightify and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Croma Security Solutions Group (LON:CSSG Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Monday. The company reported GBX 5.72 earnings per share for the quarter, Digital Look Earnings reports. Croma Security Solutions Group had a net margin of 6.21% and a return on equity of 3.60%. Croma Security Solutions Group Stock Performance Shares of Croma Security Solutions Group stock opened at GBX 80.56 on Tuesday. Croma Security Solutions Group has a fifty-two week low of GBX 66 and a fifty-two week high of GBX 96.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.88, a current ratio of 4.10 and a quick ratio of 1.51. The firm has a market capitalization of 11.06 million, a P/E ratio of 18.23 and a beta of 0.85. The companys 50 day moving average price is GBX 74.45 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 79.65. Get Croma Security Solutions Group alerts: About Croma Security Solutions Group (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Croma Security Solutions Group plc provides various security services in the United Kingdom. The company operates through two segments: Croma Locksmiths; and Croma Fire and Security. The Croma Locksmiths segment supplies, installs, and maintains locks, padlocks, safes, ironmongery, UPVC mechanisms, security shutters, grilles, and doors. Receive News & Ratings for Croma Security Solutions Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Croma Security Solutions Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Danaos (NYSE:DAC Get Free Report) will likely be posting its Q3 2025 results before the market opens on Tuesday, November 11th. Analysts expect Danaos to post earnings of $7.17 per share and revenue of $257.6250 million for the quarter. Individuals may visit the the companys upcoming Q3 2025 earningresults page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM ET. Danaos (NYSE:DAC Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, August 4th. The shipping company reported $6.36 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $6.52 by ($0.16). Danaos had a net margin of 44.62% and a return on equity of 13.88%. The company had revenue of $262.15 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $247.26 million. On average, analysts expect Danaos to post $29 EPS for the current fiscal year and $28 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get Danaos alerts: Danaos Stock Performance DAC stock traded down $1.45 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $89.52. The company had a trading volume of 10,346 shares, compared to its average volume of 86,846. The company has a quick ratio of 5.21, a current ratio of 5.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $90.47 and a 200 day moving average price of $88.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.70 billion, a PE ratio of 3.69 and a beta of 1.45. Danaos has a fifty-two week low of $65.40 and a fifty-two week high of $96.47. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Danaos Analyst Ratings Changes Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Ion Asset Management Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Danaos by 15.5% in the second quarter. Ion Asset Management Ltd. now owns 654,308 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $56,428,000 after acquiring an additional 87,614 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of Danaos by 39.8% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 82,834 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $7,144,000 after acquiring an additional 23,593 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Danaos by 183.6% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 46,215 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $3,606,000 after acquiring an additional 29,921 shares during the last quarter. HRT Financial LP increased its stake in shares of Danaos by 115.2% in the second quarter. HRT Financial LP now owns 18,992 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $1,637,000 after acquiring an additional 10,165 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its stake in shares of Danaos by 46.5% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 40,729 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $3,512,000 after acquiring an additional 12,930 shares during the last quarter. 19.01% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. DAC has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Danaos in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and issued a $105.00 target price on shares of Danaos in a research report on Tuesday, August 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Danaos currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $105.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on Danaos About Danaos (Get Free Report) Danaos Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides container and drybulk vessels services in Australia, Asia, and Europe. The company offers seaborne transportation services by operating vessels in the containership and drybulk sectors of the shipping industry. As of April 03, 2024, it had a fleet of 68 containerships aggregating 421,293 twenty-foot equivalent units in capacity. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Danaos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danaos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Monday, November 3rd. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of 1.22 per share by the real estate investment trust on Friday, January 16th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. Digital Realty Trust has increased its dividend by an average of 0.0%annually over the last three years. Digital Realty Trust has a payout ratio of 305.0% indicating that the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities research analysts expect Digital Realty Trust to earn $7.65 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $4.88 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 63.8%. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Digital Realty Trust Stock Down 1.3% NYSE DLR traded down $2.29 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $169.67. The company had a trading volume of 297,430 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,962,355. Digital Realty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $129.95 and a fifty-two week high of $198.00. The company has a market capitalization of $57.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.78, a P/E/G ratio of 4.13 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 2.02 and a quick ratio of 2.22. The firms 50 day moving average is $171.46 and its 200 day moving average is $170.50. Insider Transactions at Digital Realty Trust Digital Realty Trust ( NYSE:DLR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported $1.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $1.58 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.53 billion. Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 6.41% and a net margin of 23.67%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.67 EPS. Digital Realty Trust has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.320-7.380 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Digital Realty Trust will post 7.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other Digital Realty Trust news, CEO Andrew Power sold 53,269 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.16, for a total transaction of $9,330,598.04. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Digital Realty Trust Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust during the third quarter worth $25,000. South Plains Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 280.5% during the second quarter. South Plains Financial Inc. now owns 156 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 115 shares during the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust during the third quarter worth $28,000. Tobam bought a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust during the second quarter worth $28,000. Finally, Greykasell Wealth Strategies Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust during the first quarter worth $26,000. 99.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Digital Realty Trust, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust, which engages in the provision of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. It serves the following industries: artificial intelligence (AI), networks, cloud, digital media, mobile, financial services, healthcare, and gaming. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dynatrace (NYSE:DT Get Free Report) is projected to post its Q2 2026 results before the market opens on Wednesday, November 5th. Analysts expect Dynatrace to post earnings of $0.41 per share and revenue of $487.3280 million for the quarter. Individuals can check the companys upcoming Q2 2026 earningsummary page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM ET. Dynatrace (NYSE:DT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.42 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $477.35 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $467.39 million. Dynatrace had a return on equity of 9.15% and a net margin of 27.75%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.33 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect Dynatrace to post $1 EPS for the current fiscal year and $1 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get Dynatrace alerts: Dynatrace Stock Down 0.2% Shares of Dynatrace stock opened at $50.47 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $15.22 billion, a PE ratio of 30.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.46 and a beta of 0.85. Dynatrace has a 52 week low of $39.30 and a 52 week high of $63.00. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $49.18 and a 200-day moving average price of $50.79. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently commented on DT. Rosenblatt Securities reissued a buy rating and issued a $67.00 price objective on shares of Dynatrace in a research note on Friday. Citigroup lowered their price objective on Dynatrace from $68.00 to $64.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 18th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on Dynatrace from $63.00 to $62.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on Dynatrace from $60.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 7th. Finally, Guggenheim upped their target price on Dynatrace from $66.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Dynatrace currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $63.09. Check Out Our Latest Report on Dynatrace Insider Buying and Selling at Dynatrace In other Dynatrace news, EVP Dan Zugelder sold 7,503 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, October 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total transaction of $375,150.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 1,420 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $71,000. This represents a 84.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Lisa M. Campbell sold 1,013 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.77, for a total value of $50,417.01. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 1,012 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $50,367.24. This trade represents a 50.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 10,602 shares of company stock valued at $529,579. Company insiders own 0.57% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dynatrace Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its position in shares of Dynatrace by 21.3% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,548 shares of the companys stock worth $85,000 after acquiring an additional 272 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its position in shares of Dynatrace by 19.2% during the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 2,161 shares of the companys stock worth $102,000 after acquiring an additional 348 shares in the last quarter. Connecticut Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dynatrace during the second quarter worth $226,000. Keel Point LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dynatrace during the second quarter worth $358,000. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Dynatrace by 18.8% during the second quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 7,018 shares of the companys stock worth $387,000 after acquiring an additional 1,110 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.28% of the companys stock. Dynatrace Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dynatrace, Inc provides a security platform for multicloud environments in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates Dynatrace, a security platform, which provides application and microservices monitoring, runtime application security, infrastructure monitoring, log management and analytics, digital experience monitoring, digital business analytics, and cloud automation. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Dynatrace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dynatrace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Huntington National Bank decreased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 271,471 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,167 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company makes up approximately 1.4% of Huntington National Banks investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest position. Huntington National Banks holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $211,620,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter worth about $27,000. Blume Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 46.7% in the 2nd quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. now owns 44 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 14 shares during the period. IMG Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, TD Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 129.2% during the 1st quarter. TD Capital Management LLC now owns 55 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company In other Eli Lilly and Company news, Director Gabrielle Sulzberger purchased 117 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $641.18 per share, with a total value of $75,018.06. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 2,703 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,733,109.54. This represents a 4.52% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO David A. Ricks bought 1,632 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $644.77 per share, with a total value of $1,052,264.64. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 546,601 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $352,431,926.77. This represents a 0.30% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Insiders purchased a total of 4,514 shares of company stock valued at $2,894,841 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance NYSE:LLY opened at $896.15 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $848.17 billion, a PE ratio of 58.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.47. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12 month low of $623.78 and a 12 month high of $935.63. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. The companys 50-day moving average price is $784.74 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $772.35. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 25.91% and a return on equity of 92.72%. The company had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.18 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 29.35%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,010.00 to $900.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 11th. Daiwa Capital Markets lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $700.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Sunday, August 17th. Berenberg Bank reiterated a hold rating and set a $830.00 price objective (down previously from $970.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, September 17th. HSBC raised their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $700.00 to $800.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $940.00. Check Out Our Latest Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elyxium Wealth LLC raised its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 7.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,832 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the period. Elyxium Wealth LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,428,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Ascent Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Ascent Capital Management LLC now owns 495 shares of the companys stock valued at $409,000 after buying an additional 12 shares during the last quarter. Willner & Heller LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Willner & Heller LLC now owns 854 shares of the companys stock worth $705,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. now owns 527 shares of the companys stock worth $411,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 732 shares of the companys stock worth $571,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Occidental Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC now owns 1,966 shares of the companys stock worth $1,533,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance LLY opened at $896.15 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $784.74 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $772.35. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $623.78 and a 1 year high of $935.63. The company has a market capitalization of $848.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.57, a P/E/G ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 1.00. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.60. The firm had revenue of $17.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.09 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 92.72% and a net margin of 25.91%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.18 EPS. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.35%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth LLY has been the topic of several recent research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Cantor Fitzgerald raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $925.00 to $985.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $876.00 to $879.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. UBS Group reduced their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,050.00 to $895.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $940.00. Read Our Latest Research Report on LLY Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company In other news, Director J Erik Fyrwald acquired 1,565 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was bought at an average price of $642.33 per share, for a total transaction of $1,005,246.45. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 74,578 shares in the company, valued at approximately $47,903,686.74. The trade was a 2.14% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO David A. Ricks acquired 1,632 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 12th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $644.77 per share, with a total value of $1,052,264.64. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer owned 546,601 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $352,431,926.77. This trade represents a 0.30% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Insiders have purchased a total of 4,514 shares of company stock valued at $2,894,841 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp decreased its position in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,847,193 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 197,244 shares during the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corps holdings in EOG Resources were worth $460,163,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. StrongBox Wealth LLC raised its stake in EOG Resources by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. StrongBox Wealth LLC now owns 4,817 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $576,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the last quarter. ORG Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 45.1% during the 2nd quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 283 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 88 shares during the last quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 31.6% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 379 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Granite Harbor Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Granite Harbor Advisors Inc. now owns 3,034 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $389,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sigma Planning Corp increased its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Sigma Planning Corp now owns 6,259 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $803,000 after acquiring an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.91% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently commented on EOG shares. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $141.00 to $136.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Susquehanna upped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $156.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 23rd. Mizuho dropped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $140.00 to $133.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, September 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group set a $145.00 price objective on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Sunday, October 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and fifteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $140.76. EOG Resources Stock Down 0.3% EOG opened at $105.55 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $113.81 and a 200 day moving average price of $115.78. The company has a market cap of $57.63 billion, a PE ratio of 10.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.20 and a beta of 0.74. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1 year low of $102.52 and a 1 year high of $138.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a current ratio of 1.79. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 7th. The energy exploration company reported $2.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.14 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $5.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.45 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 25.25% and a return on equity of 20.51%. The companys revenue was down 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.16 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 earnings per share for the current year. About EOG Resources (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HANOI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday stressed the country's determination to put an international financial center into operation this month, the local daily Voice of Vietnam reported. He made the remarks while chairing a thematic government meeting on draft decrees guiding the implementation of the National Assembly's resolution on developing an international financial center in Vietnam. The prime minister stressed the urgency of finalizing foundational decrees for the implementation process. He also emphasized the need to establish preferential and breakthrough mechanisms and policies in areas such as finance, monetary affairs, banking, labor, employment, social welfare, land, environment and trade to ensure the center operates in line with international practices. In June, the Vietnamese National Assembly approved a resolution on the establishment of the international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang City, according to the Vietnam News Agency. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE:FMS Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 643,800 shares, a drop of 27.8% from the September 30th total of 891,600 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 330,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.9 days. Based on an average trading volume of 330,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.9 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Pzena Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 15,377,090 shares of the companys stock worth $382,890,000 after purchasing an additional 94,065 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC raised its holdings in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 50.0% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,083,602 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,982,000 after buying an additional 361,364 shares during the period. Todd Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA during the 1st quarter worth $12,009,000. Hennessy Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $11,479,000. Finally, Northern Trust Corp lifted its holdings in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 5.0% in the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 380,251 shares of the companys stock worth $9,468,000 after buying an additional 18,061 shares in the last quarter. 8.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have issued reports on FMS. Wall Street Zen upgraded Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Zacks Research raised shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group lowered shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a sell rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Bank of America lowered Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $27.80. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Stock Performance FMS traded down $0.51 during trading on Monday, reaching $26.33. 635,396 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 353,452. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.92. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA has a 1 year low of $19.86 and a 1 year high of $30.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 1.44 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $26.08 and its 200-day simple moving average is $26.59. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE:FMS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 5th. The company reported $0.52 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.50 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $5.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5 billion. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA had a net margin of 3.39% and a return on equity of 6.75%. As a group, research analysts predict that Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA will post 1.51 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (Get Free Report) Fresenius Medical Care AG provides dialysis and related services for individuals with renal diseases in Germany, North America, and internationally. The company offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Friendly Hills Bancorp (OTCMKTS:FHLB Get Free Report) shares dropped 1.4% on Monday . The company traded as low as $5.1275 and last traded at $5.1275. Approximately 450 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 79% from the average daily volume of 2,126 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.20. Friendly Hills Bancorp Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 0.86. The stock has a market cap of $21.39 million, a PE ratio of -23.31 and a beta of 0.68. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $5.29 and its 200 day simple moving average is $5.61. Friendly Hills Bancorp Company Profile (Get Free Report) Friendly Hills Bancorp operates as a bank holding company for First Pacific Bank that provides various financial and banking products and services. It offers deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, NOW, sweep, and individual retirement accounts, as well as term certificates of deposit. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Friendly Hills Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Friendly Hills Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Compagnie Financiere Richemont AG (OTCMKTS:CFRUY Free Report) Telsey Advisory Group lowered their FY2026 earnings per share estimates for Compagnie Financiere Richemont in a research report issued on Friday, October 31st. Telsey Advisory Group analyst D. Telsey now forecasts that the company will post earnings per share of $0.67 for the year, down from their prior estimate of $0.73. The consensus estimate for Compagnie Financiere Richemonts current full-year earnings is $0.61 per share. Telsey Advisory Group also issued estimates for Compagnie Financiere Richemonts FY2027 earnings at $0.77 EPS. Get Compagnie Financiere Richemont alerts: Compagnie Financiere Richemont Stock Performance CFRUY stock opened at $19.97 on Monday. Compagnie Financiere Richemont has a twelve month low of $13.06 and a twelve month high of $21.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 1.98 and a current ratio of 2.90. The stocks 50 day moving average is $19.03 and its 200-day moving average is $18.31. Compagnie Financiere Richemont Dividend Announcement About Compagnie Financiere Richemont The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 7th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 19th were issued a $0.1714 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 90.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 18th. (Get Free Report) Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA engages in the luxury goods business in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and rest of Europe. The company operates through Jewellery Maisons, Specialist Watchmakers, and Other segments. It designs, manufactures, and distributes jewelry products, precision timepieces, watches, writing instruments, clothing, and leather goods and accessories. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Compagnie Financiere Richemont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Compagnie Financiere Richemont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gloo Holdings, Inc. (GLOO) is planning to raise $100.10 million in an initial public offering (IPO) on Wednesday, November 19th, IPO Scoop reports. The company will be issuing 9,100,000 shares at $10.00-$12.00 per share. In the last 12 months, Gloo Holdings, Inc. generated $41.09 million in revenue and had a net loss of $128.05 million. The company has a market-cap of $800.61 million. Roth Capital Partners acted as the underwriter for the IPO and Benchmark (a StoneX Company), Craig-Hallum, Lake Street, Loop Capital Markets and Texas Capital Securities were co-managers. Gloo Holdings, Inc. provided the following description of their company for its IPO: (Incorporated in Delaware) Glooas mission is to build the leading vertical technology platform for the faith and flourishing ecosystem, which we believe is one of the largest, oldest and least-digitized ecosystems in the world. Our purpose is to shape technology as a force for good, so people can flourish and communities can thrive. This is grounded in our belief that relationships catalyze growth, and when technology is used to serve relationships, it transforms lives. The faith and flourishing ecosystem is vast and, we believe, a technologically underserved vertical that includes traditional Christian (primarily Protestant and Catholic) churches and a diverse network of ministries, nonprofits and service providers. According to a 2016 analysis conducted by the Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion, the faith sector, including all religions of which Christianity is the largest in America, contributes approximately $1.2 trillion to the United States economy each year. According to IBISWorld, Christian organizations, which comprise our primary customer focus, accounted for 88% of the aggregate revenue of religious organizations in the United States in 2024. Although we have not undertaken an independent analysis to estimate the total addressable market for all of our current offerings or determined with precision the portion of this market that we may serve, we are confident that Gloo has substantial opportunities for continued growth. In the United States alone, the faith and flourishing ecosystem is estimated to include over 415,000 Christian organizations, comprised of over 315,000 Christian congregations according to the 2020 U.S. Religion Census by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, as well as over 100,000 Christian nonprofit organizations according to the Cause IQ directory of nonprofits as of July 2025. Since our founding in 2013, we have offered a breadth of products, services and solutions to the two primary stakeholders at the core of the faith and flourishing ecosystem, network capability providers (NCPs) and the churches and frontline organizations (CFLs) they serve. NCPs play an enabling role in the faith and flourishing vertical by equipping CFLs with products and services so CFLs can focus on their mission. These products and services include technology solutions, content, marketing services and donor services. CFLs serve as the heart of the faith and flourishing ecosystem, and include churches, ministries, nonprofits and service organizations, providing worship, educational programs, community outreach efforts and other social services support. We have established a platform that connects NCPs and CFLs and facilitates sales of products and services between the two groups. Through our platform, CFLs gain access to curated resources and NCPs benefit from targeted distribution of their products and services to members of the ecosystem. The Gloo platform includes a suite of technology, marketplace, advertising and service solutions offered directly by us and by our wholly owned or consolidated subsidiaries, which we refer to as Gloo Capital Partners. We generate revenue from NCPs through sales of enterprise subscriptions to outsourced technology, artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and advertising (all of which we account for as platform revenue), as well as platform solutions. We generate platform revenue from CFLs through sales of subscriptions to communication tools, content libraries, data insights and AI capabilities, as well as through transactions on our and Gloo Capital Partnersa e-commerce marketplaces, including Outreach, Inc., our largest online marketplace. Note: Net loss and revenue are for the 12 months that ended July 31, 2025. (Note: Gloo Holdings disclosed the terms for its IPO on Oct. 30, 2025, in an S-1/A filing: 9.1 million shares at a price range of $10.00 to $12.00 to raise $100.1 million, if priced at the $11.00 mid-point of its range. Background: Gloo Holdings filed its S-1 on Oct. 17, 2025, without disclosing the terms. Estimated proceeds were $100 million.)A . Gloo Holdings, Inc. was founded in 2013 and has 550 employees. The company is located at 831 Pearl Street Boulder, Colorado 80302 and can be reached via phone at (303) 381-2645. Receive News & Ratings for Gloo Holdings Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gloo Holdings Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Guardian Pharmacy Services (NYSE:GRDN Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report released on Saturday morning. GRDN has been the subject of a number of other reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Guardian Pharmacy Services in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Truist Financial increased their price target on shares of Guardian Pharmacy Services from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 26th. Finally, Oppenheimer began coverage on shares of Guardian Pharmacy Services in a research report on Friday, October 10th. They issued an outperform rating and a $30.00 price target for the company. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $29.33. Get Guardian Pharmacy Services alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Guardian Pharmacy Services Guardian Pharmacy Services Trading Up 0.8% Institutional Inflows and Outflows NYSE:GRDN opened at $28.27 on Friday. Guardian Pharmacy Services has a twelve month low of $17.78 and a twelve month high of $30.39. The company has a 50-day moving average of $26.55 and a 200-day moving average of $23.74. The firm has a market cap of $1.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -18.60 and a beta of 0.96. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. State of Alaska Department of Revenue acquired a new position in shares of Guardian Pharmacy Services in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust acquired a new position in shares of Guardian Pharmacy Services in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Guardian Pharmacy Services in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey grew its position in shares of Guardian Pharmacy Services by 76.8% in the 2nd quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 2,444 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 1,062 shares during the period. Finally, State of Wyoming acquired a new position in shares of Guardian Pharmacy Services in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $58,000. Guardian Pharmacy Services Company Profile (Get Free Report) Guardian Pharmacy Services, Inc, a pharmacy service company, provides a suite of technology-enabled services designed to help residents of long-term health care facilities (LTCFs) in the United States. Its individualized clinical, drug dispensing, and administration capabilities are used to serve the needs of residents in lower acuity LTCFs, such as assisted living facilities and behavioral health facilities and group homes. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Guardian Pharmacy Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Guardian Pharmacy Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Guild (NYSE:GHLD Get Free Report) is anticipated to issue its Q3 2025 results before the market opens on Wednesday, November 5th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.52 per share and revenue of $311.2770 million for the quarter. Parties may review the information on the companys upcoming Q3 2025 earningreport for the latest details on the call scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 4:00 PM ET. Guild Stock Up 0.0% Shares of NYSE:GHLD opened at $19.89 on Tuesday. Guild has a 52-week low of $11.21 and a 52-week high of $23.57. The stock has a market cap of $1.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 50.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 0.93. The businesss 50 day moving average is $19.92 and its 200 day moving average is $17.97. The company has a quick ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03. Get Guild alerts: Guild Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a special dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, August 18th were paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 18th. Guilds dividend payout ratio is 256.41%. Institutional Trading of Guild Analysts Set New Price Targets A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Guild stock. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Guild Holdings Company ( NYSE:GHLD Free Report ) by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 103,629 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,828 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.17% of Guild worth $2,050,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 17.52% of the companys stock. A number of analysts have weighed in on GHLD shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Guild in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered Guild from a buy rating to a hold rating and upped their target price for the stock from $16.00 to $20.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 22nd. Zacks Research upgraded Guild from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Guild from $12.50 to $20.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, July 11th. Finally, BTIG Research restated a neutral rating on shares of Guild in a report on Thursday, August 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $18.42. Read Our Latest Research Report on GHLD About Guild (Get Free Report) Guild Holdings Company originates, sells, and services residential mortgage loans in the United States. It operates in two segments, Origination and Servicing. The company offers residential mortgages through retail and correspondent channels. Guild Holdings Company was incorporated in 1960 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Guild Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Guild and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Halma (OTCMKTS:HLMAF Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $10.8655 and last traded at $10.8655, with a volume of 4940366 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $46.25. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on HLMAF shares. Barclays reissued an overweight rating on shares of Halma in a report on Friday, September 26th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Halma from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, August 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Halma in a research note on Monday, October 6th. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Halma in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised Halma to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 6th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Halma alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Halma Halma Price Performance Halma Company Profile The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 1.78 and a current ratio of 2.44. The company has a 50-day moving average of $45.88 and a 200 day moving average of $43.02. (Get Free Report) Halma plc, together its subsidiaries, provides technology solutions in the safety, health, and environmental markets in the United States, Mainland Europe, the United Kingdom, the Asia Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Safety, Environmental & Analysis, and Medical. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Halma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Halma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Boston Omaha (NYSE:BOC Get Free Report) and Deutsche Wohnen (OTCMKTS:DWHHF Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, profitability and dividends. Risk & Volatility Boston Omaha has a beta of 0.99, suggesting that its stock price is 1% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Deutsche Wohnen has a beta of 0.82, suggesting that its stock price is 18% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Boston Omaha alerts: Insider and Institutional Ownership 60.4% of Boston Omaha shares are held by institutional investors. 23.2% of Boston Omaha shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Boston Omaha 0.68% 0.14% 0.11% Deutsche Wohnen N/A N/A N/A Valuation and Earnings This table compares Boston Omaha and Deutsche Wohnens net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This table compares Boston Omaha and Deutsche Wohnens top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Boston Omaha $111.57 million 3.55 -$1.29 million $0.03 419.33 Deutsche Wohnen $1.49 billion 6.80 -$638.98 million ($1.70) -14.94 Boston Omaha has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Deutsche Wohnen. Deutsche Wohnen is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Boston Omaha, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Boston Omaha and Deutsche Wohnen, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Boston Omaha 1 0 1 0 2.00 Deutsche Wohnen 0 0 0 0 0.00 Boston Omaha presently has a consensus target price of $25.00, indicating a potential upside of 98.73%. Given Boston Omahas stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Boston Omaha is more favorable than Deutsche Wohnen. Summary Boston Omaha beats Deutsche Wohnen on 12 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Boston Omaha (Get Free Report) Boston Omaha Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the outdoor billboard advertising business in the southeast United States. It is also involved in the surety insurance and related brokerage, broadband, and asset management businesses. The company was formerly known as REO Plus, Inc. and changed its name to Boston Omaha Corporation in March 2015. Boston Omaha Corporation was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. About Deutsche Wohnen (Get Free Report) Deutsche Wohnen SE develops and manages residential properties in Germany. The company operates through Rental, Value-add, Recurring Sales, Development, and Care segment. The Rental segment offers value-enhancing management to residential real estate portfolio. The Value- add segment engages in the core business of letting. This segment also includes multimedia services and the supply of energy. The Recurring Sales segment includes sales of individual condominiums and single-family homes. The Development segment includes project development to create new living space. The care segment includes all activities related to the management of care facilities and the leasing of care properties. Deutsche Wohnen SE was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Deutsche Wohnen SE operates as a subsidiary of Vonovia SE. Receive News & Ratings for Boston Omaha Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Omaha and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Millrose Properties (NYSE:MRP Get Free Report) is one of 82 publicly-traded companies in the REAL ESTATE OPS industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its rivals? We will compare Millrose Properties to similar companies based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, risk, earnings, profitability and institutional ownership. Dividends Millrose Properties pays an annual dividend of $2.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 9.3%. Millrose Properties pays out 171.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, REAL ESTATE OPS companies pay a dividend yield of 1.5% and pay out 59.4% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Get Millrose Properties alerts: Institutional & Insider Ownership 58.4% of shares of all REAL ESTATE OPS companies are owned by institutional investors. 23.3% of shares of all REAL ESTATE OPS companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Millrose Properties N/A 3.81% 2.93% Millrose Properties Competitors -2.56% -20.19% -0.44% Analyst Recommendations This table compares Millrose Properties and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Millrose Properties and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Millrose Properties 0 1 3 0 2.75 Millrose Properties Competitors 381 1092 1382 107 2.41 Millrose Properties presently has a consensus price target of $37.38, indicating a potential upside of 18.74%. As a group, REAL ESTATE OPS companies have a potential upside of 18.18%. Given Millrose Properties stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Millrose Properties is more favorable than its rivals. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Millrose Properties and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Millrose Properties N/A -$246.22 million 18.52 Millrose Properties Competitors $3.46 billion $120.05 million 8.92 Millrose Properties rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Millrose Properties. Millrose Properties is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Summary Millrose Properties beats its rivals on 7 of the 13 factors compared. About Millrose Properties (Get Free Report) Millrose Properties, Inc. is a real estate investment and management company that focuses on acquiring, developing, and managing high-quality commercial properties. They are headquartered in Purchase, New York. Receive News & Ratings for Millrose Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Millrose Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hengan International Group Co., Ltd. Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:HEGIY Get Free Report) shares traded up 1.8% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $17.86 and last traded at $17.78. 25,582 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 152% from the average session volume of 10,164 shares. The stock had previously closed at $17.46. Hengan International Group Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 0.99. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $16.66 and a 200 day moving average price of $15.23. Get Hengan International Group alerts: Hengan International Group Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 27th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 10th were given a $0.4175 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 522.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 9th. This is a positive change from Hengan International Groups previous dividend of $0.41. Hengan International Group Company Profile Hengan International Group Company Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures, distributes, and sells personal hygiene products in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company offers pocket handkerchiefs, box and soft tissue papers, kitchen towels/papers, toilet rolls, first-aid products, enema, garbage and food bags, preservation papers, table cloths and disposable toilet brush, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, overnight pants, wet tissues, maternal and child care products, adult and baby diapers, and cleansing products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hengan International Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hengan International Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. * The 138th Canton Fair has seen a record number of overseas buyers. * The fair has become not only a gathering of global business partners, but also a platform showcasing China's commitment to innovation and cooperation. * In recent years, the Canton Fair has not only expanded in scale but also in scope, launching new thematic zones and services to meet the needs of global buyers. by Xinhua writer Hong Zehua GUANGZHOU, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The 138th Canton Fair, known officially as the China Import and Export Fair, came to a close on Tuesday in Guangzhou, the capital city of south China's Guangdong Province, having seen a record number of overseas buyers attend. By Tuesday, this session has attracted over 310,000 overseas buyers from 223 countries and regions, marking a 7.5 percent increase compared to the previous session. The on-site intended export transactions at the Canton Fair reached 25.65 billion U.S. dollars, said the organizer of the fair. The fair saw notable growth in buyers from the European Union, the Middle East, the United States, and Brazil, according to the organizer. Launched in 1957, the fair has evolved over the decades with improved quality as well as innovative ideas and services. It has become not only a gathering of global business partners, but also a platform showcasing China's commitment to innovation and cooperation, providing certainty and confidence for the world economy. A PLATFORM FOR GROWTH It has been 14 years since United Arab Emirates (UAE) businessman Anis Askerali Sajan first brought his two sons, Azhar and Sahil, to the Canton Fair. Today, the once curious visitors are seasoned buyers who represent their family company, Danube Group, which is a leading building materials and real estate firm in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) businessman Anis Askerali Sajan (R) communicates with Chinese exhibitors during the second phase of the 138th Canton Fair 2025 in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua) "Experience outweighs knowledge. I brought my sons here to teach them how to connect with people. Now they are confident enough to negotiate prices and even visit factories on their own," said Anis, who first attended the fair in 2000. Over the last two decades, he has witnessed the Canton Fair expand into a larger and more sophisticated platform, and his company has grown from a small importer into a regional business powerhouse. "The Canton Fair is a platform for growth. It's a gold mine. It's up to you what to identify," he said. According to organizers, the 138th edition of the fair hosted more than 32,000 exhibitors, including over 1 million new products that were developed in the past year. About 800,000 items were debuted at this session. Shantilal Patel, an Indian buyer who attended the fair for the first time, said that the vibrant booths of artificial flowers from Dongguan Rosa Import and Export Co., Ltd. had been "irresistible." Staff members work at a booth of artificial flowers during the 138th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) "I'm really impressed by the quality and variety of Chinese products. There's huge potential here, and the Canton Fair is a great window to explore the market," he said. Hailed as a barometer of China's foreign trade, the fair continues to attract global enterprises seeking orders, partnerships and market insights. "The fair remains closely aligned with the needs of businesses, with trade promotion at its core," said Zhu Yong, head of the China Foreign Trade Center. According to Zhu, multiple events have been held to connect Chinese enterprises and overseas buyers more efficiently, and to explore new cooperation opportunities. A STAGE FOR INNOVATION "The fair is held twice a year, yet China's technology evolves so fast that every six months you can discover something different," said Canyigit Atay, chief product officer at Turkiye's Arzum Electrical Home Appliances. "Even though I prepare in advance, I always find something new and innovative." In recent years, the Canton Fair has not only expanded in scale but also in scope, launching new thematic zones and services to meet the needs of global buyers. A service-robot zone was first introduced at the session held earlier this year, and it continued to attract strong interest during its second appearance, featuring humanoid robots, robotic dogs and other advanced products from 46 leading companies. Foreign buyers pose for a group photo with a humanoid robot at the service-robot zone during the 138th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin) "Compared with last time, I can see even more new products now. There are constant innovations in China's service-robot sector," Atay said, adding that his company has begun cooperation with a Chinese robot supplier. This session also debuted an intelligent healthcare zone, featuring 47 companies specializing in surgical robots, intelligent monitoring systems and wearable devices. A visitor tries a stairlift at the intelligent healthcare zone of the 138th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 31, 2025. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin) Song Ning, president of Hangzhou Diagens Biotechnology Co., Ltd., said that the fair offers valuable exposure for firms looking to go global. "We've been growing in the domestic market for years, and now, the Canton Fair gives us a platform to meet overseas partners," Song said, adding that he feels more confident as so many professional buyers have shown great interest in the company's products. This fair also introduced a smart navigation system pilot project integrating Bluetooth, BeiDou and 5G technologies to help visitors plan their routes around the 10 exhibition areas efficiently. Intellectual property protection has remained a highlight of the Canton Fair. Brian Fogarty, Nike's vice president of global IP and global litigation, presented a plaque to the fair's organizers to express gratitude for its constant efforts in the area of intellectual property protection. "Thanks to the Canton Fair's full-chain intellectual property protection system, we have decreased from a peak of up to 1,500 infringement cases to only a few dozen complaints per session now," said Fogarty, adding that Nike looks forward to seeing more exhibitors bring independently developed innovative products to the fair. A BRIDGE FOR PARTNERSHIP "At the Canton Fair, you meet people from Russia, the Republic of Korea, Africa -- from everywhere. This is what free trade really means," said Amin Khoshnavaz, an Iranian businessman who has been attending the fair for over 15 years. Foreign buyers view toy products at the booth of Guangdong Xin Yu Technology Industrial Co., Ltd. during the third phase of the 138th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Hong Zehua) Acting as an agent for Iranian buyers, Khoshnavaz has introduced hundreds of traders to Chinese suppliers. "The Canton Fair is not only a place for trade. It's about ideas, partnership and trust. Every time I come here, I feel inspired," he said. Cara Coleman, senior buying manager at Safat Home, a subsidiary of Kuwait's Alghanim Industries, also attends the fair twice a year to meet suppliers and scout for new collaborations. "It's great to meet all our partners in one place and explore new opportunities," she said. "The connection between China and Kuwait is growing stronger, especially with ongoing infrastructure projects involving Chinese companies." People view building materials at the second phase of the 138th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Hong Zehua) For Chen Liang, a manager at Guangdong Xin Yu Technology Industrial Co., Ltd., the fair is both a reunion and a launchpad. "Our company focuses on licensed toy car models. Every year, we bring dozens of new products to share with our friends from around the world," he said. Francois Scoliege, a French executive of U.S.-based brand licensing company Established Inc., has been visiting the fair since 2001. "In China, we're generating 300 million U.S. dollars in turnover, and another 600 million through Chinese suppliers abroad. I believe there's huge potential here," he said. "The 32,000 exhibitors and some 300,000 overseas buyers are the Canton Fair's most valuable assets," said Zhu Yong from the China Foreign Trade Center, adding that organizers will continue providing high-quality services and strive to inject greater stability into global commerce. (Video reporter: Hong Zehua; video editors: Mo Cheng, Wei Yin, Li Ziwei) Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:HRTG Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 1,200,000 shares, a drop of 26.8% from the September 30th total of 1,640,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 501,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.4 days. Currently, 4.9% of the companys shares are sold short. Currently, 4.9% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 501,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.4 days. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently commented on HRTG shares. Weiss Ratings raised Heritage Insurance from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Heritage Insurance from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, August 9th. Zacks Research downgraded Heritage Insurance from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their target price on Heritage Insurance from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $31.50. Get Heritage Insurance alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on HRTG Insider Activity Hedge Funds Weigh In On Heritage Insurance In other Heritage Insurance news, CEO Ernie J. Garateix sold 25,000 shares of Heritage Insurance stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.61, for a total value of $615,250.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 1,245,808 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $30,659,334.88. The trade was a 1.97% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, CAO Sharon Binnun sold 21,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.47, for a total transaction of $513,870.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 176,006 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,306,866.82. The trade was a 10.66% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure . In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 302,668 shares of company stock valued at $7,663,554. 14.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Marshall Wace LLP grew its position in shares of Heritage Insurance by 58.9% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 942,167 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $23,498,000 after buying an additional 349,168 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in Heritage Insurance by 17.7% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 796,605 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $19,867,000 after purchasing an additional 119,791 shares during the period. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. increased its position in Heritage Insurance by 33.6% during the 2nd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 648,773 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $16,180,000 after purchasing an additional 163,142 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership increased its position in Heritage Insurance by 69.6% during the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 526,377 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $13,128,000 after purchasing an additional 216,019 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Heritage Insurance by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 517,803 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $12,917,000 after purchasing an additional 8,112 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.03% of the companys stock. Heritage Insurance Price Performance Shares of NYSE HRTG traded up $0.58 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $23.81. 31,732 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 393,101. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $24.28 and its 200-day moving average price is $22.97. The stock has a market cap of $738.59 million, a P/E ratio of 6.86 and a beta of 0.95. Heritage Insurance has a one year low of $9.88 and a one year high of $29.10. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Heritage Insurance (NYSE:HRTG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 5th. The insurance provider reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.52. The business had revenue of $208.04 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $212.12 million. Heritage Insurance had a net margin of 12.71% and a return on equity of 33.36%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Heritage Insurance will post 1.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Heritage Insurance (Get Free Report) Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides personal and commercial residential insurance products. The company offers personal residential insurance in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia; commercial residential insurance for properties in Florida, New Jersey, and New York; and licensed in the state of Pennsylvania, as well as personal residential and wind-only property insurance. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Heritage Insurance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Heritage Insurance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Huntington National Bank raised its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 4.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 174,944 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 6,798 shares during the period. Huntington National Banks holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $31,863,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Philip Morris International by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 140,621,675 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,320,878,000 after buying an additional 1,189,283 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 26.4% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 21,840,422 shares of the companys stock worth $3,466,730,000 after purchasing an additional 4,563,632 shares during the last quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 24,968.0% during the 2nd quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 11,275,606 shares of the companys stock worth $2,041,223,000 after purchasing an additional 11,230,626 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter worth about $1,712,994,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 57.5% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 9,794,530 shares of the companys stock worth $1,554,686,000 after purchasing an additional 3,575,158 shares during the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Stock Performance Shares of PM opened at $144.58 on Tuesday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $116.12 and a 52 week high of $186.69. The firm has a market cap of $225.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.43. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $159.59 and its 200 day simple moving average is $168.79. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. The business had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were issued a $1.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 3rd. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.1%. This is an increase from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is presently 106.52%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Wednesday, July 9th. They set a buy rating and a $220.00 price objective on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, September 4th. Finally, KGI Securities assumed coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, August 4th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $194.00. Get Our Latest Report on Philip Morris International Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Get Free Report) saw unusually large options trading on Tuesday. Stock traders acquired 22,108 call options on the company. This is an increase of 116% compared to the average daily volume of 10,238 call options. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in RSP. Nova Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Uniplan Investment Counsel Inc. purchased a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada purchased a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Tompkins Financial Corp purchased a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the third quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Howe & Rusling Inc. boosted its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 190.8% in the first quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 189 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 61.18% of the companys stock. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Trading Down 0.8% Shares of NYSEARCA RSP traded down $1.41 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $186.06. The company had a trading volume of 9,832,581 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,138,402. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $188.89 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $182.68. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a twelve month low of $150.35 and a twelve month high of $192.33. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.96 billion, a PE ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.99. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Company Profile Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues). See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF (BATS:EMHY Get Free Report) were up 2% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $39.60 and last traded at $39.9760. Approximately 93,063 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 11% from the average daily volume of 83,732 shares. The stock had previously closed at $39.20. iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF Stock Performance The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $39.77 and a 200-day simple moving average of $38.97. Get iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in EMHY. Summit Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $11,516,000. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,416,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $872,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in shares of iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF by 44.5% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 66,040 shares of the companys stock worth $2,525,000 after acquiring an additional 20,334 shares during the period. Finally, OLD Mission Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $559,000. iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF Company Profile The iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF (EMHY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks an index comprising USD denominated emerging markets high yield bonds. EMHY was launched on Apr 3, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sigma Planning Corp grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IQLT Free Report) by 12.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 74,782 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 8,505 shares during the quarter. Sigma Planning Corps holdings in iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF were worth $3,232,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF by 244.0% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 829 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 588 shares in the last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $41,000. CWM LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF by 26.7% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,643 shares of the companys stock valued at $71,000 after purchasing an additional 346 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JFS Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $84,000. Get iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF Trading Down 0.1% NYSEARCA:IQLT opened at $44.50 on Tuesday. iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF has a twelve month low of $35.51 and a twelve month high of $45.38. The company has a 50-day moving average of $44.16 and a 200-day moving average of $43.08. The firm has a market cap of $13.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.86 and a beta of 0.89. iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap stocks in developed countries, outside of the US. The index is selected and weighted for exposure to fundamental quality metrics. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elyxium Wealth LLC lessened its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report) by 40.5% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 22,065 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 15,027 shares during the quarter. Elyxium Wealth LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF were worth $1,654,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in EWJ. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 2,106.3% during the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 2,398,952 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $164,472,000 after buying an additional 2,290,221 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 26,350,410 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,806,584,000 after buying an additional 815,660 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $35,121,000. Strs Ohio purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $35,041,000. Finally, Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 94.2% during the 1st quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 1,001,860 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $68,259,000 after buying an additional 485,932 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.60% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI Japan ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Japan ETF Stock Performance EWJ stock opened at $83.64 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $15.54 billion, a PE ratio of 14.63 and a beta of 0.68. The firms 50 day moving average price is $80.98 and its 200-day moving average price is $76.36. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a one year low of $59.84 and a one year high of $84.07. iShares MSCI Japan ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index). Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of John Wood Group PLC (OTCMKTS:WDGJF Get Free Report) dropped 1.3% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $0.38 and last traded at $0.38. Approximately 14,610 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 33% from the average daily volume of 21,732 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.3850. John Wood Group Stock Performance The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $0.37 and its 200 day simple moving average is $0.36. About John Wood Group (Get Free Report) John Wood Group PLC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of consulting, project management, and engineering solutions to energy and built environment worldwide. It operates through Projects, Operations, Consulting, and Investment Services segments. The Projects segment provides engineering design and project management services across energy and materials markets including oil and gas, chemicals, mining, minerals, and life sciences. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for John Wood Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Wood Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kidoz Inc. (CVE:KIDZ Get Free Report)s stock price rose 2.9% on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$0.37 and last traded at C$0.36. Approximately 3,100 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 85% from the average daily volume of 20,877 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.35. Kidoz Stock Performance The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.36 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.35. The company has a market cap of C$33.23 million, a PE ratio of -28.09 and a beta of -1.69. About Kidoz (Get Free Report) Kidoz Inc develops and sells AdTech software products in Western Europe; Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe; North America; and internationally. The company also owns and develops mobile Kidoz safe ad network, the Kidoz kid-mode operating system, the Kidoz publisher SDK, the Rooplay edugames platform, and the Rooplay originals. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kidoz Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kidoz and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday. The oil and gas producer reported ($0.15) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.13) by ($0.02), Zacks reports. The firm had revenue of $311.23 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $360.82 million. Kosmos Energy had a negative return on equity of 14.16% and a negative net margin of 10.74%. Kosmos Energy Trading Up 0.3% Shares of KOS stock traded up $0.01 on Tuesday, hitting $1.49. The company had a trading volume of 1,992,147 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,019,964. The stocks 50-day moving average is $1.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1.81. Kosmos Energy has a twelve month low of $1.36 and a twelve month high of $4.22. The firm has a market cap of $710.21 million, a P/E ratio of -4.50 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.56, a quick ratio of 0.25 and a current ratio of 0.45. Get Kosmos Energy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have issued reports on KOS shares. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Kosmos Energy in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Mizuho reduced their target price on Kosmos Energy from $3.00 to $2.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, September 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $2.00 target price (down previously from $3.00) on shares of Kosmos Energy in a report on Monday, September 22nd. Finally, Clarkson Capital initiated coverage on Kosmos Energy in a report on Friday, October 24th. They set a buy rating and a $4.00 price objective on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $4.10. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in KOS. Squarepoint Ops LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Kosmos Energy by 333.0% in the second quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 3,221,011 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $5,540,000 after purchasing an additional 2,477,102 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP grew its position in shares of Kosmos Energy by 31.6% in the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 3,717,124 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $6,393,000 after purchasing an additional 891,567 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its position in shares of Kosmos Energy by 21.1% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 2,541,006 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $5,793,000 after purchasing an additional 443,384 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its position in shares of Kosmos Energy by 18.0% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 2,617,134 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $4,501,000 after purchasing an additional 399,257 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Kosmos Energy by 20.1% in the second quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,361,439 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $4,060,000 after purchasing an additional 394,396 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.33% of the companys stock. About Kosmos Energy (Get Free Report) Kosmos Energy Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas along the Atlantic Margins in the United States. The companys primary assets include production projects located in offshore Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, as well as gas projects located in offshore Mauritania and Senegal. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Kosmos Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kosmos Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lord & Richards Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor acquired 1,758 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $280,000. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Nova Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 1st quarter worth about $26,000. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 67.9% during the 2nd quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC now owns 178 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares during the period. Quarry LP bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 1st quarter worth about $33,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, RMG Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter worth about $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.77% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently commented on PG shares. Evercore ISI restated an in-line rating and issued a $170.00 target price (down previously from $190.00) on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Monday, July 14th. BNP Paribas restated an outperform rating and issued a $177.00 target price on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, August 15th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane reduced their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $172.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 23rd. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $171.53. Insider Activity In other Procter & Gamble news, COO Shailesh Jejurikar sold 3,986 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $152.23, for a total transaction of $606,788.78. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 46,899 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,139,434.77. The trade was a 7.83% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 725 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.57, for a total value of $108,438.25. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 979 shares of the companys stock, valued at $146,429.03. This represents a 42.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders sold 150,488 shares of company stock worth $23,529,718. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Procter & Gamble Stock Performance Procter & Gamble stock opened at $147.90 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $153.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of $157.61. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Procter & Gamble Company has a 12-month low of $146.96 and a 12-month high of $180.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $345.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.59, a P/E/G ratio of 3.87 and a beta of 0.36. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $1.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.90 by $0.09. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.63% and a net margin of 19.74%.The business had revenue of $22.39 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.23 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.93 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.100 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 24th will be issued a dividend of $1.0568 per share. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 24th. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is currently 61.61%. Procter & Gamble Profile (Free Report) Procter & Gamble Co engages in the provision of branded consumer packaged goods. It operates through the following segments: Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric and Home Care, and Baby, Feminine and Family Care. The Beauty segment offers hair, skin, and personal care. The Grooming segment consists of shave care like female and male blades and razors, pre and post shave products, and appliances. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng speaks at the general debate of the ongoing Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) DOHA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Tuesday put forward a four-pronged proposal for promoting social development around the world. Speaking at the general debate of the ongoing Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, he noted that back in March 1995, the first World Summit for Social Development was successfully held in Copenhagen, and the participating parties adopted the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Program of Action. Over the past 30 years, Han said, the Chinese government has upheld a people-centered approach to development, won the battle against poverty as scheduled, and achieved the poverty reduction goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule. In addition, China has implemented an employment-first strategy, improved people's well-being through development, and built the world's largest education, healthcare, and social security systems, fostering inclusive social development, he said. China has also actively shared its poverty reduction and development experience with other countries, making due contributions to the progress of human society, Han added. He stressed that the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, all proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, have charted the course for advancing global social development. Citing the recently held fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Han said that in the next five years, China will ensure that the fruits of high-quality development are shared more broadly and equitably by all its people, and will also inject more positive energy and certainty into global social development. In his speech, Han put forward a four-point proposal for advancing global social development. First, adhering to the people-oriented principle. The key to implementing social development agendas is to put people first and genuinely improve their well-being, he said, adding that special attention should be given to meeting the urgent needs of developing countries in eradicating poverty, so as to provide people with a real sense of gain, happiness, and security. Second, focusing on shared development goals. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said, should be fully implemented to promote the common development of all countries. Development should be leveraged to foster high-quality and sufficient employment, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to achieve personal growth through hard work, he added. Third, upholding the principle of universal benefit and inclusiveness. Stressing that a universally beneficial and inclusive development environment should be nurtured to promote social fairness and justice, he said developed countries should assume more responsibilities in advancing balanced resource distribution and equal development opportunities. Efforts should also be made to improve the balance and accessibility of public services, enabling the elderly, persons with disabilities, women, children, and youth to share the fruits of social development, he added. Fourth, promoting the spirit of solidarity and cooperation. He emphasized that it is important to practice true multilateralism and support the United Nations in playing a central and coordinating role in the global social development agenda, so as to achieve global governance based on extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Efforts should be made to enhance the representation and voice of developing countries in global social development governance, and promote the development of the international order toward greater fairness and equity, he added. China, Han said, looks forward to working with all parties to take this summit as an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Program of Action, inject stronger impetus into global social development, and make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for humanity. The Second World Summit for Social Development is taking place in Doha from Tuesday to Thursday, aiming to review the progress made since the Copenhagen Summit, chart a roadmap for advancing social development, and accelerate the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More than 30 heads of state or government and over 100 ministerial-level representatives are expected to attend the event. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng speaks at the general debate of the ongoing Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) LTC Properties (NYSE:LTC Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2025 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 2.690-2.710 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 2.190. The company issued revenue guidance of -. LTC Properties Stock Up 0.8% Shares of LTC traded up $0.29 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $35.68. The company had a trading volume of 442,300 shares, compared to its average volume of 352,661. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 9.06 and a current ratio of 9.06. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $35.69 and a 200 day moving average price of $35.46. LTC Properties has a 52 week low of $31.70 and a 52 week high of $39.89. The company has a market capitalization of $1.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.61 and a beta of 0.68. Get LTC Properties alerts: LTC Properties (NYSE:LTC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.68 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $30.18 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $49.97 million. LTC Properties had a return on equity of 7.95% and a net margin of 38.24%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 20.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.45 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that LTC Properties will post 2.79 EPS for the current year. LTC Properties Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The firm also recently disclosed a dec 25 dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 23rd will be given a $0.19 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 23rd. This represents a yield of 615.0%. LTC Propertiess dividend payout ratio is 125.27%. LTC has been the topic of several analyst reports. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and issued a $43.00 price objective on shares of LTC Properties in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of LTC Properties in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. BMO Capital Markets raised LTC Properties from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $39.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, September 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on shares of LTC Properties from $36.00 to $37.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on shares of LTC Properties in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. They set a neutral rating and a $38.00 target price for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $38.60. View Our Latest Research Report on LTC Institutional Investors Weigh In On LTC Properties Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd increased its stake in LTC Properties by 1,488.7% in the 2nd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 127,220 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,403,000 after buying an additional 119,212 shares in the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in shares of LTC Properties by 392.2% during the 2nd quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 125,278 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $4,336,000 after purchasing an additional 99,823 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of LTC Properties by 50.4% during the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 196,320 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $6,795,000 after purchasing an additional 65,792 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its holdings in shares of LTC Properties by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,163,763 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $109,498,000 after purchasing an additional 61,678 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of LTC Properties during the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,378,000. 69.25% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. LTC Properties Company Profile (Get Free Report) LTC Properties, Inc is a real estate investment trust, which engages in managing seniors housing and health care properties. It operates through the Texas, Michigan, Florida, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Remaining States geographic segments. The company was founded by Andre C. Dimitriadis on May 12, 1992 and is headquartered in Westlake Village, CA. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for LTC Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for LTC Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Macerich (NYSE:MAC Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The real estate investment trust reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.36 by ($0.01), Zacks reports. Macerich had a negative return on equity of 15.15% and a negative net margin of 41.33%. Macerich Stock Up 2.5% NYSE:MAC traded up $0.43 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $17.77. The stock had a trading volume of 3,080,347 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,995,617. The company has a current ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00. Macerich has a 1-year low of $12.48 and a 1-year high of $22.27. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $17.70 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $16.69. The company has a market cap of $4.49 billion, a PE ratio of -10.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.96 and a beta of 2.23. Get Macerich alerts: Macerich Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.17 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.8%. Macerichs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -38.86%. Analyst Ratings Changes MAC has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of Macerich from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH initiated coverage on shares of Macerich in a report on Friday, July 18th. They set a buy rating and a $25.00 price objective on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Macerich from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 27th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Macerich from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, August 2nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Macerich in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $20.11. Read Our Latest Analysis on Macerich Institutional Trading of Macerich Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. State Street Corp grew its position in Macerich by 2.4% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 15,162,075 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $245,322,000 after acquiring an additional 351,907 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its position in shares of Macerich by 13.4% during the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,894,230 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $63,014,000 after buying an additional 461,351 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in shares of Macerich by 9.0% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,488,210 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $24,079,000 after buying an additional 122,765 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in shares of Macerich by 376.2% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 906,843 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $15,570,000 after buying an additional 716,394 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sei Investments Co. grew its position in shares of Macerich by 6.0% during the second quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 878,716 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $14,218,000 after buying an additional 49,907 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.38% of the companys stock. About Macerich (Get Free Report) Macerich is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT). As a leading owner, operator and developer of high-quality retail real estate in densely populated and attractive U.S. markets, Macerichs portfolio is concentrated in California, the Pacific Northwest, Phoenix/Scottsdale, and the Metro New York to Washington, DC corridor. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Macerich Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Macerich and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Magna International (NYSE:MGA Free Report) (TSE:MG) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report published on Saturday morning. Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on MGA. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $45.00 price objective on shares of Magna International in a research report on Friday, September 12th. UBS Group increased their price objective on Magna International from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Magna International from $46.00 to $45.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Barclays raised their price target on Magna International from $45.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, CIBC restated a neutral rating and issued a $47.00 price target (up previously from $46.00) on shares of Magna International in a research report on Tuesday, August 26th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $48.57. Get Magna International alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Magna International Magna International Trading Up 4.4% Shares of Magna International stock opened at $49.27 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $46.18 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $41.43. Magna International has a 1 year low of $30.39 and a 1 year high of $49.79. The company has a market capitalization of $13.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.56, a P/E/G ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 1.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 0.82. Magna International (NYSE:MGA Get Free Report) (TSE:MG) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $1.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.24 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $10.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.03 billion. Magna International had a return on equity of 11.89% and a net margin of 2.91%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.28 EPS. Magna International has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Research analysts forecast that Magna International will post 5.87 EPS for the current year. Magna International Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a $0.485 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $1.94 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.9%. Magna Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 53.01%. Institutional Trading of Magna International A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. ARGA Investment Management LP boosted its stake in shares of Magna International by 33.2% during the third quarter. ARGA Investment Management LP now owns 4,148,133 shares of the companys stock valued at $196,557,000 after purchasing an additional 1,033,747 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Magna International by 20.2% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,015,407 shares of the companys stock valued at $77,332,000 after purchasing an additional 338,470 shares in the last quarter. QV Investors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Magna International by 0.6% during the second quarter. QV Investors Inc. now owns 651,377 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,129,000 after purchasing an additional 3,912 shares in the last quarter. Amundi boosted its stake in shares of Magna International by 19.0% during the first quarter. Amundi now owns 582,710 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,305,000 after purchasing an additional 93,189 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in shares of Magna International by 0.8% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 254,557 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,828,000 after purchasing an additional 2,057 shares in the last quarter. 67.49% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Magna International (Get Free Report) Magna International Inc designs, engineers, and manufactures components, assemblies, systems, subsystems, and modules for original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and light trucks worldwide. It operates through four segments: Body Exteriors & Structures, Power & Vision, Seating Systems, and Complete Vehicles. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Magna International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magna International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mercury General (NYSE:MCY Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Tuesday. The insurance provider reported $3.86 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.15 by $1.71, Zacks reports. Mercury General had a return on equity of 16.61% and a net margin of 6.76%. Mercury General Stock Up 4.8% Shares of NYSE:MCY traded up $3.66 on Tuesday, reaching $79.89. The company had a trading volume of 346,207 shares, compared to its average volume of 440,773. Mercury General has a 52-week low of $44.19 and a 52-week high of $87.67. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $79.87 and its 200-day simple moving average is $70.28. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.43 billion, a PE ratio of 11.35 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a current ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Get Mercury General alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on MCY shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Mercury General in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen raised Mercury General from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, August 2nd. Zacks Research lowered Mercury General from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial reaffirmed a strong-buy rating and set a $100.00 target price (up from $90.00) on shares of Mercury General in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $100.00. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Public Sector Pension Investment Board increased its holdings in shares of Mercury General by 7.4% in the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 90,522 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $6,096,000 after acquiring an additional 6,223 shares during the period. State of Tennessee Department of Treasury grew its stake in Mercury General by 109.7% during the 2nd quarter. State of Tennessee Department of Treasury now owns 13,753 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $926,000 after buying an additional 7,196 shares during the last quarter. Rubric Capital Management LP grew its stake in Mercury General by 12.8% during the 2nd quarter. Rubric Capital Management LP now owns 2,054,504 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $138,350,000 after buying an additional 232,721 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its stake in Mercury General by 55.7% during the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 85,566 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $5,762,000 after buying an additional 30,621 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brevan Howard Capital Management LP purchased a new position in Mercury General during the 2nd quarter worth $208,000. 42.39% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Mercury General Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mercury General Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in writing personal automobile insurance in the United States. The company also writes homeowners, commercial automobile, commercial property, mechanical protection, and umbrella insurance products. Its automobile insurance products include collision, property damage, bodily injury, comprehensive, personal injury protection, underinsured and uninsured motorist, and other hazards; and homeowners insurance products comprise dwelling, liability, personal property, and other coverages. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mercury General Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mercury General and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP.A Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share for the quarter, Zacks reports. Molson Coors Beverage Price Performance Shares of TAP.A opened at $44.06 on Tuesday. Molson Coors Beverage has a 1-year low of $44.06 and a 1-year high of $65.82. The companys fifty day moving average price is $49.76 and its 200-day moving average price is $52.99. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: About Molson Coors Beverage (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, and ready to drink beverages. It provides its products under Aspall Cider, Blue Moon, Coors Original, Hop Valley brands, Leinenkugel's, Miller Genuine Draft, Molson Ultra, Sharp's, Staropramen, and Vizzy Hard Seltzer above premier brands; Bergenbier, Borsodi, Carling, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Jelen, Kamenitza, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian Lager, Molson Dry, Molson Export, and Niksicko, Ozujsko under the premium brands; and Branik, Icehouse, Keystone, Miller High Life, Milwaukee's Best, and Steel Reserve under the economy brands. Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Natural Resource Partners (NYSE:NRP Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday. The energy company reported $2.28 earnings per share for the quarter, Zacks reports. Natural Resource Partners had a return on equity of 27.76% and a net margin of 65.19%. Natural Resource Partners Trading Down 0.9% Shares of NRP stock traded down $0.96 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $103.91. The companys stock had a trading volume of 18,109 shares, compared to its average volume of 23,204. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.77 and a beta of 0.29. Natural Resource Partners has a one year low of $86.83 and a one year high of $113.04. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $104.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is $100.85. The company has a current ratio of 2.20, a quick ratio of 2.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Get Natural Resource Partners alerts: Natural Resource Partners Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 26th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 19th were given a $0.75 dividend. This represents a $3.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 19th. Natural Resource Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 28.20%. Insider Buying and Selling at Natural Resource Partners Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other news, VP Gregory F. Wooten sold 8,607 shares of Natural Resource Partners stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.24, for a total value of $862,765.68. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 28,656 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,872,477.44. This trade represents a 23.10% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 35.30% of the companys stock. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in NRP. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in shares of Natural Resource Partners by 23.7% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 9,199 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $956,000 after purchasing an additional 1,761 shares during the period. Jump Financial LLC lifted its stake in shares of Natural Resource Partners by 8.1% in the 2nd quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 2,444 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $233,000 after purchasing an additional 184 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Natural Resource Partners by 144.0% in the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 266 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Natural Resource Partners in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $137,000. Finally, Progeny 3 Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Natural Resource Partners by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. Progeny 3 Inc. now owns 302,550 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $28,897,000 after purchasing an additional 12,370 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 31.77% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently commented on NRP shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Natural Resource Partners in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Natural Resource Partners from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, August 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Check Out Our Latest Report on Natural Resource Partners Natural Resource Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Natural Resource Partners L.P., together with its subsidiaries, owns, manages, and leases a portfolio of mineral properties in the United States. It operates in two segments, Mineral Rights and Soda Ash. The company owns interests in coal, soda ash, trona, and other natural resources. Its coal reserves are primarily located in the Appalachia Basin, the Illinois Basin, and the Northern Powder River Basin in the United States; industrial minerals and aggregates properties located in the United States; and oil and gas properties located in Louisiana. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Natural Resource Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Natural Resource Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of NEC Co. (OTCMKTS:NIPNF Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $37.27 and last traded at $37.27, with a volume of 536 shares. The stock had previously closed at $36.6750. NEC Stock Performance The companys 50 day moving average price is $31.82 and its 200-day moving average price is $28.82. The company has a market cap of $9.71 billion, a PE ratio of 22.73 and a beta of -0.47. About NEC (Get Free Report) NEC Corporation provides information and communication technology solutions in Japan and internationally. It operates through five segments: Public Solutions Business, Public Infrastructure Business, Enterprise Business, Network Services Business, and Global Business. It provides systems integration services, including systems implementation and consulting; maintenance and support services; outsourcing and cloud services; and system equipment. See Also Receive News & Ratings for NEC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NEC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Northcape Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 51.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 7,703 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,614 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for about 1.8% of Northcape Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest holding. Northcape Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $6,005,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth about $27,000. Blume Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 46.7% in the second quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. now owns 44 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 14 shares in the last quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter worth about $35,000. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth about $40,000. Finally, TD Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 129.2% in the first quarter. TD Capital Management LLC now owns 55 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 31 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 3.9% Shares of LLY stock opened at $896.15 on Tuesday. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $623.78 and a 1 year high of $935.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $784.74 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $772.35. The company has a market cap of $848.17 billion, a PE ratio of 58.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.47. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 92.72% and a net margin of 25.91%.The business had revenue of $17.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.09 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.18 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Research analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be issued a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 29.35%. Insider Transactions at Eli Lilly and Company In other Eli Lilly and Company news, Director Gabrielle Sulzberger purchased 117 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 12th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $641.18 per share, for a total transaction of $75,018.06. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 2,703 shares in the company, valued at $1,733,109.54. This represents a 4.52% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Daniel Skovronsky purchased 1,000 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $634.40 per share, for a total transaction of $634,400.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the executive vice president owned 137,660 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $87,331,504. This trade represents a 0.73% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders bought 4,514 shares of company stock valued at $2,894,841. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms recently commented on LLY. Berenberg Bank reiterated a hold rating and issued a $830.00 target price (down from $970.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. Erste Group Bank upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,100.00 to $1,050.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,010.00 to $900.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $940.00. View Our Latest Research Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSE:NDM Get Free Report) (NYSE:NAK)s stock price crossed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$1.96 and traded as high as C$2.86. Northern Dynasty Minerals shares last traded at C$2.60, with a volume of 1,282,101 shares traded. Northern Dynasty Minerals Stock Down 8.5% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.33, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 3.93. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of C$1.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$1.73. The company has a market capitalization of C$1.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -17.33 and a beta of -0.34. About Northern Dynasty Minerals (Get Free Report) Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd is a Canadian mineral exploration company. It has a single operating segment of acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. Its core asset is the Pebble Project located in Alaska, USA. The Pebble project is seeking to develop a significant deposit of copper, gold, molybdenum, and silver into a modern mining operation. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Northern Dynasty Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Northern Dynasty Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hussman Strategic Advisors Inc. lessened its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 16.7% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 52,500 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,500 shares during the quarter. Novo Nordisk A/S comprises about 0.8% of Hussman Strategic Advisors Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 28th largest position. Hussman Strategic Advisors Inc.s holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $3,624,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in NVO. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC increased its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 301,443.6% during the second quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 10,005,216 shares of the companys stock worth $690,560,000 after acquiring an additional 10,001,898 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the 1st quarter worth $370,272,000. Amundi increased its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 49.1% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 4,938,507 shares of the companys stock worth $331,576,000 after purchasing an additional 1,627,051 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 101.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 2,475,300 shares of the companys stock worth $170,845,000 after purchasing an additional 1,246,467 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 15,919.9% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,044,658 shares of the companys stock valued at $72,523,000 after buying an additional 1,038,137 shares during the period. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have weighed in on NVO. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from an overweight rating to an underweight rating and reduced their price target for the company from $59.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, September 29th. BNP Paribas Exane raised shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $54.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Barclays reiterated an equal weight rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, Rothschild Redb upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $76.00. Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Down 0.7% Shares of NVO opened at $49.11 on Tuesday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $56.03 and its 200-day simple moving average is $61.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a current ratio of 0.78. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 1 year low of $45.05 and a 1 year high of $112.52. The stock has a market capitalization of $219.26 billion, a PE ratio of 13.49, a P/E/G ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 0.68. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.04. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 35.60% and a return on equity of 78.64%. The firm had revenue of $11.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $77.51 billion. Analysts forecast that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend The firm also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 18th were paid a $0.4119 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 18th. This represents a dividend yield of 240.0%. Novo Nordisk A/Ss payout ratio is 22.53%. About Novo Nordisk A/S (Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JUBA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- More than 445,000 South Sudanese people have fled their homes in 2025 due to a surge in fighting across the country, worsening one of the world's most protracted humanitarian crises, a global charity said on Tuesday. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the combined effects of conflict in South Sudan, the consequences of conflict in Sudan, recurrent inter-communal violence, and massive floods had devastated communities in 2025. The ICRC said families are facing growing hardship and uncertainty as aid funding declines sharply and essential services are stretched to breaking point. The charity urged all parties to the conflict, authorities, and donors to take action to prevent a catastrophe in the coming months. Florence Gillette, head of delegation for the ICRC in South Sudan, said conflict-related hostilities affected seven states out of 10, and inter-communal violence has occurred in almost all states. "This cycle must end so that communities can recover from years of crisis. This is further compounded by the impact of climate change, with above 900,000 affected, including 300,000 displaced," she added. The ICRC has assisted 196,000 displaced people and returnees from Sudan in collaboration with the South Sudan Red Cross since the beginning of 2025. It said this assistance has focused on addressing life-saving needs through a combination of food support, cash assistance, emergency agricultural and livestock interventions, income-generating assistance, and the provision of essential household items to improve living conditions. Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NMT Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Monday, November 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be given a dividend of 0.064 per share by the financial services provider on Monday, December 1st. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund Price Performance Shares of NMT opened at $11.55 on Tuesday. Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund has a one year low of $10.90 and a one year high of $12.33. The stocks fifty day moving average is $11.54 and its 200-day moving average is $11.62. Get Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in NMT. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. bought a new stake in Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund during the second quarter worth approximately $47,000. Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund in the 2nd quarter worth $120,000. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund in the first quarter valued at $120,000. Moors & Cabot Inc. bought a new position in Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund during the second quarter valued at about $123,000. Finally, Brookwood Investment Group LLC acquired a new position in Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund during the first quarter worth about $189,000. 16.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund Company Profile Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of Massachusetts, United States. The fund primarily invests in undervalued municipal securities and other related investments which are exempt from regular federal and Massachusetts income taxes. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Massachusetts Quality Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio (NYSE:NXN Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 11,000 shares, a decline of 32.5% from the September 30th total of 16,300 shares. Currently, 0.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 12,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.9 days. Based on an average trading volume of 12,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.9 days. Currently, 0.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Institutional Trading of Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. OMNI 360 Wealth Inc. boosted its stake in Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio by 13.3% in the second quarter. OMNI 360 Wealth Inc. now owns 17,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $198,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares during the last quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio by 20.1% in the 2nd quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 76,674 shares of the companys stock worth $892,000 after purchasing an additional 12,839 shares during the period. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. purchased a new position in Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio in the first quarter valued at approximately $230,000. Get Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio alerts: Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Price Performance NXN traded up $0.06 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $12.10. 18,784 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,798. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $11.95 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $11.68. Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio has a 1 year low of $10.98 and a 1 year high of $12.20. Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Announces Dividend Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Company Profile The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.042 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 15th. (Get Free Report) Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of New York. The fund invests in the securities of companies that operate across diversified sectors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen New York Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Obermeyer Wealth Partners trimmed its position in Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY Free Report) by 78.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 5,598 shares of the companys stock after selling 20,376 shares during the period. Obermeyer Wealth Partners holdings in Sysco were worth $424,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in SYY. Boston Partners increased its position in Sysco by 24.8% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 15,199,828 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,139,798,000 after buying an additional 3,015,714 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in Sysco during the 1st quarter worth approximately $85,341,000. Amundi increased its holdings in Sysco by 36.5% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 3,725,508 shares of the companys stock worth $280,941,000 after purchasing an additional 995,498 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its holdings in Sysco by 1,940.1% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 1,016,660 shares of the companys stock worth $76,290,000 after purchasing an additional 966,826 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. increased its holdings in Sysco by 38.8% during the 1st quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. now owns 2,015,994 shares of the companys stock worth $151,280,000 after purchasing an additional 563,921 shares in the last quarter. 83.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Sysco alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Sysco news, EVP Ronald L. Phillips sold 7,351 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.00, for a total transaction of $595,431.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 41,837 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,388,797. This represents a 14.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders sold 14,732 shares of company stock worth $1,193,245 over the last three months. 0.56% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have commented on SYY. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Sysco from $81.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. Citigroup decreased their price objective on Sysco from $86.00 to $82.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday. Weiss Ratings raised Sysco from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $88.00 price objective on Sysco and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Sysco from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $87.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on SYY Sysco Stock Performance SYY stock opened at $72.84 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $34.88 billion, a PE ratio of 19.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.54. The business has a 50 day moving average of $79.95 and a 200-day moving average of $77.09. Sysco Corporation has a 12-month low of $67.12 and a 12-month high of $83.47. Sysco (NYSE:SYY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $1.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.12 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $21.15 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.03 billion. Sysco had a return on equity of 112.04% and a net margin of 2.21%.Syscos quarterly revenue was up 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.09 earnings per share. Sysco has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.500-4.600 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Sysco Corporation will post 4.58 earnings per share for the current year. Sysco Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were issued a dividend of $0.54 per share. This represents a $2.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 3rd. Syscos dividend payout ratio is 57.91%. Sysco Profile (Free Report) Sysco Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the marketing and distribution of various food and related products to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and internationally. It operates through U.S. Foodservice Operations, International Foodservice Operations, SYGMA, and Other segments. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SYY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sysco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sysco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intellectus Partners LLC decreased its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report) by 10.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 18,927 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 2,124 shares during the period. Intellectus Partners LLCs holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $800,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Management Co. acquired a new position in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 1,193.9% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 854 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 788 shares during the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the 1st quarter worth approximately $39,000. MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 371.7% in the 2nd quarter. MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 788 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Spectrum Wealth Counsel LLC grew its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 5,000.0% in the 1st quarter. Spectrum Wealth Counsel LLC now owns 1,020 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.70% of the companys stock. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Occidental Petroleum Stock Performance OXY stock opened at $40.94 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 1.05. The stock has a market cap of $40.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.23 and a beta of 0.95. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $44.76 and a 200 day simple moving average of $43.66. Occidental Petroleum Corporation has a 52 week low of $34.78 and a 52 week high of $53.20. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Occidental Petroleum ( NYSE:OXY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 6th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $6.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.29 billion. Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 8.79% and a return on equity of 13.78%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.03 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Occidental Petroleum Corporation will post 3.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several brokerages have recently issued reports on OXY. Roth Capital lifted their price objective on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Melius Research began coverage on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a report on Wednesday, August 20th. They issued a hold rating and a $64.00 target price for the company. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $50.00 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Mizuho upgraded shares of Occidental Petroleum from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the stock from $58.00 to $60.00 in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Occidental Petroleum from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, August 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $52.26. Read Our Latest Stock Report on OXY Occidental Petroleum Company Profile (Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. The company's Oil and Gas segment explores for, develops, and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OXY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday. The energy company reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by $0.04, Zacks reports. Ormat Technologies had a return on equity of 5.47% and a net margin of 14.49%.The company had revenue of $249.73 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $235.03 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.36 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 17.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Ormat Technologies updated its FY 2025 guidance to EPS. Ormat Technologies Trading Up 1.3% Ormat Technologies stock opened at $107.80 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $98.87 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $87.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. The stock has a market cap of $6.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 50.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.84 and a beta of 0.69. Ormat Technologies has a 12 month low of $61.58 and a 12 month high of $111.08. Get Ormat Technologies alerts: Ormat Technologies Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be issued a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 17th. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.4%. Ormat Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 22.33%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have weighed in on ORA. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Ormat Technologies from $88.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Baird R W raised Ormat Technologies from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. Piper Sandler raised Ormat Technologies from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $90.00 to $102.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. Robert W. Baird raised Ormat Technologies from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $87.00 to $103.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, Oppenheimer reissued an outperform rating and issued a $100.00 price objective on shares of Ormat Technologies in a research report on Friday, August 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $99.30. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Ormat Technologies Insider Buying and Selling In other Ormat Technologies news, insider Jessica Woelfel sold 5,611 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, September 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.80, for a total transaction of $531,922.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 3,433 shares in the company, valued at $325,448.40. This represents a 62.04% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Dafna Sharir sold 981 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $96.70, for a total value of $94,862.70. Following the transaction, the director owned 2,257 shares of the companys stock, valued at $218,251.90. This represents a 30.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 40,926 shares of company stock worth $3,861,296. Insiders own 0.56% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ORA. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its stake in Ormat Technologies by 62.6% during the second quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 1,073,639 shares of the energy companys stock worth $89,928,000 after acquiring an additional 413,384 shares in the last quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. bought a new stake in Ormat Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $18,310,000. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. bought a new stake in Ormat Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $9,632,000. Invesco Ltd. grew its position in Ormat Technologies by 48.6% during the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 337,935 shares of the energy companys stock worth $28,305,000 after acquiring an additional 110,575 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in Ormat Technologies by 48.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 248,254 shares of the energy companys stock worth $20,794,000 after acquiring an additional 81,391 shares during the last quarter. 95.49% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Ormat Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ormat Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ormat Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The company traded as high as $113.25 and last traded at $111.56, with a volume of 118753 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $107.82. The energy company reported $0.41 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.37 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $249.73 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $235.03 million. Ormat Technologies had a return on equity of 5.47% and a net margin of 14.49%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 17.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.36 EPS. Ormat Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Get Ormat Technologies alerts: Ormat Technologies Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.12 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 17th. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.4%. Ormat Technologiess payout ratio is presently 22.33%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have commented on ORA shares. Piper Sandler raised Ormat Technologies from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $90.00 to $102.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Ormat Technologies from $88.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Robert W. Baird raised Ormat Technologies from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $87.00 to $103.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on Ormat Technologies from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 24th. Finally, TD Cowen lifted their price objective on Ormat Technologies from $76.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $99.30. Read Our Latest Research Report on Ormat Technologies Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Jessica Woelfel sold 5,611 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.80, for a total value of $531,922.80. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 3,433 shares of the companys stock, valued at $325,448.40. The trade was a 62.04% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Dafna Sharir sold 981 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $96.70, for a total value of $94,862.70. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 2,257 shares of the companys stock, valued at $218,251.90. The trade was a 30.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 40,926 shares of company stock worth $3,861,296 over the last three months. Insiders own 0.56% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ormat Technologies A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in Ormat Technologies by 19.1% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,890,235 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $133,770,000 after purchasing an additional 303,756 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Ormat Technologies by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,467,156 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $122,902,000 after purchasing an additional 48,038 shares during the last quarter. Van Berkom & Associates Inc. boosted its stake in Ormat Technologies by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Van Berkom & Associates Inc. now owns 1,280,026 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $90,587,000 after purchasing an additional 33,719 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board boosted its stake in Ormat Technologies by 62.6% during the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 1,073,639 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $89,928,000 after purchasing an additional 413,384 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in Ormat Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at about $56,458,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.49% of the companys stock. Ormat Technologies Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $6.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 51.34, a P/E/G ratio of 4.84 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 0.70. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $98.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $87.67. About Ormat Technologies (Get Free Report) Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ormat Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ormat Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Partners Group Holding AG cut its position in Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO Free Report) by 11.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 323,145 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 43,397 shares during the period. Atmos Energy accounts for about 2.3% of Partners Group Holding AGs investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th biggest position. Partners Group Holding AG owned 0.20% of Atmos Energy worth $49,800,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Atmos Energy by 191.2% in the first quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 166 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group raised its stake in shares of Atmos Energy by 141.2% in the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 234 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. raised its stake in shares of Atmos Energy by 50.0% in the second quarter. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. now owns 300 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of Atmos Energy by 11,200.0% in the second quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 339 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $52,000 after acquiring an additional 336 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Atmos Energy by 24.0% in the second quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 372 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $57,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. 90.17% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Atmos Energy alerts: Atmos Energy Trading Up 0.7% Shares of NYSE ATO opened at $172.92 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $169.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is $161.71. Atmos Energy Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $136.05 and a fifty-two week high of $179.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $27.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.75, a P/E/G ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.25. Atmos Energy Dividend Announcement Atmos Energy ( NYSE:ATO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.16 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.17 by ($0.01). Atmos Energy had a net margin of 25.05% and a return on equity of 9.00%. The business had revenue of $838.77 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $848.97 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.08 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Atmos Energy Corporation will post 7.18 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 8th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 25th were paid a $0.87 dividend. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 25th. Atmos Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 47.80%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Atmos Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, August 17th. Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Atmos Energy from $164.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, September 26th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b+) rating on shares of Atmos Energy in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Bank of America reissued a neutral rating and set a $185.00 price target (up from $182.00) on shares of Atmos Energy in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Barclays set a $175.00 price objective on shares of Atmos Energy in a report on Thursday, October 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $170.44. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Atmos Energy Atmos Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Atmos Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated natural gas distribution, and pipeline and storage businesses in the United States. It operates through two segments, Distribution, and Pipeline and Storage. The Distribution segment is involved in the regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations in eight states. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Atmos Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atmos Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Inspire Medical Systems (NYSE:INSP Get Free Report)s stock had its overweight rating reiterated by Piper Sandler in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. They presently have a $135.00 target price on the stock, down from their prior target price of $150.00. Piper Sandlers target price would suggest a potential upside of 58.77% from the companys current price. INSP has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on Inspire Medical Systems from $150.00 to $125.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Inspire Medical Systems from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, July 26th. Mizuho set a $110.00 target price on shares of Inspire Medical Systems in a report on Tuesday. Lake Street Capital set a $150.00 price objective on shares of Inspire Medical Systems and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $150.00 price objective on shares of Inspire Medical Systems in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $133.88. Get Inspire Medical Systems alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Inspire Medical Systems Inspire Medical Systems Price Performance Shares of NYSE:INSP traded up $11.32 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $85.03. 1,388,753 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 771,217. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.51 billion, a PE ratio of 49.06, a P/E/G ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 1.14. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $80.37 and its 200-day simple moving average is $112.89. Inspire Medical Systems has a 12-month low of $70.77 and a 12-month high of $216.01. Inspire Medical Systems (NYSE:INSP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $0.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.15) by $0.53. Inspire Medical Systems had a return on equity of 10.38% and a net margin of 6.17%.The company had revenue of $224.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $220.39 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.60 earnings per share. Inspire Medical Systemss revenue was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Inspire Medical Systems will post 2.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. Inspire Medical Systems announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback plan on Monday, August 11th that permits the company to repurchase $200.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to repurchase up to 8.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Buying and Selling at Inspire Medical Systems In other news, CFO Richard Buchholz sold 11,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.39, for a total value of $1,027,290.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 44,867 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,190,129.13. This trade represents a 19.69% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 2.30% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Inspire Medical Systems Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in INSP. Dragoneer Investment Group LLC boosted its stake in Inspire Medical Systems by 81.4% in the 2nd quarter. Dragoneer Investment Group LLC now owns 2,354,411 shares of the companys stock worth $305,532,000 after purchasing an additional 1,056,808 shares in the last quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP boosted its stake in Inspire Medical Systems by 7.2% in the 2nd quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP now owns 1,634,395 shares of the companys stock worth $212,095,000 after purchasing an additional 110,288 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC lifted its stake in shares of Inspire Medical Systems by 214.5% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 1,112,925 shares of the companys stock worth $177,267,000 after buying an additional 759,090 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of Inspire Medical Systems by 2.3% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,030,902 shares of the companys stock worth $133,780,000 after buying an additional 22,843 shares during the period. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Inspire Medical Systems by 8.3% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 858,572 shares of the companys stock worth $136,753,000 after buying an additional 65,492 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.91% of the companys stock. About Inspire Medical Systems (Get Free Report) Inspire Medical Systems, Inc, a medical technology company, focuses on the development and commercialization of minimally invasive solutions for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the United States and internationally. The company offers Inspire system, a neurostimulation technology that provides a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Inspire Medical Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Inspire Medical Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burney Co. cut its holdings in shares of Portland General Electric Company (NYSE:POR Free Report) by 31.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 62,930 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 29,396 shares during the period. Burney Co. owned 0.06% of Portland General Electric worth $2,557,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Wayfinding Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Portland General Electric during the first quarter worth $27,000. Private Trust Co. NA grew its holdings in shares of Portland General Electric by 62.6% during the first quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 634 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 244 shares during the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc grew its holdings in shares of Portland General Electric by 1,291.7% during the second quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 668 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 620 shares during the last quarter. S.A. Mason LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Portland General Electric during the second quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, Costello Asset Management INC purchased a new stake in shares of Portland General Electric during the first quarter valued at $46,000. Get Portland General Electric alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on POR shares. Mizuho set a $47.00 price objective on shares of Portland General Electric in a report on Monday. Zacks Research raised shares of Portland General Electric from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, August 18th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Portland General Electric in a report on Monday, October 27th. They set an equal weight rating and a $45.00 price objective on the stock. BTIG Research raised shares of Portland General Electric to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of Portland General Electric from $43.00 to $46.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $46.83. Insider Buying and Selling at Portland General Electric In other Portland General Electric news, CEO Maria M. Pope sold 18,896 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $42.50, for a total value of $803,080.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 194,135 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,250,737.50. This represents a 8.87% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.40% of the companys stock. Portland General Electric Price Performance NYSE:POR opened at $46.91 on Tuesday. Portland General Electric Company has a one year low of $39.54 and a one year high of $48.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.97. The firm has a market cap of $5.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.31, a PEG ratio of 4.18 and a beta of 0.62. The firms fifty day moving average is $43.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is $42.32. Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.98 by $0.02. Portland General Electric had a net margin of 8.43% and a return on equity of 8.07%. The company had revenue of $952.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $975.64 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.90 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. Portland General Electric has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.130-3.330 EPS. Research analysts expect that Portland General Electric Company will post 3.21 EPS for the current year. Portland General Electric Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 22nd will be given a $0.525 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 22nd. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.5%. Portland General Electrics dividend payout ratio is 76.36%. Portland General Electric Company Profile (Free Report) Portland General Electric Company, an integrated electric utility company, engages in the generation, wholesale purchase, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity in the state of Oregon. It operates six thermal plants, three wind farms, and seven hydroelectric facilities. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned an electric transmission system consisting of 1,254 circuit miles, including 287 circuit miles of 500 kilovolt line, 413 circuit miles of 230 kilovolt line, and 554 miles of 115 kilovolt line; and served 934 thousand retail customers in 51 cities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Portland General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Portland General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe (NYSEARCA:UPV Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 400 shares, a decline of 33.3% from the September 30th total of 600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 1,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Currently, 0.3% of the companys shares are sold short. Currently, 0.3% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 1,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe Stock Down 0.4% NYSEARCA UPV traded down $0.30 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $82.97. 356 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,266. ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe has a 52 week low of $51.37 and a 52 week high of $86.24. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $82.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $78.67. Get ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe An institutional investor recently bought a new position in ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe stock. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe (NYSEARCA:UPV Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 3,130 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $206,000. Jane Street Group LLC owned 2.72% of ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe at the end of the most recent reporting period. About ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe ProShares Ultra MSCI Europe seeks daily investment results that correspond to twice (200%) the daily performance of the MSCI Europe Index (the Index). The Fund seeks investment results for a single day only, not for longer periods. The Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of the developed markets in Europe. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProShares Ultra FTSE Europe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KHARTOUM, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 civilians were killed and 34 others wounded on Monday in two separate drone attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in central and western Sudan, volunteer groups reported. The attacks targeted a civilian gathering in the central North Kordofan state and a children's hospital in western North Darfur state, according to the volunteer groups. "The RSF targeted the Al-Lulib area, about 15 km east of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, with a drone today (Monday), killing 13 civilians and injuring 29 others, some of whom are in critical condition," the North Kordofan Resistance Committee, a volunteer group, said in a statement. An eyewitness from the area told Xinhua, "The strike targeted a large civilian gathering held to offer condolences, resulting in a high number of deaths and injuries." In another incident, the Sudan Doctors Network, another volunteer group, reported that an RSF drone struck the children's hospital in the Kornoi area of North Darfur, resulting in civilian casualties. The group said seven citizens, including women and children, were killed and five others seriously injured. It added that two children were receiving treatment inside the hospital at the time of the strike. The network held the RSF fully responsible for the attack, urging the international community and human rights organizations to condemn the attacks and take urgent measures to protect civilians. Fighting has intensified in recent weeks across the Darfur and Kordofan states between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, following the latter's recapture of several strategic towns, including Bara in North Kordofan and El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The RSF has not yet commented on the reported attacks. Sudan remains engulfed in a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, plunging the country deeper into a humanitarian crisis. Prosperity Consulting Group LLC lifted its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 2.1% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 21,784 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 446 shares during the quarter. Prosperity Consulting Group LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $3,968,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Brighton Jones LLC raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 31.1% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 8,531 shares of the companys stock worth $1,027,000 after purchasing an additional 2,023 shares during the last quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 4.5% during the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,097 shares of the companys stock worth $252,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Capstone Wealth Management Group LLC bought a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter worth about $238,000. Silver Oak Securities Incorporated bought a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter worth about $169,000. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 5,719,832 shares of the companys stock worth $907,909,000 after purchasing an additional 181,973 shares during the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently issued reports on PM. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on Philip Morris International and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $195.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, July 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Philip Morris International from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on Philip Morris International from $225.00 to $220.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $194.00. Philip Morris International Stock Up 0.2% NYSE:PM opened at $144.58 on Tuesday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $116.12 and a twelve month high of $186.69. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $159.59 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $168.79. The company has a market cap of $225.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.43. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.14% and a net margin of 9.33%.The firm had revenue of $8.12 billion during the quarter. As a group, analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Investors of record on Friday, October 3rd were paid a $1.47 dividend. This is a boost from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.1%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 106.52%. Philip Morris International Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:CDE Free Report) Equities research analysts at Roth Capital reduced their Q4 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Coeur Mining in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, October 30th. Roth Capital analyst J. Reagor now anticipates that the basic materials company will earn $0.39 per share for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $0.44. Roth Capital currently has a Buy rating and a $20.00 target price on the stock. The consensus estimate for Coeur Minings current full-year earnings is $0.58 per share. Get Coeur Mining alerts: Coeur Mining (NYSE:CDE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The basic materials company reported $0.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.25 by ($0.02). Coeur Mining had a net margin of 24.03% and a return on equity of 17.01%. The firm had revenue of $554.57 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $511.20 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.12 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 76.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Raymond James Financial set a $21.00 price objective on Coeur Mining in a research note on Thursday. Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded Coeur Mining from an overweight rating to a hold rating and set a $16.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Thursday. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on Coeur Mining from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. Cormark downgraded Coeur Mining from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Coeur Mining from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $13.75. Read Our Latest Report on Coeur Mining Coeur Mining Stock Performance Coeur Mining stock opened at $15.07 on Monday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $17.41 and a 200-day moving average of $11.78. Coeur Mining has a 1 year low of $4.58 and a 1 year high of $23.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.61 and a quick ratio of 0.60. The company has a market capitalization of $9.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.83 and a beta of 1.23. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Coeur Mining A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its holdings in shares of Coeur Mining by 7.8% during the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 200,757 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $3,766,000 after buying an additional 14,451 shares in the last quarter. Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Coeur Mining during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,710,000. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Coeur Mining during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $198,000. Great Lakes Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Coeur Mining during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $2,143,000. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. bought a new position in shares of Coeur Mining during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $8,684,000. 63.01% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Insider Buying and Selling at Coeur Mining In other Coeur Mining news, SVP Aoife Mcgrath sold 8,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.69, for a total transaction of $93,520.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 203,318 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,376,787.42. This represents a 3.79% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CAO Kenneth J. Watkinson sold 8,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.62, for a total value of $92,960.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 143,007 shares in the company, valued at $1,661,741.34. The trade was a 5.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders have sold 516,619 shares of company stock worth $6,626,362. Company insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Coeur Mining Company Profile (Get Free Report) Coeur Mining, Inc explores for precious metals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, zinc, and lead properties. It markets and sells its concentrates to third-party customers, smelters, under off-take agreements. The company was formerly known as Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation and changed its name to Coeur Mining, Inc in May 2013. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Coeur Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coeur Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by equities research analysts at Scotiabank from $215.00 to $193.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a sector perform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Scotiabanks price objective indicates a potential upside of 10.93% from the companys previous close. AVB has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $205.00 price objective on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $202.00 to $197.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Evercore ISI reissued an in-line rating and issued a $214.00 price objective on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a report on Monday. BNP Paribas downgraded shares of AvalonBay Communities from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of AvalonBay Communities from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, AvalonBay Communities currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $212.92. Get AvalonBay Communities alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on AvalonBay Communities AvalonBay Communities Stock Performance Shares of NYSE AVB traded down $1.39 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $173.98. 275,336 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 823,898. The stock has a market capitalization of $24.77 billion, a PE ratio of 21.25, a P/E/G ratio of 2.54 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $189.59 and a 200-day simple moving average of $197.21. AvalonBay Communities has a 52-week low of $166.73 and a 52-week high of $239.29. AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.75 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.81 by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $682.36 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $766.22 million. AvalonBay Communities had a net margin of 38.78% and a return on equity of 9.75%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.74 earnings per share. AvalonBay Communities has set its FY 2025 guidance at 11.150-11.35 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 2.800-2.90 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that AvalonBay Communities will post 11.48 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AVB. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grew its position in AvalonBay Communities by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 216,153 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $41,754,000 after acquiring an additional 6,511 shares in the last quarter. National Pension Service boosted its holdings in AvalonBay Communities by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter. National Pension Service now owns 228,155 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $44,073,000 after acquiring an additional 7,883 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC acquired a new stake in AvalonBay Communities during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 41,968 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $8,107,000 after purchasing an additional 356 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Golden State Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 255.2% in the 3rd quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 341 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $66,000 after purchasing an additional 245 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.61% of the companys stock. AvalonBay Communities Company Profile (Get Free Report) AvalonBay Communities, Inc is a real estate investment trust, which engages in the development, acquisition, ownership, and operation of multifamily communities. It operates through the following segments: Same Store, Other Stabilized, and Development or Redevelopment. The Same Store segment refers to the operating communities that were owned and had stabilized occupancy. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for AvalonBay Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AvalonBay Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) had its price objective decreased by research analysts at Scotiabank from $73.00 to $66.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a sector perform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Scotiabanks target price suggests a potential upside of 12.36% from the companys previous close. A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on EQR. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $75.00 to $68.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 27th. Truist Financial cut their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $78.00 to $75.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 29th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $70.00 to $68.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Equity Residential from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $70.00 to $68.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Equity Residential currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $72.45. Get Equity Residential alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Equity Residential Equity Residential Price Performance NYSE EQR traded down $0.34 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $58.74. 749,052 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,030,383. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a quick ratio of 0.17 and a current ratio of 0.45. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $63.77 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $66.25. The company has a market cap of $22.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.40, a P/E/G ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.90. Equity Residential has a 1-year low of $58.38 and a 1-year high of $78.32. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.02 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.02. The company had revenue of $782.41 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $779.68 million. Equity Residential had a return on equity of 10.30% and a net margin of 37.58%.During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.98 earnings per share. Equity Residential has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.020-1.060 EPS. FY 2025 guidance at 3.980-4.020 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Equity Residential will post 3.98 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of Equity Residential Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Greenleaf Trust raised its position in shares of Equity Residential by 4.4% during the 1st quarter. Greenleaf Trust now owns 3,858 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $276,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares during the last quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. raised its position in shares of Equity Residential by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 10,733 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $768,000 after acquiring an additional 166 shares during the last quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC raised its position in shares of Equity Residential by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 2,841 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $192,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its position in shares of Equity Residential by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 48,030 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,242,000 after acquiring an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CX Institutional raised its position in shares of Equity Residential by 6.1% during the 3rd quarter. CX Institutional now owns 3,274 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $212,000 after acquiring an additional 189 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.68% of the companys stock. Equity Residential Company Profile (Get Free Report) Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares (NYSEARCA:BRZU Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 212,600 shares, a growth of 48.8% from the September 30th total of 142,900 shares. Approximately 12.4% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 54,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.9 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 54,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 3.9 days. Approximately 12.4% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BRZU. Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new stake in Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares in the first quarter valued at approximately $2,460,000. Addison Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares by 34.2% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,643 shares of the companys stock worth $173,000 after acquiring an additional 674 shares during the last quarter. Get Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares alerts: Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares Trading Up 1.9% NYSEARCA BRZU traded up $1.38 during trading on Monday, hitting $75.40. 33,656 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 67,869. The company has a market cap of $128.93 million, a PE ratio of 10.75 and a beta of 1.75. Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares has a fifty-two week low of $40.61 and a fifty-two week high of $76.05. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $69.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $63.08. Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares Company Profile The Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares (BRZU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Brazil 25-50 index. The fund provides 2x daily leveraged exposure to a market-cap-weighted index of large- and mid-cap Brazilian companies. BRZU was launched on Apr 10, 2013 and is managed by Direxion. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Direxion Daily MSCI Brazil Bull 2X Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fresnillo PLC (OTCMKTS:FNLPF Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 785,500 shares, a decrease of 28.4% from the September 30th total of 1,097,100 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 38,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 20.4 days. Based on an average trading volume of 38,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 20.4 days. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on FNLPF shares. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Fresnillo in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating on shares of Fresnillo in a report on Monday, August 11th. HSBC raised shares of Fresnillo to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Hsbc Global Res upgraded Fresnillo from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Fresnillo from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Fresnillo alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on FNLPF Fresnillo Price Performance About Fresnillo Shares of OTCMKTS:FNLPF traded down $0.86 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $28.82. The company had a trading volume of 20,380 shares, compared to its average volume of 12,554. Fresnillo has a 12-month low of $7.65 and a 12-month high of $35.97. The company has a fifty day moving average of $29.90 and a two-hundred day moving average of $22.24. The company has a current ratio of 5.09, a quick ratio of 4.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. (Get Free Report) Fresnillo plc mines, develops, and produces non-ferrous minerals in Mexico. It operates through seven segments: Fresnillo, Saucito, Cienega, Herradura, Noche Buena, San Julian, and Juanicipio. The company primarily explores for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates. Its projects include the Fresnillo silver mine located in the state of Zacatecas; Saucito silver mine situated in the state of Zacatecas; Cienega gold mine located in the state of Durango; Herradura gold mine situated in the state of Sonora; Noche Buena gold mine located in the state of Sonora; San Julian silver-gold mine situated on the border of Chihuahua/Durango states; and Juanicipio mine located in the state of Zacatecas. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Fresnillo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresnillo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NXJ Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 64,000 shares, a decrease of 27.6% from the September 30th total of 88,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 149,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily volume of 149,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund Stock Down 0.4% Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund stock traded down $0.05 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $12.67. 113,908 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 138,764. Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund has a 12 month low of $11.01 and a 12 month high of $12.78. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $12.26 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $11.65. Get Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund alerts: Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 3rd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 15th will be given a dividend of $0.0785 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 15th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.4%. Institutional Trading of Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund Company Profile A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of NXJ. Strategic Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,445,000. North Ground Capital increased its holdings in Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund by 70.0% in the third quarter. North Ground Capital now owns 171,000 shares of the companys stock worth $2,122,000 after purchasing an additional 70,407 shares in the last quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV lifted its stake in Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund by 7.1% in the third quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV now owns 29,864 shares of the companys stock valued at $371,000 after buying an additional 1,986 shares during the period. Wealth Effects LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund by 12.3% during the 3rd quarter. Wealth Effects LLC now owns 22,800 shares of the companys stock worth $283,000 after buying an additional 2,500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BCS Private Wealth Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund by 25.4% during the 3rd quarter. BCS Private Wealth Management Inc. now owns 107,250 shares of the companys stock worth $1,339,000 after buying an additional 21,700 shares during the period. (Get Free Report) Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of New Jersey. The fund invests in undervalued municipal securities and other related investments that are, exempt from regular federal and New Jersey income taxes that are rated Baa or BBB or better. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of National Grid Transco, PLC (NYSE:NGG Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 3,708 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $276,000. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in NGG. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of National Grid Transco by 3.8% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 13,826 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $907,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its position in shares of National Grid Transco by 97.3% during the first quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 9,481 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $624,000 after purchasing an additional 4,675 shares in the last quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of National Grid Transco during the first quarter valued at about $28,000. Private Trust Co. NA raised its position in National Grid Transco by 36.7% in the first quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 2,444 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $160,000 after acquiring an additional 656 shares during the period. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its position in National Grid Transco by 13.9% in the first quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,227 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $81,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the period. 4.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get National Grid Transco alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have commented on NGG. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of National Grid Transco in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research lowered shares of National Grid Transco from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, September 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $80.40. National Grid Transco Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:NGG opened at $74.73 on Tuesday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $72.81 and a 200 day moving average of $72.13. National Grid Transco, PLC has a 12 month low of $55.82 and a 12 month high of $77.35. The company has a quick ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. National Grid Transco Profile (Free Report) National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and gas. It operates through UK Electricity Transmission, UK Electricity Distribution, UK Electricity System Operator, New England, New York, National Grid Ventures, and Other segments. The UK Electricity Transmission segment provides electricity transmission and construction work services in England and Wales. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NGG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for National Grid Transco, PLC (NYSE:NGG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for National Grid Transco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Grid Transco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spire Global (NYSE:SPIR Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday. The company reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Spire Global had a negative net margin of 98.42% and a negative return on equity of 492.01%. Spire Global Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:SPIR traded up $0.27 on Monday, reaching $11.15. The companys stock had a trading volume of 365,800 shares, compared to its average volume of 611,936. Spire Global has a 52-week low of $6.85 and a 52-week high of $21.43. The company has a market cap of $346.60 million, a P/E ratio of -4.44 and a beta of 2.41. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of $10.67. Get Spire Global alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (e+) rating on shares of Spire Global in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $18.20. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Spire Global A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Osaic Holdings Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Spire Global during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its stake in shares of Spire Global by 71.2% during the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 4,086 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 1,699 shares during the period. Shay Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Spire Global by 120.4% during the 2nd quarter. Shay Capital LLC now owns 57,116 shares of the companys stock worth $680,000 after purchasing an additional 31,198 shares during the period. Gilder Gagnon Howe & Co. LLC purchased a new position in shares of Spire Global during the 2nd quarter worth about $1,375,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its stake in shares of Spire Global by 84.6% during the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 2,749 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 1,260 shares during the period. 19.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Spire Global Company Profile (Get Free Report) Spire Global, Inc provides subscription-based data, insights, predictive analytics, and related project-based services worldwide. The company offers satellite-based aircraft tracking data to power applications, drive decision making, and improve cost efficiencies; data, insights, and predictive analytics for highly accurate ship monitoring, real-time and near real-time vessel updates, port operations, ship safety and route optimization; and space-based data, AI-powered insights, and predictive weather analytics for accurate weather forecasting. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Spire Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spire Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Life Insurance Co. decreased its holdings in Crh Plc (NYSE:CRH Free Report) by 6.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,336 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 502 shares during the quarter. Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.s holdings in CRH were worth $673,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in CRH. Longbow Finance SA raised its stake in CRH by 134.0% during the 2nd quarter. Longbow Finance SA now owns 75,287 shares of the construction companys stock worth $6,911,000 after acquiring an additional 43,112 shares during the period. GAM Holding AG bought a new stake in CRH during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $13,374,000. Creekmur Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in CRH during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. UNIVEST FINANCIAL Corp raised its stake in CRH by 77.0% during the 2nd quarter. UNIVEST FINANCIAL Corp now owns 22,132 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,032,000 after acquiring an additional 9,630 shares during the period. Finally, Assetmark Inc. raised its stake in CRH by 67.6% during the 2nd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 3,562 shares of the construction companys stock worth $327,000 after acquiring an additional 1,437 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.50% of the companys stock. Get CRH alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have commented on CRH. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of CRH in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group began coverage on shares of CRH in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. They set a buy rating and a $138.00 target price on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of CRH to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Morgan Stanley set a $134.00 target price on shares of CRH in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price objective on shares of CRH from $115.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, September 11th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $127.71. CRH Stock Performance Shares of NYSE CRH opened at $118.00 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $79.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.69, a P/E/G ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 1.32. The firms fifty day moving average is $115.61 and its two-hundred day moving average is $103.00. Crh Plc has a 52-week low of $76.75 and a 52-week high of $121.99. CRH (NYSE:CRH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 6th. The construction company reported $1.94 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.06 by ($0.12). The company had revenue of $10.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.27 billion. CRH had a net margin of 9.09% and a return on equity of 15.68%. The businesss revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.88 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Crh Plc will post 5.47 EPS for the current fiscal year. CRH Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 24th. Investors of record on Friday, August 22nd were given a $0.37 dividend. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 22nd. CRHs payout ratio is currently 23.22%. About CRH (Free Report) CRH plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides building materials solutions in Ireland and internationally. It operates through four segments: Americas Materials Solutions, Americas Building Solutions, Europe Materials Solutions, and Europe Building Solutions. The company provides solutions for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure and commercial and residential buildings; and produces and sells aggregates, cement, readymixed concrete, and asphalt, as well as provides paving and construction services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Crh Plc (NYSE:CRH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for CRH Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CRH and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ISLAMABAD, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Tuesday that the country has been promoting a blue economy for sustainable development, highlighting the sector's immense potential to become a game changer for Pakistan's economic future. "With a potential to reach 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2047, Pakistan is committed to policy continuity, investment facilitation and sustainable maritime development to boost the blue economy," the minister said while addressing a seminar on blue economy. He said that the maritime sector currently contributes only around 0.4 to 0.5 percent to the national gross domestic product, approximately 1 billion dollars, adding that the sector holds vast potential for expansion. Emphasizing the modernization and digitization of port operations, Aurangzeb said that the country's Port Qasim and Gwadar Port need to be aligned with global best practices to strengthen regional trade connectivity. The potential of renewable energy projects, including tidal and offshore wind generation, will be exploited, he said, adding that innovative financing mechanisms, such as blue bonds and blended financing to fund sustainable development and conservation initiatives, should be explored. "Marine biotechnology and regional collaboration present further avenues for growth, with the ultimate objective of integrating blue economy principles into Pakistan's national economic transformation agenda," the minister said. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. decreased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 12.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,714 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 687 shares during the quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $1,068,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Plato Investment Management Ltd increased its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 7.4% during the second quarter. Plato Investment Management Ltd now owns 8,593 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,939,000 after acquiring an additional 593 shares during the last quarter. Uniting Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the second quarter worth $204,000. Center for Financial Planning Inc. increased its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 18.5% during the second quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 320 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $72,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Balentine LLC increased its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 55.4% during the second quarter. Balentine LLC now owns 5,932 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,344,000 after acquiring an additional 2,115 shares during the last quarter. Finally, NBZ Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 12.4% during the second quarter. NBZ Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,626 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $368,000 after acquiring an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.51% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $360.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Wall Street Zen lowered Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday. Susquehanna raised their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Itau BBA Securities assumed coverage on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $371.67. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Up 1.4% NYSE:TSM opened at $304.73 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $1.58 trillion, a PE ratio of 31.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.28. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $275.64 and a 200 day moving average price of $234.34. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 12-month low of $134.25 and a 12-month high of $311.37. The company has a current ratio of 2.37, a quick ratio of 2.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.59 by $0.33. The firm had revenue of $32.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $951.89 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 36.06% and a net margin of 43.72%.Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings revenue was up 40.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.94 earnings per share. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 11th will be issued a $0.8348 dividend. This represents a $3.34 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 11th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.97%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Saturday. Several other analysts have also commented on TSM. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Barclays upped their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Itau BBA Securities initiated coverage on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and issued a $360.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $371.67. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Price Performance TSM stock opened at $304.73 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $275.64 and a 200-day moving average of $234.34. The company has a market cap of $1.58 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.25, a PEG ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a current ratio of 2.37, a quick ratio of 2.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has a 12-month low of $134.25 and a 12-month high of $311.37. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.59 by $0.33. The business had revenue of $32.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $951.89 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 36.06% and a net margin of 43.72%.The companys revenue was up 40.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.94 EPS. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing will post 9.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 11th will be issued a $0.8348 dividend. This is a positive change from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 11th. This represents a $3.34 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 26.97%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. 1248 Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 3rd quarter worth $32,000. Resources Management Corp CT ADV acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Graybill Wealth Management LTD. acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the first quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Vision Financial Markets LLC purchased a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the first quarter valued at about $33,000. 16.51% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (Get Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Transatlantique Private Wealth LLC boosted its stake in iShares Global 100 ETF (NYSEARCA:IOO Free Report) by 6.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 14,460 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 847 shares during the period. Transatlantique Private Wealth LLCs holdings in iShares Global 100 ETF were worth $1,559,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of IOO. Sound Income Strategies LLC increased its stake in iShares Global 100 ETF by 605.9% in the 2nd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 240 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 206 shares during the period. Private Trust Co. NA purchased a new stake in iShares Global 100 ETF in the first quarter worth $61,000. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton purchased a new stake in iShares Global 100 ETF in the second quarter worth $76,000. MJT & Associates Financial Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Global 100 ETF in the first quarter worth $93,000. Finally, Trust Co. of Vermont grew its stake in shares of iShares Global 100 ETF by 338.5% in the second quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 1,026 shares of the companys stock worth $111,000 after acquiring an additional 792 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Global 100 ETF alerts: iShares Global 100 ETF Trading Up 0.3% NYSEARCA IOO opened at $126.48 on Tuesday. iShares Global 100 ETF has a 12 month low of $82.79 and a 12 month high of $127.15. The stock has a market cap of $7.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.21 and a beta of 0.93. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $119.55 and its 200-day moving average price is $110.58. iShares Global 100 ETF Company Profile iShares Global 100 ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Global 100 Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P Global 100 Index (the Index). The Index is designed to measure the performance of 100 large-capitalization global companies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Global 100 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Global 100 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vishay Precision Group (NYSE:VPG Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Tuesday. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $0.26 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by $0.05, Zacks reports. Vishay Precision Group had a negative net margin of 0.43% and a positive return on equity of 1.72%. Vishay Precision Group updated its Q4 2025 guidance to EPS. Vishay Precision Group Price Performance VPG traded down $2.48 on Tuesday, hitting $35.53. 65,976 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 135,268. Vishay Precision Group has a 12 month low of $18.57 and a 12 month high of $38.90. The business has a 50-day moving average of $32.78 and a two-hundred day moving average of $28.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a current ratio of 4.35 and a quick ratio of 2.87. The firm has a market capitalization of $471.75 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -405.34 and a beta of 0.95. Get Vishay Precision Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have commented on VPG shares. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Vishay Precision Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Vishay Precision Group in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Vishay Precision Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $28.50. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. State of Wyoming acquired a new position in shares of Vishay Precision Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $80,000. Sei Investments Co. acquired a new position in shares of Vishay Precision Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $218,000. Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new position in shares of Vishay Precision Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $338,000. Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Vishay Precision Group by 11.7% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 26,353 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $741,000 after buying an additional 2,763 shares during the period. Finally, Quantinno Capital Management LP increased its stake in shares of Vishay Precision Group by 56.4% in the second quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 31,389 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $882,000 after buying an additional 11,324 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.61% of the companys stock. About Vishay Precision Group (Get Free Report) Vishay Precision Group, Inc designs, manufactures, and markets specialized sensors, weighing solutions, and measurement systems in the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Asia, and Canada. It operates through three segments: Sensors, Weighing Solutions, and Measurement Systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vishay Precision Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vishay Precision Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vitesse Energy (NYSE:VTS Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday. The company reported ($0.03) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.10 by ($0.13), Zacks reports. Vitesse Energy had a net margin of 15.12% and a return on equity of 7.25%. Vitesse Energy Stock Performance VTS stock traded down $0.34 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $21.42. 523,514 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 314,184. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.95. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $23.83 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $23.25. Vitesse Energy has a one year low of $18.90 and a one year high of $28.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $826.83 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.20 and a beta of 0.60. Get Vitesse Energy alerts: Vitesse Energy Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $0.5625 per share. This represents a $2.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 10.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. Vitesse Energys payout ratio is 212.26%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth VTS has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Vitesse Energy in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Vitesse Energy from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on shares of Vitesse Energy from $22.00 to $20.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Vitesse Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, August 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $24.50. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Vitesse Energy Institutional Investors Weigh In On Vitesse Energy Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of Vitesse Energy during the first quarter worth $54,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Vitesse Energy by 43.5% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 3,529 shares of the companys stock worth $78,000 after buying an additional 1,069 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its holdings in shares of Vitesse Energy by 179.6% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,786 shares of the companys stock worth $84,000 after buying an additional 2,432 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its holdings in shares of Vitesse Energy by 20.4% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 10,843 shares of the companys stock worth $240,000 after buying an additional 1,840 shares in the last quarter. Finally, New York State Common Retirement Fund lifted its holdings in shares of Vitesse Energy by 67.6% during the second quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 10,911 shares of the companys stock worth $241,000 after buying an additional 4,400 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 51.63% of the companys stock. Vitesse Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Vitesse Energy, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, development, and production of non-operated oil and natural gas properties in the United States. It owns and acquires non-operated working interest and royalty interest ownership in the Williston Basin properties located in North Dakota and Montana. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Vitesse Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vitesse Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Waste Management (NYSE:WM Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at Robert W. Baird from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report issued on Tuesday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage presently has a $242.00 price target on the business services providers stock, up from their previous price target of $238.00. Robert W. Bairds target price suggests a potential upside of 23.07% from the stocks current price. Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on WM. CIBC lowered their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $235.00 to $231.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $268.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Waste Management in a research note on Tuesday, July 29th. Scotiabank lowered their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $264.00 to $254.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $271.00 to $266.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Waste Management presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $248.44. Get Waste Management alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Waste Management Waste Management Trading Down 1.6% NYSE:WM opened at $196.63 on Tuesday. Waste Management has a 12 month low of $194.11 and a 12 month high of $242.58. The firm has a market cap of $79.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.97, a P/E/G ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36. The companys 50 day moving average is $216.88 and its 200-day moving average is $226.02. Waste Management (NYSE:WM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The business services provider reported $1.98 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.01 by ($0.03). Waste Management had a net margin of 10.35% and a return on equity of 33.00%. The firm had revenue of $6.44 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.51 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.96 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Waste Management has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Waste Management will post 7.7 EPS for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Waste Management A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Saudi Central Bank bought a new stake in Waste Management in the 1st quarter valued at $37,000. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. bought a new stake in Waste Management in the 1st quarter valued at $38,000. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new stake in Waste Management in the 2nd quarter valued at $40,000. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. bought a new stake in Waste Management in the 3rd quarter valued at $41,000. Finally, Wealth Watch Advisors INC bought a new stake in Waste Management in the 2nd quarter valued at $43,000. Institutional investors own 80.40% of the companys stock. About Waste Management (Get Free Report) Waste Management, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of environmental solutions to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in the United States and Canada. It offers collection services, including picking up and transporting waste and recyclable materials from where it was generated to a transfer station, material recovery facility (MRF), or disposal site; and owns and operates transfer stations, as well as owns, develops, and operates landfill facilities that produce landfill gas used as renewable natural gas for generating electricity. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Waste Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Waste Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fortive Corporation (NYSE:FTV Free Report) Equities researchers at Seaport Res Ptn raised their Q2 2026 earnings per share estimates for Fortive in a report released on Wednesday, October 29th. Seaport Res Ptn analyst S. Graham now forecasts that the technology company will post earnings per share of $0.66 for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $0.65. The consensus estimate for Fortives current full-year earnings is $4.05 per share. Seaport Res Ptn also issued estimates for Fortives Q4 2026 earnings at $0.86 EPS. Get Fortive alerts: Fortive (NYSE:FTV Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, June 9th. The technology company reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $1.07 billion during the quarter. Fortive had a return on equity of 12.04% and a net margin of 11.72%. A number of other research analysts have also issued reports on FTV. Wall Street Zen upgraded Fortive to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 5th. Melius Research raised Fortive to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 22nd. Melius downgraded Fortive from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $62.00 price target for the company. in a report on Tuesday, July 22nd. Zacks Research raised Fortive from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. Finally, Mizuho decreased their price target on Fortive from $65.00 to $54.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and sixteen have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $60.79. Read Our Latest Research Report on FTV Fortive Trading Down 0.6% NYSE:FTV opened at $50.02 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $15.89 billion, a PE ratio of 28.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 1.16. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $48.86 and a 200 day moving average price of $56.86. Fortive has a 12-month low of $46.34 and a 12-month high of $83.32. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fortive Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FTV. Brighton Jones LLC increased its position in Fortive by 97.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 5,706 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $428,000 after acquiring an additional 2,811 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its position in Fortive by 11.1% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 10,793 shares of the technology companys stock worth $790,000 after purchasing an additional 1,076 shares during the period. Mather Group LLC. increased its position in Fortive by 117.1% during the 1st quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 1,552 shares of the technology companys stock worth $114,000 after purchasing an additional 837 shares during the period. IFM Investors Pty Ltd increased its position in Fortive by 18.5% during the 1st quarter. IFM Investors Pty Ltd now owns 48,040 shares of the technology companys stock worth $3,792,000 after purchasing an additional 7,499 shares during the period. Finally, Brookstone Capital Management acquired a new position in Fortive during the 1st quarter worth approximately $3,542,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.94% of the companys stock. Insider Transactions at Fortive In related news, SVP Stacey A. Walker sold 2,192 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.35, for a total value of $110,367.20. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 59,488 shares in the company, valued at $2,995,220.80. The trade was a 3.55% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.92% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Fortive Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 26th. Investors of record on Friday, September 12th were given a $0.06 dividend. This represents a $0.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 12th. Fortives payout ratio is 13.71%. About Fortive (Get Free Report) Fortive Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and services professional and engineered products, software, and services in the United States, China, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Intelligent Operating Solutions, Precision Technologies, and Advanced Healthcare Solutions. The Intelligent Operating Solutions segment provides advanced instrumentation, software, and services, including electrical test and measurement, facility and asset lifecycle software applications, and connected worker safety and compliance solutions for manufacturing, process industries, healthcare, utilities and power, communications and electronics, and other industries. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fortive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fortive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Encompass Health Corporation (NYSE:EHC Free Report) Stock analysts at William Blair lifted their FY2025 EPS estimates for Encompass Health in a note issued to investors on Friday, October 31st. William Blair analyst J. Haase now forecasts that the company will earn $5.29 per share for the year, up from their prior estimate of $5.24. The consensus estimate for Encompass Healths current full-year earnings is $4.80 per share. William Blair also issued estimates for Encompass Healths Q1 2026 earnings at $1.51 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $1.44 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $1.42 EPS and Q4 2026 earnings at $1.35 EPS. Get Encompass Health alerts: Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on EHC. Bank of America raised their price target on Encompass Health from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. KeyCorp upped their price target on shares of Encompass Health from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b+) rating on shares of Encompass Health in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Encompass Health from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Truist Financial raised their price target on shares of Encompass Health from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and eight have issued a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $142.86. Encompass Health Stock Up 2.0% Shares of NYSE:EHC opened at $116.15 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $124.10 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $119.19. Encompass Health has a 12-month low of $87.85 and a 12-month high of $127.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.96, a PEG ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 0.93. Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, March 16th. The company reported $0.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $136.30 million during the quarter. Encompass Health had a net margin of 9.33% and a return on equity of 18.19%. Encompass Health has set its FY22 guidance at $3.83-$4.19 EPS. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Encompass Health A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its position in Encompass Health by 30.1% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 9,597 shares of the companys stock valued at $972,000 after acquiring an additional 2,218 shares during the last quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 32.7% during the 1st quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 61,305 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,209,000 after purchasing an additional 15,120 shares during the period. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Encompass Health during the 1st quarter valued at about $263,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 6.8% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 296,861 shares of the companys stock worth $30,066,000 after purchasing an additional 18,885 shares during the period. Finally, TD Private Client Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Encompass Health by 23.3% in the first quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC now owns 3,065 shares of the companys stock worth $310,000 after buying an additional 580 shares during the last quarter. 97.25% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Insider Transactions at Encompass Health In other Encompass Health news, EVP Patrick William Tuer sold 1,020 shares of Encompass Health stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $123.59, for a total value of $126,061.80. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 18,846 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,329,177.14. The trade was a 5.13% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 2.00% of the companys stock. Encompass Health Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.19 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. Encompass Healths dividend payout ratio is 14.37%. Encompass Health Company Profile (Get Free Report) Encompass Health Corporation provides post-acute healthcare services in the United States and Puerto Rico. It owns and operates inpatient rehabilitation hospitals that provide medical, nursing, therapy, and ancillary services. The company provides specialized rehabilitative treatment on an inpatient basis to patients who have experienced physical or cognitive disabilities or injuries due to medical conditions, such as strokes, hip fractures, and various debilitating neurological conditions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Encompass Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Encompass Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW Free Report) Equities research analysts at William Blair raised their FY2025 EPS estimates for shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note issued to investors on Friday, October 31st. William Blair analyst B. Vazquez now expects that the medical research company will post earnings of $2.58 per share for the year, up from their previous estimate of $2.48. William Blair currently has a Strong-Buy rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Edwards Lifesciences current full-year earnings is $2.45 per share. William Blair also issued estimates for Edwards Lifesciences Q4 2025 earnings at $0.60 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $0.67 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $0.72 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $0.72 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $0.69 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $2.80 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $0.73 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.80 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $0.79 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $3.09 EPS. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: EW has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating and issued a $90.00 target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Monday. Wall Street Zen cut Edwards Lifesciences from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $90.00 price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Monday. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on Edwards Lifesciences from $89.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Edwards Lifesciences has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $91.39. Edwards Lifesciences Stock Up 0.7% Shares of EW stock opened at $83.06 on Monday. Edwards Lifesciences has a one year low of $64.89 and a one year high of $87.09. The stock has a market cap of $48.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 4.68 and a quick ratio of 3.87. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $77.62 and a 200 day moving average price of $77.05. Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The medical research company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $1.55 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.49 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 15.01% and a net margin of 72.96%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.67 EPS. Edwards Lifesciences has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.560-2.620 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 0.580-0.640 EPS. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Larry L. Wood sold 8,950 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.06, for a total transaction of $698,637.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 206,900 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,150,614. This trade represents a 4.15% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Company insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Edwards Lifesciences Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Edwards Lifesciences in the 2nd quarter valued at about $580,640,000. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main raised its position in Edwards Lifesciences by 111.2% in the second quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 9,129,357 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $714,006,000 after purchasing an additional 4,805,819 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in Edwards Lifesciences during the 1st quarter worth approximately $330,881,000. Marshall Wace LLP increased its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 127.5% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 6,895,579 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $539,303,000 after purchasing an additional 3,864,908 shares during the period. Finally, Jennison Associates LLC lifted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 34.3% in the 1st quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 10,086,033 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $731,036,000 after purchasing an additional 2,576,383 shares during the period. 79.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Edwards Lifesciences (Get Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund (NYSEARCA:AIVI Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 4,100 shares, a decline of 34.9% from the September 30th total of 6,300 shares. Currently, 0.4% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 2,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.6 days. Based on an average daily volume of 2,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.6 days. Currently, 0.4% of the companys shares are short sold. WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund Price Performance Shares of WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund stock traded up $0.10 on Monday, hitting $49.48. 1,890 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,925. The company has a fifty day moving average of $49.84 and a two-hundred day moving average of $48.66. WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund has a one year low of $38.49 and a one year high of $51.32. The company has a market capitalization of $56.90 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 118.67 and a beta of 0.69. Get WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in shares of WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund by 471.0% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 76,954 shares of the companys stock worth $3,370,000 after buying an additional 63,478 shares during the period. Truvestments Capital LLC bought a new position in WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund during the first quarter worth $622,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. bought a new position in WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund during the first quarter worth $301,000. Mezzasalma Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund in the second quarter worth $212,000. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC grew its holdings in WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund by 2.1% in the first quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 44,067 shares of the companys stock worth $1,931,000 after purchasing an additional 908 shares during the period. 8.32% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund Company Profile The WisdomTree International Al Enhanced Value Fund (AIVI) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is an actively managed fund that provides exposure to value stocks from developed markets, excluding US and Canada. AIVI was launched on Jun 16, 2006 and is managed by WisdomTree. See Also Receive News & Ratings for WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WisdomTree International AI Enhanced Value Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SYDNEY, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Australian police have arrested 18 people after seizing almost 270 kg of illicit drugs during an investigation into an organized crime syndicate operating across the country. The police forces in the states of New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA), as well as the Australian Federal Police (AFP), said in a statement on Tuesday that the arrests were made by a joint strike force that was established earlier in 2025 to investigate the large-scale supply of illicit drugs by an organized syndicate. Strike force detectives executed 30 search warrants across NSW and WA between May and October, during which they located and seized 150 kg of pseudoephedrine, 95 kg of methamphetamine, 21 kg of ketamine, 2 kg of cocaine, 14 firearms, almost 2.4 million Australian dollars (1.5 million U.S. dollars) in cash and lab equipment. Officers arrested 18 people, 11 of whom were in WA, and charged them with a range of offenses relating to the import and supply of illicit drugs and participating in a criminal group. It will be alleged in court that the syndicate imported the drugs via sea by concealing them in consignments of shoes in plastic. Police said the drugs were then exchanged across state borders by post and by drug mules on planes. According to authorities, the seized drugs had a combined estimated value of 60 million Australian dollars (37.5 million U.S. dollars). Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:DBEU Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 7,300 shares, a growth of 49.0% from the September 30th total of 4,900 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 70,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.1% of the companys shares are short sold. Currently, 0.1% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 70,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in DBEU. Partners Capital Investment Group LLP grew its position in Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF by 90.1% during the first quarter. Partners Capital Investment Group LLP now owns 160,858 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,103,000 after buying an additional 76,236 shares during the period. Flow Traders U.S. LLC raised its position in Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF by 289.7% in the 2nd quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 98,510 shares of the companys stock worth $4,342,000 after purchasing an additional 73,230 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its holdings in Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF by 149.2% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 109,825 shares of the companys stock worth $4,842,000 after acquiring an additional 65,754 shares during the last quarter. Cooksen Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF by 31.6% in the 2nd quarter. Cooksen Wealth LLC now owns 47,785 shares of the companys stock worth $2,106,000 after purchasing an additional 11,466 shares during the period. Finally, Sierra Capital LLC lifted its position in Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF by 15.9% during the 1st quarter. Sierra Capital LLC now owns 35,247 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,556,000 after acquiring an additional 4,833 shares during the period. Get Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF alerts: Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF Stock Up 0.2% Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF stock traded up $0.10 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $47.22. 26,673 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 74,637. The stock has a market capitalization of $635.11 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.40 and a beta of 0.71. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $46.20 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $45.31. Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF has a 12 month low of $38.58 and a 12 month high of $47.64. Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF Company Profile The Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF (DBEU) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market-cap-weighted and currency-hedged index of companies in developed Europe. DBEU was launched on Oct 1, 2013 and is managed by Xtrackers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NEW DELHI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in Tuesday's train accident in India's central state of Chhattisgarh rose to eight while around 17 people were seriously injured, a top official told the media. At least two people were still stuck inside the train's wreckage. The accident had occurred in the state's Bilaspur district when a passenger train rammed into a stationary goods train. Those injured were admitted to different hospitals. "This is a big accident. We are carrying out rescue operations," Bilaspur District Collector Sanjay Agrawal was quoted as saying. NEW DELHI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Indian security forces killed four extremists belonging to the banned armed group United Kuki National Army (UKNA) in the northeastern state of Manipur on Tuesday, a defense official told media. The encounter between the security forces and the extremists took place at Khanpi village in the state's Churachandpur district. The slain extremists were accused of killing a village chief and intimidating locals. "In the early hours, during an intelligence-based operation, terrorists resorted to unprovoked firing on an Indian Army column at Khanpi village. In the ensuing firefight between the security forces and armed cadres of UKNA, four cadres of the terrorist group were neutralized," the official said. BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China expresses deep condolences over the passing of Kim Yong Nam, former chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. According to media reports, Kim Yong Nam died of illness at the age of 97 on Monday local time. Noting that Kim was an old friend of the Chinese people, spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily news briefing that during his lifetime, Kim had led delegations on many visits to China and made important contributions to promoting the development of the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK. China expresses its profound condolences over his passing and extends sincere sympathies to his family, Mao added. AMSU condemns assault | IMPHAL, Nov 3: The All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) has strongly condemned the assault of Monsang Naga Students' Union leaders by unidentified miscreants on October 30 near Bijoypur on their way home to Japhou village in Chandel. In a press release issued by information and publicity secretary Serto Rengneier Kom, AMSU lauded the Manipur Police for the swift arrest and initiation of legal action against the perpetrators. It has also wished a speedy recovery to the injured Monsang student leaders. Even as the State continues to fall behind in different aspects owing to the conflict, the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) expressed hope for an end to such unfortunate incidents in the future. MTU students appreciate | IMPHAL, Nov 3: The High Court of Manipur reinstating Tongbram Bhabeswar as Vice Chancellor of the Manipur Technical University will have a positive impact on the functioning of the only technical university in Manipur, students have said. The Manipur Technical Students, in a statement, said they welcome the October 27 order of the HC. The MTU was operating without a regular VC for 2 years and 9 months, The timely Court decision will have a positive impact on the university, the students said. JAKARTA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia welcomed 11.43 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first nine months of 2025, up 10.22 percent from the same period last year, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) said on Monday. In September alone, 1.39 million foreign visitors entered the country, marking a year-on-year increase of 9.04 percent. "The largest number of foreign tourists in September came from Malaysia, Australia, and Singapore," said Pudji Ismartini, deputy for distribution and services statistics department at BPS, at a press conference. Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport remained the busiest entry point, handling 634,482 arrivals, according to the agency. ULAN BATOR, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- A celebration marking the 15th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the Mongolian National University of Education was held recently in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia. President of the Mongolian National University of Education Jamiyansuren Batbaatar praised the achievements of the Confucius Institute over the past 15 years, saying that education helps promote trust and ties between countries. Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Shen Minjuan said that the Confucius Institute at the Mongolian National University of Education has built a platform to promote educational cooperation between the two countries and foster mutual learning between civilizations. She expressed hope that the institute will make greater contributions to friendship and cooperation between China and Mongolia. The institute, the second one in the country, has trained more than 8,800 students over the years. VILNIUS, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania has introduced a new mobile application, InfoDesk App, designed to help newly arrived foreigners access information from various institutions more easily, the Reception and Integration Agency announced on Tuesday. The app aims to address a long-standing challenge faced by newcomers - fragmented information spread across multiple institutional websites, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported. InfoDesk App will provide users with essential information on residence permits, education opportunities, health care, the labor market, language courses, and cultural integration. It will also include updates for foreigners staying in temporary accommodation, along with news, event listings, training opportunities, consultations, contact details, and available services. Social Security and Labor Minister Jurate Zailskiene said the app is expected to promote smoother adaptation and long-term integration. "We believe that this digital tool will contribute to smoother adaptation, greater independence, and successful long-term integration," Zailskiene said. According to the Migration Department, approximately 210,000 foreigners were living in Lithuania at the beginning of September. This photo taken on Oct. 30, 2025 shows the headquarters of Italgel in Cuneo, Italy. (Xinhua/Li Jing) CARMAGNOLA, Italy, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- As the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) draws near, Italian agri-food companies see the upcoming event in Shanghai as a key gateway to the world's second-largest consumer market, bringing both signature and new products to seek sales and partnerships. "The expo allows us to showcase 'Italian quality' directly to Chinese clients and distributors so that Italian flavor reaches more homes," Ambrogio Invernizzi, president of dairy producer Inalpi S.p.A., told Xinhua. From northern Italy, the company will present powdered milk, butter, cheeses, and dairy ingredients for industrial use at its second appearance at the CIIE. Invernizzi described it as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with major Chinese dairy and retail groups while exploring localized product development. Amid complex global trade uncertainties, Italian entrepreneurs view the CIIE as a stabilizing platform for dialogue and cooperation. "China remains a market worth long-term investment," Invernizzi said. Italgel S.p.A., a leading producer of gelatine and hydrolyzed collagen, will exhibit for the first time. Quality Director Andrea Martinengo, who had visited the expo twice before as a trade visitor, said the event is "not only about selling products, but also about brand building, market strategy, and finding partners." He said the expo's real value lies beyond immediate contracts. "It is a concentrated opportunity to learn and adapt to the Chinese market. Interest is growing, and more cooperation will follow," Martinengo said. In the face of fluctuating tariffs and logistics costs, in-person meetings may help companies discover "practical ways to optimize export routes," he added. Biotech company Sacco System, with 150 years of experience in probiotic research, will also debut at the CIIE. Board member Viola Verga said the firm aims to connect its R&D expertise with China's expanding market for healthy and natural foods. "We hope to identify partners to develop yogurt products suited to Chinese tastes," she said. China's Ambassador to U.N. food agencies Zhang Lubiao underscored the CIIE's role in deepening China-Italy agricultural cooperation through technical exchanges and joint projects. "Both sides can use the CIIE to enhance technical exchanges and joint projects," he said. Italy, known as a nation of small and medium-sized enterprises, counts agriculture as a key pillar, with 56 percent of land under cultivation and 1.6 million farm-based businesses. Italian agri-food products are prized worldwide for their quality and craftsmanship. Dozens of them will showcase their offerings at CIIE Shanghai this year. A staff member conducts probiotics test in the headquarters of Inalpi in Moretta, Italy, Oct. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing) This photo taken on Oct. 30, 2025 shows products of Italgel in Cuneo, Italy. (Xinhua/Li Jing) This photo taken on Oct. 30, 2025 shows the headquarters of Inalpi in Moretta, Italy. (Xinhua/Li Jing) This photo taken on Oct. 30, 2025 shows cuisine made by dairy products of Inalpi in Moretta, Italy. (Xinhua/Li Jing) This photo taken on Oct. 30, 2025 shows the products of Inalpi in Moretta, Italy. (Xinhua/Li Jing) By Xinhua Writers Zhang Xuan, Nemanja Cabric BELGRADE, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- As the 68th International Belgrade Book Fair came to a close, one image lingered: crowds gathering around the "Reading China in Serbia" stand, which showcased more than 100 China-related books in Serbian. The collection, curated since April, was the result of a joint effort between the Chinese Embassy in Serbia and Serbian publisher Cigoja Stampa. Founded in 1956, the International Belgrade Book Fair ran this year from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, continuing its legacy as one of the region's most important cultural events. Neva Saravija, executive director of Cigoja Stampa, noted that over the past three decades, more than 200 titles related to China or translated from Chinese have been published in Serbia, serving as vital cultural bridges linking the two nations. "China's 5,000-year history - with its depth, mystery, and sophistication - has always fascinated Serbian readers," Saravija said in an interview with Xinhua. "It offers a completely different perspective from Western cultural paradigms." Saravija emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue between Eastern and Western civilizations. "Today, we are witnessing precisely that - a vivid and expanding dialogue between Chinese and Serbian cultures," she said. Slavoljub Kacarevic, editor at Informatika a.d., echoed the sentiment, saying that "the moment is right" to establish stronger interstate cooperation in the exchange of books and magazines between Serbia and China. Zhang Hong, deputy general manager of China Publishing Group Co., Ltd., shared similar hopes. "We look forward to deepening cooperation with our Serbian partners in areas such as copyright trade, co-publishing, digital distribution, and cultural exchange," he said, expressing his anticipation for more outstanding Chinese works to become available in Serbia. Wang Guanxiong, head of the "China Corner" language and culture school and a long-time Chinese teacher in Belgrade, observed that Serbian readers' interests are diverse. "Some are drawn to traditional Chinese medicine, others to ancient politics and military strategy, such as The Art of War. Many also appreciate Taoist and Confucian teachings," she said, noting that most of these works have been translated into Serbian or English. Among the fair's visitors was Dejan Stankovic, accompanied by his ten-year-old son, Ilija, a fourth-grader who had spent the summer reading Chinese author Cao Wenxuan's The Grass House in Serbian translation. "It was fascinating to learn how children in rural China live their daily lives and solve everyday problems," Ilija said. His father added, "Everything we see or read about China makes it seem like the country is already living in the 22nd century - with amazing cities, electric cars, high-tech gadgets, and robots. I'd like to learn more about modern China through Serbian-language books." India's civil aviation authority has released a sweeping new set of rules designed to crack down on airline refund abuses that have frustrated millions of travellers. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) published a draft framework titled Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) on October 31, 2025, and is now seeking feedback from the public until November 30, 2025, before finalising these crucial consumer protections. However, the document is dated May 22, 2008, suggesting that the amendment has been in the works for quite a while now. The move comes after mounting complaints from passengers about delayed refunds, hidden charges, and airlines refusing to return money for cancelled tickets. For years, travellers have faced a system where airlines dragged out refund processes, kept large portions of cancellation fees, or pushed passengers to accept credit vouchers valid only for future flights that often expired without use. So, here are the key points in the latest amendment of regulations: Clear timelines for refunds If the new rules come to pass, the refund process will have strict deadlines. If you paid with a credit card, you'll receive your refund within seven days. For cash purchases at airline counters, refunds must happen immediately. If you bought your ticket through a travel agent or online portal, the airline has 21 working days to complete the refund. What fees must be returned One of the most significant changes is that airlines must now refund all taxes and airport fees, even on discounted or promotional tickets that technically have "non-refundable" fares attached. This means passengers won't lose out on government taxes and service charges when cancelling flights. "The airlines shall refund all statutory taxes and User Development Fee (UDF)/Airport Development Fee (ADF)/Passenger Service Fee (PSF) to the passengers in case of cancellation/non-utilisation of tickets/no show. This provision shall also be applicable for all types of fares offered including promos/special fares and where the basic fare is nonrefundable," the draft rules read. Your 48-hour "no questions asked" window The new regulations also seek to introduce a "look-in option" that gives passengers 48 hours after booking to cancel or change their flight without any extra charges. This applies to domestic flights booked 5 or more days in advance and international flights booked 15 or more days ahead. "The airline shall provide 'Look-in option' for a period of 48 hours after booking ticket. During this period, passenger can cancel or amend the ticket without any additional charges, except for the normal prevailing fare for the revised flight for which the ticket is sought to be amended. This facility shall not be available for a flight whose departure is less than 5 days for domestic flight and 15 days for international flight from booking date when ticket is booked directly through airline website. Beyond 48 hours of initial booking time, this option is not available and the passenger has to pay the relevant cancellation fees for amendment." Cancellation charges with real limits Airlines can no longer charge whatever they want for cancellations. The maximum fee they can collect is limited to the basic ticket fare plus fuel surcharge. Travel agents cannot add surprise charges beyond what was disclosed at booking. Refund credits, your choice Most importantly, if an airline suggests offering your refund as a credit voucher for future flights instead of cash, this must now be your decision, not theirs. Airlines cannot make this their default practice, noted DGCA. "The option of holding the refund amount in credit shell by the airlines shall be the prerogative of the passenger and not a default practice of the airline," according to the draft document. Transparency is a must Airlines will soon have to clearly display cancellation fees and refund amounts at the time of booking, both on tickets and on their websites. No hidden information allowed. Moreover, passengers cancelling flights due to genuine medical reasons could receive either a full refund or a credit shell, giving them the flexibility to choose what works best for their situation. The draft changes were published on the DGCA website, with comments invited, latest by November 30, 2025. They have to be directed to: Brijesh Kumar Singh Assistant Director Office of the Director General of Civil Aviation Opp. Safdarjung Airport, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi - 110 003 via email at bksingh.dgca@gov.in Indian-British billionaire Gopichand P. Hinduja, known as the UK's richest businessman, has passed away aged 85, Tory lawmaker Rami Ranger said on Tuesday. Widely known as "GP" in business circles, he was the chairman of both the Hinduja Group and Hinduja Automotive Ltd in the UK, making the Hinduja family the richest in the UK as of 2024, with a net worth of 35.3 billion (192,700 crore) to their name, according to the Sunday Times Rich List. He was unwell over the past few weeks leading up to his death in a London hospital, a PTI report said, citing sources close to the family. He is survived by his wife Sunita, two sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and a daughter Rita. "He was one of the most gracious, humble, and loyal friends. His passing marks the end of an era, as he was truly a well-wisher of the community and a guiding force," said Ranger, who is a member of the British House of Lords, in a statement on Tuesday condoling the billionaire's demise, as per a Hindustan Times report. I had the privilege of knowing him over many years; his qualities were uniquetremendous sense of humour, commitment to the community and country, Indiaand he always supported good causes. He has left a huge vacuum behind that will be difficult to fill. May he rest in peace in heaven. Om Shanti, he added. The second-generation businessman took over as chairman of the Indian conglomerate after the death of his elder brother, Srichand, in May 2023. Under his leadership, the Hinduja Group expanded its footprint across various industries, such as banking, media, real estate, and energy. G.P. Hinduja started his career within the family enterprise in Mumbai in the early 1960s, which had already been involved in a number of activities, including iron ore exports to Iran and selling certain food items. Continuing the focus on the Middle East, the Hinduja Group slowly grew into a diversified business group worth billions. A crucial turning point in the Hinduja family's journey was the crucial acquisition of Gulf Oil in 1984a decision in which he was said to be have been very much involvedwhich paved the way for the tough purchase of the then-struggling vehicle brand Ashok Leyland in 1987, for which he had to fight Rahul Bajaj. Ashok Leyland quickly went on to become a success storyone of the first major NRI-led investments in India. The Hinduja family also famously battled accusations of receiving payments totalling $8.3 million in illegal commissions to help secure an Indian government contract for AB Bofors, a Swedish gunmaker. The 14-year-long legal battle ultimately ended in May 2005, when the Hinduja family was cleared of all accusations, as the authenticity of the accusations against them could not be verified, as per a Guardian report. Born in 1940, Gopichand Hinduja graduated from Mumbai's Jai Hind College in 1959, and was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Westminster, in addition to an honorary Doctorate of Economics from London's Richmond College. WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration announced Monday that it will partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as the federal government shutdown entered its 34th day and neared a record for the longest in U.S. history. "I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT. Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible," U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Friday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a court filing on Monday that a total of 4.65 billion U.S. dollars in a contingency fund will be used for November SNAP benefits, which could cover 50 percent of eligible households' current allotments. The decision came after a federal judge in Rhode Island on Friday ordered the department to use the contingency fund to pay recipients of SNAP. Another federal judge in Massachusetts said in a separate case on Friday that the Trump administration's plan to withhold SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1 amid the federal government shutdown was likely "unlawful," though the judge did not mandate that the administration release the funds. The Trump administration previously claimed that it lacked legal authority to tap the 5 to 6 billion dollars in emergency funds to cover at least a portion of SNAP, which needs over 8 billion dollars to fund benefits for November. SNAP is the nation's largest anti-hunger program serving nearly 42 million people. Most SNAP recipients live at or below the federal poverty line. In what is seen as a major relief for Vodafone Idea, the Supreme Court has said that the government can review and reassess the struggling telecom companys AGR (adjusted gross revenue) dues up to the financial year 2016-17. On October 27, a division bench of the Supreme Court had said that the Centre was free to reconsider Vis appeal to set aside the additional AGR demand of Rs 9,450 crore that the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) had raised. The latest order, which opens doors for a comprehensive reassessment of Vis AGR dues up to FY 2016-17, is a huge positive development for the telecom company, given its financial constraints. In 2020, the Supreme Court had given a big jolt to telecom companies, ruling in favour of the government that the companies would have to pay their massive AGR duesincluding interest and penaltiesover a 10-year period. Last year, their re-computation plea was also rejected. Vodafone Idea was among the worst hit, owing around Rs 83,400 crore to the government. Since that verdict in 2020, the government has offered some support in allowing some dues to be converted to equity. The government now holds 49 per cent equity in Vi, after it converted Rs 36,950 crore in spectrum dues into equity earlier this year. This government stake in Vi and its potential impact on 200 million customers, was perhaps taken into consideration in the latest Supreme Court ruling that allowed a review of the AGR dues. Analysts at Motilal Oswal said last week that the verdict was a material positive for Vi, as it could lead to a significant reduction in its AGR dues. The potential AGR relief underscores the government of Indias commitment to maintaining a 3+1 market construct in the Indian telecom sector and could also facilitate Vis long-pending debt raise. This, in turn, would support the continuation of Vis Rs 50,000-55,000 crore capex plans, the analysts said. In need of funds, Vi raised Rs 18,000 crore through a follow-on share sale in 2024. Earlier this year, the company had also raised a little over Rs 1,900 crore via a preferential allotment of shares to promoter companies. However, the company has not been able to raise the Rs 25,000 crore in debt that it has been looking to for some time now, as the lenders chose to wait and watch developments. Earlier this week, a news report indicated that private equity firm Tillman Global Holdings was in talks to invest around $4-6 billion and take operational control of Vi. The apex court ruling will also be a big positive development towards these fundraising plans of the company. However, the AGR dues issue is just one challenge for Vi. The company has been losing customers consistently to its much stronger competitors, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Still, subscriber losses have been coming down as the company continues to improve its network coverage and roll out 5G in more markets. In the April-June quarter, for instance, it lost 0.5 million customers, still significantly lagging behind rivals Airtel and Jio. Analysts also point out that AGR dues are only one part of its dues. Even excluding AGR dues, Vis debt of Rs 1.18 lakh crore (largely pertaining to spectrum payment) is high, considering the current EBITDA, said Pranav Kshatriya of Emkay Global Financial Services. He therefore expects the government to take a holistic view on the solvency of the company and accordingly structure its relief. Kshatriya says the government will need to consider plans towards reducing the spectrum debt too. With this (Supreme Court ruling), the government will now have enough wiggle room to create a plan for Vis long-term sustainability, he said. On the Supreme Court ruling last week, Vi said it would work closely with the DoT to resolve the matter. On the recent reports of the PE interest in taking operational control, the company hasnt confirmed, only stating it keeps exploring various opportunities and options to raise funds. Vis shares, meanwhile, have gained more than 12 per cent in the past month, compared with the 2.7 per cent gains in the BSE Sensex, in the hopes of positive developments ahead. Indias quiet exit from the Ayni air base in Tajikistan, after the bilateral arrangement lapsed in 2022, marks the end of a two-decade experiment. The aim was to keep a small, forward-operating presence in Central Asia to gain strategic depth vis-a-vis Pakistan and to retain a contingency air corridor to Afghanistan. When India helped refurbish Ayni air base between 2002 and 2010, spending an estimated $70 million to extend the runway and install navigation and air-defence systems, it was Indias most ambitious out-of-area military project. It provided New Delhi with two advantages: (1) a platform to supply the Northern Alliance, a notional second axis against Pakistan (Ayni sits roughly opposite Pakistan-occupied Kashmir across the Wakhan corridor), and (2) a political presence in Central Asia. However, this air base always had certain built-in constraints. Given Tajikistans close security alignment within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Russias primary role in overseeing the regional airspace management, Dushanbe has maintained a cautious approach toward ensuring that the Ayni facility remains consistent with its broader security commitments and regional sensitivities. Indias limited presence at the facility was contextually aligned with the evolving security situation in Afghanistan; however, following the political transition in Kabul in 2021 and the completion of evacuation efforts, the strategic rationale for maintaining such a footprint naturally diminished. What does this exit signal? The closure does not mean India is giving up on Central Asia; it means New Delhi is recalibrating to a more economic-connectivity-plus-selective-security model, rather than a hard military foothold inside the CSTO space. At the same time, it frees political and military bandwidth for Indias interests, which are growing fastest. This can be extended towards the western flank, i.e., the Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and the western Indian Ocean. This is where the opportunity for IndiaMiddle East collaboration opens up. Indias evolving strategic orientation in the aftermath of its withdrawal from the Ayni air base reflects a broader recalibration towards collaborative, networked security partnershipsprobably across the Gulf region. However, the Middle Eastern landscape offers a markedly different environment, where India already enjoys mature and multifaceted defence relationships with nations like the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The Indian Navys operational use of Omans Duqm port and logistics understandings with the UAE exemplify this pragmatic approach. So, India can pursue networked access arrangements across the Gulf, supporting air-sea mobility, humanitarian assistance, evacuation operations, and counter-piracy initiatives. Such cooperation also aligns with Middle Eastern nations aspirations to diversify and internationalise their defence partnerships beyond their traditional reliance on the United States. With the shifting nature of terrorism after 2021 where the threat lies more in financing networks, digital radicalisation, and information warfare the Middle Easts proactive measures in countering extremism offer a valuable platform for partnership. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have established sophisticated mechanisms for intelligence-sharing, technology-driven monitoring, and de-radicalisation programmes following their experiences during the ISIS insurgency. Joint counter-terrorism working groups, enhanced intelligence coordination on foreign terrorist fighters, and cooperation in cyber surveillance can yield far greater dividends for Indias security objectives than maintaining a limited presence in Central Asia. For the Middle Eastern states, such engagement reinforces their identity as credible, responsible security providers in the wider region. These initiatives would leverage the substantial Indian diaspora, existing air connectivity, and mutual trust developed through past cooperation. This approach also builds upon Indias track record of successful humanitarian evacuations such as Operation Rahat in Yemen, Operation Kaveri in Sudan, and recent extractions from crisis zones in the Middle East reinforcing New Delhis image as a capable and compassionate regional actor. Strategic takeaway Indias maritime engagements are emerging as the cornerstone of its western strategic posture. While Ayni once provided limited continental depth vis-a-vis Pakistan, the Indian Ocean now offers broader strategic depth against a spectrum of regional challenges. The volatility in the Red Sea, the persistence of piracy, and the risks to energy supply chains underscore the need for cooperative maritime security frameworks. Indias sustained naval presence, joint patrols, and initiatives such as the Information Fusion CentreIndian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) can play a pivotal role in enhancing maritime domain awareness and ensuring the security of sea lines of communication (SLOCs). For the Middle Eastern states, deeper maritime cooperation with India complements their efforts to safeguard energy exports and diversify partnerships in the western Indian Ocean. Finally, the closure of Ayni symbolises a strategic pivot from overland access to Central Asia towards a maritime and Middle East-oriented corridor architecture. Initiatives like the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 grouping illustrate this shift, linking South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe through energy, trade, and digital connectivity. Even as regional crises disrupt immediate implementation, the long-term vision of these frameworks positions the Gulf as a vital hinge between India and the wider Eurasian space. Collectively, these developments demonstrate that Indias transition from a land-based forward outpost to a partnership-driven maritime network is not a retreat, but a reconfiguration one that aligns with the evolving realities of twenty-first-century geopolitics and enhances Indias ability to act as a stabilising force across its extended neighbourhood. Even though the closing of Indias only operational overseas air base looks like a loss of strategic depth, it can be turned into a reallocation of strategic effort. New Delhi can judiciously enhance its engagement across the western Indian Ocean and Gulf region, where partnerships are mutually desired, access arrangements remain both cost-effective and politically sustainable, and shared economic, diaspora, and security interests naturally intersect. If New Delhi uses the Ayni exit to argue for more visible, more multilateral, and more maritime-specific IndiaMiddle East security cooperation, the story will be India choosing the theatre where it can really shape outcomes. The author is assistant professor, Amity Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (AIDSS), Amity University, NOIDA Heralding a new era in India's efforts at indigenisation in defence technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is currently conducting flight tests of an airborne electronic warfare suite (EWS), Swayam Raksha Kavach, for integration into HALs light combat aircraft Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. Citing a DRDO official on the sidelines of the Samanvay 2025 industry summit of DRDO in Bengaluru, Janes confirmed that Swayam Raksha Kavach is being tested on an LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. ALSO READ: What Indian military can learn from Ukraine's optimisation of drone warfare According to reports, the strategic deployment of Swayam Raksha Kavach EWS, developed by the Centre for Airborne Systems of DRDO, is expected by 2026. The development of this EWS, which is expected to significantly enhance the survivability and stealth of Tejas Mk1A in modern combat scenarios, began in 2021. Swayam Raksha Kavach includes a wide-spectrum radar warning receiver (RWR) that is integrated into the body of the fighter jet and an advanced self-protection jammer (ASPJ), which uses digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) technology to confuse and jam hostile radars and electronic systems. The reports of flight tests come even as the government signed a contract with HAL for the procurement of 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft, including 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters, in September. Besides, DRDO has also modernised the legacy D-29 electronic warfare suite developed for the MiG-29 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force. Varsha Bharath's Bad Girl, starring Anjali Sivaraman, will premiere on JioHotstar on November 4, nearly two months after its theatrical release. Written and directed by Varsha Bharath, the coming-of-age drama has the backing of filmmakers Vetrimaaran and Anurag Kashyap, the latter in the capacity of presenter. Prior to its theatrical release, the film met a snag when the teaser caused an uproar among certain sections that found the film offensive since it deals with sexual repression and has a Brahmin girl as its protagonist. Following a petition filed by two individuals, the Madras High Court issued an order to remove the promotions. However, the film was later cleared with a U/A certificate and released on September 5. Aside from Anjali Sivaraman, Bad Girl features Shanthi Priya, Hridhu Haroon, TeeJay Arunasalam, Sashank Bommireddipalli, and Saranya Ravichandran. Varsha, who previously worked as an assistant director to Vetrimaaran, aimed to make a relatable film with genuine emotions. The film has had an eventful festival run. It was officially selected and screened at the Shanghai International Film Festival, the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, among others. It fetched accolades such as the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR); the Young Jury Award for Best Feature Film at the 40th Cinema Jove - Valencia International Film Festival (Spain); Jury Mention for Music for Amit Trivedi at Cinema Jove, and Student Choice Award at the Indian Film Festival of Toulouse (France). Haryanas Dharuhera topped the list of Indias most polluted cities in October, with Delhi close behind at sixth, according to the latest PM2.5 air quality assessment by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Notably, all ten of the most polluted cities in October were located within the National Capital Region (NCR), according to the assessment, which was based on data from continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS). In October, Dharuhera recorded an average PM2.5 level of 123 g/m, while Delhis monthly average stood at 107 g/m, three times higher than its September average of 36 g/m. Interestingly, the report noted that stubble burning accounted for less than 6 per cent of the pollution load, suggesting that year-round emission sources remain the dominant drivers of poor air quality in the region. The curse of Arvind Kejriwal continues to choke Delhi. Here are the stubble-burning incidents from the last 7 days: Punjab 1,672 Uttar Pradesh 163 Haryana 87 Haryana has successfully reduced stubble burning by 82%. But in Punjab, ruled by the Aam Aadmi Party, the pic.twitter.com/deNMSaPOAb Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 4, 2025 As per the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the permissible 24-hour average for PM2.5 is 60 g/m, while the annual average should not exceed 40 g/m. Indias air quality assessment: Key takeaways The report shows the number of cities with Good air quality (030 g/m) plummeted from 179 in September to just 68 in October. Cities in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, especially the Delhi-NCR region, recorded the worst air, which explains the thick blanket of toxic gas now enveloping the region. The top 10 worst-polluted cities were: Dharuhera, Rohtak, Ghaziabad, Noida, Ballabgarh, Delhi, Bhiwadi, Greater Noida, Hapur, and Gurugram; all belonging to Delhi NCR. Uttar Pradesh and Haryana dominated the list, with four cities each in the top 10. Dharuhera, with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 123 g/m, breached the NAAQS limit on 77 per cent of days. The city recorded two Severe and nine Very Poor days in October. 'South India leads with the cleanest cities' In contrast, Shillong, Gangtok and Mysuru were the least-polluted, and the top 10 cleanest cities included four from Karnataka, three from Tamil Nadu, and one each from Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Chhattisgarh. Of the 249 cities assessed, 212 recorded PM2.5 levels within Indias permissible limit of 60 g/m, but only six met the World Health Organisations far stricter daily safe limit of 15 g/m. Winter and festive periods don't create India's pollution problem, they expose it, said Manoj Kumar, analyst at CREA, in a release. These seasonal spikes merely amplify baseline pollution levels that remain dangerously high throughout the year. This predictable surge is substantially preventable if we prioritize sector-specific emission cuts with clear accountability mechanisms. Instead, policy responses remain reactive and seasonal, failing to address the year-round sources driving this crisis, he added. What is PM2.5? Short for particulate matter, PM refers to a mix of tiny particles in the air, such as dust, soot, smoke, dirt, and liquid droplets. PM2.5 denotes those with a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller, about 30 times thinner than a human hair. Invisible to the naked eye, these particles linger in the air for long periods and, once inhaled, penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Of all air pollutants, PM2.5 poses the greatest threat to human health, say experts. The Congress is contesting around six seats involving friendly contests with its Mahagathbandhan partners, and 54 alliance-backed seats in the upcoming Bihar polls. However, all of these 54 constituencies fall in areas where the party will face direct contests with the Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party both of which have a deep connect at the grassroots. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Janata Dal is contesting from almost all the seats where weaker partners of NDA have been fielded, like LJP led by Chirag Paswan, HAM and Upendra Kushwaha's formation. A Congress leader said, It is not that the Congress has taken barren seats. We have negotiated a good deal for several winnable constituencies. But, the RJD has managed to secure most of the seats with a higher winnability ratio, largely because of its solid cadre network on the ground. The Congresss cadre strength, on the other hand, has eroded over the years. According to senior leaders, while the Congresss seat share may not ensure a high strike rate, the party will attempt to perform better than last time, when it won only 19 out of the 70 constituencies it contested. A Congress leader said, The party has identified 25 seats where it can perform well and is focusing on those. If we win those seats, we believe well be in a strong position to contribute to government formation and also improve our strike rate even if our overall seat tally remains close to last time. Before the seat-sharing negotiations, the party had listed around 75 panel seats where more than one candidate was evaluated as a potential nominee, since it was uncertain about the exact number of seats it would receive. We had made preparations for these seats and managed to get many of them. We didnt know which ones would come our way, so groundwork in advance was essential, said a Congress functionary. Despite its weakened cadre, the Congress managed to generate some momentum through its Vote Chori Yatra, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi two months earlier. The yatra set the wheels rolling for the party, which was seeking to rebuild its cadre base and attract new members ahead of the assembly elections. Another senior Congress leader said, "The party got something to hook on, something to talk about and something to show to the people as an opposition, which helped the whole Opposition bloc to corner the ruling bloc. The last phase of campaigning is important but the first phase of campaign generates energy and hope, where we think the opposition succeeded. At that time, everyone was saying it would be a handsome down victory for the National Democratic Alliance, but we have made it neck and neck. And we are sure that we will perform better than before as a unit." Also, according to party leaders, ever since the new leadership took over, people have started joining the Congress again - as compared to the earlier phase when there was hardly any real growth in the cadre. The party has also tried to build a new network of politicians who can evolve and help the organisation expand. This is evident from the ticket distribution, where being young was a key criterion. A senior Congress leader said, Although there is a section of senior leaders unhappy with the partys new experiment, the Congress leadership has taken decisions with future growth in mind. It has deliberately refused to rehabilitate old leaders who had tried to control the organisation on their own terms and demanded tickets for their sons. The male friend of the gang-rape victim in Coimbatore was brutally attacked by the victims using a sickle, leaving him unconscious for hours, according to local media reports. The 25-year-old man, who reportedly runs an automobile shop in the city, suffered a deep gash to his skull and is currently admitted to a hospital. According to reports, the 21-year-old victim, who was in her first year of postgraduation at a private college in the city, was close friends with the youth. On November 2, the day the incident happened, the duo had gone out together as it was a holiday. They arrived at the deserted area behind the Coimbatore Airport. The accused, who were passing by, saw the vehicle in the deserted area. All three were reportedly intoxicated and approached the vehicle, asking the duo to get out. When the victim and her friend refused to come out, they tried to block the vehicle and smashed the windows with a sickle in anger. VIDEO | Coimbatore: Three accused in gang rape case shot in the legs during police action earlier today; arrested and shifted to government hospital. A sexual assault on a college student by three men near the Coimbatore international airport sent shock waves across the state pic.twitter.com/WsMvyI0aAv Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 4, 2025 It was then that the man stepped out of the vehicle. The accused then used the sickle to slash the mans skull, causing him to collapse. The three then abducted the woman, sexually assaulted her, and fled the scene. The man did not regain consciousness until 2 am before he called the police. The police rushed to the scene, rescuing the youth who had a head injury. He was taken to the Coimbatore Government Hospital for treatment. The police then began the search for the woman. Since it was nighttime and the area was not well-lit, they could not immediately locate the student. The injured body of the student was found in a bush after an hour. She was immediately taken to the hospital. An investigation was immediately launched, and CCTV footage revealed the two-wheeler used by the accused. The special team formed to arrest the accused learned that the three of them were hiding in the Vellakinaru area near Thudiyalur. Police surrounded the area, and the accused then attacked the police with machetes. Following this, the police fired at the three, injuring their legs. The accused, identified as Karthi alias Kaleeswaran, Satish alias Karuppasamy, and Guna alias Thavasi, are reportedly undergoing treatment. All three have various criminal cases, including murder, against them. Tamil Nadu Police have arrested three men in connection with the alleged abduction and gangrape of a young woman near the Coimbatore international airport on Sunday night. The accused, identified as Guna, Satheesh Karuppasamy, and Karthik Kaleeswaran, were arrested on Tuesday morning after a brief encounter with the police near Thudiyalur. According to media reports, they were shot in the leg when they attempted to escape during the chase. The trio were later admitted to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital for treatment. Police had formed seven special teams to nab the accused even as the incident triggered a massive outrage in the state. #WATCH | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: On a college student allegedly gang raped near Coimbatore airport, BJP Mahila Morcha National president Vanathi Srinivasan visits the incident site, says, "... We are standing at the location where the incident happened yesterday. The car window pic.twitter.com/ovpfHk1r2q ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2025 Investigations revealed that all three accused are natives of Sivaganga district and had been living in Irukur while working as daily wage labourers. Karuppasamy and Kaleeswaran are brothers, and all three have criminal records involving murder, assault, and robbery. The victim, a student at a private college in the city, was talking to her male friend inside a parked car around 11 pm when the three men attacked them and forcibly dragged her away into the darkness. They allegedly took turns raping her and fled the scene. She was later found lying unconscious and without clothes in a nearby vacant plot. Her male friend, who was also seriously injured while resisting attackers, is also undergoing treatment at a private hospital. #WATCH | Delhi | On a college student allegedly gang raped near Coimbatore airport, Member of NHRC, Priyank Kanoongo says, "...The Coimbatore incident is heartbreaking. A 20-year-old college student was with her friend. She was gang-raped. This rape reminds us of the pic.twitter.com/FJOD4YXGDf ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2025 The incident has stirred up a political storm with the opposition parties targeting the M.K. Stalin government over the safety of women in the state. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami said Tamil Nadu was the leading state in India in terms of womens safety when his party was in power. "A few months ago, I inaugurated a programme in Chennai, on behalf of the AIADMK, to provide women with a box containing pepper spray, torches, and other safety items. The party functionaries continued to distribute the kit throughout Tamil Nadu," the former chief minister said. Union minister L. Murugan alleged that the Tamil Nadu Police were facing a great deterioration like never before under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's rule. "This sexual assault on a young woman in an important area of Coimbatore district reveals the incompetence of the Tamil Nadu government and police," he wrote on X. BJP state chief Nainar Nagendran had threatened a statewide protest if the culprits were not arrested. The partys former state president, K. Annamalai, claimed that since the DMK came to power in Tamil Nadu, incidents such as these have shown that anti-social elements no longer fear the law or the police. Congress MP Shashi Tharoors article on dynastic politics in India has triggered a political row as it garnered praise from several BJP leaders. The article Indian politics is a family business, published on Project Syndicate, was about how it was high time that India replaced dynasty with meritocracy. The clear also makes explicit references to The Indian National Congress, the Samajwadi Party, the DMK, the Trinamool Congress, and the National Conference. In the article, Tharoor says that dynastic politics pose a grave threat to Indian democracy. The article starts with how the Nehru-Gandhi family and their association with the freedom struggle cemented the idea that political leadership can be a birthright. The article was published on October 31. In the article, Tharoor writes When political power is determined by lineage, rather than ability, commitment, or grassroots engagement, the quality of governance suffers. Drawing from a smaller talent pool is never advantageous, but it is especially problematic when candidates main qualification is their surname. In fact, given that members of political dynasties are likely to be insulated from the challenges faced by ordinary people, they are often particularly ill-equipped to respond effectively to their constituents needs. Yet there is no guarantee that they will be held accountable for poor performance. Tharoor concludes the article by saying that as long as Indian politics remain a family enterprise, the true promise of democracy government of the people, by the people, for the people cannot be fully realized. While speaking to the media, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla called Tharoor 'khatron ke khiladi' (one who plays with danger) and said that he was praying for him since the "the first family is very vengeful", referring to the beginning of the article where he talks about the Gandhi family. Poonawalla, who had also served as the Congress's Maharashtra unit secretary, had quit the party in 2017 and joined the BJP. He currently serves as one of the partys national spokespersons. BJP national Spokesperson CR Kesavan also heaped praises on the article, calling it a truth bomb A popular TV actress from Bengaluru filed a police complaint after she was subjected to cyberstalking and online sexual harassment for the past three months. The Annapoorneshwari Nagar police have arrested the accused, who went by NAVEENZ on one of his Facebook accounts. According to police, Naveen K Mon, a delivery manager at Templeton and Partner in Whitefield, Bengaluru, had been sending the actress obscene messages and videos of his private parts through his Facebook Messenger. The actress, who is 41, and primarily works in Telugu and Kannada television serials, states the accused first reached out to her via a friend request, which she had declined. A KannadaTelugu serial actress has filed a sexual harassment complaint after allegedly receiving obscene videos and messages from a man on Facebook. The accused, using fake profiles under the name Naveenz, harassed her for over three months. After confronting him near Nandan pic.twitter.com/u38l7Keu97 IANS (@ians_india) November 4, 2025 After that, the man proceeded to harass her via the messenger, sending her vulgar content. He also used multiple fake accounts to keep harassing her after his previous ones were blocked by the actress. On November 1, around 11:30 am, The actress, according to reports, met the accused near Nandan Palace, Nagabhavi, to ask him to stop. However, the accused kept harassing her, refusing to listen. After the repeated incident, the actress filed a complaint with the police. Police investigations say that Naveen had been using multiple accounts to contact, harass, and send sexually obscene content to multiple women. Police are also examining the man's electronic devices to see if there are multiple victims. Karnataka | A KannadaTelugu serial actress has filed a sexual harassment complaint after receiving obscene videos and messages from a man on Facebook. The accused, who first sent her a friend request from the ID Naveenz, allegedly continued sending vulgar messages and videos ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2025 In another case, also in Bengaluru, a 33-year-old woman was sexually harassed by a man while she was walking her dog in the morning. The man, who is believed to be around 30, approached her from behind, called out 'Madam', exposed himself, and then proceeded to masturbate, according to the complaint by the woman. Police are investigating and trying to catch the accused. Power infrastructure continues to be a key theme underpinning the artificial intelligence (AI) growth story on Wall Street, led by anticipated data center demand. Barchart Senior Market Strategist John Rowland, CMT, has previously highlighted the upside potential for battery stocks like EOS Energy (EOSE) and critical metals like copper, but more recent headlines have surfaced a couple of other interesting stocks to watch. Going Behind the Meter As more and more data centers are looking to come online, four governors recently proposed a unique plan to ease the strain on PJM Interconnection the largest U.S. power grid, and one thats currently serving large data center-density states. The proposal, backed by Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia, suggests fast-tracking data center approval for candidates who can generate their own power and add it to the grid. More News from Barchart Or, as Rowland describes it more succinctly, Bring your own power think of it as the BYOP trade. Naturally, spend-happy hyperscalers are plowing cash into energy investments accordingly. Meta Platforms (META), for example, just signed new purchase power agreements (PPA) for 100% of the energy from Engie North Americas $900 million solar project, and Amazon (AMZN) inked a long-term PPA of its own with Avangrid to lock in a solar energy supply for its Pacific Northwest data centers. However, the data center power supply story goes beyond clean energy, as sustainable energy expert Abraham Silverman of Johns Hopkins explained to Inside Climate News: A hyperscale data center may be a thousand megawatts. Thats a lot of solar. The Blue-Chip Nuclear Story Thats where nuclear energy comes into play - a subsector where Amazon, Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL) and Microsoft (MSFT) have already been investing. Most notably, Microsoft reached a PPA with Constellation Energy (CEG) to restart the Three Mile Island Unit-1 reactor to help meet its soaring energy demands. Regulators are backing the shift to nuclear, too, with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently signing multiple PPAs of its own to bring low-power reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) onto the grid. Thats good for stocks like NuScale Power (SMR), says Rowland, but note that GE Vernova (GEV) and Hitachi (HTHIY) keep appearing. THE WEEKs Senior Special Correspondent Tariq Ahmad Bhat, 54, passed away in Srinagar at around 8:30am. The family said that he suffered a cardiac attack. He complained of chest pain at his house and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. He was later laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Dalgate area in Srinagar. A journalist of impeccable integrity, Tariq had been with THE WEEK for 24 years. He joined the Malayala Manorama Group as a senior correspondent on November 27, 2001. Before joining THE WEEK, he was with The Indian Express. Kashmiri media stands united in its grief, with three words being repeated in every obit: fair, fearless, and humble. Many remembered him as a thoughtful and patient mentor. Journalists across the valley and beyond took to social media to mark their shock, and respect for Tariq. ALSO READ | From heaven to hell: The inside story of Kashmir's militancy revealed through 5 former militant commanders Colleagues at THE WEEK remember him as unfailingly polite, kind and as a senior who was courteous right to the youngest trainee at the desk. In 2014, in a hat-tip to his high standards of professionalism, the International Press Institute (India Chapter) awarded its annual award jointly to him and THE WEEKs former chief photographer Arvind Jain. The duo won it for its report on the widow village of Dardpora. ALSO READ: THE WEEK Archives | No country for men: The story on Dardporas widows village that won us the IPI Award His last article for THE WEEK was on November 3, about the annual shift of the state government to Jammu and how Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said that it was one promise off his election manifesto. Tariq is survived by his wife and three children. In a statement, Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah and party president Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed grief over Tariq's demise. Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah and VP & CM @OmarAbdullah have expressed grief over the passing of Tariq Ahmad Bhat, senior journalist and Bureau Chief of The Week. Mr Tariq was a respected voice in journalism, known for his integrity, dedication, and insightful reporting. His pic.twitter.com/p0R0P2csEA JKNC (@JKNC_) November 4, 2025 The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her shock over the tragedy. PDP President & Former J&K CM @MehboobaMufti expresses her shock over the sudden demise of senior journalist Tariq Bhat sahab & condoled his passing. Remembering him as a respected voice who captured J&Ks nuances with depth & sincerity, she prayed for his magfirat and for pic.twitter.com/zLiQkeLYnR J&K PDP (@jkpdp) November 4, 2025 Former minister and senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar, in his condolence message, praised Tariqs professionalism and integrity. "During my tenure as PDP's chief spokesman, I have myself witnessed Bhat's integrity and his curiosity to get the bottom of the issue and present his readers comprehensive and detailed news stories. He never sought attention or fanfare. Individuals like him give soul to society and become torchbearers for the budding journalists of our land. May Allah accord Tariq highest place in Jannah and sabr to his bereaved family. We all are grief stricken, Akhtar said. An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru, carrying 172 passengers, was diverted to Bhopal due to a technical snag on Monday night. The flight (AIC 2487, A320 Neo, VT-EXO) made a safe landing under emergency conditions at the Raja Bhoj Airport. "Following standard safety procedures, a full emergency was declared at 1933 IST. A few minutes later, the crew confirmed that the warning had cleared and all aircraft systems were normal," said an official. "The flight landed safely at 2000 IST with 172 persons on board," he added. In a statement, the airline said its ground team in Bhopal has been providing immediate assistance and support to passengers. "Every effort is being made to fly them to their destination at the earliest, it said. According to Airport Director Ramji Awasthi, the emergency landing has not affected the airport operations. @airindia flight 2487 from del to blr has made an emergency landing in Bhopal. Its been 2 hours and still no update!! pic.twitter.com/aNkomS1wro Ashmeet Singh (@ashmeetey) November 3, 2025 The incident came hours after a Delhi-bound Air India plane carrying 228 passengers from San Francisco made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia due to a suspected technical issue. The passengers of the AI174 flight were disembarked and were given hotel arrangements, the airline said in a statement. With the help of our partners and local authorities, Air India has extended immediate assistance to the passengers. They were served meals on board and have been disembarked, it said. Update on AI174: AI174 of 02 November 2025, operating from San Francisco to Delhi had made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar International Airport in Mongolia. With the help of our partners and local authorities, Air India has extended immediate assistance to the Air India (@airindia) November 3, 2025 Air India further claimed that alternate arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destination at the earliest. Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience to passengers arising from this unforeseen diversion, which was undertaken in the interest of safety. Every effort is being made to minimise the inconvenience, it said. Dardpora village was home to 120 widows whose lives were marked by loss and resilience on the Line of Control. THE WEEKs story from 2013 by late senior special correspondent Tariq Bhat and former chief photographer Arvind Jain highlighted the human cost of conflict and the quiet strength of women surviving in a difficult border region. Heres the original article. (File) Tariq Bhat and Arvind Jain receive the International Press Institute (India Chapter) Award in 2014 Dardpora, when translated, means "abode of pain." That is exactly the story of this mountainous village and its 120 widows. Gul Jan, 50, lost her husband, Abdul Peer Khan, when she was 30 and has since braved life's challenges alone, raising her adopted son, Shabir Khan, by herself. After Peer was killed, Shabir had to quit school. "I could not afford his education," Jan said. Her neighbour, Rafiq Khan, said Jan had become so insecure that she would cling to her son and cry all day. The villagers helped her resume normal life. The mother and son worked as domestic help and in fields to sustain themselves. "The villagers sometimes helped with food, but at times I had to beg," Jan said. "I still remember the day the police came with Peer's photograph and told me he was killed in an encounter at Kralgund, Handwara, in Kupwara." Jan went to fetch the body, but the police had already buried it. She received some help from her brother-in-law, but he was killed by militants for being a mukhbir an informer. Today, Jan's only support is Shabir, who works as a labourer. Shabir's two-year-old son keeps her busy through the day. Jan speaks bitterly of politicians and separatists alike. "Nobody from the government or the Hurriyat Conference has visited us in these 21 years," she said. "How we have survived, only Allah knows." Women lug firewood to their homes in Dardpora. Parveena (middle) has only faint memories of her father | Arvind Jain Further up on the mountain lives another widow, Zaitoon Begum, 51. Looking worn out and tired, she talks in whispers. Her husband, Muhammad Dilwar Khoja, was killed by militants when he was only 22. "They killed him because he had surrendered to the security forces," said Begum. "He wanted a normal life as he was constantly being trailed by the Army." After Khoja surrendered, he was attacked several times by militants. Finally, one day, he was shot dead at Kralpora, where he was working in a hotel. "I don't want to talk any further," she said to her neighbour, Maqbool, who had persuaded her to talk to THE WEEK. "Take me home," she told Maqbool's daughter. Before leaving, she reluctantly agreed to be photographed. Sitting next to Begum was her namesake, Bibi Zaitoon, 52. Her husband, Bashir Ahmed Bhat, left her and their three children (a boy and two girls) to romance the gun. On his return from Pakistan, he started working in a hotel at Rajbagh in Srinagar. One day, his photograph appeared in a local daily as a dead militant. Widows Zaitoon Begum (left) and Bibi Zaitun (right) at Dardpora village, Srinagar | Arvind Jain "We later learnt he was abducted from the hotel and killed," said Zaitoon. She refused to remarry and dedicated her life to her children. The elder daughter and son are now married. "They were too young when their father was killed," she said. "I used to work in fields and in other people's homes to bring them up. At times, I felt so distressed I thought of running away, but my children pulled me back." Then there is Parveena Bano, a college student, whose widowed mother refused to talk about her husband. Her family lives in a four-room mud house and has no male member alive. Bano has faint memories of her father. He was shot dead by the Army after he ventured out one day. "Even today, we fear the Army," she says. Children in Dardpora village, Srinagar | Arvind Jain Dardpora's misfortune lies largely in its location. It is 120 km north of Srinagar, perilously close to the Line of Control (LoC). Before militancy, the LoC was thinly guarded on both sides, and residents of villages like Dardpora used to cross the border for trade and to meet relatives. Most of Dardpora's men, many married, fell to the charm of the gun and became militants. That is when the people, especially women, began to understand the significance of the name of their village. The Army mounted vigil and began looking for the missing men of the village. Presence of troops was increased, and several posts were set up in the village, perched on the mountain slope with no roads. The village consists largely of wooden houses with mud flooring and a few houses made with brick and cement. Most of them stand on maize and vegetable fields. A narrow network of dusty tracks connects Dardpora with neighbouring villages. A gushing stream descending the mountains runs through the village. In winter, most of the narrow tracks are closed because of heavy snow. The villagers refused to talk about the past but were hopeful of a better future. They are now sending their children to school. As village elder Juma Khan said, "Lack of education caused all the mayhem in our village. We were consumed by emotive slogans." Not anymore. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took out a mega rally along with her nephew, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, on the day when the Special Intensive Revision(SIR) exercise began in the state. After the rally, which was more than 3 km long, Banerjee, in her speech, sounded a warning to the BJP, saying, Even if one voter is removed, we will break the BJP government. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo warned that she will intensify her fight and leave no stone unturned to protect eligible voters, empasizing the right of every citizen to vote. They are taking away the citizens rights, and now they are going to give citizens their rights? she asked. The CM went on to ask the BJP about the Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in Bihar after the recently concluded SIR. How many Bangladeshis and Rohingyas were you able to remove from Bihar, asked Banerjee while also questioning why the SIR was not being conducted in BJP-ruled states. She also asked why Assam was not part of the SIR. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being conducted in Assam, and that is the reason for not undertaking SIR in the state, the EC had said. The TMC chief told her supporters at the rally that the BJP could not capture West Bengal because the state has a history of revolutionaries. Actually, they (BJP) are eyeing Bengal because they know that if they can capture all states by fear, they cannot capture Bengal as it has a history," she said, while suggesting the BJP is orchestrating the SIR in her state via the EC as the saffron party wants to capture Bengal in the upcoming Assembly elections. Abhishek Banerjee gave out a strong message of taking the fight to New Delhi. The TMC claims that seven people died and some attempted suicide over over fears of SIR and NRC, though both exercises are not connected. The SIR is part of the electoral process conducted by the EC while the NRC is conducted by the home ministry. This fight is not to make Mamata the chief minister, but to reduce the BJP to zero seats," said Abhishek. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari slammed the TMC while addressing a public meeting in Sodepur in the Northern fringes of Kolkata. TMC will not achieve anything with this (the rally). Infiltrators and illegal voters will remain on the list," he said. It (the rally) is completely an unconstitutional programme and she (Mamata) is directly challenging the constitutional process of India. This rally is to protect infiltrators, especially Bangladeshi Muslims and Rohingyas," he claimed. BJP leader Amit Malviya too attacked Banerjee over her comments at the rally saying she crossed the line in her attempt to protect illegal Bangladeshis. This isnt the first time she has insulted Bhagwan Ram or Maa Durga from the stage it has now become ingrained in her very nature. Its never a slip of the tongue; she does it deliberately and cunningly every time to consolidate her only vote bank," he said in a social media post. Banerjee sent out a symbolic message in her rally by emphasising the presence of Hindu community Matua community voters who are also the BJPs vote bank. The TMC also tried to strike an emotional chord with voters by calling on stage families of victims who allegedly committed died by suicide over SIR. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise began in West Bengal on Tuesday, with the distribution of enumeration forms in various assembly constituencies (AC) across the state since morning, as part of 12 states and Union territories undergoing the electoral rejig. Booth Level Officers (BLO) were seen going door-to-door along with Booth Level Agents (BLA) from various political parties to identify voters in the area and hand over two sets of enumeration forms while explaining the process to voters. The process is good. If this takes the right course of direction in future, it is a good thing. I have no doubts. Everything is going fine," said 50-year-old Gurpreet Singh, who belongs to a family of eight, and his parents and childrens names are in the 2002 list too. BLOs distributing Enumeration Forms to Electors in #WestBengal as a part of #SIRPhase2 pic.twitter.com/WJrgBHoxbl Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) November 4, 2025 "There is no problem, the process has been explained to us. We will fill them up. Our names have been there in the voter list since 1972," said a confident 69-year-old Pradyudt Kumar Dutta of Bhawanipore Assembly Constituency in Kolkata. If this (SIR) happens, it will be good; else, people will come from here and there and cast votes on someone elses name. This has happened to our known people. We citizens can hope these incidents will reduce," said 62-year-old Kaveri Dutta from Bhawanipore Assembly Constituency in Kolkata. Meanwhile, in other districts, people seemed content with the doorstep process of BLOs distributing and explaining details to be filled in the form. I have been explained the details of form filling and will fill and submit them. I had no difficulty in understanding anything," said Bikash Chandra Das of Chandrakona, West Midnapore district. However, there are also reports of many voters being concerned, with information trickling in connecting it to the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Allegedly, there have been deaths and suicide attempts over fears of their names not being in the 2002 SIR list or not having relevant documents to prove their eligibility for inclusion in the revised voter list. The SIR has been a bone of contention between political parties, primarily the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal. The other parties opposing the SIR are the Congress and CPI(M). The BJP supports the ECs decision to do a voter revision exercise to weed out non-eligible voters or illegal voters who have infiltrated into the country and not procured identity or Indian citizenship documents in an ethical manner. There has also been a controversial remark in the recent past by its Bongaon MP, Shantanu Thakur, saying that 1.2 crore illegal voters will be struck off the list after the SIR. For now, voters are to fill out these forms and keep them ready, after which BLOs or BLAs will collect these forms. In case, if a voter is unavailable at the time of the BLO's visit to collect the form, a BLA can collect 50 enumeration forms at a time and hand them over to the BLO. There are 80,681 BLOs, 14,000 BLOs in reserve, and 659 help desks set up by the Election Commission. Steps are being taken by EC to remove confusion from the voters mind, with Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal holding meetings at the district level with District Electoral Officers (DEO) for a smooth process and District Magistrates (DM) to ensure security of BLOs. 18 lakh enumeration forms submitted on day 1 of SIR in West Bengal BLOs across West Bengal, out since the morning on Thursday, distributed over 18 lakh enumeration forms as of 5pm. The Election Commission (EC) is confident that the voter updating process will be completed within a month across the 23 states of West Bengal. However, if a voters name is not in the 2002 SIR list or the 2025 voter list, the voter will not receive an enumeration form. West Bengal has a 7,66,37,529 or 7.6 crore electorate. BLAs from various political parties were seen along with BLOs going door-to-door distributing two sets of enumeration forms while BLOs explained the process to voters. While these are level 1 BLAs, level 2 BLAs entail agents at polling booths to assist voters with the enumeration form filling, submission and documents as required by the EC for the SIR process. The aim is to clear doubts that voters may have and ensure all eligible voters make it to the final SIR list. As per ECs data, there are a total of 63,940 BLAs who have officially submitted their forms from various political parties, of which the break-up is as follows: 24858 - BJP 18706 - CPIM 1053 - Forward Bloc 13526 - Trinamool Congress 5797 - Indian National Congress These numbers are likely to rise with more BLA requests expected in the following days. Currently, there are 1,200 voters per BLO. If the need arises, the voters per booth can be split further to simplify the SIR process. Hence, more BLAs will be instrumental in smoothening the process of voter outreach. As far as BLOs go, there are 80,681 persons, while 14,000 BLOs are in reserve. The challenges during the SIR exercise are apprehensions of teachers who are Central and state government employees, doubling up as BLOs. As they have to be present from the morning for the SIR exercise, they fear being marked absent for a month instead of being marked on duty. This might deter the functioning of BLOs. The EC says the decision to mark them on or off duty does not lie with the EC, but with the Central or State government under whom these teachers are employed. The online submission of enumeration forms is yet to begin as an additional facility for voters as the process is yet to be formulated by the EC. Using a microphone or miking system will happen in smaller areas within districts to spread information on the distribution and collection of enumeration forms. A central team from the Election Commission of India (ECI) will travel from Delhi to Kolkata and stay till November 8 including travelling to the districts of Coochbehar, Alipurduars and Jalpaiguri, which are bordering Bangladesh. A week after Cyprus's Foreign Minister, Dr Constantinos Kombos arrived in India to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, reports have emerged in Turkish local right-wing media slamming Indias decision to cooperate with Cyprus as a insidious plan. Cyprus and Turkey have been arch-foes ever since Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, in violation of all international rules. Turkish right-wing media, Yeni Akit, went ballistic about Komboss statement that Cyprus could purchase defense equipment from India to counter Turkey. He had also mentioned about the Indian warship arriving in southern Cyprus. The Greeks began to seek help from India, the report said, while parroting close ally Pakistans claim about crashing Indian jets. It also went on to claim that Pakistan used Turkish KORAL electronic warfare (EW) systemdeveloped by Turkish defence powerhouse Aselsanto blind Indian Air Force fighter radars against jets, a baseless claim. Another conservative website TRHaber accused India of signing a pact with Cyprus, targeting Turkey. It said the Narendra Modi government strengthened its foreign policy stance against Turkey, and cited how the Prime Minister was presented with the Grand Cross of the Order, awarded by the Greek Cypriot Administration in honor of Archbishop Makarios III. The report added that India has taken a diplomatic step targeting Ankara, initiating strategic military, economic, and diplomatic cooperation with Cyprus. Interestingly, what angered Turkish media was the Cypriot ministers statement that he was willing to procure arms from India to defend itself against Turkey. We have been under occupation, a third of the island, for more than 50-51 years, were facing a Turkish, occupied force of 40,000 troops in an attack formation. So for us, its an existential reason of making sure that we are doing whatever we can to defend ourselves, he said in an exclusive interview with Wion, adding that the defence sector is an area within which we could have common benefits. After the result of the October 2025 Big Ticket Abu Dhabi was announced on Monday, hosts Richard and Bouchra phoned the winner to deliver the life-changing news, but got no reply. Meet Saravanan Venkatachalam, a 44-year-old electrical engineer from Chennai working in Abu Dhabi, who has won the coveted Dh 25 million (roughly Rs 60.39 crore) jackpot (Series 280), but only got to know of it from his family much later. How it happened Venkatachalam explained that he started purchasing Big Ticket entries five years ago after hearing about it from an ex-colleague, who even won a Big Ticket prize in 2018. That was the beginning. After that, I bought tickets occasionally, not continuously," he said, as per a Gulf News report. Anilkumar Bolla, who was previously identified as Anil Kumar B., is a resident of Abu Dhabi #AnilkumarBolla #UAELottery https://t.co/Tg50FdzC9t THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) October 27, 2025 He also revealed an interesting hack to save money on his lottery ticket purchases: buying them using his saved credit card points, instead of spending his own money. On October 30, he purchased a Big Ticket entry during the 'Buy 1 Get 1 Free' promotion, and by Monday, the winning ticket #463221 was drawn live, changing his fortune forever. However, when the result was announced, he had been at work, due to which his phone was on silent. Later, he decided not to return the call, as he was wary of the unknown number. It was only when his excited family members called him that it hit him: he was now a millionaire. It was unbelievable. Even then, I wasnt sure it was true because there may be many people with my name, he said, confirming the win after finally speaking with Big Ticket. His plans Venkatachalam has said that he would be using a portion of the winnings for the education of his two children. I had secured the future of my children. The only thing on my mind is their education, he said. The 44-year-old, who had worked in Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman before moving to the UAE in 2019, also said that it would help him repay his loans and debts. Im just grateful, he said, encouraging others to take parteither individually, or by pooling money. On November 3, 2025, Microsoft announced a major expansion of its AI and cloud infrastructure investments in the United Arab Emirates, bringing its total commitment to $15.2 billion between 2023 and 2029. This builds on an AI initiative launched in early 2023 with support from both the US and UAE governments, focusing on technology and talent development. Notably, this massive sum is not money raised in the UAE but Microsofts own investment in the country. Over the past two years, the company has already spent around $7.3 billion, including $1.5 billion for an equity stake in G42, the UAEs state-backed sovereign AI company, which also granted Microsoft a board seat. Microsoft has also invested $4.6 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure development. Between 2026 and 2029, Microsoft plans to invest an additional $7.9 billion, including $5.5 billion in capital expenditures for new and expanded data centers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The deal hinges on US government approval to export Nvidia GPUs to the UAE. In September 2025, under the Trump administration and building on Biden-era authorisations, Microsoft received clearance from the US Commerce Department for these exports. The Biden administration had previously allowed Microsoft to deploy the equivalent of 21,500 Nvidia A100 GPUs. With the new approvals, Microsoft became the first company under the Trump administration to secure export licenses to ship GPUs to the UAE, allowing it to deploy an additional 60,400 equivalents, including the cutting-edge GB300 GPUs. Nevertheless, Microsofts mega spending in the UAE, backed by the US administration, is neither charity nor mere market expansion. Many experts believe it is a geopolitical chess move aimed at securing US leadership in the global AI raceespecially against China. The UAE is a strategically positioned country with abundant energy resources, rapid infrastructure development, and strong connectivity to markets across the Middle East and the Global South. All these factors make it highly attractive to the US. The UAE is now the only non-NATO ally in the Gulf with full US export licenses for cutting-edge AI chips. The deal is widely seen as an effort to create a US-aligned AI hub outside Chinas orbit, countering Beijings AI ambitions in the region. The advanced GPUs will serve as strategic assets to promote wider adoption of AI models from the US, including those developed by OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and open-source providers. However, critics within the US had argued that the deal undermines the rationale behind Washingtons export restrictions on China, since the UAE could potentially serve as a backchannel for Chinese access. In response, the US Commerce Department has issued only entity-specific, end-use-monitored licenses. This means a chip exported from the US to the UAE cannot be used outside Microsofts UAE AI ecosystem. The US hopes such measures will help it maintain its lead in training frontier AI models while denying China access to critical hardware. Notably, G42once a Huawei partner with deep Chinese tieshas undergone a major realignment following Microsoft investments. Under US pressure, G42 has reportedly divested from Chinese technology firms, removed Chinese equipment from its data centers, and implemented strict security protocols to secure access to advanced Nvidia H100 chips. With 59.4 percent of its population using generative AI, the UAE now leads the world in per capita AI adoption. In November 2024, Microsoft announced plans to train one million people in the UAE by the end of 2027. The US seems to be envisioning the UAE as a global talent hub, attracting top professionals from India, Europe, and the MENA region, allowing US firms to tap into a skilled workforce without facing domestic visa bottlenecks. Many analysts believe these measures are designed to demonstrate that the US can export AI capability without losing control. They also argue that if China had secured G42, it could have dominated AI applications in energy, finance, and defense across the Gulf. Now, the US has effectively consolidated AI dominance over key regional infrastructure. If the UAE model succeeds, it could serve as a template for US strategy elsewhereincluding India, which has the potential to become both a major talent hub and a large consumer base for American AI companies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Lebanon that any move by Hezbollah to rearm or regroup will lead to a military response from Israel. Setting out Israels increasingly uncompromising position at a cabinet meeting on November 2, he said Hezbollah was trying to rearm and recuperate despite heavy losses in the previous conflict. Netanyahu asked the Lebanese government to honour its commitment to disarm the group under the terms of the ceasefire concluded last year. We will not allow Lebanon to become a renewed front against us, and we will act as necessary. His remarks signalled that Israel views any rebuilding of Hezbollahs military capacity as an immediate threat requiring decisive action. Netanyahus warning came after Defence Minister Israel Katz accused Lebanese President Joseph Aoun of delaying efforts to dismantle the militia. Katz said Israel would intensify its operations in southern Lebanon, declaring that Hezbollah was playing with fire, and the president was dragging his feet. The Lebanese government's commitment to disarm Hezbollah and remove it from southern Lebanon must be implemented. Maximum enforcement will continue and even intensifywe will not allow any threat to the residents of the north." The November 2024 ceasefire, which ended 14 months of conflict, is now under growing pressure. Israel maintains forces in parts of southern Lebanon and continues air strikes, it says, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in breach of the truce. For Israel, any sign of Hezbollah reorganisation is a provocation; for Lebanon, the ongoing attacks represent a violation of sovereignty. The balance between enforcement and escalation has become increasingly fragile. Tensions escalated further after an Israeli strike on November 1 in the Nabatiyeh district killed four people. Israel took responsibility, saying the dead were members of Hezbollahs Radwan Force involved in weapons transfers and attempts to restore the groups infrastructure in the south. A fifth operative who was killed on October 31, was a logistics expert working to re-establish Hezbollahs infrastructure in south Lebanon. At their funeral, the coffins were draped in Hezbollahs flag as the assembled mourners shouted death to Israel, death to America. Also present were Hezbollah members in military garb, declaring loyalty to the groups founder Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in September 2024, and also to Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel, meanwhile, described the strike as consistent with its right to self-defence under the ceasefire terms. In response, President Aoun ordered the Lebanese army to confront Israeli incursions, following an earlier ground raid that killed a municipal worker. Aoun, who had previously called for talks to end what he described as the Israeli occupation, accused Israel of replying with intensified attacks. His order reflects Lebanons struggle to balance national defence with the risk of a wider confrontation. The Lebanese government has announced plans to impose a state monopoly on arms, extending the authority of the Lebanese Armed Forces across the country. Army sources said they have already destroyed numerous Hezbollah weapons caches and hope to complete operations in the south by the end of the year. Despite this, Hezbollah remains active and well-financed. Although weakened by leadership losses and battlefield defeats, the group insists that disarmament applies only to southern Lebanon, not nationwide. International responses have been mixed. Egypt, a key interlocutor of the Middle East peace process, offered support for Beiruts position, with Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly saying in a joint press conference in Beirut with his Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam that Cairo opposed any Israeli presence on Lebanese territory. The United States, on the other hand, is pressing Lebanon to implement full disarmament, warning that Hezbollahs continued presence threatens regional stability. US Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack, who is also President Trumps special envoy to Lebanon and Syria, recently called Lebanon a "failed state" because of its "paralysed government". He said Hezbollah still had around 40,000 fighters and 20,000 rockets and missiles, and also pointed out that the group was paying its members $2,200 per month, while the official Lebanese army was forced to use substandard equipment and earned less than $300 a month. Russian President Vladimir Putins announcement of the successful tests of the successful testing of two advanced Russian combat systemsthe Burevestnik nuclear cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater drone - has been deemed unusual by the Chinese media, which believes the Russian President seemed to be trying to downplay the significance of the tests. A report that appeared in Chinese media Sohu said Putins actions were surprising. The launch of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the massive Poseidon torpedo has forever changed the global security landscape. Why did Russia decide to unveil its new weapons now?" the report asked. The Sohu observers also noted that Burevestnik and Poseidon are revolutionary weapons systems. While Burevestnik, powered by miniature nuclear reactors, flew 14,000 km during tests while Poseidon can hide in the ocean depths for days before delivering a devastating blow. "This was not just a show of force; Russia's actions will have global consequences," Chinese journalists believe. But, despite these significant achievements, Putins behavior was in an unexpected manner. Putin described the tests in a rather casual manner, as if reporting a routine event that would be forgotten the next day. Putin seemed to be trying to downplay the significance of the tests," Sohu reports. Putin reveals nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile 'with NO COUNTERPARTS around the world' that can 'be used against protected sites ANYWHERE' pic.twitter.com/voFNaLJs5U RT (@RT_com) October 26, 2025 The Chinese journalists believe that Putin deliberately avoided holding a special press conference. His description of the Poseidon and Burevestnik missiles was as restrained and laconic as possible. Ultimately, this tactic worked. The aura of mystery surrounding these cutting-edge systems only fueled interest. The global media frenzy was so intense that even US President Donald Trump was swayed by it and responded by announcing a submarine allegedly patrolling off the Russian coast, Sohu added. Experts believe the Burevestnik could pose a potential threat to Trumps proposed Golden Dome missile-defense system, thereby giving Moscow potential leverage in arms-control talks, should they ever resume. The Burevestnik really is a political weapon, Pavel Podvig, a senior researcher at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, told The Wall Street Journal. He added that the main purpose of the system is that it allows the Russian president to tell his U.S. counterpart that Moscow can circumvent missile-defense systems. But even that might not be true, Podvig said. Management remains optimistic about the prospects of robotics, software-defined automation, and AI-powered production. Rockwell is scheduled to report fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2025 results on Nov. 6. The company anticipates organic sales growth of +1% to -2%, with annual recurring revenue increasing by high single digits. Adjusted EPS could rise by 3% at the midpoint. Its Software & Control division also performed well in Q2, with organic sales increasing 22% YoY and Logix hardware sales up more than 30%. Advanced manufacturers like Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) and Hancock Iron Ore are increasingly adopting its software platforms, which include FactoryTalk PharmaSuite MES and Guardian AI. Notably, in the second quarter, Rockwell achieved significant project wins across various industries. Notably, Freshpet and Incobrasa Industries have chosen Rockwell to automate their new processing plant. In automotive, Hyundai Motor Group and Lucid Motors (LCID) also adopted the companys automation systems. This resulted in a 30% increase in eCommerce and Warehouse Automation sales year-on-year (YoY) in Q2, driven by rising demand for Rockwell's OTTO autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platform, which enables intelligent, flexible material movement in modern logistics facilities. Rockwell's integrated ecosystem includes intelligent devices, control systems, SaaS-based manufacturing software, and autonomous robotics. These enable manufacturers to modernize operations more quickly and efficiently than ever before. Rockwell's automation platforms, such as FactoryTalk, Logix, and PowerFlex, among many others, enable companies to adopt robotics, smart sensors, and AI to increase productivity and save costs. With a market cap of $41.1 billion, Rockwell Automation (ROK) sits at the heart of industrial automation and digital transformation. The company offers hardware, software, and services that assist manufacturers in automating and optimizing their production lines, including robots and control systems, sensors, data analytics, and AI-driven solutions. Automation and robotics are transforming the global manufacturing landscape. As companies race to improve efficiency, cut costs, and address labor shortages, demand for advanced robotics systems is soaring. In this rapidly evolving space, two innovative companies stand to benefit. Story Continues Investors should also keep an eye out for the company's upcoming Automation Fair and Investor Day in Chicago this November. Rockwell plans to showcase its latest advancements in robotics, intelligent devices, and integrated digital services. With strong tailwinds from rising automation demand and AI integration, Rockwell Automation stands out as a stock primed to benefit from the unstoppable rise of robotics in manufacturing. Overall, on Wall Street, ROK stock is a Moderate Buy. Of the 24 analysts covering the stock, 11 rate it a Strong Buy, 12 rate it a Hold, and one rates it a Strong Sell. The stock has surpassed its average target price of $357.19. However, its high price target of $410 implies ROK stock can climb 13% over the next 12 months. www.barchart.com Robotics Stocks #2: Boeing Company (BA) Valued at $151.3 billion, Boeing (BA) is one of the worlds largest aerospace and defense companies. It designs and manufactures commercial airplanes, military aircraft, and satellites. It also offers global maintenance, training, and defense services. While Boeing is not a pure-play robotics company, it does use advanced robotics and automation in its manufacturing process. It is particularly useful for building airplane components that require great precision. BA stock has surged 16% YTD, which is comparable to the broader market gain. www.barchart.com Boeing is integrating advanced robotics, automation, and digital systems in its operations, which are designed to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency. Using robotics and automation improves manufacturing efficiency, resulting in more planes being manufactured and delivered on schedule, increasing the company's revenue and margins. In recent years, Boeing's major objective has been to regain confidence with customers, regulators, and employees by focusing on safety and quality, while automation reduces human error, rework, and defect rates. The company is increasing production of its best-selling 737 MAX to 38 aircraft per month, with FAA approval for an increase to 42 planes per month. Boeing reported its third-quarter earnings on Oct. 29, wherein total company revenue surged 30% YoY to $23.3 billion, driven by stronger airplane deliveries and improved operational performance across commercial, defense, and service businesses. Importantly, Boeing recorded a positive free cash flow of $238 million, marking its first cash-positive quarter since 2023 and a significant milestone in its long-term turnaround strategy. Boeing's Commercial Airplanes (BCA) division, the company's largest and most visible business, is benefiting from advanced robots more than ever. In the most recent quarter, the business supplied 160 aircraft, its highest number since 2018. Automation is also having a disruptive impact on its Defense, Space, and Security (BDS) division. The business supplied 30 aircraft and two satellites in the quarter, increasing revenue by 25% to $6.9 billion in Q2. Demand across its commercial and defense markets remains strong, reflected in a backlog exceeding $600 billion. For investors looking to benefit from the rise of automation in high-tech production, Boeing stands out as a great choice. Overall, on Wall Street, BA stock is a Strong Buy. Of the 25 analysts covering the stock, 19 rate it a Strong Buy, two say it is a Moderate Buy, three rate it a Hold, and one says Strong Sell. Its average target price of $257.90 suggests an upside potential of 26% over current levels. However, its high price target of $287 implies BA stock can climb 40% over the next 12 months. www.barchart.com On the date of publication, Sushree Mohanty did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Former Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney, passed away at the age of 84. A hard-charging conservative, who became one of the most powerful and polarising vice presidents in US history, he was also a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq. Born in 1941, he served as the 46th vice president from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush. As vice president, Cheney fought vigorously for an expansion of the power of the presidency, having felt that it had been eroding since the Watergate scandal that drove his one-time boss Richard Nixon from office. He also expanded the clout of the vice president's office by putting together a national security team that often served as a power center of its own within the administration, reported Reuters. He went to Washington in 1969 as a congressional intern and held various White House jobs during the administrations of Nixon and Gerald Ford. During the 10 years he served as Wyoming's only congressman, Cheney had a highly conservative record, consistently voting against abortion rights. He also voted against the release of imprisoned South African leader Nelson Mandela and against gun control and environmental and education funding measures, as per Reuters. Cheney married his high school sweetheart, Lynne Anne Vincent, in 1964. He is survived by his wife, daughters Liz and Mary. Twelve people were injured after a gas cylinder exploded in the basement of Pakistans Supreme Court building in Islamabad early on Tuesday. Police officials said that the incident occurred at around 10:55 am, Dawn reported. Explosion rocks Pakistans Supreme Court 12 injured, 2 critical after reported gas cylinder blast - Samaa TV pic.twitter.com/LW5EXC8szo Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) November 4, 2025 Investigations by the Islamabad police revealed that there had been complaints of a gas leakage in the canteen of the Supreme Court located in the basement for the past three days. Initial probe revealed that there had been complaints of gas leakage in the canteen located in the basement and a tea room for around the past three days. Plumbers and technicians who work at the Supreme Court were looking into those, the Inspector General of Police (IG) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi told the media. #BREAKING An explosion occurred in the basement canteen of the Supreme Court. The blast caused the Supreme Court building to shake. Authorities have not yet confirmed the nature of the explosion, and security personnel have cordoned off the area. Emergency services have pic.twitter.com/rJTA1FXwoR Afghanistan Guardian (@WakhanIntel) November 4, 2025 They also found that there was considerable leakage in the canteen on Tuesday as well. Two of the air conditioners in the canteen were also not functioning properly, Rizvi said, Technicians were repairing them, during which gas accumulated, and a blast occurred. Out of the 12 injured, nine were taken to the Polyclinic hospital and three to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). Rizvi said that the two of the injured, the technicians repairing the air conditioners, were the most affected, sustaining about 80 per cent and 30 per cent burns. The rest suffered minor burn injuries. Multiple videos of the incident show parts of the Supreme Courts floor with blood stains. One person, who was bleeding, was seen being taken away in footage. The Canadian government is reportedly seeking the authority to enforce a mass cancellation of temporary visas for certain groups of visa holders from India, partly due to concerns of fraud. Apart from India, this also concerns Bangladesh, as the two countries have been termed "country-specific challenges" in a departmental presentation before the immigration minister's office, a CBC News report said, citing internal documents. According to Canadian agencies like the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), as well as unnamed US partners, the aim was to identify and cancel fraudulent visitor visa applications. In that regard, these agencies have formed a working group with the aim of aiding Canadian authorities in refusing and cancelling such visa applications. The report added that a section of the presentation also showed how the mass cancellation powers sought by these agencies could be used in hypothetical situations, such as in pandemics, wars, or in the case of country-specific visa holders". However, Immigration Minister Lena Diab has only publicly talked about a pandemic or war as the reason behind why the government was seeking mass visa cancellation powers under a pending legislation, and not "country-specific visa holders". This pending legislation is currently tabled in the Canadian parliament under Bill C-12once a part of the contentious Bill C-2 (for the Mark Carney government's Strong Borders Act). This follows a Reuters report highlighting that about 74 per cent of Indian student visa applications (in August 2025) were rejected, as per immigration statisticsa huge increase from about 32 per cent in August 2023. This, in turn has led to a decline in the number of Indian student visa applications made over the same period4,515 in August 2025, as compared to a whopping 20,900 in August 2023. "74% of Indian applicants for Canadian study permits in August were rejected, up from 32% in August 2023" According to some analysts .. Indian students' business is worth 26 billion USD annually for Canadian eco system. Most of these frauds happen in community colleges where you pic.twitter.com/XrEQLuS4vB Ritesh Jain (@riteshmjn) November 3, 2025 This comes despite India and the Carney-led Canadian government looking to slowly mend ties after more than a year of diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Ottawa when Justin Trudeau was in power. About time. 74% of study permits from India have been rejected in August. Hopefully it's a new trend. Even India has been warning Canada of this. Now that we admit we have a problem; how about investigating everyone involved and all previous visas? None of them had background pic.twitter.com/BJdYmQELuJ Kirk Lubimov (@KirkLubimov) November 4, 2025 The presentation also spoke of an increase in asylum claims from Indian nationalsfrom 500 in May 2023 to 2,000 by July 2024as well as an increase in "no boards" (passengers blocked from boarding flights) to 1,873 by the end of July 2024. No such data about Bangladesh was provided in the document, the report explained. This reportedly put the onus on verifying Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) applications properly, which led to an increase in processing time for Indian applications from about 30 days to about 54 days. The ability to cancel temporary resident documents reduces security risks and limits potential misuse of such documents, noted a October 2024 IRCC memorandum to then immigration minister Marc Miller. The Chancellors latest blame game speech places much of the responsibility for Britains dire public finances on others. Among the factors Rachel Reeves cited in her Downing Street address are Trump tariffs (even though the UK has a much trumpeted US trade deal), defence costs, bond rates and a productivity shortfall. Thats quite a list intended to prepare the nation for another startling tax raising Budget on November 26. Yes, the Office for Budget Responsibilitys lowering of the productivity and growth forecast is unhelpful in allowing the Chancellor to keep to the iron-clad fiscal rules she set herself. However, the notion that Britain and its commercial sector is somehow letting the country down needs revising. The UKs private sector productivity is not that much out of line with the rest of the G7, except the US, and on some measures is better than the often greatly admired German economy. Pledges: But Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) has refused to rule out tax rises in this months budget The fundamental problem in the UK is the surging size, low productivity and inefficiency of the public sector. The NHS funded with an extra 29billion last year is at the core of the nations problems. Instead of pouring ever more taxpayer cash into the Government sector, a bold administration would seek to end the public sector boondoggle and its unfunded defined-benefit pensions. Consultants EY estimate that lagging public sector productivity is costing 80bn a year. Overall, government employment, including the NHS, has soared by 600,000 staff since the pandemic. Much of the political rhetoric focuses on ways to trim the ballooning welfare budget. Labour so far has found it impossible and the Tories, who presided over the post-Covid explosion, are talking up cuts in the social safety net. The issue is far bigger than that. Britain has a high cost, over-employed and low voltage public sector which needs to be rolled-back dramatically. This last happened in the IMF crisis of five decades ago. The last thing required is another layer of confidence and investment sapping personal, wealth and business taxes. Breaking up Associated British Foods (ABF) and its controlling Weston family shareholders finally has come round to the view that the groups two main enterprises food, and retail in the shape of Primark need their own identities. The process of doing the splits is well advanced. ABF chief George Weston is aiming for two London-quoted companies with Wittington, the family vehicle, the controlling shareholder in both. Primark, with its cheap and cheerful clothing, has spread out from its Irish roots to create a global market. Queues have formed outside its recently opened Kuwait store and the opening of a flagship store in Manhattan is still on the cards despite the baleful impact on prices of Trump tariffs on imports from China. In the heartland UK market, shoppers are saving rather than spending. That may get worse after the Budget. A Budget measure to impose a de minimis charge on Chinas extreme online discounters Shein and Temu would come as huge relief. Primark is looking for a chief executive (and eventually a chairman) as it drives towards a London listing and needs to raise its game. Weston intends to lead the food arm. Focus is often on the swings and roundabouts of the sugar market, where ABF is a dominant force from farm to factory and the breakfast table. But ABF also is a big, branded-goods group with Mazola, the best-selling cooking oil brand in the US, Twinings Tea, Ovaltine, and specialist ingredients. GSK-Haleon shows a well-designed separation can release more realistic valuations. Food performance at ABF is overshadowed by Primark. Time for a change. Oil patchwork Murray Auchincloss is making a reasonable fist of stabilising BP after boardroom traumas and serial underperformance. Third quarter results came in stronger than forecast and boss Auchincloss was upbeat about new oil and gas projects. Debt is stubbornly high at close to 20billion but Auchincloss is promising disposals of 3.8billion, against 2.3billion, by the end of the financial year. Share buybacks continue. That should keep agitator Elliott at bay for the time being. BP profits fell by less than expected in the third quarter as higher refining margins helped partially offset the impact of lower oil prices. The energy giant posted an underlying replacement cost profit, its preferred measure of profitability, of $2.21billion, beating analysts' forecasts of $2.02billion but down from $2.27billion a year ago. Boss Murray Auchincloss said BP had made 'good progress to cut costs, strengthen our balance sheet and increase cash flow and returns'. Auchincloss has been under pressure from activist investor Elliott Management to step up performance, slash costs, boost shareholder payouts and slimdown BP's debt pile. It follows a turbulent period for BP following the departure of former chief executive Bernard Looney and chairman Helge Lund, both of whom has spearheaded an intense green energy push the group is now working to reverse. BP said debt was flat year-on-year at 19.8billion, amid spending on seven major project start-ups and an improvement in the reliability of its plants and refineries. BP faces pressure from activist investor However, Auchincloss told shareholders BP now forecasts proceeds from the sale of assets to be higher than previously expected this year, 'underpinned by around $5billion of completed or announced disposal agreements'. Net debt is expected to fall over time towards BP's target of $14billion to $18billion by the end of 2027. Auchincloss said BP would 'accelerate delivery' of its plans, 'including undertaking a thorough review of our portfolio to drive simplification and targeting further improvements in cost performance and efficiency'. He added: 'There is much more to do but we are moving at pace, and demonstrating that bp can and will do better for our investors.' BP shares were down 0.4 per cent in early trading, having added 10.1 per cent since the start of 2025. Maurizio Carulli, global energy analyst at Quilter Cheviot, said: 'This is the second consecutive quarter that BP results are strong, and it is a marked difference with the now seemingly almost distant past when the company was delivering poor performance quarter after quarter. 'Management... has clearly steadied the ship and started to deliver sound operational performance. 'We can now confidently declare that the turnaround is underway and is looking successful. 'A refreshed board, now with strong energy experience, plus a new chairman, should add additional impetus to strategic choices going forward. 'This should also quell some of the activist voices that have been present for BP over the last 12 months.' HSBC will now let its wealthy customers borrow up to 6.5 times their annual income if they get a mortgage with the bank. For someone on a higher income, it could add up to an extra 200,000 or more to put towards a home. Often, banks cap the amount they will lend at 4.5 times the borrower's salary. However, HSBC's 6.5 loan-to-income deal is only available to its Premier banking customers. To join Premier banking, someone needs to have a yearly income of 100,000 or more, or have 100,000 in savings or investments with HSBC. It means a Premier customer earning 100,000 per year could borrow up to 650,000, compared to 550,000 previously. Someone earning 200,000 a year could see their maximum borrowing increase from 1,100,000 to 1,300,000, for example. Exclusive offer: HSBC has introduced a new maximum loan-to-income ratio of up to 6.5 times annual income for its Premier customers HSBC says the extra borrowing is available to Premier customers buying or remortgaging with as little as a 10 per cent deposit or equity in their home. Oli ODonoghue, head of mortgages at HSBC, said: 'Were helping higher earners unlock greater flexibility to move up the property ladder or secure their next home with confidence. 'This increase reflects both our confidence in the financial resilience of our Premier customer base and our commitment to responsible, sustainable lending.' It follows plans from the Financial Conduct authority, backed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Bank of England, to loosen loan-to-income lending rules put in place after the financial crisis and allow people to borrow more relative to their salary. Is it a generous offer from HSBC? Aaron Strutt of mortgage broker Trinity Financial says this policy change means HSBC is now more generous than virtually all of the other banks and building societies when it comes to mortgage lending. However, he also urges people to think carefully before borrowing so much relative to their income, especially if they are in a single-income household. Someone earning 100,000 a year who opts to borrow the maximum 650,000 in order to buy a 725,000 home could secure a rate of 4.27 per cent with HSBC. That would equate to paying 3,527 a month. Given that someone earning 100,000 a year will be taking home 5,713 a month, they would be putting almost 62 per cent of their take-home pay towards mortgage repayments. 'This income stretch mortgage is punchy to say the least and borrowers will really need to think carefully before they take on such a big income multiple,' Strutt said. 'Applicants will probably need to lock in for five years to get the highest loan amount so this does provide a bit more payment security. Aaron Strutt of mortgage broker Trinity Financial 'Affordability is clearly a huge issue in the mortgage and property markets and HSBC is trying to address this, although at the moment mainly for higher earners.' Simon Gammon, managing partner at Knight Frank Finance, added: 'This is the highest income multiple weve seen in years. 'It reflects both a more confident regulatory environment following the FCAs recent move to give lenders more flexibility and HSBCs clear appetite to grow market share after several years of subdued activity in the property market. 'The real question is how much this will translate into demand, given the continued uncertainty around potential tax changes in the upcoming Budget.' V2X (NYSE:VVX Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday. The company reported $1.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.23 by $0.14, Zacks reports. V2X had a return on equity of 15.28% and a net margin of 1.63%. V2X updated its FY 2025 guidance to 4.650-4.950 EPS. V2X Trading Up 3.1% VVX traded up $1.78 during trading on Monday, reaching $58.87. 599,287 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 275,365. The companys fifty day moving average price is $57.34 and its 200-day moving average price is $52.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 1.20. V2X has a fifty-two week low of $41.08 and a fifty-two week high of $69.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.87 billion, a PE ratio of 26.76, a P/E/G ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 0.25. Get V2X alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on VVX shares. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on V2X from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of V2X from $51.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of V2X in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $63.00 target price on shares of V2X and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded shares of V2X from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $55.00 to $65.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, V2X currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $62.60. Insiders Place Their Bets In other V2X news, Director Dino M. Cusumano sold 1,700,000 shares of V2X stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $52.20, for a total transaction of $88,740,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 8,000,001 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $417,600,052.20. The trade was a 17.53% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder American Industrial Partners C sold 1,700,000 shares of V2X stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.20, for a total transaction of $88,740,000.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 8,000,001 shares of the companys stock, valued at $417,600,052.20. This represents a 17.53% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 5,400,000 shares of company stock valued at $277,480,000 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On V2X Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in VVX. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of V2X by 258.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 56,425 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,739,000 after buying an additional 40,699 shares during the period. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its holdings in shares of V2X by 30.5% in the 2nd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 157,086 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,627,000 after buying an additional 36,699 shares during the period. Manatuck Hill Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of V2X in the 2nd quarter valued at $971,000. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in shares of V2X by 96.7% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 25,695 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,247,000 after buying an additional 12,633 shares during the period. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP bought a new stake in V2X in the 2nd quarter valued at $557,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.18% of the companys stock. V2X Company Profile (Get Free Report) V2X, Inc provides critical mission solutions and support services to defense clients worldwide. It offers a suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian, and international clients. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Mclean, Virginia. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for V2X Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for V2X and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Crawford & Company (NYSE:CRD.B Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday. The business services provider reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.29 by $0.03, Zacks reports. Crawford & Company had a return on equity of 25.91% and a net margin of 2.18%. Crawford & Company Stock Performance CRD.B stock traded down $0.12 during trading on Monday, hitting $9.92. The company had a trading volume of 5,360 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,207. The firm has a market cap of $492.43 million, a PE ratio of 16.81 and a beta of 0.76. Crawford & Company has a 1-year low of $8.76 and a 1-year high of $12.50. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $10.16 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.18. The company has a quick ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16. Get Crawford & Company alerts: About Crawford & Company (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Crawford & Co engages in the provision of claims management and outsourcing solutions to carriers, brokers, and corporates. It operates through the following segments: Crawford Loss Adjusting, Crawford TPA Solutions, and Crawford Platform Solutions. The Crawford Loss Adjusting segment consists of adjusting services provided to insurance companies and self-insured entities related to property and casualty losses caused by physical damage to commercial and residential real property and certain types of personal property. Receive News & Ratings for Crawford & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crawford & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JS Global Lifestyle Company Limited (OTC:JGLCF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 3,195,700 shares, a decline of 31.8% from the September 30th total of 4,685,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently ? days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently ? days. JS Global Lifestyle Price Performance Shares of JGLCF remained flat at $0.24 during mid-day trading on Monday. The firms 50-day moving average is $0.22 and its 200 day moving average is $0.22. JS Global Lifestyle has a 52-week low of $0.19 and a 52-week high of $0.28. Get JS Global Lifestyle alerts: JS Global Lifestyle Company Profile (Get Free Report) Further Reading JS Global Lifestyle Company Limited engages in the research and development, design, production, marketing, distribution, and sale of small household appliances in Mainland China, North America, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through SharkNinja and Joyoung segments. It offers cleaning appliances, such as upright vacuums, robotic vacuums, cordless and corded stick vacuums, and other floor care products; and food preparation appliances, including multifunctional blenders, soymilk makers, food processors, ice cream makers, and other small household appliances that facilitate the food preparation process. Receive News & Ratings for JS Global Lifestyle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JS Global Lifestyle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (NYSEARCA:XLG Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 792,600 shares, a decrease of 31.1% from the September 30th total of 1,150,000 shares. Currently, 0.4% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 1,869,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,869,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Currently, 0.4% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF Stock Up 0.4% NYSEARCA:XLG traded up $0.23 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $60.13. 1,984,885 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,211,862. Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF has a 52 week low of $39.50 and a 52 week high of $60.63. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $57.27 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $53.01. The firm has a market cap of $11.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.80 and a beta of 1.03. Get Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Soundwatch Capital LLC bought a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,790,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF during the first quarter valued at about $110,557,000. Invesco Ltd. lifted its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF by 212.9% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,363,435 shares of the companys stock worth $154,785,000 after purchasing an additional 2,288,508 shares during the last quarter. Principle Wealth Partners LLC lifted its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF by 85.0% during the second quarter. Principle Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,682,223 shares of the companys stock worth $139,744,000 after purchasing an additional 1,232,337 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF by 225.9% in the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,720,414 shares of the companys stock worth $79,173,000 after purchasing an additional 1,192,557 shares in the last quarter. About Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF Guggenheim Russell Top 50 Mega Cap ETF (the Fund), formerly Rydex Russell Top 50 ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible the performance of the Russell Top 50 Index (the Index). The Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted index consisting of the 50 largest companies in the Russell 3000 Index. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By Karl Plume and Katha Kalia (Reuters) -Archer-Daniels-Midland cut its 2025 profit forecast for a third straight quarter on Tuesday as U.S. biofuel policy uncertainty and global trade disruptions pressured oilseed crush margins, sending its shares down 8% in pre-market trading. ADM and its agribusiness peers have seen earnings erode in recent quarters due to ample global crop supplies and commodities market upheaval that has thinned margins. U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats and shifting deadlines for duties have created further difficulties for global grains merchants like ADM, including halting Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans and other farm goods that drove crop prices to multi-year lows. The deferral of U.S. biofuel policy decisions, particularly regarding renewable fuel blending requirements under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, slowed use of feedstocks like the soybean oil produced at ADM processing plants. ADM SEES EARNINGS REBOUND IN 2026 Profit in ADM's agricultural services and oilseed segment, its largest division, fell 21% in the third quarter to $379 million. Crushing business earnings tumbled 93% in the quarter. ADM said it expected adjusted earnings of $3.25 to $3.50 per share for 2025, down from its previous forecast of around $4.00 and below analysts' estimate of $3.79 per share. However, the company forecast an earnings rebound in 2026 on Trump administration proposals for increased biofuel use and a cooling of trade tensions with China. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week agreed to cut back certain tariffs and other trade hurdles, and China vowed to resume U.S. soybean purchases after shunning them for months. "We expect biofuel policy clarity and trade policy evolution to provide demand signals for our industry," CEO Juan Luciano said. In a research note, UBS analysts said: "We continue to believe 2026 is setting up very well for ADM, with higher RVO (biofuel mandates) driving incremental demand for soybean oil." ADM reported an adjusted profit of 92 cents per share for the three months ended September 30, a six-year low for the quarter but topping analysts' average estimate of 85 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG. (Reporting by Karl Plume in Chicago and Katha Kalia in Bengaluru. Editing by Vijay Kishore and Mark Potter) Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:GTEK Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 11,700 shares, an increase of 39.3% from the September 30th total of 8,400 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 7,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days. Approximately 0.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Approximately 0.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 7,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days. Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF Stock Performance Shares of GTEK stock traded up $0.16 on Monday, hitting $41.39. 4,959 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 12,668. The firms 50-day moving average price is $38.91 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $35.82. Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF has a twelve month low of $25.18 and a twelve month high of $41.79. The stock has a market capitalization of $194.53 million, a PE ratio of 31.43 and a beta of 1.27. Get Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF by 1.0% during the third quarter. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 556,879 shares of the companys stock worth $21,724,000 after purchasing an additional 5,415 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its position in shares of Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF by 10.2% during the second quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 261,438 shares of the companys stock worth $9,433,000 after acquiring an additional 24,210 shares during the period. Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF in the second quarter valued at $656,000. Glassman Wealth Services grew its stake in Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF by 128.3% during the 2nd quarter. Glassman Wealth Services now owns 1,354 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 761 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Black Swift Group LLC increased its holdings in Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Black Swift Group LLC now owns 137,955 shares of the companys stock worth $4,977,000 after purchasing an additional 635 shares during the period. About Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF The Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF (GTEK) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund actively invests in potentially growing technology companies that are believed to drive tech innovation around the world. GTEK was launched on Sep 14, 2021 and is managed by Goldman Sachs. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldman Sachs Future Tech Leaders Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund (NYSE:HPI Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 331,200 shares, a growth of 52.7% from the September 30th total of 216,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 81,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 4.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 81,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 4.1 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On John Hancock Preferred Income Fund A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. KPP Advisory Services LLC raised its position in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund by 74.3% during the third quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC now owns 23,460 shares of the companys stock worth $407,000 after acquiring an additional 10,000 shares during the period. SAM Advisors LLC raised its position in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund by 13.3% during the third quarter. SAM Advisors LLC now owns 33,017 shares of the companys stock worth $573,000 after acquiring an additional 3,865 shares during the period. TSP Capital Management Group LLC raised its position in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund by 1.7% in the third quarter. TSP Capital Management Group LLC now owns 131,360 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,279,000 after buying an additional 2,250 shares during the last quarter. Mallini Complete Financial Planning LLC raised its position in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund by 4.1% in the third quarter. Mallini Complete Financial Planning LLC now owns 17,669 shares of the companys stock valued at $307,000 after buying an additional 689 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund by 71.6% in the third quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 13,248 shares of the companys stock valued at $230,000 after buying an additional 5,528 shares during the last quarter. Get John Hancock Preferred Income Fund alerts: John Hancock Preferred Income Fund Stock Performance NYSE:HPI traded down $0.04 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $17.32. 26,094 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 55,961. The stocks 50-day moving average is $17.01 and its 200-day moving average is $16.33. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund has a twelve month low of $14.61 and a twelve month high of $18.39. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund Announces Dividend John Hancock Preferred Income Fund Company Profile The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 14th were given a dividend of $0.1235 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, October 14th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.6%. (Get Free Report) John Hancock Preferred Income Fund is a closed ended balanced mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by John Hancock Asset Management. The fund invests in the public equity and fixed income markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in securities of companies operating across diversified sectors. See Also Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Preferred Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Preferred Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Centerspace (NYSE:CSR Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 465,700 shares, an increase of 40.3% from the September 30th total of 332,000 shares. Approximately 2.8% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 115,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 115,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.0 days. Approximately 2.8% of the companys shares are sold short. Insider Activity In other news, CFO Bhairav Patel purchased 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 8th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $54.00 per share, with a total value of $27,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 3,733 shares of the companys stock, valued at $201,582. This represents a 15.47% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Anne Olson acquired 750 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 8th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $55.10 per share, with a total value of $41,325.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 19,496 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,074,229.60. This trade represents a 4.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders have acquired 1,750 shares of company stock valued at $95,325. 0.44% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Get Centerspace alerts: Institutional Trading of Centerspace A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in CSR. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Centerspace during the 1st quarter worth $13,147,000. Millennium Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Centerspace by 307.3% during the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 184,051 shares of the companys stock worth $11,917,000 after purchasing an additional 138,861 shares during the last quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of Centerspace during the 2nd quarter worth $7,662,000. Allianz Asset Management GmbH purchased a new stake in shares of Centerspace during the 1st quarter worth $6,388,000. Finally, Strs Ohio lifted its position in shares of Centerspace by 3,025.8% during the 2nd quarter. Strs Ohio now owns 96,900 shares of the companys stock worth $5,832,000 after purchasing an additional 93,800 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.00% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on CSR shares. Wall Street Zen downgraded Centerspace from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Sunday, September 7th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of Centerspace in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group cut their target price on Centerspace from $67.00 to $60.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 15th. Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on Centerspace in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $62.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Centerspace from $68.00 to $60.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $68.00. Get Our Latest Research Report on Centerspace Centerspace Price Performance Centerspace stock traded down $0.22 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $59.03. The company had a trading volume of 131,157 shares, compared to its average volume of 105,193. The company has a market capitalization of $989.10 million, a P/E ratio of -32.79 and a beta of 0.73. Centerspace has a 12-month low of $52.76 and a 12-month high of $75.92. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $58.93 and its 200-day simple moving average is $59.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.05 and a quick ratio of 0.05. Centerspace (NYSE:CSR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.19 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.22 by ($0.03). Centerspace had a negative return on equity of 2.81% and a negative net margin of 9.13%. Centerspace has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.880-4.960 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Centerspace will post 4.94 EPS for the current year. Centerspace Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 29th were issued a dividend of $0.77 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, September 29th. This represents a $3.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.2%. Centerspaces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -171.11%. About Centerspace (Get Free Report) Centerspace is an owner and operator of apartment communities committed to providing great homes by focusing on integrity and serving others. Founded in 1970, as of September 30, 2023, Centerspace owned interests in 71 apartment communities consisting of 12,785 apartment homes located in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Centerspace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centerspace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:CBNA Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 31,400 shares, a decrease of 38.3% from the September 30th total of 50,900 shares. Currently, 1.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 12,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.6 days. Based on an average daily volume of 12,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.6 days. Currently, 1.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Chain Bridge Bancorp Price Performance Shares of CBNA stock traded up $0.62 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $30.26. The stock had a trading volume of 2,052 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,392. Chain Bridge Bancorp has a one year low of $20.01 and a one year high of $33.25. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $31.18 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $27.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $198.51 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.36. Get Chain Bridge Bancorp alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Piper Sandler upped their target price on shares of Chain Bridge Bancorp from $28.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 29th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Chain Bridge Bancorp in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research cut Chain Bridge Bancorp from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial set a $37.00 price target on Chain Bridge Bancorp and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Chain Bridge Bancorp currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $30.67. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chain Bridge Bancorp Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought a new stake in shares of Chain Bridge Bancorp in the second quarter worth about $29,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. bought a new stake in Chain Bridge Bancorp during the second quarter worth approximately $33,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. bought a new stake in Chain Bridge Bancorp during the second quarter worth approximately $37,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in Chain Bridge Bancorp during the second quarter worth approximately $53,000. Finally, New York State Common Retirement Fund bought a new stake in Chain Bridge Bancorp during the second quarter worth approximately $101,000. About Chain Bridge Bancorp (Get Free Report) Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc operates as a Delaware-chartered bank holding company for Chain Bridge Bank, National Association that provides commercial and personal banking, and trust services in the United States. Its deposit products include non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Chain Bridge Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chain Bridge Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trinity Industries (NYSE:TRN Get Free Report) is one of 14 public companies in the TRANS EQP&LSNG industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Trinity Industries to related businesses based on the strength of its profitability, analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, institutional ownership, dividends and valuation. Institutional and Insider Ownership 86.6% of Trinity Industries shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 86.4% of shares of all TRANS EQP&LSNG companies are held by institutional investors. 2.0% of Trinity Industries shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 10.3% of shares of all TRANS EQP&LSNG companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get Trinity Industries alerts: Risk and Volatility Trinity Industries has a beta of 1.52, meaning that its share price is 52% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Trinity Industries peers have a beta of 1.21, meaning that their average share price is 21% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Trinity Industries 0 3 0 0 2.00 Trinity Industries Competitors 131 576 1002 66 2.57 This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Trinity Industries and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Trinity Industries presently has a consensus price target of $27.00, indicating a potential upside of 1.39%. As a group, TRANS EQP&LSNG companies have a potential upside of 12.45%. Given Trinity Industries peers stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Trinity Industries has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Trinity Industries and its peers revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Trinity Industries $2.18 billion $138.40 million 23.36 Trinity Industries Competitors $3.77 billion $360.72 million 4.65 Trinity Industries peers have higher revenue and earnings than Trinity Industries. Trinity Industries is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Profitability This table compares Trinity Industries and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Trinity Industries 3.83% 8.49% 1.25% Trinity Industries Competitors 10.91% 4.90% 2.78% Dividends Trinity Industries pays an annual dividend of $1.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Trinity Industries pays out 105.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, TRANS EQP&LSNG companies pay a dividend yield of 1.5% and pay out 20.2% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Trinity Industries has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years. Summary Trinity Industries peers beat Trinity Industries on 10 of the 15 factors compared. Trinity Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Trinity Industries, Inc. provides rail transportation products and services under the TrinityRail name in North America. It operates in two segments, Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group, and Rail Products Group. The Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group segment leases freight and tank railcars; originates and manages railcar leases for third-party investors; and provides fleet maintenance and management services. As of December 31, 2023, it had a fleet of 109,295 railcars. This segment serves industrial shipper and railroad companies operating in agriculture, construction and metals, consumer products, energy, and refined products and chemicals markets. The Rail Products Group segment manufactures freight and tank railcars for transporting various liquids, gases, and dry cargo; and offers railcar maintenance and modification services. This segment serves railroads, leasing companies, and industrial shippers of products in the agriculture, construction and metals, consumer products, energy, and refined products and chemicals markets. It sells or leases products and services through its own sales personnel and independent sales representatives. The company was incorporated in 1933 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Trinity Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trinity Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Similarweb Ltd. (NYSE:SMWB Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 423,700 shares, a decline of 28.0% from the September 30th total of 588,500 shares. Approximately 0.9% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 410,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 410,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days. Approximately 0.9% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Institutional Trading of Similarweb Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SMWB. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. increased its position in shares of Similarweb by 3.3% in the third quarter. Migdal Insurance & Financial Holdings Ltd. now owns 3,106,157 shares of the companys stock worth $28,887,000 after purchasing an additional 100,000 shares during the last quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. grew its position in Similarweb by 2.5% in the first quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. now owns 2,585,985 shares of the companys stock worth $21,386,000 after acquiring an additional 63,978 shares in the last quarter. Menora Mivtachim Holdings LTD. lifted its stake in Similarweb by 3.6% during the second quarter. Menora Mivtachim Holdings LTD. now owns 2,326,742 shares of the companys stock worth $18,242,000 after purchasing an additional 80,272 shares during the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC increased its position in shares of Similarweb by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 1,892,110 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,648,000 after purchasing an additional 53,055 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CenterBook Partners LP boosted its stake in Similarweb by 78.5% in the second quarter. CenterBook Partners LP now owns 1,441,810 shares of the companys stock worth $11,304,000 after buying an additional 634,114 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.59% of the companys stock. Get Similarweb alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently issued reports on SMWB shares. Citigroup reaffirmed a market outperform rating on shares of Similarweb in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Barclays reissued an overweight rating on shares of Similarweb in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (e+) rating on shares of Similarweb in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research raised shares of Similarweb from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. Finally, Oppenheimer lifted their target price on shares of Similarweb from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, August 18th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $14.88. Similarweb Price Performance Shares of NYSE SMWB traded up $0.23 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $8.78. 329,527 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 237,422. The firm has a market capitalization of $744.73 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -25.07 and a beta of 1.09. Similarweb has a 52 week low of $6.36 and a 52 week high of $17.64. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $9.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $8.43. Similarweb Company Profile (Get Free Report) Similarweb Ltd. provides cloud-based digital intelligence solutions in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, the United Kingdom, Israel, and internationally. The company offers digital research intelligence solutions for its customers to benchmark performance against competitors and market leaders, analyze trends in the market, conduct deeper research into specific companies, and analyze audience behavior; and digital marketing intelligence solutions for its customers to understand their competitors' online acquisition strategies in each marketing channel, and optimize their own strategies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Similarweb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Similarweb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund, Inc. (NYSE:IIF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 2,700 shares, a decline of 34.1% from the September 30th total of 4,100 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 19,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 19,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Institutional Trading of Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund by 285.7% during the second quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 1,350 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund during the second quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund by 203.7% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 2,032 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 1,363 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP raised its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund by 880.0% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 4,900 shares of the companys stock valued at $138,000 after purchasing an additional 4,400 shares during the period. Finally, Calamos Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund during the second quarter valued at approximately $251,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 36.96% of the companys stock. Get Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund alerts: Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund Trading Up 0.2% Shares of IIF traded up $0.05 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $27.31. 15,609 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 14,439. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $26.98 and a 200 day simple moving average of $27.04. Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund has a 12-month low of $22.20 and a 12-month high of $29.79. Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund Company Profile Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund, Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc The fund is co-managed by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company. It invests in the public equity markets of India. The fund invests in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morgan Stanley India Investment Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Northann Corp. (NYSE:NCL Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 99,100 shares, a drop of 36.9% from the September 30th total of 157,100 shares. Approximately 1.9% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 234,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 234,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Approximately 1.9% of the shares of the company are short sold. Institutional Trading of Northann An institutional investor recently raised its position in Northann stock. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Northann Corp. (NYSE:NCL Free Report) by 81.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 179,915 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 80,689 shares during the quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.19% of Northann worth $29,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 0.34% of the companys stock. Get Northann alerts: Northann Price Performance NCL stock remained flat at $0.60 during midday trading on Monday. 101,922 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 458,749. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.12 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.98 and a beta of 0.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 0.19 and a current ratio of 0.53. The companys fifty day moving average is $0.97 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.12. Northann has a 52 week low of $0.55 and a 52 week high of $12.16. Northann Company Profile Northann Corp. engages in the manufacture, wholesale, and retail of the 3D printed vinyl flooring panels and other decorative panels in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers its products under the Benchwick brand name. Northann Corp. was founded in 2013 and is based in Elk Grove, California. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Northann Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Northann and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dingdong (Cayman) Limited Sponsored ADR (NYSE:DDL Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 471,700 shares, a drop of 33.2% from the September 30th total of 706,200 shares. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 598,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.8 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 598,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.8 days. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Dingdong (Cayman) Trading Down 2.4% DDL traded down $0.05 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $1.80. The companys stock had a trading volume of 623,046 shares, compared to its average volume of 814,159. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $2.02 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.15. Dingdong has a 12 month low of $1.78 and a 12 month high of $4.79. The stock has a market cap of $424.03 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.55 and a beta of 0.46. Get Dingdong (Cayman) alerts: Dingdong (Cayman) (NYSE:DDL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 21st. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share for the quarter. Dingdong (Cayman) had a net margin of 1.39% and a return on equity of 41.69%. The company had revenue of $834.20 million for the quarter. On average, analysts forecast that Dingdong will post 0.07 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dingdong (Cayman) Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of DDL. QRG Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Dingdong (Cayman) in the second quarter worth $32,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new stake in Dingdong (Cayman) in the second quarter worth $54,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its position in Dingdong (Cayman) by 43,678.9% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 33,272 shares of the companys stock worth $67,000 after purchasing an additional 33,196 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp bought a new stake in Dingdong (Cayman) in the first quarter worth $81,000. Finally, Caxton Associates LLP bought a new stake in Dingdong (Cayman) in the second quarter worth $147,000. Institutional investors own 24.66% of the companys stock. DDL has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Dingdong (Cayman) in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Dingdong (Cayman) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, August 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, Dingdong (Cayman) currently has an average rating of Hold. View Our Latest Report on DDL About Dingdong (Cayman) (Get Free Report) Dingdong (Cayman) Limited operates an e-commerce company in China. The company offers fresh groceries, including vegetables, meat and eggs, fruits, and seafood; prepared food, and other food products, such as baked goods, dairy, seasonings, beverages, instant food, oil, and snacks. It offers its products through traditional offline, as well as online channels through Dingdong Fresh app, mini-programs, and third-party platforms. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Dingdong (Cayman) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dingdong (Cayman) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust (NYSEARCA:FXC Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 11,600 shares, an increase of 38.1% from the September 30th total of 8,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 26,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Currently, 0.9% of the companys stock are short sold. Currently, 0.9% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 26,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust Price Performance NYSEARCA:FXC traded down $0.13 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $69.55. 14,699 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 45,151. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $70.28 and a 200 day moving average price of $70.77. Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust has a fifty-two week low of $66.52 and a fifty-two week high of $72.21. Get Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust alerts: Institutional Trading of Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FXC. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust by 8,401.4% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 59,935 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,075,000 after acquiring an additional 59,230 shares during the last quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust in the first quarter worth $136,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust by 45.0% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 725 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $49,000 after acquiring an additional 225 shares during the last quarter. Haven Private LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust in the second quarter worth $610,000. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in shares of Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust by 54.7% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 6,690 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $480,000 after acquiring an additional 2,366 shares during the last quarter. Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust Company Profile Guggenheim CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust, formerly CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust, is a grantor trust. The Trust issues shares (the Shares) in blocks of 50,000 (a Basket) in exchange for deposits of Canadian dollars and distributes Canadian dollars in connection with the redemption of Baskets. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The official retirement age in Japan is 60. - Getty Images Heres the good news: Social Security recipients all 70+ million of them will get a cost-of-living adjustment of 2.8% next year. And the bad news: Thats not going to be enough to keep up with the current inflation rate. But dont take my word for it check out the latest data from the Trump administration itself. Just as the Social Security Administration was announcing the 2.8% raise, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said that inflation is now rising at a 3% annual rate. Most Read from MarketWatch Econ 101 taught us that when youre not keeping up with inflation, your standard of living falls. So its looking like 2026 could be a difficult year for the tens of millions of seniors who are heavily if not completely dependent on Social Security. And speaking of falling living standards, I have to mention (as I usually do in these columns) that unless something is done to shore up Social Securitys finances, recipients could face sharp cuts perhaps as much as 24% of their benefits as soon as 2032. Whats interesting at this critical moment is the fact that other Western nations face similar challenges. Europe and Japan also have rapidly graying societies, where more seniors are living longer and therefore drawing benefits for longer while fewer younger workers pay into the system. They too have tax structures and minimum retirement ages that, some say, need to be tweaked. The question, then, is what are other countries doing to fix their public pension systems? And what can we learn from them? Here are some ideas. Germany Starting next year, citizens of retirement age (66 for most people, but rising to 67 by 2031) who want to keep working can earn up to 2,000 euros a month (about $2,330) without paying income tax on those earnings. They would still be subject to social security taxes. This Aktivrente, or active pension, is an attempt by the German government to address three issues simultaneously: labor shortages, retirement savings and tepid economic growth. Could American retirees be induced to work if they didnt have to pay income taxes on a big chunk of their earnings? Britain The full retirement age in the United Kingdom is currently 66, a year younger than for many Americans. But over a two-year period starting in January, it will rise to 67. And over another two-year period starting in 2044, Britains full retirement age will go up again, to 68. This gradual increase will ease the fiscal burden on Britains public pension system although of course making citizens wait longer to reach full retirement age is hardly popular. Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF (NYSEARCA:FLTW Get Free Report) rose 0.3% on Monday . The company traded as high as $62.72 and last traded at $62.62. Approximately 26,485 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 76% from the average daily volume of 109,383 shares. The stock had previously closed at $62.42. Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF Stock Up 0.3% The firm has a 50 day moving average of $58.77 and a 200 day moving average of $53.52. The firm has a market cap of $657.51 million, a PE ratio of 17.84 and a beta of 0.94. Get Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF in the second quarter worth $54,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC increased its holdings in shares of Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF by 248.4% in the first quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 742,413 shares of the companys stock worth $32,095,000 after purchasing an additional 529,293 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF by 28.0% in the first quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 1,043,528 shares of the companys stock worth $45,112,000 after purchasing an additional 228,364 shares during the period. Bank of Nova Scotia bought a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF in the first quarter worth $1,085,000. Finally, Vident Advisory LLC increased its holdings in shares of Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF by 103.4% in the first quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 14,784 shares of the companys stock worth $639,000 after purchasing an additional 7,515 shares during the period. About Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF The Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF (FLTW) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE Taiwan RIC Capped index, a market-cap-weighted index of Taiwanese companies, excluding small-caps. FLTW was launched on Nov 2, 2017 and is managed by Franklin Templeton. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Interfor Co. (OTCMKTS:IFSPF Get Free Report) shares were up 2.1% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $5.70 and last traded at $5.6990. Approximately 38,730 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 14% from the average daily volume of 33,917 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.5820. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of Interfor in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Interfor presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Interfor alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Interfor Interfor Trading Up 2.1% About Interfor The company has a fifty day moving average of $7.64 and a 200-day moving average of $8.85. (Get Free Report) Interfor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells wood products in Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Taiwan, and internationally. It offers decking, fascia and board, framing, v-joint paneling, fineline paneling, and siding products, as well as appearance, structural, studs, timbers, and machine stress related products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Interfor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Interfor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC Free Report) Equities researchers at Roth Capital boosted their FY2025 EPS estimates for shares of Brunswick in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, October 30th. Roth Capital analyst S. Stember now anticipates that the company will earn $3.25 per share for the year, up from their prior estimate of $3.23. Roth Capital has a Buy rating and a $79.00 price objective on the stock. The consensus estimate for Brunswicks current full-year earnings is $4.19 per share. Roth Capital also issued estimates for Brunswicks FY2027 earnings at $4.68 EPS. Get Brunswick alerts: Brunswick (NYSE:BC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.26 billion. Brunswick had a negative net margin of 4.60% and a positive return on equity of 10.55%. The businesss revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.17 EPS. Brunswick has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.25 EPS. A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Brunswick from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and issued a $65.00 price target on shares of Brunswick in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of Brunswick from $65.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Brunswick in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Truist Financial increased their price target on shares of Brunswick from $60.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $73.54. Get Our Latest Analysis on BC Brunswick Stock Performance Shares of BC opened at $66.10 on Monday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $64.80 and a 200-day simple moving average of $58.72. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28. The company has a market capitalization of $4.32 billion, a PE ratio of -18.16 and a beta of 1.36. Brunswick has a 52-week low of $41.00 and a 52-week high of $87.65. Brunswick Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. Brunswicks dividend payout ratio is currently -47.25%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. First Horizon Corp bought a new position in Brunswick in the third quarter valued at about $26,000. Allworth Financial LP raised its holdings in Brunswick by 4,972.7% during the 1st quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 558 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 547 shares during the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in Brunswick during the 3rd quarter worth about $37,000. Quent Capital LLC bought a new stake in Brunswick during the 3rd quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its holdings in Brunswick by 103.5% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 702 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 357 shares during the last quarter. 99.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Brunswick Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brunswick Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets recreation products in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Propulsion, Engine P&A, Navico Group, and Boat. The Propulsion segment provides outboard, sterndrive, inboard engines, propulsion-related controls, rigging, and propellers for boat builders through marine retail dealers under the Mercury, Mercury MerCruiser, Mariner, Mercury Racing, Mercury Diesel, Avator, and Fliteboard brands. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brunswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brunswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hydro One Limited (TSE:H Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Hold from the eight ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$51.75. Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Raymond James Financial boosted their price target on Hydro One from C$49.00 to C$53.50 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. CIBC upped their target price on Hydro One from C$52.00 to C$54.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Desjardins set a C$58.00 target price on Hydro One and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. National Bankshares upped their target price on Hydro One from C$47.00 to C$48.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, August 14th. Finally, TD Securities upped their target price on Hydro One from C$52.00 to C$54.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 14th. Get Hydro One alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Hydro One Hydro One Stock Performance Hydro One Dividend Announcement TSE:H opened at C$51.26 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of C$30.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 0.30. The company has a current ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 140.53. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$50.27 and its 200-day moving average is C$50.08. Hydro One has a 1-year low of C$42.52 and a 1-year high of C$53.98. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 29th. Investors of record on Monday, September 29th were issued a $0.3331 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, September 10th. This represents a $1.33 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. Hydro Ones dividend payout ratio is presently 61.04%. About Hydro One (Get Free Report) Hydro One operates regulated transmission and distribution assets in Ontario. The areas largest electricity provider serves nearly 1.5 million customers. Transmission accounts for roughly 60% of the companys rate base, with distribution accounting for the remainder. Hydro One operates a small telecom business, Acronym Solutions, with annual revenue contributing less than 1% to consolidated results. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hydro One Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hydro One and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TransAlta (NYSE:TAC Get Free Report) (TSE:TA) is expected to issue its Q3 2025 results before the market opens on Thursday, November 6th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.12 per share for the quarter. Interested persons may review the information on the companys upcoming Q3 2025 earningreport for the latest details on the call scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM ET. TransAlta (NYSE:TAC Get Free Report) (TSE:TA) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by $0.06. TransAlta had a negative return on equity of 2.06% and a negative net margin of 6.79%.The company had revenue of $451.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $473.94 million. On average, analysts expect TransAlta to post $0 EPS for the current fiscal year and $0 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get TransAlta alerts: TransAlta Stock Down 0.3% TransAlta stock opened at $17.62 on Tuesday. TransAlta has a 1-year low of $7.82 and a 1-year high of $17.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.98, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.72. The stock has a market cap of $5.23 billion, a PE ratio of -41.94 and a beta of 0.79. The stocks fifty day moving average is $14.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $12.03. TransAlta Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be paid a $0.065 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st. This represents a $0.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.5%. TransAltas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -42.86%. A number of research firms have weighed in on TAC. Zacks Research cut TransAlta from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. CIBC reiterated an outperform rating on shares of TransAlta in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of TransAlta in a research report on Monday, October 6th. National Bankshares reiterated an outperform rating on shares of TransAlta in a research report on Tuesday, August 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of TransAlta in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $19.88. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TransAlta Hedge Funds Weigh In On TransAlta Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC acquired a new position in TransAlta in the 2nd quarter valued at about $159,000. Rubric Capital Management LP increased its position in TransAlta by 32.9% in the 2nd quarter. Rubric Capital Management LP now owns 15,948,451 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $172,084,000 after acquiring an additional 3,948,451 shares during the period. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. increased its position in TransAlta by 418.8% in the 2nd quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 295,347 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,186,000 after acquiring an additional 238,422 shares during the period. Westerly Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in TransAlta in the 2nd quarter valued at about $8,281,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. increased its position in TransAlta by 18.9% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,075,171 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $11,601,000 after acquiring an additional 170,829 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.00% of the companys stock. About TransAlta (Get Free Report) TransAlta Corporation engages in the development, production, and sale of electric energy. It operates through Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, and Energy Marketing segments. The Hydro segment holds interest of approximately 922 megawatts (MW) of owned hydroelectric generating capacity located in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TransAlta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransAlta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE:BLCO Free Report) Investment analysts at HC Wainwright upped their Q4 2025 earnings per share estimates for shares of Bausch + Lomb in a research note issued to investors on Friday, October 31st. HC Wainwright analyst Y. Chen now anticipates that the company will earn $0.31 per share for the quarter, up from their previous estimate of $0.28. HC Wainwright has a Buy rating and a $17.00 price target on the stock. The consensus estimate for Bausch + Lombs current full-year earnings is $0.74 per share. Get Bausch + Lomb alerts: Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Bausch + Lomb in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Bausch + Lomb in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. They set a neutral rating and a $16.00 target price for the company. Evercore ISI raised their target price on Bausch + Lomb from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Bausch + Lomb from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Bausch + Lomb to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 12th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $16.33. Bausch + Lomb Stock Up 2.1% Shares of NYSE BLCO opened at $15.26 on Monday. Bausch + Lomb has a 12-month low of $10.45 and a 12-month high of $20.71. The company has a market cap of $5.40 billion, a P/E ratio of -17.53, a P/E/G ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $15.02 and a 200 day moving average price of $13.62. Bausch + Lomb (NYSE:BLCO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.16 by $0.02. Bausch + Lomb had a positive return on equity of 2.42% and a negative net margin of 6.13%.The firm had revenue of $1.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.28 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.13 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Bausch + Lomb has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bausch + Lomb Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of BLCO. Deutsche Bank AG bought a new position in shares of Bausch + Lomb during the first quarter worth about $50,750,000. Oaktree Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of Bausch + Lomb during the second quarter worth about $32,801,000. Glenview Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Bausch + Lomb by 210.8% during the second quarter. Glenview Capital Management LLC now owns 1,553,855 shares of the companys stock worth $20,216,000 after purchasing an additional 1,053,855 shares during the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its position in shares of Bausch + Lomb by 136.6% during the second quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 769,000 shares of the companys stock worth $10,005,000 after purchasing an additional 444,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Goldentree Asset Management LP lifted its position in shares of Bausch + Lomb by 14.9% during the second quarter. Goldentree Asset Management LP now owns 2,583,185 shares of the companys stock worth $33,524,000 after purchasing an additional 334,916 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 11.07% of the companys stock. About Bausch + Lomb (Get Free Report) Bausch + Lomb Corporation operates as an eye health company in the United States, Puerto Rico, China, France, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Poland, South Korea, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Vision Care, Pharmaceuticals, and Surgical. The Vision Care segment provides contact lens that covers the spectrum of wearing modalities, including daily disposable and frequently replaced contact lenses; and contact lens care products comprising over-the-counter eye drops, eye vitamins, and mineral supplements that address various conditions, such as eye allergies, conjunctivitis, dry eye, and redness relief. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bausch + Lomb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bausch + Lomb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE:AAP Free Report) Research analysts at Roth Capital dropped their Q4 2025 earnings estimates for shares of Advance Auto Parts in a research report issued on Friday, October 31st. Roth Capital analyst S. Stember now anticipates that the company will earn $0.41 per share for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $0.43. Roth Capital has a Neutral rating and a $55.00 price objective on the stock. The consensus estimate for Advance Auto Parts current full-year earnings is ($0.46) per share. Roth Capital also issued estimates for Advance Auto Parts Q1 2026 earnings at $0.43 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $0.66 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $0.80 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $0.66 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $2.55 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $3.90 EPS. Get Advance Auto Parts alerts: Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.18. The business had revenue of $2.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.02 billion. Advance Auto Parts had a negative net margin of 4.37% and a negative return on equity of 1.97%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($0.04) EPS. Advance Auto Parts has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.750-1.850 EPS. Several other research analysts have also commented on AAP. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Advance Auto Parts from $50.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Advance Auto Parts from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, August 16th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a report on Thursday, September 18th. They set a peer perform rating on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Advance Auto Parts from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 15th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, nineteen have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $51.78. View Our Latest Analysis on AAP Advance Auto Parts Price Performance Shares of NYSE:AAP opened at $47.39 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.84 billion, a PE ratio of -7.44 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a quick ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 1.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. Advance Auto Parts has a twelve month low of $28.89 and a twelve month high of $70.00. The firms 50 day moving average price is $57.83 and its 200-day moving average price is $51.98. Institutional Trading of Advance Auto Parts Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Amalgamated Bank increased its stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 1.1% in the third quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 17,270 shares of the companys stock worth $1,060,000 after buying an additional 185 shares during the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC grew its position in Advance Auto Parts by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 6,306 shares of the companys stock worth $293,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System grew its position in Advance Auto Parts by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 17,733 shares of the companys stock worth $1,089,000 after purchasing an additional 272 shares during the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. grew its position in Advance Auto Parts by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 14,535 shares of the companys stock worth $676,000 after purchasing an additional 283 shares during the last quarter. Finally, KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS grew its position in Advance Auto Parts by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 12,500 shares of the companys stock worth $581,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. 88.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Advance Auto Parts Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. Advance Auto Partss payout ratio is presently -15.90%. Advance Auto Parts Company Profile (Get Free Report) Advance Auto Parts, Inc provides automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and light and heavy duty trucks. The company offers battery accessories; belts and hoses; brakes and brake pads; chassis and climate control parts; clutches and drive shafts; engines and engine parts; exhaust systems and parts; hub assemblies; ignition components and wires; radiators and cooling parts; starters and alternators; and steering and alignment parts. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Advance Auto Parts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Advance Auto Parts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (TSE:CP Free Report) (NYSE:CP) Stock analysts at Atb Cap Markets cut their Q1 2026 EPS estimates for shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, October 29th. Atb Cap Markets analyst C. Murray now anticipates that the company will earn $1.19 per share for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $1.20. The consensus estimate for Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys current full-year earnings is $4.34 per share. Atb Cap Markets also issued estimates for Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys Q4 2026 earnings at $1.58 EPS. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on CP. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$129.00 to C$137.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. National Bank Financial upgraded Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. TD Securities raised their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$117.00 to C$118.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Raymond James Financial lifted their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$115.00 to C$120.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 17th. Finally, National Bankshares boosted their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$119.00 to C$124.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$120.15. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Price Performance Shares of TSE CP opened at C$99.36 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of C$89.51 billion, a PE ratio of 21.60, a P/E/G ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.64. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a twelve month low of C$94.60 and a twelve month high of C$118.80. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$104.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$106.28. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 27th. Investors of record on Monday, October 27th were paid a $0.228 dividend. This represents a $0.91 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 26th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 18.17%. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Pacific is a CAD 8 billion Class-1 railroads operating on more than 12,500 miles of track across most of Canada and into parts of the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. It is the second-smallest Class I railroad by revenue and route miles. In 2021, CP hauled shipments of grain (22% of freight revenue), intermodal containers (22%), energy products (like crude and frac sand), chemicals, and plastics (20%) coal (8%), fertilizer and potash (10%), automotive products (5%), and a diverse mix of other merchandise. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Pacific Kansas City and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Centerra Gold (NYSE:CGAU Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Saturday morning. CGAU has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada cut Centerra Gold from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $13.00 to $14.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Centerra Gold in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Centerra Gold in a report on Monday, September 15th. CIBC reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Centerra Gold in a report on Tuesday, July 15th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Centerra Gold in a report on Thursday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $14.17. Get Centerra Gold alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Centerra Gold Centerra Gold Trading Up 0.2% Centerra Gold stock opened at $11.76 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 2.89 and a quick ratio of 2.59. Centerra Gold has a one year low of $5.41 and a one year high of $12.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.37 billion, a PE ratio of 7.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 0.88. The businesss fifty day moving average is $10.24 and its 200 day moving average is $8.21. Centerra Gold (NYSE:CGAU Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.22 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $395.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $314.74 million. Centerra Gold had a return on equity of 10.47% and a net margin of 26.35%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Centerra Gold will post 0.59 EPS for the current year. Centerra Gold Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 13th will be paid a $0.07 dividend. This represents a $0.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 13th. Centerra Golds dividend payout ratio is currently 12.20%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in CGAU. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. boosted its position in shares of Centerra Gold by 1,106.5% in the third quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 2,980 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 2,733 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Centerra Gold in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its position in shares of Centerra Gold by 63.0% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 4,758 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 1,839 shares during the period. Pinnacle Holdings LLC bought a new position in shares of Centerra Gold in the first quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Finally, Carrera Capital Advisors bought a new position in shares of Centerra Gold in the second quarter valued at approximately $81,000. 55.40% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Centerra Gold (Get Free Report) Centerra Gold Inc, a gold mining company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of gold and copper properties in North America, Turkey, and internationally. The company explores for gold, copper, and molybdenum deposits. Its flagship projects are the 100% owned Mount Milligan gold-copper mine located in British Columbia, Canada; and the Oksut gold mine located in Turkey. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Centerra Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centerra Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its position in Agree Realty Corporation (NYSE:ADC Free Report) by 580.1% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 1,986 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 1,694 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc.s holdings in Agree Realty were worth $145,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in ADC. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Agree Realty in the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Agree Realty by 408.0% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 381 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 306 shares in the last quarter. SVB Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Agree Realty in the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Larson Financial Group LLC increased its position in shares of Agree Realty by 415.1% in the 1st quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 546 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 440 shares in the last quarter. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc bought a new stake in shares of Agree Realty in the 2nd quarter valued at $69,000. Institutional investors own 97.83% of the companys stock. Get Agree Realty alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Agree Realty In other Agree Realty news, insider Craig Erlich acquired 360 shares of Agree Realty stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 3rd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $70.84 per share, for a total transaction of $25,502.40. Following the purchase, the insider directly owned 52,846 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,743,610.64. This represents a 0.69% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Greg Lehmkuhl acquired 750 shares of Agree Realty stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 5th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $72.84 per share, with a total value of $54,630.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 27,684 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,016,502.56. The trade was a 2.78% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders have purchased 36,742 shares of company stock valued at $2,601,704. Corporate insiders own 1.80% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently commented on ADC shares. KeyCorp upped their price objective on shares of Agree Realty from $80.00 to $82.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Agree Realty from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Sunday, July 13th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on shares of Agree Realty from $83.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 15th. Morgan Stanley lowered shares of Agree Realty from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $75.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on shares of Agree Realty from $79.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Agree Realty has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $80.73. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ADC Agree Realty Trading Up 0.0% Agree Realty stock opened at $73.02 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $72.49 and a 200-day moving average of $73.57. Agree Realty Corporation has a one year low of $67.58 and a one year high of $79.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.68 and a quick ratio of 0.68. The company has a market cap of $8.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.70, a P/E/G ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.55. Agree Realty (NYSE:ADC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The real estate investment trust reported $1.10 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.08 by $0.02. Agree Realty had a net margin of 28.11% and a return on equity of 3.52%. The company had revenue of $183.22 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $181.87 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.03 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.7% on a year-over-year basis. Agree Realty has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.310-4.330 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Agree Realty Corporation will post 4.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Agree Realty Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.262 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 31st. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.3%. This is a positive change from Agree Realtys previous monthly dividend of $0.26. Agree Realtys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 183.63%. Agree Realty Company Profile (Free Report) Agree Realty Corporation is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that is RETHINKING RETAIL through the acquisition and development of properties net leased to industry-leading, omni-channel retail tenants. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned and operated a portfolio of 2,135 properties, located in 49 states and containing approximately 44.2 million square feet of gross leasable area. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ADC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agree Realty Corporation (NYSE:ADC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Agree Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agree Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By Harshita Mary Varghese and Kritika Lamba (Reuters) -Amazon's $38 billion cloud deal with OpenAI marks a major endorsement for the e-commerce giant's cloud business after recent setbacks, including ceding market share to rivals and an outage that disrupted large parts of the internet. After years of leading the cloud computing industry with its highly profitable Amazon Web Services business, Amazon has watched Microsoft and Alphabet's Google snatch big-ticket contracts with their AI-steeped clouds. Its lead in the cloud market slipped to 29% as of September, from 34% a few months before ChatGPT was launched in 2022, according to data from Synergy Research Group. Amazon was considered a laggard in the AI race by many investors because it was late to launch a flagship large language model and for failing to offer a consumer-facing chatbot like OpenAI's ChatGPT. Recently, though, the company has ramped up spending on its AI efforts, and last month opened an $11 billion AI data center in Indiana called Project Rainier, where startup Anthropic's models are being trained using Amazon's own Trainium chips. Monday's deal with OpenAI, a marquee customer, coupled with strong quarterly results last, suggests AWS is regaining momentum, analysts and investors said. "While it is small relative to other deals OpenAI has made with other cloud providers, it represents a key first step in Amazon's effort to partner with a company that is spending over a trillion dollars on computing power in the coming years," said Mamta Valechha, analyst at Quilter Cheviot. Amazon's stock rose 5% after the deal to a record high after it traded little changed for most of the year, lagging the gains seen in other Big Tech stock that have surged on cloud-computing deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars with AI startups. Microsoft last week disclosed a $250 billion OpenAI commitment for its Azure cloud services under a new arrangement that allowed OpenAI to restructure itself, while Oracle has signed a $300 billion deal with the startup. Google has a chip agreement worth tens of billions with Anthropic among other AI tie-ups. HIGHER AI SPENDING TO DRIVE GAINS Amazon's efforts have in part been hampered by executive losses. A key vice president helping oversee generative AI development left for another company, Reuters reported in June. To stay competitive and fund the costly data centers needed to support the technology, CEO Andy Jassy has tried to cut through management layers and even installed an anonymous complaint line for identifying inefficiencies. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Tenaris S.A. (NYSE:TS Free Report) by 1,547.3% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 3,624 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 3,404 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc.s holdings in Tenaris were worth $136,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Alua Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in Tenaris during the 1st quarter worth $93,370,000. Encompass Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Tenaris by 90.7% during the 1st quarter. Encompass Capital Advisors LLC now owns 2,097,540 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $82,035,000 after purchasing an additional 997,540 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its stake in Tenaris by 47.0% during the 1st quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 754,994 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,528,000 after purchasing an additional 241,290 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp boosted its stake in Tenaris by 109.6% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 462,542 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $18,090,000 after purchasing an additional 241,853 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted its stake in Tenaris by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 452,835 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $17,710,000 after purchasing an additional 13,635 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 10.45% of the companys stock. Get Tenaris alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes TS has been the topic of several recent research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on shares of Tenaris in a research note on Monday, July 21st. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Tenaris in a report on Thursday. BNP Paribas Exane reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Tenaris in a report on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Tenaris in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, BNP Paribas lowered Tenaris from an outperform rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $41.80. Tenaris Trading Up 2.6% Shares of TS opened at $40.85 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $23.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.98 and a beta of 1.33. Tenaris S.A. has a 12-month low of $30.06 and a 12-month high of $40.88. The companys 50-day moving average price is $35.87 and its 200 day moving average price is $35.64. Tenaris (NYSE:TS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The industrial products company reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $2.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.85 billion. Tenaris had a net margin of 16.91% and a return on equity of 11.76%. Tenariss revenue was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.81 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Tenaris S.A. will post 3.14 earnings per share for the current year. Tenaris Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 25th will be issued a $0.58 dividend. This represents a yield of 291.0%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 25th. Tenariss payout ratio is 31.18%. Tenaris Profile (Free Report) Tenaris SA, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells seamless and welded steel tubular products and related services for the oil and gas industry, and other industrial applications. The company offers steel casings, tubing products, mechanical and structural pipes, line pipes, cold-drawn pipes, and premium joints and couplings; and coiled tubing products for oil and gas drilling and workovers, and subsea pipelines. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Tenaris S.A. (NYSE:TS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Tenaris Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tenaris and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BigBear.ai, SoundHound AI, and Tempus AI are the three Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of companies that develop, sell, or derive a substantial portion of revenue from AI technologiessuch as machine learning models, natural language processing, computer vision, and AI-driven cloud or chip services. For investors, they represent a growth-oriented segment driven by data, compute and algorithmic advances but often carry higher volatility and sector-specific risks like competition, regulation, and rapid technological change. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: BigBear.ai (BBAI) BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. provides artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. It offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. The company also provides data ingestion, data enrichment, data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and predictive visualization solutions and services. SoundHound AI (SOUN) SoundHound AI, Inc. develops independent voice artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enables businesses across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries to deliver high-quality conversational experiences to their customers. Its products include Houndify platform that offers a suite of Houndify tools to help brands build conversational voice assistants, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API) for text and voice queries, support for custom commands, extensive library of content domains, inclusive software development kit platforms, collaboration capabilities, diagnostic tools, and built-in analytics; SoundHound Chat AI that integrates with knowledge domains, pulling real-time data like weather, sports, stocks, flight status, and restaurants; and SoundHound Smart Answering is built to offer customer establishments custom AI-powered voice assistant. Read Our Latest Research Report on SOUN Tempus AI (TEM) Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. Read Our Latest Research Report on TEM Further Reading CocaCola, NuScale Power, and IDEXX Laboratories are the three Water stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Water stocks are shares of companies whose core businesses involve the supply, treatment, distribution, infrastructure or technology for managing water resourcesranging from municipal utilities and desalination or filtration firms to pipe, pump and metering manufacturers. Investors often treat them as a defensive, long-term play tied to steady demand and infrastructure spending, though they carry risks from regulation, political control of water rights, weather-dependent variability and high capital costs. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Water stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: CocaCola (KO) The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores. NuScale Power (SMR) NuScale Power Corporation engages in the development and sale of modular light water reactor nuclear power plants to supply energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, hydrogen production, and other process heat applications. It offers NuScale Power Module (NPM), a water reactor that can generate 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe); and VOYGR power plant designs for three facility sizes that are capable of housing from one to four and six or twelve NPMs. Read Our Latest Research Report on SMR IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX) IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. develops, manufactures, and distributes products primarily for the companion animal veterinary, livestock and poultry, dairy, and water testing markets in Africa, the Asia Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Companion Animal Group; Water Quality Products; and Livestock, Poultry and Dairy. Read Our Latest Research Report on IDXX Read More Retirement Systems of Alabama lifted its stake in Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE:GPK Free Report) by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 368,812 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 3,416 shares during the quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabamas holdings in Graphic Packaging were worth $7,771,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Graphic Packaging in the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. Brooklyn Investment Group lifted its position in shares of Graphic Packaging by 69.9% in the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 1,065 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 438 shares during the period. Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Graphic Packaging by 130.7% in the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 1,382 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 783 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its position in shares of Graphic Packaging by 1,356.1% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,791 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 1,668 shares during the period. Finally, Wayfinding Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Graphic Packaging in the 1st quarter worth about $42,000. 99.67% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Graphic Packaging alerts: Insider Activity at Graphic Packaging In other news, EVP Joseph P. Yost sold 30,000 shares of Graphic Packaging stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.72, for a total value of $681,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 255,203 shares in the company, valued at $5,798,212.16. The trade was a 10.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 1.41% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In GPK has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Bank of America reissued a neutral rating and set a $24.00 price target on shares of Graphic Packaging in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of Graphic Packaging from $24.00 to $20.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Raymond James Financial cut shares of Graphic Packaging from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Graphic Packaging in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Truist Financial lowered their price target on shares of Graphic Packaging from $23.00 to $20.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $23.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on GPK Graphic Packaging Stock Performance Shares of GPK stock opened at $15.66 on Tuesday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $19.20 and a 200-day moving average price of $21.39. Graphic Packaging Holding Company has a 52 week low of $15.64 and a 52 week high of $30.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.64 billion, a PE ratio of 8.84 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a quick ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68. Graphic Packaging Company Profile (Free Report) Graphic Packaging Holding Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, produces, and sells consumer packaging products to brands in food, beverage, foodservice, household, and other consumer products. It operates through three segments: Paperboard Manufacturing, Americas Paperboard Packaging, and Europe Paperboard Packaging. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GPK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE:GPK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Graphic Packaging Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Graphic Packaging and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Retirement Systems of Alabama decreased its stake in NOV Inc. (NYSE:NOV Free Report) by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 459,237 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock after selling 4,267 shares during the period. Retirement Systems of Alabamas holdings in NOV were worth $5,708,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of NOV. First Pacific Advisors LP grew its stake in shares of NOV by 101.0% in the second quarter. First Pacific Advisors LP now owns 7,018,950 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $87,246,000 after acquiring an additional 3,526,754 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in NOV by 88.9% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 7,146,949 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $107,276,000 after buying an additional 3,362,853 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in NOV during the first quarter worth $33,742,000. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec acquired a new stake in NOV during the first quarter worth $23,589,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in shares of NOV by 7.9% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 18,122,455 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $275,818,000 after acquiring an additional 1,329,327 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.27% of the companys stock. Get NOV alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have issued reports on NOV. Citigroup lifted their price objective on NOV from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Piper Sandler cut their price target on NOV from $16.00 to $14.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 14th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of NOV in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Susquehanna set a $17.00 price objective on NOV and gave the stock a positive rating in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on NOV from $17.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, NOV currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $15.38. NOV Trading Up 2.9% NYSE NOV opened at $15.02 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.02, a PEG ratio of 4.73 and a beta of 1.26. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $13.35 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $12.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a current ratio of 2.55. NOV Inc. has a 52 week low of $10.84 and a 52 week high of $16.86. NOV (NYSE:NOV Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.24 by ($0.13). The firm had revenue of $2.18 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.14 billion. NOV had a net margin of 4.36% and a return on equity of 5.89%. The companys revenue was down .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.33 EPS. NOV has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that NOV Inc. will post 1.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. NOV Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 12th were paid a dividend of $0.075 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 12th. This represents a $0.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. NOVs dividend payout ratio is currently 30.00%. About NOV (Free Report) NOV Inc designs, constructs, manufactures, and sells systems, components, and products for oil and gas drilling and production, and industrial and renewable energy sectors in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Energy Equipment, and Energy Products and Services. The company provides solids control and waste management equipment and services, managed pressure drilling, drilling fluids, premium drillpipe, wired pipe, drilling optimization services, tubular inspection and coating services, instrumentation, downhole tools, and drill bits. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NOV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NOV Inc. (NYSE:NOV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NOV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NOV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Retirement Systems of Alabama grew its stake in Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report) by 4.7% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 152,045 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after buying an additional 6,864 shares during the period. Retirement Systems of Alabamas holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $6,387,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Northeast Financial Consultants Inc increased its position in Occidental Petroleum by 0.4% in the first quarter. Northeast Financial Consultants Inc now owns 58,549 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $2,890,000 after buying an additional 242 shares in the last quarter. Inspire Investing LLC increased its position in Occidental Petroleum by 3.8% in the second quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 6,720 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $282,000 after buying an additional 247 shares in the last quarter. S.A. Mason LLC increased its position in Occidental Petroleum by 5.9% in the second quarter. S.A. Mason LLC now owns 5,306 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $223,000 after buying an additional 295 shares in the last quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division increased its position in Occidental Petroleum by 2.0% in the second quarter. Moody National Bank Trust Division now owns 15,326 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $644,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Verdence Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in Occidental Petroleum by 3.7% in the second quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 8,437 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $354,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.70% of the companys stock. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have commented on the company. Melius started coverage on Occidental Petroleum in a research report on Wednesday, August 20th. They issued a hold rating and a $64.00 price target for the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Bank of America upped their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Roth Capital upped their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Occidental Petroleum presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $52.26. Occidental Petroleum Price Performance Shares of Occidental Petroleum stock opened at $40.94 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $44.76 and a 200 day moving average of $43.66. Occidental Petroleum Corporation has a 12 month low of $34.78 and a 12 month high of $53.20. The firm has a market cap of $40.30 billion, a PE ratio of 24.23 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 6th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by $0.01. Occidental Petroleum had a return on equity of 13.78% and a net margin of 8.79%.The company had revenue of $6.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.29 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.03 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Occidental Petroleum Corporation will post 3.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. Occidental Petroleum Profile (Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. The company's Oil and Gas segment explores for, develops, and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OXY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Goldstone Resources Limited (LON:GRL Get Free Report) shares crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 0.62 and traded as low as GBX 0.36. Goldstone Resources shares last traded at GBX 0.40, with a volume of 3,011,825 shares trading hands. Goldstone Resources Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 121.33, a quick ratio of 0.17 and a current ratio of 0.22. The stocks 50-day moving average is GBX 0.47 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 0.62. The firm has a market cap of 3.72 million, a P/E ratio of -0.56 and a beta of 0.26. Goldstone Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) GoldStone Resources Limited (AIM: GRL) is a gold exploration and development Company focused on developing the Akrokeri-Homase project in on the highly prospective Ashanti Gold belt in south-western Ghana. The Companys flagship asset, the Akrokeri-Homase project, hosts a JORC Code compliant 602,000 oz gold resource at an average grade of 1.77 g/t, concentrated within a 4km zone along the Homase Trend. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Goldstone Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldstone Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC reduced its stake in shares of Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE:KYN Free Report) by 96.8% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 6,150 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 184,774 shares during the period. Wolverine Asset Management LLCs holdings in Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund were worth $78,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Northwest Capital Management Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund during the 1st quarter worth $28,000. Motco purchased a new stake in shares of Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. CWM LLC boosted its position in shares of Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund by 39.3% in the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,307 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 933 shares in the last quarter. Schnieders Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund in the 1st quarter worth about $128,000. Finally, Samalin Investment Counsel LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund in the 1st quarter worth about $131,000. Get Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund news, Director Michael N. Mears acquired 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 6th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $12.24 per share, for a total transaction of $122,400.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 10,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $122,400. This represents a ? increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Austin Colby Parker acquired 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 22nd. The stock was acquired at an average price of $12.18 per share, for a total transaction of $30,450.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 9,167 shares in the company, valued at approximately $111,654.06. This represents a 37.50% increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have acquired 38,550 shares of company stock worth $470,660 in the last three months. Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Trading Down 0.4% Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Dividend Announcement Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund stock opened at $11.61 on Tuesday. Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. has a 52 week low of $9.82 and a 52 week high of $13.69. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $12.08 and its 200 day simple moving average is $12.19. The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be given a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.3%. Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Company Profile (Free Report) Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by KA Fund Advisors, LLC. It is co-managed by Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United States. It invests in stocks of companies operating in the energy sector. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KYN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE:KYN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:D Free Report) by 435.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,232 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,002 shares during the period. GHP Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in Dominion Energy were worth $70,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in D. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 64.3% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 9,081 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $489,000 after acquiring an additional 3,553 shares during the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 8.2% in the 1st quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 5,183 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $291,000 after acquiring an additional 393 shares during the last quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 24,455 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,371,000 after acquiring an additional 995 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 81.7% in the 1st quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 7,988 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $448,000 after acquiring an additional 3,592 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Dominion Energy by 5.7% in the 1st quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 35,538 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,993,000 after purchasing an additional 1,902 shares during the period. 73.04% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Dominion Energy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Dominion Energy from $56.00 to $59.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 21st. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Dominion Energy from $60.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Dominion Energy in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Dominion Energy from $67.00 to $65.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. Finally, Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Dominion Energy in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. They set an in-line rating and a $67.00 price objective for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $63.90. Dominion Energy Trading Down 0.3% Shares of D stock opened at $58.54 on Tuesday. Dominion Energy Inc. has a 1-year low of $48.07 and a 1-year high of $62.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.49. The firm has a market cap of $49.96 billion, a PE ratio of 20.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a 50-day moving average of $60.19 and a two-hundred day moving average of $58.07. Dominion Energy (NYSE:D Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.04. Dominion Energy had a return on equity of 9.68% and a net margin of 16.45%.The business had revenue of $4.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.71 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.98 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Dominion Energy has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.330-3.480 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Dominion Energy Inc. will post 3.39 EPS for the current year. Dominion Energy Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, December 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be given a dividend of $0.6675 per share. This represents a $2.67 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 5th. Dominion Energys payout ratio is currently 90.82%. Insider Buying and Selling at Dominion Energy In related news, CEO Robert M. Blue acquired 4,152 shares of Dominion Energy stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 27th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $60.35 per share, for a total transaction of $250,573.20. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 161,237 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,730,652.95. This represents a 2.64% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.11% of the companys stock. About Dominion Energy (Free Report) Dominion Energy, Inc produces and distributes energy in the United States. It operates through three operating segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Energy. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.8 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dominion Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dominion Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Life Insurance Co. trimmed its position in shares of Aon plc (NYSE:AON Free Report) by 70.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 913 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,143 shares during the quarter. Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.s holdings in AON were worth $326,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of AON during the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Saudi Central Bank purchased a new stake in shares of AON in the 1st quarter worth $31,000. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of AON by 54.7% in the 1st quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 82 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH purchased a new stake in shares of AON in the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. increased its stake in shares of AON by 56.9% in the 2nd quarter. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. now owns 91 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 33 shares in the last quarter. 86.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get AON alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded AON to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. Morgan Stanley upgraded AON from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $385.00 to $430.00 in a research note on Thursday, September 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on AON from $436.00 to $433.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Evercore ISI increased their price target on AON from $427.00 to $435.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $420.00 price target (up previously from $401.00) on shares of AON in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, AON has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $423.21. AON Stock Down 0.3% AON opened at $339.63 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $356.07 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $358.28. Aon plc has a 52 week low of $323.73 and a 52 week high of $412.97. The company has a market capitalization of $73.23 billion, a PE ratio of 28.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a quick ratio of 1.52, a current ratio of 1.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.93. AON (NYSE:AON Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $3.05 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.91 by $0.14. AON had a net margin of 15.54% and a return on equity of 50.91%. The business had revenue of $4 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.97 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.72 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Aon plc will post 17.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. AON Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 14th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.745 per share. This represents a $2.98 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 3rd. AONs dividend payout ratio is 23.88%. AON Company Profile (Free Report) Aon Plc engages in the provision of risk, health, and wealth solutions. It focuses on risk capital including claim management, reinsurance, risk analysis, management, retention, and transfer; and human capital involving analytics, health and benefits, investments, pensions and retirement, talent and rewards, and workplace wellbeing. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AON? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Aon plc (NYSE:AON Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AON Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AON and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Associated British Foods is reviewing the make-up of the UK group, a move that could see the company separate its Primark retail arm from its food operations. The Tip Top bread and Jordans granola maker said today (4 November) it had been carrying out a review of its structure "with a view to maximising long-term value". "Although no decision has been taken, the outcome of this review may lead to the board deciding to undertake a separation of the Primark and Food businesses," ABF said. "This review is being conducted in consultation with ABFs largest shareholder, Wittington Investments, which remains committed to maintaining majority ownership of both businesses." ABF's food businesses include its grocery, ingredients, agriculture and sugar business units. The company's grocery business also houses food brands such as Blue Dragon cooking sauces, Mazola cooking oil and Twinings tea. Chief executive George Weston said: "Within ABF we have two great businesses but one strong culture of long-term value creation driven by the dedication and excellence of our people. "Our unique and exceptional food business has historically been less well understood by the financial markets than Primark, yet it has a highly attractive portfolio, deep global expertise and much potential. "Primark has an incredibly strong international brand, a powerful customer proposition, and substantial growth opportunities." The review was announced alongside the publication of ABF's financial results for the year to 13 September. Revenue was down 3% at 19.46bn ($25.43bn) and 1% lower on a constant-currency basis as growth in retail was offset by falling sales from the group's sugar business. ABF's retail sales were up 1% at 9.5bn. Within the company's grocery division, ABF's global brands saw "good sales growth", though this was offset by the group's Allied Bakeries arm in the UK and its US oils businesses. In August, ABF announced a deal to acquire the Hovis bread business from UK headquartered private-equity firm Endless. Total operating profit fell 23% to 1.5bn. Adjusted operating profit dropped 13% in actual currency and 12% in constant-currency terms to 1.7bn, attributed to lower earnings from sugar. ABF chairman Michael McLintock added: "Given the scale that Primark has now attained and the need for better understanding of our food businesses, the board has been undertaking an in-depth review of the future shape of ABF to assess whether a separation of the Primark and food businesses would be a better structure in the years ahead." The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited (LON:TRIG Get Free Report) crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 76.16 and traded as low as GBX 73.80. The Renewables Infrastructure Group shares last traded at GBX 73.90, with a volume of 8,120,077 shares changing hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price objective on The Renewables Infrastructure Group from GBX 110 to GBX 100 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 100. Get The Renewables Infrastructure Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TRIG The Renewables Infrastructure Group Stock Up 0.4% About The Renewables Infrastructure Group The company has a market capitalization of 1.78 billion, a PE ratio of -8.43 and a beta of 0.22. The company has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 76.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 80.45. (Get Free Report) TRIG is an investment company whose purpose is to generate sustainable returns from a diversified portfolio of renewables infrastructure that contribute towards a net zero carbon future. TRIGs diversified portfolio predominantly consists of operational wind farms, solar parks and battery storage projects in the UK and Europe. See Also Receive News & Ratings for The Renewables Infrastructure Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Renewables Infrastructure Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sigma Planning Corp decreased its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 17.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 17,951 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,764 shares during the quarter. Sigma Planning Corps holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $3,269,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Linscomb Wealth Inc. boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Linscomb Wealth Inc. now owns 83,205 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,207,000 after purchasing an additional 2,669 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 7.3% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 3,583,903 shares of the companys stock worth $568,873,000 after acquiring an additional 242,799 shares during the last quarter. 49 Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 79.0% during the 1st quarter. 49 Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,334 shares of the companys stock worth $847,000 after acquiring an additional 2,354 shares during the last quarter. Cortland Associates Inc. MO lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 704.0% during the 1st quarter. Cortland Associates Inc. MO now owns 142,950 shares of the companys stock worth $22,690,000 after acquiring an additional 125,171 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First American Trust FSB lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 80.0% during the 1st quarter. First American Trust FSB now owns 56,382 shares of the companys stock worth $8,949,000 after acquiring an additional 25,063 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently issued reports on PM. KGI Securities began coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Monday, August 4th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $195.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Finally, Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $225.00 to $220.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $194.00. Philip Morris International Stock Up 0.2% Shares of NYSE:PM opened at $144.58 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $225.06 billion, a PE ratio of 26.19, a PEG ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.43. The companys fifty day moving average is $159.59 and its 200 day moving average is $168.79. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $116.12 and a 52 week high of $186.69. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were given a $1.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. This is a positive change from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.1%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 106.52%. Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Versor Investments LP cut its holdings in shares of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK Free Report) by 59.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,440 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 13,735 shares during the quarter. Versor Investments LPs holdings in Stanley Black & Decker were worth $640,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in Stanley Black & Decker by 59.8% during the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,541,878 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $272,294,000 after buying an additional 1,326,113 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its stake in Stanley Black & Decker by 0.7% during the first quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 3,119,211 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $239,805,000 after acquiring an additional 20,742 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in Stanley Black & Decker by 29.8% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,621,127 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $201,497,000 after acquiring an additional 601,667 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp increased its stake in Stanley Black & Decker by 9.2% during the first quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 1,571,420 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $120,811,000 after acquiring an additional 132,509 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH increased its stake in Stanley Black & Decker by 3.0% during the second quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 1,538,360 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $104,224,000 after acquiring an additional 45,107 shares during the last quarter. 87.77% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Stanley Black & Decker alerts: Stanley Black & Decker Price Performance SWK stock opened at $66.32 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a current ratio of 1.04. Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. has a 1 year low of $53.91 and a 1 year high of $96.75. The firm has a market cap of $10.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 1.19. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $73.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of $69.69. Stanley Black & Decker Dividend Announcement Stanley Black & Decker ( NYSE:SWK Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, June 30th. The industrial products company reported $2.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Stanley Black & Decker had a return on equity of 7.76% and a net margin of 3.15%.The business had revenue of $3.72 billion during the quarter. On average, equities analysts predict that Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. will post 5.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.83 per share. This represents a $3.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st. Stanley Black & Deckers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 105.40%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have commented on SWK shares. Morgan Stanley restated a positive rating and set a $80.00 price target on shares of Stanley Black & Decker in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Stanley Black & Decker in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays dropped their price target on Stanley Black & Decker from $90.00 to $89.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Wolfe Research upgraded Stanley Black & Decker from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $80.00 target price on shares of Stanley Black & Decker in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $88.10. View Our Latest Analysis on SWK Stanley Black & Decker Profile (Free Report) Stanley Black & Decker, Inc engages in the provision of power and hand tools, and related accessories, products, services and equipment for oil and gas, infrastructure applications, commercial electronic security and monitoring systems, healthcare solutions, and mechanical access solutions. It operates through the Tools and Outdoor and Industrial segments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SWK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Stanley Black & Decker Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stanley Black & Decker and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of ABN AMRO Bank (OTCMKTS:AAVMY Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the five brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating on the company. Several analysts recently commented on AAVMY shares. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of ABN AMRO Bank from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Barclays reissued an overweight rating on shares of ABN AMRO Bank in a research note on Tuesday, July 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of ABN AMRO Bank in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of ABN AMRO Bank in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Get ABN AMRO Bank alerts: Read Our Latest Report on ABN AMRO Bank ABN AMRO Bank Price Performance About ABN AMRO Bank AAVMY stock opened at $30.12 on Tuesday. ABN AMRO Bank has a 12 month low of $14.77 and a 12 month high of $34.89. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $30.18 and a 200 day simple moving average of $27.69. (Get Free Report) ABN AMRO Bank N.V. provides various banking products and financial services to retail, private, and business clients in the Netherlands and internationally. It operates through three segments: Personal & Business Banking, Wealth Management, and Corporate Banking. The company provides savings and deposits products; investment and insurance products; and consumer, personal, car, and home improvement loan. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ABN AMRO Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ABN AMRO Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Montreal Can lessened its stake in shares of Aon plc (NYSE:AON Free Report) by 12.6% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 323,682 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 46,509 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Cans holdings in AON were worth $115,477,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of AON by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 19,778,451 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,893,382,000 after acquiring an additional 258,699 shares in the last quarter. Polen Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of AON by 318.1% during the 1st quarter. Polen Capital Management LLC now owns 3,007,719 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,200,350,000 after purchasing an additional 2,288,397 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of AON by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 2,390,571 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $954,053,000 after purchasing an additional 61,350 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp lifted its position in shares of AON by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 2,290,619 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $914,163,000 after purchasing an additional 131,676 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Neuberger Berman Group LLC lifted its position in shares of AON by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 2,136,107 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $852,453,000 after purchasing an additional 12,245 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.14% of the companys stock. Get AON alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley raised AON from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $385.00 to $430.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 11th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on AON from $451.00 to $448.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on AON from $436.00 to $433.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Jefferies Financial Group raised AON from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $400.00 to $426.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, Wolfe Research initiated coverage on AON in a report on Monday, September 15th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $423.21. AON Trading Down 0.3% AON stock opened at $339.63 on Tuesday. Aon plc has a 1-year low of $323.73 and a 1-year high of $412.97. The firm has a market cap of $73.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.44, a P/E/G ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 0.89. The businesss 50 day moving average is $356.07 and its 200-day moving average is $358.28. The company has a current ratio of 1.52, a quick ratio of 1.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.93. AON (NYSE:AON Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $3.05 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.91 by $0.14. AON had a return on equity of 50.91% and a net margin of 15.54%.The company had revenue of $4 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.97 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.72 EPS. The companys revenue was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Aon plc will post 17.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. AON Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 3rd will be paid a $0.745 dividend. This represents a $2.98 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 3rd. AONs dividend payout ratio is currently 23.88%. About AON (Free Report) Aon Plc engages in the provision of risk, health, and wealth solutions. It focuses on risk capital including claim management, reinsurance, risk analysis, management, retention, and transfer; and human capital involving analytics, health and benefits, investments, pensions and retirement, talent and rewards, and workplace wellbeing. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AON? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Aon plc (NYSE:AON Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AON Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AON and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rockline Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 3.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 58,381 shares of the restaurant operators stock after acquiring an additional 2,004 shares during the period. Rockline Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $3,278,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the second quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Cloud Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill during the first quarter valued at $25,000. Activest Wealth Management raised its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 109.3% during the second quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 517 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 270 shares during the last quarter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group bought a new stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the second quarter worth $29,000. Finally, 1248 Management LLC acquired a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the first quarter valued at $27,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.30% of the companys stock. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Down 0.7% Shares of CMG opened at $31.46 on Tuesday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 12-month low of $31.01 and a 12-month high of $66.74. The businesss fifty day moving average is $40.14 and its 200 day moving average is $46.52. The stock has a market cap of $42.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.84, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.99. Analysts Set New Price Targets Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.29. The firm had revenue of $3 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.06 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 13.04% and a return on equity of 44.32%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.27 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current year. Several brokerages have recently weighed in on CMG. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and issued a $40.00 price target (down previously from $52.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Thursday. UBS Group set a $45.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Friday. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $58.00 to $40.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Robert W. Baird dropped their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $59.00 to $49.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Chipotle Mexican Grill from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have given a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Chipotle Mexican Grill presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.81. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on CMG Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Novagold Resources Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NG Get Free Report) (TSE:NG) have been given an average rating of Buy by the six brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Five analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $10.1667. Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on NG shares. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on Novagold Resources in a research report on Tuesday. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Novagold Resources from $7.00 to $12.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. National Bank Financial raised shares of Novagold Resources from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Novagold Resources from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, B. Riley boosted their price objective on shares of Novagold Resources from $9.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Get Novagold Resources alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NG Novagold Resources Price Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Novagold Resources NYSEAMERICAN NG opened at $8.11 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.21 and a 200 day simple moving average of $5.87. Novagold Resources has a twelve month low of $2.26 and a twelve month high of $10.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.30 billion, a PE ratio of -32.44 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 26.91 and a current ratio of 26.91. Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. New York State Common Retirement Fund grew its holdings in shares of Novagold Resources by 22.3% during the 3rd quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 96,440 shares of the mining companys stock worth $849,000 after purchasing an additional 17,600 shares in the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. raised its stake in shares of Novagold Resources by 35.4% in the third quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 6,153 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 1,610 shares in the last quarter. Sage Rhino Capital LLC lifted its position in Novagold Resources by 337.0% in the third quarter. Sage Rhino Capital LLC now owns 139,854 shares of the mining companys stock worth $1,231,000 after purchasing an additional 107,854 shares during the period. CIBC Asset Management Inc lifted its position in Novagold Resources by 11.3% in the third quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 278,368 shares of the mining companys stock worth $2,457,000 after purchasing an additional 28,181 shares during the period. Finally, CapWealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Novagold Resources during the third quarter worth $616,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.56% of the companys stock. Novagold Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) NovaGold Resources Inc explores for and develops gold mineral properties in the United States. Its principal asset is the Donlin Gold project consisting of 493 mining claims covering an area of approximately 29,008 hectares located in the Kuskokwim region of southwestern Alaska. The company was formerly known as NovaCan Mining Resources (1985) Limited and changed its name to NovaGold Resources Inc in March 1987. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Novagold Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novagold Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MHN Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Monday, November 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a dividend of 0.0515 per share by the financial services provider on Monday, December 1st. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund Trading Down 1.1% Shares of MHN stock opened at $10.30 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $10.19 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.90. BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund has a 12 month low of $9.39 and a 12 month high of $10.99. Get BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund alerts: BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund Company Profile (Get Free Report) See Also BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in investment grade New York municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes and New York State and New York City personal income taxes. Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Next Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 33.4% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 17,903 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,478 shares during the period. Next Capital Management LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $434,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the first quarter valued at about $27,000. Curio Wealth LLC lifted its position in Pfizer by 36,600.0% in the second quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 1,101 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 1,098 shares during the period. Bayforest Capital Ltd purchased a new stake in Pfizer in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in Pfizer in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, WPG Advisers LLC acquired a new position in Pfizer during the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. 68.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Stock Up 0.2% PFE opened at $24.69 on Tuesday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $24.76 and its two-hundred day moving average is $24.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.16. The company has a market cap of $140.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.14, a PEG ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.55. Pfizer Inc. has a one year low of $20.92 and a one year high of $28.14. Pfizer Announces Dividend Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 5th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.78 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $14.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.43 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 21.42% and a net margin of 16.84%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.60 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th will be paid a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 7th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is presently 91.49%. Analysts Set New Price Targets PFE has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Citigroup raised their price target on Pfizer from $25.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 6th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Pfizer from $33.00 to $32.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $28.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $28.24. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Pfizer Pfizer Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II (NYSE:BLE Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 80,300 shares, a growth of 50.7% from the September 30th total of 53,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 100,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days. Based on an average daily volume of 100,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Wakefield Asset Management LLLP boosted its holdings in shares of BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Wakefield Asset Management LLLP now owns 171,026 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,778,000 after buying an additional 1,000 shares during the last quarter. Integrated Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II by 4.0% during the 3rd quarter. Integrated Capital Management Inc. now owns 26,824 shares of the companys stock valued at $280,000 after purchasing an additional 1,026 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its holdings in BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II by 5.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 22,477 shares of the companys stock valued at $226,000 after purchasing an additional 1,201 shares during the last quarter. Dakota Wealth Management lifted its holdings in BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter. Dakota Wealth Management now owns 78,783 shares of the companys stock valued at $791,000 after purchasing an additional 2,100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Balefire LLC lifted its holdings in BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II by 10.4% during the 3rd quarter. Balefire LLC now owns 25,514 shares of the companys stock valued at $267,000 after purchasing an additional 2,408 shares during the last quarter. Get BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II alerts: BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II Stock Performance NYSE:BLE traded up $0.03 on Tuesday, hitting $10.58. 61,968 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 103,831. The companys 50-day moving average price is $10.35 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.07. BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II has a 52 week low of $9.56 and a 52 week high of $11.12. BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II Dividend Announcement About BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 3rd. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 15th were given a $0.054 dividend. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.1%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 15th. (Get Free Report) BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It primarily invests long-term and short-term investments, and money market funds. The fund primarily in investment grade municipal bonds that are exempt from regular federal income tax. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Municipal Income Trust II and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bastion Minerals has signed an agreement with its director Raymond Muskett and Kevin Woodthorpe, an unrelated party of the company, to acquire 100% of the issued capital of Muskwood, the owner of the Ninnis gold project (E39/2110) in Northern Goldfields, Western Australia (WA). The acquisition aligns with Bastions strategy to target early-stage Australian gold projects and further expand its portfolio within a tier 1 mining jurisdiction. The Ninnis gold project is an early-stage exploration site spanning 25km. It is situated approximately 70km west of Laverton and 6km north of Genesis Minerals Mount Morgans gold mining centre. Under the terms of the agreement, Bastion Minerals will issue $125,000 (A$192,444) worth of ordinary shares at $0.0014 per share, based on the volume-weighted average price over the five trading days preceding the agreement date. Additionally, a 1.5% net smelter royalty on gold extracted from the E39/2110 tenement area will be granted, as outlined in a royalty deed to be finalised upon completion of the transaction. The issuance of consideration shares to Raymond Muskett or his nominee remains subject to shareholder approval. Other conditions include the completion of capital raising and satisfactory due diligence by Bastion Minerals. Bastion Minerals also commissioned an independent valuation report, authored by Malcolm Castle of Agricola, to provide a valuation of the Ninnis lease, which is considered to be the sole asset of Muskwood. Bastion Minerals non-executive chairman Gavin Rutherford said: I congratulate my fellow shareholders on securing this first acquisition since Bastions major changes in May of this year. It is pleasing that Bastion has secured this highly strategic mining lease in a pre-eminent part of WAs Northern Goldfields region, located north of the Laverton-Leonora Road. The acquisition of Muskwood and its Ninnis Gold Project signals Bastions expansion into Western Australian gold projects. With our existing expertise and technical capabilities, we plan to fast-track early-stage exploration at Ninnis towards making a significant gold discovery. The E39/2110 region is home to several multi-million-ounce gold deposits including Sunrise Dam, Granny Smith and Magnetic Resources Lady Julie project. No modern exploration has been conducted at Ninnis, although historical work dates back several decades. The project area is considered geologically similar to Mount Morgans, featuring mafic rocks and banded iron formation along its western side. Upon completion of the acquisition, Bastion Minerals intends to initiate soil and rock chip sampling to identify drill targets. Franco-Nevada (NYSE:FNV Get Free Report) (TSE:FNV) had its price objective hoisted by equities researchers at HC Wainwright from $200.00 to $210.00 in a report released on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the basic materials companys stock. HC Wainwrights price target indicates a potential upside of 13.52% from the companys previous close. Several other equities analysts also recently weighed in on FNV. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Franco-Nevada from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th. Scotiabank increased their price target on Franco-Nevada from $184.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Franco-Nevada from $250.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Franco-Nevada from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research note on Saturday, October 25th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on Franco-Nevada from $211.00 to $220.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $217.57. Get Franco-Nevada alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on FNV Franco-Nevada Stock Down 1.5% Shares of Franco-Nevada stock traded down $2.83 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $184.99. The company had a trading volume of 392,557 shares, compared to its average volume of 837,140. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $201.74 and a 200 day simple moving average of $179.28. The stock has a market cap of $35.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.35, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.42. Franco-Nevada has a 12-month low of $112.70 and a 12-month high of $225.63. Franco-Nevada (NYSE:FNV Get Free Report) (TSE:FNV) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The basic materials company reported $1.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $487.70 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $448.51 million. Franco-Nevada had a net margin of 58.82% and a return on equity of 12.56%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 76.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.80 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Franco-Nevada will post 3.09 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of Franco-Nevada A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of FNV. Spire Wealth Management lifted its stake in Franco-Nevada by 13.4% in the 3rd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 475 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $106,000 after buying an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Franco-Nevada by 10.3% in the first quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 683 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $108,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Franco-Nevada by 19.6% in the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 433 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $97,000 after acquiring an additional 71 shares during the last quarter. Beacon Financial Group increased its position in shares of Franco-Nevada by 1.0% during the second quarter. Beacon Financial Group now owns 7,169 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,175,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kiker Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Franco-Nevada by 20.5% in the 2nd quarter. Kiker Wealth Management LLC now owns 471 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $77,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.06% of the companys stock. Franco-Nevada Company Profile (Get Free Report) Franco-Nevada Corporation operates as a gold-focused royalty and streaming company in South America, Central America, Mexico, the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Mining and Energy segments. The company manages its portfolio with a focus on precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals; and engages in the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids through a third-party marketing agent. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Franco-Nevada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franco-Nevada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel Unsponsored ADR (NYSE:ELPC Get Free Report) shares saw an uptick in trading volume on Tuesday . 2,573 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 24% from the previous sessions volume of 2,083 shares.The stock last traded at $9.8910 and had previously closed at $9.71. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Companhia Paranaense de Energia - Copel alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on ELPC Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel Stock Down 1.0% The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $8.81 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $8.27. The stock has a market cap of $10.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.83 and a beta of -0.01. Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel (NYSE:ELPC Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter. Institutional Trading of Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel stock. Allworth Financial LP acquired a new position in Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel Unsponsored ADR (NYSE:ELPC Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 3,250 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,000. About Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel (Get Free Report) Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL engages in the generation, transformation, distribution, and sale of electricity to industrial, residential, commercial, rural, and other customers in Brazil. The company operates through Power Generation and Transmission, Power Distribution, GAS, Power Sale, and Holding and Services segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Companhia Paranaense de Energia - Copel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Companhia Paranaense de Energia - Copel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. St. Jamess Place (LON:STJ Get Free Report) had its target price boosted by investment analysts at Citigroup from GBX 1,510 to GBX 1,590 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday,London Stock Exchange reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the stock. Citigroups price target would suggest a potential upside of 21.45% from the stocks previous close. STJ has been the topic of a number of other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of St. Jamess Place from GBX 1,600 to GBX 1,620 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Berenberg Bank raised their price objective on shares of St. Jamess Place from GBX 1,300 to GBX 1,650 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 11th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of St. Jamess Place from GBX 1,025 to GBX 1,075 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on shares of St. Jamess Place from GBX 1,800 to GBX 1,900 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of St. Jamess Place from GBX 1,160 to GBX 1,600 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 1,572.50. Get St. James's Place alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on STJ St. Jamess Place Price Performance St. Jamess Place Company Profile Shares of LON STJ traded up GBX 1.17 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching GBX 1,309.17. 1,205,501 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,065,102. St. Jamess Place has a fifty-two week low of GBX 741.40 and a fifty-two week high of GBX 1,378.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 55.10, a current ratio of 0.60 and a quick ratio of 3.85. The firm has a market cap of 6.81 billion, a PE ratio of 13.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.23. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 1,285.46 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 1,191.09. (Get Free Report) We plan, grow and protect the financial futures of over one million clients across the UK by providing holistic advice-led wealth management, delivered exclusively by the Partnership, our group of more than 4,900 highly skilled advisers. We offer an integrated client proposition, through which we provide financial advice, investment product wrappers such as pensions, investment bonds and ISAs, and offer our own range of investment funds and portfolios. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for St. James's Place Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for St. James's Place and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Celsius, Canadian Solar, Canadian Natural Resources, and Canadian National Railway are the five Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of publicly traded companies that are incorporated in Canada or listed on Canadian exchanges (primarily the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange), representing fractional ownership and claims on those companies assets and earnings. For investors they provide exposure to the Canadian economyoften heavier in financials, energy and materialsand entail country-specific risks such as commodity-cycle sensitivity, Canadian-dollar fluctuations, and domestic regulatory and tax rules. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Celsius (CELH) Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells functional energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company offers CELSIUS, a fitness drink or supplement designed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat; various flavors and carbonated and non-carbonated functional energy drinks under the CELSIUS Originals and Vibe name, as well as functional energy drink under the CELSIUS Essentials and CELSIUS On-the-Go Powder names; and CELSIUS ready-to drink products. Read Our Latest Research Report on CELH Canadian Solar (CSIQ) Canadian Solar Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides solar energy and battery energy storage products and solutions in in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy. The CSI Solar segment designs, develops, and manufactures solar ingots, wafers, cells, modules, and other solar power and battery storage products. Read Our Latest Research Report on CSIQ Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Read Our Latest Research Report on CNQ Canadian National Railway (CNI) Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. The company provides rail services, which include equipment, custom brokerage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services, such as temperature controlled cargo, port partnerships, and logistics parks. Read Our Latest Research Report on CNI Read More AKITA Drilling (TSE:AKT.A Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at ATB Capital from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a report released on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a C$2.50 price target on the stock, down from their prior price target of C$3.00. ATB Capitals price target would suggest a potential upside of 23.15% from the stocks previous close. AKITA Drilling Trading Down 4.2% Shares of AKITA Drilling stock traded down C$0.09 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting C$2.03. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,351 shares, compared to its average volume of 25,254. AKITA Drilling has a 12 month low of C$1.38 and a 12 month high of C$2.46. The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$2.06 and a 200 day moving average of C$2.07. The company has a market capitalization of C$80.66 million, a PE ratio of 3.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.69 and a beta of 1.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.94, a current ratio of 1.69 and a quick ratio of 1.54. Get AKITA Drilling alerts: AKITA Drilling Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Akita Drilling Ltd is a Canadian oil and gas drilling contractor. The company is engaged in providing contract drilling services, primarily to the oil and gas industry. The company owns and operates over 30 drilling rigs It is also involved in the drilling related to potash mining and the development of storage caverns. Receive News & Ratings for AKITA Drilling Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AKITA Drilling and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 767,300 shares, a drop of 27.6% from the September 30th total of 1,060,000 shares. Currently, 1.7% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 417,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.8 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 417,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.8 days. Currently, 1.7% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Institutional Investors Weigh In On RenaissanceRe Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in RenaissanceRe by 37.2% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 2,496,035 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $599,049,000 after purchasing an additional 676,125 shares during the period. Boston Partners increased its position in RenaissanceRe by 4.6% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,106,207 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $505,509,000 after acquiring an additional 92,825 shares during the period. Cooke & Bieler LP increased its position in RenaissanceRe by 18.0% in the 1st quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP now owns 1,247,742 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $299,458,000 after acquiring an additional 190,139 shares during the period. Impax Asset Management Group plc increased its position in RenaissanceRe by 11.2% in the 2nd quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 1,220,038 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $295,494,000 after acquiring an additional 122,732 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in RenaissanceRe by 17.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 803,547 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $195,182,000 after acquiring an additional 120,063 shares during the period. 99.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get RenaissanceRe alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently weighed in on RNR. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded shares of RenaissanceRe to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Barclays set a $278.00 price objective on shares of RenaissanceRe in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a neutral rating and issued a $303.00 price objective on shares of RenaissanceRe in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of RenaissanceRe from $278.00 to $285.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price objective on shares of RenaissanceRe from $268.00 to $269.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Monday, July 28th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, RenaissanceRe has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $283.67. RenaissanceRe Stock Up 2.1% NYSE RNR traded up $5.37 on Tuesday, hitting $261.36. 322,495 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 474,298. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $248.68 and a 200-day moving average price of $244.65. RenaissanceRe has a fifty-two week low of $219.00 and a fifty-two week high of $300.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.36, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The company has a market cap of $12.05 billion, a PE ratio of 7.26, a PEG ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.27. RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The insurance provider reported $15.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $9.49 by $6.13. The firm had revenue of $2.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.97 billion. RenaissanceRe had a net margin of 14.23% and a return on equity of 16.83%. RenaissanceRes quarterly revenue was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $10.23 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that RenaissanceRe will post 26.04 EPS for the current fiscal year. RenaissanceRe Company Profile (Get Free Report) RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Property, and Casualty and Specialty segments. The Property segment writes property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance and excess of loss reinsurance to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes, including hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, as well as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, windstorms, tornadoes, explosions, and acts of terrorism; and other property class of products, such as proportional reinsurance, property per risk, property reinsurance, binding facilities, and regional U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for RenaissanceRe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RenaissanceRe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SHYG Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 244,300 shares, a drop of 30.0% from the September 30th total of 348,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,547,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Approximately 0.1% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 1,547,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of SHYG. RiverFront Investment Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 305.8% in the 2nd quarter. RiverFront Investment Group LLC now owns 1,216,930 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,498,000 after purchasing an additional 917,031 shares in the last quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $18,788,000. Motley Fool Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 83.1% in the 1st quarter. Motley Fool Wealth Management LLC now owns 640,052 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,215,000 after purchasing an additional 290,455 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 474.8% in the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 231,390 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,982,000 after purchasing an additional 191,135 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ninety One UK Ltd raised its holdings in shares of iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 43.9% in the 3rd quarter. Ninety One UK Ltd now owns 609,751 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,402,000 after purchasing an additional 186,000 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF alerts: iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Price Performance Shares of SHYG traded down $0.04 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $42.72. The stock had a trading volume of 1,030,860 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,649,298. iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $40.38 and a 1-year high of $43.39. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $43.13 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $42.84. The company has a market cap of $7.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.74 and a beta of 0.30. iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Company Profile The iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (SHYG) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of high-yield USD-denominated bonds with 0-5 years remaining in maturity. SHYG was launched on Oct 15, 2013 and is managed by BlackRock. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York Health Care (OTCMKTS:BBAL Get Free Report) and Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk and profitability. Profitability This table compares New York Health Care and Encompass Healths net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get New York Health Care alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets New York Health Care N/A N/A N/A Encompass Health 9.33% 18.19% 7.93% Insider and Institutional Ownership 97.3% of Encompass Health shares are owned by institutional investors. 6.7% of New York Health Care shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 2.0% of Encompass Health shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio New York Health Care N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Encompass Health $5.80 billion 2.04 $455.70 million $5.29 22.15 This table compares New York Health Care and Encompass Healths revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Encompass Health has higher revenue and earnings than New York Health Care. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent recommendations for New York Health Care and Encompass Health, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score New York Health Care 0 0 0 0 0.00 Encompass Health 0 0 8 3 3.27 Encompass Health has a consensus target price of $142.86, suggesting a potential upside of 21.93%. Given Encompass Healths stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Encompass Health is more favorable than New York Health Care. Summary Encompass Health beats New York Health Care on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About New York Health Care (Get Free Report) New York Health Care, Inc. operates as a home care services agency primarily in New York. The company offers various home care services, such as companionship services, homemaker/housekeeper staff, professional and practical nurses, home health aides, care givers, geriatric care, and dementia and alzheimer care services. It also provides insurance services. The company was founded in 1983 and is based in Valley Stream, New York. About Encompass Health (Get Free Report) Encompass Health Corporation provides post-acute healthcare services in the United States and Puerto Rico. It owns and operates inpatient rehabilitation hospitals that provide medical, nursing, therapy, and ancillary services. The company provides specialized rehabilitative treatment on an inpatient basis to patients who have experienced physical or cognitive disabilities or injuries due to medical conditions, such as strokes, hip fractures, and various debilitating neurological conditions. It offers services through the Medicare program to federal government, managed care plans and private insurers, state governments, and other patients. The company was formerly known as HealthSouth Corporation and changed its name to Encompass Health Corporation in January 2018. The company was incorporated in 1984 and is based in Birmingham, Alabama. Receive News & Ratings for New York Health Care Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New York Health Care and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New Zealand Energy Corp. (CVE:NZ Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 17.8% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as C$0.35 and last traded at C$0.37. 140,000 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 479% from the average session volume of 24,176 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.45. New Zealand Energy Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 3.36, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 41.83. The stock has a market cap of C$13.62 million, a PE ratio of -0.61 and a beta of 4.19. The businesss 50-day moving average price is C$0.31 and its 200-day moving average price is C$0.28. About New Zealand Energy (Get Free Report) New Zealand Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas in New Zealand. It holds interests in three petroleum mining licenses, one petroleum mining permit, and one petroleum exploration permit. The company has interests in TWN Petroleum Mining Licenses comprising Waihapa/Ngaere, and Tariki; Copper Moki petroleum mining permit; and Eltham Petroleum exploration permit. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for New Zealand Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for New Zealand Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. USA Compression Partners (NYSE:USAC Get Free Report) and Oil States International (NYSE:OIS Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, earnings, risk, institutional ownership, profitability and dividends. Earnings & Valuation This table compares USA Compression Partners and Oil States Internationals revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get USA Compression Partners alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio USA Compression Partners $981.22 million 2.76 $99.57 million $0.67 32.89 Oil States International $664.29 million 0.56 -$11.26 million $0.37 16.66 Analyst Ratings USA Compression Partners has higher revenue and earnings than Oil States International. Oil States International is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than USA Compression Partners, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for USA Compression Partners and Oil States International, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score USA Compression Partners 1 3 0 0 1.75 Oil States International 0 2 0 0 2.00 USA Compression Partners currently has a consensus price target of $25.50, suggesting a potential upside of 15.72%. Oil States International has a consensus price target of $6.50, suggesting a potential upside of 5.43%. Given USA Compression Partners higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe USA Compression Partners is more favorable than Oil States International. Risk and Volatility USA Compression Partners has a beta of 0.35, suggesting that its stock price is 65% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Oil States International has a beta of 1.82, suggesting that its stock price is 82% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares USA Compression Partners and Oil States Internationals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets USA Compression Partners 9.56% -71.82% 3.62% Oil States International 1.02% 2.56% 1.76% Insider & Institutional Ownership 47.8% of USA Compression Partners shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 97.4% of Oil States International shares are held by institutional investors. 5.4% of Oil States International shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary USA Compression Partners beats Oil States International on 7 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About USA Compression Partners (Get Free Report) USA Compression Partners, LP provides compression services under term contracts with customers in the natural gas and crude oil industries in the United States. The company engineers, designs, operates, services, and repairs its compression units; and maintains related support inventory and equipment. It also provides compression services in various shale plays, including the Utica, Marcellus, Permian Basin, Delaware Basin, Eagle Ford, Mississippi Lime, Granite Wash, Woodford, Barnett, Haynesville, Niobrara, and Fayetteville shales. As of December 31, 2017, the company had approximately 1,799,781 horsepower in its fleet. It serves oil companies; and independent producers, processors, gatherers, and transporters of natural gas and crude oil. USA Compression GP, LLC operates as the general partner of USA Compression Partners, LP. The company was formerly known as Compression Holdings, LP, and changed its name to USA Compression Partners, LP in June 2011. USA Compression Partners, LP was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas. About Oil States International (Get Free Report) Oil States International, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides engineered capital equipment and products for the energy, industrial, and military sectors worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Well Site Services, Downhole Technologies, and Offshore/Manufactured Products. The Well Site Services segment offers a range of equipment and services that are used to drill for, establish, and maintain the flow of oil and natural gas from a well throughout its lifecycle. It also provides wireline support, frac stacks, isolation tools, downhole and extended reach activity, well testing and flowback operations, sand control, and land drilling services. The Downhole Technologies segment provides oil and gas perforation systems, and downhole tools in support of completion, intervention, wireline, and well abandonment operations. This segment also designs, manufactures, and markets its consumable engineered products to oilfield service, and exploration and production companies. The Offshore/Manufactured Products segment designs, manufactures, and markets capital equipment utilized on floating production systems, subsea pipeline infrastructure, and offshore drilling rigs and vessels. Its products include flexible bearings, advanced connector systems, high-pressure riser systems, managed pressure drilling systems, deepwater mooring systems, cranes, subsea pipeline products, and blow-out preventer stack integration products. This segment also provides short-cycle products, such as valves, elastomers, and other specialty products that are used in the land-based drilling and completion markets; and other products for use in industrial, military, alternative energy, and other applications. In addition, it offers specialty welding, fabrication, cladding and machining, offshore installation, and inspection and repair services. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for USA Compression Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for USA Compression Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Quick Read Berkshire Hathaway has been underperforming the S&P of late. Warren Buffetts looming retirement is a concern for some. With the Mag Seven exposure in the S&P, questions linger as to whether Berkshire Hathaway stock can keep up with the S&P in the AI age. Buffetts successors have AI on their crosshairs, but theyre also in no rush to pay up for admission, especially as valuation concerns mount. Some investors get rich while others struggle because they never learned there are two completely different strategies to building wealth. Dont make the same mistake, learn about both here. As we move through the peak of tech earnings season, which has been good, but perhaps not good enough to help some of the shares of the Magnificent Seven firms move higher, questions linger as to the next big move for the heated and perhaps mildly overbought S&P 500. As the great bull market in tech looks to continue on, some investors in Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK-B) stock might be starting to grow concerned that the legendary conglomerate doesn't quite have enough AI firepower to participate in what seems to be a mostly AI-driven market rally. The S&P is surging amid the AI boom. Berkshire is underperforming for the year Though the AI revolution will eventually lead to broader economic gains at some point over the medium term, at least in my opinion, it's tough to tell if Berkshire Hathaway has what it takes to keep outperforming the S&P 500 as it has in decades past, especially since the S&P is arguably more of an AI-heavy index than it was before ChatGPT more than a year after the pandemic lockdowns lifted. Undoubtedly, I'm sure many Berkshire shareholders will have a full list of questions come the next Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting of shareholders, one that won't have Warren Buffett sitting at the front of the stage to take questions. With just two months left in Buffett's reign as CEO of the $1 trillion titan, all focus will shift on the Oracle of Omaha's successors. And you can be sure that the volatility could take things up a few notches as long-time shareholders grow perhaps a bit more critical of the likes of incoming new CEO Greg Abel and the other hand-picked successors that will finally get to be in the driver's seat (if they weren't already). Of course, one big question for Greg Abel, Ajit Jain, as well as star stock pickers Ted Weschler and Todd Combs, is how their public stock investing strategy will differ and evolve in a post-Buffett era. While I'm sure the team will stay true to many of Buffett's value investment principles, I certainly wouldn't be surprised if they were to take on more of a liking to the tech sector, even though valuations aren't as attractive today as they were before the AI boom kicked off nearly three years ago. Diageo (NYSE:DEO Get Free Report) and Campari Group (OTCMKTS:DVDCF Get Free Report) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, dividends, institutional ownership and earnings. Profitability This table compares Diageo and Campari Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Diageo alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Diageo N/A N/A N/A Campari Group N/A N/A N/A Insider & Institutional Ownership 9.0% of Diageo shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Volatility and Risk Analyst Recommendations Diageo has a beta of 0.58, suggesting that its share price is 42% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Campari Group has a beta of 0.58, suggesting that its share price is 42% less volatile than the S&P 500. This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Diageo and Campari Group, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Diageo 2 3 4 0 2.22 Campari Group 0 3 0 1 2.50 Diageo currently has a consensus price target of $119.00, indicating a potential upside of 27.83%. Given Diageos higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Diageo is more favorable than Campari Group. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Diageo and Campari Groups top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Diageo $20.25 billion 2.56 $2.35 billion N/A N/A Campari Group $3.32 billion 2.56 $218.15 million N/A N/A Diageo has higher revenue and earnings than Campari Group. Dividends Diageo pays an annual dividend of $4.95 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.3%. Campari Group pays an annual dividend of $0.03 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.4%. Summary Diageo beats Campari Group on 7 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Diageo (Get Free Report) Diageo plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, marketing, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The company offers scotch, gin, vodka, rum, raki, liqueur, wine, tequila, Chinese white spirits, cachaca, and brandy, as well as beer, including cider and flavored malt beverages. It also provides Chinese, Canadian, Irish, American, and Indian-Made Foreign Liquor whiskies, as well as flavored malt beverages, ready to drink, and non-alcoholic products. The company provides its products under the Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanans, Smirnoff, Ciroc, Ketel One, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Casamigos, Tanqueray, Guinness, Shui Jing Fang, Yeni, McDowells, Don Papa, Aviation American, Seagram, Seagrams 7 Crown, Zacapa, Black Dog, Black & White, Signature, Royal Challenge, Godawan, Antiquity, Gordons, Old Parr, Windsor, Bundaberg, Ypioca, Bulleit, and Bells brand names. It operates in the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkiye, Australia, Korea, India, Greater China, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Nigeria, and internationally. The company was incorporated in 1886 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. About Campari Group (Get Free Report) Davide Campari-Milano N.V., together with its subsidiaries, markets and distributes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It offers a range of spirits categories, including aperitif, vodka, liqueurs, whisky, tequila, rum, Sparkling wine, mezcal, champagne, gin, and cognac, as well as ready to drink and non-alcoholic aperitif under the Aperol, Campari, SKYY, Wild Turkey, Grand Marnier, Jamaican Rums, Espolon, Sparkling Wine&Vermouth, Crodino, The GlenGrant, Magnum Tonic Wine, Montelobos, Ancho Reyes, Lallier, Forty Creek, X-Rated, and other brands. Davide Campari-Milano N.V. was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy. Davide Campari-Milano N.V. is a subsidiary of Lagfin S.C.A. Receive News & Ratings for Diageo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Diageo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Merchants Bank Co. (OTCMKTS:CIHKY Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 174,266 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 533% from the previous sessions volume of 27,532 shares.The stock last traded at $32.54 and had previously closed at $31.81. China Merchants Bank Stock Up 1.7% The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $30.68 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $31.44. The firm has a market cap of $163.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.21 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.82. Get China Merchants Bank alerts: China Merchants Bank (OTCMKTS:CIHKY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $1.08 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $10.96 billion for the quarter. China Merchants Bank had a return on equity of 12.28% and a net margin of 32.06%. About China Merchants Bank China Merchants Bank Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services. It operates through Wholesale Finance Business, Retail Finance Business, and Other Business segments. The company offers current, demand, time, call, savings, notice, and renminbi accounts. Its loan products include personal commercial real estate, consumption, housing, and car loans; loans to finance for studying abroad; micro-business loans; mortgage loans for equipment; joint guarantee, special guarantee, and housing mortgage loan; bank acceptance, discount, liquid capital, and fixed asset loans; and loans for vessels. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for China Merchants Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Merchants Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2025 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 1.430-1.470 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 0.630. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Douglas Emmett Stock Performance Douglas Emmett stock traded down $0.06 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $12.90. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,877,770 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,881,940. Douglas Emmett has a 1-year low of $12.39 and a 1-year high of $20.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 3.49 and a quick ratio of 3.49. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $15.07 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $14.93. The company has a market cap of $2.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.65 and a beta of 1.30. Get Douglas Emmett alerts: Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.34 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.34. Douglas Emmett had a net margin of 3.77% and a return on equity of 1.04%. Douglas Emmett has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.430-1.470 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Douglas Emmett will post 1.45 earnings per share for the current year. Douglas Emmett Announces Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were issued a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. Douglas Emmetts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 345.45%. Several research firms have commented on DEI. BMO Capital Markets set a $17.00 target price on shares of Douglas Emmett and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 16th. Scotiabank decreased their target price on shares of Douglas Emmett from $19.00 to $18.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 28th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Douglas Emmett from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, August 30th. Piper Sandler lifted their price target on shares of Douglas Emmett from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Douglas Emmett to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Douglas Emmett presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $18.25. View Our Latest Stock Report on Douglas Emmett Institutional Investors Weigh In On Douglas Emmett A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 12,220 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $184,000 after purchasing an additional 766 shares during the period. California State Teachers Retirement System lifted its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 154,385 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,322,000 after purchasing an additional 819 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 220.8% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,694 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,166 shares during the period. Creative Planning lifted its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 21,024 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $316,000 after purchasing an additional 1,317 shares during the period. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 12.5% in the 2nd quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 16,267 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $245,000 after purchasing an additional 1,812 shares during the period. 97.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Douglas Emmett (Get Free Report) Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Douglas Emmett Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Douglas Emmett and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, November 4th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 18th will be paid a dividend of 0.595 per share by the business services provider on Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 18th. Thomson Reuters has raised its dividend by an average of 0.0%annually over the last three years. Thomson Reuters has a dividend payout ratio of 64.7% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Thomson Reuters to earn $4.25 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.38 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 56.0%. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Thomson Reuters Trading Down 5.9% Shares of NYSE TRI traded down $9.12 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $146.60. 2,554,763 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 979,252. Thomson Reuters has a 12-month low of $145.22 and a 12-month high of $218.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.02. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $162.93 and a 200-day moving average price of $181.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $65.48 billion, a PE ratio of 29.98, a P/E/G ratio of 5.67 and a beta of 0.74. About Thomson Reuters Thomson Reuters ( NYSE:TRI Get Free Report ) (TSE:TRI) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 6th. The business services provider reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.83 by $0.04. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 14.62% and a net margin of 30.45%.The business had revenue of $1.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.79 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.85 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Thomson Reuters will post 3.89 EPS for the current year. (Get Free Report) Thomson Reuters Corporation engages in the provision of business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its Baron Health Care Fund third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund rose 5.39% (Institutional Shares) in the quarter, compared to a 5.05% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index (benchmark) and an 8.18% gain for the Russell 3000 Index (the Index). The Fund performed similarly to the Benchmark this quarter. Solid stock selection was primarily offset by negative effects from active sub-industry allocations and cash holdings during a rising market. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted stocks such as Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX). Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) manufactures and markets medical devices that operate in the MedSurg and Cardiovascular segments. The one-month return of Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) was 2.81%, and its shares gained 15.26% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On November 3, 2025, Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) stock closed at $98.59 per share, with a market capitalization of $146.154 billion. Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter: "Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) is a global manufacturer of medical devices used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. While the company continues to execute well, particularly with its Watchman device and pulsed field ablation (PFA) offerings, shares fell during the quarter amid rising competition in the attractive PFA space for treating arrhythmia. Medtronic has launched its Affera system, Johnson & Johnson markets Varipulse, and Abbott offers its Volt systemall large-scale rivals with significant sales forces and established electrophysiology footprints. Despite this competitive backdrop, we believe Boston Scientific remains a strong compounder. Coupled with cost discipline and more than 50 basis points of annual operating margin expansion, we think the companys double-digit earnings per share growth profile makes it a compelling name within the large-cap medical device universe." Was Jim Cramer Right About Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX)? Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. According to our database, 100 hedge fund portfolios held Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) at the end of the second quarter, compared to 108 in the previous quarter. Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) announced that its consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2025 reached $5.065 billion, indicating a 20.3% growth compared to Q3 2024. While we acknowledge the potential of Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please visit my profile to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, disable notifications and hide this message. Like it or not . . . Kansas City voters have a new conservative voice stepping to the forefront of the national discourse. Not reported in other local media outlets . . . KANSAS CITY COUNCILMAN NATHAN WILLETT PENS AN IMPORTANT TRANSIT FACT CHECK AGAINST FREEBIE FARES ADVOCATED BY A SOCIALIST NYC MAYORAL CANDIDATE!!! It's a collab column but still worth a read as our cowtown's bad policy, once again, hits the national stage and the councilman hopes for a promotion to Missouri State Senate. Check the money line . . . New York City, take this as a warning: The free bus program that Zohran Mamdani has made a key part of his platform in his campaign for mayor is a proven failure. We have seen it with our own eyes in our home town, Kansas City, Mo., which launched a fare-free bus program in 2020 and pulled the plug on it this year. We saw the degradation riders experienced under our citys Zero Fare initiative, and spoke to our bus operators about the many problems it caused. In 2024, Mamdani wrote an article for The Nation that praised Kansas Citys program as a successful model for a big-city bus system. He claimed it gave working-class residents economic breathing room while also making their commute safer, citing one years worth of data from the experiment. But Mamdani didnt include data past 2020 because the safety metrics on our citys bus system are alarming . . . Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Okay, we're hoping for a decent morning update not so long from now. In order to help our cause, we share more than a few items for late night & early morning denizens of the discourse by way of pop culture, community reporting & top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Agenda Set Until Voting . . . KCPBS' Nick Haines Previews Week Ahead for Nov. 3, 2025 Tuesday is Election Day locally and across the nation, air travel might suffer due to government shutdown, remembering 2015 KC Royals and more ... Happiness Discounted Toys 'R' Us arrives at Legends in KCK just in time for holiday season Tanger Kansas City at Legends is welcoming a 7,000-square-foot Toys 'R' Us for the holidays. JoCo Crossing Examined Olathe launches railroad crossing study to improve traffic delays, safety The City of Olathe will conduct a comprehensive study of nine railroad crossings to examine traffic patterns and safety issues. Feline Prowls The Dotte Caught on cam: Bobcat kitten spotted in Kansas City, Kansas A bobcat kitten was spotted this past weekend in Kansas City, Kansas. Gen-Z Gets Macabre The Unicorn Takes an Unflinching Look at True Crime With "The JonBenet Game" - KC STUDIO With "The JonBenet Game," Tori Keenan-Zelt has crafted a truly unique take on a seemingly ubiquitous genre. Celeb Throwback Moving Ahead Kendall Jenner turns 30! Mom Kris marks the milestone with hot photos On Monday morning, the momager, 69, praised her daughter's 'quiet strength' and 'beautiful confidence' in an emotional caption on her supermodel daughter's 30th birthday. MAGA Marching Orders For NYC Election Trump backs Cuomo and threatens to cut federal funding if 'Communist Mamdani' wins NYC mayor race President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from New York City if Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral election, calling him a Communist. Author Roasts Mag Honors JK Rowling criticises Glamour UK for naming trans women among its 'Women of the Year' The magazine said it had chosen to honour nine of the trans community's 'most ground-breaking voices' at a time when 'trans rights face increasing threat in the UK' American Waiting Game Cont'd What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled during the government shutdown The U.S. government shutdown has now dragged on for over a month, and shortages of air traffic controllers are straining operations - with flight disruptions piling up nationwide. Holy Land Crisis After War Israel arrests military lawyer accused of leaking video showing alleged abuse of detainee Authorities in Israel detained the military's top lawyer, a two-star general, and accused her of leaking a video that allegedly shows Israeli soldiers assaulting a Palestinian detainee. The saga renews an intense debate about how the legal system treats Israeli soldiers and Palestinian detainees. Nick Schifrin reports. Criticism Below Belt?!? Why the Hell Did JD Vance and Erika Kirk Hug Like That? The vice president had an uncomfortably close embrace with Charlie Kirk's widow, for everyone to witness. Funny Man Laments Hot Mess He Helped Create 'Daily Show' host Jon Stewart mourns we've 'lost the ability to love' people in different parties "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart told The New Yorker that people have lost the ability to love others due to constant political litmus tests and polarization. Building Tasty Legacy $18 million Jack Stack BBQ project approved to transform Harrisonville, Missouri, eyesore At Monday night's Harrisonville, Missouri, Board of Alderman meeting, the council voted unanimously to administer a Special Use Permit to JBQ Meats in the old Walmart building. Iconic Autumn Ahead Sunny and warm week in Kansas City before cooler temperatures return next week Mornings won't be as cool this week, with temperatures dropping only into the 40s. And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. By Gabriel Araujo LIMA/SAO PAULO (Reuters) -A Brazilian bill that would bar airlines from charging fees for checked bags has spooked a domestic industry already plagued by bankruptcies, fueling accusations the move would discourage the kind of low-cost operators that could lower fares overall. The measure, which cleared the Lower House last week but still requires Senate approval, would allow passengers to travel with a free carry-on on domestic flights and bar carriers from charging for checked bags of up to 23 kg. If enacted, it would roll back a 2017 rule that allowed fees for checked luggage and would undercut some standard low-cost policies, frustrating carriers that had hoped to sell "basic" fares that include only an item stored under the seat. Regulatory changes have long worried carriers in Brazil, where the industry has had a bumpy ride recently, with Azul filing for bankruptcy protection as Gol came out of it. LATAM Airlines emerged from Chapter 11 in 2022. NO TRADITION OF ULTRA-LOW-COST CARRIERS Unlike other major aviation markets and South American peers such as Chile and Argentina, Brazil does not have a tradition of ultra-low-cost carriers. Consumers have complained that luggage restrictions have not helped lower fares. "There has been no reduction in ticket prices, and we need to defend consumer rights," said Congressman Alex Manente, who authored the amendment allowing for free checked bags. LATAM and Gol, which had introduced basic fares on some international routes, have defended the policy as giving customers cheaper options and boosting competition. "This bill moves Brazil backward at a time when aviation should be helping drive economic growth," said Peter Cerda, the head of airline lobby group ALTA. "It's like going to the cinema and being forced to pay for popcorn as part of your ticket." Consumer protection agency Procon-SP last month complained of "cuts in services and constant price increases". Ticket prices in Brazil rose 9.4% in the year through mid-October, outpacing a 4.94% overall price increase. MARKET CAN NOT AFFORD REGULATORY INSTABILITY, SAYS GOL Gol CEO Celso Ferrer told an event hosted by ALTA in Lima last month that basic fares would allow airlines to grow more, and that the market could not afford regulatory "instability." "I think that's one of the key reasons why we don't see more companies operating in a bigger way in Brazil," LATAM Brasil CEO Jerome Cadier said of regulatory uncertainty at the same event. Sorry that this is a progressive source but their description of the ruckus is apt . . . "Conservatives are fighting among themselves over the far-right commentator Tucker Carlsons decision to interview the antisemitic white supremacist Nick Fuentes on his podcast, where the two men decried conservatives who support Israel." Meanwhile, we wanted to make it local with this sentiment from one of the few right-wing conservatives at the top level of Kansas City media . . . The basics of what KK had to say and a link to today's show . . . "I don't care about the groypers . . . If you normalize the groypers, and they're really controversial, the Democrats are going to use it against you and me and all of us. I don't know what the groypers are about . . . But if they're part of their party . . . I'm not saying they're the KKK but they might be . . . I don't know what the groypers are . . . Everything the Democrats say about Republicans in a negative way, the things they say about Trump, it's sounds like the groypers to me. Again, I don't know . . . But I think we need to be rid of this controversy in this party. I don't like that Tucker bringing this controversy to our party." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Ben Shapiro blasts Tucker Carlson over Fuentes interview Shapiro called Carlson "the most virulent super spreader of vile ideas in America." Tucker Carlson's interview with far-right antisemite Nick Fuentes divides conservatives Heritage Foundation defended former Fox News host, others slammed him for platforming white supremacist The sane right draws the line on Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes' bile It's been heartening these last few days to see the overwhelming majority of the American right dump on low-rent hate-monger Nick Fuentes - and on podcaster Tucker Carlson for credulously pro... Behind the Curtain: Inside post-Kirk MAGA's reality Kirk's death unleashed an escalating MAGA fight. Developing . . . For more information and to rent in Singapore, customers can visit hertz.com. (TRAVPR.COM) AUSTRALIA - November 3rd, 2025 - One of the worlds leading car rental brands, Hertz, has appointed Ace Drive Pte Ltd, a part of Reach Group, as its new franchise partner in Singapore. From 1 November 2025, Ace Drive will operate both the Hertz and Thrifty brands locally. It will offer a full range of mobility solutions from short-term self-drive rentals to multi-month and long-term leases, as well as premium chauffeur services for business and leisure travellers. With more than two decades of experience in Singapores automotive and leasing sector, Ace Drive brings strong local expertise and a customer-first approach. The partnership marks an important step in Hertzs continued growth across Asia-Pacific, supporting demand in one of the regions most dynamic business and travel hubs. Hertz is excited to be working with such an established partner, and we believe this partnership is a testament to both parties commitment to providing greater convenience and quality service to our customers. It also strengthens Hertzs network in a key Asian gateway city, ensuring travellers experience the same high standards of reliability and service consistency across the region, said Damien Shaw, Vice President, Hertz Asia Pacific. Commenting on the partnership, Jesse Tan, Founder of Ace Drive Pte Ltd, said: Were honoured to represent the Hertz and Thrifty brands in Singapore. With our local expertise and Hertzs global reach, were committed to delivering exceptional service and creating new opportunities for growth across Singapores evolving mobility landscape. We warmly welcome both locals and travellers to experience the comfort, reliability and service excellence proudly delivered by Hertz Singapore. ### SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL STRENGTHENS ITS PRESENCE IN OMAN (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - November 3rd, 2025 - Swiss-Belhotel International, has announced the signing of Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa, Oman, marking another milestone in its strategic expansion across the region. Scheduled to open its doors in Q2 2026, the upscale hotel will bring the groups Swiss Professionalism and Asian Passion and international standards to one of Omans most historic and culturally rich destinations. The management agreement was officially signed recently between Swiss-Belhotel International and Bawareq Nizwa International For Investment SAOC. Mr. Salim Abdullah Ahmed Al Abadi, Chairman of Bawareq Nizwa International For Investment SAOC, said: We are delighted to collaborate with Swiss-Belhotel International to bring a globally recognised brand to Nizwa. Our vision is to contribute to the continued growth of the Sultanates hospitality and tourism sector while creating a new landmark that reflects the charm, culture, and heritage of the region. We believe Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa will elevate the citys accommodation offerings and attract both domestic and international visitors. Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, added: Oman is one of the most promising destinations in the Middle East, offering rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. We are glad to partner with Bawareq Nizwa International For Investment SAOC with the management of Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa, further strengthening our presence in the Sultanate. This development aligns with our vision to expand our portfolio across key growth markets, delivering exceptional guest experiences built on trust, innovation, and operational excellence with our culture of Passion and Professionalism. Located in the heart of Nizwa, Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa, Oman, features 81 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, a full-service restaurant, coffee shop, function room, gym, steam room, and swimming pool. Additional facilities include, conference rooms, and dedicated spaces for commercial leasing, offering guests a modern, versatile hospitality experience that blends local heritage with contemporary design. Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President Operations & Development, EMEAI and Senior Vice President Group Human Resources & Talent Development, Swiss-Belhotel International, stated: Nizwa holds immense tourism potential as a gateway to Omans heritage and adventure experiences. With its strategic location and high-quality design, Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa will be positioned as a contemporary hotel with a distinctive local character. Our focus will be to combine international standards with authentic Omani hospitality, supporting the countrys long-term tourism vision in line with Oman Vision 2040. Omans tourism sector continues to demonstrate remarkable growth as the country accelerates its Vision 2040 objectives to diversify its economy and position tourism as a key driver of national development. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the Sultanate recorded over 3.8 million international visitors in 2024. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism projects the number of inbound visitors to reach 11.7 million annually by 2040, supported by massive investments in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and leisure facilities. ### Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : SOUTHWEST AIRLINES UNACCOMPANIED MINOR POLICY SIMPLIFIED FOR FAMILIES Industry: Airlines Call +1-866-679-5070 for expert help with Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy. Learn age rules, fees, and ID requirements for children flying alone. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - November 4th, 2025 - Flying alone can be both exciting and a bit intimidating for children, especially when its their first time traveling without a parent or guardian. Thankfully, Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to make this process safe, smooth, and stress-free for families. With dedicated support staff, clear age rules, and affordable service fees, Southwest ensures that your young flyer is cared for every step of the way. This detailed guide explains who qualifies as an unaccompanied minor, the Southwest unaccompanied minor fees, documentation requirements, whether minors need ID to fly Southwest, and the full journeyfrom booking to arrival. Call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for instant guidance on Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy and easy flight bookings for your childs next trip. Quick Overview of Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Heres a quick look at the key aspects of the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Eligible Age: 5 to 11 years old Fee: $150 each way per child (in addition to airfare) Service Includes: Assistance at check-in, boarding, in-flight care, and drop-off to a designated guardian ID Requirements: Parents/guardians must show valid photo ID; minors under 18 dont need one to fly domestically Booking: Can be made online or through customer service Need help booking your childs flight or understanding Southwests policies? Call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for personalized assistance. Understanding the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy ensures that young travelers between the ages of 5 and 11 can fly safely without a parent or guardian. Once enrolled in the program, your child is supervised by trained airline staff from check-in to arrival. Southwests team makes sure minors are escorted through security, guided to their seats, and handed over only to the authorized guardian upon landing. The policy is designed to provide parents with peace of mind while ensuring kids feel comfortable and cared for during the journey. Children aged 12 to 17 can fly alone as Young Travelers, but they are not considered unaccompanied minors under this policy and do not receive the same escort services. Eligible Age Groups and Important Rules Southwest Airlines follows specific unaccompanied minor rules that depend on the childs age: Children under 5 years: Not eligible to travel alone. They must fly with an adult aged 12 or older. Children aged 511 years: Eligible for the Unaccompanied Minor Service. Its mandatory for this group when traveling without someone 12 or older. Children aged 1217 years: May travel alone but are not eligible for unaccompanied minor supervision. Parents should note that Southwest Airlines allows unaccompanied minors to fly only on non-stop or direct flights. Connecting flights or international routes are not permitted under this policy. Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fees Southwest charges a flat fee of $150 each way per child for its unaccompanied minor service. This fee covers the cost of staff supervision, coordination, and priority care throughout the journey. For example: If you book a round-trip ticket for your child, the total Southwest unaccompanied minor fees will be $300. Parents pay this fee when booking the ticketeither online, over the phone, or at the airport counter. This charge is in addition to the airfare but ensures your child receives the dedicated attention they deserve. Booking Process for Unaccompanied Minors Booking an unaccompanied minor with Southwest Airlines is simple but requires careful attention to detail: Online Booking: You can select Unaccompanied Minor when booking your childs flight online through Southwests official website. The system will automatically flag the reservation for special handling. Provide Guardian Details: During booking, youll need to enter the name, address, and phone number of both the person dropping off and picking up the child. Pay the UMNR Fee: The Southwest unaccompanied minor fee of $150 each way is added at checkout. Check-In at the Airport: The parent or guardian must check in the child in person at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Security Escort: The parent receives a security pass to accompany the child to the gate, where airline staff take over supervision. Do Minors Need ID to Fly Southwest Airlines? A common question parents ask is: Do minors need ID to fly Southwest Airlines? For domestic flights within the United States, minors under 18 years old are not required to present a government-issued ID. However, the parent or guardian must show: A valid photo ID (drivers license, passport, etc.) The childs confirmation number and ticket information The completed unaccompanied minor form For international flights, children of any age must present a passport and comply with the entry requirements of the destination country. Check-In and Boarding Procedures Heres how the check-in and boarding process works for unaccompanied minors: Arrival at Airport: Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights. Documentation: Present the childs ticket, your photo ID, and the unaccompanied minor form. Escort Pass: The guardian receives a pass to escort the child to the gate. Pre-Boarding: Unaccompanied minors are allowed to board before other passengers. In-Flight: Southwest flight attendants ensure your child is comfortable and has what they need during the flight. Arrival: At the destination, the child is handed over only to the guardian listed on the form, after verifying their ID. Rules and Restrictions Parents Should Know The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy includes several important rules to ensure safety: Unaccompanied minors cannot travel on connecting or overnight flights . The service is available only on non-stop and direct flights within the U.S. The guardian must remain at the gate until the flight has taken off. The receiving guardian must be at the gate 45 minutes before landing. Only the individuals listed on the unaccompanied minor form can pick up the child. Understanding and following these rules helps ensure a smooth travel experience for your child. Tips for Parents Sending Children Alone Flying solo is a big step for young travelers. Here are a few practical tips to make the process easier: Explain the journey: Talk to your child about airport security and boarding so they know what to expect. Label bags clearly: Include the childs name, contact information, and destination address on luggage tags. Pack essentials: Include snacks, a favorite toy, and any medications. Stay reachable: Keep your phone on during the trip in case airline staff need to reach you. Following these steps helps your child feel confident and keeps communication smooth. Why Choose Tours N Travel Pro? At Tours N Travel Pro, we understand that planning a childs solo flight can be stressful. Our travel experts specialize in guiding parents through the entire processfrom understanding Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy to booking the right flight and handling documents. We ensure youre informed about all rules, fees, and forms before you travel, saving time and avoiding last-minute surprises. For personalized guidance, call +1-866-679-5070 to speak directly with a travel expert. FAQs About Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Q1: What is the minimum age for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest? Children must be at least 5 years old to travel alone. Q2: Can unaccompanied minors fly on connecting flights? No. Southwest allows minors to travel only on non-stop or direct flights. Q3: How much does Southwest charge for unaccompanied minors? The Southwest unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way per child. Q4: Can a 13-year-old travel alone without the UMNR service? Yes. The service is optional for ages 1217. Q5: Do minors need ID to fly Southwest? No, minors under 18 dont need ID for domestic flights, but guardians must show valid photo ID. Final Thoughts The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy gives families peace of mind by ensuring that young travelers receive attentive care and guidance throughout their journey. From boarding to arrival, every step is designed with the childs safety and comfort in mind. Parents can relax knowing Southwests trained professionals are supervising their little flyers from start to finish. If youre planning to book a flight for your child, reach out to Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for expert help with reservations, travel rules, and personalized assistance. ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release : CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Andrew Son Company: Tours n Travel Pro Phone: 8666795070 Email: toursntravelpro30@gmail.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The amount of funds allocated to Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) for covering certain expenses in the next year has been disclosed, Trend reports. The issue is reflected in the draft law on the state budget of Azerbaijan for 2026, which was discussed at todays meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy, Industry, and Entrepreneurship. The document states that the funds will cover losses incurred from flights to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, as well as travel discounts provided for Second Karabakh War veterans, participants, and those equated with them when traveling to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Additionally, the allocation will subsidize losses from flights to Fuzuli and Lachin International Airports. In total, AZAL is projected to receive nearly 5.9 million manat ($3.4 billion) to support these initiatives. The e-commerce platform Birmarket, which is part of the Bir ecosystem, brought together its partners at the Merchants Forum, held to promote the development of the countrys business environment. The event, which took place on November 3, 2025, aimed to unite merchants from various regions of Azerbaijan, facilitate the exchange of experience, strengthen mutual cooperation, and present new opportunities for the growth of the e-commerce sector. It should be noted that the Birmarket platform provides its partners with extensive infrastructure and comprehensive support. Today, it operates a network of over 1,500 Gl Al pickup points, offers tens of thousands of square meters of warehouse space, and maintains an inventory of more than 3.5 million products. Thanks to its integration into the Bir ecosystem, Birmarket has unlocked even greater opportunities for merchants. Now, nearly 4 million active Birbank customers can place orders directly through the mobile application. Remarkably, within just one month after the integration, the platform gained an additional 1 million new users, clearly demonstrating the continued strengthening of Birmarkets market position. Bir ecosystem unites the countrys leading brands, Birbank, Birmarket, m10 and MilliOn, under one umbrella. At the same time, the ecosystem strengthens its impact and enriches customer experience by collaborating with strategic allies such as Trendyol Azerbaijan and BakKart. Thanks to this integration, customers benefit from QR payments in partner networks and public transport, credit shopping on Birmarket via Birbank, installment payments on Trendyol Azerbaijan using Birbank cards, a unified bonus program and many other solutions. All these services are built on four core pillars of the ecosystem: Unified login, Unified bonus, Unified payment and Unified credit platform, which deliver fast, convenient, cost-effective and secure services to customers. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline. The erupted 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was interviewed by the Italian La Repubblica newspaper. -Mr. President, are you already tasting the flavor of the victory? -Our task was to restore territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and we are coming closer to this task. We have been waiting for restoration of the territorial integrity for almost 30 years. As you know, during all this time Azerbaijan was strictly committed to negotiation process. But unfortunately, it did not result in any tangible outcome. Plus, Armenian leadership during last couple of years was always provoking us by the statements, and by actions, including military provocations. So the last one took place on the 27th of September. We had to respond and our response was very sensitive to Armenia. So, when we talk about the victory we did not put in front of us such a target. We wanted to resolve it at the negotiation table. But we were always ready to do it on the battlefield what we are doing. -Putin is not willing to intervene. So, you can act without obstacles. -Actually, I on many occasions commented the situation that co-chairs of the Minsk Group, 3 countries which are at the same time permanent members of the Security Council of United Nations, adopted resolutions back in 1993 which demanded immediate and complete and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from the Azerbaijani territories. Therefore, these countries themselves created the legal base for the settlement. But Armenia did not implement these resolutions. Another point, which I was referring to is that mediators must be neutral, no matter how they feel about situation. How close their relations are with us, or with Armenia, but if they are not neutral they cannot be mediators. Therefore, the neutrality now which we more or less see on the ground I think is the only way how the things can happen. Therefore, it was not a kind of a green light for us. We responded to Armenian attack on the 27th of September without any 100% understanding who will do what. We just did what we thought was right to defend our country, to defend our people, and to restore justice. -How useful is the Ankara support to your action? -It is very useful. This support came from the very beginning, from the early hours of the clashes which started on the 27th of September. President of Turkey made a very clear statement that Turkey stands side by side with Azerbaijan. That was a very important sign of political and moral support, and I many times referred to the fact that this is only political and moral support, but it was sufficient. Because such a strong country as Turkey when openly declares its position on this issue, it also sends the signal to the whole world, that Azerbaijan is doing the right thing. Azerbaijan is restoring its territorial integrity, Azerbaijan is fighting on its territory. We are not aggressors, we are not attacking other countries. Therefore, this political support which started in the early hours of the clashes and continues up to now is very important for the conflict resolution. -What can you say about the jihadists presence that president Macron, Russian foreign minister denounced that they are fighting against Armenia with your army. Is it true? -On many occasions I already during this time, more than one month, referred to this issue and said that this is not true. This is not correct information. I dont know why this information was circulated, and still is circulated. First, we havent been provided with any evidence, any proof about that. All were words, and those words were articulated in the early days of the conflict. And you referred to President Macrons statement about that. That was only in the first days of the conflict. Since that time, we didnt hear these kind of statements. So this is first. No proofs no evidence. Second, no need. Many times I said we have an army of a 100 thousand fighters, a regular army. We can mobilize several times more if we announce the total mobilization. We have modern weapons. We have a sophisticated technology. And we have a very high moral spirit. Therefore, there is no need for that. But unfortunately, what happens on the other side is being ignored. We already have enough evidences about foreigners fighting on Armenian side. They say they are native Armenians but first, it does not make any difference, because if foreign citizen is fighting against one country against another, it is a mercenary. Then, we do not have a 100% evidence that all of them are Armenians. We know that there are others. We know that PKK is there, we know that some terrorists from the Middle East joined the so-called "army of Nagorno-Karabakh". Therefore, unfortunately, this issue is absolutely out of picture. So, it creates an impression of a deliberate political attack on Azerbaijan. Plus, why Armenians are also exploiting this false statement, because for them probably it is very painful to admit that we beat them on the battlefield. For 30 years, they have been pretending that they have an unbeatable army. For 30 years they were telling that they on their own occupied our territories. Though, we know that it was wrong. So, we proved them who is who. We proved that their so-called "unbeatable army" is a legend, is a mythology. And for them to admit it is very painful. But they have already admitted their defeat. Prime minister Pashinyan sent a letter to President Putin asking for a military help. This is an admitting of their military defeat and our victory. -What will be the difficulty for you to manage a possible victory, in the territory which populated by 98% of Armenian people? -This territory was populated with maybe higher now. It was higher. Because all Azerbaijanis have been expelled. They committed ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis. Its a statistics, soviet statistics, not our statistics. How many people of different nationalities lived in Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous district in the end of 1970s? Almost 25% of the population there were Azerbaijanis. 40 thousand people. Shusha was 98% percent inhabited by Azerbaijanis. Today, there is no one. In Khankandi, there have been many Azerbaijanis. In Hadrut district, in other districts. Khojaly, which they committed a genocide, was 100% Azerbaijanis. So, they have been all ethnically cleansed, killed, tortured and expelled. And unfortunately, no one, no one accused Armenia of that. We did not see any sanctions on Armenia. We did not see any serious information supporting us. So, that was done and they created reality on the ground. This is the first thing. Second thing, 200 years ago, there were no Armenians at all there. Because I many times referred to the treaties which Karabakh khan signed with Russian empire. That Kurakchay treaty of 1805, nothing is said about ethnic Armenians there. Ethnic Armenians were brought to that region from eastern Anatolia and Persia, by Tsarist Russia in order to change religious and ethnic composition of the region. So, this is historical part. Now coming to your question. I many times said that all those who live in Nagorno-Karabakh will continue to live there in peace and dignity. Armenians are our citizens. There are thousands of Armenians who live in different parts of Azerbaijan, primarily in Baku, and those Armenians who live in Nagorno-Karabakh can be sure that their security will be provided, their financial situation will be much better. And they will live much better life than today under this suppression of the junta regime in Nagorno-Karabakh. -Three ceasefires as already were broken. The peace talks seem not to get any result. Who is to blame for? -Armenia. Look at their chronology. First, ceasefire was agreed in Moscow. In less than 24 hours they attacked Ganja with ballistic missiles from the territory of Armenia. It is proven. Russia, France and United States and many other countries can detect the launch of ballistic missiles. So, they know, it was launched from Armenia, and Pashinyan was lying when he said that it was not them. So, that was in less than 24 hours. They attacked at night, in a very mean way. They attacked deliberately the residential settlement. And as a result of two attacks almost 30 people, innocent people, including children were killed. The second ceasefire was violated by them after five minutes of the announcement of that. And the third ceasefire they violated attacking Barda. So, it was not us. What were we supposed to do? Sit and wait when they are killing us? Of course, we respond and will continue to do it. They needed ceasefire in order to continue their aggression, in order to try to regain and occupy again the territories which we have liberated. And also they wanted to create a chaos, panic in Azerbaijan by attacking civilians but they miscalculated the spirit of Azerbaijani people. Yes, we suffer from these mean attacks. We have 91 civilians so far killed, and more than 400 wounded. But this did not break our will, on the contrary, it makes us even stronger. -What would you answer to premier Pashinyan that I met 3 weeks ago? He said that youre here for a new genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh. -Absolutely false. All their history is false. There is no signs of that. You know, as I said, there are thousands of Armenians living in Azerbaijan. There are no Azerbaijanis living in Armenia or in Nagorno-Karabakh. 99% of Armenian population are ethnic Armenians. Can you find any other country in our region where such a full domination of one nationality? It is a mono-ethnic republic. Why? Because either they expel everybody, or other nationalities cannot live there. Azerbaijan is a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country. Therefore, talking about the so-called genocide is absolutely unacceptable and this is another fake which they want to present as they always do. They always want to present themselves as the people who always suffering, always crying always needing help. And today look, he calls President Putin 5 times a day. He calls President Macron maybe less, but still. He calls everyone. He calls European leaders. He asks for recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh not understanding that there is a unified position of European Union on territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Therefore, he tries to use every fake method in order to get some support. Therefore, it is absolutely wrong. And as I said, and I am responsible for what I am saying, those Armenians who live in Nagorno-Karabakh can be sure that their security will be provided. -With Italy you have a special partnership, you are our first provider of oil and gas. Are you afraid that if the war get bloodier and bloodier that partnership could be affected or not? -I dont think so. First, I think that the sooner the war stops the better. And we made such a suggestion. And our proposal was very constructive. I said many times during this more than one month, I can repeat once again. We are ready to stop today. If Armenian prime minister makes a committment that they will liberate the remaining part of the territories. He has not made this committment so far. When asked about compromises, he always talks about a self-determination. But self-determination is not the compromise they have to do. Their compromise must be liberation of all occupied territories with respect to the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, and the basic principles. Because basic principles say that five regions and then two. So, four are already done by us unilaterally. Therefore, he must say that he will pull back the troops from remaining part of Aghdam and Kalbajar and Lachin districts. But he doesnt make this statement. So it shows that he doesnt want the war to stop. We are ready. This is first. Second, I dont think that it will create any complications with respect to our relations with our partners. With Italy we have a special relations. We have signed a document which is called a Strategic Partnership document. And just before the pandemic I paid an official visit to Italy which was very successful and with very big plans I returned back home. I am sure we will implement those plans though pandemic interfered a little bit. But it is mainly non-related to energy sector. On energy track, we did I think all what we planned today. I think Italy for us is a major trading partner, because of oil supplies. And also soon we will celebrate the inauguration of TAP. Thus, Southern Gas Corridor will be completed. Plus, many Italian companies work in Azerbaijan successfully for many years. We are planning to invite more Italian companies as contractors. By the way, they have completed such important projects as petrochemicals here and together with President Mattarella we have been at the opening ceremony. Therefore, I am sure that this conflict will influence our relations neither with Italy nor with any other country. So, I am sure about that. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 5. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline. The 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. Chronicle of the 40th day of the Second Karabakh War: - President Aliyev gave an interview to the Spanish EFE news agency. - The fighting continued mainly in the direction of Aghdara and Khojavand. - Armenia violated ceasefire on the state border with Azerbaijan - Armenian armed forces shelled Goranboy, Tartar, and Aghjabadi. - A person injured as a result of Armenian aggression died in Barda. - The number of Azerbaijani civilians killed as a result of the Armenian aggression reached 92. - Armenian armed forces shelled the villages of Tartar and Aghdam districts. - A video of new military equipment abandoned by Armenian armed forces on the battlefield was released. - Video of the liberated villages of Fuzuli and Khojavand districts was released. - Video of the destruction of the Armenian military infrastructure in Tonashen village was released. - Armenian military column was ambushed and destroyed near Aghdara. - The battery of the 41st artillery regiment of Armenian armed forces was destroyed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyevs address at the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on November 3 was a comprehensive, strategic, and deeply insightful speech that covered scientific, political, and national ideological dimensions, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. Garayev noted that the head of state evaluated the historical development of Azerbaijani science while also defining its future direction. President Ilham Aliyevs speech highlighted the key stages of Azerbaijans scientific progress, the role of national leader Heydar Aliyev, and the prioritization of modern fields such as technology, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, the defense industry, energy, history, and language preservation. Azerbaijani scientists continue to contribute to the countrys development, and this activity will only expand in the future, Garayev noted. He emphasized that these points underline the states sustained support for science and intellectual capital. He added that the president devoted a significant part of his speech to Heydar Aliyevs role in developing science. Garayev recalled that in the 1970s, Heydar Aliyev strengthened the academys operations, founded new research institutes, and boosted funding for science. Thousands of Azerbaijani youth were sent to study at leading universities across the Soviet Union, which strengthened the countrys intellectual potential. This policy continues today, as thousands of Azerbaijani students study at top global universities before returning home to contribute to national progress. The analyst also noted that President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the importance of technology as a key national priority. He underscored that national security and sustainable development now depend on technological capacity, and the most valuable resource is intellectual potential, but it must be invested in to realize its full worth. Therefore, the state must continue to fund science and technology while scientists maximize the use of these opportunities, Garayev said. According to him, the head of states remarks on AI marked the first time this issue was discussed at such a strategic level, identifying AI as an essential component of future development. President Ilham Aliyev also underlined the importance of digitalization and cybersecurity reforms, describing the creation of the Cybersecurity Center as a timely step and inviting scientists to take an active role in this field. "Azerbaijan must keep pace in this vital field, with the state and the scientific community working hand in hand. The reforms in digitalization and cybersecurity are also aligned with this strategic vision. President Ilham Aliyev described the establishment of the Cybersecurity Center as a timely and forward-looking initiative, calling on scientists to take an active role in its development. Moreover, Azerbaijan has already begun exporting defense products to various countries, marking the start of private sector involvement in this sphere, while the nation also advances domestic production of unmanned aerial vehicles," he added. Garayev stated that the head of state also discussed Azerbaijans economic achievements, highlighting that the non-oil sector has become the countrys main economic driver. Foreign exchange reserves now exceed $80 billion, while foreign debt stands at just over 6 percent of gross domestic product, a key indicator of Azerbaijans economic independence. Extensive reconstruction and energy projects are underway in the liberated territories of Karabakh and East Zangezur. Over 30 hydroelectric power plants have already been built, and the generation capacity of solar and wind energy is expected to reach 6,000 megawatts by 2030. This forms the cornerstone of Azerbaijans green energy strategy, he said. The political analyst highlighted that President Ilham Aliyev, in his speech, addressed the restoration of historical justice and the return of Azerbaijanis to present-day Armenia, calling it a fair and natural process. Referring to Tsarist-era maps, the president noted that most place names in the territory of modern-day Armenia are of Azerbaijani origin. He emphasized the need for scientific research and global dissemination of these facts to counter historical falsifications. The president urged scholars to produce more academic works, maps, exhibitions, and presentations on Azerbaijans history. Addressing the importance of language, he stressed that the Azerbaijani language is the core symbol of national identity. Concluding his remarks on the fifth anniversary of Victory Day, the president said that the upcoming military parade in Freedom Square will symbolize the pride, strength, and unity of the Azerbaijani people, a lasting reflection of their historic victory, the analyst concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Algeria have signed an agreement on the establishment of a joint commission on trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation between the governments of the countries, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The agreement marks an important stage in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. The document creates a structured and institutionalized mechanism for deepening cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, science, and technology. The joint commission will serve as a platform for identifying new areas of mutual interest and coordinating initiatives, as well as exchanging experience and best practices. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) ranks among the stocks with the best earnings growth for the next 5 years. On October 17, TD Cowen maintained its Buy rating on Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) and increased its price target from $129 to $134. The company cited to the October 16 release of Charles Schwabs third-quarter 2025 results as a favorable pivot point for the stock. Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock.com According to the firm, Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is expected to target the high end of an adjusted Tier 1 leverage ratio of 6.75% to 7%, with a projected return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 38% for 2026 projections and 40% for 2027 estimates. 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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on the occasion of Victory Day, Trend reports. ''Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, Dear brother, On the occasion of your nations glorious holiday Victory Day I sincerely congratulate you, my dear brother, and the entire people of Azerbaijan, conveying my best wishes with great pleasure. Five years ago, thanks to the determination and courage of a wise leader like You a true patriot and loyal son of your homeland, an outstanding statesman your countrys territorial integrity was restored, and historical justice was ensured. This magnificent event not only clearly demonstrated Azerbaijans strength and great potential to the world but also created a solid foundation for strengthening peace, mutual understanding, and stability in the region. At this juncture, I once again emphasize our full support for Your consistent efforts to ensure peace and sustainable development in the South Caucasus. During my visits to your country in recent years, we have witnessed the construction of modern infrastructure in the Karabakh region, the restoration of cultural heritage sites, and the improvement of living standards for the population in these areas. As a sincere brother, we take great joy in these unparalleled achievements. Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I am confident that the full implementation of the important agreements reached during our open and productive meetings this year in the enchanting cities of Baku, Khankendi, and Gabala, as well as our fruitful negotiations, will elevate our strategic partnership and alliance to an entirely new level. My dear friend, I look forward to welcoming you to Uzbekistan in the near future to participate in the next Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State. On this unforgettable date in your countrys history, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations, wishing You robust health, family happiness, and great success in Your noble state activities, and peace, prosperity, and continuous progress to the fraternal people of Azerbaijan,'' the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Victory Day, Trend reports. ''Excellency, On behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, and personally, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on the auspicious occasion of the fifth Victory Day celebrations. This day stands as a proud reminder of the historic struggle and determination of the Azerbaijani people whose sacrifices, under Your Excellency's visionary leadership, restored the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their homeland. The liberation of the occupied territories remains a landmark achievement in Azerbaijan's modern history, symbolizing justice, resilience, and national unity. The observance of Victory Day this year carries special significance as it coincides with encouraging progress towards lasting peace in the region, following the recent breakthrough in relations with Armenia. This historic moment offers renewed hope to build a future defined by stability, cooperation, and prosperity for all. Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast and consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. I am confident that the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between our two nations will continue to strengthen in the years ahead. I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellency's good health and well-being, and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the brotherly people of Azerbaijan. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,'' the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Victory Day and National Flag Day, Trend reports. ''Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. On the occasion of your countrys Victory Day and National Flag Day, we are pleased to extend Your Excellency our sincere congratulations and best wishes. We wish you good health and happiness, and continued progress and prosperity to the brotherly Government and people of Azerbaijan. We reaffirm our desire to strengthen and further develop the relations between our brotherly countries and peoples in all areas. We extend to Your Excellency our greetings and deep respect,'' the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Victory Day and National Flag Day, Trend reports. ''Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. It is with great pleasure that I extend to Your Excellency my congratulations and best regards on the occasion of your countrys Victory Day and National Flag Day. I wish you good health and happiness, and the brotherly Government and people of Azerbaijan continued progress and prosperity. I extend to Your Excellency my deep respect and esteem,'' the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with Algerias State Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, as part of his official visit to the country on November 4, Trend reports via the MFA. Following a one-on-one meeting, both ministers led expanded discussions with their delegations on regional and global developments, as well as the situation in the Middle East. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation, emphasizing that high-level reciprocal visits have strengthened state relations. The ministers reviewed recent political consultations and meetings between foreign ministers, highlighting their role in advancing systematic collaboration between Azerbaijan and Algeria. They also praised cooperation within international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement, and discussed Azerbaijans hosting of upcoming high-level global and regional events, such as the OIC summit and the UN World Urban Forum in Baku next year. Economic cooperation was addressed, including opportunities in trade, investment, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. The ministers also highlighted the importance of cultural and educational exchanges and maximizing tourism potential to foster closer ties between the peoples of both countries. Minister Bayramov provided detailed updates on post-conflict developments and reconstruction efforts in the region. Discussions also covered other bilateral and multilateral matters of mutual interest. The meeting concluded with the signing of an agreement to establish a Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Algeria, which is expected to serve as a key mechanism for deepening bilateral relations. 14:58 A one-on-one meeting between Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, with his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf has begun in Algeria, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on its X page, Trend reports. "A one-on-one meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, National Communities Abroad and African Affairs of Algeria Ahmed Attaf has already begun," the post reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The Second United Nations (UN) Second World Summit for Social Development has opened in Doha, Qatar, with participation from over 8,000 guests, including heads of state and government, ministers, scholars, UN representatives, civil society, private sector, and youth organizations, the Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. Azerbaijan is represented at the summit by a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov, acting on the instructions of the President. The delegation includes the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Chair of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, Azerbaijans Ambassador to Qatar, the Secretary of the National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development, as well as officials from the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The summit, dedicated to implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and promoting social development, adopted the Doha Political Declaration on its first day. In his address at the plenary session, Sharifov highlighted Azerbaijans implementation of social commitments under the Copenhagen Declaration, emphasizing active participation in international cooperation on social development and providing assistance in education, healthcare, and humanitarian areas to many developing countries. He also shared Azerbaijans experience in delivering efficient social and public services through dedicated centers and expressed readiness to expand cooperation and continue providing support to these countries. Sharifov recalled that the Global Climate Conference (COP29) held in Baku in 2024 led to the adoption of the Baku Guiding Principles on Human Development for Climate Resilience. He noted that Azerbaijan will host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) and the annual session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in 2026 to implement these principles. He reaffirmed Azerbaijans commitment to executing obligations under the newly adopted Doha Political Declaration and the Seville Declaration on Financing for Development, adopted in July, through international cooperation and pledged continued support. The Azerbaijani delegation also participated in the first session of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, a roundtable on Strengthening the Three Pillars of Social Development: Poverty Eradication, Full and Productive Employment, and Decent Work and Social Inclusion for All, and a series of bilateral meetings. The Second World Summit for Social Development will continue until November 6. The first summit took place 30 years ago in Copenhagen, Denmark, culminating in the adoption of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Brahim Boughali, Speaker of the People's National Assembly of Algeria, during an official visit to the country, the Azerbaijan FM wrote on his X page, Trend reports. According to his post, the discussion focused on strengthening interparliamentary cooperation between Azerbaijan and Algeria. The sides emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences and promoting joint initiatives in political, economic, and humanitarian fields. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under articles of the Republic of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on November 4, Trend reports. The open court session at Baku Military Courtpresided by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve Judge Gunel Samadova)provided the accused with an interpreter in his native language, Russian, and state-funded legal representation. Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the court panel, state prosecutors, interpreters, and others to the victims participating for the first time and their legal heirs or representatives, explaining their rights and obligations as stipulated by legislation. Subsequently, Emil Babishov, the new lawyer defending Ruben Vardanyan's rights, submitted a motion to the court. He noted that in previous sessions, Vardanyan and his then-lawyer had filed several motions. The full extracts of the court's decisions on those motions had not been provided to the defense. The lawyer requested that the full extracts be delivered to the defense side. It should be recalled that in the previous session, a new state-appointed lawyer was assigned to Ruben Vardanyan. Until then, his rights were defended by a lawyer of his own choice. Two sessions prior, Vardanyan had waived his chosen lawyer. Judge Zeynal Agayev stated that the extracts in question had already been provided to the defense and that they could continue to exercise this right. Ruben Vardanyan then submitted another motion, requesting the summoning of a representative from the State Border Service to the court session. He explained that this relates to one of the charges against himillegal crossing of the Republic of Azerbaijan's state border. Vardanyan's defense lawyer, Emil Babishov, also supported the accused's position and motion, requesting its satisfaction. Addressing the motion, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev stated that the defense's motion did not clearly indicate who should be summoned and for what reason, what testimony that person could provide in the witness phase, and its relevance to the charges against the accused. He added that there is no need for statements from State Border Service employees regarding illegal border crossing in the current proceedings. Vusal Aliyev stated that if the accused claims to have crossed the Republic of Azerbaijan's state border legallycontrary to the chargeand wishes to prove it, there are procedures provided by law. If the accused entered Azerbaijani territory legally, his civilian passport should bear the stamp of the State Border Service. He can prove this by presenting the stamp in his passport. Vusal Aliyev requested that the motion not be granted. After hearing the parties, the court issued a decision: the motion was left without consideration. Judge Zeynal Agayev also noted that if information about the individual is provided in accordance with the law, the matter can be discussed. The judge then announced that a group of recognized victims had submitted applications to the court, stating that due to valid reasons they could not attend the proceedings and confirming their preliminary investigation testimonies. The parties raised no objections to the announcement of these testimonies in court. Subsequently, victims who suffered from Armenia's aggressive war and occupation policy gave statements. Responding to questions from state prosecutor Terane Mammadova, victim Sagif Mikayilov said he was injured due to provocations by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the direction of Asgaran settlement, Khojaly district. Victim Aydin Garibov stated that in Khalfali village, Shusha district, he, Ceyhun Shahnamazli, and Tarlan Jabbarov were wounded by enemy fire. Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Defense of State Prosecution at the Prosecutor General's Office, victim Kenan Abilov said he received a bullet wound to his left arm from enemy small arms fire on an unnamed height in Khankendi district. Victim Yusif Veysov stated that in Chanagchi village, Khojaly district, he suffered shrapnel wounds to the kneecap when a mortar shell fired by remnants of Armenian armed forces and illegal groups exploded nearby. Victim Rahib Mammadov, answering questions from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, said that in Zangezur district, due to an enemy hand grenade explosion, Farid Mehbaliyev and Tabriz Rahimov were killed, while he, Ibrahim Mayilli, Seymur Hasanov, and several others whose names he does not currently recall were injured. Togrul Najafli emphasized that in Zangezur district, due to enemy provocation, he and several others were injured, while Farid Rustamov, Farid Mehbaliyev, and Tabriz Rahimov were killed. Answering questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, victim Faiq Jafarov noted that in Lachin district, due to an enemy mortar shell explosion, he and several others were injured, while several more were killed. Victim Emin Mammadov, responding to questions from Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev, said that in Lachin district, due to an enemy hand grenade explosion, Ali Aliyev was killed, while he, Tural Aghjabayov, Gabil Mammadov, and several others whose names he does not recall suffered various bodily injuries. Ramazan Mahammadov stated that in Khojavend district, due to an enemy artillery shell exploding nearby, he and several others were injured. Victims Seyran Eminov, Vuqar Mammadov, Tural Bagirov, Narmaddin Guliyev, Ali Rustamov, Ahmad Ibrahimov, Tural Imamguliyev, Saleh Ismayilov, Asif Mammadov, Ariz Hashimov, Vidadi Khaniyev, and Nazir Gulaliyev reported being injured due to enemy provocations in Kalbajar district. Gulu Guliyev, Boyukaga Hasanov, and Sakhavat Guliyev stated they were injured in Lachin district; Seymur Hasanov, Asif Mammadov, and Ugur Shukurlu in Zangezur district due to enemy provocations. Subsequently, Ibad Ismayilov, Ilkin Rahimov, and Elmir Beydullayev stated they were injured in Khojavend district; Aykhan Abdullayev near Isa Spring in Shusha city; Gunduz Gurbanov in Khalfali village, Shusha district; Rafael Salimov in Aghdam district; and Hijran Sultanov in Aghdara district due to provocations by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups. Documents from the criminal case materials collected during the preliminary investigation were also announced in court, and evidence was examined. The next court session is scheduled for November 18. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). Trend notes that the preliminary investigation into the case, which involves charges of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and terrorism financing, was conducted by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Azerbaijan and Algeria reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. "During his official visit to Algeria, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov was received by Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of Algeria. The sides reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Algeria, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-level political dialogue and deepening cooperation across various areas. Discussions touched upon expanding trade and economic ties, promoting investment and energy cooperation, and encouraging greater interaction between the two countries business communities. Both sides highlighted the importance of the recently signed Agreement between the Governments of the Republic Azerbaijan and People's Democratic Republic of Algeria on Establishment of a Joint Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, which will provide an institutional basis for advancing bilateral collaboration. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including cooperation within the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Non-Aligned Movement. The sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening the traditional friendship and partnership between Azerbaijan and Algeria, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. A total of 2.1 billion manat ($1.2 billion) will be allocated to finance presidential scholarships and 465 million manat ($273.4 million) for targeted state social assistance in 2026, the draft law On the State Budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026 said, Trend reports. Meanwhile, it was discussed at today's meeting of the Azerbaijani Parliament Committee on Economic Policy, Industry, and Entrepreneurship. According to the document, of the social protection and social security expenditures planned for 2026, a sum of 2.1 billion manat ($1.2 billion) is earmarked for financing old-age, disability, survivor's, and other social benefits to the population, pensions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, pensions paid to war invalids, persons with disabilities for general reasons, war veterans, and families of martyrs, 465 million manat ($273.4 million) for targeted state social assistance, and 141.2 million manat ($83.05 million) for financing expenses related to paid public works. HONG KONG (AP) Chinas Commerce Ministry said Tuesday that the Netherlands seizure of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia has caused chaos in the semiconductor supply chain that could threaten global auto production. The Dutch government in late September took control of Nexperia, which is based in the Netherlands but owned by Chinese company Wingtech Technology, citing national security concerns. In response, China blocked shipments of chips from Nexperias plant in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, though it has now allowed those exports to resume. Nexperias Chinese unit said in late October that its Netherlands headquarters had suspended supplies of wafers used to make chips to its factory in China, raising concerns over its ability to deliver finished semiconductors used by many automakers. That has created turmoil and chaos in the global semiconductor supply chain, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement Tuesday. The Netherlands should bear full responsibility for this. The Netherlands also replaced Nexperias Chinese CEO Zhang Xuezheng with interim CEO Stefan Tilger. In late 2024, the U.S. put Wingtech Technology, on its entity list that it deems to be acting against the U.S.s national security interests, subjecting it to export controls. In late September, the U.S. expanded the list to include Wingtechs subsidiaries, including Nexperia, and the Netherlands then took control of the company. Global automakers including Ford Motor have warned that Chinas export restrictions on Nexperias semiconductors could disrupt car manufacturing. Following U.S. President Donald Trumps meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea last week, the White House said China was moving to ease the export ban on Nexperia semiconductors as part of the latest trade truce between Washington and Beijing. The EUs trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said in a post Monday on X that talks regarding Nexperia and involving China and the Netherlands were progressing, saying that work continues towards lasting stability. The Netherlands said last month it was willing to find a constructive solution" with Chinese authorities to the Nexperia standoff after its economic affairs minister, Vincent Karremans, spoke by telephone with Chinas commerce minister, Wang Wentao. Nexperia was acquired in 2018 by partially state-owned Wingtech for $3.6 billion. The Dutch ministry of economic affairs invoked its rarely used Goods Availability Act to effectively seize control of the company on Sept. 30. It said Nexperias governance posed a threat to the continuity and safeguarding on Dutch and European soil of crucial technological knowledge and capabilities. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Azerbaijan plans to invest 39 million manat ($22.9 million) next year to support Garabagh University as it prepares to expand its programs and facilities, according to the governments draft budget for 2026, Trend reports. The proposed funding was discussed today during a session of the Azerbaijani Parliaments Committee on Economic Policy, Industry, and Entrepreneurship, which oversees state economic planning. Officials said the university expects to enroll and house roughly 2,500 students across 6 fields and 34 specialties in the upcoming academic year, including 100 in the medical program. By the 20252026 academic year, the number of students is projected to reach nearly 4,000. Garabagh University was established in the city of Khankendi under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan by the decree of President Ilham Aliyev on November 28, 2023 (Decree No. 4182). The date of the decree holds symbolic significance: 50 years earlier, on November 28, 1973, the Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institutes branch in Khankendi was founded at the initiative of Heydar Aliyev. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. As many as 6 million manat ($3.54 million) are projected to ensure the operation of the Azerbaijan-Turkiye Joint University, which will enroll 300 students in engineering and medical programs, for the 2025/2026 academic year, Trend reports. This issue was reflected in the draft law On the State Budget of Azerbaijan for 2026, discussed today at a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy, Industry, and Entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, for the next year, a total of 5 billion manat ($2.96 billion) is projected for education expenditures, which is 78.6 million manat ($46.3 million), or 1.6 percent higher than in 2025, and 625.8 million manat ($369.7 million), or 14.3 percent higher than the 2024 budget execution. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Comprehensive work covering the historical, scientific, cultural, and legal aspects of creating a common Turkic alphabet should be conducted in the lead-up to the 100th anniversary of the Baku Turkological Congress, which will be celebrated in 2026, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Binali Yildirim said at the 18th meeting of the OTS Council of Elders in Baku, Trend reports. He noted that the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, held in Samarkand, adopted a resolution important for the Turkic world: December 15 was declared World Day of the Turkic Language Family. "This decision underscores the relevance and significance of our work on creating a unified alphabet. 2026 is a special date, the centenary of the first Turkological Congress in Baku. We must, together with relevant institutions in our countries and the fraternal UTC, implement a set of activities covering the historical, scientific, cultural, and legal aspects of the common alphabet," Yildirim explained. According to him, at the initiative of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a large-scale program has been launched to study the history of Turkic states and translate relevant works. As part of this program, with the support of the Council of Elders and the Turkic Academy, a seminar was already held in Ankara, and the first meeting of the commission was held on September 10-11 in Almaty, where the methodology, structure, and organization of future research were discussed. "The commission's goal is to prepare a two-volume publication on the general history of the Turkic peoples, which is planned to be published in all Turkic languages based on a common alphabet. This issue will also be considered at today's meeting," he pointed out. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Kubanychbek Omuraliev welcomed UNESCOs decision to proclaim December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day during its 43rd General Conference held in Samarkand on November 3, 2025, Trend reports. I welcome UNESCOs historic decision to proclaim December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day during its 43rd General Conference held in Samarkand on 3 November 2025, Omuraliev stated. He emphasized that this milestone underscores the ancient roots and universal values of the Turkic language, reflecting its deep historical legacy as a unifying element of the Turkic civilization. According to Omuraliev, the proclamation of this day within UNESCO - the foremost institution dedicated to preserving cultural and linguistic diversity - testifies to the growing recognition of the Turkic Worlds rising identity, values, and role in todays global landscape. The OTS Secretary General extended congratulations to all Member States and Observers for their contributions to this meaningful initiative, reaffirming the Organizations dedication to promoting shared historical and cultural heritage, strengthening unity among Turkic peoples, and advancing a common vision. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. A common language is necessary for the strong unity of the Turkic states, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Binali Yildirim told media on the sidelines of the 18th meeting of the OTS Council of Elders in Baku, Trend reports. He emphasized that one of the key areas of cooperation among Turkic countries remains the issue of a common alphabet, which will serve as the foundation for linguistic unity. "The common alphabet plays an important role in strengthening cooperation among Turkic states. The outstanding educator of the Turkic world, Ismail Bey Gasprinsky, said that unity is possible only through a shared language, labor, and thought," Yildirim noted. According to him, strengthening unity among Turkic countries will not only open the floodgates for trade and investment but also pave the way for new job opportunities, which in turn will tighten the economic bonds and boost the welfare of the OTS member states. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is an intergovernmental entity that includes all but one of the internationally recognized Turkic sovereign nations. The primary objective is to foster extensive collaboration among the Turkic nations. The General Secretariat of OTS is situated in Istanbul, Turkiye. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The agreement on cooperation between the governments of Azerbaijan and Pakistan on the implementation of the "ASAN Khidmet" experience in Pakistan has been approved, Trend reports. President Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree. According to the decree, the "Agreement on Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the Implementation of the "ASAN Khidmet" Practice in Pakistan," signed in Islamabad on September 10, 2025, has been approved. After the agreement enters into force, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan must ensure the implementation of its provisions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan must send a notification to the Government of Pakistan on the completion of the internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the agreement. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The Azerbaijani delegation met with George-Mihail Neamtu, Chair of the Committee on Culture, Arts, and Media, during an official visit to the Chamber of Deputies of the Romanian Parliament, the Media Development Agency told Trend. The delegation included Ismet Sattarov, Chair of the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency; Vugar Aliyev, Chair of the Board of AZERTAC; Gudsi Osmanov, Azerbaijans Ambassador to Romania; and other members. According to information, discussions focused on expanding cultural, humanitarian, and media cooperation between the two countries, as well as joint initiatives in public diplomacy, the protection of family values, and information security. Ismet Sattarov highlighted that cooperation in the audiovisual sector is a vital tool for promoting cultural, moral, and family values between nations. He noted that Azerbaijan and Romania could deepen their engagement through television and radio projects, documentaries, and educational programs. Ahmad Ismayilov spoke about reforms aimed at promoting innovative development in media and communication, strengthening the creative industries, and fostering family values in society. He emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences in ensuring information security and protecting the domestic media environment, noting that combating disinformation in the digital media sphere is a priority at both national and international levels. Vugar Aliyev highlighted the growing international influence of Azerbaijani media and stressed that joint communication projects could play a significant role in promoting Azerbaijans rich cultural heritage, especially cultural centers such as Shusha, Baku, and Nakhchivan, in Europe. George-Mihail Neamtu underscored the importance of cultural and information cooperation between Romania and Azerbaijan, stating that the Romanian Parliament and the Committee prioritize the protection of family values and the transmission of national identity and cultural heritage to future generations. He noted that exchanging experiences and ideas with Azerbaijan would contribute to the development of cultural relations between the two nations. Laura Gherasim, Chair of the Committee on Investigating Abuses, Corruption, and Petitions of the Chamber of Deputies, briefed the delegation on measures Romania has taken to prevent illegal activities, cybercrimes, and ethical violations in the digital space. She highlighted that improving legal mechanisms and increasing media literacy remain key priorities for Romanian society. Ambassador Gudsi Osmanov described the meeting as conducted in the spirit of strategic partnership, emphasizing that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania is entering a new phase not only politically and economically but also in cultural, humanitarian, and moral spheres. Subsequent to the meeting, George-Mihail Neamtu presented his book, The Trump Phenomenon, to the Azerbaijani delegation, personally signing it as a commemorative gift. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Josip Brkic held a meeting in Sarajevo with the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Arnhild Spence, Trend reports. At the start of the meeting, Deputy Minister Brkic welcomed Coordinator Spence, emphasizing the long-standing and significant cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations. He underlined that the partnership with the UN holds strategic importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the context of joint efforts toward sustainable development, institutional strengthening, and the promotion of human rights. During the meeting, Brkic briefed his counterpart on the current political and social situation in the country, describing the previous period as challenging but expressing hope that the coming phase will bring greater stability and more open dialogue. In this context, he highlighted the importance of continued international support, noting the unanimous extension of the EUFOR Althea missions mandate in the UN Security Council as a strong sign of trust and commitment to preserving peace and security in the region. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovinas cooperation with NATO, which was recognized as a framework for long-term security and stability both in the country and the wider region. Resident Coordinator Spence thanked Bosnia and Herzegovina for its openness toward the United Nations, stressing that the UNs activities in the country are centered on people and their needs. She reiterated that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the foundation of their work, aimed at ensuring a peaceful and dignified life for all. Spence also emphasized the importance of reconciliation, conflict prevention, and trust-building among communities, noting the UNs support through various funds focused on strengthening local capacities and promoting stability through inclusive approaches. At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed readiness to further enhance cooperation with the goal of improving the quality of life for the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has introduced its new Environmental and Social Policy (ESP 2024). The policy reinforces the banks commitment to ensuring all its investments meet the highest environmental and social standards. In an exclusive interview with Trend, Maya Hennerkes, Managing Director of the Environment and Sustainability Department at the EBRD, described this period as a crucial moment for advancing environmental and social goals. "Its an extremely important and exciting time to work on environmental and social matters. I think its probably never been more important," she said. "Every single euro, every single dollar that goes out of our doors is checked against the requirements of our environmental and social policy. We really want to make sure that we have good international practices, project by project, consistently," Hennerkes noted. Hennerkes emphasized that the new policy applies across EBRDs expanding geographical scope, covering countries from Azerbaijan to sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq. "That often really means also beyond the project-by-project work that were trying to elevate and build capacity. We support policy of governments that have sustainable goals, and we engage very closely locally with stakeholders, with communities," she explained. She underlined that EBRDs environmental and social specialists play an active role on the ground. "They spend a lot of time really on site with their rubber boots on their feet and with a PPE protection kit on the body, walking around, engaging with people, learning from people, having dialogue with local village communities, with local authorities, and so on," Hennerkes said. The ESP 2024 seeks to balance the banks strong safeguards with its broader mission to foster green finance and inclusive growth. "When you work on green finance, you see the full circle of how this green transformation needs to go about," the bank's rep said. "We want to make sure that on the impact side, we have ideally no negative impact, or if there are impacts that arise from a project, that we can mitigate those to a satisfactory manner". She added that financing the transition to greener and more inclusive economies remains central to the EBRDs work. "We need to make sure that we channel the funding to the right use of proceeds, to the right projects, so that we have a lot of green projects, for example. But these safeguards are always a precondition that we will not negotiate". Hennerkes noted that the ESP 2024 embodies the EBRDs continued effort to combine environmental protection, social inclusion, and responsible financing. "Working in this area brings all the pieces together - the impacts, the goal setting, the business opportunities, and the really careful approach to risk mitigation," she added. Environmental protection, social inclusion, and economic growth Further speaking, the managing director pointed out that environmental protection and social inclusion go hand in hand, reinforcing one another and driving economic growth across the EBRDs regions. "Where you have strong environmental protection, that also provides a greater assurance for all social groups. By protecting the environment, were also fostering social inclusion, and by supporting both, we absolutely bring about economic development in the banks regions," Hennerkes said. She noted that while climate change presents major challenges, it also creates new opportunities. "We have a huge transformation process happening in industries - a massive industrial and economic transformation. And with that come new high-quality jobs in green industry areas and business opportunities through improved natural capital," she explained. However, Hennerkes acknowledged that environmental and social goals may occasionally conflict. "We see that, for example, when were financing a wind farm that may affect the livelihoods of locals working in that area," she said. "This is where we work very carefully through our environmental and social policy to make sure that by pursuing one goal, were never negatively impacting another". Azerbaijans green potential and EBRD investments Turning to Azerbaijan, the bank's rep emphasized the countrys strong potential for green growth. "Azerbaijan specifically has great untapped potential for this green transformation," she said. "It was very inspiring to see the momentum during COP29 in Baku, where we saw a lot of signings with Azerbaijani companies for green energy". The EBRD, she added, has already financed about 1.2 GW of renewable energy capacity in Azerbaijan. "We are expecting CO emissions reductions of 600,000 tons annually from those investments. But it also generates clean electricity for 300,000 homes. If you have homes that have clean electricity instead of using diesel generators, that has clear positive health impacts - so socially, its also very beneficial," Hennerkes said. She also highlighted the EBRDs support for Azerbaijans renewable energy auctions. "Weve been involved in every utility-scale renewable project and also helped the government design the auction system for energy projects. Its a really good thing for the market - it brings transparency and attracts other investors who then feel confident to invest in Azerbaijans energy sector," she explained. "Overall, theres a huge potential, and were definitely very excited to do more with Azerbaijan. Were actively looking for more projects - and for the right projects," she concluded. New provisions for capital market financing Speaking about the ESP 2024, Hennerkes also highlighted new provisions related to capital market financing. "While in the past we tried to limit environmental and social risks through capital market structures mainly by excluding higher-risk projects, weve now decided to be a bit more bold. Instead of excluding them, were putting a focus on managing them well," she said. To achieve this, the EBRD plans to work more closely with potential issuers before they launch bonds. "Weve designed an approach to work with potential issuers early on their own environmental and social management systems, so that they have a really strong system in place before they issue a bond. Were trying now to strengthen the additional component of very strong environmental and social safeguards so that the ultimate package is even stronger," Hennerkes noted. Another key feature of the revised policy is a risk-based approach to project assessment. "We want to really spend our time and expertise on those projects where the risks are high and where a lot more review and assessment is needed," the bank's rep explained. "Different projects have different needs, so were moving away from a one-size-fits-all model". The bank has also systemized early stakeholder engagement to ensure local concerns are addressed proactively. "We now have dedicated resources - people who are very versed in stakeholder engagement and can work with those concerns in a proactive way. We just want to be really upfront and engage very early to make sure that concerns do not go unaddressed," the managing director said. Protection of vulnerable communities and inclusion goals "Promotion of inclusion is super important, and protection of vulnerable communities is obviously equally important. We have a provision in our policy that requires us to look at potential impacts for vulnerable people around our projects, specifically for each project. All adverse impacts need to be avoided as much as possible, and if they cant be avoided, then mitigated," Hennerkes said. She stressed that every project must identify specific vulnerable groups and address their needs: "We recognize that vulnerable people are often more negatively impacted if a negative impact stems from a project. This is a very, very strong focus for us." Inclusion goes a step beyond safeguards, Hennerkes explained, focusing on proactive opportunities for economic participation. "Some of our projects have very dedicated inclusion impact goals, for example, women in business lines or youth in business lines, where we focus on specific groups to help them contribute to and benefit from economic development," she said. Collaboration with governments, private sector, and civil society Hennerkes also highlighted the importance of collaboration beyond the bank itself. "All environmental and social challenges are bigger than ourselves or the institution. Governments, legislation, and policy are key. We promote strong environmental protection policies and help governments implement ambitious climate-related goals, such as through low-carbon pathways initiatives for high-emitting sectors like fertilizers or steel," she noted. The private sector, she added, is central to the EBRDs work: "EBRD is a private-sector-focused MDB. Around 80% of our business is private sector. They are really the ones doing the transformation, improving industrial processes, enhancing manufacturing efficiency, and optimizing transportation of goods. We support them with our financing". Civil society engagement is another critical component. "Our projects do not exist in isolation. Civil society stakeholders give us feedback, criticism, and insights that make our work better," she said. The EBRD maintains dedicated teams for civil society engagement, arranging meetings during official visits and ensuring consistent stakeholder consultation. For large-scale, high-risk projects, the EBRDs environmental and social safeguards require extensive community engagement. "We have a whole performance requirement - ESR10 - dedicated to community outreach and stakeholder engagement. It lays out very clearly what we expect from ourselves and our clients in terms of engagement, consultation, and disclosure. It is ingrained in our day-to-day project work," Hennerkes explained. Tackling the triple environmental challenge The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is intensifying its efforts to address the interconnected global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, added Hennerkes. "We are facing really a triple challenge. Its a climate challenge, but its also a nature and biodiversity crisis, and its also a pollution crisis. That really makes this a very, very big and very interlinked challenge, and that makes this also so pressing and so urgent that we address environmental and social matters consistently through every single financing that we do," she said. The managing director emphasized that environmental and social sustainability have been a core element of the EBRDs operations since its founding. "Its always been there, so its not new for us. But of course, we adapt to the challenge, and the challenge right now is really getting more urgent and more pressing," she added. Addressing expectations for COP30, Hennerkes noted that the countrys focus on biodiversity will likely influence the global agenda: "We are also planning to step up our activities for nature and biodiversity. We already have a very strong safeguard for nature and biodiversity, but were also thinking about more activities to channel more financing towards nature projects". Hennerkes underlined that pollution reduction remains integral to the banks work - both through safeguards and financing. "We continue our tried and tested approach, which is the combination of our very strong safeguards, the Paris alignment as a precondition to all of our investments, and EBRDs green economy transition goals," she explained. The bank is also preparing to update its Green Economy Transition approach. "One of the things were thinking is to help our clients to really do more on climate adaptation," Hennerkes said, highlighting Central Asia as a region already facing very strong climate vulnerabilities. According to her, the EBRDs evolving strategy will maintain its core principle: addressing environmental and social issues as an inseparable part of sustainable development. China's ZTT Group is set to invest an estimated $100m (712.11m yuan) to establish a submarine and terrestrial cables manufacturing facility at Saudi Arabias Ras Al-Khair Port. It has signed a land lease agreement with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) to set up the 80,000m facility. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the planned facility will have the annual capacity to produce 500km of submarine cables, 500km of terrestrial cables and 12,500km of fibre-optic cables. These cables will be essential for supporting large-scale renewable energy installations, bolstering digital connectivity networks, and advancing offshore infrastructure projects throughout the country and beyond, reported GCC Business News. The agreement was signed by Sulaiman bin Khalid Al-Mazrou, president of the Saudi Ports Authority, and Xu Jianlin, CEO of ZTT Group, during the ninth Future Investment Initiative conference held last week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This partnership is seen as essential for building Saudi Arabias submarine and terrestrial cable sector, directly advancing the National Transport and Logistics Strategys aim of making the kingdom a global logistics hub, reported Maaal.com. Al-Mazrou described the project as a strategic move that would reinforce Ras Al-Khair Ports role as an industrial centre in the country. He also stated that the collaboration would help localise cable manufacturing and attract technologies that support Saudi Arabias telecommunications industry. Equipped for both general and bulk cargo operations, Ras Al-Khair Port covers 23km and features 14 berths, with a cargo handling capacity of around 35 million tonnes. ZTT Group manufactures telecommunications equipment, submarine cables and power solutions, and has production facilities in Germany, Turkey, Indonesia and Morocco. The company is looking to expand its operations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This initiative is part of Mawanis broader strategy to facilitate strategic alliances through new projects at national ports, aligning with the countrys Vision 2030 initiative, as well as National Transport and Logistics Strategy objectives. According to Economy Middle East, Saudi Arabias maritime industry backed by around 3,400km of coastline on the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf occupies a strategically important position linking East and West. Investment in the sector has topped SR25bn (roughly $6.66bn), fuelled by partnerships between Mawani and domestic and international stakeholders. "Chinas ZTT Group to invest $100m in cable manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia" was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 4. The Asian Development Bank (ADB), together with ACWA Power, Sumitomo Corporation, Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc., and Shikoku Electric Power Co. Inc., has signed a landmark financing package to construct two large-scale solar power plants with battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Uzbekistan, Trend reports. The Samarkand 1 and 2 Solar PV and BESS projects, to be implemented across the Samarkand and Bukhara regions, mark a new stage in Central Asias transition toward clean and sustainable energy. These facilities will become among the largest of their kind in the region, strengthening Uzbekistans position as a renewable energy hub. ADB arranged a $140 million financing package, including $70 million from its ordinary capital resources, $10 million from the ADB-administered Leading Asias Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), and $60 million in syndicated loans with ADB as the lender of record. To further enhance project bankability and reduce financial risks, ADB will provide up to $85 million in credit guaranteessupported by the Government of Uzbekistanto secure the off-takers tariff payment obligations. These guarantees have played a decisive role in attracting over $1.2 billion in total private and partner investments. "ADB is pleased to support Uzbekistan in advancing one of the most significant renewable energy initiatives in the region," said ADB President Masato Kanda. "These solar and battery plants demonstrate the power of partnership and innovationdelivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy while reducing emissions. By combining technical ambition with financial ingenuity, this collaboration sets a strong precedent for Central Asias green transition." The projects will add 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar generation capacity and about 1,336 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage. They also include the construction of new transmission lines and two substations to ensure grid stability and improved connectivity. Once operational, the facilities are expected to supply clean electricity to approximately 600,000 households and offset up to 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. The financing consortium brings together leading international institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). Commercial banks participating under Japans Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) program include Standard Chartered Bank, The Norinchukin Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH. This year marks the 30th anniversary of ADBs partnership with Uzbekistan. Since joining the Bank in 1995, Uzbekistan has received loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $14.6 billion, supporting economic diversification, infrastructure modernization, and the countrys strategic shift toward a green and inclusive growth model. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Bulgaria boosted its natural gas imports from Azerbaijan, acquiring 1.23 billion cubic meters worth $457.9 million from January through August 2025. Data obtained by Trend from the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan indicates that this represents a 21.4 percent, or $80.7 million, increase in value and a 2.4 percent rise in volume compared to the same period last year. For comparison, Azerbaijan exported 1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Bulgaria during the same period in 2024, valued at $377.2 million. Azerbaijan exported a total of 16.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas abroad, valued at $6 billion. This marks an increase of $541.2 million, or 9.9 percent, in value and 625.9 million cubic meters, or 3.9 percent, in volume compared to the same period last year. During the same period, Azerbaijan imported 233.3 million cubic meters of natural gas, worth $36.3 million. This represents a decline of $38.8 million, or 2.1 times, in value and 234.4 million cubic meters, or roughly half, in volume compared to the previous year. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 4. Kazakhstan has recorded its highest-ever harvest of grains and other agricultural crops, Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov announced during a government meeting, Trend reports. According to the minister, the 2025 harvest season demonstrated stable growth in the countrys agricultural output. This year has been record-breaking not only for grains but also for other high-yield and in-demand crops such as legumes and oilseeds, which were prioritized in the diversification of cultivated areas, Saparov said. Grain harvesting across the country has now been completed. From 16 million hectares, farmers collected 27.1 million tons of grain, with an average yield of 17 centners per hectare, up from 16.2 in 2024. Wheat output reached 20.3 million tons from 12.2 million hectares, half a million tons higher than last years level. Despite a reduction of nearly 900,000 hectares in wheat planting as part of diversification efforts, production not only remained stable but increased significantly. Barley production totaled around 4 million tons, maintaining last years level. For the first time, legume production reached 1 million tons, while oilseed harvests hit a record 4.3 million tons, with harvesting still ongoing. In addition, farmers collected 2.9 million tons of potatoes, 3.8 million tons of vegetables, and 2.6 million tons of melons. Cotton harvesting has also concluded. Thanks to the adoption of modern cultivation technologies, including drip irrigation, some farms achieved yields of up to 50 centners per hectare. Overall, cotton output reached 428,000 tons - 42 percent higher than in 2024. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 4. Kazakhstan is boosting its grain exports while developing projects aimed at deep processing, Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov reported at a recent government meeting, Trend reports. He emphasized that domestic grain production fully meets the countrys internal demand, allowing for a strong export potential. Grain exports in the previous marketing season reached 13.4 million tons - 47% higher than the previous year - supported by transport subsidies. We plan to maintain this export level, and this measure has been extended until September 1, 2026. This year, we began deliveries to non-traditional markets such as Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Norway, the UK, Vietnam, the UAE, and North African countries. Exports to Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia have also resumed, Saparov said. He noted that demand for Kazakh grain remains high. Since the new harvest, approximately 2.2 million tons of grain have already been exported, a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. In line with presidential directives to promote high value-added exports, five investment projects in deep grain processing are underway. These initiatives are expected to withdraw an additional 2.5 million tons of grain from the market, further supporting Kazakhstans export growth and domestic industry development. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 4. Kazakhstans Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has urged greater investment in agro-processing projects to boost the countrys agricultural sector and move beyond traditional grain exports, Trend reports. Speaking at a government meeting, Bektenov emphasized the importance of developing high value-added products. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including corn processing projects in the Zhambyl and Turkestan regions, starch production in Astana, and the manufacture of lysine, gluten, and bioethanol in North Kazakhstan, Kostanay, and Akmola regions. To ensure comprehensive development of the agricultural sector, there should be more projects of this kind. Greater focus is needed on attracting investment in similar areas, Bektenov said. He stressed the shift from raw grain exports toward processed products with higher added value. Bektenov also called for strengthened food security measures. Regional authorities have been instructed to monitor stocks in stabilization funds continuously and to organize timely contracts for the supply of essential vegetables in necessary volumes. These steps reflect Kazakhstans push to modernize its agro-industrial sector and expand the production of processed agricultural goods for both domestic consumption and export markets. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 4. First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhromjon Aloyev held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Andorra, Imma Tor Faus, to discuss prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in political, trade, and economic spheres, Trend reports. During the talks, the sides also explored opportunities to deepen collaboration in tourism, ecology, and innovation, highlighting the potential for joint initiatives in these sectors. Minister Imma Tor Faus commended the high-level organization of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, noting that the event demonstrated the results of President Shavkat Mirziyoyevs far-sighted policy aimed at strengthening cultural dialogue, as well as advancing science and education in Uzbekistan. At the end of the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their readiness to further enhance the partnership characterized by trust, mutual respect, and friendly relations. The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference officially opened on October 30 in Uzbekistans historic city of Samarkand and will run through November 13. The agenda includes key decisions on the organizations future priorities, including the appointment of UNESCOs next Director-General and the adoption of the first-ever global Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology. This is a landmark moment, as its the first time in four decades that the UNESCO General Conference has ventured far from its Paris home base. Uzbekistan is currently implementing a five-year cooperation program with UNESCO through 2027. Samarkanda UNESCO World Heritage Siteis globally recognized as a major cultural crossroads along the ancient Silk Road. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a 500 million euro green loan with Iberdrola to support the construction of the Windanker offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea, Trend reports. The financing, guaranteed by the Spanish export credit agency Cesce, is the first use of a new EIB-Cesce guarantee designed to back green projects by Spanish companies abroad. Windanker will add 315 MW of offshore wind capacity, enough to supply renewable electricity to approximately 600,000 households annually. The project will deploy 21 Siemens Gamesa SG 14-236 DD turbines, among the most advanced offshore turbines globally, with 236-meter rotors and direct drive technology, enabling over 30% higher annual energy production than previous models. Construction has begun with the installation of the first monopile, while turbine installation is scheduled for 2026, with full commissioning expected in Q4 2026. Located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the project will generate around 2,200 person-years of employment during construction and sustain up to 160 permanent green jobs. The financing aligns with EIB and EU climate objectives, contributing to the REPowerEU initiative, Germanys National Energy and Climate Plan, and the EIB Groups TechEU program. Windanker is expected to reduce CO emissions by 672,000 tons annually and support Germanys goal of achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030. This financing helps bring cutting-edge wind technology to the Baltic Sea while strengthening energy security and supporting local economies, said Jean-Christophe Laloux, EIB Director General of Financing and Advisory Operations within the EU. Iberdrola noted that the loan strengthens its financial structure and underlines institutional confidence in its ability to deliver high-value renewable projects. The project will be a major step in Iberdrolas Baltic Hub strategy and highlights ongoing EU efforts to expand clean energy, foster technical green skills, and drive sustainable economic growth in transition regions. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) is committing 192.5 million euros for Serbia to upgrade medical centers and sanitation infrastructure, Trend reports. The EIB Global support package includes a 157 million euro loan and a 35.5 million euro EU grant to the Serbian government. The loan will fund the reconstruction and extension of clinical centres in the cities of Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kragujevac and Nis. The project will help strengthen Serbia's healthcare system, enhancing access to high-quality medical services to meet evolving needs. The grant provided by the EU under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) will support the construction of a sewerage network in the Belgrade municipality of Palilula. The project will improve sanitation for around 86,000 residents. These investments will improve access to care and enhance the wellbeing of Serbian citizens, said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot, who signed the financing agreements today in Belgrade. The result will be more efficient healthcare services and a cleaner environment. The EU grant provided under the Western Balkans Investment Framework is for the construction of a sewerage network in the central Belgrade municipality of Palilula. The project will improve sanitation for around 86,000 residents and protect public health. EIB Global has committed almost 8 billion euros in financing to date in Serbia, covering projects across a broad range of sectors including transport, energy, research, education and the countrys private sector. The strengthening, modernization, equipping, and reconstruction of healthcare institutions are of strategic importance for the Government of Serbia, and with the help of partners such as the European Investment Bank, we are continuing the investment wave in healthcare, said Serbian Minister of Finance Sinisa Mali, adding: Today we signed an agreement that enables us to continue investing in clinical centers in Belgrade, Kragujevac, Nis, and Novi Sad, marking the beginning of the second phase of major investments in these healthcare institutions. Serbia is being built, and I am proud of all the results we have achieved in the past decade. The European Union has been a dedicated partner to Serbia as the country pursues EU membership, supporting the development of key infrastructure. The loan for the clinical centers is backed by an EU guarantee under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), while the wastewater project is supported through an EU grant. Clean water, healthy communities, and a greener future this project brings much-needed infrastructure to a community that currently lacks a sewer network and wastewater treatment. Its a win for Belgrade and for the Sava and Danube, two of Europes most important waterways that flow through Europes heart, said Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia. Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic stated that the agreement is a significant contribution to the joint efforts of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the EU in achieving European standards. Our strategic goal is accession to the European Union, and the reforms we are implementing along that path lead us not only to faster achievement of that goal but also to the accelerated development of the country and the improvement of living conditions for all citizens, emphasized Minister Starovic, adding that the wastewater investment signed today amounts to 85.4 million euros, of which over 35.5 million euros consists of an EU grant combined under IPA 3 with a 35 million euro EIB loan, while around 14.9 million euros represents an investment by the City of Belgrade. The National IPA Coordinator and State Secretary at the Ministry of European Integration, Mira Radenovic Bojic, said that with the implementation of this project, residents of the left bank of the Danube in Belgrades Palilula municipality will gain access to modern sewage infrastructure. Treated wastewater will be discharged into the Danube, significantly improving environmental conditions and public health for all residents of that part of Belgrade. During the construction of the facility and once it becomes operational, more than 200 jobs will be created, said Radenovic Bojic. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. An exchange of views was held on the topic of developing and improving export strategies in the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) with the participation of Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Ministry of Economy. Deputy Minister of Economy Rovnag Abdullayev attended the 41st meeting of the OIC Standing Committee on Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) held in Istanbul, Turkiye. The meeting emphasized that Azerbaijan attaches special importance to deepening multilateral cooperation and economic integration with the OIC member states. The event provided information on the measures implemented in Azerbaijan to diversify export markets and expand non-oil and gas exports, as well as projects that increase access to European and OIC markets. Besides, the event noted that the implementation of exchange programs for small and medium-sized business exporters and joint projects in industry, renewable energy, agriculture, and other areas can contribute to further strengthening existing economic and trade relations. The favorable business and investment environment formed in Azerbaijan, promising directions for cooperation, opportunities for industrial zones, as well as tax and customs privileges applied in the liberated territories, and other incentive mechanisms were brought to the attention of the event participants. The meeting, held with the participation of heads of relevant state bodies of the member countries of the organization, discussed the implementation of the "OIC-2025: Action Program," the impact of global economic trends on the member countries of the OIC, the development of trade relations within the OIC, increasing the role of the private sector in economic cooperation, deepening financial cooperation, improving transport and communication infrastructure, and other relevant issues. The OIC Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) serves as the principal forum for economic and trade collaboration among the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Established in 1981, it aims to promote development, share best practices, and execute joint initiatives in areas such as trade, investment, and agriculture. COMCEC, presided over by the President of Turkiye, convenes annually to promote economic integration among the Islamic community. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. For nine months, in a flood of emergency orders, the Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump to expand his power. The justices have permitted Trump to slash the federal bureaucracy, fire the heads of nominally independent agencies and exercise powers traditionally ascribed to Congress. How much further will the court go? That will be the overriding question Wednesday when the court hears arguments on the legality of most of the president's tariffs - the first case to reach the justices in a series of high-stakes tests of Trump's sweeping claims of authority. His asserted tariff powers are uniquely dear to Trump, who has repeatedly warned of economic devastation if the court were to rule against one of his signature policies. But the other tests of presidential power could also have major impact. In November, the court will consider whether to strike down a 90-year-old precedent that insulates independent agencies from White House interference. In January, it will explore whether Trump can remake the Federal Reserve, with its vast powers over the economy. Taken together, the cases will determine the extent to which the Supreme Court will embrace Trump's view of a presidency constrained by few checks and wielding the type of authority typically only seen in times of war or national crisis. Decisions are expected in the cases by the summer. "I think the court so far has been more deferential to President Trump than most Supreme Courts in modern times," said Matthew Dallek, a political historian at George Washington University. "It's very hard to point to a significant way in which the court has said 'stop' to the White House. It raises the pressure on the court, and it raises the stakes for the term ahead." White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement the high court's rulings have corrected erroneous decisions by "far-left liberal activist judges" and that the president is doing what he was elected to do. "The President will continue implementing the policy agenda that the American people voted for in November and will continue to be vindicated by higher courts when liberal activist judges attempt to intervene," Jackson said. Trump's claim that he can unilaterally impose massive tariffs, a cornerstone of his economic agenda, is among his most aggressive moves to date. His assertion rests on a 1977 law that grants the president emergency powers to regulate international commerce. Trump's argument that the law can be used for tariffs is one no other president has made in the statute's 50-year history. The administration has asked the justices to overturn federal court rulings that found the law did not convey authority to impose tariffs. Trump said the levies, some of which he announced at an event he dubbed "Liberation Day," will help stem the flow of fentanyl across the border and restore America's manufacturing base. Small businesses and states have sued to block the levies, arguing they will cause widespread economic harm. Arguably, no institution has set the stage for Trump's efforts to expand his power as much as the Supreme Court and in particular its chief justice. John G. Roberts Jr. has written decisions in recent years declaring the president a uniquely powerful figure. In a 2020 ruling, Roberts wrote the "entire executive Power' belongs to the President alone." He has also intimated the president should have a free hand to fire low-level government employees and made it easier for the president to remove the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Last year, Roberts, writing for the majority, granted Trump and other presidents broad immunity from prosecution for official acts. Roberts said such protection was necessary for the president to carry out his responsibilities forcefully and fearlessly. "Unlike anyone else, the president is a branch of government, and the Constitution vests in him sweeping powers and duties," Roberts wrote. The decision drew a vigorous dissent from the court's liberal justices: "The President is now a king above the law," Justice Sonia Sotomayor lamented for the trio. Roberts's rulings are in keeping with the unitary executive theory; the legal idea, embraced mostly by conservatives, that the president has sole and total control over the executive branch, including the right to fire its employees with little interference from Congress or the courts. The theory was advanced by the Reagan White House, where a young Roberts served as an attorney. It has now reached its zenith in Trump's second term. Legal experts said it's not just the substance of the high court's decisions that have empowered Trump - it's how the justices have made them. The administration has brought far more cases to the Supreme Court on the emergency docket than any of its predecessors, allowing for quick decisions that temporarily clear the way for Trump's priorities to take effect while litigation continues. The court's liberals have frequently criticized the conservative majority for making decisions on weighty issues without full briefings, arguments or the extended deliberation that accompanies cases heard on the regular docket. Decision by decision, the emergency-docket cases have increased Trump's power, albeit on a provisional basis so far. In all, the court has ruled for Trump 17 out of 23 times in emergency appeals - an extraordinary record. Four cases remain pending and one was declared moot. Graham G. Dodds, a professor of political science at Concordia University, said the Trump administration was testing the boundaries of the law with its actions, understanding the Roberts court's expansive views of the president's role. "Some of [Trump's] recent actions in his second term have almost invited court cases, intentionally pushing the envelope hoping to provoke a court case," Dodds said. Dodds pointed to the string of temporary rulings in which the court has allowed Trump to fire without cause members of the Federal Trade Commission, Merit Systems Protection Board, National Labor Relations Board and Consumer Product Safety Commission. Those rulings cut against the Supreme Court's main precedent on the issue of independent agencies, a 1935 case called Humphrey's Executor, which allowed Congress to shield such agencies by limiting the ability of presidents to fire their board members. Congress created the protections so the agencies could make decisions based on nonpartisan expertise, not politics. The agencies include those that make critical decisions about elections, media and product safety. The court's conservatives have argued Humphrey's Executor subverts the constitutional order, but liberal Justice Elena Kagan wrote in dissents that its potential demise will greatly expand the president's power and could politicize core functions of the government. "The majority, stay order by stay order, has handed full control of all those agencies to the President," Kagan wrote in her dissent over the firing of an FTC commissioner. "He may now remove - so says the majority, though Congress said differently - any member he wishes, for any reason or no reason at all. And he may thereby extinguish the agencies' bipartisanship and independence." Kagan wrote in another dissent that it was backward for the conservative majority to accede to Trump's request to fire FTC member Rebecca Kelly Slaughter on its emergency docket, even though it had not decided a challenge to Humphrey's Executor, the precedent that protected her. She said it showed a majority "raring to take action." "Our emergency docket should never be used, as it has been this year, to permit what our own precedent bars," Kagan wrote. "Still more, it should not be used, as it also has been, to transfer government authority from Congress to the President, and thus to reshape the Nation's separation of powers." In another case, the justices green-lit Trump's efforts to gut the Education Department by firing more than a third of its staff and outsourcing its duties, one of several rulings allowing Trump to radically downsize the government. The majority did not detail the rationale for its decision, which is common in cases decided on the emergency docket, but the court's liberals issued a blistering dissent, noting Congress created the agency by statute. The ruling "hands the Executive the power to repeal statutes by firing all those necessary to carry them out. The majority is either willfully blind to the implications of its ruling or naive, but either way the threat to our Constitution's separation of powers is grave," Sotomayor wrote. Unlike Trump, nine presidents over the last 100 years in both parties have gotten permission from Congress to reorganize the executive branch before moving forward with such plans, Sotomayor wrote. The high court has bolstered Trump's power in another area traditionally seen as under the purview of Congress: spending. Trump has unilaterally held up billions of dollars in appropriations for research, teacher training and conservation, among other cuts. Congressional Democrats estimated as of June that Trump had refused to allocate more than $425 billion mandated by Congress. In one key decision, the justices permitted Trump to freeze more than $4 billion in foreign aid for food, medicine and development, which officials said was not in keeping with the administration's priorities or values. The justices ruled aid groups, which sued over the freeze, probably were not allowed to bring such suits. Mitchell Warren, executive director of the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, which sued the Trump administration over the freeze, said the high court's ruling "potentially implies that the Administration can disregard Congressional power of the purse." Cecillia Wang, national litigation director at the ACLU, which has challenged the Trump administration in numerous cases, argued the Supreme Court has made it easier for the Trump administration to win cases on the emergency docket. Traditionally, the high court has leaned toward preserving the status quo in emergency decisions, but Wang said the court's conservatives have shown a greater willingness to upend current policy to allow Trump's agenda to move forward. The justices have also shifted how they weigh harms and benefits of blocking a policy, one of the criteria for issuing an injunction, she said. "They have ignored profound harms to plaintiffs - sometimes at the risk of their lives - while giving overwhelming preference to the president's assertion that he doesn't wish to be delayed in implementing his policies," Wang said. Andrew Rudalevige, professor of government at Bowdoin College, said Trump's steady accretion of power is striking because it bucks historical precedent. "In the past when you've had the expansion of presidential power, it's almost always been because of a pretty-well-agreed-upon national emergency," Rudalevige said. "The Civil War is a big boost for presidential power. The depression and World War II are boosts for presidential power There's no equivalent of that now." Jeffrey Rosen, who recently released a book dealing with presidential power called "The Pursuit of Liberty," said the current era is also distinct in that Congress has typically pushed back against presidents who try to expand their power. But the Republican-controlled legislature has been particularly quiescent during Trump's second term. "If this pattern continues of a deferential Congress and court allowing the consolidation of executive power in the White House, it may change the balance of power in ways that are hard to restore," Rosen said. By Naveen Thukral and Ella Cao SINGAPORE/BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese soybean importers have stepped up purchases of Brazilian cargoes in recent days as South American prices eased on expectations a U.S.-China trade deal will lead to a resumption of U.S. sales to the world's largest soybean importer. Buyers have booked 10 cargoes of Brazilian soybeans for December shipment and 10 for March-July with South American prices now quoted below offers being made for U.S. cargoes, three traders said on Monday. Brazilian soybeans had traded at higher prices than U.S. supplies in recent weeks as steep Chinese tariffs curbed demand for U.S. beans. "Brazil is now cheaper than U.S. Gulf, and buyers are taking this opportunity to book cargoes," said a trader at an international company that runs oilseed processing plants in China. "We are seeing increased demand for Brazilian beans since last week." CHINA TO RAMP UP FARM TRADE WITH US UNDER NEW AGREEMENT Beijing agreed to expand farm trade with Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea last week. The White House subsequently released details of the agreement revealing China will purchase at least 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans in the final two months of 2025 and at least 25 million tons in each of the next three years. The market is now awaiting further announcements from Chinese authorities on potential reductions in import tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. "We have heard from the U.S. side but nothing much has come from China," said a second trader at a global trading company. "We cannot take trading decisions until China says it has removed the tariff on U.S. soybeans." China's state-owned COFCO made the country's first purchases from this year's U.S. harvest last week, buying three cargoes. Brazilian beans for December shipment are quoted at a premium of $2.25-$2.30 over the January Chicago contract, as compared with $2.40 per bushel being offered for U.S. beans to be shipped from U.S. Gulf Coast, traders said. Chicago soybean futures gained almost 1% on Monday, with prices climbing to a 15-month high as China's return to the U.S. market continued to buoy the market. [GRA/] (Reporting by Ella Cao in Beijing and Naveen Thukral in SingaporeEditing by Louise Heavens and Joe Bavier) BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Proposals have been put forward for the gradual, phased taxation of wages in the private sector, not related to the oil and gas sector, said Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, Trend reports. He made the remark during todays meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship, held to discuss the draft law "On the State Budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026". "Taking into account that the exemption, which expires on January 1, 2026, was implemented in accordance with the set socio-economic objectives, as well as sufficient strengthening of tax administration to preserve and further multiply the achievements in formalizing the labor market, and at the same time, to create favorable conditions for continuing the legalization process, including by establishing a lower tax burden on lower incomes, proposals have been made for the gradual, phased taxation of wages in the private sector not related to the oil and gas sector," he stressed. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 4. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Qatar has increased by 45 percent since the beginning of this year, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek president's office. This was announced during President Shavkat Mirziyoyevs working visit to Doha, where he held talks with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and expanding practical cooperation across multiple sectors. The sides expressed satisfaction with the growing dialogue and active exchanges at various levels. Major investment projects involving leading Qatari companies are currently underway, alongside progress in inter-parliamentary and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. Special attention was paid to pushing the envelope on joint initiatives in green energy, transport, geology, textiles, tourism, infrastructure development, and other key areas on the radar. The parties also exchanged views on pressing issues on the regional and international agenda. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. More than 44,000 jobs are planned to be generated in Azerbaijan, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov said during the discussion of the draft law "On the State Budget of Azerbaijan for 2026" at today's meeting of the Parliament's Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship, Trend reports. He noted that as of October 1, 2025, 612 investment promotion documents were submitted to 508 business entities. According to the minister, as a result of the implementation of projects for which investment promotion documents have been submitted, it is planned to invest about 7.4 billion manat ($4.3 billion) in local production. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 4. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented a set of major proposals aimed at strengthening global social justice and promoting sustainable development during the Second World Summit on Social Development held in Doha, Qatar, Trend reports via the press service of the Uzbek president. In his address, the head of state stressed the need to elevate international cooperation in the fight against poverty. We believe that the time has come to create a new financial architecture to combat poverty that will attract resources for social programs in developing countries, President Mirziyoyev stated. To this end, he proposed establishing a Global Social Justice Fund to support practical measures in reducing poverty and inequality. The president also highlighted the importance of adopting modern and effective mechanisms to address employment challenges. He noted that the rapid spread of high technologies and artificial intelligence is leading to the loss of millions of jobs worldwide. Active coordination between governments, businesses, and society must become a priority, he said, expressing hope that the initiative to develop a Global Initiative on Social Responsibility and Decent Work would be widely supported. Another focus was the expansion of equal access to education as one of the most effective solutions to social problems. The president pointed out that the global economy loses nearly $1.4 trillion annually due to illiteracy, worsening inequality, and limiting opportunities for young people. Uzbekistan, he stressed, fully supports the decisions of the inaugural meeting of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, proposing to host one of its future summits, with education as the main agenda item. Mirziyoyev also underscored the importance of systemic protection for migrant workers and their families. He proposed organizing an international forum in Tashkent next yearin cooperation with the International Labour Organization and the International Organization for Migrationand adopting a global program to safeguard migrants rights. Addressing the growing social implications of climate change, the president emphasized that extreme weather, desertification, and biodiversity loss predominantly affect vulnerable groups such as farmers and residents of environmentally stressed areas. He announced Uzbekistans intention to launch a new socio-economic development model in the Aral Sea region, recognized by the UN as a zone of environmental innovation and technology, and expressed readiness to share this experience globally. The president voiced confidence that the summits decisions will instill faith and hope in millions of people and contribute to greater stability and prosperity worldwide. Our main duty is to restore social harmony on the path of international development and ensure a decent quality of life for every person, Mirziyoyev said. In conclusion, he reaffirmed Uzbekistans full support for the Doha Political Declaration adopted at the summit and its commitment to implement its principles in practice. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel UAE turns up heat on non-oil trade with Azerbaijan Exports of non-oil products from Azerbaijan to the UAE in the period from January through September increased significantly compared to the same period last year, reflecting the overall growth in the country's non-oil and gas exports. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 4. President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon addressed the UN Summit on Social Development in Doha, emphasizing the central role of the Strategy for the Development of Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan until 2040, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik president. He noted that this long-term strategy provides the framework for strengthening social well-being, human potential, and sustainable development across the country. The president highlighted that the strategy is being implemented alongside eight state programs and three long-term education initiatives, ensuring improvements in healthcare, job creation, and social services. Over the past two decades, more than four million jobs have been created or restored in various sectors, demonstrating tangible progress in human development. Rahmon also connected the strategy to environmental sustainability, noting Tajikistans efforts in climate adaptation, green economy, and green energy, as well as the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance social outcomes. He recalled Tajikistans UN resolution on AI in Central Asia as an example of innovative approaches supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. Concluding his speech, the president called for international cooperation to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities, emphasizing that the 2040 social protection strategy is a key instrument for achieving inclusive and sustainable development for all citizens. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 4. President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, met with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and discussed prospects for trade, energy and investment initiatives, Trend reports via the press service of Tajik President. The meeting took place in Doha on the sidelines of the UN Summit for Social Development. President Rahmon conveyed satisfaction with the strengthening relations between Tajikistan and Qatar and emphasized the significance of expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Discussions concentrated on key sectors, including energy, industry, mineral extraction and processing, and agriculture, with particular attention to Qatari investment in Tajikistans hydropower projects and renewable energy initiatives. The leaders also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in labor migration, culture, science, education, and tourism. Both sides commended their joint engagement within international and regional organizations, including the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Tajikistan reaffirmed its support for Qatars mediation efforts in the Middle East, particularly concerning the situation in the Gaza Strip, and the meeting concluded with a constructive exchange of perspectives on other matters of mutual interest. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 4. First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhromjon Aloyev, held a meeting with Member of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis to discuss the further development of bilateral cooperation and interaction within international organizations, Trend reports. The Swiss official praised the high-level organization of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, currently taking place in Samarkand, and sincerely congratulated the Government of Uzbekistan on this significant achievement. During the talks, the sides emphasized the priority of expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation. It was noted that within the framework of the Swiss Federal Governments Cooperation Program with Central Asia for 20262029, several joint projects will be implemented. The parties also agreed to continue strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation within the UN, UNESCO, OSCE, and other international organizations and financial institutions. The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference officially opened on October 30 in Uzbekistans historic city of Samarkand and will run through November 13. The agenda includes key decisions on the organizations future priorities, including the appointment of UNESCOs next Director-General and the adoption of the first-ever global Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology. This is a landmark moment, as its the first time in four decades that the UNESCO General Conference has ventured far from its Paris home base. Uzbekistan is currently implementing a five-year cooperation program with UNESCO through 2027. Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is globally recognized as a major cultural crossroads along the ancient Silk Road. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 4. President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, met with President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, and discussed the necessity of establishing a Strategic Dialogue Council, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik President. The meeting took place in Doha on the sidelines of the UN Summit for Social Development. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and agreed on the establishment of a Strategic Dialogue Council as a key mechanism to strengthen and coordinate their political, economic, and investment relations. The council is anticipated to function as a platform for regular consultations and high-level engagement, ensuring that both countries effectively leverage the full potential of their strategic partnership. The discussion further underscored the significance of expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation, as well as strengthening interparliamentary relations through friendship groups. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Georgia is positioning itself as a bridge connecting renewable energy sources with Europe, leveraging clean energy, digital systems, and cross-border connectivity to drive a new era of regional development, said Riad Meddeb, Director of the UNDP Sustainable Energy Centre, following a meeting with Inga Phaladze, Georgias Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Trend reports. The meeting, held in North Macedonia during the International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development, focused on regional energy projects linking Georgia and the South Caucasus with the European energy market. Particular attention was given to the Black Sea submarine cable project, designed to facilitate electricity trade between the regions, and to a parallel initiative launched by Azerbaijan, which includes the construction of a 4-gigawatt transmission line that will turn the Black Sea into a corridor for renewable energy exchange between the EU, Turkiye, and the South Caucasus. The discussions also covered ongoing trends in Georgias energy sector, including the development of solar, wind, and hydropower projects, as well as opportunities to introduce battery storage systems and green hydrogen technologies. An intensifying stand-off between the Dutch and Chinese arms of chipmaking giant Nexperia threatens to bring chaos to the British car industry. Nexperia makes low-value semiconductors that are vital to car manufacturers as they are used in components such as windscreen wipers and electric window controls. The chips are made in the Netherlands before being finished in China, but Beijing blocked the trade after the Dutch government seized control of Nexperia, citing national security concerns. The White House said on Saturday that China would change course and allow exports of finished chips, following discussions between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. But on Sunday a feud inside Nexperia appeared to worsen, when the companys Chinese unit lashed out at its Dutch counterparts extremely irresponsible actions and highly deceptive claims. The White House previously said China would change course following discussions between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images AsiaPac The two sides factories are still refusing to send products to each other amid conflicting accusations over multimillion-dollar debts and broken contracts. The Netherlands-based arm said last week it would no longer send European-made wafers to the companys factory in southern China, which uses them to make about 70pc of the Nexperias worldwide output of finished chips. It cited the Chinese units alleged recent failure to comply with the agreed contractual payment terms. Nexperia China on Sunday branded these claims as misleading and highly deceptive, alleging the Dutch unit owed the Chinese more than one billion yuan (107m) a claim rejected by the Dutch. The Chinese teams statement alleged that the unilateral Dutch halt to wafer shipments had gravely undermined customer trust, and claimed that Dutch executives had put personal interests above the companys overall interests. A source close to the Dutch arm of the business disputed these claims. The move ratcheted up alarm in the car industry, whose products typically contain hundreds of Nexperias low-cost circuits. Vauxhall owner Stellantis has set up a war room to tackle potential chip shortages. Stellantis is closely monitoring the situation, and collaborating with all suppliers to assess potential impacts and develop mitigation measures, a company spokesman told The Telegraph. A spokesman for BMW, which makes Mini and Rolls-Royce cars in Britain, said the German giant was in close contact with our suppliers and would continuously assess the situation to identify potential supply risks early and take appropriate measures if necessary. A Jaguar Land Rover source told The Sunday Times that car production was at risk of a significant stoppage in December if the situation was not resolved. A top Nissan executive last week described it as a big issue. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. In the modern world, where geoeconomic ties are rapidly being restructured, states are looking for ways to diversify foreign policy and access new markets. For Central Asian countries, which lack direct access to the sea, this means the need to establish reliable logistics chains. In this context, strengthening ties with major transit hubs such as Egypt and the ports of the Suez Canal is becoming practically important for expanding export opportunities. In recent years, President Sadyr Zhaparov has pursued a policy aimed at reducing reliance on a limited number of trade routes and expanding partnerships beyond traditional markets. This strategy of economic openness and efforts to strengthen Kyrgyzstans position in international logistics have laid the groundwork for engagement with regions such as Egypt, the Middle East, and North Africa. The official visit of Kyrgyzstans President Sadyr Zhaparov to Egypt on November 45, 2025, at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, is regarded as a significant milestone in the advancement of bilateral relations. As the first-ever visit by a Kyrgyz head of state to Egypt, the trip itself is expected to draw heightened attention to economic cooperation and generate political momentum for future agreements. The economic context underscores the visits importance. In 2024, Kyrgyzstans total foreign trade exceeded $16 billion, with approximately $4.99 billion (around 31 percent) originating from EAEU countries and $11.05 billion (approximately 69 percent) from other regions. Notably, imports from non-EAEU countries substantially surpassed exports by nearly 3.7 to 4 times, resulting in a significant trade deficit and rendering the economy vulnerable should established trade routes be disrupted. The emphasis on finding new routes and partners reflects Zhaparov's strategy for diversifying foreign trade. Bishkek is actively promoting the idea of Kyrgyzstan's participation in global transport corridors, where Egypt can become not just a partner, but a link between Central Asia and the African and Mediterranean markets. Trade between Kyrgyzstan and Egypt remains limited. In 2023, Kyrgyzstans exports to Egypt totaled approximately $1.62 million. The main export items included aircraft and helicopters (around $773,000), refined petroleum products (approximately $760,000), and select aviation components ($39,000). Imports from Egypt amounted to roughly $3.03 million, primarily comprising packaged medicines, food products, and citrus fruits. The nature of Kyrgyzstans export items appears atypical and may reflect re-exports or statistical anomalies - factors that should be taken into account when planning future trade strategies. Egypt possesses the Suez Canal and developed port infrastructure, making it a potential vital maritime hub and access point to the markets of North Africa and the Mediterranean. However, success in the maritime part of the route depends on how well the land sections operate. It is necessary to ensure that transshipments through Caspian ports, ferry lines, rail and road links, as well as transit procedures in intermediary countries, do not slow down the process. Otherwise, speeding up the sea leg will not compensate for delays at transfer points. Such complex logistics require political will, and it is precisely Zhaparov's consistent diplomatic activity in recent years - from strengthening ties with Turkiye, Iran, and the Persian Gulf countries to reaching out to the African continent - that makes such negotiations possible. Kyrgyzstan, which was previously rarely considered a participant in global maritime routes, is now becoming an active player in the discussion of transit corridors. Therefore, the priorities include agreements on investment protection and double taxation avoidance to attract Egyptian funds to projects in Kyrgyzstan. Agreements on the mutual recognition of phytosanitary and veterinary certificates, the digitization of transit document exchange, and the implementation of cargo tracking systems are also needed. Coordination between customs and ports will help synchronize schedules and speed up transshipment. By 2030, two plausible scenarios for trade development can be envisaged. In the first scenario, the parties implement practical logistics agreements, partially remove phytosanitary barriers, and initiate the digitization of transit processes. Such measures would facilitate a noticeable increase in agricultural and food exports and support sustainable trade growth. In the second scenario, the parties attract substantial investment in transshipment capacities across the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Egyptian ports, modernize ferry lines, and establish bilateral financial instruments. While this approach could yield significant trade expansion, it would necessitate considerable funding, time, and coordinated efforts among multiple countries and companies. The primary objective of the Cairo visit extends beyond fulfilling a diplomatic milestone; it aims to initiate phased efforts to transform bilateral relations into tangible trade and logistics channels. This initiative represents a direct continuation of President Zhaparovs strategy to integrate Kyrgyzstan into new markets and reduce reliance on a limited number of routes. Only through a combination of political agreements, concrete logistics solutions, and targeted investments can Kyrgyzstan expand export opportunities and enhance economic stability. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The construction of the Rasht-Astara railway in Gilan Province, located in northern Iran, as part of the North-South International Transport Corridor, is expected to be completed within four years, Director General of the Center for International Affairs of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development of Iran Amin Taraffo told local media, Trend reports. According to him, the construction of this railway is planned to begin in early 2026, and within this framework, a loan of 1.6 billion euro from Russia will be provided with its further repayment during 10 years and a three percent return. Taraffo said that by that time, an agreement is planned to be signed between the entrepreneur and the contractor company to start the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway. Currently, the text of the construction agreement has been approved by both parties, and the agreement contains additions on volumes, costs, etc. being discussed. He added that at the transport meeting between Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia held in Baku, an agreement was reached to transport 15 million tons of cargo per year along the western route of the North-South International Transport Corridor. In general, it's possible to increase the cargo transportation along the western route of this corridor to 30 million tons per year using various means of transport. The ministry official said that so far, the ownership of 85 kilometers of the 160-km Rasht-Astara railway has been purchased, and 35 kilometers have been handed over to the Russian side for research. The remaining territory is planned to be purchased and handed over to the Russian side by the end of the year. The official noted that the Rasht-Astara railway project has been in the spotlight since 2000 and the signing of the North-South International Transport Corridor agreement, and the most important step regarding the construction of this railwaythe purchase of the ownership of the territorywas taken by the current Iranian government (the current Iranian government has been in power since August 2024). Meanwhile, an intergovernmental agreement signed between Russia, Iran, and India on September 12, 2000, laid the foundation for the North-South Transport Corridor. In general, several countries have ratified the said agreement (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Ukraine). The objective of establishing the corridor is to optimize the logistics timeline for the transit of goods originating from India to Russia, in addition to Northern and Western Europe. Currently, the lead time on the existing route exceeds six weeks; however, it is projected to be streamlined to three weeks through the North-South corridor. The Qazvin-Rasht railroad, stretching 175 km, hit the ground running on March 6, 2019, linking Azerbaijan's railroads with Iran's railway network in the corridor. The Rasht-Astara railroad is to be built on Iranian territory. The North-South Corridor encompasses three distinct vectors within the Iranian geopolitical landscape. The eastern vector encompasses Turkmenistan and the Central Asian republics; the central axis aligns with Russia and adjacent nations across the Caspian Sea, while the western trajectory includes Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and various Eastern European states. On May 17, 2023, an agreement was signed between Russia and Iran on the construction of the Rasht-Astara railroad in Gilan Province in northern Iran. Nine stations will be built on the Rasht-Astara railroad line, which is about 163 kilometers long. With the completion of this railroad, the North-South international corridor will be improved, and Iran's railroad network will be integrated with the Caucasus countries, Russia, and Northern European countries. Per the stipulations outlined in the contractual framework, the Russian entity is projected to allocate a financial outlay of 1.6 billion euros towards the infrastructural development of this railway system. The construction and finalization of this rail corridor is projected to occur within a 48-month timeline. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The second summit in the Central AsiaU.S. (C5+1) format will be held on November 6 in Washington. For the first time, the event will feature the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting is expected to become an important milestone in developing relations between the countries of the region and the United States, giving an additional boost to economic and political cooperation. Against the backdrop of preparations for the summit, experts note Washingtons growing interest in Central Asia. I have never seen such a level of strategic interest from a U.S. president in Central Asia, Matthew Bryza, former U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan and board member of the Jamestown Foundation, told Trend. According to him, such attention from the American leader to regional issues is being observed for the first time in more than two decades. At least since the time of George W. Bush, from 2001 through 2002, U.S. presidents have generally paid little attention to Central Asia, the diplomat noted. Bryza emphasized that the current administration shows a particular interest in economic cooperation with the countries of the region. An economic impetus was already created in New York during the UN General Assembly, when Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reached agreements with U.S. representatives to expand trade and business ties between companies from both countries, he recalled. According to the diplomat, these contacts have already yielded concrete results: Kazakh companies expressed their intention to purchase a large batch of American railway locomotives, and Uzbekistan Airways signed an agreement to acquire about 30 Boeing 737 aircraft. In addition, the parties signed a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding in the fields of energy and digital economy. It is still impossible to predict exactly which documents will be finalized during the summit. But one thing is clearthe C5+1 platform will now be actively supported personally by President Trump, Bryza emphasized. He noted that, for the first time in the books, a U.S. president will rub elbows with the leaders of the Central Asian countries, reflecting a new level of Washingtons attention to the region. If earlier the focus of American policy was on counterterrorism and hard security issues, now, under President Trump, the emphasis is on business. And this makes sense from his point of view, he said. According to Bryza, Donald Trump sees investments and the presence of American companies as a diplomatic tool, simultaneously strengthening the U.S. position and benefiting national businesses. This is President Trumps foreign policy philosophy, which, in my experience, is unique. I believe President Trump intends to use the C5+1 format exactly this wayas a tool for strategic economic partnership that simultaneously serves U.S. interests and enhances the resilience of the countries in the region, Bryza summed up. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been officially ratified, Trend reports. President Ilham Aliyev has signed the relevant law to confirm the ratification of the agreement. The law stipulates that the "Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United Arab Emirates," signed in Abu Dhabi on July 9, 2025, is hereby approved. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, November 4. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Charge d'Affaires of Afghanistan in Turkmenistan Fazal Muhammad Sabir and discussed ongoing and planned humanitarian initiatives between the two countries, Trend reports via Turkmen MFA. Gurbanov reaffirmed Turkmenistans readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan following the recent earthquake in the countrys north, noting that aid deliveries are being prepared as part of broader Turkmen-Afghan cooperation projects. The deputy minister emphasized that Turkmenistan consistently implements long-term humanitarian and social support projects in Afghanistan, including through the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care. These initiatives have provided vital aid to communities affected by natural disasters and have strengthened the foundation for bilateral friendship and good-neighborly relations. The parties emphasized the criticality of sustaining collaborative initiatives to enhance humanitarian interventions and infrastructure development, geared towards bolstering the Afghan populace and fostering regional stability. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 4. The governments of Switzerland and the Kyrgyz Republic have formalized an agreement to implement the Water Use Permit System in the Kyrgyz Republic project, Trend reports via the Swiss Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic. Under the agreement, Switzerland will provide over $2.7 million to support reforms promoting the sustainable and efficient use of water resources in line with the countrys new Water Code. The project will introduce a national water use permit system - the key regulatory mechanism for managing water resources. It will allow authorities to set usage standards, monitor compliance, and maintain accurate water accounting. Implementation is scheduled for 20252028. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 4. Uzbekistans First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bakhromjon Aloyev, held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Ngo Le Van, to discuss prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in political, trade, and economic spheres, Trend reports. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand. During the discussions, both parties examined opportunities to enhance cooperation in investment and tourism, while also exchanging perspectives on key regional issues. The Vietnamese diplomat commended the high level of organization of the current General Conference session and underscored Uzbekistans increasing international standing and proactive role on the global stage. The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, which officially commenced on October 30 in the historic city of Samarkand, will continue until November 13. The sessions agenda encompasses significant decisions regarding the organizations future priorities, including the appointment of UNESCOs next Director-General and the adoption of the inaugural global Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology. This session marks a landmark moment, as it is the first time in four decades that the UNESCO General Conference has been held outside its Paris headquarters. Uzbekistan is currently implementing a five-year cooperation program with UNESCO through 2027. Samarkanda UNESCO World Heritage Siteis globally recognized as a major cultural crossroads along the ancient Silk Road. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 4. The Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Eurasian Development Banks (EDB) Fund for Digital Initiatives at the AI Conf 2025 international conference, Trend reports. The agreement formalizes joint efforts to develop digital projects, share expertise, and strengthen national capacities in innovation and artificial intelligence (AI). Key areas of collaboration include integrating AI into public administration, developing a large language model (LLM), and creating solutions to enhance energy efficiency and security. The Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan is a key driver of digital transformation in the country. We have established an AI Council to oversee major national projects. Under this memorandum, we will jointly develop AI technologies, exchange expertise, and expand the portfolio of digital initiatives in Tajikistan, said Dauren Rakhimzhanov, Managing Director at the EDB Directorate for Digital Initiatives. The agreement also allows for the use of the EDB Funds financial and expert resources, including grant programs that support digital projects with integration potential and promote technology transfer among member countries. One of the first initiatives under the memorandum is the development of an electronic map of Dushanbe, which will serve as a foundation for future smart-city projects. The Fund signed a grant agreement for this project with the state-owned enterprise Smart City on September 24, 2025. Artificial intelligence projects require close collaboration among EDB member countries and international institutions. We have already received proposals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other regional partners. Joint initiatives will help build a sustainable AI ecosystem and advance economic integration, said Alexander Petrov, Director at the EDB Directorate for Digital Initiatives. The memorandum opens new opportunities for developing Tajikistans digital economy, harnessing AI to address practical challenges, and strengthening regional technological cooperation. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia for more than 19 years, has supported 319 projects with a total investment of $19.1 billion as of July 2025. Its portfolio emphasizes projects with integration effects in transport, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering, adhering to UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principle BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. For the first time since the occupation, a wheat-laden train has passed through Azerbaijan en route to Armenia. Trend reports. The train, departing early on November 4, at 00:15 (GMT+4), carried over 1,048 tons of wheat across 15 wagons, traveling from the Russian Federation through Azerbaijan and Georgia before arriving at Armenias Dalarik station. To note, President Ilham Aliyev announced during his state visit to Kazakhstan on October 21, 2025, that Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia that had been in place since the occupation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. The Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency under the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan has reached an agreement with Turkiyes Ataseven Group to establish cooperation in the field of green energy, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy. Deputy Minister Samir Valiyev met with a delegation led by Mustafa Ataseven, Chairman of Ataseven Group, which is in the thick of Turkiyes wind energy sector. During the meeting, the Turkish side shared the scoop on the companys know-how in whipping up wind power plants, churning out turbine gear, and sending both the gear and the energy they generate across borders. The sides discussed opportunities for cooperation with Azerbaijan in these areas. The meeting also touched upon Azerbaijans ongoing green energy initiatives, including wind power projects. It was noted that the local production of renewable energy equipment and the export of green energy are among the countrys key priorities for the near future. Both sides agreed to continue discussions to identify specific areas of cooperation and to establish official collaboration between Ataseven Group and the State Agency on Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy. Coeur Mining and New Gold have signed a definitive agreement under which a wholly owned subsidiary of Coeur will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of New Gold through a court-approved plan of arrangement. Under the terms of the agreement, New Gold shareholders will receive 0.4959 shares of Coeur common stock for each New Gold common share they hold. Based on the closing price of Coeur shares on the New York Stock Exchange on 31 October 2025, the exchange ratio represents a value of $8.51 per New Gold share. The aggregate total equity value of the transaction is approximately $7bn (C$9.84bn), based on New Golds outstanding shares. Upon completion, current Coeur stockholders will own approximately 62% of the combined company, while New Gold shareholders will own around 38%. The merged company will be a 100% North American-based senior precious metals producer with a market capitalisation of approximately $20bn, operating across seven sites. It is projected to produce around 1.25 million gold equivalent ounces in 2026, including 20 million ounces of silver and 900,000oz of gold. More than 80% of its revenue is expected to come from the US and Canada, with sector-leading free cash flow. New Gold president, CEO and director Patrick Godin said: "Today is a monumental day for New Gold and the culmination of diligent focus by the team on operational and development work that has transformed New Gold into the financially strong and significant free cash flow-generating company it is today. "A combination with Coeur unlocks the next level of potential for our shareholders, uniting with a company of similar financial strength and cash flow generation while also gaining exposure to a larger-scale, diversified portfolio with new long-life assets and immense exploration potential. "Together, we will be a cash flow powerhouse, leaping above larger peers, with significant exploration upside and the potential to significantly extend mine life and grow net asset value per share." The combined entity is expected to generate around $3bn in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) and $2bn in free cash flow in 2026, at lower overall costs and improved margins. This represents a material increase from Coeurs anticipated 2025 full-year EBITDA of $1bn and free cash flow of $550m. The combined company will have a fully funded growth pipeline, accelerating investment in high-return organic growth opportunities including New Aftons K-Zone, brownfield exploration at Rainy River, and projects across Coeurs portfolio in the US, Mexico and Canada. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. Azerbaijan exported 800 million cubic meters of natural gas to Greece in the first nine months of this year, the Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov wrote on his X page, Trend reports. "We met with Mr. Christos Kapodistrias, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hellenic Republic to Azerbaijan, whose diplomatic mission in our country has ended. During the meeting, issues related to cooperation in the oil and gas sector and renewable energy, as well as the upcoming session of the Joint Commission on Cooperation between the two countries in the economics, industrial, and technological fields, were discussed. The role of the Southern Gas Corridor in ensuring Europes, including Greeces, energy security was highly appreciated. During January-September this year, 800 million cubic meters of natural gas were supplied from Azerbaijan to Greece," the minister pointed out. To note, Azerbaijan initiated its inaugural commercial natural gas export to Greece on December 31, 2020, under the auspices of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) initiative, signifying a pivotal milestone by facilitating the direct delivery of Azerbaijani gas to the European marketplace. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 4. A state-owned land plot in the administrative territory of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan city has been designated as a renewable energy source area, Trend reports. The relevant decision was signed by Prime Minister Ali Asadov. According to the document, a 688-hectare state-owned land plot in the administrative territory of Nakhchivan city has been designated as a renewable energy source area for the purpose of constructing a solar power plant with an initial capacity of 50 MW and an expansion in the subsequent stage, depending on export opportunities. The Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan will carry out the selection of an electricity producer in the above-identified renewable energy source area in accordance with the requirements of the "Rules for the selection of an electricity producer in the territory of renewable energy sources". From the date of its entry into force, a permit for the construction of a solar power plant on a 688-hectare area designated for renewable energy production will be obtained in accordance with the Urban Planning and Construction Code of Azerbaijan, within the timeframe stipulated in Article 6.7 of the Law On the Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Electricity Production. If a construction permit is granted in accordance with the above procedure, the Nakhchivan City Executive Power will inform the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan about this within three days of the expiration of the period if the construction permit isn't granted within the specified period. Control over the implementation of this Decision will be entrusted to the Department of Agrarian and Ecology of the Office of the Cabinet of Ministers. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 4. Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akkenzhenov and Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Chairman of the Energy Dominance Council, discussed ensuring the stable and reliable operation of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), Trend reports via the Kazakh ministry. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ADIPEC-2025 International Energy Forum in the United Arab Emirates. The officials discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. Akkenzhenov noted that the U.S. companies were among the first investors to believe in Kazakhstans potential, and today they remain key partners in flagship projects such as Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan. The projects implemented in Kazakhstan are cornerstone assets in the global portfolios of our American partners. Their scale underscores Kazakhstans strategic importance for ensuring global energy stability and reflects the success of our mutually beneficial cooperation, the minister said. During the meeting, the sides reviewed the progress of major joint projects and discussed plans for the further development of oil and gas fields. Particular attention was paid to oil transportation issues, including the reliable operation of the CPC as Kazakhstans main export route. Burgum praised Kazakhstans favorable investment climate, pointing out that the successful track record of major U.S. oil and gas companies in the country is a shining example of opportunity knocking at the door. He also reaffirmed the U.S. interest in developing joint projects in the field of energy digitalization. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium is an international entity that owns and runs a significant crude oil pipeline, which conveys oil from the Tengiz oil field in Kazakhstan via Russia to a maritime export terminal on the Black Sea at Novorossiysk. This route is essential for Kazakhstan's oil exports, constituting a substantial percentage of its total exports, and includes both governmental and commercial stakeholders from multiple nations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 4. The volume of mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Belarus increased by 20 percent from January through August of this year compared to the same period in 2024, Prime Minister of Belarus Alexander Turchin said during a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Trend reports. Turchin noted that within the framework of industrial cooperation, 12 joint projects worth a total of $204 million have already been implemented, with three more projects currently under development. I would like to convey the warmest greetings from the president of our country, Alexander Lukashenko. Just yesterday, I had a long conversation with him, and I briefed him in detail on the purpose of our visit to Kazakhstan. In Belarus, we closely follow Kazakhstans development and are glad to see your successes. For a long time, Kazakhstan has demonstrated steady economic growth, and we sincerely rejoice in your achievements. As you rightly mentioned, our mutual trade turnover continues to grow, said the PM. Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan continues to be Belaruss second-largest trading partner, showing a strong belief in the potential for further growth in their collaboration. We are fully committed to productive and results-oriented cooperation, as we are interested in ensuring that the successful development of our partnership continues, Tokayev stated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Corn is showing 1 to 2 cent gains across most nearbys to start Monday trade. The corn market posted steady to 1 cent gains across most contracts on Friday, as December was up 8 cents on the week. Fridays Preliminary open interest was down 2,280 contracts, mainly in the front months. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was up 1/4 cent to $3.91 1/4. Spillover support was noted from strength in the wheat and soybeans. The average close for December corn futures w at $4.22, should be the harvest price for crop insurance. That is 6 cents above last years harvest and 48 cents below the spring price. More News from Barchart Ukraine corn exports totaled just 0.8 MMT in October, which was a large drop from the 1.73 MMT last year according to economic minister. The Argentina corn crop was pegged at 35% planted, according to the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange. Brazils AgRural estimates the first corn crop is 60% planed as of Thursday, now just 1 percentage point ahead of last year. Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.31 1/2, up 1 1/4 cents, currently up 1 cent Nearby Cash was $3.91 1/4, up 1/4 cent, Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.44, up 1/4 cent, currently up 1 cent May 26 Corn closed at $4.52 1/4, unch, currently up 1 1/2 cents On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Researcher to discuss putting local food in local hands Photo by Martha Mintz Glenna Gannon, assistant professor of sustainable food systems with the UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, will present at the Circumpolar Connections seminar series in November. A University of Alaska Fairbanks professor will discuss putting local food in local hands during an ongoing seminar series. The presentation by Glenna Gannon, assistant professor of sustainable food systems with the UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, is part of Circumpolar Connections: A Dialogue on Arctic Food Systems. Gannon will explore how the food systems in many circumpolar regions use highly local traditional foods, while national policies and globalization shape purchased foods and overall food security. Gannon will discuss some differences between Alaska, Canada and Scandinavian countries' local foods and how national policies can influence local markets for better or worse. This seminar will be on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Elvey Building Globe Room and will also be streamed on Zoom. Register to attend at https://bit.ly/CircumpolarConnections. The Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension hosts the monthly Circumpolar Connections seminar series, with short presentations followed by open discussion to encourage audience participation and interdisciplinary connection. More information about the series is available on the website. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris at amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 095-26 Eli Lilly and Company has outlined plans to develop a $3bn manufacturing facility in Katwijk, situated in the Leiden Bio Science Park, the Netherlands, bolstering its worldwide supply chain operations. The initiative will increase the companys production capacity for oral medications, and the investment is subject to regulatory and local approvals. Among the medicines to be produced at the site will be orforglipron, the companys inaugural oral small-molecule glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Lilly anticipates submitting regulatory filings for the therapy as a treatment for obesity by the end of 2025. The forthcoming facility will utilise modern technology to support the production of the companys range of oral solid medicine portfolio in therapeutic areas such as cardiometabolic diseases, oncology, neuroscience and immunology. Its features will include automated material handling from arrival to dispatch, paperless systems, spray-dried dispersion technology and process analytical technology, to aid the absorption of oral treatments. The project will create 500 jobs in southern Holland for engineers, scientists, laboratory staff and operational workers. During the construction phase, anticipated to start in 2026, an estimated 1,500 positions will also be created. Lillys European manufacturing footprint already includes facilities in Ireland, France, Spain and Italy. Since 2020, the company has announced plans for additional factories in Ireland, Germany and currently in the Netherlands to address rising demand for its products. Lilly has also disclosed investments in facilities beyond Europe, including an expansion in Puerto Rico. New developments are planned for Virginia and Texas in the US. Announcements concerning two further US manufacturing sites are anticipated in late 2025/early 2026. Lilly manufacturing operations president and executive vice-president Edgardo Hernandez stated: "At Lilly, we are investing in next-generation manufacturing facilities around the world to ensure our medicines are made and distributed closer to the communities and patients we serve. Expanding our capabilities in Europe strengthens our global supply chain and reflects our commitment to getting innovative treatments to patients who need them. "Eli Lilly to invest $3bn in new Dutch manufacturing facility" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. $50 Million Gift to Advance Pediatric Care in Maryland A landmark $50 million gift from entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader Tom Golisano marks a defining moment for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). As the largest philanthropic contribution in their history, this transformative investment will strengthen the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) as leaders in breakthrough science, education, and compassionate care shaping healthier futures for generations of children. In tribute to this historic gift, the childrens hospital, located inside UMMC, the flagship hospital of UMMS, becomes the University of Maryland Golisano Childrens Hospital (UMGCH). As a new member of the Golisano Childrens Alliance, it joins a growing national coalition of premier childrens hospitals dedicated to transforming pediatric medicine through collaboration, discovery, and equitable access to world-class care. From left, Heather Culp, Kim Morton, Bert OMalley, Tom Golisano, Mark Gladwin, Steven Czinn, and Ron Cummins Jr. At an event in Rochester, N.Y., Golisano unveiled new gifts to six hospitals expanding his Golisano Childrens Alliance to a 10-member national network advancing excellence and innovation in pediatric care. Senior leaders from UMMS, UMMC, and UMSOM participated in the announcement. (View a recording of the Rochester event here.) Childrens health has always been a priority for me, and its been deeply rewarding to see how the Golisano Childrens Hospitals are making a profound impact on the communities they serve, Golisano said. I am fortunate to be able to help others in this way, and Im looking forward to seeing what these hospitals can achieve together. Also, I plan to continue making similar transformative gifts that will strengthen this new alliance. Steven J. Czinn, MD, director of UMGCH, said, For nearly 80 years, our Childrens Hospital has been caring for Marylands children and families right here in downtown Baltimore. Tom Golisanos extraordinary gift will help us create a world-class facility with programs in gene and cell therapy that move us closer to cures once thought out of reach. It will allow us to attract the best pediatric specialists in these fields the future of pediatric health care while accelerating the growth of our existing programs in heart care, mental health, and community health. This investment will establish a lasting legacy of healing and excellence for the children of Baltimore and beyond, added Czinn, who also is the Drs. Rouben and Violet Jiji Endowed Professor of Pediatrics and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at UMSOM. This historic and transformational gift comes at a time of urgency and opportunity for pediatric care in Maryland. It will have lasting impact across generations of children and families. We are deeply grateful to Tom Golisano for his vision and generosity, and we are incredibly excited to build on the momentum this gift will bring to Baltimore, said Heather S. Culp, JD, senior vice president for UMMC, Senior associate dean for development at UMSOM, and chief philanthropy officer for University of Maryland Medicine. Impact of the Gift: Space, Programs, People Significantly expanding the existing childrens hospital, the gift catalyzes a comprehensive pipeline for innovation in pediatric care, research, workforce development, and community health advancing bold ideas and life-changing discoveries that will benefit children and families across Maryland and beyond. Goals include: A Dedicated Home for the University of Maryland Golisano Childrens Hospital Expansion of Advanced Clinical Programs Launch of Gene Therapy Services for Children Acceleration of Innovation and Research Strengthen Community Outreach and Access Recruiting and Retention of Top Pediatric Talent Golisano Invests in Marylands Flagship for Childrens Health UMGCH, a 90-bed facility with over 3,000 annual admissions and 118,000 outpatient visits, serves as a statewide leader in pediatric care. Supported by UMMS and guided by the nations first public medical school, the hospitals reach spans the entire state while its proximity to Washington, D.C., helps shape national health policy. Research initiatives affiliated with the hospital including the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, the Brain Tissue Bank, asthma management, pediatric HIV research and treatment are driving breakthroughs in genetics, infectious diseases, and child health outcomes. In a recent example of this research leading to direct benefits for families in Maryland, studies of former neonatal intensive care patients informed the states decision to expand eligibility for early intervention services to hundreds more children each year. The hospital operates Marylands largest Level IV neonatal intensive care unit and recently cared for the youngest patient in its history at 22 weeks gestation. It was the first in the state to perform a pediatric double heart-lung transplant, the first to treat a pediatric patient with stem cells, and is home to downtown Baltimores dedicated pediatric emergency department. As a regional hub for pediatric intensive care, UMGCH co-operates a statewide transport network to ensure that critically ill children receive timely, specialized treatment. Its childrens heart program, founded in 2012, is recognized as one of the top such programs in the nation. Beyond clinical care, UMGCH fosters community through physician-led camps and annual patient reunions, strengthening connections between families and care teams. The Heart of Why Funding Pediatrics Matters As a registered nurse at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, Angela Laubach sees miracles happen every day. But shes also experienced this care in the most personal way, because her daughter Lana is one of those miracles. During Angelas 20-week anatomy scan, she learned that Lana had a serious heart defect. As a nurse, I understood the gravity of the diagnosis, but nothing prepares you to hear those words about your own baby. The team at the childrens hospital guided us through every moment from Lanas open-heart surgery just six days after birth to her remarkable recovery with compassion and constant reassurance. Today, Lana is a joyful 3-year-old who fills our home with laughter and endless ideas. Literally, her favorite thing to say is I have a better idea, Laubach said. Voices Across the Institutions Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and CEO, UMMS A gift of this magnitude to our flagship childrens hospital enables us to expand pediatric expertise, improve access, and strengthen care teams across our entire system. As a result, more children in more communities will receive the specialized care they need closer to home. Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Dean, UMSOM, and Vice President for Medical Affairs, UMB We are so grateful for this profound and intentional gift from Tom Golisano, which comes at a critical time when childrens health in the U.S. is in alarming decline and funding for childrens health is increasingly at risk. Mr. Golisano is truly a remarkable individual who has put childrens health at the heart of his philanthropic mission. His tremendous generosity enables our childrens hospital to move forward as a bold leader in pediatric health across Maryland and beyond, enabling us to invest in cutting-edge technology and inspiring innovation among our pediatricians and pediatric surgeons in areas such as congenital heart care, targeted gene therapy, community health, and building new programs for curative therapies for pediatric genetic diseases and cancer." Bert W. OMalley, MD, Executive Vice President for the Academic Health Division at UMMS; President of UMMC; and Professor of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UMSOM As part of a statewide academic health system, we have long had the privilege to provide Maryland children with high-quality, compassionate care and advanced treatments for some of the most complex pediatric conditions. By joining the Golisano Childrens Alliance, were now connected to a national network of top childrens hospitals. Together, we can discover and share best practices, align on standards, and launch innovative models that reach more children. Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, President, UMB By joining the Golisano Childrens Alliance, University of Maryland, Baltimore faculty, researchers, and clinicians are further empowered to accelerate breakthroughs across all areas of childhood health and well-being. We are immensely grateful for Tom Golisanos generosity, and we remain deeply committed to transforming the future of pediatric health here in Maryland and beyond. Ron V. Cummins Jr., MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, UMMC The Golisanos historic and generous gift is an enduring investment in Marylands children accelerating access to the most advanced treatments, and nurturing spaces so that every child and family in our community receives care that honors their hopes and needs. The benefits of this gift will be felt for decades. About Tom Golisano Tom Golisano, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader, is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nations largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses. Mr. Golisanos vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives in business, health care, education, animal welfare, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. His investments are advancing entrepreneurship and driving the success of numerous businesses and startups. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals including multiple childrens hospitals across the country that bear his name and numerous other organizations exceed $1 billion. A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation in 1985 to make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $120 million in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the United States devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and awarding grants to nonprofit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida. Golisano formed and financially supports the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, where students receive a high-quality business certificate and write their own entrepreneurial success stories, without having to take on enormous debt. He is the author of two Books, Built Not Born, a Wall Street Journal best-seller, and The Italian Kid Did It! Connect with him at: Golisanofoundation.org, Facebook: @GolisanoFoundation, X: @GolisanoFdn, Instagram: @golisanofdn, YouTube: @GolisanoFoundation About the University of Maryland Golisano Childrens Hospital (UMGCH) Located within the University of Maryland Medical Center, the University of Maryland Golisano Childrens Hospital is a leading resource for children with critical and chronic illnesses throughout Maryland and the mid-Atlantic. The hospital combines state-of-the-art medicine with family-centered care, offering more than 190 specialized pediatric physicians. Its services include Marylands largest Level IV neonatal intensive care unit and comprehensive programs in congenital heart conditions, asthma, epilepsy, and gastrointestinal disorders. Visit www.umms.org/childrens for more information. About the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) As an academic private health system, UMMS is focused on delivering compassionate, high-quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the states future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the Systems anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org. About the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) The University of Maryland School of Medicine, established in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States, continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world. The school has nearly $500 million in total research funding; 46 departments, centers, and institutes; more than 2,200 student trainees; and over 3,000 faculty members, including notable members of the National Academy of Medicine. As the largest public medical school in the Washington, D.C./Maryland/Virginia region, faculty physicians are working to help patients manage chronic diseases like obesity, cancer, heart disease and addiction, while also working on cutting-edge research to address the most critical generational health challenges. In 2024, the school ranked No. 12 among public medical schools and No. 27 among all medical schools for research and development expenditures by the National Science Foundation. With a $1.3 billion total operating budget, the school partners with the University of Maryland Medical Center to serve nearly 2 million patients annually. The schools global reach extends around the world with research and treatment facilities in 33 countries. In Maryland, UMSOM is spearheading new initiatives in AI and health computing and partnering with the University of Maryland BioPark to develop new medical technologies and bioengineering ventures. For more information, visit medschool.umaryland.edu. The only permanence that exists is uncertainty, at least when it comes to the fallout of the federal government shutdowns impact on families on this 35th day of the budget impasse. Clockwise from left, Dean Judy Postmus, Lauren Schuyler, Seante Hatcher, Stacey Stephens, Kaya Swann The federal government shutdown coupled with new work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is revealing just how fragile the nations social safety net can be, according to University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) faculty who spoke during a virtual media panel hosted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) on Nov. 4. The federal government still needs to pass a budget bill to reopen the government, leaving questions as to what standard of service Americans can expect from social programs. I think that the shifting sands are causing more stress, more strain, more anxiety, more depression, more trauma, said UMSSW Dean Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW. I mean, we could just keep going down this list that our families are going be experiencing, which then says they need to get help and those services may or may not be available to help them. The discussion explored how policy shifts and funding delays are affecting Maryland families, ranging from food insecurity and child development to domestic violence and community stability. The full recording is available for media access on UMBs YouTube channel. This is the face of Marylanders, said Stacey Stephens, MSW, LCSW-C, clinical associate professor and director of Bmore for Healthy Babies (BHB) Upton/Druid Heights/Mondawmin. These are front-line workers who are child care providers who may be family support workers who are employed in many of our home visiting agencies, Stephens said. They may be the person who is at the grocery store supporting you as you are receiving your groceries for your household. They may be the child care provider who is welcoming your family when theyre coming to child care facilities. They may be community health workers who are working part-time and may be going to school. Stephens described the cascading stress that uncertainty creates, from expectant mothers facing elevated health risks to caregivers struggling with access to food banks and transportation. BHB has worked for more than a decade to reduce infant mortality in Baltimore by 75 percent through partnerships addressing food, housing, and mental health needs. Lauren A. Schuyler, PhD, assistant research director with UMSSWs Family Welfare Research and Training Group, shared data underscoring the scope of the challenge. Forty percent of Marylands SNAP recipients are children. Thats about 350,000 kids, she said. For adults, most SNAP recipients are employed. The majority of working-age adults receiving SNAP are employed while receiving their benefits, right? Were talking about the working poor and 44 percent of those who are working and receiving SNAP are employed in retail accommodation or food services. Schuyler warned that new work requirements under the federal H.R. 1 law could remove vulnerable adults including older workers and veterans from eligibility, with ripple effects on child nutrition, school meal programs, and education funding school districts receive in Maryland. Federal employees who are furloughed are not satisfying work requirements, placing them in jeopardy of losing benefits, she explained, unless they volunteer or attend training for 20 hours per week. If you think about somebody who might be in like an environmental services position who still might qualify for SNAP benefits and they currently arent working, right, they are expected to still meet the requirement or they will lose their SNAP benefits, Schuyler said. Seante Hatcher, MSW, LCSW-C, assistant dean of continuing professional education and chair of the Financial Social Work Initiative, emphasized that shutdowns are not just economic disruptions but emotional ones. When systems fail, its not just frustrating, its actually traumatic financially traumatic, she said. This triggers the survival instinct and fear. And we know that churches and nonprofits cant feed everyone. We will need to lean on each other. And so we do that by building community supports. This isnt a time to fight one another. This is a time to share resources. We can transform a lot of the emotion and the anger into collective empowerment. Kaya Swann, MSW, LMSW, co-director of the Parent, Infant, and Early Childhood Program, described how food insecurity creates challenges in child care and early learning environments for both the children and the child care providers. When SNAP is cut, it often results in fewer resources, fewer supports for not only the children, but also the staff, Swann said. This can lead to a dangerous cycle: SNAP loss, resulting in food insecurity, child stress and developmental delays, increased educator burnout, unstable child care environments. Postmus tied these issues to her research on intimate partner violence, where financial strain can lead to coercive control of money, SNAP benefits, and other resources. Ive been studying and looking at financial strain and how it impacts the relationship. And weve seen that there is a direct relationship between the increase in financial strain and stress in a marriage or in a partnership, Postmus said. That may lead to additional forms of violence, including physical as well as economic abuse. Cutting funding for victim services can prevent victims from leaving their situation safely and gaining economic tools for independence. Postmus added that UMSSW is positioned to help address these challenges through research, advocacy, and community partnerships. A school of social work prepares students to work in a number of fields and basically from cradle to grave. We are teaching, research, engagement services. We are engaged in a wide array of activities. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Maharashtra local body election 2025 dates out, but Mumbai to wait Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare Tuesday announced the Election Schedule of Nagar Parishad (Municipal Councils) and Nagar Panchayat (Municipal Panchayats) but kept Mumbai and other Municipal Corporations waiting Tuesday November 4, 2025 8:00 PM , ummid.com News Network [Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare press conference in Mumbai today] Mumbai: Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare Tuesday announced the Election Schedule of Nagar Parishad (Municipal Councils) and Nagar Panchayat (Municipal Panchayats) but kept Mumbai and other Municipal Corporations waiting. Addressing a press conference at the State Headquarters Mumbai, Waghmare said polling for a total of 246 Municipal Councils and 42 Municipal Panchayats will be held on December 02, 2025. Counting of votes will be done on the very next day i.e. December 03, 2025 when all results will also be declared, he said. Maharashtra Local Body Election 2025 Schedule According to the local body election schedule released by the State Election Commission, the nomination process will begin on November 10 and continue until November 17. The key dates are: Nomination of candidates start date: November 10 Last date of nomination papers: November 17 Scrutiny of nomination papers: November 18 Withdrawal of nominations (without appeal): by November 21 Withdrawal of nominations (with appeal): by November 25 List of candidates will be published: on November 26 Date of Polling: December 02, 2025 Counting of votes and declaration of results: December 03, 2025 Maharashtra State Local Bodies at a Glance There are a total of 246 Municipal Councils (Nagar Parishads) and 42 Municipal Panchayats (Nagar Panchayats) where elections to elect new bodies will be held simultaneously. As per the Election Commission data, the local bodies in Maharashtra have a total of 107,035,76 registered voters who will exercise their franchise on December 02, 2025. The demographic breakdown includes 53.79 lakh male voters, 53.22 lakh female voters, and 775 transgender voters, reflecting a nearly balanced gender ratio in the electoral rolls. Maharashtra Elections for BMC, other Municipal Corporations There are a total of 29 Municipal Corporations (Mahanagar Palika) in Maharashtra. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare Tuesday evaded the questions about the election in Mumbai or BMC and other Municipal Corporations of the state. It means that Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other corporations including Malegaon, Mira Bhaynadr, Nashik, Aurangabad, Pune, Dhule, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Sangli Miraj Kupwad, Jalgaon, Nanded, Ahilyanagar, Panvel, Latur, Thane and others have to wait a little longer before the elections are held there. However, it is most likely that the election schedule of the BMC and other corporations and Mahanagar Palikas in Maharashtra should also be announced soon. Why Maharashtra local body elections were on hold? The term of all the Municipal Corporations and Civic Bodies had ended in 2023. The local body elections in the state however could not be held because of the petitions pending in the Supreme Court of India regarding OBC reservation. The state election commission announced holding the Nagar Parishads and Nagar Panchayat elections after the Supreme Court of India directed that all local-body polls in the State must be held before 31 January 2026. The State Election Commission announced the poll schedule despite the demand from the opposition parties to postpone it till the irregularities and discrepancies in the state electoral rolls are rectified. State Election Commissioner Waghmare, nonetheless, while addressing the media today, took note of the issue and said the issue is being tackled with the utmost seriousness. The issue of duplicate and fake voters has been seriously considered. A tool has been developed where suspected duplicate voters are being shown with double stars on the list. Wherever such a double star is seen, concerned officials will reach out to them to take information about where the voter will be voting, Waghmare said. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Italian oil and gas company Eni and Malaysias state-owned Petronas have formalised a binding agreement to create a joint venture (JV) to manage upstream assets in Indonesia and Malaysia. The new company, dubbed NewCo, will be equally owned by both companies and oversee 19 assets, with 14 in Indonesia and five in Malaysia. Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi and Petronas president and CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik announced the news at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) event. The agreement builds on a framework agreement signed on 17 June 2025. NewCo aims to leverage complementary portfolios and expertise to enhance long-term value and operational efficiency, while contributing to the energy transition. The JV will invest more than $15bn over the next five years to fund the development of at least eight new projects and the drilling of 15 exploration wells to unlock around three billion barrels of oil equivalent (bboe) in discovered reserves. It also plans to tap into an estimated 10bboe of un-risked exploration potential. The new entity will integrate gas-producing and development assets from both countries, initially producing more than 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), with a target to increase output to over 500,000boepd in the medium term. Eni said that NewCo will be a part of its satellite model strategy, similar to its other ventures, Var Energy in Norway, Azule in Angola and Ithaca in the UK. The transaction is expected to be completed by 2026, subject to Eni and Petronas securing regulatory, governmental and partner approvals in Malaysia and Indonesia. Descalzi said: This agreement is a transformational moment for Eni. We have joined forces with Petronas to operate assets across Indonesia and Malaysia, generating synergies across assets, expertise and financial capabilities. By leveraging existing production assets and developing material initiatives in both the Kutei Basin and in Malaysia, we expect to deliver over 500,000boepd in the mid-term. This opportunity will deliver impressive value creation for Eni, Petronas, Indonesia and Malaysia, enabled by our exceptional exploration skills and track record of delivering disciplined, fast-track projects. "Eni, Petronas to form upstream JV for assets in Indonesia and Malaysia" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -The former chief financial officer of View must face U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission claims he negligently allowed the maker of "smart windows" to understate the cost of replacing defective windows, a federal judge ruled. In a Monday night decision, U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman in San Jose, California, rejected ex-CFO Vidul Prakash's claim the SEC could not in its civil case prove his actions violated antifraud and other provisions of federal securities laws. Prakash's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside business hours on Tuesday. View went public in March 2021 through a $1.6 billion merger with a Cantor Fitzgerald-backed special-purpose acquisition company. The Milpitas, California-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2024 and agreed to go private. The SEC case announced in July 2023 arose from a defective sealing component in View's smart windows, whose tinted panes adjust with the sun and are often used in office buildings. View allegedly understated window-related liabilities by $25 million in 2019 and $28 million in 2020 by not disclosing shipping and installation costs, as well as manufacturing costs. Prakash said the SEC could not show he knew or should have known View would cover those costs. But in a 30-page decision, Freeman said a reasonable jury could find that Prakash breached his duty of care, and his failure to tell View's accountants what the company was doing was a "proximate cause" of the alleged understatement. In November 2021, View replaced Prakash as CFO and decided to restate more than two years of financials. It settled with the SEC without admitting wrongdoing and was not fined, reflecting its cooperation. The case is SEC v. Prakash, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 23-03300. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New YorkEditing by Rod Nickel) A European holding company for Ferrara Candy Company has finalised the purchase of French sweets maker CPK Group from investment firm Eurazeo. In a statement, Eurazeo said the deal has generated around 240m ($276.4m) of proceeds allocated to its balance sheet. In July, Ferrara and Eurazeo announced the two sides were in exclusive talks over a possible deal. The transaction gives Ferrara brands including Carambar, Poulain, Lutti and Terrys. Eurazeo said the sale reaffirms its strategy of supporting ambitious and responsible transformations, while creating significant value for its clients and shareholders. CPK was created in 2017 following Eurazeos purchase of 14 brands from Mondelez International and went on to acquire French confectioner Lamy Lutti the following year. In a post on LinkedIn, Ferrara CEO Marco Capurso said: The heritage and timeless appeal of these [CPKs] brands has earned generations of loyal consumers in France and beyond. Our new colleagues share our passion for quality, building beloved brands and delighting consumers. More than 850 CPK employees and four factories in France will be transferred to Ferrara. The sites are in Bondues, Saint-Genest, Strasbourg and Vichy. Under the new ownership, CPK will continue to have its headquarters in France, according to the statement. It will be overseen by Ferrara and led by current CEO Marc Auclair and his senior team. Ferrara, while not owned by Ferrero Group, operates as an affiliated entity under the same ultimate control as the Italian giant. Its US brands include Brachs, Nerds and Trolli. "Ferrara holding company seals deal for French confectioner CPK" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. A realistic-looking sculpture of Donald Trump in an orange jumpsuit and strapped to a cross has stirred discussion -- and smiles -- in Switzerland, where it went on display this week. The work, by British artist Mason Storm and titled "Saint or Sinner", depicts the US president in prison garb with his eyes closed and his body laid out on a slightly tilted, padded white cross, evoking a possible crucifixion -- or an execution by lethal injection. It has been on display in the northern Swiss city of Basel since Saturday, after a showing earlier this year in Vienna. "It is scary realistic," said Konrad Breznik, owner of the Gleis 4 gallery displaying the piece. "When we installed it, we came that close, and you would see every wrinkle and the skin is so realistic, it's really scary," he told AFP. The gallery had initially aimed to show the work at its premises at the Basel central train station starting in September. But it ultimately abandoned that plan in favour of a less-crowded space, mounting the sculpture in a showcase window on Basler Kunstmeile, a pedestrian walkway in the heart of Basel. Electronic counters have recorded more than 3,000 people passing by on Monday alone. - Sign of 'democracy' - As AFP looked on Tuesday, many passers-by stopped to smile at the artwork, but no one expressed outrage. "It's a sign that we have democracy... that we are allowed to show things like this," Marit, a Norwegian national living in Basel, told AFP. Asked if she thought the piece could have been shown in the United States, she said: "I don't think so, no." Breznik said he believed the US president might actually appreciate the piece. "I do absolutely think that Mr Trump might see himself very well in the role of a modern Jesus," he said. "I'm pretty sure he is very much convinced that he is doing the right thing." Mason Storm, an anonymous London artist known for hyper-realistic yet unconventional street art-inspired sculptures and canvases, conceals his face behind balaclavas or masks of his own design. His often provocative works, which poke fun at hypocrisies found in modern society, is often compared to those of his famous compatriot Banksy. On his Instagram account, he describes himself as "the artist people love to love and love to hate, international Bon viveur pusher of pigment and a doer of deeds". Long before "Saint or Sinner" arrived in Basel, the work was acquired by a collector: an "internationally renowned figure living in Europe", whose name will remain confidential, according to the gallery. elm-ag/nl/rmb Photo: Frank Ockenfels My relationship with David Bowie started at our very first shoot. I was to photograph his band Tin Machine for a cover of CREEM magazine. I would be the last shoot of a very long press day, and I knew that I needed to do something different than what they had done all day. So I decided to paint them with light using a flashlight. I presented the idea to David; he smiled and said, Show me a Polaroid. I turned the lights off and I started moving light over their faces. I pulled the Polaroid and handed it to David. He smiled and said that it was one of the most unusual ways he had ever been photographed. A few months later, I got a call from Rolling Stone. David had requested me to shoot him for an article they were doing. This started our 15 years of collaborations: I would get a phone call from Davids office, and they would ask if I was I available to talk to David. A few minutes later, the phone would ring, and David would tell me about the project. On the day, he would bring his clothes and some props. I would present ideas of how I would light or stage them, and we would just start to play. His openness to create in the moment and go in whatever direction it took us was one of the most amazing gifts I have ever been given as a photographer. He always wanted to go beyond our comfort zones, and he trusted me to push myself to go out into the water until my feet could no longer touch the bottom. Frank Ockenfels 3, author and photographer of Collaboration: Frank Ockenfels 3 x David Bowie Photo Excerpt from 'COLLABORATION: FRANK OCKENFELS 3 X DAVID BOWIE' Berlin Project: April 6, 1995 Shot in New York City. Photo: Frank Ockenfels Earthling Publicity Shoot No. 2: September 9, 1996 Ockenfels 3 placed lenses in front of his camera to distort the images of David Bowie during their second photo shoot for Earthling in 1996. Photo: Frank Ockenfels New York Times Magazine, January 20, 2000 Bowie brought his own translucent mannequin, adorned with a horse tail and hooves, to his mens fashion shoot for The New York Times Magazine. Photo: Frank Ockenfels Heathen Publicity: March 26, 2002 Photo: Frank Ockenfels Reality Publicity Shoot: May 5, 2003 If these images of David Bowie, taken from his publicity shoot for Reality, evoke Elvis Presley, thats intentional. They're inspired by Presleys 1959 album 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Cant Be Wrong. This was one of the most extensive shoots Bowie and Ockenfels 3 did together, Joe Levy writes in the books introduction. Frank Ockenfels 3. If these images of David Bowie, taken from his publicity shoot for Reality, evoke Elvis Presley, thats intentional. They're inspired by Presleys 195... more If these images of David Bowie, taken from his publicity shoot for Reality, evoke Elvis Presley, thats intentional. They're inspired by Presleys 1959 album 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Cant Be Wrong. This was one of the most extensive shoots Bowie and Ockenfels 3 did together, Joe Levy writes in the books introduction. Frank Ockenfels 3. New York Magazine: August 29, 2003 Ockenfels 3 shot Bowie for a New York Magazine piece about his favorite places in the city. He mentioned Soho House (he was a founding member), Washington Square Park, the Strand, and artist Julian Schnabels house. Photo: Frank Ockenfels Art for Collaboration Because Ockenfels 3 and Bowies collaboration spanned decades, the book includes two collages with handwritten notes and drawings over outtakes of the singer. Photo: Frank Ockenfels Regulatory lag at UNS Energy is impacting earnings, with over USD700 million of rate base not reflected in rates. The sale of FortisTCI is expected to have a $0.02 impact on adjusted EPS for the full year. The capital plan prioritizes customer affordability and includes significant investments in transmission and distribution, with 77% of the plan directed towards these areas. Fortis Inc ( NYSE:FTS ) completed the sale of FortisTCI and its investments in Belize, transitioning to a portfolio comprised of 100% regulated assets, which strengthens the balance sheet and reduces risk. The company unveiled a new five-year capital plan of $28.8 billion, up $2.8 billion from the previous plan, supporting a 7% rate base growth and 4% to 6% annual dividend growth through 2030. Fortis Inc ( NYSE:FTS ) announced a strong third quarter with adjusted earnings per share of $0.87, reflecting solid performance across all regulated utilities. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript . Rate Base Growth: Expected to increase by $16 billion from $42 billion in 2025 to $58 billion in 2030, supporting average annual growth of 7%. Adjusted Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.87 for the third quarter, up $0.02 compared to the same quarter last year. Story Continues Q & A Highlights Q: Can you discuss the timing and likelihood of the incremental generation opportunities at TEP and the LNG Tilbury storage expansion? A: David Hutchens, President and CEO, explained that while there is optimism about these projects, there are many steps to complete, such as agreements with counterparties, infrastructure development, and regulatory processes. The company remains excited and will update as negotiations progress. Q: What are your thoughts on further asset sales, given recent transactions? A: David Hutchens stated that the focus is on executing the five-year capital plan and additional opportunities. The recent asset sales do not indicate a strategy to exit other markets, and the current portfolio is strong with 100% regulated assets. Q: Could you provide more details on the timing of the USD1.5 billion to USD2 billion new generation in Arizona? A: David Hutchens noted that while customers want connections as soon as possible, practical realities like siting, permitting, and resource availability mean that projects are expected to be online by 2027, with a ramp-up thereafter. Q: How are you addressing customer affordability with new large load customers like data centers? A: David Hutchens emphasized that growth should pay for growth, meaning new customers should cover the infrastructure costs, potentially leading to improved affordability for existing customers. The company is structuring agreements to ensure this outcome. Q: What are the potential impacts of the new integrated resource plan (IRP) in Arizona on large load growth? A: David Hutchens explained that the IRP process will include various load growth scenarios, and any additional investments for data centers will be treated as separate projects with their own revenue requirements, ensuring they do not negatively impact existing customers. Q: Are there any plans for further hybrid issuances in the funding plan? A: Jocelyn Perry, CFO, stated that while no further hybrid issuances are currently planned, the company has capacity and may explore this option depending on market conditions and growth opportunities. Q: How does Fortis plan to manage the potential increase in capital expenditures related to large load growth? A: Linda Apsey, CEO of ITC Holdings, mentioned that while specific timelines are difficult to predict, most customer requests are expected in the latter part of the five-year plan, allowing time to manage infrastructure needs. Q: What are the prospects for rate base growth in Alberta and BC compared to the portfolio average? A: David Hutchens highlighted opportunities in the Okanagan and LNG investments in BC, noting that while growth may appear cyclical, there are substantial opportunities for future investments in these regions. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Cementing Bahrain's standing as a regional investment powerhouse building on last year's momentum MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The third edition of Gateway Gulf 2025, hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), concluded on a high note with landmark partnerships and agreements valued at over USD 17 billion, stemming from more than 60 deals and announcements made over the two-day flagship investment forum. Gateway Gulf 2025 Secures Over USD 17 billion in Announcements, Partnerships and Deals Held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay, between 2-3 November, the forum hosted over 200 ministers and global business leaders under the theme 'Rethinking Global Investment for New Trade Dynamics.' Delegates explored the vast investment opportunities in the Kingdom and the wider Gulf, as Bahrain continues to drive innovation and foster a digital-first, knowledge-based economy. H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the event, while H.E Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, delivered welcome remarks, reiterating the island nation's role as a 'hub of innovation and opportunity,' and a 'bridge between East and West,' noting that the Kingdom is confidently stepping into 'the age of intelligence.' Across the two days, the Four Seasons buzzed with activity as global speakers, delegates, as well as local and international journalists engaged in dialogue spanning global trade tariffs, cross-border investment, digital transformation, and the renewable energy transition. A number of monumental deals were signed at the Forum, showcasing the event's status as a leading platform for investment. The agreements directly support in driving investment into Bahrain's five non-oil priority sectors: Financial Services, ICT, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Tourism, supporting the Kingdom's long-term development goals. Also highlighted at the Forum was the Golden License initiative, which saw four strategic projects awarded Golden License status: Dr. Sabrina Joseph, Provost of The American University of Rome, discusses the merits of a liberal arts education at AUR. Wanted in Rome: Youve just joined AUR after more than two decades of leadership in international higher education. Why did you choose AUR at this point in your career? What attracted you to this institution? Dr. Sabrina Joseph: What drew me to AUR is its visionary and committed leadership team as well as its mission, which rests on four core pillars: interdisciplinarity, student-centeredness, experiential learning, and global engagement. These have been central themes throughout my career, and AUR not only values themit lives them. They are woven into the very fabric of the universitys identity and reflected in the work that faculty members carry out on a day-to-day basis. I also find the diversity on campus to be inspiring, with over sixty different nationalities represented among our student body. We often say, Rome is our classroom, but its more than thatwe not only present Rome to the world but also bring the world to Rome. For an institution of AURs size, that global reach is truly remarkable. Finally, Im deeply enthusiastic about how AUR bridges the liberal arts with experiential learning and viable career paths. By combining critical and creative thinking with practical, hands-on experiences, the university equips students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Q: What do you see as AURs main strength? A: AURs greatest strength lies in its liberal arts education model. Our students engage in broad intellectual exploration across the humanities, arts, and social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach nurtures critical thinking, creativity, ethical awareness, and a truly global perspective. Such soft skills are increasingly vital in todays world. The World Economic Forums Future of Jobs 2025 report, for instance, identifies them as essential for success in the evolving workplace. As AI continues to expand across industries, employers are placing greater emphasis on the uniquely human skills that foster creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. Ultimately, leaders of the future will be distinguished by their resilience and capacity for innovationand these are precisely the qualities that AUR cultivates. Q: Speaking of AI, youve been ahead of the curve in Dubai with HyFlex and VR-based learning. The elephant in the room is artificial intelligence; should universities embrace it or keep their distance? A: Artificial intelligence is impossible to ignore; it is rapidly transforming both the workplace and the landscape of higher education. The real challenge for universities lies not in resisting this change, but in defining what responsible and meaningful engagement should look like. We must strike a balance between adopting new technologies and ensuring that students learn to interact with them thoughtfully, critically, and ethically. Too often, institutions focus primarily on the technical dimensions of AI, while overlooking its ethical implications. As an international, liberal arts university in Rome, AUR is uniquely positioned to help lead this conversation. Universities have a duty to equip students with a nuanced understanding of AI its productive capacities as well as its potential pitfalls. Genuine understanding can only emerge through structured, critical engagement, which is why integrating AI literacy and ethics into the curriculum stands among AURs top priorities. When done in conjunction with developing the foundational skills that employers continue to prize communication, creative thinking, intellectual independence, and adaptability graduates will emerge as future ready and prepared to navigate the increasingly mobile and technology driven world we live in. The American University of Rome Q: Youve lived and worked across the Middle East. What similarities and contrasts do you see between your experience there and your new role in Rome? A: At my previous institution, the American University in Dubai, I had the privilege of working in an exceptionally diverse academic community. Students came from every corner of the world, creating a dynamic environment that fostered genuine intercultural competency: the ability to communicate effectively across social, cultural and political boundaries. That global outlook is also one of AURs defining strengths. Combined with the spirit of community mindedness that permeates the university, AUR is truly a special place. Of course, there are also some notable differences. The undergraduate and graduate programs at The American University of Rome are more firmly rooted in the liberal arts, extending across the humanities, arts, and social sciences. Within this scope, we are also looking to broaden AURs curricular offerings in the near future. Over the course of my career, I have amassed considerable experience in bridging the liberal arts with experiential learning an approach I regard as essential for preparing students to address increasingly complex and multifaceted global challenges. Experiential learning, furthermore, should be broadly conceived, encompassing not only internships but also, for example, project-based learning, field experiences, public exhibitions, e-portfolios, and community-oriented initiatives. Our aim at AUR is to provide diverse opportunities to students that enable them to translate theory into practice in impactful and meaningful ways. Q: Youre also very committed to inclusion. What does inclusion really mean to you, and how do you make it tangible at AUR? A: Inclusion is one of AURs core priorities, reflecting the multicultural ethos embedded in its mission. The university is committed to creating an environment where students, faculty, and staffregardless of their background, identity, ability, or circumstancecan fully participate, contribute, and thrive. As part of our commitment to student success, faculty and staff work collaboratively to foster a supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs. AUR has robust systems in place, for example, to ensure that necessary learning accommodations are provided to students with such needs. On a practical level, promoting inclusion requires coordination across departments including academic affairs, enrollment, student life, human resources, and othersto create a campus culture that is welcoming, supportive, and equitable. Overall, through its policies, teaching, and engagement activities, the university strives to ensure that interactions are respectful and inclusive of diverse individuals and ideas. Q: Rome isnt always an inclusive city. How can AUR make a difference? A: In addition to its broader commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment, AUR is taking a leading role in promoting gender equality, exemplified by its five-year Gender Equality Plan launched in 2023. The university addresses gender issues holistically, both within the curriculum and through efforts to ensure equity in its own leadership and staffing. AUR impacts the broader community by not only serving as an example, but also through meaningful local and international partnerships that foster dialogue and the sharing of knowledge and best practices. More specifically, AURs faculty actively collaborate with media outlets, NGOs, and public and private sector organizations in Italy and beyond, sharing their expertise on a wide range of international issues. Through this engagement, the university helps strengthen civil society and cultivate global awarenessessential cornerstones of inclusion. Q: Beyond inclusion, preparing students for the workplace is another key focus. What are your plans in that area? A: Employability is central to AURs strategic vision. We are expanding the Career Office and planning to appoint an Assistant Dean of Career Strategy and Experiential Learning to enhance support available to students and expand experiential learning opportunities. The university will also be using a new employment platform to help facilitate student internships and engagement with potential employers and alumni. AURs Real Projects course, furthermore, enables students to collaborate directly with companies to tackle real-world challenges. AUR firmly believes that undergraduate students need to start thinking about possible career or graduate school pathways early on and work closely with their advisors to design their own unique learning journeys at AUR. Beyond the major, this can include pursuing a specific minor, field trip(s), an internship, extracurricular activities, foreign language courses, non-credited workshops, etc. In fact, we are in the process of developing a new design thinking-based career course focused on nurturing this sort of strategic planning mindset among students towards their individual university experiences, with the aim of better preparing them to meet their post-graduation goals. There are more than 60 nationalities represented among the AUR student body At the graduate level, AUR combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on learning opportunities to provide students with the expertise required to thrive professionally. The universitys MA programs in Cultural Heritage, Food Studies, and Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution also actively engage with local and international partners on a range of initiatives to ensure the currency of our programs, enriching student experiences, and ongoing dialogue with private, public, and non-governmental entities. Overall, the university aims to build a comprehensive, integrated employability ecosystem that guides students throughout their academic journeys, fosters experiential learning opportunities across the curriculum, and provides resources to help students design their own futures. Many of these initiatives are already underway but will expand further over the next several years as the university continues to grow. Q: Lets talk about Rome. How do students interact with the city? What are its strengths and challenges for themand for you? A: On a personal level, I have found Romans to be incredibly welcoming and patient with foreigners attempting to speak Italian. I enjoy visiting neighborhoods across the city and appreciate that people take the time to savor life. Rome offers a distinctive blend of the old and the new: notable modern infrastructure and innovative developments coexist alongside a profound cultural heritage. AUR students have numerous opportunities to experience Romes historical sites and cultural landmarks, many of which are embedded in the curriculum for example, in Italian language courses and credited academic field trips. Certainly, in terms of challenges, bureaucracy can be slow at times, but it is often approached with humor, which helps navigate the process. What I find particularly inspiring is how deeply culture and history are woven into everyday life. For students who choose to study in Rome, this creates endless opportunities for engagement, exploration, and discovery. Q: What has surprised you most since arriving in Rome? A: I consider myself to be a global citizen, having lived and worked in various countries around the world. Therefore, I cant say that anything in particular has truly shocked me in Rome so far. I appreciate cultural diversity and try to embed myself in the local context. That said, I have been pleasantly surprised by some societal initiatives, such as the trams being replaced by free buses until early December while maintenance works are taking place. Compared to other cities, I appreciate Romes quirks and warmth. Q: Do you have a favourite spot yet? A: I love the family-run cafe under our apartment, theyre very welcoming and remembered my husband and I after the second visit. I also enjoy the genuine neighborhood feel around AUR. In addition to the beautiful architecture and green spaces surrounding the campus, Via Carini is charming, with small shops and various longstanding hangout spots popular with the AUR community. Interview by Marco Venturini Zakharova links collapse to Italian support for Ukraine. Italy's foreign ministry on Monday summoned the Russian ambassador after Kremlin foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova mocked Italy over the partial collapse of a mediaeval tower in Rome. Zakharova linked the collapse of the Torre dei Conti to Italian military support for Ukraine, in comments published via Telegram while a worker lay trapped under the rubble in Rome's Torre dei Conti. The worker, a 66-year-old Romanian man called Octav Stroici, was subsequently rescued after being trapped for 11 hours but died in hospital in the early hours of Tuesday. "As long as the Italian government squanders taxpayers' money [on Ukraine], Italy will collapse, from the economy to the towers", Zakharova wrote, noting that "in May of this year, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Italian support to Ukraine, including military aid and contributions paid through EU mechanisms, amounts to approximately 2.5 billion". Zakharova's post, which came just as defence minister Guido Crosetto announced a new aid package to Kiev, provoked an outraged reaction from the Italian foreign ministry, which summoned Russia's ambassador to Italy Alexey Paramonov for a formal reprimand. Paramonov will not present himself at the Farnesina at 12.30 on Tuesday however, LaPresse reports, but will be represented by the embassy's charge d'affaires Mikhail Rossiyskiy instead. Reaction The foreign ministry, cited by Italian news agency ANSA, slammed Zakharova's "squalid, worrying words" which "confirm the depths of vulgarity into which the Moscow leadership has fallen. No one in Italy, absolutely no one, would ever have thought of rejoicing, of speculating on an accident, a tragedy in which we as Italians are still involved." Italy's deputy premier and foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, said that "one cannot speculate on people still under the rubble and on injured workers. We have never done so; whenever there has been a disaster that has struck the Russian Federation, we have always shown solidarity. These statements are shameful, unacceptable in a civilised country." Crossetto, in an interview with La Repubblica on Tuesday, said: "I never read what this lady says", describing Zakharova as "a microscopic part, neither relevant nor sophisticated like others, of Russia's disinformation capabilities." "If the roles had been reversed, that is, if a piece of Russian history, important to Russians, had collapsed, with a person's life in danger, I would have been sincerely worried and saddened" - Crosetto said - "It would never have occurred to me to polemize". Tensions Zakharova on Tuesday showed no sign of backtracking on Tuesday, telling the Russian news agency Tass that the summons to the foreign affairs ministry will allow Moscow to "remind the Italian leadership" that "sponsoring the terrorist regime in Kiev is a crime and a sin." In February, Zakharova responded furiously to a speech by Italian president Sergio Mattarella who drew parallels between Russia's aggression against Ukraine and "the Third Reich's project in Europe". Zakharova accused Mattarella of "blasphemous fabrications", adding that Italy is a "country that knows first-hand what fascism truly is. Tensions further escalated when Moscow included Tajani and Crosetto in the so-called Italian "blacklist," calling them "examples of Russophobia" in a document published on the official website of Russia's foreign affairs ministry. In July, Zakharova intervened after a concert by pro-Putin conductor Valery Gergiev at the Royal Palace of Caserta was cancelled, condemning an "unprecedented smear campaign" and saying it brought to mind the biblical phrase about not casting "your pearls before swine". Image: Maria Zakharova. Photo credit: Maksim Konstantinov / Shutterstock.com. Flags in Rome to fly at half-mast in memory of Octav Stroici. The mayor of Rome has declared a day of mourning on Wednesday 5 November for a worker who died after being trapped under rubble for 11 hours following the partial collapse of a mediaeval tower in the city centre on Monday. Octav Stroici, a 66-year-old Romanian man, died overnight in hospital shortly after being pulled alive from the rubble at the Torre dei Conti in a massive rescue operation. In a sign of mourning for Stroici, flags will be flown at half-mast in all municipal buildings on Wednesday, as "the city of Rome stands with his family, colleagues, and all those who loved him, sharing the pain of this tragic loss". Il Sindaco di Roma, Roberto Gualtieri, ha proclamato il lutto cittadino per oggi 5 novembre, in segno di cordoglio per la morte di Octav Stroici, operaio impegnato nel restauro della Torre dei Conti deceduto nella notte tra lunedi 3 e martedi 4. Le bandiere saranno esposte a pic.twitter.com/sFD7IACnWK Roma (@Roma) November 5, 2025 Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri on Tuesday expressed his deepest condolences on the death of Stroici, extending his "heartfelt thoughts to his family, colleagues, and all those close to him". Gualtieri also paid tribute to the firefighters, police and rescue workers "who responded with great professionalism and dedication in such a complex and dramatic situation". Italy cancelled a flypast of the Frecce Tricolori jets over Rome on Tuesday morning, scheduled as part of an annual aerobatic display to mark a national day in honour of unity and the armed forces, to avoid impeding efforts to make safe the 13th-century tower. Photo Vigili del Fuoco Rome prosecutor's office opens investigation into tragic incident at Torre dei Conti. A construction worker who was trapped following the partial collapse of a mediaeval tower in the historic centre of Rome has died in hospital after being rescued late on Monday night. Octav Stroici, a 66-year-old Romanian man, was rescued alive at 23.00 after being trapped under the rubble in an upper floor of the landmark tower for 11 hours. Stroici arrived at the emergency room already in cardiac arrest, the Umberto I hospital said in a statement, and died in the early hours of Tuesday. The massive rescue operation to save him, involving 140 firefighters, was described earlier on Monday by Rome prefect Lamberto Giannini as a "very complex situation" that posed "enormous risks" to rescuers. #Roma, estratto in vita dai #vigilidelfuoco e affidato ai sanitari per il trasporto in ospedale l'operaio bloccato sotto le macerie per il crollo della Torre dei Conti. Sul posto hanno operato 140 unita del Corpo nazionale [#3novembre 23:00] pic.twitter.com/lPr7gH8qD9 Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) November 3, 2025 Stroici was one of a team of workers carrying out renovation work on the 13th-century tower as part of a four-year, 6.9 million 'Caput Mundi' project financed by Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) funds. There were two collapses at the tower: first at 11.20, when Stroici was trapped, and then about an hour and a half later, while firefighters were carrying out rescue attempts. Giannini said that Stroici was shielded from the second collapse after firefighters had put "protective equipment" around the trapped man who was given an oxygen mask. Rescue efforts continue in Rome tonight to free a man trapped under rubble inside an upper floor of a mediaeval tower that partly collapsed twice today during renovations. #TorredeiConti pic.twitter.com/g29AToyS6U Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) November 3, 2025 Another worker on site, also Romanian, was taken to hospital in a critical condition and two other workers suffered minor injuries while three others escaped injury. Police cordoned off the area around the tower which stands in Largo Corrado Ricci, opposite the Roman Forum and near the Colosseum, as the rescue operation continued into the night. Condolences Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her "deep sorrow and condolences, on behalf of myself and the Government, for the tragic passing of Octay Stroici", thanking "once again the rescuers and all those who worked tirelessly and courageously to save his life." Culture minister Alessandro Giuli said: "We mourn the death of Octavian Stroici: his heart stopped beating despite the admirable efforts of the firefighters who extracted him alive from the rubble of the Torre dei Conti". "To his wife and his entire family, I extend my heartfelt condolences, along with those of the Ministry of Culture" - Giuli said in a statement - "Octavian was not alone for even a moment: in addition to the firefighters, national and Roman institutions, security forces, medical personnel, Civil Protection, and the citizens present participated until the very end in the attempt to save him. His memory will remain with us." Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri also expressed his deepest condolences, stating: "On behalf of Rome City Council and myself, I extend my heartfelt thoughts to his family, colleagues, and all those close to him. I want to thank the firefighters, law enforcement, and rescue workers who responded with great professionalism and dedication in such a complex and dramatic situation." Investigation The collapse is being investigated by Rome Carabinieri, together with the Carabinieri Labour Inspectorate and the local health authority. The Rome Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the crime of negligent injury and also into the crime of manslaughter, state broadcaster RAI News reports. A brief history of Torre dei Conti The origins of the Torre dei Conti in Rome date back to the mid-ninth century, built by Pietro dei Conti of Anagni on the remains of one of the four exedras of the Vespian's Temple of Peace. In a show of ecclesiastical power, the imposing building was enlarged in 1203 by Pope Innocent III for his family, the Counts of Segni, making it the largest tower in mediaeval Rome. The current 29 meters of height constitute only the base of the tower, which originally would have risen to a height of 50 or 60 meters high but was damaged by three earthquakes, in 1348, 1630 and 1644. Petrarch Italian poet Francesco Petrarch, one of the most influential humanist scholars of the 14th century, described the tower as "unique in the world". Innocent III had the tower clad with travertine slabs taken from the nearby Imperial Forums however these were removed in the late 16th century for the construction of Porta Pia. At the end of the 17th century, the tower underwent a major restoration under Pope Alexander VIII, with the two existing buttresses dating from that time. In the following centuries the tower was abandoned and used as a coal storage facility. Modern era The tower was isolated when the surrounding alleys were destroyed during the demolition works to build Via Cavour in the late 19th century and Via dell'Impero (today Via dei Fori Imperiali) in 1930. The tower overlooks Largo Corrado Ricci, named after the director general of antiquities and fine arts during the excavations to make way for Via dell'Impero, replacing the old Piazza delle Carrette, so called because of the carts that parked there when it was a market area. Three iconic umbrella pine trees that provided a backdrop to Romes Forum of Nerva were chopped down in Largo Corrado Ricci today. pic.twitter.com/CcTYMpBml1 Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) September 23, 2024 In more recent times the building hosted city offices but has been closed since 2007. The small park area under the tower has been closed off for several years, to facilitate archaeological excavations, and in September 2024 the city cut down three large umbrella pine trees adjacent to the building as part of a major redevelopment of the area. Photo AGI The News in Brief Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Nino Lomjaria, Executive Director of Georgia's European Orbit, says that the political process must continue under any circumstances, even if opposition parties are banned. According to her, the public should not feel that politicians are unprepared for possible early elections."Even if parties are banned, there must still be a plan," Lomjaria stated. "The political process cannot be dead at that time, and the public must not have the feeling that politicians are not preparing, even for snap elections called unexpectedly."Lomjaria emphasized that such preparations do not need to be conducted in full public view. "It is not necessary for the concrete steps to be discussed publicly," she said. "If specific opposition parties do not stand together, someone else will. Other forces or interested persons will appear and fill that niche."She urged political actors to be ready for all possible developments, including scenarios where multiple parties face restrictions. "Whether two, three, four, five, eight or however many parties are banned, every scenario must be worked out," Lomjaria explained. "There must be a plan for how the political process continues. It is not necessary for protest participants to be involved or for everything to be discussed in front of the public. The main thing is that the process is happening."Lomjaria also connected political preparation with the ongoing protests and public sacrifices made over the past year. "When people are sacrificing themselves and protesting, the public needs to know the political process is continuing," she said. "Those with political ambitions must be preparing for future parliamentary elections that could be called unexpectedly. One of the main demands, along with freeing political prisoners, is early elections. When they are announced, politicians cannot say they were not ready."The fifth President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, has issued a strong rebuke to the country's diplomats on Georgian Diplomacy Day, accusing them of betraying their mission by remaining silent as Georgia's European course is being reversed."Diplomacy is not obedience - diplomacy is service to the country!" Zourabichvili wrote on social media. "What is the ambassador in Brussels doing now that our European path has been changed? You, Georgian diplomats, what are you doing to save this country?"The president said true loyalty to the nation is shown not through silence or career caution, but through honesty. "True loyalty is not measured by career silence. It is measured by speaking the truth, even when that truth is heavy," she wrote.Recalling the origins of Georgian Diplomacy Day, Zourabichvili noted that it commemorates Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, who died in the Vatican on 3 November 1629. "He defended Georgia's independence and sought ties with Europe," she said, adding that he symbolised "loyalty to the nation's interests and professional dignity."Zourabichvili argued that today's diplomats have lost sight of that purpose. "You have forgotten why you were granted the privilege of serving in the name of the country," she wrote. "By your inaction, you are stripping Georgians of the European future you enjoy through the comfort of your postings abroad.""Diplomacy must be dignity," she concluded. "But today that dignity is absent in you." By Sam Tobin LONDON (Reuters) -Getty Images largely lost its London lawsuit against artificial intelligence company Stability AI over its image generator on Tuesday, prompting Getty and some lawyers to call for stronger protections for copyright owners in Britain. Seattle-based Getty, which produces editorial content and creative stock images and video, accused Stability AI of using its images to "train" its Stable Diffusion system, which generates images from text inputs. The company had sued Stability AI for breach of copyright on the grounds Stable Diffusion was trained using Getty's images, and that images generated by Stable Diffusion reproduced its copyrighted images. But Getty dropped that part of its case mid-trial, partly due to a lack of evidence about where Stable Diffusion was "trained", which two intellectual property lawyers said rendered Tuesday's ruling a "damp squib" for the law on AI. JUDGE SAYS FINDINGS ARE LIMITED IN SCOPE Getty pursued its claims of trademark infringement and secondary copyright infringement, alleging Stability AI imported into the United Kingdom an AI model which breached its copyright. Judge Joanna Smith ruled Getty had succeeded "in part" on trademark infringement in relation to Getty watermarks generated by users of Stable Diffusion, but she said her findings were "both historic and extremely limited in scope". She also dismissed Getty's secondary copyright infringement claim, on the grounds that "Stable Diffusion... does not store or reproduce any copyright works", which lawyers said exposed weaknesses in Britain's copyright protections. "Today's finding means that copyright owners' exclusive right to reap what they have sown has been avoided on a technicality," Rebecca Newman, a lawyer at Addleshaw Goddard, said. GETTY, STABILITY AI BOTH WELCOME RULING The trial of Getty's case one of several lawsuits brought in Britain, the U.S. and elsewhere over the use of copyright-protected material to train AI models began in June with much fanfare about its potential wider impact on the law on AI. Stability's lawyers argued Getty's lawsuit posed "an overt threat to ... the wider generative AI industry", a contention rejected by Getty which said it was simply upholding its intellectual property rights. Getty Images said in a statement that the ruling "confirms that Stable Diffusion's inclusion of Getty Images' trademarks in AI-generated outputs infringed those trademarks", which Getty said was "a significant win for intellectual property owners". A Wexford man has been disqualified from driving after he crashed into a construction site in Ferrybank. Stephen Kinsella (38), of 58 Southknock, New Ross, was before Waterford District Court charged with dangerous driving and driving without insurance on the Dock Road in Ferrybank on June 26, 2024. The court was told that on the day of the incident, the defendant had crashed into a construction site, colliding with bollards and a pedestrian had had to jump out of the way. The man did not have insurance at the time. The court heard that the defendant had 13 previous convictions, most of which were under the Road Traffic Act. Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty acknowledged that the court had no choice but to impose a disqualification. But he asked the judge to use his discretion and only disqualify his client for the minimum of two years. He said his client was currently out of work because of a shoulder injury, but not being able to drive would hamper his efforts at employment. Judge John Cheatle said the defendant had saved the court time in entering a guilty plea, and for that, he would give him credit. The judge imposed a two-year disqualification for each offence but said that they would run concurrently. He also imposed a 300 fine for not having insurance. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme In 2020, a volunteer of Waterford Suir Valley Railway identified the remains an old crane in the undergrowth at Ferns Railway Station in Co Wexford. Upon investigation, the two tonne manual goods crane was found to have been manufactured by Bray Waddington and Co, the company responsible for building the first railway bridge of the River Thames in London in 1859. The crane is likely to have been installed in Ferns Station around the time of the stations opening in November of 1863. In 2021, Irish Rail donated the crane to Waterford Suir Valley Railway. The team extracted the pieces of the crane from the site and transferred them to the station at Kilmeadan, in the hopes that it could be preserved there. In 2025, the Board of the Waterford Suir Valley Railway applied to the Community Heritage Grant Scheme for funding to restore the crane and place it on one of the two platforms at the station in Kilmeaden for visitors to admire. Funding was received, and the crane is now in place. The restored Bray Waddington Crane will be dedicated to the memory of James Kelly, ex-engineer at the railway who sadly passed away in July of this year. Alan Moore, one of the WSVR Board Members involved with the project, stated: We are very grateful to Irish Rail for donating this valuable piece of industrial heritage to us. Without the funding from the Heritage Council the restoration project would simply not have been viable. "The expertise of Dr Colin Rynne and Andrew Clarke has ensured the 160 year old railway goods crane has been fully restored and should survive for decades to come for visitors to the railway and Waterford Greenway to appreciate as part of the railways growing collection. A formal unveiling event will be held at Kilmeaden station on Tuesday November 11 at 11am. On Saturday afternoon November 1, around 100 people came out to the 'Raise the Roof' rally to protest the worsening housing crisis in Waterford and the rest of the country. Students, politicians, activists, trade unionists and locals made a call for action as a record-breaking 16,000 people were registered as homeless. Sinn Fein TDs David Cullinane and Conor McGuiness attended the event, as did multiple local Councillors including Mary Roche (Social Democrats), Joe Kelly (Independent) and John Hearne (Sinn Fein). SETU Student Union representative Avii Olasogba shared a few words about the grinding obstacles facing young people looking to study in the South East. He said: "I know there are lads paying up to 1,000 for a room, I know there are lads dropping out of college." He said that 66% of students who dropped out of university in 2024 did so due to lack of accommodation and commuting options. He said: "We're not getting the opportunity from the Government to get our education as students, we're not being given the ability, we're not given the support we need." Community organiser Dylan O'Riordan spoke about the thousands of Irish people who have left the country because of the housing crisis. He said: "Over the last 10 years, I've watched the national average rent rise from about 900 a month to 1,700 a month and the average cost of home has gone from just under 200,000 to 375,000. "In 2014, the figure of people experiencing homelessness was roughly 2,000 people. As of yesterday (October 31) that number is 16,614 and there are thousands more struggling to get by. When people are already pushed to the margins and can't get secure housing, we create a society where safety and dignity become luxuries. All of this has been under the watch of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael." Deputy Cullinane took a moment to welcome members of the Travelling community at the rally, which coincided with the tenth anniversary of the Carrickmines fire which claimed the lives of ten men, women and children. In the aftermath of the tragedy, it was revealed that Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council had drawn down no funding for Traveller accommodation that year. The Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Health said of the housing crisis: "10,000 families in the first half of this year were facing eviction and given eviction notices. That's happening at a time when an Irish Government who should be standing up for Irish people have rolled out the red carpet for vulture funds, rolled out the red carpet for international investors. Rolled out the red carpet for the big landlords that get tax breaks in the budget that was gone and yet they couldn't find the money to put a roof over people's heads and to actually build the houses that people need. "So shame on this government for putting international investors and landlords over the needs of ordinary working people here in Waterford and across this state." Councillor Pat Fitzgerald (Sinn Fein) spoke about the potentially hazardous road conditions in Faithlegg. At a recent meeting in Waterford City Hall, he commented: "There's a small road in Faithlegg on the way down to Park Rangers FC and it's quite a busy road. There's a section of road there that's bounded by Coillte land. The Coillte land has actually grown onto the road at this stage now." He went on: "We have a lot of kids walking down that road in the evening to go training and things like that, and we need that area cut back." Cllr Fitzgerald claimed that Coillte had been contacted by Waterford Council over the issue but a response has not been received. He asked: "Is there something we can do, something we can force their hand in some way?" Paul Johnston replied: "I'll confirm the location of the footpaths and get back to you directly on that." Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme Last Friday, during South East Technological University (SETU)'s graduation ceremonies in Waterford, two students unfurled Palestine flags whilst on stage collecting their degrees. This was in protest against SETUs link to RedHat, a company whose software is used by the Israeli military. Whilst being called to the stage to collect her degree during the graduation event, Mary Lyng, a recent student on the BA (Hons) Community Education and Development degree course, and chairperson of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign South East branch, unfurled a Palestinian flag and spoke to the large crowd. President, I want to say today that while SETU is a fantastic university, SETU has ties with RedHat. RedHat has direct collaboration with genocide by Israel. After the crowd erupted in applause and support, Mary Lyng turned to SETU President Veronica Campbell beside her on the stage and continued: SETU has ethical and moral responsibility to cut ties with RedHat, who has direct collaboration with the genocide of thousands and thousands of people. Please take action now. Saoirse Don Phalaistin! Ammar Makki, a member of Gather For Palestine, a group of staff and students in SETU, also unfurled a Palestine flag on stage as he collected his degree. Speaking after the event, Mary Lyng said: On proudly receiving my honours degree in Community Education and Development, I used the platform to highlight again the ties SETU has with RedHat. RedHat is a major software engineering company and works extensively and closely with units of the Israeli Military. The international Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement has confirmed that RedHat is complicit in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people. "One of the main principles of my degree in community education and development is equality. SETU cannot uphold human dignity and social justice while having direct partnership with genocide collaborators RedHat. "I called on Veronica Campbell today and requested that SETU cut all ties with RedHat and that they have a moral responsibility to do so. I hope she comprehended my request. The action follows a recent action last week outside RedHat's offices on the Cork Road in Waterford city, where IPSC South East supporters spoke to RedHat workers about the company's links to the Israeli military, which, according to the UN, is committing genocide against Palestinians. A letter was delivered to Brendan O'Farrell, RedHats Waterford site lead and program manager. SETU was contacted but declined to comment. A Local Link service between Dungarvan and Clonmel, which was temporarily suspended due to anti-social behaviour issues, has been reinstated. Speaking on the matter last week, TD for Tipperary South, Michael Murphy, said he was very concerned over the suspension. This service is an essential lifeline for many residents who depend on it for access to work, education and essential connections he said. Deputy Murphy added that he engaged with a local Garda Superintendent and was informed that despite claims of anti-social behaviour, no incidents matching those described have been reported in recent weeks. As a result, Gardai have not had the opportunity to investigate or provide targeted support in those areas. While I fully appreciated the operators concerns regarding driver and passenger safety, it is vital that any such incidents are formally reported to An Garda Siochana so that appropriate action can be taken' Murphy said. The Superintendent has made clear that, with proper engagement, Garda resources can be deployed to ensure the continued safe operation of services.' In an update last night, Local Link Waterford posted the following statement: "TFI Local Link Waterford are pleased to confirm that services to Old Bridge and Raheen will be reinstated from 5pm (17:00) today, Monday, November 3. "We would like to sincerely thank Michael Murphy TD for his assistance, and our passengers for their understanding regarding the temporary suspension over the weekend. Safety of our drivers and passengers will always be our first priority. "We appreciate the cooperation of everyone in ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted operation of this service, which is of great benefit to residents in the Old Bridge and Raheen areas." By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA Comments made by political commentator Ivan Yates that Fine Gael should run a smear campaign should not be linked with his training of Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin, the Taoiseach has said. The two coalition partners are dealing with revelations that Mr Yates, a former Fine Gael minister and ex-broadcaster, provided around four hours of media training to Mr Gavin during the presidential election. Fianna Fail said this took place from September 23rd to 29th and focused on preparing for interviews on two programmes. Newstalk said a review is underway after Mr Yates presented a programme on its airwaves on three dates during the presidential election campaign and did not inform it of any conflict of interest. I think it's now very clear that the issue goes beyond the presidential election, but that's a matter for others Simon Harris Tanaiste and Fine Gael minister Simon Harris said that it was frustrating that its presidential candidate Heather Humphreys had to answer repeated questions about whether she was running a smear campaign against left-wing independent Catherine Connolly based on comments made by Mr Yates. Mr Yates had said on Newstalks Calling It podcast published on October 9th that Fine Gael should respond to opinion polls putting Ms Connolly ahead by attempting to smear the bejaysus out of her. Speaking on his way into Cabinet on Tuesday, Mr Harris said he did not want to comment on internal Fianna Fail matters. He then said: If you want my very honest answer, its frustrating to me that many of you in the media went through a presidential election campaign asking the Fine Gael candidate time and time again about comments that Ivan Yates apparently gave to Fine Gael when its now quite clear, not only was he not advising Fine Gael, he was being paid for by another party. Its interesting all these bits of information came into the public domain after the election campaign. He added: I think theres also legitimate issues around transparency in media that I think broadcasters and the regulator in Coimisiun na Mean should consider as well. Its interesting that some organisations have decided to keep their analysis just to the period of the presidential election. I think its now very clear that the issue goes beyond the presidential election, but thats a matter for others. Tanaiste Simon Harris speaks to reporters in Dublin (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said he believed there had been a lack of balance, candidly, and perspective on the issue. He said: All political parties use media training from time to time, Fianna Fail is no different to any other political party in that respect. Indeed, Ivan Yates had worked for the party in the European elections and in the general election; it would have been on public record in Sipo, would have been as far back as last August in respect of the Europeans and in January in terms of the general, so no secret there. I would take issue with some attempts to conflate the fact that he worked four hours with Jim Gavin and subsequent remarks he made in respect of the presidential that had nothing to do with Fianna Fail or nothing to do with us, we wouldnt approve of, or wouldnt agree with. But theres been an attempt to conflate the two, which I think is not accurate and is wrong. The intersection between politics, media, polling companies, pundits, commentators, is a very fluid one, an interesting one, and I dont think its just about one individual. I think people should declare a conflict of interest, but its a matter that everybody in (politics) and in media should reflect on. Mr Yates is a former bookmaker, ex-Fine Gael minister and broadcaster who was a co-host of the Path To Power political podcast. He is no longer to co-host the podcast in the wake of the revelations of his involvement with Mr Gavins campaign. His podcast co-host Matt Cooper said on Monday: I came to a decision that it wasnt appropriate for the listeners not to know about what work he had done from Jim Gavin when he was providing commentary on Jim Gavin. Its tempting to assume that your retirement date and your first Social Security check will arrive at the same time. But for many retirees, thats not how it works out. According to a MassMutual survey, the average retirement age in 2024 was 62, (1) while most Americans dont start claiming Social Security until age 65, according to AARP. (2) That leaves a gap of roughly three years where retirees have to fund their lifestyle entirely from their own savings. Must Read If youre among those planning to retire early, that gap can have an outsized effect on your long-term financial health. Heres why the timing matters more than you think and how to make sure your savings can safely carry you across the divide. The dangerous income gap Retiring before claiming Social Security creates a vulnerable period a time when your nest egg has to pull double duty, covering both your expenses and market volatility. Take Susan, for example. She plans to retire at 60, needs $60,000 a year to live comfortably, and wants to delay claiming Social Security until 65, when shell receive about $25,000 annually in benefits. With $1 million saved, Susan decides to withdraw 6% per year from her 401(k), assuming the markets average return of 10% will sustain her. But if she retires into a downturn say, the S&P 500 drops 10% in each of her first two years and stagnates after she could end up with just over $525,000 before her first benefit check arrives. That smaller balance now has to last decades, and her withdrawal rate shoots above 10% a dangerous level that could drain her savings much faster than expected. Build your bridge fund before you retire The best way to protect against this risk is to create a bridge fund a pool of stable assets you can live on until Social Security begins. For instance, if Susan had moved $300,000 of her portfolio into bonds or Treasury funds earning around 5%, her portfolio might have ended that five-year period closer to $600,000, even with poor stock market performance. That difference could mean the ability to maintain her lifestyle without constantly worrying about the next market swing. Advertisement Updated BusinessCompaniesAI From the brink to billionaires: Sydney brothers land $14.8 billion Microsoft deal David Swan November 4, 2025 2:57am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 4 View all comments Three years ago, Daniel Roberts broke a rib playing Australian rules football. It turned out to be the luckiest injury of his life. The 38-year-old started urinating blood, leading doctors to discover a 7 centimetre tumour on his kidney. I got a little knock in the ribs at football and then discovered Ive got kidney cancer... Pretty wild, he told this masthead. They cut out a kidney and life goes on. It gives you good perspective on life, to be frank. While Roberts faced mortality in a Sydney hospital, the company hed built with his younger brother Will was facing its own existential crisis. Shares in their Bitcoin mining venture had plummeted 96 per cent and the crypto winter showed no signs of thawing. Iren co-founders Will Roberts (left) and Daniel Roberts. James Brickwood On Tuesday, the Roberts brothers improbable comeback story hit a new pinnacle: Microsoft signed a roughly $14.8 billion deal to buy AI computing capacity from their company, Iren, in what represents one of the largest contracts ever awarded to an Australian technology firm. Advertisement The five-year agreement gives the tech giant access to cutting-edge Nvidia systems in Texas and includes a 20 per cent prepayment worth about $2 billion. Its a staggering validation for a company that the ASX rejected when it tried to list in Australia just four years ago. The backpacker bitcoin miners The Roberts brothers journey began at Macquarie Group, where Daniel worked as a vice president after stints at PwC and infrastructure fund Palisade Investment Partners. Will, six years younger, followed a similar path through Macquaries ranks. Both attended Sydneys Saint Ignatius College and studied business at the University of Technology, Sydney. But by 2017, theyd become convinced that Bitcoin represented something far bigger than just another asset class. Daniel Roberts. AFR Advertisement Their early bitcoin adventure proved instructive. We invested first in bitcoin in 2013 on its run up to $1,000, and then it dropped to $500, and we shat ourselves, sold it all and thought, silly, magic internet money, Daniel said. But a few years later, he reconsidered. I was reading about monetary history and gold, and I figured theres only 21 million of these things. It feels like its going to continue going up in value, particularly if governments continue to print lots of money. So they quit their corporate jobs and founded Iren in 2018 with an ambitious thesis around the digitisation of society. We love our sci-fi movies, like The Matrix, Ready Player One, Wreck it Ralph, Daniel said. And we quoted these movies when we were out raising our seed investment round, just to elicit visualisations for investors. As society is heading that way, directionally, its going to drive this insatiable appetite for compute. The brothers donned backpacks and started travelling the world looking for places that had built more renewable energy than they could use. They were adamant about a principle that would define their business: theyd only use electrons going to waste, never power that families needed. We looked in Europe. But the political sensitivity was high. We went to Iceland. We were looking through the lens of what problems could we solve? Taking baseload geothermal power in Iceland wasnt solving a problem for that market, Daniel said. Advertisement Their search took them through rural Canada and eventually to Childress County, Texas - 400 kilometres from the nearest city - where wind and solar farms had been built with government subsidies that far exceeded transmission capacity. So we came in and said, Right, well use up this power. Well pay your market price and put downward pressure on power prices, Roberts explained. They rehired laid-off mill workers and retrained them to run data centres. Rejection and rock bottom In November 2021, riding bitcoins pandemic-era surge, Iris Energy listed on the Nasdaq at $US28 a share, valuing the company at $US1.55 billion. The ASX had rejected their listing application. After the brown cardigans at the ASX rejected us due to their anti-technology stance, IREN - now ASX100 scale - was forced to list overseas, Daniel wrote on LinkedIn at the time. I know others havent even bothered trying locally as a result. Advertisement Data centres are power hungry and the use of artificial intelligence is running up huge energy bills. iStock When asked about the rejection now in an interview, Roberts is philosophical. They make decisions they think are wise at the moment, he said. US capital markets have opened up an enormous opportunity for us, and maybe things happen for a reason, but we havent looked back. Days after listing on the Nasdaq, bitcoin crashed. Interest rates soared. The brothers watched helplessly as their share price entered freefall, bottoming at $US1.06 in December 2022. It was during this crisis that Daniels kidney cancer was discovered. Since bottoming in 2022, Iren shares have surged more than 580 per cent this year alone. The company is now valued at $16.52 billion, larger than Qantas. Each brother is currently worth about $1.06 billion, making 35-year-old Will one of the ten richest Australians under 40. Advertisement Wall Street validation The $US9.7 billion ($14.8 billion) Microsoft contract, which will make the tech giant Irens biggest customer, has sent analysts scrambling to raise price targets. B. Riley Securities called the deal a validation of Irens vertically integrated strategy, expecting it to generate $US1.94 billion in annualised revenue with 85 per cent EBITDA margins. The firm raised its target price to $US74. Related Article Opinion AI Getting AI to do the grocery shopping: Its closer than you think Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Roth Capital Partners revised its price target upward to $US94, noting that the Microsoft deal brings a level of credibility we believe investors were looking for. Cantor Fitzgerald was more bullish, lifting its target to $US142 and calling the deal game-changing, noting that Iren could replicate this deal several times over across its remaining capacity. The common theme among analysts: Iren lacked a tier-1 anchor tenant before Monday. Now it has Microsoft, arguably the strongest possible validation. Advertisement What excites Roberts most is the scale of what lies ahead. Weve got 3,000 megawatts of power secured that we can offer to clients such as Microsoft, he told this masthead. This deal is 10 per cent of that. So in some respects, its back to work, continuing other conversations and making the most of the opportunity in front of us. Australias missed opportunity? The Microsoft deals significance extends beyond the Roberts brothers personal fortunes or Irens share price. It highlights what many see as a missed opportunity for Australias technology sector. Iren currently operates 810 megawatts of data centre capacity, with another 2.1 gigawatts under construction in North America. Thats roughly equivalent to Australias entire existing data centre capacity of 1.5 gigawatts, with another 1.6 gigawatts in the pipeline across the entire country. Roberts is direct about Australias predicament. We absolutely havent missed it, but we absolutely could miss it, he said. Advertisement Related Article Software Canva unveils world-first AI model as it gears for blockbuster listing We sit here today looking back over the multi-decade resource boom, and lament sending all these commodities offshore for other people to add value and monetise. We are sitting here with the exact same opportunity in front of us now for the fourth industrial revolution. Weve got an abundance of natural resources, the ability to produce enormous amounts of renewable energy, all we need to do is to monetise that into a more refined product, like compute, and export it. And its a huge opportunity. But Australia is making it unnecessarily hard. Part of the reason were offshore is Australia is very slow and very hard to do things, Daniel explained. For some reason we think at times that were so far away from everyone else that maybe we dont have to be as quick, nimble and as competitive as other countries do. Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar recently argued at the National Press Club that Australia has the land and renewable energy to become a regional AI computing hub if it can streamline approvals and address skilled labor shortages. Iren is currently hiring for 50 roles, but only one is based in its Sydney headquarters. The rest are in North America, where permits take months instead of years. Advertisement In the US, a lot of that Federal power is decentralised among the states, Daniel said. What that does is create more competition at a state level... its much more of a meritocracy. Daniel says working alongside his brother has been critical to Irens success. Hes definitely the better brother, he said. When I say two heads are better than one, and when youve got a lot of deep-seated alignment and passion, the ability to punch through problems together - we absolutely wouldnt be where we are individually, thats for sure. For now, the brothers are focused on executing their Microsoft contract. The GPUs will be deployed through 2026 at the companys 750-megawatt Childress campus, generating approximately $1.94 billion in annual revenue. Its a stunning turnaround for a company that nearly went under, led by brothers who turned a broken rib and a brush with cancer into billion-dollar fortunes. With Bloomberg The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement CultureTV & radioStreaming Netflix, Disney and other streamers to be forced to pay for more Australian-made content Karl Quinn November 4, 2025 2:06pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 34 View all comments After years of haggling, stalling, negotiation and threats, a deal to force the streaming services to fund Australian screen content is finally imminent. Labor is set to introduce a bill to parliament this week that will impose quotas on Netflix, Disney and any other services with at least a million Australian subscribers. Dubbed an Australian content obligation, the legislation will require services that meet the threshold to invest at least 10 per cent of their total expenditure for Australia in the production of new local drama, childrens, documentary, arts or educational programming. The proposed legislation could mean mores shows like Netflixs Apple Cider Vinegar. AP Alternatively, they can opt to invest 7.5 per cent of their Australian revenues in the same. The obligation will apply to Stan and Paramount+ if they meet the subscriber threshold, even though each is associated with a free-to-air broadcaster (Nine and Ten respectively) that already has an Australian content obligation. Advertisement Either model is likely to result in a significant boost to the amount of money invested in Australian content, particularly compared with recent levels, which have declined starkly after years of increases in anticipation of regulation. Netflix is the largest streamer in the local market, with an estimated 6.2 million subscribers and local revenue of $1.3 billion in 2024. Filings with the corporate regulator show the service incurred expenses of about $1.25 billion last year, reports the Australian Financial Review. Paramount+ may have to produce more shows like its catfishing drama Fake, starring David Wenham and Asher Keddie. Paramount+ On the revenue model, Netflixs obligation would equate to $97.5 million, while on the expenditure model it would be $125 million. Advertisement We have Australian content requirements on free-to-air television and pay television, but until now, there has been no guarantee that we could see our own stories on streaming services, said Arts Minister Tony Burke on Tuesday. Hailing the extraordinary shows the streamers have already produced locally, Burke said this obligation will ensure that those stories our stories continue to be made. Debate has raged for almost a decade over how and whether to regulate the streamers to ensure they support local content production. As they have stolen audience share from free-to-air television, the sense of urgency has risen dramatically. In 2021, Paul Fletcher, the then Coalition governments minister for arts and communications, proposed a voluntary 5 per cent quota on the streamers. Labor condemned the figure as far too low and the Greens have consistently argued for a levy of 20 per cent of Australian revenues. Since becoming arts minister when Labor came to power the following year, Burke has been repeatedly frustrated in his attempts to develop a framework that adequately manages the complexity of the streaming sector, in which the various players operate with vastly different models. Netflix and Disney, for instance, are pure-play services, but Amazon bundles its subscription with its Prime delivery service, while Apple offers it as a bonus with many of its hardware products. Advertisement More recently, the threat of legal challenges for potential breaches of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement has been raised, as has the potential for retaliatory tariffs to be levied by the Trump administration. The precise detail of the model Labor will take to parliament is not yet clear, but the Australian Writers Guild and Screen Producers Australia have been quick to welcome it. This announcement marks a landmark day for the Australian screen industry, said Screen Producers Australia chief executive Matthew Deaner. Amid global uncertainty, the government has said it wants to ensure a future for Australian content, said Claire Pullen, chief executive of the Australian Writers Guild. Advertisement Eating outWhats on Souped-up: The Perth restaurants taking diners on a regional Indonesian trip The line-up includes Balinese-style chicken soup as well as regional styles from across Java and Sumatra not commonly found outside of Indonesia. Max Veenhuyzen November 5, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Soup is for winter. Soup is for losing weight. Soup is for saving money. Soup is for using up leftovers. Soup is boring. Soup, in short, has something of an image problem. Yet when considered through an Asian food lens, soup quickly goes from zero to hero. Rifa Fitriana enjoying a bowl of soto Betawi iga bakar, a Jakarta-style beef soup, at Kayu Manis. Chinese hotpot restaurants are popping up around the metropolitan area at a terrific rate; ramen and pho establishments rise and fall according to the intensity and quality of their broths; and Burmese expats will gladly run the Mitchell Freeway gauntlet for their fix of mohinga, the countrys legendary fish stew. (Sometimes their destination is Girrawheens prosaically named Mums House Burmese Kitchen; other times its a low-key lunch bar in Wangara.) Indonesian diners, meanwhile, are no strangers to the joys of soup. Or, as the dish is commonly called in Bahasa, soto. Advertisement Soto is soothing, says David Wijaya, the Jakarta-born chef-owner of Ah Beng Indonesia at Westfield Carousel. If Im sitting down and having dinner with my family, a complete meal means that theres a meat dish, a vegie dish and soup on the table. When that happens, everyone is happy. 1 / 3 Jakarta-style soto betawi from Kayumanis in the CBD. Supplied 2 / 3 Langfords Kwikfud Cafe is serving a Bogor-style soto ayam lobak as part of Novembers Soto Hero. Supplied 3 / 3 Balinese soto ayam from Haystack Cafe in Wangara. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide To share that joy, eight metropolitan Indonesian restaurants have banded together to launch Soto Hero. This November-long celebration showcases the countless, comforting styles of soto (Indonesian soup) found throughout the archipelago. So while local eaters and regular visitors to Indonesia may be familiar with soto ayam (chicken soup), Soto Hero gives diners a chance to taste styles that can be difficult to find outside their place of origin. Advertisement Haystack Cafe in Wangara, for example, is serving soto Bali, which starts with base genap (say it bah-seh rather than base geh-nup), the islands famous turmeric-rich spice mix base. Modern Indonesian restaurant Kayumanis in the CBD and Thornlies Bakoel will each present their version of Jakartas coconut milk-enriched beef soup, soto Betawi. (Java, the Indonesian island that Jakarta is located in, is also the birthplace of rawon, a black, murky beef soup flavoured with candlenut as well as Ah Bengs contribution to Soto Hero.) Related Article 14 / 20 Review Think avocado toast is passe? This neighbourhood cafe wants you to think again The crew at Maylands newly opened Mrs Lim Kitchen, meanwhile, is bringing soto Medan a chicken soup with plenty of rich coconut action from the capital of Sumatra to the party. And if you are curious about other soup styles from Indonesias largest island, Siti Cuisine at the Gosnells Railway Market food court can oblige. Its serving soto Padang, a clear beef broth bulked out with vermicelli noodles. Advertisement Rounding off the line-up are Langfords KwikFud Cafe (serving soto ayam lobak, a radish, chicken and noodle soup from Bogor City designed to feed construction workers fast), and Raja Gurih, presenting another Bogor dish, soto mie ayam, a soothing chicken noodle soup. In short, the Soto Hero line-up is a fine way to explore Indonesia without taking your passport out of your drawer. Although all restaurants involved in Soto Hero are excited to showcase regional dishes and flavours, the programs overarching goal is to celebrate WAs burgeoning Indonesian food scene, and Indonesian cuisine more broadly. Soto Hero is the first program launched by the newly established Indonesian Culinary Association of WA (Wijaya is the groups president). The group is already planning future promotions and events. Soto Hero runs throughout November at Ah Beng Indonesia, Haystack Cafe, Kayumanis, Bakoel, Mrs Lim Kitchen, Siti Cuisine, KwikFud Cafe, and Raja Gurih. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Whats on Perth Restaurant news Max Veenhuyzen is a journalist and photographer who has been writing about food, drink and travel for national and international publications for more than 20 years. He reviews restaurants for the Good Food Guide. Advertisement MoneyTaxWorking from home Home workers could claim thousands as ATO scrambles to fix loophole Nina Hendy November 5, 2025 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 122 View all comments Australians who work from home could be eligible for thousands of dollars in tax deductions after an ABC presenter successfully challenged a ruling from the Tax Office that rent could not be claimed as an expense by such workers. However, the finding from the Administrative Review Tribunal has spurred a Federal Court challenge from the ATO, which is seeking to overturn the decision. Those who work from home in a second bedroom or home office could potentially claim rental expenses. iStock Melbourne ABC radio presenter Ned Hall lodged a tax claim for $5878 in rental deductions to cover the occupancy of a second bedroom he used as a home office during Victorias lockdowns. Court documents show that Halls main workplace for the entire year was the spare bedroom, which meant that in the 2021 income year, his apartment was both his home and his workplace, where he earned most of his assessable income. Advertisement Hall had claimed the deductions after setting aside the second bedroom specifically as an office, which he used 75 per cent of the time he worked, court documents show. The claim related to a new employment opportunity for which he relocated with his wife from Sydney to Melbourne in June 2020. The couple rented a two-bedroom apartment in Armadale, about eight kilometres from the ABC studios in Southbank. Halls claim stemmed from the fact the working from home arrangements were beyond his control, preventing him from attending his usual workplace in Southbank. According to court documents, he paid $36,326.23 in rent in 2021 for the apartment. While the Tax Office initially blocked the deduction, he appealed to the Administrative Review Tribunal, which after nearly three years has upheld his claims. Hall was also granted $1148 in car-related deductions by the tribunal, which the ATO had initially suggested were not eligible. The ruling could open the door for others to claw back tax if they work from home. The Tax Office is trying to close a loophole to stop others lodging a claim for similar deductions amid concerns that the landmark case could mean billions in similar tax claims from property owners and renters who work from home. Advertisement The ATO has published detailed advice on eligibility to claim occupancy expenses when working from home to try to stem a flood of future claims. Editor's pick Industrial relations Employers warned after Westpac work-from-home decision The case could have major ramifications for people who work from home if the Federal Court upholds the decision, UNSW Business School associate professor of taxation law Dale Boccabella says. The outcome of the case will be significant, not only because of the technical precedent it presents, he says. Theres no shortage of tax agents out there with no integrity, so theres every chance people will start exploiting this case by making claims. Tax law states that the location and exclusivity of the space being claimed as a tax deduction is critical, he says. Hall could have completed his work from anywhere, meaning there was no particular reason he had to set up his spare bedroom as an office. Advertisement The case states that his wife was a yoga instructor handling online classes in the living area, Boccabella says. But theres no detail in the documentation stating why he couldnt be working in the same space as her, which doesnt fill me with a lot of confidence. He only needed a laptop and Wi-Fi to complete his job, which he could have done from anywhere. The case comes as Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan pushes ahead to enshrine the right to work from home in law. Under the proposed laws, if a worker can reasonably do their job from home, they will have the right to do so for at least two days a week, regardless of whether they work in the private or public sector. The decision is subject to appeal in the Federal Court of Australia and a ruling is expected to be released in coming weeks. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter. Communications Minister Anika Wells was just on ABC News Afternoon Briefing, where she was asked if Optus chief executive Stephen Rue should resign. On Monday, Rue faced accusations he might have misled a Senate inquiry by evading questions about the companys handling of a catastrophic network failure in September that blocked Triple Zero emergency calls. Communications Minister Anika Wells this morning. Alex Ellinghausen That outage has since been linked to the deaths of three people. Asked by Patricia Karvelas if Rue should resign, Wells said: I appreciate you were overseas for the thrust of the Optus Karvelas interjected: I followed it closely. Given all the facts on the table, do you have confidence in him? Wells said: These are the points I would make. It took Optus more than a year to replace the previous CEO when she had to resign over the previous Optus outage. How does that help anyone assure themselves of the Triple Zero system? How does that actually deliver the reforms that Optus customers want in their telco? It is not a question for me to decide whether or not he should go, but as the steward of the telco system, my question is, if he is not going to do it, who is going to do it? Wells said she expected Optus to face more punitive measures from regulator the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Former NBN director Kerry Schott is reviewing the Optus failure. Wells said that review was due soon. Advertisement NationalVictoriaWomen's health Freebirthing, wild pregnancies and the banned birth keeper Henrietta Cook and Wendy Tuohy November 4, 2025 8:49am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Emily Lal, a doula with no medical background, claimed on a 2021 podcast that she had the skills to assist women if there was excessive bleeding or something out of the ordinary during their birth. Four years later, Melbourne woman Stacey Warnecke, a 30-year-old food influencer, died after experiencing these very complications. Nutrition influencer Stacey Warnecke (also known as Stacey Hatfield) died in September after giving birth at her home. Instagram Warnecke, also known as Stacey Hatfield, had a serious hemorrhage in September, reportedly after giving birth at home with no registered medical workers present, as she had chosen. Two weeks later, Victorias Health Complaints Commission issued a public warning: Ms Emily Lal, who is also known online as the Authentic Birthkeeper was under investigation after allegations were made that Lal is facilitating and/or participating in homebirths which may put both mothers and babies at risk. Advertisement The commissioner reasonably believes that Ms Lal may have contravened the code of conduct as set out in schedule 2 of the Health Complaints Act 2016, and that it is necessary to publish this warning statement to avoid an imminent and serious risk to the health, safety or welfare of the public, the commission said. Doulas, or birth keepers, are not permitted to provide any clinical care to women during childbirth but are often hired to give emotional or physical comfort to women who have chosen to join the small but growing cohort of freebirthing mothers. Three senior healthcare sources with close knowledge of Warneckes case have told this masthead that Lal attended Frankston Hospital with Warnecke as she was rushed in for emergency treatment. The Age has made numerous attempts to contact Lal. It has not been confirmed whether she guided Warneckes birth or was present when the complications began. Lal has previously publicly stated she had the skills to assist women giving birth. I do have the knowledge behind me that if there are complications that arise, I can assist, she told The Matrescence podcast in an episode on birthing outside the system. Advertisement Unlike homebirths, which are attended by two registered midwives and generally considered safe for low-risk pregnancies, freebirths take place without medical professionals. It is a legal right, and one maternity academics say is gaining in popularity though still unusual. Two health sources say Warnecke was treated for a significant postpartum hemorrhage when she arrived at Frankston Hospital, in Melbournes south-east, on September 29 after choosing to have a freebirth at her Seaford home. She arrived at the hospital in a critical state. Stacey Warnecke and husband Nathan while she was pregnant with their first child. Instagram Staff desperately tried to save Warnecke by performing surgery to stop the bleeding but were unsuccessful. Her baby son, Axel, survived. The Age tried unsuccessfully to contact Warneckes family. Advertisement Freebirth is gaining popularity as social media influencers promote the benefits of a natural birth without unwanted medical interventions. Risks are minimised in passionate testimonials by women who have had their babies this way, but concerns have been raised about some doulas performing tasks well outside their scope. Related Article Exclusive Women's health Doula crackdown possible after tragic freebirth deaths Last week, this masthead revealed that Australias nursing and midwifery board was considering what safety measures it could introduce to prevent dangerous freebirths. Frankston Hospital is understood to have reported Lal who has deleted her Authentic Birthkeeper Instagram account to the Health Complaints Commissioner. On October 21, the commissioner issued an interim prohibition notice banning Lal from providing any health service. Advertisement The birthing influencer was also mentioned at the August coronial inquest into the 2022 death of a newborn, known as Baby E, who died following a prolonged freebirth in a bacteria-filled inflatable pool rented from Lal. Baby Es mother said she was in contact with Lal after the birth, with one text message to Lal saying: We cant wake her, we arent sure if shes breathing. Doula and homebirth influencer Emily Lal. Instagram The woman then sent Lal a photo showing the babys face was blue. Ms Lal reportedly viewed [the baby] via FaceTime and then told [the mother] to call 000 for an ambulance, the coroner said. It was a miscarriage between two of Lals own pregnancies that cemented her commitment to freebirthing, according to comments she made on The Matrescence podcast. Advertisement I didnt rely on the medical system, she said. We can do this at home and without all the interventions. Related Article Investigation Regulation Slow, unaccountable and riven: Is the national healthcare watchdog sick? Lal described controversial former homebirth midwife Martina Gorner as her friend and mentor. Gorner, whom The Age attempted to interview, was permanently banned from the profession after an autopsy found a clear link between the death of a baby and her delays in sending the mother to hospital. She is understood to have been Lals private midwife during one of her pregnancies. Lal told a podcast she had to transfer to another midwife after Gorner was suspended from practising due to her role in the delivery of surprise twins during a homebirth. Advertisement The twins mother had refused ultrasounds during her pregnancy and was unaware she was carrying two babies. Although they were born healthy, they were transported to hospital by ambulance after one developed breathing issues. Speaking on another podcast hosted by freebirthing advocate Natalie Rees, The Renegade Mama, Lal discussed the virtues of wild pregnancy, in which women have no pre-natal appointments or other checks. Loading Lal told this podcast in 2023 that she had two wild pregnancies. She said she was pregnant with her third child when she was asked by a woman in the freebirthing community to visit her home, and arrived as paramedics were attempting to revive the womans baby, which had died after a freebirth. Advertisement Lal told the podcast the mother was not a client of hers but was someone with whom she had formed a connection. Despite witnessing this, Lal said she would still never seek medical care during one of her own pregnancies. I realised that even though I had this fear of death coming up, not even for a split second did I think hiring a medical professional or hiring a midwife would be protective against that, she told the podcast. I really felt that if my baby dies, would I change anything I had done with my care or the way that I birthed my babies? And the answer was no, it really wouldnt change anything for me. Advertisement Lal is so confident that medical interference is unnecessary that she told Rees that even when she had a pretty bad fall off her bike midway through her third pregnancy and was hurt badly enough to take a week to recover, she did not consider getting a check-up. That week I was like, God, have I injured the baby? she said. You know I have wild pregnancies, and I thought theres no point going and finding out if anything has changed because I thought theres nothing I can do about it at 20-some weeks. She kept going, she said, and everything was fine. Lal also told Rees that she was confident she could deliver her third baby in a freebirth with only her husband present, even though the baby was in the breech position until the day of delivery. Safer Care Victoria, the agency that assists in improving the states health system, advises that elective caesarean section for a singleton breech baby at term has been shown to reduce perinatal and neonatal mortality rates. It states that planning for vaginal breech birth requires careful assessment of suitability criteria, contraindications and the ability of the service to provide experienced personnel. A spokesman for Safer Care Victoria said the decision to freebirth was often influenced by trauma, cultural preferences or limited access to preferred care. Advertisement He said that as freebirths occur outside the health system, they can delay birth registration, which affects Victorias birth records and available data. Regardless of where a woman gives birth, having a registered and trained clinician present means having immediate access to urgent care if needed ensuring the safety and best outcome for both mothers and babies, the spokesman said. Associate Professor Shyaman Menon, chief medical officer of Peninsula Health, which runs Frankston Hospital, said he was unable to comment on individual cases due to patient privacy. We echo Safer Care Victorias recommendations and encourage women to undertake their care with an [Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency]-registered maternity provider during pregnancy, birth and postnatally to ensure their preferences are taken into account in the safest way possible for both mother and baby, he said. Menon said the health service always welcomes pregnant, birthing or postnatal women and their babies who need to transfer their care to its service. Advertisement He said these patients always received care and support that was respectful of their wishes and autonomy, without bias. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalWAEducation More WA students are getting top ATARs. Heres why Holly Thompson November 5, 2025 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 1 View all comments Hundreds more West Australian students scored an ATAR above 90 in 2024 than five years ago, data shows, with the number of students ranking above 99 in their university admission scores also increasing. That is despite a declining proportion of people in the school-leaving age cohort of the WA population completing a course that makes them eligible for an ATAR. In 2020, 3003 students or 28 per cent of the cohort scored an ATAR of 90 or more, compared with 3390 students, or 34 per cent of the cohort, receiving the same in 2024. Professor Rod Yager, chair of the committee responsible for calculating the scores in NSW, said the academic strengths of school populations were unlikely to differ. Advertisement Instead, he pointed to broader demographic changes in candidates driving the uplift as more students left the school system earlier, the proportion of high-achievers increased. Related Article Exclusive Education They dont have a clue: WA schools, students, not prepared for looming social media ban In NSW and Victoria, about 55 per cent of this cohort are ATAR eligible, while in WA only about 27.5 per cent of the school-leaving age cohort take courses leading to an ATAR, Yager said. An ATAR of 90 means that the student is academically stronger than 90 per cent of the school-leaving aged population in their jurisdiction. Tertiary Institutions Service Centre chief executive Andrew Crevald said the figures showed WA needed to encourage more young people to take on ATAR courses. Advertisement The ATAR itself does not make judgements about who has passed or failed. Its a rank not a score, he said. ATAR courses are advanced courses that challenge our students and set them up for success. Students with ATARs between 45 and 60 are currently admitted to universities across the country. WA students with ATARs in their 40s, 50s and 60s are also capable of university study so, lets welcome them into suitable courses at WAs universities and increase our social capital for the challenges that lie ahead. The number of applications for exam adjustments increased again in 2024 across WA to a total of 1243 9.2 per cent of the number of candidates who were enrolled to sit at least one ATAR course examination. That number has climbed since 2020, where the number of applications was 762. Advertisement Advertisement Exclusive NationalWACourts WA sovereign citizens dont believe in the validity of the courts except when trying to get their guns back Hannah Murphy November 5, 2025 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share West Australian sovereign citizens who had their firearms confiscated in police crackdowns are taking their fight to get their guns back to the State Administrative Tribunal, despite the ideology not believing in the validity of the court system. This masthead understands at least five of those targeted in WA Polices Operation Ascendant last month will be lodging appeals in the SAT, vowing to take WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch to task for the agencys decision to take firearms from them in the week-long effort. Guns seized in the operation. Police Media About 11 people were charged with various criminal offences following the raids, but a further 44 had their firearm licences cancelled or suspended. The operation was undertaken after police became increasingly concerned about sovereign citizen ideologies, following the alleged shooting of two officers in Porepunkah earlier this year by Dezi Freeman, who remains on the run. Advertisement West Australians have the right to appeal their suspension to the SAT, which has jurisdiction under the Firearms Act 2024 to review decisions made by the police commissioner. Related Article Exclusive Guns More than 100 guns seized in police raids on sovereign citizens University of South Australia pseudolaw expert Dr Joe McIntyre said the planned appeals were a predictable outcome of the operation. I am not concerned by the prospect of these orders being challenged in legal proceedings, he said. It is a common feature of pseudolaw that adherents will look to weaponise legal proceedings to pursue their claims, and will avail themselves of every available avenue of appeal and review irrespective of the merits of their case. Advertisement Pseudolaw is a new field of study for academics following the rise of the sovereign citizen movement, and covers a collection of legal-sounding but false rules that purport to be law. It has previously been used to evade paying taxes, and other obligations and responsibilities under the law, including registering a car. McIntyre said the appeals were a common tactic used by sovereign citizens. Unfortunately [the court actions] will impose a cost on society more generally, but that is not a reason to avoid taking appropriate actions rather it suggests that we should not be particularly surprised or concerned that these orders are being challenged, he said. Of course, adherents remain - despite their belief to the contrary - both bound and protected by the law, and retain rights to procedural fairness and to review the lawfulness of actions against them. Advertisement Meanwhile, a document seen by this masthead also gives an insight into the arguments put forward by sovereign citizens. Related Article Porepunkah shooting Stalled manhunt: Police admit public key to finding fugitive as new taskforce formed In a 34-page letter addressed to some of the states media in the aftermath of last months raids, the Sherriffs Office of Terra Australis demanded journalists apologise, retract stories and pay restitution to members of one sovereign citizen group including to pay $2 million in damages to an estate purporting to be linked to Freeman and listed the Magna Carta and the Church of England in its reasonings. It reads: The People living, breathing. 1. Bound to Maxim of Law. 2. Not in any way bound to the privately owned Terms and Conditions of the State; occupying our Land with its privately owned fictional monopoly business models. 3. You have been harvested. 4. Parliament: 4 Harvest Terrace, West Perth. 5. They tell you what they are doing, so they cannot be held liable for it. 6. But they are. 7. On our Land without permission and without any paperwork to substantiate how it became the Landlord, except by vast evidence of a bloody mutiny [sic]. Advertisement McIntyre said the ideology remained dangerous and, regardless of court outcomes, WA Polices actions were warranted. Some of these [court] challenges may well succeed. But that does not mean this is not good policy, McIntyre said. I think we are well past time when assertive regulatory actions were taken to limit and counteract pseudolaw and its social impact including increased threats of violence. This step seems an appropriate response in WA. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Moderate Liberals warn Ley not to bend the knee to Nationals Paul Sakkal, Brittany Busch and Nick Newling Updated November 4, 2025 3:24pm ,first published November 4, 2025 5:57am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 423 View all comments Moderate Liberals have warned Opposition Leader Sussan Ley she will lose her authority if she bends the knee to the Nationals over net zero, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese predicts the Coalition will again implode on the issue of climate change. The partys shift towards dumping the net zero target gained further momentum on Tuesday when Leys deputy Ted OBrien refused to back the 2050 goal opposed by leading conservatives. Nationals renegade Barnaby Joyce claimed partial credit for leading the argument against the pledge. Moderate frontbencher Tim Wilson has issued a warning to Sussan Ley not to capitulate on net zero. Dominic Lorrimer Ley told MPs on Tuesday that a special Liberal-only party room meeting in the next fortnight would help finalise the climate policy before the final parliamentary sitting week of the year starts on November 24, during which the Liberals and Nationals would try their best to harmonise their policies. Earlier, Moderates came out in force fearing Ley and her office had made up their minds to follow the Nationals to get rid of any mention of net zero in the oppositions energy policy. Leys camp insisted to Moderates that no such call had been made, but OBriens equivocation was a sign of where the debate was headed as Ley preserves her leadership. Advertisement The Nationals ditched support for net zero emissions over the weekend, instead committing to reducing Australias greenhouse gas output in line with a global average, putting pressure on Ley to follow suit. Related Article Updated Political leadership Hastie threat emerges as Ley fights to hold Coalition together Frontbencher Tim Wilson warned Leys moral authority was on the line, calling on Ley to show leadership and arguing the two parties could still land a united position. The Liberal Party is not National Party-lite. We will make our own decisions about our own policy, and we will stand up for what we believe in, Wilson told Sky News. Referring to Leys decision to stand up to the Nationals before the parties briefly split earlier this year, he said Ley had stood her ground because she knows that once she loses moral authority, you cant get it back. Advertisement MPs had expected to be given a clear timeline on finalising the Liberal energy policy, but left a joint party room meeting disappointed with the lack of detail on what was being developed by energy spokesman Dan Tehan. Related Article Analysis Political leadership Ley has entered the most dangerous moment of her leadership how much of it is her fault? Speaking to his own MPs, Albanese sunk the boot into the Coalition: Those opposite have torn themselves apart before and are doing it again, he said, arguing that regardless of scepticism over climate change, investing in renewables and storage was sensible economics. On Monday, Albanese refrained from politicking over the Coalitions chaos but on Tuesday, he assailed the opposition in question time. Right-wingers believe they are winning the argument internally against the Moderates, who have threatened to push for a split from the Nationals, and who privately admit backing a net zero aspiration is probably unachievable but insist it is important to retain to keep voters onside. Advertisement Opposition housing spokesman Andrew Bragg, a Moderate, said Australia had to stick to net zero and that keeping the Coalition together was important, but not at any cost. In a signal that his faction is open to compromise, Bragg pegged his commitment to the Paris Agreement that he said called for net zero sometime in the second half of this century rather than by 2050. Leading moderate Andrew Bragg insists the Coalition retain a net zero commitment in some form, but is flexible on the date. Alex Ellinghausen I dont see how we could walk away from the Paris Agreement. I dont see how we can walk away from our commitment to reduce emissions. We would be a pariah state, Bragg told the ABC. Obviously, I support Sussan, and I think we need to show leadership now. We cant backslide. The people of Australia are relying on us to hold this terrible government to account, and deliver policies which are reasonable alternatives. Advertisement Net zero and the Paris Agreement are not causing the problems in Australia, the problems in Australia have been caused by the Labor Partys terrible electricity and energy policies. Related Article Factional politics Liberal Party factions: The split in the Right that is reshaping the political landscape Another Moderate, Senator Maria Kovacic, said on ABC TV that women leaders were judged more harshly than men across the globe. Ultimately, Sussan Ley has shown she has worked through lots of difficult issues since she became the leader, Kovacic said. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has also thrown her support behind Ley, telling Nines Today on Tuesday that Sussan Ley has one of the most difficult jobs in the Australian parliament, following the last election, to rebuild the Liberal Party, and we want her to be successful because we believe that the Coalition is the best government for Australia is to prosper under. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Analysis WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Trump, Republicans and Democrats are all playing with fire while people suffer Michael Koziol November 4, 2025 2:42am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 186 View all comments Washington: Donald Trump may not be in nearly as much strife as Sussan Ley, but he is facing a pivotal week in his presidency and, as winter approaches, skating on thin ice with many Americans. With a Republican president in the White House and a Republican majority in both congressional chambers, voters are largely blaming Trump and his allies for a federal government shutdown that is about to become the longest in history. Donald Trump is facing a pivotal week in his presidency as the shutdown heads towards being the longest in US history. Bloomberg His approval rating is falling further into negative territory, according to the largest and most respected polls. Three surveys taken in the last week of October for major news companies ABC, NBC and Reuters gave the president a net negative between 12 and 19 points. A new CNN poll has the margin at a devastating 26 points. Trump is following a similar decline in popularity as most presidents in their first year. But as a polarising figure serving his second term, he started from a lower base than Barack Obama in 2009 or Joe Biden in 2021. Advertisement And now, he is copping it over the shutdown. An NBC News poll taken last week found 52 per cent of voters blamed Trump and/or the Republicans in Congress, while 42 per cent blamed congressional Democrats. In an Ipsos poll for ABC News and The Washington Post, 45 per cent blamed Trump and the Republicans, 33 per cent blamed the Democrats, and the rest werent sure. A CBS News survey delivered more of a pox on all your houses response. It showed Americans are growing more worried about the impact of the protracted government closure, while disapproval of each entity the president, Republicans and Democrats rose to about 55 per cent. Volunteers prepare donated food items during a Los Angeles Regional Food Bank drive-through in Inglewood, California. Bloomberg While Americans are being furloughed or forced to work without pay, losing their food stamps and lining up at food banks, Trump is making headlines for a $US40 billion bailout of Argentina and his friend, President Javier Milei, as well as his $US300 million White House ballroom. Images of Trump attending a Great Gatsby-themed party at his Mar-a-Lago club over the Halloween weekend just hours before food stamp benefits began to dry up were splashed around the country. The events title A Little Party Never Killed Nobody was especially unfortunate in the circumstances. Advertisement In Australia, such imagery would be political poison at a time like this; in the US, it is much less potent. Still, Trump is vulnerable to Democratic attacks that he is partying with billionaires while the home front burns. People arent as dumb as Trump thinks, Democratic senator Chris Murphy said overnight. They know hes busy doing ego-stroking world tours and building his ballroom. Everything but trying to end the shutdown. Trumps lavish Mar-a-Lago Halloween party has drawn criticism from Democrats as food relief for 42 million Americans is cut off. AP Trumps unpopularity may partly explain why this shutdown has not yet followed the usual trajectory in which the side making demands the Democrats eventually caves. The Dems are insisting Republicans extend healthcare subsidies that are due to expire at the end of this year. Republicans accuse their opponents of holding the country to ransom over an issue they say should be dealt with separately. Advertisement Many Republicans believe the Democrats will fold after Tuesdays elections, which include the New York City mayoral contest and gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. The wisdom there is that Democrats are appealing to their base, which wants them to fight Trump all the way. Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson said it was actually fear. [Democrat leaders] fear political retribution from the far-left activists in their party more than they fear the consequences of keeping the government closed for weeks on end, he told reporters. It is extremism on the left that is the direct cause of American suffering right now. It is extremism on the left that is the direct cause of American suffering right now: House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson. Bloomberg Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the Democrats in the House, says people receiving healthcare benefits want the party to keep fighting, and promises the Democrats position wont change in November after the elections. But the long shutdown is testing loyalties on both sides. Three Democratic senators have agreed to pass the Republicans proposal to end the shutdown now; five more are needed. Overnight, The Hill reported eight Democratic senators were engaged in discussions with Republicans on a potential deal. Advertisement HIVE Digital Technologies (HIVE) said it hit 23 exahashes per second (EH/s) of bitcoin (BTC) mining capacity as it ramps up production to generate income that will fund expansion of its artificial intelligence (AI) computing infrastructure. The hashrate represents 283% growth this year and is on track to reach 25 EH/s before the end of the month, the company said on its website. The increase is powered by full hardware deployment at its 100 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric campus in Paraguay, which is energized by the Itaipu Dam. HIVE reached 10 EH/s of mining capacity back in May. At the same time, HIVE is converting parts of its bitcoin mining footprint into liquid-cooled, AI-ready data centers. A recent land acquisition in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, could support 25,000 GPUs alone, as the company transitions the site to high-performance computing (HPC) standards. These facilities can stay online during maintenance and are built for businesses that require constant uptime, like AI cloud platforms and financial services. Additional facilities in Toronto and Sweden will bring the companys projected GPU total to 36,000 by the end of 2026, up from about 5,000 today, the firm said. As demand for compute-intensive AI workloads grows, the company is betting that its renewable-powered, already-built facilities give it a cost and speed advantage over ground-up builds. HIVE currently holds around 2,201 BTC in its treasury, making it the 34th-largest digital asset treasury firm, according to Bitcointreasuries data. The companys shares fell 2.9 in pre-market trading Monday. Brazilian fintech unicorn Ebanx sees Hong Kong emerging as a stablecoin payment hub for mainland Chinese companies engaged in international trade, as its CEO visited the city's largest-ever Fintech Week to explore expansion opportunities. Hong Kong could serve as "a kind of initial validation, initial test" for Chinese companies exploring stablecoin use in cross-border commerce, said Joao Del Valle, CEO and co-founder of global digital payment services provider Ebanx, in a recent interview with the Post. Del Valle said he expected more mainland companies would use stablecoins for international trade settlement in Hong Kong. Ebanx was considering integrating stablecoins into its artificial intelligence-powered payment system to facilitate business with global merchants, including those from the mainland. 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. Hong Kong's new stablecoin regulations are "transformational", Del Valle added. "It's kind of an entry into [mainland] China. I think that is the most attractive aspect of it", though "the adoption [of stablecoins] might be gradual". Ebanx's Hong Kong exploration coincides with the city's launch of the world's pioneering stablecoin laws on August 1. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Ebanx's Hong Kong exploration coincides with the city's launch of the world's pioneering stablecoin laws on August 1. Photo: Shutterstock> "Hong Kong for us ... [is] an exploration and we are positive that it can drive some business in the future," Del Valle said. The company expected "some significant growth next year in stablecoin use as a payment method [globally]" since international transfers took only seconds, compared to one to two days for traditional wire transfers, he said. Ebanx's Hong Kong exploration coincides with the city's launch of the world's pioneering stablecoin laws on August 1. The framework, administered by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, requires stablecoin issuers to obtain licences and maintain reserve backing with high-quality liquid assets. Ebanx announced in September it would "soon" allow its network of over 500 merchants around the world to accept payments in USDC or USDT - the US dollar-backed stablecoins - alongside traditional fiat currencies. The global payment service provider focuses on solving payment fragmentation in emerging markets across Latin America, Africa, India and Southeast Asia, where international credit cards have low penetration and many consumers lack access to traditional banking services. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized two shipments that arrived in Louisville from Hong Kong with dozens of counterfeit watches. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection) Pictured: this image provided by the Clark County Sheriff's Office in Jeffersonville, Ind., shows the booking photo for Ashanti Jackson. (Clark County Sheriff's Office) Japans largest ocean shipping lines saw Q2 profits decline on the effects of the U.S. tariff war, and cut their forecast for all of 2025. Ocean Network Express on Tuesday said revenue for the June-August fiscal 2025 second quarter was $4.46 billion, down 24% from $5.9 billion in the year-ago quarter, with net profit of $285 million, off 86% from $1.9 billion in 2024. Profits for the joint venture of Japans K Line, MOL and NYK initially soared in 2024 as attacks by Yemen-based Houthi militia forced global shipping lines to re-route services away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal on longer, more costly voyages around Africa. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $881 million, down from $2.4 billion and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) was $282 million, from $2.5 billion. Our FY2025 2Q results underscore ONEs resilience and stability in a challenging market, said Chief Executive Jeremy Nixon, in a release. Despite the market fluctuations driven by geopolitical uncertainties, we delivered positive results and secured profitability for the first half of the fiscal year. We maintain a cautious outlook for the full year given current market dynamics. We will continue to take steps to adapt our network and optimize our fleet, ensuring we meet market demands and provide customers with long-term reliability. Chinas second-quarter exports to the United States fell by $30 billion year-on-year, according to the International Trade Centre, even as Beijing made up the difference with expanded sales to Vietnam, Hong Kong, the European Union, and others. The ITC said July exports from China and Singapore to the U.S. were 40% lower y/y. The carriers revised full-year EBIT down from $400 million to $250 million, and profit from $700 million to $310 million as both are expected to be negative in the second half y/y. EBITDA is unchanged. Container volume increased 1%, trailing growth of 3.7% per industry-wide data compiled by Container Trade Statistics (CTS). Revenue per twenty foot equivalent (TEU) unit dropped by 24.8% y/y, on par with a CTS decrease of 24.9%. The U.S. trade war hit trans-Pacific eastbound volumes, down 2.6%, and backhaul westbound volumes, lower by 26.7% y.y. Asia-Europe westbound volumes increased 11.1% and eastbound volumes were better by 6.6%. Vessel utilization on the eastbound trans-Pacific fell from 100% to 91% y/y and from 39% to 24% westbound. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Related coverage: U.S.-China port fees to be suspended amid trade talks The woman told officers she was shot on Noe Court before she made her way to Klondike Lane. WSU awards faculty for achievements in theater arts, energy efficiency November 4, 2025 OGDEN, Utah Weber State University honored top faculty this fall, naming the new recipients of the John S. Hinckley Fellow Award and the Exemplary Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award. John S. Hinckley Fellow Award Jessica Greenberg and Weber State Universitys Theatre Program prepare the lighting for the schools 2024 production of The Prom Jessica Greenberg, theatre professor and chair of the School of Performing Arts, received the 2025 Hinckley Fellow Award for her impact in teaching, scholarship, and service. She has been widely praised for her student-centered and dynamic teaching style, combining professional rigor with mentorship that extends beyond graduation. Her guidance has helped students thrive in professional theater careers and earn national recognition, including at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. I am so honored to be recognized by my community here, Greenberg said. I am privileged to serve alongside some of the most dedicated educators and artists Ive ever met. Im genuinely proud to serve at an institution that has been nationally recognized for our successes in affordability, access, and upward mobility for our students. Greenberg maintains an impressive national and international lighting design career, including credits with the Utah Shakespeare Festival and New York theaters. She has secured more than $700,000 in grants to bring both cutting-edge technology and learning experiences to WSU students. Colleagues describe her as a collaborative leader, bringing expertise and energy to every project she touches. Exemplary Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award WSU students with Weber Industrial Training & Assessment Center perform an energy audit on Tracy Hall on October 24, 2025 The Exemplary Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award is presented to faculty who work collaboratively across disciplinary boundaries. Led by An Ho, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, the Weber Industrial Training & Assessment Center received the award for its work connecting students with industry partners in order to help reduce energy use for Utah businesses. The success of the Weber State Industrial Assessment Center comes from strong collaboration among students, faculty, industry partners, and community organizations, Ho said. Together, we help local manufacturers and cities improve their energy efficiency, reduce costs, and give students hands-on experience that directly prepares them for their future careers. Through collaborative projects with government, industry, and community partners, WSU students have completed 12 industrial assessments. They help provide measurable cost-saving and sustainable options, resulting in 1020% reductions in energy use. Partners praise the program for its hands-on training, cross-discipline teamwork, and economic impact across Utah, all achieved within its first year. In addition to valuable hands-on experience, the program has already launched multiple students into competitive internships and full-time energy careers, helping to strengthen Utahs workforce. For more than a decade, hundreds of families thought theyd secured a slice of paradise in Pennsylvanias Laurel Highlands, a wooded 100-acre campground where summer never comes to an end. Many had paid $10,000 or more for what they were told were lifetime memberships at the Roaring Run RV Resort near Pittsburgh. A one-time payment that would let them park their campers year after year, no renewal required. Then one email changed everything. I can't imagine someone would be so disconnected and cold and say your memberships mean nothing, camper Catherine Thompson, whos been returning to the campground for years, told KDDA (1). Must Read A lifetime deal that ended overnight The trouble began when longtime owner Jay Corl sold Roaring Run Resort earlier this year to Tannery LLC, a Texas-based company that paid about $2.5 million for the property. Before the sale closed, campers say Corl personally assured them their contracts would transfer. They're going to honor the membership agreement as they are written, he told members during a meeting, recorded on video by attendees. But soon after the new owners took over, more than 700 families received an email with a different message entirely: their memberships were null and void. The message gave them two choices: pay new usage fees ($60 per day, $250 per week, or $3,000 per season) or leave the property immediately. Accordingly, if you do not elect one of the new options ... this correspondence serves as Tannerys formal written notice to you to vacate immediately, the email read. Campers like Mark and Fran Wills, who invested over $16,000 in what they thought was a lifetime pass, say they cant afford the new rates. We spent our life savings to join here, said Mark. Its just not fair, Fran lamented. The couple had planned to spend their retirement summers at Roaring Run. We've spent too much time here and getting to know everybody, Fran added. We're all friends and it's family. The legal gray area So, do lifetime memberships actually last a lifetime? Consumer law experts say: not necessarily. Contracts like these often depend on whether the rights were legally attached to the property, or to the previous owners company. If the memberships were personal agreements with the seller, they may not automatically transfer to the buyer. A handful of remaining major companies are reporting their quarterly results this week, including Oracle (ORCL) and Broadcom (AVGO). The Q3 earnings season has largely brought solid results. As of Dec. 5, 99% of S&P 500 companies have reported, according to FactSet data, and analysts estimate a 13.4% jump in earnings per share during the third quarter. If it holds, that figure would mark the fourth straight quarter of double-digit earnings growth and an acceleration from the 12% earnings growth rate reported in Q2 of this year. Expectations were much lower coming into the quarter, as analysts expected S&P 500 companies to report a 7.9% jump in earnings per share in Q3, as of Sept. 30. Source: FactSet Specialty retailers, including GameStop (GME), AutoZone (AZO), and Chewy (CHWY), reported results this week, providing further insight into consumer spending patterns. Another retail stalwart Costco (COST) also provided a quarterly update. However, the marquee report in the week ahead came from Oracle, which spooked the market after the AI leader reported that its AI costs exceeded Wall Street's expectations, while its revenue fell short. Earnings from Adobe (ADBE) and Broadcom also featured to conclude the third quarter reporting season. Here are the latest updates from corporate America. LIVE 283 updates Story Continues Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here SHREVEPORT, La. A sentiment city officials agree on a violent fight this weekend in downtown Shreveport was absolutely unacceptable and endangered residents and visitors. And it also renewed a call from one state lawmaker to call in outside assistance to help quell the situations that have been happening with more frequency. A special meeting of the Shreveport City Council is set for Tuesday morning to discuss how to address the growing concerns related to loitering, fighting and other violent activity in the area and surrounding neighborhoods. The fight at the corner of Spring and Texas streets left at least one man unconscious. Those participating in the melee spilled into the streets, interrupting traffic at the busy downtown intersection. This kind of behavior is absolutely unacceptable in our city, Mayor Tom Arceneaux said Monday in a news release. Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor said the urgency of the meeting stems from the troubling incidents that have endangered residents and visitors. The council has witnessed a series of incidents that threaten the safety and stability of our community. This cannot become our norm, Taylor said in a statement, adding the council is united in addressing the challenges head-on to ensure everyone feels safe in every part of Shreveport. State Rep. Steven Jackson is formally asking Gov. Jeff Landry and LSP Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges to establish a specialized State Police presence in downtown Shreveport during the weekend evenings. The state has made a major investment in the downtown area, including the new $110 million state office building, with additional public and private projects under development. Weve seen tremendous progress downtown, but incidents like these jeopardize the sense of safety weve worked hard to restore, Jackson said in a statement. The state has already invested heavily in this corridor, and we must protect that investment by ensuring that residents, visitors, and businesses feel secure. Arceneaux said a safety plan designed by the Shreveport Police Department was already in effect for the weekend. Our officers acted quickly, decisively and in accordance with a well-coordinated safety plan, Arceneaux said. The plan included at least 20 SPD officers, which is more than double the usual number, along with state troopers to assist in maintaining safety throughout the district. When the fight happened, SPD responded in just over 3 minutes, with three patrol units arrived almost immediately and two additional units following shortly thereafter, Arceneaux said. We will not let a small number of bad actors threaten the progress were making downtown, the mayor added. Our residents and visitors deserve to enjoy Shreveport without fear, and we are taking firm, coordinated action to make sure that remains the case. Taylor encourages the public's attendance at the special meeting. It will focus on immediate strategies to strengthen public safety, enhance law enforcement coordination and reinforce partnerships with community stakeholders to restore peace and accountability across the city, Taylor said. City Councilman Grayson Boucher said he and fellow council members had been working over the past two days to try to find solutions to "stop the violence and lawlessness that occurred downtown over the weekend. I personally have been on constant communications with my colleagues and the police chief. A special meeting of the council is being called to discuss what I feel is a very dangerous situation in our Central Business District." Jackson urged coordination among the Louisiana State Police, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office and the Shreveport City Marshals Office to develop a unified weekend enforcement and rapid-response plan. We have an opportunity to get ahead of this problem before it grows, Jackson added. A proactive and coordinated approach will send a clear message that public safety is a priority and that disorderly behavior will not be tolerated in our citys core. Leesville, LA (71446) Today Clear this evening then becoming cloudy after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 47F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear this evening then becoming cloudy after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 47F. Winds light and variable. Bernie Murtagh, daughter of Paddy and Margaret Murtagh, of Fauleighter, Aghamore, has been named a finalist in this years Women in Business Excellence Awards (WIBEAs). Organised by the Irish Women in Business Network, the WIBEAs celebrate the ambition, innovation, and success of women across Ireland. Finalists are recognised across six categories: Digital and Tech, Finance, Services, Wellness and Lifestyle, Hospitality and Tourism, and Retail. Bernie is recognised in the Digital and Tech category for her outstanding contribution to modern digital workplace transformation. She works as an independent modern workplace consultant specialising in Microsoft Viva Engage, where she helps organisations turn digital ghost towns into thriving online communities. She was also recently appointed as a trusted advisor and influencer for the Irish brand Workvivo by Zoom, a leading employee experience platform that brings culture, communication, and connection to life. Operating under her personal brand, Engage with Bernie, she blends strategy, storytelling, and human insight to create meaningful employee engagement in hybrid and remote environments. Her work has earned her recognition as a Top 5 Global Viva Engage Expert, a LinkedIn Top Community Voice, and a European Community Manager Award winner. Shes also been featured on the front cover of Brand Cult, the UKs first printed business newspaper, in an edition focused on community and networking. Her insights have also appeared in several business magazines, highlighting her expertise in digital community-building and workplace culture. Bernie is an active member of several female-led digital business communities - spaces rich with mentorship, emotional support, and shared wisdom - where she contributes and learns alongside other women shaping the future of work. Platforms dont build culture. People do, she says, a belief that underpins her work and her recent recognition as a finalist at the Women in Business Excellence Awards. In the fast-paced world of digital and tech, being seen and celebrated as an independent consultant is no small thing - it means a great deal to be recognised in this way, Bernie adds. Congratulations, Bernie - fingers crossed for another piece of silverware coming home to Mayo! President Trump said that the most advanced Nvidia (NVDA) chips will be reserved for US companies and kept out of China and other countries. In comments to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said only US customers will have access to high-quality Nvidia Blackwell chips. "The most advanced, we will not let anybody have them other than the United States," Trump said. The White House released a fact sheet this weekend with more details about the trade agreement ironed out between Trump and China's President Xi Jinping in South Korea last week. China will suspend additional export controls on rare earth metals and end investigations into US chip companies, according to the release. Meanwhile, the US will pause some of Trumps "reciprocal tariffs" on China for another year and will halt plans to slap a 100% tariff on Chinese exports to the US that was set to take effect this month. The agreement struck between Trump and Xi came after months of chaos and confusion, putting on ice a trade war between the world's two largest economies. Here are some other key details we know about the thaw: The US tariff on goods related to the production of fentanyl will drop from 20% to 10% with a promise that China would work "very hard to stop the flow." That means overall tariffs on Chinese goods will be cut to 47% from 57%. Trump said China would purchase more US energy as part of a wider trade truce, and hinted at an unspecified transaction involving Alaskan oil and gas. China will resume buying "tremendous amounts" of US soybeans "starting immediately," Trump said. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet Here's what else to know on Trump's tariffs: The US Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge to Trump's most sweeping tariffs the "reciprocal" country-by-country duties. A ruling against the tariffs which would be in line with lower-court decisions could have significant ramifications for Trump's tariff strategy. Trump said he planned to skip the Supreme Court hearing this week over the legality of his global tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted that the Supreme Court, which is due to meet on Wednesday to decide the legality of President Trump's tariffs, will not be able to stop the duties, touting the alternative authorities the Trump administration can use. A spat over an ad featuring the late Ronald Reagan has grown into an international incident, with Trump threatening to raise tariffs on Canada by an additional 10%. The US Senate passed several resolutions that would end several of Trump's country-specific tariffs, in a rare rebuke of the president from several members of his own party. LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER 145 updates Allentown, PA (18103) Today A few evening snow showers and flurries, mostly in the Poconos; otherwise, partly cloudy, cold, and brisk overnight. Wind chills in the teens. . Tonight A few evening snow showers and flurries, mostly in the Poconos; otherwise, partly cloudy, cold, and brisk overnight. Wind chills in the teens. Locksley Resources has received a letter of interest (LoI) from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) for potential financing of up to $191m (A$293.11m) for its Mojave project in California. This project is positioned as a flagship initiative under the White Houses directive to rebuild domestic supply chains for antimony and rare earth elements (REEs). GreenMet chief executive and former White House Advisor on critical minerals Drew Horn said: EXIMs letter of interest represents more than just financial support, it reflects a coordinated US Government directive to rebuild domestic critical minerals capability. The fact that EXIMs engagement aligns with current White House priorities underscores how strategically important Locksleys Mojave project has become. We are now entering a period where nearly all federal funding in this sector is being directed under White House-led initiatives and Locksley stands at the forefront of that effort. The combination of EXIM support and the successful production of a 100% American-made antimony ingot demonstrates tangible progress toward full US supply chain independence. Recent developments, including the November 2025 US-China trade agreement, under which China suspended new export controls on rare earth and critical minerals, have further reinforced US support to establish Western-based critical mineral supply chains. The Mojave antimony project is presented as a low-risk, US-hosted solution that reduces dependence on Chinese supply. Recently, Locksley announced the successful casting of a 100% American-made antimony ingot, produced entirely on US soil using feedstock sourced from the Mojave project. Following the signing of the US and Australia critical minerals framework agreement between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Mojave project has been recognised as directly supporting this bilateral initiative. The project is also supported by commitments from the Australian Export Finance Agency. The LoI is described as a pivotal step in Locksleys collaboration with federal agencies, paving the way for thorough due diligence and underwriting to support a comprehensive financing package for the Mojave project. EXIM, an independent US Government agency, operates under a Congressional mandate to advance US economic and national security interests via project and export financing. The Supply Chain Resiliency Initiative and China and Transformational Exports Programme prioritise funding for critical minerals projects that decrease reliance on foreign sources and strengthen US industrial capability. Exxon's strong financial results are allowing it to continue returning significant cash to shareholders. The oil giant returned $9.4 billion to investors via share repurchases and dividends. That brought its year-to-date total to $27.8 billion, comprising $12.9 billion in dividend payments and $14.9 billion in share repurchases. Even with those cash returns, Exxon maintained a fortress-like balance sheet. It boasts a sector-leading 9.5% net-debt-to-capital ratio, backed by a substantial $13.9 billion cash balance. Exxon also continues to execute its structural cost savings program. It has achieved an additional $2.2 billion of savings this year, pushing its cumulative total to $14 billion since launching this initiative in 2019. Exxon aims to increase the total to $18 billion by 2030. This cost-saving strategy enables Exxon to make more money at lower oil prices. Yellowtail was one of eight major capital projects Exxon has started up this year. It has two more on track to come online by the end of 2025. "No one else in our industry is executing at this scale, with this level of innovation, or delivering this kind of value," stated CEO Darren Woods in the third-quarter earnings press release. Exxon delivered record-setting production in Guyana and the Permian Basin. The oil giant started its fourth development in Guyana (Yellowtail), which came online four months early and under budget, boosting its average crude oil output to 700,000 barrels per day. Meanwhile, the company grew its production in the Permian Basin to 1.7 million barrels of oil equivalent ( BOE ) per day, fueled in part by the expanded use of proprietary technologies that are boosting well recoveries by up to 20%. That was abundantly clear in the oil giant's third-quarter financial results. ExxonMobil generated $7.5 billion, or $1.76 per share, of earnings during the period and $14.8 billion in cash flow from operations. That was the highest earnings per share the company has produced compared to similar oil price environments. Here's why Exxon is thriving amid lower oil prices. Crude prices have slumped this year. Brent oil, the global benchmark price, is currently in the mid-$60s, down about $10 a barrel from this time last year. While lower oil prices tend to negatively impact oil company earnings, ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) isn't your average oil producer. It expects to get even better over the next five years. Story Continues "ExxonMobil had a strong third quarter," stated CEO Darren Woods in the earnings press release, "continuing to demonstrate that we are truly in a league of our own." Building toward an even better future The energy giant continues to invest heavily to build an even better company. Capital spending totaled $8.6 billion in the quarter, including $2.4 billion in growth acquisitions. Exxon acquired an additional 80,000 net acres in the Permian Basin to expand its presence in this core area. Additionally, the company bought key assets from Superior Graphite, advancing its entry into the battery anode materials market. The company is investing heavily to expand its upstream and downstream businesses. Exxon plans to increase its upstream oil and gas production to an average of 5.4 million BOE per day by 2030 (up from its current level of 4.7 million BOE per day). It aims to derive more than 60% of its future production from advantaged assets (its lowest-cost, highest-margin areas, such as the Permian and Guyana), up from the current level of 50%. Exxon is also investing significantly to expand its downstream product solutions businesses, which include refining, chemicals, and advanced materials. By 2030, Exxon aims to deliver $4.5 billion of annual earnings from this segment, up from $1.6 billion year-to-date. Add the incremental earnings from these investments to the company's cost-savings initiatives, and Exxon expects to produce significantly higher earnings by 2030. That positions the company to continue returning more cash to investors. Exxon is on track to repurchase $20 billion of its shares this year and intends to buy back a similar amount next year. It also increased its dividend by another 4%, extending its growth streak to an industry-leading 43 consecutive years. The best just keeps getting better Exxon's strategy of investing heavily to grow its best assets while simultaneously stripping out structural costs is paying big dividends. The company is earning more money at lower oil prices. The oil giant plans to continue leaning into this strategy over the next five years, positioning it to produce even higher earnings in the future. Exxon's ability to thrive in any market environment makes it one of the best oil stocks to buy and hold for the long term. Should you invest $1,000 in ExxonMobil right now? Before you buy stock in ExxonMobil, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and ExxonMobil wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $603,392!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,241,236!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,072% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 194% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of October 27, 2025 Matt DiLallo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Lower Oil Prices? No Problem! ExxonMobil Is Thriving in the Current Environment. was originally published by The Motley Fool G20 Report: We are facing an inequality emergency Landmark G20 report led by Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz sounds alarm on inequality emergency and calls for International Panel on Inequality. President Cyril Ramaphosa will launch the G20 Extraordinary Committees report at the South Africa 2025 Joburg Summit on 4 November. An Extraordinary Committee of independent experts, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the G20s first-ever report on global inequality today. The Committee urged the creation of a new International Panel on Inequality to inform policymaking internationally and by governments. A new analysis published in the report shows that between 2000 and 2024, the worlds top 1% captured 41% of all new wealth, while just 1% went to the bottom 50%, amid growing concerns about democratic capture associated with wealth concentration The Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality commissioned by President Cyril Ramaphosa for South Africas Presidency of the G20 unveiled the first-ever report on inequality to the G20. The Committee is chaired by Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz and joined by five other leading global experts. Download the Report The six independent experts are Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz (USA); Dr Adriana E. Abdenur (Brazil); Ms Winnie Byanyima (Uganda); Professor Jayati Ghosh (India); Professor Imraan Valodia (Wits, South Africa); and Dr Wanga Zembe-Mkabile (SAMRC, UWC, South Africa). The Committees key recommendation is the creation of a new international and independent panel that would monitor trends and assess its drivers and consequences and evaluate alternative policies for addressing it, to inform governments, policy makers, and the international community. Their report offers a snapshot of the forces giving rise to inequality and the state of inequality. It comes amid heightening concern about the global increase in incomes and wealth at the upper end of the scale and the increasing challenges large parts of the population face in making ends meet. In analysing policies that could help to alleviate inequality, the report focuses particularly at the international level, including to rein in corporate concentration and efforts to reform the international tax architecture that are already on the G20 agenda . Professor Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel Laureate in economics, says: It is an honour for us to present this report to President Ramaphosa, and to the G20. The available evidence on inequality should concern leaders everywhere. The world understands that we have a climate emergency; its time we recognise that we face an inequality emergency too. It isnt just unfair and undermining societal cohesion its a problem for our economy and our politics too. Our committee felt strongly that some of the worst effects of inequality are on democracy. The Committees work showed us that inequality is a crisis in need of concerted action. The necessary step to taking this action is for policymakers, political leaders, the private sector, journalists and academia to have accurate and timely information and analysis of the inequality crisis. This is why our recommendation above all is for a new International Panel on Inequality. It would learn from the remarkable job the IPCC has done for climate change, bringing together technical expertise worldwide to track inequality and assess what is driving it. Imraan Valodia, Professor of Economics, and Pro Vice-Chancellor: Climate, Sustainability and Inequality at Wits University says: Every country has scope to address inequality at the national level, and it is in every countrys strategic interest to cooperate internationally. Yet one thing became clear when we were writing our report. While there is a wealth of academic literature about inequality there is not a single central body that assesses the global state of inequality. Indeed, many estimates seem to have severely underestimated the level of inequality in our societies. Without proper scrutiny, inequality has spiralled out of control and its time to get ahold of it. Inequality data The report reviews and compares the latest data on the state of inequality, revealing: 83% of all countries, accounting for 90% of the worlds population, meet the World Banks definition of high inequality. Countries with high inequality are seven times more likely to experience democratic decline than more equal countries. The richest 1% captured 41% of new wealth since the year 2000, while the bottom 50% of humanity have increased their wealth by just 1%, using data from the World Inequality Lab. This means that the richest 1% have seen their average wealth rise by US$1.3m, while the bottom 50% have seen their wealth rise by just US$585 over the same period, in constant 2024 dollars. Inequality between all individuals in the world has fallen in recent decades largely due to income growth in China, but the prospects for further reductions are uncertain. The overall income gap between Global North and Global South countries remains very high New data on the major increase in inherited wealth shows $70 trillion of wealth is expected to be handed down to heirs over the coming ten years, a major challenge to social mobility, fairness and equality of opportunity. The Committee highlights how inequality, particularly in the extremes, has many negative economic, political and societal outcomes, each interacting with the other in ways that exacerbate the adverse effects. High wealth inequality in particular undermines both democracy and economic progress. Recent events since 2020, including COVID-19, the Ukraine war and new tariffs and trade disputes since the beginning of 2025 are creating a perfect storm which is further increasing poverty and inequality. One in four people worldwide now regularly skip meals, whilst billionaire wealth has now hit the highest level in history. Recommendations The Report highlights how different policies could help to reduce inequality at the national and international levels, and notes the role that the G20 can play in facilitating global coordination: Reforming international economic rules redesigning intellectual property rules (especially relating to pandemics and climate change), rewriting tax rules to ensure fair taxation of multinationals and the ultra-wealthy (noting the UN Tax Convention). National action that can include exploring the roles of pro-worker regulation, reducing corporate concentration, taxing large capital gains, investing in public services, and more progressive tax and expenditure policies. New models for cooperation especially given current geopolitical volatility, exploring new efforts between countries, for instance on taxes, trade and the green transition. Notes to editors The President of South Africa will host a launch of the G20 Extraordinary Committees report in South Africa on 4 November 2025. At the South Africa 2025 Joburg Summit, the Extraordinary Committee has been formally invited to present the report to the G20s Leaders Meeting. The G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality is as part of the G20 Sherpa Track a special project located in the G20 Sherpas Office, in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa. The G20 comprises 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union. Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan and India are poised to attract capital inflows from international investors seeking to diversify their portfolios with non-US-dollar assets while pursuing growth opportunities in the coming years, according to top Wall Street bankers. "China is one of the largest [and] most important economies in the world," said David Solomon, chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, during a panel discussion at the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in Hong Kong on Tuesday. "Global capital allocators will continue to be interested in China in almost any environment." Solomon is among 300 leading financiers attending the three-day summit, which began on Monday. The event is the fourth edition of the annual flagship gathering organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. 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. Speaking on a panel titled "Markets: Trends, Opportunities and Risks", Solomon provided an optimistic outlook for Hong Kong and mainland Chinese stocks. He said about 80 per cent of international investors had shifted to Chinese equities since last year, accounting for half of the US$6 trillion lost due to stock disposals between 2020 and 2022, a period marked by a slump in the country's property market and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ted Pick, chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley. Photo: Edmond So alt=Ted Pick, chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley. Photo: Edmond So> Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index has risen 35 per cent this year, making it one of the world's best-performing major indices. The rally has been fuelled by Chinese tech stocks, particularly after artificial intelligence start-up DeepSeek drew global attention for its low-cost, high-efficiency AI models earlier this year. The average daily turnover of the Hong Kong stock exchange reached HK$256.4 billion (US$33 billion) in the first nine months of this year, a 124 per cent increase from a year earlier. "Whether it is the DeepSeek moment or just a more normalised kind of long-term view, on a global basis, with valuations moving up, a lot of these Chinese equities look very, very attractive," Solomon said. Morgan Stanley chairman and CEO Ted Pick, another panellist, echoed these sentiments. "Hong Kong [and] China are where it begins and ends if you believe in a market where investors will reward great companies and where dispersion matters," he said. The AI boom is more grounded than the dot-com bubble, but still poses risks, Liz Ann Sonders said. Charles Schwab's chief investment strategist says today's tech leaders are much stronger. But investor disappointment could hit an economy that's already showing signs of strain, she said. The AI boom is far more robust than the dot-com bubble, but there's still a risk it disappoints investors and sends shockwaves through markets and the economy, Liz Ann Sonders says. Charles Schwab's chief investment strategist told Business Insider that "extreme enthusiasm" about innovation and circular deals between tech companies reminded her of the internet bubble 25 years ago. But she said a key difference is that many dot-com companies were small and loss-making, whereas today's AI leaders are massive companies with strong balance sheets and fast-growing revenues and profits, she said. For example, Nvidia became the first company to notch a $5 trillion market capitalization this week, but that valuation has some support in the form of the microchip giant's $47 billion revenue and $26 billion net income for the quarter ended July 27. Sonders said the immense concentration of investor wealth in Big Tech companies means there's "more exposure to the equity market than ever before." She said that if a bear market takes hold, it "could have feeders into the economy" as consumers might balk at their portfolio losses and cut back on spending, curbing economic growth. The Wall Street veteran said there's a danger that AI companies fail to deliver on their bullish growth forecasts, which have driven the stock market to record highs. "That's the ultimate risk that you've set the expectations bar too high," she said. In that situation, even a slight miss could trigger market behavior that's a "little more egregious," she added. Sonders said that speculation in more niche areas, such as meme stocks, drones, and quantum computing, made her a "little less uncomfortable" about investor exuberance, as "you could have cracks in that armor show up" without tanking the wider stock market. She added that gold's surge to record highs of over $4,000 this month was an "area where the enthusiasm pendulum swung maybe a bit too far," and the moves were "more about FOMO than fundamentally driven." Sonders said it's tricky to gauge the health of the US economy right now as the government shutdown has disrupted some data releases: "We're all flying this plane a little blind right now." The Stalinist Communist Party Marxist-Kenya (CPM-K) has issued a Letter to the Broad Kenyan Left: The Death of Raila Odinga and the Future of the Kenyan Left. It took the CPMK five days to issue anything beyond a pitiful tweet from its leader, Booker Omole, lauding Raila Odinga, the long-time opposition leader, former prime minister, and political fixer for Kenyas ruling elite, as a champion of Kenyas bourgeois democratic struggle. Now, the CPMK is moving to politically exploit Odingas death seeking to launch a new pseudo-left alliance aimed at containing growing social opposition to Kenyan capitalism. Booker Omole [Photo by Booker Ngesa Press photo, 2020 / CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 The CPMKs letter acknowledges the scale of the crisis engulfing the ruling class. It declares: The death of Raila Amolo Odinga, long-time opposition figure and symbol of Kenyas liberal-reformist politics, marks a turning point in the political history of our nation. It brings to an end a political era dominated by charismatic personalities, populist reform agendas, and cyclical pacts with the ruling bourgeoisie. Odingas death, it states, has shaken the imagination of millions who saw in him the last remaining link between popular struggle and state power. Indeed, since coming to power in 2022, the government of President William Ruto has faced the accelerating collapse of the entire post-independence order as he has rammed through International Monetary Fund tax hikes, privatisations and social spending cuts. These measures triggered the eruption of the Gen Z nationwide protests last year, amid soaring inequality. The government responded by deploying the army and gunning down protestors, carrying out abductions and using state-funded goons to attack demonstrators. Facing this opposition, Ruto, in close consultation with Washington and the European Union, turned to Odinga, the leader of the bourgeois Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), to stabilise his collapsing rule. Odingas entry into government was the final act of a man whose political authority had already evaporated. The protests had completely bypassed him, signalling the rise of a new generation entering political life independently of Kenyas bankrupt, tribalist parties of the ruling elite. However, in the absence of a clear programme, perspective and political leadership, this mass movement proved inadequate to defeat a ruling elite that is determined to impose the full weight of International Monetary Fund (IMF) austerity. The anger did not subside. Protests erupted again this year, this time targeting the joint Ruto-Odinga broad based government, and were met with even greater state violence. On July 7, months before Odingas death, security forces opened fire on demonstrators, killing 57 people in one of the bloodiest massacres carried out by the Kenyan bourgeoisie since independence. The death of Odinga is a political crisis for the Kenyan ruling class. It takes place amid a growing wave of social unrest spreading across the world. From Tanzania, Cameroon, Peru, Nepal and Bangladesh to Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique and Angola, workers and youth are rising against soaring prices, mass unemployment, and IMF austerity programmes. Raila Odinga in 2012 [Photo by CSIS / Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 The same anger is erupting in the imperialist centres. In the US, the No Kings protests sparked by Trumps efforts to install a dictatorship drew millions. Across Europe, millions have joined demonstrations opposing the Western-backed genocide in Gaza. These struggles express the reawakening of the working class under conditions of a deepening crisis of world capitalism. Amid this intensifying global and domestic crisis, the CPM-K Letter claims, The death of Raila Odinga opens space for the advance of revolutionary consciousness. But their rediscovery of Odingas legacy is an act of political rehabilitation. It conceals the Odinga dynastys decades-long service to Kenyan capitalism, whitewashes Stalinisms complicity in this project, and falsifies the revolutionary tasks posed before the working class. It is on these rotten foundations that the CPM-K seeks to build a Revolutionary United Front. Stalinist prop for the Odinga dynasty and bourgeois nationalism The CPM-Ks letter claims, The Odinga family itself arose from this contradictory terrain. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Railas father, represented a national-democratic tendency that challenged compradorism in the early years of independence. This is a falsification. From the outset, Jaramogi Oginga Odingas political outlook was confined to independence under capitalism in the boundaries imposed by colonialism. In the early 1960s, during the final phase of Kenyas anti-colonial struggle, he subordinated the insurgent movement of workers and peasants to the bourgeois nationalist leadership of Jomo Kenyatta. Kenyatta was a conservative politician who, before his detention in 1952, had sought constitutional accommodation with British imperialism. Although the colonial authorities imprisoned him on trumped-up charges of leading the anti-colonial peasant Mau Mau uprising (1952-1959), which he had publicly opposed, on his release in 1961 Kenyatta hastened to reassure the colonial administration and white settlers of his loyalty to private property and imperialist interests, declaring: Kenya President Jomo Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi, Kenya. [Photo: Pridan Moshe - This is available from National Photo Collection of Israel, Photography dept. Government Press Office (link), under the digital ID D699-045] We are not going to be a gangster government. We are going to be an orderly and responsible government. We will relieve the tensions which exist today among the people who fear that an independent Kenya will jump on their property and confiscate land. Those who have been panicked about the future of their propertybe it a farm, a house or some other kindcan rest assured that the future African government of Kenya will not deprive them of the right of owning that property which they own at present. This occurred amid the most militant wave of class struggle in Kenyas history. Between 1959 and 1965, the country was gripped by an unprecedented surge of strikes and protests that engulfed virtually every sector of the economy, from plantations, railways, docks, public services, construction, engineering, and manufacturing. At its height in MayJune 1962, on the eve of independence, over 28,000 plantation labourers across Central Province struck simultaneously, losing more than 1.5 million man-hours, while railwaymen, dockers, civil servants and teachers also launched strikes. The Kenyan working class had already emerged as a powerful, independent social force capable of playing a revolutionary role. The conditions existed to build a genuine Marxist tendency that could have unified the struggles of workers and rural masses in a fight for socialism, together with the masses across East Africa and the continent. But this perspective was fiercely opposed by Odinga. Oginga became vice-president in the first post-independence government under Kenyatta, which quickly turned against the working class. In 1965, the KANU government enacted the Trade Disputes Act to curb labour militancy, bringing the trade-union movement under state control. All unions were compelled to join the newly created Central Confederation of Trade Unions. The Minister of Labour, then Tom Mboya, argued that this would ensure that labour participates responsibly in nation-building and prevent disruptive tendencies inimical to national unity. Strikes were severely restricted. As vice president, Oginga became a supporter of the counterrevolutionary Stalinist Soviet bureaucracy. He invited Stalinist Eastern bloc aid, training missions, and scholarships. After his expulsion from KANU in 1966, his new party, the Kenya Peoples Union (KPU), became the main channel for Soviet influence and propaganda in Kenya. Soviet bureaucracy press outlets such as Pravda and Izvestia hailed Odinga as representing the progressive and national-democratic forces of Kenya. Moscows support for Odinga and similar bourgeois and petty bourgeois nationalists across Africa was aimed at containing the revolutionary movement of the working class. The Stalinist bureaucracy, defending its own privileges and fearful of independent workers struggles, propped up nationalist regimes and movements across Africa as bargaining chips with imperialism. The Soviet bureaucracy celebrated leaders such as Nkrumah in Ghana, Nyerere in Tanzania, Lumumba in Congo and Odinga in Kenya. This policy was guided by the Stalinist doctrine of socialism in one country, which subordinated the struggles of workers in the colonial and semi-colonial world to the diplomatic needs of the Kremlin. In Africa, this meant transforming the mass anti-imperialist uprisings of the 1950s and 1960s into schemes for bourgeois state-building. Domestically, Ogingas KPU reflected the ambitions of disaffected sections of the petty bourgeoisie and bourgeoisie seeking a greater share of political and economic power within the existing capitalist state. It called for a more assertive policy of Africanisation, aimed at accelerating the replacement of Europeans and Asians in management, commerce, and the civil service with Africans, alongside the expropriation and redistribution of settler land without compensation. As he would later admit in his 1967 autobiography Not Yet Uhuru [Not Yet Free], I am not a communist, and I do not subscribe to any communist doctrine. I am a socialist who believes that socialism is the only way to remove the poverty of our people. Odingas socialism, however, was one which defended private property: Socialism, as I understand it, is not opposed to private enterprise. Odinga functioned as a safety valve for the post-colonial capitalist state, diverting the anger of workers and peasants into the newly created Kenyan republic. By appealing to the socialist aspirations of the masses but rejecting the independent mobilisation of the working class, the KPU helped stabilise bourgeois rule at a moment of explosive social tension. This role was later perfected by his son, Raila Odinga. The CPMKs fabrication of Raila Odingas reformist legacy After falsifying the political biography of the father, the CPMK proceeds to embellish that of the son. Raila Odingas long political life represented, in the final analysis, the limits of reformism within a neocolonial, semi-feudal order. His march through opposition politicsfrom the struggles against one-party dictatorship in the 1980s to the 2010 constitutional reformswas rooted in genuine mass aspirations for democracy and justice. Odinga ultimately stood both as a symbol of resistance and as a pillar of the neocolonial order. These formulations are a political fraud. Odinga was not the embodiment of reformisms limits and resistance to neo-colonial order. From his merger with Daniel arap Mois KANU in 2001 to the 2008 coalition government with Mwai Kibaki, the 2018 Handshake with Uhuru Kenyatta, and finally his alliance with Ruto, Odinga played the central role in suppressing mass opposition to the Kenyan ruling elite. He became the trusted political instrument through which imperialism and the Kenyan bourgeoisie suppressed every independent movement of the working class and rural masses. (See: Former Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga dies aged 80). Daniel arap Moi [Photo by Croes, Rob C. / Anefo - Dutch National Archives, The Hague, Fotocollectie Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANeFo), 1945-1989 / CC BY-SA 3.0 His ability to play this role flowed directly from the betrayals of the Maoist tendencies that claimed to offer a revolutionary alternative. Todays CPM-K presents itself as their direct inheritor. These forces rejected the struggle for socialism in favour of the national democratic revolution, arguing that Kenya had first to complete a bourgeois revolution in alliance with progressive sections of the national bourgeoisie. In practice, this meant subordinating the working class to one or another faction of the ruling elite. This perspective was advanced by Maoist organisations during the 1970s and 1980s such as the Workers Party of Kenya (WPK), the December Twelfth Movement (DTM), and later Mwakenya. The WPK in its founding statement of 1974 declared that its immediate task was to complete the national democratic revolution, which the compradors betrayed. To achieve this the WPK will mobilize and unite all anti-imperialist forces in the country and abroad. The Partys task is to unite revolutionary and progressive elements into the movement. When it rebranded in 1982 as the DTM, it proclaimed its aim was to build a united, anti-imperialist, anti-fascist front that aims at bringing together all democratic forces as a first phase of the general struggle towards socialism. In the process, the democratic forces, mainly the workers, peasantry and progressive intellectuals, are to be trained and prepared for a future communist party. By 1987, the movement had reconstituted itself again as Mwakenya, repeating the same formula. In its Draft Minimum Programme (1987), Mwakenya defined itself as a democratic party of the workers, peasants, progressive intelligentsia and all the patriotic Kenyans fighting for the interests of the oppressed, exploited and humiliated majority of the people in all the nationalities of Kenya. It insisted that Kenyas national capital must be involved in industrial ventures in the country, declaring that such collaboration was essential for the success of a national democratic revolution. These formulations expressed the Stalinist rejection of the independent role of the working class, and the replacement of class struggle with a programme of alliance with patriotic sections of the bourgeoisie. By the late 1980s, as IMF austerity and repression fuelled mass strikes and student protests, the Maoists had laid the foundations for this anger to be exploited by the bourgeois opposition, especially around Odinga. With his detentions under Moi and the residual prestige of his father, Odinga was elevated as the supposed embodiment of national democracy. The Maoists had disarmed the working class, transforming what could have been a revolutionary confrontation into a controlled campaign for constitutional reform and multi-party parliamentarism, led by Odinga and representing factions of the ruling elite. Mwakenya members rapidly made the logical step of joining Odingas camp and adapted to the new bourgeois order. Oduor Ongwen, once a leading Mwakenya student radical, is today the executive director of Odingas ODM. Willy Mutunga rose to become Chief Justice under the 2010 constitution between 2011 and 2016, with the public support of Odinga. Wanyiri Kihoro, once a political detainee, became an MP in Odingas camp. Makau Mutua, a self-described progressive law professor, became one of Odingas international spokespersons. Miguna Miguna, who once claimed exile as a radical student, returned to Kenya to serve as Odingas senior adviser. The CPM-K traces its lineage to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but like Mwakenya all of its leading figures ultimately found their way into the political establishment. The SDPs presidential candidates in the 1997 and 2002 general electionsCharity Ngilu (1997) and James Orengo (2002)and senior party figures like Anyang Nyongo, all went on to join Odinga in power. Ngilu was appointed Minister of Health (20032007) in Mwai Kibakis administration and Orengo served as Minister for Lands (20082013) in Kibakis second government, while Nyongo became Minister for Planning and National Development (20032005) and later Minister for Medical Services (20082013). Out of the SDP emerged Booker Omole and Mwandawiro Mghanga, who in 2019 relaunched it as the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK). Mghanga had long been integrated into the Kenyan capitalist state. Elected to parliament in 2002 under the Odinga-backed National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), he later served as Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs in Mwai Kibakis government. After losing his seat in 2007, he became chairperson of the SDP, continuing the partys long record of collaboration with bourgeois governments under the banner of progressive reform. CPM-K Politburo [Photo: @CommunistsKe] The split between Mghanga and Omole came only in 2022, when Mghanga joined William Rutos Kenya Kwanza Alliance in the run-up of the presidential elections that year. Until then, there had been no fundamental difference in orientation between them. Omole and his supporters objected to joining Rutoa politician with a long record of violence against the working classat a time of soaring food prices, mass youth unemployment, and worsening living conditions that threatened to erupt into social unrest. Omole judged it more effective to suppress opposition and contain social anger from the outside. In late 2024, Omole founded the Communist Party Marxist-Kenya. The CPM-Ks Congress reaffirmed what was already clear: despite adding Marxist to its name, the party has no orientation to the working class. It remains a pro-capitalist organisation rooted in nationalism, representing the interests of sections of the bourgeoisie and middle class, centred on its orientation to capitalist China. It advocates for the preservation of the profit system, calling for a mixed economic system where the state, private sector, and cooperative sector coexist. It explains that [u]ltimately, CPM-K aims to build an independent, nationally integrated, and self-sustaining economy by mobilising Kenyas resources. Across its successive incarnations, from Mwakenya to the SDP, from the CPK to todays CPM-K, Kenyas Stalinist current has performed the historical function of propping up bourgeois nationalism and preventing the emergence of an independent revolutionary movement of the working class. Whether under Kenyatta, Moi, Odinga or Ruto, these organisations have urged workers to subordinate their struggles to supposedly patriotic and progressive sections of the elite. In every case, the result has been a political disaster for the working class. The CPM-K puts itself forward to prop up Kenyan capitalism In its Letter to the Broad Kenyan Left, the CPM-K identifies the vacuum left by Odingas death as a moment of historical rupture in which the revolutionary party must intervene with ideological clarity and political firmness. To fill this vacuum and build a new political vehicle to shore up the collapsing authority of the capitalist state, the CPM-K proposes a Revolutionary United Front of workers, peasants, women, youth, [and] progressive intellectuals, and campaigns for unity of the exploited classes. Beneath this rhetoric lies a familiar Stalinist script, including the characterisation of Kenya as a semi-feudal, neocolonial economy and the denunciation of certain unnamed elites as a comprador-bureaucratic bourgeoisie tied to imperialism. This is the inherited vocabulary of Maoism, devised to rationalize alliances with so-called patriotic sections of the bourgeoisie under the banner of the New Democratic Revolution. In 1939, Mao published The Chinese Revolution and the Chinese Communist Party, where he argued that imperialism had made China a semi-feudal, semi-colonial country, whose basic contradictions lay between imperialism and the Chinese nation and between feudalism and the great masses of the people. On this basis, Mao proposed a national revolution to overthrow foreign imperialist oppression alongside a democratic revolution to overthrow feudal landlord oppression. He divided Chinese society into classeslandlords, bourgeoisie, petty bourgeoisie, peasantry, and proletariatinsisting that the national bourgeoisie can become a revolutionary force distinct from the comprador big bourgeoisie. Mao with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in a state visit in Peking, photograph distributed by the United Press International, 1957 [Photo: Unknown photographer at the source. Photo distributed by United Press International from files. - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cph.3c11093] The Chinese revolution, Mao wrote, had a twofold task: first, to complete the bourgeois-democratic or new-democratic revolution through a coalition with the national bourgeoisie; and second, to transform it into a socialist revolution when all the necessary conditions are ripe. It was on this foundation that the term bureaucrat capitalism arose. For Maoist forces like the CPM-K, it is not a category describing the class character of the capitalist state, but a moral condemnation of its corruption. It is a deviation from what is imagined to be the progressive function of a capitalist government. Bureaucrat capitalists, like compradors, are portrayed as traitors to the nation and puppets of imperialism, to be replaced by patriotic capitalists who will supposedly defend the interests of the people to carry out the national democratic revolution. Thus, the capitalist state is not to be abolished, but reformed under new leadership. The implication is that the CPM-Ks call for a Revolutionary United Front today is to replace the bureaucrat capitalists with more patriotic figures loyal to the nation. In reality, the repressive and exploitative character of the Kenyan state is not the product of individual betrayals or of a lack of patriotism, but of irreconcilable class antagonisms rooted in the global imperialist system. There is no progressive national bourgeoisie waiting to complete Kenyas unfinished revolution, nor can any patriotic government liberate the working class from IMF austerity or imperialist domination. As of this writing, neither the Morenoite Revolutionary Socialist League, refounded at the end of October as the Permanent Revolutionary Congress (PRC), nor the Pan-Africanist, Stalinist Kongomano la Mapinduzi (KLM), has replied to the CPM-Ks Stalinist call. Instead, these organisations are already collaborating through the National Peoples Council (NPC) and have been involved in launching the Kenya Left Alliance as a new coalition. But whatever form such regroupments take, the PRC and KLM share with the CPM-K a fundamental orientation toward the capitalist state. These projects are designed to steer the Gen Z revolt and the emerging strike movement against low wages and austerity back into safe parliamentary channels. As Odinga once served to absorb opposition into constitutional reform, the CPM-K and its allies now seek to play the same role offering pseudo-socialist rhetoric for a new generation. A man is carried by protesters after being beaten by anti riot police during a demonstration on the one-year anniversary of deadly Gen Z demonstrations in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, June 25, 2025 [AP Photo/Brian Inganga] The only genuine alternative lies in the theory of Permanent Revolution developed by Leon Trotsky. Trotsky warned, The national bourgeoisie of the colonial and semi-colonial countries, being economically, politically and spiritually dependent upon the imperialist bourgeoisie, is incapable of waging a consistent struggle against imperialism. As he had already written in Results and Prospects (1906), The bourgeoisie of the backward countries is not capable of conducting a revolutionary struggle against imperialism; it is linked to it by a thousand ties. These historic tasks fall to the working class, which must seize power at the head of the rural poor, expropriate the capitalist class, and reorganize society on a socialist basis. The revolution must be international, linking struggles across Africa with those of the working class in the imperialist centers. Raila Odingas death has indeed marked the end of an era. It has exposed the exhaustion of bourgeois nationalism, however radical a face it presents. This demands that workers and youth undertake a political reckoning with the Stalinist and Maoist currents that for decades upheld figures like Odinga as allies of the masses. The way forward lies not in completing a bourgeois democratic revolution, but in overthrowing the bourgeoisie altogether. This requires building a Kenyan section of the International Committee of the Fourth Internationala revolutionary leadership committed to international socialism. Only such a party can unify the most advanced layers of workers and youth, and lead the fight for the United Socialist States of Africa. Michigans new 2025-26 education budget has been celebrated by Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer in Lansing by both political parties as a historic investment in education. The teachers unions were not far behind in their praise. Michigan Education Association (MEA) President and CEO Chandra Madafferi said the budget makes important investments in the success of Michigans students and the educators who serve them. Whitmer signed off with considerable publicity on a $10,050 per-pupil foundation allowancethe highest ever in state historyand total K-12 allocations reaching $24.1 billion. The budget set aside hundreds of millions for free school meals, mental health supports, and 'at-risk' programming. However, scratch the surface, and the bipartisan budget measure could also be described as a shell game. It shifts massive costs onto local districts, undermines longstanding early childhood programs, allocates funds to private schools and places new financial burdens on teachers already confronting eroding wages and deteriorating classroom conditions. One significant move in the shell game was the reallocation of $400 million this year alone from the School Aid Fundnominally reserved for K-12 fundingto higher education. This allowed Whitmer to free up General Fund dollars, previously spent on higher ed, for highway construction and repair, which had been the basis of her election-campaign promises to Fix the damn roads. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks as President Donald Trump listens during an event with members of the Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Harrison Township, Michigan. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] Perhaps the most insidious fraud of the historic investment is a major restructuring of pension funding through the Michigan Public Schools Retirement System (MPSERS). The Whitmer administration slashed $100 million in state contributions to MPSERS, folding those funds into the $10,500 per-pupil foundation allowance, thereby forcing districts to absorb a higher share of pension payments from their operating budgetsmoney that could otherwise fund classroom expenses, salaries, or special supports. Districts with older educators who have spent decades in the classroom will be particularly hard hit, as more of their budgets must now be diverted from instructional programs toward retirement payments. Wealthier suburban districts may be able to absorb some of these new costs. But for poorer districts, already struggling under the weight of decaying infrastructure, staff shortages, and chronic underfunding, the results will be devastating. The cut to the MPSERS contribution has the biggest long-range impact. Independent assessments warn that pension contribution levels remain below actuarially recommended minimums, increasing the likelihood that unfunded pension liabilities will mushroom in the future. The groundwork is being laid for future demands to cut benefits and raise employee contributions, as more educators are transitioned into market-dependent retirement savings plans. Since 2018, all new hires have been shunted into the Pension Plus 2 hybrid plan (with both defined-benefit and 401(k)-style defined-contribution components), which lowered the states guaranteed pension contribution and eliminated cost-of-living increases. In 2012, Michigan eliminated state-subsidized retiree health insurance. Without the health insurance premium subsidy, newer teachers face the full cost of health insurance in retirementpotentially tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. This two-tier system divides the workforce and serves the broader objective of making teaching a short-term, contingent occupation, rather than a stable profession supported by collective social guarantees. It mirrors developments across the United States, where new educators are increasingly funneled into hybrid or 401(k)-style plans that expose them to market volatility and remove any state obligation to ensure retirement security. An MEA survey in September discovered that 80 percent of respondents reported paying an average of $200 more per month since January 2025 in out-of-pocket healthcare costs. An August 8 report from Michigan State University shows that Michigans average teacher salary rank has fallen from 16th to 19th nationally, and Michigan teachers now earn nearly 23 percent less than similarly educated workers in the state. The same 2025 budget that slashes support for pension costs also dismantles one of Whitmers most frequently touted education initiatives: the Great Start Collaboratives. These regional partnerships, established nearly two decades ago, coordinated early childhood services from birth, including health initiatives, literacy programs and provider supports for schools and families across Michigan. The state eliminated the $19.4 million line item that funded these collaboratives, redistributing the money to districts under the per-pupil foundation allowance. The change effectively abolishes the dedicated early childhood infrastructure that once provided targeted community support. As a result, collaboratives are being dismantled, staff laid off, and local referral networks and literacy initiatives shut down. Educators and early childhood leaders warn that this will erode coordination among agencies serving vulnerable families, threatening early literacy progress, professional development for childcare providers and equitable access to resources for children with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or poverty-related barriers. This cut directly contradicts Whitmers public commitment to universal pre-K. While the state has expanded the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) to provide free preschool for all 4-year-olds, this expansion comes at the expense of the broader community support systems that underpinned early childhood success for children under four. At the same time, Michigan faces instability from potential federal Head Start funding cuts and the expiration of pandemic-era childcare subsidies. Limited out-of-school-time grants have opened for enrichment programs, but these are no substitute for the comprehensive, community-based work of the Great Start Collaboratives. Taken together, these measures reflect a broader trend of austerity disguised as reform, in which the state reallocates resources while claiming to strengthen the education system. While many school districts resisted settling teacher contracts before the start of the school year in anticipation of the state education budget, thousands of Michigan teachers continue to work without contracts into November, including those in Brighton, Farwell, Grand Rapids, Howell, Kalamazoo, Ludington, Milan, Rockford and eight districts in the Detroit metropolitan area: Birmingham, Clintondale, Northville, Ortonville, Pontiac, Utica, Walled Lake and Waterford. Behind these stalled negotiations lies the financial restructuring imposed by the state budget. By eliminating direct pension reimbursements and passing the costs to local districts, Lansing has manufactured a new fiscal crisis that administrators can use to justify wage cuts. Each contract impasse represents the deliberate shifting of economic strain onto educators and school employees. Despite widespread anger and frustration among educators, the MEA, its parent organization, the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) play a pivotal role in blocking resistance against the attacks on educators livelihoods and the destruction of public education, not just in Michigan, but nationally. Teachers in Michigan and nationally face a coordinated attack on their living standards, retirement security and the very principle of public education. This requires new forms of struggleindependent rank-and-file committees that link educators with other sections of the working class, including autoworkers, healthcare workers and other public employees confronting similar austerity measures. Only through the collective organization of educators, parents, and students on this basis can society guarantee high-quality education for all and end the decades-long dismantling of the public school system. Nurses picketing Keck Hospital of USC in Los Angeles, October 30, 2025. On October 30, around 1,400 registered nurses staged a one-day strike at Keck Medicine of USC (University of Southern California) facilities, including Keck Hospital of USC, the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, USC Arcadia Hospital and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale. Workers are being pushed to the breaking point. The strike took place amid massive attacks on social programs by the Trump administration, which is using the shutdown to eliminate or cripple programs on which tens of millions rely. Around 42 million Americans are dealing with delays in the distribution of food stamp benefits this month, which the Trump administration is only distributing at a reduced rate following court orders. The strike encompassed some of the most advanced medical institutions in Southern California. Keck Hospital of USC, a 401-bed acute care facility affiliated with the University of Southern California, boasts cutting-edge research and clinical trials. The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, a 60-bed hospital specializing in 13 areas of cancer treatment, reported approximately $2 billion in patient revenue and $121.9 million in net profit in 2023 alone. Since May 2025, nurses have been locked in contract negotiations with Keck Medicine, following an informational picket in July and a strike authorization vote in August. The central grievance raised by nurses is the severe understaffing that endangers patients and exhausts caregivers. Resource nurses (non-patient-assigned staff who provide critical support, handle admissions and discharges, and bridge staffing gaps) have been decimated. Their absence forces bedside nurses to shoulder impossible workloads. In 2024 alone, Keck and Norris nurses reported more than 10,000 missed meal breaks and 4,000 missed rest breaks. As of July 2025, another 6,841 breaks had been missed. It is not uncommon for nurses to go ten hours without eating, drinking water, or using the restroom. USC wants to eliminate workers existing health plan options, including Kaiser and Blue Shield, and force employees to use only USC-owned medical facilities. This policy would not only increase the universitys profits but impose enormous hardship on nurses, many of whom live far from USC campuses. As one nurse explained, if a family member needed to see a doctor, wed have to drive for hours just to use a USC facility. Nurses are not only up against management, but the bureaucrats of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU). The CNA/NNUs negotiating action items are deliberately opaque. The union couches its demands in the language of fairness and respect, avoiding any concrete commitments. Calls for adequate staffing, safer working conditions, and competitive pay are so vague as to be meaningless. By restricting the strike to a single day and withholding strike pay, the union leadership ensured that nurses enormous determination would be contained and defused, preventing any challenge to the Democratic Party establishment. There is enormous potential for a broad, powerful struggle uniting USC nurses with workers across the united states against for-profit medicine. This, however, requires that workers take control into their own hands independently of the bureaucrats by forming a network of rank-and-file committees, to plan joint actions based on what workers need, not what management claims it can afford. We work our butts off Leticia, a cardiothoracic nurse, spoke with deep frustration over the erosion of wages and the lack of respect shown to her most experienced colleagues. Weve been getting notifications that our percentage rate is not even equivalent to minimum wage increases, she said. Younger nurses are getting fairer rates, but the senior nursesthe ones who have been here for yearsare being paid less than new hires. This wage inversion is part of a deliberate corporate strategy to drive out higher-paid, more experienced staff and replace them with a cheaper, precarious workforce. We need the experienced nurses to guide us and to teach us, Leticia emphasized. We wont have that if they continue to cut their rates. Her voice trembled when describing the human cost of understaffing: Were always below normal staffing ratios. On the cardiothoracic floor, were only legally allowed four patients. But nurses have been forced to take five. Even our charge nurse, whos supposed to help us, has to take on patients. Thats just not okay. Patient safety becomes so sparse at that point. Leticia described the nurses daily heroism, stepping in for absent doctors and providing the holistic, compassionate care that keeps patients alive. We work our butts off in order to help with patient care and with families. Both the emotional and physical well-being of patients depend on us. Her concluding remarks revealed an unmistakably political consciousness: I would love a general strike. Nurses could team up with teachers, with CNAs, physical and occupational therapists, with everyone in the working class. I would love that. I would be there. Its very close to being time for everyone to just unite Maria, a nurse with 25 years of experience, spoke with a mixture of pride and anguish about the moral core of nursing. No one else is in there with the patient, she said. Were there during some of their last breaths. And thats an honor. Trumps not going to go in there and sit with a dying patient. Theyre not going to clean up someone whos sick. Her comments connected the nurses struggle to the broader political degeneration of American society. As the far-right Trump administration slashes food stamp benefits for tens of millions, Maria recognized that the attacks on the working class are systemic. I think people are getting fed up, she said. Its very close to being time for everyone to just unite and take meaningful action. People are still afraid, they havent reached that moment of power and agency yet, but I think its happening. Maria described the current moment as psychological warfare. She said: We just have to stand firm and remember who we are...Remember why you became a nurse. Im all for socialized medicine, she said. The 1 percent cant keep controlling everything. You dont go backwards, you go forward. The system we have now is just a band-aid on a bullet wound. It cant be fixed within capitalism. Maria compared the capitalist system to the animated film A Bugs Life. The grasshoppers are the exploiters using the ants for their needs, she said. They need us. Whether its wealth, health care, or commodities: they cant have any of it without us. Take your hands off our health care Monica, a float pool nurse of eight years, stressed that the fight was about far more than wages. Were fighting for patient safety but also for compensation for the world-class care that we provide, she said. Its a slap in the face that Keck is taking away our free health care and not compensating us for the cost of living. Keck Medicine, owned by one of the wealthiest private universities in the country, has unilaterally dismantled nurses previous health coverage, forcing them to pay premiums out of their own pockets. Theyre taking away the HMO option, Monica said. Take your hands off our health care! She described the devastating consequences of understaffing for both nurses and patients. The patients are the ones missing out when were spread so thin. Management keeps throwing more on us but not providing the safe staffing that we need. We do what we can, but were limited with the resources we have. During COVID it was the sameoverworked, understaffed. That just seems to be the trend across healthcare systems, she said. Monica concluded: I think we need a general strike. We need to empower each other and stand up for whats right. Trump represents himself and the billionairesits all about the money. The experiences and voices of nurses like Leticia, Maria, and Monica reveal a growing militancy within the working class and a readiness to fight. This determination must be combined with an independent strategy, mobilizing the strength of the working class against not only Trump but his enablers in the Democratic Party and the trade union bureaucrats. Their goal must be the socialist reorganization of healthcare and societyplacing human life, not private profit, at the center of a united movement against social inequality, dictatorship, war and genocide. Around 120 people packed into the far too small cinema auditorium at the Left Literature Fair in Nuremberg on Sunday, where Mehring Verlag presented two books by the American socialist David North, chairman of the World Socialist Web Site: The Logic of Zionism and Socialism Against War. Book launch by Mehring Verlag in Nuremberg, November 2, 2025 The room was filled right up to the door, with many participants sitting on the floor because there were not enough seats. This made the event one of the largest at the entire fair. In the weeks beforehand, supporters of Mehring Verlag promoted the book launch at vocational schools, universities, among nursing staff and in working class neighbourhoods. It was the only event at the fair to focus on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the danger of a third world war. The Left Party and other pseudo-left groups support Trumps peace plan for Gaza, declare the genocide to be over and play down the danger of a third world war. The Mehring Verlag event stood in complete contrast; it analysed both theatres of war in Gaza and Ukraine as part of the worldwide development towards war, explained their causes in the deep crisis of capitalism and outlined a socialist perspective in opposition to them. The City of Nuremberg responded by politically censoring the event: only 30 hours before the fair began, it demanded that the fair management change the event description and threatened to exercise its rights as the owner of the venue to exclude the book launch from the programme of the Left Literature Fair if this did not happen. Even the posters with the event text, which had been put up in the building as all publishers at the fair do, had to be removed under threat of the event being banned. The city objected to the description because it accused the German government of bloody war crimes and referred to the genocide in Gaza as such. In the citys view, this was unlawful. This argument amounts to the suppression of any criticism of the governments war policy. Supporters of Mehring Verlag responded to the censorship with a political offensive: hundreds of leaflets condemning the censorship were distributed to the fairs visitors, so that in the end everyone knew about it. Some even extended their stay in Nuremberg by a day in order to be able to attend the event. On the morning of the event, all the publishers exhibiting at the fair adopted a resolution sharply protesting against the censorship of Mehring Verlags event text and calling on the City of Nuremberg to refrain from any future attempts at censorship against book launches at the Left Literature Fair. Numerous fair visitors reacted with outrage to the censorship, supported Mehring Verlag and took several leaflets to distribute among friends and colleagues. Many placed the attack on freedom of expression at the book fair in the context of the general dismantling of democratic rights in Germany as well as the establishment of a dictatorship in the US. Several comments on social media also referred to Nurembergs history: Has the City of Nuremberg forgotten where the Nazi trials took place in 1945? For that reason, the City of Nuremberg has a special responsibility to fight war crimes, wrote one user on TikTok. Another post recalled that Nuremberg was not only the venue for the war crimes trials, but also the site of the Nazi Party rallies and the Nuremberg Race Laws. Another user wrote: The war crimes condemned by the ICJ [International Court of Justice] are the responsibility of the Bundestag [parliament]. The citizens were against it from the beginning. Against this background the event was of central significance. The speaker, Peter Schwarz, a member of the WSWS international editorial board, began by explaining that the event was taking place 80 years after the Nuremberg Trials, at which the chief Nazi war criminals were convicted. That the City of Nuremberg now declared that one may not call the crimes of capitalist governments by their name because this would relativise the Holocaust, Schwarz said, turns the significance of the Nuremberg Trials on its head. They were meant to ensure that genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes would never be committed againor that those responsible for such crimes would have to reckon with severe punishment. Schwarz made clear what the city administrations argument amounts to: From being a weapon against war crimes, it transforms the Nuremberg Trials into a general amnesty for them. One may no longer call a crime a crime because in doing so one would relativise another crime. In this context, Schwarz presented David Norths first book, The Logic of Zionism: From Nationalist Myth to the Gaza Genocide, which explains the background to the current genocide and demonstrates that the Zionist project has from the outset been based on a reactionary ideology. Up to the German catastrophe of 1933, a large number of Jewish workers and intellectuals had linked their own emancipation to the overcoming of capitalist class society and oriented themselves towards the Marxist movement, Schwarz explained Zionism, developed by Theodor Herzl in the 1890s, was directed squarely against this socialist perspective. In opposition to the internationalism of the socialist workers movement, it counterposed the founding of a Jewish state in Palestine. Schwarz quoted David North: The maintenance of a Jewish apartheid state that violently oppresses the Palestinian people while simultaneously moving domestically in the direction of fascism is inseparable from Israels role as the linchpin of imperialism in the Middle East. American support for Israel, Schwarz went on, has nothing to do with sympathy for the Jews or reparations for the Holocaust. The US arms IsraelRepublicans and Democrats are at one on thisbecause they need and use it to dominate the Middle East. The same applies to Germany. David Norths May Day speeches, published in the second book presented, Sounding the Alarm: Socialism Against War, trace the escalation of imperialism and the growing danger of a third world war. Schwarz explained: They show that the very contradictions to which the ruling class responds with war and dictatorship also create the objective preconditions for the intensification of the class struggle and for socialist revolution. The cause of this escalating war isjust as in the First and Second World Warsthe incompatibility of the bourgeois nation-state with the international character of the world economy. The imperialist powers no longer satisfy their hunger for raw materials, markets and cheap labour through peaceful competition, but through a violent redivision of the world. In conclusion Schwarz stressed that a socialist perspective is needed for a successful fight against war. He quoted from Norths May Day 2023 speech: The dangers confronting humanity should not be minimized. The first responsibility of a genuine revolutionary is to state what is. But this requires the recognition that objective reality presents not only the danger of World War III and the annihilation of humanity but also the potential for world socialist revolution and a stupendous advance in human civilization. The program of the Fourth International, the World Party of Socialist Revolution led by the International Committee, is to realize this potential by building a mass movement against imperialist war and fighting for the transfer of power to the working class to build socialism throughout the world. This is the perspective that animates, despite all difficulties and dangers, todays celebration of May Day. Visitors at the Mehring Verlag stand The lecture met with a great response from the audience, with listeners repeatedly applauding at key points in the speech. Afterwards, many visitors came to the Mehring Verlag stand to continue the political discussion and to purchase the two books and other Marxist literature. The World Socialist Web Site will publish a video recording of the lecture in the coming days. The author of the two books presented, David North, will speak in Berlin on November 18 and in London on November 22 on the topic Where is America heading? Socialism or barbarism. Pike River, directed by Rob Sarkies and written by Fiona Samuel, was released in New Zealand last month, accompanied by a major publicity campaign and universally glowing reviews in the corporate media. The film portrays the 2010 Pike River underground coal mine disaster, in which 29 workers lost their lives, and the fight by the families of those killed for answers, for the return of their loved ones remains, and for justice and accountability. Andrew Little, mayor of Wellington, speaks at screening of Pike River, October 18, 2025. As the national secretary of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU), Little defended Pike River Coal following the 2010 disaster. [Photo: X/@andrewlittle_nz] Overwhelming evidence was uncovered that Pike River Coal cut corners, broke numerous health and safety laws and built a mine that was essentially a gas bomb waiting to blow up. It had no adequate emergency exit, its main ventilation unit was dangerously installed underground, and it had grossly inadequate methane gas monitoring and drainage systems. As the film shows, a 2012 royal commission of inquiry found that the company ignored many warnings from workers about unsafe conditions because it was fixated on the pursuit of profit and production. Yet nobody has faced any charges over the tragedy, and the remains of those who died are still sealed within the mine, along with crucial evidence. On Radio NZs website, film-maker Gaylene Preston hailed Pike River as a perfect film. The Posts reviewer Graeme Tuckett called it a damn near-perfect film. Newstalk ZBs Francesca Rudkin said it was a very uplifting film about friendship, about advocacy and what you can achieve, even while noting that there has been no justice for the victims. The WSWS review of Pike River following the Sydney Film Festival noted its definite strengths, as well as its glaring omissions. There are powerful scenes, including when the grieving families confront National Party Prime Minister John Key about his broken promise to re-enter the mine and retrieve the victims remains, and their reaction to the regulators outrageous and unlawful decision in 2013 to drop health and safety charges against Pike River Coal chief executive Peter Whittall. The performances of Melanie Lynskey as Anna Osborne, whose husband Milton died in the disaster, and Robyn Malcolm as Sonya Rockhouse, whose son Ben was killed, have been justly praised. Taken as a whole, however, the filmand the publicity surrounding itis most notable for what it conceals: namely, the complicity of the Labour Party and the trade union bureaucracy both in the disaster itself and in the 15-year-long cover-up. Indeed, the final half-hour, which depicts the run-up to the 2017 election, is essentially a political advertisement for the Labour Party. Early in the film, as the families seek answers from Whittall and health and safety manager Neville Rockhouse about why the mine exploded, there is a significant omission. There is no mention of the fact that 71 of Pike Rivers workers were members of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) and that EPMU leader Andrew Littlewho was also the president of the Labour Party at the timepublicly defended the company following the first explosion. Asked whether he had any safety concerns about Pike River, Little told the New Zealand Herald: No [the company has] an active health and safety committee, the union is well-represented on it. Theres been nothing unusual come out of that that would alert us to the sort of things that have happened here. So, theres nothing unusual about Pike River, or this mine, that weve been particularly concerned about. This statement was completely false. Workers had raised concerns about the extremely dangerous conditions in the mine, both with management and with the EPMU. A group of workers walked out in protest over the lack of emergency equipment underground not long before the disaster. The union bureaucracy did not even issue a press statement about the incident, let alone organise industrial action to stop work until the mine was made safe. It acted as an adjunct of the company, remaining silent about the real conditions in the mine, and allowing workers to risk their lives so as not to interrupt production. While a two-hour-long film cannot be expected to cover every detail of the disaster and its aftermath, there is no justification for the exclusion of the role of the EPMU (now called E tu). Andrew Little, who is now the mayor of Wellington, was even allowed to speak at Pike Rivers premiere screening in the city, posturing as a champion of workplace safety. Shamefully, no one involved in the film raised any objection to Littles speech or pointed out the role that he and the EPMU actually played. Bernie Monk, whose son Michael died in Pike River, told the WSWS it was bloody wrong for Little to be given the platform, considering his record. The explanation for these omissions is political: the filmmakers have rewritten history in order to promote Labour and the unions. This is evident throughout the film. A pivotal moment is the decision by Rockhouse and Osborne to blockade the road to the mine in 2016, preventing it from being sealed by the National government. Were here for our men, Osborne tells the media. We were promised that theyd be brought home and we want that promise kept. Rockhouse says: I cant have [Ben] buried in concrete. I want the truth for my son, and I want justice. Local concrete companies decide to support the families and refuse to seal the mine. At about this point, a certain Rob Egan volunteers to be a social media manager for the families, setting up the Facebook page Stand With Pike to promote the protest. The film does not explain that Egan is a highly experienced political operative, a former advisor to at least two Labour Party leaders and co-owner of the public relations firm Piko Consulting. Egan suggests to Rockhouse and Osborne that the families should help elect a Labour Party-led government. They travel to Wellington, along with Bernie Monk, and secure a pledge from Labour and its alliesthe Greens and the right-wing nationalist NZ First Partyto re-enter the mine, recover the bodies and gain the evidence necessary for criminal prosecutions. Labour leader Jacinda Ardern, playing herself in the film, greets the families representatives, beaming from ear to ear, and says Of course well sign the commitment. The film ends soon afterwards with Rockhouse, Osborne, Egan and others celebrating the formation of a Labour-Greens-NZ First coalition government in October 2017. This is depicted as a momentous victory for the Pike River families. The text that appears on the screen misleadingly states that the Ardern government re-entered the mine. A video is shown of Rockhouse and Osborne walking a few metres inside the drift (entrance tunnel). In fact, in 2021 the Labour-led government shut down the re-entry operation and refused to allow investigators to enter the mine workings, where the most important evidence is located, including the underground fan, a possible ignition source for the first explosion. The Labour government was able to achieve what the National Party had failed to do, placing a concrete seal on the mine portal. Andrew Little, as the minister for Pike River re-entry, continued the role he had played as EPMU leader, covering up on behalf of the business interests responsible for the disaster. The government established a so-called Pike River Recovery Authority, including a Family Reference Group (FRG) that included Osborne and Rockhouse, as well as Rob Egan and Tony Sutorius (a documentary film-maker close to the unions, who is also depicted positively in Pike River). Monk resigned from the FRG in 2019 after refusing to sign a confidentiality agreement that would have prevented him from speaking publicly about information relating to the re-entry. The FRG issued a statement in March 2021 which falsely stated: Families accept, with heartbreak, Andrew Littles advice that there will be no more government money to expand the [re-entry] project at this time. Family members and supporters protest on July 9, 2021, on the road to the Pike River mine. [Photo by Kath Monk] In fact, the majority of the families opposed the shutdown of the re-entry operation and the sealing of the mine. The FRG made the call without coming to the families, Monk told the WSWS. They never came to the families and asked us. They got told by Little they werent going to go into the mine, and they went along with the government. The families were backed by thousands of people across New Zealand and internationally, including world-renowned mining experts led by Tony Forster, the former chief inspector of mines, who produced a plan for the recovery of the mine workings. Minister Little rejected the plan, claiming that it was too difficult and too expensive to enter the mine workings safelythe same unsubstantiated claims made by former Prime Minister John Key. The entire political establishment, the unions and the media all backed the Labour governments decision. The Stand With Pike Facebook page administered by the FRG refused to allow posts opposing the termination of the underground investigation. Commenting on the film Pike River, Monk told the WSWS it went some way to showing what the families had to go through and how the politicians [in the Key government] covered things up and shat on them all the way through. But he added that the Labour Party, having used the families to get back into power in 2017, didnt do any better than the National Party. Monk and other families and supporters are still fighting to reveal the full truth about the disaster and to expose those complicit in the 2013 dropping of charges against Whittall. Monk hoped that the film would put the pressure on the police to make a decision on whether they are going to bring charges or not bring charges. The criminal investigation into the Pike River disaster is technically ongoing, but there is no guarantee that anyone will be charged. An initial police investigation following the disaster was dropped in 2013, on the pretext that forensic evidence buried in the mine could not be examined. Those seeking a full account of the Pike River disaster and the 15-year cover-upincluding the role of all the capitalist parties and the union bureaucracy in shielding the companyare encouraged to consult the extensive archive of the WSWS and the book Pike River: The Crime and Cover-up. Immigration agents conduct an operation at a car wash, Aug. 15, 2025, in Montebello, California. [AP Photo/Gregory Bull] Every day, as part of President Donald Trumps ongoing mass deportation operation, federal immigration police, backed by local cops, violate the constitutional rights of citizens and immigrants alike. In scenes that mirror US-backed dictatorships in Latin America, residents of United States, regardless of immigration status, are being brutalized, shot and disappeared without due process. According to his lawyers, last Thursday in Ontario, California, US citizen Carlos Jimenez, 25, was shot in the back by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after he tried to warn them that children would soon be gathering at a nearby school bus stop. Jimenez was on his way to work at a food bank when he came upon ICE agents conducting a traffic stop near the bus stop. Jimenez lives in a nearby mobile home with his wife, children, younger brother and mother, on the same street ICE thugs were conducting their operation. According to Jimenezs lawyer, Cynthia Santiago, after parking his car, Jimenez approached the ICE agents to tell them to please wrap this up because kids would be coming out to the bus stop soon. Santiago said in response one of the masked agents pulled out a gun and some words were exchanged. The agent also began shaking his pepper spray. Santiago said at this point Jimenez was trying to get out of the situation and that the immigration agents vehicles had blocked the road, leaving Jimenez little choice but to try and reverse his vehicle to get away, according to another one of his attorneys, Robert Simon. After Jimenez, who was unarmed, began to reverse his vehicle, Santiago said agents began to shoot at him. Then there was shot from the side, back passenger window, to the car, she explained. Despite being shot, Jimenez was able to drive back to his home, where he asked his younger brother, Brayan Jimenez to take him to the hospital. Jimenezs wife told the Los Angeles Times her husband suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder. In a photo of Jimenezs car, shared with the Times, blood is visible on the steering wheel, driver and passenger seat and the center console. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice have yet to claim that any federal agents were injured during Thursdays shooting. This did not stop Jimenez from being charged last Friday in federal court with assault on a federal officer. He was released on bond that same day. The shooting of Jimenez was the second time in nine days that the immigration gestapo have shot and wounded local residents. On October 22, Carlitos Ricardo Parias, 44, was shot by federal agents after they boxed in his vehicle near Santee High School in south-central Los Angeles. Parias, known as Richard LA on Tik Tok, has over 135,000 followers on the platform, which he uses to livestream breaking news, including about immigration operations in Southern California. In addition to Parias, a federal agent was injured in the shooting after a shot ricocheted and struck the agent in the elbow. A total of 11 shots were apparently fired, none by Parias. Citing a law enforcement source, the Los Angeles Times reported that federal agents were so overwhelmed while trying to kidnap Parias, that they pointed their firearms at arriving LAPD officers. Despite not shooting or injuring anybody, Parias is being charged with assault on a federal officer, which carries with it a possible eight-year prison sentence. Empowered by the Trump administration and Democratic governors and mayors who have deployed local police forces to protect immigration officers as they are carrying out their kidnapping operations, federal agents continue to violently attack residents and immigrants. On November 1, 10 days after Parias was shot and two days after Jimenez was also struck by gunfire, friends, family and community members in Chicago held a memorial for Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, a father and worker who was murdered by ICE on September 12. Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, while posturing as an opponent of the mass deportation operation, has routinely deployed Illinois state police against anti-ICE protests, many of which have taken place at the Broadview ICE facility, located in the Chicago suburbs. A demonstrator holds a sign reading "STOP BEATING PEOPLE" near a line of law enforcement as protesters gather outside an ICE processing facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Illinois Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] In response to the terrible conditions inside the Broadview facility, on October 30, immigrants detained at the ICE building filed a class action lawsuit against leading figures in the deportation operation, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Acting ICE director Todd Lyons and CPB chief agent Gregory Bovino. Named plaintiffs in the lawsuit include Felipe Agustin Zamacona, an immigrant who has lived in the US for over 30 years. He was taken on the morning of October 30 in Wheeling, Illinois while working as a delivery driver. Pablo Moreno Gonzalez, an immigrant from Mexico, has also lived in the US for over 30 years. He is a married father of four and the primary breadwinner for his family. He was taken on October 29 while walking in Chicago. The lawsuit notes that the Broadview facility is meant to serve as a temporary holding place before immigrants are transferred to more permanent, longer-term centers that have more amenities. Due to overcrowding at every ICE facility in the US, immigrants in Broadview state they are being held for days, or even weeks at a time inside crowded cells where they are forced to sleep on concrete floors. The lawsuit alleges immigrants held inside the facility are being denied sufficient food and water. They cannot shower, they are denied soap, hygiene items, and menstrual products, and they have no way to clean themselves. Describing the same conditions found in Alligator Alcatraz and other immigrant concentration camps across the US, plaintiffs declare there is no medical intake when people are brought into this facility. Detainees are denied prescription medication, even when it is dropped off by family members, and cannot obtain routine medicines like aspirin or Tylenol. The physical conditions are filthy, with poor sanitation, clogged toilets, and blood, human fluids, and insects in the sinks and the floor. Due to the overcrowding, unhygienic conditions, lack of medical care, and deprivation of adequate food, the facility is a breeding ground for illness to spread. According to the lawsuit, the gangster guards are abusive and cruel. Putative class members are routinely degraded, mistreated, and humiliated by these officers. There is no privacy in the facility and large windows in the holding cells allow men to see the women when they use the toilet, and women to see the men. In addition to denying plaintiffs access to medicine, the lawsuit alleges those trapped in the facility are denied access to lawyers, including confidential calls, and the outside world in general. Under these conditions, federal officers at the facility are coercing people to sign immigration paperwork that many detainees do not understand, and that relinquishes their rights and purports to allow Defendants to send detainees out of the country without ever seeing an immigration judge. By blocking access to detainees inside Broadview, Defendants have created a blackbox in which to disappear people from the U.S. justice and immigration systems, the lawsuit notes. US citizens who have protested outside the torture camp have likewise been detained and interrogated by federal agents without their counsel present. One US citizen taken to Broadview and denied access to lawyers was Dayanne Figueroa. On October 10, as Figueroa was driving to grab some coffee before work, she ran into a chaotic scene as immigration thugs were kidnapping landscape workers. While attempting to navigate through the street, Figueroa was struck by an unmarked vehicle driven by masked federal immigration agents. After crashing into Figueroa, masked and heavily armed federal agents in military fatigues drew their weapons and descended on Figueroas vehicle. Without identifying themselves, the violent thugs pulled the young mother out of her car, over the protests of local community members, and disappeared her into their vehicle. Bystanders yelled, You hit her! We have it on video. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Figueroa said she was transported to multiple undisclosed locations where she was denied access to a lawyer or her family. I was in shock and terrified. The video evidence is clear: Agents crashed into me. I was not involved in any protest or related activity, and I intend to seek justice for how I was treated, she told the paper. Family members were only able to locate her by using her iPhone to pinpoint her location to the Broadview facility. Teresita Figueroa recalled to the paper that despite the fact that her daughter was a US citizen, Chicago police provided no clarity on why Figueroa was arrested or where she had been taken. I was extremely worried because I know ICE agents are heartless and reckless. They had just killed a man in Franklin Park. I worried that they could hurt my daughter, Teresita Figueroa told the Tribune. Those hours (looking for her) were agonizing. Speaking on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense summit in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the creation of Task Force Philippines, a joint military agency of Washington and Manila. The new task force will place the entirety of Philippine militarys maritime oversight under the direct supervision of an American one star general. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, confers with Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro at ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. [AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool] The announcement was part of a flurry of escalatory measures targetting China and deals with Manila involving a number of countries that were concluded in the wake of Trumps visit to the region. Trump stomped his way through Asia last week, postured as a peace maker, sought to strongarm economic deals, and ordered the resumption of active nuclear weapons testing for the first time since the 1990s. The chairmanship of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting rotated from Malaysia to the Philippines at the conclusion of the summit. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippines has come to play a more aggressive role against China than any other Southeast Asian country, serving as a spearhead for US imperialism. The new task force, Hegseth declared, would decisively respond to crisis or aggression and reestablish deterrence in the South China Sea. Details remain limited but the function and character of the task force is clear. On Sunday, November 2, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner told the press, There was Task Force Ayungin, right? Were expanding that now to cover the entire archipelago. Task Force Ayungin, whose existence was made public in 2024, served as the auspices for American supervision and control of confrontations staged by Philippine vessels with China during rotation and reprovisioning missions at the Second Thomas Shoalknown in the Philippines as Ayungin Shoal. Manila has long maintained a makeshift naval base on the Second Thomas Shoal, in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, on board the BRP Sierra Madre, a naval vessel deliberately scuttled on the reef in 1999. A handful of troops are stationed there, their presence sustained by regular rotational and resupply missions. These missions have led to confrontations with China, which saw the Philippines as maintaining a permanent military presence on a feature which it claimed. Manila and Beijing concluded an arrangement for the peaceful resupply and rotation of the troops, provided no construction material was supplied to improve and expand the basing facility. China was content to let the Sierra Madre rust and collapse. Here Task Force Ayungin entered in. Under the oversight of Washington, Manila supplied construction material to the Sierra Madre in addition to provisions. The Pentagon based US troops in the Philippines, under the auspices of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), who piloted US aerial and marine drones to supervise and coordinate Manilas confrontations with China. The basing facilities used for these activities were visited by then Vice President Kamala Harris in November 2022. In June 2024, the resupply confrontations overseen by Washington led to a deliberate collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels, and injured Philippine sailors. It was a direct armed confrontation on the South China Sea. In the wake of the crisis, the existence of Task Force Ayungin was announced. Task Force Philippines, a name clearly dreamed up in Washington, will create a military body of 60 service members headed by a one star general, to oversee maritime confrontations in all of the waters surrounding the Philippine archipelago. These include the South China Sea, the Philippine Sea to the east of Luzon, the Celebes and Sulu Seas in the south, and, most vitally, the northern straits separating Luzon from Taiwan. The commander of this force will be an American officer, as was made clear in Brawners remarks. Instead of us talking to Admiral Paparo [the head of the US Indo-Pacific Command] were going to talk to him [the head of Task Force Philippines], he told the press. The new command, which already exists, began as an operational agreement between Brawner and Paparo and was elevated to a Task Force by Hegseth and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr over the weekend. Using the 13 official sites reserved for basing US troops in the Philippines under EDCA, Task Force Philippines will spy on Chinese vessel and coordinate maritime confrontations with aerial and marine drones, some of which can carry weapons payloads. The Pentagon has deployed NMESIS land-based anti-ship missile systems to the Philippines and, most provocatively, the Typhon missile system, which can launch intermediate range missiles capable of targeting Beijing. As the colonial ruler of the Philippines in the early 20th century, Washington commanded the Philippine Constabulary, a hated force of domestic repression. A century later, US imperialism directly supervises the Philippine military, as Washington positions its forces for war with China. Washingtons escalating preparations for war have set off a frenzy among the imperialist powers, all looking to be part of the action. On November 2, the Philippines signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with Canada. Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty, speaking at a joint press conference in Makati, declared that Canada was committed to maintaining three naval ships in the Pacific. He announced that Canada intended to take part in next years Balikatan military exercises, the largest of the annual war games staged by the US with the Philippines. Balikatan has grown over the course of recent years into a dress rehearsal for the opening acts of World War III in the Pacific. While Canada has long been close to Washingtons machinations in the South China Sea, observing Balikatan and providing the Philippines with a Dark Vessel Detection system to monitor Chinese ships, the SOVFA will allow the direct integration of Canadian troops into ongoing war preparations. The Philippines has now concluded SOVFAs with the United States, Australia, Japan and New Zealand. Discussions with France, Singapore, Britain, Germany and India are ongoing to establish similar arrangements. Sweden, abandoning the pretense of neutrality, announced last week that it would be deploying a permanent defense attache to Manila. A new body involving military leaders from the United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines was formed out of meetings at the ADMM: the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Cooperation Council. This rapidly expanding network of agreements and treaties is the legal framework for interoperable warfare that is developing under the auspices of Washington. Australia, which already has a SOVFA with Manila, is preparing to sign a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the Philippines. The deal, which moves beyond the existing Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, is bound up with the creation of eight infrastructure projects in the Philippines connected to maritime awareness and sovereign rights. The agreement, an unnamed Australian official told the press, gives us more rights for our militaries in one anothers countries the agreement between our two countries will allow more Australian troops to come in should we want to. Australia is also preparing to base troops in the Philippines at facilities alongside those of the Americans. There are fracture lines between the imperialist powers encircling China, sharp and widening differences of interest. Trumps economic warfare has polarized and riven world capitalism. Vast social anger and unrest fuels a desperate uncertainty in the elite. In the Philippines this has found initial expresson in a battle over corruption between factions of the elite with rival orientations to Washington or to China that destabilized the entire political system. These widening conflicts of interest and explosive social tensions give added volatility to the danger of war. A report published in the British medical journal The Lancet, Over 3 million life-years lost in Gaza, provides a scientific indictment of the ethnic cleansing operations of the Israeli military against Palestinians in the enclave territory since October 7, 2023. Based on the confirmed death toll from the Palestinian Health Ministry as reported on July 31, 2025, The Lancets researchersSammy Zahran of Colorado State University and Ghassan Abu-Sittah of the American University of Beirutcalculated that the 60,199 Palestinians killed in this period lost on average 51 years each, amounting to over 3 million years of forfeited life. Palestinians carry plastic bottles with water in an area of a makeshift tent camp for displaced people along the shore of Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana] The overwhelming majority of these losses occurred among civilians, including an estimated 1 million life-years lost among children under 15 years old. The figures presented in this study are staggering and testify to the barbarism pursued by the Israeli regime with the backing of the US and European imperialist powers. The analytical framework adopted by The Lancet makes clear that these calculations are rooted in the explicit, recorded fatalities linked directly to Israeli military actions, excluding thousands killed indirectly through the systematic destruction of essential infrastructure, food, water supplies, medical facilities and personnel. The thesis of The Lancet report is unequivocal: Israeli military operations have generated direct, quantifiable social devastation that is not adequately portrayed by death toll numbers alone. By excluding indirect deaths resulting from the ruin of infrastructure and medical facilities, restriction of food and water, and the loss of medical personnel that support life, the true impact of the Israeli genocide is far greater than even the horrific numbers calculated in the study. Regarding the statistical method, The Lancets team compiled a non-duplicate, demographically complete list of the 60,199 decedents that included their reported age and sex. Utilizing life tables for Gazas pre-war population, the researchers estimated, for each death, the average number of remaining years he or she would have expected to live had their life not been cut short. For instance, a child killed at the age of seven might have lost 70 years, whereas an elderly person killed would lose far fewer life-years. The study explicitly notes that the average life-years lost per death is 51, reflecting the youthfulness of Gazas population. Over half of all those killed were women and children. Researchers point out that their findings only account for direct deaths and omit thousands killed by starvation, dehydration, communicable diseases or the collapse of Gazas medical systema limitation forced by both the destruction of the territorys record-keeping and the impossibility of accounting for every casualty. The detailed breakdown of the reports findings by age and sex shows a disproportionate impact on Gazas youngest. Over 1 million life-years were lost among children under 15 years old, with the majority of killed persons belonging to categories that would never be classified as combatants by international law: women, the elderly, infants, and young boys and girls. Even when adopting the broad standard for combatant that encompasses all men and boys ages 15 to 44, civilians are the overwhelming majority of the dead and in terms of the years of life lost. This substantiates claims that attacks were indiscriminate and systematically targeted Gazas civilian population centers, neighborhoods, shelters, hospitals and schools. These figures prove that the Israeli military operations in Gaza are a genocide, which is defined as the deliberate destruction, in whole or in part, of a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. Acts of mass murder, causing serious bodily or mental harm, imposing living conditions meant to destroy the Palestinian people, including forcibly transferring children from their families and preventing births, are all hallmarks of genocide. The loss in life-years in Gaza has little precedent in contemporary war studies, but The Lancet authors draw direct comparisons to similar research on other global conflicts. For instance, when calculated as life expectancy loss, Gazas decline now surpasses that of Chad and Lesotho, which previously ranked as the lowest in the world. In Chad and Lesotho, average life expectancy is 53 years, but for Gaza, following the documented genocide, the populations life expectancy has fallen far below that. The last comparable collapse in a nations life expectancy occurred in the early 20th century United States during the Spanish flu pandemic at the end of World War I, in which the highest death rate was among young adults. The Lancets approach, focusing on potential years lost rather than death counts, highlights the disproportionately intense impact of violence on younger populations. Compared with other wars, such as in Syria or Yemen, previous studies found life expectancy declines of up to a decade or slightly more, but never a halving of population life prospects as in Gaza. The implications of these findings have been widely discussed among human rights organizations, media outlets and spokespersons. A representative of The Lancet said, This quantification of life-years lost elevates the conversation beyond death tolls; it is an indictment of the deliberate targeting of a populations entire future. Human rights groups such as CAIR have said that the study demonstrates the genocidal intent of the Zionist regime and its enablers in the United States and Europe, as well as the international complicity in continuing attacks, which have been carried out during the present ceasefire and resulting in a reported average of 10 Palestinians killed per day. Some commentaries point out that these statistics confirm that the mass killing is not incidental or collateral but systematic, coordinated and intended to erase an entire peoples future. The Lancets analysis has shifted the review of the events in Gaza from casualty figures to the empirical annihilation of decades of human potential. The Lancet is among the worlds most respected medical journals, dating back to its founding in 1823. Traditionally, its editorial and investigative focus has been on vital global health issuesepidemics, health policy, war-related health casualties and the intersection of violence and public health. In recent decades, The Lancet has become a venue for major studies on health crises in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and other conflict zones, specializing in quantitative syntheses of mortality and morbidity under conditions of war and deprivation. The journal is recognized not only for its scientific rigor but also for its willingness to publish research that has significance for international law and for its challenge to the official narrative of governments. Previously, The Lancet has published findings arguing that the official death toll in Gaza is likely underreported by at least 40 percent. This undercount is driven by the systematic destruction of Gazas hospitals and clinics, institutions responsible both for treating the wounded and for recording and certifying deaths. In early 2025, a Lancet study estimated that over 10,000 individuals were missing or still buried beneath collapsed buildings, and the real tally of Palestinian dead may approach or exceed 100,000. Additionally, previous studies have highlighted the catastrophic drop in life expectancy, calculated at nearly 35 years in the first 12 months of the conflict, effectively halving the pre-war figure of about 75 years for Gazans. A population that, prior to the genocide, was approaching living standards similar to neighboring Middle Eastern societies now faces prospects lower than any country globally. The methodology of The Lancet builds upon these earlier analyses, utilizing cross-referenced data from the Gaza Health Ministry and United Nations refugee records to correct for possible double-counting and demographic mismatches. By doing so, the study achieves a conservative yet comprehensive portrait of the direct death toll, establishing the authority of the report in the face of attempts by Israel to minimize the scale and impact of Palestinian deaths. The Lancets report represents a significant breakthrough in documenting the true cost of Israels genocidal war which cannot be reduced to casualty figures or easily explained away by the fog of war. By calculating lost futures and decades not lived, the report is incontrovertible evidence of a war crime on the scale of that which was carried out by the Nazis in World War II. The information contained in this analysis will no doubt play a role in the future prosecution of the criminals responsible for the genocide, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Eyal Zamir, as well as former US President Biden, current President Trump and their cabinet and military-intelligence officials. The case laid out by The Lancet demonstrates that, while masses of people around the globe participated in protests and demanded an end to the genocide in Gaza over the past two years, these leaders proceeded with mass death and the destruction of a defenseless civilian population. After a four-month delayduring which the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) struck a deal with management to allow its pro-business restructuring to go ahead at the expense of nearly 200 jobsthe union has called an industrial action ballot at Western Sydney University (WSU). Western Sydney University [Photo: eminentedu.com] The NTEU reported last Thursday that the Fair Work Commission, which is the Labor governments pro-business industrial tribunal, had quickly approved holding an online Protected Action Ballot of the NTEU branch members, to be rushed through from Monday to Friday this week. This is first and foremost a manoeuvre to head off anger over the destruction of jobs and conditions as the result of the unions sellout on the restructuring. As well as the almost 200 jobs being eliminated, about 500 staff members in disestablished positions are now being forced to compete against each other for other jobs that the management considers suitable for them. While advocating a yes vote on the ballot questions, the WSU Rank-and-File Committee warns that the NTEU is seeking such a vote for the purpose of negotiating yet another treacherous deal, this time for a new union-management enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA). In fact, the NTEU branch president David Burchell has sent emails to members emphasising that a Protected Action Ballot is a vote to authorise forms of industrial action, not to actually take action. The aim, according to Burchell, is to give the NTEU bargaining team new impetus to further improve our rights and conditions in talks with management. This is a fraud. The truth is that any new EBA will be just as useless in opposing the destruction of jobs and conditions as the last one, imposed in 2022, has proved to be. Despite Burchell repeatedly insisting that the existing EBA is already strong on job protection, its Organisational Change clauses offer little or no protection against retrenchments and displacements. Management only has to assert that the work of a targeted staff member is no longer required or can be accommodated within the workloads of remaining staff. The EBA provides for a spill and fill competition between employees for any vacancies. Clause 46.33 of the NTEUs academic EBA at WSU states: If there are 2 or more eligible Employees being considered for placement in a suitable new or vacant position in the new structure, placement will be determined using a merit-based selection process. It is now four months since an online meeting of NTEU members at WSU on July 3 voted by 99 percent for stoppages of up to 24 hours and by 78 percent for indefinite strikes against managements brutal restructuring blueprint. That was a vote to fight the job destruction. But the NTEU officials kept the vote tied to seeking to negotiate yet another EBA with management. In addition, they vehemently opposed a call by WSU Rank-and-File Committee member Michael Head for a unified campaign across the universities against the ongoing elimination of up to 4,000 jobs nationally. After that, the NTEU called off its dispute with management and struck a deal with Vice-Chancellor George Williams to let the Western Sydney Reset restructuring go ahead. On October 2, Williams sent an all-staff email thanking both the NTEU and the other main campus union, the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), for their goodwill and constructive engagement. He wrote: This means that our change process will now proceed and is back on track. Thanks to the goodwill and constructive engagement of the unions, about 700 of the universitys staff membersnearly a quarter of the workforce, and mostly professional staffare being retrenched or displaced. At the same time, serious damage is being done to the education quality, course options and futures of students. At an NTEU WSU members meeting last week, Burchell urged members to be stoic and keep a sense of humour. But a range of participants spoke or posted comments voicing outrage. One said it felt like people were being forced into a version of Hunger Games. Others described the treatment of staff as disgusting and said the mood had shifted to anger. As we discussed at our public meeting on October 26, this assault is part of a wider and deeper offensive against educators and students. The Albanese Labor governments Universities Accord demands the transformation of the countrys 39 public universities, both in teaching and research, to align with national priorities, including the AUKUS military pact directed against China. Led by Williams and Chancellor Jennifer Westacott, a former CEO of the Business Council of Australia, the WSU management is seeking to satisfy Labors requirements through the Reset Western program, driven by a Western 2030 Strategic Plan that aims to attract partnerships and investment to western Sydney from companies and governments. The Albanese government is financially pressuring universities by cutting international student enrolments and continuing the previous Liberal-National governments Job-ready graduates program, which sets exorbitant fees for humanities students, while cutting the funding for universities to deliver their courses. Not accidentally, the university cuts have especially targeted arts and humanities, as one means of further stultifying critical and historically-informed thinking. The Labor government also plans to tie university funding, from next year, to mission-based compacts, signed with a new government-appointed Australian Tertiary Education Commission, to contribute to national priorities. This language is similar to that of the fascistic Trump administration. This month the White House sent a letter to universities, titled the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, demanding that they advance the national interests and priorities of the U.S. government or be defunded. Both the NTEU and CPSU are silent on the fact that, while starving the universities of funds, the Albanese government is pouring billions of dollars into military spending for AUKUS, while backing the Gaza genocide and the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine. The Labor government, like the Trump administration, is also seeking to suppress opposition to the ethnic cleansing in Palestine. Education Minister Jason Clare personally instigated moves to freeze the research grant of Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, a prominent critic of the Israeli war machine, at Macquarie University. Political conclusions must be drawn from these experiences about the role of the Labor government and the union apparatuses. We must develop rank-and-file committees (RFCs) as the new forms of organisation of the working class. Democratically elected committees of university workers and students are needed to elaborate and fight for demands based on their interests, and those of high-quality education, not the dictates of the corporate elites and their parliamentary and trade union servants. Through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), we must link up with the educators RFCs in the US and elsewhere, and with workers in every industry worldwide in the fight for a socialist alternative. We urge staff and students to contact us via the Committee for Public Education (CFPE), the educators rank-and-file network. Contact the CFPE: Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/commforpubliceducation Twitter: CFPE_Australia Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA), which operates under Marsh, has acquired Hayden Wood Insurance Agency, an independent company in Massachusetts, US. Financial aspects of the transaction remain undisclosed. Set up in 1946, Hayden Wood is known for its work in personal lines insurance at a national level and has developed expertise in collector automobile and motorsports insurance products. As part of the deal, all staff members including president and owner Morgan Duffy will become part of MMA and continue working from their current office location. Duffy said: We are proud of the trust that our clients put in us to protect their valuable assets. We do not take lightly the responsibility we have to provide them with the best service possible. Joining MMA will enable our team to refine the expertise and outcomes we are able to deliver in todays evolving personal lines insurance market. Commenting on the deal, MMA Private Client Services division CEO and president Pete Walther said: Not only are the needs of our high-net-worth clients unique but even more so for each individual asset they need protected. Hayden Wood brings a wealth of expertise and a deep-rooted passion for motorsports, which will enable us to engage meaningfully with clients and deliver tailored solutions that protect the unique assets and passions they value most. In September 2025, MMA acquired Robins Insurance in Nashville, Tennessee. Robins Insurance, founded in 1976, provides both business and personal lines insurance services to clients in industries such as real estate, construction, hospitality, community associations and manufacturing. MMA provides services across the US and Canada in areas including business insurance, employee health and benefits, retirement and wealth planning, and private client insurance. "Marsh McLennan Agency buys Hayden Wood Insurance in US " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. Heights University Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey [Photo: @JerseyDigs] In late October, Hudson Regional Health (HRH) announced that one of its four facilities, Jersey Citys Heights University Hospital (HUH), formerly Christ Hospital, would stop providing all non-essential services. This move would result in layoffs and a planned closure by November 10, according to a letter HRH sent to Democratic Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Health. Earlier in the month, HRH had threatened such cuts unless it received state assistance. The state responded with a $2 million payment, but in a new statement, HRH claimed the facility was losing $1.5 million each week. HUH is a community hospital that serves a large number of uninsured patients. In Jersey Citywhere poverty is 18 percent higher than the national average and unemployment remains highthe loss of HUH would greatly harm the citys working class, especially as the Trump administration continues to cut Medicaid and public health funding and roll back limited insurance protections under the Affordable Care Act. HRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nizar Kifaieh emphasized that, despite the state aid and what he described as more than $300 million invested across HRHs four hospitals, dire financial challenges still remain. He blamed previous operators, referring to CarePoint Health, which filed for bankruptcy in November 2024, owing more than $100 million. In a statement issued that week, Kifaieh stated that low reimbursement rates, cuts to Charity Care and a high number of uninsured patients have made ongoing operations unsustainable. Democratic state legislators are now requesting an additional $25 million in aid, citing the need to maintain essential services. However, even as they proposed the new funding, HRH had already submitted a Certificate of Need application to the New Jersey Department of Health for a phased hospital closure, according to a letter from the department. The two-phase plan outlined in the application requires the hospitals complete shutdown by November 10. It details HRHs plan to redevelop the property into a mixed-use residential and commercial complex, while vaguely promising that a new facility will be built nearby. The Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE), which represents nurses at HUH, recalled in a statement that HRH had assured the bankruptcy court and state regulators it had sufficient resources to take over the then-bankrupt Christ Hospital. They now claim they do not have the financial backing to operate Heights University Hospital and must either close the hospital or drastically reduce services, the union said. The rapid reversaltouting its ability to rescue the crisis-ridden hospital in January, only to bemoan insolvency in October, barely two weeks after the hospitals formal re-openingexposes the fraudulent nature of HRHs assurances to the court. In early 2025, HRH acquired the bankrupt Christ Hospital from CarePoint Health. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 15, 2025, Hudson Regional Health formally launched its new four-hospital network, including Bayonne, Hoboken, Secaucus and Jersey City, rebranding Christ Hospital as Heights University Hospital. HRH announced a $75100 million system-wide investment plan for upgrades and modernization. This is not just a name change or cosmetic change. This shows our commitment to whats coming next for the population of Hudson County, CEO Nizar Kifaieh told NJ Advance Media. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop praised HRH chairman Yan Moshes track record of turning these facilities around. State Senator Raj Mukherji declared, Im grateful that Yan and the new operators are not only saving these hospitals from closure, theyre investing much-needed capital to make these facilities the world-class facilities that patients in Hudson County deserve. Just six weeks later, Mukherji was requesting $25 million more in aid and promising there would be guardrailsa complete reversal that shows how quickly the entire rescue fell apart. The praise hid the real track record of Yon Mashe, whose whole career exposes the main problem with this rescue. Moshe, the chairman of HRH, was already notorious for promising to rescue Christ Hospital. Since 2007, he has faced nine lawsuits under the federal RICO Act from major insurers like State Farm and GEICO, alleging fraudulent billing, kickbacks and the use of straw owners to hide his illegal control of medical practices. In 2018, his surgical center was shut down after state investigators discovered sterilization lapses that exposed hundreds of patients to infection. Moshe donated over $400,000 to Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, who supported his takeover, and installed Dr. Kifaieh as CEO, despite Kifaieh being named in RICO suits and harassment litigation. These facts were publicly available when regulators approved the deal, making what followed entirely predictable. HRH has already started laying off employees and reducing admissions at Heights University Hospital, sometimes verbally telling nurses and technicians that their departments were closed. The New Jersey Department of Labor confirmed that HRH did not file the required WARN Act notice before cutting staff. According to HPAE, at least 80 workers have been told they might lose their jobs, and nearby hospitals are already feeling the strain from diverted patients. The union is pleased that the Department of Health has stepped in to review HRHs actionsviewing this oversight as progresswhile continuing to limit its demands to procedural appeals and fair bargaining over layoffs. For hundreds of healthcare workers, the layoffs mean unemployment and the loss of hard-won benefits. Workers should not trust HRHs claims that most of the laid-off employees will be offered continued employment at other HRH hospitals, and they should dismiss the companys promised job fairs following the layoffs as a gesture beneath contempt. For working class families across Jersey City, it means longer travel times, overcrowded emergency rooms, and the end of routine care for thousands of uninsured residents. Yet, as the crisis worsens, Democratic Party state legislators continue to posture over another $25 million for HRH, and the Department of Health refuses to step in. HPAE officials responded with blusterappealing to the same state authorities that facilitated HRHs takeover and considering legal action to recover unpaid 401(k) contributions, while demanding only that management bargain over layoffs. They have never once called for collective action to halt the firings or the closure itself. The unions true concern is protecting its own privileges through ongoing collaboration with the corporate operators and the state. The attack on Heights University Hospital is part of a nationwide assault on public health led by the Trump administration. While cutting funding for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, the White House is dismantling pandemic preparedness and community health programs, spreading anti-vaccine propaganda and handing over the entire health system to private interests. These policies, along with record military spending and Wall Street bailouts, are lowering life expectancy and eroding every social right of the working class. The fate of Heights University Hospital results not from mismanagement or a single corrupt operator but from a healthcare system entirely subordinated to private profit. The planned conversion of hospital property into luxury housing exemplifies, in the clearest way, the priorities of the capitalist market: profit over human life. Healthcare workers cannot rely on unions or the Democratic Party to defend their jobs or the right to quality care. Instead, they need to create rank-and-file committees, independent of the union bureaucracy and capitalist parties, to unite with workers in every industry in the struggle for socialized healthcare and society's reorganization based on human needs, not profit. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told parliament on October 24 that her government has formally informed the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) that it does not agree with the conclusions and recommendations concerning international intervention on human rights abuses in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya speaks during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, unseen, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 [AP Photo/Ichiro Banno/Pool] We believe external actions will only exacerbate divisions and jeopardise ongoing national processes [on human rights violations], she declared. Amarasuriya was referring to a report compiled by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, following his visit to Sri Lanka from July 23 to 26. His report, first published in August and presented to the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) on September 7, detailed human rights abuses under the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government, including the continued use of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), custodial deaths and targeted arrests. The report mainly focused on accountability-related work under previous UNHRC resolutions, both in Sri Lanka and internationally. Accountability-related work refers to the need for an international investigation into war crimes and other human rights abuses committed during the 26-year anti-Tamil communal war waged by successive Colombo governments against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The UN has estimated that more than 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed in the final months of the war that ended in May 2009. Thousands of Tamil youth who surrendered to the military simply disappeared. A number of unarmed LTTE leaders were murdered as they surrendered. Amarasuriyas claim about ongoing national processes is false. Sixteen years after the LTTEs defeat, such processes are very limited and only a handful of soldiers have been charged let alone convicted. Any genuine investigation, which would lead inevitably to criminal responsibility of top political and military leaders, is bitterly opposed by the entire Colombo political establishment, including the JVP/NPP. Amarasuriyas comments were aimed at deflecting criticism from opposition parties and the media over the governments decision not to call for a vote on the latest UNHRC resolution. When the resolution was presented at the UNHRC session on October 6, neither Sri Lanka nor any other country called for a vote. Forty-one member states were present but because no vote was called, the UNHRC declared the resolution adopted. Opposition Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapakse, criticized government, suggesting that resolution was going to please the Tamil Diaspora. MPs from the United National Party and Samagi Jana Balawegaya also questioned why the government did not call for a vote. In fact, Amarasuriya was simply informing the governments critics that the JVP/NPP agreed with the lie that no war crimes took place during the communal conflict. And, if any abuses had occurred, Sri Lanka would address them through a domestic process, which has been the means used to avoid any international or independent investigations. Amarasuriyas comments once again expose the Dissanayake governments claims to oppose communal politics, want reconciliation with minorities, including Tamils, and to heal the wounds of war. The US backed Colombos war but began criticising the war crimes and other abuses carried out in the final months of the war under the government of President Mahinda Rajapakse. Washington had no concern for the democratic rights of the Tamil people but was deeply hostile to Rajapakses close relations with China. On September 10, the Sri Lanka Core Groupthe UK, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedoniapresented its latest resolution on the countrys human rights violations to the UNHRCs 60th session. In 2021, the UNHRC called for an evidence-gathering mechanism for future accountability processes for gross violations of human rights or serious violations of international humanitarian law in Sri Lanka and established a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Sri Lanka Accountability Project. Former President Gotabhaya Rajapakse was in power at the time. He had been defence secretary under his brother President Mahinda Rajapakse, and had been directly responsible for the war crimes in the final months of the war. The resolution was a sharp warning of the consequences he might face if he developed close political relations with Beijing. The final version of this years resolution, presented to the UNHRC session on October 6, did not call for an immediate international investigation into abuses in Sri Lanka, but it extended the OSLAP mandate for two more years. At the same time, it welcomed the JVP/NPP governments supposed commitment to reconciliation, devolution of power and anti-corruption reforms, as well as its efforts to address the effects of the countrys severe economic crisis. The last point was an appreciation by the major powers of the Dissanayake governments implementation of the International Monetary Funds harsh austerity measures. No doubt jubilant over the wording in the resolution, Colombo did not call for a vote in the UNHRC and oppose the resolution. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told parliament on October 8 that previous Colombo governments had failed to comply with UNHRC resolutions. By adopting a confrontational stance at the UNHRC through demanding a vote, we are further narrowing the space to solve our issues through domestic mechanisms, he said. The JVP, which is mired in Sinhala chauvinism and anti-Tamil racism, supported Sri Lankas nearly three-decade communal war to the hilt, condemning successive governments for not pursuing the military offensive vigorously enough. Following the defeat of the LTTE in 2009, the JVP staunchly opposed war crimes charges and joined in the adulation of the military as war heroes. It has consistently rejected any investigation into human rights abuses, dismissing former President Mahinda Rajapakses 2011 Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission as a waste of time and money. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Dissanayake told the Associated Press on August 27 that he will not seek to punish anyone accused of rights violations and war crimes. The JVP has never changed this position. The government claims to be expediting the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), citing 21,000 cases and allocating 375 million rupees. However, the process simply compensates victims families while protecting the perpetrators. Numerous reports indicate that OMP has not been able to trace a single disappeared person in any meaningful way for their families. The governments proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission similarly aims to bury the war crimes. Despite four Sri Lankan commanders being sanctioned by Britain, no senior official has been prosecuted. The only soldier who had been convictedfor murdering eight Tamils in 2000was later pardoned by Gotabhaya Rajapakse. Military occupation continues in the North and East, keeping residents under surveillance. During last years presidential and parliamentary election campaigns, Dissanayake and other JVP/NPP leaders, in desperate attempt to conceal their anti-Tamil, Sinhala chauvinist policies, blamed the traditional political parties for their communal politics to divide the masses. All opposition parties in Colombo are seeking to whip up communal divisions sentiments with bogus criticisms of the government, accusing it of serving the Tamil diaspora and betraying the military. The Tamil capitalist parties, including the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi, are closely collaborating with the governments IMF austerity program. They are calling for early provincial council elections in the hope of using the limited powers of these bodies to attract new investments and advance their profit interests. Anti-Tamil discrimination has been institutionalised since 1948 to divide the working class and preserve capitalist rule. Defending democratic rights, ending discrimination, investigating war crimes, and ending military occupation of the North and East, requires the unity of Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim workers across ethnic lines in the fight against the capitalist system. That fight must be based on the program of a Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Eelam as part of a Federation of Socialist Republics of South Asia and internationally. The Socialist Equality Party is the only organisation that advances this program. Quebec Premier Francois Legault and his Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) government are aggressively moving forward with the economic shock therapy that the premier pledged when shuffling his cabinet in September. Key elements in the governments class war agenda include: slashing and privatizing public services; gutting environmental regulations; continued attacks on immigrants and religious minorities aimed at scapegoating them for the social crisis produced by capitalism; and further coercive measures to suppress working-class opposition. Trump and Quebec Premier Francois Legault [Photo: X/Legault] Legaults shock therapy marks a further lurch to the far-right of his Quebec First national-autonomist government, at a time when it is hemorrhaging popular support. Opinion polls indicate that the pro-independence Parti Quebecois (PQ) is poised to win the provincial election slated for next October, with the CAQ finishing at best a distant third. Fearing an electoral wipeout, some CAQ legislators, including former ministers, have publicly called for the resignation of Legault, the partys founder and sole ever leader. With his anti-working class offensive, Legault is desperately seeking to rally the support of the ruling class by demonstrating that the avowedly conservative and pro-big business CAQ is the best vehicle in Quebec provincial politics for advancing its agenda of austerity, increased worker-exploitation, rearmament and imperialist war. At the opening of the Quebec National Assemblys fall session last month, Legault outlined four priorities for the final year of his governments mandate: economy, efficiency, security, and identity. In plain terms, this means augmenting corporate profits, dismantling public services and social supports, suppressing mounting social opposition, and inciting Quebec chauvinism. In his October 1 speech, Legault praised Prime Minister Mark Carneys federal Liberal government for its 17% increase in military spending in the 2025-26 fiscal year and its pledge to hike Canadas military and defence-related spending to 5% of GDP or more than $150 billion per year by 2035. Legault lauded this as a major growth opportunity for Quebec, and announced changes to the rules governing Investissement Quebecan agency under the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energyso as to allow it to disregard ethical considerations and invest public funds in the arms industry. Over the past two years, the Quebec government has lost some $2 billion due to investments in the EV (electric vehicle) and battery industry that went belly up. Nevertheless, Legault signaled his intent to continue offering billions in public grants and forgivable loans to large corporations, including henceforth weapons manufacturers. Quebecs premier also announced that his government will fast-track a bill to accelerate big business infrastructure projects. Like the Building Canada Act which the Carney government adopted last June, this measure will exempt major projects and the companies that build them from normal regulatory oversight and rulesespecially in respect to the environmentin order to maximize profits. To make the working class pay for these and other corporate giveaways, the CAQ will introduce a bureaucracy reduction bill that will pave the way for abolishing superfluous public agencies, massive social spending cuts, and the elimination of thousands of public service jobs. Legault also vowed to reduce doctors pay, in a demagogic attempt to blame doctors for the health care crisis produced by the decades of austerity imposed by all the federal and provincial parties, and in particular Quebecs acute family-doctor shortage. Currently, more than a quarter of all Quebeckers do not have access to a family doctor. In late October, the CAQ government made good on Legaults vow. It used closure to ram through a draconian law (Bill 2) that changed the provinces pay structure for doctors, including through the introduction of efficiency quotas, and threatens massive fines for any doctors who resist whether through collective action or by moving to another province. The governments shock therapy will compound the impact of the billions of dollars in budget cuts announced in last springs Quebec budgetcuts that have already led to thousands of job losses in health care and education, and other essential services such as road maintenance, and drinking-water monitoring. It is an integral part of the drive of Canadas ruling classspearheaded by the former central banker and blue-chip executive Carney and his federal Liberal governmentto use the barrage of tariffs and annexation threats made by Americas would-be dictator president Donald Trump as political cover for a massive intensification of the assault on the working class. To deflect attention from the consequences of its policies and divide working people, the CAQ government has stepped up its chauvinist incitement against immigrants and religious minorities. In his October 1 speech, Legault railed against Ottawas uncontrolled immigration and the radical Islamists who supposedly threaten the French language, our common values, our culture. Legault has declared that his government will have no choice but to be less generous toward immigrantsa stance confirmed by a leaked memo from Immigration Minister Jean-Francois Roberge proposing harsh cuts to services for asylum seekers, including social assistance (welfare). The premier also announced the government will be introducing a bill to ban public prayer and expand secularism. Quebec governments have repeatedly cynically labelled as affirmations of state secularism anti-democratic measures that target Muslims and other religious groups, while protecting, in the name of upholding Quebecs heritage, the exalted position of the Roman Catholic Church. Media reports indicate the government is considering a sweeping ban on face coverings in public spaces, including streets and parks. This discriminatory measure would violate fundamental rights and target not only the small minority of Muslim women who wear the hiqab, but also protesters who mask themselves to avoid police reprisals. Aware of the unpopularity of his socio-economic agenda, Legault has also begun implementing authoritarian measures that explicitly target opposition, above all from the working class. In his October 1 speech, he claimed there was a growing sense of insecurity in Quebec and tasked his Minister of Public Security, former high-level police officer Ian Lafreniere, with implementing a law and order program. Social problems such as homelessness and drug use, would be met, he said, with severe justice and repression. Police in riot-gear provocatively walked through a demonstration in Montreal on October 7, protesting Israel's ongoing imperialist-backed genocide in Gaza. In recent weeks, authorities have deployed riot police to intimidate peaceful demonstrators protesting Israels genocide of the Gaza Palestinians and last Septembers police killing of 15-year-old Nooran Rezayi in Longueuil. Meanwhile, the CAQ is moving to silence internal dissent. Legault has announced plans to dismiss senior officials in the provinces health and education system who publicly disclose the devastating impacts of its budget cuts. The nationalist, draft Quebec Constitution Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette unveiled with much fanfare last month would prohibit public bodies and municipalities from challenging provincial laws in court. Declaring that Quebec is the champion of strikes, Legault is also moving to modernize the laws governing trade unionsin effect, eviscerating what remains of workers rights. With barely a whimper of protest from the trade union bureaucracy, the government adopted legislation last spring (Bill 89) that dramatically expands the number and range of workers subject to essential service prohibitions on the right to strike, and empowers the labour minister to unilaterally order the end to any strike and impose binding arbitration. Now the government has introduced a further bill that subjects strike and contract-ratification votes to greater state regulation, and would ban unions from spending any money on political campaigns or legal challenges unless expressly authorized in a membership vote. Supported by the PQ and the Journal de Montreal, the government has spent much of the past year pillorying the Federation autonome des enseignants (Autonomous Teachers Federation) for joining a court challenge to Bill21, a discriminatory law that bans public school teachers from wearing the hijab and other religious symbols on the reactionary grounds that unions should limit themselves exclusively to bread-and-butter contractual issues. The ostensible opposition parties have mounted only the most nominal resistance to Legaults shock therapy. The Parti Quebecoisa separatist and ultranationalist party that in recent years has set the tone for Quebec establishment politics with its far-right, anti-immigrant agitation and push for the strengthening of the provinces discriminatory language lawshas attacked the CAQ from the right. It is demanding steeper budget cuts and harsher chauvinist measures, including a prohibition on elementary school children wearing religious symbols. Quebec Solidaire (QS), a party rooted in the affluent middle class that self-identifies as left-wing, makes timid criticisms of the Legault government, while supporting the union bureaucracys suppression of the class struggle and providing political cover for the PQ. A the beginning of the fall legislative session, just before Legaults speech, QS and PQ members joined together in a nationalist stunt, walking out of the National Assemblys Red Room during the Lieutenant Governors address, in protest of Quebecs archaic ties to the British monarchy. This maneuver is part of QSs ongoing effort to obscure the PQs virulent anti-immigrant chauvinism by insisting the party is not racist, and that its chauvinist incitement can in no way be compared with the actions of Trump, LePen, Meloni, and other fascists In doing so, QS is aiding the attempt of sections of the ruling class to revive the PQ and launch a new push for the creation of an independent capitalist Quebec. Because Legaults union modernization bill impinges on the privileges of the union bureaucracyparticularly by restricting the use of workers duestheir response to it has been more vocal, at least superficially. The union leaders denunciations of Legault for declaring war on Quebec workers are a sham. They are aimed at controlling an increasingly restless rank and file, and persuading the government and ruling class not to rewrite the rules of their anti-worker corporatist partnership. The union bureaucrats remain committed to preserving their alliance with the state and big business. For decades, the union apparatuses, from the Quebec Federation of Labour (FTQ) and Confederation of National Trade Unions (CSN) to Unifor, have suppressed the class struggle in the name of social peace, functioning as an arm of corporate management and the state in imposing contact concessions, job cuts and austerity, in exchange for material perks for a small cadre of bureaucrats. The CSN has launched a campaign under the nationalist slogan Standing together for Quebec, aimed at keeping workers political horizons limited to Quebec and futile efforts to push the political establishment to the left. For decades, the union bureaucrats in Quebec and across Canada have promoted reactionary Quebec and Canadian nationalism, while systematically dividing the working class within Canada, and from the struggles of their class brothers and sisters in the US and beyond. While denouncing Legaults attacks on unions and lamenting the underfunding of public services, the CSN meekly pleads with the various establishment parties to commit to withdrawing laws and bills that attack workers. In doing so, it opens the door to supporting the PQ, whether tacitly or explicitly in the coming provincial election. Although relations somewhat frayed after 2014 due to the PQs political marginalization, for most of the past half-century the union bureaucracy has enjoyed close ties to the big business PQ and continued to serve as a key pillar of support even as it came into open conflict with the working class, imposing austerity and anti-strike laws. FTQ President Magali Picard revealed last spring that she has already held talks with the PQ about a potential electoral endorsement. The CAQs class war offensive and the Quebec ruling elites promotion of chauvinist reaction are rooted in a systemic crisis of global capitalism and are paralleled by like developments in all the imperialist countries. To oppose them, Quebec workers must reject all forms of nationalism and launch a counteroffensive against capitalist austerity and wardefending democratic rights and public services and fighting for social equality in solidarity with their class brothers and sisters across Canada and around the world. One week ago today, an explosion at Polymetals Resources Endeavor mine in Cobar, far west New South Wales (NSW), killed 59-year-old Ambrose Patrick McMullen and 24-year-old Holly Clarke and left 24-year-old Mackenzie Stirling with serious injuries, including possibly permanent hearing damage. Family members have set up a GoFundMe page to help support Stirling in her recovery, which, at the time of writing, had received more than $10,000 in donations. Endeavor mine, north of Cobar The incident was followed by predictable and hollow commiserations from union leaders, safety authorities and government officials, including NSW Labor Premier Chris Minns. All and sundry vowed they would get to the bottom of this, and that it must never happen again. But with the investigation barely begun, no explanation of what caused the explosion and concerns emerging over the safety of explosive devices used widely throughout the mining industry, the company has announced a reopening, starting tomorrow. This announcement has been met with total silence from the unions, expressing their endorsement of the profit-driven move, which is clearly intended as the first step towards sending workers back underground into a death trap. The response, or lack thereof, from the unions, and the endorsement by the state safety regulators, of the reopening plan underscores their role as cogs in the capitalist system, which puts profits over lives. The fact is that the Endeavor incident is far from an isolated tragedy. It is part of a pattern, in Australia and globally, of preventable workplace deaths and injuries. According to Safe Work Australia, there were 10 mining deaths in this country in 2024, almost double the six recorded in 2023 and well above the five-year average of 7.2. Mining is the fourth-deadliest industry nationally in terms of raw numbers, but the third deadliest when workforce size is taken into account. Last year, the industry had a fatality rate of 3.4 deaths per 100,000 workers, exceeded only by transport, postal and warehousing, with 7.4 per 100,000 and agriculture, forestry and fishing, with 13.7 per 100,000. Many of these workplace deaths receive little or no coverage in the corporate media, sometimes only being reported several years after the fact, following protracted official investigations. What follows are just a few of the dozens of tragic incidents in the mining industry over recent years. On September 17, 2021, Eugene Tata, a 52-year-old maintenance worker sustained fatal injuries when he fell from a conveyor walkway at CITIC Pacific Minings Sino Iron mine, near Cape Preston in the Pilbara region of Western Australia (WA). According to the West Australian, the company had been the subject of 51 improvement notices and 12 prohibition notices from the state safety regulator over the preceding six years, including in relation to working at heights. Less than two weeks later, on September 30, 25-year-old drill and blast operator David Armstrong was killed at Fortescue Metals Groups Solomon Hub, also in the Pilbara. Armstrong died when the ground between two drill holes collapsed and he fell into a void. On October 11, 2022, 37-year-old father of six Terry Hogan was killed when he was hit by falling rocks at the bottom of a ventilation shaft while working as a driller at the Hamlet underground gold mine, near Kambalda in Western Australia. His employer, RUC Mining Contractors was fined just $540,000 last month, after pleading guilty to two counts of exposing a worker to a risk of death, injury or harm to health over Hogans death and the physical and psychological injuries sustained by his coworker. On March 13, 2024, Kurt Hourigan was killed and Connor Smith seriously injured in a collapse at Ballarat Gold Mine. An internal memo written the previous year was revealed in the weeks that followed, in which the company declared that the globally accepted standard, that we dont work under unsupported ground, was dated. In August 2024, two workers were killed in separate incidents at QCoals Byerwen Coal Mine in Queenslands Bowen Basin region. On August 3, 48-year-old Chris Schloss was killed when he was hit by the boom of a pick and carry crane after it rolled over. On August 22, 56-year-old John Linwood was killed in a two-vehicle collision. MEU officials gave their blessing to the rapid reopening of the site, before any investigation had been carried out, after the company supposedly provided some evidence which demonstrates that they can resume operations safely at this stage. On October 2, 2024, 51-year-old Frank Thomas was killed and another worker injured when a cable snapped and struck them while they were conducting maintenance on a conveyor belt at Glencores Oaky Creek Coal Mine, also in the Bowen Basin. In December 5, 2024, 29-year-old Peter Groves was killed at Saturn Metals Apollo Hill Gold Project near Kookynie in Western Australia, while working as a drilling contractor for Challenge Drilling. On May 23, 63-year-old Trevor Atkinson died at BHPs Olympic Dam copper and gold mine in South Australia. A spokesperson for the company said his death was the result of a sudden medical episode and therefore not considered a work-related matter, according to the Adelaide Advertiser. The tragic incident indicates that there are likely many more workplace deaths each year, particularly of older workers. They are not included in official statistics, because they are not considered directly work-related even though factors such as stress, fatigue and illness might have contributed. On August 21, 32-year-old mechanical fitter Kyle Stanley was crushed to death while working on a bogged truck at Gold Valleys Wiluna West iron ore project in central Western Australia. Stanley was a fly-in/fly-out worker employed by labour-hire firm Premium Mechanical Group. Following Stanleys death, it was revealed that, months earlier, two former workers from Wiluna West had warned site executives about potentially deadly work practices, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The pair, who had previously worked as a workshop supervisor and a contractor at the mine, also submitted formal complaints to WorkSafe WA just weeks before Stanleys death. Chillingly, the former supervisors complaint warned, Someones going to die and youre going to have your first fatality [in 2025] at Wiluna C4, the ABC reported. According to the West Australian, the supervisor had been sacked in late May after speaking out against unsafe practices on site. The whistleblowers reported unsafe practices including the use of machinery with known safety defects, makeshift tools and unqualified operation of high-risk machinery, the article stated. Speaking to the ABC, the contractor pointed to the pressure on workers to go along with work practices that prioritise profits over safety. This is especially true under conditions of widespread use of labour-hire contract workers who do not have the same job security rights as direct employees. If you dont do the job, theyll get rid of you and get somebody else in, he said. In response to the complaints, WorkSafe said it conducted an inspection of the mine on August 13 and had taken unspecified enforcement action. Whatever this action was, the obvious fact is that it did nothing to prevent the death of Kyle Stanley. In the wake of the revelations, Mining and Energy Union (MEU) WA secretary Greg Busson declared that the union had been concerned for some time about the shortcomings of mining safety regulation in the state. Australian Workers Union (AWU) WA secretary Brad Gandy said, Its not enough for WorkSafe to issue statements after the fact. A truly effective regulator prevents fatalities, not just investigates them. The same could be said about the union bureaucrats, who know as well as anyone the realities of unsafe working conditions in the mines. Whatever concerns the MEU and AWU officials may have over safety in the industry, their overriding concern is ensuring workers stay on the job and there is no organised opposition to the deadly conditions in the mines. These examples underscore that mining workers, whether in Cobar or anywhere else, cannot entrust their health and lives to the unions or the state safety regulators. The role of these organisations is to cover up the underlying cause of all industrial accidentsthe capitalist system and the subordination of all human need to the profit demands of big business and the financial elite. To defend their lives, as well as their jobs, wages and conditions, workers need to take matters into their own hands. New organisations must be builtrank-and-file committees, democratically run by workers themselves, not highly paid union bureaucratsto enforce workplace safety and fight for demands based on the needs of workers, not the profit interests of management. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is one of the best stocks to invest in, according to billionaire D.E. Shaw. On October 30, Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) posted a strong third-quarter performance. Mastercard Incorporated (MA) Delivers Strong Q3 Results with Solid Growth Across Key Metrics Bornfree / Shutterstock.com The company reported non-GAAP earnings of $4.38 per share, beating analyst estimates by $0.07. Revenue climbed 16.7% year-over-year to $8.6 billion, exceeding expectations by $70 million. The companys solid results were driven by broad-based growth across its payment network. During the quarter, Mastercard handled $2.7 trillion in payments across its network, marking a 10% rise in switched transactions. By the end of September, the company had 3.6 billion cards in circulation under the Mastercard and Maestro brands. Earlier on October 15, Mastercard Incorporated affirmed its push for payment opportunities in Ukraine. The company inked a strategic partnership with Kyivstar to develop payment solutions tailored to the countrys financial infrastructure. The two companies are also joining forces to enhance access to financial services in the country. Part of the plan involves testing Starlink Direct to Cell satellite technology in payment infrastructure. They intend to leverage the solution to enable financial transactions in areas without mobile coverage or during emergencies. MasterCard and Kyivstar are to develop financial products and services while using Big Data and analytics capabilities. They also plan to implement technological solutions for e-commerce and introduce initiatives to promote cashless payments among small and medium-sized businesses. The partnership with Kyivstar is an important step toward realizing this vision in Ukraine, said Inga Andreieva, Country Manager of Mastercard in Ukraine and Moldova. By joining forces, we aim not only to strengthen the resilience of payment infrastructure in todays challenging environment, but also to accelerate the growth of the digital economy. Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is a global technology company that provides payment and other services by connecting and powering a digital economy. It facilitates transactions by operating a payment network, allowing consumers, businesses, and governments to make and receive payments electronically and securely. While we acknowledge the potential of MA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Microsoft briefly reached a market cap of $4 trillion, thanks to OpenAI's completed restructuring. As the largest shareholder, Microsoft holds a $135 billion stake, or 27% of OpenAI. This $135 billion valuation of its share of OpenAI marks a significant success for the company, as it is almost 10 times greater than the $13.75 billion Microsoft has invested in OpenAI since 2019, according to the Financial Times. Barclays analyst Raimo Lenschow told Reuters about the restructuring: "We see Microsoft shares acting better again. The new OpenAI agreement creates a solid framework for years to come and removes an overhang that has pressured shares in recent months. We hope that solid earnings tomorrow will be the next driver to put Microsoft back on investors' radar." Microsoft is advancing its artificial intelligence strategy and has secured three separate deals in a single day. Microsoft's investments in OpenAI have boosted the stock.Getty/TheStreet Microsoft makes deals with Lambda, IREN, and the government Lambda, builder of gigawatt-scale AI factories for training and inference, entered into a multibillion-dollar agreement with Microsoft to deploy AI infrastructure powered by tens of thousands of Nvidia GPUs, including Nvidia GB300 NVL72 systems. "It's great to watch the Microsoft and Lambda teams working together to deploy these massive AI supercomputers," said Stephen Balaban, CEO of Lambda. "We've been working with Microsoft for more than eight years, and this is a phenomenal next step in our relationship." Microsoft signs $9.7 billion deal with IREN Microsoft has signed a multi-year contract with IREN Limited (IREN) for GPU cloud services. IREN will provide Microsoft with access to NVIDIA GB300 GPUs over a five-year term, with a contract value of $9.7 billion, including a 20% prepayment. Dell Technologies will provide the GPUs and ancillary equipment to IREN for approximately $5.8 billion. The GPUs are expected to be deployed in phases through 2026 at IREN's 750 MW Childress, Texas campus. Jonathan Tinter, president, Business Development and Ventures at Microsoft, stated: "Together with IREN, Microsoft is delivering cutting-edge AI infrastructure for our customers. IREN's expertise in building and operating a fully integrated AI cloud from data centers to GPU stack combined with their secured power capacity, makes them a strategic partner. This collaboration unlocks new growth opportunities for both companies and the customers we serve." Microsoft gets approval to ship AI chips to the UAE Microsoft has secured U.S. approval to ship Nvidia chips to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and plans to invest approximately $8 billion in data centers, cloud computing, and other AI projects in the UAE over the next four years. Nexperia's China unit is expected to be capable of making deliveries to clients on the back of the domestic semiconductor supply chain - even though locking in that support could take at least six months, experts said - as the European fabrication facilities under the Dutch chipmaker's head office continue to suspend the supply of wafers. A number of Chinese fabs - including Wuxi NCE Power, Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics and Yangjie Technology - would be able to supply wafers to Dongguan-based Nexperia China, according to a report by industrial consultancy Zhineng Auto. But the likely alternative domestic wafer supplier to Nexperia China could be a sister company of Chinese owner Wingtech Technology - Shanghai Dingtai Jiangxin Technology, also known as WingSkySemi - said Lin Shi, secretary general of the intelligent connected vehicles unit at the China-Europe Association for Technical and Economic Cooperation. 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. According to its website, WingSkySemi invested 12 billion yuan (US$1.7 billion) in a Shanghai fab that makes 12-inch wafers. Wingtech last month touted the facility to shareholders as "a pivot in its production capacity strategy for the Chinese market", days before Dutch authorities took control of Nexperia over national security concerns. The focus on meeting chips orders, especially for the global car industry, reflected Nexperia China's efforts to reassure customers that production will continue uninterrupted. That followed a pledge made by China's Ministry of Commerce on Saturday that the agency was considering exempting some Nexperia orders from an export ban that it imposed after the Netherlands seized control of the Chinese-owned Dutch chipmaker. According to a bilingual statement published early on Sunday via its WeChat account, Nexperia China said it had "multiple contingency plans" in place and that it had sufficient inventory to ensure "secure and reliable" chip supply. Nexperia's sole China production facility in Dongguan, southern Guangdong province. Photo: Coco Feng alt=Nexperia's sole China production facility in Dongguan, southern Guangdong province. Photo: Coco Feng> "We are accelerating the qualification of new wafer supply sources," Nexperia China said. "We are confident in completing this qualification shortly and seamlessly meeting all customers' demands starting next year." Josh Clark and Judy Long set out to find out why Mississippi has produced more acclaimed literature than any other region in history. The book "The Most Powerful Word" makes a the case. Clark, in an almost journalistic style, interviewed all but two living Mississippi authors to get to the bottom of how a state with such historically limited resources can have such scholarship and enlightenment in leading the way to the point that the entire literary culture follows what the Magnolia State has done. Some of the notables interviewed were Donna Tartt, Richard Ford, Barry Hannah, Ellen Gilchrist, Larry Brown, Elizabeth Spencer, Ellen Douglas, Julia Reed, Al Young, Ralph Eubanks, Dean Faulkner Wells, Jim Dees and dozens of other Mississippi writers about that very question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark and Long will be on hand at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Lemuria Books for a book signing. "So much of what we call Southern literature, in fact so much of what we call American literature is actually Mississippi literature," Clark told the Clarion Ledger of the book, which he started dreaming of writing in 1999. He said one of the reasons he moved to the South after graduating from Yale University was because of the pull of the literature of the South in general and Mississippi specifically. "You don't have to dig that deep find out that Mississippi has produced, far and away, more literary authors than any other region on Earth," Clark said. "Definitely any other state, and not even per capita." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only two living Mississippi writers he was not able to corral for this book were John Grisham and Thomas Harris. Eventually, Clark and Long were able to put together the interviews in which it almost feels like that authors are talking to each other to reveal the DNA of literature in Mississippi, from history to geography and storytelling to booze to build a comprehensive look at the state. What did Clark and Long uncover about Mississippi literature that makes it so compelling? Clark joked that to get to the bottom of the story, you have to buy the book, but he did give some insights as to what makes Mississippi different than virtually anywhere else on the planet. The book makes the case that the education in Mississippi was better in the 1800s than other places in America as one of the first schools in the U.S. to grant degrees to women was Elizabeth Female Academy, established in Washington, Mississippi, in 1818. Then there was the first co-ed college in the nation to grant degrees to women, which was Mississippi College in Clinton in 1831 as well as the first state college for women in the nation, Mississippi University for Women, among many other educational firsts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If there is one thing, I would say that it is the extremes of Mississippi," Clark said. "Everywhere you go on this planet Earth, people define their homes as being extreme ones and having contrasts. But I would argue that was never so real on the physical plane as it was in Mississippi. I think I wrote that is was a crevasse of history that Mississippi suffered instead of like a rolling valley." The Mississippi Delta argument Clark said that Mississippi and the Mississippi Delta are perfect examples. "There was nowhere more extreme than that," Clark said. "In one generation, they came and hacked away at the wilderness, built the most affluent society in this country and maybe in the world, and then suddenly they were plunged into the Civil War," Clark said. "They entered it and fought in numbers unmatched by any other state, and immediately after were plunged into the greatest poverty. It's this crystallization like a hardened diamond of history that happened in every realm." The book does not shy away from the brutality that happened in Mississippi and leans into that being part of the reason why its literature eventually became so great, that there was and is an enlightenment that many other places just don't have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of the writers we talked with, they are driven to reckon with the way things should be and what they see," Clark said. "When you are growing up in Mississippi, you didn't necessarily need to read about the Greek tragedies like other places did. There was already a lot of that right there in front of you. There was a real physical example of observing it all very fast. So, I think these writers were imbued with a sensitivity that people didn't have anywhere else that I know of." Joshua Clark set out to find out why Mississippi has produced more acclaimed literature than any other region in history. The book The Most Powerful Word makes powerful case. Clark said it also helps that a lot of the writers were absolute geniuses. "I remember seeing a presentation that arguably (William Faulkner) came up with the Theory of Relativity about a year before (Albert) Einstein did," Clark said. "In The Sound and Fury, he describes the Doppler Effect and the way light moves and time moves. The way the surroundings these authors lived in and grew up in were unmatched." This is just one example of hundreds that Clark and Long put forth in the interviews that weave through these stories that include lesser-known-excerpts from the states literature, archival material, historical accounts and revealing statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: New book explores why Mississippi has the best literature on Earth NEED TO KNOW Ariana Grande deleted one of her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Nov. 4 after she announced she was no longer able to attend Wicked: For Good's premiere in Brazil "No matter how upset or disappointed you are, please please do not wish danger on us or assume that we didn't try," she wrote in an all-text post that has since been deleted Grande said she was forced to deplane her flight to Brazil due to a "safety problem" Ariana Grande urged her followers to not "wish danger" on her after she announced she could no longer appear at the Brazil premiere of Wicked: For Good. "Please don't wish danger on us," Grande, 32, wrote on social media, several hours after she announced on Instagram late Monday, Nov. 3, that a "safety issue" with the plane she was scheduled to fly to Sao Paulo, Brazil, was preventing her from appearing at the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grande's plea to her followers has since been deleted. "We did everything we could and I promise you no one is more upset than I am, I promise," she wrote in the all-text post. "No matter how upset or disappointed you are, please please do not wish danger on us or assume that we didn't try .. there was no other time for me to leave and these plans have been booked for months." As Grande noted in the post, she finished filming her next movie Focker-in-Law on Friday, Oct. 31. She said she also "worked all day the 1st and the 2nd" of November as well. "We were all scheduled to leave the same day," she said of her costars Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey, as well as Wicked director Jon M. Chu. "It just so happened that this plane had a safety problem and I have explained why finding another option was impossible.." Ariana Grande/Instagram Ariana Grande's since-deleted Instagram Stories on Nov. 4, 2025 Ariana Grande's since-deleted Instagram Stories on Nov. 4, 2025 In her initial announcement on Nov. 3, Grande made clear that she, her personal team and Universal Studios (the studio behind Wicked) "tried every single thing possible to fix this" and allow her to fly to Brazil in time to attend the premiere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am so heartbroken that [I'm] unable to be there with you all, she wrote, in part. We sincerely tried everything we could and [I] apologize from the bottom of my heart. 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. Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures Ariana Grande in Wicked: For Good Ariana Grande in Wicked: For Good In Grande's now-deleted Instagram Stories post, she wrote, "I have been looking forward to this moment for a year... so please know how disappointed I am ... sending lots of love to you all. I hope it's a beautiful and safe night. I love Brazil, I always have, I always will." "now please go and have a beautiful time celebrating these absolutely brilliant and magnificent human beings and performances tonight," she added shortly afterward, in a slide on her Instagram Stories that remains available. "I am with you in spirit!" Wicked: For Good is in theaters Nov. 21. Read the original article on People Jarrett "JT" Thomas has embarked on a "new journey in life" by moving to Bali, Indonesia, from Charleston, South Carolina. The Southern Charm alum worked in real estate in South Carolina, owning several properties known as "The Inns" and an event space, "The Inns Clubhouse" in the Holy City. But now, he has moved across the world and is trying something new in life. JT took to Instagram on Sunday, Nov. 2, where he posted a video of himself, talking about his big life change from a swimming pool in Bali. "So today's the first day of my new journey in life," he explained in the video. "I have pulled the ripcord and I am living in Bali. Just retired. Retired, living in Bali, after living my whole life in the US." He revealed that he left his community, friends, and family to start over. "I think I've just been thinking about doing this and probably many of you have, so I said, 'Enough is enough,'" he noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, admitting that he sold "everything," including his business, real estate assets, car, and watch, in order to start "anew." Or, "until things become normal again, if that ever happens," he stated. JT also changed his Instagram bio to reflect this new life change. "Retired living in Bali, sharing truth(s) in hope of helping others," it reads. Jarrett Thomas sitting down on a couch. Jarrett "JT" Thomas reveals what's next for him after moving to Bali JT admitted that he has already paid rent for the month of November in Bali, and will not be returning to the United States for Thanksgiving. Therefore, he plans on establishing a community and making friends in Bali, as he currently knows no one. "If I don't make friends or build a community, sooner or later, I'm gonna lose it, and I'm gonna fly back to the chaos," he said. "But I don't want to do that. So, I think what I'll do today: I'll go to the gym nearby and do a workout class. I'll sit by the pool. Have some lunch at the gym; my gym has a pool. Start having some conversations with people. And then this afternoon, at sunset, I'm going to surf and try to keep working on that skill because surfing's a good way to hang out. Afterwards, have a beer, watch the sunset...and that's day one. As I begin my new life." RELATED: Who is Jarrett "JT" Thomas? Meet the Cast Member From Southern Charm Season 9 He concluded the video by stating that he would be making a video every day documenting this new journey of starting over. "Hopefully it goes well, we'll see," he added. "I'm excited about it." Get more with Bravo Insider Sign up for Bravo Insider and read behind-the-scenes features including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cynthia Bailey Unpacks the Differences Between Filming RHOA and RHOBH: "Night and Day" Receipts, Proof, Timeline, Screenshots: A Complete Guide According to Bravolebs Brittany Cartwright Reveals the Real Reason She Wore That Tiny Romper to a Job Interview: "Backfired" Angela Oakley on the RHOA Beef She Squashed "Too Soon" & What You Didnt See at the Reunion Confessional Interviews 101: What Bravolebs Eat, How They Prepare & More Behind-the-Scenes Secrets JT Thomas reveals why he "quit" Southern Charm Season 10 Prior to the Southern Charm Season 10 reunion, JT announced that he had left Southern Charm. Reunion host, Andy Cohen, addressed this during Part 1 of the reunion, which aired in March, asking JT why he had "quit," as he put it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Yeah, my inner bitch had a moment," he explained. "I was able to successfully, today, tell it to...quiet down, I'm sorry." RELATED: Jarrett "JT" Thomas Makes Stunning Claim About Venita Aspen and His "Off-Camera" Girlfriend During the reunion, JT also addressed his romance drama with Venita Aspen, and found himself in the hot seat after he had meddled in Madison LeCroy and Brett Randle's relationship. JT concluded Part 2 of the Southern Charm Season 10 reunion by admitting that he would like to be friends with Venita. "I think step one is just being here today and, like, seeing you in person," he admitted. "And we just take it one day at a time." Learn more about how JT built his wealth in order for him to retire in Bali. Before his death, former Vice President Dick Cheney was supported throughout his lengthy political career by his wife, Lynne Cheney. The couple met in high school in Casper, Wyoming, and tied the knot in 1964. They later welcomed two daughters: Liz, born in 1966, and Mary, born in 1969. While her husband built a career in politics, Lynne became an author and speaker, writing numerous books on history and education. She also served as the chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities from 1986 to 1993. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the former vice president died in November 2025, Lynne, 84, was by his side. Richard B. Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, died last night, November 3, 2025. He was 84 years old. His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed, the the family said in a statement on Tuesday, November 4. The statement noted that the former White House chief of staff died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Keep scrolling for five things to know about Lynne: Celebrity Deaths of 2025: Donna Jean Godchaux, Pierre Robert and More Stars Weve Lost This Year Where Is Lynne Cheney From? Lynne was born on August 14, 1941, in Casper, Wyoming, to parents Edna Lolita and Wayne Edward Vincent. After graduating high school in 1959, she attended Colorado College, where she earned a bachelors degree in English literature. She later earned a master of arts degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and a PhD in 19th-century British literature from the University of WisconsinMadison. How Long Were Lynne and Dick Cheney Married? Lynne and her future husband met at Natrona County High School in their hometown of Casper. They tied the knot in 1964, five years after their 1959 graduation. The couples marriage lasted until Dicks death in November 2025 at age 84. What Does Lynne Cheney Do? Lynne spent much of her career as an author and public speaker advocating for education reforms. After serving as the sixth chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities from 1986 to 1993, she cofounded the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus and ensure that the next generation receives a philosophically rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynne is also a distinguished senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank based in Washington, D.C. She served on Lockheed Corporation's board of directors from 1994 to 2001 but gave up the position when her husband became vice president. Dick Cheney Gets Heart Transplant What Books Has Lynne Cheney Written? Lynne has written numerous fiction, nonfiction and childrens books throughout her career, including multiple titles she coauthored with her husband. Her most recent book, The Virginia Dynasty: Four Presidents and the Creation of the American Nation, hit shelves in 2020 and is about the first four American presidents who were from Virginia: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe. How Many Kids Does Lynne Cheney Have? Lynne and Dick welcomed two children during their marriage: daughters Liz (born in 1966) and Mary (born in 1969). Liz went on to marry Philip Perry in 1993, and they share five children. Mary, meanwhile, married Heather Poe in 2012, and they share two children. OnlyFans model Iris Hsieh who was found dead in a bathtub at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, October 22 was murdered, police announced on Tuesday, November 4. The Taiwanese influencer, 31, known to her fans as Nurse Goddess, was reportedly meeting with hip-hop artist Namewee, 42, to discuss a video project. According to New Straits Times, the Malaysian rapper (real name: Wee Meng Chee) was allegedly in the room at the time. He has since been arrested after testing positive for amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine and THC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, we regard this person who was last with the victim as being involved in the case, City police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus told reporters, according to the outlet. We will be calling him in to assist in the investigation. Depending on the findings, we will decide whether he should be treated as a suspect, he added. Namewee pleaded not guilty to the drug charges. He faces five years in prison and caning if convicted. On Sunday, November 2, the Strangers in the North rapper, who has one of the most popular Chinese music videos on YouTube, denied using drugs in an Instagram post, in which expressed his deepest condolences over Hsiehs death and added that the ambulance took nearly an hour to arrive, per a translation by ChatGPT. Read More From National Enquirer This story OnlyFans Model Found Dead in a Hotel Bathtub in Malaysia, Rapper Named Person of Interest first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The chatter around former Prince Andrew and Abu Dhabi ties intensified after a tabloid report suggested a lavish overseas offer. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor received an apparent invitation to base himself in the UAE, according to royal watchers. The former duke is currently preparing to vacate Royal Lodge and shift to Sandringham. Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson is arranging separate housing, which underscores their split logistics. Andrews new home speculation now centers on Abu Dhabi, privacy, and long-standing Gulf ties. Prince Andrew might move to Abu Dhabi after home offer from billionaire ruler, per experts According to The Sun, experts tip a discreet relocation. They point to a 16,000 square-foot residence within a sealed Abu Dhabi compound. The property reportedly includes six en-suite bedrooms, a gym, a pool, and a cinema. Moreover, a chef-staffed kitchen and service areas support a hotel-style setup. In addition to that, the enclave uses double-gate screening with government guards and vehicle logging. Only residents, approved guests, and staff with passes may enter, as per the report. Furthermore, some neighboring palaces feature helipads and private beach access. The whole area is private and very secure. The public are not allowed in and there are cameras which log every vehicle which approaches, a palace worker told The Sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contextually, the Sandringham shift remains the near-term plan after the Royal Lodge exit. However, Andrew has historic ties to the Gulf from his British business and trade interests days abroad. Observers cite his long friendship with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The bond began with his 2001 visits as a U.K. trade envoy. Consequently, an Abu Dhabi base feels plausible, and it promises privacy amid a controversial past. Royal biographer Andrew Morton offered a clear forecast on Times Radio, as quoted in The Sun. I would predict that, if were speaking about this time next year, Andrew will probably live somewhere abroad. Meanwhile, historian Andrew Lownie stated, He would be happy living somewhere where the media is muzzled, where he will still be treated as a senior royal. Analysts highlight how distance could lower visibility and reduce day-to-day scrutiny. For now, the palace roadmap still points to Sandringham on an interim basis. Nevertheless, relocation talk continues, helped by reports of high security and turnkey amenities. The post Prince Andrew Receives Home Offer From Billionaire Abroad Report appeared first on Reality Tea. Queen Letizia of Spain revived one of her statement midi dresses by Pertegaz while hosting Omans Sultan His Majesty Haitham Bin Tariq and Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman His Majesty Shihab Bin Tarik Al Said for a luncheon alongside King Felipe VI of Spain in Madrid on Tuesday. For the special, official royal engagement, Queen Letizia turned to one of her dresses from 2019. Spains queen consort wore a light gray, floral embroidered midi dress by Pertegaz, featuring a Lavalliere detail at the high neckline and a mix of spring and autumnal tones. More from WWD Queen Letizia of Spain wears a dress by Pertegaz at a luncheon for Oman's Sultan His Majesty Haitham Bin Tariq on Nov. 4, 2025 in Madrid. The long-sleeve dress featured a barrel sleeve design with cinched cuffs, juxtaposed to the streamlined silhouette of the Pertegaz midi dress with a pencil skirt. The frock featured a slightly cinched waist for extra definition and the playful, feminine Lavalliere for structural contrast. Advertisement Advertisement On the bodice and skirt of the dress were pink and red embroidered florals, crafted with precise threading and augmented by mocha leaves. The dress also included white and black smaller floral motifs throughout. Queen Letizia of Spain wears a dress by Pertegaz at a luncheon for Oman's Sultan His Majesty Haitham Bin Tariq on Nov. 4, 2025 in Madrid. Queen Letizia paired the dress with simple, understated pointed toe black kitten heels to complete her look. She carried that same simplicity through to her accessories, wearing a pair of stud earrings. Known for her royal rewears, Queen Letizia initially introduced this Pertegaz design in October 2019 while meeting the recipients of the Princess of Asturias Awards. Three years later, Queen Letizia revived the look for the Miguel de Cervantes award pre-ceremony luncheon in April 2022. Queen Letizia of Spain wears a dress by Pertegaz at a luncheon for Oman's Sultan His Majesty Haitham Bin Tariq on Nov. 4, 2025 in Madrid. Manuel Pertegaz founded his eponymous label in the 1940s, opening his first store in Madrid by 1948. At the height of his career, Pertegazs designs were so well-regarded that he was considered to takeover Christian Diors eponymous label after the French luxury fashion designers death in 1957. Pertegaz turned down the opportunity, focusing on his own creations. Manuel Pertegaz died at the age of 96 in August 2014. Jorge Vazquez currently serves as the maisons creative director. MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 6: Crown Prince Felipe of Spain and Letizia Ortiz pose during an official engagement ceremony at the garden of El Pardo Palace November 6, 2003 at Palacio del Pardo in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images) MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 22: Spanish Crown Prince Felipe de Bourbon and his bride, Princess Letizia Ortiz pose for a picture in the court yard of the royal palace after their wedding ceremony at the Almudena cathedral May 22, 2004 in Madrid. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Felipe the Prince of Asturias and Letizia the Princess of Asturias attends the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling on June 19, 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden. View Gallery Launch Gallery: Queen Letizia's Style Through the Years: The Best Looks So Far [PHOTOS] Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Reese Witherspoon plans on celebrating her upcoming 50th birthday with her 13-year-old son, Tennessee. Its just me and him Im excited about it! Witherspoon, 49, said during an interview with Harpers Bazaar published on Monday, November 3, sharing next years European getaway plans alongside her son in order to celebrate the milestone. Im off to visit friends in Italy, kind of tootling around a little bit." As for how Witherspoon feels about turning another year older, she told the outlet she welcomes another trip around the sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I like getting older," she explained. "I think its great to be wiser and understand your place in a business. Ive worked really hard to get to that place I feel like Im living my purpose, for sure. I love my job. I love my fans. Im the captain of my own destiny." Reese Witherspoons Most Relatable Quotes About Kids Ava, Deacon and Tennessee: My Best Gig Witherspoon shares Tennessee with ex-husband Jim Toth. The exes tied the knot in 2011. In March 2023, they announced their split after 12 years of marriage. We have some personal news to share It is with a great deal of care and consideration that we have made the difficult decision to divorce, the pair wrote in a joint Instagram statement at the time. We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together and are moving forward with deep love, kindness, and mutual respect for everything we have created together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement continued, Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter. These matters are never easy and are extremely personal. We truly appreciate everyones respect for our familys privacy at this time. In addition to Tennessee, Witherspoon is mom to daughter Ava, 26, and son Deacon, 21, with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe. (Witherspoon and Phillippe were married from 1999 to 2008.) Two months ago, Witherspoon celebrated Tennessees 13th birthday with a sweet tribute. How is it possible that my youngest boy is 13?! Witherspoon wrote via Instagram in September. He never ceases to amaze me with his joyfulness, his brilliant sense of humor and his endless curiosity. I love you so much, Tenn . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post included a snap of Witherspoon and her youngest son posing on a balcony overlooking a body of water. Reese Witherspoons Best Photos With Her 3 Kids Over the Years: See Their Sweetest Family Photos Witherspoon welcomed Ava when she was 23. At that time, she was early on in her career and had to navigate motherhood. There was so much I didnt know, Witherspoon recalled of being a young parent during a September appearance on The New York Times The Interview podcast. And maybe that naivete was good, because its like, Oh, Ill just do that and have a career. And I did have a few people say to me, This is going to be really hard on your career. The actress continued, There were roles I couldnt take. I had to have this immediate balance of family and career, being a mom and being a working actress. Thats why it was also scary when Legally Blonde became such a big hit. I wasnt going to beg for parts; parts were coming to me. And that almost made it scarier, because I wasnt picking and choosing what I would reach and strive for. It was more like, what will I not do? SINGAPORE, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Norstar Global Recruitment Singapore Pte. Ltd., a specialist recruitment firm with over 10 years of maritime industry experience, has launched a targeted hiring initiative in partnership with Effy Jewelry, a fine jewelry brand with exclusive boutiques aboard leading international cruise lines. The campaign focuses on recruiting Chinese- and Japanese-speaking retail professionals for luxury sales roles at sea, addressing the growing demand for multilingual talent in the cruise retail sector. Positions include Jewelry Specialists, Jewelry Managers, and Brand Ambassadors, with compensation packages featuring base salaries starting at USD 1,000 plus uncapped commission potential reaching up to USD 30,000. Bridging Language and Luxury at Sea The recruitment drive targets candidates fluent in Mandarin Chinese or Japaneselanguages critical to serving the increasing number of Asian travellers aboard global cruise lines. Effy Jewelry, known for its vibrant gemstone collections including White & Color Diamonds, Watercolors, and Tanzanite, operates boutiques on some of the world's most prestigious cruise ships. "The partnership with Effy Jewelry supports the needs of the cruise retail industry on one hand, however on the other, the role with Effy provides professionals the opportunity to build their career in the retail industry which at the same time provides an opportunity to travel and earn at the same time," said a spokesperson from Norstar Global Recruitment. "The company can offer long term prospects for the people who make the most contribution and impact. Join us for a webinar together with Effy Jewelry to find out more on the 11th of November 2025." Streamlined Application Through Dedicated Portal To simplify candidate engagement, Norstar Global Recruitment has developed a dedicated microsite at www.norstarglobalrct.com/effy-cruise-retail-apply , featuring role descriptions, compensation details, and a video application submission process. The portal has been promoted across the agency's social media channels as part of a broader digital recruitment strategy. Leveraging Maritime Expertise Part of the Norstar Group of Companies, Norstar Global Recruitment builds on the maritime credentials of sister company Norstar Crew Management (NCM), established in Yangon. Since expanding into Singapore-based hospitality and cruise recruitment, the firm has focused on connecting Asian talent with international employers across hospitality, healthcare, and service sectors in Singapore, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images When Prince William and Princess Kate left Kensington Palace and moved to Windsor in 2022, their new home, Adelaide Cottage, came as a shock to many. The modest property, situated close to Windsor Castle, has only four bedrooms and not even enough space for live-in staffa far cry from their 20-room, four-story "apartment" at the palace. But after a hellish two years filled with health battles, Queen Elizabeth's death and family scandals, the Wales family is starting over in a new homeand raising a glass to those who helped them pull off their big move in record time. On Monday, November 3, Prince William arrived in Brazil to kick off the events leading up to his annual Earthshot Prize ceremony. But before he left, the prince made sure to thank the builders and staff who helped his family move into their new house, Forest Lodge. According to the Daily Mail, the Prince and Princess of Wales held a party at The York Club, a private pub on the Crown Estate, on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The couple very sweetly just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly to help," a source told the outlet. The couple's original plan was to be settled into Forest Lodge before Christmas, but according to the Daily Mail, "builders have been working round the clock to complete the move by Bonfire Night" on November 5. William and Kate, seen during a recent visit to Northern Ireland, have already moved into their new home. | Credit: Getty Images As for their reasons to move as soon as possible, a royal source told the paper, "Every part of Adelaide Cottage, sadly, had an unpleasant memory associated with it. It's a lovely house and they started with such high hopes, but in the end they have experienced some of their most challenging times there as a family." Queen Elizabeth died months after the family moved to Adelaide Cottage, and in 2024, both Princess Kate and King Charles were diagnosed with cancer. Adding William's ongoing feud with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew's latest scandal, as the insider noted, it's "little wonder that William feels like it was cursed." Forest Lodge is located in Windsor Great Park, but a bit further away from the castle, just under a 15-minute drive from Adelaide Cottage. However, the Georgian mansion comes with one downside, as it's only about a mile from Royal Lodge, where the former Prince Andrew is living until he moves to the Sandringham estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Catherine shudders at the thought of living so close to Royal Lodge while Prince Andrew is still in it," a royal source recently told the Mail on Sunday. The party was held at a private pub near Forest Lodge (pictured), the new home of the Wales family. | Credit: Getty Images However, the Wales family won't have to live with Andrew as a neighbor for long. He's currently in the process of relocating to Sandringhama move that the locals aren't exactly thrilled about, either. "I think if he had any real sense of propriety he would maybe just keep himself to himself," one neighbor told the Telegraph, adding, "If he had any level of respect for the public. But then, I dont think he has any humility." When Prince William and Princess Kate left Kensington Palace and moved to Windsor in 2022, their new home, Adelaide Cottage, came as a shock to many. The modest property, situated close to Windsor Castle, has only four bedrooms and not even enough space for live-in staffa far cry from their 20-room, four-story "apartment" at the palace. But after a hellish two years filled with health battles, Queen Elizabeth's death and family scandals, the Wales family is starting over in a new homeand raising a glass to those who helped them pull off their big move in record time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, November 3, Prince William arrived in Brazil to kick off the events leading up to his annual Earthshot Prize ceremony. But before he left, the prince made sure to thank the builders and staff who helped his family move into their new house, Forest Lodge. According to the Daily Mail, the Prince and Princess of Wales held a party at The York Club, a private pub on the Crown Estate, on Friday. "The couple very sweetly just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly to help," a source told the outlet. The couple's original plan was to be settled into Forest Lodge before Christmas, but according to the Daily Mail, "builders have been working round the clock to complete the move by Bonfire Night" on November 5. William and Kate, seen during a recent visit to Northern Ireland, have already moved into their new home. | Credit: Getty Images As for their reasons to move as soon as possible, a royal source told the paper, "Every part of Adelaide Cottage, sadly, had an unpleasant memory associated with it. It's a lovely house and they started with such high hopes, but in the end they have experienced some of their most challenging times there as a family." Queen Elizabeth died months after the family moved to Adelaide Cottage, and in 2024, both Princess Kate and King Charles were diagnosed with cancer. Adding William's ongoing feud with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew's latest scandal, as the insider noted, it's "little wonder that William feels like it was cursed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forest Lodge is located in Windsor Great Park, but a bit further away from the castle, just under a 15-minute drive from Adelaide Cottage. However, the Georgian mansion comes with one downside, as it's only about a mile from Royal Lodge, where the former Prince Andrew is living until he moves to the Sandringham estate. "Catherine shudders at the thought of living so close to Royal Lodge while Prince Andrew is still in it," a royal source recently told the Mail on Sunday. The party was held at a private pub near Forest Lodge (pictured), the new home of the Wales family. | Credit: Getty Images However, the Wales family won't have to live with Andrew as a neighbor for long. He's currently in the process of relocating to Sandringhama move that the locals aren't exactly thrilled about, either. "I think if he had any real sense of propriety he would maybe just keep himself to himself," one neighbor told the Telegraph, adding, "If he had any level of respect for the public. But then, I dont think he has any humility." "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Taylor Swift was spotted out in New York City last night, grabbing dinner with her friend Gigi Hadid. The duo was photographed as they left Zero Bond in downtown Manhattan, and Swifts jewelry choices caught our eye. In addition to her custom old mine cut diamond engagement ring designed by Kindred Lubeck, Swift wore a dramatic necklace by designer Selim Mouzannar; a custom version of his Kastak necklace with diamonds and rubies. Per the brand, the pieces are handmade in a Beirut jewelry workshop, so each necklace is unique. Their Kastak necklaces all use a pocket watch chain, a timeless classic in Ottoman jewelry art which epitomizes elegance and heritage. XNY/Star Max - Getty Images It wasnt Swifts first time wearing the necklaceshe had previously been spotted in it following Kansas City Chiefs games. In an interview this week with An-Nahar, an Arabic-language daily newspaper published in Lebanon, Mouzannar spoke about his excitement at seeing Swift in his creations. I am happy that a number of stars have chosen from my designs, but my greatest joy is when these initiatives come naturally and spontaneously, without promotion or planning, because true creativity is not imposed, but rather discovered, he told the paper. Taylor Swift discovered my designs on her own and loved them without any attempt on our part to approach her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not her first time wearing the Lebanese jewelry designer; in The Fate of Ophelia music video, she wore the brands pink tourmaline and diamond ring. Aeon - Getty Images While out to dinner last night, Swift also accessorized with a Stella McCartney snake effect shoulder bag, and Stella McCartney snakeskin square toe boots, both of which are still in stock online if youre looking to recreate her outfit: Stella Ryder snake-effect shoulder bag 975.00 at net-a-porter.com Womens Snake Embossed Tall Boots $1775.00 at bloomingdales.com Swift has laid low in recent weeks since releasing The Life of a Showgirl; after her album week promotion, she has attended her fiance Travis Kelces Chiefs games at home under the radar, choosing not to be photographed upon her arrival into the stadium. You Might Also Like Every generation can return to the Nuremberg trials and find something new to see, some new lesson learned, some warning that can't be ignored. The new film, "Nuremberg," finds that meaning not in the grand sweep of history, but in two men trying to make sense of it. Michael Shannon plays prosecuting attorney Robert Jackson, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, opposite and Rami Malek as Douglas Kelley, an Army psychiatrist whose assignment was to get inside the heads of the worst criminals in human history. In approaching the story this way, the filmmakers faced two challenges: First, they had to make sure that a sense of the whole event could be portrayed by concentrating on these two participants. The second was that they had to bring their stories together in a satisfying way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They pull it off, not seamlessly - there are scattered moments of narrative awkwardness - but effectively. By the end, "Nuremberg" feels like an important film. Foreground from left, Richard E. Grant, Michael Shannon and Rami Malek in a scene from "Nuremberg." (Scott Garfield/Associated Press) "Nuremberg" takes place in 1945 and 1946, in the immediate aftermath of World War II. What's left of the Nazi hierarchy is mostly behind bars, but what to do with them? They could be summarily executed, but that kind of action wouldn't be worthy of civilized nations. Or they could be imprisoned, but righteous governments can't imprison people indefinitely without charging and prosecuting them. Jackson has the idea for an international war crimes tribunal, and while that is being arranged, Kelley is brought in to meet and psychoanalyze the prisoners. One of them is Hermann Goering (Russell Crowe), head of the Nazi air force,the Luftwaffe, and once the second most powerful man in Germany. Russell Crowe as Hermann Goring in a scene from "Nuremberg." (Kata Vermes/Associated Press) The heart of "Nuremberg" is in those meetings between Kelley and Goering. Going in, you might expect that in the power dynamic of their meeting, the man representing the victors would have the advantage over the man in the prison cell, but this is not the case. Kelley wants information from Goering, which Goering can refuse or deny. Kelley is also hoping to write about Goering and the other Nazis when the trial is over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As played by Crowe, Goering has the charisma of a movie star, a naturally high-status person who is used to being the focus of every room he enters. He may be on the losing side, but he has a winning personality. Plus he's older and more worldly than Kelley. Within two minutes, our expectations are upended, and with embarrassment we recognize that, if we were in Kelley's situation, we'd feel the pull of Goering's magnetism, too. We might actually want this monster to like us. Rami Malek, left, and Russell Crowe in a scene from "Nuremberg." (Scott Garfield/Associated Press) That we come to feel this way is largely Crowe's doing. Not enough can be said for how strong he is in this film, and how welcome it is every time he appears on screen. He seems able to read people. He also seems German, complete with German gestures.. Malek, by contrast, just seems odd, which is not really a problem once you realize that he's intentionally playing Kelley as an odd guy. Kelley tries to hold his own, and here and there he does, but his fragility is unmistakable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley goes into this assignment with the idea that evil can be dissected and defined and thus uprooted. But the assertion that "Nuremberg" makes is that there was nothing all that different between Nazis and ostensibly normal people, and that Germans were no more prone to evil than Americans. Take some bad ideals, put amoral people in power, throw in adverse economic conditions - along with some plain old bad luck - and any country could go down the road that Germany went. The only safety is in recognizing this. Leo Woodall in a scene from "Nuremberg." (Scott Garfield/Associated Press) As Jackson, Shannon holds up his end of the film in a less flashy role. The only other person that must be acknowledged is Leo Woodall, who plays Kelley's translator, Howie Triest. Woodall is best known for appearing on Season 2 of the hit HBO show "White Lotus," but in "Nuremberg," for the first time, he seems like a future star. Mick LaSalle is the film critic emeritus of the Chronicle. Email: askmicklasalle@gmail.com More Information 3 stars "Nuremberg": Drama. Starring Rami Malek, Mchael Shannon and Russell Crowe. Directed by James Vanderbilt. (PG-13. 148 minutes.) In theaters Friday, Nov. 7. This article originally published at Review: Rami Malek and Russell Crowe make Nuremberg' a gripping battle of minds. One of the best movies of 1966 was "The Battle of Algiers," a war film about Algerian rebels fighting French colonial occupation. The movie, which is currently streaming on HBO Max, was notable in that it portrayed a guerilla insurgency movement in a sympathetic-ish light while not shying away from the crimes of the French military officers. It was praised by famed Chicago Tribune film critic Roger Ebert, who awarded it four stars in his 1968 review, writing: "'The Battle of Algiers,' a great film by the young Italian director Gillo Pontecorvo, exists at this level of bitter reality. It may be a deeper film experience than many audiences can withstand: too cynical, too true, too cruel, and too heartbreaking. It is about the Algerian war, but those not interested in Algeria may substitute another war; 'The Battle of Algiers' has a universal frame of reference." The "other war" Ebert referred to could've meant the Vietnam War, the Troubles in Northern Ireland (as depicted in the acclaimed 2024 FX series "Say Nothing"), the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, and so on. Their parallels with the Algerian War were easy to find, and critics' feelings for the movie often depended on which side they supported in those struggles. If, for instance, you were the type to dismiss the IRA as merely evil terrorists, you probably wouldn't have enjoyed "The Battle of Algiers." And if you were French at the time, you might not have appreciated the film either. Much of the country's press was opposed to releasing the movie in French theaters. In fact, they successfully delayed the film's release in their country until 1971. But even the French eventually warmed up to the movie after enough time had passed for them to grow less defensive over their country's actions in Algeria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: All 20 Coen Brothers Movies, Ranked The Battle of Algiers provided inspiration for later revolutionary films Bob arguing on a payphone in One Battle After Another - Warner Bros. Pictures Time only improved Ebert's feelings towards "The Battle of Algiers," although his interpretation of the movie's message evolved. In a 2004 piece, he wrote about how he'd come to believe the movie's perspective was not "somewhere between the FLN [National Liberation Front] and the French," but more clearly with the FLN. As he put it: "The resistance opens with FLN members walking up to French policemen in the street and shooting them dead, often in the back. Bombs are used against police strongholds. These actions are seen in silence, but when the French respond by blowing up the home of a terrorist, the score by Ennio Morricone becomes mournful as survivors pick through the debris. His score withholds sympathy for the dead police." The approach of "The Battle of Algiers" feels similar to Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," which is also a movie about a revolutionary group (known as the French 75) who use similar tactics. Although some critics feel the film condemns the violent actions of both the French 75 and the authoritarian government they're battling, others believe the movie's sympathies more closely align with the French 75. You can see that with the difference between the one death the French 75 is responsible for (a mistake that destroys their movement) and the many deaths the government causes (which are done casually with no repercussions). It's fitting that "One Battle After Another" includes a scene where a French 75 revolutionary is seen watching "The Battle of Algiers." It seems clear that Anderson, like Ebert, is also a fan of this '60s classic. Sadly, Ebert tragically passed away in 2013, so we'll never get to know what he thought of PTA's take on such a similar dynamic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you're looking for the easiest way to keep up with all the major movie and TV news, why not sign up to our free newsletter? You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashFilm. Several of the former child stars who rose to fame as the Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music reunited in Austria last week. While the squad of actors was known for being adorable back when they sang alongside Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in the iconic 1965 musical drama film, they looked better than ever during their reunion in 2025. Captured through a series of Instagram photos shared to their accounts, the legendary stars showed that they'll always hold a place in our hearts. In a photo shared online, Angela Cartwright, who played Brigitta in the film, is pictured next to Debbie Turner, who played Marta. Next to her is Kym Karath, who was only five years old when she rose to stardom as Gretl, the youngest member of the Von Trapp family. SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox Life After The Sound of Music Each of the actors who portrayed the Von Trapp children has taken their own distinct paths since the film's groundbreaking premiere. Cartwright is an artist and jewelry designer who shares her projects online. Turner has run her own floral and event design company, Debbie Turner Originals, for the last 30 years. Karath, who played the youngest member of the Von Trapp family, recently spoke candidly in a revealing interview with the UKs Times about the devastating reason she decided to quit acting for some time in the years following the films tremendous success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While she struggled in school due to bullying, she found success on popular TV series like Lassie, Peyton Place,and The Brady Bunch. But as she got older, Hollywood's dark side reared its ugly head. "After I did Brady Bunch, I was 13 going on 18, in terms of looking very physically mature. There were some very scary offers and pedophile-ish people who were circulating, said Karath, who alleged that she was raped at 15 by a film producer, according to the Times piece. I heard some stories from somebody who was in a position to know there were other young people. Karath said she felt like she couldnt tell anyone what had happened. But my parents kind of figured out what happened, she elaborated. I couldnt say much to them because I was afraid my father would go and literally murder the guy, and I didnt want my dad to go to jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, her parents determined, No more acting, just focus on school. Looking back, she realized, It was the safe thing to do. It was really a terrible, frightening period of time. Karath went on to college and eventually found love in Paris. Karath Advocates for Parents of Children with Special Needs When Karaths son Eric was three weeks old, he contracted viral meningitis and was left severely brain-damaged. I have not gone back to acting quite honestly because my son is really the center of my life, Karath said. He lives with me, hes 34 and needs me. I cant drop everything to go to auditions. She founded the Aurelia Foundation and Creative Steps Program for young adults with disabilities. Back in 2013, Karath told Parade that she also serves as an advocate for other parents navigating the journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My son has special needs, so I was needed in a way I never expected to be needed and you just rise to the occasion, Karath explained. It's great to see each of them doing so well! Related: Kym Karath, Who Played Gretl in The Sound of Music, Reveals the Devastating Reason She Stopped Acting as a Teen This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. On Oct. 22, BAND-MAID released their latest EP SCOOOOOP. In an interview with Billboard Japan, the group discussed a wide range of topics, from the creative process behind the new release to their aspirations for 2026. The conversation began with a reflection on their first OKYU-JI performance in Bangkok, Thailand, held in August of this year. On August 23, you played SUMMER SONIC for the first time with SUMMER SONIC BANGKOK 2025. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement AKANE (drums): I was so happy to finally be able to perform a OKYU-JI in Bangkok. We also had all kinds of special effects, like flames up on stage. Its rare to see so many special effects being used at a festival, so I had a blast. SAIKI (vocals): The people of Thailand were so warm. From up on stage, you could tell that people loved rockthat they were really listening to our rock music. I felt really glad to have come to Thailand. KANAMI (guitar): Im sure for a lot of the people there it was their first time seeing one of our OKYU-JI. That made me nervous, but one of the things about a BAND-MAID show is that we love performing, from the bottoms of our hearts, so I was so looking forward to it (laughs). Misa and I got into a bit of a bass and guitar battle out on the runway. That was really fun, wasnt it? MISA (bass): Yeah, it was a new experience. Advertisement Advertisement MIKU KOBATO (guitar/vocals): There were a lot of people there who didnt know us, so I was worried about how it would go, po. But with each song we played, I could see more and more people with their hands in the air. There were a lot of Masters and Princesses (the names of BAND-MAIDs fanbase), so there were people sitting on each others shoulders to get a better view. From up on stage, you could really feel how much people wanted to see us, which made me so happy, po. It made me really want to go back to Thailand again and do a solo OKYU-JI, po. Now, lets turn to the EP. Had you been working on it in parallel with last years album? KANAMI: The time when we were working on the demos overlapped with the album. The first melody I came up with was the one for SION. I had a farewell about three or four years ago, and Id recorded a voice memo of me pouring out my feelings of sadness. I wanted to turn that into a song sometime. When I actually started working on the song, though, I didnt want it to just be a sad song. I also wanted the song to have a bit of warmth, like the feeling you have when you look back on a photo album after several years, and to end it off with a positive feel. KOBATO: For the lyrics, she said that it could have a bit of the same vibe as songs like Mirage or anemone. I wanted the lyrics to be a little bittersweet, and to have a feeling of gentleness, po. Listening to the song, the melody and lyrics match so well it feels like they were written by the same person. KOBATO: Im glad to hear that-po. Id just gone through a break-up myself, too, a little before working on the lyrics, so when I wrote them, I tried to weave those feelings in, po. Advertisement Advertisement SAIKI: I heard what they wanted to express through the music and the lyrics, so when I sang, I was hoping that would come through in my voice. If you use too gentle of an approach when you sing a song like that, it doesnt feel like enough of the message comes through, so I tried something a little different with the way I sang it. We were really thorough and deliberate in our recording, and spent a huge amount of time on this song. MISA: For the bass part, I used fingerpicking, which I hoped would give it a wistful but warm feel. At the end of the song, its like a ray of light is coming in, so for that part I switched to using a pick. AKANE: On the drums, there are a lot of intricate phrases, and I tried to play it in a way that would keep it from sounding flat. I used sixteenth-note phrases as hooks in different places so that the drum rhythm would match the songs feel. I also used a subtractive approach, leaving the drums out completely in certain places. But I kept up a good contrast, really playing in the parts where I played. What does the name of the first song, Present Perfect, mean? KOBATO: Its a reference to the grammatical term. When we were working on the song, we talked about how, since this would be the lead song, we wanted to make it like a calling card for BAND-MAID, po. SAIKI said she wanted the lyrics to look back on our past but also to point to our future, so I decided to include snippets of lyrics from iconic BAND-MAID songs and key parts of past songs, po. Also, in the part about world domination, I was determined to include the phrase over the world. This is our story, and we also wanted to convey that we were heading into the future together with our Masters and Princesses, so the chorus starts with We are the story, po. Advertisement Advertisement SAIKI: Its a major piece of music. I said we should definitely include last years Unleash EP and the album we released last year, Epic Narratives. We put those lyrics in with the hope that people who were just coming to us now would get curious and go back and listen to our older songs. Whats the message of SUPER SUNSHINE? SAIKI: When Im up on stage, I see newcomers to our shows, but a lot of the time Im also like Huh, I havent seen that person around in a while, and I wonder whats up with them. But Im not the type to let that get me down. Im a very positive person, and I want to make our shows the kinds of places that welcome people back. So I asked myself whats something that never goes away? And I thought the Sun. I hope that we can be like the Sun for someone, and when were performing, nothing can stop us. I love how we shine when were up on stage, so I linked that idea up with the concept of superheroes, and wrote the lyrics with this feeling like Were always here for you. Were your superheroes. The song is really uplifting, right from the first notes, and Im sure working on the arrangement was fun. MISA: Yeah, from the very intro, its got this swelling feel. The chorus is just bass, but this melodious bass line just came to me, and I wanted the solo to feel like a live show, so I threw in some harmonies and slap bass in the solo. I wanted to pack a lot into that short space and make it a really rich bass solo, so it took a while to write it. (With regard to the theme of SUPER SUNSHINE) My style being what it is, it may not come across a lot, but just like this song, I truly love everyone and want to make everyone happy. Advertisement Advertisement AKANE: Thats how I always feel, too. I have so much fun playing the drums, and I love playing live, but I owe all that to our Masters and Princesses, so when I perform Im hoping we can give some of that power back. KOBATO and SAIKI, you wrote the lyrics to Dilly-Dally together, right? SAIKI: It goes out to all the young people who are into social media, and theres also a message that while the world may be dark lately, dont let it get you down. Ive heard dilly-dally used when telling people who are just on their smartphones all day not to just waste their time on their phones. We decided on the title first, right? KOBATO: We used dilly-dally in our song Moratorium, too, and I thought it would be nice to bring that in, too. We decided on the title, and then we each wrote lyrics, and then we took the best parts of each, po. The last song is an instrumental, Lock and Load. By this, do you mean something like preparations completed? KOBATO: Right, po. Like all weapons loaded or ready to go. A lot of people are discovering us for the first time through this EP, so we made this a song packed with our own qualities, that people who were new to us could enjoy. A song whose vibe would feel familiar for people who found us through Ready to Rock, po. We hoped that people would hear it and feel like Theyre ramping up to go even further. Whats the meaning behind the EPs title, SCOOOOOP? SAIKI: We hope with this EP, the people who are just now discovering BAND-MAID will come to love us, and we also wanted to share the way we feel with those whove been with us since back in the day, so we chose the name scoop, in the sense of a news scoop. We also wanted to convey the tight-knit relationships we have, and the respect we feel for each other. That all comes together to make BAND-MAIDs music, so we used five Os, to express that its the five of us together that make up BAND-MAID. Following the release of the EP, you also have plans in motion for 2026, right? SAIKI: Next year, we want to play overseas! Advertisement Advertisement KOBATO: We want to cross the ocean and put on OKYU-JI. A lot of our overseas Masters and Princesses ask us why we dont play in their countries, and weve wanted to go ourselves, but this year we had a lot of OKYU-JI in Japan. I want to play overseas next year, po. We dont have the details worked out, but wed love to be able live up to everyones hopes. I hope everyones looking forward to it, po! This interview by Takayuki Okamoto first appeared on Billboard Japan Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Paul McCartney will always be best known as a member of The Beatles, but true fans know he had a lengthy career with his second band, Wings, after the Fab Four split in 1970. Wings formation and ultimate demise is documented in the new book Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, which hit shelves on Tuesday, November 4. While McCartney, now 83, is credited as the author, the book, edited by Ted Widmer, is an oral history that includes interviews from members of Wings as well as McCartneys family. While the first Wings album dropped in 1971, he released two albums in 1970 that can be considered precursors to the band: his first solo album, McCartney, and Ram, which he recorded with his then-wife, Linda McCartney. (Linda died of breast cancer in 1998 at age 56.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wings sort of felt like wed achieved the impossible, Paul explained in the new book. I got my second lucky break. At the start, it felt like everyone was saying, You cant do that! And for a while I thought maybe they were right. But I wanted to carry on writing and playing music. Wings was my best shot at that. Paul McCartney Recalls Moment He Learned of John Lennons Death: Still Havent Taken It In Wings went on to release seven studio albums before the band played their final gig in December 1979. While Paul continued performing as a solo artist, releasing many more albums in the years since, he still incorporates Wings songs into his sets. Keep scrolling for the biggest revelations from Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run. Playing Matchmaker for John and Yoko After The Beatles broke up, Paul wasnt always on good terms with his childhood friend and former bandmate John Lennon. At one point, though, he did help Lennon through a rough patch in his relationship with Yoko Ono in March 1974. While the couple had been separated, Ono had come to visit Paul and Linda in London. She told the McCartneys that she would reconcile with Lennon if he worked for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul subsequently traveled to Los Angeles, where Lennon was working with Harry Nilsson, and convinced him to repair things with Ono. I sat him down and said, I feel like a matchmaker here, but Yoko still loves you. Do you still love her? Paul recalled. And his guard came down and [he] said, Yes. But I dont know what to do. So I said, Well, Yoko came to see us in London. So, weve talked to her and she does still love you, but youre going to have to work your arse off to win her back. John did just that, and not long after, Sean was born. Paul McCartney Through the Years: The Beatles, Solo Career and More Suing the Beatles When Paul announced his first solo album in April 1970, he said in a press release that he had no plans to work with The Beatles again. In December of that year, he sued his bandmates Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr as well as their manager Allen Klein to formally dissolve their partnership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To this day, its one of most difficult decisions Ive ever had to make: Could I really sue The Beatles? These were my childhood friends, he said in the book. It really was terrible for your soul, because youre doing all this stuff that you would never do in a million years. But youve got to in order to gain your freedom. Why He Never Met Bob Marley Paul, a huge fan of reggae, said he nearly met the genres most famous pioneer but passed on the chance for an ironic reason. He was playing in London, and to tell you the truth, I was going to see him, but I got high beforehand, the Grammy winner revealed. I got paranoid and thought, No, I can't meet him. Just one of those things. Can you believe that marijuana kept me from meeting Bob Marley? Robbed in Nigeria While Wings recorded their third album, Band on the Run, in Lagos, Nigeria, Paul and Linda were mugged at knifepoint while they were walking home one evening. The thieves took their recording equipment as well as the tapes of their demos, meaning they had to redo much of their work. Our joke was that we thought they probably erased and recorded something good over them, Paul quipped. But you know, you have to let stuff go in life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul McCartneys Family Guide: Meet His 5 Kids, Grandkids and More The Statue Saga When it came time to prepare a Wings greatest hits album in 1978, Paul came up with the idea of photographing a statue hed recently purchased for the cover. He convinced his team to take the 70-pound statue to the Alps by helicopter and photograph it on the top of the Rothorn, which is near the more-famous Matterhorn. After the photo shoot was finished, a mountain guide warned the team that a storm was coming in, necessitating an evacuation. Everyone got out safely, but once Paul saw the finished product, he realized he could have achieved his goal in a much easier (and safer) way. And then he turned around to me and he said, You know what, man? We could have taken the statue and put it in a studio and just painted a backdrop of mountains, recalled designer Aubrey Po Powell. A Near-Reunion for The Beatles After years of rumors that The Beatles would reunite, three of them did for one night only in 1979. Paul, Harrison and Starr briefly played together at a party for Eric Clapton and his then-wife, Pattie Boyd (whod previously been married to Harrison). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It didnt feel strange at all, Paul recalled. It was all pretty straightforward. We were having a bit of a booze-up and a laugh together and we were with each other again. It felt pretty normal. It was only the next day, when everyone was making a huge fuss about it, that I realized that our playing together was halfway important to anyone else. Paul McCartney Once Sent Baby Stellas Turd to Crude Critic After Negative Wings Concert Review 9 Days in Jail In January 1980, Wings was gearing up for a tour of Japan, but the tour was canceled after Paul was arrested for marijuana possession. He ultimately spent nine days in jail but could have faced up to seven years of hard labor. While the arrest ultimately led to the end of Wings, Paul admitted that he was already hesitant about the tour before his legal trouble. Its almost like I got myself busted to get out of it, he said. I really dont know, to this day. I also think: Did someone put that stuff in there? To bust me? I dont know. Its very psychodrama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the next page, however, Paul said he brought the weed himself because he couldnt access it easily in Japan and this stuff was too good to flush down the toilet. The musician recalled the hail being pretty rough but said he organized sing-alongs with the other inmates and tried to make the best of it by befriending his fellow prisoners. I was happy to leave, but Id made a couple of friends in there so the parting was a little sad, he said of his exit. As I walked free, I was shaking hands with these prisoners through the letter boxes of their cells. Seven Kentuckians, five of whom are from Louisville, are among 456 people from around the world competing for $4.56 million in Netflix's "Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2." The reality competition, which was recorded in London, England in January, will begin airing on the popular streaming service on Nov. 4. "Leaving my husband and two kids behind in Louisville and flying to London by myself was hard," Vanessa Washington-Harris told the Courier Journal. But walking through the doors onto the actual set of 'Squid Game' was euphoric." Advertisement Advertisement The reality competition series is based on the Netflix smash-hit drama "Squid Game." One of the streaming services most watched series, Squid Game which first aired in 2021 is a fictional South Korean series in which contestants compete in a series of schoolyard games that will kill them if they lose. Since first airing, the fictional series has amassed a massive number of views and holds one of the top spots in terms of viewership hours for a single season. Due to the popularity of the fictional series, Netflix created a reality show for regular people to compete for prize money, but on this show no one dies. The first season of the reality show competition premiered in November 2023. When casting for Season 2 was announced, more than 200,000 people answered the call from Australia to Mexico, California to Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Like Vanessa, I also didnt know anyone else who had been chosen to be a part of Season 2, said Tamara Davis. But when I got to set and learned there were seven of us from here, I made it my mission to meet every one of the the Kentucky people. Davis, who is Vice President of public relations and social media at PriceWeber in Louisville, and Washington-Harris, a local entrepreneur, were chosen for the reality show along with Louisvillians Presley Baker, Corey Miller, and Pye Miller. Two additional players from Lexington and Western Kentucky are also part of the 456 contestants. When we arrived, we were given a moment to send a message that we had made it safely to the set and then we had to surrender our phones, said Davis. I have two small children so I made sure I had prerecorded messages my husband could show them while I was away. More: What woolly worms, persimmons & other signs predict for the upcoming winter weather forecast Advertisement Advertisement Over the three-week event, the players will be tested like never before in games both new and familiar until the group is whittled down to a sole victor one ink explosion at a time. While a bag of marbles, flying stones, or a gift box wrapped in a pink bow can all seal someones fate, the biggest threat in this game just might be the player sleeping right beside you. The first four episodes of the new season premiere on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Episodes 5-7 will be released on Nov. 11, and the final three episodes will be released on Nov.18. Id say the best part of all for me was meeting so many people from all over the world and with so many different interests and backgrounds, Davis said. None of us would have ever crossed paths if it wasnt for playing 'Squid Game.' Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 7 Kentucky competitors on Netflix Squid Games The Challenge Season 2 "It just reels you in." That's what Connecticut filmmaker Joseph McGee, who goes by the stage name of Joe Hawk, had to say about his newest mini series, "The White House is Fake" - a seven-episode political thriller centered around secrets harbored by the U.S. government. Shot around Connecticut, Hawk, who runs local production company Hawk Studios, said the title does not center around any specific political party. Rather, the story, which is based on a 2017 book that Hawk penned, set in 1992 and follows teenager Nelson Conrad, who gets pulled into a larger conspiracy after seeing something that he shouldn't have seen. The plot also traces back to U.S. President Dwight D. Einsenhower and his signing of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawk said he started writing the book in 2015 after being inspired by driving down I-84. Though inspired by his home state of Connecticut, the setting of the "The White House is Fake" is in Alexandria, Virginia. "The White House is Fake" is a new mini-series from Connecticut filmmaker Joe Hawk. (Courtesy of Joe Hawk) "There's so much in this mini series, it's going to surprise you - plot twists you won't even see coming," Hawk said about the mini-series, adding that he was inspired by the likes of "Total Recall" and "Ghost" when making the series. This past weekend, Hawk and his crew were in Putnam shooting at the Bradley Playhouse for a scene involving a tongue-in-cheek reference to "A Few Good Men." They also shot over the weekend in West Haven at the West Haven Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Connecticut towns that Hawk has shot include Ansonia (where principal shooting began) and Tolland. The project also shot in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Hawk will shoot more scenes in Watertown at Watertown High School before heading to Old Weathersfield on the weekend of Nov. 22. Due to a recent news article, Hawk said that he has had more than 500 people email him about being extras in the project. "The White House is Fake" is a new mini-series from Connecticut filmmaker Joe Hawk. (Courtesy of Joe Hawk) Shooting will continue into December for the first two episodes before premiering around January or February on SparkTV and Tubi with additional red carpet premieres currently slated for Connecticut and New York, Hawk said. The remaining episodes will be filmed in 2026, Hawk added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawk said his interest in movies stemmed from his young adulthood, when he became an avid physical media collector - amassing around 500 to 600 VHS tapes. Hawk then got into writing screenplays; a talent that was fostered by his high school English teacher. "When I went to high school, my English teacher at Watertown High...was like, 'Joe, you've got a great gift,'" Hawk said. Initially focusing his writing on leadership-building books, Hawk shifted back into screenplays in 2017. One of his most recent projects, "Article 92," released on Amazon Prime earlier this year and was filmed across Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and even the United Kingdom. Though he has shot projects around the world at this point, Hawk still loves to film in Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's just a beautiful state to film in," Hawk said. "This is my home and I think it's very appropriate to be here." This article originally published at Government secrets explored in new Connecticut-shot mini series. As travelers, were drawn to the idea of somewhere new, somewhere vivid and off the beaten path. But sometimes the postcard hides more than it reveals: hidden dangers, infrastructure challenges, local caution signs. Rather than simply listing nice places to go, its also worth pausing to ask: where not to go right now and then to pivot into more peaceful alternatives. Because travel isnt only about getting there, its about feeling safe, comfortable, and able to engage fully in the moment. Think of this as a travel magazinestyle wakeup call for your wanderlust: curious, thoughtful, and grounded in realworld data. Get the latest travel inspiration and news delivered straight to your inbox. 6 destinations to approach with caution and the calmer alternatives Heres the list, each with a short whyitschallenging, and a better spot you might consider instead. Haiti Why its tricky:Haiti remains under a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. State Department due to widespread kidnapping, violent crime, civil unrest, and extremely limited healthcare capacity, particularly in PortauPrince. Infrastructure challenges, unreliable electricity, and poor road conditions make travel logistics unpredictable. Even wellplanned trips carry high risk, with limited consular support and emergency services if something goes wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alternative: Consider the northern coast around CapHaitien, where the Caribbean rhythm and French colonial charm remain intact with fewer security concerns. Visitors can explore the historic Citadelle Laferriere, relax on beaches like Labadee, and experience authentic local culture in a comparatively safer environment. While still requiring careful planning, this area allows travelers to enjoy Haitis natural beauty and cultural heritage without the same level of risk as PortauPrince. Venezuela Why its tricky:Venezuela is under a Level 4 advisory due to political instability, shortages of essential goods, violent crime, and high kidnapping risk. The absence of U.S. consular services means Americans have virtually no government support if detained or caught in unrest. Everyday logistics, from transportation to medical care, are unreliable, making it difficult to plan a safe trip. Alternative: Colombias Cartagena or Medellin offer vibrant Caribbean coastlines, colorful colonial architecture, and rich cultural experiences with far more reliable security and infrastructure. In Cartagena, stroll the UNESCOlisted walled city, explore Rosario Islands for beach excursions, or soak up the local music and cuisine. These destinations provide the Caribbean vibes and historical charm travelers seek without the extreme risks found in Venezuela. Explore Cartagenas vibrant streets, where colonial charm meets Caribbean rhythm. Lebanon Why it's tricky: Lebanon has a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory due to escalating tensions with Hezbollah, the risk of armed conflict, civil unrest, and occasional demonstrations. Some areas, particularly near the southern border, may have landmines or sudden security escalations, and the local authorities have limited capacity to protect tourists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alternative:Jordans Amman and Petra deliver Middle Eastern history, desert landscapes, and bustling souks in a stable and structured tourism environment. Travelers can explore the vibrant capital of Amman, trek the desert of Wadi Rum, and marvel at Petras carved rock architecture, all with reliable infrastructure and lower security risks. Jordan offers cultural immersion and adventure in a controlled, visitor-friendly setting. Honduras Why its tricky:Honduras is known for high rates of violent crime, gang activity, and petty theft, especially in urban areas. Infrastructure can be unreliable outside tourist zones, and travelers often face risk when venturing into unknown neighborhoods. For visitors hoping to experience Honduras natural attractions, such as the Bay Islands or the Copan ruins, careful research, local guides, and heightened vigilance are essential to minimize exposure to danger. Alternative:Costa Rica provides similar Central American culture, rainforests, and beaches with much lower crime and better tourism infrastructure. Visitors can zipline in Monteverde, surf in Tamarindo, or explore the cloud forests safely. Related: This European country is the safest for travel, report finds Brazil (certain regions) Why its tricky:Brazil is generally safe in tourist zones, but urban areas like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have high violent crime rates, including armed robbery and muggings. Long road trips may involve poorly maintained roads, inconsistent public transportation, and unreliable signage. Healthcare facilities can vary greatly depending on location, and emergency services may not respond as quickly as travelers expect. All of these factors can make Brazil a highenergy, highvigilance destination, where sightseeing and adventure sometimes compete with staying alert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alternative:Uruguay or Southern Chile provide similar South American culture, beaches, and urban charm, but with lower crime rates and more reliable infrastructure. Uruguay, with Montevideos charming beachfront promenade and the historic colonial streets of Colonia del Sacramento, delivers culture, cuisine, and laid-back city life in a compact, easy-to-navigate country. Southern Chile provides sweeping landscapes, from the fjords and mountains of Patagonia to the vibrant urban scene of Santiago and Valparaiso. Nigeria Why its tricky:Nigeria presents a complex travel landscape. While parts of the country are vibrant and culturally rich, regional violence, kidnapping, and terrorism, especially in the northern states and the Niger Delta, pose significant risks for travelers. Beyond security concerns, day-to-day logistics can be challenging. Roads in some regions are poorly maintained, flights can be irregular, and emergency services are often unreliable. For visitors, this means constant vigilance, careful route planning, and a readiness to adapt at a moments notice. Alternative:Ghana offers West African culture, music, festivals, and historical sites like Cape Coast Castle with safer conditions. Vibrant markets offer everything from handmade crafts to colorful textiles, while the countrys coastline invites travelers to unwind on sun-drenched beaches. Festivals like Homowo in Accra or the Panafest celebration of African heritage provide a glimpse into Ghanaian traditions and community life. Here, travelers can fully engage with local culture, taste traditional dishes like jollof rice and waakye, and explore scenic landscapesall without the heightened personal risk present in Nigeria. Be the first to know about new travel trends, tips, and talessubscribe now. Related: 11 countries put on travel warning list after surge in fatal fake alcohol poisonings How to tilt your trip toward confidence, not avoidance Knowing where not to go is one thing. Turning that knowledge into smooth, stress-free travel planning is another. Start with the basics: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do your homework. Official advisories arent written to scare youtheyre snapshots of real-world conditions. Check sites like the U.S. State Departments travel advisories and local embassy pages before booking. Tip: Set Google Alerts for your destinations name and travel advisory a few weeks before you go. Know the difference between risky and off-limits. A destination under a warning doesnt automatically mean its unsafeit just requires more awareness. Focus on choosing places where your attention stays on discovery, not danger. Tip: Research neighborhood-level safety rather than writing off an entire city or country. Stay flexible and aware. Even low-risk destinations can surprise you with protests, weather disruptions, or sudden closures. Tip: Register with your countrys traveler program (like STEP for U.S. citizens) to receive local safety alerts. Keep backup transportation and lodging options in your notes app. Match your destination to your travel personality. If you thrive on adventure but also love your creature comforts, mix bold day trips with reliable, well-reviewed accommodations. Tip: Look for small-group tours or local guides for high-adventure areasit adds a safety layer without diluting the thrill. Plan with breathing room. Leave space in your itinerary for the unexpected. A buffer day can save you from stress when plans shift. Tip: Book refundable rates when possible and avoid scheduling back-to-back transfers in unfamiliar regions. In the end, smart travel isnt just about the destination. Its about keeping your curiosity alive, your passport ready, and your peace of mind intact. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The program included 175 RC drill holes testing 16 distinct target areas resulting in the delineation of six distinct gold-anomalous areas, with five occurring in areas with less than 10 m of overburden a critical economic advantage: "What we've achieved here is transformational," continued Thomas. "By leveraging in-country skills and proprietary technologyincluding our Remote Mapper UAV system and optimized RC drilling platform achieving 3-5 holes per daywe've systematically tested a wide range of targets spanning the full extent of this greenstone belt for a fraction of the typical cost. This efficiency means more capital for follow-up drilling and a faster path to resource definition." The completion of this US$1 million program marks a high standard for exploration efficiency. Through innovative technology and strategic execution, North Arrow and partner Rockman Resources have accomplished what typically would have required in excess of US$5million in conventional exploration spending, and, in a fraction of the time. "Target A's intercept of 1.56 g/t Au over 30 m represents a breakthrough intersection for Kraaipan," stated Eira Thomas, President and CEO of North Arrow. "These grades are comparable to those observed at the nearby Kalgold mine, which is a multi-million-ounce gold resource that has been in continuous production for over 25 years. This validates our exploration approach and demonstrates the significant gold potential of this underexplored belt." 1.56 g/t Au over 30 m from surface* including 7.32 g/t Au over 3 m from surface (interval of fractured bedrock that may have experienced some movement), and 4.26 g/t over 4 m from 10 m* VANCOUVER BC, Nov. 4, 2025 /CNW/ - North Arrow Minerals Inc. (TSXV: NAR) ("North Arrow" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the discovery of anomalous gold from Target A at its Kraaipan Gold Project in Botswana, with the program's highest-grade reverse-circulation (RC) drill intercept of 1.56 g/t Au over 30 m including 7.32 g/t Au over 3 m from surface and 4.26 g/t Au over 4 m from 10 m. This discovery caps the successful completion of a US$1 million regional reconnaissance program that has identified six priority gold targets across 45 km of the underexplored Kraaipan Greenstone Belt ("KGB"). Story Continues Target Best Intercept* Grade Highlights Hole Orientation Over- burden Geology A (new) Hole KR 25-157 30 m @ 1.56 g/t Au from surface 7.32 g/t Au over 3 m from surface (fractured bedrock believed to be near in-situ**), and 4.3 g/t Au over 4m from 10 m Azimuth 280 Dip 60 ~5 m Ironstone; phyllite AE Hole KR25-051 13 m @ 0.40 g/t Au including 4 m @ 0.90 g/t Au*** Vertical ~4 m Quartz-hematite ironstone AF Hole KR25-060 10 m @ 0.43 g/t Au including 3 m @ 0.71 g/t Au Vertical ~9 m BIF Y Hole KR 25-038 56 to 91 ppb Au over 6m interval from top of bedrock Elevated bedrock gold Vertical ~8 m BIF C Hole KR 25-107 BOK: 0.24 g/t Au Base of Kalahari anomaly Vertical ~50 m In calcrete above weathered felsic gneiss K KR 25-001 BOK: 0.28 g/t Au Base of Kalahari anomaly Vertical <1 m BIF scree proximal to outcropping mineralised trend * From surface; Target A true width estimated at 50-75% of drilled interval; Targets AE and AF drilled with vertical holes - true width uncertain. ** Further work is required to confirm this interpretation *** Hole ended in mineralization Note: results from Targets AE, AF, Y, C and K were first disclosed in a press release dated September 25, 2025 Drill Hole Results Table - drill hole location, target, hole depth, sample type, and significant Au and Ag results "The identification of six distinct gold-anomalous areas from 16 tested targets validates our exploration approach and dramatically de-risks this exploration play," noted Thomas. "The targets have varying geological characteristicsfrom BIF-hosted to structurally controlled alteration zones in quartz-rich ironstone and phyllite host rocks. The shallow overburden at five of these targets is particularly encouraging as it significantly reduces potential future mining costs. The mineralised material intersected at Target A occurs within a zone of anomalous Au valuesas defined by historical drilling and surface rock sampling as well as Rockman outcrop samplingextending approximately 700 m in a NE-SW direction and with a width ranging from 100 to 250 m." Figure 2: Target A location, drillhole locations and orientation, intercepts and host rocks (CNW Group/North Arrow Minerals Inc.) Figure 3: Target AF and Target AE from Rotation 1 - location, drillhole locations and orientation, intercepts and host rocks (CNW Group/North Arrow Minerals Inc.) In-Country Experience and Proprietary Exploration Technology Advantage North Arrow's partner, Rockman Resources, through its operator Mineral Services, leverages over 25 years of operational experience in Botswana plus cutting-edge proprietary technologies including: High-resolution UAV magnetic surveys (>20,000 line-km completed) Mobile RC drilling platform optimized for variable Kalahari conditions In-house sample preparation for verified QA/QC protocols and faster turnaround Deep machine learning with potential for target generation with further accumulation of geophysical datasets This combination of experience and bespoke technology combined with the property's extensive road network allowed for rapid, systematic exploration of more than 45 km of KGB strike length and resulted in the program's exceptional cost-per-discovery ratio. Regional Context: Proven Gold Endowment The Kraaipan Project covers the northern extension of the same Archean greenstone belt hosting Harmony Gold's Kalgold Mine. Located 40 km to the south of the Project, the multi-million-ounce, BIF-hosted gold mine has been operating for over 25 years, and as of June 2024 has: P&P Reserves: 0.645 Moz @ 1.07 g/t Au M&I Resources: 1.60 Moz @ 1.19 g/t Au 2024 Production: 45,815 oz at a grade of 0.96 g/t Average annual production over 25 years : 52,597 oz Cut-off Grade : 0.58 g/t From Harmony Gold's Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, June 2024 , pages 74-76. Kalgold production numbers provided for information purposes only and do not suggest similar gold mineralization will be found within the Company's Kraaipan Project. Provided for context only. Immediate Actions (Q4 2025 - Q1 2026): Initial ground follow-up of priority targets, currently underway Update of magnetic geological map integrating results from 2025 drilling Hyperspectral analysis for alteration and lithology mapping Pathfinder geochemistry to enhance targeting 3D geological interpretation and modeling integrating all datasets Initiate angled RC drilling to better test mineralised structures at Target A, AF, AE and K Preparation for possible follow up core drilling Continued Exploration (2026): Continuation of angled RC drilling to better test vertical structures at Target A, AF, AE and K Step-out RC drilling on best 2-3 targets to define lateral continuity of mineralization and resource potential, including drilling along trend at Target A to tie in with historical gold occurrences (Figure 2) Core drilling to better define the geology and nature of the gold mineralisation on targets with positive results from follow-up RC drilling High-resolution drone imaging surveys over priority areas High-resolution magnetic surveys over portions of the Kraaipan project not covered to date Definition and RC drill testing of additional targets in areas with Kalahari cover. About the Kraaipan Gold Project The Kraaipan Project comprises approximately 724 km covering the entire ~60 km northern extension of the highly prospective Kraaipan Greenstone Belt. Over 80% of the belt is covered by Kalahari sands, presenting a significant underexplored opportunity. Earn-in Structure: North Arrow can earn up to 80% interest through: First Option (60%) : US$5 million over 3 years (US$1 million firm commitment ACHIEVED ) PEA Option (+20%): Completion of Preliminary Economic Assessment Sampling, Laboratory Analyses and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) RC samples collected in the field were driven to the Mineral Services' facility in Gaborone to be sorted and prioritized into Base of Kalarhari ("BOK") and Bed Rock ("BR") samples for assay. Samples were allocated unique samples numbers, sealed and shipped to ALS's laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa using industry standard chain of custody protocols. Following an initial coarse crush (CRU-21), the entire sample is then pulverized (PUL-21) to better than 85% passing a 75-micron screen prior to geochemical analysis. All samples are analyzed for gold by fire assay with an ICP-AES finish, method code Au-ICP22 (50-gram sample). Samples returning gold values over 10 ppm are subjected to ore grade check assays using fire assay and a gravimetric finish using method code Au-GRA22 (50-gram sample). Samples are also subjected to lithium borate fusion and acid digestion for whole-rock analysis of major and trace elements by ICP-AES (major elements) and ICP-MS (trace elements); method codes ME-ICP06 and ME-MS81, respectively. In addition, a suite of base metals and other trace elements not included in the ME-MS81 method are analysed by ICP-AES on four-acid digestions (method code ME-4ACD81). QA/QC protocols include ALS laboratory's own internal quality assurance controls as well as Rockman's field controls, including the insertion of duplicates and blanks, each at a rate of roughly one per 20 samples. QA/QC data are evaluated on receipt for failures, and appropriate action is taken if results for duplicates and blanks fall outside allowed tolerances. About North Arrow Minerals Inc. North Arrow is a Vancouver-based exploration company focused on evaluating the Kraaipan Gold Project. Management and advisors bring significant global exploration and mining experience including key roles in the discovery of the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. The Company's exploration programs are conducted under the direction of Kenneth Armstrong, P.Geo. (NWT/NU, ON), Chairman of North Arrow and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Mr. Armstrong reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information in this news release. Web: www.northarrowminerals.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including but not limited to statements with respect to North Arrow's plans, the estimation of a mineral resource and the success of exploration activities. Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not restricted to, the amount of geological data available, the uncertain reliability of drilling results and geophysical and geological data and the interpretation thereof, and the need for adequate financing for future exploration and development efforts. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law. Trading Symbol: TSXV-NAR Shares Outstanding: 28,580,224 Fully Diluted: 39,618,101 North Arrow two colour red and gold logo representing Canada and Botswana respectively. (CNW Group/North Arrow Minerals Inc.) Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2025/04/c6639.html We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. It ain't no party like a Carla Hall party 'cause a Carla Hall party includes a rocking live band, jam-packed dance floor, and, best of all, her stunning crab cakes. At least, that's what went down at The Art of Brunch, the joyous late-morning extravaganza that Hall co-hosted with fellow Food Network stars Amanda Freitag and Maneet Chauhan at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival presented by Baha Mar. The decision to feed the tanned masses crab cakes was an obvious choice for Hall, considering her strong Mid-Atlantic ties - she currently resides in Washington, D.C., and previously called Maryland home for several years. While Hall kept her preparation classic at the Bahamas bash, she exclusively told Tasting Table that you don't need to stick to Old Bay seasoning for your crab cake recipe. She suggests taking a detour to Southeast Asia for lemongrass and yuzu, which both provide a welcome boost of flavor and aroma. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 13 Types Of Fish You Should Think Twice About Before Buying Get cooking with a citrus substitute and aromatic addition two crab cakes on plate - David Scott/Getty Images If you want to give your crab cakes a Southeast Asian spin, Hall recommends honing in on a pair of dynamic ingredients. For notes of citrus and intoxicating aromatics, it's lemongrass for the win. Fans of the "Top Chef" alum and "Chasing Flavor" host won't be surprised that the stalk made the cut, as it's a featured ingredient in her mouthwatering lemongrass-ginger fried chicken recipe featured in "Carla's Comfort Foods: Favorite Dishes from Around the World." According to Hall, just a touch will provide the ideal complement to the sweetness of the crabmeat. Sticking with the citrus theme, she suggests substituting lemon with yuzu for added complexity. When it comes to crab cakes, "acid is key," said Hall, who endorses incorporating the citrus with mayo in your binding. Regardless of how you choose to flavor your crab cakes, Hall warns to be on the lookout for shards of shell, whether you're plucking meat straight from the crab or opting for canned convenience (you don't want your cakes to be too crunchy). And if cost is an issue, she suggests mixing things up with chunky but pricey lump crab and more wallet-friendly claw meat at a 2-to-1 ratio. Advertisement Advertisement Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Last April, my guests and I prepared to leave the wild embrace of Xigera, a living art gallery in Botswana's Okavango Delta. This is where we hosted Roar Africas fifth Womens Empowerment Retreat. As we prepared to readjust to the clamor of city life back home, one guest uttered a sentence that stopped me in my tracks: "Empowerment begins with presence." Those four words get to the heart of why these journeysthat women from around the world with extraordinary female change-makers who are transforming Africahave become my life's work. The Heart of My Why ROAR AFRICA ROAR AFRICA hosting a wine tasting at a women's empowerment retreat. ROAR AFRICA hosting a wine tasting at a women's empowerment retreat. As a child who grew up in a staunchly patriarchal environment in rural Zimbabwe, I know that the single biggest impact I can make is to play my part in empowering the women of my home continent. At the core of Roar Africa lies our credo: When African women rise, wildlife will thrive. These retreats bring that philosophy to life with a measurable impact. We had our first retreat in South Africa in 2019, and the progress I've witnessed on subsequent journeys to Kenya, Rwanda, my homeland of Zimbabwe, and now Botswana, has been nothing short of staggering. From photography enthusiasts like guides at Xigera Safari Lodge, to pilots like Dare to Dream founder Kgomotso Phatsima, to the conservationists and entrepreneurs spurring growth across the continent, African women are rising. With their ascent, critical metrics in maternal health, education, and conservation are also improving within their own communities. What the Retreat is Like ROAR AFRICA The views from Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Rwanda. The views from Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Rwanda. Every moment of these retreats is meticulously designed by me to showcase the absolute best of the African destination we choose. Game drives, bush walks, and meditative moments connect us to nature, while inspiring female speakers like CEOs and founders of nonprofits share their stories. This creates an environment where collaborative relationships are nurturedfilms and books, TED Talks, scholarships, and more have come out of the partnerships formed at our retreats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My home continent's landscapessuch as the majestic coastlines of South Africa, the rewilding success story and new rhino sanctuary at Kenya's Segera, the mist-shrouded volcanoes of Rwanda, and the Grumeti Game Reserve in Tanzania where well host our retreat in 2027provide more than just stunning scenery. These locations offer an opportunity to slow down and dismantle the stress that clings to us. Our guests often return multiple times, drawn by the opportunity to connect and bear witness to unspoiled nature while guided by experts. ROAR AFRICA A group of women on a guided walk. A group of women on a guided walk. Transformation Together To borrow the wise words of that dear guest, the success of Roar Africa lies in recognizing that empowerment truly does begin with presence. In a world that often feels divided, I believe that when women choose womennot only across borders and cultures, but in everyday life as your doctor, your lawyer, your travel advisorextraordinary progress becomes possible. An old Kenyan proverb says it best: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." Deborah Calmeyer is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in trips to Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Calmeyer at welcome@roarafrica.com. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure This story is from an installment of In the Loupe, our weekly insider newsletter about the best of the watch world. Sign up here. The name of the independent Swiss watchmaker David Candauxs technically and aesthetically ambitious new timepiece, the DC12 MaveriK, says it all. More from Robb Report Advertisement Advertisement The watch is an homage to the 19th-century Texan rancher Samuel A. Maverick, whose refusal to brand his cattle made his name shorthand for an independent thinker who doesnt follow the herd. Introduced last month at an event at the Horological Society of New York, it features a hand-wound movement equipped with a double balance and boasts three patentsall encased in titanium. The latest in the watchmakers DC series, which began with the DC1, introduced in 2017, and continued with the DC6, the DC12 (the numbering system is designed around multiples of six, Candauxs favorite number) marks a departure from the earlier two models, which were both tourbillons. The DC12 is a whole other beast, Asher Rapkin, cofounder of Collective Horology, an authorized dealer of David Candaux, tells Robb Report. It has more of a connection to old-school watchmaking, but its related to the tourbillons in the sense that its tied to the idea of accuracy. The DC12 is essentially two escapements connected by a differential that averages out the power of the two to tell the most accurate time. This has only really been successfully done by Philippe Dufour in his Duality watch, even though the concept has existed for decades. Dufour and Candaux didnt invent it but very few watchmakers have been able to bring it to production, let alone serial production. David Candaux DC12 MaveriK. To describe the DC12 MaveriK as a labor of love would be an understatement. I started thinking of this complication in 2008, and then in 2012 I did the first prototype, doing all the components in house, French-speaking Candaux tells Robb Report through a translator. It didnt work. Then I came up with second prototype in 2016 but that didnt work either. So I said, Okay, I have to find another idea. And then in 2023, I came up with a new idea that when I did the prototype in 2024, it was very reliableI had found the solutionand this is why I have three new patents on the watch. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to a patent on the double regulator mounted on the seconds train, the watch also holds patents on its secured winding system as well as its combined winding and setting system. Despite its technically impressive movement, the DC12 MaveriK is, at 98,000 Swiss francs (about $124,000), more accessibly priced than Candauxs earlier models, which both retail well above $200,000. These are super watchesnot impulse buys, Rapkin says. But keep in mind that Candaux puts out between 35 and 40 watches per year. This is real handmade stuff. Rapkin also praises the watchs design, including Candauxs signature Magic Crown, a patented retractable crown composed of 31 parts. Hes reduced the dimensions of the case to 39.5 mm, he says. The way David makes his cases, theyre curved with an unusual and distinct look. They all feature the Magic Crown, which creates a sense of consistency even if the movement architecture is different. Some brands make their most accessible watch a shell of the brand but not really delivering on the promise whereas David Candaux made his most accessible watch a completely unique complication. I really respect that about the manufacturing. David Candaux DC12 MaveriK You might say Candaux was destined to become a watchmaker. Born in Switzerlands Vallee de Joux, he grew up steeped in the world of watchmaking through his father, who specialized in pocket watches with grand complications, and his mother, who assembled chronographs at home (his grandfather, too, served the industry, overseeing quality control at major brands). At age 14, Candaux apprenticed at Jaeger-LeCoultre, later joining the brands restoration department and going on to work on some of its grandest complications, including the Reverso Triptyque, the Master Minute Repeater, and the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie. Advertisement Advertisement Between 2011, the year he left JLC, and 2017, when he struck out on his own by opening an atelier in Le Solliat, Candaux worked for a number of Switzerlands most prestigious firms, including MB&F. It was during this interlude that Philippe Dufour, whom he considers a guiding influence (along with Dufours mentor, Gabriel Locatelli, whom Candaux met as a 14-year-old apprentice at Jaeger-LeCoultre) asked him a pivotal question. Philippe said, Are you happy? and I realized maybe it was time to express what I had in mind, Candaux says. Philippe told me, You have to take risks. The MaveriK is about pushing the limits and breaking the codes of tradition, Candaux says, adding that his risk-taking philosophy applies equally to his decision to unveil the watch in America, and not in Switzerland. For me, its about changing the rules. Best of Robb Report Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. When you imagine must-visit destinations around the world for avid hikers, you might not think of including the Caucasus on that list. But Armenia, a landlocked country that has underrated beaches surrounded by mountain views, and Georgia, a country known for epic hiking trails, are both well worth a dedicated hiking trip. Add Azerbaijan to that list and you have a trifecta of hiking bliss. But what about a combination of all three? Touted as the first international hiking trail within the Caucasus, the Transcaucasian Trail will span across all three of these countries and two continents. The trail takes hikers through vast valleys, rural meadows, and over mountain peaks, connecting shepherd paths to ATV routes and other pathways. The Transcaucasian Trail is notably the new kid on the block when it comes to long-distance hiking trails. Recently opened in 2022, the lesser-known trail has been in the works since 2015 and is sure to make the lists of avid hikers. As of 2025, the trail can be hiked in several different portions in all three countries, including a long portion in Armenia that stretches over 500 miles and takes up to 45 days. Once fully completed, the trail will test the endurance of hikers, winding 1,864 miles through diverse landscapes in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Read more: The Safest Countries For Travelers In 2025, According To Previous Visitors How to hike the Transcaucasian Trail An aerial view of Dilijan National Park in Armenia - trabantos/Shutterstock The Transcaucasian Trail made our list of 25 best long-distance hiking trails around the world, and with good reason; it's full of off-the-beaten-path natural beauty. Because the trail is still broken up into portions, when to hike the trail will depend on which country you'll be trekking through. In Armenia, the trail is best hiked from mid-May to mid-October. For Georgia sections, you'll likely need a later start due to high altitudes, making early-July to mid-October the most ideal time to head out. Because the Azerbaijan portions are a bit milder in climate, you'll likely be able to hike in all seasons with some variations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those who decide to trek the largest portion of the completed trail through Armenia, most hikers embark from Yerevan, the country's capital city, to make sure they stock up on supplies. From Yerevan, they then catch a bus to Meghri or Gyumri and take a taxi to Lake Arpi to begin the trail. This hike requires plenty of planning, so it would be best to spend a few days in Yerevan triple-checking your list of essentials before heading out. Along the trail, you'll come across gorgeous views of the Gegham Mountains and Lake Sevan, and you'll make your way through traditional villages and Arevik National Park. Most of the hike will require wild camping, but there are a few Armenian Drams, cash-only guesthouses, along the route that cost anywhere from $13 to $16 per night and include breakfast. If you're not feeling ambitious enough to complete the whole trek, you can also hire guides for multi-day hikes on portions of the trail in Dilijan National Park, the Gegham Mountains, and the Vayots Dzor province. Other helpful information for hiking the Transcaucasian Trail Sevanavank Monastery overlooking Lake Sevan in Armenia - Christophe_cerisier/Getty Images On the r/Ultralight subreddit thread, Redditor u/Prestigious-Mango479 speaks about their experience hiking the Transcaucasian Trail from July to October 2023. "This trail has a little bit of everything: beautiful mountains, deserts, forests, tiny villages with lovely people, amazing food, wild camping, guest houses, historic sites, off-trail adventure, and more." In the thread, u/Prestigious-Mango479 also breaks down necessary information like costs, length, gear they used, as well as how and where to resupply food, and what the trail conditions were like. Keep in mind that there are no physical trail maps available, which means that downloading route planning apps is a must. Interactive maps, guides, and GPS data for the routes can be found on the TCT's official website. Hikers will also be added to a Slack channel, which gives you direct access to trail planners, as well as recent hikers who are a wealth of information. Some hikers have started to connect unfinished portions of the trail through Georgia and Armenia. You can join the TCT Trailblazers program, a thru-hiking support program that provides helpful maps, advice, and other resources for completing the more undeveloped sections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. So, you've got yourself a case of the old ophidiophobia, have you? Ophi...what, you ask? Ophidiophobia: A fear of snakes. Don't worry you're not alone. Studies have shown that while only around 3% of the population manifests a full-blown phobia of these slithery critters, a whopping 50% feel anxiety towards the reptilians. And there's plenty to be anxious about in America, it seems, since the country counts a whopping 100 individual species of snakes, of which over 20 are considered venomous. Yikes. That's the bad news. The good news is that there are two states in the Lower 48 where you can go to enjoy a venomous-snake-free getaway. Sorry, the Sunshine State isn't among them Florida's got snake-packed waters aplenty. And, nope, you'll have to steer clear of California, where it's actually totally illegal to kill endangered red diamond rattlesnakes! Instead, consider heading east to New England, where the states of Maine and Rhode Island count zero native deadly snake species whatsoever. Of course, that's not to say that they have zero snakes, period. They most certainly do. It's just that you can feel pretty confident that there's not a snake between the two territories that's capable of doing major damage. Feel free to put that ophidiophobia (it's the word of the day!) on the back burner and enjoy what's on offer, whether that's walking tours of the grandiose Newport Mansions in Rhode Island or the legendary leaf-peeping and harvest fests in Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Rick Steves Says To Always Do These Things Before Traveling Are there really no venomous snakes in Maine and Rhode Island? A sandy path leads past a lighthouse in Rhode Island - Cmart7327/Getty Images There might not be any killer snakes in Rhode Island today, but it wasn't always that way, and there are always exceptions to the rule. (Even if a species isn't native to the area, a straggler or two can still slither over.) For example, a population of the deadly timber rattlesnake was found congregating around the cozy New England coast town of Tiverton back in the 1970s. More pointedly, a 2016 case report in the Rhode Island Medical Journal described the envenomation of a man by a copperhead snake, a type of viper that's known to live in neighboring Connecticut and Massachusetts. It's a similar story in the Pine Tree State, where there's a bit of a question mark over proceedings. For one, it's accepted that the timber rattler also used to make its home here, but they've since been eradicated from the whole territory. Occasionally, you'll see a rumor of a deadly snake sighting pop up on Reddit. For example, one user recently posted a picture of what appeared to be a rattlesnake, although another user offered the following in reply: "Best left alone. I doubt this was found in maine [sic]. They follow the mountains yea but their range doesnt [sic] really go that far up." On that note, it's also good to remember that there are plenty of non-venomous snakes in both these areas, too, many of which look a whole lot like their more fatal compadres. Take the common watersnake. It's all over the southern and central parts of Maine, but is often mistaken for the cottonmouth, a species that typically lives across the southeastern United States and carries a super-dangerous bite that can kill a human. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. Rick Steves has earned his reputation as one of the world's foremost experts on European travel. His gentle, easy-going attitude combines with staggeringly in-depth knowledge of cities and countries across Europe, and his insights are always valuable, particularly for travelers who want to get under the skin of a destination and avoid a cookie-cutter vacation experience. One of the best ways to take advantage of Rick Steves' exceptional experience is on one of his fabulous tours. Brimming with culture, history, and delicious food, and led by one of his exceptional, highly trained, and delightful guides, a typical tour takes you traveling the way Rick himself likes to experience the world and is the perfect way to explore a beautiful country like Italy. Most of Rick Steves' Italian tours pack a remarkable amount into the time they have, with trips like the Best of Italy visiting eight of Italy's 20 regions in just 17 days! But if you're after something with a slightly slower pace, with the chance to delve deeply into Italian culture and cooking, then Steves' Village Italy tour might be the one for you. One of Rick Steves' experienced Italian guides, Sarah Corfield, notes that "the Village Italy tour has a slower pace and a bit more eating" (per an interview with Corfield that was published on Steves' blog). This makes the tour ideal for foodies and travelers who want to immerse themselves in authenticity rather than ticking off the main sights. But that's not to say that you are missing out on exciting experiences. Corfield points out that "after 14 days, tour members are surprised at how many places we visited without the tour feeling rushed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Rick Steves Recommends Cinque Terre's Only Resort Town For A Vibrant Italian Getaway Gourmet food and authentic Italian culture Ravenna mosaics - Dmitry_chulov/Getty Images The Village Italy tour starts off in Padua, a bucket-list Italian town for any Shakespeare lover, and proceeds through some of Northern Italy's most beautiful towns, including Ravenna, Assisi, Siena, Lucca, and the gorgeous villages of Cinque Terre. It is all about hands-on experiences, so you'll be learning to cook pasta, how to make wine, heading out into the woods to search for truffles, and even creating pottery and cutting marble. Sarah Corfield describes the tour as a chance to immerse yourself in Italian culture. She notes that "while we only visit one museum in 14 days ... each of these visits is a chance to connect personally with our hosts." The tour is a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of some of Italy's most iconic food exports, like truffles from Assisi, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and extra-virgin olive oil from the rolling hills outside Lucca. While there might not be quite as much high culture and grand historic architecture as on some of Rick Steves' other Italian itineraries, that's not to say that you won't get your fair share of art and history. The schedule includes visits to Padua's famous Anatomical Theatre, the world's first permanent structure dedicated to teaching anatomy and the birthplace of modern anatomical medicine. You'll see the gorgeous mosaics in Ravenna's Basilica of San Vitale, the magnificent frescoes by Signorelli that adorn the Orvieto Cathedral, and the fascinating Etruscan Museum in Chianciano. These experiences culminate in one last visit to the exquisite Italian Riviera on the Ligurian coastline, the final bow at the end of a magnificent journey. A gentle stroll through the heart of Italy Manarola village at sunset, Cinque Terre National Park - SCStock/Shutterstock The real joy of the Village Italy tour is its relaxed, slow unfolding. Rather than hopping between famous galleries and museums or racing from town to town to cram as much into your trip as possible, this tour luxuriates in its Slow Travel roots. Half of the fun here is simply meandering along country roads surrounded by picturesque Tuscan scenery or wandering almost aimlessly through medieval hill towns and uncrowded villages that are way off the beaten track. Whether it's a boat trip past the dramatic cliffs and stunning settlements clinging to the edge overlooking a sheer drop or a coastal hike taking in the pastel-colored fishing villages of Cinque Terre, this tour promises to be an exceptional experience as well as a delightful "vacation from your vacation," if you're used to a more frenetic pace, even while on holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rick Steves has put together Italian tours for every style of traveler, and Sarah Corfield is adamant in her interview that she loves them all equally. But the tours are different. If you are after a trip that focuses on the world-famous highlights of ancient Rome, Renaissance art, and the magical canals of Venice, then the Venice-Florence-Rome tour is perfect. The Best of Italy tour is a whistle-stop adventure covering an enormous amount of the country, starting in Venice, the historic Italian city that Steves calls "forever unique." But if it's laid-back vibes and authentic experiences (as well as mouthwatering food) that you are after, the Village Italy tour is tough to beat! Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. If you're a Trader Joe's fan, you've perused their extensive coffee aisle. Like many of the grocery chain's other items, you'll notice the packs of coffee changing as the store brings in new blends and old ones disappear from the shelves. Many of these colorful, fleeting packs are part of Trader Joe's Small Lot Coffees, which are sourced from all over the world and roasted in small batches to give customers a taste of something different. One of these, the Zamora Ecuador Small Lot Coffee, made it onto Chowhound's rundown of the 10 best-tasting cheap coffee brands. At $11.99 for a 12-ounce pack, this coffee is a pocket-friendly purchase, especially when you take into account how little Ecuadorian coffee one comes across. This is because, in recent years, Ecuadorian coffee production has shrunk, making java from this popular coffee-growing region even more expensive. As a result, when you spot the bright green bag of Zamora Ecuador Small Lot Coffee during your next visit to Trader Joe's, pick it up. The medium roast whole bean coffee has notes of dark chocolate, molasses, and nutmeg, with medium levels of acidity. If you're used to the well-rounded flavors of Colombian coffee, which is much more ubiquitous, this Ecuadorian variety may take some getting used to. However, its strengths gradually become apparent, and Ecuadorian coffees generally have some juicy, fruity notes too. Make it in an automatic drip or French press as part of your morning routine, but note that Trader Joe's Small Lot coffees are limited-time products, so you may have to switch your morning coffee if it disappears from the shelves. Thankfully, there are other great small-batch coffees to pick up too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The 9 Best Coffee Bean Brands For All Of Your Brewing Needs Keep a look out for Trader Joe's Small Lot Coffees' greatest hits Trader Joe's Zamora Ecuador Small Lot Coffee - Trader Joe's Since Trader Joe's Small Lot coffees come in limited batches (and also because the chain rotates its selection of products so frequently), these regional beans appear and disappear from the shelves. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for some of the more exceptional ones they've come out with. Stock up on them, but don't buy too much, since coffee, even when stored properly, loses flavor and aroma over time. One of the best-tasting Small Lot coffees you should pick up whenever you spot it is the Uganda Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Small Lot Coffee. Grown in the foothills of Uganda's snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, this coffee exemplifies what makes Trader Joe's Small Lots such a boon for curious coffee lovers. Another exceptional find is the Chiapas Small Lot from Mexico a small-batch coffee that Trader Joe's customers keep begging the chain to bring back. The Cerro Mogoton Small Lot coffee from Nicaragua, which has notes of caramel and baked apples, and Mae Kha Jan Chiang Rai Small Lot coffee from Thailand's Golden Triangle region, have also caught our attention. The latter has been getting rave reviews from buyers, who pointed to its delectable cherry and dark chocolate notes alongside how easy it is to brew multiple different ways. Notably, while particular Small Lot coffees are best suited to specific ways of making coffee, the beans from Thailand offer up a full-bodied sip with a variety of extraction methods. Finally, for those who absolutely need their morning cuppa, stock up on a good Trader Joe's coffee that's rotated less often so you have a consistent cup to fall back on for those days you feel less adventurous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Chowhound. The Adriatic coastline of Croatia hides some of Europe's best beaches, Roman ruins, and vineyards. But many of its cities can be difficult to reach, involving a layover in another European hub or a long drive or ferry ride from Dubrovnik. Starting in 2026, though, there will be a new access point for travelers coming from the U.S., with United Airlines adding direct flights between Newark, New Jersey, and Split, among other newly connected worldwide destinations. Split is Croatia's second-largest city and a historic beauty, known for its pretty, labyrinthine old town and for being the gateway to some of Croatia's best islands. United is the first airline to add nonstop flights to this gem from the U.S. The direct flights to Split will depart from Newark Liberty International Airport, one of America's busiest airports, and a transit hub that previously worked with United Airlines to upgrade. United announced that the new flight routes will begin in late April 2026 and take place throughout the summer as a seasonal connection, with tickets already on sale. Direct flights will depart three days per week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Newark, and Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday from Split, providing a decent range of options for travelers. Each flight takes around 10 hours from Newark. That's not exactly a breezy flight time, but consider that other routes with stopovers from the U.S. to Split typically take at least 13 hours, and you can see how much time is saved with the new direct flight offering. Some other destinations that United is adding to its summer 2026 schedule include Glasgow, Scotland, and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: European Destinations That Are Best To Visit In December United Airlines' Split route to open doors for travelers Coastal view of Split, Croatia with blue skies - Den Rozhnovsky/Shutterstock Having a direct flight option between the U.S. and Split is a boon for travelers who want to explore more of the Croatian coast. Not only does it mean fewer transfers, a reduced risk of missed connections, and easier airport planning, but it also creates more opportunities for cultural exchange between the two countries. "As a U.S. and Croatian dual citizen, I've been wishing for this route for many years!" wrote one Reddit user in response to the news, who called Split the "best location for island hopping." While United Airlines already offered direct flights from Newark to Dubrovnik, another popular Croatian destination at the southern tip of the country, Dubrovnik is quite far from some of Croatia's great islands, such as Hvar. Ferries do run from Dubrovnik to Hvar, but travel times average anywhere between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the route and the operator. From Split, the ferry ride is an easy 55 minutes to a maximum of around 2 hours. Without the risk of having to endure longer travel times, visitors to Split can also visit some of the less famous island destinations in the region. For instance, Trogir's laid-back pace and stunning waterfront views can be reached in just 30 minutes by car from Split (versus the 3 or more hours it takes to reach them from Dubrovnik). So, if you've ever wanted to visit this sun-drenched European paradise but put it off because of the travel time, summer 2026 just might be your time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. From Texas BBQ and Georgia peaches to Idaho's famous potatoes, U.S. states are well-known for their strong ties with certain foods. Many of these culinary connections arise from hundreds of years of agricultural tradition. However, one of the foods most commonly associated with Utah is far more modern and seemingly random: Jell-O. Utah residents, or Utahns, are famous for their sky-high Jell-O consumption, often in the form of delightful, definition-defying Jell-O salads. Utahns love Jell-O so much that the jiggly ingredient was named the official state snack by the Utah State Legislature in 2001, the same year that the state declared the second week of February National Jell-O Week. However, Jell-O's special relationship with Utah is far newer than many might expect. Jell-O salad was a cultural phenomenon across America in the mid-20th century, but the jiggly dessert began to fall out of favor in the 1970s and '80s. To combat declining sales, the company focused its marketing on families. Advertisements sold Jell-O as a fun, kid-friendly treat that brought children and parents together. It seems this marketing campaign was particularly successful in Utah, most likely because Utah is home to lots of kids the Beehive State boasts the largest average household size in the country, and children make up a higher percentage of the population than in any other U.S. state. Read more: 11 Tried-And-True Regional Food Classics In The United States Why Utah still loves Jell-O Bowls of lime Jell-O - Carlosrojas20/Getty Images At the end of the 20th century, Jell-O continued to thrive in Utah even as sales fell across much of the country, and the stereotypical association of Utah with Jell-O was firmly set. Utah's now-legendary love of Jell-O has only been rivaled by the Midwest in fact, when Des Moines, Iowa, claimed the crown of the city with the highest Jell-O sales per capita in 1999, Utah residents launched a campaign to "take back Jell-O." Subsequently, Jell-O became the official state snack in 2001 and was adopted as the unofficial food of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jell-O is particularly linked with Utah's Mormon population (which also helped popularize "dirty" soda shops). A diverse array of Jell-O dishes is a staple of Latter-Day Saints' gatherings, and the boundary-pushing green Jell-O salad (featuring lime Jell-O, cottage or cream cheese, nuts, and crushed pineapple) is also known as Mormon Jell-O salad. These days, many Americans see Jell-O as an old-school ingredient for kitschy retro recipes, making Utah's enduring and unironic love for both sweet and savory Jell-O-based dishes all the more notable. Jell-O's popularity in Utah is thanks to a variety of cultural, historic, and demographic factors, but one thing is undeniably clear Utah and Jell-O are deliciously stuck together, and they're not likely to split up anytime soon. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter and add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. While trains are often the choice of transport for the environmentally-conscious and the slow traveler, they can perhaps surprisingly also be one of the most wildly luxurious ways to get around. Take the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which isn't just a train ride; it's a journey back in time that channels the opulence and excitement of the "Golden Age" of rail travel. Within its historic cars, preserved in their original form from the 1920s, guests enjoy lavish, well-appointed suites outfitted with handcrafted furniture, on-call steward service, and seasonal gourmet cuisine. The opulent train is operated by Belmond, the global luxury brand owned by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy). Belmond is known for exceptional properties like Castello di Casole, a true Tuscan dream tucked into a thousand-year-old castle, along with its unforgettable journeys by land and river. And on October 14, 2025, it announced an addition to its already impressive roster of routes, which will debut in 2026 the next chapter in its "Villeggiatura by Train" series. The term "villeggiatura," originating in Renaissance Venice, is a concept referring to a prolonged stay an Italian version of slow travel primarily for rest and restoration. And on the new route, you'll certainly get plenty of both. This glamorous journey starts from Paris, a top-ranked destination for safe, stress-free travel. Passengers will head south, experiencing both the French and Italian Riviera, and will arrive in Pompeii the next day. This ancient city is less than an hour from the famed Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site and playground of the international glitterati. After disembarking, guests will spend two nights in a five-star Belmond property and former palace along the sparkling coast. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is just four days and three nights, but the memories you'll make along the way will last forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: European Destinations That Are Best To Visit In December Staying and dining on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Interior of the Vienna Grand Suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a luxury train by Belmond - Alice Mesguich/Belmond The options for cabins range from the intimate to the unbelievably opulent. The most affordable are the Historic Cabins (eight per carriage). Perfect for two, the cozy banquette seating allows for lazy days spent window-gazing, and it converts into a comfortable upper and lower bed. Suites (four per carriage), designed in Art Deco style, give you more space to unwind and amenities such as a lounge area and en-suite bathroom. The luxe Grand Suites (three per carriage) are a dream, with free-flowing Champagne, 24-hour butler service, and the option for in-cabin private dining. The creme de la creme is L'Observatoire, an entire exclusive-use carriage inspired by astronomical observatories and equipped with an oculus for night-sky viewing. Designed by acclaimed French artist JR, it's decorated with his personal travel mementos and photographs. The carriage contains a marble bathroom with a freestanding tub, library, record-player, and writing nook. But the best feature is the tearoom with a fireplace and miniature train maquette, meticulously crafted over two years. En route, you'll become very familiar with the painstakingly restored dining cars, which conjure up the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. It's impossible to go hungry, with afternoon tea and midnight brunch tucked in between the usual three daily meals. Start your morning slowly with food brought straight to your cabin a luxurious take on breakfast in bed. Head to the dining cars for a gourmet three-course lunch, with inventive twists on regional dishes like Bluefin tuna tartar and sea bream Riviera with artichoke and fennel confit. Dinner is a veritable feast, where fresh lobster or sauteed veal are followed by decadent French desserts, such as brioche perdue. Chef Jean Imbert's seasonal menu draws from local artisans along the train's route. The itinerary from Paris to the Amalfi Coast Interior of the Bar Car '3674', one of the carriages on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a luxury restored train from the 1920s that takes passengers through Europe - Ludovic Balay/Belmond Upon arriving at the train station in Paris, you'll be guided to your suite by your steward, with a welcome Champagne to toast your departure. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lush countryside as you make your way through southern France. Lunch and dinner are served in the dining cars, and post-meal revelry takes place in the gorgeous, midnight-blue Bar Car '3674' (pictured above). Here trained mixologists work to prepare the perfect cocktails while the resident pianist plays whatever tunes your heart desires on the baby grand piano until the last guest retires. If you're feeling peckish, snacks like truffled club sandwiches and lobster rolls should sate you until morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you reach Pompeii the following afternoon, you'll be treated to a private guided tour of the archeological ruins. A luxury transfer will then whisk you away to the cliffside Caruso, a Belmond Hotel on the Amalfi Coast that's a converted 11th-century fairytale palace in the sun-soaked town of Ravello. In the evening, join a celebration of artisanal food production, with a cooking demonstration and traditional Cilento music. Spend the next day in coastal bliss and either partake in a boat excursion to Positano or a painting lesson from a local artist. And on your final night in this Mediterranean paradise, enjoy a glitzy gala replete with exquisite culinary creations, live music, and conversations with new friends. The train will begin its inaugural journey along this route starting in May, which is one of the best times to visit Italy. It will depart Paris at 11:00 a.m. on May 4, 2026 and arrive in Pompeii on May 7, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. (estimated). The luxe journey starts at around $10,000 per person. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. Novo Nordisk A/S Bagsvrd, Denmark, 4 November 2025 On 30 October 2025, Novo Nordisk announced the submission of an unsolicited proposal to acquire Metsera, Inc. (Metsera)1. Today, Novo Nordisk confirms that it has submitted an updated, unsolicited proposal to acquire Metsera. The updated proposal has been declared superior by Metseras board of directors. The acquisition of Metsera, including its early and development-stage incretin and non-incretin analogue peptide programmes, would provide Novo Nordisk the opportunity to maximise the potential of Metseras complementary portfolio and capabilities. An acquisition would be in line with Novo Nordisks long-term strategy of developing innovative and differentiated medicines and treating millions more people living with obesity and diabetes and their associated comorbidities. About the updated proposal Under the terms of the proposal, Novo Nordisk would acquire all outstanding shares of Metseras common stock at a price of 62.20 USD per share in cash (equal to an approximate aggregated equity value of 7.2 billion USD or approximate enterprise value of 6.7 billion USD) and contingent value rights (CVRs) for up to 24.00 USD per share in cash (or an approximate aggregated value of up to 2.8 billion USD) based on the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones. The cash consideration will be paid at signing in exchange for non-voting preferred stock representing 50% of Metseras share capital and the CVRs will be issued upon the closing of the acquisition in exchange for the remaining shares. Novo Nordisk believes that the proposal, including the structure of the transaction, complies with all applicable laws and is in the best interest of patients who will benefit from our commitment to innovation, as well as Metseras shareholders. This offer highlights Novo Nordisks commitment to investing in the US and interest in continuing to grow the scale of its US investments. The proposal is subject to the terms of Pfizers merger agreement with Metsera. Under the terms of the Pfizer agreement, Pfizer has the right to negotiate with Metsera adjustments to the Pfizer agreement so that our proposal would cease to constitute a superior proposal. Following this negotiation period, if Metseras board of directors concludes that the Novo Nordisk proposal continues to be a superior proposal, Metsera would be entitled to terminate the Pfizer agreement and enter into a binding agreement with Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 78,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (Novo-B). Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NVO). For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) One person is in the hospital after a shooting in Greensboro on Monday night, according to a Greensboro Police Department news release. At 09:24 p.m., Greensboro officers responded to the 1200 block of East Bessemer Avenue when they were told about an unknown problem/person down. Arriving officers found someone who had been shot, and the victim was taken to a hospital. 1 shot in Greensboro on East Bessemer Avenue, taken to hospital, police say (WGHP) 1 shot in Greensboro on East Bessemer Avenue, taken to hospital, police say (WGHP) 1 shot in Greensboro on East Bessemer Avenue, taken to hospital, police say (WGHP) No suspect information is available at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators believe robbery was the motive for the shooting. The investigation is ongoing. 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 FOX8 WGHP. Home and Away spoilers follow for UK viewers. Next week on Home and Away on Channel 5, Lacey decides to take matters into her own hands when David hits a dead end with the investigation into Kristina's crash. Meanwhile, Eden is worried after making a discovery about Cash. Elsewhere, Mac and Levi get life-changing news, and Harper has a worrying accident. Here's a full collection of 14 massive moments to come. You can also check out our collection of 31 spoiler pictures from these episodes as well. 1. Eden struggles with the wedding plans Channel 5 Eden struggles with writing her wedding vows and her anxiety is heightened when Cash refuses to let her see his. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Eden sneaks off to find them, John catches her in the act and doesn't believe her excuses over what she was doing instead. Eden feels even more pressure when Abigail interrupts her day with Cash and explains that the hen party is happening later that night. Eden is apprehensive over the plans, but feels she has no choice but to go along with it anyway. 2. John makes a mistake Channel 5 With Eden feeling overwhelmed, John presses forward with the planning and asks Leah about the wedding cake. Leah is surprised to learn she's supposedly in charge of it, but John insists they are going for a traditional wedding and tells her not to bother Eden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John's interference comes back to bite him when he later learns from Eden that the cake is included with the venue. Before he can fix it, Cash casually tells Leah the same thing, leaving Leah secretly furious with John. 3. David follows a new lead Channel 5 Cash tells David that theyve been able to trace the owner of the car that Jo remembered during her hypnotherapy and that the vehicle was sold six days after the accident. David brings the owner Councillor Craig Wendell in for questioning, but he acts confused and denies anything to do with an accident involving his old car. As Councillor Wendell leaves, he locks eyes with Jo, who rushes off to tell Lacey about what happened. 4. Jo and Lacey team up Channel 5 As David continues to dig for information about Councillor Wendell, Jo and Lacey have a plan to speed up the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They come up with a plan to tell David that Jo is having a panic attack, so hell rush home, giving Lacey a chance to snoop in his office. When David arrives home, he is annoyed to find Jo alone, unaware that Lacey has already sweet-talked her way past the desk at the station. Inside, Lacey snaps quick photos of David's investigation board, determined to uncover the truth herself. 5. Mackenzie and Levi get life changing news Channel 5 Mackenzie is feeling hopeful after her embryo transfer, but Levi reminds her that it's too early for pregnancy symptoms and thinks they should manage expectations. But with Mac unable to focus on anything else, Levi eventually suggests they take a pregnancy test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple are overcome with emotion when the test is positive Mac is pregnant. 6. David faces a major setback Channel 5 David gets a call from a lawyer ordering him to cut all contact with Councillor Wendell immediately. Things get even worse for David when he gets a call from the super intendant, who has been alerted to the investigation and the involvement of a lawyer. Defeated, David heads to Salt, where he confides in Justin about his fears of letting both his daughters down, and his late wife too. 7. Eden makes a worrying finding Channel 5 Eden continues to worry about what Abigail is planning for her hen, and Cash is relieved that Tane is seemingly organising a far more low-key celebration for him instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, when Cash learns that Tane has bigger plans, he and Eden convince both Tane and Abigail to cancel everything and secretly plan their own party instead. With that problem sorted, Eden focuses on her vows and finally gets her hands on Cash's. After reading them, Eden is even more anxious and confides in John that she is worried Cash is going to embarrass himself. 8. Mali makes a discovery Channel 5 Mac and Levi are overjoyed about their pregnancy but decide it's too soon to share. When Mali discovers the positive test and worries it's Abigail's, Mac reveals the truth, leaving Mali delighted. Mac and Levi enjoy having someone else in on the secret but agree to keep it quiet for now, not wanting to overshadow Eden and Cash's upcoming wedding. 9. David makes a difficult decision Channel 5 David tells Justin that he has reached a dead end with Councillor Wendell's case and fears that might mean breaking the rules something he's never done before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, David clears his office of the case evidence and closes the file, finally accepting that it might be time to let go. 10. Harper has a worrying accident Channel 5 Sonny is left mortified when he accidentally pops a champagne cork into Harper's eye. With Harper in pain, Sonny and Dana are forced to take her to hospital. At the hospital, Bree wants Harper to stay overnight for a CT scan and specialist review. With no improvement, Harper fears losing sight in her eye, prompting Bree to organise another test. 11. Cash makes a confession Channel 5 The celebrations are in full swing at Cash and Eden's party, but she is still worrying about his vows. Eden confides in Remi that Cash's vows are utterly terrible, and she doesn't know what to do about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a drunk Cash later admits that he deliberately planted the bad vows, after learning Eden had been snooping. 12. Remi faces another setback with Bree Channel 5 Bree and Remi have an awkward interaction when they bump into each other at the hospital, and he is disappointed to discover she won't be attending Cash and Eden's wedding like he'd hoped. Feeling deflated, Remi pays her a visit the following day, wanting to find out why shes not going to the wedding. Bree is forced to give him the time of day but makes it clear that she is skipping the wedding because of him, and theyll never be friends. 13. Lacey takes matters into her own hands Channel 5 Theo is stunned to learn that Lacey spent the night outside Councillor Wendell's house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Theo's warnings, Lacey pushes forward with her own investigation, insisting she'll continue with or without him. With Theo on her back, Lacey lies that she is giving up on her plan, but as soon as he has gone, she leaves a threatening voicemail for the councillor. 14. Dana refuses to forgive Sonny Channel 5 Sonny is guilt-ridden over Harper's accident and is even more upset when Dana makes it clear he's to blame. Despite his attempts to apologise to Harper, Dana remains unimpressed and tells him she wants him gone. Realising he needs to change his ways, Sonny vows to show up properly for Dana, but his efforts are short-lived when she gets the wrong end of the stick. Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK. Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage The new edition of Living Legends is here! Buy Ariana & Witches in newsagents or online, priced at just 8.99. You Might Also Like The 1960s, now there was a decade that truly shook things up. It was a time of massive change, from cultural revolutions to some of the most unforgettable events in history. For those who lived through it, the '60s were a whirlwind of political tension, groundbreaking movements, and music that still echoes in our ears today. Looking back, it's hard not to feel like every year in the 60s had something monumental to offer, and many of those moments still shape our world. Of course, not everything was peace, love, and rock n roll. Alongside the magic were tough issues that would change how people viewed their government, society, and each other. The U.S. grappled with civil rights battles, assassinations of beloved leaders, and protests that drew generations into heated debates. Meanwhile, the world watched as humans reached for the stars, literally, with a space race that had millions glued to their TV sets. Heres a closer look at some of the decades most famous moments that defined not just the '60s, but the course of modern history. 1. The Civil Rights Act Passes (1964) Image Credit: Cecil Stoughton - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a monumental victory for the civil rights movement. This act banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, or national origin, marking a significant step toward equality in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It didnt happen without a fight, though. The act came after years of protests, marches, and sacrifice from activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and countless others. This legislation transformed American society, paving the way for future advancements in civil rights. 2. JFKs Assassination (1963) Image Credit: rblfmr / Shutterstock. The world stopped on November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. The shock of his death reverberated across the globe, leaving a profound impact on the American psyche. JFKs charisma and vision made him a symbol of hope for many, and his loss was deeply felt. Conspiracy theories still swirl around his assassination, making it one of the most talked-about events of the 20th century. 3. The Moon Landing (1969) Image Credit: Unknown author or not provided - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong took one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind as the first human to set foot on the moon. The Apollo 11 missions success was a victory for NASA and a proud moment for the U.S. in the Cold War space race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watching the grainy footage of Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin hopping around the lunar surface remains one of the most awe-inspiring moments ever broadcast, showing that the sky really wasnt the limit. 4. Woodstock Festival (1969) Image Credit: M Shelley, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons The Woodstock Music and Art Fair in August 1969 was more than a music festival; it became a symbol of the counterculture movement. With acts like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, the festival drew nearly half a million people to a dairy farm in New York. Woodstock captured the spirit of the '60s with its message of peace, music, and unity, encapsulating a generation's hopes and ideals in one muddy, unforgettable weekend. 5. Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream Speech (1963) Image Credit: Rowland Scherman - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic I Have a Dream speech during the March on Washington. His words resonated deeply with millions, painting a hopeful vision for a future without racial discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speech became a cornerstone of the civil rights movement, inspiring generations to keep fighting for equality and justice. Kings dream is still referenced today as a powerful call to action for social change. 6. The Vietnam War Escalation (1965) Image Credit: Army Specialist Fourth Class Dennis Kurpius - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The Vietnam War loomed over the '60s, with U.S. involvement escalating in 1965 under President Johnson. The wars unpopularity led to massive protests and deeply divided the country, as people questioned the U.S. role in Vietnam. Vietnam shaped public opinion on war, leading to a greater demand for government accountability. The images and stories that emerged from Vietnam would haunt a generation, altering the nations relationship with its military. 7. The Summer of Love (1967) Image Credit: Bryan Costales 2009 Bryan Costales - CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons. San Franciscos Haight-Ashbury district became the epicenter of the counterculture movement in 1967, as young people flocked there for what became known as the Summer of Love. Music, art, and a sense of freedom defined the moment, symbolizing the countercultural shift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Summer of Love wasnt just about fun and music; it was a rejection of societal norms and an embrace of peace and love, encapsulating the ideals of the 60s generation. 8. The Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. (1968) Image Credit: Nobel Foundation - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, sparking grief and outrage across the nation. Kings death was a devastating blow to the civil rights movement and to those who had found hope in his message. The loss of King spurred further action, as communities across America came together to continue the fight for justice, ensuring his legacy would live on. 9. The Berlin Wall Goes Up (1961) Image Credit: Christian Mueller / Shutterstock. In 1961, the construction of the Berlin Wall symbolized the harsh realities of the Cold War. The wall split families and friends, dividing East and West Berlin for nearly three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Berlin Wall was a stark reminder of the ideological divide between the West and the Soviet Union, symbolizing the oppressive nature of communist regimes and the desire for freedom. 10. The British Invasion and Rise of The Beatles (1964) Image Credit: Elena_Alex_Ferns / Shutterstock. The Beatles landed in the U.S. in 1964, and the world of music was never the same. Their appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" marked the start of the British Invasion, bringing new sounds and cultural influence across the Atlantic. The Beatles not only revolutionized music but also helped shape the identity of a generation. Their influence extended beyond melodies and lyrics, igniting a cultural shift that resonated with young people who sought self-expression and creativity. 11. The Voting Rights Act (1965) Image Credit: Yoichi Okamoto - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Following the historic Selma marches led by civil rights activists, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Johnson in 1965. This legislation targeted racial discrimination in voting, especially in the southern U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This act became a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring that African Americans could vote without barriers. It was a monumental victory that underscored the importance of equality in representation. 12. Stonewall Riots (1969) Image Credit: Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock. In June 1969, the Stonewall Inn in New York City became the epicenter of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. After a police raid, patrons and activists took a stand, igniting days of protests that brought attention to the LGBTQ+ community's struggles. Stonewall marked a significant step toward equality for LGBTQ+ people and became a defining moment in the movement for equal rights. It highlighted the strength of marginalized communities fighting for recognition and respect. 13. The Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy (1968) Image Credit: Warren K. Leffler - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Just two months after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was shot while campaigning in Los Angeles. RFK, a prominent advocate for civil rights and an end to the Vietnam War, was a beacon of hope for many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His assassination was a devastating blow to a nation already in mourning, and it deepened the sense of disillusionment. RFKs death left many questioning the future of the country, but his ideals continued to inspire those who sought change. 14. Malcolm X's Influence and Assassination (1965) Image Credit: Eddie Adams - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Malcolm X was a powerful voice for African Americans, advocating for empowerment and racial pride. His approach contrasted with Martin Luther King Jr.s, focusing on self-defense rather than nonviolent protest. In 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated, silencing yet another transformative leader. His influence, however, continues to resonate in discussions about race, equality, and justice, symbolizing strength and the complexity of the fight for civil rights. Nineteen Triangle restaurants received Michelin recognition and business is expected to pick up at the locations in the coming days. The state tourism department, Visit North Carolina, says studies have shown places could see a double-digit sales increase as soon as they receive Michelin recognition. Dozens of people packed into Prime Barbecue when the beloved Knightdale BBQ joint earned the guide's nod of approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is absolutely insane. We are so thankful," said Prime Barbecue Manager Marcus Shealy. For the first time, the American South is being included in the prestigious guide. "I never thought it was possible that Michelin would even come to the Southeast," said Raleigh restaurateur Chef Scott Crawford. "I sort of gave up the dream for Michelin stars by staying in the South." When Crawford started cooking in the region more than 25 years ago, he says he focused on building up the Capital City's culinary scene. Now, three of his places are listed as Recommended Michelin restaurants: Crawford and Son, Jolie and Brodeto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's the most meaningful recognition that I've received in my career," said Crawford. "We're incredibly humbled and it is a surreal moment in time for me." "This is a major award for the Triangle food scene," said Brewery Bhavana Chef Chun Shi. Shi was once a computer programmer, working and living in China. In her 40s, she decided to give up a lucrative career to follow her passion for cooking in America. I'm so thrilled. It's such an honor. She brought the flavors of her homeland to the kitchen of Brewery Bhavana. The restaurant was also recognized by Michelin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Never in my wildest dreams did I think that Michelin would take an interest," said Shi. "I'm so thrilled. It's such an honor." Tamasha Indian Restaurant is another spot that received the accolade. "We have more responsibility now. We have to raise the bar," said Tamasha Co-Owner Mike Kathrani. The state tourism department, Visit North Carolina, says all of these Michelin recognitions will strengthen the economy and make it a foodie destination. "It's an amazing opportunity for the whole state of North Carolina," said Visit North Carolina Spokesperson Scott Peacock. Michelin is a global bill opportunity. It's a global platform. Travelers from all over the world look for and seek out Michelin-starred and Big Gourmand and Recommended restaurants to not only dine out when they're in places, but also to plan trips around." SEE ALSO | VisitRaleigh celebrates record-breaking year: 'Tourism's back Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App Two people are dead after an apparent murder-suicide at a home in Beverly on Monday. A man and a woman were found by Beverly police officers with gunshot wounds inside a home on Colonial Road around 9:40 p.m. on Monday, according to the Essex County District Attorneys office. They were later pronounced dead. Officials have not publicly identified the man or woman. No further information on their identities is expected Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said there is no public threat related to these deaths. Beverly Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tuckers office and the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are continuing to investigate the deaths. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Officials on Monday identified two men who died in an apparent shoot-out with each other on Friday in St. Paul. Lawrence A. Harris, 30, of St. Paul, was found shot in the street in the North End early Friday. Meanwhile, someone drove Lasean T. Williams, 28, of St. Louis Park, to a nearby fire station. He and Harris, who police said knew each other, sustained multiple gunshot wounds. St. Paul Fire Department medics took Williams to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris died at the scene in the 400 block of Front Avenue. Officers responded to the shooting about 4:20 a.m. Friday. Investigators were working to determine what led to the men exchanging gunfire. Their homicides were the 10th and 11th of the year in St. Paul. There were 25 homicides as of the same time in the city last year. Related Articles Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Two young girls were in intensive care at a hospital after they were thrown from a Ferris wheel at a festival near Baton Rouge, La. The girls, both under 13 years old, around noon Saturday were ejected from the ride's basket while it was rotating and they fell 20 feet onto a steel platform in New Roads, which is part of Pointe Coupee Parish, about 40 miles northwest of Baton Rouge. A third girl clung to the basket and was rescued. WAFB-TV reported one girl has a possible brain bleed and the other has broken bones. They were taken to the Children's Hospital in Baton Rouge, NBC News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Rene Thibodeaux told NBC News that the girls were sitting in the basket when it tipped over. "As it was going around, it was just, like, stuck at an angle and they flipped out of it," Ronald Brasseaux, who witnessed the incident, told WAFB-TV. He said he felt unsafe riding the same ferris wheel the previous day. "They need to take this thing down," he told the TV station. Brasseaux said he believes the basket's hinges might have gotten stuck. The ride didn't have any restraints. "I feel like it should be seatbelts on there, because, mind you, it's just a gate on there, like somebody can easily fall out, a child can easily just open the gate and then step out," witness Madison Fields told WBRZ-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another visitor, Eddie Jones, told WAFB: "We were in line to buy tickets to the Ferris wheel, and I heard a girl scream, and I looked over, and the Ferris wheel car was kicked over. I don't know how it got in that position, but it was stuck. Yeah, I'll probably never get on another Ferris wheel." He posted video of the accident on Facebook. The ride and another one nearby were closed to the public amid an investigation. The state's fire marshal's office is required to perform safety checks on rides and attractions. The Ferris wheel is operated by Crescent City Amusements, based in Slidell, La. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, a ride operated by the company, the Ring of Fire, stranded riders upside-down for more than three hours in northeastern Wisconsin. An investigation found a lighting transformer lodged into the track. The Ferris wheel was part of the annual Harvest Festival, which supports the local agriculture-based community," according to its website. It ran from Friday through Sunday on False River. The Ferris wheel is named after its inventor, civil engineer George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., who designed the ride for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Authorities are investigating an apparent murder-suicide at a home on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Officers responding to a home at Colonial Drive in Beverly around 9:40 p.m. Monday found a man and woman inside suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Beverly Police Chief John LeLacheur. The victims, whose names havent been released, were pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video from the scene showed the home roped off with yellow police tape and multiple cruisers parked outside. All of the lights inside the home also appeared to be turned on when officers arrived. Neighborhood residents called the news of the deaths horrifying. I am horrified. This neighborhood is a quiet neighborhood, and Im heartsick over it, one resident told Boston 25 News. I cant believe this happened here. My heart goes out to the family. There were no additional details immediately available. State police detectives assigned to Tuckers office and the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are assisting Beverly police with the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) The Hampton County Sheriffs Office (HCSO) says one of the gunshot victims in Mondays shooting on Altman Road, Boynton Woodrow OBrien, 51, of Hampton, SC, was pronounced dead on the scene. A second victim was transported to a hospital for medical treatment by Hampton County EMS. Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to contact the HCSO Tip Line at 1-866-942-1120. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the HCSO mobile app or by using the Submit a Tip form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hampton County officials are investigating after two people were shot, a sheriffs office spokesperson announced Monday night. The shooting occurred near Whippy Swamp Bridge on Altman Road in Hampton, according to a spokesperson for the Hampton County Sheriffs Office. The area will be closed for several hours as deputies and investigators work the scene. Officials ask that residents avoid the area and plan alternate routes while they investigate. 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 WSAV-TV. NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (KCAU) The North Sioux City South Dakota City Commission is moving forward with their Flood Recovery Land Acquisition Project. City staff made offers to homeowners impacted by last years historical flooding to buy their land. Officials say 16 properties will go through purchase agreements ranging from more than $45,000 to more than $519,000. That would be a total of nearly $4 million, which will come out of the citys general funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below Mayor Chris Bogenrief said the funds for each property were accepted by the homeowners. We just felt like those people got sacrificed for the rest of the town, and it was just the right thing to do, said Mayor Bogenrief. And, were making anyone whole, but were sure helping a lot, taking a big part of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only three to five homeowners did not take the purchase agreements. Mayor Bogenrief said he hopes to close those agreements by the end of the year. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. When Casey called into The Ramsey Show about her husbands debt, she was barely holding back tears. Im just so overwhelmed. the Ohio nurse, 33, told Dave Ramsey and co-host George Kamel, her voice breaking. Ive never been in this much debt before. (1) Must Read She and her husband, also 33, have only been married a year, but shes cracking under the strain of their joint finances and his $72,000 student-loan debt. Thats nearly twice the average $39,075 student-loan balance. (2) Casey brings in $90,000 a year as a nurse and is working to pay off her own $6,000 debt, consisting of a medical bill and credit-card debt. Meanwhile, her husband makes $30,000 from his insurance business and recently started a job pulling in another $3,000 a month, but hes not using that extra income to pay down debt. In fact, hes adding to their debts, claiming its helpful to use credit cards and get loans to build up credit history in order to buy a car or a house. His latest move? They already had a two-year-old car which he sold in order to lease a new Tesla. Tesla leases range between $350 and $500 a month, money that could have gone to pay off debt. (3) Casey didnt find out about this financial decision till she saw the car in the driveway. Im not sure how we can, you know, work together and tackle this debt, Casey said. Ramsey was not impressed. This guy does whatever he wants to do and then comes home and tells you, I leased a Tesla, he said. Thats a husband that needs to be smacked and I cant help you with that because I cant reach him from here. Heres what he recommended. What happens when you marry before you talk about money Ramsey said Caseys problem is bigger than debt her marriage itself is in deep trouble. He recommended she and her husband seek marriage counseling immediately. Read more: Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now Tonight, tell him, Im so scared, I cant breathe and you are killing me, Ramsey advised. He told Casey to tell her husband she would be seeing a marriage counselor and would like her husband to join her. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Secretary of State Cole Jester are appealing circuit court orders to move up two special elections, but the Arkansas Supreme Court declined to pause the orders during the appeals. Sanders and Jester are pictured here as he assists her with filing for reelection on Nov. 3, 2025. (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate) Arkansas first candidates for next years elections packed the Capitol rotunda on Monday to formally declare their candidacies, kicking off the nine-day filing period and the 2026 election cycle. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, U.S. Rep. French Hill and U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, all Republicans, filed their paperwork with the Secretary of State to run for reelection. Democratic challengers of all three candidates also filed within two hours of the opening of the filing period for partisan candidates at noon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hallie Shoffner, a sixth-generation Arkansas farmer running as a Democrat for Cottons seat, told reporters her campaign emphasizes the things that really matter to Arkansans, such as ensuring people can afford food and health care instead of expecting workers and families to stretch their paychecks beyond their limits. Arkansas has the nations highest rate of food insecurity, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released in September 2024. The USDA has said it will cease issuing the report. Shoffner noted the ongoing federal government shutdown is likely to worsen this issue, putting federal food assistance funding in jeopardy. Hallie Shoffner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, stands in the Arkansas Capitol rotunda with her 7-year-old son, Max Sullivan (bottom left), and her husband, Michael Sullivan (right), on Nov. 3, 2025. Shoffner seeks to challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton in 2026. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) Its a political decision, its a policy decision [members of Congress] are making not to deal with it, and thats something Im going to change, Shoffner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On his campaign site, Cotton said he is fighting for policies that put Arkansas first and make America strong again. Chris Jones, a Democrat who lost to Sanders in the 2022 gubernatorial election, filed to run for Hills seat representing Arkansas 2nd Congressional District, which includes much of Central Arkansas. Jones criticized Hill for, in his words, staying silent about the effects of the government shutdown, which is entering its sixth week. While SNAP benefits are being cut off, we have the President having a Great Gatsby party for his billionaire friends, and French is saying nothing, Jones said. I think that is what really matters, and its impacting Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill defended his record on the shutdown. I voted on Sept. 17 to keep the government open, and the government needs to be open so that were not inconveniencing our families, inconveniencing people dependent on federal benefits, our federal agencies here, Hill said. So we need the Senate to find five more Senate Democrats to join those Democrats and Republicans in the Senate that have voted consistently some 13 times to reopen the government. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, who represents Arkansas 4th Congressional District, filed to run for reelection Monday at the state Capitol. (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate) U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, a Republican from the 4th Congressional District, filed to run for reelection. Diana Lawrence and Robb Ryerse, Democrats from Northwest Arkansas, filed to run for the 3rd Congressional District seat held by eight-term Republican Rep. Steve Womack. Executive branch Sanders, running for her second term in the Governors mansion, was the first to file Monday. She said if elected to a second term she planned to focus on a lot of the same key areas as she has in her current term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those areas include education and public safety, as well as affordability and continuing work to phase out the state income tax. In her current term, Sanders pushed through major legislation overhauling the states education system and the parole system, parts of which have been challenged in court. The implementation of all of those things has to continue, and I want to see Arkansas continue to move to the top, Sanders said. President Donald Trump endorsed Sanders, who was his former press secretary during his first term, in a post on his social media platform Sunday. As of 5 p.m. Monday, no one had filed to run against her in the Republican primary. Sen. Fred Love of Mabelvale filed to run in the Democratic gubernatorial primary Nov. 3, 2025, in hopes of challenging incumbent Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders next November. (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate) State Sen. Fred Love, a Mabelvale Democrat who has reached his term limit in the Legislature, made his candidacy for governor official Monday. He said he has already started traveling across the state to connect with voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody is saying the same thing, and Im letting them know: Arkansas deserves better, and better is coming, Love said in an interview. Love is expected to face Supha Xayprasith-Mays, who also filed Monday, and Gary Huskey in the Democratic primary. Xayprasith-Mays was among the gubernatorial primary candidates Jones defeated in 2022. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Cole Jester intends to file Tuesday to run for Commissioner of State Lands, an office up for grabs since incumbent Commissioner Tommy Land has reached his two-term limit. Secretary of State Cole Jester is running to be the states land commissioner in 2026. He is pictured here assisting Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders with candidate filing paperwork on Nov. 3, 2025. (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate) Arkansas land is one of our greatest sources of growth, and we have to steward it well, said Jester, who likely will face two Republican primary opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2026 election marks Jesters first political campaign as a candidate. He is ineligible to run to keep his position as secretary of state because he was appointed, not elected, after John Thurston vacated the office upon winning a special election for state treasurer last year. Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton, is among three Republican candidates who filed Monday to run for secretary of state; Democrat Kelly Grappe also filed to run for the position. Other sitting officials who filed Monday included longtime lawmakers such as Rep. Mark McElroy, R-Tillar, who is running for a sixth term. He said the first hour of filing Monday had a circus atmosphere compared to previous years, with the line to submit paperwork taking longer than it has in the past. Republican two-term Rep. Jeremy Wooldridge of Marmaduke filed to run for the Senate seat held by Sen. Blake Johnson, R-Corning. Wooldridge is so far the only House member challenging a sitting senator in a primary election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to serve the people of Northeast Arkansas, and I want to do that in the most effective seat possible, Wooldridge said. Open legislative seats The 2026 primary election is scheduled for March 3 and the general election is Nov. 3. Runoff elections for the general election, if necessary, will be Dec. 1. Rep. David Ray, R-Maumelle, filed for reelection Nov. 3, 2026. (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate) Next years election calendar also includes two special elections to fill vacancies in Senate District 26 and House District 70. Both are scheduled for a primary election on March 3 and a general election on June 6, but the timing of both has been challenged in court. The Senate District 26 seat became vacant after the death of Branch Republican Sen. Gary Stubblefield on Sept. 2. The House District 70 seat opened up when Rep. Carlton Wing, R-North Little Rock, resigned on Sept. 30 to become the new executive director and CEO of Arkansas PBS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Bo Renshaw filed to run for the vacant House seat Monday. Democratic party leaders have said they believe they can flip the seat, and two Democrats Alex Holladay of North Little Rock and Cordelia Smith-Johnson of Sherwood filed on Monday. Wing defeated Holladay in 2024. House District 70 overlaps with Senate District 13, a seat up for grabs since North Little Rock GOP Sen. Jane English has reached her term limit. Two Republicans plan to run in the primary for Englishs seat: two-term Rep. Brandon Achor of Maumelle and former Department of Human Services administrator Mischa Martin of Sherwood. Martin called herself a grassroots candidate in an interview Monday before filing. Achor, who has not yet filed, said he has already made legislative efforts to make health care more affordable and wants to emphasize to voters that he will continue to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Democrats are expected to compete for their partys nomination in Senate District 13: Allison Grigsby Sweatman and Jason Williams. Sweatman unsuccessfully challenged English in 2022. English, Love and Hammer are among several lawmakers who have reached their term limits, including Rep. Fred Allen, D-Little Rock. Pulaski County Justice of the Peace Steven Person filed to run for Allens House seat Monday. A supporter of Charity Smith-Allen, a candidate for Senate District 15, holds up a sign in the state Capitols rotunda on Nov. 3, 2025. (Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate) Allens wife, Charity Smith-Allen, and Loves wife, ShaRhonda Love, filed to run for Loves Senate District 15 seat. Rep. Tara Shephard, a Little Rock Democrat, filed to run for the same seat and said in an interview that she is the best person for the job because she is the only candidate in the primary with government experience. No Republican has announced or filed candidacy for the seat so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Hammer running for the open Secretary of State position, fellow Benton Republican Randy Sams filed to run for Hammers Senate District 16 seat Monday. Sams said he wants to be a true conservative lawmaker who will listen to the voice of the people. A statewide issue thats likely to affect next years elections is the ongoing fight to build a 3,000-bed state prison in Franklin County. Sanders has been one of the proposed prisons biggest supporters; Stubblefield represented part of Franklin County and was a staunch opponent of the plan. The Senate failed to pass a $750 million prison appropriation bill earlier this year after five attempts, and the matter is expected to be at the forefront of the 2026 fiscal session, which begins in April. Hammer repeatedly voted in favor of funding the prison. Sams said he has spoken to Franklin County residents even though he is not running to represent them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Im looking at is, yes, representing the people in District 16, but we also have to look at [the fact] that the vote we give as senators also affects the people of Arkansas, Sams said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) The Norwalk Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash where troopers said a 22-year-old driver hit a 79-year-old man crossing the street. According to a media release, the crash took place at about 8:46 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3. on State Route 635 near County Road 592 in Liberty Township, Seneca County, Ohio. Police body cam footage released after local Airbnb shooting injured 9 The preliminary investigation shows that a 2014 Chevy Impala was southbound on State Route 635 when it struck the man crossing State Route 635, stated the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 79-year-old has been identified as Kenneth Goshe of Fostoria. Father and son crack open Ohio Lottery Cash Vault According to troopers, Goshe succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene and was transported to Tiffin Mercy Hospital. The driver of the Impala did not sustain any injuries in the crash. The incident remains under investigation. It was not clear if any charges have been filed. 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. (The Center Square) In less than a few months, 26 states have begun working with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to ensure only U.S. citizens are voting in federal elections now that states have access to an upgraded database with critical immigration information. The USCIS has been making upgrades to its Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database and working with states to verify citizenship status for a range of programs, including voter registration. Trump administration improvements and expanded access to the SAVE database have enabled state agencies to submit more than 46 million voter verification queries ahead of Tuesday's election, USCIS says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USCIS remains dedicated to eliminating barriers to securing the nations electoral process, USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser said. By allowing states to efficiently verify voter eligibility, we are reinforcing the principle that Americas elections are reserved exclusively for American citizens. We encourage all federal, state, and local agencies to use the SAVE program. Currently, only 26 states already have, or are in the process of establishing, a memorandum of agreement for voter verification with SAVE, USCIS says. Government officials at all levels in all states should be committed to eliminating voter fraud and restoring faith in Americas elections. States can now access the SAVE database to verify the citizenship of those on state voter rolls using the last four digits of the registered voters Social Security number instead of requiring all nine numbers. Registered state agencies are also able to access the data without needing a Department of Homeland Security identifier, which was previously required. Expanded access and upgrades to the system is a marked reversal from Biden administration policies that prevented state access to information, prompting 16 Republican attorneys general, including Texas, to sue. The AGs raised grave concerns that by failing to work with States to verify voter registration information, [DHS] has failed to discharge its duty ahead of a national election, The Center Square reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, a coalition of Republican attorneys general have repeatedly called on the U.S. Senate to pass the SAVE Act, a bill that would ensure additional safeguards are in place to prevent noncitizens from voting in federal elections. The bill passed the House but has failed to pass the Senate. Florida was the first to sue DHS more than a decade ago identifying problems with the SAVE database, including an inability to verify Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers and many other types of documentation, The Center Square reported. Last year, Texas secretary of state removed an initial batch of 6,500 noncitizens from Texas voter rolls. She also requested information from the Biden administrations DHS/USCIS, including a list of 454,289 registered voters in Texas who have never had their citizenship verified. The Texas SOS didnt receive the requested information and also sued, The Center Square reported. Six months later, under a new administration, the SAVE database was made available to all states. In March, President Donald Trump issued an election integrity executive order directing DHS to provide states with free access to the SAVE database. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the Texas SOS identified nearly 3,000 noncitizens on Texas voters roles after accessing SAVE database information, The Center Square reported. Other states have also been announcing similar findings. The SAVE database isnt just used for voter registration verification but also for federal, state and local government agencies to verify immigration status for those seeking benefits, licenses, background investigations and other applications. MOAs enable state and local agencies to submit information about an individual to cross check against the SAVE database, which includes data maintained by the departments of Homeland Security and Justice and the Social Security Administration. Trump administration changes to the system have enabled federal agencies to submit more than 110 million queries to help verify eligibility for federally funded benefits. These initiatives, combined with SAVEs status verifications for new benefit requests, have collectively resulted in more than 205 million status verifications queries as of October 2025, up from 25 million queries submitted last year, a 12-fold increase. NEED TO KNOW A murder investigation has been launched after a 31-year-old Taiwanese influencer was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Malaysia According to reporting in local outlets, The Star and New Straits Times, which cited local police chief Datuk Fadil Marsu, the case was initially classified as a sudden death but is now being classed as a murder case According to both outlets, Malaysian rapper Namewee, 42, real name Wee Meng Chee, was the last person seen with Hsieh An investigation is underway after a 31-year-old Taiwanese influencer was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Malaysia, according to local media reports. Hsieh Yu-hsin, better known as Iris Hsieh who has 546,000 followers on Instagram was discovered deceased around 1:40 p.m. local time on Oct. 22, according to Malaysian paper The Star. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hotel was located on Jalan Conlay, a street in Kuala Lumpur, local outlet the New Straits Times reported. After initially being classified as a sudden death report, the investigation is now being classed as a murder case, the outlet stated, citing local police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus. Iris Hsieh/Instagram Iris Hsieh Iris Hsieh Malaysian rapper Namewee, 42, real name Wee Meng Chee, was reportedly the last person seen with Hsieh, The Star noted. The New Straits Times claimed he'd been in the same room as the victim at the time of the incident. It had previously been reported that the musician had been charged with illegal drug use and possession, according to multiple local media outlets and the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local officer Datuk Fadil Marsus said of Namewee, He was later arrested for alleged possession and use of drugs but was released after pleading not guilty to drug-related charges at the Jalan Duta Court on Oct 24, while discussing the case on Tuesday, Nov. 4, per The Star. SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Namewee Namewee Namewee who is known for his songs and music videos about taboo topics in Malaysia had been arrested on Oct. 22, after officers reportedly found pills believed to be ecstasy, the BBC reported. Officer Fadil said the rapper had tested positive for illicit substances including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC and he was remanded for two days before his release, per the outlet. However, Namewee has since denied taking drugs in a translated statement shared on Instagram, insisting "at most I've been drinking more recently." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said in the post that he felt "deeply" sorry about Hsieh's death and claimed the ambulance "was nearly an hour late," adding that "the truth will come out" when the police report is released, which "should still take two or three months." Officer Fadil noted that police had recorded statements from hotel staff and security, and were reviewing CCTV footage in an attempt to trace Hsieh's movements before her death, The Star stated. Investigations are ongoing from all angles, including individuals who were last with the victim. We will review all movements of both the victim and the suspect to determine whether he is a suspect, Fadil said of the case, according to the paper. 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 team has taken statements from hotel staff, security guards, and transport operators, including airport personnel," the officer said, per the New Straits Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a comprehensive investigation examining every movement of both the victim and the person last seen with her," he continued, the outlet reported. The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. PEOPLE has also attempted to contact Namewee. Read the original article on People TYLER, Texas (KETK) A man has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting a child under 14-years-old in Tyler, Overton and Bossier City, La., according to the Smith County District Attorneys Office. East Texas man gets life in prison for sexually abusing family member Mugshot of Cory Grant, courtesy of Smith County. Overton Police Department Chief Bryan Pool led a multi-agency investigation that started on Feb. 12 after a child under the age of 14 reported that Cory Grant, 37, of Overton, had sexually assaulted her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim reported that Grant had sexually assaulted her four times over three weeks in January 2024, once in Bossier City, once in Tyler and twice in Overton. Through the cooperation of Overton Police Department, the FBI, Child Protective Services and the Tyler Police Department, investigators learned that Grant had been dating the victims mother since November of 2023. A Smith County jury found Grant guilty of Aggravated Assault of a Child in the 114th District Court on Thursday. The jury then sentenced Grant to life in prison on Friday. Justice was served for this young victim thanks to her courage and the dedicated work of multiple law enforcement agencies, Smith County Assistant District Attorney Zachary Gilmore said. This sentence ensures that Cory Grant will never harm another child. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. NEED TO KNOW Four people were taken to the hospital after an Iola Independent School District bus rolled over onto its roof on Monday, Nov. 3 The incident occurred in Iola, Texas, at around 7:30 a.m. local time on FM244 The bus driver alleges that they swerved to avoid a white SUV that came into their lane, according to Texas DPS Four people including two kids were hospitalized after a school bus flipped over in Texas. At around 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, Nov. 3, a school bus belonging to the Iola Independent School District (ISD) crashed after allegedly swerving to avoid an oncoming vehicle on FM 244, local outlets KXXV-TV, KBTX-TV and KHOU11 reported, citing the Texas Department of Safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, an aide and two students were onboard at the time of the crash and had to be hospitalized for minor injuries. lola ISD confirmed in a post on Facebook that one of their school buses was involved in an accident and that everyone is safe. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. A few students and the driver sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital as a precaution for further evaluation, the school district said, adding that all the families of students who were on the bus were contacted directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are grateful for the quick response of emergency personnel and school staff, and we will continue to support the students and families affected, they added. Sergeant Justin Ruiz with the Texas Department of Public Safety told KXXV-TV that the bus had been traveling northbound when a white SUV allegedly came into the bus lane. "It is said that there is a possible involved white SUV that the driver of the bus drivers stated may have come into her lane so she swerved to the right a little bit, went into the ditch here, and then rolled over," Ruiz told the outlet. DPS said the white SUV didn't stop after the incident and troopers are working to track down the vehicle. The agency is investigating the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE has reached out to the Texas DPS for comment. DPS cleared the bus from the area, but gashes remain in the dirt and grass that show where the bus rolled over, per KXXV-TV. One nearby Grimes County resident, Scott Kelley, told the outlet that he had been concerned when he saw what happened. "Well, honestly, I was like, 'God, I hope everyone's OK,' cause it looks major and that's the last thing you want is to, for someone's safety or someone to be critically injured or hurt or whatever," Kelley told the outlet. "I'm just grateful that no one had gotten major hurt or anything, and that's the main thing," he added. Read the original article on People The sole survivor of a fiery plane crash that killed 260 people in western India five months ago is back home in England, but he says his life has been upended by the trauma, leaving him unable to even speak with his family. Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, slammed into a building in Ahmedabad shortly after taking off on June 13, killing 19 people on the ground and everyone on board the plane apart from the passenger in seat 11A, Viswash Kumar Ramesh. Bloodstains on his t-shirt and clutching his phone, Ramesh limped on June 13 from the smoldering wreckage of Flight 171 in total shock. Five months later, he's still in disbelief. "It is miracle, isn't it," Ramesh, a U.K. national whose native language is Gujarati, told CBS News partner BBC News. "Still, I not believing, I am only one survivor." Viswash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the Air India Flight 171 crash in June 2025, speaks with BBC News in Leicester, England, Nov. 2, 2025. / Credit: BBC News His younger brother Ajay was among the 241 people killed on the plane. He had been sitting just a few seats away. "I'm luckiest man, but also, I lost everything. My brother, for me, I lost my brother." Ramesh has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, constantly haunted by the horrors of that day, and he is still suffering with physical injuries, too. "It is very painful for me to explain that happened, still. I can't say anything about that now," he told the BBC. "Now I'm alone. I just sit in my room alone, not talking with my wife, my son. I just like to be alone in my house." Forensic experts and DGCA officials searching for evidence at Air India Plane crash site, June 13, 2025, in Ahmedabad, India. / Credit: Raju Shinde/Hindustan Times/Getty CBS News was at the crash site in the days following India's worst aviation disaster, and we pushed Air India officials to address the grieving families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Investigations will take time, but anything we can do now, we are doing," the airline's CEO Campbell Wilson said right after the crash. "We understand that people are eager for information For now, our teams are working around the clock to support passengers, crew and their families as well as investigators however we can." Ramesh's legal team says Air India has still not provided adequate support or compensation, however. The airline made an interim offer of less than $30,000. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the sole survivor of the Air India plane crash, Viswash Kumar Ramesh, in a hospital in Ahmedabad, India, not long after the June 13, 2025 disaster. / Credit: Doordashan/Reuters Air India told CBS News in a statement that "support through what must have been an unimaginable period" for Ramesh remains its "absolute priority." The airline said it had requested to meet with him and would "continue to reach out, and we very much hope to receive a positive response." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the disastrous crash has not been confirmed, but a preliminary report released in July by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said cockpit cutoff switches for fuel supply to both of the Boeing 787's engines had been switched, one after another, within one second, leading to both engines losing thrust. President Donald Trump: The 2025 60 Minutes Interview President Donald Trump's extended 60 Minutes interview New poll shows who Americans blame for the government shutdown DENVER (KDVR) Voters across Colorado are deciding on two statewide propositions that both deal with free school meals on Election Day, while voters in Denver will also see questions about the Vibrant Denver bond measure and flavored tobacco products. The two statewide propositions will determine if the Healthy School Meals for All program will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch for all Colorado public school students or be scaled back significantly. Free on Your TV FOX31+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program was originally approved by voters in 2022 and projected to cost about $115 million in its first year. However, the program ended up costing about $162 million because of higher-than-expected participation, according to a report by the Colorado Department of Education. Colorado is one of nine states that provides free meals to all public school students regardless of income. As of Oct. 3, there were about 4.5 million registered voters in Colorado. Of those, about 25% were Democrats, 22% were Republicans and slightly more than 50% were not affiliated with any party. The remainder were registered with other parties. When do polls close in Colorado? Your ballot must be received by the county clerks office by 7 p.m. MT on Election Day. Mailing is no longer an option; ballots must be brought to a drop-off location or votes must be placed in person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find a drop box or in-person voting location near you. When will we know the results of the Colorado elections? In the 2024 presidential election, the AP first reported results in Colorado at 7:05 p.m., or five minutes after polls closed. The vote tabulation ended for the night at 3:35 a.m. with about 79% of total votes counted. The vote count was reported at a similar pace for the two Nov. 2023 statewide ballot measures. The first votes were reported at 7:03 p.m., while the final update of the night was at 4:21 a.m. with about 85% of the vote counted. As of Thursday, nearly 355,000 ballots were cast, about 30% from Republicans, about 28% from Democrats and about 40% from voters not affiliated with any party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Nov. 2023, the last Colorado general election, when two propositions were the only contests on the statewide ballot, just shy of 1.7 million voters cast ballots on the measures, about 39% of registered voters. Colorado holds its elections predominantly by mail. How can I follow live election results on TV and online? FOX31 and Colorados CW2 will have live election night coverage during all evening shows. All of these newcasts also stream live on KDVR.com and on the FOX31+ app. 3-7 p.m. FOX31 News 7-8 p.m. CW2 9-11 p.m. FOX31 News The results will also be shared on Wednesday morning on the FOX31 Morning News and Daybreak on CW2, which both start at 4:30 a.m. Where can I get Colorado election results online? FOX31 will have complete live election results from Colorado and Denver, with the results on the ballot measures and other races across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check KDVR.com and the FOX31 app for the latest election results. Your Local Elections Headquarters: Candidates, races and results on FOX31 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 FOX31 Denver. ST. LOUIS A police chase involving a stolen vehicle in north St. Louis was caught on camera. The suspect behind the wheel was someone you might not have expected. Investigators said a 64-year-old woman led police on a slow-speed pursuit last Friday afternoon. Folks at Kings Auto Repair said it was a regular business day for them when they saw a stolen Volkswagen SUV flying down Kingshighway Boulevard on four flat tires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hear this noise coming down the street and see a car with four flat tires speeding by, with unmarked police cars behind it, Jay Johnson said. Next thing you know, we hear a loud crash right up the street and that was pretty much it. According to a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson, the incident began around noon when offices spotted the vehicle near Dr. Martin Luther King Drive Drive and Kienlen Avenue. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Police attempted to pull the SUV over, but the driver refused to stop. Officers deployed spike strips to flatten the tires, but the driver kept going, slowly grinding along Kingshighway until crashing down the street from the repair shop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It worries me because we already have so many accidents here on Kingshighway, and this happened right at lunchtime, Johnson said. Im just glad everyones okay and no one got hurt. The driver, identified as Angela McIntrye, was taken into custody without further incident. No one was hurt. The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged McIntyre with resisting arrest by fleeing. She remains jailed without bond pending trial. Her next court date is scheduled for Nov. 10. You kind of get immune to it now. You hear about this kind of thing so much in the city, it happens so often, its hard to even be shocked anymore, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives said its just a reminder that even a slow-speed chase can turn dangerous in seconds. 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 FOX 2. NEED TO KNOW An avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal has killed seven people, including five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides Three of the dead hikers are American citizens, according to NBC News Four people are still missing as Nepali officials attempt to reach the area At least seven people have died and four people are still missing after an avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal. Nepali officials confirmed on Monday, Nov. 3, that the avalanche killed five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides, according to ABC News. The avalanche ravaged the base camp, which is located at an altitude of 4,900 meters, or 16,070 feet. Mount Yalung Ri reaches a 5,600-meter, or, 18,370-foot, height. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four other individuals were injured in the avalanche, Armed Police Force spokesperson Shailendra Thapa told ABC News. Three of the hikers are reportedly American citizens, according to NBC News. The State Department told the outlet that it is "aware of media reports of U.S. citizen deaths in Monday's avalanche," but is "still working to gather further information," the outlet reports. "We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide consular assistance," a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told NBC News. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families of all those affected." The group of 15 people total intended to climb Yalung Ri at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time when the avalanche occurred, according to multiple reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE has reached out to the Armed Police Force for comment. The victims have not yet been publicly identified. Rescuers were forced to reach the site on foot after severe weather prevented a helicopter from accessing the area, CNN reports. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The helicopter was eventually able to reach the nearby Na Village to the east of the mountain, per NBC News, but Alan Arnette, a mountaineering expert from Colorado who has climbed Mount Everest, told the outlet that the weather delay "almost eliminates any chance of finding anybody for rescue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So it turned into a recovery operation, and the No. 1 rule of recovery is for the rescuers not to become the victims, Arnette said. "They must go very carefully and very slowly, take care of the injured first, evacuate them out by helicopter when its safe and then look for the bodies, if possible." Read the original article on People By Emily Chow and Ashitha Shivaprasad SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Oil prices slipped on Tuesday as investors read OPEC+'s decision to pause output hikes in the first quarter as a signal of oversupply in the market. Brent crude futures fell 37 cents, or 0.6%, to $64.52 a barrel by 0700 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down 37 cents, or 0.6%, at $60.68 a barrel. On Sunday, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, known as OPEC+, agreed to a small oil output increase for December and a pause in increases in the first quarter of next year. OPEC+ has raised output targets by around 2.9 million barrels per day - or around 2.7% of global supply - since April, but slowed the pace from October amid predictions of oversupply. "(The) market may see this as the first sign of acknowledgement of potential oversupply situation from the OPEC+ front, who have so far remained very bullish on demand trends and ability of market to absorb the extra barrels," said Suvro Sarkar, energy sector team lead at DBS Bank. The bosses of some of Europe's biggest energy producers on Monday, however, challenged forecasts of an oil supply glut next year, pointing to increasing demand and easing production. The U.S. Department of Energy's deputy secretary, James Danly, said he does not think there will be an oil glut in 2026. The decision by OPEC+ to keep output targets steady came after Russia lobbied for the pause because it would struggle to increase exports due to Western sanctions, four OPEC+ sources said. In October, both the U.S. and Britain imposed sanctions on Russia's two major oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. JP Morgan said in a note that "our oil strategists maintain their view that while the risk of disruption has increased, U.S. measures, along with complementary actions by the UK and EU, will not prevent Russian oil producers from operating." Despite the current dip in oil prices, the sanctions could continue providing some price support in the near term, said independent analyst Tina Teng. Market participants are now waiting for the latest U.S. inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute (API), due later in the day, for more trading cues. A preliminary Reuters poll showed U.S. crude oil stockpiles were expected to have risen last week. [EIA/S] (Reporting by Ashitha Shivaprasad in Bengaluru and Emily Chow in Singapore; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Christian Schmollinger) A 72-year-old man died, and his 73-year-old wife was seriously injured after they were ejected from their Jeep on State Road A1A in Ormond-By-The-Sea. The Florida Highway Patrol said Scott March hit the couple while speeding down A1A and illegally passing them in his Corvette. March was taken into custody this afternoon. The victims family talked to Channel 9 Volusia County reporter Demie Johnson. Their son said Cole Osborne said his parents Julia and Tom Lauck spend part of the year in Ohio and part in Ormond Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his mom is still in the hospital with a humerus fracture, broken ribs and her left leg had to be amputated. The crash happened right by Lagerheads Bar and Grill. The restaurants posted on its social media pages saying patrons and staff witnessed it and that their hearts are broken. Osborne hopes anyone with information that could help the case comes forward. I have two small children and thats their grandpa thats gone. Thats my dad. Their grandpa is gone and you know and grandma is going to change. Grandma is going to need help, said Osborne. March is being held in the Volusia Branch Jail on no bond., Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. HEPHZIBAH, Ga. (WJBF) AARP Georgia, in partnership with local organizations and law enforcement, is hosting a free community fraud prevention event on Saturday. According to organizers, the event, called Scam Jam, will be held Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Diamond Lakes Robert Howard Community Center located on 103 Diamond Lakes Way in Hephzibah. Attendees will learn how to recognize and avoid scams AARP says affects many Georgians, including investment scams, online shopping fraud, classified ad fraud, lottery and prize scams, tech support scams and romance scams. Participants can also utilize free document shredding on-site to securely dispose of sensitive information and prevent identity theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fraud is a growing threat that can impact anyone, said Adrion Bell, an AARP Georgia spokesperson. By coming together as a community, we can raise awareness, share resources, and help residents stay one step ahead of scammers. The Richmond County Sheriffs Office, Georgia Legal Services, SRP Federal Credit Union, Better Business Bureau, Richmond County Marshals Office, Area Agency on Aging, Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, First Community Bank, and Oak Street Health Augusta are also expected to be present. Registration is required. To register, click here. 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 WJBF. KANSAS (KSNT) The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been suspended nationwide for three days now, and pantries are already beginning to run low here in Kansas. On Monday, we spoke with several members of the community who lost food stamps on Nov. 1. Theyve told us, its a very uneasy time for them, and say that the situation is absolutely terrifying. The SNAP program is currently suspended due to the ongoing government shutdown. It has left more than 180,000 Kansans, including 80,000 children, without benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Kelly issues statement over SNAP Benefits order Additional data from the Kansas Department of Children and Families shows us that the average family on the SNAP program in Kansas receives $366 in benefits each month. Without this money, Kansans tell us they are worried about keeping their children fed. Its really hard not being able to know or understand how were going to feed, not ourselves but more so our children, said Chrisanta Hoskins, a Kansas mother and SNAP recipient. I know I have a couple of family members, but I dont want to take from them knowing that some of them are also dependent on the same benefits that Im dependent on too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another local Kansan we spoke with, Ashlie Guffey, says, As someone who doesnt always know when Im going to have my next meal, its absolutely terrifying to feel that for children and to have their bellies grumble. Kansas Livestock Association talks immigration reform in D.C. After a federal court case, President Donald Trump will be required to use about $5 billion in emergency funds to partially fund SNAP in November. However, for now, Kansans remain without benefits. For more Capitol Bureau 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KSNT 27 News. One of Texas' barbecue's best-kept secrets is returning to the Lone Star State. A mountaintop barbecue joint has been sharing Texas' legendary smoked meats in the wilds of New Mexico for over a decade, but after much anticipation, the smokehouse is getting back to its roots. Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue, located in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, was founded by Lockhart native James Jackson in 2015 and has attracted visitors from around the world to the tiny New Mexico village. Jackson reportedly travels over 630 miles back to Lockhart every six weeks to load up on Lockhart post oak - essential to keep that Texas flavor - but for months he's been investigating Texas properties to bring Mad Jack's back home and be closer to his grandkids. Now the wait is over. Distance sign for Lockhart, Texas at Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue. (Peter Scamardo/MySA) Mad Jack's shared a video to its Facebook page highlighting a property in an undisclosed part of the Texas Hill Country that is set to be Mad Jack's' newest outpost come the spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're excited to announce that we'll be opening 'Mad Jack's Hill Country Bbq' in the Texas hill country next spring!" the post reads. "It's a diamond in the rough, but we're dreaming big! I'm excited to say that we have some fresh ideas, some of which you'll see in the mountaintop. Texas...I'm back!" Over 300 people replied to Mad Jack's announcement, many asking where in the Hill Country it'll be located, as the post did not specify a location. Mad Jack's clarified that it's "waiting to get the keys" and hoping to close on the property by late November. The barbecue joint claimed it tried to purchase the now-closed Kendalia Halle, but apparently the deal fell through. One Facebook user said they wished Mad Jack's would be closer to Boerne, to which it replied, "It's pretty close!" Menu at Mad Jack's Mountaintop Barbecue. (Peter Scamardo/MySA) So, while a location and opening date have yet to be announced, the excitement is building across Texas. As for the original smokehouse in Cloudcroft, Mad Jack's answered in the Facebook comments that the mountaintop barbecue joint will remain open, but he'll probably be around less often as he splits his time between the two spots. Interestingly enough, Jackson put Mad Jack's up for sale in December 2024, and it's still listed for $1.99 million on LoopNet, so it's unclear if he still intends to sell the property or not. MySA has reached out to Mad Jack's for more information on the barbecue joint. This article originally published at Acclaimed New Mexico BBQ joint teases Texas return this spring. Skeletons sat at the "Working Class Thanksgiving" end of the table at the "Shamesgiving" art demonstration in front of the Michigan State Capitol. Nov. 3, 2025. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance. Updated at 10:05 a.m. Advocacy groups gathered on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol on Monday afternoon to put together a Congressional Shamesgiving art demonstration calling out Michigans Congressional Republicans for siding with billionaires and corporate interests over working families, a release on the event stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The art display featured two sides of a Thanksgiving table, one with models of pie and turkey and the other with spoiled food, bugs, polluted water and empty pill bottles. It was intended to show the disparities between what the holiday will look like for wealthy Americans compared to working-class families, specifically calling out Republican U.S. Reps. Tom Barrett, John James and Bill Huizenga. The demonstrations art targeted rising health care costs, lapsing federal food assistance benefits, and water and air quality issues. We see that our Congresspeople are taking money hand over fist. Theyre perfectly secure in their lifestyle, and weve illustrated that with this Thanksgiving display, said Samantha Vimes, an organizer of the event with the League of Conservation Voters. Part of the idea was displaying the wealth, the resources that they continue to have and take advantage of, she continued. The distinction between the two ends of the table at the Congressional Shamesgiving protest was clear from the decor and the contents of the plates. Nov. 3, 2025. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance. Too many of our representatives care about that more than our actual lives, added Rachael Rewitzer, another organizer with the League of Conservation Voters. So we needed something more visual, because how many times can we tell our representatives that people are starving, dying of thirst, dying of all of these different issues, and then they just continue to do nothing. How much more explicit can we be for them to see what it is that were struggling with? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The demonstration was also inspired by a sense of frustration among advocates like Rewitzer, who feels as though she is being ignored when reaching out to her elected officials including James. We needed to try something that was a bit more unique, a bit more creative, that was going to capture attention, since clearly the traditional methods that we are told to go through are not working, she said. One sign specifically called out U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Holland Township) for cancelling events in his district. Nov. 3, 2025. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance. Jill Murphy, an advocate with Michigan Families for Fair Care, felt that the call for affordable health care in particular was personal to her, as she navigates insurance concerns and rising prices. But the response from passersby, she added, was empowering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had a couple families with their kids walk by and they were really into it, asking all the questions, Murphy said. I thought that was pretty powerful because they werent in the know. This story was updated to indicate that the event was sponsored solely by the Michigan Families for Fair Care and Michigan League for Conservation Voters. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX AUSTIN (Nexstar) Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton is set to speak to a crowd of conservative students at the University of Texas on Monday night. Im excited to join students at UT to talk about what it means to courageously fight for freedom and preserve the values that make Texas, and our nation, so strong, Paxton said in a press release. The 7 p.m. event at the the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center is hosted by UTs chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). There is a growing wave of young conservatives across this country rising up, and I know many of these Longhorns are playing an impactful role in that movement. I look forward to being encouraged by their leadership and spirit as I stand with the UT Turning Point USA chapter, Paxton continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxton has aligned himself with TPUSA in recent years, speaking at their annual AmericaFest conference last December. Since TPUSAs founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September, Paxton spoke at two other TPUSA events in Houston and in Lubbock. In the first two events, Paxton mentioned his impeachment trial and his ongoing U.S. Senate campaign. Paxton is currently in a heavily-contest Republican primary against four-term incumbent John Cornyn and fellow challenger U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. 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 KXAN Austin. Longorot Epuus 8-year-old niece, his namesake, was sick. Epuu quickly recognized the signs of kala-azar, the black fever, while visiting his brothers family in a neighboring village in Kenyas vast, arid Turkana region in September of last year. The younger Longorot had a high fever and a swollen stomach, and she was very weak. Also known as visceral leishmaniasis, kala-azar is caused by female sandfly bites and predominantly impacts children under the age of 15. But Epuu didnt know that when left untreated, the disease attacks vital organs and is fatal in 95 percent of cases. Still, he could tell something was very wrong. He picked up his niece and drove her on his motorbike to the local hospital 6 miles away. On the sixth day of her stay, she died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were shocked and completely shaken, Epuu said. It was just too late. A man stands with his bike in front of a clinic Currently, East Africa accounts for over 70 percent of the worlds estimated 50,000 to 90,000 annual kala-azar cases and in Kenya, the disease is becoming endemic in more and more areas, in part due to climate change. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, including dramatic swings between severe droughts and flash floods, have supercharged the breeding of infected sandflies and the spread of kala-azar in the region. Five million people are at risk of kala-azar in Kenya, which has set a goal of eliminating the disease by 2030. Academics, doctors, and field-workers said that target is overly ambitious, in part because U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally cut most international aid to countries like Kenya and shuttered the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, which funded many of the community health workers who manage kala-azar cases and raise awareness on the ground. Between extreme weather and the funding cuts, Turkana is losing many of the resources it needs to address kala-azar right as its becoming more common. The cuts are really tragic, said James Ekamais, the coordinator for kala-azar and other so-called neglected tropical diseases for Turkana County. Early detection and the management of patients is now compromised. We will lose them. We anticipate the death rate going up. A man in a white doctor's coat stands in a lab Kala-azar was first documented in Kenya in the early 19th century when an outbreak occurred around Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world. Since then, the yearslong gaps between outbreaks in Turkana, and throughout Kenya, have shortened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since late last year, there has been a significant surge in cases in northeastern Kenya. Turkana, an area of about 1 million people, is a national hotspot and has seen about 200 to 300 cases annually over the past five years. In September, the county government officially declared a kala-azar emergency as 2025 registers the highest annual caseload on record, with over 520 cases reported so far. Turkana has become one of Kenyas first counties to formally escalate the disease to crisis level as it fears a full-scale outbreak. Meanwhile, Kenyas Ministry of Health and community health workers in Turkana say that both case numbers and fatalities are severely underreported. For sandflies, the dry, degraded land surrounding Lake Turkana provides an ideal environment. They breed in warm temperatures and dark spaces, particularly the cracked soil and ant hills that surround manyattas, communities of traditional homes built with mud and grass. The traditional nomadic livelihoods in the region only exacerbate this challenge, as they increase the exposure faced by herders who are constantly moving their cattle in search of water and food. Sandflies can also easily enter the temporary dwellings and huts relied on by this population. A dry rural scene with stick houses and a large ant hill The temperature in the area can reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit. From 1967 to 2012, minimum and maximum air temperatures in Turkana increased by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius (3.6 to 5.4 degrees F) significantly more than the global average. According to a climate report Turkana County published in 2023, Kenyas mean surface temperature is projected to increase in the range of 1 to 1.5 degrees C (1.8 to 2.7 degrees F) by 2030. Rainfall is also becoming more erratic, leading to extreme droughts that further degrade the land. Just a small climatic change can make a big difference, said Kris Murray, a professor of environmental change and health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. It can speed up the life cycle of the vector in this case, the sandfly leading to an increase in abundance and the biting rate in that area. Two people -- a woman and a child -- walk toward a rural clinic Insect repellent and bed nets help prevent the disease, but these are not readily available in poverty-stricken areas. Kala-azar is often treated with 17 to 30 days of daily injections that include antimony-based drugs, which are known to be toxic and have strong side effects. While an oral drug is currently in clinical trials in Ethiopia, it is unclear when it will become available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many kala-azar patients have co-morbidities. In the remote town of Kaikor, where Epuus niece died, most also suffer from hepatitis B, a serious liver infection. Another common co-infection is HIV/AIDS, which weakens the immune system and makes people more vulnerable to developing kala-azar after sandfly bites. Far-flung areas like Turkana have long depended on community health workers to spread awareness about both kala-azar and HIV/AIDS, as well as manage and report case numbers. Many of these workers were supported by USAID and have seen their funding disappear since Trump slashed the agencys budget. Global USAID funding for neglected tropical diseases a category that includes kala-azar as well as more common infections like dengue totaled $115 million in 2024. Now, all of the funding for neglected tropical diseases for 2025 has been completely frozen, and HIV/AIDS funding has been cut by 70 percent. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told Grist that the programs have been determined to not fit within the standards laid out by Secretary [Marco] Rubio for U.S. foreign assistance, which must make the United States stronger, safer, or more prosperous. They did not respond to questions about which kala-azar programs had been cut and how much money the programs cost. USAID flyers remain plastered across dilapidated hospitals in Turkana, from the fridges storing drugs to the facades of the buildings. Meanwhile, Turkana, alongside nearly a dozen counties in Kenya experiencing kala-azar outbreaks, is suffering from a critical shortage of medications and rapid diagnostic test kits. USAID signs hang on a one-story building in a rural rea Ekamais, the Turkana County neglected tropical disease coordinator, said in mid-May that he had received only five test kits from the national government so far that month. Without kits, doctors attempt to diagnose by physically assessing symptoms, which can be unreliable given their similarities to malaria. The local hospital had already reported 68 cases in May and was experiencing an increasing number of sick refugees arriving from the borders of South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community health workers across Turkana also said they were struggling with shortages of tests and medication in the face of rising case numbers. They also claim that funding from the national Kenyan government has been decreasing, despite its goal to eliminate the disease. The Kenya Medical Research Institute, a government corporation that monitors kala-azar, did not respond to a request for comment. The funding right now is negligible, said James Ekiru Kidalio, director of medical services for Turkana County. Kala-azar is deadly and needs to be handled with the seriousness it deserves. Unfortunately, major drug corporations have shown little interest in the disease. Kala-azar is a major health problem, but the issue is that it generally affects poor people in rural areas, said James McKerrow, director of the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases at the University of California San Diego. As a result, the development of drugs or just studying the disease is not something that international pharmaceutical companies want to do, because theyre not going to make any money on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, there are some minor success stories. In mid-May, Eketan Amurei who did not know her age but appeared to be in her early 20s finished her 30-day treatment plan in Loima, a subcounty of Turkana. A woman wearing colorful beaded necklaces while looking directly into the camera The journey to recovery had been extremely difficult. Amurei experienced severe abdominal pain for a month and tried local and herbal treatments to cure it, including cutting her spleen with a razor blade to release bad blood a common practice among Turkana residents with kala-azar symptoms. When this did not relieve her sickness or swelling, Amurei began walking to the local hospital. The walk was more than 15 miles and took her five days due to her weakness. She slept on the ground outside along the way. Now, finally fully recovered, Amurei said she would walk home and go back to selling firewood to provide for her five children. Ive been wondering how my family has stayed afloat, she said. And Im scared, will I get it again? This story was originally published by Grist with the headline As aid dries up in Kenya, millions are threatened by the climate-driven disease kala-azar on Nov 4, 2025. Air pollution across the vast Amazon rainforest commonly nicknamed Earths lungs is actually worse than some of the worlds biggest cities, new data shows. The Amazons 50 million residents are exposed to a higher level of toxic particulate matter known as PM2.5 than those living in Sao Paulo, Beijing or London, the independent campaigning network Greenpeace International found. The cause of the pollution is largely fires set by humans to clear forest for cattle and pasturelands, according to the peer-reviewed findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These fires expose the real cost of industrial agriculture. Its not just deforestation, it's children in hospital beds, elders gasping for air, and forests turned into smoke to feed the global meat trade, Lis Cunha, a campaigner at Greenpeace International, said in a statement. Exposure to PM2.5 which is a mixture of many chemicals emitted from gas, oil, wood, landfills, constructure, the agricultural industry, wildfires and volcanoes has been linked to dementia. A woman clears dry leaves as flames approach her house in an area of the Para state Amazon rainforest in August 2020. A new report has found residents in and around the rainforest are exposed to more harmful air pollution than the residents of some of the worlds largest cities (AFP via Getty Images) Particles that have a diameter about 30 times smaller than that of a human hair can travel across hundreds of thousands of miles. When inhaled, the PM2.5 can get into the lungs and bloodstream, resulting in premature death, acute bronchitis, and cardiovascular conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These threats disproportionately impact children, infants, people with asthma, and older adults with chronic heart or lung disease. The pollutant has been tied to both lung and heart illnesses and tens of thousands of hospitalizations and early deaths across the Amazon region, Greenpeace says, with levels in Porto Velho and Labrea recording daily averages that exceeded the World Health Organizations 24-hour public health guideline by more than 20 times. That has occurred even as the number of fires has dropped this year due to better weather conditions and increased preventive efforts by Brazils government. The smoke there doesnt just threaten Amazon communities, but can also cause similar problems in wildlife. Fires had killed hundreds of jaguars in just three years, according to research published in 2021. A separate study published the same year found between 93-95 percent of Amazon species had suffered some kind of consequence of the fires there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maintaining a healthy Amazon is crucial to maintaining the balance of the Earths climate because the forest acts as a critical carbon sink a sink that has partially failed, producing more planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions than it takes in. Smoke rises from a fire set in the Labrea rainforest in September 2021. The fires have been tied to tens of thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the region (AFP via Getty Images) Deforestation has also played a role in eastern and southeastern Brazil, resulting in a long-term decrease in rainfall and increase in temperature during the dry season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Greenpeace said that it is calling on the annual United Nations climate conference in Belem, Brazil, to adopt a plan to reverse deforestation and degradation by 2030. That includes cutting ties with meat and feed producers driving the destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Amazon plays a vital role in preserving life on our planet, but its choking on smoke from fires set deliberately by the livestock industry, said Cunha. These incidents are not natural: every blaze started to clear land for cattle endangers everyone living in the Amazon, from city dwellers to Indigenous and local communities living in the forest. Russia has dropped a record number of aerial guided bombs on Ukraine in October, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said on Nov. 4. Russia significantly increased its use of guided aerial bombs (KAB) against Ukraine in October, dropping over 5,328 munitions on Ukrainian military positions and cities near the front line. According to the ministry, this represents the highest number of guided bomb strikes recorded in a month since the beginning of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, during the first ten months of 2025, Russian forces have dropped approximately 40,000 aerial bombs on Ukraine, roughly the same amount that was dropped throughout all of 2024. "(Russia's) air terror is intensifying," the ministry said. Guided aerial bombs, while having a shorter range than missiles, are cheaper to produce and are launched from aircraft within Russian territory or Russian-occupied territories, beyond the reach of Ukrainian air defense. They are nearly impossible to shoot down due to their heavy iron construction and their tendency to approach at extremely fast speeds and from high altitudes, unlike cruise missiles or drones, according to experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia recently upgraded the weapon, which is believed to have a range of up to 200 kilometers, allowing strikes far beyond the front lines. Some oblasts are being constantly under guided bombs attacks, such as Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. On Nov. 3 Suspilne Zaporizhzhia reported that a Russian guided bomb stroke a settlement in the oblast. Dnipro was also reportedly hit on Oct. 30 as the Ukrainian air force announced a guided bomb was headed toward the city. Read also: Russia has upgraded its already devastating glide bombs Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FORT COLLINS, Colo. Two airmen at a Wyoming U.S. Air Force base have pleaded guilty to making false statements about the deadly shooting of a third that prompted the suspension of Sig Sauer M18 pistol use at nuclear weapons sites for a month, the Air Force said in a statement Friday. The gun pause by the Air Force Global Strike Command after the death of Brayden Lovan, 21, in late July was lifted in late August after Air Force officials determined the M18 was safe to carry. Lovan was an airman with the 90th Security Forces Squadron, 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base outside Cheyenne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airman found dead in Wyoming was under investigation in fatal shooting Details about his death were released for the first time Friday, including that the alleged shooter, Marcus White-Allen, had pointed the gun at Lovans chest in a joking manner. White-Allen after the shooting allegedly urged the other two surviving airmen to lie about what happened, according to the statement. White-Allen, who was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and making a false statement, was found dead on base on the morning of Oct. 8. Air Force officials have not disclosed details surrounding White-Allens death, saying it was still under investigation. Laramie County Coroner Rebecca Reid has not returned phone messages seeking information about White-Allens death. A person who answered the coroners office phone Friday said Reid had no comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airmen Sarbjot Badesha and Matthew Rodriguez each pleaded guilty this week to making false official statements related to Lovans death July 20, according to the Air Force statement. Badesha was sentenced to 30 days in confinement and forfeiture of $1,545, while Rodriguez was sentenced to 10 days in confinement, 15 days restriction to base and forfeiture of $500. Both also received administrative demotions. The two reported hearing White-Allens gun go off and then seeing Lovan on the ground, according to the statement. White-Allen allegedly told Badesha, Heres the story. Tell them that I slammed my duty belt on the desk and it went off. White-Allen allegedly told Rodriguez to tell emergency responders that White-Allens holster went off, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither airman initially reported that information, leading investigators to believe at first that White-Allens M18 accidentally discharged, according to the statement. Other U.S. service branches continued to use the M18 while Global Strike Command suspended its use. The suspension occurred while lawsuits against Sig Sauer allege its P320 pistol can go off without the trigger being pulled. The New Hampshire-based gunmaker denies the claims, saying the pistol is safe and the problem is user error. It has prevailed in some cases. When OpenAI announced last week the end of its drawn-out corporate restructuring, one of the freedoms the company had managed to negotiate for itself was the ability to more easily sign cloud contracts with Microsofts competitors. With the new agreement in place, the company waived its first right of refusal to be OpenAIs compute provider. OpenAI is wasting no time taking advantage of that freedom. On Monday, Amazon announced a new multi-year, $38 billion cloud partnership with OpenAI. Starting immediately, Amazon Web Services will provide the company with access to thousands of NVIDIA GB200 and GB300 GPUs for inference and training its next-generation models. Amazon expects to deploy all the capacity OpenAI has agreed to buy by the end of 2026, with the option to purchase additional capacity in 2027 and beyond. Amazon says the partnership will help millions of users continue to get value from ChatGPT. Of course, the question is how OpenAI will pay for all of its cloud commitments. The Informationrecently reported the company was generating about $12 billion in annualized revenue. As part of just its restructuring agreement, the company agreed to spend $250 billion on Azure services from Microsoft. It also has a revenue-sharing agreement with the tech giant that will continue when and if OpenAI is able to develop artificial general intelligence. The government shutdown is beginning to cause more sustained delays at airports across the country due to a shortage in air traffic controllers that could get worse as the busy holiday travel season approaches. Airport interruptions have been largely sporadic. But this weekend was the worst for air traffic control staffing since the shutdown began last month. The Federal Aviation Administration reported Friday that a "surge in callouts" among air traffic controllers had left at least half of the 30 busiest airports across the country understaffed, leading to widespread delays. Two of Southern California's busiest airports Los Angeles International Airport and San Diego International Airport experienced average flight delays of at least an hour on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it might be just the beginning as the government shutdown, soon expected to be the longest on record, heads into its second month at the same time as travelers prepare to fly to spend time with loved ones around the Thanksgiving holiday. "I think it's only going to get worse," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation." Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay for weeks, resulting in high levels of fatigue and stress among staff tasked with keeping the skies safe while wrestling with personal financial pressures. The most recent delays across the country began on Thursday when the FAA warned in an advisory that there would be "no certified traffic controllers available" at Orlando International Airport. By the evening, the airport reported average delays of nearly three hours, with some flights delayed for much longer or canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the FAA reported that the staffing shortage had caused delays for flights bound for a host of airports including those in San Francisco, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. From Friday through Sunday, more than 16,000 flights within, into or out of the United States experienced delays. On Monday morning, more than 2,200 flights were delayed, according to FlightAware. On Sunday, the FAA issued advisories warning that delays were expected to increase to nearly 1 hours for flights heading to LAX between 8 and 10 p.m. At San Diego International Airport, delays were expected to worsen to nearly 1 hour and 20 minutes between 9 and 10 p.m. On Monday afternoon, departures to Texas airports Dallas Fort Worth International, Dallas Love Field and Austin-Bergstrom International were delayed due to staffing issues, according to the FAA. Read more: Here's how the U.S. government shutdown will impact California Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The longer the shutdown continues, the more delays travelers should expect, particularly as winter weather worsens and the demand for air travel increases, experts say. "It's just going to continue to snowball," said Tim Kiefer, an assistant professor of air traffic control at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. "And as we approach the holiday season, specifically Thanksgiving, you're going to start to see this fatigue more and more, and you're probably going to start to see less and less air traffic controllers showing up to work." The crisis comes as Americans start to travel by air in huge numbers, rebounding from the pandemic travel slowdown. In 2024, the FAA reported more than 232,000 flights across the U.S. between Nov. 24 and 28, a record for the time of year. At LAX, one of the nation's busiest airports, officials had projected that 2.2 million passengers would travel through the airport over the Thanksgiving holiday last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When staffing shortages happen, the FAA has said it will reduce the flow of air traffic in an effort to maintain safety, resulting in flight delays or cancellations. Thomas Anthony, director of the aviation safety and security program at USC, said while the public focus has largely been on air traffic control positions, there's a host of employees that perform other critical air travel functions who are being affected by the shutdown. This can also contribute to slower airport security lines, flight delays and cancellations. "Air traffic controllers are just the tiny tip of a very large iceberg," Anthony said. The FAA has for years been dealing with a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers. This means the controllers who are currently working are staffed for shifts six days per week and sometimes work up to 10 hours per day. Now, they're not being paid, Kiefer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air traffic control staff received a partial paycheck in mid-October and got no paycheck at all last week. Many have continued to work and some have been forced to take on side jobs to make ends meet. Fatigue and concerns about how they're going to pay their bills will likely have a negative impact on the level of safety in the air, Kiefer said. "Now, does that mean air travel is unsafe? No, air travel is not unsafe, but it would be safer if you didn't have a government shutdown," Kiefer said. "You would have the controller who's working on a tower being able to focus on the aircraft and not think about how they're gonna pay for Christmas or rent or buy food or anything like that." Read more: Government shutdown threatens to delay home heating aid for millions of low-income families National Air Traffic Controllers Assn. President Nick Daniels, who leads the union that represents air traffic controllers, urged Congress in a statement on Friday to pass a stopgap bill to end the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have said they would not vote to resume federal funding until Republicans agree to negotiate on a compromise on Affordable Care Act tax credits, which are expiring soon. "It is incredibly unfair to expect hard-working, patriotic American air traffic controllers and their families to bear the full burden of policy disagreements in Congress," Daniels said. "We have consistently said that NATCA supports any measure that would end this shutdown and pay our members." Staff writer Rong-Gong Lin II contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A statue of Electra, the Greek goddess of lightning, sits atop Alabama Powers headquarters in downtown Birmingham. An Inside Climate News investigation of of 100 of the largest electric utilities in the country found that Alabama Power had the highest total residential bills on average. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News) This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. Wired for Profit: First in a series about Alabama Powers influence over electric rates, renewable energy, pollution and politics in the Yellowhammer State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MCCALLA Mary Rosenboom is fed up. Like 1.5 million other Alabamians, Rosenboom is forced to pay ever-increasing electricity prices set by Alabama Power and approved by the states Public Service Commission. Each month, Rosenboom forks over hundreds of dollars to the utilityand a massive hyperscale data center proposed near her home, she fears, will make the situation even worse. Her electricity costs are already a huge financial burden. Rosenboom, who works as a sales professional, said she chooses not to run her air conditioner during much of the day to prevent an untenable power bill. Even that isnt enough. Often, Rosenboom said she must turn to high-interest credit cards to keep the lights on. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im robbing Peter to pay Paul, she told Inside Climate News. It makes me sick. McCalla resident Mary Rosenboom speaks at a Bessemer City Council meeting in July opposing the proposed data center in central Alabama. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News) Rosenbooms plight isnt unique. Inside Climate News examined the 2024 federal filings of 100 of the largest electric utilities in the country. None reported higher total residential electric bills, on average, than Alabama Power. Because Alabama is one of the poorest states in the nation, that hits especially hard. Electricity customers here are among the most financially burdened in the nation, the U.S. Department of Energy found. And an analysis by think tank RMI showed that among households with extremely low incomes, Alabamians pay nearly a quarter of their earnings for electricitythe highest percentage in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So why are power bills so high? Experts point to lax regulation by the Alabama Public Service Commission, which is charged with regulating Alabama Power and overseeing any large spending or rate increases proposed by the utility. Robert Blanton, chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been digging into the mechanisms that allow Alabama Power to earn record profits in such an impoverished state. Ultimately, he said, theres strong evidence that Alabama Power has effectively captured its regulator, the PSC. Academics use the concept of regulatory capture to describe a situation in which regulators are more beholden to the entities they are charged with regulating than the public they represent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission conducts much of its regulation of Alabama Power behind closed doors, with little to no access for the public or outside interest groups. It has consistently granted Alabama Power unusually high profit margins. The companys return on equity was 11 percent in 2023, according to a utility analysis by financial firm S&P Global. Thats down slightly from the companys historical average of around 13 percent, but still among the highest of any utility in the country. Nationwide, the average rate of return approved for electric utilities in 2024 rate cases was 9.74 percent, according to S&P. I dont think theres a single utility in the country that would be upset with an 11 percent earned ROE, said Kent Chandler, former chairman of the Kentucky Public Service Commission, now a senior fellow in energy and environmental policy for the R Street Institute. I mean, thats like double what I know some utilities are actually earning. Meanwhile, Alabama Power and its parent, Southern Co., have boasted about their record profits. Every quarter for 78 consecutive years, Southern Company has paid a dividend to its shareholders that is equal to or greater than the previous quarter, the company said in a July press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, representatives for Alabama Power said the companys rates were fair and its reliability was among the best in the nation. The company pointed to high per capita electricity usage in the state, the seventh-highest in the country, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and the third-highest residential usage. The company said that its residential rate, not the total bill, is a more appropriate way to evaluate the companys affordability. On those price-based measurespaired with our industry-leading reliabilityAlabama Powers residential service is fairly priced under PSC oversight, the company said. A graph showing Alabama Power rates being significantly higher than other utilities in the Southeast. Alabama Powers average residential rate last year was 16.77 cents per kilowatt-hour, higher than the national average of 16.48 cents and 35th highest out of 100 utilities examined by Inside Climate News. But the national average includes places like Hawaii, Connecticut and Southern California, which are all among the top 10 states for median household income. Shipping fuel oil to Hawaii and wildfire prevention in California are also huge costs that dont apply in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama Powers combination of above-average rates with top-five usage yielded the highest total residential bills in the nation last year. Other states with similar or greater usage feature lower rates. One reason Alabamas usage is so high: nearly 70 percent of Alabamians use electric heat, as opposed to natural gas, thanks in part to incentives offered by Alabama Power. Louisiana, which has the highest per capita residential electricity use in the nation, has electric rates that averaged 11.64 cents/kWh in 2024, about 30 percent lower than Alabama Powers rate. The average Alabama Power residential customer used 1,129 kWh of electricity per month last year, at a cost of about $189. A customer using the same amount of electricity in Louisiana would have paid $58 less every month. Those figures do not include state or local taxes, so the actual bills are even higher. Average residential rates in the states bordering AlabamaMississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Floridaare 15 to 25 percent lower than Alabama Powers rates. Alabama Powers rates are also well above those of other providers in the state46 percent higher than the average rate last year charged by Huntsville Utilities, which serves almost 200,000 residential customers in north Alabama. A bar graph showing ALabama Power customers paying an averge bill of $2,272, the highest among ten utilities The R Street Institute, the think tank where Chandler now works, gave Alabama an F in its ranking of electricity competitionhow much choice consumers have about where their power comes from. No other state received such a bad grade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group only considered investor-owned utility companies in its rankings, and Alabama Power is the only such company in Alabama. Alabama Power also charges about 16 percent more than Mississippi Power and about 8 percent more than Georgia Power, the other two utilities owned by its parent company, Southern Co. The difference, at least in part, is that Alabama Powers rates are driven up by the companys ever-increasing profits. The company reported a $1.4 billion profit in 2024, almost double the $712 million it earned in 2013, the year the PSC changed its formula for measuring Alabama Powers profits. The companys book valueits assets minus debtmore than doubled over that span, going from $5.5 billion to $13 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama Power said the increase in equity is driven by investments made to improve the system. Growth in book equity primarily mirrors system investmentstorm hardening, cyber and physical security, as well as transmission and distribution upgrades, along with other investments driven by reliability and compliance, the company said. Almost no public participation In virtually all states with regulated utilities, rate cases force the company to justify its proposed increases in a public forum, providing sworn, expert testimony and allowing outside groups to challenge the projections and assertions made by the power company. Not in Alabama. The PSC hasnt conducted a formal rate case related to Alabama Power since 1982, more than four decades ago. There are no courtroom-style hearings on Alabama Powers long-term energy planning or how those plans impact customers bills, said Christina Tidwell, a senior attorney in the Southern Environmental Law Centers Alabama office. These types of proceedings are routine in other states. When the public can participate, we believe theyre better informed about how this process impacts their lives. The facade of Alabama Powers headquarters in Birmingham. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News) Chandler, the former chairman of the Kentucky Public Service Commission, said that while rate cases can be tedious, they are valuable to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the benefits of having rate cases is that you get a holistic look at a utilitys revenues and a utilitys costs, Chandler said. In my experience in Kentucky, consumers benefit from having periodic reviews by an objective regulator. And since regulated utilities earn profits on all their approved spending, the more they spend, the more they earn, he said. They have an incentive to over-invest, Chandler said. And if you never check things after the fact, then youre just writing them a blank check. Wall Street has taken notice. A 2024 report by S&P Global put Alabama in a tier of its own atop the rankings in its State Regulatory Evaluations, examining the likelihood that state regulators might decrease or limit a utilitys profits. The report found no other state where a utilitys profits were as safe as in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last PSC commissioner to advocate for formal rate hearings for Alabama PowerTerry Dunn in 2013was promptly voted out of office in the next election. Dunn, a self-described conservative Republican, faced a curious and largely anonymous campaign linking him to environmental groups. Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, the former PSC president, described Dunns efforts to initiate formal reviews of Alabama Power as a full frontal assault by extremist groups and their fancy San Francisco environmental lawyers. Dunn, who died last year, called the efforts a smear campaign orchestrated against a Republican by fellow Republicans, in a letter to the state party in 2013. Later that year, about 10 people staged what many believe to be a faked environmental protest on the front steps of the PSC building. The protesters, wearing blue surgical masks and other items obscuring their identities, bore signs with slogans such as Environmentalists [heart] Dunn, and Save the Warrior, likely a reference to the Black Warrior River, which runs through Tuscaloosa. Representatives of environmental groups who were there to attend a meeting said they had no idea who the people were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Dunn was defeated in the 2014 Republican primary by Chris Chip Beeker Jr., a cattle and catfish farm operator and former county commissioner in rural Greene Countya county whose largest employer was an Alabama Power plant. Beeker had help. Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, whose lobbying firm represented Alabama Powers parent company, organized a fundraiser for Beeker in 2013. Beeker stepped down from the commission partway through his term last year, citing health issues. His son, Chris Beeker III, filled his seat after being appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey. The PSCs new president, Cynthia Lee Almond, has said transparency will be one of her priorities. But PSC staff would not make her or other commissioners available for an interview to discuss the absence of rate hearings or the publics limited role in PSC affairs. Instead, the PSCs press office provided written responses to questions. Gov. Kay Ivey (seated) with the Public Service Commission shortly after Cynthia Almond was sworn in as president of the commission this summer. From left to right: Commissioner Jeremy Oden; Ivey; Almond and Commissioner Chip Beeker III. (Alabama Governors Office) When reporters reach out to the agency seeking information, the answers come with this warning: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All verbal and/or written responses provided by the staff of the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC) are for informational purposes only and may not be the subject of quotation(s) attributed to staff in any public medium without the express permission of the APSC. A profitable change A turning point for Alabama Powers profits came in 2013. Thats the year Alabama state regulators changed the way they measure Alabama Powers returns, switching from the industry standard return on equity metric to a formula they created, called weighted retail return on common equity. The weighted return rate rewards Alabama Power for having higher ratios of equity to debt. The idea was that by incentivizing company officials to carry a greater percentage of equity as opposed to debt, they would secure higher credit ratings and be able to borrow money under better terms, decreasing overall costs. At the time, commissioners and the company said they expected electric rates to go down as a result. I will tell you as you see adjustments over the next few years, you are going to see a decrease, then-PSC President Cavanaugh said. That didnt happen. Instead, the company benefited from the change far more than its customers did. Alabama Powers electric rates have risen 45 percent across all customer groups since the novel rate formula went into effect. Thats far more than the national average, which increased 29 percent over the same span. Alabama Powers electrical infrastructure in and around Birmingham. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News) Meanwhile, the companys profit nearly doubled, despite producing less electricity today than it did in 2013. Since Alabama Power earns a return on all of its equity, having more power plants and infrastructure in place increases its profitability. The company also earns bonuses under the rate structure for maintaining positive credit ratings by financial agencies and for having a greater than 50 percent ratio of equity to debt. The PSC, in a written statement, denied that its switch to weighted common equity was driving Alabama Powers increased profitability. With regard to your analysis of public documents, which reflect the financial position of Alabama Power, please be advised there is no correlation between Alabama Powers current financial position and the implementation of the weighted retail return on average common equality mechanism in 2013, a commission representative told Inside Climate News. Instead, the PSC said the increased net income was the result of Alabama Powers significant capital investments to modernize its systems, which were approved by the PSC. If thats not regulatory capture . . . Blanton, the political science professor at UAB, sees the absence of rate-making cases, the nations highest electricity rates and Alabamas record profits as unmistakable signs that Alabamas PSC has been captured by the company it regulates. He points to three ways regulatory capture manifests itself in Alabama. One is campaign finance, the ability of the regulated industry to financially contribute towards the campaigns of regulatory bodies, he said. A 2024 analysis by Floodlight, a nonprofit newsroom, showed that of the states that elect the members of their utility regulator, Alabama tops the list of those receiving the most campaign finance cash from fossil fuel-linked interests. Fifty-five percent of political donations to Alabama public service commissioners above $250 from 2013 to 2023 came from fossil-fuel interests, the analysis concluded. You dont have to have a conspiratorial mindset to figure out that gives these donors leverageif theyre the ones that are financing the campaigns of the people theyre supposed to be regulating, Blanton said of such contributions. Robert Blanton, a UAB professor, studies how entities like the Public Service Commission become captured by industries theyre meant to regulate. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News) Part of the problem, Blanton said, is that Alabama is one of 10 states that directly elects its utility commissioners. PSC commissioners say they dont accept money directly from the utilities they regulate, but lax campaign finance laws provide ample opportunity for influencing regulators, Blanton said. An examination of information flows in the state also points toward capture, he said. Theres a general opacity and complexity around the information involved and a relative dominance of the industry as the primary source for information for the regulators, according to Blanton. The third aspect of regulatory capture is cultural capture, Blanton said, a concept that alludes to the extent to which industry and regulators share similar worldviews or perspectives. The key is whether or not regulators are likely to unquestioningly accept evidence and opinions put forth by the industry, and the extent to which regulators accept information from outside sources, Blanton said. Looking at these three lines of evidence, Blanton said there are some clear takeaways about where Alabama finds itselfcaptured. Theres no objective reason why Alabama should be an outlier. Were not hotter than Texas. We dont have worse conditions than Louisiana, he said. Theres just nothing that makes sense. Any reasonable person, looking through the data, looking through the evidence, will say, We have a situation thats, if thats not regulatory capture, I dont know what is. Data center angst Inside Climate News interviewed more than a dozen Alabama Power customers for this story, and each shared the concerns voiced by Mary Rosenboom, the customer who lives near the proposed hyperscale data centerrising energy costs, a lack of transparency and fear about what the future may hold. Mary Rosenboom (right) sits with her neighbors Ron and Becky Morgan. They all oppose a hyperscale data center proposed to be built in their backyards. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News) Rosenboom and others worry that construction and operation of power-hungry data centers will drive their electricity costs even higher. I know thats whats coming, Rosenboom said. And itll be us that foot the bill. Its not good for the citizens. Its good for Alabama Powers pocketbook. Alabama Power and the PSC both insist that data center costs will not be passed on to other customers. But they also declined to say whether those agreements with data centers will be made public, making it impossible to verify those claims. In a statement, a representative for the company said that it takes a disciplined approach to engaging with potential data center customers. We understand that budgets are tight, and affordability is central to our mission. That is why we work hard to connect customers with offerings like Budget Billing, payment plans, efficiency tools, and assistance programs, the companys response said. Data centers will pay the full, fair cost to serve their needs, the company said. We work with the Alabama Public Service Commission to approve large-load customer contracts and any needed operational investments, ensuring a thorough process that validates needs and protects customers. Alabama Power declined to provide a list of planned data center projects and their anticipated electricity demand. Long-term capacity planning is reviewed with the PSC, the company responded. We dont publish speculative load projections for individual customer classes or projects. Any major resource additions follow established processes to ensure reliability and fairness for all customers. Regulatory interactions involving Alabama Power and the PSC are often similarly opaque. During depositions involving Alabama Powers request to purchase a natural gas plant earlier this year, lawyers for environmental groups questioned company management about data centers and their anticipated loads. The companys representatives were often vague in their answers, though they did admit that data centers are the primary driver of increased load projections. When company lawyers did provide substantive information about specific load figures, their answers were redacted in PSC transcripts. Ill say that some projects fall off of this list and some projects are added to this list and the net change is [redacted] megawatts, Alabama Power forecasting manager Maria Burke said in a deposition. They have a mixed answer because in the previous forecast I would say we only had [redacted] megawatts to data centers and in this forecast we have [redacted]. So the delta is [redacted]. If built to capacity, a proposed data center campus in Bessemer, just southwest of Birmingham near Rosenbooms home in McCalla, is expected to consume as much as 1,200 megawatts of electricity, running every hour, 24 hours a day, according to estimates provided to residents. That amount of energy is about 10 times the usage of all residences in nearby Birmingham or around 90 times the usage of all residences in Bessemer. The site of the proposed Bessemer data center is currently a nearly 700-acre wooded plot. Construction would require the clearcutting of more than 100 acres. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News) In one fell swoop, it could increase Alabama Powers total demand across the state by around 10 percent. My power bills already not affordable, said Brenda Small, who lives in a trailer park adjacent to the site of the proposed data center. I had one bill that was $495. No one can afford that. Reliant on fossil fuels Alabama Powers electricity is not only expensive, its dirty and comes with a heavy environmental footprint. The PSC has approved costly upgrades to old coal-fired power plants, allowing Alabama Power to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to delay their retirements by only a few years. The PSC greenlit massive natural gas additions in 2020, 2022 and 2025, making Alabama Power increasingly reliant on fossil fuels for decades to come and its customers vulnerable to price spikes in natural gas and supply shortages in times of heavy energy use. Its coal-fired power plant near Birmingham, the James H. Miller Jr. Electric Generating Plant, has been the nations largest single source of greenhouse gases for nine years running. The company charges hefty fees to customers who install solar panels, smothering the small-scale renewable market. Alabama ranks second to last among states in energy efficiency efforts in a recent scorecard, and upgrades to its old and expensive coal plants seem destined to continue as electricity demand rises due to large data centers. The company has also stuck to its guns on plans to leave nearly 77 million cubic yards of toxic coal ash in unlined ponds along Alabamas rivers, leaching contaminants into the groundwater indefinitely, even as other utilities in the South have agreed to dig out some or all of their ash ponds. And this environmental record, UABs Blanton said, has come under the watch of state regulators, who have minimized the effects of climate change and Alabama Powers pollution. Alabama Powers James H. Miller Electric Generating Plant in Jefferson County, Ala., has been the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States for nine consecutive years. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News) A new profit formula review with no public input When adopting the 2013 profit formula, called Rate Stabilization and Equalization, or RSE, the commission agreed to review its performance every six years. The first review was conducted in 2019, with no changes made to the rate structure. In its responses to Inside Climate News, the commission said the second review has already begunwith no public inputthrough a series of closed-door meetings with Alabama Power and the state attorney generals office. Whether outside experts or concerned members of the public will be provided an opportunity to weigh in on the review will only be decided after the commissions staff has made its findings, the PSC statement said. Tidwell, the Southern Environmental Law Center attorney, said public participation should be essential in utility regulation. Alabama Power customers who are impacted by the PSCs decisions deserve to have a say in the process, Tidwell said. The Public Service Commission is tasked with ensuring that rates are just and reasonable not just for Alabama Power, but also for the public. How can you protect customers best interests when there are almost no avenues for them to participate in the process? Coming next: Part two of Wired for Profit, how the Alabama Public Service Commission has allowed Alabama Power to earn profits far above the national average for decades. (WHNT) Looming cuts to SNAP funding have been closely watched in Alabama and across the United States. The Monday announcement that partial funding for the food assistance program will be provided for November has only increased the scrutiny. Records show 41 million people receive SNAP benefits across the U.S., including 726,000 people in Alabama. Decatur Mayor Kent Lawrence, three new city council members sworn in Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday, the Trump Administration said it will use an estimated $6 billion in U.S. Department of Agriculture contingency funds for SNAP benefits in November. That announcement came after two federal judges Friday ordered the Trump Administration to release contingency funds that had been previously set aside for Congress to ensure SNAP benefits continued to flow. The courts said the Administration was wrong on the law in claiming the funds could not be used amid a government shutdown. Court records show the program costs about $8 billion per month, including administrative costs. That means benefits will likely be reduced to recipients in November, and its currently not clear when that money will be loaded onto program recipient benefit cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madison swears in new mayor, city council News 19 asked the Alabama Department of Human Resources, which administers SNAP here, what happens next? A DHR spokesman provided the following statement: We are aware of todays news regarding this issue, however, the SNAP program is 100% federally controlled, so we are awaiting further guidance from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service with additional details. Gov. Kay Iveys office responded to a News 19 request, saying they were awaiting federal guidance for how the contingency funds would be released. The Governors Office also noted Tuesday is currently expected to mark the first day in Alabama that SNAP recipients will not get food assistance benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its review of the program, the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts noted SNAP benefits are not all released on the first day of the month; they are generally staggered over the first 20 days of a new month. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt said his office is also working to determine how the contingency SNAP funding will be released in Alabama. Aderholt also criticized Democrats for not agreeing to a spending agreement that would end the government shutdown. American families should never be left wondering how they will put food on the table. Its unacceptable that hardworking parents and children are caught in the middle of this government shutdown, Aderholt said, adding, No American should go hungry because of political gamesmanship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Katie Britt also criticized Democrats for not agreeing to a spending bill that would end the shutdown. It is not clear if Trump Administration officials will tap other USDA food assistance contingency funds that a Massachusetts federal judge Friday pointed to as also legally available to fund SNAP. 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 WHNT.com. BAY MINETTE, Ala. (WKRG) Thousands of people in Alabama continue to wait for the restoration of the federal food assistance program. The program impacts nearly 15 percent of the state. Funds for SNAP ended at the start of the month because of the government shutdown. While plans are in the works to restore benefits in some capacity, SNAP and the families that depend on it are still in limbo. Thats where organizations like Feeding the Gulf Coast are trying to step up and help supply additional food distributions around the region. Monday was a busy day for volunteers at Assembly of Praise Ministries in Bay Minette. They were distributing 10,000 pounds of food supplied by Feeding the Gulf Coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car line for people needing food assistance stretched around the church for as far as the eye could see. Many of the people waiting in the cars for food are also SNAP recipients. They say the temporary end of benefits is a real hardship; they have no way around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hurting a lot of people, you know, regardless of whats going on, people still got to eat, you know? said Alice Dortch as she slowly rolled through the carline. Some recipients say the SNAP benefits helped them manage tight budgets, and allowed them to spend money on other needs like utilities and housing. I think its wrong because most people need the benefits. Thats their income. So some people are not working. Some people are disabled, said SNAP recipient LaTasha Mims. Feeding the Gulf Coast says the SNAP pause could impact more than 140,000people in the Gulf Coast region they serve. Food banks they supply have seen an increased demand for food assistance, especially with the government shutdown. SNAP recipients say Congress needs to get it together and reopen the government. 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 WKRG News 5. Gov. Mike DeWine speaks with reporters in a hallway of the Ohio Statehouse, outside of the hearing room where the Ohio Redistricting Commission was meeting last Thursday. (Photo by Susan Tebben/Ohio Capital Journal) Betrayal can be dressed up as bipartisan or best-case scenario, but it is still betrayal. Ohio Republicans picked off two more congressional districts to gerrymander, in defiance of the Ohio Constitution and the clear will of Ohio voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They framed their con as a compromise with Ohio Democrats who defended their complicity in disenfranchising thousands of Toledo and Cincinnati voters as the best possible outcome. This is not what democracy looks like. This is what partisan preservation over democratic representation looks like. No wonder people have clocked out of politics. Cant blame them for thinking their vote isnt worth a fig if self-dealing politicians dont respect it or the law. Ohioans voted twice to end the egregious practice of contorting electoral district boundaries for political gain like the gerrymandered sham just approved at the expense of voters in two of Ohios largest cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 70% of voters approved constitutional amendments in 2015 and 2018 precisely to prevent what the Ohio Redistricting Commission did last week. Ohioans demanded a level playing field in the redistricting done every decade based on the results of the decennial census. They voted to amend their constitution to outlaw political subterfuge that skewed the boundary lines of state legislative and congressional districts to loop in decisive shares of desired voters and dilute the influence of disfavored voters to handily win elections. An overwhelming majority of Ohio voters called that deliberate manipulation of district maps cheating and wanted it stopped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the doubly gerrymandered congressional map hastily approved (without public input) by the redistricting commission Friday dilutes the voting power of big swaths of the electorate in diverse metropolitan communities. It grossly betrays Ohioans who trusted their elected representatives to honor the anti-gerrymandering mandate in the constitution by upholding the law. Citizens were sold out by ruthless partisan operators determined to steal power any way they could. Silenced in a shameful affront to self-rule. But heres the thing: The redistricting reform amendments passed by voters were drafted by the same legislators behind Ohios 2011 gerrymandered maps who never intended to give up control or create fair, competitive districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2020 redistricting process, Ohio Republicans repeatedly defied the constitution and the Ohio Supreme Court with rigged voting maps that illegally gave disproportionate power to one party over the other. Now they have done it again with a congressional district map even more gerrymandered than the last. They manipulated the maps of two congressional districts, held by incumbent Democrats, to unfairly tip the scales and boost the GOPs chances of retaining its U.S. House majority next November. Their dirty deal, cut behind closed doors with Democratic commissioners, drew higher ratios of Republican voters into Ohios 9th and 1st districts to overpower diminished shares of Democratic voters and neutralize their ability to sway elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Controlling Republicans on the panel hailed their bipartisan swindle as proof that the voter-approved redistricting process worked. Commission Democrats, who agreed to throw U.S. Reps. Marcy Kaptur and Greg Landsman under the bus with Republican-leaning districts, fished for praise for staving off a worst-case scenario. A pox on them all for weakening the collective voting strength of their fellow Ohioans in a self-serving compromise rationalized as a political means to an end not policy to advance the public good. Toledos Kaptur, long targeted by Republicans for defeat, got the poorest bet for survival in the new congressional map of the 9th District in northwest Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extreme gerrymandering turned her already red district into a much redder one that will be formidable, if not impossible, for the 79-year-old Democrat (who won her last race by less than 1 percent) to capture in 2026. The urban constituency in Landsmans Cincinnati-based 1st District will be converted into a marginalized minority in a newly jiggered map that scooped up more heavily GOP counties to change the southwest district from one favoring Democrats to one favoring Republicans. What happens in the 2026 midterms is anybodys guess, of course, but there is little doubt about what happened this fall in Ohio and why. It is no secret that the GOP fix was in on redrawing congressional maps from the get-go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans held all the cards. They planned to steal at least two more U.S. House seats through unconstitutional gerrymandering to score points with the convicted felon in the White House and expand GOP dominance in the state. Democrats stooped to a trade-off that saved a third district from being included and insisted it was better than nothing. But nowhere, it seems, did the equal voting rights of every Ohioan take precedence in the infuriating redistricting charade that flagrantly disregarded the letter and spirit of the constitutional amendment which explicitly barred partisan gerrymandering The result is disenfranchised citizens whose voting power to choose their own representatives has been sacrificed to gerrymandered winning at all costs, damn the democratic consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shame on both Republicans and Democrats for breaking faith with Ohio voters on their most fundamental right of self-governance to wield partisan leverage in a political war for control. Call it what it is an epic bipartisan betrayal. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Amazon has announced that nearly 1GW of clean, fossil-free energy is now being supplied to power grids across Europe, following the launch of 20 new renewable energy projects this year. Supported by Amazon, these initiatives span five countries and were developed in partnership with 12 different energy developers, significantly expanding renewable energy capacity across the regions. The new projects comprise 12 in Spain, three in Italy, three in Poland, one in Germany, and one in Greece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collectively, they have the capacity to power the equivalent of more than 700,000 European households each year. Amazon now supports over 230 renewable energy projects in Europe, mainly through power purchase agreements (PPAs). PPAs are seen as essential in providing developers with financial certainty, enabling them to invest in building new projects by securing a long-term buyer for the generated electricity. The resulting projects supply additional renewable electricity to national grids, supporting the decarbonisation of energy mixes and benefiting households, businesses, and the public sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Germany, Amazon invested in the Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm in 2022, committing to offtake 189MW of capacity. Amazon supported its first renewable energy project in Poland in 2024 by backing the Mikowice solar farm, with a commitment to offtake 87MW of capacity. Additionally, in 2023, the company supported the Energias de Barranquilla and Valle del Sol Energias Renovables solar farms in Spain, committing to offtake a combined total of 64MW of capacity. Apart from the 20 projects connected this year, Amazon has already enabled more than 40 operational renewable energy projects across Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 70 additional Amazon-supported projects are expected to be completed and operational by 2030. Amazon says it continues to seek opportunities to expand and advance the renewable energy sector in Europe, with a focus on countries where it operates such as the Republic of Ireland, Spain, and the UK, as well as in regions with carbon-intensive grids, including Poland and Germany. "Amazon-supported projects add nearly 1GW of clean energy to European grids " was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. NEED TO KNOW An American father and son have died after reportedly being stung by a swarm of hornets while ziplining in Laos Daniel Owen, 47, and his son Cooper, 15, were at Green Jungle Park near the city of Luang Prabang earlier this month when the incident occurred, according to U.K. newspaper The Times Owen and Cooper were stung by hundreds of what appeared to be Asian giant hornets as they were descending from a tree with their guide at the adventure resort An Idaho father and son living in Vietnam reportedly died last month after being stung by a swarm of hornets while zip lining in Laos. Daniel Owen and his 15-year-old son, Cooper, were at Green Jungle Park near the city of Luang Prabang when the incident occurred on Oct. 15, according to the U.K. Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owen was about to turn 47, or just had, the Times reported. Phakan Arocavet Clinic, where the pair were first taken to be treated, confirmed the incident in an email to PEOPLE. However, doctor Phanomsay Phakan added that it was "very brief and rushed," and said that he didn't have any further information to provide. Dan Owen/Facebook; Quality Schools International/Facebook A U.S. Department of State spokesperson separately confirmed the deaths of two American citizens in Luang Prabang but said that "out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment." Owen and Cooper were stung by hundreds of what appeared to be Asian giant hornets as they were descending from a tree with their guide at the adventure resort, the Times reported, citing a source close to U.S. diplomats in Laos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The father and son were reportedly conscious when they arrived at Phakan Arocavet Clinic and showed no signs of anaphylactic shock. However, they died a few hours later after being taken to a hospital, according to the Times. Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost/Getty Luang Prabang, Laos Luang Prabang, Laos Owen, who was the director of QSI International School in Haiphong, Vietnam, and Cooper were thought to have been on vacation in Laos when the incident occurred, according to the paper. QSI paid tribute to Owen on Facebook, writing on Oct. 28, "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen, Director of QSI International School of Haiphong, and his son Cooper, due to a tragic accident." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dan dedicated 18 years to QSI, serving in five different schools and touching countless lives with his warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education. He was deeply loved across our community and will be profoundly missed," the school added. Phakan, a doctor at the clinic, told the Times that Owen and Cooper's "bodies were covered in red spots" after they were taken in for treatment. "It was very, very painful. A lot of stings, more than 100, over the whole body," Phakan said. "I thought already that its a very dangerous situation because I had never seen it as bad as that. A spokesperson for the park where the incident occurred said in a statement, per The Times, that Green Jungle Park extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Daniel and Cooper Owen." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson said the park had "reviewed all existing procedures. This event is unprecedented in our experience and, to our understanding, in Luang Prabang as well. It was an unforeseeable and extraordinary natural occurrence." According to the Entomological Society of America, the Asian giant hornet or Vespa mandarinia "is an invasive hornet native to Asia." The Times reported that the hornets are the world's largest and are distinct from Asian hornets (Vespa velutina), which are sometimes found in the U.K. and Europe. Owen's friends and colleagues were among those paying tribute to him following the tragedy. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "The world lost two good ones," Josh Gaines posted on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dan was a beloved and caring principal at QSI Haiphong school. He and his son Cooper will always be in our memories and prayers," added Adriana Custodio De Souza Paoli. Green Jungle Park and QSI didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People AMES, Iowa An Ames Mexican restaurant is aiming to help their community after SNAP benefits were delayed amidst the federal government shutdown. Growing Southeast Polk district looks to $51 million bond for expansion El Jefe Authentic Mexican Cuisine posted on Facebook last week that it would be offering community meals to anyone in need at no cost, no questions asked. The meal contains either two tacos or two enchiladas (beef or chicken), as well as beans and rice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they lost their jobs, everything, like its too hard, too hard to find some food. We try to help the people, like everybody, take home some food, something to eat tonight, Santiago Flores with El Jefe said. The restaurant will be offering the free meals every Monday throughout November. Initially, the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to pause SNAP payments starting November 1 as the department said it wasnt able to continue to fund the program due to the government shutdown. On Monday, President Trump announced that SNAP would be partially funded with the use of an emergency fund; however, no information about how much or when beneficiaries of the program will receive those funds has been released. To learn more about El Jefe and the community meals visit their Facebook page. Iowa news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 who13.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Two bond initiatives in Dona Ana County continue to lead big and appear headed to victory on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Ballot questions in Las Cruces Public Schools and Gasden ISD also continue to look like they will pass. Real time election results for Nov. 4 The Countys first bond question, totaling $105 million, would be used to finance new recreation centers in the North and South County, upgraded parks and outdoor spaces, revitalized community centers and wastewater system improvements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As off 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, this bond issue is leading with 72 percent of the votes (17,718 votes) with 29 percent against (7,028 votes). The second ballot question totals $35 million and will be used for upgrades to the County fairgrounds, including facility improvements and conversion of the old speedway to an amphitheater. It will also be used for road access improvements along the planned High Mesa Road. This second question is leading with 60 percent (14,747 votes) with 40 percent against (9,934 votes). In November, voters will have the opportunity to help us prioritize quality of life initiatives for our community. The approval of these bonds means investing directly in recreational opportunities and quality of life, County Manager Scott Andrews said. Gadsden ISD In Gadsden ISD, voters are supporting a $75 million bond for for building construction and development. District officials said the bond will not increase property tax rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eighty percent (2,732 votes) were in favor, with 20 percent against (678). If approved, the bond money would be used for erecting, remodeling, making additions to and furnishing school buildings; purchasing or improving school grounds; purchasing computer software and hardware for student use; and providing matching funds for capital outlay projects. Las Cruces Public Schools Voters in Las Cruces Public Schools are being asked to approve two ballot questions. Both of those questions look like they may pass easily. The first would renew a mill levy of $3 for each $1,000 net taxable property value for the next six years for capital improvements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For this first question, 66 percent (13,683 votes) are in favor with 34 percent against (7,034 votes). The second question would authorize $65 million in bonds for the purpose of erecting, remodeling, making additions to and furnishing school buildings; purchasing and improving school grounds; purchasing school software and hardware for student use; and providing matching funds for capital projects. Seventy-three percent (15,144 votes) of LCPS voters are in favor of this second question, with 27 percent against (5,600 votes). LCPS said the ballot measures will not increase the tax rate. Over the past year, LCPS has worked with various stakeholders (students, teachers, staff, parents and community members) to identify critical projects that the bond would fund primarily the first phase of much-needed renovations at Mayfield High School, the district said in a statement sent to KTSM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, LCPS said: Investing now helps avoid deteriorating facilities, keeps learning environments safe, modern and competitive for all students. These two ballot questions support equity in our educational spaces, ensuring all school campuses have updated facilities, not just a few. We are confident that our transparency with voters will ensure a successful bond election. To date, voters have never failed a bond question on the ballot. We appreciate our voters trust in the LCPS administration to be responsible fiscal agents of the public trust. 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 KTSM 9 News. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) After more than a week separated from their classrooms due to a sewage leak inside Anacostia High School, students and staff are set to return to their building on Tuesday morning. Classes were relocated to nearby Kramer Middle School last Wednesday while cleanup and repairs were underway after students were dismissed on Monday, Oct. 27. (Tom Donohue) During a community meeting Monday night at the Anacostia Library, parents, students and neighborhood leaders shared frustration, concern and questions about what happened and whats being done to prevent it from happening again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anacostia High School dismissed early due to sewage backup I want there to be follow-through from people who can give us answers what happened, how it cant impact residents further, and what we can do to ensure it never happens again, said Christina Queen. The incident began last Sunday, Oct. 26, when sewage began to fill parts of the school, including the basement and an elevator shaft reportedly, several feet of sewage were discovered Monday. Community members questioned why students were initially sent to school the day after the problem began the day prior, including Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Tom Donohue, who shared a video on social media showing the extent of the damage last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An official with the D.C. Department of General Services said they believed the issue was minor at first. We thought it was a small event It wasnt until the following day again the elevator shaft had filled, said Brian Killian with the D.C. Department of General Services. According to DC Water officials during Mondays meeting, a pump that was rerouting sewage around a century-old pipe which was already under rehabilitation failed on Oct. 26. The agencys contractor said it expects to determine by midweek exactly what caused the failure. Meanwhile, community members said they want more transparency and accountability as students return and neighbors face damage done to their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anacostia High School students relocate as sewage issues continue A representative with cleaning company SERVPRO said seven homes were directly impacted by the sewage leak. DC Public Schools confirmed that Anacostia High School student attendance dropped following the sewage incident when they were moved to Kramer Middle, saying attendance was at 77.6 percent the week prior to Oct. 26 and dropped to around 56.6%. To encourage students to come back this week, DCPS is offering a daily raffle for a pair of Apple AirPods to those who arrive on time this week. Homecoming events were disrupted as a result of the sewage leak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. By any measure, Palantir (PLTR)an early AI adopter deeply penetrated in the U.S. defense industryhas been successful. Its revenue soared 48% in the second quarter versus the same period a year earlier. And its operating income for the 12 months ended in June came in at $569.5 million, pacing well ahead of FY 2024s $310.4 million. But after years of benefiting from equity markets insatiable enthusiasm for AI winners, especially those able to fulfill high-security government contracts, Palantirs valuation has reached nosebleed levels, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio (P/E ratio) of 217 times. Most of Palantirs stockholders, especially retail holders whose dedication to the company runs deep, likely dont care. But its high valuation may lead some to look for alternative ways to buy into the trend of defense and security agencies increasing demand for AI tools. For long-term investors wondering if now might be the right time to diversify away from Palantir, the companys better-priced competitors may be worth a look. Palantir rivals poised to profit from Defense Department deals Hiring patterns tracked by ClearanceJobs.com reveal a tight cohort of publicly-traded AI tech companies that, like Palantir, are actively recruiting for security-cleared positions. The data offers a unique window into each companys trajectory and the breadth of its partner ecosystemby measuring job postings by clients, partners, and subcontractors seeking candidates proficient in that companys platform. Palantir Technologies CEO Alex Karp rides wave of government contracts for AI projects.Image source: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Spoiler alert: Palantir remains by far the dominant player, with only one rivalthe much smaller ServiceNow (NOW)beginning to build recruiting momentum for security-cleared professionals. ServiceNows recently reported Q3 earnings exceeded guidance and included a revised forecast for subscriptions that sent its stock sharply higher after the close. From January to June 2025, Palantir and its partner ecosystem posted an average of 363 new listings each month seeking security-cleared professionals for AI roles using Palantirs technology. This pace rose to 416, 467, and 523 from July through Septembersignaling strong expansion of Palantirs defense-related AI business. However, recent reports have raised concerns about the firm: one cited a U.S. Army warning that its joint communications network faces fundamental security risks, and another questioned Palantirs decision not to bid on the UKs digital ID project. Heres a look at the rest of the field: ServiceNow hiring for defense jobs climbs ServiceNow is the most consistent challenger. Like Palantir, it offers critical AI tools and serves the defense sector. Its Q3 revenue grew 20.5% year over yearabout half Palantirs pacebut its stock trades at a far lower forward P/E (45 vs. 217). Around 520 million children worldwide lived in conflict zones in 2024, 47 million more than the previous year and the highest number recorded since 2005, according to a report by Save the Children published on Tuesday. The aid group said this means one in five children globally were living in active conflict zones in 2024. The report said that 41,763 "grave violations against children" were verified last year alone, a 30% increase from 2023 and a record high. More than half of these incidents occurred in just four regions: the occupied Palestinian territories, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Somalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, 61 state-based conflicts were recorded, meaning those in which at least one warring party was a state government, the highest figure since 1946. Florian Westphal, chief executive of Save the Children Germany, called for urgent political action. At a time of global military build-up, protecting children must be at the centre of security policy, he said, adding that it was scandalous that governments spend more on weapons than on protecting children in conflict zones. The report draws on data from the Oslo-based Peace Research Institute (PRIO) and United Nations reports. Conflict zones are defined as areas within 50 kilometres of a site that experienced at least one "conflict incident" in a given year. From January to September 2025, 11 Russian attacks on vessels have been recorded in Odesa Oblast ports, damaging 13 civilian ships and a naval vessel. Source: Andrii Klymenko, Head of the Black Sea and Baltic Strategic Research Monitoring Group at the Black Sea Institute of Strategic Studies Quote: "Based on updated data, in January-September 2025, our monitoring group has recorded 11 attacks on vessels in Odesa Oblast ports, as a result of which 13 civilian vessels and 1 naval ship have been damaged." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Klymenko said that there had been no strikes on ships in September, but there had been five attacks in August (including a strike on a naval vessel) and five attacks in July. June none, May one, April none, March three vessels, and in January-February no information had been received. The vessels were attacked in the Odesa Sea Port, Chornomorsk Sea Port and Izmail Sea Port; in ports of the Danube area; in the coastal waters of the Black Sea and in the Danube estuary. Klymenko said that the weapons used for the attacks included ballistic missiles, strike UAVs, uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and naval mines. On 1 March 2025, the bulk carrier Super Sarkas (Sierra Leone flag) and the container ship MSC Levante F (Panama flag) were hit by ballistic missiles in the Odesa Sea Port. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 11 March 2025, the bulk carrier MJ Pinar (Barbados flag) in the Odesa Sea Port was damaged in a ballistic strike on the port; four crew members were killed. Quote: "On 23 May 2025, an Iskander-M ballistic missile damaged a container ship in Odesa Sea Port (the information published in the media was not confirmed, and the vessel's name was not disclosed ed.)." More details: On 3 July 2025, a bulk carrier AJ Rose (IMO 9217785, Saint Kitts and Nevis flag) was damaged by an Iskander-M ballistic missile in the Odesa Sea Port (it was reported earlier of a ship under the Sao Tome and Principe flag which could not be identified ed.). Two crew members were killed. On 6 July 2025, a bulk carrier Marika was attacked. The place of impact, nature of damage and other details were not established. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 6 July 2025, a general cargo ship Zeibek (IMO 8213732, Moldova flag) was attacked. The place of impact, nature of damage and other details were not established. On 8 July 2025, a bulk carrier Amadore (IMO 8520824, Malta flag) was attacked. The place of impact, nature of damage and other details were not established. On 23 July 2025, a civilian dredger Inhulskyi belonging to the state-owned company Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, likely struck a mine in the Bystre mouth of the Danube River. Three crew members were killed. August: On 8 August 2025, a bulk carrier Moayad Y (IMO 9135482, Comoros flag), deadweight tonnage of nearly 24,000 tonnes, was attacked. The place of impact, nature of damage and other details were not established. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 20 August 2025, a chemical/product tanker Excellion (Panama flag, IMO 9428437) was seriously damaged in a strike by attack UAVs on the oil terminal of the Izmail Sea Port by the blast wave and resulting fire. On 28 August 2025, a Ukrainian naval vessel Simferopol was attacked in the Danube estuary near a berth. One sailor was killed, and several others were injured. On 31 August 2025, a general cargo ship NS Pride (IMO 8815293, Belize flag) was damaged after striking an unidentified munition while leaving the Chornomorsk Sea Port. On 31 August 2025, a ferry Heroi Shypky under the Ukrainian flag was damaged. It was likely damaged in the Chornomorsk Sea Port. The nature of the damage was not established. Background: On the evening of 23 July 2025, a dredger belonging to the Delta-Lotsman (Delta-Pilot) branch of the state-owned company Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority exploded in the Danube River. The vessel had been in the Bystre estuary carrying out scheduled works with 11 crew members on board. Three employees were killed in the explosion. The maritime approach canal was temporarily closed to vessel traffic. The dredger Inhulskiy, which had previously been damaged while working in the mouth of the Bystre estuary, had been recovered from the bottom and sent for technical inspection, which will determine the scope and procedure for repairs. On the morning of 31 August 2025, a civilian vessel was damaged in an explosion near the Chornomorsk port. It was reported that there were no casualties among the crew and the vessel sustained minor damage. Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on Odesa Oblast on the night of 30-31 August, with the city of Chornomorsk and its outskirts suffering the most. It was reported earlier that since the launch of the Ukrainian maritime corridor, over 5,300 vessels had carried over 137 million tonnes of cargo, including over 84 million tonnes of agricultural exports. In the first eight months of 2025, Ukrainian seaports handled 134,191 TEU, the highest figure since the start of the full-scale war. Andrii Kashuba, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, said that Ukraine needs at least 1 billion to restore its port infrastructure. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Give back to kids in the North Baton Rouge area this holiday season through the Angel Tree Program. Each year, the program invites local departments, organizations, and residents to adopt an Angel, a child in need, and provide gifts to ensure every child wakes up to the magic of Christmas morning. The program is a partnership between the Charles R. Kelly Community Center and Councilman Darryl Hurst. This program is about more than just gifts, said Hurst. Its about showing our young people that their community cares, that we see them, value them, and want to make their holidays brighter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Hurst, about 100 families are registered, and a waitlist exists with another 100 families. Once the last 40 of the first round are assigned a family, they will then open up the registry to help more kids. Every donated toy and every hour volunteered goes a long way, said Hurst. Together, were making sure no child in North Baton Rouge is forgotten this Christmas. To choose an angel, email agbennett@brla.gov or visit the Charles R. Kelly Community Center at 3535 Riley St., Baton Rouge. Gifts should be wrapped and labeled with the childs name and number. Gifts should be returned by Monday, Dec. 1. The gift distribution will be scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the community center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baton Rouges Festival of Lights, Red Stick Revelry 2025: What to know Latest News 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 Louisiana First News. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Peoria Public Schools now has another school rated as commendable in this years Illinois Report Card. Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center was given the high mark for having no underperforming student groups and a graduation rate greater than 67%. The grade marks the second year the South Peoria school has improved in the annual assessment by the Illinois State Board of Education. The achievement was heralded by district officials at the school on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Principal Fabian Daniels, who calls herself the proud principal of the school, is excited about this progress. It feels simply amazing, she said. We knew it would happen one day, and this was our time to be commendable. Last year, the school was given a designation of targeted, which includes many schools that are just on the cusp of being commendable, but have one or more underperforming student groups. Daniels said the faculty at the school has strived to make sure students receive a quality education, and that they also want to be there. We have put in a lot of work and effort from our intentional data dives with our students, our scores to creating a culture where our students feel comfortable coming to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From diving into the data, administrators at Annie Jo have worked with students and their families to get test scores up, along with being intentional about their learning. Reservoir Gifted Academy in Peoria ranked among Illinois best middle schools Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, the districts superintendent, said the report card feedback reflects the districts efforts of always trying to have a better system than the year before. Its not just a few, she said. Its the entire Peoria community thats assisting with those outcomes for young people, to give them a fighting chance for a great career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kherat highlighted the districts effort to put a higher prioritization on writing, and trying to raise their subject proficiency scores. Looking at the chart above, which shows a full list of data regarding all PPS schools, the district now has 10 schools at commendable status, compared to last year having nine. For a complete list of how all the districts schools did this year, click here. Northmoor Primary School moved up to being an exemplary school, bringing the total to two schools at that status, alongside Reservoir Gifted Academy. English language arts proficiency went up by 12%, math proficiency went up by 7% but science proficiency went down by 8%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More increases include graduation rate and attendance rate, among others. The percentage of eight graders passing algebra has gone up by 54% as well. The district has also seen a drop in chronic absenteeism by 6%. 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 CIProud.com. GREENE COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) The Greene County Anti-Drug Coalition partnered with the Tennessee Department of Health to provide free naloxone and training at a pop-up event Monday afternoon. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The event comes after the recent high number of opioid overdoses in Greene County. Christina Matthews, Assistant Director of the Anti-Drug Coalition, said Greene County came back as the second highest in the region for fatal opioid overdoses this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Anti-Drug Coalition is targeting areas, like Greene County, that see the highest opioid rates in Northeast Tennessee. We got our preliminary data back from 2024 of the fatal overdoses, and 37743 was the second highest in the ZIP code, Matthews told News Channel 11. That was the second highest in the region for fatal overdoses, and that was cross-referenced with the help of their hospital data for fatal overdoses, and for between 23 and 25. Matthew Crawford, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist with the Tennessee Department of Health, said naloxone is the most effective tool in reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. The overdose epidemic is real, and I think that if a person has access to naloxone, its one of the simplest and most effective ways to save a persons life, Crawford said. And if the persons still living and its the only chance to have enough recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition is working closely alongside first responders to provide follow-up care to users for months after they are placed in a rehabilitation center to ensure help is met. Cayce Ferguson, Care Coordinator on the REST team, coordinates follow-up care with first responders and rehabilitation facilities for months to ensure healing. We follow up with the individual for up to 12 months after the initial contact with the individual., Ferguson said. Then the first responder that referred them to us for the 12 months and let them know how the individual is doing. The Anti-Drug Coalition plans to provide free naloxone and training to other regions across Northeast Tennessee with high overdose rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Tucker Carlsons interview with a Holocaust denier has opened up major fissures within Maga. Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist who has described Adolf Hitler as awesome and cool, was invited onto the former Fox News hosts podcast for a friendly interview last week, prompting a furious backlash among Jewish groups amid a deepening chasm over Americas support for Israel in conservative circles. Kevin Roberts, the president of the Heritage Foundation, a leading conservative think tank, defended Carlson in a video on X, in which he denied his organisation was distancing itself from the podcast host and warned against attacking our friends on the Right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Heritage Foundation was responsible for Project 2025, a 900-page policy document widely seen as a blueprint for Donald Trumps second term in office. Many of its former staffers have taken up roles within Mr Trumps administration. The American people expect us to be focusing on our political adversaries on the Left, not attacking our friends on the Right, said Mr Roberts, adding that while anti-Semitism should be condemned conservatives can critique the state of Israel without being anti-Semitic. He also declared Carlson will always be a close friend and attacked the venomous coalition criticising the podcast host for sowing division. Kevin Roberts, the president of the Heritage Foundation - George Walker IV/Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved The statement prompted a sharp rebuke from Heritage Foundation staff and board members, as well as Republican senators and top Jewish leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Goldfeder, the chief executive of the Heritage Foundations national task force to combat anti-Semitism, resigned on X, writing: I cannot serve under someone who thinks Nazis are worth debating. Addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition Leadership Summit in Las Vegas last Thursday, Texas Senator Ted Cruz said: If you sit there with someone who says Adolf Hitler was very, very cool and that their mission is to combat and defeat global Jewry and you say nothing then you are a coward. He added that while anti-Semitism has been on the rise on the Left, in the last six months, Ive seen more anti-Semitism on the Right than I have in my entire life. In the interview, Carlson and Mr Fuentes spoke amiably for over two hours, during which the latter claimed that the US cannot be held together unless organised Jewry in America is defeated and raised doubts about Jewish peoples loyalties to the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He further claimed Jews resist assimilation and that their real home is Israel. Carlson responded to the white supremacists comments by declaring his own opposition to Christian Zionists such as Israel Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Mr Cruz more than anybody. Fuentes is fomenting Jew hatred Ben Shapiro, the Jewish Conservative podcaster, excoriated Carlson for attempting to make Mr Fuentess views palatable for his audience. Tucker Carlson decided that it was important not only to host Fuentes but to smooth over his views, water them down and make them far more palatable to a normal audience, The Daily Wire editor said in a recent episode of his show. This is what Tucker Carlson does for a living. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to the backlash on Friday evening, Mr Roberts accused the political commentator of fomenting Jew hatred. First, the Heritage Foundation and I denounce and stand against his vicious anti-Semitic ideology, his Holocaust denial, and his relentless conspiracy theories that echo the darkest chapters of history. We are disgusted by his musings about rape, women, child marriage, and abusing his potential wife, Mr Roberts wrote on X. Nick Fuentess anti-Semitism is not complicated, ironic, or misunderstood. It is explicit, dangerous, and demands our unified opposition as conservatives. Fuentes knows exactly what he is doing. He is fomenting Jew hatred, and his incitements are not only immoral and un-Christian, they risk violence. In an email to staff obtained by The Hill, Mr Roberts underscored efforts by the think tank to combat anti-Semitism under his leadership. He added: Our position on Israel is principled and balanced: theres a great deal of space between believing Israel can do no wrong and blaming it for every wrong. Anti-Semites must not be welcomed Following claims from Preston Brashers, a Heritage Foundation fellow, that he was being pressured to resign for opposing Mr Roberts, numerous staff, fundraisers and board members at the think tank shared messages of support for him online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert P George, a Heritage Foundation trustee, said: I will notI cannotaccept the idea that we have no enemies to the Right. The white supremacists, the anti-Semites, the eugenicists, the bigots, must not be welcomed into our movement or treated as normal or acceptable. Much attention has focused on the role of Ryan Neuhaus and Evan Myers, two senior advisers to Mr Roberts who were allegedly responsible for crafting his initial response, a Heritage insider told The Telegraph. Mr Neuhaus had angered Heritage staff after reposting messages of support for Mr Robertss defence of Carlson on social media, including one suggesting staff should resign if so outraged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an apparent effort to contain the fallout, Mr Neuhaus left the think tank on Monday afternoon, with a Heritage spokesman confirming he was not fired but had resigned. Founded in the 1970s, The Heritage Foundation is viewed as one of the intellectual pillars responsible for the resurgence of the Right in American politics. Since the rise of Mr Trump, it has become heavily associated with political activism, culminating with its involvement in Project 2025. Playing footsie with Nazis In internal messages seen by The Telegraph, Heritage Foundation staff railed against Mr Robertss endorsement of Carlson, who they accused of playing footsie with literal Nazis. Theres a strong moral argument for shaming people like Nick Fuentes and not associating with them. We should not be considering literal Nazis as part of the movement, one staff member wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Heritage Foundation fellow warned that endorsing Carsons interview gives credence to the protesters who call us Nazis. A Heritage Foundation source told The Telegraph that Mr Robertss actions had allowed the think tank to be identified with anti-Semites. I think by being so deluded and aligning himself with Tucker Carlson, Roberts has shown he doesnt have any political judgment and hes allowing us to be identified with anti-Semites, the insider said. They added that internal meetings have taken place in which staff have called for the chairman to resign, and that board members are expected to follow suit at an all-staff meeting on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Fuentes has long been a thorn in the side of mainstream Republicans. The 27-year-old is leader of the so-called groyper movement, a loose network of white nationalist activists and internet trolls. He has spoken about needing to have white men in charge of everything and said blacks need to be imprisoned for the most part. In 2022, Mr Trump came under intense criticism for hosting the commentator for dinner at his Mar-a-Lago resort. The following year, organisers of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) physically prevented him from attending events. Carlsons decision to platform Mr Fuentes has stoked concerns about a growing number of influential figures on the Right expounding views that are critical of the Jewish people and of Israel. Carlson has previously been criticised for his controversial comments about Jews, including claims that Ashkenazi Jews are immune to Covid, and that Benjamin Netanyahu openly tells Israelis: I control the United States. I control Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his speech at Charlie Kirks funeral in September, he was widely condemned for comparing the assassins decision to kill the conservative activist to a bunch of guys sitting around eating hummus plotting to kill Jesus. Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, was criticised earlier this year for warning that the number one enemy to the people in Israel are American Jews that do not support Israel and do not support Maga. Firebrand Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has previously rowed back on claims that Jewish space lasers were the cause of the 2018 wildfires, but has in recent times spoken about how Israel exerts unique influence and control over Republican politicians. 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. Nov. 3BEMIDJI The Bemidji affiliate of the American Swedish Institute is seeking candidates for its 50th annual Sankta Lucia Festival. Young women of Swedish descent who are between the ages of 16 and 21 are invited to apply for the role of Lucia, a release said. The application should be in the form of a letter written by the candidate expressing her desire to serve as Lucia and should include the following: details of her Swedish heritage, involvement in any Swedish-American organizations or activities, personal goals and special talents, as well as information regarding address, phone number, age, parent's names and year in school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A photo may accompany the letter but is not required. Letters must be received by Friday, Nov. 21, and should be emailed to the Sankta Lucia Committee c/o Tammy Nelson at nfirst@paulbunyan.net. Young women ages 11 to 18 are also needed to serve as junior and senior attendants to Lucia, and young men ages 12 to 18 are needed to serve as Star Boys special attendants to Lucia. Applicants are invited to send a short note with their name, age, address and phone number to (218) 766-1489. Applicants from previous years are eligible for either position. Candidates will be interviewed and roles will be decided in late November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The legend of Sankta Lucia arose centuries ago," the release said. "According to the old Swedish calendar, Dec. 13 was the shortest day of the year. Sankta Lucia, whose very name means 'light,' became the focus of the celebrations that brought the return of the sun to a wintry Sweden." This year's festival is set for the morning of Saturday, Dec. 13. From left: Beth Flippo and Karen Marshall, both Arkansas child care providers and members of an emergency child care task force, discuss potential changes to the state's financial assistance program for low-income families to access child care on Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) The Arkansas Department of Education accepted most of a task forces recommendations to sustain the states financial assistance program for low-income families to access child care. The departments announcement came in a letter to providers on Monday, two days after the agency was set to change the School Readiness Assistance programs reimbursement rate structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Early Childhood Commission convened the task force of child care experts last month and voted last week to approve the groups recommendations to make the program sustainable. OEC letter These updates are not just policy adjustments; they are a continued commitment to strengthen early child care and education in Arkansas, to invest in quality, and to remove barriers for working families, said Ashelyn Abney, interim director of the departments Office of Early Childhood, in Mondays letter. Child care providers raised the alarm in September that the agencys plan to change both the reimbursement rates and families copayments would make child care unaffordable for families and unsustainable for providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agency officials said the changes were necessary to keep the financial aid program afloat, but providers said increased copayments effective Oct. 1 had already forced parents to remove their children from child care and facilities to close due to lost income. Additionally, the federal government shut down Oct. 1 and has yet to reopen, blocking access to the bulk of the states federal funding that supports the School Readiness Assistance program. The education department accepted a recommended new reimbursement rate structure that will cost nearly $77 million through Sept. 30, 2026, if it continues that long, according to figures the task force presented last week. The education department had recommended a plan that would cost $70 million over the same period of time. new SRA rates Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department accepted three more recommendations: Eligible families will no longer have a 72-month limit on their access to the School Readiness Assistance program; Families with multiple children will be charged copayments at the same percentage of their base rate for each childs age group; Parents in eligible families must work or attend school a minimum of 30 hours per week, an increase from 20 hours and a reversal of a 2024 policy change. The department is still considering whether to eliminate copayments for families under 60% of the state median income and set a maximum copayment cap, according to a memo sent to providers Monday. This change may increase program costs by $5-7 million, and a phased approach will be considered if funding allows, the memo states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abneys letter to providers emphasized that the Office of Early Childhood sought to make changes where there is alignment, feasibility and urgency and recognized that not every recommendation can be implemented overnight. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Central Arkansas radio stations 102.9 KARN and Alice 107.7 have announced plans for a November food drive to benefit the Arkansas Food Bank. The drive will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Chris Crain Dodge Jeep Ram at the Big Lot on 7800 Alcoa Road in Benton. Officials with Cumulus Media, the stations owner, stated that the drive is a community-wide effort to combat hunger and support families during the upcoming holiday season. Arkansas SNAP recipients brace for possible suspension amid government shutdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KARNs Morning Show, First News with Toby Howell and Rebecca Davis, will broadcast live onsite at Chris Crain Dodge Jeep Ram in Benton both Thursday and Friday mornings from 6 to 9 a.m. Davis will also do her midday show on Alice 107.7 live from the food drive and the KARN afternoon show, The Steve Finnegan Show, will also broadcast live from the food drive both days between 4 and 6 p.m. KARN program director and morning host Toby Howell said the idea came from a First News interview with Arkansas Food Bank officials, who expressed a dire need for support due to SNAP benefits being cut during the government shutdown. We decided immediately that we would help and put this food drive together, with our sister station Alice 107.7 presenting a live midday show onsite each day, as well, Howell said. Together with our generous sponsors and listeners, we can make sure that none of our neighbors go hungry this holiday season. MAP: Percentage of SNAP, food stamp recipients by county in Arkansas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional information may be found at NewsRadio1029.com and Alice1077.com. 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 KARK. By Sabrina Valle, Mrinalika Roy and Tom Hals (Reuters) -Pfizer filed a second lawsuit on Monday accusing Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk of structuring its $9 billion bid for Metsera to stall the entry of the biotech firm's treatments into the obesity drug market rather than being aimed at closing a deal. Novo and Metsera on Monday rejected Pfizer's claims, which were a dramatic escalation in the fight for control of the biotech startup. A judge will analyze the complaints on Tuesday. Pfizer agreed to pay up to $7.3 billion for Metsera - which is developing next-generation obesity drugs - in September, after a private bidding war with Novo that lasted months. Metsera rejected Novo's offer six times, saying Novo already had a big chunk of the market and could face antitrust scrutiny. But last week, after Novo's top investor overhauled the board, the Danish company launched a new unsolicited rival bid. In a surprising move, Metsera said Novo's offer was superior and gave Pfizer until Tuesday to submit a higher bid. That prompted Pfizer to sue Metsera's board and Novo in Delaware's Court of Chancery on Friday and then it hit Novo with an antitrust lawsuit in Delaware federal court on Monday. The state court case was assigned to Vice Chancellor Morgan Zurn, who scheduled a hearing for Tuesday morning. Metsera accused Pfizer of gaming the schedule by not suing sooner, when it knew of Novo's bid on October 25, and of trying to drive down its takeover price. The company in a statement described Pfizer's allegations as "nonsense," adding that it will respond to the claims in court. Novo on Monday said it closely adhered to all of the restrictions under the Pfizer merger agreement. "We are confident that the facts and the law are on our side," Novo said in a statement. "Pfizers suggestion that Novo Nordisk would impair or potentially stop an emerging US competitor is absurd and not based on facts, common sense, or market realities." Metsera is developing a new obesity drug that would have the benefit of monthly injections versus weekly injections required for wildly popular Wegovy from Novo and Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Mounjaro. Pfizer is betting on Metsera to help it enter an obesity market some analysts forecast could soon reach $150 billion annually. Metsera is working on experimental therapies analysts say could generate $5 billion in sales. PFIZER SAYS NOVO AIMS TO DELAY COMPETITION Pfizer's second complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Delaware on Monday, alleges Novo Nordisk is using a 30-month outside date - the period before either party can terminate the merger - to delay Metseras entry into the market for obesity drugs that target the GLP-1 protein, currently dominated by Novo and Lilly. EKRON, Ky. (FOX 56) A man Kentucky State Police (KSP) were searching for in connection with a womans death in Meade County was found dead on Monday. According to a Nov. 3 press release, the Meade County Sheriffs Office contacted KSP around 1 p.m. EST about a deceased person at a home on Simpson Lane in the Ekron community. Police said the victim, 55-year-old Mary Crase of Brandenburg, was shot at least once. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said 45-year-old Scott Hornback of Irvington fled the scene before law enforcements arrival. Authorities described Hornback as a white male, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Scott Hornback, 45 (Kentucky State Police) In an update around 11 p.m. on Monday, KSP Trooper Washer said Hornback was found dead. A press release on Tuesday morning noted that he was found in a vehicle at a family members Burgundy Lane home and reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camille Hantla contributed to this story. 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 FOX 56 News. After federal food assistance money did not go out at the start of the month, the Armys official nonprofit announced it would step in and offer grants to help soldiers and their families afford food during the government shutdown. Retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Tony Grinston, who serves as the CEO of Army Emergency Relief, said Monday morning that the charity would cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) payments for soldiers and their families. In a video posted to his LinkedIn page, and subsequently shared to the Army Reddit page, Grinston announced that the nonprofit will offer grants to help support soldiers in need. We got you, Grinston said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He directed soldiers to go to the Army Emergency Relief website to apply for assistance. Soldiers will need to write what they missed in terms of SNAP and WIC, but since these are grants, they do not need to be repaid. The grants apply solely to soldiers and their families already enrolled in those programs. Were going to provide that assistance as a grant for the same amount that you would have received because you already applied for that benefit, Grinston said. Top Stories This Week News Marine Corps fires senior officers and top enlisted leader of Osprey squadron By Jeff Schogol News Female drill sergeants will soon wear the Armys iconic campaign hat By Jeff Schogol News Navy launches review of Marines and sailors personal social media posts By Jeff Schogol SNAP benefits expired at the start of the month, with a notice on the United States Department of Agricultures website saying that [] the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. The expiration was set to impact more than 42 million Americans who rely on the assistance. Federal funds for both WIC and SNAP go to individual states, which administer food assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exact number of service members and military families who rely on SNAP is unclear, with data over the last 15 years putting it in the range of a few thousand across the armed forces, without specific numbers for individual services, like the Army. The number of people receiving SNAP can vary based on factors such as the cost of living. Eileen Huck, the deputy director of government relations for the National Military Family Association, told Task & Purpose last week that military families who rely on federal food assistance are predominantly younger families, junior enlisted troops, theyre families who are already struggling financially. Military charities and nonprofits such as Army Emergency Relief have been offering troops and their families assistance over the last month during the government shutdown. Grinstons video, posted Monday morning, came shortly before President Donald Trumps administration announced it would partially pay SNAP benefits. On Oct. 31, two different federal judges ruled that the administration is legally required to tap into the $5 billion SNAP contingency fund to help Americans avoid going hungry. The Department of Agriculture sends roughly $8 billion a month to states, averaging $356 a month per household, according to federal data. In response to the court order, the Department of Agriculture announced on Monday that it would fulfill its obligation to expend the full amount of SNAP contingency funds today, and would cover 50% of eligible households current allotments. However, the department said that there would be delays in restarting payments as it adjusts to using the contingency funds, saying in a court filing that new payments will take anywhere from a few weeks to up to several months, according to NPR. A new U.S. Army directive orders commanders to act within hours not days when a soldier goes missing, giving them three hours to classify a service member as absent-unknown and eight hours to notify the soldiers family once the absence is discovered. The change, issued by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll last week, compresses what sometimes can be a slow, inconsistent process for tracking soldiers with unknown whereabouts and involves law enforcement sooner. Commanders now have 48 hours to determine if a soldiers disappearance is voluntary or the result of something more serious or sinister. During that window, Army leaders are required to alert local Army law enforcement, enter the soldiers name into the National Crime Information Center database and issue a be on the lookout notice and request help from local civilian police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the absent soldier is not found after two days, commanders must determine, by a preponderance of evidence, the directive says, whether the soldiers status will change to AWOL, or Absent Without Authorized Leave, or missing under the casualty code DUSTWUN, known as Duty Status - Whereabouts Unknown. Commanders are told to report as missing any soldier who indicates the potential for self-harm and is not located during the initial 48 hours, according to the new policy. Before this new policy, commanders had 24 hours to account for a soldier before declaring them AWOL unless there was evidence that the disappearance was not voluntary. The change follows years of criticism after high-profile cases, like the disappearance of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen, exposed systemic failures in the Armys response to missing soldiers. Guillen vanished from a Texas base in 2020 and the Army was initially criticized for perceived lack of urgency around the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her body was discovered months later and the outrage that followed led to an independent committee review, which found that inaction in critical areas, had taken root over time, creating what the commission called a paradigm of benign neglect. Natalie Khawam Case, the attorney who represented Guillen and her family, commended the policy update but lamented that it came too late for her client. If they had this policy in place at the time Vanessa went missing, the Army would have quickly contacted the police and actually started searching for her themselves, she told Military Times. Khawam Case admitted there are no guarantees it would have saved Guillen but she could not help but wonder. You never know, it could have prevented her death, she said. The face in the photo has become well-known in Sudan. The fighter, with his medium-length hair framing a bearded face, has appeared in numerous videos. Sometimes he smiles, even as he kills unarmed people. This is Abu Lulu. But the photo of him released last Thursday by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the group he purported to represent, showed him with handcuffs on after being arrested. The arrest is part of RSFs efforts to distance itself from atrocities committed in the Darfur city of el-Fasher, which its forces took control of on October 26 after 18 months of siege. At least 1,500 civilians have been killed since the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) fled the town, and the RSF rampaged through, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abu Lulu, also known as Brigadier General al-Fateh Abdullah Idris, has come to symbolise Sudans descent into cruelty since the war between RSF and the SAF began in April 2023. Over the past year, Abu Lulu has been linked to a series of killings across Sudan. His alleged crimes, witnesses say, were not random acts of violence but deliberate performances meant to intimidate, inflame ethnic tensions, and project a grotesque image of power. In al-Jaili, north of Khartoum, footage appeared of him killing two prisoners of war. In Omdurmans citys Al-Salha neighbourhood, he is reported to have participated in the killing of 31 civilians. In West Kordofan states Al-Khuwair locality, he is reported to have executed more than 16 captured soldiers, with witnesses alleging his motives were driven by racial hatred. And in el-Fasher, he was filmed confronting an unarmed restaurant owner, asking for his tribe, and shooting him dead after the man replied that he was from the non-Arab Berti tribe. The victims desperate pleas for mercy were ignored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 27, 2025, more footage circulated online, appearing to show Abu Lulus forces killing dozens of civilians in el-Fasher. The massacre, filmed and shared on social media, led to widespread outrage, and the man behind it seemed to relish the attention. A psychopathic mindset Dr David Holmes, a criminal psychologist who reviewed the footage for Al Jazeera, described Abu Lulu as a narcissistic psychopath, whose personality starkly differentiates him from his accomplices. He is proactive in killing unarmed victims, Holmes said. Holmes noted that Abu Lulus method of killing often involved repeated, random shooting rather than the use of a single bullet. [There is a] callous use of weapons to maim and kill with no attempt to execute [using a] single bullet to [the] head, Holmes said of the videos Abu Lulu appeared in, adding that the fighter appeared to enjoy indiscriminate shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holmes added that Abu Lulus demeanor on camera suggests that he views himself as a kind of celebrity. He is pleased with his position and poses as if he thinks of himself as some kind of celebrity for the public, Holmes said. Indeed, Abu Lulu has frequently broadcast his actions online. In one live TikTok session, he boasted about killing 2,000 people and admitted he had lost count. The session attracted both applause and alarm among RSF-affiliated users, some praising him as a hero and others urging him to stop filming. Denial and disavowal Following the uproar, multiple sources within the RSF claimed that Abu Lulu was not formally part of the paramilitary group, but rather led a coalition force allied with it since the wars outset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He does not belong to the RSF, one senior RSF military source, who did not wish to be named, told Al Jazeera. He leads a group fighting alongside us, but he will be held accountable for his actions. He does not represent the RSF. The RSFs official spokesperson, al-Fateh al-Qurashi, later echoed the same line, denying that Abu Lulu was part of their command structure. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, acknowledged the crimes committed by his troops in recent weeks and announced the formation of an investigation committee, promising that there will be accountability. But scepticism runs deep, even after Abu Lulus arrest. Rights organisations and analysts say the RSFs repeated pattern of distancing itself from field commanders implicated in atrocities has become a familiar tactic, one that allows the force to preserve its image while maintaining operational ties to local militias. Roots of a paramilitary empire The RSF traces its origins to the government-backed/linked militia known as the Janjaweed, Arab tribal fighters mobilised by the Sudanese government during the Darfur war in the early 2000s, and accused of widespread massacres, rape and ethnic cleansing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2013, then-President Omar al-Bashir formally restructured the militia under the RSF banner, appointing Hemedti as its commander. Though nominally part of the Sudanese military structure, the RSF developed into an autonomous power bloc, amassing vast economic resources from gold mining, broader control and mercenary contracts abroad. Sudans civil war erupted after the RSF refused to be integrated into the SAF within the timeline the latter wanted. The conflict allowed the paramilitary force to leverage its deep field networks and urban warfare experience to seize large parts of Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan states. The same tactics used in Darfur targeting civilians based on ethnicity and perceived loyalties resurfaced across the country, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced. Calls for justice It is within that milieu that Abu Lulu has gained notoriety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as footage from el-Fashers massacre spread globally, calls grew for the United Nations and the International Criminal Court to investigate Abu Lulus crimes for violations of international humanitarian law. Human rights lawyers argue that his documented killings constitute clear evidence of war crimes. For survivors and families of victims, however, justice feels distant. He murdered people in front of cameras, said Khalid, a survivor of the el-Fasher massacre, who did not wish to give his full name. He wanted fame. The public actions of Abu Lulu, coupled with the widely available footage of the killings committed in el-Fasher, have further damaged the credibility of the RSF, which has in recent months attempted to present itself as a respectable force. In July, the group announced the formation of a parallel government to administer the areas of Sudan under its control, with a presidential council chaired by Hemedti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But such efforts have fallen by the wayside when compared with the el-Fasher killings and the actions of fighters like Abu Lulu. Whether acting independently or under RSF coordination, Abu Lulu has also become a symbol of Sudans brutal unraveling. As Sudans war continues, his image grinning before the camera, rifle in hand stands as a haunting reminder of the struggles the country faces. The Atlantic Alumina Co. refinery in Gramercy on Oct. 21, 2025. (Photo by Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator via SouthWings) An environmental group has filed a federal lawsuit against a River Parishes alumina refinery that state regulators have repeatedly cited for allowing toxic pollution to escape into public drainage areas and waterways. The Louisiana Environmental Action Network filed suit Friday against Atalco Gramercy LLC in the federal court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The company operates the Atlantic Alumina facility that straddles the border of St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 17-page pleading is based largely on pollution discharges state inspectors discovered during a series of visits to the facility beginning last year. The Illuminator detailed the extent of the pollution and its impact in a series of reports this year. The reports shed light on the high concentrations of toxic metals found in water and soil samples collected from the polluted areas. Much of the information was unknown to neighboring residents and local leaders. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has cited the facility for dozens of violations stemming from breaches in the levees surrounding the facilitys red mud waste containment lakes and numerous wastewater discharges into the river that exceeded permitted limits. Atalco did not respond Monday to a request for comment. The lawsuit cites many of the regulatory violations in a 606-page inspection report the Department of Environmental Quality began in September 2024 and completed in March. It also includes violations LDEQ inspectors discovered in subsequent visits to the facility in May and June. In the aggregate, this litany of violations demonstrates that Defendants lack of care for the proper operation of the Facility has been reckless and with egregious disregard for the environmental and human impacts of its mismanagement, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana Environmental Action Network is asking the federal court to award an unspecified amount in civil penalties and legal fees and to declare Atalcos unpermitted actions as violations of the Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The group is also asking for an injunction to prevent further violations and require Atalco to install appropriate treatment technology at the facility. Atalco refines bauxite, a rust-colored rock containing raw metals, at the refinery into alumina, turning it into an ultra-fine white powder. Atalco sells the alumina to metal smelters that need it to make finished aluminum. Opened in 1958 as Kaiser Aluminum, the Gramercy facility is the only remaining bauxite refinery in the United States, making it the nations only domestic source of a critical metal feedstock. For every ton of aluminum produced from Atalcos work, bauxite refining generates an estimated 2.5 tons of waste byproduct, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Atalco stores the waste, most of which takes the form of a thick red mud containing highly corrosive and toxic chemicals, in large containment ponds surrounded by 50-feet-high levees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2024, federal inspectors discovered breaches in some of Atalcos levees in which the toxic slurry formed erosion channels and flowed offsite into public areas. State inspectors then discovered several more levee breaches in the subsequent months. Atalco made repairs to its levees but inspectors found new erosion channels during a follow-up visit in May. LEAN lawsuit Atalco SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) Athens High School hosted the AviNation American Dream Tour on Monday, giving students an up-close look at careers in both aviation and aerospace. The event included a live helicopter landing on campus, a special assembly and breakout sessions featuring guest speakers such as Pryor Field Airport Authority CEO Adam Fox, United Airlines Captain Nathan Maki, AviNation Business Development Manager Tom Flavin, and more. The students also got to hear from the Air EVAC LifeTeam that landed the helicopter. (Photo: Athens High School) (Photo: Athens High School) (Photo: Athens High School) (Photo: Athens High School) (Photo: Athens High School) (Photo: Athens High School) (Photo: Athens High School) School officials said the special event was organized by AviNation, a youth-focused aviation publication, and the Pryor Field Regional Airport Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Dream Tour aims to inspire students to explore careers in this dynamic field, including pathways such as military, commercial, drone, helicopter, and agricultural pilots to aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, airport managers, engineers, meteorologists, and air traffic controllers, AHS said. AHS has an aviation program, which was launched in 2024. It is used by the school to introduce students to the aviation and aerospace fields through the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundations You Can Fly Curriculum. Students in these courses can participate in flight and drone simulations. Athens High Schools Aviation Teacher Dr. Angela Wagner is featured in AviNations Fall 2025 issue, and you can read the article about her here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WHNT.com. (The Center Square) Atlanta voters will decide today on a measure that would give additional property relief to residents over the age of 65. The Georgia General Assembly agreed to pass the proposed ballot amendment that would give property owners over the age of 65 a $50,000 exemption on their Atlanta Public School tax assessment in addition to other exemptions they may already receive. Fulton County has two property tax referendums on its ballot. One would exempt 25% of the assessed value of the homestead for residents aged 65 and above. A second measure would provide a 50% tax break on the assessed value to residents aged 70 and above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia polls are traditionally open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but residents voting in Atlanta's municipal elections have until 8 p.m. to cast their ballot, according to a release from the Atlanta Municipal Clerk. The one hour extension to vote only applies to voting on Atlanta issues, including the mayoral race. More than 800 local elections are happening in Georgia today. Only two contested state races are on the ballot. Incumbent Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols, a Republican, is facing Alicia Johnson. Fitz Johnson, another Republican incumbent, is facing Democrat Peter Hubbard. Just under 9% of Georgia's registered voters 640,174 voted early in the races, according to the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia Republican Party has been encouraging its members to vote on its social media pages. "The same radical billionaires pushing their 'green' agenda are funding Democrats who want to control your power, raise your rates, and dim the lights across our state," a Monday social media post said. "Lets send them a message loud and clear: Georgia's energy wont be bought." The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from the organization. The Georgia Conservation Voters Action Fund invested $2.2 million in hopes of beating the incumbents, the organization said in an email to The Center Square. "GCV Action Fund launched this campaign because we need cheaper, cleaner power," Allie Brown, deputy director of Georgia Conservation Voters, said in a statement. ". To get that, we need new leadership on the Public Service Commission. We're proud of the $2.2 million multi-media campaign, which has engaged over a million voters and clearly prosecuted the case against the PSC." Austin voters on Tuesday will determine the fate of a controversial ballot measure called Proposition Q that would raise the city property tax rate by more than 20%. If approved, the new rate would be about 57 cents per $100 of assessed property value, adding more than $300 a year to the average homeowners tax bill. While the vast majority of Austin City Council 10 out of 11 members ultimately agreed on that rate, the American-Statesman has learned that the road to that decision and the resulting tax-rate election was bumpy and involved accounting tricks that experts described as concerning or even unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are all sorts of ways to make the budget look better, or make it look like it's carrying out your goals, and this is one way, said Michael Granof, a professor emeritus in accounting at the University of Texas and former Governmental Accounting Standards Board member, regarding the citys accounting method. Those judgments can conceivably rise to the point where they are clearly deceptive. Read More: Your guide to Austins tax rate election: Whats at stake with Proposition Q Deal reclassified millions to win votes Back in August, the question on Austin City Councils mind was not whether it would raise property taxes but by how much. A hike larger than 3.5% would automatically trigger a tax-rate election under a 2019 state law that local officials have blasted as one of the main reasons the city is in a budget crunch to begin with. A range of proposals were introduced with various factions emerging in the debate. Mayor Kirk Watson proposed a middle ground with an 8-cent hike to the tax rate for voters to approve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A major concern among the more fiscally conservative members was maintaining the citys pristine and prideworthy AAA bond rating, which is partly based on the size of the citys reserve funds. Members like Paige Ellis were worried that approving a larger budget would increase the likelihood that the city would have to drain its savings in future years. "[D]uring negotiations, some colleagues had proposed so much ongoing spending it would drive down our reserves to levels that were not fiscally responsible," Ellis said in a statement to the Statesman. Read More: Will Austin voters pass Proposition Q on Election Day? Here's what we know Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Council Member Zo Qadri came up with a solution of sorts. The proposal was simple: reclassify $8.2 million worth of recurring expenses as one-time expenses. That would theoretically help preserve the citys savings account and bond rating while making the higher tax rate more palatable to the more fiscally conservative members. We're trying to do something right now to bring us all together. And I've heard from my colleagues that ensuring the reserve level in future years helps people vote yes on the budget, Qadri said at the council meeting. To me, the goal here is to have as consolidated a council as possible in pursuit of these great programmatic goals that are laid out in the budget. The problem was that a lot of the newly deemed one-time expenses were arguably recurring, including staff salaries and rent payments across a variety of existing programs that council had intended to keep funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least two council members expressed concerns about the move at the meeting. Council Member Chito Vela pointed out on the dais that a line item for regional animal adoption centers was more than a one-year commitment. In my view, that's more than a one year type of commitment, he said. Council Member Vanessa Fuentes had several initiatives reclassified as one-time expenses, including transportation and programming for older adults, home delivered meals for seniors, a bilingual science and math education program and pre-K start up costs. She expressed her disappointment at the meeting, calling the programs much needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Qadri told them not to worry reclassifying some expenses did not indicate lack of support for the programs. He said he was committed to ensuring they continue. Ultimately, Qadris amendment passed with a supermajority. I will be supporting this amendment today, Fuentes said. But I just wanted to highlight that those items would be just funded as one-time expenses. And we'll have to have the conversation next year. Zohaib Zo Qadri District 9 council member, along with other city council members and activists, spoke out against automated license plate readers during a press conference at City Hall on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman) A subjective judgment call Austin isnt subject to the same oversight as a publicly traded company, but if it were, its financial reporting would likely raise red flags with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and investors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city is not a publicly traded company but that approach would likely draw heavy scrutiny from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and investors if employed in the private sector, according to Patrick Badolato, professor of instruction in accounting at UT Austin. The SEC language is pretty clear on that, he said, pointing to rules that prohibit identifying items as non-recurring in cases where the nature of the charge or gain is such that it is reasonably likely to recur within two years or there was a similar charge or gain within the prior two years. Granof, the accounting professor emeritus, described the accounting maneuver as a questionable judgement call. You can make the judgment, the subjective decision, as to whether something is permanent or ongoing,he said. Budgeting inherently involves subjective judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qadri defended his proposal, saying the approach is supported by the national best standards on financial sustainability guidance. Marking costs ongoing without recurring revenue would be deceptive, he said in a written statement. This amendment instead increases transparency about long-term affordability and protects emergency reserves and bond ratings. We fund community priorities fully this year while protecting Austins financial health so these services can continue in the future. Read More: A tale of two broke cities: How Austin and Houston take radically different approaches to taxes Council member Paige Ellis, who was part of the group that supported the amendment and was particularly concerned about city reserve funding, said her goal was to stretch city dollars as far as possible while being responsible stewards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During negotiations, some colleagues had proposed so much ongoing spending it would drive down our reserves to levels that were not fiscally responsible, Ellis said in a statement. One-time spending has less impact on the reserves, so our whole subquorum the Council Members and aides sat together and went through the list line by line and everything we thought could reasonably be switched to one time, we did. The items, she said, were moved in the spirit of compromise to pass the budget. Council member Ryan Alter said a lot of the items that were reclassified as one-time expenses were new initiatives that council should reassess, anyway, to see if they are worth continued funding. Alter also convinced the council to leave a homeless navigation center as a recurring expense after it had been slated for reclassification. Old budget habits haunt new debate Only one council member abstained from the vote on Qadris amendment: Marc Duchen, who went on to become the lone no vote on the citys 2026 budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the August meeting, Duchen argued that reclassifying recurring expenses as one-time expenses was what had gotten the city in its budget mess to begin with, citing the councils decision to use about $100 million worth of one-time pandemic relief funds to pay for ongoing homeless initiatives. That was an unreliable funding mechanism for that kind of expense, he said during the budget hearing in August. Now those funds have dried up and we're essentially raising taxes to cover an idea and a hole left in the budget from that. Granof agreed, saying the federal relief dollars were meant for one-time expenses, not ongoing operations, and using them for continuing homelessness programs ran counter to the spirit of the law. Unless the money went toward short-term projects, he said, the city would eventually face questions about how to sustain those efforts once the funds ran out. Bill Aleshire, who presided over Travis County Commissioners Court for 12 years as county judge, recalled carefully deciding how to spend one-time grant money so as to not create a permanent obligation that would go unfunded the following year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the city shouldnt use temporary money pandemic relief or otherwise to fund new or ongoing programs. Those kinds of dollars, he argued, are meant to help the community recover from COVID-19 and stimulate the economy, not to create future obligations. Instead, they just piled it on top and said, Oh, well, I guess once this funding runs out, we'll just increase local property taxes for it? he said. That's crazy. Thats not the grown up way of doing budgeting. Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the location of a homeless navigation center. The center is not located in Council Member Ryan Alter's district. The Australian government has introduced content quotas on global streamers. The rules require Netflix, Prime Video and the other global streamers with more than one million Australian subscribers to spend 10% of their total Australian expenditure or 7.5% of their revenues on local originals, whether they are dramas, childrens shows, docs, or arts and educational programs. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Following the announcement, the legislation will be introduced into the Australian parliament. Australias Labor government has long planned to being in the quotas as part of its Revive cultural policy, but months and months of delays had left the local industry wondering how committed their political leaders were to the plan. Global streamers have broadly rejected the necessity of quotas, claiming their local investment in content and jobs offsets them. However, the quota was unveiled today, with Minister for the Arts Tony Burke saying: We have Australian content requirements on free-to-air television and pay television, but until now, there has been no guarantee that we could see our own stories on streaming services. Since their introduction in Australia, streaming services have created some extraordinary shows. This obligation will ensure that those stories our stories continue to be made. Advertisement Advertisement These platforms are having no problem getting their content into Australia. With this legislation well be able to ensure that no matter which remote control youre holding, Australian stories will be at your fingertips. Anika Wells, the Minister for Communications, added: Many streamers are already producing great Australian shows like Apple Cider Vinegar, The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Boy Swallows Universe; this announcement makes sure shows like these continue to be part of our national identity. The Australian Writers Guild (AWG) and Screen Producers Australia (SPA) were among the bodies welcoming the quotas. AWG President and showrunner Peter Mattessi said: World events move fast and impact our industry in many different ways. Meanwhile, streaming platforms are taking billions of dollars out of the country in subscription fees from Australians Australians who tell us over and over again that they want to see more Australian content on their screens. Advertisement Advertisement It has been a long road to get to this point and after lengthy conversations with government, we are pleased to see our input incorporated into this model, and to see our nation once again require those who deliver screen content to invest in the importance of Australian storytellers telling Australian stories. This will not only help get us back on the even keel Australian creative workers deserve and set our industry up to thrive, but will also ensure that current and future generations of viewers can enjoy and celebrate Australian content on their screens. This announcement marks a landmark day for the Australian screen industry, said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner. For too long, our local production sector has operated in an uneven environment where global streaming services could reap the benefits of doing business in Australia without contributing fairly to the creation of Australian stories. Todays commitment from the Albanese Government is the result of years of advocacy. It recognises that Australian stories matter, and that they deserve to be seen and heard on every platform. Advertisement Advertisement No word yet from the streamers, but well update if anything changes. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia will introduce laws requiring streaming platforms to invest set amounts of money in Australian content, the government said on Tuesday. The centre-left Labor government will require the platforms to invest at least 10% of total expenditure in Australia or 7.5% of revenue to new Australian drama, children's content, documentaries and arts and educational programmes, Arts Minister Tony Burke and Communications Minister Anika Wells said in a statement. * Australia has local content quotas for free-to-air television but not for streaming services such as Netflix, Display+ and Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * "Since their introduction in Australia, streaming services have created some extraordinary shows," Burke said. "This obligation will ensure that those stories our stories continue to be made." * Plans to introduce local content quotas for mostly U.S-based streamers may disrupt trade relations with the U.S., Australian media has reported. * The government did not say how the quota options - 10% of expenditure or 7.5% of revenue - would be calculated. (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Kim Coghill and Stephen Coates) Pfizer (PFE) announced that it has filed a second lawsuit against Metsera, its controlling stockholders, and Novo Nordisk (NVO) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The lawsuit asserts that Novo Nordisks recent proposal to acquire Metsera constitutes an anticompetitive action by Novo Nordisk to protect its dominant market position in GLP-1s by capturing and killing a nascent American competitor before it gains the support of Pfizer. The lawsuit alleges that Novo Nordisks proposed transaction violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act because of the anticompetitive effects it would have in the GLP-1 drug markets to the detriment of millions of Americans who suffer from obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions, that it constitutes an anticompetitive conspiracy between Novo Nordisk and Metsera in restraint of trade in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and that it constitutes attempted monopolization and conspiracy to monopolize under Section 2 of the Sherman Act. The lawsuit further alleges that Metseras controlling stockholders, Validae Health, L.P., Population Health Partners GP, LLC, ARCH Venture Fund XII, L.P., and ARCH Venture Fund XIII, L.P. have conspired with Metsera and Novo Nordisk in furtherance of these anticompetitive activities. Pfizer intends to seek all appropriate remedies, including injunctive relief to ensure that Novo Nordisks anticompetitive proposed transaction is not permitted to move forward. Pfizer said it is taking this action to preserve and enhance competition in this important therapeutic area and to stop Novo Nordisk from illegally paying off Metsera and its controlling stockholders to gain control of, and impair and potentially kill, an emerging U.S. competitor. Metseras and its controlling stockholders actions, as well as those of Novo Nordisk, are in clear violation of the antitrust laws. We are confident in the merits of our case and look forward to presenting it to the Court. As previously announced, Pfizer has also filed a separate lawsuit against Metsera, its board of directors and Novo Nordisk in the Delaware Court of Chancery and a motion for a temporary restraining order to block Metsera from terminating the merger agreement. Meet Your ETF AI Analyst Discover how TipRanks' ETF AI Analyst can help you make smarter investment decisions Explore ETFs TipRanks' users love and see what insights the ETF AI Analyst reveals about the ones you follow. Published first on TheFly the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> Chinas military buildup in the South China Sea is forcing regional powers to scramble to catch up. Australias defense minister said Beijing is undertaking the biggest military buildup in the world today, and said operations to protect vital sea routes were becoming more risky. Canberra is boosting military spending to modernize its navy, but has faced repeated provocations from Chinese forces. Taiwan, even more under pressure from regular Chinese military exercises in its waters, is also seeking to increase its defenses, but purchases of US-made F-16V fighter jets have been delayed by supply chain issues: The delivery of 66 aircraft, originally scheduled for late 2026, has been pushed back, although Lockheed Martin said it was working to accelerate production. A profound failure of judgement. Thats how Australian opposition leader Sussan Ley described the actions of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when he returned from the United States. On 23 October, the leader of the centre-left Labor party stepped off the plane in casual attire, wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the name of influential British post-punk band Joy Division and the cover of their seminal 1979 debut studio album Unknown Pleasures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an iconic tee, featuring Peter Savilles image of radio waves from pulsar CP 1919 from The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Astronomy. You'll find it sold everywhere from H&M to Hot Topic, and worn by both die-hard Ian Curtis fans and try-hard hipsters wishing to rack up credibility points in a desperate plea to seem edgy despite the fact theyve only heard Love Will Tear Us Apart. We dont know where Albanese falls on that spectrum, but its a cracking album by a legendary band nonetheless. Still, the sartorial choice wasnt to everyones liking. Five days after the picture was taken, Ley, leader of the Liberal Party, decided to criticise Albaneses shirt. In a speech before parliament, Ley accused Albanese of making a profound failure of judgment, described the choice of t-shirt as "an insult to all", and insinuated that the band were antisemitic for being named after a wing of a Nazi concentration camp where Jewish women were forced into sexual slavery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a time when Jewish Australians are facing a rise in antisemitism, when families are asking for reassurance and unity, the Prime Minister chose to parade an image derived from hatred and suffering, she said, adding that the PM should apologise immediately and explain why he thought this was acceptable. Have countless music fans been proudly vaunting an antisemitic reference all these years? Short answer: No. Long answer: No, the band Joy Division were not antisemitic. They were named Warsaw before changing their name to Joy Division, which is a reference to the 1953 novella House Of Dolls by Jewish writer and Holocaust survivor Yehiel De-Nur (also known as Ka-Tsetnik 135633). The book describes Joy Divisions, which were groups of women imprisoned in concentration camps during World War II, kept for the sexual pleasure of other inmates. As a spokesperson for the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum told the Guardian: As far as we know, there is no historical records of any wing of a concentration camp where Jewish women were forced into sexual slavery. The spokesperson emphasised that while brothels and sexual servitude in the camps did exist, most of the women forced to work were German social misfit prisoners imprisoned in Auschwitz for prostitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Sensitivity towards the Jewish community is important, especially at a time when members of said community are routinely conflated with the atrocities committed by Benjamin Netanyahus government. However, Sussan Leys barrel-scraping attempt to score political points problematically undermines the very cause she purports to defend. Indeed, her reactionary and fearmongering tactic reduces the ills of actual antisemitism, and says more about her desperation than anything else. To say nothing of how her comments reveal a certain level of cultural illiteracy, as affirming that a Joy Division t-shirt is an affront is equivalent to blurting out that members of Spandau Ballet were Nazi sympathisers because their name morbidly refers to the final jerking moments of the bodies of prisoners hung in Spandau Prison. To those with an affinity towards band tees, youre safe with both bands. Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures - Factory Records - Amazon Albanese has not apologised for wearing the t-shirt and Australian Jewish groups have not condemned the PM. His fellow Labor official Pat Gorman has defended him, citing the widespread popularity of the band and the image, telling the Guardian: Its a T-shirt of a band hes a fan of their music has been around for a few decades... Theres big issues in the world, I dont think T-shirts of mainstream bands is one of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie, she added: Theres a lot to legitimately criticise the prime minister about: trillion-dollar debt, skyrocketing house prices, and job losses in our heavy industrial sector. Wearing a T-shirt isnt one of them. Wed also add that Ley should look into Joy Division and maybe start with the track Shes Lost Control. It's a song about the fragility of life as Curtis (himself an epileptic) recounts seeing a colleague suffering a seizure. It features the somewhat appropriate lyrics: Confusion in her eyes that says it all, Shes lost control, And shes clinging to the nearest passer-by, Shes lost control. MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) An Australian spy chief on Tuesday accused Chinese security services of widespread intellectual property theft and political meddling, while he said they failed to understand how their Western counterparts operate. Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, better known as ASIO, said he would continue to call out China for harming Australian interests. We all spy on each other, but we dont conduct wholesale intellectual property theft. We dont actually interfere with political systems and we dont undertake high-harm activity, Burgess told the Lowy Institute international policy think tank in Sydney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burgess said in denying his accusations, China displayed an ignorance of ASIOs role in Australia. Every time Ive done that (called China out), theres an army of Chinese government officials that go around complaining to almost everyone in this country across the system public and private but not to me. Burgess said. If they were smart as they should be -- and they are smart -- they would understand a Western liberal democracy and the role and the statutory standing of the security service. We work for the government of the day but our security assessments and our security action are independent, he said. They clearly dont understand the system, because if they want to complain about ASIO doing its job and explaining the threats to the people were protecting, including calling out China when we need to, it wont stop my resolve, it wont stop my officers from doing the job and well continue to call them out when I need to, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relations between China and Australia plumbed new depths in 2020 over issues including Beijing's anger over new laws banning covert foreign interference in Australian politics. Diplomatic and trade ties have improved since Australias current government was first elected in 2022. But security relations remain fraught as Australia joined the United States in efforts to counter China's rising influence in the Indo-Pacific region, which both see as a threat. Burgess said he had a strong relationship with FBI Director Kash Patel. When it comes to protecting Australians, the Americans are great mates and they help us every day and we do our fair share of helping them as well. Thats the way it should be. Ive seen no change to things since President (Donald) Trump was reelected, Burgess added. In 2023, Burgess said in his annual threat assessment that Australia faced an unprecedented threat of espionage and foreign interference with more Australians being targeted by agents than ever before. At least seven people, including five foreigners, have been killed in eastern Nepal after an avalanche swept through a camp on Mount Yalung Ri, according to media reports. The Kathmandu Post, citing local officials, reported on Tuesday that the avalanche hit the team of 15 people as they were ascending the 5,630-metre (18,471-foot) mountain of Yalung Ri, and that four members of the expedition remain remaining. The avalanche buried everyone on the slope, Deputy Superintendent of Police Gyan Kumar Mahato told the Kathmandu Post. We got the information late, and the difficult weather delayed immediate response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mahato said that three French climbers, one Canadian, one Italian and two Nepalis were killed in the incident. Four Nepali climbers who were injured have been evacuated, while four others, also from Nepal, remain missing, the Kathmandu Post reported. One of the injured climbers told the newspaper that the climbers had called for help but got no response for hours. We shouted and cried for help, but no one could reach us, the unnamed climber said. We were told that a helicopter would come after four hours, but by then, several of our friends were gone. Yalung Ri is located in the Rolwaling Valley of northeastern Nepal, and climbers there encounter a mix of rock, ice and snow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Mondays tragedy, the valley had experienced continuous snow and poor weather conditions for several days, according to the Kathmandu Post. Mahato, the police officer, said helicopters could not be flown in the area due to heavy snowfall and clouds but an aircraft finally reached the area on Monday evening. He added that rescue teams on foot have also been dispatched to the area, and that the search operation would resume on Tuesday morning. Nepal is home to eight of the worlds 14 highest peaks, including Mount Everest, and welcomes hundreds of climbers and trekkers every year. Autumn expeditions on the Himalayan mountains in October and November are less popular because of the shorter, colder days, snowy terrain and a narrow summit window compared with the busy spring season, which runs from April to May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Cyclone Montha triggered heavy rain and snowfall across Nepal, leaving trekkers and tourists stranded on popular Himalayan trekking routes. Separately, two Italian climbers have also gone missing while scaling a remote peak in western Nepal, tourism officials said on Monday. FLORA, Ill. (WCIA) On Sunday, the Bailey family laid Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose and Samuel Bailey to rest. All four were killed during a helicopter crash in Montana. The NTSB hasnt shared any new information, but on Monday, family and friends gathered in Flora to honor their memory. Community rallies around gubernatorial candidates family The days after candidates file for office are usually some of the most exciting for a campaign. But this year, a dark cloud has loomed over the race for Illinois governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cannot even imagine what theyre going through or what theyre going to continue to go through over that the rest of their life, Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said. Earlier this month, Darren Baileys son Zachary, Zacharys wife Kelsey, and their two children were killed in a helicopter crash in Montana. This is a time for mourning for the big loss that not only the Bailey family has suffered, but all of our volunteers, our campaign and supporters, and pretty much everybody in Illinois, Aaron Del Marr, the GOP running mate of candidate Darren Bailey, said. On Monday the Bailey family focused on celebrating the lives of those they lost: Zachary, Kelsey, Vada Rose and Samuel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This hurts. I mean, this just hurts. And I am I am so, so sorry. And its okay for it to hurt, Pastor Dusty Elmore of Journey Christian Church said. Darren Bailey announces funeral arrangements for family members killed in Montana helicopter crash Mondays services were carried by the strong faith that the Bailey family shared. That faith is what drove Zachary to earn his pilots license. His familys pastor, Tyler Sterchi, said Zach took to the skies to deliver aid to those in need. I think that if the Baileys wanted everyone in this room, and those even watching on the screen to know something, I think it would be this life is meant to be lived. With purpose and it is meant to be lived with passion, Sterchi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NTSB hasnt shared any new information on what might have caused the crash that killed the Bailey family. Questions also remain as to the future of the Bailey campaign. Baileys running mate Aaron Del Mar said any final decisions would come after services were held. But some of Baileys powerful political allies, including the president, are calling on him to continue. Not only were the condolences, but there were really strong words of support for running. And I think the president really has pushed, Darren, to continue on his fight for Illinois. He thinks that Darren is the candidate to really make a change, said Del Mar. 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 WCIA.com. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The Bakersfield City Council is expected to approve appropriating and transferring $25,000 to Community Action Partnership of Kern on Wednesday to help with funding amid the government shutdown, according to the agenda. The city council meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Nov. 5 at City Halls Council Chambers at 1501 Truxtun Ave. The $25,000 would help the CAPK Food Bank meet the funding gap, the agenda said. The money would be appropriated from Council Contingency funds and transferred to the food bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to city officials, the federal government shutdown led to food distribution shortages. The agenda said support is needed to meet the funding shortage that community-based organizations with food security are experiencing. The Bakersfield City Council is recommended by staff to approve the appropriation and transfer at its meeting on Wednesday, the agenda said. CAPK is set to open several food distribution sites for SNAP and CalFresh recipients across Kern County starting Monday. For more information, click here. 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 KGET 17 News. CUMBERLAND A Baltimore man was arrested Sunday a short time after police determined the vehicle he was operating in a traffic stop was reported as stolen in the District of Columbia, according to Cumberland Police. Norman Earl Smith, 27, was charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, theft of $1,500 to under $25,000, unlawful removal of a motor vehicle and rogue and vagabond when he was taken into custody on an arrest warrant. The warrant was obtained after information was developed in cooperation of with D.C. Metropolitan Police. The traffic stop was made on Mechanic Street where police determined that Smith did not have a valid operators license. The vehicle was towed from the scene and Smith was released after being issued several traffic citations. He was taken into custody later in the day on the arrest warrant served at an undisclosed location. Some local governments are dipping into their own budgets to make ends meet during the shutdown. Several, like Barrow County, are starting to fund programs that serve our most vulnerable neighbors, like the Meals on Wheels program providers. Barrow County voted Oct. 28 to take $30,000 out of the unassigned fund balance to support the program. It serves 228 people in the county every day. Some show up at the Barrow County Senior Center for the meals. Some rely on delivery drivers to bring it to their homes, either due to a disability or age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Care doesnt pause. Compassion never shuts down, said Candice Hardie. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Hardie is the Director of the Barrow County Senior Center. Since the government has failed to pass a budget for more than a month now, she has worried her team would have to stop providing Meals on Wheels. It would be absolutely awful because I dont know how they would receive the meals, said Hardie. Some of them have no family here. They live alone, and they just need extra support. So, we go out daily to make sure theyre okay. Two hundred agencies provide this service in Georgia, according to Meals on Wheels. Nationally, there are 5,000. A survey of a portion of providers found that one-third could not maintain services for a month without federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obviously, it was an urgent matter to the board, said Brian Stewart. Hes the Spokesperson for Barrow County Government. He said commissioners voted unanimously to fund the program through December. Many of these seniors, this might be their only interaction. Its more than just a meal theyre getting. It truly is a lifeline, said Stewart. Barrow County is not alone. Jackson, Newton, Morgan, Greene, and Dawson counties are among some of those that are moving money to fund the meals this month. It was a huge relief, said Hardie. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] (Reuters) -Pfizer Inc said on Monday it has filed a second lawsuit against its controlling shareholder, Metsera, and Novo Nordisk in a Delaware federal court, accusing them of anticompetitive conduct. The latest lawsuit follows Danish drugmaker Novo's bold and unsolicited counter-bid for U.S.-based Metsera, surprising Pfizer which had already locked in a deal with Metsera valued at about $7.3 billion. Pfizer, which does not currently sell a weight-loss drug, is betting on Metsera to help it enter the $150 billion obesity market and offset falling COVID-related revenue and looming patent expirations. Metsera is working on experimental therapies that analysts say could generate $5 billion in sales, The U.S. drugmaker said Novo's proposal to acquire Metsera was an attempt to "capture and kill" a potential American rival in the fast-growing GLP-1 drug market, where Novo holds a dominant position with its blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes treatments. The complaint also alleges that Metsera's controlling shareholders, including Validae Health, Population Health Partners, and ARCH Venture Funds XII and XIII, conspired with Novo and Metsera to further the anticompetitive scheme. The filing marks Pfizer's second lawsuit against the companies within days. On Friday, it asked the Delaware court to issue a temporary restraining order to block Metsera from terminating the agreement between the companies. Metsera and Novo did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comments. (Reporting by Mrinalika Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) One of the UK's largest Christmas markets is weeks away from launching its 25th year, with thousands expected to visit. Bath Christmas market will return at the end of November for two weeks, when more than 250 traders place stalls in the city centre. Historically, local traders use the market to test the success of their products before expanding their business. Here's everything you need to know. When is the market? The market starts on 27 November and ends on 14 December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between Mondays and Wednesdays, stalls will be open from 10:00 GMT to 19:00 GMT. Thursdays to Saturdays will be 10:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT, and Sundays the market will be open from 10:00 GMT to 18:00 GMT. Market stalls will be pitched throughout the city centre, spanning from Abbeygate Street to Milsom Street. Will it be busy? Yes. The city is a major tourist destination throughout the year, and it will be no different this winter. Last year, 444,000 people were estimated by Bath & North East Somerset Council to have visited the market across two weeks. So it goes without saying, if you're planning to visit, you need to plan ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festive tourism helped create a 60.4m turnover for businesses, supported more than 500 jobs and added 48.9m of associated spend in the city. How can I visit? There are many ways to get to Bath for the Christmas market. The city has three Park and Rides, which run every 15 minutes every day of the week. They are in Odd Down, Newbridge, and Lansdown. Bath's Park and Ride will run for longer in the evenings with additional services for the Christmas Market during the following times: Monday to Friday: Every 10-15 minutes between 06:15-21:00 GMT, then every 30 minutes until 11:30 GMT. Saturday: Every five minutes between 06:15-19:00 GMT, then every 15 minutes until 21:00 GMT, then every 30 minutes until 23:30 GMT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday: Every five minutes between 09:00-19:00 GMT. Bath Spa Railway Station is located in the centre of the city and is a short walk to the market. Great Western Rail will be running additional services every Saturday during the Christmas Market. Several bus firms have services in and around the city, with First West of England the largest. They have buses that stop off at Dorchester Street by the train and bus station. Bath Christmas market is celebrating its 25th anniversary [Getty Images] There are also numerous car parks in and around the city centre, which you can find here, and there is on-street parking. There is a dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone in Royal Avenue, a 10 minute walk from the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be aware if you're thinking of driving that Bath has a Clean Air Zone to tackle emissions. You can see if your car is eligible to drive in the zone here or what fee you would have to pay. The market's organisers said there will be road closures in place across the two weeks. Market is 'cherished tradition' Rachel Charlton, who runs Cherry Tree Preserves, is trading at this year's market and said the market played a "key role" in their business, saying people had found their firm because of participating in the market. Councillor Manda Rigby, the council's cabinet member for communications and community, said: "Bath Christmas Market is a cherished tradition that brings joy to residents and visitors year on year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A true celebration of our city's creativity, hospitality and heritage, we're proud to be marking 25 years of the event and honour the traders who helped shape its success. "We're expecting the city centre to be busy, especially on the weekends, so please plan your journeys ahead of time and consider walking, cycling, taking the bus, the train or one of our three great Park & Ride services." Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Related internet links UPDATE: Damaging winds' expected in Bay Area as storm approaches. Here's where Stormy weather is set to return to the Bay Area on Tuesday night and linger into Wednesday, prompting the National Weather Service to warn of strong winds and dangerous beach conditions. The biggest impacts from an atmospheric river-fueled storm are expected to remain north of the Bay Area on Tuesday and hammer the North Coast. The weather service issued a flood watch and high wind warning from roughly Point Arena (Mendocino County) to Crescent City (Del Norte County). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday will be mainly dry in the Bay Area. In fact, it'll be warm in the South Bay and East Bay, with temperatures in the 70s despite partly to mostly cloudy skies. The best chance of rain will be in Sonoma County, especially in the mountains, where off-and-on showers could add up to a quarter-inch before heavier rain arrives overnight. Winds will become more noticeable throughout the entire Bay Area by Tuesday evening as the cold front approaches. Southerly gusts up to 35 mph are possible on the bridges crossing the bay during the evening commute. A wind advisory will go into effect at 10 p.m. Tuesday, when gusts are forecast to increase to up to 45 mph inland and 55 mph along the coast through the night. Scattered power outages and snapped tree limbs are possible. The advisory was upgraded to a high wind warning in the coastal North Bay where isolated gusts up to 65 mph are possible. Rain may begin as early as 10 p.m. Tuesday in the North Bay, but the South Bay will have to wait until Wednesday morning. Moderate rain should move into San Francisco well before dawn Wednesday and continue until at least 10 a.m. as the cold front sweeps through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The heaviest rain is expected in San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose during the Wednesday morning commute. Downpours could total up to a quarter- to half-inch of rain in an hour, enough to cause ponding on roadways and in low-lying areas. A cold front is expected to drop rain across the Bay Area early Wednesday, hitting the North Bay around midnight and reaching the South Bay by the morning commute. (Baron/Lynx) Some weather models suggest the cold front could move through more quickly, meaning mainly dry weather in San Francisco by 9 a.m. Either way, roads will be wet and winds will be whipping, so commuters should prepare for delays. A gale watch is in effect for San Francisco Bay, which could impact ferry service. It may be a good day to work from home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A coastal flood advisory is in effect for king tides along San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay. Tidal overflow will coincide with strong winds, which could exasperate coastal flooding Wednesday morning. Steady rain should end by noon, but scattered showers are possible through the afternoon. Blustery winds will continue, though, and it'll be noticeably cooler, with highs in the 60s across the Bay Area. Rainfall totals from the storm are predicted to range from less than a half-inch in the South Bay to more than an inch in the North Bay, with San Francisco and Oakland somewhere in between. After Wednesday's storm, the Bay Area is forecast to remain mainly dry for the rest of the week. The exception is the North Bay, which could get clipped by a few showers Friday, but the bulk of the next system will impact the Pacific Northwest. Tuesday breakdown San Francisco: The middle of the day will be the best time to get outside, sandwiched between fog in the morning and blustery winds in the afternoon and evening. Skies will be mostly cloudy, although it probably won't rain more than a brief sprinkle in the morning, if at all. It'll be relatively warm considering the cloudy skies, with highs in the mid- to upper 60s. Overnight, strong south winds are expected to gust 30 to 45 mph and rain is expected to increase after midnight. Lows will be in the upper 50s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Bay: The atmospheric river's southern boundary will clip the region, resulting in overcast skies and high humidity. Rain should be avoided for the most part during the daylight hours, although a few light showers are possible in coastal areas from Mount Tamalpais to Bodega Bay. Highs will be in the mid- to upper 60s in Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties and around 70 degrees in Napa County. Winds will increase in the evening, gusting 25 to 35 mph and further strengthen overnight. It'll be a rainy night everywhere. Overnight lows will be in the mid-50s. East Bay: Tuesday's calm before the storm will provide residents with time to clean up leaves and put away Halloween decorations to prepare for the looming wind. Partly to mostly cloudy skies are expected, but highs will be relatively warm, in the upper 60s to low 70s along the bay shoreline and low to mid-70s east of Caldecott Tunnel. Blustery winds will increase in the evening and will be accompanied by rain sometime after midnight. Lows will be in the 50s. Pacific Coast and Peninsula: Gradually increasing winds will signal the changing weather. Southerly gusts will only be around 15 mph in the morning but will increase to 30 mph by the evening commute and 40 to 50 mph overnight. Those south winds will blow in warm, humid air, keeping highs in the mid-60s to low 70s, coolest at the coast and warmest along the Highway 101 corridor. No rain is expected during the day, but skies will be mostly cloudy. Gale-force gusts will be accompanied by rain early Wednesday morning. Lows will be in the mid-50s. South Bay and Santa Cruz: The South Bay will be the warmest part of the Bay Area on Tuesday with highs expected to reach the mid-70s in San Jose and surrounding communities. Clouds will gradually increase through the day and wind gusts will also strengthen up to 25 mph in the evening. Rain may hold off for most of the night but should begin before sunrise Wednesday. Lows will be in the mid- to upper 50s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patchy morning fog should give way to some midday clearing in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but clouds will start to hug the mountains, indicating the moist air mass. Winds will increase in the evening with rain beginning early Wednesday. Highs will be in the mid-60s near Monterey Bay and the upper 60s to low 70s in the mountains. This article originally published at Bay Area weather: Here's a timeline for when rain, wind will be strongest. The Belgian Armed Forces have been instructed to shoot down any unidentified drones spotted over military airbases. Source: Chief of the Belgian General Staff Frederic Vansina, cited by Belga News Agency, as reported by European Pravda Details: Vansina said that Belgium's drone defence programme is being implemented at an accelerated pace and that the relevant plan will soon be presented to the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At present, Belgium's resources to counter unidentified UAVs including detection systems, jamming devices and anti-drone rifles remain limited. Vansina stated that if more drones appear over military bases, the military will shoot them down. "The order has been given to shoot them down," he said on 3 November during a ceremony for the arrival of a new minehunter in Zeebrugge. He added that drones may only be taken down if it can be done safely and "without causing collateral damage". The commander explained that this is difficult, given that drones often fly at night, are small in size and highly manoeuvrable. Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's Note: Read the latest developments. The Belgian army has issued orders to shoot down unknown drones spotted over the country's military bases, Belga News Agency reported on Nov. 3, citing Chief of Defense Frederik Vansina. The announcement follows three consecutive nights of suspicious drone activity over military and civilian sites in the country, including the Kleine Brogel Air Base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said the incidents appear to be part of an espionage operation. He did not name a culprit but did not rule out a link to recent Russian intrusions in European airspace. After the sightings, Vansina said the Belgian military would shoot down any additional drones that appear. The unmanned aircraft must be destroyed "without causing collateral damage," the defense official said during a naval ceremony in Zeebrugge on Nov. 3. According to Belga, the Western European country's ability to detect and take down drones is currently limited. Recent incursions of Russian drones and aircraft in Poland, the Baltics, and Romania, as well as suspicious drone activity in Denmark, Germany, Norway, and elsewhere, spurred calls for strengthening Europe's anti-drone capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Union unveiled a plan for a so-called "drone wall" to shield Europe's eastern flank, but the proposal has been stalled by disagreements among member states. In parallel, NATO presents its own response to the drone incursions the Eastern Sentry project, which aims to strengthen posture, connectivity, and flexibility along the eastern frontier. Several NATO members called for a more forceful response to aerial incursions, including by downing aircraft and drones when necessary. So far, only Poland has shot down several Russian drones during an incursion in early September. Read also: Ukraine war latest updates: Ukraine says it halted Russian push north of Pokrovsk (7) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. TYLER, Texas (KETK) After several years of anticipation, the Brookshire Wildlife Museum is reopening its doors in a brand-new location. Canton City Council votes against proposed Grand Saline reservoir project The museum will officially open on Tuesday, welcoming visitors to explore its beloved exhibits once again at 6970 Arbor Ridge Drive, conveniently located next door to FRESH by Brookshires in Tyler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new museum space brings a fresh start while keeping much of what longtime visitors remember and love. About 90% of the animals and the life-sized replica of a 1920s country storefavorites from the original museumare returning. Although the venue itself is new, the museums mission to educate and inspire families through wildlife exhibits remains the same. The original museum closed in 2017 after leaders made the decision to move it away from the organizations operational warehouse. We made a commitment to reopen when the right location was found, museum representatives said. Today, were thrilled to start this new chapter. Weve been hard at work creating a location that reflects our dedication to families, education, and community engagement. The museum will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be closed on Sundays and Mondays. Best of all, admission is free for everyone. Visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets online at bgcwildlifemuseum.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alto City Council calls emergency meeting to restore water pumps With its long-awaited reopening, the Brookshires Wildlife Museum is once again ready to welcome families, students, and wildlife enthusiasts into a space that celebrates nature, learning, and community connection. 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. Nov. 3BEMIDJI Bemidji Middle School kicked off the month of November in observant fashion as it hosted a smattering of activities in honor of Native American Heritage Month on Saturday. Planned by Bemidji Area Schools' American Indian Education Department, the event brought together community members with a goal to raise cultural awareness and appreciation. "We want the community to be aware of American Indian history, American Indian culture so that they understand who we are and what we have to offer," American Indian Education Coordinator Sonia Wadena said, "not only as people, but what we have to offer within our school district." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bemidji Area Schools has observed Native American Heritage Month in a variety of ways over the years whether by hosting round dances at Bemidji High School or offering in-person dance demonstrations at J.W. Smith Elementary. Saturday's event was inaugural to the district and plans to offer a similar event could be on the horizon. "Given the surrounding tribal communities, we want people to get to know us a little bit more," Indian Home/School Liaison Mary Jennings said. "We all live together. Everybody goes to school together, so having more education out there on who we are is great." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Various vendors set up shop on Saturday, including the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, North Dakota State University, the Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program and various arts and crafts tables. Honing in on artistic activities, attendees could try their hands at guided painting and hands-on drumming sessions throughout the afternoon. "These are not just for students, but for community members as well," Jennings added. "It's for everybody who wants to learn." The event's conclusion marked the month's progression as future events are planned across the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday, Nov. 10, will mark "Wear Red for MMIW Awareness," followed by "Wear Orange for Every Child Matters" on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Wednesday, Nov. 12, will observe the worldwide Indigenous event, "Rock Your Mocs." "The annual event is designed to create a unified online 'photo album' of Indigenous peoples," a release said, "standing together through their unique tribal identity." Thursday, Nov. 13, will encourage participants to wear braids to school and to wear a ribbon skirt or ribbon shirt to school on Friday, Nov. 14. Open to the public, a round dance will conclude the week-long festivities on Friday in the Bemidji High School gymnasium. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the round dance event from 7 to 10 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Various cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and third-place winners across youth and adult categories. For more information, contact Jennings at (218) 444-1600, ext. 63327 or email mary_jennings@isd31.net. The public can also contact Brittany Nattress at (218) 444-1600, ext. 63318 or at brittany_nattress@isd31.net. Benefits claimants will pay less for stamps under plans for a social tariff being considered by Ofcom. The scheme would be similar to existing measures in the telecoms industry, where cheaper mobile and broadband packages are offered to people claiming benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit. Ofcom, the industry regulator, is also mulling a subsidy for post to specific addresses, allowing people to send letters to organisations such as the Department for Work and Pensions or NHS at a discount or for free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans form part of a wider review of affordability for postage following a sharp increase in stamp prices. The price of a first-class stamp has doubled from 85p to 1.70 in the last four years. The regulator said there was evidence that some vulnerable people were struggling with the higher costs, particularly those on low incomes. However, the introduction of a social tariff would likely drive up first-class stamp prices even further for other consumers as Royal Mail would be forced to recoup the costs. A similar subsidy offered by water companies has resulted in bills increasing by 26 per customer, according to figures from Ofwat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Royal Mail, which was bought by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in a 3.6bn deal earlier this year, has raised first-class stamp prices six times in the past three years. Under the terms of its universal service obligation (USO), the postal service must deliver letters to any address at a fixed price six days a week. Rising delivery cost But a sharp decline in letter sending has driven up the cost of delivering each letter, prompting the company to hike stamp prices to help plug heavy losses. However, the rising prices have been compounded by lacklustre service, prompting complaints that customers are getting poor value for money. Ofcom last month fined Royal Mail a record 21m after it delivered almost one in four first-class letters late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following heavy lobbying from bosses, Ofcom has given Royal Mail the green light to water down its universal service obligation. This means that the postal service will scrap second-class letter deliveries on Saturdays, while its delivery targets will also be lowered. Ofcom caps the price of second-class stamps, which will be held at 87p until March 2027. The regulator will review whether this cap should also be lifted. Ofcom has not yet set out details of any stamp discounts. It urged Royal Mail to come forward with proposals for how the social tariff would work and plans to publish details of the reforms early next year. A spokesman for Royal Mail said: We will fully engage with Ofcom on its review. Royal Mail carefully considers prices and seeks to keep them as low as possible while balancing the increasing costs associated with delivering the Universal Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The delivery of mail involves a complex network of multiple modes of transport and around 80,000 posties to deliver a letter from the Scilly Isles to Shetland for just 87p. 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. BENTON, Ark. The Benton community is remembering University of Arkansas band member and Benton High School graduate Jayce Schutte, who passed away over the weekend after a battle with leukemia. Before he was marching with the Razorback band, Schutte was making an impression inside the classroom. CARTI Festival of Trees events begin Thursday Fifth-grade teacher Faith Lamb said Jayce was everyones friend, describing him as a quiet student with a calm presence that made others feel at ease. She said he always had a clear vision of where he wanted to go and his determination allowed him to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the legacy he leaves is to follow your dreams, Lamb said. And one of his dreams was to play in the band at the University of Arkansas. His teachers remembered more than just the student Jayce was, but the light he brought into every room. His second-grade teacher, Sheila Carper, said Jayce was the sweetest kid she had in her classroom that year. My favorite thing that I remember about him is that he used to make me the tiniest little hearts out of paper and put them on my desk, Carper said. She said Jayce always made it a point to make people happy and often acted as a peacemaker when others were upset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that he inspires people because of how he treats other people, Carper said. Jayces mother shared on Facebook that he passed peacefully on the morning of Nov. 1 after a courageous fight with cancer, surrounded by loved ones and the medical staff who cared deeply for him. His family says theyre thankful for the love and support from everyone. Arkansas boy with terminal illness finds strength in show ring A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover funeral costs and ensure Jayce is remembered in the most beautiful way, according to family members. 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 KARK. Bastion's Big Bar roared to life as the 2025 Michelin Guide for the American South's Nashville honorees were unveiled in a livestream from Peace Center in Greenville, S.C. More than 100 Nashville restaurant industry insiders gathered for the Nov. 3 watch party. Guests cheer as the live stream starts during a Michelin Guide American South selection watch party at Bastion in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Three Nashville restaurants, Bastion, Locust, and The Catbird Seat, each earned a prestigious One Michelin Star on Monday. The crowd reached a fever pitch when three Nashville restaurants were awarded Michelin Stars, especially for Bastions own Chef Josh Habiger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is such an incredible honor for Nashville," Max Goldberg said, beaming, glass of champagne in hand. Goldberg is cofounder of Strategic Hospitality, the restaurant group that owns all three Nashville restaurants that won Stars. Nashvilles strong showing underscores its place among the Souths most dynamic food cities. Tiffani Ortiz and Andy Doubrava, from The Catbird Seat, kiss after being awarded a Michelin Star on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, during the Michelin Guide American South Ceremony at The Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina. The 2025 Michelin Guide for the American South recognized 228 restaurants across 44 cuisine types, spanning Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. That officially launched Nashville's eligibility for Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmands and other globally recognized distinctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Nashville restaurants won One Star distinctions. Nearly 20 other local restaurants were given either Bib Gourmand or Recommended awards from the Michelin Guide. "Michelin's nod to Nashville affirms what locals have long known: Music City is a culinary destination. The creative spirit that drives our world-class music scene also inspires epicurean innovation," President and CEO of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. Deana Ivey said. "We're proud of our chefs and restaurants who work tirelessly to shape Nashville's diverse food landscape, which amplifies our reputation, fuels tourism and invites the world to a table where Southern hospitality meets culinary ingenuity." Josh Habiger, from Bastion, poses for a photo after being awarded a Michelin Star on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, during the Michelin Guide American South Ceremony at The Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina. The list of inductees was supposed to be announced at the live ceremony on the evening of Nov. 3 in Greenville, S.C., but it was inadvertently released on a wire service 12 hours in advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Three Nashville restaurants earn Michelin Stars, others honored, in inaugural South guide Guests socialize during a Michelin Guide American South selection watch party at Bastion in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Three Nashville restaurants, Bastion, Locust, and The Catbird Seat, each earned a prestigious One Michelin Star on Monday. Which Nashville restaurants won Michelin Stars? Bastion, Locust and The Catbird Seat each received a coveted One Star distinction, placing them among just 10 new Star recipients across the South. A single Star recognizes restaurants for high-quality cooking worth a stop, according to Michelin inspectors. Brothers Benjamin and Max Goldberg of Strategic Hospitality restaurant group, under which umbrella the newly starred restaurants operate, said in a joint statement the Michelin recognition was "a proud and deeply meaningful moment for our teams and for Nashville." The Stars, in addition to Kissers Bib Gourmand, reflected "years of collective effort and a shared belief that Nashvilles hospitality can stand on any stage," the Goldbergs said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This recognition is, above all, a celebration of the people who make it possible: our chefs and teams who pour their hearts into these restaurants and the city that continues to champion and inspire us." Guests watch the live stream during a Michelin Guide American South selection watch party at Bastion in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Three Nashville restaurants, Bastion, Locust, and The Catbird Seat, each earned a prestigious One Michelin Star on Monday. The Goldbergs also nodded to the work of other Nashville chefs and restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide. Nashville Chef Philip Krajeck's Rolf & Daughters and Folk were recognized in the American South's 2025 Recommended Restaurants category. "It's an honor to be included in the list inaugurating Nashville," he told The Tennessean. "You know we do what we do for the love of what we do, awards or not, but when something comes around like this, it's nice to see." Alex Burch, from Bad Idea, is given the Sommelier Award on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, during the Michelin Guide American South Ceremony at The Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina. Nashville's Bib Gourmand winners Bib Gourmand awards highlight establishments offering exceptional food at a great value in a relaxed setting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michelins anonymous inspectors awarded 50 American South Bib Gourmand distinctions for exceptional food at a great value. Nashville's Bib Gourmand winners are: Kisser Peninsula Redheaded Stranger Sho Pizza Bar SS Gai St. Vito Focacceria Uzbegim Nashville's Michelin Recommended restaurants Arnold's Country Kitchen Audrey Bad Idea Cafe Roze Folk Hattie B's Hot Chicken Iggy's International Market Rolf and Daughters Shotgun Willie's BBQ Tailor Other Nashville restaurants honored The Michelin Sommelier Award was given to Alex Burch at Bad Idea. January in Franklin won a new Green Star distinction for its innovation, leadership, zero-waste kitchen and commitment to local sourcing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mackensy Lunsford is the senior dining reporter and critic for The Tennessean. Reach her at mlunsford@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville restaurants celebrate Michelin recognition: See who won Key Points Verizon currently has a nearly 7% yield, well covered by the free cash flow it generates. The wireless company has a big bundling opportunity once its Frontier acquisition closes. The stock currently trades at an attractive valuation. 10 stocks we like better than Verizon Communications Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) stock trades down roughly 16% from its 52-week high and about 35% from highs reached back in 2020. As a result, the stock now carries a robust 6.9% forward dividend yield. The stock's underwhelming performance has led to some investors calling for changes in the company. On its third-quarter earnings conference call last week, new CEO Daniel Schulman said that the company will undergo a significant strategic shift. Let's take a closer look at the wireless carrier's most recent results, and why I think now is the time to buy the stock. Image source: Getty Images. A new direction for Verizon With Verizon continuing to lose customers, Schulman said that the company will fundamentally change its strategy, shifting from a technology-centric approach to one centered on its customers. Going forward, it will look to win by offering the best overall customer experience and value proposition. At the same time, it will increase its investment in fiber and bundling (convergence). Its pending acquisition of Frontier Communications, meanwhile, will significantly increase its fiber network and give it a huge opportunity to bundle services. It noted that its wireless share is under-indexed in areas served by Frontier, so there will be a lot of opportunity to cross-sell its wireless services once the deal closes. Meanwhile, Schulman wants to lower Verizon's expenses, and it will conduct a full review of capital expenditures and capital allocation. However, the new CEO was quick to say that the company's dividend is not in question, calling it "sacrosanct." Despite the stock's struggles, Verizon's dividend remains well covered. Through the first nine months of this year, it's paid out nearly $8.6 billion in dividends. At the same time, it's produced $28 billion in operating cash flow and $15.7 billion in free cash flow. That's an over 1.8x coverage ratio, meaning it has plenty of room to grow its distribution in the future. At the same time, the leverage of its unsecured (net unsecured net/adjusted EBITDA) is 2.2 times, showing that its balance sheet is in solid shape. However, it will look to continue to pay down debt, especially as it takes on more when the Frontier deal is completed. The Business Download reported that Utah is getting help with its energy supply needs from a Washington-based energy company supported by Bill Gates. To date, TerraPower LLC has raised $650 million to construct an advanced reactor in Wyoming that relies on liquid sodium instead of water, along with a molten salt energy storage system. Federal approval still awaits, but it is expected in 2026, according to Bloomberg. In the meantime, the Gates-backed company is getting to work in Utah as it explores potential reactor sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think most people comprehend the amount of power that's going to be needed right now," Governor Spencer Cox told Bloomberg TV in August 2025. As the country advances in electrification and AI, nuclear power can provide a reliable energy source despite its controversial reputation. Past disasters, including those at Three Mile Island in 1979, Chernobyl in 1986, and most recently, Fukushima in 2011, haven't helped public perception. Plus, there's the association with destructive nuclear weapons, as images from Hiroshima and Nagasaki are still a living memory for some. Luckily, some stakeholders took note to improve safety regulations and reactor design technology. Per the World Economic Forum, nuclear fusion and small modular reactors have promising potential with several designs in development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to TerraPower's website, its "design capitalizes on natural forces, such as gravity and thermal convection, enabling passive cooling and significantly reducing safety-related costs compared to conventional reactors." Plus, there's understandable concern over how companies handle radioactive waste. However, on a positive note, per the World Nuclear Association, the typically dense radioactive waste is far less in volume than what other industries produce. However, such power provides 24/7 large-scale low-carbon energy that works independently of weather conditions, unlike solar or wind turbines. Its energy is dense, as one uranium fuel pellet releases as much fuel as a ton of coal, per the Nuclear Energy Institute. As such, the grid has a better chance of stability with such consistent energy. Due to the lack of carbon pollution during production, this energy can help fight critical climate issues such as atmospheric overheating that's causing increasingly worse heat events like droughts and wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to nuclear plants' small land use, natural vegetation can remain intact. Therefore, habitats for pollinators and other creatures, oxygen production, and carbon absorption can all function as needed to support the biodiversity essential to a cooler and cleaner planet. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Business owners affected by Fridays devastating fire in downtown Birmingham are speaking out after several buildings were severely damage. The fire, which began early in the morning on Halloween, severely damaged three buildings, according to the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. One of those buildings was where Savannah Hrbek owns a salon named Blush, but her connection to the building is much deeper than that. I grew up in these buildings. My family lived upstairs for 40 years, Hrbek said. They owned a restaurant when I was a kid The Back Alley. I kind of grew up there. I spent my 20s at the Blue Monkey, Cobb Lane, and Jay Clyde. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hrbek said the early morning fire destroyed everything inside her salon. Shes unsure what the next steps will be. BPD: Person in custody in connection to large fire on Birminghams Southside It was extremely emotional just seeing it all go, all the memories, my childhood really, she said. Were waiting on the investigation to be finished. Weve been talking with the firefighters here, who have been just incredibly helpful through this whole process, and its just kind of a waiting game at the moment. Hrbeks business was not the only one affected. The fire burned down nearly an entire block in downtown Birmingham. The American Red Cross said it is helping 19 people who were displaced by the fire, most of them from a nearby apartment building that was also severely damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are working with Birmingham Fire and with the apartment manager to make sure we can contact those people today, provide them with financial assistance, and understand what other unmet needs exist, said Red Cross representative Rowland. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Hrbek said she doesnt know when or if she will rebuild her salon or if the building itself will be rebuilt but shes thankful no one was hurt. 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 CBS 42. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) The Bloomington Police Department will be holding a public information session on Thursday as part of its Tier 2 accreditation assessment. The department is attempting to achieve Tier 2 accreditation through the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, said Bryce Janssen, Bloomington police spokesperson. He said Bloomington police achieved Tier 1 accreditation in 2019, and earned re-accreditation in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current Tier 2 assessment represents the Departments continued commitment to professional excellence and adherence to the highest standards of law enforcement practices, Janssen said. During the public information session, which will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Nov. 6, the public will be able to address the departments ability to meet the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Programs standards. As part of the accreditation process, an assessment team will be at the Bloomington Police Department on Nov. 5 and 6, to examine the departments policies, procedures and management. Accreditation standards are meaningful for police departments and the communities we serve. We aim to be at our very best and contribute to safe communities, said Chief Jamal Simington. Your input during this ILEAP accreditation process will enable us to memorialize what we do well but also set the Department on a path of more success through collaboration. Thanks in advance for participating in the invaluable community input phase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If accreditation is granted, it will last for four years. 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 CIProud.com. A Blount County man accused of causing a multi-vehicle crash on I-40 near Crossville nearly four years ago pleaded guilty in Cumberland County Criminal Court last week. He now faces a sentencing hearing in January at which time length and manner the sentence is to be served will be determined. Joshua Adam Fields, 43, Alcoa, was originally charged with vehicular homicide in the death of Michael Copeland, 72, Cookeville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant District Attorney Philip Hatch described the incident as occurring as both motorists jockeyed for position as they traveled east on the interstate approaching the Peavine Road exit. Criminal Court Judge Wesley Bray recognized there exists evidentiary issues with the case that has resulted in the plea entered Oct. 28. One issue is the death of a motorist who captured the event on her dash camera. She was the only witness who could verify the video was an accurate depiction of the crash. A second issue involved evidence that was in the hands of THP investigators that created problems for prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash occurred Dec. 16, 2021, near the 322 mile marker, with a series of passing moves by Fields, driving a 2022 SUV, and Copeland, driving a 2011 Toyota. During presentation of evidence that could have resulted in a jury verdict of guilty, Hatch said Fields was seen on the video displaying aggressive driving and his vehicle struck the rear of Copelands Toyota. Copelands vehicle left the road, crossed the grassy median and collided head-on with a FedEx truck driven by Bobby Shires, 59, of Fincasetle, VA. Fields was not injured, and continued east to Peavine Road exit, where he stopped and waited for police. Shires suffered minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the law in existence at the time, reckless homicide carries a two- to four-year sentence. The law has since been updated by the Tennessee General Assembly and is now a three- to 15-year sentence and fine up to $10,000. This, however, does not apply in this case. In addition, Fields qualified for judicial diversion and after a TBI background check, diversion was granted. Under the law at the time, Fields will be required to serve a minimum of 30 days in jail. The sentencing hearing will be held to determine how much of the two- to four-year range will be given to Fields and whether he will serve a split sentence or be granted supervised probation after the 30 days are served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hatch told the court the plea does not fall in line with what the family wants, and Bray told the family he would look forward to hearing an impact statement from the family during the sentencing hearing. Fields remains free on bond until the sentencing hearing date in January. CHICAGO (AP) More than six years after a Boeing 737 Max jetliner crashed in Ethiopia, the first civil trial related to the disaster that killed all 157 people on board was set to proceed. Boeing has settled most of the dozens of wrongful death lawsuits that families of the victims filed against the aircraft maker after the March 2019 crash, but a federal court jury was selected Tuesday in two of the remaining cases. Lawyers for the families and Boeing were scheduled to give their opening statements on Wednesday. An out-of-court settlement in either or both of the cases still could be reached at any point, even after lawyers begin presenting evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial in Chicago, where Boeing used to have its headquarters, isnt expected to examine the the companys liability. Boeing already accepted responsibility for what happened to Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and for a similar 737 Max crash five months earlier off the Indonesian coast that killed 189 passengers and crew. Instead, the eight-person jury is tasked with deciding how much Boeing should pay to the families of Mercy Ndivo, a 28-year-old mother originally from Kenya, and 36-year-old United Nations consultant Shikha Garg, who was from India. The fatal crash happened minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Ndivo and her husband were returning from her graduation ceremony in London, where she had earned a masters degree in accountancy. The couple are survived by their daughter, an infant at the time who is now almost 8. Ndivo's parents sued Boeing on her behalf. Like a number of the other passengers, Garg, a consultant for the United Nations Development Programme, was on her way to attend a U.N. environmental assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. She is survived by her husband and parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Monday, Boeing told the families of the 346 passengers and crew members killed in both crashes that it is deeply sorry. "We made an upfront commitment to fully and fairly compensate the families of those who were lost in the accidents, and have accepted legal responsibility for the accidents in these proceedings," Boeing said, adding that it respects the families' rights to pursue claims in court. The two cases pending before U.S. District Judge Jorge Luis Alonso originally were among a group of five that potentially could have gone to trial this week. But Alonso said Monday that only the two could proceed due to the government shutdown. Details of prior settlements, many reached just before the start of scheduled trials, have not been publicly disclosed. Lawyers say 14 other lawsuits remain unresolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Clifford, a Chicago lawyer whose firm represents many of the victims' families, including Ndivo's parents, said attempts to reach pre-trial settlement through mediation failed in recent months. Boeing accepted full responsibility for the senseless and preventable loss of these lives, yet they have not been mediating in good faith to come to a resolution for these devastated families, Clifford said in a statement. We are determined to achieve justice for every one of them. From nearly the moment pilots flying for Ethiopian Airlines took off in their new Boeing jetliner, they encountered problems with the plane. A device called a stick shaker began vibrating the captains control column, warning that the plane might stall and fall from the sky. For six minutes, the pilots were bombarded by alarms as they fought to fly the plane before entering a final nosedive at nearly 700 miles per hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. prosecutors later charged Boeing with conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with both crashes, accusing the company of deceiving government regulators about a flight-control system it developed for the 737 Max. In both crashes, the software had pitched the nose of the planes down repeatedly based on faulty readings from a single sensor. The Justice Department asked a federal judge in Texas to dismiss the felony charge and to approve an agreement between prosecutors and Boeing that is pending. If it is approved, the deal would allow Boeing to avoid prosecution in exchange for paying or investing another $1.1 billion in fines, compensation for the victims families, and internal safety and quality measures. Boeing is now headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, but it was based in Chicago when the first lawsuits were filed in 2019. __ Yamat reported from Las Vegas. LONDON Boots is breaking with tradition and transforming its high-growth, social-media fueled categories into stand-alone concepts, the latest of which is an experiential fragrance store near Liverpool Street station in London. The Boots Fragrance boutique is located within the new retail development Broadgate Central, and carries 400 scents ranging from the niche to the well-known, with prices that stretch from mass to luxury. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement They range from marquee names such as Tom Ford Private Blend, Prada Les Infusions and Hermes to new, niche names such as Tobba, which is based in Hong Kong, Bella Hadids Orebella, and Lumira, a B Corp-certified brand from Sydney. There is a focus on experience, with more testers than ever on display, and a strong service angle, too. Boots has filled the shop floor with fragrance specialists whove been given advanced training on scent profiling and matching. Boots Fragrance also offers a concierge service that aims to help people find their signature scent (or combination of scents) and to choose the right juice for major moments such as weddings. To accompany the physical space Boots has also launched a fragrance hub on Boots.com and the Boots app, with click-and-collect service in more than 1,600 stores. Advertisement Advertisement Although the Broadgate store is the only stand-alone planned for now, Boots is planning to open around 49 upgraded fragrance spaces across the U.K. More than half will open by Christmas with a further 20 after the holiday period, and each will have special displays that focus on the new, niche brands. Our mission at the start of the year was to bring the joy back to shopping for fragrance on the U.K. high street and we are really on an exciting journey, said Chelsey Saunders, director of beauty at Boots, in an interview. She added that Boots is eager for customers to test, learn and play. Grace Vernon, Boots global cultural insight and trend lead, said the big fragrance boom is a trend weve been tracking for a while. People just so engaged in fragrance, and are using it as a way to showcase their personalities. Theyre creating wardrobes, and layering and using luxury, premium, and different iterations of fragrances together. She cited a Euromonitor report that was published in July, saying that fragrances are set to account for 23 percent of absolute growth in the beauty industry between 2024 and 2029, with a forecast compound annual growth rate of 5.5 percent. The U.K. fragrance market alone is on track to surpass 2 billion pounds by 2029, according to Mintel. Advertisement Advertisement There are many different forces fueling the boom. According to Saunders and Vernon, customers are increasingly using fragrance as a wellness tool, to boost or create a mood, and even to reinforce a sense of friendship and community. Vernon said teenage boys are a fast-growing demographic, in some cases clubbing together to purchase a single bottle of pricey fragrance, which they later decant into smaller bottles for their own use. Vernon added that consumers are experimenting at both ends of the scale, seeking value, but also ready to splurge if they find something they love. Boots, she believes, is ideally positioned to offer them the full spectrum. Saunders concurred. This is not a boutique full of products that cost 350 pounds. Some even start at 20 pounds. You can take home a sampler set, a layering set or something in a small size thats perfect for travel, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Vernon pointed to another big driver behind sales, TikTok. It has opened the door to some of these niche brands that people havent heard of before, she said, adding that TikTokkers are now able to do what would have been impossible a few years ago. Theyre selling fragrance through a screen and immersing viewers in brands by talking about them in a really sensorial way, she added. The renewed enthusiasm for scent has also led Boots to change the way it merchandises its fragrances. We dont differentiate between mens and womens things have become much more unisex. Its more about a person wanting something oud-y, woody, smoky or fresh. Its not around gender, but about your tastes and what youre interested in, said Vernon. Advertisement Advertisement Despite its enthusiasm for the category, Boots has taken care not to send its customers into sensory overload. Weve tried to help consumers navigate the fragrances by creating discovery tables and segmenting the brands into categories such as modern, romantic and classical and allowing them to serve themselves, said Saunders. The fragrance store opening is part of a wider push at Boots. The retailer is in the thick of a Make More Room for Beauty campaign, of which fragrance is a big part, and last week it announced an accelerator program designed to help the next generation of founders become global household names. Boots has teamed with Growth Studio on the program, which is called Breakout Beauty. Products range from gender-neutral deodorant and purpose-driven skin care to brands based on the founders cultural heritage. In addition to Boots, headline partners include TikTok Shop, HSBC Innovation Banking and the health and beauty distributor FDD International. Advertisement Advertisement The Broadgate Central opening follows another experimental concept space, a stand-alone beauty and skin care store at Battersea Power Station in London. Our concept stores allow us to trial things and give a platform to be innovative, bold and brave, said Saunders, adding that the Battersea store trialed derm-focused pharmacy services that eventually rolled out to hundreds of Boots stores in the U.K. Customers can have skin scans, talk to trained dermatologists about specific concerns and receive guidance on products in addition to shopping fragrance, hair care and cosmetics. On the heels of that opening two years ago, Boots has redesigned more than 180 beauty halls and trained more than 1,400 beauty specialists with an emphasis on expertise and customer service. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Just hours after Bostons Zoning Board of Appeals voted 6-1 to allow a new family shelter in West Roxbury last week, neighbors filed a lawsuit in an attempt to stop it. The shelter, opening in a vacant former nursing home at 5 Redlands Road near the intersection of Centre Street was initially expected to open in July on the one-way residential street. Its been held up by a vocal group of neighbors who are attempting to use the citys zoning code to prevent what others call much-needed housing in the community. Neighbors have accused the shelter providers of misleading city officials and even doctoring documents to win approvals, while the providers themselves say they are well within their rights to operate the shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zoning is the backbone of neighborhood democracy. It is democracy pushed down to the street level. It gives the neighbors a seat at the table, said attorney Kevin Cloutier, who is representing the opposing neighbors, during the Oct. 28, 2025, ZBA hearing. That process has been cut out of this. At the same time, supporters and some elected officials including Mayor Michelle Wu and Gov. Maura Healey have said the state-run shelter would meet the needs of struggling families in the Boston area. New use for an old nursing home Making Opportunities Count, a Fitchburg-based nonprofit shelter provider, filed for permits from the city earlier this year to open the shelter. The proposed facility will accommodate families experiencing homelessness up to 120 individuals through the states Emergency Assistance program. Officials from the nonprofit say the former Stonehedge Nursing Home, which closed in 2022, has the facilities necessary to house and support families as they work toward permanent housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A previous plan for the property would have created a three-story, 30-unit apartment building, according to Universal Hub, but the developer withdrew it. The bottom floor of the building will be used for staff offices and shared spaces, including kitchen and laundry facilities. The remaining floors will be residential space for around 40 families. The proposal quickly met with mixed opinions. About 100 people attended a heated community meeting about it in May, the Boston Globe reported at the time. Many argued that the property could not support that many residents without burdening the street. They worried that a homeless shelter, located near the intersection of Centre Street, would raise safety and security concerns. The Redlands Manthorne Willow Neighborhood Alliance started a petition to stop the project, which had received more than 1,100 signatures as of Monday, and a GoFundMe to raise money for legal fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This large institutional facility is not appropriate for the site. Similar shelters have been proven unsafe, ineffective and are being phased out statewide, the organization wrote on its website, referring to the state ending its use of hotels as emergency shelters. Neighbors who spoke at the Oct. 28 Zoning Board of Appeals hearing said they were concerned about the property owners application, the zoning and the potential effects on the community. The whole neighborhood would just kind of go down, meaning there would be so many people on the street, you dont know whos actually going to be living there, said a Redlands Road resident who identified herself as Rosie, adding she is worried about safety issues at the shelter. I just dont want that for the people there or us ... If theres too many people all together in one spot, something could happen. But not all neighbors oppose the project, and several testified in support at the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, I think a lot of the people who are against the shelter are trying to find zoning loopholes to be against it because they dont want any outside people living in our community, Julia Hansen, a Redlands Road resident, said. I say that if its fine with the zoning, Im very happy to have these people as my neighbors and in my community. Questioning the zoning Making Opportunities Count and the property owner, Berkshire Investments, say the shelter is allowed at that location under the citys zoning code, meaning they dont need neighbors support to seek variances to open. Bostons Inspectional Services Department initially rejected the permit application in July, citing several zoning violations, according to court documents. But in September, when Berkshire Investments said the violations were either inaccurate or had been corrected, Inspectional Services approved the permit. But that assessment has been strongly disputed by neighbors, who claim the shelter team misled the city to cover up zoning violations that would require them to apply for variances. Shortly after the permit was approved on Oct. 28, neighbor Stephen Marsh filed an appeal, sending the project to the citys Zoning Board of Appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The central argument hinges on whether the building would be used as congregate living, as the proponents described it in their permit application, or as homeless shelter/transitional housing. While these designations may sound similar, the two uses are treated differently in the zoning code. Congregate living, which provides shared kitchen and bathroom spaces for residents, is allowed by right, with a variance required only if people will be living on the ground floor. However, if the property owner intended to use the building as a homeless shelter or transitional housing, they would be required to apply for a variance. The appeal and lawsuit argue that the building is a homeless shelter, but Berkshire Investments attorney Paul Rufo said during the hearing that the key difference between the two is the length of time residents stay there. A homeless shelter or transitional housing typically provides overnight or up to 30 days of housing, while congregate living is for a more extended period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Colby OBrien, vice president of programs at Making Opportunities Count, the average time a family spends in emergency shelter is currently 258 days. The families that live at 5 Redlands will be members of the community. They will shop at the same stores, visit the same parks, participate in the same community events and local schools just like any other neighbor, OBrien said. Cloutier also accused Berkshire Investments of changing planning documents after Inspectional Services initially denied the permit. He said they went from describing the building as two stories with a basement to three stories, to avoid saying they would have congregate living on the ground floor, and changed the width of the driveway from 9 to 10 feet so it would appear to be the required width. Changing the words doesnt mean youre compliant. It just means youre concealing the actual truth about the layout of this property and where the actual living quarters would be, Cloutier said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rufo and owner Alex Burk denied Cloutiers allegations. When the building was initially classified as two stories with a basement in the 1960s, Burk said, Boston had not yet written its zoning code. The ground floor was not sufficiently below grade to qualify as a basement, but the description was never updated, he said. Rufo added that they had measured the driveway and found it to be 10 feet, consistent with older site plans, but believed the plan originally submitted stated 9 feet due to a computer error. In response to additional claims that the plans did not provide the minimum required parking, Rufo explained that, as affordable housing, the shelter was subject to lower parking requirements than other residential property. City sides with shelter The Zoning Board of Appeals ultimately voted to deny the neighbors appeal. Board member David Collins, the lone dissenting vote, said he believed the property owners misled Inspectional Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other board members, however, explicitly stated that they believed it was important to get the shelter operational This is urgent, given the time. People are struggling right now, and its about to get worse, board member Giovanny Valencia said. The board has not yet issued a written decision, and the shelter operators still need to obtain a certificate of occupancy from Inspectional Services to open, a process that typically includes facility inspections. The lawsuit, filed shortly after the Oct. 28 hearing, names the property owners, Inspectional Services and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The plaintiffs, including six individual residents of the neighborhood and the nearby restaurant West on Centre, asked the court to issue an injunction to stop the shelter from opening while the case plays out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But lawyers for the property owners and the city said in court documents that there is no reason for an injunction, as the plaintiffs have failed to show that they will be harmed by the shelter opening. They called the neighbors claims threadbare and speculative, adding that all residents will be expected to undergo background checks, serious sex offenders will be barred and only families with children or a pregnant member will be allowed. Plaintiffs ... hypothesize that the future residents of the facility will endanger the neighborhood and drive down property values because of their inherently dangerous status as individuals experiencing housing instability, lawyers for the city wrote. At an unrelated event this month, before the Zoning Board hearing, Mayor Michelle Wu said she understood residents frustration that the decision was made without input from the city, but that housing families in adequate facilities was an important goal for both Boston and the state. Boston will always do our very best to support families who are in need, families who are trying to just raise their kids and contribute to the community, she said. At the same time, it is important to have processes in place that give people information, get questions answered so that it doesnt lead to rumors or gossip that then turn into misinformation and a lot of confusion or even unnecessary, unfounded fears about what might happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Maura Healey, too, said recently that the shelter was needed and that the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, which operates the shelter system, has had multiple conversations with the city about it. These are Boston families. These are women and children, and theyre from here, and they still need a place to go. They may have found themselves temporarily homeless or not able to make a rent payment and faced eviction, she said. Thats what our emergency system is all about. Politics editor John Micek contributed reporting for this story. More boston Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Renault Group has finalised agreements for Chinas Geely to acquire a 26.4% shareholding in Renault do Brasil. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is said to broaden the two companies cooperation to the production and sale of zero- and lowemission vehicles in Brazil under both the Renault and Geely Auto brands. Renault and Geely have previously collaborated on several global initiatives, including joint investment in Renault Korea and the creation of Horse Powertrain. Renault will maintain control of the Brazilian subsidiary and continue to consolidate it in the groups financial statements. As a minority investor, Geely will gain access to Renault do Brasils manufacturing and commercial infrastructure to support its regional expansion, according to the French carmaker. Under the plan, Geely Autobranded models will be built alongside Renault vehicles at the Ayrton Senna facility in Sao Jose dos Pinhais, Parana, with the arrangement expected to raise overall output. Renault Group CEO Francois Provost said: The partnership we are announcing today with Geely in Brazil marks a decisive step forward in our international strategy. It establishes an agile cooperation founded on industrial excellence and technological leadership. Once again, combining our strengths will make us more competitive, more innovative, and more responsive in a fast-evolving automotive market. Renault also plans to deploy Geelys GEA new energy platform to broaden its local line-up of zero- and low-emission models. On the commercial front, Renault do Brasil will oversee sales and distribution of Geely Autos electrified range in the market, including associated financing and aftersales operations. The cooperation is expected to strengthen both the companies positions in Brazil and speed up the growth of both brands in a market that represented over 40% of Latin American vehicle registrations in first half of 2025. Geely Holding Group chairman Eric Li said: Our continued cooperation with Renault in exploring new markets and new opportunities will make for a win-win scenario as both Renault and Geely are able to leverage technology scales on a global level to bring the best products to market. Separately, Renault is also in discussion with Chinese automaker Chery to investigate potential collaborations for coproducing and sell cars, reported Reuters, citing an executive. "Renault Group agrees sale of 26.4% stake in Brazil business to Geely" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Police are searching for the box truck driver who damaged several parked cars Monday morning while attempting to squeeze down a narrow South Philadelphia street. The incident happened just after 9:15 a.m. on Pierce Street. As it maneuvered through the tight space, it struck multiple vehicles before speeding away. "I've never seen something like that. It was insane," said Eddie Alfaro, a South Philadelphia resident. "He totaled the two cars, and we were like screaming right behind him and he did not stop." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video captured by neighbors shows the truck clearing a turn and accelerating away as residents chased after it. Witnesses said the truck had no license plates or company markings, and the driver was gone before anyone on the ground could get a good look at who was behind the wheel. "Some people are just like that, they don't care," said William Klampfer, another neighbor. Residents said a few homes on the block are being renovated and are under construction, so they often see large vehicles attempting to navigate the narrow street, despite its size. "If you know the street's small, why do you even try to come down it?" said block captain, Adam Simons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While cars have been hit before, neighbors said drivers usually leave a note or knock on doors in an attempt to find the owner. "I actually find it more common that people are pretty courteous," said Mike Rispoli. "But I also know sometimes not everyone's gonna stop, and obviously I wish that they did." No injuries were reported, but residents are now dealing with insurance claims and the loss of their vehicles. Alfaro said his brother's car was totaled. Police responded to the scene Monday morning, but no suspect has been identified. "It's pretty messed up what you did," Alfaro said. "I feel like you should be held accountable for that." BELEM, Brazil (Reuters) -Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Tuesday he will call his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump again if talks between their countries do not progress by the end of COP30, the United Nations climate conference Brazil is hosting this month. Lula and Trump met in Malaysia in October seeking to overcome tensions between Brazil and the United States after Trump increased tariffs on U.S. imports of most Brazilian goods to 50% from 10% in August. "I left the meeting with President Trump certain that we will reach an agreement," Lula told reporters in Belem. "I told him that it was very important that our negotiators start talking soon." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lula said that Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Finance Minister Fernando Haddad are ready for a new round of negotiations and could travel to the U.S. if needed. "When COP30 ends, if the meeting between my negotiators and his hasn't been scheduled yet, I'll call Trump again," the leftist leader added. (Reporting by Katy Daigle and Lisandra Paraguassu; Writing by Gabriel Araujo, Editing by Alexandra Hudson) Dick Cheney, the 46th vice president of the United States and a defining figure in Republican national security politics, died on Monday night. He was 84. Cheney died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement released by his family early Tuesday. He leaves behind his wife Lynne, two daughters, and six grandchildren. The statement, first published by Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman, reads in full: Richard B. Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, died last night, November 3, 2025. He was 84 years old. His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed. The former Vice President died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyomings Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States. Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man. BREAKING NEWS DICK CHENEY DEAD AT 84 pic.twitter.com/knXpittqb3 Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) November 4, 2025 Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Jan. 30, 1941, and raised in Casper, Wyoming. He secured five draft deferments during the Vietnam War, mostly through education and marriage, once explaining he had other priorities in the 1960s. After attending Yale University briefly and dropping out he became a student at the University of Wyoming where he completed his bachelors degree and masters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He first entered federal service under former President Richard Nixon in 1969, working in the Office of Economic Opportunity and the White House. He rose up the ranks quickly and by 34, was White House chief of staff under former President Gerald Ford. He returned to Wyoming and won a seat to Congress in 1978. Later, as Secretary of Defense under former President George H.W. Bush, he directed the U.S. invasion of Panama and the Gulf War. Former President George W. Bush chose him as running mate in 2000 when he became president. Cheney went on to become the architect of the U.S.s defense posture from the Cold War through the Gulf War, then again after 9/11, admired by some for his work and reviled by others, particularly for his role in post-9/11 domestic surveillance, the war on terror and the Iraq War. His power during that time would define his public memory. The post-9/11 wars scarred the U.S. and the world. By the end of the Iraq occupation, 4,431 US troops had been killed and nearly 32,000 wounded; in Afghanistan, 2,352 died and more than 20,000 were wounded. The civilian toll across the region ran into the hundreds of thousands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued to defend the CIAs use of enhanced interrogation techniques well into retirement, despite accusations from humanitarian organizations and critics that they constituted torture. His time as vice president was also marred by the abuses against detainees recorded at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. He most recently re-entered the partisan fray when he publicly joined with his daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney, to endorse Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race and rejected Trumps candidacy as a threat to the country. The post Former Vice President Dick Cheney Dead at 84 first appeared on Mediaite. The federal government shutdown has pushed America's aviation system to a dangerous tipping point, with five-hour TSA lines in Houston, widespread flight cancellations, and a alarming pattern of near-miss incidents that echo the crisis that forced an end to the historic 2018-2019 shutdown just before Thanksgiving. Aviation Crisis Deepens Now in its fifth week, the shutdown has created what aviation experts are calling the most severe aviation crisis since the post-9/11 period. "Currently nearly 50 percent of major air traffic control facilities are experiencing staffing shortages, and nearly 90 percent of air traffic controllers are out at New Yorkarea facilities," the FAA reported Friday evening. Since the shutdown began October 1, the Federal Aviation Administration has reported controller shortages in cities across the U.S., from airports in Boston and Philadelphia, to control centers in Atlanta and Houston. Almost 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed on Sunday, November 2, according to FlightAware. Houston Airport Chaos: Five-Hour Security Lines Image Credit: Depositphotos Houston's airports have become ground zero for the shutdown's devastating impact on air travel. TSA checkpoint wait times have ballooned past three hours at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, with some passengers enduring up to five hours in line. Only two out of the airport's five terminals remain open for TSA screening due to staffing shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My son is going to miss his flight back to college from Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston because the lines to check in are backed up for HOURS," one frustrated passenger wrote on social media. "I've been in line 3 hours and not even past the actual security entrance," another traveler reported. "If you're flying out of the Houston airport, allow 6 hours to go through security". At nearby William P. Hobby Airport, security wait times are routinely exceeding one hour. One Houston TSA worker was facing eviction after lost paychecks left him unable to pay rent, only avoiding homelessness after sympathetic viewers donated money. New York Area Crippled by Controller Absences The New York metropolitan area, the nation's busiest airspace, faces the most severe disruptions. Airports serving the New York City area, John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, were experiencing delays averaging around two hours. Air traffic controllers handed out leaflets at LaGuardia Airport warning travelers about staffing and safety concerns, as controllers who once received partial paychecks now work without any pay at all. "This job is stressful enough. We go to work day in and day out and make thousands of decisions," said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. Dangerous Pattern of Near-Miss Incidents Image Credit: Shutterstock The controller shortage has contributed to a troubling increase in aviation safety incidents. In January, a mid-air crash over the Potomac River involving a commercial jet and a military helicopter killed 67 people. Recent weeks have seen multiple close calls, including a dramatic near-miss at Boston Logan where a Delta flight came within 200 feet of a Cape Air aircraft, and two United planes colliding on the tarmac at LaGuardia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Here we are so many years later, and the problems have not been addressed," said aviation attorney Ricardo Martinez-Cid. "Now we're in a worse position when we had been put on notice". Control Towers Going Dark The shutdown's impact reached a new low when Hollywood Burbank Airport's control tower went dark for almost six hours on October 6, with a startling radio message: "The tower is closed due to staffing." Flight delays averaged two-and-a-half hours as pilots were forced to coordinate their movements among themselves. Around the three-week mark, one terminal at Miami International Airport was forced to close because security screeners were calling out sick in large numbers, with some quitting altogether. 2018-2019 Shutdown Precedent The current crisis bears striking similarities to the 2018-2019 shutdown that became the longest in U.S. history. That 34-day shutdown ended after air traffic controllers and TSA agents started calling in sick, severely threatening air travel. On January 25, 2019, a shortage of air traffic controllers forced the FAA to limit traffic at LaGuardia Airport and other major hubs from Newark to Orlando. That same day, President Trump agreed to a temporary funding measure, effectively ending the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended after air traffic controllers and TSA agents started calling in sick, severely threatening air travel, just weeks before Thanksgiving. Financial Desperation Among Controllers "Air traffic controllers are showing up to work, but we're being put in a position that every day this is less safe," Daniels said. "I'm going to work right now, and I'm thinking about, how do I pay my rent? Rent is due in a few days, how to put food on the table, how to put gas in my car just to show up to work". "I got a message from a controller that said I'm running out of money, and if she doesn't get the medicine she needs, she dies," Daniels reported. Many controllers are taking second jobs driving for Uber or working at food banks between shifts. Thanksgiving Travel Threat If the shutdown drags into November, the real pain point could come during Thanksgiving week, when a record number of Americans are expected to travel for the holidays. "I would be cautious if this continues into Thanksgiving, we're likely to see multiple days of 3 million-plus travelers," warned aviation expert Christine Nastro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airlines for America warned that "every week the shutdown drags on, $1 billion in travel-related spending is lost, while the nation's 13,000 air traffic controllers are preparing to miss their first full paycheck". Bipartisan Pressure Mounts The aviation crisis has generated rare bipartisan concern in Congress. Even fiscal conservatives like Sen. Rand Paul argued that not paying air traffic controllers could have dangerous consequences: "I fly twice a week. I want my air traffic controller to be happy, well fed, not anxious, not nervous". As the shutdown approaches the five-week mark with Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, the aviation system that once helped end the 2018-2019 crisis may again force lawmakers' hands, but this time, the stakes appear even higher, with unprecedented safety incidents and operational breakdowns threatening the backbone of America's transportation network. In Franklin Township, New Jersey, Police Sgt. Kevin Bollaro has been charged with misconduct and tampering with records for his role in the investigation of a double murder-suicide on August 1. Prosecutors say Bollaro ignored multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots and screaming, and he instead went to an ATM instead of responding right away. When he did respond, he drove without lights or siren to the scene. He wrote in his report that he was canvassing the area, when he was actually at a pizzeria. The victims, Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, were found dead in her home. Ricardo Santos, a state police lieutenant and Semanchik's ex-boyfriend, was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. If convicted, Bollaro faces up to 10 years in prison. The post Brickbat: In No Hurry appeared first on Reason.com. Coastal flooding expected Wednesday The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Advisory covering the Clatsop and Tillamook County coasts, as well as the South Washington Coast, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The advisory warns of minor flooding up to 1 foot above ground level during high tides. Flooding is expected along portions of Highway 101, including near Raymond, Seaside and Fraser Road in Tillamook County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents are advised to remain out of the water and to take necessary precautions to protect life and property. Clatsop County shares food assistance resources Clatsop County is urging households that rely on SNAP food benefits to review local food resources and stay informed, as November SNAP benefits may be delayed as the federal government shutdown continues. What SNAP recipients need to know: As the shutdown continues, Oregon may not be able to issue November SNAP benefits on time. Any SNAP dollars already loaded on an EBT card from previous months will continue to work. The Oregon Department of Human Services will release updates asap, and benefits will be issued as quickly as possible once federal funding is released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who get SNAP should: Check their EBT balance regularly. Keep following SNAP rules and reporting requirements. Create or log in to their ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get messages about their SNAP case. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) remains open and is still providing services such as nutrition support, breastfeeding support, referrals, and specific healthy foods for pregnant people, babies and young children. While WIC and SNAP are different programs, many families in Clatsop County may qualify for both. Local food is available now, regardless of SNAP timing. Clatsop Community Action (CCA) maintains an updated list of local pantries and meal programs throughout Clatsop County. Check the website: ccaservices.org/food/food-pantries/ or call 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit 211info.org to get connected to nearby food pantries, meal programs, and emergency food boxes. For older adults and people with disabilities, The Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) can help connect people to both government and community food resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit adrcoforegon.org. State-level response Oregon has declared a statewide food emergency and is coordinating with food banks and local partners to direct resources where they are needed most, including $5 million to help food banks buy and distribute more food. The state is also asking Oregonians to support their local food pantries through donations and volunteering. Britain will be left isolated internationally if it leaves the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the head of the body that oversees the agreement has said. Alain Berset, the secretary general of the Council of Europe, said he was absolutely ready to discuss reforms to the ECHR amid growing criticism from governments that it was too outdated and inflexible to cope with the migrant crisis. However, speaking to the Tories and Reform UK both parties are committed to quitting the convention if elected he claimed the move would weaken Britains influence internationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has consistently said the UK would not quit the ECHR under Labour. Critics of the ECHR claim the advantage of leaving for the UK would be to take back control over human rights law, but Mr Berset told the BBC: The opposite is true. What I see is more the risk to be a bit isolated. It would mean to be not participating to all the discussion on migration, to take an influence. It follows multiple cases, revealed by The Telegraph, of illegal migrants using the ECHR to avoid deportation, including an Albanian criminal who was allowed to stay in Britain partly because his son would not eat chicken nuggets. b' ' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council, which is unrelated to the European Union, is the international political body in Strasbourg that oversees and enforces the work of the European Court of Human Rights. The court rules on how to interpret human rights law in its 46 member states. In the UK, the government and judges must take these rulings into account, but are not bound by judgments that do not closely relate to our circumstances. Sir Keir Starmers Government has pledged to tighten the way courts can interpret articles three and eight of the ECHR to prevent illegal immigrants and foreign criminals using the convention to frustrate their deportation from the UK. The two articles protect against persecution and rights to a family life. Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, has also called for reform of the convention, aligning the UK with nine EU nations, led by Denmark and Italy, which are also demanding major changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such reform would need the agreement of all member states including the UK which, under Sir Winston Churchill, was one of the key architects of the ECHR in the aftermath of the Second World War. This year marks its 75th anniversary. In an interview with the BBC, Mr Berset acknowledged that human rights laws may need to change or adapt and that the institutions remained crucial to peace, security and justice. I am ready, absolutely ready, and really open to engage in all political discussions, to see what we need to discuss, maybe to change or to adapt, he said. Let us engage on migration issues and to see what we need to address and maybe to change. The most important point is to be ready to speak on all issues without taboo ... and to see then what could be the possible consensus between member states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he said he would not comment on internal politics in the UK, Mr Berset appealed for the debate over the ECHR to return to facts. Lord Blunkett and Jack Straw, both former Labour home secretaries, have called for the Government to consider suspending the ECHR or decoupling UK human rights laws from it, in order to enable ministers to deport more illegal migrants. In September, however, Ms Mahmood warned that withdrawing from the ECHR would put Britain in a club with two other countries Russia and Belarus undermining the UKs ability to secure agreements to combat illegal migration. 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. Tory austerity wrecked productivity. Brexit hammered exports. And the war in Ukraine and President Trumps tariffs have driven up the cost of borrowing. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves was clear who was to blame in her lecture to the nation this morning on the worsening state of the public finances, setting out the arguments for why she will, as now seems inevitable, raise income tax in the Budget later this month. But hold on. In reality, she has only herself to blame and the public will quite rightly never forgive either Reeves or her party for the huge betrayal that lies in store. It was a high-risk gamble. Instead of surprising everyone in the Budget on November 26, Reeves chose to make a major speech, setting out the dire state of the economy. She specifically refused to rule out tax rises. It now looks certain income tax will go up. The purpose of todays statement was to prepare the way for that. The only question that remains is how much income tax will go up, and whether it will be the basic rate, or just the higher rate that rises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sure, you can make an argument for that. An increase in income tax is better than most of the alternatives. It will do less damage to the economy than another round of levies on businesses, entrepreneurs, or the few remaining wealthy people who havent already fled for Dubai or the Caribbean. And it means that voters can no longer pretend that the bills can simply be paid by the rich: if they want a Labour government, they will have to pay more for it. And yet, the harsh truth is this. She has only herself to blame for the dire state of the public finances. On taking control of Number 11 last year Reeves made a whole series of major decisions. She caved into demands from the unions for higher wages without asking for higher productivity in return. She approved huge increases in spending on expensive follies such as Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund. She hammered businesses with a huge rise in National Insurance, killing a recovery that was underway, and destroying the labour market. She allowed welfare spending to spiral out of control, and backed down on even the most modest reforms when her backbenchers rebelled against a slowdown in the growth of spending. None of those were part of her legacy or can be blamed on global events. They were her own choices. Even now, she could cut spending if she wanted to. Instead, Reeves is paving the way for the most dramatic betrayal in recent British political history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only eighteen months ago, she campaigned as the Iron Chancellor who would control public finances and who would never contemplate any rises in the three main taxes. It was a clear contract with the electorate. An increase in income tax will do huge damage to the already fragile state of the economy. Demand will suffer, both as pay packets shrink, and as people expect more rises down the line. Investment will evaporate. It probably wont even do much to lower borrowing costs, as Labours support collapses in the polls. And yet, the real damage will be to trust in the political system. Labour has recklessly broken its promises on taxation and the voters will rightly never forgive the party. 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. British teenager Bella Culley has been freed after nearly six months in a Georgia prison on drug trafficking charges. Visibly overwhelmed by the swarm of reporters asking questions upon her release, the heavily pregnant 19-year-old said she was happy and relieved to be free and looking forward to returning home to the UK. Ms Culley was accused of smuggling 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish in her hold luggage at Tbilisi International Airport in May. Bella Culley, a British teenager arrested on drug smuggling charges in Georgia, speaks the first time after she was freed (REUTERS) She had initially faced up to 20 years in prison, but her family made a substantial payment to reduce her sentence and a plea bargain was agreed with prosecutors at Tbilisi City Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Ms Culley was sentenced to five months and 25 days in prison - the total time she had already spent in custody. Below we look at how the British teenagers ordeal unfolded. Who is Bella Culley? Bella May Culley is from Billingham in Teesside. She had hopes of becoming a nurse after finishing an access course at Middlesbrough College, before deciding to travel to southeast Asia in April this year. Ms Culley flew to the Philippines after Easter, and travelled with a friend around the islands for around three weeks, her social media posts showed. At the time, she was in the early months of her pregnancy, which is now in its eighth month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early May, Ms Culley moved on to travel around Thailand. But in a matter of days, the holiday would take a dramatic turn. Ms Culley said she was happy and relieved after her release (Reuters) How did she end up in prison? Just days after arriving in Thailand, Ms Culley was reported missing. The teenager was meant to check in with her mother on Saturday at 5.30pm for a Facetime call, having remained in close contact with her family during her travels. But she never did. At the time, Ms Kennedy said: That was the last message anyone has received from what we can figure out up to now. Im just waiting on her dad who is now in Bangkok to get back with any more information. I just want her home and safe or to hear her gorgeous little voice. Ms Culley has since said she became involved with a Thai drug gang, who coerced her with the threat of violence to both herself and her family to carry drugs into Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She resurfaced at Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia, where she was arrested for possessing 30lbs of cannabis. One of her charges is illegally importing the narcotic into Georgia. Her grandfather, 80-year-old William Culley, told The Mirror that his granddaughter must have been taken advantage of. She's not daft, she's an intelligent girl. Why has she done it? Has someone dangled money in front of her? We just don't know what has gone on until we get out there and talk to her. We are just hoping that somebody can do something. She must be terrified. At a pre-trial hearing she pleaded not guilty, saying: I did not want to do this. I was forced to do this through torture. I just wanted to travel. I am a good person. I am a student at university. I am a clean person. I don't do drugs." Picture of drugs seized by Georgian police in arrest of Bella May Culley (Georgian Police) What were conditions like in the prison? During a nearly six-month detention in Georgias Rustavi Prison Number Five - which is around 25 kilometres south of Tbilisi - Ms Culleys family claim conditions were at times difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Kennedy claimed her daughter had to boil pasta in a kettle and toast bread over candles during her incarceration. Rustavi Prison Number Five, which is a women-only prison, replaced a Soviet-era building known as Tbilisi Prison Number 5 which was closed in 2009 following accusations of human rights offences. Ms Culley embraces her mother, Ms Kennedy after she was freed from prison (AP) In 2011, soon after the new prison was opened, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) noted it was one of Georgias most modern penitentiaries. But an inspection from spring 2023 found a range of issues in the prison, including a lack of exercise time, intermittent supply of drinking water, and regular verbal conflict between inmates, the BBC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inmates have also complained about a lack of access to proper hygiene. Why has she been released? It was reportedly just minutes before a final hearing on Monday morning that a new deal was struck allowing her immediate release from prison. Her mother, Ms Kennedy, and lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, had spent months trying to raise funds to secure an early release in a plea deal with Georgian prosecutors. Georgian prosecutors were initially considering a two-year sentence, but "decided to consider the time she has already served", Prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili told The Associated Press (AP). Lyanne Kennedy arrives at a court hearing in Tbilisi (AP) In October, Ms Culleys case had been delayed to give lawyers more time to finalise the plea deal, after Judge Giorgi Gulashvili said prosecution and defence teams needed time to finalise the sum for her release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers representing the teenager have been locked in negotiations with judicial authorities in Georgia, with further details on the deal expected to be released later. Her family paid 500,000 lari (about 137,000) as part of a plea deal, which saw her sentenced only for as long as she had already spent in jail. Holders whose Securities are accepted for purchase by the Republic will be entitled to receive for such Securities the applicable purchase price plus applicable accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the Settlement Date (" Accrued Interest "). The aggregate purchase price plus Accrued Interest to be paid by the Republic is expected to be U.S.$431,175,149.26. The following table sets forth the results of the Invitation, and the principal amount of the Securities that will remain outstanding after repurchase of the Securities accepted by the Republic: The Republic reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept Offers received after the expiration of the Invitation, subject to applicable law and the terms and conditions described in the Invitation. Any such acceptance of late tenders will be made on a case-by-case basis and may be limited in amount or scope. The Republic has accepted all validly tendered Securities for purchase in full, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Invitation, and therefore no proration factor is being applied. PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Suriname (the "Republic" or "Suriname") , announced today the results of its invitation, dated October 23, 2025 (the " Invitation "), for each holder to submit offers (the " Offers ") to tender for cash its 7.95% Cash/PIK Notes due 2033 (collectively, the " Securities "), upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the Invitation. The Invitation and withdrawal rights expired at 5:00 p.m., New York time on October 30, 2025. The settlement of validly tendered and accepted Securities is expected to occur on or about November 6, 2025 (the " Settlement Date "), as updated from the date originally contemplated in the Invitation, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Invitation. The Republic reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to delay the Settlement Date. Story Continues Consummation of the Invitation on the Settlement Date remains subject to the satisfaction by the Republic of the Financing Condition, as described in the Invitation. Any holder who fails to make delivery of Securities in accordance with the Invitation shall not be entitled to receive any payment therefor unless the Republic, in its sole discretion, determines to waive any such failure. The Republic will cancel the Securities purchased pursuant to the Invitation following the Settlement Date in accordance with the terms of the Securities. The complete terms and conditions of the Invitation are described in the Invitation, a copy of which may be obtained from Global Bondholder Services Corporation (the "Information and Tender Agent"), who can be reached at https://www.gbsc-usa.com/suriname, contact@gbsc-usa.com, by telephone at 1 (855) 654-2014 (U.S. Toll-free) and (212) 430-3774, or in writing at 65 Broadway, Suite 404, New York, NY 10006. The Dealer Manager for the Invitation is BofA Securities, Inc. (the "Dealer Manager") and can be reached regarding the terms of the Invitation by telephone at +1 (646) 855-8988 (collect) or +1 (888) 292-0070 (U.S. Toll-free). Disclaimer This announcement is not an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Securities. The invitation for each holder to submit Offers was only made pursuant to the Invitation. The materials relating to the Invitation do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. The Invitation does not constitute an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. If materials relating to the Invitation come into the possession of any person, such person is required to inform themselves of and observe all of these restrictions. In any jurisdiction in which the Invitation was required to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and in which the Dealer Manager or any of its affiliates is so licensed, it was deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliates on behalf of Suriname. See "Certain Legal Restrictions" and "Jurisdictional Restrictions" in the Invitation. Suriname will make (or cause to be made) all announcements regarding the Invitation by press release issued to an international news service, which is expected to be PR Newswire or another appropriate international news service, (the "News Service"). See "The Invitation Communications". Important Notice This Invitation does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making an offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation. Neither Suriname nor the Dealer Manager accepts any responsibility for any violation by any person of the restrictions applicable in any jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the Invitation was required to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and in which any Dealer Manager or any of its affiliates was so licensed, it was deemed to have been made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliates. European Economic Area The Invitation is not intended to be offered, or otherwise made available to and should not be offered or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2016/97/EC (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the Securities or otherwise making them or the Invitation available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore making the Invitation or offering or selling the Securities or otherwise making them or the Invitation available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. United Kingdom The Invitation is not intended to be offered, or otherwise made available to and should not be offered or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom ("UK"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended, the "EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the "FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the Securities or otherwise making them or the Invitation available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore making the Invitation or offering or selling the Securities or otherwise making them or the Invitation available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. The communication of the Invitation and any other offer material relating to the Invitation are not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the FSMA. Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the UK. The communication of such documents and/or materials is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is only directed at and may be communicated to persons (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) (the "Financial Promotion Order"), (ii) who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Financial Promotion Order, (iii) who are outside the UK, or (iv) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities, including this Invitation, may otherwise lawfully be communicated in accordance with the Financial Promotion Order (such persons together being "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this Invitation or these other documents and/or materials relate are available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this Invitation or these other documents and/or materials or any of its or their contents. Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-republic-of-suriname-announces-the-results-of-its-invitation-for-offers-to-tender-for-cash-its-7-95-cashpik-securities-due-2033--302601375.html Broadway musicians have voted to ratify their new contract with the Broadway League. The vote comes after the musicians were on the verge of strike two weeks ago, vowing to strike the next day if a deal could not be reached by Oct. 23 as part of a mediation session. A tentative agreement was reached in the early morning hours of Oct. 23, which AFM Local 802, which represents the union, said includes meaningful wage and health benefit increases. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement The deal comes after Actors Equity had also threatened to strike if they could not reach a deal with the Broadway League, which represents producers and theater owners. Actors Equity reached a tentative agreement with the League Oct. 18 over a new contract, as part of a mediation session, and members voted to ratify the contract Oct. 30. Increased healthcare contributions had been a sticking point for both unions. The Local 802 ratification vote was tallied Monday with an overwhelming majority voting yes. After a hard-fought contract negotiation, Broadway musicians overwhelmingly ratified their new three-year contract, preserving industry-leading standards for the artists who power Broadways success. United in solidarity, Broadway musicians doubled down on their collective power with a 98% strike authorization vote. Ultimately, AFM Local 802s Broadway musicians, together with the actors and stage managers of Actors Equity Association, have proven that organized labor remains a potent force on Broadway, Bob Suttman, president of Local 802 AFM said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Musicians had been working without a contract on Broadway since Aug. 31, 2025. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales are returning to Marshall this December to take part in the Wonderland of Lights 2025 celebration. The Budweiser Clydesdales, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, frequently travel to towns across the country. This visit marks their first return to Marshall since 2006. Residents will have the opportunity to meet the whole team during the Wonderland of Lights event in front of the Historic 1901 Harrison County Courthouse on Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the event, guests will be able to see the complete team and meet their handlers. Photo opportunities will be available throughout the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are so excited to bring back this amazing experience for our citizens and visitors, City of Marshall Mayor Amy Ware said. The Clydesdales are a beloved symbol of the holiday season, and their presence adds something truly magical to Wonderland of Lights. During their stay, the Clydesdales will also appear at High Horse 1898 on Dec. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will be housed at the Marshall City Arena from Dec. 8 to Dec. 13 where residents are invited to visit and see the horses up close. The full schedule of appearances will be posted soon on the Marshall Main Street Facebook page and the Visit Marshall, Texas website. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. (NewsNation) Voters in Buffalo, New York, cast their ballots Tuesday to determine who will become the next mayor of their city. The race is between three candidates: Democratic nominee state Sen. Sean Ryan, Republican former Erie County Assistant District Attorney James Gardner and independent candidate Michael Gainer, the founder of Buffalo ReUse Action, a community-based not-for-profit organization. Republicans in Buffalo face an uphill battle as the reliably blue city hasnt elected a GOP mayor since 1965. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for NewsNations Newsletter State Sen. Ryan has heavily outspent his opponents, according to reporting by The Associated Press, and received strong support from Democrats in the state, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. This will be the first time the city has elected a new mayor since Byron Brown back in 2021. Current mayor Christopher Scanlon was appointed to succeed Brown following his resignation in 2024 but was defeated by Ryan in the Democratic mayoral primary election earlier this year. Polls in New York close at 9 p.m. ET. Follow the results of the Buffalo mayoral election in the tracker below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 NewsNation. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The burn ban, approved by county commissioners during their meeting on Oct. 21, continues as conditions remain dry across Tom Green County. We do not allow any kind of open burning within the city during burn bans, especially to include no on-the-ground burning, no fire pits, said Billy Clemons, Fire Marshall. Youre still allowed to use charcoal grills for cooking. Same with any propane gas grills. You can use them for cooking, but we dont want any people burning in the open, especially anything thats an open flame. Outdoor grilling is allowed with caution in Tom Green County. But outdoor trash burning is allowed in the city of San Angelo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they do use them, they need to make sure that the fire pit is no bigger than two foot by three foot, and it does have a protective screen over it so any embers do pop out that the screen protects it and it doesnt go floating around in the area and get the grass on fire or anything combustible within the area, Clemons said. County Commissioners will consider whether to continue the burn ban during their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4. 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie (left) and Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum (right) speak at a forum hosted by The Peoples Coalition on Oct. 30, 2025 | Screenshot Two of the three Democratic candidates for Michigans secretary of state had an opportunity to discuss various issues related to voting and elections during a forum held last week. Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie and Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum attended the forum hosted by The Peoples Coalition, a progressive group that advocates for justice, equity and sustainability. Invited but not attending the forum due to a work commitment was former Michigan Sen. Adam Hollier of Detroit, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byrum and Edevbie were both asked what their top priorities would be as secretary of state, should they secure the nomination and go on to win against their eventual Republican opponent. Edevbie said he was running to fight for democracy and to make the elections system accountable to each Michigander. Byrum, who frequently pushes back on election dis- and misinformation on social media, said she, too, was running to help protect Michigan democracy against the threats of voter suppression and voter apathy. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The conversation quickly turned to the most pressing of those threats the rise of American fascism and authoritarianism during the first year of President Donald Trumps second term in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byrum said she would not sit idly by while Trump and his followers attack the ballot access gains seen in Michigan over the past few years, and that includes any attempt to roll back the changes made by Proposal 2 of 2022, which created new processes that made it easier to vote. Trump signed an executive order in March promoting the tenets of the Safeguard Voter Eligibility [SAVE] Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. Republicans in Michigan are attempting to get a constitutional amendment passed in 2026 requiring the same in the Great Lakes state. Byrum said it would be a priority to stand against those attempts as secretary of state. She added that she did so in 2012, when then-Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, who now serves as a Michigan state senator, attempted to push measures requiring proof of citizenship to vote. That disenfranchises voters and does absolutely nothing to make our elections any safer or secure, she said. Thats what I continue to plan to do, to stand up and speak out [against] those who try and disenfranchise our voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edevbie touched on Trumps executive order to reprogram election machines across the nation, and said he had meetings with other deputy secretaries of state and the White House directly, asking the administration difficult questions about its plans as it pursued that goal. He said he worked closely with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to craft a multi-state lawsuit that stopped the order in its tracks. The fact that Trump is going to have people trying to chase after undocumented individuals in our cities, sending ICE after people, maybe putting them at polling locations. All of these challenges are going to stress our system, Edevbie said. But suffice to say, we are coming up with a plan to be ready to ensure that every single person in the state still has access to absentee ballots, still has access to early voting, and still has access to voting on Election Day. Still, the state needs to think about the long-term threats on the horizon, and thats why he champions a Michigan Voting Rights Act, predicting that federal voting rights would expire soon in the face of legal threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of note, the U.S. Supreme Court said recently that it would set a Louisiana gerrymandering case up for reargument to decide if Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is still constitutional. Section 2 of the act bans the use of race in crafting new legislative and congressional district lines during the decennial redistricting process. The section is in play again amid the backdrop of Republican states scrambling to redistrict their states to give the GOP a stronger advantage in a gridlocked Congress, and as Democrats seek to do the same as a defensive response. We have to be prepared to still protect the rights of every single Michigander, he said. Election security, which Republicans have used along with the misinformation on the 2020 election as a justification to pursue citizen-only voting measures, was also discussed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edevbie said election security was critical and was one of the key components of Proposal 2. Weve seen all activity for MAGA folks who are literally trying to disrupt our vote. And Im going to continue that fight every single day, he said. I think we also have to realize that there are a lot of different obstacles to voters confidence, and so I want to, as secretary of state, have a streamlined and uniform process for reporting returns. Edevbie said that when clerks report election returns, he wants everybody to understand how theyre coming out, what ballots are being counted, and what ballots are being reported. Whether its early voting or absentee, and so theres that full clarity, so that no one doubts our election system, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byrum said the idea of election security was top of mind for her in the upcoming election, as she previously served on Secretary of State Jocelyn Bensons election security task force. When we talk about early returns and having returns quickly It is not always about quickness, but it is always about the safety and security of our elections, Byrum said. Those unofficial results, they were brought to the county and then read in. And so we need to make sure that although we would like instant results, we have to maintain our focus on keeping our elections safe and secure. Both were asked about their stance on accepting large or corporate political action committee, or PAC, donations, now and into the future if one were to be the nominee. In that same vein, the candidates were asked to discuss how they would use their role to address the outsized influences such donations have in state and local campaigns. The moderators specifically called out the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, and lobbying from the states large regulated utilities. Byrum did not touch on AIPAC, whether she would accept corporate political action committee money or their overall influence, but did say that she worked to ensure Ingham County residents had a clear view of spending in local races through a computer program that let people track who was giving to which candidate and how that money was spent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats been live for two years, she said. I think its important that we make sure the information is available, first and foremost, in an easy and understandable way for people to see. Edevbie said he was the only Democratic candidate in the race who has pledged not to accept corporate political action committee money. He also said it was important for Michigan to reform its campaign finance system, because it is, in his view, corrupt. Edevbie used the example of last years lame duck session, when Democrats, even though they held a firm majority in both chambers of the Legislature, hit a snag on legislation that bucked the wishes of larger corporate interests. We have to focus on why that happened. There are these things called leadership PACs, where every single elected official and our legislators can have numerous leadership PACs, he said. And Lee Chatfield, as former Speaker of the House, whos now been indicted, had dozens of leadership PACs. I want to get rid of that and limit anybody to one leadership pack altogether. Edevbie also said there was too much dark money in our politics, which corporations and other interests can use to insert their agendas into the political process without disclosing who they are. He said he would fight for real disclosure laws with teeth, and would support long-gestating Freedom of Information Act reforms to get a clearer view into the Legislature and the governors office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the last questions were more pointed queries on the citizenship proposal, but also the ranked choice voting proposal that is currently out for signature gathering. Byrum was among county clerks who last month issued a rare statement against the ranked choice proposal, citing timeliness issues related to election certification and delays in the recount or audit process. That position oddly also aligned with that of the far-right election denial group Pure Integrity Michigan Elections. Regardless, Byrum said at the forum that if that proposal gets enough signatures to reach the ballot, and it wins the day, she said she was confident that clerks across the state would be able to implement it as seamlessly as possible. Byrum said she was also against the citizens-only voting proposal because it would, in her view, do nothing to make elections safer or more secure. Edevibe was caught in an odd position with the question because, as deputy secretary of state, all of those petitions have to come before him and Benson. In that vein, he could not take a formal position on either. Still, he said he opposed the concept of requiring proof of citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I oppose that concept with everything, because ultimately the Republicans are trying to pick and choose their own voters, and that is something that is definitely not appropriate, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) This month, hundreds of thousands of families in our region will only get half of the normal SNAP benefits they normally receive. Trump Administration officials said theyve provided 50 percent benefits, after two judges issued rulings requiring the food aid program to continue to run during the government shutdown. Its a scary feeling not knowing if youll be able to put food on your table for the next few weeks or months. Thats the reality for many North Carolinians right now, including people in Cabarrus County. A group of them met on Monday afternoon to share their concerns over the partial funding of SNAP benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just nerve-wracking that Im not sure where the next meal can come from for the next few months, said Denecia Polite, who receives SNAP benefits. Polite has three children. Theyre among the 1.4 million North Carolinians who receive SNAP benefits each month. I understand its a supplement, but it helps, she said. This week, she learned that November benefits will be cut in half, requiring sacrifices at the supermarket. Its already looking different because I really had to make sure I didnt overspend on anything that was unnecessary, said Polite. No wasting any food. Polite was one of more than a dozen people at the Cabarrus County Government Center on Monday afternoon with signs to bring awareness to the issue. Make the allocations that ensure our neighbors, our elders, our children, and our disabled community members can fight another day, said a speaker at the gathering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear exactly how much beneficiaries will get or how soon itll show up on their EBT cards. Food banks are gearing up to help families in need. Mecklenburg County leaders are dedicating $740,000 to those organizations. The expansion of food pantry resources will provide 28,000 additional weekly food boxes to be distributed by Nourish Up, said Mecklenburg County Manager Mike Bryant. Families like Polites hope theyll have enough to sustain them until the government opens back up. That I wouldnt be able to provide for my children, thats scary, she said. I dont like that feeling, and children dont understand that we cant provide. They expect. Theyre used to that. Theyre comfortable, so Im just a little worried about making sure they are safe and comfortable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said officials expect to begin adding the partial November benefits to EBT cards by early next week. In the meantime, Governor Josh Stein has pledged $18 million to support food banks across the state. 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 Queen City News. A California appeals court ruled Monday that a voter identification measure approved by Huntington Beach residents last year violates state law. Voters in the beachside city approved a measure requiring residents to show valid identification when casting a ballot. The measure, which would have impacted city elections, was expected to go into effect in 2026. The state of California filed a lawsuit arguing the measure unlawfully conflicts with and is preempted by state law, but a lower court dismissed the case last year. Attorney General Rob Bonta later appealed that ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All along, Secretary of State Weber and I have maintained that Huntington Beachs voter ID policy is unlawful. When the lower court disagreed, we moved quickly to file an appeal. Now, the California Fourth District Court of Appeal has sided with us, Attorney General Bonta, said in a statement. Voting is the fundamental right from which all other rights flow, and no matter where threats to that right come from whether from Washington D.C. or from within California we will continue holding the line. Californias elections are already fair, safe, and secure. No city in our state, charter and non-charter alike, can make it more difficult for voters to cast their ballots. Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new law that prevents the governing body overseeing elections in California from requiring voter identification at the polls. Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates has previously argued that the citys charter city status allows it to regulate local elections as it sees fit, according to the Los Angeles Times. However, the law states that it will apply to all cities, including charter cities. The ruling comes one day before Californians decide on Prop. 50. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prop. 50 would override the states independent redistricting commission for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections. The commission, approved by voters through ballot measures in 2008 and 2010, was designed to remove politics from the process, which is typically conducted every 10 years using U.S. Census data. Under the plan, the commission would remain in law but lose authority at least temporarily. Supporters argue that the measure is necessary to counter partisan gerrymandering in GOP-led states. Opponents, however, argue it amounts to gerrymandering itself, returning power to politicians after voters had deliberately removed it. A yes vote on Prop. 50 would allow the Legislature to implement new district maps for the next election cycle. A no vote would preserve the current maps drawn by the Citizens Redistricting Commission until new lines are created after the 2030 Census. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTLA. (The Center Square) - With only one day to go in California before Election Day, legislators expect to see a relatively high voter turnout for the Golden States congressional redistricting effort. If passed Tuesday, Proposition 50 will tip the scales in favor of Democratic candidates for five additional seats in the U.S. House. Five current Republican congressmen would be at risk of losing their seats in the 2026 midterm election: U.S. Reps. Kevin Kiley of Rocklin; Darrell Issa of San Diego County, Doug LaMalfa of Yuba City, David Valadao of Bakersfield and Ken Calvert, of Riverside County. None of the congressmen were available for comment on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major changes would come down the pike to current congressional districts if Prop. 50 is passed. One of the biggest changes include new district lines for the Congressional 9th District. That district includes the city of Stockton, as well as Lodi - a city just north of Stockton that is home to nearly 70,000 people. Prop. 50 would split Lodi into three congressional districts, taking away some constituents from the congressman representing the 9th District, Rep. Josh Harder, D-Stockton. City officials and Harder were unavailable for comment Monday. Gov. Gavin Newsom began the push to redraw Californias U.S. House districts earlier this year after Texas redrew its congressional district lines, which gave Republicans the chance to pick up five new seats in the House. The newly-redrawn maps in California would expire in 2030, when the power to draw district maps would revert to the states Citizens Redistricting Commission. That commission, which is not involved in the Prop. 50 redrawing of congressional districts, is charged with drawing both state legislative and congressional district lines every decade after the U.S. Census, according to the commissions website. As voters head to the polls before ballot centers close on Tuesday night, voter turnout is expected to be high across the state, some legislators said. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, but many have already voted by mail-in ballots, ballots dropped into special, locked boxes and voting centers. Turnout is at about 6.6 million ballots returned so far, and thats out of 23.269 [million] registered voters in the state, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, D-Santa Cruz, told The Center Square. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I feel hopeful voters are engaged and theyre turning in their ballots," said Pellerin, who oversaw discussions about congressional redistricting as chair of the Assembly Elections Committee. On Monday, Republican legislators noted that their constituents, while not voting in large numbers in early voting, are likely to vote in larger numbers on the day of the election itself. [My constituents] havent really seen anything coming out of the Republican Party really driving the vote, Assemblymember David Tangipa, R-Fresno, told The Center Square. A lot of them have waited until polls opened, and they have that now," Tangipa said. He spoke out against redistricting, both as a member of the Assembly Elections Committee during a committee hearing, and on the floor of the Assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican constituents are waiting, in large part, to vote on election day, Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-San Diego, told The Center Square. He said Republicans prefer to vote on Election Day and Democrats, who are more likely to support Prop. 50, tend to vote early. So I think the numbers will get closer together after tomorrow," he said. Multiple legislators also discussed the presence of federal election monitors, which were sent out by the U.S. Department of Justice to monitor the special election in California. However, none of the legislators who spoke to The Center Square on Monday thought the monitors would have much effect, although Pellerin called their presence "puzzling." "It is a little puzzling why they want to send observers to a state-only election, but certainly, that is their right," Pellerin told The Center Square. "I believe they're going to find that elections are run very smoothly in California." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millions of dollars spent both for and against Prop. 50 As of Monday afternoon, approximately $50,346,633 had been spent in support of Prop. 50, while $42,257,807 had been spent in opposition to the initiative, according to the California Fair Political Practices Commissions Prop. 50 database. Some of the biggest donors to the effort to pass Prop. 50 include a political action committee called the Ballot Measure Committee, which has raised more than $47.1 million from its top contributors through Monday. Among some of the more noteworthy contributors to the passage of Prop. 50, the California Teachers Association has donated more than $3.9 million, while the California Nurses Association has contributed over $3.3 million. The Washington, D.C.-based National Education Association has contributed approximately $3 million. A leading donor for the passage of Prop. 50 is Tom Steyer, who has spent more $12.8 million in expenditures, CalMatters reported. Steyer paid for a statewide advertising campaign encouraging voters to vote yes on Prop. 50. In the commercial, which started airing earlier this fall, Trump is portrayed by an actor, who appears to throw food at the TV screen as he yells during the announcement of the Prop. 50 results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the leading donors to the fight against Prop. 50 is Charles Thomas Munger Jr., a California billionaire, who has donated more than any other single donor to the effort against Prop. 50. He has contributed more than $32.7 million, according to the Fair Political Practices Commission, followed by the No on Prop. 50 Committee, which has contributed over $9.46 million from its top contributors alone. Munger contributed financially to anti-Prop. 50 ads, which show a giant weight being dropped on the phrase Fair Elections carefully carved into wooden letters. The letters break as the weight is dropped on them. Polling for Proposition 50 According to an Emerson College poll published on Oct. 24, California voters are poised to pass Prop. 50, with researchers finding that 57% of likely voters in the state support Prop. 50. The poll found that 37% oppose the initiative. With less than two weeks until the California special election for Proposition 50, the measure looks likely to pass, with results again outside the polls margin of error, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, in a press release about the poll. Certain demographic groups that were hesitant to support the measure last month have come around to support Prop. 50, such as Black voters, whose support increased from 45% to 71%. BERLIN (Reuters) -German defence giant Rheinmetall is in the final stages of negotiating a multi-billion-euro ammunitions supply contract, CEO Armin Papperger told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday. Speaking on the sidelines of a groundbreaking ceremony for a new ammunitions factory in Lithuania, Papperger said the deal "could be worth a two-digit-billion euro figure" and that Rheinmetall was also in talks with the German government about the delivery of a satellite system. Germany plans to boost defence spending to 3.5% of gross domestic product by 2029, a hefty increase from a 2% NATO quota that it only achieved for the first time in three decades in 2024. To make it possible, an exemption for defence spending from debt rules was approved in March after much political wrangling. Papperger said the domestic order situation was good, and that he expected a strong uptick in 2026. "We are currently discussing the possibility of opening a drone factory here in the Baltic states," he told Reuters, adding that this could come in the form of a joint venture with Baltic companies. Rheinmetall's joint venture with Italy's Leonardo - launched last year to develop and manufacture military combat vehicles - is gaining momentum, Papperger said. The first contract involving armored personnel carriers worth several hundred million euros has been signed, Papperger said, adding that orders worth around 5 billion euros were expected in the next 12 months. (Reporting by Markus Wacket, Writing by Friederike HeineEditing by Ludwig Burger, Kirsten Donovan) LOS ANGELES (AP) California voters approved new congressional district boundaries Tuesday, delivering a victory for Democrats in the state-by-state redistricting battle that will help determine which party wins control of the U.S. House in 2026 and, with it, the power to thwart or advance President Donald Trumps agenda. The approval of Proposition 50 gives Democrats a shot at winning as many as five additional seats, just enough to blunt Texas Republicans move to redraw their own maps to pick up five GOP seats at Trumps urging. Texas move and Californias response have kicked off a flurry of redistricting efforts around the country, with Republican states appearing to have an edge. Deeply blue California is Democrats best opportunity to make up seats. Midterm elections typically punish the party in the White House, and Trump is fighting to maintain his partys slim House majority. Republicans hold 219 seats to Democrats 213. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays results mark a political victory for Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who cast the measure as an essential tool to fight back against Trump and protect American democracy. Speaking to reporters in Sacramento, Newsom cast the California vote as part of a broader national rejection of Trump's policies that saw Democratic governors elevated in New Jersey and Virginia. But he warned the more consequential battle would come next year. If Democrats win the House majority, they can "end Donald Trumps presidency as we know it, Newsom said. It is all on the line, a bright line, in 2026." Measure supported by Newsom and Obama Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californias Proposition 50 asked voters to suspend House maps drawn by an independent commission and replace them with rejiggered districts adopted by the Democratic-controlled Legislature. Those new districts would be in place for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections. The recast districts aim to dilute Republican voters' power, in one case by uniting rural, conservative-leaning parts of far northern California with Marin County, a famously liberal coastal stronghold across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. The measure was spearheaded by Newsom, who threw the weight of his political operation behind it in a major test of his mettle ahead of a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Former President Barack Obama urged voters to pass it as well. Republicans want to steal enough seats in Congress to rig the next election and wield unchecked power for two more years, Obama said in one ad. You can stop Republicans in their tracks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics said two wrongs dont make a right. They urged Californians to reject the measure, even if they have misgivings about Trump's moves elsewhere. Among the most prominent critics was Arnold Schwarzenegger, the movie star and former Republican governor who pushed for the creation of the independent commission, which voters approved in 2008 and 2010. It makes no sense to fight Trump by becoming him, Schwarzenegger said in September, arguing that the proposal would take the power away from the people. I dont want Newsom to have control, said Rebecca Fleshman, a 63-year-old retired medical assistant from Southern California, who voted against the measure. I dont want the state to be blue. I want it to be red. A lopsided campaign foreshadowed the vote Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an early burst of TV advertising, opponents of the plan struggled to raise cash in a state with some of the nation's most expensive media markets. The campaign followed an unusual trajectory. A handful of Republican congressmen who will see their districts dramatically reshaped and their jobs endangered mostly stayed away from the campaign spotlight. With opponents short on cash, Newsom and his supporters dominated TV screens in the critical closing weeks. Total spending on broadcast and cable ads topped $100 million, with more than two-thirds of it coming from supporters. Newsom told people to stop donating in the race's final weeks. The GOP congressmen Reps. Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Kevin Kiley, David Valadao and Doug LaMalfa will see right-leaning voters reduced and left-leaning voters boosted in their respective districts in a shift that would make it likely a Democratic candidate would prevail in each race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Issa issued a defiant statement, saying: I'm not going anywhere. I'll continue to represent the people of California regardless of their party or where they live." Calvert said Newsom engineered a power grab while housing costs, gas prices and taxes continue to strain family budgets. "I am determined to keep fighting for the families I represent," he said in an email. AP poll finds voters motivated by political reasons Proposition 50 won a swift and decisive victory, as the AP declared a winner when polls closed statewide. Early returns were strongly in favor of the measure, as were preliminary results from the AP Voter Poll, an expansive survey of more than 4,000 voters in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly 7 in 10 California voters said party control of Congress was very important to them, and those voters overwhelmingly supported the measure, according to the AP Voter Poll. About 8 in 10 California voters who supported the ballot measure said it was necessary to counter the changes made by Republicans in other states, while only about 2 in 10 said they supported it because it was the best way to draw maps, AP Voter Poll found. Trump, who overwhelmingly lost California in his three presidential campaigns, largely stayed out of the fray. A week before the election, he urged voters in a social media post not to vote early or by mail messaging that conflicted with that of top Republicans in the state who urged people to get their ballots in as soon as possible. In a post Tuesday on his social media platform, the president called the states voting process RIGGED and warned that it was under very serious legal and criminal review. STAY TUNED! Secretary of State Shirley Weber called that another baseless claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The national House map is in flux Congressional district boundaries are typically redrawn every 10 years to reflect population shifts documented in the census. Mid-decade redistricting is unusual, absent a court order finding fault with the maps in place. Beyond Texas, Republicans expect to gain one seat each from new maps in Missouri and North Carolina, and potentially two more in Ohio. Five other GOP-led states are also considering new maps: Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana and Nebraska. On the Democratic side, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New York and Virginia have proposals to redraw maps, but major hurdles remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A court has ordered new boundaries be drawn in Utah, where all four House districts are represented by Republicans, but it remains to be seen if the state will approve a map that makes any of them winnable for Democrats. Siddhartha Deb, 52, has lived in the U.S. since he was 7 years old but he just became a citizen Tuesday. Immediately afterward he registered to vote at San Francisco City Hall and cast his ballot in favor of Newsom's measure. I dont like the way the Republican Party is basically trying to rig elections by gerrymandering," Deb said. "And this is the only way, to fight fire with fire. ___ Cooper reported from Phoenix and Nguyen from Sacramento, California. Associated Press writers Amy Taxin in Norco, California, and Terry Chea in San Francisco contributed. California voters delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump in the states special election Tuesday, overwhelmingly approving a ballot measure to counter the presidents pressure on Republican states to increase GOP congressional seats and preserve his power in Washington. The Associated Press called the victory moments after the polls closed Tuesday night. The statewide ballot measure will reconfigure California's congressional districts to favor more Democratic candidates. The Democratic-led California Legislature placed the measure on the Nov. 4 ballot, at Gov. Gavin Newsom's behest, after Trump urged Texas and other GOP-led states to modify their congressional maps to favor their party members, a move designed to keep the U.S. House of Representatives in Republican control during his final two years in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom watched the election results from across the country come in from the historic Victorian-style governors mansion in Sacramento with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and his political team, his office said, before he spoke about the victory at the California Democratic Party headquarters. "We stood tall and we stood firm in response to Donald Trump's recklessness, and tonight, after poking the bear, this bear roared with an unprecedented turnout in a special election with an extraordinary result," Newsom said. "None of us, however, are naive. This is a pattern. This is a practice. Donald Trump's efforts to rig the midterm election continue to this day." While Newsom celebrated the victory, he was also somber and called on other Democratic-led states to follow California's example and redraw their congressional districts to push back against Trump's agenda. "I hope it's dawning on people, the sobriety of this moment, what's at stake," Newsom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urged Democratic leaders in Virginia, Maryland, New York, Illinois and Colorado to follow California's lead. "Why else is [Trump] trying to rig the midterm elections before one single vote is even cast?" Newsom asked. "He understands his position at this moment in the United States of America. One thing he never counted on, though, was the state of California instead of agonizing over the state of our nation, we organized in an unprecedented way." Charles Munger Jr., the chief donor to the anti-Proposition 50 efforts, pledged to continue his work promoting independent redistricting, while lamenting the ballot measures success. For what looms for the people of California, I am saddened by the passage of Proposition 50, he said. But I am content in this, at least: that our campaign educated the people of California so they could make an informed, if in my view unwise, decision about such a technical but critical issue as redistricting reform, a decision forced to be made over such a very short time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessica Millan Patterson, chair of the "No on Prop 50 - Stop Sacramento's Power Grab" campaign, said that its effort was drowned by Newsom's vast fundraising edge. "In the end, the tens of millions poured in to promote these gerrymandered maps were too much to overcome, as Newsom put his national ambitions ahead of protecting Californias voter-approved independent redistricting commission and the millions of voices now silenced," she said in a statement. Proposition 50 was the sole item on the ballot for the statewide special election Tuesday. Supporters see the ballot measure as a referendum about Trump, who remains extremely unpopular in California, while opponents call Proposition 50 an underhanded power grab by Democrats. Supporters of the proposal had the edge going into election day. They vastly outraised their rivals, and Proposition 50 led in recent polls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elections took place across the nation Tuesday, with Democrats claiming major victories including in the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial contests, the New York City mayoral race and the Proposition 50 vote. Supporters celebrate during the election night watch party for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) California voters had been inundated with television ads, mailers and social media posts for weeks about the high-stakes election, so much so that only 2% of the likely voters were undecided, according to a recent UC Berkeley poll co-sponsored by The Times. Usually there was always a rule look at undecideds in late-breaking polls and assume most would vote no, said Mark DiCamillo, director of the survey by UC Berkeleys Institute of Governmental Studies. But this poll shows there are very few of them out there. Polls opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday and closed at 8 p.m., although any voter in line at that time was allowed to cast a ballot. The state allows same-day voter registration on election day, permitting Californians to cast a conditional ballot that will be counted if their eligibility is verified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minutes after polls opened, Trump posted on Truth Social that The Unconstitutional Redistricting Vote in California is a GIANT SCAM in that the entire process, in particular the Voting itself, is RIGGED. The president, who has not actively campaigned against the proposition aside from a few social media posts, provided no evidence for his allegations. His Department of Justice has said it was sending monitors to polling locations across the state. Secretary of State Shirley Weber pushed back at Trump's claims along with similar ones made by the president's press secretary. Election workers organize sorted ballots by precinct at the Orange County Registrar of Voters in Santa Ana on Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) If there are irregularities, what are they? Why wont they identify them? Where exactly is this fraud?" Weber said in a statement. "Ramblings dont equate with fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters, some in shorts and flip-flops, waited in line for 30 minutes or more outside a voting center in Huntington Beach on Tuesday afternoon. Vote no, dont ruin Huntington Beach! one man shouted as he left the center. Under Proposition 50, the conservative seaside city will fall into a new congressional district that includes Long Beach, but no longer keeps some Republican-rich communities to the south. The politically divided district is currently represented by Dave Min (D-Irvine), but is designed to become a safer seat for Democrats under the new districts created by Proposition 50. Huntington Beach resident Luke Walker, 18, spent time researching the arguments for and against Proposition 50 and came down against it because he believes the redesigned districts will ignore residents voices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You look at the people who will be voting and I dont think theyll be properly represented in the new state lines, said Walker, who predicted that if the ballot measure passes, it will lead to more division. "It's going to cause more of a rift in society. People are going to start disliking each other even more. Sister Theres Tran, of Lovers of the Holy Cross-Los Angeles, votes in Santa Ana on Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) DeAyn Van Eyk, 63, also voted against the proposition on Tuesday, believing that Newsom, who is considering running for president in 2028, is using it to further his own political interests. It sounds like its good for him, she said. I totally dislike Newsom. ... I dont like Trump as a person I think he can be a good leader. Among those who voted for the proposition was Huntington Beach resident Miko Vaughn, 48, who said she wanted Democrats to level the playing field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a temporary thing, but I think its important with the changes in Texas that it stays even, Vaughn said. Though some see Proposition 50 as a proxy war between Trump and Newsom, Vaughn views it differently and said its just against Trump. I feel like theres not much we can do individually, so it does feel good to do something, Vaughn said, adding that she was impressed to see so many people turn out during a non-presidential election. Californians had been voting for weeks. Registered voters received mail ballots about a month ago, and early voting centers were opened across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 7.2 million Californians 31% of the states 23 million registered voters had cast ballots as of Tuesday morning before the polls opened, according to a voting tracker run by Democratic redistricting expert Paul Mitchell, who drew the proposed districts on the ballot. Democrats were already outpacing Republicans, though GOP voters were believed to be more likely to vote in person Tuesday. The gap in early voting alarmed GOP leaders and strategists. Matthew Harper, former Huntington Beach mayor and former state Assembly member, votes at the Huntington Beach Central Library. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) In California, we already know they surrendered, Steve Bannon, who served as Trumps chief strategist for several months during his first term in office, said on his podcast over the weekend. Huntington Beach, California it is full MAGA, one of the most important parts of Southern California, yet were going to get blown out, I dont know, by 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 points on the massive redistricting Prop. 50. Congressional districts traditionally are drawn every decade after the U.S. census. In California, the boundaries are created by an independent commission created by voters in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after Trump urged Texas Republicans to alter their House boundaries to boost the number of GOP members in Congress, Newsom and other California Democrats countered by proposing new districts that could add five Democrats to the states 52-member delegation. The high-stakes election attracted tens of millions of dollars and a carousel of prominent politicians, notably former President Obama in support and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in opposition, who were featured in ads about the ballot measure, including some that aired during the World Series won by the Dodgers. Democrats who previously championed independent redistricting to remove partisan politics from the process argue that they needed to suspend that political ideal to stop the president from furthering his agenda during his last two years in the White House. Citing public opposition to immigration raids that began in Los Angeles in June, the military being deployed in American cities, and cuts to nutrition assistance programs for low-income families and healthcare programs for seniors and the disabled, Democrats argue that winning control of Congress in next years election is critical to stopping the presidents agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans want to steal enough seats in Congress to rig the next election and wield unchecked power for two more years, Obama says in an ad that includes footage of ICE raids. With Prop. 50, you can stop Republicans in their tracks. Prop. 50 puts our elections back on a level playing field, preserves independent redistricting over the long term, and lets the people decide. Return your ballot today. In Culver City, a sign points to a polling station at City Hall on election day. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times) Republicans who oppose the effort countered that Proposition 50 is an affront to the electorate that voted to create an independent redistricting commission. They want to take us backwards. This is why it is important for you to vote no on Proposition 50, Schwarzenegger says in an ad that was filmed when he spoke to USC students . The Constitution does not start with We, the politicians. It starts with We, the people. ... Democracy weve got to protect it, and weve got to go and fight for it. More than $193 million was contributed in support of and opposition to Proposition 50, making it one of the costliest ballot measures in state history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with passage of the ballot measure, its uncertain whether potential Democratic gains in Californias congressional delegation will be enough to offset the number of Republicans elected because of gerrymandering in GOP-led states. Times staff writer Katie King contributed to this report from Sacramento. 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. PUSHKAR, India (AP) India's desert town of Pushkar, nestled in the arid plains of Rajasthan, has transformed into a vibrant festival ground as hundreds of camels, draped in tassels, colorful beads and flower garlands, are paraded and sold to the highest bidder. For centuries, the annual Pushkar Camel Fair has been a vital event for India's camel-breeding communities, many of whom live a nomadic desert life and travel hundreds of kilometers from remote villages to trade their livestock. Potential buyers, traders and tourists from across India and abroad arrive at the fair, which is one of the worlds largest gatherings for camel trading. Alongside camels, horses, cattle and goats are also bought and sold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The air buzzes with excitement as traders in bright turbans lead their camels in beauty contests, showing off the best-groomed animals amid the rhythmic beats of folk drums and traditional dance performances. Bustling makeshift markets spring up overnight, offering handicrafts, jewelry, textiles and spices. But in recent years, the number of camels brought to the fair has fallen sharply. Younger generations from herding families are moving to cities or seeking new livelihoods, while Rajasthans camel population continues to decline as cars replace the animals traditional roles in farming and transport in villages. The camel population has further dwindled due to shrinking grazing lands. This culture is slowly fading away, said Narendra Rabari, a camel trader. ____ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. CANTON - Firefighters on Sunday evening extinguished a fire that erupted in a home on Wright Road, officials said. Crews arrived on scene to find heavy fire throughout the building, according to the Canton Fire Department. "One occupant was assisted from the home by fire department personnel," officials said in a Facebook post. Officials said a firefighter's leg went through a fire-damaged section of flooring and was evaluated on-scene by medics, but did not need to be transported to a medical facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear what sparked the fire. Officials said the cause is under investigation by the Canton Fire Marshal's Office. This article originally published at Canton firefighters extinguish house fire on Wright Road, officials say. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) The South Dakota Legislatures State-Tribal Relations Committee plans to offer three proposals for the 2026 session. The panel on Monday decided to propose legislation that would add tribal law enforcement officers to a current state law that increases assault penalties against state and local law officers. Republican Rep. Will Mortenson said the idea originated with Roberts County States Attorney Dylan Kirchmeier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel also wants lawmakers to establish an Indian Medicaid Managed Care Model taskforce to study whether such an approach could work in South Dakota. The taskforce would start work in 2027, and would report its findings and recommendations, as well as any proposed legislation, to the governor, no later than December 1, 2028. The panel also will urge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to establish a tribal law enforcement training academy in South Dakota. The U.S. Department of Interior currently operates the federal Indian Police Academy at Artesia, New Mexico. Several previous attempts by the Legislature and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds havent so far produced results from Interior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is currently the federal Homeland Security secretary. FALLEN HEROES JOINT CEREMONY: On Tuesday, November 11, a solemn celebration will be held in Sioux Falls honoring six World War II veterans who will have highway bridges named for them. The 2 p.m. CT event at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance building at 1600 W. Russell Street is part of the Fallen Heroes program. The new dedications are: The US 14 bridge, two miles east of DeSmet, for WT2 Porter L. Rich, who was killed aboard the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The SD 38 bridge over the East Fork Vermillion River, east of Montrose, for MM2 Milton L. Muller, who was killed aboard the USS Leary in the Atlantic theater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SD 11 bridge over Split Rock Creek, two miles north of Brandon, for CPL Harvey H. Henle, who was killed in Normandy, France. The SD 42 bridge over the James River, eight miles east of Ethan, for SGT Alvin W. Erpenbach, who was killed defending a bridge in Italy. The SD 19 bridge over the West Fork Vermillion River, north of Parker, for PVT Marvin L. Gunderson, who was killed during the battle for Okinawa. The SD 19 bridge over the Vermillion River, 11 miles north of Volin, for PFC Leland L. Nielson, who was killed in action in Philippines. More information about the Fallen Heroes program is available here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACCOLADE: Another of South Dakotas state lawmakers has been recognized by the nationwide Council of State Governments. Republican Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt was among those selected to the organizations 20 Under 40 leadership awards for 2025. Rehfeldt, a certified registered nurse anesthetist from Sioux Falls, is serving her fifth year in the South Dakota House of Representatives. She was the House Republicans assistant leader during 2023 and 2024. Other South Dakotans who have received the honor in recent years include Republican Sen. Sydney Davis in 2024 and Republican Sen. Michael Rohl in 2022. IRELAND UPDATE: The Legislatures South Dakota-Ireland Trade Commission met by teleconference on October 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The self-funded group reviewed a recent trade trip to London, Dublin and Belfast, and to talk about inviting a delegation from Ireland to visit South Dakota next year. Governor Larry Rhoden and state Economic Development Commissioner Bill Even went on the August trip, as did state Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary Hunter Roberts. On the agricultural side, Roberts said afterward that he didnt see huge opportunities, but there probably is some on the non-ag side. An official with University College Dublin and South Dakota State University president Barry Dunn signed a memorandum of cooperation during the trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the hosts was Mark Daly, a member of the Ireland Senate. He is said to have been instrumental in starting the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. Republican Sen. Chris Karr chairs the South Dakota-Ireland Commission. He would like to have an Irish delegation visit South Dakota during the main run of the 2026 legislative session that starts January 13 and runs through March 12. The 2024 legislation establishing the commission originally called for the members expenses to be covered by state government, but that provision was removed in the Senate. Karr and Democratic Sen. Jamie Smith said they would like to hold a fundraiser of some type to help with future expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can reach KELOLAND Capitol Bureau reporter Bob Mercer with tips, questions, complaints and story ideas by calling 605-280-7580. He also can be reached via digital messages at bmercer@keloland.com or @pierremercer on X, or through U.S. mail at 1810 Camden Court, Pierre, SD, 57501. 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 KELOLAND.com. NEED TO KNOW Authorities are releasing new details amid the ongoing search for missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who has not been seen for nearly a month Melodee was last captured on video surveillance on Oct. 9 in the region between the ColoradoUtah border In Monday's update, the sheriff's office explained that the license plates on the white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu that Ashlee and Melodee had been traveling in were switched on or before Oct. 8 Authorities are releasing new details amid the ongoing search for missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, who has not been seen for nearly a month. Melodee was last captured on video surveillance on Oct. 9 in the region between the ColoradoUtah border, two days after a security camera showed her and her mom, Ashlee, at a rental car location in Lompoc, California, on Oct. 7, the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office said in a news release on Monday, Nov. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff's office began investigating Melodee's disappearance on Oct. 14, when a school administrator reported her prolonged absence. "Deputies attempted to locate Melodee and her mother, Ashlee at their residence in Lompoc, California, but were only able to speak with Ashlee who provided no verifiable explanation for Melodees whereabouts," the release stated. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office Melodee Buzzard Melodee Buzzard Officers continued, "A search of the residence confirmed that Melodee was not there. Ashlee has remained uncooperative and has not confirmed Melodees location or welfare." In Monday's update, the sheriff's office explained that the license plates on the white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu that Ashlee and Melodee had been traveling in were switched on or before Oct. 8. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office Melodee Buzzard is seen in security footage with her mother Ashlee on Oct. 7, 2025 Melodee Buzzard is seen in security footage with her mother Ashlee on Oct. 7, 2025 The release stated, "Through their investigation, detectives have confirmed that Ashlee left California with Melodee in a white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, initially bearing California license plate 9MNG101, on October 7, 2025." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Detectives believe that Ashlee and Melodee [traveled] as far as Nebraska, with a return trip that included Kansas. Beginning Oct. 8, 2025, the Malibu was observed with a New York license plate HCG9677," the sheriff's office added. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office Melodee Buzzard Melodee Buzzard Officers said it wasn't known "when the plate was installed or whether additional plates were used at other times during travel." "The New York plate seen on the car does not belong to the vehicle or to Ashlee. Investigators believe it was used as a false or switched plate to avoid detection. When the vehicle was returned to the rental agency in Lompoc, Calif., the assigned California plate was on the vehicle," the release said. Detectives confirmed that Melodee "was last seen along the return route via video surveillance on October 9, 2025, in the region between the ColoradoUtah border," adding that investigators were now "working to fill gaps in the timeline." Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office Melodee Buzzard Melodee Buzzard Officers are also working with law enforcement agencies in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Southern California "for assistance in reaching the members of their communities," the release stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's believed that the vehicle the mother and daughter were in had traveled through Green River and Panguitch in Utah, Northwest Arizona, Primm in Nevada and Rancho Cucamonga in California on or around Oct. 9. "The Sheriffs Office is sharing a map of the vehicles stops and urges anyone in those communities to check surveillance and report relevant information. Detectives are seeking anyone who may have had contact with Ashlee or Melodee at any point from October 9-10, 2025, or any video footage from their route of travel," the release continued. Authorities have said that both Ashlee and Melodee appeared to be wearing wigs in the surveillance footage captured at the car rental in Lompoc on Oct. 7, with Melodee's hair "appearing darker and straighter than her natural hair," per Monday's release. The missing girl is described as a 9-year-old female, approximately 4 feet 6 inches tall, 60 pounds, with brown curly hair and brown eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators previously said the "at-risk" girl hadn't been seen in a year, PEOPLE previously reported. According to the sheriff's office, Melodee was homeschooled and had not checked in since October 2024. She was reported missing by the Lompoc Unified School District when she failed to pick up assignments following her August enrollment in an independent learning program at the school, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing a statement from the school. Despite the sheriff's office saying Melodee had been homeschooled, a California Department of Education spokesperson told ABC News that there was no record of Melodee's mother filing a yearly private school affidavit, which is necessary for homeschooling. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office The timeline of events leading to Melodee Buzzard's disappearance, per detectives The timeline of events leading to Melodee Buzzard's disappearance, per detectives 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. As the search for Melodee continues, relatives have claimed Ashlee barred the child's paternal family from seeing her for years, PEOPLE previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bridgett Truitt, Melodee's paternal aunt, was among those speaking out, telling local outlet KEYT of Ashlee, "She hasnt let us see her for a few years. And all of us have tried. But we never stopped thinking about her or loving her or praying for her." Melodee's father, Rubiell Meza, died in a vehicle accident in 2016 when Melodee was a baby, the family said. The Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People BERLIN A Russian cargo plane that recently arrived in Venezuela later made several stops in other Kremlin-aligned Latin American countries, flight records show, after making a similar journey back in August. The Ilyushin Il-76, operated by the private but government-affiliated cargo charter airline Aviacon Zitotrans, arrived in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas on Oct. 26, as previously reported by Defense News. Newer flight records show that two days later, the aircraft flew from there to Havana, Cuba, before making the jump over to Nicaraguas capital, Managua, on the next day. Later that day, on Oct. 29, the aircraft, registered as RA-78765, flew back to Caracas. On Oct. 30, it departed Venezuela on its journey back to Russia, via Nouakchott, Mauritania, and Algiers, Algeria, ultimately arriving in Sochi and going from there to Moscow. It is unclear from publicly available records what the purpose was of this mission to Latin America. Some Western governments have explicitly sanctioned Aviacon Zitotrans and several of its aircraft for their involvement in moving Russian military assets around the globe. The airline also provides chartered cargo flights for private customers, although that business has been significantly curtailed following the imposition of sanctions on Russia. The company did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication of this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aviacon aircraft and similar cargo planes by other private but government-affiliated Russian freight airlines play a crucial role in circumventing the strict sanctions Russia has been placed under since the launch of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The fleet of civilian aircraft also serves to supply Russias military expeditions in the global South, especially Africa, which were previously part of the Kremlin-affiliated Wagner Group militia before its dismantling in 2023. The recent trip to Latin America comes amid unprecedented tensions between Washington and Caracas, as the Pentagon positions military assets near Venezuela and accuses the Latin American countrys government of being complicit in drug smuggling. Venezuelan authorities, for their part, have accused the U.S. of fabricating a war. Officials in Caracas recently reached out to what they consider like-minded governments of Russia, China and Iran in hopes of receiving military assistance, the Washington Post reported Oct. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian officials declined to comment on a letter that the Post report said spelled out the requests, but backed Venezuelas quest to defend its national sovereignty, with Moscow standing ready to respond appropriately to the requests of our partners in light of emerging threats, the newspaper wrote. The Il-76s October trip to Latin America is a rare occurrence for the Russian freighter fleet, which typically focuses on Asia and Africa. But it was not the first time this particular aircraft has made the journey across the Atlantic in recent memory. The same Ilyushin previously visited the region in mid-August, arriving from Conakry, Guinea, in Brazils capital, Brasilia, on Aug. 10. Over the course of the next week, it stopped in Santa Cruz, Bolivia; Bogota, Colombia; Caracas; Toluca, Mexico; and Havana, before heading back to Caracas and crossing the Atlantic to Nouakchott in western Africa. In both instances, the aircraft took circuitous routes to get to Latin America, stopping in the Caucasus and several times in Africa along the way. Frequent stops can be indicative of heavy loads, requiring more frequent refueling, but may also be an evasion technique to obfuscate the origin of the aircraft and its cargo to observers. Russian aircraft are barred from Western airspace, which additionally forces them on cumbersome routes. An Ilyushin Il-76 can carry 46 tons of cargo. According to Zitotrans website, the plane can airlift two Mi-8 or Mi-17 helicopters, three 20-foot containers, five Toyota Land Cruisers or nine 463-liter pallets at a time. According to the airlines promotional materials, Aviacon Zitotrans specializes in government and military airlifts, dangerous goods, aerospace, and humanitarian and relief operations, among other categories, including live animal transportation. PRAGUE (AP) Cardinal Dominik Duka, a former Archbishop of Prague who was persecuted by the communist regime and later helped negotiate compensation for churches for property seized during that era, has died. Duka died early Tuesday at a hospital in Prague, the Prague Archdiocese said in a statement. He was 82. The cause of death was not given. He was born as Jaroslav Vaclav Duka on April 26, 1943, in the city of Hradec Kralove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Communists took power in 1948 in Czechoslovakia, the Catholic Church and other churches faced fierce persecution from the state. Churches were seized, outspoken priests jailed or even executed and those allowed to lead services did so under the watchful eye of the secret police. Duka secretly joined the Dominican Order in 1968 and adopted the name of Dominik in its honor. He was ordained two years later but was banned in 1975 from performing priestly funcitions. He still continued in the church activities for which he was sentenced to 15 months in jail in 1981. Duka was jailed in the Bory prison in Plzen, where he spent time with Vaclav Havel, then a dissident playwright who later led the 1989 anti-Communist Velvet Revolution and became the countrys president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duka led the funeral mass for Havel at Pragues St. Vitus Cathedral when he died in December 2011. Th previous year, he settled a long-term dispute with the state over the ownership of the biggest Czech cathedral. Duka served as Prague Archbishop between from 2010 and 2022 and was named a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. During his time as archbishop, the Czech Republic a country considered one of the most secular in Europe approved a law to return religious properties confiscated during the Communist era, an attempt to draw another line under the countrys troubled past. Under the plan, the Czech government agreed to pay some $3 billion to the Czech church in compensation over 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duka was known for his conservative views and was accused of downplaying cases of clerical abuse. Several courts, including the countrys highest legal authority, the Constitutional Court, dismissed a lawsuit he brought against two controversial plays staged at a theater festival in 2018 that mocked the Catholic Church. Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he admired Dukas bravery and activities during the time of totalitarianism and appreciated his important role in the renewal of the church in a democratic society. Akbar Novruz The South Caucasus stands once again at an ideological crossroads, between memory and modernity, between the pursuit of global relevance and the preservation of identity. The region has long been shaped by powerful currents: empire and independence, foreign influence and national revival. Yet today, a new question dominates the horizon: should nations abandon their inherited identity to align with the global order, or strengthen it to shape their own destiny? This is not merely a political or diplomatic dilemma. It is a civilizational test, one that determines whether small nations can remain true to their own history while engaging with the world that often demands conformity. The 21st centurys version of progress increasingly asks societies to transcend tradition, to dissolve national spirit into a uniform global identity. But for nations built on memory, culture, and historical struggle, such transcendence may amount to self-erasure. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has become known for his unconventional statements. His latest remarks, however, reach beyond politics into the very idea of identity itself. Speaking about regional perceptions, he claimed that Armenians attitudes toward Turkiye and Azerbaijan were not genuine but inherited from Soviet propaganda. When we say, Turks never change, in Turkiye they say the same about Armenians. When we say, How can we trust Azerbaijan? they say the same about Armenians. When we say, We have learned nothing from history, they say, You have learned nothing from history if you want peace with Armenians, Pashinyan said. According to him, Armenian society must liberate itself from the worldview shaped for us by KGB agents. It is a bold statement, but also a revealing one. In his pursuit of progressive ideals, Pashinyan openly questions the significance of national-spiritual identity, portraying it as an outdated burden shaped by the past. The message echoes the early European experiment with globalization, the illusion that societies could thrive once they set aside their cultural roots. Yet, decades later, Europe itself is experiencing the opposite: a return to the very identities it once tried to erase. Samuel Huntington, in his renowned work "The Clash of Civilizations", predicted precisely this paradox. He argued that in the post-Cold War era, ideological and economic divides would gradually fade, giving way to cultural and civilizational boundaries as the main source of global tension. Attempts to impose universalist values, he warned, would eventually clash with the deep-rooted identities of societies that define themselves not by systems, but by history and culture. Seen through that lens, the notion of dissolving national identity in favor of a globalist vision runs counter to the very fabric of civilizational resilience. The South Caucasus, positioned at the crossroads of civilizations for millennia, cannot be understood through abstract global ideals detached from its historical context. Here, identity is not a barrier to progress; it is the foundation of continuity. What some portray as modern liberation from inherited narratives may, in reality, be the weakening of civilizational self-awareness. And in a region where memory and belonging have always been the currency of survival, such detachment risks leaving societies ideologically unanchored in an increasingly uncertain world. Against this philosophical backdrop, another vision is emerging in the region, one that does not seek to escape identity but to modernize it. It treats national heritage not as a burden, but as a source of strength in a world increasingly defined by uncertainty. This approach blends progress with preservation, science with culture, and state-building with historical truth. Rather than dissolving boundaries, it seeks to understand them; rather than erasing the past, it uses it as a compass for renewal. It is from this perspective that the recent address delivered at the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences carries deeper meaning, far beyond its surface themes of scientific advancement. It represents a clear declaration that modern nationhood must be informed by truth, anchored in history, and driven by intellect. Of course, when we talk about Garabagh and East Zangazur, we should also speak about the history of Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, our rich history has long been distorted by Armenia and the Armenian diaspora. The campaign of propaganda against us does not stop even today. Therefore, we must counter this with our own truth, the President said. By framing history as a matter of study and evidence, the address links intellectual work with civic duty, a call to strengthen collective awareness through facts rather than rhetoric. We must study and promote our history. Azerbaijani citizens, Azerbaijani youth should know our rich history. They should know that the history of the Azerbaijani people, the history of our statehood and the ability of our people to build and create have a centuries-old history. Later, the address extended this idea toward a vision of peaceful return and coexistence, grounded in truth and self-confidence. Azerbaijanis have never been afflicted with the disease of separatism. Our people have contributed to the statehood of the countries they live in. And today, Azerbaijanis do not create and will never create problems for any state or its people. Therefore, the return of Azerbaijanis to the present-day Armenia should not intimidate the people or state of Armenia. I said this some time ago as well. We must return to our historical lands not with tanks, but in cars. The phrase not with tanks, but in cars distils a broader message that reconciliation and restoration can emerge through understanding, not confrontation. President Aliyevs final remarks reinforced that message by calling for knowledge-based advocacy of historical truth. It is enough to look at early-20th-century maps published by Tsarist Russia to see that the overwhelming majority of toponyms in what is now Armenia are of Azerbaijani origin. There was no Lake Sevan on those maps. There is Lake Goycha on those maps, along with all other Azerbaijani historical toponyms we use. We did not compile those maps for anyone to say that we are committing fraud. This was done by Tsarist Russia... Therefore, we must promote and study this. More research works, even small booklets, should be prepared so that both Azerbaijani youth and the world community can know their history well and, at the same time, for our return to present-day Armenia to sound completely logical and fair. In this framework, progress is not defined by abandoning identity, but by understanding it more deeply, combining knowledge with nationhood, and truth with transformation. The fault lines of civilisation no longer run through battlefields but through ideas, through how nations see themselves and what they choose to remember. The South Caucasus stands once again at the meeting point of worlds, where history and progress compete for space. Whether nations dissolve into a borderless global narrative or shape their own future through heritage and intellect will determine not only their political survival but their civilizational identity. And in this unfolding test, it is not power but purpose that will define who endures. rsted has agreed to sell a 50% equity stake in its 2.9GW Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm in the UK to funds managed by Apollo Global Management (Apollo Funds). The deal, valued at approximately DKr39bn ($6.5bn), will see Apollo acquire 50% of the project and commit to funding for the remaining construction costs. Under the agreement, Apollo will pay around DKr20bn upon closing, and the remaining consideration as the project achieves specific construction milestones. This initial payment includes DKr10bn for share purchase, covering both generation and transmission assets, and DKr10bn for construction costs. The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2025, subject to standard regulatory approvals. rsted said the deal aligns with its capital management strategy. rsted Group CFO Trond Westlie said: Were pleased to welcome Apollo as a partner for Hornsea 3, as they bring infrastructure expertise and scaled capital. We look forward to working with them to deliver this important project that will produce enough electricity to power more than three million UK homes once completed and contribute to the renewable transformation of the UK. The divestment represents an important milestone for rsted as we continue to deliver on our partnership and divestment programme, which is a cornerstone of our business plan. Located 160km off the Yorkshire coast, Hornsea 3 is being constructed in rsteds Hornsea zone, alongside the Hornsea 1 and 2 projects. Once operational, the Hornsea 3 wind farm will increase the total installed capacity of the wider Hornsea zone to more than 5GW. rsted will continue to build Hornsea 3 under a full-scope engineering, procurement, and construction contract and will provide long-term operations and maintenance services from its East Coast hub. The company will also deliver balancing services and a long-term route to market for the electricity generated by the wind farm. Apollo said the senior financing for the transaction will be led by Apollo-managed entities, with bank facilities underwritten by BNP Paribas, ING Bank, Lloyds, and RBC Capital Markets. Co-investors La Caisse and PSP Investments have also committed to the transaction through equity and debt financing. Linklaters served as legal advisor and RBC Capital Markets as financial advisor to Apollo Funds while Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison represented the lenders in the transaction. Apollo infrastructure partner Adam Petrie said: rsted is a global leader in offshore wind power and Hornsea 3 is its most significant project yet, with capacity to bring reliable, renewable energy to millions of homes across the UK. A program for opioid dependent newborns is one of many organizations receiving money from SC's share of national opioid settlements. (File photo by Getty Images) About 3,600 babies born in South Carolina each year are diagnosed with opioid dependence, developed in the womb and passed to them from mothers struggling with addiction. Researchers at Clemson University expect the number of infants born addicted is actually much higher, as many cases go unreported or undiagnosed. Thats why researchers, along with doctors at Prisma Health, are spreading the word about a hospital program aimed at helping opioid-addicted mothers and their newborns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program, called Managing Abstinence in Newborns (MAiN), is just one of the many organizations receiving grants from the states eventual $750 million share of legal payouts from national lawsuits filed against drug manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies. The settlement money, coming in installments over two decades, began arriving in 2022, when the Legislature passed a law creating a nine-member board to oversee the distribution. Since then, the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund Board has disbursed $79 million in grants. Cities and counties that joined in lawsuit negotiations through the attorney generals office largely get to decide how to spend their allotments. But the board must approve their applications. So far, Pickens and Anderson counties have directed $1.7 million of their share to operate the MAiN program and raise awareness, according to reports posted to the opioid recovery boards website. How the program works When a newborn is diagnosed with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, theyre often readmitted to the hospital two or three days after birth with symptoms of withdrawal. The babies often cry nonstop or even suffer seizures, said Rachel Mayo, a Clemson public health professor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under normal circumstances, these babies are separated from their mothers as they spend about a month in the neonatal intensive care unit being weaned off the drugs. But nearly 20 years ago, Prima Health Dr. Jennifer Hudson, medical director for newborn services at the Upstate-headquartered hospital system, developed treatment practices that keep the mom and baby together. If a mother is in treatment for her opioid addiction, she is allowed to stay with her baby for the first week of treatment. During that time, doctors train her on administering methadone to her baby. After a week, mom and baby return to the doctors office weekly for checkups. The parent and child also are assigned a home health nurse who visits regularly until the child turns 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program, which started at Greenville Memorial in 2007, is now offered at 14 hospitals across the state, Mayo said. However, mothers are often unaware of the option, said the Clemson researcher. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX For the past three years, Mayo and her team studied the unmet needs of mothers in the program. They interviewed the mothers and used the women s experiences as part of a marketing campaign. The goal here is to reach women and let them know there is help, Mayo said. So often theres a stigma attached to addiction; they dont even reveal it to family and friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Pickens County, between 12 and 16 mothers have gone through the program annually since 2023, when the opioid settlement money started covering part of the cost. In Anderson County, where AnMed Health operates the program, between 16 and 18 mothers receive treatment annually, Mayo said. Mayo said her teams next step is to brainstorm solutions to the roadblocks mothers face in getting treatment and work with counties to implement them. For example, Mayo has found mothers may miss their childs first follow-up appointment at the doctors office because they dont have a car and dont want to take a newborn on the bus, assuming bus service is available at all. Mayo suggested counties might be able to help fund rideshares for these mothers. Other grants Other uses of the opioid settlement money include hundreds of thousands of dollars provided to addiction treatment centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grants pay for supplies of naloxone, which can reverse an opioid overdose, to save lives and educate people on how to use it. Theres also money for school programs that try to prevent opioid and other drug use among students, funding for hospitals to hire overdose and addiction specialists, and dollars for counties drug treatment courts that aim to help people struggling with addiction rather than simply imprison them. All 46 counties and 43 cities in South Carolina that were involved in lawsuit negotiations are guaranteed a set share. A separate fund provides grants to smaller towns, hospitals, nonprofits and state agencies. In the last two years, the grants provided treatment for about 74,300 adults and 7,640 children, and funded the distribution of 14,800 naloxone kits, according to the boards annual reports. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) CASA of West Texas held a volunteer swear-in today at the Midland County Courthouse, honoring those who assist with children in the foster care system. Honestly, I just want to do good things, CASA Volunteer Brandy Shipman said. The idea of speaking for a child who might have lost or are losing their voice is important to me. If youre interested in signing up and becoming a volunteer with CASA of West Texas, click the link below for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home: Casa of West Texas 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. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Inside a Nashville courtroom Monday afternoon, the question before Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal was simple in wording and enormous in reach: Did Gov. Bill Lee have the authority to send National Guard troops into Memphis as part of a public-safety task force? A coalition of Memphis and Shelby County officials said he did not. Their petition for an injunction argued that the deployment violates Article III, Section 5 of the states Constitution, which makes the governor commander-in-chief of the militia only in cases of rebellion or invasion. Thats horribly undemocratic and truly troubling when we are talking about a power as open to potential of misuse as the ability to deploy military force, attorney Joshua Salzman said. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Under Title 58 of Tennessee law, they argue, the National Guard is the organized militia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That the governor is asserting the authority to send troops wherever and whenever he wants for as long as he wants and asserts there is no role for the judiciary to police that use of military force, Salzman said. Thats really terrifying. The state answered with its own reading. Assistant Attorney General Cody Brandon argued that the same Constitution also obliges the governor to take care that the laws be faithfully executed. That duty is carried out through Title 32 of the U.S. Code, which allows the Guard to serve in a dual-status role: federally funded, state controlled and used for public-safety support. Its his power and duty to respond to emergencies in Tennessee, he said. A whole quarter of the most serious crime that happens in Tennessee, happens in Memphis. The Guard, he added, was not making arrests but aiding local officers stretched by record homicide rates. An injunction, he warned, that could hinder a governors ability to act when future emergencies demand speed, not ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as it would be wrong for any of the plaintiffs to walk down to the capitol and pick up the governors pen and report to command the national guard, its wrong for them to ask this court to pick up the governors pen, Brandon said. The plaintiffs argue the deployment blurs the line between civilian and military authority. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com This is a tremendous intrusion, Salzman said. It sends the message the city is under control, under military occupation. Chancellor Moskal did not rule from the bench this afternoon, but she said a written decision is coming soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling could set a precedent for how far Tennessee governors can go in using the National Guard at home and whether the words of Tennessees Constitution are guardrails or guideposts flexible enough to meet the next emergency. 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 WKRN News 2. WEATHERFORD, Okla. (KFOR) An investigation is underway in Weatherford after police say they found several cats deceased and believed to be poisoned by antifreeze. In a press release, authorities say they were dispatched to 101 NW Main Street in reference to a report of animal cruelty on October 30. press release felineDownload They found two feral and sick felines, which were taken to an animal hospital. A veterinarian concluded that one of the cats may have drunk antifreeze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Small business security camera captures a man stealing their tip jar Since that incident, police say theyve located several other deceased felines in the area, which also may have drunk the solution. Families in Weatherford tell News 4 that those incidents arent the first regarding the sudden deaths of cats in the area. Audrey Edwards cat Penny. Image: Audrey Edwards. Audrey Edwards is the owner of a 2-year-old black cat, Penny. Penny was found on November 1, decapitated after escaping outside on Halloween night. Edwards said she was an inside cat but managed to slip away. As soon as I saw her, I just broke down crying in the alley. I dont know how somebody could do that, said Audrey Edwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards said when she found Penny in an alley approximately a street over from their home, her head and collar were missing from the rest of her body. Edwards showed images of Penny, but they are too graphic to share. When reporting the incident to the police, an officer conducted a visual inspection of Penny and determined she had been attacked by an animal. However, Edwards believes otherwise, saying, This has been going on, and I dont know why, like nobodys done something sooner. When posting about Pennys death on her social media, Edwards comments were flooded with similar horrific experiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive seen a couple of months back of comments of people saying like cats jaws being broken, theyre skinned, theyre being poisoned with antifreeze, dogs covered in gasoline. Like, I think somebody is out there doing something, and I feel like it needs to be looked into, Edwards said. Animal cruelty is considered a felony in Oklahoma. The Weatherford Police Department said they are patrolling the area for suspicious activity, and this is an ongoing investigation. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. PINE BLUFF, Ark. As uncertainty grows over federal food assistance, local food pantries are bracing for another surge in need. The Trump administration announced Monday it will partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after two federal judges ordered the government to keep the program running during the shutdown. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 240,000 Arkansans depend on SNAP each month. The agency says it will distribute a $4.65 billion emergency fund to provide roughly half of the nations normal benefits for November. But the USDA also warned that distributing those funds could take weeks or even months. That delay is already being felt in Jefferson County, where Neighbor to Neighbor in Pine Bluff is working hard to meet demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House says it will use tariff money to fund nutrition program amid shutdown They said that it can take weeks or months to get that organized and into the peoples hands, said Pat Tate, Executive Director of Neighbor to Neighbor. Since May we have gained about 300 new clients, so the food is gone and the people are coming. We are really relying on donations and people collecting and having food drives. The pantry, which has operated for more than 40 years, provides daily hot lunches, monthly food bags, and help with utility bills and prescriptions. But Tate said supply shortages have made it harder to keep up. Finding the food has really been a difficult thing because everybody is looking for food now, she said. All the food pantries are hitting the same places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the nonprofit lost a major source of federal funding. It once received about 18 pallets of food each month from the Arkansas Foodbank, but now gets only two, and hasnt seen meat in months. SNAP benefits could restart Wednesday, Bessent suggests Tate said the pantry is spending thousands of dollars every few weeks to buy the food it used to receive through DOGE. For Linda Murphy, who has been a SNAP recipient for nearly a decade, the uncertainty is personal. The grandmother cares for and homeschools her teenage grandkids while working part-time. She says SNAP benefits have been crucial for keeping food on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just nice to know that youve got somewhere (Neighbor to Neighbor) to come to get help and they really help me out a lot, Murphy said. One letter said that I would no longer get my benefits for the month of November, and that right there took a toll on me and my family because I rely on that to put food in the house for my grandkids. Arkansas SNAP recipients brace for possible suspension amid government shutdown Even after learning that partial benefits will be restored, Murphy said she remains concerned about when the money will arrive. It gives me a little bit of help but not much because we have to wait, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tate said that while the federal funding announcement brings some hope, the communitys generosity will make the real difference. Were open every day, she said. Well keep serving people as long as we can. MAP: Percentage of SNAP, food stamp recipients by county in Arkansas Neighbor to Neighbor is asking for donations of canned goods, pantry staples, and financial contributions to help fill the gap. Those who wish to support the organization can donate directly through their PayPal fundraiser 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 KLRT - FOX16.com. In May, a Powell County paramedic saved snake expert Jim Harrisons life after a bite from a Jameson's mamba. Harrison called for emergency transport, but before the helicopter arrived, local paramedic Eddie Barnes acted swiftly to assist. Harrison, who keeps his own antivenom on hand because time is critical following a snake bite, begged Barnes to administer the antidote, saying he would die without it. Out of caution, Barnes called Clark Regional Medical Center, where an emergency room doctor granted him permission to administer the antivenom. Instead of celebrating Barnes, the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services notified him that his emergency medical services (EMS) license was at risk of revocation. Following a rule change two years ago, only wilderness paramedics are permitted to administer antivenom in Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, the board dismissed Barnes case. But the fact that an EMS responder could be hauled before regulators for doing the right thing underscores how rigid rules can clash with patient care. Using occupational licensing regulations to prevent providers like Barnes from performing tasks for which they are trained is illogical, even dangerous. Opinion: I know the care KY breast cancer patients need and promised my mom I'd give it. Certificate of need laws reduce patient access to care Similarly, certificate of need (CON) laws make it difficult or impossible for providers to offer new health care services in Kentucky. These laws, which restrict providers from opening facilities or expanding services, reduce patient access to care and can endanger lives. In 2017, entrepreneur Philip Truesdell and his family founded a non-emergency medical transport company just over the border in Ohio to assist patients in traveling to appointments or between facilities. It was easier for Truesdell to start his company in Ohio because the Buckeye State doesnt have CON laws for medical transport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truesdell began receiving calls from Kentucky patients unable to access care only to learn he couldnt help them without a CON from the Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services. Applying for a CON in Kentucky is a costly drawn-out process, with competitors often using the process to protest applications and block new entrants. This is devastating for the hundreds of Kentucky residents requesting Truesdells medical transport services every year. Opinion: Don't say the US can't afford universal health care when we send billions abroad The federal government agrees CON laws do more harm than good Proponents of CON laws claim health care providers need monopoly power to remain financially viable. However, nearly 40% of the U.S. population lives in a state with no or limited CON laws, allowing economists to compare outcomes. As expected, restricting health care supply increases costs, reduces access and lowers quality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government agrees: Every presidential administration since Reagans has urged states to curtail CON laws, which are particularly harmful in rural and underserved areas desperate for more care. Patients and providers not government officials should decide when care is needed. Opinion: Medicaid change for KY Appalachians with substance use disorder will cost us all. Regulation should empower, not restrain, frontline providers While in the end, no licenses were lost or careers ruined in Powell County, Barness case highlights a broader issue: regulation should empower, not restrain, frontline providers. Rigid laws like CON mandates share the common flaw of prioritizing bureaucracy over patient outcomes. States are taking notice. Since 2023, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia have reformed their CON laws. Earlier this year, Kentucky lawmakers took a step forward by repealing a CON law for birthing centers. More work remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators must continue to evaluate whether these laws serve constituents or merely protect the status quo. When laws threaten those who save lives, they must be reformed. Agree or disagree? Submit a letter to the editor. Jaimie Cavanaugh Jaimie Cavanaugh is state policy counsel at Pacific Legal Foundation. Caleb O. Brown Caleb O. Brown is CEO of the Bluegrass Institute. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Outdated KY healthcare laws restrict patient services | Opinion South Asians have played a prominent role in President Trump's universe, especially in his second term. Second Lady Usha Vance is the daughter of Indian immigrants who came to California to study and never went back. Harmeet Dhillon, born in India and a devout Sikh, is currently his U.S. assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division. And the head of the FBI, Kash Patel, is (like potential New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani,) of Indian descent by way of Uganda. Some Republicans have taken pride in this kind of diversity, citing it for the gains Trump made in 2024 with Black and Latino voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But these days, the MAGA big tent seems to be collapsing fast. Last week, MAGA had a total anti-Indian meltdown on social media, revealing a deep, ugly racism toward South Asians. It comes amid the first real rebellion about rampant and increasingly open antisemitism within the MAGAverse, creating a massive rift between traditional conservatives and a younger, rabidly anti-Jewish contingent called groypers whose leader, Nick Fuentes, recently posted that he is "team Hitler." Turns out, when you cultivate a political movement based on hate, at some point the hate is uncontrollable. In fact, that hate needs to be fed to maintain power even if it means feasting on its own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This monster of white-might ugliness is going to dominate policy and politics for the next election, and these now-public fights within the Republican party represent a new dynamic that will either force it to do some sort of soul searching, or purge it of anything but white Christian nationalism. My bet is on the latter. But if conservatives ever truly believed in their inclusive talk, then it's time for Republicans to stand up and demand the big Trump tent they were hailing just a few months ago. Read more: Still unsure about Prop. 50? You might be the only one Ultra-conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who opposes much of Fuentes' worldview, summed up this Republican split succinctly. Fuentes' followers "are white supremacists, hate women, Jews, Hindus, many types of Christians, brown people of a wide variety of backgrounds, Blacks, America's foreign policy and America's constitution," Shapiro explained. "They admire Hitler and Stalin and that splinter faction is now being facilitated and normalized within the mainstream Republican Party." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MAGA's anti-Indian sentiment had an explosive moment a few days ago when a South Asian woman asked Vice President JD Vance a series of questions during a Turning Point USA event in Mississippi. The young immigrant wanted to know how Vance could preach for the removal of nearly 18 million immigrants? And how could he claim that the United States was a Christian nation, rather than one that valued pluralism? "How can you stop us and tell us we don't belong here anymore?" the woman asked. "Why do I have to be a Christian?" Vance's answer went viral, in part because he claimed his wife, although from a Hindu family, was "agnostic or atheist," and that he hoped she would convert to Christianity. "Do I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved in by church? Yeah, I honestly do wish that," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance later tried to do some damage control on social media, calling Usha Vance a "blessing" and promising to continue to "support her and talk to her about faith and life and everything else, because she's my wife." But many South Asians felt Vance was dissing his wife's heritage and attempting to downplay her non-whiteness. They vented on social media, and got a lot of MAGA feelings back. "How can you pretend to be a white nativist politician who will 'bring america back to it's golden age' ... when your wife is an indian immigrant?" wrote one poster. Dhillon received similar feedback recently for urging calm and fairness after a Sikh truck driver allegedly caused a fatal crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[N]o ma'am, it is CRYSTAL CLEAR that sihks and hindus need to get the hell out of my country," one reply stated. "You and your kind are no longer welcome here. Go the [expletive] home." Patel too, got it, after posting a message on Diwali, a religious holiday that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. He was dubbed a demon worshipper, a favorite anti-Indian trope. Perhaps you're thinking, "Duh, of course MAGA is racist." But here's the thing. The military has been scrubbed of many Black officers. The federal workforce, long a bastion for middle-class people of color, has been decimated. Minority cabinet members or top officials are few. Aside from another Hindu, Tulsi Gabbard, there's Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Labor Secretary Lori ChavezDeRemer and HUD head Scott Turner. South Asians are largely the last visible sign of pluralism in Republican power, an erstwhile proof that the charges of racism from the left are unfair. But now, like Latinos, they are increasingly targets of the base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time anti-Indian hate was surfacing last week, a whole load of MAGA antisemitism hit the fan. It started when Tucker Carlson, who in his post-network life has re-created himself as a hugely popular podcaster with more than 16 million followers on X, invited Fuentes on his show. In addition to calling for the death of American Jews, Fuentes has also said women want him to rape them and should be burned alive, Black people belong in prison and LGBTQ+ people are an abomination. Anyone who is not his kind of Christian "must be absolutely annihilated when we take power," he said. Turns out far-right Charlie Kirk was a bulwark against this straight-up American Nazi. Kirk's popularity kept Fuentes who often trolled Kirk from achieving dominance as the spirit guide of young MAGA. Now, with Kirk slain, nothing appears to be stopping Fuentes from taking up that mantle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Fuentes interview, sane conservatives (there are some left) were apoplectic that Carlson would support someone who so openly admits to being anti-Israel and seemingly pro-Nazi. They demanded the Heritage Foundation, historical backbone of the conservative movement, creators of Project 2025 and close allies of Tucker, do something. The head of Heritage, Kevin Roberts, offered what many considered a sorry-not-sorry. He condemned Fuentes, saying he was "fomenting Jew hatred, and his incitements are not only immoral and un-Christian, they risk violence." But also counseled that Fuentes shouldn't be banished from the party. Join us not to cancel but to guide, challenge, and strengthen the conversation, Roberts said. Are Nazis really all bad? Discuss! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response from ethical conservatives Jewish and non-Jewish alike has been that you don't politely hear Nazis out, and if the Republican Party can't clearly say that Nazis aren't welcome, it's got a problem. Yes, the Republican Party has a problem. The right rode to power by attacking what it denigrates at "wokeism" on the left. MAGA declared that to confront fascism or racism or misogyny to tell its purveyors to sit down and shut up was wrong. That "canceling," or banishment from common discourse for spewing hate, was somehow an infringement on 1st Amendment rights or even terrorism. Read more: Chabria: Trump may use fear of voter fraud to declare elections illegitimate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They screamed loud and clear that speaking out against intolerance was the worst, most unacceptable form of intolerance itself and would not be tolerated. You know who heard them loud and clear? Fuentes. He has checkmated establishment Republicans with their own cowardice and hypocrisy. So now his young Christian white supremacists are empowered, and intent on taking over as the leaders of the party. Fuentes is saying what old guard Republicans don't want to hear, but secretly fear: He already is dangerously close to being the mainstream; just read the comments. Roberts, the Heritage president, said it himself: "Diversity will never be our strength. Unity is our strength, and a lack of unity is a sign of weakness." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trying to shut Fuentes up or kick him out will likely anger that vocal and powerful part of the base that enjoys the freedom to be openly hateful, and really wouldn't mind a male-dominated white Christian autocracy. The far right has free-speeched their way into fascism, and Fuentes is loving every minute of it. So now this remaining vestige of traditional conservatives including senators such as Ted Cruz and Mitch McConnell is faced with a painful reckoning. Many mainstream Republicans for years ignored the racism and antisemitism creeping into the party. They can't anymore. It has grown into a beast ready to consume its maker. Will they let this takeover happen, call for conversation over condemnation to the glee of Fuentes and his followers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or will they find the courage to be not just true Republicans, but true Americans, and declare non-negotiable for their party that most basic of American ideals: We do not tolerate hate? Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. South Korea-based Samsung SDI is in talks to provide energy storage system (ESS) batteries to Tesla. The Korea Economic Daily reported that contract could be valued at around Won3tn ($2.11bn) or more. If concluded, the agreement would represent another step by Tesla to curb dependence on Chinese components, according to Reuters. The US battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer has increasingly looked to South Korean suppliers for key inputs, including chips and batteries, in recent months. In July, Samsung Electronics signed a long-term contract to deliver nextgeneration AutoPilot AI6 chipsets to Tesla. The eightyear deal, worth $16.5bn, covers supply of Samsungs 2nm chips. Tesla has also reached a separate arrangement with LG Energy Solution earlier. South Korean battery producers have been shifting capacity from electric vehicle (EV) cells to ESS units after the removal of certain US subsidies. Earlier this month, Samsung SDI said on an earnings call that demand from its joint venture (JV) partner Stellantis had fallen sharply and that it would repurpose parts of its EV battery lines in Indiana to manufacture ESS products. Samsung SDI has agreed to supply Tesla with ESS batteries over a three year period. Tesla did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. Last month, Tesla reported a decline in thirdquarter (Q3) profit despite record revenue for the period, supported partly by higher US sales ahead of the expiry of a federal EV tax credit. Attributable net income fell 37% year on year to $1.37bn. The automaker reported quarterly revenue of $28.09bn, up 12% yearonyear. The group said profitability was impacted by increased R&D expenses and the tariffs. The R&D expense, including artificial intelligence, rose 56.9% from $1.03bn in Q3 2024 to $1.63bn in Q3 2025. Vehicle production totalled 447,450 units, down 5% from a year ago, while deliveries reached a record 497,099, up 7% year-on-year. "Samsung SDI in talks to supply ESS batteries to Tesla" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The man accused of shooting and killing a San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department deputy last week has been charged with his murder, as well as for the violent crime that led to the original 911 call. On Monday, the San Bernardino County District Attorneys Office filed multiple felony charges Angelo Jose Saldivar, 47, of San Bernardino. Saldivar is accused of shooting and killing 28-year-old deputy Andrew Nunez after he and fellow deputies responded for a report of a domestic violence incident at a home in Rancho Cucamonga. San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department deputy Andrew Nunez is shown in this undated photo provided by the Sheriffs Department. Nunez was shot and killed in the line of duty on Oct. 27, 2025. On Oct. 27, several witnesses reported that Saldivar was at the home on the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive and became violent with his ex-spouse. Deputies arrived on scene and Saldivar allegedly opened fire immediately, hitting Nunez once in the head and fatally wounding him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saldivar then led multiple agencies on a high-speed motorcycle pursuit on the 210 Freeway, before ultimately being stopped after an off-duty deputy driving his own vehicle swerved into his bike and sent him flying onto the asphalt. Saldivar was hospitalized due to injuries he suffered in the crash, but was later arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. On Monday, a week after Nunezs tragic passing, Saldivar was formally charged with his murder. Additionally, he faces charges for battery on a spouse, attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment, evading an officer and multiple gun crimes, as well as multiple gun-related special allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saldivar remains in custody without bail, and will make his initial court appearance once medically cleared, officials said. Authorities pursued a motorcyclist in San Bernardino County suspected of shooting a sheriffs deputy on Oct. 27, 2025. The investigation remains ongoing, and the Sheriffs Department says additional charges may be added down the road. Anyone with information about the investigation is urged to contact homicide detectives at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-782-7463. A six-year veteran of the department, Nunez leaves behind a wife, a 2-year-old daughter and another child on the way. A fundraiser has been set up for the Nunez family on the Peace Officers Research Association of California website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTLA. CHICAGO (WGN) Chicago police say charges are pending against a man who the department believes shot a 23-year-old woman in Edgewater while she was in her vehicle. The shooting stems from a road rage incident, according to Chicago Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th Ward). While its unclear how the argument unfolded, police say the victim survived the shooting but suffered serious injuries. News of a shooting investigation that spanned two seperate locations left some Edgewater residents, such as Darryl Wakefield, stunned by the development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boy, 17, shot and killed at Burger King on Southwest Side Its getting a little rough now, but I am surprised, Wakefield told WGN-TV. Police say around 9 a.m., near the intersection of Broadway and Hollywood, a 23-year-old woman and an armed man argued. CPD added that the unidentified suspect allegedly opened fire in the victims direction, with a bullet striking her in the left shoulder. First responders rushed the victim to St. Francis Hospital in serious condition. Police have not yet announced charges in connection with the road rage shooting, but confirm that officers took the suspect into custody shortly after the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses told WGN-TV crews the shooting occurred while the victim was inside her vehicle, some distance away from the nearby Shell gas station. The victim managed to drive away before pulling over less than half a mile away. Around 10 a.m., cameras rolled as Chicago police investigated a vehicle with a bullet hole and a broken mirror near Ardmore and Sheridan. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Authorities report no additional injuries. 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 WGN-TV. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) The College of Charleston and the Charleston Police Department are actively working to locate a missing College of Charleston student who was last scene on Thursday night while walking home from a Halloween event. LATEST UPDATE: Missing College of Charleston student last seen on Ravenel Bridge walkway, police say Owen Kenney, 19, was last seen walking to his home on Bull Street on Thursday night, October 30, into early Friday morning, October 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its honestly really eerie on campus right now, I would say were definitely feeling the distance here, said CofC student Holland Cartmill. The Charleston Police Department reported that Kenney was last seen by friends in the area of King Street and Burns Lane on October 31 at 2:00 a.m. He was reportedly wearing a Boston Celtics costume. Via Charleston PD Via Charleston PD Neighbors said their Ring cameras did not pick up Kenney arriving home, and theyre shocked by his disappearance in what they said is an extremely safe neighborhood. I was totally shocked. I was walking my dog yesterday, and I saw some girls putting up this sign behind me. And when I spoke with them, they didnt even know the student. They had just heard and were concerned. So I think everybody in the community is really concerned that this is such an unusual thing to happen, said Julie, a Bull Street resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We spoke with Kenneys roommates, who are deeply devastated. They attempted to track Kenneys location, but his phone was dead at the time of the disappearance. The College of Charleston is now offering counseling services to students. Ive never seen anything like this before. Its definitely scary. And I just really pray that this doesnt happen again, said Cartmill. The College has been working with the Charleston Police Department and reports that there are no updates on the investigation as of Monday, November 3. In the meantime, students have rallied for Kenneys safe return. I personally didnt know him, but Ive just heard amazing things about the kind of friend he is. I know he was a fraternity brother of some of my friends, and Im just devastated for his family and praying for him every day, said Cartmill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have any information about Owen Kenneys whereabouts, the Charleston Police are urging anyone with information to please contact the department at 843-720-2422 and request to speak with the on-duty Central Detective, or send a tip via email at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips. 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 WCBD News 2. CHICAGO (WGN) A group of Chicago City Council members now say theyll cancel a special meeting set for next Monday if Mayor Brandon Johnson hands over more information on the independent auditors who reviewed city finances. On Monday, opponents of Johnsons budget proposal filed paperwork to call an emergency City Council meeting on November 10th, focused on an Ernst & Young (EY) audit of Chicagos budget. The Johnson administration has scheduled a simple subject matter hearing on the report for the same day, instead. Before withdrawing their request, alders are asking for a copy of the citys contract with EY, and copies of non-disclosure agreements signed by auditors, among other requests. The group also wants a separate hearing with the citys CFO, Comptroller, and Budget Director later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A majority of council members signed onto the latest letter sent to the Mayor Tuesday afternoon. Those findings should not be sitting in a shelf, they should be discussed openly, questioned publicly and considered carefully as part of our budgeting process, Alderwoman Samantha Nugent said. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines As you know, were close to $1.2 billion in the hole this year. We are looking for hundreds of millions of dollars that were proposed in efficiencies in this report, Alderman Scott Waguespack added. The city gave EY a $3.2 million contract in May to study the budget, identify savings and explore new sources of revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Johnsons proposed budget outlines $80 million in cost reductions, several alders want to know why the administration did not include all of EYs recommendations. Chicago business leaders oppose new taxes in Mayor Johnsons budget proposal What weve seen is that the administration has only chosen a couple of small things out of this document to move forward with, when they have the full opportunity here to take dozens of those efficiencies to create a better situation for taxpayers, and theyve refused to do that, Waguespack said. A spokesperson for Johnson said alders were briefed on which recommendations were incorporated from the EY report and that the administration is willing to meet again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mayors Office is in the process of securing a date and time that works for Alders sometime this week or next, the spokesperson said in a statement. Aside from suspicions over savings, the group of alders are also concerned about Johnsons planned borrowing and progressive revenue, which includes the return of a corporate head tax. Mayor asks City Council to approve massive new progressive revenue to close citys $1.18B budget gap With the head tax, with the smart tax, with some of these other things, theres no data behind those that they have showed us. Until we start getting that data, until we start getting those details, this is just a fluff budget that theyve thrown out there, Waguespack said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This administration was looking to do a budget vote on Nov. 20 thats 17 days from now. How (can) anybody in this City Council feel that were ready? Alderman Matt OShea said. EY is a global firm; they are one of the most respected in the business. We think its very important they come before us and lift up the hood. The mayors office prefers a subject-matter hearing on the EY report. But if alders insist on a full City Council meeting, they will need at least 26 members present to conduct business. 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 WGN-TV. Chicago police are asking for help finding a missing 15-year-old girl, who is said to be high-risk. Tamera Thompson is seven months pregnant. She was last seen last Wednesday. Police say she frequents the area of 51st Street and Martin Luther King Drive. Thompson is 5-foot-7 and weighs about 220 pounds. She was last seen wearing a red jacket, a white t-shirt and blue jeans with blue and white Nike gym shoes, a white backpack and a wig. Police are asking anyone with information on her whereabouts to call them. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Time to get in the holiday spirit. Kingdoms Greetings, the Chiefs annual holiday pop-up bar is set to begin later this month. The Christmas cocktail bar will take place from Nov. 28-Dec. 28. inside the Foolish Area at Arrowhead Stadium. It will be open Thursday-Sunday weekly from 5 p.m.-11 p.m. It will be closed on Chiefs home games and on Dec. 19. Chiefs LT Josh Simmons returns to team following absence Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For parking, it is recommended that patrons enter the complex through Gate 1, 3 or 5 and parking signage will direct fans to Lot C. Parking is complimentary. To get to Kingdoms Greetings, you enter the stadium through Gate C, which is adjacent to Lot C. Once inside, there will be a dedicated entrance for Kingdoms Greetings on the plaza level. End Zone Extra: Get the top Chiefs news and insider features all season long Reservations open Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m. To make reservations, you can click here. These are the following stipulations regarding reservations: Each reservation will last no longer than one hour and 30 minutes. Reservations are $25 per person and will be paid through OpenTable . Paid reservations are for entrance only, no amount applies to the final bill. Reservations are nonrefundable. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. All tables and seats are located on the fourth floor of the stadium where there will be an immersive holiday experience with potential views of the field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clear bag policy for gamedays will still be in effect along with cashless payments only. For more information, you can click here. 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) Child care is likely to be a much-discussed issue in the 2026 session. Gov. Andy Beshears office has just issued a report compiling the administrations data-gathering on funding universal pre-K in the next budget. And Beshear is not the only one bringing attention to child care in the run-up to the 2026 session, after the Kentucky Chamber released a report earlier in August. Weve met with dozens of local leaders, educators, parents, childcare providers, businesses and business owners, and state legislators, Pre-K For All Program Executive Director Sam Flynn said at Thursdays Team Kentucky media briefing. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Beshear signed an executive order creating a 28-person committee that held a series of town halls and outreach events. The administration held a series of town halls and outreach over the summer and fall months, which led to the creation of the report released last week. It makes a case for expanded pre-K in Kentucky through a mix of public and private provider partnerships. Kentucky has already expanded pre-K on two previous occasions. Expanding in a phased, responsible way over several years will ensure more kids have access. More parents can return to work while providing school districts the flexibility to expand when they are truly ready, Rockcastle County Schools Superintendent Dr. Carrie Ballinger, a member of the committee, said during Thursdays briefing. The report is a combination of testimonials, state comparisons, educational and workforce-related research to demonstrate both an early learning advantage in young kids and a financial one for working families. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between 40 and 70,000 Kentuckians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, would return to work, but for access to childcare, Flynn said. Its not the only report published this year arguing theres a case for investing in child care, not just pre-K. The Kentucky Chamber presented its data to lawmakers in August, suggesting a more moderate 16 to 28 thousand boost to the workforce with more investment in existing child care assistance programs. It is a more comprehensive plan in the sense that it is looking at all different ages, you know, all different ages, zero, all the way through your infants, all the way through older kids, and then even thinking about aftercare and things of those resources that we would need, Kentucky Chamber public affairs vice president Kate Shanks told FOX 56 following a presentation to lawmakers in an interim committee meeting in August. The Chambers report was put together from a 40-person collaborative it assembled in August 2024, shortly after the last budget session, when the child care shortage was considered an issue left on the table. MORE POLITICAL NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chamber and governors reports indicate theyre hoping for a different outcome in the 2026 budget. The full report can be viewed here. 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 FOX 56 News. We now have the first known commercial satellite imagery of the two Chinese sixth-generation stealth fighter designs that emerged nearly a year ago. The aircraft, which are commonly referred to now as the J-36 and the J-XDS, have been spotted in separate images not at their home airfields where they were built, but at a secretive airbase with a massive runway situated near the Lop Nur nuclear test site in northwestern China. The J-36, readily identifiable by its large modified delta planform and splinter camouflage paint scheme, is seen outside the main hangar at the facilitys central apron in an archived satellite image taken on August 27, which The War Zone obtained from Planet Labs. The J-XDS is seen in another Planet Labs image of the airfield taken on September 13. Previously, the J-36 and J-XDS have only been definitively spotted flying in and out of the main airfields associated with their respective manufacturers, Chengdu and Shenyang. Readers can find TWZs very in-depth initial analysis on the J-36 and the J-XDS here. This particular base near Lop Nur, which has been linked to work on reusable space planes, is also now undergoing a major expansion. It notably already has a runway over 16,400 feet long, or more than 3 miles in total length, making it one of the longest anywhere in the world. The J-36 seen at the airfield near Lop Nur in this satellite image taken on August 27, 2025. PHOTO 2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION The September 13, 2025, image of the base near Lop Nur, with the J-XDS seen outside the main hangar. PHOTO 2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION Another satellite image offering a general overview of the entire facility near Lop Nur, as seen on November 3, 2025. PHOTO 2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION The August 27 satellite image offers new details about the J-36s size, showing it to have a wingspan of approximately 65 feet and an overall length of some 62 feet. It has already been clear that the three-engined J-36, two distinctly different prototypes of which have now emerged, is a very large tactical aircraft. For comparison, members of the extended Soviet-designed Flanker fighter family, like Chinas J-16s, have wingspans of around 48 feet. Flankers are already well known for their large size relative to other fourth-generation fighter designs. As another point of comparison, the variable geometry F-111s fully extended wingspan was 63 feet. An enhanced crop of the August 27 image, offering a better look at the J-36. PHOTO 2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A composite showing some of the images of the J-36 that have previously emerged. Chinese Internet via X Another head-on view of the J-36. Chinese Internet via X The September 13 image shows the J-XDS to have a wingspan of around 50 feet and be slightly shorter than the J-36. Its worth noting that the shadow and image resolution make this estimate more challenging, and readers are advised to take it as such. It has been previously established that the twin-engined J-XDS, also sometimes referred to as the J-50, with its lambda wing planform, is smaller and slimmer than the J-36. That being said, it is still firmly in the heavy fighter class. The J-XDS is seen closer up in this enhanced crop of the September 13 image. PHOTO 2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION A pair of previously emerged images of the J-XDS. Chinese internet via X Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As mentioned, the remote base near Lop Nur is in the process of being expanded in a major way, overall. The work only started in earnest in the past six months or so, and significant progress has already been made. This includes the enlargement of the main apron, with a single new hangar also having been built at the northeastern end. Three smaller hangars, all joined together and that look to be typical of ones for fighter-sized aircraft, have been constructed at the opposite end, as well. In addition, a host of other new buildings are seen under construction to the immediate southeast, pointing to plans to expand the scope and scale of work being done at the facility. The series of satellite images below gives a sense of the sheer magnitude of work that has been done just since May of this year. PHOTO 2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION There had already been a pronounced expansion of the infrastructure at the base in the early 2020s, including the construction of the large main hangar and associated apron. As noted, at that time, the facility seemed largely tied to Chinese military space development efforts. TWZs first report on the airfield came in 2020 after a reusable space plane appeared to have landed there. Last year, we reported on it again after satellite imagery emerged showing a still-mysterious object sitting at one end of the runway. A satellite image taken on August 3, 2022, showing earlier work to expand the airfield underway. PHOTO 2022 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION The still-mysterious object seen sitting at the end of the runway in this satellite image taken on November 29, 2024. PHOTO 2024 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION It seems clear now that the facility has taken on a larger and still growing role in Chinas broader advanced aerospace development ecosystem. Comparisons have already been drawn in the past to the U.S. militarys top-secret flight test center at Groom Lake in Nevada, better known as Area 51. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airfield near Lop Nur is even more remote than Chinas existing sprawling test airbase near Malan in Xinjiang province, which also seems to be almost exclusively focused, in terms of aerospace development tasks, on uncrewed aircraft. It also appears to host aircraft detachments for more general training and testing. The construction of new hangars and other infrastructure at the base in question can only further help with the concealment of assets and other activity there from prying eyes, including in space. That being said, the site is regularly imaged, including by commercial satellites, which clearly did not deter the Chinese from parking the J-36 and J-XDS outside in broad daylight. Regardless, the appearance of the J-36 and J-XDS at the remote base around the same time is also telling of the facilitys new mission to support the development of advanced air combat technologies. It is further indicative of the state of Chinas rapidly evolving sixth-generation fighter programs that they have operated out of this place, possibly alongside each other. All of this reflects a broader ramping up in China of the development and testing of next-generation tactical air combat platforms, as well as key supporting aircraft. This includes a host of advanced drones intended to perform a variety of missions. Some of these designs are very large, while others are smaller and more in the vein of loyal wingman, or what is now often called a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). For example, the satellite image below, from Planet Labs archive of shots taken of Malan, shows what is likely a fighter-sized CCA-type uncrewed aircraft. PHOTO 2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION These Chinese military aviation trends extend into the naval domain, as well. This past weekend, images emerged online that offer the first look at a navalized version of the GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV), intended for operations from aircraft carriers and big deck amphibious assault ships, with its arrestor hook deployed. This drone is sometimes also referred to as the GJ-21. As it seems, for the first time clear images of a GJ-21 in flight are posted and this one based on the still installed pitots has its tail hook down. pic.twitter.com/5h1nVZHzIe @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) November 1, 2025 Even with major construction still underway, the secretive and remote base near Lop Nur is already becoming busier, and has now given us the first commercial satellite imagery showing the J-36 and J-XDS. The facility expansion is likely to see it support future advanced tactical aircraft developments, playing a bigger part in these endeavors going forward. Contact the author: joe@twz.com By Eduardo Baptista and Toby Sterling BEIJING/AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -China's commerce ministry on Tuesday accused the Netherlands of not working with Beijing to resolve the dispute surrounding the Dutch government's seizure of chipmaker Nexperia and warned of further supply chain disruptions as a result. The Dutch government took control of Nexperia on September 30 due to concerns about its Chinese parent Wingtech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese commerce ministry's accusation of continued Dutch inaction on the dispute underscores the difficulty of the Netherlands and China agreeing to a long-term solution for the ownership of Nexperia, which makes large volumes of basic chips used in cars. "The Dutch side continues to act unilaterally without taking concrete steps to resolve the issue, which will inevitably exacerbate the adverse impact on the global semiconductor supply chain," China's commerce ministry said in a statement published on its official website. "This is something neither China nor the global industry wishes to see." A spokesperson for the Dutch economic affairs ministry, which intervened in Nexperia's governance, told Reuters that talks between both governments were still underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We remain in contact with the Chinese authorities and our international partners to work toward a constructive solution that is good for Nexperia and our economies," the spokesperson said on Tuesday. Beijing's warning of further disruptions comes as European automotive suppliers rush for exemptions to Chinese export restrictions on Nexperia products made in China that were imposed days after the Dutch government's seizure. While most of Nexperia's chips are produced in Europe, around 70% are packaged in China before distribution. The resulting chip shortages have threatened to halt assembly lines and lead to worker furloughs in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industries dependent on Nexperia's chips are waiting for a political solution to the trade dispute after the White House announced last week, following talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, that Beijing "would take appropriate measures to ensure the resumption of trade from Nexperia's facilities in China." EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said on Monday that there had been "progress" in talks on Nexperia involving the Dutch and Chinese governments, without elaborating further. (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista in Beijing and Toby Sterling in Amsterdam; Additional reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Tom Hogue and Jamie Freed) This story was originally published on Facilities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Facilities Dive newsletter. By the numbers: Schneider Electric Q3 2025 +$11.5 billion Group revenue +17% Energy management +8% Software and services Schneiders Energy Management segment continues to ride the data center boom, reporting 10% year over year growth in the third quarter, including a 17% jump in North America, where the big tech companies known as hyperscalers could spend close to $200 billion on data center-related investments this year. Our pipeline and order trends remain strong, particularly in North America and China, with continued high demand from hyperscalers and strong and accelerating demand from new AI-related players, Schneider Electric Chief Financial Officer Hilary Maxson said on Thursday on the companys earnings call. Across all its businesses, the Paris-based electrical equipment company grew 9% organically to 10 billion euros, or about $11.5 billion. "We delivered another strong quarter across all four of our end-markets, CEO Olivier Blum said in a statement. Energy Management led the growth, where sustained Data Center demand drove performance. The performance comes as Schneider expands its product and service portfolio to accommodate large-scale data centers needs. Last year, the company said it would purchase a 75% stake in Motivair, strengthening its presence in the fast-growing market for high-performance cooling systems. In September, Schneider said it had co-developed two data center reference designs with NVIDIA that integrated cooling, power management and other systems. Schneider and NVIDIA said the designs could significantly reduce data center deployment headways. Growth from nonresidential building segments Schneiders Energy Management Group benefited from strong demand from other nonresidential building owners as well, the company said. Demand from residential buildings was soft, with noticeable weakness in China and North America. But Maxson emphasized that residential is a relatively small part of the companys buildings business. Customer demand from technical buildings like retail and hotels supports an overall positive trajectory for this part of Schneiders business, she said. Maxson previewed a shift in Schneiders market positioning that she said company leaders would discuss in more detail at its Capital Markets Day on Dec. 11. The new emphasis on Schneiders status as an energy technology partner across industries looking to electrify, automate and digitize is not a revolution but rather a conviction that were the player that has the real opportunity to be the winner in that space and define it, she said. By Eduardo Baptista and Toby Sterling BEIJING/AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -China's commerce ministry accused the Netherlands on Tuesday of not working with Beijing to resolve a dispute surrounding the Dutch government's seizure of chipmaker Nexperia, and warned of further supply chain disruptions as a result. The Dutch government took control of Netherlands-based Nexperia on September 30 due to concerns about its Chinese parent Wingtech. Nexperia makes large volumes of basic chips used in cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing's warning of further disruptions comes as European automotive suppliers rush for exemptions to Chinese export restrictions on Nexperia products made in China that were imposed days after the Dutch government's seizure. Tuesday's statement cast doubt on recent statements from the White House and European Union officials suggesting that a long-term resolution of the dispute could be reached soon. CHINA WARNS OF DISRUPTION TO SEMICONDUCTOR SUPPLY CHAIN The Chinese commerce ministry said that while Beijing had acted responsibly by offering the exemptions, the Netherlands had not responded in kind. It called on the Dutch to "stop interfering" in Nexperia's internal affairs and work in a "constructive manner" with Beijing to reach a solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Dutch side persists in its unilateral course without taking concrete actions to resolve the issue, which will inevitably deepen the adverse impact on the global semiconductor supply chain," it said in a statement published on its official website. "Neither China nor the global industry wishes to see this." The Netherlands should take into account bilateral ties and China-EU trade relations, the ministry added. A spokesperson for the Dutch economic affairs ministry, which intervened in Nexperia's governance, told Reuters that talks between both governments were still underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We remain in contact with the Chinese authorities and our international partners to work toward a constructive solution that is good for Nexperia and our economies," the spokesperson said on Tuesday. While most of Nexperia's chips are produced in Europe, around 70% are packaged in China before distribution. The chip shortages caused by Beijing's export controls have threatened to halt assembly lines and lead to worker furloughs in Europe. Even if Beijing grants exemptions, several outstanding issues remain, including Nexperia suspending supplies of wafers to its Chinese assembly plant, the Dutch company's China unit asserting its right to operate independently from Nexperia Netherlands, and a Dutch court's suspension of former Nexperia CEO and Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezhen, citing mismanagement. Following talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, the White House said Beijing "would take appropriate measures to ensure the resumption of trade from Nexperia's facilities in China". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said on Monday there had been "progress" in talks on Nexperia involving the Dutch and Chinese governments, without elaborating. (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista in Beijing and Toby Sterling in Amsterdam; Additional reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Tom Hogue, Jamie Freed and Gareth Jones) BEIJING (Reuters) -China has blamed the Netherlands for "turmoil and chaos" in the global semiconductor production and supply chain after the latter seized computer chipmaker Nexperia, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Tuesday. The ministry said Netherlands has "acted alone", urging the Dutch government to stop interfering in the internal affairs of enterprises and to find a constructive solution for the situation with Nexperia, a unit of China's Wingtech. (Reporting by Liz Lee and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Tom Hogue) By Eduardo Baptista, Toby Sterling and Gilles Guillaume BEIJING/AMSTERDAM/PARIS (Reuters) -The Chinese government slammed the Netherlands on Tuesday over its seizure of chipmaker Nexperia, blaming it for jamming up a resolution to a dispute that has disrupted auto sector supply chains, hit production and caused some firms to furlough staff. Nexperia, Chinese-owned but based in the Netherlands, makes billions of simple but ubiquitous chips for cars and other electronics. Supply of those chips has been snarled since a dispute between Amsterdam and Beijing over technology transfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After positive signals in talks over the weekend, the Chinese commerce ministry issued a strongly worded statement on Tuesday telling the Netherlands to "stop interfering" in Nexperia's internal affairs. "The Dutch side persists in its unilateral course without taking concrete actions to resolve the issue, which will inevitably deepen the adverse impact on the global semiconductor supply chain," the ministry said in a statement. STELLANTIS CEO: 'WE HAVE ZERO AUTONOMY AS AN INDUSTRY' Beijing's statement contradicts messages from the Hague, Brussels and Nexperia that they have been making progress towards a solution, and will be worrying for carmakers that have been scrambling for supplies of Nexperia's chips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dutch government took control of Nexperia on September 30, saying its Chinese owner Wingtech was planning to move the company's European production to China and that this would pose a threat to European economic security. China responded by cutting off exports of the company's finished chips, which are mostly packaged in China. It said this weekend it would begin accepting applications for exemptions, following a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. A spokesperson for the Dutch economic affairs ministry, which invoked a Cold War-era law to intervene at Nexperia, told Reuters that talks between both governments were still underway. "We remain in contact with the Chinese authorities and our international partners to work toward a constructive solution that is good for Nexperia and our economies," the spokesperson said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European carmakers and suppliers have rushed to apply to China for Nexperia chip export exemptions, which need to be paid for in Chinese currency, or have sought alternative suppliers. The CEO of Jeep and Fiat maker Stellantis told Reuters on Tuesday that Europe's supply chain vulnerabilities were putting it at a competitive disadvantage versus its rivals in China. "Today our system means we have zero autonomy as an industry," Antonio Filosa said at a sector meeting in Paris. "Look at the Nexperia chip crisis. Look at the April rare earth crisis that we went through very painfully." NEXPERIA SAYS IT SEEKING SWIFT DE-ESCALATION OF DISPUTE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Commission said it welcomed industry indications that China had engaged with EU companies to restore partial flow of chips, preventing a worst-case scenario and creating time and space to find a lasting solution. A spokesperson for Nexperia, which has warned customers it cannot guarantee quality of shipments from its Chinese site, said the company was focused on restoring supplies for customers and was seeking to "de-escalate as soon as possible." Ola Kaellenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, told Reuters in Paris there were signs that an understanding was closer to being reached between China, Europe and the United States, which had put Wingtech on an entity list late last year. The German carmaker has sufficient chips for now, Kaellenius said, adding: "... we will see what the American-Chinese agreement leads to. We are watching that carefully." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Wingtech was not available for comment. The company has said that "only by restoring full control" of Nexperia to its parent can the situation be resolved. (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista, Toby Sterling, Liz Lee, Gilles Guillaume, Rachel More and Reuters Beijing newsroom; Writing by Adam Jourdan; Editing by Tom Hogue, Jamie Freed and Gareth Jones) China has called for the US to avoid crossing four sensitive red lines in order to keep the two countries relations on track following a high-stakes meeting between leaders Xi Jinping and Donald Trump last week. Taiwan, democracy and human rights, political path and system, and right to development are Chinas four red lines, Chinas ambassador to the US Xie Feng said during a virtual address to American and Chinese businesspeople in Shanghai on Monday. We hope the US side will avoid crossing them and causing trouble, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xie made the remarks to an event hosted by the US-China Business Council, according to a readout released by the Chinese Embassy in the US, in comments that come days after Xi and Trump held their landmark meeting last week on the sidelines of an international summit in South Korea. Those talks the leaders first since Trumps return to the White House earlier this year have been widely seen as a significant step in de-escalating frictions between the two superpowers. Now, keeping those relations on track would require both sides to respect each others core interests and major concerns, said Xie, adding that the pressing priority was to follow up on the consensus reached between the two presidents. It would be unacceptable to say one thing but do another, cause any new disruption, make zero-sum calculations, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Beijing, the four red lines elaborated by Xie are longstanding sensitive areas that could enflame tensions if mishandled the most prominent of which is Taiwan, the self-governing democracy that Chinas ruling Communist Party views as its own, despite never having controlled it. Beijing has long been irked by Washingtons unofficial relationship with Taipei, and the island often features in high-level diplomatic conversations between the two sides. Trump on Sunday told CBS 60 Minutes that the subject did not arise during the meeting last week. Beijing has in the past bristled at what it sees as US efforts to interfere in Chinas domestic affairs, including American officials voicing concerns about limits to freedoms of expression within Chinas tightly controlled political system and alleged human rights violations. While figures within the Trump administration like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have long been vocal around such issues, they did not appear to be raised by Trump during the recent hour-and-forty-minute meeting with Xi, which focused on their bilateral economic relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those talks ended without a formal trade deal, but saw Beijing agree to pause for a year a sweeping expansion of its export controls on rare earth minerals, while Washington would similarly defer measures that would have vastly expanded the number of Chinese firms blacklisted from accessing certain sensitive US technologies. The two sides also extended a truce reached earlier this year that brought down their tit-for-tat tariffs from levels that would have amounted to a de facto trade embargo. The measures were greeted with relief by many in the global business community, which for months has been ensnared in the uncertainty of up-and-down economic frictions between the worlds two largest economies. Xie, Beijings top envoy in Washington, picked up that thread in his remarks on Monday, as he called on business leaders to build on the positive momentum of the summit and remain optimistic about Chinas future and committed to the Chinese market. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com China's top envoy to the US said the top priority for both countries is to translate recent outcomes from meetings in Busan and Kuala Lumpur into concrete actions without "causing new disruptions". Speaking via video link to the US-China Business Council's annual conference in Shanghai, Xie Feng also reiterated Beijing's four red lines, including the Taiwan issue, according to a transcript of his speech released by the Chinese embassy on Tuesday. Xie's speech, delivered on Monday, came after Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump held talks last week on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in South Korea. Advertisement 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 pressing priority is to follow up on the consensus reached between the two presidents at their meeting and the joint arrangements reached during the economic and trade talks in Kuala Lumpur, so as to reassure both our countries and the world economy with concrete actions and outcomes," Xie said. "It would be unacceptable to say one thing but do another, cause any new disruptions, make zero-sum calculations, let alone try to profit at the others' expense," he added. China's top envoy to the US speaks by video link during the US-China Business Council's annual conference in Shanghai on Monday. Photo: Handout alt=China's top envoy to the US speaks by video link during the US-China Business Council's annual conference in Shanghai on Monday. Photo: Handout> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was their first in-person meeting since Trump's return to the White House in January, and Beijing and Washington reached a truce on thorny issues ranging from soybeans and rare earths to fentanyl. Late last month, before the summit, the two sides agreed to a preliminary framework deal after two days of talks in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. The negotiations, led by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, came ahead of the November 10 expiration of a temporary tariff truce. In his speech, Xie also called on both sides to "respect each other's core interests and major concerns" as "it is normal to have friction now and then". "Taiwan, democracy and human rights, (the country's) path and system, and development rights are China's four red lines," he said in a warning to Washington to "avoid crossing them and causing trouble". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing regards Taiwan as a core interest and has insisted in official statements that it is "the first red line that cannot be crossed" in bilateral relations. In his final in-person meeting with then-president Joe Biden in November 2024, Xi stressed that the Taiwan issue "must not be challenged or crossed". "Dialogue is better than confrontation, cooperation is better than a zero-sum game, and stability is better than volatility," Xie said. "Be it tariff war or trade war, or industrial war and tech war, all will lead to nothing but a dead end." The Xi-Trump summit "recalibrated the direction of bilateral relations at a crucial time once more", Xie said, while noting that common interests between the two countries "far outweigh our differences". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Turning our backs on each other is not an option. Trying to remodel the other is unrealistic. Any conflict or confrontation would have unbearable consequences for both sides," he said. "When we see each other as a partner, there is no problem we cannot solve; but if we treat one another as a rival, problems will arise even when there are none at first. "We need to keep the big picture in mind and think long-term, so as to explore the right way for China and the US to get along in the new era," Xie said. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Ector County ISD will host its annual Choice Schools Expo from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, at New Tech Odessa, 300 E 29th St. Families have many different options from pre-K through high school when it comes to finding the best fit for their student. Tuesday evening, principals and other team members from the Choice Schools will be available answer questions about their programs, giving parents valuable information before the application period starts on December. The post Choice Schools Expo is Tuesday appeared first on Odessa American. ALBANY - The criminal charges lodged against New York Attorney General Letitia James by Donald Trump's Justice Department are weak and unworthy of the time and expense of prosecution. James, if you missed it, is accused of lying on mortgage papers to get favorable loan terms when purchasing a home in Virginia. Even if the Democrat is found guilty, which is unlikely, the case is small potatoes, amounting to, at best, a savings of less than $19,000 over the years of the loan. The U.S. Department of Justice would not have brought the charges against an ordinary target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case, in other words, is about revenge - payback, we can presume, for the business fraud lawsuit that James leveled against Trump. It's using the justice system as a weapon against a political foe. It's banana republic territory - and I'm not talking about the mall. "The president's own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost," James said in a statement released after the indictment. "The president's actions are a grave violation of our constitutional order." James is right. But her outrage is suspect, given her own record of public statements and the cases her office has prosecuted. James, after all, ran for attorney general in 2018 vowing to investigate the man she described as an "illegitimate president." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would be Trump, of course. "I believe that the president of these United States of America can be indicted for criminal offenses," James said, adding, "It's important for everyone to understand that the days of Donald Trump are coming to an end." Those comments were prejudicial, inappropriate and, it turned out, wrong about Trump's fate. And while James never filed criminal charges against Trump, leaving that task to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, she did file a civil lawsuit accusing his company of inflating the value of properties. "The art of the steal," she called it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a trial, state Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron agreed that Trump's business exaggerated property values to secure cheaper loans and ordered the former president to pay a fine of more than $500 million. An appeals court threw out the penalty but agreed Trump had committed fraud. James and her supporters cast the verdict as validating the lawsuit, which isn't unreasonable. But given that Trump's practices are widespread among moguls who remain untouched by the attorney general, it's easy to view the case as politically motivated. It was about Trump. Unfortunately, that isn't the only example of a James action that seems motivated by her ambitions and political views. The examples are numerous, too numerous to fully detail here. But it was James, of course, who released a compilation of sexual harassment allegations against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, leading to his resignation, only to announce her own (unsuccessful) run for the office two months later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was James who prosecuted Jason McGuire, executive director of the conservative New York Families Foundation, and demanded the dissolution of the National Rifle Association. Both cases raised First Amendment concerns but resulted in at least partial victories for James in court. Yet James lost her case against Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, an effort that, in many respects, mirrors how the DOJ is targeting her. The case accusing McLaughlin, a Republican, of stealing $5,000 from his campaign was similarly weak and focused on a relatively small sum of money. The charges were likewise filed years after the alleged crime and following an investigative fishing trip through opaque technicalities. Like the case against James, the prosecution of McLaughlin attempted to take down an elected official for not much. A jury acquitted McLaughlin without even deliberating for an hour, an embarrassing defeat for New York's attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Would James bring a similar case against a politician who's a Democrat? I doubt it, as does McLaughlin. He subsequently described the case as "a malicious prosecution" and an abuse of power. To be clear, none of this should be read as a justification for the Trump administration's vengeful targeting of James. Two wrongs are both wrong, and an eye for an eye leaves democracy blind. But James is not an innocent victim, despite what Gov. Kathy Hochul and others may claim. James and Trump both see the world in shades of red or blue and target the other side. She and Trump, among others, help to explain why many Americans have lost faith in the justice system and no longer believe it's politically unbiased. Well, it isn't. This article originally published at Churchill: Trump and Tish James play the same terrible game. PELHAM, Ala. (WIAT) As the federal government shutdown continues, families across Alabama who rely on SNAP benefits are feeling the impact. Now, cities and local organizations are stepping up to help fill the gap. At Grace Klein Community in Pelham, volunteers have been distributing food to families affected by the pause in benefits. The organization said the need has grown rapidly in recent days. On a typical day, we were serving about 300 people for the entire week, said Ann Hollis Jobe, International and National Serve Team Coordinator for Grace Klein. Last week, we saw a huge increase. Were in need of more volunteers, donations, and financial contributions. Any way people can help is a huge blessing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Birmingham, city leaders are teaming up with local nonprofits to support residents who depend on federal food assistance. According to city councilor Hunter Williams, one in 15 Alabamians receive SNAP benefits, and collaboration is key to meeting the growing demand. WATCH: Mayor Woodfin holds news conference The city of Birmingham could not do this alone, Williams said. We have to rely on our philanthropic community as well as the business leaders in our city, our metro area, and our state to serve as that stopgap while the federal government decides what to do about SNAP. The city has launched the BHAM Ready initiative, which provides information on food distribution sites, donation opportunities, and volunteer options. Mayor Randall Woodfin has also asked the city council to commit $1 million to support local households impacted by the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am convinced that there will be an overwhelming amount of support for this program, Woodfin said. This food drive, combined with what the council will hopefully vote on, and what others are doing to open up their checkbooks, we believe our collective effort will serve thousands of families. Grace Klein Community is also expanding its outreach, opening new drive-through food distribution sites to meet the rising demand. Donations can be made or dropped off in person at their Pelham location. For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or find a nearby food distribution site, visit gracekleincommunity.com or the BHAM Ready website. 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 CBS 42. ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) ranks among the stocks with the best earnings growth for the next 5 years. UBS retained its Buy rating on ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) on October 14 ahead of the companys third-quarter earnings report, though it decreased its price target from $1,100 to $1,075. The target adjustment follows UBSs evaluation of ServiceNows progress in the third quarter of 2025 through discourse with customers and partners. The adoption of artificial intelligence, however, was deemed somewhat disappointing, according to UBS. Similar remarks have been made during the firms probes into other Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers. According to UBS, the SaaS and apps industry is already experiencing cautious sentiment, calling it perhaps the worst in years. ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) is an American software and technology company. It provides an AI platform that helps organizations digitize, automate, and manage workflows for enterprise operations. While we acknowledge the potential of NOW as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Attacks on transgender rights didnt start with Donald Trump but neither did the movements resisting them. Since 2022, 25 states have banned most gender-affirming care for trans youth, six of which make it a felony for doctors to provide the treatment. Two have banned surgery only. While only 14 and the District of Columbia have shield laws protecting the care, a small but growing coalition of sanctuary cities for trans people are filling in the gaps. Many may know the term in reference to municipalities that limit cooperation with federal authorities like Immigration and Customs Enforcement that target immigrant communities, but sanctuary cities is also used to describe these places that aim to help transgender people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These cities of which there are an estimated fewer than 10 in the U.S. are not superficial safe spaces. For trans kids and their families, they are meant to ensure that local resources arent used to aid officials from other jurisdictions prosecuting them or their doctors. They also prohibit officials from sharing information about someones gender, sex, or health care. While the resolutions cant overturn state or federal laws, the closest point to the community is a council, says Eric Guerra, mayor pro tem of Sacramento. The City Council voted unanimously to make Sacramento a sanctuary city in March 2024. It was the first state capital to adopt that status. It goes down to the fundamental belief that people are people, and we should respect people for who they are, says Guerra, who was a council member at the time. And that has helped let our cities move forward. Sanctuary city resolutions usually come when residents approach their city council members with evidence showing why theyre needed. 2024 Sacramento Pride Parade Chris Allan/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There wasnt just one person who came forward and motivated officials to declare Olympia, Washington, a sanctuary city in January. Instead, several LGBTQ+ residents commented publicly that they were feeling very fearful and unsafe in the wake of Trumps election, says Assistant City Manager Stacey Ray. The City Council initiated the resolution in response. Public testimonials from community members about how they have been negatively impacted by anti-LGBTQ+ laws is what Guerra says can be legally considered factual points of incidents that occur that go contrary to our nations fundamental beliefs. From there, resolutions go to city attorneys, who must make sure that they dont go against the state or U.S. Constitution. Ray describes it as a long, arduous process, and says officials must consult with local law enforcement about what we can do within our legal parameters to enforce the resolution. One of the things our council said is they wanted something that was actionable. Not just pretty words, but they really wanted something that would be seen as authentically providing the safety that folks were asking for, Ray says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California and Washington State have shield laws for abortion and gender-affirming care, making resolutions like those in Sacramento and Olympia in line with state law. Democratic-controlled cities passing local ordinances in Republican-controlled states can lead to more complications, like in Kansas City, Missouri. The City Council there approved a sanctuary resolution for gender-affirming care in May 2023, shortly after the state legislature passed a bill banning the treatment for trans minors. While the city could not overturn state law, Mayor Quinton Lucas, who introduced the resolution, ordered local police and city personnel to make enforcement their lowest priority. It just means you have more fights, frankly, Lucas says. It also means that here in the red states, we have a little more experience with fighting. Sanctuary city resolutions are still helpful in blue states, especially under a federal government hostile to LGBTQ+ people. Since taking office in January, Trump has signed executive orders denying the existence of transgender people and banning federal support for gender-affirming care for those under 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has the authority over a bunch of federal employees, like with the civil rights protections hes rolled back in hiring specifically for the federal government, Guerra says. I think people forget that those roles and those stages also exist in their local community. Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from immigration sanctuary cities and could potentially do the same for cities that protect transgender health care and abortion access, prompting more than a dozen local governments including the city of Sacramento to file a lawsuit against the administration. For Guerra, who is an immigrant, the benefits of protecting a marginalized group far outweigh the risk the Trump administration poses. Lucas also encourage[s] every mayor with that opportunity to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights. The thing that motivated me was our shared humanity, he says. When your state government or your federal government is saying you dont deserve to exist and [is] trying to remove you as a human being, I think that those of us with whatever power, we have a duty to act. This article is part of The Advocate's Nov/Dec 2025 issue, on newsstands now. Support queer media and subscribe or download the issue through Apple News, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader. This article originally appeared on Advocate: These cities are stepping up to provide sanctuary to trans people RELATED PRICEVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The City of Priceville has appointed a new police chief during its organizational meeting Monday night. During its organizational meeting, the council appointed Priceville Police Sergeant Jason Wigginton, opting not to reappoint former Chief Jerry Holmes. Tuscumbia City BOE says two Deshler football players disciplined after locker room fight The city council met in an organizational meeting on Monday, swearing in the city council and having several re-appointments for other city officials on its agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After all the councilmen and Mayor Sam Heflin were sworn in, they moved on to the rest of their business. However, when the mayor called for a motion and a second to reappoint Holmes as police chief, the resolution received a motion but failed to get a second from a member of the council. This led Heflin to declare the motion dead. After that, City Councilman Melvin Duran III motioned to appoint Wigginton police chief for the next four years. The motion was seconded by Councilman Patrick Dean. The motion passed with the lone dissenting vote coming from Heflin. Holmes released a statement to News 19 after the councils decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like to express my gratitude to Mayor Sam Heflin for the privilege of leading the department since May 2022, He said. I sincerely appreciate the dedication and hard work of each officer, whose efforts contribute daily to ensuring that Priceville remains a safe and welcoming community. Congratulations to Chief Wigginton; I wish him continued success in his new role. The decision to not reappoint Holmes comes after he fired an officer in late September after the officer was invovled in a police pursuit that ended in a wreck that killed a Hartselle teenager and injured three others. That officer, Garry Chapman, later appealed that firing to the council, which reversed Holmes decision and reinstated Chapman. Wigginton joined the Priceville Police Department in 2022. Before joining PPD he worked with the Decatur Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WHNT.com. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Above average temperatures continue for the region as high pressure and zonal flow keeps temperatures in the mid-to-upper sixties. Wind speeds pick up tonight. Overnight lows will sit near 40 degrees with clear conditions as well. Temperatures near the seventies will continue into tomorrow before finally getting back down to seasonal averages later in the week. Warm and dry conditions persist through tomorrow. A slightly cooler and more unsettled weather pattern sets up for Thursday and beyond. Low end chances of precipitation are possible across the northern Colorado mountains Thursday and Friday. Zonal flow is when atmospheric flow streams east-to-west instead of the much more weather-impactful meridional flow, which tends to bring colder air from the north. This is partly to blame for the warmer conditions. Zonal flow is also holding off the colder air to the north. Temperatures the next few afternoons will continue the trend of reaching well above normal as a result. Tomorrow will likely be the warmest day as mixing will be the strongest ahead of an approaching system that will build a transitory ridge over the Rockies. A more robust atmospheric river will be moving onto the Pacific Northwest coast late this afternoon with the bulk of this moisture flowing across the northern border states through this short term forecast. According to the National Weather Service, the next shortwave moves into British Columbia Friday descending the Front Range overnight into Saturday bringing an Arctic blast to the Plains States. For eastern Utah and Western Colorado, it will shift the winds aloft to the northwest to pump cooler air into the region through the weekend, but the mostly sunny skies will promote diurnal heating to moderate temperatures keeping them near normal in the mountains to about five degrees above normal in the valleys through the weekend. A light dusting of snow in the central mountains may be possible too. Overall, this Election Day is going to be a beautiful one for the western slope! 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. The more than 40 memorial monuments at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery start greeting visitors as soon as they turn off South County Trail in Exeter and head west into the 280-acre cemetery. Monuments line the short entranceway, and several more are located just beyond the administrative building near the entrance. A road winds around the cemetery, offering easy access to most of the monuments, which line the edges of the cemetery. Several monuments are also located in the middle of the burial field. Bisecting roads offer access to those monuments. A building next to the administration building hosts bathrooms and an information kiosk that enables visitors to look up grave locations. Maps are also available. Here's a closer look at some of the memorial monuments: The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Dedicated: May 15, 2022 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Description: The front of the black granite monument displays a large gold star and the silhouette of a saluting service member. An inscription says, "A tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrificed a loved one for our Freedom." On the back of the four stone panels are images, including a replica of the iconic image of the Marines raising the flag on top of Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima. The monument is surrounded by a circle of plantings, mulch and four benches. It's located in the southeast section of the cemetery on the right side of the road a short distance beyond the administration building. The Indigenous Veterans Monument at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Dedicated: Sept. 24, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Description: An arch of Rhode Island fieldstone stands over a granite monument with an etching of a turtle on the front and symbols of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. An inscription encircling the turtle reads, "Honoring Indigenous Veterans of Turtle Island." An inscription on the back of the monument reads, "Native veterans from the following nations served and are interred in the RI Veterans Cemetery on the unceded ancestral lands of the Narragansett Nation." It lists Manissean, Narragansett, Nipmuc, Nottoway, Osage, Pequot, Poospatuck, Shinnecock, Wampanoag and Pokanoket. A curved fieldstone wall partially encircles the back of the monument, which borders the woodlands along the edge of the cemetery. The monument is also located in the southeast section of the cemetery, a short distance from the Gold Star Families Memorial but on the left side, or outside, of the road. The Cape Verdean Veterans Memorial at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Dedicated: September 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Description: A tall granite pillar bears the symbols of five service branches. Its inscription reads, "In honor of Cape Verdean veterans who served in defense of the United States." A triangular stone next to it bears a circle of stars. Granite bricks set in front of the pillar carry the names of Cape Verdean veterans and the wars in which they served. Located in the southeast section of the cemetery, just beyond the Gold Star Families Memorial, also on the inside of the road. The War Dogs Memorial at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Dedicated: May 17, 2025 Description: The 18-foot-tall bronze sculpture depicts a soldier with a dog. It was by A. Thomas Schomberg, the sculptor who created the "Rocky" statue in Philadelphia and has produced a series of memorials to war dogs. A nearby plaque reads in part, "In eternal remembrance of the valor and courageous loyalty of Military Service Dogs, who stood as guardians by our soldiers' side." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's located off the main road on the outside of the main road, just beyond the Cape Verdean memorial. The Vietnam Memorial Honor Roll at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Dedicated: May 26, 1986 Description: The monument displays 11 granite panels set in a "marching V" formation. The panels include the names of 224 Rhode Island veterans who were killed in action or missing in action from the war. The center panel displays the Rhode Island seal. Its inscription reads, "Dwell not upon the passing of their lives but think upon the glory of their spirit. The U.S. flag flies on a pole behind the center panel. According to the cemetery, the Westerly granite used in the Rhode Island monument differs from the black granite used for many Vietnam memorials. The Westerly granite is the pure blue-white granite, according to the cemetery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The monument is located at the southwest corner of the cemetery. Warrior Cairn Six granite columns, one for each of the service branches, surround the Warrior Cairn memorial at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Dedicated: July 26, 2025 Description: The interactive monument invites visitors to write a name, phrase or thought on a small piece of wood and place it inside the cairn. Behind the cairn is a large stone inscribed with "Warrior Cairn" and "For those who can no longer speak for themselves." Posts next to the stone carry the symbols of U.S. forces, including the U.S. Space Force. Granite bricks bearing the names of service members surround the cairn. The Warrior Cairn memorial is on the north side of the cemetery, on the outer ring road, near the access point to Main Street, Exeter. Here's a list of other memorial monuments at the RI Veterans Cemetery: 43rd Infantry Division Memorial U.S. Navy Armed Guard Veterans of World War II Amvets and Auxiliary Memorial Medal of Honor Memorial Ex-Prisoner of War Monument Greek-American Monument Armenian-American Monument Jewish War Veterans Memorial U.S. Marine Corps Monument U.S. Army Special Forces Monument U.S. Navy Seabees Memorial Military Order of the Cooti Monument World War II Submarine Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Italian American War Veterans Monument Korean Monument Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery Monument Daughters & Sons of the American Revolution American Legion Monument World War II Monument Bell Tower Fleet Reserve Reservation Memorial Rhode Island Women Veterans Memorial Rhode Island Veterans Monument Veterans of Foreign Wars Monument World War II Memorial Monument Combat Infantry Badge Rhode Island National Guard Living Memorial Medal of Honor Memorial Mason's Monument Military Order of Foreign Wars Memorial for Black Veterans Military Police Corps Monument 102nd AC&W Squadron Memorial Rhode Island Air Force Veterans Memorial Cape Verdean Veterans Memorial BPOE Elks Veterans Monument Portuguese & Luso American Veterans Memorial This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Veterans Cemetery memorials honor those who served CNNs chief data analyst Harry Enten had a grim prediction for President Donald Trump ahead of Tuesdays elections: not only forecasting several key Democratic wins but saying the elections were likely a bellwether of doom for Republicans in next years midterms. Enten was on CNN News Central Monday to preview the New York City mayors race and gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Dems are the precipice of delivering a yuge electoral blow to Trump. They lead in NJ-GOV (only close one), VA-GOV, & NYC Mayor. Trump's way underwater in all 3 places (like he is nationally) & is drag. Historically, a sweep of NYC-NJ-VA means Dems win the House the next year. pic.twitter.com/GuAxerpuuE (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) November 3, 2025 Anchor Sara Sidner noted that these three races had a broad range of ideologies among the Democratic candidates, from self-proclaimed Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani running in NYC to former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), a moderate, and asked Enten how they could both be seen as bellwethers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The common denominator here is Donald Trump, said Enten, and Democrats are on the precipice of delivering a huge blow to Donald Trump. Democrats were leading all the key races, said Enten, with New Jersey governor really the only close one, with Democrat Mikie Sherrill up six points. In Virginia, Spanberger was up ten, and Mamdani was up 16 points in New York. There might be ideological differences between the Democrats, Enten continued, but the key common component to all their campaigns is they are all going after Donald Trump, and theyre all leading. Sidner asked for more information about how Trump was affecting these races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, Donald Trump is a yuge, yuge drag in all these races, replied Enten, borrowing Trumps common pronunciation of huge, and pointing out the presidents underwater popularity in these state polls. That meant, Enten continued, that these races, in my mind, could be yuge bellwethers going into next year, to understanding how Donald Trump is impacting these races. He is a huge, huge drag in across the board New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City, he added. Sidner asked Enten if these races tell us anything about the midterm elections. Trump was at his second term lows, replied Enten, in multiple polls. And looking back through history, look at what has happened when Democrats sweep New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia governor they won the U.S. House the next year, five out of five times in the last 90 yearsall the way back to the FDR administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the bottom line is this, said Enten, when Democrats do well in these off-year elections, when they sweep new Jersey, Virginia, and New York City, historically speaking, that means they go on to win the U.S. House of Representatives the next time around. And when were in this national polarized environment and Donald Trump is as unpopular as he is, I think that history is likely to hold, if, in fact, Democrats do sweep tomorrow, which at this point looks more likely than not. Watch the clip above via CNN. The post CNN Data Guru Calls Trump A Huge, Huge Drag on GOP Candidates, Predicts Democratic Sweep first appeared on Mediaite. CNNs chief data analyst, Harry Enten, on Monday said Democrats leading in key races have shared a key common component despite their ideological differences as they head into election night: theyre going after Donald Trump. Democrats are on the precipice of delivering a huge blow to Donald Trump in his second term, Enten told CNNs Sara Sidner. Enten, citing an aggregate of polls, highlighted how Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) is up by +6 points in the New Jersey gubernatorial race, while former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a moderate, is leading by +10 points in the Virginia gubernatorial race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is up by +16 points, as well. Trump has endorsed Sherrills opponent, former New Jersey state Rep. Jack Ciattarelli (R), and has enthusiastically backed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the latter of whom lost to Mamdani in an upset in Junes Democratic mayoral primaries before he launched an independent bid. Politics: Government Shutdown Drags On As Key Elections Loom: Live Updates The president has not backed Virginias GOP candidate for governor, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, by name. Enten went on to stress that Trump has been a huge drag in the races before pointing to an aggregate of polls showing how the presidents net popularity rating is underwater in New Jersey (-11 percentage points), Virginia (-14 points) and New York City (-35 points). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that the presidents net popularity rating on a national scale is underwater (-13 points), as well. So, these races, Enten continued, in my mind, could be huge bellwethers going into next year to understanding how Donald Trump is impacting these races. Related... Read the original on HuffPost CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) Its Election Day in Georgia, and shortly, the polls will be open Tuesday morning for voters to make their voices heard. From city halls to the states public service commission, Georgians are casting ballots in races that will shape their communities for years to come. Election officials say early turnout already has been strong, and theyre expecting a steady stream of voters throughout the day. Officials are gearing up for what they hope will be a busy Election Day. More than 16,000 voters have already cast their ballots early, which is a strong sign of growing local interest. Election supervisors tell WSAV they anticipate a good turnout because when hometown names are on the ballot, people show up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had a very good turnout compared to the other three elections weve had this year, where the turnout was very small all three times. So, this is encouraging, said Chatham County Elections Supervisor Billy Wooten. This years early voting numbers represent a significant increase from previous elections. Officials credit that to several local mayoral races and two countywide tax questions that have stirred strong opinions. Some key local seats up for grabs include mayoral races in Bloomingdale, Port Wentworth and Midway. I think it is whats on the ballot (that draws voters) in when youve got five municipals on the ballot and several of them have mayors people, you know, are motivated to show up when its local folks, said Wooten. Voters should remember to bring a valid photo ID. This can include a drivers license, a passport or a state-issued ID. Residents can confirm their assigned location and preview a sample ballot on Georgias my voter page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you still have an absentee ballot at home, you can vote in personsimply bring it to the polling site to have it canceled before casting your vote. Polling places are open all day Tuesday Nov. 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and as long as youre in line by closing time, youll still be allowed to vote. To make getting there even easier, the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) is offering free rides all day through its CAT to the polls initiative with fixed-route and paratransit service running from 5 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. to help voters reach polling places across the county. Officials tell WSAV they are fully staffed and ready to handle any technical issues that might occur during Election Day. Chatham County is one of Georgias largest voting populations outside metro Atlanta, and officials say turnout in the Coastal Empire can help signal statewide trends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, before heading to work or on your way home tonight, make sure to stop by your local polling place and make your vote count. 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 WSAV-TV. Coca-Cola released another artificial intelligence holiday commercial one year after its first AI spot drew criticism from creative professionals and online communities, reported the Hollywood Reporter. What happened? The beverage company partnered with Secret Level, an AI studio in LA, to produce a new synthetic advertisement featuring the brand's signature holiday trucks. This version shows only animated animals watching the vehicles travel through winter scenes, with Santa Claus appearing briefly in the final moments based on Coca-Cola's archived artwork. The 2024 commercial generated backlash when it used artificial intelligence to create people, wildlife, and backgrounds. Writer Alex Hirsch criticized the company on social media, while others raised questions about appearance and the displacement of human artists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pratik Thakar, Coca-Cola's global vice president of generative AI, acknowledged the criticism but defended the choice. "The genie is out of the bottle, and you're not going to put it back in," he said. Jason Zada, founder of Secret Level, said the new commercial needed roughly 20 people on the production team. A traditional animated spot with the same level of detail would normally employ 50 or more workers. Why is Coca-Cola's AI advertising problematic? Training AI models consumes massive amounts of electricity and water for cooling data centers. A single AI image can use as much energy as charging your smartphone, while video generation requires exponentially more power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As companies scale up synthetic content production, they add to the energy grid's burden when we need to reduce consumption. When fewer creative professionals work on projects, those workers lose income that might have supported sustainable choices. Concentrated wealth at corporations deploying AI instead of human talent can slow broader climate action. Coca-Cola's marketing transformation centers on AI across its advertising spending of $5 billion each year. While the company claims it won't reduce overall spending, efficiency gains often translate to cost-cutting over time. The company has made some positive moves on sustainability. Coca-Cola now uses 28% recycled material in its packaging and reports that 99% of its containers can be recycled. The beverage maker also sells 14% of its products in reusable packaging. What can be done about AI in advertising? If you work in advertising or creative fields, talk with colleagues about synthetic content's long-term effects. Professional organizations and unions can advocate for policies that protect jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Coca-Cola to voice concerns about AI-generated advertising's energy expenditures. Companies respond to consumer feedback from loyal customers who care about environmental commitments. Support brands that prioritize human creativity in their marketing. Push your local representatives to require energy impact disclosures for AI systems, helping consumers make informed choices about which companies to support. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The ex-husband of Roberta Bobbie Miller, a 2010 murder victim from Gilford, urged the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit Monday to wrap up its investigation soon and share its investigative file with the family. Bobbie Miller cold case Mickie Moore holds photos of her sister, homicide victim Roberta Bobbie Miller, at a press conference on the unsolved 2010 murder case at the Department of Justice in Concord on Monday. Also pictured is Millers mother, Madeleine Blake, and Millers ex-husband, Gary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 15 years of living with this, I know, I am personally ready. Let the chips fall, said Gary Miller of Acton, Maine, whose ex-wife, Roberta Miller, died three months after the end of a difficult, three-year long divorce battle. Whatever evidence they have, share it with the family. Referring to Madeleine Blake of New Boston, his 95-year-old former mother-in-law, Miller said, Damn it, Madeleine, she deserves to go to her grave with some kind of closure. This is baloney. This is absolute baloney. During unusual, separate presentations Monday to mark the 15th anniversary of Bobbie Millers death, Mickie Moore, Bobbies younger sister, and Gary Miller said they know the man who shot Bobbie, 54, and her yellow Labrador, Sport, to death in her home on Halloween. She was shot multiple times, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Jennifer Miller, Bobbies daughter, said shes seen no evidence to validate all the theories about who was her mothers killer. I know a lot of people look at our own family as being involved, said Jennifer Miller, a NASA thermonuclear engineer from Pasadena, California, who spoke to reporters separately. I lost my entire family in all of this. A short time later, she added, No matter who it is, my family or not, I want justice for my mother. The family has offered a reward, now up to $56,000, for information leading to the conviction of anyone involved in the murder. Senior Assistant Attorney General Christopher Knowles, who heads up the Cold Case unit, insisted the criminal investigation remains active. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just because its an unsolved murder, it doesnt mean it is a closed case. It is actively being worked by some of the most seasoned detectives in the state, Knowles said. The current state budget doubled from one to two each the number of prosecutors and State Police detectives assigned to try and solve the states 127 cold cases. On Nov. 1, 2010, Jonathan Miller found his mother and dog inside the Country Club Road home in Gilford she had been living in for only two months. There was no sign of forced entry. Knowles said investigators want to speak with anyone who may have seen her between 4 p.m. on Halloween and 5 p.m. the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the smallest detail may help solve this case, Knowles said. Bobbie Miller cold case Jennifer Miller of Pasadena, California, fights back tears as she shows a picture of her mother, Roberta Bobbie Miller, with her as a child at a press conference at the Department of Justice in Concord on Monday about her mothers homicide. In 2018, a billboard was put up on Route 104 in Meredith criticizing Jonathan for allegedly not cooperating with the investigation. Jonathan has denied any involvement in his mothers murder and accused an uncle, Ken Dionne, of putting up the billboard. Three days before the murder, an arson-caused fire burned Gary Millers home to the ground while he was out to dinner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All family members agreed on one thing the two events were related. I heard about the fire. I was nervous about talking to anybody in the family, Jennifer Miller said. I certainly didnt think the fire was random. Mickie Moore, who lives in Tampa, Florida, said her sister had a theory about the fire. My sister Bobbie had told me the person of interest was mad at you (Gary Miller) about something; that may be why they burned the camp down, she said. I am not up here to point fingers. The day of her death, Bobbie Miller had told her mother she was afraid, which was out of character for her, Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not a typical thing that my sister would say; it was kind of bizarre, she said. Jennifer Miller said shell always remember her mother as a devoted parent who always saw good in everyone. My mom was a person whose house was always open. She was always the mother who, when my friends came over, would give them the snacks that other moms wouldnt let them have, she quipped. At the time of the murder, Roberta Miller was going back to school to get a college degree in business, her daughter recalled. She was last seen in public the day before she was killed, shopping at a hardware store to buy materials to build a window box outside her home. Mickie Moore said her older sister made close friends easily. She was carefree, adventurous, a free spirit and she always spoke her mind, she added. klandrigan@unionleader.com Volunteers pack shopping carts of food to distribute at the Weld Food Bank in Greeley on Monday. (Photo by Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) About 100 cars lined up along H Street near Weld Food Bank in Greeley on Monday morning before the organization opened its doors, their drivers and passengers waiting to pick up food on the third day of a lapse in funding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Staff and volunteers worked through a typical lunch break to meet demand, maneuvering shopping carts full of food to their awaiting recipients. By the end of the day, the food bank served about 2,200 people, according to Weston Edmunds, the food banks director of marketing and communications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Half said they were impacted by the SNAP funding pause. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Angel Rojas came with her mother and 3-year-old son to pick up food, which included frozen meat, a 2-pound bag of rice, bottles of fruit punch and various produce. Rojas said she typically receives about $600 per month in SNAP benefits at the beginning of the month and tends to make a trip to the food bank later in the month when that money is gone. She has seven children, and the ones in public school are getting breakfast and lunch through the states universal school meal program, but she worries about how to provide enough for everyone without SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How am I going to make ends meet for the holidays? What bills will I have to skip to make sure there is food in the fridge for the kids? she said. Approximately 600,000 Coloradans rely on SNAP benefits each month, and advocates expect many of those people to turn to local food banks to get groceries. That will put increased demand on an already stressed system. SNAP is a really important safety net. Were supposed to be the safety net to that safety net, but then it just disappeared, said Monica Buhlig, the chief impact officer for Food Bank of the Rockies. Volunteers pack shopping carts with food to distribute at the Weld Food Bank in Greeley on Monday. (Photo by Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) Court orders The Trump administration announced in late October that it would not fund SNAP in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, however, two federal judges in separate rulings ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use money in contingency funds to pay for the program during the shutdown. The Trump administration said Monday that it would partially fund SNAP, but it is not clear when that money will trickle down to individual people. It could be weeks. The government shutdown began Oct. 1 and has persisted into November as U.S. Senate Democrats and Republicans have failed to agree on a short-term spending measure. How am I going to make ends meet for the holidays? What bills will I have to skip to make sure there is food in the fridge for the kids? Angel Rojas, at the Weld Food Bank Haysel Hernandez, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Human Services, said the state will issue payments as rapidly as possible once they get federal guidance. That guidance could include a requirement to recalculate how much each household is eligible to receive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In circumstances where the federal government provides a full month of funding, we anticipated that the issuance of payments would take up to 10 days. However, as the compliance report indicates that (the federal government) will be making partial payments, CDHS will need to implement certain system modifications to process the correct amounts, she wrote in an email. Im scared Food banks across Colorado saw new clients from atypical demographics over the weekend, Buhlig said. People are really looking to find food, not knowing all the resources available to them, and just trying to find food where they can, she said. What Im keenly aware of is that when youre new to the system, navigating geography, different hours of operation, different days of the week is complex. Food Bank of the Rockies stocked up on produce and meat to prepare for the funding lapse, food that is nourishing, yet expensive, and highly requested by local food pantries. Volunteers at the Food of the Rockies warehouse in Denver sort through donations on Monday. (Photo by Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline) Sarah Temple frequented the Weld Food Bank when her 9-year-old daughter was first born but has relied on SNAP in recent years to supplement her income. She said she receives a little over $900 per month for herself and three children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I found out the SNAP thing was going to happen, I didnt know what I was going to do. And then the food just dwindled down in my freezer, so now Im here, she said. Temple recently lost her job and plans to rely on her churchs food pantry this month as well. When we have our SNAP benefits, we go to Costco and stock up. It can last two months with meat, vegetables and ice cream once in a while for the girls if we can afford it, she said. But now Im scared to the point where I cant even talk. Last week, the states Joint Budget Committee approved up to $10 million in extra funding for the states food banks. State leaders are also encouraging people to donate directly to Feeding Colorado at feedingcolorado.org/donate. Find a nearby food distribution site at feedingcolorado.org/find-food. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HOUSTON (Reuters) -Energy technology company SLB launched a new artificial intelligence tool on Monday to automate processes and workflows for energy companies moving to leverage AI to unlock growth. SLB's new technology, Tela, will be embedded into the company's portfolio of applications and platforms, and users will interact through a simple conversational interface. Tela agents can work in collaboration with humans or autonomously to take decisions on things like interpreting well logs, predicting drilling issues, or optimizing equipment performance. "We've been very successful with this (AI) business for the last many years, and absolutely, digital will be an integral part of the success of SLB for many decades to come," Rakesh Jaggi, SLB's president of Digital & Integration, told Reuters. "Today, the industry faces a dual challenge: a leaner workforce and increased technical complexity, and Tela can address both," Jaggi said. Faced with a slump in global crude oil prices as the OPEC+ group of oil producers has increased output, energy companies have announced thousands of job cuts this year to rein in costs while they contend with lower profits. The digital sector has been one of the main drivers of SLB's revenue growth, jumping 11% in the third quarter from the second quarter. The company began reporting its digital business as a standalone division in the last quarter and forecast double-digit sales growth year-on-year for the segment. Shares of SLB, formerly known as Schlumberger, were up 2.8% at $37.10. (Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar in Houston; Editing by Joe Bavier) COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus City Council is working to make the hiring process across the city more transparent, and Monday offered a step in that direction. New legislation requires employers to include salary ranges on job postings. This legislation will go into effect in 30 days, but enforcement will not start until January 2027. The city plans to hold workshops to help businesses transition to these new requirements, but if they do not comply, after three warnings, they will be fined up to $1,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When will it snow in Ohio? Updated 2025-26 winter weather outlook We wanted to ensure that as Columbus grows and more businesses come to Columbus or new businesses start, that theyre not just doing business in Columbus, but doing the business of Columbus, Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla said. This legislation was spearheaded by Barroso de Padilla as part of Columbus Forward, a package of legislation from all councilmembers that aims to push the city forward. We wanted to ensure that we were adding equity in the system, Barroso de Padilla said. Cleveland passed similar legislation in April: all formal job postings must include salary ranges or face fines of up to $5,000 per offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here in Columbus, this is something one central Ohio non-profit that advocates for low-wage and immigrant workers says will have a big impact. Trial begins for Connor Grubb: Police officer fatally shot pregnant TaKiya Young We are supportive of this amendment because of what it does, which is going to try to prevent systemic discrimination related to the wage gap and health gap for women, especially women of color, Central Ohio Workers Center Director of Programs Claudia Cortez said. The goals behind this legislation are pay transparency, closing the wage gap, and making hiring more competitive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transparency, it would help close the wage gaps, build trust and give workers the information they need to advocate for themselves, Cortez said. This builds on past legislation that prohibits asking about or using salary history information in the job application or interview process. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. A coalition of industrial, business, and environmental groups in Michigan is challenging a proposal that would require them to cover the costs of a coal power plant kept online past its scheduled retirement date. The Department of Energy claimed that the Midcontinent Independent System Operator faced an "energy emergency," according to Utility Dive, which summarized the dispute over the fate of the 1,560-megawatt coal-fired J.H. Campbell plant in West Olive, Michigan. The plant was originally scheduled to close on May 31, but the DOE issued a 90-day emergency order keeping it online until Nov. 19, with additional extensions possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groups like the Sierra Club and Earthjustice, along with Michigan's attorney general, are challenging the order in court, asserting that there is no emergency. Further, a coalition of groups representing customers claims that the grid operator's proposal to recoup costs fails to meet the ratemaking principle that parties pay for the costs that they cause, according to Utility Dive. "Given that the Campbell units are being retained for capacity and resource adequacy purposes under the DOE Order, using an energy based load ratio share instead of a demand based load share deviates from cost causation principles and therefore, is unjust and unreasonable," the groups said. Currently, coal plants across the country are powering down for good as people discover the benefits of clean, renewable energy options like solar. Depending on the setup, installing solar panels can save homeowners $3,000 or more a year, while slashing their output of planet-warming pollutants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the upfront costs of solar can be a challenge for many households, which is where leasing comes in. Palmetto is one company that offers solar panel leasing. Through its LightReach program, customers can minimize upfront costs while reaping long-term energy savings. Some of Palmetto's plans require zero money down. Leasing isn't for everyone, however. If you're interested in installing your own solar panels, EnergySage offers free tools to compare estimates for purchasing and installation. If you're still on the fence between leasing and buying, Palmetto has a handy article outlining the pros and cons of each option. 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. Goodr Community Market on Edgewood, which opened its doors in July, aims to provide fresh groceries for low-income families and senior citizens in downtown Atlantas Sweet Auburn neighborhood. Maya Homan/Georgia Recorder About 20 people gathered outside MUST Ministries Canton office Monday morning, some waiting in parked cars to avoid the lingering chill, others bundled up and chatting in English or Spanish. When the doors opened at 10 a.m., the people walked into a waiting room and lined up in front of a receptionists desk. One young woman with a curious baby slung over her shoulder pulled out her phone and asked Google how to say ropa clothes in English. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she was at the front of the line, the young woman showed her phone to the receptionist. Just ropa, no comida? the receptionist asked just clothes, no food? On Friday, a pair of federal judges ruled that the Trump administrations plans to pause the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting in November were illegal. SNAP helps feed tens of millions of Americans, including 1.4 million Georgians. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to pay a portion of Novembers benefits to recipients as the government shutdown continues into its second month, but its not clear how soon the funds could reach the accounts of SNAP recipients in Georgia. A spokesperson for the states Department of Human Services, which is responsible for dispersing federal SNAP funds to Georgia residents, said Monday that the department is monitoring the situation closely, but did not offer a timeline for when November SNAP funds would become available for recipients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue to follow official guidance from USDA as it becomes available, DHS communications director Ellen Brown said in a statement. We understand how important SNAP benefits are to Georgia families. The governors office did not respond to a request for comment Monday. Gov. Brian Kemp has so far resisted calls to use state funds to keep food assistance flowing during the shutdown. MUST Ministries volunteer Virginia Elder packs up boxed goods at a food pantry in Canton. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder. In the meantime, organizations like MUST Ministries are trying to hold off hunger for families in need. MUSTs food pantries have been under strain in a way that they havent since the shutdowns and layoffs of the early pandemic, said Maurice Speaks, director of the ministries Cherokee County service center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would mirror it to COVID in March of 2020, when that hit, he said. The fear, the not knowing where you were going to get your next meal from, if the food was there, just the fear alone. Its not just food people are needing, Speaks said. Parents sacrifice to feed their kids, and that means they often need help with things like clothes, gas or health care. Speaks said churches, businesses and members of the community have pitched in to make sure they havent had to turn anyone away during the current crisis, and hes hopeful that will remain the case until the situation is resolved, whenever that may be. Thats my prayer, he said. Thats what I believe when I open this building every morning, that we will have enough to service every family that comes through that door, and then when we need to rejuvenate what weve lost or we dont have anymore, that God sends it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other organizations, such as the Goodr Community Market on Edgewood, are also facing increased strain as federal SNAP funding hangs in the balance. Goodr founder and CEO Jasmine Crowe-Houston speaks with reporters about the impact of SNAP benefits on her customers. Maya Homan/Georgia Recorder The community grocery store, which opened its doors in July, aims to serve low-income families and senior citizens in downtown Atlantas Sweet Auburn neighborhood. The store provides an accessible option for groceries for nearby residents without reliable transportation. Before we were here, [residents] had a 36 minute walk, Goodr founder and CEO Jasmine Crowe-Houston said. Now, on average they have a three to five minute walk. It makes a big difference for them. Through a grant from Invest Atlanta, the citys official economic development authority, roughly 200 families each month get free access to up to $75 worth of groceries. The market was also approved to accept SNAP on Sept. 30, the day before the start of the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the month since Goodr began accepting EBT cards, we definitely saw an increase in our business, Crowe-Houston said. Honestly, Im expecting that to decrease drastically. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, a Democrat, visited the Goodr Community Market on Edgewood on Monday. Maya Homan/Georgia Recorder U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, a Democrat who visited the market Monday, blamed congressional Republicans and the Trump administration for the ongoing shutdown, arguing that they are refusing to work with Democrats to find a compromise that would protect health care access for Americans. SNAP recipients were not in this fight, they were dragged into this fight by the administration, he said. [Republicans] are literally pitting sick people against hungry people. I cant think of anything more craven than that. He also vowed to keep holding the line on health insurance access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a voice for Georgia, Im going to continue to fight for health care because its a matter of life and death, and Im going to keep fighting for these SNAP recipients, because food is a matter of life and death, he said. And in the meantime, Im grateful for people like Jasmine, just ordinary citizens who find creative ways to give poor people dignity. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) This Hoovers Hero thrives on bringing smiles to others. Joy for me is inside, and happiness comes from sharing it, Rosemary Jordan says. Her happiness and joy come after personal pain she experienced as a mother and then a grandmother. When we caught up with Rosemary, she was at The Paradise Event Center in Huntsville doing what she likes to call vision casting. We are planning for Christmas, she explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her next community project will be a Christmas food drive for senior citizens who live alone and are on fixed incomes. It is one of several initiatives she spearheads every year. Being the oldest of seven, I had to be kind of a little organized to keep us all from getting in trouble, Rosemary says when asked if shes always been someone who plans and takes action when she sees a need. Her inspiration comes from her heart. I cant do anything about it. I cant put it to bed. I cant put it to sleep. I cant bury it. Its just in my heart, and my son carried it in his heart, she says. It has been nearly 20 years since Rosemarys son, Terrance Wilson, was murdered a man she says loved people and loved his community. Thats something she says she didnt realize until she was in the grips of grief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somehow, when my son was murdered, his heart kind of impacted mine and so a lot of the things I did in the beginning I did really just out of the remembrance of him, not knowing that it was healing my heart, she explains. It took years for her to emerge out of grief with more wisdom and understanding. It came in the form of taking action on multiple initiatives in her community, projects inspired by her sons spirit and the memory of her granddaughter another loss she suffered two years ago. Both of them loved sneakers. It just ignited that need. I had to collect sneakers. I couldnt do anything but because its my heart, she says. Through her non-profit organization Empowerment Through Change, Rosemary organized a drive collecting hundreds of sneakers for homeless men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then a Knock and Drop for Seniors followed when she recruited help from community members and delivered tissue and paper towels along with food donations to senior citizens. Education was her next focus. At the time of her sons murder, Rosemary says he was on the Deans List at Calhoun Community College which inspired her next outreach project laundry baskets full of essential items all freshman college students need while living away from home for the first time. Many of them receiving the baskets are first generation college students in their families. We have so many first-generation college students from all walks of life, she exclaims. Rosemary says to be on the lookout in the coming weeks as she finalizes details on her senior Christmas initiative when she will ask for donations to be dropped off at locations across Madison County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WHNT.com. Data centers are energy-intensive, running servers around the clock to power streams of computer computations. . Image: Adobe Stock This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. A company with connections to the cryptocurrency industry is considering drilling for natural gas near the Deep River north of Sanford in Lee County, North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If approved, the project would be the first commercial well drilled into the Triassic Basin, a natural gas repository underlying North Carolina and other Eastern Seaboard states. Deep River Data, based in Alamance County, is interested in accessing gas from Butler Well No. 3, just south of U.S. Highway 421 near the Lee-Chatham county line, according to emails obtained under public records law. Company adviser Dan Spuller, who is both a crypto entrepreneur and a natural gas landman, contacted the state Oil & Gas Commission in September about applying for a drilling unit, a parcel of land where drilling would occur. He said the natural gas would be for a data center to power AI workloads, not crypto mining. Both applications are energy-intensive, running server farms around the clock to power streams of computer computations. We want to submit a packet that is complete on first impressionavoiding delays and making the Commissions review as straightforward as possible, Spuller wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duke Energy recently projected data centers could add nearly 6 gigawatts to demand in North Carolina, which has prompted the construction of new natural gas plants and pipelines, major sources of planet-warming methane and carbon dioxide. Methane, which leaks upstream from well heads, pipelines and compressor stations, traps 86 times more heat over 20 years than carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas, which power plants emit when burning fossil fuels. Nationwide, some data centers have not only tapped into the grid but revived shuttered coal and nuclear plants for their power. The Lee County project would tap into the natural gas reserves in the Deep River Basin, which spans 150 miles over 11 counties in central and southern North Carolina. Spuller told Inside Climate News the company will use conventional drilling, rather than fracking, to produce the gas. Fracking is a particularly destructive type of extraction. It requires horizontal drilling beneath the ground and often uses toxic chemicals mixed with large volumes of water injected at high pressures to crack the shale formations and free the gas trapped within small fissures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fracking is legal in North Carolina, but has never been deployed. Lee County enacted two-year fracking moratoria in 2017 and in 2019; both have expired. We are evaluating whether the well can safely and efficiently produce gas using conventional methods, Spuller said. It remains in a pre-feasibility phasewe are still evaluating whether development is even viable. Nothing has been approved, permitted or built. Butler Well No. 3 was drilled vertically in 1998 to a depth of 2,655 feet, according to a 2011 report by the North Carolina Geological Survey. The well lies within a geological region of black shale and old coal deposits, a legacy of the areas mining history. The Oil and Gas Commission must look carefully at this proposal to exploit the gas well near the Deep River, as well as those who want to develop it, said Therese Vick of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League. It is incumbent on the commission to do its due diligence. Having worked with communities in Lee and Chatham Counties for over a decade, my concerns are many. In addition to Butler Well No. 3, there is a second natural gas resource in Lee County, known as Simpson Well No. 1, pictured here. Companies have also explored the gas in the Simpson Well, but it has not been commercially drilled. Credit: NC DEQ Depending on their size, data centers can also consume enormous amounts of water to cool their computer servers. The project would be less than a tenth of a mile from the Deep River and Patterson Creek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spuller said water use would be minimal and that there are no plans to withdraw water from the Deep River. The project could tap into groundwater or a public water main that runs along the north side of U.S. Highway 421. The company is considering closed-loop systems and other sustainable options, he said. Some closed-loop systems, however, use more energy to run the coolers. The project will likely need standard utility interconnections, Spuller said, such as electricity, fiber and basic access roads typical of small-scale data facilities. There are no heavy-industrial or extraction components proposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Geological Survey noted that Butler Well No. 3 is located within three and a half miles of a 6-inch distribution line to the Sanford Industrial Park, which has large volume gas users. Stephanie Stephens, the Deep River Riverkeeper, said shes concerned the project could be a harbinger of more data centers along the Carolina Core, an area that includes Sanford and is targeted for economic development. We would like to be choosy about the types of industry that come in, she said. The proposed data center would also be near the new Boone Trail kayak and canoe access site. The Deep River is a troubled waterway. Nearly 23 miles are on the federal impaired waters list, and it contains 1,4-Dioxane, a likely carcinogen, discharged from the City of Asheboros wastewater treatment plant. Another 131 miles of tributaries to the river are also impaired, state records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We already have a polluted river, Stephens said. Lee County records show Butler Well No. 3 is on a 643-acre forested tract owned by Ed Myrick of Pompano Beach, Florida. However, Dan Butler, who lives in Southern Pines, purchased the mineral rights beneath that property in 1975 from the previous land owner, Weyerhauser, the timber company. Butler owns more than 2,700 acres of mineral rights in Lee County, state records show. Since 1998, several companies have conducted exploratory drilling of Butler Well No. 3. However, given the comparatively small amount of gas and lack of a pipeline to transport it, they determined it wasnt economically feasible and abandoned their projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Butler is a third-generation oil and gas developer. His grandparents were born in western Pennsylvania, where he owns oil wells being drilled by the hundreds in the Alleghany State Forest, according to a transcript of his comments at a 2012 Legislative Research Commission meeting. Butlers father, Howard, was the superintendent of the Coal Glen Mine in Chatham County in 1925 when it exploded and killed 53 men. Its uncertain whether the property, which currently allows residential and agricultural uses, would need to be rezoned. There are no provisions for data centers in Lee Countys current unified development ordinance, said County Zoning Administrator Thomas Mierisch. The UDO went into effect in 2006, before data centers and cryptomines were really a thing, Miersch said. Spuller became a registered landman in North Carolina in 2021, according to state Department of Environmental Quality records. In this capacity Spuller can negotiate business agreements for exploration or development of natural gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Deep River Data officials also work for other cryptocurrency interests, Spuller said the project would not be a cryptomine. It is envisioned as a modular data-infrastructure project that would include AI workloads and other compute-intensive research, he said. Deep River Data was incorporated on April 30, according to the North Carolina Secretary of State business registry. The companys officers work in cryptocurrency: Spuller, Dan Fisher and Gerald Wilkie, Jr. A separate Wilkie-run enterprise, HM Tech, which operates out of a large, blue warehouse on South Maple Street in Graham, is listed as a managing member of Deep River Data. HM Tech is a bitcoin mining facility and repair center. Two other top executives, Alun Williams and Murray Stahl, are with Horizon Kinetics, a New York-based investment firm whose funds include cryptocurrency. Wilkie was among 55 cryptocurrency company representatives who signed a letter in 2022 to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan disputing the industrys environmental harm. Two dozen congressional Democrats had previously sent a letter to Regan expressing their serious concerns regarding reports that cryptocurrency facilities across the country are polluting communities and are having an outsized contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilkie signed the letter in his role as founder and president of HMTech. There are no pollutants, including carbon dioxide, released by digital asset mining, the cryptocurrency companies wrote. Associated emissions are a function of electricity generation, which is a consequence of policy choices and economic realities shaping the nature of the electrical grid. Digital asset miners simply buy electricity that is made available to them on the open market, just the same as any industrial buyer. It is imperative that elected officials in the United States recognize that bitcoin is the most important financial, economic, and accounting innovation in the history of humanity. Wilkie did not respond to an email and voicemail from Inside Climate News requesting an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Deep River Data, Spuller is the executive vice president of industry a?airs for the Blockchain Association, headquartered in Washington, D.C. However, Deep River Data is separate from that work, he said. Earlier in his career, Spuller worked as the communications director for former Republican Gov. Pat McCrorys inaugural committee. Spuller parlayed that connection for a marketing position at the state Department of Commerce, according to his LinkedIn page, where he worked closely with the Office of the Commissioner of Banks to help negotiate and pass the North Carolina Money Transmitters Act of 2016. Former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest appointed Spuller to the North Carolina Blockchain Initiative in 2019, where he was a co-chairman and member until this year. From 2016 to 2020, he led membership and growth at the Chamber of Digital Commerce. On Oct. 20, Spuller, representing the Blockchain Association, and Eric Peterson, senior government affairs manager at Kraken Digital Assets Exchange, appeared before the first state House Select Committee on Blockchain and Digital Assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were advocating for legislation favorable to stablecoin, which is considered less volatile than other types of cryptocurrency. It can also be used to transfer funds between different crypto tokens. Eric Peterson (left), senior manager of policy and government relations at Kraken Americas Digital Asset Exchange, and Dan Spuller, executive vice president of industry a?airs at the Blockchain Association, spoke before a recent House Committee on Blockchain and Digital Assets. Source: N.C. General Assembly livestream Spuller was urging the passage of House Bill 92, the North Carolina Digital Assets Investment Act. It would authorize the state treasurer to invest a portion of public funds in the digital assets, study employment employee investment options, and evaluate the creation of a state-level digital asset reserve. This measure passed the House earlier this year, but is still waiting for Senate approval. Hopefully they will pass it because I think that would also send really a fantastic message to the global economy that our states open for business, Spuller said. Theres no reason not to pass that. That would be on my wish list. With Congress now tied for its longest-ever shutdown, a small group of fed-up lawmakers in Washington are furiously trying to end the standoff as soon as this week. Those members insist theres real momentum this time. Yet the potential off-ramp doesnt appear to deliver Democrats any real win on their biggest demand of the shutdown: health care. Talks over reopening the government are focused on putting together a funding package and giving Democrats a stand-alone vote to extend expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, according to sources familiar with the high-stakes negotiations. The deal would also include a pathway to move ahead with three bills to fund major agencies of the federal government through next September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But given that there is no guarantee that an extension of ACA subsidies will pass the Senate much less the House its unclear whether enough Democrats will accept that proposal to reopen the government, the sources said. So it is bound to prompt sharp division among Democrats about whether a vote is enough after the damaging consequences of the shutdown standoff. Sen. Susan Collins, the Senates top GOP spending leader, has been involved in a flurry of conversations in recent days to end the impasse by funding both parties priorities in bipartisan year-long funding bills. I do believe that we are finally making progress. Its too soon to declare that this nightmare of a shutdown is over, but Im very cautiously hopeful that it will be resolved by the end of this week, the Maine Republican told. Theres still a long way to go. Party leaders are still not talking. On Tuesday, the Senate failed its 14th vote on the GOPs stopgap plan to reopen the government. And neither side expects tangible progress on Election Day with key races from New Jersey to California on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Majority Leader John Thune is not yet certain the end is in sight. He said Monday he is optimistic but not necessarily confident bipartisan senators will reach a deal to fund the government by weeks end. Based on sort of my gut of how things operate, I think were getting close to an off ramp, Thune said, but he cautioned: This is unlike any other government shutdown. Thune also acknowledged Monday that the Senate will likely have to draft a new stopgap bill replacing the Houses version that goes through November 21 in order to buy Congress more time to pass those full-year spending bills. Democrats see this as an opening to support something other than the same GOP funding plan, and to have input on the new version. (One person involved in the discussions said the likely end date for the new bill would be January, though spending leaders like Collins want Congress to aim for around Christmas instead.) That semblance of movement comes as shutdown damage is quickly racking up. Already on day 35 of the shutdown, food banks nationwide are swamped with new families, furloughed workers are applying for unemployment benefits and air traffic is snarling across the country. Medical professionals and patients gather for a march and rally outside of the US Capitol in Washington DC, on November 3, 2025. - Bryan Dozier/NurPhoto/AP Collins and others involved in the talks have been mostly secretive about exactly who and what is involved. Leadership in both parties had for days largely downplayed the talks, though they are being kept up to speed by those involved, according to one person involved in the talks. For the first time, Collins said Democrats are now contributing to these appropriations talks, but theres still a huge problem it doesnt solve the looming health care cliff next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know if thatll work or not. This has nothing to do with health care, and thats what my Democratic colleagues have harped on, GOP Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said bluntly. Democrats will soon be faced with a key question: What will they accept from Republicans after their month-long push to extend expiring enhanced Obamacare subsidies? Thune has publicly offered Democrats an up-or-down vote on those subsidies but Democrats have said it is not enough. Asked about her view, Sen. Elizabeth Warren stressed that Republicans need to sit down and negotiate and signaled that her party would not cave just because the shutdown effects were getting more painful. He thinks he can use hungry children as a bargaining chip against Democrats, saying, in effect, that its only Democrats who care whether or not kids go hungry, the Massachusetts Democrat said. Well, it is Democrats who care, and its Americans who care. Republicans should come to the table and negotiate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The internal Democratic debate comes at a delicate time for the party, with internal cracks already beginning to show over the momentum of Zohran Mamdani in New Yorks mayoral election this week, which has bolstered progressives while ringing alarm bells for its more establishment wing. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders delivered an even starker warning to Democrats in an op-ed over the weekend, warning the party not to cave to President Donald Trump on the shutdown: This may be the most consequential moment in American history since the civil war. Running out the clock Theres one notable Republican absent in the discussions: Trump, who returned from a week abroad to find little had changed on Capitol Hill. White House officials have largely steered clear of major visible involvement in the day-to-day dynamics of the shutdown, consulting frequently with Republican congressional leaders but letting House Speaker Mike Johnson and Thune dictate much of the partys direction. Trump aides have sought instead to demonstrate that the administration is still pushing ahead on major priorities and policy announcements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet behind the scenes, officials have grown increasingly antsy as the shutdown drags on far longer than any of them expected. Polling shows Americans still placing significant blame on Trump and Republicans for the shutdown, complicating a messaging war that the White House initially anticipated it would decisively win. The health care rate hikes that Democrats initially shut down the government over more than a month ago are also now starting to hit consumers, further amplifying the issue at a moment in which voters are already unhappy with the cost of living. Within the White House, officials have had running debates over the administrations health care platform, consulting with GOP lawmakers and outside policy experts in preparation for post-shutdown talks with Democrats over the restoration of the enhanced Obamacare subsidies. But those conversations have only progressed so far, stymied by the White Houses own hardline position against any negotiations during that shutdown. That stance, people involved in the discussions said, has made it difficult for the administration to counter Democrats attacks on health care, beyond offering vague assurances that officials are developing a health plan a well-worn promise the GOP has failed to deliver on for nearly a decade. A volunteer loads donated food items into a resident's vehicle during a Los Angeles Regional Food Bank drive-thru distribution at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, on November 1, 2025. - Mark Abramson/Bloomberg/Getty Images And its created a range of critical unknowns that under the current stalemate will go unanswered until the shutdown is over. Among them: what policies could win bipartisan support, the level of appetite on Capitol Hill for negotiating a broader health reform package, and what the health care landscape will look like whenever the shutdown is finally over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can come up with the policy in 30 seconds, said one of the people involved in the discussions. Its just a question of what politically is going to be acceptable to the Republicans and what Democrats are going to think is enough of a fig leaf to move it forward. People see that theres an issue that has to be fixed, added GOP Rep. Andrew Garbarino of New York. The speaker and Thune have both said this is something they want to address. The willingness is there, Garbarino told CNN last week. But the fact that nobodys talking to each other right now, because they havent opened the government, its kind of running out the clock. This story has been updated with additional reporting. CNNs Morgan Rimmer and Alison Main contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The White House argued lethal military strikes against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific do not rise to the level of hostilities that would warrant authorization from Congress under the War Powers Resolution (WPR). The administration said the WPR, which Congress passed in 1973, would only apply when putting the U.S. in harms way and that the strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, which so far have killed at least 64 people, are not endangering military personnel since they are largely conducted by unmanned aerial vehicles that take off from Navy vessels. Here, the operation comprises precise strikes conducted largely by unmanned aerial vehicles launched from naval vessels in international waters at distances too far away for the crews of the targeted vessels to endanger American personnel, a senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Hill on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday marked the 60-day deadline since the White House first notified Congress of its initial strike against an alleged drug-trafficking vessel. The WPR says the president needs to discontinue military operations after 60 days if an authorization from Congress is not obtained, or the commander in chief can request a 30-day extension. The administration official said the escalating strikes do not meet the threshold of hostilities and that the Trump administrations Office of Legal Counsels (OLC) position on the matter is consistent with its traditional approach, pointing to legal opinions authored by assistant attorneys general during the Clinton and Reagan presidencies. In a 1996 opinion, Walter Dellinger, the assistant attorney general in the OLC, did not discuss the 60-day limit when addressing former President Clintons deployment of peacekeeping forces to Haiti, adding that the decision would not involve the risk of major or prolonged hostilities or serious casualties to either the United States or Haiti. The Executive Branch has taken the position from the very beginning that the WPR does not constitute a legally binding definition of Presidential authority to deploy our armed forces, former Assistant Attorney General Theodore Olson wrote in the 1984 legal opinion referenced by the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other administrations have made similar arguments. In 2011, former President Obamas administration said the WPR was not applicable during the air campaign against Libya since there were no U.S. troops on the ground. The strikes targeting alleged drug smuggling boats have continued, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announcing late Saturday that the U.S. military took out a narco-trafficking vessel operated by a designated terrorist organization in the Caribbean, killing three people. On the campaign trail, President Trump promised to take on the cartels and he has taken unprecedented action to stop the scourge of narcoterrorism that has resulted in the needless deaths of innocent Americans, the administration official said Monday. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have asked the administration for more information about the legal rationale the White House is relying on for the strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee were not satisfied with last weeks briefing on the boat strikes, expressing frustration with the answers they have gotten on the legality of the operations and the White Houses endgame. The administration official pushed back, saying by regularly notifying and briefing the House and the Senate on this important matter, the Administration continues to demonstrate great transparency in its communications with Congress. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the top Democrat on the panel, published letters Friday demanding the Pentagons copies of the orders issued to strike boats, the legal opinion for the military action and a complete list of all designated terrorist organizations and drug trafficking organizations with whom the President has determined the United States is in a non-international armed conflict and against whom lethal military force may be used. Reed told reporters Monday the Defense Department gave the pair assurances that theyll make the information available to lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope thats a first step, not a final step, so that all of my members can understand what their arguments are, what their plan was, the Rhode Island senator said. A bipartisan resolution, led by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), would halt the strikes and could come for a vote as soon as Wednesday, but discussions are ongoing, Schiffs spokesperson told The Hill on Monday. Kaine told reporters Monday he would like to put the measure up for a vote this week, but it will depend on the upper chambers schedule. It could be this week; well see tomorrow what the schedule is likely to be, including on the budget issues and stuff like that. And there could be some lean time or gap time, where we would put that in, Kaine said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 The Hill. (The Center Square) Job perks like an on-call doctor, on-site daycare and millions of dollars for food, beverages and bottled water sound like something offered to employees of big tech firms, but, actually, taxpayers are paying for those perks for members of Congress and often their staff, an investigation by The Center Square found. Since the 2019 fiscal year, taxpayers paid about $30 million for the Office of Attending Physician, which handles medical emergencies but also offers members routine care for just $650 a year, an analysis of Congressional data shows. At least $10 million was spent on the House Childcare Center that provides staff and members below-market-rate childcare starting at $1,100 a month, data and interviews show. With Washington D.C. having some of the highest daycare costs, the perk is popular and there is a waiting list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. House staff and members also are feasting on taxpayer dollars with $30 million spent on food and beverages, and $4.1 million just on bottled water since 2019, an analysis of 3 million lines of House spending data shows. House leadership and the Republican conference alone spent $122,000 on Chick-Fil-A over the past six years, and former U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Mississippi, led individual Congressional offices by ordering nearly $15,000 in chicken sandwiches and chips from the popular fast food venue, The Center Square analysis showed. Gillian Mason, executive director of Healthcare-NOW, a Texas nonprofit that advocates for universal single-payer health coverage, said it is great that lawmakers are getting good care at taxpayer expense but the average taxpayer has to struggle to get medical treatment. "One of the reasons it is so difficult to push healthcare reform for regular people is our Reps and Senators aren't seeing the full force of what is happening out there because they're isolated," said Mason, who conceded she did not know about the attending physician perk in Congress until The Center Square told her about it. "They like their publicly funded healthcare ... but won't give it to anyone else." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, was outraged by the spending of taxpayer money for items that aren't vital to the operations of Congress. "It's not Congress valuing their employees, it's the taxpayer paying for this," he said. "It's easy to spend someone else's money. I mean, that's the easiest thing in the world to do." Williams said there was a spreadsheet shared around Congress listing all the free lunches available to staff and members so no one is starving on Capitol Hill with or without taxpayers chipping in. Since no one in Congress though some individual Congress members communications directors provided email statements would agree to an interview on the record about their spending of taxpayer money, The Center Square asked the Bipartisan Policy Center to explain why it thinks some of the spending is necessary. The center studies government efficiency and worked with the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress to make suggestions to improve Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JD Rackey, the center's associate director of the Structural Democracy Project, said Congress works long and unusual hours and so staff need certain perks both to do their jobs and to hire good people. "Congress has this problem of always losing its institutional memory and the idea is, if we want to be able to recruit and retain top talent, then we need to be able to pay them more and also have other professional development opportunities for staff and things like that, so that Congress can actually function the way it's intended," he told The Center Square. "Congress is a workplace, but it's kind of a little bit of an unusual workplace." Samantha Carter, spokeswoman for the Chief Administrative Officer in the House, wrote, "The CAO has no comment. Thank you." when The Center Square asked for basic information about the spending on various perks. Carter, who taxpayers paid $173,000 last year, according to Legistorm, didn't respond to subsequent emails. Congressional members and staff do not get the federal employee health insurance and must sign up through Small Business Health Options Program, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big bucks to Politico, Bloomberg Congressional members also are still spending millions in taxpayer funds for subscriptions to publications like Politico and Bloomberg despite Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency targeting similar subscriptions to left-leaning publications by USAID and other executive branches, the data shows. Since 2019, Politico subscriptions by Congress cost taxpayers $14 million, Bloomberg received nearly $13 million, CQ Rollcall $5.4 million, and $2.5 million went to the National Journal, the data shows. Punchbowl News received $1.5 million, Thompson-Reuters about $2 million and the New York Times about $870,000, data shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams conceded that Congress needs access to the news and information but questioned the cost. "There's got to be a happy medium here," he said after The Center Square told him of the price tags. "There's got to be a way where Congress can still remain informed, whether it's Politico, Roll Call or whatever, but not spend tens of millions of dollars." Since 2019, taxpayers have paid for roughly $88 million worth of publications and reference materials for members of the House and their staff. Rackey said the House is working on internal ways to track bills and access staff lists without using some of the Politico Pro tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do have good news on that front in that over the past few years, as the work of the modernization committee and the House digital service has been ramping up," he said. "They've been building more systems internally ... Congress is never going to limit, saying, 'oh, you can't spend this money on Politico Pro,' but they have been building systems internally that might make it obsolete." Doctors, daycare and food The in-house doctor was started in 1928 after a House member dropped dead and two collapsed, which was attributed to overwork, according to a Senate.gov write up of the history. The House then passed a resolution to have a Navy medical officer present when the legislature was in session. In 1996, that perk cost $1.2 million but has since increased to more than $4 million a year, according to data from the American Governance Institute provided to The Center Square. Williams said with tele-medicine readily available and a plentiful supply of doctors around the D.C. area, the on-call physician's office is "stuck in the past." The on-call physician's office staff did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to food, House leadership led the way in orders. The Democratic Caucus and House speakers, who was a Democrat between 2019 and 2023 before Republicans took over, each spent $1.7 million since 2019 on food, beverages and meals. The offices of the minority leaders and majority whip spent $2.2 million combined. The Republican conference came in seventh in spending for food with about $686,000. Those included both catering at the Capitol and meals while traveling. The individual member with the most food, beverages and meals expenses in the past six years was U.S. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan, D-Calif., with $334,000 spent since 2019. Rounding out the top three individual office food spenders were U.S. Reps. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, and Al Green, D-Texas, whose offices each spent about $189,000 since 2019, data shows. None of those lawmakers' staff responded to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it came to Chick-Fil-A, the Speaker's office spent $51,537.85, minority leader $36,308.56, majority whip $18,313.33 and Republican conference $16,517.28. Palazzo was next on the list with $14,585.27 and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability was sixth with $7,906.28 in chicken-sandwich spending, data shows. Palazzo, who lost his primary re-election bid in 2022, said the Chick-Fil-A was to feed about 300 to 400 high school seniors from his district each year who attended his youth leadership summit, but he said that increased spending in the MRA is absolutely vital to keeping congressional offices running and finding good staff. "I think MRAs are absolutely important and need to increase as salaries and cost of labor increased," he said, adding he opposed the 2011 Tea Party cuts. He felt the spending on food was legitimate to help educate his youngest constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mason said lawmakers are disconnected from the problems of regular people because of the perks of office. "Dont sit in your ivory tower judging the system based on what you're experiencing and your constituents aren't getting the same care," she told The Center Square. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) The Trump Administration announced on Monday, SNAP benefits will restart, but it will be half the normal payment and delayed. Neal urges emergency food stamp funds during shutdown Local leaders and organizations continue to lend a helping hand as millions will go without some of their SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. It was announced over the weekend that the administration would comply with a federal court ruling and fund SNAP using a contingency account of $6 billion. But on Monday, the administration said it would only tap a little more than $4.5 billion. This will only cover about half of each eligible households SNAP benefits through November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I sense that its a part of their negotiation. I dont think that the answer is satisfactory, but I think that its part of the negotiation, said Congressman Richard Neal. Congressman Neal visited the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Chicopee to highlight the impact of delayed SNAP benefits caused by the government shutdown. Theres still no word yet on when SNAP benefits will officially go out, but it can normally take up to two weeks to load beneficiaries debit cards. During Congressman Neals remarks, he stated that while both parties are in substantial disagreement, he hopes they can find a path forward. This is not something we should be arguing about. The food supply should be ready, and the money that could be electronically deposited is there. It should be allocated, said Congressman Neal. According to the Executive Director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, for every meal they provide, SNAP provides nine meals. Were doing our best to fill the gap in the absence of SNAP benefits, said Morehouse. Weve been ordering food right here, coming into our warehouse. And we will go out to 199 food pantries, meal sites, and shelters across western Massachusetts, so that our partners have the food that they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 190,000 residents in 74,000 households in western Massachusetts rely on SNAP benefits to put food on their table. Of these 74,000 households, nearly 40% have a child, 42% have an elderly person, and 57% have an individual with a disability. Benefits are also still being processed for new applicants, but the filing, which was signed by Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the United States Department of Agriculture, Patrick Penn, stated that because the administration was using the contingency funds, there will be no remaining funds left for them. 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. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WWLP. Pretty much all transactions will settle on blockchains eventually, and that all money will be digital, said Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters. He predicted a complete rewiring of the financial system while speaking at the Hong Kong FinTech Week. Think about what that means a complete rewiring of the financial system, he said. But we dont know exactly how. Notably, Standard Chartereds spot crypto trading offering became fully realised recently. The bank became the first G-SIB (Globally Systemically Important Bank) to offer its institutional clients direct spot trading access to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) in a regulated manner. The service launched in July 2025 and integrates with Standard Chartereds existing trading platforms, allowing for the trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum on familiar Foreign Exchange interfaces. Additionally, clients can settle with a custodian of their choice, including the banks in-house custody service offerings. Rene Michau, Global Head of Digital Assets, explained that while the offering is currently limited to Asian and European trading hours, 24/5 access is under consideration depending on client demand. Meanwhile, HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery agreed with Winters. He furthered the conversation by insisting on the importance and development of AI. This has been an eye opener, Elhedery said, as he spoke about China and Hong Kongs AI strategy, in contrast with the US, as evidenced by the DeepSeek moment. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025 Hong Kong Opens Crypto Exchanges To Global Liquidity Via Shared Order Books Hong Kong will allow licensed crypto exchanges to connect with global order books. This will finally end the citys closed-loop model. Unveiled at Hong Kong FinTech Week, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) said that the change as part of a broader effort to align digital asset market structure with traditional finance. SFC CEO Julia Leung said, Making steady strides in market liquidity and business offerings is crucial to sustaining the growth momentum of Hong Kongs digital asset ecosystem. She added, Today, we take a significant step to connect with global liquidity, underscoring our commitment to striking a right balance in fostering market innovation and vitality while upholding high standards for investor protection and market integrity. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Hong Kong SFC Delivers Good News For HKD-Backed Stablecoins When it comes to stablecoins, the SFC said that it will allow Platform Operators to offer trading in virtual assets without a 12-month track record for professional investors and for Hong Kong Monetary Authority-licensed stablecoins, as well as distribute tokenised securities and digital asset-related investment products. Are the Supreme Courts conservative justices just a rubber stamp for President Trump, virtually always willing to approve his actions? Or will the justices follow consistent, albeit conservative, principles, even if it means ruling against the worlds most powerful man? We will get a clear indication when the court convenes on Wednesday to hear two cases concerning the legality of the tariffs imposed by the president. At this point, its estimated that about $1 trillion in tariffs has already been collected. Trump has said that their invalidation would be a total disaster for the country and might literally destroy the United States of America. In its brief to the Supreme Court, his administration noted that, to the president, these cases present a stark choice: With tariffs, we are a rich nation; without tariffs, we are a poor nation. Suddenly revoking the Presidents tariff authority under the [International Emergency Economic Powers Act], he warns, would have catastrophic consequences for our national security, foreign policy, and economy. But the issue before the court argued in Learning Resources Inc. vs. Trump and in Trump vs. V.O.S. Selections is not whether the tariffs are desirable. Rather, the legal question is one of statutory interpretation: whether the IEEPA, a law adopted in 1977 under President Carter, authorizes Trump to impose tariffs via executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative justices have long embraced textualism and stressed that laws should be interpreted based on plain meaning. The IEEPA, though, doesnt actually mention tariffs in its text. It only authorizes the president to regulate importation in order to deal with any unusual and extraordinary threat. As the Court of Appeals explained in striking down the tariffs back in August, when drafting IEEPA, Congress did not use the term tariff or any of its synonyms. Instead, it added, where Congress intends to delegate to the President the authority to impose tariffs, it does so explicitly, either by using unequivocal terms like tariff and duty, or via an overall structure which makes clear that Congress is referring to tariffs. No other president in the last 50 years has interpreted this statute as providing authority over tariffs. The challengers argue to the Supreme Court that there is a fundamental difference between giving the president the authority to regulate importation and bestowing on them a power to tax. The IEEPA applies during an emergency and only Trump sees one. In recent years, the Supreme Courts conservative justices have repeatedly ruled that the executive branch of the federal government cannot act on a major question of economic or political significance without clear authority from Congress. For example, in 2023, in Biden vs. Nebraska, the court, ruling 6-3 with the conservative justices in the majority, struck down the Biden administrations student loan relief program. Even though a federal statute allowed the secretary of Education to waive or modify student loan debt, the Court said that this was a major question and that Congress had not provided sufficiently clear authority for the student loan relief. The IEEPA provides even less authority to the president to impose tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nor does the Constitution support Trumps power to create these tariffs. The text of the Constitution and its original meaning are clear: Only Congress has the power to impose tariffs. Article I, Section 8 explicitly states that The Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, as well as to regulate commerce with foreign nations. And tariffs are simply taxes charged on goods bought from other countries Trumps primary response to all this is that courts cannot review his choice to impose tariffs. Solicitor General John Sauers brief to the Supreme Court argues that the Presidents determinations in this area are not amenable to judicial review. Judges lack the institutional competence to determine when foreign affairs pose an unusual and extraordinary threat that requires an emergency response; that is a task for the political Branches. This is the same argument Trump is making regarding his authority to deploy troops in U.S. cities: No court can review his actions. But long ago, in Marbury vs. Madison in 1803, the Supreme Court ruled that federal courts can review the actions of the president to ensure said actions are constitutional and legal. The court stressed that no one, not even the president, is above the law and that there must be judicial review of presidential actions or else the limits of the Constitution are rendered meaningless. The two tariff cases before the Supreme Court this week should thus be easy ones, including for the conservative justices. But will they follow the law and their traditional approaches to it, or are they just a rubber stamp for Team Trump? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley Law School, is an Opinion Voices contributing writer. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Zohran Mamdani, the progressive standard-bearer who could become New York Citys next mayor after Tuesdays election, faces a public-safety trap that has entangled progressives nationwide: Voters want less cruelty, not less accountability. Confuse the two, and even progressives will vote you out. Even before he has taken office, Mamdani is already fending off attacks from opponents, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other political adversaries. They seek to brand him as a radical by tying him to the national Democratic Socialists of America's most controversial criminal justice planks, such as declining to prosecute misdemeanor offenses. Yet, in distancing himself from those specific policies , Mamdani is cleverly navigating a political minefield that has doomed other reformers. His strategy demonstrates a crucial lesson for the broader progressive movement: voters want a less inhumane justice system, not one that is unenforced. If progressives are perceived as abandoning accountability for offenses like shoplifting and public drug usage, they invite a political backlash that will not only cost them elections (or reelections) but also set back the cause of reform nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans across the political spectrum support reducing extremely harsh punishments. They want shorter sentences, alternatives to incarceration and rehabilitation over punishment. The moral case against excessive punishment resonates with voters who see our system as unnecessarily cruel. The evidence is overwhelming: 81% of Americans believe the U.S. criminal justice system needs reform , and 85% agree the main goal of our criminal justice system should be rehabilitation . But when it comes to deciding which behaviors deserve prosecution, the politics shift dramatically. Mamdani has previously aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America , an organization that calls for ending the enforcement of some misdemeanor offenses . This is precisely the kind of stance that can trigger backlash. The 2022 recall of San Franciscos progressive district attorney shows why. About 1 in 3 progressive voters cast a ballot to remove the progressive DA from office. It wasn't because they disagreed with his policies; in fact, these same voters supported his specific reforms when his name wasn't attached to them. Their opposition was rooted in a fear that declining to prosecute low-level crimes would create a deterrence vacuum and incentivize lawlessness. In Los Angeles, George Gascon's trajectory offers a cautionary tale. As Los Angeles County district attorney, he survived two recall attempts before losing his 2024 reelection bid by 23 points. L.A. voters hadn't abandoned reform they'd supported it just four years earlier. But Gascon's categorical bans on seeking certain harsher sentences or charging juveniles as adults triggered a revolt from his own rank-and-file prosecutors, creating the perception that entire categories of misconduct would go unaddressed. When prosecutors publicly sued him, arguing his directives violated state law, the deterrence vacuum became tangible. By the time Gascon walked back some policies, voters' trust had evaporated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This pattern repeats across the country. In Boston, DA Kevin Hayden has distanced himself so forcefully from predecessor Rachael Rollins' do not prosecute list that he bristles at reporters even mentioning it. Yet Hayden's office is still diverting first-time shoplifters to treatment programs the same approach Rollins advocated. The difference? Hayden emphasizes prosecution of repeat offenders while offering alternatives to first-timers. The policy is nearly identical; the politics couldn't be more different. Critics are right to argue that the old model of misdemeanor prosecution was a failure. It criminalized poverty and addiction, clogged our courts and did little to stop the revolving door. But the answer to a broken system is not to create a vacuum of enforcement; it is to build a new system that pairs accountability with effective intervention. Mamdani has already shown political wisdom by declaring, "I am not defunding the police." But the issue isn't just about police funding it's about what behaviors the criminal justice system will address. As mayor, Mamdani would not control whether the prosecutors abandon prosecution of misdemeanors, but what matters are his stances and voters perception. He should be vocal about how we thinks prosecutors should respond to low-level offenses: First-time shoplifters: Restitution or community service. Drug possession: Treatment enrollment, not incarceration. Quality-of-life violations: Social service interventions for housing and health. DUI offenders: Intensive supervision and treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, this isn't about ignoring these offenses; it's about transforming the response. For this to work, the justice system must use its inherent leverage. Instead of compelling jail time, a pending criminal case becomes the tool to ensure a person completes a treatment program, pays restitution to the store they stole from, or connects with housing services. This is the essence of diversion: Accountability is met, the underlying problem is addressed, and upon successful completion, the case is often dismissed, allowing the person to move forward without the lifelong burden of a criminal record. Mamdani's proposed Department of Community Safety is a step in the right direction. But it must work alongside, not instead of, prosecution for lower-level offenses, and Mamdani must frame it as a partner to prosecution. If voters perceive it as a substitute for accountability, his opponents will use it as a political weapon the moment crime rates fluctuate. New York deserves bold criminal justice reform. But boldness without pragmatism leads to backlash that sets the entire movement back. The future of the criminal justice progressive movement in America will not be determined by its ideals, but by its ability to deliver pragmatic safety. For the aspiring mayor, and for prosecutors in California and beyond, this means understanding that residents want both order and compassionate justice. Dvir Yogev is a postdoctoral researcher at the Criminal Law & Justice Center at UC Berkeley, where he studies the politics of criminal justice reform and prosecutor elections. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Theft from rail cars costs consumers billions of dollars every year. Described as dangerous and costly, lawmakers say these sophisticated criminal networks are an urgent threat. Most nights, as trains pass through Chicago and the suburbs, organized bandits board moving trains to steal whatever cargo the rail cars are carrying. The head of the Cook County Sheriff's Organized Retail Crime Team says it's an everyday thing. Before sunrise on Sept. 24, the I-Team went out with the unit on a joint operation with Cook County Sheriff police and Norfolk Southern. Law enforcement eyes in the sky spotted several people running toward the railroad tracks in Englewood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We had some individuals on the train track opening up cargo containers," said Cook County Sheriff's Office Police Commander Mike Ware. Norfolk Southern Railroad Police used drones to monitor their property. "They steal boxes out of containers," Commander Ware told the I-Team. The Cook County Sheriff's Organized Retail Crime Team works with the railroad police to catch those committing crimes. "It is wildly organized, both in identifying what train cars, identifying what items to steal," said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. The I-Team witnessed the arrests of two women who investigators say were waiting in get-away cars for those who had stolen items from the train. Late Friday, charges against them were dismissed by a judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the morning light, Cook County Sheriff K9, Bolt, searched for a suspect who fled. "These individuals do not think about their safety. All they think about is a profit, whatever they can gain from any illegal activity," said Ware. The department's new high-tech helicopter also aided in the hunt. "It's always important to have air support," said Ware. Bolt cutters were found near the tracks, along with dozens of boxes thrown from the train, left behind by the thieves. Cook County sheriff's new helicopter seen as vital crime-fighting asset Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart spoke with ABC7 about the new helicopter, which can be used to fight retail crime targeting trains and rail yards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have to utilize drones, helicopters," said Sheriff Dart. "Logistically, this is tricky, and that's why, to be honest with you, the drones and the helicopter are really helpful. A: they can get there in a hurry, and B: the footage they can get both for prosecuting later on." Equipped with high powered cameras and a comprehensive mapping system, the new Cook County sheriff's police helicopter brings an array of advanced technology to the county's crime-fighting arsenal. "Its ability to identify license plates and things along those lines, to guide us, really, to where people are going, particularly with the helicopter, because the helicopter, once they take off, we can follow it," Sheriff Dart said. Sheriff Dart says this is an instrumental tool to catch criminals and deter crime in the city and suburbs, including organized retail crime targeting trains and rail yards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With a helicopter there, we can get some cars there pretty quick, because there's limited number of exit points where they can get out of the yards," said Sheriff Dart. Monitors on board map streets on a live feed to help sheriff's police dispatch units to track fleeing vehicles without needing a potentially dangerous high-speed chase. "We have no need to do that, right? We literally know where they're going," said Sheriff Dart. "We didn't have to even get close to them, following them, the helicopters following them. And there was ability to have other units in the general area where someone was going to get there, and when they bailed on the car, there were people right there, right because the helicopter was already above there, we'd get people in custody. We never would have gotten before." The Cook County sheriff's helicopter is seen as such a policing asset that it's also tapped for work on a joint task force with Chicago police to help cover 975 square miles in Chicagoland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's just so wildly helpful. And in the world we're in now, I don't even know how you can operate without this stuff anymore. It's just so important," said Sheriff Dart. Cook County's unit participated in 12 joint operations with railroad police this year, making 39 arrests, including two men charged with breaking into a south side railyard and stealing several boxes of vodka. Earlier this year, Congress launched an inquiry into the alarming surge in freight rail cargo thefts. Railway companies typically do not publish these crime numbers. But during the congressional hearing it was revealed there were more than 65,000 cargo theft incidents last year leading to $100 million in losses. "The bad guys know a couple of different things, they're really good at return on investment, and they're very good at understanding our business just as well as we understand it," said VeriskCargoNet Vice President of Operations Keith Lewis. "There's techniques that they know, and I can't give away a lot of the secrets, but they know a vast majority of the time which exact train car or container trailer to break into." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Plenty of times we deal with dangerous, violent individuals," said Commander Ware. "Proceeds go to illegal firearms and narcotics, so using the proceeds to funnel the violence in the city." Sheriff Dart says he hopes federal lawmakers will pass a new bill aimed at investigating and prosecuting these types of crimes. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would create a coordination center within the Department of Homeland Security, bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and the retail industry to share information and resources. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Deandre Brown, the now-suspended executive director of the Shelby County Office of Re-Entry, had his bond release approved after appearing in court on Tuesday morning. Brown and his wife, Vinessa, are accused of theft and money laundering, allegedly misappropriating thousands of dollars in funds from their nonprofit, Lifeline to Success, which is an organization dedicated to helping former offenders transition back into society. The couple is also accused of spending nearly $700,000 from their nonprofit on a trip to Jamaica, season tickets, and a host of other personal purchases over the course of four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were arrested back in August after being indicted. Couple accused of diverting $626K of nonprofit funds for personal use Browns wife was released on her own recognizance. However, Judge Lee Coffee ruled Brown was not a candidate for ROR, saying his alleged financial crimes were troubling and gave him a $500,000 bond. During court on Tuesday, Judge Coffee approved Browns bond release. He should be out of jail once the paperwork is complete. As part of his wifes release, she was required to surrender her passport and submit to a curfew, random drug screens, as well as GPS monitoring. Bond set at $500k for county re-entry director accused of misappropriating money Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Browns are also accused of diverting funds to other entities, and as a previous county employee, the Tennessee Comptrollers office says Brown violated the conflict-of-interest clause when the county gave money to his organization. Brown and his wife are both due back in court on December 5. 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 WREG.com. The Rotary Clubs of New Castle, Ellwood City and New Wilmington hosted a lunch for 21 Rotarians from Kosovo and Albania last month. The international gathering was made possible by the Rotary International Friendship Exchange. New Castle Rotary Club President Diane Coury Jacob was excited to have the opportunity to fellowship and network with Rotarians from Kosovo. It is not very often that we get the chance to roll out the red carpet for these Rotarians and display not only our hospitality, but the beauty of our city and country, Jacob said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 50 people mingled, exchanged greetings and were happily networking with fellow Rotarians from Kosovo and other clubs in the district, making new friends from around the world. The guests from Kosovo and Albania are professionals such as architects, law professors and business owners who are active in their Rotary Clubs. It is a Rotary tradition that when a Rotarian visits another club they exchange five-by-seven-inch flags with their clubs name on them. The international exchange took place in front of the large fireplace with the presidents of the clubs, Jacob representing the New Castle club, Bruce Thallman representing Ellwood City and Kandice Hartner of the New Wilmington club. Representing the Kosovo group was Arbnor Celahas, president of the Gjakova Cabrati Rotary Club, who expressed how glad the group was to be here. Its a privilege to be here with all of you. We have made new friendships and new moments. Rotary fellowship is so important. Peace is built by one kindness at a time and together we will build peace, Celahas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conversations created a friendly hum in the room as they shared about their clubs, work, families, service and hopes. Fleta Baraku, a Rotarian since 2014 who served in a number of capacities including president, said they are committed to service, fellowship and building bridges across communities. I believe in life-long learning, the value of friendship and the power of service to bring people together, Baraku said. While expressing how happy she was to be in America, Baraku said, We love and respect Americans and I have the American flag hanging in my home. My favorite president is Bill Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clinton is considered a hero in Kosovo, with a life-size statue and streets such as Bill Clinton Boulevard and even children named in his honor. Clinton is known for his administrations role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization air campaign against Serbia in 1999 to stop the humanitarian crisis in Kosovo. His government worked with NATO allies to launch Operation Allied Force to halt the repression of ethnic Albanians by Serbian forces, leading to the end of the war and eventual independence for Kosovo. The lunch was representative of lunch in the area, with salad, wings, pizza, cornbread and cookies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike McElhaney of the Kittanning Rotary Club led the group in the blessing, God is great. God is good. And we thank him for our food. Rotarian Cindy Cochran and her husband Jeff hosted the event in their barn, which is a spacious, completely finished barn complete with a kitchen, large fireplace and furnishings, a unique rustic/chic venue with a cozy feel. Cochran said it was a privilege to host the wonderful group. It was amazing to see so many people talking and taking the time to really get to know each other, Cochran said. Our visitors are some of the loveliest, warmest and kindest people Ive ever met. It didnt take long to consider them Rotary family. We are looking forward to maintaining connections with their clubs, Jacob said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rotary District 2485 communications officer Darla J. Motta, who facilitated the visit, said they have been planning for this Inbound Friendship Exchange for almost a year and are excited to welcome 21 friends/fellow Rotarians from Kosovo and Albania to our district. The events start in Pittsburgh on the Gateway Clipper with past Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick, traveling north to the Maid of the Mist tour in Niagara Falls. The daily events include service projects, tours, coffee, lots of great food, laughs and stories from life in Kosovo and Albania, Motta said. Motta, who traveled from North Carolina to attend the event, is also the president of the District 7280 Keystone Rotary Club with members from all over the world. Candice Talbot and husband David, a Rotarian, traveled from Denver, Colorado, to be a part of the event. They are the founders of the nonprofit organization that collects crutches and distributes them in Africa. Rotary Clubs collect and ship the crutches. Talbot said they are opening a collection site in Butler. The Golden Gate Bridge is an icon of San Francisco, along with cable cars, the Painted Ladies, ridiculously expensive real estate, and challenging parking. A nightmare for tourists, parking in The City by the Bay can intimidate locals even when they aren't dodging the new driverless Waymo taxis. The streets are crowded and some have confusing rules about when you're allowed to park. Parking is so challenging, in fact, that the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has a section of its website devoted to parking legally in the city. Rules include a 72-hour parking limit in areas without any other restrictions like residential parking permits, curbing your tires on any hills (an admittedly sensible law in a city like San Francisco), and a restriction on the use of objects to claim an on-street parking space. In March 2025, the city enacted a new law that prohibits parking within 20 feet of any intersection. Some neighborhoods restrict parking to residents only, and non-residents may be fined. These rules make sense, even if they do make parking a bit more challenging for visitors and residents alike. But in 2022, one couple who had lived in their home for 36 years received an astronomical ticket for parking in their own driveway. Luckily, the fine was waived and now, the law is changing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 5 Of The Worst Car Trends We've Ever Seen An outdated policy Residential parking in San Francisco - bluestork/Shutterstock When Ed and Judy Craine received a $1,542 parking ticket, they'd lived in their home for more years than many San Franciscans had been alive. For 36 years, they parked their car on the concrete pad in front of their home in the Diamond Heights neighborhood. Steep hills make parking a challenge and can be tough on your brakes, but the Craine's carport provided an easy solution. Suddenly, the city deemed it illegal due to a push for "beautification." The San Francisco Planning Department told the Craines that they were no longer allowed to park on the pad anymore because it did not have any kind of covering. If they didn't move their vehicle, they were to be fined an additional $250 per day. Ultimately, to continue parking on their own property, the Craines had to prove it had historically been used for parking. With the help of their local ABC affiliate, they found a photo from 1958. Now the city is ensuring that no other family will receive the same treatment that the Craines did in 2022. Director of Current Planning, Elizabeth Watty, called it "a bit embarrassing" that the beautification policy was still in place. The city is amending the planning code to ensure that all homeowners can park in their driveways without fear of being fined. However, city residents should note that some restrictions are still in place. Homeowners cannot park on the sidewalk, and only two vehicles can be parked in a driveway, or they'll face a $1,725 fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. A 25-year-old woman testified Monday that a Chicago police officer sexually abused her while she was handcuffed to a wall at a North Side police station. The woman, who the Tribune is not naming because she is allegedly a victim of sexual assault, took the stand at the Leighton Criminal Court Building and said Officer Stephan Shaw implied he could help her get out of trouble if she allowed him to touch her. Shaw, 33, who joined the Police Department in 2022, is charged with multiple felony counts including aggravated criminal sexual abuse, custodial sexual misconduct and official misconduct. Cook County Judge Adrienne Davis is presiding over the bench trial that began last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then 22, the woman accused Shaw of sticking his hands down her shorts and touching her inappropriately after she was arrested for shoplifting from a Michigan Avenue department store in May 2023. She also told authorities that she was forced to touch him during the booking process at the (Near North) 18th District police station, according to court documents. Shaws attorney has argued that there is no physical or corroborating evidence that support the womans allegations. Shaw was on duty in full uniform, according to court documents. He said when he first saw me he didnt want to lock me up because he thought I had a nice a, the woman testified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shaw groped her, she said, and asked if she wanted to go out for pizza. He positioned himself so it appeared like he was adjusting her handcuffs, she said. He also forced her to touch him, she said. She testified that she did not want him to touch her, nor did she want to touch him. I just wanted to go home, she said. After she was released, the woman testified, she called her mother and told her what happened. During cross examination, Shaws attorney Tim Grace sought to show inconsistencies in the womans testimony in comparison to surveillance footage inside the station and her videotaped interview with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did you ever yell out for him to stop touching you? Grace asked. No I did not yell out, she replied. The woman has filed a federal lawsuit against Shaw and the city of Chicago, alleging that while she was being processed after her arrest, Shaw subjected her to a barrage of sexually explicit comments and propositions. The suit is pending. ST. PETERSBURG Stephanie Parr dabs red underglaze onto her ceramic ornament, a palm-sized creature with bulging eyes. Its a demented elf, said Parr, a 37-year-old artist at Creative Clay. I get so happy when I sell one of my pieces. Its a little after 10 a.m. on a Wednesday, and the artists at Creative Clay are hard at work. Some color with pencils, gel pens and markers, making birthday cards and filling sketchbooks. Others, like Parr, work hard on holiday gifts to sell. Theres always time for hugs and laughs, another joyful sound on top of the tambourine shakes and guitar strumming that drifts from down the hall. Creative Clay may reference pottery in name, but all kinds of art is celebrated at the St. Petersburg nonprofit as well as all kinds of artists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission is to help people with disabilities achieve full and inclusive lives by providing expressive, educational and vocational experiences in the arts, reads the colorful mural in the hallway. Creative Clay will celebrate 30 years with the return of Good Folk Fest. On Sunday, Nov. 16, the nonprofit takes over the Coliseum with live music, make-and-take art projects and more. Its to celebrate all the people that have helped Creative Clay through the years, said board president, Sean Kennedy. But also for people whove never heard of Creative Clay to come and experience the joy that emanates from it. Creative Clay was founded in 1995 with a $1,000 grant from the Knights of Columbus. Programming has expanded to include painting, theater, videography, music, fiber arts, sculpture and mixed media. Teaching artists, or professional creators in the community, spend time mentoring clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festival is a celebration of resilience. When I was first part of the organization, the state had cut the reimbursement for Medicaid, which was at the time the large amount of how we were funded, said Kennedy, who has been president of the board since 2016. That got cut in half. At the height of the pandemic, Creative Clay shifted to online classes. The state wouldnt recognize online classes as something, Kennedy said. And sure, online classes arent as good, but for people who have nowhere else to go, like nothing going on in their day, like folks in group homes, it was a really joyful experience to get online with your friends and create art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locals stepped in to help, providing donations to keep the organization afloat. This has helped Creative Clay weather other challenges, like continued cuts to art funding. Funds are also raised from the on-site Good Folk Gallery, which stocks art from Creative Clay artists, and Creative Thrift, the pay-what-you-can art supply thrift store. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater gave the group an ad at the St. Pete-Clearwater airport, Kennedy said. Black Crow Coffee, which has a Creative Clay mural in the Grand Central location, donates beans for the nonprofit to sell on-site. Each bag is decorated with original work by Creative Clay artists. Even when we have these big swings in geo-politics, whatever, St. Pete kind of gathers around us, Kennedy said. Artwork from Creative Clay clients, including greeting cards, can be purchased in gift shops at the Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Dunedin Fine Art Center and other local museums. Creative Clay even has a global partnership with a similar nonprofit in Takamatsu, Japan St. Petersburgs sister city. For years, the two groups have mailed artworks in progress back and forth, so clients can work together long-distance to complete original pieces. Creative Clay participates in St. Petes second Saturday Art Walk. Every first Friday, the organizations parking lot turns into an art market. Creative Clay follows a typical art gallery split, with 50 percent of profits sold at its gift shop, online store and monthly events going back to the artists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Art Link program pairs a professional artist with one of our member artists, one on one, to work on creating a body of art together and learning the business of being an artist, said Kim Dohrman, Creative Clays CEO. They work on an artist statement, artist resume, learn how you price your work. A client named JJ, who has been at Creative Clay for over two decades, created a colorful, geometric piece of artwork that the Vitale Brothers painted as a mural on the building. At Good Folk Fest, Creative Clay will unveil a NASCAR vehicle wrapped with an image of that mural. Armani Williams, the first NASCAR driver with autism, will drive it. Collaborations with St. Pete Opera and the Museum of Fine Arts, including an original play written by Sheila Cowley for Creative Clay, have helped clients get inspired by new mediums. For a lot of our artists who might struggle with expression beyond the visual arts, that was really powerful, said Dohrman, noting that St. Pete Opera also donates tickets so clients can attend with their families. We really feel supported and embraced by the arts community. Were a part of it. Were not separate from it. And thats wonderful for the artists. If you go: Creative Clays Good Folk Fest Creative Clay is located at 1846 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. The organization, including its Good Folk Gallery and community Creative Thrift store, are open to the public Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second Saturday ArtWalk takes place on the second Saturday of the month from 5 to 9 p.m. First Friday Art Markets are hosted at Creative Clay from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature live music, food trucks and make-and-take art. Good Folk Fest, a celebration of Creative Clay, takes place Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg. Tickets cost $10. To purchase tickets, book an art experience or sign up to volunteer, visit creativeclay.org/good-folk-fest. The festival will be emceed by WMNF, broadcast on 96.7 FM and streamed online at radiostpete.com. It features food trucks including Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Love. The lineup is as follows: 11:00am Good Folk Band 11:30am Hibernacula 12:30 Ella Jet 1:30 Rebekah Pulley 2:30 Burke Brothers 3:30 Kristopher James 4:30 Christie Lenee HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) The Holyoke Fire Department and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services is seeking information about the fire on Pine Street in Holyoke Tuesday morning. Holyoke families advocate for fair teacher contracts Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Spokesperson Jake Wark states that the Holyoke Fire Department was sent to 268 Pine Street at about 6:00 a.m. for a reported fire in the back stairs. When crews arrived, they found a heavy fire coming from the back of the multifamily home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire damaged the back stairwell, so fire crews were unable to access the second floor. Crews confirmed that the residents had safely escaped from the home. The high winds on Tuesday helped to spread the fire to all three floors of the building; however, crews were able to protect the neighboring buildings. One firefighter suffered a minor injury. The fire departments of Westfield, Chicopee, and Westover assisted in putting out the fire, and firefighters were supported by Holyoke Gas & Electric, Holyoke DPW, the Department of Fire Services, and Cataldo Ambulance. Holyoke Water Works announced on social media that the fire caused a city-wide water quality disturbance. Investigators are asking residents to share any information they have about the fire with the Arson Watch Reward Program at 1-800-682-9229. The Arson Watch Reward Program is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association and offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that solves, detects, or helps to prevent arson crimes. (Massachusetts Department of Fire Services) (WWLP-22News) (WWLP-22News) (WWLP-22News) They are seeking information from community members who may have observed people, vehicles, or activity in the alley behind Pine Street or on nearby streets between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. 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. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WWLP. Starbucks has agreed to sell a majority stake in its China retail operations to private equity firm Boyu Capital for $4bn. The companies will set up a joint venture in which Boyu will hold up to 60% of Starbucks retail business in the country. Starbucks will retain a 40% stake and will continue to own and license the brand and intellectual property to the new venture. Starbucks estimates the overall valuation of its China retail business will surpass $13bn. This figure includes the proceeds from selling a controlling stake to Boyu and the value of Starbucks remaining interest in the joint venture. Boyu Capital partner Alex Wong stated: Starbucks has built an iconic brand and a deep connection with Chinese consumers over the past 26 years. This partnership reflects our shared belief in the enduring strength of that brand and the opportunity to bring even greater innovation and local relevance to customers across China. Together, we aim to combine Starbucks global coffee leadership with Boyus deep market insights and expertise to accelerate growth and create exceptional experiences for millions of customers. The JV will remain headquartered in Shanghai and will own and operate Starbucks 8,000 coffeehouses in China. The partners have a shared objective of expanding the footprint to 20,000 sites. Starbucks Coffee Company chairman and CEO Brian Niccol stated: Boyus deep local knowledge and expertise will help accelerate our growth in China, especially as we expand into smaller cities and new regions. Weve found a partner who shares our commitment to a great partner experience and world class customer service. Together we will write the next chapter of Starbucks storied history in China. The coffee chain will retain ownership and operation of non-retail assets, including the Kunshan Coffee Innovation Park and the Yunnan Farmer Support Center. The deal follows a competitive process in which Boyu was one of five shortlisted suitors in September 2025. The joint venture is expected to complete once regulatory approvals are secured, with finalisation targeted for the second quarter of Starbucks fiscal 2026. "Starbucks to cede control of China retail arm to Boyu in $4bn deal" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. EAST WINDSOR - A Coventry man charged with cheating travelers in Portland and East Lyme through an unlicensed cab service now faces similar charges in East Windsor. Mitchell Thomas Kloter, 26, was arrested last week in East Windsor and charged with fifth-degree larceny and illegal operation of a livery service. Angry customers of Kloter's business, Eastern Transportation & Rentals, have complained to the Better Business Bureau, state agencies and several police departments that he took advance payments for rides that were late or never arrived, leaving customers scrambling to reach their destinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An East Windsor resident told police that she paid Kloter $575 for round-trip service from her home to JFK International Airport. On the date of departure, May 14, Kloter arrived two hours late, causing the customer "significant inconvenience," according to the warrant for his arrest. On May 22, the woman confirmed her arrival back at JFK with Kloter, but he was in Rhode Island and told her he would not be able to pick her up, advising her to call a cab, police said. She ended up paying $375 to another livery service for the ride back to East Windsor, the warrant says. Kloter offered a full refund and courtesy transport on her next trip, the warrant says, but she did not receive any refund and police could not reach Kloter. In East Lyme, Kloter faces charges of fifth-degree telephone fraud and illegal operation of a livery service. In Portland, he faces a fifth-degree larceny charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Portland woman complained in July that she paid Kloter $625 for round-trip transportation between her home and a New York airport, but canceled the service. Based on the invoice she received from Kloter - which said rides canceled within 72 hours of pick-up time would be fully refunded within 24 hours of cancellation - the woman said she was due a refund, but had not received one. Kloter told her he would pay her, but kept making excuses and stringing her along, the warrant says. The woman said she called police after online research showed numerous other customers with similar complaints about Kloter and his business, police said. Police said they contacted Kloter and he told them he intended to refund the woman's money, but claimed to be having issues with Venmo and "provided various other excuses." Days after the Portland woman filed her complaint, East Lyme police launched an investigation after receiving a fraudulent activity complaint about Kloter in their town on July 26. A man and woman told police they saw Kloter's limo service advertised on Facebook in June and paid him $825 for a ride from New London to New York on July 8, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the morning they were supposed to be picked up, however, Kloter told them he did not have a driver available, the warrant says. He called back minutes later and said a driver was en route, but at 4:24 a.m., he told the couple that the driver was running late, police said. The complainants contacted the driver and he told them he wouldn't be able to pick them up until 5:15 a.m., the warrant says. The travelers couldn't wait that long, so they canceled the service and requested a refund. They told police Kloter never refunded the $825 and had been unresponsive since the incident, the arrest warrant says. It became evident, East Lyme police said, that Kloter had "repeatedly victimized individuals who sought rides through his advertised business," according to the warrant, which says he acted as a broker or manager, securing customers and subcontracting drivers to complete rides, but often failed to uphold his agreements. "Due to the repetitiveness of the lack of fulfilled business arrangements," the warrant says East Lyme police believed Kloter's actions were criminal in nature and constituted "a scam or ruse." East Lyme police said Kloter's DMV records showed he had a valid Connecticut driver's license but lacked a livery endorsement required for providing limousine or ride services. This article originally published at CT man accused of scamming customers through illegal livery service now charged in East Windsor. Connecticut voters will head to the polls Tuesday in sometimes-contentious local municipal races that are often decided on small-town issues in relatively low turnout contests. State officials are expecting turnout in the range of the recent municipal average of about 33%, compared to the average presidential year turnout of 78% when voters are highly engaged regarding the future direction of the country. But officials noted that the local races are also important for everything from making zoning decisions to setting the tax rate in every town. Presidents do not fix our street lights, said Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, the states chief elections official. They dont decide how many teachers are in our childs classrooms, or whether our neighborhoods get a sidewalk. Voting in local elections is how we shape those communities. It is our chance to have a say about our property taxes, police, parks, fire, everything in between. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, If you care about your town, [Tuesday] is the time to come out and show it at the polls. Voters will cast ballots in 168 of the states 169 municipalities from Greenwich to Stonington to Salisbury. The lone exception is the small town of Union, where voters already cast their local ballots in May. Union, which touches the Massachusetts border in Tolland County, is Connecticuts smallest town with only about 800 residents. Voters will decide contests for mayor, first selectman, school board, zoning appeals board, and other local offices. Democrats and Republicans disagree on whether the ongoing federal government shutdown and continuing policy clashes in Washington, D.C. will influence those races. Although President Donald J. Trump remains the single most dominant political figure in the United States, state Republican chairman Ben Proto says he does not think that Trump will be a key factor in the Connecticut races that are often based on local disputes and small-town infighting. But Democratic state chairman Roberto Alves sees it differently, saying that many Democrats are energized due to their distaste for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas said she has heard both sides about the national divide on politics, adding that she is not sure how national issues and the ongoing shutdown of the federal government, which will be in its 35th day on Election Day, will impact the voter turnout. I dont have a sense, Thomas told reporters. Its hard to know, so well see at the end of the day on Tuesday. While Connecticut is widely known as a blue state, it is not that way on the municipal level. Of the states 169 municipalities, Republicans control the mayor or first selectmans office in 92 towns, officials said. Democrats control 73 towns, while unaffiliated voters hold the remainder. Since Democratic mayors run the largest cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford, the party controls municipalities with a combined population of 2.15 million, while Republicans oversee communities covering 1.48 million residents, according to calculations by the state Democratic Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every two years, the pendulum swings back and forth in some places. In Westport, traditionally known as a Democratic stronghold where Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump in 2020 by a 3-1 margin, Republican Jennifer Tooker has served as first selectwoman since 2021 when she defeated Democrat Jonathan Steinberg. She briefly ran for governor before recently dropping out of the race. By comparison, Democrats hold all the constitutional offices statewide like attorney general and treasurer, along with all five seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and both U.S. Senate seats. For the past 15 years, Democrats have controlled the governors office, covering the tenures of Dannel P. Malloy and Ned Lamont. Early voting Voters have shown enthusiasm as more than 212,000 people have already voted before Election Day. Of those, 192,000 were early voters, while the remainder were absentee ballots and same-day registration voters. By comparison, 882,000 had cast early ballots in the 2024 presidential race about four times higher. The town with the most early votes was Stratford, where there is a contentious race for mayor. Two-term Republican incumbent Laura Hoydick, who is a former state legislator, is battling against Democrat David Chess, who has gained momentum through endorsements by both the police and fire department unions. More than 5,300 voters cast early ballots in Stratford, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides Stratford, the rest of the Top 10 turnout towns included Milford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Trumbull, Fairfield, Hamden, West Hartford, Stamford, and Bristol, according to the latest numbers from the Secretary of the States office. While early voting is still relatively new to some residents, elections officials have already gotten practice because early voting was allowed during the presidential preference primaries in April 2024 and that years August primaries that included numerous local races and a statewide Republican primary for U.S. Senate. At a news conference Monday in Hartford, Thomas unveiled one of the 2,500 new tabulating machines that were purchased to replace the states previously outdated equipment. The state spent $20 million, including software, shipping, and various ancillary costs, for the new equipment. That includes 2,402 standard machines at about $6,000 each, according to the states contract. The state also purchased 51 more advanced machines, known as DS450s, for about $64,000 each. The fastest and most advanced counting machines cost $133,000 each, and 20 of those machines will be used in high-volume, high-turnout areas. Enfield to Old Lyme While each side is predicting victory Tuesday, Democrats and Republicans have different lists of the most important towns that they are watching across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats say they are expecting to hold seats for mayor in Danbury, Stamford, and Newington, as well as first selectman in Litchfield and Colchester. They also expect to hold the town council majorities in Wethersfield and Coventry, among others. Democrats are also hoping to flip the majority in Enfield, where Republicans control the town council by 6-3. In a town that was once run by conservative Democrats, Republicans currently hold the majorities on both the council and the school board in Enfield. In an unusual twist, two state legislators are running for the town council. State Rep. Carol Hall still has another year remaining on her term in the legislature in Hartford and would serve simultaneously on the town council if elected. At the same time, state Rep. John Santanella is seeking reelection to the Enfield council, where he currently serves as the Democratic minority leader. On the Republican side, Proto said the party is expecting to do well in Torrington, Wallingford, Brookfield, East Haven, Fairfield, Old Lyme, East Lyme, East Hartford, and Danbury, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both sides are battling in the small town of East Granby, where two-term Republican first selectwoman Eden Wimpfheimer is defending her seat against Democratic newcomer Jason Hayes. Wimpfheimer won her last race in 2023 with 53% of the vote, but Hayes has run an aggressive campaign by knocking on nearly every door in town. In Old Lyme, Republican challenger John H. Mesham is facing a rematch against the incumbent first selectman Martha H. Shoemaker, a retired teachers union president who won their race two years ago as Democrats took control of the board. In Simsbury, there is a three-way race among candidates who are well known at the local level. First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis is running for reelection against Republican Heather Goetz, who currently serves on the board of selectmen. They are both facing independent Eric Wellman, the former first selectman for four years who lost against Democrat Melissa Osborne for a state legislative seat that was vacated by longtime Rep. John Hampton. Alves is not only seeking to flip some seats across the state, but he is also running for reelection in Danbury, where he is the first Democratic mayor in 22 years. He has outraised his opponent, Republican city council member Emile Buzaid, by a margin of nearly 6 to 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Bristol, Republican Mayor Jeff Caggiano is facing former Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu in a closely watched rematch of their 2021 race in a community where the two major political parties have gone back and forth in holding the mayors office. In New Britain, there is an open seat for mayor for the first time in more than a decade as six-term mayor Erin Stewart is not seeking reelection. Instead, Stewart is running for governor in a potential Republican primary against state Sen. Ryan Fazio of Greenwich. The winner would then run against the winner of a Democratic primary between Gov. Ned Lamont and state Rep. Josh Elliott of Hamden. State Rep. Bobby Sanchez, who has served for 16 years as a lawmaker in Hartford, is facing Republican city council member Sharon Beloin-Saavedra in the battle to replace Stewart. Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com. (WHTM) Some of the hottest contested races in the Midstate are expected to be over school board seats. The West Shore School District, which includes parts of Cumberland and York counties, has been embroiled in culture-war controversies. Five conservatives made up the school boards majority, and they spearheaded changing the districts politics on library books, bathrooms and transgender athletes and solicited input from a conservative legal group before firing the districts solicitor. Some of the moves resulted in legal action against the board. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter But the boards conservative agenda is up for discussion Tuesday as voters head to the polls. Incumbent Chair Kelly Brent, a Republican, faces Democrat Teri Mickle. While the nine-member board actually had seven Republican members at the start of October, two Republicans often sided with Democrats on issues. That margin narrowed late October when board member Heidi Thomas suddenly resigned, effectively leaving a 4-4 ideological split on the board. The board will decide after the election on a replacement for Thomas. Whether or not Brent wins re-election could dramatically sway the future makeup of the board and what policies look like in Pennsylvanias fifth-largest school district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump weighs in on Pennsylvanias Supreme Court retention races Nearby, four school board seats are on the ballot in the Cumberland Valley School District. Its board was the focus of national attention last year after canceling an anti-bullying speech by actor Maulik Pancholy, with one member citing concerns over his activism and lifestyle. The 30 Rock star did eventually accept an invitation to appear at Mountain View Middle School after the board reversed its move. 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 ABC27. A custodian at a Upper East Side church was slashed by a man whod been banned from the Catholic facility but still tried to use its restroom. Frank Fernandez tried to enter Saint Catherine of Siena Church at East 68th St. and First Ave. to use the bathroom on Saturday 15 minutes before the churchs closing when he was turned away because of previous problems in which he was involved at the church, police sources and court documents noted. Fernandez was already banned from the church, court documents showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Fernandez refused to leave, pulling a boxcutter and slashing the 63-year-old custodian in the left arm. Cops took Fernandez into custody, charging him with burglary and assault. At his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, prosecutors requested Fernandez be held on bail, but Judge Ariel Chester instead issued an order of protection for the victim. Fernandez was later placed on supervised released. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Impacts to SNAP funding havent just been felt in the grocery store. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that SNAP benefits wouldnt be issued on Nov. 1. However, officials with President Donald Trumps administration told a federal judge Monday they would provide partial SNAP benefits for the month of November. Despite the partial funding, benefits could still be delayed by weeks. Especially large need for volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonprofits, businesses and neighbors across the mid-state have stepped up to help provide food assistance to the roughly one in 10 Tennesseans who rely on SNAP each month. Aside from food costs, though, Nashville Electric Service has also stepped up to help customers who may need extra time to pay their bills. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Nashville Electric Service is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable power to customers throughout its service area. Along with that commitment comes the responsibility of assisting customers in need. We understand that customers can fall on hard times that may prevent them from paying their bill on time, NES statement reads. With the federal shutdown impacting SNAP benefits, NES customers can have their bill payment extended for 30 days. Customers can call 615-736-6900 to speak to an NES adviser about payment options. 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 WKRN News 2. Regina Qussauyaq Therchik, manager of workforce and shareholder development at Calista Corporation, shows information on a laptop on Oct. 29, 2025, to Stephanie and Carl Anaver of Kipnuk. Therchik was among the Calista representatives participating in a workshop at the William A. Egan Center in Anchorage that connected evacuated Yukon-Kuskokwim residents with temporary employment and job-training opportunities. The Anavers have been staying in Wasilla with a relative since being evacuated from their home region. The Egan Center has been serving as a temporary shelter and assistance hub for the hundreds of Yukon-Kuskokwim residents flown to Anchorage after their villages were devasted by the remants of Typhoon Halong. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) For wage-earning Alaskans who were displaced by the remnants of Typhoon Halong, a powerful storm that lashed the western coast of the state earlier this month, qualifying for one special type of federal assistance could be a cinch. The U.S. Department of Labors Disaster Unemployment Assistance program provides financial benefits to people who cannot perform their normal jobs because of disaster interference. One qualification for the benefits $153 to $370 per week for up to 27 weeks, according to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development is an inability to reach normal worksites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the hundreds of Yukon-Kuskokwim region residents who were evacuated by military flights to Anchorage, nearly 500 miles to the east of their home villages, those that held wage-earning jobs in their home villages easily meet that requirement. Beyond that weekly benefit, many evacuees will need to earn income over what might be a prolonged period away from home. To meet that need, companies and government agencies are seeking to place evacuees in temporary jobs and training programs. At the forefront of those efforts is Calista Corporation, the Alaska Native corporation for the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. It has a series of programs underway to help displaced residents find work and training. Cleanup and recovery work is a logical opportunity for people from storm-damaged villages, said Thom Leonard, Calistas vice president for corporate affairs. But there are some obstacles to starting those recovery jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the challenges is: When are they going to go, and where are they going to stay if they are able to go back to the villages? he said. Villages that lack power, water and other basic services might not yet be able to house the people who would do the cleanup and recovery work to make those villages habitable again, he said. Its kind of a chicken-and-egg situation, he said. Bradley Cupluaraq Lake, a workforoceo and shareholder development specialist with Calista Corporation, holds up a brochure on Oct. 29, 2025, with information about the program. Calista is the regional Native corporation based in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. Lake was one of the Calista representatives at the William A. Egan Center in Anchorage helping shareholders who have been evacuated to Anchorage from villages ravaged by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. Calista and other organizations are coordinating efforts to place evacuees in temporary employment or job-training programs. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) Calistas construction and environmental services subsidiary, Calista Brice, has been enlisted in the disaster response and is hiring people from affected villages, Leonard said. More generally, Calista and other partners held a career workshop on Wednesday for evacuees at the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, and more such events are planned. Through those events, Calistas workforce and shareholder team, which operates a year-round program, is connecting displaced residents with job-training opportunities. Calista has also offered temporary office space to tribal governments from Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, the coastal villages most heavily hit by the storm. The Kipnuk tribal government has taken Calista up on that offer, Leonard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the individuals getting help from Calista at the Egan Center on Tuesday were Carl and Stephanie Anaver of Kipnuk. Stephanie inquired about the possibility of working as a home health care aide for her aged sister, and Carl was seeking a building maintenance job similar to the work he was doing at the Kipnuk Clinic. Regina Therachik, manager of Calistas workforce shareholder development program, counseled them in Yupik. Anchorage was not their first choice for a relocation spot, Stephanie Anaver said. I wanted to stay in Bethel. But since Bethel was full, they brought us here, she said in a brief interview. Rather than staying in Anchorage, the couple has made a temporary home in Wasilla with a family member, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The time in Southcentral Alaska is shaping up to be a period of limbo for the couple. Exactly when the couple will return to Kipnuk, or even if that is possible, is unknown, Stephanie said. If they relocate Kipunk to higher ground, yeah, Ill go back to Kipnuk, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEED TO KNOW McKrae Game first entered the national spotlight in 2019 when, as a former practitioner of "conversion therapy," he revealed he is gay Now he's opening up to PEOPLE about that turning point and his life since We're not promised tomorrow, he says McKrae Game still remembers the moment, in late 2019, when his phone started "blowing up" from media requests and social media messages thanks, in part, to Andy Cohen. The Bravo host had just posted an article on X about Game, a former "conversion therapy" practitioner, coming out as gay himself and apologizing for his past work with the controversial practice, which the American Psychological Association has said is not evidence-based. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Game, 57, expected some amount of notice when he went public, but not like this. My best friend was like, Do you know what's going on online? he tells PEOPLE. I looked and I'm like, Oh my God. " The interest spun up into a whirlwind of national attention and even an appearance on the Tamron Hall show for the Spartanburg, S.C., native. I was doing interviews nonstop from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day for weeks, he says. In time, the spotlight faded again, and Game's life continued on. Now, some six years later, the father of two is looking back at that turning point and opening up about what came next, including finding new love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We're not promised tomorrow, he says. Courtesy of McKrae Game From left: McKrae Game and his partner, Jimmy Palmer From left: McKrae Game and his partner, Jimmy Palmer In 1999, Game who had gone through so-called conversion therapy himself started his own practice called Truth Ministry, which was rebranded Hope for Wholeness in 2013 and ultimately disbanded in 2020, three years after Game left the organization. "I was fired in November of 2017, he says. I took a year and a half to decide what I was going to do with my life and did not publicly talk about my decision until I came out. Game says he initially began posting cryptically on Facebook about the need to accept oneself. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I was never anti-gay, but I was never pro-gay and now I was talking for pro-gay [people]," he says, "and I was starting to get questions from people online." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He caught the eye of a Post and Courier reporter who asked if he would be interested in doing an interview. At first, Game declined, saying that he wasnt ready. The reporter politely persisted. Courtesy of McKrae Game McKrae Game McKrae Game He said, If you don't mind, I'm going to keep watching and waiting, and when I feel like you're a little more ready, I'm going to call you again, if that's all okay? Game says. And then he called me again, a little later, after I had come out, and asked me to do an interview. And he came up here with cameramen and spent an entire day with me. It was a full-circle moment for Game, who says he was openly gay from the ages of 19 to 22 before embracing therapies that attest to be able to change people's sexuality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says family pressure was a factor during that time: His mom "never gave me any peace," and his family didnt accept him. Ultimately, he walked away from being gay, started going to church and said publicly that conversion therapy was the answer. He married a woman, Julie, and they had a daughter and a son, Caroline and Seth. His sexual orientation or rather, what he describes as his challenge with it wasnt really a secret, however, he says. Courtesy of McKrae Game McKrae Game (right) with his wife, Julie (second from left) and their daughter and son. McKrae Game (right) with his wife, Julie (second from left) and their daughter and son. I was extremely transparent about my struggle," he says. "I would talk about it with my clients. I had accountability partners. My wife knew I was not engaging in any inappropriate behavior with anyone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all took a toll. I had four nervous breakdowns during that time, one so bad I couldn't get out of bed for weeks, he says. I never attributed it to denying my sexuality or my personality, but that's what it was because as soon as I accepted myself, that all went away. Game says he also felt growing frustration with church's views on gay people and sinners. I never really felt accepted by the church," he says. "I was always an outsider. In the years since he first made headlines, Game has spoken in multiple states to officials and legislators about banning the sorts of therapies he once extolled, and he has apologized to several past clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have spoken to them and basically asked for their forgiveness for leading them down the wrong path," he says. When you're brainwashed, you don't realize you're brainwashed. And that is simply who I was at the time, he says. I have done everything I could and continue to do everything I can to advocate for, not just the gay community but those that don't have a voice that kid with same-sex attractions that doesn't know what's going on in his life." Courtesy of McKrae Game From left: McKrae Game and his partner, Jimmy Palmer From left: McKrae Game and his partner, Jimmy Palmer He's in love, too. Game, who is legally separated from wife Julie, has been together with his 29-year-old partner, Jimmy Palmer, for over three years after they met on a dating app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From spring to fall, he works as a landscaper and wedding venue manager in South Carolina; and is a professional ski patroller in Vermont during the other half of the year. Though South Carolina has no conversion therapy ban, more than 20 states across the U.S. have outlawed the practice for minors, according to The New York Times. It remains the subject of debate: In October, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could strike down those bans, with supporters of the therapies saying they should have the freedom of expression to pursue treatments that align with their beliefs. Game tells PEOPLE that he has deep concerns about what the future has in store for LGBTQ+ Americans, but he is not going to let anything stop him. People want us to be silenced and marginalized," he says. "I'm not allowing that to curtail my life. Read the original article on People A Dallas family fighting to save their home of nearly 30 years has secured a temporary reprieve after posting a $10,000 bond to delay eviction proceedings until June 2026. The Mendoza family alleges their Southeast Dallas home was sold through deed fraud committed by Martin Mendoza Jr., the fathers son from a previous relationship. The case highlights the increasing number of property fraud cases in Texas, where homeowners can lose properties through forged signatures and fraudulent deed transfers. For the Mendozas, the financial and emotional toll continues as they fight to reclaim their home. According to Dallas County court filings, the property title transferred to Martin Mendoza Jr. in December 2024, then to Duke Real Estate & Asset Management, and later to Konikoff Connection LLC in May. The family discovered the alleged fraud that same month and has lived in fear of eviction since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre accusing [my father] of signing this paperwork, said Cristo Mendoza, the familys adult son leading the legal fight, according to the Dallas Observer. Hes calling [the courts] stupid. How is he going to give his house away for nothing? A house where he lives, where he has all his stuff, it just doesnt make sense. The Mendozas filed criminal charges against Junior with the county sheriffs office in September. Their lawyer secured a temporary injunction in October, but the victory came at a steep pricethe required $10,000 bond on top of mounting legal fees. My dad feels like hes being accused of this, and now my dad has to prove that he didnt sign this paperwork, Cristo explained. Its costing him time and money. The temporary injunction marked a turning point for the familys approach to the case. [My father] used to say, I just want the house back. Thats it. They can keep their money,' Cristo said. But now hes saying he wants to take them for everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin Mendoza Jr. remains elusive despite attempts to serve him legal papers. His mother in Fort Worth told the family he recently appeared at her door seeking to use her address for his parole officer, though he reportedly lives in Irving. Josh Duke, owner of Duke Realty & Asset Management, maintains his companys innocence in the matter. He claims to flip approximately 100 properties annually, typically owning them for only days before transferring deeds to third parties. All of us are going to potentially pay the consequences for this one person who actually committed, allegedly, that fraud, Duke said. The courts will decide that, but if thats true, then I got scammed, and then the other buyer that I sold it to also got scammed. One of us is going to pay the consequence of that. A witness for Konikoff Connection testified at the recent hearing that the company planned to renovate the house for rental at $1,500 monthly. The Mendozas view this as adding insult to injury as they fight for their family home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The financial strain has taken its toll on Martin Mendoza Sr., according to his son. With the amount of money he had to pull from his bank account, he has not been himself, Cristo said. He is angry. The family now faces an eight-month wait until their next court date, uncertain whether eviction could resume before then. Their case underscores the vulnerability of homeowners to deed fraud and the costly, lengthy process of reclaiming property through the courts. Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department have released dashcam and body-worn video of a fatal collision between officers and a 30-year-old man in Highland Park that occurred earlier this year. The Sept. 19 incident happened at around 7:17 p.m. as officers were responding with lights and sirens to a police perimeter on Figueroa Street and Piemont Avenue for a parolee at large, a spokesperson for LAPD said at the time. Authorities said the officer behind the wheel of the police cruiser was moving into the center median to navigate through traffic when he fatally struck Gerardo Jerry Estrada, who was riding a skateboard in the median. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers immediately pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and requested a rescue ambulance. Moments later, the officers located Estrada wedged beneath a parked vehicle nearby, LAPD Capt. Mike Bland says in the departments critical incident briefing. The officers removed Estrada from underneath the vehicle and began to render aid until paramedics arrived. Medical personnel with the L.A. Fire Department arrived a short time later and declared Estrada deceased at the scene. Although authorities have not confirmed the speed the officer was driving, they claimed the officers werent driving excessively fast. Gerardo Jerry Estrada, 30, moments before being fatally struck by an LAPD cruiser in Highland Park on Sept. 19, 2025. (LAPD) L.A. police on the scene of a deadly LAPD-involved collision in Highland Park on Sept. 19, 2025. (LAPD) A pedestrian was killed in a crash involving a Los Angeles Police Department vehicle in Highland Park on Sept. 19, 2025. (KTLA) LAPD cruiser involved in a fatal collision with a skateboarder in Highland Park on Sept. 19, 2025. (LAPD) LAPD cruiser involved in a fatal collision with a skateboarder in Highland Park on Sept. 19, 2025. (LAPD) Gerardo Jerry Estrada, 30, was riding his skateboard near Sycamore Grove Park when he was struck by an LAPD SUV on Sept. 20, 2025. (KTLA) A vigil was held near Sycamore Grove Park in Highland Park to honor Gerardo Jerry Estrada on Sept. 20, 2025. (KTLA) However, witnesses who were attending a carnival at nearby Sycamore Grove Park said the impact was so loud, they initially thought two cars had collided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are witnesses all around here, and theyve been talking, Jerry Perez, Estradas friend, told KTLA. They saw it happen, that a cop was going by fast and all of a sudden, they heard something being hit hard. Gunfire erupts in San Fernando Valley; multiple people injured At a vigil held in his honor the night after the fatal collision, Estradas mother, Rosa Cazares, said her son was heading home from work that night and lived just a few minutes away from where he was killed. She described him as a bright light and a free spirit. He was a wonderful kid, Cazares told KTLA. A wonderful brother and uncle, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 30-year-old worked as a host and bartender at a restaurant in the Arts District. He had a degree from Santa Monica College and dreamed of a career in photography and film. He loved music, his mother said. His passion was taking pictures with a little bit of filming here and there. Authorities said the incident remains under active investigation by LAPDs Traffic Coordination Division, Multidisciplinary Investigation Team. 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 KTLA. Nearly one million snowbirds make their annual migration to Florida this time of year, but a hurricane moving in from the northeast is much more of a rarity in November. In fact, this 1935 hurricane, fittingly dubbed the Yankee hurricane, is the only tropical cyclone to ever hit Miami from the northeast in the month of November. This storm was born east of Bermuda where it then moved over warmer waters and became a hurricane as it tracked toward the Carolina coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But an area of high pressure over the mainland U.S. steered it sharply southward. (MORE: These Are The Strangest Hurricane Tracks We've Seen) On November 4, 1935, the hurricane began to curve westward once again causing it to rake through the Bahamas, killing 14, before making landfall in Miami Beach as a Category 2 hurricane. The city weathered severe wind gusts and up to three feet of storm surge as the storm moved inland. Thanks to better construction standards implemented after The Great Miami Hurricane of 1926 along with extensive warnings, only $5.5 million dollars of damage and 5 deaths were attributed to the storm in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though not going down in the record books for strength or damage, this Yankee hurricane still sits solo in the ranks of November hurricanes taking a northeasterly approach into Miami. Caitlin Kaiser graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences before starting her career as a digital meteorologist with weather.com. This story was originally published on WardsAuto. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily WardsAuto newsletter. Dive Brief: Stellantis reported net revenue of 37.2 billion euros ($42.9 billion) in Q3, a year over year increase of 13%, in its earnings release on Thursday. Revenue was boosted by a jump in sales in key markets including the U.S. Consolidated vehicle shipments for the three months ending Sept. 30 were up 13% YoY, reaching 1.3 million vehicles. The U.S. saw the biggest increase in deliveries for Stellantis compared to other its global markets, with YoY consolidated shipments jumping by 35% in Q3, an increase of 104,000 units. Today, in quarter three, we celebrate a return to top line growth, both in shipments annual revenue after seven [consecutive] quarters of shipment and revenue declines, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said during the company's earnings call Thursday. Dive Insight: Stellantis U.S. vehicle sales rose 6% YoY in Q3 reaching 324,825 units, with sales of the Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator and Wagoneer showing solid gains. The automaker said its sales momentum was also boosted by initial deliveries of the new HEMI V8 powered Ram 1500 pickup. The automakers sales rebound in Q3 resulted in a YoY net revenue increase of 29% in the North America, to 1.6 billion euros ($1.8 billion). The automakers second largest sales growth in Q3 was in the Middle East and Africa region, with YoY sales up 21%. Stellantis cited positive market developments in Turkey and Egypt for the increase. Globally, Stellantis consolidated shipments in Q3 grew by 152,000 vehicles YoY. Stellantis also continues to grow its commercial business. The segment accounted for 30% of the automaker's revenues in Q3, Filosa said on its earning call. The third quarter revenue, shipment, performances, give an early conclusion that our actions are beginning to have a positive impact, Filosa said. The automaker is banking on the new Jeep Cherokee to further boost its U.S. market share because the mid-sized SUV segment accounts for 20% of the market, the companys CEO said on its earnings call. The new Jeep Cherokee will be offered with a new hybrid powertrain and is expected to reach dealer lots in late Q4 or early 2026, with full impact in Q1 2026, according to Stellantis. Earlier this month, Stellantis announced a strategic $13 billion U.S. investment over four years, which is aimed at driving future growth and expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint. With the investments, Stellantis aims to boost domestic vehicle production by 50% and add over 5,000 new jobs. Nov. 4 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1879, James and John Ritty of Dayton, Ohio, patented the first cash register, known as "Ritty's Incorruptible Cashier." In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the steps leading to the tomb of Tutankhamen, ancient Egypt's child-king. Unlike other burial places in the Valley of the Kings, King Tut's tomb was largely untouched by looters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming is elected the first female governor in the United States. In 1924, voters overwhelmingly re-elected Calvin Coolidge president of the United States over Charles Davis. On November 4, 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming is elected the first female governor in the United States. File Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress In 1952, Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected president, ending 20 years of Democratic administrations. UPI File Photo Tutankhamen's gold funerary mask is displayed inside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo on February 16, 2011. On November 4, 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the steps leading to the tomb of Tutankhamen, ancient Egypt's child-king. UPI File Photo In 1956, Soviet forces entered Budapest to crush an anti-communist revolt in Hungary. UPI correspondent Russell Jones described the conflict as "the murder of a people." In 1979, Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking about 90 people hostage, 63 of them Americans. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry holds his granddaughter Isabelle Dobbs Higginson while he signs the Paris Agreement on climate change at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York City on April 22, 2016. The pact went into effect November 4, 2016. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1980, Republican Ronald Reagan was elected the 40th president of the United States in a landslide victory over incumbent Jimmy Carter. In 1991, Imelda Marcos, former first lady of the Philippines, returned home, ending more than five years of exile in the United States. Rodney "Rocky" Sickman, one of 66 people taken hostage when Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, returned to Missouri on January 28, 1981, to a hero's welcome. UPI File Photo UPI File Photo In 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, 73, was assassinated by a Jewish extremist following a peace rally in Tel Aviv. President-elect Barack Obama walks on stage with his daughters Sasha and Malia and his wife Michelle (L to R) in Grant Park in Chicago during an election night celebration on November 4, 2008. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI In 2002, Roman Catholic Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston apologized for assigning priests who may have been sexually abusive to parishes where they continued to have access to children. In 2003, the elevation of a gay Episcopal priest to bishop prompted worldwide opposition, a Kenyan cleric said, "The devil has clearly entered our church." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2006, Katharine Jefferts Schori was installed as the first female presiding bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church. In 2008, Barack Obama, a Democratic U.S. senator from Illinois, was the first African American elected president of the United States, taking 338 electoral votes to 161 for Republican John McCain. In 2016, the Paris Agreement on climate change officially went into effect. One hundred and ninety-seven countries signed the accord promising to keep the global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels. In 2019, more than 450 Oklahoma inmates were released from prison as part of the nation's largest commutation of sentences. UPDATE: The Illinois Department of Corrections did not receive a writ issued to have Daylon Richardson in court in Henry County in time for a hearing to be held on Wednesday. The hearing has been reset to Dec. 19 in Henry County Court. EARLIER: A 28-year-old Granite City, Ill., man sentenced to life in prison without parole in August is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, Nov. 5, for the court to reconsider his sentence, according to Henry County Court records. Post-trial motions are set for Henry County Courthouse, Cambridge, Ill., court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records say that In September, a motion to reconsider Richardsons sentence was filed. Richardson was sentenced in August, 2025, for the 2022 death of Knox County Deputy Nicholas Weist. Deputy Nick Weist (Knox County Sheriffs Office) There is no mandatory supervised release for Count 1: Murder. Count 2 was also a murder charge and the two counts were merged. The judge sentenced Richardson to 10 years in prison for Count 3, felon in possession of a firearm. He was also charged on Count 4, which was aggravated fleeing, and will serve six years in prison for that. Counts 3 and 4 will be served concurrently, or at the same time. According to reports, Weist was setting up stop sticks on Highway 150 near Alpha, Illinois, to stop Richardson, who was being chased by police when he struck and killed the deputy. Deputy Nicholas Weist memorial (photo: Matt Holderman) Richardson was running from Galesburg Police when they tried to arrest him after a report that he had a gun at a gas station, according to police and court records. Suspect Daylon Richardson from Granite City appears earlier in Henry County Court. 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Potential jurors who were not selected to serve in the trial of a DC man accused of throwing a sub sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection officer expressed deep skepticism of the federal case. A group of eight dismissed jurors spoke to CNN Monday, questioning whether any jury in DC would convict the accused sandwich-thrower, Sean Dunn. Dunn has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge. A jury was selected in the trial Monday afternoon. How is that an assault? one DC woman asked of the sandwich throwing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres other stuff happening in this city, another woman said, adding she felt the government was wasting peoples time especially during a shutdown. A grand jury declined to hand up a more severe assault charge against Dunn over the summer, which carried a maximum sentence of nearly a decade in prison. Prosecutors then filed a complaint against Dunn that carries a far lower maximum sentence of 1 year. Didnt he already lose his job? a man dismissed from the jury pool said to CNN. Dunn, who worked at the Justice Department at the time of the alleged sandwich throwing, was quickly fired after the incident, which Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say Dunn, in early August, yelled offensive things at a group of officers before throwing the sandwich and running away. I dont know how a DC jury would convict, another potential juror who was not selected said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The British government has expanded its travel warnings to include eight additional countries because of growing reports of methanol poisoning linked to counterfeit or contaminated alcohol, according to FOX. The U.K.s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said travelers to Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda should be aware of the risk of serious illness or death from tainted alcoholic drinks. An Oct. 21 advisory from the FCDO said the warnings follow an increase in cases of serious illness and death caused by alcoholic drinks tainted with methanol in popular overseas travel destinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expanded list builds on existing guidance for countries including Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, the agency said. In 2024, FOX reported that a U.S. tourist died in Laos after a suspected case of alcohol poisoning. Earlier this year, Turkey issued a warning to the public to avoid illegal alcohol following the deaths of 103 people in Ankara and Istanbul, according to the New York Post. Seventy deaths occurred since Jan. 14, while Ankara reported 33 deaths since Jan. 1, officials said. Authorities reported that the fatalities are linked to counterfeit alcoholic beverages being sold as popular brand-name products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the fatalities, approximately 230 people across the two cities were hospitalized after consuming the tainted alcohol, with 40 patients listed in critical condition. In another FOX report, a woman lost her sight after consuming a contaminated cocktail, indicating that a single drink could prove deadly. Methanol an industrial solvent found in antifreeze and windshield washer fluid is lethal to humans even in small amounts, health authorities warn. Methanol is sometimes mixed into alcoholic beverages to reduce overhead costs. Because it has no color, smell or flavor, poisoning can go unnoticed until symptoms emerge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamish Falconer, the British minister for consular and crisis matters, said by the time travelers realize the danger, it can be too late. Thats why were working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention. I encourage all travelers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday, he said. According to the Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirts, Methanol, also called wood alcohol, is a poisonous type of alcohol. Just a small amount can be deadly. Its often found in antifreeze, solvents and some fake alcoholic drinks because its cheap and easy to get. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Counterfeiters sometimes try to remove impurities, but methanol is hard to get rid of. It is colorless and smells like normal alcohol, so you cant tell its dangerous. When ingested, methanol is turned in the body into chemicals that can damage the eyes, liver, kidneys, and brain, causing blindness, coma or death. Read the original article on silive.com. Thailand has entered a period of national mourning after Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, died on Oct. 24, 2025 at the age of 93. But despite the mourning period, Thai officials have said the country still remains open to visitors. Related: Egypt's $1 billion museum is finally open after two decades Her death marks an important moment for the country, but if youre planning to visit Thailand soon, heres what you need to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Landscape of two pagoda in Doi Inthanon Mountain at sunset in Chaingmai, ThailandShutterstock What travelers need to know about Thailand's mourning period Sometimes referred to as the Mother of the Nation, Queen Sirikit was known for her decades-long efforts to promote Thai culture, traditional crafts and rural development. She was also a champion for environmental protection, and has sometimes been dubbed the "Green Queen," for her efforts to set up wildlife breeding centers, open zoos and hatcheries to save endangered sea turtles, CNN reported. Her death marks the beginning of a national mourning period in Thailand, and national flags will be flown at half-mast for 30 days, while government officials and civil servants will wear black mourning attire for one year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I learned the news, my world stopped and I had flashes from the past of all the things that Her Majesty has done for us," 67-year-old Bangkok resident Maneenat Laowalert told Reuters. Related: These are the best and worst days to travel for the holidays According to Euro News, there is no official regulation on the publics attire, but the public is encouraged to wear black, white or subdued colors for 90 days after her death. The attire may be most prevalent in Bangkok and at major cultural or royal sites, where portraits of Queen Sirikit are displayed with flowers and candles. As for tourists, Thailand officials have said they are not expected to wear black throughout their trip, but encourage subdued colors to reflect the national mood. And those who wish to show their respect are encouraged to wear black ribbons pinned to their shirts and blouses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Otherwise, life and tourism will likely continue as normal. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, hotels, attractions, restaurants, and transport services are still operating as usual, and most festivals, concerts, and public events will still take place. Fireworks and parades for upcoming events such as New Years Eve may be scaled back, and may include moments of silence or candle-lighting ceremonies. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok will also be closed to visitors from Oct. 26 to Nov. 8 to accommodate royal ceremonies, and other closures may occur later in the mourning period especially closer to Queen Sirikits funeral next year. Visiting Thailand during their morning period If you're planning on visiting Thailand during the national mourning period, here are some general etiquette rules to follow: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wear black, white or other subdued colors to match the national mood and avoid revealing or flashy clothing when visiting temples, royal palaces or government buildings. If you don't have dark clothing, Thai officials encourage wearing a black ribbon to show respect. To show respect for the country's mourning period, avoid being loud or boisterous in public spaces and show respect when passing memorials or portraits of the late Queen. There are bound to be closures or altered schedules for tourism sites and festivals in Thailand, so check with the sites ahead of time to see if they will still be open. Also, keep track of changes for festivals and events that may be cancelled or scaled-back for the mourning period. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here. WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) One of the most notorious killers in Pennsylvania has died. The Montgomery County coroner says George Banks died Sunday at SCI Phoenix, where he was serving a life sentence. 28/22 News: Avery Nape met with Banks Lead Defense Attorney on Monday to recap the case that continues to haunt residents of NEPA to this day. The notorious mass killer George Banks is dead at 83 while serving a life sentence at the state correctional institution in Phoenix, PA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banks was convicted in 1983 for the 1982 murders of 13 people, including seven children, five were his own kids. He was a very intelligent man, but at the same time, when you sat there and you talked to him for 30 to 45 minutes, you would realize that he was crazy, Public Defender Al Flora told 28/22 News. Flora represented Banks for the entirety of his trial. He had only been working in the public defenders office for two years and practicing law for five before he was chosen for possibly the most difficult case hed ever seen. Fostering friendship through Carbon County Buddy Bench It was overwhelming; the case was extremely difficult. We were dealing with a defendant who at the time had committed the largest mass murder in the country, Flora explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flora says he received quite a bit of backlash as Bankss attorney, but for him, it was never a question of whether or not Banks committed those horrific acts. The whole thing boiled down to What was his state of mind at the time he committed this act?' Flora continued. That state of mind, Flora maintains, was one of delusion. He says Banks was convinced of an impending race war and that the police were responsible for killing some of his victims. Banks was initially given 12 death sentences and one life sentence for the murders, but the death sentences were later removed as he was deemed mentally incompetent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody expected it. Everybody thought it was going to be an easy walk-through case, Flora said. For Flora, the news of Banks death in prison did not come as a surprise. He says he always knew, even when Banks was facing the death penalty, that he would one day die in prison. The Montgomery County coroner says Banks died as a result of complications relating to kidney cancer. His death was ruled natural. 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 28/22 News. When it comes to retirement, there are some longstanding rules of thumb many people rely on. Unfortunately, finance expert Suze Orman has a warning about one of those rules. Orman has urged people to stop following the 4% rule, saying I would not be using the 4% figure on any level. So, what is the ... Suze Orman explains why people have to stop using this old retirement rule as a crutch A Democrat has invoked the first lady to torch President Donald Trumps assertion that ICE raids are not going far enough. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who represents a portion of Los Angeles devastated by raids this year, expressed shock that Trump, 79, still wants ICE to turn things up a notch. Gomez posted Monday: Havent gone far enough?? Any further, and ICE will be deporting Melania... Donald Trump and his future wife, then known as Melania Knauss, pose together in 1999three years after the Slovenia-born model moved to Manhattan. / Rose Hartman / Getty Images First Lady Melania Trump, 55, was born in Slovenia. She moved to the United States in 1996. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melania became a U.S. citizen in 2006, a year after marrying Trump. As such, she cannot be deportedthough her husband has flirted with the idea of flying American citizens to hellhole prisons abroad, like in El Salvador. President Donald Trump has suggested that homegrown Americans may need to be placed in El Salvador prisons, which are among the most notorious in the world. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem used prisoners in the Central American country as part of a photo op earlier this year. / Pool / Getty Images The White House did not respond to a request for comment about Gomezs post. Gomez was quote-tweeting a segment from Trumps heavily edited interview on 60 Minutes on Sunday. CBS host Norah ODonnell said then, Americans have been watching videos of ICE tackling a young mother, tear gas being used in a Chicago residential neighborhood, and the smashing of car windows. Have some of these raids gone too far? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump answered without hesitation: I think they havent gone far enough because weve been held back by the judges, by the liberal judges that were put in by [former presidents Joe] Biden and by [Barack] Obama. ICE and border patrol agents have been deployed within U.S. cities with masks concealing their faces and rifles in hand. / Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images The president continued by saying he was OK with the violent tacticslike bursting through doors, teargassing protesters, smashing car windows, and raiding apartment buildings in the dead of nightbeing used by federal agents. You have to get the people out, he said. You know, you have to look at the people. Many of them are murderers. Many of them are people that were thrown out of their countries because they were, you know, criminals. Federal agents detained a man seeking asylum from Colombia as he attended a hearing in immigration court last week. Despite the presidents claim otherwise, the Trump administration is arresting tens of thousands of migrantsmany with families in the U.S.who have no criminal record. / Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images The overwhelming majority of those swooped up by ICE in recent months are migrants who have not committed a crime in their home country or in the United States. One of his top advisers, Stephen Miller, even ordered that ICE send its agents specifically to Home Depot locations in search of day laborers trying to provide for their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ODonnell pushed back against Trumps claim that ICE is only targeting the worst of the worsta somewhat rare fact check in the interview, which has been criticized as being too soft on the president and as being edited to exclude some of his bizarre comments. President Donald Trump showed off a list of conflicts he has resolved during his interview on Sunday. / CBS/60 Minutes A lot of the people that your administration has arrested and deported arent violent criminals, she pointed out. [They are] landscapers, nannies, construction workers, the families of service members. She continued, Is it your intent to deport people who do not have a criminal record? Trump answered, We have to start off with a policy, and the policy has to be, you came into the country illegally, youre going to go out. However, youve also seenyoure going to go out. Were going to work with you, and youre going to come back into our country legally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Trumps claim, there have been no publicized instances of the Trump administration working with deportees to return them to the United States. Instead, the administration has imprisoned migrants like Kasper Eriksen, a Denmark-born father of four whose wife and children are American. Eriksen lives in Mississippi, publicly praised Trump on social media, and worked legally as a welder while pursuing naturalization, with agents taking him into custody as he showed up to his citizenship interview. He has been held in a rural Louisiana prison since April. Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and community advocates gathered Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at the Statehouse to oppose plans for mid-decade redistricting. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and multiple community advocates gathered Monday inside the Statehouse rotunda to oppose Republican efforts to redraw Indianas congressional maps before the next census. The rally came the same morning that GOP legislative leaders announced they wont take up redistricting until December, postponing any action until weeks after Gov. Mike Braun called the General Assembly to reconvene Monday, Nov. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said the delay makes the most sense logistically and financially, given that state lawmakers will technically meet during the regular legislative calendar. Inside the Statehouse, speakers called the proposed mid-decade redistricting unethical and morally corrupt, warning it could weaken representation for Black, Latino and urban communities. The two districts being targeted cover much of Indianapolis and northwest Indiana and currently have Democratic representation. The maps that shape our district also shape our futures, said Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, who chairs the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. Redistricting isnt just a technical process its a moral one. It determines resources in our communities and how voices are heard and how voices are counted. This is not the will of the people The two-hour event, dubbed Democracy Doesnt Get Redrawn, featured Hoosier faith leaders, civil-rights groups and advocates from across the state, including the NAACP, Common Cause Indiana, the African American Coalition of Indianapolis and Indivisible Northwest Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several speakers tied the renewed redistricting push to national GOP efforts led by President Donald Trump. Did any of you call for this, as citizens of Indiana? No. Did any of us as leaders call for this? No. This call came from outside the house outside the state, said Willis Bright, chair of the African American Coalition of Indianapolis. The idea for doing this has come from people who are eliminating means for health care for all of our people around the state of Indiana, he continued. Its from people who are eliminating means for quality and equitable education for children. It is for people who have weaponized politicized independent organizations to go after people who dont like what they stand for. Advocates from across the state joined the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus for a rally on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in the Statehouse rotunda to oppose plans for mid-decade redistricting. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Karla Lopez Owens, a Latino community advocate and attorney, noted that district lines are historically redrawn on a 10-year cycle, after every census. The current congressional maps were finalized in October 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were seeing right now is unprecedented. This is not the will of the people. We live in a democracy, not a dictatorship, she said. Those procedural safeguards are meant to give the public a chance to provide feedback, and these procedures are meant to be followed. Faith leaders framed the issue as a spiritual one, too. When lines are drawn to lock some people out, injustice sneaks in, said Rev. David Greene, president of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis. When communities are split to weaken their power, democracy begins to crumble. Megan Robertson, executive director of Indiana Conservation Voters, said redistricting under federal political pressure betrays Hoosier values: Weve got folks in Washington, D.C., who are terrified of losing power and willing to cheat to win. Thats not how we do things in Indiana. Calls to take action Julia Vaughn, executive director of Common Cause Indiana, urged Hoosiers to keep contacting lawmakers, saying multiple polls have shown opposition to mid-decade mapmaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These districts belong to us not the Republican National Committee, Vaughn said. Mid-cycle redistricting is not OK for Indiana. She further warned about the dangers of political interference in the states redistricting process and stressed that the core values of American democracy have never been under more stress. For the past 20 years, weve had a supermajority drawing districts here in Indiana. It should be of no surprise to anyone that many of us feel under represented in our state, Vaughn added. We dont need new maps. We need fair maps. Lets stand united and stop this. U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, whose district includes much of heavily Democratic Indianapolis, speaks against proposed redistricting via a prepared video during a rally held Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at the Indiana Statehouse. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Democrat U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, whose Indianapolis district is the only majority-minority district in the state and one Republicans are seeking to flip, appeared via video message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im in D.C. working for you, but Trump and his allies want to tip the scale so Congress represents their interests, not ours, he said in a prepared statement. They want to erase Black, Latino and Asian voices, but weve fought for our rights before and today, that fight continues. Braun officially called lawmakers back for a special session last week to consider redistricting after national Republicans urged GOP-controlled states to redraw congressional boundaries before 2026. The Senate announced Monday that it will complete its legislative business by Dec. 12. The General Assembly will then reconvene again on Jan. 5 to resume the annual session. But Harris said that when legislators reconvene later this month, it should be to tackle issues such as child care, housing and food security not to redraw political lines. Hoosiers deserve maps that reflect who we are, he said, not political manipulation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 4, 2025) - Steppe Gold Ltd. (TSX: STGO) (OTCQX: STPGF) (FSE: 2J9) ("Steppe Gold" or the "Company") today announced the publication of its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") Report, marking the Company's expanded operational scope and commitment to sustainability disclosure. This report is Steppe Gold's third annual sustainability publication and first integrated report following the acquisition of Boroo Gold LLC in 2024. In aligning with both Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) frameworks, the Company provides stakeholders with a detailed overview of performance across core ESG factors: health and safety, environmental stewardship, community relations, and ethical business practices. The full report is available on Steppe Gold's website at https://steppegold.com/sustainability/. Steppe Gold's Chairman and CEO, Bataa Tumur-Ochir, noted, "The last year was marked by the successful acquisition and integration of Mongolia's leading gold producer, Boroo Gold, advancing our transformation into a mid-tier, multi-asset gold producer. This has brought us strong operating and technical expertise, creating the opportunity to improve best practices across the operational sites, further strengthening our commitment to health and safety as top priorities. Since 2022, we have implemented Ugai Soyol, a three-year multi-media project that reflects our dedication to cultural preservation by supporting the Buryat community of Tsagaan-Ovoo Soum, home to the ATO Mine. Moving forward, our operating teams will uphold transparency, environmental stewardship, and strong community partnership to create lasting value for all stakeholders." Steppe Gold Ltd. Steppe Gold is Mongolia's premier precious metals company. For further information, please contact: Bataa Tumur-Ochir, Chairman and CEO Shangri-La office, Suite 1201, Olympic Street 19A, Sukhbaatar District 1, Ulaanbaatar 14241, Mongolia Tel: +976 7732 1914 Email: investors@steppegold.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "continues", "plan", "projects", "potential", "budget" and similar expressions, or are events or conditions that "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. This news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to meeting ESG reporting expectations; the impact of ESG factors on the value and success of Steppe. A high-stakes race for governor in New Jersey, one of two gubernatorial contests on Tuesday, has tightened in the run-up to Election Day. Democrats' pick, former Navy helicopter pilot Rep. Mikie Sherrill, is battling Republican Jack Ciattarelli in his third try for the governor's mansion. Accompanied by her husband and children, Sherrill appeared at a Montclair, NJ voting center the morning of Election Day to cast her ballot and address the press. In response to reports of bomb threats targeting voting locations in New Jersey on Tuesday morning, Sherrill assured reporters that it is currently safe to cast ballots throughout the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've checked out all the bomb threats. There are no credible ones yet. Law enforcement is working overtime to keep our elections safe, so I don't see any threat to voting," she said. When asked how she feels about the state of the race, Sherrill expressed confidence in the results: "I think I'm going to do quite well today." Jack Ciattarelli, who voted on Friday, held a tele-rally Monday night with President Trump. "We need turnout tomorrow, and if the turnout is anything like it was on Election Day back in 2021, I'll tell you we're in good shape," Ciattarelli said. "We accomplished all of our goals with the vote-by-mail ballots, and within nine days of early voting, we are right where we need to be." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill closed out her campaign at a rally in Montclair, urging voters to protect their families and their future. "As we see an attack on all the things we love, we know that here in New jersey we are drawing a line..." Sherrill said. "We're fighting for our families, we're fighting for our kids, we're fighting for opportunity." Polls in New Jersey close at 8 p.m. Election Day 2025: Polling hours, locations and more The state is one of two gubernatorial elections on Tuesday. The election has not been without controversy. In September, The National Archives blamed a technician's mistake for the release of Sherrill's unredacted military records -- including her Social Security number -- sparking outrage and an investigation. Sherrill's campaign called it part of Trump's effort to "weaponize" government agencies against his political opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill admitted around the time the records were released that she was not permitted to walk at Naval Academy graduation because she did not report on her classmates during a 1994 cheating scandal, although she was not accused of cheating. Ciattarelli said her admission raises concerns and has called for her to release more documents. Then, during their final debate, Sherrill accused Ciattarelli's old medical publishing company of downplaying the dangers of opioids -- something he called a "desperate campaign on behalf of a desperate candidate" and threatened to sue over. Eyewitness News will have live coverage of the Election Results starting at 8:00 p.m. wherever you stream ABC 7 New York. You will also find real-time election results on our website and mobile app. * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * Follow us on YouTube * More local news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Senate Democrats are divided over whether Republicans have offered enough to reach a deal to end the government shutdown this week. Several centrist Democrats are signaling to their Republican colleagues that an agreement could be reached in the next few days. But other Senate Democrats warn that reopening the government without a real concession from President Trump on extending the expiring health insurance premium subsidies or at least a stronger gesture of good faith from the president would be a big mistake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats are getting closer with Republicans on an agreement to put the regular appropriations process back on track, a strong Democratic priority, but the two sides havent made much progress on rising health care costs, the biggest sticking point. Senate Republican negotiators said Monday that the talks could be on the cusp of reaching a deal, but some centrist Democrats warn that Trumps failure to show serious interest in the health care issue is raising a red flag. I do believe we are finally making progress. Its too soon to declare that this nightmare of a shutdown is over, but Im very cautiously hopeful that it will be resolved by the end of this week, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) told reporters as she left the Capitol on Monday evening. Theres more specificity in whats being sought, and in addition, I get the impression that for some Democrats, waiting until after [Tuesdays] election is an issue, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Democrats are facing the reality of people losing food stamps toward the middle of the month and of women with infants not being able to get money from the WIC program and low-income individuals losing access to vital heating assistance. Collins said she wants the Senate to advance a new stopgap spending bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), that would fund the government through Dec. 19, an acknowledgement that the end-date of the House-passed CR, Nov. 21, is now less than three weeks away. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) also indicated Monday he was looking for a longer time frame for a CR, likely into January. Senate Republicans need at least eight votes to reopen the government. So far theyve only had support from three members of the Democratic caucus: Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Angus King (Maine), an independent who caucuses with Democrats. Retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), a key player in the talks among moderate Democrats to reopen the government, said the discussions are making more progress than a few days ago, and highlighted bipartisan support on the Senate Appropriations Committee for advancing the 2026 spending bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to figure out a way to open the government and accomplish the things we want to accomplish. Were going to keep doing that, he said. Id say theres progress being made. Ill leave it at that. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a prominent centrist who is in the middle of the talks, however, said Trump hasnt done enough to show hes serious about health care to finalize a deal to reopen the government. Asked whether flight delays across the country mean its time to open the government, Kelly indicated Democrats would support a funding bill at the time the president gets engaged and we have a real negotiation about what to do to deal with these rising costs. Im seeing things across the country from people I went to high school with [who] arent going to be able to afford their health care, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly said he was surprised Trump didnt seem more attuned to the problem of rising health care costs in Republican- and Democratic-led states, alike. He didnt seem to care all that much about it, he said of Trumps interview with CBSs 60 Minutes, which aired Sunday night. Kelly added that Trump absolutely needs to do more to reach a deal this week, and that he should be talking to us. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) warned Monday that Democratic colleagues should not vote to reopen the government without a real win on keep health insurance premiums in check. Murphy, who returned to Washington late Monday afternoon after spending the day in Miami listening to voters fears about rising health care costs, warned that people are going to die unless Democrats push Republicans to do something significant on health care costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shutdowns hurt, but the pain that I just heard in Florida is going to be worse than anything happening with the shutdown. Because when those premiums go up by 100 to 200 percent, those peoples lives are ruined. People will die, he said. My sense is people out there want us to fight. An NBC poll released Monday showed that 52 percent of registered voters nationwide think Trump and congressional Republicans are more to blame for the 35-day shutdown, while 42 percent say that Democrats are more to blame. The survey also found voters prefer Democrats over Republicans in the battle for control of Congress by 8 points 50 percent to 42 percent the largest lead on the generic ballot since 2018, which bolsters Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumers (N.Y.) argument that shutting down the government over rising health care costs is a political winner. Schumer blasted Trump on Monday for not acknowledging the heavy financial burdens put on millions of Americans because of rising health care costs, which will only rise after enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act expire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you watched Donald Trump this weekend on 60 Minutes, you saw a president utterly dismissive of the pain his policies have caused working people, Schumer said on the Senate floor. Trump hasnt made the path to a deal to reopen government any easier by calling on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, a long-held Senate tradition, to get around Democratic opposition to a clean House-passed continuing resolution. And the president hasnt budged from his refusal to negotiate any concessions on expiring health insurance premium subsidies, declaring Sunday on CBS that he wont be extorted. Democrats have more breathing room to negotiation a deal to reopen the government after the Trump administration told a judge Monday that it will use some contingency funding to pay 50 percent of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the shutdown. Another key event this week will be Tuesdays gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia, where the Democratic candidates are leading. Some Senate Democrats think they can declare a political victory if their party carries both states by claiming they successfully highlighted Republican opposition to extending health care benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Democrats will have little else to point to as gains from the shutdown, other than what Thune has offered for several weeks: a vote on a bill to extend the enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, and a process for negotiating longer-term health care reform with Trump and GOP leaders in Congress. Murphy, a potential candidate for president in 2028, said if Democrats do as well as they expect in the New Jersey and Virginia elections Tuesday, it would be a sign to dig in and fight hard. I think its pretty clear, and I think [Tuesdays] results may confirm this, the American people want us to fight for them, he said. 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 The Hill. The News Republicans are warning of a third impeachment if they lose the US House next year, but Democrats are far more likely to give President Donald Trump a different headache the first real oversight of his second-term agenda. A Democratic House in 2027 would present a systemic shock to a Washington that has, under unified GOP control, offered almost no substantial resistance to Trump. Republican leaders in both chambers of Congress are so unwilling to push back on any presidential plans that Trump has reportedly joked he is the real House speaker. Rare cases of public disagreement with Trump, like eliminating the filibuster and importing more beef, are voiced in gentle terms. The scant Republican opposition to his unbridled use of executive power is aired by rank-and-file members, not leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, loath to divert focus from their midterm campaign trail, insist their plans for a possible House majority remain nebulous. But theyre simultaneously amassing a growing stockpile of potential targets, from Trump-affiliated digital assets to his White House renovations to his airstrikes in the Caribbean. Its an overwhelming picture, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the partys former top oversight committee member and now its Judiciary Committee leader, told Semafor. Our challenge will be how to categorize and synthesize the different levels of corruption and lawlessness were facing. Raskin said Democrats arent sitting around trying to prioritize these things right now but they will have to eventually. Their list of possible Trump investigations is so long that there are already some fault lines over which approach to spotlight. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., predicted that presidential corruption, including the Trumps sale of affiliated cryptocurrency to foreign investors hoping to sway the administration, would be front and center. But others would prefer to focus on agency mismanagement instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I personally dont think we have to chase everything, Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., told Semafor. The corruption in the White House is real, he said, but added that hes focused on the things that affect Americans. Horsford pointed to the Treasury Departments effort to funnel billions of dollars to Argentina. Other potential targets include Trumps impoundment of funds already spent by Congress and his effort to end birthright citizenship. As they race to cut Democrats midterm odds by redrawing as many congressional districts as possible, Republicans say they must keep the House to push through more partisan legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson has also pitched his majority as a bulwark against a third Trump impeachment, which he recently described as a foregone conclusion. But many Democrats are openly skeptical an impeachment would be worth their time with so much else to pursue (and the Senate all but guaranteed to acquit Trump). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What weve seen from the utterly failed experiment with impeachment that the Republicans did against Joe Biden, and what weve seen even from the utterly meritorious impeachment trial of Donald Trump for inciting insurrection against the union, is that in the former case it is extremely difficult even to get articles to the floor, Raskin said. And in the latter case, even in the face of overwhelming evidence, it is very difficult to reach that two-thirds [Senate] majority required, he added. Republicans acknowledge a tidal wave of Democratic subpoenas and depositions would be enough to bog down Trump for the rest of his administration. I dont think you have to be Nostradamus to predict that they would do some pretty crazy stuff, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., told Semafor. They impeached him twice over baseless stuff; I think that would just be an appetizer, probably, for what they would want to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo.: It would be detrimental, to put it mildly, to the last two years of the presidents term. Know More House Democrats Litigation Task Force, established earlier this year to challenge Trump, has already penned reams of amicus briefs, resolutions of inquiry and more. That work serves as a helpful roadmap for what Democratic-led committees might dig into. Its not much of a mystery, said Raskin, who co-chairs the task force, adding that there are letters out there on everything were focused on, from the ballroom to crypto to immigration. For now, the White House can ignore those requests. That will change if Democrats get the gavels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., another task force co-chair and top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, told Semafor that Democrats will jump off that bridge when we get to it. But she pointed to Trumps firing of the Commission of Fine Arts, which would have overseen his White House renovations, as well as the administrations strikes on alleged drug boats off the coast of Venezuela. Theres not a shred of information about Venezuela, DeLauro said. Illinois Rep. Sean Casten, the No. 2 Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, told Semafor that lawmakers should weigh referring the strikes to international courts. He also floated investigations into illicit finance using Trump-affiliated cryptocurrencies and into other countries attempts to sway the administration by purchasing those digital assets. The administration said earlier this year it would allow the United Arab Emirates access to key AI chips two weeks after the UAEs state investment firm entered into a $2 billion deal with a crypto firm backed by the sons of Trump and his adviser, Steve Witkoff. Trump later pardoned the convicted cofounder of Binance, another crypto firm that also participated in the arrangement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any bills a Democratic House passes to constrain Trump would likely either die in the Senate, where Republicans face a more favorable midterm map, or get vetoed. But theyd still force GOP lawmakers on record, which could prove potent when it comes to Trumps tariffs or military actions. Democrats could also try to attach their priorities to government funding bills, potentially prompting more shutdown fights. Casten even floated using that process to check the judicial branch. A number of us have been talking about the fact that Congress has never given the Supreme Court less than their requested annual appropriation, Casten said. He suggested making the courts funding contingent on implementing stricter ethics rules. Congress has the power of the purse, Casten told Semafor. If you have the strength, and a bully comes up and kicks you in the shins you punch him in the goddamn mouth. Room for Disagreement As split as House Democrats are about trying to impeach Trump again, Johnson isnt the only Republican betting that oversight ends up taking a backseat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., predicted to Semafor that impeachment would be Democrats No. 1 issue in 2027 if they win the House. The View From The White House White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement that Democrats should spend less time thinking about how to hurt President Trump and more time reopening the government. And Trump allies have fodder to push back on Democratic plans: Former President Joe Biden also replaced members of the Commission of Fine Arts, for instance, and the International Criminal Court does not have the jurisdiction over the US it would need to take up the boat strikes. In addition, Trump told CBS News he didnt know Zhao before he pardoned him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My sons are involved in crypto much more than me, Trump said. I know very little about it. Eleanor and Burgess View Sounding the alarm on impeachment makes sense for Republicans, who want Democrats to appear as histrionic as possible. But its clear Democrats feel they can do far more damage by focusing on oversight and thats probably true. But with Election Day a year away, a more formal game plan wont materialize for a while, nor should it. That could leave enough time for Democrats to splinter over how to use their potential power. Were especially interested to see whether anyone shares Horsfords view that allegations of Trump corruption may not be their best target. Notable The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committees approach this Congress to documents related to sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein provides the caucus with a potential blueprint for navigating Trumps second term, the Associated Press reports. WASHINGTON Democrats are closely watching statewide elections on Tuesday night with hopes that President Donald Trumps low approval ratings and growing political fatigue on the government shutdown can catapult them to big wins. Voters will cast ballots for a new governor in Virginia and New Jersey, where Democrats are expected to win both. New York City residents will also choose a new mayor and California voters are set to decide whether to eliminate a handful of Republican districts in the state with a new midterm congressional map. But the Democratic Party is also struggling with historically low approval ratings, and Republicans say the New York City mayoral race shows the party is moving to the left of most Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, America is heading in the wrong direction, and there is a better way that Democrats are offering, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told reporters on Monday. Thats why I believe were going to see significant Democratic victories across America, including in New Jersey, in Virginia and in California. While Democrats have rejected accusations from their Republican colleagues that they are leveraging the government shutdown for political purposes, several in the party have acknowledged they could benefit from the stalemate in Congress. I honestly dont like to think about that in that kind of way, Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., whose state will elect a new governor on Tuesday, told reporters last week. I think the election in New Jersey is going to, in part, be a reaction to just the recklessness of how Trump has been governing, or their lack thereof of actually governing. Other lawmakers in Virginia and New York shared similar sentiments, telling the Deseret News there are several aspects they will be watching as ballots are counted on election night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said he would be keeping an eye on rural areas in the state that have historically supported Trump in past elections, noting any movement there would indicate strong momentum for Democrats. I spend a lot of time in those parts of Virginia, and I can tell you folks there are feeling the squeeze. Theyre paying more for health care because of this administrations attacks on the Affordable Care Act. Theyre facing higher costs thanks to reckless tariffs that have driven up prices on everything from groceries to farm equipment, Warner told the Deseret News. And despite all the tough talk, families, farmers, and small businesses in rural America are still waiting on the economic relief and stability they were promised. So Ill be watching how those voters are responding on election night. Despite not being on the ballot until next year, and even though this years big races are primarily in blue states, House Democrats say that Tuesday nights results will provide a pulse check for how voters view the two major parties before the 2026 midterms, at which point the two chambers of Congress will be up for grabs. Virginias off-year elections have acted as a bellwether over the last decade, especially during its governors races that occur one year after the presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those races have typically resulted in the party opposite of the recently elected president receiving a surge in the off-year contests. For example, Democrat Ralph Northam won by a record-high margin in 2017 after Trump won the year before and Republican Glenn Youngkin flipped the seat in 2021 after former President Joe Bidens win. The margins for statewide and legislative races led by Abigail Spanberger will tell a story tomorrow that is a Virginia story first, but if you talk to voters here, national events and what the president has done are a major factor, Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., told the Deseret News. Theres no question that the Virginia elections are a referendum on this president and his Republican allies, who currently have total control of government in Washington and of statewide executive offices in Virginia. Abigail Spanberger herself is in a position to show what may happen in 2026, especially if costs of groceries, health care, electricity, and other key items continue to rise with no action by Republicans to address them, Beyer added, referring to Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger who is currently leading in the polls. In addition to the two governors races, Democrats will also want to keep a close eye on the mayoral contest in New York City. Zohran Mamdani, the partys candidate and member of the democratic socialists, is leading the polls and has garnered national attention for his policy ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdanis campaign has put traditional Democrats at somewhat of a crossroads as the 34-year-old candidate has motivated turnout among young educated voters but hes also opened the party up to attacks from Republicans that the party is heading down a communist path. Youve got big elections in New Jersey and Virginia, the governors races and transgenders races, etc, but all the attention is focused primarily on New York City. Why? House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said on Monday. Because of fear. The fear that Mamdani and all that he represents will be rising to power, that he will be elected the mayor of Americas largest city, the once cradle of capitalism, that were going to have a Marxist, a communist, running the largest city. That fear, Johnson argued, is why Democrats have been insistent on keeping the government shut down an accusation that Jeffries denied. That is a ridiculous characterization when we consistently have been on the right side of the American people, Jeffries said. On the economy, on healthcare, on nutritional assistance, on the rule of law, on standing up for law-abiding immigrant communities, on defending our history, on the American way of life, and, of course, on democracy itself. Those issues, and others, Jeffries said would prove on Election Day that were on the right side of the American people. When voters head to the polls Tuesday, they will not just be picking a big-city mayor and two blue-state governors they will be charting a course for the depleted Democratic Party. And the margin of the expected victory will narrate the story. Democrats are desperate to notch victories and emerge from their year in the political wilderness in their first major test of President Donald Trumps second term. Theyre betting on the strength of an economic message, pushed by two moderates with national security backgrounds who have hammered Trump on the trail, as well as the undisputed star of the cycle democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, who has rallied progressives and first-time voters, while worrying wealthy donors and business leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three are favored to win most in Tuesdays grab bag of elections governorships in Virginia and New Jersey, the Pennsylvania state Supreme court and a redistricting ballot measure in California. And in New York, Mamdani is on track to become the citys next mayor, delivering a hero to the progressive movement and a villain to Republican ad-makers. The 34-year-old Mamdani also presents an inconvenience for mainstream Democrats, as they grapple with an uprising of young, progressive candidates at odds with their diagnosis of the party's problems. The races will offer a peek into the electorates mood one year into Trumps second term, as most of the candidates have made the economy and the presidents failure to bring down prices central to their pitches. Inevitably, Tuesdays results will be parsed for clues about Democrats standing with voters ahead of the 2026 midterms, as they look to regain a foothold in Washington after failing to capture the White House and either branch of Congress last year. It's clearly an indication of what people are thinking about [Trump], said former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who served as a senior adviser to then-President Joe Biden. If the Republicans won even one of those [governor] races, they would say, Oh, that's a testament to the fact that everybody loves Donald Trump. I think the exact opposite is going to be true on Tuesday night. In 2024, Kamala Harris won Virginia and New Jersey, reliably blue states, by just 5 and 6 points respectively underperforming Bidens 2020 campaign. Improving that margin of victory Tuesday will give Democrats a much-needed morale boost, one that would likely draw the attention of donors, operatives and midterm candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But mixed results or tighter outcomes across the board would likely throw Democrats back into internal recriminations over how to win during the second Trump era. The largely leaderless party is still arguing over how and why it lost its way a year ago. Republicans are similarly obsessing over the margins. If Democratic nominees Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia outperform Harris and hit 55 percent, Republicans really have to look in the mirror and say, Heres your preview. We have a year. How do you get the Trump coalition motivated and turned out to match the intensity of Democrats, said Robert Blizzard, a Republican pollster. That is usually the challenge in a midterm election, when the wind is in your face, Blizzard continued. If they dont eclipse what Harris got in Virginia and New Jersey, Id say the Democrats could be and should be growing concerned about 2026. Democrats leading the three marquee races the pair of gubernatorial campaigns and the New York mayoral span the ideological spectrum, but all zeroed in on lowering costs, underscoring how their party hopes to rehabilitate its reputation with voters. That approach dovetails with their ongoing strategy of tying the government shutdown solely to increasing health care costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trevor Southerland, former executive director for the Virginia House Democratic caucus, said he hopes the results show Democrats that the base wants them to fight the Trump overreach, and that its all about getting down to talking about the economy. Some Republicans privately echoed concern over the economy, with one pollster granted anonymity to speak freely warning, voters sense a lack of focus, perhaps, from Trump. Voters want to see that hes directly addressing costs. Demographic and geographic turnout will also illuminate trends forming ahead of the midterms, and a bipartisan mix of strategists shared what theyre tracking next week: Can Republicans pump turnout in rural areas without Trump on the ballot? Will Democrats expand their edge with college-educated suburban voters? Have Democrats arrested or reversed their eroding numbers with non-college educated voters of color or do Republicans keep building with them? While polls have been trending in Democrats favor, the party faces a tight race, in the Virginia attorney general contest, as political violence took center stage following leaked text messages from Democratic nominee Jay Jones. Hed been the clear front-runner until last month, when the released messages, first reported by the National Review, showed him wishing violence against his rivals. His opponent, incumbent Jason Miyares, seized on the opportunity to encourage split-ticket voting, while Spanberger disavowed the comments but declined to call for him to drop out of the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even some Democrats are fretting about decisive victories, fearing the renewal would inspire cockiness ahead of the midterms, in which Democrats need to net three seats to retake the House amid current congressional maps, rather than forcing a party brand overhaul. While all three candidates attended to the same voter concerns, they employed different styles. Spanberger and Sherrill, who served together in Congress as part of a class elected on anti-Trump resistance, ran moderate, traditional campaigns in states their nominee won by single digits a sharp contrast to Mamdanis social media-boosted insurgency in a city Harris dominated by nearly 40 points. Let's say Spanberger wins by 12 or something huge I think then the Democratic inner circles in D.C. and then spreading out across the country read into that as this is what works, this is what we should all be doing, said Shaun Daniels, a Virginia political strategist. And then you just send up a whole bunch of safe, antiseptic campaign messages, and we don't find anything that actually works on a national level to define the party and help voters make decisions. Its the reverse in New York, where Mamdani ran on a different playbook, cutting clever videos, castigating the party establishment and inspiring first-time voters. Republicans, who see Mamdanis rise as a political liability for swing seat Democrats, are already working to turn him into a boogeyman for his party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the final days of the election, GOP congressional leaders harped on the democratic socialists views and tried to blame him for the four-week shutdown. The National Republican Congressional Committee declared in a strategy memo last week that the Democratic Party has been hijacked by the radical left. While some national Democrats have avoided Mamdani, others are skeptical that the accusations will stick. For now theyre focusing their immediate attention on sweeping the statewide races. Former President Barack Obama is among the national figures to appear alongside Spanberger and Sherrill recently, joining them both at weekend rallies. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore showed up in four battleground state House districts on Saturday to help Democrats expand their majority in the state legislature, the highest profile surrogate for that level of the ballot. The rest of the country will be able to see that pendulums don't creep, they swing and I think that pendulum is going to swing back our way, said Virginia House Speaker Don Scott. Democrats, citing a string of special election overperformances this year, remain confident beyond Virginia and New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In California, voters are expected to approve a redraw of the states congressional map that creates five Democratic seats, thanks to a well-funded campaign from Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom, a likely 2028 contender, cast the ballot initiative as a repudiation of Trump, who is ordering state lawmakers across the country to rejigger their own maps to advantage Republicans in the midterms. And in Pennsylvania, Democrats are hoping to hold onto the state Supreme Court majority another election framed in national terms, as Democrats argue for a bulwark against any GOP redistricting push should Republicans take statewide control. The highly popular Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is up for re-election next year, as is the state legislature. And so Tuesdays elections, albeit in different states for different offices, will offer a preview of 2026, said Jesse Ferguson, a Democratic strategist working on some races this year. If 2017 was the birth of the Resistance that fueled 2018, then this, in 2025, has the potential to be the election about betrayal, promises not kept, which is true in all these elections and could power 2026, Ferguson said. If 2017 was about fighting back, 2025 is about how people are getting screwed. DENVER (KDVR) Denver voters are deciding whether to keep or repeal the citys ban on flavored tobacco products. Referendum 310 asks whether Denver should continue enforcing the ban or overturn it. A yes vote keeps the ban in place, while a no vote repeals it. 5 things to know for Election Day 2025 in Colorado Local businesses push to repeal ban The No on 310 campaign supported by hundreds of family-run convenience stores argues the citys flavored tobacco ban unfairly punishes adult smokers and small businesses that rely on those sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of No on 310 say the ban could force more than 100 small businesses to close and cost the city roughly $13 million a year in lost tax revenue. Caleb Brown, who works at Broadway Smoke Shop, said the impact would go beyond his bottom line. It would affect our business as far as contributing to the community. We host drives to help the homeless as well as giving back whether it be food, whatever the people need. It would be affecting the employees the most. I feel we wont be able to make a comfortable living like we are now. Brown continued, saying: I think they should think about not only the community but also what comes next. I mean your rights are being stripped away. You have a voice and I think we should also think about other peoples choices and how that affects them as well and I dont know I just think we should vote no. Advocates say flavored tobacco hooks kids early Supporters of the Yes on 310 campaign say repealing the ban would roll back hard-won protections for children. They argue flavored tobacco products are specifically designed to appeal to young people and serve as a pipeline to addiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jodi Radke, regional director for the Rocky Mountain-Great Plains Region with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, told FOX31 that flavors make it easier for kids to get hooked. Most kids are trying them 12, 13, 14, and what happens at that age is it hardwires them for addiction. So when they become an adult and they have an ability to choose, by that point they are already addicted and a lifelong user. Your Local Elections Headquarters: Candidates, races and results on FOX31 They range in flavors from root beer float to banana split, some come with video games they are a catalyst for use by our kids. Four or five kids tell us they are experimenting with tobacco and nicotine products because they are flavored, and this is the way the industry works to get kids to try their products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Yes on 310 campaign, eight in ten kids who have ever used tobacco started with a flavored product, and nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm brain development, attention, and mood. 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 FOX31 Denver. ASHTABULA, Ohio (WJW) It was Dec. 1 of last year, when heavy snow caused the roof of Lakeside High School in Ashtabula to collapse, forcing nearly 900 students and 100 staff members out of the building. Now almost a year later, superintendent of Ashtabula City Schools Lisa Newsome said the high school remains unsafe and unstable. We were on Thanksgiving break and within 24 hours, 48 hours, we had 67 inches of snow fall in Ashtabula, the most Ive seen and Ive live here all my life, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man indicted in kidnapping of 3-year-old girl pleads not guilty In a new lawsuit, the district accuses Liberty Mutual Insurance of unfair claims practices, alleging the company refuses to pay claims for repairs and to take responsibility for key decisions, including approving demolition of parts of the building that their attorneys say made the situation even worse. WJW photo Attorney Anthony Loe with Merlin Law group said, On Dec. 13, Liberty Mutual canceled the school districts policies. So when you say playing ball, I would suggest that Liberty Mutual has done everything, but play ball. They had the roof of the high school building, academic wing, torn off, with no plan to protect the remain structure from the outside elements. The suit claims that demolition left the structure exposed for months, creating serious environmental concerns and acceleration deterioration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP will be partially funded: Trump administration The district also said the insurance companys engineers have downplayed the collapse, blaming it on pre-existing issues despite independent assessments showing the snowstorm caused the damage. FOX 8 reached out to Liberty Mutual and they release a statement that said they do not comment on ongoing litigation. LOE said, There are toxins in there and Liberty Mutual wants to put a band aid on it to say hopefully nobody will ever be harmed by those toxins, instead of re-mediating the toxins. Partial roof collapse at Lakeside High School Administrators said the impact in the district has been extensive with students still learning in temporary spaces without science labs, gym facilities or an auditorium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district said in has maintained its $232 million policy for all of its properties, including the 17-year-old high school and wants Liberty Mutual to pay up. Newsome said, The safety of the students is number one and they deserve to have their high school back in the condition that it was. And they shouldnt settle for anything less. 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Preschool children are pictured playing with colorful shapes. (Getty Images) Oregons Head Start programs serving nearly 12,000 children are set to avoid an anticipated nationwide trend of facility closures caused by the ongoing government shutdown until at least the end of the year. The government shutdown that began Oct. 1 has put the early childhood education and readiness program at risk of closures across the nation, adding more uncertainty to ongoing legal disputes with the Trump administration over the programs future and whether it should serve immigrants without permanent legal status. But Oregon families who rely on Head Start can count on state funding to fill the gap, at least for the time being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Wednesday statement signed by more than 125 groups supporting families nationwide, including the Oregon Head Start Association, Southern Oregon Head Start, and Head Start Lane County, urged Congress to end the shutdown immediately. The groups warned that 140 Head Start programs across 41 states and Puerto Rico will not have received their operational funding by Saturday. Oregon received more than $195 million for federal Head Start program funding last year. These programs serve more than 65,000 young children, providing valuable early learning, nutrition, child care, health screenings, and other important services, the statement reads. Without funding, many of these programs will be forced to close their doors, leaving children without care, teachers without pay, and parents without the ability to work. Although four Oregon Head Start locations missed out on those funds, none have reported closing, according to Nancy Perin, executive director of the Wilsonville-based Oregon Head Start Association. A 60-day deal being hashed out by the early learning and care department allowed them to instead tap into existing funding from programs such as the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program, the states equivalent to Head Start created back in 1987, she said. The Oregonian/OregonLive.com first reported on the move in mid-October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exact figures are not yet available, but program leaders plan to meet in Salem on Thursday with the agencys Early Learning Programs Director Dorothy Spence to discuss more concrete guidelines, Perin said. At least one other Head Start funding recipient the Hood River-based nonprofit Mid-Columbia Childrens Council could lose its annual December grant funding if the shutdown continues and a deal is not hashed out, according to Perin. That organization serves more than 700 families throughout the Columbia River Gorge area. At this point, our four November programs have their doors open, Perin told the Capital Chronicle. Theyre serving children and families today, and they will continue to. As this federal shutdown continues, then things start getting a little more wonky. Kate Gonsalves, a spokesperson for the early learning department, confirmed that agency leaders will be meeting with the Oregon Head Start Association later this week. She said programs that qualify for the temporary funding agreement are dually funded by the state and federal governments. To receive assistance, a Head Start provider must experience a delay in access to their federal funds, she said, and the assistance cannot exceed the total amount of money awarded to a program by Oregon annually. Its important to note that this is not a loan to Head Start programs and is not backfilling,' Gonsalves wrote in a Monday statement. These are dual-funded programs so the state dollars are not replacing federal funds but can be drawn down earlier in the cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon is currently a plaintiff in a lawsuit brought by Democratic states across the nation seeking to block the Trump administrations revocation of a 1998 federal rule allowing immigrants regardless of their legal status to access community-based programs such as certain health clinics, early childhood care and addiction services. Attempting to regulate access to the program based on immigration status is unprecedented, according to Head Start providers in Oregon who say such a move could imperil services with burdensome eligibility requirements. Lawyers for the U.S. Department of Justice have contended in court filings that the government shutdown has prevented them from being able to generate administrative records necessary for the case to continue following existing deadlines. One case in the U.S. District Court of Washington centering on the concerns of Head Start advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union has been paused since Oct. 2. But in September, a federal judge in the U.S District Court of Rhode Island sided with the Democratic states and halted its enforcement in their states through a preliminary injunction. Since then, U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy has given the federal government until Nov. 21 to produce records after justice department lawyers requested an extension. In the meantime, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek directed $5 million to food banks throughout the state, tapping on reserves of federal funds for families needing temporary economic assistance. The federal government also announced Monday that it would work to fund benefits at half the normal payment rate after two federal judges on Saturday ordered the Trump administration to tap into emergency funds and provide Americans benefits. The average individual receives about $6 a day in food stamp benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perin also voiced support for families amid a pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits, which were previously set to run out for Oregonians statewide at the beginning of November. Around 210,000 of the states more than 750,000 SNAP recipients are children. Knowing our Head Start programs and the ones even across the nation, theyre doing things where theyre collecting food, helping direct (people) to resources in their communities where they can go get food boxes at different food banks and everything, Perin said. So well do everything we can to keep these families from being impacted too much. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Michelin Stars did not fall on Alabama, but it did receive praise for its culinary achievements by the group. On Monday, the latest Michelin Guide was released with the American South being included in the expanded edition. In the food world, a Michelin Star is one of the highest crowning accomplishments a restaurant can achieve, garnering world-renown status. This year, 10 new restaurants from the South joined the ranks of Michelin Star restaurants. The cuisine of the American South is a rich blend of cultural influences, brought to life by skilled chefs who have crafted some of the regions most iconic dishes, said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. Our anonymous Inspectors were deeply impressed by the regions culinary prowess, and this inaugural selection reflects their findings from Southern staples like barbecue, Creole and seafood, to international flavors. We welcome these restaurants to the MICHELIN Guide family and toast to all the chef and restaurant teams honored tonight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following Southern restaurants received Michelin Star restaurants: Despite not receiving any Michelin Stars, several restaurants from across Alabama received the groups Bib Gourmand distinction, recognizing restaurants for great food at a great value. The following Alabama restaurants made the Bib Gourmand list: Bayonet (Birmingham) La Fete (Birmingham) Ovenbird (Birmingham) Pizza Grace (Birmingham) The Noble South (Mobile) The following Alabama restaurants also made Michelins 2025 Recommended Restaurants list for the American South: 1856 Restaurant (Auburn) Automatic Seafood and Oysters (Birmingham) Bottega (Birmingham) Chez Fonfon (Birmingham) Current Charcoal Grill (Birmingham) Helen (Birmingham) Hot and Hot Fish Club (Birmingham) Purveyor (Huntsville) Reve (Birmingham) Salt Smokehouse (Huntsville) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Bottega owner Pardis Stitt won the Michelin Outstanding Service Award. For more information, click here. 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 CBS 42. Tompkins Financial Corporation has divested its insurance subsidiary, Tompkins Insurance Agencies (TIA), selling it to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co for around $223m in cash. The sale is expected to deliver a pre-tax gain of $183m for Tompkins Financial. TIA, which has operated for a century and a half, provides property and casualty (P&C) insurance as well as employee benefits services in Pennsylvania and New York, US. Tompkins Financial CEO and president Stephen S. Romaine said: It was in the long-term interests of the TIA employees and customers to find a partner that best positioned them for continued success well into the future. We are fully confident Gallagher is the right partner for all stakeholders. We wish all the best to the TIA team, and I extend many thanks to them for their contributions to our organisation." Romaine added: We are confident our balance sheet provides us with the flexibility to invest a portion of the proceeds to replace the relative earnings of Tompkins Insurance over the near term, while also providing the capital to support strategic investments over the long term. Following the sale, all TIA leadership and staff have joined Gallagher. David Boyce, who previously led TIA, will remain in his position and continue to work from the existing office. He will report to Brendan Gallagher, head of Gallaghers retail property/casualty operations in the north-east region, and Scott Sherman, head of its employee benefits consulting and brokerage activities for the region. TIAs customer base across Tompkins traditional markets will now be able to access Gallaghers network and resources. Arthur J. Gallagher chairman and CEO J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr stated: "Tompkins Insurance Agencies is a highly regarded firm that enhances our brokerage capabilities in the region across commercial lines, personal lines and employee benefits. "I am excited to welcome David and his associates to Gallagher." In August 2025, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co completed the acquisition of AssuredPartners for $13.45bn. AssuredPartners operates as an insurance broker in areas including commercial property/casualty, employee benefits, specialty lines and personal insurance. "Tompkins Financial sells insurance arm to Gallagher for $223m " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A Tennessee father will remain behind bars even after prosecutors said he should be cleared. Russell Maze was convicted of shaking his son Alex to death more than 25 years ago. Last year, the District Attorneys Office said new medical evidence points to his innocence. A judge in Davidson County refused to overturn Russells conviction, and a state appeals court just agreed even though experts said Maze is innocent. Court documents said it came down to providing the new scientific evidence and offering clear and convincing proof. The court found that the Mazes didnt meet that bar. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Every single medical expert using current science confirms that Russell and Kaye Maze are actually innocent of the crimes for which they were convicted, Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that claim, a 66-page court filing released Friday ruled the couple failed to prove actual innocence. The judges said the Mazes scientific arguments were too vague, and the medical experts couldnt agree on what actually caused Alexs death only that they dont believe abuse was the likely cause. There are underlying diseases that mimic child abuse, University of Texas Medical Branch Professor and Chairman Dr. Michael Laposata explained. Now, this is a very well-known thing that emerged over the past 20-some years because of the false imprisonment of innocent people. SEPTEMBER 2024 | Medical examiner recants testimony in decades-old baby homicide case, Nashville father maintains his innocence Even more of a complicating factor: the medical examiner who initially testified that baby Alex was shaken to death has changed his opinion, saying Alexs death was natural. However, the court called that a witness recantation, not new evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court held that Russell and Kaye Maze are not entitled to another chance at trial, and their convictions remain. Both Mazes can still appeal to the Tennessee Supreme Court, but no new trial is expected so far. As of publication, Russell Maze is serving a life sentence in prison. 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 WKRN News 2. Next week, world leaders will descend on the port city of Belem, Brazil for the United Nations COP30, which begins Nov. 10. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the largest and most significant annual gathering in global efforts to address climate change, and the U.S. government will likely not attend. The Trump administration has made it clear that it wants no part in international efforts to take action on a rapidly warming planet. Most significantly, President Trump signed an executive order on his first day back in office that once again withdrew the US from the landmark Paris Agreement. The United States will join just three nations in the world Iran, Libya and Yemen as countries not on the treaty that compels countries to cooperate to limit global temperature increases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Organization just revealed new data showing that, in addition to carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere reaching record levels in 2024, the jump in levels from 2023 was the highest year-over-year increase since the measurement began in 1957. Editorial: Federal failure on FoodShare a crisis for Wisconsin. This is above politics. Record number of Americans see global warming as threat Even before this latest addition to the long list of foreboding climate records, a spring Gallup poll showed a record number of Americans view global warming as a serious threat to them personally. Understandably, many feel frustrated or even helpless as they watch an administration gut decades worth of climate work, halt critical data collection, and even ban climate change-related language. It is a tough time to be part of the 63% of Americans worried about global warming. By no means do we intend to downplay the seriousness of the federal governments withdrawal from climate efforts, but as climate policy scholars we think it is important to make clear that much of the work taking place in the U.S., and globally, continues apace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By continuing to invest in electric vehicles and solar power, increasing building efficiency, and embracing sustainable urban planning, cities across the country remain steadfast in their climate goals. Hundreds of cities maintain climate action plans, and major cities continue to debut groundbreaking climate responses. This year, Boston became the first U.S. city to require that new buildings have net zero carbon emissions. Chicago recently realized its goal of running every municipal building on renewable energy. In many ways, the local level is where much of the climate action takes place as policy changes can be swift, impactful, and tangible. The story is similar at the state level. Nearly every state has a climate action plan and remains committed to making progress during the current presidential administration and beyond. Many landmark climate laws and standards began at the state level, and with the bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance including 24 governors, states remain well poised to continue the work on climate action. Opinion: Wisconsin Investment Board crypto moves masterclass in disciplined management Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, rapid advances continue in the private sector as clean power technologies and adoption evolve faster than anticipated. Solar technology costs have fallen by 75% and global adoption has quadrupled since 2019. The Chinese electric car company, BYD, has begun to penetrate the U.K. market, and could soon revolutionize the automotive industry on a global scale in a way that many had expected Tesla to do. Despite the U.S. government pulling back, there are still many markets across the world with high demand for climate-friendly innovation. Despite U.S. retreat, world moving forward on climate change To underscore this momentum, last month we invited three of the worlds leading climate technology and policy scholars to the UW-Madison campus to talk about how the rest of the world remains serious about the threat of climate change and committed to a host of policy pathways intended to achieve the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement. The University of Oxfords Steve Smith discussed how the U.K. last year became the first major economy to eliminate coal plants, with larger ambitions to achieve 100% clean energy by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. This plan would provide the additional benefit of creating 400,000 jobs, according to the British government. Jan Minx of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, provided a European Union perspective, noting that the 27 E.U. countries are still firmly on board with climate action strategies outlined in their European Green Deal. Like in the U.K., their plan aims for 2050 climate neutrality, with 50% of emission reductions coming as early as 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A leader in EU climate action, Germany plans to fully phase out coal plants by 2038 and has an even more ambitious target of climate neutrality by 2045, according to Minx. Joana Portugal Pereira brought a timely perspective given that her home country, Brazil, is host of the upcoming COP30. After stalling during the Bolsonaro presidency, Brazils climate efforts have been jumpstarted in the Lula da Silva administration. Letters: Government has money to fund SNAP benefits. Republicans playing political games. With some of the most unique climate challenges in the world, including the increasingly fragile Amazon rainforest that lies just beyond the COP30 host city of Belem, Pereira acknowledged that her country still had a great deal of work to do. Its energy sector still produces two-thirds of its emissions, and its high rates of meat consumption mean a significant environmental footprint for the agricultural sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, she noted that Brazil was among the first to submit its climate plan ahead of COP30. The country pledges to cut emissions by as much as two-thirds by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. Brazils redoubled efforts couldnt come sooner. As a country already reeling from the impacts of a warming climate, Pereira explained that more than 90% of Brazilians are concerned about climate change and 95% agree they are currently experiencing a climate crisis. Top COP30 storyline: 95% of world committed to Paris Agreement Between a host nation desperately wanting to burnish its climate action bona fides (while simultaneously approving drilling in the Amazon), the lingering controversies surrounding COP29, and a potential U.S. absence, COP30 is likely to deliver plenty of storylines. Opinion: Here's how Black Men Organizing is improving Milwaukee But ultimately, the main story is that the movement to limit warming and mitigate the effects of climate change is always a work in progress and much larger than any one country. More than 95% of the worlds countries remain committed to the Paris Agreement. Thousands of states, provinces, territories, and cities across the world where much of the most critical work takes place continue the work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most importantly, billions of people continue to yearn for a sustainable world. These are the voices that should echo loudest in Belem next week. Gregory Nemet is a professor at the University of WisconsinMadisons La Follette School of Public Affairs. The second edition of his award-winning book, How Solar Energy Became Cheap, was published in July 2025. Morgan Edwards is an assistant professor with the La Follette School of Public Affairs and head of UW-Madisons Climate Action Lab. Both are authors on The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal, the worlds leading scientific assessment of carbon dioxide removal strategies. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: US cities, states continue climate commitments despite Trump | Opinion JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) A development company with experience redeveloping historic buildings has signed an agreement marking the first step toward it purchasing the former John Sevier Hotel and Johnson Citys Downtown Centre. RELATED: Millions in subsidy likely needed for John Sevier Hotel renovation Were hoping to see a lovely boutique hotel rising in that building down the road, Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA) Chairman Jack Simpson told News Channel 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lansing Melbourne Group (LMG) has signed a term sheet with the JCDA that will allow it to conduct due diligence on the century-old hotel and the adjacent Downtown Centre and parking garage. Current plans call for restoring the former hotel to its historic charm while introducing retail shops, event spaces, fine dining, rooftop bar access with scenic views, and a modern 136-room boutique hotel. The Florida-based developer with offices in the Charlotte, N.C. area was among several respondents to JCDAs request for qualifications as the authority sought to find a private developer to repurpose the John Sevier. Simpson said LMG stood out for its experience with private-public partnerships in other cities where theyve renovated historic buildings. Based on the experience that theyve had in those other places and their track record at raising private capital for those, we felt like they were the right partner to help us really bring the John Sevier home to where it needs to be, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LMG CEO Peter Flotz told News Channel 11 that a historically restored John Sevier the 101-year-old, 11-story building was the pride of downtown between the 1920s and the 1960s will be a point of civic pride even if it may not look like much now. A staircase inside the former John Sevier Hotel in Johnson City, Tenn. (WJHL) Were going to uncover jewels over and over again as we get in there and start demolishing things and bringing light into the space, Flotz said. It will bring back memories for people who got married there or had an important event in their life go on and thats what we want to do is just give it back to the community. Simpson said leaders realized owning two aging downtown structures and trying to get a new home constructed for John Seviers current residents involved significant financial risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a risk worth taking to preserve what we think is just a phenomenal community asset, a great piece of history, he said. The deal marks a relatively quick move into the next phase of the JCDAs biggest-ever undertaking that began in 2019 when it paid $4.6 million for the John Sevier Center and became a landlord to nearly 150 elderly and disabled residents: finding a partner to build new subsidized apartments for the John Seviers elderly and disabled residents and then selling the building so it can become an anchor of downtown redevelopment. Those residents are set to begin a phased move-in to the newly built Tapestry apartments on South Roan Street beginning later this month. The signed term sheet allows LMG to get into the buildings and gather more precise information about the buildings it hopes to one day own. Simpson said additional local funding, on top of several million dollars that have aided the project so far, will likely be needed to help offset gaps in private capital. But Flotz said his firm has a strong track record of using state and federal incentives, including new market tax credits and historic district grants, to narrow those gaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hope would be to keep the local contribution as low as possible, Simpson said. While it will take some time, Flotz believes the effort which has already put some burden on the local tax base and is likely to require additional public subsidy should pay off economically. Generally, this will mean somewhere between 10 and 20 times whatever we invest is what will happen in the downtown, Flotz said. It makes it feel like somewhere where people want to be, and the investment community is no different than any other community; if they start seeing people there, theyre going to show up. Its been a long road, Simpson said. He likened the current arrangement to being engaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both parties still retain some chance to to move away from each other at some point, he said. But this gets us set up for a kind of the next step. The current timeline would see LMG assume ownership in September 2026, with completion of whats estimated to be a $66 million project slated for May of 2028. Simpson said including the Downtown Centre, a roughly 50-year-old structure with about 38,000 square feet of space, LMG plans to transform into retail, restaurant and office, was a key part of the offering particularly because of the parking garage. A lot of folks dont realize theres a beautiful courtyard inside of it, Simpson said. Having two stories above that of parking was crucial to this project, and we believe that were going to be able to retain some of that parking to make it available for use in the downtown core. Flotz said JCDA and Johnson City leaders have shown a willingness to work with LMG and make a project they know wont be simple to get across the finish line. He said thats one reason the group selected this adaptive reuse project among a number of possibilities. Its done similar work in the Boston area, particularly in New Hampshire, and in the greater Charlotte, N.C. region, and is about to embark on a project in Danville, Va. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its finding that willing partner, finding a community thats going to appreciate the work that has to go into this, and then having that sort of diverse, broad economic base around that will support whats going on, Flotz said. I am pleased we are partnering with LMG to redevelop the John Sevier and Downtown Centre, City Manager Cathy Ball said in a news release. There is tremendous opportunity in our downtown core, and these two properties are a linchpin for continued growth. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Dick Cheney, the Republican who served alongside President George W. Bush for two terms between 2001 and 2009 and is commonly regarded as one of the most influential Vice Presidents in U.S. history, has died at age 84. The 46th Vice President, a leading force behind the invasion of Iraq and the "War on Terror," passed away on Monday night as a result of complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, per a statement from his family. (Cheney had long suffered with cardiovascular issues. He experienced the first of five heart attacks at age 37, and eventually underwent a heart transplant in 2012.) For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyomings Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States, read the family's tribute, acknowledging that Cheney served father-son Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man. Cheney is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members [who] were with him as he passed. Read More: Dick Cheney Was the Most Powerfuland PolarizingVice President in U.S. History The former Vice President's daughter, Liz Cheney, is an attorney and the former Representative of Wyoming. She, along with her late father, notably incurred the wrath of President Donald Trump when she became a vocal critic of him. Liz was ostracized by Trump-backed Republicans after she sat as one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over allegations that he incited the assault on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney released a statement announcing his endorsement of Democratic nominee, then-Vice President Kamala Harris for President over Trump in September 2024. Speaking out against Trump, Cheney argued that he could never be trusted with power again. Trump responded by calling the former Vice President an irrelevant RINO which stands for Republican in Name Only and is a term used by some to describe Republicans who are viewed as being disloyal to the party. Former President Bush holds a press conference at Crawford Ranch in Texas on Aug. 23, 2004, along with then-Vice President Dick Cheney. Gamma-RaphoGetty Images Cheney, a polarizing figure, is most often mentioned in regard to his involvement in the U.S. invasion of Iraq, and leaves behind a complicated legacy. In a 2006 interview with TIME, the then-Vice President was asked how he thought, or would like, history to judge the Bush-Cheney Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My guess is that the judgment will be very favorable," Cheney replied, before discussing the Administration's actions after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. "With 9/11, we have been very aggressive in terms of both carrying the fight to the enemy, going after the terrorists, going after the state sponsors of terror, going after those who could conceivably equip the terrorists with deadlier technologies than theyve used before," Cheney said. "The ultimate threat here isnt 19 guys armed with airliners; its 19 guys in the middle of one of our cities with a nuclear weapon. Thats the ultimate threat we have to deal with these days. And all of that was brought home by 9/11." Born Richard Bruce Cheney in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Jan. 30, 1941, the former Vice President went to the Hill in the late 60s to serve as a congressional fellow. He was later picked by Donald Rumsfeld as his deputy White House chief of staff under President Gerald Ford and then succeeded his mentor in 1975, becoming the new chief of staff at just 34 years old. Cheney experienced a rapid ascent in Washington, serving as the Secretary of Defense before eventually becoming George W. Bush's Vice President in 2001. He then had a very public, embattled fall from grace when the secret torture and surveillance programs he had put in place post-9/11 were uncovered and he argued with the Supreme Court about access to documents from a task force he led. Then-newly-designated Chief of Staff Richard B Cheney pictured in his office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 5, 1975. Bettmann ArchiveGetty Images As Washington, D.C. awoke on Tuesday morning to the news of Cheney's passing, tributes started to pour in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leading the way, former President George W. Bush referred to Cheney's death as "a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends." You can read his statement in full, below: "[My wife] Laura and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was. History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generationa patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held. As a young White House aide and chief of staff, a Congressman, a Secretary of Defense, and my Vice President, Dick earned the confidence and high opinion of five Presidents. I asked him to join my ticket in 2000 after first enlisting him to help me find the best running mate. In our long discussions about the qualities a vice president should havedeep experience, mature judgment, character, loyaltyI realized that Dick Cheney was the one I needed. Im still grateful that he was at my side for the eight years that followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheneys service always reflected credit on the country he loved. Dicks love for America was second only to his family. Laura and I have shared our deepest sympathies with Vice President Cheneys wife Lynne and their daughters and granddaughters of whom he was so deeply proud. We are praying for Lynne, Liz, Mary, and the Cheney family as they honor a great man." Despite Cheney's disagreements with the Trump Administration, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the "scripture is very clear, we give honor where honor is due." "Even when we had political differences as somebody later in life, you have to honor the sacrifices and the service they gave to their country," Johnson emphasized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flags at the White House were lowered to half-staff on Tuesday morning, in tribute of Cheney. Republican Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas has also said his "prayers are with the Cheney family." "Dick Cheney was a dedicated public servant and committed to the safety and security of his fellow Americans," said Womack. "I first met him when he visited my battalion (Gunslingers) deployed to the Sinai, Egypt in 2002, and had the opportunity to reconnect with him years later fishing for cutthroat trout on the Snake River." Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming said his state "mourns the passing" of Cheney. "From high school football star to White House Chief of Staff, Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President, Dicks career has few peers in American life. His unflinching leadership shaped many of the biggest moments in domestic and U.S. foreign policy for decades," said Barrasso. "Dick will be remembered as a towering figure who helped guide the course of history in Wyoming, the United States, and around the world. My prayers are with Lynne, with Liz and Mary, and his grandchildren as they celebrate an incredible man." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said Cheney "dedicated his life to serving our nation" and remembered his love of "his family and country." Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said that while he did not agree with Cheney on everything, they had built up a strong working relationship over a forty-year period. "Dick Cheney was a controversial and often divisive political figure, but he was deeply loyal to his family, his country, his political party, and his conservative convictions," noted Cole. "As a former Secretary of Defense, Cheney was a proud and effective proponent for the United States military. He always believed that American leadership was indispensable in a dangerous and chaotic world." Republican Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama highlighted Cheney's leadership after 9/11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He was a dedicated public servant and helped our country stand tall during pivotal times such as 9/11. His mission was preserving our freedoms in this country, and we thank him for his service," she said. Republican Rep. Troy Balderson of Ohio offered his condolences and referred to Cheney as "a dedicated public servant and steadfast leader who devoted his life to serving the nation he loved." International figures in the world of politics have also remembered Cheney. In a statement shared by his office, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said: "I heard with great sorrow of the passing of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, a great friend and steadfast supporter of the State of Israel. My deepest condolences to his family and to the American people." Callum Sutherland contributed reporting. Write to Olivia-Anne Cleary at olivia-anne.cleary@time.com. Former vice president and architect of the war on terror Dick Cheney passed away Monday at the age of 84 from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. According to a statement from his family, Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. The rest of the country, however, knows him for being one of the most powerful vice presidents in U.S. history, helping to lead the United States after the 9/11 attacks into a myriad of military campaigns, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and having the U.S. commit torture and extrajudicial assassinations across the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney was unapologetic about his actions during his tenure as vice president, saying in an interview in 2014, Torture, to me is an American citizen on his cellphone making a last call to his four young daughters shortly before he burns to death in the upper levels of the Trade Center in New York on 9/11. When pressed about the CIAs interrogation program from those days, which included waterboarding, prisoners shackled in stress positions, and people of mistaken identity tortured, Cheney said, Id do it again in a minute. Cheney also expressed no regrets over leading the U.S. into the Iraq War, calling it the right thing to do more than a decade later, even after it plunged the U.S. into debt, killed hundreds of thousands of Iraqis at a minimum, and destabilized the country so much that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, was later able to gain a foothold. Later in life, Cheney was critical of the Republican Party, breaking with Donald Trump along with his daughter, former Representative Liz Cheney, and later endorsing Kamala Harris in 2024. But he died without facing any accountability for his earlier actions. This story has been updated. Donald Trump has not issued a comment on the death of Dick Cheney, the former US vice-president. Cheney, who served as vice-president under George W Bush, died on Monday evening aged 84, according to his family statement. Although White House flags were lowered to half mast, Mr Trump did not issue a statement following the death of the polarising politician, considered to be the most powerful vice-president in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JD Vance, the vice-president, did not comment either. Karoline Leavitt, Mr Trumps press secretary, was asked about the absence of a statement on Tuesday. I know the president is aware of the former vice-presidents passing. And as you saw, flags have been lowered to half-staff in accordance with statutory law, Ms Leavitt said. Cheney, who was a Republican, spent his final years locked in a battle with Mr Trump, whom he described as a coward. His final act of protest against Mr Trump was to vote for his rival Kamala Harris during last Novembers general election. Vice-president Dick Cheney dances with his wife Lynne at a ceremony to mark the 226th birthday of the Marine Corps in 2001 - RICK BOWMER/AP He became a target of Mr Trump after his daughter Liz, a former Republican representative for Wyoming, became the leading critic of the presidents attempts to stay in power after his 2020 election defeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual who was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Cheney said in a television ad for his daughter. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He is a coward. Cheney suffered from cardiovascular disease throughout most of his adult life, surviving at least five heart attacks. He died owing to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, his family said. A family statement read: Richard B. Cheney, vice-president of the United States, died last night, November 3, 2025. He was 84 years old. His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former vice-president died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House chief of staff, Wyomings congressman, secretary of defence, and vice-president of the United States. Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honour, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man. George Bush, left, with Colin Powell, centre, and Dick Cheney in Michigan in November 2000 - PAUL J. RICHARDS/EPA Mr Bush said Cheney was a loss to the nation and described him as a decent, honourable man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held. He described how he had initially asked Cheney to find him a running mate before eventually picking him for the role. In our long discussions about the qualities a vice president should have deep experience, mature judgment, character, loyalty I realised that Dick Cheney was the one I needed. Im still grateful that he was at my side for the eight years that followed. Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best. He held to his convictions and prioritised the freedom and security of the American people. Joe Biden also paid tribute to his predecessor as vice president, while acknowledging their different political ideologies. He said: Guided by a strong set of conservative values, Dick Cheney devoted his life to public service from representing Wyoming in Congress, to serving as Secretary of Defence, and later as Vice President of the United States. While we didnt agree on much, he believed, as I do, that family is the beginning, middle, and end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheneys career was largely defined by Americas War on Terror, which was instigated after the 9/11 attack on New York. He was a vociferous backer of the decision to invade Iraq, dismissing war critics as opportunists. In the months following the 2001 attacks, he operated much of the time from undisclosed locations, kept apart from Mr Bush to ensure one or the other would survive any follow-up assault on the countrys leadership. Years down the line, Cheney insisted he had no regrets about the war, telling CNN in 2015: It was the right thing to do then. I believed it then and I believe it now. His latter years were defined by an ongoing conflict between the Cheney and Trump families. Cheney supported Mr Trump in 2016, despite the presidents criticism of the Bush-Cheney administration, but later turned on him after he refused to accept the result of the 2020 election. He later backed his daughter Liz Cheneys campaign against a pro-Trump candidate during the 2022 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the first anniversary of the Jan 6 Capitol attack, Cheney joined his daughter Liz for remembrance events. She was the only Republican to attend the event, drawing the ire of Mr Trump, who has since repeatedly threatened to lock her up. 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. Dick Cheney, the architect behind the disastrous Iraq War and vice president under George W. Bush, died at age 84. While conservative on most issues, Cheney did support his lesbian daughter. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. A former member of Congress during Ronald Reagan's presidency, former White House chief of staff under Gerald Ford, and secretary of defense under George HW Bush, the Republican politician died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement by his family, CNN reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed, the family statement said. Cheney had several heart attacks through the years. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, Cheney essentialy took over control of defense policy, which saw U.S. troops enter Afghanistan before the invasion of Iraq under false evidence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. As the U.S. took prisoners of war, Cheney defended torture against detainees years later, he'd say he'd do it again. His daughter Mary is a lesbian, and Cheney said in 2004 that states should be left to decide on marriage equality as George W. Bush supported a constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage which would go further than the Defense of Marriage Act, which federally recognized only different-sex marriages. Lynne and I have a gay daughter, so its an issue our family is very familiar with, Cheney said, according to NBC News. With the respect to the question of relationships, my general view is freedom means freedom for everyone. ... People ought to be free to enter into any kind of relationship they want to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question that comes up with the issue of marriage is what kind of official sanction or approval is going to be granted by government? Historically, thats been a relationship that has been handled by the states. The states have made that fundamental decision of what constitutes a marriage." While still a staunch conservative until his death, Cheney called Donald Trump a "coward" and a threat to the U.S. He voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, CNN reports. In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Cheney said in an ad for his daughter's, former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, failed reelection campaign in 2022. He is a coward. A real man wouldnt lie to his supporters. He lost his election, and he lost big. I know it. He knows it, and deep down, I think most Republicans know. This story is developing. Check back for updates. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Dick Cheney, former Republican vice president and supporter of marriage equality, is dead (NewsNation) Dick Cheney, the 46th vice president of the United States, died Monday. He was 84 years old. Cheney, who served as vice president to George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, died due to complications of pneumonia, cardiac and vascular disease, his family confirmed in a statement. Known as a war hawk who played a pivotal role in the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Cheney also held office as a congressman in Wyoming in the 1980s and as defense secretary for former President George H.W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers hopeful Election Day will be turning point in the shutdown fight Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing, the familys statement said. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man. Cheney previously survived five heart attacks and a heart transplant, according to his 2013 book, Heart: An American Medical Odyssey. Dick Cheney died on Nov. 3, 2025, at 84 years old. (NewsNation) Vice President Cheney and President George W Bush riding in back of a limousine smiling, Washington, D.C,. on Feb. 28, 2008. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) In this handout photo provided by the U.S. National Archives, Vice President Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush meet in the Presidents Emergency Operations Center after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by David Bohrer/U.S. National Archives via Getty Images) In the last moments of the Bush administration Vice President Dick Cheney sits alone in his wheelchair in the White House awaiting the arrival of Barack H. Obama and his wife Michelle and Joe and Jill Biden to a coffee morning with congressional leaders in the Blue room before he is sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts as the 44th president of the United States. (Photo by Charles Ommanney/Getty Images) Former Vice President Dick Cheney introduces Vice President Mike Pence at the Republican Jewish Coalitions annual leadership meeting at The Venetian Las Vegas on Feb. 24, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) In a Tuesday statement, Bush said Cheney will be remembered among the finest public servants of his generation a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held. Dick Cheneys political career Richard Bruce Cheney was born in Lincoln, Neb., on Jan. 30, 1941, and grew up in Casper, Wyo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheneys tenure as President George W. Bushs vice president capped a political career that began in 1969. Cheney served the Richard M. Nixon administration in several capacities. Cheney first worked as the assistant director of the Cost of Living Council as well in the Office of Economic Opportunity before shifting to duties within the White House to continue his work for the administration. After spending a year working in business in the private sector, Cheney returned to politics as a member of Gerald Fords transition team after Nixon left the White House amid the Watergate scandal. Cheney served as Nixons chief assistant before moving into the role of White House Chief of Staff for the remainder of Fords tenure in the Oval Office. Cheney returned to his home state in 1977 and served as Wyomings lone Congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was re-elected five times and was selected as the Republican Partys policy committee chairman. He was chosen as the House Republican Conference in 1987 before being selected as House Minority Whip in 1988. Cheney worked as Secretary of Defense between 1989 and 1993 under President George H.W. Bush when he oversaw two of the countrys biggest military campaigns Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Desert Storm in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheneys leadership overseeing the conflicts earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991. After Bush lost his re-election bid, Cheney returned to the private sector. He served as a fellow at the conservative think tank, The American Enterprise Institute before becoming the chairman and chief executive officer of the Haliburton Company. Cheney originally declined George W. Bushs request to be the nominee for vice president, choosing instead to serve as a consultant for the role. But when no suitable candidates could be found, accepted the request and joined the ticket. As Vice President, Cheney leaned heavily into his expertise in foreign policy, which was called into action after the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. His decision-making and approach to the war on terror helped to shape the administrations stance on national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government shutdown hits 35 days, now tied for longest in US history Post-administration, Cheney drew the ire of President Donald Trump, whom Cheney called the greatest threat to our republic in its history. His daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., was the leading in-party critic of Trumps attempts to stay in power after the 2020 election and during the ensuing Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots. In 2024, Cheney announced he would vote for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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 NewsNation. Originally appeared on E! Online The United States has lost a key political figure. Richard "Dick" B. Cheney, the 46th vice president of the United States under Republican George W. Bush, died on Nov. 3, his family confirmed. He was 84. "His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed," the statement shared with NBC News read. "The former Vice President died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of his public legacy, his family wrote, For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyomings Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States." Cheney's loved ones also reflected on the personal legacy he was leaving within their family. "Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country," they wrote, "and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country." His family concluded, "We are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney's passing from complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease comes after years of being plagued by coronary problems throughout his life, per The New York Times, including experiencing five heart attacks between 1978 and 2010. He'd worn a device to regulate his heartbeat since 2001 before undergoing a successful heart transplant in 2012. More from E! Online While the Nebraska native's political career began in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1979, followed by four years serving as Secretary of Defense beginning in 1989 under George H. W. Bush, he is perhaps remembered most universally for his tenure as VP to the younger George W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Widely regarded as the most powerful vice president, Cheney acted as Bush's running mate through to successful presidential campaigns, acting as the President's most influential adviser during the "war on terror." The political erawhich saw the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq following the September 11th attackswas not without controversy, especially after a Senate Intelligence Committee report revealed some of the enhanced interrogation tactics employed by the CIA. William B. Plowman/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images While the Nebraska native's political career began in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1979, followed by four years serving as Secretary of Defense beginning in 1989 under George H. W. Bush, he is perhaps remembered most universally for his tenure as VP to the younger George W. Bush. Widely regarded as the most powerful vice president, Cheney acted as Bush's running mate through to successful presidential campaigns, acting as the President's most influential adviser during the "war on terror." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political erawhich saw the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq following the September 11th attackswas not without controversy, especially after a Senate Intelligence Committee report revealed some of the enhanced interrogation tactics employed by the CIA. Brent Lewis/The Denver Post via Getty Images As for Cheney, he told Fox News in 2014, "I think what needed to be done was done. I think we were perfectly justified in doing it. And I'd do it again in a minute." But while the former vice president was a staunch Republican throughout his decades-long political career, in Sept. 2024 he announced he'd be straying from party lines and voting for Kamala Harris instead of Donald Trump. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him," Cheney alleged in a statement at the time. "He can never be trusted with power again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our constitution," he added. "That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. (NBC News and E! News are both part of NBCUniversal.) For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App On November 3, a meeting dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan was held. President Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event. The Head of State also made a speech at the meeting on the occasion of the previous round date, but today everything has changed. Azerbaijan has changed, the region has changed, and each of us has changed. And these changes require new approaches, new accents. Ten years ago, Azerbaijani science, as well as the life of society in general, were under pressure from the situation related to the loss of territories, with bitter memories of the tragedies experienced by our people. The factor of the Armenian occupation cast a shadow over every undertaking, even if we tried not to talk about it. In 2025, we are already living in a completely different reality. As the President said in his speech at ANAS, today Azerbaijan owns all sovereign lands. There are no occupation troops on our territory. There are no foreign military formations on our territory. Today we are building and building on these lands. We live with the realization that there is no other country in the world that has won such a brilliant, complete and absolute victory as Azerbaijan. Our science and our economy must adapt to the new situation. Over the years, the world has changed, and now leadership is determined not by resources, but by technological development. This also applies to the military sphere and the military industry. And here, of course, special tasks fall on the shoulders of Azerbaijani science. The Head of State is right to point out that modern wars are technologically advanced. Azerbaijan was the first to show the war of the 21st century. The Second Karabakh War demonstrated that technology accounts for half of the success in current wars. And over time, this indicator will grow. In its new status, Azerbaijan should not only enjoy the fruits of other people's scientific thought, but also begin to promote its own science. Both in the direction of peaceful goals and in the direction of defense. It is no coincidence that President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly pointed out in his speech that in one area or another, including the military industry, special tasks are assigned to domestic scientists, which opens up a wide field of activity for our science. The Head of state called technological development a top priority and placed the main responsibility for solving this problem on Azerbaijani scientists. He stressed that the development of countries is determined not by natural resources, but by the intellectual potential of society, the development of technology and science. And natural resources are just an opportunity to channel the funds received from their export into human capital and technology development so that our development is sustainable in the future. Natural resources are finite, and intellectual potential is an inexhaustible wealth, the head of state believes. I would like to note here that for many years we have not heard anything about the discoveries and successes of Azerbaijani scientists. The ANAS system includes many scientific institutions frozen at the level of the early 90s. Whereas the Academy of Sciences should be a living organism that develops, grows and bears fruit. NANA must keep up with the changes that are taking place, fit into them, help new talents show up, motivate, and not demotivate young people. Today, ANAS appears to be a block of ice in which scientific thought is frozen and immobilized. It is necessary to return enthusiasm to our science. It is enthusiasm that leads to search and discovery. I would very much like the names of our scientists to resound on a global level, as they once did, and for foreign luminaries to refer to the discoveries and developments of Azerbaijani specialists in their works. This is not fiction. It has already happened and it can be returned. To restore the appropriate aura of the Academy of Sciences is the task of both government agencies and the scientific community itself. Domestic science should be at the forefront in the fight against the various threats that still exist for Azerbaijan. It may seem strange, but one of the means of neutralizing threats is historical science. It is no secret that for many years this science has been under pressure from interests alien to us. Our history has been written and rewritten in the interests of powers and unkind neighbors. The Azerbaijani people were deprived of the opportunity to study their real history. "Unfortunately, our rich history has been distorted by Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora for many years, and propaganda against us in this direction continues today. Therefore, we must defend our own truth. I spoke about this 10 years ago at the 70th anniversary of the Academy. Today I also want to say that we must study and promote our history. Azerbaijani citizens and Azerbaijani youth should know our rich history. They should know that the history of the Azerbaijani people, the history of our statehood, and the ability of our people to create have a long history," President Ilham Aliyev said, speaking at ANAS. I remembered how, shortly before the war, the head of state participated in the opening of the military unit in Mingachevir and addressed the military personnel. He then stated that every soldier and officer should have a complete understanding of the history of our country, both ancient and modern. The president was talking about a real story. These words provoked a response in the expert community, where they talked about the importance of Azerbaijan creating a historical concept that would allow new generations to be motivated and well versed in historical realities. To do this, it is necessary to make great efforts, study sources, dig into archives, get rid of old, imposed concepts and form your own, which is based on the national and strategic interests of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people. This is exactly what President Ilham Aliyev has been talking about all the time. And what should be emphasized is that the new concept of Azerbaijan's history, which meets the realities, does not pose a threat to anyone. After the publication of the text of the Azerbaijani President's speech at ANAS, there was a lot of noise in Armenian public media about the "threat", about alleged plans to "seize" the territories of a neighbor. The hysteria was caused by the words about the prospect of the return of Azerbaijanis to their historical lands in Armenia. But the hysterics tried not to pay attention to the most important thing, which the Azerbaijani leader said at the same time. He said: "Azerbaijanis have never been infected with the disease of separatism. Our people have contributed to the statehood of the countries in which they live, and today Azerbaijanis in no country create and will not create problems for any state or other people. Therefore, the return of Azerbaijanis to present-day Armenia should not frighten the people and the state of Armenia. I've been talking about this for a long time. We must return to our historical lands not by tanks, but by cars." There is nothing threatening in the fact that everyone will know the historical name of present-day Sevan. There is no Sevan on the ancient maps drawn up by non-Azerbaijanis, there is Goyche. The same applies to many other toponyms and hydronyms. These facts are well known to the world science, but for the sake of the Armenians they have always been hidden in the archives. In Soviet times, the historical concept imposed on Azerbaijan turned it into a kind of entity that appeared it is unclear how, when and from where. According to the same logic, the issue of the return of forcibly expelled Azerbaijanis to Armenia has never been raised in the world. No one was moved by the fact that several hundred thousand people suddenly disappeared from the demographic picture of this republic. Therefore, historical truth is needed, and not at the level of experts and journalists, but at the level of science, specifically the Academy of Sciences. This truth should be based on sources and a scientific approach. There are a lot of sources, all you need is a serious approach and diligence. As the President of ANAS said, serious scientific work on history is needed. And yet - this truth should sound not only for us. This is a very important condition. It needs to be brought to the world scientific community and popularized. The whole world knows only the Armenian "truth" so far. This needs to change. Our army has done the impossible by liberating the lands after thirty years of occupation. Now it's the turn of our scientists to smash the piles of historical lies. This job does not seem so difficult for Azerbaijan. After all, as President Ilham Aliyev said, Azerbaijan has never been as strong as it is today. Crypto markets crashed as a result of President Donald Trumps threat in early October that he would impose a 100% tariff on imports from China to America, demonstrating the volatility of cryptocurrency in uncertain markets. Check Out: 13 Cheap Cryptocurrencies With the Highest Potential Upside for You Read Next: 6 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025 As the rollercoaster of Trumps controversial 2025 trade policies continues, what should investors expect next (and prepare for) from the crypto market? What Happened Friday, Oct. 10, saw a devastating plunge in cryptocurrency value, costing billions of dollars in losses. The reason? Trumps threat to hit China with 100% tariffs spurred a crypto market panic. Investors, nervous about their riskier holdings (such as crypto) in the face of potential tariff-related market instabilities between American and China, began to sell in droves and created what data analysis site CoinGlass called the largest liquidation event in crypto history an unprecedented sell-off with a total liquidation of $19.13 billion. Additionally, as CNN elaborated, the crash was worsened by the fact that many crypto traders were extremely levered a common (but very risky) practice in crypto trading in which investors borrow money to increase the amount of their crypto bets. When crypto prices drop, leveraged investors face catastrophic losses; many such leveraged investors led the sell-off stampede after Trumps tariff threat. As a result, crypto market capitalization dropped from $4.1 trillion to $3.6 trillion. Learn More: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: 5 Stocks You Shouldnt Sell Where Things Stand Now Just days after the crash, the market cap began recovering quickly. Further, on Oct. 27, it was reported that Trump and Chinas President Xi had made a great deal of progress towards a new trade relationship, potentially leading to a rollback in the many tariffs between the two nations. As reported by Yahoo Finance, crypto markets have surged 3%-5% as a result. What Does This Mean For You? Unfortunately, this is unlikely to be the last event of its kind, even in the near future. When uncertainty or instability threaten the markets and 2025 has been a year almost totally defined by economic uncertainty and instability crypto is often the first asset that is dumped by skittish investors, leading to staggering market crashes like Octobers. When the economy is uncertain, crypto prices can move sharply, John Paton, marketing director and head of public relations at Kimura London & White LLP, told GOBankingRates. Many investors see crypto as a riskier place to keep their money, so they often sell fast when they get worried. This is a reminder for investors to stay realistic. Prices can rise and fall quickly. Big global events can make those drops happen even faster. Dick Cheney, one of the most influential and divisive vice presidents in U.S. history and a chief advocate for the Iraq War, died Monday at age 84. His family said Tuesday that complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease caused his death. Cheney served under two presidents from the same family, shaping defense and foreign policy during the Gulf War under George H.W. Bush and later redefining the vice presidency under George W. Bush. Known for his forceful style and focus on executive power, Cheney became a central figure in shaping the U.S. response to the September 11 attacks. Bush described Cheney as a decent, honorable man and said his death marked a loss to the nation, according to AP News. He added, History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A survivor of five heart attacks and a heart transplant, Cheney once joked about his reputation as a behind-the-scenes power broker. Am I the evil genius in the corner that nobody ever sees come out of his hole? Its a nice way to operate, actually, he said. Cheneys influence in the Bush administration elevated the vice presidency to an unprecedented level. He steered policy on Iraq, surveillance, terrorism, and energy while maintaining a reputation for secrecy and control. He defended the controversial intelligence and detention practices launched after 9/11 and consistently argued for expanded presidential authority. Critics accused him of overstating the case for war in Iraq, particularly claims linking Saddam Hussein to al-Qaeda and predicting U.S. troops would be greeted as liberators. Still, Cheney remained convinced the war was justified. His political career began in 1968, when he rose through the Washington ranks under Donald Rumsfeld before serving as White House chief of staff under Gerald Ford. He later represented Wyoming in Congress, led the Pentagon during the Gulf War, and became CEO of Dallas-based Halliburton Corp. Cheney is survived by his wife, Lynne, and two daughters, Liz and Mary. Dick Cheney, the former vice president who is largely credited with becoming one of the most influential vice presidents in modern American history, died Monday at the age of 84, his family announced. Cheney died from complications related to pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease, the family said. He battled cardiovascular disease much of his adult life, experiencing at least five heart attacks between 1978 and 2010 and undergoing a heart transplant in 2012. Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness and fly fishing, the statement from Cheneys family read. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney, who served under former president George W. Bush, had a long political career marked by his steady and tenacious advocacy of policies that have become controversial such as engineering the Gulf war in 1991, invading Iraq in 2003 and implementing the Patriot Act. In a statement, Bush called Cheneys death a loss to the nation and said he would be remembered among the finest public servants of his generation. Cheney died from complications related to pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease (Getty) Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best, Bush said. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheneys service always reflected credit on the country he loved. Cheneys political career began in his late twenties after experiencing a challenging early adulthood dropping out of Yale University and being arrested twice for DUI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After marrying his wife, Lynne Vincent, in 1964 and welcoming his first daughter, future Representative Liz Cheney, in 1966, Cheney began working as a congressional aide and moved to Washington, D.C. Over the course of four decades, Cheney served under four Republican administrations, working as a White House staffer under Richard Nixon, White House chief of staff under Gerald Ford, secretary of defense under George H. W. Bush and eventually vice president for George W. Bush. Cheney also served in the House of Representatives for 10 years, representing Wyomings single congressional district. In 2018, Cheneys life and ascent to power were detailed in the Adam McKay movie Vice, with Christian Bale assuming the title role in an Academy Award-nominated performance. Then-Secretary of Defense Cheney is pictured with former President George H. W. Bush in August 1990 (AFP via Getty) Throughout his tenure, Cheney displayed an impressive skill set rarely seen in politics engineering policy behind the scenes while remaining out of the spotlight and refusing to give in to fanfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His first major impact on U.S. foreign policy arose during his time as defense secretary, when he directed Operation Desert Storm to evict Iraqi troops from Kuwait. But Cheney is perhaps most well remembered for his influence on U.S. foreign policy after the September 11 attacks. John Bolton, the former national security adviser, praised Cheney as a principled Reaganite conservative and one of the few men who have shaped American foreign policy with unwavering conviction and clarity. Cheney played a vital role in advocating for the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, falsely claiming Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had launched a program to create weapons of mass destruction and pushed the false notion that Hussein had ties to Al-Qaeda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iraq war, which ended in 2011, led to the deaths of more than 200,000 civilians and 4,400 U.S. service members. Cheney, meeting with the President's Emergency Operations Center and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in September 2001, is largely considered an architect of Bushs War on Terror (Getty) Cheneys advocacy for the invasion of Iraq made him one of the most polarizing figures of the time. He left office with an approval rating of 31 percent, according to the Pew Research Center. His reputation in the administration even earned him the nickname Darth Vader. But Cheney stood by his decision, telling the Senate Intelligence Committee in 2014: I would do it again in a minute, referring to the invasion. Even two decades later, Cheneys known influence on the Iraq war has defined his reputation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dick Cheney was a giant in American politics, and his impact will be felt for decades, Republican Rep. Mike Collins wrote. President George W. Bush relied on Dick Cheney for virtually everything, Republican Senator Ted Cruz said on Fox News Tuesday morning. Disgraced congressman George Santos wrote, Dick Cheney will meet his maker and will have lots of explaining to do. I wish his family well all things considered, but I havent and wont ever shed a tear for a war criminal of his ilk. Cheney is survived by his daughter Liz, a Republican who campaigned for Kamala Harris in 2024 (AP) Despite rarely being seen in public in his later years, Cheney appeared in a political advertisement for his daughter, Liz, in 2022, in which he decried President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Cheney said, calling the now-president a coward. A real man wouldnt lie to his supporters. He lost his election, and he lost big. I know it. He knows it, and deep down, I think most Republicans know, Cheney said in the advertisement. According to Liz, Cheney endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Cheney is survived by his wife, Lynne; his daughters, Liz and Mary; and seven grandchildren. (Reuters) -Dick Cheney, a driving force behind the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, was considered by presidential historians as one of the most powerful vice presidents in U.S. history. He died at age 84 on Monday from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, his family said in a statement on Tuesday. The Republican - a former Wyoming congressman and secretary of defense - was already a major Washington player when then-Texas governor George W. Bush chose him to be his running mate in the 2000 presidential race that Bush went on to win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As vice president from 2001 to 2009, Cheney fought vigorously for an expansion of the power of the presidency, having felt that it had been eroding since the Watergate scandal that drove his one-time boss Richard Nixon from office. He also expanded the clout of the vice president's office by putting together a national security team that often served as a power center of its own within the administration. Cheney was a strong advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq and was among the most outspoken of Bush administration officials warning of the danger from Iraq's alleged stockpile of weapons of mass destruction. No such weapons were found. He clashed with several top Bush aides, including Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, and defended "enhanced" interrogation techniques of terrorism suspects that included waterboarding and sleep deprivation. Others, including the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the U.N. special rapporteur on counter terrorism and human rights, called these techniques "torture." His daughter Liz Cheney also became an influential Republican lawmaker, serving in the House of Representatives but losing her seat after opposing Republican President Donald Trump and voting to impeach him in the wake of the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol by his supporters. Her father, who agreed with her, said that he would vote for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In our nation's 248 year-history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump," said the man who had long been a foe of the left. Cheney was troubled much of his life by heart problems, suffering the first of a number of heart attacks at age 37. He had a heart transplant in 2012. TAKING ON IRAQ Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who had been colleagues in the Nixon White House, were key voices pushing for the March 2003 invasion of Iraq. In the run-up to the war, Cheney suggested there might be links between Iraq and al Qaeda and the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. A commission on the 9/11 attacks later discredited this theory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney predicted U.S. forces would be "greeted as liberators" in Iraq and that the troop deployment - which would last around a decade - would "go relatively quickly ... weeks rather than months." Although no weapons of mass destruction were found, Cheney in later years insisted that the invasion was the right decision based on the intelligence at the time and the removal of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein from power. More than a decade earlier, as defense secretary under President George H.W. Bush, Cheney had directed the U.S. military operation to expel an Iraqi occupation army from Kuwait in the first Gulf War. He urged Bush senior to take an uncompromising line against Iraq after Saddam Hussein sent his troops to occupy Kuwait in August 1990. But at that point Cheney did not support an invasion of Iraq, saying the United States would have to act alone and that the situation would become a quagmire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of Cheney's long ties to the Bush family and experience in government, George W. Bush chose him to head his vice presidential search in 2000. Bush then decided the man doing the search was the best candidate for the job. Upon his re-entry into politics, Cheney received a $35 million retirement package from oil services firm Halliburton, which he had run from 1995 to 2000. Halliburton became a leading government contractor during the Iraq war. Cheney's oil industry links were a subject of frequent criticism by opponents of the war. THE FIRST REPUBLICAN IN GENERATIONS Richard Bruce Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Marjorie Lorraine (nee Dickey) and Richard Herbert Cheney on January 30, 1941, the day then-President Franklin Roosevelt turned 59. His mother was a waitress turned softball player, his father a federal worker with the Soil Conservation Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both sides of the family were staunch New Deal Democrats, he wrote in his 2011 book "In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir." Convinced that the president would want to know that he shared a birthday with the newborn, Cheney's grandfather urged Marjorie and Richard to share the news by telegram with the White House. In his family he "was the first Republican probably since my great-grandfather who fought in the Civil War on the Union side," he told the PBS documentary "Dick Cheney: A Heartbeat Away." He moved as a boy to Wyoming with his family, before attending Yale University. "I was a mediocre student, at best," he said. He dropped out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'A DEADLY ALLERGY TO OLIVE DRAB' Back in Wyoming in 1962, he worked on building electrical transmission lines and coal-fired power stations, before eventually earning undergraduate and master's degrees in political science from the University of Wyoming. Of that time he recalled a visit by then President John F. Kennedy, who addressed students on the importance of using what they were learning to build a better nation and a better world. "He had inspired us all, and at a time when I was trying to put my life back together, I was particularly grateful for the sense of elevated possibilities he described," Cheney wrote in his memoir. In his 20s, Cheney strongly disagreed with the students who shut down campuses in protest against the Vietnam War, he recalled in his memoir. "As a general proposition, I supported our troops in Vietnam and the right of the Kennedy and Johnson administrations to make the decision to be involved there," he wrote. He himself was never drafted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his biographer, John Nichols, Cheney repeatedly applied for deferments and exemptions to avoid conscription. "Cheney reacted to the prospect of wearing his countrys uniform like a man with a deadly allergy to olive drab," Nichols wrote in The Nation magazine in 2011. Cheney stated that he would have been happy to serve. EMBRACING DARTH VADER Cheney went to Washington in 1969 as a congressional intern and held various White House jobs during the Republican administrations of Nixon and Gerald Ford. One of his earliest mentors was Rumsfeld, who worked as secretary of defense in both the Ford and George W. Bush administrations. When Cheney became Ford's chief of staff, he succeeded Rumsfeld. During the 10 years he served as Wyoming's only congressman, Cheney had a highly conservative record, consistently voting against abortion rights. He also voted against the release of imprisoned South African leader Nelson Mandela and against gun control and environmental and education funding measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His wife Lynne, who had been his high school sweetheart, became a conservative voice on cultural issues. Liz, the couple's eldest daughter, was elected to the House in 2016 after building a reputation for pushing hawkish foreign policy views similar to her father's. During his time as vice president, late-night television comedians referred to Cheney as Darth Vader. He shrugged it off by joking that he was honored to be compared to the "Star Wars" villain, even dressing as Vader for an appearance on the "Tonight Show" to promote his memoir. 'THANK YOU TO SATAN' Even before the rise of Trump, his support for conservative issues was not uniform. His second daughter, Mary, a Republican fundraiser, is a lesbian. Cheney spoke supportively of same-sex relationships, which put him at odds with the Bush administration's push for a constitutional amendment against gay marriage. That amendment ultimately failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary and Liz both survive him, as does Lynne. All three were with him as he died, the family said. In 2006 he made headlines during a hunting trip in Texas when he accidentally wounded his friend, Texas lawyer Harry Wittington, in the face with a spray of birdshot. Controversy continued to dog Cheney even after he left the Bush administration. He was the subject of a scathing biographical film in 2018 titled "Vice," starring Christian Bale, who gained 40 pounds (18 kg) and shaved his head to mimic the former vice president's paunchiness and baldness. "Thank you to Satan for giving me inspiration on how to play this role," Bale said in accepting a Golden Globes award for his Cheney portrayal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a book tour for his memoir, Cheney seemed to relish raising the ire of critics. Just before its release he gleefully predicted it would leave heads "exploding" all over Washington. He devoted parts of the book to settling scores with former colleagues such as Rice, whom he depicted as naive. Cheney also took aim at then-President Barack Obama's world view, puzzling over the Democrat's concern that the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba was harmful to America's image. (Additional reporting by Steve Holland in Washington and Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru; Editing by Olivier Holmey, Bill Trott and Rosalba O'Brien) Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a force in Republican politics for over 30 years and one of the most powerful people to hold the second-highest office in the U.S., has died. He was 84. In a statement, Cheney's family said he died Monday night of complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, surrounded by his wife of 61 years, Lynne, daughters Liz and Mary and other family members. Before becoming vice president in the George W. Bush administration, Cheney served as defense secretary, White House chief of staff and a Wyoming congressman. Former Vice President Dick Cheney in 2011. / Credit: David Hume Kennerly / Getty Images In the statement, his family called Cheney "a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2000, Cheney was asked by Bush, the Republican presidential nominee, to help pick his running mate. In the end, it was Cheney's own name that topped the list. He would, it was believed, provide gravitas and broad Washington experience for the younger Texas governor. "He really wanted me to come on board because he thought I could help govern, be part of his team, and that he wanted me involved in everything," Cheney told CBS' "60 Minutes II." He was viewed as one of the most powerful vice presidents in U.S. history; at the same time, he became a lightning rod for those who opposed the war in Iraq and the expansion of presidential powers. "Cheney really drastically changed the presidency, the vice president's role and our standing in the international community," presidential historian Alexis Coe told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Tuesday, Bush called Cheney a "calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges." "I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best," Bush said. "He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheney's service always reflected credit on the country he loved." In recent years, Cheney saw his daughter Liz Cheney achieve political prominence as a Wyoming GOP representative in Congress known for her open criticism of President Trump. She lost her position as the top Republican woman in the House over her fight with Mr. Trump about his baseless claims that the 2020 election had been stolen from him. She went on to serve as vice chair of the House select committee investigating the assault on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and continued to warn of the danger that she said Mr. Trump posed to democracy, even campaigning for his Democratic opponent, then-Vice President Kamala Harris, in 2024. Dick Cheney cut an ad for his daughter's failed 2022 reelection campaign backing her position, arguing that in U.S. history "there has never been an individual that was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney shaped Republican Party politics for a generation, but he cast his final presidential ballot in 2024 for a Democrat. In a statement, he said Mr. Trump "can never be trusted with power again. As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution." Early life and rise to power Richard Bruce Cheney was born in 1941 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and grew up in Wyoming. He attended Yale but dropped out after two years and instead finished his college education at the University of Wyoming. Cheney married his high-school sweetheart Lynne, with whom he had two daughters. He then moved to Washington, D.C., to begin his career, having avoided the draft and the Vietnam War with deferments beginning in early 1966 because it took him six years to finish college, he later testified before Congress at a confirmation hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By age 34, he was White House chief of staff for President Gerald Ford, the youngest person ever to hold the job. In 1978, he ran for Congress and won the first of six terms in the House, representing Wyoming. In 1989, he was chosen to be secretary of defense in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. In 1991, he oversaw the U.S. victory in the first Gulf War, when Iraqi forces were driven out of Kuwait. For years afterward, he defended the decision not to invade Baghdad. "If we had gone on to Baghdad, if we had sort of accepted the responsibility for occupying the country, governing Iraq, putting a new government in place, running Saddam to ground, I think there would have been significant additional U.S. casualties," Cheney said on CBS' "Face the Nation" in 1992. "I can't say how many, but the proposition is how many additional American lives is Saddam Hussein worth? And my answer to that question is, not very darn many." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1995, Cheney became chairman and CEO of Halliburton, the world's largest oil field services company, his first corporate job. His salary and stock options made him a multimillionaire. But in 2000 he left the company to join the Republican ticket. "This election is about real choices we are talking about the future of our nation," Cheney said at a 2000 post-debate rally in Kentucky. The presidential campaign was bitterly contested and its outcome was undecided on election night, with Florida too close to call, though Bush had a slight lead. Al Gore, the Democratic nominee, asked for recounts in four counties, as Bush sued to stop the recounts. The race was ultimately decided five weeks after the election by a 5-4 decision of the Supreme Court. A turning point in history Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States proved to be the defining moment for the new administration particularly, it seemed, for Cheney. Even as the U.S. struck al Qaeda and its Taliban allies in Afghanistan, Cheney warned of a larger web of U.S. enemies, urging military action against Iraq and Saddam Hussein. "Simply stated, there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction," Cheney told the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 2002. Baghdad fell only three weeks after the U.S. invasion in 2003. No weapons of mass destruction were ever found, and American forces began a long, deadly occupation. "It's hard to explain how important he was, actually, during those Iraq war days," Republican strategist Kevin Sheridan told CBS News. "He was truly central to everything that America did to respond to 9/11. He's obviously received a lot of criticism since for it." Vice President Dick Cheney applauds as President George W. Bush delivers his State of the Union address on Jan. 29, 2002. / Credit: LUKE FRAZZA/AFP POOL/AFP via Getty Images Even so, the Bush-Cheney team made national security the centerpiece of the 2004 presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we make the wrong choice, the danger is that we'll get hit again," Cheney said at a town hall meeting in Des Moines, Iowa. The president and Cheney were returned to office in a close election. But as the situation in Iraq disintegrated and U.S. casualties mounted, public opinion turned against the conflict and the administration. In November 2006, Democrats won majorities in both houses of Congress, swept in primarily by anti-war sentiment. To his many detractors, Cheney was a man obsessed with secrecy, the threat of terrorism and strengthening presidential power. Cheney and Bush ignored the critics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in his second term, the president broke with Cheney on the firing of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the offer of talks to North Korea, and the refusal of a pardon for Cheney's former chief of staff, Lewis "Scooter" Libby. Libby was convicted in 2007 of lying to a grand jury but ultimately pardoned by President Trump in 2018. At the 2009 inauguration of Barack Obama, Cheney appeared in a wheelchair because of a back injury. But the former vice president proved to be as pugnacious as ever in frequent attacks on the new president and his administration. "I think Barack Obama is a one-term president," Cheney said at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2010. Heart transplant brings "a new day" Cheney's cardiovascular health was a problem throughout his life. He suffered a total of five heart attacks, his first at age 37 during his run for Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2010, after his fifth, doctors implanted a battery-powered device to help his heart pump blood throughout his body. That bought Cheney time while he awaited a heart transplant, which he received in 2012. "You wake up every morning with a smile on your face," he told 60 Minutes in 2013, "because you've got a new day you never expected to have." New poll shows who Americans blame for the government shutdown Trump administration reacts to judges' decisions on funding SNAP benefits Trump says "I know nothing about it" when asked about crypto billionaire pardon Dick Cheney died of old age in his own bed, surrounded by a loving family. In life, he had made sure that hundreds of thousands of people would not enjoy the same privilege. The former vice president had a deep commitment to presidential power, which he had the chance to implement during the so-called "Global War on Terror." The fruits of his efforts were a disastrous war of choice against Iraq, a torture program that dishonored America, and a surveillance state that we still live under. One of Cheney's more famous nicknames was "Darth Vader," a reference to the villain of Star Wars. Both he and George W. Bush, the president Cheney served under, leaned into the epithet for laughs. After all, Cheney once shot his hunting partner in the chest, only to have the victim apologize. But Cheney's ruthlessness was not just a matter of eccentric personal behavior. In September 2001, he infamously told NBC News that the U.S. government would have to cross over to the "dark side" to keep Americans safe. Asked years later about the fact that 25 percent of CIA detainees were innocent, including a man who was tortured to death, Cheney said that he has "no problem as long as we achieve our objective." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before becoming the face of the war on terror, Cheney was a cold warrior. As a Ford administration staffer, he pushed back hard against attempts to expand the Freedom of Information Act in the wake of the Watergate scandal. After a ten-year stint in Congress, he was appointed Secretary of Defense by President George H.W. Bush. In that position, Cheney oversaw America's first post-Cold War displays of muscle, the wars against rogue former client dictators in Panama and Iraq. "By God, we've kicked the Vietnam syndrome once and for all," the elder Bush exclaimed in a 1991 speech, standing in front of Cheney, who no doubt felt the same. Cheney had entered government at a time when civil libertarians and foreign policy doves, galvanized by the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, were hemming in presidential power. Now he had a taste of what the White House could do without limits. Cheney even commissioned a study on using nuclear weapons on Iraq, a route the elder Bush thankfully did not take. Along with a belief in unilateral action, Cheney walked away with a specific taste for war in the Middle East. "We're always going to have to be involved there," he told PBS in 1996. Ten years later, the younger Bush brought Cheney back into the White House just in time to witness the attacks by Al Qaeda on September 11, 2001. "There wasn't a dove in the room," Cheney told a crowd, smiling, only a few weeks after the massacre. Although Al Qaeda was an organization run by Saudis and based in Afghanistan, the Bush administration took the opportunity to finish off its unrelated conflict with Iraq. Cheney was one of the principal figures pushing for the war and trying to dig up dubious connections between Al Qaeda and Iraq. Writing about the push for war a decade later, The Atlantic called Cheney a "uniquely irresponsible and mendacious" figure in the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney knew what the consequences would be; in his 1996 interview, Cheney had warned that a U.S.-led regime change effort in Iraq "would get bogged down in a long drawn-out conflict." That prediction came true. The U.S. invasion destroyed Iraqi society and incited 14 years of civil war, including the rise and fall of the Islamic State group. The Iraq Body Count Project has documented 187,499211,046 civilian deaths, along with another 100,000 combatant deaths. Domestically, the war on terror meant treating the entire American public as suspects, and the Bush administration authorized the National Security Agency (NSA) to begin warrantless mass surveillance of the population. Cheney had his own lawyer oversee the program in order to steamroll internal dissent. "We are vulnerable, as was shown on 9/11, and you never know what you're going to need when you need it," Cheney later told CNN, in the aftermath of former NSA contractor Edward Snowden's revelations that the government had been lying about the full extent of its surveillance. Torture was perhaps the most infamous wartime measure, even though it affected the least number of people. Like the decisions to invade Iraq and authorize mass surveillance, the decision to disappear and torture terrorism suspects without trial was an initiative that Cheney personally saw through (although he later insisted that anything authorized by the Department of Justice didn't count as torture). During the first Trump administration, Cheney publicly called for the return of "enhanced interrogation." In the last years of his life, Cheney criticized both Democratic and Republican administrations which he thought were too soft on national security. And Cheney was also willing to reach across the aisle to praise his opponents when he thought they were ruthless enough at war. After President Barack Obama authorized the assassination of an American citizen by drone, Cheney called it a "pretty good program." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, he first brought up the "Darth Vader" nickname in a 2007 speech to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a hawkish think tank founded by a former Clinton administration official. Some of the Washington Institute figures whom Cheney praised in his speech have been influential throughout the Obama era and beyond; the institute itself helped staff the Biden administration. Cheney's agenda is bipartisan now. "Most of you knew me long before anyone called me Darth Vader," Cheney said. "I've been asked if that nickname bothers me, and the answer is, no. After all, Darth Vader is one of the nicer things I've been called recently." The post Dick Cheney, Vice President and Self-Described 'Darth Vader,' Was a Champion of the War State appeared first on Reason.com. Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and controversial vice presidents in history, died Nov. 3 at age 84. Cheney died from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement from his family. The Cheney family had numerous connections to Wisconsin. Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the 1960s. His daughter, Liz, was born in Madison. Cheney returned to Wisconsin as recently as 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about Cheney's connections to Wisconsin: Dick Cheney attended UW-Madison but didn't complete his degree Cheney attended UW-Madison as a doctoral student in political science between 1966 and 1968, according to the university. He didn't complete his degree, instead taking a congressional fellowship in Washington. Once there, Cheney worked in the office of U.S. Rep. William Steiger, a Republican who represented a Wisconsin congressional district. His wife, Lynne, attended UW-Madison as a graduate student from 1966 to 1968 and graduated with a Ph.D. in English in 1970. Before his time in Madison, Cheney went to Yale University and then Casper College before he transferred to the University of Wyoming, where he graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees. Dick Cheney interned for former Wisconsin Gov. Warren Knowles During his time at UW-Madison, Cheney worked for former Gov. Warren Knowles, the 38th governor of Wisconsin, who served from 1965 to 1971. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emeritus professor Bernard Cohen, who chaired the university's political science department at the time, was quoted in a 2000 UW-Madison article calling Cheney a "earnest, serious and hard-working" student. He had maturity beyond that of the typical graduate student, Cohen said. Daughter Liz Cheney was born in Madison U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney acknowledges the crowd at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, Wis., on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. The campaign event was part of a series of "moderated conversations" in suburban counties in critical swing states. Liz Cheney, the older of Cheney's two daughters, was born in Madison in 1966 during her parents' time there. She represented Wyoming in Congress and was shunned from the Republican Party for her opposition to Donald Trump. She campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris in Wisconsin during the 2024 presidential campaign, visiting Ripon and Brookfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dick Cheney voted for Trump in 2016 but endorsed Harris in 2024. "In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump," Cheney said in a statement at the time. Cheney spoke at Beloit College in 2019 Cheney visited Beloit College in October 2019, where he criticized Trump's decision to pull U.S. troops in northern Syria. Former Gov. Scott Walker moderated the event. More than a dozen protesters gathered outside the event, holding signs critical of Cheney's role as architect of the Iraq War. According to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coverage of the event, Cheney was asked how media portrayals might affect his legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney said he hadn't seen the biographical movie "Vice," a comedy-drama about his career, but his 18-year-old granddaughter did. When Cheney asked how she liked it, she said, "Well, it says you're a real badass and that's cool." Cheney smiled and added: "That's as good a judgment as any." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Dick Cheney's Wisconsin ties included UW-Madison, Steiger, Knowles The owner and an employee of a Vineland group home for intellectually disabled people are the most recent people charged with neglecting and abusing an elderly resident, investigators announced Monday. Elwyn Pennsylvania Delaware, Inc. of Elwyn, Pennsylvania, and Gwendolyn Singletary, were arraigned on Oct. 20 on charges of third-degree neglect of an elderly or disabled person and third-degree conspiracy to commit neglect of an elderly or disabled person, according to a statement from the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office. Singletary was also charged with fourth-degree assault on an institutionalized person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other employees have been indicted by the office over the last few months. Elwyn operated the Strathmore Group Home for intellectually disabled adults in Vineland, the office said. The Elwyn group home, its director of operations Inkie Mars and Bryan F. Firlein, its clinical director, were all responsible for putting policies and procedures in place for the general safety of the residents, investigators said. On April 13, 2023, the victim, identified only by their initials, S.K., was a resident of the home and suffered a fall, authorities said. Operations manager DeShay Dickson, along with Brenda Hichens Torres and Michele Beirne, who both work as direct support professionals at the group home, allegedly failed to check S.K. for injuries after the fall and failed to assist her to her feet for over three hours, the office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days later, S.K. either fell again or dropped to the ground, investigators said. She remained on the floor for nearly seven hours without assistance. During that time, neither Singletary nor Dickson checked S.K. for injuries or assisted her to her feet for more than three hours, officials said. The Elwyn group home, Mars, and Firlein allegedly failed to put policies or protocols in place to prevent the incidents from occurring or to remediate such events should they occur, the office said. Mars, Beirne and Firlein were arraigned on July 14, 2025, also on charges of neglect of an elderly or disabled person, and conspiracy to commit the same offense, authorities said. On Sept. 19, Beirne was admitted into pre-trial intervention and agreed to serve 100 hours of community service and to refrain from working as a direct-care worker for elderly persons, children, the seriously mentally ill, intellectually disabled or other vulnerable populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dickson and Hichens Torres were arraigned on Sept. 5, the office said. Failure to respond quickly and properly to a resident in need of care is not only wrong but may constitute a crime, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement. The behavior described in the indictment goes beyond mere neglect. We will not allow conduct like this in our care facilities. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. "Nonstandard" tests and treatments for Lyme disease are on the rise, which could have devastating consequences for patients, experts say. What's happening? PBS reported on the trend, noting that people might spend thousands of dollars on "alternative" tests and treatments for Lyme disease. The tests could range from over-the-counter kits to specialty laboratories, while alternative treatments include lasers, herbal remedies, and electromagnets. Experts warn that these tests and treatments aren't covered by insurance and could end up doing more harm than good. Why is this trend concerning? Normally, diagnosing Lyme disease is a complex process, PBS reported. And the standard medical test, which looks for antibodies in the blood, comes with limitations. For instance, if it's given too early, the antibodies may not have appeared yet, resulting in a negative test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's one reason that many people have turned to alternative testing methods. However, doctors warn that such unconventional Lyme disease tests could provide inaccurate information and interfere with the diagnosis of other conditions that are sometimes mistaken for the disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. They also warn that many alternative treatments come with risks for instance, they say the most worrisome method involves long-term intravenous use of antibiotics, sometimes using multiple drugs over years. PBS noted that several large-scale studies have shown no benefits to the long-term use of antibiotics to treat chronic Lyme symptoms. In fact, Dr. Robert Smith, a Lyme specialist at MaineHealth Institute for Research, said some patients have developed life-threatening gut infections after years of these types of antibiotic treatments have killed off healthy bacteria. "There is clearly harm being done to people who are suffering and who, out of desperation, take on these great expenses or can be harmed by treatments that are not proven effective," he told the news organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This trend comes as Lyme disease has become more prominent in the media. For one, a growing list of celebrities, including Justin Timberlake, have recently announced they have the disease. Meanwhile, we can only expect risks to rise as an overheating planet is helping Lyme disease-carrying ticks expand their ranges and active seasons thanks to warmer weather in many areas. For instance, experts in Ohio say Lyme disease cases are skyrocketing due to hotter, wetter weather and changes in deer migration patterns. And one group of scientists discovered that Lyme disease risk doubled in the Canadian province of Quebec and tripled in Manitoba between 2000 and 2015. What's being done about Lyme disease? First off, the experts interviewed by PBS encourage people to opt for a conventional Lyme disease test provided by their health provider and to avoid unconventional treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond that, the most effective way to avoid Lyme disease is to limit the risk of getting bitten by a tick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to walk in the middle of trails to avoid these tiny external parasites and to keep their legs covered. Spraying footwear, clothing, and camping gear with insecticide that includes 0.5% permethrin can also help. Scientists are also developing a tick-repelling drug for humans that works similarly to the chewable tablets given to dogs. 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. That said, sources close to that first administration exclusively indicated to OilPrice.com at the time and since that this approach arose more from the relative political naivety of that administration than from anything more sinister. More specifically, Trump had carried over into his presidency the New York real estate way of negotiating with rivals, according one such Washington-based source. Given that this approach did not work as effectively as he had hoped, it has changed in his second term, with the flipside to the wheeler-dealer style being a hard-edged non-nonsense approach. This was evidenced recently with the U.S.s military support for Israeli strikes against Irans nuclear programme targets after Trumps 60-day deadline to Iran to reach a new nuclear agreement expired. Before that, President-Elect Trump was key to pushing for the removal of Bashar al-Assad from Syria in December a regime that had been a particular irritant to him in his first term. He also did this to put Moscows, Beijings and Tehrans leadership on notice that Washington can easily redraw and restructure borders and regimes in not just the Middle East but also in Eastern Europe and elsewhere, if it wants to, a senior source connected to the European Unions (E.U.) security complex exclusively told OilPrice.com at the time. In his dealings with Xi during this period, he was often accused of [giving up] security considerations for trade, as Trumps former National Security Adviser, John Bolton, put it in his book . An early case in point cited was the reversal of hard-hitting U.S. sanctions imposed on Chinese telecommunications company ZTE for repeated violations of the U.S. sanctions on Iran and North Korea. According to Bolton, after a private telephone call to Xi in which it transpired that Chinas leader told Trump that he would owe him [Trump] a favour if he reduced the sanctions against ZTE Trump did exactly what Xi had asked for. Shortly after this, Trump tweeted: President Xi of China and I are working together to give massive Chinese phone company, ZTE, a way to get back into business, fast. Too many jobs in China lost. Commerce Department has been instructed to get it done! As Bolton put it in the book: Since when had we started to worry about jobs in China? A key lesson was learned by U.S. President Donald Trump following his landmark meeting on 30 October with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping: that the hardline approach he has adopted in his second term in the top job, characterised by quickly-implemented tariffs and sanctions, has worked well and he should stick with it. In broad terms, Trump rated the one hour and 40 minute get together on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Koreas Busan as a 12 on a scale of one to 10, with an outstanding group of decisions made. Xi seemed much keener to emphasise that he did not want both sides falling into a vicious cycle of mutual retaliation, and that they should focus on the benefits of cooperation. However, the fact that Trump was able to pressure Xi into suspending Chinas ban on rare-earth exports announced on 9 October the key issue that the U.S. wanted addressed urgently underlines to many how effective his new tougher strategy has been than the more co-operative one he pursued in his first presidential term. Story Continues Similarly in contrast to the softer approach Trump took to Chinas Xi in his first term, this second time around Beijing was hit with the highest tariffs anywhere in the first round of such U.S. sanctions in April. Moreover, having negotiated reductions down on both sides, Trump then reimposed these extremely heavy tariffs again following Chinas tightening of export controls on rare earth metals in October. As Beijing had additionally barred these rare earth exports for foreign military use, which directly affected U.S. defence supply chains, the timing looked to Trump like a geopolitical test of his presidency personally by counterpart Xi, according to a senior Washington-based legal source recently spoken to by OilPrice.com. It was for this reason that Trump ordered sweeping 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports starting 1 November, with a separate 130% tariff on select categories, aimed at high-tech and industrial goods. The same day as Chinas tightening of export controls on rare earth metals, the U.S. Treasury Department also sanctioned Chinas Rizhao Shihua Crude Oil Terminal at Lanshan port and Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group (an independent refinery in Shandong province), that have handled millions of barrels of Iranian petroleum. Related: China Has Retained Its Grip on Rare Earths Despite a U.S. Trade Truce Using parallel sanctions measures with a direct effect on Chinas energy imports a crucial weak link in its superpower status is a mechanism that Beijing is likely to see more often from the U.S. as part of ongoing disputes between the two countries, according to the E.U. and Washington sources. China is reliant on oil and gas imports to fuel its economic growth, as it has insufficient natural resources itself to do so, and this includes cut-price imports from Iran and Russia, said the E.U. source last week. So, sanctioning these imports kills two birds with one stone: it threatens Chinas economy, and it undermines the ability of two rogue states to keep doing what theyre doing in Irans case, funding global terrorism, and in Russias financing the war in Ukraine, he added. This is why Washington sees sanctions imposed on China for Iranian oil imports as serving the same purpose as sanctions imposed on it [China] for Russian oil imports, he underlined. Indeed, the U.S.s language regarding the energy relationship between Iran, Russia, and China and the broader implications it has remains unequivocal. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said recently that: The Treasury Department is degrading Irans cash flow by dismantling key elements of Irans energy export machine. He added that entities who facilitate such trade in whatever country they are located have: Collectively enabled the export of billions of dollars worth of petroleum and petroleum products, providing critical revenue to the Iranian regime. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said of the recent sanctions on Chinese oil entities that: The Iranian regime continues to fuel conflict in the Middle East to fund its destabilizing activities, [and] Today, the United States is taking action to stem the flow of revenue that the regime uses to support terrorism abroad, as well as to oppress its own people. Similarly on Russia, the U.S. has already warned China that ongoing imports of its oil could lead to huge tariffs being imposed, according to the E.U. source. During the talks [end-July U.S.-China trade talks in Stockholm], [U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott] Bessent told his opposite number [Vice Premier He Lifeng] that legislation [Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025] is being drawn up in Congress authorising the imposition of up to 500% tariffs on countries that buy sanctioned Russian oil, he exclusively told OilPrice.com. In reality, the Act goes wider to encompass any country that knowingly sells, supplies, transfers, or purchases oil, uranium, petroleum products, or petrochemical products that originated in the Russian Federation. It currently has 84 listed co-sponsors in the U.S. Senate alone, according to the U.S. Congress website, and the Speaker of the House has also indicated his chambers support to pass the bill. Trump also succeeded very recently in pressuring the E.U. into placing sanctions on one of Chinas key oil and gas players -- the China National Petroleum Corporation for importing Russian crude oil through the Eastern SiberiaPacific Ocean oil pipeline. This is to be part of a wider move for the Union of 27 European countries and one of Chinas biggest trading partners to bring sanctions to bear on Beijing as and when required. Indeed, the President of the Ursula von der Leyen E.U.s governing body the European Commission -- Ursula von der Leyen recently stated in the accompanying press conference to the 19th Sanctions Package on Russia announcement that: We target refineries, oil traders, petrochemical companies in third countries, including China. At the same time, E.U. foreign policy head Kaja Kallas, posted on social media that: Were adding more chemicals, metal components, salts, and ores to our export bans and tighter export controls on entities from Russia as well as China [and India]. Although officially little was said between Trump and Xi at their most recent meeting on 30 October, the U.S. Treasury will be closely monitoring Chinas continued imports of oil and gas from both Iran and Russia. According to the Washington and E.U. source, there may well be more sanctions on China from the U.S. and/or the E.U. aimed at further curtailing its import of Iranian and Russia energy prior to the likely next meeting of Trump and Xi in April. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. Doha, Qatar A declaration of intent to fight deepening global inequality is a booster shot for development, the head of the United Nations declares. At the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar on Tuesday, the president of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, announced the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration. Social development and inclusion is essential for strong societies, she said, adding that the declaration must end social injustice and guarantee dignity for everyone, prioritising a people-first approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a keynote speech, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on global leaders to unite behind the bold peoples plan. Its unconscionable that nearly 700 million people still live in extreme poverty while the richest 1 per cent own nearly half of global wealth, he told the delegations. Its intolerable that almost four billion people lack access to any form of social protection at all. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock attend the Second World Summit for Social Development [Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters] The summit in Qatars capital, Doha, was convened to build on the development goals established 30 years ago during the Copenhagen Summit. According to the UN, about 40 heads of state, 170 ministerial-level representatives, heads of NGOs and 14,000 delegates from around the world were expected to attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The declaration calls for commitments in several areas, including poverty eradication, access to decent work, social integration, gender equality and climate action. Guterres noted the progress that has been made over the past three decades. Over one billion people have escaped extreme poverty. Global unemployment is at a near-historic low. Access to healthcare, education and social protection has dramatically expanded. People are living longer, and child and maternal mortality have declined. And more girls are attending school with rising graduation rates for all students, he said. However, he insisted that more challenges must be faced, saying the Second World Summit opens at a moment of high global uncertainty, divisions, conflicts and widespread human suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Developing countries are not getting the level of support they need, he warned. We are not moving fast enough to mitigate the volatility and outright destruction wrought by a warming planet. Peace and stability Qatars emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, opened the event by calling for sustained efforts to support the Palestinian people amid the devastation of Israels two-year war on Gaza. Its impossible to achieve social development in any society without peace and stability, he said, adding that only constant peace, not temporary settlements, is just peace. Calling on the international community to increase support for reconstruction, he added: It goes without saying that the Palestinian people need all forms of aid to be able to recover from the devastation caused by the apartheid system in Palestine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN estimates more than $70bn is needed to rebuild Gaza. Addressing reporters on the sidelines later, Guterres said he was deeply concerned by continued violations of the ceasefire in the enclave. They must stop, and all parties must abide by the decisions of the first phase of the peace agreement, he demanded. The emir also condemned the war crimes being carried out in Sudan. We express our collective shock at the horrific atrocities committed in the city of el-Fasher in Sudans Darfur region and reaffirm our condemnation of these acts in the strongest terms, Sheikh Tamim said after the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group captured the capital of North Darfur State last week. A Justice Department official blurted out that President Trump should be behind bars after classified documents were uncovered at his Mar-a-Lago home. DOJ officials agreed he should be arrested after discovering a trove of gravely sensitive classified documents at Trumps estate in August 2022, a new book excerpt by two veteran reporters has revealed. Published Monday on MSNBC.com, Washington Post investigative reporter Aaron C. Davis and former Washington Post White House reporter Carol Leonnig detailed how FBI agents found hundreds of top-secret records in the now-presidents office, residence, and even his bathroom shower during their surprise raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wrong hands, officials said, these documents could get American operatives killed. Outside of Mar-a-Lago the day after it was raided. / Sun Sentinel via Getty Images If it was anybody else, we would arrest him tomorrow, Julie Edelstein, the Justice Departments top expert on the mishandling of classified records, said at the time, according to the excerpt. Both removing classified documents from a secure government facility and trying to conceal them are crimes. Still, Trump evaded charges at firstsolely because hes Trump. He finally faced 37 felony counts related to his mishandling of the records after Special Counsel Jack Smith took over the case one year later. But what was seen as a straightforward case soon collapsed after a Trump-appointed judge dismissed the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has since claimed the raid was a political hatchet jobgoing so far as to file administrative claims seeking damages over the search of Mar-a-Lago last month. He is now declaring that his own DOJ owes $230 million in damages, arguing he was damaged very greatly by the investigations. Trump has vowed to donate any money he receives to charityor use it to fund his prized new ballroom under construction at the White House. The White House and DOJ did not immediately respond to request for comment. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson issued a statement claiming the court-approved search at Trumps club was illegal, MSNBC reported. The Biden DOJs raid on President Trumps home was highly illegal and yet, MSDNC continues to provide cover for the witch hunt against the President, the statement read. This is another perfect example as to why the American people no longer trust the media. (NewsNation) As millions of Americans head to the polls Tuesday, the Trump administration is deploying election monitors from the Department of Justice to California and New Jersey, where key races are underway. Democrats have argued the move could undermine confidence in the voting process. Josh Findlay, national director of the Election Protection Project, tells Morning in America the federal presence is necessary, citing a history of election fraud in New Jerseys Passaic County one of the areas where monitors will be stationed. 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 NewsNation. COLLINS: Should the president know who hes pardoning? MULLIN: Well, I dont know anything about this one. Thats the first time Ive seen that. But I would say the president has the authority to pardon people. And and thats within his realm to do it. So, Im not gonna question who he pardons, who he doesnt pardon. COLLINS: But the argument from Republicans is that Biden used an autopen for pardons and that he didnt know who he was pardoning MULLIN: Well, we know that to be true. COLLINS: I mean, Trump is openly saying he did not know who he was pardoning. MULLIN: He said it was recommended to him. Thats what he said. It was recommended to him. He gets a lot of recommendations. He pardons a lot of people. Those were his words. If you talk about the difference between Biden, Biden, his pardons were an autopen. Thats not even up for discussion. COLLINS: But Biden also knew I mean, he pardoned his family members. He knew who they were. MULLIN: Well, that was one of how many thousands did he pardon? So, my point that Im trying to get to Kaitlan, Im not trying to avoid the question. I dont know anything about it. This is the first time Ive heard about the pardon. The president has a right to pardon who he wants to. I guarantee he signed the pardon himself, not an autopen. And I know he has to take recommendations. Thats what we all do. You take recommendations, we take I take recommendations. We got a great team that works around us. Hes got a great team that works around him. And he trusts them. He trusts them good enough that if he thinks I mean, you heard him say that if they think he needs to be pardoned, then hell sign the pardon. If he thinks they need to be dug in further, then hell dig in further. He has the right to question whoever he wants, but he also trusts his team around him. COLLINS: But would you want to know who youre pardoning if youre pardoning someone? MULLIN: Im not the president of the United States, nor the governor of a state. Im a senator, one of 100. COLLINS: Senator Markwayne Mullin, thank you for your time tonight. MULLIN: Thank you. UPDATED, with Mamdani comment: Donald Trump urged New Yorkers to cast their ballots for his one-time nemesis Andrew Cuomo rather than the front-runner in the mayors race, Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, or even Republican Curtis Sliwa. In a Truth Social post on Monday evening, Trump wrote: If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, because of the fact that, as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival! It can only get worse with a Communist at the helm, and I dont want to send, as President, good money after bad. It is my obligation to run the Nation, and it is my strong conviction that New York City will be a Complete and Total Economic and Social Disaster should Mamdani win. His principles have been tested for over a thousand years, and never once have they been successful. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Trump added: I would much rather see a Democrat, who has had a Record of Success, WIN, than a Communist with no experience and a Record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE. He was nothing as an Assemblyman, ranked at the bottom of the class and, as Mayor of potentially, again, the Greatest City in the World, HE HAS NO CHANCE to bring it back to its former Glory! We must also remember this A vote for Curtis Sliwa (who looks much better without the beret!) is a vote for Mamdani. Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not! RELATED: Barack The Closer Obama Rips & Mocks Trump & Billionaire Pals On Campaign Trail: Its All Tricks & No Treats Elon Musk, who was the head of DOGE before a falling out with Trump last spring, also backed Cuomo, writing: Remember to vote tomorrow in New York! Bear in mind that a vote for Curtis is really a vote for Mumdumi or whatever his name is. VOTE CUOMO! Mamdanis campaign has trumpeted Trumps support for Cuomo, believing that they would benefit from the anti-Trump sentiment in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Congratulations, @AndrewCuomo. I know how hard you worked for this, Mamdani posted on X on Sunday evening, after Trump indicated that he would back the former governor of the state. On Monday, Mamdani also touted Musks endorsement of Cuomo, writing that it only cost $959 million in tax breaks. On CNN, Mamdani said that Trump and Musk picked Andrew Cuomo because they know that he will be the puppet that they want right here in New York City. Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, has declined to drop out of the race, despite the urging of Mamdanis detractors that he is splitting the vote. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Doubleheader? The countdown to 100 rocket launches in Florida continues with SpaceX and United Launch Alliance targeting midweek to launch the 92nd and 93rd orbital rocket of the year from here. Not one, but two night-time rocket launches are potentially scheduled for liftoff hours apart. One's a SpaceX Starlink mission, and the other is a ULA headliner. First up is SpaceX. The space agency founded by billionaire Elon Musk will send another batch of Starlink satellites to space via a Falcon 9 rocket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, later, ULA's mighty Atlas V rocket will deliver Ka-band communications satellites for Viasat and it's possible the spacecraft will be seen far beyond the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Rockets here launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island, Florida, or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and people in and around Brevard County usually have the best chance at seeing this phenomenon in the sky. Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover and trajectory, a rocket launch from Floridas Space Coast is sometimes visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach and as far south as Vero Beach and West Palm Beach. Spotted in the Palm Beach County sky. SpaceX Starship rocket launch from Texas, not a meteor, seen 1,500 miles away in Florida Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When theres a nighttime launch window or very early morning, theres an opportunity for unique photos the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo. Below is more information on the doubleheader rocket launches from Florida and suggestions on where to watch them in person (or virtually via the USA TODAY Networks Space Team). For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space. Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA launch schedule at Cape Canaveral When is the rocket launch in Florida? Wednesday, November 5: SpaceX Starlink 6-81 Mission: SpaceX Falcon 9 will will lift 29 Starlink broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit. Launch window : 6:08 p.m. to 10:08 p.m. ET Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 Launch trajectory: Southeast Launch location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida Sonic booms for the Space Coast of Florida (Titusville, Merritt Island, Melbourne area): No Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Networks Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser. For the latest news and launch schedule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. United Launch Alliances Atlas V will launch a powerful commercial communications satellites, the ViaSat-3 F2 ultra-high-capacity broadband spacecraft. Launch will occur Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, during a 44-minute window opening at 10:24 p.m. ET. This visibility map shows the trajectory and path. When is the rocket launch in Cape Canaveral, Florida? Wednesday, November 5: ULA ViaSat-3 Flight 2 Mission: A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch the second mission for Viasat, the second of a planned constellation of three Ka-band communications satellites. Launch: 10:24 p.m. ET, with a 44-minute window extending until 11:08 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 Launch trajectory: TBA (the ULA graphic above shows the Atlas V rocket trajectory and path) Launch location: Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida Sonic booms: No ULA Atlas V live launch coverage starts two hours before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Networks Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at floridatoday.com/space, starting two hours before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser. For the latest news and launch schedule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Live weather radar: Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today? Will weather cancel a rocket launch? Shown is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast, Brevard County, Orlando and other parts of Florida. The current date and time show up on the bottom right of this radar embed; otherwise, you may need to clear your cache. Where to see a Florida rocket launch in Palm Beach County: What does a West Palm Beach rocket launch view look like? Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, some rocket launches from the Space Coast can be visible in Palm Beach County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, with a southeast trajectory, theres an opportunity for unique photos. Some examples include United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch and SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. From Cape Canaveral, Florida, to West Palm Beach, Florida, it's about 150 miles. In October 2025, the SpaceX Starship rocket, the world's largest, launched from Starbase, Texas, and was spotted in parts of Palm Beach County, Florida, shortly after liftoff. Starbase, headquarters for SpaceX in South Texas, is about 1,500 miles away from this part of Florida. What the views look like: Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral spotted in West Palm Beach Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral can often be seen from Palm Beach County, and it can be as easy as walking out of your house and looking north. Try to get away from any obstructions, such as trees, tall buildings, and bright lights. Obviously, cloud cover can also get in the way. If the forecast is for clear skies and you want a better view, some good places to watch the rocket launch from Palm Beach County include: Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: ULA, SpaceX rocket launches in Florida scheduled. What time is liftoff? CARTHAGE, Mo. A Joplin man involved in a hit-and-run has been sentenced to four years in state prison as part of a plea deal. Miguel Gaspar-Diaz, 43, was sentenced last Thursday to four years each for leaving the scene of an accident and for tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution. The sentences are set to run concurrently. Charges of second-degree assault, DWI with serious physical injury and failure to drive on the right side of the road were dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a probable-cause affidavit filed by Carthage investigators, police, fire and emergency medical services were called to the 1100 block of Baker Boulevard at 8:51 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, to an injury crash involving a juvenile male on a moped and an unknown second vehicle that had left the scene. When they arrived, officers found the moped in the middle of the road but no victim. A resident in the 1000 block of Baker Boulevard told officers that a male was lying in the ditch in front of their home and firefighters responded and started giving aid. Victim 1 was transported by EMS to Mercy Hospital in Joplin ... with extensive injuries including but not limited to a brain bleed, torn aortic artery and multiple broken bones, the probable-cause affidavit stated. The victim was later transported to, and remains at, Mercy Hospital in Springfield ... for critical care due to life-threatening injuries. The statement said officers found security video footage of the crash that showed a vehicle fleeing the scene north, toward the intersection of Central Avenue and Baker Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle then went west out of town about four minutes after the crash. The vehicle was identified by debris at the scene and officers started looking for a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. With the help of Joplin Police Department, Carthage investigators located a red 2013 Equinox with front-end damage at a residence in Joplin. The man in the home, identified as Gaspar-Diaz, told investigators he hit a deer Nov. 24 and had not been to Carthage, but detectives were able to partially reconstruct the damage to the vehicle with pieces recovered from the crash scene. Gaspar-Diaz later admitted to drinking alcohol at a friends home in Carthage before the accident, and he admitted to hitting the male on the moped and driving a few hundred feet before removing him from his cars hood and putting him in the ditch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said in the probable-cause statement that Gaspar-Diaz is an undocumented non-citizen. Police also said he had history of failing to appear in court for charges in Joplin. He was still in custody in the Jasper County Jail on Monday. Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney Theresa Kenney said Gaspar-Diaz will be sent to the Missouri Department of Corrections and that it will be up to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement whether it wants to deport him before or after he serves his sentence. The victim, Braxton Thrasher, 17, worked at Dominos Pizza in Carthage, and the pizza chain rallied to help, raising nearly $25,000 to help with his recovery. The fundraiser became a national event in the Dominos chain. Nov. 3 (UPI) -- A New York State Supreme Court judge on Monday convicted Daniel Hyden on all 12 counts related to a fatal July Fourth car-ramming incident in New York City. Four were killed and seven others were injured during the July Fourth festivities when a car plowed through a crowd that had congregated at a Lower East Side park. Hyden, 46, was accused of being drunk behind the wheel when he crashed into the crowd. On Monday, he was convicted of four counts of second-degree murder, four counts of second-degree assault, three counts of second-degree assault and one count of aggravated vehicular homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While this verdict won't bring [the victims] back to life, I hope that this conviction can bring at least some measure of comfort for their friends and family," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr. said in a statement announcing the conviction. According to evidence shown in court, Hyden was driving his Ford F-150 pickup on Water Street while intoxicated at about 8:55 p.m. EDT. At 54 mph, Hyden sped through a stop sign, a construction zone and a sidewalk, before ramming through a chain-link fence and striking a large crowd celebrating the Fourth of July at Corlears Hook Park. "Hyden had fully pressed down his gas pedal and did not hit his brakes until one-half second before the final crash," the Manhattan District Attorney's Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Four people were trapped underneath the pickup truck, with seven others struck and injured by the truck or debris." Hyden attempted to flee the scene by throwing the pickup in reverse, but was stopped by witnesses who removed the vehicle's keys from the ignition. Ana Morel, 43, and Lucille and Herman Pinkney, ages 59 and 38, respectively, were pronounced dead at the scene. Emily Ruiz, who never regained consciousness following the crash, died five days later at the hospital. Hyden is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 3. NEW: Today we announced the all-count trial conviction of Daniel Hyden for driving while intoxicated and crashing into a crowd of people celebrating the Fourth of July in Corlears Hook Park, killing four people, and injuring seven others. More here: https://t.co/D4Bfle78lJ pic.twitter.com/sPVHYYD0wu Alvin Bragg (@ManhattanDA) November 3, 2025 BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) A U.S. Marine and two deputies from the Bertie County Sheriffs Office saved a driver who was ejected from his vehicle which caught on fire on Oct. 27th. The Marine and deputies provided first aid until the Bertie County EMS arrived. The victim was transported to the hospital with injuries. The Marines identity was withheld until recently, and he will be publicly honored for his actions. MORE DETAILS: On October 27th, 2025, around 8:00 pm, Lieutenant J. Parker and Deputy E. Topliss, with the Bertie County Sheriffs Office, were en route to a call for service in Merry Hill. While en route to the call in Merry Hill, they came upon a vehicle collision on Highway 17 near the Wakelon Road exit, where the driver was ejected and the vehicle caught fire. A U.S. Marine arrived at the crash at the same time as the deputies. The U.S. Marine and the deputies jumped into action and were able to pull the driver of the vehicle to safety. The U.S. Marine used a first aid kit and began providing aid to the victim until the Bertie County EMS arrived. The victim from the collision, who suffered injuries, was transported to the hospital. Bertie County Sheriffs Office 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 WNCT. Belgium's Defence Minister Theo Francken expressed concern on Monday about a series of unidentified drone flights at the weekend near a military base where US nuclear weapons are stored, saying that they seem to be part of a spying operation. Francken confirmed that drones had flown into the area near the Kleine Brogel air base in northeast Belgium in two phases on Saturday and Sunday night. The first phase involved "small drones to test the radio frequencies" of Belgian security services, then later came "big drones to destabilize the area and people," Francken told public broadcaster RTBF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It resembles a spy operation. By whom, I don't know. I have a few ideas but I'm going to be careful (about speculating)," he said. Francken ruled out the possibility that the weekend drone flights were a prank. He said that the security services "jammer didn't work because they tested our radio frequency and they changed frequency. They have their own frequencies. An amateur doesn't know how to do that." Belgium's Defence Minister Theo Francken speaks with the media as he arrives for a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, 13 February, 2025 - AP Photo Asked why it was not possible to shoot the drones down, Francken said: "When they're over a military base we can shoot the drones down. When its nearby, we have to be very careful because they can fall on a house, a car, a person. That's completely different." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This can pose legal challenges too. "It's not entirely clear. We have to clarify the legal grounds," he said. Francken lamented that Belgium "is chasing after the threat" posed by such drone flights. "We should have bought air defence systems five or 10 years ago," that can deal with drones, he said. Last month, several drones were detected above another Belgian military base near the German border. The operators were not identified. Related On high alert Both NATO and the European Union have been on high alert following a string of airspace violations, thought to be from Russia, in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NATO issued a warning to Moscow at the end of September, saying it would use all means to defend against any further breaches of its airspace after the downing of Russian drones over Poland and Estonia's report of an intrusion by Russian fighter jets. The 10 September incident in Poland was the first direct encounter between NATO and Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022. Estonia said three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace for 12 minutes on Friday without authorisation, a charge that the Kremlin has rejected. The incidents caused widespread consternation among leaders across Europe, raising questions about the alliance's preparedness against growing Russian aggression. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks to the media in London, 24 October, 2025 - AP Photo "Russia should be in no doubt: NATO and Allies will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter all threats from all directions," the alliance said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the violation of Polish airspace, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the formation of the Eastern Sentry programme, which aims to deter further Russian incursions and show solidarity with Poland. "We see drones violating our airspace. Whether it was intentional or not, it is unacceptable. The allies have expressed full solidarity with Poland. It is crucial to counter aggression and defend every member of the Alliance," the NATO chief said. Incidents in Denmark and Norway Meanwhile on 23 September, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Russian involvement could not be ruled out after Copenhagen airport was forced to close for several hours the previous night following the sighting of a number of drones. "It says something about the times we live in and what we as a society must be prepared to deal with," Frederiksen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the allegations "unfounded". A mobile radar installation is seen at the Danish military site on Amager, 26 September, 2025 - AP Photo Also on 22 September, Oslo airport in Norway was closed for three hours after possible drone sightings were reported. Russia allegedly violated Norway's airspace three times so far this year, according to the government, but it remains unclear whether Monday's incident was deliberate or the result of navigation errors. "Regardless of the cause, this is not acceptable," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said. Uber (UBER) reported strong third quarter results before the bell on Tuesday, but investors likely wanted more, sending the stock lower in premarket trade. The results follow a wave of deals Uber has made in the autonomous space. Uber reported Q3 revenue of $13.47 billion, compared to $13.26 billion estimated, per Bloomberg consensus, a 21% jump from a year ago. Uber posted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.20 versus $0.70 estimated, with adjusted EBITDA coming in at $2.3 billion versus $2.27 billion, up 33%. Net income jumped to $6.6 billion; however, $4.9 billion of that was due to a tax valuation benefit, not operations. Ubers Q3 monthly active platform consumers (MAPCs) hit 189 million, compared to 184.1 million expected, up 17% year over year and topping estimates. Gross bookings jumped 21% to $48.7 billion, also better than the $48.96 billion expected. Looking ahead, Uber projected Q4 gross bookings of $52.25 billion to $53.75 billion, versus an estimated $52.33 billion, and adjusted EBITDA of $2.41 billion to $2.51 billion, compared to an expected $2.49 billion. Nonetheless, Uber stock dropped 5% in premarket trade. Uber shares were up 65% year to date prior to today's release. "Ubers growth kicked into high gear in Q3, marking one of the largest trip-volume increases in the companys history, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a statement. Were building on that momentum by investing in lifelong customer relationships, leaning into our local commerce strategy, and harnessing the transformative potential of AI and autonomy. Read more: Live coverage of corporate earnings Uber's third quarter also pushed forward how the company views its future one that may be driverless. Last week, Nvidia (NVDA) and Uber revealed that the two companies are partnering on what they described as the world's largest network of nearly autonomous (Level 4) cars. Nvidia president and CEO Jensen Huang delivers the keynote address during the Nvidia GTC event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Oct. 28, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images The partnership aims to build 100,000 vehicles starting in 2027 using Nvidia's Drive AGX Hyperion 10 platform and Drive AV software. Nvidia said this system and collection of sensors are designed to enable Level 4 autonomy. Interestingly, earlier this summer, Lucid (LCID) partnered with Uber on a robotaxi service that would use Lucid EVs summoned on Uber's platform. The Lucid robotaxis would be powered by autonomous tech firm Nuro's (NURO.PVT) Level 4 driving software, which Lucid said it would use for its commercial robotaxis. Looking deeper into the future, starting next year, Joby (JOBY), which bought Blade's passenger operations last month, will enable Uber users to book Blade helicopter and seaplane trips directly on the Uber app. Blade currently offers short helicopter rides as well as seaplane trips across various routes in the New York City metropolitan area and Southern Europe. EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Business owners in East Lansing say theres a growing homelessness problem in the downtown area, leading many to voice their concerns ahead of Thursdays Downtown Management Board meeting. They want the city council to create new laws that would prohibit loitering and camping in the downtown area. Rudy Richmond, Assistant General Manager of Jolly Pumpkin and Mash, says the homelessness situation has intensified and has even impacted his business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of them threw something at one of my staff, said Richmond. I had to close down the patio that day, and theyre always haggling our customers, and smoking, things that families shouldnt be around, and especially children. Richmond says hes even had to trespass a homeless resident before, but says the problem persists. When we walk in, they harass us, said Richmond. When were trying to set up the patio, we get harassed by them. Ali Haider, owner of 7-Eleven, also voiced his safety concerns at a past city council meeting. Ive witnessed a lot of loitering and encampments around our downtown that are harming our community, said Haider. My employees are quitting due to safety concerns, and customer traffic has declined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Wehagen, a homeless resident, says there are a lot of health and drug issues within the homeless community, and urges people to be more compassionate. He adds that, although hes never bothered any businesses, he says some homeless residents have. Most of those that Ive seen do it on a really disruptive level, have mental health issues that need to be committed to some kind of extensive care, said James Wehagen. 6 News spoke to a few Michigan State University students who didnt want to go on camera. They say they, too, have had interactions and run-ins with the homeless in the downtown area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They even said theyve seen them sleeping outside their apartment complexes at some point. Richmond acknowledges the struggles homeless people face, and hopes the city can get things under control. Obviously, I want all my coworkers to feel safe, because thats my biggest job, said Richmond. 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 WLNS 6 News. URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) The Trump Administration said the government will be partially funding this months SNAP benefits after federal judges ruled it needs to use reserve funds. Now, people in Central Illinois are trying to deal with the uncertainty while some food bank leaders say their lines are getting longer. The Eastern Illinois Foodbank said its doing all it can to support the local food pantries in its network, stretching between 21 counties and supporting more than 143,000 people. Sophie Ellis, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, said they have enough food to give out to people as they wait for benefits. They dont anticipate running out, but the confusion over SNAP is only making services like the foodbank more important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danville church partners with grocery store to alleviate SNAP concerns We know that this delay in benefits is causing a lot of stress to our neighbors, Ellis said, A lot of families facing uncertainty about where theyll get their next meal, [and], what does grocery shopping look like? And so, our pantries in our network are seeing longer lines already. We know that the limited resources theyre working with are going to feel more of a strain this month. House speaker Mike Johnson said the monthly amount needed for SNAP costs more than $9 billion while the contingency funds will only cover about half of that in November. The Illinois Department of Public Health said it may take that money days to weeks to get in peoples accounts. And when they do get benefits, it will be a lower amount than prior months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eastern Illinois Foodbank said theyre always looking for donations, and every dollar provides three meals. Click here to find out how to donate. The Eastern Illinois Foodbank also offers an online interactive map where community members can find food resources near them. You can find that link here. 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 WCIA.com. The majority of New Jerseyans have a poor view of the economy, and a growing percentage are struggling to afford basic necessities, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll. The poll was released on Election Day in a race to select a new governor where both Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli have focused their campaigns on economic anxiety and cost-of-living issues. Nearly 70% of voters viewed the economy negatively on both the national and local scale, regardless of age, income, race or education, according to the new poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For most New Jerseyans, pessimism continues to permeate their views on both the state and national economies, said Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University. Ciattarelli Sherrill debate The dramatic differences between Ciattarelli and Sherrill on taxes, education, abortion, more in N.J. gov race Here's where Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill stand on key issues. An estimated 53% said the national economy is worse off than it was a year ago, and nearly 50% held the same view about New Jerseys economy, the survey shows. Nearly 70% of Republicans were more likely to say the economy had gotten better, but Democrats and independents held more negative views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An estimated 47% of New Jerseyans said they were worse off economically than their parents were at the same age. Nearly two-thirds of those ages 18 to 34 shared that sentiment. Voters also listed housing affordability, the cost of education and student loans, the job market and income not keeping pace with prices as the top obstacles for young people. Those earning less than $100,000 were more likely to say they were doing worse. Nearly half of voters said they were neutral on their finances and holding steady, but an estimated 43% said they were falling behind. More than 75% said income inequality was too large, a viewpoint that held across political, gender and racial and age lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most partisan differences emerged on how to address income inequality. Nearly 78% of Democrats said the federal government should take action to reduce income inequality, compared with 56% of independents and 26% of Republicans. The poll surveyed 795 voters from Oct. 3 to Oct. 17 and has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 4.7 percentage points. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A group of Los Angeles Unified School Teachers gathered Monday to support an 18-year-old Reseda High School senior who has been in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more than a month. Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz has been at the Adelanto Detention Center since he was taken into custody in August while walking his dog near his familys Van Nuys apartment. Teacher Lizette Becerra told KTLAs Sandra Mitchell that shes visited the teen and noted that hes struggling in the custody of ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes treated like a prisoner, cant go anywhere, cant do anything, she explained. He wants to be out. The message of the teachers assembled in support of Guerrero-Cruz on Monday was education, not deportation. Were here because hes still there, Becerra said. He has not been released. Benjamin Marcelo Guerrero-Cruz, 18, seen in this undated photo. (viewer image) A group of L.A. teachers and supporters rallied Monday for the release of an 18-year-old high school senior in ICE custody since August. (KTLA) A group of L.A. teachers and supporters rallied Monday for the release of an 18-year-old high school senior in ICE custody since August. (KTLA) According to the Department of Homeland Security, the high school student overstayed his visa by more than two years and is in the country illegally from Chile. Federal officials added that he will remain in custody pending removal. Teacher Ron Gochez told KTLA that the 18-year-old should be allowed to be in school and be with his family, a sentiment the students neighbor, identified only as Valerie T., agreed with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dashcam shows LAPD cruiser fatally hitting skateboarder in Highland Park I want him to finish his senior year and enjoy that year like any other 18-year-old kid and be reunited with his family, she said. He misses them and they really miss him. Valeria witnessed Guerrero-Cruz being detained by federal agents and has visited him since he was taken into custody. Its really sad. Its really heartbreaking and traumatizing for him. Hell never be the same, she said. Its traumatizing for his family, for our neighborhood, for our street, for everyone who witnessed it, for the community. A GoFundMe has been organized to help raise funds for legal fees and immigration services, as well as to help him build life if he is deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTLA. The big news: As the federal government shutdown enters its second month, its effects are becoming more pronounced on schools and students. Officials at Florida State and Florida A&M universities, for instance, said their research operations and student aid have been significantly disrupted. Both schools are expanding on-campus food pantries for their low income students, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Current and potential students also face delays in securing their federal financial aid as staffing in the agency that processes the information is down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is that Pell Grants and federal student loans are funded through mandatory spending, so you shouldnt be afraid that, you know, the shutdown is going to prevent you from getting financial aid at all, Shaan Patel, CEO of Prep Expert, told WLRN. Read more here. Hot topic Attendance zones: The Manatee County school district is revising its school boundaries for several elementary and middle schools, the Bradenton Herald reports. Office space: The Broward County school board is set to reconsider its $2.6 million spending to rent offices when it has plenty of available space in its own buildings, the Sun-Sentinel reports. The Duval County school board again will consider selling its downtown Jacksonville administration headquarters and relocating, the Florida Times-Union reports. Security: The Leon County school district is renewing its contract for an AI-based weapons detection system, calling it a vital layer of protection, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superintendents: The Alachua County NAACP chapter has called on the school district to hire a permanent superintendent and not extend the interim leaders contract any further, WCJB reports. University leadership: The Board of Governors has postponed its consideration of the University of South Floridas next president until January. The board is set to receive an efficiency study of the states universities when it meets Thursday, MainStreet Daily News reports. Vaccine mandates: Parents of immunocompromised children worry about the potential negative health effects of Floridas proposal to end mandatory school vaccines, The Hill reports. Dont miss a story. Heres a link to yesterdays roundup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before you go ... So, is Dr. Strange the most underrated Marvel? It can get pretty deep. Jeffrey S. Solochek is a reporter covering education as a member of the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Jury selection is still underway in the trial of two men accused of robbing and killing the co-owner of Brooks Sandwich House in NoDa nearly six years ago. Scott Brooks was shot and killed in December 2019 as he opened the restaurant for the day. Last week, seven jurors were seated in the murder trial. On Monday, the court worked to secure the remaining five jurors and four alternates. An eighth juror was seated late in the afternoon. MORE | Potential juror in murder trial says he personally knew family of Scott Brooks The seven jurors already chosen were told by the judge on Friday that they did not need to return until opening statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least ten potential jurors were excused on Monday for personal or work-related reasons. The process of jury selection is lengthy, as attorneys learn about each potential jurors background and any prior knowledge of the case. Charlotte Attorney Brad Smith said its common for jurors to second-guess whether personal experiences could influence their decision. People start to kind of overthink what their role is and think that somehow they may be biased because of some prior occasion, Smith said. I think people generally want to be fair, they want to be impartial, they want to follow the law, but they oftentimes, in an abundance of caution, they volunteer things like that. Smith added that its helpful to keep the process lengthy because its hard to shut off your brain when you walk into a courtroom. Both sides want jurors who can listen to the evidence, determine the facts, and follow the law when deciding guilt or innocence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom until jury selection is complete. The process will resume Tuesday morning. Four jurors and four alternates still need to be selected. 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 Queen City News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) With the federal government shutdown now stretching past one month, El Paso County leaders are taking steps to help residents impacted by delayed SNAP benefits and missed federal paychecks. On Monday, Nov. 3, El Paso County commissioners unanimously approved a response plan to address food insecurity across the County. The plan directs the County Attorneys Office to review possible legal action and instructs staff to send letters to Texas state leaders, urging them to use state reserve funds to help fill gaps in federal assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were in a moment of crisis right now, here in El Paso, especially with the recent suspension of SNAP benefits coming from the Trump Administration, Commissioner David Stout said. This is very scary for our community. I really felt the County needed to have a meaningful discussion about what role we need to play moving forward to make sure that nobody in our community goes hungry. The approved motion also authorizes the Community Services Department to launch the Temporary Electric Assistance Program (TEAP), a short-term utility-relief program designed to help households affected by the shutdown. Stout said TEAP will run from Nov. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026, or until funding runs out. Commissioners also voted to accept donations and directed the county administrator to form a community stakeholder group to coordinate the Countys response to food insecurity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan also comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it will use nearly $5 billion in contingency funds to provide roughly half of Novembers SNAP payments nationwide, following recent court rulings that allowed limited funding to move forward. Local food-relief groups say the need is already growing. El Pasoans Fighting Hunger is preparing about 10,000 emergency food boxes for families impacted by the shutdown, including around 1,500 boxes for civilian employees at Fort Bliss who have missed paychecks. Were fighting not only these SNAP cuts now, but also a downturn in resources on the year and then additionally the government shutdown, said Kris Yagel, interim CEO of the food bank. So its all coming at once. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County officials said they may use remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and County reserves to support local relief efforts as the shutdown continues. Stout added that the County is coordinating with City leaders, school districts, and nonprofit partners to strengthen food and utility assistance programs across El Paso County. 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 KTSM 9 News. Ethereum prediction. Photo by BeInCrypto Bhutan is now the first country to use the Ethereum network to operate a national digital identity system. Ethereum Foundation head Aya Miyaguchi confirmed the news on her X account, stating that she attended the launch ceremony for Bhutan's National Digital Identity (NDI) system. Why Bhutan Is Adopting Ethereum for Its NDI The Ethereum-based identity system is now fully operational. All authentication information will be migrated by the first quarter of 2026. Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay, and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin attended the launch ceremony, among others. Source: @Aya Miyaguchi Prime Minister Tobgay said the nation has set a new milestone in becoming a leader in digital governance by launching NDI on Ethereum. He explained that the goal was to leverage Ethereum's globally distributed, decentralized infrastructure. This would enhance Bhutan's key systems' security, transparency, and availability. He added that the milestone underscores the country's vision to create an interoperable, user-owned identity system. This system will connect Bhutan to the global ecosystem and support the King's vision for a safe, inclusive, and digitally empowered society. Global Leader in Digital Assets Miyaguchi emphasized that the integration of Ethereum is a world first. She stated that "this milestone marks not only a national achievement but a global step toward a more open and secure digital future for the long term." After its 2023 election, Bhutans NDI became the world's first and only national system to provide self-sovereign identity (SSI) to its entire population. The country had been operating its identity system on the Polygon network since August last year, after using Hyperledger Indy. The shift to Ethereum was a decision to enhance transparency, immutability, and privacy. The Bhutanese government aims to migrate its entire NDI platform to Ethereum by early 2026. Once the platform is complete, citizens can use cryptographic proof for authentication instead of traditional ID checks. This will allow them to prove specific things about themselves without revealing their personal information. Bhutan has recently been accelerating the adoption of digital assets. The country directly mines Bitcoin using its hydropower plants and currently holds 11,286 Bitcoin, worth approximately $1.31 billion. This makes Bhutan the fifth-largest national holder of Bitcoin after the US, China, the UK, and Ukraine. Read original story Vitalik Goes to Bhutan Where Ethereum Just Became a National Standard by Paul Kim at beincrypto.com EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Two El Paso natives who have dedicated their careers to advancing fungal education and applications through their work with Myceliumatters and El Paso Mushroom Co. are taking their passion for fungi to East Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mycologists and educators Aixarret Hernandez and Maximilian Esparza will co-host the African Rising Mushroom Festival from Nov. 13-15 in Kampala Village, Uganda, along with Eco Agric Uganda, a women-led organization founded by Josephine Nakakande, Hernandez said in a news release. According to the press release, the three-day event will train local farmers and students to grow gourmet mushrooms using agricultural byproducts and minimal water, creating both food and daily income for local families. Mushrooms are a low-resource crop, Hernandez said. They dont need much water, land, or energy. You can grow them from agricultural waste and they produce nutritious food that families can also sell for daily income. Hernandez said that through workshops, festivals, and conferences across Texas and California, she and Esparza have connected thousands of people to fungis role in building sustainable food systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also operate a gourmet mushroom farm in El Paso, supplying local restaurants and markets while continuing to educate others on the environmental and social benefits of fungi. From El Paso to Uganda, Hernandez and Esparza are helping demonstrate how mushroom education can create international impact, improving food security and economic opportunity, read the news release. You can follow their journey on social media at @myceliumatters and @elpasomushroom. 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 KTSM 9 News. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. Johnstown City Council is about to undergo a generational change. The board currently consists of Democrats Mayor Frank Janakovic, Deputy Mayor the Rev. Sylvia King, Ricky Britt, Marie Mock, Laura Huchel and Taylor Clark, along with Republican Charles Arnone. Four of them Janakovic, Britt, Mock and Huchel are not competing in the general election that concludes Tuesday. King is running for mayor against John DeBartola, a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election 2025 Clark is in a field of eight candidates who are running for four full four-year terms. He is also in a head-to-head special election against Republican Mike Hamacek to finish the remaining two years of a term that was vacated when Michael Capriotti left council to become assistant city manager. So there will be either four, five or six new members on the seven-person board beginning next year. Arnone is the only current member assured of still having a spot on council, since he has two years left in his term. He is also running a write-in campaign for mayor. Clark, Lorraine Brandon-Taylor, Jasmine LaRue and Samuel Barber are on the ballot for council as Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican field consists of Hamacek, Nick Spinelli, Joseph Taranto and Charlene Stanton. Taranto and Stanton previously served on council. So, if elected, most of the candidates would go through some newcomer learning curves. When all of the candidates were asked what they would need to learn about the most, the majority mentioned gaining a better understanding of the citys finances, which currently include a proposed $16.2 million general fund budget for next year. They also discussed the need to get a better understating of infrastructure planning, blight remediation, federal and state funding assistance, the perspectives and positions of fellow new council members, and the grant process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The role of City Council is defined in the City of Johnstowns Home Rule Charter. Council members and the mayor must live in the city, be registered to vote, take an oath of office and adhere to Pennsylvania Public Official and Employee Ethics Act laws. Their terms are for four years, beginning the first Monday of January after the municipal elections. There are no term limits. All of the municipalitys legislative powers, such as adopting budgets and capital plans, voting on ordinances and resolutions, approving contracts, and hiring city managers, are vested in the council. The charter also gives council the ability to create or abolish all boards, commissions, committees, departments, offices or agencies and prescribe their functions and to conduct investigations into matters involving the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council members select somebody from their ranks to serve as deputy mayor. The board holds regular monthly meetings and occasional special meetings. The mayor is a first-among-equals who presides over the meetings, but has no extra voting powers in what is a city manager form of government. The mayor is considered to be the ceremonial head and official representative of the Municipality, according to the charter. Council members receive $2,200 annually. The mayor is paid $3,500. Tuesday marks election day for 55 cities and towns across Massachusetts. Voters in those communities have various issues on the ballot, from mayors and local offices to referenda and overrides. Boston In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu is the only mayoral candidate on the ballot after beating out her challengers in the democratic preliminary election. There are about a half dozen contested city council races, with all four incumbent at-large councilors running for re-election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In District Seven, voters will have to choose a new councilor for the seat vacated by Tania Fernandes Anderson, who is currently serving a one-month sentence in federal prison after getting arrested in a kickback scheme. Everett In nearly three dozen other communities across the state, voters will be casting ballots for mayor. In Everett, City Councilor Robert van Campen will try to oust longtime Mayor Carlo DeMaria. Theres been controversy over DeMarias longevity bonuses. DeMaria has said he believes the accusations are politically motivated. Lawrence The Lawrence race between incumbent Mayor Brian De Pena and Juan Manny Gonzalez will be a closely watched one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Secretary of States office will be on site to supervise voters after there were complaints of questionable absentee ballot applications. Somerville In Somerville, the two-term incumbent mayor isnt even on the ballot after losing in the preliminary election. The race is between two city councilors. Gloucester Gloucesters incumbent has an uphill battle. Mayor Greg Verga finished second in the preliminary election. His poor results could have been linked to when he was caught on video making an obscene gesture at protestors following negotiations during last years teacher strikes. Taunton Taunton Mayor Shaunna OConnell is also trying to hold on to her seat. She was arrested in July of 2024 after assaulting her own husband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge sentenced her to six months of probation. Full list of communities holding elections Agawam Amesbury Amherst Attleboro Barnstable Beverly Boston Braintree Brockton Cambridge Chelsea Chicopee Easthampton Everett Fall River Fitchburg Framingham Franklin Gardner Gloucester Greenfield Haverhill Holyoke Lawrence Leominster Lowell Lynn Malden Marlborough Medford Melrose Methuen New Bedford Newburyport Newton North Adams Northampton Peabody Pittsfield Quincy Randolph Revere Salem Saugus Somerville Springfield Taunton Waltham Watertown West Springfield Westfield Weymouth Winthrop Woburn Worcester When do polls open? Most polls open at 7 a.m. and then close at 8 pm. Times do vary in some towns, however: Agawam (8 a.m. 8 p.m.) Chicopee (7 a.m. 7 p.m.) Franklin (6 a.m. 8 p.m.) Methuen (7 a.m. 7 p.m.) Pittsfield (8 a.m. 8 p.m.) Westfield (7 a.m. 7 p.m.) Helpful links for Massachusetts voters Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Its Election Day across Georgia. Voters will head to the polls statewide for the special election for Georgia Public Service Commission. There are also key mayoral, city council, school board and other municipal elections in several cities. LIVE Team 2 coverage of Election Day throughout the day and night, on Channel 2 Action News. Polls open at 7 a.m. and will close at most polling locations at 7 p.m. In the City of Atlanta, the polls will be open until 8 p.m. after a judge granted the extension, but only for local elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remember on Election Day, you must go to your assigned precinct to vote and bring a valid ID. You can click here to check your voter registration and what your assigned precinct is. Sample ballots are available to look at here. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Tuesday is Election Day 2025, and eyes are on a few key races across the country, including some in New York, New Jersey and Virginia, and a ballot measure in California that could help Democrats flip the House in 2026. New York Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time. Politics: 5 Things To Watch On Election Day 2025 New York Citys mayoral race has been closely watched. Zohran Mamdani, an Assemblymember representing the 36th district, won the Democratic primaries in June. He is favored to win against his opponents, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and the Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump, who once lived and ran businesses in New York, has been outspoken against Mamdani, calling him a communist and saying he is much better looking person than him. Trump endorsed Cuomo for mayor on Sunday. Interest in the election seems to be high more than 735,000 early ballots were cast, with a high rate of younger people casting their votes. Mamdani, who is 34, has appealed to young voters for running his campaign on affordability and taking a stance against the genocide in Palestine. Cuomo has attacked Mamdani for promising voters things that he says a mayor cant get done. New Jersey Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Politics: Trump Issues Dark All-Caps Election Day Warning: YOU WILL RUE THE DAY The race for governor is being closely watched if Democratic candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill can pull off a win, it will be the first time either party has controlled that seat for three consecutive terms since the 1970s. Sherrill is facing off against state Rep. Jack Ciattarelli (R), who is running for governor for the third time. He last ran in 2021 and lost to current Gov. Phil Murphy. Virginia Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, and two elections are being looked at closely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears is running against Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger for governor. Whoever wins will make history as the first female governor of Virginia, and Earle-Sears would become the first Black woman governor. Voters in Virginia often elect the presidents opposing party for governor, meaning history says Spanberger has a shot. Earle-Sears has criticized Trump in the past, and Trump has yet to formally endorse her. The election for Virginias attorney general has been rocked with controversy after 2022 texts from Democratic candidate Jay Jones were leaked, in which Jones fantasized about hypothetically shooting Todd Gilbert, then-Republican speaker of the House of Delegates. Jones is running against incumbent Jason Miyares. After Joness text messages leaked, Trump called on Jones to drop out. Politics: Trump Spends Election Day Having A Meltdown About A Lot Of Things California Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In California, a redistricting proposition is on the ballot that would allow California Democrats to temporarily change the boundaries of U.S. House districts to help Democrats win more seats in the midterms. Proposition 50 is a response to Republicans proposing the same in GOP-controlled states. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has been pushing Prop 50, and on Sunday, he said he is deeply confident California voters will pass the measure. Newsom has been outspoken on Trumps plan to do the same to benefit the GOP, and also on Sunday, noted that Trump is not screwing around. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Polls across most of Michigan are closed now on Election Day 2025, with the mayors race in Detroit getting much of the attention. As of 5 p.m. today, the Detroit Election Department reported the unofficial vote total as 32,759. Voters also went to polls in other places across the state for municipal races and ballot questions. The Free Press is offering live election updates throughout the evening, with the sights and scenes from the polls and the latest on metro Detroit races, including results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two Oakland County mayoral results In Oakland County, three mayoral races were closely contested. Pontiac City Council President Mike McGuinness will be the city's next mayor, according to unofficial results. With 100% of precincts reporting, McGuinness won 54% of the vote to defeat Kermit Williams and three write-in candidates. McGuiness will succeed Mayor Tim Greimel, who is running for Congress. In Royal Oak, with 100% of precincts reporting, incumbent Mayor Michael Fournier earned 59% of the vote to defeat challenger Trish Oliver, according to unofficial results. Lily Altavena Victory in the air Music was bumping inside the MGM Grand Ballroom, where hundreds of supporters of Mary Sheffield are celebrating a historic night, as she was elected the first woman mayor in Detroit history. Guests danced near a video screen bearing her face and her campaign slogan while VIPs sat in a cordoned-off area near the stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im feeling wonderful, said Deborah Lavioletta, 73. Excited we have our first female mayor for Detroit, because I know shes going to win tonight. Violet Ikonomova More: Mary Sheffield elected Detroit's next mayor, will make history as first woman to lead city At the Garden Theater on Woodward, Coco the Comedian kicked off the party for Solomon Kinloch, getting laughs from the crowd as Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II made a brief appearance. Food trucks parked outside added to the festivities. Kinloch has been trailing in polls for weeks and was never able to catch Sheffield. Dana Afana Youth activities, rent and car insurance It was dark outside when Detroiter Trishtan Turner stepped outside of the Adams Butzel Recreation Center after casting her ballot for Mary Sheffield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some point, women need to be leaders, too, said Turner, 38. Turner, who lives on the west side of the city, wants to see better opportunities and activities for youth. Demetria Burnside, who also lives on the west side, voted Tuesday, Nov. 4, saying Detroit needs change and a trustworthy leader to take the helm. The pastor, I think he should stick to what he does best, Burnside, 60, said, referring to Rev. Solomon Kinloch. She voted for Sheffield. Burnside wants city leaders to help low-income residents and seniors deal with high rent and car insurance costs. Felicia Dobbs, who lives on the northwest side of the city, also cast her ballot for Sheffield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is more experienced. She's more familiar with what goes on with the city, said Dobbs, 56, citing Sheffields city council experience. If Sheffield wins, itd be a great milestone, especially for African American women to be in a place of power, Dobbs said. People need jobs, she said. She wants to see more small business development and opportunities including STEM-related resources for youth. I want to see more happen, not just downtown, but like everybody's saying, more in the inner city because we pay our taxes, we pay a whole lot of taxes, she said. Nushrat Rahman 'A big job' Ricky Cannady, 58, of Detroit, voted for Solomon Kinloch because of his experience running multiple churches. Hes not a member of Kinlochs church but has been there a few times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes excited about the direction the city is headed and wants to see that continue. He wants to see the inner city improved alongside the downtown area. Hed like to see vacant buildings transformed into businesses and more incentives for small businesses. I hope that whoever (wins) is ready for the job because this is a big job, said Cannady, who lives on the citys west side. Nushrat Rahman Housing and food access Sondra Jenkins, 72, votes every election. Casting her ballot around 4:30 p.m. at the Detroit Police Departments 12th Precinct, in Palmer Park. She said community development best encapsulates the issues she cares most about That includes quality of housing and access to food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Running a city takes more than passion and campaign slogans, said Jenkins, who said she is supporting City Council President Mary Sheffield because of her experience. I have confidence in her ability to navigate this huge, complex city. Passion, she said, isnt enough. A successful political leader must pair passion with depth and familiarity to achieve his or her goals. Jenkins said she has great respect for Sheffields opponent, Rev. Solomon Kinloch. I would have voted for him for City Council without question, she said. Sheffield, Jenkins believes, will be judged by a harsher standard than her predecessor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without question," Jenkins said. "A woman? A woman of color? A young woman of color? Check, check, check. Sondra Jenkins, 72, voted in Palmer Park on Nov. 4, 2025. What concerns William Phillips, 57? All of the challenges the next mayor is going to face, through no fault of his or her own, said Phillips, who preferred not to say which mayoral candidate had his support. The payments well have to make on the pension side, no more ARPA dollars, but we have a constituency used to getting ARPA dollars, downtown apartment buildings facing foreclosure education, three people running for governor, all who said theyd do something about it, but the mayor has to do something crime is going down, but will be we able to sustain overtime payments?" he said. "Are we going to see federal troops sent in the day he or she takes their hand off the Bible? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillips said he also worries that business leaders will adopt a different posture to Detroits new mayor than theyve offered to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Certain people in the business community have already made comments, that theyre not going to have the same relationship or access, he said. Nancy Kaffer 'She's ready for it' TeAndra Carter was in a hurry after casting her ballot, but made sure her vote was known. Oh, Sheffield definitely, she said, on the mayoral candidate who earned her support. She has a good reputation, and I think shes ready for it. Carter said local races are especially important. Its really important (to vote in local elections) because it affects us a lot especially homeowners and residents, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On her way out, Carter commended the curbside voting option available in her neighborhood at Engine 52, though she preferred to cast her vote inside. I wanted to go in, but its nice for the people who cant come out or have a hard time standing for a long time," she said. "I think its great. It makes voting more accessible. Lyndsay C. Green A woman like me Dressed in a pale pink sweatsuit, Andrea Paritee headed to Engine 52 to ensure that Mary Sheffield got her vote. At the time, Paritee was unaware that if elected, Sheffield would become Detroits first Black female mayor. That means a great deal! she squealed. I would be proud because Im a female. Im proud that I colored in my vote for her. I didnt even know that! Engine 52 in Detroits Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood was a quiet, curbside voting center that saw few voters Nov. 4. Paritee, who lives in an east side Detroit neighborhood, said the issues that are most important to her right now are making things more affordable including housing and higher educationand creating more opportunities for trades for young people who choose not to go to college as well as trainings for elderly people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I work on my phone and stuff, but I would like to be more computer literate because AI is going to take over and I want to get more familiar with it, she said. Mary Sheffield has been in politics for quite a while and I think that she can do the job. I think that shes going to be a good person for the city. Lyndsay C. Green The lady for the job In the late afternoon at Engine 52, a curbside voting location at a Jefferson Chalmers fire station, voters were scarce. Longtime poll worker Cornelius Chatman, 79, estimated a total of just 25 voters since he started his shift when the polls opened at 7 a.m. Ive been doing this a long time, Chatman said of his time as a poll worker. Ive been through about eight presidents, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The retired Detroit Department of Transportation bus driver said he cast his own absentee ballot more than a week ago. It's real easy. I didnt have to drop it off on the Boulevard, I drop it in the mailbox where I stay, he said. Cornelius Chatman, 79, of Detroit, is a longtime poll worker. Chatman, who officially became a member of Horace Sheffields church New Destiny Christian Fellowship, is happy to share that he voted for mayoral candidate and Horaces daughter, Mary Sheffield. I feel that shes the right lady for the job since she came out of City Council President," he said. "If she became the first Black female mayor of this city, I would tip my hat to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chatman said he had an opportunity to take a photo with Mary Sheffield at a recent pep rally on Detroits west side. This is her and I together, Chatman said, showing a photo saved on his phone. She didnt back down and say, no. Shes congenial and thats what its all about. A little person like me got a chance to take a picture with a politician like her. Lyndsay C. Green 'Because of our rights' A grill emanated smoke and the smell of smoldering food as music swept across the parking lot of the Dana P. Whitmer Human Resources Center in Pontiac shortly after 4 p.m. on Election Day. Roughly 25 people called out to voters as they entered the building to cast their ballots. Deborah Moss, 65, said she wanted to vote specifically to help ensure local schools are funded and libraries receive the resources they need. It's always important, and good practice for next year when statewide and federal candidates are on the ballot, she said. "It's always important to come out and vote because of our rights," Moss said, putting her hand on her heart. Dave Boucher Dad teaches daughters why voting matters Deandre Batchelor said he knows it wasn't that long ago that people in his own family couldn't vote. It's the main reason it was so important for the 36-year-old to bring his three girls out to the polls in Pontiac on Tuesday. Deandre Batchelor, 36, has his arm around daughter April, 13, while his two youngest Breeza, 4, in a purple coat, and Luna, 6, stand with him. Batchelor said it was crucial to bring his kids to the polls at a Salvation Army in Pontiac so they can understand the importance of voting. "Unfortunately, a lot of people in my community don't believe their vote matters," Batchelor said, after casting his ballot at a Salvation Army. "I just want to make sure I instill (voting) in my kids." Dave Boucher Firefighter supporting a police and fire millage? You bet! At St. Lucy Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores, Joe Blevins showed up to vote with his toddler in tow after she woke up from her nap. Blevins lives in St. Clair Shores but works as a firefighter at the Harrison Township Fire Department and said he knows firsthand the necessity of continued funding for fire and police departments, which was on his ballot Tuesday. More staffing would be amazing, he said. Blevins said he knows the police and fire funding proposal has been a bit confusing for people to follow and that some city council members have come out against it, so coming to cast his ballot in favor of the proposal felt important. Beki San Martin Taylor couple lets religious beliefs guide their vote Albert and Jackie Huizing, of Taylor, decided to turn in their early vote ballots in person at Taylor High school Tuesday, due to concerns of voter fraud. "I want to see them go through the tabulator because there's been so much talk about voter fraud," Albert Huizing, 78, said. "And, this way, at least I know my ballot is being counted." Jackie Huizing, 68, wearing a purple "Got Jesus?" shirt, said that due to their Christian beliefs, they intend on voting for people who they believe "do the right thing." "We're Christians, and we are not for a lot of the stuff that council and Taylor are for," she said. The couple's primary election race was for the city's treasurer position, which is between Nicone Dragone and Amira Garza. Albert Huizing said he prefers one candidate over the other. "The most quote unquote qualified person is her views are far left. And I'm not far left," he said. "So I'm gonna go with the guy that comes around and knocks on my door and says, 'Hey, will you vote for me?' And he's less qualified. ..." "You just need a reasonable person in there." Eric Guzman Police and fire departments got her support As Election Day warmed up, voters in lighter layers walked in and out of St. Lucys Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores. Cheryl Kowalski, 56, said she came to vote Tuesday afternoon for one reason: A measure on the ballot to renew and add half a mill to an expiring local fire and police millage. Her support doesnt come because of family members whove worked in either department, really its because she feels its important to support the work they do in our community. Kowalski said she usually votes in local elections and has already thought through who she plans to vote for in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections when Michigans governor will be up for a vote. Beki San Martin Pontiac voter wants leaders to bring business back to city Rahim Russell, 54, is ready for change in Pontiac. After more than 40 years in the city, he wants local leaders to push for more economic development. Rahim Russell, 54, is ready for change in Pontiac. He voted on Nov. 4, 2025 at the Salvation Army polling location in Pontiac. We lost General Motors, weve lost a lot of the businesses Pontiac used to thrive off of, Russell said after voting at a Salvation Army in Pontiac Tuesday. While he said each race is important, Russell is most focused on mayor. He voted for Kermit Williams, a former city council member, over current city council member Mike McGuiness. Regardless of the outcome, he said he hopes both work together to improve Pontiac. Dave Boucher Mayoral candidate's experience earned her vote Madlyn Caldwell, 65, of Detroit, wore sunglasses as she stepped into the bright Election Day afternoon after casting her ballot in the citys mayoral election at Greater Grace Temple just before 2 p.m. She said she voted for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield. She had more knowledge of the city and shes just a better candidate, she said. The Rev. Solomon Kinloch just needs a little more experience, Caldwell said. Im hoping that what (Mayor Mike) Duggan was doing, I hope it continues and it gets better, she said. Hopefully, shell continue on, Caldwell said of Sheffield. Because he did a great job. In terms of improvements she said shes looking for, Caldwell has her eyes on boosting the citys affordable housing stock and access to food. Just assisting with people all the way around, she said. Clara Hendrickson A voter who didn't know a lot about the candidates Miki Simasko, 19, said this is his first time voting in a local election. Unlike the 2024 presidential election, when he says he felt like everyone knew who they were voting for when they walked in, he felt less prepared at Tuesday's election in St. Clair Shores. Miki Simasko,19, of St. Clair Shores said this is his first time voting in a local election. I dont know why Im here actually, said Simasko, who isnt familiar with the candidates up for city council, as he stood outside Lake Shore High School on Tuesday afternoon. He did a bit of research in his car before walking in to vote. Nonetheless, its important to him to show the government that hes an engaged citizen. I just listen to my uncle; hes the one who told me I should cast my vote every time I can, he said. Beki San Martin Voter wants mayor that will move Detroit down its current path Religion and politics dont mix, said Ramon Caraballo, 50, of Detroit, on his way out from voting at Greater Grace Temple shortly after 1 p.m. as a canvasser supporting the Rev. Solomon Kinloch urged support for the pastor. Wearing a black Carhartt zip-up jacket, Caraballo questioned how Kinloch could run the city effectively while leading his congregation. He said he voted for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield to serve as the next mayor because he sees her as a candidate who will continue moving Detroit down its current path. I like the way the city is going now, he said. I just didnt want to change whats going on. Ramon Caraballo, 50, of Detroit, stands outside Greater Grace Temple after voting Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. He touted Detroit Mayor Mike Duggans leadership of the city over the last 12 years, crediting the city leader with turning around a city in the "downslope." News that recently surfaced of Sheffields relationship with a demolition executive whose company she approved contracts for in 2019 the same year they were together, according to a Free Press analysis didnt shake Caraballos support. Nobodys perfect, he said. They all do something, but Im not going to hold that against her. Clara Hendrickson Downtown Pontiac development matters to voters Al Pryor, 52, said he came out to vote early Tuesday afternoon at the Robert Bowens Senior Center in Pontiac in order to "express my right to choose public officials." He tries to vote as often as he can, especially in federal elections. But local races are important too he likes the current direction of the city and hopes leaders elected this week continue to push for economic development in downtown Pontiac. Jo MacDonald, who said she's "over 50" years old, agreed. She enjoys the continued improvement in the city. "I always vote. It's my civic duty," she said. "You can't complain if you don't vote." Dave Boucher Detroit voter: Crime and food access need to be priorities Harry Smith, 77, has lived in Detroit almost his whole life. He said he voted for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield in the mayors race in an interview shortly before 1 p.m. outside Greater Grace Temple. He said he hopes the citys next leader focuses on issues including crime and food access in neighborhoods. He bemoaned a reality in which residents cant just walk around the block to get what they need from a local grocery store. But when it comes to what the citys future holds and what its next leaders will accomplish? Now we just have to wait and see, Smith said. Clara Hendrickson Megaphones greet voters outside polling spot in Pontiac Dueling megaphones greeted voters at the Robert W. Bowens Senior Center in Pontiac on Election Day. "Vote for Threlkeld, vote for Threlkeld, vote for Threlkeld!" blared one megaphone every few seconds, referencing Pontiac city council candidate Sennel Threlkeld. City council candidate Adrian Austin had his own megaphone and implored those in the parking lot for their vote. "Want to win, put Austin in!" he chanted, cribbing a line from the popular movie "Friday Night Lights." Dave Boucher Detroiter wants leaders who pay attention to neighborhoods Outside Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, campaign canvassers competed with one another. Mary for mayor one shouted. Kinloch for mayor another countered. That was the choice facing Milton Singleton, 73, of Detroit, but he declined to say how he voted in his citys mayoral race. But the man who has called the Motor City home since the 1970s, after moving from Mississippi, said he voted for change as he has experienced the city change around him. Milton Singleton, 73, of Detroit, voted on Nov. 4, 2025. And Im almost ready to move, he said. When he bought his home several decades ago, he said he knew all of his neighbors and he was surrounded by other homeowners. Now, he said he doesnt know his neighbors many of whom are renting from landlords he has never met either. He described tenants who dont put their trash out correctly, leaving uncollected waste to pile up. Whatever way the wind blows, thats the way the trash blows, he said. He hopes leaders in the city will pay more attention to whats happening in neighborhoods like his. Not necessarily all downtown and for the people swinging money around, he said. Clara Hendrickson A grandson's first trip to the polls For Roosevelt Lovely, voting at Brewer Academy on Tuesday morning was a moment to make a generational impact. For Anthony Stanford, Lovelys 9-year-old grandson, it was a milestone. It was important for us to come out today because I wanted to teach him what people fought for, (for) us to vote, Lovely said. Today would be Stanfords first time at the polls. Shy to speak, Stanford quickly said his first experience was good, and that he let his grandfather handle the voting process. I cant really express how I feel about the candidates or the people that are trying to be in the office," Lovely said. "I just love to vote. Lyndsay C. Green Pastor who helped family once gets her vote for mayor With 15 years of voting on Detroits east side under her belt, Janay Stevens was thrilled to vote for a familiar face. Im encouraged to come and vote for my pastor, Reverend Kinloch, she said. Stevens took to the polls in a vibrant denim jacket bedazzled in blue rhinestones, pearls and buttons, and proudly stamped a sticker that read, I am democracy in the D on her chest. She said she has witnessed Kinloch provide for the community in ways other pastors in the city have not, giving away food, shoes and even cars and homes. One year, I had a really bad year for Christmas and my kids were given $300 vouchers to shop at Meijer, she recalled. Stevens said she believes Kinlochs track record as a giving leader is whats needed to render change in Detroits underserved neighborhoods. Ive spent a lot of time working downtown Detroit and I see how downtown is coming up but I stay in the inner city and I dont see much happening here, she said Im part of the community, I work in the community, Im all for the community and its time for change. I believe that Kinloch will be the change. Lyndsay C. Green GOP, park upkeep on the mind of voters in St. Clair Shores Donna Lawrence, 68, of St. Clair Shores, came out to vote at the Senior Center late Tuesday morning for her party. I think there are a lot (of) Republicans who dont come out and vote, so I make sure I come out, she said. Lawrence said she and her husband come to vote in every election, local or otherwise, in the primaries and the general. The population in St. Clair Shores is really aging, Lawrence said. Weve all grown up together, we dont leave. Recently retired Doug Maxwell also came out to vote at the Senior Center on Tuesday afternoon. Maxwell said he wishes there had been more information about each candidate available inside the polling location because he doesnt know too much about who he just voted for. Doug Maxwell, of St. Clair Shores. I picked the first three people, but my votes in, he said referring to his vote for the city council seats up for reelection in St. Clair Shores. Though casting a vote is important to him, hes not too worried that city council members will have an outsized impact on his life. I dont think anything they could do would be negative enough to say I gotta say something about this, Maxwell said. Right now, hes concerned about keeping public spaces in his city nice. Clean up the beaches, he said specifically referring to Memorial Park Beach, where he said he goes year-round for the peace he feels there, no matter the weather. Goose poop at the park is a problem, he said. Its a beautiful park. Invest a little more in having it immaculate," he said. Beki San Martin A mother leads by example at the polls Nadwa Atway-Saleh, 55, was accompanied by her 18-year-old daughter, Norah Saleh, who voted for the first time Tuesday at Canfield Community Center in Dearborn Heights. Norah Saleh said it was a "fun" experience and the duo voted for current Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun. Nadwa Atway-Saleh, 55, was accompanied by her 18-year-old daughter, Norah Saleh, at the polls. Atway-Saleh said she has been voting since she was 18 and is trying to show her children that their vote does matter, in both local elections and presidential elections. "I need to show them that you have to exercise your right. This a right and a privilege to vote. And so you need to exercise it and it's important because it affects your daily life," Atway-Saleh said. Once all elections are final, Atway-Saleh and Norah Saleh plan on attending city council meetings so they can be involved in important matters in the community. "I want her to know that she was able to have a say in who's sitting up on that panel," Atway-Saleh said. Norah Saleh added that she plans to vote again in the future. Eric Guzman 'The woman's turn' Debbie Walker, 77, of Detroit, stepped out of Greater Grace Temple on the citys west side just before noon on an Election Day that warmed up to bring sunshine, fall colors and a parade of candidate lawn signs to the driveway of the church. Walker said she voted for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor. You know shes always on the news doing something in the community for years, she said. She seems like a real go-getter. But Walker said she knows Sheffield is going to be under a microscope, if elected. I hope she can withstand the pressure, Walker said. If Sheffield is elected mayor, she would be the first woman to hold the job. Well, it had to come, Walker said. Now its the womans turn. Clara Hendrickson Southfield voter says voting 'vitally important' Constance Vickers, 76, was among roughly two dozen people to cast a ballot between 11 a.m. and noon at St. John Armenian Church in Southfield on Tuesday. She was proud to vote: So proud in fact, she displayed her I voted sticker on her forehead. Constance Vickers, 76, of Southfield, proudly displays her 'I voted' sticker on her forehead after voting on Nov. 4, 2025. The way the world is operating today, its vitally important we all express our opinions through voting, she said. We need to all come out and vote for representatives that express our views. Dave Boucher Detroit voter casts ballot for what he calls 'positive change' When Richard Gaut Sr., of Detroit, first arrived to Brewer Academy in Detroit late Tuesday morning, he quickly engaged a supporter of Solomon Kinloch Jr. whod been passing out flyers with information about the mayoral candidate and pastor of Triumph Church. Gaut, dressed in a black track suit with red pinstripes down the side and a white bucket hat, remarked that he appreciated Kinlochs ability to give to the community without boasting. On his way out of the parking lot after casting his vote, he had an update: He just got one more, he shouted. I would like to see some positive change, Gaut said. More commerce, better jobs, affordable housing, reduction in crime all the positive things that were mentioned by the candidates. Gaut said he believes Kinlochs leadership abilities qualify him for the job as Detroits next mayor: He came from nowhere to the position hes in today and thats a sign of a true leader in my opinion. Lyndsay C. Green Write-ins? No thanks, says this Southfield voter Karen Taylor, 71, said she felt it was her duty as a responsible citizen to come vote at 11:30 a.m at the St. John Armenian Church in Southfield. She said she was less compelled to cast a ballot due to any particular issue she likes Southfield, especially the police department but wanted to ensure her voice was heard. She said she declined to write in a candidate in the Southfield clerk's race, where only the Republican's name is on the ballot. "I feel like write-ins are last minute," she said. Dave Boucher Civic duty brings out the voters in Detroit A slow but steady number of voters arrived throughout the morning at Detroits Northwest Activities Center. Retired former sales consultant Brette White flexed her civic muscle by voting for women wherever possible. I always vote, White said. Its my duty. Im a citizen. She said she voted for her city councilperson, Angela Whitfield Calloway. It was a toss-up for the mayor, she added, but I did vote for our current city council president. Also at Northwest Activities Center, Ashlee Cunningham, a young voter, spoke of civic duty. I voted for Mary, she said of mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield. I think the ability to be a part of history, her potentially being the first female mayor Im all about that!" I work in community development, so Im really excited about whats going to happen. I got a lot of questions about where the money is gonna come from but Im excited for what happens next especially in the neighborhoods. Duante Beddingfield In Dearborn Heights, voter cares about differences in city Jim Smith, 45, of Dearborn Heights, left Annapolis High School submitting his ballot for the 2025 election around 10:20 a.m. Smith, who grew up on the south end of city, moved back in 2023 after leaving for 10 years. He said he has noticed the despairing difference between the north side of town, by Telegraph Road and Warren Street, and where he lives. He said he is concerned about rental properties and the impact that has on home values. Smith didn't comment on who he voted for but said that the candidate selected "seemed liked they cared" and "seemed to be favorable to the people" he talked to. His hope for this election is to have more representation for south Dearborn Heights. "To me it's like a double standard," Smith said. "Why am I less ... than the people in this neighborhood? They're all my city mates." Eric Guzman Who did you vote for? 'Ain't none of your business' Not everyone who cast a ballot in Detroit was eager to disclose who won their vote. Sharhondra Davis, an east side Detroit native, said she hoped she "voted for the right person." Although, she wasnt going to say who. "That aint none of your business, girl," she told a Free Press reporter. Davis said shes hopeful that her vote went to the person who will make the changes the city needs "and make sure that we, as Coleman Young would say, get our city back. I see a lot of change that I dont like and a lot of change I do like." Getting the right person in the role, she said, is needed to make everything right. Lyndsay C. Green In Southfield, party official urges write-in for clerk Campaign signs and staffers line the sidewalk into Southfield City Hall in Southfield a little after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, Election Day. At Southfield City Hall, a steady stream of voters cast ballots on Tuesday. There, Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Curtis Hertel handed out cards to as many voters who would take them. The card included instructions for how to write in the name of Wynett Guy, the Democratic candidate for clerk in Southfield. The Republican on the ballot, Gabi Grossbard, was a plaintiff in a lawsuit seeking to overturn 2020 election results in Michigan. That person, Hertel said, can't be clerk, adding that if elected, it would be "a disaster, not only for Democrats but democracy in general." Dave Boucher Detroit City Council race was a draw for one voter While the mayors election is the marquee race in Detroit, Andrew Wright, 40, said the city council contest was what drew him to the polls. He said he voted for City Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who faces a challenge from state Rep. Tyrone Carter, D-Detroit. "She brings a very specific and needed energy to city council," Wright said. "I think shes what Detroit needs right now," noting what he considers her more progressive policies and support for police mental health response teams. Clara Hendrickson Detroit voter turnout forecast to be 18%-23% Dueling mayoral campaigns tried to appeal to voters outside Maybury Elementary School, near Clark Park in southwest Detroit, passing out literature on adjacent corners. Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey has forecast the citys overall turnout to be between 18% and 23% of registered voters, with 60% to 70% of the ballots cast being absentee. Evette Lindsey, 47, of Detroit, a volunteer for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, who is running for mayor. Evette Lindsey, 47, a first-time campaign volunteer, said she wanted to become more involved in the political process. She said she was drawn to support Mary Sheffields campaign for mayor because she seemed more hands-on," and she was not dissuaded by reports about campaign donors with questionable pasts. Zion Norwood and Wilmer Almendarez, both 16 and students at Western International High School, sat in camp chairs, handing out leaflets supporting Sheffields rival, Solomon Kinloch. Norwood said she worked on a Detroit Public Schools Community District campaign last year. Norwood also said that her mother began attending Kinlochs church. From left: Zion Norwood,16, Lakeita Norwood-Brown, 49, and Wilmer Almendarez,16, near Maybury Elementary School in Detroit. The teens were campaigning for the Rev. Solomon Kinloch for Detroit mayor and Norwood-Brown, Norwood's mother, was supervising. Both teens added that they are eager to cast ballots when theyre old enough. And Gabriel Guerrero, 44 and a regular Detroit voter, declined to tell which candidates he was voting for, but said he believes voting is "an obligation and a duty." Nancy Kaffer Residents take their civic responsibility seriously Chris Sanders, 33, went to the polls at the Macedonian Cultural Center in Sterling Heights without getting sleep after getting off work at 5:30 a.m. He said he exercised his right to vote, something that Black Americans did not always have. "I got one grandma left," Sanders said. "When she was my age, she couldnt vote." Many of the candidates seemed to sound alike, he told the Free Press, but he chose to vote for those who seemed like they had a policy agenda that would mean whats best for everybody, not a select group. Sidra Rao, who said she is a young Muslim woman, also voted at the center. "You dont see a lot of young people engaging with local elections," she said. "Ive lived my whole life in Sterling Heights and have seen how our city council and mayor really cater to majority white and older demographic." Beki San Martin Detroiter votes for economic progress to continue Just before 9 a.m., Brendan OLeary, 37, of Detroit, cast his ballot for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor. The open mayors race drew him out to the polls but he said he and his wife try to vote in every election. "I liked her policies," he said of Sheffield. "I thought she did well in her city council position." Brendan OLeary, 37, of Detroit, stands outside Detroit Lions Academy Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. OLeary added he wants to see the development and economic progress that he said has been made over the last several years continue under her watch. His top priorities: growing the citys tax base and creating job opportunities for Detroiters. He also said he voted for incumbent District 6 City Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero, adding that in his view, shes done a good job and he sees no need to make a change. Clara Hendrickson In Taylor, voter wants 'younger people' in office Crystal and Daniel Roberts arrived at the Taylor Sportsplex at about 8:30 a.m. Decadelong residents of Taylor, they said they appreciated the city's improvements to Heritage Park which Daniel Roberts, 49, refers to as "the center of the city" during the past five years. The couple said the park brought the community together. Crystal and Daniel Roberts vote at teh Taylor Sportscomplex. But they also said there is a lack of local government transparency, creating tension between residents and city council leaders and an "uninviting atmosphere" at council meetings. Crystal Roberts, 44, said she hopes that new city council members will bring more "open-mindedness" to the city. "I think," she added, "getting some new people in here, fresh younger people that have a more open mind about things, and theyre not so stuck in their ways of thinking, will help us." Eric Guzman Detroit mayor's race framed by voter as consistency or change At northwest Detroits Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, voters were trickling in by mid-morning. Among them was Van Johnson, who said he came out to cast his ballot for mayor "for Ms. Sheffield." "I want someone who will continue doing the good things Duggan has done for Detroit," he told the Free Press, referencing outgoing Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. "She has been there, the whole time, with him and those people and she knows how government works and what the people of this city need from the sanitation workers in the alleys to the kids in the schools." He also shared his thoughts on Mary Sheffields opponent. "Pastor (Solomon) Kinloch speaks to people from the outside," he said, identifying himself as a former garbage collector for the city. "He can preach in that big ol' church, but I dont believe hes ever been in an alley." Duante Beddingfield Voting for her pastor and a neighborhood focus Lisa Dixon, a 57-year-old social worker, said she voted for the Rev. Solomon Kinloch in the Detroit mayoral race after emerging from the voting booth at Detroit Lions Academy. She said she likes that hes a political outsider. "I feel like we just need to start with something new, something fresh," she said. Lisa Dixon, 57, of Detroit, stands outside Detroit Lions Academy Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. He also is her pastor. She said she wants city leaders to focus more on neighborhoods. On her street, she has had complaints about the crumbling sidewalk, but got no response from officials. I mean, I like downtown Detroit great," she said. "But they need to come into the neighborhoods and look at folks like me. I work every day, take care of my property. Why cant I get a phone call like 'Hey, whats the issue?' " Clara Hendrickson Mom hopes for a Detroit with safe places for kids In Detroit, Kaissa Moon, 47, voted before taking her kids to school and then starting her workday. She was bundled in a maroon puffy jacket and turtleneck at the Detroit Lions Academy. She turned to a friend she said shares her political views to help her make up her mind, before voting for Mary Sheffield for mayor. Asked about her hopes for Detroits future, she said she wants to see continued growth, safe places for children to run around and an inclusive and welcoming city. Clara Hendrickson In Taylor, a wife casts a ballot for her husband At the Taylor Sportsplex on Telegraph Road, about 15 voters checked in to vote early Tuesday. Among them was Courtney Czentnar, 42, who has lived in Taylor for nearly a year. She said that it was probably her first time voting in an election that was just for a city council race. For city council, she said she voted for her husband, Dan Wallace. She said she believes people should vote but added that she didnt think there was generally enough information on local elections and wished that communities would better promote them. Eric Guzman Sterling Heights voter: Local elections matter Ryan Hahn of Sterling Heights. In Sterling Heights, Ryan Hahn, 24, who lives just down the street from Harwood Elementary, was one of the first voters to arrive after polls opened at 7 a.m. He came to vote, he said, because it was on his way to his manufacturing job. There was no line to get in. The parking lot had just four cars. He worried if he waited until after work, the polls would be closed. Hahn said voting matters to him. He said he wasnt particularly excited about any candidate or ballot measure but rushed to get there before work because local candidates and issues "are the ones that actually affect you." Beki San Martin Detroiter casts ballot, campaigns Benjamin Hawn, 26, of Detroit, stands outside Detroit Lions Academy after casting his ballot Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. On a crisp, fall morning Benjamin Hawn, 26, of Detroit, emerged from the Detroit Lions Academy after casting his vote for City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor. He said he hopes that after 12 years under Mayor Mike Duggan, the city can "keep the momentum going" and "focus on the neighborhoods and not just the business developments downtown." He said he and his friends held each other accountable for voting in this years election. As he spoke, he poured himself a cup of coffee and set up his lawn chair to settle in for a morning helping pass out some campaign literature for District 6 police commissioner candidate Garrett Burton and incumbent District 6 City Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero. Clara Hendrickson Major races in metro Detroit: Detroit, Hamtramck mayors Detroit and Hamtramck have big races this year. Detroit will select its next mayor with current Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and pastor the Rev. Solomon Kinloch as the two major candidates. Residents will also fill two open seats on Detroit City Council. Hamtramck residents also have a mayoral race on the ballot. Other mayoral races to watch include Dearborn Heights, Pontiac, New Baltimore and Southfield. What to watch in Detroit City Council Along with a heated mayor's race, there are two open districts seats and two at-large seats up for grabs on the Detroit City Council. In District 5, Renata Miller, an Indian Village resident, faces Willie Burton, a commissioner on the city's police oversight board. And, in District 7, Denzel Anton Hines-McCampbell and state Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, are competing to replace current councilmember Fred Durhal III, who opted to pursue a bid for mayor rather than a second term on the council, but lost in the August primary. Citywide, Detroit's two at-large council members, Incumbents Coleman Young II and and Mary Waters, are running for reelection in a field that includes former City Council member Janee Ayers and James Harris, a community relations chief for the Detroit Fire Department. When do polls close in Michigan? Polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Registered voters can cast a ballot as long as they're in line at their polling place by 8 p.m. Election Day. When will we see Michigan election results? Detroit's election results are expected to begin filling in around 9 p.m. Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey said she is aiming to have them fully counted by 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Results for other local municipalities and Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties can vary by location. When results start to roll in, you can find them on Freep.com. Michigan voter guide If you want to know more about the candidates on the ballot, check out our 2025 voter guide. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Election Day 2025 updates as results come in (Photo by Marcus Ingram for the Virginia Mercury) Happy Election Day, Virginia. Citizens are heading to the polls and will elect the states first woman governor today, along with a new lieutenant governor, attorney general and all 100 House of Delegates members. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you can find out everything you need to know about the candidates and stakes of the races in our Election 2025 hub and Voter Guide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check back here for live updates throughout the day from The Mercurys reporters covering all the action across the state. Key Events Nov. 4, 2025 8:58 pm Commissioner Beals says statewide election ran smoothly, explains certification process Nov. 4, 2025 8:34 pm Hashmi wins Virginia lieutenant governor contest Nov. 4, 2025 8:04 pm Abigail Spanberger wins the Virginia governors race Nov. 4, 2025 7:44 pm Supporters cheer on Spanberger while they await election results Nov. 4, 2025 7:10 pm The Mercurys Markus Schmidt joins WWBTs election night panel at 8 p.m. Nov. 4, 2025 5:49 pm PHOTOS: Voters mark their ballots at Mechanicsville Branch Library in Hanover Nov. 4, 2025 5:42 pm PHOTOS: Lines of voters at Libbie Mill Library in Henrico Nov. 4, 2025 5:37 pm PHOTOS: Voters make their choices at Diversity Thrift in Richmond Nov. 4, 2025 5:23 pm Doors soon to open at Spanbergers watch party Nov. 4, 2025 4:35 pm Earle-Sears campaign gears up for watch party in Leesburg Nov. 4, 2025 3:37 pm In Chesapeake, Black voters tie importance of ballot casting to historic struggle for voting rights Nov. 4, 2025 2:42 pm Loudoun County voters show up in large numbers midday Nov. 4, 2025 1:32 pm A blue spot in red Hanover Nov. 4, 2025 1:21 pm Prince William voters to choose a new supervisor Nov. 4, 2025 12:59 pm Dispatches from Virginia Beach Nov. 4, 2025 11:26 am Voters in Fairfax mark their ballots Nov. 4, 2025 11:20 am In morning update, Virginia elections chief urges citizens to vote with confidence Nov. 4, 2025 9:55 am Prep underway at the state Capitol for Her Excellenys inauguration Nov. 4, 2025 9:25 am Slow but steady stream of voters in North Chesterfield Tuesday morning Nov. 4, 2025 9:21 am Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Ghazala Hashmi casts her ballot Nov. 4, 2025 9:14 am Richmonds Main Street Station Commissioner Beals says statewide election ran smoothly, explains certification process (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) Commissioner of Elections Susan Beals said the commonwealths statewide election ran smoothly with few issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One precinct in Virginia Beach experienced a power outage briefly, but voting did not stop as there were backup lights and power for the voting machines. On election night, the Department of Elections results page will show the counts from early votes, Election Day votes, and mail-in absentee ballots. Provisional and post-election ballots will not be reported until Nov. 14, Beals said. Election results are checked and re-checked, Beals said. After the initial count on Election Day, localities conduct a canvas of their results starting the day after the election. Then 10 days after the election, the state reviews the results again. On Nov. 17, the Board of Elections meets to randomly select a House of Delegates district race to be audited. For that audit, they will hand count ballots to ensure they match what the machines counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If House races are close and a candidate wants a recount there is a specific process where a court oversees that count. Recounts are not automatic and must be requested. A recount can only occur if the margin is less than 1%. If the margin is less than .5%, the locality of that race will cover the cost of the recount. If the margin is between .5% and 1%, the candidate who requested the recount will have to pay for the recount. A recount can be requested after the election is certified by the Board of Elections on Dec. 1. Hashmi wins Virginia lieutenant governor contest (Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce for the Virginia Mercury) Democrat Ghazala Hashmi won the Virginia lieutenant governor race with 53.4% compared to Republican John Reids 46.4%, the Associated Press reported. Details coverage of all three statewide races will be published soon. Abigail Spanberger wins the Virginia governors race Virginia democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger walks onto the stage at Chartway Arena in Norfolk on Nov. 1, 2025 for a campaign rally featuring former U.S. President Barack Obama. Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods / Virginia Mercury The Associated Press has called the Virginia governors race in Democrat Abigail Spanbergers favor, as of 8:00 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More updates from Spanbergers victory party coming soon. Supporters cheer on Spanberger while they await election results A crowd cheers for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger at her election night watch party in Richmond on Nov. 4, 2025. (Photo by Charlotte Renee Woods/Virginia Mercury) (Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) Last updated: 7:51 pm The Mercurys Markus Schmidt joins WWBTs election night panel at 8 p.m. The Virginia Mercurys own Markus Schmidt senior politics reporter, deputy editor and all-around precinct-return whisperer will trade his notebook for a studio mic Tuesday evening as he joins WWBTs election-night panel, offering live analysis as results roll in across the commonwealth. Also on the panel are Rachel DePompa, 12 On Your Sides award-winning evening anchor and director of investigations; Jasmine Turner, evening anchor and trusted voice of Richmonds nightly news; and Ernest McGowen, political scientist at the University of Richmond whose students will no doubt be grading his takes in real time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quad-cast of news brains will be breaking down turnout trends, surprise flips, what the early precincts really mean and yes, whether anyone can predict a concession speech before the coffee wears off. The coverage airs live from 810 p.m. on WWBT 12 On Your Side and streams here. Markus is pictured here with other panelists during the TV news stations live discussion on the 2024 presidential election. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Last updated: 7:11 pm PHOTOS: Voters mark their ballots at Mechanicsville Branch Library in Hanover Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PHOTOS: Lines of voters at Libbie Mill Library in Henrico Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PHOTOS: Voters make their choices at Diversity Thrift in Richmond Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doors soon to open at Spanbergers watch party (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) While voters statewide continue to complete their civic duty by casting their ballots until polls close at 7 p.m., preparations are underway for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanbergers campaign watch party in the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the general public. Spanberger has run on a platform of addressing affordability issues, particularly in health care and housing, and how the state will navigate the federal funding fallout. She has touted her bipartisan track record while serving three terms in Congress. Learn more about her policy priorities and those of her opponent, Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, here. Earle-Sears campaign gears up for watch party in Leesburg (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) As votes continue rolling in, preparations are underway for Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears campaign watch party at the National Conference Center in Leesburg (Loudoun County). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earle-Sears has run on a platform of conservative values and her campaign largely mirrors the themes that brought Gov. Glenn Youngkin victory in 2021 parents rights, fiscal responsibility and defending personal freedoms. Learn more about her policy priorities and those of her opponent, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, here. Last updated: 4:36 pm In Chesapeake, Black voters tie importance of ballot casting to historic struggle for voting rights Several residents clustered around voting booths at New Life Church in Chesapeake this afternoon. Its one of the largest precincts in the city. (Photo by Roger Chelsey/Virginia Mercury) Latangie Clay cast her ballot at the precinct with her daughters Jade, 18, and Taniah, 21. Jade Clay was voting for the very first time. Its important, Latangie Clay noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its what our ancestors went though not having that privilege, said Clay, 51, whos African American. Shes emphasized to her children the struggle for voting rights in this country. Loudoun County voters show up in large numbers midday (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) At Stonebridge High School in Loudoun County, the precinct has collected 777 in-person votes, which is considered to be high for this time of day compared to last years presidential election, according to precinct officials. In addition to choosing the states next governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, county residents will also participate in five House of Delegates contests for Districts 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30. There are also multiple local races, including for school board seats and mayoral contests in Middleburg and Round Hill. There are over 303,000 registered voters in the county, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. A blue spot in red Hanover (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) Teddi Fishman, a Democratic poll greeter at a precinct in western Hanover County, said several voters have expressed support for Democratic governor nominee Abigail Spanberger this morning, which surprised and encouraged her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county is reliably red and has voted for Republican candidates consistently in local, statewide and federal elections. A poll worker there reported 324 people had cast their ballots as of 12:15 p.m. and a steady flow of voters streamed into the precinct in the afternoon. Fishman, who stood behind a table scattered with leftover Halloween candy, said shed noticed lots of mothers coming in with their children to vote on Election Day. It made me feel optimistic, really, she said. Last updated: 1:33 pm Prince William voters to choose a new supervisor (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) At one of the largest precincts in Prince William County, voter turnout at Mountain View Elementary School is expected to reach 50%, which is notable considering that it is around 10 percentage points less than last years presidential election, according to precinct officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One reason for this is the vacant supervisor seat in the Gainesville District, which has historically been conservative. Bob Weir, the last supervisor to hold the seat, died due to cancer in July. The winner will serve the remainder of the term through 2027. Ann Wheeler, former chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, was out garnering support for the Democratic nominee George Stewart, who is running against Republican nominee Patrick Harders for the vacant supervisor seat. If a Democrat is selected, Wheeler said it would be a sign that values are changing in the election district. I think it would be an indication that the Democrats in Prince William County are really cemented, Wheeler said. Weve grown to a population that reflects democratic values and there are a lot more people in the Gainesville district than there were twenty years ago. All the neighborhoods are new, everything is new. Dispatches from Virginia Beach Ashley Michelic and her 1-year-old son, Camden, wait for a ballot at Corporate Landing Middle School in Virginia Beach. The precinct is one of the largest in the city. (Photo by Roger Chesley/Virginia Mercury) Poll worker Howard Rochelle checks in a voter Tuesday at Corporate Landing Middle School in Virginia Beach. More than 365 people voted by 11:15 a.m. at the precinct, one of the largest in Virginia Beach. (Photo by Roger Chesley/Virginia Mercury) Last updated: 1:14 pm Voters in Fairfax mark their ballots At the largest precinct in Fairfax County, roughly 500 voters have already cast their ballots at Coates Elementary School. Officials expect to see a total of 6,800 voters today. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) In morning update, Virginia elections chief urges citizens to vote with confidence Virginia Elections Commissioner Susan Beals on Election Day, Nov. 4, 2025. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Virginia Elections Commissioner Susan Beals told reporters Tuesday morning that the states election apparatus was running smoothly as voters headed to the polls, emphasizing that we want every eligible Virginian to vote. We ensure this with our experienced election officials. Virginia is unique, and we administer major elections every year, she said, noting the state has processes that are based on state and federal law to ensure eligible voters can cast a ballot. We want everyone to vote with confidence, and ask that you be sure to thank an election official when you go to vote today. As of today, we have 6.3 million registered voters in Virginia. Beals said local officers know the types of issues voters can face on Election Day and are very familiar with how to help them, adding that the department relies on tested processes at precincts statewide. She also pointed members of the press to state guidance on media conduct inside polling places, which allows brief, non-disruptive filming or photography. The commissioner outlined one significant issue reported so far: an emergency polling place change in Newport News after a vehicle crash rendered the Ivy Farms Community of Faith Church (Precinct 316) unusable.They made an emergency polling place change over the weekend to the South Morrison Family Education Center, Beals said. She added that the registrar posted signage at the original site, pushed information through local media, and stationed a deputy sheriff with emergency lights to redirect voters. The city posted an alert Monday notifying residents of the temporary move. On provisional ballots, Beals said she didnt yet have numbers for how many had been issued. I can tell you that the probably most common reason will be seeing the registration that is being done in the early voting period, she said a reference to Virginias same-day registration process, which typically routes such voters to provisional ballots for later eligibility review by local boards. State guidance explains how provisional ballots preserve a voters rights while officials verify eligibility, including ID-related situations. Asked about confidence in mail delivery, Beals said the department worked very closely with the Postal Service this year, describing USPS as fantastic partners who responded quickly to issues flagged by the state. We met with them on a weekly basis, sometimes communicating with them on a daily basis, she said. Still, if, for any reason, you are not sure that your ballot has made it back, you can show up and try to vote a regular ballot at your polling place today, or contact your registrars office to confirm receipt. USPS describes election mail to include ballots and related materials, with voters advised to follow local return instructions. Beals also offered practical guidance on turnout patterns. Typically, the busiest times at precincts is in-person voting in the morning, when people are on their way to work, and then in the afternoon, in the 5 to 7 p.m. time frame, when people are coming home from work. Polls in Virginia are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Beals is scheduled to provide another statewide update at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Last updated: 11:21 am Prep underway at the state Capitol for Her Excellenys inauguration Even as Virginians are still heading to the polls today, crews at the Capitol are already laying the groundwork for the next governors inauguration a reminder that the transition of power is always in motion, no matter the outcome. Today, Virginians will elect the first woman governor in its history either Democrat Abigail Spanberger or Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. Learn more about both candidates and their plans for the state here. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Slow but steady stream of voters in North Chesterfield Tuesday morning Voters trickled into the Stonebridge Recreation Center in North Chesterfield on Tuesday morning, where turnout was described as steady but far from overwhelming in the early hours of Election Day. The precincts chief officer, who declined to give his name, said activity picked up briefly after the polls opened at 6 a.m. but never reached the kind of sustained lines seen in higher-turnout cycles. Its been moderate, no lines, he said, standing near a table where poll workers checked in a slow but continuous flow of voters. Peak time was between 8 and 9 a.m. By then it was 65 votes cast. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Last updated: 9:26 am Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Ghazala Hashmi casts her ballot (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, votes at the polling place inside Jahnke Road Baptist Church in Richmond. It feels like such a great and momentous day, Hashmi said. You know, weve been on the campaign trail for over 19 months now, and to bring it to a close feels really good. Hashmi said after talking with so many voters in all part of Virginia, the resonating theme shes heard is that they are really ready for strong leadership. Theyre ready for people who are going to tackle the critical issues that are facing our commonwealth, and were ready to get the job done. Richmonds Main Street Station Voters enter Richmonds Main Street Station to cast their ballots on Tuesday morning. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) Last updated: 9:16 am Polls are now open across New Jersey for a massive, watched-across-the-nation Election Day that will decide who becomes the states next governor. Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker, and Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a congresswoman, are vying to take over for term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. The race will determine whether the governorship stays in Democratic hands or goes Republican for the first time in eight years. Its one of only two gubernatorial contests in the U.S. along with Virginia and is considered a barometer for how voters are feeling about President Donald Trumps second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a New Jersey election, but its also a national election, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, of New Jerseys two Democratic senators, said this week. Trump has been a big part of the race. He has endorsed Ciattarelli, and Sherrill has vowed to protect the state from the presidents policies. Another theme of the contest has been affordability, with both candidates promising to bring down taxes, electric rates, and costs, in different ways, at a time polls show voters have economic anxiety. All 80 seats in the state Assembly are also on the ballot. And local races include mayoral elections in Jersey City and Atlantic city. More than 1.4 million voters have already cast ballots via mail or early in person heading into Election Day, including about 690,000 Democrats, 390,000 Republicans, and 279,000 unaffiliated and independent voters. That means Democrats carry a 300,000-vote advantage over Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres more on what you need to know: Polls across New Jersey are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. As long as you are in line by 8 p.m., youre allowed to vote. The same goes if youre dropping off a vote-by-mail ballot in a dropbox. The dropboxes are locked at 8 p.m., but if theres a line at that time you can drop in your ballot. You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a New Jersey resident, and registered to vote. Check here to see if youre registered. If you havent registered yet, the deadline has passed for this year. Your polling location is assigned based on your address. Click here and plug in your address to find where you vote. You can either vote in person on traditional machines use mail-in ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are opting for mail-in ballots, there are three ways to do this today: Mail them, put them in designated boxes in each county, or deliver them in person to your countys Board of Elections office. If you want to mail a ballot, it must be postmarked by 8 p.m. today, and be received by your countys Board of Elections on or before six days after Election Day. To make sure your ballot is postmarked on time, the state Division of Elections suggests going up to the counter at a U.S. Post Office and have a clerk manually stamp the postmark on your ballot envelope. You can also return mail-in ballots to one of several drop boxes in your county by 8 p.m. today. Warning: If you drop yours off in a box outside of the county where youre registered maybe because you see a dropbox on your commute to work your vote will most likely not be counted, election officials warn. Find locations here. Or you can deliver your mail-in ballot in person to your countys Board of Elections office by 8 p.m. today. Find those offices here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can check your ballots status on the states Track My Ballot website website. Ciattarelli Sherrill GOVERNOR Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican former state Assemblyman, and Mikie Sherrill, a Democratic member of the U.S. House, are vying to become New Jerseys 57th governor. Its an open seat because Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy is limited to two consecutive terms under the state constitution. Its been a close, combative, sometimes personal race. Ciattarelli is running again four years after nearly unseating Murphy. This time, he has President Donald Trumps endorsement a year after Trump improved his margins in the state. And Ciattarelli says the state needs change after eight years of all-Democratic rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman first elected in the 2018 blue wave that swept over Jersey during Trumps first midterms, is now aiming to become just the states second woman governor. And shes promising to be a bulwark against Trump and his policies. Both candidates have also presented different plans to make the state more affordable for residents an issue polls show is top of mind for voters. And a big focus will be how the critical blocs Black and Latino voters come out for Sherrill or boost Ciattarelli a year after Trump made gains with them. The prevailing question is: Will anti-Trump fervor return the state to a pre-2024 environment or will frustration with Democrats cause Trumps gains to stick? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill recently told reporters she talks about Trumps administration because we are seeing an attack on that basic contract that basic middle-class contract that you should be able to do well and your kids should be able to do better. ... And Jack Ciattarelli is going right along with him. Ciattarelli recently said the race is about property taxes, electricity bills, public safety, education, and over-development New Jersey issues that my opponent wants to blame on the president. Hes got nothing to do with any of those things. It has everything to do with her party. Most surveys have also showed Sherrill leading Ciattarelli, though by single digits anywhere from 1 to 9 percentage points. Plus, its on pace to be the most expensive governors race in state history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libertarian Party nominee Vic Kaplan and Socialist Workers Party nominee Joanne Kuniansky are also running. READ MORE: Budget Day at the Statehouse STATE ASSEMBLY All 80 seats are up in the Assembly, the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature, the governing body in Trenton that passes the states laws and budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats currently control the majority, 52 seats to Republicans 28. Each of the states 40 legislative districts have two Assembly seats. Most races are not considered competitive, although there are several to watch including in the 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 30th districts. There is also one special election for a state Senate seat, in the 35th District. LOCAL RACES In Jersey City, seven candidates are running to succeed outgoing Democratic Mayor Steve Fulop. They are: city council President Joyce Watterman, former city school board president Mussab Ali, resident Kalki Jayne-Rose, former Gov. Jim McGreevey, Hudson County Commissioner Bill ODea, city Councilman James Solomon, and city police officer Christina Freeman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Atlantic City, Democrat Mayor Marty Small is running for re-election against Republican Naeem Khan. This comes as Small is facing state charges on child abuse. The New Jersey Secretary of State serves as the states chief election official. If you have concerns about voting and elections, call the state Division of Elections voting information and assistance line at 877-NJVOTER (877-658-6837). Separately, the state Attorney Generals Office of Public Integrity and Accountability investigates public corruption and election crimes. To report a potential crime, call 844-OPIA-TIPS. The Attorney Generals Office has an anti-corruption reward program that will offer a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to a conviction for a crime involving public corruption. For more details, see http://nj.gov/oag/corruption/reward.html. There will be full results and coverage of key races on NJ.com after the polls close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NJ.com will also host its first-ever livestream on the results and analysis of what happened beginning at 8 p.m. READ MORE: Its unclear. Murphy signed a law in 2022 allowing mail-in ballots to be counted starting five days before Election Day. That makes it more likely well get results on Tuesday night. But the governors race is so tight, some insiders wonder if we may not know the winner this evening. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Seacoast New Hampshire cities Portsmouth, Dover, Rochester and Somersworth are electing mayors and more city leaders Tuesday, Nov. 4. Seacoastonline.com and Fosters.com will report results live from all the local communities as they elect mayors, city councilors, School Board members, Police Commission members and more. Rochester elects Chuck Grassie as mayor ROCHESTER Chuck Grassie has been elected the city's next mayor, winning a four-person race in the Nov. 4 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grassie defeated Matt Mayberry, Peter Lachapelle, and Douglas Robbins and will take office in January, when the new term begins. See the full story here, including more results in Rochester. Portsmouth reelects Mayor Deaglan McEachern PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern was reelected to a third term as was Assistant Mayor Joanna Kelley and five remaining incumbent city councilors Nov. 4. See the full story here, including more results in Portsmouth. Dover elects Dennis Shanahan as mayor DOVER Dennis Shanahan was elected mayor Tuesday, Nov. 4, defeating Shawn Mickelonis by a wide margin, according to preliminary unofficial results. See the full story here, including results of more races in Dover. Somersworth reelects Mayor Matt Gerding SOMERSWORTH Mayor Matt Gerding beat back a challenge from Kitara Maxey Nov. 4, winning 82.2% of the vote to win a second term as Somersworth's chief executive. He first defeated Maxey in 2023 in a successful campaign to replace longtime Mayor Dana Hilliard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See the full story here, including results of more races in Somersworth. Kittery elects new town councilor KITTERY, Maine Megan Greenwood was victorious in the four-way race for a one-year Town Council term in the Nov. 4 election, defeating three other candidates. Council incumbents Mary Gibbons Stevens and Celestyne Bragg were re-elected to three-year terms in the municipal election, beating out one challenger. See the full story here. New ballot-counting machines are being used in Portsmouth The 2025 election marks the debut of the VotingWorks counting machine in Portsmouth. The device features a digital interface confirming a successful submission and shows a running tally of ballots received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city used AccuVote machines previously, according to Ward 5 moderator Brian Wazlaw. The city clerk and staffers from the municipal office are roaming from ward to ward Tuesday to check on the new machines. Ian Lenahan Final election for longtime Portsmouth Ward 5 moderator Brian Wazlaw, longtime moderator in Portsmouths Ward 5, is stepping down from his role following the municipal election. The former state legislator and retired Exeter school district science teacher has served as ward moderator for over a dozen years. Its time to have other people be able to participate in the election, he said. A friendly Election Day face at Little Harbour Elementary School, Wazlaw is overseeing a team of 51 volunteers Tuesday in a ward containing approximately 3,500 registered voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 275 ballots had been cast by 10:15 a.m. Tuesday at Little Harbour. Turnout is expected to be in the 40% range in the ward, lower than standard midterm and presidential elections, which sometimes garner 65% to 70% of registered voters. Wazlaw, a past member of the citys Conservation Commission, plans to volunteer at future elections in Ward 5. Since assuming the responsibilities of ward moderator, Wazlaw has had some volunteers come back to assist in every election hes led. It operates well. Its a community, he said. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Here's who won Portsmouth, Dover, Rochester, Somersworth elections Initial results in the Nov. 4 election showed Maricopa County voters leaning toward approving a measure to finance nearly $900 million in improvements to the county's public health system, and Mesa voters leaning toward recalling a Republican City Council member who had supported Kamala Harris for president in 2024. Early results posted at 8 p.m. Nov. 4 showed "yes" votes narrowly ahead in what could turn out to be a nail-biter election on Valleywise Health. In Mesa, political newcomer Dorean Taylor was leading Councilmember Julie Spilsbury in the City Council recall race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Results varied in city races. Voters favored bonds in early results in Chandler and Apache Junction, but measures got mixed results in Glendale and a thumbs down in Avondale. In local school districts, voters approved many, but not all, funding questions on the ballot. No additional election results were scheduled to be posted until Nov. 5. Election results in Arizona are unofficial until local and state officials have tallied all ballots and certified the results. It was unknown how many ballots remain to be counted. A close race for Proposition 409 Proposition 409, which would help Valleywise Health continue to replace and expand its aging facilities via a secondary property tax, was the only countywide measure that appeared on the all-mail election ballot for Maricopa County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial results included 570,352 ballots, which represent 21.5% of total eligible voters, county elections officials said in a news release. The 288,032 "yes" votes represented 50.96% of the ballots counted, while the 277,141 "no" votes represented 49.04% of the ballots counted. "Yes on 409" campaign organizers issued a statement after the results were posted thanking voters for supporting the measure and said they "feel confident that when all the votes are counted our margin of victory will hold." A key project is replacing a 93-bed, two-story inpatient psychiatric hospital on the southeastern part of the main Valleywise campus on East Roosevelt Street near North 24th Street in central Phoenix. The psychiatric facility was built in 1976 and opened in 1978. If Proposition 409 passes, it will finance the construction of a new $220 million, 200-bed psychiatric facility that's closer to the main hospital than the existing building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the $220 million for a new psychiatric hospital, the bond issue would finance $500 million for outpatient health facilities, including rebuilding neighborhood clinics, replacing an outpatient specialty care clinic and adding an outpatient surgery center; plus $177 million for expanding Valleywise's main hospital, which opened in 2024, including building out the 10th floor and adding observation beds to add capacity in the emergency department. Proposition 409 has bipartisan support from a range of community leaders, including Republican former Arizona governors Doug Ducey and Jan Brewer, the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. Voting "yes" to Proposition 409 supports adding approximately 11 cents per $100 of assessed limited property value per year to property owners' secondary property taxes. That works out to, on average, about $29 annually for an average county residential property owner, and about $295 per year for an average county commercial property owner, Valleywise officials say. While people who don't own property won't be taxed, the extra costs could be passed on by landlords to tenants. Julie Spilsbury trails Dorean Taylor in Mesa recall election Constituents of Councilmember Julie Spilsburys District 2, in the central eastern part of the city, launched the recall effort in January. Spilsbury's challenger, Dorean Taylor, was leading in early results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor, campaigning earlier in the day, told The Arizona Republic she was grateful for the support she had received from political activist groups like Turning Point Action and AZFree, which provided volunteers to knock on doors. Spilsbury, who was a Kamala Harris supporter in 2024, was brought up for recall because of a trio of yes votes: raising utility rates, approving the transition of a hotel into a homeless housing program and increasing council salaries. Two of those votes took place prior to Spilsbury's reelection in August, which she won with 65% of the vote in her district. Dozens of voters arrived at the Brimhall Aquatics Complex, one of the Mesa polling locations, with filled-out sealed ballots in their hands, ready to drop them off. Juan Beltran said he voted to support Spilsbury's campaign because he was not a "fan of Turning Point" and didn't like its involvement in the recall effort. He said he questioned why the political group chose this race and this city to get involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Esmeralda Waldron, a registered Democrat, voted for Taylor, she said. Taylor's messaging to address homelessness issues and lower taxes resonated with her, she said. Turning Point's presence in the recall election didn't bother her, she said. She said if so many voters wanted to get her out of office, then there had to be "some merit" to the recall election. Bonds on track to win in Chandler; Avondale, Glendale have mixed results In Chandler, residents appeared to be approving all four proposed bonds by comfortable margins, totaling $475 million to pay for public safety, streets and parks. Voters were also approving changes to the city charter that affected term limits for the city mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents in Apache Junction also voted on mayoral term limits, with early returns showing the extension was winning by wide margins. On the other side of the Valley, Avondale residents were opposing their two bonds, but early results were too close to call. In Glendale, the two bond proposals had mixed results by slim margins. Avondale had asked for $123 million for improvement projects, while Glendale wanted $65 million for flood control and supporting city facilities. Fire and medical districts across the Valley also asked for millions in funding to help pay for new fire stations, equipment and facility maintenance. Proposals in the Superstition Fire and Medical District, the South County Fire and Medical District and the North County Fire and Medical District were all passing in early results. Enrollment boosting: Phoenix-area school districts with lagging enrollment are doing something about it School district bonds, overrides approved in many districts Many schools in Arizona rely on voter-approved bonds and override measures to maintain school programs, staff positions and facility buildings, and 21 districts had measures on the Nov. 4 ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonds ask for a specific dollar amount and can be used for capital expenditures such as new schools and facility buildings, technology infrastructure, safety improvements, school buses and equipment. This year, 10 Maricopa County school districts asked voters to approve bond measures totaling more than $1.5 billion. Five were on track for approval. The estimated yearly tax rates ranged from 12 cents per $100 of assessed property value in West-MEC to $1.17 in Saddle Mountain Unified School District. The districts where bond approvals appeared on course to pass were Chandler Unified, Isaac Elementary, Saddle Mountain Unified, Tempe Elementary and West-MEC. Bond requests in Buckeye Union, Dysart Unified, Nadaburg Unified, Pendergast Elementary and Tolleson Union appeared on course to fail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overrides ask to increase a district's budget by a certain percentage for seven years. Districts often request renewal of an ongoing override to maintain funding. Maintenance and operations overrides can be used for operational expenses such as classroom size, teacher salaries, music and art programs, and full-day kindergarten. This year, 14 Maricopa County school districts sought voter approval for maintenance and operations budget overrides and renewals. Nine appeared on course for approval. The estimated yearly cost of these overrides to the average homeowner ranged from $11 per year in Arlington Elementary School District to $383 in Higley Unified School District. The districts where maintenance and operations budget overrides appeared to be winning at the ballot box were Arlington Elementary, Chandler Unified, Deer Valley Unified, Dysart Unified, Isaac Elementary, Kyrene Elementary, Phoenix Elementary, Phoenix Union and Roosevelt Elementary. Voters in Buckeye Elementary, Higley Unified, Peoria Unified, Saddle Mountain Unified and Tolleson Union appeared on course to reject budget overrides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District additional assistance overrides can be used for capital expenses such as classroom furniture, instructional materials and playground equipment. All districts that sought additional assistance override approval were on course to win. These districts were Fowler Elementary, Murphy Elementary, Phoenix Elementary and Phoenix Union. Anti-DEI: Tom Horne pushes board to remove DEI language from teaching standards Includes information from Republic reporters Sasha Hupka and Lauren De Young. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What's winning, losing in Maricopa County races Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its Baron Health Care Fund third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund rose 5.39% (Institutional Shares) in the quarter, compared to a 5.05% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index (benchmark) and an 8.18% gain for the Russell 3000 Index (the Index). The Fund performed similarly to the Benchmark this quarter. Solid stock selection was primarily offset by negative effects from active sub-industry allocations and cash holdings during a rising market. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted stocks such as Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY). Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The one-month return of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) was 6.27%, and its shares gained 11.22% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On November 3, 2025, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) stock closed at $896.53 per share, with a market capitalization of $802.411 billion. Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter: "Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company currently best known for its GLP-1 treatments for diabetes and obesity. Shares declined after Phase 3 data for Lillys oral orforglipron in obesity fell short of elevated investor expectations. Investors had anticipated roughly 13% to 14% placebo-adjusted weight loss, while the trial showed 11.5%. The stock was also pressured by broader regulatory uncertainty related to potential sector tariffs and drug pricing risks. We view these risks as manageable and believe Lilly is among the least exposed pharmaceutical companies to both. We continue to believe orforglipron will be an important treatment option, as physicians and patients are likely to value the convenience of a daily oral therapy. Long term, we expect the GLP-1 drug class to become the standard of care for diabetes and obesity, ultimately representing a $150 billion-plus market, and believe Lilly possesses the leading portfolio in this category. In our view, GLP-1 adoption remains in the early stages, and continued uptake should drive a near doubling of Lillys total revenues by 2030." Was Jim Cramer Right About Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)? Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is in 21st position on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. According to our database, 119 hedge fund portfolios held Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) at the end of the second quarter, the same as 119 in the previous quarter. In the third quarter of 2025, Eli Lilly and Company's (NYSE:LLY) revenue grew 54% compared to the same period last year. While we acknowledge the potential of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Multiple states across the country are voting in the off-year elections today, but Oklahomans won't head to the ballot box for another two weeks. Around the nation, multiple high-profile votes will happen on Nov. 4, including the New York City mayoral race between two Democratic candidates, Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani. Five states will also vote to fill vacancies in the U.S. Congress, and two are electing governors, including Virginia, which is also electing a lieutenant governor and attorney general. Across nine states, 24 ballot measures are being held at the November general election, and many cities are holding their mayoral races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Oklahoma, a few dozen counties will hold special elections on Nov. 18 to decide mayoral elections, school proposals and sales tax questions. Though the rest of the nation will cast ballots on Nov. 4, voting in Oklahoma's local elections will take place on Nov. 18 because state law schedules special elections in odd-numbered years for the second Tuesday of November. Since that date coincides with Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the election was moved to the following week, Nov. 18. Votes may be cast from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 18. Early voting will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 13-14. More: When is next vote on government shutdown? Senate vote time, live updates 2025 Oklahoma election information Election type: Special Elections Candidates and Propositions Voter registration deadline: Oct. 24 Absentee ballot request deadline: Nov. 3 Election day hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting dates and hours: Nov. 13 14, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Trump held 'Great Gatsby'-themed Halloween party as SNAP benefits were due to be cut off Find early voting locations Early voting locations and polling places can be found on the OK Elections website, oklahoma.gov/elections. You can find your election day polling location on the Voter Portal. More: Edmond police say 3-year-old boy died after being found in pond at apartment complex What's on the ballot? Only 27 out of Oklahoma's 77 counties will vote on Nov. 18. Check if your county is included and what is on each ballot: Alfafa : Town of Carmen (proposition) Atoka : Coleman Public Schools (proposition) Bryan : Silo Public Schools (proposition) Caddo : Minco Public Schools (proposition) Canadian : City of El Reno (mayor, councilmember), city of Mustang (mayor), Minco Public Schools (proposition) Coal : City of Coalgate (councilmember) Comanche : City of Lawton (councilmember) Dewey : Sharon-Mutual Public Schools (proposition) Grady : Minco Public Schools (proposition), Newcastle Public Schools (proposition) Johnston : Coleman Public Schools (proposition) Kingfisher : Kingfisher County Questions (proposition, sales tax) Leflore : Legislative, district and county officers (county commissioner) McClain : Newcastle Public Schools (proposition) Major : Major County Question (two propositions) Marshall : Marshall County Question (proposition) Mayes : Osage Public Schools (proposition), Inola Public Schools (proposition) Nowata : South Coffeyville Schools (proposition) Oklahoma : City of Choctaw (two propositions), city of Edmond (two propositions), city of Midwest City (proposition), Millwood Public Schools (board member) Osage : Dewey Public Schools (proposition) Pawnee : City of Pawnee (councilmember, marshal/chief of police) Payne : City of Yale (councilmember), town of Glencoe (board of trustees) Pushmataha : Antlers Public Schools (proposition) Rogers : Inola Public Schools (proposition) Wagoner : Inola Public Schools (proposition) Washington : Dewey Public Schools (proposition) Woodward: Woodward County Questions (proposition), Sharon-Mutual Public Schools (proposition) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What are we voting for today? See Oklahoma elections November 2025 Subscribe to The Blast, The Texas Tribunes premier newsletter, for exclusive reporting, nonpartisan analysis and the first word on political moves across the state. Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy, and give us feedback. Texans are heading to the polls on Tuesday to decide the fate of 17 proposed amendments to the state Constitution, fill vacancies in Congress and the state Senate, and vote on scores of local offices and bond measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The off-year election is set to draw only a fraction of the turnout seen in typical even-year elections for the presidency and Congress, even with major referendums on the ballot affecting taxes, water, criminal justice and other areas. As the polls opened Tuesday, more than a million Texans had already cast their ballots during the 12-day early voting period, which ended last week. Here are three of the biggest storylines to watch on Election Day. 18th Congressional District special election Residents of Texas 18th Congressional District have waited months for a special election to fill out the remainder of Rep. Sylvester Turners term. Turner died in March, leaving the seat vacant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with 16 candidates in the race, Houstonians will likely need to wait longer, with nobody expected to reach the 50% threshold needed to win outright. In that case, the race would head to a runoff early next year between the top two finishers Tuesday. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Councilmember Amanda Edwards, both Democrats, have led most public polling of the race. State Rep. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston, was delayed in announcing her campaign while the Legislature was in session earlier this year, but she is also expected to be competitive. While the district is heavily Democratic having voted for Vice President Kamala Harris by a margin of nearly 40 percentage points vote splitting among Democrats could allow a Republican candidate to make the runoff. Carmen Montiel Maria, a former Republican nominee for the seat, has polled highest among Republicans. The 18th District has served as a launchpad for several storied Black politicians, including former Reps. Barbara Jordan and Sheila Jackson Lee and Tuesdays election could be the starting point for a lengthy congressional career for the winner. But redistricting has scrambled the politics of the district, whose boundaries will shift significantly come the March primary, when voters will pick the nominees for a full two-year term starting in 2027. Neighboring Rep. Al Green, D-Houston, was drawn into the new version of the 18th District and has heavily hinted he plans to run there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district encompasses downtown Houston and for now several of the citys historic neighborhoods, including Third Ward and parts of The Heights and Acres Homes. Under the new lines, much of the 18th will be shifted to the south and northeast parts of Harris County. Gabby Birenbaum Senate District 9 special election In North Texas, two Republicans and a Democrat are facing off in the special election to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. The winner of the special election or any runoff election, if no candidate wins a majority of votes Tuesday will serve out the rest of Hancocks Senate term through the end of 2026. The seat has been vacant since Hancock resigned from the upper chamber in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two Republican candidates vying to represent the solidly red district are conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss and former Southlake Mayor John Huffman. Both have touted their experience in conservative politics and pledged to focus on reducing property taxes. Wambsganss won most of the biggest Republican endorsements, including from President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Senate president who has stocked the chamber with political allies. Huffman, on the other hand, has raked in millions of dollars in contributions from casino magnate Miriam Adelson and her pro-gambling groups. Meanwhile, Taylor Rehmet, a union leader, machinist and Air Force veteran, is running a long-shot bid as a Democrat and focusing his campaign on working class interests. The district, which covers about half of Fort Worth and much of Tarrant Countys northern suburbs, voted for Trump by over 17 percentage points last year. If a Republican wins the seat, as expected, the 31-member state Senate will be made up of 19 Republicans and 11 Democrats, with another vacant seat in a dark-red district based in Conroe to be filled in May. Kayla Guo Constitutional amendments Texas voters will decide whether to approve 17 proposed edits to the states Constitution, with major implications for property taxes, the states dwindling water supply and the rules governing its criminal justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the proposed amendments, which will be listed at the top of the ballot, seek to reduce taxes for various groups of Texas residents. Proposition 2 would prohibit the state from collecting taxes on money earned through capital assets like investments, real estate and valuable items. It would also end a franchise tax on business trusts. Proposition 13 would increase the share of a homes value that cant be taxed to pay for public schools, from $100,000 to $140,000. A Tribune calculation shows that the owner of a typical Texas home, worth about $302,000 last year, would have saved about $490 on their school property taxes under the proposed change. Proposition 4 asks voters to approve $20 billion over the next two decades for water projects mostly aimed at addressing aging pipes and infrastructure, developing new water sources and mitigating future floods. Additionally, two measures could alter the states judicial system. Proposition 3 would require judges to deny bail to individuals accused of committing specific felonies, including murder, aggravated assault and indecency with a child, if the state demonstrates that doing so is necessary to ensure public safety or the defendants appearance in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Proposition 12 would shake up the composition of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, a 13-member oversight group that investigates judicial misconduct. The commission is currently made up of six judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court, two attorneys appointed by the State Bar of Texas and five citizens appointed by the governor. If Proposition 12 is approved, the two lawyers would be replaced by additional Abbott-appointed citizens, putting the governor in charge of seven appointments a majority of the body. Proposition 14 would create a $3 billion Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to study dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons disease and other brain-related conditions. Alejandro Serrano Disclosure: State Bar of Texas has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Voting at the Falling Creek Middle School precinct in Chesterfield County in the June 17, 2025, primary elections. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Virginians are heading to the polls on Tuesday, in what has become a high-stakes, drama-laced election cycle with nearly everything on the line from the governors mansion to each of the 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates. With polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., anyone standing in line by 7 p.m. may still cast a ballot. On Election Day you may bring one of the states acceptable IDs or, lacking one, be prepared to sign an ID Confirmation Statement and cast a ballot. If you opt out of signing the latter, you may still cast a provisional ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you opt for a provisional ballot, you must submit proof of identity or that statement to your local electoral board by noon on the Friday following the election for your vote to count. Same-day registration is available: if youre eligible but not yet registered, you may go to your precinct, register and cast a provisional ballot. Whats at stake This election cycle carries a everything on the table feel. At the top of the ticket, the Democratic nominee for governor, Abigail Spanberger, faces Republican nominee Winsome EarleSears. Spanberger is a former congresswoman and ex-CIA officer who casts herself as a stabilising force amid political turbulence; she holds a double-digit polling lead, per a recent survey by Roanoke College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sears, the current lieutenant governor and an ex-Marine, has portrayed herself as a defender of personal liberties who would continue outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkins conservative policy agenda. In the lieutenant governor contest, Democrats nominated state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond. If elected, she would become both the first Muslim and first South Asian American to hold statewide office in Virginia. Hashmi faces Republican radio show host John Reid, a figure whose campaign has been mired in internal GOP strife. The attorney generals race pits Republican incumbent Jason Miyares against Democrat Jay Jones. A text message scandal involving Jones has reshaped what some previously considered the Democrats easiest statewide pickup. Meanwhile, control of the House of Delegates remains up for grabs. Democrats entered the election with a slim 5149 majority, leaving little room for error in a year when both parties view Virginia as one of the nations most competitive legislative battlegrounds. Key House battlegrounds Among the swing districts to watch is House District 22, anchored in northern Prince William County, where Republican incumbent Ian Lovejoy faces Democrat Elizabeth Guzman. The two clash over data-center growth, reproductive rights and cost-of-living pressures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In District 75 in suburban Chesterfield and Prince George counties and the city of Hopewell, longtime GOP Del. Carrie Coyner is locked in a rematch with Democrat Lindsey Dougherty, with education and health-care messages framing the contest. In District 82, the rematch between Republican Del. Kim Taylor, R-Petersburg, and Democrat Kimberly Pope Adams could tip the balance in the House Taylor narrowly won the prior election by only a few dozen votes, making this district a microcosm of the statewide battle. These contests are drawing national attention and resources. Democrats, for instance, poured more than $400,000 into key House races early in this cycle, signaling the nationalisation of what has historically been a purely state-level fight. The drama behind the campaigns Beyond the candidates and numbers, this election has been overshadowed by scandal and intra-party upheaval. On the GOP side, Reids campaign was shaken in spring when a Tumblr account allegedly tied to the Republican featuring explicit images of men surfaced, prompting Youngkin to ask Reid to step aside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Reid refused, declared he will not back down, and the subsequent fallout exposed fractures within the Republican party. On the Democratic side, Jay Jones unexpectedly public and ugly text-message exchange from 2022, in which he fantasised about shooting a political rival in the head, ignited national media attention and raised questions about candidate vetting and campaign discipline. Republicans seized the moment, repeatedly pressing Spanberger to withdraw support for Jones a pressure she resisted. The sole debate between Spanberger and Earle-Sears, held at Norfolk State University, saw struggle lines drawn over abortion, tax policy and the broader character question looming so large in this years cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Layered atop those dramas are real-world policy issues that have entered the flesh of the election, not just the talk. For months, the federal governments funding disruptions slowed SNAP and Medicaid payments in Virginia, putting financial strain on households and elevating economic security into a live political issue. Similarly, federal contract layoffs and idle civil-service jobs in the D.C.-metro region added urgency to the campaign messaging about job stability and state-federal alignment. Summers protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation actions in Virginia communities also heightened discussion around immigration policy, community trust and enforcement priorities. The implications for governance The outcome of Tuesdays voting may pivot Virginia for the next two years or longer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should Spanberger win the governorship and Democrats retain or expand their majority in the House, they would achieve a governing trifecta potentially ushering in bold policy shifts on everything from tax reform to climate and public-education investment. It would also enable Democrats to press ahead with a slate of constitutional amendments to enshrine key rights including the proposed amendment establishing a fundamental right to reproductive freedom in Virginias Constitution. Similarly, the party is advancing resolutions to repeal the state-constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and affirm the right to marry regardless of sex or gender, and to restore voting rights automatically for people who have completed felony sentences. Conversely, if Republicans reverse their legislative losses and hold the governorship or pick up even one statewide office, they would extend the influence of the Youngkin-era framework and dampen an ascendant Democratic momentum. In the House of Delegates, slight swings matter flipping three to five seats in suburban districts could determine committee control, legislative agenda and whether bills pass or stall. It is why both parties have treated this cycles contests as far more than off-year elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For specifics on your assigned polling place, visit the Virginia Department of Elections Polling Place and Ballot Information tool at elections.virginia.gov. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (WHTM) Pennsylvanias municipal elections typically do not garner as much attention as the midterms or presidential years, but this years races are generating national attention. The retention vote for three state supreme court justices (David Wecht, Kevin Dougherty, and Christine Donohue) has attracted millions of dollars in ad spending and the attention of President Donald Trump, who urged voters to say no to retaining the justices. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has a 5-2 Democratic majority, so an across-the-board loss for Democrats in Tuesdays election could produce a 2-2 ideological split for two years. Political stalemate could likely prevent their seats from being filled until the next judicial election in 2027, potentially leaving the court unable to decide voting or election-related cases through next years midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If voters vote yes on retaining the justices, theyll be elected to 10-year terms. Donohue, however, is approaching the mandatory retirement age. Polls in Pennsylvania are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., barring any potential court orders. Those who are in line to vote by 8 p.m. cannot be turned away from the polling place. Mail ballots must also be returned to a county board of elections by 8 p.m. and should not be placed in the mail, as a postmark prior to Election Day is not sufficient to ensure the ballot counts. Municipal elections like this years are important because this is when voters choose the local officials who make decisions that impact their day-to-day lives, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said. The Department of State wants to ensure that every registered voter can make their voice heard and cast their ballot safely and securely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement abc27 is Your Local Election Headquarters covering all of your local races. Visit the abc27 Election Results page for all of the results including the judicial retention votes and the races for Mayor in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Carlisle, Gettysburg, and more. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Tune in to abc27 News for more results, stories, and analysis on the biggest races in your communities. The Associated Press contributed to this report 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 ABC27. By Joseph Ax (Reuters) -Voters in New Jersey and Virginia will choose their next governors on Tuesday in a pair of races that will serve as an early gauge of the American electorate's response to President Donald Trump's norm-shattering nine months in office. Meanwhile, in New York City's mayoral race, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, faces 67-year-old former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent. The campaign has laid bare the Democratic Party's generational and ideological divides as it seeks to rehabilitate its damaged brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in California, voters will decide whether to give Democratic lawmakers the power to redraw the state's congressional map, expanding a national battle over redistricting that could determine which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives after next year's midterm elections. Polls close first in Virginia at 7 p.m. ET (0000 GMT), followed by New Jersey, New York and California throughout the evening. Democrats in particular will be watching Tuesday's results carefully, with the party locked out of power in Washington and struggling to find consensus on the best path out of the political wilderness. Underscoring the stakes for Democrats, former President Barack Obama still the party's most popular figure headlined 11th-hour rallies over the weekend in New Jersey and Virginia, exhorting voters to elect Democrats to counter what he branded the Republican Trump's "lawlessness." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The state of the Democratic Party is poor," said Larry Sabato, the director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. "They need as much encouragement as they can get." Voter enthusiasm appears high. More than 3 million people voted early in Virginia, New York and New Jersey, in each case far exceeding the totals from four years ago. In New York City, there were 735,000 ballots cast, according to the city elections board, more than four times the number in 2021. The New Jersey race has emerged as the most hotly contested campaign, with opinion polls showing Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a congresswoman and former Navy pilot, holding a narrow lead over her Republican challenger, former state lawmaker and small-business owner Jack Ciattarelli. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campaign has shattered statewide spending records, with both national parties pouring millions of dollars into the race. The evening's other races appear less competitive. In Virginia, former Democratic U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger has a comfortable lead over Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, according to opinion polls. Mamdani has also led by double digits over Cuomo, with Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, 71, a distant third in most opinion polls. California's ballot measure, Proposition 50, which would install a new Democratic-backed congressional map that aims to flip five Republican seats in response to a similar move by Texas, is also widely expected to pass. AFFORDABILITY, TRUMP WEIGH ON RACES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, while Tuesday's results will offer some insight into the mood of American voters, the midterm elections are a year away, an eternity in the whipsawing Trump era. "The contrast you hear in these elections is similar to what you may hear a year from now," said Jesse Ferguson, a Democratic strategist. "Typically, the frame of these elections is one we can learn from, even if the outcomes aren't automatically predictive." Then, too, the congressional races will unfold across all 50 states, in districts both Republican and Democratic. "There's nothing that's going to happen in Virginia or New Jersey that's going to tell us much about what will happen in a congressional district in Missouri or a Senate race in Maine," said Douglas Heye, a Republican strategist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Democrats, Tuesday's candidates offer a chance to assess differing playbooks. Spanberger and Sherrill, both moderate Democrats with backgrounds in national security, have put Trump front-and-center in their campaigns, seeking to harness anger at the president's no-holds-barred agenda. Trump has given each some recent grist during the ongoing government shutdown, freezing billions of dollars in funding for a badly needed rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York and threatening to fire federal workers, many of whom live in Virginia. Mamdani, running an insurgent campaign, has proposed more ambitious left-wing policies, including freezing rents for nearly a million apartments, taxing the wealthy and making the city's bus service free. Late on Monday, Trump endorsed Cuomo, urging supporters to vote for the former governor and repeating his threat to cut federal funds to his native city if Mamdani wins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite their ideological differences, all three nominees have relentlessly focused on the cost of living, an issue that has remained top of mind for voters after last year's presidential election. "Whether it's in New York City, whether it's in Virginia, whether it's in New Jersey - frankly, throughout the country - Democratic candidates are focused on the economy, focused on affordability, focused on the issues that are really driving anxiety in this country right now," Ken Martin, the Democratic National Committee chairman, said in an interview with Reuters. For Republicans, Tuesday's elections will test whether the voters who powered Trump's victory in 2024 will still show up when he is not on the ballot himself. In New Jersey, Ciattarelli has campaigned extensively in traditionally Democratic areas, seeking to replicate the inroads that Trump made with Black and Latino voters in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But both he and Earle-Sears, each running in Democratic-leaning states, have faced a difficult conundrum: criticizing Trump risks losing his supporters, but embracing him too closely could alienate moderate and independent voters who disapprove of his policies. Trump remains unpopular 57% of Americans disapprove of his job performance, a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows. But Democrats are not necessarily gaining support as a result: respondents were evenly split on whether they would favor Democrats or Republicans in 2026. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Additional reporting by Ashraf Fahim; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Howard Goller) Last week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tweeted a plausibly deniable barb at the Tesla brand and, by extension, Tesla CEO Elon Musk including some highly unflattering receipts. Altman's shot across the bow predictably got under Musk's skin, according to Business Insider. Back up the Cybertruck for a moment here: Altman and Musk were, at one time, fairly close friends and, critically, collaborators in OpenAI's early days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, the CEOs had a falling out over the direction of OpenAI. Specifically, Altman later asserted Musk sought to "merge" the firm with Tesla, and Altman demurred. Musk, meanwhile, has accused Altman of abandoning OpenAI's original nonprofit mission. Since then, they've feuded, often in public view, and Musk started his own AI company, xAI, which runs Grok, the AI within X, formerly Twitter. In August, as Tesla contended with a global sales decline, Altman discussed OpenAI's investment in a competitor's autonomous driving technology, Applied Intuition, taking aim at one of Musk's biggest challenges as the electric vehicle manufacturer's CEO. Those remarks coincided with Tesla's limited, chaotic debut of its long-awaited robotaxis in Austin, Texas. Not long after that, Musk's xAI filed suit against OpenAI, accusing the latter of poaching AI talent from X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altman and Musk have vastly different public personas, and when Altman subtweeted Musk on Oct. 30, he likely knew an angry, high-profile response was all but guaranteed. He got one. On Nov. 1, less than a day after Altman baited his hook, Musk bit. "And you forgot to mention act 4, where this issue was fixed and you received a refund within 24 hours," Tesla's CEO angrily replied. "But that is in your nature." Musk's response to Altman's story, as it was presented, lacked many important details, such as when Altman received the refund, what triggered it, and whether it was provided due to the flurry of media attention generated by Altman's tweet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In part, Altman's complaint held that the email address he used to request the refund "bounced back," and if his tweeted complaint facilitated the refund, it was plausible that Altman was unaware it had been issued. Many perhaps most prospective Tesla drivers remain unaware of the underlying conflict between the dueling CEOs. As such, watching Musk berate a customer albeit a high-profile customer with plenty of resources for requesting a refund on a deposit made the better part of a decade ago could very easily dissuade drivers from making their next car an EV with Tesla, especially in preorder form, if made to feel the process is complicated in some way. The Tesla Roadster was announced eight years ago, in November 2017, and it would be hard to paint Altman's ask as unreasonable. According to Business Insider, Musk continued to tout the unreleased Roadster during a recent appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you took all the James Bond cars and combined them, it's crazier than that," Musk promised. 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. An emergency room worker is recovering at a Pittsburgh hospital after being attacked on the job. Police say Bradley Lloyd hit that worker multiple times in the head and face at UPMC Altoona, cracking the workers skull and causing a brain bleed. According to our partners at WJAC, the patient care technician was taken to UPMC Presby for emergency surgery. A GoFundMe identifies the hospital worker as Travis Dunn. His friends say Dunn is compassionate, hardworking and always willing to lend a helping hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lloyd was reportedly sedated and taken to the Blair County Jail where his bail was denied. 11 Investigates has spent months reporting on violence against healthcare workers. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 11 Investigates: 93% of PA healthcare workers say they are afraid at work Its estimated that eight out of every ten nurses experience workplace violence, from verbal threats to physical abuse. The Pennsylvania Senate is now considering a bill passed in the House that would create a violence prevention committee in the state. Click here if youd like to contribute to the GoFundMe that supports Dunn and his family while he recovers. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW NEED TO KNOW Jake Haro will serve a sentence of 25 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of his son Emmanuel Haro, according to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office He will spend at least five years behind bars on other charges, including filing a false police report and child endangerment He and his wife Rebecca, who has pleaded not guilty, were arrested in August and charged after claiming their baby Emmanuel had been kidnapped The father of baby Emmanuel Haro will spend at least the next three decades behind bars after pleading guilty to his son's murder. Jake Haro appeared in a California courtroom on Monday, Nov. 3, where he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to murder, filing a false police report and child endangerment, among other charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The murder sentence is what prosecutors with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office had recommended to the court. Jake will spend at least five years behind bars on the other charges, resulting in a sentence of at least 30 years, KTLA reported. San Bernardino County Sheriff/Instagram Emmanuel Haro Emmanuel Haro It has now been almost three months since anyone had seen Emmanuel alive. He was just 7-months-old when he disappeared and is presumed dead, according to authorities. Meanwhile, Rebecca Haro, Emmanuel's mother and Jake's wife, is still pleading not guilty to murder. She and her husband both entered not guilty pleas initially before her husband made a sudden decision to confess to his son's murder in October. Despite that confession, there is nothing to suggest that Jake has told authorities how he killed the child or where the boy's remains might be found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca had reported that her son was kidnapped on Aug. 14 just before 8 p.m. from the parking lot of a sporting goods store in Yucaipa, a city located 10 miles east of San Bernardino. "I took him out of the car seat and I laid him on the chair, and I had his diapers right here," Rebecca said after filing what authorities claim was a false kidnapping report. "Someone said Hola, and I couldnt even turn and ... I dont remember nothing." Rebecca then said her next memory was waking up to find her son gone, she alleged. At first, no one doubted the grieving mother, who still had the large black eye she claimed to have sustained in the attack, PEOPLE previously reported. The investigation quickly ran into road blocks, however, in the form of glaring inconsistencies in Rebecca's stories, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also said that the couple began to distance themselves, and within a week had stopped providing any sort of assistance in the matter. That prompted the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department to shift the focus of their probe, and on Aug. 22, the agency released a statement saying that deputies had "determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur." And after hundreds of hours poured into a search for the missing baby, the statement said: "It is believed Emmanuel is deceased and the search to recover his remains is ongoing." Jake and Rebecca were arrested that same day on suspicion of murder and booked into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 24, Jake briefly left jail to help investigators in their search for his son. Authorities now believe that Emmanuel was killed days before his mother's false reports, with the last known sighting of the child occurring on Aug. 5, according to a copy of the criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE. 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. In a separate case, Jake entered a guilty plea to a charge of willful neglect of a child just two years ago after severely abusing his 10-week-old daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred back in 2018, and the girl's injuries were so severe that prosecutors said at a news conference she is "permanently bedridden" and suffers from cerebral palsy as a result of the abuse. Rebecca is still being held on $1 million bail at this time and is due in court on Nov. 3 for a preliminary hearing on murder and filing a false police report charges. The couple also has a 2-year-old child who was removed from their custody. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People A Texas deer seemingly embracing its emo era is totally fine, the Lago Vista Police Department has assured concerned residents. In a humorous Facebook post on October 25, the department shared a video of a deer with a hammock tangled in its antlers, noting it had received numerous calls about the animals welfare. The clip was set to the viral emo-style rendition of Secondhand Serenades 2008 hit, Fall For You, for added flair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While his forest-core fashion' has raised some eyebrows, rest assured, hes totally fine, the department said. Hes eating, drinking, strutting around like he just dropped his debut album called Hammocks & Heartache, and clearly thriving in his main-character moment! Police explained that male deer naturally shed their antlers before winter ends, so the emo-chic accessory should fall off on its own soon. This 'emo deer' with a hammock tangled around its antlers is 'totally fine,' Texas police and wildlife officals said (Lago Vista Police Department) They even amended the Facebook post to address some folks think we just looked at this deer and said, 'Yep, seems fine. We promise, we didnt get our wildlife degrees off YouTube, the police department wrote, crediting their partners at the Texas Parks & Wildlife, including a Game Warden and Wildlife Biologist, who advised them on the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As difficult as it can be to see an animal with hardware disease and want to help it, there are good, scientifically backed reasons why we do not get involved unless absolutely necessary, wildlife officials said in a statement. Darting animals in urban areas can be very high risk due to the number of people, roads, and houses, and the unpredictable nature of animal behavior. Many residents shared their gratitude for the reassurance that the emo animal is okay, with one even sharing her own photo of him eating apples and carrots. He is a hungry boy, the woman wrote. Some Facebook users thought the 'emo deer' better resembled a Reggae artist due to his 'dreadlocks' (Lago Vista Police Department) Others applauded whoever wrote the caption for the deer post. I want whoever made this post - post everything from now on!! Perfection, one person posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another wrote: Whoever wrote this is hilarious. And hopefully he will lose that hammock. One spectator even tried their hand at a fun write-up. This season will bring a bold new face to the runway: Darius the Deer, someone commented. With his avant-garde head dress made of autumn leaves and unforgettable moves, hes redefining what it means to strut! Work that runway, Darius! Nov. 3At the Lawrence County C o m m i s s i o n e r s meeting on Tuesday, Lawrence County EMS made a donation to patients at KDMC that are being treated for cancer. David Hahn, the executive director of operations of Lawrence County EMS, explained that during the month of October, being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, EMS personnel donate money to buy something for breast cancer patients at KDMC. "With the money they donated, we purchased some care packages to give out to the patients," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doretha Pridemore, RN, BSN, the clinical supervisor at King's Daughters Breast Care Center, was on hand to accept the 12 bags. "Thank you so much, this is extra special," she said. "Sometimes, the least little thing lets them know they are not going through this alone. So, I appreciate it. I am also a breast cancer survivor, so it really means a lot. Not just in October, but all the year through." C o m m i s s i o n e r DeAnna Holliday gave a shout out to the EMTs for their kindness. "I know it means so much to the patients that will receive these, but also to the families in our county that have been affected by breast cancer," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners announced that Frank Collins was named as Lawrence County's Veteran of the Year. He was given his award at the Moose club on Monday because he may not be able to attend the ceremony next Thursday. Commissioner Mike Finley said it was a very moving ceremony. "He thanked everyone there. It was just heartwarming that he was more concerned about everyone else, rather than himself," he said. Holliday said the Veterans Service Office does a great job with honoring veterans. "Every year, they have a ceremony and a dinner and you just stop and reflect about the sacrifices that those that came before us have given to our country," she said. "And every year, they are so humble, it is never about them. They always recognize that they did this for us. We are standing on the shoulders of a lot of strong veterans in this county." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County Clerk Mike Patterson told the commissioners that he had started their annual Christmas food drive and that they have started accepting donations from county employees. They work with schools to find families in need and get the food delivered a couple days before Christmas. "Any help would be appreciated," Patterson said, adding there are some businesses that step up to help. Joshua Thacker, with Anchor Addiction and Wellness Center in Jackson told the commissioners about a new service they were offering, a mobile opioid treatment center. The goal of the mobile unit is to help decrease the number of overdose deaths, which he pointed out Lawrence County had 27 in 2024 and that 2025 was trending along the same numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is a doctor's office on wheels," Thacker said. "We provide medical assisted training." The units can provide things like Suboxone and will refer patients to other medical services and telehealth appointments. The commissioners meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays on the third floor of the Lawrence County Courthouse. You Might Like national DeWine orders flags lowered in honor of Cheney Education St. Joseph Junior High and High School Honor Roll News Scratch off nets Ironton man $2M Education School news: Wilson named to the Berea College Dean's List An obscure and slightly geeky type of energy is integral to the state's plan for addressing the looming energy crisis. As demand for energy skyrockets nationwide, state officials and utilities have been looking for a solution. All the while, Hoosiers are feeling the squeeze. Statewide, energy bills increased by an average of more than $28 a month this year, and they have spiked more than 40 percent since 2020 across the county. Enter battery storage, a term that tends to elicit more confusion than relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the concept of battery energy storage systems might seem murky, theyre really just oversized batteries that look like they were made for a giant. Just like you have batteries at home, and you can use them when you need them, Suzanne Jaworowski, Indianas secretary of energy and natural resources, said. The 200 megawatt Pike County battery energy storage system went online in March 2025 and can power the equivalent of than 38,000 homes. The batteries can be plugged into the energy grid and charged by resources like solar panels when the sun is out. Later, when the sun dips and panels have gone quiet, the batteries discharge the stored energy as needed. While the technology often appears tacked on to lists of renewable energy resources like wind and solar, battery energy storage systems are finally having their own moment. Many believe that battery storage will be a boon to Indiana: Its cheap, its clean and it could help solve a piece of the states energy conundrum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have in recent years and for a long time been an all of the above policy, where we use everything that we have, said Jaworowski. Battery storage is a new tool that we have in our disposal and it's a great tool. MISO, the agency that runs the electric grid from Minnesota to Louisiana, has seen a flood of proposals for battery storage projects. As of May 2025, stand alone batteries account for more than 10 percent of MISOs queue of proposals waiting for approval to plug into the grid. And AES Indiana, a utility that provides electricity for much of the Indianapolis area, is modeling how major utilities can use the technology. Environmental advocates meanwhile welcome the missions-free energy source that promises to mitigate fossil fuel use. We see batteries as a significant piece of the puzzle in the context of preventing a massive buildout of gas plants, said Kerwin Olson, the executive direction of the Citizens Action Coalition, a consumer advocacy organization in Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone, however, loves the idea of battery storage. Some people confuse these systems for data centers, which look similar and require a fair amount of space, and finding a home for new projects can be difficult. A battery storage proposal in Hamilton County got shut down in July, in large part because locals were concerned it could spark lithium battery fires, which can be dangerous and difficult to put out. Still, there has been a noticeable uptick across the board in enthusiasm for battery storage projects. The United States had 300 megawatts of installed battery capacity in 2014. Ten years later, the nation had 28,584. A grid under stress Its no secret that the regions electric grid is feeling pressured. Most people attribute it to the nations growing, seemingly insatiable, demand for more energy. Theres been outcry from both Democrats and Republicans in Indianapolis as utilities try to raise rates, and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation issued a warning to MISO that the grid could be at risk long-term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electricity costs are going to keep going up because demand's going to keep continue rising, Jaworowski said. Thats being forecasted throughout the entire country. Mike Deising, a spokesperson for MISO, said that the non-profit grid operator foresees enough energy generation to meet demand for this year and next. After that, though, things get dicey. Industrial complexes, residential growth, onshore manufacturing and the electrification of modern life all contribute to the surge in energy demand. But data centers have entered the picture as a wild card. The data centerpiece is really that new unknown variable, Deising said. How big are they going to be and how quick are they going to want to build? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One large data center can suck as much energy off the grid as the entire city of Indianapolis, Deising said. Smaller data centers are more comparable to cities like Fort Wayne. If you add 10 of those, that's 10 large cities you've just added to the grid, Deising said. Indiana currently has an estimated 75 data centers, varying in size and energy usage, according to datacentersmap.com. While MISO has approved plenty of energy generation projects that could be built out to support the beleaguered grid, Deising said that finding homes for them has proven difficult. Wind and solar are especially tricky: Forty of Indianas 92 counties have bans or limits on commercial wind projects and 24 counties have similar restrictions on new solar installations. Jaworowski also pointed to the decline of coal plants along with the rise of renewable energy as another issue for the grid; wind and solar can't produce energy all day long the way coal can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People have been really rallying to support renewables, and I love renewables, Jaworowski said. It's a wonderful resource to get energy from the wind and the sun. But it is not 24 hours, it is intermittent. There's just no other way about it. It is not a base load source of electricity. Some officials and utilities argue keeping coal plants online or adding natural gas plants to the mix is a reasonable solution. Others think that the environmental and public health cost of fossil fuels justifies pushing for a new path forward like a heavy investment into battery technology. Many battery energy storage systems hold up to four hours worth of energy, often created by renewable resources, that can be discharged when the sun sets or wind settles. Multiple batteries can address longer gaps in energy production when their discharges are staggered. Battery storage is a powerful tool to prevent the buildout of more fossil fuel infrastructure, Olson said. We need to do everything we can to keep fossil fuels in the ground. Batteries help ratepayers, too For some, the issue is less about mitigating climate change. Jaworowski, who is excited about battery storage, called some environmental regulations imposed on coal plants overkill and said that there has been a war on fossil fuels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most stakeholders realize that batteries provide savings and stability, and customers of Northeastern REMC, who live west of Fort Wayne, have seen benefits already. Eric Jung, the cooperatives president and CEO, said Northeastern REMC turned to the technology a few years ago because of the staggering costs of energy transmission. The priciest six hours a year when transmission lines are clogged as Hoosiers race to warm up on chilly mornings or cool off on hot summer evenings comprise almost a third of the cooperatives total costs. So now, the cooperative does things differently. When houses go dark and demand dips, power prices often nosedive. Thats when Northeastern REMC can start charging their batteries. Come morning, when prices are soaring, the cooperative can discharge the cheap energy that was stored overnight and save their customers money. They now offset about 20% of their peak load through battery storage. Some major utilities have also turned to battery energy storage systems. In Indiana, AES is at the forefront. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The utility introduced the first grid-scale, battery-based energy storage system to the state in 2016. The battery, which sits at the Harding Street Generation Station in Indianapolis, can hold 20 MW of energy. Officials at the utility are increasingly relying on battery storage as they map out the future, and they choose batteries in a lot of cases, as the least costly option, said Patrick Maguire, the senior director of commercial at AES. AES added one of the largest battery energy storage systems to the MISO grid earlier this year, and more are coming. The utilitys 2025 integrated resource plan, filed last week, included a plan to add hundreds more megawatts of battery storage to the AES portfolio if large load customers, like data centers, come online. But despite environmentalists' hopes, the plan might still include natural gas. This is partly because battery storage is still new and can only store limited megawatts. According to Jaworowski, the technology just doesnt exist yet to eradicate the need for power generation that can supply energy 24 hours a day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Maybe someday we'll get there with a utility scale battery that can do a lot more," she said. "But right now, we are not there." IndyStar's environmental reporting is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Sophie Hartley is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach her at sophie.hartley@indystar.com or on X at @sophienhartley. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana looks to battery storage to help curb the state's energy crisis ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) An Englewood park has seen a handful of trees fall down in recent months, thanks to multiple beavers who have moved into the area. Residents are concerned they may lose more unless the beavers are relocated. Among those who are concerned is Chris Aubrecht, who has lived in Englewood for about 15 years and loves coming to Centennial Park near his home. Beaver carcass on Gunnison River tests positive for bacterial disease Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a beautiful park. I love the birds and just the wildlife around here, Aubrecht said. But theres one member of the parks wildlife he doesnt love like the rest, the family of beavers that moved into the lake. Over the last two months or so, theyve come through and theyve cut down at least a dozen trees, Aubrecht said. Aubrecht says he isnt the only resident who shares his concern. Several stumps line the lake where trees used to stand. Some trees are still standing with bites taken out of the side, and the city of Englewood has put up fencing around others to keep the beavers away. It just makes me sad because I love the trees, I love the nature, Aubrecht said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He doesnt think the ones already lost will grow back any time soon. All these trees that are gone are probably gone for a decade, Aubrecht said. Beavers managed as nuisance species in Colorado The city of Englewood says it is working with wildlife professionals to safely relocate the beavers, but that could be some time down the road. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says beavers are managed as nuisance species, so the property owner is in charge of what happens to them. But if a relocation request is submitted through CPW, it wont approve it until June to give the beavers the best chance to survive in a new habitat. 5 things to know for Election Day in Colorado Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aubrecht thinks a new home for the beavers is the best-case scenario for everyone involved to keep the sights at his favorite park intact. Theres better places than this for this beaver, or family of beavers, Im pretty sure by now, Aubrecht said. CPW says the reason it only completes beaver relocations in the summer is because of their territorial nature, and having to find their own new space and food source in the winter is not an ideal situation. 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 FOX31 Denver. Pa. should not license drivers who can't read English As of late, the news media has been bringing to light the problem of commercial drivers who can't comprehend the English language. This has been a problem for years and the law requiring comprehension of English has been on the books for years. Major accidents have finally brought pressure to bear. There is still a larger problem. I've been to the Department of Motor Vehicles several times in the last couple of years and I see people taking regular drivers' tests with an interpreter for the test. In this file photo, traffic moves along Zuck Road, between West 26th and West 29th streets in Millcreek Township on Sept. 24, 2021. Here, a writer says Pennsylvania should require drivers to be proficient in English so that they are able to read traffic signs. The average weight of a passenger car is just over 4,000 pounds. That is a deadly weapon when you can't read the electronic road sign that says "CAUTION TRAFFIC STOPPED AHEAD" and you're going 65 or 70 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Driving is a privilege. If you want that privilege, you should be required to learn the language or walk so that your lack of knowledge doesn't endanger my family. The state should require this. I write this as a retired truck driver with 3.5-plus million commercial accident-free miles. Rick Schoener, North East Leaders' foul language sets bad example for our kids As a dad of three beautiful and bright children, Im always amazed when I hear one of them say a new word. Whether its their first dadda or momma or something more sophisticated, its always a reminder: Language is learned through influence. Our children are influenced every day by friends, by what they watch and most powerfully, by what they hear at home. As parents, grandparents and guardians, we have an incredible responsibility to be intentional with the words we use. Sadly, our culture has devalued language. Yet words still matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive sat with individuals in their later years who can still recall the sting of a careless word spoken by a parent or teacher half a century earlier. These moments shape us for better or for worse. Recently I have been deeply concerned as leaders in high office the President of the United States and the Governor of Pennsylvania use four-letter expletives in public speeches and press conferences. Our elected officials, regardless of party, should model leadership and respect. Can we really not talk about policy without profanity? Our kids are watching. And theyre learning. We may not be able to change the words spoken in Washington or Harrisburg, but we can set the tone where it matters most: at home. Lets teach our kids to walk and talk in an upright way. Lets remind them that their words matter that starts with the example set by you and me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pastor Pete Linko, McDonald Bible Methodist Church There's a hidden 'pink tax' on Pa. womens health For women in Erie and across Pennsylvania, health care costs do not stop with insurance premiums. Copays and out-of-pocket expenses create barriers that fall hardest on women, who are more likely to skip prescriptions or delay care because of cost. This is part of a hidden pink tax in our health system, where women consistently pay more simply to maintain their health. A 2023 Deloitte study found that women with single coverage spend about $266 more per year on out-of-pocket expenses than men. The reasons are structural: women need more preventive screenings, often face follow-up imaging after mammograms, and require treatment for conditions like endometriosis. Each service means another copay and another bill. Prescription costs deepen the problem. A recent GoodRx analysis shows women spent nearly 30% more out of pocket on prescriptions than men in 2024, an added $8.5 billion nationwide. Again, much of this gap is driven by factors such as women's increased health care visits and managing more chronic conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, 93% of Pennsylvanias insurers and pharmacy benefit managers have made the burden even worse by using copay accumulator programs. These programs are designed to block manufacturer copay assistance, such as coupons or discount cards, from counting toward a patients deductible. Once the manufacturers assistance runs out, the full weight of out-of-pocket expenses falls back on the patient. For women, who already spend more on prescriptions and out-of-pocket care, this practice is devastating. A mother managing her childs asthma or a woman undergoing breast cancer treatment may use copay cards to stay on therapy. Under an accumulator program, she still faces thousands of dollars in surprise bills before insurance coverage fully applies. In Pennsylvania, where cost already keeps nearly 20% of women from seeing a doctor, copay accumulators only increase the risk that women will skip treatment or abandon prescriptions altogether. This hidden pink tax on Pennsylvania women's health is unacceptable. Lawmakers should move to ban copay accumulators and protect patients from excessive cost-sharing. No woman should be punished for trying to afford the care her doctor prescribes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Riley, statewide executive director of Patients Come First Pennsylvania This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Drivers should comprehend English, profane pols, the pink tax | Letters The annual enlargement report prepared by the European Commission for all candidate countries has been agreed among EU institutions in a version that gives a positive assessment of Ukraine's reform progress. Source: European Pravda sources in relevant institutions in Ukraine and the EU; documents available to European Pravda Details: The European Commission explained that the document is balanced and confirms that Ukraine is among the four countries advancing towards EU membership, along with Moldova, Albania and Montenegro. The latter two are said to have made greater progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, Ukraine's indicators are also positive, and the progress of reforms over the past year is rated higher than in the previous two years since Ukraine joined the enlargement package. "Ukraine has continued to show remarkable resilience and commitment to its European path despite the escalation of Russia's ongoing war of aggression including a substantial increase of Russian air attacks against cities and civilian objects that has led to more civilian victims," the agreed text of the report states. Notably, for the fundamental chapters 23 and 24, which cover justice and the fight against corruption, Ukraine received the same rating as last year "some progress". This was achieved through improvements in indicators other than anti-corruption, as the European Commission noted "limited progress" in that area and emphasised that an attempt to undermine the independence of anti-corruption institutions had been swiftly "reversed". Several sources expressed surprise at a leak to Reuters claiming that the report supposedly mentioned negative trends in Ukraine. That report is false there are no such statements in the document, which was agreed last week and is in European Pravda's possession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's representative to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, told European Pravda in response to its inquiry that he had been briefed by the European Commission and had received assurances that such phrases are absent from the report; the Commission's communication work is still ongoing. The European Commission is expected to officially release the package of documents on the afternoon of 4 November. However, the report on Ukraine does contain criticism of the country's actions in combatting corruption in July, as well as a phrase stating that "undue pressure on anti-corruption agencies remains a matter of concern". Overall, the EU did not identify any negotiating chapter in which Ukraine failed to show progress over the past year. Depending on the area, progress ranges from "limited" to "good". The authors of the document also avoided using the term "reversal of reforms" in reference to the events of July, noting instead that Kyiv must ensure such a reversal does not occur in the future. European Pravda is preparing a more detailed analysis of the report following its publication. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Parliament began debating on Tuesday whether to make the EU-U.S. tariff deal conditional on concessions from Washington and limited in time, which could reignite trade tensions with the Trump administration. Under the deal, the United States is broadly imposing 15% tariffs on EU goods, while the European Union removes many of its duties on U.S. imports, a step that the European Parliament and EU governments need to approve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernd Lange, the lead overseer in the EU assembly on the topic, set out five conditions to the European Parliament's trade committee, including an 18-month sunset clause and measures to respond to surges of U.S. imports of a given product. Lange said producers of infant milk formula had expressed concern this might happen due to the imbalance of tariffs. The German Social Democrat, who chairs the trade committee, said the U.S. must also remove the 50% tariffs it introduced in August, after the deal was struck, on the metal content of 407 products such as wind turbines and motorcycles. Under Lange's plan, the EU would keep in place its tariffs on such U.S. products until a solution was found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU lawmakers will only vote on the plan in late January, but most on Tuesday - from the far-right to the hard-left - voiced their dissatisfaction with the deal. Many supported adding sunset and safeguard clauses and making suspension easier. EU lawmakers and EU governments will have to negotiate a common text, which would probably secure final approval next March or April. The European Commission, which negotiated the framework agreement, has said it is the best deal on offer, with the alternative a potentially trade-destroying 30% U.S. tariff. A Commission official told lawmakers the deal had ensured stability and certainty, and the EU executive was urging Washington to limit tariffs on metal products to 15%. (Reporting by Philip BlenkinsopEditing by Gareth Jones) The European Union's population will shrink by one-third by the end of the century without migration, losing the equivalent of 1 million workers annually in the next 25 years as Italy and Spain face looming population collapse, latest data shows. According to Eurostats official projections, the EUs population will shrink by around 9% by 2050 compared with 2025 if migration ceases entirely. The decline is forecast to continue in the following decades, reaching 23% by 2075 and 34% by 2100. Labour shortages are a key aspect of demographic change. According to Peter Bosch, senior research associate at the Egmont Institute, the EU is expected to lose around 1 million workers each year until 2050. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If labour participation rates by age and sex remain at the average levels observed between 2011 and 2022, the labour force is projected to shrink by 20.2% by 2070. That is equivalent to around 42.8 million fewer workers, according to a reportby the European Commissions Joint Research Centre (JRC). In less favourable scenarios, the decline could be even steeper, reaching 26.7% or 55.9 million people. JRC researchers emphasise that migration can play a crucial role in shaping the EU's labour market over the coming decades, particularly if migrants are successfully employed and integrated into the workforce. Several studies have explored how possible EU enlargement could help address projected labour shortages. The European Commission notesthat the historic 2004 enlargement known as the "Big Bang" brought significant benefits and strong economic growth to both the new member states and the EU as a whole. So, how is Europes population expected to change by 2050 and 2100? Which countries will see the steepest declines? And how does the median age compare between EU member states and candidate countries? Eurostat projections show clearly that EU member states are set to experience a steep population decline in the decades leading up to 2100. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there are 100 people in the EU in 2025, that number would fall to 91 by 2050, 77 by 2075, and just 66 by 2100, if there is no migration. In other words, one in three people would disappear over the next 75 years. Italy and Spain to lose half their population by 2100 According to Eurostat, if there is no migration, Italy and Spain are projected to lose around half of their populations by 2100. Italys population is expected to fall by 52%, and Spains by 49%, compared with 2025 levels. Several other countries are also forecast to see declines of over 40%, including Malta (48%), Portugal (44%), Greece (44%), and Croatia (40%). Among EU member states, France and Ireland are expected to be the least affected by population decline, according to Eurostat projections. Frances population is forecast to fall by just 13%, and Irelands by 15%, by 2100. In fact, Ireland is set to be the only EU country whose population is projected to grow by 2050, with an increase of around 4% compared with 2025 levels. How does the EU compare in age to candidate countries? In general, EU candidate countries have younger populations than the Union average, except for Serbia and Ukraine. According to Eurostat, in 2024, 30.8% of the EU population was aged 029. Only Serbia (30.1%) and Ukraine (30.4%) exceeded this share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other seven candidate countries have significantly younger populations, with the proportion of youth exceeding 40% in Turkey (44.3%) and Kosovo (48.3%). Turkey stands out with a population of over 85 million in 2024, despite its EU accession talks currently being stalled. Since ageing is also a reality in candidate countries, and most have relatively small populations aside from Turkey, the impact of potential EU enlargement remains uncertain. A recent Carnegie Endowment report by Stefan Lehne and colleagues noted that the candidate countries, like much of central and eastern Europe, face population decline and labour shortages, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the JRC report, A Demographic Perspective on the Future of European Labour Force Participation, migration can boost the size of the future working-age population. Enlargement alone may not fully reverse Europes demographic decline, but it could provide the momentum the EU needs to address it. The European Commission cites the historic 2004 Big Bang enlargement as a success story: Over the past 20 years, both the EU and the newly joined countries have experienced growth and prosperity, the Commission stated. ECB experts: Foreign workers could help A recent analysis by European Central Bank (ECB) experts also emphasised that foreign workers are playing an increasingly important role in euro area labour markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They noted that the regions ageing population poses serious challenges to labour force expansion and, consequently, to economic growth. As our data shows, foreign workers could help to address and overcome these challenges. The influx of foreign workers in recent years has supported robust growth in the euro area labour force, somewhat offsetting negative demographic trends, the ECB experts said. In the coming weeks, the EU will decide whether to phase out its remaining Russian fossil fuel imports by early 2027 or give itself another year. Whichever deadline it sets, the bloc will face a difficult path to get there. It will have to overcome resistance from some capitals and secure new sources to replace the billion euros' worth of Russian oil and gas still flowing to the EU each month. The EU has made substantial progress in reducing its long-standing reliance on Russian energy since the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, especially in cutting seaborne oil imports. Gas, on the other hand, continues to account for two-thirds of the blocs remaining imports of fossil fuels from Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But how Europe replaces the remaining Russian gas imports depends on the state of the global market for liquified natural gas (LNG), which has played a significant role in substituting pipeline flows from Russia. Persuading Hungary and Slovakia to give up the cheap flows of Russian oil and gas they continue to import via the Druzhba and Turkstream pipelines will also be key. Both countries have maintained an accommodating stance towards Moscow, repeatedly vetoing sanctions and wringing concessions from the bloc by threatening to do so. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Turnberry, Scotland, on July 27, 2025. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images) Nevertheless, October saw a concerted effort by the EU alongside the U.S. and U.K. to intensify measures against the Russian energy sector paving the way for final negotiations of the phase-out plan, known as Repower EU. On Oct. 22, the U.S. imposed blocking sanctions on Russias two largest oil groups, Lukoil and Rosneft, just hours after the EU adopted its first sanctions on Russian LNG imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU sanctions, which require unanimous reapproval every six months, included a complete ban on Russian LNG starting in 2027. At the same time, the EU is negotiating its longer-term Repower EU legislation that would make the phase-out of Russian oil and gas permanent. In mid-October, the European Parliament voted for a ban on Russian oil and gas from the start of 2027, while the Council of the EU which brings together the ministers of its 27 states backed a later date of January 2028. The two institutions will now negotiate the final timeline. Pitfalls of the Repower EU plan The bloc plans to phase out Russian energy under the long-term Repower EU plan by reducing overall energy consumption, expanding renewable generation, and diversifying supplies. While progress has already been made on all of these fronts, the plan is not without its own shortcomings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firstly, high costs have already led European industry to limit energy consumption, and prices remain well above those of the U.S. and China. Secondly, a shift to renewable energy implies much deeper dependence on China, which exercises a staggering degree of control over the industry all the way through to minerals like the rare earth metals, exports of which Beijing only recently weaponized, once again, in its trade dispute with the U.S. Thirdly, securing new supplies of fossil fuels is not without its risks. Since 2022, the U.S. has replaced Russia as the EUs main source of fossil fuels, but under President Donald Trump has become a less predictable partner. Read also: Kyiv has a plan to stretch finances in 2026 as Brussels drags feet Trading reliances The bloc has agreed to increase its imports of American energy even further to the tune of $250 billion in each of the next three years, under the trade deal struck in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU remains significantly more reliant on imports of fossil fuels, which account for 58% of primary energy, than other major economies despite progress in both expanding renewable energy and reducing energy consumption since 2021 according to a recent Ember Energy report. This cost the bloc some 930 billion euros during the gas crisis of 2021-2024. While Norway has become the EUs main overall supplier of natural gas, accounting for a third of imports, mainly via pipeline, the U.S. replaced Russia as the second largest overall supplier this year, and accounted for 24% of overall gas imports in the first quarter of 2025 providing 53% of LNG imports. Russias share of overall gas imports fell to 14% in the first quarter from 19% in the last quarter of 2024. Imports of Russian LNG have nevertheless remained fairly steady this year, with the EU still Moscows main buyer. Despite ample regasification capacity particularly in Spain, France, and Belgium the bloc faces global competition for non-Russian LNG, especially from Asian buyers, George Voloshin, an expert on Russian affairs and sanctions, told the Kyiv Independent. Beyond what could be a fraught winter depending on the weather a wave of new LNG supply from the U.S. and Canada is expected to calm the market in 2026. The head of the International Energy Agency recently said that LNG is becoming a buyers market as supply expands, reducing prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, the EU is to resume coordinating firms' purchases of gas "soon," to diversify supplies and obtain more competitive prices, energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen recently said. Chart showing breakdown of Russian revenues from the world and the EU by fossil fuel. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Central European headache Hungary remained the largest EU importer of Russian fossil fuels in September by some margin, spending 166 million euros on oil and 226 million euros on gas. Slovakia was the second largest buyer with oil imports of 145 million euros and gas imports of 62 million euros. While the Czech Republic drew a line under sixty years of Russian oil imports via the Druzhba pipeline in April, Hungary and Slovakia have shown little inclination to do so despite the Croatian operator, JANAF, of a pipeline from the Adriatic insisting it can cover the volumes required by Hungarian oil group MOLs two refineries. Hungary and Slovakia also continue to rely on gas supplies from Russias last operational pipeline to Europe, Turkstream deliveries via which have risen 7% year on year in the first nine months of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only does the pipeline facilitate ongoing Russian exports, it also undermines European efforts to diversify supplies by flooding the market with discounted gas, which disincentivizes the development of domestic production. The pipeline reaches the bloc through Bulgaria, which was recently reported to support plans to end Russian gas imports by the end of 2027. Turkey's deepening ties with Moscow Longstanding NATO member Turkey has deepened economic cooperation with Moscow since 2022 and has become a significant hub for re-exports of Russian oil and gas to Europe. The country is now Russias third-largest fossil fuel buyer, behind China and India, and the main importer of its refined oil products. In September alone, Turkey bought 2.6 billion euros of Russian fossil fuels, according to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the bloc's 18th package of sanctions adopted in July, imports of oil products are to be banned as of January from third countries that are net importers of crude oil, but this far from reliably excludes Russian crude oil, according to a CREA monthly report for July. Closing these remaining gaps requires not only further sanctions and policy measures, but much stronger enforcement and monitoring. "Even if the Repower EU legislation is brought forward, there still remain a few concerns," CREA energy analyst Luke Wickenden told the Kyiv Independent. "Most notably, the controversial Article 15, reportedly introduced at Spain's request, could empower member states to ask for temporary lifting of the ban in case of emergency though what exactly constitutes an emergency remains undefined." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Orbans unexpected headache Trumps offensive against Russian energy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The European Commission wants to obtain a mandate from the Council of the EU to continue accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova at an expert level, without the formal opening of negotiation clusters. Source: European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, while presenting the EU Enlargement Report at the European Parliament in Brussels on 4 November, as reported by a European Pravda correspondent Details: The European Commission seeks the EU Council's backing to continue accession talks with Ukraine at a technical level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One of the solutions, which could now enable the opening of cluster one or all the clusters for Ukraine and Moldova, would be that we would get a Commission mandate from the Council so that we can go on at the working level," Kos said. She expressed her conviction that, in order to achieve results, the EU must move away from the requirement for unanimous support by all member states for each of the 150 steps in the accession process. "We should stick to unanimity [when] giving a status [to the member state] and finishing. I will fight for this every time," the commissioner said. Kos recalled her most recent visit to Ukraine, during which she told the Ukrainian authorities: "You don't need Orban to do the necessary reforms." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I hope that we will be able, together with the presidency, to reach this agreement, that on the working level, we can go on working cluster by cluster," Marta Kos said. "And when all the conditions are met, then we will also open [the clusters] officially," she added. Background: As European Pravda reported, at the EU leaders' summit in Brussels on 23 October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again called on the EU to find a way to open negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession and to "remove the artificial blockade". At the same time, it was reported that the EU is ready to launch a new way to bypass Hungary's veto "frontloading". Read more: Frontloading: EU's alternative path to break Hungary's veto on Ukraine's accession talks Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The Evansville Police Department is searching for a missing person. Police say they are searching for Mandy Pope, 21, who was last heard from her family on October 24. She is a white female with red hair, brown eyes and about 411. Police say a family member received a Facebook message from an unknown male on October 28 that said, Hey, this is Mandy, I miss you. I got my phone stolen. Police say on October 29, the family member called the unknown male on Facebook messenger, and he told her that he and Mandy had been at an abandoned house that Mandy left with two guys and seemed a little out of it. Mandy has not been heard since then. If you have any information on Mandy Popes whereabouts, contact Detective Wiseman at (812) 436-4016 or the Evansville Police Department at (812) 436-7979. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). BELEM, Brazil (AP) For 30 years, world leaders and diplomats have gathered at United Nations negotiating sessions to try to curb climate change, but Earth's temperature continues to rise and extreme weather worsens. So this month, they're hoping for fewer promises and more action. Past pledges from nearly 200 nations have fallen far short and new plans submitted this year barely speed up pollution-fighting efforts, experts say. And if the numbers aren't sobering enough for world leaders when they kick off the action Thursday, there's the setting: Belem, a relatively poor city on the edge of a weakened Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike past climate negotiations and especially the one 10 years ago that forged the landmark Paris climate agreement this annual U.N. conference isn't primarily aimed at producing a grand deal or statement over its two weeks. Organizers and analysts frame this Conference of Parties known less formally as COP30 as the implementation COP. This is really going to be much more about what are we doing on the ground, said former U.N. climate chief Christiana Figueres, who helped shepherd the 2015 Paris agreement aimed at limiting warming. Figueres and many of more than three dozen experts interviewed by The Associated Press said negotiators have already pinned down the goal. What's needed now is more money and political will for countries to put decades of words and promises into action and policy to reduce heat-trapping gases and stop deforestation. Only that will put the brakes on global warming as it careens toward a level the world has agreed is too dangerous, they say. Adapting to a warmer world and saving forests Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Belem, diplomats, activists, scientists and business leaders will discuss new national climate-fighting plans, the need to save trees that absorb carbon pollution, how communities can adapt to warming and how to financially help developing nations hit hardest by climate change. Host Brazil will preside and set the agenda. For the talks to be a success, world leaders need to beef up efforts and money for adapting to climate change and fund billion-dollar efforts to prevent deforestation and land degradation, said Suely Vaz, who used to run Brazil's environment agency. Those leaders arrive Thursday for a two-day pre-meeting summit to discuss ratcheting up the fight against climate change. Holding COP in the Amazon itself creates a new level of accountability. You cant talk about climate solutions while standing on the land thats absorbing the planets carbon and ignore the people who protect it, said Eriel Tchekwie Deranger, a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Alberta, Canada, and executive director of the nonprofit Indigenous Climate Action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Top polluters won't be at pre-summit That high-level meeting is likely to be missing top leaders of the biggest carbon-polluting nations: China, the U.S. and India. They contribute about 52% of the world's heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas. China is sending its deputy premier. The U.S. is mostly skipping this conference under President Donald Trump, a climate change skeptic who's begun the process of withdrawing from the Paris agreement. Some U.S. cities and states are coming to show that they and businesses take climate change seriously, said former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy, who co-chairs a group called America Is All In. Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said its important world leaders understand the threat to countries like his: Without the United States, without China, without India committing, we really have no hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to see action ... particularly from the largest polluters, Whipps said. Our communities live on the front lines and we cannot afford more promises. Figueres said she hopes because of the craziness in the United States that there is an expanded sense of, this is the moment to pull together. But Panama's environment minister, Juan Carlos Navarro, told the AP he expects little from the talks. He said such meetings have become a jet-setting orgy of bureaucrats who travel around the world with a tremendous carbon footprint and achieve nothing. Promising to cut more pollution or focusing on fulfilling pledges? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's already a divide on the nature of this meeting. Brazil is stressing implementation of past plans as well as what's in new emissions-cutting plans submitted this year. But smaller island nations, such as Palau, and scientists are saying that's not enough. It dooms Earth to 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming since pre-industrial times, they said. Palau and other island nations want negotiators to tell countries to be more ambitious in their new carbon pollution-cutting plans. Implementing mediocrity," said Natural Resources Defense Council adaptation chief Adelle Thomas, "is not creating a future for vulnerable nations. But if nations do what they've already promised in past climate-fighting plans, it could trim an entire degree Celsius 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit from projected warming, said Ani Dasgupta, chief executive of World Resources Institute. Scientists agreed with the estimate. Dasgupta said negotiators have too long focused on big commitments instead of outcomes in the real economy, which he said is the messier thing that doesnt get headlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we now need to do is deliver against what we have signed on to, said scientist Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research in Germany. Path to disaster or optimism? The challenge today is not whether we will phase out fossil fuels. The challenge today is will we be too late? Rockstrom said. We are heading towards catastrophic 3 degrees." Figueres, the former U.N. climate chief, agreed it looks bad. But she co-founded an a organization called Global Optimism and said she's sure the world can do this. My optimism is not naive. I know what were up against, she said. But my optimism is about determination. Its about were up against a really, really, really challenging threat here. And we dont give up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Borenstein reported from Washington. Isabel DeBre contributed from Buenos Aires and Melina Walling from Chicago. ___ 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. Ex-ABC News reporter Terry Moran ripped 60 Minutes on Monday over its interview with Donald Trump, which arrived just months after CBSs parent company struck a widely-panned $16 million settlement deal with the president. Moran, when asked by CNNs Brianna Keilar about the timing of the interview, pointed to Trump dunking on 60 Minutes as he gloated about Paramount paying him a lot of money in an unaired exchange with correspondent Norah ODonnell. Politics: Trump Issues Dark All-Caps Election Day Warning: YOU WILL RUE THE DAY It was an interview without a lot of pushback. It was an interview that let him carry on, said Moran, who did not refer to ODonnell by name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moran said its impossible to say whether conservative journalist Bari Weiss, who Paramount named as CBS News editor-in-chief in October, was part of the equation, noting that shes been very kind to the president. Moran, who sat down with the president in late April, less than two months before his world class haters post on Trump and senior White House aide Stephen Miller led to his ABC News ouster, was later asked by CNNs Boris Sanchez what he wouldve pushed back on during the interview. He emphasized that Trump is a very tough interview because hes just spewing a lot of stuff that isnt true. Politics: Nancy Pelosi Hits Vile Creature Trump With A Damning 9-Word Description You dont have to get in a fight with him. You dont you shouldnt, right? You should treat him with the respect that the office deserves and that the people elected him deserve. But at the same time, you have to stand up to something because if you condone his falsehoods, that empowers him, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every authoritarian in the book does this, and you can look it up, and thats what hes doing. So, I do think at some point, you have to stand up for what is true, even at the risk of displeasing Trump or your bosses. Following Morans exit from ABC News, he has since launched a SubStack newsletter and gone on to defend his accurate, fair and true description of Miller, emphasizing that cruelty is the point with him. Watch Morans appearance on CNN News Central below. Related... Read the original on HuffPost A former business administrator for Great Meadows Regional School District has been charged with forgery in the fourth degree, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Warren County Prosecutors Office. Amanda Kinney is accused of submitting fraudulent college documents showing credits for courses she hadnt attended, the prosecutors office said. Great Meadows Superintendent Michael Mai notified the Warren County Prosecutors Office about his concerns on Aug. 13, and the Warren County Board of Education and Nova Southeastern University admissions corroborated the superintendents claims, according to the affidavit of probable cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mai told lehighvalleylive.com the questions were raised by the county during certification of Kinneys documents. A new business administrator was appointed by the school district, after Kinney was fired, Mai said. Kinney pleaded not guilty at her arraignment in October. Her attorney Thomas Fischer said, she looks forward to pleading her innocence in court. Warren County detectives allege they were told by Nova Southeastern University representatives that Kinney was never enrolled as a student, despite her claims. The colleges president and its provost were not immediately available to offer a comment, as of Monday, a college representative told lehighvalleylive.com. A number provided by operators to the colleges public relations department was not in service and the provost did not respond to an email from reporters for lehighvalleylive.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kinney is accused of accepting a $30,000 salary increase when she was promoted from assistant business administrator to acting business administrator for the school district. The promotion was granted under the assumption that she would complete coursework at Nova Southeastern University, the school district claims. According to a court filing, the transcripts were hand-delivered and sealed, and listed courses and credits were dated several months in the future, and were incorrectly organized. Investigators allege Kinney had received $6,000 from the school district, purportedly to cover enrollment costs at the university. They also claim she accumulated more than $900 in cash-back rewards by using her personal credit cards to secure contract agreements with university vendors. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Former Obama White House ethics lawyer Norm Eisen on Monday warned that Donald Trumps power grabs could ultimately backfire on the president. Appearing on MSNBCs The Weeknight, Eisen (who also served as U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic) said the lesson hes taken from people whove experienced democratic backsliding in their own countries, only for them to recover, is that the besetting sin, the greatest danger of self-destruction that dictators have, is overreach. Politics: Ex-White House Ethics Lawyer Accuses Donald Trump Of Nakedly Illegal Action In a sense, the phrase is, The worse, the better, Eisen explained. So, the American people will not let him get away with that. The courts alone wont save us, but the people are the ultimate guardrail and the ultimate safeguard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eisen said he sees signs of voters pushing back against Trump. They dont like it, he said. So, Im hopeful that we will be strong enough to stand up to his shenanigans. But he grimly cautioned: It will get worse. Politics: Nancy Pelosi Hits Vile Creature Trump With A Damning 9-Word Description Anchor Symone Sanders-Townsend had earlier talked about how Trumps administration truly believes that when the president does something, it is legal, regardless of what it is. Trumps team wants us to be in a place where, when not just the Insurrection Act but I think even martial law is invoked, nobody bats an eye, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, though, is in a race against time, she argued, noting that what happens in tomorrows elections could accelerate, frankly, his authoritarian tendencies. Watch here: Related... Read the original on HuffPost By Brendan O'Boyle and Cassandra Garrison MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -The U.S. is not yet ready to reopen its border to Mexican cattle amid an outbreak of the flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said, but she is pleased with Mexico's efforts to contain the pest. Rollins, in Mexico City for meetings with officials including President Claudia Sheinbaum, told Reuters in an exclusive interview on Monday that President Donald Trump was "very focused" on reopening the border, which has been largely closed to Mexican livestock since May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're still not at the point where I am comfortable opening the ports, but I think every day that goes by we get a little bit closer," Rollins said. "I want to have every confidence that we have overturned every stone, that we understand every nuance, that we are deploying every tool in the toolkit," she added. Rollins, who declined to give a time frame for reopening the border, said she would speak to top U.S. officials about the issue on Wednesday and would have more conversations about screwworm with Trump. Mexico's agriculture ministry did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico has been working to contain the outbreak, which has spread northward from Central America, rattling the livestock and beef industries of both the U.S. and Mexico. Although U.S. officials say the pest has not yet breached the U.S. border, it threatens $1.8 billion in damage to Texas' economy alone, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate. In September, Rollins criticized Mexico for failing to sufficiently implement measures to stop the screwworm's spread, highlighting growing tensions between the two nations as the pest continues its advance north. On Monday, though, after her meetings with Mexican officials, she said the efforts of both countries were "a completely different, more sophisticated, impressive operation," than where they were in the spring. Mexican officials "have taken it very seriously," Rollins said, adding that she was "very impressed" with Sheinbaum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe sincerely, it is the most collaborative effort, perhaps in our lifetime, between the two different departments of agriculture." PARASITIC FLIES Rollins said there had been 11 cases of screwworm in Mexican states that border the U.S. in recent months, though they were all contained and treated. Screwworms are parasitic flies whose females lay eggs in wounds. Their larvae burrow through living flesh, eventually killing their host if left untreated. "The key is keeping the screwworm away from the southern border of America, and it's gotten really close - too close - so now we just have to make sure we can push it back," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Mexico's southern state of Chiapas, which borders Guatemala, some ranchers have blamed the spread of the outbreak on the federal government's failure to crack down on organized crime groups that traffic in stolen livestock, which enables them to tap a lucrative market and extort money along the way. Animals may be smuggled in from Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, or other Central American nations, often bearing counterfeit ear tags and forged documents. Rollins said the illegal movement of cattle was a "big issue" that she wanted to dig into more, while noting that Mexico had put in new protections and checkpoints in place to better control for illicit livestock trade. The border closure has added to the already tight cattle supply situation in the U.S., where beef prices have risen to records as herd sizes have declined to their lowest in decades at the same time consumer demand remains strong. About 250,000 head of cattle are waiting south of the U.S. border to enter, Rollins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The secretary said that rising beef prices, however, are a "non-factor" in considering whether to reopen the border. "I think that we can never compromise the safety of the herd for the cost," Rollins said, adding that doing so prematurely could lead to higher costs later on if the screwworm enters the U.S. and devastates the cattle industry. (Reporting by Brendan O'Boyle; Additional reporting and writing by Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) A traveling exhibit is meant to be an authentic experience of the Hamas terror attack. It's an experience created to be touched, but intended to be felt long after. Visibly shaking, Chicagoan Julia Shindel remembered the first time she saw her 23-year-old son, Mark, just days after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack. "To kill a child is to kill his mom," Shindel said. "Dead with a bullet on his left eye." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her son is one of the 430 victims spread across a wall at the Nova Music Festival exhibit, "The Moment Music Stood Still." Two years later, survivors of the attack are reliving that day. "I couldn't run away. I couldn't leave because I knew I'm the only one that can help you," Doron Mizrahi said. Mizrahi was driving his car down the road in Israel when he stopped to pull bodies from a bomb shelter, saving as many lives as he could. "I found 10-20 people wounded, dead," Mizrahi said. SEE ALSO: Israel hands over bodies of 45 Palestinians after Hamas returns the remains of 3 soldiers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He recently walked across floors covered in sand, surrounded with 20,000 objects from the festival site: tents, clothing, teddy bears, even the port-a-potties, to see touch and smell the day. "It's not part of the past; it's still a bleeding wound for all of us," exhibit director Reut Feingold said. Feingold says she incorporated footage from survivors, Israeli police and from the Hamas terrorists She says it's meant to bring truth to the day, ending with a healing exhibit to remind the world that there will be dancing once again. "This place is the most honest and painful truth we have known," Mizrahi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is our vow to dance for them," Feingold said. The Nova Festival exhibit will be open to the public starting Tuesday through the end of November, at 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. on Chicago's North Side. Visit https://novaexhibition.com for more information. NEED TO KNOW A 51-year-old man has been missing in the Mount Hood National Forest for five days after failing to return from a hunting trip Devon Dobek, 51, of Hubbard, Ohio, sent a message to a friend on Friday, Oct. 31, that he was returning from his trip after catching a deer, but was subsequently reported missing after failing to show up at home Clackamas County Sheriff's Office said the search through "steep and difficult terrain" included over 50 searchers A hunter has been missing for four days after going on a hunting trip in the Mount Hood National Forest, southeast of Estacada, Oregon. On Monday, Nov. 3, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office revealed in a Facebook post that they were continuing their search for Devon Dobek, 51, of Hubbard, Ohio, who had been missing since Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dobek was reported missing after he failed to return home from his hunting trip. Monday marks the fourth day of search and rescue operations, officials wrote in the press release. Efforts included approximately 50 searchers from across the region, they added. In addition to the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue team, support came from Mountain Wave Emergency Communications, Portland Mountain Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, the 304th Rescue Squadron (PJs), Hood River Crag Rats, Marion County Sheriffs Office, Multnomah County Sheriffs Office, and the U.S. Forest Service. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Facebook The search for Devon Dobek in the Mount Hood National Forest, southeast of Estacada The search for Devon Dobek in the Mount Hood National Forest, southeast of Estacada Despite the return of rainy conditions, an Oregon Army National Guard helicopter was able to assist in the search, along with continued drone operations equipped with thermal imaging capabilities, authorities continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office went on to add that they were focusing their search in steep and difficult terrain that was burned in the 2020 wildfires. The area is full of fallen trees, making navigation extremely challenging. Crews plan to continue searching into the night hours, they wrote. Officials also shared footage of their search operation in the Mount Hood National Forest as they moved through trees and branches. The departments recent update comes after over 100 searchers were on ground to look for Dobek on Sunday. Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Facebook The search for Devon Dobek in the Mount Hood National Forest, southeast of Estacada The search for Devon Dobek in the Mount Hood National Forest, southeast of Estacada Officials revealed at the time that improved weather conditions enabled additional drones to be used in the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, on Saturday, over 20 searchers were using ATVs, drones, and K9s to look for him. On Friday, Dobek messaged a friend that he was going to return early from his hunting trip after catching a deer. However, deputies received a missing person report for the hunter at around 6:20 p.m. While authorities were able to find Dobeks truck near the Fish Creek Trailhead, off SE Hwy 224 and 54 Rd., they could not find him nor the deer he had caught. Authorities said Dobeks friends described him as an experienced hunter equipped with appropriate gear. At approximately 10:30 p.m., Clackamas County Search and Rescue coordinators and volunteers began searching the area and continued through the night, police wrote at the time. Gunshots, presumed to be from the missing hunter, were heard at various times overnight, but searchers were unable to pinpoint the exact location. Read the original article on People Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, following days of dire warnings from meteorologists and experts in the news. In the three days prior, all indicators increasingly suggested it would strike hard, potentially devastating Caribbean nations. As Melissa began to bear down on the region, several video clips supposedly depicting the storm began spreading on social media. One particular video went viral, according to Fact Crescendo, purporting to show "an airplane flying directly into the eye of Hurricane Melissa and capturing a vortex from above." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A version of the video was shared on the social media platform X, racking up nearly 150,000 views. Another iteration of the same clip appeared on Facebook, sparking concern and fear among commenters about Jamaica. "Does anyone feel like they can't breathe when they look at this?" one user replied. "Please, be sweet, Melissa," another prayed. "God, please keep everyone safe," a third fretted. However, as Fact Crescendo indicated, the clip wasn't authentic. On X, a Community Note warned users that the footage was not real, but no such label appeared on Facebook. According to the outlet and the note on X, the video was first shared on TikTok on Oct. 25 by user Earth Impacts (@earthimpacts). Before it began its journey to other platforms, where it was stripped of all context, additional information was at least highly visible. On the original post itself, no fewer than six labels marked it as generated by artificial intelligence, and the user's caption expressly stated: "This is not real, it is a simulation made with AI for a 'what if' scenario." The disclaimers did not hurt the performance, as it exceeded 5 million views and 100,000 likes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earth Impacts' TikTok bio described its content as "AI disaster curiosity," and in its original form, the clip made no mention of Hurricane Melissa whatsoever. Initially, it was labeled "tornado." It's not clear where the AI-generated clip's labeling was obscured but social media misinformation and disinformation are at their most dangerous during active threats and natural disasters. The relatively recent introduction of readily accessible tools for creating highly realistic images and videos has the potential to exacerbate disaster- and weather-related disinformation. However, the phenomenon is far from new, and low-tech approaches like presenting archival footage as new still persist, as PolitiFact observed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Melissa is an extreme weather event, and viral falsehoods about ongoing incidents can pose real-world dangers to those affected. Staying informed about key climate issues can help social media users distinguish between important facts and dangerous fiction. 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. A bird sanctuary in Singapore is celebrating the first recorded birth of a critically endangered species. The Straits Times reported that a Philippine cockatoo chick was born in Bird Paradise, the largest aviary in Asia. The bird park is home to over 3,500 birds, but the latest addition is proving to be a big hit. Captive breeding programs have had limited success, but the birth offers a glimmer of hope for the future. It was described as a "very special moment" in a social media post by Mandai Wildlife Reserve, one of the program's partner organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Philippine cockatoo, also known as the red-vented cockatoo, is a striking bird with white plumage and a red undertail. It's that unique look that presents one of its biggest threats: illegal trapping. Additionally, extensive deforestation and habitat loss have caused a sharp population decline. The birds were once found throughout the Philippines, but now only 750 remain in the wild, with most found on the Palawan islands. Local conservation work in Palawan has helped stabilize the country's last remaining wild population of Philippine cockatoos. According to BirdLife, efforts on Rasa Island have seen the population increase more than tenfold from a deeply worrying 23 mature individuals in 1998 to over 300 by 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captive breeding programs have provided a lifeline to multiple species, as have successful rewilding efforts. Protecting these creatures boosts biodiversity, which is crucial for a healthy planet. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Nature consistently proves to be remarkably resilient; species long thought extinct in the wild have shown they can bounce back with just a little help. Sometimes, it's as simple as just giving the species a little room to breathe, although other efforts are a little more involved. Regardless, the work done by nonprofits like Mandai Wildlife Group is well worth backing. As the organization's assistant vice president of animal care, Anais Tritto, told the Straits Times, the story serves as a potent reminder of the key role staff play in the background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Watching this chick grow, we're reminded why conservation matters not just for the species, but also for the people behind the scenes," Tritto said. 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. As Hurricane Melissa moved ominously toward Jamaica, meteorologists issued grave warnings about its severity, and CNN explained why the storm was so uniquely alarming to experts. What's happening? "The water around Jamaica had been simmering all summer," the outlet began, introducing one of the factors responsible for Hurricane Melissa's unnatural severity. Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 hurricane, outstripping 2005's Hurricane Katrina with higher wind speeds and lower pressure, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the three days before the storm hit Jamaica, it "underwent two periods of rapid intensification," per CNN, over ocean water that was 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit above average. In 2019, National Geographic explained how hotter ocean waters "fuel" hurricane intensity, creating a feedback loop of condensation and the clash of cool and warm air masses. As Hurricane Melissa barreled through the Caribbean, it strengthened in these conditions. Massachusetts Institute of Technology hurricane expert Kerry Emanuel warned, per CNN, that storms like Melissa are becoming stronger and more frequent in recent years and that the pattern was clear. "In short, nature continues to reaffirm the basic laws of thermodynamics," scientist Steve Bowen told CNN. Why is this important? Meteorologists, researchers, and scientists have been bluntly sounding the alarm about the threat posed by extreme weather, a relatively novel phenomenon with a known cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientist Jim Kosser spoke to CNN about Melissa's predictable intensification and ensuing devastation. He described the effect as "relatively straightforward" and likely attributable to human activity. Do you feel safe drinking the tap water where you live? Always Most of the time Not usually Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "The very warm water almost certainly has a human fingerprint on it and there is no question that this warm water played a key role in Melissa's intensity and intensification rate," Kosser explained. It's easy to infer that because hurricanes have always occurred and predate industrialization, that "extreme weather" means something like "a really strong hurricane." In actuality, extreme weather is something entirely different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As average temperatures rise and seas warm worldwide, the "feedback loop" mentioned above supercharges diverse forms of extreme weather, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. University of California, Los Angeles, climate researcher Daniel Swain told CNN that in what he called "situations like this," the "subsequent devastation will have been made worse, significantly worse" by higher average temperatures on land and at sea. In other words, as long as temperatures climb, superpowered hurricanes, floods, and storms will remain the norm, not the exception. What's being done about it? Despite the massive threat it poses to the planet, extreme weather is often poorly understood or mistaken for routine intense weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staying informed about issues like how the climate influences weather is, as experts emphasized, a critical part of staying safe and being prepared. 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. Experts are noticing an alarming rise in whales becoming entangled in fishing gear, a worrying trend for the already endangered mammals. What's happening? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed an increase in whale entanglements in 2024, 95 in total, up 48% from 2023, per a report from Smithsonian Magazine. Last year's number is also higher than the 17-year average of 71.4 entanglements. Officials traced about half of the reported cases to specific commercial and recreational fisheries, with most occurring off the coasts of California, Massachusetts, Alaska, and Hawai'i. Humpback whales accounted for most of the cases (77 out of 95), followed by gray whales, North Atlantic right whales, minke whales, sperm whales, fin whales, and bowhead whales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The North Atlantic right whale was of particular concern to the experts because there are only an estimated 370 left in the wild, and only 70 of those are females actively reproducing. Scott Landry, director of the Marine Animal Entanglement Response Program, told WBUR: "We're all really concerned and alarmed. North Atlantic right whales were hunted to the brink of extinction, so it's taken us a long time to claw back their numbers to where they are today. Anything that jeopardizes that is very nerve-racking." Why are whale entanglements important? Fishing gear, such as nets, lines, buoys, and ropes, can entangle whales as they swim, causing injury and, in some cases, death. Even if a whale is freed from fishing gear, there can be long-term effects on their health and ability to reproduce. With already dwindling numbers for species like the humpback and North Atlantic right whales, further losses could lead to extinction in the long term. Whales have a powerful impact on the marine environment, contributing to carbon sequestration and even the economy through safe tourism practices, according to the Animal Welfare Institute. What's being done about whale entanglements? According to Smithsonian Magazine, experts are calling for stronger safeguards to prevent entanglements, such as "ropeless" fishing systems and adjustments to fishing seasons to account for migration and mating patterns. How concerned are you about the plastic waste in our oceans? Extremely I'm pretty concerned A little Not much Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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. Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. A Lukoil oil refinery in Russias Nizhny Novgorod Oblast was hit by Ukrainian drones overnight on Nov. 4, a source in Ukraines military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent. Over 50 Ukrainian-made drones, including Bober and FPV-1 models, were used in the joint operation, conducted by HUR, the Armed Forces, and the Special Operations Forces, according to the source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The refinery was reportedly struck while undergoing repairs to a rectification column used for primary oil processing. Video footage circulating online showed flames at the facility, which local monitoring channels identified as the likely target of the attack. Lukoil Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez is one of Russia's largest oil refineries, supplying fuel to the Moscow region, which accounts for about 30% of the countrys gasoline consumption. The refinery's annual crude processing capacity is around 17 million tons, producing over 50 types of petroleum products, including automotive, aviation, and diesel fuels, as well as bitumen and paraffin. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces also confirmed a reported strike on a petrochemical plant in the Russian Republic of Bashkortostan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explosions were reported overnight at a petrochemical plant in Sterlitamak, Bashkortostan. Mayor Emil Shaimardanov said on Nov. 4 that as a result of the explosion, part of the water purification facility collapsed. "All emergency services are currently at the scene. The cause of the explosion is being investigated" he said, adding that five people were working at the facility, according to preliminary data, and no one was injured. The facility is Russia's leading manufacturer of components for aviation kerosene, used in the production of aviation fuel, according to the General Staff. One of the plant's workshops sustained "significant damage" as a result of the strike, the military said. The full results of the attack are still being investigated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: How Europe plans to phase out Russian oil and gas, explained Earlier on Nov. 4, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed it had downed 85 drones across multiple regions, including Nizhny Novgorod, Voronezh, Belgorod, Kursk, Lipetsk, Volgograd, Sverdlovsk, and the Republic of Bashkortostan. Explosions were reported by the independent outlet Astra in the Russian city of Lipetsk amid an air raid siren in the city. In Russia's Volgograd Oblast, an electrical substation was damaged due to falling drone debris, Governor Andrey Bocharov claimed. Overnight on Nov. 3, Alexander Khinshtein, the Governor of Kursk region, said that a substation in the city of Rylsk was attacked. As a result, more than 16,000 consumers in various areas were left without power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A drone attack was also reported in the city of Dovzhansk, Luhansk Oblast. The city is located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of the city of Luhansk and has been occupied by Russian forces since 2014. Luhansk Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) The Kyiv Independent could not immediately verify the details of all the attacks. Kyiv considers oil refineries to be valid military targets, as profits from the fossil fuel industry fund Russia's war machine. Ukraine regularly strikes military targets in its occupied territories and deep within Russia as Moscow continues to wage its war against Ukraine. On Oct. 30, a fire broke out at a thermal power plant in Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast, causing a widespread power outage across the region, independent outlet Astra reported. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. As San Francisco plans for the development of more housing and taller buildings on commercial corridors, city officials have clashed over the best way to make sure small businesses aren't hurt by the changes. In July, Supervisor Connie Chan proposed an extension of a temporary measure intended to protect community fixtures from displacement. Her legislation would add red tape for operations seeking to push out legacy businesses - those in place for more than 30 years - by requiring them to first obtain a special permit, dubbed "conditional use authorization," from the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Board of Supervisors Land Use and Transportation Committee voted 2-1 to advance an amended version of the legislation on Monday. The measure still needs approval from the full board. "Legacy and longtime businesses are not just business entities," Chan said Monday. "They are cultural assets and are recognized as contributors to the neighborhoods that pave the way for other small businesses to thrive." A maximum of 10 businesses per year could be displaced by Mayor Daniel Lurie's proposed "Family Zoning" plan, the city planning department predicted. High rents aren't the only threat to legacy businesses, which might also close because their owners retire or because the businesses are no longer profitable. Chan said the legislation wouldn't be a "silver bullet," but an additional check on big businesses threatening the character of historic neighborhoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But officials from the city's Small Business Commission said it could have the opposite effect, benefitting businesses with the means to hire land-use attorneys and weather the city's lengthy permitting process. "In the field, it's kind of like getting a weapon and the weapon backfiring you and shooting you in the foot," Small Business commissioner William Ortiz-Cartagena told Chan at an August meeting of the Land Use Committee. "It really becomes this barrier for people of color." The Planning Department also opposed the initial version of Chan's legislation. Policy advisor Lisa Gluckstein said last week that her department would prefer "proactive incentives" to bolster legacy businesses. Chan's proposal comes as Lurie pushes a faster, simpler permitting process for small businesses and builders as part of his broader economic recovery efforts. Chan said last week that "lengthy discussion" with the small business commission had inspired amendments to soften the measure's impact on small businesses. It would exempt operations that make under $5 million a year from the conditional use authorization requirement - a change that would apply to the vast majority of businesses in the city. Office of the Treasurer spokesperson Amanda Kahn Fried said that 96% of registered businesses in San Francisco fall under that threshold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amended measure would also extend "legacy" protections to more small businesses, allowing those that have operated for at least 15 years to apply to the legacy business registry if the city determines they have "significantly contributed to the history or identity of a particular neighborhood" but face "imminent risk of displacement." Ortiz-Cartagena said Monday that he had not had time to fully assess the amendments, but that the exemption for small businesses with less than $5 million in revenue was a step "in the right direction." He added that conditional use authorizations are "not a friend to small businesses," but acknowledged their value as a tool in limiting unfair competition from chain stores. Advocacy group Small Business Forward voiced their support for Chan's amendments at a meeting of the Land Use committee on Monday, although they called for "more effective" protections like commercial rent control and relocation assistance. "The conditional use (authorization) is an imperfect but necessary mechanism to discourage the displacement of legacy business in the first place," said Yolanda Porrata, the owner of VERA Skin Studio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local architect Remi Tan said Monday that he supported Chan's legislation, but stressed the importance of finding a new occupant after legacy businesses have moved out of their storefronts. "We want to make sure that space is quickly filled without any delay, so we don't have a vacant storefront," Tan said. "If you look at Stockton Street, Powell Street, San Francisco Center, it's all vacant. It looks terrible and embarrassing every time we have a conference." But the Planning Department's stance against the legislation was not swayed by the amendments, Gluckstein said Monday. She said there was no means for the department to verify if a business' income is below the $5 million threshold, and said the measure's focus on "controlling new businesses" was "not good for the overall urban fabric of our city." Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who was the sole vote against advancing the legislation, cited this argument before casting his vote. He also noted that the legislation does not distinguish between legacy businesses that are displaced by their landlords and those that leave voluntarily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Without that distinguishing factor, we may lead to a higher rate of vacancies because we're not able to fill them," Mahmood said, adding that the move could have a "chilling effect" on the legacy business program itself. "It turns what is a win-win situation into something that landlords may be more hostile to." This article originally published at S.F. supervisor wants to protect' small businesses. City officials say it could lead to retail vacancies. Does a real video show a rich executive trying to override a sherpa's decision to wait by paying him to keep going to the Everest summit? No, that's not true: A TikTok account has been posting AI-generated videos of stereotypical Everest scenarios. Some videos, one showing a motorized escalator to the summit, are clearly parody, while other fake videos posted without a disclaimer or watermark, are realistic enough to be believable when viewed in isolation. One video (archived here) was published on TikTok by @freddy.nietzsche on Oct. 31, 2025. The post had no caption or hashtags, but was tagged for the location "Mount Everest Alicante," not the world's highest mountain, but an Indian restaurant in Spain. This is a screenshot of the TikTok video: Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot from tiktok.com/@freddy.nietzsche/video/7567179764910411038. In the brief clip, the sherpa and the climber say: Sherpa: Take it back, I don't want your hundred thousand. Climber: Wait, we had a deal. Sherpa: It's not worth dying for. Listen to me, no amount of money is! You can climb if you want, but I go down. Everest will still be here. Take your money back. The sherpa is holding several bills of folded cash, 100K, in his gloved hand. The climber, also wearing gloves, takes some of the bills back. But this action reveals an AI glitch: the climber's glove touches the outside of the billfold, but only the bills from the center of the fold follow the movement of his hand. In the composite image below (top left) the illegible numbers in the corners of the bills are not oriented on the lengthwise axis as is standard in U.S. currency. Image Source: Lead Stories composite image with screenshots from tiktok.com/@freddy.nietzsche. More examples of AI glitches in videos from @freddy.nietzsche are highlighted in the composite image above. The embroidered brand logos (top and bottom right) on the climbers' gear (here and here) is illegible and contains mangled characters. In another video, the blue reflective sunglasses hanging from the climber's jacket (bottom left) have the two lenses but lack a gap for his nose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the videos contain elements of extreme Himalayan mountaineering, such as climbing ropes, and colorful Buddhist prayer flags, but they are intermixed with absurdities (pictured below) like large animals summiting; a giraffe, an elephant, and a lion. Image Source: Lead Stories composite image with screenshots from tiktok.com/@freddy.nietzsche. Many videos feature American or western men, executives and CEOs portrayed as rich, powerful, egotistical and sometimes screaming. They try to boss a sherpa to comply with their wishes regardless of the danger this poses to both of them. In most cases the sherpas seem kind and level headed, and respond to the confrontation with folk wisdom sayings like, "The mountain runs on Nepal time sir." and "Summit is nothing if you don't come back." A recurring theme in other videos is an almost identical tale; six different women, each explaining that her sister died before reaching the top, but she finds the achievement of summiting and the view from the mountaintop was worth it. Six versions of this story are transcribed below, paired with the images left to right. Image Source: Lead Stories composite image with screenshots from tiktok.com/@freddy.nietzsche. Did Arizona teachers mock the murder of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk by wearing 'Problem Solved' T-shirts covered in what looked like artificial blood? No, that's not true: According to the school district's superintendent, in a since-deleted Facebook post reported on by local media outlets, the T-shirts predated the assassination of Turning Point USA Co-Founder Kirk by more than a year and had nothing to do with him. The items were purchased in 2024 and worn by the teachers for two Halloweens in a row. The claim appeared in a post (archived here) published on X on November 1, 2025 on the @AndrewKolvet account of Turning Point USA Spokesman Andrew Kolvet. It read: Concerned parents just sent us this image of what's believed to be teachers in @vailschools in Tuscon, Arizona mocking Charlie's murder with costumes that read 'Problem Solved' and blood down the left side of their shirts. They deserve to be famous, and fired. The post included an image. This is what it looked like at the time of writing: Source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at x.com/AndrewKolvet Yet, a local TV station -- E.W. Scripps Company-owned KGUN 9 (archived here), the ABC affiliate in the Tucson-Sierra Vista television market -- published an article refuting the claim (archived here and here). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, it cited a statement from John Carruth (archived here), the Vail school district's superintendent. He explained that the image portrayed Cienega High teachers wearing math-themed "Problem Solved" Halloween T-shirts and that those T-shirts were bought and first worn in the fall of 2024, almost a year before Charlie Kirk's assassination September 10, 2025 (archived here). The KGUN report included the post, which, in part, read as follows: ... We want to clarify that these shirts were part of a math-themed Halloween costume meant to represent solving tough math problems. The shirts were never intended to target any person, event, or political issue. Unfortunately, the image is being shared online with false claims that they were intended as a statement of recent events in our country. This is unequivocally untrue. The shirts were purchased online and were also worn last year as part of the same math-themed costumes, long before recent events. For anyone questioning the validity that the shirts were worn last year, I am happy to provide the photo to you. KGUN quoted Carruth writing that despite false reports about the shirts, the "Problem solved" T-shirts will not be worn again. Claim: In October 2025, after summer storms severely affected areas of the United States, U.S. President Donald Trump, a Republican, approved Federal Emergency Management Assistance disaster relief aid for affected red states but denied assistance to blue states. Rating: Rating: True Context: Trump approved storm-related disaster relief requests from three red states and denied them from three blue states in October. He also approved a major disaster declaration for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota, a blue state. As a tribe, the Leech Lake Band is entitled to request funding separate from the state where it is located. It is worth noting that Trump approved disaster relief funding for blue states earlier in his term and denied separate major disaster funding for Alaska in October for a fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After storms swept through the United States in summer 2025, a rumor spread online that U.S. President Donald Trump approved Federal Emergency Management Assistance disaster relief funding for affected "red" states while denying the same kind of aid to "blue" states. Allegations about Trump's partisan favoritism spread on Facebook, X and Reddit. As first reported by The Associated Press, Trump released a string of major disaster declarations in October. He approved declarations for Alaska, Nebraska and North Dakota all heavily Republican states and denied requests from Vermont, Illinois and Maryland all heavily Democratic. The president's disaster declarations authorized FEMA to provide recipients with federal financial assistance for "individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for both emergency and permanent work." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that Trump did, in fact, only grant approvals to red states and denials to blue states in the most recent batch of decisions on disaster aid as of this writing, we have rated this claim true. However, it is worth noting that Trump also approved aid for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota, a blue state, and called the tribe "incredible people." As a tribe, the Leech Lake Band is entitled to request funding separate from the state it is located in. Furthermore, Trump denied a disaster declaration request from Alaska, a Republican stronghold for a separate fire. As such, while the above social media posts are factual, it is more contextually precise to state as the AP did that Trump's disaster relief, in a batch of October decisions, fell largely along party lines, but not entirely. Trump also said in an October Truth Social post that he approved $2.5 million from FEMA's Individual Assistance program for Missouri after "severe storms, high winds, large hail, flash flooding, and tornadoes." In that post and in posts announcing the aid for Alaska and North Dakota, Trump noted he won the states in question during his presidential campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is my Honor to deliver for the Great State of Alaska," one of Trump's posts said, "which I won BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024 ALASKA, I WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" In an emailed statement, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said Trump "provides a more thorough review of disaster declaration requests than any Administration has before him gone are the days of rubber stamping FEMA recommendations." She added that the president responds to each request with "great care and consideration, ensuring American tax dollars are used appropriately and efficiently by the states to supplementnot substitute, their obligation to respond to and recover from disasters." Trump previously approved assistance sent to blue states for other disasters during his term, but a Snopes analysis of FEMA data found he approved more requests from red states than blue ones. FEMA data on disaster assistance FEMA provides data on each approval and denial of requests for disaster assistance from states and tribes. Per a download and analysis of these two datasets, Trump approved four major disasters, total, in the month of October, all last updated on Oct. 23. All four disasters were tagged under the label "SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States that request the president's aid generally must first go through a preliminary damage assessment done by state officials alongside FEMA, which means that by the time a request reaches the president's desk, FEMA officials already have done an initial review of the extent of the disaster and what types of federal assistance may be needed. The state also uses that information in its request to show that it needs help from the federal government. (If an event is obviously catastrophic, however, the state can forgo the preliminary assessment to speed things along.) According to FEMA's news releases and Trump's Truth Social announcements, the president approved $25 million for Alaska after back-to-back storms including the remnants of Typhoon Halong devastated coastal villages. Nebraska received $15 million and North Dakota got $3 million, both for August storms. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe received $260,000 following a June storm with straight-line winds. Depending on the area, the money may go to repair and replacement of facilities, grants for temporary housing and home repairs, funds to replace personal property and "other programs to help individuals and families recover from the effects of the disaster." At first glance, the raw dataset also suggested that aside from approving aid for three Republican states, Trump approved funding for heavily blue Minnesota but clicking the link to FEMA's "disaster page URL" led to a page (archived) showing Trump's administration approved the disaster declaration for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, not the state of Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of September 2015 the most recently available data the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe had about 9,500 enrolled members. Specific data on the tribe's political leanings did not appear to be available as of this writing. While the Leech Lake Band is located in counties that voted for Trump, a May report from the tribe's elected chairman, Faron Jackson Sr., heavily criticized the Trump administration's cuts to child care programs and federal tribal funding (see Page 4). Financial disclosures also indicate the tribe's leadership may lean Democratic. Trump also turned down disaster declaration requests from four states on Oct. 22, which comprised all denials last updated in October as of this writing. Three of those four states requested aid due to disasters labeled as "Severe Storm." The remaining state, Alaska, requested a major disaster declaration due to a fire that destroyed a public safety building. Snopes analyzed FEMA disaster declaration approval data for Trump's second term, with states color coded to denote partisan leanings and October approvals in bold, as well as denial data with the same annotations. A closer look at Trump's FEMA decisions Some of Trump's denials in blue states will affect areas that voted for him. Maryland, for example, requested funding after May flooding devastated two areas in the westernmost part of the state: Garrett County, which Trump won in 2024 by 54 points, and Allegany County, which he won by 40 points, as noted in the Daily Blast podcast from progressive news outlet The New Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter appealing Trump's initial denial in July, Maryland's Democratic governor, Wes Moore, said the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, in coordination with FEMA, determined the damage eligible for federal assistance was estimated at $33.7 million in the two counties. He specified immediate needs such as a nonfunctioning boiler in an elementary school amid dropping temperatures and a natural-gas shutdown to protect the public from floodwater damages from submerged gas systems. Trump's October denial was in response to this appeal. "This outcome is not just deeply frustrating, it also ignores the devastation wrought by historic floods in Appalachia and leaves Marylanders on their own," Moore said in an Oct. 23 news release. "FEMA has a responsibility to weigh the merits of each emergency request objectively. Instead, President Trump and his Administration have politicized disaster relief, and our communities are the ones who will pay the price." As previously mentioned, Trump has not unilaterally spurned Democratic-leaning states in doling out FEMA aid during his second term. However, based on a Snopes analysis of FEMA data, Trump approved major disaster or emergency declarations for blue states just five times and 101 times for red states, alongside one approval each for Wisconsin and Michigan, both considered swing states. (Emergency declarations are more limited than major disasters.) As of this writing, he has denied aid nine times to blue states, nine times to red states and once to Michigan. Several states still have pending requests, according to the AP. An AP investigation also found that presidents especially Trump have taken increasingly longer to declare a major disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take this data with a grain of salt: Snopes has not analyzed how hard natural disasters hit blue states as opposed to red ones in 2025. Rebuild by Design, a project of New York University, found 99.5% of congressional districts include a county that has received a major disaster declaration for extreme weather between 2011 and 2024. Across all districts, Republican districts tend to have more disasters and receive slightly more federal funding for disasters, according to an AP analysis of Rebuild by Design's data. In sum When specifically considering FEMA major disaster declarations for storm damage in a batch of decisions released together in October, Trump approved assistance only for Republican-leaning states and denied aid to Democratic ones, based on FEMA's datasets. He also touted those states' support for him when announcing the relief on Truth Social. However, he also denied Alaska's October request for a major disaster declaration after a fire and approved a request from an Ojibwe tribe based in Minnesota. Overall, based on reporting from The Associated Press and Snopes' own analysis, it is accurate to say that Trump has approved many more major disaster declarations for red states than blue ones during his second term. It was unclear whether that has to do with partisan favoritism, how disasters unfolded across the states or other factors. Sources: @realDonaldTrump. "Donald J. Trump: "I Spoke with Governor Kelly Armstrong, and Informed Him of My Approval of $3..." Trump's Truth, 23 Oct. 2025, truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115421521228626427. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ---. "I Just Granted $260,000 to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe for Public Assistance. These Incredible People Are Tough, Smart, and Will Build Their Community Stronger than Ever Before!" Truth Social, 22 Oct. 2025, truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115419583758354199. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. ---. "I Just Informed Governor Mike Dunleavy That, Based on His Request, I Am Approving $25 Million Dollars to Help Alaska Recover from the Major Typhoon They Experienced Earlier This Month. It Is My Honor to Deliver for the Great State of Alaska, Which I Won BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024 ALASKA, I WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" Truth Social, 22 Oct. 2025, truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115419584805414647. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. ---. "I Just Spoke with Governor Mike Kehoe, of the Great State of Missouri, and Told Him That I Am Approving $2.5 Million Dollars in Individual Assistance after Severe Storms, High Winds, Large Hail, Flash Flooding, and Tornadoes, Which Occurred Earlier This Year. I Won 'the Show Me State' Three Times in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and It Is My Honor to Deliver for These Incredible Patriots!" Truthsocial.com, 22 Oct. 2025, truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115419577297297862. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. "About Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe." Www.llojibwe.org, www.llojibwe.org/aboutUs/demographics.html. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angueira, Gabriela Aoun. "Trump Gives Disaster Declarations to Alaska and Others but Denies Illinois, Vermont and Maryland." AP News, 23 Oct. 2025, apnews.com/article/fema-trump-disasters-alaska-maryland-illinois-2c7a90956c101db8fe281d669a9cbde2. BORENSTEIN, SETH. "Who Gets More Disaster Aid? Republican States. Experts Explain That and More about FEMA." AP News, 3 Feb. 2025, apnews.com/article/federal-disaster-aid-fema-wildfire-hurricane-money-84e1db303b8abead10a26b95392cd980. "Declared Disasters | FEMA.gov." Www.fema.gov, www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations. Erickson, Evan. "State Declares Disaster in Chevak Public Safety Building Blaze." Alaska Public Media, AKPM, 19 Aug. 2025, alaskapublic.org/news/public-safety/2025-08-19/state-declares-disaster-in-response-to-chevak-public-safety-building-blaze. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA. "How a Disaster Gets Declared." Www.fema.gov, 22 July 2024, www.fema.gov/disaster/how-declared. ---. "Individual Assistance | FEMA.gov." Www.fema.gov, www.fema.gov/assistance/individual. "How to Request a Federal Disaster Declaration for Tribal Nations." Fema.gov, 4 Dec. 2024, www.fema.gov/disaster/how-declared-tribal-nations. Jackson Sr. , Faron. "Chairman's Monthly Report." DeBahJiMon, May 2025, www.llojibwe.org/news/deb2025/may25_web.pdf. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. "Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Profile: Totals." OpenSecrets, www.opensecrets.org/orgs/leech-lake-band-of-ojibwe/totals?id=D000052995. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lieb, David A., et al. "AP: Major Disaster Declarations Taking Longer under Trump." AP News, 9 Sept. 2025, apnews.com/article/fema-natural-disaster-declaration-trump-7506ce6a68543f4515eabe7992d9a5a0. Moore, Wes. "Re: State of Maryland, Major Disaster Declaration Request for May 13-14 Severe Storms and Flash Flooding in Western Maryland." Govshare.site, 19 Aug. 2025, gscdn.govshare.site/094c64a938a83ab69bbdb3b4cb3efac53aafa8e8/State%20of%20Maryland. "OpenFEMA Data Sets | FEMA.gov." Www.fema.gov, www.fema.gov/about/openfema/data-sets. "President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Alaska." Fema.gov, 23 Oct. 2025, www.fema.gov/press-release/20251023/president-donald-j-trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Nebraska." Fema.gov, 23 Oct. 2025, www.fema.gov/press-release/20251023/president-donald-j-trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-nebraska. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. "President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for North Dakota." Fema.gov, 23 Oct. 2025, www.fema.gov/press-release/20251023/president-donald-j-trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-north-dakota. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. Rebuild By Design. ATLAS of ACCOUNTABILITY . July 2024, rebuildbydesign.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Atlas-of-Accountability-Fact-Sheet.pdf. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. Sargent, Greg. "Transcript: Trump Nixing Dem Storm Aid Backfires, Screwing MAGA Voters." The New Republic, 27 Oct. 2025, newrepublic.com/article/202269/transcript-trump-nixing-dem-storm-aid-backfires-screwing-maga-voters. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. government shutdown hit its 35th day on Tuesday, tying a record set in 2019 during President Donald Trump's first term in office. Following are the longest shutdowns since 1980, when U.S. administrations started furloughing some federal workers as budgets expired. 2025 - 35 days The shutdown currently underway is now tied for the longest in history. Democrats have blocked spending legislation in the Republican-controlled Congress, saying that any funding package must also expand COVID pandemic-era healthcare subsidies due to expire at the end of December. Republicans say that issue should be dealt with separately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2018-2019 - 35 days The other longest shutdown on record started on December 22, 2018, when Democrats in Congress refused to back a spending bill that included Trump's $5.7 billion request for fencing on the U.S.-Mexico border. Lawmakers eventually approved a spending bill without border wall money that Trump signed into law on January 25, 2019, ending the shutdown. 1995-1996 - 22 days The government partially shut down on December 16, 1995, as part of a clash between the Republican-controlled Congress and then-President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, over how to balance the budget. Clinton signed a bill to re-open the government on January 6, 1996. Some polls showed the public largely blamed Republicans in Congress for the shutdown, and some analysts said the spat helped Clinton win reelection in 1996. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2013 - 16 days Government workers started furloughs on October 1, 2013, after Republicans demanded cuts or delays to a healthcare law championed by then-President Barack Obama, a Democrat. The shutdown was part of a broader impasse over the national debt, with the government at risk of defaulting on its obligations without congressional authorization for further borrowing. Obama signed a bill re-opening the government shortly after midnight on October 17, 2013, with legislation that also authorized more borrowing. 1995 - 6 days In a prelude to the longer shutdown at the close of 1995, government workers started furloughs on November 14, 1995, after Clinton vetoed a spending bill backed by Republicans. Washington reached a deal November 19, 1995, to re-open the government, but another shutdown was only weeks away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1990 - 3 days Republican President George H. W. Bush vetoed a spending bill over a fight on how to reduce deficits, leading to a partial shutdown on October 6, 1990, that closed national parks and other landmarks. Lawmakers passed a measure to re-open the government in the early hours of October 9, 1990. 2018 - 3 days Democrats in the Republican-controlled Congress blocked a spending bill, triggering a shutdown on January 20, 2018, partly as a way to shield from deportation immigrants who entered the country without authorization as children. Congress approved a bill ending the shutdown on January 22, 2018, without addressing the fate of the young undocumented immigrants. (Reporting by Jason LangeEditing by Cynthia Osterman and Frances Kerry) In the competition for most intriguing restaurant tale of our times, the Trump Burger chain could give Turkey Leg Hut a run for whatever money it has left. After five short-or long, depending on your perspective-years, Trump Burger's 127-word-long Wikipedia entry includes the terms "multiple lawsuits," "cease-and-desist letter," "arrested by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents" and "all Trump Burger locations had closed." One of those Trump Burger locations has not only closed, but the property already has a new tenant. Empire Pizza is now occupying the red, white and blue building at 3410 Chimney Rock Rd. in Houston, snug in between Richmond Street and the Southwest Freeway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Empire Pizza is an existing chain of red-and-white-clad pizzerias touting Italian and New York-style grub including plenty of pies, plus pasta, subs, calzones and salads. It has locations already in Bellville and Sugar Land; interestingly, Empire's Bellville location is just one mile down the road from the original Trump Burger location in Bellville. Empire Pizza is, at least in name, what's now in place of Trump Burger off Chimney Rock Road in Houston, Texas. (Timothy Malcolm/Chron) The transition from Trump Burger to Empire Pizza comes weeks after Chron spotted a closed sign on the front door window of the Chimney Rock location, despite the simultaneous presence of a cardboard President Donald Trump cutout welcoming you to the restaurant. Now, signage has begun to change with Empire's logo on the front and on the large street-side sign. The side of the building and interior, however, still had plenty of the Trump Burger branding as of Nov. 3. That location opened all the way back in May, at a time when the restaurant celebrating our 45th and 47th president was happily expanding across southeast Texas. But then Trump Burger co-founder and Lebanese nationalist Roland Beainy was arrested, accused of committing immigration fraud on an application. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Beainy applied for legal status after marrying a woman he allegedly wasn't living with at the time, raising suspicions. Despite a change of name, the former Trump Burger building in Houston, Texas, still has some Trump Burger branding. (Timothy Malcolm/Chron) "USCIS revoked the petition after evidence, including admissions from the petitioner's own family, exposed his marriage as a sham designed to game the system," DHS told Chron in a statement in August. "This person has no Green Card, a history of illegal marriages, and an assault charge. DHS is actively pursuing all legal avenues to address this flagrant abuse of our immigration laws." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beainy responded to Chron, saying "90 percent of the s--t they're saying isn't true." In June, Trump Burger sued its Kemah landlord, alleging he forcibly removed staff and took over the restaurant property. The landlord responded by accusing Beainy of unpaid debts. In September, Beainy and the Trump Burger folks sued the landlord, claiming he facilitated a "hostile takeover" of the property and formed MAGA Burger. That lawsuit is ongoing in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. More Food & Drink Debate | Houston's beef with coffee in a paper cup spills over Popular | Texas chicken restaurant chain snags top U.S. ranking Nightlife | Houston drinking trend is redefining the local hangout Business | 'Closed' signs seen at controversial Houston restaurant For more food news and features from Chron, sign up for The Feed newsletter here. This article originally published at Failed controversial Houston eatery becomes city's newest pizzeria. ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) Dozens of supporters gathered outside the Adams County Courthouse Monday as a teen convicted of killing 16-year-old Envy Reinhardt was sentenced to probation. The judges ruling left the teen victims family heartbroken and calling for stronger consequences for youth gun violence. Supporters rallied outside the courthouse an hour before the sentencing even began. Holding signs, wearing shirts with Envys name and picture chanting for accountability. Inside the courtroom cameras were not allowed, but court notes show the teen who pulled the trigger was sentenced to two years of Juvenile Intensive Supervision Probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous reporting: Teen accused of killing Commerce City 16-year-old released ahead of a trial Ten people attended to speak on behalf of both the defense and the victims family. Photos of Envy were displayed in court as supporters and family members look on. A 16-year-old shooting victims family identified him as Envy Reinhardt to FOX31. He was killed on Feb. 10, 2025. (Courtesy Joy Herrera) A 16-year-old shooting victims family identified him as Envy Reinhardt to FOX31. He was killed on Feb. 10, 2025. (Courtesy Joy Herrera) A 16-year-old shooting victims family identified him as Envy Reinhardt to FOX31. He was killed on Feb. 10, 2025. (Courtesy Joy Herrera) A 16-year-old shooting victims family identified him as Envy Reinhardt to FOX31. He was killed on Feb. 10, 2025. (Courtesy Joy Herrera) Joy Herrera, Envy Reinhardts mother, looks at items memorializing his life. (KDVR) Joseph Avial, Enys cousin, spoke on behalf of the family, saying the sentence felt like a slap on the wrist and that the teen had been fully ware if his actions that night. He said the defendant fled the scene instead of calling for help, leaving Envy to die. The teen who shot Envy read a prepared statement to the court, expressing remorse. He said he lost one of his closest friends and is trying to better himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sorry to Envys family and friends, he said softly, acknowledging the pain he caused and the lasting impact of his actions. Envys mother Joy Herrera, gave an emotional statement in court, speaking with FOX31 after the sentencing. LA man accused of recruiting Colorado women, girls for sex trafficking ring I dont think anybody will ever know until you go through it about how it truly feels, said Herrera. Ill never feel like justice at all. My son didnt deserve to die, especially the way he did. Herrera said she hoped the case would be a wakeup call to lawmakers and the courts, urger stricter consequences for youth gun violence so other families dont have to endure the same heartbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although I wasnt going to bring my son back, I was just hoping that it would have some kind of impact on our community, said Herrera. Bring youth violence down because its just happening so much and sadly our son was taken from it. Still, its still put out there that its okay. Its okay to have these guns it is okay because youre a juvenile its because nothings gonna happen so Its sad that its really teaching this world. Nothing, nothing at all. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. SEYMOUR, Tenn. (WATE) A funeral service was held Monday to honor Knoxville Police Lieutenant Gordan Gwathney. He died October 26 after drowning on a hunting trip in North Dakota. He was 57. Family, friends, law enforcement and community members gathered at Seymour First Baptist Church for the service. Gwathney went by many names. He was know as Ted to his family, Gordo to his friends, and Officer G to the community he served. He spent most of his 28 year career with KPD patrolling in East Knoxville. Way more than just a regular officer to us: East Knoxville community mourns KPD lieutenant Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officer Adam Willson spoke about Gwathneys impact on someone they call Gwathneys bonus son. You showed the kid love from the start, and mentored him since he was 14, Willson said. That kid, Matt Sims, in three weeks, graduates from the academy to be a Georgia State Trooper. Outside of work, Gwathney was dedicated to his family. He had five children and three stepchildren. Im very proud of you. Those were the last words that my dad said to me, Jesse Gwathney said. It didnt matter what any of us were doing, his children, stepchildren and bonus children, he let us know how proud he was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three other Knoxville Police Officers, including Lt. Lance Earlywine, were with Gwathney when he died. They were on one of their many hunting trips to North Dakota. Theres a real need Lenoir City church steps up to help community amid SNAP uncertainty Something happened with all the time we spent together and it wasnt about the duck hunting, Earlywine said. I never had a real brother. Gordo became my blood brother. Gwathney was the first ever school resource officer at Austin East High School and named KPD Officer of the Year in 2013. But to his friends and family, he was much more. He was my best friend and the love of my life, his wife, Angela, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Earlywine said Gwathney was considering retiring on December 1. On November 4 around noon, Knoxville Police motor officers will lead a procession from Atchley Funeral Home up Chapman Highway onto Gov. John Sevier Highway and into the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. See more top stories on WATE.com Members of the community are invited to line the road along the procession route to pay tribute to Gwathney before he is laid to rest, however, the graveside service at 12:30 p.m. is only open to former and current Knoxville Police staff, other law enforcement, and Gwathneys family. 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. CHICAGO (WGN) Flyers about Nolan Harts death are posted throughout Lakeview East, as his grieving family searches for answers on who is responsible. Neighbor Natasha Cassanova said she was stunned when she learned what happened, remembering Hart as a friendly presence in the community. He really loved my dog, Lula. Every time he saw her, he would give her a treat, hed be extra friendly and give her pets. He was a sweetheart with her, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the familys flyer, Hart was killed on Oct. 25 in the back stairwell of Parliament Towers, the apartment building where he lived. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Residents say building management notified them of a death via email, noting police were investigating and that there was no indication of foul play. The Cook County Medical Examiners Office says both the cause and manner of Harts death are pending. Resident Cole Koretos said he learned more from Harts family when he returned home Sunday and saw them distributing flyers. I was pretty shocked because my apartment complex had just said someone died, not that someone was beaten to death in the alleyway I go in and out of every single day, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koretos, who lives in the same complex but did not know Hart, questioned why management did not alert residents to a possible crime. He said people deserve transparency and the chance to stay safe. Arrest warrant issued for husband of woman found dead in South Loop condo stairwell Everyone assumes Lakeview East is a picturesque neighborhood that really doesnt have any violent crime. Hearing something like this is jarring, he said. While the courtyard has several security cameras, Koretos is calling for more widespread security throughout the complex. Above all, he wants justice for Hart and his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully some sort of closure for them because I cant even imagine what that must be like, he said. Chicago police say no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. Harts family is urging anyone with information or security footage to come forward. 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 WGN-TV. Tesla is facing a new wrongful-death lawsuit after a Model S crash in Wisconsin turned deadly, with the victims family claiming the cars electronic door design trapped passengers inside a burning vehicle. According to court filings, Jeffrey and Michelle Bauer were killed when their Model S struck a tree and caught fire on November 1, 2024. The couples four children allege that Teslas door system failed after impact, preventing the occupants from escaping as flames spread from the battery pack. The complaint, filed in Dane County Circuit Court, accuses Tesla of negligence, design defect, and wrongful death. It claims the automaker knew or should have known that its electronic doors could malfunction in high-voltage fire events and that manual overrides were poorly labeled and difficult to access in emergencies. The lawsuit also names the drivers estate as a co-defendant, citing negligent operation of the vehicle. A Tesla Model S during the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Friday, April 19, 2024. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is offering more tax breaks to automotive firms to put their electric vehicle factories in Canada, as companies including Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. consider lucrative new investments. Photographer: Graham Hughes/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesBloomberg/Getty Images A Pattern of Controversy Around Safety Systems The case adds to a growing list of safety concerns surrounding Teslas design philosophy. The issue isnt new. Past cases like Model Y owners being forced to smash windows after door handles failing and new regulations possibly forcing Tesla to rethink their iconic door handles have already highlighted the risks of Teslas minimalist electronic-handle design, which can become inaccessible after a crash or power failure. While the company has championed minimalist interiors and software-driven interfaces, critics say physical safety fundamentals have sometimes been compromised for aesthetics or automation. Earlier this year, a separate crash investigation renewed scrutiny of Autopilots reliability, after a Tesla on autopilot crashed into a park police SUV. Regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continue to probe Teslas advanced driver-assistance systems and post-crash fire behavior. At the same time, Teslas public messaging remains focused on technological breakthroughs. CEO Elon Musk recently teased a next-generation Tesla Roadster promising crazy technology, a claim where Musk hinted at propulsion innovations that could allow limited hovering capability. For some safety advocates, such lofty claims highlight a widening gap between Teslas futuristic ambitions and its unresolved real-world safety issues. Legal and Industry Ramifications The Bauer familys lawsuit argues that Teslas reliance on electrically actuated door handles and digital locking mechanisms introduces unnecessary failure points. Attorneys cited previous incidents in which crash survivors reportedly struggled to locate hidden manual releases under floor mats or carpeting. Similar allegations surfaced in other Tesla fire-related cases, including one involving a Cybertruck where door mechanisms allegedly jammed after a collision. The problems influence is also extending beyond Tesla itself, as rival EV makers are rethinking their own flush-handle designs amid the growing scrutiny. The suit also raises questions for the broader insurance industry, which is watching Teslas automation claims closely. Some companies, like Lemonade, have gone the opposite direction, placing faith in the automakers software. The insurer has floated proposals for ultra-low or even free premiums for drivers using Teslas Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode. The Wisconsin case, however, may test whether public confidence in Teslas safety tech remains justified. Getty Why It Matters For Tesla, this lawsuit underscores a larger question about design priorities. As the company pushes the boundaries of automation and futuristic design, it faces renewed pressure to ensure that basic physical safety features, like accessible exits, are not sacrificed for style or software. The outcome of the Bauer familys case could influence both Teslas engineering decisions and regulatory oversight across the electric vehicle industry. If courts or investigators determine that door-system design contributed to the fatalities, the fallout could extend beyond one model line, potentially reshaping how automakers balance innovation with safety fundamentals. This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Famine has taken hold in two cities in Sudans Darfur region, after a siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces which has been accused of mass killings. A UN-backed hunger monitor had previously confirmed famine in camps for displaced people, the first such categorization anywhere globally in years. But the new declaration of famine conditions in el-Fasher and Kadugli vastly expands the number of people at risk of dying from hunger. The RSFs recent capture of el-Fasher an offensive reportedly supported by the UAE is believed to have already led to mass killings of Darfurs non-Arab population, a continuation of a genocide started by the militias the RSF sprang from. DOVER, Ohio (WJW) A father and son cracked open the Ohio Lotterys Holiday Cash Vault to win half a million dollars! Philip-$500k-Dover.png According to a media release, the winners son, who points out tickets that look good, helped choose the winning ticket. Police body cam footage released after local Airbnb shooting injured 9 The duo has combined forces to win a few times previously. But they were both surprised when they realized this ticket was a $500,000 winner, said the Ohio Lottery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Powerball: Winning ticket in Ohio as jackpot climbs The winning ticket cost $10 to purchase and was sold at Dover Duchess on N. Tuscarawas Avenue. After taxes, the winner will take home $364,375.00. According to the Ohio Lottery website, the overall odds of winning on a Holiday Cash Vault ticket are 1 in 3.50. As of Nov. 4, 2025, the website said three top prizes are remaining. 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. An American teacher and his teenage son were killed by a swarm of hundreds of hornets while on a ziplining holiday in Laos. Daniel Owen, 47, and his 15-year-old son Cooper died on 15 October while visiting an eco-adventure resort near the northern city of Luang Prabang, the US embassy in Laos confirmed to The Independent. Hundreds of what are believed to have been Asian giant hornets attacked the pair while they were trying to descend from a tree, a source close to two US diplomats in Laos told The Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their bodies were covered in red spots after the very, very painful attack, Phanomsay Phakan, a doctor at the Phakan Arocavet Clinic where the father and son were taken, told the newspaper. Daniel Owen was director of an international school in Vietnam (Facebook/Quality Schools International) A lot of stings, more than 100, over the whole body. I thought already that its a very dangerous situation because I had never seen it as bad as that, he said. After the incident, the father and son arrived conscious at the Phanak clinic, showing no signs of anaphylactic shock allergic reactions that can kill people who have been stung by bees, wasps and hornets. However they died just hours later after they were taken to the Luang Prabang provincial hospital. Daniel Owen was director of QSI International School in Haiphong in Vietnam, and is believed to have been on holiday in Laos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organisation said it was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Owen and his son. Dan dedicated 18 years to QSI, serving in five different schools and touching countless lives with his warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education, it said in a post on Facebook. He was deeply loved across our community and will be profoundly missed. Our sincere condolences go out to the Owen family and all who knew and loved them. The Asian hornet can deliver deadly stings (PA) Dozens of people who knew the father and son through school, work and holidays, flooded into the comments of the post to pay tribute. Former colleague Julija Zh wrote: Dan was a wonderful director here in Minsk. He did so much for many people. We could always go to chat with him if we needed help and Dan would do whatever he could to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His son Cooper will be missed too, its still hard to accept and even comprehend it all. Former pupil Anoushka Mahar said she will never forget all the extra time and effort Mr Owen spent with and on me since I wanted to go to university but confessed that I simply couldn't afford higher education. Josh Gaines added: My very first best friend when I went overseas to Kazakhstan. We would leave each other positive quotes on each other's blackboards every day. The world lost two good ones. Green Jungle Park, where the incident occurred, extended its deepest condolences and said it has reviewed all existing procedures in a statement to The Times. The Independent has contacted the park for further comment. File. The hornets reportedly attacked the father and son while climbing down a tree (Getty/iStockphoto) Asian giant hornets are the worlds largest hornet, and are native to tropical parts of East Asia, South Asia, mainland Southeast Asia, and parts of the Russian east. In recent years they have spread to countries in western Europe, including the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are responsible for dozens of deaths every year owing to the power of their 6mm stinger which emits a particularly potent venom containing mastoparan-M a toxin commonly found in wasp venom. Last month in Spain, a man died after accidentally stepping on a hornets nest in the Galicia region. Two others died the same month. Last year the US Department of Agriculture announced the insect also known as the murder hornet had been removed from the country. It was declared eradicated in the US five years after being spotted for the first time in Washington state near the Canadian border, A spokesperson at the British Beekeepers Association, Ian Campbell, told The Times that the danger of a sting by hornets can vary from person to person, and that there is no threshold that has been set for the number of stings. The Independent has contacted the US embassy in Laos for comment. By Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The FBI has fired four agents who worked on former Special Counsel Jack Smith's team investigating President Donald Trump, although some of those terminations were later reversed, five people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The move is the latest in a string of personnel actions targeting employees who worked on probes looking into Trump or his allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the fired agents, Jeremy Desor, has been targeted in recent days on social media after Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, a Republican, publicly released more than 1,000 pages of subpoenas from Smith's investigation, code-named "Arctic Frost," into attempts to keep Trump in power after he lost the 2020 election to his Democratic rival, Joe Biden. The subpoenas did not redact any of the names of the FBI or Justice Department employees who were involved. Another fired agent, Jamie Garman, was initially placed on administrative leave several weeks ago, shortly after Grassley released other records showing that Smith had sought limited "tolling data" from the cell phones of eight Republican senators and one House of Representatives member in the days before and after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Two other agents who worked on Smith's team who were told they were being terminated on Monday - Blaire Toleman and David Geist - were later informed the terminations were being rescinded, according to four of the sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toleman is now based out of the bureau's Chicago office and previously led a public corruption squad that was shut down by the bureau earlier this year. Geist previously served as an assistant special agent in charge in the Washington Field office during the time of Smith's investigation and is now assigned to an FBI unit that provides rapid assistance in critical incidents, such as hostage rescue. Several other agents were also terminated on Monday, only to later have those firings reversed, two of the sources added. Reuters could not immediately determine what prompted the about-face by the FBI. A spokesperson could not be reached for comment, and had previously declined to comment on the firings. Reuters could not immediately reach the four agents for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "INACCURATE ASSERTIONS" The public has a right to know how the government's spending their hard-earned tax dollars, and if agents were engaged in wrongdoing they ought to be held accountable," Grassley said in a statement to Reuters. "Transparency brings accountability. Criminal investigations often include reviews of phones' tolling data, which contains basic details such as the duration and general location of calls, but does not reveal the contents of the communications. Senators have since accused the FBI, without evidence, of "spying" on them, prompting Smith's lawyers to respond with a letter seeking to "correct inaccurate assertions" being made by the lawmakers whose tolling records were subpoenaed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grassley and other Trump allies have alleged the FBI's probe improperly targeted a wide range of Republicans, though Trump was the only one who was charged federally in the 2020 election case. Two other FBI agents also involved in reviewing the lawmakers' tolling data were fired in October at the same time Garman was placed on administrative leave, three sources previously confirmed to Reuters. Since January, dozens of FBI agents, prosecutors and support personnel who worked on Smith's investigation or handled cases investigating individuals involved in the January 6 attack have been fired from the Justice Department. The FBI's former Acting Director Brian Driscoll, who sought to shield agents from being targeted for working on January 6 cases, and the former head of the FBI's Washington Field Office who supervised some of those cases, sued FBI Director Kash Patel and the Justice Department after being fired earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit, they allege that the White House pressured the bureau to fire people involved in Trump-related cases. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Stephen Coates and Raju Gopalakrishnan) The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a missing child alert due to an ongoing investigation. A Florida Missing Child Alert has been issued for Gabrielle Terrelonge, a 10-year-old girl last seen in Hollywood, Florida on June 21, 2025. Gabrielle was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black long pants, and white Crocs. Gabrielle is described as having brown hair and brown eyes, 4 feet 8 inches tall, and weighing 100 pounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities believe she may be in the company of Passha Davis, a 34-year-old woman, who was last seen wearing all black clothing and possibly carrying a large black backpack. Passha Davis is described as having black hair and brown eyes, 5 feet 3 inches tall, and weighing 130 pounds. FDLE stated that the pair may have traveled to Orlando. Authorities have advised the public not to approach them if located and to contact law enforcement immediately. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact FDLE or the Margate Police Department at 954-972-7111 or 911. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. MARTIN COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) An investigation into an alleged child molestation in Martin County has resulted in a Sullivan County woman, who has already been charged with two counts of child exploitation, being taken into federal custody and facing more charges. In May, the Martin County Sheriffs Office began an investigation into 24-year-old Patrick Cox, of Washington, and 18-year-old Neveah Brown, of Loogootee. The sheriffs office said the investigation began after they received reports of an alleged molestation of a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After multiple interviews with Cox and Brown, the Martin County Sheriffs Office said Cox ultimately confessed to a number of crimes. A search of Coxs phone also revealed several images of suspected child pornography, along with evidence of additional crimes, victims and another suspect of a separate crime, said the sheriffs office. The sheriffs office said they also located evidence of communication with Maire Austin, 28, of Sullivan, on Coxs phone. Back in August, Austin was arrested on two counts of child exploitation. Indiana State Police said they initiated a criminal investigation on Austin in July, 2025, after receiving information from the Martin County Sheriffs Office that a minor female had been sexually exploited Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin had allegedly been engaging in sexual exploitation of a minor. Cox and Brown were taken into custody after arrest warrants were issued in Martin County. On October 8, Cox and Austin were transported to federal prison to await trial. All three individuals have been charged with a number of sex crimes. Cox and Austin also face both state and federal charges. Patrick Cox has been charged with: State charges: Child molesting Conspiracy to commit child molesting Conspiracy to commit rape Three counts of rape Promotion of sexual trafficking of a younger child Vicarious sexual gratification 19 charges child exploitation; possession of child abuse material Sexual misconduct with a minor Child solicitation Sexual battery Failure to register as a sex offender Federal charges: Conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a minor Three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor Possession of child pornography Penalties for registered sex offender Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neveah Brown has been charged with: State charges: Aiding in child molesting Conspiracy to commit child molesting Aiding in rape Conspiracy to commit rape Aiding in vicarious sexual gratification Promotion of sexual trafficking of a younger child Aiding in sexual misconduct with a minor Aiding in child solicitation Criminal confinement Aiding in sexual battery Obstruction of justice Austin still faces the two counts of child exploitation in Sullivan County, but now faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a minor, three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution of child pornography. Austins case has also been referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for further investigation, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Martin County Sheriffs Office added that this is an ongoing joint investigation with the Martin County Sheriffs Office, the Indiana State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. We suspect to file more charges on additional suspects as it relates to this case as the investigation proceeds. 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 MyWabashValley.com. Nov. 3Cindy Evenson and Jack Stevens typically drive their Toyota Sienna van approximately 40 minutes from their home in Springdale to north Spokane in search of a deal when they shop for groceries. "Almost all of the time I come to Winco, because they've got better prices than other places," Stevens said just before 3 p.m. Monday. Both Evenson and Stevens rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to help pay for food aid that has been left up in the air during the ongoing government shutdown. The regular federal funding used to administer the benefits roughly $8 billion a month, or an average of $187 per recipient ran out last week, sparking multiple federal lawsuits that sought to force the federal government to use contingency funding for the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As lawyers for the federal government and a coalition of states have spent much of the past week arguing whether contingency funds must be used to help the 42 million Americans who rely on the program, the uncertainty has left Evenson to worry about how she would make her money stretch further. "I'm a nervous wreck," Evenson said. "I'm probably not going to pay the light bill so that I can buy food." On Monday, the federal government said it will use contingency funds to distribute partial food benefits. In a court filing Monday morning, an official for the U.S. Department of Agriculture wrote the agency will "deplete SNAP contingency funds completely and provide reduced SNAP benefits" for November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court filings, the agency has approximately $4.7 billion in contingency funding. It is not currently known how much the 540,000 households in Washington that receive benefits through the SNAP will get, though it will not be their regular amount. As she left the Safeway on Northwest Boulevard, Lori Gilmore said the president should "steal the money needed for food stamps from the same pot of gold he stole the money to send to Argentina." Gilmore appeared to reference a recent announcement the U.S. would effectively loan the South American country $20 billion. "Until he takes care of America first, he's not my president," Gilmore said. In his ruling, federal Judge John J. McConnell Jr., of Rhode Island, wrote that there "is no question that the congressionally approved contingency funds must be used now because of the shutdown." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McConnell wrote in his ruling that partial payments must be distributed by Wednesday. For Stevens, the partial payment will be "a lot of help," but covering his bills remains a concern. "Like she said, she isn't going to pay our power bill to buy groceries. And we're going to have to put our gas money into buying food, so we'll be stuck out in Springdale without any gas," Stevens said. "Because we'll going to be spending it all on food. It's going to be hard." Norah West, a spokesperson for the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services, said Monday that the agency is working to understand the court's order and is awaiting additional guidance from the federal government. West previously said recipients in Washington received more than $173 million in benefits in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standing outside the Safeway on Northwest Boulevard, Benjamin Maixner said he would look to donate to his local food banks if the lack of funding for SNAP benefits continues. For Maixner, the use of funding as a bargaining chip during the ongoing shutdown is "really unfortunate." "When it came to paying the troops, it seems that he was able to, no problem," Maixner said. "And it's like, well when there are starving poor people, it sort of showed this particular administration's disdain for the poor." Last week, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced he would direct $2.2 million per week for additional funding for food banks in the state if a deal is not reached by Nov. 1. The funds would be transferred from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Amid the delay, Evenson and Stevens are among the Americans who have turned to local food banks in search of help. "Thank God there's some food banks around," Stevens said. "Hopefully, they have enough for everybody." DESOTO PARISH, La (KTAL/KMSS) The beating of a former inmate has gained national attention when video of the incident was finally released. The case highlights the pivotal role the Department of Justice can play in prosecuting local criminal cases. The former inmates beating at the hands of former DeSoto Parish sheriffs deputies is heading back to Desoto Parish court. This time to determine if the defendants are liable for victims compensation. Now is the time to get justice for Jarius. He is one of a number of young men who have been hurt by the system thats allowed to exist. This is a way the ordinary people of Louisiana can realize this has to stop, said Michael Imbroscio, partner at Covington and Burling LLP in Washington D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case took federal intervention for video to come to light along with efforts by the Associated Press and ACLU of Louisiana. After the investigation was initially cleared by Louisiana State Police and dismissed by state court. Then the Department of Justice got involved. This is a great example of why we need a strong civil rights division at the Department of Justice. Because of what they were able to do here, which is come in, take a second look as a completely disinterested parties, evaluate the evidence and video and come to the conclusion quickly that this was a profound case of unnecessary force and prosecuted these two deputies after the state essentially declined to do so, Imbroscio said. A later ruling determined Jarius Brown was severely beaten by two former Desoto deputies inside the detention center in 2019, which led to the deputies convictions and sent them to federal prison. Now the law firm, Covington and Burling, is seeking monetary damages for Brown. Our law firm has a long history of defending the rights of the disadvantaged and prosecuted. Our law firm argued the case in the U.S. Supreme Court involving Fred Korematsu who was the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case involving the internment of Japanese Americans during the second World War. We have a long and proud history of doing that work for free. Pro bono. This is just another one of those cases where we think someone who has been wronged deserves good lawyers to pursue their cases and thats what were doing here, Imbroscio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys are requesting a trial to determine compensation for Brown during a hearing scheduled for November 6 in DeSoto Parish Court. 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 KTALnews.com. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Ohio receives millions of dollars from the federal government to implement federal policy, and as the shutdown continues, state agencies are preparing for funding disruptions. Public employee union contracts require the state government to notify employees of any potential furlough two weeks in advance. On Friday, about 9,000 state workers at six different agencies received that notice. Historic downtown Columbus building catches fire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we hope for a resolution from Washington soon, we must prepare for the potential impact on our workforce in the coming weeks should the shutdown continue, Department of Administrative Services Director Kathleen C. Madden said. We will continue to evaluate the situation daily and will have more specific information should further action become necessary. DAS stressed this week that these notices are informational only. For now, state employees are still reporting to work and are still being paid. DAS also estimates that less than half of all state employees would likely be subject to furloughs, specifically those employees whose positions are partially or fully funded by the federal government. Agencies with employees who received the DAS notice include the Adjutant Generals Department, the state Environmental Protection Agency, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the Department of Health, the Department of Job and Family Services, and the Department of Public Safety. State Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna) is worried about the impact on Ohioans if those agencies are suddenly understaffed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspended central Ohio surgeon fights to regain license My concern is these are agencies that serve some of our most vulnerable Ohioans who are facing loss of benefits themselves, and even if theyre not facing loss of benefits, they are facing the stress of potential future loss of benefits, Piccolantonio said. Piccolantonio said she has already heard from worried constituents about the possibility of furloughs. They dont know anything right now, other than that either they received a notice, or their coworkers received a notice, or employees that they know at another agency, and the level of anxiety just really goes up, she said. The people that reached out to me are parents of young kidsI would like for us to get out in front of it and come up with a solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DAS said that if the shutdown continues another two weeks and furloughs become necessary, the affected employees will be notified individually and in advance. If Congress ends the shutdown in the next two weeks, however, Piccolantonio wants the state government to be more proactive. State employees are working people who live in this state, too, who may have families and have other responsibilities that they need to be able to take care of, Piccolantonio said. If funding backfill is going to be needed or if fronting funding is going to be needed, the legislature is going to need to be involved, so what I would hope is that we are creative and we are thoughtful. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Two young men from Massachusetts are facing federal charges in connection with a weekend explosion at Harvard Medical School, prosecutors announced Tuesday. Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Bourne, are slated to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon in federal court in Boston on charges including conspiracy to damage property by means of fire or explosive, United States Attorney for Massachusetts Leah B. Foley said at a news conference. According to an FBI affidavit, Patterson and Cardoza detonated a large commercial firework in a research lab locker on the fourth floor of the Goldenson Building at 220 Longwood Avenue just after 2:45 a.m. on Saturday. The building houses labs and offices associated with the schools neurobiology department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security cameras captured two masked individuals lighting fireworks near the HMS campus before climbing scaffolding and accessing the roof of the Goldenson Building, according to investigators. Moments later, an explosion triggered a fire alarm. Harvard suspects The masked suspects were later seen fleeing the scene and discarding clothing. Surveillance footage from nearby campuses including Wentworth Institute of Technology and MassArt helped investigators track their movements and identify them. Witnesses at Wentworth told police that Patterson and Cardoza had bragged about placing a cherry bomb in a locker and showed video of the explosion. One witness said the pair claimed they targeted a building that looked abandoned. The Goldenson Building receives federal research funding and is used in interstate commerce, qualifying the incident for federal prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conduct alleged in the charging documents was not only irresponsible and risky; it was criminal, Foley said at the news conference. There are consequences for those who commit federal crimes. The FBI says both suspects were identified through RMV records and social media accounts, which matched surveillance footage from the scene. Patterson and Cardoza were arrested early Tuesday morning after simultaneous search warrants were executed at their homes, according to Ted. E Docks, special agent in charge of FBI Boston. This explosive device had the potential to cause significant injury to anyone nearby, Docks explained. Let me be clear, setting off an explosive device inside a locker at an institution geared toward higher education is not some harmless college prank. Its selfish, shortsighted, and its a federal crime. No injuries were reported, but the blast did cause some damage to the research facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say they are still analyzing the explosive device. The incident remains under investigation. 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 NEOSHO, Mo. Crowder College Foundation's 23rd annual Festival of Wreaths will take place Tuesday, Nov. 11. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a silent auction in Longwell Museum inside the Elsie Plaster Community Center on the Neosho campus. A live auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Last years event raised more than $110,000 for scholarships and program support. Now in its 23rd year, the event has grown into an electronically integrated silent auction of nearly 300 items as well as a live auction of more than 20 items. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While holiday wreaths and decor remain a mainstay of Festival of Wreaths, auction merchandise at the event includes such things as gift baskets, apparel, trips, electronics and household items. Changes that will continue to be implemented include in-person and online bidding on silent auction items as in past years. This year guests are asked to register for the event, even though it is still free to attend. Registration may be done at onecau.se/fow25. Raffle tickets for a zero-turn John Deere mower are available for $25 each or five for $100. The drawing will be held the night of the event. Tickets are at onecau.se/fow2025. Live auction items this year include authentic Persian rugs donated to the college through a family estate, a Realtree go-kart for kids, a set of four tires and a Doug Hall print. Bidding on live auction items may be done via proxy bid. Proxy bids must be established by noon Monday, Nov. 10, by calling 417-455-5646 for more information. The morning of Oct. 25 was a rush. ManilaBoy was in the house. At Horizon Line Coffee, Earvin Idio the Ankeny chef behind the pop-up restaurant inspired by his homeland of the Philippines was slinging traditional Filipino breakfast staples with a twist. The 39-year-old father of two enlisted his crew, including his wife, parents and siblings, to serve customers who piled into the downtown Des Moines shop that Saturday morning to grab items off his menu. On the list was tocilog, a slow roasted pork belly dish paired with garlic rice and a fried egg, and tofu sisig, a plant-based alternative to the usual crispy pork dish served on a sizzling plate. Ube waffles and ube champorado chocolate rice porridge with ube halaya, jam made from purple yam rounded out the rest. A native vegetable in the Philippines, ube is similar to purple sweet potato and a core ingredient in many Filipino desserts, adding sweet, nutty flavors. Earvin Idio, left, works with his father, Dindo, during a ManilaBoy pop-up event at Horizon Line Coffee on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Des Moines. In two hours, Idio's menu was nearly sold out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent success Idio has found serving Filipino food in Des Moines, he says, comes from a desire to share his culture and plant stronger roots in a state he has called home for almost two decades. The latter also is a driver for other Filipino entrepreneurs in Iowa seeking to showcase their family's stories, journeys and heritage to bring people together. "I'm just passionate about what we can bring as Filipinos here, especially in Iowa, to represent us here," says Idio, who launched ManilaBoy last year. "Why not do it?" Ube waffles topped with a coconut cream drizzle are seen during a ManilaBoy pop-up event at Horizon Line Coffee on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Des Moines. Idio saw a glimpse of the same success he is experiencing now in 2018 after opening Lumpia and Co., where he introduced Iowans to lumpia fried spring rolls among other food at the Downtown Farmers' Market. But the birth of his son, COVID-19 pandemic and a move to Cedar Falls to be closer to his wife's family put the business on hold. ManilaBoy is Idio's comeback a passion project that bridges his past and present. Through cooking, Idio draws from memories of growing up in Philippines' capital, Manila, with his siblings and watching their mother stir up dishes for dinner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And that same "why not?" attitude is now guiding his older sister Sheen Ferry and her wife, Rocs, as they build The House of Lumpia. Idio said he told his sister "we could start this" and influence other Filipino Iowans to do the same. Earvin Idio, center, smiles as family members prepare orders around him during a ManilaBoy pop-up event at Horizon Line Coffee on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Des Moines. The Ferrys, who also began their business in 2024, hit the farmers' markets with their lumpia, starting in Ankeny where they lived and later adding Ames and Des Moines' south side. At The House of Lumpia, the fried spring egg rolls can come spicy also called "dynamite" or "loaded" with glazed bacon, jalapenos and sour cream cheese. Sheen says Rocs takes the lead, drawing influences from her home in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, where Filipino food is known to be spicy and creamy with coconut milk. She leans on lessons from her parents and other tidbits from YouTube videos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Ferrys, connecting with customers has been the biggest reward. "The amount of work you put into it it's not a joke," Sheen, 41, said. "It's not the sale that we're getting," Rocs, 34, added, "just hearing people say that they love our food." That sentiment resonated with Zeph Folkerts, who runs Grounded by the Collective, a mobile coffee and flower bar business, with her six siblings. Grounded by the Collective, a Filipino-owned business, is among the popular coffee vendors at the Downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines. When the Downtown Farmers' Market ended its season Oct. 25, 34-year-old Folkerts said she and her family received a card from a group of customers who signed the note "your biggest fans." That put into perspective the work their family has done and the time they have invested to make their dream come true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's very much a family effort, and I think it will always be. And that's really amazing for us because we are so close to one another," says Raven Demir, 29, Folkerts' youngest sister. Folkerts and Demir said their father was a Methodist minister in the Philippines. They moved often as a family, eventually leaving their home for the U.S. in 2000. In Iowa, Folkerts and Demir said their family grew even closer. As siblings, they became their own crew, their own "collective," Demir says. Because of their bond, going into business together was never out of the question. Neither was selling coffee, the sisters add. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some may recognize Grounded as "home of the ube latte," the sisters say their focus has been to pay homage to Filipino culture and build community. Part of that effort involves sourcing local ingredients for their coffee and baked goods. "It's rooted in us," Demir says. "It's who we always are." They take guidance from a family mantra that reminds them anything is possible as long as they're together: In God we trust, kayang kaya kung sama sama. Walang iwanan. If you go Follow ManilaBoy on Instagram @manilaboyandco to find his next pop-up event. This winter, The House of Lumpia may be among the vendors at a new weekly farmers market at the Local Bites Marketplace in downtown Des Moines. Find The House of Lumpia and upcoming events on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grounded by the Collective also plans to be at various events, including the upcoming Art on the Prairie Festival in Perry Saturday, Nov. 8, and Sunday, Nov. 9. For more information, find Grounded on Instagram. F. Amanda Tugade covers community and faith for the Des Moines Register. Email her at ftugade@dmreg.com or follow her on X @writefelissa. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Filipino pop-ups in Des Moines serve ube, lumpia and tocilog News 8 is producing a series of stories that will be published in the days leading up to Nov. 10, the 50th anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It will culminate with a WOOD TV+ special called: The Fitz: 50 Years Later. That will air at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) On July 26, a group of swimmers took a boat out to the site of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a rare moment in the typically off-limits waters. The mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald: The freighters fateful night Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In honor of the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the ship, the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial swim aimed to symbolically finish the ships journey, starting above the wreck in Lake Superior and ending in Detroit, 411 miles away. Almost 70 swimmers participated in the relay swim as they honored the 29 men who died on the Edmund Fitzgerald and all mariners who have died in the Great Lakes. The swim will be the subject of a documentary, The Legend Lives On. Its trailer is set to be released Nov. 10, the 50th anniversary of the sinking. SOMETHING NONE OF US WILL FORGET Before getting in the water that first day, the swimmers held a ceremony for the men who died at the site 50 years ago. They read the names of each of the 29 mariners aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald. After reading each name, they dropped a white rose and rang the boats bell. A gentle current pulled the white roses along the surface of Lake Superior. The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim. (Courtesy Tammy Lenarz Carruth) Its something that none of us will ever forget, Jim Dreyer, the organizer of the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim, said. You could just look to our east and there was this trail of white roses gently flowing away and the whole thing was just so incredibly moving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the swimmers on the boat during the first morning was Tammy Lenarz Carruth, a swimmer from Minnesota. She has done about 20 open water swims over her career as a swimmer and liked the idea of participating in a such a meaningful event. She was swimming specifically in honor of Paul Riippa, a deck hand who died in the sinking. He was 22. She had connected with his family before the event and they gave their blessing for her to swim in his honor. His sister said they love and miss him, so they supported that, she said. Its surreal. I think a lot of us have heard of the Edmund Fitzgerald, but not many of us know of any of them, the souls that were lost or their names. And I didnt either, so it meant a lot just to learn a few details about at least one of the men. Her leg of the swim, which she did with three other swimmers, started above the wreck and ended at the Whitefish Lighthouse. The swim raised more than $200,000 to help preserve the lighthouse, which had gone dark the night the ship sank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a tough swim, Lenarz Carruth said, with brutally cold water and a southeasterly wind. They had left the harbor at 4 a.m., and didnt get to the lighthouse until around 7:30 p.m., she said. The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim. (Courtesy Tammy Lenarz Carruth) The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim. (Courtesy Tammy Lenarz Carruth) The four exhausted swimmers, though they had taken turns for most of the swim, swam the last few hundred yards together. Afterwards, Lenarz Carruth returned home, but continued tracking the swim online. It was really an honor, she said. The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim. (Courtesy Tammy Lenarz Carruth) Over the next several legs of the swim, the team persevered through endless mechanical and weather problems, Dreyer said. Both my team, the staff and then certainly the swimmers were just relentless. The mission was bigger than us and so it kept us going, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gales of November: The weather helped sink the Edmund Fitzgerald They ended up going through four different boats, when originally they were only supposed to use one. At one point when they were near the Michigan Thumb, they faced 10- to 15-foot waves as they were headed back to port. While the swimmers were already out of the water, the boat took a beating, Dreyer said. There were times where we had to swim in the morning and its 10:00 at night the night before, and we dont have a boat, Dreyer said. So me and the crew are burning the midnight oil trying to figure out what were going to do. And there was just no quit in anybody. The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim. (Courtesy Tammy Lenarz Carruth) A MAGICAL DAY Sheila Fitzgerald swam in the second-to-last leg of the event, which took them through the Saint Clair River in the Port Huron area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For her, the swim was personal. (The mariners) were really fundamental in building our world, and the tragedy in 1975 represents a whole generations of mariners whove made similar sacrifices, she said. That kind of reverberates out to me in another ripple of water, if you will, because my own family was involved in the maritime trades in the Great Lakes. In fact, the ships namesake was her distant cousin, she said. The fact that that the namesake Edmund Fitzgerald is a distant relative is really meaningful because he kind of represents the wider family that was all involved in the maritime trades, she said. My family was among many families and clans in the Great Lakes who were bold and brave enough to use these waters as shipping channels. They were really fundamental to the development of the Great Lakes region and beyond. And its just a really wonderful opportunity to stop and recognize that boldness, that sacrifice that we all benefit from today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was also inspired to join the swim in memory of her mother, who grew up in Port Huron and loved swimming. Her leg started near the beach where here mother had taught her how to swim, passed the farmstead her Irish ancestor had settled in and took her near her mothers childhood home. Unlike other parts of the swim, Fitzgerald said her leg had ideal conditions. They were swimming with a swift current, the sun was out and it was warm. While in the river, they were passed by a few freighters. They knew that we were memorializing mariners like themselves, Fitzgerald said. So those ships saluted us with their ship horns when they went past, which was very thrilling. She recalled a beautiful moment where the support boat and a freighter were coming from opposite directions, and a sailing yacht started sailing between them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just had a magical day on the Saint Clair River, she said. MAKING, COMMEMORATING HISTORY On Aug. 27, the swim reached Detroit, symbolically finishing the journey of the Edmund Fitzgerald and delivering iron ore to the city, like the ship had been carrying. The swimmers made history while commemorating history, Dreyer said. Dreyer, who was accompanying the swimmers in a support kayak, said when he got to shore, the first person to greet him was the daughter of one of the ships crew. It just really put a face on why we were doing this, to memorialize the 29 men, to help their memory live forever, Dreyer said. The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim. (Courtesy Tammy Lenarz Carruth) The following day, the group held a ceremony at the Mariners Church of Detroit to celebrate the swimmers and to honor those 29 men. It was an emotional day, Dreyer said, as they listened to Amazing Grace on the bagpipes and a Gordon Lightfoot tribute artist sang The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the song that immortalized the tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, the church rang its bells 30 times: once for each of the 29 men and once for all other mariners who have died on the Great Lakes. The tears (were) just flowing, Dreyer said. These 29 men, they were husbands. They were fathers. They were sons. 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 WOODTV.com. Akbar Novruz Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Communities Abroad Ahmed Attaf during his official visit to Algeria, Azernews reports. According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys post on X (formerly Twitter), the ministers discussed the current state and prospects of political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries. The meeting highlighted the mutual interest in further strengthening bilateral ties and expanding collaboration across various sectors. VIEW, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Several area fire departments were called out early Tuesday morning after a house fire broke out just south of Abilene. According to scanner traffic, the call came in around 3:23 a.m. for a fire at 9238 FM 1235 near Highway 277 in View. The caller told dispatch the blaze started in the garage. Rollover crash reported near Tuscola, minor injuries reported Fire crews from the View Volunteer Fire Department, along with units from Potosi, Buffalo Gap, and Merkel, all responded to the scene. From what could be seen early this morning, the fire has since been put out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor County deputies were on scene, blocking traffic while crews worked to get things under control. Brown County crash: Teen driver killed, trucker injured No injuries or the extent of the damage have been reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Book jacket. (Provided by the Jeannette Rankin Foundation.) The first major biography of Jeannette Rankin, written by historian Lorissa Rinehart, will be released on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Winning the Earthquake, published by St. Martins Press, reintroduces Rankin, the Missoula native and national icon who defied all odds to be elected the first woman to serve in the U.S. Congress, said a news release about the new book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video about the book, author Rinehart said in her research, she discovered Rankin would be just as groundbreaking today as she was in her own time. The news release described Rinehart as a womens historian, author and speaker whose debut book, First To The Front, won the acclaim of critics and readers. She is also the voice behind The Female Body Politic podcast. Born on a ranch in Montana, Jeanette grew up in a time when survival meant everyone working together, men and women, Rinhart said. This sense of equality and grassroots democracy shaped her politics. A nationwide book tour with Rinehart and the Jeannette Rankin Foundation kicks off at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in Missoula at the Missoula Public Library Cooper Room. The book signing and conversation will discuss Rankins legacy and how her fearless leadership shaped the womens rights and peace movements of the 20th century, the news release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fact & Fiction will be selling copies of Winning the Earthquake at the event and its downtown location. As one of the most radical and principled politicians in American history, Rankins story is as urgent today as it was in her time, Rinehart said. She challenged the status quo, fought for marginalized voices and never backed down. Reviewers are describing the book as a vivid, compelling portrait of a remarkable woman and a powerful reminder that Jeannette Rankin paved the way for so many of us, according to a compilation of early reviews provided with the news release. An illuminating biography , said Publishers Weekly. Its a gripping window into progressive political history and one womans defiance of sexist gatekeepers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born on a ranch in 1880 in Missoulas Grant Creek Valley, Rankin defied expectations, becoming the first woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1917 three years before women nationwide had the right to vote, the news release said. She introduced the legislation that led to the 19th Amendment and, in an extraordinary act of conviction, cast the sole vote against U.S. entry into World War II. A lifelong advocate for civil rights and peace, Rankin refused to compromise, despite the personal and political costs. Karen Sterk, CEO of the Rankin Foundation, said some voters today can credit Rankin for their rights at the ballot box. Lorissa Rinehart brings Jeannette Rankins trailblazing story back into the national spotlight, where it deserves to be, Sterk said in a statement. All Americans have the right to vote today because of her groundbreaking work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the organization dedicated to forwarding Jeannettes legacy, her impact lives on today through everyone who knows her story and continues to lift women and families. Founded with a bequest from Rankins estate in 1976 and her directive to lift mature, unemployed women workers, the Rankin Foundation carries Rankins mission forward by awarding unrestricted education grants and wraparound support services to nontraditional women students across the country, the news release said. Currently, 41 Montana Rankin Scholars attending the states seven tribal colleges and the Montana University System are achieving a vocational certificate, associate degree or first bachelors degree at the average age of 34. Visit rankinfoundation.org for more information about the foundation and the Winning the Earthquake book tour with additional Montana events in Great Falls on Nov. 8 and Helena on Nov. 9. Attendees who RSVP to the book tour in advance at rankinfoundation.org/book-tour will be entered to win a signed copy of the biography at each event. By David Morgan and Bo Erickson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The first glimmers toward ending a near-record long federal government shutdown were seen in the U.S. Capitol on Monday, as leading Senate Republicans and Democrats talked of a possible "off-ramp" to the disruption. For 34 days, a standoff between Congress and President Donald Trump has shuttered a range of federal programs including those that provide aid for low-income Americans, U.S. soldiers' paychecks and airport operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new fiscal year began on October 1 with no legislation enacted to fund these activities. Thousands of federal workers have now been furloughed, and the battle has hung up around $1.7 trillion in discretionary funds that account for about one-third of total U.S. spending annually. "Im optimistic," Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, told reporters when asked about prospects for ending the government shutdown that has many federal employees performing their jobs without paychecks. Asked if he was confident of ending the shutdown, Thune, of South Dakota, hedged, saying: "Dont push it." The comment was a small but significant change in tone. Democrats have linked government funding to extending a U.S. health insurance subsidy that is on the verge of expiring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Low-income families are seeing their food stamp benefits expire or only partially funded. "Based on, sort of, my gut of how these things operate, I think we're getting close to an off-ramp here," Thune said. The No. 2 Senate Democrat, Dick Durbin of Illinois said, "I sense that, too." But he quickly added: "We're still stuck with this premise of what we're going to do about healthcare costs." Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins of Maine told reporters that progress was made with Democrats offering specific language to break the impasse and staffs from both parties laboring over the weekend. "It just feels better this week," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, Collins admonished: "It could all fall apart again. And I don't mean to imply there's an agreement." Meanwhile, a bipartisan handful of House of Representatives moderates floated a compromise plan. Axios reported a group of four House centrists, three Republicans and one Democrat, offered a plan to extend the expanded Affordable Care Act tax credit for two years, but with new caps on people whose income is at the upper end of qualifying. Since October 1, groups of Senate Republicans and Democrats have held sporadic private meetings to look at ways to resolve the gridlock that has consumed Washington but so far have been unable to get to the finish line. (Reporting by David Morgan and Bo Erickson, Writing by Richard Cowan; Editing by David Gregorio) As the Edmund Fitzgerald was barreling toward disaster on the morning of Nov. 10, 1975, a small group of Native American fishermen set out in their 16-foot long fishing boats to gather their nets in Whitefish Bay. They would soon be fighting for their lives. More Edmund Fitzgerald Stories Read the original article on mlive.com. Nov. 3ROCHESTER Jake Johnson, DFL candidate for Minnesota's 1st Congressional District, and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, took turns at a podium in Rochester on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, to criticize the Trump administration and U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, R-MN, for failing to protect the country's most vulnerable people at risk of losing access to SNAP benefits due to a government shutdown. Johnson, a Mayo High School teacher who is running against Finstad, and Flanagan, both related personal stories of how SNAP benefits were critical for their families' well-being when they were children. They made their comments in front of Finstad's office in northwest Rochester in an explicit rebuke to the 1st district Congressman. "We need a government that finds its moral center again and says we can do the basic things regardless of party, Republicans or Democrats," Johnson said. "We can come together again and make sure that no one goes hungry in southern Minnesota and across the country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their comments came on the same day that the Trump administration said it will release enough funds to pay for half of a month's worth of food benefits in November. The move was in response to two court rulings ordering the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release the money to avoid forcing nearly 42 million into food insecurity. In Olmsted County, some 12,800 people rely on the SNAP/MFIP food benefits worth $1.9 million in monthly funding, according to Olmsted County. Of the 440,000 Minnesotans who receive SNAP and MFIP benefits, 36% are children and 18% are seniors. "I know what it feels like to not have enough to eat," said Flanagan, a DFL Senate candidate. "Your stomach hurts. It's hard to focus at school and all you can think about is food. And so for people who experience hunger as kids, we take this really seriously." A government shutdown, now in its 34th day and bidding to become the longest in U.S. history, has threatened to cut off millions of Americans from SNAP food aid. It is the first time in history that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has run out of funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, DFL Gov. Tim Walz directed $4 million to food banks and food shelves to help cushion the blow to affected families. Flanagan said the move, while helpful, can only provide temporary relief. "Minnesotans are stepping up right now to donate additional food, to donate money, but the reality is, we can't cover the $7 million cost per month of SNAP," Flanagan said. Democrats say the fault lies with Republicans, who control the levers of power in Washington D.C., including the White House and Congress. Republicans put the blame on Democrats for failing to provide the necessary Senate votes to fund a continuing resolution to re-open government. Democrats are using their limited leverage to demand that Republicans come to the table to negotiate an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Administration officials say they will use $4.65 billion from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's contingency fund to support roughly half of SNAP recipients' "current allotments" as the shutdown drags on. The USDA's partial funding plan means there will be no new money for new SNAP applicants who applied for the program this month. The Trump administration has refused to tap other funds including one that holds unused tariff revenue dedicated to child nutrition programs in order to match the full $8 billion needed for SNAP benefits. "Half is better than nothing but it doesn't have to be this way," Flanagan said. Johnson said he understood how critical SNAP benefits are to families. As one of 11 children raised by a garbage man and meter reader in Stewartville, "it was all we could do all they could do to make sure that we kept food on the table," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It took an extended family and next door neighbors to make sure that we were cared for, but even with all of that hard work and even with all of that support, we were a SNAP family," Johnson said. He said the loss of benefits put children, the working poor and "our neighbors" at risk. "When I think about the kind of Washington that people of Southern Minnesota should be able to expect, the kind of service I hope to bring to Washington D.C, it is one that builds bridges instead of tears them down," he said. Their excuse didnt fly with the airline. Tensions are boiling after three senior Brussels Airlines employees were sacked because they refused to go on duty over bed bug concerns. The issue occurred on Oct. 16 after cleaners noticed signs of the parasites aboard an A330-300, which was slated to fly from Brussels, Belgium, to Accra, Ghana, Aviation24.be reported. In response, Brussels Airlines conducted its own investigation into the so-called bloodsucking stowaways, ultimately determining that the vessel was bug-free. Were tired of being harassed and threatened, declared one, per Aviation24.be. The company has become toxic. offsuperphoto stock.adobe.com After thorough inspection, it was confirmed as a false alarm, and the aircraft was accepted by the captain of the flight to re-enter service, Brussels Airlines spokesperson Nico Cardone told the Post. Our cleaning staff are trained to be vigilant in this type of situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the all-clear, three of the five flight attendants who raised concerns remained unswayed and invoked their unfit to fly righta European aviation policy allowing crew to withdraw from duty physically or psychologically unable to do their job. This didnt fly with the carriers brass, who reportedly canned the veteran crew members who had 20, 27 and 30 years of service respectively over gross misconduct, Cardone said. The employees were accused of flagrantly breaching procedures and causing financial and operational harm to the carrier. Unions are pushing for the sacked FAs to be reinstated. Jean-Luc Flemal BE stock.adobe.com The flight attendants, who had expected a slap on the wrist at most, were appalled over their surprise dismissal, with one of them reportedly even fainting during the meeting. Union representatives condemned the decision, claiming that it set a dangerous precedent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crew who feel unsafe or unfit may now be pressured to fly regardless of their condition, which jeopardizes passenger safety, warned Jeroen Van Ranst of the Dutch-speaking union ACV Puls. Unfortunately, talks between the unions and the airline failed to get resolved, prompting unions to consider a protest action although Cardone told the Post that he was unaware of any concrete strike actions that were in the works. Many are imploring the airline to reinstate the crew members and for management to make a gesture to restore trust. Several flight attendants believe this is the culmination of deteriorating conditions at the carrier, which has been plagued by management pressure, increasing cancellations and an aging long-haul fleet. Were tired of being harassed and threatened, declared one, per Aviation24.be. The company has become toxic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bedbugs are a more common problem in the friendly skies than one might think. Bedbugs often hitchhike on luggage and personal items; they can unknowingly end up on airplanes, said Hottel, a Georgia-based Orkin entomologist. They are also incredibly skilled at hitchhiking, traveling on personal belongings such as luggage, clothing, purses, and gym bags. Travelers can unknowingly transport them from one place to another. Florida Blue members may soon have few choices for healthcare providers in Broward County. On Monday, Cleveland Clinic informed its patients that it is in contract negotiations with Florida Blue. Hospitals renegotiate their contracts with insurers regularly as they expire. If we are not able to reach an agreement, Cleveland Clinic may no longer be in-network for Florida Blue members as early as March 1, 2026, Cleveland Clinic said in a letter sent to its patients and published on its website. This change would apply to Florida Blue employer-sponsored plans, Medicare Advantage plans and Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA, or Obamacare) plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, Florida Blue members can continue scheduling appointments and receiving care as usual at the Weston hospital. Our goal is to reach a new agreement with Florida Blue and avoid any disruption to your coverage, the hospital wrote. Appointments or care scheduled on or after March 1, 2026, at Cleveland Clinic may be impacted. However, some members may qualify for continuity of care benefits through Florida Blue, such as those who are pregnant or undergoing cancer treatment. The announcement comes as Florida Blue already is out of network for Broward Countys two large public health systems: Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System, which together operate 11 hospitals and represent hundreds of providers and specialists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If an agreement between Cleveland Clinic and Florida Blue is not reached by March, it would leave Broward County residents with Florida Blue even fewer healthcare choices. This may be a consideration for Broward County residents during open enrollment, which has begun for many employers, Medicare enrollees and for the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Florida Blue issued a statement Monday on the negotiations with the Cleveland Clinic. We understand that the news about our contract discussions with Cleveland Clinic Florida may cause concern and uncertainty for our members, especially in Broward County where we are currently engaged in negotiations with other area hospital systems. Unfortunately, their leadership team recently notified us that they plan to terminate their current contract. Cleveland Clinic Florida has also initiated communications about this renewal months ahead of what is standard or required for compliance reasons, the statement said. Despite what may have been communicated by Cleveland Clinic, the current contract calls for our members to have full access to all Cleveland Clinics physicians, hospitals, and health teams at least through May 2026. In its statement, Florida Blue said it is working with Cleveland Clinic leadership to reach a new agreement. It is unfortunate that their communication to their patients and our members may cause unnecessary concern and confusion at a period of tremendous uncertainty in health care and we strongly believe there is ample time to finalize negotiations for a fair and sensible new agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The insurer also said it is making progress in its negotiations with Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System. Resolving this is our highest priority and we look forward to sharing the good news once agreements are finalized, the statement said. South Florida Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com. A Fond du Lac County man faces up to 10 years in prison after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors in the death last year of a retired Wauwatosa priest struck by a pickup truck as he crossed a Wauwatosa street. Milwaukee County prosecutors alleged in court papers Clay Schueffner was driving and viewing a Snapchat video at the time of the Feb. 9, 2024, collision that killed Father David H. Gau. Schueffner, 26, of St. Cloud, pleaded no contest on Nov. 3 to homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, a Class G felony, online court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A no contest plea allows a defendant to accept conviction without admitting guilt. In Wisconsin, such a plea results in a conviction and is treated the same way as a guilty plea for sentencing purposes. He will be sentenced Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m. by Circuit Court Judge David Borowski. Schueffner was charged in May 2024, several weeks after the crash that claimed Gau's life. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner identified Father David H. Gau as the 93-year-old who was struck and killed by a truck while crossing the 10200 block of Wisconsin Avenue in Wauwatosa Feb. 9. Who was Father David H. Gau? Born in Fond du Lac on Nov. 8, 1930, Gau attended Marquette University for a year before entering the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus in 1949 at St. Stanislaus Jesuit novitiate in Florissant, Missouri, according to a memoriam page published by the Midwest Province of the Jesuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gau was ordained in 1962 at Marquette University's Church of the Gesu and pronounced final vows on Aug. 15, 1965, at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, according to the page. Gau taught Latin and French at MUHS from 1964 to 1983. During that time, Gau was also rector and minister of the high school's Jesuit community. Gau was a retired priest and member of the St. Camillus residential community for seniors who had taught at Marquette University High School for nearly two decades. Here's what happened that afternoon Gau had looked both ways and was walking across the street in the 10200 block of Wisconsin Avenue when a 2011 GMC Sierra truck struck him, according to a Milwaukee County Medical Examiner report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wauwatosa Police Department officers were dispatched to the crash scene at 1:45 p.m. One officer attempted life-saving measures on Gau before medical personnel responded. Gau was pronounced dead at 1:56 p.m. Gau died of multiple blunt force injuries, the medical examiner report said. According to a criminal complaint, a witness to the crash told police after the collision he saw Schueffner pull over and state, "I looked down at my speedometer." Another witness who was driving westbound on Wisconsin Avenue told police he saw Schueffner's truck strike Gau and then saw Schueffner exit the car and say, "I was looking at an address and didn't see him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the incident, however, a detective who reviewed downloads from Schueffner's two iPhones found the driver had opened and viewed a Snapchat one second before he struck Gau, the complaint says. How safe is it for pedestrians in Milwaukee? With just nine weeks remaining in 2025, 12 pedestrians have lost their lives in Milwaukee County, according to the most updated data provided Nov. 3 by the state Department of Transportation. That's down from 23 pedestrian deaths in 2024, the year Gau was killed. Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Man enters plea in 2024 crash that killed retired Wauwatosa priest RAPID CITY, S.D. (KELO) Monday afternoon, the Trump Administration announced SNAP benefits will restart with a delay and will be at 50% of what households usually get. South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, who stopped by Feeding South Dakota in Rapid City, says South Dakotans should step up to help out. Free clinic in SF that helps the uninsured population Governor Larry Rhonden wants people across the state to help families in need by donating to non-profits and churches. I do think its fair to ask them to consider stepping up to the plate and contributing and giving to programs like Feeding South Dakota or their church. To food pantries and options like that, Governor Larry Rhoden said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have 288 partner food banks that we work with in the state, from church groups to community centers but what we really need is a product to buy food so we can provide that for our agency partners, Feeding SD Board Member Michael Gould said. There have been talks of the use of reserve funds, something the Governor doesnt believe could be used. The reality is we dont have the ability, even if we have the money, its appropriated to charge those EBT cards. So from the practical standpoint, what theyre asking isnt feasible or possible, Governor Rhoden said. With uncertainties, Feeding South Dakota is still working to provide full boxes despite the growing need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make sure everybody gets something, but thats less nutrition and again, children need nutrition and so do the elderly; everybody needs food, our need just unfortunately keeps growing, Gould said. Back in the spring, Feeding South Dakota asked the legislature to assist them in offsetting the loss of food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They did not receive that money. 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 KELOLAND.com. HILTON HEAD/BLUFFTON, SC (WSAV) Food pantries around our area are already seeing an influx of new clients who are in need or more food. At least one local agency said they are also seeing something else come in, more donations. WSAV was there as the Deep Well Project on Hilton Head Island got a truckload of donated food from the Palmetto Hall Plantation Womens Club. They donated more than 3,800 pounds in all, enough to provide at least a weeks worth of groceries to 35 families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People realize that right now in our country that the prices are high, its difficult, said Chairwoman of the Palmetto Hall Womens Association Judy Guillem. People are being laid off or are having a difficult time with keeping up with the pricing and food. And so, our community, I think, actually went above and beyond trying to target the need. Deep Well Executive Director Sandy Gillis said the charity is getting more calls from folks who want to give, even if its just a few dollars. With close to 20% more families already asking Deep Well for help, every dollar and donation counts. While were seeing people show up who have never needed help before, which is obviously concerning. We are also seeing this community rally around their neighbors, Executive Director of Deep Well Project Sandy Gillis said. Were seeing food getting dropped off. This food drive, frankly, has been planned for three months. When we planned it three months ago, did we know we would be in the middle of a food crisis in our country? No. But it looks like the community is just responding so beautifully and that is really encouraging. So far this year, Deep Well has already seen their clients increase by 15-20%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last two weeks, Gillis said that number has climbed another 25-30%. We are seeing people come out of the woodwork to say, what can I do to help? Gillis said. And that is so energizing for the folks on the front line working. Sometimes we feel like were roaming in that boat all by ourselves. But when were suddenly seeing truckloads of food come in, it just suddenly reminds us, were all in this together. The Bluffton Community Kitchen has seen 25 additional families reach out for food for their tables than the month before. Food is our staple here. And we also do an outdoor pantry. We do diapers, we do hygiene items, we do sanitary items for women, Program Director for Bluffton Community Kitchen Candyce Valmont said. We have an after-school program thats free for low-income families in partnership with Beaufort County School District, we do meal kits here where we premeasure items and give meal kits out to families with children, and we do cleaning supplies as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their pantry already cooks hot meals for dozens of people around the area two days a week. It also provides fresh produce, meat and more from Second Helpings, local restaurants and farms. People start lining up hours before the kitchen is officially open, just to make sure they get a meal. While the number of people and need is increasing, so are the non-profits attempts to find new ways to make sure everyone gets something good to eat. Weve really been trying to reach out to local restaurants in the community to see if they can sponsor a Wednesday for us to cook the hot meals and bring them in, Valmont said. So, were trying to find ways to save money to be able to purchase emergency produce and fruits and vegetables when we have to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valmont said the other issue; they are not getting as much food donated from local grocery stores through Second Helpings. Many grocery stores are stocking less and then have less to give back to agencies like to community kitchen. Were not getting a lot off of the Second helpings trucks, Valmont said. They are servicing a lot of nonprofits here and not many stores are donating to Second Helpings. So, were getting a little less off the truck, which is great. Theyre doing what theyre supposed to do, but to be able to still make sure we have enough healthy food options for our community members, we do have to do some purchasing now to make sure that theres enough to go around because of the increase. If you would like to help Deep Well Project with a donation of food or money, you can click or tap here. The Bluffton Community Kitchen serves hot meals twice a week and is open for more donations at various times. It also offers a variety of programs, including after-school care. To find out more or make a donation, click or tap here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WSAV-TV. NEW YORK (PIX11) Tens of millions of food stamp recipients will now get partial funding across the New York region for November after the Trump administration was ordered by a federal court to release some funds. On Monday, Attorney General Letitia James says food pantry lines across New York are growing longer by the day, as SNAP recipients wait for their benefits to restart. More Local News She spent Monday evening serving meals at a Brooklyn church, meeting families who depend on SNAP benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem has gotten worse as a result of the cuts to SNAP, said James. Just days ago, James and 24 other states sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture, accusing it of unlawfully halting benefits during the government shutdown. A judge has now ordered partial funding, meaning recipients will get only about half their usual monthly amount for now. The problem is operationalizing, getting the funds to these EBT cards. They tell me its going to take 10 12 days to upload the federal funds so that individuals can purchase food. But Republican Congressman Mike Lawler says the emergency funding wont stretch far. That will only last you a few weeks. House Speaker Mike Johnson agrees its not as simple as pressing send. Youve got to go through and recalculate partial payments to the 42 million recipients of the program. Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, about three million New Yorkers are without food benefits. Some local businesses are offering free meals and discounts, but the USDA is warning grocery stores against doing so, calling it a violation. In Rockland County, neighbors are stepping in, buying grocery gift cards for families in need. Its really sad that in America, people dont have enough food, some are even state workers who cant afford to make ends meet, and are part of the SNAP benefits to help get by. AG James says shes asking Gov. Hochul and the states Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to help bridge that gap while families wait for their federal benefits to be restored. 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 PIX11. During his trip, Sa'ar is scheduled to meet with senior Indian officials, including his counterpart Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar will begin a state visit to India on Tuesday. During his trip, Sa'ar is scheduled to meet with senior Indian officials, including his counterpart Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Saar will also host a reception at the residence of the Israeli ambassador to New Delhi for diplomats, media representatives, researchers, and business leaders during the visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The visit follows the ongoing effort to strengthen the relationship between the two counties. Indian Ambassador to Israel J.P. Singh speaks at The Jerusalem Post's 2025 Diplomatic Conference, in Jerusalem, September 15, 2025 (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST) Speaking to The Jerusalem Post Diplomatic Conference in September, Ambassador to Israel J.P. Singh made the case for India to be a hub for Israeli companies to invest in as a means of institutionalizing the relationship between India and the Jewish state. There is a lot of potential in various sectors between the two countries, and we need to build our relationship, Singh told the Post's Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein. We are strategic partners, but we need to institutionalize our relationship further. Furthermore, the ambassador noted that Indias relationship with Israel is defined by their shared challenges, chiefly the threat of terror, in addition to their shared values. India's desire for regional peace Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement of US President Donald Trump's Gaza deal in early October, calling it a step toward lasting peace in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu," Modi said in a post on X/Twitter, adding that the release of the remaining hostages "will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace." India has maintained its support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring calm and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The first foreign troops will deploy to Gaza as early as January and may be tasked with forcibly disarming Hamas, according to US-led plans. American officials have reportedly submitted a draft mandate to the UN Security Council to send in the first wave of an international stabilisation force within two months. A US official said the troops would be an enforcement force and not a peacekeeping force, according to Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If approved, the proposed mandate signals a firm intention by the White House to extinguish Hamas as an effective terror group. It follows weeks of fears of drift over plans for the future of Gaza since the ceasefire took effect in early October, with concerns growing that Donald Trump, the US president, might have lost interest after declaring peace in the region. Potential regional contributors such as Jordan have indicated that a stabilisation force should not take part in forcibly disarming Hamas, but rather provide security alongside Palestinian police once the terror group had given up its weapons. b' 2910 Gaza yellow line ' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel, although publicly supportive of the US plan, is sceptical that Hamas can be disarmed by anything short of renewed military assault by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Although Hamas gave up the 20 living hostages and has returned some of the deceased hostages in exchange for hundreds of released prisoners and Palestinian bodies it has never explicitly agreed to the second stage of Mr Trumps plan, to give up its weapons. Analysts fear the group has shown signs of regrouping militarily and entrenching its power over the Gazan population since the partial IDF withdrawal. Axios reported that the proposed force would involve troops from a number of countries and would be established in consultation with a Gaza board of peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has said he will chair the board. However, its day-to-day leadership is currently the subject of debate the White House has touted Sir Tony Blair as a leading candidate as is the composition of the group of technocrats that grapple with Gazas post-war recovery. The draft document calls for the board of peace and stabilisation force to be granted a Security Council mandate until the end of 2027. The force would stabilise the security environment in Gaza by ensuring the process of demilitarising the Gaza Strip, including the destruction and prevention of rebuilding of military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, as well as the permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups, the draft states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would also secure Gazas borders with Israel and Egypt. Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Egypt and Turkey have all shown a willingness to contribute troops, although Israel has ruled out Turkish involvement. It is thought that no Western troops will deploy in Gaza. There is significant potential for the ceasefire to crumble before foreign troops set foot in Gaza. There have already been attacks on Israeli troops to the east of the yellow withdrawal line, resulting in the deaths of three IDF soldiers and dozens of Palestinians in Israels retaliatory strikes. Israel also says there are hundreds of Hamas troops currently located east of the yellow line, mainly in tunnels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have been warned to withdraw, however Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has ruled out granting them safe passage. The US has established an international civil-military headquarters in Israel in order to monitor the ceasefire. A succession of senior administration figures have visited Israel in recent weeks to maintain pressure on Israel not to return to war. 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. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) An affidavit filed by a special agent for the Oregon Department of Justice suggests former Clackamas County Commissioner and Lake Oswego resident Melissa Fireside may have crossed into Mexico and then flown to Amsterdam. Last week, the Oregon Department of Justice was granted a motion to revoke the release of Fireside, who was indicted in March on charges related to alleged theft from an elderly man, after receiving information indicating she was not residing at her current address in Lexington, Oregon. Fireside had previously ran for Lake Oswego City Council and was then elected to the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners last November before being forced to resign due to the investigation into her alleged thefts. Prior to the revelation that she may have fled the country, the former commissioner was granted a conditional release by Clackamas County Circuit Court but was required to remain in Oregon. Her trial was set to begin in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the affidavit written by Jerry Gorman, Firesides ex-partner informed the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office on Oct. 29 that Fireside had taken their 9-year-old child out of school and apparently fled the country. She has an Austrian passport that she used for the reservation that is valid until 2032 and the airline was Dutch Royal Airlines. There were no records of other recent border crossings for Fireside. According to the TSA contact and OWC, Fireside may have used a fake ID to cross into Mexico, the affidavit reads. Read the full story here. The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners 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 KOIN.com. ATHENS, Greece (AP) Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor, television personality and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, officially took office Tuesday as the first U.S. female ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle, 56, who was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., presented her diplomatic credentials to Greek President Constantine Tassoulas after being sworn in Sept. 29 in Washington. The former Fox News host's arrival comes as the United States works to boost liquefied natural gas exports to eastern Europe through Greek port facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are expected in Athens this week for talks focused on expanding Western gas exports to war-torn Ukraine through a modified multinational pipeline network. Guilfoyle and the visiting officials are scheduled to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and attend ministerial meetings organized by the Washington-based Atlantic Council. Since 2018, Greece and the United States have strengthened military ties, including expanding U.S. access to Greek bases and increased involvement of American defense contractors in Greeces multibillion-dollar armed forces modernization program. Guilfoyle attended a black-tie welcome reception over the weekend in Athens. Joined by local business leaders and several Cabinet members, she took part in a lively Greek dance linking arms with other guests and keeping pace as the music sped up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know we will do amazing things for these two exceptional countries, she told attendees. I will not disappoint the United States of America. I shall not disappoint Greece. At Tuesdays ceremony, Guilfoyle presented her credentials after the new ambassadors from Norway, Harriet Berg, and Canada, Sonya Thissen. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A prolific figure in Kansas politics has died. Stephen Morris (Courtesy: Kansas Legislature) Stephen Morris died Saturday at his home in Hugoton. He was 79. A graduate of Kansas State University, Morris spent 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and reserves, including two tours in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, piloting EC-121 and KC-135 aircraft in over 150 missions. After returning home to Kansas, Morris spent 16 years on the USD 210 Board of Education, serving as vice president and president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Semitruck runs into downtown Dodge City bollards In 1993, Morris was elected to the Kansas Senate, where he served for 20 years. He was elected Senate President from 2005 to 2013. During his tenure in the Senate, he helped oversee the restoration of the Capitol building. His service in education led to his induction into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame. He was also the recipient of the Phil Lewis Award of Excellence from the Kansas Bar Association. Morris is survived by his wife Barb, their three daughters, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Services will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. at Hugoton Methodist Church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Internment will follow at Hugoton Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Altus Air Force Base Honor Guard and the Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honor Guard. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. 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 KSN-TV. (Photo: Ronda Churchill/Nevada Current) Becky Harris, a former state senator and the first woman appointed as chairperson of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, is dropping her Republican Party affiliation to run as a non-partisan candidate for Clark County Commission District F. In an interview Monday, Harris said she changed her voter registration to non-partisan on Oct. 3, after a lot of soul searching and thoughts and conversations with my husband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just under 40% of District Fs 243,075 registered voters are non-partisan, while 28% are Democrats and 26% are Republicans. Commissioner Justin Jones, a Democrat who Harris unseated in the 2014 race for state Senate, is not running for reelection. Last year, he was sanctioned by a judge for deleting text messages sought in a lawsuit against the county by developer Jim Rhodes, who is building luxury homes on Blue Diamond Hill, an area adjacent to the Red Rock Conservation Area. Two Republicans, Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama, a loyalist of Gov. Joe Lombardo, and businessman Albert Mack, have announced theyll run for the open seat. Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager has been mentioned as a potential Democratic contender in the race but has yet to state his intentions publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris says the decision to drop her party affiliation was not an effort to avoid a primary race, and insists she didnt know that automatic inclusion on the general election ballot was a benefit of running as a non-partisan until she changed her registration. Becky Harris. (Campaign video screengrab) I dont care for the vitriol and the unyielding positions of the two political parties, she said. Standing on party philosophy is not really helpful for people. She declined to say if President Donald Trumps influence on the Republican Party colored her decision. Both parties are failing to govern in an effective manner and act in the interest of the voters, she said. We need candidates who are not affected by a party and want to help the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris contends shes a public servant at heart. I saw that my district might benefit from better leadership, and wanted to step up and represent the members of my community, she said. I was concerned about some things Ive seen the lawsuits and things against the commission, and decided I wanted to be part of the solution. Her website says she seeks to serve residents, not special interests. Harris says her priority, if elected to the county commission, will be ensuring middle class families have an affordable rent or affordable mortgage payment thats not going to up-end their budget. Approximately 38.1% of households in Clark County are cost-burdened, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. More than half of renters in Southern Nevada are cost-burdened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than requiring developers to include an affordable housing component in their communities, Harris said she favors working with developers to see where those types of projects make sense. Multi-family housing is just part of living in a diverse community, she says of residents who oppose apartments in their neighborhoods. I have owned homes where we had apartments on the other side of our block wall, and its been fine. Youve got to balance the needs of all our communities to have appropriate housing. The southwest part of the valley, which includes District F, needs improved roads and other infrastructure, she says, and development is still underway. Asked if developers should bear a greater burden in providing parks and other infrastructure, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris pivoted to the countys poor judgment decisions that led to its decision to agree to pay an $80 million settlement with Rhodes Gypsum Resources for attempting to thwart its development and avoid a larger potential judgment. Just to put it into perspective, its $15 million to build a fire station. I dont know how much it is to build a park, but certainly that money could have been better spent on amenities for the community, she said. Harris declined to say whether Nevadas property tax cap, passed by lawmakers to alleviate concerns of rising property tax bills during the real estate boom that preceded the Great Recession, should be lifted or adjusted to prevent lost revenue to local governments. In 2023, the Current reported assessed value in Clark County had increased by more than $30 billion in the preceding decade. Property tax revenue did not keep pace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The abatements have caused Clark County and other governments to turn to other sources, such as sales taxes and fees, to pay for public safety. Both place a disproportionate burden on low-income residents. Since I havent seen budgets, I cant speak particularly to all of that, but I think property taxes are part of the housing affordability equation, Harris said. She says shes unfamiliar with the details of Lombardos housing initiative, which provides subsidies to buyers of market level housing who earn up to 150% of area median income, but does not address the dearth of low-income and extremely low-income units. Harris says she is 100% supportive of the Campus for Hope, a partnership of the state and casinos to provide transitional housing and other services to the unhoused in Southern Nevada. She cites a really great model called A Brighter Way in Maricopa County, Arizona. They have a campus where people can come and spend the day, and they also have housing for people that want to live in housing, recognizing that not all homeless want to live in a structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris has lived in Southern Nevada since 1999. In 2001 she testified on behalf of the Coalition for the Protection of Marriage, an anti-gay marriage group, against a bill that would have allowed people in same-sex relationships to designate a non-spouse to deal with issues such as illness and medical care. She also contributed $3,000 to the organization. Her positions on LGBTQ+ issues, she says, have since evolved. During my time at the Legislature, as I learned more about the different interests of people in the community, I came to be respected and had a very productive relationship with the LGBTQ trans communities, she said. Theyd be in my office on a regular basis, and saw me as an advocate. I dont know how anybodys political perspectives dont evolve once they begin to understand the larger community and the complicated issues that people face in their daily lives. Harris, who currently teaches at UNLVs Boyd School of Law, served in the state Senate from 2014 to 2018, when then-Gov. Brian Sandoval appointed her as the first woman to chair the Gaming Control Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March of 2018, the Wall Street Journal made long-reported but largely ignored stories of Steve Wynns alleged pattern of sexual intimidation too awkward for casino regulators to sweep under the carpet any longer. Sexual harassment continues to be one of the most frequent complaints raised in the workplace, Harris, then the newly-appointed chairwoman, wrote in a memo to all licensees. Harris invoked Regulation Five, the morals clause of state gaming regulation which states any act deemed inimical to the public health, safety morals, good order and general welfare of the people of the State of Nevada, or that would reflect or tend to reflect discredit upon the State of Nevada or the gaming industry may be grounds for action against the licensee. She proposed a checklist of items to be completed by licensees on an annual basis, to ensure compliance. The Gaming Commission, after significant delay, adopted the recommendations in 2020, under Gov. Steve Sisolak, who named a replacement for Harris after she had held the job for only a year. Dick Cheney, widely regarded as the most powerful vice president in US history, died on Monday night aged 84, according to a statement from his family. The cause was complications from pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney was a key architect of President George W. Bushs war on terror following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and drew significant criticism for the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. In his memoir, Bush acknowledged his somewhat toxic reputation, dubbing him the Darth Vader of the administration. Cheney had previously served as defense secretary for President George H.W. Bush and played an instrumental role in leading the US into the 1990-91 Gulf War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toward the end of his life, Cheney shocked both Republicans and Democrats by declaring his support for presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 race and describing President Donald Trump as a threat to American democracy. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, the controversial 46th vice president of the United States and one of the most powerful figures in American politics in the last century, died Monday. Richard B. Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, died last night, November 3, 2025. He was 84 years old, Cheneys family said in a statement released Tuesday morning. His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed. The former Vice President died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney served as vice president during former President George W. Bushs administration from 2001-09. He is considered one of the most influential vice presidents in modern U.S. history, having helped lead the countrys war on terror, crafting the argument for the United States to enter the Iraq War following the 9/11 attacks. He and other Bush administration officials faced fierce criticism following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 over false claims the country possessed weapons of mass destruction. Cheney served as Defense secretary in former President George H.W. Bushs administration from 1989-93. His influence also reached beyond the realm of national security; his vast knowledge of federal government minutiae made him a formidable power in creating and pushing tax, energy and environmental policy. In 1978, Cheney was elected to represent Wyoming in the House of Representatives, going on to serve as House Republican Conference chair and House minority whip. Prior to his tenure in the House, Cheney was former President Fords chief of staff. To some, Cheney stands as the most important architect of the modern American vice presidency, but to others he was a man who trampled the Constitution and embroiled the United States in a Middle East conflict that it is still reeling from decades later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney, by his own account, touted himself as a leader willing to make tough calls and personal sacrifices to defend the American homeland. Despite his status as a hawkish conservative, Cheney was a vocal critic of President Trump and backed former Vice President Kamala Harriss Democratic presidential bid last year. As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution, Cheney said at the time. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. Cheneys daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), was also an outspoken Trump critic, breaking with the president following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual who was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, the former vice president said in a television ad for his daughter. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He is a coward. Cheney remade the vice presidency, transforming the role from a ceremonial post to one with considerable influence over policy on terrorism, executive authority, Iraq and other key issues for conservatives. He made numerous allegations about the Iraq War that did not pan out as expected: He claimed there were ties between the 9/11 attacks and prewar Iraq that did not exist, and he claimed U.S. troops would be treated as liberators in Iraq, but they were not. He never lost his conviction about the war, even as many in the country turned against the anti-terror campaign and the leaders in charge of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney retired to Jackson Hole, Wyo., near where Liz Cheney would buy a home. She was elected to the House a few years later, in 2016. Richard Bruce Cheney was born in Lincoln, Neb., on Jan. 30, 1941, one of three children of Richard Herbert Cheney, an Agriculture Department soil conservation, and the former Marjorie Lorraine Dickey. He grew up in Sumner, Neb., and Casper, Wyo. He attended Natrona County High School in Casper, where he began dating his future wife, Lynne Ann Vincent, and graduated in 1959. He started at Yale University the following fall but dropped out, returning to Wyoming and began a job as a power lineworker. It was during this period that he was arrested and convicted of driving while intoxicated, once in November 1962 at the age of 21, and again in 1963. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He changed course over the next several years, graduating from the University of Wyoming in 1966, then starting, but never finishing, doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Through a graduate fellowship in 1969, Cheney found himself in Washington, working as an intern for then-Rep. William Steiger (R-Wis.), before joining the staff of Donald Rumsfeld, who was heading the Office of Economic Opportunity at the time. During the Nixon administration, Cheney quickly climbed the White House ranks, rising from a lower-level staff assistant to deputy assistant to the president. When President Ford took office, Cheney rose to become the youngest ever White House chief of staff after Rumsfeld was named Defense secretary in 1975. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Democrat Jimmy Carter took the White House in 1976, Cheney returned to Wyoming and launched a campaign to win the states sole House seat. In 1978, during the primary, he suffered his first heart attack. Cheney went on to win that election and the five after it, eventually becoming House minority whip. Along the way, he suffered two additional heart attacks, in 1984 and 1988, and underwent a quadruple bypass surgery. In 1989, he left Congress to become President George H. W. Bushs Defense secretary. While serving as Pentagon chief, Cheney presided over a military downsizing after the end of the Cold War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the military shrank under his watch, Cheney did oversee Operation Desert Storm in 1991, when the U.S. pushed Iraq out of Kuwait after Saddam Hussein had occupied the country. But the U.S. stopped at Iraqs border, deciding not to try to topple Hussein. In a foreshadowing of his own future, Cheney said the U.S. chose to stay out because a real danger here that you would get bogged down in a long, drawn-out conflict. There was the notion that you were going to set yourself a new war aim that we hadnt talked to anybody about. That you hadnt gotten Congress to approve, hadnt talked to the American people about, he added. For his leadership, Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the countrys highest civilian honor. Cheney later said that out of all his roles in public service, heading the Pentagon was the one that stands out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Bush lost his reelection bid to Bill Clinton, Cheney was once again pushed into the private sector. After several years, Cheney took the reins at Halliburton, one of the worlds largest oil field service companies. While at the company, Cheney remarked the United States was always going to have to be involved in the Middle East, while reflecting on the Gulf War. Maybe its part of our national character, you know, we like to have these problems nice and neatly wrapped up, put a ribbon around it. You deploy a force, you win the war, and the problem goes away, and it doesnt work that way in the Middle East. It never has, and isnt likely to in my lifetime. Then in 2000, George W. Bush came calling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The then-Republican presidential candidate courted Cheney to run on his ticket as vice president, an offer he initially refused. Cheney instead headed Bushs vice presidential search committee before accepting, retiring from Halliburton. Cheney suffered his fourth heart attack shortly after the 2000 presidential election, but he entered the White House with a strong resolve. It became apparent early on in his vice presidency that he would take a larger role in policymaking than his predecessors. In the first month in his new role, he was provided an office in the Capitol just off the House floor, in addition to his Senate offices. At the White House, the staff organization gave Cheneys office more influence than previous vice presidents, with his people interwoven with Bushs. The presidents Cabinet was also filled with Cheney allies, including his old boss Rumsfeld, who was named Defense secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the 9/11 attacks, Cheney became the main architect of the administrations war on terror. He pressed for the U.S. to enter another war in Iraq, publicly claiming that Baghdads possession of weapons of mass destruction and its support of terrorism made the move necessary. He also questioned the findings of numerous intelligence and national security organizations that found no cooperation between the Iraq and the al Qaeda terrorist group that carried out the U.S. attacks. After the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003, Cheney was criticized for failing to estimate the risks and costs of the entering the conflict, which stretched nearly nine years, past his time in office, into the end of 2011. He also shuttled and signed off on the most controversial elements of the war on terror, such as monitoring private communications without a warrant, extraordinary rendition and `extreme interrogation methods such as waterboarding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of national security, he flexed considerable power in matters of energy, environment, tax and budget policy. He was accused of granting access, secretively, to business groups with substantial stakes in government policy and refusing to hand over government documents traditionally made public, notably keeping three full-sized safes in his office. Cheney came under particular scrutiny over his former company, Halliburton, for its close relationship with the administration. The company had received a $7 billion, no-bid contract in the run-up to the Iraq War. And in 2004, the company was given a $1.2 billion contract to reconstruct Iraqs southern oil fields, another deal that was not opened to competitive bidding. The move drew the ire of Senate Democrats, including Patrick Leahy. The Vermont senator approached Cheney on the chamber floor, where the two reportedly argued about the vice presidents ties to Halliburton, prompting a f yourself from Cheney. In addition, Cheney pushed an expansion of the presidential powers. Publicly, he called it a restoration, if you will, of the power and authority of the president when the Bush administration challenged executive branch oversight laws, including the Presidential Records Act, Freedom of Information Act, War Powers Resolution, and Foreign Intelligence Oversight Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later into his term, his office become the center of the 2005 Valerie Plame CIA scandal, surrounding the leak of a covert CIA officers identity. Lewis Scooter Libby, Cheneys former chief of staff, was one of the several people under investigation. It was during the investigation that Libby, before a grand jury, stated that his higher-ups, including Cheney, had authorized him to disclose classified information to the media on intelligence on Iraqs alleged weapons of mass destruction. Libby was eventually convicted in 2007 on four felony counts, a conviction Cheney lobbied Bush hard to overturn with a full presidential pardon. Bush did commute Libbys 30-month prison term sentence but let the conviction stand. Cheney reportedly pushed for a full pardon up until Bushs final hours in the White House in January 2009 but was unsuccessful. The disagreement reportedly divided the two men in their final days working together. He also managed to make headlines outside the White House. In February 2006 he accidentally shot 78-year-old Texas attorney Harry Whittington while participating in a quail hunt. Cheney popularity took a hit in the polls after the incident, with his approval rating dropping 5 percentage points. After the Bush administration ended, he maintained a visible public profile, publishing a memoir recounting his time in the White House, and another that criticized the national security policy and decisions made under former President Obama. But his health was declining. After his fifth heart attack in 2010, he underwent surgery for a battery-powered implant to help his heart pump enough blood to keep him alive and working while he awaited a transplant, which came in 2012. In the face of his detractors, Cheney remained steadfast in defending his more disputed decisions and actions made during the Bush administration, which he saw as necessary to protect American lives. That mindset was reflected in a July 2007 letter written to his grandchildren while Bush underwent a colonoscopy and Cheney assumed the role of acting president for several hours. In it, he urged that they always strive in your lives to do what is right. As I write this, our nation is engaged in a war with terrorists of global reach. My principal focus as Vice President has been to protect the American people in our way of life. . . . As you grow, you will come to understand the sacrifices that each generation makes to preserve freedom and democracy for future generations, and you will assume the important responsibilities of citizens in our society. Cheney is survived by Lynne Cheney, whom he married in 1964, along with their daughters, Mary Cheney and Liz Cheney Perry, as well as seven grandchildren. Updated at 12:46 p.m. EST 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 The Hill. Former Vice President Richard B. Dick Cheney, the historically powerful vice president and architect of the U.S.s endless war on terror during his time as the No. 2 in the George W. Bush administration, has died, his family announced in a statement Tuesday. He was 84. The former Vice President died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease on Monday evening, the statement reads. For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyomings Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States, his family said. Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. In this June 1, 2009, file photo, former Vice President Dick Cheney speaks at the National Press Club in Washington. Cheney died Monday at age 84. Susan Walsh/File/AP Photo During his tenure as Bushs vice president from 2001 to 2009, Cheney was a crucial, manipulative proponent of the U.S. invasion of Iraq which led to what has come to be viewed as a pointless war resulting in the deaths of an estimated hundreds of thousands of people, including about 4,500 Americans, while costing taxpayers over $2 trillion and a notable advocate for torture of suspected terrorists. He became known for his neoconservative views on foreign policy and his advocacy of the use of executive power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney has been called the most powerful vice president in history. Bush said at one point, When youre talking to Dick Cheney, youre talking to me. When Dick Cheneys talking, its me talking. Former President George W. Bush (right) shakes hands with Cheney after Cheney the former vice president introduced Bush during the groundbreaking ceremony for the President George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas on Nov. 16, 2010. LM Otero/File/AP Photo Despite his controversial record which earned him an approval rating of just over 30% as he was leaving the VP post, according to the Pew Research Center Bush called Cheneys death a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends. Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges, Bush said in a statement. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. Bush and Cheney embrace following Bush's acceptance speech in Madison Square Garden during the final night of the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York. Charles Dharapak/File/AP Photo Cheney was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Jan. 30, 1941, to parents who identified as Democrats. He grew up in Casper, Wyoming, where he met Lynne Vincent, who would become his wife in 1964. The couple had two daughters, Liz, the former congresswoman, and Mary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney was accepted to Yale University, but dropped out after three semesters when he lost his scholarship because of poor grades. He went on to attend the University of Wyoming, from which he received both a bachelors and masters degree in political science. While living in Wyoming, he served as an intern in the state legislature. Later, Cheney worked toward a doctorate in political science at the University of Wisconsin, though he never completed the degree. Politics: Trump Issues Dark All-Caps Election Day Warning: YOU WILL RUE THE DAY In 1968, after an internship with Wisconsin Gov. Warren Knowles (R), Cheney began his ascent through the ranks of Washington with a fellowship on Capitol Hill. He was later hired by Donald Rumsfeld, who had just been appointed by President Richard Nixon to lead the Office of Economic Opportunity. When Rumsfeld went on to become President Gerald Fords chief of staff, Cheney was tapped as his deputy. Later, Rumsfeld was named secretary of defense, and Cheney moved up to chief of staff, at the age of 34. After Fords term ended, Cheney was elected to Congress as a representative from his home state of Wyoming, and eventually assumed the role of House minority whip. In 1989, he became secretary of defense under President George H.W. Bush, during which time he oversaw the Gulf War. The president awarded Cheney the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991 for his role in that conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1996, he was named CEO of energy industry company Halliburton. Four years later, while living in Dallas, he agreed to lead the search for a vice-presidential candidate to run alongside Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush, who was at the time the governor of Texas. Cheney vetted a number of potential candidates, but Bush eventually decided Cheney himself would be the best running mate. You know, youre the solution to my problem, Bush told the energy executive. In this July 11, 2008, file photo, Cheney looks on as Bush makes a statement at the Energy Department in Washington. Evan Vucci/File/AP Photo Even while the final results of the 2000 presidential election were delayed over disputed ballots in Florida, Cheney quietly began preparing for his White House job. In what may have been an indication of how he would approach the role, Cheney hired a large number of vice-presidential staff and was the first vice president to be given office space near the House of Representatives chamber. Immediately following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Cheney took charge of directing the emergency response from Washington, D.C., since the president was visiting a school in Florida at the time. After both World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon were hit by airplanes, Cheney received word that another airplane had gone off course. He gave authorization for the plane to be shot down, though the directive was not relayed to fighter pilots before the aircraft crashed in Pennsylvania. While Cheney, Bush and others later claimed the vice president gave the order after talking with Bush, 9/11 investigators found no record of the call. In this Sept. 12, 2001, file photo, (from left) Secretary of State Colin Powell, Bush, Cheney and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Henry Shelton attend a meeting with the National Security Council in the Cabinet Room of the White House. Doug Mills/File/AP Photo After 9/11, Cheney pushed for the U.S. to invade Iraq, leading the faction of administration officials who argued that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction and had ties to al Qaeda. He also sat in on GOP conference meetings to quell dissent against that stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former vice president continued to defend the Iraq invasion, even while many others from the administration admitted errors in judgment. Bush himself said that using inaccurate intelligence to link Hussein with WMDs was his biggest regret of all the presidency. But in 2014, Cheney remained defiant, telling Politico of the invasion: I believed in it then. I look back on it now, it was absolutely the right thing to do. Criticism of the increasingly unpopular Iraq war led to another problem for Cheney in 2007 when his chief of staff, I. Lewis Scooter Libby, was convicted of lying to federal officials about how he learned of the identity of CIA agent Valerie Plame, which had been leaked to the press. Plames husband, former ambassador Joseph Wilson, had criticized the administrations move to invade Iraq, and the FBI suspected the White House had leaked Plames identity in retribution. (It was later learned that the leak came from Richard Armitage, deputy to then-Secretary of State Colin Powell.) Bush commuted Libbys prison sentence at Cheneys request, but did not offer a full pardon. In this Dec. 9, 2013, file photo, Cheney is interviewed by Neil Cavuto for his program "Cavuto," on the Fox Business Network, in New York. Richard Drew/File/AP Photo During and after his time as vice president, Cheney staunchly advocated for the torture of suspected terrorists. Well have to work sort of the dark side, if you will, he said shortly after 9/11, adding that its going to be vital for us to use any means at our disposal basically, to achieve our objectives. Politics: Lauren Boebert Slammed For Most Disgusting Halloween Costume More than a decade later, when the Senate Intelligence Committee released an incriminating report on the CIAs use of torture after 9/11, Cheney continued to defend the controversial interrogation tactics. Id do it again in a minute, he told NBCs Meet the Press in December 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are terrorists, Cheney said, referring to the detainees who were tortured. They are people who have committed unlawful acts of war against the American people. And we put them in places where we could proceed with the interrogation program and find out what they knew so we could protect the country against further attack. And it worked. Cheney attends a primary election night gathering on Aug. 16, 2022, in Jackson, Wyoming. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File Most recently, Cheney made heads turn with his endorsement of then-Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential election. In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Cheney said in a statement in September 2024. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again. Video: Former President Jimmy Carter Dies As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution. That is why I will be casting my vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney had supported Trump in 2016 but turned on the GOP leader following the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. Cheney had experienced heart problems for much of his adult life, suffering five heart attacks. He later got a heart transplant in 2012, about three years after retiring from his high-profile White House job. Its the gift of life itself, he told a podcast a few years after the procedure. Read Next Read the original on HuffPost Dick Cheney, who spent eight years as perhaps the most influential vice president in history and surely one of the most polarizing, has died. He was 84. "His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed. The former Vice President died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease," his family said in a statement released Tuesday morning. A powerhouse tactician, Cheney was widely perceived as something of a shadow president during his eight years as George W. Bush's vice president, having more influence and more power than any other occupant of that much-maligned office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dick Cheney played a paramount role in decisions that ranged from war and peace to the economy, the environment, and the meaning of the law," wrote Barton Gellman, author of "Angler: The Cheney Vice Presidency." "His hand was often unseen even by colleagues." The implacable Cheney also brought to the White House a deeply held belief that presidential power needed to be restored after being restricted too much by Congress. "The brain trust of President George W. Bush particularly Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld," wrote Garry Wills in "Bomb Power," "took office with him in 2001 to lead what they considered a counter-revolution. They denounced a congressional 'coup' that had hampered executive power in the 1970s." After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Cheney promulgated the "One Percent Doctrine," also known as the "Cheney Doctrine," which stated that the United States needed to attack anyone who could conceivably pose a threat to it preemptively. That doctrine played a huge role in the Bush administration's foreign policy, particularly the invasion of Iraq, and helped place the nation on war footing indefinitely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We realize that wars are never won on the defensive," Cheney said in August 2002. "We must take the battle to the enemy." A lightning rod for those on the left, the assertive Cheney would sometimes be likened to "Star Wars" villain Darth Vader. Years later, former President George H.W. Bush would call him "Old Iron Ass" and say Cheney amassed too much power during his son's presidency. "He had his own empire there and marched to his own drummer," the elder Bush told author Jon Meacham of Cheney's vice presidency. As the years went on, Cheney would be treated both as a nefarious abuser of American power Being called a traitor by Dick Cheney," said Edward Snowden, exiled leaker of secret documents, "is the highest honor you can give to an American and a virile symbol of it: "Darkness is good," Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon said in November 2016. "Dick Cheney, Darth Vader, Satan. That's power." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Cheney would also side with his daughter, then-Rep. Liz Cheney, in opposing Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and calling him out for his conduct on Jan. 6, 2021. "I watched my dad serve in the highest offices in our country for nearly 50 years," she wrote of him in "Oath and Honor." "From him, I learned what it means to have the courage of your convictions." Richard Bruce Cheney was born Jan. 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska. His father, Richard Herbert Cheney, was a soil-conservation agent for the government who was evidently pleased that his son shared a birthday with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Cheney the son entered Yale University in 1959, but after some academic struggles, found his way back west to the University of Wyoming, from which he graduated in 1965 one year after marrying Lynne Ann Vincent. He then embarked on graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to David Maraniss in "They Marched Into Sunlight," Cheney came to Madison after he won a contest in Wyoming for "a paper on the handling of right-to-work legislation in the Wyoming legislature." Cheney was a student there during some of the peak years of demonstrations against the Vietnam War, but neither the protests nor the war weighed heavily on him. "You didn't get caught up in the issue that people were protesting or demonstrating against," Maraniss quoted him as saying. Cheney's next stop was Washington, where he joined the administration of President Richard M. Nixon, serving in several positions, including on Rumsfeld's staff at the Office of Economic Opportunity. When Nixon resigned in August 1974, Cheney served on Gerald Ford's transition team, before succeeding Rumsfeld as chief of staff in November 1975. "It was as Gerald Ford's chief of staff that Cheney's talent for behind-the-scenes executive and political management blossomed," wrote Geoffrey O'Gara. "By controlling the presidents schedule and access, he made himself invaluable to the executive and unavoidable to those who sought the chiefs ear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney also sought to restore the prestige of the executive branch after Nixon's ignominious departure, urging Ford, for instance, to defiantly push back against Congress during the Senate investigation into the CIA and the nation's intelligence apparatus led by Sen. Frank Church (D-Idaho). The morning after Ford's defeat in the 1976 election, it was Cheney who read the president's concession to President-elect Jimmy Carter over the phone since Ford had lost his voice campaigning. Cheney subsequently returned to Wyoming and sought his state's lone House seat, winning with 58.6 percent of the vote in November 1978 despite suffering a heart attack in June. The candidate jokingly organized a "Cardiacs for Cheney" group to keep his campaign going. According to the Washington Post, he said no candidate had "ever tried the heart attack gimmick before." Cheney won reelection five times and rose to the position of House minority whip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His career took an unexpected turn in 1989. President George H.W. Bush had nominated former Texas Sen. John Tower to be his secretary of Defense, but Tower, known for both drinking and womanizing, was rejected by his former colleagues. The new president turned to Cheney, whose nomination was approved 92-0. In August 1990, after Kuwait was overrun by Iraq's army, the United States set about building an international coalition to liberate it. Operation Desert Storm was launched in January 1991, and victory was swift, with ground combat lasting less than a week. Cheney would share in some of that glory, along with Gens. H. Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell, but there would be ramifications down the road from the decision to leave Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in power. "The idea of going into Baghdad, for example, or trying to topple the regime wasn't anything I was enthusiastic about," Cheney said later, according to Thomas E. Ricks in "Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney's tenure at the Pentagon coincided with one of the more dramatic eras in American history. The Berlin Wall had come down and the Soviet Union dissolved, reducing the threat of nuclear war to its lowest point in decades. By the time he left office, the United States was seen as the world's last superpower. "When he left Defense in 1993," wrote O'Gara, "Cheneys reputation for smart decision-making, lack of vanity and calm leadership had never been greater. There were White House conversations Cheney was not in on them about his replacing Dan Quayle as George H.W. Bushs running mate for a second term." After Bush's defeat in 1992, Cheney returned to private life. In 2000, Cheney was serving as CEO of Halliburton when he was asked to head George W. Bush's search for a vice presidential candidate. It came as quite a surprise when Bush turned around and picked Cheney for the job. "I am proud to have Dick Cheney at my side," Bush said in his acceptance speech in Philadelphia. "He is a man of integrity and sound judgment, who has proven that public service can be noble service." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the situation struck many as unusual. "To help him narrow down the list of possibilities," quipped humorist Dave Barry, "Bush called on veteran political insider Dick 'Dick' Cheney, who conducted an exhaustive wide-ranging search that took him to every corner of his house." It was understood that Cheney, Rumsfeld and other Washington veterans were needed to bring gravitas to the administration, having the experience and institutional knowledge the new president lacked. But Cheney was not one to be shunted aside on policy issues, as so many vice presidents had been. "Cheney was not trying to aggrandize himself, to steer money to friends, or to set himself up for higher office," Gellman told Harper's in 2008. "He simply believed that the stakes were high and he was more capable than others." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney was firm in his belief that Congress had emasculated the presidency, and it was time for the White House to reclaim its full authority. He particularly resented legislation passed in response to the Vietnam War that was designed to put a brake on the president's ability to wage war. That all became clear after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. That morning, after two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, there were fears that a third was headed straight for the White House. A third plane soon hit the Pentagon. "My Secret Service agent said, 'Sir, we have to leave now,'" Cheney was quoted as saying by Garrett M. Graff in "The Only Plane in the Sky." "He grabbed me and propelled me out of my office, down the hall, and into the underground shelter in the White House. ... They practice this you move, whether you want to be moved or not, you're going." With Bush in Sarasota, Florida, that morning visiting a school, Cheney took hold of the situation in Washington from the Presidential Emergency Operations Center under the White House's North Lawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney sought and received authorization from Bush to do what would have been unthinkable only hours earlier: permission to shoot down any civilian jet attempting another attack, presumably at the loss of innocent American lives. That proved unnecessary, as the fourth and final hijacked plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed after passengers stormed the cockpit. "Cheney was famously implacable, but I thought I saw a reflection of horror on his face," wrote Richard A. Clarke in "Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror" of that day. "In the years since," Cheney was quoted as saying in "The Only Plane in the Sky," "I've heard speculation that I'm a different man after 9/11. I wouldn't say that. But I'll freely admit that watching a coordinated, devastating attack on our country from an underground bunker at the White House can affect how you view your responsibilities." After the horror of that day, no response to terrorism seemed to be off the table, both on the domestic front and around the globe. The "war on terror" was everywhere at once, and it came to include torture and other interrogation techniques formerly considered unthinkable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A culture of secrecy was deemed essential for the government, but the United States could also invade its citizens' privacy to protect them, using surveillance technology approved in secret hearings to collect staggering amounts of data from Americans. Cheney brushed past Fourth Amendment concerns. According to Ron Suskind in his 2006 book, "The One Percent Doctrine: Deep Inside America's Pursuit of Its Enemies Since 9/11," the Cheney Doctrine was first enunciated in a meeting discussing possible Pakistani links to Al Qaeda. All threats had to be neutralized before they could strike first, Cheney said. "Now spoken, it stood," wrote Suskind, "a standard of action that would frame events and responses from the administration for years to come. The Cheney Doctrine. Even if there's just a 1 percent chance of the unimaginable coming due, act as if is a certainty." Suskind added: "As to 'evidence,' the bar was set so low that the word itself almost didn't apply." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quickly, there was an invasion of Afghanistan. After that, Cheney would become the loudest voice in the administration in favor of invading Iraq, with or without the support of Americas allies, pushing back against others like Secretary of State Colin Powell who urged restraint until all the facts were in. "There is no doubt Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction," Cheney said in August 2002. "There is no doubt that he is amassing them to use against our friends, against our allies and against us." Iraq was invaded and Hussein was toppled, but no weapons of mass destruction were to be found, undermining the rationale for the war. As the situation in Iraq fell apart, Bush saw his approval rating tumble and Cheney's popularity fell with it. Cheney also became ensnared in the scandal that resulted from the naming in a Robert Novak column of CIA operative Valerie Plame; the leak was seen as retribution for an article written by her husband. Though no one was convicted of leaking the information, Cheney's chief of staff, Lewis "Scooter" Libby, was convicted of making false statements in the case. The strangest incident of Cheney's vice presidency occurred Feb. 11, 2006, when he accidentally shot Harry Whittington, an influential Texas attorney, during a quail hunt at a ranch. Whittington was hit by dozens of pellets, but he survived. No charges were filed against Cheney, though some questions were raised about the length of time it took for information to come out and why an experienced hunter like Cheney was not more careful. (The incident was embellished in Vice, the vicious 2018 biopic about Cheney starring Christian Bale.) A year later, Cheney was the target of an assassination attempt while visiting Afghanistan, though the administration denied it at the time. According to Craig Whitlock's "The Afghanistan Papers," Cheney was the intended target of a suicide bombing at the Bagram Air Base that left 23 people dead. Cheney was not near the explosion. At the end of Bush's tenure, Cheney did not seek the presidency, though he remained in the spotlight. Through the Obama years, the former vice president would remain a vocal advocate of the Bush administration's aggressive actions to keep America safe sometimes jabbing at Powell and others as well as a consistent critic of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, who called Cheney "the most dangerous vice president" in American history. "When we get people who are more concerned," Cheney said at the start of the Obama administration, "about reading the rights to an al Qaeda terrorist than they are with protecting the United States against people who are absolutely committed to do anything they can to kill Americans, I worry." To some it seemed, Cheney was still fighting his Washington foes. In "Spiral: Trapped in the Forever War," author Mark Danner wrote: "Cheney's dark admonitions were both exculpatory, pointing back to and justifying what the Bush administration had done, and menacing, warning about attacks that he claimed were coming and laying down a clear predicate for who would be blamed in their wake." In December 2015, Cheney was honored in a Capitol ceremony to unveil his his vice presidential bust. "For eight consequential years, I benefited from his wise counsel. He was the principal and most trusted adviser on the most difficult questions facing our country," George W. Bush said. Cheney also spoke of how he hoped future visitors would remember him. "I would want them to know this much at least here, was a believer in America," Cheney said, "so fortunate in his life experiences, so blessed in his friends, so grateful in all his days to have served as vice president of the United States of America." With his daughter Liz, he wrote "Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America." The book emphasized his belief that no country had ever done more for the world than the United States: We have guaranteed freedom, security, and peace for a larger share of humanity than has any other nation in all of history. There is no other like us." Liz Cheney was elected to Congress from Wyoming in 2016 and rose to the No. 3 spot in the House Republican caucus. Later, she would become one of President Donald Trumps most vocal Republican critics and a member of the House's Jan. 6 committee, factors that contributed to her losing the Republican primary for her House seat in 2022. In January 2021, Dick Cheney joined the other nine living former Defense secretaries (including Rumsfeld, who died later that year) in signing an open letter stating that Trump had lost the 2020 presidential election and that Trump and the current leaders of the Pentagon would be betraying their country if they worked to keep him in office. "American elections and the peaceful transfers of power that result are the hallmarks of our democracy," they wrote. "Each of us swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic," the letter said. "We did not swear it to an individual or a party." Days later, according to her book "Oath and Honor," Dick Cheney would warn his daughter by phone that Trump was attacking her in his Jan. 6 speech on the Ellipse even as she and the other members of Congress met to certify the Electoral College results. "He has created a serious threat to your security," Liz Cheney said he told her. "The next time I talked to my father," she wrote in her book, "I was being rushed from the House chamber as the violent mob mobilized by Trump stormed through the Capitol." During 2022, Cheney recorded a campaign message for his daughter, who was under fire in Wyoming for her work in the House investigating Trump's role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. "In our nation's 246-year history," Dick Cheney said, "there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump. He tried to steal the last election. ... Liz is fearless. She never backs down from a fight." She lost her primary anyway. In September 2024, both Cheneys said they intended to vote for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution," he said in a statement. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, an architect of the global war on terrorism and second Iraq war who served for decades in Congress and three Republican administrations, died Monday night of complications from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, his family said in a statement. He was 84. Cheney served as vice president for eight years under President George W. Bush and as defense secretary under his father, President George H.W. Bush. Before that, he served in the U.S. House as a Republican from Wyoming and as White House chief of staff for President Gerald Ford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing," the family statement, provided by their spokesperson Jeremy Adler, said. "We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man. Cheney, a forceful and polarizing figure in Washington, was a key figure in the defense and foreign policies of the two Bush administrations. A defense hawk, Cheney spearheaded two major U.S. military operations during Bush senior's tenure, including an invasion of Panama that toppled the country's leader, General Manuel Noriega, and the first Gulf War, in which a U.S.-led coalition of allied nations liberated Kuwait from Iraq after its leader Saddam Hussein's brief and widely condemned invasion of the country. Unlike the second war in Iraq, the 1991 conflict did not end in the removal of Hussein and a protracted occupation by U.S. and allied forces. Vice President Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush at the Pentagon in 2006. (Brooks Kraft / Corbis via Getty Images) During the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Cheney was taken to a White House bunker. Reflecting on that day in a 2009 speech, he said, "Ive heard occasional speculation that Im a different man after 9/11. I wouldnt say that. But Ill freely admit that watching a coordinated, devastating attack on our country from an underground bunker at the White House can affect how you view your responsibilities." In the days afterward, Cheney initially told NBC's "Meet the Press" that the U.S. response should be aimed at Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda, not Iraq. Bob Woodward later wrote in his book "Bush at War" that while then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld lobbied for military strikes on Iraq, Cheney also expressed deep concern about Saddam and wouldnt rule out going after Iraq at some point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As vice president under George W. Bush, Cheney fiercely defended the 2003 invasion of Iraq despite the failure to find weapons of mass destruction in the country, which the Bush administration had claimed were a threat given what it alleged were the Hussein government's links to Al Qaeda. Cheney also rebuked Democrats for accusations that the Bush administration manipulated intelligence to invade Iraq, calling the attacks dishonest and reprehensible. Cheney said in 2006 that the U.S. invasion of Iraq would have been the right move to safeguard national security even if the intelligence community had determined beforehand that there were no weapons of mass destruction. The war, which continued until the U.S. withdrawal in 2011 under President Barack Obama, was widely viewed as destabilizing to the Middle East, creating a power vacuum and instability that led to the development of other terrorist groups, including the Islamic State. As a Republican senator from Nebraska in 2005, Chuck Hagel, who later served as Obama's defense secretary, warned that the Iraq War was reminiscent of Vietnam. We should start figuring out how we get out of there, but with this understanding: We cannot leave a vacuum that further destabilizes the Middle East, Hagel said in an interview on ABC's "This Week." I think our involvement there has destabilized the Middle East. And the longer we stay there, I think the further destabilization will occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney spearheaded the Bush administration's "war on terror" and argued in favor of warrantless wiretapping efforts domestically and harsh interrogation techniques abroad, including extreme measures such as waterboarding and sleep deprivation. Even after the CIA stopped using those tactics and Cheney had left the White House, he continued to maintain that those policies were justified. Cheney with fellow members of the Bush administration on the president's ranch in Crawford, Texas, in 2004. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP file) Torture is what the Al Qaeda terrorists did to 3,000 Americans on 9/11, Cheney told NBCs "Meet the Press" in 2014. There is no comparison between that and what we did with respect to enhanced interrogation. Cheney faced continual criticism from Democrats during his tenure in the White House, including from then-Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, who unsuccessfully attempted to impeach him over the Iraq War. Cheney also earned the nickname "Darth Vader" from his political foes, although he eventually embraced the joke. Former President George W. Bush referred to his former vice president in a statement Tuesday as "a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheneys service always reflected credit on the country he loved." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Cheney was not as visibly active in politics after he left the White House in 2009, he became an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump in recent years. He said during the general election last year that he would vote for the Democratic nominee, then-Vice President Kamala Harris, in the 2024 presidential election. Trump responded by calling him an irrelevant RINO. In a 2022 re-election ad for his daughter, then-Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., he warned, "In our nations 246-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump." Liz Cheney, herself a vocal Trump critic over his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, ultimately lost the race. Cheney with Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., his daughter, at his home in Virginia in 2021. (David Hume Kennerly / Getty Images file) As vice president in 2006, Cheney accidentally shot then-78-year-old Harry Whittington as they hunted quail on a Texas ranch who survived the incident. Cheney told Fox News that the shooting was his fault and said it was one of the worst days of my life." Cheney had various health issues over the years, including multiple heart attacks, and in 2012 he received a heart transplant. He is survived by his wife, Lynne Cheney, his daughters, Liz and Mary Cheney, and several grandchildren. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (The Center Square) Dick Cheney, vice president to former President George W. Bush, has died. He was 84. His family was with him Monday evening and said the cause of death was due to complications of pneumonia and cardiovascular disease. Cheney served as the 46th vice president, often being referred to as the most powerful vice president in U.S. history. He played a key role in fighting the war on terror, including the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed, his family said in a statement. Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. Cheney served as vice president from 2001-09. Prior to serving as vice president, he had a long history in Washington, D.C., where he served as President Gerald Fords chief of staff from 1975-77. Cheney went on to represent Wyoming in the House of Representatives from 1979-89. After leaving Congress, Cheney served as President George H.W. Bushs secretary of defense from 1989-93, overseeing the first Gulf War. In recent years, the former vice president became an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, endorsing former Vice President Kamala Harris in her campaign against Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had endorsed Trump during his first presidential bid in 2016. Cheney was born in Lincoln, Neb., in 1941, and married his wife, Lynne, in 1964. The couple had two daughters, Liz and Mary. Liz served in Congress, also representing Wyoming. His family praised the former vice president for his contributions to the country. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country, the family said in the statement. "And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man." KYLE, Texas (KXAN) Voters in the City of Kyle will head back to the polls in December to decide who becomes the citys next mayor. No one in the four candidate field received more than 50% of the vote in Tuesdays special election, setting the stage for a runoff election between the top two candidates, Robert Rizo and Yvonne Flores-Cale. Rizo received just over 42% of the vote, while Flores-Cale finished with 32%. The runoff election will be held on December 13. The special election comes after incumbent Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell announced he would resign from his office effective this month, one year before his term was scheduled to end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitchell, mayor since 2017, said he was proud of the citys accomplishments during his tenure in a July Facebook post, noting strong investments made towards the Kyle Police Department, public parks and roads. Im proud of what weve accomplished and excited to watch as our new major investments begin to materialize in the years ahead, he said. I step down with confidence in our long-term position in the region. Mitchell also expressed interest in returning to the private sector, adding that he felt it was time someone else led the city in the mayoral office; Mitchell was the longest-serving mayor in Kyles history. Four candidates are on the ballot hoping to take the mayoral office. Yvonne Flores-Cale A paralegal and prior Councilwoman for Kyles District 2, Flores-Cale boasts her bipartisan approach to governing per her campaign website. Courtesy: Yvonne Flores-Cale If elected, Flores-Cale wrote she would focus on improving the citys water system. Kyle has experienced water shortages and water infrastructure challenges, something Flores-Cale said could be fixed by investing more in wastewater systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyles rapid growth brings both exciting opportunities and significant challenges, she wrote. In this time of rapid development, our community deserves strong leadership that instills a sense of security and trust. Flores-Cale added she would also focus on improving communication between city hall and Kyle residents and dedicating more funds to improving public roads. Robert Rizo The current Councilman for Kyles District 2, Rizos main concerns are housing affordability and public education. In a city thats only continuing to grow, Rizo said on his campaign website that its important that Kyle invests more in its schools, roads and public safety to keep up with demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future of Kyle depends on leadership that knows where Kyle has been and understands how to lead us into the future, together, Rizo wrote. Nobody knows this better than me. Rizo added he would also invest more money towards Kyles downtown area, giving it a stronger sense of identity and culture. Andrea Villescaz Villescaz filed her campaign for Kyle Mayor Aug. 29, city election filings show. While she has a campaign Facebook page, limited information is currently available about her platform. Donny Wills Courtesy: Donny Wills Wills is a U.S. Army veteran who served for over 10 years before being discharged following a traumatic brain injury. He launched his campaign in a bid to ensure the voices of those in Kyle dont go unheard, according to his campaigns Facebook page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wills said if elected, he would focus on improving government transparency and communication with residents. Far too many residents feel their voices arent being heard, their concerns are dismissed and their ideas are overlooked, he said. Thats not how local government should work. Elected officials are chosen to serve, to listen and to make decisions that reflect the will and well-being of the community, not for personal or political interests. 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 KXAN Austin. A group of Afghans approved for resettlement in Germany has arrived in the northern city of Hanover en route from Pakistan in the fourth such transfer since the current German government took office. The group of 31 Afghan nationals left Islamabad on a commercial flight with a stopover in Istanbul. The group arrived in Hanover Tuesday evening, where previous groups have also landed before being distributed across the country, an interior ministry spokesman told dpa. The refugees involved were described as "exclusively persons for whom legally binding court orders oblige the Federal Republic of Germany" to allow entry and issue the necessary visas. All of them had previously undergone an admission procedure and a security check. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transfer is part of German admission programmes for particularly vulnerable Afghans, including former local staff, human rights defenders and others eligible for protection. A former school principal from Kabul expressed relief and gratitude after waiting more than a year for her departure. "I want education for my daughters in Germany," she told dpa. An Afghan journalist travelling with his wife and young son said he felt hopeful about their future, but was saddened that part of his family had to remain in Islamabad. Many Afghan families have been stranded in Islamabad for months or years, waiting for their chance to leave. Germany's conservative-led coalition government suspended a resettlement programme for particularly vulnerable Afghans in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scheme had covered former local staff of German institutions, their relatives and others fearing persecution by the Taliban, such as lawyers and journalists. Some Afghans are still being granted visas despite the suspension, after successfully suing in German courts to enforce their right to entry. According to the German government, around 1,900 Afghans with approved admission or declarations of acceptance remain in Pakistan. In its coalition agreement, the German government of conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to end voluntary federal admission programmes such as those for Afghanistan and not to introduce new ones. WASHINGTON A Fox News report prompted President Donald Trump to call out Nigeria over the killing of Christians and then threaten military action, setting off a scramble in the White House over the weekend, according to multiple U.S. officials. Its still unclear what if anything the administration will do to counter Islamic militants in Nigeria, but precision drone strikes are among the preliminary options being considered, two U.S. officials said. A White House spokesperson declined Monday to offer any details on the plans under consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At President Trumps direction, the administration is planning options for possible action to stop the killing of Christians in Nigeria," the spokeswoman, Anna Kelly, said in a statement. "Any announcements will come from the President directly." A vendor sells local newspapers with headlines referring to President Donald Trump's comments about Nigeria, on the street of Lagos, Nigeria, on Sunday. (Sunday Alamba / AP) Trump's first social media post on Nigeria came Friday night after he watched a Fox News report on violence in the West African nation, two administration officials said. The president asked his staff for more information about the situation and, shortly after, declared in a Truth Social post that he was designating Nigeria a "country of particular concern" over its failure to, in his words, stop the "mass slaughter" of Christians. Trump then went further in a Saturday post, directing the Defense Department to prepare for possible military action. If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities, Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not the first time the presidents rapid fire social media posts have moved faster than policy deliberations, with officials rushing to draft diplomatic and military options and allied governments taken by surprise. Experts and scholars who follow events in Nigeria say Trumps portrayal of the security situation in the country as a Christian genocide is misleading and oversimplified, as Nigerians of all faiths have suffered at the hands of Islamist extremists and other groups. Trump's posts even contradicted one of his own senior State Department advisers, Massad Boulous, who said last month that Muslims have died in larger numbers than Christians. People of all religions and of all tribes are dying, and it is very unfortunate, and we even know that Boko Haram and ISIS are killing more Muslims than more Christians," Boulos said while meeting with the Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rome, according to state media outlet, Voice of Nigeria. "So people are suffering from all sorts of backgrounds. This is not specifically targeted at one group or the other." People walk past torched houses following an attack by Boko Haram in Darul Jamal, Nigeria, on Sept. 6. (AP file) Speaking to reporters Monday, Trump hinted that he was open to sending troops on the ground in Nigeria, but that seemed like a far less likely option as he has generally been loath to deploy troops to conflicts overseas, according to the two U.S. officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior Trump administration official said the White House is in regular contact with the Nigerian government. We hope that the Nigerian government will be a partner in the process of addressing this issue, and work with the United States to take swift and immediate action to address the violence that is affecting Christians, as well as countless other innocent civilians across Nigeria, the official said. Nigerias government was taken aback by Trumps statements, but officials cited the two countries friendly relations and called for a cooperative approach between the two governments to tackle the threat posed by Islamist groups. Daniel Bwala, an adviser to Nigerias president, told the BBC that any military action against the Islamist groups should be carried out jointly. Nigeria would welcome U.S. help in tackling the militants but added that it was a sovereign country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State terrorist groups branch in West Africa sometimes use anti-Christian language, but their attacks are indiscriminate, targeting civilians, officials and local leaders regardless of religion, according to Miriam Adah, an analyst with the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED), a U.S.-based nonprofit that tracks conflicts and crises. In Nigeria, the violence is widespread and complex. It involves insurgents, bandits, ethnic clashes and land disputes not a single campaign to eliminate Christians, Adah said. Both Christians and Muslims are victims. The bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has pointed to violence against both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, saying there are systematic religious freedom violations in the country. Violence affects large numbers of Christians and Muslims in several states across Nigeria, the commission said in a report last year. It also described the Nigerian government's response to attacks on civilians by nonstate actors as slow or ineffective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Islamist groups like Boko Haram are not the only actors behind violence in Nigeria, experts say. Apart from Boko Haram and an ISIS branch in northern Nigeria, there is a separatist movement in the southeast, ethnic militant groups in the oil-producing Niger Delta, kidnapping gangs in the northwest and clashes between Muslim herders and Christian farmers in the Middle Belt fueled by climate change. Trumps comments may have had more to do with domestic American politics than addressing a security threat in Nigeria, experts said. Some Republican lawmakers, aligned with elements of Nigerias Christian diaspora population in the United States, have long focused on the plight of Christians in Nigeria. And Trump may have been trying to deliver a message to his Christian supporters in the United States, experts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans on the Hill in particular, for years, have been trying to frame Nigeria as a Christian genocide, and they have strong allies in the Nigerian diaspora in the United States, said Darren Kerr, dean of the School of Peace Studies at the University of California at San Diego. Nigerias population of 230 million is split almost evenly between Muslims and Christians, and the sectarian divide has triggered political violence in the past. Trumps comments threaten to potentially light a match in an already fragile landscape, Kerr said. To bring the weight of the United States solely on the Christian side and to frame things in a Muslim-Christian dimension is probably extremely unhelpful to both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, Kerr said. The United States does, however, have grounds to question how the Nigerian government is using the weapons and other assistance that Washington has delivered over the years, Kerr said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had the president been more measured in his comments to say Nigeria, we give it all this money, whats happened?' That, I think, is a legitimate criticism on the part of the United States to say to the government, Look, what are you guys doing? Wheres the strategy? Wheres the success, wheres the progress that were expecting? This article was originally published on NBCNews.com French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has called for a ceasefire between the warring parties in Sudan, with Paris denouncing the ethnic nature of the abuses attributed to the RSF paramilitaries, particularly in the flashpoint city of El-Fasher. "For the past few days, the situation has been worsening in Sudan with the fall of the city of El-Fasher in Darfur and with the fear, fuelled by a number of facts that seem to be established, of major abuses affecting tens of thousands of innocent people," French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the press on Monday. "Both belligerents must cease fire and comply with international humanitarian law to definitively end this tragedy," he insisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 18 months of siege, bombardment and starvation, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of the strategic city of El-Fasher on 26 October, dislodging the army's last stronghold in Sudan's western Darfur region. Since then reports have emerged of executions, sexual violence, looting, attacks on aid workers and abductions in and around El-Fasher, where communications remain largely cut off. The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) also expressed its "grave concern" on Monday about the abuses and atrocities committed in the city of El-Fasher, and warned that such acts "may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity." UN warns of ethnically motivated 'atrocities' in Sudan's El-Fasher Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the United Nations, more than 65,000 people have fled the city, including around 5,000 to the nearby town of Tawila, but tens of thousands remain trapped. "France strongly condemns the ethnic atrocities perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El-Facher, including summary executions, massacres, rapes, attacks on humanitarian workers, looting, abductions and forced displacement," a French foreign ministry spokesman said. 'Spiralling out of control' This statement echoes that of UN chief Antonio Guterres, who on Tuesday also called for a halt to the violence in Sudan and warned the crisis in the country was rapidly worsening. Warring parties need to "come to the negotiating table [and] bring an end to this nightmare of violence now," Guterres said, adding "the horrifying crisis in Sudan... is spiralling out of control". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barrot commended the efforts on the diplomatic front of the so-called Quad group comprising the United States, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to secure a truce in the more than 30-month conflict in Sudan. Sudan's army-backed authorities said they would meet on Tuesday to discuss a new US proposal for a ceasefire. In September, the four powers proposed a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to civilian rule, but the army-aligned government immediately rejected the plan at the time. Sudan's brutal war needs 'more than battlefield wins' after US peace push Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trump sent an envoy to Africa for talks in Egypt on Sunday with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and then on Monday with the Arab League. During the talks, Abdelatty stressed "the importance of concerted efforts to reach a humanitarian truce and a ceasefire throughout Sudan, paving the way for a comprehensive political process in the country", according to a foreign ministry statement. According to the Arab League, Boulos met the regional body's chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and briefed him on recent US efforts in Sudan to "halt the war, expedite aid delivery and initiate a political process". The latest discussions follow an escalation on the ground, with the RSF appearing to prepare an assault on the central Kordofan region, linking the vast western region of Darfur with Khartoum, the capital. (with newswires) JONES, Okla. (KFOR) As SNAP benefits are paused across the country with the federal Government Shutdown still going on, many small businesses are stepping up to help the community by opening food pantries. The most recent shop to open a pantry is Luxe Coffee Co. in Jones. We have both at some point in our life, been there, like most people have. So she was like, Hey, this is what we need to do,' said Amber Carrell, the manager at Luxe Coffee Co. Luxe Coffee Co. is lending a helping hand to those in need, all from their coffee shop. Theyre calling it the Luxe Cares Food Pantry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LOCAL NEWS: LIST: Food banks, churches, and others providing help to Oklahomans during government shutdown When I was pregnant with my son, you know, I was on the state program, and that really helped me because I was so young. So, it just means a lot to be able to provide all of the food and as much as we can, said Kassie Fields, the owner of Luxe Coffee Co. With snap benefits on pause and many Oklahoma government employees missing paychecks, owner Kassie Fields and manager Amber Carrell said the idea just came naturally. Were both blessed enough to have jobs and able to provide for our families. So if we can help with others, wed love to do it, said Carrell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together, they hope its just another way to help those in a time of uncertainty surrounding food. The pantry is open every day and is available to anyone. I feel like these small communities, they always come together in a time of need. And so thats kind of I just want people to know that were here and, you know, just come in, grab what you need, said Fields. LOCAL NEWS: Othellos serves up free pasta for families in need Luxe Coffee Co. is open near the corner of North Hiawassee and Britton in Jones. In addition to the new food pantry, the Jones Elementary School is hosting its annual food drive for the Eastern Oklahoma County Resource Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youd like to drop off a donation for that organization, you can bring them to the elementary school. If youd like to help out Luxe Coffee Co. with donations, you can drop them off at their coffee shop. For more information, go to their Facebook Page. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. On Saturday, with the holidays approaching and the government shutdown threatening food aid for millions, pressure on area food pantries was ratcheting up. That also was the day Souls Harbor in Joplin received some needed donations from Freedom of Road Riders local chapter 11. The group conducted its ninth annual food drive earlier that day in the parking lot of Cash Savers grocery store, 811 W. Seventh St. Dianna Gurley, director of Souls Harbor, said the help is appreciated. Weve increased from giving out 20 to 25 boxes of food a day to over 50 boxes of food a day now in recent months, Gurley said. It's been a huge increase. The Freedom of Road Riders have held this food drive for us for nine years now on the first weekend in November and it really helps a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gurley said Souls Harbor receives hundreds of cans of non-perishable food from the drive each time it is held. For the past two years, the group has held two food drives, one with a Christmas-in-July theme over the Independence Day weekend and one on the first weekend in November. The collect food in the morning and around the noon hour and then at 2 p.m. all these bikes come pulling up in front and they deliver the food theyve collected, Gurley said. It helps tremendously. Its grown so much over the last few years that they'll bring somewhere between 500 and 600 items usually. Mike Capps, leader of Freedom of Road Riders Southwest Missouri Chapter 11, said this year they were bringing in more than $1,000 worth of food and other donations. They spent about half an hour Saturday unloading three pickup trucks full of food in front of the Souls Harbors administrative office, 817 S. Main St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We work really closely with the team at Cash Savers, who also support this event extensively, Capps said. We team up to make sure this event is a success. Today, in cash donations we spent $711. On top of what was donated were bringing in at least $1,000 worth of food. This is one event we do every year to support the community. We like to get involved with the community and we have different ways to do that. This is the main one we like to do. Capps said his group and Souls Harbor benefit from this drive. We have a lot of young members and the value is tangible to Souls Harbor but its more intangible to us being that we teach our younger people whats its all about and the idea of charity to all, Capps said. Its invaluable to us to be able to teach our people and our future how to support the community. With California's special election now one day away, Fresno County's Election Warehouse is ramping up. "Things are very busy," County Clerk and Registrar of Voters James Kus told Action News on Monday. "We're continuing with our solid turnout." Kus confirms nearly 130,000 Fresno County voters have already cast their ballots. Almost all of the county's vote centers are now open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have 26 locations plus our downtown office, and we will be opening a one-day pop-up in Mendota open from 7 AM until 8 PM," Kus said. Voters are deciding on Proposition 50, the state's effort to draw new congressional lines that would temporarily favor Democrats after Republicans acted first in Texas. "We really need to see what happens today and tomorrow," Kus said. Voters have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to get in line or use a white ballot drop box. The deadline to return ballots by mail is even earlier. They must be postmarked on Tuesday. "You can go to the U.S. Postal Service, but you should be going inside and getting your envelope postmarked," Kus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the polls close, the race to count all the ballots begins. The first results are expected at 8 PM, followed by at least two updates later that night. "Because this is a shorter ballot, I do hope to have 95 to 97 percent of all ballots counted and tabulated, and the results provided by next Wednesday," Kus said. As the tabulation is underway, election observers will be watching. Local, state, and even federal officials are expected. "They can raise questions and potentially challenge a process itself based on the law, but they cannot challenge a voter or any of our ballots," Kus said. For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook, X and Instagram. WASHINGTON (AP) In diplomacy, even short words matter. And with a brief Truth Social post, President Donald Trump may have revealed his approach to the U.S.-China relationship to the delight of reputation-conscious Beijing but to the worries of U.S. allies concerned with China's ascending global power. The G2 WILL BE CONVENING SHORTLY!" Trump wrote moments before he headed into a widely watched summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Oct. 30 in South Korea, reviving a phrase that dates to the early 2000s but had been rejected by Washington for at least the past decade including during Trump's first term. G2, or Group of Two, was first proposed by American economist C. Fred Bergsten in 2005 to urge what he considered the necessity for the two major economies to talk to each other. It has come to imply a power equilibrium between the two nations something that Beijing has long coveted as it ascended from regional powerhouse to pivotal global player. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that equilibrium, and how China might approach it, stirs fears among U.S. allies and partners. The G2 concept implies that China and the United States are peers on the global stage and their positions should be given equal weight, said Neil Thomas, a fellow on Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Trump's use of the once-discarded term has come at a time when observers and analysts, including those advising Beijing, are deciphering his administration's China policy, which has yet to crystallize in the face of a more assertive Chinese government. It's spreading To understand the terms significance beyond diplomatic circles, its important to look into Chinas past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the beginning of the 20th century, even before its communist government took power, China objected to Western attempts to contain it. After World War II, the containment policy became a common way of describing a strategy the Chinese government felt was an institutionalized way of keeping it disempowered and in its place. Much of Chinese diplomacy during the early 2000s was keyed to upending this pillar of the world order. Even today, Chinas vaunted Belt and Road initiative is designed to spread Chinese influence and, in part, combat what used to be called containment. In a weekend post, Trump called his G2 meeting with President Xi of China a great one for both countries, and wrote: This meeting will lead to everlasting peace and success. God bless both China and the USA!" Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth repeated the term in an X post after he spoke with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun. Mira Rapp-Hooper, a former Biden administration official, warned that Trump's use of the term will likely have "provoked significant anxiety in allied capitals, where allies fear that the Trump administration will cut deals with China that may leave them at a disadvantage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term's new rise has pleased Bergsten, who said he never meant for the G2 to supplant other multilateral groupings or international organizations such as the G7 or G20 but to work out the necessary cooperation between the two big superpowers. It does not mean the U.S. and China telling the rest of the world what to do, or trying to dictate to the rest of the world," he said. I think (Trump) was using it as shorthand for the two biggest, most important economies getting together to talk about the whole range of global economic issues, Bergsten told The Associated Press on Friday. So it really, it is the vision that I had 20 years ago when I proposed the concept. China reacts to the new G2 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese commentators immediately picked up on Trump's use of G2 and somewhat triumphally. Trump's G2, to some extent, is that the U.S. has accepted the reality that it no longer has the unipolar position but wants to build a bipolar world with China, commented Housha Yueguang, a popular blog account known for its nationalist leanings. "It means Europe is no longer important, let alone Japan or India. The day after Trump posted the remark, a journalist for an Indian news service asked at a Chinese Foreign Ministry daily briefing whether the two countries were working for the creation of a G2 group, which the journalist said could change the world order. Guo Jiakun, a ministry spokesperson, said the two countries "can jointly shoulder our responsibilities as major countries. Guo adhered to Beijing's line that the country would continue to practice true multilateralism" and work for an equal and orderly multipolar world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhao Minghao, a Chinese scholar on China-U.S. relations, said the new G2 does not mean China and the U.S. co-ruling the world, nor does it mean that cooperation will replace competition in bilateral relations. It means the two countries will again examine the importance of the China-U.S. relations and be willing to conduct more communications and coordination," Zhao wrote in an article published on the Hong Kong news site hk01.com. Washington has rejected the term in the past Bergsten said he proposed the concept 20 years ago when China was rising rapidly as an economic power and believed it was essential for the two countries which he predicted would soon be the only two economic superpowers to get together to get any kind of progress on international economic issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term was discussed and pursued for a few years but faded when China and the United States diverged after the financial crisis. Rapp-Hooper, who served as senior director for East Asia and Oceania at the National Security Council in the Biden administration, is now a partner at The Asia Group. She said the term was popularized in the early years of the Obama administration. It came, she said, from some senior officials who thought the two countries should define their relationship through cooperation to address global problems. While China embraced the term, Washington came to discredit it because it implied that the United States and China would make major global decisions without other U.S. partners present, particularly its allies, she said. It is a term that plays very poorly in countries like Japan, Australia and India, Rapp-Hooper said. They hear the United States deferring to Chinese preferences in Asia, potentially at a cost to their interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kurt Campbell, deputy secretary of state in the Biden administration, said there were real anxieties in Asia about the way the actual G2 was manifested. It wasn't just the notion that the countries were making decisions that would affect the region, said Campbell, now chairman of The Asia Group. It was how China used the concept or the idea of it to make other surrounding nations feel insecure. It is a concept, he said, that has been powerfully delegitimized. Nov. 3MOSES LAKE Gas prices have dropped for the second week in a row in Washington, Grant County and nationally. However, Adams County saw a slight increase in fuel prices. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said gas prices fell below the $3 mark this weekend; however, that drop is short-lived. "Gas prices are likely to rebound soon in the Great Lakes states due to ongoing refinery challenges, while a new snag at a California refinery may slow the pace of declines on the West Coast. To top it off, OPEC+ announced another boost to oil production for December over the weekend, though they also signaled a pause in further increases from January through March. For now, expect the national average to hover in the low-$3 range, potentially drifting lower once refinery issues are resolved," De Haan said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the fourth week in a row that prices have seen decreases in Grant County. As of Monday, prices were sitting at $4.35 in the county. This is a five-cent decrease from last week. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at $4.48, or seven cents more expensive than now. Adams County broke its four-week trend of decreasing average fuel prices this week. Prices saw an increase of nearly ten cents this week, with the average fuel price in the county sitting at $4.07. As of a month ago, prices were sitting at $4.45, or 38 cents higher than currently. Grant and Adams counties have traditionally had similar prices to one another; however, this week, there is a 28-cent difference between the two counties, with Adams County being a cheaper location to purchase gasoline. Grant and Adams counties remain in the middle of the pack for fuel prices in the state. San Juan County is the most expensive at $5.36 and Asotin County is the least expensive at $3.73. This means there is a range of around $1.63 from the least expensive fuel averages in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington's average fuel prices dropped for the eighth week in a row, with prices sitting at $4.29. Looking back to Sept. 15, prices were sitting at $4.66 and dropped to $4.62 on Sept. 22. Average fuel prices dropped again on Sept. 29 to $4.56 and again Oct. 6 to $4.52. The trend continued with Oct. 13 prices sitting at $ 4.48 and Oct. 20 prices at $4.42. Last week's prices were sitting at $4.35, which means there was a six-cent decrease from last week to Monday. As of a year ago, prices were lower, sitting at $4.03, or 32 cents cheaper than now. Only California, at $4.66, and Hawaii, at $4.4,8 have higher average fuel prices in the nation. Nationally, there was a one-cent decrease in average gasoline prices from last week with prices sitting at $3.04. A month ago, prices were 11 cents higher at $3.15. As of a year ago, prices were also higher, with the average fuel price sitting at $3.10. Gov. Gavin Newsom stepped to the microphone at the state Democratic headquarters in mid-August with the conviction of a man certain he was on the right side of history, bluntly saying California has a moral obligation to thwart President Trumps attempt to tilt the balance of Congress. Over the next 2 months, Newsom became the public face of Proposition 50, a measure designed to help Democrats win control of the U.S. House of Representatives by temporarily redrawing California's congressional districts. Newsom took that leap despite tepid support for a gerrymandering measure in early polls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Tuesday's election, the fate of Proposition 50 arrives at a pivotal moment for Newsom, who last week acknowledged publicly that hes weighing a 2028 presidential run. The outcome will test not only his political instincts but also his ability to deliver on a measure that has national attention fixed squarely on him. From the outset, Newsom paired his conviction with caution. Im mindful of the hard work ahead, Newsom said in August, shortly after lawmakers placed Proposition 50 on the ballot. It was familiar territory for a governor who has built a career on high-stakes political bets. As San Francisco mayor, his decision to issue same-sex marriage licenses in 2004 made him a progressive icon. It also drew accusations hed energized conservative turnout that year in the presidential election that ended with George W. Bush winning a second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the state's newly elected governor, he suspended the death penalty in 2019 despite voters having twice rejected measures to do so, calling it a costly and biased system that fails to deliver justice a move that drew fury from law enforcement groups and victims families. His decision to take on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a 2023 prime-time debate hosted by Sean Hannity on Fox News was intended to showcase his command of policy and political agility, but instead fell flat amid an onslaught of insults. With Proposition 50, Newsom placed himself at the center of another potentially career-defining gamble before knowing how it would land. Ahead of Tuesday's special election, polling suggests he may have played his cards right. Six out of 10 likely voters support Proposition 50, according to a survey by UC Berkeleys Institute of Governmental Studies that was co-sponsored by The Times. "You know, not everybody would have done it," veteran Democratic strategist Gale Kaufman said. "He saw the risk and he took it." If approved by voters, the ballot measure would redraw California's congressional maps to favor Democrats beginning with the 2026 midterm elections in hopes of discounting Republican efforts to gerrymander more seats for themselves. California introduced the measure in response to Trump and his political team leaning on Republican-led states to redraw their district lines to help Republicans retain control of the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The balance of power in the closely divided House will determine whether Trump can advance his agenda during his final two years in office or face an emboldened Democratic majority that could move to challenge, or even investigate, his administration. And while critics of the governor see a power-craving politician chasing headlines and influence, supporters say this is classic Newsom: confident, risk-tolerant and willing to stand alone when he believes he's right. He faced intense backlash from his political allies when he had conservative personality Charlie Kirk as his inaugural guest on his podcast this year, on which Newsom said he believed it was "deeply unfair" for transgender athletes to compete in womens sports. After Kirk was killed, Newsom regularly brought up that interview as a point of pride, noting the backlash he received from his own party over hosting a Trump ally. In recent months Newsom struck a deal to stabilize struggling oil refineries, pushed cities to ban homeless encampments and proposed walking back healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants a series of moves that have tested his standing with progressives. Supporters say the moves show his pragmatic streak, while critics argue they reflect a shift to the center ahead of a possible presidential run. "In so many ways, he is not a cautious politician," said Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Law School. "His brand is big, bold decisions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Proposition 50, Newsom has cast the redistricting counterpunch as a moral imperative, arguing that Democrat-led states must "fight fire with fire," even if it means pausing a state independent redistricting process largely considered the gold standard. The measure upends a system Californians overwhelmingly endorsed to keep politics out of the map-drawing process. Levinson said Newsom's profile has been rising along with the polling numbers for Proposition 50 as he has booked national television shows like 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and appeared in an ad in favor of the ballot measure with former President Obama, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and other prominent Democrats that ran during the World Series. "We are talking about Proposition 50 on a nationwide scale," Levinson said. "And it's really hard to talk about Proposition 50 without saying the words 'Gov. Newsom of California spearheading the effort to pass.'" California Republicans have called the effort misguided, arguing that the retaliatory response creates a slippery slope that would erode the independent redistricting process California voters have chosen twice at the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you fight fire with fire, the whole world burns," said California Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin), whose district is among those that would be overhauled under Proposition 50. "Newsom is trying to claim that Texas did a bad gerrymandering, but what California is doing is a good gerrymander because somehow its canceling it out I just think gerrymandering is wrong. Its wrong in Texas and its wrong in California. Kiley said Newsom never has been one to shy away from national attention "and for pursing explicitly partisan goals." "Hes certainly used this as an opportunity to do both of those things," Kiley said. Out of the gate, the redistricting plan had lackluster support. Then came the flood of ads by proponents peppered with talking points about Trump rigging the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of Proposition 50 took in more than four times the amount that opponents raised in recent weeks, according to campaign finance reports filed with the state by the three main committees campaigning about the measure. Supporters of Proposition 50 raised so much money that Newsom told them "you can stop donating." Political analysts said the redistricting fight has given Newsom what every ambitious politician craves: a narrative. Its allowed him to cast himself as a defender of democracy while reenergizing donors. That message sharpened when Trump administration officials said theyd monitor polling sites in several California counties at the state GOPs request, prompting Newsom to accuse the Trump administration of voter intimidation. Republican strategist Rob Stutzman said the campaign gave Newsom something hed struggled to find: an authentic confrontation with Trump that resonates beyond California. "And I think it's worked well for him nationally," Stutzman said. "I think it's been great for him in some ways, regardless of what happens, but if it does lose, it'll hurt the brand that he can win and there will be a lot of disgruntled donors." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Newsom has framed the measure as good for the country, Stutzman said it's clear that Proposition 50 has been particularly good for the governor. "He's used it for his own purposes very, very effectively," Stutzman said. "If he becomes the [presidential] nominee, you could look back and say this was an important part of him getting there." 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 centerpiece of the project is the establishment of a NIS 95m innovation center that will serve as a startup, academic, and entrepeneurial hub. The Tekuma Regional Administration, in collaboration with the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience Ministry, announced on Monday an investment of NIS 326 million to establish, renovate, and equip key public institutions across the Gaza border communities. We are delighted to have the privilege of being partners together with the localities, local authorities, and the Reconstruction Administration in the growth of the region, Yohanan Mali, director-general of the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience Ministry, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The projects being proposed will bring about real growth and an improvement in the quality of life of the residents and are another exciting step in the transition we are making together from reconstruction to growth. To receive funding, local authorities will be required to demonstrate the public need and the potential impact of the proposed projects. A centerpiece of the initiative is the establishment of a NIS 95m. innovation center in the Shaar HaNegev Regional Council, with NIS 48m. coming from the Tekuma Administrations budget. Israeli army on the southern border with Gaza. October 16, 2025. (credit: Tsafrir Abayov/Flash90) A hub of economic development Located near Sapir College, the Sderot train station, and Highway 34, the center will serve as a hub for dozens of start-ups, encouraging collaboration between academia, local industry, and entrepreneurs. The center is expected to play a critical role in boosting the regions economic development and creating long-term opportunities for local innovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the innovation center, the Tekuma Administration will also be funding a regional rehabilitation center in Eshkol, a technological center in Shadmot, a cultural hall and conservatory on Ashkelon Beach, and a protected culture and conference center in Sderot. The NIS 326m. investment will also be allocated equitably across communities in the Tekuma region, with funding distributed based on criteria such as population size, level of impact, socioeconomic status, and regional priorities to help provide residents with new social, educational, and cultural opportunities. We continue to build the future of the region of revival out of great faith in the people and communities who live here, Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf added. The investment in cultural, resilience, and innovation centers is an investment in the beating heart of settlement in the Negev and the South. This is a move that expresses the resilience, creativity, and Israeli spirit that raise their heads after a difficult period and turn the reconstruction into an opportunity for renewed growth and true regional prosperity, Wasserlauf concluded. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan and seven other Arab and Islamic countries have been involved in efforts to reach a Gaza peace agreement. Foreign ministers from eight Muslim nations attended a consultative meeting in Istanbul on Monday to discuss implementing the Gaza peace plan, Pakistans Foreign Ministry said. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Jordan, and Egypt also participated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foreign ministries of these countries also attended a meeting with US President Donald Trump in New York in September, during which they discussed the Gaza ceasefire and postwar peace deal. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan and seven other Arab and Islamic countries have been involved in efforts to reach a Gaza peace agreement. He said Pakistan would use the Istanbul meeting to emphasize full implementation of the ceasefire currently on the table. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani during a meeting onboard Air Force One during its refuelling stop at Al Udeid Air Base near Doha, Qatar, October 25, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/EVELYN HOCKSTEIN) The spokesperson said, Pakistan will call for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza, emphasize the need for unhindered humanitarian assistance for the Palestinians and the reconstruction of Gaza, and reiterate the demand for the establishment of an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose of the meeting is to formulate a joint strategy to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the meeting, Pakistans Foreign Ministry said. Turkey and Qatar mediated talks between Israel and Hamas in Sharm El Sheikh Under US President Donald Trumps Gaza peace plan, Turkey and Qatar mediated talks between Israel and Hamas in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, resulting in agreements on a ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, and several other key issues. As the only Muslim-majority nation with nuclear weapons, Pakistan played a key role in rallying major Muslim countries behind the peace initiative, a contribution acknowledged by President Trump during the Sharm El Sheikh talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Istanbul meeting comes amid renewed tensions in Gaza and uncertainty over the sustainability of the fragile ceasefire. When the agreement was first reached, the involvement of these Muslim countries generated a sense of relief and optimism worldwide, particularly within the Muslim Ummah, that lasting peace might finally be possible in the Middle East. But Israels renewed offensive in Gaza has brought the situation to a critical juncture. In this context, the Istanbul conference is seen as a highly significant step. It remains unclear how these Muslim countries, which had previously aligned themselves with President Trumps peace initiative, will now respond to the evolving situation. Conservative attorney George Conway on Monday taunted President Donald Trump over his expression of sympathy for the British monarchy amid the ongoing fallout over Andrew, the royal formerly known as a prince who has been stripped of his titles over his ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump, himself once friendly with Epstein, told reporters aboard Air Force One that he felt very badly for the British royal family. Its a terrible thing thats happened to the family, the president said, calling it a tragic situation. Conway, a longtime Trump critic despite his ex-wife Kellyanne Conways Trumpworld connections, seized on the remarks with a mocking post on X, the Elon Musk-owned platform formerly named Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who says the man has no empathy? Conway snarkily asked, before listing a series of controversial figures and groups whove also received the presidents sympathy. They included Russian President Vladimir Putin, the convicted Jan. 6 insurrectionists and the Nazis who marched in Charlottesville. Conways jab quickly went viral, with commenters noting who Trump chooses to empathize with. See Conways full post here: Who says the man has no empathy? He has expressed what is obviously deep and sincere sympathy for, among others: Prince Andrew Ghislaine Maxwell Jair Bolsonaro Vladimir Putin Benjamin Netanyahu the convicted January 6 insurrectionists the https://t.co/rEb84GRYh9 George Conway (@gtconway3d) November 3, 2025 Related... Read the original on HuffPost ATLANTA (WJBF) Senator Raphael Warnock toured the Goodr Community Market in Atlanta on Monday to see how the government shutdown is affecting families who rely on SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The market, located off Edgewood Avenue, has been open for 90 days and provides affordable produce, groceries, and deli items for seniors and families using EBT cards. Jasmine Crowe-Houston, the founder and CEO of Goodr, says nine out of 10 customers rely on SNAP and are already struggling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of our seniors get $16 to $40 a month in benefits. Theyre stretching what they have to get by, relying on food banks and other services, Crowe-Houston said. Customers like Karen Stewart, who use SNAP, say the cuts are hitting them hard. Its going to impact us because theres now money out of my pocket I would have been able to use for basics, Stewart said. Crowe-Houston says the market will continue to help families for free when possible, but she worries that many who depend on SNAP may go hungry. Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use its authority to fund SNAP this month. Warnock called the shutdown a manufactured crisis and emphasized that food and healthcare are fundamental human rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal data shows more than 1.4 million Georgians rely on SNAP, including over 600,000 children. The Trump administration has said it will provide partial SNAP benefits this month, meaning over 40 million Americans could see reduced payments and possible delays as the government shutdown nears a record length. 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 WJBF. A Polk County man has pleaded guilty to child sex crimes in Paulding County and will serve decades in prison. John Michael Wilson, 60, of Rockmart, pleaded guilty to four counts of child molestation and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor on Oct. 31, 2025. The charges against Wilson were the result of a Paulding County Sheriffs Office investigation that began on June 18, 2024, following a childs disclosure of repeated molestation incidents occurring between Jan. 2013 and July 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crimes against children strike at the very heart of our community. No child should ever have to endure the kind of abuse this victim suffered, said District Attorney Robert S. Lane. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The investigation revealed that the victim was under the age of 16 at the time of all offenses committed by Wilson. Wilson was sentenced to 70 years, with 30 years to be served in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections, as part of a negotiated plea. Upon his release, Wilson will be on probation and required to register as a sex offender. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A group of Georgia missionaries who were stranded in Jamaica when Hurricane Melissa hit the island have returned to Atlanta. The 18 volunteers from Tres Dias rode out the storm in a hotel. They posed for a photo on Monday after their flight returned to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Mark Rutledge said the storm was nothing like he had ever experienced. Sliding glass doors sucked out, and walls were caving in, he said. Tornadoes, they say it sounds like a train. Well, this sounded like five jet engines that cranked up at the same time. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] His daughter was sending him storm updates from her home in Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Someone in the group was able to use a Starlink connection to send word back to Georgia that they were all safe. The group said if you would like to help their missionary efforts, you can donate at the Sojourney Foundation website. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The German government plans to increase financial assistance to Ukraine by approximately 3 billion in 2026 and is preparing to approve the corresponding amendments to the draft budget. Source: Reuters, citing two informed sources, as reported by European Pravda Details: A source said that Germany's finance and defence ministers will earmark additional 3 billion for Ukraine in the final 2026 budget adjustments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source added that the funds will be directed to procure artillery, drones, armoured vehicles, and replace two Patriot air defence systems that have already been supplied to Ukraine. "We will continue our support for as long as necessary to defend against Russia's war of aggression," the source said. Another government source told Reuters that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported the proposal for additional funding. Germany is the largest European contributor of military aid to Ukraine, having provided around 40 billion since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022. Background: In its draft 2026 budget, Germany had previously allocated 8.5 billion for support to Ukraine. Earlier, Bild reported that the German government had approved roughly 10 billion less in aid to Ukraine for 2026-2027 than the Federal Defence Ministry initially requested. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The German government plans to increase financial aid for Ukraine by another 3 billion ($3.4 billion) in 2026, the Finance Ministry said on Tuesday. The funds are intended to support artillery, drones, armoured vehicles and the replacement of two Patriot missile systems, the ministry said. "Germany stands firmly with Ukraine and is the largest supporter of Ukraine in Europe," the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil will submit a proposal for parliamentary approval in coordination with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The proposal must then be discussed by the Bundestag budget committee. Germany's 2026 draft budget currently earmarks 8.5 billion for Ukraine. LONDON (Reuters) -Getty Images largely lost its landmark lawsuit against artificial intelligence company Stability AI over its image generator at London's High Court on Tuesday. Seattle-based Getty, which produces editorial content and creative stock images and video, accused Stability AI of using its images to "train" its Stable Diffusion system, which can generate images from text inputs. The company sued Stability AI for trademark infringement and for secondary copyright infringement, alleging that Stability AI imported into the United Kingdom an AI model which breached its copyright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Joanna Smith said in a written ruling that Getty had succeeded "in part" on trademark infringement, but that her findings were "both historic and extremely limited in scope". She also dismissed the secondary copyright infringement claim. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Sarah Young) By Sam Tobin LONDON (Reuters) -Getty Images largely lost its London lawsuit against artificial intelligence company Stability AI over its image generator on Tuesday, prompting Getty and some lawyers to call for stronger protections for copyright owners in Britain. Seattle-based Getty, which produces editorial content and creative stock images and video, accused Stability AI of using its images to "train" its Stable Diffusion system, which generates images from text inputs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company had sued Stability AI for breach of copyright on the grounds Stable Diffusion was trained using Getty's images, and that images generated by Stable Diffusion reproduced its copyrighted images. But Getty dropped that part of its case mid-trial, partly due to a lack of evidence about where Stable Diffusion was "trained", which two intellectual property lawyers said rendered Tuesday's ruling a "damp squib" for the law on AI. JUDGE SAYS FINDINGS ARE LIMITED IN SCOPE Getty pursued its claims of trademark infringement and secondary copyright infringement, alleging Stability AI imported into the United Kingdom an AI model which breached its copyright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Joanna Smith ruled Getty had succeeded "in part" on trademark infringement in relation to Getty watermarks generated by users of Stable Diffusion, but she said her findings were "both historic and extremely limited in scope". She also dismissed Getty's secondary copyright infringement claim, on the grounds that "Stable Diffusion... does not store or reproduce any copyright works", which lawyers said exposed weaknesses in Britain's copyright protections. "Today's finding means that copyright owners' exclusive right to reap what they have sown has been avoided on a technicality," Rebecca Newman, a lawyer at Addleshaw Goddard, said. GETTY, STABILITY AI BOTH WELCOME RULING Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial of Getty's case one of several lawsuits brought in Britain, the U.S. and elsewhere over the use of copyright-protected material to train AI models began in June with much fanfare about its potential wider impact on the law on AI. Stability's lawyers argued Getty's lawsuit posed "an overt threat to ... the wider generative AI industry", a contention rejected by Getty which said it was simply upholding its intellectual property rights. Getty Images said in a statement that the ruling "confirms that Stable Diffusion's inclusion of Getty Images' trademarks in AI-generated outputs infringed those trademarks", which Getty said was "a significant win for intellectual property owners". The statement added that the ruling "established a powerful precedent that intangible articles, such as AI models, are subject to copyright infringement claims in the same way as tangible articles", which Getty said it would use in its parallel lawsuit against Stability AI in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stability AI welcomed the judgment, which its general counsel Christian Dowell said in a statement "ultimately resolves the copyright concerns that were the core issue". Getty, whose shares were down 8.7% in premarket trading on the NYSE as of 1228 GMT, said the decision left it concerned that "even well-resourced companies such as Getty Images face significant challenges in protecting their creative works". "We urge governments, including the UK, to establish stronger transparency rules which are essential to prevent costly legal battles and to allow creators to protect their rights," Getty said. Gill Dennis, a lawyer at Pinsent Masons, said the ruling meant the government should now provide "clear, timely policy guidance" on the question of whether training AI on copyrighted material is an act of infringement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getty's decision to abandon large parts of its case means the issue of whether training AI models on copyrighted works constitutes infringement in the UK is unresolved, lawyers said. Iain Connor, from the law firm Michelmores, said that "leaves the UK without a meaningful verdict on the lawfulness of an AI model's process of learning from copyright materials". (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Sarah Young, Alexandra Hudson) THOMASTON, Ga. (WJBF) The Georgia High School Association revealed its proposed classifications for the 2026 through 2028 reclassification cycle Monday, giving schools until Sunday, Nov. 9 at 12 p.m. to make an appeal or move to a higher classification. The current proposal reintroduces a Class 7A and unifies Class 1A without divisions. Lakeside slated to be the CSRAs largest GHSA school, is proposed for a move up from Class 5A to Class 7A with a 2025 reclassification count of 2,372. Meanwhile, Grovetown looks to be the largest Class 6A school in the state 2,255 students. Thats just four less than Norcross, the smallest Class 7A school with a 2025 reclassification count of 2,259. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richmond Academy and Harlem will make the jump from 3A to 5A. Cross Creek will move up from Class 3A to become the only area school in Class 4A. Class A has the largest contingent of CSRA schools with nine. Heres where each Georgia CSRA school would land under the new proposal. CLASS 7A Lakeside CLASS 6A Grovetown Greenbrier Evans CLASS 5A Richmond Academy Harlem CLASS 4A Cross Creek CLASS 3A Burke County Westside Hephzibah Butler Thomson Washington County CLASS 2A Laney Glenn Hills Swainsboro Josey Jefferson County Screven County Aquinas CLASS A Lincoln County Washington-Wilkes ECI Jenkins County A.R. Johnson Davidson Fine Arts Johnson County Warren County Glascock County 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 WJBF. GLASTONBURY - A family was displaced Monday after a fire engulfed a home on Cedar Ridge Drive, officials said. Firefighters responded around 3:09 p.m. to the 200 block due to a report of a structure fire, according to Glastonbury Fire Chief Michael Thurz. Thurz said crews arrived to find a residential structure consumed by flames and said firefighters worked for about an hour to bring the blaze under control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thurz said no injuries were reported, but that the home was rendered uninhabitable. He said the American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. It was not immediately clear what sparked the destructive blaze. Thurz said the fire is now under investigation by the Glastonbury Fire Marshal's Office. "Preliminary investigation indicates the fire started in the garage underneath the residence," Thurz said. Thurz said emergency officials from Manchester, Hebron, Bolton, Portland, Marlborough, Colchester and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also responded to the scene. This article originally published at Glastonbury family displaced after fire engulfs Cedar Ridge Drive home, officials say. Nov. 3The fifth annual Global REMAX Week encouraged generous community support through various acts of service and fundraising. DENVER, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ REMAX, the #1 name in real estate1, rallied regions, offices, teams and agents across the globe to participate in the annual Global REMAX Week, held October 5-11. The weeklong initiative encouraged affiliates to give back to their communities through acts of kindness, donations, fundraising and volunteer service. With a presence in more than 110 countries and territories, the REMAX brand made a meaningful impact worldwide. "At the heart of REMAX is a commitment to community one homeowner, one neighborhood at a time," said Shawna Gilbert, REMAX Senior Vice President of Global and Commercial. "Global REMAX Week is a powerful extension of that mission, allowing offices and agents to support the places where they live and work in ways that go beyond real estate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Affiliates from around the world promoted their efforts using the hashtag #GlobalREMAX Week. The scope and creativity of events reflected the diversity of the REMAX network. In Mongolia, REMAX hosted a Blood Donation Day in partnership with the National Center for Transfusion Medicine. More than 60 agents and staff participated, helping save an estimated 200 lives. "Through unity and compassion, the REMAX Mongolia network once again proved that we are more than real estate. We create real change, and each donation was a heartbeat shared, a life touched and a testament to the REMAX spirit of giving," said Tsolmon Nyamsuren, Region Development Director for REMAX Mongolia. REMAX Cote d'Ivoire, one of the network's newest regions, donated backpacks and school supplies to help children start the school year strong. "Participating in Global REMAX Week is a powerful reminder that being part of this remarkable global network extends far beyond real estate it's about transforming lives and strengthening communities," said Constant Tanflotien, Region Owner of REMAX Cote d'Ivoire. "Supporting the children of Centre Omega International reflects our commitment to bringing hope and opportunity to the next generation, right here in Cote d'Ivoire." REMAX Cayman Islands supported multiple causes, including hosting a Breast Cancer Foundation Gala and contributing to organizations like Meals on Wheels, alongside various volunteer efforts. REMAX Dominican Republic and REMAX Ecuador focused on animal welfare donating pet supplies to local shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Embodying the same spirit of service, employees of REMAX World Headquarters took part in a variety of initiatives, including giving blood, writing Cheer Cards for children being treated at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals affiliates and cleaning up parks in Denver, Colorado. "Together, REMAX affiliates make a global impact by helping others at the local level. It's the power of the team in action, and with our size and scale, it's uniquely REMAX," added Erik Carlson, CEO of RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. "REMAX affiliates and staff are some of the most generous people I've ever met, and Global REMAX Week showcases their dedication to making a difference in their own way, in their own communities." Global REMAX Week will return October 4-10, 2026. 1 MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About the REMAX Network As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than 145,000 agents in nearly 9,000 offices and a presence in more than 110 countries and territories. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than REMAX, as measured by residential transaction sides. REMAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. REMAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities. To learn more about REMAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit www.remax.com. For the latest news about REMAX, please visit news.remax.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-remax-network-supports-communities-worldwide-in-annual-week-of-giving-302603088.html SOURCE RE/MAX, LLC ANNAPOLIS, Md. (DC News Now) Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced millions in funding to ensure that Maryland residents get full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November. On Monday, Moore signed an executive order authorising $62 million to be spent on SNAP. One of the first and most basic priorities of governing is to ensure that families do not go hungry. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our people in these difficult times. But no state can fill the enormous gap created by Donald Trump and his administration. Its time for the federal government to do its job and fully fund food assistance, Moore said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration to partially fund SNAP as Fairfax County food pantries feel strain during shutdown Moore had previously declared a state of emergency in the state to help deliver resources, authorizing $10 million in emergency funding to help those on SNAP and furloughed federal workers who live in Maryland. Mondays executive order added to that $10 million in funds. Maryland was one of many states that filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for suspending SNAP benefits amid the ongoing shutdown. These benefits were set to expire on Nov. 1, but two federal judges ordered that the Trump administration continue funding the program during the government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that his administration would partially fund SNAP benefits in November. 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Oklahoma Education Secretary Dan Hamlin speaks at a news conference Oct. 2, 2025, at Eisenhower International School in Tulsa. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Im hopeful that Gov. Kevin Stitts selection of Oklahomas next Secretary of Education will be transformational. In case you missed it, Stitt recently announced that his previous education secretary, Nellie Tayloe Sanders, would be stepping down. He said hed appoint Daniel Hamlin, an academic with a higher education background, to serve in the role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After rereading so much of Hamlins academic research about topics such as standardized tests, charter schools, chronic absenteeism, segregation and whether raising test-driven expectations has worked, I find myself impressed by his balance and nuance. He brings all sides into discussions about education. While I suspect that he and I might disagree on an unknown number of things, Hamlin strikes me as an example of the social science we need to bring back to public education. I view his research as objective and neutral. Im especially impressed by his commitment to responding to new evidence as it emerges. Moreover, Hamlin leads The Leadership & Policy Center for Thriving Schools & Communities at the University of Oklahoma. The center promotes both traditional leadership models, and innovative practices for tackling entrenched social and educational problems. The center supports the team efforts necessary for addressing student health and safety, family engagement, school climate, and chronic absenteeism. I read Hamlins Principal Conversation and Teacher Vitality: An Empirical Analysis in Low Performing Schools as the antithesis of the venture philanthropists approach to improving schools by blowing up the existing systems in the hope that transformative change will rapidly fix our schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast to the corporate reformers mass firings, market-driven reformers repeatedly claimed that the problem with low-performing schools is that educators have low expectations, and accept excuses for poor student performance. Hamlin though documents the need for trusting relationships between administrators and teachers. He noted how external pressure and control in high-challenge schools with unpredictable environments and intense work demands can leave teachers in low-performing schools frustrated, exhausted, and depleted of authentic energy. Those conditions explain why low-performing schools are likely to have higher teacher turnover, lower qualified and less experienced teachers, and increased stress. These poor working conditions and teachers psychological distress are made worse when administrators engage in controlling conversations, or top-down, and compliance-oriented conversations designed to regulate teachers behaviors. When principals listen selectively in order to redirect teachers, the stress imposed on teachers is likely to spread to students. On the other hand, when principals engage with teachers using Transformative leadership conversation with deep listening, and affirming language to generate sensemaking and learning dialogue, teachers benefit. As a result, students are more likely to be excited and interested in learning, increasing student performance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamlins research, however, challenged the idea that creating the proper school culture can, by itself, solve chronic absenteeism. In addition, he found that states which set high performance test standards have not been successful in increasing students outcomes by raising expectations. In 2017, Hamlin concluded, the primary driving force behind raising the bar for academic proficiency is to increase academic achievement, and it appears that education leaders have not figured out how to translate high expectations into greater student learning. This is an especially important issue today when think tanks have convinced too many legislators that proficiency is grade level, meaning that as few as 13% of Oklahoma City Public School third grade students read at grade level. But maybe the single most important issue where Hamlin will have to weigh in is the issue of school choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamlin tackles the question as to why charters tend to have greater parental involvement than public schools. Is it the result of the preexisting attributes that families bring to charter schools, or the cultures that charters cultivate? Hamlin concludes that school cultures are created by outside and inside influences. Hamlin also cites evidence that charter schools have advantages because choice schools benefit from students from families that have socioeconomic advantages. They also benefit from more effective and reliable social and professional networks. This challenges the idea that all students face a level playing field within a school choice system, he found. Hamlin has also offered proposed solutions regarding the increased segregation that school choice worsens. Hes written in support of new approaches that might influence school integration. These schools, that Hamlin calls equity-by-design are relatively new, and it is unclear how far reaching these schools can be in addressing racial and socioeconomic school segregation. To be scaled up, they would conceivably need to provide multiple supports to families. Given Oklahomas failure to invest in what it takes to provide equity for students in high-challenge neighborhood schools, its hard for me to conceptualize how we could invent charter systems that help reverse segregation by choice. On the other hand, charters are not going away, and Hamlin makes a good case that his plan could increase integration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His approach reminds me of the early 1990s when the American Federation of Teachers supported charters, and before school privatizers launched their extreme attacks on public schools, teachers and unions. Back then, if someone like Hamlin brought his proposal to the table, I suspect we could have come together, and invested in equity-by-design schools. Similarly, Im betting that our new Secretary of Education could play a major role in terms of breaking free from a quarter of a century of attacks on holistic instruction for all, and build schools worthy of the 21st century and our children. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (NewsNation) The government shutdown officially tied for the longest in U.S. history Tuesday as millions of Americans cast ballots for a still-shuttered system. The Senate is set to vote on a spending bill for the 14th time Tuesday. Lawmakers have acknowledged that any deal to end the shutdown, which has stretched to 35 days, is likely to come after Election Day. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said hes optimistic a deal to end the stalemate could come soon, effectively returning key funding to programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dick Cheney, former vice president, dies at 84 Thune told reporters a group of Democrats and Republicans spoke through the weekend and that a new plan would extend current government spending levels until at least January. The Trump administration announced Monday that partial SNAP benefits will be distributed this month to comply with two separate rulings in federal court. Shutdown increasing air traffic controller resignations: NATCA head The Department of Agriculture said just over $4.5 billion in emergency funds will be used to provide food aid for nearly 42 million Americans, as pantries report longer lines and increased demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no word yet on how much each SNAP recipient will receive or how quickly that aid will be available. 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 NewsNation. The government shutdown will become the longest-running shutdown in modern American history if the Senate fails to reopen it by the evening of Nov. 4, continuing a long period of uncertainty for Indiana's 24,000 civilian federal workers and the hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers who won't receive full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits this month. For 35 days, most federal workers have gone without pay as money dries up across critical agencies. Even if the shutdown ends, it's unlikely funding would return in time for Hoosiers to receive full SNAP benefits by Nov. 5, when the first group of recipients was supposed to get its monthly allotment. It marks the first time the program has lapsed in recent history even under previous government shutdowns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, recipients can expect to receive partial benefits after President Donald Trump's administration complied with a judge who ruled it was legally obligated to fund the program. The administration said it had enough funding for 50% of eligible households current allotments. It's unclear when recipients will receive benefits, so the nearly 600,000 Hoosiers who rely on SNAP may have to turn to Indianapolis' food pantries to keep their families fed. But food pantries are already facing record high demand, advocates told IndyStar. Though numbers were elevated before the shutdown, high rents and utility costs have collided with shutdown impacts to create a perfect storm. Why is the government shut down? For more than a month, U.S. Senate Democrats and Republicans have been at an impasse. The chamber needs bipartisan support to pass a spending measure because 60 votes are required to end a filibuster and advance to a final vote, but neither party has that much of a majority. Democrats have said they won't vote to reopen the government until Republicans meet their demands, namely an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act health insurance premium subsidies that would keep costs lower for millions of Americans, including more than 300,000 Hoosiers. But GOP members are split in their support for the idea, and overall don't think it belongs in a spending bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The previous record-holder for the longest shutdown was for a full 34 days between 2018 and 2019, when President Donald Trump refused to sign the spending bill until Congress included funding for a wall on the southern U.S. border. Trump suggested the Senate invoke the "nuclear option" by eliminating the filibuster. That would give Republicans the ability to pass the spending measure without Democratic support, though GOP leaders in Congress are so far unenthusiastic about the idea. There may be light at the end of the tunnel, however. The parties are expected to reach a deal as early as mid-week, as heightened shutdown pain and the promise of future negotiations on health insurance subsidies drive some Democrats to relent. Will Indiana fund the rest of SNAP? Indiana officials have not yet announced plans to help Hoosiers on SNAP or support food banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration said it is not possible for the agency to fund SNAP directly. "There is no money we can use," spokesperson Marcus Barlow wrote in an email to IndyStar, "and even if there was, we wouldn't be able to use that money to fund the EBT cards." SNAP is funded by a contract between the U.S. Treasury and the state's EBT, or electronic benefit transfer, vendor, Barlow said. When someone uses an EBT card, money flows from the federal government to retailers for reimbursement. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith recently said he and the governor were looking at multiple avenues to help Hoosiers on SNAP but did not specify what those options might be. A spokesperson for Gov. Mike Braun referred IndyStar to FSSA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, other states have found ways to help residents facing a benefits lapse. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia announced the state would transfer funding to benefit cards on a weekly basis until the shutdown ends. Additional states have disbursed emergency funds to food banks. The federal government had previously declined to use contingency funds, but two federal judges ruled on Oct. 31 that the Trump administration was obligated by law to fund SNAP benefits. One judge left it up to the administration's discretion on whether it would use emergency funds to pay partial benefits or transfer money to fund the program in full. On. Nov. 3, the administration said it intended to fund the program partially, though it's not clear when money will be disbursed. How can I help? Even with partial funding, food banks will still face strain if the government does not reopen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are local efforts to ease the burden, including a community-funded initiative to help food banks. The Central Indiana Food Relief Fund, created with an initial $1 million collected from an anonymous donor, The Indianapolis Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, will use donations to support local food banks. People can contribute to that effort at uwci.org/central-indiana-food-relief-fund, according to a press release from United Way of Central Indiana. More: Where to find Indiana food pantries and how to help as SNAP funding deadline looms It's critical aid for food pantries already stretched thin. Still, advocates fear it won't be enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If this happens next month, then you'll see more and more kiddos whose only meal is their free school lunch," Mark Lynch, director of advocacy for Indy Hunger Network, told IndyStar last month. Meanwhile, grocery stores are expecting a drop in revenue as SNAP recipients will have less money to purchase food. Since even the largest stores operate on thin margins, said Joe Lackey, president of the Indiana Grocery & Convenience Store Association, some smaller shops may be forced to close. "Everything is interrelated," he said. "You start pulling those strings and...the sweater unravels." FSSA had not received guidance on the infusion of partial funding as of Nov. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another government program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, also received more funding after the National WIC Association warned in October funds would run out Nov. 1. Contact Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: The government shutdown becomes longest in modern history amid SNAP lapse (NewsNation) A Democratic representative-elect in Arizona says she is in limbo with her position because of the government shutdown. Part of the problem here is that I dont have a budget, Adelita Grijalva told Elizabeth Vargas Reports on Monday. I dont have the authority or the privileges or the responsibilities of a duly sworn-in member of Congress. Grijalva won a special election two months ago to fill the seat of her late father, longtime U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva. However, shes been stifled from doing her duties and representing the 800,000 people in her district because she has yet to be sworn in by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defunding of police in Vermont town a borderline nightmare: Ex-officer Johnson told Grijalva she cant do it because the impasse hasnt been resolved. Making matters more complicated are Johnsons fellow Republicans, who say he should complete the process. If you call the CD7 number right now, its my dads voice on the voicemail, Grijalva added. So we dont have the capacity to do anything. Its not like because he was my dad, someone just hands me over the keys. Its kind of like if your father was a pilot, you dont automatically get all of the information just poured into your head because of that. Is Mike Johnson holding up swearing-in because of Epstein files? As a sworn-in member of Congress, Grijalva would become the 218th vote to discharge the Jeffrey Epstein files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic members of the House of Representatives have accused Johnson and other Republican lawmakers of delaying a vote on releasing the files. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts suggested Johnson is purposely stalling votes and Grijalvas swearing-in. Grijalva told NewsNations Vargas she had heard from someone about that specific theory. Thune optimistic shutdown may end this week, eyes spending bill through January I didnt think that initially, acknowledged Grijalva. Its very conspiracy theory. Someone came up to me literally on election night and said, Hes not going to swear you in because of those files.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I thought, No, that cant be it. And here we are, 41 days today that I have been waiting to be sworn in. Adelita Grijalva doesnt foresee situation going to courts Grijalva made it clear that she doesnt anticipate going to a judge to get the order to be sworn in by Johnson. I think thats a dangerous precedent to set, she said. We didnt want to be in this position. I reached out to Johnsons office two times, left voicemails, and went to his office. Grijalva added her team went with a group of Democratic women to the caucus, only to find out Johnson wasnt there. The Arizona attorney general also sent a demand letter on her behalf that wasnt responded to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 NewsNation. GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio (WCMH) After 100 years, the city of Grandview Heights now has a new city hall building. The Grandview Heights police and fire department is now in the same complex. Grandview police say the heart of the new building is the 911 dispatch center. There are two full consoles where dispatchers can take calls, monitor 360 cameras, and lock facility doors, all from their seats. Colder weather brings increase in respiratory illness Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original council building was built in 1924, and officials say this big change is noticeable. This gives some room for them to spread out. They have the space and the technology needed to do their job safely, said Grandview Heights Police Chief Ryan Starns. Grandviews new building also offers a greener, more modern look, using solar panels on top of some areas to help power the complex. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Grappone Automotive Group has completed the sale of its Toyota and Hyundai franchises in Bow to McGovern Auto Group, according to the company. The sale was announced back in April as part of a strategic move, which included Amanda Grappone Osmer buying her father Roberts share in the company. Grappone Osmer is now the sole owner of Grappone Ford, Honda, Mazda, the Ford Commercial Vehicle Center, and its wholesale parts operation, according to a news release. Grappone Osmer has worked with the company for 28 years and represents the family's fourth generation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision was not made lightly, she said. While I wanted to keep all five franchises under the Grappone name and in the family, this transition ensures we remain a strong, sustainable, family-owned company positioned to serve the New Hampshire community for generations to come." The history of Grappone dates to 1924 when Italian immigrants Rocco and Emanuela Grappone bought a Gulf service station in Concord and an Oldsmobile franchise a year later, according to its website. The operation later moved to Bow where it added the five dealerships. We are incredibly grateful for the partnerships we've had with Toyota Motor Company and Hyundai Motor Company over many decades. And I'm especially grateful to those Grappone team members who have made our Toyota and Hyundai stores true fan favorites," Grappone Osmer said. "I will very much miss working with these excellent colleagues." Editor's note: This story has been updated to included additional information from Grappone and quotes Grappone Osmer. Attorneys for former Uvalde school district police chief Pedro "Pete" Arredondo are asking a judge to move his criminal trial out of Uvalde County, saying he could not get a fair trial there. Arredondo, 53, is charged with 10 counts of abandoning or endangering children stemming from his response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on May 24, 2022. A teenager wielding a high-powered rifle killed 19 fourth graders and two teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arredondo was the incident commander in charge of the police response. He and law enforcement officials from numerous agencies drew widespread criticism for letting 77 minutes pass before confronting and killing the gunman. RELATED: Arredondo an exile in his hometown "A change of venue is necessary because there exists in this county so great a prejudice against Mr. Arredondo that he cannot obtain a fair and impartial trial," said the motion filed by Arredondo's attorneys in state district court. "Widespread and ongoing negative media publicity has made Mr. Arredondo a scapegoat of the local and national media to an extent unmatched in Uvalde's history." The motion says "inflammatory and prejudicial statements" about Arredondo by officials of the Texas Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as state lawmakers, have prejudiced the pool of potential jurors in Uvalde County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MEMORIAL: Remembering the Robb Elementary victims "Because of the profound and widespread impact of the school shooting on the entire Uvalde community, the division it has caused within the community, the widespread negative publicity that is ongoing, and the fear instilled in residents of the community, Mr. Arredondo cannot receive a fair trial from a jury free of prejudice in Uvalde County," the motion stated. Senior State District Judge Sid Harle has yet to rule on the motion. In an affidavit, Arredondo said he believes the prejudice against him "has been exacerbated by the ongoing release of additional evidence and personnel records." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Arredondo an exile in his hometown He appeared to be referring to the recent release by the city of Uvalde, Uvalde County and the school district of emails, police reports, bodycam video and other records related to the shooting. The information has been made public in stages in response to a public records lawsuit filed by a coalition of news organizations that includes the San Antonio Express-News, the Austin American-Statesman and the Houston Chronicle. Arredondo said in the affidavit he and many others in Uvalde believe "that I will not receive a fair trial in Uvalde County or anywhere else for that matter. "This is more true in Uvalde where the community is grief stricken even to this day and for years to come," the former chief said. "There were so many lives personally affected by the mass murderer that the mathematical equation would mean that most of the victims' families have relatives, close friends or neighbors that would serve on a jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our community is small ... I have seen, as many others have, numerous individuals that have taken the opinion that this incident is entirely my fault based on the dissemination of only partial evidence to the public and media." Uvalde County resident James Best said in a separate affidavit that he believes Arredondo's trial needs to be moved to another county because of "constant changes in information, the lack of information and incorrect information put out by news outlets, social media, the local school district and the many different authority departments." Another Uvalde County resident, Yvette Luevano, expressed similar concerns in an affidavit. "Over the past three years, I have witnessed my community become deeply divided," Luevano said. "Longstanding friendships and family relationships have been damaged, and some residents have moved away as a result of ongoing tensions. I have observed pastors and community leaders face criticism for attempting to promote peace and unity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Conversely, I have also seen individuals publicly denounce local law enforcement officers and those who support them. Many residents are now reluctant to express their views out of fear of backlash or harassment." Arredondo is one of two law enforcement officers charged in connection with the Robb Elementary shooting. The other is then-Uvalde school police officer Adrian Gonzales. He and Arredondo were among the first officers on the scene of the massacre. Gonzales previously filed a motion seeking to move his trial to another county. Harle and attorneys on both sides agreed during a recent hearing that Gonzales' trial will be held in Nueces County. Gonzales, now 52, is charged with 29 counts of abandoning or endangering a child - one count for each of the 19 children killed at Robb Elementary and one for each of 10 injured survivors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jury selection in his trial is set to begin Jan. 5. No date has been set for Arredondo's trial. His case remains on hold because prosecutors and defense attorneys are suing U.S. Customs and Border Protection in federal court, seeking the testimony of three Border Patrol agents. CBP's chief counsel has refused to allow the agents to testify, court documents show. The Robb Elementary massacre was the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. The gunman entered the school at 11:33 a.m. on May 24, 2022, through an unlocked rear door, went into two interconnected classrooms filled with fourth graders and fired more than 100 rounds in 2 minutes. Nearly 400 officers from two dozen law enforcement agencies converged on the school. Arredondo held off on sending officers into the classrooms. Instead, he ordered the rest of the building evacuated first. He later told investigators he wanted to avoid further injuries or loss of life from an exchange of gunfire with the attacker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 12:48 p.m. that day, four Border Patrol agents and two local sheriff's deputies finally breached the classrooms where the gunman was holed up. One of them shot him dead at 12:50 p.m., 77 minutes after he began his rampage. Investigations by the Texas House and the U.S. Department of Justice depicted the police response as a fiasco. The Texas House report criticized Arredondo and others for what it called "egregiously poor decision making." This article originally published at 'So great a prejudice': Pete Arredondo says he can't get fair trial in Uvalde. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Greensboro is on the verge of a new chapter. After a decade under the leadership of Mayor Nancy Vaughan, voters will pick the citys next mayor on Tuesday. The matchup is set between current mayor pro-tem Marikay Abuzuaiter and former Greensboro mayor Robbie Perkins. They are making their final push before election day. Robbie Perkins wants voters to know he will be a leader to bring the business community together. During his time as a former mayor and city council member, Perkins says he played a major role in bringing in the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts and the Greensboro Aquatic Center, and he promises to show Greensboro that type of momentum again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marikay Abuzuaiter wants voters to know that she will be an approachable, accessible and active leader in her community, saying her long-standing relationship in the community and institutional knowledge about the city council make her the best fit for the job. The matchup is set from four mayoral candidates, and its now down to the final two. Have seen three or four of our poll workers already today, and we have been strategizing, and we are actually sending out a last appeal to our voters on our social media, Perkins said. Hope to get a good nights sleep Ill be ready to go as early as 6:15 a.m. Ill be out there, Abuzuaiter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both candidates emphasized working on the housing crisis and supporting the Road to 10,000, which is Greensboros goal to build 10,000 housing units by 2030. Abuzuaiter says we need more affordable housing in various forms, like apartments and homes. We need more of everything, and that is my goal, Abuzuaiter said. Perkins points to his experience as a mayor and a council member as proof he can deliver results. We have got to keep increasing the tax base here in Greensboro so we can have money for services like housing, Perkins said. Public safety is another key focus. Abuzuaiter says shes committed to reducing crime across the city, while Perkins emphasizes infrastructure and economic development as ways to strengthen Greensboros future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both say working with the city council will be critical to successful leadership. Were going to start with respect. Were going to respect our citizens. The council is going to respect each other, Perkins said. Make sure we can work with the city manager and the city attorney, Abuzuaiter said. Perkins says he is cautiously optimistic heading into Tuesday. He will be having a watch party at his office in the morning, then going to the courthouse. Abuzuaiter says she will take Tuesday to reflect, and she will be visiting some polls bright and early, then heading to the county commission chambers to watch the numbers come in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 FOX8 WGHP. Gov. Greg Abbott seemed to be full of jokes on the eve of Election Night, saying he'd "impose a 100 percent tariff" on anyone moving to Texas from New York City. Abbott's viral X post appeared to be a thinly veiled reference to New York City's mayoral race, in which self-described Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is the frontrunner. Abbott's quip-likening potential New York City movers to imported goods-was a nod both to President Donald Trump's tariffs and the anxieties over a possible wave of ex-New Yorkers who don't support Mamdani seeking refuge in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If elected, Mamdani would be the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of the largest U.S. City. This concept, along with his expansive social welfare proposals, has led conservatives-like Abbott-into an uproar. After the polls close tomorrow night, I will impose a 100% tariff on anyone moving to Texas from NYC. - Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 3, 2025 Mamdani has faced a mix of both political and personal jabs throughout his campaign, which has steadily gained momentum, allowing the New York State Assemblyman to clinch the Democratic mayoral primary win in July. The mayoral hopeful has been criticized for his heavy-handed stance against law enforcement and for condemning the Israel-Hamas war, referring to it as a genocide. He has also garnered criticism for his wide-ranging policy positions, which include making buses free, supporting universal childcare and increasing options for affordable housing. Some critics of Mamdani have even suggested they might leave the city if he is elected, especially following what some New Yorkers described as his surprising victory over disgraced former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts have sounded the alarm, warning of a potential exodus contingent on Tuesday's election results. And apparently, Abbott caught wind of that. This is not the first time a Texas politician has had something to say about Mamdani. U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill called for Mamdani, who was born to Indian parents in Uganda, to "go back to the Third World," in a viral July post. The Texas Congressman's sharp rebuke was in response to a video in which Mamdani was eating food with his hands. Gill didn't stop there, telling Mamdani, "Civilized people in America don't eat like this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has also lambasted Mamdani, calling him a "communist," not a socialist, and chastising what Cruz described as "his anti-Israel" statements. Chron contacted Abbott for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication. Mamdani will face off against Cuomo, who opted to run as an Independent this time around, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Polls in New York are open on Tuesday, Election Day, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. More News Politics | Latina Democrat enters 2026 Texas governor battle Gulf Coast | Strange boxes found on Texas beaches carry a toxic secret History | How a 1973 homicide led Houston to a notorious serial killer Money | Here's how much you need to live comfortably in Houston For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here. This article originally published at Greg Abbott is not quite ready to welcome New Yorkers with open arms. TALLAHASSEE A federal judge Monday agreed with Grindr LLC that a lawsuit over the high-profile slaying of a Pinellas County teen after she met a man on the dating app should go to arbitration. Family of slain Gulfport teen sues Grindr U.S. District Judge Tom Barber issued a 12-page ruling that said Miranda Corsette, in creating a Grindr account, had agreed to terms and conditions that included arbitration of legal disputes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this case, defendant (Grindr) has presented evidence of a presumptively valid arbitration agreement electronically signed by Corsette when she created her Grindr account, Barber wrote. The agreement broadly covers any dispute, claim, or controversy between Corsette and defendant, and Corsette agreed to resolve disputes through arbitration. The 16-year-old girl was killed in February after meeting a man, Steven Gress, on the app, according to Barbers ruling. Gress invited the teen to his home in St. Petersburg and introduced her to his domestic partner, Michelle Brandes. Allegedly, the three got into a dispute, and as a result, Gress and Brandes severely beat Corsette, the judge wrote. The beating was extreme, torturous, and continued for several days. On or about February 24, 2025, Corsette was killed when a pool ball wrapped in a sock was shoved into her mouth, and then her head and face were wrapped in saran wrap, obstructing Corsettes airways and suffocating her. Following her death, Gress transported Corsettes body to another location before he dismembered Corsettes body with a chainsaw. He then disposed of the remains in a dumpster in Ruskin, Florida, which was eventually taken to an incinerator. Several people saw Gulfport teen held captive. None told police, records say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gress and Brandes have been charged with first-degree murder, and trials are pending, Barber wrote. Prosecutors have filed notices with the court that they intend to seek the death penalty against both Gress and Brandes. Both are in jail awaiting trial. Gress has a hearing scheduled for later this month; Brandes next hearing is in December, court records show. The teens estate filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Grindr, seeking to hold it responsible in the slaying. But Grindr argued the dispute should go to arbitration, rather than to a trial in court. Corsette agreed to Grindrs terms of service which include a clearly identified arbitration provision each of the three times she created a Grindr account, Grindr attorneys wrote in an Aug. 13 motion to compel arbitration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the estates attorneys objected to arbitration, raising a series of arguments, including that the victim was a minor. No enforceable contract exists between Grindr and 16-year-old Miranda Corsette because Grindrs terms expressly excluded minors, precluding offer, mutual assent, and satisfaction of the adulthood condition precedent. Under Florida law, contract formation requires offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual assent, the estates attorneys wrote in a Sept. 8 document. But Barber rejected that argument and others, including that the arbitration provision of the terms and conditions was unconscionable. In part, he wrote that it is important to recognize that Corsette created at least three Grindr accounts. Thus, she had the opportunity to review the arbitration agreement at least three times. A failure to comprehend or negotiate arbitration, or unequal bargaining power, does not justify a repeated refusal to read an agreement and should not negate the enforceability of an arbitration agreement. Times staff writer Chris Tisch contributed to this report. Carlos Guerra Leon, left, smiles while he walks to his gate Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, with Bridget Pranzatelli, an attorney at the National Immigration Project, and Nora Ahmed, legal director of ACLU of Louisiana. (Photo by Christiana Botic/Verite News and Catchlight Local/Report for America) NEW ORLEANS An 18-year-old Guatemalan citizen with a legal right to live and work in the U.S., who spent nearly three months in immigration detention in north Louisiana was returned to his home Friday in Spring Valley, New York, following a federal judges order for his immediate release. A day earlier, Judge Terry Doughty, a Trump appointee who in the past several months has split with the administration on some significant immigration-related cases ruled that the governments detention of Carlos Guerra Leon was unlawful because the federal government had previously agreed that he would not be subject to deportation for at least another year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his attorneys, Guerra Leon came to the country at age 10, after suffering abandonment and neglect at the hands of his father. Two years later, in absentia and without his knowledge, a judge ordered him deported. But in late 2022, still in the United States, he was granted Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, a humanitarian program for undocumented immigrants who have suffered parental abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar mistreatment, offering them a chance at permanent residence, Guerra Leons attorneys wrote in a court filing. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Because of a visa backlog, he could not immediately apply for a green card and was granted deferred action status, pausing his removal for four years. His status does not expire until December 2026. Nevertheless, according to his attorneys, in early August, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested him without a warrant while he was on his way to work in New York and transferred him to the Jackson Parish Correctional Center in Jonesboro, a privately managed immigration lockup where he has since been held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the Trump administration this year stopped restricting deferred action under the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status program, that doesnt impact people who had already been granted deferred action, Guerra Leons attorneys argued. Doughty agreed. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE fail to cite any authority that allow the removal of Petitioner when deferred action status is still in effect, Doughty wrote in his decision last week. This Court holds that without terminating Petitioners deferred action status, Petitioner cannot be removed. ICE did not respond to requests for comment. Following Thursdays order, attorneys at the National Immigration Project and the ACLU of Louisiana rushed to Jonesboro to pick up their client. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court documents filed early Friday morning, his attorneys said when they arrived at the detention center at about 10 p.m. on Thursday, facility staff refused to release the young man to them outside of the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., despite Doughtys order for immediate release. Attorneys filed a motion to hold the Trump administration, including New Orleans-based ICE officials, in contempt of court. Attorneys were finally able to take Guerra Leon with them on Friday morning, making the five-hour drive from Jonesboro to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner, where he caught an evening flight to be reunited with his family in New York. At the airport, Guerra Leon remained mostly silent, at moments flashing a shy, nervous smile through round cheeks, as attorneys presented travel documents to the airports Transportation Security Administration staff. During the screening process, Bridget Pranzatelli, staff attorney at the National Immigration Project, rested a hand on Guerra Leons back or whispered encouragement to keep him calm. Waiting to go through the security checkpoint, Guerra Leon smiled as he took a call from his mother Daysi Guerra Leon. He said he was most looking forward to reuniting with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once attorneys escorted Guerra Leon to the airport gate, Pranzatelli texted Daysi Guerra Leon she would see her son soon. This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Let us know what you think... Gun rights and public safety advocates would never mistake the rotunda between the House and Senate wings of the Florida Capitol for the OK Corral, but they are not unlike Wyatt Earp and Billy Dalton moving in place for what may be an epic battle. The two sides have been at a standstill for eight years, ever since lawmakers passed a series of gun regulations after the 2018 mass shooting at Broward County's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School when a teen gunman killed 17 and wounded another 17. Gun groups such as the National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of America turned to the courts to repeal the restrictions that included a minimum age to possess a firearm. Meanwhile, public safety groups worked to expand gun regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But nothing much has happened at the Capitol. Now, court rulings over the past two months may have ended the Legislatures ability to remain silent in a debate that pits public safety against Second Amendment rights. There are 13 gun-related proposals filed for the 2026 legislative session, including some that have failed to get a committee hearing for years, such as a repeal of the minimum age requirement, universal background checks for purchases and mandatory storage requirements. Advocates say the proposals are needed because the court rulings have created a confusing legal landscape in Florida. Gun rules may be different in Tallahassee, Sarasota and West Palm Beach because the cities are in different judicial circuits where judges reached different conclusions in similar cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take Broward Circuit Judge Frank Ledee, who declared the minimum age requirement unconstitutional and called out the Legislature. Ledee tied his ruling to a September appeals court decision that found the ban on open carry inconsistent with federal law. He said it was up to the Legislature to codify and clarify his and the appeal courts decisions. Public safety and gun rights advocates have been offering lawmakers different proposals for the past decade that clarify who can own guns, how they are to store them, and where they can take them. Around 200 people marched from Westcott Fountain to the Florida Capitol to demand gun reform less than a week after the mass shooting occurred on the Florida State University campus, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. For instance, Rep. Tyler Sirois, R-Merritt Island, last month filed a bill to repeal the Stoneman Douglas law prohibiting people under the age of 21 from buying rifles and shotguns. This is the fourth consecutive year the bill has been introduced. Sirois said the measure corrects an inequity in the law where a teen can receive a long rifle as a gift or inheritance but otherwise cannot legally possess one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is it that you can give a long gun as a gift, but the single mom who lives in the rough part of town cant go buy one to protect herself and her family? That is the public policy question that we are putting to you today," Sirois said earlier this year during a floor debate on the proposal. Three times, the House passed the measure. Three times the Senate ignored it. They have really been weak on gun rights. They crow about it a lot, but actions say otherwise, Luis Valdes of Gun Owners of America said about the Senate. A Senate spokesperson declined to answer whether the repeal or other gun rights bills would be heard during the 2026 session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, the other side hasnt had any better luck. A package of bills to build on the Stoneman Douglas-era regulations has been filed repeatedly without ever getting a committee hearing. This is the eighth session that Rep. Dan Daley, D-Sunrise, has filed a universal background check bill named for 14-year-old Jaime Gutenberg, one of the Stoneman Douglas victims. My hope is that reason and public safety will prevail and be addressed this session, Daley said. Republicans hold two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate, but Daley described a leadership that seems confused on how to balance competing interests. Republicans are acting like the dog who finally caught a car. They love open carry publicly for political reasons, but they know how dangerous it really is especially after hearing from law enforcement, Daley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daley and other Democrats have filed a package of proposals that would: Mandate universal background checks on all firearms and ammunition purchases. Require secure gun storage laws. Impose extreme protection orders for domestic/dating violence suspects. Require the reporting of lost and stolen firearms. The Second Amendment advocates want state law to allow adults 1820 to be able to purchase and carry firearms in public and to reduce the number of locations where guns are prohibited, such as on college and university campuses. There is not one pro-gun piece of legislation, other than repeal of the minimum age, filed for the session, Valdez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven of the 13 proposals introduced so far increase regulations, four would loosen them, and two are neutral, such as establishing Firearm Safety Awareness Month and a pilot program for gun violence prevention. Gun bills filed for 2026 Florida Legislative Session HB 17/SB 156 : Criminal Offenses Against Law Enforcement Officer: Revises prohibition on use or threatened use of force to resist arrest; enhances punishment for manslaughter, and assault or battery when committed against officers. HB 41/SB 88: "Jaimes Law": requiring background checks for the sale or transfer of ammunition. HB 43: Provides exemption from public records requirements for records containing certain information pertaining to buyer or transferee of ammunition. SB 52: Security Services at Places of Worship: Providing an exemption from licensure requirements for certain volunteers who provide armed security services for places of worship under certain circumstances, etc. HB 63: Prohibits carrying handgun, weapon, or firearm into certain locations. SB 80: Requires persons who store or leave firearms or ammunition in motor vehicles or vessels under their control to keep the firearms or ammunition locked inside specified locations. SB 90: Provides an exemption from public records requirements for records pertaining to a buyer or transferee of ammunition. SB 95: Exempts certain persons providing voluntary armed security services at churches or ecclesiastical or denominational organizations from specified requirement. HB 133: Reduces minimum age at which person may purchase firearm & age of purchasers to which specified licensees are prohibited from selling or transferring firearm; removes exception. HB 155: Requires IMPACT GVN of City of Gainesville to develop & implement Gun Violence Prevention Pilot Program. HB 159/SB 256 : Storage of Handguns in Private Conveyances and Vessels: Provides requirements for storage of handguns in private conveyances & vessels. HB 171: Designates month of June as "Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month." SB 180: Revising the standard by which adults and minors are considered criminally negligent in the storage of a firearm under specified circumstances. James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com. Follow on him Twitter: @CallTallahassee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Gun bills await a reluctant Florida Legislature At least one person was reportedly shot during a robbery Monday at the Valley Indoor Swap Meet in Panorama City, officials confirmed to KTLA. Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department responded to reports of the robbery at Tobias Avenue and Parthenia Street just after 2 p.m. Details are limited and at least three suspects are still outstanding, with police describing them as three Hispanic males, two of whom were wearing black clothes over gray and one in black over black clothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers canvassed the area searching for the suspects, believed to be in a blue Jeep that may have last been seen traveling eastbound on Cedros Avenue toward Parthenia Street. L.A. police were investigating after an alleged robbery at the Indoor Valley Swap Meet in Panorama City that left at least one person injured on Nov. 3, 2025. (Citizen) L.A. police were investigating after an alleged robbery at the Indoor Valley Swap Meet in Panorama City that left at least one person injured on Nov. 3, 2025. (Citizen) L.A. police were investigating after an alleged robbery at the Indoor Valley Swap Meet in Panorama City that left at least one person injured on Nov. 3, 2025. (Citizen) L.A. police were investigating after an alleged robbery at the Indoor Valley Swap Meet in Panorama City that left at least one person injured on Nov. 3, 2025. (Citizen) L.A. police were investigating after an alleged robbery at the Indoor Valley Swap Meet in Panorama City that left at least one person injured on Nov. 3, 2025. (Citizen) Antonia Dominguez who lives in the area and frequents the swap meet to find bargains told KTLA it was surprising to see a robbery like that during rush hour, when kids are getting out of school and people are getting off work and going out to get something to eat. Its very scary, she said. In video footage posted to Instagram from inside the swap meet, nearly a dozen gunshots can be heard as people nearby take cover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dashcam shows LAPD cruiser fatally hitting skateboarder in Highland Park No information was provided on the age and gender of the victim shot. Authorities only said the person was taken to a nearby hospital in unknown condition. Police said that the suspects got away with several necklaces and some jewelry taken from the victims. No further information has been made available. 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 KTLA. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged the international community to increase its efforts in combating poverty and inequality at the United Nations World Summit for Social Development in Doha. "True development isn't about prosperity for the few," Guterres said at the opening press conference on Tuesday. "It's about opportunities for the many, grounded in social justice, full employment and human dignity." Guterres emphasized that developing countries are not receiving adequate support and criticized the international community for its slow response to the climate crisis and sustainable development goals set by UN member states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The World Summit for Social Development is expected to see some 14,000 participants discussing ways to reduce poverty and social inequalities and expand social security and access to well-paid work globally until Thursday. In addition to Guterres, Annalena Baerbock, Germany's former foreign minister and current president of the UN General Assembly, is attending the summit. German Labour Minister Barbel Bas is also travelling from Germany. Business sector representatives and aid organizations are expected to participate. A declaration is set to be adopted at the meeting, though it has already faced criticism from aid organizations for being too non-binding and vague. The first World Summit for Social Development was held in Copenhagen in 1995. What started as a Halloween visit turned into a terrifying ordeal for a Reading woman after police said her ex-boyfriend, distraught over their recent breakup, took her and her child on a high-speed ride against her will on the dark, winding roads of Mount Penn. City police said the incident began early Friday evening when the ex-boyfriend persuaded the woman to meet him at his residence so he could spend some time with the child and take Halloween photos. It ended with officers drawing their weapons and stopping the vehicle about a half-mile from the Pagoda, ordering the driver and the woman out of the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaxiel Galarza-Ortiz, 22, of the 300 block of North 12th Street was taken into custody without incident. He was charged with kidnapping, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, reckless endangerment and making terroristic threats. Police removed the child from the vehicle and reunited him with his mother. Galarza-Ortiz was committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail following arraignment Saturday before District Judge F. Richard Drumheller in Reading Central Court. According to court records: The woman told police that she had broken up with Galarza-Ortiz two days earlier, moved out of their shared residence and was staying with a relative elsewhere in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Galarza-Ortiz arrived at her residence about 4 p.m. Friday, saying he was on his way home from work. He had been blowing up her phone, pleading for a chance to fix their relationship and spend time with the child for Halloween. She eventually agreed to meet him that evening at his North 12th Street residence. After getting her child ready for trick-or-treating, she arrived there between 7 and 8 p.m. They spent no more than 20 minutes together before she asked him to drive them home. Galarza-Ortiz said he needed to stop for gas first, but after fueling up at a station on North 13th Street, he drove in the opposite direction of the womans sisters house. The woman said he began driving on unfamiliar roads at speeds approaching 90 mph while making statements such as, I will kill us right now, and swerving into the median, nearly striking another vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She yelled at him to stop and let her out, but he remained silent and kept driving erratically. Fearing for her life, the woman secretly called her sister on her cellphone, leaving the line open. Her sister tracked their movements through the call and relayed their location to emergency dispatchers who alerted police. Using cellphone tower pings, officers determined the vehicle was in the area of Skyline Drive and List Road atop Mount Penn and began searching for it. Police said Galarza-Ortiz had stopped near the Pagoda to fix a damaged bumper and roll a marijuana cigarette. The woman said she couldnt escape because the doors were locked and she was being held against her will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Galarza-Ortiz got back in and started driving again toward the city, police stopped the car at Shearer and Angora roads and took him into custody. Where to find help Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know are in immediate danger. To seek the help of an advocate or to contact Safe Berks, call the 24-hour hotline, 844-789-SAFE (7233) or text SAFE BERKS to 20121. Safe Berks provides free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours a day. All services are available in English and Spanish, and translation will be used for any other language needed. They don't only live in the mountains and caves of Scandinavian folklore, or in modern-day animated cartoons. Trolls now make mischief on online forums and social media platforms by provoking and denigrating people, companies and other organizations. What should you know about these unwelcome denizens of the internet? And if you've been targeted by one, what can you do about it? Here are some answers: What exactly is an internet troll? "An internet troll is someone who deliberately posts inflammatory, offensive or misleading comments on online forums or social media," says Konstantin Peveling, a social media expert for Bitkom, Germany's digital association. They usually post under a fake name or anonymously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Behind an internet troll can also be an algorithm-based computer program, aka bot, that automatically spreads disinformation," says Cologne-based lawyer Philipp Kuhn. What are typical examples of internet trolling? Along with targeted provocations and deliberately spreading false information can be direct personal attacks. "A troll's contentions are usually unobjective, if not polemical," Peveling says. "They dodge questions and intentionally provoke, often with racist and sexist comments." People in the public eye, such as celebrities and politicians, are frequently targeted by trolls, but anyone can land in their crosshairs. "Sometimes they also put their targets' personal data on the web," says Cologne-based defence lawyer Philipp Kulz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In hybrid warfare, countries deploy trolls to spread disinformation. "Russia, for instance, is known for using trolls to destabilize countries from within and support radical parties," Peveling says. What are telltale signs of trolls or bots? Short-lived user accounts, odd profile pictures and eye-catching subject matter can be clues. Clicking onto a user profile will show you how long the account has existed, whether the portrait photograph of the person supposedly behind the account appears authentic, and what content the user has previously posted. "You can spot a possible bot if, in an interaction, the answer by the purported user is incompatible with one by a real user," says Kuhn. Posts by a bot are often linguistically inadequate, perhaps because the actors behind them lack mastery of the language in question. How best to handle an internet troll? One option is not to feed the troll - in other words, "ignore the provocations," says Peveling, since reacting to them only stokes their continuation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If for some reason you feel compelled to react, however, you should do so calmly and matter-of-factly. You could, for example, politely ask the troll to follow discussion forum guidelines. "If the troll ignores your request and keeps up their provocations and/or insults, you should report this to the online platform operator," advises Kuhn. Most social media platforms have a button to report problematic users and block them. You can also have the comments deleted, removing the troll from your online space. When should you take legal action? "Slander or defamation is generally liable to prosecution," Kulz says. You can take screenshots as evidence and file a criminal complaint. If the troll is acting anonymously, you can file a criminal complaint against a person unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You need to act in a timely manner, since many jurisdictions have a limit on when a complaint can be filed, Kulz points out. "You should bear in mind, though, that in many cases the troll can't be caught and brought to book," he says, as trolls often remain anonymous and have given the platform operator false personal data. The chances of tracking down the creator of a malicious bot, Kulz adds, are also slim. BRANFORD - A New Haven man is facing a slew of criminal charges after he crashed into multiple police vehicles and injured two officers Sunday while trying to evade law enforcement, officials said. Carlos Collazos, 30, was taken into custody around 10:15 a.m. after officers patrolling the Walmart parking lot on Commercial Parkway spotted a blue Acura Rl with a stolen license plate, according to the Branford Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the driver, later identified as Collazos, refused commands from officers to exit the locked vehicle and instead attempted to flee, striking multiple police vehicles and a customer's unoccupied car. "Officers were able to position their vehicles to stop him from attempting to escape, potentially injuring bystanders, and causing additional damage," police said. Police said officers were ultimately able to remove Collazos, who was in possession of an automatic spring release knife, from the vehicle. Officials said two officers and Collazos were transported to a local hospital after sustaining injuries during the arrest. "Fortunately, no customers were injured," police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Collazos was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen marker plate, assault on an officer, interfering with an officer, reckless driving, reckless endangerment in the first degree, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, criminal mischief in the first degree and carrying a dangerous weapon. Police said Collazos, a felon listed on the deadly weapon offender registry, is being held on a $500,000 bond. Investigators determined Collazos was involved in numerous thefts from Branford and other towns, and that they found property that was later returned to the original owner, police said. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated. "We commend the officers' quick actions and teamwork during this incident to safely take the suspect into custody without injuries to bystanders," police said. This article originally published at New Haven man arrested in Branford after ramming police cars, injuring officers, officials say. State officials today launched the Kokua Food Drive, a weeklong food collection campaign in partnership with the Hawaii State Public Library System to support food banks across the islands. The drive is a response to the ongoing federal shutdown, which has resulted in furloughs and disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known to most as food stamps. From today through Friday, Hawaii residents are encouraged to bring canned goods and other nonperishable food items to their public library during regular business hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The donations will be distributed by nonprofits such as the Hawaii Foodbank, Maui Food Bank, The Food Basket and their partner agencies. In Hawaii, we take care of one anotherthats the true spirit of kokua, said Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke in a news release. As families across our state feel the effects of the federal shutdown, were asking everyone who can to lend a hand. Every can, every donation, every act of aloha helps feed our families and strengthen our communities. All library branches across the state will serve as collection hubsexcept for the Kaneohe and Wahiawa branches, which have limited space, and Lahaina, which is closed. Last week, Gov. Josh Green announced coordinated relief efforts to support food access statewide, including $2 million in state funding to help Hawaiis food banks, along with $500, 000 from the Farm to Families program to purchase local food for distribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libraries have always been the heart of our communities, where people connect and care for one another, said State Librarian Stacey Aldrich in the release. Were honored to support the Kokua Food Drive and hope our collective efforts help nourish every person and family across Hawaii. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor at the state Capitol is also collecting food donations during regular business hours, 7 :45 a.m. to 4 :30 p.m. Monday to Friday. State library branch hours are available at. Online monetary donations to the Hawaii Foodbank can also be made at. 2 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . Head Start, a free learning program for children from low-income families, is next on the chopping block as the government shutdown nears record length. More than 100 Head Start programs are in danger of closing soon or already shuttering some operations after funding didnt come on a Saturday deadline. Theres both the effect on young children and the effect on their parents and families and the broader community, said Melissa Boteach, chief policy officer of Zero to Three. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is high-quality early education that includes a lot of wraparound services and early screening, all kinds of things that help kids to have the strongest possible start, Boteach added. Its also a really important form of child care. You have a work commitment, and, all of a sudden, youve come to find out that because Congress has not opened the government, that you dont have child care on Monday. Nationwide, Head Start serves more than 750,000 children. Last year, the federal government provided $12 billion to the programs. That money was distributed to 1,600 different grant recipients nationwide, and the programs have different start dates for funding, rotating the first of each month across all 12 months. In October, which was the first month for the shutdown, only six programs were impacted. But for November, another 134 Head Start programs lost funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement November programs serve more than 65,000 children and families, and they are doing everything that they possibly can to keep their doors open, said Tommy Sheridan, deputy director of the National Head Start Association. While some have reserves they can tap, most of these programs are expected to close quickly or by the end of the month. Theyre going to be doing everything that they can to find other resources. Theyre leveraging reserve funds. Theyre leveraging partnerships with school districts, some states that are chipping in. Some have leveraged philanthropy. Others have lines of credit really a wide array of additional resources theyre trying to tap in to to provide basically temporary reprieve to be able to keep operation, Sheridan said. The Department of Health and Human Services, like the rest of the Trump administration, is publicly blaming the Democrats for the shutdown and says once it is lifted, the office will expedite awards for Head Start programs that missed their payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pressure is mounting on both parties to reach a deal to end the shutdown soon, as funding for government programs dwindles and benefits such as nutrition assistance are in danger of running dry. One Head Start center in Vancouver, Wash., closed multiple classrooms Monday due to the lapse in funding. Joel Ryan, executive director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, said rural Head Start programs are likely to close first due to the lack of resources and reserves to keep going. Programs that are in more rural and remote areas are more fragile in sort of the constant, I would say, constant assault by the Trump administration and Congress, whether its Head Start or other programs that impact kids and families because they dont have other resources, Ryan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of my Head Start programs in Seattle, theyre able to use some cash reserves. They have a little bit more financial flexibility, but the smaller programs dont have that. They dont have those available resources, he added. But even bigger programs only have a limited amount of resources before they have to make changes, such as shutting down classes or laying off staff. Furloughing or laying off staff only creates more problems, as there is a shortage of child care workers, and many in the field are struggling themselves. Forty-three percent of early educator families depend on at least one form of public support, such as food aid, to survive, according to the Center for the Study of Childcare Employment. Government assistance programs are also in turmoil due to the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some point, many educators are coming to the conclusion that they dont know if they have a stable job and they might need to look elsewhere or find something else to do, even though they love working with young children, Boteach said. And once December hits, a new round of Head Start programs will lose funding, and the cycle will grow until the shutdown is over. Most Head Start programs will still be there to provide the critical services that Head Start provides to children and families, but there is a strong, sizable number that will be forced to close, and more and more as the shutdown drags on, Sheridan said. 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 The Hill. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised South Korea's plans to raise its military spending, saying Tuesday that the Asian ally will take a larger role in defending itself from North Korean aggressions as the allies must brace for regional contingencies. Modernizing the decades-long alliance between the U.S. and South Korea is a hot issue between the U.S. and South Korea, as the U.S. apparently wants South Korea to increase its conventional defense capabilities so that Washington can focus more on China. After annual security talks with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul, Hegseth told reporters that he was greatly encouraged" by Seoul's commitment to increase defense spending and make greater investments in its own military capabilities. He said the two agreed the investments would bolster South Korea's ability to lead its conventional deterrence against North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a speech at parliament on Tuesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung asked lawmakers to approve an 8.2% increase in defense spending next year, which he said would help modernize the South Korean military's weapons systems and reduce its reliance on the United States. Hegseth highlighted defense cooperation on repairing and maintaining U.S. warships in South Korea, saying the activities harness South Koreas world-class shipbuilding capabilities and ensure our most lethal capabilities remain ready to respond to any crisis. We face, as we both acknowledge, a dangerous security environment, but our alliance is stronger than ever, Hegseth said. 'No daylight or differences' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth said the South Korea-U.S. alliance is primarily aimed at coping with potential North Korean provocations, but must also keep other regional threats in view. Theres no doubt flexibility for regional contingencies is something we would take a look at, but we are focused on standing by our allies here and ensuring the threat of the DPRK is not a threat to the Republic of Korea and certainly continue to extend nuclear deterrence as we have before, he said. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea North Korea's official name while Republic of Korea is South Korea's formal name. In recent years, the U.S. and South Korea have been discussing how to integrate U.S. nuclear weapons and South Korean conventional weapons in various contingencies. South Korea has no nuclear weapons and is under the U.S. nuclear umbrella security commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahn denied speculation that South Korea could eventually seek its own nuclear weapons program or is pushing for redeployment of U.S. tactical weapon weapons that were removed from South Korea in the 1990s. He stressed that Seoul remains committed to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Because we cannot have nuclear weapons, a system integrating U.S. nuclear capabilities and South Koreas conventional weapons, the CNI (conventional-nuclear integration) framework, has been established, he said. Hegseth and Ahn did not issue a joint statement after the meeting, leaving the details of their agreements unclear. It's unusual for the two countries' defense ministerial talks to end without an immediate joint statement. But Hegseth said there was no daylight or differences between the two countries, only a bigger deal which takes a little bit more time. During a separate meeting with Hegseth later Tuesday, Lee reiterated his support of an implementation of a previous agreement to transfer wartime operational control of the allied forces to a binational command led by a South Korean general. Currently, the commander of the 28,500 troops in South Korea has wartime operational control of the allied forces, including the South Korean military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee said South Korea taking greater defense responsibilities on the Korean Peninsula would lessen U.S. military burdens in the region, according to Lees office. Many South Koreans view regaining their militarys wartime operational control as a matter of national sovereignty. North Korean artillery tests before Hegseth's arrival North Korea didnt immediately comment on the Hegseth-Ahn meeting. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said earlier on Tuesday that it detected the North test-firing around 10 rounds of artillery toward its western waters on Monday, shortly before Hegseth arrived at an inter-Korean border village with Ahn to kick off his two-day visit to South Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The joint chiefs said the North also fired the same number of rounds Saturday afternoon, before a summit between Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Lee called for a stronger role by Beijing to persuade the North to return to dialogue with Washington and Seoul. North Korea had expressed irritation over the agenda of the Lee-Xi meeting, ridiculing Seoul for clinging to a pipe dream that the North would one day give up its nuclear weapons. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that South Korea will take a larger role in defense against North Korean aggression as Seoul has pledged to up its investments in military capabilities and bolster defense spending. Hegseth said he is greatly encouraged by South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-backs commitment to increase defense spending and make greater investments in the countrys military ability, including critical missile defense and space capabilities that our forces need to preserve the peace and prevail, God forbid, in war. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said in early October that South Korea will increase its defense spending by 8.2 percent next year in order to produce autonomous drones, precision-guided missiles and combat robots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Defense secretary said the alliance between Washington and Seoul is stronger than ever before and touted the agreement to have American ships maintained and repaired in South Korea. Im confident that we will continue to lead the region toward a more safe and secure future, Hegseth said. Still, the crux of the alliance between Washington and Seoul is predicated on deterring Pyongyangs aggression, Hegseth said, who earlier in the week visited the Demilitarized Zone on the border with North Korea. Ahn shut down the idea of South Korea developing its own nuclear weapons program. Last week, when announcing a trade deal, President Trump said he allowed South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine in Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth said the U.S. fully supports South Koreas plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines and that the Pentagon will work closely with the department of Energy and State. President Trump wants our allies to be strong, and the Republic of Korea is a model ally, Hegseth said. Because of that, the president has been open to Korea acquiring greater and more advanced capabilities. 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 The Hill. This story was originally published on K-12 Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily K-12 Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Teachers are increasingly using generative artificial intelligence tools to support students with disabilities in ways that save time for educators and provide best practices for interventions and clear communication for students and parents, according to a new paper from the Center for Democracy and Technology. CDT however, warns of risks in using AI to craft individualized education programs, including potential violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and privacy laws, as well as possible introduction of inaccuracies and biases. In addition, teachers should be cautious about entering identifiable information of students into AI tools, especially when using ones not vetted and approved by their school system, the center said. Dive Insight: Nearly 60% of special education teachers reported using AI to develop an IEP or Section 504 plan during the 2024-25 school year. That's an 18-percentage-point increase from the previous school year, according to polling by CDT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This use of AI is a good idea, according to 64% of parents of students with an IEP or Section 504 plan and 63% of students with either plan, the polling found. Furthermore, about a third of special educators said they used AI to perform specific tasks during the 2024-25 school year, including: Identifying trends in student progress and helping determine patterns for goal setting. Summarizing the content of IEP and 504 plans. Choosing specific accommodations while creating IEP or 504 plans. Fewer special educators said they used AI to write only the narrative portion of an IEP or 504 plan (21%), or to fully write either plan (15%). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saving time was the main benefit for special educators using AI, according to CDT. The center cited research showing that teachers who use AI tools weekly may save up to six weeks over a school year. That's a significant time savings, considering some school systems are reporting severe special educator shortages and burnout, CDT said. "Teachers and administrators are interested in tools that save even a small amount of time per IEP, including those that use AI," the paper said. But along with that potential comes certain risks, specifically legal and privacy liabilities, CDT said. For instance, IDEA requires each IEP to be unique and tailored to each students disabilities, goals and process for achieving their goals. An AI tool that develops IEPs based on little student-specific information and that is not significantly reviewed and edited by a teacher likely would not meet these IDEA requirements, said the CDT paper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educators and school systems should also be aware of privacy rules under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, IDEA and other state-level privacy policies when using AI tools, CDT said. Any student information included in a query to a chatbot can be collected and likely stored by the chatbot company, the center said. The privacy risks and chance of violating FERPA vary depending on factors like the chatbot version being used and whether the school or district has agreements with vendors that license purpose-built tools, which may have more privacy protections. To support special educators as AI becomes more embedded in the field, CDT recommends school and district administrators provide guidance and training about how to responsibly and ethically use AI to develop IEPs, including how to adhere to legal requirements. The center also suggests school and district administrators establish communities of practice so teachers can discuss best practices in using AI to develop IEPs. Moreover, schools should discuss with parents and students how AI is incorporated into the IEP development process so they can share any concerns and suggestions, the center said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the survey, CDT polled 275 licensed special education teachers, 394 students with an IEP or 504 plan and 336 parents of a child with an IEP or 504 plan. CDT's online surveys of nationally representative samples included 1,030 grade 9-12 students, 806 grade 6-12 teachers, and 1,018 parents of students in grades 6-12 conducted between June and August 2025. Recommended Reading HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) A man from Fletcher was arrested and charged for possessing child sexual abuse material, according to Henderson County deputies. A search warrant was executed at a home on Belmont Drive on October 23 by the Henderson County Sheriffs Office, Fletcher Police Department, and Department of Homeland Security against 27-year-old Tristen James Bradley regarding child abuse material. Bradley was charged with eight counts of exploitation of a minor and was later arrested by the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the arrest warrants, ages of the victims ranged from 1 to 11-years-old. He is currently being held at the Henderson County jail. 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Rory Jones peered down from the southern edge of the dam. In the shallow, still waters of the Hillsborough River, he watched a manatee bob to the surface. A newborn calf clung to its side. During cold winters, the sea mammals travel upriver searching for warmer, more sheltered waters. The pair Jones saw that morning in 2018 would have braved 10 miles of the murky river, past a shuttered chemical plant, a former steel mill and the scene of a 2011 mercury spill, before arriving at the base of the dam. It was the farthest upstream hed ever seen a manatee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tampa water director, who has worked 28 years for the city, took it as an early sign that the urbanized, long-polluted river wasrecovering. Years later, a report has corroborated his hypothesis. For the first time since the Hillsborough Rivers recovery plan was established in 2000, water managers have begun to consistently meetthe rivers targetflow levels, a guideline implemented to safeguard its ecology, according to a study completed by the Southwest FloridaWater Management District. As a result, scientists found thatfreshwater habitat has expanded along a stretch of its most impaired banks. Jones is not the only one to see the river show signs of life in recent years. Homeowners and environmental advocates who live along its banks come to him with stories about wildlife they havent spotted in decades returning. It gives me a sense of pride, Jones said. The river is the heart of our city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tampas revitalization of theHillsborough especially along the scenic Riverwalk district makes it easy to forget the rivers troubled past, once tainted with oil spills, septic leaks and industrial waste, thebyproducts of a thriving port city. Early water history Tampas story starts at the dam. Streetlamps that lit Ybor Citys brick roads and streetcars that carried tired cigar factory workers home to Tampas suburbs spurred electricity demand in the late 1800s. To meet the booming citys energy needs, power company Consumers Electric built a hydroelectric dam10 miles up the Hillsborough River. But in 1898, one year after it was completed, the dam was vandalized and destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities suspected cattle ranchers, upset by flooded pastures and mosquito swarms as a result of the stagnant river upstream from the dam, were behind the explosion. Four men were arrested, but the charges never stuck. The cost to rebuild sunk Consumers Electric. In 1899, competitor Tampa Electric bought the failing company and inherited the dam. The structure survived two more sabotage attempts: In June 1916, two men planted explosives at its north end before paddling away. The blast did not damage the dam, and the motive behind it was unclear. Two months later, 20 masked men held its operator at gunpoint, set fire to the power station and lit a fuse to 196 sticks of dynamite at the dams base. Their explosives never blew, and no arrests were ever made, according to the Tampa Tribune. It would take an act of nature, decades later, to overpower the citys main drinking water infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 1933 flood blew out the dam, destroyed the hydroelectric plant and opened another river stream to the south. They rebuilt again.The new dam was finished 80 years ago and stretched past the breached shoreline. Today, the ruins of the hydroelectric plant poke out from an island of invasive Brazilian pepper trees south of the dam. Later natural disasters posed even bigger problems for the city. Calls for flood management Tropical Storm Brenda struck the west coast in 1960 and caused flashboards, used to make the dam taller during times of heavy flow, to collapse. About 800 people who lived on the Hillsborough riverfront were forced to evacuate, according to the Tampa Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A month later, Hurricane Donna swept across already saturated grounds, again flooding neighborhoods and overtopping the dam. Property damage and public outrage pushed the Florida Legislature to create regional water management districts to oversee flood mitigation. The Tampa Bypass Canal, dredged to curb flooding in Tampa and Temple Terrace, was among the largest of these projects undertaken by the Southwest FloridaWater Management District, known as Swiftmud. It cost $70 million to cut a deep canal from Morris Bridge Road to the eastern shore of Tampa Bay. Dale Twachtmann, Swiftmuds director at the time, boldly proclaimed in a 1994 interview with the Tampa Tribune that the district had solved all future flood risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of those projects where people cant realize its importance because it caused something not to happen, he told a Tribune reporter. Tampa never has flooded since (1960) and wont. The canal was the total solution. Last years hurricanes Helene and Milton, the worst storms in a century, proved otherwise. Milton shattered the Hillsborough Rivers height records set in 1960, when recordkeeping began, and forced hundreds to evacuate. Completed in 1978, the canal solved more than just the regions flooding issue. Workers digging the canal breached the Floridan Aquifer, a natural limestonestructure holding groundwater that Floridians across the state use to drink. Fresh groundwater continues to seep into the canal, providing a tremendous amount of additional drinking water to the citys stock, the U.S. Geological Survey found, relieving pressure on the Hillsborough River. Pollution pressures With flooding contained, the city soon faced calls to clean up the polluted river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Companies that included industrial factories and brewery Anheuser-Busch had moved to Tampa and put additional strain on the Hillsborough. Tampas water department announced in 1963that it would stop dumping alum sludge, a harmful byproduct of its water treatment plant, into the river. Environmentalists cheered, but their victory was short-lived. Water pressures in the late 60s and early 70s caused the city to renege on its promise and resume dumping. In 1973, the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County fined the city for its continued dumping of sludge and suggested a moratorium on sewer and water hookups. Fearing it would halt development, then-Mayor Dick Greco vetoed the fine and argued the sludge posed no threat to water quality. The state pollution department disagreed, and one official called the city sewage system and treatment facility severely inadequate, according to a Tampa Times article. Still, the moratorium never materialized, and development continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By that time,legislation spearheaded by environmental advocates was gaining traction. Congress passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972 was a turning point for the river and Tampa Bay. That same year, the state passed the Wilson-Grizzle Act spurred by lobbying from the League of Women Voters that required more stringent treatment of wastewater dumped into southwest Florida waterways. Still,the measure wasnt enough to curb pollution, which city leaders blamed on struggling infrastructure. In 1977, the city again dumped 3 million gallons of alum sludge into the river, violating the newly passed federal law. No flow Reduced flow of the Hillsborough signaled another tipping point for the rivers health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the mid-70s, drinking water withdrawals began to exceed the amount flowing into the river. It started a pattern of no flow days over the dam that persists today. As part of the rivers recovery plan, Swiftmud adopted minimum flow guidelines in 2000. Sid Flannery, a retired Swiftmud project manager, spearheaded theeffort. We didnt look at historical flow conditions. We looked at the situation as it is, he said. The fact that the Hillsborough River is so highly urbanized, the physical alteration of the river, has affected its ecology. Its not going to be as productive as a more natural river. The push to restore the rivers flow required the city to pump water to the Hillsborough River from other sources during dry winter months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tampas water supply came to rely on Sulphur Springs, a historic swimming hole permanently closed to the public in 1986 due to unsafe bacteria levels from stormwater pollution. In 2002, the city began pumping water from the spring into the Hillsborough to bring river levels up. Fish populations home to Tampa Bay use freshwater habitats as nurseries where they feed on snails and zooplankton. Swiftmud recognizes this section of the river from the dam south to Sulphur Springs as its target zone for restoration efforts. As water managers brought new river recovery sources online, the number of no flow days fell. In 2008, the city began pumping freshwater from the Tampa Bypass Canal to the dam. Upgraded pumps at Sulphur Springs allowed more water to be drawn infour years later.Other water sources tapped in 2018 and 2023 allowed the city and water managers to finally reach the goal it started working toward 25 years ago: The district has met the guidelines every day since 2023. River in recovery At a Swiftmud meeting last month, staff presented the findings of its report to a panel of citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The river is doing what we hoped we were going to see, said Danielle Rogers, a project manager with the district. The money that was spent on the project, the hours, blood, sweat, tears, arguing, all of it, were seeing the low-salinity habitat extension, which was the goal of the minimum flow to begin with. Although the rivers health has improved in recent years, urban pressures that plague the Hillsborough wont be going away, said Peter Clark, founder of Tampa Bay Watch. Nutrient pollution from upstream farmlands and nearby riverside neighborhoods poses the largest threat to its water quality today. We have to balance what our human need is with the water quality and water flow thats coming over the dam on the Hillsborough River as well, Clark said. We really have to be sensitive to population growth and overuse of our water bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark celebrated the water managers achievement. He said it seems the river is finally getting the appreciation it deserves. Those little wins add up to something significant, he said. The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Floridas most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by clicking here. HUNTINGTON While SNAP benefits hadnt been paused yet which happened Nov. 1 the director of the Huntington Food Pantry said that when it opened last Thursday, at least of one-third of those seeking food assistance were new. People hadnt even missed [getting their accounts refilled] but they had this fear, complete fear, said Laura Gavioli, the director of the pantry located in the basement of the Pioneer Valley Assembly of God at 63 Old Chester Road, where she is also the churchs office manager. Typically, Gavioli said, they have about 55 people shopping for their families each week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Thursday, 75 showed up. I was really surprised you could see in their eyes that they were freaking out, Gavioli said, adding that she and the pantry volunteers tried to calm the fears by letting everyone know, its going to be OK. Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the program, posted on its website that the well has run dry for SNAP benefits blaming Senate Democrats. Its unfortunate that this revolves around politics, she said. However, on Monday, after two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to begin refilling the EBT cards, it refused to fund the entire amount needed for November, filing in federal court it would fund 50% of individuals and families allotments, according to media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with that announcement, Gavioli was unsure what Thursday will bring. She was sure of one thing, however. Were figuring well get an uptick, but we will serve whoever shows up, she said. While she thought the pause in the food program might increase the numbers using the pantry, Gavioli added that during the holiday season the number of families seeking help generally ticks up. She said there is one thing about the pantry that is remarkable. We seem to be getting what we need, she said. She said that it is because of the food provided by the Western Mass Food Bank in Chicopee, and arrangements the pantry has with Cumberland Farms, Big Y, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Price Rite, the Breadbasket Bakery and Cafe, and lately the pantry has been getting bagels from Southwicks Fancy Bagels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Western Mass Food Bank, she said, is providing food that was provided months ago by the federal government. They are still providing even if the government is shut down, she said. Of course, monetary donations are always accepted and Gavioli said it is those donations that help purchase items the pantry is short of like this week its peanut butter. The Huntington Food Pantry, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is located on the lower level of the Pioneer Valley Assembly of God on 63 Old Chester Road and provides food to the residents of more than a dozen towns surrounding Huntington. The pantry is open Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m. and 2-4:30 p.m. For more information, call 413-667-3196. Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Editor's note: This story first ran in Eliot Kleinberg's Palm Beach Post Florida Time column as part of a four-part series in 2019. It has been broken into five parts for this go-round. Here is the fourth installment running down Florida's 67 counties and how they ended up with the names they bear today. Note: Years refer to each county's formation. As a reminder, all facts are from this writers book, Florida Fun Facts, as well as the Florida Department of State and the Florida Handbook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madison (1827): Named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. The area developed as part of the Antebellum plantation belt, relying on cotton cultivation by enslaved African Americans. Manatee (1855): Many of the gentle sea cows swim the waters of this area, especially in the aptly named Manatee River. FPL even has a special observation deck outside its Riviera Beach plant, where the warm water attracts them during the chilly winter months. The county was originally part of Hillsborough County, shrinking to its current size by 1921. Marion (1844): General Francis Marion was a military officer during the American Revolution. Marion was from South Carolina and was probably chosen by the numerous settlers from South Carolina in this area at the time. Martin (1925): Established by an act of the Florida Legislature and named after John W. Martin, 24th governor of Florida, who was governor at the time of the countys creation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miami-Dade (1836): Originally just called Dade County after Francis L. Dade, a major in the U.S. Army during the Second Seminole War. The name Miami was added because of the international name recognition of Miami, which takes up most of the county. Monroe (1823): Named after James Monroe, fifth president of the United States. He was president of the U.S. when the country acquired Florida from Spain. Nassau (1824): Carved out of Duval County and named after the Duchy of Nassau, an independent state in Germany now a part of the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. Okaloosa (1915): A Choctaw word that most likely means black water. Some sources disagree about the actual meaning of the word used to describe this area. the Florida legislature created a new county in the Florida Panhandle from parts of Santa Rosa and Walton counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Okeechobee (1917): Lake Okeechobee is Floridas largest lake, which borders the county. Okeechobee is a Hitchiti word meaning big water. Orange (1824): Originally called Mosquito County, not the best name for one of Floridas most visited counties. It was renamed Orange County in 1845 after the crop that grew all over the area and the state. Osceola (1887): Named for the Seminole Tribe leader Osceola, whose name means Black Drink Cry. He led a small group of Seminoles during the Second Seminole War. Chief Osceola, leader of the Seminoles. During the 1830s, he led members of his tribe in Florida in a valiant attempt to resist the US Armys efforts to forcibly deport them to a reservation west of the Mississippi River. After being captured, Osceola died a prisoner of the US Army at Fort Moultrie in January 1838. Palm Beach (1909): Carved out of then-Dade County and named after the town of Palm Beach, which got its own name for the abundance of palm trees on the beaches here. The clock tower at the end of Worth Avenue is a popular site in Palm Beach, which got its name from the trees and lent its name to the county. Pasco (1887): Samuel Pasco was speaker of the Florida House when the county formed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next week: Pinellas to Washington. Eliot Kleinberg is a former staff writer for The Palm Beach Post and the author of numerous books about Florida and its history. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida history and origins of counties Madison to Pasco Muskogee resident Elizabeth Bautista Boyd brought artists, musicians and craftspeople to her front yard Saturday. Artists sold their wares at the Honor Heights Drive Art Affair, which Boyd has hosted for three years. I put it together so theres more opportunity for artists to showcase their work, Boyd said. Its grown definitely with the amount of vendors that weve had. Every year, it gets a little bit bigger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its like arts are for everyone, Boyd said. We started music last year and continued that this year. Were actually getting people from the Tulsa area now. Some vendors made the event a family affair. Eve Sisemore, of Owasso, helped her sister, Darla Boydstun, sell woodcrafts. Boydstun said she learned woodworking from her father, but most of the items she sold from her booth were made over the past few years. My favorite thing to make are cutting boards and charcuterie boards, she said. Ive got maple, cherry, oak and walnut. Most of my charcuteries are cedar. Her husband, retired banker Max Boydstun, sold some stained-glass butterflies he made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes keeping busy, Darla Boydstun said. After he retired, I had to find something for him to do. Some artists said they find their work therapeutic. Drew Blake made tiny houses out of clay; they fit in the palm of his hand. I call them my plant houses, Blake said. You add them to your house plants to give them scale. Boyd said they usually attract more than 30 area artists and vendors. Some had to pull out this year when the affair was postponed due to rain a week earlier. The delay turned out to be a plus, though, with the rescheduled fair falling on the colorful Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos. With the government shutdown continuing, travel experts said it's possible that TSA wait times of more than three hours could persist. On Monday morning, passengers at Bush Intercontinental Airport encountered long TSA wait lines. The airport said the lines were three hours long due to the ongoing government shutdown. One of those passengers faced with the long line was Tracy McGee. He's a former federal employee who knows what it's like to not get paid during a government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That sort of puts stress on your family," McGee explained. "I had a spouse who said, 'What are we going to do?' We had young kids at the time." McGee wasn't the only passenger faced with anxiety. On Monday, the airport's website showed a nearly three-hour TSA wait. On Monday morning, long lines wrapped beyond the TSA checkpoint. By early afternoon, the long lines were gone. ABC13 asked the airport why it still showed a 180-minute wait. Turns out, a spokesperson told us they locked the wait time because the lines were moved beyond their sensors. Minutes after we reached out, the website showed a 15-minute wait. It was too late for some who arrived hours early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm going to go and find a bar and sit there for the next eight hours and drink maybe more than one beer," passenger Eric Ung said. The TSA wait time may no longer be three hours, but travel blogger Gary Leff, who runs the website, view from the wing, said it's possible they return. "In this particular situation, there is no typical because we haven't seen anything like this in the last six years, and we don't know when the shutdown is going to resolve itself," Leff said. Leff said normally, airlines aren't willing to make changes if you miss your flight due to TSA issues. This time, he says it could be different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Asking for a little bit of grace from the carrier is something that can go a long way," Leff explained. "They may have other passengers who they're trying to get onto these flights who missed earlier flights. It works both ways." Leff said if you're looking to cut down on the wait time, you may want to avoid TSA Pre-Check because it requires a background check, takes time to be cleared, and costs around $80. He said if you're willing to spend more money, about $200, Leff said CLEAR could be an option, and you can sign up at the airport. Even if you don't fly, travel experts say the images coming out of Houston's airports could impact you. They say the coverage of long lines, not just here, but also at other airports, could make an impact in getting the government to reopen. Leff said the long lines may not just bring a short-term change with the government reopening, but it could cause lawmakers to look at the TSA process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do think that this underscores how cumbersome we have made the process of getting to and through getting out of the airport," Leff said. To find out why TSA had such long times on Monday morning, ABC13 reached out to TSA to ask about staffing. We did not receive a response. For updates on this story, follow Nick Natario on Facebook, X and Instagram. Houston city leaders said they can't guarantee a program purchased for millions of dollars in 2023 will be ready to use until late 2026. The police record management system, or RMS, stores important police records, such as incident reports, which contain information about victims, suspects, and crimes. This system was at the heart of a massive police scandal last year, in which over a quarter of a million incident reports, many with workable leads, were never investigated because of how the reports were coded in the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC13 reporting in 2024 found the City of Houston purchased a new records management system in 2023 for $31M. It should have been ready for the Houston Police Department to utilize in late 2024, but the launch was pushed back to early 2025. Now, Eyewitness News is being told it will maybe be ready in late 2026. "The new go-live date for RMS is October 2026, so about a year from now. We do have more confidence, but we do have plenty of concerns. This is why we are hedging with the additional spending authority if it is needed," Houston Police Chief Data Officer Melissa Cummins said. Cummins said she anticipates spending over $24.5M to get this project across the finish line. That money is already allocated and would be used to extend the contract for the current outdated record system while the city pushes back the launch of the new system, purchases the necessary hardware, and completes the crossover from one server to another. We asked councilwoman Amy Peck what Houstonians should think about the city pouring money into a system that can't be used right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have to be good stewards of the tax dollars and make sure anything we are implementing that it's needed and necessary and this system definitely we do put more money into it but our old system is not working and we would have to spend a lot more money to get the current system up in order vs spending money on the new system," Peck said. So why the delays? The IT presenters told a city public safety committee on Monday that they didn't keep proper records, and as people involved in the project retired or moved on, they didn't have what they needed to get new employees caught up fast enough to meet the launch date. What records didn't they keep? We don't know. ABC13 asked for a chance to ask follow-up questions, but were refused and told to contact the Mayor's office. We sent the Mayor's spokesperson a list of questions, who said they reached out to the IT team but had not heard back at last check. The IT department said it is also trying to fix hiccups in the new system. Right now, multiple agencies can get into the RMS system to help investigators or prosecutors, but the new one might not be as flexible. ABC13 reached out to the DA's office, which said it is aware of the change but does not anticipate any roadblocks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IT team said on the upside, the new RMS system cannot be customized like the old one, which allowed the coding scandal to balloon the way it did. For more news updates, follow Lileana Pearson on Facebook, X and Instagram. The post Howard University gets record $80 million from MacKenzie Scott appeared first on ClutchPoints. Howard University is the latest HBCU to be on the receiving end of philanthropist MacKenzie Scotts generosity. The Washington, D.C., HBCU received an $80 million donation from Scott, one of the largest gifts in the universitys history. Scott has been on a spending spree over the last few months, donating to HBCUs all over the country. Scott previously donated $52 million to Howard back in 2020 and 2023 in the form of two gifts; with this latest gift, it brings Scotts total donations to Howard to $132 million. Like all her other donations, this donation to Howard is unrestricted and will go towards Howard and the Howard University College of Medicine. This significant donation adds to the recent string of achievements Howard has made this year. In addition to becoming an R1 institution, Howard was named the top HBCU in the county by LinkedIn and Forbes. U.S. News and World Report reported Howards business, computer science, economics, psychology, and criminal and constitutional law programs as the best programs among HBCUs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to People, Scott has given more than half a billion dollars to HBCUs since 2019. Her generous contributions have helped institutions that are often overlooked and underfunded. From this gift, the Howard College of Medicine will receive $7 million that will help fund the new Academic Medical Center. This latest addition to campus is in partnership with the College of Engineering and Architecture to help students learn about technology that could impact patient care and other scientific applications in a positive way. The gift will also be used to support students who need financial help. 70% of students at Howard require some form of financial assistance. To further support Howard as an R1-level research institution, the unrestricted gift will go towards construction and renovation projects to help ensure student success. As the recent federal government shutdown continues, the funds donated by Scott will go towards reserve funds for situations such as this. In addition to Howard, Scott has donated millions of dollars to other HBCUs in the last few months, including Morgan State University and Virginia State University. Scott recently donated $63 million to Morgan State, the largest individual donation in the schools history. Last month she donated $50 million to Virginia State, her second major donation to the university in five years. Ms. Scotts generosity and trust in our mission will change the trajectory of Virginia State University for generations to come, said VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. Her investment allows us to continue to build upon our legacy of excellence and expand our reach to more students who deserve access to a world-class education. For 143 years, VSU has stood as a beacon of opportunity, and with this transformational gift, our future shines even brighter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside of donating directly to HBCUs, Scott has also donated funds to organizations that support those institutions as well. In September, she donated $70 million to the United Negro College Fund to the organizations pooled endowment for its 37 HBCUs. Related: Talladega College makes drastic move following financial hardship Related: Jackson State gets back on track, dominates Florida A&M 41-16 Hundreds of residents from a small town in Oregon have joined the search for an experienced hunter who vanished in the dense woods of Mount Hood National Forest on Friday. Devon Dobek, 51, messaged his friends on the morning of October 31 to say that he was returning home after getting a deer, but was later reported as missing that evening at 6.20 pm after he failed to return, according to a statement from the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office. Dobeks neighbors in Hubbard, a small town located 26 miles from Portland, held a prayer vigil for him yesterday, which included a Bible reading and a rendition of Amazing Grace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The massive search for Dobek has seen ATVs, drones, and K-9 units combing the forest late into the night. Devon Dobek, 51, has vanished after heading into the Mount Hood National Forest on a hunting mission (Instagram/@Clackcosheriff) Search efforts are focused in steep and difficult terrain that was burned in the 2020 wildfires, the sheriffs office said at the time. The area is full of fallen trees, making navigation extremely challenging. Crews plan to continue searching into the night hours. However, Dobeks friend said that he believes that the hunters experience in the wilderness could be helping him to survive. Ive hunted and fished with him multiple times, friend Roger Neufeld told Fox 12. If theres anyone who can weather something like this, its going to be Devon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While his sister, Katie, told the station that Dobeks family is putting their faith in God. We are 100% putting our faith in Christ, she said. This can be used as a witness to bring people together. The outpouring of the community has been Christ-centered. Dobeks car has been found off Oregon Highway 224, by the Fish Creek Tailhead, but, according to Oregon Live, there was no sign of him or his deer near the vehicle. Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a statement that teams looking for Dobek heard gunshots in the forest on Friday but could not pinpoint where they had come from. Authorities confirmed that they presumed that the missing hunter had fired the shots. The harsh terrain makes searching for people difficult, with heavy rain obscuring the view of helicopter search teams (Instagram/@clackcosheriff) Despite the dismal weather and heavy rain, Oregon Army National Guard helicopters have joined the search, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff has confirmed that no additional volunteers are needed as Mountain Wave Search and Rescue, Portland Mountain Rescue, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Hood River Crag Rats, and Lake Oswego Police Departments drone team have also set out to find Dobek. In addition to the physical search, law enforcement is attempting to find him through cellphone and GPS tracking, but has found that the rugged terrain means that "signal coverage in the area is weak or non-existent." The Independent has contacted the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office for comment. More than 7.55 million people in South Sudan will face malnutrition during next years April-to-July lean season, when food supplies are usually lower, according to a global hunger monitor. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a United Nations-backed food security watchdog, issued the stark warning on Tuesday, projecting that hunger will worsen dramatically in the coming months as fighting between rival political factions intensifies and global aid funding dwindles. The assessment comes as the country teeters on the brink of renewed civil war following President Salva Kiirs suspension of his main political rival and First Vice President Riek Machar, who faces trial on treason charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 5.97 million South Sudanese, 42 percent of the population analysed, are currently facing acute malnutrition, the IPC said. Some 28,000 people in Luakpiny Nasir and Fangak are already classified as living in catastrophic conditions, the IPCs most severe category, amid persistent conflict and flooding. Six counties are projected to hit the most critical levels of acute malnutrition in 2026, primarily due to conflict-driven displacement and restricted access to food, water and health services, as well as a spreading cholera outbreak, the report said. More than 2.1 million children under five and 1.15 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk of acute malnutrition by June 2026, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high severity of acute food insecurity in South Sudan is of great concern, requiring an immediate and large-scale response to save lives, the IPC report said. Humanitarian access remains one of the most critical challenges, the report said. In many areas across the country, insecurity, looting and flooding have isolated entire communities for months, it said. This is an alarming trajectory, said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the World Food Programmes country director in South Sudan. The persistent hunger levels remain deeply troubling. In counties where peace has held, and actors have consistent access, as well as resources, people have taken the first steps towards recovery. While this progress is encouraging, it is crucial that we sustain the momentum to ensure lasting positive change across all affected communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hunger emergency stems from a cascade of crises. Renewed fighting between government forces and militias aligned with Machar has killed nearly 2,000 people this year and displaced more than 445,000, according to International Committee of the Red Cross figures. Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has cycled through civil war, fragile peace deals, and ongoing political instability, leading to a range of humanitarian emergencies. Within two years of independence, President Kiir, from the majority Dinka ethnic group, dismissed Machar, a Nuer from the countrys second-largest community, leading to a civil war along ethnic lines that killed an estimated 400,000 people. A 2018 peace deal restored a weak power-sharing arrangement, but its provisions were not properly implemented. The agreement is facing its most serious recent test amid Machars imprisonment and trial. NEED TO KNOW Ron Dailey, 55, went hunting on Oct. 13 and failed to return home His family reported that he was missing, and for 20 days, search and rescue teams were looking for him Then, on Saturday, Nov. 1, a group of hikers spotted him and he was transported to the local hospital A 55-year-old hunter was missing for nearly three weeks before he was found alive in the Sierra National Forest on Saturday, Nov. 1. Ron Dailey went to the Sierra National Forest to go hunting for the day on Oct. 13, according to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office (FCSO). But once he failed to return home, his family contacted FCSO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went to the Swamp Lake Trail, but after he took a wrong turn, he got lost and found himself in an unfamiliar area. Eventually, his truck broke down, he recalled for ABC 7. Dailey was at around 10,000 feet elevation, used his car for shelter, and had enough food to last him two weeks. When he realized the dire situation he was in, he told himself, 'Now this is it Ron, two days of hunting - you either try to walk out or you're gonna sit here and die,' " according to ABC News. He then searched for someone to help him. As he descended the trail, he fell a few times and lost his phone, leaving him with no means to call for help, ABC News reported. Fresno County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Ron Dailey Ron Dailey Over the next 20 days, several local agencies searched the Sierra National Forest for Dailey. Then on Saturday, Nov. 1, a group of hikers spotted him. "I can't hardly walk anymore, Lord, you gotta help me Father God," Dailey told ABC 7. "I raised my head up, there was a car with headlights on and I go, 'Oh God, thank you Lord.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His wife, Glenda Dailey, shared a similar sentiment when he returned home. Thank you everyone that prayed for our family and for Ron. I do believe in miracles, and this is one, she said, according to ABC News. After he was rescued, he was taken to Clovis Community Medical Center. He was expected to be released from the hospital on Monday, Nov. 3; no further updates have been shared. Fresno County Sheriff's Office/Facebook Ron Dailey Ron Dailey Glenda posted a statement on Facebook celebrating her husbands recovery on Sunday, Nov. 2. I want to thank everyone for all the support and love that we received while we patiently waited for Ron. God has answered the prayers of so many of us . He is going to be shocked when I show him all of the people who searched for him, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the men who went down that road and found him, I am eternally grateful for you; I cannot wait to meet you, she continued. There are so many Family members, friends and people we do not even know that were looking and we are so thankful to all of you! God still does miracles, and we have just been shown one . 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. PEOPLE reached out to Rons wife, Glenda, and cousin, Patricia Cassio, for additional information on Monday, Nov. 3. Read the original article on People A deer hunter was found dead in the woods in Plainfield after suffering an apparent medical emergency Saturday evening, according to New Hampshire Fish & Game. Fish & Game was notified just before 7 p.m. Saturday that a hunter had not returned from River Road in Plainfield after leaving early that morning, officials said. Conservation officers, Plainfield fire and police personnel and other hunters searched the area. The hunter was found dead in the woods around 7:45 p.m., authorities said. The body was carried out to the road by 9 p.m. The hunters name is being withheld pending family notification. The Jamaican government on Monday said at least 32 deaths have been attributed to Hurricane Melissa, with Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon saying there are possibly eight more unconfirmed deaths. With its tourism season just a month away, officials are rushing to rebuild from the catastrophic Category 5 storm that shredded the island's western region. Before the hurricane hit on Oct. 28, the government expected Jamaica's tourism industry to grow by 7% this winter season and was preparing to welcome an estimated 4.3 million visitors. Now, officials are scrambling to repair hotels and clear debris in the western half of the island in the hope of securing tourist dollars at a moment when they're needed most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa was the most powerful hurricane to lash the island since record-keeping began 174 years ago. The National Hurricane Center said the storm initially came ashore near New Hope, on the southwestern coast of Jamaica. People repair the roof of a resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. / Credit: Matias Delacroix / AP Before the storm, the Jamaican government said it had done all it could to prepare. "There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5," Prime Minister Andrew Holness had said. "We are still doing our assessments, but most of the damage was in the northwest and southwest," said Christopher Jarrett, who leads the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association. He noted that the popular Negril area in Westmoreland was spared major damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All international airports in Jamaica have reopened and are receiving commercial flights. But almost a week after one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record struck the western end of Jamaica, tourism officials were still trying to get a true picture of the damage to the sector a mainstay of the island's economy. Jarrett said the lobby group that represents private hotels and attractions on the island is still unable to reach many of its members, especially in the western parish of Hanover, as communication and electricity services were down. "Every individual member who was affected is doing everything to get back up and running," he said. In recent days, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said he expected Jamaica's tourism sector to be back to normal by Dec. 15, the start of the island's peak tourism season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's doable for some and not for others," Jarrett said of the timeline, pointing out that the larger hotel chains would be able to recover quicker. Passengers check in at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. / Credit: Matias Delacroix / AP Jarrett, who operates the family-owned Altamont Court Hotel that has properties in Kingston and Montego Bay, said only one property in Montego Bay sustained roof damage and that repairs were underway. Despite the disruption to the important tourism sector, Jarrett said he doesn't expect the economic fallout to be significant. He said many hotels in the capital of Kingston and in the northern coastal town of Ocho Rios were gaining business from the influx of aid workers and volunteers in the hurricane's aftermath. "Right now, we're giving discounts, between 25% and 50%, and some [hotels] are giving complimentary stays as well," Jarrett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tourism is Jamaica's main source of foreign exchange earnings, contributing a combined 30% to gross domestic product directly and indirectly. It employs an estimated 175,000 people and is a major economic driver for other sectors in the Jamaican economy, such as construction, banking and finance, utilities and agriculture. The disruption to the tourism sector is also affecting many providers of goods and services. "With some of the hotels closed and most of the tourists gone, many of us are left without work. This storm didn't just destroy buildings; it shattered jobs and incomes for many of us and our families," said Patricia Mighten, who works in the western parish of Hanover as a hotel housekeeper. Desrine Smith, a craft vendor who plies her trade in the resort town of Falmouth in the northwestern parish of Trelawny, echoed those sentiments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Going days without tourists coming to buy anything means no sales and no money. We survive on daily earnings, and now everything is uncertain," she said. "The hurricane has impacted our pockets hard." Crews are still trying to access 25 isolated areas in western Jamaica as helicopters continue to drop food for them. Nearly half of all power customers remain without electricity. President Donald Trump: The 2025 60 Minutes Interview President Donald Trump's extended 60 Minutes interview New poll shows who Americans blame for the government shutdown The death toll in the wake of Hurricane's Melissa's rampage through the Caribbean has risen to 65 and is likely to rise to at least 73, after additional deaths were announced by Jamaican officials on Nov. 3. Jamaica has confirmed 32 deaths, but Jamaican officials are working to confirm eight additional deaths, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said during an afternoon update on Nov. 3. The hurricane claimed 31 lives in Haiti and two in the Dominican Republic. Melissa made landfall on Jamaica's southwest coast a week ago, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph at its center with gusts of more than 200 mph. The powerful winds, extreme rains and overwhelming storm surge caused widespread damage across the island, but especially in western Jamaica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday, Nov. 4 will be one week, "but it feels like 10 years," said Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications and transport. A resident stands at a flooded section of Port Royal in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. A man covers the windows of his home with corrugated iron ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa strengthened Monday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean as a top-level Category 5 storm, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately. After passing over Jamaica, the storm was forecast to head north and cross over eastern Cuba on Tuesday night, while continuing to bring rain and heavy winds to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. A man watches the waves crash into the walls at the Kingston Waterfront on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. A motorist drives along flooded Michael Manley Boulevard in Kingston, Jamaica, as Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa on October 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa, already a major category 4 storm, gathered steam Sunday as it took aim at Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, with forecasters predicting catastrophic flooding and urging residents to seek shelter immediately. A coconut tree sways in the wind at the Kingston Waterfront on Ocean Boulevard in Kingston, Jamaica, as Jamaica starts to feel the effects of Hurricane Mellisa on Oct. 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa was cutting a deadly path in the Caribbean on the night of October 25, with rapid intensification expected over the weekend as it took a worryingly slow course toward Jamaica and the island of Hispaniola, forecasters said. Waves crash onto the beach in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. Satellite image of Hurricane Melissa as of 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. People fill bags with sand in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Alfred Veitch places concrete blocks on top of his chicken coop, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. A person watches waves crash on the beach, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Fishermen move a boat to higher ground, in preparation of Hurricane Melissa, in Port Royal, Jamaica on Oct. 26, 2025. Empty counters at the airport, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Kingston, Jamaica on Oct. 25, 2025. People load sandbags onto a vehicle, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in the Harbour View neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica on Oct. 25, 2025. The National Hurricane Center reports Melissa has strengthened into a hurricane in the Caribbean on Oct. 25 and could soon rapidly intensify into a monstrous Category 4 or 5 storm, bringing perilous threats of rain, winds and storm surge to northern Caribbean islands. A drone view shows a vehicle driving along a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. People transit on a motorcycle through a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. People look on at the entrance to their homes on a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. A woman is standing on a street flooded by rains caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 23, 2025. A drone view shows water rushing through a spillway at the Sabaneta Dam as water levels are elevated due to Tropical Storm Melissa, in Sabaneta, Dominican Republic October 23, 2025. People walk through a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. A woman walks along a flooded street amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. A drone view shows a flooded area amid rain caused by Tropical Storm Melissa, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, October 24, 2025. Gas pumps are wrapped in plastic at a Texaco station as part of storm preparations, ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa, which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the area, in Kingston, Jamaica, October 25, 2025. Workers board up a business ahead of the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, in Kingston, Jamaica, October 24, 2025. Hurricane Melissa slams the Caribbean. See the floods and impact on residents in photos 1 of 23 A resident stands at a flooded section of Port Royal in Kingston on Oct. 27, 2025. Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica with potentially deadly rains after rapidly intensifying into a top-level Category 5 storm, as residents scrambled for shelter from what could be the island's most violent weather on record. Melissa has already been blamed for at least four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and was set to unleash torrential rains on parts of Jamaica in a direct hit on the Caribbean island. Twenty-five communities on the island are still marooned, said Pearnel Charles Jr., minister of labour and social security. The hurricane has tested the island "in ways we could not have imagined," Charles said. Working to restore devastated electrical and water service Morris Dixon and others described the efforts underway to try to restore electricity and water service and to provide food water and relief supplies. Electricity has been restored to about half the customers on the island, but that's primarily in urban areas, said Hugh Grant, president and CEO of the Jamaica Power Service. "Our steel lattice structure was twisted and on the ground," Grant said. Gloria Hutchins, 70, is assisted by a member of the army medical staff in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Darliston, Jamaica on Nov. 3, 2025. Grant noted the round-the-clock work underway. For example, he described an electrical worker whose wife had a seizure when a door and window blew off their home during the hurricane, who has not yet been able to stay with her because he has been working to help restore electricity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extensive damage also was reported to island water systems. On the north shore, intake pipes for the Great River water system were washed away, said Matthew Samuda, with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. Of 763 water systems on the island, 641 were disrupted. Officials also pleaded with those with no business in western Jamaica to stay away. Sightseers and people taking selfies are creating a significant traffic pileup and impeding trucks providing relief supplies, the officials said. A drone view of damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, in Belmont, Jamaica, November 2, 2025. Hurricane Melissa leaves meteorologists stunned and worried Relief supplies and crews arriving Jamaican officials said relief crews and supplies are arriving from around the world, including the United States, Canada, Venezuela, France and the Netherlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The world is helping us ... because they love Jamaica," Vaz said. The U.S. Department of State posted on X on Nov. 3 that it's providing an initial $11 million in foreign assistance to support communities in Jamaica, including emergency food supplies for up to 40,000 people and installation of six water treatment systems. The United States is providing an initial $11 million in foreign assistance to support communities in Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa. This will include emergency food supplies for up to 40,000 people affected by the hurricane, installation of 6 water treatment systems, pic.twitter.com/OSXQI2qek5 Department of State (@StateDept) November 3, 2025 Donations to Jamaica's official donation site are nearing $1 million U.S. dollars, Morris Dixon said. Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, has written about hurricanes, tornadoes and violent weather for more than 30 years. Reach her at dpulver@usatoday.com or @dinahvp on Bluesky or X or dinahvp.77 on Signal. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Melissa blamed for at least 65 deaths. A worker uses a forklift to move pallets of food at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Preston Keres/USDA) Morgan Wilson, chief development officer for the Idaho Foodbank, doesnt ponder which political party is responsible for the month-long government shutdown. Shell leave the bickering to the politicians. Morgan Wilson is the chief development officer for the Idaho Foodbank. (Photo courtesy of Chuck Malloy) Wilson, who works out of the foodbanks Lewiston office, is among the thousands within the nonprofit world who are trying to clean up what the politicos in Washington are doing or in this case not doing. Shes working with some 400 nonprofit partners in the Gem State to get the word out about where people can find food. In the short term, the foodbanks supply is stable, and assistance is available for those who need it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How long that stability lasts is another question. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has sent notice that as of Nov. 1, benefits under Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the food-stamp program) will be disrupted. SNAP helps more than 132,000 people in the Gem State with groceries every month. SNAP has taken a hit on multiple fronts. The Big Beautiful (budget) bill that was passed by Congress shifts some of the SNAP funding from the federal government to the states, which could take $4 million, and perhaps more, from the general fund. That news comes at a time when Idaho lawmakers are considering what to do about the states budgetary shortfall. Wilson can easily justify the need. Find food assistance in Idaho Find food assistance near you on the Idaho Foodbanks Food Locator at idahofoodbank.org. Click the Get Help button at the top of the website to find food assistance in Idaho by zip code. Listings on the site include the phone number, as well as the days and hours that the specific food pantries are open. Call ahead to confirm hours of operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no way that foodbanks can make up for the loss of funding from SNAP, she says. For every one meal served by a foodbank, there are nine served by SNAP. But a delay with SNAP is not the only issue at the forefront of the shutdown, according to a memo from Randy Ford, president and CEO of the Idaho Foodbank. In addition to SNAP, payroll for 11,000 federal workers (including active military) across Idaho may be affected, he said. This ripple effect will be felt throughout our local economies, food pantries and health care systems. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more families will feel the strain. We are preparing to handle an increase in need and are hoping for a resolution soon. If news reports are accurate, Republicans and Democrats are nowhere close to ending the political stalemate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shutdown is coming at a time when people are struggling. We had 4,000 visits a month to our food locaters people who are trying to find ways to get help. And its not easy for Idahoans, who are proud people, to ask for help, says Wilson. And this isnt people who are homeless, or refusing to work, she says. In Idaho, there are so many good people who are working, but struggling to make ends meet. Forty-one percent of Idahoans fall into that category. People can be doing all the right things and still struggle. Its no wonder why, with $400,000 being a benchmark for low-cost housing and anything under $2,000 a month being the measure for affordable rent. Then there are the unexpected medical costs, higher costs for groceries and gas and education expenses. Now, were in the midst of a government shutdown where some people who are living paycheck-to-paycheck suddenly are not getting paid or, worse yet, are deemed essential and are forced to work without pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, thats not the problem of the folks who have decided that shutting down the government is preferable to working out their differences. Members of Congress continue to get paid. This is not about politics, its about people, Wilson says. Shes correct, and Ford has his eyes in the right direction. At the Idaho Foodbank, we are already taking proactive steps to ensure no one goes hungry, he says. With the help of supporters, we are mobilizing our network of over 400 partner pantries, securing fresh, nutritious food and preparing to meet a rising demand for assistance. Good for the Idaho Foodbank and all that the people there do. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jeremey Varley, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture's southern chief treatment engineer, explains the state's strategy for eradicating invasive quagga mussels during a boat tour of the infested portion of the Snake River on Oct. 3. (Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun) State officials have not found any viable quagga mussels since the state administered the most recent copper-based treatment in the Snake River near Twin Falls this fall, Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt said Monday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quagga mussels are an invasive, nonnative species that Department of Agriculture officials first detected in microscopic larvae form called veligers in the Snake River in 2023. Since the initial detection, officials also detected quagga mussels in water samples taken in September 2024 and again this September. Because the mussels are capable of reproducing rapidly and clogging pipes used for irrigation and drinking water, Department of Agriculture officials, contractors and other state officials have adopted a total eradication strategy and administered a copper-based chemical called Natrix in the Snake River in an attempt to kill all of the mussels. Once they reach adult stage, state officials said one pair of quagga mussels is capable of producing as many as 1 million offspring per year. Chanel Tewalt serves as the director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture. (Courtesy of Idaho State Department of Agriculture) This fall, crews administered the copper-based chemical across a 3.5 mile section of the Snake River near Shoshone Falls from Sept. 30 to Oct. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, were not finding any viable mussels, Tewalt told the Idaho Capital Sun after briefing the Idaho Legislatures Natural Resources Interim Committee meeting Monday. And as you see in the chart too, after 48 hours of active treatment, we could find no viable veligers, which is important. Thats what we would expect to have happen. During Tewalts briefing at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, she told legislators that the September 2023 detection of quagga mussels in the Snake River near Twin Falls was the first-ever detection of quagga mussels in the entire Columbia River basin system. The Snake River is the longest river in Idaho, a source of drinking water and irrigation and a major tributary of the Columbia River. Because the river system is an important source of drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectricity, Tewalt said state officials moved quickly and with a sense of purpose. It goes without saying that quagga mussels are the single-biggest invasive species threat to our aquatic system, Tewalt told legislators Monday. Copper chemical used to kill invasive mussels also kills fish Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the consequences of administering the copper-based chemical to the Snake River is that it also suffocates and kills fish in the river. In 2023, thousands of fish died and floated to the surface of the Snake River in such quantities that state staffers took to the river with boats and nets to remove tons of dead fish, the Sun previously reported. This year, Tewalt told legislators that there was minimal fish mortality, perhaps in part due to the fact that fish in that section of the river that were vulnerable to the copper chemical had already been killed and not restocked. Before we got started, we indicated to the public that this treatment would kill all of the fish in the infected parts of the Snake River, Tewalt told legislators. That is a high and heartbreaking cost, but it is what we had to do to try to save the entire river. On top of administering the copper chemical, state officials also increased water sampling, increased the number of watercraft inspection stations and decontamination hot washes and conducted public outreach campaigns, Tewalt said. What does the quagga mussel eradication program look like? This fall about 25 Idaho State Department of Agriculture staffers and another 25 or 30 contractors were based on the Snake River near Twin Falls for nearly 24 hours a day from Sept. 30 to Oct. 14. Nearby in Twin Falls, laboratory technicians analysed fresh water samples to ensure the concentration of the copper chemical was administered in the planned one-part-per-million ratio and to monitor for quagga mussel veligers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New this year, crews focused on hard-to-reach sections of the Snake River, including deep pools and sections of the river that created unique laminar flow challenges that had previously made administering the chemical in certain stretches unique. This fall the department relied on certified scuba divers. One state employee who is a scuba diver, Southern Chief Treatment Engineer Jeremey Varley, even designed and rigged a custom underwater manifold system to better administer the copper chemical in hard-to-reach stretches of the river. Tewalt is encouraged by the treatment program, but does not yet know if the effort succeeded in eradicating all of the quagga mussels. Before the most recent treatment began, the September water samples showed that the infested portion of the Snake River was about half the size as it was the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once treatment began, water samples showed non-viable quaggal mussel larvae in about 48 hours and crews have not found any viable mussel larvae since then. Scientists and technicians use microscopes to study water samples taken from the Snake River to detect invasive quagga mussels. (Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun) Tewalt also has more confidence in the availability of water samples and sampling results, since the water samples are now efficiently analyzed at a nearby lab in Twin Falls instead of sent out-of-state for testing, as before. However, once water temperatures drop due to colder weather, Tewalt said the mussels will stop reproducing again until the weather warms again next summer or fall. That means officials may not know exactly how effective this years treatment was until next summer and falls water samples are analyzed. In the meantime, Tewalt said inspection and decontamination stations will continue to be increased, water sampling will continue and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture will do its best to limit the impact on people who enjoy recreating on the river. So, more stations, even more of a focus on inspections, communications and sampling, Tewalt told the Sun on Monday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) A new case of whooping cough has been confirmed in West Virginia. Confirmed by the Wetzel-Tyler Health Department, this case is another in a strand that has been making its way throughout the state. Stories of Strength: June Pendrys Battle on Two Fronts Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a respiratory disease that can be contracted by anyone. However, it is especially common and dangerous in infants one year or younger due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nancy Edwards, Infection preventionist with WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital, said early symptoms are a slight cough, a runny nose, and possibly a fever. She said the later symptoms are where things really get worrisome. Late symptoms is where your really strong symptoms of whooping cough occur. Thats where you get your violent coughing, thats where you have people that will vomit after a coughing spell, said Edwards. Edwards said you can also hear a high-pitched whoop sound on the next breath of air after a coughing spell. She said if you or someone in your home is experiencing these symptoms, you need to go to your primary care doctor right away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Edwards strongly recommends that you insist on the proper diagnosis method. To diagnose whooping cough, it is not blood work. The blood work that some providers can do, that sometimes order, does not diagnose whooping cough correctly. It does not meet the state health department case definition. You have to diagnose whooping cough by a nasopharyngeal swab, not blood work, said Edwards. West Virginia Family Caregivers need support Edwards said antibiotics are the best way to treat whooping cough, both for the person who is sick and the people who live with them. She said to practice good hand hygiene, disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly, and avoid people who are sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards said there is also a vaccine that can help prevent whooping cough as well. 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 WVNS. By Alimat Aliyeva Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng has begun trial production of flying cars at its factory in southern China, Azernews reports. "XPeng Aeroht, the flying car manufacturing division of XPeng, has started trial production at the world's first intelligent factory dedicated to the serial production of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles," the company announced. The 120,000-square-meter factory, located in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, has already produced the first removable electric aircraft modules for its modular Land Aircraft Carrier vehicle. The Guangzhou plant has a design production capacity of 10,000 removable aircraft modules per year, with an initial output of 5,000 units. Once it reaches full capacity, the factory will be able to assemble one aircraft every 30 minutes, according to XPeng. XPengs flying car initiative represents a major step toward the future of urban air mobility in China, a market expected to grow rapidly over the next decade. Experts predict that XPengs modular eVTOL design could revolutionize personal transportation, offering a hybrid between road and air travel. The ability to produce removable aircraft modules also suggests a new era of customizable and scalable urban aviation solutions, potentially reshaping how people commute in congested cities. Celonis has used its Celosphere 2025 conference in Munich to unveil sweeping platform innovations that position it as a central player in the new era of agentic, AI-driven enterprises. Celonis is a world leader in process intelligence and has showcased its expanded Celonis Process Intelligence Platform during its annual Celosphere conference this week. The enhanced platform now offers deeper integration across enterprise systems, a new object-centric process mining (OCPM) capability, and the worlds first Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for process intelligence. Celonis chief product officer Dan Brown (pictured below) said that to truly operationalise AI, businesses must identify the right use cases, redesign their processes, and orchestrate AI agents alongside people and systems. The enhanced capabilities in our platform empower customers and partners to build AI solutions that lift their operations to unprecedented levels of efficiency and agility, he said. Central to this is the Process Intelligence Graph, a living digital twin of enterprise operations that fuses data from systems, applications and devices with real business context. The Graph forms the foundation of what Celonis calls a multimodal digital twin, powering composable AI-driven solutions. Among the most notable new capabilities are: Celonis Data Core now generally available, it allows integration with data lakes like Databricks and Microsoft without data duplication, providing zero-copy bi-directional integrations . now generally available, it allows integration with data lakes like Databricks and Microsoft without data duplication, providing zero-copy bi-directional integrations . Enhanced Task Mining connects user desktop activity (keystrokes, clicks, scrolls) to business processes, supported by AI-driven Task Discovery. connects user desktop activity (keystrokes, clicks, scrolls) to business processes, supported by AI-driven Task Discovery. Celonis Networks allows integration of unstructured and semi-structured data such as PDFs and emails, as well as external partner data. allows integration of unstructured and semi-structured data such as PDFs and emails, as well as external partner data. Orchestration Engine now a core platform feature, it coordinates AI agents, people, and systems across end-to-end processes. now a core platform feature, it coordinates AI agents, people, and systems across end-to-end processes. OCPM tools including the new Performance Spectrum and Instance Explorer, allowing companies to pinpoint issues at process intersection points where inefficiencies often occur. including the new Performance Spectrum and Instance Explorer, allowing companies to pinpoint issues at process intersection points where inefficiencies often occur. Process Intelligence MCP Server - the new MCP Server feeds AI agents with dynamic operational context so they can take context-aware actions in real time. Celonis also announced a deep integration with Databricks, leveraging its Delta Sharing technology to connect the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform directly with the Celonis Process Intelligence Platform. This eliminates the need for data duplication while maintaining strong governance and security. By connecting Celonis process intelligence with Databricks, customers get a continuous learning loop for AI-driven operations, said Celonis VP of corporate development Marc Kinast. Databricks Agent Bricks AI product can now consume process insights from Celonis, generate AI agents optimised on live business data, and feed results back to improve operations continuously - effectively turning process insights into intelligent action. Alongside the new enhancements, Celonis and partners announced they are already extending these innovations. For example: Rollios Process Collaboration Agent uses Celonis context to resolve process exceptions instantly for customers such as Campari and Manroland Goss Web Systems. Trullion is automating lease accounting by connecting contract data directly to finance operations. Bloomfilters new Agent Miner app helps govern not just human but AI-driven software development, identifying how AI agents behave as they write code. Locally, iTWire notes Celonis has been expanding steadily in the Australian and APAC markets, working with major corporates and consultancies on process mining and optimisation projects. With its strengthened partnerships with Microsoft and Databricks - both with large local footprints - the company is well-placed to help Australian enterprises harness AI-driven process intelligence without duplicating sensitive data across clouds. Man charged with threatening Trump For the second time in less than a week, a person from Illinois has been charged with making threats against President Donald Trump. According to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday in a federal court, Trent Schneider, 57, of Winthrop Harbor posted on Instagram that he was going to get some guns and that Trump should be executed. Schneider was ordered to remain detained in federal custody pending a hearing on Nov. 6. Last week, Derek Lopez, 27, of El Paso, Illinois was charged with making threats against the President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge grants injunction in shelter funding case A federal judge has granted the city of Chicagos motion for a preliminary injunction in its lawsuit challenging the federal governments termination of the Shelter and Services Program (SSP). A statement from Mayor Brandon Johnsons office said Congress created the SSP to reimburse non-federal entities for costs incurred providing humanitarian assistance to migrants processed and released by the Department of Homeland Security. The city argued that the Federal Emergency Management Agencys funding freeze and elimination of the program violated federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be alert for deer The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding the public to be alert for deer during peak mating season. The agencies say deer movements and the chances of collisions are higher, especially at dawn and dusk through December. There were 14,436 reported crashes involving deer in Illinois last year. (Reuters) -An Indian appeals tribunal on Tuesday set aside an antitrust watchdog's five-year ban on Meta-owned WhatsApp sharing user data with other Meta entities for advertising, but upheld a fine, marking a partial win for the U.S. tech major. WhatsApp had challenged the Competition Commission of India's November 2024 ban on data sharing between WhatsApp and other Meta entities, warning it may have to roll back some features. Meta also criticised the CCI for not having the "technical expertise" to understand the ramifications of its order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) lifted the data-sharing ban, noting that "the rationale for the...ban was missing altogether". However, it upheld the $25.4 million fine that the CCI had imposed, saying Meta abused its dominance by imposing unfair conditions. The case began in 2021 amid criticism of WhatsApp's privacy policy changes, with the CCI's probe finding that the policy pushed users to accept the change or risk losing access to the service. "While we evaluate the written order, we continue to reiterate that WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update did not change the privacy of people's personal messages which remain end-to-end encrypted," a spokersperson for Meta told Reuters in an emailed response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India is Meta's biggest market with the highest number of users on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp worldwide. (Reporting by Komal Salecha, Hritam Mukherjee in Bengaluru and Arpan Chaturvedi in Delhi; Editing by Janane Venkatraman and Devika Syamnath) NEED TO KNOW Dick Cheney served as the U.S. vice president from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush After leaving office, he underwent a heart transplant He died on Nov. 3 at 84 years old After leaving office, former Vice President Dick Cheney enjoyed a life outside of the spotlight. The Republican lawmaker died on Nov. 3 at 84 years old. He was surrounded by his family including daughters Liz and Mary when he died, which was "due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease," per a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney began his political ventures in the late 60s, serving as an intern in Congress. He worked his way up to represent Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives and eventually was named secretary of defense, a role he served in for almost four years. After briefly working in the private sector as the CEO of Halliburton, Cheney ultimately joined George W. Bushs presidential campaign and later was announced as the vice presidential nominee. The pair took office in 2001, remaining in power until 2009. When ending his tenure as vice president, Cheney admitted he had other plans in mind rather than running for office again. Im looking forward to spending time with the family, obviously, Cheney told CBS News shortly after finishing his term in 2009. Weve got six grandchildren now, and I always enjoy that. Well split our time between Washington and Wyoming. Heres everything to know about Dick Cheney's final years. He left politics after serving as vice president Bettmann Archive/Getty US President George Bush with Defense Secretary Dick Cheney. US President George Bush with Defense Secretary Dick Cheney. After serving two terms as Bushs vice president, Cheney took a step back from his political career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout his life, Cheneys political positions included representing the state of Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as working as the White House chief of staff and the secretary of defense. But after leaving office in 2009, Cheney opted not to take on any further formal roles. At the time, Cheney explained that his lack of desire to run for president was what secured him his role with Bush. He said he did well in the role because of his personal ability not to have any agenda other than [Bushs] agenda," he told Fox News Sunday in 2005, per CBS News. Ive got my plans laid out," he said at the time. Im going to serve this president for the next four years, and then Im out of here ... In 2009, Ill be 68 years old. And Ive still got a lot of rivers Id like to fish and time Id like to spend with my grandkids, and so this is my last tour. I dont plan to run for anything. Cheney underwent a heart transplant in 2012 Ben Hider/Getty Dick Cheney attends 2013 Federal Law Enforcement Foundation Luncheon on November 22, 2013 in New York City. Dick Cheney attends 2013 Federal Law Enforcement Foundation Luncheon on November 22, 2013 in New York City. Cheney dealt with numerous health issues throughout his political career, suffering his first heart attack when he was just 37 years old, he told Stanford Medicine. He would go on to have four other heart attacks and underwent quadruple-bypass surgery in 1988; in 2010, while facing end stage heart failure, he received a left-ventricular assist device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I concluded that sooner or later, I was going to run out of technology, run out of new innovations and developments in the area of heart medicine, he told the hospital's news center. I thought about it, I guess, I was at peace. It was not painful. It wasnt surprising or frightening. I had come to that point where I fully expected that I had lived a wonderful and remarkable life. I had a tremendous family. I had everything a man could ask for. After his fifth heart attack, Cheney decided to pursue a heart transplant. In 2012, when he was 71 years old, he was matched with an anonymous donor and successfully underwent the procedure. Its the gift of life itself ... After youve been through all of the procedures and so forth and then anticipating death and finding your life has been extended, its miraculous, he shared. You have a sense that after youve been through all of that, everything else is small. You dont sweat the small stuff." He released several books Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney, speak to members of the Union League Club of Chicago on September 14, 2015 in Chicago. Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney, speak to members of the Union League Club of Chicago on September 14, 2015 in Chicago. After leaving office, Cheney published several books, beginning with a 2011 memoir written alongside Liz. In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir chronicled Cheneys career as well as his thoughts on American politics over the past 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney said that his grandchildren inspired him to put pen to paper. Im persuaded there are a lot of interesting stories that ought to be told, Cheney told the Associated Press ahead of the books release. I want my grandkids, 20 or 30 years from now, to be able to read it and understand what I did, and why I did it. In 2013, Cheney published another book, Heart: An American Medical Odyssey/The Story of a Patient, a Doctor, and 35 Years of Medical Innovation. Written in collaboration with his longtime cardiologist, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, the pair reflected on Cheneys decades-long battle with heart disease. Cheney released his most recent book, Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America, in 2015 alongside his daughter. The release reflected on President Barack Obamas years in office and offered their thoughts on how to chart a path forward. Some members of his family didn't approve of Vice Sarah Rice/Getty ; Andreas Rentz/Getty Liz Cheney speaks at a town hall on October 21, 2024 in Royal Oak, Michigan ; Christian Bale poses at the "Vice" photocall on February 11, 2019 in Berlin, Germany. Liz Cheney speaks at a town hall on October 21, 2024 in Royal Oak, Michigan ; Christian Bale poses at the "Vice" photocall on February 11, 2019 in Berlin, Germany. In 2018, Christian Bale starred in Adam McKays biopic about Cheney, Vice. The former vice president was not consulted during the making of the film, and it earned nods at both the Oscars and the Golden Globes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, it was not well-received by the Cheney family. His daughter Liz condemned Bales portrayal of her father, sharing on Fox & Friends in January 2019 that the actor had the chance to play a real superhero, and he clearly screwed it up. Cheney said he hadn't seen the film during an October 2019 appearance at Beloit College, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. However, his granddaughter saw it; when Cheney asked her thoughts, she responded, "Well it says you're a real bad ass and that's cool." Cheney added, "That's as good a judgment as any." Cheney endorsed a number of fellow politicians Tom Benitez/Getty ; Andrew Harnik/Getty Dick Cheney speaks at the Sunshine Summit opening dinner on November 12, 2015 in Orlando, Florida ; Kamala Harris at a campaign rally on August 8, 2024 in Wayne, Michigan. Dick Cheney speaks at the Sunshine Summit opening dinner on November 12, 2015 in Orlando, Florida ; Kamala Harris at a campaign rally on August 8, 2024 in Wayne, Michigan. Although Cheney chose not to hold a formal political position after leaving office, he has often shared his opinions on candidates. Cheney endorsed President Donald Trump during the 2016 election, telling CNN in a statement that he had always supported the Republican Partys nominee and planned to do so in that election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over time, Cheneys opinions on Trump shifted. During an appearance at the American Enterprise Institute World Forum in 2019, Cheney grilled then-Vice President Mike Pence about the administrations foreign policy and Trumps social media usage, per Politico. In 2022, Cheney and his daughter Liz were reportedly the only two Republicans to attend the House of Representatives' moment of silence to honor the Capitol Police officers who responded to the Jan. 6 riots a year prior. He later appeared in one of Lizs campaign videos, calling Trump a coward and a threat to our republic. During the 2024 election cycle, Cheney formally endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris, sharing that he planned to vote for her in November. In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again," he said in a statement, per CNN. "As citizens, we each have a duty to put country above partisanship to defend our Constitution." He spent his final years in Wyoming David Hume Kennerly/Center for Creative Photography/University of Arizona Liz Cheney visits her dad former Vice President Dick Cheney and Mom Lynne Cheney at their home on May 12, 2021 in McLean, Virginia. Liz Cheney visits her dad former Vice President Dick Cheney and Mom Lynne Cheney at their home on May 12, 2021 in McLean, Virginia. In his last years, Cheney mostly retired from the public eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he still occasionally made public appearances, he spent much of his time at his home just outside of Jackson Hole, Wyo., where he lived with his wife, Lynne, per USA Today. Read the original article on People By Helen Reid LONDON (Reuters) -Chinese online fashion platform Shein is ramping up its fight in France, gambling that its first permanent shop, in a Paris department store, will help fend off fierce pushback from lawmakers against its low-cost model. Shein, one of the world's biggest fast-fashion retailers, sparked anger with plans for the concession outlet set to open on Wednesday in department store BHV, with five more in Galeries Lafayette stores in regional cities later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On hearing of the Shein shops, Veronique Louwagie, France's commerce and small business minister until September, began organising against them. She phoned the president of Galeries Lafayette - which says the planned outlets violate licensing agreements - as well as the mayors of Angers, Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges, and Reims, where the Shein outlets are planned, and the head of French public bank Caisse des Depots, which was meant to fund a BHV real estate deal, she told Reuters. The campaign illustrates the coordinated effort by French politicians, retailers and regulators to oppose Shein's expansion and protect high street retailers, ahead of tough new legislation on online platforms which Shein has fought against. SHEIN 'DESTROYS SHOPS' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French lawmakers say Shein's rapid growth is driven by an unfair advantage: a customs duty exemption on low-value ecommerce packages that allows it to sell at rock-bottom prices. Meanwhile, French fast-fashion chains like Jennyfer and Naf Naf have gone into bankruptcy. "Shein impacts the vitality of our regions, destroys jobs and destroys shops," Louwagie told Reuters. Shein argues its "on-demand" business model, with factories making small batches before ramping up if a product sells well, is more efficient, and that its online marketplace can help French brands and retailers reach more customers. Shein was approached to set up the French outlets by Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM), which is trying to turn around the struggling BHV and regional Galeries Lafayette department stores and hopes the launch will attract a younger clientele. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We believe in Shein's project," said Karl-Stephane Cottendin, general director at SGM, in an interview with BFM TV on Monday. "There's some controversy surrounding it, but we also have a brand (Shein) with 24-25 million consumers in France." SGM and Shein seemed to embrace the controversy. A billboard unveiled on Saturday above the BHV store in Paris' Marais district featured a photo of SGM President Frederic Merlin alongside Shein's executive chairman Donald Tang and his dog Satchi, under the tagline: "The billboard we shouldn't have made!" "Creating a buzz is a way of doing business today, a more modern kind of business," said Cottendin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shein has been trying to win trust in France. It hired French leaders including former interior minister Christophe Castaner as advisors, and sought to strike deals with French retailers, while Tang has travelled around the country, met critics and attended gatherings of the French elite, but failed to turn the tide of criticism. SHEIN FIGHTS BACK France has been more robust than many countries in its policing of Shein, which was founded in China in 2012 and is seeking to go public in Hong Kong after failed attempts to list in New York and in London. After France's consumer watchdog found sex dolls resembling children for sale on Shein, finance minister Roland Lescure threatened on Monday to block Shein's access to the French market if it ever sold such dolls again. Shein said it had sanctioned the sellers and implemented a ban on sex dolls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French regulators have hit Shein with fines over misleading discounts and collecting consumers' data without consent, for a total of 190 million euros ($221.58 million) - more than any other country. And under a planned law to rein in fast fashion, Shein could be banned from advertising in France and face penalties on each item it sells. The law, passed by the French Senate in June, is being revised by lawmakers to comply with EU law and could be implemented early next year. The law specifically targets platforms that add more than 1,000 new items each day, like Shein and its rival Temu. Shein says the legislation would hurt consumers by making its products more expensive. Shein is continuing to lobby against the law. On October 27, Tang for the first time wrote to lawmaker Anne-Cecile Violland, who spearheaded the bill, to ask for a meeting, according to a letter seen by Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FRENCH STORES A 'VERY SMALL-SCALE TRIAL' Shein's stores are a "very small-scale trial", a Shein spokesperson told Reuters, rather than a broader shift into physical retail outlets. Its gamble is that the stores can draw crowds and have a positive economic impact, giving it ammunition against critics. Shein said the stores would create 200 jobs overall and help the local economy, pointing to a pop-up in Dijon in June it said drew 27,000 visitors, more than half of whom visited the city centre especially. But its BHV opening has prompted more than 20 brands to cut ties with the department store, while Disneyland Paris has cancelled a planned Christmas window display and store workers staged a protest. The Caisse des Depots pulled out of an SGM-led deal to purchase the BHV building, saying its investments are based on values of promoting local and responsible business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French retailers that have partnered with Shein have also faced backlash. In September, Shein announced a "Shein Xcelerator" deal with French fast-fashion firm Pimkie, putting the brand on its online marketplace. Two days later, retail industry body Federation des Enseignes de l'Habillement - whose members include French retailers Kiabi and Celio, and fast-fashion giants Zara and H&M - announced it was kicking Pimkie out. CONCERNS ABOUT CHINESE DUMPING France has pushed for faster action from the EU in scrapping its customs exemption on ecommerce packages under 150 euros, as concern grows that cheap Chinese products are being dumped in the market and customs are unable to properly check for compliance with EU law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a time when French politicians agree on very little, scrutiny of Shein has been a constant through several changes of government. Louwagie's successor as commerce and small business minister, Serge Papin, told lawmakers last month that defending high street retailers is "the priority for my ministry". "These platforms are dumping, they do not respect our values and they do not care about our ecological ambitions," he said. "We are going to mobilise all together to defend ourselves." ($1 = 0.8575 euros) (Reporting by Helen Reid; Additional reporting by Inti Landauro and Alessandro Parodi; Editing by Susan Fenton) In fall 2025, claims spread that several officials of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump were moving to military bases in or near Washington, D.C., for security reasons. The claims came from two separate reports, one in The Atlantic, the other in The New York Times, published on Oct. 30, 2025. The two stories named several officials, citing anonymous sources. Snopes was able to verify independently that the claim was true for one of those officials, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. We awaited a response regarding the whereabouts of others: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, Navy Secretary John Phelan and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. We will update this report should they respond. In fall 2025, a rumor began to spread that officials of the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump were moving to residences on military bases in or near Washington, D.C., citing security concerns. For example, the claim appeared on Instagram, posted with a graphic that included the photographs of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and said these officials wanted to "separate themselves from the public" (archived): Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement https://www.instagram.com/p/DQj8vGVDvZE/ The post had gained more than 20,000 likes as of this writing. The claim also appeared on Threads and Facebook. The rumor stemmed from an Oct. 30, 2025, report by The Atlantic. The same day, The New York Times published its own report, independently confirming some of the details first reported by The Atlantic and adding others. We contacted the reporters for each article asking how they became aware of the fact that several Trump officials were moving onto military bases. We await a response. We also reached out to the White House, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense seeking more details on the lodgings of the various officials named in the reports. As of this writing, only DHS replied, confirming Noem lived in a military facility. We will update this story if others respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it is true Noem has moved to a Coast Guard facility, we could not confirm that other members of the administration had done so as well, in part because both news outlets relied on anonymous sources for their reports. Since we cannot independently confirm the reporting, we left the claim unrated. The Atlantic said Miller, Noem, Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll were among "at least six" Trump administration officials who moved to military bases. The report said Driscoll reportedly shares a home with another official. The New York Times said separately Navy Secretary John Phelan lived in the same location as Driscoll, but did not say whether the two shared a home. Phelan moved in after a fire reportedly damaged his home. The New York Times did not discuss Miller and his family. The Atlantic also listed another unnamed official, who the report said had moved into military facilities after the death of Charlie Kirk, the conservative pundit and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot in Utah in September 2025. The report did not give more details due to "security concerns related to a specific foreign threat." Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also sought to move to a military facility, but was told there was no availability, according to The Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both reports said that the officials had begun to move to military bases for security reasons as several of them had been or felt threatened. The Atlantic said neighbors of the Millers had protested their presence in the area of North Arlington, Virginia, where the couple own a home (the house is now for sale for $3.75 million, Snopes was able to confirm using the real estate websites Redfin (archived) and Zillow). Washingtonian, a magazine and website, also reported on the protests against the Millers. Noem moved "into the home designated for the Coast Guard commandant on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling," The Atlantic said. A spokeswoman for DHS, Tricia McLaughlin, said in an email that Noem's housing situation was not the "commandant's home" but a "Coast Guard government representation facility." "Secretary Noem is paying fair market value for her temporary use of the facility as she faces heightened security threats following the publication of her apartment by a tabloid," McLaughlin said. The Atlantic said Hegseth and Rubio live at Fort Lesley J. McNair. Driscoll and Phelan live at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Gabbard had inquired about Fort McNair. Neither report included details about the Miller family's new home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Atlantic and The New York Times both said that while other civilian officials had moved to military facilities in the past, the large number of officials doing this in the Trump administration was both representative of growing safety concerns for these officials amid an increasingly tense political landscape and a problem for housing for top military officers in Washington. Sources: Ismay, John, and Hamed Aleaziz. "Trump Officials Move into Military Residences in D.C. Area." Nytimes.com, The New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/10/30/us/politics/trump-officials-military-housing.html. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. Jacobs, Jennifer. "Navy Secretary John Phelan's D.C. Kalorama Home Damaged in Fire." Cbsnews.com, 20 May 2025, www.cbsnews.com/news/navy-secretary-john-phelans-d-c-home-damaged-in-fire/. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. Scherer, Michael, et al. "Top Trump Officials Are Moving onto Military Bases." The Atlantic, theatlantic, 30 Oct. 2025, www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/10/trump-officials-military-housing-stephen-miller/684748/. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Stephen Miller's House for Sale 4283 38th St N - REDFIN." Redfin, 20 Oct. 2025, www.redfin.com/VA/Arlington/4283-38th-St-N-22207/home/11229432. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.. Archive: https://archive.ph/Wj8ga. Key Takeaways Major insurers, including Aetna CVS Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, are reducing their 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings. Counties across Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, and Georgia will lose the most plans, while those in Alabama, West Virginia, and Kansas will gain plans; but overall, the country will see a net loss. Areas with smaller populations of people over 65 tend to be hit hardest. If your MA plan is canceled, you can switch to a new one or Original Medicare during this open enrollment season, following helpful guidelines outlined below. People on Medicare Advantage (MA) need to pay careful attention this open enrollment season. Multiple insurers are significantly reducing the number of plans they offer and the markets in which they offer them in 2026. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expects MA enrollment to decrease by nearly one million beneficiaries compared to 2025. The trend will force many Americans aged 65 and older to change health insurers. That said, some retirees will get hit much harder than others by the cuts, depending on where they live. Find out which areas of the U.S. are most affectedand what you can do if your plan gets canceled. Major Insurers Are Pulling Back on Medicare Advantage in 2026 Most major health insurers, including Aetna CVS Health, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem, have announced at least some cutbacks to their 2026 MA plan offerings in recent months. And several smaller insurers that play a big role covering select states or communities have followed suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, UCare, a nonprofit health plan that serves Minnesota and western Wisconsin, is terminating Medicare Advantage coverage beginning in 2026, a move thats projected to affect 158,000 Americans. Particularly with the UCare enrollees, there is a great deal of panic and uncertainty, said Kelli Jo Greiner, director of Minnesotas State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), given the plan has been around since 1998. Theyre not happy about it, and they dont understand why its happening, and they dont want to change. UCare did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, insurers generally say they need to pull back because patients have been using benefits more than expected, and the government has lowered its reimbursement rate for insurer spending on patients. Research shows new MA enrollees are sicker and have more chronic conditions than those in traditional Medicare, requiring more frequent care and driving higher costs, said Blue Cross Blue Shield in a written statement. Yet payment rates havent kept pace with rising drug and hospital prices. This results in fewer choices, reduced benefits, and higher costs for members. Note Some insurers have increased the total number of MA plans theyre offering nationwide, including Humana, Devoted Health, and Clover Health. Where Are Cutbacks Happening? Despite the challenges, not all markets are adversely affected. In fact, an Investopedia analysis of the MA marketplace found that, while 1,949 U.S. counties lost at least one MA plan in 2026, 798 counties gained at least one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaining counties tend to include major metros. For instance, Dallas County, home to Dallas, Texas (population 1.3 million), added four MA plans for 2026. Alternatively, theyre home to a large percentage of older residents. In Alabama, for instance, where a few counties have added five MA plans or more, the over-65 population grew from about 861,000 in 2020 to nearly 956,000 in 2024. Medicare advantage plans do better in environments like Florida with tons of population, said Brian Cronin, a licensed Medicare broker and owner of The Cronin Agency in New Hampshire, where 77,000 residents are directly affected by plan reductions. Otherwise, health insurers see mediocre enrollment and high use of the plan and that puts them in the red. Thats why less densely populated rural and suburban countieslike Grafton County, New Hampshire, which is losing 22 plans and has a low population density of only 54.5 people per square mile tend to get short shrift. So do counties, like those in rural Minnesota, that aren't eligible for a high federal reimbursement level . In New Hampshire, theres just not a lot of choice, Cronin said. We will be able to get everybody into a plan, but that plan is not going to be as benefit-rich as their current year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, whether your Medicare Advantage plan will continue, and the number of 2026 options you have, highly depend on where you live. What You Can Do If Your Medicare Advantage Insurer Leaves Heres how to determine whether youre affected by changes to the MA market and, if so, how to find affordable and adequate coverage after losing your current plan. Check Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) This letter from your health insurer, due each year by Sept. 30, outlines any changes to your current plan thatll go into effect in January, including whether its no longer available. Bookmark Open Enrollment If your plan is canceled, prepare to pick a new one during Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2025. Medicare Open Enrollment is your chance to join any MA plan available in your area, or to switch to Original Medicare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MA beneficiaries can also take advantage of a second enrollment period from Jan. 1 to March 31, 2026. If you sign up then, your new plan will take effect on the first day of the following month you enrolled. Understand the Risks If your MA plan is canceled and you miss open enrollment, youll get automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, which covers hospital and medical care. In that case, unless you have Medicare Part D, you could wind up without prescription drug coverage. You would have to pay full price without insurance help for your prescriptions until you can join a new plan in 2027. Were very concerned about those folks, said Greiner. You can circumvent any issues by picking a Medicare Part D plan or a new Medicare Advantage with prescription drug coverage during open enrollment. Know Your Options Determine which plans are available in your area by using the Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov. Its worth checking even if your current plan will continue in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most [people] should find that there are still multiple options available and spending some time understanding plan parameters may pay off this year in the form of more generous coverage and reduced out-of-pocket costs, said Brandy Lipton, associate professor of health, society, and behavior at the University of California Irvines Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health. Compare Medicare Advantage Plans Look at out-of-pocket costs, including premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. But pay careful attention to drug formulariesthe list of covered drugs for a particular planand provider networks, as they, too, are experiencing significant drawbacks and upheaval in certain areas. A plans coverage may be skimpier than what you had before, or your doctor may no longer be included, once you check the fine print. We have a number of providers pulling out of plans, Greiner said of Minnesotas market. They didn't like the process and procedures for getting approval for treatment and claim reimbursement. Consider Medigap or a Medicare Cost Plan Medigap is a private health insurance policy designed to bridge gaps in Original Medicare coverage. There are restrictions on applying for a Medigap plan, but you can do so without going through medical underwriting during open enrollment if your MA plan is canceled and you decide to switch back to Original Medicare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could turn a frustrating situation into an opportunity. Typically, signing up for Medigap after youre already on Medicare can be challenging due to the medical underwriting requirements, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Medicare Cost Plans are a hybrid between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare that allow you to visit out-of-network providers at a reasonable cost. Theyre an option if the remaining MA plans in your area have slim networks or exclude your preferred physicians. They are restricted to certain states, however. In Minnesota, theyre very popular plans, Greiner said. Seek Assistance If youre feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to proceed, reach out to your local SHIP or find a reputable Medicare insurance agent or broker in your area. Agents represent one insurance company while brokers sell plans from multiple insurers, giving you more options to choose from at once. You can check an insurance professionals credentials on your states insurance department website. Read the original article on Investopedia Cloudian is enabling governments, enterprises, and service providers worldwide to develop sovereign AI projects within their national borders, using its proven S3-compatible storage platforms. With Cloudian HyperStore for AI data management and the Cloudian HyperScale AI Data Platform which integrates NVIDIA accelerated computing, networking and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software organisations can deploy full-stack sovereign AI solutions that maintain complete control over their data and AI models while ensuring compliance with national regulations and corporate governance policies. Sovereign AI initiatives are accelerating globally as organisations seek to develop AI capabilities that remain entirely within their geographic and regulatory boundaries. Sovereign AI projects must deliver value using country-specific data and interacting in local languages. Government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare organisations, and regional service providers are partnering with Cloudian to build AI infrastructure that delivers the performance and scale of global cloud platforms while maintaining the sovereignty controls required for sensitive applications. Sovereign AI represents the next evolution of AI deployment, where organisations can harness the full power of artificial intelligence without compromising data control or regulatory compliance, said Michael Tso, CEO at Cloudian. Our HyperScale AI Data Platform enables organisations to deploy complete sovereign AI infrastructure that transforms institutional knowledge into actionable intelligence while maintaining absolute control over their most valuable asset their data. Complete Sovereign AI Infrastructure Stack Cloudian delivers comprehensive sovereign AI capabilities through two integrated platforms that work seamlessly with NVIDIAs AI software stack: Cloudian HyperStore for AI Data Management: Provides S3-compatible, on-premises data management that keeps sensitive information within controlled geographic boundaries while delivering the APIs and performance required for AI applications. Key capabilities include leading S3 API compatibility, S3 RDMA for throughput up to TBs/sec in a single rack, government-verified security, and air-gapped deployment options for classified environments. Cloudian HyperScale AI Data Platform: Built on NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs and aligned with the NVIDIA AI Data Platform reference design, this solution automatically transforms enterprise data stores into AI-ready resources. The platform eliminates complex infrastructure requirements by bringing AI compute directly to data sources, with integrated vector database capabilities that automatically ingest, embed, index and retrieve multimodal unstructured content. These platforms enable organisations to deploy sovereign AI solutions that access the 90% of enterprise data that is unstructured reports, manuals, presentations, and multimedia content that represent institutional knowledge without requiring data to leave national borders or organisational control. Eliminating Infrastructure Complexity for Sovereign Deployment Traditional AI implementations require organisations to build complex, dedicated infrastructure with separate stacks for accelerated compute, data storage, and vector databases a costly process that demands specialised skills many organisations lack. Cloudian eliminates these barriers by enabling sovereign AI deployment directly on native S3-compatible data sources without additional infrastructure layers. The HyperScale AI Data Platform brings accelerated computing directly to enterprise data stores, automatically transforming storage into AI-ready infrastructure. With built-in vector database capabilities, the platform enables AI agents to access, search, and analyse organisational knowledge in near real-time while maintaining complete sovereignty control. Industry Validation Australias Privacy Act and upcoming AI governance regulations require us to keep both training data and AI models within Australian borders. We understand that sovereignty is essential to trust, and our technology partners provide the performance we need to meet strict data sovereignty requirements. We deliver AI-as-a-Service that customers trust to remain compliant with Australian law. Christopher Sassone, Head of Sales, ResetData. Bringing scalable storage and compute infrastructure directly to where data resides is a cornerstone of a successful sovereign AI factory. Cloudians HyperScale AI Data Platform integrates high-performance storage with NVIDIA accelerated computing, networking and software to unlock the value of enterprise data for sovereign AI applications. Justin Boitano, vice president, enterprise AI products, NVIDIA. Cloudian has been instrumental in enabling our sovereign AI initiatives across India. The HyperStore platform allows us to build scalable AI models using our local data while ensuring everything remains within Indian borders. Our customers can now deploy AI applications with complete confidence in data sovereignty. Sunil Gupta, Co-founder, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Yotta Data Services. As Indias digital infrastructure backbone serving top banks, the national stock exchange, and critical government systems, data sovereignty is fundamental to our operations. Cloudians sovereign AI platform enables us to deliver AI-powered services to regulated industries while ensuring sensitive data never leaves Indian territory. This is essential for meeting Indias data localisation requirements and maintaining the trust of our enterprise customers. Pramod Bhandiwad, Head of AI and Software Development, Sify Technologies. Koreas national AI strategy demands complete technological sovereignty. Cloudians platform allows us to build and deploy AI models using Korean data that never leaves our infrastructure. The S3 compatibility means our developers can use familiar tools while maintaining absolute sovereignty control. Logan Lee, EVP & Head of Cloud, Kakao Enterprise. CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The trial for a Clarksville mother now found guilty of reckless homicide offered more insight into the involvement of the Department of Childrens Services. An autopsy completed the day after he died in July 2022 showed that 13-year-old Kadaris Maddox, who had cerebral palsy, weighed just 35 pounds when he died. The autopsy also noted marks around his body. The report concluded Kadaris died from starvation, with his manner of death marked homicide. Cindy Oliver was a home health nurse who helped supervise Kadaris case. She told News 2 about the last time she saw Kadaris, just over a month before he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All his joy was gone, and he was pleading, pleading, and I promised him, I swore to him I would get him help, Oliver said. PREVIOUS | Clarksville mother found guilty after son starved to death Oliver said she was one of several who tried to get help from the Department of Childrens Services. Not only did I call several times, but the CNA in the home called several times, teachers, bus drivers, family members, Oliver said. Testimony showed DCS made at least three visits to his family home in the six months before his death, including one emergency visit over a weekend. He was very thin and frail, but I also knew he had cerebral palsy, but I didnt know the extent of his condition; I just knew that he appeared very thin, said Kadriana Scott, a DCS case manager called during an emergency visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kadaris primary case worker said her goals were to see Kadaris reenrolled in school, get mental health resources to his mother, Cheyenne, and get Kadaris back in with his doctor. However, she said none of those had happened yet. Details from visits also seemed cloudy. Do you recall meeting at the home on June 30? defense attorney Chase Smith said. I dont remember that visit, Kadaris case worker, Rachel Lame, said. One report noted Cheyenne needed more help from home health nurses. That was a concern Ms. Maddox had expressed? Smith asked. Yes, Lame Replied. But you never talked to Maxim about Hey, youre not coming to see Kadaris Maddox as you should be? asked Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, Lame replied. There were also inconsistencies with how visits were documented, including one report made the day after Kadaris died, more than a month after a visit, along with other issues. Kadaris died July 6, 2022. Smith asked Lame about a report created in error on July 11. You were the one who created it? Smith asked. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Yes, that was supposed to be a copy from when the other worker went out and saw him, Lame replied. News 2 reached out to DCS. A spokesperson said the department cannot comment on specific cases due to state law. However, Oliver wished they had removed Kadaris from the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With DCS not doing what they were supposed to do, or somebody, somebody jumping in, you know, and helping him, that I failed him. I think the state of Tennessee failed him, I guess, you know, Oliver said. 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 WKRN News 2. Abbas Araghchi decried claims of "imminent nuclear threat" from Iran as a "heinous lie." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said late Sunday that assertions that the Israeli and United States strikes on Iran were prompted by an imminent nuclear threat were a heinous lie. Writing on X, Araghchi said the claim had been thoroughly debunked by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Iran did not kill diplomacy, insisting, those who blew up the negotiating table did. Tehran and Washington had completed five rounds of Oman-mediated indirect negotiations aimed at easing US sanctions and curbing Irans nuclear program before Israel carried out extensive airstrikes on June 13 targeting military and nuclear sites across the country. Araghchi accused Israel of trying to sabotage dialogue just as talks were poised to resume. Less than 10 days after those attacks, US forces bombed Irans Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. The Pentagon has described its actions in the region as defensive and intended to deter further escalation. The diplomatic fallout follows years of tensions surrounding Irans nuclear program, which accelerated after the United States withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action under President Donald Trump. Since then, Iran has increased uranium enrichment levels and restricted IAEA inspectors, while repeated efforts to revive the accord have stalled. Oman has continued to act as an intermediary between the two sides, keeping communication open during the current standoff. Future cooperation 'impossible' Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that cooperation between Iran and the United States is not possible as long as Washington continues to support Israel and to maintain military bases and interfere in the Middle East region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Americans sometimes say they would like to cooperate with Iran. Cooperation with Iran is not possible as long as the US continues to support the accursed Zionist regime, maintains military bases, and interferes in the region," Khamenei said, according to state media. Trump said in October that the US is prepared to make a deal with Iran when Tehran is ready to do so, saying: "The hand of friendship and cooperation [with Iran] is open." Talks between the two sides have faced major stumbling blocks such as the issue of uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, which Western powers want to bring down to zero to minimize any risk of weaponisation, a plan that Tehran has rejected. TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iranians on Tuesday celebrated the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran the first such commemoration since the U.S. bombed Iran's nuclear facilities during a 12-day war with Israel in June. On Nov. 4, 1979, Iranian students overran guards to take over the embassy, seizing dozens of hostages in a crisis that would last for more than a year. In what is a yearly commemoration, thousands of people returned to the spot in downtown Tehran on Tuesday chanting death to U.S. and death to Israel. Some hanged effigies of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and set fire to U.S. and Israeli flags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State media said similar gatherings took place in other Iranian cities and towns. Mock-ups of Iranian missiles were on display on the sideline of the rallies, some inscribed with the words death to America. Replicas of centrifuge machines used in uranium enrichment were also on show. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Monday during a meeting with students that there would be no move toward normalizing ties with Washington soon a message echoed on banners at Tuesday's rallies. Israels airstrikes during the war in June killed nearly 1,100 Iranians, including military commanders and nuclear scientists. The U.S. bombed Irans nuclear facilities during the conflict. Irans reprisal missile barrage killed 28 in Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strikes followed five rounds of talks between Iran and the U.S. over Tehrans nuclear program. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf was the key speaker at the rally in Tehran. He accused U.S. and Israel of killing Iranian scientists because the West "opposes an independent, integrated, and powerful Iran. He also criticized the former U.S. embassy, calling it a den of spies. The two nations have had no diplomatic relations since militant students seized the embassy in 1979 and held 52 Americans for 444 days. Iran has withdrawn from International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring following its conflict with Israel. The country still holds a stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, which is a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. It is largely enough to make several atomic bombs if Tehran chooses to pursue weaponization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is peaceful. However, the West and the IAEA say Tehran had an organized weapons program up until 2003. In September, the United Nations reimposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, further squeezing the Islamic Republic. The sanctions will again freeze Iranian assets abroad, halt arms deals with Tehran, and penalize any development of Irans ballistic missile program, among other measures. Iraq The US Secretary of War reportedly called his Iraqi counterpart to issue its "sternest warning yet" to Baghdad. Reports in Iraq are swirling about a phone call that reportedly took place between US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and his Iraqi counterpart. Although many details of the call, or even if it happened, were still unclear, the reports indicate that Iraq is on edge. Two days after a US message reassured Baghdad about the future of bilateral relations, the Iraqi government appears to have received its sternest warning yet from the White House regarding armed factions, London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warning to Baghdad came before Iraqi elections next week. It also came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also had warned Iraq about the presence of Iranian-backed militias in the country. Iran backs militias within Iraqs Popular Mobilization Forces. These include up to 100,000 armed men in various militia groups. Now, Iraq is wondering if more tensions might develop. A mourner attends the funeral of a commander from Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah armed group who was killed in what they called a ''Zionist attack'' in the Syrian capital Damascus on Friday, during a funeral in Baghdad, Iraq September 22, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI) The message contained a direct threat should these groups carry out any retaliatory actions in response to planned US operations in areas near Iraq in the coming days, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. Two days after what seemed a clear signal of support for Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who is contesting the elections amid intense internal disputes within the Shiite Coordination Framework, Baghdad received a sharply worded warning from US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, conveyed in a phone call to his Iraqi counterpart, Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbasi has spoken about the phone call. It didnt appear that Hegseth or the Department of War had confirmed it. In fact, this seems to be mostly an Iraqi tempest in a teapot so far. Nevertheless, it indicates how Iraq is on edge about US ties. In September, Kataib Hezbollah freed Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who has Israeli and Russian citizenship. The US had pressed to free her, and her sister in the US had campaigned to get her out. Kataib Hezbollah is an Iranian-backed militia that kidnapped Tsurkov in March 2023. As such, the role of the militias is in the US spotlight. What do we know about Iraqs concerns? In a televised interview, al-Abbasi said Hegseth, via the US charge daffaires in Baghdad, warned of upcoming military operations in the region, cautioning against any interference by Iraqi factions, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. No further operational details were provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Abbasi said the call lasted 11 to 12 minutes and included Iraqs Chief of Staff, Deputy Joint Operations Commander, Assistant Operations Chief, and Director of Military Intelligence, the report said. The discussion also covered drone cooperation, a proposed security and intelligence cooperation memorandum, and the planned delivery of Bell helicopters to Iraq. According to the Iraqis, the US has put Baghdad on notice a final notice, in fact. Analysts speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat acknowledged serious concerns over the future of US-Iraq relations, regardless of the upcoming election results, the report said, adding that analysts noted that statements by US envoy Mark Savaya and Secretary Hegseth constitute a road map for political forces forming the next government, in line with American options. Kurdistan24, a new channel based in northern Iraqs autonomous Kurdistan Region, also reported about the tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what is being described as the sternest warning yet from Washington to Baghdad, the United States has issued a direct and unequivocal threat to the Iraqi government, cautioning against any interference by armed factions in planned US military operations in the region and signaling that these Iran-backed groups are now squarely in American crosshairs, the report said. The US Department of War had not yet responded to a Jerusalem Post request for comment on the matter. Fox Business host Larry Kudlow defended President Donald Trump amid the ongoing government shutdown, exclaiming that this isnt Trumps fault! The shutdown entered its second month on Saturday, as Senate Democrats and Republicans remained at an impasse on a GOP-crafted continuing resolution to fund the government. Although Republicans control the chamber, seven Democratic votes are needed to advance the legislation past a procedural hurdle. Democrats are insisting that Republicans amend the bill to renew healthcare premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire on Dec. 31. However, the GOP has refused to budge. Trump has gone so far as to demand that the Senate eliminate its 60-vote cloture rule, which would allow Republicans to pass their resolution with a simple 51-vote majority. However, Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has given no indication at this point that Senate Republicans would do so. Changing the rule itself would require just 51 votes, but many senators including Republicans regard the filibuster as a safeguard that protects the rights of the minority party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Mondays edition of Kudlow, the host went off on Democrats, accusing them of causing the shutdown because of their Trump derangement syndrome. When does this end? Kudlow wondered aloud to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). Theres always a reason why theres somehow gonna be a new C.R., but the Democrats keep opposing it, ok? I think it has a lot to do with the Trump derangement syndrome. But this isnt Trumps fault! He didnt do this! Theyre the ones doing it! I totally agree, Jordan replied. Youve got [Democratic Sen.] John Fetterman saying this is the Democrats fault. Youve got the largest federal government employee union saying open up the government. And still they wont do it because of what you just described, this Trump derangement syndrome. And they try to flip it and say somehow its President Trumps fault. Watch above via Fox Business Network. The post This Isnt Trumps Fault! Foxs Kudlow Blames Trump Derangement Syndrome for Shutdown first appeared on Mediaite. Israel has transferred the bodies of 45 Palestinians to the Gaza Strip, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed on Tuesday, saying they had assisted in the handover to employees of the Hamas-controlled authorities. She said the step took place on Monday, a day after the handover of the remains of three Israeli hostages. Israel and the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement had agreed on the handover of bodies as part of the ceasefire agreement in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the agreement, for each Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel must hand over the remains of 15 deceased Gaza residents. The exact circumstances of the Palestinians' deaths are not known. It is suspected that Israel stored their bodies in a military camp. Hamas had previously released all remaining living hostages on October 13 as part of the Gaza ceasefire in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The handover of the deceased hostages is proceeding more slowly than agreed. According to Israeli sources, the bodies of eight hostages are still in the Gaza Strip. Seven of them were abducted during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. These include five Israelis - one of whom also holds German citizenship - as well as two foreigners from Thailand and Tanzania. Additionally, Israel is trying to recover the remains of an Israeli soldier. The soldier's body was abducted in 2014. With footage of abuse of a Palestinian detainee facility, indictments of five reservists, and politicians reacting sloppily Israel is confronting two grave matters at once. First, footage that appears to show the abuse of a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman facility prompted arrests, investigations, and, this year, indictments of five reservists by an IDF military court. Second, Maj.-Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, until recently the military advocate-general, admitted to authorizing the leak of that footage to the media and resigned; she was later located after hours of searching on a Tel Aviv beach and is now under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both can be true at the same time: suspected criminal abuse by soldiers, and a suspected criminal leak by a senior legal officer. Each demands a legal response, not a partisan one. Important facts should frame the debate. The Jerusalem Post has reported that five reservists were indicted in February in connection with alleged abuse at Sde Teiman. The Post has also detailed Tomer-Yerushalmis resignation after acknowledging the leak, followed by a wider probe into the circumstances of that disclosure. On Sunday night, she was found alive near Tel Aviv; the Tel Aviv Magistrates Court later heard arguments in the leak case, with the presiding judge expressing concern about obstruction. Israeli soldiers accused of abusing a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teman detention center last year, and their attorneys, speak to the press following the resignation of Military Advocate General Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, after video footage from the incident was leaked to the press, outs (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) There is, however, a necessary note of caution. At this stage, the public does not know which of the published claims are accurate. Some allegations may be disproven. If the crimes depicted and described actually occurred, those responsible must be prosecuted. If the leak violated the law, the official who ordered it must be held to account. These are parallel obligations, and they do not cancel one another. Reckless political reactions Political reactions have been rapid and often reckless. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that Tomer-Yerushalmi acted against our soldiers and collaborated in leaks with antisemitic blood libels, language that turns the military legal system into a political adversary rather than a component of command and accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same is true online. On Sunday night, as confusion spread, prominent voices on the Left added accelerants. Protest leader Shikma Bressler posted, then deleted, a message asserting that those who incited against [assassinate prime minister Yitzhak] Rabin now control the police and that the same ideology pushed the chief prosecutor to death, concluding may her memory be a blessing, while she was actually alive, allegedly hiding evidence. Tech activist Moshe Radman wrote that in the government, there is no conscience and morality and urged nationwide soul-searching that evening. Democrats MK Naama Lazimi attacked the police response as a fully political police, promising, we will rise, struggle, and win. The Posts analysis pressed the core question: Is Israel handling the Sde Teiman leak primarily as a political crisis rather than a legal one, and if so, why? This shouldnt be a Left-Right argument, but unfortunately, it has become such. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The detainee at the center of the leaked video has since been freed as part of a hostage exchange, a development that emphasizes how quickly facts on the ground can shift while the legal questions remain. Was he purposely released without testifying? The implications here may be dramatic. This newspaper holds four positions at once. First, abuse of a detainee, if proven, is a crime and a moral failing that must be punished by law. Second, unauthorized disclosure of sensitive evidence by a senior official, if proven, is a serious breach that also warrants legal consequences. Third, leaders and influential voices bear responsibility to lower the temperature, not raise it, because mob rhetoric makes justice harder. Fourth, the judicial system and police seem to be treating people who allegedly committed the same crimes differently, according to their political affiliation. There are practical steps to help Israel meet this moment. Government ministers should refrain from prejudging cases or assigning treachery to entire institutions. Law-enforcement bodies should communicate clearly, within legal limits, about the scope and status of the investigations. They should also treat every case equally, not be easier on those they know personally or feel ideologically closer to. Media should distinguish between facts and allegations The media should distinguish between verified facts and allegations and avoid treating legal process as a proxy for political competition. Citizens, including public figures on X/Twitter and other platforms, should resist absolutist narratives while the record is still being built. Our country needs to keep protests lawful and in public spaces, keep rhetoric human, and let the courts do their work. The courts need to strive for objectivity. Otherwise, the state will trade the possibility of justice for the spectacle of condemnation and lose both. A ceasefire was agreed to end the war, but that has not stopped Israel from attacking. On Sunday, an air attack killed four people. A few days before that, last Friday, another Israeli strike killed a man on a motorbike. And on October 17 Israeli warplanes killed at least one person. None of these attacks were in Gaza where Israel has also spent the few weeks since a ceasefire began on October 10 conducting attacks, many of them far more deadly than those described above. Instead the attacks mentioned were conducted by Israel in Lebanon, and come a year after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah began. Yet, despite that ceasefire, Israel has continued to attack sites across Lebanon periodically, much to the anger of the Lebanese people and government. Israel argues that it has the right to conduct attacks in Lebanon it believes are necessary until Hezbollah fully disarms, even if a ceasefire is officially in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And analysts say the attacks in Gaza since the latest ceasefire, which have so far killed at least 236 Palestinians and wounded another 600, are evidence that Israel is implementing a policy of Lebanonising Gaza officially ending the war, but using its far superior military strength to give it the right to conduct attacks whenever it wants for an indefinite period. They [Israelis] dont want to resolve the conflict, Rob Geist Pinfold, a scholar of international security at Kings College London, told Al Jazeera. War is the new norm. Post-October 7 attacks reality Before Israels war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon were believed to have a degree of deterrence against Israeli aggression. Before October 7 [2023], there was the belief that Israel cannot have a long or prolonged war, Pinfold said. Its economy and society meant it was a country that wouldnt be able to function. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, since the October 7 attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian groups, which killed 1,139 people in Israel and took more than 200 captive, Israel has embarked on a forever war, attacking various targets around the Middle East even after coming to ceasefire agreements. The most obvious example has been Lebanon, where despite a ceasefire agreement implemented on November 27, 2024, Israel repeatedly violated the agreement by continuing its attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday that the Israeli military could press ahead with further action if the Lebanese government did not do more to disarm Hezbollah, which was severely weakened in the war with Israel, most notably losing its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will not allow Lebanon to become a renewed front against us, and we will act as necessary, he said, according to a statement issued by Netanyahus office. The threats have led to a sense of trepidation among many in Lebanon, who fear a return to the widespread attacks across the country prior to the first anniversary of the ceasefire. However, for many in the country, particularly those in the south, where air raids and other attacks have been persistent over the last year, the ceasefire has never been implemented properly. This war is always here, Abbas Fakih, a Lebanese journalist from the southern city of Nabatieh, told Al Jazeera. If you are from a border village, you cannot visit [it] because you will be targeted. Anyone can be targeted at any time. Lebanonisation of Gaza This new status quo allows Israel to strike where it sees fit almost anywhere in the region. Israel has struck Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, and has been accused of attacking Tunisia without any action taken against it. It was only when Israel struck Qatar that a red line appeared to have been crossed, with the United States forcing Netanyahu to apologise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Lebanon specifically, Israels attacks have continued for a year with sparse international condemnation, with those statements usually only issued when Israel attacked the United Nations peacekeepers. Israel has also failed to withdraw its troops from at least five locations inside Lebanon, despite its commitment in the original agreement. In Gaza, some analysts believe this pattern may be repeating as Israel looks set to leave its troops deeper in the Strip than originally agreed upon. But with the odd condemnation aside, there has been no effort by the ceasefires primary enforcer the US or the international community at large to hold Israel accountable for violating the ceasefire with Lebanon. In the last year, Hezbollah has responded to Israels attacks only on one occasion. In December, Hezbollah launched an attack against an Israeli military position as a response to multiple ceasefire violations. There were no casualties, but Israel responded with force, killing 11 people in Lebanon, including a state security officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts believe that Israel now wants to recreate a similar dynamic in Gaza, whereby Israel unilaterally sets the terms of what constitutes a ceasefire violation. Under this dynamic, Israel can continue to attack Gaza at will and any response from Hamas or any other Palestinian group will result in an Israeli escalation. Netanyahu knows very well there is no excuse for his air strikes today, but it is clear he is trying to establish a new situation in Gaza where you have no war and no peace, Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, said during an interview with the Arab Center Washington DC on October 29. No full war but continuous Israeli military attacks, exactly like he is doing in Lebanon. Chris Osieck, a freelance researcher who has contributed to investigations from Forensic Architecture and Bellingcat on Palestine and Israel, said the comparison to Lebanon is recent but parallels can be drawn to Israels behaviour from further back in history. What they have done in Gaza during the current iteration of the [ongoing] genocide and Lebanon is actually what theyve been doing historically in al-Khalil and Dawaymeh, as well as Jerusalem, Osieck told Al Jazeera, referring to massacres and land grabs from the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 onwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the Gaza genocide is continuing in a gradual form through the continuation of air raids, while simultaneously blocking Palestinians in Gaza and Lebanese in the south from rebuilding. Israeli journalists close to the Netanyahu government also say this is the new status quo. The [pre-war] Lebanonisation means your enemy is one inch from your border with their commando division and you trust the legitimacy or international border being sacred, Amit Segal, an Israeli media personality with strong ties to Netanyahus government, told the Ezra Klein podcast recently. The new Lebanonisation says you have military outposts behind, far from your international border, and you attack when needed. The new viewpoint of the Israelis, according to Segal, is, you have to be wherever there is danger. This is the main lesson of October 7. Is the new status quo bearable? In its new role as regional hegemon, Israel is flexing its military superiority over its neighbours. Some analysts believe it has a strategy to keep its neighbours weak and fractured to avoid any kind of economic or military competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the question now is whether this strategy of constant war is sustainable. Israel cannot bomb the Middle East into a stable new order, Marc Lynch, professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, wrote in a recent article for Foreign Affairs. Regional leadership requires more than military primacy. It also demands some degree of consent and cooperation from other regional powers. As far as Gaza is concerned, the new strategy appears to be to stay deep in the Strip and have the military ready to strike. That, of course, means Israel has more land to monitor but also more room for resistance from Palestinian factions. And that could be a lose-lose situation for all involved. This status quo is more bearable for Hamas than for Israel, Pinfold said. The problem is that it is a direct impediment to reconstruction for the people of Gaza. During its annual Celosphere 2025 conference in Munich, process intelligence leader Celonis highlighted how global customers such as Mercedes-Benz, Vinmar, and Uniper are achieving major operational gains through enterprise AI powered by process intelligence. Celonis co-CEO and co-founder Alex Rinke (pictured) said more than 120 Celonis customers have each realised over US $10 million in value, collectively generating US $8.1 billion in measurable outcomes. The reason so many organisations struggle with AI ROI is because they treat it as a technology, Rinke said. Enterprise AI is a strategic discipline - infusing AI into every part of operations. Another 11 customers - Fresenius Medical Care, DHL, BMW, Allianz, Mann + Hummel, Kimberley-Clark, Pfizer, Smurfit-Westrock, Bayer, Saint-Gobain and Reckitt - have also realised gains of $1 billion. Speaking from the stage in Munich this week, Rinke was joined by major customers Mercedes-Benz, Vinmar International, and Uniper to explain how they have achieved significant AI-powered gains through the Celonis platform. Mercedes-Benz Group AG has used Celonis to enhance its global MO360 manufacturing platform, connecting data from more than 30 production plants and logistics systems. The automaker has improved on-time delivery, accelerated decision cycles, and achieved efficiency gains across order-to-delivery, aftersales, and quality management. Full data transparency across our production network allows us to act with greater speed and precision, said Dr Jorg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz. Celonis has become a key enabler of our digital transformation. AI copilots now forecast delivery timelines and detect anomalies before they impact production quality, turning visibility into action. Vinmar International, a global plastics and chemicals distributor, re-engineered a US $3 billion business units Order-to-Cash process into a fully automated, intelligent operation using the Celonis platform. The company reduced manual coordination, cut unnecessary freight expediting (once affecting more than 20 percent of orders), and proactively flags distressed orders for intervention. Vinmar CEO Vishal Goradia said, Celonis is the intelligence layer embedding AI directly into our workflow to handle critical, real-time decisions and actions. Energy multinational Uniper, working with Celonis and Microsoft, has scaled AI across its operations - enabling end-to-end process orchestration and continuous performance monitoring. Combining Microsofts AI ecosystem with Celonis process intelligence lets us deploy AI effectively, automate workflows intelligently, and track performance continuously, said Uniper CIO Hans Pezold. Celonis has plenty of other customer success stories. Rinke explained Celonis Process Intelligence Platform enables companies to create a living digital twin of operations - the Process Intelligence Graph - that forms the foundation for composable, autonomous processes. By aligning people, systems and AI agents with real-time operational data, Celonis helps customers turn process insights into tangible business outcomes, bridging the gap between data strategy and execution. Locally, Australian enterprises across sectors, from energy to finance and logistics, face similar challenges in operational efficiency and AI adoption. Celonis growing local partner ecosystem, supported by Microsoft and Databricks, positions it to help Australian organisations realise similar results - transforming AI from experimental pilots into measurable business value. Nov. 3JAMESTOWN The Jamestown Rural Fire Department was dispatched on Monday, Nov 3, to a report of smoldering material in a combine, said Fire Chief Brian Paulson. The department was dispatched at 11:21 a.m. to a field just north of Pipestem Dam. Paulson said materials from harvesting corn built up in the combine and began smoldering. The operator of the combine had a fire extinguisher on the combine and an air compressor that helped clean out the smoldering materials until JRFD arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JRFD responded with two trucks and seven firefighters and put water on it, Paulson said. They were at the scene for 25 minutes. There was no damage to the combine or injuries, he said. At 12:14 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, the department was paged out to a report of natural gas venting from a Montana-Dakota Utilities site and a strong odor of gas on the north side of Eldridge, said JRFD 2nd Capt. Tygh Yatskis. Nine firefighters and two trucks responded and found a relief valve venting, he said. They monitored the scene and checked on a downwind residence until MDU arrived and resolved the venting issue. JRFD was at the scene for about an hour. No injuries were reported, Yatskis said. TOKYO (AP) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi won praise in her country's parliament on Tuesday for a diplomatic debut that included hosting U.S. President Donald Trump but was scolded by the opposition leader for what he said was going too far in flattering Trump. Takaichi held a summit with Trump last Tuesday, only a week after she took office as Japans first female leader, and attended two regional summits. Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, remarked on Takaichis big smiles and noted she was "full of energy, saying she had earned Trumps praise as a very energetic woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, I believe you are off to a good start in building a personal relationship. Noda, however, criticized Takaichi for flattery diplomacy to the extreme" for plans to nominate Trump for next years Nobel Peace Prize. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Takaichi would be nominating Trump for the prize. It was too careless, Noda told Takaichi during Tuesdays lower house session. Noda cited Trumps later suggestion that the U.S. would resume nuclear testing an extremely sensitive issue in Japan due to the nuclear bombs the U.S. dropped on the country at the end of World War II. Noda asked Takaichi if she still planned to nominate Trump for the peace prize in light of that announcement. She did not comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Takaichi's recent talks with Chinas President Xi Jinping and South Koreas Lee Jae Myung and a promise to develop stable ties have also been well received. Her past views defending Japans World War II actions and visits to Tokyos Yasukuni Shrine viewed by Asian victims of Japanese wartime aggression as signaling a lack of remorse had been seen as risks to relations with Seoul and Beijing. However, she has toned down her hawkish stance. She also skipped her seasonal Yasukuni visit last month and donated a religious ornament instead. Takaichi has enjoyed support ratings of around 60-70% since taking office, and one taken over the weekend after her diplomatic debut was even higher at about 80%, though support for her Liberal Democratic Party remains little changed at around 20-30%. Her struggling party and its ruling coalition with a new partner, Japan Innovation Party, lacks a majority in both houses of parliament, meaning the coalition cannot achieve any policy without cooperation from the opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier Tuesday, Takaichis government launched a ministerial meeting to address foreigner-related issues. These include investment, land transactions, labor and tourism. The move comes after an ethnocentric campaign by a right-wing party in the summer gained popularity. Voters have been frustrated by rising prices, dwindling wages and bleak prospects for the future. The government aims to compile stricter measures to tackle these concerns. Illegal activity among some foreigners is causing a sense of uneasiness and unfairness among the Japanese people, Takaichi said. The government will resolutely respond to these actions, while distancing itself from xenophobia. Takaichi also held a first meeting of a task force for economic growth through public-private investment in 17 areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, shipbuilding and defense. During Trumps visit, Takaichi strengthened her reputation as protege of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom Trump had friendly ties with, and agreed to build a golden age of Japan-U.S. ties. New Jersey elects a new governor Tuesday in a race closely watched to see if President Donald Trumps shocking gains in the state last year were a sign of conservative strength in deep blue states or an anomaly. Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former state assemblymember, is running for governor a third time, and after a closer-than-expected loss four years ago is seeking to capitalize on Trumps gains in what had been a reliably blue state. Unlike in his last race four years ago, when he kept an arm's-length from Trump, Ciattarelli is going full MAGA. Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who was New Jerseys vanguard of the 2018 blue wave, is banking on the anti-Trump sentiment that helped sweep her to Washington to now put her in Trenton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tight race along with Virginia, one of just two contests for governor this year will be read as an augur for the 2026 midterms, so Democratic elected official surrogates and Trump World social media influencers are practically jamming up the New Jersey Turnpike to get in on the action. Below the surface, though, is a familiar undercurrent: voter fatigue after years of Democratic control under Gov. Phil Murphy, coupled with frustration over high taxes, energy costs and the sense that affordability never improves no matter whos in charge. This is a New Jersey election, but it's also a national election, Democratic New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said on a Democratic National Committee get-out-the-vote call ahead of Election Day. New Jersey Democrats used to be certain they could count on Trump outrage, and Sherrill has focused much of her campaign message on combating Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason that I talk about the Trump administration is because we are seeing an attack on that basic contract that basic middle-class contract that you should be able to do well and your kids should be able to do better, she told reporters on Thursday. He is attacking our economy. We are seeing it in the jobs numbers. We are seeing it in schools and the innovation economy we run, and Jack Ciattarelli is going right along with him and supporting that plan. During Trumps first term, he helped fuel the flip of many of the states upper-middle-class, traditionally-Republican suburbs firmly into Democratic camps. Those places, including Ciattarelli's native Somerset County, remain blue. But the presidents major 2024 inroads among working-class Black and Hispanic voters in urban North Jersey with him cutting margins close in heavily Democratic towns and even winning urban Passaic to lose the state by only six points threaten to undermine that Democratic coalition. And while virtually all polls show Trumps approval rating underwater in New Jersey, its not as low as it was in his first term. And in several, his popularity is roughly the same as Murphys (in at least one recent poll the Democratic governor was significantly more unpopular than Trump). Youve seen the Democrats run a campaign thats happy to talk about Trump, Trump, Trump, said Carlos Cruz, a Republican consultant who advises a pro-Ciattarelli super PAC. But the reality is hes kind of locked in. He is where he is. Hes underwater, but I wouldnt say he has bad numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Ciattarelli is working to ensure the shift toward Trump is permanent, winning Democratic endorsements in diverse towns and campaigning in those areas aggressively. Sherrill, who in the closing days of the campaign has taken to speaking Spanish at rallies, is counting on urban Democratic turnout machines and blue-tinted suburbs to carry the election. Ciattarelli has capitalized on a Democratic feud in Hudson County to win the endorsement of the mayor Nick Sacco of North Bergen an urban, heavily Hispanic Democratic town Trump lost by just six points. But Sherrill has the strong support of Democratic Union City mayor and state Sen. Brian Stack, a Sacco rival who runs one of the most effective political machines in the state. Sherrill spent part of her Election Day eve campaigning with Stack. But Democratic operatives believe New Jerseys rightward shift in 2024 was unique to Trump, noting that he overperformed though nowhere near as dramatically with traditional Democratic constituencies in 2016 and 2020, only for Democrats to win them by higher margins when Trump wasnt on the ballot, while anti-Trump sentiment remained intense. If Im Jack Ciattarelli, Im very concerned about the numbers the president has right now, how people view the economy and the constant chaos coming out of Washington, said Dan Bryan, a Democratic operative and former spokesperson for Murphy. Weve got no reason to believe that Trump's inroads from 16, 20 or 24 for that matter have ever transferred to anyone else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill has led in almost every poll, though narrowly in some. The race tightened in the fall, but in its closing days every public poll shows Sherrill maintaining a single-digit lead though in some it is within the margin of error. Many New Jersey Democrats POLITICO spoke with were confident Sherrill would win, but not by much, with the consensus around three to five points. Most Democrats would be thrilled if she won by three, said Adam Green, co-founder Progressive Change Campaign Committee. They should celebrate their victory for New Jersey policy purposes. Its crazy to celebrate underperforming Kamala Harris in a year when Democrats should have the wind at our back. If Sherrills margin of victory is under Harris 2024 margin of 6 points, that is a sign that Democrats have a long term problem with the working class, said Jesse Hunt, a former communications director at the Republican Governors Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you see a smaller margin in New Jersey, youd see that despite Democrats trying to course correct, they still have a reckoning to do at a 30,000-foot level with the Democratic brand, he added. The race has seen a huge infusion of cash from national Democrats and Republicans. With roughly two weeks before Election Day, the Democratic Governors Association had poured $16 million into a super PAC helping Sherrill, while the RGA was not far behind at $12 million. Former President Barack Obama; Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro; Maryland Gov. Wes Moore; Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; and former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords and her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly a New Jersey native have all made appearances for Sherrill, among others. Trump has not come to the state for Ciattarelli, but hosted a tele town hall for him in late October, calling Sherrill terrible and saying her energy policies would send your prices soaring and make New Jersey even more expensive than it already is. Trump held another tele town hall Monday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ciattarelli has relied on other MAGA surrogates to boost the Republican base while also attempting not to alienate independent voters who may have a negative perception of the president. Theres 300,000 people in the state of New Jersey that feel differently about the president than they did back in 2020, Ciattarelli said in a recent interview with MAGA influencer Benny Johnson. Im so happy to have his active involvement, certainly his endorsement, and its created a whole lot of energy around the state. But at the end of the day, the candidates got to go out there and win the election. Both candidates can find optimism in decades of the states voting trends. With Murphy leaving office after two terms, Republicans can take heart in the fact that the state hasnt elected a governor from the same party three times in a row in 64 years. But Democrats can point to the fact that in eight of the last nine gubernatorial elections, the candidate of the presidential incumbents party lost. The exception was Murphys win over Ciattarelli in 2021, though his three point margin was far narrower than expected. Rising energy bills have dominated much of the race after New Jersey faced a 20 percent hike in June, which Ciattarelli blames on Murphys priority on renewable energy and a state plan to require all power be generated through such sources through 2035. Sherrill has blamed the PJM, the regional transmission organization, and has vowed to freeze electric rates a proposal of questionable legality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump handed Sherrill even more fodder when trying to apply pressure to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in the shutdown fight, vaguely stating that he terminated the multi-billion Gateway rail project between New Jersey and Manhattan sorely-needed for New Jersey commuters who rely on increasingly unreliable 120-year-old tunnels to get to work, and a lynchpin for regional economic growth. Ciattarelli has said that he thinks the president is playing hardball with the funding and expressed confidence that the project would continue to be worked on. Jack Ciattarelli says he agrees with everything Trump has been doing. Gives him an A grade. How can you look at an attack on New Jersey like this and give it anything but an F, Buttigieg said at a campaign event for Sherrill Thursday at a train station. Adam Wren contributed to this report. When the nine U.S. Supreme Court justices meet behind closed doors on Friday, the justices will decide whether to hear an appeal from former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, a name that became synonymous with anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes to marriage equality a decade ago. Davis, who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples after Obergefell v. Hodges made marriage equality the law of the land in 2015, has asked the court not only to overturn her financial settlement in a civil case loss in lower courts but also to reconsider the landmark ruling itself. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ + news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Daviss petition centers on whether she can be held personally liable for emotional-distress damages, her legal team is also urging the justices to revisit the constitutional right to marry. For those who remember the culture war that surrounded Daviss defiance, the possibility that her name might again appear on the Supreme Court docket has reignited deep anxiety across the LGBTQ+ community. Related: Amy Coney Barrett, conservative panelists discuss overturning marriage equality In separate interviews with The Advocate, Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff whose name now defines that right, and GLAD Law legal director Josh Rovenger described the moment as both surreal and revealing. One is the man who stood before the Court ten years ago and won the right to have his marriage recognized. The other works at the organization that helped secure that victory. Both see the Davis petition not just as a legal maneuver but as a test of whether the country can sustain a principle it once declared settled. A narrow case, shoehorning a broad agenda Rovenger explained what this case is and what it isnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a narrow case with a technical legal question, he said, emphasizing that it concerns emotional-distress damages and qualified immunity, not marriage equality itself. Attorneys who want to overturn Obergefell are trying to shoehorn that into a very narrow case. Davis, a former Rowan County clerk, was found liable for denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples in violation of clearly established law. A jury awarded damages to those couples, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the decision. Daviss petition now asks the Supreme Court to review that ruling, Rovinger explained. While she has framed the case as one about her religious freedom, Rovenger said the issue before the Court remains technical. Related: Kim Davis is petitioning the Supreme Court to overturn marriage equality The Supreme Court receives thousands of petitions a year, he said. It would really be anomalous for them to take a case with such a narrow fact pattern and use it to revisit Obergefell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Rovenger acknowledged why people are uneasy. Given the rollback of rights weve seen in other areas, Dobbs being the most prominent, that fear makes sense, he said. But this case is not the vehicle for that kind of sweeping reversal. The limits of the Respect for Marriage Act Part of the current confusion, Rovenger said, stems from uncertainty about how the Respect for Marriage Act interacts with the Obergefell decision. The 2022 law, signed by President Joe Biden, requires states and the federal government to recognize marriages performed in other states. However, it does not compel every state to issue marriage licenses if Obergefell were to be overturned. In a world where Obergefell didnt exist, he said, a couple married in one state would still have their marriage recognized federally and by other states, but not necessarily be able to marry everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called that distinction significant, not only for its practical consequences but for what it would signal about equality itself. Related: Southern Baptists urge Supreme Court to overturn marriage equality A patchwork approach across states, he said, is fundamentally different from a nationwide right. Rovenger also pointed to the Supreme Courts own language on reliance interests the idea that people build their lives on the stability of established rights. Trump-appointed Justice Amy Coney Barrett, he noted, has recently said marriage equality has created such interests, making it less likely to be undone. Barrett had told the New York Times that Obergefell created concrete reliance interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those interests, Rovinger said, remain one of the critical factors the Court considers when deciding whether to revisit precedent. According to Gallup, 68 percent of Americans support marriage equality. Jim Obergefell: Disgusted by this twisting of religious freedom For Jim Obergefell, the case is personal. He said he was "disgusted" that his fellow citizens would work against another group's well-being and happiness, using religious liberty as an excuse. This modern version of religious freedom this belief that ones personal religion trumps everything else is a twisting and perverting of what our founders intended, he said. Obergefell said Daviss refusal to follow the law was emblematic of a broader problem: public officials placing private faith above civic duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She swore an oath to serve all people, he said. And yet she used her government position to persecute others. Related: Samuel Alito 'not suggesting' marriage equality should be overturned His frustration extends to the justices themselves and their recent decisions, which have often ignored established understandings of the law. Justice Clarence Thomas recently said that past decisions "aren't gospel." Why should anyone feel secure about the right to marry, he asked, when this Court has proven it doesnt believe in precedent? He pointed to Thomass concurrence in the ruling that overturned Roe v. WadeRoe v. Wade, Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization. Thomas explicitly suggested revisiting Obergefell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those justices own marriage exists because of a Supreme Court decision, Obergefell said, referring to Loving v. Virginia, the 1967 ruling that struck down bans on interracial marriage. Thomas is Black, and his wife, Ginny, is white. If this Court overturns Obergefell, then what does that say about their own logic? Obergefell added. People should be concerned Obergefell said that the LGBTQ+ communitys fear is warranted. Absolutely, people should be concerned. Im concerned, he said on Saturday. Yesterday I officiated a wedding for a cousin who asked whether they should get married now instead of waiting. My answer was yes. He explained that even with the Respect for Marriage Act in place, states could still move swiftly to block new marriages if Obergefell were struck down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio [where I live] still has a Defense of Marriage Act on the books, he said. If Obergefell is overturned, Ohio could immediately say, no more marriage licenses for queer couples. Related: Kim Davis is trying to get marriage equality overturned by the Supreme Court Obergefell warned that political forces aligned against LGBTQ+ rights have shown a willingness to manipulate electoral systems to maintain power. We have a political party that has turned its back on democracy, he said. Theyre doing everything they can solely to remain in power to punish and to be vindictive. A fragile majority, a durable principle Despite deep pessimism about the Court, Obergefell said he still finds hope in younger generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont see difference the way older generations do, he said. There are millions of people out there who share my values, who believe in humanity, who believe every person deserves happiness and rights. That gives me hope. Rovenger echoed the sentiment, though his version is more procedural. Were all watching closely, he said. Well keep an eye on whether the case gets relisted and on any separate statements that come out. But were not panicking. Were prepared for all possibilities and ready to meet that moment if it comes. Related: Kim Davis is back in court because she doesn't want to pay a gay couple Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, the fate of Obergefell doesnt hinge on oral arguments or public hearings but on what happens in a private conference room inside the marble halls of the Supreme Court. Whether the justices see the Davis case as a technical dispute or a cultural flashpoint will determine not only one womans liability but perhaps the trajectory of a right that has defined a generation. If the Court declines to hear the case, the lower-court rulings stand, and marriage equality remains intact. If it grants review, the nation will enter another defining chapter in its legal history. Either way, Obergefells warning lingers: Theyve turned the idea of freedom on its head, he said. And unless we stand up for what it truly means, we risk losing more than marriage, and we risk losing the very promise of equality itself. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Jim Obergefell warns, People should be concerned about Supreme Court considering marriage equality case RELATED For months, leaders from Ford CEO Jim Farley to the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell have sounded the alarm that AI could wipe out entry-level jobs. Now, newly released data suggests they could be right: Since ChatGPTs rise, job postings across the U.S. have fallen by about 32%, according to data from the Federal Reserve, as employers increasingly turn to AI tools and automation to boost efficiency. Young workers appear to be bearing the brunt. A recent Stanford University report on AIs impact on employment echoes that Gen Z, in particular, have hit a wall. Although overall employment in the economy continues to grow, job postings for early-career workers aged 22-25 have experienced a 13% drop since 2022 in more AI-exposed fields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These professions, like software development and customer service representativesonce popular pathways for young workersare in substantial decline, the report warned. But amid the bleak data, theres one bright spot: healthcareand specifically, home health aides. The role ranks among the least AI-exposed occupations while also experiencing strong growth, with nearly 740,000 new home health aide positions expected to open up over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whats more, the field is one of the only areas where employment for young workers has actually been growing faster than for older workers. Granted, the median annual pay of about $35,000 isnt the dream salary for most Gen Z workers. Still, the barrier to entry is lowrequiring only a high school diploma and short-term on-the-job trainingand the sectors stability offers something rare in an uncertain labor market. And while it might not be glamorous, it provides a foothold in one of the few industries largely insulated from automation. A growing demand for healthcare workers: Nearly 2 million jobs up for grabs The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of frontline caregivers, exposing long-standing shortages and burnout across hospitals and nursing homes. And as baby boomers retire en masse, demand for healthcare workers is only expected to intensify. In fact, over the next decade, the U.S. is expected to see about 1.9 million healthcare job openings each year, according to BLS data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And unlike home health aides, many healthcare jobs come with substantial paychecks. Take nurse practitioners, for example. The median annual pay is about $130,000, and the field is projected to grow by 40%, with 128,400 new roles expected over the next decademaking it the third-fastest growing occupation in the country. While the path requires advanced education, it offers long-term financial stability, something thats becoming increasingly rare in todays rapidly changing job market. Other job titles, including physician assistants, nurse anesthetists, and health services managers, offer similar perks: high pay, job security, and upward mobility. AI is expected to leave healthcare jobs alonefor now As AI continues to reshape the workplace and threaten millions of white-collar jobs, healthcare stands out as one of the safest sectors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geoffrey Hinton, the computer science pioneer often called the Godfather of AI, has predicted that only very skilled workers will have jobs in the near future. Yet even he believes healthcare workers will remain resilient. Theyre much more elastic, Hinton explained earlier this year on The Diary of a CEO. If you could make doctors five times as efficient, we could all have five times as much healthcare for the same price, he added. Theres almost no limit to how much health care people can absorb[patients] always want more healthcare if theres no cost to it. Similarly, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabiswho envisions AI curing diseases and even helping colonize the Milky Way in the near futuresays the human element of care is irreplaceable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of things that we wont want to do with a machine, he said. You wouldnt want a robot nursetheres something about the human empathy aspect of that care thats particularly humanistic. Are you Gen Z and working outside your dream career path? Tell your story with us at preston.fore@fortune.com. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Kicking off his monologue on tonights episode of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart addressed his recently renewed contract, thanking fans for their support, as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays, joking about Americas biggest enemy Canada. Similar to John Oliver last night, the political comic delved straight into President Donald Trumps Great Gatsby-themed bash amid whats shaping up to be a hunger crisis as tens of millions of Americans lost their food stamp benefits. (The administration has since agreed to partially fund SNAP using contingency resources.) More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement He wasnt working for the American people. That was just some Hollywood Babylon shit that once and for all shows that Donald Trump doesnt give a fuck about even looking like he gives a fuck. At all, he said. Stewart continued, On the very night SNAP benefits ended, Trump threw a Gatsby-themed ode to decadence and hedonism that even Jeffrey Epstein would have thought was a little over the top. Addressing the slogan A little party never killed nobody Stewart exclaimed, Did you even read The Great Gatsby? Spoiler alert: The party killed somebody! Two somebodies! How do you not know that? The comedian concluded, This president seems to go out of his way to let struggling Americans know that he is doing very well. Your premiums may be going up, tariffs may be shutting down your small businesses, you may be losing your food assistance, but itll all be OK because Donald Trump is building a ballroom that looks like the inside of Marie Antoinettes vagina. (Last week, Stewart said the 90,000 square foot construction is indicative of Trump looking to stay in the White House for the long haul.) Advertisement Advertisement Addressing one segment from far-right network Newsmaxs coverage of SNAP funding expiring which solely featured Black social media users videos and depicted the anchors leaning heavily on racist stereotypes Stewart commented: Subtle, with the B-roll you used and the verbiage. I mean, you guys could be referring to any one of the 40-some million who are using food stamps to get weaves or subscribe to BET+ or people I dont know, just people who have a People History Month. I dont know who youre referring to. Closing out the monologue, Stewart donned a shawl to illustrate the irony of Trumps bailout of Argentina, which includes importing the countrys beef, amid the SNAP cutoff, playing a version of Fiddler on the Roof titled Hungry Fiddler: Too Weak to Climb to the Roof with a short cameo from Michael Kosta. In a different time on this program, we would illustrate this disparity with a short play. Probably would have had John Oliver come out dressed, perhaps, like Oliver Twist. We would do a whole thing where hes begging the president: [With accent] Please, sir, Id like some more beef. Argentinian beef. Yes, and John would be using his fake English accent. John is from Fort Lee. But, obviously, we cant do that; John and I work on different one days a week, he said. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) The Town of Jonesboroughs Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday temporarily halted the development of any future data mining centers in the town, as well as considered an ordinance establishing the regulation of THC and CBD products. The BMA voted on a second and final reading to put a two-year moratorium, or prohibition, on any Bitcoin or similar data mining centers in the town. Mayor Kelly Wolfe told News Channel 11 that the BMA wanted to get ahead of data mining center developments and regulate which zones they would be available in, if any. Then, in regard to cannabis regulation in Tennessees Oldest Town, Wolfe said the town hopes to align its municipal policies with those of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like with alcohol, we have a local function regulating alcohol, he said. Weve got to get our local ordinances in place to regulate the THC and the hemp thats going into drinks these days. Its going to end up falling under the state ABC board. Were going to try to make our rules and regulations completely compatible with what the states doing. He said the BMA passed the cannabis ordinance on a first reading, but a second one has to pass, too. We do have several businesses in town already selling these products. So it is our job to make sure were sensitive to their interests, their needs, and involve them in the process of this ordinance being developed. We took one step tonight, and that was to begin the discussion by passing at first reading, were going to have a Planning Commission thatll look at it as well. Were going to have a community meeting where the business owners and the Planning Commission and our BMA will all look at it together, and then well have a second reading on the ordinance, when were good and ready to where we think we can come back and have an informed opinion, having learned more about the issue and hopefully make the best decision we can possibly make for the people of Jonesborough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. The study found that 53% of journalists who covered October 7 and its aftermath are displaying symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Over half of journalists who covered the October 7 massacre and its aftermath displayed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared to 20% of mental health professionals who directly treated victims and survivors, a new preliminary study led by Prof. Danny Horesh revealed. The peer-reviewed study focused on professionals exposed to secondhand trauma, including therapists who supported victims and survivors of October 7. It also examined journalists who covered and analyzed the events as they unfolded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horesh, a clinical psychologist and head of the Trauma & Stress Research Lab at Bar-Ilan University, worked with survivors in the wake of October 7 alongside Prof. Ilanit Hasson-Ohayon, leading to his research regarding the impact of the day on other professionals who were indirectly exposed to the traumatic events. Israeli journalists demonstrate in solidarity with journalists in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, August 13, 2025 (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90) Preliminary findings PTSD was found in concerningly high instances among both journalists and mental health professionals. The findings emphasize the detrimental effects that indirect exposure to trauma, through stories, images, and interviews, can have. While the therapists supporting victims and their families have typically received training and ongoing support to help them handle exposure to secondary trauma, most journalists have not. Secondary trauma in journalists is shown to have devastating effects. The culture to be on top of everything and cover as much as possible creates intense over-exposure to traumatic material with little time or resources to process what youve seen. COMPANY NEWS: DNH Logistics, ORCA Opti and Aurora Materials Partner on Zero-Trust Supply Chain Model for Defence and Pharmaceutical Sectors. BRISBANE, Tuesday, 4 November 2025 Australian specialist AI security and compliance provider ORCA Opti, together with pharmaceutical transport logistics experts DNH Logistics and Aurora Materials, creators of a next-generation secure tagging technology, today announced a partnership to deliver a 360-degree, zero-trust solution for sensitive pharmaceutical and defence logistics operations. Under the partnership, ORCA Opti will provide DNH Logistics with automation for cyber information storage of secure records covering transportation and handling of TGA scheduled drugs and national security items. The system will enable authorised personnel to monitor operations for specific trips and across entire operations while ensuring digitised information remains secure. Aurora Materials will further secure shipments with their next-generation fluorescent tagging technologies designed to provide unmatched security, authentication and tracking solutions to safeguard high-value and mission-critical assets. The partnership will go beyond standard logistics tracking to monitor consignments against compliance metrics with time-stamped evidence and defence-grade data protection at every step. Each interaction aligns with Protected Security Policy Framework (PSPF), Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF) and Information Security Manual (ISM) controls. DNH Logistics, an Australian and veteran-led company, provides logistics services including receipt of pharmaceuticals up to Schedule 8 from manufacturers, secure transport, temperature-controlled storage, and positive controls for drug handling. The partnership was unveiled at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition, where DNH Logistics is in attendance to highlight its expansion into security-led Defence logistics. This new phase of the company requires it to meet specialised security controls including the ASD's Essential Eight and Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) requirements. DNH Logistics also required support in technical outcomes related to information and data security and policy requirements, an area outside their core expertise. The partnership will provide a model for meeting DISP controls while delivering enhanced supply chain monitoring, including Internet of Things capabilities with sensors for temperature control and secure management of aggregated data for radio-frequency identification (RFID) product tracing supported by the fluorescent tagging solution. The system integration provides end-to-end support for DNH Logistics' expanded operations, allowing the company to transfer its proven model from controlled medical substances into defence applications. Justin Roderick, Director, DNH Logistics Justin Roderick, Director, DNH Logistics, said he and his team had been very impressed by what ORCA Opti and Aurora Materials were able to provide and were looking forward to building secure solutions for the defence medical logistics sector together. Achieving DISP is a significant milestone for any small enterprise. Doing the heavy lifting on your own, especially navigating the requirements to meet the Essential Eight at Maturity Level 2, can be overwhelming. Partnering with ORCA Opti has made this journey easier while Aurora Materials has helped us with a more robust security offering, he said. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ORCA Opti to harness AI in a secure environment, automating compliance wherever possible. This allows our team to stay focused on operational outcomes, with the assurance that our compliance obligations are being met and managed effectively. ORCA Opti Founder and Managing Director Kathryn Giudes said she was excited to be partnering with DNH Logistics as they move into a new phase of their growth strategy. This partnership will ensure that DNH Logistics meet regulatory requirements and compliance using AI to protect and validate medical, pharmaceutical and customer data in a logistics context, she said. Embedding compliance and safety controls will also assist potential customers in achieving compliance faster, enabling DNH Logistics to distribute products more efficiently. Adding in Auroras fluorescent tagging material and tracking creates a seamless solution that effortlessly spans physical and digital security. In the work we are setting a new model for how compliance and security are managed in complex logistics chains across pharma, defence and other regulated sectors. Dr Jason Holland, Co-Founder and CEO of Aurora Materials Dr Jason Holland, Co-Founder and CEO of Aurora Materials, said his company was excited to be working alongside DNH Logistics and Orca Opti as it advances the security-led logistics model. Our collaboration focuses on integrating Auroras non-replicable tagging technology into DNH Logistics secure warehousing, transport and logistics systems, he said. By embedding our unique optical tagging capability, we enable DNH Logistics to verify authenticity, chain of custody, and provide tamper-evident assurance across every stage of its operations. Through this network of like-minded security partners, we aim to solve the critical challenges of secure logistics even in complex and contested environments. Overall, this partnership represents a major step forward towards creating the next generation of supply chain verification and asset assurance. Together, were helping DNH Logistics establish a sovereign, verifiable standard for supply chain integrity, where mission-critical supplies can be trusted. DNH Logistics, which has recently rebranded from DNH Medical, has a strong background in medical and pharmaceutical storage and distribution. Now, as DNH Logistics, the company will concentrate on custody-led assurance and security-led logistics, with a vision to provide a zero-trust approach to logistics operations. The company was founded in response to the needs of its sister company, Provocatus, which focuses on healthcare for veterans and first responders. About Orca Opti ORCA Opti is a holistic business operating system that improves business health by automating and aligning the routines that keep organisations running: guided workflows aligned with standard operating procedures, incident and task logging, evidence capture, risk register updates, and board-ready reporting. Using plain-English prompts and guardrails, ORCA helps any team member execute correctly the first time. No forms, no copy-paste, no missed steps. About DNH Logistics DNH Logistics is a veteran-led Australian company specialising in security-led movement and storage of regulated and high-value goods. Born in pharma, built for defence, government and advanced manufacturing. We keep possession visible, approvals enforced and evidence ready. About Aurora Materials Aurora Materials develops nextgeneration fluorescent tagging technologies that deliver unmatched security, authentication, and traceability for highvalue and missioncritical assets. Its proprietary SCLE nanocomposites generate unique, non-replicable optical signatures. Durable across extreme environments and seamlessly integrated into coatings and components, enabling secure identification and transparent supply chains for defence, aerospace, and other highreliability industries. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is investigating a man shot at a home in the Grand Park neighborhood, nearly four months after we told you about a triple shooting on the exact same block. Were still working to get some of the basic information about the shooting from JSO, including when it happened, how it happened and who was involved. But the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department told Action News Jax that it responded to West 25th Street, the site of the shooting, at approximately 2:30 PM on Monday afternoon. JFRD said it transported one person to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, but it did not specify what those injuries were. Action News Jax independently made contact with a man claiming to be the victims roommate, who said police had found him inside of their home that hed moved into only two days earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tonya Bogiens, who lives two doors down from where the shooting was reported, said she came back home from work to find her street swarming with police. It was a shock, Bogiens said, Ive been here three years, never seen nothing like this here. Never. Back in July, Action News Jax told you when JSO reported three men had been shot on the 2500 block of West 25th Street, the same one where this shooting was reported. It follows a violent weekend, when seven total shootings were reported by JSO. One of them was deadly. The last of those shootings was reported at a Sunoco gas station on Kings Road, less than 10 minutes away from where this shooting was reported. Bogiens said shes not worried about leaving her home for work in the morning, but seeing this many police on her street was a first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know what happened and I dont know what was going on, but Ive never been that close to something in the house where I live, Bogiens said. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [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. A shooting at a business on Baymeadows Road left one man dead late Monday night, with the suspected shooter detained by police. The incident occurred at Medusa Lounge, 9551 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville. Jacksonville police responded to the area just before 10 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting at the location, police said. The shooter, who was also the 911 caller, remained at the scene and was detained when officers arrived, Jacksonville police said at a news conference early Tuesday. Officer searched the area and located an adult male with at least one gunshot wound. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department pronounced him dead at the scene, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacksonville Sheriffs Offices Homicide and Crime Scene Units remained at the scene early Tuesday. Homicide detectives are writing search warrants and plan to take the suspected shooter to the Police Memorial Building downtown for an interview, police said. Investigators have not determined the relationship between the shooter and the victim, police said. Anyone with information about the shooting is askede to call JSO at 904-630-0500, by email at jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org, or through CrimeStoppers at 866-845-TIPS. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [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. Action News Jax Investigates uncovered a plan to populate the JTA NAVI using the taxpayers dime. The NAVI is JTAs pseudo-autonomous downtown shuttle launched this summer. Investigator Emily Turner has been covering the embattled $66-million-dollar project for more than a year, exposing everything from cost overruns to safety concerns. Now, shes found JTA employees have been paid to ride the shuttles, raising new questions about their already low ridership numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner found employees spent working hours riding around the NAVI rather than at their desks doing their actual job. The taxpayer covered the cost while increasing JTAs reported ridership numbers. JTA calls it an ambassador program. Critics call it far worse. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority says the NAVI is the transportation of the future. City councilman Rory Diamond doesnt. This thing cost $65 million, he says, you could do 6.5 million Uber or taxi rides for that. Weve got to pull the plug. Action News Jax reached out to each DOGE committee member for an interview. Only Diamond agreed. Ron Salem, the chair, initially signed up but cancelled shortly after until he could review all the information. When we informed Diamond of an August 4th internal JTA email, he was shocked. Its addressed to a group of JTA employees, setting up a calendar and asking them to sign up and ride (the NAVI) tomorrow and beyond because we are in dire need of riders. [frownie face emoji.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that point, all the way up until October 1st, the NAVI was still free. Diamond says, I was so disappointed. I mean, this is already a boondoggle. Everyone knows I dont like it, but to then come along and fluff and fake the numbers, its just an outrage. People should be really mad about this. We reached out to JTA to explain the employee ridership program. They sent this statement: At no time did the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) recruit employees to boost ridership. During peak hours, a limited number of JTA employees serve as NAVI ambassadors to help riders become familiar with the service and technology, and to gather feedback to inform future updates and enhancements." Yet JTA stated in a document sent to city council members that the employee ridership numbers were included in their daily passenger count. Turner requested the SharePoint calendar that internal email referenced- and did the math. The calendar starts in August and ends the day JTA received Action News public records request for it, covering 50 days of operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The records revealed more than 50 employees, consultants and interns signed up to ride at least one two-and-a-half-hour shift. Some signed up for more than a dozen. Each of those shifts counts as at least one rider, so more than 330 of JTAs reported numbers are their own people working a shift. That averages to six of its 89 riders a day during the time period in question, almost seven percent of its reported numbers. While that may not seem like a lot, taxpayers did pay a lot for them to ride it. Turner requested the salary of one employee riding one of the most shifts. Based on the hourly break down of his almost 150 thousand dollar salary-- ($149,497.92) tax payers shelled out more than 3 thousand dollars ($3114.40) for him to ride around the Bay Street Corridor for the equivalent of an entire work week (40 hours.) Each of the fifty employees is paid at a different rate and rode a different number of shifts, but cumulatively they spent more than 840 taxpayer funded hours riding the NAVI. However its sliced, it totals in the thousands, if not far more for riding a shuttle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is just insane, Diamond says, you mean 800 hours? Theyre supposed to be making sure the busses work and that people can get to work and get to school on time, not doing this kind of stuff. JTA did not sit down for an interview with us, but they did reach out to council members after Turners email for interviews went out. Their email saying, I understand you may have received a media inquiry regarding the NAVI service and our ridership numbers. In that email, JTA admits the average ridership is only about 89 people a day, far fewer than the 250- 300 they promised when pitching the project and something FDOT engineers called into question years ago. The email does say JTA hopes to hit that target number by 2035. Duval DOGE takes on the NAVI and JTA at its meeting Tuesday to answer the list of 17 questions Diamond presented for them to defend the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A Juarez woman was struck and killed in a crash on Friday morning, Oct. 24, in South El Paso, according to the El Paso Police Department in a news release. Shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 24, officers responded to a crash involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Stanton Street and Seventh Avenue. The Special Traffic Investigations unit was called to assist with the investigation. 1 person seriously hurt in crash involving pedestrian in South El Paso Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial investigation revealed that a pickup truck was going southbound on Stanton Street, approaching the intersection of Seventh Avenue. At the intersection, the driver made a left turn; however, 71-year-old Ricarda Meza Escobedo, from Juarez, was crossing at the same time and was struck by the pickup truck, according to EPPD. Escobedo was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Medical Examiners Office contacted investigators to inform them Escobedo had died from her injuries sustained in the crash, EPPD added. According to EPPD, the contributing factor in this crash was the drivers failure to yield the right of way to the pedestrian. This is the 56th traffic fatality compared to 57 at this same time last year. The investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTSM 9 News. A judge has backed parents who sent their son to Ghana to prevent him being drawn into gangs in Britain. Mrs Justice Theis said the boy, known as S, should remain in the west African country until at least the end of his GCSEs in two years. She accepted that the boy had been tricked by his parents into going to Ghana, where he felt abandoned, so much so that he mounted the High Court legal action seeking to return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the judge concluded he should remain living in Ghana with the aim of setting out a roadmap and taking the necessary steps for S to return here after completing his GCSEs. He had travelled from his home in England to visit relatives in Ghana in March 2024 with his parents and a sibling, but his family returned in April without him. His mother and father had become increasingly concerned for his safety in the year prior, fearing he was becoming involved in the gang culture which was prevalent in the area. Videos, photos and messages had been found on his phone by his parents. These had made them fear he was involved in theft, fraud and possessing knives, while his mother had found a kitchen knife hidden at the home, the court heard. A hearing last month was told that the boy had been involved in fights and tried to sell clothes and a phone that could have been stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge said that since his parents did not want him to return home soon, the risk of relationship breakdown would be very high if he did, with the likelihood he would be exposed to the very serious risks they had tried to protect him from. Before being taken to Ghana, the boy had become secretive and dishonest about his whereabouts and possessions, with his parents struggling to manage deteriorating behaviour that was influenced by peer pressure. His mother still considers him at risk of serious physical harm or death if he returns, her barrister, Michael Gration, KC told a hearing last month. Mrs Justice Theis said the boy must stay in Africa until at least the end of his GCSEs to avoid serious risks in UK - Courts And Tribunals Judiciary In her judgment, Mrs Justice Theis said while there was very real concern about the effect of him remaining in a country where he felt abandoned, he had more of an understanding of why his parents took the steps they did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that while she was acutely aware the conclusion did not accord with his wishes and how that will feel for him, he had the talent, ability and intelligence to make this work and the family shared the common aim for him to return eventually. In a statement, the boys father, who has been visiting him in Ghana, said: I love [S] very much. However, I do not believe I can ensure [his] safety if he remains in England. This is not a reflection of a lack of love or care but rather a realistic assessment of the risks involved. Ghana is currently the safest and most suitable place for him. Deborah Jeff, head of the Divorce and Family department at Simkins LLP, said: This was careful adjudication of competing safeguarding threats to the child, known as S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real, identifiable risk of the gang culture he was likely to become part of if he remained in his London home was countered by the emotional and psychological harm he will feel at being away from close family in Ghana, and in litigation with his parents. S remaining in Ghana was against his clear wishes. However, doing so, and with therapeutic intervention for the family to address the emotional and psychological effect of S not being with his parents in the UK, along with the pre-existing family dynamics, was on balance in the best interests of this child. This carefully considered conclusion will ensure he is not exposed to the real risk of joining the gang culture he was becoming aligned with in his London home. 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. Grizzly bear (Courtesy of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service). A federal judge has halted a logging project in the Kootenai National Forest, saying the federal government failed to correctly analyze the impacts to grizzly bears. The Knotty Pine Project, a 10-year project that would have authorized 7,465 acres of prescribed burning and 2,593 acres of commercial harvest in the Cabinet-Yaak Mountains, has been in litigation since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Center for Biological Diversity led a coalition of environmental groups including WildEarth Guardians and the Yaak Valley Forest Council, in suing the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, saying it could devastate the small group of grizzly bears that lives in the region due to increased roadwork. U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen granted a preliminary junction the following year, but issued his final ruling just last week. The management of roads is one of the most powerful tools available to balance the needs of people with those of bears, Christensen wrote. High road densities in low elevation habitats may result in grizzly bear avoidance or displacement from important spring habitat and high mortality risks. Grizzly bears have a small presence in the Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem, estimated between 45 and 50. The stated goal of the federal governments recovery plan for grizzlies in the ecosystem is 100, according to court documents. The latest report of the Cabinet-Yaak grizzly population states a goal of zero human caused mortality, though acknowledges this might not be realized due to the likelihood of human-bear conflicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Knotty Pine Project area consists of just more than 56,000 acres in Lincoln County, in the Three Rivers Ranger District. The industrial timber harvest and fuel treatments, which include pre-commercial thinning, would total just less than 10,000 acres, including authorization of prescribed burns totaling 7,465 acres. The project would have also created 3.76 miles of undetermined road, 1.2 miles of temporary road construction, 4 miles of road storage and 35 miles of road maintenance. The substantial amount of roadwork was at the heart of the environmental groups lawsuit, as studies show roads displace bears and can shrink what is considered viable habitat. Christensen acknowledged the impact that roads have on grizzly bear habitat, citing documents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such displacement can have multi-generational effects: Females who have learned to avoid roads may also teach their cubs to avoid roads. In this way, learned avoidance behavior can persist for several generations of bears before they again utilize habitat associated with closed roads, he wrote. The plaintiffs had argued that the federal government did not adequately conduct its analysis, mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act, and violated the Endangered Species Act when considering the impact of roads on grizzly habitat. They also argued that a number of roads that should be closed to the public are accessed anyways, and these illegal uses should be taken into consideration for the project areas overall impact. The Forest Service argued it had noted that the use of closed roads is illegal, was monitoring illegal use, and tracked when gates or barriers needed repairing, but Christensen said that such considerations didnt go far enough. By excluding illegal roads, FWS makes an unsupported assumption that illegal roads have no effect on grizzly bears. Such an assumption fails to err on the side of the bear, Christensen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long the Forest Service has ignored illegal off-road vehicle use, the presence of unauthorized roads and the harm they inflict on grizzly bears, Adam Rissien, rewilding manager with WildEarth Guardians, said in a press release. This ruling affirms that the Forest Service must account for illegal road use, including on zombie roads, which the agency pretends dont exist until they come back to life for logging projects. Christensen ruled in favor of the environmental groups in most of their claims that the federal government violated NEPA by not fully accounting for illegal road use and the effects on grizzly bears for the total scope of the project. However, on a claim that the Forest Service did not analyze the impact of pre-commercial thinning activities on grizzlies, Christensen sided with the federal government, and said the impacts were thoroughly considered. This decision is a critical win for the Cabinet-Yaaks struggling grizzly bears, Kristine Akland, Northern Rockies director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. For decades federal agencies have turned a blind eye while roads carved up bear country, and grizzly bears have paid the price. The courts ruling sends a clear message that the government cant ignore facts or the law when it comes to protecting grizzlies. Knotty Pine decision CHICAGO (AP) A judge heard testimony Tuesday about overflowing toilets, crowded cells, no beds and water that "tasted like sewer at a Chicago-area building that serves as a key detention spot for people rounded up in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. People who were held at the building in Broadview, just outside Chicago, offered rare public accounts about the conditions there as U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman considers ordering changes at a site that has become a flashpoint for protests and confrontations with federal agents. I don't want anyone else to live what I lived through, said Felipe Agustin Zamacona, 47, an Amazon driver and Mexican immigrant who has lived in the U.S. for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zamacona said there were 150 people in a holding cell. Desperate to lie down to sleep, he said he once took the spot of another man who got up to use the toilet. And the water? Zamacona said he tried to drink from a sink but it tasted like sewer. Judge calls conditions 'cruel' A lawsuit filed last week accuses the government of denying proper access to food, water and medical care, and coercing people to sign documents they dont understand. Without that knowledge, and without private communication with lawyers, they have unknowingly relinquished their rights and faced deportation, the lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not an issue of not getting a toilet or a Fiji water bottle, attorney Alexa Van Brunt of the MacArthur Justice Center told the judge. These are a set of dire conditions that when taken together paint a harrowing picture. The judge began the hearing by saying the allegations in the lawsuit by MacArthur Justice and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois were disgusting. Gettleman's opinion got sharper as the day went on, saying conditions were unnecessarily cruel. The evidence has been pretty strong that this facility is no longer just a temporary holding facility. It has really become a prison, the judge said. But people held there, Gettleman noted, are not convicted felons. These are civil detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feds say improvements were made Attorney Jana Brady of the Justice Department acknowledged there are no beds at the Broadview building, just outside Chicago, because it was not intended to be a long-term detention site. Authorities have improved the operations over the past few months, she said, adding there has been a learning curve. The conditions are not sufficiently serious, Brady told the judge. The building has been managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for decades. But amid the Chicago-area crackdown, it has been used to process people for detention or deportation. Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol commander who has led the Chicago immigration operation, said criticism was unfounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think theyre doing a great job out there," he told The Associated Press during an interview this week. Water bottles as pillows Testifying with the help of a translator, Pablo Moreno Gonzalez, 56, said he was arrested last week while waiting to start work. Like Zamacona, he said he was placed in a cell with 150 other people, with no beds, blankets, toothbrush or toothpaste. It was just really bad. ... It was just too much, Moreno Gonzalez, crying, told the judge. Claudia Carolina Pereira Guevara testified from Honduras, separated from two children who remain in the U.S. She said she was held at Broadview for five days in October and recalled using a garbage bag to clear a clogged toilet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They gave us nothing that had to do with cleaning. Absolutely nothing, Guevara said. Another witness, Ruben Torres Maldonado, said he slept on the concrete floor and would fill water bottles to use as pillows. The judge said he could make a decision Wednesday on the request for a restraining order. For months advocates have raised concerns about conditions at Broadview, which has drawn scrutiny from members of Congress, political candidates and activist groups. Lawyers and relatives of people held there have called it a de facto detention center, saying up to 200 people have been held at a time without access to legal counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Broadview center has also drawn demonstrations, leading to the arrests of numerous protesters. The demonstrations are at the center of a separate lawsuit from a coalition of news outlets and protesters who claim federal agents violated their First Amendment rights by repeatedly using tear gas and other weapons on them. _____ AP reporters Sophia Tareen in Chicago and Ed White in Detroit contributed to this report. A female National Guard member in uniform stands in front of a sign marked 'Beale Street.," In Memphis, Tennessee on Oct. 27, 2025 (Photo: Karen Pulfer Focht/Tennessee Lookut) The Tennessee Attorney Generals Office argued Monday against removing the National Guard from Memphis, claiming the governor has authority to mobilize them even without action by the legislature or local government bodies. The claims countered a challenge in Davidson County Chancery Court by Democratic state lawmakers and Memphis officials who say Gov. Bill Lee violated state law and the Constitution by mobilizing troops for police work as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Moskal did not decide Monday whether to grant an injunction that would remove the National Guard from Memphis. Moskal said several times in the hearing she has seen no written order from the governor to send troops to Memphis and had only heard about a press release to deploy National Guard personnel to Shelby County as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, which was done following a memo by President Donald Trump. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, three state lawmakers, a Memphis City Council member and two Shelby County commissioners sued the state after Harris declared a state of emergency in Shelby County caused, in part, by the influx of inmates into the countys judicial system. Joshua Salzman, attorney with the Democracy Forward Foundation, which is representing the plaintiffs, told the court, The governors unilateral decision to deploy troops to militarily occupy an American city is as unlawful as it is shocking. The deployment is also causing ongoing, irreparable injury to the plaintiffs and to their constituents with Memphis streets being patrolled by soldiers, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Constitution allows National Guard troops to be deployed only in cases of rebellion or invasion, and those must be approved by the legislature and requested by the local governing body, he said. Salzman acknowledged Memphis has suffered from crime, but he said there was no sudden emergency that demanded the National Guard deployment, only a post by Trump on Truth Social. Arguing the states case, Assistant Attorney General Cody Brandon claimed the court has no authority to stop the governor from deploying troops because he is the commander-in-chief of the states army and can determine when they should be used. He also cast doubt on Harriss claims that the Guard deployment is costing the state financially, because their mobilization is being funded by the federal government. Brandon also said the Guard has helped the task force, a coalition of state and federal agencies led by the U.S. Marshals Service, make hundreds of arrests as a force multiplier to reduce violent crime, even though its main duty is patrolling streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legal fight centers, in part, on whether the Tennessee National Guard is a militia or an army. A Tennessee governors use of a militia is restricted under the state law and the state Constitution. State law constrains the governors use of a militia for civilian enforcement and requires cities and counties to request the governors deployment of the Guard. Neither Memphis city officials nor Shelby County officials have requested the National Guard. Brandon claimed that the National Guard is an army, not a militia, and therefore unrestrained by the restrictions set out in state law and the constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memphis is among a handful of American cities Los Angeles, Portland and Chicago that have seen a surge in federal law enforcement, including members of the National Guard, ostensibly to combat crime and apprehend immigrants without lawful status. Tennessee is the only affected state with its governor welcoming the federal presence. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A New Hampshire judge has ordered a bond hearing be held as soon as practicable for a Haitian national and asylum-seeker held in ICE custody at the federal prison in Berlin, ruling his continued detention violates the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment. In an order dated Oct. 31, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante directs staff at FCI-Berlin, officials of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Department of Homeland Security to schedule a bond hearing before an immigration judge for Ralph Bronson Fils-Aime. He has been held in ICE custody since Aug. 22, 2024, because under these specific facts and circumstances, petitioners continued detention violates the Due Process Clause. According to court documents, Fils-Aime is a Haitian national and asylum-seeker who entered the U.S. through the Mexican border without admission or inspection by immigration officials and was taken into custody by Customs and Border Control officers in April 2022 near El Paso, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He requested asylum and claimed a fear of returning to Haiti, and was released on parole on April 30, 2022. He, along with his partner, settled in Massachusetts, where several members of his family live. They had a U.S.-citizen daughter in 2023. Fils-Aime has been arrested by local police twice for charges that were then dismissed and he has a pending traffic-related criminal case in Concord, Mass. Fils-Aimes current detention began on Aug. 22, 2024, when he was detained by ICE officers in Burlington, Mass., where an asylum officer initially found he did not have a credible fear of returning to Haiti. Fils-Aime requested a review of the finding, which was vacated by an immigration court on Sept. 19, 2024. On Oct. 2, 2024, ICE initiated removal proceedings, and on Nov. 25, 2024, Fils-Aime filed an application for fear-based relief from removal. He requested a custody redetermination hearing in March 2025, which he withdrew after ICE argued that he was ineligible for such a hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE also denied his April 3, 2025 request for release from detention on parole. On July 31, 2025, Fils-Aime received notice that ICE intended to move him to Mexico, and the next day he moved in Immigration Court for a stay of removal and to reopen the removal proceedings. On Aug. 6, 2025, the Immigration Court granted his petition to reopen proceedings and scheduled an individual hearing with respect to Mexico. The hearing took place on Oct. 8, and the immigration court denied Fils-Aimes requests for asylum and for withholding of his removal to Mexico. Fils-Aime also moved in the First Circuit Court of Appeals to stay his removal pending resolution of his petition for review of the July 31 DHS removal order. The Court of Appeals granted the motion to stay removal in relation to any and all removal orders entered against him. In his ruling, Judge Laplante writes that though no bright-line rule dictates when detention has become unreasonable Circuit Court of Appeals has indicated that detention is likely to be unreasonable if it lasts for more than one year during removal proceedings before the agency, excluding any delays due to the aliens dilatory tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other courts have found detention in this range to be unreasonable, Laplante writes, adding Fils-Aime, has not caused any of the delay in his case. The only delays he has created have been in the exercise of his statutory rights to have his credible-fear determination re-examined; to have his immigration proceedings re-opened after he received a notice of removal to Mexico; and to appeal to the BIA the Immigration Judges recent denial of withholding of removal to Mexico and asylum. Under these specific facts and circumstances, the court finds that the petitioners 14-month detention without a bond hearing is unreasonably prolonged. The remedy for a prolonged detention is a bond hearing before an immigration judge at which the government bears the burden of proving that the alien should not be released on bond. A judge has rejected another motion to stall school tax bills in New Castle County tied to the recent property values reassessment. The ruling issued Nov. 4 rejects the request by a coalition of local landlords and lodging businesses to further delay the issuance of new tax bills while they appeal a court ruling from the final week of October. That ruling upheld school districts plans to charge different tax rates to residential versus non-residential properties for this taxing year. That coalition of business interests had sued the state, county and school districts, arguing so-called split rates are unconstitutional and that it would harm their businesses and by extension, their rent-paying tenants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, after expedited litigation ahead of the pending due date for taxes, Vice Chancellor Lori Will rejected the business coalitions' legal claims. That set the county back on track to issue new, split-rate tax bills on behalf of school districts. The ruling: Why a judge upheld lawmakers' property tax reassessment relief law for homeowners After the ruling, the coalition asked Will to again delay those bills while they appeal her ruling to the Delaware Supreme Court. Will's latest ruling rejects that requested stay and leaves the county on track to issue new bills in the coming weeks. Why the judge rejected the request Will weighed four legal factors in assessing the plaintiffs request: the likelihood that their appeal would be successful, the potential of irreparable injury to the plaintiffs if they stay isnt granted, whether other parties would be harmed absent a stay and whether the public interest would be harmed if they stay is granted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs argued the new, split rates that shift greater tax burden on businesses would cause irreparable harm to their businesses, triggering accelerated loan repayments, diverting money from their operations and leading to the loss of business opportunities and potential foreclosures. Will rejected this. She noted the Supreme Court is set to hear the appeal of the decision on a similarly expedited manner next week and that would be before the earliest possible issuance of new tax bills on Nov. 18. She added that the potential harm cited is speculative. Behind the upset: Why is Delaware's angst over reassessment, tax changes so centered on New Castle County? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did agree that the legal matters at hand are novel and present substantial legal questions, which she found favors a stay. But regarding the harm to public interest and others if the stay was granted, Will noted a stay would just cause further confusion among taxpayers, and delayed bills are depriving the county and school districts of $549 million in revenue that translates into $8 million in investment income over a 60-day period. The public interest lies in resolving this uncertainty, not extending it, Will wrote. How Delaware got here and what's next This tax season is the first since a court-ordered reassessment of the property values that are married with local school, county and municipality taxing rates to calculate individuals bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New Castle County, the reassessment of these property values the first thats been done for decades shifted a greater portion of the overall tax burden onto residential properties, leading to higher-than-expected bills for those taxpayers. Members of the bipartisan special property reassessment committee hold their second meeting in the House Chamber at Legislative Hall in Dover on Oct. 7, 2025. The meeting, the second of four planned meetings to investigate Delaware's first statewide property reassessment in 40 years, focused on what future reassessments and tax structures might look like and providing an update on the implementation of the emergency legislation passed on August 12. Following outcry, state lawmakers convened a special session in August and passed a law to allow school districts to charge different, higher tax rates to non-residential properties to shift the overall tax burden back closer to the share of residential versus non-residential before the assessment. This would give homeowners a break on the tax bills that went out earlier this summer. The issuance of those split-rate bills was delayed by the lodging-businesses lawsuit. The rejection of the stay means that the county will move forward issuing split-rate tax bills, which Wills order states will come no earlier than Nov. 18, and the Delaware Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the plaintiffs appeal of her initial ruling on Nov. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent: Senate lawmakers set to reconvene for special session on Nov. 6 after property tax ruling Meanwhile, the Delaware General Assembly has called a special session for Nov. 6 in which they will consider extending the deadline for payment of taxes given this year's chaotic tax season." Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: DE judge rejects another attempt to stall upstate school tax bills COMPANY NEWS: Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, has successfully concluded its participation in the Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, showcasing its comprehensive suite of financial technology solutions and contributed valuable expert insights through keynote speeches and panel discussions, demonstrating its commitment to advancing the FinTech industry through innovative cloud computing and AI technologies. AI + Cloud Innovations to Accelerate Financial Transformation Throughout the event, Tencent Cloud's exhibition booth attracted significant attention from financial institutions, technology partners, and industry experts. Visitors experienced live demonstrations of cutting-edge FinTech solutions. The showcase featured innovations such as Tencent Yuanbao, the eKYC facial-recognition solution, the Agent Development Platform (ADP) and CodeBuddy AI assistant, each highlighting how Tencent Cloud enables financial institutions to enhance security, improve efficiency, and build intelligent digital ecosystems across global markets to create business opportunities. Tencent Cloud now supports over 10,000 financial customers across 20 countries and regions, with nearly 400 overseas clients achieving double-digit growth. In Hong Kong, Tencent Cloud partners with leading financial institutions such as Futu Securities, Fusion Bank, Airstar Bank, AIA, and BOC (HK), AIA, and BOC (HK) to accelerate digital modernization. Recent projects include helping Fusion Bank complete a next-generation core-banking system migration within 15 hours and supporting Airstar Banks full move to cloud operations, enabling higher performance, cost efficiency, and agility under Hong Kongs strict compliance framework. These collaborations illustrate Tencent Clouds commitment to empowering Hong Kongs financial industry through secure, scalable and intelligent cloud solutions. Vision for Future-Proof Business Dr. Yanxin YU, Managing Director of Consulting at Tencent Cloud, delivered a well-received keynote address titled "Digital Convergence & Strategic Partnerships: Tencent's Vision for Future-Proof Business" at the AI & Advanced Tech Forum. The session explored how digital convergence is reshaping financial services and the critical role of strategic partnerships in building resilient, future-ready businesses. "Financial institutions are successfully navigating an unprecedented era of digital transformation," said Dr. YU during his address. "The positive response we received at FinTech Week confirms that our intelligent cloud solutions and collaborative approach are effectively empowering businesses to lead innovation in the FinTech landscape." Tencent Cloud's leadership contributed valuable perspectives to significant panel discussions as well. Lorence Liao, Head of International AI Architecture at Tencent Cloud, participated in the "From Core to Collaboration: Reinventing Banking Through Platforms and Partnerships" session, discussing the successful transition from traditional banking systems to collaborative, platform-based models enabled by cloud and AI technologies. Jared Jiang, Deputy General Manager of Tencent Cloud, shared expertise in the "AI x Identity: Deepfakes, Trust, and the Future of Reality" panel, addressing critical challenges in digital identity security and presenting Tencent Cloud's innovative approaches to maintaining trust in financial transactions. Moreover, the Hong Kong FinTech Week x Tencent Roundtable facilitated meaningful conversations with industry leaders, focusing on emerging trends and collaborative opportunities. The session generated substantial interest in Tencent Cloud's vision for building a more secure and innovative financial ecosystem. Proven Solutions for Modern Financial Challenges "Hong Kong FinTech Week provided an excellent platform to demonstrate how our technology solutions are successfully transforming financial services," said Poshu Yeung, Senior Vice President of Tencent Cloud International. "The strong engagement and positive feedback we received confirm that financial institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of our cloud and AI solutions in enhancing security, improving efficiency, and delivering superior customer value." The participation at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025 reinforces Tencent Cloud's position as a leading technology partner for financial institutions worldwide. The company remains committed to fostering a more secure, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem through continued technological innovation and strategic partnership. About Tencent Cloud: Tencent Cloud, one of the worlds leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation. A federal judge humiliated a Justice Department attorney after he tried to shut down questions about Stephen Millers role in Chicagos ICE crackdown. Government lawyer Sarmad Khojasteh stumbled through objections to a demand from plaintiffs to hand over details of communications between Miller and Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. The argument came during Bovinos deposition as part of a lawsuit about immigration agents aggressive tactics during the Trump administrations Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, prompting an intervention from U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the testy exchange, Khojasteh repeatedly cut across the bench and even continually misnamed the operation Midway Drift. He also had to apologize for being new to the case, according to a transcript reported on by the Chicago Tribune. Khojasteh complained to Ellis that he had prepped Bovino for a narrow set of issues saying, I mean, they asked today about communications with Stephen Miller. They asked today about body cam [footage] from the Los Angeles [immigration operation]. I feel sandbagged right now. It was a bad day at the office for DOJ attorney Sarmad Khojasteh. / X Ellis responded that such lines were relevant if they illuminated what Bovino told officers and how they had shaped force decisions on the streets of Chicago. This is the problem when... weve got a revolving door of attorneys and they havent been here for the entire thing, Ellis told Khojasteh. They havent sat through peoples testimony, they havent sat through these hearings, and so now Im having to explain myself multiple times. And I find it at this point extremely frustrating and a waste of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Obama-appointed judge added, If you interrupt me one more time Its enough. Its enough, before ruling that targeted questions about communications with Miller, 40, were fair if tied to field directives and use of force. For example, questions about communications with Mr. Miller may be perfectly within bounds if they talked about, This is how I want this operation to go, Ellis said. Millerthe White House deputy chief of staff for policy and the presidents homeland security adviseris widely seen as the architect of the administrations hard-line deportation tactics, and was behind its reported target of 3,000 daily immigration arrests. Stephen Miller is seen as the mastermind behind the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. / Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images If Mr. Miller said that to Mr. Bovino and that was in Mr. Bovinos mind as to justify the force being used, they can ask about that, the judge said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bovino was identified in testimony as the leader of the Chicago push, which Ellis said mean it was relevant to ask him not just about his own actions, but what he is telling agents and officers is the appropriate use of force out in the field. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino has been under fire for his agents aggressive tactics during Operation Midway Blitz. / Jamie Kelter Davis/Getty Images The 55-year-old has faced claims that agents under his command used chemical agents in neighborhoods and against reporters, triggering court limits on force, mandatory body cameras, and conspicuous ID. Ellis last week ordered Bovino to make daily court check-inspaused upon appealand sweeping disclosures of use-of-force reports and footage as allegations mounted around Halloween-week deployments. The judge also commanded Bovino to wear a body camera after he admitted he didnt even know how to use one, and ensure agents display visible identifiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bovino has emerged as the public face of the operation amid scrutiny of tactics in Los Angeles and now Chicago, where his Green Army has deployed tear gas and manhandled residents and reporters during demonstrations against the administrations immigration actions. He and the Department of Homeland Security have also faced scrutiny over promo videos in which he is photographed in an SS-style trench coat. The black and white photo of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino in a long SS-style trench coat sparked Nazi memes. / X An injunction hearing on Wednesday is set to determine more permanent limits on force. The Daily Beast has contacted the Justice Department, DHS, and the White House for comment. Voters in the city of Atlanta will have one extra hour to cast their ballots for local races. Following a lawsuit filed by Atlanta against Fulton and DeKalb counties, a Fulton County Superior Court judge ruled that all city polling locations will stay open until 8 p.m. for municipal elections. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Originally, polling locations in Fulton and DeKalb counties were planned to close at 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters who arrive between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote on local races, but not in the special election for the Public Service Commission. Those voters will be given provisional ballots to ensure theyre only voting on Atlanta races. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SCHENECTADY - Jury selection for the long-awaited civil trial to determine if the Catholic Diocese of Albany shares responsibility for the collapse of the St. Clare's Hospital pension plan began Monday in state Supreme Court in Schenectady. St. Clare's Hospital opened in 1949 on McClellan Street in downtown Schenectady as part of the post-war baby boom. But the Catholic hospital closed in 2008 as part of a statewide hospital consolidation program recommended by the so-called Berger Commission that eliminated thousands of hospital beds across the state. Under the closure plan, St. Clare's surrendered its operating certificate and all its assets to Ellis Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hospital pension plan, created in 1959, was shored up with $28.5 million in state Medicaid funds at the time to ensure that workers would still get their promised retirement benefits. However, by 2018, the retirement plan's shortfall had grown to $50 million and it was terminated. Most of the roughly 1,100 former St. Clare's workers eligible for pension benefits were told they would get nothing in retirement. About 450 were given 70 percent of their projected benefits. The workers initially sued the diocese in 2019, and in 2022, New York Attorney General Letitia James also joined the legal fight on behalf of the pensioners, leading to this month's trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former St. Clare's workers, who are represented by the AARP Foundation and the state attorney general's office, are seeking $73.7 million in damages plus interest, according to court documents. The defendants include not only the Catholic diocese but also St. Clare's Corp., the hospital's legal entity that owned the pension after the hospital's closure. The diocese argues it was not responsible for the pension's collapse and that the plan was overseen by the hospital, not the church. The pensioners and the state attorney general's office have accused deceased former Albany Bishop Howard J. Hubbard - in league with other diocesan officials - of falsely telling the Internal Revenue Service that required annual contributions were being made to the pension plan when they were not. The civil trial, expected to last 6 to 8 weeks, is being overseen by state Supreme Court Justice Vincent Versaci. On Monday, Versaci and attorneys for both sides began questioning the jury pool of 49 people to assemble a jury for the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Versaci also said he received a letter from Jennifer E. Hubbard, Hubbard's widow and the administrator of Hubbard's estate, saying she would not be attending the trial on the recommendation of her doctor due to ongoing health issues that are exacerbated by stress. This article originally published at Jury selection in St. Clare's pension trial begins in Schenectady. Ector County Commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Ector County Administration Building, located at 1010 E. 8th St. in Odessa. Below are the agenda items: * Awards Bids/Proposals * Tripp Avenue, Phase III * Ector County Juvenile Justice Center * Contracts * Electronic Recording Agreement: Hopdox, LLC. * Personnel Requests * PSM/Pretrial Office Position Change Request * Policies/Procedures * Commissioners Court Procedures, Conduct, & Decorum Rules Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Development Services * MHRC Development Proposal Application: 906 S. Knox Ave. * MHRC Development Proposal Application: 10170 W. Riggs Drive * Variance Application: 6244 W. 3rd St. * Budget/Financial * Equipment Purchase Request: Coliseum Wi-Fi Network Equipment * Budget Amendment Request: Sheriff Sales Tax * Financial Reports/Statements The post Juvenile center bid on agenda appeared first on Odessa American. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City leaders have turned to a private marketing firm to help stabilize and reshape the citys communications department. The City Managers Office has contracted Crux, a Kansas City based marketing and communications agency, to provide what it calls an expert, outside perspective and help evaluate the departments structure and performance. Voters to decide whether to elect property tax assessor in Jackson County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the six-month, $149,600 agreement, Cruxs Melea McRae will serve as interim director of communications. Shell temporarily assume the departments leadership role while also leading a broader review of how the city shares information with the public. According to city officials, McRae and her team will assess the departments structure, culture, standards, and processes to recommend long-term improvements. Crux will also help draft the job description for the next permanent communications director and assist in the hiring process to ensure a smooth transition once the firms contract ends. City officials emphasized that final messaging decisions and public accountability will remain with the city, not the marketing firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The six-month contract includes the work of McRae, three key Crux staff members, and a total of 10 employees assigned to the project. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android The move comes as City Hall faces heightened scrutiny over how it communicates with residents following that internal audit. 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. TOPEKA (KSNT) The Kansas Department for Children and Families is weighing in after federal officials announced a national food program will be partially funded in November. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will partially send out benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the month of November. Funding is being drawn from a contingency fund. The USDA will first send out official notices to each state showing how much individual households will receive from the contingency fund, according to a federal court filing. The DCF reports that it has yet to receive this information from the USDA but, once it does, it will determine the next steps to issue partial payments and speak more about when Kansas SNAP recipients can expect to receive them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People can stay informed about this issue by visiting a new section on the DCF website that contains information about the ongoing government shutdown and its impacts on DCF programs. You can find this resource online by clicking here. All Kansas federal lawmakers refusing pay during government shutdown Kansans who need additional help during the shutdown are encouraged to contact Kansas Food Source or Harvesters to find the locations of local food banks and food pantries. You can also use the following resources to get help: For more Capitol Bureau 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf 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 KSNT 27 News. The Kansas Department for Children and Families said in a statement Monday that it had not yet received information from the federal government regarding the partial payment of food program benefits. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) TOPEKA Its unclear how a federal judges order forcing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release food program funds by Wednesday will affect Kansas recipients, state leaders said. U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. told the USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins, both named in the lawsuit filed by the Rhode Island Council of Churches and other nonprofits, that the state had to release funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funding stopped with the programs November payment because of the federal government shutdown. McConnell gave the USDA two options a partial payment made from the SNAP contingency fund or a full payment that would pull from child nutrition program funds. In a Monday filing, the government elected to send out a partial payment that will send half of the funds to SNAP recipients. The filing directed the USDA to send states a notice regarding how much each SNAP household should receive. McConnell also said the payment should go out by Wednesday. Right now, the Kansas Department for Children and Families has not received this information, DCF said in a statement Monday. Once it does, DCF will determine next steps to issue the partial payments and communicate when Kansas SNAP recipients can expect to receive them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DCF urged people using SNAP to follow a website created for updates on its main page at dcf.ks.gov. Haley Kottler, campaign director for food access at Kansas Appleseed, said the partial payment will not be enough to help the 180,000-plus Kansans who put food on their table with SNAP funding. Fifty percent of peoples benefits is not going to make ends meet for families, she said. We know that 100% of benefits dont always make ends meet for families, and so we are very worried. Kottler said the average SNAP participant receives a little over $185 a month, which breaks down to about $6 a day for food. If only half is received in November, thats $3 a day for food, which isnt adequate, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kottler also said that even if the federal government is able to distribute half the funds to each state by Wednesday, it will be at least 72 hours before the funds can be processed and put onto the debit cards that SNAP recipients use. Whats happening is absolutely not a resolution to the situation, Kottler said. We know that the only resolution that will actually help families on SNAP is the full benefit amount, she said. Fifty percent in the holiday season is not going to cut it. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Obesity rates continue to climb across the United States. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 4 in 10 adults over 20 in the U.S. are obese, while 1 in 5 U.S. children are obese. Data also show that obesity puts an annual financial burden of $173 billion each year on the American health care system. While many things contribute to obesity, such as genetics and mental health, researchers say a lack of physical activity is one of the leading causes of rising obesity rates. While in some areas of the country, obesity is less of an issue, in other places, it is a public health crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rare disease causing meat allergy sees explosive rise across US: study The personal finance website WalletHub gathered data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia to compile a list of the most overweight and obese states. WalletHub used public data on 31 metrics, broken down into three categories: Obesity & Overweight Prevalence, Health Consequences, and Food and Fitness. Kansas was ranked 15th most obese and overweight out of all 50 states and D.C. The state was ranked 15th in Obesity & Overweight Prevalence, 19th in Health Consequences, and 7th in Food and Fitness. Oklahoma placed 10th, Missouri 23rd and Nebraska 21st. Colorado is ranked the least obese and overweight state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top five most overweight and obese states are: West Virginia Mississippi Arkansas Louisiana Alabama For more information from the CDC on how communities can address the obesity crisis or on steps you can take to reduce your risk of obesity-related health issues, click here. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. 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 KSN-TV. The Buckhorn High School Cafeteria was not packed with its usual crowd of hungry students on Tuesday. Instead, local advocates filled the seats to learn more about a wastewater treatment plant proposed for a popular creek in Madison County. New Market residents are concerned the plant near Winchester Road close to the Flint River will pollute their backyard waterway, filling the air with the smell of sewage and causing their property values to plummet. Even 16-year-old resident Rowan Stafford was upset at the thought of losing his favorite fishing spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to see its a great place to fish, you shouldnt put poop in it, Stafford said. The crowd cheered for Rowan Stafford and other supporters while booing the first speaker, Integra Water CEO John McDonald. Approximately 50 people spoke against the proposed wastewater facility proposed by Integra Water. The corporations leaders want to build another facility in the greater Huntsville metro area. It filed the #AL0084447 permit with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to build in New Markets Berry Hill neighborhood. Eighty-six-year-old John Jack Smiths home is in front of the original proposed site of the facility, a location thats now been moved slightly. Hes been living on River Walk Trail since 1998 and helped start the subdivision. He watched the neighborhood grow from four houses to 144 homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he spent the past 20 years spending time with his neighbors by the ravine. Its been quiet, Smith said. Its been peaceful. Its just a great place. The residents want to keep it that way, because theres a lot of young people here. Its a mixture. Theres some old people and some very young folks, too, who still have little kids. So its a nice mixture. Its just a great neighborhood, and we want to keep it that way. Smith and his neighbors homes are on a septic tank system. This new wastewater treatment plant would only service new development. Keep Flint River clean Berry Hill residents Benjamin and Melissa Stafford said they do not want new growth to come at the cost of existing residents. They started the Keep the Flint River Clean alliance to protect the neighborhood and local environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said they found out about the treatment center at the last possible moment on the last day they could submit public comment to ADEM. Benjamin Stafford said he is worried about the outdated notification system. I feel concerned that this is only the beginning of this areas irresponsible development, he said. I think that the community engagement by our elected officials is insufficient, and I think that the requirement for any type of private development that impacts the greater community is inadequately represented. Concerned citizens have 30 days to submit a comment to ADEM after a permit is submitted. However, ADEM does not have to actively notify impacted residents and is only required to post notifications on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are not happy, we understand that, an ADEM spokesperson told AL.com. They found out late, but their finding out late did not preclude their ability to participate. ADEM extended the public comment period after approximately 400 people emailed them with concerns about the facilitys construction. The alliances organizers have done a lot ahead of the meeting. The Staffords organize weekly meetings, have sold t-shirts and attendees are informing the neighborhood and businesses about the wastewater. They have contacted every level of representation, from their county commissioner to a U.S. senator, to help stop the plant. They say they all point their finger in another direction and say there is nothing they can do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They all retreat back into its not my authority, its not my lane to get involved in something like this, Benjamin Stafford said. So its been, you know, pointing you should go talk to this community leader. You should go talk to this representative. You should talk to this office. But nobody takes any positive action. Building permit is next step Integra Water is in the planning and design phase of the project. It has secured land, but must obtain a building permit from the Madison County Commission to build the facility, according to McDonald. Advocates want to see change on a state level to allow for zoning restrictions for unincorporated land. Under the current state laws, property owners can build anything on their land in an unincorporated area. That means a wastewater treatment plant or landfill can be built right next door to a family home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa Stafford thinks that should change. I think if Huntsville is going to continue to grow and were going to expand to incorporate all these new jobs and new industries and people that are coming here, we need to have a plan in place that keeps things like landfills and waste plants from happening in existing neighborhood spaces and existing recreational use rivers, Melissa Stafford said. Local families, like the Staffords, regularly spend their time in the river. Her 16-year-old son fishes in the river with his friends when they arent on their family kayaking trips. Pollution isnt the only issue Pollution and noise arent the only concerns. Some neighbors are already having potentially dangerous experiences near the property and are concerned that additional development could create more problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melissa Stafford, her son and extended family were enjoying the ravine at approximately 11 a.m. on July 25 when they heard gunshots coming from the proposed Integra Water plant site. They hit the floor and screamed at the people to stop shooting. We could hear and see the bullets whizzing above our heads and the leaves falling down from them while we were lying on the ground in fear, she said. In the Madison County Sheriffs report, she said she heard eight to nine rapid-fire shots. She had heard gunshots coming from the area a few times in the months leading up to this incident. She called the sheriffs department, and they arrived about 10 minutes later and spoke to three men on the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, the land is owned by one of the three men who were on the property. They told deputies that they were shooting steel targets for practice and said the targets were placed on the opposite side of the suburban neighborhood and they never fired in that direction. No one was arrested and deputies told the men how to avoid similar incidents. However, Melissa Stafford said is still scarred from the encounter. For two weeks after that, I didnt allow my son to go fishing, she said. I didnt walk our neighborhood for a week. You know? It really impacted me emotionally. Her 16-year-old son is on the river almost every day. She said the river is officially classified as a Fish and Wildlife river by ADEM. This means that whole body water-contact recreation is expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ADEM discourages being in the water near a wastewater treatment plant, because they are at risk of interacting with discharges from the plant. Discharge, or sewage effluent, is treated sewage liquid. There are approximately 13 other wastewater treatment facilities on the Flint River. Integra Water reported that discharge does come from these facilities in its draft permit to build the New Market facility. Advocates want to reclassify the Flint River as Recreational instead of Fish and Wildlife for more protection. On its website, Integra Water leaders wrote that the liquid waste that it dumps into the river is highly treated, disinfected, and subject to strict state and federal environmental standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The process isnt perfect, however. In 2021, Integra Water was fined $100,000 for polluting the public drinking water in Mobile with sewage. Concerns about Meridianville plant People who live near Integras Meridianville plant report a strong sewage smell and loud, shrill noises coming from the plant several times a day. Were all pretty frustrated, because I think we all got kind of the same impression when we bought the house that it was going to be a little better under wraps, more peaceful, Meridianville resident Dave Hedrick said. You wouldnt have the constant noise. The assumption was that maybe it was a more modern plant. The EPA reports that all pollutants are at a Significant Noncompliance level near the Meridianville facility. The agency reported Nitrogen Ammonia is extremely high while E. coli and solids are violating the environmental standards. These chemicals can be toxic to wildlife and people and can lead to burns, nausea and more. High levels can be life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 6, Berry Hill resident Jeff Williams sent a sample of water near the Meridianville plant to the Alabama Department of Public Health. It had a total coliform count of >2420 CFU/100 mL., so high that it fell outside the countable range of the test. While coliform isnt harmful, its presence suggests that there is a pathway for contamination to enter the water supply, like harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites. It increases the risk of water-borne illnesses. The E. coli level near the Meridianville plant is 365. The EPA recommends that recreational water contain no more than 126 CFU/100 mL of E. coli. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of chemical harm. Williams illustrated his point with a jar of the sludge he brought to the meeting. ADEM measures pollution over longer periods of time at select parts of the river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonald said the Integra plant in Meridianville is undergoing an expansion and modernization effort set to be completed in early 2026. The upgrades include advanced tertiary disk filtration, additional capacity for growth, and new odor-control systems that eliminate the need for drying beds, said McDonald. The new facility also uses much quieter blower technology to further reduce impact to nearby properties. In an email to the Berry Hill HOA, McDonald wrote that there will be several differences between the Meridianville and New Market wastewater facilities. He said a hydrogen sulfide treatment will help with odor control, a high-powered UV light disinfection method to help protect the river ecosystem and use other methods that differ from Meridianville. Weve heard understandable concerns about noise, property values, and perceptions of the river, McDonald said. Our planned facility will use modern, enclosed, low-noise equipment that is virtually undetectable from neighboring properties. Weve offered to host visits to nearby facilities using the same technology so residents can see and hear what operations are really like. The treated water will meet stringent safety standards under the Clean Water Act and will be indistinguishable from the existing river water, ensuring no impact to recreation or wildlife. New Market residents and businesses are still skeptical of the large corporation. Wastewater expert Cameron Craig lives in Berry Hill. He said the size of the facility is too big for their small portion of the river. The amount of discharge that the plant is going to produce, could build up to point nine, .99 million gallons per day. Thats a lot of water going into what is essentially like a walking strip. You can wade across the whole thing. The volume of water moving through that water body is highly variable. So during the summer, that .99 million gallons a day going in 24/7, 365, will have impacts on those significantly low flow time periods. So if you get stream flows which, in the technical terms, those are discharges too, that are significantly low, like in the middle of August and it doesnt rain, or if you get a dry summer, then youre just going to have super concentrated treated wastewater, coming out of that plant. Residents are also concerned that their segment of the river may also be contaminated. They say it could harm wildlife that is at risk of being endangered, like the eastern hellbender salamander. It calls the New Market portion of the Flint River home, according to Melissa Stafford. She said that the hellbender breathes through its skin, so water quality is vital. The new plant will impact the waterways, as well as the roadways, resident said. Winchester Road is the main traffic artery in the area. Melissa Stafford pulled data from the Alabama Department of Traffic, and she said traffic has increased by approximately 27% in the area from 2020 to 2024. The wastewater plant will take approximately two to three years to be constructed. There are no designated turning lanes, so youve got trucks that are going to need to come in and out, deliveries, construction trucks, equipment trucks, Melissa Stafford said. Initially, its going to take two to three years to build the facility, so two to three years of big trucks coming in and out. And thats a congestion point. She said the road has major traffic from commuting to nearby schools, Tennesseans going to North Alabama for work, and farmers on tractors navigating the community. McDonald said there will be limited traffic during the possible construction. Traffic will be minimal, McDonald said. The facility will typically see one or two pickup trucks per day, a garbage truck every other week, and an occasional semi-truck once a month. It will not contribute significantly to traffic volume. The Staffords and their community are doing their best to make their voices heard. Theyve already made a website and gathered over 900 signatures on a petition to stop the facilitys construction. Melissa Stafford, they are just a rag-tag group of concerned neighbors who dont want a sewage facility in their backyard. I think our neighbors are incredibly smart and talented people. When we met as a group, we learned that we had a wastewater expert who lives in our neighborhood, his masters degree is in wastewater management, and thats what he does for a living. We have a web designer and a graphic designer who have stepped up and developed our website, she said. Benjamin (Stafford) is an architect and knows all about building codes and knows how to read all of this language. We have so many people who have really great skills, and I think that speaks to all of Huntsville, because we are known as a very smart city, because of the type of industries that we have here. I think thats what weve learned, is that there are a lot of people with a lot of skills who want to see this area develop in a really smart way. They are concerned that the county will grow too fast. Benjamin Stafford said they need to change their direction before its too late. He reaffirmed their need to see a change in state laws for unincorporated portions of a county. The building codes and zoning codes have to be in place for communities to grow in a responsible way, so that you have sustainable growth, Benjamin Stafford said. If you dont have controlled growth and directed growth, you will eventually get to the point where you have too much pollution or the infrastructure cant sustain the number of people living and working in the area. Typically, what happens when systems cant sustain growth, they collapse. And so thats where you see communities that were once thriving become basically slums or ghost towns. ADEM officials listen to community members voice their concerns during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Jack Smith voices his concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Integra Water CEO John McDonald gives his testimony to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Integra Water CEO John McDonald gives his testimony to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Jeff Williams holds up a jar of water he collected from Brier Fork Flint River near the Meridianville wastewater treatment facility to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) ADEM officials listen to community members voice their concerns during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Melissa Stafford listens as community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Melissa Stafford voices her concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members gather to voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) ADEM officials listen to community members voice their concerns during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) A slideshow plays as community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) A member of the community holds up a photo of children playing in the Flint River to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members gather to voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members gather to voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members gather to voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) ADEM officials listen to community members voice their concerns during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Alicia Booth Haggermaker hands ADEM officials documents as she voices her concerns during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) ADEM officials listen to community members voice their concerns during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members hold signs as they voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members gather to voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) ADEM officials listen to community members voice their concerns during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) A jar of water Jeff Williams collected from Brier Fork Flint River near the Meridianville wastewater treatment facility photographed following a meeting with ADEM officials at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) A jar of water Jeff Williams collected from Brier Fork Flint River near the Meridianville wastewater treatment facility photographed following a meeting with ADEM officials at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Integra Water CEO John McDonald listens as community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Benjamin Stafford voices his concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Jack Smith voices his concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Integra Water CEO John McDonald listens as community members voice their concerns to ADEM officials during a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Melissa Stafford talks with ADEM chief of the industrial/municipal branch Scott Ramsay following a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Integra Water CEO John McDonald talks with community members following a meeting at Buckhorn High School on the approval of a permit for a new wastewater management facility by Integra to be built on the Flint River in Madison County, Ala., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) The public comment period closes on Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. ADEM will then review all of the comments to evaluate them for technical and environmental concerns. Residents can appeal the permit if it is approved. Read the original article on al.com. An appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a New Jersey woman who claimed she was ridiculed and labeled a Karen by children at iPlay America in Freehold and that workers did nothing to stop the harassment. The 55-year-old Edison woman claimed in court papers she was attending a birthday party with her two minor children on Oct. 9, 2022, when an employee incorrectly told her she did not meet the minimum height requirement for the IPA Speedway Go-Kart ride. The woman told a worker and his supervisor that she had previously been given access to the ride several times without issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the employee and a manager were speaking with plaintiff, children waiting in line behind her became upset and began to shout at her because of the delay, calling her a white b---- and (Karen), according to the lawsuit, filed June 3, 2024, in Middlesex County Superior Court. The woman was terribly embarrassed and humiliated by these events and felt discriminated against because she was wrongfully denied access to the IPA Speedway Go-Kart ride, the lawsuit said. After being denied access, the woman had to go back through the line, past the children who were yelling at her, according to the suit. This caused her to feel terribly embarrassed and humiliated, court documents state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, the mothers discomfort was magnified because her two minor children were present for the entire event. The womans lawsuit alleged iPlay America was negligent in not allowing her on the ride and that the business breached its duty of care by not preventing other guests from yelling at her. A trial court dismissed the womans lawsuit on Oct. 11, 2024. In a decision on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, a state appellate court upheld the dismissal. We are unpersuaded by plaintiffs arguments and determine the trial court did not err in its findings, the appeals court wrote in its 11-page decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeals court stated it did not condone the childrens derogatory comments. However, iPlay Americas responsibility to provide a safe environment does not extend to protecting patrons from derogatory and pejorative comments, the appeals court ruled. Preventing certain communications between patrons is not feasible, the decision states. Unlike dangerous physical conditions that can be inspected and remedied, or criminal activity that can be deterred through security measures, verbal insults that occur spontaneously cannot be reasonably prevented, the appeals court ruled. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Black Friday is upon us meaning there are some insane laptop discounts for those looking to upgrade or replace their moribund Windows 10 computer. This has significantly shaken-up our monthly laptop group test rankings by pushing the high-value laptops to the top and those at caveman RRPs down the list... A major winner in November is Lenovo who's not-uncommon sales have gone up a level in November. However, you can buy all kinds of laptops - ultraportables, convertibles and gaming laptops, from multiple brands - this month. You can see the full Top 40 Laptop Rankings, here. Price: $1,699 | This brilliant 14-inch business and productivity laptop is practically perfect The (Gen 10) Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition first became our Best Laptop on 9 October 2025. Lenovos Yoga (Gen 10) laptops have impressed the pants off us in recent months, but its Lenovos massive price drops that have pushed them to the top of the table in a highly competitive market. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition has been swapping the top two positions with its 2-in-1 convertible siblings over recent weeks a 48 per cent price drop pushes it back to being Number 1 in November. The new, 14-inch Gen 10 Yoga 7i has an Intel Lunar Lake processor and boasts and brilliant OLED screen. Its an excellent ultraportable with almost 22 hours battery life. Its very well built for a consumer laptop and it will even manage some basic gaming. Get it while its $1,200 off! Note, if you like this laptop you can also get a gaming version(!) the Yoga Pro, which is on sale here. Price: $1,799 | A convertible tablet version of the Number 1 Best Laptop on Black Friday The (Gen 10) Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 first became our Best Laptop on 8 October 2025. Lenovos Gen 10 Yogas are great laptops and have highly configurable specs. The Yoga 7i 2-in-1 is basically the same laptop as the Number 1 Slim, but it can convert into a touchscreen tablet too. Our review model had a similar 14-inch screen and Lunar Lake processor and is available with a host of accessories. Theres even an AMD version of it, the Yoga 7 2-in-1 which we reviewed over at TweakTown and it too is heavily discounted. That has a processor with slightly more grunt but 11-hours-less battery life than the Lunar Lake 7i variant (which lasted 27 hours 19 minutes in our test). Get this ultraportable convertible while its on sale for more-than $1,200 off! Price: $2,899 | A high-quality, mid-range model whose Black Friday price collapse makes it the Best Gaming Laptop once again MSIs Crosshair 16 HX AI won both our Best Laptop and Best Gaming Laptop Awards on 6 June 2025. The latest generation of gaming laptops (featuring Nvidias 50-Series GPUs and Intel Arrow Lake CPUs) have taken their sorry time to land on these shores. Fortunately, MSIs latest Crosshair, from its upper-mid-range tier, was one of the first. While it doesnt feature all of the bleeding-edge overclocking and cooling technologies that adorn its super-premium rivals, it doesnt have any significant weak points and it costs almost half the price. It slipped down the charts in November due to a weakened sale price but, as expected, things have changed now that Black Friday is here. Core features include an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and Nvidia RTX 5070 graphics, excellent connectivity and a fast, 240Hz, 16-inch screen. It might not have the latest-and-greatest everything inside, but few would grumble. Did we mention that it looks awesome too? Price: $1,299 | A business-grade ultraportable notebook with 24-hour battery life and an amazing price The MSI Prestige 14 Ai Evo C1MG became our Best Laptop in November 2024. We had our doubts about MSIs larger-than-usual, 14-inch laptop. But, this Core Ultra 5-powered machine is more powerful for tasks like rendering than the newer, Lunar Lake laptops. Its got a huge, 90Wh battery that ran our PCMark 10 Modern office test for 24 hours flat. Plus, theres that reflection-free, bright, colourful, matte screen. Being a business-grade laptops means its also been torture-tested to a higher standard than regular consumer laptops, so it should survive a life of being lugged around for work or school etc. It wont suit everyone there are lighter and more-powerful, similarly sized alternatives. However, in November, the Prestige can still be found for just $1,199. Thats extraordinary value for a top-quality laptop. Get one before it sells out. Price: $4,499 | One of the most popular premium gaming laptops ever is back on form The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10) won our Best Laptop and Best Gaming Laptop Awards on 29 June 2025. It was (very) late to arrive in Australia, but its here and, for a short time, it won all of our top laptop accolades. Lenovos early Black Friday sales mean that it shot back up the laptop rankings in November to, once again (albeit temporarily), become our Best Gaming Laptop. First-up, it looks awesome (as usual) although you might want to carry a cloth around as its a bit of a fingerprint magnet. Its packed with features and great ergonomics and its one of the most powerful, premium gaming laptops on the market. As with its forbears, its only real weakness is portability. In November, right before Black Friday, its available for over $1,600 off! If you want a premium gaming laptop at a more-affordable price, dont miss out! Price: $1,697 | A high-quality ultraportable convertible tablet with almost 30 hours of battery life HP OmniBook X Flip 14. HP has been impressing us with its ultraportables lately. The (very) new, Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) based OmniBook X Flip 14 only landed in July (note, there are similar SKUs but they have SnapDragon and AMD processors so pick the right one). Its an ultraportable convertible with a touchscreen and its generally a joy to use. Its a little heavier than other 14-inch rivals, but it makes up for this with an incredible 28-and-a-half-hour battery life! In November, it dropped in price but its plummeted ahead of Black Friday. Our only gripe is the slightly stiff keyboard. Also, be sure to check-out its premium sibling, the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (below) which offers uncompromising design for more money. Price $948 | Its a Snapdragon Windows ultraportable (with all the issues) Acer Swift Go 14 Ai. Ive been extremely wary about recommending Snapdragon-based laptops. While they have impressive, 20+ hour battery lives and were the first to support Microsofts CoPilot+ Ai features, they came in at a hefty premium when they should have been securing some market share, from Intel, Apple and AMD rivals, by costing less. When Intels Lunar Lake laptops appeared shortly afterwards, they had similar Ai chops, similar battery lives, cost the same and had none of the currently huge software-compatibility issues that Snapdragon brought with it. Fortunately, both of these problems are being addressed with big compatibility improvements on their way from Qualcomm and price drops similar to whats on show here. The Acer Go Swift Ai plummeted in the ranks at the beginning of November owing to its massive sale discount evaporating. However, its back and its available for under a grand. (Note: If you want a model with an Intel chip, various, older versions of the impressive Acer Swift Go 16 are still available at bargain prices.) Price: $1,497 | One of the best laptops weve ever used and its finally back in Australia Acer Swift Edge 16. We just straight-up love the Acer Swift Edge 16 and we still occasionally use it as a daily driver. But, its been so hard to find for so many months that it actually dropped out of this list. However, its now back on these shores and has been updated with a new AMD Ryzen 7 8840U CPU. Thats not the best part. While the processor makes it fast for an ultraportable, the fast, 120Hz, UHD, OLED, HDR screen is one of the very best weve ever seen. It also weighs only 1.25KG despite being 16-inches. Its a magnificent ultraportable and its collapse in price in November sees it move even further up our charts. Price: $6,999 | This 18-inch gaming beast is the fastest laptop weve ever tested MSI Raider A18 HX A9W. Its not for everyone, but if youre wanting to replace your Desktop PC with an ultimate desktop-replacement laptop, the AMD-powered 2025 MSI Raider A18 HX needs to be at the top of your list. Forget about portability you can move this occasionally or lock it in a (large) drawer for safe keeping this gaming laptop redefined performance by scoring top marks in every single test we threw at it. Its got great features and ergonomics too. Our model had the top-tier spec with an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU, hence the eye-watering price, but you can get cheaper models with lesser silicon, too. Most notably its still available for $3,000 off in November! Price: $3,997 | HPs premium gaming laptop is a great performer and now heavily discounted for Black Friday HP Omen Max 16. HP has many varieties of it Omen gaming laptops but the Omen Max 16 is the rightful flagship. Our 16-inch review model had a powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and top-tier Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics (the latter pushes the price up). However, you can get it with an RTX 5080 GPU for $1,000 less. The OLED screen is excellent and has a fast, 240Hz refresh rate. The ergonomics and features are top-drawer. It dropped in price in November, but its plummeted some more before Black Friday. The full Top 40 Laptop Group Test Rankings are here. SEOUL, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Kim Yong Nam, a North Korean diplomat and politician who served under three generations of the Kim family dynasty, has died at age 97, state media reported Tuesday. He died on Monday due to multiple organ failure caused by cancer, the official Korean Central News Agency reported. Kim held the role of President of the Presidium of the People's Supreme Assembly -- North Korea's rubber-stamp parliament -- from 1998-2019, making him the nominal head of state under leaders Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also served as foreign minister and was often the public face of North Korean diplomacy. Kim attended several high-profile international events, including the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea, where he led a delegation including Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of Kim Jong Un. That trip, which included a meeting with then-President Moon Jae-in, helped spur a brief period of detente between the two Koreas. The KCNA obituary described his life as "a brilliant one in which he was highly honored for his allegiance to the revolution with pure loyalty and high ability under the care of the Party and the leader." Kim "faithfully supported the Party's ideas and leadership and demonstrated his unique ability and experience in the international arena, thus recording remarkable merits in the history of the DPRK's politics and diplomacy," KCNA added, using the official acronym for North Korea While his duties were largely symbolic, Kim was one of the country's longest-serving officials outside of the ruling Kim dynasty. Born in 1928, he joined the ruling Workers' Party of Korea in the 1950s, according to KCNA, and held a series of high-ranking positions under the rule of founding leader Kim Il Sung. He was appointed to the Politburo in 1978 and became foreign minister in 1983, serving for 15 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim's longevity in a political system prone to purges, reshuffles and executions made him an exceedingly rare fixture in North Korea's upper echelons. The government announced a state funeral, with a 100-member national funeral committee headed by Kim Jong Un formed to organize the services. Kim Jong Un visited Kim Yong Nam's bier early Tuesday to "express deep condolences over his death," KCNA said in a separate report. South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young also extended his condolences Tuesday, noting that Kim's delegation to the Pyeongchang Olympics contributed to "opening the door to inter-Korean dialogue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a message sent to reporters, Chung said he met Kim in Pyongyang in 2005 and 2018 and engaged in "meaningful discussions about peace on the Korean Peninsula and the advancement of inter-Korean relations." Kim retired in 2019 at age 91 after more than six decades in public service. A top lawmaker from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on Tuesday said he considered retiring from politics after his car was destroyed in a fire outside his house in Hamburg. "The thought crosses my mind briefly, especially with the call for my murder, that I should follow Charlie Kirk to hell," Bernd Baumann told dpa in Berlin. "But what is the alternative? Nothing would change." Baumann serves as the AfD's parliamentary secretary in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His car was burnt out early on Monday in an incident being investigated by police as suspected arson. A claim of responsibility posted on the left-wing Indymedia platform on Monday suggested the car was set on fire by members of the anti-fascist Antifa movement. The anonymous statement, which has not been verified, referenced the killing of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk and warned: "All you damn MAGAfreaks, you will follow Kirk to hell!" The AfD, an anti-immigrant party that is now Germany's main opposition force in parliament, is seen as close to US President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baumann said there have been several incidents of paint and arson attacks on his house. He was under police protection in the weeks that followed, but that subsequently ended. "So I feel relatively unprotected, despite the good intentions of all the brave police officers." AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla condemned what they described as "an act of violence," saying this had "nothing to do with a political dispute, even one that is fiercely contested." Burnt-out vehicles stand on a street in the Othmarschen district of western Hamburg, after a car belonging to Bernd Baumann, Parliamentary Secretary of the AfD parliamentary group, goes up in flames in front of his house. Police confirm that the state security service is investigating. Bodo Marks/dpa CENTRAL TEXAS (FOX 44) Election Day across the state is Tuesday, November 4, and Texas voters have a lot to decide on. McLennan County Elections Administrator Jared Goldsmith shares what we need to know before heading to the polls and casting our ballots in the interview above. 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 KWKT - FOX 44. Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman, and Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman, are the front-runners in our governor's race. (Photos by Amanda Brown and Reena Rose Sibayan) [2025 governor's race Voter Guide: Where NJs governor hopefuls stand on the issues] New Jersey voters are headed to the polls on Tuesday to elect a new governor after two terms of Gov. Phil Murphy (D) leading the state. Polls are now open until 8 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman, and Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a four-term congresswoman, are the front-runners to replace Murphy starting in January. Ciattarelli and Sherrill have largely focused on affordability issues, agreeing that everything from groceries to electric bills to property taxes are too high. Heres where the two stand on: SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Tuesday, Nov. 4 is Election Day in Iowa for city and school elections. (Photo by Jim Obradovich for Iowa Capital Dispatch) Tuesday, Nov. 4 is Election Day in Iowa for 2025 local elections. Absentee and early voting has been open since Oct. 15 in Iowa for the city and school elections, but Iowans who have not yet participated can head to their precinct voting locations Tuesday to cast their ballots. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the state. Theres also still time for people who have requested absentee ballots to have their votes counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information about local election candidates, ballot measures and results will be available on local county auditors websites. Find your county auditor using a list compiled by the Iowa State Association of County Auditors here. Heres what you should know about how to vote in the Tuesday elections. Where do I vote? Voters can find their precinct polling locations using the Iowa Secretary of States website. Polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Who can vote in Iowa? In order to participate in Iowa elections, people must register to vote. A qualified voter in Iowa must be: An Iowa resident. A U.S. citizen. 18 years old by Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also restrictions on voting for certain individuals in Iowa. Voters cannot be: A convicted felon, unless their voting rights have been restored. Judged mentally incompetent to vote by a court. Claiming the right to vote in any other place. A person who is eligible to vote but is not yet a registered voter has the option to register on Election Day at their precinct voting location. In order to register, a qualified voter must provide proof of identity using ID like an Iowa drivers license, non-operators ID or U.S. passport, as well as proof of residence using documents like a residential lease, paycheck or utility bill listing their current address. Check your voter registration status online here. Im registered to vote. What do I need to bring to the polls? Voters who are already registered to vote still need to bring a form of identification with them to their polling place in order to participate. Accepted forms of identification include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa drivers license Iowa non-operator ID Out-of-state drivers license or non-operator ID U.S. passport U.S. military or veteran ID ID card issued by employer Student ID issued by Iowa high school or college Tribal ID card/document If a person does not have a valid ID when they go to vote, they are still allowed to cast a ballot if another registered voter at the precinct attests for their identity. Voters can also bring Election Day registration documents to confirm their identity. People who do not have accepted IDs or a person willing to attest for them can cast a provisional ballot. People who cast provisional ballots will have their voter registration record and related evidence reviewed by the absentee and special voters precinct board. I have an absentee ballot that I havent returned. What should I do? Iowans who have sent in their absentee ballots can track the ballots status on the Secretary of States website. But for people who have not yet returned their ballot, theres still time to participate in this years election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absentee ballots can be returned to a voters local county auditors office by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be valid. These ballots cannot be delivered to precinct polling locations on Election Day. If a voter cannot go themselves to return the ballot, Iowa has some restrictions on who can return it in their stead voters can designate another person to return their absentee ballot if they are an immediate family member or member of the household. Voters with disabilities can also designate someone outside of these categories to return their ballot. There are also options available for people who have requested but not returned absentee ballots to vote in person on Election Day. Voters can cast regular ballots if they bring in their absentee ballot to the precinct polling place and surrender it. If a person requested an absentee ballot but cannot return it, they are allowed to cast a provisional ballot. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Voters across the Lowcountry will head to the polls on November 4 to cast their ballots in dozens of municipal elections, deciding who will lead their cities and towns as mayor, on council, and in other offices. This Tuesday, hundreds of municipal elections are taking place across South Carolina offering citizens an opportunity to choose the leaders closest to them and their communities, State Election Commission Interim Director Jenny Wooten said. We encourage every eligible voter to make a plan, know your polling location, review your sample ballot, and cast your vote. Every vote matters, every vote counts, and every vote in a municipal election helps shape the communities in which we live. While most of these elections are considered small in scale, they carry a lot of weight in determining what happens around you and how it will affect daily life from what projects your tax money will fund to what ordinances are put into place, and how critical infrastructure is maintained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Party nominees will also be chosen for the special election in South Carolina House District 98 to succeed Rep. Chris Murphy (R), who announced his retirement in August. The seat covers parts of Dorchester County. Damian Daly and Sonja Ogletree Santani are seeking the Democratic nomination, while Greg Ford, Brian Hill, and David Johnston are seeking the GOP nomination. A third Democrat, Stephen Kohn, is also expected to appear on the ballot, though he suspended his campaign in late October. Heres what voters need to know: When do the polls open? Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. is allowed to vote. Where can I find my sample ballot? You can view a sample ballot based on your voting precinct by visiting the State Election Commissions website. Click here. Do I need a photo ID to vote? A valid photo ID is required to vote in South Carolina elections, including for the primaries. Acceptable forms of identification include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SC Drivers License SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID card SC Voters Registration Card with Photo Federal Military ID US Passport How do I find my polling place? Voters can verify their precinct and find their polling location by visiting scvotes.gov and selecting Find my Polling Place. Voters are encouraged to check ahead of time, as some polling locations have temporarily or permanently changed, and some have been consolidated for Tuesdays election. When is my absentee ballot due? Absentee ballots must be returned via mail or in person to the county voter registration office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can track the status of your absentee ballot here. Am I registered to vote? You can check your voter registration status by visiting scvotes.gov and selecting Check my Voter Registration. Youll need to enter your name, county, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Can I still register to vote? No. State law requires a person to register to vote at least 30 days before an election. How can I find election results? News 2 will provide the most up-to-date election results in real time once polls are closed. You can find them on counton2.com beginning shortly after 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WCBD News 2. A key train route iconic for being a meeting and departure point for Ukrainian soldiers and their loved ones has been reduced for an "indefinite period" due to safety concerns amid Russia intensifying strikes on railway infrastructure, Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) told the Kyiv Independent on Nov. 4 Trains that ran from Kyiv and Lviv to Kramatorsk, a city in Donetsk Oblast located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of the front line, will now have their final destination in the city of Husarivka in Kharkiv Oblast. Kramatorsk train station, the last stop before the front lines in Ukraine's east, became well-known as a place where people saw off soldiers heading to the front, as well as greeting those returning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ukrainian Railways, the Donetsk Regional Military Administration provides buses to further transfer passengers from Husarivka to the frontline cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. "We continue to operate wherever possible from a safety perspective and appreciate your understanding," Ukrainian Railways said. Kramatorsk remains a frequent target as Russian forces continue their offensive in the region. Russian artillery and airstrikes on settlements in Donetsk Oblast occur daily, often resulting in civilian casualties. Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's railway infrastructure as autumn sets in, resulting in increasing train delays and cancellations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 4, President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Ukrainian Railways employees for their work during wartime. "Ukrainian Railways recovers after attacks, maintains its main routes, and transports both passengers and cargo," Zelensky said. According to Zelensky, Ukrzaliznytsia transported more than 135 million tons of freight in 2025, and over 90% of passenger trains arrived on time, "strictly according to schedule, even at times when conditions are extraordinary due to Russian strikes," he said. Russian forces have carried out nearly 300 attacks on Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) infrastructure since the beginning of August, Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction Oleksii Kuleba said on Oct. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the start of the full-scale invasion, 221 railway workers have been injured and 37 others killed in the line of duty, the officials said. There have also been several instances where Russia targeted passenger trains, resulting in civilian casualties. A Russian double-tap drone strike on a railway station in Sumy Oblast on Oct. 4 killed one person and injured at least 30 others, including three children. Read also: Logistical terrorism Russia steps up attacks on Ukrainian railways Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. As people in need run out of food and benefits, the Los Angeles Dream Center is expanding its food outreach. This week, the non-profit will be providing three free meals a day every day at their kitchen in Echo Park at 2301 Bellevue Ave. near Coronado Street. An outdoor food pantry will also distribute nonperishable groceries Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and mobile food trucks will be serving 17 neighborhoods throughout L.A. RELATED: Trump administration says SNAP will be partially funded in November "A lot of fear, a lot of people just wondering where their next meal's coming from. What are they going to do in two weeks? A lot of people aren't concerned of just today," said Donny Irmen, the administrative director of L.A. Dream Center. "So people can come get breakfast, they can come back and get lunch. Moving from lunch, they can go back and grab groceries outside, then wait one more hour, and they can come back for dinner." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breakfast is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., lunch is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner is from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Over the weekend, breakfast is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., lunch is from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The outdoor pantry is open Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Dream Center is also accepting community donations and calling for volunteers. The organization came to the aid of the community during the pandemic, distributing over 5 million meals, and also provided relief to families affected by the L.A. wildfires. SEE ALSO: What SNAP recipients need to know as benefits expire amid government shutdown Sasebo Naval Cemetery (Photo by David R. Krigbaum/www.wayfarerdaves.com) I like to visit Sasebos former naval cemetery at Highasi Park from time to time, looking at ship memorials and enjoying the changing seasons there. Its Japans largest naval cemetery and since the first burials in 1892, its kept alive the memory of 417 individuals and 60 ships or units that have called Sasebo home. Being lost at sea, usually during wartime, means these are places where survivors and family member can hold memorials for their shipmates and loved ones. People visit throughout the year and leave offerings of cigarettes, water, tea, and alcohol, which the deceased would have enjoyed in life. Each stone has a story and for me, its a place to learn and connect with the naval history of my adopted hometown. (Map illustration by Stripes Japan) Some Memorial Stories The joint memorial for Takao-class heavy cruiser Chokai and Yugumo-class destroyer Fujinami stand outs for commemorating two seemingly unrelated vessels with a shared fate. Chokai was scuttled after the famous Battle off Samar on Oct. 25, 1944, 81 years ago today. The cruiser had the rare distinction of being hit by an aircraft carriers primary armament in a gun battle before aircraft delivered a crippling blow. A Memorial Monument of Chokai and Fujinami (Photo by David R. Krigbaum/www.wayfarerdaves.com) Fujinami collected her survivors and scuttled the cruiser. Two days later, Fujinami was sunk by American aircraft and lost with all hands, both her own and Chokais survivor. This made for a total loss of 830 sailors from Chokai and 130 from Fujinami, with no survivors from either vessel. A peculiar source of visitors for these many of these ship memorials are KanColle fans who come to pay their respects to their favorite Kanmusu waifu. If you dont know what that means, its for the best. While some wartime vessels still have annual gatherings to remember the dead, others are older and sit as quiet reminders that men once lived and died in the naval service. One of the Sasebo naval cemeterys sadder peacetime tales is told by a forlorn monument to the first crew of Chidori-class torpedo boat Tomozuru. A Memorial Monument of Tomozuru (Photo by David R. Krigbaum/www.wayfarerdaves.com) Because of destroyer tonnage limitations set by the London Naval Treaty, the Imperial Japanese Navys solution was to build light torpedo boats that didnt meet the minimum weight to classify as destroyers. They then loaded up the not destroyers with the heaviest destroyer armament available, making them unstable and dangerously top-heavy. Tomozuru was one of these vessels and capsized during a training exercise off Sasebo on Mar. 12, 1934, about a month after its commissioning. Only 13 of the original 113 officers and crew survived. This monument is for those lost 100. This loss of life, and near loss of a vessel, resulted in a re-examination of existing and future ship designs to prevent a repeat occurrence and numerous destroyers and cruisers being pulled from service until the deficiencies could be corrected. Tomozuru itself would be repaired and returned to service; it was lost for the final time when sunk by American aircraft on Mar. 24, 1945. A new memorial that caught my attention was for JS Asayuki (DD-132), a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Hatsuyuki-class destroyer decommissioned in 2020. It suffered no dramatic tragedy or loss of life, but sailed a million miles in defense of Japan and spent its 33 years home ported in Sasebo. I imagine many of her sailors still live in Sasebo and this is the ideal place to stop and remember the one and only Glitter Venus. (Thats the ships nickname, I cant make that up.) A Memorial Monument of Asayuki (Photo by David R. Krigbaum/www.wayfarerdaves.com) The most famous, in his day, sailor buried here may be Miura Torajiro. Miura was a 19-year old seaman from Saga Prefecture who served aboard protected cruiser Matsushima during the 1894 Battle of Yalu. Mortally wounded, his last words were to ask, Has the enemy vessel sunk yet? This would inspire a poem and later the song, Yukan Naru Suihei or The Brave Sailor. The only individual foreign grave is for German sailor Christian Schmidt, who died of illness while his ship was in port and was laid to rest in 1899. Stories Told in Stone: History and Remembrance at Sasebos Navy Cemetery David KrigbaumOctober 25, 2025 Museums, Travel 1 Comment I like to visit Sasebos former naval cemetery at Highasi Park from time to time, looking at ship memorials and enjoying the changing seasons there. Its Japans largest naval cemetery and since the first burials in 1892, its kept alive the memory of 417 individuals and 60 ships or units that have called Sasebo home. Being lost at sea, usually during wartime, means these are places where survivors and family member can hold memorials for their shipmates and loved ones. People visit throughout the year and leave offerings of cigarettes, water, tea, and alcohol, which the deceased would have enjoyed in life. Each stone has a story and for me, its a place to learn and connect with the naval history of my adopted hometown. Some Memorial Stories The joint memorial for Takao-class heavy cruiser Chokai and Yugumo-class destroyer Fujinami stand outs for commemorating two seemingly unrelated vessels with a shared fate. Chokai was scuttled after the famous Battle off Samar on Oct. 25, 1944, 81 years ago today. The cruiser had the rare distinction of being hit by an aircraft carriers primary armament in a gun battle before aircraft delivered a crippling blow. Fujinami collected her survivors and scuttled the cruiser. Two days later, Fujinami was sunk by American aircraft and lost with all hands, both her own and Chokais survivor. This made for a total loss of 830 sailors from Chokai and 130 from Fujinami, with no survivors from either vessel. A peculiar source of visitors for these many of these ship memorials are KanColle fans who come to pay their respects to their favorite Kanmusu waifu. If you dont know what that means, its for the best. While some wartime vessels still have annual gatherings to remember the dead, others are older and sit as quiet reminders that men once lived and died in the naval service. One of the Sasebo naval cemeterys sadder peacetime tales is told by a forlorn monument to the first crew of Chidori-class torpedo boat Tomozuru. Because of destroyer tonnage limitations set by the London Naval Treaty, the Imperial Japanese Navys solution was to build light torpedo boats that didnt meet the minimum weight to classify as destroyers. They then loaded up the not destroyers with the heaviest destroyer armament available, making them unstable and dangerously top-heavy. Tomozuru was one of these vessels and capsized during a training exercise off Sasebo on Mar. 12, 1934, about a month after its commissioning. Only 13 of the original 113 officers and crew survived. This monument is for those lost 100. This loss of life, and near loss of a vessel, resulted in a re-examination of existing and future ship designs to prevent a repeat occurrence and numerous destroyers and cruisers being pulled from service until the deficiencies could be corrected. Tomozuru itself would be repaired and returned to service; it was lost for the final time when sunk by American aircraft on Mar. 24, 1945. A new memorial that caught my attention was for JS Asayuki (DD-132), a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Hatsuyuki-class destroyer decommissioned in 2020. It suffered no dramatic tragedy or loss of life, but sailed a million miles in defense of Japan and spent its 33 years home ported in Sasebo. I imagine many of her sailors still live in Sasebo and this is the ideal place to stop and remember the one and only Glitter Venus. (Thats the ships nickname, I cant make that up.) The most famous, in his day, sailor buried here may be Miura Torajiro. Miura was a 19-year old seaman from Saga Prefecture who served aboard protected cruiser Matsushima during the 1894 Battle of Yalu. Mortally wounded, his last words were to ask, Has the enemy vessel sunk yet? This would inspire a poem and later the song, Yukan Naru Suihei or The Brave Sailor. The only individual foreign grave is for German sailor Christian Schmidt, who died of illness while his ship was in port and was laid to rest in 1899. The Shanghai Incident memorial is a bit different, as it commemorates the 78 sailors who died in a specific battle, not a unit or ship. The Imperial Japanese Armys 1931 invasion of China had unsurprisingly generated strong anti-Japanese sentiment in Shanghai. During a period of heightened tension and violence in late January 1932, ships and sailors from Sasebo were sent to reinforce Japanese ground forces in the city and held for two weeks before being relieved by the army. It may commemorate the dead, but the memorial is also a reminder of Japans aggressive military expansion in the 1930s which would lead to the nations downfall in 1945. Before wandering through, I recommend grabbing a brochure from the visitor center. It contains a map with the memorials laid out along with some interesting bits of information about a few of them. The center also has photos and some models of ships commemorated here. My personal connection to the cemetery stems from a joint Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and US Navy flower-laying ceremony in 2015; it was one of the first events I covered after being stationed here. It that helped set the tone for my tour and the relationship between our two services and the city. Admiral Togos Influence on Local Cooking Afterwards, I walked down hill to see the World War II air raid shelters in the hillside and catch the bus from Omiya bus stop to Matsuura Park Entrance bus stop at the arcade. To finish the cemetery visit right, I had the navy beef stew at Hachinoya. Admiral Togo Heihachiro, whose statue guards the naval cemetery, is one of the great figures in modern Japanese history. To Japan and the world, he was the admiral that defeated Russia at Tsushima, the first time an Asian power bested a European in a sea battle. To future Emperor Hirohito, he was a mentor. Locally, he was part of Sasebo naval history as he commanded the ship that surveyed Sasebo harbor for the navy in 1883 and was the naval districts 7th commandant in 1899. To Sasebo City, he was also the man who brought them beef stew. A statue of Admiral Togo (Photo by David R. Krigbaum/www.wayfarerdaves.com) A statue of Admiral Togo (Photo by David R. Krigbaum/www.wayfarerdaves.com) During his years studying in Britain, he developed a taste for beef stew and brought the dish back with him. This made recreating navy beef stew something of a local specialty in a nation only slowly discovering the joys of beef and is likely where Sasebos proud tradition of assimilating foreign foods from sailors began. Hachinoyas interpretation is fairly sweet and the beef chunks melted in my mouth as I ate under a KanColle poster in the restaurant. A momento by the door caught my eye as I left; it was a small plaque from destroyer JS Asayuki, the Glitter Venus. The cemetery is free to enter and has free parking but eating at Hachinoya costs money. Its not a charity, but the prices are reasonable for the quality. Navy beef stew of Hachinoya (Photo by David R. Krigbaum/www.wayfarerdaves.com) The restaurant Hachinoya (Photo by David R. Krigbaum/www.wayfarerdaves.com) Higashi Park Naval Cemetery Address: 182-1 Higashiyamacho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 857-0842 Phone: 095-688-8397 Email: s-kaigunbochi@tvs12.jp Website Hachinoya In what is shaping up to be a landmark case in France, the multinational cement giant Lafarge, along with several former senior executives are set to go on trial on Tuesday, accused of paying off jihadist groups including the so-called Islamic State to keep a Syrian cement plant running at the height of the countrys civil war. The case, which opens on Tuesday at the Paris criminal court, marks the first time a French company has faced trial on terrorism financing charges. Alongside the company, which was absorbed in 2015 by the Swiss group Holcim, stand ex-CEO Bruno Lafont, five former managers from the operations and security teams, and two Syrian intermediaries one of whom remains at large under an international arrest warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege that between 2013 and 2014, Lafarges Syrian subsidiary Lafarge Cement Syria (LCS) funnelled several million euros to armed factions in northern Syria, including the Islamic State armed group and Jabhat al-Nusra, both classed as terrorist organisations. The goal, investigators say, was to maintain operations at its 680 million (584 million) cement plant in Jalabiya, completed just a few years earlier in 2010. French judges order trial of Lafarge over terror financing at plant in Syria Staying in Syria as others fled While most multinationals pulled out of Syria by 2012 as violence escalated, Lafarge only evacuated its foreign staff that year keeping hundreds of Syrian employees on the job until September 2014, when IS finally seized control of the plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that perilous period, Lafarges local subsidiary allegedly paid middlemen to buy raw materials from jihadist groups and to secure safe passage for workers and goods through rebel checkpoints. The affair first came to light in 2016 through media investigations and two formal complaints one filed by the French economy ministry for breaching sanctions, and another by NGOs including Sherpa, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), and eleven former Syrian employees. A full judicial inquiry was opened in 2017. By then, Lafarge had merged with Holcim and the new group was quick to distance itself from the scandal, stressing it had no connection with events prior to the merger. It even commissioned an internal probe by law firms Baker McKenzie and Darrois Villey, which in 2017 confirmed serious breaches of Lafarges own code of conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the Atlantic, things moved faster. In October 2022, Lafarge SA pleaded guilty in a US court to conspiring to provide material support to terrorist organisations. The company admitted paying nearly $6 million (5.1 million) to IS and Jabhat al-Nusra, and agreed to a $778 million fine (662 million) a deal that angered several of the French defendants. French court confirms Lafarge can be charged over Syria crimes 'Shadows to be cleared up' Former CEO Bruno Lafont, who denies ever knowing about the payments, has denounced the American plea deal as a blatant attack on the presumption of innocence. His lawyers argue that it unfairly scapegoats former executives to protect corporate interests, and say the Paris trial will finally help clear up the shadows notably around what role, if any, French intelligence services might have played. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigating judges have acknowledged that information was shared between Lafarges security officers and French intelligence about the situation on the ground. However, they concluded this did not amount to any approval by the French state of Lafarges alleged financing of terrorist entities. More than 240 civil parties have joined the case among them former Syrian employees eager to tell their stories at last. Over ten years later, they will finally be able to describe what they endured the checkpoints, the kidnappings, and the constant threat to their lives, said Anna Kiefer of Sherpa. If convicted of financing terrorism, Lafarge could face a fine of around 1 billion, while the penalties for violating the international embargo are potentially far higher up to ten times the value of the illicit transactions. This comes as a separate investigation remains open into complicity in crimes against humanity, examining whether Lafarges actions indirectly supported atrocities committed by jihadist groups in Syria and Iraq. (with newswires) PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Lake Oswego chiropractor was arrested by Gresham police on Monday morning on sex abuse charges. Rami Layous was indicted by a Multnomah County grand jury on charges of second-degree sodomy, four counts of first-degree sex abuse and one count of second-degree sex abuse for allegations dating back to 2018. According to court records obtained by KOIN 6 News, Layous allegedly sexually abused a child under the age of 14 repeatedly for more than two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives served him with an arrest warrant at his home in Damascus on Monday morning, according to a press release from the Gresham Police Department. He was booked into Multnomah County Jail and is set to be arraigned Tuesday morning. Records from the Oregon Secretary of States office confirm that Layous owns PyroLife LLC, a chiropractic business in Lake Oswego. Layous is listed as the CEO on its website. KOIN 6 News reached out to PyroLife for comment but did not immediately hear back. A spokesperson for the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners confirmed that his license is currently active, but declined to state whether it had received any complaints or whether it is investigating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KOIN.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The city manager of Lakeland has been fired following a special-called meeting on Monday night. The board of commissioners voted to terminate the city manager, Michael Walker, during the meeting. Walker served in the position for two years. City leaders say his termination was due to operational decisions regarding staff positions that were created and filled, as well as vision issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walker will receive a six-month severance package. In the meantime, city engineer Emily Harrell will serve as interim city manager. 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 WREG.com. Fifty years ago this month, the gales of November swallowed the SS Edmund Fitzgerald along with her crew of 29 men, one of the largest ships to go down on Lake Superior and the Great Lakes. Remembered annually in Michigan and elsewhere, the shipwreck reminds people of the Great Lakes' power and the thousands of other ships and souls that met a similar fate. Nearly every Michigan resident seems to know the story of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, in part because of Canadian songwriter Gordon Lightfoot's song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 729-foot ship sank on Nov. 10, 1975, amid a strong November storm, just 17 miles away from Whitefish Point, located in the northeastern part of the Upper Peninsula, where the big lake's powerful storm waves would have been partially blocked. The Fitzgerald's final moments shrouded in mystery, Lightfoot's mournful song, the number of lives lost, and the size of the ship alone led her to quickly become the most famous shipwreck in Michigan. "It has created that awareness that the Great Lakes are beautiful, deadly places," Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum Executive Director Bruce Lynn said. An estimated 6,000-10,000 shipwrecks rest at the bottom of the Great Lakes, which are gradually being accounted for by sonar-marine sonic technology, remotely operated vehicles, scuba divers and historians piecing together century-old testimonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 2019 to 2025, researchers at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, north of Paradise at Whitefish Point, say 15 shipwrecks on Lake Superior's floor have been discovered. Most recently, in July, 2024, the team found the 300-foot Western Reserve 60 miles northwest of Whitefish Point. The ship split in half and sank in 1892 leaving behind a sole survivor. While the hunt for such vessels typically develop into an adventure, the primary goal is to honor the victims by retelling their stories so they won't be forgotten, Lynn said. Oftentimes, researchers find everyday items within and around the wrecks, including dishes, bunkbeds, sinks, even a stove that make the seemingly frozen vessels under deep water alive once again. "When they were working that ship this was also their home," Lynn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the Edmund Fitzgerald, there are other shipwrecks that made in impact when they happened, including the 639-foot SS Carl D. Bradley that sank in Lake Michigan in 1958; the 603-foot SS Daniel J. Morell that sank in Lake Huron in 1966; the recently discovered 300-foot Western Reserve that sank in Lake Superior in 1892; and the 258-foot Lady Elgin that sank in Lake Michigan in 1915. Like the Edmund Fitzgerald, SS Carl D. Bradley was a large ship that succumbed to extreme weather, claiming 33 victims among its 35 crew members. The Bradley was based in Rogers City, located along the Lake Huron shore in northeast Michigan. The tragedy of the Bradley is still a painful sting to communities across Presque Isle County, where many of the crew resided. "It ripped the living guts out of (Rogers City)," President and Director of the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum Mike Horn said. The retired merchant ship sailor, remembers his relative, Paul R. Horn, 20, an oiler on the Bradley who perished in the 1958 wreck. Preserving artifacts and retelling the stories of shipwrecks keeps the memories of the victims alive, Horn said, and in learning the stories people across Michigan may continue to memorialize their lives by never growing complacent on the waters of the Great Lakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a closer look at some of the Great Lakes' major shipwrecks. The fate of the Edmund Fitzgerald: Retelling her story in honor of the 50th anniversary Map of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald's final voyage in Lake Superior in 1975 (shown in red) with the SS Arthur M. Anderson's voyage (shown in blue). "That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed when the gales of November came early," Lightfoot wrote after the ship sank. On Nov. 9, 1975, the 729-foot, 13,600-ton freighter set sail on Lake Superior with 26,100 tons of taconite pellets, bound for Zug Island in Detroit. The ship departed from Superior, Wisconsin, under Capt. Ernest M. McSorley. About 10-15 miles behind the Fitzgerald was the freighter SS Arthur M. Anderson captained by Bernie Cooper. The two captains were in radio contact with each other as a major storm developed. Later on Nov. 9, wind gusts grew to 57 mph, creating waves 12 to 16 feet high and conditions only worsened, by Shipwreck Museum Development Officer Sean Ley wrote on the museum website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the late afternoon of Nov. 10, there were consistent winds blowing at 66 mph and gusts at 80 mph, creating monstrous waves up to 25 feet high. The two captains last spoke at about 7:10 p.m. Nov. 10, and by 7:22 p.m. the Fitzgerald was no longer responding via radio. Cooper contacted the Coast Guard (and nearby ships) for any signs of the Fitzgerald. "The idea that this ship could have disappeared that quickly, that they didn't even have a chance to get a distress signal out doesn't really compute," Lynn said. An undated photo shows the SS Edmund Fitzgerald prior to 1970. On April 15, 1977, the U.S. Coast Guard officially located and confirmed the shipwreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The wreck of SS Carl D. Bradley on Lake Michigan Photo of SS Carl D. Bradley posted on the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum's Facebook page. On Nov. 18, 1958, the SS Carl D. Bradley sank in Lake Michigan near Gull and Beaver Islands with no cargo, but a crew of 35 men sailing to their hometown of Rogers City in northeast Michigan. At 638-feet long, the ship delivered limestone and was considered the most updated and the largest steamer on the Great Lakes at the time, according to the Presque Isle County Historical Museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bradley split in half from 65 mph winds and 25-30 foot waves. The ship sank quickly, leaving 33 men to perish in the cold waters, and two to be rescued around 5 miles from Gull Island on a raft 15 hours later. There were several possible reasons as to why the Bradley sank. The ship was said to have experienced weakening metal parts that eventually fully fractured from the waves; and intense pressure at the ship's midsection that caused drooping of the bow and stern all combined with severe weather, according to the Presque Isle County Historical Museum. The ship now rests in two pieces around 53 miles northwest of Boulder Reef in Lake Michigan. The crew is honored each year at Roger City's Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum on Nov. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We miss those people. Every one of them was a human being with his own worth," Horn said. The museum includes a memorial hall for local shipwrecks in addition to the Bradley, including the SS Daniel J. Morell that sank in 1966 in Lake Huron leaving one survivor; and the SS Cedarville that sank in 1965 near Mackinaw City due to a collision with all but one crew member recovered. What happened to the Western Reserve in 1892? The first all-steel steamer on the Great Lakes, the Western Reserve at 300-feet long, was considered one of the safest ships, nicknamed "the inland greyhound," for its speed. The Reserve's owner, Capt. Peter G. Minch, took the ship out for a leisurely trip to Two Harbor, Minnesota, and brought his young family, another skilled sailor, Albert Myers, making a crew of 28 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the weather started pleasant, at around 9 p.m. on Aug. 30, 1892, the ship was caught in a powerful squall near Whitefish Point and began to split and sink. With a steel and wooden lifeboat available, both were filled and lowered, but the steel life boat immediately overturned, dispersing those who were in it across the choppy waters. Two people close enough to the wooden lifeboat were pulled in. "So think about the shock that is going through the minds of these people, much less kids. They were just on the summer cruise, and they were just having the time of their lives, and now a good chunk of the crew is presumed dead," Lynn said. The remaining crew in the wooden lifeboat approximately 30 miles from shore continued to float in the storm for around 10 hours. It is reported that a ship passed them but the crew didn't have any way to draw attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being so close to safety, the wooden lifeboat overturned leaving the wheelsman of the ship, Harry W. Stewart, to be the only person that made it to land. Stewart eventually swam to shore and walked to the Deer Park Life Saving Station. Once Stewart reached help, the search for the 27 victims commenced and lasted for weeks. Many of the bodies were recovered onshore. Photo of the Western Reserve posted on The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum's website. The wreck of the Western Reserve stirred up a lot of media attention and speculation similar to the Edmund Fitzgerald. Eventually, investigations suggested that the wreck occurred due to brittle steel or soft steel, Lynn explained, that was not flexible enough and the ship was not stout enough on top of the severe waves. For the first time in 132 years, the Reserve was looked at once again, this time 600 feet below the surface of Lake Superior by a team of researchers at The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. Where did other shipwrecks occur on Michigan's Great Lakes? Some of the most significant wrecks on the Great Lakes include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SS Daniel J. Morell (1966): 586.5-foot bulk carrier went down in Lake Huron during a storm, killing 28 of 29 crew. SS Cedarville (1965): The 604-foot bulk carrier went down in May 1965 after a collision, killing 10 of 35 crew. SS Eastland (1915): The ferry was taking Western Electric employees, families and friends across Lake Michigan to Michigan City, Indiana. Docked at the Clark Street Bridge in Chicago, the ship rolled over into the river at the wharf's edge. More than 2,500 passengers and crew members were on board and 844 people lost their lives, including 22 entire families. Lady Elgin (1860): A palatial sidewheel steamboat, the ship left Chicago bound for Milwaukee. The almost 400 passengers on the steamer were returning from a long days outing when the ship collided with a lumber-carrying vessel. While several dozen people made it to shore, several hundred perished in stormy weather. The White Hurricane of 1913 wasn't a single wreck, but a storm that led to a dozen major wrecks on the Great Lakes and the loss of about 250 lives over four days in November, the National Weather Service noted. "It remains the largest inland maritime disaster, in terms of number of ships lost, in U.S. history. This historic storm system brought blizzard conditions with hurricane force winds to the Great Lakes." How safe are the Great Lakes now? Real-time weather forecasting technology has become advanced, the infrastructure of ships has improved, and radio communication, traffic control, and cargo carrying regulations have all contributed to a safer career on the Great Lakes. In addition, the culture has changed. Based on his observations around Whitefish Point, Lynn said captains have a greater willingness to drop anchor and wait out a storm rather than risking it and powering through. Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: The largest, deadliest shipwrecks in Great Lakes history LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Many SNAP recipients hunted for help Monday in search of food, but for some, it proved harder than they anticipated. 8 News Now followed along with some of the recipients, stopping by multiple food banks across the valley. Several people showed up to City Impact on Sahara, but they arent open on Mondays. We also stopped by Lutheran Social Services of Nevada on Boulder Highway, who had their doors locked with a sign that read Due to funding and staffing, we will be closed until further notice. People are walking up to the door and having to leave, and thats sad, Tina Patriquin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Square has more than 150 partners in town and a spokesperson confirmed that two emergency drive-through distributions were open on Monday. One at Walk Church on Spencer Street from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The other occurred at Just One project in North Las Vegas from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Las Vegas valley SNAP recipients struggle to find food resources (KLAS) Las Vegas valley SNAP recipients struggle to find food resources (KLAS) Las Vegas valley SNAP recipients struggle to find food resources (KLAS) Las Vegas valley SNAP recipients struggle to find food resources (KLAS) Were going to food pantries and food banks and now that theyre closed, where are we supposed to go now? What are we supposed to do now? Honestly, mother Andrianna Leaks said. To find that list, which Three Square said is being updated in real time, click on the left box on their website that says Emergency Food Distributions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 8 News Now visited HopeLink of Southern Nevada, which was found on Three Squares Food Finder Map and listed as an available, walk-in pantry. However, it was closed on Monday upon visiting. 8 News Now also called the number listed on the right of Three Squares website, reading Find food by calling the Three Square Center 702-765-4030, and received an automated message saying they were receiving a high volume of calls. 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 KLAS. The owner of three historic homes near a well-known center of dining and shopping in the Hartford region has won a court challenge to keep the properties as short-term, AirBnb rentals. The three houses on Raymond Road in West Hartford a short walk from Blue Back Square were at the center of a dispute with the towns zoning enforcement office and a subsequent zoning board of appeals ruling in 2024 that the short-term use violated local ordinances. The properties 136, 146 and 150 Raymond Road are among five houses purchased by Instant Property Solutions of Farmington, owned by real estate developer Mark Chu Jr., in 2023. The properties were purchased with the intent of renting them out as AirBnbs, one of them already previously used for that purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an 18-page decision issued Oct. 31, Hartford Superior Court Judge Victoria W. Chavey noted that the district in West Hartford where the houses are located already allow multi-family rentals, and the district does not specifically distinguish between what constitutes a long-term rental and a short-term rental. The court is not persuaded, therefore, to imply an unstated limitation on use, Chavey wrote. The town has not taken any position as to what distinguishes a short-term rental from a long-term rental, despite deciding in this case that all of the properties uses which include rentals from a few days to a few months are impermissible and despite the [zoning enforcement office] advocacy at the [ZBA] public hearing for a 30-day limitation, Chavey wrote. The towns position in this regard only underscores the [zoning ordinances] themselves do not impose or support a distinction between long-term rentals and those of shorter duration, Chavey wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision is the latest in a skirmish involving state and local governments and their aim to regulate short-term rentals, a use, they contend, can disrupt neighborhoods and otherwise takes up desperately needed housing. A year ago, the state Supreme Court issued a ruling viewed as potentially making it easier for Connecticut property owners to use homes as short-term rentals on platforms such as VRBO and AirBnb, CT Mirror reported. The states highest court said that a residence can include short-term rentals and doesnt require a degree of permanency, reversing 2018 zoning regulations in Pine Orchard, a borough of Branford, according to CT Mirror. Much of Chaveys ruling focused on the technical side of West Hartfords zoning laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview, Chu said he had only one complaint from the surrounding neighborhood and otherwise had letters of support. Its a great decision for the town because, at the end of the day, West Hartford Center, Blue Back Square was sold to residents as a destination, Chu said. It was going to be one of the best places to visit in Connecticut, which it has. It has performed. Chu said that when visitors travel to West Hartford, theres not of options for people to stay besides one hotel. Its a beautiful hotel, but its outside the budget of a lot of people that come to town and thats what I get for feedback from people who choose to stay in my places. A lot of those seeking short-term rentals are people who are former residents and who still have family in the West Hartford, Chu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chu said he was allowed to operate the properties as AirBnbs while awaiting the outcome of the appeal. The town of West Hartford did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment. Chu also has a pending court appeal against the Town of West Hartford Historic District Commission. In June, the commission rejected plans for the construction of a duplex and five carriage houses with garages to the rear of the five properties along Raymond Road that are now rented as AirBnbs. Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com. President Donald Trump caused some confusion earlier Tuesday when he appeared to threaten SNAP benefits unless Democrats voted to reopen the government despite court orders mandating that the administration keep the nations largest food program running. Press secretary Karoline Levitt said Tuesday the administration continues to pay out SNAP funding using contingency funding, which is what two separate judges ordered on Monday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had planned to freeze SNAP payments starting Nov. 1 because of a lapse in funds during the government shutdown. In a social media post Tuesday morning, Trump said SNAP benefits had been handed out haphazardly under his predecessor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP benefits will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before! Trump added. The government says the emergency fund it will use has enough to cover about half the normal benefits. Leavitt said Trump does not want to have to tap into this fund in the future, which is what he meant by his social media post earlier in the day. The Latest: White House clarifies Trump comment on Binance pardon The president said in a television interview that he did not know Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, the creator of the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange whom Trump pardoned last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House said he meant he does not know him personally. Leavitt, the press secretary, added that the White House considers pardon requests with the utmost seriousness and said the administration maintains a very thorough review process. Zhao had served prison time for failing to stop criminals from using the platform to move money connected to child sex abuse, drug trafficking and terrorism. White House offers terse comment on Dick Cheneys death White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump was aware of the former vice presidents death, but she did not offer condolences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As you saw flags were lowered to half staff in accordance with statutory law, Leavitt added. White House: Administration is complying with SNAP ruling The president caused some confusion earlier Tuesday when he appears to threaten SNAP benefits unless Democrats voted to re-open the government - despite court orders mandating the administration to pay out some of that aid. His top spokeswoman said the administration continues to pay out SNAP funding using contingency funding, which is what two separate judges ordered on Monday. The recipients of these SNAP benefits need to understand, its going to take some time to receive this money, because the Democrats have forced the administration into a very untenable position, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday. We are digging into a contingency fund that is supposed to be for emergencies, catastrophes, for war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leavitt said Trump does not want to have to tap into this fund in the future, which is what he meant by his social media post earlier in the day. Border Patrol commander defends aggressive tactics in Chicago crackdown The Border Patrol leader whos behind an aggressive immigration crackdown across the Chicago area is applauding his agents use of force and aggressive tactics that have prompted backlash and lawsuits. Gregory Bovino defended the approach of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection as appropriate and necessary during a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press. Agents have increasingly used rubber bullets, pepper balls and a synthetic irritant used by police as tear gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bovino says officers have faced numerous threats in the nations third-largest city. More than 3,200 people have been arrested since Operation Midway Blitz began in September as part of the Trump administrations push to target cities with sanctuary immigration policies. Democrats push back on Trumps new SNAP guidance Senate Democrats are warning that the Trump administration has to follow court orders that stipulate that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program must be at least partially funded during the government shutdown. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, predicted that Trumps resistance to funding the federal food program relied upon by 42 million Americans would be short-lived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he continues to ignore the courts, then were in a full blown and five alarm constitutional crisis. So the president doesnt get to pick and choose which court orders he complies with, Murphy said. If the court has said he has to start paying SNAP benefits, then he has to start paying SNAP benefits. Aircraft carrier heads to the Caribbean The USS Gerald R. Ford has left the Mediterranean Sea after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered it to Latin America more than a week ago. A defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ship movements, confirmed that the Ford and the destroyer USS Bainbridge crossed through the Straits of Gibraltar and into the Atlantic on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ford originally deployed with five destroyers, but its not clear if all will go to the Caribbean. Two of the other destroyers in the Fords strike group, the USS Winston Churchill and the USS Mahan, are in the Mediterranean now, with the Mahan in port at Rota, Spain. The other two destroyers, the USS Forrest Sherman and the USS Mitchener, are in the Red Sea, the official said. The Fords arrival to the region would mark a major escalation in the buildup of U.S. military forces in the region as the Trump administration strikes boats accused of carrying drugs. Many in Iraqs capital reflect with anger on Cheneys influence there Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the streets of the Iraqi capital, many were not mourning the man widely seen as the architect of the U.S.-led invasion of 2003. The U.S. intervention unseated the countrys longtime autocratic leader, Saddam Hussein, but opened up a security vacuum that led to years of brutal civil war, the rise of extremist groups, including the Islamic State, and the expansion of Iranian influence. On a busy street in the Karada neighborhood of Baghdad, Ahmad Jabar called former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney a bloodthirsty person. Dick Cheney had a major role in the occupation and destruction of Iraq under the pretext of nuclear weapons, which never existed, he said. They destroyed us, and Dick Cheney specifically destroyed us. How are we supposed to remember him? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passerby Hadi Chelo agreed. I dont think that any American official has left a good memory inside Iraq, or that any Iraqi remembers them in a good way, he said. Especially Dick Cheney, who contributed in a major way to undermining stability in the Middle East, and brought the area into a tangled web politically, socially, and economically. Marjorie Taylor Greene redoubles criticism of GOP leadership on The View Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene brought criticism of Republican leaders and their handling of the federal government shutdown to ABCs The View on Tuesday. Green won notice in the U.S. House as a devoted Donald Trump supporter who sought confrontation with Democrats. She said Tuesday that she still loves Trump, but attacked the pissing contest in Washington, D.C., between the men. She has sounded that theme repeatedly after declining 2026 runs for Georgia governor or U.S. Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene also reiterated that Republicans need a plan for healthcare other than cutting insurance subsidies. When Im talking about weak Republican men, Im talking the leadership in the House and the Senate, Greene said. Theyre not getting our agenda done. She criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for keeping the House in recess, saying We should be at work. Greene denies moderating her stances, sidestepping an opportunity to criticize far-right activist Nick Fuentes Tuesday. Oh no, nothing has changed about me, Greene said. US sanctions North Korean bankers for laundering stolen crypto The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a group of bankers, financial institutions and others accused of laundering money from cyber crime schemes money the Treasury Department says helps pay for North Koreas nuclear weapons program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korean malware and social engineering schemes have diverted more than $3 billion, mostly in digital assets, over the past three years, Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control said, a sum unmatched by any other foreign actor. An international report documented the problems scope in a 138-page report last month. North Korean state-sponsored hackers steal and launder money to fund the regimes nuclear weapons program, said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley in a statement. Remembering Dick Cheney: A life in photos from defense chief to VP Cheney, a key White House figure in multiple Republican administrations, died Tuesday at 84. Heres a gallery of images from the AP archives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See Dick Cheneys life in AP photos McConnell praises Cheneys legacy Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., paid tribute to the former vice president on Tuesday, saying his intellect, experience, and resolve made America safer. McConnell noted that Cheneys public service came during critical moments in American history, including the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He said Cheney gave steady counsel to President George W. Bush at the time. As grave threats to our security continue to loom, his commitment to American leadership will remain a lesson, McConnell said. White House quietly lowers flags to half-staff for Cheney An announcement or the issuance of a proclamation generally happens before the flags are lowered, but the White House did so without advance notice on Tuesday. Press office aides confirmed the flags had been lowered in remembrance of the Republican former vice president. Trump, who has no public schedule Tuesday, has issued several social media posts on the elections and subjects other than Cheneys death. Cheney criticized Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol by Trump supporters who were intent on interrupting the certification of his 2020 presidential election loss. Senate Republicans laud Cheney Top Senate Republicans are paying tribute to the former vice president, saying Dick Cheney will be remembered for shaping American history. Senate Majority Leader John Thune in a floor speech said Cheney was a lifelong public servant who believed very deeply in our country. Sen. John Barrasso, the no. 2 in Senate Republican leadership, who like Cheney is from Wyoming, called him a towering figure who helped guide the course of history in Wyoming, the United States, and around the world. And Sen. Lindsey Graham said Cheney had a tremendous sense of confidence in who he was and what he believed. When that self-confidence clashed with members of both parties, he was unshaken, Graham added. Their words were notable because Cheney, after his retirement from public office, became a critic of Trump. US defense secretary praises South Koreas plans to increase military spending Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that the Asian ally will take a larger role in defending itself from North Korean aggressions as they brace for regional contingencies. Speaking at parliament on Tuesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung asked lawmakers to approve an 8.2% increase in defense spending next year. We face, as we both acknowledge, a dangerous security environment, but our alliance is stronger than ever, Hegseth said. Modernizing the decades-long alliance between the U.S. and South Korea is a hot issue. The U.S. apparently wants South Korea to increase its conventional defense capabilities so that Washington can focus more on China. Hegseth said after annual security talks with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back that hes greatly encouraged by Seouls spending commitment. Read more on the U.S.-South Korean military alliance Speaker Johnson pays tribute to Cheney Scripture is very clear: We give honor where honor is due, Rep. Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker, said at his daily press conference at the Capitol. The honor is certainly due to him. Marylands governor announces a redistricting commission Wes Moore announced Tuesday that the commission will consider mid-cycle redistricting, despite the state Senate president saying last week the Senate would not move forward with redistricting. The five-member panel chaired by U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks will hold public hearings and make recommendations to the governor and the legislature on a new map for the states eight congressional districts, seven of which are already held by Democrats. We will explore every avenue possible to make sure Maryland has fair and representative maps, Moore said in a statement. This commission will ensure the people are heard. Both Moore and Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones have expressed interest with moving forward with mid-cycle redistricting, but their fellow Democrat, Senate President Bill Ferguson, warned that redrawing the district represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Harris could jeopardize other seats held by Democrats. Losses for Big Tech pull Wall Street lower Stocks are being pulled down by losses in the same big tech companies that have been the main drivers of the markets rally so far this year. The S&P 500 slid 1.2% in the early going Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 431 points, or 0.8%. The Nasdaq composite sank 1.7%. Palantir Technologies, which had more than doubled so far this year, fell 10% despite reporting results that beat analysts forecasts. Nvidia also reversed course, falling 2.8%. European and Asian markets also fell, and Treasury yields edged lower in the bond market. Criticism has been rising that the broad U.S. market, and AI stocks in particular, have become too expensive and could be inflating into a dangerous bubble similar to the 2000 dot-com bust. Judge to hear arguments over conditions at Chicago-area ICE facility Illinois groups sued federal authorities alleging inhumane conditions inside the facility in Broadview where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been detaining people. U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman acknowledged that Tuesdays hearing was rushed but said the nature of the case and the request for relief requires immediate attention. Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois and the MacArthur Justice Center say detainees were denied proper access to food, water and medical care; denied private calls with attorneys; and have been coerced to sign paperwork they dont understand, leading them to unknowingly relinquish their rights and face deportation. Homeland Security Department officials have denied the allegations and argue that such claims have contributed to an increase in death threats against immigration officers. Former Fox News host takes position as US ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor, television personality and close Trump alley, officially took office Tuesday as the first U.S. female ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle, 56, who was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., presented her diplomatic credentials to Greek President Constantine Tassoulas after being sworn in Sept. 29 in Washington. The former Fox News hosts arrival comes as the United States works to boost liquefied natural gas exports to eastern Europe through Greek port facilities. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are expected in Athens this week for talks focused on expanding Western gas exports to war-torn Ukraine through a modified multinational pipeline network. Former President Bush calls Cheneys death a loss to the nation Former President George W. Bush says he and former first lady Laura Bush will remember Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was. In a statement, Bush says history will remember his vice president as among the finest public servants of his generation and a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence and seriousness of purpose to every position he held. Bush recalled asking Cheney to join him on the Republican presidential ticket in 2000 after first assigning Cheney to help him find a running mate. The former president said, In our long discussions about the qualities a vice president should have deep experience, mature judgment, character, loyalty I realized that Dick Cheney was the one I needed. Im still grateful that he was at my side for the eight years that followed. Some Head Start preschools shutter as government shutdown continues The government shutdown is triggering a wave of closures of Head Start centers, leaving working parents scrambling for child care and shutting some of the nations neediest children out of preschool. The closures mean Head Start students who come from low-income households, are homeless or are in foster care are missing out on preschool, where they are fed two meals a day and receive therapy vital to their development. A half-dozen Head Start programs never received grants that were anticipated in October, but there are now 140 programs that have not received their annual infusion of federal funding. All told, the programs have the capacity to assist 65,000 preschoolers and expectant parents. More than 1,100 children in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama and Oklahoma were shut out of centers run by the East Coast Migrant Head Start Project, said CEO Javier Gonzalez. About 900 staff members across the centers have also been furloughed. Read more about how the shutdown is impacting Head Start programs Trump administration says SNAP will be partially funded in November President Donald Trumps administration said Monday that it will partially fund SNAP for November, after two judges issued rulings requiring the government to keep the nations largest food aid program running. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, had planned to freeze payments starting Nov. 1 because it said it could no longer keep funding it during the federal government shutdown. The program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is a major piece of the nations social safety net. It costs more than $8 billion per month nationally. The government says an emergency fund it will use has $4.65 billion enough to cover about half the normal benefits. Its not clear exactly how much beneficiaries will receive, nor how quickly they will see value show up on the debit cards they use to buy groceries. November payments have already been delayed for millions of people. Read more about SNAP benefits Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents of US history, dies at 84 Cheney died Monday night due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement from family spokesman Jeremy Adler. The quietly forceful Cheney served father and son presidents, leading the armed forces as defense chief during the Persian Gulf War under President George H.W. Bush before returning to public life as vice president under Bushs son, George W. Bush. Years after leaving office, he became a target of Trump, especially after daughter Liz Cheney became the leading Republican critic and examiner of Trumps desperate attempts to stay in power after his election defeat and his actions in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. Read more about former Vice President Dick Cheney When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Latvia will become the 60th nation to sign the Artemis Accords. | Credit: NASA Sixty nations have now penned their commitment to the NASA-led Artemis Accords for peaceful space exploration. Latvia will become the latest country to join the Artemis Accords , the country announced at the end of October. The European nation was the fourth commit during that month, doubling the number of countries that had previously signed the accords in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also adding their name to the accords in October were the Philippines , Malaysia and Hungary. They were preceded by Senegal , Norway , Bangladesh and Finland , who signed earlier this year. "Latvias accession to the Artemis Accords is a significant step towards our more active participation in the global space community," Latvian officials said in an Oct. 31 statement on a government-affiliated website. "We are proud to become part of a group of nations committed to exploring and using space responsibly and sustainably." October also marks five years of the Artemis Accords, which NASA, the U.S. State Department and seven other founding nations established in 2020 as a set of international principles to designed to guide how countries explore the moon and deep space. They parallel concepts from the 1967 Outer Space Treaty , which aimed to promote peaceful cooperation in space. Despite their name, the accords aren't directly associated with NASA's current push to return astronauts to the moon with the Artemis program . The agency is gearing up for the launch of Artemis 2 as early as February 2026, which will be the first mission to fly astronauts to the moon since 1972. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Artemis 3 , currently targeted for 2027 or 2028, will be the program's first mission to land astronauts on the lunar surface, and will be followed, NASA hopes, by a series of missions to establish a permanent human presence on the moon. NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy announced the addition of Hungary to the accords via social media on Oct. 22 and did the same with the Philippines and Malaysia today (Nov. 3). Latvia's announcement indicates that the country "plans" to join the accords, according to the English translation of the release, but its official inclusion may have been delayed with the U.S. government shutdown still underway. NASA officials have indicated that a formal signing ceremony will likely take place once the government reopens. AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey. Laura Loomer is the newest member of the Pentagon press corps, according to a report by The Washington Post. The 32-year-old far-right activist, conspiracy theorist, and self-proclaimed proud Islamaphobe has been a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, at times clashing vociferously with others in the presidents inner circle. In a series of social media posts last month, Loomer took several swipes at Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, apparently furious over the approval of a training facility for Qatari air force pilots in Idaho, saying that she was so incensed over the decision to give terror financing Muslims from Qatar a MILITARY BASE on US soil so they can murder Americans that she planned to sit out the 2026 midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The digital bombs she lobbed at Hegseth didnt keep her from getting a Pentagon press pass, according to the Posts Scott Nover and Drew Harwell, who reported Monday that Loomer was the latest reporter to be credentialed by the Defense Department. Citing a person familiar with the matter, the Post reported that Loomer was joining a new cohort of right-wing media that have agreed to the Pentagons new press policy. The majority of the Pentagon Press Corps turned in their badges in October rather than comply with a new DOD policy that was loudly criticized by both the left and right as a threat to the freedom of the press. Those that remained are MAGA-allied media outlets, along with several foreign outlets. Loomer previously applied for a White House press pass, voicing frustration when she wasnt granted one despite her repeated requests and other MAGA influencers with fewer followers getting credentialed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear what made the difference with the Pentagon press pass versus the White House press pass that had eluded her grasp before; if anything, Loomer has been more critical of Hegseth and other DOD officials in recent months. UPDATE 11:15 pm ET: Late Monday evening, Loomer tweeted confirmation that she had indeed joined the Pentagon Press Corps. Im excited to announce that after a year of breaking the most impactful stories that pertain to our nations national security and rooting out deceptive and disloyal bad actors from the Department of War, I have joined the Pentagon Press Corps! LOOMERED is now a credentialed Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) November 4, 2025 Wrote Loomer: Im excited to announce that after a year of breaking the most impactful stories that pertain to our nations national security and rooting out deceptive and disloyal bad actors from the Department of War, I have joined the Pentagon Press Corps! LOOMERED is now a credentialed outlet at the Pentagon. There is no denying that my investigative reporting has had a massive impact on the landscape of personnel decisions within the Executive Branch, our intelligence agencies and the Pentagon. I look forward to covering the Pentagon and breaking more stories that impact our country and our national security. I have developed a Rolodex of sources and if you have any tips, feel free to contact the Loomered Tip Line: the most influential Tip Line in all of DC. The post Laura Loomer Gets Pentagon Press Credentials Despite Her Recent Attacks on Hegseth first appeared on Mediaite. The Pentagon has credentialed right-wing activist Laura Loomer to cover President Trumps Department of Defense. Loomer announced the news in a social media post on Monday, boasting that her work has had a massive impact on the landscape of personnel decisions within the Executive Branch, our intelligence agencies and the Pentagon. Loomers credentialing, which was first reported by The Washington Post, comes as the Pentagon has implemented sweeping changes to its media policies and worked to elevate more conservative and alternative media outlets covering the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A controversial figure with a history of attacking allies of the president, Loomers proximity to an influence over Trump has sparked backlash, including from some Republicans. Loomer last month blasted Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over an announcement that the U.S. would host a Qatari air force facility in Idaho, writing on social media at the time there is not a single Trump supporter who supports allowing Qatar to have a military base on US soil. A number of news outlets, including The Hill, The New York Times and each of the major broadcast networks refused to sign a new policy the Pentagon rolled out for members of the press earlier this fall severely restricting access to the Pentagon and seeking to control information coming out of the department. 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 The Hill. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. In pitching itself as an alternative global leader to the United States, China repeatedly stresses that it practices a "policy of noninterference." That was the message Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promoted when he visited neighboring Myanmar in August 2024: Despite the "chaos and conflict" of the country's civil war, Beijing opposes "any interference in Myanmar's internal affairs by outside forces," he said. Since that visit, however, the nation that has attempted most brazenly to interfere in Myanmar's affairs is China, according to community activists, rebel leaders and diplomats in Myanmar, as well as conflict analysts and officials in Southeast Asia. "China's involvement in Myanmar has been a bit shocking," said Charles Santiago, a former Malaysian lawmaker who co-chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' Parliamentarians for Human Rights. "The clout they've been willing to wield is phenomenal." Myanmar has been mired in conflict since 2021, when the military seized control from a democratically elected government, sparking a war against pro-democracy revolutionaries and powerful ethnic rebels who now control swaths of the country. The United Nations has described the war as a "catastrophic human rights crisis." Beijing's attempts to shape the conflict according to its interests have only made it more intractable, analysts say. "By propping up a fragile regime that might otherwise have collapsed, Beijing has effectively extended the life of this civil war," said Ye Myo Hein, a Myanmar scholar at the Wilson Center in Washington. From Tibet to Xinjiang, China has becoming increasingly sensitive to instability in its frontier regions. Now, its involvement in Myanmar, Ye Myo Hein said, is shaping up to be among the clearest examples of its ambitions to consolidate power beyond its borders. China has ramped up support for Myanmar's military junta and is backing a plan by the junta to hold elections, which the United Nations' special rapporteur on Myanmar says will be a sham. Ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) annual meeting in late October, officials from the region said Chinese diplomats were pressuring them to follow their lead. A group of leaders from Southeast Asia, including two former foreign ministers, wrote an open letter pleading the regional bloc to resist this call, citing the junta's record of human rights abuses, which have been documented by groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. In an official statement released Oct. 26, leaders of the group said "the cessation of violence and inclusive political dialogue must precede elections." While attending the ASEAN meeting, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres also told reporters "it is obvious that the conditions for fair elections are not there" in Myanmar and that "elections might be part of the problem instead of being part of the solution." Neither China's Foreign Ministry nor its embassy in Myanmar responded to requests for comment. The effects of the war have been felt on Myanmar's 1,300-mile-long border with China. It has fueled crime along the border, Chinese officials and analysts say. It has paralyzed major Chinese infrastructure investments along a trade corridor stretching from China's Yunnan province through Myanmar into the Indian Ocean. And it has threatened wider Chinese contingencies to overcome the "Malacca Dilemma" - shorthand for the possibility of a naval blockade cutting off China's access to the Indian Ocean - analysts say. "Many, many projects [are] not running anymore, and this isn't what China wants," said Yaolong Xian, a doctoral researcher in Frankfurt, Germany, who studies China-Myanmar relations. According to data from Janes, a defense intelligence firm in Britain, there were at least 166 attacks affecting Chinese investments in Myanmar from January 2024 to March of this year, including several where rebel groups took control over Chinese projects. In response, China has pledged billions of dollars' worth of aid to Myanmar's junta, and Chinese state-owned companies are increasingly helping to arm the military, according to watchdog groups. Chinese officials have also worked to grant greater legitimacy to Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader who is under sanctions by most of the West and could soon face an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. Chinese leader Xi Jinping met publicly with Min Aung Hlaing twice this year, boosting his political credibility to the highest level it's been since the 2021 coup, analysts say. Though Beijing has long tried to influence the political situation on the border, its recent efforts suggest it's extending its sphere of influence beyond the border, said Derek Mitchell, the U.S. ambassador in Myanmar from 2012 to 2016. "What China wants is to be able to control things, especially in its proximity. The problem," Mitchell said, "is that Myanmar is uncontrollable by anyone." Some of Beijing's efforts have turned out to be miscalculations; others have backfired by fueling anti-Chinese sentiment, said Jason Tower, an independent analyst formerly at the U.S. Institute of Peace. A survey by the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar, a Thailand-based think tank, last year found public distrust of Beijing was rising across factions. Further evidence came when a bomb was set off at the Chinese Consulate in the central city of Mandalay in October of last year. Even rebel groups that have traditionally operated with deference to Chinese power are showing "surprising resilience" against Beijing's demands, Tower said. In October 2023, an alliance of rebel groups launched a coordinated offensive against Myanmar's military, successfully capturing dozens of towns and cities, most near the Chinese border. Analysts initially speculated that China had granted tacit approval for the rebel attack, called Operation 1027, to punish the junta for failing to stamp out scam centers that had victimized Chinese citizens. But as the offensive stretched into weeks, then months, the rebels gained far more territory than expected. In August 2024 - the same month that Chinese foreign minister Wang visited - they took Lashio, a regional capital near the Chinese border and a major node of trade. "Never did Beijing imagine this. Never did they think the military would lose Lashio," said Nan Lwin, head of the China studies program at the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar. "This was a turning point." In the following months, China rapidly backpedaled, rekindling its relationship with the junta and supplying it with material and political support that shifted the dynamics of the conflict, analysts say. After months of primarily taking defensive positions, the military began to launch counteroffensives. On the battlefield, resistance fighters said they began to see more Chinese equipment. The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, a watchdog group led by former U.N. officials, released a report in July presenting evidence that a Chinese state-owned enterprise, China South, has been helping Myanmar's military manufacture aerial bombs. Along the border, Chinese authorities cut off electricity and imposed trade blockades on rebel-held areas, eventually pressuring one group, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, to sign a ceasefire and withdraw troops from Lashio. China's special envoy to Southeast Asia, Deng Xijun, led a monitoring team to oversee the handover of the city, which analysts said was among the most blatant shows of China's encroachment. More recently, the United Wa State Army, a powerful rebel group, said it would no longer provide "weapons, military passage or economic aid" to other organizations fighting the junta because of the threat of "punitive measures" by China. "The current pressure is already unbearable. It's the worst survival crisis in 40 years," the vice chair of the Wa state army, Zhao Guoan, said in a rare public meeting. "We dare not imagine the consequences if China escalates its pressure." In Shan state, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), a group previously seen as within China's orbit, refused for over two years to obey Beijing's demands to stop fighting. Tar Bone Kyaw, general secretary of the TNLA, in August wrote a rallying cry against what he described as "the hegemony of China that only looks after its own interests." Following months of intense military bombardment, however, the TNLA announced last week from the Chinese border province of Yunnan that it would sign a ceasefire. Some rebels, however, have still remained defiant. North of the TNLA, a resistance group called the Kachin Independence Army has continued to fight, using its control over massive rare earth mines as leverage against Chinese pressure. Farther west, a rebel group called the Arakan Army now controls almost all of Rakhine state, including territory surrounding the deep-sea port of Kyaukphyu - a multibillion-dollar Chinese investment that is part of Xi's Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese officials have sometimes spoken about ethnic rebel groups near the Chinese border as proxies, said a European diplomat in Yangon, speaking on the condition of anonymity because she had not been authorized to discuss the situation. "But they have their own aspirations and their own support base, which differs from what the Chinese want," she said. "That has become crystal clear." The junta's next push is to legitimize its rule through polls, which will unfold in phases starting in December. But human rights experts - in the U.N., European Union and elsewhere - say elections organized under the military will not be free or fair. Voting will not be possible in parts of the country not under junta control. "We can't hold the election everywhere 100 percent," Min Aung Hlaing admitted on a state broadcast. Still, a contest will be held - and with the backing of a superpower. Speaking in October in Naypyidaw, the seat of the junta, Chinese envoy Deng repeated Beijing's position that an election is needed. China, he added, is prepared to provide "all the necessary material and assistance." On the Thailand-Myanmar border, rebel fighters and political exiles express frustration but also resignation about China's growing role. "We know at this point, expecting any support, any balancing role from the West is a waste of time," said Khunsai Jaiyen, an adviser to rebel groups in Shan state. "The only one here is China." nd in Yangon contributed to this report. (COMMENT, BELOW) Far-right Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) has been condemned for her Halloween costume, which critics slammed as disgusting. Boebert, according to ABC News, donned a sombrero and a Mexican-style dress to a bash in Loveland, Colorado. Her reported realtor boyfriend, Kyle Pearcy, went dressed as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. It came amid increasing anger over President Donald Trumps controversial crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Politics: Kid Rock Uses Slur To Describe His Halloween Costume In Cringe Fox News Moment It is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen, one person at the party said of Boeberts costume to ABC News, which published images of the couple on Monday. Even the conservatives [at the party] were in shock. People avoided them, the person added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other photos shared online showed Boebert holding a sign that read: Mexican Word of the Day: Juicy. Tell me if Juicy ICE coming. Far-right Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) has been condemned for her Halloween costume, which critics slammed as disgusting. Tom Williams via Getty Images Stacy Suniga, the president of the Latino Coalition of Weld County, told the Boulder Daily Camera that Boebert should be ashamed of herself. Though I believe she is incapable of any emotion that generates human decency, Suniga added. Her bigotry and ignorance are clearly evident in her chosen apparel this day. Politics: Ex-White House Ethics Lawyer Thinks This 'Besetting Sin' May Ultimately Trigger Trumps Downfall A spokesperson for Boebert, however, struck a defiant tone, telling ABC News: Its a Halloween costume. Tell our Senators to vote for the CR and open the government. They are choosing to let millions of American families suffer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Boebert faced criticism for her Christmas card, which showed her family posing with firearms. The following year, she was ejected from the audience of a touring production of Beetlejuice in Denver. She was caught on camera allegedly groping her date and vaping. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Lawmakers in both parties are hopeful Tuesdays elections will be the jolt needed for either Democrats or Republicans to shift their shutdown strategy. The elections arrive as the pain of the shutdown intensifies across the country, but lawmakers in both parties acknowledge no deal can be finalized until the contests are no longer hanging over their heads. Some Democrats say a wide margin of victory could push Republicans to negotiate on their health care demands. Republicans, meanwhile, are largely blaming Democrats for looking to the elections as an inflection point, while also hoping a closer-than-expected results could convince Democrats that voters arent behind them and push them to vote yes on a stopgap spending bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothings going to happen until after Tuesday. Everybodys waiting. Thatll be the catalyst of like, OK, whats the next thing? And itll put people in a different place, said a Democratic strategist who spoke anonymously to discuss a sensitive topic. Both parties are eyeing gubernatorial elections in Virginia home to 140,000 federal employees and New Jersey, as well as the New York City mayoral election and a redistricting measure on the ballot in California. The overall results will shed light onto the mood of the electorate and provide some early insight into how the 2026 midterm elections will play out. In Virginia, Democratic former Rep. Abigail Spanberger is facing off against Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for governor. Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill is going against Trump-backed Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey gubernatorial race. And democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is running against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the New York City mayoral election. Early polling indicates that Democrats are favored to win all three races. The California measure backed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom that, if approved, would allow for the adoption of new congressional district maps also appears to be set to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Democratic lawmakers in Congress said a victory by a wider-than-expected margin could create more pressure among Republicans to cave to their demands by introducing President Trump into the shutdown mix. I think if theres a data point where they do really badly on Tuesdays elections, that may be another thing that makes them put pressure on Mike Johnson, Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) said. Again, Donald Trumps probably the only one who can end this shutdown by, you know, giving Speaker Johnson a call and saying, Hey, go negotiate. And we know Donald Trump cares about the midterm elections. If they do really bad tomorrow, that might be the push that he needs. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.) said that if the California measure passes, she hopes Republicans will read the room a little better and come back to town and take Democrats up on our invitation to have a real and substantive negotiation. Central to the shutdown fight have been Democratic demands to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Republicans have said they want to reopen the government first before discussing the subsidies, while Democrats have said they want negotiations on the subsidies to take place first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican leaders also said they hoped Tuesday would serve as an impetus for a deal, even as they dismissed its importance. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he hoped it would mark a change in Democrats shutdown strategy. Maybe after tomorrow, theyll come to their common senses again and do the right thing. We certainly pray that is true, Johnson said at the Monday press conference. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters he is optimistic there could be a deal to reopen the government by the end of the week. The GOP leader pointed to Tuesdays elections as a key hurdle to move past, but believes that a deal is possible afterward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seems like that matters, Thune said. I dont know why it should. The Senate has failed 13 times to advance a short-term spending measure that passed the House last month and would fund the government at current levels through Nov. 21. Lawmakers have discussed extending the stopgap bill to reopen the government past Nov. 21, as the deadline on the current spending measure approaches. Thune is considering a spending bill that would fund the government into January or later. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) told The Hill he thinks the current Republican spending measure is dead, but hopes Democrats will agree to reopen the government soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a very bad situation, so whatever it takes. If its an election thats the trigger fine. I dont care, but I want them to come to the table and agree to reopen the government, Hawley said. Mike Lillis and Al Weaver contributed. 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 The Hill. Lawmakers have passed a bill to strengthen Illinois ability to make its own vaccine guidelines legislation that follows months of tumult over vaccines at the federal level. The bill expands the authority of the Immunization Advisory Committee, which is a group of doctors and other experts and leaders that makes vaccine recommendations to the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. The bill also requires that insurance companies in Illinois cover vaccines recommended by the director of the state health department. This really is a reaction from the state of Illinois, given the politicization of public health policy at the federal level, said chief bill sponsor Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Highwood. Were building out an infrastructure so Illinois can provide access to vaccines in the event of federal inaction or obstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Gov. JB Pritzkers office did not respond to requests for comment about whether the governor plans to sign the bill. In essence, the bill would put into law a process similar to the one Illinois used in recent months to issue its own vaccine recommendations. In a break with the federal government, Illinois recommended in late September that all adults and many children get COVID-19 shots this respiratory illness season. In contrast, a federal immunization advisory committee decided to no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccines and instead leave it up to individuals whether to get the shots. The dueling recommendations represented a shift from previous years when Illinois and other states were aligned with the federal vaccine guidelines. This year, however, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired and replaced all members of the federal vaccine advisory committee before they voted on recommendations. He also announced changes to vaccine recommendations even before the committee vote, including that the CDC would no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and healthy pregnant women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement Monday that the department is committed to ensuring that all Americans have access to safe, effective vaccines supported by transparent, independent scientific review. Efforts like this are driven more by politics than by science, Hilliard said of the bill. The same Democrat-led states that imposed unscientific school closures, toddler mask mandates, and vaccine passports during the COVID era are now claiming to restore trust in public health. The Trump Administration and Secretary Kennedy are focused on rebuilding that trust by grounding every policy in rigorous evidence and Gold Standard Science, not the failed politics of the pandemic. The Illinois bill would also allow the states Immunization Advisory Committee to vote to override recommendations from the director of the states Department of Public Health if committee members feel that the director didnt adequately consider their recommendations before issuing state guidelines. What happened in Washington could happen in Illinois in the future, Morgan said. Illinois is going to trust our doctors and our health care professionals. This commission should live on beyond any change in administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill passed the Senate 40-18 on Thursday and passed the House days earlier by a 74-38 vote. Morgan said bill also included cleanup language related to legislation signed into law earlier this year regulating pharmacy benefit managers, which are companies that act as intermediaries among drugmakers, insurance corporations and pharmacies. Americas Health Insurance Plans, an insurance industry group that opposed the bill, said its against any attempt to regulate self-funded plans (which are a type of health insurance typically offered by large employers that are regulated by the federal government), beyond the limits established under federal law. The group said its concerned that some provisions of the bill would be preempted by federal law and create issues with affordability of coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to vaccines, the insurance group said in September that its member health plans would continue to cover all the vaccines that they covered as of Sept. 1 through the end of 2026, at no cost to patients, regardless of the federal advisory committees vote. The group said, the evidence-based approach to coverage of immunizations will remain consistent. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce also opposed the bill but did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. _____ Nov. 3The Lawrence County Grand Jury returned 14 indictments, most of them were drug charges. Other people indicted and their charges include: Marcus R. Bowen, 54, Ashland, Kentucky, second-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs and second-degree felony aggravated trafficking in drugs. Uriah K. Brown, 27, Raceland, Kentucky, second-degree felony assault and first-degree misdemeanor aggravated menacing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keshawn J. Curry, 24, Proctorville, third-degree felony trafficking in marijuana. Bruce Williams Ellis, 34, St. James, Missouri, two counts of third-degree felony attempted burglary and second degree misdemeanor resisting arrest. David Frazier, 44, Flatwoods, Kentucky, third-degree felony failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer and fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs. Dylan M. Hanshaw, 22, Ironton, third-degree felony endangering children. Charles Robert Howard, 50, Proctorville, third-degree felony grand theft. Derek B. Martin, 44, Huntington, West Virginia, third-degree felony failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer and second-degree misdemeanor resisting arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deborah Mershon, 51, Greenup, Kentucky, fifth-degree felony theft. Jalil Shelton, 47, Huntington, West Virginia, fifth-degree felony forgery and first-degree misdemeanor theft. Vison E. Stepp, 51, Proctorville, fifth-degree felony obstructing official business and first-degree misdemeanor domestic violence. Jason E. Reed, 45, Kitts Hill, third-degree felony tampering with evidence, third-degree felony aggravated trafficking in drugs, fourth-degree felony aggravated trafficking in drugs and third-degree felony possession of drugs Aaron Runyon, 45, Huntington, West Virginia, fifth-degree felony possession of drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heather Marie Webb, 41, Huntington, West Virginia, fifth-degree felony possession of cocaine. You Might Like Coal Grove Football team, band, cheer honored at DBE Education South Point holds Halloween parade (WITH GALLERY) Editorials EDITORIAL: All good things come to an end... News South Point to get three new council members All eight episodes of Season 2 of "Murder on Music Row," The Tennesseans award-winning podcast, are available to subscribers at Tennessean.com. The currently released episodes are available on platforms including Apple, iHeart and Spotify. This is Part 5 of 8 of the accompanying article series. He dreamed about drumming in a country band. The problem for Jason Pence, a stocky kid from Nebraska, was that he was a lousy drummer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His dream, however delusional, brought him to Nashville. In a Facebook direct message to The Tennessean, Pence wrote he tried to get gigs around town but no one would let me. A few messages later he wrote: Im not good enough. Pence got a job working on the Belle Carol Riverboat and then at Market Street Brewery. He also worked at bluegrass concert venues and for the Tennessee State Fair. He lived in a trailer for a while. Then he found himself on the streets. Pence heard there was a nice man in town who would help homeless people. So he showed up one day in 1996 at Skull's Rainbow Room and asked David "Skull" Schulman for a job. Skull paid the young man about $30 to clean up the bathroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pence went back to the Rainbow Room in 1997, and did it again. Cleaning the bathrooms got him enough cash to eat for a couple of days. Pence had worked for the Tennessee State Fair and on a riverboat. He had enough income for a short time to live in a trailer. But when the jobs dried up, he couldn't keep a roof over his head. By 1998, he was homeless again. After the "America's Most Wanted" episode appeared, a woman called the Metro Police and told Detective Al Gray that she was suspicious of Jason Pence. The caller's name was Beverly Sumner. She was a bartender at Legend's Corner. She said Pence had changed his appearance (he cut his hair) shortly after the Skull murder. Pedestrians make their way past Legends Corner Wednesday, December 30, 2020. And he was hanging around with a guy who walked with a limp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasn't much to go on, but Gray tracked down Pence. Gray didn't hesitate. He asked Pence if he knew anything about what happened at Skull's Rainbow Room on Jan. 21, 1998. Pence said no. Pence said there was this guy he knew from Oregon who might know something. The guy had been walking with a limp after the Skull attack, but he wasnt sure if that guy had anything to do with it. Gray followed up on Pences comments and found a 17-year-old, who had signed up at the Nashville Rescue Mission with an Oregon address. His name was James Caveye. "I talked to him on the phone in front of my parents, answered his questions," Caveye told The Tennessean. "Never heard from the dude again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So that seemed like a dead end. A potential clue from an Angel A man walked into Nashvilles Criminal Justice Center carrying a piece of evidence wrapped in a napkin. His name was Richard Adcock, and it was 20 days after the Skull attack. Inside the napkin was a military style dog tag. Imprinted in the silver metal tag was the name Angel Schulman, with the phone number of Skull's Rainbow Room. Angel Schulman was Skulls last French poodle. No fingerprints were found on the dog tag. Adcock said he had found the tag, lying on the ground, outside the building where he worked Southern Plumbing at 609 Lafayette St. It was across a parking lot from the Nashville Rescue Mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like many of the other potential clues in this case, it didnt appear to lead anywhere. A new tip to a new detective It was almost two years after Skull was attacked, and Gray was chasing shadows. Then, in September of 1999, a tip came in. It didn't come to Gray. The tip came to a detective named Elie Bernard, who everyone called "E.J." The tip would break open the Skull murder case. Bernard was a legendary Nashville cop with a reputation for solving cases and pushing the edges of acceptable police procedure. Bernard cracked the 1988 case of man a Nashville man named Joseph Edward Thompson who seemed to have shot himself in the face in his garage. The medical examiner ruled the death a suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But seven years later, Bernard found a witness who had seen another man, Cecil Nickens, leaving the garage with blood on his clothes. Bernard said he had other witnesses who had seen Nickens and Thompson fighting. Nickens was arrested, but he died before the trial. In July of 2003, five years after the Skull murder, Bernard investigated the death of Deanie Kelly, and disparaged Kelly's grieving son, who was later cleared. Kelly was found in her bed with a gunshot wound to the head. Her body was badly decomposed, so she had been dead for several weeks. The medical examiner did not make a determination if the case was a suicide or a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernard was convinced, however, that something more nefarious had happened. The clue Bernard held onto had to do with Deanie Kellys dog. When Bernard investigated the case, he found the dog to be healthy inside the house with the dead body. So who fed the dog? Bernard focused on Deanie Kellys son, who said Bernard questioned him loudly in public. He turned my whole family against me, the young man told The Tennessean at the time. Not only did I lose my mother, but I lost my family. Bernard was eventually removed from the case, and the son was eliminated as a suspect. An internal investigation by Nashvilles Office of Professional Accountability agreed with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernard retired in 2004 in disgrace while being investigated for discrimination, intimidating witnesses and falsifying reports. He died in 2006. On Sept. 13, 1999, Bernard got a call from Jule Tabor. He was not only a part-time custodian at Legend's Corner, a bar on 5th and Broadway in downtown Nashville, but also a street legend. Tabor would occasionally sing at open mic nights. But he was more known as a muse, an inspiration for famous country stars like Tom T. Hall, who wrote "Harper Valley PTA," "That's How I Got to Memphis," and "(Old Dogs, Children and) Watermelon Wine." Tabor told Bernard that he had encountered two people the morning after David "Skull" Schulman was attacked. They had come in Legend's Corner. One was a stocky guy from Nebraska, and the other was James Caveye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caveye had blood on his face and shirt, Tabor said. And he used the Legend's Corner bathroom to wash up. Suddenly, there was action in the investigation. And, equally as suddenly, Al Gray was gone. Detective gets taken off the case Gray failed a cocaine test. On Nov. 4, 1999, one month after E.J. Bernard got the tip, Gray was bounced from the case. Bernard took over as lead detective. Al Gray was fired from the Metro Nashville Police Department. Fifteen days after Bernard took over, Burger King manager Don Link came forward with a new story. Moments after the Skull attack, Link had called police to report "Crazy Leon" with a knife threatening his patrons. Later, Link said there was no knife, and Leon Booker was eliminated as a suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Link was telling Bernard he saw two teenagers in the parking garage across from Skull's Rainbow Room in the minutes before the attack. One was stocky, the other was tall. Link picked Pence and Caveye out of a photo lineup. The investigation now had a focus. A new suspect emerges James Caveye II was born March 4, 1980 in Ohio. His parents moved to Oregon when he was three. He was raised in and around Oregon's Chiloquin Indian Reservation. Less than 40 percent of the population in that area is white like Caveye, and 55 percent is Native American. His mothers name is Velma. James was named after his father. Caveye's sister, Shawnese Rowley, said he was abused by his parents and bullied by kids in the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My parents weren't nice to my brother. So he had a really rough childhood," Rowley said. "When we would get disciplined, James was disciplined a lot harsher than I was. I think part of it was because he did instigate a little bit more. I knew when to shut up and be quiet and so. I didn't get in as much trouble as him, but I mean, he would get spanked. "But it wasn't just a spank. It was to the extreme. And when we got grounded, you know, he would get grounded to the extreme. And he had a really rough childhood, being one of the only white families in Chiloquin. None of the kids liked him. I mean, none of the older kids. He had kids his age that he liked that got along with him. But the older boys, the older Indian boys in town picked on him a lot. And were really mean to him. I pretty much had to protect him." Rowley remembered incidents involving James and his father. "He (the father) had a really bad anger problem and he took it out on my brother a lot," Rowley said. "He did things like kick him in the ribs with his cowboy boots and throw him across the room and against walls and stuff when he was really, really little." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With his parents' permission, Caveye joined the Army at 17 in 1997. He was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, then Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. It was there, in Alabama, he decided he no longer wanted to be in the Army. Being in the Army "brought out in me this uncontrollable rejection of authority and this rebellion against anything or anyone trying to force the will on me." He was discharged from the Army for being unable to conform to a military lifestyle. His plan upon discharged was to visit his aunt in Ohio. He stayed there through New Year's Day of 1998. Next, Caveye planned to hitchhike to Florida to see his childhood friend graduate from the Naval Academy. He decide to make a stop along the way. In Nashville. Caveye lived on the streets of Nashville James Caveye said he arrived in Music City on either Jan. 6 or 7 of 1998. He said he left for Florida on Jan. 24 or 25. He isn't exactly sure of the dates. Caveye said nothing happened in Nashville that was noteworthy. He said he chased a couple of women, slept in a couple of abandoned buildings, hung out with a couple of guys. That was it. "I don't remember every person that I met," Caveye said. "I don't remember every place I went. I barely remember what I ate for breakfast last week." He does, however, remember meeting a guy named Jason Pence. He said he noticed Pence because he heard him talking, and Pence had an accent that sounded like Caveye's father. Pence and the elder Caveye were from Nebraska. When detective E.J. Bernard took over the Skull murder case, he needed to track down both Caveye and Pence. He found Pence first. Pence was in Nebraska. In a mental hospital. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Skull murder investigation takes a turn as lead detective gets busted Two community advocates have been selected to lead the annual fundraising campaign for Centro Hispano in Reading. Mike Toledo, president and CEO of the nonprofit organization, announced Monday that Victor and Dena Hammel will serve as chairs for the 2025 annual appeal. We are grateful to Vic and Dena for continuing their support of our work through this leadership role, he said. Their commitment to the city of Reading and our greater Berks community is laudable and we thank them for including us in their advocacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center is an organization dedicated to supporting the Latino population in Berks County through collaborative initiatives designed to enable individuals and families to improve their lives and their communities. Victor Hammel is a retired CEO of Ehrlich Pest Control. He has formerly served as president of the Jewish Federation of Reading, chairman of the Reading Hospital Board of Trustees and president of the Greater Berks Food Bank. Dena Hammel, a retired social worker, has served as a board member for the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. The Wyomissing couple have previously led a similar campaign, raising funds for Penn State Berks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are so impressed with all that Centro Hispano does for the Berks County Latino community, the couple said. It enhances the lives of senior citizens, assures nutrition for people in need, provides vocational training and so much more. Were honored to be working with the people and staff of Centro Hispano and support their invaluable work. The centers annual appeal campaign will run from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. Details about how to donate, and more information about the programs and services the nonprofit provides can be found at centrohispano.org. A leading member of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has been arrested in the northern German city of Hamburg at the request of the local investigating authorities. According to prosecutors, the man in question is a 54-year-old Turk who is said to have led the organization's activities in various parts of Germany for several years. He is accused of membership of a terrorist organization abroad. The PKK took up the armed struggle for a Kurdish state or autonomous region in south-eastern Turkey in the 1980s, but later abandoned its demand for an independent state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been banned from operating in Germany since 1993 and is listed as a terrorist organization in the EU, Turkey and the United States. The 54-year-old was arrested on the basis of an arrest warrant issued by the Dresden Higher Regional Court. His flat in Cologne was searched. According to the Dresden Public Prosecutor General's Office, the man was allegedly responsible for PKK activities in Dresden, Leipzig, Chemnitz, Magdeburg and Halle from the beginning of 2015 until July 2018. "The tasks of the accused included the supervision and management of the PKK room managers subordinate to him as well as the organisation of propaganda events and meetings. He also organized annual fundraising campaigns for the PKK," it said on Tuesday. The properties of two other suspects were searched in the eastern town of Bautzen. The men, aged 46 and 53, also have Turkish citizenship. They are also suspected of having been members of the PKK or having supported it. CNNs Scott Jennings exploded on progressive activist David Hogg on Monday evenings edition of CNN NewsNight, blaming Hogg and his wing of the Democratic Party for the ongoing government shutdown. After panelist Penny Vance submitted that you cant mix apples and oranges, while urging Congress to treat the Affordable Care Act and federal budget as separate issues and open the government, Hogg objected. Youre saying we cant mix apples and oranges, and thats exactly what theyre doing. The entire reason the government is not open right now is because Democrats refuse to be complicit in having millions of Americans, including 100,000 in Kentucky, your home state if Im remembering correctly, Scott, that rely on ACA, that would see their premiums rise several dozen percent, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a brief back-and-forth that saw Hogg mock the GOP for failing to repeal and replace Obamacare, Jennings weighed in: David, you would admit that the ACA was a Democrat legislation, yes? and you would admit that the subsidies that were talking about now were passed by Democrats, yes? And you would that the sunset provision in the subsidies, which comes up at the end of the year, was in place because of Democrats, yes? Now you want to make it a Republican problem. These are not the same issues. You could open the government today, and then you could negotiate with Republicans about ACA subsidies. And by the way, my suspicion is, and you know this, there are probably, and I know there are some House Republicans that would love to negotiate on it. But under duress, under a hostage-taking situation, connecting disconnected issues, and now youre throwing SNAP onto it. Youre throwing all the federal workers who arent being paid onto it, all because of this fight that you wandered into because of your wing of the Democratic Party! You all led to this SNAP crisis! You all lead to this crisis of the government being closed, and you dont know how to get out of it! Watch above via CNN. The post You All Led to This Crisis! Scott Jennings Explodes on David Hogg Over Government Shutdown first appeared on Mediaite. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) Singapores plan to preserve founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yews home as a national monument was condemned by his youngest son Tuesday, fueling a bitter, yearslong family dispute over the legacy of the city-states founding leader. The government announced on Monday that it intends to preserve Lees residence at 38 Oxley Road after a heritage advisory body found the site to be of national significance, with great historic merit, and worthy of preservation. The site bore witness to discussions and pivotal decisions that shaped the course of Singapores history to become an independent nation, acting Culture Minister David Neo said in a statement. This will preserve a key part of our independence journey for future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee Hsien Yang has been embroiled in a bitter public spat over the fate of the house with his older brother, former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, since their father died in 2015. The younger Lee on Tuesday accused the ruling Peoples Action Party of disrespecting its founder's legacy and values. Singapores first leader, who built the former colonial backwater into one of the worlds richest nations during 31 years in office, was opposed to creating monuments in his honor, the son wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday. The PAP government has chosen to trample on Lee Kuan Yews unwavering wish to demolish his private house. He regarded his whole house as private and wanted it demolished in its entirety, he said. In his later years Lee repeatedly insisted that his house should not be preserved as a monument, and in his final will called for it to be demolished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Built in 1898, the eight-bedroom, two-story house is located in a prime area in the city center. Lee Hsien Yang, who owns the property, applied for the house to be demolished after his sister Lee Wei Ling, who was living in it, died last year. Lee Hsien Yang and Lee Wei Ling have accused their eldest brother, who was Singapores leader for 20 years until his retirement last year, of abusing his power to block the demolition of the house. Lee Hsien Loong has said the final decision would be made by the government, though he personally wishes to honor his fathers wish for demolition. The government said Monday it had given the property owner a written notice of its intention to issue a preservation order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said it intended to acquire the property and convert it into a public space, possibly a heritage park. But it also stressed it would respect Lee Kuan Yews wishes by removing traces of his and his familys private living spaces. Lee Hsien Yang last year said that he and his wife are now political refugees after the U.K. government granted them asylum from what he described as persecution at home. The couple are entangled in official investigations over allegations that they provided false evidence in judicial proceedings over Lee Kuan Yews will. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. Zohran Mamdani's lead heading into the New York mayoral election has withstood a furious push from Republicans, establishment Democrats and a coalition of Wall Street dealmakers, leaving Democrats to face a familiar question should he win today. If Mamdani can make it there, can he - or a candidate like him - make it anywhere? Aspects of Mamdani's campaign that some thought would doom his candidacy - his vociferous criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, his past calls to defund the police and his refusal to flee from the political label of socialist - haven't turned off a plurality of New York voters, despite a torrent of campaign spending from some of the city's wealthiest residents. Instead, the 34-year-old assemblyman's campaign - with its focus on core economic concerns combined with an online charm offensive and occasional searing barb at his critics - is working well enough that some political observers see a model for future Democratic candidates and races. "His campaign is not really about him," but hammers on the theme of lowering the cost of living for average New Yorkers, said Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of the nonprofit Run for Something, which recruits new progressive Democratic candidates. "He really clearly answers the question why voters should want him to win." Yet Mamdani's ideas for how to lower the economic burden on working-class and middle-class families - including through tax hikes on the wealthy and rent freezes - have generated a current of fear among other Democratic politicians and operatives. They argue that what voters might find appealing in New York won't carry Democrats to victories in the congressional midterms next year or the presidential election in 2028. "Over-reading a Mamdani election, assuming he wins, could be fatal for Democrats if they think the future of winning 270 electoral votes or 51 senators runs through Brooklyn," said Kenneth Baer, the CEO and founder of Crosscut Strategies and a longtime Democratic political adviser. Polls have consistently shown Mamdani with a solid lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a three-way matchup, which includes Republican Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the anti-crime group the Guardian Angels. A Marist poll released last week showed Mamdani taking 48% of the vote to Cuomo's 32%. Sliwa was third at 16%. A Quinnipiac University survey the same week showed a 10-point lead for Mamdani, as well as a generational divide: voters under age 50 support Mamdani by wide margins, while those 50 and older support Cuomo, albeit by smaller margins. Nationally, today's results could provide a muddled message for Democrats. While Mamdani's progressive campaign has given him a lead in New York, the candidates leading the polls in governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia - Representative Mikie Sherrill and former Representative Abigail Spanberger, respectively - come from the more centrist range of the Democratic spectrum. One thing Mamdani's critics and supporters agree on is that the assemblyman benefited from a beleaguered opposition: first in formerly-indicted Mayor Eric Adams, a once-rising Democratic star who has been plagued by scandals and dropped out of the race in September; and, second, in Cuomo, who left office in 2021 after several women accused him of sexual harassment. Cuomo denies the allegations. "To draw the card of running against the two most disgraced figures of New York Democratic politics of the last 40 years" has only helped Mamdani, Baer said. Some observers thought Mamdani's repeated criticism of Israel would be a fatal weakness early in his campaign, given New York's large Jewish population and his refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada." But he later moderated some of that language, saying he would discourage use of the controversial phrase. He also campaigned with Jewish residents and visited a synagogue during the High Holy Days. Still, a Quinnipiac poll showed Cuomo winning the majority of registered Jewish New Yorkers, with Mamdani getting just 16%. Mamdani's candidacy has so far overcome opposition from a broad collection of New York's most influential and wealthiest residents. That includes billionaires Ronald Lauder and Bill Ackman, who supported political action committees opposing Mamdani. Ackman's spending and lengthy missives against Mamdani on social media prompted a retort from the candidate. "He's spending more money against me than I would even tax him," Mamdani joked last month in an appearance on The Breakfast Club, an iHeartRadio show. Former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg News parent Bloomberg LP, endorsed Cuomo and has contributed to a PAC supporting his candidacy. Many moderate Democrats are still treading carefully. New York Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani while publicly maintaining her disagreements with him on some policy goals - especially an increase in the income tax that would have to run through the state capital in Albany. Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, waited to endorse him until Oct. 24, the day before early voting began in New York. Jeffries, a Brooklyn native, said he had "principled disagreements" with Mamdani but believed the stakes for New York in the election are "existential." But in an illustration of how Mamdani's candidacy still divides Democrats, New York Senator Chuck Schumer - the most senior Jewish politician in the US - hasn't been won over. One national Democrat who embraced Mamdani quickly was Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, another political lightening rod who doesn't eschew the "socialist" label. The two took part in an October campaign rally in Queens that included Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. That leaves the most prominent Democrat who hasn't publicly endorsed Mamdani: former President Barack Obama. Obama called the assemblyman after his primary victory in June and again on Nov. 1, offering to be a sounding board for Mamdani if he's victorious, the New York Times reported. The one certainty for Mamdani, if he wins, is that he'll draw fire from the New Yorker in the White House: President Donald Trump. Trump has called Mamdani a "Communist" and White House aides have warned against the dangers of his election. Cuomo has amplified those attacks, suggesting New York - which already faces billions in infrastructure cuts and freezes under Trump - would be under even greater threat if Mamdani wins. "Mamdani can kill New York City," Cuomo said in an interview on SiriusXM last month, citing federal control over issues such as health care and housing. Mamdani warned New Yorkers to brace for the possible deployment of National Guard troops by Trump. But he also told Bloomberg News in September that he'd be willing to "work with the president and the administration on anything that would benefit New Yorkers." So far his opponents' warnings don't appear to be breaking through. One Democratic strategist said the party should be focusing on which components of Mamdani's campaign are boosting him. "The cable news crowd is missing the point," said Yusef Robb, who has worked for three mayors of Los Angeles. "It's not about whether Democrats in municipal races should approach foreign affairs and cultural issues like Mr. Mamdani. It's whether they should be as clear, consistent and compassionate as he is when it comes to housing costs, grocery costs and commuting costs - and the answer is yes." (COMMENT, BELOW) SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Around 20 members of the Leeds community attended Monday nights Sioux City City Council meeting and spoke about a rezoning issue on the agenda. In 2024, Knife River proposed buying the land. However, council members voted down that rezoning request. Now, the lands owner, Dolf Ivener, is again asking that the land be rezoned from General Commercial to General Industrial. On Monday, the council voted 3-2 in favor of rezoning the first of the three required readings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three community members spoke against the rezoning change, saying that the area isnt suited for industrial growth, calling the rezoning a danger to students and families alike. Story continues below I understand the need to grow in Sioux City, said Principal at Leeds Elementary School Ron Koch. Progress should not Progress should enhance communities, not endanger them. There are other areas in our city that would be far better suited than industrial development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont even remember what I said I was going to do to that property, said Ivener. The neighbor will have their green space. But, I cant make a conversation unless its already zoned. One of the two council members opposing the zoning change is Mayor Bob Scott. He thinks the land should be used for other purposes. I just dont think that should be industrial, Mayor Scott said. Because industrial means a lot of different things. I am going to still be here when that plan comes back. Im going to make it as acceptable to Leeds as it can be under the circumstances. The issue will again go before council members at their next regular meeting. That meeting is scheduled for November 10 at 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. New York City residents go to the polls on Tuesday to elect a new mayor, with left-leaning Democrat Zohran Mamdani, who has pledged to raise taxes on the wealthy and offer free buses and childcare, considered the favourite. The 34-year-old New York State assemblyman faces former Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo, 67, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, 71. Cuomo, who lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, has been arguing that his younger rival lacks public office experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls open at 6 am (1100 GMT) and close at 9 pm. The city's Board of Elections reported early voting of 735,317 ballots, which local media called record-setting. According to the New York Times daily, the early ballots were boosted by a surge in younger voters, where pollsters say Mamdani - who moved to the East Coast metropolis from Uganda with his family aged seven - has an advantage. A victory would make him the first Muslim mayor of New York City - a metropolis of more than 8 million residents - and one of the most prominent elected opponents of US President Donald Trump. The election campaign gained international attention, in part because Mamdani has rallied for Palestinian causes in a city that has more than 1 million Jews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, he has the backing of many traditionally liberal New York Jews, although others have branded him an anti-Semite - a charge Mamdani soundly rejects. Current New York mayor Eric Adams, an ex-Democrat who has been in office since 2022, withdrew his bid for another term following a corruption scandal and other issues. Those of you who are writing The Astorian to blame the Republicans for this recent shutdown are badly misinformed. Republicans control the House, but in the Senate a party must have 60 votes to pass legislation. This is a rule that has been self-imposed for several years, and encourages bipartisan participation when bills are being considered. It is not a Constitutional requirement. So, the Republicans do not control much in the Senate because they only have 53 Senate seats, when they need 60 to control. After 13 votes to open the government, the Democrats have voted it down 13 times. There need to be just five more Democrats to vote for this Continuation Resolution and reopen the government. Some Oregon residents (18.1%) get some sort of food assistance, which will end Nov. 1. Yet the Democrats are not willing to pass this bill. I suggest you letter writers cease confusing the public via letters to the editor, and call your two Democratic senators and insist they vote to reopen government. RICHARD PILAND (former Astoria resident) Niwot, Colorado PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Off-year elections generally have a low voter turnout. This years elections in the Portland and Vancouver areas are no exception as voters weigh in on levies. In Portland, about 20% of voters have weighed in on the parks levy. A new 5-year levy is on the ballot to maintain Portland parks and pay for needed repairs. Its $1.40 per $1000 of assessed value, which is a 75% increase over the current levy. Oregon SoS pushes for federal commissioners exit after election claims about illegal citizens Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the proposal say the parks will deteriorate without the money. Opponents say Portlanders are already paying too much in taxes and fees and a recent audit shows the Parks Bureau doesnt have a long-term financial plan. Meanwhile, voters in Clark County are deciding city council positions in several cities, including Vancouver. Mayor Anne McEnerny is seeking re-election against independent Justin Forsman. But the big item in Vancouver, Proposition 5, is also a levy for Vancouver public safety. Proponents say Vancouver is growing rapidly but police staffing is not keeping up the pace. The measure would add 13 Vancouver police officers along with equipment and vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prop 5 would increase the property tax to a maximum of $2.47 per $1000. That means the owner of a $500,000 home would pay an extra $75 dollars a year. Were seeing somewhere between 3000 and 3500 new folks moving to Vancouver every year, Police Chief Troy Price said. So theres naturally going to be an increase in the need for more officers. So this gives the community an opportunity to find some more folks here. And in Washington County, another public safety measure would also fund police services. Measure 34-346 would assess 66-cents per $1000 of assessed value, a 3% increase in property taxes in Washington County. Former ClackCo commissioner accused of theft may have used fake ID to flee US, affidavit says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also a replacement library levy on the ballot in Washington County. Lake Oswego and Wilsonville have school levies on the ballot, which are also on some Clackamas County ballots. First results will be released at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Stay with KOIN 6 News, Your Local Election Headquarters. 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 KOIN.com. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Anyone who might need some extra help covering their utility bills during these upcoming winter months can apply for federal assistance beginning on Saturday, November 1. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP, is designed to help pay a portion of heating costs for qualifying households. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applications are open to everyone through April 30. Funding for the program is on hold due to the federal government shutdown, so delays are expected, but you can still qualify for a moratorium to ensure your power stays on. LIHEAP delays expected due to federal government shutdown Anyone who wants to apply can click here. If you are in the area that the Community Action Agency of Siouxland serves, you can call them at 712-274-1610 for more information or to schedule an appointment either over the phone or in person. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. LIMA Service clubs are a familiar sight in the Lima area with various projects and events sponsored or organized by organizations such as the Rotary Club, the Noon Optimist Club, the Sertoma Club, the Exchange Club or the Kiwanis Club. On Monday, the Lima Rotary Club held a panel discussion with the presidents of those other four clubs in Lima, discussing issues surrounding member attraction and retention, fundraising efforts and areas of potential collaboration between clubs. Lima Noon Optimist Club President Carol Fischbach, Lima Kiwanis Club President Willie Heggins, Lima Exchange Club President Stephanie Moos and Lima Noon Sertoma Club President Stephen Welly joined Lima Rotary Club President Russ Decker during the meeting Monday at Veterans Memorial Civic Center, each discussing their clubs respective focus areas, aspirations and challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We talked about this at a board meeting probably about a year ago, and we thought it would be neat to hear what all the other service clubs are doing, the things we have in common and some challenges that we have in common, Decker said. None of us can remember this ever happening before, so its kind of neat that were doing this. Many of the clubs missions focused on youth, including outreach efforts such as Safety City and Toys for Tots for the Optimist Club, efforts to combat child abuse with the Exchange Club and school-age service leadership programs with the Kiwanis Club. That common cause could provide the opportunity for joint community outreach and support efforts, Fischbach said. Were all here for the kids, she said. Im part of another club with Sertoma. There are several other people out here that Ive noticed are part of more than one club. We can help with other clubs to be a part of (outreach), which I think will make things go so much farther and get the word out more. Heggens added, If we create a generation of young leaders that are improved in their ability to communicate, improving with their ability to have organization and growth mindset skills and, more definitively, if were teaching them the whole idea of having empathy and compassion, not only for themselves, but for others, every economic dollar raised and every hour of volunteerism helps us cultivate the next generation of Lima civic and business leaders, Heggins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attracting new and engaged service club members can be challenging, the panel members said, adding that less than half of a clubs members regularly attend meetings. The club presidents agreed that engagement and connection are key elements to bringing in new members. We get folks involved as quickly as we can, Moos said. We try to find what makes them tick. Ill use myself as an example. I mentioned that we do a Law Officer of the Year. My husbands in law enforcement, so thats near and dear to my heart. Welly added, I think we have to meet people where theyre at. There are younger people who are very busy and cant make it to meetings all the time, but when they can come, thats great, and engaging those people and finding what makes them tick is a great point. LIMA A Lima man was sentenced to an indefinite term of 6 years minimum with a maximum of 9 years on Monday for attacking a man in December 2024. Liuber Gonzalez, 47, of Lima, had his case go to trial in September but ended up taking a plea deal before opening statements. He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and had the second charge of felonious assault dismissed. I think that based on the trial and the photos of the victim, he suffered physical, psychological and financial harm as a result of this attack. He is now afraid to walk outside for fear of being attacked. If you look at Mr Gonzalezs record, he is very likely to reoffend, and this is about keeping the community safe, said assistant prosecutor Joshua Carp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand what my record looks like, and I want to make it clear that I never called myself a superhero, Gonzalez said. (A woman) called me a superhero because I was trying to help her get out of an abusive relationship. I ask that you give me community control or probation so I can prove I am a good person. Gonzalez also said he respected the decision Judge Jeffrey Reed made, but he didnt agree with getting six years because most of his record is 24 years old. He believed that he was just trying to be a good person. According to court documents, Tia Spencer said Gonzalez was mad at her because she was dating someone else. He allegedly walked into her residence uninvited and punched the woman, then struck James Long with a hammer on the back of the head, knocking him to the ground. Gonzalez denied striking the man with the hammer. CLEVELAND (WJW) The FOX 8 I-Team has uncovered what happened as a passenger plane and a helicopter nearly collided in the sky outside Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced it is investigating how close the two aircraft came to crashing in mid-air. Police body cam footage released after local Airbnb shooting injured 9 It happened last Wednesday afternoon with a Life Flight helicopter in the path as Southwest flight 1333 was coming in to Hopkins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You hear an air controller say on the radio, Lifeflight able to pass behind that traffic? The Life Flight crew responds, Sir Itd be better if we go above it and in front of it if we can. The controller answers, Roger. Ultimately, you hear the Flight 1333 crew announce, Were deviating right for the traffic. The passenger jet turned away, then went around the airport. We caught up with commercial pilot and flight instructor Robert Katz. He said, This was a harrowing close call. He analyzed flight paths and other data, and he found the chopper and the plane couldve collided over heavily-populated western Cuyahoga County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Father and son crack open Ohio Lottery Cash Vault And, he pointed out, the set of circumstances appeared to be very similar to what happened in a mid-air crash between a plane and a helicopter this year in Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. Katz asked, What is going on at Hopkins? He added, A slower helicopter trying to pass in front of a faster jet we have a tower controller with a radarscope watching each aircraft coming toward each other. WJW photo And, he wondered, Why arent people learning from the mistakes of others? Radio traffic shows the crew for the passenger jet got an emergency alert. An alert from an aircraft system designed to avoid mid-air collisions. That system tells the crew to climb, or descend, or turn away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, the passenger jet landed safely, and so did the Life Flight helicopter. The Life Flight crew had been heading to a local hospital to pick up a patient. Cant wait: Wayne Dawson ready for return Over the weekend, Southwest Airlines released a statement that said, in part: Southwest appreciates the professionalism of our Crew in responding to the situation. We are engaged with the NTSB and we will support the investigation. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees. Metro Aviation operates all medical transport aircraft for the MetroHealth System. Over the weekend Metro Aviation released a statement, saying, in part: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement the crew was in communication with air traffic control throughout the flight. We will cooperate with the NTSB and will support the investigation in any capacity that the NTSB requests. Robert Katz also said, It demands NTSBs fullest attention. We have also reached out to the NTSB with follow-up questions about the investigation. 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Tuesday, Nov. 4 is election day in Pennsylvania. On the ballot will be candidates running for district attorney, school board, and municipal seats. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Lebanon election officials are calling on residents to make sure they completely fill out a lengthy ballot. This year's ballot includes two full pages, and extends to a third in some municipalities. Voters can find information about elections, casting a mail ballot or heading to the polls at vote.pa.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what you need to know about voting in the municipal election: Where's my poll? Did it move? Not sure where your polling place is? You can check at vote.pa.gov or on the Lebanon County Voter Registration Office website at lebcounty.org/depts/Voter_Registration. You can also learn about your rights as a voter at vote.pa.gov. How to return a mail ballot Voters can return their no-excuse mail or absentee ballot at the Lebanon County Elections and Voter Registration office or at the manned mail-in drop off point, both located at the Lebanon County Courthouse, 400 South 8th St., Lebanon. Mail-in Ballots must be physically received by elections officials before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4 to be counted in the 2025 municipal election. Postmarks do not count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters must sign and date the voter declaration on the outside of the outer return envelope, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State. The ballot also must be placed inside the secrecy envelope. Voters must return their own ballots unless they designate an individual in writing because of a disability, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State. Provisional ballots will be given to voters who requested a mail ballot but didn't receive it or forgot to bring their packet to surrender at the polls, according to the Department of State. The county board of elections will determine whether the provisional ballot can be counted. Lebanon County Elections Director Sean Drasher talks with poll workers at the county municipal building during the Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 municipal election. Two vying for Lebanon County District Attorney Incumbent Pier Hess Graf faces off against senior public defender Michael Light II again in the general election for Lebanon County District Attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graf won on the Republican ticket during the May after both candidates ran in the primary. However, No candidate officially ran on the Democratic ticket for the primary. According to county officials, 100 write-in votes are required to secure the nomination. After the commissioners voted to count all the variations of his name, Light had 263 write-in votes. Light will be listed as a Democrat during the Nov. 4 election. Poll workers see very few lines the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the Lebanon County Municipal Building during the 2025 municipal election. Two candidates vying for Lebanon city mayoral seat. Incumbent Republican Lebanon City Mayor Sherry Capello faces Democratic challenger Cesar Liriano in the municipal elections on Nov. 4. Capello is currently serving her fourth term as Lebanon mayor after defeating Liriano in 2021. Residents will be voting for two city council members this election. Three candidates, Democrat Cornell Wilson, Incumbent Republican Karen Haitos and Angela Marko are all vying for the seats. Contested municipal and school board races Some voters will see contested races for municipal and school board seats, including in Palmyra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Candidates on the ballot for the Palmyra Borough Council are Democrat Sheila Snyder, Republican Tony Pearson, Republican incumbent Marcus Riddell, Republican Denver Wilson and Republican incumbent Anthony Catalani II. Voters will be selecting to fill four council seats. Residents looking for a full list of candidates for school boards and municipal races can visit the Lebanon County Voter Registration Office website at lebcounty.org/depts/Voter_Registration. Poll worker Amy Skinner signs in a voter at the Lebanon County Municipal Building during the Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 municipal election. How to check results on election night To see the unofficial results on election night, go to lebanoncountypa.gov/departments/voter-registration. Residents looking for more information can visit the Lebanon County Voter Registration Office website at lebcounty.org/depts/Voter_Registration or contact them by phone at 717-228-4428. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Live coverage of the 2025 election in Lebanon County PA Get live reaction from polling places throughout Berks County for the Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 municipal election from Reading Eagle reporters. The polls close at 8 p.m. in Pennsylvania and anyone in line by then will be allowed to vote. Voting in Wyomissing A steady stream of voters walked into the Wyomissing Public Library to cast their vote in the municipal election Tuesday morning. They were greeted by a small gathering of pollwatchers and local candidates on the way inside the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pam Haeuser said she makes it a point to have her voice heard in every election big or small. Its our responsibility to vote, she said. Pam Haeuser (Karen Shuey Reading Eagle) Haeuser said shes generally happy with borough leadership and was pleased to see so many of her neighbors interested in serving the community. While she would have voted no matter what races were on the ballot, she said the questions on retaining judges at the statewide level got her attention this fall. I saw some of the decisions they made that I didnt really support, she said. Chuck Sakmann is also a loyal voter. He said hes cast his vote in every election since 1972. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chuck Sakmann (Karen Shuey Reading Eagle) I think its very important to vote, particularly in local elections, he said. I dont think people spend enough time looking at what the candidates are doing and saying. And you are seeing more national issues dropping into local elections. Sakmann said hes always taken an interest in politics, but even more so since President Donald Trump took office. Things have gone sideways, he said. When misinformation gets into the blood stream its disheartening so to come out and try to restore some sanity in our local officials important. Joan London said she probably has a better view than most of the importance local officials have in Berks County. As an attorney who handles municipal law, she attends borough and township meetings most evenings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are the elections which really hit us closest to home, she said, adding that shes disappointed more voters dont turn out for municipal elections. These are the elections that set our taxes, our land use rules and a lot of the conditions in our communities are addressed by these governing bodies. Joan London (Karen Shuey Reading Eagle) London said that, unfortunately, many people dont take an interest in these elections until an issue arises like the construction of warehouses, zoning changes, redistricting congressional maps or slashing services. A lot of people dont realize, unless theres an issue that hits close to home, the power and importance of local government, she said. Karen Shuey Texas likely set a record Tuesday as over 3 million voters headed to the polls during an off-year election, nearly 15% of all registered voters in the state. The previous record was 2.56 million in 2023. Here in Austin, voters made their voices heard on Proposition Q, rebuking city leadership and breaking sharply from a progressive electoral track record to vote "no" on the property tax hike that City Hall had cast as essential to addressing homelessness and otherwise improving quality of life in the city. The defeat set the tone for voters' cautious approach to new spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters in Hays, Blanco and Coupland rejected their school district tax increases, while voters in Liberty Hill and Taylor approved them. In Pflugerville, the mayor's race is headed to a runoff. All 17 constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot passed, including measures aimed at providing property tax relief and shoring up the water supply. Though unofficial results are in, we will continue to provide updates and analysis over the next week. You can continue to track live results here. Live updates to this Election Day blog have concluded. Look back at our coverage of Tuesday's events below. A Leander City Council race will head to a runoff between Natomi Blair and Anna Yelaun because neither one of them received more than 50% of the votes for place 3, according to unofficial results from Williamson and Travis counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blair received support from 47.5% of the voters, or 3,733 votes, and Yelaun got 40.3% of the votes, or 3,174 votes. Mohan Marchetty received 958 votes or 12.2% of the vote. The runoff will be on Dec. 13, a city spokesman said. Claire Osborn, Williamson County reporter City Council Member Doug Weiss and Pat McCord are headed to a runoff election to become Pflugerville's next mayor, with Weiss earning 47.4% of the vote, just shy of the 50% needed to claim victory. McCord finished second with 34.6% of the vote. Gregory Harrington took third place at 14.7% and Andy Lindsey had 3.4%. Coffman earned 55.3% of the vote in a three-way race to take over Weiss' Place 1 seat on the City Council. A write-in candidate received 29.3% of the vote, and Phil Davis placed third with 15.4%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current Mayor Victor Gonzales was not eligible to run again after serving three consecutive terms, and Weiss was prevented from running again for his Place 1 seat for the same reason. Tom Labinski, Communities Editor Voters rejected all three propositions in the Manor school districts $384.5 million bond package, according to unofficial results from Travis County. Prop A had 57% of voters or 3,921 votes against it with 43% of voters or 2,944 votes for it. Prop A carried a price tag of $359.5 million and included renovations to Blake Manor, Bluebonnet Trail, Decker and ShadowGlen elementaries. Prop B had 56.4% of voters or 3,875 votes rejecting it while 43.5% of voters cast 2,988 votes to support it. It asked for $8.5 million to pay for technology devices and upgrades. Prop C had 58.5% of voters casting their ballots against it with 4,018 votes while 40.6% of voters supported it with 2,849 votes. Prop C would have cost $16.5 million for performing art additions, including a bigger theater, at the Manor High School complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claire Osborn, Williamson County reporter With all ballots counted, Bee Cave voters approved Proposition A to put a new public library on city-owned land, but rejected a second proposition to spend $20 million in bonds on a new structure. Proposition A was approved with 56.7% of the vote, while Proposition B was rejected by 54.7% of voters. The city's first library opened in a small portable building in 2005 before moving into its current home inside City Hall in 2007. Officials say more space is needed in the growing community. The proposed library would be 18,500 square feet and would be built at 13941 Bee Cave Parkway. City officials said its approval would raise taxes by $114 per year for the average homeowner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom Labinski, Communities Editor Hays voters overwhelmingly rejected a 12-cent property tax rate increase that would have pumped $26.2 million into the school districts depleted emergency cash, a measure district officials said was necessary to avoid deeper cuts into student services. About 61% of the nearly 16,000 voters opposed the proposition, according to incomplete and unofficial results. In the Liberty Hill district, voters approved a 7-cent increase per $100 of valuation, after failing to pass a similar measure in 2024. About 53.6% of the voters approved the measure, according to complete but unofficial results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters in the Taylor school district approved a tax rate of $1.0638 per $100 of valuation, which will generate an additional $650,000 for student programs classroom instruction and career and technology programs. This rate is 4 cents lower than last years rate. Blanco school district voters rejected a 2-cent rate increase, which would have generated about $500,000 more annually for teacher salaries and helped maintain class sizes. Coupland school district voters also rejected a property tax rate increase of 3 cents, which would have generated $241,000 in annual revenue for the operations of the districts second campus. Keri Heath, Education Reporter Voters have approved the Taylor school districts $147 million bond, according to unofficial voting results in Williamson County. The bond passed with 59.6% support or 1,414 votes. It was opposed by 40.4% of the vote or 959 votes. The bond will pay for a new multipurpose building at Taylor High School. It will also pay for classroom, cafeteria, science lab and athletic renovations at Taylor Middle School and renovations at elementary schools and the middle school to create science, technology, engineering and mathematics instructional spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The property tax rate will not increase because officials said they have paid off old debt. Claire Osborn, Williamson County reporter A Leander City Council race may head to a runoff between Natomi Blair and Anna Yelaun if neither one of them receives more than 50% of the votes. Currently Blair continues to lead in the three-way race for place 3 with voting results from 162 precincts out of 164 precincts in Williamson County and 93 out of 157 voting center results in Travis County. She is running against Yelaun and Mohan Marchetty. Blair received 49.5% of the vote followed by Yelaun with 41% of the vote and Marchetty who was trailing with 9.5 % of the vote, results from Williamson County showed. In Travis County Blair was leading with 40.6% of the vote in Travis County followed by Yelaun with 38.4% of the vote and Marchetty with 21% of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The winner will fill a seat vacated by David McDonald, who resigned in August to run for Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 2. Claire Osborn, Williamson County reporter City Council Member Doug Weiss and Pat McCord could be headed to a runoff election to become Pflugerville's next mayor, with Weiss earning 48% of the vote, just shy of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. McCord is in second place with 35% of the vote. Gregory Harrington is in third place at 14% and Andy Lindsey has 4%. In the three-way race to take over Weiss' Place 1 seat on the City Council, Jonathan Coffman was earning 55% of the vote. A write-in candidate has 38% of the vote and Phil Davis was earning 14%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current Mayor Victor Gonzales was not eligible to run again after serving three consecutive terms, and Weiss was prevented from running again for his Place 1 seat for the same reason. Tom Labinski, Communities Editor About 55% of Bee Cave voters were approving a measure to put a new public library on city-owned land but were rejecting a second proposition to spend $20 million in bonds for the new structure. Proposition A was earning 55% of the vote Tuesday night but 55% of voters were against Proposition B with 875 votes counted. The city's first library opened in a small portable building in 2005 before moving into its current home inside City Hall in 2007. Officials say more space is needed in the growing community. The proposed library would be 18,500 square feet and would be built at 13941 Bee Cave Parkway. City officials said its approval would raise taxes by $114 per year for the average homeowner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Pflugerville, Current City Council Member Doug Weiss is leading a four-way race to become Pflugerville's next mayor, while Jonathan Coffman was winning a three-way race to fill Weiss' Place 1 seat. Weiss was earning 47% of the vote as of 10:05 p.m., shy of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. Pat McCord was in second place with 36%, Gregory Harrington had 13% of the vote and Andy Lindsey had 3%. In the Place 1 council race, Coffman was taking 55% of the vote, with a write-in candidate in second at 32% and Phil Davis earning 14% of the vote. Current Mayor Victor Gonzales was not eligible to run again after serving three consecutive terms, and Weiss was prevented from running again for his Place 1 seat for the same reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom Labinski, Communities Editor Voters were rejecting all three propositions in the Manor school districts $384.5 million bond package, according to results from 53 out of 157 voting centers in Travis County. Prop A had 58% of voters voting against it with 42% voting for it. Prop A carries a price tag of $359.5 million and includes renovations to Blake Manor, Bluebonnet Trail, Decker and ShadowGlen elementaries. Prop B had 57.2% of votes rejecting it while 42.8% supported it. It asks for $8.5 million to pay for technology devices and upgrades. Prop C had 59% of voters casting their ballots against it while 41% of voters supported it. Prop C would cost $16.5 million for performing art additions, including a bigger theater, at the Manor High School complex. Officials have said approval of the bonds would not raises the property tax rate. Claire Osborn, Williamson County reporter Texas top two leaders declared victory on all 17 constitutional amendments on Tuesdays ballot, many of them personal priorities that each Republican shouldered through the legislative session earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Greg Abbott came away with several major victories, including a signature proposal that would allow judges to deny bail to people accused of serious crimes and another that would greatly expand the governors power over a panel that polices state judges. This legislative session, we delivered the conservative victories Texans demanded, Abbott wrote in a statement. And this November, Texans showed up to enshrine them in the Texas Constitution. Patrick, meanwhile, championed a $3 billion fund for research on dementia and Alzheimers-related diseases. Unofficial results showed voters approved it by a large margin. All 17 of these amendments were priorities for the Senate and me, Patrick wrote on X. Isaac Yu, Politics Reporter Natomi Blair was still leading in a three-way race for the Leander City Council, according to voting results from 161 precincts out of 164 total precincts in Williamson County. Blair is running for place 3 against Anna Yelaun and Mohan Marchetty. She received 49% of the vote followed by Yelaun with 41.3 % of the vote and Marchetty who was trailing with 9.7% of the vote, results showed. The winner will fill a seat vacated by David McDonald, who resigned in August to run for Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 2. Early voting results from Travis County showed Blair and Yelaun tied for the lead in the race with each candidate receiving 38% of the vote. Marchetty received 24% of the vote in Travis County, according to early voting totals. Voters were strongly supporting the Taylor school districts $147 million bond, according to results from 161 out of 164 precincts in Williamson County. The district in southeastern Williamson County is proposing to use part of the money to build a new multipurpose building at Taylor High School. Approval will not raise the property tax rate, officials have said. Claire Osborn, Williamson County Reporter Supporters of Prop Q, assembled at The Brewtorium Brewery and Kitchen in North Austin, remained hopeful that Austin voters would approve the controversial tax hike until the first round of election totals posted around 8:30 p.m. The mood quickly shifted as proponents absorbed the stunning total which showed only about 30% of early voters supported the measure. The realization that Prop Q likely faced insurmountable odds spread quickly through the room. Council members Ryan Alter and Mike Siegel and Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, on hand with supporters to watch returns come in, quickly absorbed that message as well. City Council needs to rebuild trust with the people of Austin, plain and simple, Siegel said. Alter said the result sent a clear message that council needs to closely scrutinize how the city spends its tax dollars to ensure services are delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible and better communicate to the public how city services impact their daily lives. That process would begin shortly, Alter said, as city council prepares to deliberate over and adopt a scaled back budget. Austin Sanders, Public Safety Reporter McDade Independent School Districts proposition to issue $18 million in school building bonds will likely fail, according to early voting results. The bond would go toward construction, acquisition and equipment for buildings in the school district, which would come as a result of a tax increase for residents. In the City of Elgin, Proposition E is on track to fail. Prop E would change city council and mayoral terms from two to three years. Proposition F, which would require council members to reside in the area they represent during their term, is on track to pass. Proposition N, which would limit mayors and city council members to four consecutive terms or eight consecutive combined terms, is on track to pass. See live results for all of Bastrop County here. Katey Psencik, Breaking and Trending Editor and Julianna Duennes Russ, Breaking and Trending Reporter Current City Council Member Doug Weiss is leading a four-way race to become Pflugerville's next mayor, while Jonathan Coffman was winning a three-way race to fill Weiss' Place 1 seat. Weiss was earning 47% of the vote as of 7:40 p.m., shy of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. Pat McCord was in second place with 37%, Gregory Harrington had 13% of the vote and Andy Lindsey had 3%. In the Place 1 council race, Coffman was taking 54% of the vote, with a write-in candidate in second at 33% and Phil Davis earning 13% of the vote. Current Mayor Victor Gonzales was not eligible to run again after serving three consecutive terms, and Weiss was prevented from running again for his Place 1 seat for the same reason. Tom Labinski, Communities Editor At an election night party for Proposition Q opponents, cheers broke out as early election results came in that indicated the tax hike measure was on track to fail. Attendees shook hands and patted each other on the back as celebratory blue-and-silver pom poms were distributed. Aint it great to be alive in Austin, Texas, radio host Bob Cole told the crowd. Seven to eight weeks ago, I said confidently that theres no way this thing doesnt pass. Republican operative Matt Mackowiak, who helped found the influential Save Austin Now PAC, called the results a victory for taxpayers, a revolt and a first step towards a new direction for Austin City Hall. Its time our city government is as good as its city and its residents, he said. Austin City Council candidate Steven Brown, who is running to represent District 1, said this is what happens when nonpartisan groups come together to show the 11 council members that they are out of touch. Let me make very clear this was a blowout victory, outspoken lawyer and activist Adam Loewy told the crowd as people erupted into cheers. The spending must stop. We do not need more taxes and this City Council needs to get the message to get their house in order. Chaya Tong, City Hall Reporter Early voting results in Travis and Williamson counties show Natomi Blair leading in a three-way race for a Leander City Council seat. Blair is running for Place 3 against Anna Yelaun and Mohan Marchetty. Blair was leading in Williamson County with 49% of the vote and in Travis County with 38% of the vote. Yelaun received 41.6% of the vote in Williamson County and 38% of the vote in Travis County. Marchetty was trailing with 9.4% of the vote in Williamson County and 24% of the vote in Travis County. Claire Osborn, Williamson County Reporter Bee Cave voters were approving a measure to put a new public library on city-owned land but were rejecting a second proposition to spend $20 million in bonds for the new structure. Proposition A was earning 55% of the vote Tuesday night but 56% of voters were against Proposition B with 743 votes counted. The city's first library opened in a small portable building in 2005 before moving into its current home inside City Hall in 2007. Officials say more space is needed in the growing community. The proposed library would be 18,500 square feet and would be built at 13941 Bee Cave Parkway. City officials said its approval would raise taxes by $114 per year for the average homeowner. Tom Labinski, Communities Editor Proposition Q was on track to fail in early voting returns Tuesday night, with unofficial results showing Austin voters across three counties leaning heavily against the 20% city property tax hike though thousands of Election Day ballots had yet to be counted. In Travis County, home to a vast majority of the city, just 33% of votes cast before Election Day 28,304 ballots out of 85,708 total were in favor of Prop Q, while the remaining 67% were against. (That total included ballots cast in-person during early voting, as well as some mail-in ballots.) In Williamson County, which is home to a small slice of the city, 69% of the 4,034 votes cast early in the Prop Q race either in person or by mail were against the measure while the remaining 31% were for it. In Hays County, home to an even smaller slice of the city, only nine of 51 reported early votes about 18% were in favor of Prop Q. The early voting period, which ran from Oct. 20 to Oct. 31, saw higher-than-normal turnout for an off-year election with about 13% of the citys 904,768 registered voters casting ballots. That compares to 11.84% in 2021 and 7.92% in 2023. Kiah Collier, Metro Editor; Chaya Tong, City Hall Reporter; Karina Kumar, Data Reporter Since 2021, large Texas counties have been required to livestream vote counting on election night. Senate Bill 1, which passed during the second special session of the 87th Legislature, in part requires counties with populations over 100,000 to record and livestream video of voted ballots from the moment they arrive at the counting station until the votes are canvassed. Travis County has 11 different angles to view at VoteTravis.gov. Click on Current Election, then navigate to the Live Streaming tab to view all the streams. To watch Williamson County, visit WilCoTX.gov/elections, then click Election Live Streams" on the left-hand side to view the countys four feeds. Hays Countys feeds are found at HaysCountytx.gov/elections. Click on Current Elections, then scroll down to see 10 different camera views. Bastrop County streams its election night feeds to the Bastrop County Elections YouTube channel. Alex Driggars, Transportation Reporter Polls officially closed at 7 p.m., but those who got in line to vote before 7 p.m. can still cast their ballot. Most voting locations across the Austin area list wait times of less than 20 minutes, but several still have waits reaching close to an hour: Boulder Ridge Clubhouse in Pflugerville, Good Shepherd on the Hill and Dan Ruiz Branch Library in East Austin, Akins High School in South Austin, 145-Williamson County Jester Annex in Round Rock. The following locations show wait times between 21 and 50 minutes: Gus Garcia Recreation Center in Northeast Austin, Manor Elementary Early Learning Center in Manor, YMCA East Communities Y and Genesis Presbytarian Church in East Austin, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the UT Texas Union in Central Austin and more than 10 locations in Williamson County. Katey Psencik, Breaking and Trending Editor Austinites will have to wait longer than normal to get preliminary election results. Thats because Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado has decided to hold off on posting the results of early and mail-in voting until every Election Day ballot has been cast. While the polls officially closed at 7 p.m., people who cued ahead of that cutoff will be allowed to vote and some were still waiting in line as of 8 p.m. Traditionally, elections officials post the results of early and mail-in voting right after the polls close and then update results throughout the night as they tally ballots from Election Day. We are waiting until all polls close and then we will post early vote totals, Limon-Mercado told the Statesman. We have the discretion on when we post results and want to make sure everyone has had a chance to vote before we do it. Williamson and Hays counties, which each contain a small slice of the city of Austin, posted early voting results soon after polls closed. The returns do not bode well for the city of Austin and its proposed property tax hike known as Proposition Q. In Williamson County, 69% of the 4,034 votes cast in the Prop Q race ahead of Election Day or by mail were against the measure while the remaining 31% were for it. In Hays County, home to a tiny portion of the city, only nine of the 51 reported early votes were in favor of Prop Q. Austin Sanders, Public Safety Reporter All of the 17 constitutional amendments on the statewide ballot appeared on track to pass Tuesday night, including measures aimed at lowering homeowners property taxes and infusing billions of dollars into water infrastructure projects, according to early vote returns released by the states largest counties. Amendments that would give property tax exemptions to fire-destroyed homes and spouses of deceased veterans led by the widest margins, according to unofficial results. Others were much closer, including propositions to ban taxes on stock exchanges and give tax breaks to certain border property. Early voters in Harris and Dallas counties rejected those measures, while those in Fort Bend, Tarrant and Collin counties narrowly approved them. Each of the 17 ballot measures passed the Texas Legislature earlier this year by at least a two-thirds majority, the requirement for constitutional amendments, before going to voters. On the ballot, the amendments are passed by a simple majority. Voters have only rejected two constitutional amendments in the last decade, both related to the judicial system: a 2019 proposition that would have allowed judges to serve in multiple cities, and a 2023 proposition that would have raised the retirement age for judges. Isaac Yu, Politics Reporter Voters in the Hays school district appear on track to reject a proposal to increase the property tax rate by 12 cents, a measure district officials had said would be necessary to avoid steep cuts and to replenish the district's drained emergency funds. Almost 60% of early voters rejected Proposition A, according to early and unofficial results. If the measure passes, collections from the higher tax rate are expected to pump another $26.2 million into the Hays district, give staff a raise and avoid class-size increases across the district. Keri Heath, Education Reporter Early results show voters demonstrating strong support for a $147 million bond for the Taylor school district, with 63.7% voting for the bond's approval. The money would pay for a new multipurpose building at Taylor High School. Approval will not raise the property tax rate, officials have said. Also in Williamson County, Natomi Blair was leading in a three-way race for the Leader City Council, according to early voting results. Blair is running for Place 3 against Anna Yelaun and Mohan Marchetty. She has received 49% of the vote so far, followed by Yelaun with 41.6% of the vote, and Marchetty trails with 9.4%. The winner will fill a seat vacated by David McDonald, who resigned in August to run for Williamson County Commissioner Precinct 2. Claire Osborn, Williamson County Reporter Early voting results showed voter-approved tax rates were on track to pass in two Williamson County school districts Liberty Hill and Taylor and fail in one Coupland. A measure to increase the Liberty Hill school districts tax rate by 7 cents received 56% approval from early voters. A similar ballot to set the Taylor school district's rate at $1.0638 per $100 of property valuation received almost 67% approval from early voters. Another proposal to increase the Coupland district's rate by 3 cents appeared on track to fail with 60% of early voters against. Keri Heath, Education Reporter Polls in Central Texas and across most of the state are now closed. Voters who joined a line before 7 p.m. will still be allowed to cast a ballot. Several voting locations across Travis County still have lines. At 7 p.m., there were 18 polling places in Travis County with wait times of more than 51 minutes. One polling place in Williamson County had a wait time of more than 45 minutes. Results from early ballots are typically released shortly after polls close. County officials will now start counting ballots cast on Election Day, and they typically release results in batches as they work their way through the stack. To keep track of results as they come in across Central Texas and the state, visit our live results page. To see results broken down by region: Alex Driggars, Transportation Reporter and Katey Psencik, Breaking and Trending Editor With less than an hour left until the polls close, the line at the Texas Union on UT's campus is still more than an hour long. Josh Reyna, a Democratic candidate for Texas House District 49, said hes been here most of the day handing out pizza to students to encourage them to stay in line. (Reynas House race is not on the ballot today.) I heard the lines were long out here, so I wanted to come support the students and make sure their voices are heard, Reyna said. Seeing the students wait this long is very inspirational. Diego Campoamor and Arely Tarin, both students at the University of Texas, enjoy a slice of pizza while they wait in line to vote at the Texas Union on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Austin. (Julianna Duennes Russ/Austin American-Statesman) Two students who accepted pizza from Reyna are Diego Campoamor and Arely Tarin, who both hail from El Paso. Were both from the border, and our families are from that area, so exercising our right to vote is important to us, Campoamor said. One student, who asked not to be named, stands in line with his laptop open. The glow of the screen illuminates his face as he researches proposed amendments to the Texas state constitution. Hes one of many students who have their devices opened to voter guides as they wait. University of Texas students look at digital voter guides as they wait to cast a ballot in the Texas Union on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Austin. (Julianna Duennes Russ/Austin American-Statesman) Meanwhile, a representative of the University Democrats is handing out paper voting guides to voters near at the back of the line. Once youre in line, you can stay in line, Haley Aguilar, a member of the University Democrats, tells voters joining the long line. Would you like a voters guide? Aguilar said shes been greeting voters outside of the Texas Union since 3 p.m. Julianna Duennes Russ, Breaking and Trending Reporter Jessica Hincapie came to vote at Randalls with her husband Brian Ranck. The couple identify as Democratic Socialists, and Hincapie said they are strong supporters of Prop Q. Were aiming for care, not cuts, Hincapie said. I love the idea of expanding shelter space, making affordable housing and supporting firefighters. Ranck said he was motivated to the polls by the Texas constitutional amendment propositions, specifically Proposition 13, which would raise the school property tax exemption to $140,000. Texas born and raised, Ranck said he is a product of public schools and protecting access to public education is his top priority in this election. READ MORE: What you need to know about the major constitutional amendments on the Texas ballot Im against vouchers of all kinds because of the way it will inevitably drive taxes toward religious and charter schools, Ranck said. Im not a big fan of the proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution that would expand the amount of homestead tax credits that youre going to be able to claim at the expense of those funds going to Texas public schools. Im here to try and help all the children who deserve a good public education. Meanwhile, Frank Resta said he has spent countless hours working with unhoused populations in Austin, and he knows the community well. Hes voting no on Prop Q because he doesnt think the city government has any true answers to the housing problem. They dont really have a plan, Resta said. The homeless problem is definitely an issue, but theres not a good answer to this one. There have got to be better solutions, and throwing (unhoused people) in jail is not the right answer. Resta also said most of the proposed amendments to the Texas constitution seem like a massive overreach to him. Julianna Duennes Russ, Breaking and Trending News Reporter At the Randalls grocery store on Brodie Lane in South Austin, a representative hired by the Austin Firefighters Association is stationed outside. Hes collecting signatures for the unions petition, which proposes amending the city charter to require a four-member staffing minimum on Austin Fire apparatus. AFA hired Texas Petition Strategies to collect signatures, and President John Hatch said his TPS representatives have already been out in the field for ten days. They collected signatures during early voting and are also out today. READ MORE: Austin firefighters push charter amendment to lock in minimum staffing Theresa Sacco signs a petition with Anthony Bridges, an employee of Texas Petition Strategies, Tuesday outside of the Randalls on Brodie Lane. (Julianna Russ/Austin American-Statesman) We have somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 to 12 voting locations covered today, Hatch said. Were getting ramped up on this, and the response has been overwhelmingly supportive. People want safety and they support firefighters. Hatch estimated around 4,000 signatures have been collected so far, though they havent been verified yet. The city requires 20,000 signatures from registered voters to add the amendment proposal to the May ballot, but Hatch said they will aim to collect 25,000 signatures across Travis, Hays and Williamson counties. Julianna Duennes Russ, Breaking and Trending News Reporter As the afternoon rush begins to ramp up, some polling locations in and around Austin are beginning to get busy. As of 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, voters at nine locations in Travis County were experiencing wait times of more than 50 minutes: Austin City Hall , Media Room No. 1034, 301 W. Second St., Austin Ben Hur Shrine Center , Blue Room, 7811 Rockwood Lane, Austin Circle C Community Center , Meeting Rooms 1-3, 7817 La Crosse Ave., Austin Dan Ruiz Branch Library , Meeting Room 1, 1600 Grove Blvd., Austin Disability Rights Texas , Board Rooms, 2222 W. Braker Lane, Austin Gus Garcia Recreation Center , Senior Room, 1201 E. Rundberg Lane, Austin Randalls Flagship West Lake Hills , Cafe, 3300 Bee Cave Road, Austin Westoak Woods Baptist Church , CMB Room No. 104, 2900 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin Will Hampton Branch Library, Meeting Room, 5125 Convict Hill Road, Austin Live updates on wait times across the area can be found here. Alex Driggars, Reporter The line to vote at Randalls on Brodie Lane extends all the way down the sidewalk, stretching as far as Madam Mams Thai Cuisine on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in South Austin. (Julianna Russ/Austin American-Statesman) Affordability is at the top of Austin voters minds at the Turner Roberts Recreation Center in East Austin. Anthony Flores has noticed the city getting more and more expensive year over year. He does not want to pay more in property tax on top of the increased cost of living, so he voted no on Proposition Q. Flores believes the city has enough money to function, but he feels that some city funds are mismanaged. He cited the same story many others pointed to when voting against the proposition: the city spending over $1 million to design a new logo and branding. His worries were echoed by Megha, another voter who only wanted to be identified by her first name. She is a new homeowner with concerns about the increasing property values. With how much the housing market has changed in the last few years, something about the proposition doesnt add up to me, she said. Flores said there was nothing the city could have done to convince him to vote for Prop Q. He said the city had already lost his trust, and only action, not campaigning, could gain it back. But not everyone was so confident in their decision. Sarah Glasscock said she waffled back and forth on supporting Prop Q, but she ultimately ended up voting for the measure. She had heard talk of funds being poorly used, but she put that aside because she ultimately believes the tax hike is worth it. We need the services, especially with federal funds being cut, she said. Many voters at the rec center shared the same concerns as others from across the city about affordability and transparency within city government. Dante Motley, Breaking News Reporter At the Daniel E. Ruiz Branch Library in Southeast Austin, voters are turning out in droves. The parking lot is full and cars are lined along Grove Boulevard in front of the library. One man who works for the county asked not to be named, but said he voted against Proposition Q because he is concerned about his property taxes. Im a property owner, and I live paycheck to paycheck, he said. I cant afford that. Willow Adams, who lives near the airport, said shes disappointed in the city government and is hopeful increased property taxes will help the city do better. I want to see change in our government, Adams said. I voted for Prop Q because I think the issues it will fund are really important, like parks. Lindsey Lohberg said shes impressed with the turnout this year. She waited in line for more than 40 minutes to vote no on Prop Q. People with a lot of money dont want to pay taxes, but want to raise ours, Lohberg said. We dont want it that way. Nineteen-year-old James Appleyard voted for the first time in last years presidential election, and today he came out again to vote against Prop Q. He said he thinks off-year elections can be the most important because they lay the groundwork for governance. Ive heard that City Council has been misappropriating funds, Appleyard said. I also dont think regular people and Austinites should be asked to pay more in property taxes when we should be taxing people like Elon Musk. Chelsea Koons isnt a property owner, but said she wouldve voted yes on Prop Q either way. From her perspective, a vote for Prop Q is a vote for a better social safety net. Id be paying a bit of extra money to benefit people that need it, Koons said. Thats really all that matters community and coming together. Julianna Duennes Russ, Breaking and Trending News Reporter Texans at the polls in this off-year election are being asked a criminal justice question: Should judges have more power to deny bail for people who have been arrested? The way pretrial release is handled in Texas is a heated topic that has influenced elections and sparked public furor. Earlier this year, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill package he called the strongest change to bail law in the states history The constitutional amendment on this years ballot, Proposition 3, could take those changes a step further by allowing district court judges to decide whether certain suspects are too dangerous or too untrustworthy to be allowed outside jail. While political criticisms of judges in recent years have often focused on their decisions regarding bail amounts, one thing remains true: Judges are required to set a bail amount in most cases. The upcoming ballot measure could broaden their authority. John Wayne Ferguson, Reporter Texas Gov. Greg Abbott urged Austinites to vote no on Proposition Q. Abbott referenced an American-Statesman report from Sunday that revealed questionable spending by some Austin City Council members, including donating taxpayer funds to political and advocacy organizations. Austin City Council members using your property tax dollars to give to political organizations. That should ALREADY be illegal. If not, we must make it illegal next session. In the meantime, if you live in Austin, go vote on Tuesday AGAINST Prop. Q -- against raising your Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 3, 2025 Alex Driggars, Reporter Voting has picked up at some polling locations, with a line forming outside Disability Rights Texas in North Austin. (Dante Motley) Voting has picked up at some polling locations, with a line forming outside Disability Rights Texas in North Austin. Many voters said they were driven by a sense of civic duty. I just felt like I should vote, Maricella Kaples said. Id feel guilty if I didnt. Kaples raised concerns about Proposition 16 which would amend the state constitution to say only U.S. citizens can vote, something already in state law calling the measure largely symbolic and xenophobic. She said she wasnt familiar with Proposition Q beforehand but chose to vote against it after reading it at the ballot box. Several voters said they did quick research on the propositions before heading to the polls Tuesday. Isaac Becerra said he reviewed the League of Women Voters guide for a nonpartisan breakdown of the measures. Becerra said he reluctantly voted for Prop Q. While he has concerns about a growing share of the city budget going toward what he sees as an increasingly militarized police force, he ultimately wants the city to have the funding its requesting. Dante Motley, Breaking News Reporter Two voters at the Austin Recreation Center landed on opposite sides of Proposition Q despite sharing similar reservations. Gabriella Soza called her vote for the tax increase a controversial choice. She doesnt generally believe the Austin City Council spends money responsibly, pointing to the $1.1 million spent on the citys new logo as an example. Still, shes hopeful Prop Q funds will improve life in Austin. I think that Austin has so much potential, and we cant realize that potential unless we fund it, Soza said. I get the frustration, where it feels like we fund things over and over and nothing happens, but I dont know. I keep having hope, I guess. Melissa Jameson, a lifelong Democrat, is less hopeful. She voted against the proposition, saying shes tired of big government expanding its reach. She believes in more direct ways to support the community. She said shed rather donate to causes she cares about than pay higher property taxes to a city council she doesnt entirely trust. I dont mind paying taxes, Jameson said. But are they doing what they should be doing with my tax money? I dont necessarily think thats the case. But both voters agreed the election carries weight beyond a single proposition. State constitutional amendments are on the line, and those are pretty significant, Soza said. They require participation. Were the voters. Were the ones who get to determine that. Dante Motley, Breaking News Reporter Travis and Williamson counties are tracking wait times at polling locations, and things are pretty quiet. Most voting spots are experiencing wait times between 0-20 minutes, with a few spots seeing wait times between 21-50 minutes. Heres where to see maps of wait times at polling locations before you go out and vote. Marley Malenfant and Alexis Simmerman, Trending Reporters Voters might have heard a false claim suggesting Proposition Q would eliminate Texas 3.5% cap on annual property-tax revenue increases. That cap, enacted under Senate Bill 2 in 2019, limits cities and counties from increasing revenue from existing properties by more than 3.5% per year without voter approval. Prop Q does not remove or override that limit. The cap is set in state law and cannot be changed through a municipal ballot measure. Dante Motley, Breaking News Reporter Its a sleepy morning for voting at the Terrazas Branch Library in East Austin. (Dante Motley) Its a sleepy morning for voting in this off-year election. At the Terrazas Branch Library in East Austin, a poll worker, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak on behalf of the county, said only about six people had come to vote so far. While they believe turnout will be low, they think a few of this years ballot measures like Proposition Q, the citys proposed 20% tax rate hike could draw in more Austinites than usual during an odd-year election. Four voters who spoke to the Austin American-Statesman outside the library all said they were voting against Proposition Q. All expressed concern about affordability and transparency regarding the city budget. I believe in being fiscally responsible with your money, said voter Virginia Bailey. Why are we in a deficit? For the last 10 years, the city has been booming and housing prices have gone through the roof. They should have more money. Bailey is voting no down the ballot for all state and local measures. She believes that, while the wording on many of the state tax incentives being proposed is often well-intentioned, it is hard to gauge the impact of such measures. She specifically cited the state ban on estate taxes, noting that she believed those wouldnt help middle-class Texans who are struggling to get by. Dante Motley, Breaking News Reporter What is Prop Q? Proposition Q asks voters to approve a property tax rate of $0.57 per $100 in valuation about 5 cents higher than whats allowed under the 2019 state law. The tax hike would generate roughly $110 million for the citys general fund next year. For the average homeowner with a property valued at about $500,000, the passage of Prop Q would add about $300 to their annual city property tax bill. This year, the average homeowner paid $1,969 in city taxes. How did we get here? Facing a projected $33.4 million budget shortfall, the City Council approved a $6.3 billion budget that depends on a 20% increase in the citys portion of property taxes. Thats well above a 3.5% annual cap set by the Texas Legislature in 2019 as part of an effort to rein in property tax increases. If a local taxing entity like the city of Austin wants to exceed that cap, it must get voter approval through a tax rate election. City leaders say the increase is needed to maintain basic services, while business groups say it could worsen Austins affordability crisis. How exactly would Austin spend the money? That $110 million would go toward a variety of initiatives but most fall under one of four categories: homelessness programs, park maintenance and public health and safety. For a full list, go to https://www.austintexas.gov/page/ballot-propositions. Chaya Tong, City Hall Reporter and Austin Sanders, Public Safety Reporter Polls are officially open across the Austin area. Theyll remain open until 7 p.m. today. Statesman journalists are heading out to talk to voters as they make decisions on Prop Q and 17 other statewide props. Well have live updates here throughout the day. Check back in for more soon. Alice Bazerghi, Subscriber Engagement Editor At the end of early voting on Oct. 31, 12.99% of registered voters had placed their ballots. Thats a higher early voter turnout than the last two off-year elections in 2021 and 2023, which saw 11.84% and 7.92% early voter turnout respectively. Karina Kumar, Data Reporter Over 100 polling places are open for you to cast your vote in Travis County this election. Use our map to enter your address and find whats closest to you. 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","LayerLabel":"Name of the variable in the way you want it to show up on the toggle/filter buttons this may be the same as column A.","Toggle_Filter":"Content of variable for item each number/entry below should be different."}],"map_data_wcmfeed":"https://files.sfchronicle.com/wcm-feeds/2025/1bzWYwFmQwGdpZXuPBw5MiSnYMuyGx2gpEROQtLgahq8map_data_wcmfeed.json"}} Voters must show a valid ID or provide alternative identification and fill out a form stating why you cannot provide a valid ID. Voters who cannot enter a polling place due to disability should call ahead to arrange for curbside voting accommodations. Alexandra Kanik, Data Editor Big fiscal choices hang in the balance this election, like Proposition Q, the citys steepest property tax hike in 20 years, or the other 17 propositions being voted on statewide, ranging from tax breaks to Dementia prevention research and parents rights. Our Voter Guide allows you to read through each proposition, save your choices and bring them with you to the ballot box. If youd like even further guidance, our Editorial Board researched the propositions, spoke with stakeholders and interviewed experts to arrive at recommendations for voters. Your vote matters. Make your voice heard this election and head to the polls today. Alice Bazerghi, Subscriber Engagement Editor Voters across the state will soon be flocking to the polls to make their voices heard in a number of statewide referenda and local elections. Locally, voters will decide the fate of Austins Proposition Q tax-rate proposal, several area school-district initiatives, and seats on a few city councils and school districts around the area. VOTER GUIDE: Whats on the ballot in Austin? Polls open at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m. Many Central Texas counties including Travis, Williamson and Hays participate in the states Countywide Polling Place Program, meaning registered voters can cast a ballot at any poll in their county of residence. If youre heading to the polls today, be sure to check out the American-Statesmans interactive Voter Guide to research and save your selections on the proposed constitutional amendments and local races. The guide also contains information on how and where to cast a ballot. You can also see a list of the Statesman Editorial Boards recommendations here. EDITORIAL BOARD: Texas election recommendations Alex Driggars, Reporter GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Voters headed to the polls on Tuesday and made choices for dozens of important municipal races across the Triad. In Greensboro, voters decided that Mayor Pro Tem and longtime Councilwoman Marikay Abuzuaiter will lead the city as mayor after Nancy Vaughan, the citys current mayor, announced that she would not seek reelection after more than a decade in the office. Abuzuaiter won the race after former mayor Robbie Perkins conceded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abuzuaiters decision to run for mayor and the death of Councilwoman Yvonne Johnson late last year have left multiple council seats open, and incumbents are facing challengers. The Greensboro City Council races are as follows: At-Large Hugh Holston, Denise Roth and Irving D. Allen won the most votes District 1 Crystal Black won over Sharon Hightower District 2 Cecile Crawford won over Monica Walker District 3 April Parker won over Zack Matheny District 4 Adam Marshall won over and Nicky Smith District 5 Tammi Thurm won over Jeannette Davidson-Mayer In the at-large race, the three top vote-earners won the three open seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All Greensboro municipal races are nonpartisan. You can view live election results from Greensboro below or see all the results from across the Piedmont Triad on our dedicated Election Results page. You can find more information in the FOX8 Voters Guide. 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 FOX8 WGHP. Albany commercial loan broker Kris Roglieri appears ready to plead guilty in his federal wire fraud case that was scheduled to go to trial early next year. Roglieri previously pleaded not guilty to charges tied to the collapse of his company, but a "change of plea" hearing has now been scheduled for the morning of Nov. 13 in Albany before U.S. District Court Judge Mae A. D'Agostino. Roglieri has been held at the Rensselaer County jail since May 2024 after being charged with allegedly stealing millions of dollars in cash deposits from clients who sought construction loans from Roglieri's former Albany loan brokerage firm, Prime Capital Ventures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roglieri, who had lived on 14-acre estate in Queensbury before his arrest, had been scheduled to go to trial on Jan. 5 on six wire fraud charges. Two of his former associates at Prime Capital Ventures already pleaded guilty earlier this year. Roglieri was originally indicted in August 2024 and accused of swindling an investment group out of a $5 million cash deposit used as collateral for a $100 million construction loan for an egg farm in Minnesota. A superseding indictment with one additional wire fraud charge came down earlier this year. Roglieri previously had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Roglieri had a large exotic car and art collection, most of which has been auctioned off as part of a separate federal bankruptcy case. Roglieri owned high-priced Porsches, Ferraris and a Mercedes-Benz, plus Rolexes and other luxury watches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorney's office plans to seize those items as well as property in Virginia. It also seeks a $188 million judgment in its case against Roglieri. In the bankruptcy case, Roglieri's mansion was sold off earlier this year for $1.6 million. This article originally published at Loan broker Roglieri to change plea in federal fraud case. BELLEVILLE, Ill. In a time of uncertainty surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), BEAST Craft BBQ Co. based in Belleville, Illinois, is remaining firm in their decision to help people in need during the government shutdown. According to the restaurants owner, David Sandusky, the public is invited to purchase a community meal for $9.99 to feed those needing food and drink. In addition to that, Sandusky says BEAST Craft BBQ Co. will match the donation, providing another free meal to someone who needs it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 women accused of stealing up to $19K worth of Ulta items You buy 10 of them, Sandusky said. Were going to give an additional 10 out. The free meal is a sack lunch, consisting of a quarter-pound slider (pulled pork, turkey, or kielbasa), sauce, pickles, fries, an oatmeal cream pie, and an Excel Bottling Co. canned soda or water. Its a no questions asked thing, Sandusky said. They come in, they ask for the community meal, and we hook them up. For those who would like to order a community meal for someone in need, visit their website here. 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 FOX 2. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Its been nearly a week since Hurricane Melissa, a historic Category 5 storm, made landfall in Jamaica, leaving catastrophic damage across parts of the Caribbean. At least 60 people have been killed, and several communities in Jamaica were completely flattened, according to officials. The southwestern part of the island, including Black River, took a direct hit when Melissa made landfall last Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph. Honeymoon on hold: RI couple stuck in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heavy rain, flooding, and infrastructure damage have made it difficult for crews to reach certain areas, leaving some residents isolated. In the days since, local organizations, including The Salvation Armys Southern New England Division, have mobilized to provide support. We are currently getting boots on the ground in all of those locations; Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, preparing those immediate needs such as food, hydration, and temporary shelter for those areas on those islands that were impacted severely, said Damien Carlson, the organizations Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator. An aerial view of Black River, Jamaica, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) With many now facing the reality of grief and loss, Carlson stressed the importance of emotional and spiritual care as part of their mission. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them, a shoulder to fall on and feel as though theyre being heard and that someone understands what theyre going through, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pray for them: Cranston missionaries working to help Jamaican orphanage in hurricanes path The American Red Cross told 12 News its working closely with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to determine how Hurricane Melissa is affecting international Red Cross societies and where it can provide support in the days ahead. It is also supporting an Emergency Family Assistance Center at Naval Air Station Pensacola to help U.S. citizens evacuate. We are always grateful for the generosity of our community, the Red Cross said. At this time, as the full scope of humanitarian impacts is not clear, we are not accepting donated items for this operation. The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: How to help those impacted by Hurricane Melissa Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Pinpoint Weather 12 Alerts 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 WPRI.com. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) With the ongoing government shutdown affecting many Virginians, Democrat Rep. Bobby Scott and other local leaders, including Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones and Del. Shelly Simonds, spent their Monday morning at the THRIVE Peninsula food pantry in Newport News helping those in need get much-needed food. One of the visitors was Sharon Jiles-Williams. It was her first time at the food pantry. She works as a substitute teacher and helps provide for her grandchildren. My husband got hurt on his job Aug. 4, and weve been in a crisis ever since, Jiles-Williams said. Nothing that Im not used to, but its just harder now. Its really, really hard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VA Dems say Trumps big, beautiful bill will hurt Virginians on SNAP SNAP benefits stopped coming in for recipients like her amid the government shut down. Gov. Glenn Youngkins office recently started Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance, or VENA, a temporary solution for Virginians, with weekly payments totaling the same amount they received under SNAP. Jiles-Williams said she knows people who got their VENA payments Monday morning, but she did not receive the payment yet. Most of the families who were serving are working families, said Angela York, THRIVE Peninsula executive director. Theyre actively seeking employment. They dont want to be here. They want to go to the grocery store with their own money and buy groceries. Scott and other local leaders helped pantry visitors Monday. 10 On Your Side spoke with the congressman about the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president is coming back from his second overseas trip since the shutdown, Scott said. He hadnt even been in the country. The speaker has put the House [of Representatives], essentially, on vacation on Sept. 19, 11 days before the shutdown. 10 On Your Side reached out to Youngkins office after the Trump Administration announced temporary SNAP funding, promising to pay recipients half of what they typically receive. They sent us a statement which reads in part: VENA benefits have been distributed to the first third of individuals, as scheduled, on Monday, November 3, and we will continue to distribute funds as scheduled to ensure Virginians in need dont go hungry because they are being used as political leverage by Congressional Democrats. We continue to work closely with our federal partners and will provide updates as federal guidance changes. It is estimated roughly 850,000 Virginians rely on SNAP benefits. To put that into perspective, that is nearly 10% of the state population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WAVY.com. Update: The Plainfield East Village and Berlin Rec Center votes have failed, while other votes in Barre City, Hinesburg, Brighton, and Cabot have all passed as of Tuesday night. As of Thursday, the Central Vermont Career Center vote has also failed with 60% opposed. VERMONT (ABC22/FOX44) While Vermont doesnt have any statewide votes on Tuesday, that doesnt mean there wont be some local votes happening. Here is an overview of who is going to the polls in the Green Mountain State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of Central Vermont will be voting on a possible new career center in Barre Town. The vote is for a $149 million bond, the second-largest school construction bond in Vermont history. More information is available at the link below. Central Vermont Career Center hoping to expand Other votes will also be happening in Washington County, with two in Barre City to outfit the Public Works campus and to support a housing project downtown. One of the ballot items is calling for $3.3 million to move the valuable investment in highway, water, and wastewater equipment and inventory to an Upper-Prospect Street campus from flood-damaged buildings. The Barre City website claims that this knew location, which the city already owns, is safer and offers more protected storage space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another item in the city is seeking approval for a $2.4 million Tax Increment Finance Bond, which will be used for infrastructure in support of Stevens Branch Apartments housing project in downtown Barre City. The goal here is to create about 31 affordable, flood-resilient housing units. Said units will be developed by Downstreet Housing, plus include repaving on West Street and more. Nearby Berlin will also be voting on a possible four-season recreation center. The center itself would be complete with a a solar powergenerating canopy, and the upfront cost would be roughly $1.7 million. Plainfield, which was hit hard by the floods in July 2023, will be voting on a $600,000 loan for a housing project on property at 68 East Hill Rd and 166 Main Street. They want to develop infrastructure for housing units on the property. Further up the Winooski River in Cabot, the town will be voting on spending $250,000 for flood mitigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vermont joins coalition of states suing Trump Admin. for SNAP pause Brighton out in the Northeast Kingdom will be voting on water system upgrades, saying that one of its water mains is more than 110 years old and needs to be replaced while two water treatment plants are in need of new equipment. Finally, there are two votes happening in Hinesburg in Chittenden County. One of them is a project that includes a bridge and culvert replacement after flood damage, and another one relates to increase the treatment capacity and Well #6 to the Towns Water System, which could increase the towns daily production ability by 120,000 gallons per day. 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. After two decades and an estimated cost of $1bn, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, just a few days after the official opening ceremony on Saturday. Regarded as the worlds largest archaeological facility for a single civilisation, the museum is located 2km (1.2 miles) from the pyramids of Giza and 8km (5 miles) from the capital, Cairo. The complex spans nearly 500,000sq metres (5,381,900sq ft) and will house more than 100,000 ancient artefacts from the 30 dynasties of ancient Egypt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the main attractions include the 3,200-year-old, 11.36-metre (37ft) statue of King Ramses II, the complete collection of Tutankhamuns treasures and a 4,500-year-old boat, one of the oldest intact ships in the world, belonging to Khufu, the pharaoh renowned for building the Great Pyramid of Giza. INTERACTIVE - Grand Egyptian Museum at a glance GEM-1762175568 The Grand Egyptian Museums design The museum has been called the fourth pyramid of the Giza Plateau, which is home to three pyramids about 4,500 years old: the Great Pyramid of Giza (built for Pharaoh Khufu), the Pyramid of Khafre (built for Pharaoh Khafre) and the Pyramid of Menkaure (built for Pharaoh Menkaure). Visitors can view the pyramids from inside the museum, which is designed in the shape of a chamfered triangle, echoing the geometry of the pyramids. The museums north and south walls are aligned with the Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The design, created by the Irish architecture firm Heneghan Peng, uses sand-coloured concrete and translucent alabaster stone while the museums main facade is made of frosted glass panels. INTERACTIVE - Grand Egyptian Museum design-1762175574 The complex was announced in 1992, but construction did not begin until 2005 and was delayed by political turmoil after the 2011 Arab Spring and the COVID-19 pandemic. Some areas of the museum had a soft launch in 2024. The Grand Egyptian Museum, also known as the Giza Museum, is located just 2km (1.2 miles) from the pyramids of Giza [Getty Images] The museum complex includes the main building, a conference centre, a courtyard, a Nile Valley park, the Khufu Boat Museum and a conservation centre. Exterior view of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza pyramid complex [File: Getty Images] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A look inside the museum Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by the 3,200-year-old statue of King Ramses II, which weighs about 83 tonnes. From 1954 to 2006, the statue stood in Ramses Square in front of Cairos main train station before being relocated to its new location near the museum. To facilitate the move, the statue was transported upright and in one piece on a specially designed 128-wheel vehicle, covering a distance of 30km (19 miles) and necessitating temporary road closures. INTERACTIVE - Transporting the statue of Ramses II-1762175554 Beyond the entrance is the six-storey grand staircase, lined with about 60 artefacts, including statues that honour deities, sarcophagi that hold the deceased, columns showcasing ancient architectural artistry,, and stelae inscribed with significant texts. Visitors walk past ancient Egyptian statues along the grand staircase at the Grand Egyptian Museum during partial trial operation on October 15, 2024 [Sayed Hassan/Getty Images] The museum boasts 12 main permanent exhibition halls, which opened last year and are organised by both era (ranging from prehistory through the Greco-Roman period) and theme (including society, kingship and belief). INTERACTIVE - Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum-1762175562 The Tutankhamun gallery Among the museums most prominent and largest exhibition spaces is the Tutankhamun Gallery, a 7,500sq-metre (80,000sq-ft) space that features more than 5,000 artefacts unearthed from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the boy king who ascended to the throne at about nine years old and ruled during the Eighteenth Dynasty nearly 3,400 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his brief reign, which ended with his unexpected death at about 18 or 19 years old, Tutankhamun is one of the most famous pharaohs, largely due to the discovery of his nearly intact tomb in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings on the west side of the Nile opposite the city of Luxor. Visitors can see his golden mask, throne, sarcophagus, chariots and jewellery, all presented to re-create the atmosphere of his royal burial chamber. INTERACTIVE - Tutankhamuns Gallery-1762175557 One of the worlds largest museums The Grand Egyptian Museum has about 45,000sq metres (484,000sq ft) of exhibition space, making it the sixth largest museum in the world by display area. The Louvre in Paris tops the list with 72,735sq metres, followed by the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, Russia (66,842sq metres), the National Museum of China in Beijing (65,000sq metres), the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (58,820sq metres) and the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain (47,700sq metres). INTERACTIVE - Worlds largest museums by exhibition space-1762175560 Tourism is a major source of foreign currency for Egypt. In 2024, a record 15.7 million tourists visited Egypt, and the travel and tourism sector contributed roughly 8 percent of the countrys gross domestic product, according to official figures. LORDSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Lordstown Village Council voted to ban a proposed data center in the village. The vote happened Monday night at the Lordstown Village Council meeting. The vote was unanimous, 6-0. Its through the reason the health, safety and welfare of the village. This thing is something that I dont think is appropriate for us, and that is what Im told by our residents, and I stand by that, said Councilman Robert Bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday was the third reading of the ordinance over the course of the last month. At the meeting, residents expressed concern that a data center would use too much of the villages energy and water, raise bill payments, and cause a number of other complications. Late last month, Bristolville 25 Developer LLC sent a proposed plan for a new data center in Lordstown to the council. Now, a lawyer representing the company says the council didnt follow the correct procedure to approve a zoning ordinance. The statute requires a 30-day notice and public hearing. That means 30 days from now, you know, theoretically providing some kind of future. Thirty days from the, you hold your public hearing, then council can proceed to act on whatever zoning ordinance is in front of it. Obviously, that process wasnt followed here, said Cary Snyder, a partner at Taft Law. But councilwoman Jessica Blank says this isnt a zoning ordinance. Its more of an industry ban issue. Were banning the industry or data centers in the village, Blank said. The legal team representing the developer says it will work with its client to weigh its options with the proposed plan going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed date center would be built on 133 acres in Trumbull and Mahoning counties, employing 120 full-time employees with an average wage of over $84 an hour. The company estimated a capital investment of $3.6 billion and that it will employ an estimated 1,600 laborers to construct the facility. Patty Coller and Nadine Grimley contributed to this report. 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 WKBN.com. When Alicia Mastroianni left for work in Brighton, Massachusetts, she found her car covered in scratches and a note, she told WBZ-TV. The note was from a neighbor, who wrote, "I just watched and recorded a massive turkey attack your car for over 15 minutes. Sorry you were the target of this turkey rage." "All sides of my car were messed up," Mastroianni said. The Massachusetts Environmental Police said turkey attacks aren't rare anymore in the area. One reason for the assaults is that the birds see their own reflection in the car's surface and attack. They recommend covering your car or yelling to scare turkeys away. [WBZ, 7/25/2024] Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a former co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, is joining a U.S. delegation at a United Nations climate summit in Brazil. The governor left New Mexico Saturday night and will be in South America until at least Tuesday, Nov. 11. The delegation to the U.N. Climate Change Conference and the COP30 Local Leaders Forum includes more than 100 local leaders, the Governor's Office said Monday in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government Shutdown Food Aid (copy) Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is attending a United Nations climate conference in Brazil, speaks during an Oct. 29 news conference in Albuquerque. "The delegation, organized by America Is All In, Climate Mayors, and the U.S. Climate Alliance, will showcase how cities and states are sustaining America's climate progress and recommitting to international cooperation," the release states. "Participating U.S. leaders will reinforce their commitment to the Paris Agreement's goals and share local climate solutions that are lowering energy costs, growing jobs, and cutting dangerous pollution." Other dignitaries joining the governor include California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, the current co-chairs of the U.S. Climate Alliance, and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, chair of the Climate Mayors, which describes itself as a bipartisan network of nearly 350 mayors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Coleman, the governor's chief spokesperson, wrote in an email Cabinet Affairs Director Caroline Buerkle is the only state staffer traveling with her to advise on policy and coordinate multiple meetings. "Bloomberg Philanthropies is paying for the cost of the governors and Carolines travel," he wrote. Lt. Gov. Howie Morales will be acting governor while Lujan Grisham is away. The news release states three of the nation's most experienced international climate policy leaders are joining the delegation in Brazil "to provide support and guidance to state and local leaders as they deepen their engagement and climate cooperation with international counterparts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor's travel generated immediate criticism from the pro-oil and gas group Power the Future, which claimed Lujan Grisham "is once again packing her bags for another international climate junket" while the federal government shutdown continues to affect New Mexicans, especially those on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Governor Lujan Grishams hypocrisy continues to be staggering, but not at all surprising, Larry Behrens, a spokesperson for the group, said in a statement. She pretends to care about families impacted by the shutdown, but instead of staying home to stand with them, shes boarding another free flight to lecture us," he said. "Her phoniness is clear: She takes credit for using oil and gas dollars to boost SNAP, then jets off to scheme about ways to kill the industry. Behrens, however, failed to acknowledge Lujan Grisham announced a plan last week to temporarily and partially cover federal food aid benefits amid the shutdown. The state benefits will cover about 30% of each recipients monthly allotment. Rachel Maddow salutes the bravery and resourcefulness of people of Evanston, Illinois, who have not only activated to help protect their neighbors against the abuses of Donald Trump's ICE agents, but have rallied to collect food to help struggling neighbors as Trump's Republicans try leverage food assistance to force their budget to pass. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss talks with Rachel Maddow about his community's activism and pushing back against federal agents going too far. Ahead of last months No Kings protests, Republicans launched a remarkably aggressive effort to slander Donald Trumps critics, repeatedly insisting that the activists participating in the events hate America. The smear campaign apparently didnt work. NBC News reported on the results of its latest national poll: The high election interest and focus on Trump also come as millions of Americans have participated in No Kings protests against the Trump administration. In this survey, 43% say they consider themselves supporters of the No Kings protest movement with the group largely composed of Democrats but also including around 4 in 10 independents. Right off the bat, its worth emphasizing that this level of national public support for a protest movement that didnt exist as 2025 got underway is extraordinary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats more, the survey data is a timely reminder of just how badly Republicans have failed to convince the American mainstream that No Kings participants are violent, pro-terrorist communists, hell-bent on destroying the United States. Even after last months protests, some leading GOP voices continued to go after No Kings attendees. Trump, for example, called the events ridiculous, before insisting that the Americans who protested against him are not representative of our country, because many of them are lowlifes. The same day, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who took the lead in helping label No Kings protest Hate America Rallies, claimed that communists were secretly behind the events. If the goal was to persuade the public to reject No Kings, the NBC News poll suggests those efforts havent gone especially well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps most important is the comparison between the size of the No Kings protest movement and the size of the presidents base. NBC News national poll also asked respondents whether they consider themselves to be a supporter of the MAGA Movement. Just 30% aligned themselves with MAGA, down from 36% from the same poll in March. In other words, after Trumps election victory last year, the conventional wisdom suggested that the American right was ascendant and MAGA reigned supreme. But as the first year of the Republican presidents second term nears its end, the number of Americans who consider themselves MAGA supporters is down to just 30%, while supporters of the No Kings protest movement, inspired by Trumps abuses and power grabs, enjoy 43% support. This isnt what many political observers wouldve predicted a year ago at this time, but here we are. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is signaling new progress on his plot for President Donald Trump to seek a third term in 2028. During an episode of his War Room podcast on Monday, Bannon told his listeners that he has been speaking with one of the top constitutional lawyers in this country, but did not provide a name. As he works through this, his quote to me is Bannon, you can drive a Mack truck through the 22nd Amendment, Bannon said, referencing the Constitution, which prohibits any person from serving more than two terms as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, suck on that, he added. Bannon also claimed, You damn right its Trump 28. You damn right. You know what, it puts the fear of God in them, as he went on to call the president a providential figure. Bannons comments come as Trump first did not rule out his political future in the 2028 election early last week, telling reporters that I havent really thought about it, while touting the best poll numbers Ive ever had. I would love to do it, Trump said on Monday. And I have my best poll numbers ever. Its very terrible. After floating Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potential ticket, the president later suggested on Wednesday that he knew he wouldnt be able to run for another term, despite some of his allies, including Bannon, pushing for it. He added that the Constitution is pretty clear that he is not permitted to serve again in the nations highest office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best numbers for any president in many years, any president, and I would say that you read it, its pretty clear, Trump said on Air Force One. Im not allowed to run again. Its too bad. Speculation over whether Trump will attempt a presidential bid in 2028 sparked after Bannon said last month that there was a plan to get him elected. During the interview with The Economist, he declared that Trump is going to get a third term and pointed to many different alternatives, without outlining specific details. So Trump 28, Bannon said in the interview. Trump is gonna be president in 28, and people just ought to get accommodated with that. Although Trump has made several claims entertaining the prospect of another term, the 22nd Amendment prohibits any individual from serving for a third time in the post. While speaking to NBC News in March, Trump, however, did not rule it out, and during an appearance on CNBC in August, he said he would probably not run during the next election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was also asked during an interview with CBS News 60 Minutes, released Sunday, to set the record straight. Well, I dont even think about it, he said of a third term. I will tell you, a lot of people want me to run, but the difference between us and the Democrats is we really do have a strong bench. I dont want to use names, because, its you know, inappropriate, but its too early." Meanwhile, Trump has teased the prospect of another term at rallies and among his base, selling Trump 2028 hats on his online storefront. House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters during a press conference last Tuesday that he doesnt see a path for that. During the episode, Bannon argued that Election Day on Tuesday, while looking ahead at races in New Jersey, New York City and Virginia, will serve as an example of the power of Trump. When you dont get Trump engaged in a fight, and hes a fighter, youre going to get smoked, he said. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Controversial congresswoman Lauren Boebert has been slammed for a disgusting ICE-themed Halloween costume. In photos that circulated on social media, the Republican is wearing a sombrero, while her boyfriend, real estate broker Kyle Pearcy, is dressed as an ICE officer at a party in Loveland, Colorado, last Friday. Boebert, 38, is holding a sign that reads Mexican Word of the Day: Juicy. Tell me if juicy ICE coming. What do you think of the costume @RepBoebert wore to a Halloween party in Windsor. Her date was dressed as an ICE officer. pic.twitter.com/SYKDrRJSAF Mike4Colorado (@mike4colorado) November 1, 2025 A person who attended the party told ABC News, It is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen. Even the conservatives (at the party) were in shock. People avoided them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been strong reaction to the outfit worn by Boebert, a grandmother, but the Colorado congresswomans office refused to apologize. Its a Halloween costume, her office said in a statement to ABC News. Tell our Senators to vote for the CR and open the government. They are choosing to let millions of American families suffer. The Daily Beast has contacted Boeberts office for comment. U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert crosses the street outside the Longworth House Office Building on her way to the U.S. Capitol for proposed cryptocurrency legislation in Washington, D.C., on July 16, 2025. / RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The / Denver Post via Getty Images Latinos in Colorado called out Boeberts choice of attire and hurtful sign. She should be ashamed of herself, Stacy Suniga, the president of the Latino Coalition of Weld County, Colorado, told the Boulder Daily Camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though I believe she is incapable of any emotion that generates human decency. Her bigotry and ignorance are clearly evident in her chosen apparel this day. State Sen. Julie Gonzales, who is co-chair of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus, was also horrified by Boeberts outfit, noting that the congresswoman should know that our culture is not a costume and being bilingual is an asset, not a joke. Gonzales said the Latino Caucus was outraged that Boebert chose to mock our community, co-opt our culture, and make a sick joke while immigrant Coloradans with lawful immigration status in her own district, such as fifth-grade teacher Marina Ortiz, are being detained by ICE after doing everything that has been asked of them. Oritz, a teacher, was detained by ICE despite her school declaring she had legal authorization to live and work in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boeberts son, Tyler, 20, was convicted of identity theft last year. He was initially charged with multiple felonies including theft and using stolen credit cards but he escaped prison and was given community service after striking a plea deal. Trisha Calvarese, a Democrat who is running against Boebert, posted on X that she wanted to fire the Republican. Lauren Boebert put more effort into a hateful Halloween party costume than she ever has into serving the people of Colorados 4th Congressional District, Calvarese posted. Lauren Boebert put more effort into a hateful Halloween party costume than she ever has into serving the people of Colorado's 4th Congressional District. I'm Trisha Calvarese, the former public servant whose going to fire her. Help me out, RT, follow, pitch in if you can. pic.twitter.com/MkZBIikUdy Trisha Calvarese for Colorado (@trisha4colorado) November 1, 2025 Boebert is no stranger to controversy. In 2021 she apologized after posting a tweet that implied that Ilhan Omar, a Muslim and a fellow member of Congress may be a suicide bomber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are plenty of policy differences to focus on without this unnecessary distraction, Boebert posted. Omar replied on social media: Saying I am a suicide bomber is no laughing matter. Muslim bigotry has no place in Congress. In September 2023, Boebert also apologized after being tossed out of a performance of the musical Beetlejuice, after vaping in the venue and causing a disturbance. The incident happened during her divorce, with Boebert issuing a statement that read, The past few days have been difficult and humbling, and Im truly sorry for the unwanted attention my Sunday evening in Denver has brought to the community, she wrote. While none of my actions or words as a private citizen that night were intended to be malicious or meant to cause harm, the reality is they did and I regret that. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) walks towards the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol Building on September 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Last month, Boebert also raised eyebrows with an email sent to her constituents fact-checking: Are aliens real? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, our government has shrouded the truth about UFOs in a veil of secrecy, she wrote. Strange crafts have been spotted soaring through our skies, defying the laws of physics, and yet the bureaucrats in Washington act like were too NAIVE to handle the facts. They tell us were crazy like we cant see these things flying through the air with our own eyes. I SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! The American people arent children to be spoon-fed half-truths or dismissed with vague excuses. We deserve to know whats really going on up there. Laura Loomer, a right-wing political influencer known for her Islamophobic positions and fierce online attacks on figures seen as insufficiently loyal to President Donald Trump, has reportedly been credentialed to cover the Pentagon. Loomers alleged access to the Defense Department, first reported by The Washington Post, comes as virtually all mainstream news organizations in the Pentagon press corps turned in their badges last month rather than agree to a restrictive new Trump administration policy for covering the military. The Independent has contacted the Pentagon and Loomer for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new media policy bans reporters from soliciting any information from military officials without prior authorization from the Pentagon, and nearly every American news organization including Trump-friendly networks such as Fox News and Newsmax has rejected it. The Pentagon Press Association has called the policy an unprecedented message of intimidation that suggests it is criminal to speak without express permission. Far-right influencer Laura Loomer has reportedly been given a credential to cover the Pentagon following the mass exodus of the military press corps in protest of a restrictive new media policy (Getty Images) Loomer, a podcast host and political consultant, has become a prominent figure on the right through a combination of viral stunts, Islamophobic comments, and online vetting campaigns against proposed and current officials for the Trump administration. The Florida-based commentator, who has met with the president multiple times since he took office, claims her advocacy helped lead to multiple dismissals of top officials including the removals of National Security Agency chief Gen. Timothy Haugh and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loomer also took credit in August for influencing a U.S. decision to pause humanitarian visas for Palestinians seeking emergency humanitarian permissions to get medical care in the U.S. Her attacks have included scathing takedowns of the Defense Department she is now reportedly tasked with covering. Last month, Loomer claimed she will not vote in 2026 in protest of a partnership between the U.S. and Qatari militaries on an Idaho air base. Laura Loomer is an influential outsider adviser to the White House and has taken credit for swaying the administration to purge various officials deemed insufficiently loyal to the president (Laura Loomer / X) I didnt vote for the Islamification of my country. If the GOP is going to allow Muslims to have military bases on U.S. soil when they know these Qataris are funding HAMAS and the Muslim Brotherhood, then voting in 2026 is a waste of time, Loomer wrote online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loomers vocal criticisms online and advocacy inside the White House have reportedly angered some inside the Trump camp. Trump likes Laura, and she obviously has some influence, but she runs the risk of overestimating her influence and blowing herself up if she's not more careful, an unnamed source close to the White House told WIRED. A Pentagon press badge would be a coup for Loomer, who was previously better-known for the media platforms shes been kicked off, for conduct including hateful comments. Most members of the Pentagon press corps have turned in their media badges and have refused to sign onto a new press policy requiring them to only report on officially sanctioned information (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf) She was removed from Twitter in 2018 and Facebook in 2019, and last month the U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up her legal effort to sue social media platforms. Outside of her media work Loomer has unsuccessfully ran for Congress twice. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine voters on Tuesday rejected a suite of Republican-backed changes to the state's voting procedures that have been animating conservatives across the country. The Maine initiative focused on voter ID and absentee balloting changes and was one of two GOP-led measures the other in Texas under consideration by voters that proponents said would safeguard elections. The Maine proposal would have implemented a photo ID requirement for voters, limited the use of drop boxes for returning completed ballots and made changes to the states absentee voting system. Meanwhile, voters in Texas, where Republicans control the government, approved a proposal to amend the state constitution to add persons who are not citizens of the United States to the list of those excluded from participating in elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of the measures had argued that they were intended to make voting more difficult or address issues that arent major problems. Voters decided the measures at a time when President Donald Trump and national Republicans have pushed for new voting restrictions. Both initiatives are part of a nationwide Republican push to enact strict voter ID laws and highlight the exceedingly rare problem of noncitizen voting. National Democrats heralded the defeat of the Maine proposal as a victory for voting rights. Question 1 would have ended absentee voting as we know it, further diluting the voting rights of people with disabilities, seniors, and working Mainers who are unable to take the day off from work to vote, said Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of the Maine voting proposal had accused Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat, of writing the ballot question in a deliberately confusing way. They took that argument to the state's highest court and lost in July. On Tuesday, the campaign for voter ID said in a statement that Bellows weaponized the ballot question and opponents of the initiative ran a fear-based campaign. The opposition claimed that Question 1 would get rid of absentee voting, and centered their campaign on that fiction. Instead of honestly debating the merits of Voter ID, they spread lies and fear, convincing voters to vote against their own interests, the campaign said in a statement. Maine Gov. Janet Mills was one of many Democrats in the state who spoke out against the voter ID initiative. She said she saw it less as a chance to shore up elections and more as an attack on the right to vote itself. The Maine proposal stated that it also would eliminate two days of absentee voting, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members and end ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, among other changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative was considered as Maine investigates an allegation that dozens of unmarked ballots, intended for use in this years election, were discovered inside a womans Amazon order. The secretary of states law enforcement division is investigating the discovery with assistance from the FBI and other state authorities, Bellows has said. The Texas proposal arrived as Republicans in the state have also pushed for proof-of-citizenship proposals for voters. A Texas Senate bill on the subject failed to gain full legislative approval before lawmakers adjourned in June. Republican state Rep. A.J. Louderback, who pushed for the amendment, said he believes the Texas vote sends a clear message to the U.S. about the importance of ensuring that only citizens vote. I hope its a very serious turning point in the direction this is going, he said in a telephone interview. Hopefully, the rest of the nation will follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veronikah Warms, voting-rights policy attorney for the Texas Civil Rights Project, said the amendment was a pretext for undermining confidence in our democratic process and for vilifying immigrants. Voters in Texas already must attest to being a citizen when they register to vote. Fourteen other states have attempted similar citizenship voting ballot initiatives in recent years, and all of them passed easily. More are expected next year. Voting by noncitizens is already illegal and punishable with a felony and possible deportation. A handful of cities across the country allow noncitizens to vote in certain local elections. ___ Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Ryanair is the largest and most popular airline in Europe, carrying more customers on the continent than any other airline. However, this month, the major airline is moving forward with a pretty significant change that will impact around 15 percent of its customers. Beginning on Nov. 12, Ryanair will be officially eliminating paper boarding passes, requiring all passengers to have a digital boarding pass in order to board the plane. While this change might pose a problem for some travelers, it sounds like the airline is prepared to help. Ryanair Goes Digital Ryanair initially announced the plan to eliminate paper boarding passes back in September as the airline promised that it would create a more streamlined boarding experience for travelers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryanairs move to 100% digital boarding passes will mean a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience for our customers, streamlined through our best-in-class 'myRyanair' app, where passengers will also benefit from helpful in-app features, like Order to Seat and live flight information, Ryanair CMO Dara Brady said in a statement back in September. Currently, Ryanair offers passengers the option to print their boarding passes for a fee of 55. However, that option will soon disappear. Ryanair estimates that nearly 80 percent of the airlines customers already use digital boarding passes. Potential Problems? While nearly 80 percent of the airline's customers already use the digital boarding passes, that means that over 20 percent of customers do not. Of those customers, some of them don't even have a smartphone to be able to use a digital boarding pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it sounds like the airline does have some contingencies in place. According to The Sun, the airline has stated that if a passenger has no phone, loses their phone, or the battery dies at the airport, they will still be able to travel as long as they have checked in. In this case, a gate agent would be able to assist and print one. It's also worth noting that some destinations, like Morocco, still require a printed boarding pass to travel. In those cases, passengers will still have to show their digital boarding pass, but they will also be given a printed version at the airport. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. White House The majority of the corporate donors to President Donald Trumps ballroom are facing or have recently faced federal enforcement actions, according to a report by a watchdog group. The ballroom has been a pet project for the president, who boasted in September that it would be absolutely magnificent construction and one of the best anywhere in the world, but it has sparked significant controversy, chiefly Trumps broken promise that the construction wont interfere with the current building and would be near [the East Wing] but not touching it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos and video from last month showed construction crews had gone well beyond interfering with the East Wing; the facade was demolished and then an additional major section. Eventually, the East Wing was demolished in its entirety. The president has touted the funding by private donors, but the specifics remain murky and the endeavor has raised ethical questions about conflicts of interest. On Monday, The Washington Post reviewed a report by Public Citizen, the consumer advocacy nonprofit founded by Ralph Nader, detailing the monumental financial stakes for these large corporations. The report covered three dozen corporate and individual donors the Trump administration has disclosed, plus three more that have since been publicly identified, wrote the Posts Jonathan Edwards, a group of companies that have sprawling interests that touch nearly every aspect of American life, including tariffs, technology, taxation, online privacy and manufacturing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the past five years, these donors have received $279 billion in contracts with the federal government, according to Public Citizens data, and the majority of them have found themselves recently facing federal investigations tied to alleged wrongdoing that includes engaging in unfair labor practices, deceiving consumers and harming the environment: Fourteen of the two dozen publicly named corporate donors face federal enforcement actions or have had such actions suspended by Trump administration officials since the start of his second term, the report states. They include Amazon, which the Justice Department accused of fraudulently concealing worker injuries, and Apple, which benefited in September when the National Labor Relations Board withdrew its claims that the company had violated workers rights, the report states. The actual full list of donors is not publicly known, the Post noted, with CBS News identifying three corporate donors that were not on the list disclosed by the White House and others potentially still unidentified to cover the skyrocketing cost of the ballroom. Over the past few months the estimated figure has leapt from $200 million to $300 million. These giant corporations arent funding the Trump ballroom debacle out of a sense of civic pride, said Public Citizen Co-President Robert Weissman, who helped author the report. They have massive interests before the federal government and they undoubtedly hope to curry favor with, and receive favorable treatment from, the Trump administration. Millions to fund Trumps architectural whims are nothing compared to the billions at stake in procurement, regulatory and enforcement decisions. But this is more than everyday corporate influence seeking, Weissman added. Paying tribute is a mark of authoritarianism and in making these payments, these corporations are aiding Trumps authoritarian project. They should withdraw their contributions. The post Majority of Trump Ballroom Donors Recently Faced Federal Enforcement Actions: Report first appeared on Mediaite. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. Veterans Day reminds us to honor the men and women who served our country men like Joe Horne. I met Joe years ago at a neighborhood coffee shop. We shared many enjoyable conversations, which is how I learned about his incredible life. A tailgunner in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Joe and his crew enjoyed 11 successful missions. They didnt expect to survive their 12th: orders to bomb a heavily guarded munitions plant in Munich. As they approached their target, Joe fought off German fighter planes, but heavy flak hit the plane hard. It lost altitude so fast its windows shattered and landing gear was destroyed. Their only hope was to make it across the Swiss border for a crash landing. As the planes belly hit the ground as uprooted earth and stones whipped through the broken windows the pilot told the crew to evacuate before the plane exploded. Joe dived out a window and was bruised and cut as he tumbled along the ground but he survived. The Swiss detained him in internment camps in Adelboden for six months camps, writes Cathryn Prince in "Shot from the Sky," that were a dark secret of World War II. So long as he did as told, he was free to move about the town. He learned to ski and even had time to date a Swiss girl. But he and a few others crossed the line when they got into a fistfight with Nazi sympathizers. They spent 30 days in the Wauwilermoos military prison in Lucerne, where they received little food or water and regular beatings. After his release, he and his crew were about to attempt an escape when word arrived that all Americans detained in Switzerland were being repatriated. On leave in Pittsburgh, Joe attended a dance. He fell for a striking woman across the room love at first sight. Her name was Dorothy Kvederis. He married her four years later. Discharged in 1946, he joined the Post Office. After two and a half years of college at night, Joe suspended his studies. He was happy with his life. By 1954, he and Dorothy had saved enough to buy a house the house in which hed live the rest of his life. They were blessed with a daughter and two sons a teacher, dentist and corporate executive, respectively. He loved his job. For 40 of his 46 Postal years, he delivered mail in a predominantly Black section of Pittsburgh. Despite numerous opportunities to take over cushy routes inside air-conditioned high-rise buildings, he loved his route and would give it up only when he retired in 1992. He and Dorothy finally had time to enjoy life. They traveled. They attended church every morning. They spent time with family and friends. Their carefree life ended on Oct. 4, 1992, when Dorothy suffered a severe stroke that left her partially paralyzed. For the next 14 years, Joe cared for her often getting by on only a few hours of sleep until her death in 2006. Joe passed away in 2018 at 91, but my memory of him remains vivid. He had a zest for living, a fine wit and he put a spring in the step of anyone lucky enough to cross his path. He was never famous, powerful or rich but heres the truth about veterans like Joe: great civilizations are built on the shoulders of such giants. (COMMENT, BELOW) The Maldives has introduced a smoking ban for young people born on or after 1 January 2007, becoming the only country with a generational prohibition on tobacco. The new law, which came into effect on 1 November, means that it is now illegal for those under the age limit to buy or sell tobacco in the Indian Ocean archipelago. The countrys health ministry described the move as a historic milestone in the nation's efforts to protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added that the new law reflects the government's strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco. Selling tobacco products to an underage person now carries a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (2,465), while using vape devices carries a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa (246). The ban applies to all forms of tobacco and retailers are required to verify a persons age prior to sale. The new law also applies to visitors to the luxury holiday destination. Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of the archipelago's tobacco control board, said he does not believe the ban will have an adverse effect on tourism to the region, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People don't come to the Maldives because they're able to smoke, he said. They come for the beaches, they come for the sea, they come for the sun, and they come for the fresh air. He added that there had been no tourist cancellations and that the number of visitors had increased over the past year. We're projecting more than two million [tourists] in the next year, he said. The move follows the South Asian countrys decision to ban the import, sale, use, possession or distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaping products in 2024. According to the UNs health body, the new ruling provides a global response to a global problem namely, the tobacco epidemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar ban introduced in New Zealand in 2022 was scrapped the following year after a new government took power. And in the UK, a similar proposal by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is currently going through the legislative process. Read more: London airport to introduce new fee for passengers NEW YORK Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who shot to stardom and shook up Democratic politics, has won the race for mayor of New York City. The race was called for Mamdani around 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 4, and his chief opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, later conceded in a combative speech to supporters. Before a roaring crowd at the Brooklyn Paramount theater, Mamdani thanked young New Yorkers for believing "that the promise of a better future is not a relic of the past" in a speech that shouted out "Yemeni cab drivers and Mexican abuelas" among the workers who deliver the city's packages, staff its warehouses and sweat in its kitchens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are breathing in the air of a city that has been reborn, he said. 'We sent a message.' Five takeaways from Democrats' 2025 elections sweep New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani arrives for a press conference at City Hall Park on Nov. 20, 2025 in New York. US President Donald Trump said he will host New York's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for a meeting Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 after fiercely attacking the 34-year-old self-described Democratic Socialist during his recent campaign. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) was elected Mayor of New York on Nov. 4, 2025. He was born in Uganda and moved to New York City with his family at the age of 7. He drew historic numbers of South Asian and Muslim voters in the 2025 New York City election to vote for the first time. Pictured here, Mamdani waves on stage after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race, defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (R) and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch speaks with reporters after their visit to the New York City Police Memorial on Nov. 19, 2025. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, right, and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch visit the New York City Police Memorial, on Nov. 19, 2025 in New York City. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced that he has chosen to keep Jessica Tisch as New York City Police Commissioner. New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani interacts with Pre-K students at Friends of Crown Heights Education Center on Nov. 13, 2025 in the Flatbush neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City. Mamdani along with Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman and Councilmember Rita Joseph met with educators and visited with young students, speaking about his campaign promise of free care for children starting at 6 weeks old. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani serves meals during a Veterans Day event on Nov. 11, 2025, in the Bronx borough. Zohran Mamdani met his wife, Rama Duwaji, on the dating app Hinge, a rival to Tinder and Bumble. The pair got married in early 2025. Duwaji is a Syrian-American illustrator and animator. After the election of Mamdani as New York City Mayor, she is now the citys first Gen Z first lady. Supporters attend the election watch party for New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani at the Brooklyn Paramount on Nov. 4, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Mamdani defeated Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in the closely watched election for New York City mayor. Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani participates in the second New York City mayoral debate with Independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, Queens, New York, on Oct. 22, 2025. He drew historic numbers of South Asian and Muslim voters in the 2025 New York City election to vote for the first time. Democratic Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, votes at The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts on Nov. 4, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. Voters in NYC are voting for who will be replacing Mayor Eric Adams between the front runner New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani and New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa. More than 735,000 people have voted early, according to the Board of Elections, more than four times as many as in the 2021 contest. This election also has other city offices on the ballot, as well as six proposals. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani pauses while speaking about Islamophobia outside of the Islamic Cultural Center of the Bronx in New York City on Oct. 24, 2025, New Yorkers will cast their votes for mayor on November 4, 2025. Mamdani, the Democratic candidate, is the current frontrunner ahead of former New York Governor and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. (L-R) New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) stands with his mother Mira Nair, and father Mahmood Mamdani as they celebrate during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24, 2025, in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. Mamdani was announced as the winner of the Democratic nomination for mayor in a crowded field in the City's mayoral primary to choose a successor to Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election on an independent ticket. (L-R) Mira Nair, New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY), Rama Duwaji and Mahmood Mamdani celebrate on stage during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24, 2025 in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. Mamdani was announced as the winner of the Democratic nomination for mayor in a crowded field in the City's mayoral primary to choose a successor to Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election on an independent ticket. Democratic mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo (L), and Zohran Mamdani (2R), present arguments as Whitney Tilson (2L) and Michael Blake (R) look on during a Democratic mayoral primary debate, at NBC's 30 Rockefeller Center studios in New York on June 4, 2025. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks as New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani listens during the Fighting Oligarchy town hall at the Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Artson Sept. 6, 2025 in New York City. Mamdani joined Sanders at his New York town hall after marching with union members in Manhattan's Labor Day parade. Sanders, an early backer of Mamdani's primary bid, has staged 34 rallies in 20 states since launching his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour this year, aimed at challenging the power of billionaires and corporations in U.S. politics. New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) rides the subway as he prepares to head to Albany on March 24, 2025 in New York City. Mamdani announced that he is halting fundraising efforts after his campaign raised over $8 million, the spending cap for the upcoming June primary. Director Mira Nair and Music Supervisor Zohran Mamdani attend the Gala Screening of Disney's 'Queen Of Katwe' during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on Oct. 9, 2016, in London. (L-R) Tendo Nagenda, Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo, director Mira Nair and Zohran Mamdani attend the Gala Screening of Disney's 'Queen Of Katwe' during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on Oct. 9, 2016, in London. (L-R) Music supervisor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Director Mira Nair, Mahmood Mamdani and Nishant Tharani arrive at the world premiere of Disney's Queen of Katwe at Roy Thompson Hall as part of the 2016 Toronto Film Festival where the cast, filmmakers and real-life stars received a standing ovation. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. Theaters on Sept. 23, 2017. (L-R) Nishant Tharani, Director Mira Nair and music supervisor Zohran Kwame Mamdani arrive at the world premiere of Disney's Queen of Katwe at Roy Thompson Hall as part of the 2016 Toronto Film Festival where the cast, filmmakers and real-life stars received a standing ovation. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. Theaters on Sept. 23, 2017. Meet Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor-elect 1 of 20 New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani arrives for a press conference at City Hall Park on Nov. 20, 2025 in New York. US President Donald Trump said he will host New York's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for a meeting Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 after fiercely attacking the 34-year-old self-described Democratic Socialist during his recent campaign. "I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life," Mamdani said. But let tonight be the final time I utter his name as we turn the page on politics that abandons the many and answers only to the few. Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Queens, was at 1% in the polls when he launched an upstart campaign focused on the cost of living. He offered unabashedly left-leaning proposals including a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments, free buses and universal child care, paid for by taxes on the citys wealthiest. Several of the city's billionaires donated millions of dollars on attack ads against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo, the 67-year-old inheritor of a storied New York political name, was considered unbeatable until Mamdani, 34, won an upset in the Democratic primary in June. The general election campaign, which Cuomo contested as an independent, was marked by fighting over Mamdanis proposals and his past criticisms of Israel and the New York Police Department. Supporters of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani celebrate at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater. New Yorkers elected democratic socialtsMamdani on Nov. 4, 2025, broadcasters projected. In addition to some fellow Democrats objecting to him, Mamdani drew the ire of President Donald Trump, a Queens native, and other Republicans who have attacked Mamdani a Ugandan immigrant and a Muslim with incendiary allegations that he supports terrorism. Some of those attacks were echoed by Cuomo, who Trump endorsed. "This was a change election," political consultant Suri Kasirer told USA TODAY, noting record voter turnout and Mamdani's grass roots campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Mamdani replaces embattled incumbent Mayor Eric Adams on Jan. 1, he will have to navigate threats by the Trump administration to pull federal funds from New York and convince state lawmakers to approve his plans for taxing and spending. Here's the latest: Mamdani dares Trump Zohran Mamdani dared President Donald Trump to keep going after him in a combative speech after his Nov. 4 New York City mayoral election victory. More: 'Turn the volume up!' Mamdani delivers a 4-word message to Trump in victory speech. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani speaks onstage after winning the 2025 New York City mayoral race, at an election night rally in Brooklyn, New York, November 4, 2025. Mamdani, the subject of months of attacks from the president, called Trump out by name as the democratic socialist hailed a mandate for change with his victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him, Mamdani, 34, said. And if there is any way to defeat a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power. He added: This is not only how we stop Trump its how we stop the next one. So, Donald Trump, since I know youre watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up. Democratic candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani looks at his wife Rama Duwaji after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race, at an election night rally in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, November 4, 2025. Trump had endorsed Mamdani's chief opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and threatened to withhold federal funds from New York if the young democratic socialist was elected. After the race was called for Mamdani, Trump left a four-word post on Truth Social: "AND SO IT BEGINS!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement -- Joey Garrison and Eduardo Cuevas Bad Bunny and the Black Eyes Peas show a younger New York choosing the mayor New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's election night victory party reflected the new coalition that has brought him to power. A racially diverse but decidedly young-skewing filled the Paramount Theater in Brooklyn. Celebrating diversity, Mamdani's election night party showcases a new coalition Supporters listen to New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speak during an election night event at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, New York on November 4, 2025. Located on the border of the rapidly developing Downtown Brooklyn and the once majority-Black, now heavily gentrified Fort Greene neighborhood, the 2,700-capacity venue is in one of the areas where progressive young professionals drove Mamdani to victory. As election results trickled in, he 34-year-old democratic socialist's supporters began filling the dance floor in front of a DJ playing remixes of Bad Bunnys Nueva Yol, the Black Eyed Peas, classic New York hip hop like 50 Cents "Many Men, old R&B, and Afro-beats. An election poster sits on a bar counter at the venue for Democratic candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani's election night rally in Brooklyn, New York, Nov. 4, 2025. The crowd also sang along to English singer Natasha Bedingfields early-aughts Unwritten," and hear bhangra blasting from the speakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --Eduardo Cuevas and Ben Adler Tears and a vision for New York City Shortly after Zohran Mamdani exited the stage with his wife, mother and father, the crowd lingered as Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrells Motown ballad, Aint No Mountain High Enough played. Rebuking Trump, California passes Prop 50 to redistrict in favor of Democrats New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani celebrates alongside his wife Rama Duwaji at an election night event at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, New York on November 4, 2025. Teary-eyed, Brooklyn resident Katie Deray, 37, wore a blue Iranians for Zohran tee, in English and Farsi. She had black bows in her hair with Z stickers on them. As the daughter of an Iranian immigrant, she said Mamdani was so transparent and unapologetically himself during the campaign,, even as he faced what he called racist and Islamophobic attacks. Its a beautiful thing, she said. Supporters celebrate after Democratic candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani won the 2025 New York City mayoral race, outside the election night watch party at the Brooklyn Paramount theater, November 4, 2025. Deray, a social worker, came to support Mamdani's plans for a Department of Community Safety, to help respond to certain emergency calls as an alternative to the NYPD. She said some voters were concerned about 34-year-old Mamdani's age, she saw it as an asset that would help him think differently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani, she said, wasnt encumbered by the mechanisms of the political structure that are inevitable, to a degree, she said. -- Eduardo Cuevas Mamdani says New Yorkers delivered a mandate for change Mamdani hailed his victory as a mandate for change after winning New York Citys mayoral election with more than 50% of the vote. Zohran Mamdani reacts after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race, at an election night rally in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, New York, Nov. 4, 2025. You have delivered a mandate for a new kind of politics, a mandate for a city we can afford and a mandate for a government that delivers exactly that, the 34-year-old democratic socialist said in his remarks. Mamdani kicked off his election speech by quoting the early 20th century United States labor leader Eugene V. Debs, the founder of the Socialist Party of America more than a century ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As Eugene Debs once said, I can see the dawn of a better day for humanity, Mamdani said. New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during an election night event at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, New York on November 4, 2025. Mamdani took a jab at his chief election opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who finished about 9 percentage points behind Mamdani. "My friends, we have toppled a political dynasty," he said. "I wish Andrew Cuomo the best in private life. But let tonight be the final time I utter his name." --Joey Garrison Mamdani takes the stage The Brooklyn Paramount has erupted in roars as Zohran Mamdani takes the stage. Cuomo: Mamdani's promises 'cannot be met' Speaking to supporters at his election night party in Midtown Manhattan, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo celebrated his campaign's effort and the 42% of a record-high turnout it received. New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo concedes his loss to state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani at an election night event at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan on Nov. 4, 2025. New Yorkers elected democratic socialist Mamdani as their next mayor, broadcasters projected. "This campaign was the right fight to wage," Cuomo said to enthusiastic applause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crowd booed when he congratulated Mamdani. "That is not right, and that is not us," Cuomo chastised his audience. Supporters watch initial projections at former New York governor and independent candidate for New York City mayor Andrew Cuomo's election night rally at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan on Nov. 4, 2025. "This campaign was to contest the philosophies that are shaping the Democratic party, the future of this city, and the future of this country," Cuomo said. "This coalition transcended normal partisan politics, it brought together Democrats and Republicans and independents joined together by the simple fact that their first allegiance is as citizens of New York City." "More than half of New Yorkers did not vote to support an agenda that makes promises that cannot be met," he added, suggesting Mamdani would fall short of winning 50% of the vote. A supporter of former New York governor and independent candidate for New York City mayor Andrew Cuomo holds a sign at Cuomo's election night rally at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in the Manhattan on November 4, 2025. "We are a nation of laws and we believe in law and order and we need the police to keep society safe," he said. "We will not make the NYPD the enemy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "New York City heard us and we will be the better for it," he concluded. --Ben Adler Mayor Eric Adams congratulates Zohran Mamdani Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, who endorsed Andrew Cuomo, congratulated Mamdani on his win in a video posted to social media. Adams pledged to help Mamdani with the transition, and called the mayor of New York City one of the most difficult and greatest jobs on the globe. New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives before a press conference in New York City, U.S., October 30, 2025. The mayor then pivoted to address voters who feared a Mamdani administration. To all those communities who voted for someone else: we understand your concerns, we understand your fears, we understand the anxiety that you are feeling, he said, But this is our democracy, and as our democracy, we will move together to ensure this city is the city that is the voices for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calling himself the former mayor and referencing his prior career in law enforcement, Adams said he will remain committed to residents safety. An Andrew Cuomo supporter wears a sticker designed by Michaela Kennedy-Cuomo during the former governor's mayoral election night party in Midtown Manhattan on November 04, 2025 in New York City. Adams will remain mayor until Mamdani is sworn in on New Year's Day. --Kathryn Palmer Reveling in Mamdani's ground-breaking identity Sabah Merchant, 31, stood toward the back of Zohran Mamdanis election night party. Her brother worked on Mamdanis campaigns, including when he ran for state Assembly and won in 2020. Supporters attend the election watch party for New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani at the Brooklyn Paramount on November 4, 2025. The importance of Mamdani as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor, and someone who immigrated to the country as a child, wasnt lost on Merchant, who is a second-generation American. Its amazing seeing someone with that identity bringing an entire city of diverse communities together, said Merchant, who works in policy at a nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani, she said, has embraced New York City as his own and actually contributed meaningfully to it. Im excited to see what doors he can open for others. -- Eduardo Cuevas Likely GOP candidate for governor puts Mamdani at center of 2026 race GOP U.S. representative and potential candidate for governor, Elise Stefanik, said in a statement that the "only way to save our great state and provide a check on this insanity is to elect a Republican Governor in 2026. Stefanik said that under Gov. Kathy Hochuls "weak catastrophic leadership, New York City has now fallen to a pro-Hamas, Defund the Police, Tax Hiking, Antisemite Jihadist Communist." Mamdani is a democratic socialist, not a communist, and he denies accusations that he is antisemitic or supports Islamist violence, calling such claims Islamophobic. Stefanik has teased a race for governor for months, but has said she would not make an announcement about her decision until after the 2025 election. --Sarah D. Wire Classic hip hop, Bad Bunny, Natasha Bedingfield as Mamdani party continues The Zohran Mamdani watch party has DJ remixing quintessential New York hip hop think 50 Cents "Many Men and Bad Bunnys hit Nuevayol, which takes from a Nuyorican salsa classic. The crowd sang along to Natasha Bedingfields early-aughts classic, Unwritten. Supporters celebrate after New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is announced the winner in the mayoral race at the Brooklyn Paramount on November 4, 2025. Supporters, who are noticeably younger, are dancing through scores of press searching for interviews, politicos catching up, and cheers when new voting numbers roll on the screen above. At one point, a crowd of younger supporters circled around the middle of the floor to chant, We believe that we have won." Just after 10:30 p.m., Lil Wayne's "A Milli" played briefly. Results showed Mamdani has garnered more than 1 million votes in the historic turnout election. - Eduardo Cuevas Jubilation on Mamdani's home turf Mamdani supporters packed the sidewalks on Steinway Street in the Astoria neighborhood in Queens, the future mayor's home district, cheering as cars rolled by honking their horns and waving Zohran signs. At a watch party inside the Mokafe coffeehouse,as Mamdani was called the winner, the crowd erupted in cheers and tears. Mauree Akhi, of the Long Island suburbs, shook with emotion, and wiped away tears. Growing up post 9/11, as children we felt constantly scared to be who we are, to be Muslim, to wear a hijab. We were other-ized in this city of immigrants and today its a win for every one of us in this city, he said. -- Hannan Adely Kendrick Lamars 'Not Like Us' booms as Mamdani supporters celebrate Brooklyn native Julio Herrera, 27, danced to Kendrick Lamar hit diss track Not Like Us minutes after the election was called for Zohran Mamdani. Herrera, part of the Black Leadership Action Coalition, said his organization endorsed Mamdani in the Democratic primary. Herrera cited Mamdani's messaging about affordability an issue that spans race, ethnicity and party lines in the diverse city. Herrera felt validated, adding an expletive. Supporters celebrate as initial projections of Democratic candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani win are declared during an election night watch party in Brooklyn, New York City on November 4, 2025. This isnt just like a New York situation, he said. This is a phenomenon across the country, across the world. A few feet away from Herrera, Ali Hasan, an 11-year-old from San Jose, California, looked up, watching the screens with his mother, as the results streamed in. As someone who is also Muslim, Hasan said, It means that I can be like him when I grow up. -- Eduardo Cuevas RNC chair says voters will punish Democrats for electing Mamdani Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters said in a statement that by electing Zohran Mamdani as New York City Mayor, Democrats have officially handed New York City over to a self-proclaimed Communist, and hardworking families will be the ones paying the price. Zohran Mamdanis radical agenda will push businesses out, drain taxpayers dry, and drive one of Americas greatest cities into lawlessness. His election is proof that the Democrat Party has abandoned common sense and tied themselves to extremism. Next year, Democrats will be held accountable by voters for embracing Mamdanis far-left agenda and the consequences it will bring," Gruters added. --Sarah D. Wire AOC calls Mamdani 'a historic candidate' Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., told reporters at Mamdani's victory party that "we showed we're not going to be bullied." Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez greets supporters of New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as they celebrate during an election night event at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, New York on November 4, 2025. Asked if Mamdani is the future of the Democratic Party, she said "I think he's the next mayor of New York City." "He is a bright light showing the future path for championing working families in New York," Ocasio-Cortez said. "I know for Zohran, it's not about Democrat, Republican, or independent, it's about how we help people." Ocasio-Cortez added that President Trump "knows that if you mess with New York, you mess with the whole country, and that this is a city that doesn't fight back." -Ben Adler Manhattan DA who led Trumps hush money conviction wins reelection Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has won reelection, according to local outlet NY1 and Associated Press. Bragg, a Democrat, was the first Black district attorney elected to the office in 2021 and earned the national spotlight in recent years for leading the hush money trial against President Donald Trump. A 12-person Manhattan jury unanimously convicted Trump in May 2024, when he was no longer in office, on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a 2016 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The presidents legal team is attempting to appeal the decision. -Kathryn Palmer Mamdani leads with majority of early votes cast NY1, the local news channel owned by Spectrum cable, is reporting that the New York City Board of Elections has released early voting totals. They are: Mamdani 422,716 (51.5%) Cuomo 325,497 (39.7%) Sliwa 65,810 (8%) This is 36.13% of the expected vote total of over 2 million cast. If the trend continues among absentee ballots and votes cast on Election Day, Mamdani will be the winner. -Ben Adler Sliwa concedes, with a warning for Mamdani Speaking to his supporters at his election night party on Manhattan's Upper West Side, Curtis Sliwa appeared to concede his defeat and Mamdani's likely victory. "We have a mayor-elect, obviously I wish him good luck," Sliwa said. " "We have spent two years organizing this movement. it's not just Republicans or Democrats or independents.," Sliwa added, before listing his eclectic constituency, which he described as including animal lovers and the homeless. "We will not surrender, we will not retreat," he said. "let me warn our new leader: if you try to implement socialism, if you try to render our police impotent... we are not only organizing, we are mobilizing and we will become the mayor-elect and his supporters worst enemies." Sliwa also alluded to entreaties he has said he received from wealthy Cuomo backers to drop out. "A person said to me, 'c'mon Curtis, everybody has a price. But guess what? We don't have a price. We are not for sale. we are the people." -Ben Adler Record turnout will give the winner a mandate, state senator says A supporter holds a sign during former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's mayoral election night party in Midtown Manhattan on November 04, 2025 in New York City. State Sen. Mike Gianaris, a Democrat from Queens who has endorsed Mamdani, said whoever wins the race will have a mandate even if they don't cross 50%. I think the bigger number is not the margin of victory, its the turnout, Gianaris, old reporters on the floor of the Mamdani election night party before results began trickling in. "It's astounding." Preliminary voting numbers indicate the highest turnout in decades in a mayoral election in New York. Whoever comes out of this, the victor is gonna have quite a mandate, Gianaris said. - Eduardo Cuevas Polls close in NYC and the vote count begins Poll workers across New York's five boroughs will begin counting the more than 2 million votes cast in the 2025 mayoral election. New York voter turnout tops 2 million New York has seen its biggest voter turnout in 56 years, the city Board of Election reported. "We officially hit TWO MILLION votes - first time since 1969!" the board said in a social media post at 8:45 p.m. local time. The board noted that anyone waiting on line when the polls close at 9 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Election 2025 Live: Spanberger wins in Virginia, reports say, notching victory for Dems When will we know who won the NYC mayoral election? (L-R) New York City mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa and Zohran Mamdani While results from other off-year races start to trickle in, those watching the NYC race will need to wait a bit longer for returns. Polls close at 9pm ET, after which the vote count begins. -Kathryn Palmer Foreign press packs into Mamdani election night party Just before polls close at 9 p.m., scores of international, national and local press clamored to get inside the Brooklyn Paramount theaterin downtown Brooklyn. The venue, built in 1928, has capacity for 2,700 people and at least two bars, according to Brooklyn Magazine. More: Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani shoots to stardom like a young Obama' An empty podium stands during the election night watch party for New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani at the Brooklyn Paramount theater on Nov. 4, 2025. The event space, with balcony seating and soaring blue ceilings, had an open floor looking out to a stage with signage for Zohran. Behind the podium were flags for the city of New York and a large screen for Spectrum News 1, the local New York television station, playing on live. The city mayor's race has garnered international attention after Mamdani's shock win in the June Democratic primary. - Eduardo Cuevas Hope, vibes in Brooklyn deli near Mamdani campaign party Inside Munch Gourmet Market, a deli just a block from Mamdanis election night party at the Brooklyn Paramount theater, Bronx resident Helmi Kassim said he likes the vibes in the race for mayor. Am I entitled to trust my vibes? Kassim, 45, who is second-in-command at his brothers deli, said from behind the counter. No, I trust my vibes. Thats where my heart is. A display shows an advertisement for betting on the New York City mayoral election, featuring Democratic candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani and Independent candidate and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in Times Square, November 4, 2025. Kassim said Mamdani had given him new hope in politics. He makes minimum wage and drives an hour-and-a-half from his home in the Bronx to the deli, six days a week and has put his three children through college. Kassim, a Muslim, like Mamdani, said he prays five times a day. I go through a pain just to be honorable and have dignity, he said. I feel like we share that. And when everybody's going against him, he's still standing. Thats God telling me, like, Listen, this guy's special. Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, stands next to National Director of the Working Families Party Maurice Mitchell, during the New York City mayoral election, at the PS 20 The Clinton Hill School, in Brooklyn, New York City, Nov. 4, 2025. Kassim said he voted early for Mamdani. When he gets off work at 10 p.m., he will drive home to the Bronx, with a large sign for Mamdani on his dashboard. Eduardo Cuevas NYC sees record turnout in mayor's race Polls don't close until 9 p.m. ET, but New Yorkers have already voted in record numbers, according to city Board of Elections data. With nearly 1.75 million voting check-ins as of 6 p.m. local time, the results mark a high in voting for mayor this century. The centurys previous record was in 2001, when over 1.5 million votes were cast in the election that saw Mike Bloomberg first win office. Early voting numbers also reached historic highs this election. Voters submit their ballots at a polling site on Election Day in the New York City election in Brooklyn on Nov. 4, 2025. In 2021, around 1.15 million people voted in the general election that saw Eric Adams win in an uncompetitive race against Republican Curtis Sliwa after winning a nail-biter Democratic primary. Off-year elections tend to have lower turnout, including in New York City. On this years ballot, New Yorkers are also deciding whether to move some elections, including the mayors race, to coincide with even-year presidential elections. Proponents, including Adams City Charter Revision Commission, say this could boost turnout. Eduardo Cuevas Mayor Eric Adams, four years after swooping to victory, walks alone to polls Four years ago, Eric Adams coasted to victory in the New York City mayoral election after winning in the Democratic primary. As the citys second Black mayor, Adams a former police officer seen as a political moderate was considered by some to be the future of the Democratic Party before scandals rocked his administration. New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former New York governor and independent candidate for mayor, Andrew Cuomo, depart after a press conference on Oct. 30, 2025. This Election Day, video showed Adams, now 65, walking alone in untucked white dress shirt with his hands in his pockets to his polling place at P.S. 81 in Brooklyn. His security flanked him crossing the street. After facing federal corruption charges that the Trump Justice Department later dropped, Adams skipped the June Democratic primary and ran as an independent before ending his long-shot reelection bid in September. He later endorsed Cuomo whom he once called a snake and a liar against Mamdani, the Democratic nominee. Adams' name remains on the ballot, on an independent line. Fabien Levy, Adams' spokesperson, said he supported Cuomo. Eduardo Cuevas Schumer mum on who he voted for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the senior senator from New York, declined to say who he voted for. When asked at a press conference on Capitol Hill whether he voted for the Democratic candidate, Mamdani, or for Cuomo, the former Democratic governor running as an independent, Schumer simply said he voted. "Look, I voted and I look forward to working with the next mayor to help New York City, Schumer said. Rebecca Morin Who do the citys past (living) mayors support? Split, just like they are about baseball. New Yorks former mayors are as divided about the race to lead City Hall as they are about which baseball team to back. Here's where the living former mayors and the current hizzoner stand on the election and baseball. None of the living former mayors or mayoral hopefuls teams made it to this year's World Series. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who originated in Brooklyn, won after midnight early Sunday morning, Nov. 2. - Eduardo Cuevas White House calls Mamdani irresponsible over bomb-threat allegations After Mamdani linked Trump to bomb threats at New Jersey polling places, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the candidate irresponsible. Mamdani called the bomb threats part of voter intimidation like Trumps baseless claims of voter fraud. I think they are completely irresponsible and they are based on zero evidence, Leavitt told reporters Tuesday at the White House. Bart Jansen Early voting saw record turnout In arguably the buzziest mayoral race in New York history, New Yorkers have recorded the highest turnout in the city's history in the general election. New Yorkers vote to pick their new mayor at an election site in midtown Manhattan on Nov. 4, 2025, in New York City. Final New York City Board of Elections tallies showed over 735,000 check-ins in the early voting period from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2. In 2021, the last time the city elected its mayor, more than 169,000 people cast their ballots during early voting, four times less than in 2025. Sunday, Nov. 2 the final day for New Yorkers to cast their ballots in early voting before the Nov. 4 election marked the highest early voting day in New York City history, elections officials announced in a Monday news release. Eduardo Cuevas and Jay Stahl What is a democratic socialist? Like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Mamdani identifies as a democratic socialist. And like Ocasio-Cortez, he belongs to the Democratic Socialists of America. New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani, center, celebrates with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, at a rally on Oct. 26, 2025 at Forest Hills Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. Democratic socialists believe that the government and economy should be run for the benefit of the public rather than private profit. They typically favor an enhanced social safety net such as universal health insurance provided by the government and paid for with higher taxes on the rich. Unlike communism and other authoritarian systems of government, democratic socialists believe in democracy. Sanders has pointed to the social democracies in Scandinavia as models he would emulate in the United States. Ben Adler Voters on both sides focused on cost of living Mamdani reshaped the New York City mayoral race by focusing on cost of living in the notoriously expensive city. Inwood resident Gisselee Rivera, 20, voted for Mamdani, citing cost of living as the top issue for her and her parents. She works in an after-school program for kids, and she thought Mamdani's proposed rent freeze would help her family. She said she noticed Mamdani talking to people and businesses across different neighborhoods on social media, and he also campaigned heavily in her neighborhood during the primary. It gives you a different idea of how the actual neighborhood is working, Rivera said. Bronx resident Zoila Cruz, 59, had a more pessimistic view and said she was leaning toward voting for Cuomo. Cruz had two jobs as a home attendant, but recently lost work in one job and said she struggles to keep up with rising expenses. Every day is worse, she said in Spanish. The economy, the cost of living, the rent. Cruz wasn't confident that Cuomo could improve things, but she sided with him more than the others. She thought Mamdanis proposal for free buses was unrealistic. Es una locura, verdad, mi amor? Cruz said. Its crazy, right, my love? Eduardo Cuevas In Manhattan Latino hub, voters divided In northern Manhattan, which has the highest concentration of Dominicans in the United States, voters appeared split between Mamdanis vision and Cuomos experience. The area is represented by Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican in Congress, who has backed Mamdani in the general election after endorsing Cuomo in the primary. The area swung to Mamdani in the primary. Im going to vote for the youth and something new, Jose Rodriguez, 72, a retiree, said in Spanish outside of the Washington Heights Academy in the Inwood neighborhood on a windy Election Day morning. His family encouraged him to vote for Mamdani. Rodriguez said he was most concerned about public safety and homelessness, and thought Mamdani could make a change as opposed to Cuomo, who he said represented the old political class. Cell phone vendor Hector Ferreira, 49, planned to cast his vote for Cuomo. Mamdani was too liberal and New York had already gone too left, Ferreira said in Spanish. Ferreira was in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic capital, during the primary and didnt vote then. But Cuomo, he said, has the experience that New York City needs right now to fight crime and to improve quality of life. A year ago, Ferreira voted for President Donald Trump to fix the economy, which Ferreira blamed on former President Joe Biden. Inwood, like many working-class Latino communities, voted in record numbers for Trump. Mamdani has tried to bring back these voters to Democrats, while Cuomo has made appeals to conservatives to join his side. Eduardo Cuevas Musk points out Mamdani appears on ballot twice. That's normal for New York. Elon Musk, the billionaire Tesla owner who has endorsed Cuomo, wrongly suggested that because Zohran Mamdani is listed twice on the ballot, he could win twice. New York allows candidates' names to appear on multiple ballot lines to reflect various party endorsements, which is often used as a way to give support for parties or causes outside of the traditional two-party system. But New Yorkers can only vote for a single candidate, as their ballot indicates. For example, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa appears on both the GOP ballot line and Protect Animals ballot line. Sliwas wife Nancy, an animal welfare advocate, reportedly voted for her husband under the Protect Animals line. Mamdani appears as the Democratic nominee and also as the candidate for the left-leaning Working Families Party. Independent candidate Cuomo is listed once, on the Fight and Deliver line. Eduardo Cuevas Cuomo apologizes for COVID-19 deaths but says he 'did nothing wrong' Cuomo, in an Election Day morning appearance on Fox News, said he was sorry to people whose loved ones died from COVID-19 while he was governor. "I apologize for any family that lost a loved one during that time. It was on my watch, and I understand how terrible it was," Cuomo said. Cuomo has been dogged during his campaign by ongoing accusations that, when he was governor, his administration undercounted the number of nursing home residents who died from the coronavirus. New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a report in 2021 finding that the state's Department of Health published data that may have undercounted those deaths by as much as 50%, and that nursing homes put residents at increased risk by failing to comply with infection control protocols. Even with his apology, Cuomo continued to defend his record. "We followed all the federal rules. We did nothing wrong," he said. "It was horrific, but everyone did the best that they could." Aysha Bagchi Independent candidate for New York City mayor Andrew Cuomo puts a sticker on his lapel after voting at a polling site at the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan on Nov. 4, 2025. Cuomo says Trump is 'pragmatic' in endorsing him Andrew Cuomo said President Donald Trump was being realistic by telling Republican voters to support him against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. President Trump is pragmatic, Andrew Cuomo said on the conservative talk show Fox & Friends on Tuesday morning. Hes telling them the reality of this situation. If you do not vote, Mamdani is going to win. Trump has increasingly voiced support for Cuomo against Mamdani, the frontrunner in the race. Cuomo, running as an independent, previously disavowed Trump's endorsement while also trying to pull Republican voters away from GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa, who trails in third. Even if youre not voting for a Republican, youre voting to save New York City, Cuomo said. This election is not about Democrat or Republican. Its about saving the city. Eduardo Cuevas Sliwa, wearing a cat tie, accompanies wife to vote Sporting his signature red beret and a tie decorated with cats, Curtis Sliwa accompanied his wife, Nancy, on Tuesday as she cast her ballot for her husband in the New York City mayoral race. Sliwa, the Republican candidate running on the Protect Animals ballot line, said that the results of the citys election will be determined by the people, even if they dont choose me and not the political elites. While holding a book entitled, Pawverbs for a Cat Lover's Heart, Sliwa said that he has the peoples support. Hopefully by the time the ballots are counted tonight, when all is said and done, Ill be the next mayor of the City of New York, he said. And you know animals throughout the city will be partying hardy because theyll have a friend both in Gracie Mansion and in City Hall. Rebecca Morin Candidates highlight their signature policy proposals The three candidates vying for mayor gave vastly different closing arguments Tuesday while appearing on WNYCs popular The Brian Lehrer Show to describe their signature policy proposal. Mamdani, who has run on a campaign to address affordability, said his key issue was universal child care, which he wants to fund via taxes on the citys wealthiest. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who would have to ultimately approve the tax hike with state lawmakers, has supported Mamdanis proposal. Sliwa cited his opposition to the citys controversial housing proposals, which Cuomo and Mamdani support. Sliwa also pointed to opposition from City Council leadership, which is staunchly Democratic. Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani are helping developers and realtors, he said. Im standing with the people. Cuomos signature proposal was public safety, including hiring 5,000 new police officers. Safety is the foundation, he said. Mayor Eric Adams, who endorsed Cuomo, recently announced funding to hire 5,000 new NYPD officers. Recent data has showed a continued decline in major crimes in the city, with the lowest October for homicides since NYPD began tracking data in 1994. Eduardo Cuevas Mamdani votes 'yes' on NYC housing measures Outside of his polling place in Astoria, Queens, Mamdani told reporters he voted yes on New York Citys controversial ballot proposals 2 through 4, which Mayor Eric Adams' administration put forward in what proponents said is needed to address the citys dire housing shortage. City Council leadership opposed the measures, arguing it left local officials unable to respond to local needs of neighborhoods while concentrating power in the hands of the mayor and developers. Zohran Mamdani, Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, votes in the New York City mayoral election at a polling site at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts High School in Astoria, Queens, Nov. 4, 2025. Mamdani hadnt said whether he supported proposals until now. In the last mayoral debate on Oct. 22, his opponents and moderators ridiculed him for not having a response. We urgently need more housing to be built across the five boroughs, he told a New York Daily News reporter on Election Day, acknowledging councilmembers who opposed the measures based on concerns over investment in their communities. I share the commitment to that investment. I look forward to working with them and delivering on that. Mamdani also voted no on ballot proposal to move city elections for offices such as mayor to presidential years in order to boost turnout. Eduardo Cuevas 'Our country has failed them.' Zohran Mamdani talks to USA TODAY about younger voters. Cuomo declines to embrace Trump endorsement Andrew Cuomo declined to embrace President Donald Trump's last-minute endorsement of him in the final hours before Election Day. Trump urged his supporters to cast their ballots for Cuomo in a Nov. 3 evening post on Truth Social. "Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!" Trump said. Rather than leaning into the endorsement, Cuomo highlighted that Trump previously called him a "bad Democrat." "Trump called me a bad Democrat? No Im a good Democrat. A proud Democrat," Cuomo said in a Monday evening post on X. Cuomo added that Trump wouldn't be sending ICE or the National Guard into New York City under his watch, and painted himself as someone who could stand up to the Republican president. Aysha Bagchi Lyla Huber poses for a photo after voting at the P.S. 249 the Caton School on Nov. 4, 2025, in the Flatbush neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City. Mamdani says he aims to Trump-proof New York City Mamdani said his economic plan aims to protect the city from President Donald Trumps threat to provide it less federal funding. Mamdani calls for a 2% tax on people making more than $1 million per year, to raise $4 billion per year, and seeks to increase the corporate tax rate to 11.5%, to generate $5 billion. Mamdani would also freeze the rent for 2.5 million residents in a city of 8.5 million people. It would actually allow us to start Trump-proofing our city, Mamdani told The Beat with Ari Melber on MSNBC on Monday. We have to protect the New Yorkers with the least from the attacks from the man with the most power in this country. Trump calls Mamdani a communist and said the federal government cant afford to throw good money after bad if he is elected. It's going to be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York, Trump told 60 Minutes in an interview that aired Sunday. Bart Jansen Mamdani calls Cuomo Trumps hand-picked candidate Mamdani called Cuomo Trumps hand-picked candidate in the race. Trump urged New Yorkers to vote for Cuomo, whom Mamdani already beat in the Democratic primary. Mamdani said voting for Cuomo in the heavily Democratic city would be the same as voting for Trump. I'm saying that because Donald Trump has hand-picked his candidate. That candidate's name is Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani told The Beat with Ari Melber on MSNBC on Monday. And New Yorkers have the chance to handpick their fighter. And I believe that candidate should be me. Bart Jansen Who is Zohran Mamdani? Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani is a 34-year-old democratic socialist and state lawmaker. He won election to the New York State Assembly in 2020 and represents the 36th district in Queens. Before joining the assembly, Mamdani worked for a year at a housing nonprofit. Mamdani was born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, until the age of 7 when his family moved to New York City. He became a naturalized citizen in 2018. He became the first South Asian man and Ugandan to join the assembly and is the third Muslim elected to the chamber. Mamdani is the son of academic Mahmood Mamdani and prominent filmmaker Mira Nair. He married 28-year-old artist Rama Duwaji in February. Kathryn Palmer Who is Andrew Cuomo? Andrew Cuomo, 67, is a former governor of New York running as an independent in the race to lead New York City. He is a lifelong Democrat and resigned as governor in 2021 due to a series of sexual harassment allegations that he has denied. He is the son of the late three-term former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, who also served as the states lieutenant governor and secretary of state. He has three children with former wife Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy. The pair divorced in 2005. Before he became governor, Cuomo was a Manhattan assistant district attorney and worked in former President Bill Clintons administration in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He later served one term as New York attorney general before making his bid for governor. Cuomo won his first gubernatorial election in 2010 and again in 2014 and 2018. Kathryn Palmer Who is Curtis Sliwa? Curtis Sliwa, 71, is the Republican nominee in the race. He is the founder of the Guardian Angels, a citizen-led safety patrol group created in the 1970s to address subway crime. Sliwa has hosted various radio talk shows for decades and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2021, losing in a landslide to current Democratic mayor Eric Adams. He is married to animal activist and attorney Nancy Regula. Kathryn Palmer Who are the candidates for NYC mayor? Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist state lawmaker from Queens, has been ahead in polls following his stunning win in the June primary against Andrew Cuomo, the three-term former New York governor who has sought to revive his political career after resigning in disgrace. If elected, Mamdani would be the first Muslim and the first South Asian to lead the city, and the first immigrant mayor in 80 years. Cuomo, 67, running as an independent in the general election, has been consolidating voters against Mamdani, shrinking Mamdanis lead headed into Election Day. A turnaround victory would be a monumental comeback for Cuomo, the son of former Gov. Mario Cuomo. But Cuomo still faces a roadblock by Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, the beret-wearing founder of the Guardian Angels vigilante group. Polls have indicated Sliwas conservative base could help Cuomo climb to compete against Mamdani, but Sliwa, 71, did not drop out. Sliwa, a well-known New York City figure for decades, lost handily to Adams four years earlier. If a fractured electorate can't decide between Cuomo or Mamdani, Sliwa would be the first Republican elected in the heavily Democratic city since Mike Bloomberg. Is Eric Adams running for reelection? New York City mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat-turned independent who trounced his Republican opponent in the 2021 election, is no longer running for a second term. Adams announced he was dropping out of the race on Sept. 28, after consistently polling far behind race frontrunners Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo. A little less than a month after he bowed out of the race, Adams endorsed Cuomo. He had been pressured to drop out of the race for months after failing to shore up support following numerous scandals in his administration, including resignations and corruption allegations. -Kathryn Palmer This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mamdani defeats Cuomo in NYC mayor's race: Recap On the cusp of electoral victory, New York mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani marched over the Brooklyn Bridge on Monday and arrived at City Hall, where he greeted cheering supporters with a promise. We stand on the verge of ushering in a new day for our city, he said. Their conviction would be the light that our city and our nation so desperately need. Put differently: His importance wont stop at the shores of the Hudson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If public polls are accurate, Mamdani will be elected mayor of Americas largest city in Tuesday's election, his national prominence guaranteed. To do that, he will have to beat Andrew Cuomo, the former governor turned mayoral candidate who has tried to paint Mamdani as inexperienced and ineffective. He must also defeat Republican Curtis Sliwa, who has turned heads with his acerbic quips and omnipresent red beret. For the progressive left, it will be a signal achievement the highest executive office ever held by a self-identified democratic socialist in the United States. After a decade that began with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) insurgent presidential campaign against Hillary Clinton continuing with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs improbable 2018 congressional win, the formation of the Squad of lefty lawmakers and the pulling of the entire party to the left Mamdanis victory would be the capstone of a 10-year ideological project, and give democratic socialists an enormously powerful bully pulpit for the next four years. Shortly before midnight on the eve of the election, Mamdani offered a glimpse of what could come next. "There are many who say that a democratic socialist vision of governance for New York is impossible," Mamdani said in a video posted to his campaign's Instagram account. To them, I say: We need look only at our past for proof of how socialism can shape our future. In New York, his supporters are lapping it up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has the best campaign Ive ever seen, especially on the social media side, Mark Gilbert, a 30-year-old Brooklyn voter, told MSNBC. He speaks to the younger demographic which is so necessary and more than anything I cant speak to the man personally because I dont know him, but hes appearing to lead with kindness. In Washington, the mood among Democrats is less celebratory. Mamdani has run a joyful campaign that has offered many tactical lessons for Democrats, Caitlin Legacki, a Democratic strategist, told MSNBC. But it would be a grave mistake to think you could run somebody with these policy positions anywhere outside of Americas most liberal city. A Mamdani victory is a serious political problem for those in the party who believe, as we do, that our primary focus must be on flipping red and purple seats blue, expanding the map for Democrats, and creating a path back to Congress and the White House, Matt Bennett, executive vice president of center-left think tank Third Way, told MSNBC. The [Democratic Socialists of America] platform which Mamdani has not repudiated hands a potent set of weapons to Republican ad makers eager to tie Mamdani-style politics to Democrats running in much tougher places than deep blue New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly one year after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris and relegated Democrats to the wilderness, many in the party are fearful that, given the New York mayors outsized role in national politics, Republicans will make Democrats throughout the country answer for Mamdanis every utterance, seeking to use him as a bogeyman not unlike how Nancy Pelosi was deployed for the last decade-plus. It is clear to anyone with a glimmer of intellectual honesty that we have to rebuild our brand and move to the center if we ever hope to win red and purple seats ever again, Legacki said. In that, Mamdanis prominence may prove a hurdle. Already, Democratic officials in New Yorks suburbs have sought to distance themselves from Mamdani. Rep. Laura Gillen, a Long Island Democrat, has called Mamdani a threat to my constituents. Last week, Rep. Tom Suozzi, a fellow Long Islander, made an 11th-hour endorsement of Cuomo, despite the former governor continuing to lag behind Mamdani in polls. Im a Democratic Capitalist, not a Democratic Socialist, Suozzi said in a post on X. I can not back a declared socialist with a thin resume to run the most complex city in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even some prominent Democrats from the city itself have kept him at arms length. Jay Jacobs, the chair of the New York Democratic Party, has withheld his endorsement even as Mamdani secured the partys nomination. Rep. Dan Goldman recently said he is very concerned with some of Mamdanis rhetoric. After months of pressure, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Mamdani, on Oct. 24; on Sunday, Jeffries said that he didnt think Mamdani was the future of the Democratic Party. And Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Brooklyn native, has declined to endorse Mamdani deflecting last week when asked by reporters if he plans to vote for Mamdani. Look, the bottom line is very simple, Schumer said. I have a good relationship with him, and were continuing to talk. For Mamdanis allies, all of this is inexplicable. They see a Democratic Party sandbagged by low approval ratings, the lack of a clear message and still reeling from a presidential loss that has divided the party. And they see Mamdani as a model of success: Even if his specific policy proposals are too far left to play in much of the country, Democrats could gain from adopting his narrow focus on affordability, his ability to dominate the attention economy and a social media presence that has, for months, delivered a consistent stream of viral videos. Republicans on Capitol Hill, meanwhile, are watching it all and rejoicing at the opportunity. Were going to have a Marxist a communist running [Americas] largest city, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said on Monday, incorrectly describing Mamdanis political identification, though that nuance is unlikely to matter to voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, there are legitimate reasons to think that the tie-them-to-Mamdani gambit may be easier said than done. First is that Mamdani is charismatic, quick on his feet and seems to genuinely enjoy being around people. Hes a happy warrior, and that appears to have mattered on the campaign trail. (Bugs Bunny always beats Daffy Duck, as political analyst Jeff Greenfield has long maintained. That is, the candidate who exudes the cool, savvy confidence of Bugs beats the one who projects Daffys tightly wound anger.) Second is that at this dyspeptic moment in American politics, voters have shown they are quite warm to outsider candidates of all types who promise to substantially rattle the system and deliver change whether that candidate is on the Sanders left or the Trump right. Mamdanis march on Monday may have literally stopped at City Hall. But should he win on Tuesday, that figurative march is likely to continue well past the borders of the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, speaking at a rally in Washington Heights, Mamdani cast his insurgent campaign as a movement that won the battle over the soul of the Democratic Party. Thats absurd, Third Ways Bennett told MSNBC. The fight not only has not ended, it has not yet begun. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani said voting for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) is akin to voting for President Trump. Donald Trump has hand-picked his candidate. That candidates name is Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani told MSNBCs Ari Melber on Monday. And New Yorkers have the chance to handpick their fighter. And I believe that candidate should be me. Heading into Tuesdays general election, Mamdani is the front-runner against Cuomo, running an independent campaign, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. An Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey of New York City residents released last week found that 50 percent of respondents backed Mamdani, while 25 percent backed Cuomo, 21 percent backed Sliwa and 4 percent said they were undecided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill poll released in September, Mamdani held a 15-point lead over Cuomo, whom he defeated in the Democratic primary over the summer, and a 33-point lead over Sliwa. Trump, in the past few days, has backed Cuomo, despite Sliwa being the GOP nominee. On his Truth Social platform Monday evening, Trump called Mamdani a communist and said he would withhold federal funding other than the very minimum as required to the countrys largest city. The president added that a vote for Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani and that New York City residents should vote for Cuomo whether you personally like [him] or not. Trump also indicated to CBS Newss Norah ODonnell on Friday that he would vote for Cuomo over Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not a fan of Cuomo one way or the other, but if its going to be between a bad Democrat and a communist, Im gonna pick the bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you, Trump said in an interview on Sundays 60 Minutes. Mamdani sarcastically congratulated Cuomo on the social platform X after the interview aired, saying, I know how hard you worked for the presidents endorsement. 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 The Hill. Every time I pull into New York City, I blast Taylor Swift's "Welcome to New York." Prosaic, perhaps, but the thumping bass and lyrics painting New York as a city of bright lights and possibilities seem appropriate, inspiring and true. In New York City, as the song goes, "the lights are so bright but they never blind me." But after the Nov. 4 New York mayoral election, Zohran Mamdani's policies may open the eyes of Gen Z so blindingly enthralled with democratic socialism, they seem poised to give the Democratic nominee the reins of one of the most dazzling cities in America. It would be a devastating loss for common sense and New York City. More than 735,000 New Yorkers cast ballots during the early-voting period, and 16% were Generation Z voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani's socialist policies and extreme views on the New York Police Department and the city's robust Jewish population will destroy or at least dim the lights of the city they call home. It might drive some to actually leave. Some New Yorkers say they'll leave if Zohran Mamdani wins Democratic nominee for New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, in suit and tie, campaigns in the Queens borough on Nov. 1, 2025. We are seeing hints of this already. A survey done by J.L. Partners for the Daily Mail found that, despite Mamdani's incredible popularity with the youth vote, not everyone is excited that the state legislator will institute his socialist agenda on New Yorkers. The poll found that 9%, approximately 765,000 New Yorkers, would "definitely" leave the city if Mamdani was elected. And 25%, or nearly 2.13 million people, would "consider" leaving. New York City has a population of 8.5 million. Opinion: New York should elect Zohran Mamdani mayor. Then we'll see socialism fail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, it remains to be seen whether Mamdani is elected and whether residents will actually leave in droves. But even the fact that so many have expressed a desire to leave shows some people are anxious about Mamdani's candidacy. Sometimes, residents do leave a state because of a poor leader. There's been an exodus in California since Gavin Newsom became governor in 2019. He's not quite a socialist but a progressive Democrat now rebranding himself for a possible presidential run. Mamdani's views would be harmful to New York Mamdani's socialist policies are going to be a problem, but I'm also concerned about his worldview on crime and antisemitism. He's waffled on how to handle crime, sometimes saying he would disband the NYPD's Strategic Response Group. He's also smeared the NYPD, calling them "racist" and a "rogue agency," then backtracked with an apology. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani arrives for a press conference at City Hall Park on Nov. 20, 2025 in New York. US President Donald Trump said he will host New York's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for a meeting Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 after fiercely attacking the 34-year-old self-described Democratic Socialist during his recent campaign. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) was elected Mayor of New York on Nov. 4, 2025. He was born in Uganda and moved to New York City with his family at the age of 7. He drew historic numbers of South Asian and Muslim voters in the 2025 New York City election to vote for the first time. Pictured here, Mamdani waves on stage after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race, defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (R) and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch speaks with reporters after their visit to the New York City Police Memorial on Nov. 19, 2025. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, right, and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch visit the New York City Police Memorial, on Nov. 19, 2025 in New York City. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced that he has chosen to keep Jessica Tisch as New York City Police Commissioner. New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani interacts with Pre-K students at Friends of Crown Heights Education Center on Nov. 13, 2025 in the Flatbush neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City. Mamdani along with Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman and Councilmember Rita Joseph met with educators and visited with young students, speaking about his campaign promise of free care for children starting at 6 weeks old. New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani serves meals during a Veterans Day event on Nov. 11, 2025, in the Bronx borough. Zohran Mamdani met his wife, Rama Duwaji, on the dating app Hinge, a rival to Tinder and Bumble. The pair got married in early 2025. Duwaji is a Syrian-American illustrator and animator. After the election of Mamdani as New York City Mayor, she is now the citys first Gen Z first lady. Supporters attend the election watch party for New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani at the Brooklyn Paramount on Nov. 4, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Mamdani defeated Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in the closely watched election for New York City mayor. Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani participates in the second New York City mayoral debate with Independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, Queens, New York, on Oct. 22, 2025. He drew historic numbers of South Asian and Muslim voters in the 2025 New York City election to vote for the first time. Democratic Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, votes at The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts on Nov. 4, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. Voters in NYC are voting for who will be replacing Mayor Eric Adams between the front runner New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani and New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa. More than 735,000 people have voted early, according to the Board of Elections, more than four times as many as in the 2021 contest. This election also has other city offices on the ballot, as well as six proposals. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani pauses while speaking about Islamophobia outside of the Islamic Cultural Center of the Bronx in New York City on Oct. 24, 2025, New Yorkers will cast their votes for mayor on November 4, 2025. Mamdani, the Democratic candidate, is the current frontrunner ahead of former New York Governor and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. (L-R) New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) stands with his mother Mira Nair, and father Mahmood Mamdani as they celebrate during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24, 2025, in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. Mamdani was announced as the winner of the Democratic nomination for mayor in a crowded field in the City's mayoral primary to choose a successor to Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election on an independent ticket. (L-R) Mira Nair, New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY), Rama Duwaji and Mahmood Mamdani celebrate on stage during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24, 2025 in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. Mamdani was announced as the winner of the Democratic nomination for mayor in a crowded field in the City's mayoral primary to choose a successor to Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election on an independent ticket. Democratic mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo (L), and Zohran Mamdani (2R), present arguments as Whitney Tilson (2L) and Michael Blake (R) look on during a Democratic mayoral primary debate, at NBC's 30 Rockefeller Center studios in New York on June 4, 2025. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks as New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani listens during the Fighting Oligarchy town hall at the Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Artson Sept. 6, 2025 in New York City. Mamdani joined Sanders at his New York town hall after marching with union members in Manhattan's Labor Day parade. Sanders, an early backer of Mamdani's primary bid, has staged 34 rallies in 20 states since launching his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour this year, aimed at challenging the power of billionaires and corporations in U.S. politics. New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) rides the subway as he prepares to head to Albany on March 24, 2025 in New York City. Mamdani announced that he is halting fundraising efforts after his campaign raised over $8 million, the spending cap for the upcoming June primary. Director Mira Nair and Music Supervisor Zohran Mamdani attend the Gala Screening of Disney's 'Queen Of Katwe' during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on Oct. 9, 2016, in London. (L-R) Tendo Nagenda, Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo, director Mira Nair and Zohran Mamdani attend the Gala Screening of Disney's 'Queen Of Katwe' during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on Oct. 9, 2016, in London. (L-R) Music supervisor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Director Mira Nair, Mahmood Mamdani and Nishant Tharani arrive at the world premiere of Disney's Queen of Katwe at Roy Thompson Hall as part of the 2016 Toronto Film Festival where the cast, filmmakers and real-life stars received a standing ovation. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. Theaters on Sept. 23, 2017. (L-R) Nishant Tharani, Director Mira Nair and music supervisor Zohran Kwame Mamdani arrive at the world premiere of Disney's Queen of Katwe at Roy Thompson Hall as part of the 2016 Toronto Film Festival where the cast, filmmakers and real-life stars received a standing ovation. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. Theaters on Sept. 23, 2017. Meet Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor-elect 1 of 20 New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani arrives for a press conference at City Hall Park on Nov. 20, 2025 in New York. US President Donald Trump said he will host New York's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for a meeting Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 after fiercely attacking the 34-year-old self-described Democratic Socialist during his recent campaign. Sometimes, Mamdani has even coupled his anti-police stance with antisemitism (how inclusive!). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He recently had to give CNN's Anderson Cooper an explanation of a comment that had resurfaced on social media. The man who wants to be mayor of New York tried to walk back his comment and redirect to his focus on safety, but the damage is done. We have to make clear that when the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, its been laced by the IDF, Mamdani said in a clip from a Democratic Socialists of America convention held in 2023. The IDF is a reference to the Israel Defense Forces. On Oct. 31, Mamdani told Cooper that the comment was a reference to training exercises between the NYPD and the IDF, but his explanation beyond that made little sense. Opinion: Mamdanis plan to kill gifted education won't fix inequality. It will deepen it. Gen Z's embrace of Mamdani was inevitable It might seem contradictory that Mamdani is wildly popular with Gen Z while promoting extreme views that could drive people out of New York City. But its not a contradiction at all. Younger voters have increasingly gravitated toward progressive agendas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delivered to your inbox. A 2025 Cato/YouGov survey found that 62% of Americans ages 18-29 had a "favorable view" of socialism. As socialism has grown in popularity, views on capitalism have declined. The appeal of socialism has slowly increased among younger generations over the years. A 2020 Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation poll found that, from 2019 to 2020, Gen Z increasingly favored socialism by 9 percentage points. If residents, especially wealthier, innovative, business-owning New Yorkers, flee because they don't want to see their taxes raised and an increase in crime and antisemitism, New York City will start to falter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most New Yorkers love the city so much they wouldn't change anything. Well, now, one man seems on the verge of being elected to change everything. Get ready for Mamdani's New York. Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Electing Mamdani mayor will be a costly mistake for New York | Opinion BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Michael Wildrick had been on a slow decline for years before he gunned down his wife in September in the driveway of their southwest Bakersfield home, according to newly-released court documents. Family of the 83-year-old Wildrick told police his cognitive issues first surfaced after he experienced renal failure and was resuscitated, according to the documents. His condition further deteriorated following hip surgery in 2023. Afterward, Wildrick experienced sporadic bouts of paranoia and delusions family members including his wife were trying to steal his money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildrick, whos charged with first-degree murder, has a hearing scheduled later this month to determine whether hes competent to stand trial. On the morning of Sept. 11, Wildricks wife, Emma Yoconda Wildrick, 85, called their son. She said his father had been acting strangely and theyd argued about his phone, the son told investigators. He told her to call 911 if she thought she was in danger. Then he heard a pop. (The son) stated he then heard screaming and yelling, and the phone dropped, an investigator wrote. A neighbors camera captured what happened. The footage shows Emma Wildrick leave the backyard of their home in the 11000 block of Tulane Park Palce and walk to the driveway at 9:46 a.m. while talking on a cellphone. A voice coming from the phone says, Get out of the house, mom, according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four shots come from the direction of the house, followed by Michael Wildrick leaving by the same gate his wife used and walking toward her. Michael Wildrick methodically raises and aims a pistol at his wife and fires twice, according to the documents. She screams and falls. It appears as if she tries but is unable to get back up. Michael Wildrick takes a few steps toward her and fires again, according to the documents. She stops moving and goes silent. Michael Wildrick gets even closer. After coming within about a foot of his wifes body, he fires one last shot which appears to be directly into Emma Wildricks skull, according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers took Michael Wildrick into custody in the driveway, where hed fallen and hit his head. A knife was found near him and Emma Wildrick. The son told investigators his mother may have tried to defend herself. Michael Wildrick told investigators hed fired a warning shot at his wife and was going to turn her in for stealing his money. He claimed shed stabbed him and was coming closer when he shot her. Officers found no knife injuries to his body. Investigators noted Michael Widlrick not only had difficulty recalling what happened that morning, but struggled to remember his birthday, the current date and his medical conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Wildrick told investigators hed only wanted his wife to go to jail. Michael Wildrick asked when Emma Wildrick was going to come visit him and stated he missed her, an investigator wrote. I advised Michael Wildrick he had killed Emma Wildrick, and he began to cry. The son said Michael Wildrick has heart failure and diabetes, is often weak and may die in six months to a year, according to the documents. He said he and his mother had tried to care for him and help him keep his dignity. Although his mother hadnt been happy, shed refused suggestions to get a divorce. Shed remained devoted to her husband, the son said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the shooting, there was another incident at the home that resulted in a police response. In March of last year, Wildricks wife and son fled the house after Wildrick became angry and grabbed a gun after the son urged him to pay bills, according to the documents. A SWAT standoff ended with Wildrick in custody. No charges were filed in that incident, and he returned home. 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 KGET 17 News. A man is facing formal charges after cars were set on fire in Beavercreek earlier this month. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Scott Bennet was indicted on two counts of aggravated arson, four counts of arson, and one count of aggravated menacing, according to Greene County Common Pleas Court records. As previously reported by News Center 7, police and fire crews responded to a vehicle fire in the 1600 block of Countryside Drive around 11:45 p.m. on Oct. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A neighbor called 911 and reported that the vehicles parked in the driveway of the home across the street were on fire. After that, another neighbor called and told dispatchers that their surveillance camera captured a man walking away from the fire before entering a nearby home. TRENDING STORIES: The Regional Emergency Response Team was activated, and negotiators contacted the suspect, 55-year-old Bennet, at a neighboring home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Bennet was uncooperative and appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis. After several hours, Bennet was taken into custody. The Ohio State Fire Marshals Office is helping with the investigation into the arson. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) A Laurel County man is behind bars after allegedly assaulting a sheriffs deputy on Saturday. The Laurel County Sheriffs Office arrested 33-year-old Venoy Finley after deputies were called to Highway 1376. According to a news release, Finley was found passed out in the road smelled like alcohol. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Finley hit a deputy in the chin when they tried to help him up. Finley continued to struggle with deputies until his arrest. He was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center and charged with Finley was charged with third-degree assault (police officer), second-degree disorderly conduct, alcohol intoxication in a public place, second-degree criminal mischief, and resisting arrest. He is charged with assault, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finley has a court hearing scheduled for Nov. 12. 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 FOX 56 News. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he arrives at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida on Oct. 31, 2025. Credit - Samuel CorumGetty Images A man from suburban Chicago was arrested Monday for allegedly making a threat to kill President Donald Trump. Trent Schneider, 57, of Winthrop Harbor, Ill., was charged with making a true threat to injure another person in interstate commerce, according to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Illinois, which also announced Schneiders arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint alleges that Schneider posted a video of himself on Instagram on Oct. 16, 2025, in which he said, Im going to get some guns. I know where I can get a lot of f-cking guns, and I am going to take care of business myself. Im tired of all you f-cking frauds. People need to f-cking die, and people are going to die. F-ck all of you, especially you Trump. You should be executed. The video was posted several times on the account, which remains public as of Tuesday morning. The caption, which is repeated on all the posts of the video, reads: THIS IS NOT A THREAT!!! AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING and My House Auction date is 11.04.2025 @realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!! SHE IS A #FRAUD and a #COWARD!!! SHE CARES NOTHING ABOUT YOU or ME!!! The account also includes several posts of an image of Trump inside a red circle with a line through it (the prohibition symbol) alongside the same text. According to the complaint, Schneider was the defendant in a foreclosure auction scheduled for Nov. 4. Most of what he does, they say youre watching a movie, but people like me have suffered real f-cking crimes from f-cking judges, doctors, lawyers, police, they all should be killed. All of them should be executed for what they've done, Schneider says in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caption on the posts also refers to former President John F. Kennedys assassination, claiming Israel was behind it. It also claims the earth is hollow and that Schneider is the 21st Century Messiah. Schneider made an initial court appearance Monday afternoon before a judge in Chicago and was ordered to remain detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Thursday. According to the complaint, Schneider was previously investigated and arrested in 2022 for making threats to shoot up a T-Mobile store but was found unfit to stand trial. Trump was the subject of several assassination attempts last year, and his Administration has taken responding to such threats seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schneiders threat against the President is just one of several against Trump since his second-term inauguration that federal and state authorities have acted on, but few have resulted in sentences, as the courts balance protecting the nations leader and constitutionally protected speech. Heres what to know about some of the cases. Several threats since White House return Federal and state authorities have arrested and charged numerous individuals for making death threats against the 47th President. Richard James Spring from Michigan was sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, on Oct. 20 after comments he made on X and TikTokI promise I will put a bullet in your head and Ill kill Trumpin January, after Trumps inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, a complaint was filed against Peter Stinson, a former Coast Guard lieutenant from Oakton, Va., over posts hes been making on microblogging platforms X and Bluesky that allegedly called for Trumps assassination since 2020. According to prosecutors filings, Stinson made posts on Bluesky, including that he would twist the knife after sliding it into his fatty flesh and, Can we crowd source a contract hit? A grand jury indicted him on one count of soliciting Trumps assassination for a February Bluesky post that read, Take the shot. Well deal with the fallout. But on Oct. 28, a grand jury acquitted him after his lawyers argued that what he said was constitutionally protected free speech. In August, Nathalie Rose Jones was arrested over comments she posted on Facebook and Instagram, including: I am willing to sacrificially kill this POTUS by disemboweling him and cutting out his trachea with Liz Cheney and all The Affirmation present. The Justice Department said the Secret Service interviewed Jones twice: in the first, Jones had reportedly said that if she had the opportunity, she would take the Presidents life and would kill him at the compound if she had to; in the second, she denied that she had any present desire to harm Trump. In September, grand jurors in Washington, D.C., declined to indict her. Also in August, Edward Alexander Dana, who was arrested on vandalism charges, was accused of threatening the President while in police custody. He allegedly said: Im not going to tolerate fascism. And that means killing you, officer, killing the President, killing anyone who stands in the way of our Constitution But grand jurors also declined to indict him, with Danas lawyer Elizabeth Mullin telling the Associated Press that prosecutors are bringing weak cases to court and the grand juries are seeing through it. She added: Its a huge waste in resources. Joshua Levi Young, who served for 1 years in the U.S. Air Force before his discharge in January 2024, was arrested late last month after allegedly posting messages threatening to kill Trump across his social media accounts. One Instagram post reportedly read: I am going to kill trump raise him from the dead and kill him again." Youngs case is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in October, Derek Lopez was arrested and charged with threatening to kill the President on social media. The government affidavit said Lopez posted a video of a man holding up a gun before a picture of Trump with a crosshairs target illustrated on his head appeared on screen. And on X, Lopez allegedly posted: Im gonna kill Donald Trump, idaf. That case is also ongoing. The complex legal landscape of death threats Threatening the U.S. President is a federal felony under Title 18 of the U.S. Code Section 871(a). Under that statute, it is a federal crime to knowingly and willfully make any threat to take the life of, to kidnap, or to inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States. The statute carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. But with the clause hinging on speech, courts have, over history, tried to bring more nuance in order to maintain a delicate balance between protecting the President and the First Amendment. The Supreme Courts decision in Watts v. United States sets a foundation for distinguishing protected political speech from true threats against the President. That ruling said that political hyperbole does not constitute a true threat to the President. The 2003 case Virginia v. Black defined true threats as statements where the speaker means to communicate a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals, adding that the speaker need not actually intend to carry out the threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement True threats were further defined in a 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Counterman v. Colorado. The court held that to convict a person of making true threats, it must be proven that the speaker had a subjective understanding as to whether the intended recipients of the statements perceive them as threatening. But a memo from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey on true threats against the President and local officials says that threats that fall outside the boundaries of true threats under the First Amendment may still warrant law enforcement attention and should be reported. U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro, slammed juries for becoming politicized after the refusal to indict in a case her office pushed regarding Jones. A Washington D.C. grand jury refused to indict someone who threatened to kill the President of the United States. Her intent was clear, traveling through five states to do so, Pirro told Fox News. She even confirmed the same to the U.S. Secret Service. This is the essence of a politicized jury. The system here is broken on many levels. Instead of the outrage that should be engendered by a specific threat to kill the president, the grand jury in D.C. refuses to even let the judicial process begin. Justice should not depend on politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jen Golbeck, a University of Maryland professor studying extremism on social media, testified at Stinsons trial as a defense witness. She told the Washington Post that, while she doesnt encourage posting violent thoughts on social media, she was surprised to see Stinson charged with a federal crime for posting what she says was a common sentiment. Theres a lot of people online rooting for Trump to die, Golbeck said, and in that context, what he posted is so common that it feels like an alternate universe that he would be charged with anything, let alone solicitation of murder. Contact us at letters@time.com. EAU CLAIRE An Altoona man charged after neighbors told authorities he threatened them waived his preliminary hearing on Monday. Elmer Nielsen, 68, was charged in January with terrorist threats and three counts of disorderly conduct. The first charge is the only felony count, a Class I offense under Wisconsin law. According to the criminal complaint, three people were moving property into a residence when Nielsen came out of his home, yelling and cursing. He said he couldnt see his television with their living room and porch lights on and demanded they turn them off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies went to Nielsens home and found it fully fenced in with a cattle gate across the driveway. It was chained shut and, as deputies tried to open it, Nielsen came out yelling at them that they needed a warrant to come onto the property.He went back inside when a deputy said they only needed to talk to him. They reached Nielsen by phone, but he reiterated that they needed a warrant and insisted that I did nothing wrong. He then said he needed to talk to his attorney and hung up. The investigation revealed the incident over the lights was not Nielsens first time approaching people aggressively. The propertys landlord said a cleaner had emerged from the building to see Nielsen taking pictures of their vehicle. When the cleaner asked why Nielsen was taking the pictures he started screaming at them, saying they needed a search warrant. He also ranted about contractors and fly-by-night companies working on the property. The encounter was enough for the cleaner to report it to the landlord, saying Nielsen was likely going to be a nightmare neighbor to anyone who rents this property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Wisconsin law a Class I felony is the least serious category and is punishable by up to 18 months in prison and two years extended supervision. It can also bring fines of up to $10,000. Nielsens arraignment has not been set. He has not yet entered a plea. Nov. 3One man has died and one remains missing after a group of Kotzebue hunters riding on a snowmachine and two four-wheelers fell through sea ice near the town on Saturday, Alaska State Troopers said. Troopers said in an online release updated Sunday that they received a report late Saturday morning that three men had gone through the ice and into the water north of Kotzebue near Lockhart Point in Northwest Alaska. One man made it to shore safely, one man was rescued and another remained missing as of Monday morning. All three were from Kotzebue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man rescued, identified as 46-year-old Elmer Brown Sr. of Kotzebue, died Saturday at a local health clinic, troopers said. Search efforts continued for the missing man identified by troopers on Monday as 58-year-old Bergman Nelson. Nelson was traveling by snowmachine with two other men, and the other two men were on the four-wheelers, troopers spokesman Justin Freeman said Monday. Freeman said. They were traveling out on a hunting trip. The Northwest Arctic Borough posted a warning over the weekend urging locals to stay away from the area unless they were coordinating with search and rescue team members. "The ice is not safe," the borough warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Saturday, ground crews described the ice in the area where the vehicles went in as variable with open water in places, Freeman said. Before troopers were notified about the incident, multiple local EMT personnel and community members came to the area to provide medical assistance and look for the missing man, according to the state's release. Members of Northwest Arctic Borough search and rescue team and Kotzebue Fire Department responded. Troopers are coordinating with the Northwest Arctic Borough search and rescue program as well as other local agencies. The borough posted a callout for people with boats to help in the search on Sunday afternoon. A man is dead after a hit-and-run crash early Sunday morning in an Ohio neighborhood. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 1:35 a.m. Sunday, Columbus Police were dispatched to the area of East 11th Ave near North 5th Street in the Weinland Park neighborhood on reports of a person who had been hit by a vehicle, our news partners WBNS-10 TV reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that a red Mitsubishi Lancer was heading west on East 11th Ave toward North 5th Street when it left the road to the north and hit the man. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The driver and five passengers of the Mitsubishi left the scene without checking on the man or calling emergency services, WBNS-10 TV reported. The crash remains under investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] KANSAS CITY, Mo. One person has died following a crash Friday night in Independence, Missouri. The crash was reported around 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 40 Highway and Sterling Avenue. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri According to the Independence Police Department, the driver of a Ford Escape that was traveling eastbound, went around stopped traffic through the intersection with a red light and collided with a northbound Ford F-250. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the impact pushed the F-250 into a Toyota Avalon that was also traveling northbound through the intersection. On Monday, police said the driver of the Ford Escape died from his injuries. He has been identified as 45-year-old Henry Gibson, of Independence. 6-year-old girl hospitalized after Johnson County crash; driver arrested on suspicion of DUI Police said the driver of the F-250 remains in the hospital in serious but stable condition. 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A British man is facing a hefty fine after illegally dumping furniture in public areas, according to the Eastern Daily Press. Great Yarmouth is on the east coast of England, just east of Norwich. A man was spotted on security cameras dumping dining chairs, upholstered seats, a mattress, plastic waste, timber, and a carpet on the side of a road. Once tracked down, he admitted to the dumping but said the items were left on his property by someone else. He was fined 1,000 (a little over $1,300), though the penalty was reduced to 750 (almost $1,000) for early payment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First and foremost, dumped waste poses a safety hazard, including to wildlife. When left to decompose, trash emits methane, which exacerbates destructive weather patterns. Many items are also likely to shed microplastics, which end up in human food streams and cause all kinds of health risks. The problem of fly-tipping or illegal dumping is widespread across the United Kingdom, with recent instances in Hampshire, Port Talbot, Heath Town, and elsewhere. Strong municipal laws and enforcement are key to turning the tide and setting behavior right. Avoiding all this hassle is as simple as knowing where to put your trash. Better yet, things that are still in working order can find second lives and even help you turn a profit in thrift stores. Great Yarmouth city staff reminded residents that they can email reports of fly-tipping. One councilor was clear that illegal dumping would not stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People in Great Yarmouth are fed up with those who completely disrespect their community, neighbours, and the environment by illegally dumping waste," Paul Wells said. "Our residents have made it clear that having clean and tidy streets is a real priority. Where we can, we will always take action against those who blight the lives of others by illegally fly-tipping and, where necessary, we prosecute those responsible." 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. A student claims he is suffering life-altering injuries after a balcony collapsed in an Ohio neighborhood last month. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Andrew McGovern, a University of Cincinnati student, is suing Stetson Square Condominium Unit Owners Association, Eclipse Community Management, and property owners over the severe and permanent injuries he said he suffered when a balcony fell 20 feet, WCPO reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The collapse happened at an apartment complex on Stetson Street in Cincinnati, according to a previous News Center 7 report. TRENDING STORIES: McGovern alleges that the defendants failed to properly inspect, maintain, and repair the balcony, resulting in the collapse. An investigation is ongoing; however, an inspector with the Department of Buildings and Inspections found that one of the decks main support beams had failed. Immediate orders were issued by city officials requiring the property owner and the homeowners association to hire a structural engineer to examine all balconies in the complex, WCPO reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are also required to secure and barricade all balcony doors to prevent use until the structural assessment is complete, as well as bring the sprinkler system back to functionality and compliance after it was damaged during the collapse. The suit seeks financial compensation as well as punitive damages and court-ordered reforms to ensure proper safety protocols are put in place. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Nov. 4 (UPI) -- A California state judge has sentenced a father who claimed his son had been abducted to 25 years in prison as authorities continue to search for the missing infant. Jake Mitchell Haro, 32, of Cabazon, was sentenced Monday by Judge Gary Polk at the Riverside Hall of Justice, located in Riverside, Calif., about 55 miles east of Los Angeles. Polk also sentenced Haro to 180 days for filing a false police report and ordered him to pay $10,000 in restitution. He received credit for 551 days served. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also sentenced to an additional six years for a previous child abuse case. All sentences were ordered to run consecutively. Haro pleaded guilty Oct. 16 to charges of murder, child endangerment and filing a false police report. The charges stem from his wife, Rebecca Haro, telling police that their 7-month-old child, Emmanuel Haro, was kidnapped from the parking lot of a Big 5 Sporting Goods store in Yucaipa on Aug. 14. Rebecca told authorities she was attacked while changing Emmanuel's diaper. A search was launched for the child, but authorities quickly determined the kidnapping did not occur and said they believe Emmanuel is deceased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Jake and Rebecca were arrested on Aug. 22 on suspicion of murder. "The search to recover his remains is ongoing," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office said in a release announcing the pair's arrest. SUSPECT 1: Jake Mitchell Haro, 32-years-old, Resident of Cabazon, CA SUSPECT 2: Rebecca Renee Haro, 41-years-old, Resident of Cabazon, CA VICTIM(S): Emmanuel Haro, seven-month-old Infant of Cabazon, CA This investigation began on August 14, 2025, as a reported kidnapping at the... pic.twitter.com/u75jgrFKtz San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) August 22, 2025 Rebecca has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and filing a false police report. "The lies told in this case only deepened the tragedy of Emmanuel's death," Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said in a statement. "While today's sentence represents a measure of accountability for Jake Haro, our office will continue to seek justice as the case against his co-defendant moves forward." Rebecca's next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21. The search for Emmanuel's remains continues. NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) An investigation is underway after a man was stabbed in North Kingstown Monday night. North Kingstown Police Chief John Urban told 12 News officers were called to McConnell Court for a domestic stabbing involving two men. Urban said one of the men stabbed the other in the back, though its unclear how many times. The victim was transported to Rhode Island Hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to Urban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, who lives with the victim, has been taken into custody. Its unclear what led up to the stabbing at this time. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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 WPRI.com. ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KRQE) A member of the Kansas Army National Guard who has ties to New Mexico was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly agreed to photograph a U.S. Army installation in Kansas and mail a helicopter radio to the Russian military, according to the Department of Justice. Canyon Anthony Amarys, 28, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, was indicted in federal court on an attempted violation of the Export Control Reform Act. VIDEO: Police interview man accused of killing Uber driver due to stress Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJ accused Amarys of meeting with someone he believed to be a Russian intelligence agent in February 2025 and signing an agreement to verify his relationship with a Russian intelligence service. As part of that relationship, the DOJ said Amarys agreed to photograph a military installation on Fort Riley in Kansas and obtain a helicopter radio for the Russian military. In March 2025, after he allegedly bought the helicopter radio, Amarys traveled to Kansas to get the radio and send it to Romania, understanding that the radio would be illegally diverted to Russia, according to the DOJ. The New Mexico National Guard said that Amarys has never been affiliated with the organization. The FBI Kansas City field office is investigating the case, with help from the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, the Kansas National Guard, and the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A historic Northern Kentucky music venue is on the brink of closure. Mansion Hill Tavern, which describes itself as the Cincinnati area's oldest live music bar, will close in late November "absent major intervention," according to an announcement on the Newport tavern's Facebook page. The tavern has "fallen on tough financial times," according to the post. "This is a sad situation for everyone," the post reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tavern is trying "Hail Mary" options to save the business. This includes fundraising efforts via a GoFundMe to address immediate expenses. The tavern kitchen will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, according to the post, and a $5 cover will be charged for all Friday and Saturday shows. A burger and sides at Mansion Hill Tavern. The post states that November is the tavern's "make it or break it" month, during which the business must pay taxes and renewals right after its slow season. This year, the tavern's slow season and the following weeks were especially challenging. Mansion Hill Tavern describes itself as "one of the last of the true 'Juke Joints.'" The tavern was built in 1875 and over time was an inn, a grocery store and more. During the 1950s and 1960s the tavern, then a cafe, became the local hub of the boogie woogie movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building became Mansion Hill Tavern in 1988 and drew blues bands from around the region. Today, Mansion Hill Tavern hosts national and touring acts as well as a blues festival. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mansion Hill Tavern in Newport could close if it doesn't get help Food banks and food pantries are busier than usual in whats already a busy month. Despite promises of partial payments of food stamps on Monday, on Tuesday President Donald Trump said the benefits would not be covered until the shutdown ends. Later that same day, the White House clarified that partial payments will go out, despite the president saying he would withhold funding until the shutdown ends. The presidents post contradicted what the undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture had said in a court filing, which said partial payments would be made but it could take weeks or months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on Truth Social Tuesday morning, Trump said payment funds will be released only after Democrats agree to end the shutdown. But, then the White House said that wasnt the case. The administration is fully complying with the court order. I just spoke to the president about it. The recipients of these SNAP benefits need to understand its going to take time to receive this money because the Democrats have forced the administration into a very untenable position, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified in remarks to reporters Tuesday," as Politico reported. While the political and legal wrangling continues, the bottom line for thousands of families, including the 1 in 20 in Utah who rely on food stamps for at least part of their food, is uncertainty about the future and no benefits at the moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per The New York Times, The government revealed its plans in a set of filings on Monday in federal court, just days after a judge found fault in the governments attempt to stop funding those benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. On Monday the government had agreed to tap a single related contingency fund during the shutdown, now approaching its sixth week, so even if the administration pays out benefits to the 42 million Americans who are in the program they will only get about half of their household benefits. Future payments are unclear. Food banks are reporting that in many communities theyre receiving extra help, but theyre also seeing many more requests for aid. We are receiving more support and more demand, said Glenn Bailey, longtime executive director of Crossroads Urban Center in Salt Lake City. This morning was the longest line at the door of the downtown pantry that Ive ever seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crossroads does other things besides food and Bailey said it was also stopping utility cutoffs by offering help, but that money will likely be gone for November by noon. While the staff and those asking for help waited for a Utah Food Bank truck to arrive at the center Monday, he said many were talking about stocking up on staples, worried they would fall short of food if there are no benefits this month. Well do the best we can, but nonprofit charity can only go so far, he said. But amid all the need, Bailey reported a surge of help, as well. A lot of people want to help, too, he said. Weve been getting more online donations, food donations and offers to volunteer than I would expect this time of year. When will SNAP benefits arrive? Its not clear when those receiving SNAP benefits can expect even partial relief. The Trump administration earlier told the court that providing benefits on a partial basis during the shutdown could take some extra time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patrick Penn, deputy under secretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services in the Department of Agriculture, in a declaration in federal court in Rhode Island one of two that ordered at least some SNAP benefits be restored said that he oversees SNAP and wrote that the government would deplete SNAP contingency funds completely to provide reduced SNAP benefits this month. He referred to funding choices that might be considered amid the shutdown as a no-win quandary. After the Trump administration declined to rescue benefits by tapping into reserves to keep the program going in the shutdown, many lawsuits were filed, including by cities, states, religious groups and nonprofits, per the Times. One federal judge, John J. McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, set Monday as the deadline to provide benefits and Wednesday as the deadline for partial benefits. A federal judge in Massachusetts also ordered that benefits be released and the government to announce its intent, placing a Monday deadline. The view from food banks Utah reportedly has the second-lowest share of residents who use SNAP benefits, at about 5% of households. Thats an estimated 177,000 individuals in 86,000 households. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average per capita value of benefits in Utah is $192.17, according to a study by Smartasset.com. New Mexico has the highest share, per the report, at 21.5% of its population using SNAP benefits. A lower benefit means individuals will have benefits equal to less than $100 for the months food. To qualify for SNAP in 2025, a households net income after certain expenses cant exceed the federal poverty line. For a family of four, thats about $32,000 per year. Ginette Bott, executive director of the Utah Food Bank, which not only directly provides food but provides food for distribution to many local pantries statewide, said she was told theres a line at the Hurricane food pantry in southern Utah, which is unusual. We are seeing increased attendance at our mobile pantries, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if partial funding for SNAP is made available, she worries that people are forgetting the time its going to take to make that work and get food on the shelves of the programs that furnish it to people. I think the delay in the time it takes will cause people to have a difficult, really difficult month of November, she said. Still, Bott said operating a food bank in Utah is an incredible blessing, because Utah has this great giving culture. When we put out a call for help, people rally. She said dozens and dozens of people said they would organize food drives. The Utahfoodbank.org volunteer page at the moment is temporarily full. And monetary donations have been incredible. The governors office last week stepped up with the opportunity to work with us on purchasing food that would be up to $4 million or a weekly distribution of funds until the government reopens. That is something we would not have had access to had this situation not been so dire. Sitting in her office at the Utah Food Bank, Bott said she can look out the window and see people driving up to the drop-off dock on the east side of the building to donate food. She hopes they will keep coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food, time and money are the three things we asked for and all three of those have been recognized, Bott said. But it doesnt mean the need has been met and folks can just move on, she added. The food bank can order food and often receive a discount. But its not like it can just order and go pick it up. Sometimes an order is filled in two days, but it could be two weeks, depending on the order and the source. We have a time frame that we have to work on to be sure that were placing those orders in a timely fashion so we dont have a lag or that we dont run out. When food arrives, it has to be unloaded, put in the inventory and readied for distribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of hands touch that can of green beans before it heads off to the pantry. Theres a lot of work and time people dont take into consideration. She said that in this crisis moment, food bank staff are working as fast as we can to get ahead of the requests. Bott said since November and December are always tough for families who need food assistance and the food bank is really busy during those months, the extra efforts are great. But people need to continue to pay attention because the food bank could easily find itself needing extra help again very soon, which worries her. Its got to be a continuous scenario, that we can be sure that were able to meet the need. I cant imagine how bad it would be if you didnt have your SNAP benefits, and you went to a pantry and the shelves were empty, Bott said. Its the worst-case scenario of all time. So weve got to be sure that doesnt happen. Contributing: Chris J. Miller Baltimore City Councilman Mark Conway is gathering private funding for a study on student absenteeism, after his $100,000 funding request was not included in the city budget this year, due to what he has described as political retaliation against him by Mayor Brandon Scott. Conway secured $50,000 for the study from a philanthropic partner, and hes currently working on finding another $50,000, the councilmans spokesperson Luca Amayo told The Baltimore Sun. Conway was the lead sponsor on a bill to study the causes of student absenteeism, which was co-sponsored by almost all other council members and signed by the mayor in May. Council President Zeke Cohens office declined to comment on Monday about the private funding. Cohen also didnt provide an explanation when asked why the necessary funding for the absenteeism bill he co-sponsored wasnt included in the city budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remain in conversation with the sponsor about how he can find funding to support the study, Cohen told The Baltimore Sun in a text message on Monday, adding that the Council has been aggressively advocating for the implementation of the Maryland Transit Administrations $1.1 billion BMore Bus plan, which would meaningfully reduce commute times for kids. Conway had informed Cohens staff in February that the absenteeism study would cost $100,000, according to an email record reviewed by The Sun. But the funds were not included in the city budget this year. Conway told The Sun in September that Cohen had promised to make the absenteeism bill a priority in his budget discussions with Scott. Asked on Monday if this was true, Cohen referred The Sun to his communications director, Emily Sullivan, who referred The Sun back to Cohens initial Monday comments. Conway previously claimed in an interview with The Sun that Scott had refused to fund his absenteeism bill as an act of political retaliation, following Conways opposition to the budget due to concerns about Scotts relationship with the nonprofit Baltimore Children and Youth Fund. In particular, Conway noted that BCYF sends much of its funding to the mayors office instead of directly spending the money on youth programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to Conways claims of retaliation, the mayors office previously told The Sun in September that it did not receive correspondence from Councilman Conway outlining a request for this funding. The Councilman should have simply asked the Mayor in person. The Councilmans indirect and manufactured complaints are not an effective use of the Mayors time. Regarding BCYF, the mayors office has told Spotlight on Maryland it spent the $7 million it receives from BCYF on three different categories of youth programs. BCYF said it has no documentation of the money transfer. City Schools previously told The Sun it can not complete the absenteeism study without funding from the city. Absent students have long been a concern Baltimore, and especially in recent years during the COVID-19 pandemic, when more than half of students missed at least one-tenth of their total enrolled school days, and thousands missed at least one-third of the entire school year. Have a news tip? Contact Brooke Conrad at bconrad@baltsun.com or 443-682-2356. Fox News host Mark Levin completely botched Sen. Ted Cruzs (R-TX) religion while praising the Republican senator during an event on Sunday. Lashing out at former Fox News colleague Tucker Carlson during a live interview at the Republican Jewish Coalition Conference in Las Vegas, Levin protested: How about Tucker Qatarlson? What did he do for the country? He interviews the Qatari, he interviews Putin. He interviews the lowest of scum, genocidal maniacs on the face of the earth. Now hes attacking Christian Zionists. Hes literally attacking the Bible that out evangelical Christian brothers and sisters and its not just them. Its Catholics. Ted Cruz is a Catholic, hes a great man. Hes out there fighting. Theyre attacking Christianity. Why? Because Christianity rejects what theyre spewing too. Judaism rejects, Christianity rejects it, atheists reject it, agnostics reject it. Gay people, straight people, women, men, we all reject it. So why is it so hard for people in my business or people in leading positions in government to do the same thing? What are they afraid of? They need to be afraid of regular Americans like you and me. They need to be afraid of us. Cruz is not a Catholic, but an evangelical Christian who belongs to the Southern Baptist Convention a fact that was quickly picked up on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levin forgets Ted Cruz is an evangelical and claims hes a Catholic. Needs to correct that before becoming a surrogate for Ted 28, mocked conservative journalist Scott Greer. While Cruzs father Rafael Cruz was Catholic during his early years, he left the Church in the 1970s to become an evangelical preacher and raised his son as an evangelical Christian. President Donald Trump taunted Cruz over his faith during the 2016 presidential Republican primary, writing in a social media post, How can Ted Cruz be an Evangelical Christian when he lies so much and is so dishonest? The post Mark Levin Botches Catholic Ted Cruzs Religion While Praising Senator as A Great Man first appeared on Mediaite. Marriott International and Rashed Darwish Al Ketbi (RDK) Commercial Investments have formalised an agreement to establish a St Regis brand resort in the Mirfa region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The St Regis resort will be located along the shoreline of Mirfa, a coastal town situated 150km west of Abu Dhabi. With a planned opening for 2029, the development will comprise 63 private villas, including both beachfront and floating options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each villa will feature indoor and outdoor living spaces, private lifts, upper and lower decks, shaded canopies, skylight flooring, and floating pools. Guests will have access to multiple dining venues, swimming pools, fitness centre, a spa facility, childrens club, and padel court, as well as butler service. Marriott International Europe, Middle East and Africa chief development officer Jerome Briet said: We continue to witness a robust appetite for luxury experiences across the UAE and look forward to introducing the St Regis brand to the tranquil coastal enclave of Mirfa. The St Regis Mirfa Beach Resort, Abu Dhabi will offer a truly distinctive escapeone that honours the regions natural beauty and cultural heritage, while delivering the timeless elegance and bespoke service that define the St Regis legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mirfa is recognised for its beaches, cultural sites, and recreational activities such as fishing and kayaking. RDK Commercial Investments chief operation officer Raja Zeidan said: We are proud to expand our longstanding relationship with Marriott International through the introduction of the St Regis brand in Mirfa a location of remarkable natural beauty and untapped potential. Guided by our visionary chairman Rashed Darwish Al Ketbi, this collaboration reflects our continued commitment to shaping exceptional destinations that honour their environment while setting a new benchmark in luxury hospitality for the region. In a recent development, Marriott introduced its inaugural Autograph Collection property in the Maldives by opening The Halcyon Private Isles in Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Marriott and RDK partner to open St Regis resort in Abu Dhabi" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. February 10, 2025, was bitterly cold in Detroit. An unhoused mother, Tateona Williams, parked her van inside the Greektown Casino parking structure near downtown, hoping to shield her children from the night air. By sunrise, two of them 9-year-old Darnell Currie Jr. and his 2-year-old sister, Amillah were dead. The Wayne County Medical Examiner ruled their deaths carbon monoxide poisoning. City officials confirmed that the family had contacted Detroits homeless-response system months earlier, seeking help for permanent housing after being evicted. But Williams like many people or families who are impoverished to that extent felt unable to fight within the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has since acknowledged the need for faster follow-up and emergency checks for families living in vehicles. For many residents, the tragedy represented something larger than one familys loss. It exposed the distance between written policy and reachable care. Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield has spent her career trying to close that distance. At 26, she became the youngest council member ever elected in the city. By 2022, she was the youngest council president. People cross Michigan Avenue in Downtown Detroit in the evening. (Nick Hagen/The Washington Post/Getty Images) Just over a year ago, she launched her campaign to be Detroits next mayor, replacing Mike Duggan, who is now running for governor. After winning Detroits primary election in August by more than 30 points, Sheffield is heavily expected to win the general election and become Detroits first woman mayor, a Black woman, with housing for single-mother-led households as a major part of her legacy and platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheffield, now 38, served the city of Detroit alongside Duggan through his 12 years in office, shaping policies and navigating the challenges of a city of more than 650,000 residents the largest majority-Black city in the nation. As City Council president, she remains one of the most visible and influential voices in Detroits government. From a young age, I was surrounded by the fight for justice organizing, marching, learning that real change starts with people coming together to demand it, she said. Born and raised in the city, Sheffield drew lessons about public service from her father, the Rev. Horace Sheffield III, a nationally respected pastor and civil rights leader who long carried forward the legacy of his father, the labor activist Horace Sheffield Jr. She learned about compassion from her mother, who came from a family of nurses and taught nursing at Wayne County Community College. My mother showed me care in action. She taught me what it means to show up for peopleto listen, to nurture, and to lead with empathy. From her, I learned that care must be the foundation of every decision, especially when it comes to policy. Sheffield and her grandfather, labor activist Horace Sheffield Jr. (Courtesy of Mary Sheffield) Sheffield entered politics with the belief that government should work where people live and that includes helping them secure a place to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing up in Detroit, I saw what happens when the government shows up and when it doesnt, she said. So for me, the government owes people more than policies; it owes presence, compassion, and accountability. The same way my parents and grandparents served, I feel called to serve to make sure Detroiters are seen, heard and protected by the systems meant to work for them. In the city of Detroit, housing tragedies are no secret. Eviction notices come a dime a dozen. That fact pushed Sheffield to author and advance the citys right-to-counsel (RTC) ordinance in 2022. The law guarantees free legal representation for low-income residents facing eviction or foreclosure, administered through the Office of Eviction Defense. Sheffield said the goal was to make sure Detroiters werent fighting eviction alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me, this work has always been about more than policy, its about people, Sheffield said. Its about keeping families together, supporting our youth, uplifting women and creating stability in our neighborhoods. Thats the true why behind my advocacy. Before the ordinance, only about four percent of tenants in eviction court had lawyers, while more than 80 percent of landlords did. Since the program took effect in early 2023, more than 12,000 households have received representation. Internal program data shows that Black women heading households account for 92.6 percent of tenant cases, and children are present in roughly 55 percent of them. Of the tenants represented, about half retained their homes. Those who did relocate received more time to move than the states 10-day minimum notice period. Affordable housing isnt about charity, its about justice, about ensuring no one has to fight that same battle just to have a place to call home, Sheffield said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diamond Conley, executive director of the RTC program, explained how the citys new efforts led to a structural shift. Since right-to-counsel has been in place, we have seen a decrease in eviction filings, Conley said. She added that with more tenants having legal representation, the court now grants additional hearings. Ted Phillips, executive director of the United Community Housing Coalition which was appointed by the city to lead the citys RTC contract said his organization has worked to ensure consistent coverage at the 36th District Court. Anyone who shows up to court has the opportunity to speak with an attorney, Phillips said. Its made a drastic difference in access to free legal help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillips said one of the programs biggest challenges is making sure tenants even know about their hearings and the help available to them. Our focus has been on trying to get as many people as possible in court represented, he said. And thats not enough. Thats not good enough. Downtown Detroits skyscrapers are seen from Woodward Ave. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post/Getty Images) Phillips explained that many tenants never receive proper notice of their court dates because eviction papers are often mailed or posted on doors and arrive too late for residents to respond. His team has begun hand-delivering letters, leaving fliers and doing limited door-to-door outreach to reach tenants who miss initial hearings, but the citys current RTC funding only covers in-court representation. A fiscal analysis by Stout, commissioned by the Rocket Community Fund, estimated that an annual $16.7 million investment in RTC could save Detroit roughly $58.8 million by preventing homelessness, reducing foster-care placements, cutting health-care costs and keeping residents from leaving the city after displacement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I think about the mothers sitting in eviction court without legal help, I see the faces of Detroiters who have worked hard their entire lives but are still fighting to keep a place to call home, Sheffield said. Ive heard the cries for help directly from our community women, families and seniors doing everything possible to hold on to stability. When Sade Jenkins opened her eviction notice, she remembers her hands shaking. Her two youngest children were one and two. They were living with her grandmother after the roof caved in at the house she once shared with her childrens father. We had called so many times before that and put in work orders, she recalled, but nobody ever came until it finally collapsed. Jenkins and her childrens father stopped paying rent while the home remained unsafe. We couldnt live like that, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the court date arrived, Jenkins said a letter came with it, a notice telling her she had the right to a lawyer. Honestly, I didnt even know that was real, she said. When I called the number, they told me there would be someone there to help if I qualified. I didnt really believe it until I walked in that courtroom. Suzanne, her RTC attorney, took the case beyond Jenkins expectations. She fought hard. She called me before every court date, sent me emails, explained everything, even told me to put money in escrow so nothing would catch me off guard. The case lasted nearly six months, from June to December. The lawyer pressed the landlords company for repairs, demanded inspection receipts and insisted on proof that the home had been made livable before rent resumed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Jenkins, the experience reshaped her understanding of justice. It wasnt about money, she said. It was about being heard. When youve got kids and nowhere else to go, thats everything. Conley has noted that the data shows why housing access is inseparable from gender equity. The threat of losing their home seems to arise most in the city for African-American women with a lower income and with more than half of them caring for their children in their homes, she said. Right-to-Counsel gives residents the opportunity to be heard, to save their homes when possible, and to afford them a more orderly relocation process if they do need time to find new housing. Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and Solomon Kinloch Jr. face off in a televised debate between the two remaining candidates in Detroits mayoral race on October 15, 2025 in Southfield, Michigan. (Katy Kildee/Detroit News/AP) Sheffields wider platform expands this frame of both protection and prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has proposed creating neighborhood opportunity and empowerment hubs, community-based offices that would merge housing assistance, job placement, mental-health support and childcare referrals under one roof. A spokesperson for Sheffields campaign says that Sheffields team plans to create a new Office of Human, Homeless and Family Services that will be tasked with creating and coordinating a safety net of community and City services, from ID to housing to job placement, and to integrate this wraparound service intake point within these neighborhood hubs. According to the spokesperson, that includes adding support for mental health services and state benefits over time, as well as coordinating with partners outside government to help Detroit residents with pressing household needs. Its a lesson Sheffield says her grandmother taught her: She taught me that compassion isnt weakness; its what holds communities together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her commitment to youth runs through that same approach. Sheffield has made a commitment to guarantee after-school programming within two miles of every Detroit Public School Community District site, her campaign spokesperson said. Her vision for that includes programs already offered by city departments as well as partnerships with programs like the YMCA. Sheffield has also emphasized affordable housing as both an equity and economic-mobility issue. Detroit is often described as a city of comebacks, but I know that for too many residents, that comeback hasnt yet reached their block, Sheffield said. When I walk our neighborhoods, the number one need people share with me time and time again is housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her plan envisions bringing in new jobs and improving educational opportunities, while also lowering utility costs for some households and offering repair subsidies for others. While on council, her utility advocacy centered on making basic services affordable and accessible for low-income residents. She fought to link water rates to household income, an effort that was blocked in court, but her persistence pushed the city to expand help with the bills by offering fixed monthly water rates for eligible households facing financial hardship. Tailynn Taylor, 4, stands on stage as Detroit mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield speaks at a campaign watch party on August 5, 2025, in Detroit. (Ryan Sun/AP) Sheffield has also secured millions of dollars for the Senior Home Repair Grant program, providing eligible seniors with up to $15,000 for roof, window, and essential system replacements to help keep their homes safe and sound. She also led the expansion of Neighborhood Enterprise Zones, which offer property-tax reductions to homeowners making repairs. Stable, affordable housing is the foundation for everything else, she said. Without it, employment, income, education, and even participation in mental health or job programs become nearly impossible to sustain. Detroits housing policies, Sheffield argues, cannot be separated from its moral priorities. Ive seen firsthand what housing insecurity does to families it creates instability that ripples through generations, she said. Even in my own family, Ive heard stories from my grandmother about times when housing wasnt guaranteed. Those experiences stay with you. They remind you that stability isnt a privilege its a right. The deaths of Darnell and Amillah Currie remain a measure of what happens when the distance between policy and people grows too wide. Thats why Ive centered housing and stability as the backbone of my policy agenda, said Sheffield. Because when we secure housing, we secure the foundation for opportunity, dignity and long-term growth not just for one household, but for the entire city. Sheffields push for eviction defense, affordable housing and wrap-around services speaks to the same question those childrens deaths raised for Detroit: whether a city can build systems sturdy enough to protect its families before the crisis reaches them. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. After being told by two federal courts that it could not halt payments to the SNAP food assistance program, the Trump administration said Monday it would pay half of November's benefits, leading Maryland to put up $62 million to cover the other half. (Stock photo by hapabapa/Getty Images) Maryland will put up $62 million to cover funding for the SNAP food assistance program for November, after the federal government announced Monday that it would only cover about half of the federal program for the month. Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced the payments Monday to fully cover benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is nnormally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But he stressed that the state funding is only a temporary solution and said its still up to the Trump administrati0n to keep those dollars flowing long term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our people in these difficult times, Moore said in a written statement. But no state can fill the enormous gap created by Donald Trump and his administration. Its time for the federal government to do its job and fully fund food assistance. The $62 million in SNAP funds will be issued under the same declaration of emergency Moore issued last week, when he announced that the state would make $10 million available for food banks and pantries across the state. The SNAP payments would be in addition to the $10 million, and would go directly to SNAP recipients through their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) accounts. That said, it is not clear whether either the federal or state dollars will come down in time to avoid a disruption in benefits. If thats the case, then around 30,000 Marylanders each day may find that their cards were not refilled, starting Tuesday. Maryland awards benefits to its 680,000 SNAP recipients on a rolling basis over the course of a month. The Monday statement also warns that the Trump administration has not indicated whether states will receive reimbursement for expenditures to make the program whole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The emergency payments come after the USDA abruptly announced last month that it would not be able to use SNAP contingency funds to make November benefit payments during a government shutdown even though it had made payments during the shutdown in October and had a reported $4.65 billion left in the contingency fund. That decision was quickly challenged in federal court in separate lawsuits one by more than two dozen states, including Maryland, and another by a group churches, community groups, labor unions and city governments, including Baltimore City. Judges in both cases ruled separately Friday, ordering the USDA to continue making payments. The administration has said it does not have enough in the contingency fund to pay for a full months worth of benefits, and it sought clarification on the rulings. U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr, in Rhode Island, said in an order Saturday that the USDA could tap other funds and pay full benefits, effective Monday, or could drain the contingency fund and pay partial benefits by Wednesday. The administration opted to start paying out around 50% of SNAP benefits by Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that may not be soon enough to avoid a disruption in benefits. In Maryland, benefits are paid out over 20 days, alphabetically according to the recipients last name. The first payments for November were scheduled to go our Tuesday, to about 30,000 Marylanders, who may find out that their accounts have not. been refilled for the month, despite the pledge of funding from the Trump and Moore administrations. Its not clear how many of the more than 680,000 SNAP recipients may be affected this month. Both the $62 million for SNAP beneficiaries announced by Moore on Monday and the $10 million he pledged last week to food banks and meal assistance programs will be pulled from the states Fiscal Responsibility Fund. Funded by highly volatile capital gains taxes, it is difficult to project revenues in teh fund year to year, but administration officials say the fiscal 2025 closeout was better than expected and that about $200 million is sitting in the account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several state lawmakers had pressed Moore to dip into the states Rainy Day fund to cover the anticipated $123.2 million needed to completely cover November SNAP benefits in the state, as some other governors had promised to do. But Moore rejected that approach, noting that there may be more fiscal challenges ahead for the Trump administration, and that Maryland need to avoid tapping into the Rainy Day fund right away. Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) also supported using state funds to cover SNAP, as the food assistance benefit also helps in local and state economies. SNAP is not only a lifeline for families but also an economic driver, generating more than $187 million in monthly economic impact, helping support over 13,000 jobs, and generating millions of dollars for food producers, farmers, and retailers statewide, Lierman said in a written statement. I stand with Governor Moore and our partners across government and the nonprofit sector in working to build a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous state where every Marylander can thrive. Maryland Matters reporter Bryan P. Sears contributed to this report. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A massive fire broke out at a three-story building with a well-known restaurant in Milford Monday night. The fire happened at 72 Main St. where Turtle Tavern and residential space is located, according to WCVB. The incident was a four-alarm fire and caused extensive damage. The building wont be habitable, the restaurant wont be occupied, unfortunately, Milford Fire Chief Mark Nelson told the news outlet. Id say right now the building is a total loss, but we are going to investigate further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original call was for a report of smoke from a wood stove in an apartment on Main Street, according to NBC Boston. One officer was injured, the news outlet reported. But there was no further information about his condition. The police department said there will be road closures near Stacy Middle School Tuesday due to the fire, including on Pearl Street, Spruce Street and Main Street. Please plan extra travel time and use caution in the area. Thank you for your patience as the area is cleared, the police department wrote on Facebook. Many on social media have begun posting about the loss of Turtle Tavern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thinking about our friends at Turtle Tavern after the devastating 4-alarm fire that destroyed their business. Were so thankful that everyone is safe, and we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters and first responders who worked so hard to contain the blaze. Our hearts are with the Turtle Tavern team and the entire community, Cornells Irish Pub wrote. Our thoughts and prayers are with Turtle Tavern tonight as their building burns. We understand that everyone got out safe. Thank you to all the firefighters that responded and always there for the community, CraftRoots Brewing wrote. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Dick Cheney, the former vice president who was instrumental in pushing the United States into the disastrous Iraq War, has died. He was 84. Cheneys family said in a statement that his death Monday was caused by complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to the New York Times. Cheney, who served alongside George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, remained a staunch conservative in his final years but said he would not vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 election and heavily criticized the Republican as a threat to the American republic. In 2024, the Republican stalwart followed his daughter, former Republican Wyoming representative Liz Cheney, in publicly declaring he would vote for Kamala Harris in the presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, Dick Cheney said at the time. He tried to steal the last election using lies and violence to keep himself in power after the voters had rejected him. He can never be trusted with power again. The fissure ousted him from a position of influence within the Republican Party, but he had once been arguably the most powerful man of all. Deputy president, shadow president, co-presidentall those terms were applied to Cheney during his tenure in the White House as second-in-command to Bush, an untested and unsure leader who willingly ceded more power than any president before or since to a running mate. Bush even let Cheney pick himself to join the ticket in 2000 after first appointing him to conduct a search for the ideal running mate. After a thorough examination of several individuals, it became obvious that Cheney had the inside track. His association with Bushs father, whom he served as Defense Secretary during the first Gulf War, was thought to have sealed the deal. Vice President Cheney and President George W. Bush riding in back of a limousine smiling, Washington D.C., Washington, USA, February 28, 2008Cheney was Bushs most-trusted adviser and is still thought of as the most powerful vice president in U.S. history. / Smith Collection/Gado / Getty Images Cheney had to change his residence from Texas to Wyoming to meet the constitutional requirement that the president and vice president arent from the same state. The selection process was the stuff of late-night comedic jabs, but the Cheney of 2000 came across as a reassuring figure, the perfect partner to the restless and untried younger Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would change in Bushs second term, but by then Cheney had made his mark. His critics called him Darth Vader, an appellation that he readily adopted for himself. It wasnt for laughs but to send the message to naysayers that he didnt really care what anybody thought of him. Richard Bruce Cheney died at an advanced age he never expected to achieve after suffering his first heart attack in 1978, when he was just 37, while he was campaigning for an at-large House seat in Wyoming. He would eventually survive five heart attacks, including one that occurred during the transition after the 2000 election. Cheney received a heart transplant in March 2012. In their 2013 book, Heart, Cheney and his cardiologist, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, recount the 35 years of medical advances that made Cheneys long life possible. Cheney was in his office in the West Wing when the first plane hit the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. When a second jetliner crashed into the Twin Towers and it was clear this was no accident, the Secret Service literally swept Cheney off his feet to swiftly move him to a bunker under the White House known as the Presidential Operations Center. George W. Bush, Laura Bush, Dick Cheney, and Lynne Cheney participating in a moment of silence on the south lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C September 11, 2005, to honor the fourth anniversary of the terror attacks in New York City. / Brooks Kraft / Corbis via Getty Images From there, he would communicate with Bush, who was in Florida talking to grade-schoolers about his education reforms. Cheney gave the shootdown order to take down a fourth plane apparently heading toward the White House after a third airliner crashed into the Pentagon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fourth plane would be taken down into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania by its heroic passengers, sparing Cheney from having to live with the responsibility of shooting it out of the air. Whether Cheney actually had that authority, or he had usurped it, or Bush had somehow conveyed the order, though there was no record of that, the bond between the two men strengthened as a shaken Bush returned to the White House, grateful for Cheneys determined calm. For security reasons, Cheney spent several months in a variety of undisclosed locations, later revealed to be a bunker in the vice presidential mansion, Cheneys Wyoming home, and Camp David. Cheney and his longtime friend, Donald Rumsfeld, who hed handpicked as Bushs Secretary of Defense, would determine how to respond to the most devastating attack on U.S. soil since Pearl Harbor. Afghanistan was the obvious target, but discussion within the White House quickly moved to Iraq and that governments possible ties to al-Qaeda. Cheney speaking to soldiers returning from duty in Iraq during a Welcome Home Rally in 2006 at Fort Campbell, Kentuckysome 4,432 U.S. service members were killed during the conflict. / TIM SLOAN / AFP via Getty Images Cheney pressed the CIA for evidence, and in December 2002, just over a year since the 9/11 attacks, CIA Director George Tenet assured Bush in a meeting at the White House that it was a slam dunk case that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war in Iraq that began in March 2003 was predicated on false and fabricated intelligence. It was a war like no other, generating fear among the electorate that gave the Bush administration the license to unleash a barrage of questionably legal and morally objectionable tools. Beginning in April 2004, the implications of these enhanced interrogation techniques, (EITs) shocked the world with the publication of photos from Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad showing American soldiers torturing and sexually humiliating Iraqi prisoners. Bush professed horror and disgust, claiming he was blindsided. Rumsfeld offered twice to resign over the burgeoning scandal. In June 2004, a series of memos came to light that would be known as the torture memos. Written by Deputy Assistant Attorney General John Yoo, they laid out the dubious legal standing on which the administrations terrorist surveillance program had been based, along with the justification for such techniques as waterboarding. For Bush, this was no way to run a re-election campaign. The New York Times reported that he considered replacing Cheney on the ticket as his vice president to distance himself from Abu Ghraib. That would have been a bridge too far for such a long and loyal Bush retainer. Cheney remained on the ticket, and Bush-Cheney won a narrow victory over Democrats John Kerry and John Edwards. Cheney alongside Bush and Condoleezza Rice in 2004Bush wrote that Cheney offered to withdraw from his ticket in that years presidential election, but Bush ultimately chose to keep him as his running mate. / Pool Interagences / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Bushs second term would be a very different experience for Cheney. The Iraq War was not going well, and Bush faulted Cheney and Rumsfeld. The buddy system that had carried Bush through his first term, and that made Cheney so powerful, had broken down amidst mutual distrust. New York Times White House reporter Peter Baker in his book Days of Fire, about the Bush-Cheney years, cites the vice presidents accidental shooting of a friend in the face on a hunting trip in February 2006 as an indication of the radically altered relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the advice of longtime adviser Mary Matalin, the Cheney team leaked the story to a Texas newspaper, keeping the White House and the Washington press corps uninformed. The friend, then 78-year-old Richard Whittington, was seriously injured with multiple pellets, some lodged in his larynx and near his right eye, and one near his heart that could not be removed. The daughter of the ranchs owner said Whittington stepped into Cheneys line of fire, a comment repeated by White House spokesman Scott McLellan. Cheney didnt address the incident publicly for four days. Finally, under pressure from the White House, he did an interview with Fox News offering no apology but taking responsibility: Ultimately, I am the guy who pulled the trigger. The episode transformed Cheney and how he was regarded in the White House and by the media from an all-knowing evil genius to something of a joke. Cheneys guru-like silence often left White House aides wondering what he was telling Bush in private. Cheneys role was like watching iron filings move across a tabletop, observed Bush speechwriter David Frum. You know there is a magnet down there. You know the magnet is moving. You never see the magnet. Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz, in 2017. / Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag The secretiveness that was Cheneys hallmark looked more like paranoia in Bushs second term as the war dragged on and the politics worsened. In November 2006, Republicans lost their majority in both the House and the Senate. Bush called it a thumping. The next day Rumsfeld was forced to step down as Secretary of Defense. Bush didnt tell Cheney that he was about to fire his best buddy in the administration. Cheney learned along with everybody else, a signal of his lessened influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American people were tired of war without victory, and Rumsfeld was a deserving scapegoat. He had recommended opening the war with shock and awe bombing followed by a small invasion force that would be no match for the insurgency it inspired. Firing him was Bushs way of starting over. Not telling Cheney ahead of time was the icing on the cake from Bushs point of view. As Bush neared the end of his second term, a simmering CIA scandal that involved Cheney aide Scooter Libby came to a head over Bushs pardon powers. Libby had been convicted of lying to FBI investigators looking into who leaked the name to the media of covert CIA officer Valerie Plame. No one was charged with the leak itself, which was traced to a State Department official, but Libby was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a $250,000 fine. Bush immediately commuted the sentence, so Libby did not go to jail, but Bush refused to pardon him for the felony conviction. Cheney was furious and sought every possible opportunity to lobby Bush. According to news accounts at the time, Cheney pleaded, begged, and cajoled. He made the case that refusing to pardon Libby was tantamount to leaving a man on the battlefield. Bush kept his resolve, telling Cheney that he believed Libby was guilty, and that he accepted the jurys findings. Their relationship would never recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney left the White House with a 13 percent approval rating, and he made no overt effort to whitewash his record or the role he played in thrusting the country into two long wars. He has expressed no regret for the heavy-handed security apparatus that he helped put in place, telling Peter Baker in an epilogue to his 2013 book, that it was the right thing to do. It worked. We havent been hit for seven and a half years, longer than that now. Cheneys life came to the big screen in the 2018 movie, Vice, with Christian Bale as Cheney and Amy Adams as his wife and partner in politics, Lynne Cheney. WACO, Texas (FOX 44) McLennan Community College celebrated 60 years on Monday with their Heritage Day event. MCC was founded in 1965, and since then its seen a plethora of change. The student body, the campus, the curriculum, and the programs offered have all changed drastically over the years. MCC President Dr. Johnette McKown says shes seen so much growth in her time with the school. There were a lot fewer students back when I came. So, weve really grown, said McKown. We were able to add buildings.that it made just a tremendous difference. So many more programs we have now.many, many more students.and its just been a great place to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The on-campus event saw cupcakes, stickers, and MCC swag being given out, along with Mac the Highlander hanging out with students. Logan Villarrial is a student at MCC, and he says he enjoys the campus. MCC is a very, very diverse culture, which is a very good thing. Its like, its really like a second home here, a family here, said Villarrial. Its family. Its like, its like a home to a lot of people here. 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 KWKT - FOX 44. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) The Alabama Academy of Honor consists of 100 living Alabamians who have made great contributions to the state. This year, three people are joining leaders like Rosa Parks and Harper Lee because of what theyve done for Alabama. Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. is a civil rights activist who served as a Freedom Rider and worked alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. to institutionalize non-violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This kind of honor in Alabama? Ive been to jail in Alabama I dont know how many times, remarked LaFayette. And, my life has been threatened. Dr. Ray L. Watts serves as the president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He said he is proud to lead one of the largest, most comprehensive medical centers in the world. Childcare Resources Executive Director Joan Wright discusses time capsule letter Its a great honor. As you heard, a lot of distinguished Alabamians here, said Watts. A lot of great work on behalf of our people. And what were about at UAB every day is serving the people that depend on us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson is the first to serve three terms in his city. He said its gratifying to really make a difference in someone elses life. To be recognized that youve done something significant for the state of Alabama thats just the icing on the cake. So, Im tremendously honored. Gov. Kay Ivey said all three of these honorees have served the state in different ways. One offers unparalleled leadership and public service, another furthered life-saving medical research, while the third bravely and humbly empowered the rights of his fellow man, she said. According to the academy, over 260 people have been inducted since its inception in 1965. 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 CBS 42. HOLYOKE Jens Michaelsen squares off at the polls Tuesday against veteran education Aido Luz Oquendo Oquendo. The former administrator and educator has set down deep roots in Holyoke and committed herself to the citys care and attention, specifically its children. Ahead of Tuesday, The Republican reached out to all candidates for the opposed School Committee seats to answer a short questionnaire. Find more candidates and responses in the past weeks print editions or online at masslive.com/topic/election. Dr. Aida L. Oquendo Address: Ward 5 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Profession: Former educator and assistant principal Position sought: School Committee, Ward 5 Introductory statement: My name is Dr. Aida L. Oquendo, and I have proudly served Holyoke Public Schools for more than 29 years as a teacher and assistant principal. For over three decades, I have lived in Ward 5, raised my family here, and dedicated my career to ensuring every child receives a quality education. As an educator, STEM advocate, and co-founder of the Latino Scholarship Fund, I have worked to expand opportunities for all students, especially English learners, students with disabilities, and those facing chronic absenteeism. I am running for the School Committee because Holyoke is at a turning point. We need leaders with classroom experience and deep community roots who understand how decisions affect families and our educators. My goal is for all schools to be safe, engaging, and academically strong so every student can reach their full potential. Question 1: What letter grade would you give the school system? Why? The district has made clear progress in graduation rates and early literacy, but we must continue improving attendance, academic rigor, and improve teacher retention. Holyoke Public Schools are back in local control because we are moving in the right direction. If elected as a member of the School Committee, I will focus on the necessary work to continue improving academic performance for all students rather than provide a grade to the Holyoke Public Schools. Question 2: What is the biggest challenge the schools face? The greatest challenge is student attendance and engagement. When students are not present, the learning gaps widen. We need family partnerships, mentoring, and programs that help every child feel valued, respected, and motivated to learn. Question 3: The school budget is roughly two-thirds of the city budget, and there are concerns about federal and state assistance dropping. How should the School Committee address any loss of funding? The School Committee must be proactive by advocating for continued federal and state support, seeking grants, building community partnerships, and ensuring every dollar directly supports students and teachers. Question 4: With the MCAS no longer a condition of graduation what should the diploma requirements be? Without the Massachusetts standardized test, the high school diplomas should reflect academic learning and readiness based on a rigorous curriculum. The graduation decision standards as set by the school district. Those requirements are earning the required number of course credits, maintaining a passing grade and meeting attendance policies. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. NEED TO KNOW Long-term melatonin use has been linked to an increased risk of heart failure The American Heart Association said it will present research from this preliminary study at the American Heart Associations Scientific Sessions 2025 The study said using melatonin for a year may be linked to a 90% higher risk of heart failure, but experts question some of the studys data Melatonin may have negative impacts on the heart, new research says but experts caution not to toss the popular sleep aid just yet. Long-term melatonin use was linked to a higher risk of heart failure and hospitalization or death from heart failure, according to a press release from the American Heart Association. The association cited research from a preliminary study that will be presented at the American Heart Associations Scientific Sessions 2025, beginning Nov. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed. If our study is confirmed, this could affect how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids, Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, M.D., lead author of the study and chief resident in internal medicine at SUNY Downstate/Kings County Primary Care in Brooklyn, N.Y., said in the press release. Getty Stock image of someone struggling to sleep. Stock image of someone struggling to sleep. The study used five years of health records for more than 130,000 adults with insomnia who had used melatonin for at least 12 months. It determined they had a 90% higher chance of heart failure over five years compared to people who did not use melatonin. However, while the findings are certainly provocative and warrant attention, Muhammad Rishi, an associate professor of clinical medicine and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, told the Washington Post that the study is observational and based on electronic health record data, which limits its ability to establish causality. Hes referring to how the study categorized melatonin users as people who were prescribed melatonin. However, in the U.S., its available without a prescription, which could mean that people taking the sleep aid over the counter were classified as not taking melatonin and included in the data for those who did not have heart failure. 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. Melatonin a natural hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle is a popular sleep aid, especially for children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joyce Oen-Hsiao, an associate professor of cardiovascular medicine at Yale School of Medicine, told the Washington Post that poor sleep can cause poor heart health and cited insomnia as a possible cause for heart failure. As study author Nnadi confirmed, Worse insomnia, depression/anxiety or the use of other sleep-enhancing medicines might be linked to both melatonin use and heart risk. Also, while the association we found raises safety concerns about the widely used supplement, our study cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship," Nnadi continued. "This means more research is needed to test melatonins safety for the heart. Read the original article on People Mesa Councilmember Julie Spilsbury conceded to political newcomer Dorean Taylor in the historic City Council recall race. "Though this election didn't end as I hoped, I remain optimistic about Mesa's future," Spilsbury said in a written statement. She said in the statement that serving District 2 residents had been one of the greatest honors of her life. Taylor did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the recall election results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day before, voters in Mesa east-central District 2 went to the polls to decide the recall election, in what appeared to be a strong turnout for a special election in an off-year. As of the evening of Nov. 4, more than 3,500 ballots had been cast in the special recall election than in the July primary election in which Spilsbury was re-elected to a second term. All day there was a steady stream of voters dropping off ballots at the Brimhall Aquatics Complex along Higley Road and Southern Avenue. Midday, both candidates were at the polling location attempting a final push for voter support. Taylor wore a red shirt with an American flag, talking to voters alongside her supporters, who wore the white Freedom Charlie Kirk shirt. On a table were campaign flyers paid for by Turning Point PAC. Taylor told The Arizona Republic she's grateful for the support she's received from political activist groups like Turning Point Action and AZFree, who have provided volunteers to knock on doors. She said the race was a "principal issue" between the two women, who are both registered Republicans. She identified herself as a constitutional conservative; meanwhile, Spilsbury was viewed as a moderate Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the parking lot of the complex were Spilbsury and her supporters wearing white shirts with her campaign logo. Spilsbury said constituents have told her they are frustrated by Turning Point's presence. "They don't like these outside people coming into our district," she said. Spilsbury said earlier in the day she hoped she could continue to keep doing the work she had been doing over the past five years on the council. "I just want to keep going. I want to keep working," she said. If she wasn't successful, she said she'd find another way to serve her community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election results in Arizona are unofficial until local and state officials have tallied all ballots and certified the results. It's unknown how many ballots remain to be counted. Constituents of Spilsbury launched the recall effort in January because of a trio of yes votes. Two of those votes took place prior to Spilsbury's reelection in August, which she won with 65% of the vote in her district. Voters react to recall election Dozens of voters arrived at the Mesa polling location with filled-out sealed ballots in their hands, ready to drop them off. Juan Beltran told The Republic he voted to support Spilsbury's campaign because he was not a "fan of Turning Point" and didn't like its involvement in the recall effort. He said he questioned why the political group chose this race and this city to get involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Esmeralda Waldron, a registered Democrat, voted for Taylor, she said. Taylor's messaging to address homelessness issues and lower taxes resonated with her, she said. Turning Point's presence in the recall election didn't bother her, she said. She said if so many voters wanted to get her out of office, then there had to be "some merit" to the recall election. What Spilsburys recall means for Mesa Spilsbury was first elected in 2020 and was easily reelected to her second term in the 2024 primary election. Residents cited a trio of three votes for the recall: raising utility rates, approving the transition of a hotel into a homeless housing program and increasing council salaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real crux of the outrage against Spilsbury was her endorsement of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the November presidential election. Spilsbury is a registered Republican. The controversial recall in District 2 gained support from Turning Point USA, which held get-out-the-vote events throughout October and posted campaign signs across the district in support of Taylor. The recall was widely seen as a litmus test for how much clout the national conservative group can wield in non-partisan local politics. Taylor told The Arizona Republic in a written statement she was extremely grateful for the overwhelming support Ive received from my neighbors, the community, local business leaders, the local legislative district Republican parties, and Turning Point Action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spilsbury has told The Republic that she was frustrated that she had to campaign again one year after she won fair and square. What happens next? Taylor will be sworn in and take her seat directly after the City Council adopts the canvassing resolution. That was tentatively scheduled for Nov. 17, pending the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors canvassing of the results. (This story has been updated with new information and photos.) Reporter Maritza Dominguez covers Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek and can be reached at maritza.dominguez@arizonarepublic.com or 480-271-0646. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @maritzacdom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like this story? Get more East Valley news straight into your email inbox by signing up for our free weekly East Valley Newsletter, which comes out on Wednesdays. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Spilsbury concedes to newcomer Taylor in Mesa council recall election KANSAS CITY, Mo. In Head Start classrooms across the Kansas City metro, the rhythm of early learning is at a stalemate as money that was supposed to arrive on November 1 hasnt come yet. Due to the government shutdown, federal funding for Head Start officially expired on October 31. New grant awards are frozen, leaving local providers scrambling to keep things afloat. Local grocery stores offer free meals for kids as government shutdown lingers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Mid-America regional council (MARC), which oversees Head Start programs in the Kansas City metro, the timing couldnt be worse. With 20 years of experience in Head Start MARC director Kacey Lawson says this is unlike other shutdowns. This is very different because Ive never been in a program, where at this time, we are supposed to have the notice of award, Lawson said. So, for me this is the first time theres been a disruption, in services potentially. MARC partners with 17 early learning centers, serving more than 2,300 children and families across the metro. About 400 staff members now face the possibility of furloughs or temporary closures if funding doesnt resume soon. For decades, head start has been more than a preschool program. Its a launchpad offering children a safe place to learn across Missouri and Kansas, those opportunities are now at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Statewide, over 6,000 children are enrolled, with $90 million in federal funding supporting their classrooms. For now, centers are surviving on reserve funds, but those funds could dry up within weeks. Chelawnta Lewis, a mother of four with one in Head Start, said since COVID, the learning process has been disrupted. If you think about the age group of children who are currently in Head Start, a lot of those are the COVID babies, Lewis said. They are the ones that were born right before, during and after COVID and so, within the past couple of years, this is new to them and as something that has become a part of their fabric. 1587 Prime announces Thanksgiving menu. How to get a reservation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Lewis said that her son benefits from education that he couldnt get elsewhere at the level he needs. I have a son in occupational therapy and social interaction, and he is thriving, Lewis said. I cant imagine trying to put him in a new environment and missing those services. FOX4 will continue to follow up with MARC and other Early childhood centers as those reserve funds are in use. 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Voters across the Valley on Nov. 4 decided the fate of funding approvals and adjustments to term limits for elected officials in what appeared to be a strong turnout for an off-year election, with all of the early ballots counted. In Chandler, early returns showed that residents appeared to be approving all four bonds by comfortable margins. Voters were also approving changes to the city charter that affected term limits of the mayor. Residents in Apache Junction also voted on mayoral term limits, with early returns showing the extension was winning by wide margins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other side of the Valley, residents of Avondale were opposing their two bonds and early results were too close to call, while Glendale's two bonds had mixed results by slim margins. Avondale asked for $123 million for improvement projects, while Glendale wanted $65 million for flood control and supporting city facilities. Fire and medical districts across the Valley also sought millions in funding to help pay for new fire stations, equipment and facility maintenance. For voters who chose to cast their votes in person, polls closed at 7 p.m. Election results in Arizona are unofficial until local and state officials have tallied all ballots and certified the results. It's unknown how many ballots remain to be counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check back for updates. I need to drop off my ballot: Here's where you can drop off your ballot in Arizona for the Nov. 4 election Chandler asks voters to approve $475 million in funding and city charter changes Chandler residents voted on four general bond questions totaling $475 million, the most of any city bond election this year. The bonds would help pay for public safety, streets and parks. They were: Question 1 proposed to improve Chandler's parks and recreational amenities. A yes vote would authorize the city to issue and sell $158 million of general obligation bonds to be repaid with secondary property taxes. It was passing by a wide margin. Question 2 would enhance Chandler Fire Department services and response through improved facilities and equipment. A yes vote would authorize the city to issue and sell $88 million of general obligation bonds to be repaid with secondary property taxes. It was passing by a wide margin. Question 3 asked voters to enhance Chandler Police Department services and response through facilities and equipment. A yes vote would authorize the city to issue and sell $46 million of general obligation bonds to be repaid with secondary property taxes. It was passing by a wide margin. Question 4 promised to improve traffic flows and safety and reduce commuter times for Chandler residents. A yes vote would authorize the city to issue and sell $183 million of general obligation bonds to be repaid with secondary property taxes. It was passing by a wide margin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters were also asked to decide on two propositions aimed at making city charter changes. Proposition 410 asked voters to ratify language that clarifies language on mayoral term limits. The issue stems from a legal interpretation that suggested that Mayor Kevin Hartke's and at least two previous mayors' stints in office were legal. The outcome will determine whether current two-term councilmember Matt Orlando can run for mayor in 2026. It was passing by a wide margin. Proposition 411 sought to clarify the city managers role. The charter would add that the city manager will serve "at the pleasure of the council," language consistent with other positions that directly report to the council. The new wording would also give the council wiggle room in deciding the city manager's annual salary, contract term and amount of severance pay. It was passing by a wide margin. Chandler city manager resigns: Council questions if his contract followed city laws Apache Junction asks voters to extend term limits Apache Junction residents faced a question regarding mayoral terms. Since the city was incorporated in 1978, its mayors served two-year terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proposition 493 asked: Shall the term of office of the City of Apache Junction mayor be changed from two years to four years, effective with the mayoral term of office beginning on Jan. 5, 2027? A yes vote would make mayoral terms last four years, while a no vote would retain two-year mayoral terms. It was passing by a wide margin. Avondale asks voters for $123 million for improvements, additions Avondale voters considered two general obligation bond propositions amounting to $123 million. Proposition 404 asked voters to approve $68 million for parks, recreation and library improvements. That would pay for a variety of projects, including shade structures, water conservation, bike and pedestrian paths and bridges, trails, recreational facilities, open space preservation, and library buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal of the upgrades was to improve residents' quality of life and attract new businesses to the area, according to the city. The early results were too close to call. Proposition 405 asked voters to approve $55 million for projects related to public safety and court improvements. The city would use the funding for new fire, emergency, police and city court facilities. The city said the projects would reduce emergency response time and enhance public safety services as Avondale continues to grow. The early results were too close to call. Glendale wants $65 million to support city infrastructure, maintenance Glendale asked its voters to approve two general obligation bonds amounting to $65 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Question 1 asked voters to approve $30 million to invest in storm drains, pipes and catch basins to remove water during heavy rainfall. It was narrowly passing. Question 2 asked voters to approve $35 million for facilities that support city infrastructure maintenance. Funds would go to operations facilities where city equipment is maintained and repaired, including public safety vehicles, road preservation, graffiti removal and building maintenance equipment. It would also fund health and safety repairs to aging facilities, including HVAC upgrades, safety improvements and energy efficiency upgrades. The early results were too close to call, with the no-vote leading by a razor-thin margin. Fire and medical districts ask for multimillion-dollar funding The Superstition Fire and Medical District, which serves the growing areas of Gold Canyon, Apache Junction and Superstition Vistas, asked its voters to approve a $33.8 million bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proposition 494 would pay for a new fire station in the Superstition Vistas area, new fire equipment and facility repairs and improvements for air filtration and cancer mitigation. It was passing by a wide margin. The South County Fire and Medical District, which serves over 20,000 residents within the Sun Lakes and Tonopah Valley, asked its voters to approve a $23.5 million bond proposal. Proposition 408 would fund future fire stations, facility renovations and modern firefighting and medical equipment. It was passing by a comfortable margin. The North County Fire and Medical District serves over 55,000 residents in Sun City West, Wittmann, and other areas in the northern portions of Maricopa County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proposition 407 asked its voters to approve $40.4 million to fund future fire stations, facility renovations and modern firefighting and medical equipment. It was passing by a comfortable margin. Elena Santa Cruz covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Surprise and Peoria. Reach her at elena.santacruz@gannett.com or follow her on X @ecsantacruz3. Lauren De Young covers Tempe, Chandler, Maricopa County and transportation for The Republic. Reach her at lauren.deyoung@gannett.com. Like this story? Get more West Valley news straight into your email inbox by signing up for our free weekly West Valley Newsletter, which comes out on Tuesdays. Get more East Valley news straight into your email inbox by signing up for our free weekly East Valley Newsletter, which comes out on Wednesdays. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: East Valley bonds, measures winning, West Valley elections uncertain Voters across the Valley were eager to support their local public school districts with the majority of funding questions on the ballot approved. Phoenix Elementary saw the largest wins within Maricopa County. Roughly three out of every four voters approved the budget increase, override and site sales. Many schools in Arizona rely on voter-approved bonds and override measures to maintain school programs, staff positions, and facility buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both bonds and overrides generate funds for schools through property taxes. A property owner's tax amount is based on the property's limited property value, which the county assessor calculates. An initial batch of unofficial election results was released Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. Results in Arizona are unofficial until officials have tabulated and canvassed the results. 5 districts on course to have bonds approved Bonds ask for a specific dollar amount and can be used for capital expenditures such as new schools and facility buildings, technology infrastructure, safety improvements, school buses and equipment. This year, 10 Maricopa County school districts are asking voters to approve bond measures totaling more than $1.5 billion. The estimated yearly tax rates ranged from 12 cents per $100 of assessed property value in West-MEC to $1.17 in Saddle Mountain Unified School District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The districts where bond approvals appeared on course to pass were Chandler Unified, Isaac Elementary, Saddle Mountain Unified, Tempe Elementary and West-MEC. Bond requests in Buckeye Union, Dysart Unified, Nadaburg Unified, Pendergast Elementary and Tolleson Union appeared on course to fail. School letter grades: Number of failing schools more than doubles in Arizona State Board of Education's grades 9 districts on track to have budget overrides approved Overrides ask to increase a district's budget by a certain percentage for seven years. Districts often request renewal of an ongoing override to maintain funding. Maintenance and operations overrides can be used for operational expenses such as classroom size, teacher salaries, music and art programs, and full-day kindergarten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, 14 Maricopa County school districts were seeking voter approval for maintenance and operations budget overrides and renewals. The estimated yearly cost of these overrides to the average homeowner ranged from $11 per year in Arlington Elementary School District to $383 in Higley Unified School District. The districts where maintenance and operations budget overrides appeared to be winning at the ballot box included Arlington Elementary, Chandler Unified, Deer Valley Unified, Dysart Unified, Isaac Elementary, Kyrene Elementary, Phoenix Elementary, Phoenix Union and Roosevelt Elementary. Voters in Buckeye Elementary, Higley Unified, Peoria Unified, Saddle Mountain Unified and Tolleson Union appeared on course to reject budget overrides. 4 districts seek additional assistance overrides District additional assistance overrides can be used for capital expenses such as classroom furniture, instructional materials and playground equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All districts that sought additional assistance override approval were on course to win. These districts were Fowler Elementary, Murphy Elementary, Phoenix Elementary and Phoenix Union. 4 districts seek site sales Districts also must seek voter approval to sell, lease or exchange certain real estate property. All districts that sought site sales approval were on course to win voter approval. These districts were Deer Valley Unified, Higley Unified, Phoenix Elementary and West-MEC. Local leaders, residents weigh in on school district measures Educators, school staff and community members participated in campaign efforts supporting the upcoming bond and overrides measures leading up to Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the truest expression of democracy. Members of communities getting together, deciding that they're going to have a direct influence on their government, and making sure that their taxpayer dollars are spent in the ways they want them to be spent, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who participated in canvassing efforts in central Phoenix, said in a statement. The Arizona Education Association supports all bonds and overrides happening across the state, according to Geneva Fuentes, communications director for the Arizona Education Association. The state has made this conscious decision for so long to underfund education, and that means that it's communities that have to step up and fill in the gaps, she said. No major campaign events from school unions, advocacy groups, or other education-related organizations in opposition to the bond and override measures in the Valley were widely publicized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the Valley, local officials, mayors, governing board members and parents wrote letters in favor of school district bonds and overrides to the Maricopa County School superintendent. These letters were published in voter information packets. Letters in support of these measures expressed similar interest in securing student safety, increasing property value, maintaining school infrastructure and investing in the community's future. Across multiple districts including Chandler Unified, Deer Valley Unified, Higley Unified and Peoria Unified Valley residents also wrote letters in opposition. Residents expressed concerns with increased spending and taxes amid economic uncertainty and declining enrollment, stating that schools should require less spending with fewer students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seniors like me cant afford this and my full-time working grandkids cant afford this either. I see them living paycheck to paycheck struggling to get by while raising their kids, said Delores Lorenz, a senior citizen in Youngtown. I lived within my means my entire life. Why cant the Peoria Schools do the same? Letters also cited poor academic performance and lack of spending transparency among districts for reasons to vote against bond and override measures. In the case of Higley Unified, voters are repeatedly told that funds will go directly to teachers and classrooms. However, year after year, much of the money ends up supporting administrative costs, salary increases for non-classroom staff, and programs that show little to no academic benefit, such as staff enrichment, said Betty Breeden, a Gilbert resident. According to Heather Gossler, a teacher at Williams Field High School, Higley Unified has a low administrative cost relative to other districts, and administrators play a huge role in student success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Changes sought: Tom Horne pushes board to remove DEI language from teaching standards Coverage of education solutions on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is partially supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundations Arizona Community Collaborative Fund. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Voters largely positive on metro Phoenix school bonds, overrides Nov. 3SANTA FE Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is headed south for the winter at least for a few days. The governor left New Mexico on Saturday to take part in a two-week United Nations climate change conference that begins Thursday in the Brazilian city of Belem. Lujan Grisham, who is the former co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, will join several other governors attending the event, including Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The entire United States delegation features about 100 individuals, but no high-level members of President Donald Trump's administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Brazil, Lujan Grisham is also scheduled to speak at several climate-related panel discussions in Rio de Janeiro before the conference officially begins, according to the Governor's Office. No state Cabinet officials are joining the governor for this year's conference, though the governor's deputy chief of operations, Caroline Buerkle, will be traveling with her, a spokesman said. Lujan Grisham has also traveled to the annual U.N. climate change conference in past years, leading a local delegation to Scotland in 2021, Egypt in 2022 and Dubai in 2023. She did not attend last year's conference in Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, the Brazil trip marks the latest overseas travel for Lujan Grisham, who has also made voyages this year to Japan and Singapore. The governor has also made stops in several other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lujan Grisham, who will embark on her final year as New Mexico's governor in January, has touted her administration's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enacting new methane and clean fuel rules, among other steps. But the governor has still faced criticism and lawsuits from some environmental groups and advocates who have argued she has not done enough to protect state residents from pollution related to the oil and natural gas industries. During a recent news conference, Lujan Grisham described her approach to energy issues as "pragmatic" in the nation's second-highest oil-producing state, adding that litigation is difficult to avoid on such issues. "Someone is going to sue us on either side of this equation," the governor said during the September news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor is scheduled to take part in meetings related to the U.N. climate change conference through Nov. 11, a spokesman said Monday. She then plans to take a week of personal time off before returning to New Mexico on Nov. 18. The governor's travel costs are being paid by Bloomberg Philanthropies, a group founded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Per the state Constitution, Lt. Gov. Howie Morales will serve as acting governor while Lujan Grisham is traveling outside the state. Charlee Brissette feels fortunate to have interviewed her mother. A member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Brissette is a boarding school descendant. Her mother attended a federal Indian boarding school one in a network of institutions that deprived Native American students of their culture and, in some cases, their lives in Michigan. Now co-director of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition's oral history project, Brissette has interviewed her mother multiple times now, including as part of her work on the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The experience was meaningful for both of them, she said. 001033.jpg (copy) A classroom at what then was known as U.S. Indian School in Santa Fe in 1904. Indian boarding school survivors in New Mexico will have a chance to share their stories this month: The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition will conduct oral history interviews in Santa Ana Pueblo Nov. 17 through Nov. 21, marking the 16th stop on a nationwide tour. "For her to have a chance to share her story and for it to be known and heard and preserved is tremendous. It's hard to put into words how significant that is," Brissette said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indian boarding school survivors in New Mexico will have a chance to share their stories with the group this month. The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition will conduct oral history interviews in Santa Ana Pueblo Nov. 17 through Nov. 21, marking the 16th stop on a nationwide tour. Specifically, the coalition is looking to hear from survivors who attended federal Indian boarding schools in the United States before 1970. And while the tour's stop in New Mexico will emphasize gathering stories from Pueblo, Navajo and Apache people, survivors from any tribe or nation are welcome, said Jason Packineau, the coalition's senior director of strategic initiatives. "We're really hoping to cast as wide a net as possible, so everyone is invited to participate if they attended a school," said Packineau, a member of Laguna and Jemez pueblos and the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The oral history project is an exercise in "truth-telling," Packineau said. It's intended to collect and preserve interviews with people who experienced federal Indian boarding schools firsthand. "That's really important to us to share that history, to share those testimonies and those stories with future generations," he said. All of the material collected over the course of the oral history project will end up in the archives of the Library of Congress, where it will be available to the public. The coalition's oral history tour is the latest step in a nationwide reckoning on Indian boarding schools. In her previous post as secretary of the interior, Deb Haaland, a member of Laguna Pueblo, announced the launch of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative in 2021 and tasked her department with unpacking much of the troubled legacy of the schools for Native American children and their descendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative spawned the 12-stop Road to Healing tour which included a stop at Isleta Pueblo in October 2023 to hear individual accounts of boarding schools, as well as the release of two extensive reports detailing the often-abusive conditions at the schools. Haaland is now the presumed Democratic primary frontrunner in the New Mexico governor's race after officially announcing her campaign in February. The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition has been a longtime partner in the initiative, said Lacey Kinnart, co-director of the coalition's oral history project. "With Secretary Haaland and Assistant Secretary [for Indian Affairs] Bryan Newland being Native, they knew the importance of Native people being on the team, too, and doing this work so the relationship just built from there," said Kinnart, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Road to Healing tour demonstrated the need for a more intimate, one-on-one setting for survivors to share their stories, Kinnart said. "That's where we came in, and we developed the oral history project together," she added. In 2023, the Department of the Interior announced it would provide $3.7 million in grant funding to the coalition to create a permanent collection of stories from survivors of federal Indian boarding schools. That work is ongoing, Kinnart said, noting, "We are still in agreement and working with the Department of the Interior." Members of the coalition have since visited tribal communities from Alaska and Hawaii to the East Coast, collecting more than 260 oral histories in the process. After the visit to New Mexico this month, they'll move on to Arizona, then to five more stops in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the coalition's top priorities in collecting oral histories, Kinnart said, is approaching its work with love and care. "We're like a big family and a bunch of grandchildren there to serve our grandparents, elders, family, relatives that come, and we just do everything that we can to make sure that they feel comfortable," Brissette added. The oral history project isn't limited to a particular type of story; survivors are welcome to share any memories with the oral historians. But the project's leaders said they understand some participants may share painful stories. There are behavioral health practitioners on-site during each visit, Packineau said, and the oral historians make plans to follow up with participants weeks and months after the visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The oral history sessions also incorporate Indigenous traditions into the process. Brissette noted each visit begins and ends in ceremony, with prayers, dancers, drums or other practices depending on local customs. "It can be a hard topic; it can be a hard conversation," Brissette said. "But we know that this is a part of our history and not just Indigenous history, but all of our history." A lone voter inside the Central Mercado Vote Center casts a ballot early on Oct. 28, 2025. Around 20% of registered voters have cast votes in the last two local elections, which typically have smaller turnouts than elections with national races. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) Across New Mexico in roughly half of the states 33 counties, voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 local elections, deciding the outcomes for 997 contests, which include mayors and other municipal officials; hospital board members; soil and water districts; and various school boards. As of publication early Tuesday morning, 162,586 residents had cast either early or absentee ballots, approximately 11.8% of the states nearly 1.4 million voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voter turnout during years without federal races typically runs significantly lower. For instance, turnout for local elections in November 2023 was about 20.5% versus 69% for the November 2024 general election. New Mexico allows people to register and vote on the same day in person, or register online here. As of publication, 2,369 people had utilized same-day voter registration. Voters who are changing party affiliation, legal name or who have recently moved need to fill out a new registration form. New Mexico voters must be citizens, older than 18 years at the time of the election, residing in the state and not denied the right to vote by the courts. People on probation or parole are allowed to vote, but not people in jails or prisons. The New Mexico Secretary of State offers a service to find nearby polling locations by typing in a ZIP code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls across the state will close at 7 p.m. A voter spoils a ballot at the Central Mercado Vote Center during early voting. In New Mexico, voters are able to register and vote on the same day. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) The 50 nonpartisan mayoral races across the state include contests in New Mexicos capitol and its largest city, which are fielding crowded mayoral races. These municipal contests have adopted different structures than some of the states other elections. For example, Santa Fe has employed rank choice voting since 2018, which allows voters to rank candidates in races with more than two candidates in order of preference. In ranked-choice voting, a winning candidate must receive a simple majority of the total votes cast. If no winner emerges on the count, candidates with the fewest number of top-ranked votes are eliminated and their second-place candidates are counted, until a candidate crosses the 50%-plus-one vote threshold. Voters in Santa Fes mayoral race have the option to rank eight candidates vying to replace two-term Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber, who is not running for reelection. The Santa Fe Clerks office says it will be livestreaming the tabulation rounds on its YouTube and Facebook pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Albuquerque and Gallup have automatic runoffs for their mayoral races. That means if no candidate garners more than 50% of the vote, then the top two candidates in the Gallup and Albuquerque mayoral races will head to a Dec. 9 runoff election, according to the New Mexico Secretary of States office. In Albuquerque, incumbent Tim Keller faces five challengers for the citys top position on Nov. 4. They include former U.S. Attorney Alex Uballez and former Bernalillo County Sheriff turned cannabis mogul Darren White. Also in the running are Louie Sanchez, a one-term Albuquerque city councilor and former police officer; Mayling Armijo, a Navy veteran and former economic development director for the city; and Eddie Varela, a former firefighter. In Gallup, three challengers are looking to replace current Mayor Louie Bonaguidi, who did not run for reelection. Beyond candidates, voters will be asked to decide on bonds and ballot questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These includes a request by Albuquerque Public Schools that would allow them to access up to $350 million for construction on school buildings, equipment and matching funds for capital outlay projects from the state. The City of Albuquerque is also asking voters to approve more than $180 million across 11 bonds, including specific funds for libraries, museums, community centers, police stations and more. In Santa Fe, voters will be asked to decide if the citys governing documents should be amended to change the powers of the mayor and the city council. That will include a question asking if voters will approve a change to allow city councilors to remove or suspend the city manager, city attorney or city clerk, if a supermajority of six councilors agree to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other question will ask voters to decide if they will amend the city charter to restrict the mayors vote to only instances of tie-breaking or if the council had too few members present without the vote. Additionally, Santa Fe Public Schools is seeking access to $150 million to improve school facilities and purchase computers. The fourth and final ballot question will ask voters to decide if the district can keep current property tax rates of $150 per $100,000 in assessed property to fund school facilities technology upgrades. At 72, Dr. Daniel Alberto Carpman was hoping to avoid spending the rest of his life in prison for prescribing millions of Oxycodone pills to thousands of patients who resold the painkillers to drug dealers in the Miami area. His defense attorney, Oscar Rodriguez, told a federal judge on Monday that Carpman would be staring at a life sentence or the death penalty if the judge gave him the maximum 20-year sentence for his critical role in a street racket that distributed the dangerous opioids. The lawyer asked for six years in prison, perhaps hoping for a miracle in Miami federal court, as Carpmans family members and friends anxiously awaited the judgment. U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian showed a smidgen of mercy and imposed a 15-year prison term, citing the Argentine-born doctors advancing age and declining health. But Damian, noting the deadly scourge of the opioid epidemic, said she was struck by the staggering number of Oxycodone pills that Carpman prescribed from his Miami clinic in a five-year conspiracy with a ring of Hialeah-based dealers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone is aware of the severity of the opioid epidemic in this country, Damian said. The harm it is doing to our country is overwhelming. Carpmans punishment on Monday followed a two-week trial in April, when a 12-member federal jury found the doctor guilty of conspiring with the street dealers to distribute more than two million Oxycodone pills to thousands of patients who were in on the pill-mill scheme that lasted from 2018 to 2023. He was also convicted of four related counts accusing him of distribution and dispensing a controlled substance. He has been held at the Miami Federal Detention Center since his trial conviction. During his sentencing, prosecutors portrayed Carpman as the el Chapo of painkiller doctors in South Florida, saying no other case has come close to his for sheer volume. They say he doled out more than 19,000 prescriptions for 120 tablets of Oxycodone in maximum dosages of 30 milligrams on a monthly basis to patients. He didnt care about the patients, said prosecutor Alex Pogozelski, alleging that two of Carpmans patients died of overdoses. He did it for the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carpmans lawyer tried to minimize the number of prescriptions, pills and patients. Even Carpman, a trained dermatologist who formerly lived in a Brickell Avenue high-rise condo, suggested his crime of associating with the Hialeah ring of drug dealers was a mistake in judgment. I admit my guilt for the small number of patients that were brought by them [to me], Carpman told the judge in Spanish, using an interpreter. The great majority of patients at the clinic were not related to those drug dealers. I am a decent individual who made a mistake, Carpman said. I am remorseful. His lawyer, Rodriguez, highlighted that he has taken care of his 100-year-old mother and disabled 70-year-old brother in Argentina since he immigrated to the Miami area in 2002 and obtained his Florida medical license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his sentencing, however, Pogozelski urged the judge not to be swayed by Carpmans bid for sympathy, saying he deserved the maximum 20 years in prison. At trial, Pogozelski, joined by prosecutor Chris Clark, said the doctor struck a corrupt bargain with the Hialeah dealers and sold out his medical license to make $5 million in consulting and other fees while masquerading in a lab coat as a drug dealer himself. They said most of his patients were recruited by the street dealers. When Carpman was arrested in 2023, federal authorities accused him of writing thousands of the same Oxycodone prescriptions for elderly patients over and over, even though they didnt need them to treat their pain. Instead, according to the FBI, the patients filled the prescriptions at local pharmacies and sold the powerful painkillers to the Hialeah-based distribution ring protected by a corrupt federal agent one who practiced the Cuban religion of Santeria with the lead Oxycodone dealer. The previous year, the Miami doctor got off lightly when he reached a settlement agreement with the Florida Board of Medicine for prescribing large doses of Oxycodone to a patient. Carpman paid a fine of $7,500 and administrative costs of about $10,000. A letter of concern was also placed in his file at the state Department of Health, but he was still allowed to practice medicine. Linked to a network Although Carpman was charged alone, his case was linked to a network of about 10 people implicated in a massive painkiller pill-mill racket that unlawfully sold millions of dollars worth of Oxycodone, the generic name for the highly addictive opioid, according to court records and prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost all of those defendants including a Hialeah doctor who was the rackets alleged go-to physician before Carpman already pleaded guilty and were sentenced to various prison terms. A U.S. Health and Human Services agent faced trial in 2023 on charges of conspiring to distribute Oxycodone, witness tampering and obstruction of justice, while protecting members of the pill-mill organization with tips on enforcement actions. A few cooperating members of that ring testified against the agent, Alberico Ahias Crespo, who was acquitted by a federal jury of the distribution-conspiracy charge but convicted of the corruption charges. Crespo was sentenced to eight years in prison in early 2024. Crespo was sentenced to more prison time than the distribution rings leader, Jorge Diaz Gutierrez, who was like a father figure to Crespo. Diaz received just over six years in prison after pleading guilty to distributing painkillers and obstructing justice in a cooperation deal that also required his testimony at Carpmans trial. Crespo and Diaz were so tight that Diaz rented an efficiency apartment behind the agents Hialeah home and became his babalawo, or high priest, during Santeria religious rituals. But at trial, Diaz incriminated Crespo while testifying about numerous court-approved wiretap recordings of their cellphone conversations in the FBI-led investigation. Operated Coral Way clinic The Carpman indictment accused the doctor of operating a pain management clinic, Donate Medical Center, on Coral Way in Miami and illegally distributing and dispensing Oxycodone between September 2018 and March 2023. The indictment accused Carpman of distributing and dispensing a controlled substance [Oxycodone] through prescriptions that were issued without a legitimate medical purpose by a practitioner acting outside the usual course of professional practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment was built upon a related Oxycodone conspiracy case, which resulted in the conviction of Diaz as well as his partners, Yandre Trujillo Hernandez and Juliedys Mirabal Gutierrez, who regularly interacted with Carpman. Another member of the ring was Diazs girlfriend, Anais Lorenzo. Court records show that Diaz, Trujillo and Lorenzo distributed Oxycodone prescribed by a doctor who ran two pain management clinics, including East and West Medical Office in Hialeah. They collaborated with Dr. Rudolph Gonzalez-Garcia and then when he got in trouble, they joined forces with Mirabal in their drug dealings with Carpman. Gonzalez-Garcia, who was charged in a separate healthcare fraud conspiracy case, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight years in prison. Four other defendants were also charged in his case, including three who pleaded guilty and served short prison terms. At the same time, another Miami pain clinic, General Care Center, was targeted by the FBI and Health and Human Services. Eventually, about 10 defendants, including doctors, were convicted in that scheme, which involved Trujillo and Mirabal. Mirabal ended up receiving immunity from prosecutors because he agreed to cooperate early on in the investigation. (NewsNation) Voters in Miami will cast their ballots Tuesday to choose, from a crowded field of candidates, who will become their next mayor. Thirteen candidates are vying for the seat, replacing Miamis term-limited Mayor Francis Suarez. The top six candidates include Suarezs father, former Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez; Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo; former City Manager Emilio Gonzalez; Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins; and former Miami Commissioners Ken Russell and Alex Diaz de la Portilla. Russell and Higgins are both Democrats; the remaining candidates are Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has made an endorsement in the race, which is nonpartisan, but his influence in the area is strong. Miami is set to become the site of his future presidential library. New York City mayoral candidates make final push as early voting ends The mayoral race will prove to be a test for Democrats in the state, as Florida, a historically swing state, has become a Republican stronghold in recent years. If Florida can show in the city of Miami race that Democrats can still perform and still win in these elections, it should send shock waves across the country to continue to pay attention to Florida, continue to invest here, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried told Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If no candidate secures a majority Tuesday, the race will head to a runoff election Dec. 9. Polls in Miami close at 7 p.m. EST on Tuesday. See the results of the mayoral election as they come in below: 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 NewsNation. Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The Justice Department announced Monday that "multiple suspects" have been charged in Michigan in an alleged Halloween plot to support the terror group ISIS in an "attack on American soil." Monday's charges come three days after Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel announced that the FBI had "stopped a potential terrorist attack in Michigan before it could unfold." "Thanks to swift action and coordination with our partners, a violent plot tied to international terrorism was disrupted," he said Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Patel provided more details. "Two Michigan men planned an ISIS-inspired Halloween terror attack near Detroit -- stockpiling weapons, scouting targets and training at gun ranges," Patel wrote in a second post on X. "This FBI acted fast, followed the evidence, and likely saved countless lives." According to a Justice Department press release Monday, FBI agents made the arrests Friday in eastern Michigan. "This newly unsealed complaint reveals a major ISIS-linked terror plot with multiple suspects arrested in the Eastern District of Michigan targeting the United States," said U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. "According to the complaint, subjects had multiple AR-15 rifles, tactical gear and a detailed plan to carry out an attack on American soil." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No information was provided on the identity of the suspects, as the FBI called the investigation "ongoing." "With today's unsealed criminal complaint, the American people can see the results of months of tireless investigative work where the FBI acted quickly and likely saved many lives," Patel added. "We'll continue to follow the facts, uphold the law and deliver justice for the American people." The special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office credited local authorities for their work to "ensure the safety of the citizens of Michigan and beyond." "Defending the homeland will always be one of our top priorities," said Special Agent Jennifer Runyan. "We will utilize every available federal resource to disrupt and dismantle any individuals or groups who threaten national security." It will be turning unsettled again for mid to late week with a cold core system on its way in. Were talking rain first, then snow with our Alberta Clipper for later Wednesday into Thursday. Heres more! Timing/Local Forecast: Wednesday PM through Thursday AM. Wind-driven rain showers during the day Wednesday will transition to snow showers in the high slopes Wednesday evening. Snow levels will drop to around 1,500 feet late Wednesday night into Thursday morning before drying out Thursday afternoon. Local Hazards/Impacts: The top two hazards with this Alberta Clipper will be the aggressive northwest winds and that rain to snow/mix by Thursday morning. Minor travel impacts will be likely for the Thursday morning drive with isolated slick spots, especially in the mountains (2,000+ feet). Northwest winds will gust up to 40+ mph as well, so please be sure to travel safely. Precipitation Totals: Its up to 0.5 inch of rain through Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, the snow will start to add up once you get to elevations of 1,500 where there will be a slushy dusting to 1 inch. Its 2 to 4 inches between 2,000 to 3,000 feet, but the summits/peaks will cash in on 4 to 6+ inches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minneapolis Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey led challenger Omar Fateh as the 15-candidate race moved to a second round of counting set for Wednesday after no candidate secured an outright majority. The election Tuesday between Frey, a mainstream Democrat seeking a third term, and Fateh, a state senator who is a democratic socialist, highlighted different visions of how to govern in a liberal city confronting persistent problems with policing, crime and homelessness. Ranked-choice voting requires a 2nd round of counting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way ranked-choice voting works in Minneapolis, if no candidate clears the 50%-plus-one vote threshold in the first round, candidates with the fewest votes are eliminated for the next round of counting, while second- and third-choice rankings are allocated to the surviving candidates. The process is repeated until one candidate has enough. Frey won after the second round in 2021. Nobodys declaring victory tonight, Frey told supporters. But what I will tell you is, we are well in the lead, and we are well on the way. And we are super excited about where this city is going. So tonight, this race is too close to call," Fateh said at a separate gathering. "And thats OK because every vote must be counted and reallocated. The challengers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fateh hopes to become the city's first Muslim and Somali American mayor. He has drawn comparisons with Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who won New York City's mayoral race on Tuesday, because of their backgrounds and ideological similarities. Both come from immigrant families, although Fateh, a member of the citys large Somali American community, was born in the U.S. While there are 15 candidates on the ballot, the only others who raised significant sums were the Rev. DeWayne Davis and businessman Jazz Hampton, who are seen as left of Frey but right of Fateh. Based on unofficial but nearly complete results, Frey led Fateh by about 10 percentage points with Davis and Hampton further back, making the final outcome hard to predict. Fateh, Davis and Hampton formed an alliance, urging their voters to rank one another, but not Frey, to make it harder for the incumbent to win. Frey and Fateh offer contrasting records Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frey led Minneapolis through the turmoil and came under heavy criticism following the 2020 murder of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white officer used his knee to pin his neck to the pavement for 9 1/2 minutes. But his administration later negotiated agreements with the state and federal governments to remake a police department that lost hundreds of officers after Floyd's death. Fateh has backed off his early support for the defund the police movement, but he supported a ballot measure opposed by Frey and rejected by voters in 2021 that would have reimagined public safety in the city. Fateh continues to stress the need for alternatives to conventional policing. Frey says the city is already implementing them. The ideological divisions also show up in the two candidates' approaches to housing and other issues. Frey opposes rent control; Fateh says he advocates some form of rent stabilization without being specific. Fateh is critical of how the Frey administration has moved to shut down homeless camps. Fateh has long championed the cause of Uber and Lyft drivers at the Legislature. Frey vetoed an attempt by the City Council to raise their wages after the companies threatened to pull out of the city. Fateh later used his leverage to force a compromise at the state level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fateh, like Mamdani in New York, is a strong opponent of how Israel conducted the war in Gaza. Frey, who is Jewish, vetoed a City Council ceasefire resolution that he considered one-sided. All the leading candidates have vowed to stand firm against President Donald Trump and to resist his efforts to undermine Minneapolis' status as a sanctuary city for immigrants or any effort Trump might make to send federal troops into the city. Special elections maintain Democratic control of state Senate A pair of special elections to fill vacant seats in the Minnesota Senate preserved the Democrats' one-vote, 34-33 majority in the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic state Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger defeated GOP candidate Dwight Dorau in District 47, which includes parts of the eastern suburbs of Maplewood and Woodbury. The seat became vacant when its former senator, Democrat Nicole Mitchell, resigned after she was convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmothers home. But Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. defeated Democrat Louis McNutt to win the special election in District 29, which includes the western exurb of Buffalo. That seat became open when Sen. Bruce Anderson died in July. (NewsNation) Minneapolis voters will choose who their next mayor will be in Tuesdays general election. Fifteen candidates are running for the seat, including incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, who is not term-limited and can seek a third term in office, and state Sen. Omar Fateh, who describes himself as a Democratic socialist and has been described in news reportes as Mamdani of the Midwest, referring to New York Mayoral candidate and fellow Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. Minneapolis implemented ranked choice voting in 2009. According to nonpartisan organization FairVote, the voting structure allows for voters to pick their top three preferred candidates. If a voters first choice does not win, their vote automatically counts for their next choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for NewsNations Newsletter Frey has received the endorsements of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, while Fateh is backed by Rep. Ilhan Omar. One of the biggest concerns among voters in Minneapolis has been police staffing. Following the killing of George Floyd in 2020, calls for the city to defund the police started to grow. Frey has criticized the measure and told NPR he would never implement it. Fateh said Frey has failed to implement meaningful reforms to police, and has vetoed one good solution after another. One of his campaign promises includes funding public services to help residents going through a crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls close in Minneapolis at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Follow election results in the Minneapolis mayoral race in the tracker below: 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 NewsNation. CLIVE, Iowa After photos circulated online of a man dressed as a Nazi in a bar on Halloween night, the bar owner is responding to criticism he was met with online. The incident took place inside Miss Kittys Country Bar in Clive. Viewers shared some images of a man dressed in a Nazi soldier uniform embellished with a swastika and wearing a cropped mustache. The same viewer who sent those photos was also at the bar last Friday night. She sent WHO 13 News a video of herself confronting the bar owner about the mans costume where the owner appears to defend the man wearing the garb. Do you know that you have a guest here with an actual Nazi costume on, said the patron in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, but I am not doing anything about it, E.J. Myer, the bar owner, replied. Youre okay with Nazis being here, said the patron. Myers responded again responded, No, but its a costume. After that interaction, Myers said he went back into his office and sat for a couple of minutes. After that time alone he said that he came to the realization that the man dressed up was obviously creating a situation where people were uncomfortable. He went to go meet the individual over by the patio door, where Myers said he was already leaving. Myers told the individual dressed as a Nazi, I think your costume is creating too much controversy, while he was walking out. Myers said he walked out of the bar with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Precipitation chances return to Iowa at end of the week On Monday, Myers spoke with WHO 13 News about his regret for how the situation unfolded, and how he responded to the patron that recorded him. It wasnt the right response, I probably should have just said Thank you for making me aware. Give me a few minutes and Ill take care of it, said Myers. It wasnt the right response. Myers said the confrontation on video happened after he just walked through the bar to his office to get things in order for the costume competition. He said he did see an individual dressed in a uniform, but had not seen the swastika before the interaction on camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt see the swastika. He just looked like a guy in kind of a black suit, said Myers. I want to apologize to everyone who it offended and it certainly was not my intention. And we genuinely support a lot of things, whether it be trans or gay or whatever. Theyre all welcome. And I dont want people to feel like they have to worry about something like that. So we will certainly address that issue moving forward. Myers said that policies in the bar will be changed moving forward. He didnt outline specifics on what would change, just articulating that something like this will not happen again. Myers added that he has gotten numerous death threats over the weekend since the incident. Business has already been lost, a Latin dance group usually goes there on Sunday night, but the group changed its schedule. A few bands rescheduled for a later date because of doubt of a turnout. Myers also said that he has had between a thousand to two thousand people reach out over the weekend saying they still support the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines talked with WHO 13 News on Monday, outlining the organizations disgust for the events over the weekend. Its not just a costume, its a hate symbol, said Jarad Bernstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines. Put it in a different context: if this person had decided to show up dressed in blackface, what would the reaction be? Bernstein said that he first learned of the incident on Saturday afternoon at his daughters birthday and his first thoughts were that someday she will have to learn about people who hate Jews. Incidents like these always cause the community to have a heightened sense of security. Metro news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 who13.com. After she was crowned Miss Teen USA in 2024, Addie Carver was supposed to win a $10,000 scholarship. A lawsuit from Miss Universe said Carver was never paid by Laylah Rose, Miss USA's CEO at the time. Miss USA, now owned by Thom Brodeur, said it paid Carver the prize she was promised. The Miss USA Organization appears to be rectifying some of the wrongs left by previous ownership. The latest example is that the pageant recently paid Miss Teen USA 2024's promised scholarship money, a year after she was supposed to receive it. Addie Carver, the pageant queen who won in August 2024, hadn't publicly shared much about what happened behind the scenes at Miss USA amid its ongoing leadership turmoil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, in a video that played before she took her final walk as Miss Teen USA on October 23, she said there had been "ups and downs" during her reign. A new lawsuit alleges that former Miss USA CEO Laylah Rose, who ran the pageant in 2023 and 2024, failed to distribute a number of prizes to the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA winners, including Carver. Rose's company, VVV Global Ent., denied the allegation in a countersuit. The Miss USA Organization told Business Insider that it paid Carver her $10,000 scholarship prize in September 2025. Business Insider obtained screenshots of the Venmo and Zelle payments to Carver and her mother from the new Miss USA team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carver told Business Insider she "wasn't sure of the details" of the ongoing lawsuit before adding that "this new leadership has taken care of me a lot way more than I've had in the past year." "In the past few months that they've been with me, they've really amplified my experience," she said. "It really did make my year 10 times better." A new lawsuit Alma Cooper, Miss Michigan USA-winner of Miss USA 2024, Laylah Rose, Miss USA President, and Addie Carver, Miss Teen USA 2024 at the 73rd annual Miss USA Pageant. Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images On October 3, JKN Universe which owns the Miss Universe Organization and oversees Miss USA and Miss Teen USA filed a lawsuit against Rose's company, VVV, describing it as a one-person operation. The complaint accuses VVV of creating a "toxic work environment" and failing to pay Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper's $100,000 salary and scholarship money owed to Carver and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava. Srivastava and Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt both stepped down in May 2024 due to Rose's leadership. Srivastava, who declined to comment on the new lawsuit, told Business Insider in August that she "never saw that $15,000 in scholarship money" that was part of her prize package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carver never publicly shared whether she had been paid, but after her agent began making requests to Rose for the scholarship money in February, JKN said it became aware that Carver still had not received her prize. Carver after winning Miss Teen USA in 2024. Kevin Winter/Getty Images In a countersuit filed on October 20, VVV denied that it had failed to pay the scholarship money owed to Srivastava or Carver and said that Cooper did not receive the $100,000 Miss USA salary because she was an active member of the US Army. "VVV avers that it met with Army officials about this issue, and the Army would not permit Ms. Cooper, as an active service member, to accept an outside salary. Accordingly, VVV admits Ms. Cooper received no salary," the countersuit said. Business Insider obtained a copy of the October 2024 agreement between the US Army Recruiting Command and Miss USA detailing the roles and responsibilities of both organizations during Cooper's reign. The document, which appears to be signed by Rose, states that Cooper could receive compensation from Miss USA "on an hourly basis" for participation in events that were approved by the Army and organized by the Miss USA Organization. The agreement also notes that Cooper's ability to accept a titleholder's salary or apartment from Miss USA was subject to the Army's approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christina Bhatti, the US Army Recruiting Division's public affairs director, confirmed to Business Insider that US soldiers are "permitted to engage in employment outside of the Army with command approval." She added that any payments for Cooper's work supporting Miss USA were the responsibility of the Miss USA Organization. Rose did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. The next era Addie Carver crowning Miss Teen USA 2025 Mailyn Marsh. Reza Venegas When Thom Brodeur took over as the new CEO and president of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, he revamped the pageants' prize packages along with other changes. The new prize package for the Miss Teen USA winner includes a feature in Teen Vogue, $25,000 in cash, and a four-year scholarship at Mississippi State University where Carver is a freshman if they choose to accept it. "I'm a little bit jealous I'm not gonna get to have all of that myself," Carver told Business Insider with a laugh. "But I'm so excited for our new winner. She's going to do an amazing job." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carver may be packing up her crown and sash, but she said the new Miss USA team has reminded her of why she competes to pay it forward. "I really was trying to keep the faith in myself and hopefully keep inspiring young girls to still compete," she said. "They definitely gave me hope, and I think a lot of other people hope too." Read the original article on Business Insider The Missouri House chamber during debate on March 12, 2023 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications). In 2015, two Missouri lawmakers were forced to resign over inappropriate behavior with interns. Soon after, dozens of women spoke out about a Capitol culture that was often more frat house than statehouse, sparking a reckoning that predated the #MeToo movement by two years. House leadership promised change, rolling out reforms meant to clean up the culture: mandatory harassment training, an ombudsman for interns, bans on fraternization, and outside investigators for complaints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal, as then-Speaker Todd Richardson put it, was to ensure interns, staff and (legislators) can have a workplace where they are treated with respect. Its worth emphasizing one word in that quote: workplace. Elected officials may grab the headlines, but hundreds of staffers work in that marble building every day, doing the unglamorous jobs that make state government function. It can be a strange environment part political circus, part pressure cooker but its still a workplace. And the same rules of respect and professionalism should apply. Last year brought another reminder that those lessons never seem to stick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That time, the scandal wasnt about sexual harassment, but about alleged retaliation and intimidation by a powerful lawmaker, with nonpartisan legislative staff describing a culture of fear where employees who raised concerns about mistreatment or impropriety faced punishment. Different behavior, same disregard for workplace norms. The point was underscored again last week when the House Ethics Committee convened to investigate a text message sent by freshman Democratic Rep. Jeremy Dean to a fellow lawmaker during a contentious special session in September. The message was explicit, crude and wildly inappropriate for a professional setting. Dean apologized publicly, calling it a lapse in judgment. His party leaders stripped him of committee assignments, and he awaits punishment by the Ethics Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To his credit, Dean didnt deny or deflect. His willingness to apologize and face consequences marks progress from a time when such behavior might have been ignored or excused. But the fact that a message like his was sent at all shows how far the Capitol still has to go. Was Deans text on the same level as the harassment scandals of 2015 or the retaliation accusations that dominated headlines last year? Of course not. But its part of the same pattern a culture that too often forgets this is supposed to be a workplace. In nearly any other job in America, sending an obscene message to a colleague would get you fired. No one is calling for Deans expulsion. But the episode serves as a fresh reminder that all those reforms from 2015 were just the starting line, not the finish. Policies and training set expectations, but they cant legislate basic respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every scandal, every whisper of intimidation or disrespect, chips away at public trust. If lawmakers cant model professionalism inside the Capitol, why should voters trust them to manage the state? So heres a refrain worth repeating until it finally sticks: the Capitol is a workplace. Its long past time for everyone under its dome to start acting like it. A version of this commentary originally appeared in The Weekender, a free Sunday newsletter that catches you up on the important news you might have missed. Sign up today. Mobile food pantries will open at 15 locations in six regions across the state starting Wednesday for families that have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the federal government shutdown, Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced. Mobile food pantries for SNAP recipients to open starting Wed. Gov. Kelly Ayotte and state officials outlined the six regions and 15 locations where those who have lost their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the federal government shutdown. Here from left, Joe Vogelsang of Derry and Bill Cornelissen of Epping sorted donations at the New Hampshire Food Bank in Manchester in November 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also urged residents and companies to assist the $2 million state initiative by making donations to the New Hampshire Food Bank, which is implementing the food distribution effort. SNAP and other critical programs should be funded because the federal government should be open, said Ayotte, a former U.S. senator. Politicians in Washington need to get their act together and end this shutdown. The Trump administration confirmed Monday that it would offer partial SNAP benefits to clients after two federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ordered the president to continue keeping the program open despite the shutdown by using a $5 billion SNAP contingency fund. Details on how much the partial benefits will amount to and when they will be paid out remained unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Health and Human Services is overseeing the mobile pantries that will offer free food only for SNAP recipients for the next five weeks if the shutdown lasts that long. The contract for this program that unanimously cleared the Executive Council last week also provides for eight one-week extensions beyond that point should the impasse continue. We do things the New Hampshire way and Im grateful the council and the (legislative) fiscal committee supported our plan to stand this program up for families in dire need of healthy food, Ayotte added. Thee pantry and food pickup locations are subject to change and the list on the states website will be updated every Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HHS Commissioner Lori Weaver said state and food bank officials may adjust locations to target areas of greatest need once they assess the demand for food. Our longstanding partnership with the New Hampshire Food Bank has made it possible for us to respond quickly and thoughtfully to the needs of individuals and families across the state who participate in the SNAP program, Weaver said in a statement. While funding for SNAP benefits is shut down this month, those with EBT cards can use any balance they have left over from previous months. People receiving SNAP can check their EBT card balances by visiting www.ebtedge.com or calling 1-888-997-9777. Infant formula and nutritious foods for participating pregnant women and young children are still available through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, though funding has only been committed through Nov. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most up-to-date information on DHHS contingency plan operations for SNAP recipients can be found at www.dhhs.nh.gov/federalshutdown. Anyone with additional questions can call DHHS at 1-844-ASK-DHHS (275-3447). Food pantry and food pickup locations include the following: Lakes Region Mobile food pantry locations Laconia: Lakes Region Community College, 379 Belmont Rd. Thursday, Nov. 6, 1 to 6 p.m. Plymouth: Tenney Mountain, 151 Tenney Mountain Rd., Wednesday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Merrimack Valley region Mobile food pantry locations Concord: NH Technical Institute, 31 College Drive. Thursday, Nov. 20, 1 to 6 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manchester: Comcast, 676 Island Pond Road, Thursday, Nov. 13, 1 to 6 p.m. Food box pick-up locations Concord: Christ the King Church, 67 South State St. Saturdays, 9 to 11 a.m. Manchester: Families in Transition Food Pantry, 176 Lake Ave. Mondays, 1 to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nashua: Nashua Soup Kitchen, 2 Quincy St., Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monadnock region Mobile food pantry locations Keene: Keene Department of Public Works, 330 Marlborough St. Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to noon; Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. to noon; Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to noon; Saturday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to noon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Country region Mobile food pantry locations Conway: Ham Ice Arena, 87 West Main St., Wednesday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Woodsville: Walmart, 4901 Dartmouth College Highway, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food box pick-up locations Berlin: NH Food Bank Warehouse, 92 Jericho Rd., Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Colebrook: North Country Missions, 16 Hill Ave., Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m. North Conway: Vaughan Food Pantry, 2503 White Mountain Highway, Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Seacoast region Mobile food pantry locations Dover: Whittier Falls, 50 Whittier St. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 1 to 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 18, 1 to 3 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hampton: Municipal Lot, 30 High St. Thursday, Nov. 6, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 13, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Portsmouth: Gosling Meadows, 36 Wedgewood Road Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 26, 12:30 to 2 p.m. Raymond: Lamprey Health Center, 128 NH-27, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 1 to 2 p.m. Rochester: Grace Church, 57 Wakefield St. Tuesday, Nov. 25, noon to 3 p.m. Seabrook: Seabrook RVA, 117 Cimarron Drive, Thursday, Nov. 6, 1 to 3 p.m.; Seabrook Recreation, 311 Lafayette Rd., Thursday, Nov. 13, 1 to 3 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somersworth: Tuckers Parking Lot, 250 Indian Brook Dr., Friday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. to noon. Upper Valley region Mobile food pantry locations Claremont: Runnings, 403 Washington St. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food box pick-up locations Claremont: Claremont Food pantry, 51 Central St. Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lebanon: Listen Food Pantry, 60 Hanover St. Mondays, noon to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 .m. to 4 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. klandrigan@unionleader.com A Kentucky woman who took drugs and fell asleep while her three-month-old drowned in the bathtub says she wants to visit his grave before her sentencing next month. Amber Winstead, 36, pleaded guilty to manslaughter last Friday in connection with the New Years Day death of her son, KiArri Rayne Winstead, according to court records cited by WHAS11. Police were called to a Motel 6 on Airport Hotel Boulevard in Louisville around 4:30 a.m. on January 1. They arrived to find the baby had drowned in the tub. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities alleged that Winstead took narcotics that day before getting into the bathtub with her baby. She told investigators she fell asleep, and when she was woken up by someone hours later, the infant was submerged and unresponsive, according to WDRB. At the Friday hearing, Winsteads attorney Bryce Dean told the court that his client is nearing the end of a drug treatment program, and asked that she be placed on house arrest until sentencing. Amber Winstead, who is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, said she wants to visit the babys grave before being sent to prison (Kentucky Department of Corrections) "When Ms. Winstead was arrested on this case that was at her child's funeral, Dean said, according to WLKY. She never attended her child's funeral. She was arrested in the parking lot. She would like to visit her child's grave. She would like to have just a little bit of closure before she goes to DOC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Trish Morris said she would consider the request. Let me take this under submission and see if I cant figure out some way that we can get you closure because, like the Commonwealth, I have obvious empathy for you as well, Morris said. The situation is tragic all around. On October 31, Amber Winstead pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the drowning death of her son KiArri on New Years Day (Louisville Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home West) Winstead is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11. As part of her plea agreement, a persistent felony offender charge was dropped, WDRB noted. Prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence, WHAS reported. KiArris obituary described him as a little angel whose bubbly personality and infectious joy lit up every room he entered. He was a precious bundle of happiness, always calm and content, bringing peace to those around him, the obituary read. He never cried, and his gentle, happy demeanor made him a perfect little guy who was loved deeply by his family. NEED TO KNOW A Kentucky mother pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with her 3-month-old baby's drowning death Authorities said Amber Winstead, 36, used drugs and fell asleep while her baby drowned in a motel bathtub She will be sentenced in December A Kentucky mother charged in connection with the drowning death of her baby has pleaded guilty. Amber Winstead, 36, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Friday, Oct. 31, according court records cited by local news outlets WHAS 11, WLKY, and WDRB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Winstead's 3-month old baby drowned in a motel bathtub in Louisville on New Year's Day. She said she took drugs that day and fell asleep while she was in the bathtub with the baby, WDRB reported, citing authorities. When she was woken up hours later, the baby was submerged in the tub and had drowned, authorities said, WLKY reported. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Winstead's attorney said his client his client is nearing the end of a drug treatment program and asked the court she be put on house arrest until her sentencing in December, per WLKY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People Jessica Bond Ferguson -- the mom who shot and killed an escaped monkey Sunday to protect her kids -- wishes the whole thing never happened ... she told TMZ. The mother of 5 told us, "I wish it didn't have to happen that way. I just wish they took better measures in taking care of it and trying to find them." As you know ... a truck carrying Rhesus monkeys from a research center overturned in rural Mississippi last week -- 21 monkeys onboard nearly escaped the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thirteen were corralled by authorities, 5 were shot on sight after a supervisor was mistakenly informed the monkeys were infected with COVID, herpes, and hepatitis C -- authorities later clarified they weren't -- but 3 escaped into the wild. Monkey On The Run After Truck Crash In Mississippi One of the 3 made it into Ferguson's yard in Heidelberg, Mississippi Sunday morning, where she shot and killed it, saying she feared for her children. "I feel like if they wanted us to do something else then they should've had a search team out," she said. "They could've had drones flying around. They could've took more measures to look for these monkeys and prevented this from happening." Stars With Monkeys - Click image to open gallery She continued ... "I hate that it happened but I'm going to protect my kids at all costs." Another of the 3 monkeys was found and captured by authorities Sunday as well ... so, it appears only one is still on the loose. Ashlee Buzzard, the mom of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, allegedly switched license plates during their road trip in an apparent effort to avoid detection, authorities said, as they narrow in on the timeline the little girl went missing. On Oct. 7, Melodee and her mom left on a three-day road trip from Lompoc, California, to the Nebraska area, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said. Surveillance images show the 9-year-old -- in what appears to be a wig -- at a Santa Barbara-area rental car business on Oct. 7, authorities said. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office released a surveillance image showing missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard at a car rental business in California on Oct. 7, 2025. Where is Melodee Buzzard? New searches conducted at mom's home, rental car Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last verified sighting of Melodee is now determined to be Oct. 9, sheriff's spokesperson Raquel Zick told ABC News on Monday. Surveillance video shows Melodee with her mom that day near the Colorado-Utah border, Zick said. The next day, on Oct. 10, Ashlee Buzzard came home to Lompoc with the white 2024 Chevrolet Malibu she rented on Oct. 7 -- but Melodee was not with her, the sheriff's office said. FBI - PHOTO: The FBI and Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office are looking for missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard. Zick said investigators are now focused on the timeline from Oct. 9 to Oct. 10. Authorities said they believe Ashlee Buzzard drove through Green River, Utah; Panguitch, Utah; northwest Arizona; Primm, Nevada; and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's office released this map of the route Ashlee Buzzard drove from Utah to California. During the road trip, Ashlee Buzzard allegedly removed the Malibu's California license plate, number 9MNG101, Zick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 8, the Malibu had New York license plate number HCG9677. It's not clear when that plate was put on or if other plates were added at other times, according to the sheriff's office. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's office released this surveillance image of Ashlee Buzzard, apparently wearing a wig, on Oct. 7, 2025, in California. The original California plate was back on the car when Ashlee Buzzard returned it to the rental agency in California, Zick said. It appears "the license plate was switched to avoid detection ... don't have any other plausible reason," Zick said. Ashlee Buzzard has not cooperated with the investigation, authorities said. Melodee is still considered a missing person, Zick said. No arrests have been made. MONROE BOROUGH, Pa. (WETM) A Monroeton woman has been sentenced to serve time in a correctional facility after officials said she was found passed out behind the drivers wheel of a vehicle after a crash that happened in 2024. Sierra Cheyenne Allen, 27, was sentenced to a minimum of 22 days to a maximum of six months in the Bradford County Correctional Facility, along with a $1,000 fine, followed by three years of probation and additional fines/court costs, for the crimes of driving under the influence of fentanyl and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, according to a release from the Bradford County District Attorneys Office. In May 2024, Allen was charged with the crime by a Pennsylvania State Police trooper after the officer was called to a single motor vehicle crash on private property on James Monroe Avenue in Monroe Borough in Pennsylvania, the release stated. The trooper then saw a person, later identified as Allen, passed out behind the wheel of the vehicle that had crashed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. A monument in old St. Joseph Cemetery in Bedford is undergoing restoration. Along with patching, repainting, landscaping, and installing new lights, two new flags were hoisted up: an American flag and an Irish flag. Dennis Pedley, historical archivist for the Diocese of Manchester, which owns and manages the cemetery, said the memorial was built in 1910 to honor the Sheridan Guard, a unit of Irish American Civil War veterans from Manchester. Pedley said clergy from St. Joseph Cemetery in Manchester host Mass at the site on several occasions each year, including Memorial Day. The church and several fraternal organizations are funding restoration work on the aging monument to preserve its structural integrity and allow the ceremonies to continue safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheridan Guard was named after General Philip Sheridan, a first-generation Irish American who fought for the Union in the Civil War. Sheridans reputation as an aggressive cavalry commander resulted in him being chosen by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant as a subordinate in his campaigns. The American Battlefield Trust says Sheridan was noted for his heroics at the Battle of Cedar Creek in 1864, where his cavalry led a counterattack that turned the tide of the battle. He also helped trap Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lees army at Appomattox in 1865, bringing an end to the war. Some of the oldest graves in the cemetery belong to first-generation Irish immigrants who served under Sheridan in the Civil War in New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry Regiments, particularly the 3rd, 8th, and 10th regiments. Although Sheridan was a well-known commander, he didnt have a unit named for him until a few months after the Civil War ended. And it wasnt established by the U.S. Army or the state of New Hampshire, but the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pedley said St. Anne Church petitioned the city to form the Sheridan Guard. They were intended to protect church parishioners from anti-Irish, anti-Catholic violence. When they were organized in Manchester at the end of the Civil War, there were 700 members of the original Sheridan Guard, said Mike Dolphin, one of the volunteers restoring the monument and preserving the units history. All of them were Irish, and all of them were Roman Catholic. Those who fled Ireland during the Great Potato Famine were met with discrimination in America. According to the Library of Congress, this was due to their Catholic faith seen as very different from Protestantism at the time and their willingness to work for lower pay. Sheridan Guard incorporates Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to 1861, St. Anne Church had been attacked by anti-immigrant mobs intent on destroying the church, a display next to the altar and monument says. The formation of a unit with a military lineage for the protection of the church came on the suggestion of Reverend William McDonald, founding pastor of St. Anne. The Sheridan Guard soon became incorporated as an officially organized militia, however. In 1872, the unit was made part of the state militia later the New Hampshire National Guard as the Sheridan Guards, Company B, 1st Regiment. The unit was called to Georgia for a planned invasion of Cuba during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Although the war ended before they could embark and see action, the Sheridans still sustained 19 losses. These losses occurred on friendly American soil because of their poor camp conditions, a common problem in warfare before modern medicine. Some of these soldiers, who died of malaria and typhoid, were buried in St. Joseph Cemetery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New recruits By this point, the original members of the Sheridan Guard had been replaced by new recruits, but the names that appeared on their muster rolls still reflected the robust Irish American population of the area. Dolphin said one of the notable members of the later-period Sheridan Guard was Henry Sweeney, another Manchester resident, who enlisted to fight in World War I when the U.S. entered the conflict. Sweeney and parts of the Sheridan Guard were dispatched to northern France, where both sides were locked in trench warfare. About half a year into his deployment, in 1918, Sweeney was killed in action outside Soissons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweeney was the first resident of Manchester to be killed in World War I, and the first member of the Sheridan Guard to be killed in action, Dolphin said. The American Legion Post on Maple Street is named after him. Unit disbands in 1939 The unit was officially disbanded in 1939, but Dolphin said many of its members reenlisted to fight in World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor two years later. When the Sheridan Guard participated in the burial of the first bishop of the diocese in 1910, its members prided themselves on their patriotism. Pedley said it was viewed as an occasion of showing their loyalty to their country, a stance they have always maintained since their founding. zmarano@unionleader.com ANNAPOLIS Gov. Wes Moore announced the release of $62 million to ensure full November SNAP benefits for Marylanders. Authorized by executive order, the funding represents the states contribution to making SNAP recipients whole following a federal judges order that the Trump administration provide contingency funding for the program. One of the first and most basic priorities of governing is to ensure that families do not go hungry, said Moore. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our people in these difficult times. But no state can fill the enormous gap created by Donald Trump and his administration. Its time for the federal government to do its job and fully fund food assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of October, Maryland joined a coalition of states in suing the Trump administration for suspending SNAP benefits in federal court in Massachusetts amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Concurrently, private individuals sued the Trump Administration in federal court in Rhode Island. On Friday, both federal district courts found that the federal government was violating the law by withholding SNAP funds, with the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island ordering the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use contingency funds to pay for SNAP. While the Trump Administration responded this morning in court indicating they would comply with the judicial orderbut cover only up to 50% of SNAP benefitsthey have not indicated whether states will receive reimbursement for expenditures to make the program whole. Last week, Moore declared a State of Emergency to address the economic impacts of the federal government shutdown and help deliver resources to support Marylanders' health and welfare. The governor also issued an executive order that will provide $10 million in emergency funding to Maryland food security partners to address the crisis stemming both from the Trump Administrations failure to take action to fund SNAP and the 269,000 federal workers in Maryland whose furloughs or firings compromise food security for families. The $62 million released Monday to directly support SNAP recipients will supplement the $10 million in funding to support food security partners. Both sets of funding will be directed from the States Fiscal Responsibility Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland families shouldn't have to suffer because the federal government chose to pause vital benefits, said Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael Lopez. The governors decisive action is helping prevent Maryland families from going hungry during this senseless government shutdown. We will move urgently to get Marylanders the SNAP benefits their families depend on to put food on the table. The Maryland Department of Human Services is continuing to process new SNAP applications at MarylandBenefits.gov. Marylanders in need of food assistance should visit 211maryland.org. The eight current congressional districts in Maryland could look a lot different after a new panel appointed by Gov. Wes Moore completes its work. What is unclear is if lawmakers will be called into a special session to consider a mid-cycle redistricting bill. (Screenshot) Marylands Democratic governor is pressing forward with an effort to redraw the states congressional districts, despite opposition from a key legislative leader of his own party. Gov. Wes Moore (D), in a statement released to Maryland Matters, announced the formation of a five-member Governors Redistricting Advisory Commission, to be led by U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.). It is the latest move to redraw Marylands eight congressional districts with an eye toward eliminating the last Republican district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My commitment has been clear from day one we will explore every avenue possible to make sure Maryland has fair and representative maps, Moore said in the statement. This commission will ensure the people are heard. I thank those who have raised their hands to lead this process, and I am confident in their ability to gather the views and perspectives of a broad range of voices throughout the state. Moore said the commission is charged with making recommendations to the governor and General Assembly on improving how the states eight congressional districts are drawn and ensuring fair congressional maps. Those claims aside, the effort is part of a national battle for control of the House of Representatives before the 2026 midterm elections. Maryland, like other states, redraws its congressional district lines every 10 years, following the decennial Census reports on population shifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Texas, at the urging of President Donald Trump (R), redrew its districts earlier this year to make the map more friendly to GOP candidates next year. Other red states followed with mid-decade redistricting, and Democratic leaders in blue states have responded in kind. California voters on Tuesday could move toward a map that would add five Democratic seats. Other states including Maryland are under pressure to follow suit. House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has been calling Maryland lawmakers to press the issue, along with longtime Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th). U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D) will chair a redistricting panel appointed Tuesday by Gov. Wes Moore (D). (File photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Alsobrooks will lead a five-member panel that includes former Attorney General Brian Frosh and Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss, all appointed by Moore. Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) and House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) or their designees would round out the commission. We have a president that treats our democracy with utter contempt. We have a Republican Party that is trying to rig the rules in response to their terrible polling, Alsobrooks said in the statement from Moores office. Let me be clear: Maryland deserves a fair map that represents the will of the people. Thats why Im proud to chair this commission. Our democracy depends on all of us standing up in this moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, seven of Marylands eight congressional districts are held by Democrats. As recently as two decades ago, those eight seats were split evenly among the two parties in a state where registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans 2-1. Moore said last week that he continues to consider calling a special legislative session to take up the issue of redistricting ahead of the 2026 General Assembly session, but Tuesdays announcement makes no mention of a special session. Such a session would come despite opposition in the Senate to any mid-decade redistricting plan. The announcement Tuesday is the latest in a political standoff over redistricting between Moore, a rising star in national Democratic politics, and Ferguson, who said last week he opposes mid-cycle redistricting, and warned it could backfire on Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply put, it is too risky and jeopardizes Marylands ability to fight against the radical Trump Administration. At a time where every seat in Congress matters, the potential for ceding yet another one to Republicans here in Maryland is simply too great, he wrote in a confidential letter sent to his 34-member Democratic Caucus. The legislature approved the current congressional map in 2022. The next one would normally be approved in 2032, after the 2030 Census. The governors announcement highlighted a division within his own party. While Ferguson is opposed, Jones, the House leader, appears ready to join Moore. Moore said his commission follows a model used by Democratic Gov. Martin OMalley in 2011. The panel, which is expected to meet this month, will solicit public feedback on the states current congressional maps and make recommendations, which could lead to legislation and a special session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But where OMalleys committee held a dozen meetings over three months, Moores panel simply does not have that kind of time. Maryland Senate President Sen. Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City). (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) There are roughly 10 weeks until the Jan. 14 start of the 2026 legislative session. Besides the looming holidays, many lawmakers are expected to take part in panels at the Maryland Association of Counties winter conference from Dec. 10-12, which previews issues in the upcoming legislative session. A special session, if there is one, could fall around the first week of December, after lawmakers return from Thanksgiving and before the end of the year holiday lull. Redistricting could have the potential to upend the state elections process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the filing deadline for candidates is Feb. 24. New congressional maps would have to be approved in time to allow candidates to file in the appropriate districts. Map changes might require lawmakers to push back the primary election scheduled for June 23. Federal law requiring ballots be mailed to overseas voters 45 days before the election will limit how late a primary can be held. And Marylands Nov. 3 general election cannot be changed. Those ballots will be mailed Sept. 19. Prior to that mailing, ballots must be certified and printed. That sets up a scenario where the latest a primary election could be held is late July or early August peak vacation season. Further complicating matters are the almost inevitable state and federal court challenges that could delay implementation of the new districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the possibility of a referendum challenge could also delay the maps. If lawmakers opt to pass new maps using emergency legislation, a referendum challenge would not become effective until after the primary. And while the probability of a successful referendum challenge is low, consequences could be severe should opponents succeed against an emergency bill. A successful challenge would likely invalidate the map under the challenged law and could leave Maryland without congressional representation, pending new maps and a special primary and general election. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (WHTM) Election Day is Tuesday, and its a municipal election meaning lots of local officials and school boards are on the ballot. That typically means low voter turnout, said Secretary of State Al Schmidt. But more than 1.1 million voters already requested mail-in ballots, up 17% from the 2021 municipal election. Schmidt encouraged everyone who hasnt yet to vote. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Every vote is precious and wouldnt want one eligible vote cast by an eligible voter on or before Election Day, and returned to the Board of Elections like it should be, to not be counted, Schmidt said. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. can vote. Culture war issues at center of Midstate school board races Mail-in ballots must be returned to election headquarters by 8 p.m. to count. 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 ABC27. Nov. 3dbeard @dominionpost.com MORGANTOWN Black coats, black cowboy hats and glittery gowns brought the yee-haw vibe to the event center at Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place Saturday evening. It was the first Vandalia Health Ball of the Year, with a Western theme: Frontier of Care A Wild West Gala. More than 700 people attended to have an evening of fun and to raise funds for Vandalia Health Northern Region. For 60 years, the Ball of the Year had been an annual fundraiser put on by the Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary. But the Auxiliary this past spring transitioned to its own Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser and the ball became an Vandalia event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Goldberg, president and CEO of Mon Health and Davis Health Systems Vandalia Health Northern Region, and executive vice president of Vandalia Health, said Saturday evening before the ball began, "We have to thank the Auxiliary of Mon Health Medical Center for 60 years of raising tons of money, community support and community spirit." Auxiliary fundraisers go to specific projects at Mon Medical Center. The Ball will benefit projects across the system. "Last year we took care of more than 400, 000 patients through our hospitals, " Goldberg said, "and now we're coming together to celebrate, raise some money, raise some awareness." Every donor had the opportunity to donate to a specific hospital with that money going to that facility's greatest need, he said. Some did, and some chose to give to Vandalia in general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year Vandalia north is investing almost $200 million in capital projects, Goldberg said. Among them, a new hybrid procedure room at Mon Medical, a new generator at Broaddus Hospital, new surgical equipment at Stonewall Jackson Memorial, expanding the clinic at Preston Memorial, the new Mon Harrison Hospital that will open this coming summer, and expanded radiology services at Mon Marion Hospital. "All of these dollars are going to all of these expansion projects, so it really is making a huge difference across north-central West Virginia, " he said. Event Planning Coordinator Madison Hutson led the planning and setup of the Ball. "We had an awesome team of volunteers that helped with setup, " she said. The primary team was herself and colleagues Joanna Wylie and Laura McCall. "This is our brainchild from the beginning." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hutson praised the vendors they worked with and the volunteers who helped. They started planning in February, while the actual setup took three days, all done by Vandalia Health staff. The dress theme for the evening was "Stetsons and Stilettos, " and the Ball included a silent auction. The event was expected to bring in $500, 000. The event's Frontier Sponsor was Hope Gas. Vandalia Health also honored outstanding physicians for their commitment to patient carea tradition that began in 2024 to recognize the medical professionals who exemplify the organization's values of compassion, excellence and service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Wade Stoughton and Roger King Physician Leadership Award: Allison Bardes ; William Burns ; James Gainer ; Bruce Gorby ; Jason McNair ; Misha Phillips-Lee ; Brad Warden. Patrick R. Esposito and Caroline Esposito Award for Physician Excellence in Patient Care: John Battin ; Garrett Butler ; Frederick Gabriele ; David Hall ; Bonnie Forman ; Alexander Nagy ; Amanda Pennington ; Todd Tallman. Intermed Innovation Award: Samantha Crites ; Marc Dotson ; Matthew Gaskill ; Hannah Hughes ; Michael Hurst ; Salam Sbaity. In addition to physician recognitions, Vandalia Health presented the Christine Battin Award for Community Service to Julia Spelsberg, community outreach coordinator at Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital and President of the Theresa Snaith Hospital Auxiliary of Vandalia Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital ; and Kim Liston, community programs coordinator at Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Established in 2024, the award highlights the vital role of community engagement and volunteerism in advancing Vandalia Health's mission and honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to outreach, education and service in the communities they serve. Vandalia's nine northern region facilities are: Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center, Morgantown ; Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital, Kingwood ; Vandalia Health Mon Marion Neighborhood Hospital, White Hall ; Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, Weston ; Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center, Elkins ; Vandalia Health Broaddus Hospital, Philippi ; Vandalia Health Webster Memorial Hospital, Webster Springs ; Vandalia Health Mon Harrison Neighborhood Hospital, under construction at Charles Pointe Crossing, Bridgeport ; and The Village at Heritage Point, Morgantown. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) More Central Illinois senior citizens will be able to stay in their forever homes, as a state bill giving property tax relief awaits a signature from the Governor. In a WMBD news special report, we found elderly residents were being priced out of their homes due to high prices and property taxes. Gary Millen is a Peoria resident whos retired. He said hes one of the lucky ones, who can still support himself through his retirement fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I visit people every day who are living in retirement communities who couldnt afford to stay in their home anymore, he said. A lot of people cant afford to even subscribe to the newspaper. A state bill covered in that story would expand the Homestead program. This program allows seniors in Illinois to freeze their property tax rate. However, that exemption only applies to people who earned $65,000 or less a year. The proposal would increase the exemption to $75,000 this year, then next year it will go up to $76,000, increasing year by year until 2029, when the number will settle at $79,000. That plan received unanimous support from both chambers. In the special report, Central Illinois Agency on Aging Executive Director Tessa Mahoney said the state needs to change its policies to keep elderly residents in their homes. Fast-forward to Monday, she celebrated the bills passing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We think this is excellent news, she said. Theres a lot of uncertainty right now with different programs and funding. So having something that feels like a win is certainly giving us hope. Mahoney said she was pleased to hear support for senior citizens was unanimous in Springfield. It sounds like were working together, she said. Were all on the right page and were on the right track. Everyone agrees that aging in place, taking care of our older adults is the right way to go. It not only helps our economy, but it helps peoples quality of life. Now the Central Illinois Aging Agency is looking to the future for what lawmakers could do to support their elderly constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could include more funding for scam education programs, home delivery meals, and more support for Illinois caregivers, who help senior citizens live in their homes. How do we prevent caregiver burnout and stress and recognize that this person is part of their system and we have to take care of the caregiver so that the older adult can age in place, she said. The support system is important. Lawmakers return to Springfield in January. 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 CIProud.com. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) On a Sunday morning, Cesar Magana-Mendozas luxury 2019 Infiniti Q50 sedan crashed into the back of another car on East Panama Lane with enough force it lifted the car onto the Infinitis hood, according to police reports. The other vehicle a 2012 Toyota Camry slipped off and rolled onto its roof, sliding hundreds of feet before hitting a wooden pole, leaving the roadway and coming to a rest nine rows deep in a vineyard, according to the reports which became available this week. Azmeret Mayall, 6, was inside the Toyota and suffered serious head and internal injuries. She died the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Infinitis driver, Cesar Magana-Mendoza, 20, showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol, according to the reports. Hes facing charges including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Magana-Mendozas toxicology results were pending at the time the reports were written. The crash happened about 7:40 a.m. on Sept. 28. Both vehicles were traveling west on East Panama Lane near Cottonwood Road when the Infiniti, moving at a very high rate of speed, slammed into the back of the Toyota, according to the reports. Magana-Mendoza refused to answer questions or perform field sobriety tests, the reports say. He was arrested and remains in custody on more than $400,000 bail. Hes due back in court later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KGET 17 News. Teacher Nancy Archie instructs her fifth grade class to discuss the book "A Wrinkle in Time" on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at Burnside Elementary School in Columbia, S.C. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA South Carolina high schools posted their highest graduation rate in a decade, but a quarter of students still arent ready for college or the workforce, according to state report card data released Monday. Generally, South Carolinas schools improved compared to last year, according to the statewide data that gauges how well schools perform based on test scores, classroom surveys and student growth, among other metrics. Education officials applauded a 10-year high in the number of students graduating on time meaning they graduated four years after entering ninth grade while saying they would continue pushing for programs to improve how well those students were prepared for life after high school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to make sure that our diplomas are worth more than the piece of paper that they are written on, said state Superintendent Ellen Weaver. Overall, 270 schools rated excellent this year, an increase from 232 last year. The bottom tier of unsatisfactory decreased from 49 to 31, and below average schools dropped from 186 to 145. Any time the number of schools in the lowest tier shrinks, thats good news, since it means children across the state are getting a better education, said Patrick Kelly, a lobbyist with the Palmetto State Teachers Association. Theres encouraging information here, Kelly said of the report cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials from the state Department of Education and the independent Education Oversight Committee, which is tasked by state law with grading schools, announced the results at Annie Burnside Elementary School in Columbia, which jumped two tiers this year, from average to excellent. At the Richland District One school, 83% of the 306 students live in poverty. The schools big rating boost was due to significant student improvement, as shown by their test scores, and results on a survey about the schools general environment, according to its report card. Our academic gains are no coincidence, said Principal Janet Campbell. They are the result of setting measurable goals, challenging our students to reach them and supporting them along the way. Graduation rates and readiness This year, 87% of high schoolers graduated on time, up from 85% last year. Thats worth celebrating, Kelly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our goal should be for every student in South Carolina who has the ability to earn a high school diploma, he said. Three-quarters of students were ready for either college or a career after graduation, a gain of 3 percentage points, according to the state data. Less than a third were ready for both. Although the gap between students who are graduating and those who are prepared for what comes next continues to shrink slightly, state officials remain concerned about it, Weaver said. At the end of the day, we want our students, when they leave a South Carolina high school, to know that that diploma that they carry is a diploma of value, Weaver said. This is a diploma that is going to ensure that they are ready to go onto whatever post-secondary success looks like for them. All 11th graders in the state take a test assessing skills commonly needed for jobs, divided into four areas: math, reading, understanding data and soft skills, which include aspects of a job such as dressing professionally and working well with others. Results are graded from 1 to 5, with higher scores suggesting students are ready to pursue more careers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students are considered career-ready if they receive a score of 3 or higher on that test, earn a technical education certificate, complete a state-approved internship or receive a high enough score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery to enlist in the military. This year, 73% of students met that benchmark, compared to 70% last year, according to report card data. College readiness is based on a students score on the ACT or SAT college entrance exam, college credit earned through a dual-enrollment course and/or scores on end-of-course Advanced Placement tests. One-third of graduating students were college-ready, which is on par with at least the past five years, according to state data. The rate of high school students applying for college also continued to decrease, with 59% reporting filling out applications this year, compared with 61% last year. A gap between graduation rate and readiness for the next step suggests schools are sometimes passing students without actually imparting the skills they need to succeed in life, Kelly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, district policies setting minimum grades teachers can give makes it easier for students to pass their classes, even if they havent actually done the work, Kelly said. Alternatives for students who fail tests or classes are sometimes easier, meaning a student can catch up without actually learning the same skills as their peers, he said. Weve put some policies in place that make it harder to evaluate what a student knows and can do, Kelly said. Beginning this school year, students can follow a so-called pathway to earn credentials that build on each other every year, allowing students to learn more advanced skills meant to make it easier to find a job in the field they want to pursue, said April Allen, chair of the Education Oversight Committees governing board. At the same time, we recognize that strengthening the system must go hand-in-hand with addressing the barriers that keep students from wholly engaging in school, said Allen, whos also a government relations director for Continental Tire. Chronic absenteeism and test scores For example, the number of students who missed at least 10 days of school this year remained a concern, Allen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 23% of students were chronically absent, essentially the same number as last year. The more days of school a student misses, the less likely they are to perform as expected for their grade level on end-of-year tests, according to a report the committee put out last year. Those tests, in turn, play a role in determining how well a school or a district is performing. Officials and teachers advocates credited the Palmetto Literacy Project and a change in how early educators teach reading for improving English scores, but math scores remain low, with less than half of third- through eighth-graders able to perform on grade level, according to state testing data. Just over half the states high school students scored at least a C, which is a 70%, on their end-of-course Algebra I exams, often taken freshman year, according to report card data. Nearly 69% passed their English 2 exams, typically taken sophomore year. While rooting for improvement, teachers advocates also warned against depending too heavily on a single exam score in deciding how well teachers and students are performing. A single, high-pressure exam at the end of the year is not necessarily the best indicator of school performance, said Dena Crews, president of the South Carolina Education Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If people are making judgments based on that, theyre missing a whole lot about schools and districts, Crews said. Teacher support The Department of Education plans to focus on teachers in 2026, Weaver said. The No. 1 thing that we have to do to support student learning is take care of our teachers, Weaver said. She is asking legislators to raise the minimum pay for a first-year teacher to $50,000, up from $48,500. Legislators have increased the pay floor in increments for years, with the stated goal of reaching $50,000. Weaver is also asking for $5 million to continue a pilot program that awards teachers bonuses based on how well their students perform on tests. She also wants to start a program that offers extra pay to exceptional teachers who mentor others. The additional responsibility would be another way to earn more money without leaving the classroom to go into school administration, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporting teachers is key in improving how well schools are performing, Kelly said. The promising results in this years report cards came after the first dip in teacher vacancies since 2019, he added. It should not be a surprise to see school performance improve as teacher vacancies go down, Kelly said. Morning Joe hosts hailed late former vice president Dick Cheney on Tuesday as someone who kept his bearings during President Donald Trumps political rise and for warning that Trump can never be trusted while many others in the GOP lost their way. The take came moments after Cheneys death late Monday was announced in a public statement by his family. He died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease and left behind his wife Lynne, two daughters, and six grandchildren. Reflecting on Cheneys legacy, host Joe Scarborough argued that the late Republican lived his life in three acts: first as a respected voice in Congress, post 9/11 as Darth Vader for former President George W. Bushs war on terror and, finally, as a key conservative voice opposing Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The host defended Cheneys post-9/11 legacy and said it showed he was determined from that moment on, after 9/11, there would never be another 9/11 again. And he was going to do whatever he could to stop it. But he also is seeing reports day in and day out that would have scared the absolute hell out of any American that had access to all the threats, he continued. Scarborough added: And then finally, the third act. Of course, one of these Republicans, you know, was seen as a defender of democracy. When so many others lost their way, Dick Cheney kept his bearings after January the 6th, always kept his bearings when it came to Democratic norms. And he was on the right side. I think most certainly Republicans from my era would believe, and I think were all we all should be grateful to him for that. Interjecting, host Willie Geist said: One of his last public acts was about a year ago, when he put out a statement saying, Im going to be voting for Kamala Harris in this presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dick Cheney, Darth Vader, as you said, the face of the Republican party in many ways in the Bush years, he continued. Said Donald Trump can never be trusted with power again, appearing with his daughter, Liz Cheney, of course, who was one of the most outspoken voices against the Trump administration. Watch above via MSNBC. The post Morning Joe Crew Hails Dick Cheneys Third Act Warning Trump Can Never Be Trusted first appeared on Mediaite. Gov. Patrick Morrisey announces that the state will donate another $2.5 million to the state's two food banks on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey) Gov. Patrick Morrisey probably thought he was doing something good to help people who will not receive their SNAP benefits because of the ongoing government shutdown. The state had found $13 million that had come in from the COVID era and that had been sitting there that it could donate to the states two food banks, he said. However, instead of just giving that money to the food banks, he challenged residents to donate money as well, and said the state will match the funds up to $13 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginians in the past have shown that they come together during times like this, Morrisey said. We take care of our neighbors. We roll up our sleeves. We get things done. So today, Im calling on all of us across West Virginia individuals, families, businesses, people who care about the needy in our state, to step up. We want to come together, and we want to help the people who might need that assistance or not be able to gain access to their SNAP benefits. Yeah, West Virginians come together when our water has been poisoned and flooding has destroyed homes. We come together when theres natural disasters and chemical spills. And Im sure there are amazing people already donating, and will continue to do so even after the state chips in. Such people already help to keep our food banks stocked. But why is he asking taxpayers to donate more money in order to free the money weve already paid in taxes? Why is he holding our money hostage? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helping the hungry shouldnt be treated like a pledge fund drive. The West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy sent out an action alert last week stating that while they appreciate Morrisey committing additional funding, food banks cant replace the nearly $50 million in SNAP funding that helps feed about 275,000 West Virginians thats 16% of our population. Who does Morrisey think will donate? The 275,000 people who use SNAP benefits? Or the approximately 22,900 federal employees who are currently working without pay? In previous shutdowns, the the Department of Agriculture used funds to keep SNAP running, but had refused to do so this time, leaving states in a hard place. To be fair, Morrisey isnt the only governor asking his constituents to help since the federal shutdown threatened funding for the federal food assistance programs. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, activated his states disaster relief fund, typically used for hurricanes and floods. He said the state legislature would need to reconvene to appropriate the states surplus tax revenues and reserves. But other governors, Democrats and Republicans, are managing to take a more proactive approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California has set aside $80 million in state funds, and in Minnesota, the state will divert $4 million to food pantries. Nevada will send $38.8 million to its food banks, and Louisiana is going to use $150 million monthly to help continue to provide SNAP benefits for its residents. In New York, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said she would fast-track $30 million in state emergency food assistance to supplement SNAP benefits. In Virginia, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency, meaning the commonwealth can use its own funds to temporarily pay for SNAP benefits. While food banks are a wonderful resource, one reader emailed us and mentioned one drawback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not to be ungrateful, but food banks offer lots of nutritionally unhealthy food, they wrote. SNAP benefits allow me to choose wisely. On Oct. 23, Morrisey announced he expedited $1.1 million to the states food banks in anticipation of the delayed SNAP benefits. On Wednesday, he posted on X that the state gave the food banks an additional $5 million to prepare for the Nov. 1 cutoff. Then Friday, he announced that the state gave an additional $2.5 million, bringing the total up to $8.6 million more than half of the $13 million available. But perhaps some of the states $338 million surplus could help temporarily fund some SNAP benefits. Or some of the $1.39 billion in the Rainy Day Fund? The state has used the money in the past to help with flood relief, so why not stop hunger? Morrisey, asked if the state would give the entire amount if private donors didnt raise $13 million, posted his answer on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe we will provide the whole $13 million regardless of how many private sector dollars come in, unless the government opens right away and the money isnt needed. However, we really want to stretch these state monies and raise private sector donations to provide a much greater cushion for people in need. If some portion of the states $13 million is matched, that will provide much more relief to people who are hungry for a longer period of time. $20-25 million will provide people benefits for a number of weeks. That money already isnt being used, and food banks always need donations. Its not possible to donate more than needed to a food bank. West Virginia is already an unhealthy state. Food insecurity being worried about running out of food before theres money for more can cause real medical issues, like diabetes and high blood pressure. Research has found a link between food insecurity and delayed development in children, as well as asthma, anemia, hyperactivity, anxiety and aggression. A study found food insecurity in pregnancy is associated with medical complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth and NICU admission. Making sure West Virginias food banks are appropriately stocked is the least you can do, Governor. Ask them how much money they need each week, and find that money. Dont let West Virginians starve. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A high-ranking Russian lawmaker claims his government recently sent Venezuela air defense systems and could provide ballistic and cruise missiles in the future. The comments, to an official Russian media outlet, are a response to the ongoing buildup of U.S. forces in the region aimed at narco-traffickers and Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is now in the Atlantic, heading for the Caribbean, which you can read more about later in this story. You can catch up with our latest coverage of the Caribbean situation in our story here. Russian Pantsir-S1 and Buk-M2E systems were just recently delivered to Caracas by Il-76 transport aircraft, Alexei Zhuravlev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, told Gazeta.Ru earlier this week. A satellite image of Buk air defense systems deployed in Venezuela. It is unclear if these are new or were previously delivered before the ongoing situation in the Caribbean. (Satellite image 2025 Vantor) Wood, Stephen Russia is actually one of Venezuelas key military-technical partners; we supply the country with virtually the entire range of weapons, from small arms to aircraft, Zhuravlev added. Russian Su-30MK2 fighters are the backbone of the Venezuelan Air Force, making it one of the most powerful air powers in the region. The delivery of several S-300VM (Antey-2500) battalions has significantly strengthened the countrys ability to protect important installations from air attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The delivery of Pantsir-S1 systems would appear to be a new development; however, without visual proof, we cannot independently verify Zhuravlevs claim. An Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter, owned by the Russian Aviacon Zitotrans air transport company, did arrive in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas on Oct. 26 after a circuitous route from Naberezhnye Chelny in Russia, according to FlightRadar24. It is not publicly known what, if any, cargo was delivered. Defense News was the first to report the flight. Its unclear is other flights have occurred, as well. Russian IL-76 transport aircraft linked to the former Wagner group has landed in the Venezuelan capital over the weekend. Il-76 (RA-78765) arrived in Caracas on Sunday after a two-day journey that took it from Russia via Armenia, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania to Latin https://t.co/l3l3KhLN2K pic.twitter.com/OMlFlIqvu1 Special Kherson Cat (@bayraktar_1love) November 1, 2025 Russia has previously provided Venezuela with Buks and S-300VMs. It has also received 21 Su-30MK2 Flanker fighters that are capable of air defense missions, but they can also sling supersonic anti-ship missiles, as well as flying other types of missions. Just how Maduros air defenses could affect any U.S. military strike on Venezuela is something we examined in our deep dive on the topic. Venezuela has an unusually varied collection of air defense assets, including smaller numbers of more capable systems. However, even most of the older surface-to-air missile systems have been upgraded and, as stated earlier, are generally highly mobile, meaning they can appear virtually anywhere, disrupting carefully laid mission plans. They could still pose a threat that would have to be taken seriously during any kind of offensive U.S. air operation directed against Venezuela. QUE PASO SE ASUSTARON? Venezuela no come amenazas de NADIE, nosotros estamos preparados para defender nuestra PAZ. pic.twitter.com/zfTO2DZ9U7 Vanessa Teresa (@CoralTeresa) October 26, 2025 In addition to military aid already given to Venezuela, Zhuravlev suggested that Moscow, which recently ratified a mutual aid agreement with Caracas, could also provide long-range strike weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information about the volumes and exact types of what is being imported from Russia is classified, so the Americans could be in for some surprises, the Russian parliamentarian proferred. I also see no obstacles to supplying a friendly country with new developments like the Oreshnik or, say, the proven Kalibr missiles; at least, no international obligations restrict Russia from doing so. The Oreshnik, a large, intermediate-range ballistic missile system, has been used against Ukraine by Russia. In August, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that production had started on the Oreshniks and reaffirmed his plans to deploy them to ally Belarus later this year. The Kalibr cruise missile, which can be launched from surface combatants and submarines, has been frequently used by Russia in its full-on war against Ukraine. With a reported maximum range of about 3,400 miles and a minimum effective range of about 400 miles, the Oreshnik could theoretically threaten much of the continental United States as well as Puerto Rico, which is being used as a staging base for the Caribbean operations. The Kalibr is thought to have a range of between 930 and 1,550 miles, which could possibly threaten the southern continental U.S., as well as facilities throughout the Caribbean. A Russian Navy vessel launches a Kalibr cruise missile. (Russian Defense Ministry) Whether Russia can actually deliver any meaningful supply of these weapons remains unclear. The country is facing a shortage of air defenses after waves of attacks by Ukraine. Meanwhile, though Russia is still making them, it is unknown how many Kalibrs it still has after nearly four years of hitting Ukrainian targets. International sanctions have stymied advanced standoff weapon production in Russia. The rate at which new Kalibrs are being delivered isnt known. Regardless, these standoff weapons are far more precious than they once were. The Oreshnik is an experimental weapon in very limited supply. That could change if Russia can produce them in meaningful quantities, but they are also larger and more complex to deploy. They would also be far more threatening to the United States than cruise missiles if they were perched in Venezuela, but that seems more like a questionable possibility in the future, not today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the exact extent of Moscows supply of new arms to Venezuela is also unknown, Putin has threatened in the past that Russia could provide standoff weapons to Americas enemies. As debate swirled last year about whether Ukraines allies would deliver long-range weapons to Kyiv, Putin said Russia could supply similar regions around the world where they could be used for strikes against Western targets. Venezuela came up as a possibility for where these weapons could go at the time. U.S. President Donald Trumps Caribbean buildup could give Putin a pretext to carry out his threat, and in Americas backyard. Trump has also been mulling giving Tomahawk Land Attack cruise missiles (TLAMs) to Ukraine, which would also fit into a potential narrative from Moscow to justify standoff weapons transfers. Clearly, some would draw direct parallels to the Cuban Missile Crisis just on the thought of such a notion. While there are clear similarities to that historic series of events, there are major differences too. Its also possible Russia could give lower-end, but still long-range deterrence weapons to Venezuela in the form of Shahed-136 one-way attack drones, which it has an increasingly large supply of. We reached out to the White House and Pentagon for further context about the Russian lawmakers claims and will update this story with any pertinent details shared. The Pentagon referred us to the White House, which did not directly answer our questions. Meanwhile, the Ford and one of its escorts, Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge, have passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and are now in the North Atlantic, a Navy official confirmed to The War Zone Tuesday morning. As we have previously reported, the Ford has been dispatched by Trump to take part in the ongoing operations in the Caribbean. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA guided missile destroyer westbound in the Strait of Gibraltar November 4, 2025 SRC: TW-@Gibdan1 pic.twitter.com/Xa6xBFuSAn WarshipCam (@WarshipCam) November 4, 2025 The rest of the carrier strike groups Arleigh Burke class ships, however, are not with the Ford, according to the Navy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USS Winston S. Churchill is the closest to the carrier, currently in the North Atlantic above Morocco, the Navy official told us. The USS Forrest Sherman and USS Mitscher are in the Red Sea while the USS Mahan is in Rota, Spain. In addition, the San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship USS Fort Lauderdale is now north of Cuba, the Navy official added. A U.S. official told us the ship is headed south to the Caribbean to rejoin the rest of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)/22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) operating as part of the enhanced counter-narcotics operation. There are now eight surface warships, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, and the MV Ocean Trader a roll-on/roll-off cargo ship modified to carry special operators and their gear assembled in the region. There is also an array of aviation assets, among them F-35B stealth fighters, AC-130 gunships, airlifters and MQ-9 Reaper drones, deployed for this operation. A U.S. Marine F-35B Lightning II prepares for take-off in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, Oct. 2, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the presidents priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Call) Staff Sgt. Nathan Call Amid all this signaling by the U.S. and Russia, the Trump administration has developed a range of options for military action in Venezuela, including direct attacks on military units that protect Maduro and moves to seize control of the countrys oil fields, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing multiple U.S. officials. Trump has yet to make a decision about how or even whether to proceed, the newspaper noted. Officials said he was reluctant to approve operations that may place American troops at risk or could turn into an embarrassing failure. But many of his senior advisers are pressing for one of the most aggressive options: ousting Mr. Maduro from power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents aides have asked the Justice Department for additional guidance that could provide a legal basis for any military action beyond the current campaign of striking boats that the administration says are trafficking narcotics, without providing evidence, the publication added. Such guidance could include a legal rationale for targeting Mr. Maduro without creating the need for congressional authorization for the use of military force, much less a declaration of war. Breaking News: President Trump, undecided on how to deal with Venezuela, is weighing military options, including ousting Nicolas Maduro. https://t.co/07BW8ZCBMA The New York Times (@nytimes) November 4, 2025 Trump is also directing staff to brief more members of Congress on the aggressive anti-narcotics tactics in the Caribbean and Pacific, Axios reported on Tuesday. The unprecedented military maneuvers off Venezuela and the continual extra-judicial killings of unarmed suspects at least 64 of whom have died in 15 boat sinkings have sparked bipartisan calls for more intel on the White Houses decision making, the news outlet posited. While the U.S. is blowing up alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, it is also seizing them in the Pacific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE WINNING, Trump posted on Truth Social Monday. U.S. military captures another drug speedboat and seizes over 5,000 lbs of drugs and apprehends nearly 60 narco terrorists as part of its Operation Pacific Viper. MORE WINNING: U.S. military captures another drug speedboat and seizes over 5,000 lbs of drugs and apprehends nearly 60 narco terrorists as part of its Operation Pacific Viper. pic.twitter.com/2q5jWPDNNN Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 3, 2025 In addition to operations against Venezuelas drug trafficking organizations, NBC News on Monday reported that the U.S. was planning kinetic actions against cartels in Mexico. On Tuesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pushed back on that possibility. Its not going to happen, Sheinbaum said during her daily morning news conference on Tuesday. We do not agree with any process of interference or interventionism. Mexico does not agree to U.S. operations on its territory, says Mexican President Sheinbaum It's important to them that drugs don't come from Mexico, and it's important to us that weapons don't come from the United States. That's also part of our understanding, she said. https://t.co/TFo4rTHvjqpic.twitter.com/V050TxR3is NEXTA (@nexta_tv) November 4, 2025 It remains unknown at the moment if or when Trump will order an attack on Venezuela. He has previously suggested strikes on ports and other facilities associated with narcotraffickers. However, he has also delivered mixed messages, saying he doubts there will be an attack but that Maduro must go. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com The Movement is a weekly newsletter tracking the influence and debates steering politics on the right. Sign up here or in the box below. Former Vice President Mike Pence sees an opening for the right to rediscover what it means to be a conservative saying Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. are part of movements contrary to conservatism, and offering critiques of the Heritage Foundation. Pence on Monday announced a book coming next year called What Conservatives Believe: Rediscovering the Conservative Conscience. A release bills the book as the 21st-Century version of Barry Goldwaters foundational Conscience of a Conservative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a phone interview on Monday, Pence told me his concern with the direction of the Republican party has only grown in the two years since he ended his 2024 presidential primary campaign. Republicans, he said, are embracing more isolationist views, particularly with regard to Russias unprovoked and brutal invasion in Ukraine. There are voices that weve seen just in recent days, questioning, in no uncertain terms, Americans support for Israel, Pence said. Weve seen our party walking away from a commitment to free market economics, embracing broad based tariffs which are taxes against friend and foe alike. Weve seen an administration embracing the state ownership of business. Weve seen members of Congress promoting price controls, and then going all the way back to the Republican platform in 2024 the marginalizing of the right to life, the appointment of a pro-abortion secretary of [Health and Human Services] and an effort in the party to simply relegate the question of abortion to be a state-only issue. The book announcement comes as an ideological civil war rages about which principles and figures are welcome in the conservative movement in the wake of Carlson last week interviewing antisemitic white nationalist commentator Nick Fuentes. IYMI, I wrote about that civil war on the right here and much more on that below. Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts defended Carlson in a stand against cancel culture, sparking massive backlash from others on the right. Later, signs at a Republican Jewish Coalition conference in Las Vegas said TUCKER IS NOT MAGA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the recent controversy, Pence said a chapter in his book is titled The Case for Israel. I have long-held the belief that literally, since the American founding, the support for Israel and return of the Jewish people to their historic homeland came straight out of the heart of the American people, Pence said. Theres no room in the conservative movement for opposing American support for Israel, and theres absolutely no room in the conservative movement for antisemitism. I asked if Pence considers Carlson a part of the conservative movement. Hes part of an isolationist right that, frankly, has history in the Republican Party, Pence said. But I particularly have been frustrated to see his consistent opposition to U.S. support for Israel. When Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon came out against the use of military force to take down the Iranian nuclear program, I actually think they lost some footing with the president and with the movement, because President Trump took the bold and courageous step of using military forces to strike the Iranian nuclear capability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlson and Bannon, Pence said, are part of an isolationist movement on the right that is contrary to the long tradition of the conservative movement in this country. Pence said he has a long history with the Heritage Foundation, relying on them when he was a talk show host and noting that the organizations late co-founder and former president Ed Feulner became a member of the board for the think tank Pence founded, Advancing American Freedom. But he said he has been disappointed and surprised on a number of occasions by Heritage Foundation positions, like its opposition to an aid package to Ukraine, and to see it embrace the broad-based tariffs that the president imposed on friend and foe alike. When Heritage came out in favor of the appointment of a pro-abortion Secretary of HHS referring to Health and Human Service Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. it just struck me that the conservative movement would do well with a reminder of what we believe. Pence made criticisms of Kennedys leadership on the issue of abortion, though did not write off MAHA altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I very much identify with the need for us to be thinking very carefully about how we can improve the health of the people of this country, Pence said. But for me, at the end of the day, everything everything begins with the inalienable right to life, and the fact that Secretary Kennedy has not only not taken action on the widespread availability of the abortion pill that was made possible during both the Obama and Biden administration, but but also that he recently approved the generic version of the abortion pill, suggests to me that we can do better. Pence said there is an attempt in the Republican Party to marginalize the right to life, to move to other issues, arguing that conservatives should never rest or relent until weve restored the sanctity of life to the center of American law in every state in the union. I consistently hear worries from free-market, Reagan- and Goldwater-loving traditional conservatives about how edgy, populist, institution-shattering ideologies have gained enthusiasm in the last few years. I asked Pence, how can those traditional conservatives respond? As we go into this new century, give the voters a choice, not an echo, Pence said. Increasingly, populism and left-wing progressivism ultimately are born of the same kind of political principle. The goal is to tear down and not to build up institutions. The conservative ultimately believes in conserving, protecting, preserving and improving whats best of our nations history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But adhering to old conservative principles, to Pence, does not mean never changing policy. When I asked about whether Pence had changed his mind on an issue during his political career, he said his position on China changed dramatically when he became vice president. I had, like most Republicans, believed that the more we exchanged economic trade and diplomatic commerce with China, that you would see China move forward, embrace greater freedoms and become less authoritarian. What I think Donald Trump understood was that actually, the opposite had happened, Pence said. My view today is free trade with free nations, which is different than most of my career. A lot of times when political figures write political manifestos like this, they are preparing for a future run for office. Asked if he would run for president again in 2028, Pence didnt rule it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have written this book to speak to conservatives today and conservatives tomorrow. And I dont know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future, Pence said. A calling in my life right now is just simply to be a voice for the principles that drew me to this party and have always made America strong and prosperous and free. And well let the future take care of itself. Welcome to The Movement, a weekly newsletter looking at the influences and debates on the right in Washington. Im Emily Brooks, House leadership reporter at The Hill. Tell me whats on your radar: ebrooks@thehill.com. Follow me on X: @emilybrooksnews Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not already on the list? Subscribe here EARTHQUAKE AT HERITAGE AND BEYOND Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts initial defense of Carlsons interview with Fuentes turned up the heat on the civil war on the right and the slings and arrows keep flying. The main casualty is Ryan Neuhaus, who was chief of staff to Roberts. A Heritage spokesman confirmed that he resigned, I scooped Monday. That comes after Roberts had sent an email to Heritage staff on Friday, scooped by National Reviews Audrey Fahlberg, announcing that Neuhaus would be reassigned to a senior policy adviser role within Heritage. Neuhaus had reposted defenses of Roberts and hostile criticism of Heritage staff members seemingly counter-signaling Roberts, including one particularly controversial statement that Heritage employees who were virtual signaling in wake of the statement should resign if so outraged, and that it would be addition by subtraction for the institution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Heritage staffers appeared to subtweet Roberts on X last week, as Mediaite reported. Tax policy research fellow Preston Brashers posted a meme that said Nazis are bad. Richard Stern, the director of the think tanks economic policy institute and federal budget center, added: Evidently, a truth that is never more than one generation away from being forgotten. Daniel Fleish, senior policy analyst, said he stood by his colleagues for stating that obvious fact. Senior legal fellow Amy Swearer , senior research fellow Eugene Kontorovich , and fundraiser Jonathan Moy posted similar sentiments. But theres not just an uproar outraged about the statement. Theres an uproar from those aggressively defending Roberts and now moving against those Heritage staffers who spoke up. NEWS: Tom Jones, the head of the American Accountability Foundation that previously made headlines for its DEI Watchlist, sent an email to Capitol Hill offices on Monday, which I obtained, warning them to not hire any of the deceitful and dishonorable staff who put their personal agendas ahead of that of the name on the door. Heres the full email. Setting aside the facially absurd attack on Kevin Roberts, lets assume Messrs. Brashers, Flesch, Kontorovich, Moy, Stern and Ms. Swearer were sincere in their beliefs. If they were sincere, then it is hard to understand how they continue to work for someone who holds what are unquestionably noxious beliefs. The only honorable thing to do would have been to quit, Jones wrote in the email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: If you hire them, when the boss decides to adopt a policy prescription other than the one they support, theyll leak to the press, theyll undermine the boss with his colleagues, and theyll denigrate the boss thinking to other staff on the team. These people are toxic, because they simply do not understand that in the world we work, it isnt about us. Its about America and making our country better and doing that through serving Members, agencies, and groups that are organized to do that. A senior Heritage official says there was no coordination with Tom Jones or AAF on this, and people who spoke out on social media are going to be an active part of Heritage and the conversation going forward. Kevin Roberts and Heritage will do what they always do best: Lead the conservative movement in an intense family discussion, the official said. Notable context: The Heritage Foundation last year gave the American Accountability Foundation a $100,0000 grant in support of its research efforts making lists of leftists in government. In case you somehow missed the background: Roberts who I interviewed for the launch of this newsletter back in May has been a major change agent at the leading conservative think tank, shepherding it in a more MAGA direction. Roberts has courted the populists and national conservatives on the New Right, and as Pence noted above, the organization has seen major shifts on foreign policy and economics much to the alarm of the traditional Reagan conservative wing. Supporters argue Roberts has shaken the once-sleepy think tank to be more relevant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those tensions boiled over after Roberts posted a video statement Thursday asserting that a venomous coalition attacking Carlson over the interview with Fuentes was sowing division, and that the attempt to cancel him will fail and that Fuentes also should not be canceled, but debated. Suddenly, many of those ideological debates and power struggles that were somewhat behind-the-scenes are now playing out in public. Following significant backlash, including from Heritages own staff, Roberts elaborated Friday on what he abhors about Fuentess views in another statement: He is fomenting Jew hatred, and his incitements are not only immoral and un-Christian, they risk violence. Roberts joined radio host Dana Loesch and Ben Domenichs The Transom newsletter on Friday to explain further. Roberts said he was getting pressure for Heritage to distance itself from Carlson. No, he would not host Fuentes at Heritage, he said. Refusing to engage with the Fuentes audience, he argued, would backfire and create more disaffected young men. He said he made the video in the first place because Heritage was getting pressure to distance itself from Carlson. Not as many people as I thought, Roberts told RealClearPoliticss Phil Wegmann in a Saturday interview, were ready for a little bit of nuance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roberts elaborated even more in a speech at Hillsdale on Monday night, saying he made a mistake with the best of intensions. There were rumors that Heritages board of trustees some of whom made public statements about antisemitism and opposing the no enemies to the right ethos called an emergency meeting over the weekend, with speculation about whether Roberts can stay in his position. Heritage Vice President of Strategic Communications Mary Vought on Sunday said those rumors were completely baseless. There is a Heritage all-staff meeting on Wednesday. All of the staff drama pleasing some, infuriating others is really about which ideas and figures are welcome on the right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The debate still isnt settled: Is Tucker Carlson welcome in the conservative movement? As mentioned, signs at the Republican Jewish Coalition conference in Las Vegas said TUCKER IS NOT MAGA. And we know where Roberts stands. ON MY CALENDAR Friday, Nov. 7: Breitbart News hosts a discussion with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Matt Boyle. RSVP: duffyrsvp@breitbart.com Monday, Nov. 10: Breitbart News hosts a discussion with EPA Administration Lee Zeldin and Matt Boyle. RSVP: zeldinrsvp@breitbart.com Friday, Nov. 21: The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity hosts its Freedom & Progress 2025 conference in downtown Washington, D.C. THREE MORE THINGS Book out today Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right, by Laura K. Field, an associate with the Illiberalism Studies Program at George Washington University and a nonresident fellow at the Brookings Institution. The New York Timess books preview: In the ever-growing field of books aiming to explain the rise of the MAGA movement, Furious Minds, by a political theorist with longstanding experience in conservative academia, stands out for its emphasis on ideas. Field shows how the New Right, drawing on a loose network of academics and influencers, has coalesced around a vision of America that is socially reactionary, economically isolationist and deeply skeptical of pluralism as an inherent social good. Ben Shapiro of the Daily Wire spent the entirety of his podcast on Monday tearing into Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes. No to the groypers. No to cowards like Tucker Carlson, who normalize their trash, he posted. President Trump said it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required to New York City if Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral election today, and had some fashion advice for Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa while advocating for former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo for mayor instead. A vote for Curtis Sliwa (who looks much better without the beret!) is a vote for Mamdani, Trump posted on Truth Social. WHAT IM READING 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 The Hill. MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) City leaders are considering pumping the brakes on apartments and townhomes in Mt. Juliet. A city commissioner is proposing a one-year ban on high-density housing. Mt. Juliet District 3 Commissioner Scott Hefner told News 2 the city needs to prioritize several infrastructure concerns instead. Lebanon Road and South Mt. Juliet Road are two of the worst highly congested roads in Mt. Juliet, Hefner said. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Hefner said traffic is just one reason he is proposing an ordinance to ban new development for high-density housing for one year. He said the city could look to extend the ban after one year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose of it is to restrict or prevent new applications for high-density housing, which high density would include apartments and townhomes, Hefner said. Hefner said there are several infrastructure projects city leaders should focus on before more people move to Mt. Juliet. There is a lot of unanswered questions that I would like to get resolved or clarification on, and number one, it has to do with our infrastructure, roads specifically, he said. The city recently received a $25 million grant for the Central Pike Interchange, which is a project that is on the Tennessee Department of Transportations 10-year plan. However, Hefner said the city was hoping the federal grant would fast track the project. In the past, city leaders have said this interchange would help alleviate 60% of the traffic in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That question hasnt been resolved; we dont have a commitment from TDOT to fast track that, Hefner said. He said on top of that, the citys sewer system on the north end of town is at full capacity. Its something that he said came to light when a luxury neighborhood project was introduced. We are at full capacity, so I would like to see the plan for that. How is it getting funded? Whats the timeline with the relief of our sewer system up on the north end of town? Hefner said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com He said that until those infrastructure needs are resolved, more housing shouldnt be the priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a total ban on high-density housing; this is just me attempting to pump the brakes on the growth specifically for high density, Hefner said. The ordinance will be proposed next week. News 2 reached out to the TDOT on the timeline for the Central Pike Interchange. TDOT officials said its possible that a project can be moved up in the plan if a community brings additional dollars. Any changes will be reflected when the TDOTs next 10-year plan is released in the spring. 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 WKRN News 2. NEW YORK (PIX11) For now, trains roll by four construction sites along the tracks in the East Bronx. MTA and Amtrak are working on plans to keep the project moving. More Local News Its called Penn Access, and it brings Metro-North to Amtrak infrastructure between Penn Station and the New Haven Line. Four new Metro-North Stations are in various stages of construction in the Bronx in Co-Op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest, and Hunts Point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An official groundbreaking happened in December 2022, with a completion in 2027. The project is along tracks owned and managed by Amtrak. Amtrak slows us down every day of the week, Chairman Lieber has said as he cites issues with outages, staffing, and track access. At the MTA Capital Construction committee meeting in October, leaders offered a presentation on the project. They said delays and staffing issues had impacted the timeline, and full service may be pushed back to 2030. Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how Capital Construction President Jamie Torres-Springer outlined plans for preliminary service in 2027 at three stations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Parkchester, the station and staircase structure is taking shape. Platform work is underway at Co-Op City and Morris Park. While some work is visible at Hunts Point, that station would not be part of the initial preliminary opening. We can fight it out with Amtrak. We need to focus on getting this by 2027, and where they allow us to get it done. Thats what this fight is focused on right now, said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber. Preliminary service in two years at three of the stations would deliver about a quarter of the planned Metro-North trains, according to the presentation. Riders are waiting for a quick connection to Penn Station and north to Westchester County and Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get it going. Were ready for it to come. Itll make commuting for New York City residents a lot easier, said Kaseom, a commuter to the Bronx. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State In a written statement after the committee meeting, Amtrak said it has invested over $140 million and significant staff resources in the project. We remain committed to this critical project, and being good stewards of taxpayer investment for Amtrak, MTA customers, New York residents, and travelers. Specific to minimizing delays and expediting the projects completion, Amtrak is collaborating with the MTA on numerous mitigation strategies, a spokesperson wrote and included the following points: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providing more 55-hr outages as well as three long-term track outages, covering both weekdays and weekends, to give the MTAs contractor additional time to be more efficient in performing work without having to clear the track for train operations; Expanding the Amtrak workforce to provide 190% of the committed amount to provide protection where needed. Changing Amtrak rules for worker protection to allow more work to be done for the MTA and its contractor; Modifying and lengthening schedules of, and in some cases temporarily suspending, Amtrak trains to allow more work to be done safely; and Taking over a portion of the work that was originally to have been performed by the MTAs contractor. MTA will continue coordinating with Amtrak and could pursue legal remedies. The City of New York has also identified the four areas for new affordable housing. 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 PIX11. NEW YORK (PIX11) For individuals seeking employment in the New York City area, the largest public transit authority in the United States has job listings that do not require a college degree. The positions are listed on the MTAs career website. More Local News Customer Service Specialist The MTA is hiring a customer service specialist to work in the customer management center on West 34th Street. Job duties include providing excellent customer service, resolving inquiries and requests by email or phone, and completing assignments as delegated by the supervisor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and at least three years of experience in HR or customer service. The salary is $45,125. Click here to apply. Health Services Assistant The MTA is looking for a health services assistant to work at the Long Island Rail Road Medical Assessment Center in Mineola. Job duties include preparing medical charts for daily scheduling, processing employees, and entering visit and scheduling information into a medical database, and other duties as assigned. Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and at least two years of full-time clerical experience and one year of customer experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The salary range is $58,827 $70,040. Click here to apply. Operations Analyst Accounts Payable The MTA headquarters is hiring an operations analyst to administer activities and process transactions for the Accounts Payable area. Job duties include entering transactions, tracking and reporting status of work, and gathering, validating, and maintaining data and other transaction inputs. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Applicants must have a high school degree or GED and one year of experience in payroll, accounting, finance, HR, IT, or procurement. The salary range is $45,125 $75,208. Click here to apply. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 PIX11. NEW JERSEY (PIX11) Authorities in New Jersey investigated multiple bomb threats at voting locations throughout the state on Election Day, and one arrest was made by Tuesday afternoon, according to officials. Law enforcement investigated threats made against polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties, State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. Some locations were quickly reopened to the public, while some voters were directed to different polling sites. The threats were deemed not credible, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary investigation by the Bergen County Sheriffs Office revealed that some of the threats were computer-generated swatting incidents. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh also said that some of the threats appeared to be from an email originating abroad. Authorities arrested an unidentified juvenile in connection with a bomb threat made against the Livingston Park Elementary School voting location in North Brunswick, police and the prosecutors office announced Tuesday afternoon. More Local News The school received a bomb threat via text message around 8:15 a.m., police said. Officers and explosive detection K-9 officers of the Middlesex County Sheriffs Department searched the area but did not find explosive devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear if the juvenile was suspected of any other Electiom Day bomb threats. Voters should continue to have confidence that they can cast their ballot without fear of intimidation, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a free, fair, and secure election, said Platkin. Make no mistake: We will not tolerate any attempts to interfere with our elections, and we will swiftly hold accountable anyone who seeks to interfere with the safety or security of our electoral process. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State A bomb threat against a polling location on Gotthard Street in Newark was also unfounded and was the result of phishing emails, Newark police confirmed on Tuesday. The origin of those emails remained under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Jersey Division of Elections, together with the Office of the Attorney General and the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, is coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to help county election officials respond. Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how New Jersey residents are casting their vote for the states next governor on Election Day. The latest polling from PIX11 News-Emerson College-The Hill shows that Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli and Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill are in a neck-to-neck race. The overwhelming top issue in the race for governor is the economy, including jobs, inflation and taxes. Advertisement 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 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 PIX11. An American father and son died after being stung by a swarm of hornets while ziplining in Southeast Asia, local officials confirmed. Daniel Owen, 47, originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and his son Cooper, 15, died following the attack last month at Green Jungle Park in Laos, just northeast of Thailand. Phanomsay Phakan, director of the Phakan Arocavet Clinic, where both victims were taken to be treated, confirmed the incident took place on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was very brief and rushed," Phakan wrote in an email to USA TODAY. "The patients stayed at our clinic for a short time, because our medical facilities are limited. The condition of the father and son was very serious, so they were quickly transferred to a nearby provincial hospital for further treatment." A hornet nest. The pair were apparently stung by hundreds of Asian giant hornets as they descended from a tree with a ziplining guide at the adventure resort, U.K. newspaper The Times reported. Owen and his son were apparently on vacation in the country when they died after being stung more than 100 times, the outlet reported. USA TODAY has reached out to the Owen family and Green Jungle Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Day 35: United States congress ties record for longest shutdown in history Daniel Owen was the director of a school organization in Vietnam A U.S. Department of State spokesperson confirmed two U.S. citizens died in Luang Prabang in northern Laos, People reported, adding, "Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment." USA TODAY has reached out to the federal agency. Owen, who lived in Vietnam at the time of his death, was the director of QSI International School of Haiphong, Quality Schools International (QSI) said on its Facebook page. "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen," The statement on social media went on to say. "Dan dedicated 18 years to QSI, serving in five different schools and touching countless lives with his warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He was deeply loved across our community and will be profoundly missed," the post continues. "Our sincere condolences go out to the Owen family and all who knew and loved them." What are giant Asian hornets? Giant Asian hornets, the largest hornets in the world, reach up to two inches long and prey on bees and other insects. A worker displaying hornets after he used a gasoline-powered vacuum to suck up the insects from a nest. "They can conduct mass attacks on honey bee hives, destroying the hive in a matter of hours," the Washington State Department of Agriculture released in a statement on its website after the hornets were found in Whatcom County in 2020. Sometimes dubbed "murder hornets," the insects cause dozens of deaths each year in Asia where they are commonly found in countries including Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated to add new information. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Swarm of hornets kill father and son ziplining in Laos With their surgical nibbles, these large, semi-aquatic, buck-toothed rodents have emerged as crucial helpers for ecologists restoring degraded wetlands across the Great Lakes. They are not the well-known, dam-building beavers but can often be found in the same marshy ecosystems. Muskrats which are more closely related to voles and hamsters love to eat and build their lodges out of invasive cattails. One of the first things that happens is the cattail comes in, outcompetes the very diverse community of native plants, said Shane Lishawa, a researcher at Loyola University Chicago. And that prevents not only plants, but the aquatic organisms fish, invertebrates and then also birds and amphibians from accessing and utilizing these wetlands that are super critical for biodiversity support across the whole region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typha angustifolia, or narrowleaf cattail, was introduced to North America in the dry ballast of European ships during the 19th century. Where it overlaps with the native broadleaf cattail, they produce a hybrid known as Typha x glauca. Lishawa called both the narrowleaf and hybrid cattails very aggressive wetland invaders. While beavers are known for their ability to drastically change their ecosystems, particularly by building dams that regulate water flow, muskrats can substantially alter vegetation structure. They do so by cutting invasive cattails underwater, removing a stem that serves as a snorkel for the plant, allowing it to transfer oxygen from the atmosphere into its roots. In areas densely packed with tall cattails, muskrats create a patchwork of small openings that allow plants of different heights to grow. That, in turn, creates habitat for diverse native wildlife. It is something Lishawa noticed after years of research in a freshwater marsh on Michigans Upper Peninsula, when the local rodent population boomed as decadelong low water levels in the Great Lakes rebounded. The animals, he said, were very apparently affecting the vegetation and likely increasing the biodiversity of the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His team shared the observation with their local partners in the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. And they were like, Yeah, of course, thats what muskrats do,' Lishawa said. The species holds cultural significance for the Great Lakes Ojibwe Nations, in whose creation stories the common muskrat Wazhashk in the Indigenous language plays an important role. Even though it dies in the process, Wazhashk helps restore the Earth after the Great Flood when it retrieves a little ball of earth that would later be shaped into Turtle Island, now known as North America. Equipped with this ecological wisdom, researchers from Loyola, the tribe and the University of Connecticut gathered data and found that muskrats reduced invasive hybrid cattails by 71% where the animals were present in the marsh that connects the Munuscong River with the St. Marys River, located between lakes Superior and Huron. The removal of the tall plants also reduced the cover of European frogbit, another nonnative plant with floating leaves that Lishawa said likes to grow in and amongst the cattails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In (the creation) story, Wazhashks contribution and sacrifice allowed for others to have a place to live, the study authors wrote. (It) illustrates the important role that muskrats play in modifying their environment and providing habitat for other organisms. Because muskrats are not present in all wetlands, especially given their population decline in the United States over the last few decades, the researchers also tried to replicate the rodents impact on cattails by mowing the plants below the waterline. There might be circumstances, Lishawa said, where you would like to see the effects of this organism, but you dont have them there to work with. So, we wanted to see if we could create conditions that reflected what the muskrats did. They found that a human management strategy that mimicked the rodents cutting method could have a similar effect in reducing the invasive plants cover where a muskrat population is not present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is something that I, personally, would like to explore a lot more. I mean, as far as I know, were the only people who have ever really tried doing this, Lishawa said. Replicating beaver dams has been more widely used in ecosystem restoration, and he hopes mimicking muskrat activity leads to similar success. Across North America, theres been this awakening about the ecological role of beavers, Lishawa said. I think that theres a parallel there with muskrats. Beavers are also being live-trapped and moved to where they can help restore degraded ecosystems. Lishawa said there could be potential for a similar effort catching muskrats where they are considered a nuisance and releasing them in natural sites where a population could increase biodiversity or address invasive cattails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think thats a real possibility, and I think that could definitely help enhance their positive ecological effects, Lishawa said. To be an effective restoration strategy, it would likely need to be evaluated and implemented on a site-by-site basis. Under an ambitious restoration plan, Emiquon Nature Preserve wetlands reconnecting to the Illinois River Enlisting the help of muskrats and imitating them could become part of larger efforts to conserve and restore coastal wetlands, which once spanned more than 1 million acres in the Great Lakes region but of which only about half remain due to development, drainage for agriculture and other human interventions. Often, remaining wetlands have been degraded by pollution and invasive species. In Illinois, urban development and agriculture have destroyed as much as 90% of the states original marshy, swampy land, including inland and coastal wetlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restoration and conservation work in these ecosystems has become more crucial as federal protections have been challenged in recent years. The U.S. Supreme Court stripped protections from inland wetlands in the 2023 Sackett v. EPA, allowing private property development where there is no continuous surface connection to permanent bodies of water. After the decision, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that roughly 72% of remaining wetlands in the state are no longer protected by the federal Clean Water Act. In the case of narrowleaf and hybrid cattails, they have been a part of the landscape for so long that many Americans are unaware their presence in these ecosystems indicates degradation, Lishawa said. Theres this concept, in some ecological literature, about shifting baselines, he said. Our intuitive sense of what a wetland looks like includes this species that 200 years ago was not there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recent invaders such as frogbit, as well as the common reed, often cause the most concern among conservation scientists due to their dramatic increase over the last few decades. However, the long-standing and often accepted presence of invasive cattails in North America makes addressing the issue all the more challenging. But Lishawa and his colleagues Team Typha want to change that. Doing so will require more research to evaluate how other organisms respond to the systematic removal of cattails, whether that is by muskrats or humans acting like muskrats. Depending on what we find, it could lead to more support for this type of management, he said. adperez@chicagotribune.com Democrats could have a strong chance to win the 2026 midterm elections if they sweep the races in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City on Tuesday, according to CNN analyst Harry Enten. The gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia and the mayoral race in New York City represent the first significant test for Democrats following President Donald Trumps 2024 victory. Enten said on Monday that Democrats could deliver a huge blow to Trump if they win those three elections. I mean, the common denominator here is Donald Trump and Democrats are on the precipice of delivering a huge blow to Donald Trump in his second term. What are we talking about here? Well, why dont we just look. Democrats lead all the key races, Enten said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Entens own aggregate of polling data, he said Democrat Mikie Sherrill is leading by 6 percentage points in the New Jersey gubernatorial race. Democrat Abigail Spanberger is up by 10 points in the Virginia gubernatorial race, and Democrat Zohran Mamdani is up by 16 points in New York Citys mayoral election, according to Entens aggregate. The bottom line is this: Yes, there are ideological differences between the Democrats. But the key common component is they are all going after Donald Trump and all the Democrats lead from New Jersey to Virginia to New York City. They all lead the Republican and independent opponents, Enten said. Ciattarelli Sherrill debate Colbert backs Sherrill, Trump urges Lakewood Jewish voters to back Ciattarelli as N.J. governors race closes The busy race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli is ending with a busy stretch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that Trump is a drag on those three races. Donald Trump is a huge, huge drag in all of these races. Look at his net popularity ratings. In New Jersey, hes 11 points underwater. Virginia, 14 points underwater. Not much of a big surprise in New York. Hes 35 points underwater. And I will note nationally, in my aggregate of polls, hes about 13 points underwater, Enten said. In our CNN poll, hes way below that, which looks a lot like New Jersey, a lot like Virginia. So, these races, in my mind, could be huge bellwethers going into next year to understanding how Donald Trump is impacting these races, he added. CNNs Sara Sidner then asked whether the outcomes of these elections could help predict the results of the 2026 midterms. Enten explained that when Democrats have won the New Jersey, Virginia and New York City races, they typically have gone on to win the U.S. House the following year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look at what has happened when Democrats sweep New York City, New Jersey and Virginia governor. They won the U.S. House the next year five out of five times in the last 90 years, Enten said. So, the bottom line is this, when Democrats do well in these off-year elections, when they sweep New Jersey, Virginia and New York City, historically speaking, that means they go on to win the U.S. House of Representatives the next time around, he said. And when were in this national, polarized environment and Donald Trump is as unpopular as he is, I think that history is likely to hold if, in fact, Democrats do sweep tomorrow, which at this point looks more likely than not, he added. Trump has publicly weighed in on the New Jersey, Virginia and New York City elections as voters head to the polls on Tuesday. Trump stumped for New Jersey Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli last month and will be speaking during another virtual rally for Ciattarelli on Monday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump urged his followers last week to vote Republican in New Jerseys and Virginias gubernatorial races. Why would anyone vote for New Jersey and Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, when they want transgender for everybody, men playing in womens sports, High Crime, and the most expensive Energy prices almost anywhere in the World? VOTE REPUBLICAN for massive Energy Cost reductions, large scale Tax Cuts, and basic Common Sense! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A Robbinsville man threw a rock and other objects through two windows of a Mexican restaurant in town because he believes the employees should go home, authorities say. Hassan K. Hill, 26, faces a second-degree charge of bias intimidation and criminal mischief for the damage at TacoRito on Route 33, in Robbinsvilles Town Center, township police said. Hill also allegedly told police after his arrest this past weekend that ICE agents should be called on the employees, court documents show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TacoRito, which has two other locations, said in a statement the location has been targeted before with a shattered window about three weeks ago and had just repaired the prior damage when the Saturday night incident occurred. As a small business were already struggling in this economy and incidents like this, especially bias motivated, is not only scary but also costly. Both for the owner and the employees that work to make a living, the statement said. The location had to close Sunday to repair the damage. Theyve been in Robbinsville for eight years, the business said. Police say they received several 911 calls at about 8 p.m. Saturday for a heavyset man who threw a rock through the business windows, including one through the front door. The culprit wore a black mask with a white skull design, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding officers had a good description, and launched a drone to try and locate the perpetrator but were initially unsuccessful. At about 9:30 p.m., an officer watching traffic cameras spotted a man walking Route 33 at North Commerce Square who matched the description, and police detained Hill moments later. During questioning, Hill admitted he threw a rock and two lug nuts through the windows, police said. Hill allegedly explained that the employees are Hispanic, he does not believe they belong there, they should go somewhere else or go home, and someone should call ICE, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Police called the Mercer County Prosecutors Office, which authorized the bias intimidation charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Robbinsville Township Police Department is committed to protecting our community, fostering trust, and preventing bias incidents of any kind, the department said in a statement. We encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences a potential bias-related incident to contact our department immediately. TacoRitos Hightstown location made the NJ.com list of the states best 41 empanadas in April 2025. The Crazy Empanadas, made with pico de gallo, cheese, corn, chipotle mayo and sour cream, are a gooey, drippy, delightful mess, reporter Peter Genovese wrote. TacoRito damage Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) continued to blame law enforcement after a Thursday airport meltdown where she called them fucking incompetent. In an ongoing tirade against airport law enforcement officers, she posted continuously on social media. She also held a press conference and made a media appearance speaking about the airport incident, claiming in each that airport security has failed her more than two dozen times in the past year. Mace is among several candidates vying for the Republican nomination in next years governors race in South Carolina. Politics: Republican Rep. Nancy Mace Launches Bid For South Carolina Governor According to a police report obtained by Wired, Mace repeatedly cursed at and insulted Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department officers who were supposed to meet her outside of the Charleston International Airport and escort her through the premises. The report says Mace was running late and that officers never saw her car arrive. They eventually met up with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire walk to gate B-8 she was cursing and complaining and often doing the same into her phone, one officer wrote in the report, according to Wired. After standing in the vicinity of B-8 for several minutes with her continuing her tirade, she finally boarded the aircraft. Her behavior was not exclusive to the police officers. A Transportation Security Administration supervisor said in the report that Mace talked to several TSA agents the same way. An American Airlines gate agent said he was in disbelief regarding her behavior. He implied that a US Representative should not be acting the way she was, the report also said, according to Wired. News: Trump Was Concerned About 1 Thing After Assassination Attempt, ABC Reporter Says Mace has posted at length about the situation on X, formerly Twitter, including releasing text messages between her staff and CHS Airport Security, and between her and Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Sgt. Maury Sullivan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her escalation of the situation comes as the government shutdown continues, meaning federal employees, including airport workers like air traffic controllers and TSA workers, are being forced to work without pay. On Fox Business on Monday, Mace claimed she has absolutely been targeted at CHS. In the political environment we have today, theres no room for error when it comes to security, Mace said. We have had over two dozen security breaches at this particular airport just 11 months into this year to date. Ive been in four airports in the last five days without incident. So yes, I did confront those who did not show up to do the job. My safety was put at risk. News: Nancy Mace Blasts Raging Democrat Reporter After Her Own Hypocrisy Gets Called Out I have more than 1,300 death threats a year, and so I take my security very, very seriously. I dont want to be the next person that gets shot and killed, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mace refused to apologize for her behavior at her Monday press conference. Did I drop an f-bomb? I hope I did. Did I call them incompetent? If I didnt, they absolutely earned it, Mace said to reporters. She also declared, When Im governor, I will fire people for being incompetent. I will fire people for being lazy. I will fire people for being corrupt. I will fire people for not doing their job. Politics: Nancy Mace Fumes Over Journalist's 'Insulting' Challenge To Her Anti-Trans Fixation At the end of the press conference, Mace said directly she will fire Charleston International Airport CEO Elliott Summey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summey used a noticeably different tone than Mace in a statement provided to HuffPost. At Charleston International Airport, the safety and security of our more than 6 million passengers, elected officials, and guests who travel through our terminal is our highest priority, Summey said. I take this responsibility with the utmost seriousness. The men and women of our police department demonstrate professionalism, vigilance, and dedication every day as they carry out their mission to serve and protect, Summey added. Their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety allows us to continue providing a world-class travel experience to our community and visitors from around the world. News: Mike Johnson Says Americans Will Side With The GOP After Feeling More Pain From The Shutdown TSA and American Airlines did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misstated the election date for the South Carolina governors race. The election is in 2026. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Sources close to Nancy Pelosi expect the 85-year-old Democratic party stalwart to retire from politics next year. Pelosi will make a speech addressing her future after Californians vote on whether to redraw the states electoral map to create more Democrat-held seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to NBC News. The states ballot measure Proposition 50 seeks to offset mid-decade redistricting efforts in red states including Texas intended to maintain a Republican majority in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pelosi has represented the majority of San Francisco since 1987. Multiple Democratic insiders reportedly said they dont expect her to seek reelection in 2026. Shes going to go out with Prop 50 overwhelmingly passing, and what a crowning achievement for her to do that, one of those sources told NBC News. Pelosi hasnt addressed primary challenges from younger Democrats bidding for her seat in the midterm election, though she appears to have the resources to go on the offensive. Her team hasnt addressed speculation about her plans for 2026 and beyond. She filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission in November 2024. The former Speaker of the House has long been among the most powerful figures in Democratic politics. Pressure from Pelosi is believed to have led to former President Joe Biden abandoning his 2024 reelection bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Months earlier, Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Shes also been an effective antagonist against President Donald Trump, who won that election to serve a second term in office. Trump has also had tough words for his Democratic rival whom he called crazy during a 2023 speech. In the same speech, Trump made fun of her husband, Paul Pelosi, whod recently been attacked and seriously wounded by a hammer-wielding man who broke into the couples San Francisco home. _____ Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) unloaded on President Donald Trump, calling him a vile creature and the worst thing on the face of the Earth. The 85-year-old lawmaker sat for an interview with CNNs Elex Michaelson in San Francisco on Monday ahead of Tuesdays vote in California on Proposition 50. If approved by voters, the ballot initiative would allow the Democratic-controlled legislature to bypass the states independent redistricting commission to redraw congressional maps in a way more favorable to Democrats. The initiative comes after Texas Republicans enacted a rare mid-decade redistricting to draw more districts that are favorable to Republicans. Trump adamantly endorsed the move. Similar efforts are underway in other states as the parties jockey for control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections. Pelosi supports Proposition 50, along with several other prominent California and national Democrats. That includes Governor Gavin Newsom, who has framed the issue as a way to fight back against the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former speaker minced no words when discussing Trump with Michaelson: PELOSI: Hes just a vile creature. The worst thing on the face of the Earth. But anyway MICHAELSON: You think hes the worst thing on the face of the Earth? TRUMP: I do, yeah. I do. MICHAELSON: Why is that? PELOSI: Because hes the president of the United States, and he does not honor the Constitution of the United States. In fact, hes turned the Supreme Court into a rogue court. Hes abolished the House of Representatives. Hes chilled the press. Hes chilled the press. Hes scared people who are in our country legally. Pelosis remarks came amid the ongoing government shutdown and Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-LA) decision to keep the House adjourned as Senate Democrats and Republicans remain at loggerheads over a Republican resolution to fund the government, which shut down on Oct. 1. Watch above via CNN. The post Nancy Pelosi Goes Nuclear on Vile Trump: Worst Thing on the Face of the Earth first appeared on Mediaite. Nov. 3A housing development might be coming to Clyde in the near future, creating an opportunity for the town to regain the tax base it lost as a result of flooding during Tropical Storms Fred and Helene. The developer is a national firm called Forestar, a subsidiary of the home-building behemoth D.R. Horton, with numerous subdivisions currently under construction in Haywood County. The developer is in the early planning stages and has not yet purchased the land it intends to build on. However, the developer has sought water and sewer allocation from the town of Clyde for the project, indicating it would be built off Old Clyde Road near Amber Lane, next to the Pigeon River. The Town of Clyde has provided Forestar with a "letter of intent" granting water and sewer service should it come to fruition, according to Town Administrator Joy Garland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mountaineer reached out to Forestar for information on the development: timeline for construction, lot size, number of houses, total acreage, proposed sale prices, and other details. But Forestar declined to comment, as the company does not yet own the proposed site. However, Patricia Jason, director of entitlements at Forestar, spoke at the Clyde Town Board meeting earlier this month. She said Forestar has completed a survey of the land it wants to buy, has had the wetlands and streams on the property delineated, and conducted an initial endangered species study. "We have also had geotechnical study done on property, just very preliminary," she said. "We will go back and do additional studies on that as well. We are going to engage our engineer at this time, they're going to start looking at the site, looking at the topography, coming up with the best way to utilize the property." Many of the lots would probably be sold back to Forestar's parent company, D.R. Horton, for construction of the homes, Jason said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement D.R. Horton is the nation's largest homebuilding firm known for fast, low-cost construction using prefabbed components. Forestar is a publicly-traded company that claims to develop one in every 50 single-family homesites in the U.S. D.R. Horton is currently the builder for other housing developments underway in Haywood, including the 115-home Queen Farm development in Waynesville, 52-home Patton Cove subdivision on Old Clyde Road between Clyde and Canton, 91-unit Wildbrook Village on Jonathan Creek and 155-unit Valley View Estates on Jonathan Creek. Neighbor concerns Forestar conducted a meeting with neighbors of the proposed development. Jason said residents were concerned about stormwater erosion control during the building process, and noted that Forestar will have extra measures in place to prevent sediment discharge into the Pigeon River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think there are other big concerns for noise during construction, and buffering," Jason said. "So what we're planning to do is to provide a distance between the new lots for the homes and the existing property boundary that will serve as a buffer, and we're looking to install probably a 6-foot privacy fence along the existing residents' property lines to mitigate some of the impacts of the existing neighbors." Forestar intends to submit a formal application for annexation into Clyde's town limits and conditional rezoning in the beginning of December, Jason said. Clyde Alderwoman Amy Russell said that more information on the development will be available once the property has been purchased. LAFAYETTE, La (KLFY) A new Louisiana National Guard Readiness Center is being built in Lafayette, located across from the Cajundome. The facility is designed to serve as a hub for housing and training National Guard troops, with the goal of enhancing their preparedness for field operations. State officials have described the center as a major improvement for the Acadiana area; however, some residents in nearby neighborhoods, particularly the Oaklawn community, have voiced concerns about the project and the lack of public communication prior to construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 8, several residents reached out to representative Annie Spell with questions regarding the buildings purpose and its compliance with local ordinances. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest In response, Spells team, in collaboration with the Louisiana National Guard, issued a public statement on her official Facebook page addressing the concerns. The statement clarified that the Readiness Center is a state-funded project located on state property, meaning it did not require the standard municipal procedures for public notification and approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials also reassured the community that the facility will not be used for helicopter or weapons training and testing. Instead, it will serve as the new headquarters for the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, functioning as a primary site for planning, training, housing and overall field readiness operations. Latest news 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 KLFY.com. Conditions remain quiet in the tropics, with no activity expected for the next seven days, according to the National Hurricane Center. But don't let your guard down yet. Track all active storms Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Forecasters are watching a tropical wave in the central Caribbean. Warm waters and low wind shear could support tropical development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it does develop into a named storm, it would be Nestor. The Atlantic hurricane season ends Nov. 30, although storms can form after that date. Florida residents can expect warmer temperatures this week before another cold front moves down the state later this weekend or early next week. What tropical waves, disturbances are in Atlantic basin now? The National Hurricane Center is tracking one tropical wave: A tropical wave has its axis along 84W south of 21N near the Isle of Youth, Cuba, to across eastern Honduras and eastern Nicaragua, moving westward at 17 to 23 mph. Could tropical wave strengthen into Tropical Storm or Hurricane Nestor? Any Florida impacts? "The Caribbean remains warm enough to support additional tropical development in the coming weeks, with heat stored deep in the sea helping to fuel storms," according to AccuWeather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are closely monitoring the southwestern Caribbean for signs of tropical development in the coming weeks," said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva "As we see it, if anything were to develop in the western portion of the Caribbean, it would likely move west toward Central America or Mexico due to easterly steering breezes," DaSilva said. "In addition, development time prior to landfall may limit the strength of such a storm." How much risk is there for tropical storm or hurricane in November? "Across much of the United States from the central Gulf Coast to the mid-Atlantic it is unlikely that a tropical system will bring wind or rain through mid-November, as strong westerly winds and an active jet stream are expected to inhibit development or steer any system well offshore," according to AccuWeather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If there is development in the western Caribbean, it likely would not be until the second week or toward the middle of the month with all conditions considered," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said. How often is there a November tropical storm or hurricane? According to historical averages, November typically produces one named storm about every two years, according to AccuWeather. "In more recent years, however, November storms are becoming more common." Last year, there were three named storms in November, one of which became a hurricane: Tropical Storm Patty: Nov. 1-4, 2024. Patty's center passed about halfway between the islands of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria in the Azores. Hurricane Rafael: Nov. 4-10, 2024, Rafael, a late-season Category 3 hurricane, made landfall in western Cuba. Tropical Storm Sara: Nov. 14-18, 2024. Sara made landfall as a tropical storm in Honduras and Belize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are seeing an uptick in frequency with respect to late-season storms, which is likely due to the warmer sea surface temperatures observed," DaSilva said. Florida weather radar for Nov. 4, 2025 Florida weather forecast for Pensacola, western Panhandle of Florida Above seasonable temperatures are expected in the coming week, according to the National Weather Service Mobile. Strong thunderstorms are possible Friday afternoon through Friday night, Nov. 7. High temperatures are forecast to range from 71 Nov. 4 to 78 by Nov. 7. Low temperatures are forecast to range from 59 Nov. 4 to 69 Nov. 7. Florida weather forecast for Tallahassee, Florida A gradual warming trend will start Nov. 4 and continue through Saturday, Nov. 8. A strong cold front is expected on Nov. 9, according to the National Weather Service Tallahassee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High temperatures are forecast to range from 76 Nov. 4 to 80 by Nov. 7. Low temperatures are forecast to range from 50 Nov. 4 to 63 by Nov. 7. Florida weather forecast for Jacksonville, Northeast Florida Expect mostly clear skies Tuesday, Nov. 4, and dry weather while breezy surface winds build during the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville. There's a high rip current risk at Northeast Florida beaches Nov. 4. High temperatures are forecast to range from 73 Nov. 4 to 80 by Nov. 7. Low temperatures are forecast to range from 57 Nov. 4 to 62 by Nov. 7. Florida weather forecast from Daytona Beach to Stuart, Florida A gradual warming trend is forecast through this weekend, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. Then a stronger cold front is expected with a noticeable cooldown early next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North to northeast winds 15-20 mph with seas up to 7 feet will produce poor to hazardous beach and boating conditions Nov. 4. There is a high risk of rip currents at all area beaches. Entering the surf is strong discouraged. High temperatures are forecast to range from 76 Nov. 4 to 80 by Nov. 7. Low temperatures are forecast to range from 65 Nov. 4 to 65 by Nov. 7. Florida weather forecast for West Palm Beach, South Florida Winds will generally be in the 10-15 mph range for sustained winds and gusts will reach the 20-25 mph with potential for some observing sites to hit 30 mph on isolated occasions Nov. 4, according to the National Weather Service Miami. The combination of the next king tide cycle this week and breezy onshore winds may result in periods of minor coastal flooding along the east coast of South Florida as the week progresses. Hazardous marine and beach conditions continue into the middle of the week, mainly for Atlantic zones and beaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High temperatures are forecast to range from 78 Nov. 4 to 80 by Nov. 7. Low temperatures are forecast to range from 76 Nov. 4 to 74 by Nov. 7. Florida weather forecast from Fort Myers to Sarasota, Florida After a cool start to the morning, temperatures will gradually warm up through the rest of the week, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. Breezy winds over the coastal waters Nov. 4 will create hazardous boating conditions. High temperatures are forecast to range from 80 Nov. 4 to 80 by Nov. 7. Low temperatures are forecast to range from 65 Nov. 4 to 69 by Nov. 7. Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida When is the Atlantic hurricane season? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. Hurricane names for 2025 season Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrea (June 20) Barry (June 29) Chantal (July 5) Dexter : (Aug. 3) Erin : (Aug. 11; hurricane Aug. 15; major hurricane Aug. 16; Cat 5 with 160 mph ) Fernand : (Aug. 23) Gabrielle : (Sept. 17; hurricane Sept. 21; major hurricane Sept. 22) Humberto : (Sept. 24; hurricane Sept. 26; major hurricane Sept. 25; Cat 5 with 160 mph ) Imelda : (Sept. 28; hurricane Sept. 30) Jerry : Oct. 7 Karen : Oct. 9 Lorenzo : Oct. 13 Melissa : (Oct. 21; hurricane Oct. 25; major hurricane Oct. 25; Landfall 1: Oct. 28, New Hope, Jamaica, 185 mph. Oct. 29, Chivirico, Cuba, 120 mph) Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee National Hurricane Center map: See what forecasters watching now Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily through Nov. 30 and after that if conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: NOAA tracking tropical wave in Caribbean. Florida forecast (KSWB) San Diego has opened a Navy SEAL museum, honoring the legacy of the elite commandos known for their operations on sea, air and land. The museum, located near downtowns Embarcadero, features interactive exhibits and aims to capture 80 years of Navy SEAL history through stories of discipline, service, teamwork and commitment. Brian Beef Drexler, a retired Navy captain and former commanding officer of SEAL Team 5, serves as the executive director of the museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are trying to capture 80 years of rich, adaptive history told through the traits of discipline, service, teamwork, commitment of just an outstanding community, Drexler said. Mark Belong, who spent 27 years as a SEAL Team Operator and was once the commanding officer of SEAL Team 5, emphasized the importance of the museum for community understanding. Thats what I really feel is important is to have this location and then for the community to understand what we do and how special this organization is, Belong noted. The museum offers visitors the chance to interact with former Navy SEALs and Special Warfare combat crewmen, who serve as docents. These veterans share personal insights into the dangerous missions carried out by SEAL teams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don Crawford, a Navy SEAL from the Vietnam era, highlighted the personal connection visitors can make. When somebody walks away from the museum, other than seeing all of this, theyve actually talked to people that were docents, that were in the teams, that have a background, and they can get a little bit more personal insight, Crawford explained. The museum experience includes numerous interactive touch screen kiosks that tell the stories of past SEAL team operations and concludes with a call to action wall focused on service, encouraging visitors to serve something bigger than themselves. The Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego is set to inspire visitors by showcasing the evolution of the SEAL teams and their contributions to national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope a guest comes here, theyre inspired, and we transport them back in time so they can see the evolution of this community, Drexler said. 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 The Hill. A week after a man called 911 in Johnston County and told the Telecommunicator he killed his children, a grand jury has indicted him. The Johnston County Sheriff's Office says Wellington Dickens III, 38, called 911 on Monday, Oct. 27, and said 'I killed my kids." Dickens III then goes on to explain, in a nearly 7-minute call, to the dispatcher when and how his actions led to their death. Once a deputy arrived at the house on Springtooth Drive in Zebulon to investigate, Dickens III told them his 3-year-old son was inside the house alive. He then told the deputy that four children were dead inside the trunk of a car in the garage. This photo provided by the Johnston County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, shows Wellington Delano Dickens III. Johnston County Sheriff's Office via AP The sheriff's office says a deputy did find multiple bodies inside the trunk in the garage. Investigators later determined the remains had been there for a long period of time. Timeline based on the investigation and interviews During a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 28, Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell laid out a timeline of when the children were killed and said it was over a period of 5 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday, Nov. 3, a Johnston County Grand Jury indicted Dickens III for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and second-degree, inherently dangerous without regard to human life. The court document states that Dickens III willfully and feloniously and of malice aforethought, did kill and murder each child. The documents list each child's name individually on four separate indictments, with all charges being the same. Leah Dickens, 6 was killed in May 2025 Zoe Dickens, 9, was killed August 2025 Wellington Dickens, 10, was killed in either late August or early September 2025 Sean Brasfield, 18, (Stepchild) was killed in September 2025 SEE ALSO | Dad shares son's story after the 18-year-old found dead in car trunk along with his 3 siblings Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App NEBRASKA (KCAU) The man who leads the Nebraska Treasurers Office, Tom Briese, is resigning from his position. Governor Jim Pillen shared the change at a press conference on Monday in Lincoln. Briese has served as Treasurer since 2023, and previously, State Senator representing District 41 in the Nebraska unicameral, beginning in 2016, he was re-elected in 2020. Briese said hes resigning to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below My home is 110 miles away from here. Thats where Joan lives, thats where my farm is, said Briese. My grandkids all live within 6 miles of my home. It really is time for me to spend more time there. You know, although, if called upon, I would consider further public service. Tom has been an extraordinary and staunch leader of conservative fiscal policy. He has helped me immensely since Ive been governor. Hes a big believer in state funding for K-12 education and identifying efficiencies in state government, said Governor Jim Pillen (R) Nebraska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor wasted no time naming Brieses successor. Thats Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg, whos served there since 2020. In terms of having someone ready to jump into the role of state treasurer, I could not be more pleased in announcing my appointment of Joey Spellerberg. He expressed interest in the role two years ago. He has strong credentials as a fiscal conservative, business owner and leader for the community of Fremont, said Gov. Pillen. Spellerberg said hes ready to get to work, and one of his big priorities is property taxes. Weve done a great job of controlling our spending, you know, and being able to reduce our levy over the years has been one of my goals, said Spellerberg. so, I think the city of fremont can be an example of how you can run a city in nebraska and be able to get projects done and also be fiscally responsible. So, I think thats my goal as coming into the treasurers office is to bring that attitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spellerberg is expected to be sworn in on Thursday and will serve the remainder of Brieses term. He said he will run for the state treasurers office in 2026. Speaking of the Nebraska State Treasurers position, voters have another choice on the ballot to fill Brieses seat. Former Republican State Senator Julia Slama announced her bid for the seat. She served in the Nebraska Legislature from 2019 to 2025. Some of her main priorities include ensuring that tax dollars are spent and invested wisely and standing up to government waste, fraud, & abuse. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Teachers with Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) could be just days away from going on strike. More than 100 teachers at the school are set to go on strike later this week if they cant negotiate a new union contract. Negotiations took place on Monday between union representatives and college officials at LCCC. Scranton non-profit sees increase in families in need of food Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their contract ran out in August, and officials with the union and LCCC say theyve been in negotiations for at least six months. An official with the school says negotiations are expected to continue into Tuesday. 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 28/22 News. DONELSON, Tenn. (WKRN) Amid the uncertainty with the future of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, businesses in Donelson are stepping up to help. At Uncle Buds, kids eats free with no questions asked. Meanwhile, the Bagelshop has established a code word for those in need of food so they wont feel embarrassed. Both locally owned stores want to be a shoulder to lean on when times are tough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement November SNAP will be partially funded, but benefits could take weeks or months. Why? We decided that once we saw that the peoples SNAP benefits were being taken away for the time being, we could help out, said Bagelshop owner Max Palmer. Max and Kayla Palmer own the Bagelshop along Lebanon Pike. They said they want to use their business to create change and welcome anyone in need to walk through their doors. If you dont feel comfortable speaking about the situation, just ask for the neighbor bagel and the person at the register will hook you up, no questions asked, they added. Across the street from them, Uncle Buds is welcoming anyone to their table, especially parents who need to feed their kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were giving free kids meals to any kids at any age as long as they eat from the kids menu, said dining room manager Mollie Partain. There doesnt have to be a dinner purchase from an adult; a kid can just come in and eat, and so were really proud of that. Gordon Jewish Community Center collects food donations for families at risk of losing SNAP benefits Donelson Church of Christ Childrens Minister Abby Carter feels for every parent out there who needs the extra support right now. If I were a mom or a dad who could not provide for my child, and I could walk in and be able to do that without having to explain anything, it would be huge, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you do not need food help, but you are interested in donating, Carter is working to fill a food pantry for the community and McGavock Elementary School. Every person who walked in yesterday who had bags in their hand, they were like, tell me when you need us to bring more, she said. So theyre ready to bring the food and keep bringing the food until further notice. As SNAP uncertainty grows, a Donelson church becomes a lifeline In just a few days, Carter said $6,000 has been donated, on top of all the non-perishables in their lobby. They need to come to the help center right here in Donelson at the Church of Christ on Knobview, she said. Ill be there tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9 a.m. Well be there to make sure that you have what you need to make it through this trickier time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The free kids meals at Uncle Dons and the Bagelshop will be available now until further notice. The address to pick up non-parishables from the Donelson Church of Christ Help Center is at 3265 Knobview Dr, Nashville, TN 37214. Those interested in donating can also email: abby@donelsonchurch.org. 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 WKRN News 2. The sun has mostly returned to Nepal after last week's cyclone, but many trekkers remain stranded on snowed-in mountains. Rescues continued throughout the weekend, and some are still ongoing. Two Italian climbers are missing on Panbari (sometimes spelled Pampari Himal) a remote 6,887m peak northwest of Manaslu. Stefano Farronato and Alessandro Caputo were caught on the mountain last Tuesday, October 28, just as the cyclone hit. Details are sketchy, but their apparent last contact was from Camp 1. Vatler Perlino, the leader of the three-man team, was rescued and airlifted from Base Camp yesterday, according to The Tourism Times. He flew back to the mountain today to help with the search. Pambari from the south. Photo: Wikipedia Rescuers on the way Meanwhile, local rescuers are on their way to where the climbers went missing. IFMGA guides Narendra Shahi and Pasang Kaji Sherpa, along with guide-in-training Kusang Sherpa, flew today to Samagaon, the nearest village, accompanied by Perlino. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Nepal's Department of Tourism (Nepal Peak Profile) and Wikipedia, a Japanese team first climbed Pambari in 2006. However, The Himalayan Database has no expeditions on record for that mountain. The goal of the Italian expedition was not clear. Busy season As of October 31, a total of 1,450 people have obtained climbing permits this fall for 59 different peaks. These range from remote, unclimbed 6,000'ers to 8,000m standards such as Everest, Manaslu, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, and Cho Oyu. Nepalese media speak of a busy season, with the number of visitors rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. A total of 128,443 international visitors arrived in Nepal in October alone, 3.3% more than last year. "India remained the top tourist market, contributing 17,298 visitors (13.5%), followed by the United States (13,286; 10.3%), the United Kingdom (8,718; 6.8%), China (6,755; 5.3%), and Germany (6,366; 5.0%)," the Nepal Tourism Board told The Himalayan Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many visitors immediately headed to the mountains, and when Cyclone Montha hit on the evening of October 27, it affected many of them. Several trekking trails were closed, but a significant number of trekkers were stranded in higher areas due to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Rescue on Makalu A 70-year-old Spanish trekker was rescued today from Makalu's Advanced Base Camp at 5,700m. He had been stuck there since October 27. The section between the lower Base Camp and the Advanced Base Camp on Makalu includes some complex sections of steep moraine. The Advance Base Camp of Makalu some weeks ago. Photo: Artem Tsentsevitsky Trails reopening As the weather improved today, except for some last showers in the northwestern mountains, trekking trails have gradually reopened. The Manaslu Circuit Trail is open again, including Larke Pass, according to the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal. However, trekkers should be cautious, as some areas are still prone to landslides, tourism entrepreneur Raj Gyawali posted on Facebook. Flights to Lukla have resumed after a difficult weekend of canceled flights due to poor visibility. "Trekkers at the Chola Pass -- the access to Gokyo from the Khumbu -- must carry microspikes or traction aids, as the trail remains slippery in parts," Gyawali noted. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has joined his 40th lawsuit against the Trump administration. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha now has more lawsuits filed against the Trump administration than there are cities and towns in the Ocean State. On Monday, Neronha joined his coalition of Democratic attorneys general in seeking to block the U.S. Department of Education from moving forward on new restrictions for its student loan forgiveness intended for government and certain nonprofit employees. The lawsuit filed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Boston federal district court, marks the 40th case against the Trump administration that Neronha has led, co-led, or joined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rule published Friday changes the definition of a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to exclude certain organizations that engage in specific enumerated illegal activities. Such activities are defined by the Trump administration as supporting undocumented immigrants and promoting diversity and transgender advocacy, the latter described as engaging in the chemical and surgical castration or mutilation of children. The 22 Democratic AGs claim those revisions effectively give the U.S. Department of Education broad authority to target specific activities disfavored by the Trump administration. To accomplish this goal, the rule purports to empower the Department of Education to serve as a roving enforcer of the administrations animus by stripping PSLF eligibility from employers whose actions it dislikes, the lawsuit states. Put simply, the final rule is nothing more than a laundry list of this administrations policy priorities designed to attack lawful conduct it does not agree with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AGs argue the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act and exceeds the Education Departments authority. Joining Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the suit are AGs from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Created under then-president Geroge W. Bush in 2007, the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program allows government and nonprofit to apply to have their remaining federal student loans canceled after 10 years of service and monthly loan payments. The coalition is asking the court to declare the rule unlawful and block the new rules from taking effect next year as does a separate lawsuit filed in Massachusetts by a group of nonprofits and city and county governments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bending the knee to this president cannot and will not be a prerequisite for this program, and we will fight to ensure that politics remains untethered to what it means to be a public servant in America, Neronha said in a statement Monday. Public service knows no political party. Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent called the revisions common sense. It is unconscionable that the plaintiffs are standing up for criminal activity, he said in a statement to Rhode Island Current Tuesday. The final rule is crystal clear: the Department will enforce it neutrally, without consideration of the employers mission, ideology, or the population they serve. The case has been assigned to Judge Myong J. Joun, a Biden nominee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says she is concerned that delayed, partial SNAP payments will not be enough. Monday, officials with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) told a federal judge the administration would provide partial food stamp benefits for November following multiple judges ruling SNAP must be funded with the agencys emergency fund. How to find food if your SNAP benefits are cut off Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USDA officials say the fund totals around $.4.65 billion but November benefits are expected to cost anywhere from $8 billion to $9 billion. While the federal judges indicated that the federal government could use other funding sources to fill the gap, USDA officials say they will not do so, instead saying the agency only has enough money to provide the 1 in 8 Americans that receive SNAP benefits with half of their normal monthly funds. The recalculations required to allocate the fund has led officials to say November payments are also likely to be significantly delayed, something Nessel, who filed suit against the USDA for halting SNAP, says is concerning. We are still awaiting more information on how much Michigan beneficiaries will receive, but I am gravely concerned that a delayed, partial payment will not be enough, Nessel said. According to Nessel, more than a million Michiganders rely on SNAP benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WLNS 6 News. KAN's report further notes that, in the view of those in Netanyahu's inner circle, the MAG's case could be tied to the prime minister's wider campaign against Israel's judicial system. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering holding snap elections in three months' time, against the backdrop of the ex-military advocate-general's Sde Teiman video leak affair, KAN News reported on Tuesday evening. According to the report, some of Netanyahu's confidantes have recommended launching an election campaign in internal discussions led by the prime minister, arguing that recent scandals involving the IDF's former chief lawyer, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, have ripened the political environment to provide "the best result for the Likud party." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tomer-Yerushalmi was detained earlier this week amid ongoing investigations into the alleged leak of IDF soldiers abusing Palestinian prisoners at the Sde Teiman base, and after she had disappeared on Sunday night, prompting widespread searches by Israeli authorities. KAN's report further notes that, in the view of those in Netanyahu's inner circle, the MAG's case could be tied to the prime minister's wider campaign against Israel's judicial system. A photograph Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted from his underground war room on Saturday night prominently featured a copy of Target Tehran, a 2023 book by Jerusalem Post defense analyst Yonah Jeremy Bob and former editor Ilan Evyatar. (credit: GPO) While Netanyahu reportedly remained in deliberations over the move, KAN reported that one aspect potentially holding such a move would be Netanyahu's hope that a move to block his corruption trial could be achieved during his government's tenure, which is set to conclude by October 2026 at the latest. Netanyahu expected to delay haredi draft bill Netanyahu is also expected to continue delaying a bill on the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israeli military until a decision is made, the report added. On Sunday, all meetings on the controversial conscription bill were canceled from the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were told by the Prime Ministers Office to wait, that theres no green light yet to distribute it, committee head and Likud MK Boaz Bismuths office told The Jerusalem Post. The Prime Minister's Office stated that Netanyahu was not considering a snap election in response to the report given to KAN News. Keshet Neev contributed to this report. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Emergency physician Drew Remignanti discusses his article A world without vaccines: What history teaches us about public health. In this conversation, Drew reflects on historical lessons from smallpox, polio, and measles to reveal what life looked like before modern immunization. He explores the dangers of misinformation, the importance of science-based health care guidance, and the global success stories that vaccination campaigns have produced. Drew also explains how confirmation bias and the spread of anti-vaccine sentiment threaten progress toward disease eradication. Listeners will gain insight into how to evaluate evidence critically, advocate for public health, and understand the human cost of vaccine hesitancy. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, its backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise, and its built on a foundation of trust. Its time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome back Drew Remignanti. Hes an emergency physician. Todays KevinMD article is A world without vaccines: What history teaches us about public health. Drew, welcome back to the show. Drew Remignanti: Thanks a lot for having me, Kevin. I appreciate it. Kevin Pho: All right, so tell us what inspired you to write about this article, and then tell us about the article itself. ADVERTISEMENT Drew Remignanti: Well, I wrote the article because I had a couple of unique experiences. I was in my fourth year of medical school when the World Health Organization made the announcement that the smallpox virus had been eliminated from the face of the planet. My reaction was, Wait, what? Eliminated? Gone? We learned about smallpox in medical school, but we never saw any cases because it was effectively eliminated from the United States. I think 1949 was the last case in the U.S. So it was a historical disease, but we knew it was prevalent throughout the world. That just stunned me, the idea that they had eliminated a disease from existence. A little bit later in life, after I graduated in 1980, in the early nineties during my emergency medicine career, I ran into a young woman who worked for a physician who worked for the Centers for Disease Control. She told me about the fact that they now had a program in place to try to eliminate polio in the same way that smallpox had been. I thought, Wow, Id like to be part of that. Because of such a historical success, the elimination of smallpox, I realized I had a chance to be part of this now in relationship to polio. Thats what got me interested in vaccination and infectious disease elimination by way of vaccination. Kevin Pho: So youre an emergency physician. Tell us about your experience with vaccines, how you got involved with vaccines, and give some context, certainly about how your experience contributed to the eradication of some of these diseases. Drew Remignanti: What we saw on a more day-to-day basis in the emergency department, when we saw young children with fever, we always worried if this could be an episode of meningitis. The HIB meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis, was a very common form of meningitis then, and thats been nearly eliminated by the Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine success. The thing that really appealed to me about vaccine-preventable diseases was that you can get perfect equity. When smallpox was eliminated from the face of the planet, everybodys risk for smallpox suddenly became zero. If you could have an intervention early in life to make somebody no longer susceptible to infectious disease, and if you could do that throughout the world, that had great appeal to me. Kevin Pho: Now youve also had experience volunteering with the CDC and World Health Organization as well, right? Drew Remignanti: Polio transmission was eliminated in the United States in 1970, I think. People who are unvaccinated or not completely vaccinated against polio could become infected if it was reintroduced, as were experiencing right now with measles in the U.S. But to have the opportunity to eliminate, if you really want to eradicate or eliminate, if you want to bring the risks down to zero, you have to eliminate the virus from the face of the planet, as was successfully done with smallpox. We were on the verge of achieving that with polio. Kevin Pho: One of the things I learned when I became involved with the CDC-WHO program to eradicate smallpox. Tell us a little bit more about those experiences. What did you do during those stints with the CDC and WHO? Drew Remignanti: Well, I found out through the CDC that you could volunteer with the international effort to eliminate polio. In the summer of 2000, I went to Pakistan as part of the program there because at that point there were fewer and fewer countries in which polio existed. Its now down to just Pakistan and Afghanistan. There are some sociopolitical reasons why thats true. The Muslim clerics were telling people in those countries that the polio eradication effort was an effort to create sterility among their young women so that they could not have babies and Muslims could no longer reproduce. It was a farfetched theory that vaccinating a child against polio as an infant would prevent her from being able to achieve motherhood later in life. But people believe things if its floated as a possibility. They dont have the education and knowledge to refute that, or people who can help them to refute that. They get scared. Which is whats going on in the U.S. now. People are afraid of the MMR vaccine, at the potential risk of autism, which has been disproved again and again. Kevin Pho: What are your thoughts about what youre seeing now in the United States? I think I just read an article that the outbreak of measles in the United States has just been growing. It goes without saying that the administration has been sowing distrust in vaccines. As youre seeing whats going on now, and you put that in context with your prior vaccine experience, whats going through your mind as youre reading the headlines today? Drew Remignanti: Its ironic because were a highly educated population compared to the South Asia population in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Most people go to school and get educated. We have access to good information. We are trained to become critical thinkers to some degree, but it shows how susceptible even an educated population like the U.S. is to people who want to undermine confidence in health care. Unfortunately, this seems to be one of the goals of our Health and Human Services secretary. Even our current presidential administration seems to want to undermine expertise. Kevin Pho: What are some of the reasons behind that? Why do you think that, as you said, a society as educated as we are here in the United States, why are we so susceptible to misinformation and narratives against science and vaccines? Drew Remignanti: Well, I think its inevitable when theres uncertainty, and science is based on the idea of trying to reduce the degree of uncertainty. But we face that every day in medicine. Practicing medicine, somebody comes in with a set of symptoms, youre uncertain whether it represents something serious or something minor, and then you do the testing to put yourself in one direction or the other. Most people who are ill as patients have not gone through a rigorous training process to weigh evidence, pros and cons. They rely on what they hear through the media. Unfortunately, they often will allow their choices that should be scientifically based to be influenced by sociopolitical considerations: Do I like that person? Do I like their political beliefs? Do I like that social group? Its unfortunate, but thats what were prone to as human beings. Kevin Pho: Now, do you see any historical parallels to what were seeing now when it comes to that distrust in public health? Has this happened before in history? Drew Remignanti: Well, I think its not all that different from what we saw going on in Pakistan and Afghanistan, which is you had people in power, the Muslim clerics, saying to people, Look, this is an underhanded Western effort to cause infertility in our young women, and we should avoid it for that reason. I frankly cant wrap my brain around why educated people like our president and our Secretary of Health and Human Services. I dont really know what they get out of it personally except for self-aggrandizement. Kevin Pho: In terms of whats happening in Afghanistan and Pakistan because of that distrust in vaccines, you said there have been outbreaks of conditions that have been eradicated in other parts of the world, right? Drew Remignanti: These are the two countries in the world that if we succeeded in eradicating polio from Afghanistan and Pakistan, we would have worldwide polio elimination or eradication, and we could stop immunizing against polio, just like weve stopped immunizing against smallpox. We could do the same thing for measles if we committed ourselves to it, as this current outbreak is showing us. There are pockets of unimmunized children. You let the measles virus loose in the U.S., as it happened most recently. It began in West Texas and spread to, I think, 41 out of the 50 states that have had measles outbreaks. I just heard this morning on the news that theres an outbreak going on in New York City. If theres a susceptible population of children who are unimmunized to measles, measles will find them and will cause serious illness and potentially even death. Kevin Pho: Now youre an emergency physician and an author, and Im sure that you talk to a lot of people both in the clinical setting and outside. Have you had personal experience with people who have been suspicious of vaccines in public health? If so, how do you normally respond, persuade, or interact with people who have that inherent distrust of the health care system? Drew Remignanti: Well, typically that doesnt come up in regard to immunizations in the emergency department. When I see people in the emergency department, most often theyre there because they want a vaccine. They stepped on a nail and want to get a tetanus vaccine. They had a bad exposure and want to get a rabies immunization. Its a different patient population we see in the emergency department. I would advise those people who have become skeptical about the utility of vaccines to have that conversation and relationship with a physician they trust, ideally, the pediatrician for your children. I think thats the only way were going to get beyond this: to have that degree of trust in your pediatrician to guide you to make wise, science-based decisions regarding how to immunize your children, how and when to do that. Kevin Pho: Lets talk about trust in our health care system. I think during the pandemic, weve lost a lot of trust in our public health system, right? How do we get that trust back from a population and society level when it seems weve lost so much of it, especially during the pandemic these last few years? How do we get that trust back? Drew Remignanti: Thats a huge barrier. I think the only way it can be done is on a one-on-one basis. If you happen to have a pediatrician whos anti-vaccine, you need to say to that person, Why are you so anti-vaccine when the bulk of your trained colleagues are pro-vaccine? It has to be done on a one-on-one basis. It cant be done on a political basis, wanting to be consistent with your political party. Kevin Pho: What do you see as a path going forward? Again, drawing from historical parallels, whats happening in Pakistan and Afghanistan? Has there been any movement in terms of gaining the populations trust for the polio vaccine? What are some historical paths forward? Drew Remignanti: I dont know that there is a complete parallel. I did meet people when I became involved with the polio eradication effort. I met some people who were involved with the smallpox eradication effort. Some of them were still around, and they said they sometimes met great resistance in the same way. People would hide their smallpox-infective relatives from the investigators and the vaccinators. Its ignorant fear. Fear is usually based in incomplete information. When you get as complete a set of information as you can about something, you can reduce your fear. Thats what we should be expecting from our government and from our Health and Human Services secretary, who currently is all over the map. In terms of the measles example, he has said things that just arent internally consistent. Our HHS secretary has said that when he was faced with this decision as a parent, he got all of his children vaccinated, but now, for some reason, hes claiming he regrets that he had that done. He has said that the solution to the current measles outbreak is to get vaccinated. Then, on the other side of his mouth, he says there are no vaccines that are safe and effective. When you get that kind of contradictory information coming from the same individual, and youre not getting a chance to ask him in person, you need to set aside that source of information as not internally consistent. You need to get a more internally consistent set of answers. Were lucky in this country. We can access individual physicians without restriction for the most part, which they cant do in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Kevin Pho: I think one of the issues is that a lot of society simply dont know what its like when there were smallpox, polio, or measles outbreaks because they have mostly been eradicated. People generally dont know what its like to have a smallpox outbreak, for instance. From your experience and what you learned, what was it like before smallpox was eradicated, before polio was mostly eradicated? What was it like before vaccines? Drew Remignanti: Thats the main thing that motivated me to write the article were referring to. I included some images that are eye-opening: rooms full of iron lungs with children who were afflicted, who could no longer breathe on their own, and that startling image of the two boys side by side, one who has diffuse smallpox and one who was vaccinated and has no smallpox. I saw polio cases when I was in Pakistan. Even since I graduated medical school in 1980, we werent seeing routine transmission of polio in the U.S., and hopefully, we will never see that again. We certainly werent seeing routine transmission of smallpox because it was eradicated. We werent even seeing routine transmission of measles, but now, practicing physicians need to know how to recognize measles. You probably never saw a case of measles, Im guessing. Did you? Kevin Pho: I havent, no. How about yourself in the emergency department? Have you ever seen a case of measles or smallpox or anything like that? Drew Remignanti: No. In Pakistan, I did see a couple of kids who were recovering from measles at a refugee camp along the Afghanistan border. That was my only exposure. But the numbers speak for themselves: the number of cases and deaths from preventable diseases like measles, polio, and certainly smallpox. The people who are anti-vax or vaccine skeptics, I wish they could be put on the spot and asked, Well, how do you explain this? How do you explain the disappearance of smallpox if there are no vaccines that are safe and effective? How do you explain the precipitous drop in measles cases and polio cases and the fact that we are on the verge of eradicating polio from the planet if vaccines are not effective? Kevin Pho: Is that how you would engage vaccine skeptics if you were to have a conversation with them? Would you ask them those specific questions? Drew Remignanti: Yes, I would ask them to take a look at the data that I put in my article and ask, Well, how do you explain that? One of the explanations that people have come up with is, That was just improvements in hygiene and development in the country. As we got to be a richer, more hygienic country, we were able to prevent disease spread on that basis. Whats interesting is that when polio first became an epidemic disease, it became an epidemic disease in the most highly developed countries in the world. At that time, the Scandinavian countries were where the first polio outbreaks came. It was felt that was due to the fact that they had progressed hygienically to the point where they had clean water supplies. The way the poliovirus acts is that if youre exposed to it as a young infant and you still have maternal antibodies from birth, youre not going to get the disease. But when you have such good hygiene that youre not exposed to circulating poliovirus in your water supply, as was true in the Scandinavian countries, you dont get exposed to the virus until later in life when your maternal antibodies have disappeared. Now youre susceptible to the poliovirus infection. Improved hygiene actually caused the initial polio epidemic outbreaks. The hygiene hypothesis that infectious diseases are disappearing because we are just getting more hygienic doesnt hold water if you look at it in a hard science fashion. Kevin Pho: Were talking to Drew Remignanti. Hes an emergency physician. Todays KevinMD article is A world without vaccines: What history teaches us about public health. Drew, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Drew Remignanti: Again, the title of my book is The Healing Connection: A Partnership for Your Health. I think the best thing we can do for ourselves, health-wise, is to choose a primary care physician who we can put our trust in. You cannot, unless you want to go to medical school and become fully educated as a physician yourself, have that full knowledge. Even myself, as a fully trained, experienced physician, when I have problems, as I have had personal health problems that are gastrointestinal or whatever, I go to see a specialist who knows even more than I do. When it comes to our health, you need to see somebody who knows more than you do. Ideally, someone whos trained in modern, science-based health care. Form a trusting partnership with that person and move forward. It doesnt mean you cant question what they tell you, but you need to have a source of information thats free of political bias. Kevin Pho: Drew, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming back on the show. Drew Remignanti: Kevin, thanks so much for having me on again. I really appreciate it. I hope people do seek out a primary care relationship for themselves and their children. "It is being done," Netanyahu told them, saying that he is "determined to return all the fallen hostages for proper burial." The families of slain hostages Capt. Omer Neutra and St.-Sgt. Oz Daniel asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to return the eight deceased hostages left in Gaza "with the same determination" on Monday night, the Prime Minister's Office said. "It is being done," Netanyahu told the families, saying that he is "determined to return all the fallen hostages for proper burial." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu offered his condolences to the families, and commended Neutra and Daniel's bravery during the fighting on October 7, 2023, stating that their actions will "serve as an inspiration for generations of fighters." Neutra and Daniel's remains were returned to Israel by Hamas via the Red Cross on Sunday, and identified at the National Institute for Forensic Medicine in Abu Kabir on Monday. An IDF honor guard standing above the coffins holding the remains of three murdered hostages, November 2, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Netanyahu meets with family of Asaf Hamami Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the family of slain hostage Asaf Hamami, whose remains were returned on Sunday night from Hamas captivity and officially identified on Monday morning. The prime minister extended his condolences in his name, his wife's name, and on behalf of the entire people of Israel, stating that he "embraces the dear family." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Hamimi's mother, Clara, offered gratitude to the IDF soldiers, the security forces, and the prime minister for the successful return of her son for burial in Israel. Hamami, who was killed while defending Kibbutz Nirim on October 7, is widely recognized as the first officer to identify and declare the full scale of the invasion to the IDF during the initial moments of the attack with the announcement, Guys, were at war, were at war. BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) President Donald J. Trump has endorsed House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) for re-election. Congressman Jodey Arrington is doing an incredible job representing the amazing people of Texas 19th Congressional District! Trump shared. Jodey Arrington has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Big Country lawmakers applaud passage of One Big Beautiful Bill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said Arrington knows the America First Policies to create jobs, cut taxes and much more. He added that Arrington is fighting to keep borders secure, strengthen the military and defend the Second Amendment. Ive had the privilege of serving alongside President Trump in the fight to Make America Great Again ever since we were both first elected in 2016, Arrington shared. I have never known a more courageous and committed leader. No one has worked harder and accomplished more for the American people I am honored to receive the Presidents endorsement, humbled by his high praise, and immensely proud to be a part of advancing his America First agenda. 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. The City of Newark has mobilized its nonprofit food providers in a coordinated response to reduced and delayed SNAP benefits to 37,000 residents who rely on the federal nutrition program, including 29,000 children. The city has set up food hubs in each of the citys five wards, and an emergency assistance website, NwkAssist.com, allowing residents to apply for up to $600 in emergency assistance to offset the loss or delay of SNAP funds. SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, provides funding to families earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level, or $4,290 a month for a family of four in New Jersey, whose benefits would total about $680 a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 42 million adults and children in the United States receive SNAP benefits, including more than 800,000 in New Jersey. Plans for the hubs and emergency assistance were hashed out Friday, when Mayor Ras J. Baraka convened 70 nonprofits serving Newark in response to what food providers around the state have called a growing food insecurity crisis. Were going to open up hubs in every ward, Baraka says in a video posted on the emergency site. Well be giving out food, well be giving out clothes, well be giving out toys for the holidays for the people that need it the most, particularly those that are on SNAP. On Friday, two federal judges ruled in separate cases that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under President Donald Trump, must tap into a $4.65 billion emergency fund to continue replenishing SNAP electronic debit cards beyond a Nov. 1 cutoff the administration had set if the federal government shutdown continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, administration officials told the judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that the government would abide by their rulings, the Associated Press reported. But they said the emergency funds would only cover about half of the usual monthly total of $8 billion in SNAP benefits, and that payments could be delayed. Barakas office said Monday that arrangements were being made for Newark public schools to stay open to provide meals to students during the November school holidays. Services available through the emergency site also include delivery services for seniors and homebound individuals. A city spokesperson, Susan Garofalo, said Mondays response to the judges orders from the Trump Administration meant residents were likely to receive less in SNAP funding this month, and possibly none at all until later in the month. Therefore, Garofalo said, the hubs would open on Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., with those same hours every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday throughout the month after that. The ward hubs are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Ward 1 Belmont Way; Coordinator: Ronice 973-851-3496 Central Ward 150 3rd St.; Coordinator: Abigail 516-680-3817 West Ward 701 Orange St.; Coordinator: Chris Keys: 862-405-3154 East Ward 44 Hermon St.; School Coordinator: Charles 973-465-0555, ext. 209 North Ward 345 Broadway; Coordinator: Ivonne Salazar 973-943-5050 Meanwhile, local charitable organizations were already taking measures on Monday to feed hungry Newarkers. On the sidewalk in front of the Clinton Street congregation of the Universal Church, volunteers were setting groceries out on a long folding table. Soda crackers, grits, apple cinnamon oatmeal, stuffing, macaroni & cheese, and other basics were there for the taking. In case anyone was confused, five copies of a flier hung from the front and sides of the table bearing a single word printed in bold red ink: Free. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) A Newport News woman is in custody following a shots fired incident in York County Saturday night. According to officials, deputies were dispatched to the 600 block of Custis Drive just after 11 p.m. for the report of shots being fired from a vehicle. No one was injured. When deputies arrived, they were provided a description of the vehicle and name of a possible suspect. Deputies verified the suspects name and located the vehicle at a residence in the City of Newport News. Tara Nicole Vick (Courtesy: York-Poquoson Sheriffs Office) As a result, 44-year-old Tara Nicole Vick was arrested. She faces the following charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon- Felony Shooting from a Vehicle- Felony Reckless Handling of a Firearm- Misdemeanor Discharging a Firearm in a Public Place- Misdemeanor Tara Nicole Vick is currently being held in the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. 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 WAVY.com. It is Easter, and Im the bunny, and Im happy about it. NewsNation political editor Chris Stirewalt is excited for Tuesday night, telling The Independent that hell be able to nerd out over the fun-sized election because of all the data hell be given by voting analysis firm Decision Desk HQ. These guys have demonstrated cycle after cycle after cycle that they have the thing, Stirewalt said of the data group that NewsNation is once again partnering with to provide election results for Tuesdays key elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upstart cable news channel, which has seen steady viewership growth in recent months, drew headlines last year when it used data from Decision Desk HQ to become the first television network to call the presidential election for Donald Trump. NewsNation projected Trump as the victor at 1:22 a.m. E.T., beating Fox News which partnered up with the Associated Press and National Opinion Research Center by 25 minutes. ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN all of whom had used Edison Research for their vote count didnt call the race for another few hours and were still at 266 electoral votes for Trump when he delivered his victory speech around 2:30 a.m. E.T. NewsNation is looking to once again beat its major network rivals with accurate election calls on Tuesday night, leaning on the independent data analysis firm Decision Desk HQ. (NewsNation) Earlier this month, the AP announced that it would provide its gold standard U.S. elections results to all of the major broadcast networks and most of the cable news channels. This came months after the news organization created a standalone business unit to build its elections business. The AP has since said it has seen a 30 percent increase in its customer base since the 2024 election cycle. While the other networks switch to the AP, which has an extremely strong track record of election accuracy, NewsNation will be the only major television outlet to buck the trend. By sticking with Decision Desk HQ on this special election night, which will feature New York Citys mayoral contest and gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, NewsNation is looking to preview how it will handle next years midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the network, its approach is to rely entirely on independent data and transparency when it comes to election results and to take the middleman out of the equation. This means that the results wont necessarily be filtered through network executives and producers before being shared with viewers. Instead, according to both NewsNation and Decision Desk HQ, the projections will be posted simultaneously on the data firms social media accounts and on NewsNations airwaves. Look, at the end of the day, I call the race, Scott Tranter, director of data science for Decision Desk HQ, said. I don't get a call from a client. Theres no network president calling me up or an executive producer saying, Wait for commercial. When the data says we should call the race, we call the race. Saying that he likes that Decision Desk HQ is accountable, Stirewalt said he looked forward to questioning Tranter on air about how the firm is analyzing the voter data and then having the opportunity to nerd out during the coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stirewalt, who was notoriously fired from Fox News in 2021 after defending the conservative networks early and accurate call of Arizona for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, also brought up Foxs decision to switch to AP in order to tout Decision Desk. I was at Fox when Fox made the daring and correct decision to leave Edison and go with AP Votecast, he said. The AP and the National Opinion Research Center product was a quantum leap ahead of Edison, and it was a great move, and that's what enabled us to call 2020 as fast and with the accuracy that we did. Calling the APs elections data a superior product, Stirewalt added that hes also glad that we're not in it, yeah, because what we have is better and different as Decision Desk HQ has repeatedly demonstrated they have the thing. NewsNation was the first network to call the 2024 election for Donald Trump, beating Fox News by 25 minutes and the other networks by several hours. (NewsNation) We went into 2024 saying, right is more important than first, but first and right is really good, Stirewalt continued. First and right is the best one. Right is essential, but first and right is really delicious, and they delivered again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Praising the firm for its transparency, Stirewalt said there are no hidden ball tricks going on here with Decision Desk HQ, insisting that it is in our interest to have decisive elections when it is all said and done. We don't like to say we're the fastest, Tranter declared. We like to say we're the best at collecting data. If that leads us to being the fastest, that's great. The nice thing about our record is it is very public, right? Everything I say, you can go look up, and if we screw up, it's in public. And if we do well, it's in public. While Tuesdays elections arent going to be as crucial as next years midterms or the 2028 presidential race, they could offer up a hint of where the electorate is nearly a year into Donald Trumps chaotic second administration. Besides the New York mayors race that sees an up-and-coming democratic socialist taking on an establishment figure trying to return to political relevance, there are two hotly contested gubernatorial match-ups in Virginia and New Jersey, not to mention an attorney generals contest marked by controversy. On top of that, California is voting on a ballot measure to adopt a congressional map drawn by Democrats, a response to GOP-led redistricting in other states. This is a fun-sized election in which we have races that are going to tell us a great deal about what voters are thinking one year into Trump 2.0, Stirewalt said. Its going to tell us a lot about where voters heads are. Claims about Niagara Falls police officers abusing departmental overtime and building up their own pensions. Allegations about civil service law violations and nepotism involving administrative unit supervisors. Questions about employees use of public grant funds provided by the state to curb gun violence in the city. Concerns about a completely absent police chief who has turned a blind eye to administrative thievery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a six-page message dated Sept. 1, Niagara Falls Police Lt. Troy Earp unloaded a litany of complaints about the inner workings of the Falls police department. A copy of Earps email, which was obtained by the Niagara Gazette, shows he shared his scathing message with Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino, City Administrator Anthony Restaino, city police Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari and more than 20 other individuals, many of them police department employees. Copies of Earps full message, which he sent under the heading questionable behavior within the police administration grievance, were posted on the eve of Election Day to the Facebook page of endorsed Republican Sixth District Niagara County Legislature candidate Dante Richardson and it was later shared to the Facebook page of The Niagara Reporter. Richardson posted the information under the caption: They Dont Want You To See This while suggesting Falls residents deserve to know the truth about where their tax dollars are going. I showed you how $38.8 million of the city budget goes to pay city employees, but what if a big chunk of that is being drained by a corrupt police department administration thats abusing overtime, pocketing grant money, and treating public service like a personal hustle? Richardson wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his email, Earp expressed concerns about: Fraudulent overtime and pension padding that he suggested contributed to at least two city police officers earning more than $200,000 each last year. Payment of grant funds to police administrators who were assigned to supervise the citys state-funded anti-gun violence activities. Promotions based on personal relationships instead of qualifications, including instances where he says the wife of an administrator received a promotion in violation of both internal departmental policy and civil service laws and instances where a daughter, a wife and business partners of members of the police brass were taken care of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The involvement of officers and the use of departmental resources, including a city laptop, in side work offered through a private security company run by a member of the police force. The completely absent Chief Ligammari whom Earp said patrolmen have nicknamed Sleepy Joe due to his failure to communicate and to address privileged behavior among some staffers. Earp noted in his email that the mayor and city administrator put great trust into the police administration to carry out their duties responsibly and wrote that his message was in no way aimed at them. He also suggested it would be impossible for the mayor and city administrator to know so many are forced into silence by promotional lists, complacent union leaders, and the threat to pause your career advancement should you question any of it. Earp described the police department administration as being more about going after the messenger and not the problem and said administrators have consistently shown that their main priority is putting money in their own pockets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone working in the police department knows that this administration fails every day at their only job, which is supporting the workforce, Earp wrote. They substitute their job duties by coming up with money-making schemes on overtime. Thats all our administration is. I know it and so does everyone, down to the newest rookies. Theres zero accountability, zero consequences, just overtime sheets to pad their pensions. If Im lying, then surely several people on this email thread will correct me, but I highly doubt it because we all know its the truth. What kind of environment does this type of behavior breed? The Niagara Gazette did not publish the names of any of the police department personnel referenced in Earps message, as it was unable on Monday to independently corroborate the claims contained in his message. Earp did not respond to a request for comment from the newspaper. On Monday, the Gazette sent an email seeking comment on the content of Earps message from Mayor Restaino, City Administrator Restaino, all five members of the city council and the citys lead attorney, Corporation Counsel Tom DeBoy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeBoy responded with an emailed statement that indicated that the email appeared to be in relation to a personnel matter and, therefore, the city had no comment. In an emailed response, Perry said he was not aware of Earps email until a copy was sent to him by the newspaper. He added that he did not know who really wrote it and stopped reading it after he saw a couple of things that were not right. I will not go into details because I do not want to get into this mudslinging, but I have never had a problem discussing any issues I have wanted to speak to the chief about, Perry said. Perry said he questioned the person who published the letter online, meaning Richardson, whom he described as having a questionable reputation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have seen stories he wrote about me that were totally false, and others were twisted to leave out relevant facts, Perry said. A reason I no longer read The Reporter is because he has been the primary writer and has written stories that were totally false. It is a shame that anyone still reads that online trash. Councilman Myles had a different reaction, sending an email on his own on Monday, requesting that the administration provide him with copies of documents related to the citys receipt and allocation of funds tied to the Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative. The program, commonly known as GIVE, provides communities with state funds to support local anti-gun violence activities. Myles asked the administration for copies of program expenditure reports, internal and external audit reports, pieces of correspondence regarding the program between the mayors office, the police department and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and a list of all city employees who have received compensation, including overtime, stipends or bonuses, under GIVE. Due to the seriousness of Earps allegations, Myles requested that the documents be provided to him within five business days. As a duly elected member of the Niagara Falls City Council, it is my fiduciary and ethical responsibility to ensure that all grant funds especially those intended to address gun violence and community safety are being used for their intended purposes and in full compliance with both state and federal requirements, Myles wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an interview on Monday, Myles said the citys police department has a lot of good officers who put their lives on the line every day. However, he said he believes it is important for city officials to thoroughly investigate any potential wrongdoing, including among police officers, when public tax dollars and resources are involved. Myles said the saddest part of the sickening situation is the apparent lack of any response from the administration, despite having been alerted to internal concerns about the inner workings of the police department weeks ago. It came to all of them at the same time, in September, he said. Here we are in November two months later and there hasnt been any internal investigation? The citizens, of course, deserve much better. A man convicted of raping women in both Salt Lake and Utah counties in 2008 before faking his death, fleeing the country and assuming a new identity was sentenced Tuesday to a term of five years to life in prison. A judge ordered that his sentence be served consecutive to an identical sentence he was given for a separate rape. Nicholas Edward Rossi, 38, was found guilty of rape by a jury in the 4th District Court in September for the rape of a 21-year-old woman in Orem in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two dated briefly but she broke up with him when he became controlling and stole money from her, the victim said while testifying at Tuesdays sentencing. She was coerced into going back to his apartment to try to retrieve the money he owed her when he raped her. The initial investigation was dismissed after an Orem police sergeant claimed the woman and Rossi went to dinner after the alleged rape occurred, prosecutors said during the trial. Charges were refiled in Utah County in September 2020 after a rape kit from the woman was analyzed and connected to Rossi. In August, Rossi was convicted by a jury in Salt Lake County for the rape of a different woman he was in a relationship with for a month before they broke up as he became very emotionally and verbally abusive. For the Salt Lake case, Rossi was sentenced in that case to a term of five years to life in the Utah State Prison. Rossis defense attorney, Daniel Diaz, argued Tuesday the Utah County sentence should be served concurrently with the Salt Lake sentence since he has been in custody for a long time and he has significant health complications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diaz argued if the sentences must be served consecutively, Rossi at least should be given credit for the time he has already served, which is just shy of 42 months in custody. Prosecutors requested his sentence be served consecutively and argued if Rossi is given credit for time served, it should only be counted from when he was in custody in Utah, as his time in Scotland custody was his own making. While both crimes were committed in 2008, it wasnt until 2017 when a rape kit from the Utah County case was analyzed that Rossis DNA was linked to the case. At the time, he was being investigated for sexual allegations in Ohio and had police reports for sexual assaults in several different states, according to charging documents. Investigators also learned that Rossi had fled the country to avoid prosecution in Ohio and attempted to lead investigators and state legislators in other states to believe that he was deceased, prosecutors said at the time. Rossi was discovered to be living under an assumed name in Scotland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rossi was arrested at a Glasgow hospital after being treated for COVID-19. While awaiting extradition to Utah from Scotland, he was charged in 2022 with rape in Salt Lake County. Even after arriving in the United States, Rossi refused to acknowledge his identity and said the allegations against him were complete hearsay. Rossis identity was confirmed, however, by DNA and his tattoos. He is a very smart man and he is able to talk his way out of almost anything and for 18 years, he did. Finally in Salt Lake he was held accountable. And this court was here, just a few months ago when he was held accountable again, prosecutor Stephen Jones said. The judge decided the sentence would be served consecutive to his Salt Lake County sentence. Judge Derek Pullan recommended Rossi be given credit for the 663 days he has served in Utah custody. Victimhood Despite his convictions and sentences, Rossi continues to deny that he did anything wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rossi started off his statement during Tuesdays sentencing quoting conservative writer George F. Will: Victimhood is the new status symbol. ... Everyone needs to be a victim. He went on to say, I dont have a lengthy statement full of flowery language and hyperbole. ... These women are lying and what they have done is unjust, unkind and not plausible in the eyes of the law. Rossi said he plans to lodge an appeal for the sentence, something he intends to do in Salt Lake County as well. Before giving the sentence, the judge used Rossis quote against him. Mr. Rossi, if victimhood is the new status symbol, then it was a status that you falsely claimed for yourself in an effort to avoid conviction. It is a status rightfully claimed by (the victim) and many others, not by choice, but because you forcefully raped her, Pullan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pullan acknowledged that Rossi was raised in a very abusive home and had many adverse childhood experiences. Yet, he accepts absolutely no responsibility for his criminal conduct. Rossi sought to thwart the truth seeking function of the courts by misrepresenting his identity during extradition, he said. The jury heard evidence, it found facts and ascertained the truth about your criminal conduct. Lifelong impacts Both of the women he was convicted of assaulting addressed the court at the Salt Lake County and Utah County sentencing hearings. They expressed how fearful they still are of Rossi. Nicholas Rossi is not a man who simply made a mistake. His behavior reflects a deeper pattern, one of manipulation, deceit and narcissism, the Utah County victim said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman said she has struggled with anxiety and trust ever since the assault. She has often felt unheard, doubted and isolated from the assault and has spent countless hours in therapy trying to reclaim a sense of safety. She testified that Rossi is beyond the point of rehabilitation and he still poses a threat unless he is removed from society entirely. I knew I needed to come forward not for myself but for the sheer number of victims he has hurt and the threat he continues to pose to society, she said. Justice in this case is not just about punishing one act, its about stopping a pattern. The woman from the Salt Lake case said the assault devastated her life and her mind, body, family and future were torn apart in a single catastrophic moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It stole who I was. I used to be open, trusting and joyful. I now mistrust instinctively, she said. The path I expected to follow, the person Ive wanted to be, was erased. The woman said she is worried Rossi will retaliate against anyone who spoke out against him throughout the legal proceedings and she begged the court to sentence him to the fullest extent to prevent more lives from being shattered. There shouldve been nobody after me that this happened to. Im gonna have to carry that guilt for the rest of my life that there were victims after me, she said. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Carlson-Fuentes chat was one of the most dangerous interviews ever in MAGA media. | Credit: Illustration by Stephen Kelly / Getty Images Tucker Carlsons recent interview with Nick Fuentes, the Holocaust-denying white nationalist, has exposed a rupture on the right. The divide is between conservatives who would allow once-fringe views in the GOP coalition and those who reject Fuentes overt antisemitism. The Carlson-Fuentes chat was one of the most dangerous interviews ever in MAGA media, Will Sommer said at The Bulwark. The country must overcome the challenge of organized Jewry in America, Fuentes told the former Fox News host. Such incendiary claims are a catastrophe for more traditional conservative media figures, Sommer said, and have drawn rebukes from Breitbarts Joel Pollak, The Daily Wires Andrew Klavan and writer Rod Dreher. (On Monday, conservative influencer Ben Shapiro posted a podcast episode titled Tucker Carlson Sabotages America.) By giving Fuentes a platform, Carlson just accelerated the rights already prominent tilt toward authoritarianism and hate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts threw in his lot with Carlson on Thursday, said Politico . Fuentes views may be abhorrent but canceling him is not the answer, either, Roberts said in a video posted to X. The interview was not an isolated moment, coming after a string of antisemitic incidents on the right that included the revelation of racist comments on a Young Republicans group text, said Politico. The trend has broadly divided the Republican Party. Antisemitism is rising on the right in a way I have never seen, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said recently. Mainstreaming antisemitism The Groypers are at the gate, Peter Laffin said at The Washington Examiner, using a term for Fuentes racist followers. Heritages Roberts compounded the problem with his public statement, which lent credence to Fuentes and Carlsons alt-right fever dream. Groypers are threatening to take over the right and the conservative movement, led by Roberts, is waving the white flag. Jewish conservatives believe that Tucker Carlson is the most dangerous man in America to Jews, conservative writer Rod Dreher said at his newsletter. That is because Carlson is the most important mainstreamer of antisemitism on the right. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance could curtail the trend by forthrightly denouncing it. For conservatives and Christians, it is time to find your courage and push back now. Fuentes is shaping up to be the years major conservative breakout star and is clearly steering the right toward a wholesale embrace of bigotry, Robby Soave said at Reason . The problem for his conservative critics is their side is clearly losing. Refusing to engage with him will not work, however. That would simply make his arguments seem powerful, hypnotic and ultimately more appealing. Hostile toward Israel Carlson, Fuentes and other influencers are trying to make the GOP hostile toward Israel and the Jewish people, National Review said in an editorial. But a version of America that is run by anti-Israel zealots is not one any conservative should want to live in. The divide between Fuentes and conservatives is narrower than it has ever been, Ali Breland said at The Atlantic. His entry into the MAGA mainstream means his visions for a reactionary party are closer than ever to being realized. The Nigerian government has dismissed claims made by US President Donald Trump about the persecution of Christians in the West African nation, insisting that religious freedom is fully protected under the countrys constitution. Responding to a reporters question at a news conference in Berlin on Tuesday, Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar held up a document whose cover read Nigerias Constitutional Commitment to Religious Freedom and Rule of Law. All the answers are in there. This is what guides us, Tuggar said, speaking alongside Germanys Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Its impossible for there to be religious persecution that can be supported in any way, shape or form by the government of Nigeria at any level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuggars comments come after Trump wrote on social media on Saturday that if the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the US would stop all aid to the country. Trump added that he had instructed the so-called Department of War to prepare for possible action. And on Sunday, Trump doubled down, saying Washington could deploy troops or conduct air strikes. They are killing a record number of Christians in Nigeria, he said. We are not gonna allow that to happen. The threats came after the US president had redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern a label the US government gives to countries seen as responsible for severe violations of religious freedom. Trumps assertions echo claims that have gained traction among right-wing and Christian evangelical circles in the past months. US Senator Ted Cruz, a Trump ally, blamed Nigerian officials for what he called Christian massacres and introduced in September the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which, he said, aims to hold officials who facilitate Islamic Jihadist violence and the imposition of blasphemy laws accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While admitting a problem with security issues, Nigerian officials rebuked Trumps claims, saying that people across all faiths, not just Christians, are victims of armed groups violence. The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, said Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim from southern Nigeria who is married to a Christian pastor. About 238 million people live in Nigeria, Africas most populous nation. Around 46 percent of the population is Muslim, largely residing in the north, and about 46 percent are Christian, mostly located in the south, according to the Association of Religion Data Archives. For more than a decade, Boko Haram and other armed groups have clashed in the northeast, forcing millions of people from their homes. Since Tinubu took power two years ago, pledging stronger security, more than 10,000 people have been killed there, according to Amnesty International. In the centre, there are increasing attacks on predominantly Christian farming communities by herders from the rival Fulani pastoral ethnic group, which is predominantly Muslim. The attacks there are mostly over access to water and pasture. For years, in the shadow of lower Manhattans towering federal courthouses, law-abiding immigrants have sought legal status through routine hearings. Now they find themselves thrust into a surreal, Kafkaesque nightmare that is the Trump administrations Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdown. Ive now visited 26 Federal Plaza more than a dozen times. Twice, I have been arrested: once while escorting a migrant, the other time alongside state and local officials after we asked to inspect holding cells on the buildings 10th floor. But I have returned again and again to bear witness to the lawless cruelty occurring inside. Every day, in the heart of this city millions of us call home, masked ICE agents are lawlessly abducting our neighbors. To call 26 Federal Plaza a building where justice is administered is, these days, sadly incorrect. These are not sites where the rule of law presides. There is no due process. Instead, what plays out in these buildings is a cruel game of justice roulette. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrants who are lawfully seeking asylum show up for their court dates, as ordered. For many, it is their first appearance. Few have an attorney. In most cases, the judge has a brief conversation with them, explains their rights to seek asylum under the Convention Against Torture and then gives them a next hearing date, often a year or two in the future, at which their asylum application will be considered. The last thing they get is a printout with their next court date on it. If you stopped the tape there, you might think the system was working. But the tape does not stop there. Right outside the courtroom, ICE agents lurk in the hallways. They cover their faces with masks to limit accountability. And they lay in wait to detain people as they leave their hearings. The ICE agents dont identify themselves. They dont present a warrant or give a reason for the arrest. It feels more like kidnapping than like the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take Carlos Lopez Benitez, for example. On July 16, he showed up to his immigration court hearing on his asylum claim, at which he was granted a follow-up hearing slated for 2029. Despite that, I witnessed masked ICE agents right outside the courtroom tear the 27-year-old from Paraguay out of his sisters arms and abduct him. Often the asylum seeker will try to show the ICE agent the paper the judge has just given them, with their next court date. How are they going to show up? Where are they being taken? Why did the judge just praise them for attending their hearing? The ICE agents dont care about any of it. A few weeks ago, I witnessed ICE agents grab an individual who was standing with his attorney, without even asking his identity. It turned out to be the wrong person. They released him later but not before violently dragging him into a stairwell and detaining him with no legal justification. Theyve abducted pregnant women. High school students. U.S. citizens. A 6-year-old. These courthouse arrests, overwhelmingly concentrated in New York City, increased dramatically through the spring and summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Often, agents use aggressive, unnecessary force, shoving witnesses and ripping people out of the arms of their loved ones. Many times, there are kids nearby, watching their parents be kidnapped. In one case, a woman who was eight months pregnant, who had her husband ripped violently from her arms, asked my wife, Meg, who was with her: Are they going to kill him? In other words, 26 Federal Plaza isnt functioning as a courthouse. Its functioning as an abduction trap. And as an inhumane de facto jail. Im just one of a much larger crew of volunteers who are showing up to document abuses and to do what we can to advise people of their rights. Volunteers from Immigrant ARC, the New Sanctuary Coalition, the New York Immigration Coalition, Jews for Racial & Economic Justice, and some remarkable lawyers from the New York Legal Assistance Group, Make the Road New York and The Door, are demonstrating how New Yorkers stand up for their neighbors. Our collective presence is making a difference. We helped Carlos Lopez Benitez get a lawyer, and thanks to a habeas corpus petition filed by Make the Road New York, he was returned to his family after two awful weeks in detention. A handful of others have similarly been released as a result of habeas motions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to a lawsuit brought by immigrant rights groups, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to improve the conditions for those detained at 26 Federal Plaza. Another federal judge ruled that President Donald Trumps expansion of expedited removal deporting people without giving them a chance to make their case in court is illegal. As you read this, immigrant advocates like the New York Civil Liberties Union are suing to stop the Trump administrations courthouse arrests altogether. If that lawsuit is successful, it could help to end the lawless cruelty weve witnessed day after day. When I was arrested, I had a lawyer. But most of the individuals who are detained dont. So its critical to ramp up the number of lawyers protecting these folks. Both New York City and New York state allocated $50 million in their most recently adopted budgets for legal services for immigrants. We need to get the money on the ground. Unfortunately, we have a mayor who has said little about the lawless deportations of New Yorkers on his watch. Id love for him to come witness whats happening its just steps from City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, well continue showing up to 26 Federal Plaza, bearing witness, trying our best to escort our immigrant neighbors to safety and standing up to Donald Trumps ICE. I invite all New Yorkers to join me. We wont stop until they stop abducting our neighbors. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Oceanfront screen at Millak Waterside Park (Photo courtesy of haps Magazine Korea) Busans popular outdoor movie event, the Millak Ocean Cinema, kicked off its November schedule, offering films every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8 p.m. along the seaside at Millak Waterside Park. The screenings take place near Gate 3, under Shade 2, where visitors can enjoy a cinematic evening with the ocean as a backdrop. Admission is 3,000 won per person, though guests can receive a refund by presenting a receipt for food and beverage purchases of 15,000 won or more made within the park. For more information or reservations, visitors can check the official Millak Ocean Cinema website: millakcinema.imweb.me. November Screening Schedule All shows start at 8 p.m. Location: Millak Waterside Park, Gate 3, Shade 2 Closed on November 15 (Saturday) due to the Busan Fireworks Festival NEW JERSEY (PIX11) New Jersey officials are trying to ease residents worries after several bomb threats were reportedly emailed to voting sites around the state. We are aware of threats made to several polling locations in New Jersey. Law enforcement has determined that there are no credible threats at this time, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way said in a statement sent to PIX11 News. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threats were reported in these counties: Bergen County Essex County Mercer County Middlesex County Monmouth County Ocean County Passaic County Newark police said it was investigating phishing emails regarding fake claims of bomb threats. A threat was made to a Gotthard Street voting location, but it was determined to be unfounded, according to Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda. More News: Politics Middlesex County officials also moved the Avenel Middle School and Livingston Park Elementary School voting locations due to an active law enforcement investigation. Voters can head to Woodbine Avenue Elementary School No. 23 or Linwood School to cast their ballot, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The polls opened at 6 a.m. in New Jersey and close at 8 p.m. Voters can report suspicious activity to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness at 1-866-472-3365 or tips@njohsp.gov. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 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 PIX11. DANSVILLE, N.Y. (WROC) A Dansville woman is desperately trying to help her family get home from Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa left them stranded on the island. Nadine Offen said her three sisters and brother-in-law traveled to Jamaica for what was supposed to be a ten-day vacation, with their return set for last Friday. But each time theyve tried to book a flight, its been cancel after cancel. I dont know what else to do. I love them to death, I really do, and they have no hope. Now the hope is gone. They are just waiting for something good to happen, Offen said tearfully. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said her family was held in their hotel with limited food, water, poor air conditioning, and a barely flushing toilet. They lasted two days there. And then they finally said, you got to get out, she said. Well, its unsafe because they had nothing no air conditioning, no nothing. Images Offen shared with News 8 showed uprooted palm trees, disheveled chairs, and damaged buildings: the harm left behind by the hurricane. The family was forced to find another hotel for shelter. When asked if the hotel helped them relocate, Offen said they were left to figure it out on their own. They shut the doors, and they had to go around and find another hotel, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Offen said she can only text her family because calls are too expensive on the island. She read one of her sisters messages aloud: The lobby had a breeze, but our room is so hot. They have food, but we are running out of medicine. And the girls have jobs. She said the storm caught the family completely off guard. You dont think of that youre on vacation, Offen said. I dont think theyll ever go on vacation again if they ever make it back here. I dont know what you can do, but weve got to get it out there because theyre not the only ones. As of now, Offen said her family has another flight booked for Tuesday but remains unsure whether it will be canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 RochesterFirst. A judge allowed polls in parts of Passaic County, New Jersey, to remain open late Tuesday after unfounded bomb threats earlier in the day halted voting at locations across the northern part of the state. The judge ruled that voters would be able to cast their ballots until 9 p.m. ET at three schools in the Paterson area of Passaic County, which has been a swing county in recent cycles, after the county Democratic Party filed a lawsuit seeking the extension, according to the Associated Press. "This is an unusual, extraordinary relief of opening by one more hour," a state judge said at an emergency hearing late Tuesday. "Given the hour, I think it is the fair thing to do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election Day live updates: Key races unfold in New York City, New Jersey and Virginia Multiple polling places in Northern New Jersey temporarily closed Tuesday morning after precincts received emailed bomb threats later deemed to be not credible, prompting election officials to direct some voters to other polling places. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement on X Tuesday morning that while "polling locations have already reopened" in some precincts, "at others, voters will be directed to a nearby polling location to cast their ballot." Polls also remained open until 10 p.m. ET in Chester Country, Pennsylvania, a Democratic-leaning hub just west of Philadelphia, after an error earlier in the day left some unaffiliated voters unable to cast ballots, county election officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities in New Jersey made an arrest Tuesday in connection with bomb threats directed at a school polling location in North Brunswick on Tuesday morning, but it was not immediately clear whether the subject of the arrest -- a juvenile -- was also responsible for threats made against other locations. Mike Segar/Reuters - PHOTO: Voters arrive at a polling site early on Election Day in Montclair, New Jersey, November 4, 2025. Police launched an investigation early Tuesday after they "began receiving several reports of a bomb threat at Livingston Park Elementary School via text message," according to a statement from the county prosecutor. The threat was quickly deemed to be a hoax. Investigators soon identified the subject, took the juvenile into custody, and recovered "the electronic devices used in the threat," authorities said. Some polling sites in New York City also fielded what officials characterized as hoax "swatting" threats on Tuesday morning, sources told ABC News, but no polling locations were shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources said three email threats were received by election workers at polling sites in Greenwich Village, Midtown, and Harlem early Tuesday as sites opened. The threats appeared similar to those sent to locations in New Jersey, but it was not clear whether they were connected. The New York Police Department was investigating. During the 2024 election, bomb threats called into polling stations in key swing states prompted widespread delays in voting. The FBI later said the threats likely originated from Russia. Democrat Sherrill holds edge over Ciattarelli as New Jerseys governors race tightens Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The emails received Tuesday by the voting precincts in New Jersey contained "fake claims of bomb threats," Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda told New York ABC station WABC. "We are doing everything in our power to protect voters and poll workers and coordinate closely with state, local and federal partners to ensure a smooth and safe election," Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, New Jersey's top election official, said. The threatening emails went to polling locations in New Jersey's Bergen County, Essex County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, and Passaic County, officials said. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill said the threats wouldn't deter voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know New Jerseyans, so I know everyone is taking this really seriously and will get out to vote," Sherrill said. "Obviously this is an attempt to suppress the vote here. I don't think New Jerseyans take very kindly to that kind of tampering in our election system." Economy top of mind for voters across races, preliminary ABC News exit polls show Elsewhere, the election commissioner in Virginia said that a church that had been scheduled to serve as a polling location in Newport News was closed after a vehicle ran through the building on Saturday. The city condemned the building and officials made an emergency polling place change. Virginia Elections Commissioner Susan Beals, addressing that state's readiness, said that Virginia officials "know the types of issues voters can face on Election Day and are very familiar with how to help them." "We have processes that are based on state and federal law, and we use these tested processes to ensure that every eligible voter can vote in Virginia," Beals said. "We want everyone to vote with confidence and ask that you be sure to thank an election official when you go to vote today." Norths Funeral Home will host a free Dia de los Muertos celebration Monday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 242 Orange St. The event will honor the Mexican tradition of celebrating life and remembering loved ones who have passed. Guests can enjoy folklorico dance performances, music from a DJ, a food truck, and a traditional altar display. Organizers invite the community to take part in this vibrant cultural celebration. For more information, call (325) 721-1568. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. NORTH HAVEN - Police on Monday identified the 23-year-old Massachusetts woman who was found dead at a North Haven home last week. North Haven Police Chief Andrew Stavrides identified the woman in an email as Jordyn Devellis, of Sherborn. Stavrides said investigators are still waiting for tests from the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and have not yet determined the cause of death. Police have previously said the woman was discovered at a Bayard Avenue residence on Wednesday and that officers did not find any signs of foul play at the home. This article originally published at North Haven police ID 23-year-old Mass. woman found dead in Bayard Avenue home. OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV)- The government shutdown is having a ripple effect in local community pantries. With FoodShare benefits being delayed, local pantries are working to meet the need in the community. For community organizations like The Hope Fridge, according to their Facebook in one day the fridge was refilled 4 separate times. The Hope Fridge, with locations in both Menasha and Oshkosh, relies on community donations, allowing anyone to have access to free food with no questions asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It helps fill a gap People can help themselves, and come and go as they please, said Ria Di Peeples, a volunteer. But that gap is growing with local pantry leaders saying the amount of families they serve has increased. Ryan Rasmussen, Executive Director at the Oshkosh Community Pantry said he has seen in increase in families looking to the pantry for services. Christmas decorations seeing tariff impacts ahead of the holiday season Even just this last week alone, weve seen 30 or 40 families for then we generally see, said Rasmussen. The Oshkosh community pantry is adding two more days of service in the month of November to keep up with the communitys needs. As you see that increase come up, that demand for our services and the demand for needing more food to put on the shelves is definitely greater, said Rasmussen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far the Oshkosh Community Pantry is estimating they will hand out more food than years prior. In one year we will generally distribute about 3 million pounds of food, and this year we are looking at anywhere from 3.2 to 3.5 million pounds, said Rasmussen. As families wait for benefits to return, community pantries say they will continue to help put food on the table. Its not instant and all of sudden cards are going to be reloaded, there will be time And in the meantime, our pantry is going to be the ones that step up to support, said Rasmussen. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. By Terje Solsvik OSLO (Reuters) -Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, said on Tuesday it would vote against ratifying Tesla CEO Elon Musk's proposed compensation package that is potentially worth $1 trillion at an annual general meeting later this week. Investors in the electric-vehicle maker will decide on November 6 whether to approve the package, likely the largest-ever CEO compensation agreement. Critics have called the pay deal excessive but face an uphill fight to block it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tesla's board is pushing for shareholders to approve the plan, with Chair Robyn Denholm warning that Musk could leave the $1.5 trillion market cap firm if the deal is rejected. Opponents worry that it will give Musk too much unchecked power. BLOCKING MUSK'S HUGE PAY PACKAGE WON'T BE EASY Musk's new trillion-dollar pay package will almost certainly pass, given broad investor support. Laws in Texas, where Tesla moved its headquarters last year, also allow Musk to vote his own large stake, giving him some 13.5% of voting power. The Norwegian wealth fund is the largest investor so far to say how it plans to vote. The next-largest to do so, Baron Capital, plans to back Musk's pay package. Tesla's largest institutional investors, including BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street, have yet to disclose their voting plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proxy advisers ISS and Glass Lewis have both urged shareholders to reject Musk's compensation plan, arguing it would be too large, deliver high payouts even if the CEO only meets some goals and could dilute the holdings of other investors. Both also opposed a shareholder vote last year on a 2018 $56 billion package for Musk that passed with overwhelming support from Tesla's army of mom-and-pop investors. PRAISING VALUE CREATION, BUT CONCERNED WITH OVERALL SIZE While the package could grant stock worth up to $1 trillion over 10 years, the cost of those shares at the time of the award will be deducted, making the value to Musk slightly lower, at up to $878 billion, according to a Reuters analysis. "While we appreciate the significant value created under Mr. Musk's visionary role, we are concerned about the total size of the award, dilution, and lack of mitigation of key person risk - consistent with our views on executive compensation," Norges Bank Investment Management said on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fund, Tesla's seventh-biggest owner with a 1.12% stake worth $17 billion, also voted "no" to Musk's previous compensation plan, drawing a sharp response from the CEO, who turned down an invitation to a conference in Oslo. NBIM on Tuesday also said it would vote against two out of three Tesla directors who are up for reelection, declining to back board veterans Kathleen Wilson-Thompson and Ira Ehrenpreis while supporting Joe Gebbia, who joined in 2022. The $2.1 trillion Norwegian fund also said it would vote against Tesla's proposed general stock compensation plan, which is intended for all employees and can also be used by the board to benefit Musk. Tesla says its CEO would earn "nothing" unless the company's market value grows substantially and that the maximum award is only paid if the group reaches several milestones, most notably a market value of $8.5 trillion, a near six-fold increase. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik; additional reporting by Nick Carey in London; Editing by Joe Bavier, Thomas Derpinghaus and Sharon Singleton) By Terje Solsvik OSLO (Reuters) -Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, said on Tuesday it would vote against ratifying Tesla CEO Elon Musk's proposed compensation package, containing shares worth up to $1 trillion, at an annual general meeting this week. Investors in the electric-vehicle maker will decide on November 6 whether to approve the package, likely the largest-ever CEO compensation agreement, which critics have called excessive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the Norwegian wealth fund is the largest outside Tesla investor to say how it plans to vote. The next-largest to do so, Baron Capital, on Monday said it would back Musk's pay package. The company's largest institutional investors, including BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street, have yet to disclose their voting plans. Proxy advisers ISS and Glass Lewis have both urged shareholders to reject Musk's compensation plan, arguing it would be too large, deliver high payouts even if the CEO only meets some goals and could dilute the holdings of other investors. Both also opposed a shareholder vote last year on a 2018 $56 billion package for Musk that passed with overwhelming support from Tesla's army of mom-and-pop investors. Despite some opposition, Musk's enormous pay package will almost certainly pass, given broad investor support and the fact that a new law in Texas, where Tesla moved its headquarters last year, allows him to vote his large stake, giving him about 13.5% of Tesla's voting power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PRAISING VALUE CREATION, BUT CONCERNED WITH OVERALL SIZE Tesla's board is pushing for shareholders to approve the plan, with Chair Robyn Denholm warning last week that Musk could leave the company if the deal is rejected. While the package could grant stock worth up to $1 trillion over 10 years, the cost of those shares at the time of the award will be deducted, making the value to Musk slightly lower, at up to $878 billion, according to a Reuters analysis. "While we appreciate the significant value created under Mr. Musk's visionary role, we are concerned about the total size of the award, dilution, and lack of mitigation of key person risk - consistent with our views on executive compensation," Norges Bank Investment Management said on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fund, Tesla's seventh-biggest owner with a 1.12% stake worth $17 billion, also voted "no" to Musk's previous compensation plan, drawing a sharp response from the CEO, who turned down an invitation to a conference in Oslo. Various groups have tried and failed to block record payouts to Musk, including a $56 billion compensation plan for 2018 that investors reapproved last year, though legal challenges remain. NBIM on Tuesday also said it would vote against two out of three Tesla directors who are up for reelection, declining to back board veterans Kathleen Wilson-Thompson and Ira Ehrenpreis while supporting Joe Gebbia, who joined in 2022. The $2.1 trillion Norwegian fund also said it would vote against Tesla's proposed general stock compensation plan, which is intended for all employees and can also be used by the board to benefit Musk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tesla says its CEO would earn "nothing" unless the company's market value grows substantially and that the maximum award is only paid if the group reaches several milestones, most notably a market value of $8.5 trillion, a near six-fold increase. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik; additional reporting by Nick Carey in London; Editing by Joe Bavier, Thomas Derpinghaus and Sharon Singleton) The list of Trump administration actions that warrant serious investigation grows practically by the day from the excesses of ICE enforcement at home to extrajudicial killings abroad, from the gutting of the federal government to revenge prosecutions, from the extortion of large law firms to the assault on higher education. Perhaps not surprisingly, there are already rumblings from top Democrats about how to hold Trump officials accountable in the future. On Tuesday, the journalists Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis published a book that lays out exactly what not to do if accountability is the goal. Injustice: How Politics and Fear Vanquished Americas Justice Department is the most detailed account yet of the Justice Departments disastrous effort to bring Donald Trump to trial during Joe Bidens administration, which is likely to long rank among U.S. law enforcements greatest failures. History will not judge this effort kindly, but perhaps more importantly at this fractious and precarious moment in American politics the book contains critical lessons for a future administration that wants to focus on serious legal accountability for powerful political figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not too soon for the thinking about this work to start, even though the Supreme Courts presidential immunity decision last summer makes it much easier for Trump to avoid federal prosecution in the future. And, for all we know, Trump could issue a mass federal pardon for members of his administration when his term ends. The levers of accountability may have to come from other prosecutorial bodies or civil, rather than criminal, law. But if Democrats are to avoid making the same mistakes all over again, Leonnig and Davis book offers both an engaging and enraging opportunity to learn. Its a journalistic tour-de-force that draws on interviews with more than 250 key individuals to reveal how former Attorney General Merrick Garland and top leaders at the DOJ and the FBI, in the authors words, helped pave a path for Trumps reascendance, and his eventual unraveling of the departments core mission. The book includes forehead-smacking details about the Biden-Garland DOJs bungled prosecutorial effort. Perhaps chief among them is that DOJ and FBI leaders rejected at least three different proposals by career prosecutors over the course of 2021 to expand the departments investigation of the Jan. 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol to include Trump and his advisers efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The reason? Fear that investigating Trump would seem too political and would upset Republicans. Leonnig and Davis report that it took a year before the DOJ agreed in principle to begin an investigation that they knew might touch on Trump himself starting with Trumps fake electors scheme but the FBI then still dragged its feet for a couple more months. It was not until April 14, 2022 fifteen months after Jan. 6 that Garland signed a memo approving the investigation into Trump, but even that was not the end of the delays. Things did not get underway in earnest until the Jan. 6 Committee publicly embarrassed the Justice Department in a series of hearings in summer 2022 and, really, until the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith after the 2022 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the DOJ had not frittered away so much time, it is very possible that Trump could have stood trial in the 2020 election-subversion prosecution before the 2024 election, even accounting for the interference from the six Republican appointees on the Supreme Court. Whether hed have been convicted or would still have been elected regardless, well never know for sure. But whats done is done. Here are some lessons for the future. 1) Dont Pick Key Lawyers for Bad Reasons It was apparent early on that Garland was the wrong man for the moment. The Justice Department required serious internal reform and accountability in the wake of the first Trump administration, but Garland was not interested in that work. At his confirmation hearing, Garland also provided no real reason to believe that he would focus on Trumps obvious federal criminal exposure in the wake of the 2020 election. But Garland didnt appoint himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leonnig and Davis report that Biden seriously considered two other candidates for the position former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates but that Bidens eventual chief of staff, Ron Klain, urged the president-elect to pick Garland, his longtime friend who had been Obamas choice for the Supreme Court. The notion that Garland, who had by then been a judge for nearly 25 years, could come in and serve as a decisive leader at that critical juncture for the Justice Department never made much sense. Judges have the luxury of moving slowly, and Garland had a reputation for being particularly cautious and deliberative on the bench. Klains relationship with Garland is at least something approximating an explanation if not a legitimate rationale for the selection. Bidens apparent eagerness to embrace a studiously non-partisan attorney general to heighten the contrast with his predecessor, Trump, may have also played a role. But Biden should have understood that the interests of the country did not conveniently align with the personal and social interests of himself and his advisers. It was a problem that plagued the Biden presidency until it came crashing down, and it is one that his successors would be smart to avoid. 2) Leaders Must Actually Lead The investigative delay was bad enough, but Injustice reports that Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco were hands-off in the extreme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposals in 2021 to investigate Trump and his inner circle were discussed and rejected by FBI officials working under then-FBI Director Chris Wray, including then-Deputy FBI Director Paul Abbate and Steven DAntuono, who led the FBIs Washington Field Office. Where were Garland and Monaco, who ultimately oversee the FBI? As Leonnig and Davis report, the two of them almost never gave a top-down order to the FBI, and certainly would not in a case with these political trip wires. They also report that Garland always prided himself on his reputation as a moderate on the bench and exhibited the highest sensitivity to cases and decisions that might open the department to accusations of pursuing a political goal. Leonnig and Davis observe that a key difference between Garland and his predecessors was that while others made snap decisions, Garland did not. Instead, he ran his office like an orderly and slow-moving judges chambers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that the crucial early decisions concerning Trump were left to subordinates is inexcusable. No one elected or confirmed those people to do anything, much less make historic investigative decisions concerning an effort to overturn a presidential election. Garland and Monaco could have stepped in at any point. Future DOJ leaders shouldnt stay on the sidelines for the most critical decisions. 3) Dont Overthink Simple Things Rather than focus immediately on Trump and his inner circle, DOJ made the misguided decision to use a bottom-up approach to the Jan. 6 investigation, in which prosecutors would start with the rioters and work their way up to political figures if the evidence warranted doing so. Despite what many Garland apologists said at the time, this move was not some ironclad rule of federal prosecutions, and it was not inevitable. Injustice reports that the decision came straight from the top: Garland told his tiny leadership circle early on that he wanted any potential criminal investigation to work its way up organically. Prosecutors in the department also took issue with Garland and Monacos apparent lack of interest in Trumps recorded call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in the days leading up to Jan. 6, 2021 the one where Trump implored Raffensperger to find enough votes to overturn Bidens victory in the state. That call alone justified a federal election fraud investigation, but that did not happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These were not the only decisions that appear to have been guided more by hand-wringing and political cowardice than the law or prosecutorial practice. Leonnig and Davis report that in the fall of 2022, Garland actually froze the Trump investigations by then including the classified-documents probe for two months based on a very conservative interpretation of an informal policy that encouraged prosecutors to avoid taking overt steps in investigations that involved candidates running for election. Trump, of course, was not on the ballot in 2022, but Garland opted to treat him as one because he was supposedly the leader of the Republican Party. This was another choice that was hard to justify. Injustice reports that some of the prosecutors working on the Trump investigations at the time were dumbfounded by Garlands decision. Whenever the next Justice Department led by a Democrat or another opposition figure takes shape, the attorney general should focus on doing whats right not coming up with bespoke rules to avoid difficult but necessary decisions. 4) Real Accountability Requires Focus and Prioritization The biggest rebuke to the Biden-Garland DOJs bottom-up approach came in the form of the Jan. 6 hearings in summer 2022, when lawmakers on the select committee presented the American public with reams of evidence implicating Trump and others in criminal misconduct that the committees investigators gathered from some of Trumps most senior officials and closest advisers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was no accident. Leonnig and Davis report that the Jan. 6 Committees investigative team, led by former federal prosecutor Tim Heaphy, made a concerted effort from the start to focus on Trump and his efforts to subvert the transfer of power. Heaphy envisioned using the committees congressional subpoena power to run something akin to a federal grand jury investigation, the authors write. While DOJ was trained on rioters, Leonnig and Davis add, this team wasted no time going straight to the top for answers. They report that Heaphy and his colleagues were dismayed by the DOJs complacency. When it comes to launching the next wave of Trump-era investigations, the Jan. 6 Committees approach should be the model. 5) Lawyers Are Not Good Political Pundits Last but most certainly not least, the Biden-Garland DOJ grossly misread the political situation in 2021 and 2022, to disastrous consequences. Trumps approval rating plummeted immediately after Jan. 6, and for a brief window, it was an open question whether he would successfully be able to resuscitate his political career. Leonnig and Davis book suggests that Garland, Monaco and their advisers believed he was finished politically when they entered office in early 2021. But that wasnt only wrong in hindsight; even before Garlands confirmation, Trump was winning a Republican civil war, the authors note. He was not isolated at Mar-a-Lago, but holding court, drawing top party donors, wannabe congressional candidates, and plotting to drive from office any Republican he saw as having crossed him or abandoned his futile effort to stay in power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But perhaps because the Biden-Garland DOJ did not view Trumps return as a real threat, it did not move with real urgency. And ultimately this sluggishness inadvertently provided Trump with a crucial period to retake control of the Republican Party and position himself as the leading contender for the 2024 GOP primaries. Had the DOJ done its job and launched its investigation into Trump in 2021, that may have hung over his head and prevented him from winning the Republican nomination. Instead, the first indictment of Trump came from the Manhattan District Attorneys office and centered on hush money to a porn star, not the 2020 election. Trump portrayed that case, with its rickety legal foundations, as part of a coordinated Democratic plot to prevent him from retaking office, and his own competitors in the primary endorsed that view. In fact, its very likely that Alvin Braggs office would not have fully developed its prosecution, much less launched it, if the DOJ had been on the scene. Thats because local prosecutors have limited resources for complex criminal cases and regularly defer to federal prosecutors on matters that are more appropriate for federal resolution, like (say) the prosecution of a former U.S. president. There are prominent Democratic lawyers, even now, who will tell you that politics is distinct from the law. I know this because I sometimes still hear it myself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJs fatally delayed and failed effort to prosecute Trump is quite possibly the strongest evidence possible that this view is simplistic at best and foolish at worst. We have a political process that shapes the law, but at the same time, our legal system has to reckon with difficult political matters and political figures, whether we like it or not. If there is to be accountability in the future, it is a lesson that Trumps political opponents and aspiring 2028 contenders as well as the lawyers around them who could go on to hold the most important legal positions in the country should take to heart. SNAP payments will be partially funded through the month of November, according to the Trump Administration. The decision, which was announced Monday afternoon, means that the hundreds of thousands of SNAP recipients across Western Pennsylvania will get about half of their usual payment for the month. The USDA is using emergency funds to cover the cost, as the government shutdown reaches Day 34. RELATED COVERAGE >>> In need of food assistance? Here are resources across the Western Pennsylvania region Leaders from Pittsburgh area nonprofits said its a step in the right direction but will not meet local need and are calling on community members to continue to help, as a surge in demand continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Half their benefits while helpful is not going to solve the problem, said Bobbi Watt Geer, president/CEO of United Way of southwestern Pennsylvania. The news broke during a collaborative community conversation hosted by Allegheny County, and key players reacted to the update in real time, as they talked about the local impacts of delayed SNAP benefits and how people could get help. For the last few weeks, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has been scrambling to help twice as many families as usual. Weve always viewed food assistance as a public-private partnership. The government cant do it alone, we cant do it alone. It really takes all of us working together, said Lisa Scales, president/CEO of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Its not enough. Before this announcement, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis visited the food bank, which will receive just over $800,000 from the $5 million in state funding that Governor Josh Shapiro released Friday. Feeding Pennsylvania will distribute the money to its network of food banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not believe that food should be used as a bargaining chip. We believe food is a human right, Davis said. What we are doing is harm reduction; we cannot replace the role of the federal government as it relates to snap benefits. We have a contingency fund at the federal government for a reason. It will take state governments some time to figure out how and how soon partial payments will be made. Allegheny County officials said back benefits will be issued once payments restart. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW By Rishika Sadam HYDERABAD (Reuters) -Novo Holdings, which controls obesity drugmaker Novo Nordisk, is sharpening its focus on India, targeting single-specialty hospitals and contract drugmakers to tap high-growth healthcare segments, according to a senior company executive. Patients in the world's most populous nation are increasingly preferring specialised amenities, which some analysts and industry insiders say will form the bedrock of demand in the Indian healthcare market. The sector is also booming with increasing private and foreign investments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Novo Holdings, which had 142 billion euros ($165.60 billion) in assets under management by 2024-end, is in talks with several Indian companies, Amit Kakar, managing partner and head of Asia, told Reuters in an interview this week. The life sciences investment powerhouse that manages assets for the Novo Nordisk Foundation, one of the world's biggest philanthropic bodies, holds 77% voting control in Novo Nordisk, the maker of obesity drug Wegovy and diabetes treatment Ozempic. "When we first started investing (in India), our average ticket size was $20 million-$30 million. Now, it's between $50 million and $125 million. So clearly, we're doing bigger deals," Kakar said, adding that Novo had set up a dedicated team in Mumbai to deepen its presence. Novo is also exploring Indias budding medical technology sector for investments in the long run, Kakar said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Novo, whose largest Asia investment to-date has been a minority stake in India's Manipal Hospitals in 2024, is focused on specialised healthcare and complex drug manufacturing. Kakar called single-specialty hospitals - smaller facilities offering care in areas such as oncology, mother and child health, and nephrology - the "next phase" in hospital care. "If you look at a lot of hospital care, it is moving outside the big hospital," he said. The segment is projected to reach $40.14 billion by 2032 from $16.2 billion in 2024, driven by rising health awareness and chronic disease prevalence, according to Credence Research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Novo is also exploring investments in contract drugmakers, especially those focused on making complex biological drugs used in the treatment of serious illnesses like cancer. Other areas of interest include senior care and step-down care or support for patients recovering from major surgeries or cardiac events who no longer need intensive care. ($1 = 0.8575 euros) ($1 = 87.8950 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Rishika Sadam; Editing by Dhanya Skariachan and Subhranshu Sahu) PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) Its matrimony with acrimony. With every wedding, there are wedding stories, including tales of the unexpected quirky little things that come out of nowhere and become the stuff of stories for the kids and grandkids. And then there are the bigger problems that threaten to spoil all the planning and arrangements. Youve probably heard the old rhyme about weddings, something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Talking with recent bride Maggie Reed, she would add, somethings wrong with my venue. The owner of the Buttercups Home disputes some of the claims and apologizes for others. Its an event venue in Portsmouths Churchland section thats more than 100 years old and also serves as an Airbnb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Reed and groom-to-be Tyler Smithhart got engaged, they got excited. We started planning everything, Reed said. We started looking at venues and we found Buttercups. They paid the $5,000 fee in installments, plus a $750 security deposit. (Reed and Brandon Feagins wife, Tiffany Feagin, signed the event contract in April 2024, 18 months before the wedding.) Reed and Smithhart arrived Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 for their rehearsal the day before the wedding. I went to ring the doorbell and the Ring camera wasnt working, so I kind of peeked inside and there was no power. I noticed there was a delinquency notice on the door for public utilities, Reed said. Theres no power. Theres no water. Ive paid five grand for this place, and theyre not responding to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But owner Brandon Feagin told 10 On Your Side there was no interruption of utilities. At no point before, during, or after Ms. Maggies stay were any utilities disconnected or interrupted. At no time did [she] or anyone from her party report an outage or service issue to our team, he stated in an email. No contact, no email, not answering the phone, not answering my text messages, Reed said of her attempts to reach Feagin upon arrival to Buttercups. Feagin says he was on a flight and as soon as he had Wi-Fi, he sent the wedding party the access code. But in the meantime: One of my bridesmaids actually found that the basement door was open, not unlocked. Open. Not just unlocked, open, Reed said and showed video to 10 On Your Side that shows the basement door ajar. Feagin says it was a break-in and not a walk-in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guests arrived at 2:58 p.m. and broke into the home through a locked basement door around 3:55 p.m., Feagin said. Reed said the next problem she had to deal with the day before her wedding was ants. The place was infested with ants the kitchen and one of the bathrooms and one of the bathrooms upstairs, Reed said. They destroyed some of the food that we had set up on the counter that we had prepared for the next day. But Feagin said he was never notified of any insect issue during their stay, and a professional cleaning team serviced the property immediately prior to, and following, the wedding and found no evidence of infestation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day was Oct. 11, the wedding day. This is the biggest day of their lives, said Randy Smithhart, the grooms father. Keep in mind that the Buttercups Home was already on the market for sale, and on the day of the wedding, the real estate agent showed up to the house, Reed said. The realtor, Adrienne Pearl of Pearle of Pearle Design Properties, confirmed to WAVY that she was putting up open house signs that indicated the open house was for the following weekend, Oct. 19. But that detail got past some folks who wanted to check out the estate, and when people see a sign that says open house, Smithhart said, I had to go to the end of the driveway several times to get rid of the people that are coming to the open house. Feagin said it was always his understanding that the actual open house would not occur until the following weekend, and told WAVY it is not unusual for curious passersby or history enthusiasts to drive down the private lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt know whether to laugh or cry about it, Reed recalls about her wedding woes that were unpredictable, but not insurmountable. I didnt know what to feel. I was in disbelief. We still had a beautiful wedding weekend thanks to all of our family and friends, but the venue itself was terrible. One of Reeds bridesmaids contacted WAVY and corroborated her claims. Brandi Paugh traveled from Maryland for the wedding and stated in an email: No one was at the venue to let them in, no one was answering calls, and there was a delinquency notice on the door. Paugh described a lot of stress and fear that the wedding might not even happen. No bride should have to think about restarting her entire wedding 24 hours before it begins. In his contact with WAVY, while disputing some claims and describing others as out of his control, Feagin was repeatedly apologetic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understand how important weddings are to our guests and we are truly apologetic that the recent couples who have come forward did not have the experience they hoped for, he stated in an email. Buttercups will host no more weddings. Feagin said hes winding down the operation, citing economic headwinds in the hospitality industry. His website mentions an expansion to a second location in Loudoun County, but Feagin said that is on hold. Both Reed and another bride who got married at Buttercups told us they wished they had done more thorough research, and they advise paying close attention to what is promised from an Airbnb or any venue when it comes to details of the contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is the full statement from the owner of Buttercups to WAVY: At The Daffodil Estate, we take great pride in having hosted countless memorable celebrations over the years. We understand how important weddings are to our guests and we are truly apologetic that the recent couples who have come forward did not have the experience they hoped for. In these two instances, many of the issues now being raised were not communicated to us during or immediately after the events, which unfortunately prevented us from taking corrective action in real time. We addressed both partys concerns privately and we wish both families many blessings moving forward! In early 2024, we made the strategic decision to stop accepting wedding bookings at The Daffodil Estate and the events in question were the final weddings held on the property. We had long planned to place the estate on the market and it is currently listed for sale. This decision was driven by the economic headwinds currently facing the broader hospitality industry which prompted us to re-evaluate our business model along with our long-term place within the venue space. After careful consideration, we determined that winding down our Buttercups Home operations was the most responsible path forward while we explore whether continuing in the wedding industry aligns with our future goals. The Daffodil Estate has always been a labor of love for my wife, our four kids and me! Our goal from the beginning was to offer people a safe, unique and affordable setting for their short-term stay. We remain proud of the many wonderful overnight stays and gatherings we have hosted and the joy this property has brought to so many people over the years. We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity in this matter and if anyone is interested in owning a piece of Hampton Roads history, please reach out to the realtor Ms. Adrienne Pearl from Pearl Design Properties for more information. Brandon Feagin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WAVY.com. Today, New Yorkers will head to the polls to elect the citys next mayor. Voters will have to decide between Zohran Mamdani, a self-titled Democratic socialist, Andrew Cuomo, the citys former Democrat governor who is running as an independent, and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate. While polls suggest Mr Mamdani is the favourite, over the last few days Mr Cuomo has been closing the gap on the Democrat. When is polling? Polls across New Yorks five boroughs will open at 6am EST (10am GMT) and close at 9pm EST (1am GMT). What time will we know the results? It is expected that the result will be announced soon after the polls close, unless the contest is extremely narrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, Democrat Eric Adams was declared the winner just 10 minutes after the polls closed. How does the NYC mayoral election work? A mayoral election is held in New York City every four years. New York uses ranked choice voting to elect a mayor, meaning people rank candidates in order of preference instead of choosing just one. To cast a ballot, residents must be US citizens, 18 years or older and have been residents of New York City for at least 30 days prior to the election. Who are the candidates? Three candidates remain in the running to replace Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor who dropped out of the race on Sept 29 following poor performance in the polls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Adams saw his popularity drop after a series of scandals, including allegations of corruption linked to his term in office. Mr Mamdani, the Democratic candidate, is a 34-year-old New York State Assembly member for the Queens neighbourhood of Astoria. His flagship policies include increasing taxes on the citys wealthiest, raising corporation tax, and promoting affordable housing through freezing stabilised apartment rental rates. Second in the polls is Mr Cuomo, who was forced to resign as governor of New York four years ago amid a sexual harassment allegations. He is campaigning as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mr Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 67-year-olds message is public safety-first: he has pledged to add 5,000 officers to the New York Police Departments ranks and to crack down on nuisance and quality of life crimes. On the Republican side is Curtis Sliwa. The 71-year-olds platform of law and order, cracking down on bureaucracy and boosting investment outside of affluent Manhattan has struggled to cut through. Who is Trump backing? Donald Trump, who has branded the Mr Mamdani a communist, effectively endorsed Mr Cuomo in an interview on Sunday. Im not a fan of Cuomo one way or the other, but if its gonna be between a bad Democrat and a Communist, Im gonna pick the bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you, the US president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump and a raft of billionaire New Yorkers have suggested Mr Sliwa should drop out, hoping a two-horse race would keep Mr Mamdani from winning. The president also said Mr Sliwa was not exactly prime time and made fun of his love of cats: he has six. Where are the other elections today? A number of other off-year Election Day races are being held on Nov 4 across the United States. Across the Hudson River, there is a knife-edge vote in New Jersey to elect a new governor. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic candidate, is running against Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican endorsed by Mr Trump. Meanwhile, in Virginia, voters will choose a new governor between Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate, and Abigail Spanberger a Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite leading in the polls, Ms Spanberger has been criticised for failing to denounce Jay Jones, a fellow Democrat, who spoke about murdering Republicans in leaked texts. There will also be eyes on California, where a redistricting ballot measure could boost the Democrats in next years mid-term elections. Gavin Newsoms plans to redraw congressional districts will be put to a public vote known as Proposition 50 on Tuesday. Mr Newsom, the governor of California, claims his hand was forced by Mr Trumps push to gerrymander seats in states such as Texas to maintain Republican control of the House of Representatives. 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. New York City's voters are deciding on Tuesday who should be the next mayor to run the nation's largest city. Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral nominee, said he did not vote for himself on the democratic line. Former governor Andrew Cuomo spent Election Day telling voters to do what President Trump says, the man he vows to stand up to if elected. The Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa, did not bow to pressure to drop out and continued running hard on Tuesday. Mamdani is setting the stage for his administration should he emerge victorious tonight, posting a video of Senator Bernie Sanders greeting him as the city's next mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani also showed some levity when asked about is inexperience and age. "I get older everyday," he said, before turning serious. "President Trump also encouraged New Yorkers to vote for Andrew Cuomo. There are many things he will say and do that will not best out in the results in our own city," he said. Cuomo meanwhile tried to create some distance between himself and President Trump while also trying to benefit from his endorsement. "The president does not support me. The president opposes Zohran Mamdani. The president believes Zohran Mamdani is a communist. He believes he is an existential threat," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The independent candidate also flashed a sense of humor as he cast his ballot on the East Side when someone asked who he was voting for. "I'm still deciding," he said, then turning to his right flank invoking the President to fend off the republican candidate. "He is saying that a vote for Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani, which is true. The president is nothing if not pragmatic." Election Day 2025: Polling hours, locations and more Curtis Sliwa meanwhile insisted he is not in the race to play spoiler. "I'm sure if the president were still voting in New York City, where he grew up, he'd be voting for Cuomo. That's fine. I don't think he understands the dynamics in the streets and in the subways. He's no longer here," Sliwa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Down the stretch, Sliwa has been framing this election as a choice between himself and Mamdani. "My campaign has stood in stark contrast to Andrew Cuomo. This is not going to be an election determined by the powers that be," he said. "Andrew Cuomo needs to go back, hide under his rock in the Hamptons with his billionaire friends." Polls are open in New York City until 9:00 p.m. Eyewitness News will have live coverage of the Election Results starting at 8:00 p.m. wherever you stream ABC 7 New York. You will also find real-time election results on our website and mobile app. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Oakland police released surveillance footage Monday afternoon showing two people who investigators believe stole more than 1,000 collection items from a storage facility belonging to the Oakland Museum of California last month. Surveillance cameras captured two suspects wandering through the storage facility, one wearing a black beanie with a white face mask and the other clad in a blue hoodie and black gloves, according to images and video released by the Oakland Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators sought help from the public to identify the two suspects. Oakland police and the FBI Art Crime Team were investigating the incident, which happened around 3:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at an off-site facility where the museum stored collection items. Police did not disclose the location of the facility. Records show the museum owns several warehouse buildings on the 400 block of Lancaster Street in Oakland's Fruitvale neighborhood. The thieves made off with more than 1,000 items, including historic memorabilia, Native American baskets, 19th century scrimshaw objects, daguerreotypes and modernist metalwork jewelry pieces, according to the museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators believe it was not a targeted theft, according to the museum. Rather, it appeared to be a "crime of opportunity," in which the thieves "gained access and took items that were most easily available," the museum said. "There is no indication that the perpetrators specifically identified the facility as museum storage or sought particular artworks or artifacts," the museum said in a statement released last Friday. The Oakland Museum of California, or OMCA, offers a vast collection of art, history and natural science exhibitions inside a 110,000-square-foot gallery near Lake Merritt. "This is a loss not only for OMCA, but for the broader community," said CEO and Executive Director Lori Fogarty. "The Museum takes its responsibility to steward California's history and cultural legacy with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to recovering the stolen items and ensuring their continued care for future generations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information was asked to contact the Oakland police burglary section at 510-238-3951 or submit a tip to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). This article originally published at Oakland museum heist: Police release surveillance footage of 2 suspects. By John Kruzel WASHINGTON (Reuters) -As the U.S. Supreme Court weighs the legality of Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, a Democratic-appointed judge's opinion from an earlier stage in the case could offer the Republican president a roadmap for victory in a major test for one of his core economic policies. While Trump lost before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, his Justice Department lawyers have drawn upon a 67-page dissenting opinion by Judge Richard Taranto, an appointee of Democratic former President Barack Obama, to defend his tariffs before the justices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court is set during arguments on Wednesday to confront for the first time the question of whether a 1977 law meant for use in national emergencies authorizes a president to impose tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods. Judges appointed by Democratic presidents to federal appeals courts have ruled against Trump in the vast majority of legal challenges to his policies this year, while Republican appointees have overwhelmingly voted in his favor, according to an analysis by Court Accountability, a left-leaning court transparency group. As a Democratic-appointed judge, Taranto's opinion represents a break from this pattern, which could make his embrace of Trump's legal rationale stand out at the Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority. Taranto wrote that Trump acted lawfully, saying the statute at issue in the case "embodies an eyes-open congressional grant of broad emergency authority in this foreign-affairs realm." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer, representing the Trump administration in the case, is expected to draw upon Taranto's dissent during the arguments after citing his opinion 16 times in filings to the justices. Catholic University Law School Professor Chad Squitieri, who filed a brief to the Supreme Court backing Trump's imposition of the tariffs, said Taranto had highlighted "some rather serious legal errors" in the Federal Circuit ruling. "I am not surprised that the solicitor general seems to have found a lot to like about Judge Taranto's dissent," Squitieri added. TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has made tariffs a key foreign policy tool, using them to renegotiate trade deals, extract concessions and exert political pressure on other countries. The disputed tariffs, which implicate trillions of dollars in customs duties over the next decade, have remained in effect as the legal challenge by businesses and Democratic-led U.S. states plays out. Taranto authored a dissent, joined by three other judges, when his court ruled 7-4 in August that Trump had exceeded his powers in invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, as legal justification for many of the tariffs he has imposed since returning to the presidency in January. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, speaking on the Fox News "Sunday Morning Futures" program two days after the ruling, touted Taranto's opinion. "I think it provides a very clear roadmap to how the Supreme Court can certainly rule in our favor," Navarro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'HIGHLY PARTISAN' Trump appealed the Washington-based Federal Circuit's decision against him, as well as a separate case he lost in another court. After the Federal Circuit ruled, Trump criticized the court as "highly partisan," though its split in the case defied such tidy labels. The dissenters included two Democratic appointees - both selected by Obama - and two judges appointed by Republican former President George W. Bush. Democratic appointees made up six of the seven judges in the court's decision against Trump. Lawyers for challengers in the case include a former Bush-appointed judge and a former acting solicitor general under Obama. They have argued that a legal principle called the major questions doctrine, which stymied parts of Democratic former President Joe Biden's agenda, should doom Trump's tariffs, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctrine requires executive branch actions of "vast economic and political significance" to be clearly authorized by Congress. The Federal Circuit found "no clear congressional authorization" under IEEPA for tariffs of the magnitude at issue. But Taranto wrote that the major questions doctrine does not apply because, in his view, the handoff of power from Congress to the president concerning tariffs was clear. "We do not see IEEPA as anything but an eyes-open congressional choice to confer on the president broad authority to choose tools to restrict importation" amid a national emergency, Taranto wrote. That was one of Taranto's quotes that Sauer cited in Supreme Court filings. The Supreme Court cited the major questions doctrine repeatedly in cases involving Biden's actions to thwart some of his agenda items including his plan to cancel $430 billion in student debt. The court found clear congressional authorization was lacking in those cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Challengers to Trump tariffs have argued that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the authority to issue taxes and tariffs, and that any delegation of that authority must be both explicit and limited. In April, Trump placed tariffs on goods imported from individual countries to address U.S. trade deficits with them. These followed separate tariffs he announced in February as economic leverage on China, Canada and Mexico to curb the trafficking of the often-abused painkiller fentanyl and illicit drugs into the United States. A NOVEL USE OF THE LAW Prior to Trump, no president had used IEEPA to impose tariffs. The Justice Department has argued that the law allows tariffs under emergency provisions that authorize a president to regulate importation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law gives the president power to deal with "an unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security, foreign policy or economy. Typically, it has been used to impose sanctions on adversaries or freeze assets, including after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Trump cited the U.S. trade deficit as a national emergency. The United States has had a trade deficit every year since 1975. The Federal Circuit rejected Trump's interpretation of IEEPA. The court, in its unsigned opinion, wrote that "it is far from plain" that the law's language regarding regulating importation "includes the power to impose the tariffs at issue in this case." Taranto, however, embraced Trump's use of the law. The plaintiffs have asked the Supreme Court to look skeptically on Trump's expansive view of this law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If Congress intended IEEPA to authorize worldwide, variable and enduring tariff regimes, it would have said so," one group of plaintiffs wrote in court papers. (Reporting by John Kruzel; Editing by Amy Stevens and Will Dunham) A 35-year-old Odessa man was arrested Saturday after three girls came forward within three days to say he molested them. According to an Ector County Sheriffs Office report, deputies learned on Sept. 30 that a 12-year-old girl had reported being touched inappropriately by Foslin Samir Gamez Pineda back in May. During a forensic interview on Oct. 1, the girl said Gamez Pineda forced her to sit on his lap, touched her breasts, kissed her neck and asked for her to kiss him on the mouth, the report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 2, a 16-year-old girl told authorities Gamez Pineda touched her breasts when she was 10-years-old, forcibly kissed her on the mouth and forced him to touch him inappropriately, the report stated. Also on Oct. 2, another girl said that when she was 13-years-old and living in West Odessa Gamez Pineda tried to get on top of her after trying to touch her breast. Gamez Pineda was booked into the Ector County jail on suspicion of three counts of indecency with a child and his bail was set at $100,000. The post Odessan accused of molesting three girls appeared first on Odessa American. One Nigerian state plans to construct a solar-powered water treatment plant, which will help supply safe drinking water to thousands of local families. The Plateau government began construction of the plant in September, according to the Daily Nigerian. In addition to supplying clean drinking water to people across the state, using solar energy will help cut costs, according to Bashir Datti, Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy. Datti told the outlet that the project will serve as a model for the use of clean energy technology in water treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the immediate health impacts on local residents, processing water using clean, renewable energy sources such as solar can also help mitigate the effects of rising global temperatures by reducing the use of dirty fuels such as natural gas. According to a 2024 paper, Nigeria faces significant disparities in freshwater distribution. Researchers cited industrial waste, agricultural runoff, domestic sewage, and flooding as major sources of pollution that severely impact ground and surface water quality. Worldwide, more than 4 billion people are affected by a lack of access to potable water. The forthcoming water treatment plant in Plateau is among several initiatives underway worldwide aimed at improving water quality. For instance, one project in Ghana also relies on clean energy to supply residents with clean drinking water via solar-powered, mechanized water systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a team of scientists in China has developed a method to treat high-salinity wastewater, which can pose a threat to people, plants, animals, soil, and groundwater when released from facilities. Microplastic contamination is another emerging threat to water quality in communities worldwide. The good news is that scientists are discovering new ways to filter these pollutants out of drinking water, including one method that uses natural powder coagulants derived from the seeds of the clearing nut tree and chickpea. 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. After flash flooding devastated Bali, the governor enacted a ban on new commercial construction. The flooding caused extensive damage to homes and buildings and resulted in several deaths, per The Guardian. As a result, no permits for new hotels or restaurants will be issued for agricultural land and cleared rice fields. "We will ensure no more permits are issued for hotels, restaurants or other facilities on productive land," said Governor Wayan Koster, as reported by The Guardian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bali residents have faced growing concerns due to an influx of tourism. Some of the most pressing issues are pollution, traffic congestion, and more frequent flash flooding. According to The Guardian, many people have long advocated for stricter land-use regulations to reduce the impact of natural disasters. On top of that, a local climate agency predicted that Bali may have an extreme rainy season in 2025. That, combined with a waste management crisis, prompted the government to act, per the outlet. "I actually told the governor that I really hope he will immediately stop the land conversions," said environmental minister Hanif Faisal Nurofiq, per The Guardian. "This is extremely important." He also warned about the consequences of deforestation in the Ayung River Basin, which runs through several regions in Bali. Per TravelMole, Nurofiq said, "With only 3% forest cover left, its ability to absorb rainfall is dangerously low." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luckily, many government officials around the world have started to recognize the impact of overtourism, deforestation, and other concerns on the people who live there full-time. For instance, the governor of Illinois banned single-use personal care products in hotels to curb waste. Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has proposed land-use regulations similar to the ones in Bali. However, that's not to say that everyone is pleased by this development. One person on Facebook expressed their concerns, writing, "And who will enforce it? Law enforcement in Indonesia and Bali has been a joke." That said, the pros outweigh the cons, so long as the government enforces the new regulations. Between increased pollution, rising temperatures, overdevelopment, and deforestation, per The Guardian, this construction ban is promising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to help decrease the negative effects of overtourism, you can start by supporting eco-friendly travel destinations. 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. Officials in western Nepal have announced a total ban on plastic flower garlands, a staple decoration during major festivals and celebrations. According to The Rising Nepal, Musikot Municipality in Rukum West declared the decision following its 54th executive meeting, citing both environmental and cultural reasons for the shift. The ban prohibits the sale, use, and distribution of all plastic garlands and similar synthetic decorations within the municipality. According to Chief Administrative Officer Moha Prakash Giri, violators will face penalties under local regulations. Plastic flower garlands, though inexpensive and long-lasting, have become a major source of litter after holiday events, piling up in rivers, streets, and markets long after festivities end. By cutting down on single-use decorations, Musikot hopes to reduce waste and highlight the beauty of traditional, biodegradable crafts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Municipal spokesperson Samir Jung Mall said the initiative is part of a broader campaign to build a "clean and prosperous city," per The Rising Nepal. The municipality has already introduced new sanitation measures, including more public dustbins, expanded waste collection, and solar-powered streetlights. These efforts together aim to enhance community well-being and preserve the local landscape. While many have praised the ban as a forward-thinking environmental win, some residents have raised concerns about the affordability and accessibility of natural garlands, especially for lower-income families and vendors. Local officials say they're exploring programs to support artisans and small businesses producing sustainable alternatives, ensuring the transition benefits everyone. Bans like this are gaining traction worldwide. Cities from Mumbai to Manila have introduced similar restrictions on single-use plastic decorations, and many regions are finding that embracing traditional materials from dried flowers to woven leaves can revive local craftsmanship while cutting pollution. Efforts like Musikot's show how small policy changes can lead to big environmental and cultural impacts, bringing us all a step closer to a cleaner, more sustainable future. 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. One country is intensifying its efforts to combat single-use plastics by adding plastic beverage bottles to its nationwide ban. As Georgia Today reported, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture in Georgia has announced plans to move forward with a ban of plastic bottles. The move would restrict the use of plastic beverage bottles on public properties in the former Soviet country straddling Eastern Europe and Western Asia, as well as businesses in the service industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Ministry continues to work actively on regulating plastic use," said Solomon Pavliashvili, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia. "Establishing rules for bottled beverages is the next step in this reform. Our goal is to ensure coordination with the sector and develop regulations that balance environmental, health, and economic interests." Plastic products have long been the target of bans and restrictions by governments around the globe. Plastics are not typically biodegradable, meaning that they can take hundreds of years to break down and can leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water. They will also break apart into microplastics, which is a growing public health concern. Since most plastics are made from dirty fuels, their production contributes significantly to increased planet-warming pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a study from the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus and Ellipsis, researchers determined that plastic waste accounts for 88% of river pollution in western Georgia. Of that waste, 41% of it consisted of single-use plastic bottles. This isn't the first time that Georgia has made a concerted effort to reduce the amount of plastic pollution that it produces. According to the United Nations Development Programme, the production, import, and sale of plastic bags have been banned in Georgia since April 2019. The ban was approved in a push to promote the use of more sustainable packaging materials, such as biodegradable and compostable bags. Compostable and biodegradable bags are often made from plant-based materials that are able to decompose or break down naturally within a shorter time frame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, compostable and biodegradable bags can often be more expensive than traditional plastic bags, leading to a slower adoption by the public. This can also cause businesses to raise prices in order to purchase plastic alternatives. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is considering raising the state's standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS in public drinking water to match federal limits set in 2024, Wisconsin Public Radio reported in early October. However, those federal standards are currently being contested in court, and water utilities and chemical companies argue that this is grounds to oppose state-level adoption of more stringent guidelines. What's happening? Earlier this month, the WDNR held a public hearing to discuss and establish statewide drinking water standards, also known as Maximum Contaminant Levels. MCLs set the legally permitted limits for contaminants or pollutants in water, preventing water facilities and similar companies from distributing drinking water that is heavily contaminated. The state is considering aligning its MCLs with federal drinking water standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 2024, which regulate six common PFAS. In September, however, the EPA filed a motion in federal court to essentially rescind portions of the standards it had established last year under the previous administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a lawsuit filed by the American Water Works Association and Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies against the EPA in 2024 in response to its more stringent limits, the plaintiffs argue the agency "did not follow required legal steps under the Safe Drinking Water Act when it set new drinking water standards for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances under the Biden administration," according to Waste Dive. The EPA, under the Trump administration, has told the court that it now agrees with the plaintiffs regarding the inclusion of PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and GenX in its 2024 standards, with the Natural Resources Defense Council, an advocacy group, saying this could be seen as an agency rollback on those four PFAS chemicals. The EPA also announced last spring that it would extend the deadline for water and utility companies to comply with federal standards by two years, from 2029 to 2031. Those who oppose moving to align Wisconsin's drinking water standards with federal guidelines including water facilities and chemical companies are citing the deadline extensions and ongoing litigation as reasons to leave things the way they are. "It's premature and irresponsible for the DNR to replace our current PFAS drinking water standards with new, costlier federal standards that could change due to litigation or administrative action by the EPA," said Scott Manley, executive vice president of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, per WPR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detractors have noted the potential costs of raising drinking water standards in the state. The public radio outlet reported that the WDNR estimates higher standards "may cost water utilities and businesses $26.6 million" in the first year of implementation. Proponents of stricter limits say the health-related costs of PFAS contamination could far outstrip this estimate. Why is safe drinking water important? Safeguarding public drinking water is a national and global health priority. Relatedly, the EPA has previously recognized that exposure to PFAS may lead to adverse health effects, including reproductive issues, developmental concerns, and certain cancers. PFAS have been nicknamed "forever chemicals" for their persistence in the human body and the environment, as the class of synthetic chemicals does not readily break down. This could pose generational implications, with chemicals potentially passed from mother to child and soil and groundwater systems potentially polluted for decades, impacting wildlife and food systems. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What's being done? The WDNR hopes to submit its rule establishing stricter PFAS limits for approval by the Natural Resources Board in January 2026, WPR reported. The rule would then need to be approved by the governor and the legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the NRDC has said that the briefing regarding the EPA's motion to have the courts roll back portions of the 2024 federal standards "likely will be completed by winter or spring 2026." Since Wisconsin law requires state standards to be at least as strict as federal standards, those fighting to limit PFAS in drinking water may be feeling a sense of urgency to get more stringent state laws on the books. "If the challenge is successful, then obviously there would be no obligation for Wisconsin to comply with the [federal] rule because the rule wouldn't exist anymore," David Strifling, of the Water Law and Policy Initiative at Marquette University Law School, told WPR. PFAS already in the environment will need to be cleaned up regardless. The prevalence of the chemicals can make this difficult, but scientists are working to address the problem. One research team has developed a highly porous 3D-printed structure to attract and trap PFAS in water. Another has also experimented with using ultraviolet light to break down common PFAS compounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the fate of public drinking water standards at the federal and state levels remains uncertain, homeowners might consider installing water filters certified to remove PFAS and raising funds to make the technology more equitably accessible in their communities. 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. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) Tuesday is Election Day, and in Kentucky, itll look a lot different from 2024. Kentucky doesnt have any races on Nov. 4, but that doesnt mean election officials arent busy. We have to continually prepare for the next election and the next election and the next election, Taylor Brown, general counsel for the Kentucky Board of Elections, explained. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And 2026 is looking to be a big election year here in the Commonwealth. Weve got all the county races that will be on the ballot, Brown outlined. Weve got the U.S. Senate seat thats going to be, probably, you know, one of the more expensive races weve seen here in the state in a long time. As communities submit their plans for 2026s elections, Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office is getting ready for the next legislative session. We have a bill in the works to significantly increase funding for our county clerks, Adams said. They need that funding to pay poll workers. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Secretary Adams and Brown said there is a lot that can be learned from the last election cycle, part of which includes poll workers being ready. We had an issue in Jefferson County last year, where theyGod bless them. Its a long day. Its an early morning, but they just werent there early enough to turn on the Apple Books to warm them up and get them ready, Adams detailed. We actually may change the law if we need to, to make sure that never happens again. Officials also want to ensure that every Kentucky voter feels that when they step into the ballot box, their vote is safe and secure. This being a nonvoting year, we thought it was a good year to go through all of them, Brown outlined. Weve actually updated all of our administrative regulations again to make that experience for the voter that much smoother. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary Adams said over the course of the last year, there has been a surprisingly steady increase in voter registration, particularly among independents. Brown said the state board of elections has been getting info out to counties so they can start preparing for next year, as at the time of writing, there are 195 days until the Primary Election Day on May 19, 2026. 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 FOX 56 News. From left to right, Gov. Kevin Stitt, Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, discuss using an emergency fund to supplement Oklahoma food banks during the federal government shutdown at a meeting of the Contingency Review Board on Nov. 3, 2025. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY State officials voted Monday to send Oklahoma food banks $1 million a week if federal food assistance programs continue to lack funding during the government shutdown. The Contingency Review Board, whose voting members include Gov. Kevin Stitt, Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, unanimously approved the plan. The funding is approved for up to seven weeks, drawing from a state emergency fund that has a $7.8 million balance. The expenditure is contingent on a continued lack of federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funds will be administered to Oklahoma food banks through the state Department of Human Services. Two-thirds will be sent to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, which serves 53 counties in western and central Oklahoma, and the rest will go to the Eastern Food Bank of Oklahoma, which serves the rest of the state. The funding will only be distributed if money provided the previous week has been expended and it can only serve SNAP recipients. The panel also approved a $72,000 appropriation to upgrade software systems to allow state funds to be deposited onto SNAP recipients EBT cards. Officials said they want the ability to do this if its needed in the future. The panels vote comes as the Trump administration said Monday that it would partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides benefits to 42 million Americans using a $4.65 billion contingency fund. The administration warned though that it could take months for the benefits to reach recipients, which include over 680,000 Oklahomans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two federal judges ordered Friday that the Trump administration must continue administering the program, also known as food stamps amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has entered its second month. Stitt said state officials will continue to monitor when the states savings account might be used. If the shutdown persists until Dec. 1, more federal programs like Medicaid, child care and the military will be affected, he said. Over the next couple of weeks, I think itll be clear if we need to do something like that, Stitt said. You saw the Trump administration released today that 50% of the money would be to fund, which we still are waiting on guidance. We dont know if thats just going to be added to a card. We dont know if its going to be prioritized to certain individuals. We just dont know yet. Stitt, Hilbert and Paxton all again called on Congress to end the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Mondays vote, Oklahoma Democrats said this action wasnt enough and doubled down on their call for a special session to tap into the states savings, which has about $1.3 billion. State law limits its use and how much can be spent from the fund. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services, which administers SNAP, did not answer questions Monday afternoon about how long it would take for funding to be restored and what the average cut would likely be to Oklahomans. At this time, Oklahoma Human Services is awaiting updated guidance from our federal partners at USDA, the agency said in a statement in response. While we await further instruction, we remain focused on doing everything we can to preserve critical services and supports for Oklahomans who rely on them. The state leaders have also called on Oklahomans, nonprofits and food banks to step in to fill the gap in services while the federal government is shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will cost the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Eastern Food Bank of Oklahoma $5.5 million each per month to double their efforts, which officials said will not be enough as the groups only provide one meal for every nine that SNAP does. The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1 because Congress has failed to find a bipartisan path forward on a stopgap spending bill by the start of the federal fiscal year. A Republican proposal seeks to temporarily keep the government open through Nov. 21. Democrats back a separate plan to permanently restore health subsidies for those who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Anna Staver cleveland.com COLUMBUS, Ohio A growing wave of drivers emboldened by online know your rights videos has prompted Ohio lawmakers to consider jailing people who refuse to identify themselves during traffic stops. House Bill 492, up for its third hearing on Tuesday, would both expand an existing interference statute and create a new refusal to disclose offense for drivers. The measure would make it a fourth-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail for a motorist to refuse to provide their name, address, or date of birth during a traffic stop when an officer suspects a traffic or equipment violation. It would also broaden the definition of interference during an arrest under Ohios motor vehicle code, raising that penalty from a minor misdemeanor to a second-degree misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not cooperating shouldnt be treated like a minor inconvenience, Rep. Sharon Ray, a Wadsworth Republican, said. Ohio courts have repeatedly found that refusing to identify yourself during a traffic stop doesnt qualify as obstructing official business, the charge officers typically rely on in those situations. In Toledo v. Dandridge, the Sixth District Court of Appeals ruled in 2013 that a drivers refusal to provide a name or license was not obstruction because it wasnt an affirmative act. The Eighth District reached the same conclusion in 2020 in State v. Ellis, overturning a conviction where the defendant merely refused to cooperate with fingerprinting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have extremely polite folks who wont give their identification, Ray said. Republican Rep. Cindy Abrams, a former Cincinnati police officer, said that puts officers in a difficult position unsure whether theyre dealing with a harmless protest or something far more serious. She once had a man refuse to tell her who he was, only to discover he was wanted for murder in Akron once she ran his fingerprints. The bill is backed by the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio and other law enforcement groups, who say theres no clear resolution to the legal gray area without a legislative fix. These people, along with sovereign citizens, will turn on their cameras and escalate a rather mundane event by arguing with officers and challenging them until force is the only option left, FOP of Ohio lobbyist Mike Weinman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters emphasized that HB 492 wouldnt give police new authority to demand identification in every situation. Officers could only charge someone if theyre stopped on a road or waterway for a suspected violation like speeding, running a red light or failing to signal. Cincinnati Democratic Rep. Cecil Thomas, also a former police officer, initially expressed some reservations during HB 492s first hearing but appeared to later change his mind. I dont have a problem with the bill, Thomas said during the second hearing. I think its a good bill. A domestic violence awareness ribbon. (Stock photo from Getty Images.) If you are experiencing relationship abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. Domestic violence survivor Breaunna Nooks remembers how her abuser went with her to every doctors appointment. When the nurse quietly asked me, Do you feel safe at home? he was sitting right there beside me, watching to see what I would say, Nooks said during a recent press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That day, I realized something silence was built into the system. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX She reached out to state Rep. Dontavius Jarrells, D-Columbus, with a question what happens when a domestic violence survivor doesnt feel safe in the hospital? That question led Jarrells and state Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania, to introduce the Break the Silence Act. The bill is waiting to be assigned a number and a committee. It builds a consistent statewide standard so every hospital and urgent care in Ohio knows how to respond when abuse walks through the door, Jarrells said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It turns compassion into action through training, documentation and clear procedures that ensure no survivor is left unseen or unheard. Maria York, policy director at Ohio Domestic Violence Network, explained how the Break the Silence Act would be implemented when a domestic violence survivor shows up at a hospital or urgent care with injuries. The care team takes private time with a patient, interviewing them separately from other family or household members, asking safety-focused questions, and clearly documenting injuries, she said. If violence is disclosed or suspected, the health care professional offers supportive materials and makes a warm referral to a local program that can help with safety planning and resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement York said this approach is consistent with guidance from national experts at Futures Without Violence. Strong partnerships with local domestic violence programs let care teams make warm handoffs, coordinate safety planning and support survivors beyond discharge, she said. Domestic violence survivors typically experience a myriad of responses from medical professionals depending on where they seek treatment, said Amber Howell, a clinical supervisor for Nationwide Childrens Hospital Center for Family Safety and Healing. The Break the Silence Act recognizes that disparity and takes meaningful steps towards building a consistent statewide standard of response, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation is grounded in the belief that safety should never depend on geography, training levels or institutional capacity. Ohio Women Against Domestic Network Founder Diana Williams remembers hiding her bruises and said the care she received as a domestic violence survivor depended on where she went. At a neighborhood clinic, I was met with kindness and compassion, possibly because they felt sorry for me or maybe they could relate, she said. At a hospital, I was met with confusion, with disbelief and no guidance on what to do next. That kind of inconsistency can cost lives. Domestic violence fatalities saw an increase this past year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 157 intimate partner relationship fatalities in 108 cases from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, according to a new report from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. Of this years fatalities, 95 were victims and 62 were perpetrators. There were 82 male fatalities and 75 female fatalities. The report showed that 84% of all fatalities were a result of gun violence. It said 144 people were shot in 108 cases and only 12 people survived. And 56% of the primary victims killed were people of color. Intimate partner violence fatalities happened in 36 of Ohios 88 counties in 2025, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Franklin County had the most with 33, followed by Cuyahoga County with 20. Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said his office averages between 5,000-6,000 domestic violence cases a year. The health care worker may be the victims first line of defense as a catalyst to change their lives for the better, he said. Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Nov. 3The state is moving to allocate $2.5 million to purchase Hara Arena's former site in Trotwood and Harrison Twp. to develop a brand new, state-run behavioral health hospital to be known as the Miami Valley Behavioral Healthcare Hospital. The Ohio Controlling Board, which processes requests for set-aside state funding, will consider the state's request at its Nov. 10 meeting. If approved, this would finalize the state's search for a hospital site ever since it identified the area as an optimal spot to build Ohio's sixth state-run mental health hospital in June 2024. "A number of sites were viewed and considered; however, due to various factors, including but not limited to, property shape, buildable area, access to highways and amenities, and available utilities, the location of the proposed site is preferred," the request reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 133.4-acre site, currently owned by Tax Redevelopment, LLC, was valued at about $2.5 million, $3.4 million and $3.7 million in three separate appraisals. The state, the request reads, "intends to acquire the property at the proposed purchase price of $3.3 million ($2.5 million will be a cash payment and the remaining amount of $800,000 will be a donation to the state)." The state expects 285,000 square feet of new construction, with the hospital's capacity capping out around 208 beds. "This new proposed facility will provide a secure environment for residential patient units, clinical/admitting space, a full kitchen, indoor and outdoor recreation, and required support operations consisting of administrative offices, food and bulk storage facilities and maintenance operations," the request reads. The request makes several mentions of safety measures, including the development of a "safe and secure building envelope" for patients built of "materials and fixtures suitable for use by the intended occupant." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local officials in Trotwood and Harrison Twp. made public, contrasting stances on the idea of a behavioral health hospital once it became clear the state was honing in on the Hara Arena site. While township officials viewed the project as "transformational," Trotwood Mayor Yvette Page wrote in a press release, "placing a forensic facility at the former Hara Arena site does not align with our vision for economic revitalization, job creation, and quality of life improvements for Trotwood residents." The city of Trotwood did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Note: This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. ------ Advertisement 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... The cover of Beth Macy's new book, "Paper Girl." Do you think majorities in small towns and rural communities keep voting against their own interests? Are you mystified why some believe the things they do? If so, you should read Beth Macys new book. You might think you already know the reason: That people in those places rely on a right-wing media machine that pumps out a 24/7 blast of disinformation. But its not that simple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macy shows how that machine filled a vacuum left by the demise of local journalism. It also followed decades of disinvestment in education. And trade policies enthusiastically backed by Democrats and Republicans that devastated small businesses and working people. And an opioid epidemic that is now an intergenerational affliction. Theres also the fact that a lot of more-comfortable people have been scornful without any real understanding of how dire things have become. A native of Urbana, Ohio, Macy is an accomplished journalist and author. In her critically acclaimed book Dopesick, she chronicled the way Purdue Pharma addicted vulnerable Americans, devastated millions of families and made off with the profits. Her latest book, Paper Girl, a Memior of Home and Family in a Fractured America, examines the impact those and other malign forces have had on her own Ohio hometown. Bubbles Beth Macys new book is about her hometown of Urbana, Ohio, and how much the middle class has been hollowed out. (Courtesy photo by Meredith Roller.) Macy herself was hardly a product of Urbanas country club set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was among the poorest kids in my class, and I felt it, she writes. Not just as I delivered newspapers from the back of my ten speed, befriending up and down the class ladder, but also on my block of South Walnut Street, where slurry voices inside our house sometimes pierced the joyful noise of our kickball games and hide-and-seek. Macy grew up with her share of trauma in the humble part of town. And shes spent a career examining whats happened to the powerless. Even so, she wasnt prepared for what she found in todays Urbana. Starting the project, Macy, now of Roanoke, Va., made extended visits to Ohio and did multiple interviews with family members and high-school friends, including the Urbana police chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She saw alienation, misinformation, and desperation that blew her away. I think it says were living in total bubbles, Macy said in an October interview. I live in a blue dot in southwest Virginia in a city of roughly a quarter-million people, and my friends think exactly what I think, for the most part. I get along with my neighbors who are of various political stripes, but you know who you can talk to about politics and who you cant. Stepping outside those bubbles can be disquieting. Macy described being driven around town by a high school friend who was a firefighter. He pointed out places where he revived people who were overdosing, a sadly common experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then he started talking about who was QAnon, Macy said, referring to a far-right conspiracy theory. It claims that President Donald Trump is fighting a cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles. Some people believe in it despite an utter lack of evidence and despite Trumps obvious reluctance to release investigative files about real-life pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. It was people Id known, Macy said of the QAnon adherents her friend identified. Store owners and nurses and a dear friend whod organized the class reunion. And then to just hear it out of their mouths and just hatred for the press. Id say, Im the press. And theyd be like, Oh, youre OK. There were all these far-fetched theories they were comfortable saying to someone they hadnt spoken to in 40 years. My jaw dropped on an almost hourly basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her book, she described her friend Karla, a lawyer. She went to dinner one night with four friends, two of whom were her cousins. She told them shed gotten the COVID vaccine that day. We were hanging out, our drinks had come, but we hadnt ordered yet, and they all got up and left,' Macy quotes Karla as saying. I said, You guys are joking, right? And they were like, No, we dont want to get COVID, and youre actively sloughing off virus at our table.' Those stories might help explain why a majority keeps voting for U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, a Republican who lives in Urbana. Known for his fiery appearances in committee hearings and on right-wing media, Jordan hasnt passed a single piece of legislation in his 18 years in Congress. Unreported hardship There isnt just one reason for the wildfire spread of suicidal poppycock. But a big one Macy identified was the decline of her local newspaper. Its especially painful to her because she worked there both as a delivery girl and then as a reporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her research trips to Urbana, Macy met and followed young people who, like her, came from the poor side of town. They include Silas James, a trans man who grew up having to act as the functional adult in an extremely dysfunctional family. An excellent student, Silas faced a titanic struggle figuring out how to go to Clark State College to study welding. He didnt have access to the financial aid Macy and her cohort did, but hed gotten scholarships. But then Silas also had to find a way to reliably make the 30-minute drive. There were times when it might as well have been 3 days. Macy said he was far from alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a community in which nearly a third of kids are chronically absent from school, they also face fallout from the Great Recession, the family-dissolving opioid crisis, and lives lived on social media that can be astonishingly vapid and cruel. Even the exceptional kids like Silas find it almost impossible to make a better life, no matter how hard they try. Macy said she learned its far harder now to climb out than when she did it in the 1980s. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Theres so many ways to count it, she said. I was desperate not to be just anecdotal, so I interviewed the police chief and the fire chief who runs (emergency medical services) multiple times just to get hard data. I asked how many mental health calls (a year) did you get when you started in the mid-80s? Forty. How many do you get now? Three hundred seventy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not making that up. Id tell my friends who are in the professional class in Urbana, and theyd say, Well, isnt it like that everywhere? And Id say, This is your local community and you had no idea.' In her book, Macy writes that while the local paper used to cover everything from DUIs to city council meetings to fire station fundraisers, readers were now left to rely on press releases and Facebook posts, creating a gaping void in my communitys understanding of itself. People now knew every detail of what their national political candidates were saying and doing, but almost nothing about the lives of their neighbors. Without a healthy local newspaper, better-off Urbana residents had no clue how the other half was living. In a group interview, even retired teachers were shocked to learn about plunging rates of attendance and language proficiency among students in their own community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the hollowing out of the middle class you have the country club set and what someone called the ghetto set and neither knows what the other is doing and theres no real press to report on that, Macy said. Hurt dogs bite None of the problems facing the small-town and rural poor are helped by what Macy sees as a lack of empathy thats too common on the left. She said many urban and suburban professionals dont see the harm that the 1992 North American Free Trade Agreement did to communities such as Urbana. At another authors book-signing, Macy got into a discussion with a prominent photographer, who asserted that Democrats hadnt done a thing to piss anybody off on the other side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Telling the woman about her trips back home, I suggested that maybe she was too insulated to understand the utter rage provoked by globalization, Christian nationalism and rural despair and how truly nihilistic the American experiment seemed to be turning, Macy writes in her book. We argued for a bit and then she pushed back hard, as if she didnt believe me. Finally I threw up my arms and sputtered out the rawest description I could manage on the spot: Hurt dogs bite. Macy described how, with the rise of online tribalism and the demise of a journalistic town square, people have been radicalized to their own detriment. A former boyfriend had worked as a journalist, and back then he was one of the most liberal people she knew. But he felt increasingly alienated over not agreeing to every bit of the orthodoxy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described moving away from the Democrats, as he describes it, for being vilified by his friends, Macy said. The Democrats havent done everything right by any means. Look at globalization Clinton said it was a win-win, and places like Urbana will never see it as a win-win. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Its not like (her ex) is wrong about everything. But once his community shuts him off, then he finds community on the internet. So when I ask him where hes getting these whackadoodle beliefs I dont ask him like that he says hes spending four to seven hours a day reading (what is actually) Russian propaganda. Believing Obamacare was a scam, he declined to carry health insurance and was dead at 63. Hope Macys mother was dying in 2020 in the midst of one of the most traumatic presidential elections in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As it happened, Macy was shocked by the information chasm dividing her own family. A Newsmax-watching sister denied clear election results as our mother was literally breathing her last breaths. I thought, holy crap, whats happened to my family, my community and my country? That sister had also spent years denying that her husband a Christian conservative whom her preacher told her to marry had molested her daughter from an earlier marriage, Macy writes. Her denial amplified the trauma. Such trauma is disturbingly common, and has an impact on political discourse. Macy quoted Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Barbara Kingsolver, who has written extensively about life among the poor in Appalachia. When people are living with a lot of trauma and poverty, it changes their thinking process; they see things more in black and white, all or nothing, she quoted Kingsolver as saying. My plea is for respect to think about talking with people who disagree with you and carrying some respect to the conversation because nothing else will work. Macy said that fits well with what the experts she spoke to said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE We have to connect the disparate threads in our life, she said. We have to build the community. So doing things, meeting new people, connecting them with other people, its actually fun. Its an antidote to despair. That includes talking earnestly with people with whom you might not be in perfect agreement. Macy described how her Fox News-watching brother traveled from Urbana to Roanoke to see her nonbinary childs band play. Tim didnt know anyone who was nonbinary, but he loved the music and he loved my kid, she said. He asked me questions that werent mean-spirited. He taught me that you can ask a hard question. You can extend each other grace. As high as she found Urbanas social siloes to be, Macy said she wants to keep them from fossilizing there and elsewhere. That means taking action. Shes been doing things like passing out narcan kits and joining the board of a diaper bank. Audrey Lorde said that despair is the tool of our enemies, Macy said. I know there are days when you just want to hide, but weve got to get out there. As I say in the book, we have to scramble for hope fiercely the way a farm girl wrestles a muddy sow. We have to flex those hope muscles and figure out what we can do and how we can get our voices heard. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) confirms the Oklahoma County Jail never produced an incident report on 18-year-old Antonio Hendricks, who left the custody of the jail with a traumatic brain injury in October. Clearly something happened while he was there, whether it was facility-related or whether it was staff-related or another inmate or some other medical episode, something happened, said Spencer Bryan, Hendricks attorney. KFOR first reported this story weeks ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: 18-year-old ends up in coma after spending less than a day at the Oklahoma County Jail Bryan says that despite mandatory reporting laws, the State Department of Health had no report from the jail about his client. Anytime we start investigating something that happened inside a jail, oftentimes well reach out to the state department of health to get whats called a jail incident report, which is mandatory reporting established by the Oklahoma Administrative Code or the jail standards, Bryan said. When we got a response from the Department of Health. It was surprising because the only thing that they had in this particular circumstance was the story that was done originally on Mr. Hendricks, which, quite honestly, I have never seen that in 20-plus years of doing jail and prison litigation. The Department of Health confirmed that they learned about what happened to Hendricks through our reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OSDH will investigate this incident during the next inspection to review the facilitys actions as they relate to the Jail Standards Act. If the alleged incident is substantiated, the facility will be cited for failure to report. We can confirm that OSDH had no prior record or report of this incident before it was publicly disclosed on the news. At this time, OSDH is unable to provide any additional facts or details concerning the alleged incident due to the pending investigation, said OSDH External Affairs Manager, Erica Rankin-Riley. Bryan explained, the lack of reporting is just another red flag in this case. This reporting requirement is very loosely enforced, which is problematic because the State Department of Health is charged with investigating incidents that happen inside these facilities, and if they dont know that they happen, then theres no investigation, he said. In a previous update from the jails Communication Director, Mark Opgrande, he said the investigation had been turned over to the Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office. When KFOR asked the DAs Office about the case, we were told they hadnt received anything in connection with Hendricks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opgrande clarified today that the jails Internal Affairs Division is still investigating. When asked about the missing incident report, the jail declined to comment due to the ongoing investigation. Clovia Long, Hendricks mother, says he is now awake, but he has a long recovery ahead of him. When I went to visit him, he was doing pretty good. He was sitting up. He still cant walk on his own and hasnt been able to talk much. He says, Mama, no, and for the majority, his communications are shaking his head yes or no or snapping his fingers, Long said. But when it comes to answers, Hendricks family and his attorney still dont have any. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel as though that theyre ducking in their responsibility with Antonio, but I will find out what happened, said Long. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) With the federal government shutdown threatening to cut off SNAP food benefits for thousands of Oklahomans, state leaders voted Monday to tap emergency funds to keep food assistance goingbut only for a limited time. If the federal government shutdown doesnt end by Tuesday night, it will become the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Caught in the crosshairs are funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which helps millions of Americans buy food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Oklahoma leaders approved temporary emergency measures to keep the program alive in the state. Oklahoma officials approve emergency food assistance funding At a special-called meeting of the state Contingency Review Board on Monday evening, Governor Kevin Stitt, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, and Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton voted to dip into the states emergency fund to help cover food aid. The board approved $1 million per week for Oklahoma food banks using the states $7.8 million emergency fund. That funding will only last seven weeks if the shutdown continues. I think all of America, myself, the state leaders Ive talked to, the Oklahomans Ive talked toare asking when is this gonna end? Stitt said during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shutdown has halted federal funding for SNAP benefits, which 1 in 6 Oklahomans rely on to get meals on the table. Stitt called the situation a federal problem that Congress has got to fix. The board also approved $72,000 to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to help administer the benefits. The $72,000 we just authorized allows us now to add money to those EBT cards, Stitt said. Oklahoma House Democrats released a statement thanking state leaders for acting, but argued more should be done. They pointed out that while leaders voted to use the $7.8 million emergency fund, the states Rainy Day fund contains more than $1.3 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We reiterate our request to use Rainy Day funds for food banks and want to consider other solutions, the statement said in part. Democratic lawmakers also said they want Oklahoma to create a state-funded emergency SNAP program, so benefits dont hang in the balance during future shutdowns. Meanwhile, Stitt said the state is preparing contingency plans for other programsincluding Medicaid and military-related fundingthat could be affected if the shutdown continues into December. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Oklahoma is one of five states in the U.S. where over 15.9% of the population depends on SNAP benefits. Due to the government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds were not distributed on Nov. 1, leaving approximately 685,000 Oklahomans in food insecurity. In the 2024 fiscal year, SNAP served 41.7 million people on average each month, which is around 12.3% of the nation's population. SNAP is the United States' largest domestic nutrition program, according to the USDA, and accounts for about two-thirds of USDA food and nutrition assistance spending in recent years. SNAP is a mandatory program, but it still depends on congressional authorization for continued funding. Congress did not approve a budget before the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accounting for per capita, Oklahoma received one of the largest shares of SNAP benefits. Other states like Oregon, New Mexico and Louisiana received more than Oklahoma. When it comes to how the state divies out the allocations, Oklahoma's most populous counties account for the majority of households on SNAP, while the most affected counties lie on the state's borders. Here's how Oklahoma ranks overall and what counties will be most affected without a deal from Congress ending the shutdown. How many Oklahoma families use SNAP? California is home to the highest number of SNAP recipients in the country, due to the state's larger population. Over five million Californians rely on food stamps. Because of its smaller population, Oklahoma is in the lower range when it comes to how many residents receive SNAP benefits, yet the number makes up 17% of Oklahomans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, when looking at the percentage of SNAP beneficiaries in a state's population, Oklahoma ranks among the top, with 16.8% of the total population receiving SNAP benefits in 2024. With these adjustments, states like Oregon, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma also move to the top, but some more populous states like Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan and Illinois are still rank high, though their percentage only accounts for less than or about 15% of their total population. Oklahoma families affected by SNAP pause According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the majority of Oklahoma's counties see at least 10% of their total households receiving SNAP benefits. When it comes to the counties affected the most by the pause, most are concentrated on the southeast Arkansas border. However, Adair County, in the northeast corner, will be the most affected, with almost a quarter of households receiving SNAP benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, the two most populous counties, have 12% and 10% of their households receiving SNAP recipient benefits, respectively. The percentages are roughly middle of the pack for the state, but with Oklahoma County having 323,102 households and Tulsa County having 268,530 households, these percentages result in a combined approximately 65,600 households. For context, Oklahoma's most affected 14 counties, depicted in the darkest shade, have a combined 103,216 total households. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How many Oklahomans are on SNAP, food stamps? See US, state data A state board has approved the governor's plan to send $1 million a week to food banks to help feed Oklahoma families amid the government shutdown. The Contingency Review Board unanimously voted to approve the disbursement at an emergency meeting Monday, Nov. 3. The money will come from the State Emergency Fund, which has $7.8 million. It will go out immediately and continue for up to seven weeks, or until funding for federal food assistance is restored. The vote comes two days after funding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program lapsed. One in six Oklahomans relies on that monthly funding to help pay for groceries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a federal problem that Congress has got to fix," Stitt said before the board vote. In the face of the federal government shutdown, Stitt said more furloughs at state agencies are possible, and that he would monitor whether to call a special session and tap into the state's $1.3 billion in rainy day funds, which would require a two-thirds vote from the Legislature to spend. Stitt's plan for the food bank funding was supported by his two fellow Republicans on the board, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, of Bristow, and Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, of Tuttle. The fourth, non-voting, member of the board is David Ostrowe, the director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Ostrowe did not attend the emergency meeting. Two-thirds of the weekly payment of $1 million will go to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, and one-third to the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma in Tulsa. Both organizations distribute food to community-based pantries and partners. How Oklahoma could potentially contribute to SNAP EBT cards The board also approved a one-time payment of $72,000 to go toward technological advancements that will allow the state to contribute to SNAP EBT cards. The board did not discuss when or if any contributions would occur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weekly payments to food banks will go out only if the federal shutdown continues, and the prior week's money has been spent. On Monday, the Trump administration said it would send out partial payments to SNAP recipients after two courts ordered it to continue the funding. The payments will cover "50% of eligible households current allotments." Democratic lawmakers in Oklahoma have called for a special special session so lawmakers could consider spending more money to cover the gap, saying the state already faces high rates of food insecurity. House Democratic Leader Sen. Julia Kirt reiterated the party's calls for a special session on Monday, saying the $1 million was a start, but does not make up for the missed federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to come in, get to work and make sure we have funds ready for these big challenges immediately, Kirt, of Oklahoma City, said in a statement. In a typical month, Oklahoma receives about $130 million to $140 million in SNAP funding, officials have said. Stacy Dykstra, the president and CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, said in a statement that the $1 million in weekly state funding represents only a fraction of what will be required; however, it will provide critical support allowing us to begin getting meals to the most vulnerable Oklahomans. Stitt's office has said the funding will be prioritized for children and Oklahomans who are elderly or disabled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahomans who need help can go to www.BeANeighbor.org to find the closest food assistance to them. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma will send money to food banks until SNAP funding restored Olle Lundberg, a San Francisco architect who designed the city's "wavy" bus stop shelters and was known for his craft-driven design approach epitomized in notable restaurants, died suddenly on Oct. 31, according to a social media post. He was 70. Lundberg established his firm, Lundberg Design, in 1987 and became a leading member of the Bay Area architecture milieu, known for his projects that celebrated the use of certain materials and craftsmanship. In 1996, Lundberg moved his growing practice to San Francisco's Dogpatch, converting an old mattress factory into a combined architecture studio and makers' space. The 3rd Street studio became a fixture of the architecture and design community in San Francisco, blending the manufacturing and architectural design aspects of the industry in one place. Lundberg's most ubiquitous design is likely his unique SFMTA bus shelters, but he is also well known for work he's done at the former Twitter headquarters, restaurants such as Flour + Water and Slanted Door, and several high-end residences. Attendees wave from a MUNI bus shelter during SF Pride parade on Market Street in 2022. The iconic shelter's were designed by Lundberg Design. The firm's founder, Olle Lundberg has died. (Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle) To his wife Mary Breuer and his team, colleagues, clients and collaborators, Lundberg was "larger than life," according to an obituary written in Lundberg's memory on the firm's social media post. "He had a unique take on the profession of architecture, and the ability to describe important ideas about the significance of design at any scale in a compelling way, influencing many practitioners and clients," the post says. "His legacy of craft and material-focused architectural design work has made an indelible imprint on the practice of architecture which will be carried on by his firm." Lundberg also was an inspiration to many because he was self-made and was filled with a "spirit of invention and a relentless obsession with fabrication and craft," the post goes on. Lundberg wrote about his passion for craft and design in his first book, "An Architecture of Craft," published by Princeton Architectural Press and Chronicle Books. When he died, Lundberg was preparing a series of book talks and events, the post says, and details will follow soon regarding those events. "To those who knew him, Olle was a force. He was endlessly curious, creative, kind, passionate, and an incredible friend," the post says. "His influence reaches far beyond our studio walls, and his spirit will continue to guide the work we do every day." In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to donate to the Redwood Coast Humane Society in Lundberg's memory. This article originally published at Olle Lundberg, S.F. architect who designed Muni bus shelters and Flour + Water, dies at 70 . ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- When a report of child abuse is made in West Texas, many families eventually find their way to Harmony Home Childrens Advocacy Center, a nonprofit that has spent more than three decades supporting children through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Texas confirmed more than 68,000 victims of abuse and neglect last year, according to the states Department of Family and Protective Services. Neglect continues to make up the largest share of those cases. Sexual abuse remains one of the most serious issues advocacy centers deal with. Amanda Allen, Harmony Homes marketing director, said the numbers in Odessa arent much different. According to reports, in 2024, the center served 623 children, each of whom made an outcry that required forensic interviews, advocacy support, or therapy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We see a lot of neglect and then the sexual abuse cases with our children, Allen said. Its a huge problem, something we really wish we could get in front of and correct. At Harmony Home, children meet with a trained forensic interviewer who guides them through their story at a pace thats safe. The conversation is recorded, so the child doesnt have to repeat the details over and over again as the investigation moves forward. Once the interview is completed, families move into therapy and long-term advocacy. The center offers cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and other trauma-informed care options. Allen said that none of the childrens timelines look the same. Once theyve gone through all those services and therapy, we have a little graduation party, she said. It takes as long as it takes, and we let the child lead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That work now stretches beyond Odessa. Harmony Home began in 1993 with a focus on Ector County, but the center has since expanded into Ward, Reeves, Winkler, Pecos, Crane, and Upton counties. Over the years, the nonprofit opened additional offices in Monahans and Pecos to reduce the burden of travel for families. Today, Harmony Home serves more than 600 children on average across seven counties. Their programs now include forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health therapy, prevention education, and a program dedicated to helping families navigate neglect-related cases. And that support doesnt just happen inside the building. The nonprofit is also making continuous outreach efforts through the school districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harmony Home staff spend a lot of time inside ECISD classrooms teaching students about boundaries, safe touch, and what to do if something doesnt feel right. And those lessons are paying off. According to Allen, the lessons have led to meaningful disclosures from children who didnt understand that what they were experiencing was abuse. Weve had children come in and say, I didnt realize what was happening to me wasnt normal, she said. They didnt know until they were trained in that school setting that they didnt have to keep secrets. Kids are realizing they can tell someone. And according to Executive Director Carrie Bronaugh, the purpose has always been to meet families where they are, whether thats inside the center or through its prevention efforts. In 2024 alone, we were able to reach 20,000 children with our child safety matters training, Bronaugh said in a video published on the Harmony Home website. That training is focused on what abuse is, the forms of abuse, who safe adults could be and digital safety, which is a huge issue were facing today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the center also trained nearly 900 adults last year in recognizing and reporting child abuse. A lot of adults dont understand how to react to it, Bronaugh said in the video. So getting in front of them and being able to explain that helps them feel more comfortable and confident in reporting. And the cases children disclose are often serious. Bronaugh said many outcries involve physical abuse, sexual abuse or exposure to violent crime. Some children also enter therapy after losing a sibling or another child in the home to fatal abuse. On average, Harmony Home conducts between 35 and 45 forensic interviews every month, according to Bronaughs video testimony. She said the need shows no signs of slowing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You think about all the children that have yet to tell their story, to yet find their adult that they trust enough to tell their story, she said. As the investigations continue on the law enforcement side, the centers long-term goal is to help children move forward without carrying the weight of trauma into adulthood. Bronaugh said untreated abuse can follow a child for years, leading to struggles with mental health, relationships, education, or addiction. Without Harmony Home, we would have a lot of kiddos in this community who would carry the abuse with them for a long time, she said in the video. But the centers work doesnt stop there. Harmony Home is also dedicated to giving back to the families it serves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the holidays approach, Harmony Home is preparing for its annual Christmas Client Adoption Program. Families served through the center submit wish lists, and community members adopt them by buying gifts. Children who were interviewed in previous years, especially those still in therapy, are also included. We adopt them out family at a time, Allen said. A family of two or a family of six, whatever people choose to support. It means a lot to these kids. The center is also working toward a major expansion at its Odessa headquarters. After spending more than 30 years in the same building, one that staff say has long outgrown its needs, Harmony Home is raising the final funds for an $11 million facility planned for the lot behind its current location. The expansion will allow them to increase therapy capacity, expand staff space, and design a layout that better supports forensic and mental-health practices. Were 91% funded right now. So just that extra 9%, were trying to get that final stretch done so we can start groundbreaking and getting that going, and were really excited for that, Allen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with the upcoming growth, Allen said the heart of the work hasnt changed and that she hopes every child who walks through the doors of Harmony Home remembers this: I just hope that they remember that if bad things happen to us, especially as children, its not our fault, she said. There are good people in the world that want to help and see you heal and provide betterthat healings possible and there are good people in the world, just like there are bad people. Harmony Home continues to assist hundreds of children each year across the Permian Basin, offering them a chance to feel safe, supported, and believed, sometimes for the first time in their lives. If you want to help and be a part of the work and impact that Harmony Home is making, whether it be through donations for its expansion, Christmas Client Adoption, or other events, visit this website: www.ohhcac.org. Or call 432-333-5233 for more information on how to get involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. It has been one year since President Donald Trump was elected to the Oval Office for the second time. Even though only 12 months have passed since the Nov. 5, 2024, presidential election and even less time since Trump actually took office some of the most extreme factions in the country and the government have been given the green light to tear down public institutions, democracy and society as we know it. Politics: Ex-White House Ethics Lawyer Thinks This 'Besetting Sin' May Ultimately Trigger Trumps Downfall Some of this is connected to whom Trump has in his inner circle and what lessons he learned from his first time around. The president has surrounded himself with advisers and officials whose requirements appear to be sufficient loyalty to him and willingness to enact the most extreme parts of his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the most prominent Trump world figures have been pushing increasingly far-right agendas that would have been unthinkable just a year ago. Theres Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who openly shared a post from a right-wing pastor who doesnt believe women should be able to vote. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has been the driving force behind an extensive anti-immigration policy that has swept up people for deportation on the thinnest of pretexts. And Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doled out dangerous medical advice during a measles outbreak. In the first Trump administration, there were more people in government who were trying to slow down some of the most illegal policies, Heidi Altman, the vice president of policy at the National Immigration Law Center, told HuffPost. Those people are no longer in place. But its not just government officials who have felt fortified in their beliefs in the last year: The constellation of right-wing groups seeking to push an anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-democracy agenda have been reveling in the last year, moving the goalposts further and further as they are increasingly emboldened by the rhetoric coming from the highest echelons of government. Politics: Trump Spends Election Day Having A Meltdown About A Lot Of Things Conservative activists, red state governors and lawmakers are suddenly challenging long-standing policies and precedents that have been widely considered settled laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocacy groups have been pushing to put the Ten Commandments in every public classroom, despite the First Amendment which bars the government from establishing a religion. Louisiana became the first state to implement such a law in 2024, and when Trump got reelected, several red states hurried to pass similar measures. Then theres Floridas move to end vaccine mandates for public school children despite the countless lives that vaccines have saved. Theres even a movement to end the constitutional right for same-sex couples to marry, even though the Supreme Courts landmark decision asserted the right barely a decade ago. Not only are they getting what they want, theyre pushing for more, Rachel Carroll Rivas, the interim director of the intelligence project at the Southern Poverty Law Center, told HuffPost. Life: Former MAGA Supporters Reveal What Finally Made Them Dump Trump Trump and his supporters claim that his victory in 2024 means his ultra-conservative agenda for America is popular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people of America gave @realDonaldTrump a crystal clear mandate for change tonight, Elon Musk, who served as a special government employee from January to July 2025, posted on X on election night. We The People made our voices heard by re-electing President Trump in a historic landslide to save our country, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), a major Trump ally, said in a statement after Trump was declared the victor. The data, however, doesnt support that idea. Trump won the national vote by only 1.5%, one of the smallest margins in recent history, and did not crack 50% of the popular vote. Nor are his policies popular: A March 2025 Pew Research poll found broad support for deporting at least some immigrants who are here without authorization, but those same respondents didnt believe that immigrants with jobs or children who were born in the U.S. should be deported, a stark contrast to how the administrations indiscriminate detainments and deportations are actually being carried out. Politics: The 2025 Elections Have A Trump-Shaped Trap For Republicans If they think [mass deportations] are popular, theyre wrong, Altman said. Many people didnt believe they were voting for this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been vocalizing anti-immigrant sentiment since he first announced he was running for office. The administration implemented a myriad of harsh immigration policies, including what became known as family separations for undocumented migrants. Under the measure, adults crossing the border illegally would be separated from their children so the adults could be arrested and referred for prosecution. The public outcry at the time, fueled by photos of sobbing toddlers watching parents be arrested, put significant pressure on the administration, and Trump eventually walked back the policy. But his second term has been markedly different. When Trump was sworn in this time, law enforcement officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement quickly began an unprecedented operation. Viral videos of immigrants being snatched off the streets, reports of children being handcuffed and detained, and protesters being teargassed began to make their rounds. According to a report from ProPublica, at least 170 American citizens have been caught in the federal governments dragnet. Ahead of his second term, Trump acolytes attempted to replicate the incoming administration even before he was sworn in. In Oklahoma, former schools superintendent Ryan Walters in December 2024 proposed a rule that would allow the states schools to collect information about students immigration status, sending a ripple of fear through communities. Although the Supreme Court ruled in 1980 that all children are entitled to attend public schools, regardless of immigration status, the move was seen as a way to identify and track down who was in the country without documentation and send that information to the federal government. (Walters resigned his position in September to lead an anti-teachers union conservative organization.) Politics: Trump Hasnt Kept His Biggest Campaign Promise One Year Since His Election Some of the most extreme members of the Trump administration are emboldening ICE agents to detain immigrants by any means necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To all ICE officers, you have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties, Miller said during a Fox News interview last month. And anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop you or tries to obstruct you is committing a felony. This is a workforce that is being encouraged to engage in acts of cruelty, Altman said. Stephen Miller is going on news broadcasts and telling ICE agents they have unlimited immunity to do whatever they want. A rhetoric of cruelty has also become increasingly normalized when it comes to other frequent targets of the right-wing culture wars, like womens rights and racial justice. The other movement thats really emboldened right now is the male supremacist movement, Rivas said. Meaning streamers and the influencers that arent necessarily group-oriented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen a lot of online influencers of young men, who are just saying really explicitly misogynistic things, Rivas said. In the hours after Trumps victory, celebrations from the so-called manosphere, a loose collection of influencers and podcasters that make content targeted toward young men, let loose with the misogynistic vitriol. Your body, my choice. Forever, Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist podcaster who dined with Trump in 2022, posted on X when Trump won. It was an inversion of the reproductive rights mantra, My body, my choice. In the weeks after the election, researchers at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, an international research organization dedicated to combating extremism, found a massive increase in misogynistic language online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as the administration eliminates DEI initiatives and Trump himself posts racist AI-generated memes on social media, the calculus of what is acceptable political discourse on race has changed. After Brian Butler, the chair of a local Republican committee in Massachusetts, posted a racist AI-generated video of Barack and Michelle Obama depicted as apes on Facebook last week, a fellow committee member spoke up. Tomas Etzold criticized the video in a statement, saying the GOP committee condemns all forms of hate, racism and discrimination. But four days later, he resigned from his position, telling local publication MassLive that other members of the committee were upset with his statement speaking for the group. Non-governmental groups that champion right-wing causes, according to Rivas, have been getting more explicit in their language. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not moderating in how theyre speaking, and theyre using more language that is explicitly targeting different communities, she said. The Alliance Defending Freedom is a right-wing legal and advocacy group that has been pushing for anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the United States. Women and girls should not be forced to sacrifice their privacy and safety in the name of promoting gender ideology, Sara Beth Nolan, legal counsel at ADF, said in September after Texas passed a law banning trans students from certain locker rooms. Allowing men to invade girls most intimate spacesincluding locker rooms, sleeping areas, or restroomscompromises their dignity. The group has brought several cases to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has handed conservatives a list of wins in the last few years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And now that Trumps back in office, the group has five pending cases in front of the high court, including a case seeking to overturn a ban on conversion therapy, and a handful of cases looking to bar transgender women from participating on teams that match their gender identity. Then theres the so-called parental rights groups that spent the entirety of the Biden administration attacking public school teachers and school board members for not being sufficiently conservative. The 1776 Project PAC, a right-wing political group which was founded in 2021, has sought to endorse far-right school board candidates in an effort to make the public school system friendlier to right-wing ideologies. But now, theyre openly calling for the firing of teachers. After Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA with a long history of racist and misogynistic beliefs was gunned down in Utah, the super PAC set up a tip line for people to report teachers for allegedly celebrating his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics said the firings could run afoul of free speech laws, but Stefano Forte, the political groups executive director, wasnt swayed, saying there should be consequences. Thats not about free speech; its about judgment and character, he told Fox News. These are cruel people, and its dangerous to have them in classrooms. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost COMSTOCK, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities say a Wisconsin woman was found dead in her mobile home following a fire the afternoon before Halloween. According to a release from the Barron County Sheriffs Office, deputies, along with the Cumberland Fire Department, Cumberland Ambulance, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, responded at 3:18 p.m. on October 30 to a report of a fire on the 1800 block of US Highway 63 in Comstock. Jeep catches fire inside a New London Duplex, leaving two families without a home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once on scene, officials say they found a mobile home on fire and, after extinguishing the fire, they found the body of a woman. The dead woman was identified as Dawn Allen from Comstock. At this time, no other information is available and the cause of the fire is under investigation. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. One person was shot Monday on the campus of SUNY Morrisville, an act of violence that prompted school officials to order students and staff to shelter in place while an active shooter was on campus. State Police on Tuesday characterized the shooting as "an isolated dispute between people who were familiar with each other," though they stopped short of saying there was a suspect in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities were called to South Hall on the college's campus at 3:45 p.m. after receiving a report someone had been shot. Troopers said they found a 20-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the neck. The victim, who is not a student at the college, was brought to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse for treatment. Police have not discussed the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No one else was shot and police so far have not said if anyone will face charges. The campus, located in Madison County, was placed in lockdown, but the prohibition on movement was later lifted. "I have been briefed on the shooting on campus at SUNY Morrisville," Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote in a post published Monday on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. "New York State Police are assisting local law enforcement and SUNY leadership as they respond to this situation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Police have not yet responded for comment. Regular classes were being held Tuesday following the shooting, but staff is "offering students flexibility" if they cannot attend, college spokesperson Franci Valenzano said in an email. "We understand this may be a difficult time, and we want to remind students that support is available," Valenzano wrote. Students can contact the school's counseling center at 315-684-6078, email the CARE Team at care@morrisville.edu or call or text 988 for immediate help. The campus hospitality suite is also open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday "as a space for our community to gather and support one another." This article originally published at Troopers: SUNY Morrisville shooting 'isolated dispute' between two who knew each other. CHICAGO The rate of 911 calls made in Chicago has dropped precipitously in the two months since the start of Operation Midway Blitz, a Tribune review of city data found. And nowhere is the decrease more pronounced than in Little Village, home to Chicagos largest Mexican American population, where calls to 911 have fallen by more than 21% since the surge of federal immigration officers began, city data show. Neighborhood leaders acknowledge a sharp year-over-year decline in crime, but note that the wave of immigration enforcement has left many residents in fear of calling 911 for help during that stretch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decline reflects more than just safer streets in Little Village, said Matt DeMateo, executive director of New Life Centers, a nonprofit serving youths and families in Little Village. Its residents fear, fueled by federal immigration enforcement, that may be driving the decline. Its less about trust in police, its more about fear, DeMateo said. ICE is creating chaos, and people are making decisions for their own safety. The federal government is feeding their narrative that Chicagos on fire, Chicago is a hellhole, Chicagos not safe, or theyre coming to help us and clean up our mess, DeMateo said. Thats just frankly not true. While some residents perceive police as aligned with federal immigration enforcement, DeMateo said the Chicago Police Department has been supportive locally, including supporting students during a recent walkout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the intersection of local policing and federal enforcement has created a gray area for residents trying to navigate safety, perception and the law. Drop in calls In recent weeks, the neighborhood has been the setting of at least two immigration actions, and local students have staged walkouts in protest of federal agents repeated use of tear gas. Since the start of 2025 through Oct. 27, the city has received roughly 100,000 calls to 911 a 6% decline from 2024, according to data made public by the citys Office of Inspector General. However, between Sept. 1 and Oct. 27, 911 calls across the city are down 14% compared with the year before. Chicagos violent crime has decreased regularly in recent years certainly a reason for fewer 911 calls and that remained the case before the incursion of federal immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling was asked in September if the incursion of federal immigration officers could hamper CPDs community relations efforts, especially in Latino neighborhoods. We want anyone whos in need of emergency services, a person who has been a victim of a crime, to call the Chicago Police Department, regardless of your status, Snelling said in an interview with the Tribune. Were not going to ask your status, were not turning victims over to anyone. Thats not what we do. Were there to show up, to find out whos been victimized and who the offenders are, and were going to do everything that we can to try to keep that person safe, or those people safe, and to take any (persons) into custody who have offended in a way. CPDs Ogden District, which covers Little Village and neighboring North Lawndale, has seen a drastic decrease in violent crime outpacing the rest of the city, in fact throughout 2025. According to the Police Department, the district has recorded 23 homicides through late October, a 45% decline from the previous year. Robberies are down by more than 50%, and overall shooting incidents also have fallen by 48%. Adding to troubles Community leaders and longtime residents say the decline in emergency calls is a warning that fear and mistrust are silencing a neighborhood that was already struggling with violence, domestic abuse and trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many, the fear isnt of crime itself its of who might show up when they call for help, said Dolores Castaneda, a longtime community activist who works with grieving mothers, domestic violence survivors and undocumented families. Residents of Little Village and throughout the citys Southwest Side are feeling more unsafe than ever before, Castaneda said. What Ive seen and what people say is that they dont really want to call the police because they associate the police with ICE, Castaneda said. Even at the march we had on Saturday, (community members) were talking about everything the police do to say theyre protecting people, but under the table, the people see how they protect federal agents during confrontations. That fear runs deep in the predominantly Latino neighborhood, home to many mixed-status families. When immigration enforcement agents are seen alongside police, or even perceived to be, it sends a chilling message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At protests, people see that the police protect the agents, Castaneda said. So if theres domestic violence or something happening at home, theyre even less likely to report it because they know that person and their family could be deported. Maybe there isnt as much violence visible in the streets, but now its happening inside the home, Castaneda added. If someone is attacked or robbed, they wont report it out of fear that their information will be shared. Reporting domestic violence For many survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the U.S. without legal permission, reporting crimes to police often feels like a big risk, said Gwendolyn Tinajero-Belles, a clinical program coordinator at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. Many victims worry that if they say something theyll find themselves at risk of deportation, she said. Tinajero-Belles, who provides trauma counseling to people in Cook and DuPage counties, said these fears have only grown more pronounced as immigration enforcement picked up in the area, even at the county domestic violence court. Around half of her clients are immigrants, and she said those who are noncitizens have largely moved their appointments online or canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im scared to go outside, to go to the grocery store, Im scared to go to work, Im just scared to go out, Tinajero-Belles said of her clients fears. Being in isolation a lot of the times can be very similar to what they were experiencing when they were going through those traumas of sexual abuse or domestic violence. Her clients who are mothers are especially fearful about what will happen to their children if they report abuse, Tinajero-Belles said. Its like Whats going to happen to my children if I get reported or I get detained? she said. They (tell) me, My children are terrified, my children are scared. What if this is the last time we see each other? ICE also rescinded a policy in January that directed agents to generally avoid detaining and deporting immigrants who were victims of violent crimes or those going through the lengthy application process for visas that allowed some victims to remain in the country. These changes further increased Tinajero-Belles concerns that fewer people will report, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before, having those protections, I think they felt a little safe. Like, Im going to risk it and hopefully it turns out well, even though its a long wait time too, Tinajero-Belles said. Now, without the protection, my fear is that not a lot of people are going to want to report because, I think (victims) would rather just not put themselves out there and just maybe hide like a lot of people are doing, hiding at home. A federal lawsuit filed last month by immigrant rights groups and crime victims in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California argues that these policy changes are violating laws designed to shield vulnerable adults and children from harm. It cites the sharp decline this year in applications for U visas, which cover domestic violence and sexual assault victims, among other crimes. Now, because of this administrations unlawful actions, immigrants are not reporting violent crimes, including domestic violence, rape, trafficking and assault, out of fear of being turned over to the deportation machine, said Rebecca Brown, a supervising attorney in Public Counsels Immigrants Rights Project. Worse still, survivors are being separated from their families and in some cases being sent straight back to their abusers. Baltazar Enriquez, president of the Little Village Community Council, said the mistrust reached new levels after residents saw videos circulating online that appeared to show ICE agents and Chicago police working together during a recent clash between agents and neighborhood residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people dont trust the police more than ever, Enriquez said. Community groups have been pushing for the expansion of the Ogden District Coordination Officer program, which partners officers with neighborhood organizations and the University of Illinois Chicago to build trust and respond to low-level incidents. Its more effective because theyre more empathetic and you can call them for minor stuff, Enriquez said. But when they move good officers away from the neighborhood people feel abandoned again. ____ This week, the presidents of the five Central Asian republics will gather in Washington to meet with President Trump a rare summit that marks the 10th anniversary of the C-plus-Five regional diplomacy platform launched under the Obama administration to coordinate U.S.-Central Asia relations. The only other such presidential meeting took place in 2023, when President Biden hosted the group at the UN General Assembly. While Trumps Central Asia policy is shaped by concerns over terrorism, sanctions evasion, illegal migration, and great-power competition, one issue dominates: critical minerals. Copper, lithium, uranium, and other rare earth elements are essential to the green energy transition and the digital economy. Central Asia holds at least 25 of the 54 minerals identified by the U.S. government as critical, and vast quantities of many of them: 39 percent of global manganese, 30 percent of chromium, 20 percent of lead, 13 percent of zinc, and 9 percent of titanium. Kazakhstan alone produces 43 percent of the worlds uranium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regions potential is already being realized Kazakhstan earned more from copper than from natural gas for the first time in 2020, and its mining sector has only expanded since. In a major boost to its resourcebase, Kazakh geologists announced the discovery of a rareearth metal deposit estimated at over 20 million metric tons, located at the Zhana Kazakhstan site about 420 km from the capital and at depths of up to 300 meters. If confirmed, the deposit would place Kazakhstan behind only China and Brazil in terms of reserve size signaling a major leap for Central Asias resourceprofile. Yet its full potential remains largely underexploited by the West. That may be changing. The Trump administration has made securing critical minerals a top foreign policy priority, issuing executive orders and striking new deals with partners like Ukraine, Malaysia and Thailand. These efforts aim to break Chinas stranglehold on supply chains Beijing currently controls 60 percent of global production and 90 percent of processing. It has not hesitated to weaponize this dominance, recently expanding its export licensing regime and targeting even trace quantities of controlled minerals. Central Asian partners could help break this chokehold. Resource-rich, strategically located, and increasingly interested in diversifying economic partners, the region represents a rare win-win opportunity. Bidens 2023 launch of a critical minerals dialogue laid the foundation, and deals are already underway. Traxys, a U.S.-based commodities firm, recently signed a $1 billion agreement with Uzbekistan to explore and develop its critical minerals sector. The U.S. government has backed a bid by an American company for Kazakhstans Upper Kairakty and North Katpar tungsten deposits. China currently controls over 80 percent of global tungsten production and processing so this would be a clear breakthrough. Trumps more aggressive emphasis on resource security may inject fresh momentum and Central Asian leaders are likely to arrive in Washington seeking billions in new deals to counterbalance Beijings dominance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region can also enhance Americas defense industry. According to a recent report from the Caspian Policy Center, a think tank in Washington, Central Asia offers the U.S. defense sector access to a range of minerals that underpin modern military systems. For example, gallium and germanium critical for precisionguided munitions and advanced semiconductors are extracted at sizable volumes in Uzbekistan. Titanium and beryllium, vital for jet engines, airframes (including F16s and other fighters), and space or missile systems, are abundant in Kazakhstan according to the study. What Central Asian leaders want from Washington isnt just capital theyre looking for technology transfer, infrastructure support, and a genuine alternative to Chinas vertically integrated regional dominance. The U.S. has a comparative advantage here: while China brings cash, it often repatriates profits and labor, offering little local capacity-building. Although that is slowly changing. In contrast, American firms and development institutions can help Central Asian states build domestic processing capabilities, green energy infrastructure, and more transparent regulatory environments investments that create enduring regional resilience. Done right, the U.S. can help build a new value chain that serves both its strategic needs and Central Asias long-term aspirations. That said, expectations must be tempered. The region is landlocked and surrounded by sanctioned or adversarial neighbors Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, and China complicating logistics. Infrastructure alternatives like the Middle Corridor route to Europe are underdeveloped, and existing port capacity is already stretched. Energy constraints further limit potential. Mining is highly energy-intensive and Central Asias outdated Soviet-era grids are unreliable. Kazakhstan alone uses two-thirds of its industrial power for mining, and the region needs up to $50 billion in energy infrastructure upgrades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investors also face political risk. Central Asias mining sector has been dogged by corruption, nationalist backlash, and threats of expropriation. China has doubled down on its presence, pouring capital into Uzbekistan and proposing a $500 million fund to develop green minerals. Chinese firms are now exploring industrial parks and joint research ventures across the region. Most critical minerals extracted in Central Asia are still exported to China or Russia for processing since local refining capacity for key elements like lithium, cobalt and nickel remains minimal. Still, Chinas grip is not unbreakable. Its share of global production has declined since 2010, and growing domestic demand is beginning to strain its own supplies. Its recent export controls, although aimed at undermining Washington, have sparked backlash from Chinas partners concerned about Chinas monopoly on the sector. This creates a narrow but strategic window for the U.S. to provide infrastructure, investment, and policy support that strengthens Central Asias autonomy and diversifies global supply chains. The summit may yield big headlines and ambitious promises. But without hard investments in logistics, energy and refining and clear-eyed acknowledgment of political realities talk of transforming Central Asia into a major alternative supply hub will remain aspirational. Real progress will require patience, pragmatism and persistence. Edward Lemon is research assistant professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University and president of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. Bradley Jardineis managing director of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 The Hill. The Supreme Court is about to hear oral arguments in a case that sounds like a fight over toy imports but is really about the future of presidential power. On Nov. 5, in the only case being heard on that day, the justices will take up Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, and the question behind it is huge: Can a president declare a national emergency whenever he wants to set his own economic policy? Beginning in early 2025, President Trump used a Cold War-era statute called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs on everyday goods. The law was written in 1977 to let presidents act fast in actual crises freezing terrorist assets, cutting off hostile regimes, etc. not to micromanage trade policy or score political points. But Trumps team argued that Americas trade imbalance with China was itself a national emergency. The result: companies like Learning Resources, which makes educational toys and classroom supplies, got hammered with new tariffs that had nothing to do with any genuine emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, the company sued. The district court initially blocked the tariffs on May 29, 2025, finding that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesnt authorize the president to impose them and that the measures posed an existential threat to the plaintiffs. That ruling and a similar one from the U.S. Court of International Trade were both quickly stayed on appeal. The fight has now landed at the Supreme Court, where the core issue is deceptively simple: can the word emergency be stretched so far that it covers anything a president feels like tackling without Congress? Because if the answer is yes, thats not just a trade story thats a blueprint for a permanent emergency presidency. Its critically important to understand that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was born in an era when Congress wanted to rein in executive excesses after Vietnam and Watergate. The idea was to keep presidents from declaring emergencies that, well, never actually ended. But over time, those guardrails eroded. There are already more than 40 official national emergencies still on the books, most of them years old, quietly renewed every 12 months like streaming services no one remembers ordering. If the court sides with Trump, that number could explode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any president could call an economic problem a national security threat and start rewriting the rules imposing tariffs, freezing investments, even restricting technology or energy flows without a single new vote in Congress. Thats not just potentially awful or theoretical; picture a future president declaring an AI emergency or a housing-market emergency to justify sweeping economic controls. Once the precedent exists, it becomes the playbook. Sure, Congress could step in. The Constitution gives it the exclusive power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to levy tariffs. But for decades, lawmakers have handed that power away, preferring the convenience of broad statutes that let presidents take the heat while they issue press releases. This case may finally force a reckoning: How much authority can Congress delegate before it stops being a co-equal branch? The court has been hinting at this moment for years. In West Virginia v. EPA, the justices told federal agencies they cant make major policy moves without clear authorization from Congress. In Loper Bright v. Raimondo, they killed the old Chevron rule that told judges to defer to agency interpretations. Learning Resources v. Trump takes that same logic and points it at the Oval Office itself. If the court means what it said about restoring constitutional balance, this is the natural next step. Theres also some tasty irony baked into all of this. A case brought against Donald Trump could end up limiting the powers of every president who comes after him Republican, Democrat or whatever comes next. If the court draws a firm line and says emergency actually has to mean something, it will strengthen the separation of powers that keeps our system honest. If it doesnt, then emergency will become just another synonym for policy I cant pass through Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the justices take their seats on Nov. 5, they wont just be talking about tariffs; theyll be deciding whether national emergency remains a safeguard or becomes a loophole. Because if every challenge can be declared an emergency, then every presidency becomes a permanent one and thats an emergency no democracy can afford. Aron Solomon is chief strategy officer for AMPLIFY and has taught entrepreneurship at McGill University and the University of Pennsylvania. 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 The Hill. Given the clear threat posed by Russia, some increase in European defense spending is clearly warranted. However, many European nations are suffering economic stress, partially caused by President Trumps tariffs. It is frankly unlikely that their commitment to spend 5 percent of GDP on core national defense requirements will ever be met. Only Spain has been honest about this and that has angered the American president. Trump has called Spain a laggard, and has threatened to throw them out of NATO. More recently, he has vowed to punish Spain by imposing additional tariffs on Spanish exports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the goal here is to strengthen European nations capacity to thwart a possible Russian threat, this is a very strange way to go about it. In his first term, Trump pushed NATO countries to spend 3 percent of GDP on defense, an increase over the 2 percent goal set earlier by President Barack Obama. The U.S. itself paid 3.4 percent in 2024. It clearly dominates NATO in gross defense expenditures. European countries are now buying American weapons not for themselves, but to supply Ukraine. That will help Ukraine, but it isnt going to strengthen the military readiness of our NATO allies. Trumps attacks on Spain ignore the recent history of the country and the fragility of its democratic institutions. I was a diplomat in Spain during the Franco era and later did a study of the transition to democracy for the U.S. Senate as it was considering whether to raise a military bases agreement with Spain to the treaty level. Among the challenges was the militarys myopic domestic mission, e.g. to maintain autocratic control over the Spanish people. They were aided and abetted in this by the Guardia Civil, a national police force that was anything but civil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They had their hands full with insurrectionists in the Basque Country and Catalonia. Terrorist acts were, sadly, commonplace. After Franco died in 1975, a few of his ministers worked with Crown Prince Juan Carlos to create a democratic monarchy. When I arrived back in Spain in January 1975, progress was being made. Political parties were forming, and preparations were underway for a democratic election. Juan Carlos had befriended key military leaders, and several generals who werent trusted were reassigned to remote posts. That wasnt enough, however. On Feb. 1, 1981, as the parliament (the Cortes) was just forming for the new year, some in the military attempted a coup detat. The next day, at the request of his prime minister, King Juan Carlos went on national television. Wearing his captain generals uniform, he ordered the military to stand down. Surprisingly, they obeyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Spanish military and the Guardia Civil remained a threat to the new democracy, as did the independence aspirations of the two provinces. It has taken extraordinary efforts in the time since to keep these regions within Spain. The military has gradually moved away from its domestic orientation and toward embracing the external NATO mission. The Guardia, meanwhile, has become more of a traditional crime fighting organization. Still, the government of President Pedro Sanchez is inherently unstable, given its dependence on several regional parties. According to Economist Intelligences country assessment the risk of policy paralysis and of the government collapsing before the end of its term in 2027 is very high. If the social safety net is weakened by transferring resources to defense, public agitation will follow. While the economic growth rate is now slightly above the European average, it is not likely to maintain that rate of growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strategic objective of the American administration should be to strengthen the NATO alliance and to enhance its capacity to deter Russia. Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, is doing all in his power to undermine the European Union and NATO. He floods Europe with propaganda, attacks its infrastructure, supports right-wing parties and compromises election systems. It makes no sense to pressure fragile democracies like Spain, undercutting their capacity to contribute to NATO. The same is true of other NATO countries experiencing serious economic challenges. Trumps tirades against the only European nation being honest about its situation is self-defeating. If he were the slightest bit aware of modern Spanish history, he might recognize that he is contributing to Putins strategy, not to our own. J. Brian Atwood is a senior fellow at Brown Universitys Watson School of International and Public Affairs. He was a foreign service officer in Spain from 1970 to 1972, and later served as assistant secretary of State, undersecretary of State for management and administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 The Hill. SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM) One yes or no question on Tuesdays ballot asks voters if they favor eliminating the Susquehanna Township School District annual $270.00 occupation tax, and increasing the rate of the Susquehanna Township School Districts earned income tax rate. The increase would change the current rate from 0.5% to a new school district rate of 1.10%, making the new total earned income tax rate, when combined with the Susquehanna Township Municipality 0.5% rate, a total of 1.60%. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter The Susquehanna Township School Districts referendum was rejected in 2024. The districts chief finance and operations officer, Kathy Ciaciulli, said this years referendum would cost the average taxpayer $7.25 more per paycheck and generate $3.5 million, which would cover the majority of the cost to build a new school. The funding for the campaign came through an advocate for Susquehanna Students Group and through in-kind donations, Ciaciulli said. Peter Fricke, who founded Susquehanna Taxpayers United, wants to know who that group is. He said school administrators are a part of it. Ciaciulli said thats not true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group opposing the referendum continues to make misleading claims, attempting to distract from the real issue overcrowding in our schools, Ciaciulli said. This revenue shift is necessary to build a third elementary school and ensure all students have access to safe, equitable learning environments. We know that a private group has come forward to pay for the yard signs, the printing costs, but my right to know request showed that a PR firm paid by the district was the one that designed those signs, and that district employees using their district emails during business hours were the ones who ordered and picked up the signs, Fricke said. Ciaciulli said the district met with the board of elections and the auditor general and is in full compliance with the rule. We are utilizing every space in our buildings, Ciaciulli said. Weve turned closets into classroom spaces or instructional learning spaces. Were even using the hallways to provide one-to-one instruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fricke said there are cheaper capacity solutions, like building permanent classrooms where modular classrooms currently are. They recently purchased a building on Deer Path Road, Fricke said. That is enough to solve half of their capacity issue. If they were to replicate that strategy, we could come in for less than half of what they project the new school to cost. Fricke said there are also environmental concerns about developing the 42 acres on Stanley Drive that the district purchased to build the school. If the referendum passes, Ciaciulli said ground will be broken on the new school in about two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 ABC27. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Trump administration is reversing course, saying it will use more than $4.5 billion in contingency funds to help pay for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits this month. Meanwhile, the Oregon Department of Human Services is also working on giving out funding after Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a food emergency last week. MAP: Heres how many SNAP participants are in each Oregon county Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday, Nov. 3, no SNAP benefits have been distributed in Oregon, and it is unclear when they will. Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to use contingency funds to help pay for SNAP. Patrick Penn, who oversees the program, said they will use that funding in a sworn declaration to the judge in Rhode Island. The $4.6 billion will cover 50% of eligible households allotments, according to Penns declaration. Now the states are waiting to hear from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on how they will disburse the partial benefits. KOIN 6 News asked the governor when Oregonians on SNAP can expect to get benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were hearing from the federal government that they might be moving forward with half the benefits, Kotek said. Im trying to figure out how we get to the other half. The Oregon Department of Human Services also said the $5 million the governor set aside is working its way through the grant contracting process and is still waiting on signatures. Once the paperwork is done, the funds will go out so the Oregon Food Bank can distribute them across the state. Heres when to see the king tides on the Oregon Coast for the 2025-2026 season Clackamas County commissioners declared their own emergency last week, setting aside $100,000 to help buy food for local food banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were supposed to have an update this Thursday really as to how that process is going, Clackamas County Chair Craig Roberts said. And we really wanted to declare that emergency, make sure that were able to be nimble enough to get the food as quickly as possible. But even getting out that funding has come with challenges. A big issue that our board was focusing on really was making sure that were where we want to get the money to those SNAP recipients, so it might be that they have to go to the food bank, Roberts said. But those logistics were working out right now. 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 KOIN.com. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) Corvallis Police arrested Oregon State sophomore cornerback Exodus Ayers on Monday morning. According to court documents obtained by the Portland Tribune, Ayers is accused of 18 total counts by Corvallis Police. The charges brought against Ayers include seven counts of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image, three of fourth-degree assault, four of harassment, two of coercion, one count of strangulation and one count of criminal mischief. Ayers former girlfriend, Oregon State senior Katherine Daniella Rodriguez, is the lone victim named in court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 18 charges Ayers, 20, is accused of occurred between Sept. 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025. Corvallis police booked Ayers at Benton County jail Monday. Through counsel, Ayers pleaded not guilty to all charges during his Monday arraignment. Read the full story here. The Portland Tribune and its parent company Carpenter Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners 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 KOIN.com. Oregon will go in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 5 to argue against some of President Donald Trump's tariffs. The lawsuit was originally filed by Oregon and 11 other states in the U.S. Court of International Trade on April 23. It's since been consolidated with cases brought forth by businesses, all of which challenge the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to authorize the tariffs. The trade court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit have both ruled in Oregon's favor, saying the tariffs exceed Trump's authority. Oral arguments are set to begin at 7 a.m. Nov. 5 as Oregon goes before the the U.S. Supreme Court to argue against some of President Donald Trump's tariffs. The Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court and requested an expedited timeline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case is about the limits of presidential power, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. The Trump Administrations attempt to use emergency powers as a back door to raise taxes on American families was never lawful. Oregon's Solicitor General Benjamin Gutman will speak for the states. Oral arguments are scheduled to last 80 minutes. If the court rules in Oregon's favor, the Trump administration could have to refund $90 billion in tariff revenue, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The tariffs have been a key piece of Trump's second term and removing them "would have catastrophic consequences for our national security, foreign policy, and economy," the administration wrote in legal filings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump considered attending the oral arguments and would have been the first sitting U.S. president to do so. He decided against it, writing in a social media post that he did "not want to distract from the importance of this Decision." What is the International Emergency Economic Powers Act? The crux of the case going before the Supreme Court is the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The 1977 law says the president can impose economic regulations in response to "any unusual and extraordinary threat" and has been used previously to put sanctions on other foreign powers. The courts have so far ruled that IEEPA does not grant Trump the power to issue the tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the states and federal government will seek to convince the justices that their interpretation of the law is correct. Oregon's lawsuit asked for the court to strike down the tariffs issued using IEEPA as justification. Those include the "trafficking" tariffs placed on Mexico, China and Canada in February. Trump declared an emergency and issued the tariffs "to hold Mexico, Canada, and China accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country." In April, Trump issued "reciprocal" tariffs on most countries, arguing that trade deficits constituted a national emergency under IEEPA. Tariff lawsuit is one of many Oregon has filed against the Trump administration Oregon has joined more than 40 lawsuits against the Trump administration since January, but this is the first to go before the country's highest court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon and Arizona are co-leading the tariff suit for the states. April estimates predicted the tariffs could cost U.S. households $3,800 annually and local businesses have said the increased costs have impacted profits and relationships. As of August, the state had spent about 4,000 hours, or $1.15 million on those lawsuits and protected an estimated $4.4 billion, according to the Oregon Department of Justice. How to listen to U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments in tariffs case A live audio feed of Supreme Court oral arguments is available online. Oral arguments in Oregon's tariff case are scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. PST on Oct. 5. A transcript of the proceeding will be posted later in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAY reporters Rachel Barber, Maureen Groppe and Bart Jansen contributed to this report. Anastasia Mason covers state government for the Statesman Journal. Reach her at acmason@statesmanjournal.com or 971-208-5615. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon to argue against Trump tariffs in US Supreme Court on Wednesday When the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Wednesday in the challenges to the tariffs that President Donald Trump imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in a series of executive orders earlier this year, they will hear from three different lawyers representing small businesses, a group of 12 states, and defending the tariffs the Trump administration. But when they vote on the case, the justices will also have considered 44 friend of the court briefs, filed on behalf of members of Congress, trade experts, legal scholars, think tanks founded by former Vice President Mike Pence and presidential adviser Stephen Miller, the watch industry, and a vineyard owner. The briefs cover a wide range of topics, ranging from the impact of the tariffs to the history of trade law. And the proponents of the tariffs are overwhelmingly outnumbered by their opponents. Below, I highlight several arguments from a selection of these briefs. Certain briefs concentrate on the text of IEEPA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A brief on behalf of a group of 207 members of Congress (including Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska) tells the justices that IEEPA does not give the president the power to impose the tariffs. The Trump administrations interpretation of IEEPA, they say, would effectively nullify the guardrails set forth in every statute in which Congress expressly granted the President limited tariff authoritya result Congress did not intend. A brief from Jill Homan, the deputy director of the America First Policy Institute, a nonprofit conservative think tank, argues the opposite: that IEEPA gives the president power to impose tariffs. Specifically, Homan contends that Congress grant to the president in IEEPA the power to regulate importation includes the power to impose tariffs because tariffs have been used throughout American history as a common tool for regulating commerce, and they have been imposed specifically on imported goods. But in any event, she continues, the Supreme Court should interpret the phrase regulate importation expansively in light of the larger context of IEEPA, which include[s] broad, sweeping powers. A brief from BRB Management, which describes itself as a small business that operates retail stores directly affected by tariffs and related trade policies, focuses on a different part of IEEPA: its grant of authority only to regulate importation of any property in which any foreign country or a national thereof has any interest. The company contends that at the point where tariffs are imposed on goods, they generally are owned by U.S. buyers and therefore are not owned by foreign countries or foreign citizens. Other briefs focus on different laws that, they say, could justify the tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America First Policy Institute, which describes itself as a non-profit, non-partisan research institute dedicated to putting the American people first, tells the justices that the president has the power under a different law the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose the tariffs at the center of this case. Section 338 of that law, the group explains, gives the president the power to impose tariffs of up to 50% if he determines that any foreign country places any burden or disadvantage on U.S. commerce directly or indirectly, by law or administrative regulation or practice, by or in respect to any customs, charge, exaction, classification, regulation, condition, restriction, or prohibition. And it doesnt matter, the group says, that Trump did not rely on this provision in his executive orders imposing the tariffs. Erica Hashimoto, the director of the Georgetown University Law Centers Appellate Litigation Clinic, filed a brief on behalf of a group of trade scholars arguing that a different trade law Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 applies to the tariffs at issue in this case. Congress passed that law (and not IEEPA) to give the power the president to deal with trade deficits, the brief says. Therefore, the brief contends, Trump must comply with the restrictions that the Trade Act imposes, which limits tariffs to 15% and 150 days. The history of U.S. trade law is at the center of many of the briefs filed with the court. A brief on behalf of a group of former national and economic security officials argues that IEEPA does not give the president the power that he claims to impose these tariffs. Instead, the officials contend, IEEPA continued (but narrowed) the authority that its predecessor, the [Trading with the Enemy Act], granted the President to impose sanctions and embargoes, and presidents for almost 50 years have interpreted it as such. If the court upholds the tariffs, the officials say, it would risk[] undermining the ability of this President and future Presidents to use IEEPA, as Congress intended, to address foreign policy crises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carla Anderson Hills, who served as the U.S. Trade Representative during the George H.W. Bush administration, and Alan William Wolff, an international trade lawyer who has served in senior roles in the federal government, tell the justices that Trumps use of IEEPA as a means for correcting trade deficits conflicts with the United States systematic and unbroken practice of implementing trade laws since the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Because it is not clear whether IEEPA gives the president the power to impose the tariffs, they argue, that practice should carry substantial weight. Of note, Hills and Wolff are represented by Roderick M. Hills, Jr., a professor at New York Universitys law school and the son of Carla Anderson Hills. Aditya Bamzai, a law professor at the University of Virginia Law School, filed a brief in support of neither party in which he argues that Congress enacted the Trading with the Enemy Act, the predecessor to IEEPA, against a backdrop in which the use of a tax or fee was an appropriate method to regulate trade with the enemy under the classic laws of war. And when Congress passed the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the law on which Trump relied in imposing the tariffs, it included the same phrase regulate importation found in IEEPA. Therefore, he writes, that language is best read to have the same meaning that it had when used in the TWEA before the passage of the IEEPA. The Constitutional Accountability Center, which describes itself in the brief as a think tank and public interest law firm dedicated to fulfilling the progressive promise of the Constitutions text and history, contends that Congress enactment of IEEPA reflects a deliberate severing of peacetime emergency powers from their war powers origins, undermining any inference that Congress silently included the extraordinary power to impose tariffs within IEEPAs regulatory authorities. A group of tax law professors argues that Congress, rather than the president, should determine tariffs. This conclusion, they say in their brief, is supported by early U.S. history. The Framers of the Constitution believed that duties on imports were likely to be an important source of revenue for the new country, and they designed the Constitution so that divisive questions like taxation and foreign imports would be settled by a large, representative, and deliberative legislaturenot by a single Executive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cato Institute, which describes itself in its brief as a nonpartisan public-policy research foundation dedicated to advancing the principles of individual liberty, free markets, and limited government,points to history to argue that Congress knows how to give the President discretionwithin limitsto modify tariff rates. Moreover, Cato contends, whatever the phrase regulate importation might have meant in the context of the Trading With the Enemy Act, the historical record and this Courts separation of powers precedents suggest that in IEEPA Congress did not intend to give the president the power to impose tariffs in peacetime. Several briefs focus on whether the tariffs violate either the major questions doctrine the idea that if Congress wants to give the executive branch the power to make decisions of vast economic or political significance, it must say so explicitly or the nondelegation doctrine, the idea that Congress generally cannot delegate its lawmaking powers. The state of California and Gov. Gavin Newsom argue that nothing about the text, context, or history of IEEPA gives any sign that Congress intended to give the president the power to impose tariffs. This conclusion is also supported by the major questions doctrine, they say in their brief. The notion that Congress delegated the power to impose unbounded, devastating tariffs that could completely restructure international relations through the phrase regulate . . . importation, in the context of a list of seven other verbs and eleven other objects, cannot be squared with the major-questions doctrine (or any other interpretive principle). A brief on behalf of 31 former federal judges appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents argues first that if the president did have the power under IEEPA to impose the tariffs it would violate the nondelegation doctrine because the law does not provide the president with any standards to guide him. Moreover, the judges say, courts can review the presidents determination that there is an unusual and extraordinary threat that triggers IEEPA. That, they contend, is a straightforward matter of statutory interpretation and the type of determination that federal judges make every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group of nonprofits and academics, led by Advancing American Freedom, a group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, tells the justices that if IEEPA does give the president the power to impose these tariffs, it would violate the nondelegation doctrine because IEEPA does not contain an intelligible principle to guide either the Presidents declaration of an emergency or his implementation of tariffs. A brief in support of the Trump administration from the American Center for Law and Justice, which describes itself as an organization dedicated to the defense of constitutional liberties secured by law, emphasizes that, under the Constitution, the president has primary responsibility for foreign affairs. In IEEPA, the ACLJ writes, Congress gave the president broad emergency power, reflecting its recognition that international economic crises require rapid, coordinated responses that only unified executive action can provide. And the major questions doctrine does not apply in this case, the group says, because foreign affairs present fundamentally different considerations from the kinds of cases involving domestic regulatory overreach by unelected administrators that the doctrine was designed to address. Consumer Watchdog, a group that describes itself as a non-profit, non-partisan public interest organization dedicated to protecting consumers from economic harm, argues that Trumps tariffs violate the nondelegation doctrine. Trump, the group says, contends that IEEPA silently gives him immense power. But the tariffs are not linked to any limits or conditions in IEEPA and everything determined by the unfettered choices of the President. That, the group says, runs afoul of the requirement that, if Congress delegates its authority, it must provide an intelligible principle to guide the exercise of that authority. Some briefs focus on, among other things, where the challenges to the tariffs should be filed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A brief supporting the Trump administration from two members of Congress Reps. Darrell Issa and Brian Mast as well as America First Legal Foundation, a nonprofit law firm co-founded by Stephen Miller, and the Coalition for a Prosperous America, which describes itself as the only national non-profit organization representing exclusively domestic producers across many sectors and industries of the U.S. economy, argues that the court should issue its decision in the case brought by V.O.S. Selections, rather than Learning Resources. This is so, the brief argues, because IEEPA authorizes embargoes for reasons other than public safety which brings lawsuits arising out of IEEPA under the purview of the Court of International Trade. A brief filed on behalf of several small businesses, led by Emily Ley Paper, that are challenging the tariffs in their own litigation, as well as the New Civil Liberties Alliance, argues that the text of IEEPA is clear, and it does not give the president the authority that he claims to impose tariffs. Because IEEPA does not address tariffs, the brief continues, the district court in Washington rather than the Court of International Trade has the power to hear the disputes over the tariffs. Some briefs supporting the challengers touch on the effects (or lack thereof) of the courts decision. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Consumer Technology Association state that, as a result of the tariffs, businesses have been forced to raise prices, freeze hiring, and postpone investments; moreover, they add, for all businesses and investors, the Presidents claimed authority to impose, modify, pause, and remove tariffs under IEEPA at the drop of a hat is resulting in chaos and uncertainty. Finally, they warn that if the court upholds the presidents authority, future administrations will have similarly expansive authority to impose worldwide tariffs based on their own objectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A brief on behalf of the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, which describes itself as a non-partisan research and educational organization dedicated to showing Americans how taxes, government spending, and regulations affect everyday life, focuses largely on the facts underlying the case and the effects of a ruling for the challengers. The group contends that trade deficits are not a sudden or unexpected development, and are in fact a routine and ordinary event, the opposite of an emergency. The U.S. has run trade deficits continually for 49 years. Moreover, the group add, a ruling from the Supreme Court that strikes down the tariffs would not be catastrophic, as the government has suggested, but would instead simply return us to the comparatively low level of tariffs that were in place at the start of the year. A group of government officials, legislators, labor unions, and businesses from Washington partly focus in their brief on the effects of the tariffs (as well as the uncertainty surrounding them) on the state. Among other things, they note, Washingtons economy is projected to suffer a net loss of $8.1 billion in output sales between 2025 and 2029, and the state could lose as many as 32,000 jobs. Should the Presidents tariffs remain in place, they write, Washingtonians will see higher prices for food (16% higher cumulatively over two years); higher prices for clothes and shoes (around 7% in the next year); and higher prices for cars (a 20-25% rise for used cars over two years and a 6% rise for new cars). A brief from the American Watch Association, the U.S. trade association for the watch industry, tells the justices about the effects of the tariffs on the industry. It explains that watchmaking is a globally integrated industry that depends upon longstanding specialty manufacturers abroad and in particular, in Switzerland and Japan for essential watch components that cannot be obtained in the United States. As a result, the group says, the industrys costs have increased, and members of the trade association are already being forced to lay off employees, close storefronts, or increase consumer prices. Moreover, they add, because of the unusually high startup costs for precision manufacturing, there is no realistic prospect that the Presidents tariff program will spur the creation of new manufacturing jobs in the United States. Several briefs address other arguments related to trade law and the presidents power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A brief filed on behalf of former federal judges, government officials, and members of Congress argues that when Congress wants to give the president the power to impose tariffs, it does so clearly. But in any event, the brief continues, the president cannot rely on IEEPA to impose tariffs to address trade deficits because trade imbalances that have persisted every year since IEEPA was enacted in 1977 cannot count as an unusual and extraordinary threat. A brief on behalf of 13 former U.S. military, national security, and foreign policy officials argues that federal courts can and should review whether the president has properly invoked the National Emergencies Act and IEEPA. And here, the officials contend, he has not done so: although Trump invoked the alleged threats posed by the trade deficit and lack of international cooperation on opioid trafficking, these are persistent, longstanding issues, not unusual and extraordinary threats. A brief on behalf of a wide-ranging group that includes constitutional scholars, legal historians, and former U.S. senators urges the court to reaffirm the basic principle that Congress, not the President, holds the power to tax and to make major trade policy. Emergencies, the group writes, do not erase that principle, and the government cannot through the back door smuggle tariff authority into a statute that deliberately does not authorize it by invoking foreign affairs or imagining the power to regulate as including the power to tax. Law professor Vikram Amar and former member of Congress Mickey Edwards argue that when Congress delegates broad power to the president, it can be difficult for Congress to reclaim that power because the president can veto any legislation that Congress passes to do so. Courts should keep this in mind, Amar and Edwards contend, when determining whether as in this case a law delegates the kind of expansive powers that the president has claimed, and instead should read IEEPA narrowly. If the Supreme Court is wrong, they say, there is a relatively easy fix: Congress can pass a new bill by simple majority and the President will almost certainly sign it into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Brennan Center for Justice, which describes itself as an an independent, nonpartisan law and policy organization, contends that the National Emergencies Act, a 1976 law that governs the presidents exercise of emergency powers, and IEEPA were intended to limit the presidents use of emergency powers. Trumps executive orders imposing the tariffs, the group says, are contrary to that intent. A brief on behalf of the Goldwater Institute, the Dallas Market Center, and the John Locke Foundation argues first that the Supreme Court has both the authority and the duty to determine independently whether there actually is an emergency that would trigger the presidents powers under IEEPA. But there is no such emergency here, the brief says. And a brief on behalf of Peter W. Sage, who is a retiree and the owner of a small Oregon vineyard, contends that interpreting IEEPA to grant such unlimited power to impose taxes on the American public would represent the most evident unconstitutional transfer of legislative authority in his lifetime. Sage writes that he can best protect his interests if Congress, rather than the president, has authority over tariffs. For more Supreme Court news and analysis, visit SCOTUSblog. Read more at SCOTUSblog Ottawa County voters being asked if they would ban certain types of swine facilities WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) In Ottawa County, residents will soon decide whether to ban certain types of swine facilities. Voters will be asked if corporations, companies, trusts, or partnerships should be allowed to own or lease agricultural landdirectly or indirectlyto operate a swine production facility. The question stems from a proposed farm about 30 miles north of Salina that would house roughly 45,000 pigs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A petition submitted to the Ottawa County Clerks Office requested that the question be added to the ballot. After a full review, it met the requirements outlined in Kansas law, Ottawa County Clerk/Election Officer Tammi Cox told KSN. The petition reached the required number of valid signatures, and as a result, the question will appear on the General Election ballot for voters to decide. If you want to vote, click here to find out what you need to know in Kansas. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KSN-TV. OVERLAND PARK, Kan. Voters will head to the polls in Overland Park Tuesday to decide who they want to be their mayor for the next four years. Researcher and former City Councilman Faris Farassatis challenging current Mayor Curt Skoog. Skoogs seeking a second term. Whoever wins Tuesday night will be sworn in December 1. Kansas City Royals ask some fans for feedback on three potential new ballpark sites Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skoog says the election will be an evaluation of himself. Before winning his first mayoral term in November of 2021, he served four terms on the city council. In that time, we have been rated the best place to live, Skoog said in an interview with FOX4 Friday. Last week, we were rated the second safest city in the United States. We continue to grow our economy. We continue to build housing and neighborhoods. Farassati served as a councilman from 2017 to 2023. He says competitive compensation for police officers is a problem. The departments down 19 officers right now. FOX4 asked him about the positive news from WalletHub that was released in October. Prairie Village residents to vote on future of current form of government Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those rankings do not ask necessary questions that would bring these things to the top, Farassati said in an interview with FOX4 Friday. Not one of these rankings pays attention to one of the most important things that municipal government does which is streets in front of your house. Farassati is an opponent of Chip Seal, the road surfacing method the city uses that residents have complained about damaging cars. Skoog says the citys spent more on residential streets and roads over the past four years. Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A voter deposits a mail-in ballot at the drop box outside the Chester County Government Center on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Capital-Star/Peter Hall) Election officials across Pennsylvania are ready to ensure a free, fair and safe election Tuesday, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said. Schmidt, who oversees election administration, urged voters to make a plan to vote if they have not done so already, noting that although there are no federal offices on the ballot this year, many important state and local positions are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically, as you know, theres lower voter turnout in this election cycle, Schmidt told reporters in the briefing Monday. Unfortunately, we want high voter turnout in every election cycle, and theres really no good reason for it, because these offices are incredibly important. Election information including voter registration status, polling place locations, voting rights information and more is available online at vote.pa.gov, Schmidt said. An unusual election in which three state Supreme Court justices are running for retention has attracted most of the attention this fall. Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht are seeking second ten-year terms on the states highest court. All three were elected in 2015 and must face voters in a yes or no ballot question to continue serving. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans and Democrats have spent millions of dollars on the race, as the outcome will either maintain a Democratic majority on the court or trigger a contested election for the three seats in 2027. If any of the sitting justices are voted out, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro would nominate interim justices to serve until the election winners are seated, but his selections are subject to confirmation by the Republican-controlled state Senate. Other statewide races include elections for one Superior Court seat, one Commonwealth Court seat and retention elections for Superior Court Judge Alice Dubow and Commonwealth Court Judge Michael Wojcik. Across the state, voters will choose county and local officials, including elections for mayor in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown and Scranton and district attorney in Philadelphia. Nonpartisan voting rights groups including the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania and the Committee of Seventy have prepared voting guides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting by mail has been a popular option again in this years election, Schmidt said with more than 1.13 million no-excuse absentee ballots issued and about 73% already returned. He noted that anyone who has not returned a mail ballot should do so in-person at an official county drop box because its too late for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver them by the deadline 8 p.m. Tuesday. You cant just put it in the mail tomorrow, or it wont be counted. It has to be in the hands of the board of elections by then. So at this point, make sure to hand deliver it. Schmidt reminded voters using mail ballots to follow the instructions, completely fill in the ovals to mark choices and to seal the completed ballot inside the yellow envelope before sealing it in the return envelope, which must be signed and dated where indicated. Voters who make a mistake or forget to date the return envelope will not have their ballots disqualified this election, as some have in past elections. A federal appeals court ruled in August that the provision that caused some election offices to set aside undated ballots serves no purpose in administering elections and is an unjustifiable burden on voters rights. Ballots and voting machines are seen at the Allegheny County Elections warehouse in Pittsburgh Nov. 20, 2024 (Capital-Star photo) Every county is required to count mail-in ballots, even if a voter did not hand date or misdated like writing their birthday on that outer declaration envelope, Schmidt said, adding that county election offices time-stamp mail ballots when they are received so they know whether ballots are returned by the deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters can check the status of their mail or absentee ballots on the Department of State website. Voters who have not returned mail-in ballots may also take them to their normal voting location where the mail ballot can be voided and the voter can vote in person. If a mail-in ballot is rejected, not received or gets left at home on election day, voters may also go to their polling place to cast provisional ballots to ensure their vote is counted, Schmidt said. Schmidt also said voters with disabilities, who are elderly or have limited English proficiency may also receive help voting privately from anyone except an employer or union representative. Finally, Schmidt said voter intimidation and harassment is illegal. Anyone who feels they have witnessed or been subject to intimidation or harassment should notify the judge of elections at their polling place, their countys district attorney or call the Department of States hotline at 877-VOTES-PA. Election information is available online at vote.pa.gov. A man from Ecuador whom Palm Beach Police attempted to pull over during a traffic stop fought with officers and now faces felony charges as well as deportation once his case is finished, according to court records and a police spokesperson. The 28-year-old man whose address in jail records is listed as a home in Lake Park was arrested Oct. 26 on charges of battery on an officer, resisting an officer with violence, giving a false name to a law-enforcement officer and driving without a driver's license, having never been issued one, court records show. The man was in the U.S. on an Ecuadorian passport, according to court records. The incident makes the man subject to deportation, Palm Beach Police Sgt. Michael Ogrodnick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Palm Beach County judge on Oct. 28 found that there was probable cause that the man committed a "forcible felony" and ordered him held without bail. Because of his immigration status, the man will remain in jail to prevent him from leaving the country before his trial, court records show. The arrest report said the man's immigration status is "unregistered." It does not say what he was doing in the U.S. or when he arrived. An officer first tried to pull over the man at about 10 a.m. Oct. 26 on the 300 block of South Ocean Boulevard after seeing the man fail to obey a traffic signal at the corner of Royal Palm Way, an arrest report said. The man was not able to provide identification to the officer, who requested that a Spanish-speaking officer join him, the arrest report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When that officer arrived, she requested the man's identification and he provided a driver license with a photo of another person, police said. The man also couldn't say the birthday listed on the license, and gave two different dates when asked for his birthday, the arrest report said. When asked about the discrepancy, the man told police an attorney was working on getting the date of birth corrected on the license, the report said. Nearly 15 minutes after the man was first pulled over, the officers still could not confirm his identity and asked him to step out of his car, the arrest report said. Palm Beach Police on Oct. 26 arrested a man from Ecuador on charges that include resisting an officer with violence and battery on an officer, court records show. As the officers tried to place handcuffs on the man, he tried to pull away and clenched his fists, then pushed both officers and wrestled them to the ground, the report said. The report went on to say that during a struggle, the man hit one officer in the face with his open hand, scratching that officer under his right eye Two more officers responded and were able to help place handcuffs on the man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police contacted the man's mother, who provided them with information about his Ecuadorian passport, the arrest report said. Palm Beach Police notified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the incident as required by Florida law, the arrest report said. Both officers were treated for their injuries and returned to work, Ogrodnick said. 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: Ecuadorian man fought officers during traffic stop The Palm Beach Post has a healthcare series called Aging in the Golden Years focused on navigating the financial and physical challenges to emerge as more people reach advanced age and, along with their children, confront a reality for which they will need help preparing. We want to hear what questions you have as you and your loved ones enter new territory. Email Post reporter Anne Geggis your questions at ageggis@gannett.com. Q. My husband, 80 years old, had a stroke and we are entering this new phase of our life. He also has begun showing dementia signs. Would appreciate advice. In no way is reader Phyllis Goldsworthy, 85, alone in the circumstances she was thrust into on Aug. 12 when her husband Larry woke her at 4 a.m. to say he felt like he was in trouble and needed help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I could tell that he was about ready to collapse, and he did on the bed, she recalled. I recognized that his left side he wasnt able to move it. As the number of people older than 80 increases to become the nations fastest-growing segment of the population, the ranks of those with severely impaired independent living skills will swell to new levels. It's expected that the number of Americans who hear the news that they have dementia will double from the 500,000 that heard it in 2021 to one million people annually in 2060, according to the National Institutes of Health. Public resources for in-home support for the aging in Florida Demand for in-home support for the aging who are facing difficulty living independently is already greater than whats available through public resources. There is help available, however, depending on the persons income and level of need. Lacking the funds to pay privately for in-home care, people can turn to their local Area Agency on Agings helpline, which administers federal and state funds dedicated to helping people stay in their homes and avoid going to institutions. In addition to in-home care services, these agencies coordinate adult day care, congregant dining and home-delivered meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The waiting list for in-home services, however, is substantial. And it's the case across the entire state, from Key West to Pensacola. In Escambia County, where the Goldsworthys live, there were 2,018 people as of Sept. 18 awaiting help who have needs ranked in the top tiers of need. The Palm Beach/Treasure Coast Area Agency on Aging counts 4,890 seniors on what it calls its pre-enrollment list of those who need in-home services. The Palm Beach/Treasure Coast Area Agency on Agings help line took 166,000 calls in 2024. From those calls, 11,583 went through a formal assessment of their needs. Generally, theres some kind of an acute situation that has occurred when people reach out to us, said Dwight Chenette, CEO of the Palm Beach/Treasure Coast Area Agency on Aging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anna Dyess, executive director of the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging, said theres no doubt that her clientele is going to continue to grow. Her agency has a waiting list for every service, she said. It grows every day because of two things, people continue to move to Florida and were in the space where our baby boomers, the single biggest cohort of the population, are moving into aging services, Dyess said. In five years, projections are that the counties her agency serves will see the numbers of those 60 and older grow by 8% in five years as the new decade dawns. Gloria Meyer of Jupiter celebrates her 107th birthday on Aug. 14, 2025, at the Mangrove Bay senior living home in Jupiter, Fla. Medicare and long-term health care Medicare covered the cost of the rehabilitation center Larry Goldsworthy went to for two weeks after his hospitalization. But, if projections are correct, many more are about to learn more about one of the biggest gaps in the federal governments plan for taking care of the retirees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public polls show that many do not know that Medicare doesnt pay for some of the things that a ballooning number of seniors will likely find themselves needing in the long term. They may not be able to drive to the doctors, prepare meals, go to the bathroom, pull up compression socks on their own, or even stay at home alone, for instance. Medicare pays for that kind of help only if its needed at the same time as treatment that only a medical professional provides, such as wound dressing or injections. And then Medicare doesnt pay for skilled nursing care beyond 100 days a year and just the first 20 days are covered at 100%. The percentage of people who are insured for these kinds of needs, through long-term care insurance, is in the single digits, however. Phil Economou, a healthcare insurance agent in Sarasota, said he doesnt think long-term care insurance is worth it, even though he watched his father go through six years of limited mobility because of Parkinsons disease. Eventually, his family needed to hire for two, 12-hour shifts to cover each day, as his mother grew more exhausted, Economou said. With personal care costs averaging between $20 to 30 an hour in the Sunshine State, thats an expense that could quickly reach into the tens of thousands every month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, insurance agents agree, people dont start looking into it until it doesnt make any sense financially, Economou said. They (long-term care policies) get very expensive the older you get and generally they are good for about three years, he said, explaining why he doesnt sell them. Need spurring innovation Steps toward addressing the growing need are showing up. Medicare this year started a pilot program that provides 76 hours of companion care per year for a qualified dementia patient. Before symptoms start, artificial intelligence is filling a role with a new start-up called Waterlily, a California-based company. It is advertising an evaluation which will analyze 500 million data points to match up what sort of long-term care policy would best suit an individuals needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lily Vittayarukskul, Waterlily's CEO and co-founder, said shes been able to attract nearly $10 million in start-up funding for the venture because the need for better long-term care planning is starting to get recognized. We raised (the money) at our initial round of funding, because of how massive this problem is, Vittayarukskul said, explaining that shes partnering with wealth advisors to offer the product. A half-a-trillion-dollar industry is less than 10% touched because individuals families just don't know where to go to get long-term care expertise. She was spurred to start the offering because of her own experience with an aunt diagnosed with colon cancer. Her family was shocked to learn that health insurance doesn't cover long-term care costs and the aunts needs required family members to step away from work and school to take on the tasks of daily caregiving, she said. Keeping it together For now, Phyllis Goldsworthy is happy to say that her husband has progressed from wheelchair to walker. Insurance pays for regular in-home physical and occupational therapy until the first week of December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her husband of 45 years is luckier than most in that federal retirement benefits will pay for a little more outpatient therapy, but Goldworthy is largely on her own when it comes to looking after his daily wellbeing. Now, he stays in the car if she has to be somewhere. Volunteers from her church and grandchildren who attend college nearby have also stepped in with help. If I have any worries, I pray a lot, and the Lord gives me peace about it, she said. For information about how to access services The Department of Elder Affairs runs programs and services for elderly people across the state of Florida through 11 Area Agencies on Aging. Go to the Elder Affairs Florida website at bit.ly/ElderlyAffairsResource to find the agency in your part of Florida. You can also call the Elder Helpline (toll free) at 1-800-963-5337 or go to the site at bit.ly/EldercareNumbers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palm Beach Post series, Aging in the Golden Years, focuses on navigating the financial and physical challenges that arise as more people reach advanced age. Thanks to our partner and fiscal sponsor, Journalism Funding Partners, verified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, tax ID #84-2968843, you can invest in the future of this reporting on the healthcare issues that matter most to Floridians. Make your tax-deductible donation today and support local journalism that serves the Palm Beach community. Donate today to support our healthcare coverage Anne Geggis is the insurance reporter at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at ageggis@gannett.com.Help support our journalism. Subscribe today This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Does Medicare cover you if you can't dress or bathe yourself? PARIS (Reuters) -Online retail platforms Shein, Temu, AliExpress and Wish are being investigated in France over alleged dissemination of contents including child pornography on their marketplaces, the Paris prosecutor's office said on Tuesday. China's Shein will open its first-ever permanent shop in the BHV department store in central Paris on Wednesday, but French Finance Minister Roland Lescure threatened a countrywide ban of the brand after a consumer watchdog spotted childlike sex dolls sold on its marketplace. Shein spokesperson for France Quentin Ruffat told RMC radio on Tuesday that the company would do everything in its power to collaborate with the investigation, including sharing the names of vendors and buyers of the dolls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Temu spokesperson told Reuters that accusations against the company were connected to minors accessing certain products on its platform, and that Temu was not being probed for child pornography. The other companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. PROBE FOLLOWS CONSUMER WATCHDOG COMPLAINT The Paris prosecutor's office said it received a complaint from the consumer watchdog known as DGCCRF and referred the case to the National Office for Minors to investigate. The companies are being investigated on suspicion of the dissemination of violent, pornographic or degrading messages accessible to minors, which can lead to up to three years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros for individuals involved, the office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shein and AliExpress are also being investigated for the dissemination of images or representations of minors of a pornographic nature, which can lead to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros, the prosecutor's office said. Shein pulled the dolls from its website on Sunday, and on Monday it imposed a total ban on sex dolls and suspended the "adult products" category from the platform. French Senator Marie-Claire Carrere-Gee asked on Monday that the Paris prosecutor's office open a probe into the sellers and clients of child pornographic material, and on Shein for complicity, demanding "exemplary sanctions" on those found in breach of the law. (Reporting by Alessandro Parodi and Gabriel StargardterEditing by Tomasz Janowski) KANSAS CITY, Mo. Its not her job thats stressing out disabled veteran Kay Parkison. When I arrived to work every day, I immediately have anxiety and stress, she said. I just have a lot of pain. Its parking downtown. One in three local animal clinics corporate owned, contributing to rising vet care costs The same is true for Victor Fugate, another government employee who parks downtown. $110, $115 a day can make the difference between you paying for gas, food, electric bills, Fugate said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has ticketed both Parkison and Fugate hundreds of dollars worth of tickets, despite having valid handicap tags. The most expensive of which are for handicap drivers parking at the meter for more than four hours. Theres nothing about a four-hour time limit, Fugate said. FOX4 is working for you and looked ourselves. The signs, meters and app for the downtown metered street parking do not indicate a four-hour time limit for handicap drivers. City law states disabled drivers with proper tags are entitled to four hours of free parking. City and state law also says any time limits must be clearly posted. We dont have time to look through all the city codes, Fugate told FOX4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He feels like the tickets, their frequency and their reasons are getting out of hand. One of them was not parking close enough to the jagged sidewalk, Fugate recalled. The next opioid crisis: Kansas City woman shares experience with 7-OH FOX4 Problem Solvers found parking enforcement in this downtown East Village area is ramping up. We requested data for this particular overtime parking violation for handicap drivers. In 2023, the city handed out one ticket for this violation. In 2024, they documented 10 violations. This year up until Oct. 13 when data was released to FOX4, there have been 49 of those tickets, each about $110. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys parking and tow division manager, Matthew Muckenthaler, told FOX4 Problem Solvers that unpaid parking and license plate issues make up 80% of the violations. He pointed out that the tickets handicap drivers are receiving make up small percentage of their overall enforcement. But that doesnt mean they will let it go, he said. We still have to do our job of all of the other violations that are out there, Muckenthaler said. FOX4 asked why there isnt clear signage to let people know about handicap limitations. He said there simply isnt enough space. Putting more language about a very specific kind of free parking would only confuse other parking users, Muckenthaler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX4 asked if that explanation passes legal muster. Criminal defense attorney Howard Lotven said it doesnt. It doesnt matter how big or small of a population youre affecting, state law says you have to do it; you have to do it, Lotven said. If theres no notice at those meters, then I dont think its enforceable because they dont have the signage under Missouri law. Local nonprofit braces for influx of uninsured patients as Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire He added that as the population ages and more people need handicap tags and the protections that come with them, this issue isnt going away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the same company that is contracted for parking enforcement also operates several paid monthly lots nearby. Fugate believes this is a conflict of interest, since the same company that is discouraging street parking through tickets would be reaping the financial benefits of this business at the monthly lots. Parking manager Muckenthaler doesnt think so. The part of an on-street system is you do want long-term parkers to park in off-street lots. So the more management thats around, the easier it is for people to find those off-street locations, Muckenthaler told FOX4. But Fugate and Parkison dont accept that. Rather than paying the monthly fee, theyve been moving their car during their 30-minute lunch break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. California's rural and agricultural counties have the highest share of residents receiving government food assistance benefits, according to the latest data from the California Department of Social Services. That means people in those counties stand to be most affected by the funding lapse for federal SNAP benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown. On Saturday, 42 million low-income Americans, including 5.5 million in California, did not receive their regular monthly food aid as uncertainty over the program's funding loomed, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, after two judges ruled that the federal government must preserve the benefits using emergency funds, the Trump administration announced it would partially fund the program, though it was not clear how much people would receive or when. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said at a news conference that, once the federal government makes funding available, it would take the state about a week to load the benefit cards that recipients can use to buy food. In California, that uncertainty could hit particularly hard in Tulare and Imperial counties, where 27% of residents - the highest shares in the state - received benefits through CalFresh, California's SNAP program, in July 2025, the most recent month with data available for all counties. That's nearly double the statewide share of 14%. { "__type": "devHubFreeformEmbed", "__id": "Datawrapper", "__fallbackImage": "https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/H8wvR/mobile.png", "__data": { "datawrapper_id": "H8wvR" } } Several other counties in California's rural agricultural regions, including Lake County in Wine Country, Del Norte county in the northernmost part of the state and Fresno and Kern counties in the Central Valley also had among the highest shares of recipients receiving food assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of those counties are the top agricultural producers in California, which is the leading agricultural producer of the 50 states, according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, meaning that many of the people who produce the nation's food will not be able to afford it without the benefits. Statewide, more than a third of CalFresh recipients are children, according to state data from 2024, and just under a quarter are elderly, which means that almost 2 million kids and 1.3 million elderly people rely on the food aid. In several counties in the Central Valley and on the Central Coast, like Monterey, Madera, Tulare, Merced, Fresno and Kern counties, children make up more than 40% of CalFresh recipients. In the Bay Area, all nine counties had CalFresh recipient shares lower than the statewide average. But of the nine, San Francisco had the highest percentage of residents receiving food assistance, with 13%. Of those residents, 17% are children and 44% are elderly. The city announced last week that it would cover residents' November SNAP benefits with gift cards distributed through an $18 million public-private partnership, according to Mayor Daniel Lurie's office. San Mateo county had the smallest share of residents using SNAP benefits in the state, with just under 5%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, when government shutdown and the SNAP funding for this month is resolved, hundreds of thousands of Californians are still at risk of losing their food assistance benefits due to changes to the program adopted by Republican lawmakers as part of Trump's tax megabill this summer, which forced spending cuts on social services. This article originally published at These parts of California will be most impacted by SNAP cuts. A portion of State Route 509 in Tacoma will close overnight from Thursday, Nov. 6 to Friday, Nov. 7. The closure will be in place on a section of the highway that passes through the Tideflats, from Alexander Avenue East and Taylor Way, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The closure will begin at 8 p.m. on Nov. 6, and all lanes will be closed by 11:59 p.m. that night. One lane in each direction will start to open by 4 a.m. on Nov. 7, and all lanes will be open by 5 a.m., according to a release from WSDOT. The closure will remain in place as crews install permanent utility lines across the highway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers will follow a signed detour route, the release states. People are encouraged to plan ahead, make alternative plans and use caution while following the signed detour. The closure is part of WSDOTs State Route 167 completion project, which will build six miles of tolled highway between Puyallup and the Port of Tacoma through a multi-stage effort by 2030. The SR-167 completion project is part of the departments Puget Sound Gateway Program, which seeks to complete missing links in the states highway and freight network. The Puget Sound Gateway Program has $2.83 billion in funding from a variety of sources, including tolls, local contributions, federal grants and state dollars. Low-income Tennessee families pay a higher proportion of their income in taxes than any other income group due to a reliance on sales taxes. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) In 2023 and 2024, Tennessee lawmakers passed back-to-back multibillion-dollar tax cuts for businesses, pushing the state to rely even more on its sales tax to fund government spending. Nearly every state economist who presented to the Tennessee funding board Monday noted this tax burden shift as officials considered how to project the state governments future budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are more dependent on sales tax than historically we have been, said Jeff Bjarke, the director of research with Tennessees Department of Revenue, to the board. Tennessee is one of the lowest-taxed states in the nation, according to a 2024 report from the think tank ThinkTennessee. But the same report also found that in Tennessee, lawmakers have steadily shifted more of the tax burden from corporations to people, resulting in low-income families having a higher tax burden than wealthier families and businesses. Sales taxes are considered regressive taxes and under the states sales tax-heavy system, low-income families pay a higher proportion of their income in taxes than any other income group, ThinkTennessee found. Nearly two-thirds of Tennessees $21 billion tax revenue comes from sales tax. The states average sales tax rate of around 9.6% is the second-highest rate in the U.S., according to the Tax Foundation. Don Bruce, a professor of economics at the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee, told the board that its business tax collections would continue to fall this year as the government adjusted to the corporate tax cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joseph Newhard, an assistant Professor of Economics at East Tennessee State University, said the business tax cut situation provided uncertainty, making it difficult to project how far the revenue would fall. Tennessees funding board meets every November to hear an update of the states economy from academics and federal and state officials. The board is tasked with using that information to project how much revenue the state will generate in future years, the first step in Gov. Bill Lees 2025-26 budget. It will make an official projections on Nov. 24. Overall, the economists were optimistic about Tennessees outlook, noting that the state continued to outpace the U.S. average in gross domestic product growth and had lower unemployment than the national average. All the economists acknowledged concerns about President Donald Trumps tariffs, but noted the tariffs have yet severely impacted Tennessees economy. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called President Trump the worst thing on the face of the Earth during a recent interview with CNNs Elex Michaelson. Hes just a vile creature. The worst thing on the face of the Earth, Pelosi said in a clip Michaelsons show posted to the social platform X. The interview is expected to air in full on CNNs The Story Is with Elex Michaelson at midnight EST. Pelosi went on to criticize the president even further, saying Trump does not honor the Constitution and has turned the Supreme Court into a rogue court. She added that he has abolished the House of Representatives, referencing Trumps influence over House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), and has chilled the press while in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pelosi and Trump have taken aim at each other in the past. Last year, Trump took to social media to knock Pelosi after she called him dangerous and evil following his false claims about the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks. Earlier Monday, NBC News reported that multiple California and House Democrats believe the 85-year-old Pelosi, whos served in the House since 1987, will not run for reelection. Ian Krager, Pelosis communications director, said on the social platform X later in the day that his boss is fully focused on the California Proposition 50, which is on the ballot in Tuesdays elections in the Golden State. When asked about her 2026 plans Monday, Pelosi deflected, saying her focus is on the redistricting initiative and ensuring Democrats win back the House to protect us from the poison of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prop 50, would transfer control of California redistricting from an independent commission to the state Legislature if it passes. Pelosi, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), former President Obama and other prominent Democrats are backing the proposal, added to the ballot in response to the GOP-led Texas Legislature redrawing its congressional map mid-decade. Multiple challengers, including state Sen. Scott Wiener and Saikat Chakrabarti, a former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), have entered the Democratic primary in Pelosis district. The two-time House Speaker, though, told CNN that if she ran for a 20th full term in Congress, she has no doubt she would win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That isnt even a question, she said. It isnt arrogant, its competent. I know my district. 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 The Hill. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) All three of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices who sought reelection Tuesday will get another term, ensuring Democratic jurists keep their majority on the presidential battleground states highest court one at the center of pivotal fights over voting rights, redistricting and elections. The result shapes the makeup of the seven-member court through the next presidential election in 2028. The three justices had been elected as Democrats, and voters were deciding whether to extend the courts Democratic majority. Rejecting all three could have plunged the court into a partisan deadlock if the states politically divided government could not agree on temporary appointees to fill in. Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht won new terms, with support from the Democratic Party and allies including Planned Parenthood, labor unions, trial lawyers and a constellation of progressive groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Donohue said the result shows that Pennsylvanians have trust in the independence of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and, additionally, appreciate the importance of a stable Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro considered a potential White House contender in 2028 who is up for reelection next year appeared in ads for the justices and lobbied for their retention. Pennsylvania sent a resounding message by voting to retain all three Supreme Court Justices who will continue to defend the rule of law, safeguard our elections, and protect our constitutional rights, Shapiro said in a statement. In addition to voting rights, Democrats leaned heavily on the protection of abortion rights in a state where abortion remains legal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three were running in what is called a retention election, in which voters are asked to vote yes or no on whether to give current justices another term. They were not identified by party on the ballot. Terms are 10 years, though age limits can shorten that time on the bench. Reelecting them extends the Democratic majority, currently 5-2. The court could again be called on to settle partisan battles over election laws ahead of next years midterm contests to decide the governors office and the U.S. House majority. Democrats need to gain just three seats in the 2026 elections to take control of the House. Traditionally, a retention campaign is an under-the-radar election. But in an era of increasingly polarized judicial elections, spending in the race was on track to exceed $15 million, far surpassing previous spending in a retention election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While not all spending or financial sources have been disclosed publicly, Democrats easily outspent a Republican campaign by as much as four-to-one. President Donald Trump didn't campaign against the justices and only weighed in on social media on Sunday night, urging Republicans to vote no. Defeating all three justices could have left the bench in a partisan 2-2 stalemate for two years, including through next years elections. In recent years, the court has made major decisions around voting and elections, necessitated in part by the politically divided and often stalemated state government. The justices in 2018 threw out a GOP-drawn map of Pennsylvanias congressional districts as unconstitutionally gerrymandered and, four years later, again picked new boundaries after a stalemate in government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court turned away GOP challenges to Pennsylvanias expansive vote-by-mail law, which became a focal point of Republican efforts to overturn Trumps loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Republican justices dissented. The justices also rendered verdicts in cases involving abortion rights and public school funding. ___ Follow Marc Levy on X at https://x.com/timelywriter. BRADFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WETM) A Pennsylvania parolee was sentenced to more time in state prison after officials said he committed a series of crimes over the span of three months shortly after being released from a Pennsylvania state prison. Darrin James Stroud, 26, was sentenced to an overall minimum of 10 years and 3 months to a maximum of 22 years in state prison, followed by one year of probation for the crimes listed below, according to information from the Bradford County District Attorneys Office: Person not to possess, use, manufacture, sell, or transfer firearms (first-degree felony) Two counts of person not to possess, use, manufacture, sell, or transfer firearms (second-degree felony) Two counts of aggravated assault (second-degree felony) Burglary (second-degree felony) Driving under the influence of methamphetamine and fentanyl, second in ten years, tier III (first-degree misdemeanor) False reports (first-degree misdemeanor) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Strouds charges stem from four cases filed between September and November of 2024, involving the above-listed crimes, the DA stated. The charges were filed by members of the Pennsylvania State Police. Troy man sentenced for having over 80 grams of meth Officials explained that Stroud was on state parole for previous offenses after being released from state prison when he committed the crimes. As a result, Strouds parole was revoked, and his prison time will likely be extended. He also faces additional charges in Luzerne County, the DA said. 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania State Trooper was suspended after being charged in an April incident in Franklin County, according to court documents. Misdemeanor charges of simple assault and official oppression were filed Monday against 27-year-old Milan Toljan, of Mechanicsburg. Toljan was placed on unsecured bail set at $50,000 after being arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Jody Eyer, online court records show. In a statement, Pennsylvania State Police said they suspended Toljan without pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pennsylvania State Police suspended Trooper Milan Toljan without pay, pending resolution, in accordance with the Confidence in Law Enforcement Act, the statement reads. Based on the totality of the circumstances, the evidence suggests that Trooper Toljan exercised his authority as a Pennsylvania State Trooper to arrest (redacted) in a situation where no crime had occurred, the criminal complaint states. Additionally, the use of the CEW and the physical force applied to take (redacted) to the ground resulted in pain and reportedly aggravated pre-existing injuries that (redacted) communicated at the time of the incident. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast The criminal complaint details that Toljan and a second Trooper responded to a domestic dispute at a residence along Punch Bowl Road in Montgomery Township on April 25. Troopers located a woman outside the home and a man inside who would not open the door. The charging documents show that eventually the woman got into her vehicle to leave, but found that there were items she needed from the home. According to court records, Toljan attempted to force entry by breaking the door handle and kicking the door. The man inside the home eventually opened the door after Toljan threatened to arrest him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cellmate admitted to killing SCI Albion inmate: PSP Once the Troopers were let inside, they ordered the man to the ground, but he claimed he had injuries from an ATV accident. Court documents show Toljan then drew his department-issued conducted energy weapon (CEW), and the man said he would let the Troopers handcuff him, but he couldnt get on the ground. The criminal complaint shows that when the alleged victim was being handcuffed, Toljan forced him to the ground and stunned him in the leg with his CEW. Toljan told him he was under arrest, and the man was taken to the Franklin County Correctional Facility before he was taken to the hospital. Charges were filed against the man, but during a summary trial in July, they were withdrawn by the other Trooper who was with Toljan because they believed no crimes were committed, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toljan has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Dec. 16. 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 ABC27. (NewsNation) Pennsylvanians are voting Tuesday on whether to retain three state supreme court justices for another 10-year term, potentially avoiding or creating a deadlocked bench. The decision to keep or scrap the three Democratic justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht will play a significant role in the next decade of politics and precedents in Pennsylvania. At present, Democrats hold a 5-2 majority in Pennsylvanias Supreme Court. If any of the judges were to lose their retention vote, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and two-thirds of Pennsylvanias Republican-controlled Senate would have to agree on a temporary appointment to fill the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means, if all three justices get the boot and leaders fail to find appointments, the commonwealths highest court could remain deadlocked through 2027. Wecht told NBC News last week that, if the justices arent all retained, that will be the reality: Theres no way that this Senate is going to confirm a single nominee that Gov. Shapiro sends them. Sign up for NewsNations Newsletter Shapiro has appeared in an ad supporting the Yes campaign, and the nonpartisan Pennsylvania Bar Association has endorsed the trio for another decade on the bench. We protected access to abortion. And your right to vote. Even when the powerful came after it, the justices said in an ad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before joining the high bench in 2016, Donohue served as a judge on the Pennsylvania Superior Court from 2008 to 2015 and had previously practiced in private law. Wecht similarly served on the Superior Court from 2012 to 2015 and the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas from 2003 to 2012. Dougherty served as an administrative judge for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 2001 to 2015. All three are classified as strong Democrats, according to Ballotpedias 2020 study that examined the partisan leaning of all state supreme court justices in the United States. Get fact-based, unbiased news coverage 24/7 with the NewsNation app. Download it here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That designation means the trio are all registered Democrats, have donated more than $2,000 to Democratic candidates and have received party-affiliated donations in return. Trump has opposed the justices on social media. Attention Pennsylvania: On November 4th, you can bring back the Rule of Law, and stand up for the Constitution. There are three Radical Democrat Supreme Court Justices on the Ballot for a 10 year retention. Vote NO, NO, NO on Liberal Justices Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht, he wrote. Only one Pennsylvania justice has lost a retention election since the practice was established in 1968. Polls in Pennsylvania are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. See results of the three retention elections in the trackers below: Retain Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty result Retain Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Christine Donohue results Retain Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht results 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 NewsNation. FALL RIVER People Incorporated has named six employees as its 2025 Employees of the Year. The recognition highlights staff members from each of the agency's divisions, from an agency of over 850 employees, according to a community announcement. As a comprehensive human services organization, People Incorporated has several divisions, each with a unique focus on serving children, families, and individuals of all abilities in southeastern Massachusetts. The Employees of the Year exemplify premier services, dedication to supporting people in their respective programs, and commitment to People Incorporateds mission and core values. Employees of the Year The 2025 Employees of the Year are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevaeh Holley, Childrens Services Jessica Lewis, Day Services Iris Torres, Family & Community Supports Lauren LeClair, Residential Services Michael Araujo, Supportive Services Jenifer Brassil, Transportation People Incorporated Employees of the Year People Incorporateds greatest asset is our employees, said Megan Stirk, president and CEO, and these particular staff members represent the best of the best. We are both fortunate and proud to have such dedicated employees working with us. They are the ones who make this Agency so valuable to everyone who receives services from People Incorporated. Even though we always stress our collective strengths as a team at People Incorporated, these employees go above expectations and deserve the spotlight. About People Incorporated People Incorporated is a human services agency with programs throughout southeastern Massachusetts that support children, adults, and families. Its mission is to strengthen our community for each of its members by providing premier services for children and adults of all abilities in a collaborative and creative environment. Visit www.peopleincfr.org for more information. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: People Incorporated honors top staff across six service divisions John Barnes, 55, tells documentarians about how Medicaid saved his life helping him get substance abuse treatment and help others who live in the same sober house. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun) In February 2024, the Idaho Legislature debated a bill that wouldve probably repealed Medicaid expansion. Without the program which expanded the public assistance program to more low-income earners John Barnes told lawmakers, I may not be here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only parts of that bill eventually made it into a sweeping Medicaid cost control law that passed this year. But with all the cuts coming to Idaho Medicaid, Barnes said he still worries hell lose Medicaid. When I do have chest pain or something, and go to the ER, and then I worry, Is this gonna be the time they send me a bill that I cant pay? he told the Idaho Capital Sun in an interview. In the coming weeks and years, a slew of cuts will hit Idaho Medicaid and health care: to doctor pay cuts, reforms from a state law this year, federal cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and potentially expiring insurance subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And many advocates say everyone will be affected, not just the nearly 346,000 Idahoans on Medicaid. Advocates for hospitals, nursing homes and Medicaid patients paint a similar picture. The cuts, they say, will create a ripple effect that strains the states health care system predicting more people will become uninsured, some medical providers might close, and private insurance rates will rise as hospitals try to offset the costs of caring for uninsured people. All of these cuts are creating this perfect storm, said Idaho Voices for Children Senior Policy Associate Hillarie Matlock. Were going to see that access to care for every Idahoan go down. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The One Big Beautiful Bill Act paved the way for Medicaid cuts Idaho wants For years, Idaho Republican state lawmakers have wanted to control Medicaids rising budget, which is now at nearly $5 billion in mostly federal funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, all 90 Republicans in the Idaho Legislature and Gov. Brad Little approved House Bill 345. The law proposed sweeping policy changes to rein in Medicaids costs calling for work requirements for able-bodied adults on Medicaid expansion, private companies running benefits, and much more. But Idaho needs federal approval for many of those changes. In the past, the state didnt succeed. Months later, Republicans in Congress and President Donald Trump paved the way with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July. The federal law overlapped with some of the Medicaid policies Idaho wanted, like work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks. But it prevents Idaho from paying providers as much for Medicaid services as state lawmakers had hoped to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also the biggest Medicaid cut in the programs history, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The law also created a $50 billion five-year rural health fund. As federal cuts build on Idahos, doctor says people will die Over the next decade, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to cut federal funds for Idaho Medicaid by $4.3 billion and reduce Idaho Medicaids enrollment by as much as 40,000 people, estimates from the group Manatt show. Another 58,000 Idahoans are at risk of losing Medicaid expansion coverage because of the bills work requirements, Idaho Voices for Children estimates. The bottom line is, people will die. And I cant stand for that, said Dr. Angela Bangs, a family doctor in Boise. At Cecil Andrus Park by the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, 80 protestors sat in front of fake graves to demonstrate the fallout of federal Medicaid cuts on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun) After she finished speaking at last weeks protest of the federal health cuts near the Idaho State Capitol, she joined a small crowd sitting in front of 80 numbered fake tombstones. The graves were meant to represent the number of Idahoans who will die each year from the cuts, based on a 2014 study of how health insurance access prevents deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protest echoed what doctors said about the stakes of expanding Medicaid, and repealing it. Barnes, who told state lawmakers he would be dead without Medicaid, has been on Medicaid expansion since 2021, soon after he got out of prison. He still lives in a sobriety house in Boise. He works 16 hours a week, based on advice he said his doctor gave him. Lately, hes had chest pains, shortness of breath, and his stomach hasnt been digesting food well. Hes planning to go in for screenings, and probably an MRI. Are these procedures gonna be paid for? Barnes said. I gotta be able to afford it. Im just scared that Im not gonna be able to get the treatment. Idaho will cut doctor Medicaid pay rates in weeks, which could prompt providers to close In August, another cut came to Idaho Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the states tax revenues lagged, Gov. Little ordered budget cuts across state government, prompting Idaho Medicaid to cut provider pay rates by 4%. Those cuts could last until at least June 2027, as Little permanently extended state budget cuts. In the coming weeks, Idaho is planning to officially claw back those 4% pay cuts from payments, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesperson AJ McWhorter told the Idaho Capital Sun in an email. Some health leaders worry the pay cuts will push providers to close. Ive never been concerned that one of our hospitals was going to close, said Idaho Hospital Association Vice President for Government Relations Toni Lawson. And Im very nervous right now. Providers arent breaking even on many Medicaid treatments, hospital leader says Medicaid, which insures around one-fifth of all Americans, already pays less than what it costs health care providers to give out services. Because providers are constantly not breaking even when they treat Medicaid patients, theyre often shifting the costs onto private insurance companies, Idaho Hospital Association CEO Brian Whitlock said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our health care system is built on a system of patches to address this issue of our starting point of an under-reimbursement; a reimbursement that doesnt cover the cost to deliver that care, he said, pointing to complicated state and federal financial structures to pay hospitals more than Medicaid reimburses. You dont fix it by cutting more, Whitlock said. But thats exactly the position that we find ourselves in. Idaho long-term care facilities cant cut staff pay, because they are already losing workers, Idaho Health Care Association Executive Director Robert Vande Merwe said. Their only way to offset the cuts is to cut staff, he said, and some rural facilities might close. That means people will probably be stuck at the hospital for longer, he said, because therell be less long-term care beds available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When people stack up at the hospital and the hospital doesnt get paid for weeks or months, we with insurance all pay for it. Because they will have to increase their private pay charges, Vande Merwe said. That just shows the fragility of our health care system, he said. One of the first cuts coming is an end to 24/7 kids care With all the Medicaid cuts coming, Dr. Brian Birch said he cant grow his childrens health clinic. Dr. Brian Birch leads Treasure Valley Childrens Clinic in Meridian. (Courtesy of Dr. Birch) In January, an Idaho Medicaid program that paid doctors offices to be available 24/7 to help consult kids about health issues will end. The program, called Healthy Connections, was meant to avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room. The states Medicaid cost reform law cut it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hopes the Legislature will restore the program next year. But for now, hes playing it safe. I cant grow an organization with this much uncertainty and with these payment cuts because it puts us at extreme risk of going out of business, Birch, who leads the Treasure Valley Childrens Clinic in Meridian, said in an interview. Some doctors offices are more worried. Many might have to limit how many Medicaid patients they treat, and some may stop taking Medicaid altogether, according to a survey by the American Academy of Pediatrics Idaho chapter. At least two are assessing the viability of remaining in business, the survey found When each Medicaid cut and policy change takes effect: A timeline Congress and President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July, and the Idaho Legislatures House Bill 345, signed into law in March, made sweeping changes and cuts to Medicaid. And their policy changes had some overlap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is on track to submitting federal authority for all provisions of the state law on time as required by the law, agency spokesperson AJ McWhorter told the Idaho Capital Sun in an email. Changes from the two laws will take effect over the next few years. Heres some of whats coming for Idaho Medicaid: 24/7 kids care ends: On Jan. 1, 2026, an Idaho Medicaid program that paid primary care doctors offices to have round-the-clock availability to manage kids health issues will end. Idahos law called for this to end. More eligibility checks: Starting Dec. 31, 2026, people enrolled in Idaho Medicaid expansion will need to start renewing their eligibility for the program more often, according to KFF. Eligibility checks will happen twice a year, instead of the typical once a year. Both the federal and state laws called for this change. Work requirements: Starting as late as Jan. 1, 2027, people on Medicaid expansion will need to prove to state officials that they are working or volunteering at least 80 hours each month, or are exempt from the work requirements, according to the health policy research group KFF. Both the federal and state law called for Medicaid work requirements. But the federal bill set a firm deadline, while Idahos law directed the state to ask the federal government for permission by July 1, 2026. Private companies could run Medicaid benefits: By 2029, Idaho hopes to shift all Medicaid benefits to being run by private companies, which are commonly called managed care organizations. Idahos law called for this change, which is meant to stabilize Medicaid funds by shifting to managed care, the most common Medicaid structure across the U.S. The bill directed Idaho to end the states use of a managed care-like model in which doctors act as benefit managers, which is called value care. Co-pays: The timeline for Idaho to require people enrolled in Medicaid to essentially pay copayments, also known as cost sharing, is unclear. The state law called for this. The federal law called for cost-sharing for adults on Medicaid expansion starting Oct. 1, 2028, according to KFF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact of Idahos Medicaid reform law isnt yet clear. The law could save $15.9 million this fiscal year, the bills fiscal note estimated. But the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare isnt sure how the bill will impact Idaho Medicaid costs and enrollment. The department is waiting on further guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services concerning work requirements and other law changes to define enrollment projections, McWhorter told the Idaho Capital Sun in an email. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Peru has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico after accusing it of granting asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister who is on trial over an alleged coup attempt in 2022. The announcement on Monday came hours after former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez who served under former President Pedro Castillo fled to the Mexican Embassy in Peru. Today we learned with surprise and deep regret that Betssy Chavez, the alleged co-author of the coup attempt by former President Pedro Castillo, is being granted asylum at the Mexican Embassy residence in Peru, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugo de Zela told a news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given this unfriendly act, and considering the repeated instances in which the current and former presidents of that country have interfered in Perus internal affairs, the Peruvian government has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Mexico today, he added. There was no immediate comment from Mexico. Chavezs lawyer, Raul Noblecilla, told local radio station RPP that he had not heard from his client in several days and was unaware of whether she had requested asylum. Chavez, who served in Castillos cabinet as Minister of Culture, was appointed as prime minister in November 2022 amid a months-long standoff between the president and the Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castillo a former rural schoolteacher and trade unionist, dubbed Perus first poor president was impeached by lawmakers the following month when he attempted to dissolve the Congress. Relations between Lima and Mexico deteriorated sharply afterwards. Following his impeachment, Castillo was on his way to the Mexican embassy in Lima to request asylum when he was arrested and charged with rebellion and abuse of authority. Chavez was charged alongside him. In December 2022, Peru expelled Mexicos ambassador after Mexico granted asylum to Castillos wife and children. Castillos successor, then-President Dina Boluarte, also temporarily recalled Perus ambassador to Mexico City in February 2023, accusing then-left-wing president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of meddling in her countrys affairs for expressing support for Castillo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president and Chavez went on trial in March of this year. While Castillo has been in preventive custody since his impeachment, Chavez was released on bail in September. Prosecutors had sought a 25-year term for Chavez for allegedly participating in Castillos plan to dissolve Congress. They have sought a 34-year sentence for Castillo. The pair has denied the charges. FAYETTEVILLE People who lost their Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits Saturday can turn to food banks and other organizations for help, but many are still wondering how to feed their dogs and cats while the loss stretches their household budgets. SNAP benefits were cut off Saturday for thousands recipients Saturday across West Virginia and the nation while the federal governments shutdown continues. West Virginia and Virginia have stepped up efforts to help food banks and food pantries serving the hungry, there are people struggling to feed family members that are not covered by these organizations. These members of the family are dogs and cats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are instances where owners are leaving their pets at animal shelters or abandoning them. The Fayette County Animal Shelter has seen two pet surrenders due to home evictions, but none relating to SNAP benefits as of Monday, said Marie Boles, animal welfare coordinator. The shelter would try to give owners dog or cat food if theyre faced with that situation. I would not turn them away and not give them food, Boles said. Boles said the shelter plans to do community outreach projects such as asking nursing home residents to help bag pet food. The shelter would give these bags to pet owners so they wont have to give up their dogs or cats. The shelter also accepts pet food donations. The Fayette County Animal Shelter is located at 513 Shelter Road in Fayetteville. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pet abandonment has been an ongoing problem in other areas. Sharon Sagety, administrator of the McDowell County Humane Society, said the societys shelter was seeing more abandoned dogs and cats before SNAP benefits were suspended. The fact people are losing food benefits will not help the situation. Well, Im sure its going to get worse, Sagety said Monday. Its already bad because I think people are already struggling and without the SNAP benefits, I dont think theyll have the means to feed their pets. We work solely on donations. Well do what we can to help, but we overextend ourselves all the time. Sagety said she has worked with the McDowell County shelter for about 22 years, but last year was the worst for animal abandonment and starvation. She recalled a recent incident on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail. ATV riders from New Hampshire found two puppies on the trails, she said. People dropped them off on the trails up in the mountains where there are predators, coyotes and other animals. Theyre lucky these people found them. They actually took their time and took them to a vet and had them checked out before they brought them to the shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation is not improving, Sagety said. Oh, its awful. Its not only puppies. Its kittens and theyre dropping off pet dogs. Theyre pedigree dogs. People are setting them out everywhere, she said. Its awful. I dont know what has happened, but its gotten so bad. I dont know. The McDowell County Humane Society is located at 109 Dog Bone Drive in Superior. It is open 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. In another area, the Mercer County Animal Shelter was watching to see if losing SNAP benefits will leave owners thinking how to feed their dogs and cats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a big possibility, said Director Stacey Harman at the Mercer County Animal Shelter, However, we will help the public with food to keep pets in the home. The Bluefield Union Mission also has pet food as well that they distribute. Pet food donations will help meet the need, she said. The Mercer County Animal Shelter is located at 961 Shelter Road near Princeton. It is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Craig Hammond, the union missions executive director, said the mission lends space to the Save A Pet Foundation and Second Chance for Cats for a pet food pantry. Pet food is distributed on the last Friday of every month. Its not a mission-sponsored activity, but we allow them to use our space because most of their clients are our clients as well, Hammond said. Last Friday, I understand (distribution) was quite large. If pet food is dropped off at the mission, personnel will make sure it goes to that pantry, Hammond said. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com Parts of the Philippines were devastated by deadly flooding Tuesday from Typhoon Kalmaegi, known as Tino in the country, and now another typhoon is impacting the region. The current storm, Typhoon Fung-wong, is also known as Uwan in the Philippines. Much stronger than Kalmaegi/Tino, Typhoon Fung-wong/Uwan reached the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale just prior to commencing landfall in the northern Philippines Sunday. The combination of heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding will result in Fung-wong/Uwan being a 5 on the AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Tropical Cyclones in the northern Philippines, the strongest rating on the scale. AccuWeather.com Fung-wong/Uwan, intensified to a very strong typhoon as the storm approached the northern Philippines on Sunday. Fung-wong will continue to track in a general west-northwest direction through Monday, local time, crossing west of the northern Philippines into the South China Sea. An eventual turn to the north and northeast is forecast by the middle of the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This turn can result in the storm impacting Taiwan this week. Into midweek, the storm is expected to lose wind intensity and transition to be equivalent to a tropical storm by the time it approaches Taiwan from the west. AccuWeather.com Tropical rainfall, some of it heavy, is anticipated north of this week's flooding in Luzon, the Batanes and Babuyan Islands of the northern Philippines through Tuesday, Nov. 11. Rainfall totals can reach 18 inches (450 mm), with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 36 inches (900 mm), which will lead to flooding, mudslides, structural damage and transportation delays. AccuWeather.com Wind gusts to 160 mph (260 km/h), with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 180 mph (290 km/h) on land, are expected in Luzon, the Batanes and Babuyan Islands of the northern Philippines through Wednesday. These strong winds will cause structural damage, power outages and logistical delays. Coastal inundation from storm surge is likely along the coast of northern Luzon, Batanes and Babuyan Islands. High winds, heavy rain from Fung-wong will impact Taiwan next week Heavy rain is also anticipated in Taiwan from later Monday, Nov. 10, through Thursday, Nov. 13. Rainfall totals will reach up to 12 inches (300 mm), with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 24 inches (600 mm), which could lead to flooding, mudslides, structural damage and transportation delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wind gusts to 100 mph (160 km/h), with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 120 mph (190 km/h), are expected in Taiwan from later Monday into Thursday. These strong winds could cause structural damage, power outages and logistical delays. Coastal inundation is likely along the southern and eastern coasts of Taiwan. The combination of heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding will result in Fung-wong being a 2 in Taiwan. Nearly 200 killed in Philippines flooding According to CNN, at least 118 people have been killed by the flooding in the central Philippines. Data from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) indicated that more than 24 inches (610 mm) of rain had fallen between Sunday and Tuesday across the central part of the nation. Quezon City has joined UNESCOs Creative Cities of Film Network, becoming one of the first Southeast Asian cities to earn the designation. The Philippine metropolis joins a global network of 26 Cities of Film spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Bradford, U.K. claimed the inaugural title in 2009, followed by Sydney in 2010. Other members include Busan, Galway, Rome, Bristol, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, and Wellington. Quezon City and Giza, Egypt were among the newest additions in the 2025 designation round. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement The recognition arrives as the Philippine metropolis embraces its identity as QC Film City during this years QCinema International Film Festival. The city had previously declared itself as the heart of Philippine cinema, adopting the QC Film City theme for the festival. QC Film City is now a name that will forever be etched in the legacy of every filmmaker, artist, and storyteller who has shaped our citys vibrant film heritage, said Mayor Joy Belmonte. From the golden era of Sampaguita Pictures and the brilliance of icons like Lino Brocka, Dolphy, Nora Aunor and Fernando Poe Jr., to the new generation of creators bringing our stories to life today this recognition honors each and every one of them. The UNESCO designation positions Quezon City to strengthen labor protections through the Eddie Garcia Law, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for film workers. The city also plans to develop sustainable talent programs and pursue global recognition for Filipino filmmakers. Spearheading the citys application since 2023, the Quezon City Film Commission is rolling out three major initiatives: QC Screen Academy, a public training hub offering skills development across film development, production, distribution and marketing; Global Producers Exchange, a platform connecting producers from Southeast Asia and other UNESCO Creative Cities for collaboration; and the Southeast Asia Film Summit, an annual gathering of industry leaders, film commissions and policymakers to discuss regulations, incentives and financing. Advertisement Advertisement This achievement is the culmination of years of collaboration, vision, and belief in the power of storytelling to shape our collective identity, said QCFC executive director Liza Dino, crediting Belmontes unwavering vision for the milestone. Her leadership has shown that creativity is not an afterthought of governance, but its very soul. Dino emphasized the designation represents a call to deepen our commitment to creative governance and cultural sustainability, adding that the city is ready to take on this responsibility, to open our doors to collaboration, and to continue building a city where stories thrive and creativity empowers every citizen. Belmonte underscored that while the recognition marks a significant achievement, the work starts again tomorrow, with initiatives continuing to spotlight local film workers and provide quality film access to residents. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Philips is set to install the first Azurion image-guided therapy system at Kediri Regency General Hospital in Indonesia. The latest move marks a major step in the collaboration between the company and Indonesias Ministry of Health aimed at broadening access to latest, minimally invasive treatment throughout the country. With the Azurion platform, clinicians will be able to carry out intricate procedures with real-time imaging, enhancing precision and decreasing recovery times along with hospital stays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since its 2017 global launch, it has been employed to treat more than 6.4 million patients annually across more than 80 countries. Philips Indonesia president director Astri Ramayanti Dharmawan said: The collaboration between Philips and the Ministry of Health supports our shared goal of bringing advanced treatment closer to where people live. With this first installation now complete, we are one step closer to ensuring that every patient regardless of location can access the care they need, when minutes matter most. In a separate development, Philips reported that the group sales reached 4.3bn ($4.9bn), representing a 3% rise in comparable sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companys income from operations stood at 330m while the adjusted EBITA margin improved by 50 basis points to 12.3% of sales. Philips CEO Roy Jakobs said: In this quarter we maintained our momentum, with AI-powered innovations and long-term partnerships making a real difference for patients and consumers. We drove strong order intake and accelerated sales growth, with sustained strength in North America. Following our landmark agreement with Indonesias Ministry of Health, the first Azurion system is being installed this week in East Java. This milestone marks the start of expanded access to advanced, minimally invasive care across Indonesia and demonstrates progress on our fundamentals, including supply chain agility and simplification. In July 2025, Royal Philips joined forces with the Indonesian Ministry of Health to implement image-guided therapy systems across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Philips to install Azurion system at Kediri Regency General Hospital" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. A series of encrypted phone calls secretly recorded by a confidential FBI source tipped off federal agents that a group was allegedly planning to carry out a terrorist attack in Michigan on behalf of ISIS, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday. Mohmed Ali, 20, and Majed Mahmoud, 20, face charges of Receiving and transferring, and attempting and conspiring to transfer, firearms and ammunition knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the firearms and ammunition would be used to commit a Federal crime of terrorism, according to the criminal complaint. Federal officials have yet to charge a third person a juvenile described throughout the complaint as Person 1 in connection with the alleged plot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the complaint details how agents doggedly surveilled the alleged co-conspirators for two months as they visited multiple gun ranges and held late-night meetings in local parks during what authorities allege was preparation for a possible terrorist attack. Then, based on what they believed to be references to a possible attack on Halloween, agents swooped in to seize the weapons and take the men into custody in the predawn hours of October 31. Heres what we know about how the investigation unfolded: A cryptic reference to Paris prompts suspicion According to an FBI affidavit supporting the criminal complaint, the agency began surveilling a man, described as co-conspirator 1, in 2024 as he traveled in the US and overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, agents allegedly tracked the mans phone to Dearborn, Michigan, and physical surveillance led them to Alis home there, where he stayed for two nights. The following month, according to the FBI, the man joined a group call from overseas with five others including an FBI confidential source, who recorded the meeting. Person 1, Mahmoud and Ali do not appear to have been part of this call. During the call, the group allegedly discussed traveling together to Syria to join ISIS and co-conspirator 1 said they were gonna die there unless, he told the group, the Amir sends you to Paris for a 2015. A review of co-conspirator 1s cellphone allegedly revealed he had Person 1s phone number saved in his phone under Athari and ALIs phone number saved in his phone as Bukhari. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, one of the participants on the call also stated, Athari and Bukhari said they were going to stay back and do the same thing as France. Knowing Athari, its (the attack) probably going to be at like a club, a disco, co-conspirator 1 said, according to the complaint. The reference to Paris stood out to FBI counterterrorism experts. They concluded it was a thinly veiled nod to the coordinated ISIS-linked terrorist attacks that unfolded across Paris in November 2015. More than 130 people were killed in the attacks and scores more were wounded. After studying the call, the FBI concluded an attack could be imminent and began keeping close tabs on Ali and Mahmoud. Talk turned to action with purchase of firearms, complaint alleges According to the complaint, in the months following the June meeting with co-conspirator 1, Ali allegedly purchased a Beretta A300 Ultimata Black Shotgun, a Sabre Forged 16 rifle, as well as a holographic sight built for close-quarter engagements with fast moving targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mahmoud also allegedly purchased a rifle and two boxes of ammunition with more than 800 rounds in each box. In October, he allegedly purchased a red dot sight, which provides the shooter a single point of focus during the aiming process, according to the complaint. Then, in September and October, Ali, Mahmoud and Person 1 began practicing at local shooting ranges, under the watchful eye of FBI agents, the complaint states. Mohmed Ali is seen at Downriver Guns on September 25, 2025, according to a criminal complaint released by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan - United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan Security footage obtained by the FBI shows all three men visiting local gun ranges over the course of several weeks. On multiple occasions, undercover FBI agents entered the range and surveilled the men from nearby as they practiced firing weapons. Although the agents did not identify themselves, according to the complaint they observed the men practicing with guns and ammunition like those they had previously purchased. FBI tailed trio as they allegedly scouted locations Although Ali, Mahmoud and Person 1 are all under 21, the complaint noted in September they began traveling to a popular area in Ferndale, Michigan, known for its bars and clubs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the clubs and bars in this area intentionally attract members of the LGBTQ+ community, the complaint states. The following month, FBI agents observed three individuals appearing to match the physical description of Person 1, Ali, and Mahmoud meeting at a local park in Dearborn, Michigan, around 9 p.m. They met up again the following week at another park. Since the men all live with their families, the FBI concluded the late-night meetups at the park reflect their efforts to meet to plan an attack without being detected. FBI agents gather outside a home in a Dearborn, Mich., neighborhood on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. - Mike Householder/AP References to pumpkin trigger arrest on Halloween In September and October, the FBI received court-approved authorization to surveil communications between Person 1, Ali and Mahmoud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In calls and messages, they found multiple mentions of pumpkin, which agents concluded was a reference to Halloween as the potential day for the attack they were plotting, an attack that they understood could result in their deaths and martyrdom. So ya, I talked to my brothers. We are going to do pumpkin, Person 1 allegedly told Ali on October 24, according to the complaint. The FBI later notes in the complaint references to brothers likely mean other ISIS supporters. As the Halloween weekend loomed, a judge authorized the execution of search warrants on Ali and Mahmouds homes. In the predawn hours of October 31, FBI agents descended on the Detroit suburb where the men lived and detonated smoke bombs before storming into their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Ali and Mahmoud were arrested. FBI Director Kash Patel later tweeted about the foiled terrorist plot but offered little additional detail. As a result, some Dearborn residents speculated whether the arrests were justified, or perhaps a way to profile the citys large Arab population, which has long been targeted for Islamophobic attacks. But on Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi boasted on X the unsealed criminal complaint revealed a major ISIS-linked terror plot. Our American heroes prevented a terror attack, Bondi wrote. Court process begins with hearing Both Mahmoud and Ali were shackled as they were escorted into court Monday, according to CNN reporters who attended the hearing. Both men acknowledged they had read the complaint against them and understood the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for both of the men briefly spoke to reporters after the hearing, but declined to comment. Co-conspirator 1 has not been charged. If convicted, Ali and Mahmoud could face up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, a spokesperson for the US Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said. CNNs Holly Yan, Jeff Winter and Leigh Waldman contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Jorge Silva SERRA PELADA, Brazil (Reuters) -With a voice more youthful than his 72 years would suggest, Lucindo Lima sings about the untold riches he never made in Brazil's Serra Pelada mine, a site made famous by a 1980s gold rush immortalized by the late photographer Sebastiao Salgado. "Under those mountains all our riches are hidden," Lima sings outside his decaying wooden house in Serra Pelada, a hilly district in the town of Curionopolis, in the Amazonian state of Para. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Set to host the COP30 United Nations climate talks in Belem, Para has seen a widening divide between mining by major firms such as Brazilian mining giant Vale and by artisanal miners, called "garimpeiros", hunting for gold, often illegally, in the Amazon rainforest. Some garimpeiros are still hopeful of finding fortune in Serra Pelada, where a gold rush erupted in 1979, drawing thousands who dug by hand a cavernous open pit during the 1980s. Striking black and white photographs taken at the time by Salgado, who passed away in May, captured men swarming around the pit like an open termite mound and jolted the world with what seemed like medieval scenes in the modern era. As ore grades waned and the pit flooded, authorities shut operations in 1992, leaving a water-filled crater that became an emblem of excess in the frontier towns of the Brazilian Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lima's song calls the mine "the queen of metals," but a two-hour drive from the flooded crater stands a new queen: Carajas, the world's largest open-pit iron-ore mine, run by Vale. Vale's revenue from Carajas each year is roughly nine times all the wealth extracted from Serra Pelada, even adjusting the value of gold to current market prices near record highs. The firm has deployed driverless trucks and artificial intelligence at Carajas, where it plans to invest 70 billion reais ($13 billion) between 2025 and 2030. "Autonomous trucks can generate up to 15% more operational efficiency, that is, 15% more hours worked," said Gildiney Sales, the director of Vale's North corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Para, illegal gold mining has devastated rivers and tributaries, fueling deforestation and mercury poisoning. By contrast, Vale has vowed to preserve 800,000 hectares (3,100 square miles) of forest around Carajas - about five times the area of Brazil's most populous city, Sao Paulo. Vale moves high-grade ore to port by rail, while garimpeiros travel via informal roads and river networks, often facing grave danger. At Serra Pelada, many still go underground to look for scraps of the precious metal. "We are at a depth of approximately 25 or 26 meters," said miner Cicero Pereira Ribeiro, holding a pickaxe inside one of those dimly lit underground shafts that made fortunes in the 1980s rush. Ribeiro and others are still holding out hope for Serra Pelada to yield more treasures, fulfilling the ambitions they have been nursing for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We haven't woken up from this dream yet," said Antonio Luis, a miner in Serra Pelada since 1981. ($1 = 5.40 reais) (Reporting by Jorge Silva; Writing by Fabio Teixeira; Editing by Nia Williams) PINE BLUFF, Ark. James Wilburn returns home to Pine Bluff after the Illinois sheriffs deputy who shot and killed his daughter was convicted of second degree murder on October 19, 2025. 31-year-old Sean Grayson was originally charged with first degree murder for the July 2024 killing of Sonya Massey. Body cam footage shows what happened in the moments leading up to him pulling the trigger killing Massey in her kitchen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have the ability to do it. And you say youre going to do it. And you do it thats pre-meditated, first-degree murder, Wilburn said, He said Ill shoot you in the effing face. And he did it. City of Pine Bluff holds rally in wake of Sonya Massey deadly shooting An investigation in the case revealed Grayson held six law enforcement jobs in just four years and was kicked out of the army for drunk driving a decade ago. As he moved from department to department, they knew he had a problem. With testifying, wrong reports, following orders. They knew it, Wilburn said. The death of Massey has sparked protests across the country, and encouraged a bill in Illinois, called the Sonya Massey bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And that bill requires that they do extensive and complete background investigations on police officer candidates, Wilburn said. Harris: Sonya Massey deserved to be safe While Grayson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years, Wilburn hopes to see the Sonya Massey bill become universal. And for people to be held accountable for murder to the full extent. I think this too shall pass, but theyre going to have to stop killing our unarmed people, Wilburn said. Wilburn said he will be heading back up to Illinois to hear that sentencing take place on January 29, 2026. 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 KARK. (NewsNation) Democrat Corey OConnor faces Republican Tony Moreno in Tuesdays Pittsburgh mayoral race, with OConnor heavily favored to win in a city that has not elected a Republican mayor for decades. OConnor, the current Allegheny County controller and former city councilman, defeated incumbent Ed Gainey in the May 20 Democratic primary. Moreno, a city police officer for 24 years, is campaigning for mayor again after running against Ed Gainey in 2021. The campaign focused heavily on city finances, public safety and affordable housing. Both candidates criticized Gaineys tenure and acknowledged the city faced financial problems. Moreno and OConnor differed on issues ranging from immigration policy to police spending. Both men indicated they preferred a less confrontational approach to the citys largest tax-exempt nonprofits compared to Gaineys litigation strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for NewsNations Newsletter Campaign finance records reveal a stark fundraising disparity between the candidates. Through mid-September, OConnor raised $1.69 million with $270,000 on hand, while Moreno had roughly $4,000 on hand. OConnors substantial financial advantage is more than 60 times that of Moreno. The race also featured significant outside spending, with each Democratic primary candidate benefiting from more than $600,000 in spending from independent groups during OConnors contest against Gainey. During debates, both addressed whether taxes would be raised, with Moreno saying, I wont raise taxes. We dont need to raise taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OConnor responded. At this point, we dont even know the numbers. Get fact-based, unbiased news coverage 24/7 with the NewsNation app. Download it here. Polls in Pennsylvania close at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday. Follow election results for the Pittsburgh mayoral race in the tracker below: 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 NewsNation. Pittsburgh Public Schools leaders are thinking about raising taxes next year. A proposed 2026 budget presented at a finance meeting tonight included a possible tax hike. The proposal also accounts for the districts plan to permanently close nine buildings. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent lays out roadmap for district aimed at balancing enrollment Leaders said they are expecting a $12.2 million deficit next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats down from the districts $25 million loss from this year. A vote on the budget is expected in December. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is collaborating with local governments to kickstart hunter-landowner committees around the Commonwealth. Monday nights meeting in Pittsylvania County was led by Sheriff Mike Taylor. He says in the past three years, there have been 176 calls for service related to hunters on private properties. Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center admits three bald eagles in two-week span Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were hoping is we can resolve some of these things with these committees and they can reach out to the landowners and the hunting clubs or hunters and sort these out before they become more complex, he said. Sheriff Taylor says there will likely be further meetings before any committee is formed. 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 WFXRtv. WATERBURY- City fire officials continued to investigate the source of Friday's heavy blaze that tore a hole in the roof and caused heavy interior damage to Bailey's Bar and Grille and a neighboring comic book store. Fire cleanup crews, insurance adjusters and environmental officials were on site at the East Gate Plaza on Store Avenue Monday morning waiting for building officials before entering the neighborhood bar to investigate further, or begin clean up. The acrid smell of dead smoke and chemicals hung heavy in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waterbury Fire Department spokesman Capt. Edward Partridge said it could take a while before the fire's cause is known because the amount of fallen debris can obstruct photographing the scene and finding evidence. No firefighters or civilians were injured in the blaze. "With that level of destruction, it's hard to discern at this point," Partridge said. City Fire Marshal Tom Fitzgerald did not respond to a request for comment. Workers from United Cleaning and Restoration said power was cut to Bailey's and Richie's Comic Cabana next door. The remainder of the plaza was open, although several stores remained closed. The three-alarm blaze began at about 9 a.m. Friday before the businesses opened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bar owner Edward Bergin could not be reached for comment, but posted a message to longtime customers and supporters on the bar's social media account describing the ordeal. "On the morning of October 31st, 2025, we woke up early, filled with pure excitement to prepare for our favorite holiday-Halloween. Then, our lives became a true horror," he wrote. "At 9:05 that morning, all our dreams were shattered with a phone call: 'The bar is on fire.'" Bailey's is the former Barley Corn Irish Cafe, a landmark in the city's east side for decades, known for its ribs, wings and Irish music. "The magnitude of this loss has left us shaken and heartbroken," Bergin wrote. "To stand there watching all our dreams, passion, hard work, and livelihoods go up in flames before our eyes-completely helpless-has left us devastated beyond words." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He thanked the fire crews from Waterbury, Wolcott and Naugatuck for responding and for the outpouring of support and kindness from their friends, family and community. He called out the milestones and holidays they've celebrated with their customers over the years, including Christmases, borthdays, weddings, graduations and new additions to families. "It was more than just a bar-it was a home," Bergin wrote. "A place that held our hearts and souls." He ended the post with a look to the future and a glimpse of optimism. "Though we now face uncertainty, we hold on to hope and faith," he wrote. "We will keep you updated on our progress. There's a long road ahead - but if anyone can do it, I believe it is us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of that community came out for Bergin on Monday. "It was a transformation from the Barley Corn," said longtime customer John Freygang who pulled into the parking lot. "I wanted to see if Eddy was around. He had a hell of a business." "I'm just glad nobody was injured," said his companion Ewa Jurkiewicz. Jerry Ciampi, owner of East Gate Restaurant, four doors down from Bailey's was fighting to get the stubborn smoke smell out of his eatery with a second cleaning. A cleaning truck pulled into the front of the diner with clean rubber mats and fresh linens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We just got the water back," Ciampi said Monday. "And the burning smell. We have to do a redo because it didn't go away. Please let people know, we are open tomorrow." This article originally published at 'A place that held our hearts': Owner of Waterbury bar destroyed in Halloween fire vows to return. Poland intends to begin developing a national anti-drone system within the next few months, without waiting for the European Union's drone wall initiative to be implemented. Source: European Pravda, citing a statement by Polish Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk in an interview with Bloomberg Quote from Tomczyk: "We agree with the idea of strengthening the defence of the skies over the entire European Union and are willing to consider external proposals or solutions. But we give priority to national projects." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Tomczyk said in November, the ministry will announce investments in technologies for detecting, jamming and neutralising hostile drones as part of a broader air defence programme. He did not specify the amount of investment but said the goal was for Polish companies to receive at least half of the contracts. Tomczyk stressed that the EU's drone wall could "complement" Poland's system in the future. He added that the ministry plans to use the EU's new SAFE defence credit programme to finance the country's anti-drone shield but declined to give further details. Bloomberg noted that, given Poland's borders with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, it had received the largest initial allocation under the SAFE programme 43.7 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government wants the first new elements of the anti-drone system to become operational within three months after the announcement, with the entire system fully functional within two years. "A counter-drone weapon must be comprehensive. It should consist of various sensors and effectors operating simultaneously, first detecting and identifying objects, and then neutralising them," Tomczyk said. He added that the new anti-drone initiatives would become "another layer" of the country's air defence network, alongside already deployed long- and medium-range systems. Background: On the night of 9-10 September, around 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace for the first time. Following this incident, Ukraine and Poland agreed to create a joint operational group for unmanned aerial systems. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! FREEPORT, Ill (WTVO) Michael Blasing, 66, was arrested by the Freeport Police Department in connection with a shooting on October 30th, after which a 43-year-old victim ran into the Pretzel City Pub seeking help. According to the Freeport Police Department, officers were called to the Pretzel City Pub, at 1350 W. Galena Avenue, at 10:06 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th, and located the victim, who had come into the bar seeking aid. Police said the victim was shot at a nearby location. He was taken to Freeport Memorial Hospital to be stabilized before being transported to a Rockford hospital. He is said to be in stable condition at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freeport Police said Blesing was initially charged with possession of a weapon by a felon. Police said key interviews were conducted that led to new evidence, resulting in Blesings arrest on Friday, October 31st, on the felony charge of aggravated battery with a firearm. Blassing is currently at the Stephenson County Jail and will remain in custody pending the outcome of a detention hearing, police said. 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. An SUV was located at an apartment complex in Worcester in connection with the search for a missing 30-year-old woman. Joanna Brown was last seen on Friday, October 31, at Bean Counter on Grove Street where she worked. The 2025 gray Mitsubishi Outlander police had been looking for was found in the parking lot of Green Hill Towers on Mt. Vernon Street three days later. The medical examiners office was on scene before the vehicle was towed away from the property on Monday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police havent said what was discovered inside the vehicle, and its unclear if Brown has any connection with the complex. Brown left work early on Friday and did not show up for work the following day. Her boss told Boston 25 News Brown has been a model employee in her eight years of working there and has never not shown up to work. She is part of our family. Its really heart wrenching, and this makes me sick to my stomach, said Alice Lombardi, owner of Bean Counter. Its really difficult for us. Were a family here. Lombardi said staff and customers are now anxiously waiting for answers from investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant imagine this would ever happen in my lifetime, she said. Were all very concerned. Police previously said Brown may be in the Holyoke or Springfield area. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW BATH TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) Police body camera video is shedding light on the chaotic scene that officers in Bath Township encountered early Sunday morning, when they responded to a mass shooting at a party on Top O Hill Drive. Investigators say there were a large number of teenagers attending the party at a million-dollar home, that was rented out by organizers of a so-called Mansion Party through Airbnb. Prosecutor: Bobby George will be a convicted felon for the rest of his life Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the shots rang out, many of the teens fled. The primary concern of arriving officers was the well-being of nine victims, who suffered either gunshot wounds or injuries in the mayhem that followed the gunfire. They found many of the gunshot victims outside and really their priority was to render aid to them first and Im very, very proud of the work that they did that night, said Bath Township Police Chief Vito Sinopoli. Bath Township Police photo Authorities said two of the nine victims were treated for their gunshot wounds and released. Seven victims remain hospitalized. Police said they cannot share information about the condition of some of those victims because they are juveniles. Investigators said they do not know what led to the shooting or how many suspects were involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we do know is that there were quite a few shell casings that were found at the scene, including several calibers, so were still developing those leads but we dont have an exact number of shooters, said Chief Sinopoli. Investigators said the homeowner, who agreed to rent the house through Airbnb, lives out of state and on Sunday she spoke with police. Former Cleveland reporter survives shooting, shares story Shes cooperating fully with our investigation but she indicated that she was unaware of the fact that this particular person that had rented for the short-term rental, was intending to have a party at the residence, said Chief Sinopoli. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives of Airbnb have scheduled a meeting with police to discuss what the company knew about the rental and the party organizers. Under zoning guidelines in Bath Township, Airbnb and other short-term rentals are not allowed, but theres a catch. We dont have home rule authority to provide us the ability to enforce through any type of criminal sanction, said Chief Sinopoli. Bath Township police are being assisted by agencies that include the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and ATF as they continue their effort to identify those responsible for the senseless violence. In addition to surveillance video and statements from witnesses, Chief Sinopoli told us, we believe that there are individuals at the party that have video recordings of the incident. Parents, please talk to your kids, the video on their phone might be the key piece of evidence we need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the shooting suspects. Tipsters are urged to call the Bath Township Police Detective Bureau at 330-666-3736 or the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 1-855-BCI-OHIO or 1-855-224-6446. 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Bonnie Blue isnt backing down even after being arrested in Bali and her first public comment made that very clear. The 26-year-old adult content creator, whose real name is Tia Billinger, broke her silence after being arrested in Bali on suspicion of violating local morality laws. Her five-word message came as she was... Nov. 3Albuquerque police identified the man that was "critically injured" by officers Monday morning. Claude Laska, 32, was shot around 4 a.m. on Interstate 40, west of the Rio Puerco, just north of the Route 66 Casino Hotel, Albuquerque Police Department spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said in a news release. The shooting was the 14th time APD has shot at someone this year. Ten of those shootings have been fatal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were tracking Laska through the night after he had allegedly shot a man at an apartment complex in Southwest Albuquerque, Gallegos said. "Detectives covertly surveilled Laska through the night and attempted to take him into custody, but those attempts were unsuccessful," Gallegos said. Around 4 a.m., detectives saw Laska driving a sedan eastbound on Interstate 40 toward Albuquerque and learned he had pulled the vehicle to the side of the highway after he ran out of gas. Gallegos said officers heard gunshots coming from the direction of the car as they approached it and one officer returned fire and injured Laska. He was taken to a local hospital and is reportedly in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APD detectives had been searching for Laska since Oct. 9 because he had "multiple violent felonies related to domestic violence incidents," Gallegos said. "Laska left the state at one point and fled from police in Las Vegas, Nevada, who attempted a traffic stop based on his warrant in Albuquerque," Gallegos said. Sunday evening, police were called to the Crescent Ridge apartment complex, located at 8200 Bridge SW, near Unser, in response to a domestic dispute, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. The caller told police Laska had allegedly given his girlfriend an unknown substance that caused her to overdose, the complaint states. Laska was not present at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after, police returned to the Crescent Ridge apartments after receiving a call that Laska had allegedly shot a man in the parking lot, according to the complaint. Witnesses told police Laska pointed a gun at his girlfriend and told her to "Get in the (expletive) car," before he drove away, the complaint states. "The woman later told detectives that Laska allegedly pistol-whipped her while she was with him," Gallegos said. (FOX40.COM) The Elk Grove Police Department identified the suspect in Sundays deadly bar shooting as 43-year-old Roderick Randall of Sacramento. The police department said Randall is considered to be armed and dangerous. Roderick Randall (IMAGE: Elk Grove Police Department) Around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, four people were shot at the Z Town Gastro Bar on Elk Grove Florin Road. One of the victims, an 18-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said another victim, 34, is in critical condition. The remaining two victims are in stable condition and expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police asked that anyone with information on his whereabouts to call Elk Grove Police Department Communication Center (916) 714-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). In a social media post, bar staff expressed condolences for the victims and thanked the community for the words of support it had recieved. Please keep the victims, their families, and everyone affected in your heart and prayers, the post read. We truly appreciate every message, call, and act of kindness thats been shared with us it means more than words can express. According to the social media post, the bar would temporarily remain closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 FOX40 News. A police investigation is underway at a home in Beverly. Officers have taped off a home on Colonial Drive and have blocked off part of the road. The investigation began overnight, and several officers are currently present at the scene. A truck and trailer are visible in the driveway of the home, which is located at the end of a cul-de-sac. In a video captured by photographers, all the lights inside the house appear to be on, and police have put up caution tape around the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston 25 has reached out to authorities for more information. 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 WISCONSIN RAPIDS The preliminary results from an autopsy done Nov. 3 indicate a 34-year-old man who died from injuries he received late Oct, 30 died from self-inflicted injuries. Antoni R. Quinones had been taken to Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital, 410 Dewey St,, with life-threatening injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts, Quinones died at the hospital. The investigation into Quinones' death and medical evidence indicate Quinones' injuries were self inflicted, it was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public, according to a news release from Wisconsin Rapids Police Chief Daniel Hostens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a tragic loss of life, and our thoughts are with Mr. Quinones' family and loved ones during this difficult time," Hostens said in the news release. "Incidents like this have a profound impact on those close to the individual and our community as a whole, Hostens thanked the Wood County Sheriff's Office and Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation for their continued assistance. More local news: Judge sets $1M bail for man arrested following Oct. 31 homicide in Wisconsin Rapids More local news: Judge sets additional $50,000 bail for Nekoosa restaurant owner charged with tax evasion Contact Karen Madden kmadden@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KMadden715, Instagram @kmadden715 or Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen.madden.33. This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: Man who died at Wisconsin Rapids hospital had self-inflicted injuries Smyrna police are investigating the death of playwright Olivia Matthews, who was found dead after a fire in her apartment on Sept. 3. Authorities suspect Matthews suffered physical trauma before the fire and are treating her death as a murder. Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta has increased the reward for information leading to an arrest in this case to $10,000. Detectives are looking into other suspicious incidents in the area, particularly those involving single women living alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do believe that Ms. Matthews suffered some trauma prior to the fire being set, said Smyrna Police Criminal Investigations Lt. Meredith Holt. Detectives have identified three other incidents in the vicinity of the Bella 810 Apartment complex where Matthews lived, each involving a single woman living alone. Holt noted that detectives are canvassing the complex and have learned that someone may have tried to break into another apartment occupied by a woman living alone on the night of the incident. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have searched through our own database, 911 calls, any reports that we have received in the months prior to this incident occurring to Ms. Matthews. We are checking and following up on any leads that we had. Were looking at prowlers, suspicious activity, peeping toms, criminal trespass, Holt said. Surveillance video from another nearby complex shows a man acting suspiciously, pacing and looking into apartment windows. Police are seeking to identify a man of interest to eliminate him from the investigation, though he is not accused of any crime. Holt mentioned another incident where a man talked his way into a womans apartment to use the phone, which she found suspicious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This person goes up and down the stairs, paces back and forth in front of the apartment, looks into the apartment windows, looks over the balcony like theyre looking at something else. And the person who lives inside the apartment just felt that was very suspicious activity, Holt said. Crime Stoppers Coordinator Demetrius Campbell explained that anonymous tipsters can collect the reward without revealing their identity. Additionally, the Georgia Arson Control Hotline offers a separate reward of up to $10,000 for arrest and conviction, potentially totaling $20,000 in rewards. The investigation into Olivia Matthews death continues as police explore leads and seek information from the public. Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. CAIRO - An SUV rammed into an occupied school bus on Monday in a small Catskill foothills community, according to authorities. Cairo police responded to the crash on state Route 145 near Frank Hitchcock Road at around 2:35 p.m. with assistance from State Police and the Greene County Sheriff's Office. According to officials, the vehicle hit the school bus while it was stopped to drop students off. The driver has since been charged with following a school bus too closely and tailgating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No injuries were reported. Students from the Cairo-Durham School District were transferred to another bus on the scene. Cairo police didn't immediately respond to a request for further information on Monday. This article originally published at Police: SUV hits occupied school bus in Cairo. DES MOINES, Iowa It was a strong start to early voting in Polk County ahead of the November 4 election. We received over 10,000 absentee ballots, said Polk County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Jamie Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald also reported that there were lines of people waiting to cast their ballots throughout the day at the new county election office off Euclid Avenue in Des Moines. Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies at 84 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Fitzgerald said the numbers had already outpaced a previous election with a comparable ballot. This year has far surpassed 2021, and its on target with the 2023 turnout, where in Polk County we saw over 80,000 voters participate, he told WHO 13s Katie Kaplan. However, voters will have to wait to learn what way those votes will swing. Its a secret ballot. So, we dont know how voters are participating. It could be a group of yes. It could be a group of no coming in (sic) as an organization, Fitzgerald said. We really cant tell until election day. While there are a lot of reasons that drive people to the polls, like multi-million dollar bond referendums, school board and city council seats, early voters we spoke with had one thing on their minds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education, said an older gentleman who only wanted to be identified by his first name of Caesar. Because that is the future for everybody. Im very concerned overall, said Liliana McGohan, who lives in Polk County and is an educator in a different county. I still think its important to vote for school boards and how they can affect all the teachers in the area. The public will have to wait until 8 p.m. on Tuesday for a first look at the preliminary results. The official results will be certified after the Canvass next Tuesday. WHO 13 will have live team coverage at 10 p.m. for Election Night. Polls are open on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can register or update their registration on Election Day. To find your polling place, click here and enter your zip code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 who13.com. Gov. Wes Moore's job approval numbers remained above 50%, statistitcally flat for the last year, according to a new poll. But the gap between those who approve and those who disapprove of his performance continues to narrow. (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) A new poll says a majority of Marylanders say they approve of the job done by Gov. Wes Moore (D) even as they express pessimism about the direction of the state, the economy, and the future. A poll released Tuesday by the Institute of Politics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County finds Moore sitting above water, with 52% of those surveyed saying they approve of his job performance. Another 44% said they disapprove. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have polled on him twice now, once in October so basically a year ago and then in February 2025, said Mileah Kromer, a pollster and director of the institute. He was sitting at a 54% approval rating in October. Its at 52% rating in February. So, theres really no change on that sort of approval top line. But beneath the top approval numbers, there is a trend of growing disapproval of the governors performance. Its particularly noticeable if youre comparing October last year to October this year, Kromer said. His disapprovals have jumped up from 32% last year to 44% in the latest poll. And the gap between those who approve and those who disapprove of Moores job performance has narrowed at the same time, from a 22-point margin in October 2024 to a 12-point gap in February until the survey released Tuesday, when there was an 8-point separation between those who approve of Moores efforts and those who do not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were in the middle of a federal government shutdown that the majority of folks think is going to have a negative economic impact on the state, Kromer said. And while Wes Moore as an individual, certainly doesnt have any control over if the government shuts down or not, when people have economic anxiety, oftentimes they express that anxiety on leadership whether you are responsible or not, whether you have anything to do with it or not. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE I think that there certainly has to be some of that at work here, she said. Im not surprised that you see this uptick in disapproval. The UMBC poll surveyed 810 Maryland adults, who included 757 registered voters. The poll, conducted Oct. 21-25, has an overall margin of error of 3.4%. The margin of error among registered voters is 3.5%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below the surface are continued signs of soft support for Moore as support among independent voters erodes. Among unaffiliated voters, 56% said they disapprove of Moore, 33% higher than UMBCs inaugural poll in October 2024. It is the second consecutive UMBC poll showing an increase in unaffiliated voters who disapproved. Hes underwater among those voters. Kromer said. Theyre an important part of the electorate. But the Democrats are still the biggest show in town in terms of raw numbers. In Maryland, registered Democratic voters outnumber Republicans by a 2-1 margin. Nearly 1 million registered voters in the state identify as unaffiliated or independent voters, a voter bloc almost as large as the number of registered Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unsurprisingly, Moore does well with Maryland Democrats and continues to struggle with Republicans. Among Democrats, 78% said they approved of the governors performance a decrease from previous UMBC surveys, though statistically flat. A small number of Moores own party, however, disapprove of his efforts and that number is growing. In the latest survey, 17% of Democrats said they disproved of Moores performance, up from 12% in October 2024. Republicans in the survey continue to overwhelmingly disapprove of Moore, with just 8% of GOP voters approving in the new poll compared to 89% who disapproved. Marylanders pessimistic about the economy and the future The survey also showed Marylanders remain pessimistic about the direction of the state overall, as well as the current economic conditions: 48% said the state is on the wrong track, while just four in 10 believed the state is moving in the right direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of people who said the state is moving in the wrong direction is statistically flat compared to the UMBC February poll. In October 2024, 39% of those who responded said Maryland was moving in the wrong direction. Marylanders are pessimistic about the state economy, and most believe the ongoing federal shutdown will affect their personal finances. (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters) These numbers have not budged, Kromer said, looking back at the last year of polls. You want those numbers to move, and you want them to move in the other direction. Nearly seven in 10 rated the economic condition of the state over the last year as poor or fair. Additionally, 55% said they think things will get worse. Thirty-one percent projected the economy would remain about the same. Just 11% said they expected some improvement next year, according to the poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We asked folks to look ahead to the future, and it doesnt look like theyre all that hopeful, she said. Respondents to the poll were asked to identify their biggest concern about the Maryland economy. The top six responses were all pocketbook issues ranging from taxes and government spending to the government shutdown, cost of living, and housing costs. In a separate question, those polled were asked about seven key economic indicators. More than nine of 10 said they were very or somewhat concerned about the costs of groceries and consumer goods. Costs of health care and insurance came in at 89%, followed by the cost of household electricity at 88%. The ability to find a good-paying job came in at 86%. Seventy-nine percent worried about the cost of housing and more than six in 10 said the price of gasoline was a concern. Concerns about the performance of the stock market came in last at 53%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marylanders are also concerned about the ongoing federal shutdown, which became the longest in history Tuesday when it enetered its 35th day. The poll was conducted a little more than three weeks into the shutdown. The number of people who said the state is moving in the wrong direction is statistically flat compared to the UMBC February poll. In October 2024, 39% of those who responded said Maryland was moving in the wrong direction. More than six-in-ten said they believe the shutdown will have a major impact on the state. When it came to personal finances, three in 10 said the shutdown will have a major impact, and another 37% said it will have a minor impact. Blame for shutdown falls along partisan lines Blame for the shutdown falls squarely along party lines, with 84 % of Democrats blaming President Donald Trump and Republicans, while 82% of Republicans blame congressional Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump remains unpopular in Maryland. According to the poll, 67% said they disapproved of his job performance compared to 32% that said they approved. The approval number is slightly lower than the 34% of 2024 voters who cast their ballots for Trump in Maryland. His numbers just have not budged, Kromer said. Over the years that Ive polled on him. not just here, but my previous institution they just have not budged. Even in other public polls, he is usually right around the low 30s as his approval rating in Maryland. Its mostly Republicans, some independents or unaffiliated voters, and a very teeny, tiny number of Democrats. Nov. 3SANTA FE Poll workers across New Mexico spent the last few days preparing for Election Day, after a final barrage of campaign mailers and advertisements from candidates seeking election to local office. Voters in municipalities including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Roswell, Gallup and Taos will select their mayors on Tuesday, while also picking new city council and school board members. Numerous local ballot questions will also be decided, including tax levies for hospitals in Artesia, Eunice and Cibola County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the deadline to register electronically to vote has already passed, eligible state residents who have not yet registered can still cast a ballot on Election Day via same-day voter registration. After issues last year with processing same-day voter registration applications led to long lines and delays in some parts of the state, elections officials have made additional preparations this year. Nathan Jaramillo, the bureau of elections administrator for the Bernalillo County Clerk's Office, said that includes a hotline room with 15 trained workers, along with more staffers on standby. "I am confident these measures will help ensure a smooth process for voters and poll workers alike," Jaramillo said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there will likely be fewer voters this year than during last year's presidential election, as early voting turnout rates were tepid across much of New Mexico. In Albuquerque, about 20.1% of registered voters ended up casting their ballot via early or absentee voting before the end of early voting on Saturday. That means a hefty Election Day turnout will be required in order for the city to surpass the 32% turnout mark from Albuquerque's last mayoral election in 2021. In Santa Fe County, roughly 14.9% of registered voters cast their ballots before Election Day, while early voting turnout was about 11.4% in Taos County, where former Mayor Dan Barrone is seeking a return to office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election observers trained by Observe New Mexico Elections, a nonprofit group, visited 39 polling places in 11 New Mexico counties during early voting and also plan to be on hand at voting sites on Election Day. The group plans to release a post-election report detailing whether state election laws and procedures were appropriately followed. While state law sets voting timelines for local elections, many cities and towns are able to use their own voting formats. Santa Fe, for instance, has used ranked-choice voting in recent election cycles to determine a winner on Election Night, while Albuquerque and some other cities use a runoff election system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under that system, if no candidate receives at least 50% of the votes cast in a race, the two top finishers advance to a runoff election at a later date. This year, such a runoff election would be held Dec. 9. In Albuquerque, incumbent Mayor Tim Keller is seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term, but has faced steady criticism from his five opponents for his handling of crime and homelessness in the state's largest city. In response, Keller has touted a recent drop in Albuquerque's violent crime rates, along with his administration's efforts. "It's easy to just talk about the problem or say things that there is no way you can deliver on," Keller said during a recent mayoral candidate roundtable at the Journal. "What's hard is to actually do the real work." WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Polls across the state open at 7 a.m. for Election Day in Kansas. In Sedgwick County, there are 101 polling locations. Most voters in Kansas will decide on local races for mayor, city council, and school board positions. Some towns will decide on bonds for school improvements, sales tax increases, and other measures. Wichita voters are voting for City Council members in Districts 1, 3, and 6, and for School Board of Education members in Districts 1, 2, 5, and 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KSN News talked to several voters heading to the polls on Tuesday. Well, I dont have the ability to control a lot of things, but I do have the ability to vote, and if that changes things, good. I dont vote, I have no right to complain, Eileen Blasi, Wichita resident, said. I think its important to recognize that were citizens of the United States, and this is one of the reasons weve been so successful for the development of this country, Kendree Kern, Wichita resident, said. KSN has provided information below on what you need to know before heading out to vote. How do I know if I am registered to vote? Where do I go? Can I see a sample of my ballot before I go? The best way to find the answers is by clicking on VoterView, a section on the Kansas Secretary of States website. If you type in your name and birthdate, the website will bring up your polling place and the hours it will be open. If you are registered to vote, you can also see a ballot sample. You can also view a sample ballot at your polling site. What if the polls close while Im still in line? Do not leave. Stay in line all voters who are in line when polling locations close will be allowed to vote. What do I need to bring with me? Kansas, voters are required by law to show photo identification when they vote in person. According to the Kansas Secretary of States office, these are documents that voters can use to meet the photo ID requirement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers license or ID card issued by Kansas or another state U.S. Passport U.S. Military ID ID card issued by a Native American tribe Employee badge or ID issued by a government office Student ID card from an accredited post-secondary education institution in Kansas Concealed carry license issued by Kansas or another state Public assistance ID card issued by a government office The exemptions to the photo ID requirement are: Permanent advance voters (voters with illness or disabilities) Military and overseas voters and their spouses and dependents Voters with religious objections who sign a Declaration of Religious Objection (Form DRO (Espanol) Voters age 65 or older may use an expired photo ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The website has answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about photo IDs. Click here if you have any questions. What should I do if I have a mailed ballot? If you requested and received an advance by-mail ballot, it must be returned or postmarked by Nov. 4. You can return the ballot to the election office, a community-located drop box, or a box inside a polling place by 7 p.m. on Election Day. If you are mailing it in, it must be postmarked by Nov. 4 and received at the election office by Friday, Nov. 7. MORE Where can I find the election results? KSN News and KSN.com will bring election results when they start coming in just after 7 p.m. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KSN-TV. Polling places throughout California open today for a special election that could help Democrats' efforts to quell President Trump's agenda but, if trends hold, most of the votes may have already been cast. Since 2020, more than eight in 10 Californians during statewide general or special elections have voted by mailing their ballot, depositing it into an official drop box or returning it to a local voting center, according to a new analysis by UC Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies. Back in 2008, nearly six in 10 voters in California went to the polls and used a voting machine on Election Day. Political analysts expect that significant shift toward early voting to hold true for today's special election for Proposition 50, a ballot measure that would change California's congressional district boundaries to favor Democrats. The measure, backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders, was placed on the ballot to counteract a redistricting plan intended to give Republicans more seats in Texas and other GOP states at the behest of Trump, aimed at keeping Congress in Republican hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It certainly extends the voting window and just makes it a lot easier," said Mark DiCamillo, the institute's poll director. I think once a voter does that and uses that method, they are more likely to continue using it in the future. Gov. Gavin Newsom urged voters to choose alternative methods in 2020 due to safety concerns with in-person voting during the height of the pandemic. But while precautions against COVID-19 have largely faded, voters continue to embrace different ways of voting. The shift is notable as Trump has recently renewed his attacks on mail-in voting and sought to convince the public it's rife with fraud. GOP leaders across the state have pushed back at such messaging without calling out the president. Urging Republicans to vote early, they argue that waiting to cast ballots only gives Democrats a greater advantage in California elections. More than 6.3 million Californians 28% of the states 23 million registered voters had cast ballots as of Monday, according to a voting tracker run by Democratic redistricting expert Paul Mitchell. Ballots submitted by Democrats are outpacing Republicans, though GOP voters are expected to be more likely to vote in person on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DiCamillo also noted Trump baselessly attacked voting machines from Dominion Voting Systems after his 2020 election loss. "You can criticize any method I suppose," he said. "If you don't trust the machines and you don't allow people to vote (by mail), what is the alternative?" A recent poll from the institute shed additional light on California voters. It found slightly more than half (52%) of registered voters are women, and nearly half (47%) are age 50 or older. Homeowners account for about 47% of the electorate, while the rest are renters or have other living arrangements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Compared to their Republican counterparts, registered Democrats include larger proportions of women and voters under age 40, the poll found. Republican voters skew older and are more likely than Democrats to be white, married or homeowners. The poll noted a significant increase in the percentage of registered voters, with 85% of the states eligible adults now on the voter rolls, up from 73% in 2000. "I think one part of that is the 'motor voter' law where you can become a registered voter when you go to the DMV," said DiCamillo. "I think mailing ballots to every voter is also helpful; it used to be that you had to request a ballot to be mailed to you." California enacted a new voter registration law in 2015 to streamline voter registration. Under the new policy, citizens who go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain or renew their driver's licenses are automatically added to voter roles unless they decline without having to fill out additional paperwork. In 2021, California also made universal distribution of vote-by-mail ballots permanent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This change made citizens right to vote not different from other rights, like free speech and due process, which do not require 'opt in' processes," G. Cristina Mora, the institutes co-director, said in a statement. "Eliminating such voting barriers has increased voter participation and diversity, the effects of which we are witnessing now." The institute surveyed 8,141 registered voters in California between Oct. 20 and Oct. 27. The poll, completed online in English and Spanish, was partially funded by the Los Angeles Times. It included an unweighted sample of 4,243 registered Democrats, 1,924 registered Republicans and 1,974 with other or no party preference. Times staff writer Seema Mehta contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. One SIUE chaplain had the honor of meeting Pope Leo XIV in Rome. After getting an audience with the pope, Father Rob Johnson had a plaque cornerstone blessed. There is a bright yellow golden ticket that said for a meeting with the Holy Father Pope Leo, said Johnson. I went the next day and got to meet him. Johnson is the chaplain of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles Newman Catholic Community and pastor of Mother of Perpetual Help in Maryville. A planned trip to Rome gave him the inspiration to purchase a plaque that would serve as the cornerstone for a future SIUE Newman Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 women accused of stealing up to $19K worth of Ulta items Were able to get a room to celebrate a Wednesday mass every Wednesday at noon that we offer to students and staff on campus, said Johnson. Currently, Johnson and other Catholic Cougars call the second floor conference rooms at Morris University Center home. But when a new permanent home is established, Father Rob has the cornerstone plaque ready with an inspiring message for students or anyone, Do Not be Afraid. I got to tell him about the growth of student involvement and how we serve the students, said Johnson. I said we really desire to build them a Newman student center. I shook his hand. I was going to walk off the stage and he said, hang on let me bless your plaque. So hes very involved in the conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 FOX 2. LIMA The portion of Cool Road between Lincoln Highway and Hook-Waltz Road in Monroe Township is closed through Tuesday, according to a release from the Allen County Engineers Office. The closure will allow for crossover repair, and there will be no access to the road during the closure. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A federal judges preliminary injunction issued Sunday night gives her more time to evaluate the testimony from a 3-day trial where the State of Oregon sued the Trump Administration over plans to deploy National Guard troops into Portland. Judge Karin Immergut issued the preliminary injunction hours before a temporary restraining order was set to expire. Immergut said she will issue a final ruling in the complex case no later than 5 p.m. on Friday. Among the hundreds of pieces of evidence submitted in that trial were videos from cameras on the ICE facility of federal agents outside the Portland ICE building using force against what appears to be nonviolent protesters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VIDEO: State says feds used disproportionate force in Portland ICE protests The judges decision to keep the National Guard out of Portland streets for now is based on what she said was trial testimony that did not show credible evidence the protest grew out of control or involved more than sporadic instances of violent conduct that did not cause serious injuries to federal personnel in the months before Trump ordered the National Guard to be federalized. A screenshot of surveillance footage from the Portland ICE facility on Oct. 2, 2025. (Oregon Department of Justice) A screenshot of surveillance footage from the Portland ICE facility on September 30, 2025. (Oregon Department of Justice) Immergut also said the protesters actions did not constitute a rebellion or invasion. This case will likely go to the Federal Court of Appeals and possibly the US Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The losing side can ask the Supreme Court for review, and thats what we call a Petition for Cert or Petition for Review, said Lewis & Clark law professor Tung Yin. But the difference is that you automatically get to have the 9th Circuit hear the appeal. But you dont automatically get to have the Supreme Court take the case. Trump admin says it will provide partial November SNAP benefits Each year, the US Supreme Court gets thousands of requests to hear a case. They agree to hear only about 80 cases. But this case and one in Chicago have national implications. Meanwhile, hundreds of National Guard members from California and Oregon will remain at the National Guard camps in Oregon with troops still under federal control but legally prevented from heading to the ICE facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KOIN.com. Following the September 2025 shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a claim circulated on social media that his wife, Erika Kirk, was pregnant with the couple's third child. However, there was no evidence at the time of this writing that she was pregnant. She had not confirmed a pregnancy on social media or in public remarks following her husband's death. The unfounded rumor stemmed from Facebook posts that were seemingly created to generate advertising revenue for external websites. Snopes reached out to Turning Point USA, the youth organization that Charlie Kirk co-founded, for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication. More than a month after conservative activist Charlie Kirk's killing, social media users claimed that his widow, Erika Kirk, was expecting the couple's third child. A Facebook post (archived) shared on Oct. 27, 2025, attributed the following quote to Erika Kirk: "This child was conceived in love but will grow up without knowing the man who dreamed of holding them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The claim circulated in other Facebook posts (archived here, here and here), with some including images that appeared to show Erika Kirk holding ultrasound photos or crying over a gravestone with Kirk's name. Comments on those posts often linked to advertisement-filled stories about her alleged pregnancy. (The World Today via Facebook) Multiple Snopes readers also searched our website to verify whether the claim was true. However, there was no evidence at the time of this writing that Kirk was pregnant with her and Charlie Kirk's third child. She had not confirmed a pregnancy on social media or in public remarks following her husband's death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the unfounded rumor stemmed from Facebook posts that were seemingly created to generate advertising revenue for the aforementioned external websites. Snopes reached out to Turning Point USA, the youth organization that Charlie Kirk co-founded, for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication. What Erika Kirk has said in public remarks The unverified rumor about Kirk's pregnancy first spread on social media less than a week after her husband's death on Sept. 10, 2025. Snopes reviewed her full speech from her husband's memorial on Sept. 21, 2025, in Arizona and found no mention of a pregnancy, contrary to social media posts' claims. Kirk also addressed the public in a video (archived) shared on Instagram several days after her husband's death. In the video, she stood behind a lectern bearing a photo of her husband and a message that read: "May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did not mention being pregnant with the couple's third child in the video, either. However, she did reference their family and two young children multiple times during her remarks. "But most of all, Charlie loved his children. And he loved me with all of his heart. And I knew that. Every day, I knew that," she said before calling him a "perfect" father and husband. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOhk5yXiYJ_/ In a separate Instagram post, she memorialized her spouse and included a photo of the couple with their two children. That post did not include a pregnancy announcement. It read: The world is evil. But our Savior. Our Lord. Our God. ... is so good. I will never have the words. Ever. The sound of this widow weeping echos [sic] throughout this world like a battle cry. I have no idea what any of this means. But baby I know you do and so does our Lord. They have no idea what they just ignited within this wife. If they thought my husband's mission was big now..you have no idea. You. All of you. Will never. Ever. Forget my husband @charliekirk1776 I'll make sure of it. Rest in the arms of our Lord baby as He blankets you with the words I know your heart always strived to hear, "well done My good and faithful servant." Unfounded p regnancy rumor stems from Facebook posts The unfounded rumor about Kirk's pregnancy stemmed from Facebook posts that were seemingly created to generate advertising revenue for linked external websites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those websites displayed a "USA News" logo, which has previously appeared on other websites that published false stories about MSNBC hosts Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes. An analysis of several of the images included in the posts and text in the attached articles indicated they were likely created with the help of artificial-intelligence software. We pasted text from a social media post and from an attached article into GPTZero, an AI detection tool, which indicated it was "highly confident" that the content was AI-generated. However, it's important to note that AI-detection software is imperfect and readers should interpret the tools' results with caution. We independently identified signs that the text may have been AI-generated, too. For example, it contained emotionally charged language, such as "the news swept through her supporters like a storm" and "with tears and trembling hope." This type of language is common in AI-generated content that's designed to elicit reactions and boost engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A close inspection of several images used in the posts also showed telltale signs of AI generation, such as unnaturally smooth skin or an absence of shadows in places they would typically appear. One image that appeared to show Erika Kirk crying over her husband's gravestone also included distorted lettering. AI image generators often struggle to produce legible text. (Rana Rizwan on Facebook) Instagram countdown leads to further pregnancy speculation Some social media users speculated that Kirk planned to announce her third pregnancy on Sept. 16, 2025. The speculation stemmed from a countdown post (archived) Erika shared on Sept. 2 that read, "walk the countdown with us. 9.16.2025." In an accompanying video, Erika is heard saying, "What if childhood could hold eternity?" However, there was no evidence at the time of this writing that the countdown was related to a pregnancy and she had not made any such announcement on Instagram. Sources: ABC News. "FULL SPEECH: Erika Kirk Speaks at Charlie Kirk Memorial Service." YouTube, 21 Sept. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJyUV3t5310. Accessed 30 Sept. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kindelan, Katie. "Charlie Kirk's Family: What to Know about His Wife Erika, 2 Kids." ABC News, 10 Sept. 2025, abcnews.go.com/News/charlie-kirk-wife-erika-two-kids/story?id=125460687. Accessed 16 Sept. 2025. "Charlie Kirk on Instagram: 'Mrs. Erika Kirk Addresses the Nation after Her Husband's Assassination.'" Instagram, 12 Sept. 2025, www.instagram.com/p/DOhk5yXiYJ_/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2025. Taija PerryCook. "Disproving Claim Rachel Maddow Announced Surrogate Pregnancy." Snopes, Snopes.com, 17 July 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/rachel-maddow-baby-surrogate/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2025. Loe, Megan. "Stephen Colbert and Rachel Maddow Teaming up to Launch New Show?" Snopes, Snopes.com, 21 July 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/new-show-colbert-maddow/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loe, Megan. "Chris Hayes Announced He Was Leaving MSNBC due to Wife's Cancer Diagnosis?" Snopes, Snopes.com, 12 Sept. 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/chris-hayes-leaves-msnbc-wife-cancer/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2025. Evon, Dan. "How to Spot a Deepfake." Snopes.com, 8 June 2022, www.snopes.com/articles/423004/how-to-spot-a-deepfake/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2025. Dilbert creator Scott Adams plea for help in accessing a life-prolonging cancer treatment drew rapid responses from President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the weekend. Adams, who said he is suffering from metastasized prostate cancer, posted early Sunday that he was unable to schedule his first dose of Pluvicto, a recently approved radioligand therapy used to treat advanced prostate cancer. At 3:29 a.m. on November 2, Adams wrote on X, On Monday, I will ask President Trump, via X, to help save my life. He offered to help me if I needed it. I need it. As many of you know, I have metastasized prostate cancer. My healthcare provider, Kaiser of Northern California, has approved my application to receive a newly FDA-approved drug called Pluvicto. But they have dropped the ball in scheduling the brief IV to administer it and I cant seem to fix that. I am declining fast. I will ask President Trump if he can get Kaiser of Northern California to respond and schedule it for Monday. That will give me a fighting chance to stick around on this planet a little bit longer. It is not a cure, but it does give good results to many people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump replied within hours with a short message on Truth Social: On it. Kennedy, the sitting HHS Secretary, reportedly followed up on X, writing, Scott. How do I reach you? The President wants to help, at 10:09 a.m. on November 2. They apparently worked fast, according to Adams November 3 post: Update: Getting Pluvicto (the cancer drug) tomorrow, via Kaiser Northern California. The Trump administration works fast. Amazing. For context, I waited months for the drug, like everyone else. But I think my files got misplaced or something and that glitch just got Scott Adams (@ScottAdamsSays) November 3, 2025 Pluvicto, developed by Novartis, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022 for adults with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have undergone prior hormone and chemotherapy treatments. The FDA press release said the drug demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the primary endpoints of overall survival and radiographic progression-free survival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clinical trials cited by the agency found a median overall survival of 15.3 months for patients receiving Pluvicto compared to 11.3 months for those on the best standard of care. Reported side effects included fatigue, dry mouth, anemia, nausea, and myelosuppression. Dr. Michael Hofman, an Australian nuclear medicine physician, estimated in 2022 that each Pluvicto treatment cycle costs more than $40,000 in the United States, with a typical course involving six cycles. However, Pluvictos manufacturer website says it can help patients with private insurance pay as little as $0 through its Co-Pay Plus program. The Moffitt Cancer Center website notes that while Pluvicto is not a cure for prostate cancer, clinical trials have shown that it can help slow cancer progression, reduce the tumor burden and improve the outcome and quality of life for patients with advanced prostate cancer. Men diagnosed with distant-stage prostate cancer have a five-year relative survival rate of about 37%, compared to over 99% for localized cases, according to the American Cancer Society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams plea highlights the ongoing challenges some cancer patients face in obtaining newly approved therapies. A spokesman for Kaiser Permanente told USA Today, Mr. Adams oncology team is working closely with him on the next steps in his cancer care, which are already underway. Since it was approved by the FDA three years ago, Kaiser Permanentes nuclear medicine and medical oncology experts have treated more than 150 patients with Lu-177 PSMA (Pluvicto) in Northern California alone. We know this drug and this disease. Trump, who championed the federal Right to Try law in 2018 to expand patient access to experimental drugs, has frequently cited that legislation as part of his administrations broader push to accelerate access to life-saving treatments for the seriously ill. The Right to Try Act allows terminally ill patients to seek investigational drugs that have completed Phase 1 clinical trials without FDA approval. Though critics, including the advocacy group FORCE, warned in a press release that it could be detrimental to patients and limit oversight intended to protect patient safety. CITY HALL, Manhattan (PIX11) On the eve of Election Day in New York City, the race for mayor closed with sharp exchanges following comments by President Donald Trump. Trump, in an interview aired Sunday night on CBSs 60 Minutes, said he would pick former Gov. Andrew Cuomo over Mamdani, calling Cuomo a bad Democrat but labeling Zohran Mamdani a communist. More Local News Trump added that it would be hard for me as the President to give a lot of money to New York, claiming Mamdani would waste those tax dollars if elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and state assemblymember, denounced Trumps remarks during a rally outside City Hall, surrounded by other progressive leaders. What President Trumps remarks show us is what many of us have long known and feared, Mamdani said. When youre too busy cashing the checks of billionaire donors, you wont be able to stand up to that same president. Cuomo, campaigning in Washington Heights with largely Spanish-speaking supporters, seized on Trumps comments to argue that he not Mamdani could best defend the citys interests. That would be devastating to New York, Cuomo said, referring to Trump freezing federal support for NYC. Mamdani cannot handle Trump, thats clear. The next mayor has to be able to handle Donald Trump I handled Donald Trump as governor of New York. Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Heres how Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa spent part of his final campaign day at Coney Island, where he laid a wreath in memory of a homeless woman who was burned to death on an F train. The founder of the Guardian Angels focused his closing message on public safety. This final day of campaigning is dedicated to a victim who represents all victims of violent crime who have been forgotten, Sliwa said. Election Day begins Tuesday at 6 a.m. The New York City Board of Elections said more than 735,000 voters have already cast ballots during early voting and warned that some polling sites could see long lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 PIX11. NEW YORK (PIX11) President Donald Trump has endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for New York City Mayor. The president has been extremely critical of Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani in the months leading up to Tuesdays election, and now says New Yorkers have no choice but to vote for the independent Cuomo. More Local News Trump took to social media to submit his thoughts to voters. If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, the president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not! Trump added. In an interview with CBSs 60 Minutes on Sunday, Trump called Cuomo a bad Democrat, but a better alternative to the Democratic Socialist Mamdani. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State While campaigning in Washington Heights, Cuomo said Mamdani cant handle the overwhelming nature of the U.S. President. Mamdani cannot handle Trump, thats clear. The next mayor has to be able to handle Donald Trump I handled Donald Trump as governor of New York, Cuomo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said that a vote for [Republican candidate] Curtis Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani. The former governor now has backing from Mayor Eric Adams, the former mayor Michael Bloomberg and President Trump. Voting locations open at 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here. 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 PIX11. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -Procter & Gamble must face a lawsuit alleging that its packaging for Kid's Crest suggests that children can use more of the toothpaste than is safe. In a decision on Friday, U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso said parents can try to prove Procter & Gamble violated various state consumer protection laws and owes damages for depicting a full strip of toothpaste atop a toothbrush, with a seal of approval from the American Dental Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fact that swallowing fluoride poses health risks to children is an essential element of the story plaintiffs are telling; it is the reason for the recommendation that they use only a smear or dab," the Chicago-based judge wrote. Procter & Gamble and its lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday. In seeking a dismissal, Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble said federal law preempted the plaintiffs' claims, and the package directions told them exactly how much toothpaste to use.The lawsuit was one of six filed in January against toothpaste and rinse makers including Colgate-Palmolive over packaging, including products marketed with bright colors and allegedly as "candy-like." Parents cited U.S. health regulators who have said fluoride-based toothpastes and rinses should not be used respectively by children under the age of 2 and 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four of the lawsuits remain pending, including one that survived a dismissal motion, court records show. "The recent court decisions are an encouraging sign that these companies may finally be held to account," said Michael Connett, a lawyer for parents in the Procter & Gamble case. In May, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened civil probes into Procter & Gamble and Colgate, saying their marketing causes parents to give children unhealthy doses of fluoride. Colgate resolved its probe in September by agreeing to depict "safe, age-appropriate amounts of toothpaste" on packaging for its Colgate, Tom's of Maine and hello products. Procter & Gamble's case remains open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxton is seeking a U.S. Senate seat in 2026. The Republican has aligned himself with policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who opposes adding fluoride to public water systems. The case is Gurrola et al v. Procter & Gamble Co, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, No. 25-00358. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang) > < 23:17 Part of bridge collapses in Indore, rats blamed A section of a nearly 75-year-old overbridge in Indore has collapsed with a member of the civic corporation's mayoral council blaming rat infestation for the cave in, a claim junked by civil engineering experts who said it was caused by lack of maintenance and traffic surge.Officials said a... Read more > 22:57 Lalu hits campaign trail for Bihar polls Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has been keeping indoors because of fragile health, on Tuesday undertook a drive to Phulwari Sharif constituency, in what is being seen as a 'road show' by the greatest crowd puller of his generation.The reserved constituency, which also has a... Read more > 21:59 Jews voting for Mamdani are stupid: Trump United States President Donald Trump continued his tirade against New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday, calling him a 'self-professed Jew Hater'.Trump has endorsed former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate, for the city's top... Read more > 21:29 MP CM says his helipad dug up in Bihar, officials deny claim Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday created a flutter by claiming that 'opponents of the ruling National Democratic Alliance had dug up helipad and the road' leading to the venue of one of his rallies in poll-bound Bihar.The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader made the remark... Read more > 21:25 India set to become third-largest economy: FM Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said India stands out as a fast-growing economy and will soon be the third-largest in the world. Delivering the Diamond Jubilee Valedictory Lecture at Delhi School of Economics (DSE), she said India is moving fast on so many different... Read more > 20:27 Modi has a fake degree: Rahul in Bihar Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with possessing a 'fake degree', and blamed it for the latter's alleged indifference towards education.The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha made the jibe at the PM in one of his rallies in Bihar, where he addressed... Read more > 20:18 Delegates from 7 nations to witness phase one of Bihar polls tomorrow As many as 14 delegates from seven countries will witness up close the first phase of the Bihar assembly polls on Thursday as part of an international visitors' programme of the Election Commission.Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi held an... Read more > 19:53 Assam girl gang raped while returning from school A girl was allegedly gang raped in Assam's Tinsukia district when she was returning home from school, police said on Tuesday.The incident happened in the Bordubi police station area on Monday afternoon, they said.As per the girl's statement, three men raped and dumped her on the roadside while... Read more > 19:33 Minor held for attacking 40-yr-old woman who resisted sexual assault A minor school-going boy has been held for attacking a 40-year-old married woman with a sharp-edged weapon and a stick after she resisted his attempts to allegedly sexually assault her in Himachal's Hamirpur district, police said on Tuesday.The incident took place on Monday evening when the woman... Read more > 18:34 Former US vice president Dick Cheney passes away Former US Vice-President Richard Bruce Cheney, hailed as America's most powerful modern vice president and oft called the chief architect of the Iraq war, passed away at the age of 84 due to medical complications, CNN reported citing a statement by his family.His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne,... Read more > 18:07 4 killed as passenger train rams into goods train in Chhattisgarh Representational image. Pic: Adnan Abidi/Reuters At least 4 persons were killed and many injured after a passenger train collided with a goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, railway officials said. Police officials said that several other passengers sustained injuries in the accident and some of them were still... Read more > 17:45 Bengal SIR: Man ends life over error in document A 30-year-old man in West Bengal's Howrah district died allegedly by suicide on Tuesday, as he was reportedly distressed over errors in his identity document amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a police officer said.Jahir Mal, a resident of Khalisani in Uluberia... Read more > 17:12 Film shooting resumes in Pahalgam after 6 months Film shootings have resumed in the Kashmir Valley six months after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 persons were killed.The crew of a Telugu film has begun shooting at the Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir's Anantnag district -- the site of the April 22 terror attack. The... Read more > 16:31 PK wants to know Tejashwi's post-retirement plans Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Tuesday took aim at the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav mocking him for making 'tall' poll promises stating that the latter is bound for electoral loss in upcoming Bihar Assembly poll and thus should announce his post-retirement plans.Criticising... Read more > 16:18 Record win for NDA, worst defeat for jungle-raj: Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that the people of Bihar have made up their mind to ensure that the NDA breaks the record of its scale of victory in the last 20 years, while the jungle raj people would suffer their worst defeat at the hustings in the state. Modi said he is... Read more > 16:01 Nine climbers killed in avalanches in Nepal Representational image At least nine climbers, including two Nepalese guides, have been killed in two separate avalanches in Nepal, officials said on Tuesday. Seven climbers were buried in an avalanche near Mt. Yalung Ri (6,920m) under Gaurishanker Rural Municipality at around 10 am on Monday while attempting to... Read more > 15:52 Hinduja Group chairman Gopichand Hinduja dies Hinduja Group Chairman Gopichand P Hinduja dies in London hospital, say sources close to family. He was 85.Fondly known as 'GP' in business circles, Gopichand P. Hinduja was unwell for past few weeks and died in a London hospital, they said. Gopichand, who belonged to the second generation of... Read more > 15:32 Tejashwi still a child, needs a rattle: Tej Pratap Janshakti Janata Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav who is contesting from Mahua constituency in Bihar has said that his younger brother Tejashwi Pratap Yadav was still a child and that the time to give him a rattle (a metaphor for giving him responsibility) will come only after the Assembly elections... Read more > 14:59 Nitish in CM's chair, post not vacant: Shah Reiterating his stance on no leadership change in Bihar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday hit out at the Mahagathbandhan, emphasising that neither the CM post in Patna is vacant, nor the PM's seat in New Delhi. He accused the Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and... Read more > 14:45 7 Most Expensive Streets In The World A street becomes expensive when shop rental prices soar far above the average. As per 2024 figures shared by global real estate brokers Cushman & Wakefield, these streets are the priciest global retail destinations.Take a look Read more > 14:43 Minister's viral video: 'Intimidate Oppn leaders in Bihar' Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan' on Tuesday landed in a fresh controversy with the surfacing of a video in which he can be purportedly heard asking NDA supporters to intimidate the opponents on polling day.The video is said to be of Mokama, which falls under Lalan's Munger Lok Sabha... Read more > 14:30 10 High-Fibre Recipes For A Healthier You Eating enough fibre is a prescription for good health. According to Healthline, it may help steady glucose levels, ease bowel troubles, support a strong heart. Plenty of everyday ingredients naturally provide this essential nutrient. Let's cook with them... Read more > 14:29 'NDA will win more than 160 seats, form govt in Bihar' Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday exuded confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure a decisive victory in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, asserting that the ruling alliance will win more than 160 seats and form the next government under the leadership of... Read more > 14:20 PM wants you to be addicted to reels so that...: Rahul Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the youth to remain busy in making social media reels, so that they stay distracted from pressing problems about education, health and employment.Addressing a poll rally in Bihar's Aurangabad, Gandhi charged... Read more > 14:19 Meesho, Shiprocket Among 7 Firms To Get IPO Nod Sebi has approved IPOs of seven companies, including Meesho, Shiprocket, Manika Plastech, Allied Engineering Works, Rajputana Stainless, Skyways Air Services, and German Green Steel and Power.Meesho and Shiprocket had filed for IPO via the confidential route.On the other hand, IPO application of... Read more > 14:17 Fintech Dhan Launches Stock Lending Fintech platform Dhan has launched A stock lending & borrowing mechanism (SLBM) feature, a move that will allow long-term investors to earn passive income from their idle stock and ETF holdings.The new feature gives investors a choice to lend their unutilised shares to borrowers for a fixed... Read more > 13:32 Gadkari urges Biharis to make 'Anje, Ganje, Panje' vanish Referring to the 'Mahagathbandhan' alliance as Anje, Panje, Ganje, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged voters in Bihar, which is heading to Assembly polls this Thursday, to support the candidate of the National Democratic Alliance, which he said will generate an electric current powerful... Read more > 13:13 Not a single corruption case against Nitish: Rajnath Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday claimed that there is not a single corruption case against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and asserted that only the NDA can make the state 'viksit' (developed).Addressing an election rally in Vaishali district, Singh claimed that INDIA bloc leaders... Read more > 13:11 Pine Labs Trims IPO Size Fintech firm Pine Labs has reduced the size of its upcoming IPO as existing shareholders opted to sell a smaller portion of their stake at the set price band, and the company decided to lower its net proceeds to manage debt in light of its current financial position, CEO Amrish Rau... Read more > 12:37 Pak women's head coach removed following World Cup debacle Pakistan Cricket Board has removed the head coach of the national women's team, Muhammad Wasim in the wake of the side's disastrous campaign in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup recently. Though Pakistan qualified for the showpiece event in April by topping the qualifiers held in Lahore, they... Read more > 12:32 'Rahul Gandhi's impact in Bihar is a big zero' Expressing confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will return to power in Bihar, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rituraj Sinha on Tuesday hit out at Opposition's Mahagathbandha alliances, asserting that the impact of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the election is shoony (big... Read more > 12:18 Killed my doc wife for you: Surgeon's message to lover Drs Mahendra and Kruthika Reddy A Bengaluru surgeon, charged with the murder of his dermatologist wife, reportedly sent a text message to his mistress soon after the alleged crime, stating: I killed my wife for you.NDTV reports that authorities revealed that Dr. Mahendra Reddy, a general surgeon, communicated this message... Read more > 12:11 12 Gorgeous Delicacies Of Globally-Recognised Lucknow Lucknow was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy at their 43rd conference in Uzbekistan. This global honour recognises the city's centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, rich food traditions, diverse cultural gourmet heritage. Rediff brings you 11 must-try Lucknowi eats.Chomp chomp Read more > 11:46 Wife of doctor accused in cough syrup deaths arrested The SIT investigating the cough syrup tragedy that claimed the lives of 24 children in Madhya Pradesh has arrested the wife of accused Dr Praveen Soni, an official said on Tuesday. Chhindwara-based Dr Soni, who allegedly prescribed the contaminated cough syrup 'Coldrif' to most of the ailing... Read more > 11:36 Passenger held for trying to open emergency exit on flight The incident happened on board an Akasa Air flight A passenger on an Akasa Air flight from Varanasi to Mumbai was detained after he allegedly tried to open the aircraft's emergency exit before takeoff, officials said on Tuesday. The incident took place aboard flight QP 1497, which was scheduled to depart for Mumbai at 6.45 pm on Monday from... Read more > 11:28 Record early voting surge boosts Mamdani's chances in mayoral race New York City witnessed record-breaking voter enthusiasm during the latest election cycle, with more than 735,000 ballots cast during the nine days of early voting, Fox News reported. According to the New York City Board of Elections, Sunday alone saw a historic turnout of 151,212 early... Read more > 10:50 Malaysia resorts not enough: BJP on Rahul fishing in Bihar Rahul with fishermen in Begusarai Union Minister Giriraj Singh made a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after he was seen catching fish during his visit to Begusarai. Singh said that it seems his recent trip to Malaysia hasn't satisfied him, so even during the Bihar election tour, he couldn't resist taking a dip and... Read more > 10:27 3 held over sexual assault of student near Coimbatore airport Three people suspected to have been involved in the brutal sexual assault on a college student in Coimbatore were shot at and nabbed by the police.All three, who were responsible for the heinous crime near the Coimbatore international airport on Sunday, were found to have been involved in... Read more > 10:25 'Megh' Banerji -- the scientist who created artificial rain decades ago The Delhi govt's attempts at cloud seeding failed The much-talked-about artificial rainfall experiment by the Delhi government in partnership with IIT Kanpur wasn't India's first cloud-seeding attempt. A Kolkata scientist carried out a similar experiment ' with nearly 100 per cent success -- over seven decades ago.Dr Sudhanshu Kumar Banerji, the... Read more > 10:22 Mild earthquake jolts parts of Andhra A mild earthquake of magnitude 3.7 struck Alluri Sitharama Raju district and tremors were also felt in neighbouring Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday morning. However, no casualties or property damage were reported, authorities said. According to the Andhra Pradesh State... Read more > 10:10 7 Rabies-Free Countries The rabies pathogen is part of the Rhabdoviridae family, falling under the Lyssavirus genus, which consists of 15 known viral types. Every member of this group is capable of triggering a rabies infection in humans. Rabies, a disease affecting the CNS, is transmitted amongst most mammals.... Read more > 10:09 9 Indian States With The Highest Incidence Of Diabetes Diabetes cases across India have skyrocketed over the past 3 decades, climbing from 162 to 265 per lakh people between 1990 and 2021, marking an alarming 60 per cent rise. As per a Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2021, these are the states with the highest diabetes burden.Take a look. Read more > 10:00 Man greets woman walking dog, masturbates before her A 33-year-old woman was allegedly sexually harassed and subjected to public indecency while walking her dog in Bengaluru, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred in Indiranagar here on November 1, they said. According to the complaint filed by the victim, around 11:57 a m, when she was... Read more > 09:35 If Congress yuvaraj's marriage ever happens we...: BJP Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday hit back at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's bete ki shaadi remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign in Bihar. Responding to Kharge's comments, Singh took to the social media platform 'X' and said, Kharge ji, if the Congress Yuvaraj's... Read more > 09:09 This senior politician had called Bihar 'chhota-mota' state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Monday sharply reacted to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's recent remarks on NDA, saying that Kharge once referred to Bihar as a 'Chhota-mota' state.He also called out Kharge's helplessness by saying two elderly leaders (Mallikarjun... Read more > 08:53 Is Karela Healthy? 8 Reasons to Eat It Bitter gourd or karela, eaten in India, Philippines, Japan, China, is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable. WebMD says, an average piece contains just 21 calories, 1 gm protein, no fat. Its carbohydrate content is modest 5 gm. It has 3 gm fibre and zero sugar.Bite into the... Read more > 08:51 Names of 5 million Holocaust victims identified Israel's Holocaust remembrance centre, Yad Vashem, has identified the names of five million Jews who were killed by the Nazis during World War II. Officials said this marks a major step in restoring the memory of the six million Jewish people who lost their lives in the Holocaust, Times of... Read more > 08:44 'Completely false'! China denies Trump's nuke tests claim China has denied US President Donald Trump's claim that it is secretly conducting nuclear weapons tests, rejecting the allegation and calling it completely false. Responding to Trump's remarks made during a CBS interview on Sunday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on... Read more > 08:38 Trump threatens to cut funds for NYC if Mamdani wins United States President Donald Trump has warned voters that New York City will be a complete and total economic and social disaster and its survival will be at risk if Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral race, as he officially endorsed former governor Andrew Cuomo for the city's... Read more > 00:42 Delhi-Bengaluru AI flight diverted to Bhopal after snag, makes safe landing An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru with 172 persons on board was diverted to Bhopal due to a technical snag and made a safe landing under emergency conditions at the Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal on Monday night, an official said. The flight (AIC 2487, A320 Neo, VT-EXO) was diverted... Read more > 00:28 President Murmu to visit Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand today President Draupadi Murmu will visit the Kainchi Dham in Nainital on Tuesday morning, in view of which, the temple management appealed to the devotees to visit the shrine after 12 pm. She arrived in Nainital on Monday, the second day of her three-day visit to Uttarakhand. For security... Read more > AUSTIN (Nexstar) Texas voters will decide whether to increase funding for state vocational education on Tuesday. Proposition 1, a state constitutional amendment, if passed would create a dedicated investment fund to support the growth of the Texas State Technical College (TSTC). KXAN Voter Guide: What to know for the November 2025 elections TSTC has 11 campuses across Central and North Texas in addition to online courses. It has programs in fields ranging from automotive engineering to HVAC to welding, and enrolled over 16,000 students in 2021, the most recent year TSTC enrollment data is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TSTC officials said these current numbers do not meet the demand for technical workers in the state of Texas. Joe Arnold, the deputy vice chancellor in government relations for TSTC, estimates there are over one million open technician positions in Texas. Even if we quadruple our output (of graduates), there would still be a skills gap in Texas, Arnold told KXAN in October. Prop 1 would create the Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund (TIFF), a TSTC endowment. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts would then transfer $850 million from the states general fund to the new account. Prop 1 would also create the Available Workforce Education Fund (AWEF). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A portion of revenue generated from TIFF each year would go towards AWEF, but that fund can only be used for capital projects. That means AWEF dollars cannot be used to pay for TSTCs salaries or utility bills; its instead marked for infrastructure like new land, equipment or building renovations. Texas voters to decide on 17 amendments Opponents of Prop 1, like the Texas Policy Project, a nonpartisan public policy organization, argue that funding such an endowment could undermine the states authority. Though they support Texas opening up more opportunities in workforce education, the nonprofit writes that Prop 1 would create a preferred funding mechanism in the states constitution and undermine government oversight and transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit added that it hopes to instead see a different approach with a normal level of government oversight to better hold institutions like TSTC accountable. 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 KXAN Austin. New York City mayoral favorite Zohran Mamdani has business leaders scared, and talking to the press. The man building a business advisory council for Mamdani said some CEOs have found agreement with him. Childcare has many execs nodding along, he said, but other issues take more time. If you read the tabloids, the eve of a potential Zohran Mamdani mayorality has turned Billionaire's Row into 1975 Saigon, with everyone looking to hitch the last flight to Palm Beach. To put it more bluntly, the city's wealthiest and most powerful business leaders have some qualms with Mamdani's socialist platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the story is not so simple, says Yasser Salem, a former McKinsey executive building a business council to advise Mamdani if he wins the mayoral election. Sure, the word socialism can cause some tension, Salem, the head of OneNYC, a pro-Mamdani PAC, said, but there are some surprising areas of overlap. Some, like Jamie Dimon, have softened their message in public as they've gotten to know the candidate. Similarly, in conversations with more than 70 CEOs, Salem told Business Insider that some platform planks, such as universal childcare, are acceptable to many in the city's business community. "Some of them have said from the beginning that they understand policies like free childcare as a way to lower the burden of worry, concern, and issues that their employees have that prevent them from being productive at work," Salem said. Others took more time, but the affordability crisis is unavoidable. According to a recent study of public data released by his PAC, the average New York family spends over 25% of its income on care for just one child. The group proposes several public-private models for childcare, including some where the costs are shared by the government and the employer an idea, Salem said, that has "widespread support." Where the business elite still has concerns Business leaders' main concerns aren't surprising: Mamdani's public safety plans will make the city less safe, and housing proposals will exacerbate the city's housing crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, even in housing, there are areas of agreement, Salem said. Business leaders criticized Mamdani's plan to freeze the rent for rent-stabilized apartments, arguing it would worsen shortages, noting that Mayor de Blasio had tried rent freezes that failed to address the long-term crisis. Still, both sides agree the long-term fix is boosting supply, Salem said. The difference between the business community and Mamdani is in their time horizon. Mamdani's rent-freeze message could help lower rents now and satisfy voters, while his plans for zoning reform and building 200,000 "truly-affordable" apartments can solve the deeper problem over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Are we solving for rent prices going down in four years? Are we solving for rent prices going down today?" said Salem. "Because if you're solving for rent prices going down today, supply is not going to do it." As far as public safety, Salem said the announcement that Mamdani would seek to keep Jessica Tisch on as NYPD commissioner has helped alleviate fears that the city would become more dangerous under Mayor Mamdani. Business leaders also wanted to know how Mamdani's new Department of Community Safety, which would deploy civilian mental health responders to subway stations and to answer some emergency calls, would work. "For example, a McDonald's owner in a tough neighborhood gets somebody coming in causing trouble," Salem said. "Do they call 911 and get a mental health worker rather than a police officer?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The answer, Salem told Business Insider, is that these changes will be "additive" and that mental health workers will join "alongside, not replacing the officers on the scene." Surprisingly, he said, taxes don't come up as a big fear. CEOs told them they're willing to pay more if they "feel that New York is a better place to live as a result." The announcement that Tisch was staying on helped alleviate some of the more intangible fears of the city's business elite, too, said Salem, such as Mamdani's inexperience or his ideological commitments to socialism, or to the pro-Palestine cause. By appointing someone with extensive experience that's guaranteed to frustrate his most progressive supporters, Salem said he began to prove himself to some business leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Salem, who doesn't consider himself a socialist but instead a "pro-responsible capitalist," also said that he would try to get CEOs to focus on their specific disagreements with Mamdani's policies, rather than focusing on "labels" like socialism. Salem tells CEOs that Mamdani is looking to expand the social safety net, not expropriate their wealth."He's not saying we're going to go from the corporate tax rate being 25% to being 75%," Salem said. Read the original article on Business Insider ST. LOUIS One person was injured after a stolen vehicle crashed into a restaurant in the Baden neighborhood Monday morning while fleeing police. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD), Anti-Crime Task Force officers were alerted to reports of a stolen Infiniti. Officers located that stolen vehicle at a gas station, but the driver, identified as 40-year-old Corey Davis, sped off. Police say they successfully deployed spike strips to the Infiniti as it drove off, but Davis continued driving at high speed, exceeding 100 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election results: Voters decide on taxes and school funding The probable cause statement says that during the pursuit, Davis ran stop signs and passed drivers in opposite lanes. The chase, however, would come to an end, as when Davis tried to pass one car, he ended up clipping the front end of an unoccupied vehicle belonging to the St. Louis Fire Department. The stolen Infiniti ended up crashing into Vinhs Chop Suey Restaurant on North Broadway. Mitch McCoy, an SLMPD spokesperson, says Davis was injured and taken to the hospital. His condition was listed as serious. Officers say one firearm that was ejected from the Infiniti was recovered at the site of the crash. The damage sustained to the restaurant and ambulance exceeded $750, officials say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 FOX 2. When the West imposed restrictions on Russias oil exports after Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine in 2022, an array of practices sprung up to maintain global shipments from the rogue state. Three years on and things have stepped up a gear. The use of suspicious tactics has exploded to a new record high after the UK and EU increased their sanctions on oil tankers In my 25 years of reporting on Russia and on global oil flows, Ive never seen anything like what were dealing with now, says Michelle Bockmann, from maritime data company Windward AI. It really is quite astounding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of the most common practices, sanctioned ships are rapidly changing their flag registrations and manipulating their tracking signals through the global automatic identification system to pretend they are in different places. This tactic, known as spoofing, is used especially when Russian vessels conduct illicit at-sea transfers of their oil cargoes to non-blacklisted ships, laundering the cargo just before it goes into ports. According to data from Windward AI, the number of ships affected by GPS jamming has rocketed by 510pc since the start of the year, totalling 11,600 between July and September. The number of falsely flagged ships has also doubled in the last nine months to surpass 1,000 for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Russias illicit oil shipments face a turning point. New US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, two of Russias largest oil companies, are expected to be a watershed when they hit in full on Nov 21. Crucially, the US is threatening a nuclear option of secondary sanctions on the financial institutions that process payments on oil shipments from these companies. If Russia wants to keep trading its oil which is the lifeblood of its war machine it will have to turn to even more desperate measures. Many of the traditional hotspots for ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil are in international waters off the coast of Cyprus, the northern mouth of the Suez Canal in the Mediterranean and areas outside Chinas eastern Pacific ports, according to Bockmann. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The use of that particular area off Oman to do a ship-to-ship transfer of Russian crude for India, thats something that has only really evolved this year, she says. Shadow tactics The reason Russia has rapidly accelerating its use of suspicious shipping practices is because of a shift in the Western sanctions regime. Western allies were initially slow to hit Russias oil exports after the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. Instead of sanctions, they imposed a $60 (46) price cap on Russias oil exports in December 2022. This was designed to try to hit Russias revenues without knocking Russian oil out of the global supply chain and further driving up oil prices during the energy crisis. (The price of Brent crude had surpassed $110 earlier in 2022). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU imposed its own embargo on Russian oil, but other nations were free to buy it provided the price was below the cap. This was enforced through the insurance market ships could not get insurance on the Western market if they were transporting oil above the cap, which in September was lowered to $47.70. Two things happened. First, the destination of Russias oil exports changed dramatically. In 2021, the biggest buyers of Russian oil were China, the Netherlands, Italy, the US and South Korea, according to Kpler, a data platform focused on the shipping industry. The latter four now buy no Russian oil and Moscows top buyers are India, China, and Turkey. b' 0111 Russian oil exports ' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, Putin began amassing a shadow fleet of aged tankers that operate outside the Western insurance market and were therefore able to export Russias oil above the price cap. In response, the Western allies turned to sanctioning individual shadow fleet ships, with the UK and Europe increasing its blacklist dramatically this year. To date, the UK has hit 540 Russian-trading ships with sanctions while the EU has targeted 480 (369 of the ships overlap). Joe Biden, the former US president, imposed sanctions on 183 vessels at the end of his presidency. All together, nearly two thirds of the shadow fleet ships that Windward AI has identified have been sanctioned by global regulators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The volume of Russian oil on the water hit a record high earlier in October, suggesting that sanctions are holding up shipments and making Russias exports much less efficient, says Bockmann. Trump takes action But until two weeks ago, Donald Trumps administration had held back. It has imposed no new sanctions on Russian-trading ships. This discrepancy has been a boon for Putin because data show American sanctions have a far higher impact than European ones. In the five-month period after a vessel was hit by Americas Office of Foreign Asset Control (Ofac) sanctions, its use plunged by 74pc, compared to just a 31pc drop for those hit with UK and EU sanctions, Kpler found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanctions from the US are very, very serious. The vessels struggle to do business after that. Whereas from the EU and UK, some vessels continue with no change at all, says Matthew Wright, from Kpler. US sanctions hit so much harder because companies have far more interaction with Americas financial system because of the dominance of the US dollar. This is one reason why Trumps decision now to target Rosneft and Lukoil is so significant. The two oil companies combined account for around half of Russias total oil exports. Now this cash flow faces a massive hit. Americas threat of secondary sanctions means that most Indian refineries, including Reliance Industries, which buys more Russian oil than any other business in India, halted purchases of Russian oil immediately after the sanctions announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters also reported that Chinese national oil companies PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC and Zhenhua Oil have suspended purchases of seaborne Russian oil due to sanctions concerns. Tom Keatinge, founding director of the Centre for Finance and Security at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), a think thank, says: Part of the problem with European sanctions is that theres never really the follow-through to sort of terrify people into making decisions that go against Russia. Whereas with the Americans, theres always that fear that you might be next to get your hands chopped off. Direct hit Crucially, these are also the first sanctions that hit Russian oil directly rather than simply hitting its price or the ease with which it can be transported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has a global oil supply glut on his side, which means that prices are low and the US president is not afraid to hit supply and drive up prices in the way that Biden was. Chris Wright, the American energy secretary, has signalled that the US is prepared to be aggressive. Can we squish out half of Russian oil exports and still have a roughly balanced oil market? Absolutely we can, he said last week. If the US makes clear that it will follow through on its secondary sanctions threat, Russian evasion tactics will be forced to go into overdrive. We expect it to reach the prevalence and scale as used by Iran, says Bockmann. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iranian ships leaving Kharg Island, Irans biggest export, never have their automatic identification system on when they load. Its all done when vessels are spoofing their location, says Bockmann. Russia will also be likely to borrow from Irans playbook by using complex ownership structures and shell companies to try to launder the proceeds behind its oil transactions, says Kimberly Donovan of the Atlantic Council. Its really just going to come down to how the administration handles enforcement. 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. Qatar Airways is making aviation history by introducing its flagship Airbus A380 to the Singapore route for the first time, marking a significant expansion of the Gulf carrier's superjumbo operations as it continues to optimize its long-haul network for high-demand destinations. Historic Singapore Debut Qatar Airways will fly the Airbus A380 from Doha to Singapore for the first time, with the double-decker quadjet taking off for Singapore on January 12, 2026. The service will operate through January 25 and return on February 22, continuing until March 28, which marks the last day of the northern summer season based on IATA slot seasons. This deployment comes 11 months after Etihad Airways first deployed its double-deckers from Abu Dhabi to Singapore, making Qatar Airways the latest Gulf carrier to bring the A380 to the Lion City. Premium Service Enhancement Qatar Airways' first-class suites will be available to Singapore for the first time, offering passengers the airline's most luxurious travel experience on this route. The introduction of the A380 represents a significant capacity upgrade for the popular Doha-Singapore corridor. Growing A380 Network Operations The Singapore route addition is part of Qatar Airways' broader A380 deployment strategy. During the period from late 2025 to early 2026, the airline plans to fly the double-decker from Doha to Bangkok (24 weekly; three to four daily), London Heathrow (daily), Paris CDG (daily), Singapore (daily), and Sydney (daily). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatar Airways is one of ten scheduled airlines to still fly the Airbus A380, and according to ch-aviation, the Gulf carrier has ten superjumbos, of which eight are operational. When September-December flights are considered, Qatar Airways is the world's fourth-largest double-decker user, behind Emirates, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines. Bangkok Route Sees Record Expansion While Singapore represents a new destination, Qatar Airways is simultaneously expanding its A380 operations to Bangkok. The carrier will increase A380 departures from Doha to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to a record 25 weekly flights, equivalent to three to four daily services. The A380 will be the primary equipment used on the Bangkok route, with 57% of winter departures operated by the superjumbo. According to booking data for July 2024 to June 2025, Qatar Airways carried more than 930,000 round-trip Bangkok passengers. Strategic Hub Competition The Singapore deployment places Qatar Airways in direct competition with multiple carriers at Changi Airport. Emirates, Etihad, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines will all fly the double-decker from Changi, giving Singapore as many A380 airlines as Sydney. Singapore will have 15 daily A380 takeoffs, of which a record five will be to the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to its home airline, Singapore remains the world's third-busiest A380 airport by departures, behind Dubai and London Heathrow. Aircraft Configuration and Capacity Qatar Airways' A380s feature 517 seats each in a consistent layout: eight first-class suites (1-2-1 configuration on the upper deck), 48 seats in business class (1-2-1 on the upper deck), and 461 seats in economy (2-4-2 on the upper deck, and 3-3-3 below, mainly with 31-inch pitch). Each Airbus A380 accommodates 517 passengers, divided between 8 seats in first class, 48 in business class, and 461 in economy class, offering a range of travel options for different customer segments. Fleet Optimization Strategy Qatar Airways currently has 10 A380 examples at its disposal, with seven listed as active, one undergoing maintenance, and two in storage. In March 2025, Qatar Airways has scheduled a grand total of 349 flights with the Airbus A380. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cirium's data for the whole of 2025 shows that Qatar Airways has scheduled 3,819 flights with the Airbus A380, offering grand totals of 1,974,423 seats and 8,535,844,746 available seat miles. Long-Haul Network Leadership Qatar Airways operates one of the longest A380 routes globally with its daily 7,686-mile flights from Doha to Sydney, demonstrating the carrier's commitment to using the superjumbo on ultra-long-haul sectors where its capacity and range capabilities provide maximum efficiency. The Singapore route addition underscores Qatar Airways' strategic approach to A380 deployment, focusing on high-demand destinations where the aircraft's premium offerings and substantial capacity can be fully utilized. As one of the few remaining A380 operators, Qatar Airways continues to leverage the iconic double-decker to maintain its competitive edge in the premium long-haul market, offering passengers an unparalleled travel experience on key international routes. A SNAP welcomed here sign is seen at the entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland, Oregon. (Getty Images) LINCOLN Nebraska food pantries and anti-hunger advocates were somewhat relieved but racked with questions and concerns this week after learning that, despite the federal government shutdown, about half of November public grocery benefits are expected to flow to the states SNAP recipients. One sticking point: For some states, November benefits could take months to arrive. Tuesday, as many tried to grasp the new developments, President Donald Trump added further confusion on social media, backtracking on the pledge by his administration to partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a group of progressive Nebraska state lawmakers is still pursuing a special emergency legislative session to protect Nebraska families from any suspension of SNAP and to give the state financial flexibility to meet urgent needs. We have to be prepared to step in, said State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, who led the call by 15 state senators, 14 Democrats and one progressive nonpartisan, to convene an off-season session Nov. 12. State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha works at her desk on the floor of the Legislature in 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The group delivered a letter late Friday to Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen to begin the process. Buy-in is required from 33 of 49 lawmakers to consider the emergency session that would explore legislation to preserve programs such as SNAP and Nebraskas Head Start. Cavanaugh called the proposed session a proactive step and option that could be canceled if the federal shutdown ends. In Nebraska, about 150,000 low-income and eligible participants, including children, participate in SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. The public grocery benefits amount to about $30 million each month, she said. Shutdown, day 35 Federally funded SNAP has been in a state of uncertainty as the government shutdown drags on since Oct. 1, when Congress failed to appropriate money for federal programs or pass a stopgap spending bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leading into November, the Trump administration had warned it could not pay SNAP benefits for this month, saying it was legally prohibited from using a contingency fund it said was for emergencies and natural disasters. Two federal judges on Oct 31 ruled otherwise. One judge in a written order Saturday, Nov. 1, said there is no question that the contingency fund (which currently contains about $4.65 billion) must be used to provide the public food benefits. Monthly SNAP benefits for about 42 million Americans, nearly 40% of them children, reportedly cost more than $8 billion a month. U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of Rhode Island offered the Trump administration a choice: pay for a full month of benefits by tapping other reserve sources such as the child nutrition program by the end of Monday, or pay for partial benefits by the end of Wednesday through the contingency fund. The U.S. Department of Agriculture opted to use the contingency fund. A USDA official pointed out that calculating half-month amounts would involve delay, and said in some states the changes and delivery will take anywhere from a few weeks to up to several months. The department believed it was complying with the judges order by starting the process of resuming payments Monday, according to a States Newsroom report reviewing a status report signed by Justice Department officials. The department did not address what might happen beyond November. Not the solution News that part of Novembers benefits will come to Nebraskans is a little help but not the solution, said Stephanie Sullivan, a spokesperson for the Food Bank for the Heartland, which has about 500 network partners in 93 counties of Nebraska and Iowa. Volunteers and staff at the Together food pantry in downtown Omaha help people in need pack up their free grocery items during 2024 holiday season. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) She said the organization was seeking clarification on what partial payment means, and on when Nebraskans should expect to see the grocery benefits loaded onto debit-like cards used by the states SNAP recipients to buy food at retailers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All those answers are still up in the air, she said, urging an end to the shutdown. Nebraska Appleseed, a statewide advocacy organization that has been monitoring SNAP and other program changes, also is awaiting details from the state on how recent developments will impact Nebraskans, said Eric Savaiano, Appleseeds food and nutrition access manager. Sullivan said there was no way that food bank partners could make up for the loss of SNAP benefits. For every meal the food bank provides, she said, SNAP provides nine. Food banks are meant to supplement, said Sullivan. Asked when Nebraskans could expect November benefits, a spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services told the Nebraska Examiner the state was awaiting guidance from USDA. A sign in front of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Lincoln Public Assistance Office. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) Once received, the department will work as quickly as possible to distribute funds to Nebraska families, Jeff Powell said late Monday in a statement for both DHHS and the Governors Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state DHHS web site on Tuesday still displayed an earlier quote by Pillen, which has spawned a lawsuit, blaming Democrats in the U.S Senate for a government shutdown and for SNAP benefits being unavailable in November. Community responds Despite the uncertainty, advocates who are stepping in to help fill gaps said they have been inspired by the response from Nebraskans. Its been an overwhelming response ... We believe this is a humanitarian issue not a political issue. Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr., of community response to fill SNAP gap Its been an overwhelming response, said Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr., whose office launched and organized a citywide food drive. We are going to continue to go forward until the people of this country are able to get their full SNAP benefits. We believe this is a humanitarian issue not a political issue. Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. (Courtesy of City of Omaha) Omahas effort to collect nonperishables began last Wednesday and by Friday morning, several community centers acting as drop off points had run short of room. Staffers from the Mayors Office transported 5,500 pounds of nonperishable items that day from four centers to the food bank, which will distribute the goods. Monday yielded another nearly 12,000 pounds from five other centers, said Ewing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Omaha plans to allocate $45,000 more in keno revenue to the food bank. The Douglas County Board today approved allocation of $200,000 among eight eight nonprofit and community partners to strengthen food assistance efforts. The City of Lincoln has reminded residents of free lunches for youths at its F Street Community Center and of expanded food service starting Wednesday at an Aging Partners program at Victory Park. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird was scheduled to speak Tuesday afternoon at the Food Bank of Lincoln to discuss other support of those affected by the SNAP pause. CHI Health made a $100,000 donation for Nebraska food banks. United Way of the Midlands and Omaha Community Foundation have launched fundraisers too. Sullivan said retailers, manufacturers and businesses have started various outreach efforts to increase donations and volunteers. Some restaurants are offering free meals. She said all donated food has to be sorted for distribution, and that she has been both amazed and inspired at the outpouring of help over the last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diminished SNAP benefits come at a time when demand already was up for pantry food, she said, and that is exacerbated by federal workers without a paycheck. On top of that, the coming holiday season is the busiest for food bank partners, and concern mounts as the shutdown continues. Its heartbreaking, its maddening as we approach the holiday season, Sullivan said, to think that families might not be able to assemble a holiday meal. Seeking special legislative session State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha said she is speaking also to Republican lawmakers to urge support for a special legislative session, and believes some agree. She sees the emergency session as an option to allow Nebraska legislators to adjust funding streams that can protect certain federally-funded programs if the federal government shutdown continues. So far endorsing the call: State Sens. Ashlei Spivey, Terrell McKinney, Margo Juarez, John Cavanaugh, John Fredrickson, Dunixi Guereca, Wendy DeBoer, of Omaha; George Dungan, Danielle Conrad, Jane Raybould, Jason Prokop, of Lincoln; Victor Rountree of Bellevue, Dan Quick of Grand Island and Megan Hunt, a nonpartisan of Omaha. The audience listens to public comment during a hearing by the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board on SouthCoast Wind's cable burial plan on July 23, 2025, at Portsmouth Middle School. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) The financing and federal permitting for SouthCoast Wind remains murky. But the path is clear for the Massachusetts offshore wind project to run power lines up the Sakonnet River and across Portsmouth to Mount Hope Bay, with approval from the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Power purchase agreements between the project developer and Massachusetts and Rhode Island utility suppliers are not yet signed despite a Nov. 1 deadline amid continued uncertainty over the staying power of offshore wind under the Trump administration. Meanwhile, a federal judge in D.C. granted the administrations request Tuesday to reconsider a key federal permit which was already approved in the waning days of the Biden administration. The court decision marks a major setback to the already struggling project, allowing the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to start anew on a comprehensive review of potential environmental and economic consequences of the project. Michael Brown, CEO and president for SouthCoast Wind, said the company had serious concern with the decision, but remained committed to its project. We are currently assessing the implications of the decision and will consider all appropriate next steps, including the pursuit of legal remedies, to ensure the projects integrity and its long-term contribution to regional and national energy goals, Brown said in a statement on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours before the court order was issued, Ronald Gerwatowski, chairman of the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board, acknowledged the new level of uncertainty surrounding SouthCoast Wind. But, that did not deter the three-member panel from concluding its yearslong review for the transmission lines that will connect the project, once built, to the onshore electric grid. I am very satisfied with the application, Gerwatowski said Tuesday. By the time we reached the evidentiary stage, there was no evidence that would support the denial of this license. Brown praised the boards decision as a key step for the project. This decision underscores Rhode Islands leadership and regional commitment to providing much-needed domestic energy through responsible development and with good-paying union jobs, Brown said in a statement Tuesday. A slide outlines the route of the South CoastWind project cable that would cut across the town of Portsmouth during a July 23, 2025, public hearing at the Portsmouth Middle School. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) Unlike federal regulators overarching review of the 149-turbine project, proposed 60 miles south of Rhode Island, the state energy panel is only considering a 2-mile section of cables snaking through Aquidneck Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SouthCoast Wind Energy, formerly known as Mayflower Wind, filed the application in 2022 to run high-voltage power lines up the Sakonnet River, over the northern tip of Portsmouth and out Mount Hope Bay, connecting to the electric grid in Brayton Point. The review was put on pause in July 2023, after the developer walked away from its initial contract agreements with Massachusetts utility companies in the hopes of securing a better deal. Rhode Islands energy board resumed its consideration in September 2024, after the Spanish developer submitted proof of new, tentative agreements with power supplies in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Negotiations with utility suppliers have dragged on well beyond the initial December 2024 deadline, with companies citing the risks posed by the federal government as reason for delays. The latest deadline on Nov. 1 came and went without a decision or public acknowledgement. Michael Dalo, a spokesperson for Rhode Island Energy, declined to comment on the status of the negotiations in an email Monday. The contracts will determine the projects financial viability and costs for Rhode Island ratepayers. The license for the transmission lines is conditioned upon securing other state and federal permits, and financing agreements with utility suppliers. If the developers do not secure these approvals and complete a project within five years potentially longer if there is justification the cable license lapses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I didnt want to happen is that we issued a license that becomes permanent, only to find out the project cant go forward and then this license sits there which could potentially block use of that route for another offshore wind project, Gerwatowski explained. The energy board also asked the developer to consider ways to reduce road closures during construction, though it stopped short of mandating details. But it rejected a request from the Portsmouth Town Council seeking to limit construction work to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., or at least limit the decibel level to no more than 70 decibels for properties nearest the underwater drilling. Gerwatowski said he did not want to impose restrictions on noise that could limit progress, but asked the developer to consider reasonable limits to noise levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portsmouth Town Council President Keith Hamilton maintained that the councils request was reasonable. Our residents have a right to be able to sleep at night and not to be hearing that noise at all hours of the day and night, Hamilton said in an interview on Tuesday. Portsmouth is set to receive $23 million in host fees and taxes over the next 33 years in exchange for allowing the developer to build the transmission lines under town roads. The contract was reluctantly approved by the Town Council in January 2024. Hamilton acknowledged the funds were a big deal a way to pay for town improvements without raising taxes on residents. But he expressed doubt that the project and the money would materialize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont see this project ever getting off the ground in the next five to 10 years, Hamilton, a Republican, said. A separate permit application related to the SouthCoast cable lines remains under review by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy says federal grants come with an obligation to adhere to federal laws. (Photo by McKenzie Romero/Utah News Dispatch) Democratic attorneys general have notched another victory after a federal judge in Rhode Island Tuesday ruled the Trump administration cant tie billions of dollars meant for road and bridge repairs to states cooperation with civil immigration enforcement. The administration blatantly overstepped its statutory authority in trying to place immigration-related conditions on federal funding U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ruled in his permanent injunction against the U.S. Department of Transportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Constitution demands the court set aside this lawless behavior, McConnell wrote. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha celebrated McConnells ruling. It should go without saying that the ability of Rhode Islanders to travel on safe roads and bridges cannot hang on the political whims of one man, Neronha said in a statement. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportation did not immediately respond to request for comment. Twenty states, led by California, filed suit in Providence in May after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a directive outlining the administrations expectations for cooperation in return for infrastructure grants that had already been approved by Congress. Federal grants come with a clear obligation to adhere to federal laws, Duffy said in a statement when the directive was issued in April. It shouldnt be controversial enforce our immigration rules, end anti-American DEI policies, and protect free speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joining Rhode Island and California in the lawsuit were AGs from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Vermont. The states argued that such a directive was outside the scope of the agencys power and was impermissibly vague. DOT attorneys have argued in court that the statute governing the agency, as enacted by Congress, allows it to impose any conditions on grant agreements so long as it reasonably determines those conditions align with its core mission. But McConnell found that the conditions were too unrelated to transportation issues for the DOT to try to impose such funding conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had Congress wished to try to make federal transportation funding contingent on cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement, it could certainly have attempted to do so, McConnell, an Obama appointee, wrote. He added that the Trump administration had failed to explain why the court should stay any ordered relief, noting that the DOT never even appealed the preliminary injunction that was issued in June. The court sees no reason it should stay relief now that the case has reached summary judgment, McConnell wrote. McConnells ruling Tuesday served another blow to the Trump administration. On Oct. 31, he ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to tap into contingency funds to cover food stamp funding amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USDA promised Monday it would provide partial payments to households who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). But on Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump suggested on social media that funding would resume only after the government reopens. Plaintiffs in the case of Rhode Island State Council of Churches v. Brooke Rollins have since asked McConnell to issue a temporary restraining order to ensure the USDA follows through on its pledge made Monday. A hearing will be held over Zoom at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Theres a special city council democratic primary on Providences east side on Tuesday and its become the most expensive council race in the history of the city. Helen Anthony announced at the beginning of August that she was stepping down from her role on the council to more fully focus on her health after she was seriously injured in an ATV accident in June 2023 while on a trip to California. Since then, many candidates have announced they are running for the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the video above, Boston Globe columnist Dan McGowan joined Patrick Little on 12 News This Morning to discuss the special election. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News MORE: Globe RI & 12 News Stories Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WPRI.com. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin has been assassinated. Mr Rabin was shot three times at close range in the stomach and chest by an assailant as he left a peace rally in Tel Aviv earlier on Saturday. He was taken to hospital in Tel Aviv where he later died. The gunman, named as Yigal Amir, was rapidly overpowered and arrested. He is believed to be one of the founders of an illegal Jewish settlement on the West Bank and a member of an extreme right-wing organisation. The rally at which Mr Rabin was shot was attended by about 100,000 Israelis who back the Rabin governments peace initiatives with the Palestinians. Security was tight but police allowed right-wing groups, who oppose any peace deal, to protest nearby. Israel TV said Yigal Amir, 27, had confessed to shooting the prime minister and had told investigators that he did not regret his actions. Leaders from around the world are expected to attend Mr Rabins funeral which takes place on Monday. US President Bill Clinton said Yitzhak Rabin had given his life in the pursuit of peace. The chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, Yasser Arafat, expressed condolences on behalf of the Palestinians. I hope that all of us the Israelis and the Palestinians will have the ability to overcome the tragedy and continue the peace process in all of the Middle East, Mr Arafat said. Israels foreign minister, Shimon Peres, has been appointed as acting prime minister after an emergency cabinet meeting. Courtesy BBC News In context Yigal Amir received a life prison sentence for the assassination. Amirs brother, Hagai, and Dror Adnani were sentenced to 12 years and seven years respectively for conspiracy. In 1998 Margalit Har-Shefi, to whom Amir had told his plans, received a nine-month prison term for failing to prevent Mr Rabins murder. Shimon Peres pushed on with Yitzhak Rabins efforts to make peace with the Palestinians. But in an election in 1996 he lost to Binyamin Netanyahu who campaigned against the Rabin-Peres peace programme. Like this: Like Loading... Rachel Maddow was incredulous on Monday night (November 3) as she focused on what she deemed President Donald Trumps sympathetic words towards Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles due to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. King Charles stripped his brother, Andrew, of his titles last week, and the ex-Duke of York will also have to move out of his long-term residence at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate. The decision was made due to Andrews links to the late, convicted sex offender, Epstein. When asked about the situation while aboard Air Force One on Sunday (November 2), Trump said, I feel very badly Its a terrible thing thats happened to the family. Thats been a tragic situation. Its too bad. I feel badly for the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to the Presidents comments, Maddow stated, To be clear, Trump is not talking about the families of the kids who were molested and raped by his friend, Jeffrey Epstein. He is talking about how sad he is that another one of Epsteins friends got in trouble with his own family for being part of it. Trump has shown his admiration for Britains royal family over the years, including during his state visit to the U.K. in September, where he spoke of the special relationship between the United States and Britain while paying tribute to King Charles. However, Trumps visit to the U.K. was not without controversy, as protestors gathered to remind the President of his own relationship with Epstein. Ahead of Trumps meeting with King Charles, protestors projected several images of Trump with Epstein onto Windsor Castle. Earlier this year, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released documents from Jeffrey Epsteins 50th birthday book that contained messages and letters from dozens of luminaries and friends of Jeffrey Epstein. One of those letters was alleged to have been written by Trump, confirming details reported in a Wall Street Journal article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump previously denied writing the letter or drawing a picture of a naked woman said to be included alongside the message. He even sued the Wall Street Journal for $10 billion, claiming the letter didnt exist. However, Epsteins estate handed the book over to Congress, and the Democrats posted the entire book online with some redactions. Meanwhile, Andrew has been under fire again in recent weeks following the posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epsteins victims who died by suicide in April. In the book, Giuffre claimed she was forced to have sex with the former prince on three occasions, including when she was 17. Andrew has always denied the claims that he had sex with Giuffre when she was 17. He previously settled a civil case with her for $16 million. The Rachel Maddow Show, Mondays, 9/8c, MSNBC Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider. A radio DJ tried to evict his sister from their mothers 1.2m London home in a bitter inheritance fight, a court heard. Philip Chryssikos, 52, a presenter on Smooth Radio, began legal action to sell the property and obtain his share of the inheritance by forcing Maria, 56, to leave their childhood home. The sister had never moved out of the family house in Acton, west London, having cared for their ill mother during the final years of her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Stella Chryssikos died in 2020, she left the house worth up to 1.2m to each of them in equal shares. However, a judge has rejected Mr Chryssikoss attempt to move his sister out, after ruling the property could not be sold until Ms Chryssikos reached the age of 70. Central London County Court heard that their mother had left the house in Popes Lane to both of them, but Mr Chryssikos wanted to sell it to receive money. The radio DJ admitted the relations between him and his sister were poor and that they frequently engaged in whirlwind arguments. Maria Chryssikos lived in the house and acted as a carer for her mother It was heard Ms Chryssikos had dedicated years of her life to the hard job of being their elderly mothers primary carer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their late mother left a letter detailing that she wanted the house to remain Ms Chryssikoss home without the threat of eviction after her death, but that the proceeds it raised would still be inherited equally between them. Richard Buston, representing Ms Chryssikos, said: The deceased led Maria to believe that the property was to be Marias home for the rest of her life and that Maria and Philip if he so wished would always be able to live at the property. In particular, the deceased made clear to Philip and Maria from late 1999 onwards that she wanted Maria to remain at the property after her death and that she should not be evicted or have to pay rent. The court heard Ms Chryssikos had spent a large amount of her money on the upkeep of the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giving evidence, she told the judge she had a volatile relationship with her brother, whom she described as a monster when he returned to live in the house after a relationship breakdown in 2016. The house that Philip Chryssikos wanted to sell in order to obtain his share of the inheritance Mr Chryssikos claimed he and his sister had been joint carers and denied their mother had intended for them to live in the house for life. Making his ruling, Judge Ashby said it was a complete tragedy that the siblings had ended up fighting each other in court. The relationship between the parties is, on any measure of it, volatile it is one fraught with aggression, he said. The fact theyre here is a tragic disaster. It is siblings pitting against each other in a war of inheritance. Their mother would not have wanted to see them here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He rejected Mr Chryssikoss order for sale with vacant possession, while he had already dropped a claim for rent from his sister during the trial. Ms Chryssikos was given the right to reside at the property for another 14 years, until she reached 70 years of age. The judge did, however, reject Ms Chryssikoss bid for a life interest in the house and her application to bring a claim for increased provision from her mums will was also refused. 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. I woke up the Sunday before the election and had only just begun brushing my teeth when my phone started blowing up with text messages. Theres a flyer in my mailbox and its not good. Also Read: One Parents Behavior At My Childs Gymnastics Class Sent Me Into A Rage. Then I Realized Something I Didnt See Coming. Cassie, theres a picture of you blowing the Pope. Call me. My brain and body flooded with white-hot rage and adrenaline, and I called Scott, the person who had texted me, while throwing on jeans in a panic. Scott was one of the other Democratic candidates for city council in our small town. He was a combat veteran and an all-around nice guy who would have made for an involved, thoughtful city councilor had the 2023 election not devolved into a viper pit of insanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its bad, Cassie. Im so sorry. Im going to try to walk around and see if I can catch whoever is doing the flyering. I heard a door slam and he paused. Oh my god, theyre in every mailbox on the street. I gotta go. He hung up the phone, and I ran to throw on shoes and meet Scott in his neighborhood. Also Read: I Hugged My Son Goodbye And He Began His First Week Of College. Then I Never Saw Him Again. ** I didnt really consider myself an overtly political person until I moved to Geneva, a small town in upstate New York. We had moved during the pandemic, after I did many rounds of late-night research from my cramped Brooklyn apartment, which had been fine when I was a single lady, but with a boyfriend working from home, two kids doing virtual schooling and three senior dogs, it felt like waking up in an insane asylum every day, albeit with much cooler knickknacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Political involvement seemed like something meant for other people. I voted faithfully and called my representatives in moments of despair and socioeconomic crisis, but the sort of people who ran for office were surely better organized than I was. I still used a paper calendar to cobble together appointments for the kids and my gigs as a karaoke host. Running for office seemed complicated, intense and time-consuming, certainly not meant for someone with multiple jobs and the heavy responsibility of raising their niece and nephew, whose tantrums already occupied the brain space that, in a different timeline, entitled grown men in a political arena would be taking up for a version of myself who really had her act together. Also Read: I Developed A Condition In My Mid-40s That Made It Impossible To Poop Normally And It Gets Even More Embarrassing Within the first month of moving to a small town, a Republican city councilor threatened to shoot the squares of everyone on his computer screen who attended a police accountability forum. That was disturbing, but equally disturbing were the people who rallied around him, as if that were a normal way to react to a call to action during the George Floyd/Eric Garner/Black Lives Matter era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One female city councilor routinely ended up in the local paper, villainized for calling out the weird men on council who had gone their entire lives unchecked. The first rally I ever brought my niece to was one in support of this brave lady outside of where city council meetings were held. My niece, who was 11 at the time, made it into the paper by holding a sign calling the councilor of our ward a bootlicking coward. I bought five copies the next day to send to my mom and her other grandma. Where it really started was the DARE program. My niece was automatically enrolled in the fifth grade, and we opted out when we saw the DARE officers name. This was a name that had come up in my research of Geneva in trying to determine if it was a safe place for my ethnically mixed family or a residual Sundown Town right out of one of the types of movies that gave me an instant panic attack. I was disturbed that this officer would be teaching my kid, or any other kid in their majority minority elementary school, about healthy decision-making. I complained to the teacher, and when that only yielded a shrug, I complained up the food chain to the district office, who said there was nothing they could do about it but I could contact the city council. Politics: Trump Spends Election Day Having A Meltdown About A Lot Of Things When a city councilor called me back, I was in the break room of the antique mall where I worked, wolfing down a salad I had made at home. I remember that after 15 minutes of unnecessary small talk, the city councilor finally said there was nothing he could do about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was bad enough but then he added, I was once pulled over for driving while Mexican. He let out a little self-satisfied chuckle. Im not Mexican. I just had a really great tan at the time, and the officer let me go, but all that is to say that I understand your familysplight, I really do, but theres nothing I can do about it. I was flabbergasted. He hung up, oblivious to how he sounded. This, for me, was my heel-turn, the moment I went from aging hipster confused by the bureaucracy of this suburban school system to full-blown Mechagodzilla with a Kate Plus Eight bob, ready to torch whatever stood in between me and common sense. Politics: Republicans Are Desperate For You To Care About The NYC Mayoral Race Guess Im running for office now! I said to the empty break room once my jaw unclenched. I didnt know how I was going to make it happen, but it felt like the universe heard me at that moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ** I had met some other community members interested in change when Roe v. Wade was overturned, and I showed up to a demonstration with a gigantic banner of a stop sign that said STOP FUCKING REPUBLICANS. As we held our banners from the overpass above the main drag, we talked over the din of cars honking and giving the thumbs-up punctuated by pickup trucks honking and aggressively giving the finger. No one was more surprised than me when a member of the Democratic committee later reached out and asked if I would consider running for city council. On one hand, I had been going to council meetings on a regular basis and did have a lot of good ideas for simple changes to our city government that would make it more functional and bring down taxes. On the other hand, I was flattered that anyone would consider me organized enough to manage my time or ideas in a way that benefited the greater good. How would I have time for civic duties PLUS multiple part-time jobs, while scaling an ever-growing Mount Everest of Child Laundry? "Political involvement seemed like something meant for other people." Photo Courtesy Of Cassie J Sneider I had once heard someone say, Bigger dummies than you have done it, and frankly, truer words have never been spoken when it comes to politics, both on a local and national scale. When Donald Trump was elected, all I could think was, We elected the guy from the stuffed-crust pizza commercial. Whenever Mitch McConnell would appear on the news as some kind of senile apparition, I would wonder how we got here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe the answer was that not enough regular people who cared were putting themselves out there and saying, Ill give it a shot. ** The local paper had just announced my endorsement when I got a notification that an older member of the Republican committee had just followed me on Instagram. At first, I thought it was cool that someone so far outside of my own social circle would want to know what I was up to or look at pictures of my dog standing upright like a human. Then a sense of foreboding crept in. I blocked him and took a cursory look at my online presence. I had deleted Facebook after the 2016 election, when I realized that much of my extended family had suddenly become flag-waving racists. I had written a book in my 20s and done articles and comics about where life had taken me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing had ever really been off-limits, because why would anyone want to use any story or photo against me? I was no one: a formerly punk-identifying person who used to tour a lot but had chosen a life of making two children peanut butter sandwiches with the crusts cut off. I shook off the creepy feeling. Surely this was a glitch. Two weeks later, I received the most awkward phone call I have ever had in my life. By then, I had become friends with the members of the Democratic committee and the other candidates. Our campaign was going great, and a lot of my ideas were being put into action. We needed money, and I did an instagram video that went viral and generated more than $8,000 in donations. We used this money for campaign literature, yard signs and events, like paying our local woman-owned ice cream truck to give out free cones to kids who were stuck at the public housing complex on Juneteenth while their parents were at work. During this process, I learned about deeper issues within local government, formed an ad-hoc committee on flooding and started the process of contacting the local sheriffs department about creating a voluntary registry for parents of special needs kids or caretakers of vulnerable adults so that they could safely contact the police in an emergency and be assured the responding officer was already briefed on any underlying conditions, triggers or calming talking points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It felt like a world was opened up to me where things that had once felt very out of reach were instead very possible with teamwork and being a decent, rational person who can work well with others. ** This is very awkward, and I honestly cant even believe I have to ask you this, but is there a photo out there of you giving Santa a blowjob? Of the friendships I had made along the way in my new town, I really appreciated the one Id forged with the chair of the Democratic committee. She was a no-bullshit former Long Islander in her 70s, the type of lady I could only hope I would be like in another 30 years. And it was mortifying that I was the reason she was having to use the words Santa and blowjob in the same sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, um, yes. It was sort of an art project that started out with a pilgrimage to a Don Henley statue in Winslow, Arizona, and it just kind of evolved to blowing statues across the country for the last 15 years. Why? Is that a problem? Oh, Jesus Christ, she said and took a breath. It turned out that someone in the local Republican Party had done a deep dive into my 10 years on Instagram and had come up with some photos of me pretending to blow a cardboard cutout of the pope in Memphis on a tour in 2016. There was also the aforementioned Santa statue, but somehow not the one of me mounting the Jedediah Springfield statue in Universal Studios, the bronze Fonz in Milwaukee or the John Wayne in the Burbank Airport. The photos themselves were actually less obscene than they sound youre not seeing anything but my back in the one where Im kneeling before His Holiness, for example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt like the idea of trying to tone myself down for public consumption, but I also didnt want my new friends to have to deal with negative fallout from being associated with me. I went through my Instagram and made anything with my kids in it private for their safety. The rest was already out there, so there wasnt much I could do. ** The Sunday morning before the election, I found myself in the car with my kids, driving to the other side of town to intercept whoever was leaving these flyers in peoples mailboxes. When canvassing, it is known that it is illegal to leave anything IN a mailbox, so you usually tuck campaign literature in a doorjamb or next to a mailbox. It was odd that these were going straight into mailboxes. Even stranger were the texts that kept pouring in that these flyers were in every mailbox on every street of our city. I was about to turn at an intersection when I finally saw two kids, a teen and a preteen, with a canvas bag full of flyers. I pulled over like Ice-T spotting a perp and bailed out of the car. My niece followed me, ready to go full Detective Stabler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where did you get these? I asked them, grabbing the bag of flyers and assessing how bad it was. Not only did the flyer have The Pope Photo on it, but there was also a family photo taken outside of my home with my children and home address in full view for any lunatic to do with what they wished. Im sorry! they said, breaking down crying. I dont need you to be sorry. I need you to tell me where these came from. We got them from some guy, said one kid. He paid our dad and a bunch of other people to do it, the other one said. I need you guys to call your dad because you need an adult here. Im going to call the cops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dad showed up before the cops came. His zipper was open. Your zipper is open, dude, I said. ITS BROKEN! He spat back, like that was a good reason to be strolling from door to door on a Sunday morning with your fly down. OK, well, I need you guys to wait here until the cops come, and I need you to tell me who paid you to do this. I dont need to tell you shit! Look dude, you have kids here. How would you like it if I were walking around, handing out flyers to any old weirdo with their faces on it and your address that might put them in danger? Plus there is a photo of me simulating a sex act on a cardboard cutout. These kids are minors and theyre distributing this? I dont know the guy. It was a paid gig on Facebook, so I only met him this morning when everybody was picking up the flyers. Immediately, I flashed back to the ancient Republican creeper who had followed me on Instagram at the start of the campaign. This man seemed to have unscrupulously paid a street team of children to leave an ancient photo of me giving a cardboard cutout a blowjob in every mailbox. This wasa postal law violation, probably also some sort of campaign finance violation, and worst of all, a multi-layered violation of children, from the photo of my kids that put them in potential danger, to using somebody elses kids to carry out this sort of dirty work for him. When the police arrived, the kids father called the man in question, who said, I told them not to put them in mailboxes. The responding officer took the phone off speaker, walked away to have a personal conversation with him and then declared there was nothing he could do. He handed the flyers back to the kids dad, and I walked awkwardly to my car, not really knowing how I would explain this to my own children, who by now were extremely invested in justice being served. How do you explain to your kids that the law only applies to some people? The author, who is "unable to resist a life-sized statue or cutout." Photo Courtesy Of Cassie J. Seider I decided to soften the blow by getting doughnuts on the way home, and then I met with the other candidates who were affected by the flyer to strategize, but really, this close to the election, there was not much to do. So I went home and made a video that called out how disgusting and unneighborly this incident was, and most importantly, that I remained unashamed. I ended the video with a montage of photos of me simulating oral sex on statues with Through the Years by Kenny Rogers playing softly over it. The night of the election, I had volunteered to DJ the results party. This had felt like a great idea at the time, but as the results came in, it began to feel like I was DJing my own funeral. What song do you play when a friend loses because of last-minute misinformation and dirty tactics? What do you play when the chair of your committee comes in, makes eye contact with you and shakes her head mournfully? What do you play when the people around you are in tears because they know how hard you worked, not only for your own campaign, but for the rest of the slate? What do you play when you are reminded of the bigger picture: that there is no bottom low enough for the Republican Party, that nothing is sacred, that children are a commodity? You play The Underdog by Spoon. You think about the 279 people who did vote for you. You think about all the people you never would have met if you hadnt stepped out of your comfort zone of sorting socks and figuring out how to get your kid to eat food that doesnt come in nugget form. And you think about how you are going to make sure this never happens to anyone else, at least in your small corner of the world, ever again. Cassie J. Sneider is a parent to human children and a dog who walks upright like a leprechaun. She owns a toy store arcade in Geneva, New York. You can find her on Instagram at @cassiejsneider. Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com. Raw & Real Read the original on HuffPost A rare seabird is recovering from a successful and life-saving surgery. A fisherman from Anconcito, Ecuador, found the juvenile Salvins albatross after he noticed that it appeared unwell. The bird had ingested four large fishing hooks and some fishing line and was brought to Puerto Lopez for rehabilitation and care. Local veterinarian Ruben Aleman removed the discarded fishing gear from the bird. After some extra R&R, the bird was released in late October on a nearby beach in Manabi province. Through coordination with Ecuadors Ministry of the Environments local representative (REMACOPSE) and a specialized veterinarian, we successfully removed four fishing hooks from the bird, including one that caused injuries to its esophagus, Giovanny Suarez Espin, Ecuador Seabird Bycatch Coordinator for American Bird Conservancy, said in a statement. The type and size of the hooks suggest they came from the artisanal mahi-mahi fishery, which poses a risk to albatrosses. While reducing bycatch in this type of fishery is challenging, we continue to promote best practices and more sustainable tools to minimize incidental seabird capture. Fishing gear surgically removed from a Salvins albatross. Image: Ruben Aleman, Fundacion Juvimar. The Salvins albatross (also called Salvins mollymawk) is a rare seabird species. It breeds in several rugged and remote subantarctic islands south of New Zealand. They spend the majority of their life at sea, foraging around Australia and New Zealand during their breeding period. After breeding, they fly thousands of miles nonstop to the Pacific coast off South America for food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since seabirds are so mobile and live in such a large area, protecting them takes a great deal of effort. Researchers in Ecuador and Peru and New Zealands Department of Conservation work closely with each other to study this species, advocating the fishing industry to do whatever it can to prevent seabirds from ingesting discarded fishing gear or getting tangled in nets and traps. While we collect tracking data from devices attached to adult Salvins Albatross, currently information on the movements of juveniles comes solely from observations, added New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) Senior Science Advisor Dr. Johannes Fischer. DOC plans to fit trackers onto juveniles at the end of this breeding season through a collaboration with Universidad Cientifica del Sur in Lima, Peru, which will directly inform seabird research partnerships in Peru, Ecuador, and other countries. Over the past 50 years, the Salvins albatross population has declined significantly. During the 1970s, there were roughly 88,000 breeding pairs, compared to about 50,000 today. These birds tend to begin breeding at 11 years old and only lay one egg per year. If the juveniles of the population are affected, there can be a long lag before negative impacts are seen. While seabird populations have declined by more than 70 percent since 1950, theyre essential to the health of the entire ocean for one reasontheir poop. Seabird droppings nourish the whole ocean and island ecosystems. Salvins albatross x-ray. Image: Ruben Aleman, Fundacion Juvimar. These long-distance travelers depend on the productivity of the Humboldt Current to feed, yet each migration carries the silent risk of being hooked on longlinesa reminder that effective protection must transcend national boundaries, said Dr. Carlos Zavalaga, Director of the Seabird Ecology and Conservation Research Unit from Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fishing vessels and equipment including gillnets, baited longlines, and trawls remain a major threat since they attract numerous foraging seabirds that are drawn to discarded fish and other food sources. In September, veterinarians in eastern Massachusetts successfully removed a large fishing hook from a black backed gulls GI tract. The juvenile Salvins albatross was released in October. Image: Ruben Aleman, Fundacion Juvimar. Seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds globally, facing additional threats like overfishing, climate change, plastic pollution, and habitat loss. We all need to work together to protect these remarkable, wide-ranging animals, Fischer said. In Ecuador, the American Bird Conservancys Marine Program has been working alongside artisanal longline fisheries to reduce bycatch by developing new methods that are safer for seabirds. More than 2,000 fishers are helping us with bird conservation now, said Espin. The fishermen know that whenever they see a seabird species injured or one that has an issue, they have to let us know. And thats what this fisherman colleague from Anconcito did. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) HealthSource RI says its average customer will see their monthly bill double, with a federal benefit set to expire. The enhanced federal tax benefits were established in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act. But the benefit thats set to expire at the end of the year has been at the center of the government shutdown stalemate over the last month. We will work on fixing the bad health care that we have, President Donald Trump said Sunday on 60 Minutes. Right now, we have terrible health care and too expensive for the people, not for the government, for the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5 takeaways from Trumps 60 Minutes interview HealthSource RI Director Lindsay Lang said 90% of its customers benefit from the tax break. Once those benefits expire, she said people should expect their monthly health insurance bill to go up. For the average customer, the price is expected to double, according to Lang, but she said some people will see an even bigger increase. Folks making a little bit more than that, so a little over $60,000 a year for an individual, will see our highest dollar increase, Lang explained. That could be as much as $650 every single month. Just last year, the states health insurance marketplace reached a record-breaking milestone of 40,000 enrollees. But with the upcoming price hike, HealthSource RI anticipates roughly a third of its customers will not enroll again next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of these enhanced tax credits are going away and people will struggle with the cost, we expect a little over 13,000 customers are likely to drop coverage, Lang said during an advisory board meeting Monday. RELATED: Open enrollment underway in RI, Mass. During the meeting, board members acknowledged that the $60 million gap in federal funding could not be filled through state funds. On Monday, Gov. Dan McKee called on Republicans to end the shutdown. President Trump has a responsibility to get his party to the table, prevent these massive spikes in health care costs and end the shutdown, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HealthSource RI anticipates enrollment to continue to be cut in half over the next five years, as provisions under the Big Beautiful Bill take effect. Visit the HealthSource RI and Massachusetts Health Connector websites to learn more about the plans they offer. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup 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 WPRI.com. Jack Ciattarelli may be the Trump-backed nominee for governor of New Jersey, but hes outlined a Reaganomics plan if elected this week. And no one can say exactly how the math adds up. He wants to slash 30 percent of state spending, or about $17 billion of the states $58.7 billion budget. He says hed essentially eliminate the so-called millionaire's tax, lower business taxes which would abolish a tax that helps fund the beleaguered New Jersey Transit and keep the states sales tax steady. At the same time, Ciattarelli wants to boost public employee pensions and increase state aid for special education, which together would cost billions of dollars. And that doesnt even include his other tax break proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ciattarellis theory harks back to the Reagan revolution and the Chris Christie years in Trenton, when New Jersey Republicans promised leaner government and lower taxes. But Christies own record marked by credit downgrades and deep pension shortfalls showed how difficult that formula is to sustain. (Ciattarelli has promised to fund the states pension system, which cost the state $7.2 billion for the current fiscal year.) Now, Ciattarelli is betting that message still resonates in a state transformed by years of Democratic spending and pandemic-era growth. His plan will test whether New Jersey voters are ready to return to a smaller-government vision that hasnt delivered on its promises before. If we are very good at streamlining this state government, downsizing it, we can afford these tax cuts, Ciattarelli told an accountant trade group recently. But mark my words, if these reforms work to grow our economy, we're going to have more tax revenue than we know what to do with. However, Ciattarelli has not detailed how his cost-cutting would work, and his detractors question how it all adds up without affecting programs and services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Chen, a budget analyst at the left-leaning New Jersey Policy Perspective, noted that combined spending for all direct support to run state agencies and all state employee benefits as well as funding for the state Legislature and state Judiciary does not come close to the 30 percent target from Ciattarelli. I don't know how you would achieve it without causing substantial harm to the ability of the state government to do much of anything, Chen said in an interview. The Ciattarelli campaign often points to the growth of the state budget under the Murphy administration and says they could cut just as easily as the state has increased spending. Gov. Phil Murphy has increased funding for public schools by $4 billion since taking office and has made full pension payments which are required to keep the pension system afloat by approximately $5 billion since Christies final budget. "Phil Murphy and the Trenton Democrats have increased spending by $25 billion (!) since 2018, Chris Russell, a Ciattarelli campaign strategist, said in a statement. Given that, we completely reject the idea that there isn't room in the state budget to reduce spending and afford tax cuts. As governor, Jack will set spending priorities that New Jerseyans can agree on, including taking care of our most vulnerable citizens. What Ciattarellis promised Ciattarellis calls for cuts are necessitated by his tax promises. Some of his big-ticket proposals include cutting the business tax by 1 percent over five years (the tax currently brings in about $5 billion a year) and reducing New Jerseys top income tax rate from 10.75 percent to 5 percent while reducing the total number of brackets (the income tax accounts for around a third of state revenue, the largest single source). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both proposals would scrap two of Murphys signature tax achievements, namely the Corporate Transit Fee, which funds NJ Transit by taxing businesses and the millionaires tax, a higher rate for people making over a million dollars in income. Other tax cuts Ciattarelli has promised include making retirement income tax free, freezing property taxes for residents at age 70 and making student loans and property taxes tax deductible. On the campaign trail, hes also said that were not raising any other taxes. At the same time, Ciattarelli has promised some new spending which could be costly. One proposal to provide cost of living adjustments for the pensions first responders would cost $600 to $650 million annually, according to the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services. Another idea Ciattarelli has floated, bringing Medicaid rates at parity with Medicare rates for health care, would result in around $110 million more in state spending for primary care alone, according to OLS. He also wants the state to cover the full cost of all special education students. Special education students currently cost $23,000 per pupil more than other students, according to state data. The school funding formula calculates $5 billion in total special education spending statewide, half of which local governments are on the hook for, according to the Education Law Center. (Ciattarelli has promised an overhaul of the school funding formula.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There would also be new Cabinet-level agencies under Ciattarelli: a Department of Energy and Department of Commerce, which Ciattarelli said would only be staffed by one or two dozen employees. He has also promised a Department of Government Efficiency, styled after the Elon Musk-led initiative from the start of President Donald Trump's administration, and suggested state workers would be part of cost-cutting measures. I think there's opportunities for downsizing all across the board throughout our state agencies, Ciattarelli recently told business leaders. Let me be clear: I don't celebrate putting people on the unemployment line, but I do believe [with] the reforms I have in mind to grow the economy, the private sector will absorb and create those jobs. One potentially low-hanging target for Ciattarelli to cut would be so-called pork items in the state budget. While there is no universal definition to what pork is in state spending some defend them as worthy projects it generally refers to state spending on projects for specific legislative districts added at the end of the budget process. But such spending usually amounts to a few hundred million dollars which falls short of Ciattarellis big spending cuts. New Jersey is also facing a so-called structural deficit where spending outpaces revenues by $1.5 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $17 billion worth of pork? Come on, said Democratic state Sen. Andrew Zwicker, who sits on the budget committee. Are there places where state government can and should be more efficient? Of course. Does that add up to 30 percent of our budget? Thats absurd. Ciattarellis supporters underscore that he has described a roadmap to making the state more affordable. GOP state Sen. Declan OScanlon said that the Democratic nominee, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, has been vague on her tax and spending plans. You have one side with the goal of cutting waste, restructuring spending and making life easier for the people and businesses of New Jersey, OScanlon said. The other one is failing to take a position. A listeria outbreak connected to recalled ready-to-eat pasta meals has killed six and left many others hospitalized across the United States. According to People, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service found that a total of 27 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of the bacteria, with 18 states reporting cases of infection. Heres what to know about the outbreak. Pasta meals from Nates Fine Food tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes in June In June, epidemiologic, laboratory and traceback data found that the chicken fettuccine alfredo meals produced by FreshRealm were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes that were making people sick. FreshRealm tested ingredients used in the meals, which were supplied by Nates Fine Food, a ready-to-eat foods manufacturer based in Roseville, California, with products sold at major grocery chains nationwide, including Trader Joes, Sprouts Farmers Market, Kroger and Walmart, News 4 San Antonio reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After FreshRealms investigation, a recall was issues on more than 245,000 pounds of prepared pasta dishes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was later confirmed that ingredients used by Nates Fine Foods in its pasta dishes tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. As state and local health officials continue to gather information of what ill people ate before getting sick, theyre urging customers to return or discard recalled meals, People reported. In total, there have been 27 reported cases of listeria infection, though the CDC suspects the number of people who are sick because the outbreak is higher, as it takes three to four weeks to determine if an illness is tied to listeria, People reported. Of the 26 cases of infection that had information available, 25 were hospitalized and six deaths have been reported in Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Utah. The outbreak has also seen one pregnancy-associated illness, which resulted in a fetal loss. Symptoms of listeria typically manifest two weeks after exposure The CDC describes listeria as a bacteria that can contaminate many foods, with those infected experiencing symptoms as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after infection, per People. Those infected usually experience symptoms two weeks after exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to News 4 Antonio, listeria is especially dangerous to people aged 65 or older, women who are pregnant or people with compromised immune systems, as the bacteria is more likely to spread beyond their gut to other parts of their body, oftentimes leading to a severe condition known as invasive listeriosis. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches and tiredness, and those infected may also experience headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures. Pregnant women may experience fevers, muscle aches and tiredness. The post Recalled Pasta Meals Due To Listeria: 6 Dead And At Least 25 Hospitalized appeared first on Blavity. A growing number of Trump administration officials are moving out of their homes and into military housing where they can be shielded from protests and political violence. The Atlantic first reported on the moves last Thursday. Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy, is the most recent addition to seven high-ranking officials who have been encouraged to make the move. Miller joined Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, another senior political appointee to the Army and one other senior White House official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The morning after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated, Millers wife said she was threatened in front of her home. On Fox News, Katie Miller told Sean Hannity, The morning after our dear friend Charlie was assassinated, I take a step out on my porch and I had a lady saying, Im watching you. After that incident, someone passed out flyers all over their neighborhood, saying my husband, Stephen, is a Nazi, is a war criminal and had our home address, Katie Miller said. The Millers lived just south of Washington, D.C., in Arlington, Virginia. They spread it all over our neighborhood and have continued to do so, not only at my childrens parks, but around town, she said in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that while the people who doxxed her and her husband are not assassins, they are inciting the same violence we saw take out our friend Charlie Kirk last week. Katie and Stephen Miller have three children under 5 years old. To the Tolerant Left who spent their day trying to intimidate us in the house where we have three young children: We will not back down. We will not cower in fear. We will double down. Always, For Charlie. pic.twitter.com/zPc6jIRf1A Katie Miller (@KatieMiller) September 14, 2025 Threats against Trump admin higher than previous administrations There is no record of so many political appointees living on military installations, The Atlantic reported. After the Daily Mail described where Noem lived, she moved into a home on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, which is located in southeast D.C. in Ward 8. Rubio and Hegseth now live on Generals Row at the Army enclave, Fort McNair. Another official who asked to remain anonymous vacated their private home and moved into military housing following Kirks assassination, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While these officials have had military accommodations provided for them, when National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard requested to move to Fort McNair with Hegseth and Rubio, she was told she couldnt, due to space shortages. The Atlantic said the reason Trump has seen an uptick in violence against himself and his Cabinet is because his rhetoric and actions have intensified divisions. Specifically, The Atlantic wrote, It is an ominous marker of the nations polarization, to which the Trump administration has itself contributed, that some of those top public servants have felt a need to separate themselves from the public. However, The Washington Stand reasoned that the root of the problem is that public officials are no longer safe in public, and this, they believe, leads to a much more serious issue. They wrote, When an increasingly visible faction views the officials chosen through these legitimate means as enemies of the people proper targets for harassment, obstruction, or perhaps even assassination it threatens the foundational ideas on which America has been built. Mark Gaber, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs, speaks as Judge Dianna Gibson holds a hearing on Utahs congressional maps process, in Salt Lake City on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Judge Gibson previously ruled based on a decision last year by the Utah Supreme Court that the Legislature had violated voters constitutional right to make laws when legislators repealed Proposition 4, the citizen-passed Better Boundaries initiative. (Pool photo by Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune) With less than a week to go before the Nov. 10 deadline to decide which map will set Utahs congressional boundaries for the 2026 election, a Utah judge will be back in the courtroom this week to hear oral arguments in the states ongoing redistricting legal battle. The lawsuits plaintiffs, according to court documents, are asking 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson to do four things: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Block SB1011, a law that the Utah Legislature passed last month along with their preferred map (known as map C) requiring that three specific statistical tests be used to evaluate congressional maps. The plaintiffs argue those tests were cherry picked to ensure maps that favor the states majority party, the Republican party, will pass. Declare the Legislatures map C fails to abide by and conform with the requirements of Proposition 4 a ballot initiative that passed in 2018 requiring an independent redistricting process and setting neutral map-drawing criteria and therefore block it from being used. The plaintiffs argue the new law likely violates their constitutional rights to alter and reform their government with Proposition 4 since it impairs the voter-approved law that the courts have upheld. Declare that the 2011 congressional map the most recent map the Legislature has enacted during regular redistricting processes other than the 2021 map, which the courts have voided also be blocked because it wouldnt meet todays population requirements. Order the Legislature to enact one of the plaintiffs maps to conduct Utahs congressional elections. The plaintiffs asked the court take on the unwelcome task of voiding the map C and picking an alternative map because the Legislature has failed to comply with Proposition 4 and has left the court no choice but to exercise its obligation to ensure that Utahns cast ballots under a congressional map that adheres to both federal and state constitutional requirements. Instead of simply enacting a compliant map, the Legislature rushed through a law that would give cover for a non-compliant map, the plaintiffs attorneys wrote in court documents submitted late last week. The result of this latest effort to exempt itself from Prop 4s anti-gerrymandering requirements was SB1011 and its three biased tests that cut to the core of the anti-gerrymandering purpose of Prop 4. The Legislatures attorneys, however, argue the judge should pick the Legislatures preferred map, arguing it was drawn under Proposition 4s standards and does not purposefully or unduly favor any partisan outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also defend SB1011 as lawmakers good-faith effort to define key (and vague) terms in Proposition 4 while exercising their discretion to decide what constitutes the best available data and scientific and statistical methods to use in evaluating redistricting plans. Both the plaintiffs and the Legislatures attorneys argue the opposing sides maps are partisan outliers, pointing to competing redistricting experts testimony as evidence that the other sides maps were designed to favor one party over another. Plaintiffs plans do not satisfy the Legislatures chosen standards. At best, their plans are not as fair as the 2025 Plan and, at worst, their plans are themselves purposeful partisan gerrymanders, the Legislatures attorneys wrote, adding that the two-day evidentiary hearings last month confirmed that the Legislatures map is lawful and the plaintiffs maps are extreme partisan outliers. The plaintiffs, however, argue expert testimony showed the Legislatures map unduly and purposefully favors the Republican party and disfavors the Democratic Party, while also violating Proposition 4s requirement to minimize the divisions of cities and counties across multiple districts. The plaintiffs also contend that the Legislatures map should be disqualified because lawmakers map architect Sean Trende, senior elections analyst for Real Clear Politics said during cross-examination that he had partisan election data turned on in the map-drawing tool called Daves Redistricting App when he was drawing map C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They noted that Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, who co-chaired the Legislative Redistricting Committee that recommended map C, has for years objected to members of the public using Daves Redistricting App because the program by default displays partisan political data as users draw maps. It was thus remarkable that the Legislatures mapdrawer, Dr. Sean Trende, testified on direct examination that he had not considered political data in drawing Map C, only to admit on cross examination that he not only used (the tool) to draw Map C, but displayed partisan political data both for the districts and for each precinct under consideration for inclusion or exclusion in a district on the computer screen while he drew the map, the plaintiffs attorneys wrote. In other words, the plaintiffs attorneys added, the Legislatures mapdrawer did precisely what Sen. Sandall warned was disqualifying for maps considered by the Legislature. The Legislatures attorneys, however, argue that even though Trende drew the map on Daves Redistricting Application, the default political data included composite data spanning the 2012 to 2020 elections, and the data was all but meaningless because it was outdated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It did not (and could not) allow him to draw the map with the purpose to favor any political party, legislative attorneys wrote. As lawmakers held public hearings while considering maps, they avoided the use and discussion of partisan information throughout the legislative process. In arguments against the plaintiffs two proposed maps, the Legislatures attorneys sought to discredit a map analysis from one of the plaintiffs retained redistricting experts, Jowei Chen. Dr. Chen generated 10,000 simulated Utah congressional maps using an algorithm he modified specifically for this case an algorithm that no other computational redistricting expert uses, legislative attorneys wrote, adding that his algorithm is neither publicly available nor open source, and that Chen refused to answer in the affirmative when asked repeatedly whether his algorithm produced a representative sample of possible Utah congressional maps drawn in compliance with the law. Lawmakers attorneys added that Chens algorithm repeatedly produces a district centered in the same region of northern Salt Lake County, which they argued is evidence of systematic geographic bias. As a result, they argued that his algorithm anchored a heavily Democratic district in the same portion of northern Salt Lake County in more than 90% of his simulated maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the plaintiffs attorneys wrote that Chens algorithm was created specifically to comply with Proposition 4s criteria without incorporating any racial or political data. They assert that his computer-simulated maps reflect the application of Prop 4s priority-ordered redistricting criteria to Utahs political geography and thus created a reliable distribution of maps that reflect what would be expected to result from a map-drawing process designed to adhere to Proposition 4. On the other hand, the plaintiffs argue that Trendes maps dont minimize county splits to the greatest extent practicable. Dr. Trendes failure to conform his ensembles to Prop 4s requirements caused his simulated maps to be substantially skewed in favor of Republicans, the plaintiffs attorneys wrote. Had he conformed his ensembles to Prop 4s criteria, their partisan composition would have shifted substantially. Gibson is scheduled to begin hearing oral arguments Tuesday at 9 a.m. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Tears trickled down the woman's face as she thought of the man whose cremated remains she carried in a box on a sunny Sunday morning at a local cemetery. Though the deceased was a stranger to her, Patricia Bubenik refused to forget his name as she walked to the crypt where the man was to be interred at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, 7500 W Britton Road. "I will go home and write his name in my Bible and I will pray for him," she said, her voice quivering with emotion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I didn't realize I was going to be so touched by this." More: What does 150 years of ministry in Oklahoma look like? The Catholic Church knows the answer Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, flanked by Deacon Paul Lewis and Sister Barbara Joseph Foley, leads a prayer on All Souls Day near a mausoleum at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. More than 40 people whose remains went unclaimed at local mortuaries throughout 2025 received a Christian burial on Nov. 2, All Souls Day. Coordinated by Sister Barbara Joseph Foley, the remains were interred in a crypt at a mausoleum at the cemetery. The burial was fitting on All Souls Day, a day of remembrance for deceased loved ones that is particularly observed in Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox faith traditions. Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul S. Coakley said as much as he celebrated a Mass of Remembrance at a cemetery chapel, before leading a processional to the mausoleum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He encouraged the faithful to pray for the "remains of dozens of men and women, young and old, ... whose remains have gone unclaimed, unacknowledged." "Not forgotten by God, not forgotten by us," Coakley said. More: November 2025 calendar includes Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, more 'I wanted to give them a final resting place' The special interment was the fourth coordinated by Foley, mother superior of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Therese. Foley has always been touched by the plight of those experiencing homelessness, spurring her to open Sister BJ's Pantry more than 19 years ago at 819 NW 4. In 2007, Foley arranged for a homeless man named Stephen Beachboard to be interred in a crypt at Resurrection Cemetery after searching in vain for his family. A year later, Beachboard's family members found an online story in The Oklahoman about their loved one's burial in Oklahoma City. Beachboard's brother and sister-in-law traveled from Florida to Oklahoma City to meet and thank Foley for her kindness to their loved one. They also visited the mausoleum where Beachboard was interred after a Mass attended by Sister BJ's Pantry volunteers who had interacted with him over the years. Attendees carry cremated remains for burial in a crypt at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery after an All Souls Day Mass. Foley said she was talking to a staff member at a local mortuary in 2022 when she was told that the cremated remains of more than a few people often remain unclaimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He said sometimes people don't get picked up or they don't claim them," she said. "I guess I was pondering in my heart a lot that all these people were just on shelves in mortuaries because there are all unclaimed. And then there are also people who were homeless, that had no family that you know and they kind of end up there, too." The nun said she didn't realize how many people there were whose cremated remains were unclaimed at different mortuaries until that first year she organized a Mass of Christian burial and secured a crypt for the unclaimed remains using her own funds. There were 90 people whose remains were interred that first year. "I wanted to give them a final resting place," Foley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The religious sister said she could not remember exactly how many individuals' remains were interred in 2023, but she did remember there were fewer of them. In 2024, the remains of 73 people were interred. This year, there were 45, including two infants. Bubenik said she and her husband Jackie attended St. Monica Catholic Church in Edmond and attended this year's Mass of Remembrance on All Souls Day because they had been Sister BJ's Pantry volunteers. Others had their own reasons for attending the Mass and interment. More: Coming full circle ... A crypt marker featuring the words "Sister BJ's Pantry Homeless Friends" is prepared for placement at a mausoleum at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in Oklahoma City. Dorothy Kelly said her mother Dorothy Tramontana had asked that her body be given to an out-of-state university for research upon her death in 1988. Kelly said she eventually received her mother's cremated remains back from the university a few years ago, only to learn through an attorney that the remains she was given might be her mother's exclusively, or might have also included the remains of other individuals. After talking to a member of the clergy, she made the decision to inter the remains during the special Mass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was a God thing," Kelly said. After the interment at the mausoleum, Foley reflected on the deceased who were lifted up in prayer and given the dignity of a proper interment on this All Souls Day. The crypt marker featured the words "Sister BJ's Pantry Homeless Friends." "Their final home is with the Lord in heaven, but this is their resting place until then," Foley said. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: More than 40 unclaimed remains laid to rest in OKC on All Souls Day The casino industry defied expectations in October, posting its strongest gains since mid-summer as casinos recorded gross gaming revenue (GGR) of nearly MOP24.09 billion, representing a 15.9% year-on-year increase. Analysts attributed the strong performance to sustained demand in high-end segments following the Golden Week holiday period. The October Golden Week, a key festive period for mainland Chinese consumers, ran from October 1 to 8. While initial holiday traffic was reported as slightly softer than expected, overall revenue growth was driven by strong activity in VIP and premium mass gaming throughout the rest of the month. Seaport Research Partners senior analyst Vitaly Umansky noted that high VIP hold rates in some casinos, along with robust premium mass play, contributed significantly to the surge. Deutsche Bank analyst Steven Pizzella highlighted a sequential improvement of 31.7% compared with September, surpassing historical trends. JP Morgan analysts described October as the strongest GGR in six years, with VIP revenue rising 40-45% and mass market revenue up 12-13%. The brokerage noted that temporary weakness in late September and early October, caused by typhoon disruptions, did not affect the longer-term recovery trend. According to Citigroups George Choi and JP Morgans DS Kim, Macaus National Day Golden Week started strong, drawing a record daily average of 143,000 arrivals, but spending tailed off mid-week as a typhoon disrupted travel and the Singapore Grand Prix siphoned high-rollers, Bloomberg reported Saturday. Market sentiment, however, tells a different story. The Bloomberg Intelligence Index of Macau casino operators fell 10.3% in October, tracking investor caution over margins, regulatory scrutiny, and Chinas slowing economy. The Hang Seng Index, meanwhile, slipped 3.5%, marking a fifth straight monthly decline. Cumulative GGR for the first 10 months of 2025 reached nearly MOP205.43 billion, an 8% increase over the same period last year. Analysts expect the gaming revenue to continue growing in November, forecasting an increase of 811.5% year-on-year, with further acceleration likely in December due to easier comparisons with the previous year. Like this: Like Loading... All the news programs are broadcasting features about Rabin, and there are several documentaries about his life and legacy. Its been 30 years since the assassination of prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, and its impossible to watch events unfolding today without wondering how things might be different had he lived longer. All the news programs are broadcasting features about Rabin, and there are several documentaries about his life and legacy. In recent years, I feel some of the coverage of the anniversary of his death has focused too much on the circumstances of the assassination and not enough on his life and legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Rabins Assassination Averted Eyes, an excellent new documentary by Yossi Melman and Nadav Ben-Tzur on Hot 8, Hot VOD, and Next TV, examines both his life and his death, especially the circumstances that led up to it. I would especially recommend this documentary to those who dont remember that much about Rabin, particularly young people. It gives a concise outline of the life of the first Israeli prime minister born in Mandatory Palestine, showing how his military career led him to the difficult decision to make peace with PLO chairman Yasser Arafat and sign the Oslo Accords. A rally marking 30 years since the assassination of late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, at Tel Avivs Rabin Square on November 1, 2025, Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated on November 4, 1995 by an Israeli extremist during a pro-peace rally in Tel Aviv. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90) Ben-Gvir and Bibi featured The interviewees include former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) officials, army officers, and colleagues such as Shimon Sheves, Prof. Shimon Shetreet, Michael Ben-Yair, Ami Ayalon, Yaakov Peri, Israel Harel, Avishai Raviv, Hezi Kalo, and Nahum Barnea. After painting a portrait of Rabin, the documentary focuses on the climate of incitement leading up to his assassination, including the decision by an influential group of rabbis to call for his death, a Jewish version of an Islamic fatwa. It also shows the campaign of dehumanization by those who opposed Rabin, among them a young Itamar Ben-Gvir, now the national security minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also shows the prevalence of posters showing Rabin as a Nazi and a Palestinian terrorist and that coffins were carried to rallies, where protesters screamed for Rabins death. The documentary features footage of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking at a rally in Jerusalem where the crowd chanted for Rabins death and shows that many of Netanyahus allies left the balcony from which the speakers addressed the crowd when they saw and heard calls to kill the prime minister amid the inciting posters. The film makes the case that while there is no doubt that Yigal Amir pulled the trigger, there were many who were openly pushing for Rabins death. The film also investigates why the state commission of inquiry formed after the murder was given such a limited mandate one that excluded probing the climate of incitement and how that omission helped fuel baseless conspiracy theories. Eyewitness accounts KAN 11 and kan.org.il will mark the memorial day for Rabin with a documentary series titled I Was Actually There, based on the Sorry for Asking format, which revisits key moments in Israeli history through the eyes of eyewitnesses. The first episode focuses on the Rabin assassination, featuring testimonies from those who were at the peace rally or with Rabin in the hours before the murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KAN is also showing Three Songs, which traces Rabins story through three songs tied to his life and death: Nasser is Waiting for Rabin, performed by Arik Lavie; The Children of Winter 1973, written by Shmuel Hasfari amid protests against the Oslo Accords; and O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman, turned into a Hebrew song by Naomi Shemer. Rabins Days, a KAN documentary series, uses rare archival materials from the 1970s to 1995, including Rabins personal journals. It explores his sense of responsibility as a leader, his views on prisoners of war, his willingness to resign if the Entebbe operation had failed, and his relationships with soldiers, settlers, and Palestinian and Jordanian leaders. A divided San Francisco Arts Commission on Monday approved a plan to at least temporarily remove the Vaillancourt Fountain from Embarcadero Plaza, a final sign-off that means the massive artwork could be dismantled as soon as early next year. The half-century-old sculpture's fate has been increasingly in doubt as plans come together for a $32.5 million remodeling of Embarcadero Plaza that will merge it with adjacent Sue Bierman Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vote Monday came at the regular monthly hearing of the Arts Commission, which owns the concrete artwork. Action was requested by the Recreation and Park Department, which manages the site as a city park and is responsible for its upkeep. The fountain, which was created by Canadian artist Armand Vaillancourt and debuted in 1971, has deteriorated over the decades and has been dry since the pumps failed a year ago. Rec and Park officials pressed for the removal, saying it is necessary to protect the public from the site, which has been fenced off since the summer after it was deemed a public safety hazard. The removal can proceed in 90 days, according to the California art Preservation Act, which requires that the artist be given a chance to come up with a plan for any piece of public art. The vote Monday was 8-5 for removal with many commissioners first trying to abstain. When that was not allowed, at least three of the votes to remove were made reluctantly, commissioners said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The power of this piece is real," said commissioner Debra Walker before casting her vote. "It exemplifies the power of public art. But it can't stay here, in my opinion, in this condition." Commissioner Patrick Carney countered, "My fear is that once it is removed it opens the door to never coming back. I don't want to put an art piece on the path to deaccession. This is a big step." Vaillancourt, the 96-year-old creator of the fountain, and a vocal group of supporters have argued that it should be renovated and remain at the center of the plaza. Reached Monday in Montreal, the artist's son and spokesperson, Alexis Vaillancourt, said, "We are disappointed," noting that a law firm representing his father has already filed a cease-and-desist letter to stop the permanent removal of the sculpture. He said attorneys may be filing an amendment to also prevent its temporary removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This thing about public safety is exaggerated. I'm not sure they are being totally transparent," Alexis Vaillancourt said. "I'm sure it won't fall down in the next days or even in the next years." The Department of Building Inspection surveyed the site in October and concurred with an earlier study commissioned by Rec and Park that the site presented a public safety hazard. The disassembly of the piece is estimated to cost $4.4 million which will be paid for by Rec and Park. It is expected to take two months, once the 90-day requirement for notification of the state is executed. The sculpture will be moved to undisclosed off-site storage for a maximum of three years while it is determined whether it can be repaired to working order with its fountain flowing, or should be deaccessioned and returned to the artist. There is also the possibility of moving it to another location in the city. This article originally published at Removal of controversial fountain from S.F.'s Embarcadero Plaza formally approved. With the rent in Western Washington higher than ever and a newly passed statewide rent cap, many are wondering when they will see some sort of rent relief. Some experts believe the rental market has entered a window thats much friendlier to renters looking for a deal. It was crazy expensive for like, you know, barely 1,000 square foot, said Taylor Baber, whose rental home in Renton took a while to find. She started her search in Seattle and went south. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Renton seems like its poised for a little boom, Emma Davis, CEO of Pointe3 Real Estate and Seattle Rental Group, said. She started noticing a change in the rental market overall in September and October, just after Baber was searching. We already had the sort of normal fall slowdown, and things are definitely a little bit slower on top of that too, she said. With the single-family properties that we see, those ones have been sitting. In the past, we used to say to owners, itll take about 14 days to rent your place. Now were saying 30 days, maybe even 45 days to rent, and we are seeing some price drops. She said the apartment communities are a bit different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of times well see those guys react a little bit later in the market, she said. What weve seen in the apartments is theyre just now starting to do more concessions and starting to offer those this month. So, is now a good time to start looking for a place to rent? I think so. I think theres room right now to be able to find a good rate, to negotiate a little bit and to get something locked in. And again, we are anticipating a January rush the normal spring trends are anticipated by all the economists, [the trends] that we would normally see. So, if you are thinking of moving, nows a good time to go look for a place," Davis said. The latest Zillow data shows rent growth slowing. In the greater Seattle metropolitan area, the typical single-family rental, like a house, was $3,342 a month, up 3.3% from last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typical multi-family housing, like an apartment, was $2,089 a month, up 2.0% year over year. Im hopeful that were going to continue to see rents flatten and eventually even decline slightly, especially for apartment rents, because thats where most of the building, most of the new construction has been, said Zillow senior economist Orphe Divounguy. Still, Davis believes Western Washington needs lot more of whats called middle housing. Medium-sized apartment buildings, some townhouses, and things like that mixed in, would definitely increase the inventory, Davis said. Divounguy agreed, saying: The bad news is that rents remain very elevated, very high and its going to take a lot more housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Divounguy said cities need to think about reducing regulations. Things like minimum parking requirements, or minimum lot sizes, those are things that actually add costs to builders, he said. And so if we could go over those things and change them in order to lower a builders cost, thats a step in the right direction. In fact, cities are making zoning changes in response to a statewide bill that passed in 2023 designed to increase housing types. KIRO 7 reached out to Tacoma, Renton, Everett, and Seattle; and each city told us in the past year, theyve created new zones for middle housing. Seattle said its started a citywide initiative to cut housing permitting timelines by 50%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im hopeful that were going to continue to see rents flatten and eventually even decline slightly, especially for apartment rents, Divounguy said. But landlord Liat Arama thinks rents could head the opposite direction. I dont think were at our highest, she said. Arama and her husband own about 150 housing units and run a property management company, Keasy. She pointed to Washington states new law that limits landlords from raising rent by more than 10% a year. The first thing that happened after that thing passed, I mean, the next day, every landlord I worked with called me and said, I want an auto increase to the max, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arama said landlords are worried about unforeseen costs that could require large expenditures and then being unable to adjust the rent accordingly. She also cited rising insurance costs and property taxes, as well as a longer eviction process, with winter and school year moratoriums in some cities. Eviction used to take, end-to-end, three months, she said. It now takes between six to nine and sometimes even a year. Shes less optimistic about a cooling rental market. We dont increase rent because we want to, she said. We increase rent because were a business and we have to. If youre a renter looking for a new place now, Seattle Rental Group offered some tips on what to ask for in negotiations: More change in the makeup of the state's congressional delegation is coming. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, who represents Illinois' 4th Congressional District, will not seek reelection in 2026, sources told ABC7 on Monday. His chief of staff submitted her own petitions to run for his seat just moments before Monday's 5 p.m. deadline. Patty Garcia, who is not related to the congressman, became his chief of staff in 2023 after serving as his district director since 2019. Now, she is the only choice for the Democratic nomination in the 4th District, a glide path to a seat in Congress in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move blocks a full contest for the Democratic nomination. Critics call it a coronation, a hallmark of the old Chicago way to do politics. ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington discusses the latest on Chuy Garcia not seeking re-election. The Illinois State Board of Elections received the congressman's petitions to run for his seat on Oct. 27. Sources told ABC7 that he plans to serve out his term. The move means there are now five open House seats and an open Senate race in the March 17 primary. In the 2nd Congressional District, Rep. Robin Kelly is stepping down to run for Sen. Dick Durbin's seat; Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced her retirement in the 9th District; longtime Rep. Danny Davis is retiring from the 7th District; and in the 8th District, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi will run for Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC7 could not reach Rep. Garcia for comment on Monday. The last-minute decision drew some jeers, including a blistering statement from the Urban Center, a centrist nonprofit dedicated to a "common sense" agenda for families and economic development. "Shame on Congressman Chuy Garcia who built a reputation by casting himself as a reformer and man of the people only to throw it away. This will be his legacy," a statement from the Urban Center reads, in part. Rep. Garcia is 69 and served as Chicago alderman, Cook County commissioner and state senator. He was also a two-time mayoral candidate. He took over the 4th District from then-Rep. Luis Gutierrez in 2018, when he suddenly announced his resignation. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie is married again roughly 16-months after announcing the death of the love of my life. The Republican lawmaker stated Monday that he wedded former Sen. Rand Paul staffer Carolyn Grace Moffa on Oct. 16 in Kentucky. The pair celebrated their nuptials with friends and family with a Christian wedding ceremony in Moffas home state of Pennsylvania over the weekend. Carolyn has not previously been married, Massie posted on X. I have four adult children, who are all married to wonderful people, and three grandchildren from my blessed 31 year marriage to Rhonda who I still miss every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massie said hes known Moffa for more than a decade and that shed met his first wife on the couples Kentucky farm. Thats where he and his new bride will reside when theyre not in Washington D.C. Republican members of Congress including Paul, Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia and Jim Jordan of Ohio attended the festivities. Fun facts about our wedding: Of course we served raw milk with the wedding cake and margaritas made with frozen peaches from our farm! the 45-year-old conservative wrote. Massie shared news of his first wifes death on X on June 28, 2024. Yesterday my high school sweetheart, the love of my life for over 35 years, the loving mother of our 4 children, the smartest kindest woman I ever knew, my beautiful and wise queen forever, Rhonda went to Heaven, he wrote. While some social media users wished him and Moffa well, critics called the timing of Massies second marriage weird. Ukraine must accelerate reforms if it is to meet its self-imposed goal of completing the EU accession process by the end of 2028, according to a draft of the EU enlargement report seen by dpa and expected to be presented on Tuesday. The draft notes that, despite "the very difficult circumstances" Ukraine is in due to the war with Russia, the country has shown "remarkable commitment to the EU accession process over the past year." However, it notes, "recent negative trends, including a growing pressure on the specialised anti-corruption agencies and civil society, must be decisively reversed," it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also calls for Kiev to step up its "alignment with EU standards in the protection of fundamental rights, along with the continuation of public administration and decentralisation reforms." "Continued progress is also required in reinforcing the independence, integrity, professionalism, and efficiency in the judiciary, prosecution and law enforcement sectors, as well as the fight against organized crime," it adds. The European Commission supports Ukraine's ambitious timetable but warns that achieving it will require speeding up reforms, particularly in core areas such as the rule of law, according to the document. On Tuesday, the commission will also assess other accession candidates, including Moldova, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Kosovo. Turkey and Georgia are also under review, though accession processes for both remain stalled due to democratic and rule-of-law deficits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montenegro, which started accession talks in 2012, is seen as the frontrunner among the six countries of the Western Balkan region, with negotiations potentially concluding by the end of 2026 if reforms continue, while Albania could finish by the end of 2027. Actual accession, however, still requires approval and ratification by all EU member states. The draft report again criticizes Georgia and Turkey. Georgia is described as an accession candidate "in name only," citing repressive laws, political interference in the judiciary and arbitrary arrests. Turkey is noted for further backsliding on fundamental rights and rule-of-law standards. Ukraine must accelerate reforms if it is to meet its self-imposed goal of completing the EU accession process by the end of 2028, according to a draft of the EU enlargement report seen by dpa and expected to be presented on Tuesday. The draft notes that, despite "the very difficult circumstances" Ukraine is in due to the war with Russia, the country has shown "remarkable commitment to the EU accession process over the past year." However, it notes, "recent negative trends, including a growing pressure on the specialised anti-corruption agencies and civil society, must be decisively reversed," it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also calls for Kiev to step up its "alignment with EU standards in the protection of fundamental rights, along with the continuation of public administration and decentralisation reforms." "Continued progress is also required in reinforcing the independence, integrity, professionalism, and efficiency in the judiciary, prosecution and law enforcement sectors, as well as the fight against organized crime," it adds. The European Commission supports Ukraine's ambitious timetable but warns that achieving it will require speeding up reforms, particularly in core areas such as the rule of law, according to the document. On Tuesday, the commission will also assess other accession candidates, including Moldova, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Kosovo. Turkey and Georgia are also under review, though accession processes for both remain stalled due to democratic and rule-of-law deficits. Ukraine must accelerate reforms if it is to meet its self-imposed goal of completing the EU accession process by the end of 2028, according to an EU enlargement report presented on Tuesday. The assessment notes that, despite "the very difficult circumstances" Ukraine is in due to the war with Russia, the country has shown "remarkable commitment to the EU accession process over the past year." However, it notes, "recent negative trends, including a pressure on the specialised anti-corruption agencies and civil society, must be decisively reversed," it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also calls for Kiev to step up its "alignment with EU standards in the protection of fundamental rights, along with the continuation of public administration and decentralisation reforms." "Continued progress is also required in reinforcing the independence, integrity, professionalism, and efficiency in the judiciary, prosecution and law enforcement sectors, as well as the fight against organized crime," it adds. The European Commission supports Ukraine's ambitious timetable but warns that achieving it will require speeding up reforms, particularly in core areas such as the rule of law, according to the document. The report also assessed other accession candidates, including Moldova, Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Kosovo. Turkey and Georgia were also under review, though accession processes for both remain stalled due to democratic and rule-of-law deficits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montenegro, which started accession talks in 2012, is seen as the frontrunner among the six countries of the Western Balkan region, with negotiations potentially concluding by the end of 2026 if reforms continue, while Albania could finish by the end of 2027. "They advanced most on reforms in the past year. At the current pace and quality of reforms, we may be able to conclude accession negotiations in the coming years," said EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. "The commission will insist the highest quality of reforms, especially on the rule of law, democratic institutions, and fundamental freedoms. There will be no shortcuts," she added. Actual accession, however, still requires approval and ratification by all EU member states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report again criticizes Georgia and Turkey. Georgia is described as an accession candidate "in name only," citing repressive laws, political interference in the judiciary and arbitrary arrests. Turkey is noted for further backsliding on fundamental rights and rule-of-law standards. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) Republican candidates took to the stage at Regent University Monday night to make their last plea to voters in Virginia Beach. Gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, lieutenant governor candidate John Reid and attorney general candidate incumbent Jason Miyares all took part representing the Republican ticket. Your Local Election Headquarters But they also had support from other fellow Republicans, including Rep. Jen Kiggans, other former Virginia governors and current Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a great ticket, Youngkin said. Weve got to elect Winsome, weve got to elect John and weve got to elect Jason. The stakes are high during this final push for the Virginia Republican Party. A new Emerson College poll found Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger is leading Earle-Sears by 11 points. Another race thats been in the national spotlight, the race for Virginias attorney general, also showed Democrat Jay Jones with a 2-point lead over Miyares. This follows a texting scandal where Jones discussed a hypothetical situation where former Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert would be shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delegate says Jay Jones joked about shooting former Virginia GOP House Speaker in text messages This is our time. The nations eyes are upon us. We all acknowledge we have got to raise our discourse on our political discourse, Miyares said. Well, heres our moment, because this is our moment of choosing. This is now not about politics. It is a test of decency. Virginians, are we ready to pass the test? The Republican candidates also highlighted key issues they would like to address, like the cost of living, crime rates and the fight against fentanyl. Earle-Sears said she wants to continue to move the Commonwealth forward if elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got to preserve everything that weve already done and build on it, Earle-Sears said. And it starts with you. Its your opportunity to make sure that we go forward. We dont go back. Forward is the only way. 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 WAVY.com. The government is reportedly reclaiming the long-vacant Inner Harbour Pier 11, also known as Kwong Hing Tai Pier, prompting a local cultural entrepreneur to call for careful consideration of its future planning and development, emphasizing the importance of preserving historically significant sites. Commonly known as Pier 11, Kwong Hing Tai was once Macaus largest fireworks factory, representing an era when the citys streets were filled with the mingled scents of gunpowder and sea breeze. Records indicate that from the mid-19th century to the 1970s, the firecracker industry was one of Macaus three traditional industries, alongside incense and matches. In the 1920s, Chan Lan Fong, known as the Firecracker King, established factories like Kwong Hing Tai, exporting products to North America, India, and Southeast Asia. Notably, the Kwong Hing Tai Pier site, located in the Inner Harbour, was built in the 1950s following an application by Chans son. However, its temporary occupation permit expired 44 years ago. According to Journal Cheng Pou, the government has begun procedures to reclaim the land at the pier. Details regarding the sites future use including whether the existing two-story pier structure will be preserved, restored, or demolished will be announced in due course. It is crucial to preserve these historically significant sites instead of focusing solely on economic gains, said Wilson Lam, creative director of Macau Creations, in an interview with the Times. The local cultural entrepreneur pointed out that the citys evolution from a fishing port to a small industrial city was significantly shaped by the development of the firecracker industry. I recall my childhood experiences crafting firecrackers with friends; these precious historical narratives cannot be bought with money, he remarked. Lam cautioned against demolishing historic buildings or neglecting cultural heritage, stating, It is profoundly unwise, as the value of these stories and history cannot be replaced. He underscored the importance of firecrackers in Macaus history, asserting, This cultural legacy has influenced generations. He continued, The government should consider revitalizing the piers near Ponte 16, recreating the lifestyle of former residents to foster an appealing atmosphere. Although fishermen no longer operate in Macau, he believes this ambiance can be restored by allowing fishing boats to dock and offering fresh seafood from elsewhere, thereby forming a seafood street concept. If the pier can be cleaned up and maintained hygienically, the surrounding shops will naturally thrive, creating a virtuous cycle, he added. Last November, the government amended its land grant contract with Ponte 16 Resort, incorporating the site of Pier No. 16 into state-owned property. Following the gradual clearance of businesses by the end of September, Ponte 16 has returned Pier 16 in the Inner Harbour area to the government. This marks a significant step as the government plans to take action on Pier 16 as part of its revitalization project for the six designated old quarters that began last year. Commenting on the governments commitment to revitalization, Lam acknowledged that the administration lacks comprehensive planning and resolve, often resorting to superficial renovations that fail to create genuine appeal. He emphasized, True appeal stems from the underlying stories and culture, not just a fresh exterior, arguing that revitalization efforts must prioritize historical and cultural significance rather than relying solely on temporary events, which risk leaving little lasting impression. Only by connecting significant historical sites can the true goal of revitalization be achieved, he asserted. Using the revitalization of the space at A-Ma Temple, Rua de Felicidade, and the areas around Rua do Tarrafeiro and Rua dos Ervanarios as examples, the cultural entrepreneur highlighted that these districts are rich in fascinating stories, including pawnshops and historic streets, which create an excellent walking tour route. This setup allows visitors to explore and enjoy diverse cultures and cuisines within a single day. He noted that such thoughtful planning not only attracts tourists but also enables them to experience authentic Macau culture during their travels. Lam stressed that for the government to effectively revitalize historic buildings, various government departments must collaborate instead of merely following procedures, which can lead to years of stagnation. He stressed the need for a case-by-case approach, stating that while safeguarding public safety and adhering to fundamental regulations are essential, there should be room for flexibility within these parameters. For example, he noted that staircase height requirements should consider the unique characteristics of historic buildings, potentially allowing for rear exits for emergency escape, rather than insisting on complete demolition and reconstruction to meet modern standards. He noted the importance of listening to industry suggestions and avoiding rigid approaches, arguing that this would create more opportunities for revitalizing historic buildings in Macau. After returning from Europe, he noted that shops there featured highly creative decorations because the government allowed them the space to express their creativity freely. In contrast, he found that street-side shops in Macau lacked attractive decorations, highlighting local shortcomings in creativity and approval processes. Regarding the potential revitalization of Kwong Hing Tai Pier, Lam believes that effectively utilizing beautiful structures like the firecracker factory could attract many young people to visit and discover Macau brands. He urged the government to consider granting young brands and entrepreneurs access to these historic spaces, while also assisting them in collaborating with the government to foster a better business environment. Like this: Like Loading... Congressional Republicans think they know when the shutdown is going to end. And the answer is: right after the election. On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Democrats were simply running scared of their voters, fearful their base would punish them if they caved to GOP demands before the election. But once those voters have a chance to cast their ballots on Tuesday, Johnson argued, Democrats will be able to come to their common senses again and do the right thing. I hope, Johnson said, Democrats will make the calculation that maybe we wont have to hold that line anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are plenty of other Republicans also pushing the narrative that Democrats will relent on the shutdown fight as soon as voting ends. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., told MSNBC last week that he believed it was more than likely the government will reopen after the elections. It wont happen before then, he said. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., told MSNBC on Monday that Democrats have to get past tomorrow night before they see the off-ramp, adding that Democrats know they cant win in key races on Tuesday without the extreme left wing of their party being enthusiastic. And Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told Politico that Tuesdays off-year election seems to be another inflection point for the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully that frees some people up to be able to vote yes, Thune said. But just as Republicans said Democrats would give in on the shutdown as soon as the Oct. 18 No Kings rally was over, Republicans could, once again, be dead wrong. In fact, Democrats who spoke with MSNBC dismissed the notion that Tuesday is some magical date. That is such a shallow perspective from the speaker, Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., told MSNBC, calling it offensive that the speaker just reduces everything down to politics. But thats just how his brain works, Kim said. Kim noted that the central Democratic demand of the shutdown extending the Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year hasnt been met. And he pointed out that, no matter how Tuesdays elections shake out, that wont have changed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim, who has recently been campaigning in New Jersey ahead of his states gubernatorial election, said the families hes hearing from remain concerned about skyrocketing health care costs. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., likewise disagreed with the speakers assessment, telling MSNBC that lawmakers could resolve it today. We should have resolved it last week, he said. Voters on Tuesday will pick the next governor for Virginia and New Jersey, as well as the next mayor of New York City. In California, voters will decide whether state lawmakers can redraw the congressional map, with the aim of flipping a handful of Republican-held seats and undercutting GOP gains from partisan gerrymandering in other states like Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Tuesdays elections could hand Democrats the wins or losses they need to change their shutdown strategy, there are plenty of reasons why many Democrats are full steam ahead. For one, Republicans have yet to offer any serious proposal to deal with the Obamacare premiums, repeatedly insisting that the government has to be open before theyll negotiate on the rising health care costs. For another, politically, the shutdown strategy seems to be working. A recent CNN analysis of shutdown polling showed how Democrats have routinely come out ahead of Republicans on the question of which party voters blame more for the shutdown. An NBC News survey conducted last week found that 52% of registered voters blame Trump and congressional Republicans more for the shutdown. By comparison, just 42% blamed Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as CNN pointed out, Democratic voters are increasingly supporting their party leaderships strategy, with the approval rating of Democrats in Congress increasing about 20 points to 58% from earlier this year. Overall, as the current fight drags on, voters are siding with Democrats, and Democratic voters, specifically, are newly invigorated. Democrats themselves point out how theyve stayed remarkably consistent with their messaging, elevating one of the key issues on which Democrats outperform Republicans: health care. Republicans have had a different thesis every week about: why are [Democrats] shutting the government down? Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., told MSNBC. You dont have to go rustling around in the bottom of the bin to find a reason why we have this ongoing disagreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Republicans seem to have muddled their messaging. President Donald Trump and other Republicans have tenuously claimed the shutdown is about providing free health care to undocumented immigrants. Trump has pinned much of the blame for the shutdown on Republicans by urging GOP senators to end the filibuster. And his claims that his administration couldnt legally distribute food benefits was exposed when a federal judge said, actually, the administration cant legally withhold funds in a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency fund. And then theres the congressional GOPs position. The House has been out of session since Sept. 19, with Johnson taking the position that a House-passed spending bill is the only option. The Senate GOPs game plan hasnt been all that different, with Thune and other Republican leaders maintaining that they wont negotiate with Democrats until the government is open. All of these factors have contributed to the publics view of the shutdown, as well as the seeming belief among Democrats that, while the impacts of the shutdown are painful, they have the morally and politically superior message. When asked about the polling, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., told MSNBC that the American people dont want to see people dying unnecessarily because of soaring health care costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coons said the shutdown fight has made it clear that voters are not getting what they voted for. President Trump ran on reducing costs and making America healthy again, Coons said. People are seeing their costs go up, and theyre worrying theyre going to lose their health insurance. But in the GOPs defense, discussions among rank-and-file senators have picked up significantly in recent weeks, with some lawmakers indicating that a shutdown solution may not be all that far off. If the shutdown suddenly ends this week, its likely because of the small group of more moderate Democrats and Republicans who have been discussing government funding and health care without their leaders direct participation. Still, there is so far no clear way out. If the impasse is not resolved by Wednesday, it will break the record for the longest shutdown in U.S. history, set during Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But rather than Democrats suddenly caving, some in the party hope Tuesdays results could have the opposite effect. Democrats are hoping that their Republican counterparts see Democratic wins and rethink their shutdown approach. Republicans are angry, shaken up, confused, perplexed and dismayed because they thought that their my way or the highway approach to governing was going to prevail, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York told reporters Monday. We consistently have been on the right side of the American people, he added. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The southern resident orcas may be dealing with another death in the J-pod-- a blow to an already-struggling population. Experts say these recent deaths are not normal. This latest loss highlights some complications in the pod. J-64, the recently deceased calf, was J-42s first-born. All of the toxins and contaminants that are found in the water are usually passed on from a mother to her first-born calf, often causing other issues. Its believed the mother was inbred, though its unclear if any of these factors contributed to the calfs death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their July census, the Center for Whale Research announced there are only 74 southern resident killer whales left. The addition of J-64 was a welcome sign, providing renewed hope, until experts confirmed its death over the weekend. We can go a long period of time before seeing any calves born to a certain pod. And, then when we finally doof course, its a huge celebration. Were all very, very excited, says Whitney Neugebauer, Director for Whale Scout. But, from the science, we know that two-thirds of pregnancies are lost. Half of all the calves dont even make it through their first year. So no, this isnt normal. We shouldnt be seeing all these losses in the population. Those stats are concerning. In a healthy population, the numbers are much higher. New calves are born all the time, thriving into adulthood, and birthing calves of their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, as the southern resident population dwindles, experts say a couple of small steps could make a massive difference. The three main threats to our killer whales are toxins in the water, disturbances from vessels, and a lack of Chinook salmon. Neugebauer says humans can counteract these issues. Its putting a lot of time and interest and resources into our salmon recovery. In the last year, of course weve seen huge drop-offs in federal support for salmonbut, also at the state level as well, she asserts. Neugebauer urges planting trees, a proactive way to boost the salmon population, which keeps rivers cool, clean, and healthy. She also notes its the perfect time of year to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Weiss, the research director with the Center for Whale Research, said the widespread support is the only way well see our southern resident numbers bounce back. There are things that need to happen for these whales, like the restoration of the Columbia River Basinespecially, the Snake River, that are gonna require both local, state, and federal support, Weiss said. And, thats not gonna happen unless we have people in those positions of power who actually care. Experts assert that whales are getting pregnant on a regular basis. And, Neugebauer would not be surprised if J-42 gets pregnant again soon. Sweden's seabeds have shown significant change since the introduction of trawling restrictions. According to a 26-year study from the University of Gothenburg, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, limitations on large-net fishing in the Kosterhavet National Park have literally brought life back to the water. Fish and shellfish thrive, and anemones and corals have become more abundant. As reported by Phys.org, marine life in the Koster Sea drastically changed after restrictions were put in place over the last quarter-century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthias Obst, marine ecosystem researcher at the University of Gothenburg and project lead, said: "Animals that capture nutrients through filtration, such as mussels, anemones, and soft corals, do not thrive when bottom trawls stir up sediment from the seabed. Several of these species have recovered significantly." However, the study also shows that our warming planet is affecting wildlife that lives in the shallows. Large and heat-sensitive species, in particular, are declining or disappearing animals that are crucial to the habitats of other organisms and the health of the ecosystem. The study used video captured by an underwater robot from 1997 to 2023. The footage was then combed through using machine learning, enabling analysis of hours of video. Christian Nilsson, a master's student, then reviewed select material using an AI object-detection model that could recognize distinct features of individual species. The model was able to follow and study 17 species across 4.4 million images in just a few hours. "We now have a good timeline showing how the 17 species have increased and decreased over the 26 years covered by the data, but also how they have responded to increasingly warmer water temperatures," Obst said, per Phys.org. "But there are some organisms that may not be saved by the protective measures in the national park. Rising temperatures in the Koster Sea are driven by climate change, which is difficult to stop. For these species, it may be appropriate to find new areas with deeper water where these species can find refuge." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study proves that sustainable, protective measures can make a difference and help bring ecosystems to their natural balance. It's also proof that species recovery is possible. Conservation efforts have helped the world's smallest and most endangered whale. A frog species labeled "possibly extinct" after not being seen since 1922 was finally spotted in 2022, offering biologists hope for better protecting its future survival. Similarly, the Partula tohiveana a tree snail once thought extinct was found to be surviving in the wild after being reintroduced through rescue efforts. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Human activities are causing the pollution and damage that are disrupting these fragile ecosystems, making our planet warmer than ever, and causing animals to become threatened, endangered, or extinct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These circumstances are proof that what we do matters, no matter how big or small. Our actions can dictate the survival of species around the world. 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. Joe Zimmermann, a science writer at Maryland's Department of Natural Resources, flings a trowel-full of sand and underwater grass seeds into the Severn River on Oct. 27. Restoring underwater grasses, and the many benefits they provide, is a key part of the plan to restore the Chesapeake Bay. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters) Planting underwater grasses in the Chesapeake Bay is easier than you might think. After mixing the plants tiny, spherical seeds with a bucket of sand, the mixture is simply tossed off a boat into a targeted area, handful by handful. Last week, their landing zone was the Severn River, a short boat ride from Smiths Marina in Crownsville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hard part is getting to the point of tossing sand and seed overboard. Scientists must harvest the seeds from plants when they bloom in the summertime, by wading into shallow sections of bay tributaries. We throw everybody in the water with a wetsuit and a laundry basket, and we literally walk around in circles, said Mark Lewandowski, a scientist with Marylands Department of Natural Resources. We rip off the top of the plant at the top of the reproductive shoot and throw it in. Each outing collects 20 to 30 laundry baskets full of plant material, Lewandowski said. Basically, were acting like geese or birds of prey coming in and taking off those seeds from the top, leaving the root system, said Elle Bassett, the riverkeeper for the South, West and Rhode rivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bassetts organization, the Arundel Rivers Federation, collected 7.5 million seeds this past summer. Some have been planted this fall, including the 2,000 seeds from a species called sago pondweed that were distributed in the Severn during a recent trip. But others will be saved for the springtime, Bassett said. Underwater grass seeds, of sago pondweed, are dumped into a bucket of sand ahead of planting on the Severn River on Oct. 27. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters) After theyre collected from the plant, the seeds must go to a turbulator, a hot tub-like machine that separates the seeds from the shoots. We pump air through the PVC [pipe] system and agitate it just like a washing machine, Lewandowski said. We take a batch of seed, we dump it in and we tear it by hand, we rip it with rakes. And the object is to get all the seeds to fall to the bottom. To the environmentalists and scientists who make it happen, the effort is worth it largely because of the many benefits that beds of underwater grasses provide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Known to scientists as submerged aquatic vegetation, or SAV, the plants provide critical shelter to beloved bay species, including vulnerable molting blue crabs and young striped bass, and are also a food source for small invertebrates and migratory waterfowl. The plants absorb excess nutrients the villains behind the algae blooms that cause dead zones in the bay each summer. They can also trap sediment to slow coastline erosion, balance pH and even sequester globe-warming carbon. The plants once coated the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay, but declined dramatically beginning decades ago, as forests and natural lands became cities and neighborhoods, and human activity clouded the water with nutrient and sediment pollution, blocking sunlight that bay grasses need to thrive. Thats why reseeding the underwater vegetation has long been a part of the multistate agreements to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the newest of which is speeding toward final approval at the end of this year. Chesapeake grass goals revised In 2014, the states surrounding the bay all pledged to increase underwater grasses footprint in the bay to 130,000 acres by 2025, with an eventual goal of reaching 185,000 acres. But the latest annual aerial survey of the grass beds by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, in 2024, estimated grass coverage for the Chesapeake at 82,778 acres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The footprint had been increasing steadily since 2012, but intense rainfall in 2018 and 2019 knocked back seagrasses significantly, and the grasses footprint has been slowly building back up ever since. Brooke Landry, who serves as the submerged aquatic vegetation program chief at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, said that the original goal for 2025 failed to take into account just how difficult it would be to restore grasses as climate change worsened and development increased, inundating the bay with more nutrient pollution than expected. Brooke Landry, chief of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Living Resources Assessment division, on the Severn River on Oct. 27. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters) Despite all of that pressure, and climate change, the fact that weve increased [grasses] at all is a huge testament that what were doing is working, said Landry, who added that she appreciates the new goals in this years agreement. Under that agreement, which is expected to be approved by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and other bay-state leaders in December, the parties set an interim goal of 100,000 acres by 2040. But the document states that a higher acreage than previously expected would be needed for a restored bay 196,600 acres, divided between the different salinity zones in the bay, which host different species of grasses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a public comment period for the new agreement, some environmentalists expressed frustration that goals in a variety of categories were too low, mainly so that they would be achievable, including the vegetation goal. Landry said plantings are just one part of the overall strategy to hit the targets. Ecosystem managers also work to protect and strengthen existing grass beds, and improve water quality and clarity to encourage new beds to grow. But the hope is that sprinkling seeds in areas that appear ripe for more underwater grass growth will help the grasses spread to new areas. Scientists must choose the areas they harvest carefully, Landry said, to ensure they arent unduly harming an existing bed. Landry said they look for beds that are thick, with a density rating between 70% and 100%, and have persisted for at least five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully, the bed is going to recover and come back annually its not going to make an impact, Bassett said. Instead were taking a portion of that seed and trying to replicate that bed in an area that wouldnt otherwise have the bed. The planting process has evolved over time, said Mike Naylor, a scientist with the department. Years ago, ecosystem managers took a far more difficult path placing entire plants into the Chesapeake, instead of merely tossing seeds overboard. We were growing whole plants in a lab, classrooms and different settings, and bringing them out and planting them, said Naylor, a longtime department veteran. So, that is extremely labor intensive: Carrying a plant that has to stay wet from one place to another, and getting it in a boat, getting out to plant it. It just was too slow. Mark Lewandowski of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, plants underwater grass seeds in the Severn River by tossing them overboard, mixed with sand. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters) Riverkeepers and vegation watchers In addition to a new strategy, state officials also have new partners, Naylor said, thanks to the emergence over the last few decades of more and more nonprofit organizations that care for individual rivers around the watershed, including riverkeeper groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riverkeeper groups help supplement the work of the states small aquatic vegetation crew, Naylor said. In some cases, riverkeepers and other nonprofits are the ones who can find the money for a restoration project, and they actually hire staffers from the natural resources department to perform the work in the rivers. We couldnt do the work we do without them, Naylor said. The Chesapeake Bay Program also coordinates a program called SAV Watchers, which commissions and trains citizen scientists to analyze the grass beds from shorelines, kayaks or small boats. The program allows officials to vet the Virginia Institute of Marine Science annual aerial survey, which Landry said has been going on since 1984. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, we started talking about needing to ground-truth this survey more thoroughly. We needed to know about the species composition of the beds. We wanted to get volunteers and riverkeepers involved, Landry said. And thats when we developed the SAV Watcher program. The program attracted considerable interest among Anne Arundel County residents during the coronavirus pandemic, said Bassett, who estimates that she recruited about 50 new volunteers into the program during a two-year period. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Everyone was like: How can I get out of the house and do something? Bassett said. And it was like: Here is this really individual volunteer science program that you can do on your own time outside. And it really grew from there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program has armed scientists with key data, including by alerting them to the fact that a species called horned pondweed was present in greater numbers in the bay than originally thought. The species often wasnt captured in the aerial surveys because it grows on a slightly different seasonal schedule than other bay grasses. But Landry said the other perk of the program is how it has increased awareness around the need for the grasses. Folks that get involved, they become personally invested in the SAV off of their shorelines or in their rivers, Landry said. Bassett said shes been inspired to hear from older residents of the bay watershed at community meetings, who recount days when grasses covered the bottom of the Chesapeake, so much so that boaters sometimes had to rip grasses from the bottom to pass by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive never experienced that in my lifetime, but I would love for my kids to experience that, Bassett said. And thats the goal right? of being a riverkeeper: Making it better for a future generation. Reuters has noted that a draft of the upcoming European Commission report states that Ukraine is demonstrating a "remarkable commitment" to joining the EU but must reverse recent negative trends in the fight against corruption and accelerate reforms in the area of the rule of law. Updated: Later, European Pravda reported that the European Union has positively assessed Ukraine's reform progress and that there are no references to negative trends in the report. "Several sources from European Pravda separately expressed surprise over the 'leak' to Reuters suggesting that the report on Ukraine allegedly includes claims about 'negative trends' in the country. This information is false; such quotes are not present in the document, which was agreed upon last week (and is available to European Pravda)," the outlet emphasised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Source: Reuters, citing the text of the draft report by the European Commission; European Pravda, referencing multiple sources within relevant institutions in Ukraine and the EU, as well as documents available to European Pravda Details: The text, which forms part of the EU enlargement report due to be adopted on Tuesday 4 November, states that "despite the very difficult circumstances the country finds itself in on account of Russia's war of aggression, Ukraine continued to demonstrate remarkable commitment to the EU accession path over the past year". While highly praising Ukraine for launching reforms, the European Commission also noted that Kyiv must make further progress in ensuring judicial independence, tackling organised crime and respecting civil society. European officials had previously expressed concern over measures taken in July to increase the control of Ukraine's Prosecutor General over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rare protests during wartime forced Ukraine's leadership to quickly change course, but the episode drew the attention of supporters of Ukraine in Brussels and other EU capitals. "Recent negative trends, including a growing pressure on the specialised anti-corruption agencies and civil society, must be decisively reversed," the Commission's draft text says. Although almost all EU governments publicly support Ukraine's aspirations to join the bloc, its accession is not expected in the near future and many diplomats acknowledge that Ukraine's entry will face significant obstacles. The Ukrainian government has informed the EU that it intends to complete accession talks by the end of 2028. The Commission said that Kyiv must step up its efforts to achieve this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Commission is committed to support this ambitious objective but considers that to meet it an acceleration of the pace of reforms is required, notably with regards to the fundamentals, in particular rule of law," the draft reads. In its forthcoming report, the Commission will also propose stronger protection of democratic standards in future rounds of enlargement. "To ensure that new Member States continue to safeguard and maintain their track record on the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights, the Commission considers that future Accession Treaties should contain stronger safeguards against backsliding on commitments made during the accession negotiations," Reuters quotes the draft report as saying. Reuters noted that Ukraine applied for EU membership just days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. It has continued to push for progress on the matter despite the challenges posed by the war and EU member Hungary blocking Kyiv's move to the next stage of talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the eve of the publication of the enlargement package the Commission's reports on the progress of candidate countries. Background: A summit on EU enlargement, described as an unprecedented event, will be held in Brussels on 4 November, bringing together countries at the level of national leaders. According to European Pravda, Zelenskyy will join remotely. The timing of the summit coincides with the European Commission's presentation of this year's report on the progress of candidate countries, including Ukraine. On 4 November, the EU is also expected to approve the fifth tranche of funding for Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SCHENECTADY - Mayor Gary McCarthy is poised to veto the revised 2026 budget that the City Council adopted over the weekend, which raises taxes 2.6% - a major reduction from the 17% hike McCarthy pitched last month. "The council, in their changes, didn't ask me if I could manage it. It's really one of political expediency that they wanted to pass so that it would be below the tax cap, so they would make everything look more rosier than it is," he said Monday when asked about plans to use his veto power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, "They've inflated numbers to the point where they're unrealistic." The amended budget totals nearly $120 million and was passed by a 3-2 vote Saturday after several hours of number-crunching, debate and disagreement among the council and city department heads. The tax levy, or amount to be raised by taxes, is $34.1 million. Under McCarthy's $120.5 million proposal, the property tax rate would have increased from $13.38 to $15.77 for every $1,000 of a home's assessed value. For homes assessed at $300,000, that hike would increase a homeowner's tax bill by $717 a year. On Monday, the mayor shared an email from city police Chief Brian Whipple outlining some of his department's concerns about revenue increases in the revised budget related to parking fines, delinquent parking fines and bus patrol safety fines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The approved budget does not provide sufficient overtime resources to sustain effective policing, proactive enforcement, and community engagement," Whipple wrote. "Redirecting limited overtime to pursue outstanding parking violations would be an inefficient use of funds and could diminish positive community interactions while increasing negative public perceptions." A news release Saturday indicated the council achieved its goal of adding $5.2 million in revenue to the budget in order to get the proposed tax hike below the state's mandatory cap on property tax increases. The release also claimed the council managed to reduce the residential trash collection fee to $54. The mayor's proposal sought to raise that fee to $104. The council, in an effort largely spearheaded by Councilman Damonni Farley, uncovered approximately $2.2 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds going back to 2021 that were seemingly unaccounted for because of incomplete internal reconciliations, where the federal funding should have been returned to the general fund but apparently never was. Finance Commissioner Derek Gugumuck has taken heat on the issue, which the mayor attributed to sloppy accounting. Gugumuck warned the council Saturday that "you're playing with fire" by doubling the fund balance to $3.9 million from the $2 million McCarthy applied in his initial plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also told them that he disagreed with their revenue projections for the Home Ownership Made Easy program for first-time home buyers, sales and use tax, and the mortgage tax, among others. "I just want to state for the record that I think the appropriation for fund balance increase is very dangerous," Gugumuck said before the amended budget was voted out of the three-member City Council Finance Committee. Councilman John Mootooveren, who chairs that committee, and Councilman Carl Williams voted to approve the plan, while Councilwoman Carmel Patrick voted against it. Mootooveren, in response to Gugumuck, said he hoped funding reconciliations would be a priority and that the CBDG funding would be replenished to the general fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor contends that council members are misguided in their desire to use the CDBG funding to boost 2026 revenues. He described the grants as "a one-shot revenue" similar to American Rescue Plan Act money that contributed to the budget deficit that prompted McCarthy to propose the steep 17% tax hike once it was no longer available. Farley said he has "limited confidence in what (financial) reporting is happening right now." "We get money, we get invoiced, we get reimbursed," he said. "It's really that simple. ... Either we have the money coming back into the general fund because we invoiced for the money, or we didn't, or we never spent the money, and it's still showing in the (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) account. It has to be either of those things. It can't be both." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farley expressed frustration with Gugumuck's inability to answer some of his questions, or when he would respond by saying he wasn't sure and would follow up, but would not always do so. As a result, Farley, who acknowledged that Gugumuck is under a lot of pressure, said he plans to have Gugumuck testify under oath about the CBDG federal grants and other budgetary matters. "Putting the commissioner under oath isn't about politics, it's about truth and accountability," he said. "It gives him the freedom to speak honestly without fear of retaliation and gives taxpayers the transparency they deserve." Patrick and Councilwoman Doreen Ditoro, both McCarthy allies, have steadfastly maintained their beliefs during budget deliberations that some of the revenue projects their colleagues were considering were overinflated and unrealistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom Kennedy, with the Schenectady GOP, supported their assessment in statements over the weekend. He claimed that "increasing projected revenues for the city without any justification" and reducing fund balance to dangerously low levels would put the city on the brink of insolvency. He believes the mayor should veto the budget. This article originally published at Revised Schenectady budget calls for 2.6% tax increase, down from mayor's proposed hike. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. A Richland Township man with a history of trespass attempts or disturbances at local churches faces charges after being arrested outside a local Catholic school, according to Geistown police. Brayden DiPaola, 21, refused to answer questions when a police officer approached his Honda at Bishop McCort Elementary School Easts lot Oct. 28 and a search showed box cutters and a knife with a three-inch blade were found inside the car, Geistown police Chief Edward Porada said in an affidavit. Porada cited potential trespass or burglary concerns in police documents filed Oct. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porada wrote that he asked DiPaola what he was doing on the elementary buildings parking lot during school hours, and he responded, I dont have to tell you that, multiple times. Geistown police detained DiPaola, and had his vehicle towed from the scene, according to Porada. Documents show a warrant to search the impounded vehicle was approved Oct. 30, and the knife and box cutters were found inside. According to a search warrant application, police learned during their investigation that staff from at least three area churches separately had issues with DiPaola dating back to early October. In one incident, DiPaola entered an area where nuns reside without permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another undated incident, DiPaola was issued a No Trespass notice after attempting to gain access to Greater Johnstown Christian Fellowship, Porada wrote. Police said the man also caused disturbances at St. Benedict by approaching staff Oct. 27 and asking questions that left staff feeling uncomfortable, the warrant application shows. DiPaola was charged with three counts of weapon possession on a school property, a misdemeanor, and one summary count of simple trespass. Bishop McCort Principal Tom Smith credited a member of his staff for noticing an unfamiliar face in the parking lot Oct. 28 and quickly reporting it to administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought our safety plan worked flawlessly in the way that our staff and Geistown police handled the situation, Smith said, noting school officials reached out to Geistown police. They followed protocol the way it was designed (to be followed). He said the alleged trespasser was in custody quickly prior to dismissal that day. Smith said he understood some school parents had questions and concerns about the incident. Smith provided updates to staff and families, but there were some questions that couldnt be answered until Geistown police filed charges, he added. We had an agreement with Chief Porada, Smith said. We didnt want to say anything beforehand that could jeopardize their case. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 10. On October 21, I went to the U.S. Senate chamber to ring the alarm bells about President Trumps aggressive authoritarian takeover of our republic. I spoke through the night for over 22 hours. I undertook this grueling exercise to convey that we are at the most perilous moment for our democracy since the Civil War. Authoritarianism isnt down the street or around the cornerit is here right now. People think of democracies dying at the hands of men with guns. But in the modern era, they more often die at the hands of elected officials who erode the separation of powers to solidify authoritarian control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is the type of coup unfolding right now in America. We have all three key ingredients of a strongman state: a rubber-stamp Congress acceding to the presidents desires; a Supreme Court enhancing the presidents powers; and a power-hungry president behaving like a king, disregarding the laws and the checks and balances of our Constitution. But Americans have never wanted a king. Not at the founding. And not now. The Founders feared that a strongman president would try to seize authoritarian power, so they placed the power to craft laws and the power of the pursethe responsibility to decide how much money is spent on which programswith Congress. And today, centuries later, the American people still reject the idea of a strongman president. Seven million people made that clear when they came out for the 2,700 No Kings rallies on October 18, in the largest one-day demonstration in U.S. history. Those Americans were standing up for our values, our freedoms, and our democracy against Trumps attempts to turn government by and for the people into government by and for the powerful. President Trump is pursuing his strongman takeover of our democracy, utilizing an authoritarian playbook that has been well developed in dozens of nations over the last several decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first rule in the playbook is to fire the governments referees. Trump began to do that days after being sworn into office, firing 17 inspectors general and members of federal oversight commissions and regulatory boards without cause. A second rule in the playbook is to pack your government with loyalists. We have seen a host of nominees for critical positions who lacked the character or the qualifications for their proposed positionsfolks like Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense, Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, and Kash Patel for FBI director. The Senate is supposed to block confirmation of unqualified individuals, but the Republican majority decided instead to be the proverbial rubber stamp. A third rule is to grab the power over the funding of programsthe power of the pursethat the Founders assigned to Congress. The director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought, excels at this task. He has killed programs by slow-walking, freezing, or impounding their funds. And the president and his team often cancel grants or programs without authority to do so, from the U.S. Agency for International Development, to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to billions of dollars for energy programs in blue states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The difference between a democracy and an authoritarian state can often be summed up this way: In a democracy, the legislature, representing all the citizens, decides which programs to fund and at what level. In an authoritarian state, the president and his team decide based on his preferences, often to reward friends and punish opponents. Every time you hear the president or his Cabinet members say that they canceled a grant or program because it doesnt align with the administrations priorities, you are hearing authoritarian rule in action. A fourth rule in the authoritarian playbook is to go after centers of power. Trump is doing exactly that when he withholds research grants from universities or security clearances from law firms unless they restructure to his will. A fifth rule is to exercise influence over the press. Trump is using lawsuits and his power over broadcast licenses and corporate mergers to pressure newspapers and networks over the content of their reports and broadcasts, and even which late-night comedians they employ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has destroyed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and defunded PBS, NPR, and even Voice of America, which was created to counter disinformation from authoritarian regimes around the world. A sixth rule is to disregard due processthe guardian of our freedom that keeps any one of us from being locked up by a strongman. Democracies dont have secret police. But now, unidentified masked federal agents are arresting people off the street because of their accent or the color of their skin, terrorizing communities, zip-tying children, and disappearing people overseas without a fair trial or opportunity to defend themselves. The president even defied for a time the Supreme Courts 90 ruling that he must facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from the El Salvador prison to which he was illegally deported. And Secretary of State Marco Rubio has deported hundreds of students without hearings because he doesnt like their views on Gaza. A seventh rule is to attack and diminish dissent by weaponizing the Department of Justice. Trump is publicly naming his enemies and pushing the DOJ to go after them: James Comey, Letitia James, Adam Schiff, John Bolton. Who will be next? The goal is half revenge against people Trump feels have wronged him, and half intimidation of others who might consider speaking out. An eighth rule is to use the military to suppress domestic dissent. Trump is activating Title 10 of the U.S. Code, section 12406, to federalize the National Guard and send them into American cities. Title 10 allows the president to do this if there is a rebellion or an invasion. A district judge ruled against Trumps effort to federalize and deploy Oregon National Guard members in Portland, finding that Trumps argument that there is a rebellion in Portland was untethered to the facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump may yet succeed, because some judgesincluding the majority on a panel of the Ninth Circuit, which includes my state of Oregonare arguing that the courts should defer to the presidents discretion. This is incredibly dangerous, since replacing objective standards with the presidents opinion throws open the doors for the president to use the military domestically against peacefully protesting citizens. A ninth rule is to use the power of the government to spread propaganda, and Trump is doing exactly that: banners with the presidents face hanging off federal buildings; video announcements at airports featuring Homeland Security Secretary Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown; federal websites spreading the presidents political messages. These actions violate provisions of the Anti-Lobbying Act, the Hatch Act, and laws that prohibit federal funds from being used to influence legislation before Congress. Taxpayer-funded agencies are supposed to provide nonpartisan services, and they need to stay that way. A tenth rule in the authoritarian playbookthe most dangerous rule of allis to rig future elections. Trump is employing three tactics here. First, he is trying to consolidate states voter registration files into a national database to make them easier to manipulate in the next election. Second, he is trying to gerrymander states congressional districts to increase Republican power in the House of Representativesa goal that may be aided by the Supreme Court, which is reviewing a case that would gut the remaining section of the Voting Rights Act, enabling states to disenfranchise voters and draw dozens of new Republican seats. Third, he is trying to kill vote by mail. On Election Day, its easy to manipulate voter turnout by moving polling places, understaffing locations, and intimidating people in line. But those tactics dont work with vote by mail. Experts on how democracies die observe that there are actions that can stop the entrenchment of an authoritarian takeover. One action is strong citizen resistance in the first year. People need to know and show that what is happening is breaking the norms, the laws, and the Constitution, and that it is not acceptable. Thats why Im so heartened by the No Kings protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another is to have a strong pushback against the presidents takeover in the next election, before the elections can be thoroughly rigged. That is the test that awaits us in November 2026. And it is a test we must not fail if we want to stop authoritarian rule. Lets ring the alarm bells loud and clear and pass the election test in November 2026 with flying colors. Together, lets save our republic. The formal transfer of 18 former Dutch F-16 fighters to Romania has been completed, with a price tag of just one Euro (approximately $1.15). The jets are being operated by the European F-16 Training Center, or EFTC, in Romania, where they will continue to be used to train both Romanian and Ukrainian Viper pilots. The transfer documents were signed in Bucharest, the Romanian capital, by Brig. Gen. Ion-Cornel Plesa, the chief of the Romanian general armament directorate, and Linda Ruseler, from the Dutch Ministry of Finance. F-16 fighters from the European F-16 Training Center in Fetesti became the property of Romania https://t.co/Ne3jLNK6Fnpic.twitter.com/wtP235jB6m MApN (@MApNRomania) November 4, 2025 Added to the purchase price of one Euro was a VAT payment, amounting to 21 million Euros (around, $24 million) based on the declared value of the goods (the aircraft and the logistics support package). Advertisement Advertisement The deal recalls the previous transfer of 22 former German MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters to Poland in 2002 for a symbolic one Euro per aircraft. You can read more about that here. I expressed my interest in this acquisition back in June, at the end of the NATO Summit in The Hague, when I signed, together with my Dutch counterpart, the Memorandum of Understanding on the extension of the functioning of the European F-16 Training Center in Romania, Romanias Minister of Defense Liviu-Ionut Mosteanu said. A formation of Dutch F-16s over Volkel, in November 2021. The Netherlands retired the type last year. Dutch Ministry of Defense Putting the F-16s under formal Romanian control means they can now be dedicated to the EFTC, which is obliged to ensure a certain number of training slots on behalf of NATO and Ukraine. The transfer of the F-16s has been enabled by the Dutch switching to the F-35A, which has now completely replaced the Viper, including taking on the nuclear strike mission. Advertisement Advertisement As we reported at the time, the first five F-16s for the EFTC touched down in Romania almost a year ago, before the Ukrainian Air Force began to introduce F-16s. They are operated at the 86th Air Base, near Fetesti, in southeast Romania. One of the first five Dutch F-16s for the EFTC after its arrival in Romania, on November 7, 2024. Dutch Ministry of Defense The Netherlands took the initiative to set up the EFTC and is making 12 to 18 F-16s available for this purpose, the Dutch Ministry of Defense said in a statement in November last year. The fighter aircraft remain the property of the Netherlands. With the formal transfer, the F-16s are now in Romanian hands. Im grateful to the Netherlands and @MinPres Mark Rutte for leading the way in supporting Ukraine. Today marks a milestone: five Dutch F-16s have already arrived at the training center in Romania. We keep working together to welcome F-16s into Ukrainian skies as soon as possible. Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 7, 2023 Under the EFTC initiative, the Romanian Ministry of Defense had been providing the 86th Air Base, as well as training facilities and host nation support, while the Netherlands supplied the jets, and Lockheed Martin provided the instructors and the maintenance. Five F-16 aircraft belonging to the Royal Netherlands Air Force landed on Tuesday, November 7, on Locotenent Aviator Gheorghe Mociornita 86th Air Base, in Fetesti. https://t.co/YBVr85zHjG pic.twitter.com/VgsDdApn0D MApN (@MApNRomania) November 7, 2023 Considering the current geopolitical context and Romanias strategic position in the Black Sea area, this center becomes essential for the cross-border cooperation and the strengthening of security and solidarity within NATO, the Romanian Ministry of Defense said. Advertisement Advertisement At first, the aircraft were used for a refresher course for F-16 instructors who were hired by the EFTC. After that, the training of new pilots began, with missions only flown in NATO airspace. The path of the 18 F-16s to the EFTC was somewhat convoluted, however. It appears that 12 of the F-16s, at least, were previously used for training Dutch pilots in the United States. At one time, those dozen jets were to be sold to Draken International, a private contractor that planned to operate them for red air adversary support. A Dutch F-35A, a Dutch F-16, and a pair of Draken International A-4 Skyhawks fly in support of an operational test exercise for the Royal Netherlands Air Force contingent at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Photo courtesy Frank Crebas However, although Draken undertook some flight testing from its Lakeland, Florida, base, it never formally took delivery of the aircraft. This coincided with something of a reshuffle in U.S. Air Force contracted adversary requirements. Instead, these F-16s were flown across the Atlantic to Gosselies, in Belgium, where they were overhauled by SABENA, ahead of their transfer to Romania. Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Politico reported that Draken was now involved in the EFTC program, citing an unnamed U.S. official. One part of the EFTCs role is to prepare F-16 pilots for Romania, which has a growing requirement for training on the type and an increasingly important mission defending NATOs eastern airspace. Romania initially acquired 12 second-hand F-16s from Portuguese stocks, followed by another five from the same source, before finally agreeing to buy 32 from Norway. One of the F-16s provided by Norway is escorted in Romanian airspace during its delivery flight in June 2024. Romanian Ministry of Defense The other side of the EFTC mission involves training Ukrainian F-16 pilots. The Ukrainian Air Force has been pledged 87 F-16s from four different European nations, after the United States finally approved the re-export of the aircraft to Kyiv. These F-16s comprise 24 from the Netherlands (separate from the EFTC jets), 30 from Belgium, 19 from Denmark, and 14 from Norway. The first Ukrainian F-16s (from Dutch and Danish stocks) had begun to arrive in the country by late July or early August of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans said, The training center is a textbook example of successful cooperation. We are working with Romania and Lockheed Martin in a unique way to train Romanian and Ukrainian pilots. It is wonderful that our former F-16s have been given a valuable new lease of life at the EFTC. The Ukrainian pilots who have been trained here are already making a significant contribution to protecting their country against the terrible Russian airstrikes. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans (right) waves goodbye to the last two F-16s to be sent to Ukraine as they leave Volkel Air Base, the Netherlands, on May 26, 2025. Photo by Robin van Lonkhuijsen / ANP / AFP ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN The importance of the EFTC is only increasing as the F-16 becomes a dwindling presence among Western European NATO air forces. As of today, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have retired their F-16s entirely, while Belgium is in the process of doing so. There are new operators, specifically Bulgaria and Slovakia, but these are receiving more advanced Block 70 versions, rather than the F-16AM/BM that was the previous European standard, and which is operated by the EFTC. As such, the EFTC now offers a unique capability in Europe, providing a complete training program for F-16 pilots and, as well as a framework in which instructors and pilots from different NATO countries as well as Ukraine can train together, to the same standards. A small number of Ukrainian pilots have also undergone training on F-16s in the United States, specifically with the 162nd Wing, Arizona Air National Guard. U.S. Air National Guard and German servicemembers during an F-16 familiarization tour with the 162nd Wing at Morris Air National Guard Base, Arizona, in June 2024. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Guadalupe Beltran Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran The long-term future of the EFTC F-16s remains unclear. There had been some speculation that these jets may ultimately still end up in Ukraine, which could still happen, should Romania choose to transfer them. Advertisement Advertisement That would become more likely in the future, since the Romanian Air Force plans to introduce the F-35 after 2030, officials having described the acquisition of the F-16 as an intermediate stage toward the introduction of a fifth-generation aircraft. Ukraine certainly still has a demand for additional fighters, with four F-16s already having been lost in different incidents, as well as continued attrition of its Soviet-era fighter fleets. Meanwhile, Mirage 2000s, supplied by France, have also begun to be used in combat. In the longer term, Sweden and Ukraine have also announced a plan to get as many as 150 Saab Gripen fighters into the Ukrainian Air Forces hands. As we have long stressed, the value of F-16s to Ukraine is only as good as the training that is provided alongside them. The European F-16 Training Center, now flying Romanian-owned jets, provides the Ukrainian Air Force with a dedicated facility to prepare its pilots and maintainers to operate the Viper. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com Sands China has contributed MOP300,000 to support Caritas Macaus 56th Charity Bazaar and the 2025 Charity Run, marking the 22nd consecutive year of donations to the organization. The companys support included MOP100,000 for the Charity Run, presented at a ceremony at the University of Macau, where Sands Cares Ambassadors also participated in the 5K Healthy Run to promote wellness and community engagement. For the Charity Bazaar, 100 Sands Cares Ambassadors and family members ran a game booth, with all proceeds donated to Caritas Macau. The company also contributed MOP200,000 in a ceremonial cheque at the bazaars opening at Nam Van Nautical Centre. Sands China further supported the event by purchasing products from local social enterprises to promote artistic development among service users. Funds and volunteer efforts aim to benefit vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and low-income families, while fostering community inclusion in the SAR. Like this: Like Loading... Romania's Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday 4 November that it had scrambled four aircraft in response to Russian attacks north of the Danube. Source: European Pravda, citing Digi24 Details: The aircraft commanders were authorised to engage aerial assets if they entered national airspace, but no unauthorised incursions were detected. The ministry reported that, on the night of 3-4 November, the armed forces of the Russian Federation had carried out two attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure located on the Danube and that as a result, multiple explosions had been observed on the Ukrainian bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to radar signals detected by surveillance systems, two F-16 fighter jets stationed at the Fetesti Air Base were scrambled at 00:17, followed by two German Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base at 02:45, to conduct monitoring and ensure the security of Romanian airspace. The ministry stated that the mission command had authorisation to engage aerial assets if they entered national airspace and threatened the safety of Romanian citizens, adding that no unauthorised incursions into Romania's airspace had been detected and no aircraft debris had been found on Romanian territory. Romania's Ministry of Defence strongly condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, calling them a serious violation of international law and a threat to regional security. The ministry added that Romania remains in close contact with its NATO and EU allies and continues to maintain a high level of vigilance and readiness. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romania previously scrambled fighter jets to patrol its airspace on the night of 21-22 October, when Russia launched a large-scale strike against Ukrainian regions. In September, Romania's Supreme National Defence Council finalised the legal framework allowing the downing of drones and military aircraft violating the country's airspace. On 15 October, Romanian Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu confirmed that the country was prepared to shoot down drones entering its airspace. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Rochester Regional Health is launching a new genetic screening program called GenoWell. Its aimed at helping participants understand their inherited risks for certain cancers and heart disease. RRH is the only health care system in Upstate New York using the free program. When we understand a patients inherited risks, we can personalize their care plans earlier, intervene more effectively, and potentially prevent disease before it begins, said Dr. Prad Phatak, principal investigator of GenoWell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rochester Regional rolled out the program a few months ago, and is looking to enroll 100,000 participants who live in New York and are above the age of 18. Sheri Nordberg is among the participants. She decided to get screened after a history of heart failure in her family. Its only going to benefit you. What if someone was adopted? They dont know anything about their history. I would say its so painless. It cant hurt. Go for it and find out, said Nordberg. The testing is voluntary and conducted through a blood draw at any Rochester Regional Health lab. Results are kept confidential and returned to a participants MyCare chart within two to four weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the big message is these big conditions were reporting are really conditions we can do something about to make a difference. Its not just for the sake of knowing. If we know this and do all the right monitoring and find the cancers early, we can positively influence peoples lives, said Dr. Phatak. GenoWell testing primarily identifies risks in breast, ovarian, and colon cancers as well as heart disease. Those interested in enrolling can find more information on RRHs website. 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 RochesterFirst. A researcher at Yale University in the United States says the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are digging mass graves in el-Fasher, the city in Sudans western Darfur region that has seen mass killings and displacement since the RSF took over last month. Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yales School of Public Health, told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that the RSF have begun to dig mass graves and to collect bodies throughout the city. They are cleaning up the massacre, Raymond said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RSF seized control of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, on October 26, after the withdrawal of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has been fighting the paramilitary group for control of Sudan since April 2023. More than 70,000 people have fled the city and surrounding areas since the RSFs takeover, according to the United Nations, while witnesses and human rights groups have reported cases of summary executions, sexual violence and massacres of civilians. A report from Yales Humanitarian Research Lab on October 28 also found evidence of mass killings since the RSF took control of el-Fasher, including apparent pools of blood that were visible in satellite imagery. UN officials also warned this week that thousands of people are believed to be trapped in el-Fasher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current insecurity continues to block access, preventing the delivery of life-saving assistance to those trapped in the city without food, water and medical care, Jacqueline Wilma Parlevliet, a senior UN refugee agency (UNHCR) official in Sudan, said. Sudanese journalist Abdallah Hussain explained that, before the RSFs full takeover, el-Fasher was already reeling from an 18-month siege imposed by the paramilitary group. No aid was allowed to access the city, and no healthcare facilities [were] operating, Hussain told Al Jazeera from the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, on Tuesday. Now its getting even worse for the citizens who remain trapped. Amid global condemnation, the RSF and its supporters have tried to downplay the atrocities committed in el-Fasher, accusing allied armed groups of being responsible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RSFs leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, has also promised an investigation. But Raymond at the Humanitarian Research Lab said: if they want to actually have an investigation, then they need to withdraw from the city [and] let UN personnel and the Red Cross and humanitarians enter and go house-to-house looking to see whos still alive. At this point, we cant let the RSF investigate themselves, he said. Raymond added that, based on UN figures and what can be seen on the ground in el-Fasher, more people could have died [in 10 days] than have died in the past two years of the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what were talking about. Thats not hyperbole, he told Al Jazeera, stressing that thousands of people need emergency assistance. More than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels war on Gaza since October 7, 2023. New Jerseys tight race for governor may be the most hotly contested and closely watched election being held Tuesday. New Jersey is one of two states along with Virginia that hold gubernatorial elections one year after a presidential election. That makes political types eager to treat it as a tea leaf for next years midterms. And while the state has voted for a Democrat in every presidential election since 1992, it has toggled between governors of both parties for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, Democratic nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli have called in the big guns to gain a late edge: Sherrill stumped in recent days with former President Barack Obama and popular Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, while Ciattarelli has enjoyed loud backing from President Donald Trump since the primary. Sherrill and Ciattarelli both campaigned on affordability, but with significantly different approaches. Ciattarelli a former state assemblyman and businessman who won the Republican nomination for governor in 2021 promises to slash state spending using a state version of the Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency, cap property taxes to a percentage of assessed home value and reduce taxes for corporations. (At 11.5%, New Jersey has the highest corporate tax rate in the country.) Ciattarelli also wants to mandate that all state employees return to an in-person, 5-day workweek immediately, and fully end remote work for public employees. And he wants to bring back plastic bags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor and Navy helicopter pilot, has represented the 11th Congressional District in the northern part of the state since 2019. She says she wants to expand universal pre-K, provide free school meals, increase access to loans and tax credits to incentivize new housing development, lower prescription drug costs and require health insurance companies to publicly disclose and justify premium increases. The campaigns, however, descended past platforms and into the mud. Ciattarelli said he plans to sue Sherrill for defamation after she accused him on the debate stage of using his medical publishing company to push opioid propaganda that killed tens of thousands of people. Meanwhile, Ciattarellis campaign is under federal investigation for allegedly accessing Sherrills military records illegally, which he denies. His campaign exposed the fact that Sherrill was not allowed to walk at her Naval Academy graduation, which she has said was because she refused to turn in classmates accused of cheating. Gov. Phil Murphy beat Ciattarelli in 2021 to become the first Democratic governor in New Jersey in 44 years to serve a second term, but this is his final one due to the states two-term limit. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Virginia is set to elect its first female governor Tuesday in a contest pitting two women seen as up-and-comers in their parties. The NBC News Decision Desk has projected that Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger will win the race for governor in Virginia. Virginia and New Jersey are the only states that regularly elect governors the year after a presidential election, so theyre often seen as windows into voters minds ahead of midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time, Virginias election also could indicate what the electorate is thinking when it comes to more immediate concerns: The vote lands in the middle of a government shutdown in one of the states with the largest number of federal workers. Because of Virginias term limits, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin will finish his first and only term at the end of the year. (He is eligible to serve again as long as his next term is not consecutive.) No matter the outcome, the race will be historic. Heres a closer look at the candidates. Abigail Spanberger Spanberger is a former CIA officer and the first woman to represent Virginias 7th Congressional District, which spans much of the states north. She has vowed to increase the availability of affordable housing, lower prescription drug costs, prioritize public school funding and protect Virginias Medicaid expansion and the Affordable Care Act. She has also been outspoken against cuts to the federal workforce. Winsome Earle-Sears Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee, promises to be tough on crime, adopting an approach and rhetoric similar to the Trump administration. Earle-Sears, a former Marine, opposes sanctuary cities and backed Youngkins executive order that directs state police and local law enforcement to assist federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spanberger characterized Earle-Sears as a MAGA Republican during the campaign, though Earle-Sears was not formally endorsed by President Donald Trump. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com UPDATE: The boil water notice has been rescinded by the RRWSC as of Wednesday. RUSK, Texas (KETK) A main line leak has required a boil water notice for affected customers in Rusk, Texas. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the Rusk Rural Water Supply Company (RRWSC) to issue a boil water notice to affected customers following a main line leak. The boil water notice notifies all customers to boil their water prior to consumption by bringing water to a rolling boil for at least two minutes. Individuals may also purchase bottled water in lieu of boiling. The notice affects customers on the following roads: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US HWY 84 E CR 1201 CR 1202 CR 1204 CR 1214 CR 1215 CR 1301 CR 1302 CR 1303 CR 1316 CR 1322 The public water system will issue a notice once the notice is no longer in effect. For more information on the boil water notice people may visit the RRWSC online. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. Russian forces attacked Ukraine with an Iskander-M ballistic missile launched from Rostov Oblast, six S-300 surface-to-air guided missiles from Kursk Oblast and 130 drones on the night of 3-4 November. Ukraine's air defence forces have managed to down 92 UAVs. Source: Ukraine's Air Force Details: About 80 of the 130 UAVs were Shahed drones. Early reports indicated that as of 09:00, air defence forces had destroyed or jammed 92 Russian drones of the Shahed, Gerbera and other types in the country's north, south and east. Hits by a missile and 31 UAVs have been recorded in 14 locations. The attack is ongoing, with several Russian drones still in the airspace. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces have sharply increased the number of guided aerial bomb strikes on Ukrainian territory in October 2025. Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Defence Details: The ministry reported that over the course of the month, the Russians dropped more than 5,328 guided aerial bombs (GABs) on Ukrainian defence force positions and frontline cities. "This is the highest number of GABs dropped in a single month since the beginning of 2025," the statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ministry of Defence noted that air terror is intensifying. In the past 10 months alone, Russian forces have dropped around 40,000 aerial bombs the same number as in all of last year. Background: On 2 November, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that within one week, the Russians had used nearly 1,500 attack drones, 1,170 guided aerial bombs, and over 70 missiles to strike Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian occupation forces have advanced in Kharkiv Oblast and near the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. Source: DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts Details: DeepState noted that Russian forces have moved forward near Borivska Andriivka in Kharkiv Oblast. In Donetsk Oblast, they have advanced near Karpivka and Kozatske and within Pokrovsk itself. Read more: How Pokrovsk is imperceptibly falling: five observations by Ukrainska Pravda Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On the morning of 4 November, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported that special operations in Pokrovsk are continuing. Along with additional forces, special units are preventing the Russians from expanding their fire advantage over logistics routes within the operational area. On 1 November, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that there was no encirclement or blockade of Pokrovsk or Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and that a comprehensive operation to kill Russian troops and drive them out was ongoing in Pokrovsk, involving units of the Special Operations Forces, the Security Service of Ukraine and Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. On 3 November, Syrskyi said that Ukrainian forces were seeking to compel the Russians to disperse their troops and prevent the concentration of their main efforts around Pokrovsk. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! One person has been killed and 11 have been injured, including two children, in Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Source: Vladyslav Haivanenko, acting head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Facebook Quote: "The enemy attacked the Mykolaivka hromada in the Synelnykove district with a missile and a drone. A 65-year-old woman has been killed. Eight people have been injured, including two children. A 15-year-old boy will be treated on an outpatient basis. A five-year-old girl has been hospitalised in a critical condition, as have two adults. A cafe-shop, a house and a car caught fire. Twelve homes were damaged." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Large-scale fire Photo: Vladyslav Haivanenko on Facebook Details: The Vasylkivka hromada was attacked with a guided bomb. Several cars were damaged as a result. Damaged roof Photo: Vladyslav Haivanenko on Facebook The Russians used artillery, Grad multiple-launch rocket systems and FPV drones to attack the Nikopol district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They struck Nikopol itself as well as the Marhanets and Pokrovske hromadas. Three men aged 43, 51 and 52 have been injured. All will be treated at home. An ambulance was damaged," Haivanenko reported. The Russians attacked an ambulance Photo: Vladyslav Haivanenko on Facebook Damaged ambulance Photo: Vladyslav Haivanenko on Facebook A Russian drone hit infrastructure facilities in Pavlohrad. Haivanenko said air defenders had downed nine Russian drones over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ASEANs next growth phase wont be built only on roads, ports and railways, but on invisible highways of electricity. Power disruptions and forced reductions in renewable output are no longer inconveniences but economic liabilities that threaten Southeast Asias industrial ambitions. Many other countries have faced this situation. China, for instance, modernized its grids to integrate record additions in solar and wind power by pairing digital tools with pilot rollouts to keep its vast electricity system stable. It shows that grid modernization is not optional but a prerequisite for sustaining renewable growth. As the ASEAN region accelerates its transition to clean energy, aging power grids are showing their limits. Built decades ago for large coal- and gas-based plants, most of the regions power networks were not designed to accommodate the massive volumes of wind and solar energy produced today. Moreover, solar and wind energy volumes fluctuate with the weather and time of day, which strains the networks. These outdated grids pose risks to both energy security and economic growth, undermining the competitiveness of the region and investor confidence. Smarter, more resilient and flexible grids are urgently needed. Between 2015 and 2020, targeted upgrades in the grid networks helped improve reliability. But the next leap will be far more complex. Led by Vietnam and the Philippines, ASEANs solar capacity is projected to increase more than 12 times by 2050. Without smart technologies, managing these fluctuating power flows will be difficult. The risks of inaction are already visible. In Vietnam, excess solar power gets wasted due to grid limits, while brownouts in the Philippines have cost businesses millions. A recent study by Ember estimates that reliability gaps could cost the ASEAN region nearly $2.3 billion a year by 2040 in lost industrial output. In an era when multinational firms choose manufacturing locations based on access to reliable and clean energy, weak grids could sideline ASEAN in the digital and industrial race. Smart grids, equipped with digital sensors, automation and real-time data, can change this narrative. They allow operators to balance supply and demand with precision, integrate power from multiple sources such as rooftop solar and respond dynamically to fluctuations in renewable supply. In short, smart grids can turn renewable integration from a bottleneck into a competitive advantage. Some ASEAN economies have already started moving. Thailand has piloted smart meters in Bangkok that give consumers real-time usage information while cutting transmission losses. Singapore has gone further, developing a digital twin, a virtual replica of its power system, to monitor the networks condition remotely, and identify risks before they escalate. These initiatives show how digitalization can transform grid management from reactive to predictive. The benefits extend beyond stable power supply. A modern grid is a prerequisite for attracting energy-intensive industries such as data centers, advanced manufacturing and digital services. These are the very sectors expected to anchor ASEANs future economy. Singapores data-center boom illustrates how global firms cluster where reliable, low-carbon electricity is assured. By contrast, renewable developers in Indonesia and the Philippines often cite weak grids as the biggest barrier to meeting the corporate demand for clean power. Grid modernization can also be a powerful job creator. Building and maintaining smart grids will create hundreds of thousands of jobs in civil works, manufacturing, ICT deployment and technical services. One estimate suggests that smart-grid investments could create up to 650,000 jobs across ASEAN a ripple effect that will strengthen local supply chains and technical capabilities. However, capital will not flow without clear regulatory frameworks. National smart grid road maps, harmonized regional standards and incentives for electricity providers to adopt digital solutions are essential. Reforms that reward efficiency and innovation can align power companies interests towards smart technology investments. Collaborative regional initiatives and technology exchange can further accelerate this transformation. China offers a useful template here. By using digital tools and better forecasting, the country has managed to absorb record amounts of solar and wind power while keeping its grid stable. Its step-by-step approach of testing new technologies in a few provinces before expanding them nationwide highlights the power of learning by doing. ASEAN countries can emulate this approach throuh coordinated pilots, data sharing and capacity building. Ultimately, smart grids are not just wires and software; they are strategic investments in ASEANs economic future. They enable renewable expansion, reduce outage costs, create high-quality jobs and strengthen industrial competitiveness. The missing link is not technology or finance, but political will. ASEAN must move from patchwork fixes to a unified regional road map. Every delay means lost investment, stranded assets and diminished global competitiveness. The real question, then, is not whether ASEAN can afford to invest in smart grids, but whether it can afford not to. MDT/China Daily Like this: Like Loading... Russian troops used an FPV drone to attack two unarmed civilians who were walking along a road holding a white flag in the village of Kruhliakivka, Kharkiv Oblast, on 3 November. Both of the civilians and a dog were killed. Source: communications unit of the 77th Separate Airmobile Dnipro Brigade of the 7th Corps of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces Quote: "The footage shows a war crime being committed by the Russian forces: on 3 November 2025 in the village of Kruhliakivka, Kharkiv Oblast, Russian forces carried out a drone strike on civilians who were walking along a road under a white flag." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The brigade stated that there were no military facilities or positions nearby. The Russian forces deliberately struck the civilians and filmed the attack themselves in order to use the footage in propaganda materials and accuse the Armed Forces of Ukraine of carrying out the strike. The Ukrainian military noted that this incident provides further evidence of the Russians' systemic practice of terror, disinformation and war crimes. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The eradication of the Hamas terror state is at the heart of US President Donald Trumps plan, Israel's foreign minister said. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar emphasized Israels commitment to strengthening ties with India and reiterated the country's position on Hamas and other regional terrorism while speaking at the opening of a meeting in New Delhi with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday. Saar noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first world leader to call Prime Minister Netanyahu after Hamas October 7th massacre, adding, We wont forget it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saar described India as the worlds largest democracy and fastest growing economy, and a global superpower, while calling Israel a regional powerhouse. He said the two nations already share a warm friendship, and that the goal is to build a long-term strategic partnership between Israel and India. Addressing security issues, Saar said that radical terror is a mutual threat to Israel and India, and condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam. He referred to Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen as terror states, saying that uprooting them is necessary for the security and stability of our region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, January 15, 2018. (credit: REUTERS/ADNAN ABIDI) The eradication of the Hamas terror state Saar said that the eradication of the Hamas terror state is at the heart of US President Donald Trumps plan, and added, Hamas must be disarmed. Gaza must be demilitarized. We wont compromise on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also discussed regional connectivity, saying that the future for regional partnerships is bright, and noted Israels support for initiatives such as I2U2 and IMEC, which aim to promote connectivity between South Asia, West Asia, and Europe. Saar concluded by thanking Dr. Jaishankar for his friendship and said he looked forward to continued discussions between the two sides. India's desire for regional peace Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement of US President Donald Trump's Gaza deal in early October, calling it a step toward lasting peace in the region. "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu," Modi stated in a post on X/Twitter at the time, adding that the release of the remaining hostages "will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace." India has maintained its support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring calm and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Pesach Benson/TPS contributed to this report. Air traffic controllers not showing up to work or taking second jobs to make ends meet, coupled with long lines at the airport and delays, understandably heighten the anxieties of some passengers. Since the start of the shutdown, controllers and other essential workers, like Transportation Security Administration screeners, have been required to do their jobs but wont be paid until after the government reopens. The union representing controllers believes the longer the shutdown drags on, the more risks are introduced into the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every single day that this goes on tomorrow is now less safe than today, said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association on CNN News Central. Were supposed to go to work and be 100%, 100% of the time. Im going to work right now, and Im thinking about, how do I pay my rent? For over 34 days, the federal government has been shut down. For travelers, the shutdown has caused some TSA wait times and flight delays to skyrocket. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, those delays are one way controllers are keeping passengers safe. Flights are slowed down so the employees who showed up to work can manage them. Is there more risk in the system when you have a shutdown? Absolutely theres more risk, he said on CNBC Monday. If we thought that it was unsafe well shut the whole airspace down. We wont let people travel. Were not there at this point. Its just significant delays, Compromising predictability For some, like Erik Hansen senior vice president of government relations at the US Travel Association, a shutdown compromises the reliability of air travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The challenge is that the system is never going to compromise safety, but were absolutely compromising predictability and the ability of Americans to get to where they want to go on time, Hansen said. Shortages have been widespread across the country in places like Chicago, Denver, Houston and Newark causing ground delays and disrupting passengers. Controllers who arent able to focus on the job under these trying circumstances should call out sick, Mike McCormick an assistant professor of Air Traffic Management at Embry-Riddle University, told CNN. If controllers were more reporting to work in such a condition that they could not be 100%, for their air traffic control duties, then, yes, that creates a risk of safety, McCormick said. From what Im seeing across the system, controllers are recognizing their limitations, and theyre not reporting to work, so that is actually helping to keep the system safe. Stressful jobs become even more stressful Travelers wait in long security lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Monday. - Lekan Oyekanmi/AP Houstons Bush Intercontinental Airport is warning passengers it could take three hours to get though TSA checkpoints due to staffing shortages. Long lines snaked around the terminal Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Call-outs will continue to rise in TSA, because those frontline employees are forced with making those decisions, said Keith Jeffries, vice president of K2 Security Screening Group and a former TSA federal security director at Los Angeles International Airport. Jeffries believes it is still safe to fly but knows theres going to be delays. He thinks the aviation transportation system will see a domino effect, as the turmoil of the shutdown lingers. Flying is safe, but you know youre going to have, certainly, front line employees, are they thinking about that next bill that is due, and they cant afford to pay it? Or are they focused on looking for dangerous, prohibited items? You can make that argument, he said. Union leaders and most major airlines have said the answer is not complicated, Congress to end the shutdown so controllers and TSA workers can be paid. Our message is simple, open the government, and it has to open now, Daniels said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Eight people were injured in shootings across Cincinnati during Halloween weekend, stoking concerns after a continued uptick in crime and the recent placing of the police chief on leave. Seven men and one woman were shot across four incidents in Mount Auburn and the West End during the day on Oct. 31 and Over-the-Rhine and Carthage on Nov. 2, according to a city database of reported shootings victims. Four of those eight were shot in a shooting outside of an Over-the-Rhine nightclub. The only weekend with more people shot so far this year was the Fourth of July holiday weekend, in which 10 people were injured by gunfire over a three-day span, according to city data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Videos circulating on Facebook also appear to show crowds running as shots ring out Halloween night on Short Vine Street in Corryville. Cincinnati police have not provided any news releases about the shootings this weekend. Concerns about crime in Cincinnati have been a focus after a series of high-profile incidents, including a viral fight Downtown. Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long placed Police Chief Teresa Theetge on paid administrative leave Oct. 20. Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie has begun to adjust police resources in his first few weeks as chief, according to a city spokeswoman, but additional details on his efforts were not provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know. Four shot outside Over-the-Rhine nightclub, including owner's nephew Privee on Elm opened in the former Posh Events space in early 2025. Four people were shot outside on Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine, near the Privee on Elm nightclub. One of the people shot was the nightclub owner's nephew. Shortly after 1 a.m. Nov. 2, several gunshots rang out near the bar, which opened earlier this year in the 1900 block of Elm Street, one block up from Findlay Market and a half block down from Rhinegeist Brewery. No suspect has been identified, department spokesman Lt. Jonathan Cunningham said. The investigation is ongoing. Videos show crowds run from gunshots on Short Vine Street near UC Videos circulating on social media appear to show crowds running down Short Vine Street in Corryville, near the University of Cincinnati, as gunfire rings out around 2:44 a.m. Nov. 1. People are seen already running as one of the videos begins. Two shots ring out, followed by a pause and another four shots. One more shot rings out after another brief pause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another video, apparently from a business surveillance camera, gunshots cause a crowd in Halloween costumes to run down the street as a Cincinnati police car's lights flash in the distance. Cunningham confirmed police responded to a shots fired call in the area. No one was injured, he said. No arrests have been made. Two injured in Carthage shooting, one in Mount Auburn, one in West End Three other non-fatal shootings left four injured, according to city data. On Oct. 31, a 33-year-old man was shot in the 500 block of Poplar Street in the West End before 10 a.m., according to city data. Then, in Mount Auburn, a 67-year-old man was shot in the 2000 block of Ryan Avenue shortly after 3 p.m., city data shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Carthage, Enquirer media partner Fox 19 reports officers were called to 69th and Vine Streets around 1:30 a.m. Nov. 2 for a report of a shooting. Cunningham told Fox 19 an 18-year-old was in critical condition and a 23-year-old had unknown injuries. Additional details on the shootings were not available, Cunningham said. The investigations are on-going. Shootings down citywide, violent crime up in urban core Despite the number of shootings this past weekend, the number of shootings so far in 2025 is down compared to recent years. So far this year, there have been 241 people shot across Cincinnati, 53 of whom died of their injuries. By this time in 2024, there had been 317 people shot across the city, 58 of whom died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violent crime is down city wide compared to 2024 levels, but has seen a more pronounced uptick in the urban core of Downtown and Over-the-Rhine. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 8 injured in four shootings in Cincinnati over Halloween weekend PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Peoria and Pekin Salvation Army kicked off their Christmas time campaign Monday night at Northwoods Mall. The 38th annual Tree of Lights Campaign raises money each year, which makes up a quarter of their budget. This money goes toward the mens shelter, food pantries and families in need. A crowd of about 40 people gathered around and heard remarks from WMBDs Chief Meteorologist Chris Yates, along with Salvation Army officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After speeches, the attendees counted down from ten and then the two trees on the stage by JCPenney were lit to start the campaign. Stan Cohen, Christmas chair for the Peoria campaign this year, said the greater purpose of this yearly charity is to benefit the community in the Greater Peoria Area. While its things that we give today during the Christmas season, it handles the needs that we have throughout the years, he said. Its incredibly important. East Peoria prepares for 41st annual parade of lights Heath Sells, the Peoria area commander for The Salvation Army, said needs have changed as the years have gone on for this campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tree of Lights campaign is historically our largest fundraiser throughout the year, he said. It represents about a quarter of our budget and allows us to make sure that we have those needed funds, not just during the holiday season, for those who desperately need and deserve a great Christmas and food boxes, but also for programs and services year-round. Peorias Salvation Army received three donations at the kickoff event, which brings its current total to $294,000. Pekins Salvation Army was given two donations Monday night, bringing its total to $35,000 so far. The Peoria branchs goal is $2 million, and the Pekin branchs goal is $200,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Money is raised through direct donations to the Salvation Army, along with the money that is put in their red kettles, usually with Santa ringing a bell right next to them. 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 CIProud.com. The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is looking for volunteers for its annual Red Kettle Campaign. Volunteers are urgently needed in nearly every region, the organization said, Monday. The Salvation Army uses the Red Kettle Campaign to collect donations to assist people and families in the communities the money is donated. On average, volunteer bell ringers raise enough money to provide nearly 250 meals to children and families in their respective towns, according to The Salvation Army officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Red Kettle Campaigns start in November. Monday, The Salvation Army released the following list of places in need of volunteers: The Merrimack Valley Cape Cod (Hyannis) Southeastern Mass. (Fall River, New Bedford) North Shore (Newburyport, Salem, Lynn) MetroWest Mass Bay/Boston The Route 2 Area (Athol, Greenfield, Fitchburg) Western Mass. (Springfield, Pittsfield) Central Mass. (Milford, Worcester) Our volunteers and donors embody the spirit of the holidays and make it possible for us to bring joy where its needed most, said Major Elijah Kahn, General Secretary of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mass. Division of The Salvation Army is looking to raise more than $2.3 million with this years Red Kettle Campaign, according to the organization. Donations can be made in person at a Red Kettle location, or virtually. If youre looking to sign up to volunteer, or to donate, you can do so at The Salvation Armys website. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW By Jack Queen NEW YORK (Reuters) -A federal appeals court on Tuesday appeared skeptical toward Sam Bankman-Fried's arguments that his fraud conviction and 25-year prison sentence over the collapse of his FTX cryptocurrency exchange should be tossed because his trial was unfair. A three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan questioned whether the exclusion of evidence from Bankman-Fried's trial tainted the jury's decision in November to convict him on all seven counts he faced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you're not challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, are you conceding the evidence was sufficient" to convict, Circuit Judge Maria Araujo Kahn asked Alexandra Shapiro, a lawyer for Bankman-Fried. Shapiro responded that even if the evidence was sufficient, that did not mean the trial judge's errors were harmless. Prosecutor Nathan Rehn told the judges that the evidence overwhelmingly proved Bankman-Fried stole FTX customer funds. "There were four people who know about the misappropriated funds. Three of them testified that they conspired with Sam Bankman-Fried," Rehn said, referring to cooperating witnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bankman-Fried, 33, had been one of the cryptocurrency's most influential figures and a multibillionaire before FTX's spectacular collapse in 2022, in what prosecutors called a "fraud of epic proportions." A federal jury in Manhattan found Bankman-Fried guilty of seven criminal charges in 2023 for stealing $8 billion from FTX customers. At his trial, Bankman-Fried admitted to making mistakes running FTX, but testified that he never stole funds. His lawyers told the appeals court the verdict was unfair because the trial judge did not allow evidence backing up Bankman-Fried's belief that FTX had enough funds to cover customer withdrawals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors have said the evidence at trial, including testimony from the three cooperating witnesses and troves of FTX documents, overwhelmingly proved Bankman-Frieds guilt. Members of Bankman-Frieds inner circle have lobbied U.S. President Donald Trump for a pardon, according to media reports, but Trump has not said whether he is considering one. Reuters has not independently confirmed the reports. Bankman-Fried was a rising star in the rough-and-tumble crypto industry who burnished his reputation with lavish philanthropic and political donations.During a month-long trial, Bankman-Fried's former lieutenants said he directed them to raid FTX customer funds to plug losses at Alameda Research, his crypto-focused hedge fund. He was found guilty of two counts of fraud and five counts of conspiracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the March 2024 sentencing, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan said Bankman-Fried knew his actions were wrong but "made a very bad bet about the likelihood of getting caught." Bankman-Fried is serving his sentence at a low-security prison near Los Angeles. He is eligible for release in October 2044. (Reporting by Jack Queen and Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Stephen Coates and Lisa Shumaker) The San Antonio community was rocked by the news that a longtime resident of the city with ties to the 25-year-old River Walk restaurant Biga on the Banks had died this past month. But this November, locals can join her loved ones in honoring her legacy at a memorial on Sunday, November 9. An obituary posted online for Virginia Margaret "Perny" Shea notes that the local culinary icon, who was "known for her laughter, her kindness, and the effortless way she made everyone feel welcome and special," died on October 24, 2025. New details recently added to the obituary state that a memorial service for Shea will be held on Sunday, November 9, at 4 p.m. The service will be held at Biga on the Banks, 203 S. St Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78205, in the River Terrace Room on the third floor. Instead of flowers, her family is asking the community to contribute to two causes that were close to her heart: Musical Bridges Around the World and St. Philip's College Culinary Arts program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days that have followed since Shea's death, many have taken a moment to share heartfelt responses to the news, along with heartwarming memories they made with Shea over the years. Former TV reporter for News 4 San Antonio, Tanji Patton, shared a lengthy post on Facebook celebrating Shea on Sunday, November 3. "We lost not only a wonderful friend but one of the most effervescent, upbeat, beautiful women you could ever imagine," Patton wrote. "Mike and I have known Perny for at least 30 years, and many of you have known her and that delightful, infectious laugh of hers for even longer. ... As life goes along, we lose touch with so many. This is a reminder to keep friendships alive--they are so precious! Whenever over the years I talked to Perny, she always made me smile. Just thinking about Perny would make you smile." Karen Haram, former Taste section editor for the San Antonio Express-News, echoed Patton's sentiments, telling MySA, "Perny was a vital part of San Antonio's restaurant community for decades and was beloved by all who knew her. It was exciting to watch as she and Chef Bruce Auden turned Biga on the Banks into a restaurant with a national following and reputation. Perny was warm, kind, funny, spirited and incredibly talented. She made a profound impact on our community and will be greatly missed." The restaurant where she staked her claim over the years, Biga on the Banks, also penned an emotional social media post honoring Shea's legacy: "Perny was so much more than a colleague at Biga on the Banks for over two decades. She loved Biga and put her heart and soul into every experience. She truly was the 'life of the party' in every sense. Her infectious smile, grace, and tireless dedication will never be forgotten," the post reads. "Thank you, Perny, for the laughter and for setting a standard of excellence. You will be greatly missed by our entire restaurant family." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the online obituary, Shea is survived by her mother, Veronica Brewer; her husband of nearly 30 years, Dr. William Shea; and their two daughters, Sarah and Katie. The obituary does not share a cause of death. This article originally published at San Antonio mourns the loss of a culinary icon with November memorial. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) People across San Diego County gathered to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, from Nov. 1-2. The traditional Mexican holiday remembers and honors the dead by leaving them offerings on an ofrenda (altar). The Downtown Chula Vista Association hosted the fifth consecutive annual Dia de los Muertos celebration at Third Avenue and Memorial Park on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chula Vistas celebration featured ofrendas, marigolds, a lowrider car show, dancers, crafts, food and vendors for those in attendance. This event is a celebration of life, of both those who are here and those who are no longer with us, and each year we strive to honor this tradition with respect and joy, Downtown Chula Vista Association District Manager Dominic Li Mandri said. Neighborhoods were decorated with large alebrijes sculptures and skeleton figures. Those celebrating painted their faces to resemble skeletons and wore flowers. Whether youre enjoying live performances, savoring delicious food, shopping local, or making crafts with your kids, we look forward to welcoming the South Bay and beyond to join in the celebration, Mandri said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Old Town San Diego also hosted their celebrations for the holiday on Saturday and Sunday. More than 35 altares de muertos (altars of the dead) were featured at the historic park. A community ofrenda was located at the Plaza de Armas. Odulia Millan, a face painter artist at Old Towns Dia de los Muertos event, said the event is so important that even kids are joining in the festivies. Millan has been painting faces for 12 years. Its a nice Mexican tradition for many years, and its so nice the little ones are being part of it, Millan said while painting a childs face. The traditional Mexican holiday remembers and honors the dead by leaving them offerings on an ofrenda (altar). (DARREN LAZARUS DLAZ@ATT.NET / Sydney Costales) The traditional Mexican holiday remembers and honors the dead by leaving them offerings on an ofrenda (altar). (DARREN LAZARUS DLAZ@ATT.NET / Sydney Costales) The traditional Mexican holiday remembers and honors the dead by leaving them offerings on an ofrenda (altar). (DARREN LAZARUS DLAZ@ATT.NET / Sydney Costales) The traditional Mexican holiday remembers and honors the dead by leaving them offerings on an ofrenda (altar). (DARREN LAZARUS DLAZ@ATT.NET / Sydney Costales) The traditional Mexican holiday remembers and honors the dead by leaving them offerings on an ofrenda (altar). (DARREN LAZARUS DLAZ@ATT.NET / Sydney Costales) Hundreds of students from more than 30 San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) schools had their artwork displayed in Old Town to honor the holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are also teaching them soft skills like confidence, leadership, and the ability to articulate the meaning behind their art, SDUSD Visual and Performing Arts Executive Director Shane Schmeichel said. As well as help them connect personal expression with cultural understanding and empower them to be seen as artists in the community. Its a nice tradition to remember our family that passed away, to be happy that were still here and to be happy that we still think about them, Millan added. 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. As the Macau SAR continues to expand its tourism, hospitality, and service sectors, the importance of nurturing local talent has become increasingly clear. Developing skills, providing educational opportunities, and supporting career growth are essential not only for individual advancement but also for the long-term sustainability of the citys workforce. Programs that integrate education and professional experience can help bridge gaps in workforce readiness, strengthen local industries, and create pathways for young people and employees to pursue meaningful careers. A notable development in this regard is the Wynn Inspiring Through Talents Nurturing Program 2025, launched last month at Wynn Macau. The program provides a multi-faceted platform for skill development and career progression, targeting both young local residents and employees seeking to further their education. Its structure combines classroom-based learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship, demonstrating the potential impact of well-designed talent cultivation initiatives. One key component of the program is the Wynn Return to School Program, developed in collaboration with Escola Seong Fan of the Macao Chamber of Commerce. This initiative allows employees to continue secondary education while maintaining their professional responsibilities. Dedicated classrooms and flexible work schedules support participants studies, enabling them to pursue further education at tertiary institutions. For Wynn, this program demonstrates a practical approach to lifelong learning, showing that continuing education can coexist with work commitments. Participants in the program also emphasize the value of returning to school. For many, the opportunity to study while working provides both personal growth and enhanced career prospects. Ying Li from Table Games said, Im grateful to the company for offering us an opportunity to return to school. This allows us to improve ourselves while balancing work and study and to better seize opportunities for future career development. Therefore, by equipping participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills, Wynn believes the program strengthens their capacity to contribute to the local economy in meaningful ways. Complementing the education-focused initiative is the Wynn Culinary Apprentice Program, now in its fifth year, conducted in partnership with Escola Luso-Chinesa Tecnico-Profissional (ELCTP) under the guidance of the Education and Youth Development Bureau. This program aims to cultivate culinary talent through a school-corporation partnership model, providing students with both technical training and practical experience in the food and beverage industry. Nearly 60 students have completed the program to date, gaining skills that directly enhance their employability and contribute to the local culinary sector. Together, these programs illustrate the broader value of structured talent development. By combining formal education, on-the-job training, and mentorship, such initiatives address skills gaps while providing participants with clear pathways for career advancement. They also show the importance of aligning workforce development with broader policy objectives, including support for secondary and tertiary education and fostering a labor pool capable of meeting the demands of evolving industries. Looking ahead, extending programs of this kind to include a wider range of industries and educational partnerships could offer broader benefits. The integrated resort believes that by providing learning and career development opportunities alongside professional experience, such initiatives contribute to building a workforce that is adaptable, skilled, and prepared for future challenges. In a city where talent is increasingly recognized as a driver of growth, efforts to combine education with on-the-job development point to a practical and forward-looking approach.Programs like the Wynn Inspiring Through Talents Nurturing Program show that structured support for learning and skill-building can create tangible benefits for participants and, by extension, the local economy. For Wynn, investing in people remains central to nurturing a resilient, capable, and future-ready workforce. The Wynn Inspiring Through Talents Nurturing Program will continue to expand its scope to more industries and educational collaborations. This will benefit more aspiring young people and employees, further fortifying Wynns active role in local talent and social development and fully realizing the people-centered philosophy, the integrated resort said. MDT Review Like this: Like Loading... COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) A local trunk-or-treat event got an extra treat, in a heart-warming show of community. Moes Original BBQ and Chris Harmon of St. Thomas Episcopal Church worked together to donate 200 sandwiches and chips for kids attending the event at the Boxwood Community Center. The thoughtful donation comes after WRBL spoke with event organizer Lisa Herring of the East Carver Heights Community Development Corporation last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herring voiced concerns about the impending loss of SNAP benefits, saying that organizers planned to use the trunk-or-treat to get some extra food into the bellies of children in need. We care about our families and so thats why were definitely going to have something to eat here besides candy, Herring said at the time. RELATED: Trunk-or-treat events cater to Columbus families Photos from the Boxwood Community Center trunk-or-treat. (Lisa Herring) Photos from the Boxwood Community Center trunk-or-treat. (Lisa Herring) Photos from the Boxwood Community Center trunk-or-treat. (Lisa Herring) Photos from the Boxwood Community Center trunk-or-treat. (Lisa Herring) 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 WRBL. By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be at the White House on November 18 for an official working visit with U.S. President Donald Trump, a White House official said on Monday. The visit comes as Trump pushes Saudi Arabia to join the list of nations that have joined the Abraham Accords. In 2020, Trump reached deals with United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco to normalize relations with Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Saudis have been hesitant to join in the absence of steps toward Palestinian statehood. Trump told CBS' "60 Minutes" in an interview broadcast on Sunday that he believed the Saudis would ultimately join the accords. Trump and bin Salman may also discuss a U.S.-Saudi defense agreement. The Financial Times reported two weeks ago that there were hopes the two countries could sign such an agreement during bin Salman's visit. A senior Trump administration official told Reuters that "there are discussions about signing something when the crown prince comes, but details are in flux." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Saudis have sought formal U.S. guarantees to defend the kingdom as well as access to more advanced U.S. weaponry. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest customers for U.S. arms, and the two countries have maintained strong ties for decades based on an arrangement in which the kingdom delivers oil and Washington provides security. During Trump's visit to Riyadh in May, the United States agreed to sell Saudi Arabia an arms package worth nearly $142 billion. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Nia Williams and Jamie Freed) Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) will visit Washington, DC, later this month for an official working meeting with US President Donald Trump, a White House official said, marking the Saudi Arabian leaders second visit to the United States capital in seven years. News outlets have previously reported on the crown princes visit to the White House, but Reuters was the first to report on Monday that the meeting will be held on November 18. The visit of the Saudi royal comes as Trump pushes countries to join the Abraham Accords. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, Trump reached deals with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco to normalise relations with Israel. But Saudi Arabia has consistently said that any normalisation of ties with Israel is contingent on a clear path for the creation of a Palestinian state, alongside Israel. In an interview broadcast on Sunday, Trump told CBS Newss 60 Minutes programme that he believed Saudi Arabia would ultimately join the accords. The unnamed senior Trump administration official told the Reuters news agency that there are discussions about signing something when the crown prince comes, but details are in flux. The Financial Times reported two weeks ago that there were hopes the two countries could sign a defence deal during MBSs visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Arabia and the US have maintained strong relations for decades, including in the defence sector. During Trumps visit to Riyadh in May, the US agreed to sell Saudi Arabia an arms package worth nearly $142bn. During his first term as president, in 2017, Trump likewise included Saudi Arabia on his first major trip abroad, a voyage that similarly culminated in a multibillion-dollar arms deal. It was also during Trumps first term that MBS visited the White House and toured several cities in the US. Chronic confusion created during the annual open enrollment for Medicare and the lengthy federal government shutdown will make this fall open season for scams. One reader in Shelby Township told me that he just got a phone call in mid-October asking him if he received his new Medicare card yet. No, he told the caller. John Mordus says the caller and he only received one such call immediately asked Mordus to take a look his old Medicare card and read off the number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Mordus didn't receive anything in the mail, the caller implied that he would look up the record and see what's going on. "It didn't add up," said Mordus, 76. He wisely didn't give the caller his Medicare number, Social Security number or any other information. "I'm not giving you anything," he recalled telling the scammers, "because it seems kind of funny that you're calling me when the government is shut down." Mordus and his wife Debra have received a string of Medicare-related calls, maybe 50 or more. Sometimes, they get two or three calls a day. Those calls start out talking about how the Trump administration has made changes to Medicare. The woman sounds like she's in the United States, Mordus said, and often asks if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple, who celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary this year, often just hang up. Hanging up continues to be a great defense. Not picking up the phone is a good idea, too. Be extra careful during the government shutdown What could make it harder for some consumers this fall is that they're not getting many updated alerts about the latest scams during the federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1. The Federal Trade Commission, like many other agencies, remains closed due to the lapse in federal funding. The FTC noted online on Nov. 3: "Website information and social media properties will not be updated until the government reopens." Several services are not available during the shutdown, including ReportFraud.ftc.gov for consumers to report fraud, and IdentityTheft.gov for consumers reporting ID theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, Medicare-related scams are dropping like leaves on lawns. Scammers typically play into the uncertainty that surrounds Medicare open enrollment season, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Open enrollment is a time when Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to review their health care coverage and make any necessary changes. Con artists will impersonate Medicare and other agencies Crooks often will impersonate Medicare, or give the impression that they're connected to Medicare, in order to gain your trust as they work to steal your money or personal information, according to an earlier alert from the Federal Trade Commission. Sometimes, scammers will claim that Medicare is switching to a card with a chip in it. Or they might say you now need a black and white card instead of one that is red, white and blue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many times, experts say, Medicare scammers sound and appear professional. They create websites and other materials to make it seem like they're legitimate. "They might contact you and say they need your Medicare, bank account, or credit card number for your 'new' Medicare card. Thats a scam Medicare sends its cards to you automatically for free," according to a 2024 alert from the Federal Trade Commission. A variety of scams are likely to hit this fall, including phone calls from fraudsters who ask if you've received your new Medicare card yet. Experts say: Hang up, do not give anyone your Medicare number or Social Security number if they call out of the blue. Fraudsters aren't above sending you a text and later following up with a phone call to seem authentic, said John Haraburda, robocall data expert and director of product management for Transaction Network Services. The text might say something like, "This is Medicare" or "This is the Social Security Administration" and then state that the agency or company will be calling you from that number in a few minutes. It's a scam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many times, the pitch by scammers starts out by giving the impression that those who are reaching out want to help you in some fashion, such as signing up for a Medicare plan. The con artists might ask for your Medicare number or Social Security number at the start, Haraburda said, claiming that they need to check your eligibility. What they're doing is getting your personal information to add to the bucket of details that they already have on you. They've got your phone number, if they made a call to you. Once you answer the phone, you confirm it's a live line. You might even confirm your full name for fraudsters quickly into the call. If you give them your Social Security number, Haraburda said, you can make it even easier for con artists at some point down the line to reset your password to some accounts. In some cases, you need to know the last four digits of a Social Security number to reset a password. Haraburda said bad actors are aiming to weave together all types of information about you to gain access to your bank accounts, steal your ID or even create a new ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they know your cell phone number, they might be able to figure out your physical address by taking other steps, too. On Oct. 8, the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General posted a warning about a new government imposter scam that starts with an official-looking letter identified as a certificate on fake U.S. Supreme Court letterhead. The letter uses forged signatures of U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The con artists try to convince you that you're a primary suspect in a criminal investigation. The targeted consumers are often pressured into sending money or sharing personal information. You can visit ssa.gov/scam to report Social Security-related scams and learn more about some scams. When it comes to Medicare-related scams, the FTC put out a consumer alert on Sept. 30, before the shutdown, on how to protect yourself from scams during Medicare open enrollment season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team warns that some scammers will even tell you that you must join their prescription plan or you will lose your Medicare coverage. The Medicare prescription drug plan, known as Part D, is completely voluntary. Another key tip from the Michigan consumer protection team: "If someone comes to your door claiming to be from Medicare, remember Medicare does not send representatives to your home." More: Social Security COLA hike coming in 2026. Dont expect it to feel like a raise More: Crooks claim ATM or debit card is compromised then engage in elaborate scheme to steal it Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Communications Commission has an alert online warning that Medicare and health insurance scammers frequently target older Americans. Some smart steps to protect yourself from this scam and, frankly, many other scams include: Ignore unexpected calls. Don't respond to any calls from someone claiming to be from Medicare who demands that you share Medicare, personal, or financial information, according to the FTC. "Medicare will only ask you to verify information if you contact them first," the FTC stated. Do not give money. You do not need to pay for your Medicare card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do not trust caller ID. Caller ID is easily faked by scammers. And it could show Medicares name or phone number when the real Medicare office isn't calling you. To check it out, the FTC recommends that you hang up and call Medicare at 800-633-4227. (Unfortunately, I will add that when I called the number on Oct. 31 I initially got an annoying recorded voice that asked for your Medicare number on your red, white and blue card, even when the call was only to ask about a potential scam.) You can also do research by going to Medicare.gov. Hang up. "If a caller says they are from a health insurance provider or a government agency, hang up and call back using a phone number on an account statement or an official website," according to an alert from the Federal Communications Commission. I'd add here be careful about numbers that you find online as many times the crooks plant fake customer service numbers online to trick consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guard your personal information. "Do not provide your Medicare number to a stranger who calls, visits or approaches you in a public setting," according to Michigans Senior Medicare Patrol, a statewide program. Report scams. Consumers are encouraged to report Medicare impersonators and other Medicare scams at 800-633-4227. Contact your local law enforcement, as well. Be aware that fraud comes in all sizes. Criminals are now using advanced technology, identity theft, and even fake health care providers to exploit retirees. They use giveaways to collect Medicare numbers. Fake insurance agents trick seniors into signing unauthorized policy changes or paying for nonexistent plans. Don't give into fear or panic. Con artists love it when we're fearful, which means we are more likely not to question what's actually going on here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's important to note that "mission-critical activities and updates related to Medicare Open Enrollment will continue during the government shutdown," according to Medicare.gov. Medicare benefits and coverage are expected to continue as before even during any shutdown; beneficiaries are told that they can go to the doctor and access health care services that they need. Mary Johnson, an independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst, said she often feels like she's walking around with bulls-eye with a dollar sign plastered on her shirt, given all the unwanted calls she receives. "I receive daily calls purporting to be calling me about changes in my Medicare coverage or, that my plan is ending, or offering coverage for benefits that I know are limited to low-income eligibility requirements for which I do not qualify," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can receive several of these types of calls in one day often during meals," Johnson said. She recommends that seniors get the "Annual Notice of Change" form from their Part D or Medicare Advantage plans now and read through it. "Never reply to these calls," she said, "you need time to read, compare and shop around." It's best not to engage in a conversation with anyone who calls out of the blue. You're at too great of a risk of handing over important information to a scammer. "Never, ever," she said, "give out your Medicare or Social Security numbers to anyone calling on the phone." Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com. Follow her on X @tompor. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How to spot Medicare, Social Security scams as crooks target seniors HIGH RIDGE, Mo. Scammers are becoming increasingly creative and even the most cautious customers are finding themselves caught in their traps. This time, the victims are local AmeriGas customers. For years, Glenda Ennis has prepaid for her propane every fall, calling the same AmeriGas number listed on her reminder postcard. But her most recent call didnt go as expected. At first when I called the AmeriGas number, he goes, maam, theres a lot of static on the line. Can you call me back on this number? Ennis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That number had a New Jersey area code. Thinking it was legitimate, Ennis called back and made her payment, only to later receive a notice saying her account was past due. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News I dont know how they get so smart, trying to undermine everyone out there, Ennis said. While she was sorting out the issue with a second AmeriGas employee, Ennis called the first man back and connected both lines. During the call, she started receiving multiple failed-payment emails as the scammer tried to charge different cards. Now, Ennis worries other customers could fall victim to the same scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no way I can be the only one complaining when you see how many different banking accounts this guy used to put money back into my account, she said. AmeriGas has since posted a warning on Facebook alerting customers about potential scams. Ennis, however, says she still hasnt been refunded. A company spokesperson told FOX 2 they are reaching out to Ennis directly to follow up. 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 FOX 2. "We have no faith" in the Los Angeles City Fire Department to investigate itself. That's the message in a scathing letter claiming to be sent from both current and former LAFD firefighters. This comes just days after Mayor Karen Bass called on Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva to "thoroughly" investigate the Lachman Fire, which smoldered and turned into the Palisades Fire. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass requested a full investigation into LAFD's handling of the Lachman Fire, which lead to the devastating Palisades Fire days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seven-page letter was sent anonymously to Bass, some councilmembers and ABC7 On Your Side Investigates. The letter, claiming to be written by former and present LAFD "Chief Officers and Captains," says, "We have no faith in Chief Villanueva to conduct an accurate, comprehensive and impartial... report related to the Lachman Fire." On Friday, Bass asked Villanueve to investigate after the Los Angeles Times dropped a bombshell report that says a battalion chief ordered fire crews to abandon the Lachman burn scar on Jan. 2, even though the ground was still smoldering. The new letter, claiming to be signed by "LAFD Chief Officers and Captains," says they're "beyond ashamed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter also references two 7 On Your Side Investigates interviews that aired last week. We are finally hearing from those within the Los Angeles Fire Department who planned for and led the Palisades Fire fight. One was with Palisades Fire Incident Commander Joe Everett, who says he spoke over the phone with firefighters at the Lachman scene. "I have faith in those people. They put that fire out," Everett told 7 On Your Side Investigates. The second interview was with Deputy Chief Richard Fields, who led the planning for Jan. 7. In an exclusive interview, LAFD Deputy Chief Richard Fields told 7 On Your Side Investigates the plan he helped craft for the January 7 wind event "wasn't enough." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eyewitness News asked him why no extra firefighters were pre-deployed that morning directly in the Palisades. "Today, I couldn't give you an exact answer as to why, you know, nine months removed. I don't have a specific answer for that. Not to say that there was not a specific reason," Fields said. The letter says the interviews showed a "lack of command and control," and the letter appears to have some weight behind it. The Mayor's office sent Eyewitness News the following statement on Monday: "Mayor Bass has called for a thorough investigation of the recent reporting of the Lachman Fire. That will happen under the next Fire Chief who is expected to be considered by the City Council in the coming weeks. The next Fire Chief will evaluate all options with a continued commitment to transparency and accountability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bass nominated LAFD Veteran Jamie Moore to be the next chief, and the L.A. City Council should review his nomination soon. Eyewitness News reached out to the LAFD for comment. As of now, we are still waiting to hear back. Ector County ISD leaders are hosting town hall meetings for parents and community to look at potential new boundaries for all ECISD middle schools. The new Vasquez Middle School, approved by voters in Bond 2023 will open in August 26 creating the need adjustments to all middle school attendance zones. There will be three chances for members of the community to see the presentation and ask questions. * The first meeting is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Ector Middle School in the auditorium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * A second town hall is scheduled 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Crockett Middle School gym. * A third town hall is set for 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Bonham Middle School auditorium. Parents and community members can attend one of these sessions or all three of them no matter where they live. ECISD will also send out a survey to capture thoughts from those who are not able to attend a town hall meeting, a news release said. The post School district sets new middle school boundaries town halls appeared first on Odessa American. Kids learn to read, and then they read to learn. Thats the saying, at least, and even if the reality is more complicated than that, its true that early reading is highly predictive of later-life outcomes. Students who struggle with early reading skills tend to have more behavioral problems and are less likely to graduate high school than those who are skilled at decoding letters into sounds and translating those sounds into meaning. So which schools help students get started on the right path? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, we set out to find the school districts that were doing the best job of teaching kids how to read. Now, we are expanding that search to individual schools and have found 2,158 where third-grade reading scores are much higher than might be expected, based on the schools poverty rates. Were going to be highlighting more of those stories in the months to come. But for now, were making our data available for anyone who wants to dig in. Armed with the full dataset of 41,883 schools across 10,414 districts in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Eamonn Fitzmaurice, The 74s art and technology director, built the interactive tool below. Start by selecting the state you want, or click on an individual school to see how it compares with those in the rest of its district. Interactive Reading Scores vs. Poverty Level in 41,883 U.S. Schools View fully interactive chart at www.the74million.org/article/these-schools-are-beating-the-odds-in-teaching-kids-to-read/ As you hover over each dot, youll see the schools actual versus expected literacy rate, based on the percentage of its students who qualify for free- and reduced-price lunch. This methodology helped us identify schools that are beating the odds and successfully teaching kids to read (represented as gold circles). These exceptional schools are in the top 5% of their state in terms of outscoring their expected reading proficiency. For example, Hoover Street Elementary in Los Angeles is a high-poverty school that nonetheless earned high marks. It was one of a number of schools in the L.A. Unified School District that made our list. In Maryland, Pocomoke Elementary came out as the highest-performing school in the entire state; it is located in Worcester County, which last year we highlighted as one of our highest-performing districts. In Pennsylvania, two of 21 schools in Pittsburgh made our exceptional list (Allegheny K-5 and Greenfield K-8). Analysis Bright Spots Interactive Map Find the schools in your community beating the odds in teaching kids to read. View the Map Users can also toggle whether they want to include or focus on public charter schools. Charters tended to be overrepresented on our list of exceptional schools, making up 7% of all schools in our sample but 11% of those that are exceptional. This is particularly clear in New York, where many of the highest-poverty, highest-performing schools are charters, led by the Success Academy Bronx 5 Upper Elementary, the Bronx Charter School For Excellence 4 and Icahn Charter School 6, also in the Bronx. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Which School Districts Do the Best Job of Teaching Kids to Read? The red diagonal line in each graph is called the best fit line. The closer the dots are to the line, the stronger the correlation between a schools poverty level and its reading proficiency rate. In Washington state, for example, the dots are mostly clustered in a band just above and below the line throughout the full poverty spectrum. Maryland, Georgia, Connecticut, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota and the District of Columbia all have similar graphs. We dont have enough information to explain why poverty seems to play such a large role in these states compared to others, but it could reflect instructional deficits within schools, have something to do with how students are sorted across schools within a state or be tied to the states third-grade reading test. In contrast, other states show a much weaker relationship between poverty and reading outcomes. For example, family income was less of a predictor of third grade reading outcomes in Kentucky, where schools are scattered all over the graph and not as tightly clustered around the red line. Other states showing comparatively weak relationships include Nevada, West Virginia, North Dakota and New York. For a project of this size and scope, we had to make some methodological choices. For example, we focused on third-grade proficiency scores because, while not determinative, they provide a strong indication of the path a student is on, according to research by Dan Goldhaber, Malcolm Wolff and Tim Daly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But deciding how to measure a schools poverty level was difficult. We considered several alternatives but ultimately chose to rely on the federal governments data for free- and reduced-price lunch. Thats because they are familiar to readers, allow us to link poverty rates and reading scores for the same 2023-24 school year, and aim to count the actual students in a school building rather than relying on broader neighborhood measures. This last element was particularly important for evaluating charter schools and communities where large percentages of students actively choose their school rather than simply attending the one closest to where they live. Related There Really Was a Mississippi Miracle in Reading. States Should Learn From It State-level researchers and advocates can certainly test other, more fine-grained measures of student disadvantage if they prefer. Our hope with this project is to get those conversations started, because the latest national data suggest that student reading scores continue to fall in many parts of the country, and too many kids are struggling with the early reading skills they will need to succeed in higher-level work. In the coming months, The 74 will be setting out to learn more about what makes the highest-performing schools successful. We hope others will pick up the mantle and learn from the schools that are beating the odds in their states. About This Project Where did the data come from? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data for this project come from two sources. Spring 2024 third-grade reading scores were downloaded from the Education Data Center, which compiles state test scores and makes them publicly available. The 2023-24 poverty data comes from the Common Core of Data from the National Center for Education Statistics. These numbers are reported by states to the federal government, but they may look different than the measures that states or districts use for their own purposes. How did you measure poverty? States use and report different metrics, so we looked at both free- and reduced-price lunch rates and the actual number of students who qualify, based on their familys participation in one or more means-tested federal relief programs. Because we were looking for positive outliers, we gave schools the benefit of the doubt and took the higher of these two figures. Why isnt my school or district on the list? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most likely reason is sample size. Weve included only schools with at least 30 students who took their states spring 2024 third grade English Language Arts test. The only exception was Maine, which did not break its results down by grade level, so its numbers are an aggregate across grades 3 to 8. All told, we had data for 41,883 schools serving 3,162,225 students across 10,414 districts. Can these data be compared across state lines? Because different states use different exams, we encourage readers to focus on within-state comparisons. Related Exclusive: Majority-Black Schools See Some Gains, But Recovery Not Fast Enough Attention, educators! Has your school been singled out as one of our Bright Spots? Are you open to talking with us about what youre doing to make a difference in the classroom? Wed love to learn more and possibly highlight your work on literacy; reach us at BrightSpots@the74million.org. AirAsia, said it is exploring a major expansion into the Middle East, including a potential direct flight from Manila to Bahrain within the next five years. The company on Monday signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Bahrains Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to explore establishing Bahrain as AirAsias Middle East hub, marking the start of a long-term partnership to build a major bridge between Asean and one of the worlds fastest-growing aviation regions. - Advertisement - Under the LOI, AirAsia will look into launching flights from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia to Bahrain over the next five years, with onward connectivity to Europe and the United States. The group will also evaluate establishing a Bahrain-based Air Operators Certificate (AOC) to operate narrowbody aircraft into key cities in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and Europe. By 2030, AirAsia expects to operate more than 25 daily flights via Bahrain, carrying over 20 million passengers over the next five years and contributing an estimated BHD 3 billion ($8 billion) to Bahrains economy. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Heres what youll learn when you read this story: The longest-lived mammals on Earth, bowhead whales, contain longevity secrets that scientists hope could be applied to our own biology. A new study analyzes gene repairing proteins and found that bowhead whales contain 100 times the concentration of CIRBP, a protein that repairs genetic damage known as double-strand breaks. They also found that the specimens subjected to colder temperatures tended to produce more of these proteins, a nifty trick for a species that lives in arctic waters. What is the goal of life? Of course, every animalhuman or otherwiselikely has a different answer. But if were talking from a purely numbers standpoint, with lifespan as the ultimate stat, then the elusive bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is clearly winning. Native to the subarctic and arctic waters of the northern hemisphere, these mysterious whales live incredibly long lives. Theyre so old, in fact, that native Alaskan Inupiat hunters have found Victorian-era spear tips embedded in their blubber and have been known to pass information down several generations in regards to specific whales, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only are they the longest-living mammal on Earth, theyre close to being the oldest animal of them all (taking the bronze longevity medal behind the Greenland shark and the ocean quahog). To date, the oldest recorded specimen is 211 years old. That means some Bowhead whales alive today couldve been born during the War of 1812. Considering this astonishing level of longevity, its no wonder that scientists are immensely curious as to how these massive, 100-ton beings pull it off. In a new study published in the journal Nature, a team of scientists led by researchers at the University of Rochester think they mightve found at least part of the answer. Compared to other mammals, Bowhead whales contain an unusually high concentration of a protein called CIRBP. This protein is known to repair double-strand breaks where both strands of the double helix DNA structure are severed, which typically causes disease and shortens lifespans. This research shows it is possible to live longer than the typical human lifespan, University of Rochesters Vera Gorbunova, senior author of the study, said in a press statement. By studying the only warm-blooded mammal that outlives humans, our work provides information about the mechanisms that allow such extended lifespans, underscoring the importance of genome maintenance for longevity. Studying these magnificent creatures is easier said than done. You cant exactly raise them in a lab (they can be up to 60 feet long) and some of the stocks of bowheads are endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), so theyre not exactly easy to come by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At first, the scientists expected that whales required a higher number of oncogenic hitsgenetic mutations that lead to the creation of cancerous cellsfor their cells to turn malignant. However, they found that they actually required fewer hits, and that the real secret was they just didnt accumulate these genetic hits in the first place. To find answers, the team examined Bowhead whale tissue, and while several type of repair proteins were present, CIRBP were in concentrations at 100-fold higher levels, according to Gorbunova. When the team added this protein to human and fruit fly cell cultures, DNA repair improved and lifetimes were expanded as expected. Weirdly, when these cells were subjected to lower temperatures, they produced more CIRBP in response. While scientists have understood the underlying mechanism behind the Bowhead whales long lifespan, translating that to a Great Ape species separated by more than 94 million years of evolution will be an arduous task. There are different ways to improve genome maintenance and here we learn there is one unique way that evolved in bowhead whales where they dramatically increase the levels of this protein, Gorbunova said in a press statement. Now we have to see if we can develop strategies to upregulate the same pathway in humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [galleryCarousel id='9e9354e9-d0c6-426e-ba21-7d41e95744de' mediaId='bff404b5-7549-405e-8a36-f46da3695ae4' display='carousel' align='center' size='medium' share='true' expand='' captions='true' suppress-title='false' hasProducts='false'][/galleryCarousel] You Might Also Like A week after Hurricane Melissa slammed into the Caribbean, the full scale of its path of destruction is starting to become clear. Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica last Tuesday as a powerful category 5 hurricane, the Caribbean nations strongest-ever storm to directly hit its shores, and the first major hurricane to do so since 1988. With wind speeds of up to 185mph it went on to tear a path through Cuba, the Bahamas and Bermuda before moving off to the north on Friday. As of Monday, the death toll stands at 67. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Below we look at the numbers that reveal why Melissa was branded one of the worst to make landfall in the last 25 years. Hurricane Melissa churns northwest through the Caribbean Sea (Getty) The Storm of the Century At its peak, Hurricane Melissa was a category 5 storm and the strongest of the year so far It is in the top three most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record, tying with two other hurricanes for strongest recorded landfall, with a top wind speed of 185mph Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and a 1935 storm known as the Labor Day hurricane, before storms were named the way they are now, both clocked winds of 185mph when they made landfall Government officials and meteorologists have described the storm as unprecedented, after it rapidly intensified due to exceptionally warm sea-surface temperatures and favourable conditions in the atmosphere. The rarity of a storm of such severity, and the scale of the damage inflicted on the affected land, have guaranteed that Melissa will go down in history as one of the most devastating on record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barring Covid-19, Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness said it may not only be the storm of the century, but disaster of the century. Hurricane Melissa left widespread damage in its wake, like in the coastal town of Black River, where 90 per cent of homes had roofs destroyed or damaged (AFP via Getty) Scale of destruction Estimated costs of damage vary wildly and it may be too early to gauge accurately. As it stands though, AccuWeather estimates $48bn to $52bn in damage and economic loss across the western Caribbean. The total population of all the islands affected is at least 25 million people. Western Jamaica was one of the hardest-hit areas, while Cuba, Haiti and the Bahamas were also severely impacted, with thousands of homes damaged. Heres a look at some of the numbers by country: Jamaica: Western parts of Jamaica worst hit, with 90 per cent of homes in the town of Black River losing roofing or being destroyed entirely The cost of the storms impact for Jamaica alone has been put at $7.7bn About 72 per cent of Jamaicas energy customers were left without power, and 6,000 people were still in emergency shelters over the weekend Much of Jamaica remains without power but eight hospitals have now got consistent energy running At least 28 deaths with more casualties expected as rescue efforts continue Jamaicas two main international airports, Sangster International airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, have both been reopened St Elizabeth, Jamaica, was badly hit by the storm, with whole towns left underwater (AFP via Getty) Cuba More than 3 million people exposed to life-threatening conditions during the storm 735,000 were safely evacuated 240 communities were cut off from power due to flooding and landslides. While work is underway to restore power, it is unclear how successful these efforts have been so far Haiti: Death toll about 31 since Friday, many died when a river overflowed in Petit-Goave 15,000 people gathered in more than 120 shelters Significant losses to agricultural sector because of saturation of soil, particularly banana plantations Haiti already suffered a humanitarian crisis due to gang violence with 1.4 million displaced The Bahamas: 1,500 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas Parts of the islands submerged in floodwaters A resident of El Cobre, in the province of Santiago de Cuba, walks past downed trees, power lines and destroyed houses (AFP via Getty) The Jamaican prime minister said the scale of destruction is unlike anything we have seen in decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Entire communities along the storms path were flattened, trees snapped like twigs, and the once-green Cockpit Country now bears a haunting, winter-like appearance, he wrote on X/Twitter. Government officials in the Caribbean say that damage assessment is still ongoing, as aid workers attempt to reach isolated communities. Our immediate priority is to restore electricity and telecommunications and to ensure that essential services, particularly at the Falmouth hospital, are stabilised, Mr Holness said on X, adding that Jamaica would rebuild stronger and wiser. Meanwhile, Jamaican health minister Christopher Tufton recognised that the death toll in Jamaica was probably higher than what has currently been reported because many places are still hard to access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the devastation, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) said that it would make a record payout to Jamaica of $70.8m. Satellite imagery shows the Jamaican town of Black River before and after the devastation (Vantor/Government of Jamaica) Humanitarian aid The US, UK, and Canada have all offered large disaster response packages for the region UN agencies have allocated millions of pounds worth of aid to the Caribbean, but have struggled to access some hard-to-reach areas Thousands of sanitation kits, reproductive health kits, and food boxes have been delivered across the affected islands A team from the US is being activated by the State Department, deploying a disaster response team, which will assist with providing food, water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, temporary shelter and search and rescue support. The UK, meanwhile, initially offered a 2.5m support package last week, before later announcing a further 5m. Canadas secretary of state is providing C$7m in support of the emergency relief. People walk through a flooded street after Hurricane Melissa hit Petit-Goave, Haiti (AFP via Getty) On Saturday, the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) announced that it had received 2,000 boxes of emergency food assistance shipped from Barbados, to be distributed in shelters and in the most-affected communities in the St. Elizabeth area Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNICEF the UNs childrens agency said water, sanitation and hygiene kits for about 14,500 people and nutritional supplies for over 4,000 children had been supplied before Melissa hit. Another $1m was allocated to support immediate emergency response. The UN Population Fund has provided up to 5,000 reproductive health kits and 4,000 dignity kits. A further $4m from its Central Emergency Response Fund has also been allocated to affected people in Jamaica. Medical kits for about 11,000 were provided by the Pan American Health Organisation. Millions are caught in Hurricane Melissa's path and need urgent help. We're working with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba to save lives, said the UNs humanitarian aid chief Tom Fletcher. The priority now is to get help to those who need it, said Pearnel P Charles Jr, Jamaicas minister of labour and social security during a brief stop en route to Black River for the first time with long-awaited relief supplies. This newsletter has been updated to reflect the correct year for the Iranian Hostage Crisis and the fact that Reagan succeeded Carter, not Nixon. We apologize for the embarrassing error. The Iranian Hostage Crisis began on this day in 1979. As CNN reported last week, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act played a role in President Jimmy Carters work to resolve the crisis; he invoked IEEPA to explain why he could use frozen Iranian assets as a bargaining chip.' The Supreme Court later reviewed and upheld his interpretation of IEEPA, which was supported by his successor, President Ronald Reagan, in a decision that may play a role in this terms tariffs case. SCOTUS Quick Hits The justices will hear argument today in two cases: Coney Island Auto Parts Unlimited v. Burton (on whether there is a time limit for setting aside a judgment as void for lack of personal jurisdiction) and The Hain Celestial Group v. Palmquist (on what to do when a trial court improperly dismisses a defendant who would have deprived the court of jurisdiction to hear the case). SCOTUSblog will host a live blog on Wednesday during oral arguments in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, in which the court will consider the legality of President Donald Trumps tariffs. The live blog will begin at 9:30 a.m. EST and be shared by C-SPAN. Amy Howe will be interviewed on C-SPAN before the arguments and Zachary Shemtob will be interviewed on C-SPAN after the arguments have ended. Also after the tariffs argument, the Advisory Opinions podcast will be available on SCOTUSblog. Host Sarah Isgur will be joined by Amy, David French, Roman Martinez, and David Lat. Additional briefs in Trump v. Illinois, on Trumps authority to federalize and deploy National Guard troops in Illinois, are due by next Monday, Nov. 10. There have been a great deal of questions about whether, given the government shutdown, the public is able to attend oral arguments. On its website, the court states that [s]eating for the oral argument session will be provided to the public, members of the Supreme Court Bar, and press. Morning Reads A Closer Look: Diversity Jurisdiction Diversity jurisdiction, which is perhaps all-too familiar to civil litigators and law students, will be at the center of todays arguments in The Hain Celestial Group v. Palmquist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what is diversity jurisdiction? As Ronald Mann recently explained in SCOTUSblog, this allows federal courts to hear cases that involve parties from different states even if the cases dont raise any questions of federal law. The founders added diversity jurisdiction to the Constitution out of distrust for state courts in certain circumstances; specifically, the fear that judges and juries in one state might unite against individuals and entities from another, such as out-of-state creditors trying to collect debts, or disputes over land claims across states. As Alexander Hamilton put it in Federalist No. 80, without a neutral federal referee, local attachments could stifle interstate trade and favor certain parties. But there are caveats: As Congress made clear in the Judiciary Act of 1789, this only applied for cases with an amount in controversy worth more than $500 (a hefty sum back then). Furthermore, complete diversity is required, meaning no plaintiff can share a home state with any defendant. Two centuries later, diversity jurisdiction has grown with America and so have questions about whether it still makes sense. Congress increased the amount in controversy to $75,000 in 1996 to ease crowded dockets (diversity cases now fill about one-third of federal civil filings). Meanwhile, legal scholars disagree on the value of diversity jurisdiction, with some calling it an outdated and irrational fear, burdening federal courts with everyday state squabbles and allowing parties to shop for friendlier courts. On the other hand, proponents argue, among other things, that diversity jurisdiction is part of a carefully constructed constitutional plan intended to promote the free flow of commerce and a national identity. SCOTUS Quote JUSTICE ALITO: I mean, what I took from your brief is youre saying Boyles inconsistent with textualism. Who wrote Boyle? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MR. CHANG: Justice Scalia wrote it. JUSTICE ALITO: I mean, so youre saying the Founding Father of textualism doesnt understand textualism. Hencely v. Fluor Corporation On Site Contributor Corner President Trumps Tariffs v. the Supreme Courts Duties In his latest Major Questions post, Adam White explored the nuances of the tariffs case and highlighted a few issues to watch for during oral arguments on Wednesday, including whether the justices seem to see the tariffs as mainly a matter of foreign policy or a potential infringement on Congress power of the purse.' White also reflected on what will happen if the court rules against the Trump administration, contending that such a decision may have less of an effect than it seems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Can We Learn from the First Round of Oral Arguments? In his latest Empirical SCOTUS column, Adam Feldman analyzed oral arguments during the October sitting, including what types of questions the justices asked and who spoke the most. The data suggested that, so far this term, the court is pressing for workable standards and showing more interest in how decisions will be applied than in how theyll read in textbooks, Feldman wrote. Whether that caution holds as more politically charged cases arrive remains to be seen. For more Supreme Court news and analysis, visit SCOTUSblog. Read more at SCOTUSblog Five months after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2308 into law, the state is preparing to launch the nations largest state-funded psychedelic research initiative: a $50 million program centered on Ibogaine, a plant-derived psychoactive compound. The effort aims to move Ibogaine through FDA-approved clinical trials targeting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), opioid addiction, and other related mental health conditions that have greatly affected veterans. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issued its Request for Consortium Proposals in July, requiring applicants to form teams including a public university, a pharmaceutical developer, and a Texas hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although HHSC has not yet announced the winning consortium, finalists are allegedly already preparing Investigational New Drug applications with the FDA. Once chosen, the winning group must seek Breakthrough Therapy designation and conduct trials in cardiac-monitored facilities due to Ibogaines potential heart risks. Bryan Hubbard, executive director of the American Ibogaine Initiative, stated in recent interviews that magnesium co-administration has significantly enhanced Ibogaines safety, surpassing some of the treatment benefits currently offered to patients across America. These risks can be fully mitigated with the co-administration of magnesium, which is the standard of care in the best Ibogaine clinics For 80% of people, one dose of Ibogaine can fully reset the brains dependency on opioids Ibogaine shortens that recovery process to just two days, Hubbard told Medium.com. Stanford Study Strengthens the Case For Ibogaines PTSD Benefits Support for ibogaine trials surged after Stanford Medicine released updated results from a 20242025 study tracking 30 special operations veterans with mild-to-moderate TBIs from blast exposure. Participants received a single ibogaine dose alongside intravenous magnesium at a clinic in Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outcomes were striking: PTSD symptoms dropped 88% within a month, and 71% of participants no longer met diagnostic criteria after a year. Depression scores fell 87%, anxiety by 81%, and cognitive function improved across multiple other areas. World Health Organizations Disability scores dropped from 30.2 (moderate disability) to 5.1 (no disability). Brain imaging also showed signs of neural repair and reduced hypervigilance, and no serious cardiac events were recorded under the magnesium protocol. No other drug has ever been able to alleviate the functional and neuropsychiatric symptoms of traumatic brain injuryThe results are dramatic, and we intend to study this compound further, said Dr. Nolan Williams. Famous Veterans Advocate Push for Ibogaine Access High-profile veterans have become some of Ibogaines most vocal supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Navy SEAL Robert ONeill, who led the 2011 Osama bin Laden raid, discussed his experiences with the drug on his podcast The Operator, crediting Ibogaine with helping him overcome years of trauma. No more nightmares, no more hypervigilance, ONeill said, Put an Ibogaine clinic in every damn VA hospital. ONeills advocacy follows similar testimony from Green Beret Chris Thompson and Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer, both of whom testified in support of the ibogaine legislation at the Texas Capitol on April 7. From Mexican Clinics to FDA Oversight Before SB 2308, thousands of veterans allegedly traveled to Mexico for unregulated ibogaine treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new law will reportedly bring those efforts under the supervision of both state and federal authorities, enrolling up to 300 participants primarily veterans and first responders while requiring medical screenings to detect cardiac risks. Texas will now lead the way in America for the evaluation of ibogaine as a potential medication that can help improve the lives of so many veterans, Abbott said when signing the bill back in July. Quarterly progress reports to the Legislature begin December 1, 2025. If successful, the trials could earn ibogaine Breakthrough Therapy status by 2028, opening the door to new compassionate-use programs for veterans in need. A New Psychedelic Frontier The initiative builds on Texass earlier psilocybin research (another psychoactive compound being studied for its potential medical benefits) under HB 1802 and mirrors Arizonas $5 million investment in Ibogaine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many veterans, the promise holds personal significance. Before the treatment, I was living life in a blizzard with zero visibility and a cold, hopeless, listless feeling, Sean, a 51-year-old veteran from Arizona with six combat deployments told Stanford researchers. After ibogaine, the storm lifted. NEED TO KNOW The New York State Police (NYSP) responded to SUNY Morrisville at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, regarding a report of a person shot The shooting at the campus' South Hall, left a 20-year-old male, who is not a student, with a gunshot wound to the neck No other individuals were injured during the incident and there are no reports of any additional victims, per the NYSP The search for a suspect is ongoing after a man was shot at the State University of New York at Morrisville, forcing a campus lockdown. Police officers responded to SUNY Morrisville's South Hall, one of the campus' residential buildings, at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, regarding a report of a person shot, the New York State Police said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around the same time, the campus went on lockdown and announced that all evening classes had been canceled. "Students in classes currently are required to remain in place. Please remain where you are until the lockdown has been lifted," a post from the university on X reads. Google Maps SUNY Morrisville sign SUNY Morrisville sign After NYSP troopers arrived, a 20-year-old male who is not a student at SUNY Morrisville was located with a gunshot wound to the neck. The victim was transported to Upstate University Hospital for treatment. No other individuals were injured during the incident, and there are no reports of any additional victims, per the NYSP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYSP later said there is no indication of any ongoing threat to the campus. On Monday afternoon, SUNY Morrisville announced on its website that the shelter-in-place order had been lifted for all of campus, except for Onondaga and South Hall. The university advised that residents of Onondaga and South Hall must remain in their residence halls until instructed otherwise by law enforcement, as they will be searching the buildings and remaining on campus throughout the night. According to SUNY Morrisville, students who are cleared from Onondaga and South Halls can go to the Rec Center, where food will be provided. All other students can get food at the Seneca Dining Hall. Getty Stock image of yellow police tape Stock image of yellow police tape "All of a sudden we heard the alarm saying this is a lockdown, this is a shelter in place and that this is an emergency," Paige Novak, a student at SUNY Morrisville, told CNY Central. "It's one of those things that you hear about that you think will never happen to you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYSP is leading the investigation in coordination with campus police and the Madison County Sheriff's Office. A command post has been established as law enforcement continues to process the scene and search nearby areas. Members of the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Uniformed Services, Special Operations Response Team (SORT), and K9 units are also on scene assisting with the investigation. SUNY Morrisville advised the campus community to be prepared to see and receive instructions from law enforcement personnel. The NYSP told PEOPLE on Monday evening there were no new updates in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Gov. Kathleen Hochul said in a statement on X that she had been briefed on the shooting. 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. PEOPLE has reached out to SUNY Morrisville for comment. Read the original article on People Seattle is allocating $8 million from emergency funds to support food banks across the city, addressing the urgent need for food assistance as thousands face uncertainty due to federal inaction. The funds will be distributed to 32 food banks throughout Seattle over the next two months or until SNAP benefits are restored. We all agree that we have to step up and do something in the wake of federal inaction, said Sara Nelson, City Council President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robin Peterson from the West Seattle Food Bank expressed concern, stating, There is absolutely a fear that they are not going to last. Peterson noted the apprehension felt by many, as people are unsure where their next meal will come from. Theres a lot of fear. There is a lot of apprehension, she said. City Councilmember Rob Saka described the situation as outrageous, emphasizing the urgency of the citys response. The resolution to allocate emergency funds was passed unanimously by the city council, with nine votes in favor and none opposed. Nelson acknowledged the limitations of the funding, stating, Theres really about a $16 million need right now. And so, we just dont have those resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Seattle works to distribute the $8 million to food banks, the city aims to alleviate the immediate food insecurity faced by thousands. Peterson affirmed the commitment of food banks to meet the needs of the community, saying, We are going to continue to meet the needs to the best of our abilities. A Fox News host has issued a dire warning to the president after the latest Democrat victory in a series of stinging Republican electoral defeats. Look at the numbers, get the experts in there, and if the numbers show the Hispanic vote went heavily for the Democrat, that is a warning sign for next year, Brian Kilmeade told Fox & Friends viewers on Wednesday. His comments came in response to Democrat Eileen Higginss thumping victory against GOP candidate Emilio Gonzalez in Miamis mayoral race Senate Republicans nixed an attempt by Democrats to pass a resolution that aimed to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on Monday after those funds dried up over the weekend amid the government shutdown. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) attempted to pass a non-binding resolution via unanimous consent on Wednesday that would call on the Department of Agriculture to fully fund SNAP benefits for the month of November to the tune of $8 billion. However, that effort was nixed by Republicans as Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) objected, arguing that the simple way of ensuring those benefits go out to 42 million recipients is by reopening the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt lawmaking. Its a political stunt by the Democrats. The resolution theyre offering is empty, Barrasso said. It is meaningless. Democrats knew their actions threatened food assistance. They were fully aware of it, he added, noting multiple times that Democrats have voted against the spending bill 13 times. If Democrats really wanted to help struggling families, theyd stop blocking a clean continuing resolution. The Oregon Democrat pitched his measure while being flanked by a green placard that read: Trump is weaponizing food for the sake of MAHA, an acronym for Make America Hungry Again. Lets all together say fund SNAP not weeks or months from now, but right now so Americas families will benefit, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move comes on the heels of the Trump administration saying it would partially fund SNAP via a pocket of money at the Agriculture Department. That would cover $5 billion of those funds, meaning recipients only got partial benefits. 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 The Hill. The News Senators are actively discussing a deal that would reopen the government, including hashing out a new stopgap funding bill that would last at least until December and possibly beyond. After forcing Democrats to vote on the Houses short-term bill 13 times over the past 6 weeks, Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the legislation no longer helps the current crisis because it expires on Nov. 21, leaving little time for progress on full-year spending bills. The Senate hasnt voted on that bill since Oct. 28. Now, the South Dakota Republican told reporters, his goal is to send something back to the House that would open up the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a nod to reality after 34 days of fruitless positioning during the shutdown, but an important one that will allow the Senate to now take the lead. Inevitably, the result of the Senate talks will force House Republicans to end their six-week absence from Washington. Were going to need to extend the date, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso told Semafor. The current [continuing resolution] goes to Nov. 21, and todays the third. So we need to go beyond that. Another sure sign of the seriousness in the Senate: Republicans are battling over where to land. Conservatives want the continuing resolution to extend until Jan. 15 to avoid a pre-Christmas deal with Democrats, but Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she wants the spending bill to expire on Dec. 19. Collins fear is that a longer stopgap bill could drain momentum for spending talks and lead to a full-year continuing resolution, which would be a disaster for congressional appropriators but supported by many conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A shorter funding patch would also give Democrats another leverage point if they dont see progress on their top priority, an extension of enhanced tax credits for health insurance premiums. Its meaningful that were having discussions about what the date really will be when we reopen the government. Because Nov. 21 for an end date for a CR doesnt make a ton of sense to anybody, said Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. I would like to see something that works for us to continue to work on this problem of health care costs in a meaningful way, Kelly added. And also get those House members back here. The endpoint of a new stopgap bill is only one in a complex series of connected issues that need to be addressed in order to reopen the government over the next week, and several senators cautioned that any agreement is still up in the air. Many members in both parties support passing regular spending bills instead of governing by stopgap bills, but the health care subsidies remain a huge sticking point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thune is willing to offer a vote on extending the health insurance subsidies, but Democrats say they want more given the possibility that such a vote would fall to a filibuster. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., has pitched a working group of senators that would write their own product for consideration on the floor. I sense that people are tired of this shutdown, but were still stuck with this premise of what were going to do about health care, said Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill. Still, theres no question that many lawmakers feel far closer to reopening the government than they did a week ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have made some progress over the weekend, Collins said. It just feels better this week. Now, who knows: It could all fall apart again. Know More Collins cited the biting effects of the shutdown as a critical motivation for negotiators: Food aid payments and other government benefits expired over the weekend, sending states scrambling to address the shortfalls as the Trump administration makes partial payments. In addition, flight delays are beginning to cascade across the country as government workers go without paychecks. Were having lots of active conversations about ending the shutdown, said Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Tuesday evening, the off-year elections will also be over, clearing the calendar of any imminent political calculations. And the widespread agreement on the futility of the House-passed stopgap bill is prompting new waves of optimism. I think weve got a real shot. Im hopeful, said Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D. Room for Disagreement The expiring enhanced health care subsidies prompted Democrats push to shut down the government. And those tax credits fate is going to weigh heavily on their votes to reopen it. Without a clean path toward getting Trumps signature on a law extending those health care benefits, many Democrats will struggle to support a shutdown agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American people want us to fight for them. Shutdowns hurt, but the pain I just heard in Florida is going to be worse than anything happening with a shutdown. Because when those premiums go up by 100, 200%, peoples lives are ruined. People will die, said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who traveled to New Jersey and Florida over the past few days. My sense is, people want us to fight, he added. People see the real-life consequences of us failing in our fight to get these premium increases stopped. Burgesss view Its still a long road to ending the shutdown, but many Democrats are sick of it and pursuing an exit strategy. And Republicans move to negotiate a new end date for the stopgap spending bill is a substantive step toward a deal because it invites bipartisan input, rather than forcing Democrats again to vote on something they have repeatedly rejected. Notable Nov. 3COLUMBIA BASIN Holiday shopping, music, crafts and fun await this month in the Basin. Here are a few things to put on the calendar. Nov. 5-8 Piper Barn Show A tradition for over 30 years, this holiday bazaar features more than 60 vendors offering handmade goods, home decor, vintage finds, clothing, gifts and seasonal treasures. The Ephrata Senior Center will take a busload there Saturday, leaving at 10 a.m. Admission $7 the first day, free after that. Lunch and dinner served daily. Noon-7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at 1508 Road S SE, Moses Lake. Info: www.piperbarn.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov. 6 Aaron Crawford Live performance by the pioneer of the Cascade Country sound. 6:30 p.m. at Gard Public House, 112 Evergreen Ave. NW, Royal City. Reservations and info: bit.ly/gardpublichouse or 509-414-1484. Nov. 8 Movies and Robots Explore the world of robots on and off the screen! Participants will watch robot-themed movies, then bring the action to life by coding their own robots. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the George Public Library, 403 S. Washington Way. Info: 509-785-7043. Nov. 11 Coffey Anderson Veterans Day Concert Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, patriotism and community with a special Veterans Day performance by country music star Coffey Anderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov. 14 H.E. Gritman Senior Center Fundraising Breakfast Enjoy a homemade breakfast of pancakes and sausage or biscuits and gravy and sausage. Cost is $7 and all ages are welcome. All proceeds go to support the activities at the Senior Center. 7-10 a.m. at 118 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 509-659-1921. Introduction to the Indigenous Art Form of Beading Local indigenous artist Amanda Keewatinawin will host a workshop on the indigenous art form of beading and how to create your own beaded fringe earrings. Hand curated kits and instructions will be provided for each participant along with a brief history of indigenous beadwork. Ages 18 and older. 5:30-8 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov. 15 Harvest to Holidays Market Moses Lake Farmers Market off-season market. Fresh produce, holiday gifts, baked goods, handmade treasures and more. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Grant county Fairgrounds Commercial Building, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-237-2100. Retro-Con Power up your nostalgia at Retro-Con, the ultimate celebration of all things retro. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just love the classics, this one-day event is packed with vintage treasures and pop culture gems. Rare toys, video games, collectibles and more. Admission free for all ages. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Youth Dynamics Building, 106 E. Third Ave., Moses Lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukulele Jams Ukulele jams allow you to learn or practice playing simple chords while singing along with instructor Jennifer McCarthy and other participants. Bring your instrument and desire to make music to the museum once a month and enjoy the benefits of singing and playing in a group. Don't have a ukulele? The museum has a few on hand for you to borrow during class. No charge, ages 5 and up. 1-2 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: Info: 509-764-3830. Nov. 16 Old Time Fiddlers Musical jam for anyone who wants to play or just enjoy the music. 2-4 p.m. at the Moses lake Senior Center, 608 E. Third Ave. Info: 509-765-7809. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov. 20 Friends of the Moses Lake Library Book Sale Peruse through gently used books and take home a new treasure for your home library. Proceeds go to help fund library programs. 2-6 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-771-7634. Bingo for K-9s Support the Columbia Basin K9s with prizes, silent auction items, a 50/50 drawing and bingo. Hosted by Sheriff Joey Kriete with dinner by A-Crew BBQ. A $5 donation is suggested per bingo card. Dinner 56 p.m., bingo 6 p.m. at Moses Lake Taproom, 530 W Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052. 'Seabiscuit' Screening of the film starring David McCullough and Jeff Bridges about the life and career of the famous racehorse. 2 p.m. at the Ephrata Senior Center, 124 C St. NW. Info: www.ephrataseniorcenter.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov. 21 Downtown Tree Lighting Kick off the holiday season with Moses Lake's traditional tree lighting. 4-6 p.m. at Sinkiuse Square. Info: www.downtownmoseslake.org. Nov 21-22, 24-25 'Mamma Mia!' Set on a sunny Greek island, "Mamma Mia!" tells the story of Sophie, a young bride-to-be who secretly invites three men from her mother Donna's past in hopes of discovering which one is her father. As the big day approaches, the past and present collide in this heartwarming and hilarious tale of love, friendship, and self-discovery all set to the timeless hits of ABBA. Come join the MLHS Theatre Troupe for this high-energy musical filled with laughter, heart, and unforgettable music. 7 p.m. Friday-Tuesday, 32 p.m. matinee Saturday at Moses Lake High School, 803 Sharon Ave. E. Tickets and info: https://bit.ly/MLHSMammaMiaTix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov. 23 Turkey Bingo Prize for each game will be an 18- to 20-pound turkey, with additional cash prizes for some games. Baked potatoes, hot dogs, pop and chips for sale by the Quincy High School Fire Science Class. Hosted by Quincy Valley Lions club. Doors open at 1 p.m., games begin at 2 p.m. at the Quincy Business and Conference Center, 115 F St. SE. Info: 509-398-2631. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Last winter, Amber Wingler started getting a series of increasingly urgent messages from the local hospital in Columbia, Missouri, letting her know her family's health care might soon be upended. MU Health Care, where most of her family's doctors work, was mired in a contract dispute with Wingler's health insurer, Anthem. The existing contract was set to expire. Nationwide, contract disputes are common, with more than 650 hospitals having public spats with an insurer since 2021. They could become even more common as hospitals brace for about $1 trillion in cuts to federal health care spending prescribed by President Donald Trump's signature legislation signed into law in July. Patients caught in a contract dispute have few good options. "There's that old African proverb: that when two elephants fight, the grass gets trampled. And unfortunately, in these situations, oftentimes patients are grass," said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation, a nonprofit that helps people who are having trouble accessing health care. If you're feeling trampled by a contract dispute between a hospital and your insurer, here is what you need to know to protect yourself financially: 1. 'Out-of-network' means you'll likely pay more Insurance companies negotiate contracts with hospitals and other medical providers to set the rates they will pay for various services. When they reach an agreement, the hospital and most of the providers who work there become part of the insurance company's network. Most patients prefer to see providers who are "in-network" because their insurance picks up some, most, or even all of the bill, which could be hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you see an out-of-network provider, you could be on the hook for the whole tab. If you decide to stick with your familiar doctors even though they're out-of-network, consider asking about getting a cash discount and about the hospital's financial assistance program. 2. Rifts between hospitals and insurers often get repaired When Brown University health policy researcher Jason Buxbaum examined 3,714 nonfederal hospitals across the U.S., he said, he found that about 18% of them had a public dispute with an insurance company sometime from June 2021 to May 2025. About half of those hospitals ultimately dropped out of the insurance company's network, according to Buxbaum's preliminary data. But most of those breakups ultimately get resolved within a month or two, he added. So your doctors very well could end up back in the network, even after a split. 3. You might qualify for an exception to keep costs lower Certain patients with serious or complex conditions might qualify for an extension of in-network coverage, called continuity of care. You can apply for that extension by contacting your insurer, but the process may prove lengthy. Some hospitals have set up resources to help patients apply for that extension. Wingler ran that gantlet for her daughter, spending hours on the phone, filling out forms, and sending faxes. But she said she didn't have the time or energy to do that for everyone in her family. "My son was going through physical therapy," she said. "But I'm sorry, dude, like, just do your exercises that you already have. I'm not fighting to get you coverage too, when I'm already fighting for your sister." Also worth noting, if you're dealing with a medical emergency: For most emergency services, hospitals can't charge patients more than their in-network rates. 4. Switching your insurance carrier may need to wait You might be thinking of switching to an insurer that covers your preferred doctors. But be aware: Many people who choose their insurance plans during an annual open enrollment period are locked into their plan for a year. Insurance contracts with hospitals are not necessarily on the same timeline as your "plan year." Certain life events, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing a job, can qualify you to change insurance outside of your annual open enrollment period, but your doctors' dropping out of an insurance network is not a qualifying life event. 5. Doctor-shopping can be time-consuming If the split between your insurance company and hospital looks permanent, you might consider finding a new slate of doctors and other providers who are in-network with your plan. Where to start? Your insurance plan likely has an online tool to search for in-network providers near you. But know that making a switch could mean waiting to establish yourself as a patient with a new doctor and, in some cases, traveling a fair distance. 6. It's worth holding on to your receipts Even if your insurance and hospital don't strike a deal before their contract expires, there's a decent chance they will still make a new agreement. Some patients decide to put off appointments while they wait. Others keep their appointments and pay out-of-pocket. Hold on to your receipts if you do. When insurers and hospitals make up, the deals are often backdated, so the appointments you paid for out-of-pocket could be covered after all. 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. As humans began to explore outer space in the latter half of the 20th century, radio waves proved a powerful tool. Scientists could send out radio waves to communicate with satellites, rockets and other spacecraft, and use radio telescopes to take in radio waves emitted by objects throughout the universe. However, sometimes radio telescopes would pick up the artificial radio signals from telecommunications. This interference threatened sensitive astronomy observations, causing inaccurate data and even damaging equipment. While this interference frustrated scientists, it also sparked an idea. During the Cold War, a new field emerged at the intersection of radio astronomy and radio communications. It put forward the idea that astronomers could search for radio communications from possibly existing extraterrestrial civilizations. Astronomy usually dealt with observing the universes natural phenomena. But this new field made the detection of technologically, or artificially produced radio waves, the object of a natural science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This field has continued today and is now called the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, or SETI. SETI encompasses all that scientists do to search for intelligent life beyond Earth. It includes one of the original uses of radio telescopes: to study signals from across the galaxy in hopes of detecting intelligent messages. When the idea behind SETI was first proposed and pursued in the 1960s, only two countries, the U.S. and the USSR, had the technical capability for it. As the only space powers at the time, they were the key actors affected by radio frequency interference. As a historian of science, Ive worked to make sense of what happened throughout the history of Soviet SETI during the space race by analyzing a range of primary sources. SETI captured the scientific imagination of many prominent Soviet astronomers in the 1960s and early 1970s. Astronomers have not yet confirmed any detection of radio signals or any other kinds of signs from extraterrestrial civilizations. But many scientists are still searching, even as their bold ideas run into obstacles. Some evidence suggests humans might be the only intelligent life in the universe. Soviet SETI: The golden age of radio astronomy SETI is intertwined with the profound changes brought by radio astronomy. Up until the second part of the 20th century, scientists could see astronomical objects and phenomena only in optical or visible light. Optical light is the same kind of light that the human eye is sensitive to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After World War II, scientists figured out that they could peacefully use radar antennas, developed for use in that war, to detect radio signals coming from objects out in the universe. Deciphering these signals allowed researchers to study astronomical objects in the universe. They learned, for example, about the most abundant element: hydrogen. In the former Soviet Union, the prominent radio astronomy pioneer Iosif Samuilovich Shklovsky played a key role in detecting radio signals from hydrogen. Scientists knew that every chemical element would absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, and the light signals that an object absorbed or reflected could tell astronomers what element it was. Most hydrogen could not be observed directly in optical light, so astronomers didnt spot it out in space until they started looking beyond the visible light spectrum. Shklovsky figured out how to detect hydrogen with radio waves, which helped astronomers map the distribution and motion of hydrogen gas in and between galaxies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historians generally consider the year 1960 the start of the golden age of radio astronomy. After the detection of hydrogen, astronomers discovered previously unknown types of stars, such as pulsars and quasars. These phenomena offered scientists new insights into the nature of astrophysical phenomena and fundamental physics. The Priroda issue in which Shklovskys article Is Communication with Intelligent Beings of Other Planets Possible? was published. Priroda/RAS Shklovsky later grew fascinated with the possibility of using radio waves to contact other intelligent beings in the universe. In 1960, he published an article on this topic in one of the countrys most prestigious scientific journals. Shklovskys article soon expanded into a widely popular book called Universe, Life, Intelligence, published in 1962. That same year, the USSRs Academy of Sciences sent its first radio message in the direction of Venus from a radar in Crimea. The experiment involved bouncing radio signals off the surface of Venus to transmit the following words using Morse code: Lenin, USSR and mir, which in Russian means both world and peace. Even though statistically increasing radio interference risk, this message was mainly symbolic. The Soviet Union wanted to depict its technological might and wasnt expecting to communicate with extraterrestrials. Soviet SETI was thus not yet a real pursuit. Iosif S. Shklovsky at a SETI conference in Soviet Russia in 1975. NRAO/AUI/NSF Starting an organized search Shklovsky and the majority of other radio astronomers pursuing the search for extraterrestrial intelligence were all located in central Russia at the time. The USSR Academy of Sciences was also located there. But this group needed more formal measures to move their search from a few initiatives into a coordinated effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to concerns over unwanted public attention, the scientists organized a conference far from Moscow, at the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory in the Soviet Republic of Armenia, in 1964. At this conference, researchers formed a group specifically dedicated to studying artificial radio signals from space. With this group, SETI became a top-down, state-led activity. A 1971 Conference Proceedings volume focused on SETI (CETI in Cyrillic) and was published in Russian. With this validation, scientists could now theoretically look for artificial signals, potentially from an alien origin. However, any discussions about artificial radio signals were subject to strict government surveillance, given the fact that military satellites depended on them, too. Soviet scientists faced several obstacles. For example, their own governments secrecy made coordination difficult. The Cold War also set limits on developing SETI internationally. However, they had a green light to search and study peculiar signals they suspected had artificial origin. International collaboration Efforts to collaborate internationally on artificial signals culminated in 1971 with a symposium, again at Byurakan. There, about 50 scientists the majority from the U.S. and the USSR, but also some from Czechoslovakia, Hungary, the U.K. and Canada agreed to disagree on how to best conduct SETI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some in attendance compared this gathering to Noahs Ark, because an almost equal number of prominent scientists from East and West of the Iron Curtain managed to meet that year. And the gathering took place in Armenia at the foot of Mount Ararat, located in neighboring Turkey. This mountain is where archaeologists believe Noahs Ark may have beached. After almost a week of discussion at Byurakan, the two geopolitical blocks designated an official SETI group. That group still exists today, and it still connects researchers all around the world who conduct SETI research. Given the secrecy around radio signals in space, this international SETI group marked a momentous diplomatic achievement at the height of the Cold War. Postcard with Soviet scientists conducting SETI experiments in the Pamir region of Tajikistan, with a note on the back to their U.S. correspondent. NRAO/AUI/NSF SETI started in the Soviet Union with a few strong Moscow-based initiatives. It continued through group events in Armenia from the first state-level Soviet conference to the international one. SETI is the first and only domain of astronomy to study artificial radio signals themselves. It indirectly addressed radio frequency interference during a time when these frequencies were highly unregulated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stakeholder countries eventually addressed their radio frequency interference issues with international agreements on radio frequency usage and allocation. An international committee approved a feasible and comprehensive radio frequency allocation plan for the first time in the 1970s. This plan has been revised and renewed ever since. Today, space scientists and astronomers use an internationally agreed upon plan to minimize this interference. Remarkably, SETI began even before this allocation plan. SETI continues its rich legacy today by continuing to search for signals and along the way discovering new astrophysical objects and phenomena. 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: Gabriela Radulescu, Smithsonian Institution Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabriela Radulescu has received funding from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum as a Guggenheim Postdoctoral Fellow (2024-2025), from the American Institute of Physics for a Grant-in-Aid, as well as from the Elsa-Neumann Scholarship and the Technical University of Berlin Coordinating Office for Womens Advancement and Gender Equality for her doctoral research. Bomb threats to New Jersey polling stations, a voter roll mishap in Pennsylvania potentially affecting thousands of voters and warnings by President Donald Trump against Californias mail balloting system marked the final day of voting in an off-year election with several nationally prominent races. Voting otherwise appeared to go smoothly Tuesday across the U.S., as voters cast ballots in the first significant election since Trump won the White House for a second time. They were deciding governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia, a mayor's race in New York, Supreme Court elections in Pennsylvania, and voting and gun control measures in Maine. A redistricting initiative in California that was a response to Trump's push to redraw congressional lines in GOP-controlled states ahead of next year's midterm elections has been of particular interest to the Republican president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His Department of Justice sent election monitors to five counties in California, a state Trump has lost three times and whose mail balloting system he has often criticized despite no evidence of any widespread fraud or other voting-related problems. In a post Tuesday on his social media platform, the president called the state's voting process RIGGED and warned that it was under very serious legal and criminal review. STAY TUNED! Claims of election rigging are almost routine for Trump in the run-up to elections and sometimes on the day of voting itself. On Election Day last year, before he was declared the winner, he claimed without providing any details or evidence that there was talk about massive cheating in Philadelphia and said law enforcement was on the way. He continues to lie about his loss in the 2020 presidential election. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has been championing the redistricting initiative, responded to Trump with his own social media post calling the president A totally unserious person spreading false information in a desperate attempt to cope with his failures. Secretary of State Shirley Weber called it "another baseless claim. The bottom line is California elections have been validated by the courts," she said in a statement. "California voters will not be deceived by someone who consistently makes desperate, unsubstantiated attempts to dissuade Americans from participating in our democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Virginia as the polls closed, Susan Beals, commissioner of elections, thanked officials for running a very smooth election. Beals said there was a power outage in Virginia Beach, but the voting machine had battery backup and emergency lights came on so voting continued. In New Jersey, law enforcement and election officials acted swiftly as voting began to secure polling places following a series of bomb threats. Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who also serves as the state's top election official, said the threats had been emailed to seven counties, including Passaic, a key swing county. It also is the only county outside California where the Department of Justice had sent election monitors, in both cases at the request of the Republican parties in each state. Law enforcement has determined that there are no credible threats at this time, Way said. We are doing everything in our power to protect voters and poll workers and coordinate closely with state, local and federal partners to ensure a smooth and safe election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the day, authorities arrested a juvenile suspect in connection with some of the bomb threats. The potential charges were not immediately released. A New Jersey judge granted a one-hour extension for voters to be able to cast ballots at some polling places in Passaic County. The threats came as the final day of voting began in New Jersey's closely-watched race for governor and a year after a series of bomb threats disrupted voting during last years presidential election, mostly in battleground states. Bomb threat hoaxes also circulated in Springfield, Ohio, last year after Donald Trump during the campaign amplified false claims of Haitian immigrants there abducting and eating pets. The threats Tuesday involved nearly two dozen polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Passaic counties, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement. Some polling places reopened quickly, he said, while voters at others were directed to nearby locations to cast their ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement officers have responded at each affected polling place, and they have worked swiftly to secure these polling locations and ensure the safety of every voter, Platkin said. The FBI's Newark office said it was aware of the reports and was assisting the state and local agencies. This Dept. of Justice is committed to free, fair and safe elections, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a social media post related to the bomb threat investigation. Passaic County received three threats and redirected some affected voters to other locations early Tuesday, county spokesperson Lindsay Reed said in an email. One location, a school building, was cleared and voting resumed. In Pennsylvania, nearly 20% of voters in Chester County were left out of the poll books originally provided to polling locations Tuesday, county officials said. That included voters registered as anything other than a Republican or a Democrat, including those registered with the Green or Libertarian parties or independents with no party affiliation. The category includes about 75,000 registered voters out of roughly 385,000 countywide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Chester County judge later extended voting by provisional ballot to 10 p.m. at all polling locations. Election officials in the Democratic-leaning county located about 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) west of Philadelphia became aware of the problem just after polling places opened and had provided supplemental poll books to all 230 polling locations by late afternoon. There will be a formal review. A majority of Chester County voters backed Democrat Kamala Harris over Trump in last years presidential election. Voters on Tuesday were weighing in on local offices, as well as on members of Pennsylvanias highest court. Three Democratic justices on the state Supreme Court were running in nonpartisan retention elections, in which voters give a yes or no on whether they serve another term. Third-party and independent voters who came to cast ballots before supplemental poll books arrived were offered a provisional ballot. County review boards consider the status of provisional ballots within seven days of Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Smyth reported from Columbus, Ohio, and Fingerhut from Des Moines, Iowa. Associated Press writers Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, Sarah Brumfeld in Washington and Jennifer McDermott in Providence, Rhode Island contributed to this report. A civil lawsuit accusing Manchester Bishop Peter A. Libasci of sexual abuse while he was a priest in New York in the 1980s has been dismissed. The former altar boy who was suing Libasci died at the age of 53 in 2024. The alleged victim filed a lawsuit in the Suffolk County (New York) Supreme Court in 2021. The man claimed Libasci, now the head of the Catholic Diocese of Manchester, had fondled and groped him on numerous occasions in 1983 and 1984 at Saints Cyril and Methodius Church and school in Deer Park, New York, where Libasci was a priest in his early 30s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libasci, who has denied the allegations, was not facing criminal charges. The status of the case was uncertain after his accusers death, according to Christian Curran, who was representing him. On Friday, Libascis attorneys at Hinckley Allen in Manchester released a statement saying the case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought back to court. Curran and attorneys for the defense signed the stipulation to discontinue the case Oct. 14. Judge Leonard D. Steinman signed the order of dismissal with prejudice Oct. 15. The allegations in the lawsuit were false. Bishop Libasci never abused anyone. The proof revealed as much during the course of the lawsuit, and the lawsuit has been discontinued with prejudice and without Bishop Libasci paying any money, the statement from Libascis attorneys said. The lawsuit stalled in the courts in 2021 after Libascis former diocese filed for bankruptcy in the face of hundreds of allegations against other priests. In addition to Libasci, the defendants included Saints Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church, Saints Cyril and Methodius School, its successor school, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libasci allegations The lawsuit used the phrase sexual deviancy to describe Libascis actions and referred to the possibility of previous problems with him at the Long Island parish. The Parish negligently or recklessly believed Abuser was fit to work with children, that any previous problems Abuser had were fixed and cured, that Abuser would not sexually molest children, and that Abuser would not injure children, according to the lawsuit. Libasci was appointed to the Diocese of Manchester in 2011 after serving as the auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. In the two years between the time the state of New York lifted its statute of limitations on cases of child sexual abuse in 2019 and when the alleged victim filed his lawsuit in 2021, thousands of survivors came forward. More than 200 of the lawsuits alleging sexual abuse were filed against priests and others in the Rockville Centre diocese. Libasci, 74, is still serving as bishop in Manchester. dpierce@unionleader.com LIMA The suspect in Fridays shootout with Lima Police reportedly confessed to attempting suicide by cop four years ago following a high-speed pursuit and standoff on Interstate 77 in Guernsey County. Lima Police identified Emerson Jeffrey, 35, as the suspect in a shootout that injured an unidentified LPD officer during a traffic stop Friday night at St. Johns Avenue and Second Street. Prison records show Jeffrey was on parole at the time of Fridays shootout for charges stemming from the I-77 standoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jefferson reportedly told authorities he wanted officers to shoot and kill him during the January 2021 high-speed pursuit on I-77, according to a report in the Daily Jeffersonian newspaper. Speeds reportedly exceeded 90 miles per hour before Jeffrey crashed his vehicle into a tree near the Guernsey-Noble County line and engaged officers in a three-hour standoff, according to the newspaper. A Guernsey County grand jury indicted Jeffrey on charges of failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer and felonious assault in February 2021, to which Jeffrey pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, court records show. Jeffrey attempted to harm himself multiple times while in custody at the Guernsey County Jail awaiting trial, resulting in a week-long stay at the Appalachian Behavioral Health center prior to his return to the jail, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a petition asking the court to evaluate Jeffreys competency to stand trial and mental condition at the time of the incident, Jeffreys attorney raised the possibility Jeffery did not know, as a result of severe mental disease or defect, the wrongfulness of his standoff with law enforcement. A psychologist who evaluated Jeffrey found the defendant capable of understanding the nature and objective of the proceedings against him. The psychologist found Jeffrey likely knew the wrongfulness of his actions at the time of the incident, absent the effects of mood-altering drugs, according to court records. The court found Jeffrey competent to stand trial, but the McGuffey man pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony count of failure to comply and an amended count of obstructing official business, a fifth-degree felony. Judge Daniel D. Padden sentenced Jeffrey to a four-year prison term with credit for time served, overruling a suggested sentence from the negotiated plea agreement calling for the judge to suspend the prison term in favor of five years probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These types of cases are difficult, Padden said, according to the Daily Jeffersonian. They are hard and they have competing interests, but the prison term is not suspended because of the need to protect the public. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction released Jeffrey from Ross Correction Institution in January to the Adult Parole Authority in Cuyahoga County for a period of one year and six months of supervision. Deceptive food packaging is becoming increasingly common as companies strive to reduce costs while maintaining their profit margins. Some companies are even using clever marketing strategies, such as including a history lesson about the product to take up more space, as one shopper recently discovered. What happened? In a subreddit dedicated to poor design, one user shared a photo of a box of chocolates by the Vietnamese brand Legendary Chocolatier that they had purchased. The box contained eight pieces of cashew butter and cinnamon chocolates, along with a backstory about the chocolate printed on a piece of cardboard, which took up half the box. Photo Credit: Reddit Photo Credit: Reddit "Disappointing/misleading chocolate box," the original poster titled the post, with a photo caption reading, "Packaging for mostly air." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That should be illegal," one user said. A second person wrote, "The part of this that pisses me off the most is the larger carbon footprint of this product from additional shipping size just to trick people into thinking the product is worth more than it really is worth." "Such bull****. Companies doing this should be charged for making more waste," a third said. Why is misleading food packaging concerning? More companies are using excessive packaging to make it seem like consumers are getting more for their money, when in reality, they're getting much less while paying the same price. This not only leads to a frustrating customer experience but can eventually erode trust in a company if it doesn't change its practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not to mention, packaging items with unnecessary materials creates more waste, which will most likely end up in landfills since the majority of plastic is not recycled. In this case, the extra packaging is made of cardboard, which has a much lower environmental impact. But the fact remains that the shopper was likely expecting a full box of chocolates, and got half a box instead, along with an interesting (but ultimately nonessential) history lesson about the company. Is Legendary Chocolatier doing anything about this? The company does not disclose any of its food packaging policies or sustainability goals on its website. However, the food and drink blogger Jovel Chan reported that Legendary Chocolatier is a "self-described bean-to-bar chocolatier" that sources its cacao beans from local farms and provinces. It's also a member of Cacao Trace, a program that works directly with farmers to improve their livelihoods and create a more sustainable supply chain. As for the packaging, the company may not have intentionally meant to deceive customers, but rather aimed to share the brand's mission so shoppers know more about what they're buying. Without knowing more about Legendary Chocolatiers' packaging practices, it's difficult to say whether this incident qualifies as deceptive. How else are companies addressing deceptive packaging? Following accusations of misleading customers about its efforts to address plastic waste, the food and beverage company Danone has agreed to invest in initiatives to reduce plastic packaging. More consumers are calling out companies for excessive packaging and deceptive product labels, which include major brands such as Coca-Cola and Kraft Heinz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers can help drive change by calling out greenwashing and supporting companies that adopt sustainable practices. If you believe a company is using shady sales tactics, it's a good idea to contact them to voice your concerns. They might just change their practices if enough people call attention to the issue. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Researchers from University of Tsukuba and their collaborators interviewed Japanese primary care physicians and subsequently identified six distinct categories of experiences contributing to their sense of "meaning" in their professional roles. Caring for patients with diverse health problems and complex backgrounds and making contributions to education and the community were among these experiences, which are expected to promote primary care physicians' career development. The findings are published in BMC Primary Care. In a rapidly aging society with a declining birth rate, the role of primary care physiciansfamily physicians or general practitioners who treat patients holistically rather than focusing solely on specific organsis becoming increasingly vital. However, the delayed formal recognition of primary care as a medical specialty in Japan has left many primary care physicians feeling uncertain regarding their professional identity, with standard role models remaining unavailable. Hence, the researchers conducted interviews to explore the types of experiences that Japanese primary care physicians find meaningful in their work. Six key themes through which these physicians derive a sense of meaning were identified: Managing diverse health problems Adopting a comprehensive approach to the problems faced by patients and their families Fostering rapport through continuous care Collaborating with other health care professionals to provide appropriate support to patients with complex needs Contributing to medical students' and health care providers' education Contributing to the community and society Therefore, Japanese primary care physicians may find meaning in their work when they encounter experiences that promote professional growth and allow them to contribute to broader societal goals such as education and community development. Such experiences may play a crucial role in building more fulfilling and sustainable careers for these primary care physicians. More information: Yu Yamamoto et al, Meaningful work experiences of certified primary care physicians in Japan: a qualitative study, BMC Primary Care (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12875-025-03026-2 This article was originally published in CalMatters. This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. One California Head Start program has closed and three others face imminent closure due to the federal government shutdown, affecting about 1,000 very-low-income children and 270 teachers. The closures would leave families scrambling for child care and teachers without income. The longer the shutdown drags on, the more programs are at risk of shuttering. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Losing a Head Start program has detrimental effects not just on children and families, but also has immense ripple effects on the community, said Melanee Cottrill, executive director of Head Start California. Head Start is far more than a safe place for children to learn and grow its a community hub The negative effect on regional employment and the local economy would be felt many times over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Head Start program in Santa Cruz County has already closed, upending child care arrangements for hundreds of families. Encompass Community Services, a Santa Cruz nonprofit, was forced to close all 11 of its Head Start centers on Thursday because no one at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was available to process the groups Nov. 1 grant renewal or send money. Head Start is part of the fabric of this community, said Elaine Johnson, chair of the Encompass board. This is about babies, children, and families not having access to basic needs. The centers, mostly clustered in the farmlands around Watsonville, serve some of the lowest-income families in the region. About 300 children are enrolled in its program. 3,000 children at risk Three more Head Start programs in California in Los Angeles, the Central Valley and the far northern part of the state also have Nov. 1 grant deadlines and face imminent closure. Another four programs with Dec. 1 deadlines would be the next to shutter if the government shutdown continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all, more than 3,000 children and hundreds of teachers at those eight centers would be affected within the next month if Congress fails to adopt a budget. Nationwide, about 134 programs serving 65,000 children face closure this week due to the shutdown with Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Missouri having the highest numbers of children affected, according to the National Head Start Association. Even if Congress agrees to fund the federal government this week, re-opening would not happen immediately: It could take up to six weeks for the money to reach individual Head Start centers. Popular and effective Founded in the mid-1960s, Head Start is a free child care program providing meals and a play-based academic curriculum for children from birth through age 5. Families can get prenatal visits, referrals for medical and dental care, housing and job assistance and other services. To qualify, families must earn below the federal poverty level $26,650 a year for a family of three. In California, that bar is very difficult to meet due to the higher minimum wage. Last year, the states Head Start centers enrolled about 83,000 children at 1,835 centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Head Start, created to give low-income families a boost, has largely been successful: Alumni have higher graduation rates, higher college-going rates and are less likely to live in poverty as adults, one study found. Its also very popular. When President Donald Trump threatened to cut the entire program this past spring, Head Start supporters flooded Congress with urgent pleas to save it from the budget axe. They succeeded, although other government cuts have left a deep impact on the organization and its families. Potential cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and Medicaid would have an immediate impact on Head Start families, while other recent cuts have already hampered Head Starts day-to-day operations, Cottrill said. The U.S. Health and Human Services Department, which oversees Head Start, closed half of its regional offices in April, leading to long delays in processing paperwork. For Head Start centers, thats meant months-long holdups for routine purchases such as dishwashers, Cottrill said, along with delays related to minor program changes. Back-up plans In Santa Cruz, Encompass was able to partner with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District in Watsonville to temporarily provide child care to most of the families enrolled in Head Start, starting next week. But the past few months of budget uncertainty have been nerve-wracking, Kim Morrisson, interim executive director, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization has been in talks with a slew of state and local agencies to come up with back-up plans for funding the $9-million-a-year program. Were trying to roll with the punches and just focus on serving our families, Morrison said. Head Start is a big, national program. We just cant imagine a world where it doesnt exist. This article was originally published on CalMatters and was republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license. Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner has invited Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson to debate the reasons behind the federal government shutdown and what it would take to end it. (Photo courtesy of Baumgartner campaign) Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner and Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson both agree the federal government shutdown has gone on too long. But the two fixtures of Washington state politics insist the others party is preventing it from ending. The shutdown hit 34 days on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baumgartner thinks he and Ferguson should air their perspectives on the government gridlock in a televised debate. He issued the challenge last week after a Ferguson post on X blamed suspension of the federal food assistance program ubiquitously known as SNAP on the Congressional Republicans shutdown, adding that President Trump needs to tell his party to do their job. Baumgartner responded: Bob, I think you are being dishonest with the people of Washington state. Lets you and I do a televised debate on it and they can decide for themselves. Sound good? The first-term congressman, one of only two Washington Republicans in Congress, told reporters Sunday that he has not heard back from the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, a Ferguson spokesperson gave no indication the governor would take Baumgartner up on his invitation. The governor understands Congressman Baumgartner has extra time on his hands these days, Brionna Aho wrote in an email. The governor is focused on helping Washingtonians suffering from the impacts of this shutdown caused by Congressman Baumgartner and his Republican colleagues who control the Oval Office and both houses of Congress. Though many will brush off the debate offer as a political stunt, Baumgartner contends it would have civic value. To some extent, he is the most prominent Democrat, and to some extent Im the most prominent Republican in our state, so it would be good for us to have a public conversation, said the Spokane resident and former state lawmaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully, he will take me up on the offer, he said. To entice Ferguson, he offered to hold the event on the governors home turf. We can even do it in Seattle, he said. This story was updated with a response from the governors office. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Researchers prepare to set off a small earthquake underneath the Alps. The results will help them understand how to better monitor fault lines. | Credit: Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies Scientists are deliberately triggering earthquakes from a tunnel deep beneath the Alps. Although it may sound like something out of a James Bond movie, the goal isn't turmoil and destruction. Rather, researchers with the Fault Activation and Earthquake Rupture (FEAR) project are looking for ways to determine the danger of an earthquake before it strikes. Despite an increasing amount of monitoring on fault lines worldwide, researchers still don't understand the immediate triggers of earthquakes . Nor do they know why some ruptures happen on short segments of fault lines while others run for many miles, causing greater destruction. Right now, geoscientists are limited to studying these events only after they happen, Domenico Giardini , professor of seismology and geodynamics at ETH Zurich, told Live Science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What are the signs that nature is telling us?" Giardini said. "Invariably, they become clear after the quake, not before, so we are trying to understand much better how to see the signs." That means they must trigger real earthquakes in controlled conditions with thousands of monitors right on a fault not an easy prospect. But Giardini and his colleagues are taking advantage of the massive power of the Alps themselves. These mountains, on the border of Switzerland and Italy, are deeply faulted; the zigzagging networks of cracks beneath them are the legacy of millions of years of tectonics . Just the compressional force of the towering mountains above is enough to fracture the rocks 0.6 to 1.2 miles (1 to 2 kilometers) below the surface. A researcher monitors data from the experiments. | Credit: Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies The rocks on the sides of these faults do occasionally slip, giving off mostly small quakes. Using a preexisting tunnel that was once used in the construction of a railway project, the FEAR project is getting up close and personal with one of these faults and pumping water into them to trigger it to release earthquakes on a convenient time schedule. "They would have taken place sooner or later in the history of the Alps, but we make sure they happen next week," Giardini said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The process is similar to what happens when oil and gas companies inject wastewater from wells into faulted areas in places like Oklahoma and Texas. This water lubricates the faults, thus reducing the friction required for them to rupture. The difference is that Giardini and his team have a dense network of seismometers and accelerometers right on the fault, so they can measure exactly how it moves in response to this decrease in friction. The team has already triggered hundreds of thousands of quakes up to magnitude zero. (Because earthquakes are measured on a nonlinear, logarithmic scale, it's possible to have very small quakes with a magnitude of zero or even with negative magnitudes .) Next week, the researchers will begin injecting hot water into the fault to see how temperature affects the evolution of an earthquake. And in March, Giardini said, they'll start triggering earthquakes up to magnitude 1. The idea is that if they can figure out what parameters trigger a quake of a certain size if they can, in essence, trigger a quake of whatever size they desire they'll eventually be able to measure a dangerous fault in the real world before it breaks and calculate the kinds of stresses needed to trigger a quake of a certain size on that fault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED STORIES 'Upwelling' deep in the mantle triggered magnitude 6.8 Morocco earthquake 'Sleeping giant' fault beneath Canada could unleash a major earthquake, research suggests First video of an earthquake fault cracking has revealed another surprise "A couple years ago [in February 2023], there was a very large quake on the border between Syria and Turkey," Giardini said. "We know that fault will continue toward the south and toward the north. We want to try to understand, is the next quake going to be a 7 or an 8 or 8.5?" Already, he said, certain parameters, like the amount of strain in the rocks outside the fault, are proving to be important. The researchers are also starting to understand more about how quakes jump from one fault to a neighboring fault. "We are seeing examples that we produce ourselves underground that look very much like what happens in nature," Giardini said. UPDATE, 6 AM: Elisha McCray has been found and is safe, Jacksonville police said. END UPDATE The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is searching for 79-year-old Elisha McCray, who was reported missing after leaving his home in his burgundy sedan. McCray, who is showing signs of dementia, was last seen leaving his residence in a 2009 burgundy Mazda 6 with a Florida license plate PNN6X, Jacksonville police stated in a social media post after 3 a.m. Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCray is 61, 160 pounds, with grey eyes and a bald head. He was last seen wearing a light brown jacket, a Vietnam skull hat, and blue jeans. Anyone with information on McCrays whereabouts is asked to call 904-630-0500. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [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. In a previously unreported element of Jimmy Kimmels brief suspension from ABC, representatives from Sinclair Broadcast Group reached out to Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, to see if they could help secure an apology from the late night host. Erika Kirk revealed the correspondence in excerpt of an interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters. The interview will air in full on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m. during Fox News Jesse Watters Primetime. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Kimmel lied about your husbands murder and didnt really apologize. What would you say to Jimmy Kimmel? Watters asked Kirk in the excerpt. Same thing I told Sinclair, Kirk replied. They asked, I havent really told anybody this, so they asked, Do you want Jimmy to give you an apology? Do you want to be on a show? How can we make it right? Through our team, I responded, I said, Tell them thank you, we received their note. This is not our issue, not our mess. If you want to say Im sorry to someone whos grieving, go right ahead. But if thats not in your heart, dont do it. I dont want it. I dont need it.' Kimmel, of course, was suspended by ABC after making a clumsily worded and insensitive-sounding comment about the reaction to Charlie Kirks assassination. That suspension was driven in large part by a pair of major ABC affiliate owners: Nexstar and Sinclair, which each took issue publicly with the comments and promised to preempt the show. The suspension was brief, however, and Kimmel returned the following week, where he delivered an extended monologue in which he addressed his original comments and the response to his suspension. Advertisement Advertisement I do want to make something clear because its important to me as a human that you understand it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I dont think theres anything funny about it, Kimmel said. Nor was my intent to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but I understand that to some it felt ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. For those who think I did point a finger, I get why youre upset if the situation was reversed, theres a good chance Id feel the same way. The fact that Sinclair reached out to Kirk underscores the extent to which the ABC affiliate owner was involved in the discussions with Disney. Both Sinclair and Nexstar continued to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the show returned, though those preemptions did not last long. Sinclair said it had been engaging with ABC about a number of solutions, though ABC ultimately did not take them up on any of them. In our ongoing and constructive discussions with ABC, Sinclair proposed measures to strengthen accountability, viewer feedback, and community dialogue, including a network-wide independent ombudsman, Sinclair said in a statement. These proposals were suggested as collaborative efforts between the ABC affiliates and the ABC network. While ABC and Disney have not yet adopted these measures, and Sinclair respects their right to make those decisions under our network affiliate agreements, we believe such measures could strengthen trust and accountability. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Lights in downtown Sioux City are showing support for a national movement. Its all part of the Alzheimer Foundations Light the World in Teal campaign. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around Siouxland, we were able to capture the image of City Hall taking part with other cities across the country that light up prominent buildings in their skyline in teal to honor the millions of Americans living with Alzheimers and the caregivers who support them. According to the Alzheimers Association, about one in nine people age 65 and older has Alzheimers. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Sioux City man is pleading not guilty to allegedly shooting another man at a home over a week ago. Vicente Estrada-Leon, 35, is facing five charges, including attempted murder. Court documents indicate he waived his right to a speedy trial. He is out of jail after posting a $50,000 bond. Police said in the early morning hours of October 25, they got a report of shots fired in the 3400 block of Marshall Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below Officials said they found Mario Martinez Jr. with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Authorities said Estrada-Leon and Martinez Jr. were fighting before the gun went off. Law enforcement said the fight was about Martinezs wife, who started a relationship with Vicente. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Are you looking for an activity to do while the cooler weather is upon us? The Iowa DNR stocked a local pond full of rainbow trout on Monday! In Sioux City at Bacon Creek Park, around 1,500 trout were released into the pond. Iowa DNR has been traveling to different parts of the state to release these fish. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa DNR officials said this is a great way for people to get outside and enjoy the weather. We do community stocking in a lot of different areas, said Decorah Fish Hatchery employee Steve Pecinovsky. Out of Decorah, we do six of them. We did a couple last week and a couple again this week. Like I said, it gives people an opportunity to get into fishing and an opportunity for people to see what trout fishing is like, too. If you are interested in fishing for these trout, you will need a fishing license and a trout stamp. There is a limit of five fish per day. Children under 16 do not need a license if a licensed adult is with them. 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. The prostitution case against Totally You has revealed the Erie health and fitness spa to be a family business, with the accused madam, Tina M. Silveus, accused of running the illicit operation with her daughter, son and son-in-law. Another daughter also once worked at Totally You, according to testimony at a preliminary hearing in the case on Oct. 30. That daughter, Rotesha B. Silveus, is not a defendant in the Totally You case. She is facing a murder charge in Florida, where she moved several years ago, according to court records. The Totally You Fitness Spa at 1812 Peach St. in Erie, which the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office said was operating as a house of prostitution. Silveus, 40, is accused of strangling her daughter to death at their apartment in Tampa in May 2024. The victim, 18-year-old Natavia Sanders, had been a student in the Erie School District when she was in Erie and had been enrolled in the district's Cyber Choice Academy when she resided in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Silveus is charged with first-degree murder, a premeditated homicide. She has a disposition hearing on Dec. 15, according to court records. No trial date has been set. A judge in July 2024 found Silveus mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered her to undergo mental health evaluations while she remained in custody. The judge in January found Silveus competent for trial. Sister testifies about sibling and prostitution Silveus' connection to the now-defunct Totally You Fitness Spa came up at the Oct. 30 preliminary hearing through the testimony of her sister, Corinne D. Wilcott, 43. The Pennsylvania State Police in June originally charged Wilcott and her three relatives in with helping to run Totally You as a house of prostitution. The Attorney General's Office withdrew the charges in August after determining that Wilcott was a victim, and she agreed to cooperate. Natavia Sanders, then 13, was a cheerleader at Strong Vincent Middle School in Erie in 2019-20. She was killed in Tampa, Florida, in May 2024, when she was 18 and weeks from graduating from Erie High School as an online student. Her mother is charged in her death. At the preliminary hearing, Wilcott testified about her long association with Totally You and prostitution, which she said engaged in when she turned 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Attorney General's Office alleges that prostitution was occurring at Totally You, 1812 Peach St., since at least 2016. Wilcott testified that her mother, Tina Silveus, 62, previously oversaw prostitution at another of her businesses, Katie's Health Spa, which had operated in the 3700 block of Poplar Street in Erie. Silveus owns Totally You. Wilcott testified that her mother told her that, "Once I turn 18, I could make money like that as well," referring to prostitution. She testified that Rotesha Silveus, whom she described as her "full sister," also worked in prostitution when she was 18. Wilcott said Rotesha Silveus went on to help run Totally You with her, their mother and the other two defendants who still face charges in the Totally You case their brother, Keyvon L. Silveus, 34, and their brother-in-law, Roscoe G. Carroll Sr., 51. Testimony: Addicts, homeless hired as prostitutes Tina Silveus, Keyvon Silveus and Carroll have pleaded not guilty. Following the preliminary hearing, Erie 5th Ward District Judge Timothy Beveridge ordered the three held for trial, but not before dismissing a number of charges for lack of evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also charged in the Totally You case in June were 52 men accused of patronizing prostitutes. As of Nov. 3, all but six had pleaded guilty to patronizing prostitutes as a third-degree misdemeanor and paid a $500 fine and costs, according to court records. The three main defendants in the Totally You prostitution case had their cases held for trial on Oct. 30 in Erie County Common Pleas Court. None of the women who were paid for sex at Totally You testified at the preliminary hearing, and they were not charged. The women could testify at trial, but the prosecution's star witness at the preliminary hearing was Wilcott. She said she helped manage Totally You and was also paid for sex there. One of her duties, Wilcott said, was hiring prostitutes at the direction of her mother. "She was real big on hiring drug addicts," Wilcott testified. "So I would look for marks on their arms or other signs of being drug addicts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She testified that her mother also directed her to hire homeless women. Key witness served time for fetal homicide Wilcott experienced legal problems unconnected to Totally You. In 2003, she became first person in Erie County found guilty of murdering an unborn child, and she was sentenced to seven to 14 years in state prison and eight years of probation. At the Totally You preliminary hearing, the defense lawyers Gene Placidi for Tina Silveus, Jason Nard for Keyvon Silveus and Chad Vilushis for Carroll alluded to Wilcott's criminal record during cross-examination. That line of questioning is all but certain to continue if the case goes to trial, where witness credibility is an issue for the jury to evaluate. Wilcott at the preliminary hearing repeatedly explained how Totally You was a family business. She said it once included her sister. She explained how their mother was in control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She made sure her business was the way she wanted it to be," Wilcott testified. Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com or 814-870-1813. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Family ties at Totally You detailed as brothel case held for trial DENVER (KDVR) Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Colorado remain in limbo as the federal government shutdown continues. On Monday, federal officials announced they would release partial funding for the food assistance program. However, it remains unclear how much money Coloradans will receive or when the funding will be distributed. List: Denver metro area food banks accepting, offering donations as benefits lapse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To fill the gap, some county governments are taking matters into their own hands. Summit County commissioners plan to vote Tuesday on a proposal to spend more than $100,000 on grocery store gift cards for their 1,400 residents who rely on SNAP benefits. Thats roughly 45% of what the federal government would typically distribute in the county each month. Even if the federal government were to release money over the next couple of days, it still takes the state a certain amount of time to get those funds locally loaded onto peoples cards, said Summit County Commissioner Tamara Pogue. So certainly for the next two weeks, its not business as normal for a lot of these families. If approved, SNAP recipients with proof of eligibility could begin picking up gift cards as early as Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no other disposable income for many of these families from month to month, Pogue said. It is a choice between having the money to eat and not having the money to eat. A similar plan is underway in Pitkin County, where officials are preparing to distribute $67,000 in food assistance this month to about 235 families. The county is also funding additional supplies for its local food pantry, hoping to help people who work in the county but live elsewhere. Colorado congressional members speak ahead of SNAP deadline, open enrollment Where we were stocking one to two days a week before, we might be stocking three to four days a week, said Lindsay Maisch, Pitkin Countys human services director. Pitkin, Summit prepare to cover SNAP gap for next month Both Pitkin and Summit counties say their programs will end once federal funding is restored, but theyre prepared to cover the gap for at least the next month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you have over 330 people in your own county a small county like ours who might not have money to eat, that is a mass care issue, she said. Maisch and Pogue say the only reason the two counties are able to pass out this money is because the demand for SNAP in those areas is relatively small. Free on Your TV FOX31+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung But in larger counties, including Boulder and Denver, spokespeople say they do not have the budget capacity to do the same. Those counties monthly SNAP distributions run into the millions of dollars. Both Summit and Pitkin leaders said they do not expect to be reimbursed for their food assistance costs once the federal government reopens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 FOX31 Denver. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A new study found that most Japanese citizens hesitate to donate their cells for brain organoid research under current "broad consent" systems. The research suggests adopting a project-specific consent model for ethically sensitive research topics. Credit: Tsutomu Sawai/Hiroshima University Research on human brain organoids (HBOs) is directly challenging how biobanks and biomedical institutes recruit volunteers. That is what a new study by Japanese researchers in Frontiers in Genetics concludes after finding that the Japanese public overwhelmingly rejects the common practice of broad consent when their donated cells could be used to create HBOs. This attitude jeopardizes recruitment and calls for an alternative form of consent that follows the project-specific consent model. Researchers can culture donor-derived cells in the laboratories to create three-dimensional, self-organizing structures that closely mimic human brain development. These are known as HBOs. While they offer unprecedented insight into neurological diseases, the technology is not without ethical issues. "HBOs are fraught with controversy, because it is believed with future research that they will develop the capacity to think and have consciousness," said Hiroshima University Professor (Special Recognition) Tsutomu Sawai, one of the authors of the study. "It is not unreasonable to conclude that donors could not have imagined this possibility when consenting to donate their cells to science." Currently, donors typically provide broad consent, agreeing to have their cells used for a wide range of future experiments, including those not possible at the time of donation. To test public attitudes toward HBO research, Sawai and his colleagues conducted a survey on HBOs recruiting over 300 Japanese residents. Notably, they found that more than 90% of participants were unaware of HBOs prior to the survey. After an explanation about this biological technology, the team asked the participants for their willingness to donate cells under the current broad consent model. The public response suggested a need for change: nearly three-quarters of respondents expressing serious hesitation or outright refusal, with 36% outright refusing to donate their cells under broad consent and another 37% saying their willingness would depend on specific conditions, such as the purpose and ethical use of the cells. Only 15% were willing to give broad consent after learning about HBOs. An analysis of the reasons for this reluctance indicates that for morally complex areas of research, donors prioritize understanding the purpose, potential benefit, and ethical safeguards of the research, as well as the trustworthiness of researchers, before volunteering their cells. These findings are consistent with interviews and workshops on HBOs taken in European countries and the US, making this a global challenge for current practices in cell donation. To maintain public trust and a vital donor pool, the study concludes that organizations relying on volunteers offering cell samples should adopt project-specific consent for ethically sensitive research topics. "This consent empowers the donors with the decision only after fully understanding the details of the research," Hiroshima University Contributing Associate Professor Masanori Kataoka said. "Importantly, it respects the moral view of the donor, which we believe is more likely to encourage donations." More information: Masanori Kataoka et al, Japanese attitudes toward cell donation in human brain organoid research: many oppose broad consent, Frontiers in Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1606923 A deadly listeria outbreak linked to frozen pasta meals has expanded to Washington State, with a Snohomish County woman recently hospitalized due to severe symptoms. The outbreak, connected to frozen and ready-to-eat pasta meals sold at Trader Joes, Wal-Mart, and QFC, has affected 18 states, sickening at least 27 people and causing 6 deaths. The contaminated meals were supplied by Nates Fine Foods out of Northern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food safety attorney Bill Marler has expressed concern that the government shutdown is hindering efforts to manage the outbreak effectively. Theres very little information thats coming out in a normal way, Marler said, emphasizing the need for federal involvement in multi-state outbreaks. Symptoms of listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, and tiredness, and can appear between 3 days and 10 weeks after exposure. Marler advises consumers to dispose of any recalled items rather than attempting to cook out the contamination. Its not worth the risk that your ovens at the right temperature, your microwave is at the right time, its just not worth it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grocery stores are urged to double-check their freezer inventories to ensure that contaminated products are removed from shelves. A bunch of the cases are in the last few weeks, that is a bad omen that were not done with this yet, Marler warned. As the outbreak continues to unfold, consumers are advised to stay informed and cautious, particularly if they have purchased frozen pasta meals from the affected retailers. Authorities are working to contain the spread and prevent further illnesses. The month long sobriety movement Sober October came to an end Oct. 31 at the Pittsburg County Courthouse. Stefanie Ward, founder of Sober October Oklahoma, said: 31 days ago, we didnt just begin a challenge. We began a comeback. Today we celebrate a month that proves transformation is contagious, recoveries are possible and the spirit of the community is alive and well in Oklahoma, Ward said. Sober October began at a Summerween party Ward went to, and the thought of what if popped in her head as she made mocktails. What if there was a month long movement for people to begin their recoveries? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pledge wall was built, and she brought it around the community with her, giving people the opportunity to start again. It takes 60 days to start a habit, so those who completed Sober October have made it halfway, Chris Meek, president of Big Ministry and youth pastor at Dream City Church, said. Just because the challenge is ending doesnt mean the challenge of moving forward ends. Its a daily thing, Meek said. Ward brought people from drug court to speak about the importance the program had to them. She knew the importance that the program has for those facing recovery, and how Sober October gives people the first step. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person who came into drug court was lost, broken and hopeless, but the person standing here today is full of gratitude, peace and purpose, Wendy Clark, drug court alumni and support specialist, said. Clark spoke about how drug court shaped her and did not just give her sobriety but gave her the tools to build a life worth living. After the death of her stepdad and oldest son, Clark struggled with wanting to relapse. The pain was too much, but she found strength in her family. I learned through that experience that recovery isnt just about life being easy. Its about learning how to face the hardships and still staying, Clark said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drug court gave Clark a foundation strong enough to stand on and the tools to face the hardships without destroying herself. She said sobriety is not just about not using, but its about rebuilding. Its shaping you into someone stronger, wiser and more grounded than youve ever been, Clark said. Drug court isnt about punishment. Its about redemption. Pittsburg County Sheriff Frankie McClendon said that people may struggle but to remember that there is a support system that has their back. If people stay on course and continue to do the work, then they will get through it. Theyre not going to give up on you. Youre going to make it, McClendon said. Lifes a whole lot better on the other side, I can promise you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ward said punishment isnt the answer. Real change doesnt come from punishment, she said. It comes from belief, from patience and from people willing to stand in the gap until others can stand on their own. Ward said that is what second chances look like, and what drug court embodies. This movement wouldnt exist without the people who turn justice into a pathway of healing, Ward said. Drug court officials announced starting January 2026, District 18 Special Court will start an alumni program for former drug court participants to come back and share their experiences. There will be meetups, events and recovery support meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your team shows that when accountability is wrapped is compassion. People dont just follow the rules, they find freedom, Ward said. Ward said the movement brought pledge walls that stand as public promises as the glow of recovery and courage lined the streets. While recovery began, Sober October Oklahoma became a 501 (3). Oklahoma, youve proven sobriety isnt dull. Its daring, its determined, its beautiful, Ward said. Sober October Oklahoma has partnered with the Southeast Expo Center. Ward said it was the future headquarters of Hope, where recovery takes the spotlight and determination gathers community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Ward, Wards husband and co-founder of Sober October Oklahoma, said it is amazing to see the wall. Standing here, looking at this wall, it just hits you. Every name up there, every story, it means something, Joe Ward said. These arent just signatures. They are people saying Im not giving up on myself. Joe said he built the pledge wall with his hands, but the people who came broken but walked away believing again gave it life. The couple did not expect Sober October to spark a statewide movement, but it did. The end of October was not an ending, but an ignition. This wall might come down today, but the change started, thats not going anywhere, Joe Ward said. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Rochester police are working to determine where a 17-year-old male was shot overnight. Officers said the victim, who was from Sodus, arrived at Rochester General Hospital with a gunshot wound. He was taken by a private vehicle just after midnight on Tuesday. He is expected to survive. Its unknown where the victim was shot, but officers believe the shooting did not happen in the City of Rochester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to call 911. 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 RochesterFirst. As if we hadnt already guessed, today Rachel Reeves warned us that we are all going to have to contribute to sorting out the nations finances. We should be bracing ourselves for an onslaught of tax increases in the coming budget, just a year after the last one which was supposed to be the only major tax-raising Budget this Parliament. Can there be an end to this misery? All along, the Government has held out economic growth as the salvation. Yet just about every step it has taken has clobbered the prospects for economic growth. In any case, economic growth will only be our salvation if we dont squander the resulting tax revenues on more government spending. On past form, I wouldnt bet on this. Given everything else, the real reason why taxes will be going up is that government spending is out of control. The four big gobblers of public money are pensions, welfare, the NHS and debt interest. Debt interest is different from the other three because it is derived from borrowing incurred to finance other sorts of spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, total government-financed health spending was almost 260bn, amounting to about 20 per cent of government spending and a whopping 9 per cent of our total GDP. These percentages have been rising for decades. This enormous sum places an appalling burden on taxpayers and yet the standard of healthcare it delivers is, on average, second rate. Out of a group of countries of comparable economic development, on both life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, the UK comes in second to last. This is not to say that there arent thousands of dedicated and effective professionals in the NHS. It is not their fault that the system is badly structured and financed. I recently co-authored a paper on the topic for Policy Exchange. It argued that in the medium-term we should be moving towards a system of social insurance to fund the NHS. Whenever I mention this idea, I am engulfed by a chorus of protests. People say: Surely you cant be advocating that we should adopt the American model. Let me make this clear: under no circumstances should we go anywhere near the American model of healthcare. It consumes far more of GDP than our system, and yet delivers, on average, outcomes that are far worse. But throughout the world, there are many countries that place a far smaller burden on their taxpayers to fund their healthcare systems and yet deliver much better average outcomes than the UK. If we were to be really ambitious, we should look to the example of Singapore. People will doubtless dismiss that case, though, on the grounds that Singapore is, well, Singapore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps they would deign to look closely at the Netherlands. It underwent a major reform of its health system in 2006, taking it from one not that far different from our own to one based mainly on social insurance. The Dutch system of healthcare consumes about 1 per cent of GDP in public funding, compared to 9 per cent in our case. Of course, adopting such a significant change cannot be done overnight. It would take major consultation and preparation. In the meantime, however, there is much that could be done to improve the workings of the NHS and reduce the burden that it places on the taxpayer. For example, we should introduce a small charge for visiting GPs, say 20 a visit, with exemptions for those on very low incomes, and introduce charging for the provision of more comfortable accommodation for hospital patients. This is what happens in many other countries, including France and Italy. I am not suggesting that the NHS is our only problem or the only source of savings in government spending. As I have frequently argued, we spend too much on the state pension. We badly need to end the triple lock. And dont get me started on the welfare system. Interestingly, a survey published in the Financial Times yesterday revealed that for the first time in a decade, more than half of adults in Britain think that the generosity of the welfare system prevents people from supporting themselves. Bearing in mind recent poor performance, it wouldnt be surprising if attitudes were also hardening towards the NHS. The NHS is worth special attention now, partly because the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, made some very encouraging noises about the need for reform when he was in Opposition. So far, however, he has been an enormous disappointment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in three weeks time we are going to hear more of the guff about all of us needing to pour more of our own money down this bottomless pit. In todays speech, the Chancellor said that the coming Budget would be focused entirely on the priorities of the British people. The first of these priorities was, youve guessed it: Protecting our NHS. I suspect that, amidst all the coming tax rises, she may be about to give the NHS yet another bung. 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. More state news: After delays, South Carolinas school report cards released SOUTH CAROLINA (WSPA) The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) will change its website address in 2026. The old website URL, known as scdmvonline.com, will change to dmv.sc.gov on January 5, 2026. For the entirety of 2026, the former web address will redirect to the new webpage link. If you receive emails from the SCDMV, email addresses will end in @dmv.sc.gov, not @scdmv.net. All emails sent to addresses ending in @scdmv.net will be forwarded automatically, leaders said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department officials said the update will help mitigate scammers efforts to defraud state residents. The new website address will make it clear to South Carolinians that they are dealing directly with us, which will be an added barrier to fraud, said Kevin Shwedo, executive director of the SCDMV. Earlier this year, the SCDMV stopped issuing same-day drivers licenses and identification cards, mailing them instead to streamline the process and enhance security. 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 WSPA 7NEWS. First lady Sandy Rhoden, left, and Gov. Larry Rhoden volunteer at Feeding South Dakota's Rapid City distribution center on Nov. 3, 2025. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) RAPID CITY South Dakotas governor said Monday he does not support using state money to fill a funding gap in a food assistance program during the federal government shutdown, and said he was unaware of a funding request that a hunger relief organization submitted to the Legislature. Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden made the comments in response to South Dakota Searchlight questions while he was volunteering at Feeding South Dakotas Rapid City food distribution center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because Congress has failed to pass a bill to fund and reopen the federal government, the Trump administration has said it wont be able to provide all of this months benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. The program provides about 75,000 low-income South Dakotans with money loaded onto cards they can use to buy food. The cards are loaded on the 10th day of each month. A full month of benefits in South Dakota requires about $15 million of federal funding. Rhoden said the state cannot afford to replace a portion or all of those funds. First of all, we dont have that kind of coin running around to do that for any extended period of time, Rhoden said. Second to that, the federal government has made it clear that those dollars wont be reimbursable. And I dont think its fair to put that on the backs of taxpayers. Democrats ask governor to tap reserves Democratic legislators sent Rhoden a letter last week urging him to authorize the use of reserve funds to temporarily cover any lapse in federal SNAP funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now is the time to rise above federal-level politics and stand united for the people we serve, said the letter, signed by Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson and House Minority Leader Erin Healy, both of Sioux Falls. The state had $492 million in reserve when the 2025 fiscal year ended on June 30, according to a report from the governors budget office. Legislators and Rhoden have since approved a transfer of about $79 million to help fund construction of a new mens prison in Sioux Falls, leaving over $400 million in whats commonly described as the states rainy day fund. State Rep. Erik Muckey, D-Sioux Falls, is a member of the Legislatures budget committee. Muckey said in an interview with Searchlight that he appreciates the governors devotion to fiscal responsibility and shares Rhodens wish that Congress would end the federal shutdown. Muckey disagrees with Rhodens opposition to using state reserves for SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have the funds to be able to support that if were needing to, Muckey said. If feeding hungry South Dakotans at a time when the federal government may not be fully funding it doesnt constitute a rainy day, what does? Instead of tapping reserves, the governor is calling for private donations and volunteerism to help food banks and churches fill the need. Im hopeful that people will step up, Rhoden said. Request from Feeding South Dakota Feeding South Dakota, the largest hunger-relief nonprofit in the state, asked the Legislatures budget committee four months ago to consider a $3 million appropriation to the organization when lawmakers gather in January for the annual legislative session. The request came in response to federal spending cuts earlier this year that cost the organization more than a million pounds of food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Searchlight asked Rhoden on Monday if he plans to include the request in the annual budget hell propose next month, the governor said he has not heard any talk about that, adding that he met with legislative leaders about the budget recently and none of that was brought up. Asked whether he would support the idea if its formally proposed to him, Rhoden said, I wouldnt comment whether Id support legislation Ive not seen yet. Shelves are stacked with boxes of food on Nov. 3, 2025, at Feeding South Dakotas Rapid City distribution center. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) Feeding South Dakota operates multiple distribution centers across the state providing about 14 million pounds of food annually. Lori Dykstra, the organizations CEO, said she was not able to attend Rhodens visit to the Rapid City center. Afterward, Dykstra said she is disappointed to hear that the organizations funding request has not reached the governor. Since making the request, she said, the organization has seen a steady increase in the demand for food and now needs $5 million to meet the moment and to be able to stay ahead of this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have the infrastructure to do the work, but we dont have the food, Dykstra said. We dont have the resources. For every one meal that Feeding South Dakota provides to South Dakotans, Dykstra added, SNAP provides nine. SNAP funding is in peril because Congress is locked in a stalemate over a spending bill and did not appropriate money for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1. As recently as last week, Trump administration officials said that without passage of a spending bill, they could not fund SNAP benefits beyond Oct. 31. On Monday, in response to court rulings in multiple lawsuits, the administration said it will pay for a portion of November benefits from a contingency fund that holds about $4.65 billion. About $9 billion is needed to cover a full month of SNAP benefits nationwide, leaving states with choices about whether and how to fill the gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Dakota recently responded by devoting $1.5 million to address food insecurity, including $915,000 for the Great Plains Food Bank. Some other states are temporarily providing state-funded assistance directly to SNAP recipients. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday called for tripling the government spending on projects for expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure and technology in a budget speech. Lee also called for lawmakers to approve a planned 8.2% increase in defense spending next year, which he said would help modernize the militarys weapons systems and reduce its reliance on the United States, as the allies military chiefs met in Seoul for annual security talks. Most conservative opposition lawmakers boycotted Lees speech amid an ongoing rift over a criminal investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lees speech came after South Korea last week hosted the leaders of major Pacific Rim nations for this years Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, which his government used to showcase its ambitions for AI and advance an effort at a trade deal with the U.S. Lee calls for expanding AI computing and manufacturing In his speech at the National Assembly, Lee highlighted his APEC diplomacy and a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, which he said eased uncertainties facing South Koreas trade-dependent economy by securing lower tariffs on automobiles and computer chips, two of the countrys key exports. He said the country was still facing a critical moment for national survival amid rapid changes in the global trade order and a huge, transformative wave of AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee said the proposed budget of 728 trillion won ($506 billion), which would represent an all-time high for government spending, would be the countrys first budget to open the AI era. He called on the liberal-led legislature to approve 10.1 trillion won ($6.9 billion) in AI-related spending more than triple this years level to advance the countrys AI computing and manufacturing capabilities, with a particular focus on industries such as semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding and robotics. Just as President Park Chung-hee paved the highway for industrialization and President Kim Dae-jung built the highway for the information age, we must now construct the highway for the AI era to open a future of progress and growth, Lee said, referring to major development drives under Parks dictatorship in the 1960s and 70s and Kims presidency from 1998 to 2003, which focused on expanding South Koreas internet infrastructure. Uncertainties remain about access to key AI chips Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee said South Korean companies would have little difficulty securing the chips for their AI projects, citing a deal for Nvidia, whose GPUs power much of the global AI industry, to supply 260,000 graphics processing units for AI infrastructure projects with major South Korean businesses and the government. The deal was announced following a meeting during APEC between Lee and Jensen Huang, the Silicon Valley companys chief executive. It isnt immediately clear when Nvidia which agreed to deliver 50,000 GPUs each to the government, chipmakers Samsung and SK, and automaker Hyundai, and another 60,000 to internet company Naver will deliver those chips. Huang told reporters in South Korea that AI data centers and power networks must first be established before the company can begin shipping the GPUs. Concerns have grown over the projects' future after Trump said aboard Air Force One on Monday that only U.S. customers should have access to Nvidias latest Blackwell AI chips, declaring, We dont give that chip to other people. Increasing defense spending Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee proposed a defense budget of 66.3 trillion won ($46 billion) next year, which he said will be focused on modernizing the militarys weapons systems, including through the adoption of AI technologies, to make the armed forces more self-reliant. Its a matter of national pride that South Korea, which spends 1.4 times North Koreas annual GDP on defense and is perceived as the worlds fifth most powerful military, continues to depend on others for its security, Lee said. During his meeting with Trump, Lee reaffirmed South Koreas commitment to increase defense spending and called for U.S. support for South Korean efforts to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. Trump later said on social media that the United States will share closely-held technology to allow South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine, and that the vessel will be built in the Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, which was bought last year by South Koreas Hanwha Group. Lees speech came as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back were meeting in Seoul for the allies annual security talks. The meeting is expected to address key alliance issues, including South Koreas defense spending commitments and the implementation of a plan to transfer wartime operational control to a joint command led by a South Korean general with a U.S. deputy. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A once-rare meat allergy caused by tick bites is dramatically increasing across the United States, researchers say. There's been a 100-fold increase in positive test results for the allergy, called alpha-gal syndrome, between 2013 and 2024, researchers reported at the American College of Gastroenterology's annual meeting in Phoenix. "Alpha-gal syndrome is unlike any other food allergy we treat," researcher Dr. Vinay Jahagirdar, a fellow with the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Gastroenterology Fellowship Training Program and Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, said in a news release. "Symptoms often appear several hours after a person eats red meat, making it difficult to connect a meal with an allergic reaction," Jahagirdar said. Many patients are misdiagnosed or go years without answers." AGS occurs when a tick bite causes a person's immune system to develop an allergic reaction to a sugar molecule found in beef, pork or lamb called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal, researchers said. Symptoms from an alpha-gal allergic reaction can include hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or even life-threatening anaphylactic shock, researchers said. The syndrome typically is linked to bites from the lone star tick, researchers said. These ticks have expanded their range north and west in recent years, aided by warmer winters and growing deer populations. "Alpha-gal syndrome has gone from a medical curiosity to a major public health issue in just a decade," Jahagirdar said. "Our study shows this is not a localized problem anymore. We're seeing cases far beyond the Southeast, including in the Northeast and Midwest." For the study, researchers analyzed records for more than 3,800 adults tested for alpha-gal antibodies between 2010 and 2025. The study showed a sharp rise in positive test results: Overall, about a quarter (749) of the patients wound up diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome. Across 69 U.S. health systems, alpha-gal syndrome incidence rose from about 1.8% of those tested in 2013-2014 to nearly 39% in 20212022. About 17% of alpha-gal cases also tested positive for Lyme disease, suggesting an overlapping risk from tick exposure. Most cases were reported from the Northeast (69%) and the South (23%). Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are among the most common signs of AGS, with people experiencing stomach pain, cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea several hours after eating red meat or meat-based foods, researchers said. These reactions are delayed, frequently appearing three to six hours after a meal, and so are often mistaken for food poisoning or irritable bowel syndrome, researchers noted. There's no cure for AGS, researchers said. Sufferers must avoid red meat and, in some cases, even products like dairy or gelatin. "The spread of ticks is bringing new allergic diseases to areas where doctors and patients may not expect them. Recognizing this connection is key to protecting public health," researcher Dr. Ravi Vachhani, director of the VCU Gastroenterology Fellowship Training Program, said in a news release. Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SOUTHAVEN, Miss. A Southaven woman was sentenced to 25 years after pleading guilty to second-degree murder of a 65-year-old man, according to the DeSoto County District Attorneys Office. Erin Malchow, 40, will serve out her sentence in the Mississippi Department of Corrections facility. Erin Malchow (DeSoto County District Attorneys Office) According to investigators in the case, Malchow bludgeoned the victim, Harvey Satterfield, on September 17, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. D.A. Matthew Barton gave a statement following her guilty plea. Based on Malchows age and health conditions, I doubt she lives through the day-for-day sentence she received, said Barton. If you commit a violent crime in DeSoto County, youre getting real prison time, not a slap on the wrist. 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 WREG.com. A father holds his son's hand during the Disability Pride Parade in New York City. Advocates fear changes made, or proposed, by the Trump administration will strip away crucial federal oversight and deny vulnerable children the educational services theyre guaranteed under law. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) In its quest to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, the Trump administration wants to let states police themselves when it comes to educating students with disabilities, a move many teachers and parents fear will strip away crucial federal oversight and deny vulnerable children the services theyre guaranteed under law. In October, the Trump administration fired nearly all the employees in the U.S. Department of Education office thats responsible for enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the landmark federal civil rights law that guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free and quality public education. A federal judge blocked the layoffs a few days later, in response to a lawsuit filed by federal workers unions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to making sure states and school districts follow the law, the office distributes billions in federal funding to help states educate students with disabilities such as autism, deafness, developmental delays and dyslexia. The court ruling halting the layoffs is likely just a temporary setback as Trump proceeds with his broader mission of closing the federal department. Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon have said their goals are to reduce bureaucracy and return more education responsibilities to the states. Neither the Department of Education nor the White House, which are operating with fewer communications officers because of the government shutdown, responded to Stateline requests for comment. Congress has never fully funded special education at 40% per-pupil costs promised to states under IDEA. Funding has fluctuated over the years; in 2024, it was about 10.9%. Federal IDEA funding is expected to continue, though without federal oversight from the Education Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disability rights and education advocates worry that most states dont have the resources or, in some cases, the will to adequately police and protect the rights of students with disabilities. Some states in recent years have failed to provide adequate special education services, prompting investigation from the feds. Just 19 states meet the requirements for serving students with disabilities from ages 3 through 21, according to the most recent annual review from the Department of Education, released in June. Shifting all of that to the state and away from the feds is not something weve been able to wrap our heads around, said Quinn Perry, the deputy director of the Idaho School Boards Association. Our state education department are excellent people, but that is a huge, drastic shift in workload theyd have to do on compliance, she said, adding that Idaho is already facing a budget shortfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Iowa, Democratic state Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, the former House minority leader, said shes concerned that without federal oversight, the state would not hold schools accountable for providing special education services. She pointed to state lawmakers willingness to pass Iowas relatively new school choice program, which directs taxpayer funding to private school tuition but does not require private schools to provide services to students with disabilities. There are no provisions with private school vouchers that they have to provide special education, she said. Those kids are left at the public schools, which have been underfunded. Funding gaps IDEA passed 50 years ago this month. Before then, education for children with disabilities depended entirely on where they lived. They were often refused admission to public and private schools that lacked the resources or the will to properly educate them. Some had to forgo education entirely, while others were shut away in poorly equipped institutions that prioritized containment over learning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022-2023, about 7.5 million students 15% of the kids in public schools received special education services under IDEA, according to the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics, the federal agency that collects education data. The law requires public schools to provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment from birth through age 21 to children and youth with disabilities. That education includes services such as additional time to complete school work, assistive technology, or even a one-on-one aide. Some supports, such as providing large-print materials or giving a student extra time to complete a task, are low-cost. But others can be expensive for schools to provide. For example, an American Sign Language interpreter might cost $50,000 a year, said Perry, of the Idaho school boards group. And a recent Idaho state report noted that it costs upward of $100,000 per year to educate some special education students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educators there are already pushing for additional funding to help fill a gap $82.2 million in 2023 between available state and federal funding for special education and the amount that school districts actually spend. The state report also found that, unlike the neighboring states of Oregon, Utah and Washington, Idaho doesnt provide additional state funding for special education beyond the base per-pupil amount allocated by the state. The federal government currently covers less than 12% of the costs of special education services nationwide, leaving state and local governments to foot the rest, according to the National Education Association, a labor union representing 3 million educators nationally. Without federal oversight, critics fear, nobody will hold states and school districts accountable for not spending enough. We still have a federal mandate to provide services to these kids. Quinn Perry, deputy director of the Idaho School Boards Association In some states, limited state funding means a disproportionate financial burden lands on individual school districts. On average, local districts are responsible for $8,160 per special education student per year, according to a report released last year by education nonprofit Bellwether that studied funding across 24 states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation is so dire in Idaho that the state superintendent made special education funding her key issue for the states upcoming legislative session. She requested $50 million to help close the special education funding gap. Its an issue affecting school districts across the nation, said Perry. Just because [the feds] are shifting responsibility to states does not alleviate the fact that we still have a federal mandate to provide services to these kids, Perry said. IDEA is still the law of the land and your school district is still mandated to meet this law, but with perhaps a sprinkling in of chaos and, in a state like ours, still a gap in funding. At times, that funding gap has prompted some states to cut corners. Rationed services After a 15-month probe, the U.S. Department of Education found in 2018 that Texas had effectively rationed its special education services, capping the share of public school students who could receive those services at 8.5% of a districts population, regardless of need and in direct violation of IDEA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The feds also found that some Texas school districts intentionally identified fewer children as eligible for special education services if the number of those students exceeded the 8.5% threshold. Though Republican Gov. Greg Abbott subsequently released a statement criticizing local school districts, educators and advocates blamed state legislators for recommending the caps as a way to control special education costs. Texas had about 5-7% of students who needed special education but were unilaterally denied it because the state decided that was too expensive, said Lisa Lightner, a special education advocate and the mother of a student with a disability. Without this federal oversight, whos to stop them from doing that again? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just last year, the Department of Education released Virginia from an ongoing investigation it had been under since 2019 for repeatedly failing to resolve complaints by parents of special education students. The feds found the state had no procedures to ensure a timely resolution process for the complaints, leaving parents with little recourse when their students werent receiving needed services. The federal monitoring ended in December 2024 after Virginias education department took corrective measures, including creating its own monitoring division, requiring additional educator training, and changing how the state handles complaints. This year, states including Indiana, Iowa, Kansas and Mississippi were cited by the Education Department for not having systems in place that are reasonably designed to identify districts not complying with IDEA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No state gets it perfect all the time, but some states are better at it than others, Lightner said. Her home state of Pennsylvania has robust state oversight of special education, she said, but added that parents in some other states are panicking. Theres a societal mindset in some places that kids who need special education are never going to amount to anything, that theyre a drain on resources. Some people even think [allocating additional funds for their education] is giving them an advantage over other kids, she said. Its an old-fashioned mindset that still exists in a lot of state leaders. States take notice Some state lawmakers, troubled or encouraged by the Trump administrations stance toward public education, have already filed their own legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans havent talked much about special education oversight, but even those at the state level have embraced the larger goal of shrinking the kind of regulation embodied by the Department of Education. In Texas, state Rep. Andy Hopper, a Republican, filed a bill in February to abolish the states education agency. President Trump has called upon every level of government to eliminate inefficiencies and waste, Hopper said in a statement announcing the bill, which later died in committee. Texans pour billions into this state agency with the expectation that it will somehow improve education, but have been consistently and profoundly disappointed in the results. Alabama state Rep. Barbara Drummond, a Democrat, filed a bill in March to study how the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education would affect public education in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama parents are among those who sued the federal agency earlier this year over cuts to its Office for Civil Rights, claiming that investigations into alleged civil rights abuses in schools against students with disabilities and English learners have halted since Trump took office. Drummonds bill also died in committee. Since August, McMahon has been on a Returning Education to the States tour of all 50 states. She began it in Louisiana, the only state whose recent fourth-grade reading scores showed a significant increase compared with pre-pandemic levels, according to a large, congressionally mandated survey of educational progress across the states. Theres no one-size-fits-all in education, she told reporters during her stop at a Baton Rouge school in August. What works in one state may not work in another state. Federal law already gives states and local districts exclusive control over their own curriculum and education standards; the U.S. Department of Education cant tell states what to teach, nor how to teach it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, a Democrat, expressed concern that the dismantling of the Department of Education would remove the kind of federal oversight that has, in the past, protected students civil rights when state and local governments didnt. On his podcast in August, he pointed to the need for federal intervention during the Jim Crow era when Southern states tried to maintain segregation in schools. We were protected to be able to have an education because of the federal government, said Carter, who is Black. When you start taking those protections away, thats damning for our country and its a huge step in the wrong direction. Lightner, who has 182,000 followers on her Facebook page, said parents who comment on her posts often debate the merits of the Trump administrations shift on special education. But Lightner said she hasnt seen evidence of a cohesive plan to improve special education. If you blow up a house, even if I gave you a few hundred thousand dollars to build a new one, that doesnt happen overnight, she said. This destruction, its going to be years until were back to normal. And even normal missed a lot of kids. Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Special election Tuesday is here, with polls opening throughout Los Angeles County at 7 a.m. for the statewide vote on Proposition 50. What is Proposition 50? Prop 50 requires the temporary use of new congressional district maps through 2030, which are intended to increase the number of Democratic seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Supporters, including Governor Gavin Newsom, argue that replacing the current map is necessary to combat Republican-led redistricting efforts backed by President Trump in states like Texas. Republicans in Missouri, North Carolina, and Indiana are also making moves that could add GOP House seats as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Republicans say Prop 50 dismantles the independent safeguards that keep elections fair and could skew the 2026 midterm elections. Californias district map was drawn by an independent citizens commission. If approved, Prop 50 would suspend the states current map until 2030 and replace it with districts drawn by Democrats. A yes vote on Prop 50 could flip as many as five Republican-held U.S. House seats to Democratic control. Republicans currently hold a 219-213 majority in the U.S. House, with three vacancies. On Monday, Newsom was out encouraging voters to approve Prop 50. Prop 50 is not about drawing lines on a map. It is about holding the line to what makes us who we are Yes on 50, Newsom said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Tony Strickland (R), Huntington Beach, said Prop 50 wont help Californians. It will be very hurtful for California, because now all of a sudden you dont have representation that can actually work with the Trump administration and bring back different things for California, Strickland said. What do polls show heading into the election? Less than two weeks before election day, an Emerson College poll found that 57% of likely California voters supported Prop 50, while 37% opposed it. Six percent remained undecided. Certain demographic groups that were hesitant to support the measure last month have come around to support Prop 50, such as Black voters, whose support increased from 45% to 71%, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. When and where can I vote? Polls will remain open to voters until 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters can head to the following locations across Southern California: Los Angeles County Orange County Riverside County San Bernardino County Ventura County Vote-by-mail ballots were sent out in early October and must be postmarked by Nov. 4. 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 KTLA. California, US-based Specialized Packaging Group (SPG), a US-based supplier of sustainable protective packaging solutions, has unveiled a new brand identity. The update spans a new logo, visual system and messaging. The move highlights the company's focus on tailored protective packaging for the automotive, aerospace, energy, data centres, electronics and medical tech sectors. The revised identity underscores its work on bespoke solutions for complex packaging requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also reflects an emphasis on sustainability, including circular packaging and practices aimed at reducing waste and supporting global environmental, social and governance objectives. The rebrand aligns with ongoing investment in facilities, technology and services. The changes are intended to support future growth and align with its mission to protect products, streamline logistics and advance sustainability for customers across the region. SPG chief commercial officer Joe Gumbis stated: Our new brand identity reflects the core of who we are at SPG - a company built on innovation, collaboration and unwavering commitment to our customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we continue to grow, this rebrand positions us to better communicate our value, highlight our expertise and showcase our dedication to sustainability and custom packaging solutions. The rebrand highlights our ability to engineer high-performance protective packaging solutions that meet the needs of todays most advanced markets, from automotive and aerospace to data centres and medical technology. Based in the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, SPG operates throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. "Specialized Packaging Group introduces new brand identity " was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. ST. LOUIS Flight schedules at St. Louis Lambert International Airport are about to change, as Spirit Airlines is set to pull out of St. Louis in 2026. The airline said starting Jan. 8, 2026, Spirit will no longer be at St. Louis Lambert Airport. The low-cost carrier announced the changes Monday as part of a broader restructuring plan that will also pull flights out of Milwaukee, Phoenix, and Rochester, New York. Additionally, service from Spirit Airlines will no longer be in Bucaramanga, Colombia, on Jan. 13, 2026. Election results: Voters decide on taxes and school funding Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, Spirit has a limited schedule out of St. Louis, including two flights a week to Fort Lauderdale, and a handful of seasonal or one-time routes to Orlando, Tampa, Las Vegas, New York, Myrtle Beach, and Cancun. Those who planned to travel with Spirit in 2026 will be contacted by the airline for possible refunds or other arrangements. Thank you to our partners and Guests in these communities for their support over the years, a spokesperson with Spirit Airlines wrote. 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 FOX 2. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. With the government shutdown now lasting over a month with no end in sight, uncertainty grows for people on food stamps, otherwise known as SNAP benefits. The Trump administration said Monday it will partially fund SNAP after two federal judges ruled the government must tap into contingency funds. Trumps going to have to give people their food stamps back, said SNAP beneficiary Judith Frank. Hes just going to have to because its hitting families, children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food banks in Springfield were extremely busy the Monday morning after SNAP benefits were paused, with a line of cars almost completely wrapping around Crosslines Community Outreach. People are going homeless and hungry, and they need to know there are things like this in the community that can help you, Frank says. CEO of Crosslines, Jamie Trussell, says when she arrived before 8 a.m., there was already a line forming. But the line that we saw this morning was longer than Ive ever seen it, Trussell said. Trussell says shes seen more federal workers come by the pantry since the government shutdown began over a month ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, about 1 in 4 to 1 in 5, depending on the day, were people who have never needed our food pantry before, Trussell said. She tells me they have already had meetings to discuss the dwindling grocery supply in their warehouse, as more and more people need food. When you go through there and you see what families are actually leaving with, it is not as much as I would love to be able to give them, Trussell said. Frank wanted to say thank you to her peers who donated food or money to local pantries. Its just a blessing to have the people in the community to pitch in like this, Frank said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. SPRINGFIELD City officials are organizing to help residents left hungry by the freezing of food assistance. At the same time, they vented anger toward federal politicians, saying they are putting the most vulnerable at risk while playing politics. All city departments are joining with the Hampden Sheriffs Department, local churches and others to collect food and cash donations to help people struggling to feed their families after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were cut off Saturday. Their announcement came as President Donald Trumps administration said it will partially fund SNAP, which serves about one of every eight citizens nationally, following two court rulings requiring the federal government to keep it running. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unknown when and how much of the benefits will be restored. While they are doing their best to help, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, state Rep. Bud L. Williams, Sheriff Nick Cocchi, City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce and others reacted in anger that children, the elderly and others are being left to suffer. It is absolutely heart wrenching that politics is being played on this. We need the federal government to get their act together, Sarno said, adding if the paychecks of House and Senate members were suspended, the shutdown wouldnt look like this. In Springfield alone, 47.4% of residents receive SNAP benefits. Most of the recipients are working families that dont make enough to scrape by. Others are retirees, children and the disabled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarno said he is seeing long lines at food pantries across the city and residents are telling him they arent sure how they will be able to buy food without the benefits. All city departments and libraries will be collecting non-perishable food. Residents who want to donate are encouraged to send money, since pantries can leverage cash to buy more at a discount. The city has also received a $50,000 state grant to address food insecurity and help the unhoused. That money will now be divided among nine neighborhood food pantries spread throughout the city, said Helen Caulton-Harris, health and human services commissioner. The agencies are small and include places such as the Springfield Rescue Mission, Gray House, the Indian Orchard Community Survival Center and multiple pantries run by churches. Along with purchasing additional food, the groups will be able to buy equipment to prepare meals, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am particularly concerned about our elders, Caulton-Harris said. I will tell you that our elders are really frightened. They are scared. They dont know what the next day is going to bring. These are times we need to be together. In total, there are 53 food pantries in Springfield and nearly 200 across Western Massachusetts. They are all seeing a call for help, said Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which serves as a clearing house for food donations and distribution. Across Springfield alone, 71,000 people receive SNAP benefits and were already struggling financially. The Food Bank has been in crisis for at least two weeks, Morehouse said. Indeed these are working families. They can work, they are required to work in order to receive SNAP benefits, but children cant work, elders shouldnt have to work, people with disabilities cant work, Morehouse said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He admitted he is angry. The work needed to gather donations to ensure children dont go to bed hungry and the disabled dont have to choose between eating and purchasing medications isnt sustainable, he said. In addition, Morehouse said he is worried that people in the middle class who normally would give to the Food Bank are also struggling with high costs and dont have extra money to help. For every meal the food bank provides, the SNAP program provides nine meals. There is no way we can make up for the loss of that, Morehouse said. We will do everything we can in the absence of SNAP benefits to ensure people have access to nutritious food. The Sheriffs Department is providing trucks and staffing to help collect food donated at libraries, City Hall and other locations and deliver it to the Food Bank, pantries and other locations it needs to go, Cocchi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is disgusting what is happening at a political level. Disgusting. And quite frankly Im tired of it, Cocchi said. This political rhetoric, its got to go. People are going to die, not just starve. Williams, the state representative, said he and his fellow legislators are stepping up to try to provide money to communities and put political pressure to restore benefits. Even with the court rulings, Williams said he is not hopeful. He questioned how long it will take for people to see benefits restored. Even before this crisis there was tremendous food insecurity and stress on local pantries to provide it, he sad. What is going on is not fair because people really are suffering, Williams said. Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Investigators are looking for additional victims after multiple women reported sex abuse by the same man. Police arrested 26-year-old Cameron Hindman on Friday in Scappoose on a related warrant after a Multnomah County grand jury indictment. Cameron Hindman was arrested Oct. 31, 2025 on charges of sodomy and sex abuse. Police are looking additional victims and information. (Portland Police Bureau) According to court documents obtained by KOIN 6 News, Hindmen faces two counts of first-degree sodomy, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of fourth-degree assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portland police said that earlier this year, they received reports from two different, unrelated women who said they were sexually assaulted by a man they met on dating apps. Each of the women said the incidents occurred at the same residence in the 4700 block of Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. They both said the man used physical force to engage in sexual activity, and they both sought medical attention after the encounter. Advocates said getting help right away can preserve evidence and make seeking justice easier. Workers at Providences SAFE Center previously told KOIN 6 News. The chances of a patient earning justice for what they experienced, if thats what they want, are theoretically higher, Lead Forensic Nurse Examiner Theresa Muncy said in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the 9 months it took to file charges, police interviewed victims and witnesses, sifted through evidence and built the case before taking it to a grand jury. Officials believe there could be additional victims. Anyone with additional information about these incidents or similar interactions with Hindman is asked to contact police. 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 KOIN.com. Ten-year-old Miles Kofron peered through the forward-facing, rain-spattered windows of the pilothouse of the SS William Clay Ford at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle. From it, he could see the vessels on the Detroit River. He could hear, by way of live radio broadcasts, maritime chatter. And, for a moment, the boy could imagine what it must have been like nearly 50 years ago for Capt. Donald Erickson and his crew to brave a gale-force storm to search for survivors of the doomed SS Edmund Fitzgerald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its quite cool," the youngster said of the experience. He and his parents, Megan and Matt Kofron, drove all the way from St. Louis to see it. He also was eager to attempt a freighter simulation, which, he added, "probably will be my favorite" exhibit. Richard Russell, of Grosse Pointe Shores, looks on at a large photo of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which is covered extensively at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, photographed on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Russell built a scale model of the freighter. The museum is memorializing the Nov. 10, 1975, tragedy of the shipwreck with a weekend of events, including an authors talk, a special exhibition and a sold-out Sunday brunch featuring a meal based on a Fitzgerald-galley menu. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point in the Upper Peninsula, closer to where the Fitzgerald sank, and the National Museum of the Great Lakes on the banks of the Maumee River in Toledo also have planned memorial events. Workers at the Dossin hope the special weekend will introduce more people to the 16,000-square-foot museum, which, Myett Risker, one of the supervisors there, said, sometimes seems like it is one of Detroits "best-kept secrets." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond recounting what happened to the Fitzgerald, the museum gives visitors like the Kofrons who also stopped at the nearby maritime museum in Ohio a chance to experience history up close. Becoming the Dossin museum As its name suggests, the Dossin tells the story of Michigans waterways, including the history of commercial shipping and luxury cruise liners on the Great Lakes and powerboat races on the Detroit River. The history of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is covered extensively at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle photographed on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. The museum is run by the nonprofit Detroit Historical Society, which also oversees the Detroit Historical Museum downtown. The society focuses on showcasing what life in metro Detroit was once, and still is, like. "Museums, libraries and galleries help inspire and cultivate imaginations," Risker said. "Thats what the Detroit Historical Society tries to do: Give everyone a great experience and teach them about history." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dossin museum, of course, has its own history. When it first opened in 1949, it was called the Maritime Museum and was housed aboard a wooden schooner, the J.T. Wing, which was reportedly the Great Lakes last commercial sailing vessel. The wooden ship, however, was rotting away, so much so that in 1956, it closed. But the Dossin family helped save it. The Dossins who owned Dossin Food Products, a company that was started by Ernest Dossin in 1898, and who later acquired the regional bottling and distribution franchise for Pepsi-Cola donated the money to build a museum building. The museum preserves maritime history and adds to the family's legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Michiganders pay tribute to Gordon Lightfoot, his iconic 'Wreck of the Fitzgerald' song In addition to selling food and pop, the Dossins specifically brothers Russell, Walter and Roy were speedboat racing enthusiasts. They owned the Miss Pepsi, which topped 100 mph and was later added to the museum's collection. By 1961, the new museum building had opened. Salvaged pilothouse and anchor The SS William Clay Ford pilothouse, a permanent display at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, photographed on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. The William Clay Ford freighter was one of two ships involved in the search for the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank on Nov. 10, 1975. Since then, the Dossin museum has undergone upgrades. In 1966, the museum installed an ornately carved oak smoking lounge that was recovered from the City of Detroit III steamer. The room, which was restored and reconstructed in the museum near its entrance, includes a large, three-paneled stained-glass window made from hundreds of pieces of glass to depict 17th-century French explorer Robert LaSalle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1992, the pilothouse was added as a permanent exhibit. It was salvaged from the Ford, a 647-foot-long bulk freighter named after the grandson of Henry Ford, which had been scrapped. And just below it is the route the Fitzgerald took from Wisconsin to Detroit, with audio of the last radio communication with another freighter, the SS Arthur M. Anderson, before the Fitz went down in Lake Superior. Also in 1992, the 12,000-pound bow anchor from the Edmund Fitzgerald, which had been lost in the Detroit River in 1974, a year before the ship sank, was recovered and placed on Belle Isle's riverfront. The iron ore-laden ship was en route to Zug Island near Detroit when the fateful storm hit. The anchor has since become a landmark and gathering place, especially during Fitzgerald anniversaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dossin got another makeover in 2013. And just five years ago, it got an outdoor enhancement. Attracting more visitors Still, despite all the improvements, Risker a lifelong Detroiter said shes unsure why more Michiganders don't visit the museum. One reason, she speculated, may be that the museum is on Belle Isle, and not downtown. Maybe, they don't know it exists. Risker didnt, she acknowledged, until just a few years ago. Another problem may be that visitors need a state recreation pass to get into the park. Some people, Risker said, also mistake the boxy-looking museum building for something other than a museum. They think it's the state Department of Natural Resources offices, or a Coast Guard Station or even a water treatment plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of that, the museum has limited hours of operation. Right now, for instance, it's only open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays, although during the summer, the museum also was open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. But Risker said the museum, or parts of it, can be rented for private events to celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, retirements, and anniversaries. It also has been a venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Some metro Detroit families have been coming to the museum for years. Rich Russell, 71, of Grosse Point Shores, remembers his dad first taking him to the museum when he was Miles Kofron's age. It was new then. Later, Russell took his four kids, now all adults, there, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell, now a grandfather, said he even bought schematics of the Fitz from the museum to build his own scale model of it. He still visits the museum "all the time," even on his own, and recommends the experience to others. Perhaps if more Detroiters knew how much local visitors like Russell and out-of-state tourists like the Kofrons, who drove seven hours to get there, enjoyed the museum, they might be inspired to see it, too. Museum workers also pointed out that more visitors means more ticket revenue, which could pay for more exhibits and special programs. It was just too bad, the Kofrons said while they were visiting the museum, that their visit was just a little too early for them to attend the various Fitzgerald anniversary events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com Dossin Great Lakes Museum Address: 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle Phone: 313-821-2661 Website: detroithistorical.org Tickets: Adults and children 6 and older are $5; children younger than 6 and members are free. There is a $1 discount on tickets for households with more than five paid admissions. Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park residents are free. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit's Dossin museum chronicles final hours of Edmund Fitzgerald The room featured all of the hallmarks of a fancy affair. The glitz and glam, beautiful florals and guests decked out in fancy dresses and dapper suits transformed the fellowship hall of a local church into a high school prom in a church-school collaboration that prompted smiles from students, administrators and churchgoers alike. While Emerson North High School was searching for a place to hold its prom during the 2024-25 school year, it learned that a nearby house of worship wanted to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hartley Harper, the school's principal, said the school sent word to local businesses and organizations in the downtown Oklahoma City area to ask if any of the establishments would help fund the traditional dance. She said school leaders were grateful when St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral indicated that the congregation wanted to support the school so that the students could experience the prom, a much-anticipated rite of passage. While Emerson North High School was searching for a place to hold its prom during the 2024-25 school year, it learned that a nearby house of worship wanted to help. "They did more than just fund it," Harper said. "They actually gave us the spot and they also had church members that were there to set up and clean afterwards and we didn't have to pay for anything." Harper and St. Paul's member Ashley Ozan said the prom was the beginning of new partnership. "It wasn't just a one and done situation," Harper said. "They really are building a relationship." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Prom 2025: All the glamorous photos from around Oklahoma City, OK County Incentives for success Ozan, St. Paul's children, family and cathedral life minister, said she was the church member that initially reached out the Harper at Emerson but many church members quickly joined the effort. She said St. Paul's Dean Willey Hall, the church's fellowship hall, seemed to be the perfect place to hold the high school's prom. Afteward, church members wondered what more they could do to help the school located at 715 N Walker, not too far from their house of worship at 127 NW 7. Ozan said after talking with school leaders, an agreement was reached to have the school's winter dance in December at the church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harper said such activities are important for the students. "We really feel like it's important for them to get what the other students get," she said, noting that the high school is considered an alternative high school for students who have encountered barriers to achievement and graduation like moving a lot or becoming parents themselves. The school has about 200 students, Harper said. St. Paul's members wanted to do more than help with the dances, they also decided they wanted to help stock the school's store. It serves as a way to offer incentives for student attendance, which many students struggle with. The school offers the students digital cash they call "Cougar Cash" for attending classes that they can then spend at the store. "We've got an Amazon list out there for the parishioners to choose items," Ozan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the congregation also wanted to make sure the students received nice prizes like Oklahoma City Thunder gear, portable speakers, spa items for girls, perfume and cologne samples and Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma gear. Harper said the school has been stocking the incentive store with mostly snacks, so the items being purchased by the church are a real boon. Harper said the school reserves 5% of the Cougar Cash to invest because the students are learning about the stock market and investing. The principal said she's appreciative of St. Paul's and other organizations that help Emerson North and its students. She said alternative education was started back in the early 1990s as a way to keep students from dropping out, but a stereotype became attached to them essentially making them out to be a place where "problem children come." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My students carry that label with them as they come in," Harper said. "We work very hard to change that. It's a place where students go and a lot of them have problems and we're working on those things." The Rev. Katie Churchwell, dean of St. Paul's, said the collaboration with the local high school is rooted in the church's belief that every person is created in the image of God and deserving of dignity and respect. "For us to be good members of our community doesn't require us to make others believe what we believe or worship as we worship it calls us to love as God loves," she said. "One of the best ways for faith communities to engage with public schools is through partnership, not persuasion showing up with compassion, supporting human flourishing and reminding one another that God's care extends to every person and every place." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Emerson North build relationship This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Life-saving stem cell transplants have been limited by the need to perfectly match the blood types of donors and recipients, but a new discovery by the Minneapolis agency that orchestrates these procedures in the U.S. could eliminate that barrier. A study group of transplant recipients showed encouraging survival rates from leukemia and other disorders, even though they only matched with their donors on five or six of eight key markers in their blood, the cell therapy agency NMDP reported Monday. Doctors had long sought perfect eight-of-eight matches to reduce the potentially fatal risk of transplant rejection. Perfect matches meant that patients and donors had common proteins on their cells, making them recognizable to the immune system rather than something foreign like a virus that it would attack. But that high safety threshold left patients with rare blood types waiting for years or dying before matches were found. Proving the safety of so-called mismatched transplants especially opens up options for ethnic and racial minorities who struggled to find matches. "We now have a donor for all," if matches of six or less lead to successful transplants, said Dr. Steven Devine, chief medical officer of NMDP. The nonprofit maintains a registry of more than nine million Americans who have volunteered to donate bone marrow or blood for stem cell transplants. The discovery could result each year in thousands more transplants, which infuse regenerative stem cells and healthy blood cells in patients after chemotherapy and other treatments have wiped out their diseased cells. Challenges remain. The rate of new volunteers is declining, along with the rate of existing volunteers who actually go through with donations when matched to patients in need. But Devine said the use of mismatched donors has more potential to increase transplants than an increase in volunteers would. Even when tapping into a global database of 42 million potential donors, NMDP struggles to find perfect matches for patients with rare blood types, especially for racial and ethnic minorities. African Americans needing transplants have a 29% chance of finding a perfect match, but the odds increase to 84% for a seven-of-eight match and almost 100% beyond that. "The disparity in access to a life-saving transplant based on race or ethnicity is no longer an issue" if mismatched donations can be widely used, Devine said. Filipino-born Rochelle A'Hearn waited over a year for a match after a recurrence of her leukemia, a cancer that disrupts bone marrow and its ability to produce healthy blood cells. More than half of these transplants use stem cells taken earlier on from the patients themselves, or from their genetically similar relatives, but neither was an option for the 59-year-old San Diego attorney. When a six-of-eight match was found in a woman with Asian ethnicity who lived in Spain, there wasn't much debate among her doctors at the City of Hope cancer center in Los Angeles. "My particular leukemia moves very rapidly," she said. "So there was no real messing around. We had to move fast." A'Hearn agreed to the mismatched transplant as part of a clinical trial, similar to the one NMDP reported this week, that compared outcomes with perfect matches. Her alternative was long-term chemotherapy medication to prevent another recurrence of cancer, which presented its own health risks. Researchers had already established equivalent transplant results when comparing perfect matches with donors and recipients who only matched on seven of eight blood markers. That discovery helped NMDP achieve a record last year when it facilitated 8,879 stem cell transplants or cell therapies. The agency had even changed its name in 2024 from Be The Match, which some confused as a dating agency but also somewhat implied a perfect match was necessary. (NMDP previously was known as the National Marrow Donor Program, but now uses the acronym only.) The next step was to prove that even bigger mismatches could work safely. Monday's findings highlighted at the American Society of Hematology's annual conference were based on a comparative clinical trial of 268 adult transplant recipients. The researchers actually showed a higher one-year survival rate of 86% among recipients with five- or six-of-eight matches with donors compared with the 79% survival rate among recipients with seven-of-eight matches. Those outcomes were considered statistically identical. However, Devine said it's easier in mismatched cases to pair recipients with younger donors who have more robust stem cells than older donors, which may improve survival odds. Success with mismatched transplants is largely due to the use of cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy agent used for decades in the treatment of breast and other cancers. When given after transplants, the drug reduces the risk of graft-versus-host disease, which occurs when transplanted immune cells perceive their new body as foreign and attack it. Increasing usage resulted in a doubling of transplants since 2019 involving stem cells from unrelated, mismatched donors. The discovery means many more people on NMDP's registry could be called on to donate in mismatched cases, which raises another challenge. Only 45% of people on the U.S. registry confirmed their willingness to donate last year when they were matched to patients and doctors contacted them to double-check their blood types. That was a decrease from 52% in 2019. The declining interest appears rooted in some of the same health care skepticism that has resulted in less blood donation and fewer recommended vaccinations, said Amy Ronneberg, NMDP's chief executive. The agency has switched its recruiting practices to gain more upfront commitments at the time people register. As a result, the number of new registrants has declined from about 419,000 five years ago to about 232,000 this year. However, NMDP has confidence in the people who are signing up, Ronneberg said. Many people declined to register or donate in the past when transplants required bone marrow, which surgeons obtained from patients by placing them under anesthesia. The majority of transplants now involve stem cells derived from simple blood draws. "You can sit in a chair and watch TV or play video games" during donations, Ronneberg said. A'Hearn, her husband and her two daughters wrote a long letter of thanks to the anonymous donor in Spain. There were some scares after her stem cell transplant, including an infection when her body was somewhat defenseless and regrowing a new immune system. More than a year later, she said she is healthy and energized. She gave up law practice to avoid the stress that could have complicated her health during treatment, but is now doing charitable work. Her "playland" years ago was scaling rock faces in Joshua Tree National Park. "I started climbing again," she said. "It's pretty remarkable." 2025 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. LONDON (AP) Artificial intelligence company Stability AI mostly prevailed against Getty Images Tuesday in a British court battle over intellectual property. Seattle-based Getty had accused Stability AI of infringing its copyright and trademark by scraping 12 million images from its website, without permission, to train its popular image generator, Stable Diffusion. The closely followed case at Britains High Court was among the first in a wave of lawsuits involving generative AI as movie studios, authors and artists challenged tech companies use of their works to train AI chatbots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tech companies have long argued that fair use or fair dealing legal doctrines in the United States and United Kingdom allow them to train their AI systems on large troves of writings or images. Tuesday's ruling provides some clarity but still leaves big unanswered questions over copyright and AI, experts said. According to the judges written ruling, Getty narrowly won its argument that Stability had infringed its trademark, but lost the rest of its case. Both sides claimed victory. This is a significant win for intellectual property owners, Getty Images said in a statement. Shares of Getty dipped 3% before the opening bell in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stability, based in London, said it was pleased with the ruling. This final ruling ultimately resolves the copyright concerns that were the core issue, Stability's General Counsel Christian Dowell said. Getty had accused Stability of both primary and secondary copyright infringement. Legal experts said the first one involves the act of reproducing something without permission similar to a dodgy factory churning out counterfeit Chanel handbags or pirated CDs while the second involves importing those copies from another country. In this case, Getty said Stability's use of its image library to train and develop Stable Diffusions AI model amounted to breach of primary copyright. Stability responded that the case doesnt belong in the United Kingdom because the AI models training technically happened elsewhere, on computers run by U.S. tech giant Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the three-week trial in June, Getty dropped its primary copyright allegations, in a sign that it didn't think they would succeed. But it still pursued the secondary infringement claims. Even if Stabilitys AI training happened outside the U.K., Getty said offering the Stable Diffusion service to British users amounted to importing unlawful copies of its images into the country. Justice Joanna Smith rejected Gettys claims, ruling that Stable Diffusions AI didnt infringe copyright because it doesnt store or reproduce any Copyright Works (and has never done so). Getty also sued for trademark infringement because its watermark appeared on some of the images generated by Stability's chatbot. The judge sided with Getty but added that the case only partially succeeded, and that her findings are "both historic and extremely limited in scope." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While I have found instances of trademark infringement, I have been unable to determine that these were widespread," she said. Experts said Gettys move to drop part of its copyright case means AI training is still in legal limbo. The decision leaves the U.K. without a meaningful verdict on the lawfulness of an AI models process of learning from copyright materials, said Iain Connor, an intellectual property partner at law firm Michelmores. Smith said there was "very real societal importance" in deciding how to strike a balance between the creative and tech industries. But she added that the court can only rule on the "diminished" case that remained and couldn't consider issues that have been abandoned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Getty spokeswoman declined to say whether there would be an appeal. Getty is also pursuing a copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States against Stability. It originally sued in 2023 but refiled the case in a San Francisco federal court in August. The Getty lawsuits are among a slew of cases that highlight how the generative AI boom is fueling a clash between tech companies and creative industries. AI companies are now fighting more than 50 copyright lawsuits so many that a tech industry lobby group has called on President Donald Trump for help stop the court fights, saying they threaten AI innovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the cases, Anthropic agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle a class-action lawsuit by authors while a federal judge dismissed a similar lawsuit from 13 authors against Meta Platforms. Warner Bros. has sued Midjourney for copyright infringement, as have Disney and Universal in seperate lawsuits, alleging that its image generator creates copyrighted characters. ___ AP Technology Writer Matt O'Brien contributed to this report. By Will Dunham WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Scientists are observing the most energetic flare ever seen emanating from a supermassive black hole, apparently caused when this celestial beast shredded and swallowed a huge star that strayed too close. The researchers said the flare at its peak was 10 trillion times brighter than the sun. It was unleashed by a black hole roughly 300 million times the mass of the sun residing inside a faraway galaxy, about 11 billion light-years from Earth. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black holes are extraordinarily dense objects with gravitational pull so strong that not even light can escape. Most galaxies are thought to have one at their center. The black hole in this research is extremely massive - more so, for instance, than the one at the center of our Milky Way that possesses roughly 4 million times the mass of the sun. The researchers said the most likely explanation for the flare is a large star being pulled into the black hole. As material from the ill-fated star falls inward, it causes a flare of energy when it reaches the black hole's point of no return. The researchers believe the star was at least 30 times, and perhaps up to 200 times, the mass of the sun. It may have been part of a population of stars orbiting in the vicinity of the black hole and somehow was sent too close through some interaction with another object in the neighborhood, the researchers said. "It seems reasonable that it was involved in a collision with another more massive body in its original orbit around the supermassive black hole which essentially knocked it in," said Caltech astronomer Matthew Graham, lead author of the study published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Astronomy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was put on a much more elliptical orbit, which brought it much closer to the supermassive black hole at its closest pass - too close, it turns out," Graham added. Supermassive black holes are surrounded by a disk of gas and dust being drawn inward after being caught by their gravitational strength. "However it happened, the star wandered close enough to the supermassive black hole that it was 'spaghettified' - that is, stretched out to become long and thin, due to the gravity of the supermassive black hole strengthening as you get very close to it. That material then spiraled around the supermassive black hole as it fell in," said astronomer and study co-author K.E. Saavik Ford of City University of New York Borough of Manhattan Community College and Graduate Center. The flare would be the result of the gas from the shredded star heating up and shining as it falls into oblivion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The star thought to be involved was unusually massive. "Stars this massive are spectacularly rare both because smaller stars are born more often than massive ones, and because very massive stars live very short lives," Ford said. The researchers suspect that stars that orbit near a supermassive black hole can increase in mass by attracting some of the material swirling around the black hole, making them abnormally large. The researchers observed the flare using telescopes in California, Arizona and Hawaii. They considered other possible causes such as a star exploding at the end of its lifetime, a jet of material streaming outward from the black hole or a phenomenon called gravitational lensing that could have made a fainter event look more powerful. None of these scenarios fit the data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the time it takes for light to travel, when astronomers observe faraway events like this they are looking back in time to an earlier epoch of the universe. The flare brightened by a factor of 40 during the observations, apparently as more and more material from the star fell into the black hole, and peaked in June 2018. It was 30 times more luminous than any previously observed black hole flare. It is still ongoing but diminishing in luminosity, with the entire process expected to take about 11 years to complete. "The flare is still fading," Graham said. (Reporting by Will Dunham, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) MERIDIANVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) An employee at the Meridianville Star Super Market confirmed to News 19 that the grocery stores last day in business was Monday. The employee told News 19 that the pharmacy will remain open. The Meridianville Star Super Market is located at 12078 Hwy 231/431 North, Meridianville, AL 35759. According to the stores website, it was open Sunday and Monday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WHNT.com. Canned food on a pallet in a food pantry distribution site in Des Moines. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has divided the states $1 million donation match among the six food banks in Iowa in accordance with the number of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants per food bank region. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Oct. 30 that funds from DHHS would match monetary donations made to Iowas six food banks, up to $1 million, if the federal government shutdown persisted into November and federal food benefits were not issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressional leaders did not pass the legislation required to reopen the government Friday and the shutdown slid into its second month, meaning SNAP benefits would not be issued to its nearly 42 million participants. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX River Bend Food Bank said in a press release Monday it was urgently working to raise $145,000 in order to make the most of the states promised donation match. The food bank is based in Davenport and serves five counties in eastern Iowa, and 18 in western Illinois. The release said the state would match up to $145,418 of cash donations made to River Bend Food Bank during the SNAP benefits lapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The food banks president Chris Ford, said River Bend is experiencing a surge in demand at pantry sites. It is essential we tap all available resources for those experiencing hunger and that includes securing the full amount of available matching funds from Iowa, Ford said in the news release. Food banks have the ability to purchase food in bulk from suppliers and say they can stretch each dollar further than an individual shopper, which is why food bank officials have stressed the importance of monetary donations. As of Monday, other Iowa food banks said they were either not certain of their maximum match amount, or said they were unable to share the figure at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for DHHS declined to share the maximums for each food bank, but said the department split the $1 million match according to the percentage of SNAP participants that each food bank represents. Reynolds, while speaking with reporters Friday, did not say what would happen to the dedicated $1 million in matching funds if less than $1 million were donated to the states food banks. USDA to issue partial SNAP benefits The match is only eligible on donations received before SNAP benefits are restored, if they are to be restored in November. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday it would partially fund November SNAP benefits using its contingency fund, following a federal judges order that the Trump administration pay at least a portion of November benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USDA is set to issue $4.65 billion from the contingency fund in partial SNAP benefits. USDA officials are working to issue a table that will allow states to calculate the benefits available for eligible households. USDA is ordered to pay out these benefits by the end of Wednesday. DHHS did not respond to a request for comment about USDAs plan to issue partial benefits. Food bank websites provide information on donations and on food pantries in the area. Additionally, the governors website has links to each food bank. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LIMA Prosecutors on Monday put a plea offer on the record for a Lima man charged with stabbing another person earlier this year. Jaquaes Owens, 32, was indicted in October on charges of aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony, and two counts of felonious assault, second-degree felonies. According to court records, deputies with the Allen County Sheriffs Office were dispatched to the 1900 block of East Elm Street in Lima shortly before midnight on Sept. 1 in reference to a stabbing. A person at that location told officers he was stabbed by Owens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, deputies were advised of a male overdose victim at 429 S. Leonard St., which is in close proximity to the Elm Street site. When deputies arrived at the Leonard Street location they found a male later identified as Owens with blood stains on his shirt outside the residence. The stabbing victim suffered a stab wound to his lung and others to his fingers and left knee. Owens declined to speak with investigators. Owens appeared in court Monday for an initial pretrial hearing. During that hearing, Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kyle Thines made a plea offer that called for the defendant to plead guilty to a single felonious assault charge. In exchange, the state would dismiss all remaining charges. Thines said the offer would remain open until 8 a.m. on Nov. 20. A trial date of Dec. 8 has been set for Owens. The California Supreme Court has let stand an appellate court's ruling that the University of California's ban on hiring undocumented workers is discriminatory and must be reconsidered. The recent refusal to hear UC's challenge to the lower court's decision was met with joy by immigrant rights groups. But UC expressed concern. The university system has grappled with federal grant suspensions and other painful Trump administration actions after being accused of violating federal laws, and UC spokesperson Rachel Zaentz said in a statement that the ruling "creates serious legal risks for the University and all other state employers in California." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UC is already fighting the Trump administration's proposed $1.2-billion fine stemming in part from federal allegations that UCLA failed to protect Jewish students' civil rights during pro-Palestinian campus protests last year. The hiring-policy case is the second time in recent weeks that the California Supreme Court has refused to review a lower-court decision at the request of UC lawyers. Last month, the state's high court declined to overturn an order that UC release the document outlining the terms of the Trump administration's settlement proposal. UCLA argued that disclosing the information would harm ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration and open them up to unnecessary public scrutiny. Read more: Under court order, UC publicly releases Trump administration's $1.2-billion settlement proposal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit regarding UC's hiring policy was filed by a former UCLA student and a lecturer in October 2024. It alleges that the UC systems refusal to hire undocumented workers violates state law because it discriminates against students based on their immigration status. Plaintiffs argued that, without campus work, students lacking documentation not only miss out on career-advancing research opportunities but also often struggle to afford tuition, housing and even food. In August, a California Court of Appeal ruled that UC had not provided sufficient legal grounds to justify its "discriminatory policy." That ruling stopped short of overturning the hiring policy, but rather asked UC to reconsider it using proper legal criteria. Instead, UC opted to challenge the appellate court's ruling to the state Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case last week, thus allowing the ruling to stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former UC lecturer and plaintiff Iliana Perez said in a statement Monday that, as a formerly undocumented student, she had seen firsthand how employment restrictions limit opportunities for immigrant students. She is urging UC to take the Supreme Court's decision as an opportunity to revise its hiring policy. Read more: UC must reconsider policy barring undocumented students from jobs, court rules "The California Supreme Courts decision not only reaffirms that discriminating against undocumented immigrants from accessing on-campus employment cannot continue to be tolerated," Perez said, "but it also gives UC the clarity to finally unlock life-changing opportunities for the thousands of immigrant students who contribute to its campuses, and to the states economy and workforce." UC is "assessing its options" following the state Supreme Court's decision, according to Zaentz. The university system did not indicate that it is plans to change its hiring policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "UC has been a leader in supporting its undocumented students remarkable young people who have overcome obstacles and excelled academically including hiring DACA students," Zaentz said. Under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, undocumented youth who were brought to the United States as children are protected from deportation and can get work permits. UC does allow the hiring of students with DACA; however, new applicants have been shut out of the program for years. The Trump administration has proposed reopening DACA to first-time applicants, which would include many students who are now old enough to qualify, but has not done so yet. Attorneys representing UC have argued that its hiring policy is justified because offering jobs to undocumented students could run afoul of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, a federal law that bars the hiring of people without legal status. Attorneys have said that hiring undocumented students could lead to litigation, civil fines, criminal penalties and the freezing of federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump sues to end college tuition benefits for undocumented students. Could California be next? The three-judge appellate court panel, however, ruled in August that fear of federal litigation is not sufficient grounds for UC to uphold the discriminatory hiring policy. UC has historically advocated for undocumented students to receive equal treatment at its campuses. Several UCs provide spaces aimed at developing academic and leadership success among immigrant students, such as the Dream Resource Center at UCLA. Issues regarding undocumented students have become more politically volatile during the Trump administration. At UC, concerns have grown not just around on-campus employment but also potential immigration law enforcement on campuses and in-state tuition rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UC, like other public state universities, offers in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants who graduate from California high schools. Rough estimates say there are 80,000 students who benefit from Assembly Bill 540, which since 2001 has allowed such immigrants to avoid the much higher nonresident rates. But the Trump administration has sued multiple states this year over offering in-state tuition to undocumented students, leading Texas to drop its program and prompting fear that the administration could take similar action in California. 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. Nov. 3In a Facebook post on Monday, Harvest for the Hungry denied a rumor that it is closing. "In this time of political upheaval and resulting food insecurity, rest assured, we will remain open and if we are forced to close early during a service it would be to restock for the next service.," the post read. "Harvest has been around since 1992 and we aren't going anywhere, God willing." The post also addressed several questions: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * "Yes, the USDA is in shambles and getting food from our warehouse is difficult." * "No, the USDA food is not free of charge." * "Yes, are able to order USDA dry, frozen, or produce but a total of 10 items.. No meat." * "Yes, SNAP was funded by order of a (Rhode Island) judge, pray we won't through this panic again at the end of the month." * "Yes, (Gov. Mike) DeWine opened up emergency funds and the Ohio Food Program is now receiving items for us to purchase. No, again not free." "Many of us have lived through turbulent times before," the post continued. "Stay the course, don't panic, keep your faith, and be kind to one another." You Might Like News The final chapter News Festival of Trees moves to Ro-Na Theater Coal Grove Football team, band, cheer honored at DBE Education South Point holds Halloween parade (WITH GALLERY) LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) With colder weather right around the corner, the Michigan State Police is urging the community to prepare for winter driving. Speed with winter weather is not a good combination, said Sgt. Ryan Davis. More than 30,000 winter-weather crashes occurred during the 2022-2023 winter season, according to MSPnearly 60 of those were deadly. To get out of the skid, we teach you to steer into the skid and look in the direction that you want to go, said Davis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why MSP hosted a winter driving demo to prepare drivers for snowy situations ahead. 50-to-100-foot following distance compared to 10 feet which we see in the expressway a lot, thats really going to reduce your chances of being involved in a skid, said Davis. Davis says safety can be as simple as slowing down. Its very, very important that you dont panic and hit the brake because when you hit the brake thats maybe one of the worst things you can do, said Davis. Remember, you dont need to wait for that first snowfall to start prepping. You can do things like new windshield wipers which are pretty relatively inexpensive, said Davis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre not sure if your car is ready for the winter, theres an easy way to check: just take a penny, insert Lincolns head down into the tread of the tire, and if you can see Lincolns entire head, theres not enough tread to drive safely. If you dont have good tread on your tires, or if theyre under inflated, which is very common when we get into the cold weather, the pressures start to go lower, thats really going to affect the handling of your car, said Davis. Officials also recommend winter-izing your car battery, ignition, brakes, lights, wipers, and defrosters. If you do find yourself in danger behind the wheel, Davis says to avoid making sudden moves, be sure to steer into the skid, and try your best to stay calm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest thing is speed. Reduce your speeds, drive to the weather, said Davis. 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 WLNS 6 News. (NewsNation) A German man has returned a skull he stole from Viennas St. Stephens Cathedral six decades ago, according to multiple reports. The tourist snatched the skull while on a guided tour of the catacombs beneath the Austrian cathedral. The catacombs contained the remains of about 11,000 people buried during the 18th century. St. Stephens Cathedral archivist Franz Zehetner said the skull and a letter were sent in a package explaining the mans circumstances for the return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, at the end of my life, I want to come to terms with myself, the letter said. Rescuers race to save man trapped in partially collapsed medieval tower in Rome Zehetner expressed gratitude for the man giving back the skull. After his clarification of the matter, it was touching that someone would wish to make amends for an act of youthful exuberance, he said. Also, that he had carefully preserved the skull over the years even if it was not according to the rules instead of carelessly getting rid of it. It remains unclear how the tourist was able to take the skull home with him at the time of the robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The skull has now been reinterred in the catacombs. 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 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: Pexels Even in the chaos of war, parents can be a shield. A new study published in the International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice finds that parental emotional support helps protect children from anxiety and distresseven when parents themselves suffer from trauma. By encouraging open conversations and validating emotions, parents create a safe space that strengthens children's resilience in the face of conflict. The study, conducted by Dr. Mor Kleynikov and Prof. Dana Lassri from the Hebrew University, Prof. Noga Cohen, and Dr. Joy Benatov from the University of Haifa, together with Prof. Reuma Gadassi-Polack from Bar-Ilan University and Yale University, reveals that the way parents help their children regulate emotions, such as encouraging conversations about feelings, legitimizing emotional expression, finding solutions, or promoting distraction, can protect children from the negative effects of war, even when the parents themselves experience post-traumatic symptoms. The data were collected about a month after the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack during the IsraelHamas war and included 318 parents of children aged 518 (76% women; average age: 40). Most participants reported significant exposure to the war: 32% reported a rocket landing in their area 28% lost a relative 16% were partners of reservists 6% experienced an immediate threat to their lives IER moderating the link between parental PTSD and childs behavioral and emotional difficulties. Credit: International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s42448-025-00238-y Key findings 28% of parents met the clinical diagnostic threshold for PTSD. The more severe the parents' PTSD symptoms, the more likely their children were to experience emotional and behavioral difficulties such as anxiety, aggression, sleep problems, and psychosomatic symptoms. Interpersonal Emotion Regulation (IER)the way parents help their children manage emotionssignificantly reduced the strength of this connection. Even among parents with high levels of PTSD symptoms, children of parents who used adaptive emotion regulation strategies reported fewer difficulties. Results showed that while there was a strong link between parental PTSD symptoms and children's emotional and behavioral problems at low levels of parental IER, this link was much weaker when parents employed high levels of interpersonal emotion regulation. Parents are central to their children's resilience. The study found that even when they themselves are traumatized, they can still serve as an emotional resource for their children. The more parents encouraged open emotional dialog, legitimized negative emotions, and helped find solutions, the more resilient their children were. The novelty of this study lies in its optimistic message: the positive connection between supportive parenting and children's well-being persists even when parents themselves are traumatized. You don't need to be a "perfect parent" to protect your childwhat matters most is the parent's ability to listen and give space to feelings. "The study shows that there is something we can do, even under harsh conditions," the researchers explain. "It is possible to provide parents with practical tools to support their children emotionally, and thereby prevent psychological decline in an entire generation." The study highlights how family relationships can serve as a powerful protective factor. Even in situations of severe external threat, the emotional bond between parent and child can become a safe space that allows the child to cope with an impossible reality. The findings emphasize the importance of investing in trauma-informed parenting programsaccessible, evidence-based tools that can make a real difference in children's well-being, not only during war but also in times of ongoing stress. The researchers recommend integrating the study's findings into educational and therapeutic programs for parents living in conflict zones as part of a trauma-informed approach. Incorporating adaptive interpersonal emotion regulation techniques can provide everyday emotional support and reduce the long-term effects of trauma on children. More information: Mor Keleynikov et al, Parental PTSD and Children's Well-Being During Wartime: The Role of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation, International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s42448-025-00238-y Strange glassy blobs strewn across the Australian desert are evidence of an ancient meteorite impact that scientists hadn't noticed until now. According to a new analysis led by geoscientist Anna Musolino of Aix-Marseille University in France, tiny spheres of glass found in South Australia represent an impact-melt composition not found anywhere else in the world. These newly named ananguites, the researchers say, formed in a giant impact that took place some 11 million years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sting in this particular tail is that geologists have yet to find any trace of a crater associated with this event an event powerful enough to leave mineral traces that persist in detectable quantities for millions of years. Related: A Massive Geological Surprise Has Been Discovered Under Greenland's Ice Sheet YouTube Thumbnail "These glasses are unique to Australia and have recorded an ancient impact event we did not even know about," says geochronologist and geochemist Fred Jourdan of Curtin University in Australia. "They formed when an asteroid slammed into Earth, melting surface rock and scattering debris for thousands of kilometres. These tiny pieces of glass are like little time capsules from deep in our planet's history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What makes the discovery even more intriguing is that, although the impact must have been immense, scientists are yet to locate the crater." The desert across southern Australia is positively strewn with tiny beads of impact glass called tektites. It's part of a region known as the Australasian strewnfield, the fallout created by a giant meteorite impact thought to have hit somewhere in Southeast Asia around 788,000 years ago. The tektites from this fallout found in Australia are known as australites, and they're particularly abundant partly because the suspected impact took place a relatively short time ago. Way back in 1969, scientists Dean Chapman and Leroy Scheiber of NASA made a chemical analysis of 530 australites. Among that number, they found eight with a mineral composition that did not match the rest of the sample. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They noted the strangeness of this, suggesting the eight beads may have formed in a separate impact, but no one ever really followed up. Win a $10,000 Space Coast Adventure Holiday Musolino and her colleagues decided to dive back into the oddballs to figure out what their deal is. The original eight samples were unavailable for re-analysis, but luckily Chapman and Scheiber had provided a detailed chemical description of the oddballs. The differences of particular note include lower silicon dioxide content, but higher levels of the oxides of iron, magnesium, and calcium. They're also denser, with higher magnetic susceptibility, different bubble patterns, and different ratios of trace elements. The six newly discovered ananguites. (Musolino et al., Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 2025) With this profile in hand, the researchers scoured the australite collection at the South Australian Museum, screening it for outliers consistent with the oddballs identified by Chapman and Scheiber. They found six new tektites in the collection that matched the mineral fingerprint of the earlier anomalies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The composition of these ananguites strongly indicates that they formed in an impact that occurred on a different part of the crust from the Australasian strewnfield impact. To confirm, Musolino and her colleagues performed argon dating on two of the six samples; Jourdan and other researchers had used the same technique in 2019 to date tektites scattered around Southeast Asia and Australia to 788,000 years old. The team deduced that the newly identified ananguites are 11 million years old significantly older than the tektites. This age clinches it; this handful of tiny glass blobs formed in a different, earlier impact. Where that impact took place, however, is still a big mystery. That's not surprising given the source crater of the Australasian strewnfield tektites is still unknown, considered something of a "holy grail" for impact cratering science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also a few reasons why the ananguite source crater might have vanished, including intense weathering and the aridification of central Australia that started around 33 million years ago. It may also have been mistaken for a volcanic feature in regions such as Papua New Guinea. "Geochemical and petrographic systematic differences between western and eastern ananguites, which still need to be confirmed with additional samples, may help constrain the location of the impact," the researchers write in their paper. "However, it is also possible that the crater has been buried during the past 11 million years." The findings have been published in Earth & Planetary Science Letters. Related News Nov. 3A University of Dayton student was injured in a shooting Saturday night near the campus. Crews initially responded to reports of a shooting around 11:45 p.m. near the first block of Evanston Avenue close to the university, according to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center. Dayton police Lt. Eric Sheldon said officers found a 19-year-old woman who had been shot, and she was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two homes nearby were also shot, police said. An 18-year-old male suspect and his vehicle were found soon after, Sheldon said, and he was booked in the Montgomery County Jail on an initial charge of felonious assault. University officials said the university is grateful the student's injury is not life-threatening and the student is recovering. The university is providing all available support for this individual, according to officials. "Last night, I received the phone call that every university president dreads," Eric Spina, the president of the university, said in a statement. "Hearing the words "shots fired on campus" caused my heart to sink. My immediate and overwhelming concern was for the well-being of our students and the safety of our entire community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following resources are available to students and the community: Counseling Center, 937-229-3141 and press option 2 to speak with an on-call therapist. Student Development, after hours contact UD Public Safety at 937-229-2121. Campus Ministry, 937-229-3339. Spina said if a person observes anything on campus that seems strange, suspicious or makes them uneasy, they should call Public Safety at 937-229-2121 or reach out via the Flyer Safe app. "At this point in the investigation, it appears there was a verbal altercation of some kind that escalated into multiple shots being fired," university officials said. "It does not appear the suspect(s) are affiliated with the university nor was anyone at the university a target. We do not believe there is any threat to our campus community at this time." The university issued a shelter-in-place for the campus community for approximately one hour while the scene was active, university officials said earlier today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the safety of our community is our top priority, university leadership, including UD Public Safety, will conduct a thorough review of this incident with the goal of providing additional guidance and education to our community," university officials said. University of Dayton Public Safety and Dayton police are increasing patrols in the student neighborhoods. "We also ask you to support one another during this time and seek support for yourself if needed. Our community is defined by its unity, respect, and care for one another," Spina said. "We must actively work to make our UD home an environment where every single student feels safe and valued." UD Public Safety again asks anyone with information about this incident to call 937-229-2121. Conservative students at a small, private university in northern Arizona are claiming censorship after the school prohibited the words "DEI IS RACISM" on a poster promoting a campus speaking event. The Young Americans for Freedom chapter at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott wanted to advertise its Nov. 5 event hosting Allen West, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and former Texas congressman. West planned to speak against diversity, equity and inclusion, a phrase that refers to a set of practices and principles that have become a political flashpoint for conservatives and the Trump administration in the president's second term. Young America's Foundation, the national parent organization to Young Americans for Freedom, said the Prescott student group had secured approval for the event. But when the group submitted the poster for approval, a university employee rejected it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group's leader, Benjamin Isbell, tried a second time, changing it to say: "What is DEI?" And instead of saying West would speak "against" DEI, the flyer said he would speak "about DEI." The university rejected it again. Isbell tried a third version: "What is racism?" This time, West would speak "against racism." No dice. For the fourth and final submittal, Isbell appeared to have had enough. He submitted a flyer with large, red "CENSORED" labels covering the text. "This is a violation of free speech and is hostile to our free, democratic society," the flyer read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That design also was rejected. The dispute reflects what Young America's Foundation says is selective discrimination by Embry-Riddle. The foundation submitted a complaint to the U.S. Department of Education alleging discrimination against conservative students and viewpoints. The complaint is the group's second against Embry-Riddle this year. A spokesperson for the school told The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com he would look into the situation but did not respond to subsequent questions and multiple follow-up calls. DEI flyer dispute leads to civil rights complaint The Young Americans for Freedom Prescott chapter at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accusing the school of censorship after the school banned multiple advertisements the group submitted to promote its Nov. 5 event featuring a speaker opposed to DEI practices. A screenshot of an email provided by the foundation shows an Embry-Riddle employee telling Isbell to make a series of edits to the flyer to secure approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isbell would need to remove: The statement calling DEI "racism." The statement noting the speaker's opposition to DEI. The statements expressing West's point of view that DEI "has often been used under the guise of promoting equality" but "actually does more harm than good, often resulting in reverse racism and lack of merit." After Isbell's proposed changes were rejected, the foundation complained to the U.S. Dept. of Education's Office for Civil Rights. The Nov. 3 complaint claims the university is violating civil rights laws that protect against race, color, national origin and sex-based discrimination. The group also claims in the complaint that Embry-Riddle is violating executive orders from President Trump that ban DEI and "gender ideology." The department should investigate the school, the group says, because the school accepts federal funding roughly $62 million federal dollars, according to the school's 2024 990 tax form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint says Embry-Riddle staff told Isbell in person, but not in writing, that the school could not approve the poster because of Trump's anti-DEI executive order. The foundation said that assertion erroneously used "the administration's own words decrying DEI as destructive as an excuse to ban dissent against DEI." The Arizona Republic could not independently verify the claim, and the university did not respond to questions about it. Absent from the complaint is any formal assertion that the school violated students' First Amendment rights. That's likely because Embry-Riddle, as a private university, doesn't have to guarantee students' free speech rights. "Legally speaking, the First Amendment protects us against the government (including public universities), and since private universities are not the government, legal rights pretty much depend on what they promise their students," said Garrett Gravley, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a free-speech advocacy group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university is, however, bound by federal laws, he said. But whether that means Trump's executive orders apply to private schools is unclear. Trump's executive order prohibiting DEI has faced scrutiny itself for free speech violations. A federal district court judge in February blocked it from taking effect, saying it was too vague and likely violated free speech rights; however, an appeals court overturned that ruling the next month. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has called on the Office for Civil Rights to clarify the rules for universities. The university's "Campus Expression Policy" recognizes students' freedom of expression but says those rights "must be balanced by consideration for the health and safety of all members of the University community." "Debate and discussion over aspects of DEI happens daily on campuses across the country, and. Lt. Col. West has spoken at multiple colleges on this subject without issue. There is simply no compelling reason to silence such debates on a college campus, especially on health and safety grounds," Gravley said. University and conservative student club sparred before flyer controversy The DEI flyer is not the first time Young Americans for Freedom and Embry-Riddle were at odds this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young America's Foundation filed another complaint against Embry-Riddle in February. The foundation claimed the school had rejected several events or campus displays the student club wanted to host or exhibit. Topics included support for Israel, a 9/11 memorial, anti-abortion advocacy, opposition to "transgenderism" and a parody of political correctness. The rejections "lacked any support" in the university rules, the complaint states. But the school implemented a new policy in October 2024, the group claims. The complaint included an email from the university announcing a policy banning outdoor campus events and demonstrations "related to religious and political causes." Instead, such events could only happen indoors, the university said. A few months later, the complaint says the university "relaxed" the policy, announcing in a December email that outdoor campus events could continue for "recognized religious holidays." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundation claims the policy was "selectively" enforced against conservatives. The complaint cites restrictions on events displaying Israel's flag while allowing "Trans Day of Visibility" displays on campus and on university social-media accounts. "This violates Title VI because (Embry-Riddle) has elevated protrangenderism to the status of a religion yet refused to permit any pro-Jewish or anti-gender ideology activism," the complaint says. Foundation spokesperson Spencer Brown told The Republic the event featuring a discussion against DEI with West would continue as planned Nov. 5. Taylor Seely is a First Amendment Reporting Fellow at The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Do you have a story about the government infringing on your First Amendment rights? Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seely's role is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Embry-Riddle University accused of censorship over anti-DEI poster Oil and gas companies are still on an expansion course despite worsening climate change, an updated database from the German research organization Urgewald showed on Tuesday. The database includes more than 1,800 companies that are extracting oil and gas or are developing new fossil-fuel infrastructure. At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai two years ago, also known as COP28, the global community agreed to move away from coal, oil and gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, according to the data from Urgewald, investments in fossil-fuel infrastructure today are similar to the levels at the time of the agreement in Dubai. For example, US companies are currently planning 125.06 gigawatts (GW) of new gas power plant capacities, followed by Chinese companies with 82.22 GW and Vietnamese companies with 44.86 GW. In the planned construction of terminals for the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the United States is also leading with 388.23 million metric tons per year, followed by Russia with 102.70 million tons annually, ahead of Mexico with 66.7 million and Qatar with 64 million tons per year. According to Urgewald, the data refer to company plans, and government figures could differ if, for example, there are no project sponsors yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN Climate Change Conference in Paris 10 years ago, also known as COP21, decided to limit global warming to as close to 1.5 degrees Celsius as possible compared to pre-industrial times. Currently, it is already around 1.4 degrees. With ongoing global warming, events such as storms, droughts or floods are becoming more likely. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Two SUNY Upstate Medical University employees, known as Alcibiades Lazaro Ramirez Gonzalez and Yannier Vazquez Hildago, are being held in Batavia after being detained by the Immigration Enforcement Office in Mattydale on Oct. 29. This was a hearing that they were attending because they were told to attend, and theyre trying to do everything the right way, President of the United University Professions chapter at Upstate Medical University, Mindy Heath, said. Theyve been attending hearings all along. Why they were picked up at this one, we dont know. Gonzalez and Vazquez Hildago have been described by Heath as proud union members. They were building a life together in North Syracuse while working to obtain permanent citizenship in the United States. The couple recently married. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now they are being detained at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Western New York, according to Heath. If theyve been attending legal hearings all along and this is in preparation for another hearing, why do they have to be detained for a hearing? Heath said. It doesnt make any sense. Upstate Medical staff, along with union members of the UUP and the Civil Service Employees Association, have been working to find answers. Were taking it day by day and getting as much information as we can to help support the families; so, ensuring that the legal counsel they have is adequate Heath said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said that Gonzalez and Vazquez Hildago are not just employees, theyre vital members of the community. They live in a beautiful little community with decorations and families and pets running around. Theyve created a wonderful life for themselves here that we want to get them back to, she said. Vazquez Hildagos hearing is scheduled for Nov. 17 at the ICE facility in Batavia at 8:30 a.m. Gonzalezs case has not yet been scheduled. 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 WSYR. President Donald Trump has spent most of 2025 imposing billions of dollars in tariffs on Americans whenever they buy goods from overseas. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will finally debate whether the centerpiece of Trumps economic policy is legal. The justices will likely delve into issues of presidential and congressional power, of Cold Warera laws and founding-era principles, and of the precise meanings of words like regulate. Rarely has the court dealt with a case that could so directly affect so many Americans and so many livelihoods at once. The case, Learning Resources v. Trump, originally came from a group of small businesses that are severely impacted by the tariffs. Unsurprisingly, they argued that the tariffs were flatly illegal. IEEPA does not authorize tariffs, they told the justices in their brief, referring to the law at issue in the case. In the five decades since Congress enacted IEEPA, no president until now has invoked that law (or its predecessor) when imposing tariffs. That is no surprise: Unlike every actual tariff statute, IEEPA nowhere mentions tariffs, duties, or any other revenue-raising mechanism. The businesses managed to persuade the lower federal courts that the tariffs were illegal, prompting the Justice Department to seek relief from the high court. While most of the DOJs arguments were legal in nature, it also leaned heavily on Trumps own claims about the tariffs importance on policy grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the President, these cases present a stark choice: With tariffs, we are a rich nation; without tariffs, we are a poor nation, the department claimed in its brief for the court. It quoted Trump as saying that the United States was a dead country one year ago and that now, because of the trillions of dollars being paid by countries that have so badly abused us, America is a strong, financially viable, and respected country again. That is a dubious assessment at best. Tariffs, contrary to the administrations messaging, are not levied on foreign producers or exporters. They are instead paid by American businesses and individuals: either directly if they purchase something from overseas that is shipped to the United States, or indirectly if companies that import foreign goods raise their prices to accommodate the higher costs that tariffs inevitably produce. The Treasury may be richer from the tariff regime, but Americans themselves are not. Tariffs have always been highly controversial among Americans. The Revolution came in part because the Thirteen Colonies grew frustrated that Parliament kept levying import duties on goods like sugar, paper, and tea without the colonists electoral consent, thereby violating a basic principle of English governance. A generation before the Civil War, Southern states and the federal government nearly came to blows over an 1828 tariff that threatened the Souths cotton-based economy. The Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930 imposed tariffs in an effort to protect American industries after Black Monday; they instead deepened and prolonged the Great Depression as trade relationships collapsed. Because of the colonial-era experience, the Constitutions Framers vested the power to levy tariffs and similar duties with Congress while simultaneously forbidding the states from enacting their own restrictions on foreign imports. Congress rarely exercises this power today. The Sixteenth Amendments passage in 1913 shifted federal revenue toward income taxes instead of import taxes, while the postWorld War II economic consensus outside of the Soviet bloc embraced free trade and low barriers to revive the postwar global economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps power to impose tariffs came not from existing legislation but, according to him, from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. Congress enacted the Cold Warera law to give presidents a certain amount of flexibility over foreign trade during a declared national emergency. During the Iranian hostage crisis, two years after the laws passage, for example, President Jimmy Carter used it to freeze Iranian state assets in the United States and block oil imports from the country. Presidents have also used it to impose sanctions for human rights violations or terrorist attacks. No president had used IEEPA to impose anything resembling tariffs before Trump took office. Since his return to the White House earlier this year, however, Trump has invoked the law multiple times to impose import taxes on China, the largest U.S. trading partner, as well as U.S. allies like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The administrations stated goal is to induce foreign powers to sign trade deals with the U.S. and to stimulate American domestic manufacturing; these efforts have been unsuccessful and even counterproductive so far. IEEPA makes no mention of tariffs, import taxes, or duties, or anything else along those lines. The Trump administration instead claims that the laws power to regulate importations gives it all the legal authority that it needs. That IEEPA does not use the word tariff is immaterial; this court has repeatedly rejected such magic-words requirements, the Justice Department claimed in its brief. Indeed, the court has held that a statute authorizing the President to adjust imports includes tariffs, making this an easier case. Learning Resources and its allies disagree. The small businesses noted that the Trump administration did not provide any other examples where Congress had delegated taxing authority through the word regulate and that Congresss phrasing in a World War IIera predecessor statute precluded that reading of it. When Congress amended the provision after Pearl Harbor to the [eventual] text (regulate importation or exportation), it could not have intended to redefine regulate to sweep in the distinct taxing powerand thereby embed a constitutional defect with respect to exports, they noted. (The Constitution forbids taxes on exports.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration also argued that the courts cannot second-guess its determination. Relying on a famous Truman-era ruling, it claimed that its powers were at their apex because they involved Congresss delegated power and the executive branchs inherent powers. The small businesses countered that Congress plainly did not delegate such power to the administration at all. When Congress has delegated its taxing power, it has done so clearlyas numerous laws in Title 19 of the United States Code (governing Customs Duties) confirmwith well-defined limits on its exercise, they claimed. The government cannot escape that history by conflating the delegation of Article I taxing power with the Presidents Article II foreign-affairs power. After all, the President has no inherent taxing authorityeven in times of national emergency. To reinforce their case, the businesses relied heavily on the courts major questions doctrine. Under that doctrine, Congress must speak clearly when delegating powers to the executive branch to address matters of vast economic and political significance. If Congresss grant of power isnt clear enough, then the court will invalidate it. The Supreme Court used that doctrine over the last few years to block the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from imposing a moratorium on evictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, to invalidate the Biden administrations efforts to forgive student loan debt, and to limit the Environmental Protection Agencys power to regulate carbon emissions from power plants. The Supreme Court has yet to apply the major questions doctrine to a Republican presidents actions. Trumps tariff regimes are a great opportunity to do so. The businesses emphasized that the tariffs fell squarely under the doctrines scope. It is also beyond dispute that the economic and political significance of the Presidents newfound tariff authority is staggering by any measure, they argued, quoting from the courts ruling in the student loan case. The IEEPA tariffs will affect trillions of dollars of imports, drive small American businesses into bankruptcy, and cost the average American at least $1,000 per year. The impact dwarfs the power claimed in other major question cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To counter this obvious defect, the Trump administration staked everything on a concurring opinion by Justice Brett Kavanaugh earlier this year in an unrelated case. Kavanaugh had opined that the major questions doctrine may not apply to the national security context because the canon does not reflect ordinary congressional intent in those areas. The Justice Department contended that since the tariffs were imposed as part of a declared national emergency, that reasoning also applies to them. It is unclear if Kavanaugh wrote that portion of his opinion with the tariffs in mind, or if the other justices agree with him. The businesses argued it didnt matter. At issue here is taxation: one of the most fundamental of Congresss powers, they claimed. When the president assumes powers the Constitution has expressly confided to the Congress and not to the president, they wrote, quoting from precedent, deference is afforded only so long as the President acts under the authorization of Congress. That is true even in the national security context. Here, they emphasized, there was no such authorization. Though some of these questions can be arcane and technical in nature, they are immense in consequence. The Supreme Courts decision will have a direct impact on Americans pocketbooks and businesses prices. It will alter the trajectory of Trumps presidencyeither by giving him the continued power to upend American trade relationships on a whim, sometimes for absurd reasons, or by restoring a sense of normal order to how the federal government imposes tariffs and taxes. How will the Supreme Court approach these questions? The conservative justices have earned a reputation for extreme deference to the Trump administration over the past nine months. At the same time, if they abide by the precedents and doctrines that they have used to constrain the Obama and Biden administrations, then Trump may be in for a rough ride on Wednesday. Trump himself apparently shares those concerns: He announced higher tariffs on Canada last week over an anti-tariff TV ad from the government of Ontario that ran in the U.S. during the World Series; Trump claimed it was aimed at influencing the justices. Few things could better illustrate how far we have drifted from Congresss intent with IEEPA than that. The Supreme Court's conservatives face a test of their own making this week as they decide whether President Trump had the legal authority to impose tariffs on imports from nations across the globe. At issue are import taxes that are paid by American businesses and consumers. Small-business owners had sued, including a maker of "learning toys" in Illinois and a New York importer of wines and spirits. They said Trump's ever-changing tariffs had severely disrupted their businesses, and they won rulings declaring the president had exceeded his authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the justices will hear their first major challenge to Trump's claims of unilateral executive power. And the outcome is likely to turn on three doctrines that have been championed by the court's conservatives. First, they say the Constitution should be interpreted based on its original meaning. Its opening words say: "All legislative powers ... shall be vested" in Congress, and the elected representatives "shall have the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposes and excises." Second, they believe the laws passed by Congress should be interpreted based on their words. They call this "textualism," which rejects a more liberal and open-ended approach that included the general purpose of the law. Trump and his lawyers say his sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs were authorized by the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, or IEEPA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That 1977 law says the president may declare a national emergency to "deal with any unusual and extraordinary threat" involving national security, foreign policy or the economy of the United States. Faced with such an emergency, he may "investigate, block ... or regulate" the "importation or exportation" of any property. Trump said the nation's "persistent" balance of payments deficit over five decades was such an "unusual and extraordinary threat." In the past, the law has been used to impose sanctions or freeze the assets of Iran, Syria and North Korea or groups of terrorists. It does not use the words "tariffs" or "duties," and it had not been used for tariffs prior to this year. The third doctrine arose with Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and is called the "major questions" doctrine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Tariffs and birthright citizenship will test whether Trump's power has limits He and the five other conservatives said they were skeptical of far-reaching and costly regulations issued by the Obama and Biden administrations involving matters such as climate change, student loan forgiveness or mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for 84 million Americans. Congress makes the laws, not federal regulators, they said in West Virginia vs. Environmental Protection Agency in 2022. And unless there is a "clear congressional authorization," Roberts said the court will not uphold assertions of extravagant statutory power over the national economy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now all three doctrines are before the justices, since the lower courts relied on them in ruling against Trump. No one disputes that the president could impose sweeping worldwide tariffs if he had sought and won approval from the Republican-controlled Congress. However, he insisted the power was his alone. In a social media post, Trump called the case on tariffs "one of the most important in the History of the Country. If a President is not allowed to use Tariffs, we will be at a major disadvantage against all other Countries throughout the World, especially the 'Majors.' In a true sense, we would be defenseless! Tariffs have brought us Great Wealth and National Security in the nine months that I have had the Honor to serve as President." Solicitor Gen. D. John Sauer, his top courtroom attorney, argues that tariffs involve foreign affairs and national security. And if so, the court should defer to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "IEEPA authorizes the imposition of regulatory tariffs on foreign imports to deal with foreign threats which crucially differ from domestic taxation," he wrote last month. For the same reason, "the major questions doctrine ... does not apply here," he said. It is limited to domestic matters, not foreign affairs, he argued. Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh has sounded the same note in the past. Sauer will also seek to persuade the court that the word "regulate" imports includes imposing tariffs. The challengers are supported by prominent conservatives, including Stanford law professor Michael McConnell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2001, he and John Roberts were nominated for a federal appeals court at the same time by President George W. Bush, and he later served with now-Justice Neil M. Gorsuch on the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. He is the lead counsel for one group of small-business owners. "This case is what the American Revolution was all about. A tax wasn't legitimate unless it was imposed by the people's representatives," McConnell said. "The president has no power to impose taxes on American citizens without Congress." His brief argues that Trump is claiming a power unlike any in American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Until the 1900s, Congress exercised its tariff power directly, and every delegation since has been explicit and strictly limited," he wrote in Trump vs. V.O.S. Selections. "Here, the government contends that the President may impose tariffs on the American people whenever he wants, at any rate he wants, for any countries and products he wants, for as long as he wants simply by declaring longstanding U.S. trade deficits a national 'emergency' and an 'unusual and extraordinary threat,' declarations the government tells us are unreviewable. The president can even change his mind tomorrow and back again the day after that." He said the major questions doctrine fully applies here. Two years ago, he noted the court called Biden's proposed student loan forgiveness "staggering by any measure" because it could cost more than $430 billion. By comparison, he said, the Tax Foundation estimated that Trump's tariffs will impose $1.7 trillion in new taxes on Americans by 2035. Read more: Trump declares 'Liberation Day,' announces sweeping global tariffs on 'friend and foe alike' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case figures to be a major test of whether the Roberts court will put any legal limits on Trump's powers as president. But the outcome will not be the final word on tariffs. Administration officials have said that if they lose, they will seek to impose them under other federal laws that involve national security. Still pending before the court is an emergency appeal testing the president's power to send National Guard troops to American cities over the objection of the governor and local officials. Last week, the court asked for further briefs on the Militia Act of 1908, which says the president may call up the National Guard if he cannot "with the regular forces ... execute the laws of the United States." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government had assumed the regular forces were the police and federal agents, but a law professor said the regular forces in the original law referred to the military. The justices asked for a clarification from both sides by Nov. 17. Get the L.A. Times California Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Every 27 minutes, someone in Australia is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Best known for its tremors, movement and balance issues, it also brings another, often overlooked burdenpersistent pain. Now, new research from the University of South Australia shows that many people with Parkinson's are struggling to manage their pain, with researchers calling for more individualized, multidisciplinary and empathetic care. In two studies that assessed how people with Parkinson's manage pain and their experiences of pain care services, researchers found notable gaps in support, with many people resorting to trial-and-error strategies due to a lack of tailored clinical care. The studies are published in Parkinson's Disease and the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. In Australia, more than 65,000 people with Parkinson's disease experience persistent pain. Lead researcher and UniSA Ph.D. candidate Anthony Mezzini says we need to improve quality pain care for people with Parkinson's. "Pain is a prevalent and debilitating non-motor symptom of Parkinson's. It's one of the most troublesome issues in early-stage Parkinson's and a leading case of reduced quality of life," Mezzini says. "People with Parkinson's told us that they often rely on trial-and-error approaches to manage their painnot because they want to, but because they don't always have access to specialist pain support or tailored advice. "When pain care worked well, it was because health care professionalsespecially allied health practitioners and Parkinson's nursestook the time to listen, understand their experience, and tailor care to their specific needs." Researchers found that people's experiences of pain care were shaped by five key features: empathy and understanding, listening to needs and concerns, clear explanations, Parkinson's-specific knowledge, and individualized treatment. However, these qualities were inconsistent across the health care system, with people reporting mixed feedback about the support they received from general practitioners and neurologists, and significant access barriers in rural and regional areas. UniSA's researcher and Parkinson's Nurse Dr. Sue Sharrad says improving pain management for people with Parkinson's requires both greater access to multidisciplinary care and enhanced training for health care providers. "Embedding empathetic, individualized care into routine practiceand expanding access to Parkinson's nurses and allied health professionalscould make a real difference," Dr. Sharrad says. "Parkinson's specialist nurses and allied health professionals are often praised for their high level of care. We need to ensure that every person with Parkinson's receives pain care that's tailored, evidence-based, and delivered by professionals who understand the complex nature of Parkinson's pain. "Pain is not just a symptomit's a major factor that affects quality of life. By making care more personalized, coordinated, and compassionate, we can help people with Parkinson's live better, less painful lives." The research forms part of UniSA's ongoing work to improve quality of life for people living with neurological conditions. The multidisciplinary research team includes Anthony Mezzini, Prof Saravana Kumar, Dr. Sue Sharrad, Dr. Joanne Harmon, and Prof Marion Eckert. More information: Anthony Mezzini et al, Factors Influencing Pain Management Practices in People With Parkinson's Disease: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Parkinson's Disease (2025). DOI: 10.1155/padi/1231126 Anthony Mezzini et al, Perceptions of the Provision of Pain Care Services from the Perspective of People with Parkinson's Disease: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (2025). DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s520090 Jennifer and Dean Bye were just getting by before Hurricane Ida slammed into southern Louisiana in 2021. The couple own a house in a comfortable subdivision in Paulina, a town about an hour west of New Orleans, that they share with their three kids. They had their challenges before the storm Jennifer had recently been diagnosed with uterine cancer around the same time that one of their children was diagnosed with nonverbal autism but the Byes were making it work. Then Ida turned everything upside down. The living room fell in and everything had to be gutted, Jennifer, a nursing assistant, said. We lost everything we owned. After pummeling the Caribbean, Hurricane Ida made its U.S. landfall on August 29. The storm had evolved from a Category 1 into a Category 4 in the span of just 24 hours, a rapid intensification powered in part by unusually hot seawater in the Gulf of Mexico. It dumped a foot of rain on Louisiana and meandered north, blowing through 17 states before it reentered the Atlantic Ocean north of Maine. The storm, one of the strongest to hit Louisiana on record, left a trail of devastation in its wake: More than 100 people died and economic losses totalled $75 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years later, the Byes are still living in a damaged house. Patches of tattered plywood siding are exposed to the elements. Inside, the windowsills are blackened with mildew. The kids play in a stripped living room, bare cement and grout underfoot. Fast-food wrappers and trash mingle with packing boxes and pulled-up carpet. The other houses in the neighborhood are neatly manicured, but the Byes house is still a wreck. On paper, the family did everything right. They had homeowners insurance through an A+ rated, Better Business Bureau-accredited insurer called FedNat Insurance Company and kept up with their payments some of the highest in the country. What they didnt account for was what might happen if their insurance company couldnt make its payments. In recent years, extreme weather events supercharged by climate change have revealed how fragile the countrys property insurance landscape is and how quickly insurance companies can go from profitable to nonexistent. In the five years between 2018 and 2023, more than 1.9 million home insurance policies were dropped in disaster-prone states like Florida, Louisiana, California, and Texas by insurance companies that either voluntarily withdrew from those states or went bankrupt. FedNat was one of seven Florida-based property insurers to go bankrupt during 2021 and 2022 due to insurmountable financial troubles. In Louisiana, 11 insurance companies were declared insolvent between 2021 and 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resulting scramble to secure insurance in high-risk areas often means homeowners face a daunting choice: high premiums in a private market that is loath to insure them, or limited coverage through state-mandated insurance programs that can cost just as much or more. How do you do that to people? Bye asked. How do you insure people in the South, take all of these premiums, and then just belly-up? a man's arm holds a smart phone showing a woman in a nurse's uniform during a facetime call A view out the window of a garage with damaged glass hung instead with mesh. Through the frame, a brick house with loose shutters can be seen A middle-aged man crosses his arms on a car hood near a storm-damaged house The insurance business has always been cyclical, rocking between boom periods of profitability and bust periods of huge losses driven by disasters and homeowner lawsuits. But as the planet heats up, the business of risk is undergoing a period of rapid evolution. FedNats quick demise is emblematic not just of an industry ill-prepared for the consequences of climate change, but also of a new era for the countrys insurance markets one where state systems designed to keep companies in the black and shield homeowners from catastrophe are failing cyclically in both regards. We are in the era of polycrisis, said Daniel Aldrich, director of the Resilience Studies Program at Northeastern University, which is a fancy way of saying the number of disasters and their impact are both increasing and the time between shocks is decreasing, therefore government institutions, insurance companies, and homeowners cant keep up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, FedNat acquired Maison Insurance, a company with operations in Louisiana and Texas. It proceeded to become one of the biggest property insurers in Louisiana. But its fortunes took a turn less than a year later, when four hurricanes hit the South in the span of about two months, followed by a deadly winter storm that burst pipes and flooded homes in early 2021. Later that year, as FedNat faced more than $100 million in net losses, a figure that included the claim filed by the Byes, the company abruptly announced it was dropping all of its policies outside of its home base of Florida. Some 13,500 homeowners in Louisiana were suddenly forced to scramble for insurance. Reorienting to focus exclusively on Florida, FedNats CEO said, would result in a financially stronger company. Those assurances proved premature. a man's hands hold a smart phone showing damaged and mold-ridden house ceilings with a date of September 8, 2021 Six months later, in the spring of 2022, FedNat, hat in its hands, asked Florida insurance regulators to allow it to cancel more than 56,000 in-state policies. Its unlikely that state regulators would have permitted such a move in normal times, but their hands were tied: Three Florida-based insurers had already folded in the first half of that year, and the state couldnt afford another insurance bankruptcy. So the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation let FedNat cancel thousands of policies, an extraordinary statutory remedy, in a desperate bid to stabilize its market. The states gamble didnt pay off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though FedNat had raised its rates by 70 percent over the preceding five years, the company admitted it had overstated its cash positions in the fall of 2022 and was placed into liquidation by the state. Before it went bankrupt, FedNat transferred tens of thousands of policies to one of its Florida affiliates, Monarch Insurance, and closed on a $15 million investment deal with a company called Hale Partnership Capital Management, a move that made Hale the majority owner in Monarch. [Were] hungry, Hales CEO said in 2023, eyeing an expansion. FedNats fall from grace Florida-based FedNat acquires Louisiana-based Maison to expand operations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four hurricanes hit the South in the span of just over two months FedNat, facing $100 million in net losses, drops all of its policies outside of Florida FedNat asks Florida regulators to let it cancel more than 50,000 in-state policies FedNat admits it overstated its cash positions and is liquidated by the state of Florida FedNats evolution between 2021 and 2022 mirrors a pattern that outside experts have seen repeated in recent years one that results in new mergers and lucrative payouts for executives, and spells disaster for homeowners. By declaring bankruptcy, [insurance companies] can force policyowners and reinsurance companies to take a haircut meaning take less money than they were promised initially, said Aldrich. Some of those assets then are reabsorbed into a new company, some can be sold off, and some of the policies that are still productive, maybe theyll keep those, like if theyre in very low-risk areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People like the Byes, forced to navigate the legal process of fighting for an insurance payout while simultaneously trying to find another company willing to insure them, end up getting caught in the crosshairs. A man and three children -- one boy as tall as the man and two younger children hugging the man -- stand in front of a severely damaged house with plywood boards and torn mesh tarp. The lawn outside is green and tehre is a plastic toy worm with a saddle visible to the side of the walkway. In 2022, the Byes hired lawyers to fight for what they were owed from FedNat. When FedNat officially entered into bankruptcy, their litigation, alongside approximately 1,500 other open claims, was inherited by the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association, or LIGA, a state-backed corporation that assumes outstanding claims from failed insurance companies licensed in Louisiana. But the pace of climate-intensified disasters has also overwhelmed LIGA, which is meant to serve as a safety net for people left in the lurch like the Byes. While waiting on LIGA to settle their claim, Dean called 68 insurance companies before one, Allstate, agreed to write him a homeowners policy for $3,900. That annual premium payment is now closer to $5,000, Dean, who recently retired from working as an emergency medical technician, said. Hes tried to switch to a cheaper plan since. Nobody is writing, he said. Still, to this day, nobody is writing. The Byes received some money from FedNat before the company went bankrupt, checks that totaled less than $90,000, Dean said, barely enough to make a dent in the damage. As of this month more than four years after the hurricane that nearly destroyed their home the couple said they are still waiting on $450,000 from LIGA. LIGAs latest annual report shows more than 500 FedNat claims are still pending. The guaranty association is managing a backlog of leftover claims not just from FedNat, but also the many other insurance companies that have gone bankrupt in recent years. LIGA did not reply to Grists request for comment, nor did Hale Partnership Capital Management. A middle-aged man stands near a parked yellow school bus while two children run away from the bus up the walkway of a home surrounded by green lawns two child-sized backpacks in bright colors stand on a hallway entry table in a home with damaged floors and walls The Byes were fortunate to find at least one private insurance company that would write them a policy. But for many others in a similar position, the only viable alternative is whats known as an insurance plan of last resort that is, state-mandated programs that insure people and businesses that cant get policies through the private market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plans, or FAIR plans, operate in 36 states and typically have high premiums, strict requirements, and offer limited coverage. Thats by design: Authorized by states in the 1960s and funded by private insurance companies as a prerequisite for doing business, the plans are supposed to serve as a backstop for Americans in the riskiest parts of the country. But as more of the nation becomes high-risk and private insurance companies pull back, waves of people are being forced on and off these state-sponsored plans. FAIR plans have surged in states at high risk of climate disasters Percent change in number of residential FAIR policies since 2015 California Florida North Carolina Louisiana Source: Insurance Information Institute Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clayton Aldern / Grist I just got an email from my homeowners insurance broker that the only thing I can do is go with Citizens which is the state run insurance which is very expensive and not particularly good insurance, someone in Florida posted on Facebook in 2022. Another person posted, Anyone who has had [United Property & Casualty] or another insurance company that went bankrupt after Ian had any luck obtaining a new policy with another company? As of right now heading into hurricane season, I was informed by [an] insurance brokerage that no company will insure me. The question of what to do with the growing number of people who have been shunted onto their state FAIR plans by insurance companies that have gone bankrupt or withdrawn from states in recent years is becoming a major headache for public officials across the U.S. In California, there are 625,000 residential dwellings on the states last-resort plan as of this September a 167 percent increase since 2021. In Louisiana, the number of residential properties on the state plan nearly tripled between 2021 and 2023. In Florida, the state-backed insurance plan of last resort took on around 800,000 new policies between 2019 and 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alfonso Pating, a global financial regulation analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council and the author of a recent report on state FAIR plans, calls this the cycle of doom. The Disaster Economy Heres how it works: Private insurers go bankrupt or withdraw from risky areas, and dropped property owners are shunted onto their state FAIR plans. Those properties flood or burn down, depleting the FAIR plans coffers, and then the program imposes fresh charges on private insurers or homeowners, or both, to replenish its reserves. Insurance companies try to pass some of those costs onto all policyholders in that state, driving up the cost of insurance for everyone. Overall, the insurance business consequently becomes less profitable for private insurers, resulting in more of them leaving the state and more people ending up on FAIR. Thats the problem in a nutshell, said Pating. FAIR programs arent meant to be a long-term solution, he said. There are ways to exit the doom vortex. One is to reform FAIR. When these state programs have a surplus, meaning they earn more money than they pay out in a given year, they typically disburse those funds back to the private insurance companies that pay into the plan. Instead, Pating said, FAIR plans could use that money to provide subsidies for low-income homeowners in high-risk areas who want to make their homes more resilient but cant afford to. They could offer voluntary relocation assistance to move people out of areas that are guaranteed to keep flooding and burning. The plans could even offer group insurance to communities that want to take on big climate adaptation projects, such as prescribed burns to reduce the risk of wildfire, to help protect an entire neighborhood or cul-de-sac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most effective offramp, said Aldrich, from Northeastern, is building disaster preparedness into zoning from the ground up, which would require state legislators to pass laws banning new development in high-risk areas and mandate that homeowners take steps to protect their homes from wildfires, floods, and other hazards. But real estate lobbies in many states have stifled that kind of legislation, making it politically risky for politicians to support laws constricting new development. As a result, counties at high risk of extreme weather across the United States have seen an influx of new residents in recent years, while low-risk counties have seen an exodus. Its clear to researchers like Pating and Aldrich, and indeed to many insurers, that that trend is moving in the wrong direction and that politicians will need to step in to both harden existing housing stock against climate change and to prevent the pool of high-risk homes from getting larger. More Americans are moving into disaster-prone areas Net population movement by disaster risk level, thousands of people Source: Redfin / U.S. Census Bureau / First Street Clayton Aldern / Grist / Intricate Explorer In Louisiana and Florida, however, state lawmakers have taken a different approach to reform one that critics say is more focused on insurance companies than homeowners. In Florida, new legislation that requires companies to pay out insurance claims faster also shields those companies from expensive lawsuits (though the state did resurrect a home-hardening policy this year to help homeowners protect their properties from wind damage). In Louisiana, policymakers repealed a three-year rule implemented after Hurricane Katrina that prevented insurers from canceling or not renewing policies that have been in effect for more than three years, and they greenlit a $45 million incentive program to encourage companies to write property insurance policies in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reforms have succeeded in attracting new insurers to both states. Louisiana has licensed 15 new insurance companies since 2024. In Florida, 17 new insurers have entered the market including Viceroy Preferred Insurance, a company started by Hale Partnership Capital Management, the firm that bought Monarch from FedNat. Louisiana and Florida have begun depopulating their state insurance plans of last resort in response to the influx of new private insurers, forcing tens of thousands of homeowners back off the state-backed plans into a market regulators say is now stable. Since the passage of historic reforms, Floridas property insurance market has experienced record growth and stability, Floridas Office of Insurance Regulation wrote last month, celebrating its success and noting that the state had the lowest average homeowners rate increase in the nation in 2024 a year when two back-to-back hurricanes hit the state. Then again, 2025 has been an unusually quiet Atlantic hurricane season for the U.S. the first time in 10 years that no hurricane has hit the country. The real test of resiliency for the Southeasts insurance market wont come down to how many new insurers states have attracted, it will be how many of those insurers will stay standing after repeat hits. Perhaps just as importantly, it will hinge on what percentage of homeowners in those states have been incentivized to adapt to bigger storms or encouraged to move out of harms way. And that, Aldrich said, comes down to lawmakers willingness to take steps that may be politically painful in the short run. This is not a new story for civilization, he said. We do not want to start imposing costs that would actually make society more effective and more resilient to these kinds of disasters. The end result, however, is more expensive insurance for everyone. This story was originally published by Grist with the headline They survived the hurricane. Their insurance company didnt. on Nov 4, 2025. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Lima last week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7 previously reported that around 10:44 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, a Lima police officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of St. Johns Avenue and Second Street. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the stop, the suspect, identified as Emerson Jeffrey, produced a handgun and began firing at officers. One officer was struck by the gunfire, according to a previous News Center 7 report. Officers returned fire, striking Jeffrey and the front seat passenger of the car. Jeffrey was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital and later transported to Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, according to a joint press release from the City of Lima and the Lima Police Department. Jeffrey is in custody and remains hospitalized under law enforcement supervision. The officer who was struck was taken to Mercy Health St. Ritas and remains hospitalized in stable condition, according to the press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other officers were injured. The front seat passenger who was injured was treated and released after a short time at Mercy Health St. Ritas. We are committed to full transparency with the community, Lima Mayor Sharetta T. Smith said. We will follow the facts, protect the integrity of the investigation, and share what we can, when we can, so residents have clarity and confidence in this process. The Ohio BCI is conducting an investigation into the officers use of force, while LPD will conduct a separate criminal investigation into the suspects actions. Our priority is a thorough, independent investigation and the safety and well-being of our community and officers, Lima Police Chief Curtis L. Hile said. We ask witnesses to come forward and the public to allow BCI to complete its review. We will continue to communicate promptly as information is confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven LPD officers were placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the BCI investigation, per LPDs policy. Such administrative leave does not imply the officer acted improperly, LPD said in the release. This procedure protects the integrity of the investigation and the rights of everyone involved. Anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the LPD or Ohio BCI. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A 31-year-old man is in police custody after he was arrested for allegedly advertising sex services with an underage girl he trafficked in Southern California. Deirdrick Dayvon Bradford was arrested on Oct. 14 in Phoenix, Arizona, after he allegedly orchestrated the prostitution of the underage girl in that state, as well as in Los Angeles and Riverside counties. Bradford became the subject of an investigation in mid-August after the Riverside Police Department learned that the girl had been advertised for commercial sex on an online platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the assistance of the U.S. Marshals and local authorities in Arizona, Bradford was located and arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, pimping and possession of child pornography. Deirdrick Dayvon Bradford, 31, is shown in this undated mugshot provided by the Riverside Police Department. Ten days after his arrest, he was transported back to Riverside County and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside where he remains in custody on $85,000 bail. This investigation highlights the outstanding work of our Vice Unit and their relentless efforts to protect victims of human trafficking, said Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez in a news release. We were able to locate and arrest a dangerous offender who tried to evade justice. [This] collaboration ensures that those who exploit the vulnerable are brought to answer for their crimes. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Riverside Police Departments Vice Unit by email or by calling 951-353-7614. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTLA. Swiss-Belhotel International has entered a management agreement with Bawareq Nizwa International For Investment SAOC to operate a new property in Nizwa, Oman. The hotel will offer 81 rooms and suites, as well as facilities such as a restaurant, meeting rooms, swimming pool, fitness amenities, and a coffee shop. Commercial leasing spaces are also planned as part of the development. Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa hotel is set to begin operations in the second quarter of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bawareq Nizwa International for Investment chairman Salim Abdullah Ahmed Al Abadi said: We are delighted to collaborate with Swiss-Belhotel International to bring a globally recognised brand to Nizwa. Our vision is to contribute to the continued growth of the Sultanates hospitality and tourism sector while creating a new landmark that reflects the charm, culture, and heritage of the region. We believe Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa will elevate the citys accommodation offerings and attract both domestic and international visitors. The agreement forms part of Swiss-Belhotel Internationals efforts to further increase its presence in the country. According to the company, the decision to establish the hotel in Nizwa aligns with trends in Oman's tourism industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swiss-Belhotel International chairman and president Gavin Faull said: Oman is one of the most promising destinations in the Middle East, offering rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. We are glad to partner with Bawareq Nizwa International For Investment SAOC with the management of Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa, further strengthening our presence in the Sultanate. The government data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information shows that international visitor arrivals exceeded 3.8 million in 2024. Omans Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has projected that inbound tourist numbers could reach up to 11.7 million a year by 2040. The country is prioritising tourism as a key pillar in its Vision 2040 plan to diversify the economy. Significant investments in hospitality infrastructure are underway as Oman seeks to meet its long-term tourism targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swiss-Belhotel states that Nizwa is among several destinations identified for further development due to its cultural and historical significance. Swiss-Belhotel International Group human resources and talent development senior vice president Laurent Voivenel said: With its strategic location and high-quality design, Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa will be positioned as a contemporary hotel with a distinctive local character. Our focus will be to combine international standards with authentic Omani hospitality, supporting the countrys long-term tourism vision in line with Oman Vision 2040. "Swiss-Belhotel signs management deal for new hotel in Oman" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Syrian officials have confiscated millions of Captagon pills and other illicit substances since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Syria's new government has been ramping up efforts to fight a war on drug trafficking across Syria. The former Assad regime, which fell last December, turned Syria into a vital drug trade center for the region. The trafficking of illicit substances also appeared tied to Iranian-backed militias in Syria, likely fueling Irans nexus of terror proxies such as the Lebanese terrorist organization, Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the Syrian government is working to fight drug dealers involved in the trade. This is a difficult process due to parts of Syria are still facing security challenges, creating power vacuums that drug smugglers thrive off of. Syrias state media SANA said on November 3 that a narcotic smuggling operation was foiled in Daraa countryside. This is an area that is near Damascus and also not far from the Golan. As such, Israel may also be threatened by the drug trade that takes place in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The SANA report said units from the Anti-Narcotics Branch in Daraa province successfully managed to thwart an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of the narcotic Captagon pills, a statement by the Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Monday. One of the Captagon laboratories which was discovered near the town of Yafour on the Syrian-Lebanese border, December 23, 2024 (credit: REUTERS/KAI PFAFFENBACH) The report added that the narcotics were concealed inside instant juice sachets, powdered drink packets modified to hide the pills from inspection. Authorities said the shipment was intended for smuggling through the Nasib border crossing toward a neighboring country. Nasib Crossing is a crossing between Jordan and Syria, east of Daraa and southwest of the Druze region of Sweida. It is an important crossing for Syrian trade with the Gulf. Syrian authorities have confiscated millions of Captagon pills In addition, the Syrian government confirmed that the Daraa Anti-Narcotics Branch continues to intensify monitoring and field operations along border areas to safeguard national security and protect society from the dangers of illicit drugs. SANA also noted that in a related development, anti-narcotics units in Damascus countryside seized 323 blocks of hashish (hash) and approximately 35,000 Captagon pills during an operation in the al-Zabadani area. This is an area near Lebanon in the mountains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 28 Arab News noted that the Syrian interior ministry said Monday that it had seized about 11 million captagon stimulant pills that entered the country from neighboring Lebanon in one of the largest busts since the fall of former ruler Bashar Assad. The Syrian Interior Ministry said the anti-narcotics branch in Homs province seized a vehicle coming from Lebanon containing approximately 11 million captagon pillsconduct the necessary investigations to uncover the identities of those involved and identify the criminal networks linked to the operation. Arab News added that Captagon, which is similar to amphetamines, became Syrias largest export during the civil war that erupted in 2011, with its trade serving as a key funding source for the government of ousted president Assad. Since his fall in December, the new authorities have reported numerous major seizures of captagon across the country. However, neighboring countries continue to report the interception of large shipments. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Authorities in Tanzania faced mounting concern Tuesday over killings during crackdowns on protests surrounding last weeks election, with the largest opposition party alleging that security forces were secretly dumping bodies of hundreds killed in the violence. Demonstrations spread across the East African country for several days after the Oct. 29 voting as mostly young people took to the streets to protest an election that foreign observers said failed to meet democratic standards because key opposition figures were barred. Authorities declared a nationwide curfew and security forces cracked down on protests by firing live bullets and tear gas canisters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main opposition party, Chadema, has claimed that more than 1,000 people were killed and said Tuesday that security forces were trying to hide the scale of the deaths by secretly disposing of the bodies. The authorities have not responded to the claims. Tanzanians hearts are bleeding right now. This is a new thing for Tanzanians, Brenda Rupia, Chadema's director of communications, said by phone from the commercial capital of Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with more than 97% of the vote in a rare landslide victory for the region, but foreign observers said the turnout was low. It was her first election victory she rose to the presidency automatically as vice president in 2021 after the sudden death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli. Hassans win has been criticized as not credible because her main rivals Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo had been prevented from running. Lissu has been jailed for several months, facing treason allegations stemming from his call for electoral reforms. His deputy, John Heche, was also detained days before voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human Rights Watch on Tuesday condemned the violent crackdown on protesters in a statement that urged Tanzanian authorities to end the use of excessive and lethal force against protests, and take steps to ensure accountability" by security forces. The group said various people in Tanzania had cited point-blank shootings by security forces. The U.K., Norway and Canada have cited what they said were credible reports of a large number of fatalities. And the Catholic Church says people died in their hundreds, although it was also unable to verify or confirm the exact numbers. Tanganyika Law Society President Boniface Mwabukusi told The Associated Press that more than 1,000 people died based on accounts his group received and that it was in the process of compiling a report to be shared with international legal organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The killings were pre-planned to target regions that are known to be politically active, those that are critics of the ruling party. Following people to their homes and killing them amounts to a massacre, Mwabukusi said. Rupia, the top Chadema spokesperson, said at least 400 deaths have been reported by its leaders in the Tunduma area of Mbeya region. Other regions also have reported hundreds of victims, she said. Asked if all the victims were getting funerals, she said that the security forces are holding dead bodies" and that the remains of victims were being secretly dumped by the security forces to hide the scale of the killings. Another Chadema official, Deogratius Munishi, said the party would not enter into any political pact with the government until there are electoral and judicial reforms to ensure justice is served. We want to see those who shot Tanzanians being held accountable, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tito Magoti, an independent human rights lawyer based in Dar es Salaam, said Tanzania is in such crisis as people look for missing relatives and others come to terms with the number of the dead, which he said is far greater than the figure cited by Chadema. He said he received a message Tuesday from a citizen near the town of Arusha who reported seeing two army trucks coming from a hospital mortuary loaded with dead bodies. One was full and the other was half-full, he said. He said he suspected authorities would bury the victims in a forest as part of a cover-up, and added that: I don't know know much hospitals are going to be complicit. Hassan, Tanzania's first female leader, was inaugurated on Monday. She acknowledged in her speech that there had been loss of life and urged security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have warned people not to share photos and videos that may cause panic as the internet slowly returns after a six-day shutdown. Mobile phone users received a text message on Monday night saying that sharing images that could cause panic or demean human life would lead to treason charges. The messages came shortly after the internet was reconnected, when people began sharing unverified images of bodies they claimed were victims of the election protests. A social media page that had been uploading videos and photos of purported election protest victims was pulled down on Monday evening, after attracting thousands of followers within a day. On Tuesday, life was slowly returning to normal in Dar es Salaam and the administrative capital, Dodoma, with gas stations and grocery shops reopening and public transport resuming after days of closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government spokesperson on Monday asked all public workers to return to work, effectively ending a work-from-home order that had been announced after the curfew imposed on Wednesday. ___ Muhumuza reported from Kampala, Uganda. Associated Press journalists in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, contributed. Discourse about taxes and the new police station is heating up as part of the Puyallup City Council election races. This election cycle, three seats are on the ballot. Mayor Jim Kastama is up against challenger Jeff Bennett, and Deputy Mayor Dennis King is fighting to keep his seat against challenger Heather Schiller. Newcomers Mark Crosby and Lindsay Smolko are vying for the seat of Council Member Julie Door, whose third and final term ends in January. One of the issues this campaign season has been the councils approach to its new police station. In August 2024, the council unanimously voted to approve a $114.5 million public safety building, which will lease space for 30 years in the Benaroya Business & Technology Center at 1015 39th Ave. SE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters rejected the idea of building a new police station three times; once in November 2021, once in February 2022 and once in November 2023. The City Council used councilmanic bonds to fund the new lease, instead. How much is the station going to cost? According to the citys website, the total cost of the 30-year lease is about $114.5 million. If the city were to build its own new public safety building, similar to what theyre leasing, it would have cost $149.6 million over 30 years, The News Tribune reported. (This proposal) saves taxpayers $30 million, Kastama said in an October interview with The News Tribune. We will continue to have a presence downtown through the remodel (of the old station). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to move forward with the project, the council passed it through councilmanic bonds bonds that the city issues onto itself. The city then makes annual payments and chips away at the debt. It is important to note that the amount of councilmanic bonds issued is determined by how much debt capacity the City can handle, the citys website says. It is also important to note that the issuance of these bonds does not affect property tax rates since they are paid using existing City funds. How much will the average family pay for this? If voters had passed the bond measure in November 2023, the owner of a $500,000 home would have paid about $15 per month in property taxes to build the new building. Agenda documents from the citys Aug. 20, 2024 meeting make it look like the average family would pay about that much each month in various taxes and fees to pay for the new lease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council voted to increase its business tax on private utilities by 1.8% on Aug. 27, affecting electricity, natural gas, telephone, cable and garbage. Council increased the rate from 4.2% to 6%, and city finance director Barbara Lopez previously told The News Tribune that this comes out to about $11 per month for a family of four. The city also increased its Comcast Cable franchise fee from 3.4% to 5%, which impacts cable companies and often results in higher bills for consumers. City spokesperson Eric Johnson previously told The News Tribune the city also planned to levy $730,000 of its banked property tax capacity, a $3 increase per month for the owner of a $491,000 home over 30 years. Johnson previously told The News Tribune that comparing those costs to the $15 figure doesnt give the full picture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project that went before voters in November 2023 is a very different project than this one, Johnson said. ... That building had a different size, cost, layout, and location. A similar sized building to the one we are leasing would have cost us $149 million over a 30-year period, Johnson said. That comes out to about $18 more per month in property taxes in that scenario. Instead, we are leasing this building at a significantly less cost long term. Looking at it that way, Johnson argued: The lease option not only saves the city $35 million over a 30-year period, it also saves residents roughly $15 per month in property tax increases. Candidate reactions Bennett Kastamas challenger and a former police officer with the Puyallup Police Department has spoken out against the citys approach, saying the council should have listened to voters after they rejected a new building three times. Instead of building a real, permanent headquarters on the land taxpayers already own, the City Council struck a deal to rent space in the Benaroya Business Park out on South Hill, Bennett said on his website. No building. No equity. No asset we can pass down to the next generation. Well be paying rent, and after three decades of checks cut to a landlord, well be right back where we started - still without a station of our own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A local advocacy group, Puyallup Voters for Integrity, said similar things on social media and in mailers. In an Oct. 17 Facebook post, Kastama called the accusations from the group mudslinging, and said the citys approach will save taxpayer dollars while addressing the issue of a crumbling police station. The City Council used existing, legally authorized banked capacity to maintain services without raising the overall city tax burden beyond state limits. It was a unanimous 7-0 decision by the Council, faced with an undersized and crumbling police station built in 1968, Kastama wrote. The City will lease existing space in a building where Central Pierce Fire and Rescue is also located. This will save residents tens of millions compared with past proposals and keeps officers close to the community. Chris Chisholm, founder of PVFI, responded in a public Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After your three failed attempts to get city residents to vote in favor of a bond for new police station and jail, you opted for a rental option when we, the voters, just wanted you to build an affordable police station on the land we still own, Chisholm wrote in the post. Now the City wont own a building were investing millions of our tax dollars into renovating. Like Kastama, King said he stands by the citys approach with the public safety building, fighting against accusations that the council went behind the voters backs after voters rejected the building three times. What that meant wasnt that [voters] didnt want a public safety building, it was that they didnt want to have that burden financially upon them, King said in an October interview with The News Tribune. And so what we did is we were able to create a different strategy, different opportunity within our government to not add any additional burden to our citizens. And in fact, we actually saved, ultimately, our citizens over $30 million by going the route that we did. Schiller posted copies of her own property tax bills online, to show the increase this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some current council members have tried to shift blame to the state, but the facts are clear, she wrote. And while my opponents signs say Keep taxes low, his record tells a different story. News Tribune archives contributed to this story. Editors note: This article has been updated with additional details from The News Tribunes previous reporting about the cost of the leased building, compared to past proposals. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The hippocampus is a region of the brain largely responsible for memory formation. Credit: Salk Institute Researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), have uncovered a previously overlooked role of the hippocampus in shaping memory, revealing how social interactions can enhance the brain's ability to convert fleeting experiences into lasting memories. The hippocampus, often described as the brain's "seat of memory," plays a central role in deciding what we remember or forget. Within this complex structure lies a little-studied region known as CA2, which NUS Medicine scientists have now shown acts as a "social spark plug." Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), their findings demonstrate that CA2 activity during social interaction triggers memory-enhancing signals to another hippocampal region, CA1the brain's "memory converter." "Social interaction is not just a feel-good activity," said Associate Professor Sreedharan Sajikumar, principal investigator of the study, from the Department of Physiology, and Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program (TRP), NUS Medicine. "It is a biological necessity that directly changes how the brain works. These processes create not only the memories we cherish, but also the meaningful bonds that define us. Being socially active is hardwired into our neuronal circuitry." In their laboratory study, which was conducted using chemogeneticsa technique that allows researchers to temporarily switch off specific brain cellsthe team found that inhibiting the activity of the brain's CA2 region prevented the usual memory boost conferred by social interactions. Principal investigator of the study, A/Prof Saji Kumar Sreedharan (right), from the Department of Physiology, and Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, NUS Medicine, and Dr. Mohammad Zaki Bin Ibrahim (left), who is currently pursuing his postdoctoral research in the United States. Credit: NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine Further investigation revealed that CA2 neurons enhance CA1's ability to form long-term memories through metaplasticity, a process that strengthens the brain's "memory proteins." This memory-enhancing effect, however, is time-limited, underscoring the importance of regular social interactions. The findings shed light on why loneliness and sustained social isolation are strongly linked to memory decline and conditions such as dementia, and why social and memory impairments often co-occur in psychiatric disorders. "While we are learning more about the unique role of CA2, we also should appreciate its role within the hippocampus," said lead author Dr. Mohammad Zaki Bin Ibrahim, a former NUS Medicine graduate student, who is currently pursuing postdoctoral research in the United States. "Our findings help explain why loneliness and sustained lack of social contact are linked to memory decline. By understanding how social experiences shape the hippocampus, therapies can be designed to 'rescue' memory in vulnerable groups and even promote resilience. These could include novel drugs, brain stimulation methods, or lifestyle-based interventions that keep this CA2-to-CA1 connection, and, by extension, the whole brain, active." The research suggests that strengthening CA2-to-CA1 connections could offer new strategies to "rescue" memory function in vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, and to promote resilience against dementia and other memory-related conditions. Potential future interventions may include targeted drugs, brain stimulation, or lifestyle-based therapies that harness the memory-boosting power of social interactions. This work was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Jai S. Polepalli from the Department of Anatomy, NUS Medicine, and Prof Thomas Behnisch from Fudan University, China. More information: Mohammad Zaki Bin Ibrahim et al, Hippocampal CA2 to CA1: A metaplastic switch for memory encoding, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2505936122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Are you a TD Bank customer living in Connecticut? If you are, then you may be affected by the nationwide branch closures coming into effect on Jan. 29, 2026. The Cherry Hill, New Jersey-headquartered national bank confirmed to the Norwich Bulletin that they would be shutting down three branches in Connecticut. TD Bank plans to close 51 branches across the United States, affecting 12 different East Coast states, including Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We also regularly evaluate our network to ensure we're serving our communities where they need us, which at times results in store closures or relocations to nearby neighborhoods," TD Bank said in a statement. "In due course, we expect to open new stores in these communities, subject to regulatory approval." Here are the TD Bank branches closing early next year in Connecticut. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) logos are seen outside of a branch in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, May 26, 2016. TD Bank branches closing in Connecticut According to a TD Bank spokesperson, these are the TD Bank locations in Connecticut closing soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the meantime, we're committed to making these transitions as smooth as possible for clients and customers, serving them at more than 1,000 TD Bank locations or via whatever channel they choose," the statement said. There are currently 54 TD Bank stores and ATMs in Connecticut, according to the bank's store locator. Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: TD Bank closures: See what Connecticut locations are closing, when New Hampshire and Maine TD Bank locations won't be spared from the latest round of nationwide branch closures coming into effect on Jan. 29, 2026. The Cherry Hill, New Jersey-headquartered national bank confirmed to Seacoastonline that they would be shutting down two branches in New Hampshire and three branches in Maine. TD Bank plans to close 51 branches across the United States, affecting 12 different East Coast states, including Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We also regularly evaluate our network to ensure we're serving our communities where they need us, which at times results in store closures or relocations to nearby neighborhoods," TD Bank said in a statement. "In due course, we expect to open new stores in these communities, subject to regulatory approval." Here are the TD Bank branches closing early next year in New Hampshire and Maine. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) logos are seen outside of a branch in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, May 26, 2016. TD Bank branches closing in New Hampshire According to a TD Bank spokesperson, these are the TD Bank locations in New Hampshire closing soon. "In the meantime, we're committed to making these transitions as smooth as possible for clients and customers, serving them at more than 1,000 TD Bank locations or via whatever channel they choose," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are currently 51 TD Bank stores and ATMs in New Hampshire, according to the bank's store locator. TD Bank branches closing in Maine These are the TD Bank locations in Maine closing soon. There are currently 38 TD Bank stores and ATMs in Maine, according to the bank's store locator. Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: New Hampshire, Maine TD Bank locations are closing. Here's where Teen arrested in deadly shooting at Halloween party CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Police have arrested an 18-year-old in connection to the Halloween party shooting that left two teens dead over the weekend. Chula Vista Police were searching door-to-door in the neighborhood Monday looking for answers after 15-year-old Kane Roldan and 17-year-old Elias (Eli) Yanez were shot and killed during a large Halloween party at a house on East Prospect Street near Judson Way in Chula Vista late Friday night. Police say hundreds of people were at the party when an altercation reportedly took place shortly after 11 p.m. that led to the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chula Vista Police and the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 18-year-old David Garcia, of National City, at 1:35 p.m. Monday near his home in connection to the murders of 17-year-old Elias Yanez of Imperial Beach and 15-year-old Kane Roldan of San Diego, Chula Vista Police report. Officers booked Garcia into county jail where he faces murder charges. The friends and family of Roldan held a candlelight vigil Saturday night. Police are still asking any potential witnesses to send in their videos and pictures from that evening to help investigators with the case. The police department said detectives arrested Garcia after an extensive investigation and information provided through San Diego County Crime Stoppers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chula Vista Police said there are no additional outstanding suspects at this time, but that the investigation remains active and ongoing and that additional arrests could be possible as new information develops. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 619-691-5075 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or through the P3tips mobile app. Roldans family has set up a GoFundMe account to help support Kanes memorial service. 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. CHICAGO Authorities are seeking help from the public amid a search for a teen boy who has been missing for nearly three weeks. According to police, 13-year-old Emildani Martinez has been missing since Thursday, Oct. 16. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers said the missing teen was last spotted in an area near the 3700 block of West Ohio Street, in Humboldt Park on the citys West Side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez, who stands 5-foot-3 and weighs around 130 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. Photo provided by Chicago police shows 13-year-old Emildani Martinez, who has been missing since Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. Police offered details about the missing teen in a news release shared on Monday, but did not say what he was last seen wearing. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 13-year-old Emildani Martinez is asked to contact the CPD Area Four SVU at 312-746-8251 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 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 WGN-TV. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) One student was injured and another is facing an assault charge after a reported stabbing at Halls High School. Knox County deputies responded to the school Monday morning. Investigators found that a 16-year-old boy stabbed a 15-year-old boy during barbering class. Oklahoma man faces charge after endoscopes stolen from East Tennessee hospital The victim was transported to East Tennessee Childrens Hospital with injuries that were not life threatening. The 16-year-old has been charged with aggravated assault. This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates. A sheriffs office spokesperson said in a release that the sharp object was not a knife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. As Conde Nast announced its plans to fold media brand Teen Vogue into Vogue.com earlier today, the NewsGuild of New York and Conde Union said they strongly condemn the merger and related layoffs, slamming the decision as a move that is clearly designed to blunt the award-winning magazines insightful journalism at a time when it is needed the most. In an editorial letter from the Vogue business team, the flagship magazine maintained the transition is part of a broader push to expand the Vogue ecosystem, adding that the lauded publication which caters to a young, progressive and politically attuned audience will remain a distinct editorial property, with its own identity and mission. The goal is to offer readers a more unified experience across Conde Nasts titles, the statement read. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement As a result, Chloe Malle, Vogues head of editorial content, who was appointed to the role in September following Anna Wintours exit, will now oversee Teen Vogue. Previous editor-in-chief Versha Sharma will be departing the company. Teen Vogues consolidation into Vogue.com follows Vogue Businesss move to the platform last week. We are looking forward to this new chapter. In our increasingly fragmented media landscape, making all Vogue Teen Vogue and Vogue Business accessible in one place sets us up for growth, Malle said in a statement. In response, Conde Union organizing via NewsGuild, which also reps unions from The Atlantic, The Daily Beast, NBC News, The New York Times, New York Magazine and fellow Conde Nast subsidiaries like The New Yorker and Pitchfork blasted the companys decision to lay off six employees, a majority of whom it said are employees with marginalized identities, continuing a trend of firing members who are women, people of color, queer and/or trans. One affected employee is Teen Vogues politics editor, leaving the publication with no writers nor editors who cover the beat ahead of what is likely to be a momentous grassroots-led victory for New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement As of today, only one woman of color remains on the editorial staff at Teen Vogue. Conde leadership owes us and Teen Vogues readership answers. We will get those answers. And we fight for our rights as workers with a collective bargaining agreement as we fight for the work we do, and the people we do it for, the unions statement concluded. Launched in 2003 as a sister publication to Vogue, the formerly in-print outfit originally focused mainly on celebrity and fashion coverage aimed at young women and girls. Former EIC Elaine Welteroth, who was tapped in 2016, is largely credited with spearheading the sites foray into more in-depth political and social justice-oriented coverage. Since then, the outlet has continually ramped up reporting on climate change, voting issues, President Donald Trump, reproductive rights, Gaza and Mamdanis campaign. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) Temple Hill Elementary School is set to receive a $10,000 hurricane relief award from the Tennessee Education Association (TEA) in partnership with NEA Member Benefits. A TEA news release from Unicoi County Schools said the funding will support ongoing rebuild efforts following Hurricane Helene. We know that one year after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, many educators, families, and communities across upper East Tennessee continue the hard work of rebuilding, said Tanya T. Coats, president of the TEA, in the release. Through this award, TEA members from across the stateand our partners at NEA Member Benefits, whose generous grant made this assistance possiblestand with you in that ongoing journey of recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release said the TEAs Hurricane Relief Fund provides direct assistance to educators and schools most affected by natural disasters across the Volunteer State, offering both financial and moral support to help them rebuild stronger. Hurricane Helene left a lasting mark on our schools and communities, Coats added in the release. Through the generosity of NEA Member Benefits, were proud to stand beside Temple Hill Elementary educators and students as they continue to rebuild. This award is not just about restoring classroomsits about restoring hope. More information about the TEA can be found at tnea.org. 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. On November 13, Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank will conduct the 37th annual Share Your Thanksgiving Food and Funds Drive to continue its mission and provide familieswith a nourishing meal for the holiday. Foodbank staff and volunteers will be accepting nonperishable food and monetary donations at WTHI-TV 10 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at the station, 800 Ohio St., Terre Haute. Most-needed items include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Hearty soups * Peanut butter * Canned fruit in 100% juice * Canned vegetables, tuna or chicken * Whole grain cereals and pastas Catholic Charities reminds donors to please avoid glass containers. The community may also participate by dropping off non-perishable food at any of the following locations from Nov. 4 through Nov. 17: Apple House, all Old National Bank Terre Haute locations, all Kroger Terre Haute locations, Sigma Alpha Lambda (ISU Career Center), Elite Smiles Terre Haute, Cintas Uniform Services, Willow Crossing Apartments and Calvary Cemetery. Long-time partner Papa Johns will again be partnering with Share Your Thanksgiving. On Nov. 11, 10% of all sales will go to Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank. This is the case at all Terre Haute locations, no code is required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monetary donations are accepted anytime at https://bit.ly/47EREpi. Catholic Charities operates the single largest source of emergency food assistance for programs in Clay, Greene, Knox, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties in west central Indiana. For more information, call (812)232-1447, visit www.ccthin.org or find Terre Catholic Charities on Facebook and Instagram @CatholicCharitiesTerreHaute. BEIJING (Reuters) -Tesla's China-made electric vehicle sales fell 9.9% to 61,497 units in October from a year earlier, reversing a 2.8% increase in September, data from the China Passenger Car Association showed on Tuesday. Sales of the U.S. automaker's Model 3 and Model Y vehicles made at its Shanghai "gigafactory", including exports to Europe, India and other markets, dropped 32.3% from September. Its biggest Chinese rival, BYD, posted a 12% drop in global vehicle sales last month, a second consecutive month of decline and the steepest fall in nearly two years amid hyper-competition in the home market. (Reporting by Qiaoyi Li, Zhang Yan and Brenda Goh; Editing by Christopher Cushing) As air traffic controller shortages persist and airlines prepare for the holiday travel season, Texas airlines are urging Congress to come to an agreement already and end the ongoing government shutdown. Dallas-Fort Worth-based Southwest and American Airlines have both called for a "clean" short term spending bill to bring the shutdown to a close. "Southwest Airlines urges Congress to immediately resolve its impasse and resume normal government operations," Southwest said in a statement asking for a continuing resolution. "The public expects and deserves to travel in a system in which air traffic controllers and federal safety and security employees are paid in a timely fashion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captain Jody Reven, the president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, expressed similar concerns over pay. Controllers, who have been advised to continue working without pay, missed a full paycheck last week and received only a partial one Oct. 14. "Our air traffic controllers and the broader air traffic system are already operating under immense pressure-a government shutdown only compounds that stress and threatens the efficiency of our skies as we see the impact of reduced controller availability at facilities across the country," Reven said. Meanwhile, the strain of the shutdown on TSA agents has reached Houston fliers. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, security wait times have stretched to an estimated three hours. Terminals C and D have been closed, and TSA PreCheck has been suspended. Bush was just one of dozens of major airports that saw delays and cancellations over the weekend. Amid the travel fiasco, American is similarly advocating for pay to resume for air traffic controllers and TSA officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The quickest way to end this shutdown and get these workers paid is by passing a clean continuing resolution," American reportedly said in a statement. "A prolonged shutdown will lead to more delays and cancellations-and the American people, especially during the busy holiday season, deserve better." The two Texas airlines join other major carriers including United and Delta in calling for the government to reopen. The issue is also top of mind for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who introduced a bill in late October to have air traffic controllers and other federal workers get paid during the shutdown. The legislation would provide funds to the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing the agency to pay air traffic controllers and other essential employees. Politico reports that the bill is not expected to pass. For now, however, controllers can expect to receive backpay once the shutdown ends. More Culture Merch | H-E-B's latest t-shirt collab was a disaster Drama | Houston billboard lawyer ousts partner, adds new one with similar name Super Bowl | Petition calls for Texas country icon to take halftime show History | This 1995 flick almost derailed Matthew McConaughey's career For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here. This article originally published at Texas airlines call for an end to government shutdown. 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: Scanning electron micrograph of a silver-doped porous micro-arc oxide layer on titanium. Credit: Fraunhofer IFAM Infectious complications are not uncommon after implant placement. The risk is higher in heavily contaminated wounds, which are particularly common in war zones such as Ukraine, where many bone injuries require treatment. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM in Bremen have developed a new functionalized surface that can be loaded with antibiotics. Given the heavy burden on Ukraine's health care system from numerous poorly healing fractures, Fraunhofer IFAM decided in 2023 to help. Beyond the current situation in the country, a personal factor was decisive. "Two of our employees are from Lviv and were involved in the project from the very beginning. They made contact with the UNBROKEN national rehabilitation center in Ukraine, which we are now closely collaborating with to better understand local needs and further develop the technology in a targeted manner," says Kai Borcherding, Head of Medical Technology and Life Sciences at Fraunhofer IFAM. A special process creates pores on the implant surface The researchers are using what is known as micro-arc oxidation (MAO) to produce a new type of surface on titanium implants. The metal parts are immersed in a conductive liquidan electrolyte containing silver saltsand exposed to up to 300 volts. Within minutes, highenergy plasma discharges form a silverdoped oxide layer on the material, where targeted voltage application creates pores and incorporates silver nanoparticles. These reservoirs can then absorb antibiotics or other active substances, much like a sponge. Local antibiotic administration and silver reduce the risk of infection The researchers control pore size and structure by choosing the electrolyte and the process parameters. This is crucial for the loading capacity and the duration of antibiotic release. "Once the MAO layer is complete, the metal parts are immersed in a highly concentrated antibiotic solution. Capillary forces ensure uniform filling of the pores up to the defined capacity with the drug, which is then released in the body by diffusion. After developing the surface and getting our project partners on board, we tested the antibiotic release profile over the desired period. For this purpose, we conducted in vitro tests at the institute," says Linda Gatjen, Co-Head of Polymer Chemistry and Material Behavior at Fraunhofer IFAM. During lab testing, the researchers were also able to show that silver particles enhance the antibiotic's effect. Osteosynthesis implant for a mandible, equipped with a porous surface produced by means of micro-arc oxidation. Credit: Fraunhofer IFAM Simple and fast coating process This type of surface treatment is completely new in the field of implants: "Right now, there is nothing comparable on the market. Overall, there are only a few solutions for medical devices that rely on antibiotic coatings, and if they do, the production process is much more complex," Borcherding says. The simple setup, even under difficult conditions, is a major advantage of the method: Essentially, only a power supply and a cooling device for the immersion bath are needed for the MAO coating process. This makes the process so simple and cost-effective that it could even be used in crisis areas once the technology has matured further. In addition, the MAO surface shows excellent biocompatibility, supporting rapid implant integration. Advancing the technology for Ukraine and beyond How the new coating performs in practice will be tested in Ukraine. The next steps include preclinical development of the technology and clinical trials, which could be carried out at the UNBROKEN national rehabilitation center in Lviv. The center is the largest institution for hospital care of war-disabled people in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, it has performed more than 10,000 operations. The center is in urgent need of safe implants, which is why UNBROKEN is planning to secure production capacity in the long term. At the moment, however, the team is still looking for partners in Ukraine and Europe to drive the project forward and produce prototypes on site. The method is also attracting interest in Germany. As a technology partner of Fraunhofer IFAM, the company KLS Martin has already provided sample implants, which the Bremen-based researchers are currently working ona first step toward application. Tobias Wolfram, who heads the implant research department at KLS Martin, explains, "In addition to the high ethical value of the project, we see great potential in the MAO method for medical engineering, beyond bone implants. We are therefore happy to support the team with our expertise and materials." Fraunhofer IFAM will be presenting a human skull replica featuring titanium implants designed to prevent infections at the international trade show MEDICA, which will be held in Dusseldorf from November 17 to 20, 2025. (NewsNation) Voters in Texas 18th Congressional District are headed to the polls Tuesday for a special election to fill the U.S. House seat left vacant by Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, who died while in office in March. With no primary to narrow the field, 16 candidates were on the ballot, representing Democrats, Republicans, independents and the Green Party. Decision Desk HQ projects Acting Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee to advance to a runoff. One more spot remains to advance to the runoff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menefee, former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards and state Rep. Jolanda Jones were leading polls in the weeks leading up to the election and were the only candidates with double-digit support, though none were close to the 50% support needed to win the seat. If no candidate crosses that threshold, a runoff will be held between the top two vote-getters. The winner will serve a short term before the seat is up again in March 2026. Sign up for NewsNations Newsletter District 18 has long been a Democratic stronghold, with former Vice President Kamala Harris winning it by 40 points in 2024. But with new GOP redistricting plans underway, the boundaries of the district are shifting. The district, currently made up of a majority of voters of color, will see many residents moved into new districts ahead of the 2026 midterm election cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Turner, Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee held the seat for nearly 30 years and died in office in July 2024. Her daughter, Erica Lee Carter, finished Jackson Lees term and endorsed Turner to fill the seat afterward. Turner died two months into his term, resulting in Tuesdays special election to fill the seat. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday in Houston. Follow election results in the tracker below: 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 NewsNation. Editors Note: This story has been updated to reflect the money comes from sales tax revenue. An earlier version of this story referenced an initial version of the bill which proposed also including insurance premium tax revenue, but that was not included in the final amendment. AUSTIN (KXAN) Texas is running out of water, according to the Texas State Water Plan. The Texas Tribune reported Tuesday that voters approved a more than $20 billion investment to address the issue. The constitutional amendment provides $1 billion dollars per year for water infrastructure projects from 2027 to 2047, paid for by state sales tax revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to build water supplies for a drought-prone growing state, fix failing systems, and build flood protection, said Jeremy Mazur, director of infrastructure and natural resources policy at Texas 2036. Voters overwhelmingly approved the amendment, which passed with 138 out of 150 votes in the House and unanimously passed the Senate during the 2025 legislative session. Texas voters to decide on 17 amendments It reflects that voters are concerned about water. They recognize the need to support water, Mazur said. It also shows that voters are willing to embrace Texas future and make the investments we need to make Texas the best place to live and work moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Half of the money will fund new water supply sources, and the other half will be spent repairing old and building new infrastructure, according to a law signed by Gov. Abbott in June. The Texas Water Development Board will decide which projects to fund across the state. The boards most recent water plan predicts that Texas population will grow by more than 22 million people by 2070. In the same amount of time, water supply is projected to decrease by 18%. People want to come here because of our economy, because of our culture, and they are coming here with U-hauls, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said in June. If they show up and they turn on that spigot, and water doesnt come out, those U-hauls are going to go the absolute opposite direction. Several groups, like Texas Policy Research and the Dallas County Republican Party, came out against Prop 4, citing transparency concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While addressing water infrastructure is vital and is a legitimate government function, constitutional earmarks reduce transparency and tie lawmakers hands. Water projects should be funded openly through the budget, not via automatic diversions, Texas Policy Research wrote on its website. A 2022 National Wildlife Foundation study found Texas loses 572,000 acre-feet of water per year enough to fill almost 240 AT&T Stadiums and supply Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Laredo, and Lubbock combined for an entire year. Were moving from a siloed kind of city-by-city conversation to where were going to have more of an oversight and more of a coordinated effort, Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, previously told KXAN. Perry co-authored the bill with Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine. What does this mean for Central Texas? The TWDB predicts the Lower Colorado River regions population to almost double in size by 2070. It expects water needs to grow by almost 13% over the next 45 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region stretches from San Saba through Austin and into Matagorda Bay. The TWDB calls for more than $4.5 billion in capital for its recommended projects along the river. Examples of water infrastructure projects include desalination, harvesting stormwater, replacing damaged pipes and building new reservoirs. The TWDB could also use new funding for flood mitigation and management projects. In its 2024 state flood plan, central Texas (including areas along the Lower Colorado and Guadalupe rivers) reports needing more than $770 million for flood mitigation initiatives alone, like widening waterways or building levees. 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 KXAN Austin. TYLER, Texas (KETK) Daniel Armbruster with AAA recently sat down with KETK and discussed how the ongoing government shutdown could affect Thanksgiving travel, if TSA and other federal employees stop working due to unpaid status. Armbruster said the uncertainty might lead some air travelers to change plans, possibly driving instead of flying or staying home until Congress reaches an agreement. He advised air travelers to be patient, flexible and to have a backup plan, especially if their destination is within driving distance. For those who choose to drive, Armbruster recommended leaving early, taking breaks every 100 miles or two hours, and avoiding peak travel times, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day itself is typically the lightest traffic day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking ahead to the return trip, he noted that the Sunday after Thanksgiving is historically the busiest travel day, so travelers might consider leaving Friday or Saturday instead. Regardless of travel mode, he emphasized patience and safety, reminding everyone to stay calm and enjoy the holidays despite potential disruptions. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) Thieves targeted a Colorado performer, stealing more than $10,000 worth of instruments and other belongings. Bret Dianich tells FOX31 he has been a musician for 15 years. I think my favorite thing about playing for people is just changing their mood, he said. Burglars cut copper pipes from Centennial BBQ restaurants refrigerator Dianich secured many of his instruments, a bike and tools in a large, secured storage building on his property, which is surrounded by a six-foot-tall reinforced and locked security fence. He says on two occasions during October, someone was able to break the fences lock and get into the storage building, stealing his belongings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I felt literal nausea combined with a hair on the back of my neck like someone has been in here, he said. Dianich showed FOX31 security camera video revealing a man entering the building. He was wearing gloves and utility boots with thick canvas pants; he was outfitted for crime, he said. Lakewood police tell FOX31 garage and storage break-ins tend to be more common ahead of the holiday season. Whether its musical instruments as we see in this case, well see yard tools well see bikes things like that and what will happen in a very large amount of these cases is that the criminal in this case will not steal it for themselves, theyll steal it so they can take it to a pawn shop or a used instrument shop, said spokesperson John Romero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dianich saw ads selling some of his instruments and other equipment online at used equipment stores near 64th and Federal and the 8000 block of Bowles. After he notified the stores, the businesses contacted police about the stolen items. We were very lucky in this case that we were able to work with that shop in order to do this, thats not always the case, said Romero. Musician trades clarinet for hand cuffs Several guitars were then returned to Dianich. That feels incredible to know that I was able to track down at least some of what was taken, he said. Dianich hopes that he can help others by encouraging anyone affected by theft to contact the police immediately and considers the thieves really morally devoid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say its a good idea to keep garage doors closed as much as possible to prevent revealing your belongings. Photograph valuables and keep a record of serial numbers. Its also important to consider that many insurance policies will not cover stolen items if they are not kept inside the home, so check your policy. The Lakewood Police Department told FOX31 that the case is still under investigation. 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 FOX31 Denver. More than 30 years after covering the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, former TV anchor Connie Chung wasnt sure how shed be received back in Oklahoma City. On Monday, Nov. 3, Chung joined retired Oklahoma City Fire Chief Gary Marrs for one of two conversations focused on reconciliation, healing, and forgiveness during the annual Day One Luncheon hosted by the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. The event marks 168 days from the anniversary of the April 19, 1995, bombing, which resulted in the deaths of 168 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OKC National Memorial & Museum CEO and President Kari Watkins moderated the first conversation between Marrs and Chung, who covered the bombing for CBS News. Marrs remembered going from then-Mayor Ron Noricks prayer breakfast back to City Hall for a budget meeting when they heard the blast. After learning of the bombing, he and other city officials met with FBI Special Agent Bob Ricks. An incident command was set up and responsibilities were appointed. Marrs served as the incident commander of rescue and recovery until the building was later demolished, he said. More: Amid government shutdown, families of OKC bombing victims to help lead tours at memorial Not only did first responders pitch in, but city departments too, he recalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the city departments were involved public works, the water department, he said. It was truly a city team effort. Chung was working in Sacramento when she read what happened on the news wire. At the time, she co-anchored CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. She called CBS headquarters in New York and asked if she should drop everything and go to Oklahoma City. She said she was the first national reporter on the scene. More: Tragedy to triumph: 30 years after the OKC bombing, a city celebrates how far it's come What I saw was wrenching, she said. Id seen Beirut, Id seen airplane crashes and train crashes, but this was incredibly hard to take because as a reporter, I could see the collapse of the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her reporting, Chung interviewed then-Assistant Fire Chief Jon Hansen and asked him a question that would follow her in the days after the interview. She asked, on TV, Can you handle this? Can this fire department handle this? Oklahomans took offense to the question and in the following days, Chung said, people began saying she had no confidence in the department and that she insulted Oklahomans, and that she lied to access hospitals and a funeral for a victim. The Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum Annual Day One Luncheon marking the start of the 168 Days of Remembrance. Oklahoma City Fire Chief (Ret.) and Incident Commander Gary Marrs sits down with journalist Connie Chung, who covered the bombing for CBS News, and Kari Watkins, President and CEO, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. CBS wanted Chung to apologize to Hansen, but he said that there was nothing to apologize for and that she was doing her job. When Chung got the call to attend the Day One Luncheon this year, she told Watkins she wasnt sure she would feel welcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marrs said during the bombing and days after, he didnt have time to worry about how an interview went with a reporter. He said Hansen talked about the help coming in and wasnt flabbergasted by the question. In fact, we did need a lot of help and we got a lot of help, he said. So looking back on it, I just dont know that it was (out of line), so to speak. Marrs answer earned a hug from Chung and a standing ovation from the audience. Watkins said some people have still not processed what happened 30 years ago. Some have processed it and moved in different directions, but you (Chung) coming back here and being here today for Day One is a great example of having these hard conversations and working through them to find our common ground, Watkins said. The Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum Annual Day One Luncheon marking the start of the 168 Days of Remembrance. Oklahoma City Fire Chief (Ret.) and Incident Commander Gary Marrs sits down with journalist Connie Chung, who covered the bombing for CBS News, and Kari Watkins, President and CEO, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Bud Welch and Jeanne Bishop talk about finding forgiveness The second conversation took place between Bud Welch, whose daughter, Julie, was killed in the bombing, and author Jeanne Bishop. Welch shared the story of his unlikely friendship with the father of bombing co-conspirator Timothy McVeigh. Bishop wrote Grace from the Rubble: Two Fathers' Road to Reconciliation after the Oklahoma City Bombing, which tells an intertwining story of the events leading up to the bombing and after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welchs daughter worked as a translator for the Social Security Administration in the federal building, starting in August 1994. She was fluent in five languages, including Spanish, Italian and French. Welch said he went through a lot of grief, anger and wanting retribution and the death penalty for McVeigh. He said those feelings lasted for a year after about ten months of alcohol abuse until he realized the death penalty would not help his healing process. More: See photos from the Oklahoma City bombing 30th Remembrance Ceremony About 10 or 12 days after the bombing, Bill McVeigh, father of Timothy McVeigh, answered questions from a news reporter, Welch said. He doesnt remember the questions or answers that he gave, but remembers seeing a deep pain in his eyes when Bill McVeigh looked into the camera lens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I recognized it immediately because I too was having that same pain at that same time, Welch said. I knew that some day I wanted to have the opportunity to go meet that man and tell him that I truly cared how he felt and did not blame him or his family or whatever. In 1998, he met Bill McVeigh and his daughter. Welch said he was a very kind and gentle person. When Timothy McVeigh's execution took place on June 11, 2001, Welch and Bill McVeigh had one thing in common. We had buried our children, he said. They died in very different ways, but we had buried our children. When our children die, we bury them in our hearts and its forever. Jeanne Bishops connection to Oklahoma City started when her family moved to the city from Chicago when she was in fifth grade. Bishop said her younger sister, Nancy, and Nancys husband were murdered at just about the same age as Julie Welch was when she died in the bombing. Bishop forgave the person who murdered them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop interviewed both fathers for her book, Grace from the Rubble: Two Fathers' Road to Reconciliation after the Oklahoma City Bombing, and said the two share a lot of similarities, such as growing up on a farm. Bill McVeigh also has an elm tree planted in his yard that he calls Timmys Tree, and Bishop brought him a seedling to plant in his yard, and he calls it the Julies Tree. Dr. Susan Chambers, Chair, opening remarks at the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum Annual Day One Luncheon marking the start of the 168 Days of Remembrance. Oklahoma City Fire Chief (Ret.) and Incident Commander Gary Marrs sits down with journalist Connie Chung, who covered the bombing for CBS News, and Kari Watkins, President and CEO, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. My faith teaches me that we are not overcome by evil, but we overcome evil with good, she said. Bishop and Welch are part of an organization of family members of murder victims who dont want retribution, or bloodshed and dont want capital punishment but rather some sort of restoration and healing, she said. Welch said its easier to forgive than to carry retribution and hate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When youre able to finally reach the point of forgiveness, its not about them. Its about you, he said, and what that does is completely release you and frees you. It is a lot easier to love and reconcile. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Former CBS anchor Connie Chung returns to OKC for 168-day remembrance launch Richmond International Airport. (Photo by Emily Grinstead/Capital News Service) By Emily Grinstead/VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND, Va. Some airports are experiencing an increase in flight delays and cancellations amid the government shutdown that furloughed workers or required them to work without pay. Over 11,000 Federal Aviation Administration employees were furloughed, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation federal government shutdown plan. Over 13,200 air traffic controllers will work without pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia is one of the states with the highest number of air traffic controllers, with approximately 1,110 employed, according to May 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overall, the federal government employs 147,358 Virginians, according to the Partnership for Public Service. The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, employs 64,000 workers which includes essential workers who must work without pay. TSA stated it has not yet experienced delays in operation due to callouts. TSA and other federal workers saw their first zero paycheck on Oct. 24, according to Forbes. TSA will continue operations to keep the traveling public safe, a TSA spokesperson stated. While TSA is prepared to continue screening about 2.5 million passengers a day, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports. We kindly ask for our passengers patience during this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA slows traffic in some airports to mitigate issues with staffing shortages, according to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. Virginia airports, including Dulles and Richmond international airports and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport say there have not been significant impacts, such as abnormal delays due to the shutdown. To date, the essential federal workers at RIC including TSA, FAA, and USCBP, have remained on the job, stated Troy Bell, spokesperson for Richmond International Airport. The airport wishes for a speedy resolution so the shutdown can end. Flights to and from Richmond were delayed 52 times on Oct. 27, according to Flight Aware, a flight tracking platform. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport experienced 15 delays. There were 133 at Dulles International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, Southwest Airlines saw 34% of flights delayed, American Airlines 29%, Delta Air Lines 22% and United Airlines 19%, according to Reuters. These three airports have not seen much fluctuation in overall delays in the past two years, according to the DOT. Mike Christine is the eastern regional vice president for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. There were already staffing shortages prior to the shutdown. The biggest concern during the shutdown is air traffic controllers not being paid, according to Christine. Delays can also be attributed to other factors, such as weather conditions and changing airline schedules, which are unrelated to the shutdown, Christine said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think right now in the government shutdown, theres so much focus on air traffic control, Christine said. Its just putting a spotlight on how fragile our system is. Current delays and cancellations are not out of the ordinary, but things could change if the shutdown continues, said Christine Hardenberger, owner of Modern Travel Professionals. Theres always delays, theres always cancellations, Hardenberger said. Thats just part of air travel today, but we havent seen any sort of spike since the shutdown. TSA saw a 7% increase in unscheduled absences of TSA agents from the previous year during the late 2018 to early 2019 government shutdown, according to the Partnership for Public Service. This caused an increase in the time travelers spent in airport security lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The media focuses on air travel during the shutdown because it impacts many people. However, travelers should not be concerned, according to Hardenberger. I think travelers need to be aware that things could change at any time and so they need to plug into more direct sources of information, Hardenberger said. Federal workers continue to ensure traveler safety. They will eventually feel the strain of a slower, less efficient system since employees are working without pay, according to a spokesperson for Airlines for America, an industry association. We urge elected leaders to act with urgency and in good faith to identify a solution that will reopen government, the Airlines for America spokesperson stated. Travelers, the shipping public and the dedicated federal employees who protect and maintain our nations aviation system deserve continuity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act was passed in 2019, following the 34-day government shutdown that started in 2018. The legislation guarantees retroactive pay for federal employees impacted by a shutdown. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Thousands of Ohioans could go without childcare as federal money runs out for some Head Start programs, which provide food and childcare for low-income families. The fallout is going to be so much greater than they even know, Carla Womack, parent, family and community engagement manager with Scioto Countys Head Start program, said. I think its going to affect crime, its going to affect hunger, its going to affect child abuse. I dont think they thought that far. Election Day 2025 in Ohio: What to know before going to the polls Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Womack is one of 150 Head Start employees who had their first day being furloughed on Monday. Seven of Ohios 59 programs have run out of federal funds, forcing immediate closures for two programs and leaving five programs temporarily afloat through donations and reserves. See previous coverage of Ohios Head Start programs in the video player above. Ohio has the fourth-most students affected by Head Start closures in the nation, with 3,738 preschoolers going without childcare if federal appropriations do not resume soon. Already, 600 students were unable to attend their Head Start programs this week, with closures in Scioto and Highland counties. Nathan Keirns is president and CEO of LEADS, a Licking County partnership that runs Head Start programs in Licking, Delaware and Union counties. He said LEADS programs are still open because they work on an April to March fiscal year, so their grant dollars were approved months ago. The seven Head Start programs under threat of closure all start their fiscal years Nov. 1. In all, Ohios Head Start programs serve more than 31,000 children, many of whom are in rural areas. The program supports pregnant mothers and children ages 0 to 5, offering classroom and in-home support for both parents and kids. Each program is tailored to its community and focuses on kindergarten readiness, health and parental engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How the federal shutdown could affect Ohio government workers Head Start also provides USDA-approved breakfast, lunch and snack for students, particularly pressing as SNAP funding remains uncertain. Womack said they try to introduce new fruits and vegetables, and post their menus online so parents know what their kids are eating. She said her program even partners with WIC, the federal food program for women, infants and children, to post videos helping families shop for, plan and make meals. There are lifelong benefits too; children who attend Head Start are more likely to graduate high school and college and less likely to be arrested or experience poor health. Womack said she knew closing her program and its associated schools was a possibility but only learned it was certain on Friday. She said many of her coworkers are living paycheck to paycheck, and she does not know if she will receive back pay or unemployment. Despite her situation, she is most worried about the effect on her students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just wondering whats going to happen to them, thats been my biggest fear, Womack said. Whats going to happen to our kids that are typically eating nutritious meals daily, that have a safe place to come now their families arent working. What happens to the frustrated parent? Womack and Keirns said they are concerned about ripple effects in communities. Many parents rely on Head Start in order to work and now face a choice between working or staying home to take care of their kids. Suspended central Ohio surgeon fights to regain license So you may not be paying rent to landlords, may not be purchasing as many food items or probably wouldnt be purchasing any at all and all those sorts of other things, utility bills, all those sorts of things start to cascade, Keirns said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even without pay, Womack said her team is posting information online to help families. She said they are promoting resources for food and offering help with electric and heating bills. Some teachers are posting lesson plans online, too, so families can keep learning at home. Head Start leaders like Womack and Keirns encouraged legislators to keep families and crucial programs in mind as the shutdown lingers. This shutdown is pulling the rug out from under working families, Julie Stone, executive director of the Ohio Head Start Association, said. Parents are losing child care, teachers are losing paychecks, and children are losing the stable, nurturing environments that help them thrive. These are real people with real consequences and Ohios youngest citizens deserve better. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) It is day 33 of the government shutdown and SNAP benefits slowly are beginning to run out. On Monday at the Kern County Fairgrounds, the California National Guard and CAPK worked to make sure that families in Kern County are fed and has some food to put on the table. Marcos Moralez came to get food from Mondays drive. Watch 17 News, After Sunrise and more local news free on your smart TV. Click to learn more about KGET+ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now were struggling because the shutdown is going on, especially these kids right here are struggling. Thats why, thank god for these CAPK programs always here for us and everything, he said. Rows of cars wrapped around the perimeter of the Kern County Fairgrounds on Monday during the food distribution. Many hoped to receive food bags. Fifty members of the California National Guard were at the event to help with the food distribution. First Lt. Martin Godinez-Sandeoval grew up in Kern County and is happy to serve the community. It feels good. I get a big sense of being proud of where Im from and its good that were helping them out here, he said. Well be here as long as were needed, and well continue working as a team to help the community be good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food distribution recipient, Tamara Davis says residents shouldnt be afraid to ask for help. At the end of the day, theyre here for us to be able to eat. Im not ashamed. So why not come and get the food that theyre going to provide for you so that you wont be hungry, right? She also shares a message to those in Washington. SNAP changes: Heres who could lose benefits in November What if it was you? What if it was your family? How would you feel? You know, everybody thats on food stamps just not sitting at home. Theres a lot of people that have jobs and they still cant afford to feed their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While nearly 100 workers helped at Mondays food drive, CAPK needs help with volunteers and additional support. Supervisor Leticia Perez urges the community to get involved. We need to feed our military personnel. We need to feed our volunteers. If youre a business out there that can make sandwiches, can bring food here, please, please consider it, Perez said. If you want to help donate to CAPKs food pantry, the organization says the best way is to provide monetary donations since the organization can buy food at discounted prices. You can make a donation using this link. Ernesto Leon, the senior communications outreach director for CAPK, shares how people can help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News But if you are going to donate food, we really do encourage shelf-stable items. So right now were giving out canned peaches, canned beans, things like that. Not going to the produce section and getting that up in a bag and giving it to us because that can expire really quickly. Anyone who needs extra food assistance can go to the Kern County fairgrounds. The CAPK food drive will be going on until Friday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Next week, CAPK is expected to do similar drives in other cities across the county. You can learn more about CAPKs response during the government and the slowdown of funds at this link. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KGET 17 News. LAST WEEK, THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION made two major national-security announcements that, taken together, capture just a bit of its incoherence. First came word from the Secretary of Defense that U.S. forces would be withdrawn from bases in Romaniabases that anchor NATOs southeastern flank and project stability into the Black Sea regionbecause, as Pentagon officials put it, America must refocus on defending the homeland and prepare for a future confrontation with China. Then, only hours later, the president mused on social media that he might need to send American forces into NigeriaNigeria?to protect Christians from persecution. As confounding and shocking as those statements were individually, together they imply something far more dangerous: a scattershot national-security process that lurches from one impulse to the next, untethered to strategy, alliance, or reality. You dont strengthen the homeland by pulling back from Europes frontline. You dont deter China by announcing a religiously defined military intervention in Africa. And you certainly dont project global leadership by letting strategic whiplash substitute for deliberate planning. Share Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The withdrawal from Romania is not simply a geographic adjustment; it reverses a strategic arc that took years to build. I was part of the development of what became Joint Task ForceEast, a planned rotational presence at bases Turzii (Campia Turzii) and MK (Mihail Kogalniceanu)bases that were deliberately designed for that location and reconstructed to meet the demands of a contingency footprint as part of a decade-long effort to reinforce U.S. and NATO posture along Europes eastern flank. How do I know this? These actions were long-planned strategic sites that were conceived as part of the transformation of U.S. forces in Europe from 2004 to 2011, built to complement permanently stationed forces in Germany and Italy with rotational capacity in Romania. Some administration voices suggested after the announcement that withdrawing forces from Romania merely returns U.S. posture in Europe to where it stood before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But that framing is misleading. Those forces were never permanently stationed; they were rotational by design, enabling rapid adaptation to emerging threats. After Russias invasion of Ukraine, that flexibility proved vital, as it allowed the United States and NATO to surge eastward, reassure allies, and respond to Russian aggression without renegotiating basing or improvising logistics in crisis. Removing that capability now is not a neutral resetit dismantles one of the quiet success stories of allied deterrence just as its value has been proven. Join now MEANWHILE, AS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION undermines American credibility in Europe, it toys with a new military adventure in West Africa. The presidents seemingly offhand suggestion to send troops to Nigeria to protect Christians may play well to certain domestic evangelical audiences, but to anyone who has studied, served, or spent time in this region, it is strategically unsound and operationally unworkable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been to Nigeria both as a military officer and more recently as a civilian with a U.S. health care organization that was partnering with a medical facility in Abuja, Nigerias capital. This is a dynamic, deeply religious country of more than 230 million people, divided roughly evenly between Muslims and Christians. Additionally, Nigerians are overwhelmingly pro-American, proud of their democracy, and fiercely protective of their sovereignty. The violence that scars parts of the nationterrorism by Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa in the northeast, criminal banditry in the northwest, farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Beltare all driven by complex social, economic, and environmental forces. Faith often overlaps those conflicts, but it rarely defines them. To describe this as a campaign of religious persecution is to mistake the symptom for the disease. Which leads me to believe that any U.S. military intervention framed around protecting Christians would not only misread the problemit would inflame it. Nigerias constitutionmuch like oursforbids establishing a state religion. For America to arrive proclaiming a religious mandate would offend both Nigerian Muslims and Christians, energize extremist propaganda about crusader invaders, and undermine the very communities we claim to defend. Usually, the first thing a commander does when there is an indication their forces may be deployed somewhere is to look at a map. The operational realities of Nigeria are daunting. This is a country bigger than Texas, with vast ungoverned spaces, extremely dense cities, and few clear front lines. Following the 2023 coup in Niger (Nigerias neighbor to the north), U.S. forces were forced to withdraw from their key drone base at Agadez, leaving the United States with limited intelligence and basing options across West Africa. Launching a new expeditionary operation without host-nation consent would be illegal and strategically self-defeating. Even a small, invited presence would be a magnet for violence and a lightning rod for nationalist anger. Protecting Christians in a nation that large and complex is an impossible taskand pretending otherwise is policy malpractice. Join our growing pro-democracy community: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the tactical and operational dynamics lies a deeper contradiction. After the announcement of the troop departure from Romania, the administration signaled that its National Defense Strategy will pivot toward homeland security and then toward addressing the issues related to China. Part of this pivot reportedly includes considering the dissolution of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)the headquarters stationed in Germany that is charged with building partnerships and managing operations on the African continent. The thought of eliminating AFRICOM while simultaneously hinting at a Nigeria deployment isnt strategy; its chaotic improvisation. It shows a government reacting to headlines, not shaping national security. When I wore the uniform, no commander promised we can do that before conducting mission analysisthe disciplined process of defining objectives, identifying means, assessing risk, and determining feasibility. A secretary of defenses duty is to insist on that process, not to shortcut it. Secretary Hegseths Yes sir response to Trumps social media post regarding a mission in Nigeria may sound loyal, but its the opposite of leadership. It replaces reason with deference and turns the worlds most capable military into an instrument of whim. And it puts Americas sons and daughters in harms way. Proper analysis would reveal what common sense already knows: Protecting Christians is not a military objective. Its a humanitarian aspiration requiring diplomacy, collaboration with host nation forces, policing, and governance. Troops can fight enemies, but they cannot reconcile communities or resolve religious conflicts. Using force for a moral symbol rather than a strategic end risks both American lives and American credibility. Nigeria deserves partnership, not paternalism. A better path may be to help its government strengthen internal security, reduce corruption, and improve human rights performance; to support programs that mitigate civilian harm and manage farmer-herder disputes; and to bolster regional intelligence cooperation. The very things AFRICOM was designed to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I was in Abuja a few years ago as a civilian, I met Nigerian doctors, teachers, and civic leaders who spoke warmly of the United States. They admired our reliability and professionalism. They didnt want American soldiers patrolling their neighborhoods, but they did want American partnership to help build a safer, fairer country. A foreign policy that withdraws from Romania while threatening to deploy to Nigeria is not a grand strategy; its meandering on the world stage. It weakens NATO, confuses allies on other continents, emboldens adversaries, and cheapens the seriousness of both diplomats and military forces. The United States remains the indispensable nation, but indispensability demands discipline and coordinated strength. This isnt discipline strategy or military strengthits drift. And drift, when it comes to matters of war and peace, is the most dangerous course of all. Send this article to a friend: Share KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Three East Tennessee restaurants earned recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide on Monday. Knoxvilles J.C. Holdway and Potchke along with The Restaurant at RT Lodge in Maryville were designated Recommended by the century-old restaurant and hotel guide as part of its inaugural selection for the American South, which included more than 200 restaurants across 44 different types of cuisine. SECOND HELPING: Miss a Food for Thought segment? See them all here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest honor for J.C. Holdway, located at 501 Union Ave, comes weeks after it was included in the New York Times list of best 50 restaurants for 2025. I am humbled by the recognition from Michelin on behalf of our talented team and the farmers and producers who support us, said J.C. Holdway owner and chef Joseph Lenn. We are honored to be recognized alongside so many fine restaurants across the South. Because I am from Knoxville, I am proud to represent our community and the people we are privileged to serve every day. Potchke, a Jewish deli with Ukrainian influences, opened in 2022 inside the Regas Building at 318 North Gay St. Last year, it was listed in USA Todays Restaurants of the Year list. See more top stories on WATE.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RT Lodge is an event space, hotel, and restaurant located on the campus of Maryville College which recently expanded its offerings with a spa and meeting house. 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A European study has demonstrated a sustained long-term reduction in prostate cancer mortality through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. However, the findings also highlight the issue of overdiagnosis, or the detection of slow-growing cancers that are unlikely to affect a patient's lifespan, associated with PSA screening. To address this concern, the researchers advocate the development of risk-based screening. The European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) sheds new light on the long-term impact of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening on prostate cancer mortality. The study, published in New England Journal of Medicine, found that PSA screening results in a 13% relative reduction in prostate cancer mortality 23 years after the start of screening. "Long-term follow-up demonstrates that PSA screening can substantially reduce deaths from prostate cancer," says Anssi Auvinen, Professor of Epidemiology at Tampere University. "Yet, the effect starts to wane once screening is discontinued and largely disappears within nine years." Auvinen is one of the principal investigators of the study and oversees the trial conducted in Finland as part of the multicenter ERSPC. The study discovered that with PSA screening, one death from prostate cancer was prevented for every 456 men invited for screening and for every 12 men diagnosed with the disease. However, the absolute benefit of PSA screening increased over time: one death was prevented for every 628 men invited for screening after 16 years of follow-up, but by the end of the study at 23 years, only 456 men needed to be invited to prevent one death. The main drawback of PSA screening is the detection of clinically insignificant cancers. In some cases, PSA screening leads to overdiagnosis, which may ultimately cause more harm than benefit. Some prostate cancers are so slow-growing that they do not become symptomatic even if left untreated. Treating these indolent, low-risk cancers offers no benefit to patients, but the side effects of treatment may reduce their quality of life. Risk-based screening is more effective at detecting cancers that require treatment Within the screening group, the PSA test led to a higher number of diagnosed low-risk cancers but fewer cases of advanced cancers. Elevated PSA levels were found in 16% of the participants in initial tests, but subsequent biopsies confirmed prostate cancer in only 24% of those men. As a result, the researchers noted that a considerable number of the tests and procedures may have been unnecessary. Nevertheless, the PSA level determined by the screening test is an effective predictor of prostate cancer risk and the likelihood of death from the disease. Since the start of the ERSPC study in the mid-1990s, substantial progress has been made with risk-based screening approaches. For example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to reduce overdiagnosis. "Risk-based screening would enable the identification of men who are at the highest risk of developing a clinically significant prostate cancer," Auvinen says. More than 160,000 men from eight European counties, with nearly half of them from Finland, participated in the study. The Finnish partners included Tampere University, Tampere University Hospital, the University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital as well as the Finnish Cancer Registry. The study was led by the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. There is currently no national screening program for prostate cancer in Finland, but the introduction of PSA screening has become a topic of health care policy debate. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men in Finland and the third-leading in Europe. More information: Monique J. Roobol et al, European Study of Prostate Cancer Screening23-Year Follow-up, New England Journal of Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2503223 Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine Its time to give the Commonwealth a decent burial. There: Ive said it. When I was writing speeches for foreign secretaries, I used to compose panegyrics on this unique association of sovereign states, describing how it embraced a third of humanity and supposedly enjoyed a golden future. I still wish it were true: if the Commonwealth would only stand for a hopeful and uplifting vision, this venerable international club would deserve to survive. But the sad reality is that it no longer does. Today, the Commonwealth scarcely troubles to promote the ideals described in its Harare Declaration of 1991 liberty of the individual under the law and the inalienable right to participate in free and democratic political processes. Instead this great association has chosen to adopt the destructive and demeaning creed of post-colonialism, which reduces countries to the sum total of their historical grievances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That leaves the Commonwealth with no remaining purpose save to berate Britain for the sins of the past, while ignoring the obvious abuses of other members today. Look, for example, at the events of the last week in one of the Commonwealths biggest African members. The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has just rigged and bludgeoned her way to victory in an absurd election. Without even trying to lend this contest a veneer of legitimacy, she resorted to all the bleakly comical tricks of the tyrants handbook. Six months before the election, she banned Tanzanias main opposition party, Chadema, from contesting any poll until 2030. Ms Samia, now widely known as Madam Dictator, then took the extra precaution of locking up her main rival, Tundu Lissu, on the customary charge of treason. When the result was announced on Saturday, Ms Samia claimed 98 per cent of the vote on a turnout of 87 per cent. For all the credibility this has, she might as well have gone the whole way and copied Saddam Hussein, who declared that he had swept 100 per cent of the vote on a 100 per cent turnout in an Iraqi referendum in 2002. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there is nothing remotely comical about the bloodsoaked aftermath of this election. Tanzanians have protested against an obviously fraudulent outcome only to suffer a ruthless response from the security forces. Chadema says that 700 people have been killed so far. That figure cannot be verified, partly because Madam Dictator has sporadically disconnected Tanzania from the internet, but a death toll in the hundreds is credible. While turning herself into Africas first female despot, you can be sure that Ms Samia will not have worried about the Commonwealths reaction. On the contrary, she will have taken heart from a string of preposterous elections in the clubs members. In Cameroon, the worlds oldest head of state, president Paul Biya, was re-elected last month at the age of 92 after no less than 43 years in power. He also took the precaution of banning his main opponent from standing. Now Mr Biya can look forward to dominating his country for another seven years until, God-willing, he turns 99. Last October, president Daniel Chapo of the eternally ruling Frelimo party in Mozambique won a fraudulent election, after which hundreds of protesters were shot in the streets. Mozambique, with no history of British rule, was nonetheless allowed to join the Commonwealth in 1995. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there is no doubt that Sheikh Hasina, who was overthrown as prime minister of Bangladesh by a popular revolution last year, will not have cared about the Commonwealth during her years in charge of an utterly corrupt and repressive government. Elsewhere, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, now the Commonwealths second longest-reigning dictator, is preparing to rig his way back to power when he runs for re-election in January after 40 years in office. True enough, the phenomenon of the Commonwealth tyrant is not exactly new. The biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, known to diplomats as Chogums, have always featured an abundance of autocrats. The difference is that, just occasionally, it used to be possible to kick them out. Zimbabwe was suspended from the Commonwealth in 2002 after Robert Mugabe staged a particularly bloodsoaked election. Nigeria was expelled in 1995 when its dictator, General Sani Abacha, hanged the writer and activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa. Pakistan was chucked out and re-admitted twice; Fiji three times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fairness, Shirley Botchwey, the new secretary general of the Commonwealth, has issued a brief statement expressing her concern about the situation in Tanzania following disturbing reports of violence, injuries and deaths. But that is almost certainly where matters will rest. There is practically zero chance of Tanzania being removed for a simple reason: the Commonwealth takes every decision unanimously and there is no consensus behind expelling a member state just because its leader has trampled on the associations stated principles. But you can be sure there is a consensus for denouncing Britain and building a case for transferring as much of our taxpayers money as possible into the coffers of the greatest number of Commonwealth states. To see how the organisation has changed, compare the generous and uplifting Harare Declaration of 1991 with the sour and backward-looking leaders statement from the Commonwealth summit in Samoa last year. Noting calls for discussions on reparatory justice, reads paragraph 22 of this document, and recalling the dispossession of Indigenous People, indentureship, colonialism, blackbirding and their enduring effects..the time has come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation towards forging a common future based on equity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words: give us lots of British money. If that is now the overriding purpose of the Commonwealth, why does Britain have any interest in preserving this organisation? For now the Commonwealth Secretariat enjoys the splendour of Marlborough House in London and King Charles serves as Head of the association. Our government should say that the time has come for a meaningful conversation about withdrawing both privileges and abolishing an organisation that has abandoned its ideals. 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. Wondering what time the polls are open or what time they close tonight or where to go vote today? Here's what to know about Election Day 2025 in Pennsylvania, polling hours and how to find your polling place location. If you are unsure of your voter registration status, it's easy to find out if you are registered to vote in Pennsylvania by searching online via pa.gov or click here. What time do the polls open today? Polls in Pennsylvania are open at 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. What time do the polls close tonight? Polling locations in Pennsylvania close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Note that if you are in line by 8 p.m., you can vote regardless of however long it takes to actually cast the ballot. Where do I go vote today? How to find my polling place location Your polling location was assigned based on your address, if you don't remember or it is your first time voting, you can click here to find your polling place. When you arrive at your polling place, check in with the poll workers at which time you will be handed a paper ballot or guided to a machine to cast your ballot. Do I need to show ID at the polls? If it is your first time voting at a new polling place, then you must bring an approved form of photo identification, such as: Pennsylvania drivers license or PennDOT ID card ID issued by any Commonwealth agency ID issued by the U.S. Government U.S. passport U.S. Armed Forces ID Student ID (including an electronic/digital student ID card) Employee ID Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you don't have a photo ID, there are approved options, such as: Confirmation or voter registration card issued by your county elections office Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth Non-photo ID issued by the federal government Firearm permit Current utility bill Current bank statement Current paycheck Government check (This story was updated to change a video.) This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Where do I go to vote today, polling place? What time do polls close Election Day 2025 is here. Voters across Michigan who haven't already voted early or absentee will be able to cast their ballots at the polls Nov. 4 to decide all manner of elected offices, municipal and school proposals, bond issues and millages. In Michigan's largest city, Detroit voters will also cast their ballot for mayor, the city council, city clerk, the board of police commissioners and community advisory council. As of Thursday, Oct. 30, at least 1,600 residents voted early and 44,000 absentee ballots had been received. Detroit currently has 519,000 registered voters, and City Clerk Janice Winfrey said she expects anywhere between 18%-23% of voters will turnout. What time do polls open in Michigan on Election Day? Polls open at 7 a.m. local time across Michigan. For 79 of the state's 83 counties, that's 7 a.m. Eastern. Polls in Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson and Menominee counties in the Upper Peninsula open at 7 a.m. Central. What time do polls close in Michigan on Election Day? Polls close at 8 p.m. local time across Michigan. As long as you are in line by 8 p.m., you are permitted to vote. Where is my polling location? You can find your polling location online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote. Enter your name, birth month, birth year and zip code. What is on my ballot? You can find a sample ballot through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote by selecting the Nov. 4 consolidated election, your county, jurisdiction and precinct. You also can see a sample ballot by searching your polling location. Do I need an ID to vote in Michigan? Voters will be asked to show ID when they check in. But if you do not have one, you can still vote: You will be asked to sign an attestation form to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acceptable forms of ID include: Michigan driver's license or state ID (may be expired) Driver's license or state ID issued by another state Federal, state or local government-issued photo ID U.S. passport Military photo ID Photo ID from an educational institution Tribal photo ID When will Michigan election results come in? Detroit's election results are expected to begin filling in around 9 p.m. Winfrey said she is aiming to have them fully counted by 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Results for other local municipalities and Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties can vary by location. To learn more about the candidates, visit freep.com/voterguide. How to get a ride to the polls on Election Day The Detroit Department of Transportation is offering free bus rides all day on Tuesday, Nov. 4 to help reduce transit barriers among residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What time do polls close in Michigan on Election Day? The Tennessee Comptrollers Office is reviewing property valuations in the heart of Nashvilles Lower Broadway tourism district, following concerns raised by House Speaker Cameron Sexton. A spokesperson confirmed Nov. 3 that the review focuses on properties in the bustling central business area, where soaring valuations have sparked fears about the impact on local businesses. Sexton called for the review after hearing from owners alarmed by the rapid rise in assessed values. Speaker Sexton has heard from numerous businesses and homeowners who are alarmed by the staggering new property valuations from the Davidson County Assessors Office, a statement from Sextons office reads. Some Lower Broadway properties saw increases of more than 300% between 2024 and 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all follows a record-high 45% jump in Davidson Countys median property value since the last four-year reappraisal cycle concluded in 2021. But for commercial properties in particular, Davidson County Assessor of Property Vivian Wilhoite said the current state of affairs is a product of pandemic-era discounts to property values. The revenue-neutral reappraisal in 2021 resulted in some commercial properties affected by the pandemic, including the downtown bars, receiving discounted appraised values due to the pandemics effects on their property values, a statement from Wilhoites office reads. Those discounted property values remained until the next revenue-neutral reappraisal of 2025, all the while appreciating in value. Heres what else to know about the review. Davidson County assessor: 14,629 property owners filed 2025 appeals Wilhoite, for her part, said she welcomed any review of her offices work in a statement last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the oversight of the State of Tennessee, our office operates with fairness, equity and transparency, and we have always proactively encouraged property owners, both residential and commercial, to appeal in a timely manner if they disagree with their property value or their property classification. It is their right. Wilhoite said an unprecedented 14,629 property owners did just that and filed formal appeals with the Metro Board of Equalization, the volunteer body tasked with hearing and deciding on property valuation appeals. Thats about 5% of the 281,000 parcels in the county, according to the Assessors Office. According to Wilhoites statement, those appeals hearings began in June. But itll take until 2027 before all those appeals have been heard. Wilhoite said theyre scheduled through Nov. 25, 2026. Sextons office said thats why he asked the Comptrollers Office to review the situation, as filing an appeal is the only recourse for property owners.Massive valuation increases like these threaten to shutter businesses, the statement from Sextons office reads. Action must be taken quickly to provide relief before its too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin Hornbostel is the Metro reporter for The Tennessean. Have a question about local government you want an answer to? Reach him at ahornbostel@tennessean.com. Get Davidson County news delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN Comptroller scrutinizes downtown Nashville property values (WJW) Tuesday is Election Day. Ohios Nov. 4 general election: Dozens of new taxes, increases on ballots in Northeast Ohio Heres what to know: Ohio 2025 General Election Results Whats on the ballot? Just a few of the races to watch: School levies, tax issues Several school levies and issues are on the ballot Tuesday, including a new 6.9-mill, 10-year levy for Parma City School District. Click here to see the dozens of tax issues and income tax increases on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Euclid traffic camera ban Issue 39: Removal of Traffic Camera Provision would remove the citys current ban on traffic photo-enforcement devices unless a law enforcement officer is present to issue the ticket directly. That ban dates to 2011, when voters passed Issue 97, which prohibited the use of unmanned traffic cameras in the city. More here. Cleveland Heights mayoral race Jim Petras and Davida Russell will battle for the mayoral spot after voters recalled former Mayor Kahlol Seren in September amid several controversies. Click here for more. Cleveland mayoral race Mayor Justin Bibb, elected in 2021, is running for another term in Cleveland. On his website, Bibb, born and raised in Cleveland, says after his election, he quickly assembled a team of visionary leaders at City Hall to tackle our greatest challenges with fresh ideas and a new sense of urgency. He said hes addressed public safety and improved basic city services. He faces off against LaVerne Gore. According to her website, Gore is a native Clevelander from the Hough neighborhood. Shes been active in the Republican party, according to the website, and has run for public office. She was also a Republican nominee for Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gores platforms include improving city services for seniors and homeowners, education reform and workforce development. You can also click here to see what is on your sample ballot. Am I registered to vote? You can make sure youre registered to vote on the Ohio Secretary of State website. Ohios voter registration rules changed in 2023. If youre not already registered, youll need to provide an Ohio drivers license or state ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number in order to register with a paper form or to register online. How can I vote in person? Early voting is over. On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, the polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you choose to go to the polls on Election Day, you can find your voting precinct and polling place using the list of county elections board offices below or the Secretary of State website. What do I need to bring? To vote in person, you need to bring a form of identification that includes: A valid Ohio drivers license, state ID or some interim form of ID issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles A U.S. military ID, National Guard ID or a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID with your name and photo A U.S. passport or passport card Ohios voter ID laws changed in 2023. Voters can no longer use a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, concealed carry permit or some other government document to verify their identity at the polls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If your ID doesnt have your current address, thats OK as long as your voter registration has your current address. If you dont have an ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot. Youll need to provide one of the acceptable forms of ID listed above to your local elections board office by Saturday, Nov. 8, four days after the election. Previously, Ohioans were allowed up to a week after the election to provide that information. Voters can no longer give the last four digits of their Social Security number when casting a provisional ballot, unless they do not have a photo ID for religious reasons. Once that information is verified, your provisional ballot will be counted. Cuyahoga County Board of Elections tests voting equipment ahead of Nov. 4 election Where is my polling place? Find your local elections office or polling place at the links below to county board of elections offices in Northeast Ohio: How can I vote by mail? The deadline to request an absentee ballot from your local board of elections office was by close of business on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 3, the day before Election Day. They must be received by your local elections board office by Saturday, Nov. 8, four days after the election, in order to be counted. Youll need to provide one of the acceptable forms of ID listed above. After mailing, you can track your absentee ballot through your local elections board website. You can also drop off your absentee ballot at your county board of elections office or in its drop box anytime until the polls close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. You dont have to wait until Election Day to drop it off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you never received your absentee ballot, you should check in with your local board of elections office. You can find yours in the list above. If you requested an absentee ballot but never mailed it back, you can still vote in person at your polling place on Election Day. But if you voted by mail, youll be unable to vote in person. FOX 8 is Your Local Election Headquarters Still have questions? Visit the Ohio Secretary of States website for a list of voter resources and frequently asked questions 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Texans head to the polls Tuesday, November 4, to decide 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution and vote in local elections, including a tax ratification election for Wall ISD residents. In Tom Green County, Election Administrator Vona Hudson said staff spent Monday preparing equipment and polling sites following the end of early voting. Early voting ended Friday, and so we have this Monday, where we can kind of deliver and set up the equipment, get ready for tomorrow. So, no one should be able to vote; nobody is going to be able to vote in our office today, Hudson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county saw roughly 3,900 ballots cast during early voting out of about 72,000 registered voters. Out of 72,000. Were up to 72,000 registered voters now, its not a very high percentage of people making the decisions for us. So, thats why its so important you want to be having your voice, you want to be saying what you want to support or dont support. Instead of relying on some other folks to be doing that for you, Hudson said. Voters will decide on 17 statewide amendments, ranging from property tax-related measures and funding for state infrastructure to changes involving retirement benefits for teachers and judicial reforms. Hudson encouraged residents to review ballot language before arriving at polling sites. There are seventeen constitutional amendments that are going to be on the ballot, and some of them are quite long in language. And as always, theyre a little, you know, theyre written in legalese, is what I like to call it. So, researching it ahead of time would be great. Were not able to provide any information about them at all in the polling place. We can only instruct you know how to vote and tell them read the ballot to them, so we cant explain anything to any voters, so its best if people can kind of research ahead of time and know what theyre going to be voting for, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Wall ISD residents, a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election will determine whether to adjust the districts tax rate to support operations and staffing. Find more information here. Hudson also reminded voters about polling rules, including restrictions on political messaging near voting areas and updated cellphone guidance. Of course, theres no electioneering, and now electioneering is anything thats ever been on the ballot. Its not just on the current ballot. So, folks want to be careful about, you know, not electioneering, and we have new curbside rules and so forth. We have that dedicated parking place for anybody that qualifies to be voted curbside, and now they have to sign a statement stating that they qualify. She noted one procedural change this election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the one change that some voters are very much kind of like, is now you can have your cell phones right up until you enter the door of the room where youre doing the voting. So, you know, cant be doing electioneering, obviously, and you dont want to be talking about what youre going to vote for, what youre not going to be vote for, but you can still be using them up until the door where you enter the polling place, so those are some big changes. Voters must present a valid photo ID to cast a ballot. Eighteen polling locations in Tom Green County will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Sample ballots and polling sites are listed at VoteTomGreenCounty.gov. 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Tommy Robinson was stopped by police and charged with a terror offence because of his political beliefs, a judge has ruled. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was today cleared of the terror charge at Westminster magistrates court. He was stopped in his Bentley at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone in July 2024 and accused of frustration of police counter-terrorism powers after refusing to give police his mobile phone password. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, District Judge Sam Goozee found Robinson not guilty of failing to comply with the counter-terrorism powers during the incident on July 28 last year. Mr Goozee said: I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you stood for and your political beliefs that acted for the principal reason for this stop. He also said Pc Mitchell Thorogoods decision to stop Robinson was based on a protected characteristic, adding: I cannot convict you. At the time, Kent Police said a 41-year-old man was detained by officers under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Under the legislation, police are allowed to stop anyone passing through a UK port to determine whether they may be involved or concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person who is detained can be held for up to six hours, is legally obliged to answer questions and must provide the password or Pin for electronic devices, or be held to have committed a criminal offence if they refuse. Robinson was charged with one count of failing to provide the Pin to his mobile phone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, police said. He was driving a silver Bentayga SUV to the Spanish tourist hotspot of Benidorm when he was stopped by officers, Westminster magistrates court heard. Police were suspicious of Robinsons vague replies about what he was doing and demanded access to his iPhone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act. Credit: CPS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were cheers in the public gallery as Robinson left the dock on Tuesday. Robinson had faced a three-week wait for his verdict because he had a pre-planned trip to Israel. As the two-day trial took place last month, the former English Defence League (EDL) leader said in a video posted on X that billionaire Elon Musk had picked up the legal bill for this absolute state persecution. Opening the case, prosecutor Jo Morris said officers became concerned about the activists demeanour after he drove alone into the police inspection area. He gave short, vague replies and made no eye contact, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson, who was recognised by police, was led to an interview room and his phone was seized, the court heard. Not a chance, bruv On the way there, he tried to film a video of himself saying he had been arrested, and was told by officers to relax, the trial was told. Asked to hand over the phones Pin, Robinson replied: Not a chance, bruv... you look like c---s so you aint having it. Its my work, Im a journalist, he said, adding that the phone held information about vulnerable girls. The process by which journalistic material would be protected was explained to him, Ms Morris said. The court heard that while being interviewed, Robinson told the officers: For me its a win-win, its going to be bad for yous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The campaigner had more than 13,000 and 1,900 on him when he was stopped and was travelling in a high-value car that was not registered under his name, the trial heard. He had also booked his tickets to travel on the day, the court was told. Alisdair Williamson KC, defending, said the stop and detention was unlawful because officers had taken a discriminatory stance based on their knowledge of Robinsons views. Mr Williamson said the officers intervention was discriminatory because it was based to a significant degree on a protected characteristic. He said the predominant influence on Pc Thorogoods decision to stop him was Oh look, its Tommy Robinson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Williamson added: If MI5 didnt think that Mr Lennon is a terrorist, what did Pc Thorogood think he was going to learn by asking him about publicly available information? He suggested Robinson travelled to Benidorm regularly, which should have lessened the officers suspicions about him. The lawyer said there was no evidence that the stop was carried out diligently or expeditiously, and that it was a fishing expedition as there was nothing to link Robinson to terrorism. 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. At least three people were assaulted, and it took more than 20 police officers about two hours to break up an "overwhelming, unruly crowd" of about 1,000 people in Providence early on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 1, according to the Providence police. The gathering at Eaton Street, Radcliffe Avenue and side streets near Providence College caught the Police Department's attention shortly after midnight on Halloween. The police report said the crowd included students and non-students. Was there an event that triggered the crowd? Providence College Spokeswoman Carolyn Cronin said, "There was no organized PC-related party in the Elmhurst neighborhood on Friday night. Given that it was Halloween, there certainly were many PC students, some dressed in costume, out and about in the neighborhood." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the assault victims or people who committed the assaults were PC students, Cronin said. Cronin said PC students contacted the police to tell them about the brewing trouble. Providence College reached out to the police "Late Friday night," Cronin said, "PC students began calling and messaging Providence Police about large numbers of people showing up in cars who then wreaked havoc in the vicinity of Radcliffe Ave." "We have learned from Providence Police that they suspect this was the latest in a series of incidents that have occurred in Southeastern New England in recent weeks involving large groups of people showing up to various areas with malicious intent," Cronin said. "The incidents are referred to as 'street takeovers.' Recent incidents have occurred in Boston, Fall River, Middleborough, and now Providence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three police officers who'd been on a detail at Providence College saw the trouble start, according to the police report. "Police observed a crowd of approximately 300 subjects in the middle of the street on Radcliffe Avenue and a disturbance break out shortly thereafter," the report said. With just three police officers making the initial response, the officers waited for backup "Due to overwhelming number of subjects fighting and the minimal numbers of Officers on scene at the time, Police determined it would be unsafe to break up the disturbance until more Officers arrived on scene," the report said. The first responding police officers saw people jumping on a car, which later had to be towed away because it was so badly damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers were soon approached by several people who told them somebody had been assaulted near 160 Radcliffe Avenue and was bleeding heavily from the head. Witnesses said the victim had been assaulted by about 20 men and had lost consciousness. He was taken by ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital. As they worked to disperse the crowd, the police learned that two other assault victims had gotten themselves to Miriam Hospital. One of them told the police that "four to five unknown male subjects wearing balaclava style facial coverings approached him, and struck him multiple times in the face as he fell to the ground," the report said. Another victim suffered a cut to the back of his head and said he'd been struck by multiple times by a Don Julio Tequila bottle. He told the police that a firearm had dropped from the waistband of one of his assailants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While breaking up the disturbance, the Police Department received "numerous calls for public disturbances, shots fired, loud music, large crowds and assaults relating to Eaton St.," but officers there didn't hear any gunshots and no shell casings were recovered. No arrests were reported, although detectives were informed of the assaults, and the police have received video footage. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: It took Providence police hours to disperse crowd of 1,000 on Halloween This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Most of us know what it's like to be a teenager at schooland how it feels to fit into (or fall outside of) a school's social hierarchy. This typically includes some version of the popular kids, the loners and the in-betweeners, who have friendships that span across different groups. However, teen hierarchies are more than a passing social order. Research suggests that these social networks and positions can shape mental health too. In a recently published study, my colleagues and I found that they also relate to one of the most serious health challenges among young people today: self-harm. Self-harmhurting yourself on purposeis common in adolescence. While it is likely that some self-harm goes unreported, around 16%-22% of adolescents report having harmed themselves at least once. The behavior appears to be increasing, particularly among adolescent girls. Worryingly, adolescents who self-harm have an increased risk of worsening health and mental health, including fatal outcomes like suicide. There may be many reasons someone engages in self-harm. For example, it can be a coping mechanism to relieve emotional distress (intra-personal) by focusing on a physical sensation. Or it can be shaped by social factors (inter-personal) such as peer relationships. For example, teenagers may be being influenced by the behavior of others or use it as a means of communicating distress. Indeed, research has found that peer relationships are deeply important in adolescence and matter for self-harm. However, little research has focused on how the school-based friendship networks of teens relate to self-harm. We addressed this gap by analyzing data on teen friendship networks and self-harm from a cohort study of adolescent mental health in the UK called the Resilience Ethnicity and Adolescent Mental Health (Reach) study, which follows a large group of people over time. Reach has collected data from around 4,000 adolescents from 12 mainstream secondary schools in inner-city south London. Pupils at the schools completed questionnaires on their mental health and social networks (among other measures) over time. To date, Reach is the largest and most recent cohort study of adolescent mental health among young people from diverse inner-city areas in the UK. In this study, we focused on the first year of Reach data collection, when adolescents were aged 11 to 14 years old. Adolescents were asked to report if they had "ever tried to harm or hurt themselves", with 14% reporting yes. They were also asked to name friends within their school year. This is the first time a cohort study in the UK has collected data on both school friendship networks and self-harm. We used social network analysis to "map" out teens' friendship networks and to calculate several measures reflecting young people's social positions within their networks. This included: "popularity" (how many people named you as a friend), "bridging" (being an in-betweener and connecting otherwise disconnected friendship groups) and social isolation (having zero or one friend only), among other measures. We also looked at how many of their friends had reported self-harm, and then explored if and how these different network measures related to self-harm. Social networks and self-harm We found that both who adolescents are friends with in school and how they are connected to their friends were linked in different ways with self-harm. Strikingly, nearly half of adolescents had at least one friend who reported self-harm. This was linked to adolescents being more likely to report engaging in self-harm themselves, which might suggest peer-influence. Various social positions in teen networks were also linked to self-harm. Some positions were protective, meaning adolescents were less likely to self-harm, whereas other positions were risky, meaning they were more likely to self-harm. Risky positions included social isolation, but also to some extent popularity and bridging (in-betweener). While popularity is often seen as a desirable social status, it could also bring with it social pressures which may indirectly lead to self-harm. Bridging may reflect adolescents who are "between" different friendship groups, which may be socially taxing and link to self-harm. Protective positions included "sociality" (nominating lots of people as friends) and being part of a tight-knit friendship group with friends who are friends with each other. However, the strongest links were for social isolation and having friends who report self-harm. We also tested if there were any differences by gender. We expected the effects to be stronger among girls compared with boys. However, we found little evidence of thiswhich suggests that social networks relate to self-harm the same across boys and girls from our diverse, inner-city London sample. It is important to note that these findings come from data that was collected at a single point in time. This means our findings are associations, and we cannot imply causation, or establish which direction the associations might be in. For example, do social networks predict self-harm, or does self-harm predict social networks? This needs to be further studied. Our study highlights that self-harm is an important health challenge to tackle in adolescenceand considering teens' social networks in school may be an important part of tackling that challenge. Specifically, self-harm is not something to be understood in isolationbut there may be social elements to the behavior for some, and it may be shaped by teens' social networks. It also suggests that if both connection (such as having friends who self-harm) and disconnection (social isolation) from peers are associated, then there is a need for more than one approach to self-harm prevention in schools. While it may be tempting to focus on those who are socially isolated, it is also important to consider friendship group dynamics, and how adolescent's self-harm may affect the wider peer-network. Ultimately, peer relationships in adolescence deeply affect us and can continue to shape mental health for decades. The more we understand teen social networks, the better we can support young people's mental health. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Britains survival in World War 2 depended on air power. At the cutting edge were high-performance fighter planes, dishing out destruction to Axis intruders and supporting Allied operations worldwide. As well as the svelte Spitfire and the rather more homely Hurricane, there were a gaggle of other types, each boasting different engineering solutions to the demanding problem of creating an aeroplane that can blow other aeroplanes out of the sky. This is piston-engines only - were saving the Meteor jet for another story. Here are the Top 10 British Fighter Aircraft of World War 2: 10: Gloster Gladiator Gloster Gladiator From an earlier generation than the Spitfire and Hurricane, despite predating the latter by only 14 months, the Gladiator proved immensely plucky. The Gladiator biplane was little more than a convenient stop-gap to keep up the numbers until the Hurricane and Spitfire came on stream in sufficient quantity, so it was released for export at a fairly early date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gladiator pops up in an unusual number of imbalanced conflicts far from its home where it was forced to operate in the face of numeric and technological superiority invariably heroically and to great propaganda value thus pithily illustrating the general experience of the biplane fighter in the Second World War. 10: Gloster Gladiator Gloster Gladiator The Gladiator stoically defied the odds with the RAF against the Italians over Malta. More prosaically, when operated in numbers against a similarly equipped enemy it performed excellently. Over Africa it clashed regularly with the Fiat CR.42 biplane, which, though slightly faster, did not handle as well as the Gloster. Despite being the RAFs last biplane fighter, it was also that services first fighter to sport an enclosed cockpit. Not many aircraft have been simultaneously in the vanguard of development while also totally obsolete. Despite it being such a dated design, it scored 304 victories in RAF service. 9: Martin-Baker MB5 Martin-Baker MB5 Martin-Baker proposed a Rolls-Royce Griffon-powered version of their failed MB3 (the MB4), but the Air Ministry favoured a more thorough redesign, and the MB5 was the result. A fair contender for the best British piston-engined fighter ever flown, the MB5 was well-armed with four 20mm cannon, was very fast, and easy to maintain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flight trials proved it to be truly exceptional, with a top speed of 460 mph (740 km/h), brisk acceleration and docile handling. Its cockpit layout set a gold standard that the boffins at the RAF testing site Boscombe Down recommended should be followed by all piston-engined fighters. 9: Martin-Baker MB5 Martin-Baker MB5 The only thing the MB5 lacked was good timing. It first flew two weeks before the Allied invasion of Normandy. Appearing at the birth of the jet age, with readily available Spitfires and Tempests, both of which were themselves excellent fighters, there was never a particularly compelling case for producing the slightly better MB5. The MB5 must be included in this debate as it boasted the following: better range and armament than any Spitfire mark; slightly higher top speed, better range and better ceiling than the post-war Sea Fury; better manoeuvrability than post-war Hornet, and it was also cheaper and flew earlier. 8: Boulton Paul Defiant Boulton Paul Defiant Opinions vary on the Defiant. Some see it as one of the worst fighters of World War 2; others regard it as a very well-designed aircraft servicing a flawed concept that, as a bomber destroyer, it only needed rear-facing guns. Some even argue that it was the victim of a conspiracy led by RAF bigwigs Keith Park and Hugh Dowding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defiant had one spectacular day of success over Dunkirk on May 29, 1940, with 39 (or perhaps 38) claimed victories, but it was soon found wanting and after heavy casualties in the Battle of Britain, both squadrons were withdrawn. 8: Boulton Paul Defiant Boulton Paul Defiant The Defiant then found work as a night fighter, a role for which it was far better suited. It was a top scorer as a night fighter in the Blitz of 1940/41 until the development of on-board radar, where its single-engined layout precluded effective adaptation. Nonetheless, on its day of days, Nicholas Cooke and his air gunner, Albert Lippert, claimed eight victories plus two shared an RAF record. This may be a controversial aircraft to include, but with 1064 built and 148 aerial victories, it would be remiss not to. The Boulton Paul Defiant was a brilliantly engineered answer to what may have been the wrong question. 7: Westland Whirlwind Westland Whirlwind Extremely fast, armed to the teeth with four 20mm cannon in the nose, and featuring a wealth of cutting-edge technologies, the twin-engined Whirlwind was spectacular in many ways. It arrived too late to fight in the Battle of Britain, with Whirlwind unit 263 Squadron far from the fight in Scotland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Whirlwind was a brilliant design by Teddy Petter (who would later create the Canberra and Gnat). Advanced features included Fowler flaps, leading edge intakes, retractable tailwheel, pure monocoque rear fuselage, automatic slats, tail acorn, bubble canopy and the aforementioned noseful of autocannon. 7: Westland Whirlwind Westland Whirlwind It suffered developmental problems and delays, was politically awkward and used the Peregrine I engine. The Rolls-Royce Peregrine was a liquid-cooled V12, good for 885 hp (660 kW). As the Merlin was the priority, the Peregrine was cancelled after a relatively small number were built. The Whirlwind was hard to defend as the effort to make a twin-engined aircraft was so much greater than a single, and unlike the two-seat Mosquito or Beaufighter it could not be easily adapted into a radar-equipped night fighter or carry a substantial number of bombs. Despite only 116 being made, it was certainly one of the most capable fighters of its time, especially at low-level. 6: Hawker Typhoon Hawker Typhoon Intended as a replacement for both Hawkers own supremely successful Hurricane and the Spitfire, the new Hawker F18/37 airframe was sensibly ordered with two (brand new) engine options: the Vulture from Rolls-Royce and Sabre from Napier, named the Tornado and Typhoon respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both offered power in the 2000 hp class and in the event one were to prove unsuccessful the programme could go ahead using the other. Unfortunately, both proved to be, at best, highly problematic. The Sabre proved woefully unreliable and prone to catastrophic failure. 6: Hawker Typhoon Hawker Typhoon The Vulture was worse still and quickly discarded. Nonetheless the heavy and complicated Sabres reliability was appalling. Despite being the first British fighter with a genuine 400mph capability, and eventually possessed of a fearsome reputation as a ground attack fighter (a role, significantly, for which it had never been intended) the Typhoon caused RAF pilots a great deal of problems. If this were a list of fighter-bombers or ground attack aircraft, the Typhoon would likely enjoy a higher position, but as it failed in its original requirement as an interceptor it only reaches number 6. No other major combat type used by the British Commonwealth caused so much heartache. 5: Bristol Beaufighter Bristol Beaufighter The Bristol Beaufighter was a fighter conversion of the Bristol Beaufort. The enormous structural strength and power of the Beaufort made it appropriate for this modification, and the outcome was a tough and versatile combat aircraft, that performed with distinction in a variety of roles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a formidable arsenal combined with a stack of ammo, the Beaufighter was ferociously well-armed: the weight of ammunition carried was greater than that of any other in its class. It carried 808 pounds (367 kg) of ammunition, around four times more than rival French and Soviet designs and around 250 pounds (114 kg) more than the nearest US equivalent. 5: Bristol Beaufighter Bristol Beaufighter The Beaufighter had the firepower and ammunition capacity to excel in knocking out larger aircraft. This was good news for the Beaufighter, as tangling with more agile single-engined fighters was a far dicier occupation. The bulk of its victories were over larger multi-engined aircraft: it destroyed 350 Ju 88s and Ju 188s, and 230 Heinkel He 111s. Though the quoted figure has often been lower in the past, according to recent research by Eddie Rippeth, the likely number of air-to-air victories by RAF Beaufighters was around 965, making it the fourth highest-scoring Royal Air Force fighter in history. 4: De Havilland Mosquito De Havilland Mosquito A dazzling combination of speed, firepower and survivability, the Mosquito was a twin-engined combat aircraft of unparalleled versatility. Its sleek low-drag configuration, excellent Merlin engines and lightweight wood composites contributed to the aircrafts incredibly high speed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A wooden composite was used for the entire airframe, which not only offered strength at a very low weight cost, it also contributed to the streamlining as it required no rivets. The Mosquito started with a radical, controversial idea: a bomber so fast it could dispense with defensive gun turrets. 4: De Havilland Mosquito De Havilland Mosquito Its performance was so stellar that a fighter version was inevitable. It was as a night fighter that the Mosquito was particularly outstanding, its vicious armament of machineguns and cannon combined with an airborne radar, meant the night offered little safety for Axis bombers. Facing the prospect of defeat, in 1944 Germany unleashed a horrific vengeance weapon on England, the V-1 cruise missile, nicknamed the Doodlebug. This pulse-jet-powered missile was a menace and killed thousands of British civilians. As a killer of V-1s, the Mosquito was second only to the Tempest, having the speed to catch and down more than 600 of them, thereby saving thousands of civilian lives. It also did a great many other impressive things in other roles, but as this article is about fighters we have stuck to its air-to-air achievements. 3: Hawker Hurricane Hawker Hurricane The first RAF aircraft capable of speeds in excess of 300mph, the Hurricane first flew in 1935. It was a relatively cautious design that combined proven construction methods with modern ideas, like a retractable undercarriage and an enclosed cockpit with a sliding canopy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of massive significance, the Hurricane was the most numerous RAF fighter during the Battle of Britain, when Britains survival was under threat from Nazi Germany. When the battle started, the Royal Air Force had only nineteen Spitfire squadrons, compared to a rather healthier thirty squadrons of Hurricane. In the Battle of Britain, Hurricanes achieved 656 victories. 3: Hawker Hurricane Hawker Hurricane Though soon eclipsed by higher-performance fighters, the Hurricane proved versatile and adapted itself well to myriad other roles, including tank-busting with a 40mm cannon. In RAF service alone, the Hurricane achieved around 4540 aerial victories, making it one of the most important fighter aircraft of all time. The Hurricane was also used on aircraft carriers, as the Sea Hurricane, a task it proved better suited to than the Spitfires Seafire variant. The Hurricane fought across the world from the deserts of Africa to the icy Eastern Front. When production ended in 1944, over 14,000 had been made (2750 of which were made by Gloster). 2: Supermarine Spitfire Supermarine Spitfire With around 5950 victories in RAF service alone, the Spitfire is in the pantheon of the best fighter aircraft in the history of air warfare. It started the war as a strong contender for the greatest fighter in service, and as a massively transformed machine, was a still a viable candidate at the point of Allied victory in 1945. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It first flew in 1936, and it deeply impressed the first RAF personnel who encountered this futuristic machine. Whereas other aircraft had a linin-fabric covering wood or thin metal structure, here was a metal-skinned aeroplane, with an enclosed cockpit and a retractable undercarriage. It was clear another age had arrived or was about to. 2: Supermarine Spitfire Supermarine Spitfire The Spitfire fought on every front, saved Britain in its darkest hour and was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft before or since. It was a dream to fly, and a terrifying opponent for any hostile pilot facing it. Fast, reliable and with terrific manoeuvrability it was a superb aircraft. It served and remained in production throughout the war, the final versions being greatly bigger, faster and with far superior firepower to the first examples. It excelled as an interceptor, fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, and was undeniably a war-winning weapon of massive historical importance. 1: Hawker Tempest Hawker Tempest The road to the Hawker Tempest was a long and appropriately tempestuous one, but the result was probably the best British fighter aircraft that fought in the war. The burly Tempest was a massive beast, with the bulk of the Hawker Typhoons worst flaws ironed out, many thanks to a new thin wing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement V-1 would meet its nemesis with the Tempest, which, in a valiant effort, became the most effective fighter against the V-1, destroying a total of 800 or so. 1: Hawker Tempest Hawker Tempest Missing D-Day by two days, the RAF Tempests soon proved a formidable fighter-bomber across Europe, tearing up the remains on German forces in an orgy of violence, the Tempests destroyed aircraft in the ground and in the air, V-2 missile sites, trains and any target unfortunate to fall in its sights. Fighting highspeed V-1s had made Tempest pilots some of the best shots in the world, and combining these elite pilots with the best low-medium altitude fighter aeroplane in the world made the Tempest the match of any piston-engined warplane in the world. It was further refined into the Sea Fury, the finest single-engined piston fighter ever flown. Follow Joe Coles on Substack, Twitter X or Blue Sky. His superb Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes is available here. If you enjoyed this story, please click the Follow button above to see more like it from Autocar Photo Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en ]]> Republican leaders and lawmakers, including former President George W. Bush, shared their condolences Tuesday following the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney, 84, died Monday night from complications of pneumonia, and cardiac and vascular disease, his family said in a statement. Bush characterized Cheneys death as a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends. [Former first lady Laura Bush] and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was, Bush said in a Tuesday statement. History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generation a patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence and seriousness of purpose to every position he held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president said he asked Cheney to join his campaign after first enlisting him to help me find the best running mate. In our long discussions about the qualities a vice president should have deep experience, mature judgment, character, loyalty I realized that Dick Cheney was the one I needed, Bush continued. Im still grateful that he was at my side for the eight years that followed. Bush counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best, the former president said. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people, the former president added. For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheneys service always reflected credit on the country he loved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) first met Cheney when we were members of Congress together and he was in the House Republican leadership, the governor said in a statement. He was thoughtful, steady and an advocate for his beloved Wyoming. Our nation got to see his leadership up close when he served as U.S. Secretary of Defense and directed our military strategy in Operation Desert Storm, DeWine continued. Vice President Cheney served his country faithfully in every office he held. He will be missed. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), the chair of the House Republican Conference, wrote in a post on the social platform X that as the U.S. mourns Cheneys death, we honor his devotion to serving our nation. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) praised Cheney as a constant champion for a dominant military, strong and confident American leadership, free markets and individual liberty in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) were also among those who shared their condolences. Scott wrote in an X post that Cheney dedicated his life to serving our nation. He was known for his love of his family and his country, Scott continued. Ann and I are praying for the Cheney family and all who knew him during this time. Cheney devoted much of his life to serving the United States from Congress to the Pentagon to the White House, Husted said. He had an unwavering commitment to our nations security, strength and founding values, he wrote on X. In his own post, Marshall wrote that Cheney spent a lifetime in service to our nation and lead our country through some of its most challenging times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheney was first elected to represent Wyoming in Congress in 1978, going on to serve as House Republican Conference chair and House minority whip. Before that, he served as former President Fords chief of staff. He then served as former President George H.W. Bushs secretary of Defense from 1989-93 before being elected alongside the younger Bush as vice president in 2001. Cheney is considered one of the most influential vice presidents in modern U.S. history. He helped lead the countrys war on terror after the 9/11 attacks. But in the years that followed, he and several other Bush administration officials faced sharp criticism over false claims of Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction following the U.S. invasion in 2003. 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 The Hill. TOPEKA (KSNT) The Kay McFarland Trust kicked off its first annual Veterans Appreciation event on Monday as Veterans Day approaches. Veterans from all branches gathered over lunch on Nov. 3 at the Topeka Zoo to hear from former service members and enjoy the Capital City Chorus performances of Armed Forces Medley and America the Beautiful. The Kay McFarland Foundations dedication to honoring veterans made the event possible. We want them to be appreciated, and we will continue to do this around Veterans Day, said Elaine Schwatrz, Kay McFarland Foundation trustee. They sacrificed a lot for our country, so we deserve to give it back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Veteran Salute: Topeka veteran reflects on Air Force service Eric Rohleder is the deputy director for the Kansas Office of Veterans Services and served in the Air Force for 21 years. Upon leaving duty, Rohelder regretted not getting involved in activities like these sooner. Theres hundreds of events all around Kansas, all around your communities, and really take part in those because it means a lot. Not just to the veterans, but, you know, the people that put it on, Rohelder said. They really want to honor us as veterans. These events allow veterans from multiple branches to interact and explore resources from the countless providers typically present. Organizers hope to make the salute to armed services an annual event. Advertisement 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 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 KSNT 27 News. Relief and optimism were the main reactions of city leaders in Vernon and Manchester after learning details of Hartford HealthCare's plans for Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospitals. Long struggling and shedding services under the ownership of private-equity-backed Prospect Medical Holdings, the hospitals are key medical resources and employers in the towns, and the new, local ownership is welcome, said Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think it's fantastic," Champagne said, citing Hartford HealthCare's pledge to invest at least $312 million in the two hospitals over the next three years. "It looks like they're going to be upgrading just about every part of the hospital system, so I'm very happy about it." Hartford HealthCare earned the approval of the judge in Prospect's bankruptcy case late last month and filed a Certificate of Need application last week seeking state approval for its $86.1 million purchase of Manchester Memorial and Rockville General. The application outlines the Hartford-based health system's plans for the two hospitals, known collectively with their affiliates as Eastern Connecticut Health Network. Under a new emergency approval process, Hartford HealthCare could take ownership of two hospitals as soon as December 27. The ECHN facilities would revert to nonprofit status and become Hartford HealthCare's eight and ninth acute-care affiliates, making it the largest hospital network in the state by many metrics. Prospect's third property in Connecticut, Waterbury Hospital, was still awaiting a promised bid by UConn Health as of publication time. Under increasing financial strain, the Prospect filed last week for the bankruptcy court's permission to close its two hospitals in Rhode Island. Mayors embrace local, nonprofit ownership Hartford HealthCare's plans for the two ECHN hospitals may shift additional services toward Manchester under a new organizational structure highlighted in the application. Prospect consolidated Manchester Memorial and Rockville General under one operating license on October 1, and Hartford HealthCare's application indicates it plans to continue running them as two campuses of Manchester Memorial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manchester Mayor Jay Moran said the consolidation was a good thing and would enable more seamless care for residents of the towns. "It's going to make it easier for the patients," Moran said. "Anything they can do to make the process easier, I think, is so important. To me, that's what sounds like they're trying to do here." Moran also cited the turnaround at St. Vincent's in Bridgeport, which has added new services and capacity since Hartford HealthCare acquired it in 2019. After a $326 million investment from Hartford HealthCare, the hospital now draws patients from across the region for specialized care in neurology, orthopedics, cardiology and cancer treatment. "St. Vincent's is a different hospital than it was before," Moran said. "You walk in and you realize that it's different, and different in a good way." Local patients would save time and travel if they could access higher-level medical services at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General instead of having to go to Hartford or New Haven, Moran said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Champagne said he hopes to meet with system officials to stress the importance of a local emergency department and restored inpatient services to Vernon patients. Nearby towns like Tolland, Ellington, Union and Ashford also depend on the Rockville emergency department and would appreciate being hospitalized locally if needed, he added. "Instead of going from the (Rockville) emergency room to another hospital, I'd like them to be able to stay there," Champagne said. "These are the plans that I want to discuss with Hartford... Obviously, they're a private organization, and I can give my advice, and hopefully they have the same ideas." Maintaining and restoring services to Rockville General is a prime concern for Vernon residents, said state Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock), a doctor whose district includes the hospital. Gordon said he was particularly concerned about the fate of Rockville's emergency department, which Vernon-area residents consider a vital resource. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That ED serves a very good purpose, especially being there in downtown Vernon, it's a very good location," Gordon said. "You've got to preserve the ED. In fact, there's a way to expand services there." Gordon said he is also looking forward to meeting with Hartford HealthCare in coming months about local concerns. "I keep pushing, because I keep hearing they want to make investments, which is good," Gordon said. "I would like to see that, including to bring back more health-care jobs locally." ECHN hospitals see increase in emergency visits Despite their owner's financial struggles, patient volume in the emergency departments of both Manchester Memorial and Rockville General increased by just over 5% in the fiscal that ended on September 30, 2024, according to state filings. Volume at both hospital EDs has risen steadily since the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year's increase came even as Rockville declined to admit any ED patients in fiscal 2024. Prospect closed the surgical services, intensive care and medical/surgical units at Rockville in 2020 citing pandemic impacts, and has yet to reopen them. Prospect's Waterbury Hospital, by contrast, reported a 7.7 decline in ER total volume in fiscal 2024, which consists of both patients treated and admitted and those treated and released. Hartford Hospital saw an increase in ER volume of 2.6% in the same period. Use of hospital emergency departments statewide is trending upward, with patients visiting the ED turning up sicker and more likely to need hospitalization, according to a report posted earlier this year by the Office of Health Strategy. Connecticut's network of hospital emergency departments report high or very high volume in most cities and report longer wait times for care than the national average due to backups elsewhere in the system, a problem known as ED "boarding." ED visits typically last 215 minutes in the New Haven-Meriden region, compared to 160 minutes nationwide, a reflection of high volume, few available beds and sicker patients, the OHS report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Wait times for people in need of psychiatric care were even longer," the report stated. Overall, Vernon Mayor Champagne said he was glad to see the Prospect era draw to close at Rockville General and Manchester Memorial, although the California-based company was once welcomed as the long-struggling hospitals sought new investment. "Years ago, when Prospect stepped in and bought the hospital system, it was Prospect that saved the hospitals," Champagne said. "It's just sad that a few years down the road, we're in that same position." This article originally published at Town leaders express relief as Hartford HealthCare steps in to save floundering Prospect hospitals. Back in the early 2000s, when we were outraged by the excesses of authoritarian dilettantes George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, a friend suggested I start a blog. I had been a lawyer, but was eager to change careers. Having studied the rise of the Christian right as a college student in the 1980s, I was now watching their aspirations unfold in real time. I wanted to investigate, expose, weigh in on all the things other people were missing. I was accustomed to writing fast. I was built to blog. I never ended up starting my own blog, but was the very fortunate beneficiary of a serendipitous series of events that made it possible for a person with no entry point or foothold in journalism to find her way into it. Another friend told me about the group blog The Gadflyer (since, sadly, defunct), making its mark in the burgeoning progressive blogging space. They took a chance on me, and I wrote persistently about the Christian right, its assaults on secular law and governance, and the D.C. money and power politics driving it. The revolution in digital media made my two decades of reporting on the Christian right possible. Not only because it offered expansive space beyond the coveted, exclusive pages of print magazines, but because the best digital journalism and here Im talking about reported, edited, fact-checked journalism, although opinion writing is also an essential part of the equation demands a long-term commitment to the bit. It depends on a reporter consistently drilling down into an important corner of the political world, and continually exposing and contextualizing that world for readers. This type of journalism is fundamentally different from the other kind of online journalism that was born alongside it in the 2000s. Both appear in the digital form, more nimble than print, but that other kind, which still plagues us today, is the inside-the-Beltway, gossip-driven, anonymity-granting, driving-the-day coverage that thrives on access and adrenaline rather than illumination and insight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in those days, some, but certainly not all, newspapers and magazines were still reluctant to run investigative stories on the Christian right. Stated reasons included having recently published an article about religion, or an assumption that their readers would not have heard of the religious leaders who were the subject of the story. Tacit reasons were an allergy to covering religion critically at all, out of fear of being accused of disrespecting peoples faith, particularly, evangelical Christians. Those people, this reasoning went, say they just want to protect babies and families and express their piety in public. Who are we to judge? Some editors thought the religious right was too fringe to be relevant, or that the Republican Party did not actually care about them, and only used them for their votes every fourth November. A naive incredulousness that a religious movement would actually drive national politics paralyzed necessary coverage of the Christian right. Its death was frequently announced, always prematurely and inaccurately. Too much coverage relied on interviews with media-savvy insiders, like the Southern Baptist Conventions Richard Land, or, during the early days of Bushs presidency, megachurch pastor and National Association of Evangelicals president Ted Haggard. Even setting aside that both these men fell from their mighty perches due to (very different) scandals, relying on them to sanitize a religious movement that was undergoing serious theological and political radicalization was a disservice to readers. The ascent of Donald Trump proved all of these journalistic myopias catastrophically wrong. The story of Christian nationalists and Trump, of feverish devotion to an authoritarian figure thought to be anointed by God, of a refusal to question that authority even in the face of mountains of evidence of abuse or lies, was there all along. It is the story of American evangelicalism, which is also, right now, the story of America. Back in 2014, TPM published one of my stories that no one else wanted to touch. I had been working on it for several years, my reporting taking me around the United States and even to Israel, which plays a central role in many evangelicals apocalyptic theology and domestic politics. Former members of the International House of Prayer (IHOP) accused the organization and its leader, Mike Bickle, of myriad abuses, rooted in his demands for total capitulation to his unconventional, apocalyptic theology that required participation in a round-the-clock prayer room in a strip mall in suburban Kansas City, Missouri. Submission to his program of prayer and fasting in this insular, totalizing environment, Bickle convinced his acolytes, was essential to join an army of spiritual warriors who would bring about the militaristic, bloody, and world-altering second coming of Christ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pitching this story had been frustratingly futile. Editors doubted their readers would have heard of Bickle or his organization, and fretted the story lacked a clear connection to electoral politics. But Bickle was a prominent figure in the sprawling world of charismatic Christianity, which includes the New Apostolic Reformation and related movements that claim modern-day prophets and apostles are divinely ordained to receive direct messages from God and reinterpret the bible to foretell and explain events. They encourage their followers to engage in spiritual warfare against satanic adversaries who are also the enemies of the Christian America they claim God ordained. Even without the benefit of the hindsight that these interconnected Christian nationalist movements drove Trumps first election and undergird his support today, this was still a story worth telling in 2014. Bickle, regardless of his minimal role in explicitly electoral politics, influenced the thinking and politics of thousands of evangelicals, and was a key figure in shaping the contours of a religious movement at the heart of GOP politics. And it is not irrelevant that 10 years after my story appeared, something my sources hinted at but lacked the hard evidence for was exposed by the Kansas City Star. (Shout-out to local print journalism!) Bickle is now embroiled in a massive sex abuse scandal at IHOP, including his alleged grooming of teenage girls. The revelations forced his ouster, even though his remaining allies continue to attempt to rehabilitate him. In 2014, perhaps Mike Bickles radical theology seemed to inhabit the outer reaches of American evangelicalism. But it is only by reporting stories like this, and investigating how a seemingly fringe character was building an authoritarian empire to train an army of spiritual warriors, that one can comprehend the evolution of these movements and their relationship to politics. My 2015 TPM reporting on evangelist Bill Gothard, who the Duggar family of 19 Kids and Counting fame enlisted to rehabilitate their son Josh after his sexual abuse of his sisters became public, similarly dealt with the fringe-to-mainstream pipeline. Reality television had sanitized the radical theology the Duggars learned from Gothard and his organization, the Institute in Basic Life Principles. The myth of sexual purity around the Duggars, and around Josh in particular (his supposedly chaste courtship of his future wife Anna was a central storyline on their show) led to his political ascent to one of the top Christian right organizations in Washington. Duggar is now serving a 12-year prison term following his 2021 conviction for possession of child pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump fully understands how his Christian nationalist base uses spiritual warfare to paint a picture of an America under siege by anti-Christian, anti-American, satanic forces that only an anointed strongman leader can vanquish. Trumps rise to power did not happen in a vacuum, or just because many Americans thought he was a successful businessman, or because most Americans support his brutal deportation policies. (They dont.) A radical religious movement that views strongman leaders, even abusive ones, as essential to carrying out a divine plan for themselves and for America, helped propel him to power, and keep him there. Just because Trump now occupies the White House (again) doesnt mean that this movement is mainstream. It is maddeningly possible for the country to be led by an authoritarian fundamentally at odds with the desires of the majority, owing to how this movement, fueled by deep-pocketed donors, has become the core of the Republican electorate. Its a challenge to tell that story, to help people understand that they do not have to accept the fringe as mainstream, or to accede to their mythic claims to represent the true America. Especially now, as Trump seeks to punishingly control the media, maintaining this kind of coverage is absolutely essential to the task we have before us as Americans. NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) Commerce Street in Nacogdoches will be closed for resurfacing work from Nov. 4 to Nov. 5 amid roadwork and residents are advised to plan alternate routes. Commerce Street in Nacogdoches will be closed to all traffic starting at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, through Wednesday, November 5, for resurfacing work. The closure affects the section of Commerce Street between Fredonia Street and Mound Street. City crews will be conducting resurfacing work during this period, and no vehicles will be allowed on the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The street will reopen once the resurfacing work is completed on Wednesday. The City of Nacogdoches appreciates the publics patience as these improvements are made. Residents and commuters are advised to plan alternate routes during the closure to avoid delays. The resurfacing work is part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve city infrastructure. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. Since the dawn of modern warfare, some machines have done more than just fight theyve become symbols of their era. From the thunderous rumble of tanks to the eerie hum of drones high above, military vehicles have shaped the outcome of wars, defined national pride, and even changed the way battles are fought. Whether they were rolling through the trenches of World War I or soaring through the skies in todays remote operations, these machines changed history forever. Beyond Firepower: How These Vehicles Earned Their Legacy Image Credit: Class James Turner - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Not every military vehicle earns a place in history, and fewer still become true icons. We looked for military machines that didn't just participate in warfare, but helped define it. Don't get us wrong, they are all important in their own way, but these were iconic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each vehicle chosen here played a pivotal role in a major conflict and represented a significant shift in how wars were fought, whether on the ground, in the air, or at sea. Beyond their battlefield performance, these vehicles became symbols, remembered for their legacy, celebrated in films and museums, and etched into the collective memory of entire generations. We also made sure to include vehicles from every major category of military mobility: tanks, planes, submarines, helicopters, and more, to reflect the full evolution of war machines from World War I to today. This list is not just about machinery; its about the machines that made history and left a mark on the world far beyond the battlefield. Zeppelin (World War I Germany) Image Credit: Grombo - own work, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons. No, not the Led kind (we love you, Jimmy Page). Before fighter jets ruled the skies, massive German zeppelins floated ominously above Europe. In 1915, these airships made history by becoming the first to bomb London. It wasnt fast or sleek, but it was terrifying, a ghostly shape above the clouds dropping fire on civilians. The psychological impact was enormous; cities panicked at the sight of them. Though vulnerable to bullets and weather, zeppelins marked the birth of strategic air raids. The Zeppelins symbolized a new kind of warfare where civilians werent safe even miles from the front. Its brief reign came to an end as airplanes advanced, but for a time, the sky belonged to airships. The image of these floating giants remains burned into the legacy of WWI. They were slow, but unforgettable. Renault FT Tank (France World War I) Image Credit: imranahmedsg/Shutterstock. The Renault FT was the little tank that changed everything. Unlike the lumbering behemoths of early armored warfare, it introduced a revolutionary design: a rotating turret and a driver in front. This humble French machine gave birth to the modern tank as we know it. It wasnt a headline grabber at the time, but historians now point to it as the blueprint for everything that followed. Used in the final stages of WWI, it helped push the Germans back in the last offensives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its success inspired militaries around the world to rethink battlefield mobility and protection. Dozens of countries later built their own versions based on this design. Today, its seen more as a concept than a weapon, but one that paved the way for tank warfare. Without the Renault FT, there might never have been an Abrams or a Sherman. U-Boat Type VII (Germany World War II) Image Credit: SMU Libraries Digital Collections - No restrictions/Wiki Commons. No vessel spread more fear across the Atlantic than the German U-Boat during WWII, and the Type VII was its most infamous model. These submarines patrolled international waters, hunting Allied cargo ships and cutting off supply lines. They turned the ocean into a silent battlefield, where a torpedo could come from nowhere. Merchant sailors knew the name Wolfpack all too well. It took decades for naval strategy to recover from the havoc these U-Boats unleashed. The Type VII was Germanys underwater ace, haunting convoys and rewriting the rules of naval warfare. Although they were eventually countered with depth charges and better tactics, their legacy remains chilling. To this day, U-Boat is shorthand for stealth, danger, and wartime innovation. They brought the war below the waves, and the world never forgot. Supermarine Spitfire (United Kingdom WWII) Image Credit: Airwolfhound, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wiki Commons. When people talk about the Battle of Britain, one aircraft always soars above the rest, the Supermarine Spitfire. Sleek, agile, and instantly recognizable, it became the face of British resistance against Nazi Germany. Pilots adored it for its handling, and the public saw it as a guardian angel in the sky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the RAF used other aircraft, it was the Spitfire that grabbed the imagination of the world. Its presence during dogfights over London turned the tide and gave hope when hope was scarce. It didnt just win battles, it won hearts. Today, it remains one of the most beloved warplanes of all time. Few machines have carried such emotional weight in history. The Spitfire was a symbol of survival. Jeep Willys MB (USA WWII) Image Credit: Patress_Photography/Shutterstock. The Willys Jeep didnt have to look tough, it just was. During WWII, this tiny American 4x4 showed up everywhere: beaches, deserts, mountains, even jungles. It carried generals and grunts alike, hauled weapons, delivered mail, and even served as ambulances. It was the backbone of Allied mobility and proved that you didnt need armor to win trust on the battlefield. Troops loved it for its reliability and never-say-die attitude. With over 600,000 produced, it helped power the Allies to victory. After the war, the Jeep found a second life as a civilian icon. From off-road trails to suburban driveways, its DNA lives on today. When Americans think military vehicle, chances are they picture a Jeep. Sherman Tank (USA WWII) Image Credit: Jebulon - Own work, CC0/Wiki Commons. If there was ever a tank that rolled into legend, its the M4 Sherman. Built in staggering numbers and deployed across multiple continents, the Sherman was Americas warhorse. It wasnt the most powerful tank on the battlefield, but it was there when it counted. Its true strength was reliability and mass production, as Shermans overwhelmed their enemies by showing up in droves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soldiers personalized them with names and nose art, turning cold steel into something almost human. They stormed Normandy, crushed through France, and helped liberate Europe. The Sherman wasnt just a tank, it was a symbol of American industrial might. In every documentary, every photo, and every war film, the Sherman is front and center. It may have been flawed, but it never stopped moving forward. B-52 Stratofortress (USA Cold War to Today) Image Credit: Tech. Sgt. Robert J. Horstman - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The B-52 is the warplane that refuses to retire. First flown in the 1950s, it was designed for Cold War nuclear deterrence but ended up fighting in almost every major U.S. conflict since. With its massive wingspan and ominous presence, its become the go-to bomber for long-range missions. It dropped bombs in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and its still flying missions today. Generations of pilots have flown it, and its expected to stay in service past its 100th birthday. The B-52 is the military equivalent of a classic muscle car that never went out of style. Its so iconic, its been featured in movies, video games, and protest songs. Few machines carry that kind of cultural weight. When you see a B-52 in the sky, you know something serious is happening. Huey Helicopter (USA Vietnam War) Image Credit: Airwolfhound - CC BY-SA 2.0/Wiki Commons. No military helicopter has ever left a deeper imprint on the American psyche than the Huey. Its distinctive whup-whup sound was the soundtrack of the Vietnam War. The Bell UH-1 became a symbol of the era, appearing in nearly every film, photo, or memory from the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It rescued the wounded, delivered ammo, and gave soldiers a quick exit from danger. For many, the Huey was the line between life and death. It brought the war to places even roads couldnt reach. More than 7,000 served in Vietnam, and many veterans still say they can hear it in their sleep. The Huey change how wars were fought and how they were remembered. And it will always be the chopper of that generation. F-4 Phantom II (USA Cold War to Vietnam) Image Credit: USAF - holloman.af.mil, Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The F-4 Phantom was a Cold War icon. Fast, versatile, and built for business, this twin-engine fighter served with the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marines. It flew in Vietnam, patrolled Europe, and squared off against Soviet MiGs in tense aerial duels. With its bold shape and smoky engines, the Phantom owned the skies during the 1960s and 70s. It didnt always win beauty contests, but it earned respect everywhere it flew. Pilots loved its raw power and adaptability, it could dogfight, bomb, and scout all in the same day. Though its long since retired from U.S. service, it still flies in some countries today. Few jets were more photographed, more studied, or more debated. The F-4 was America's Cold War roar with wings. Humvee (USA Gulf War to Iraq/Afghanistan) Image Credit: U.S. Marine Corps, Lance Cpl. Olivia G. Ortiz - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. When Operation Desert Storm rolled out in 1991, the world got its first good look at the Humvee. Wide, rugged, and unmistakably American, this vehicle replaced the Jeep as the modern military ride. It became a workhorse during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, used for everything from troop transport to gun trucks. Its shape alone came to define the look of post-9/11 conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As IED threats grew, the Humvee adapted with armor upgrades and different configurations. It even spawned a civilian cousin, the Hummer, that took American roads by storm in the early 2000s. For a generation of soldiers, the Humvee was home, office, and lifeline all in one. Whether patrolling dusty roads or roaring through cities, it was always in the picture. Its a 21st-century symbol of American boots on the ground. M1 Abrams Tank Image Credit: Shutterstock. Few military vehicles symbolize American strength like the M1 Abrams. Introduced in the early 1980s, it quickly became the backbone of the U.S. Armys armored forces and has remained dominant across several generations of warfare. Its debut in the Gulf War turned heads worldwide, as it moved swiftly across desert terrain and faced off against enemy armor with shocking effectiveness. What truly set the Abrams apart wasn't just its battlefield presence, but the level of confidence and morale it inspired in U.S. troops. Over the years, its become a symbol of high-tech American military power. Its been seen in news reports, military parades, recruitment campaigns, and countless war movies and video games. Even today, despite advances in drone warfare and digital battlefields, the Abrams continues to evolve, proving that the era of the tank isnt over yet. For many soldiers, allies, and even adversaries, seeing an Abrams on the horizon means the U.S. has arrived in force. Its intimidating silhouette, battlefield reputation, and decades of service make it not just a weapon of war, but a legend in steel. USS Enterprise (CVN-65 USA) Image Credit: Airman Rob Gaston - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The worlds first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise, carried the future. Commissioned in 1961, it served for over 50 years, participating in conflicts from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the War on Terror. Nicknamed Big E, it was a floating city, a launch pad, and a warning all in one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sight of it arriving off any coast changed the political calculus immediately. During the Cold War, it was one of Americas strongest strategic tools. Generations of sailors served aboard it, and countless aircraft launched from its deck. When it was decommissioned in 2012, an era ended with it, but its legacy paved the way for todays supercarriers. If you wanted to project power in the 20th century, you sent the Enterprise. MQ-9 Reaper Drone (USA 21st Century) Image Credit: Shutterstock. Warfare changed forever when the U.S. introduced the Reaper drone. Operated remotely from halfway across the world, this unmanned aircraft can monitor, track, and strike targets with deadly precision. It played a major role in the War on Terror, carrying out missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. Critics debate its ethics, but its effectiveness is undeniable. For soldiers on the ground, it offers an eye in the sky. For enemies, its a ghost that can strike without warning. Its not flashy, but it represents a seismic shift in how wars are fought. The Reaper has taken the pilot out of the cockpit and put strategy into the server room. And it may just be the most important military vehicle of the digital age. Where Steel Meets Legacy Image Credit: U.S. Army - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Military vehicles have always been more than nuts and bolts (though they did need to be easy enough to work on in times of war). Theyre chapters in the book of human conflict, the pictures we grew up seeing in history books and in photo albums of our fathers and their fathers before them. They carried soldiers into the unknown, defended nations at their darkest hours, and sometimes became the face of entire wars. From the skies of Britain to the deserts of Iraq, these machines defined the battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we look back, its clear that innovation in war isn't just about technology, it's about timing, necessity, and the stories that survive long after the last mission. The vehicles on this list arent just famous because they were used, theyre legendary because they changed the way wars were fought, remembered, and won. And though future wars may be shaped by code, satellites, and AI, these icons will always remain the giants that paved the way. Like our content? Follow us for more. LIMA Opening statements were made Monday afternoon for the trial of a Lima woman charged with multiple drug offenses. Makayla Eder, 24, of Lima, was indicted in February on two charges of possession of cocaine, two charges of aggravated possession of drugs and one charge of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Ederss boyfriend at the time of the incident, Kishon Sims, was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in prison on multiple drug charges, as he was running what prosecutors called a criminal enterprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was not the main player, but she was still a part of it, and evidence will show that around Sept. 13th of 2024, a package was sent from California to a Kishon Sims here in Lima, and a kinin alerted law enforcement of drugs within it, Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kyle Thines said. Once you have seen all the evidence, I believe you will find her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense had a different take on what happened. Throughout this trial, you hear from investigators, law enforcement and other witnesses. You will also hear recordings that show Makayla cooperating with officers, and that they were very soft in their tone with her, because they needed her, defense attorney Rafael Villegas said. She did what anyone would have done in her position, and she let officers search her home. In the recordings, she tells officers what they will expect to find, and once all the evidence is presented, I ask you to find her not guilty. The first witness to take the stand was Aaron Montgomery, who is an investigator with the Lima Police Department. He is part of the Northwest Ohio Task Force and was one of the lead investors on the case. Montgomery told the court that when the package was intercepted, officers sent it to a controlled environment where a canine was able to identify the drugs in the package. He said a significant amount of drugs was in the package, with it being just under a pound of meth, and they took some of it for testing, but sent the rest to the house it was addressed to and began servalance. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) Three people driving inside a pickup truck in Warren said they were shot at following an incident at a local bar. Officers were called about 11:30 p.m. Friday to a gas station on W. Market Street, where the driver of the pickup stopped after being shot at, according to a police report. The driver and two people in the pickup reported being harassed by suspects at a local bar before they ended up leaving. They said that the suspects followed them and pulled in front of them at Tod Avenue and Fourth Street SW, forcing the pickup to stop. Thats when one of the suspects got out of their car and punched the mirror on the pickup truck, breaking it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the pickup truck pulled away, someone fired a shot from the other vehicle, hitting the rear passenger cab of the truck, the report stated. Police found the bullet hole in the side of the truck and the bullet, which came to rest in the door pocket. The bullet was taken as evidence. 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 WKBN.com. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain For years, doctors have relied on familiar vital signsheart rate, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen levelsto monitor someone's health. But researchers at the University of Missouri believe one key metric has been overlooked: blood viscosity, or how thick or sticky blood is as it flows through the body. Now they've developed a breakthrough technology to monitor it non-invasively and in real time. Their paper is published in the Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control. Viscosity plays a hidden but crucial role in health. It's linked to six of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States, including heart disease, cancer and stroke. Thick, sluggish blood forces the heart to work harder and can raise the risk of clots or tissue damage, said Nilesh Salvi, a research scientist in Mizzou's College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and lead author on the project. "Blood pressure tells us what's happening to the vessel walls," he said. "But it doesn't tell us about the blood itself. Viscosity could be that missing piece." The first-of-its-kind device uses ultrasound waves to measure blood viscosity in real timebut the true innovation lies in its software. The system works by gently vibrating blood with a continuous sound wavemeaning it sends a steady sound wave through the blood while simultaneously sensing its response. Then, a powerful algorithm analyzes how the sound moves through the body. At its core, the invention is driven by advanced math and signal processing. This approach improves accuracy and, for the first time, enables the simultaneous measurement of both blood density and viscosity using the same signal. From motor engines to human health This innovative tool wasn't originally designed for medicine. Salvi, who earned his master's degree and Ph.D. at Mizzou's College of Engineering, initially designed the system to monitor oil quality in engines. Building on that invention, he founded a startup company developing engine sensors to monitor lubricants in real time. With guidance from his mentor, Jinglu Tan, a professor of chemical and biomedical engineering, Salvi began exploring how the same sensing principles could be used to study biological fluids. Tan's expertise helped him refine and strengthen the science behind this new direction. Seeing the medical potential, William Fay, a professor of medical pharmacology and physiology in Mizzou's School of Medicine, was one of the first people to encourage Salvi to explore the technology's clinical uses. His guidance helped Salvi and his team link their engineering work to biomedical research. "Measuring blood viscosity has always been a challenge," Fay said. "Specialized lab equipment is needed, and most hospitals don't have it. This new device could be a game changerit allows accurate, real-time viscosity readings without ever drawing blood." Traditionally, blood viscosity is determined by taking blood samplesa process that can alter the blood's natural properties. By contrast, the Mizzou device measures viscosity inside the body, thus capturing its true behavior. "Blood is a living organ," Tan, who also serves as director of strategic initiatives at the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, said. "You can't take it out and expect it to behave the same way. Measuring it in the bodyin situis what makes our approach so powerful." The work could revolutionize how doctors manage diseases such as sickle cell anemia, where irregularly shaped blood cells increase viscosity and threaten organ health. Continuous monitoring could help tailor transfusions or medications to each patient's real-time needs, instead of relying on scheduled intervals. A new look inside the body Researchers are continuing their studies in hopes of preparing for human trials. Salvi's long-term goal is to make blood viscosity a standard vital signalongside heart rate and oxygen levels. Since the invention is mostly software-based, it can operate on inexpensive hardware, Salvi said. A prototype could also be built with readily available parts, opening the door to affordable, portable devicesand possibly future wearable health technology. "This isn't just a new device," he said. "It's a new way of thinking about the human body. Once we can see viscosity in real time, we'll understand blood flow and disease progression in ways we never could before." More information: Nilesh Salvi et al, A Model-Based Method for In Situ Viscosity Measurement With Continuous-Wave Ultrasound, Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control (2025). DOI: 10.1115/1.4068392 The government shutdown is in its 35th day and is expected to become the longest in U.S. history on Wednesday, Nov. 5, surpassing the record set under President Donald Trump in 2019. For the first time in its 61-year history, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has come to a halt due to the shutdown. SNAP, sometimes known as "food stamps," is a U.S. federal program designed to help low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food. It provides monthly benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card that can be used to buy groceries at authorized retailers, including supermarkets and convenience stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Providing partial SNAP benefits is a floor, not a ceiling," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said Monday. "The administration must do more." However, the 42 million low- and no-income Americans who rely on the program may see relief this month after all. Here's what to know. Follow live updates: The government shutdown is about to be the longest ever Will SNAP benefits go out in November? Yes, just not the full amount. According to USA TODAY, the Trump administration announced plans to distribute partial SNAP benefits in November, following two federal judges' rulings that the Department of Agriculture must continue covering food stamps during the government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Per orders issued by the United States District Courts for the Districts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, FNS intends to deplete SNAP contingency funds completely and provide reduced SNAP benefits for November 2025," Patrick Penn, deputy under secretary for USDAs Food Nutrition and Consumer Services, wrote in the court filing. How much of SNAP benefits will be funded by Trump administration in November? The administration said in a court filing that it would "fulfill its obligation to expend" funds during an emergency, using a reserve to cover "50% of eligible households current allotments." The USDA stated that it currently has $4.65 billion in SNAP contingency funds, which is approximately half of the $9.2 billion that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has projected SNAP will cost in November. Will newly accepted SNAP applicants also receieve November benefits? No. Due to lower contingency funds, officials reiterated that no funds will remain for "new SNAP applicants certified in November, disaster assistance, or as a cushion against the potential catastrophic consequences of shutting down SNAP entirely." When will SNAP receiptants recieve their November benefits? It's not totally known when SNAP receiptants will receive their benefits, USA TODAY reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For starters, the timing benefits are deposited at differs by state. In Florida, benefits are made available from the 1st to the 28th of every month, based on the 9th and 8th digits of the Florida case number. It will take several days, if not weeks or months for states to reprogram their systems and work with contractors to release money to recipients, Patrick Penn, a USDA official, told the court. How many Florida residents rely on SNAP benefits? Who uses SNAP? According to USAFacts, approximately 2.98 million Floridians utilized SNAP during fiscal year 2024, which accounts for 12.7% of the states population. This represents a slightly larger percentage than the 12.3% of Americans receiving benefits nationwide, which is approximately 42 million People. The majority of households participating in SNAP include children, the elderly and people with disabilities, according to the USDA. In 2023, 83% of SNAP participants fell into one of those three categories. When is the next Senate vote to reopen government? Senators are scheduled to take their 14th vote on a short-term funding measure on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m. EST. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to USA TODAY, an agreement is not expected, especially while politicians turn their attention to a series of much-anticipated off-year elections in Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and a major ballot initiative in California. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: SNAP benefits will be funded by Trump administration. Here's how much The Trump administration will partially fund monthly food benefits it has so far withheld from millions of Americans amid the second month of the federal government shutdown. The administration said in a Nov. 3 court filing that it would partially fund November benefits for those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A federal judge in Rhode Island, ruling for the city of Columbus and other cities and nonprofits that sued, said the administration either had to provide full benefits by Nov. 4 or partial benefits by Nov. 5. Its decision was required by noon on Nov. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its legal filing in the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, the administration said it would spend all of its contingency funding to pay for 50% of benefits to eligible households in November. But that will only cover existing SNAP recipients. "This means that no funds will remain for new SNAP applicants certified in November, disaster assistance, or as a cushion against the potential catastrophic consequences of shutting down SNAP entirely," said Patrick Penn, deputy under secretary of the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the United States Department of Agriculture, in the filing. SNAP benefits lapsed for 42 million Americans on Nov. 1 after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the "well has run dry" while the federal government shutdown continued. The federal program that helps lower-income families afford food includes 1.45 million Ohioans. Enrolled families should see their benefits by mid-week as long as the court order is heeded, according to a statement from Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will continue to push to see that President Trump follows the law, obeys the Court, and delivers the benefits folks are counting on. We will not let up on this legal fight and in our calls to Congress to reopen the government and end the uncertainty not just for SNAP beneficiaries, but for all those impacted by this prolonged government shutdown," Klein said in a prepared statement. As local leaders representing both the city of Columbus and Franklin County announced more than $3 million in local support for SNAP recipients on Nov. 3, Franklin County Job and Family Services urged patience for those awaiting benefits. SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards might not be filled immediately, said Bart Logan, the department's assistant director for communication. The method of distributing nationwide benefits has not yet been addressed, and it could be staggered. Logan called the anticipated federal funding a "wait and see" situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local and state officials have scrambled in recent weeks to provide aid to families that expected to miss benefits and the organizations who serve them. Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order late last month to spend $25 million in state funds to help those who were going to miss SNAP benefits. The Columbus Foundation made grants totaling $500,000 to local food pantries. Columbus City Council sent $25,000 to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. Withholding benefits during a government shutdown is an unprecedented disruption. During the government shutdown in President Donald Trump's first term, monthly benefits still went out to beneficiaries. The federal government shutdown is on the precipice of becoming the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history. If the shutdown continues to Nov. 5, it will have lasted for 36 days and set a new benchmark for government shutdowns. An employee drives a forklift through the warehouse of Mid-Ohio Food Collective on Thursday, March 13, 2025 in Grove City, Ohio. Trump administration opts for partial benefits U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr., a federal judge in Rhode Island, on Oct. 31 issued an oral order from the bench requiring the administration to fund the program with contingency funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a written order that followed, McConnell mandated the use of $6 billion in SNAP contingency funds. If this funding is not enough, the order required the Trump administration to pursue additional available funds. McConnell gave the administration the option to provide either full or partial benefits. In its Nov. 3 filing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would fund partial benefits for November. The department wrote in its legal filing that it considered using another source, as McConnell suggested, to bridge a funding gap and provide full benefits. But it ultimately decided not to use the money, saying it would jeopardize child nutrition programs. That funding pays for free and reduced school lunches and breakfasts, a summer food program and other programs that serve about 29 million children each day, according to the filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Using billions of dollars from Child Nutrition for SNAP would leave an unprecedented gap in Child Nutrition funding that Congress has never had to fill with annual appropriations, and USDA cannot predict what Congress will do under these circumstances," Penn wrote. This story has been updated with the most current information. Reporter Sophia Veneziano may be reached at sveneziano@dispatch.com. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Trump administration to fund partial SNAP benefits in November Nov. 4MOSCOW Cass Davis spent the last week fishing as much as he could. He couldn't afford not to, he said. Depending on how quickly he gets his food stamps, he might need it. " I've been going salmon fishing despite the fact that I got a cold and I was miserable this morning," he said. " I really want to put a whole bunch of smoked salmon in my freezer." Davis, a Moscow resident, lives on a fixed income due to disabilities. To get to his fishing spot, he barters with friends to give fishing lessons in exchange for a ride; he can't afford the gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis is one of roughly 130,000 Idahoans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. In Washington, that number is about 888,000 people. SNAP covers about $200 of Davis' monthly groceries. He said the stress of worrying about finances has been bad for his health. "What they've done by taking away my food stamps is put me in a real pickle," he said. "It's more than I'm not eating right. I'm stressing like hell now." On Friday, two federal judges ruled the Trump administration must use contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits. Federal Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday those benefits might resume as early as Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But other agencies who work with SNAP recipients have expressed skepticism about that timeline, stating it might take weeks for funds to come through. A representative for Idaho Health and Welfare said the agency did not have formal guidance on when SNAP benefits would be distributed. Janna Jones is the manager at the West Side Food Pantry in Moscow, operated by the nonprofit Inland Oasis. She said this month, she expects to see more families with children using the pantry. "Families have the hardest time extending their dollars," she said. "If you're looking at SNAP benefits, the largest population are households with children." Roughly 36% of SNAP recipients are children, according to the Pew Research Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pantry held a food drive in response to the SNAP cutoff deadline Sunday. It collected 8,342 pounds of food from that drive and donations the week before. That's a heartening sign, said volunteer Nick Koenig. " We show up for community," Koenig said. "We're gonna still have our pantry doors open for you." Still, if SNAP isn't restored, the number of people who are on it in Moscow could roughly double the pantry's current numbers, Koenig said. If that many people came in, the pantry would need a lot more food drives. "I think we could do a week, with what we've gotten thus far," Koenig said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM Even before the uncertainty with SNAP, the food pantry's monthly use had grown from almost 1,400 in September 2022 to 2,156 this September. Two of the largest groups with increased pantry usage have been seniors and low-income people with full-time-jobs. Davis said he's been lucky enough to be able to rely on friends who can help him out. When his van broke down last month, it cost him $1,600, some of which he had to borrow from friends. He's now trying to pay that off. But Davis said he worries losing SNAP will put him into more debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement " I don't really think that people who work in Washington, D.C., really understand what 'poor' is," Davis said. "People who are trying to pay rent, and pay utilities, and pay insurance, and everything that we have to it equals no money after bills are paid." Jessica Proctor manages the Deary Community Food Bank. She said some patrons drive from as far as Clarkia about 30 minutes away to use the food bank. That's in part because until recently, it hadn't needed to limit visitors to a certain amount of food. "We've gotten so little meat that we have to basically hand it out when people come in to make sure everyone gets one," Proctor said. "Because if people panic ... they'll try to take as much as they can." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She's also bracing for more people to need the pantry after a worse-than-average hunting season, she said. "A lot of people are dependent on elk and deer. But we have had this bluetongue disease and chronic wasting disease," she said. Regardless of when SNAP returns, food pantry staff say there will be a continual need for donations. When donating food, Jones said, it's especially helpful to buy flats of one staple instead of shopping for one imagined family. "Get about two things, but multiples of it. Get two or three flats of jelly and get a case of cornbread mix and bring that in," she said. "Because what you've done is you have just filled the gap, and you've provided a more egalitarian choice for food pantries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones also noted that pantries will be especially in need of donations in the new year. "People get very generous over the holidays and we really appreciate it," she said. "People get burnt out through the holidays and by January most of the shelves start looking a little bit empty." Most food pantries also take monetary donations to buy foods they need directly, which can help with filling unexpected needs, especially when needs are hard to predict. Resources to find food are available at idahofoodbank.org and findhelp.org. Sun may be contacted at rsun@lmtribune.com or on X @Rachel_M_Sun. This report is made in partnership with Northwest Public Broadcasting, the Lewiston Tribune and the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo clicked with the Hot 97 morning show on Monday but not in a good way. (Watch the video below.) The former New York governor or his team appeared to disconnect when host Ebro Darden asked him about an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Politics: Lauren Boebert Slammed For Most Disgusting Halloween Costume In an interview on the eve of Tuesdays election against Democratic front-runnerZohran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa, Cuomos radio silence caught the Ebro in the Morning crew off-guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your boy was just on 60 Minutes, Cuomo, saying youre his guy! Darden told Cuomo in a clip shared by MeidasTouch. No, Cuomo replied. Darden was undaunted. Politics: Border Patrol Agent Testifies On DC Sandwich Guy: I Could Smell The Onions Trump said youre his candidate! the host continued. If he had to pick a bad Democrat or a... communist, hes picking you! There was no response. Ebro: Your boy was just on 60 Minutes, Cuomo, saying that you're his guy! Cuomo: No. Ebro: Trump said you're his candidate. Cuomo: *ends call* pic.twitter.com/GuwgIId5hU MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) November 3, 2025 I think they cut him off, co-host Peter Rosenberg said. I think that he had to wrap. I really wanted to hear that answer! co-host Laura Stylez said. Politics: Trump Threatens To Hold SNAP Benefits Hostage, Then Karoline Leavitt Says He Won't Ebro just got spicy, Rosenberg said, adding that he heard a hang-up click at Cuomos end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wow, Stylez said. OK. Oh well, Darden added. On 60 Minutes, Trump said the election was between a bad Democrat and a Communist and he would pick the bad Democrat all the time. Politics: Government Shutdown Drags On As Key Elections Loom: Live Updates He issued a firmer endorsement on Truth Social Monday: Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not! Cuomo previously noted that Trump could help him against Mamdani, and a New York Times report hinted at cooperation between the two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it sure sounded like Cuomo, whos running as an independent, wanted nothing to do with an implied alliance between them on election eve. Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi, however, told HuffPost on Tuesday the disconnect was an accident. The call got dropped, Azzopardi said, and then right after [Cuomo] did three gaggles with the entire New York City press corps where he discussed the same topics. From Left: Andrew Cuomo appeared to cut off an interview with Hot 97 after being asked about a Trump endorsement. Getty Related... Read the original on HuffPost President Donald Trump this week announced a rollback of fuel economy standards for cars, undoing one of President Joe Bidens signature climate policies. The proposal would weaken emissions regulations for cars and light trucks that would otherwise encourage carmakers to produce more electric vehicles. As President Trump sees it, environmental regulations that attempt to improve efficiency and address climate change only make products more expensive and make them perform worse. The White House said the Biden-era regulations would raise the cost of a new car by $1,000, and the repeal would save car owners $109 billion over the next five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is just the latest example of Trumps long-running hostility to environmental rules. He has blamed efficiency regulations for his frustrations with things like toilets and showerheads. He began his second term in office to unleash prosperity through deregulation. But theres at least one big way that American companies and households may end up paying more, not less, for the presidents anti-environment policy moves. If youre in the market for a vehicle, youve probably noticed: cars are getting more expensive. Kelley Blue Book reported that the average sticker price for a new car topped $50,000 for the first time in September. And they arent just getting more expensive to buy; cars are getting more expensive to own. For most Americans, gasoline is their single-largest energy expenditure, around $2,930 per household each year on average. While a more efficient dishwasher, light bulb, or faucet may have a higher sticker price up front especially as manufacturers adjust to new rules cars, appliances, solar panels, and electronics can more than pay for themselves with lower operating costs over their lifetimes. And Trumps agenda of suddenly rolling back efficiency rules has simultaneously made it harder for many industries to do business while raising costs for ordinary Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one knows this better than the US auto industry, which has whiplashed between competing environmental regulations for over a decade. President Barack Obama tightened vehicle efficiency and pollution standards. In his first term, Trump loosened them. President Joe Biden reinstated and strengthened them. Now Trump is reversing course again leaving the $1.6 trillion US auto industry unsure what turn to take next. Regulation whiplash In July, the Environmental Protection Agency began undoing a foundational legal basis that lets the agency limit climate pollution from cars. Without it, the EPA has far less power to require automakers to manufacture cleaner vehicles, which hampers efforts to reduce one of the single biggest sources of carbon emissions. Key Takeaways Trumps deregulation push could cost drivers more. By weakening fuel efficiency and pollution rules, the administration is setting up consumers to spend more on gasoline and vehicle maintenance the opposite of what Trump says hes aiming for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Automakers hate the whiplash. Constantly shifting climate rules from Obama to Trump to Biden and back have made it nearly impossible for car companies to plan, adding costs that get passed on to buyers. Rolling back standards means locking in pricier, dirtier cars for longer. Energy analysts estimate households could spend an extra $310 billion on fuel by 2050 as efficiency progress stalls. The US is falling behind. While Europe and China double down on electric vehicles, Trumps policies discourage EV investment. The big picture: Policies meant to save money are instead locking Americans into higher energy bills, costlier cars, and a slower transition to cleaner, cheaper technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps Transportation secretary, Sean P. Duffy, said in a statement over the summer that these moves will lower vehicle costs and ensure the American people can purchase the cars they want. But in reality, the shift may have the opposite effect. Thats because when the rules change every few years, automakers struggle to meet existing benchmarks and cant plan ahead. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing companies like Ford, Toyota, and Volkswagen, sent a letter to the EPA in September saying that the administrations moves and the repeal of incentives for electric cars mean that the current car pollution rules established under Biden and stretching out to 2027 are simply not achievable. The Trump administration responded by zeroing out any penalties for violations but the industry is already planning for a post-Trump world where rules could drastically change yet again. Because it takes years and billions of dollars to develop new cars that comply with stricter rules, carmakers would prefer if regulations stayed put one way or the other. Every rule change adds time and expense to the development lifecycle, which ultimately gets baked into a cars price tag. Changing rules are also vexing for electric car makers, whose models are gaining traction both in the US and around the world, even as the Trump administration has ended tax incentives for EVs. Trump is making things even more difficult by pulling support for domestic battery production that would help US car companies build electric cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all adds up to a huge headache for the industry. Particularly in the last six months, I think chaos is a good word because theyre getting hit from every angle, said David Cooke, senior associate director at the Center for Automotive Research at Ohio State University. And all that uncertainty is making cars more expensive to buy and run, with even more expensive long-term consequences for peoples health and the environment. How Trumps policies are costing drivers more As the government relaxes efficiency targets, progress will stall and car buyers will get stuck with cars that cost more to operate. Energy Innovation, a think tank, found that repealing tailpipe standards could cost households an extra $310 billion by 2050, mainly through more spending on gasoline. Undoing the standards would also increase air pollution and shrink the job market for US electric vehicle manufacturing due to lower demand. The EPAs fuel mileage rating of a large SUV. Even the Trump administrations own analysis of the effects of undoing the EPAs greenhouse gas emissions regulations found that his moves would drive up gasoline prices due to more fuel consumption from less efficient vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Repealing these standards in particular would set America back decades, said Sara Baldwin, senior director for electrification at Energy Innovation. While the Trump administration shifts gears, other countries are racing ahead. Automakers can design electric cars faster than conventional internal combustion-powered vehicles, since EVs generally have fewer components, and manufacturers dont have to worry about designing pollution controls to meet tightening restrictions. Since EVs are mechanically simpler, they also need less maintenance. Conventional cars, by contrast, typically take around five years to go from the drawing board to dealer lots, so the gasoline-powered cars being designed now wont come out until 2030 when someone else will be in the White House. The US auto industry also serves other countries. Markets like Europe are holding fast to their environmental regulations and are looking to ban the sales of internal combustion vehicles altogether. Meanwhile, China is making some of the cheapest and most popular EVs in the world. A Ford Ranger Stormtrak plug-In hybrid vehicle at the IAA Transportation trade fair in Hannover, Germany. Automakers like Ford are still looking to stay competitive in places like Europe that have stricter environmental regulations. | Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images Thats why some American carmakers are setting their sights beyond US shores and are continuing to bet on more EVs. Earlier this year, Ford announced that it was developing a $30,000 electric pickup truck for the US and for export, a sign the company sees huge potential in cheap electric cars despite the Trump administrations efforts to pump the brakes on electrics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though car companies often grumble about the expenses and effort they have to expend when environmental regulations become stricter, regulatory uncertainty continues to be a much bigger nuisance. These changes in regulations are really disruptive to the industry and are hurting our global economic competitiveness, said Gregory Keoleian, co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan. Its not only hurting in terms of setting us back with regard to decarbonization of the transportation sector, but the cost to consumers in the United States. Update, December 4, 10:15 am ET: This story has been updated to include President Donald Trumps repeal of federal fuel efficiency requirements for tens of millions of new cars and light trucks. By Kanishka Singh and Daniel Trotta WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for mayor of New York City on Monday and threatened to hold back federal funds to the city if Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral election on Tuesday. Trump, a Republican who has offered frequent commentary on the New York mayoral election, injected himself further into the race by crossing party lines to support Cuomo over Mamdani and the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, who trails badly in public opinion polls in the heavily Democratic city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo, a longtime stalwart in the Democratic Party, is running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary. Tuesday's New York City election has been closely watched nationally as one that could help shape the image of the Democratic Party as it seeks its identity in opposition to Trump. Mamdani, 34, a self-described democratic socialist who is leading Cuomo in the polls, has energized younger and more progressive voters, but he has also alarmed more moderate Democrats who fear a shift too far to the left may backfire. Republicans have attacked Mamdani's candidacy throughout the campaign, with Trump casting him as a communist. "Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said a vote for Sliwa would only help Mamdani. "If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home," said Trump, a native New Yorker. The U.S. federal government is providing $7.4 billion to New York City in fiscal year 2026, or about 6.4% of the city's total spending, according to a report from the New York State Comptroller. Trump has threatened federal funding cuts throughout his second term in office over climate initiatives, transgender policies, pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war in Gaza and diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani, a Uganda-born state assembly member, shocked political observers on June 24 with a convincing victory in the primary. Mamdani has used his campaign to rally New Yorkers against establishment candidates like Cuomo, who was elected governor of New York three times but resigned in 2021 following a report from the New York Attorney General that concluded he had sexually harassed 11 women, including state employees. A U.S. Justice Department investigation later concluded Cuomo subjected at least 13 female state employees to a "sexually hostile work environment." "The MAGA movement's embrace of Andrew Cuomo is reflective of Donald Trump's understanding that this would be the best mayor for him," Mamdani said at a campaign event following Trump's endorsement of Cuomo. "They (Trump and Cuomo) share the same donors, they share the same small vision, they share the same sense of impunity," Mamdani said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani's policies include hiking taxes on New York City's wealthiest, raising the corporation tax rate, freezing stabilized apartment rental rates and increasing publicly subsidized housing. His rise presents both risks and rewards for the national Democratic Party, which acknowledges the need to appeal to young voters but is wary of Republican attacks over Mamdani's criticism of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and his democratic socialism, which has concerned New York's finance community. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington and Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California; Editing by Costas Pitas, Caitlin Webber and Stephen Coates) President Donald Trump may not be on the ballot Tuesday, but in many places, he might as well be. The presidents influence can be felt in several key races across the country, from candidates both parties have nominated to a referendum in California that seeks to counter Trumps efforts to gerrymander a Republican majority in the House of Representatives. The results will be the first major sign of how voters are responding to the presidents norm-shattering second term ahead of next years midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a quick look at the races to watch: Virginia governor Abigail Spanberger; Winsome Earle-Sears. (AP; Getty Images) Whos running: Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a centrist former House member from Virginias 7th Congressional District, is facing off against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the states very Trumpy lieutenant governor and the first Black woman elected to statewide office in Virginia. What it means for Trump: Virginias one-term limit and the states proximity to Washington, D.C., make the governors race closely watched. Its widely seen as an indicator of voters thoughts on the president. What might happen: Spanberger is heavily favored to win in a race that centrist Democratic strategists will be sure to highlight as they pitch a path forward. New York City mayor Andrew Cuomo; Curtis Sliwa; Zohran Mamdani. (Getty Images) Whos running: Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is facing former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (running as an independent) and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the race and endorsed Cuomo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What it means for Trump: The president has repeatedly criticized Mamdani and threatened to withhold federal funding and send the National Guard to New York City if he wins. What might happen: Mamdani is favored to win in a race that will be cited by progressive strategists as a sign that Democrats need to take bolder stances. New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill; Jack Ciatarelli. (AP; Getty Images) Whos running: Democrat Mikie Sherrill, another centrist and a member of Congress, is facing off against Trump-endorsed Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker. What it means for Trump: Ciattarelli narrowly lost four years ago, when he ran without Trumps backing. He has the presidents endorsement now, so this will be seen as a key test of whether that helps or hurts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What might happen: Polls show either a narrow Sherrill lead or a toss-up. Whatever happens will end up as fodder for either centrists or progressives arguing about the results in Virginia and New York City. Californias Proposition 50 Whats on the ballot: A ballot measure backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom would adopt a Democratic redistricting plan in order to counter Texas Republican gerrymander. What it means for Trump: The measure would help keep Democrats competitive in the House in next years midterms, which could put a legislative check on Trump. What might happen: Polls show the measure is likely to pass, giving a boost to Newsom, who has become a thorn in Trumps side in recent months. Maines Question 1 What's on the ballot: A conservative-backed ballot measure would add new restrictions on voting by mail and require photo ID before casting a ballot, among other changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What it means for Trump: The measure reads like a wish list for the kinds of voting restrictions that he has called for since losing the 2020 election. What might happen: Polls show a toss-up. A win would likely embolden Republicans to put more voting restrictions on the ballot in other states. Pennsylvanias Supreme Court Whats on the ballot: Three Democratic justices on the state Supreme Court face an up-or-down retention vote. Republicans have mounted an unusually aggressive campaign against them. What it means for Trump: If all three justices lose, Republicans would have a shot at winning a majority in 2027, in time to make crucial decisions about the 2028 presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What might happen: Polls show a toss-up, with many voters still undecided. Judges typically win retention races, but they also rarely face much of a campaign against them. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval; Cory Bowman. (Getty Images; AP) Whats on the ballot: Democratic Mayor Aftab Pureval is facing a challenge from Republican Cory Bowman in the race, which is technically for a nonpartisan post. What it means for Trump: Bowman is Vice President JD Vances half-brother and says he was inspired to run when he was attending the inauguration. What might happen: Pureval will easily be reelected in a city where Kamala Harris won more than three-fourths of the vote in 2024. But expect Trump to make some kind of complaint about the results. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President Donald Trump has endorsed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his independent bid for New York City mayor, escalating his efforts to galvanize opposition to Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani as the 34-year-old heads into the election with a substantial lead in the polls. Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job, Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Monday, the eve of the election. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not! Trump said that if Mamdani were elected, he would be highly unlikely to contribute more than the very minimum as required in federal funds for the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would much rather see a Democrat, who has had a Record of Success, WIN, than a Communist with no experience and a Record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE, Trump continued, leveling a string of attacks against Mamdani. He was nothing as an Assemblyman, ranked at the bottom of the class and, as Mayor of potentially, again, the Greatest City in the World, HE HAS NO CHANCE to bring it back to its former Glory! He also advised against voting for the sole Republican in the race, Curtis Sliwa, saying that a vote for the GOP nominee is a vote for Mamdani. Read more: A Politics of No Translation. Zohran Mamdani on His Unlikely Rise The President made similar comments in a 60 Minutes interview over the weekend, offering a tepid endorsement of Cuomo and calling Mamdani a communist. (Mamdani is a democratic socialist.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not a fan of Cuomo one way or another, but if its going to be between a bad Democrat and a communist, Im going to pick the bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you, Trump said. Mamdani appeared unfazed by Trumps comments in the Sunday interview, taking to social media on Monday to advertise the Presidents support for Cuomo as a boost for his own campaign as both candidates were roving around the city interacting with voters a day before the election. Hundreds of supporters marched across the Brooklyn Bridge led by Mamdani, who was holding a sign that read, Our Time Is Now. Further south, in Staten Island, Cuomo ate margherita pizza and greeted voters. The extent of the President's potential influence with New Yorkers in Cuomo's uphill battle with Mamdani is questionable. Trump lost big in the city, his hometown, in all three of his presidential runs, though he made gains in every county in the New York City metropolitan area in 2024 compared to four years prior, according to Gothamist. The Bronxwhere Trump won 27% of votes in 2024, compared to 16% in 2020saw the largest shift in his favor in the state. In Queens, his home borough, Trumps support jumped from almost 22% to 38%. In Staten Island, where Cuomo campaigned on Monday, Trump carried the majority of votes all three times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps approval has since fallen significantly in the months since he took office in January, and is underwater not just in New York City but in the state as a whole. Both Mamdani and Cuomo have highlighted their opposition to the President on the campaign trail. Cuomo has previously said he would reject an endorsement from Trump. On Monday, the former governor pushed back on Trumps description of him in the 60 Minutes interview as a bad Democrat and sought to distance himself from the Presidents support, telling reporters of the lukewarm endorsement, He didnt say that, according to Politico. Read more: What to Watch For in NYC and Other Battlegrounds as Election Results Come In A poll conducted last week by AtlasIntel found Cuomo had successfully shrunk Mamdanis lead to just seven points, apparently marking the most competitive point in the run for mayor, in the wake of incumbent Eric Adams dropping out of the race and throwing his support behind Cuomo. However, Mamdani is still a clear frontrunner heading into Election Day, and maintained a two-digit lead in other polls taken just days earlier. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers have already participated in early-voting, outpacing the last election. Large donors, including former mayor Michael Bloomberg, have contributed to Cuomos campaign in an effort to stymie Mamdanis run. Contact us at letters@time.com. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein President Donald Trump dropped a last-minute campaign warning on Monday evening, urging Americans to vote Republican in Virginia and New Jersey or YOU WILL RUE THE DAY THAT YOU VOTED TO DESTROY YOUR LIFE. VIRGINIA AND NEW JERSEY, REMEMBER THIS: A VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN MEANS SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER ENERGY PRICES, A VOTE FOR A DEMOCRAT, ESPECIALLY THESE TWO LOSERS WHO ARE RUNNING, MEANS A DOUBLING, TRIPLING, AND EVEN QUADRUPLING OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS, wrote Trump in a Truth Social post. IT WILL NOT BE SUSTAINABLE, AND YOU WILL RUE THE DAY THAT YOU VOTED TO DESTROY YOUR LIFE! FAILING TO VOTE TOMORROW IS THE SAME AS VOTING FOR A DEMOCRAT. FIND YOUR VOTING LOCATION AT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, less than 10 minutes prior, Trump made another post urging his supporters to vote for Democrat-turned-independent Andrew Cuomo over Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in the New York City mayoral election. A vote for Curtis Sliwa (who looks much better without the beret!) is a vote for Mamdani. Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice, claimed Trump. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not! Billionaire X owner Elon Musk and the New York Post also endorsed Cuomo over Sliwa, despite Cuomos vow to protect illegal immigrants from Trumps ICE crackdowns. The New York City mayoral election, the Virginia gubernatorial election, and the New Jersey gubernatorial election are all scheduled to take place on Tuesday, as well as a referendum in California that, if successful, would see the state redraw its congressional maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Virginia, Republican Winsome Earle-Sears is challenging Democrat Abigail Spanberger for incumbent Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkins seat, while in New Jersey, Republican Jack Ciattarelli is challenging Democrat Mikie Sherrill for incumbent Democrat Gov. Phil Murphys seat. The post Trump Drops Last-Minute Campaign Warning: Vote Republican Or YOU WILL RUE THE DAY THAT YOU VOTED TO DESTROY YOUR LIFE! first appeared on Mediaite. President Donald Trump officially endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor on Monday, just one day before the highly anticipated general election. Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not! Trump wrote at the end of a long Truth Social post, referencing the Democratic nominee for mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Earlier that day, Trump had already reluctantly offered support to Cuomo in a 60 Minutes interview, saying, Im not a fan of Cuomo one way or the other, but if its going to be between a bad Democrat and a communist, Im going to pick the bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you. Trump has repeated false claims that Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is a communist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tesla CEO and tech billionaire Elon Musk, who briefly worked in the second Trump administration, also endorsed Cuomo on Monday. Bear in mind that a vote for Curtis is really a vote for Mumdumi or whatever his name is. VOTE CUOMO! Musk posted on X. Cuomo previously said he wouldnt accept a Trump endorsement. His campaign did not immediately respond to MSNBCs request for comment. Mamdanis campaign immediately capitalized on the opportunity to take aim at his opponent, posting a graphic announcing Trumps and Musks endorsements with the caption: Congratulations, @AndrewCuomo. I know how hard you worked for this. Cuomo initially ran as a Democrat, but after a stunning loss in Julys primary election to the much younger, less experienced Mamdani, Cuomo announced he would run as an independent in the general election. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com As a lawyer at the Justice Department, and later at accountability nonprofits, Ive had a front row seat to ever-expanding interpretations of executive authority used to justify things like torture, secret mass government surveillance and civilian drone assassinations with no due process or any process whatsoever. Thats why President Donald Trumps killing frenzy of suspected drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean, along with his flimsy, constantly-shifting rationales for unilateral, unchecked executive authority, are so concerning. What we have read and seen is brutal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has posted videos of vessels exploding with the glee of a hormone-addled tween playing Call of Duty, and more than a dozen strikes since early September have killed nearly 60 civilians. And as rumors have flown about a military push for regime change in Venezuela, Trump took it one step further in an interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday night. War with the country was unlikely, he said. But Trump also indicated President Nicolas Maduros time in power was numbered. Extrajudicial execution of civilians has a dark history in the U.S. To make matters worse, the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), which is supposed to be the constitutional conscience of the Justice Department, is acting more like a rubber-stamp than a guardrail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If my concern about Trumps escalating and unaccountable use of lethal force on civilians seems overwrought, recall the Supreme Courts presidential immunity ruling in which dissents from Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson raised the hypothetical of a president being immune from prosecution for ordering the assassination of a political rival, or from Trumps own joking that he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody with no consequences. While politicians, professors and pundits agree that Trumps military orders in Latin America are troubling, its worth remembering that this is hardly the first time the U.S. government has claimed the ability to play prosecutor, judge, jury and executioner of anyone on the planet, including American citizens. I know because I cut my baby lawyer teeth defending public servants and soldiers who blew the whistle on such unilateral, unreviewable and irreversible executive power people like U.S. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning; CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou and NSA whistleblowers Thomas Drake, Edward Snowden and Daniel Hale. Trumps expansive, and apparently absolute, claim of executive authority is all the more suspect due to the governments sordid history of opportunistically labeling suspects and detainees, even if they were American, as enemy combatants, defendants and terrorists. These words were often used interchangeably, but with very different meanings that inform what laws apply and how those subject to them are treated. Ive written entire law review articles on this topic. In short, individuals historically have been shuffled between the military court-martial system, the civilian court system and the criminal justice system, especially in high-profile cases challenging controversial practices like enhanced interrogation techniques and extrajudicial killing. (For the latest poster child of this legal hopscotch, look no further than Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who has been labeled variously an illegal alien, protected legal resident, deportee, migrant, gang member and now criminal defendant.) Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. The creep of extrajudicial authority cuts across party lines and spans administrations. During the George W. Bush administration, the Justice Departments once-revered OLC authored the secret, shoddy and now-withdrawn Torture Memos, which held that laws prohibiting torture did not apply to the interrogation of suspected terrorists. Under President Barack Obama, OLC authored a secret memo laying out its fraught legal reasoning for the drone assassination of an American citizen overseas, which also killed his American-born teenage son. Subsequent opinions have been just as problematic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obamas just trust us doctrine was summed up in remarks he made in the wake of my client Edward Snowdens whistleblower disclosures: If people cant trust not only the executive branch, but also dont trust Congress and dont trust federal judges to make sure that were abiding by the Constitution, due process, and rule of law, then were going to have some problems here. Press and privacy advocates, myself included, criticized this statement that we should trust the government rather than challenge it. The question I asked repeatedly back then was: What does this power look like in the hands of someone we dont trust? We now have the answer: Donald Trump. And we also have an OLC, awakened from its deep slumber during the first nine months of Trumps second term, that issued a secret, classified and unpublished memo justifying the administrations death sentence upon and summary execution of suspected drug traffickers, an even broader category than those the administration had previously designated as terrorists. This by no means gives a pass to other presidents overreach, though Trumps bulldozer tactics certainly make me a bit nostalgic for Obamas arguably more incremental and deliberative approach to murdering people. (Terror Tuesday admittedly still sets a pretty low bar.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump has offered a revolving door of justifications for the spate of boat strikes including Article II commander-in-chief powers, terrorism prevention, drug interdiction, armed conflict and a broader war on narcotics trafficking OLC has once again stepped into the breach by providing cover, or what its alum Jack Goldsmith has called a golden shield of immunity. Basically, its the legal equivalent of a Supreme Court decision or prospective pardon that insulates executive officials from future criminal liability for their legal advice. While many correctly see the strikes as a mechanism of putting military pressure on Venezuela, forgotten in this subterfuge is that sometimes its a lawyers job to say no. Bruce Fein, a former OLC lawyer under President Ronald Reagan, has noted: OLC is supposed to be a check on overzealousnessThe reason why you have OLC is to say, Here we draw the line. When he served in the OLC during the Reagan administration, Douglas Kmiec told the then-president that he could not exercise an inherent line-item veto, even though Reagan desperately wanted one, because it was not implicit in the Constitution. Although Trump is now reconsidering his one-sided posthumous situationship with Reagan in light of Ontarios anti-tariff ad, the words from Reagans OLC still matter. Alarm bells should be ringing: The office is once again being misappropriated to bless extralegal conduct, not to block it. The post Trump has free rein to kill, courtesy of the Justice Department appeared first on Salon.com. Donald Trump has spent months demonising Zohran Mamdani as a 100 per cent communist lunatic who would ensure the demise of his home city should he be elected mayor. So when he was confronted with claims that the political rookie is a Left-wing version of himself, he quickly brushed off the comparison. Well, I think Im a much better-looking person than him, right?, the US president told CBS News, his brow furrowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a deft deflection, and one which saved the president from being forced to draw any parallels between himself and the rising political star, of which there are several. Both Mr Mamdani, 34, and Mr Trump, 79, began as political outsiders who defied the odds to beat their establishment career politician rivals to win their partys nomination. They are both charismatic orators who leveraged the power of social media as a tool to connect with voters that feel disillusioned and left behind by the two-party political machine. Zohran Mamdani walks with supporters across Brooklyn Bridge on Monday - Adam Gray/ 2025 Bloomberg Finance LP Rather than be bogged down by the minutiae of policy, the two men also picked issues that resonated with the reality of peoples everyday lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They plugged pithy campaign slogans on affordability that cut through with voters struggling to pay bills and fuel their cars. So impressive was Mr Mamdanis ability to speak to everyday voters throughout his campaign he won praise from Maga darlings including Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene. Mr Mamdani and Mr Trump also cannot stop talking about one another. If Mr Mamdani wins on Tuesday we will certainly see the two men clash on the national stage. Mr Mamdani campaigned on issues that resonated with the reality of peoples everyday lives - Adam Gray/ 2025 Bloomberg Finance LP Mr Trump has for months railed against Mr Mamdani as a commie and suggested he would cut federal funding to New York and could arrest Mr Mamdani should he block ICE operations in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Mamdani has positioned himself as New York citys David who is willing to stand up and fight Mr Trumps Goliath. While Mr Trump intervened to try and keep the socialist out of office, a win for Mr Mamdani would also be a gift to the Republicans ahead of next years midterms. For a man who has spent years chastising bygone political heavyweights Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Mr Mamdanis victory would offer the US president a fresh target to lampoon. The progressive Left-wing politician who has promised to tax the rich and dish out free buses and childcare for New Yorkers will be a useful bogeyman for the GOP. Mr Mamdani addresses people and runners near the half way point of the New York Marathon on Sunday - Adam Gray/ 2025 Bloomberg Finance LP Mr Trump and Republicans have already begun sowing the seeds for this assault, with Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor, saying: Voters across the country will be able to watch his leftist agenda in action and know that his path is the Democrat path nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Mamdanis success could prove a minefield for the Democratic Party nationally, which is soul searching for what the future of the party looks like. Some senior Democrats avoided endorsing Mr Mamdani because of his polarising pro-Palestine views and Left-wing policies. If Mr Mamdani wins, it must be noted that this was a singular type of race. In some ways the chips were stacked in favour for the newcomer, not only was he running in New York City, a famously liberal metropolis, but his opponents were deeply flawed. Andrew Cuomo resigned as New York governor under a cloud after he was accused of sexual harassment by a string of women and Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor, was indicted on fraud allegations before the Trump administration dropped the charges. Andrew Cuomo is running as an independent candidate - TIMOTHY A.CLARY/AFP He flourished in the perfect petri dish of circumstances and his appeal is unlikely to be one that translates well in purple or red states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a tightrope the Democratic National Committee would have to walk at a time when younger, progressive candidates are challenging incumbents, frustrated at what they see as the partys elite refusing to make way for fresh talent. If the national party tries to distance itself from Mr Mamdani, it could alienate the younger voters they need to mobilise in the upcoming elections to stand a chance of success. And whether it embraces the Democratic socialist or not, the Republicans will use him as a stick to beat the party with. One thing is for certain: if Mr Mamdani wins, his influence will stretch far beyond the five boroughs. 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. This week, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, declared that the U.S. military has violated international law by killing at least 61 civilians thus far on 14 different boats in international waters in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. The boats targeted by President Donald Trump are purportedly suspected of drug-running, with Trump claiming the U.S. is in a war against what he has characterized as narco-terrorists. But the U.N. rejected the claim that drug smuggling constitutes an armed attack against the United States, insisting instead that criminal suspects must be arrested and tried, not summarily executed, and that even in wartime, civilians cannot be targeted. Turk joins a chorus of voices that have expressed grave concerns about the Trump administrations boat strikes. Human Rights Watch has condemned them as a form of extrajudicial execution. Amnesty International calls them murder. International legal scholars generally concur that the strikes are an unprecedented and unwarranted use of force. The former head of Southern Command resigned amid concerns about the legality of the strikes, and numerous uniformed lawyers within the U.S. military itself have told the media that they believe the strikes violate the law of armed conflict. According to a YouGov poll last Friday, a majority of Americans also oppose the strikes on civilian boats in the Caribbean. In addition to being widely viewed as illegal, whether under the law of war, the law of peace or the law of the sea, the campaign of violence against civilian boats in the Caribbean makes little sense in terms of U.S. security goals. U.S. intelligence agencies have refuted the view that Venezuela and Colombiaoff whose coasts the boats have most frequently been targetedare a significant source of fentanyl entering the U.S., which Trump has insisted is the reason for the strikes. To the contrary, most fentanyl originates in Mexico and arrives by land. The attacks are also terrorizing civilian fishing communities in the region. Still, the Trump administration defends its actions as being consistent with Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, which allows the use of force in self-defense against an armed attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the one hand, the fact that the U.S. is troubling itself to invoke international legal standards signals a level of respect for international law. It may also serve Trumps political goals by acclimating U.S. audiences to the idea that there is indeed an existing emergency that could justify a more sweeping use of executive power domestically. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. But the Trump administrations war framing is complicating its legal strategy in three ways. Initially, the administration informed Congress that Trump had determined the U.S. was in a formal armed conflict with drug cartels originating from Latin American states. By designating the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization, for example, the Trump administration attempted not only to unlock a set of legal powers reserved for terror groups, but also to create a metaphorical alignment with tacticsincluding extrajudicial drone strikesfirst popularized during the U.S. war against al-Qaida. But even then, such strikes were legally controversial, and the context was altogether different, as al-Qaida had attacked and declared war on the United States, and Congress had authorized the use of force in response. By contrast, drug cartels are certainly destructive threats requiring a robust law enforcement response, one that includes military coordination and support. But that is not the same as saying they are engaged in an armed attack against the United States and should be targeted with extrajudicial lethal force by executive fiat. As a result, Trump is now under pressure to justify that claim. And if an armed conflict does not existthe view taken by human rights groups and the U.N.peacetime human rights law applies, under which these attacks would amount to state-sponsored murder of civilians on the high seas. Trumps rhetoric has painted the administration into a corner where it must either provide evidence to justify the claim that an armed conflict is occurring, or else acknowledge it has simply committed murder. Even if an armed conflict can be convincingly shown to exist, the invocation of a war framework does not imply a blank check, as in that case, the law of armed conflict would apply. To be sure, unlike in peacetime, enemy combatants in war can be killed even when they are not engaged in attack, detained indefinitely without charge and prosecuted in military courts. However, even when an armed conflict legitimately exists, the rules defining who is considered a combatant are extremely circumscribed. And importantly, the burden of proof is on the attacker: According to customary international law, in cases of doubt a person shall be assumed to be a civilian, not a combatant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To avoid accusations of war crimes, then, the Trump administration and all those who carry out its ordersshould they at some point find themselves before a tribunalmust show whether and how it was determined that the specific individuals targeted met the definition of enemy combatants. To date, this is a bar that the administration has not met. Pentagon sources told The New York Times this is the key reason that Adm. Alvin Hodley, initially in charge of overseeing the strikes as the head of the U.S. militarys Southern Command, stepped down two weeks ago. Moreover, by making the claim that the U.S. is engaged in attacks against a hostile power, the Trump administration tied its own hands with respect to the U.S. Congress, as the War Powers Act of 1973 requires a president to seek congressional authorization for engaging in armed conflicts for longer than 60 days. That deadline ran out this week, forcing the administration once again into a legal and rhetorical bind and leading both Republicans and Democrats from the House and Senate to ramp up pressure to either cease conducting the strikes or offer a transparent legal justification for them. Thus, the administrations rhetoric has painted Trump into a corner where administration lawyers must either provide evidence to justify the claim that an armed conflict is occurring, and if so how the individuals targeted were determined beyond a doubt to be actual combatants; or else acknowledge they have simply committed murder and now desist. Unable to provide such evidence or arguments, the administration initially pulled its lawyers from a classified meeting with the House Armed Services Committee. But as of Saturday it began to backpedal: The top attorney for the Office of Legal Counsel, T. Elliot Gaiser, told Congress that the War Powers Act doesnt apply because the strikes fallshortof the war framework, as U.S. military troops themselves are not at risk. This argument does not appear to be resonating with members of Congress, with both Democrats and Republicans having already pushed back against it. Although an attempt to restrain Trumps use of the military against the alleged drug-smugglers failed on a party-line vote several weeks ago, a new vote on the matter may take place this week, and there now appears to be some bipartisan momentum in favor of it. On Friday, Sen. Jack Reed, a Democrat, and Sen. Roger Wicker, a Republican, joined forces to demand that the Defense Department share the strike orders and provide a written legal justification for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These developments showcase the power of international moral standards but also the challenges in enforcing them. As political scientist Ian Hurd emphasizes, the use of legal arguments can often enable as well as restrain powerful actors. And in practical terms, there are short-term obstacles to convincing the administration to actually cease its boat-bombing campaign rather than to better justify it. Congress can assert oversight capacities, and it is doing so, but it cannot force the executive branch to comply. Moreover, legal accountability is similarly hard to enforce. In June, the Supreme Court ruled that a U.S. president is immune from prosecution for official acts, and while both Trump and members of the U.S. military could still be prosecuted in international courts under universal jurisdiction, such prosecutions would be difficult and at best come after Trump was removed from office. Meanwhile, the U.S. militarys uniformed legal office, the Judge Advocate General corps, has been significantly weakened during Trump and Hegseths tenure. Still, the persistence and growth of bipartisan domestic and international condemnation over the boat bombings signals a deepening role for international rather than domestic legal standards and institutionsif not to actually restrain Trump then at least to resist his claims that his actions are consistent with the law. This is crucial to affirm legal standards and ensure the standards themselves survive his violations, perhaps strengthening them in the event of similar attempts at violating them in the future. Charli Carpenter is a professor of political science and legal studies at University of Massachusetts-Amherst, specializing in human security and international law. She tweets at @charlicarpenter. The post Trump Has No Legal Grounds for His Boat-Bombing Campaign appeared first on World Politics Review. WASHINGTON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The internal watchdog for the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency is being removed from his role, four people familiar with the matter said, at a time when the housing regulator is playing a role in President Donald Trumps targeting of perceived political enemies. The ouster of Joe Allen, FHFAs acting inspector general, follows the agencys director, Bill Pulte, becoming an outspoken voice in support of the Trump administration. Across the government, the Trump administration has so far fired or reassigned close to two dozen agency watchdogs, who police waste, fraud and abuse. It has also defunded the group that supervises those offices. News: Trump Says Harrowing ICE Raids Havent Gone Far Enough The FHFA did not immediately respond to emails and a call seeking comment. The four people spoke on condition of anonymity as they are not authorized to discuss internal moves at the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Created after the 2008 financial crisis, the FHFA is typically a low-profile regulatory office, but Pulte has launched a new hotline targeting mortgage fraud and made public criminal referrals against a series of Trump foes including New York Attorney General Letitia James, as well as Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook and California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff. Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia who was hand-picked for the job by Trump, subsequently indicted James after her predecessor declined to do so, citing a lack of evidence. Allen received notice of his termination from the White House after he made efforts to provide key information to prosecutors in that office, according to four sources. The information he turned over was constitutionally required, two of them said, while a third described it as being potentially relevant in discovery. WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 2: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the White House on November 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Getty Images) Aaron Schwartz via Getty Images His ouster also came about as he was preparing to send a letter to Congress notifying lawmakers that the FHFA was not cooperating with the inspector generals office, three of the sources said. These individuals said the FHFA director would typically have been notified of such a letter. Reuters was unable to independently determine whether Pulte was informed. News: Nancy Mace Blames Cops After Her Airport Tirade James has pleaded not guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of lying to a financial institution. Her legal team is seeking to have the case dismissed, claiming Halligans appointment was unlawful and the prosecution is vindictive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump previously publicly called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring charges against James, along with several of his other political foes. Pulte has circumvented the agencys Office of Inspector General in pursuing those three cases, Reuters previously reported. Allen had reported to work on Monday, according to the sources. News: 'We're Not A Violent City': Chicago's Locals Take On ICE Block-By-Block He also served as chief counsel of the FHFAs inspector generals office. It was not immediately clear whether he was continuing in that latter role, three of the people said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen could not be reached for comment. He became FHFAs acting inspector general in April 2025, according to an archived page of the agencys website. On Monday, the website for the FHFAs Office of Inspector General listed the position as currently vacant. It was unclear when the website was updated. News: Video Shows Immigration Agent Punching Restrained Man After Car Collision Turns Into Confrontation The most recent snapshot available via the Internet Archive was from late September and listed Allen as acting inspector general. In response to news of Allens removal, Democratic U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said, Director Pulte has some answering to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before joining FHFAs inspector generals office, Allen was a 40-year veteran at the Justice Department, where he held various roles from a federal prosecutor to senior legal positions with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. James, a Democrat who last year secured a $450 million fraud judgment against Trump, last month pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of allegedly lying on mortgage documents after Pulte suggested the Justice Department investigate her. News: Trump Was Concerned About 1 Thing After Assassination Attempt, ABC Reporter Says Pultes leadership at FHFA and over the government-sponsored entities it oversees has been tumultuous. Just last week, he said he had fired dozens of staff at Fannie Mae. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch, Chris Prentice and Marisa Taylor; Editing by Scott Malone, Nia Williams and Daniel Wallis) U.S. Updates Read the original on HuffPost (Clarifies paragraph 7 to show standard agency policy on letters to Congress) By Sarah N. Lynch, Chris Prentice and Marisa Taylor WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The internal watchdog for the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency is being removed from his role, four people familiar with the matter said, at a time when the housing regulator is playing a role in President Donald Trump's targeting of perceived political enemies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ouster of Joe Allen, FHFA's acting inspector general, follows the agency's director, Bill Pulte, becoming an outspoken voice in support of the Trump administration. Across the government, the Trump administration has so far fired or reassigned close to two dozen agency watchdogs, who police waste, fraud and abuse. It has also defunded the group that supervises those offices. The FHFA did not immediately respond to emails and a call seeking comment. The four people spoke on condition of anonymity as they are not authorized to discuss internal moves at the agency. Created after the 2008 financial crisis, the FHFA is typically a low-profile regulatory office, but Pulte has launched a new hotline targeting mortgage fraud and made public criminal referrals against a series of Trump foes including New York Attorney General Letitia James, as well as Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook and California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff. Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia who was hand-picked for the job by Trump, subsequently indicted James after her predecessor declined to do so, citing a lack of evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen received notice of his termination from the White House after he made efforts to provide key information to prosecutors in that office, according to four sources. The information he turned over was constitutionally required, two of them said, while a third described it as being potentially relevant in discovery. His ouster also came about as he was preparing to send a letter to Congress notifying lawmakers that the FHFA was not cooperating with the inspector general's office, three of the sources said. These individuals said the FHFA director would typically have been notified of such a letter. Reuters was unable to independently determine whether Pulte was informed. James has pleaded not guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of lying to a financial institution. Her legal team is seeking to have the case dismissed, claiming Halligan's appointment was unlawful and the prosecution is vindictive. Trump previously publicly called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring charges against James, along with several of his other political foes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulte has circumvented the agency's Office of Inspector General in pursuing those three cases, Reuters previously reported. Allen had reported to work on Monday, according to the sources. He also served as chief counsel of the FHFA's inspector general's office. It was not immediately clear whether he was continuing in that latter role, three of the people said. Allen could not be reached for comment. He became FHFA's acting inspector general in April 2025, according to an archived page of the agency's website. On Monday, the website for the FHFA's Office of Inspector General listed the position as "currently vacant". It was unclear when the website was updated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent snapshot available via the Internet Archive was from late September and listed Allen as acting inspector general. In response to news of Allen's removal, Democratic U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said, "Director Pulte has some answering to do." Before joining FHFA's inspector general's office, Allen was a 40-year veteran at the Justice Department, where he held various roles from a federal prosecutor to senior legal positions with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. James, a Democrat who last year secured a $450 million fraud judgment against Trump, last month pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of allegedly lying on mortgage documents after Pulte suggested the Justice Department investigate her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulte's leadership at FHFA and over the government-sponsored entities it oversees has been tumultuous. Just last week, he said he had fired dozens of staff at Fannie Mae. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch, Chris Prentice and Marisa Taylor; Editing by Scott Malone, Nia Williams and Daniel Wallis) President Donald Trump was heading to Florida on Friday, watching Fox News, when he saw the network run a story on how Christians were being targeted by Islamic groups in Nigeria, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. The president was immediately angered by it, one of the sources said, and asked to get further read in on the issue. Shortly after Air Force One touched down in West Palm Beach, he began posting on Truth Social. Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter, he posted, adding that he is making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official told CNN the president has been tracking this issue previously and had already begun thinking about Truthing it out. From there, the plight of Christians in Nigeria became a focal point of Trumps throughout the weekend, leading him to call directly on his secretary of defense to prepare for possible action and warn the US would enter Nigeria guns-a-blazing to protect the Christian population of Africas most populous country. One of the sources familiar with Trumps thinking on the issue told CNN that the presidents threats toward the country are meant to see how Nigeria responds. Its an Art of the Deal-type strategy, the source said. And a key part of it has already been met with the intended effect: The actions by Islamist groups are gaining attention thanks to his posts, they argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At President Trumps direction, the Department of War is planning options for possible action to stop the killing of Christians in Nigeria, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement to CNN. Any announcements will come from the President directly. The plight of Nigerias Christians has been an animating subject for American conservatives for years, with some of Trumps top allies, including Sen. Ted Cruz, in recent months calling for US intervention after claiming Nigerias government wasnt doing enough to prevent attacks on Christians. Nigeria has denied the accusations, and both Christians and Muslims have been victims of attacks by radical Islamists in the country. Trumps directive to the Pentagon to prepare for possible action in Nigeria including, in his telling, potential US boots on the ground caught many by surprise, including in the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Personnel within US Africa Command were abruptly recalled to headquarters over the weekend following Trumps post on Saturday vowing potential military action in Nigeria, two sources familiar with the situation told CNN. The post left many wondering what the president wanted the military to do, the sources said. A small group of personnel with AFRICOM, which is based in Germany, were quickly recalled to discuss potential courses of action. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Saturday that the Pentagon was preparing for action, and one of the sources said there was a request from the Pentagon to build out various contingency plans. It remained unclear what the plans entail, though creating contingency plans for a range of scenarios to provide to the president and secretary of defense is one of the primary functions of the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump was elected in a landslide victory to accomplish his peace through strength agenda. The Department of War stands ready to execute the Commander in Chiefs direction, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement to CNN. The snap-to reaction on Saturday was indicative of a broader frustration with the way potential policy decisions are relayed over social media, one of the sources familiar said, with little planning done ahead of time. Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, declined to rule out sending American troops to Nigeria to protect Christians there. Could be, Trump said when asked about the prospect of US troops or airstrikes. I envisage a lot of things. Theyre killing a record number of Christians in Nigeria, the president told reporters, saying other countries in Africa were doing similar. The reality on the ground While Trump claimed a mass slaughter of Christians was underway in Nigeria, there exists a more nuanced reality on the ground. Both Christians and Muslims the two main religious groups in the country of more than 230 million people have been victims of attacks by radical Islamists, experts and analysts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The West African nation has grappled for years with deep-rooted security problems that are driven by various factors, including religiously motivated attacks. Observers say other violent conflicts arise from communal and ethnic tensions, as well as disputes between farmers and herders over limited access to natural resources. Massad Boulos, Trumps adviser on Arab and African affairs, told Nigerian media last month that People of all religions and of all tribes are dying, and it is very unfortunate, and we even know that Boko Haram and ISIS are killing more Muslims than more Christians. The Nigerian government rejects claims that it is not doing enough to protect Christians from violence, saying it was bewildered by Trumps suggestion of a potential military intervention. We are shocked that President Trump is mulling an invasion of our country, Nigerian presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga told CNN after the US president instructed the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within US conservative circles, however, the situation in Nigeria has caused growing alarm. Trump himself raised the issue during a first-term meeting with then-President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House in 2018. We are deeply concerned by religious violence in Nigeria, including the burning of churches and the killing and persecution of Christians. Its a horrible story, Trump said during a joint news conference afterward. Buhari said he had explained to Trump the security situation in Nigeria was more complicated than mere religious persecution, saying groups sometimes used religious violence as they pursued economic interests. Nonetheless, Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern two years later, citing severe violations of religious freedom. The Biden administration reversed the decision. Renewed effort by conservatives With Trumps return to office came a renewed effort by American conservatives to apply pressure on the Nigerian government to stem violence against Christians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who has earned overwhelming support from evangelical Christians during his campaigns for president, vowed during last years election to combat anti-Christian bias. And administration officials have stated previously that protecting Christians is a key tenet of Trumps foreign policy. Paula White-Cain, the senior adviser to the White House faith office and Trumps longtime spiritual adviser, has previously traveled to Nigeria to minister. She thanked Trump on social media this weekend for his strong stand on Christian persecution in Nigeria. Cruz, an evangelical Christian from Texas, is one of the GOP lawmakers who has been working to get his fellow Christians and Congress to designate Nigeria as a violator of religious freedoms. Cruz, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a bill in September to sanction Nigerian officials whom he accused of ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians. The measure would also require the State Department to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern something the president noted in his first post on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the issue was amplified on Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. Maher said Islamic militants in Nigeria were attempting to wipe out the Christian population of an entire country. HBO is owned by CNNs parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. None of those calls seemed to go as far as Trump did, however, in threatening US military action on the ground. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians, he wrote. How such an intervention is carried out remains to be seen. Last year, the US completed a withdrawal of some 1,000 US troops from Niger, which neighbors Nigeria, ending a longtime presence in the nation. This story has been updated with additional details. CNNs Nimi Princewill contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com US President Donald Trump has claimed that his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping assured him that Beijing will not pursue its long-standing objective of uniting Taiwan with mainland China while he is in office. He has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, We would never do anything while President Trump is president, because they know the consequences, Trump said in an excerpt of an interview with CBS on Sunday. According to Trump, his discussions with Xi on Thursday in South Korea, which mostly centred on US-China trade concerns, did not touch on the contentious issue of Taiwan. Nonetheless, the US president stated his confidence that China would not move on Taiwan during his administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if he would order US forces to defend Taiwan if China attacked, Trump said, Youll find out if it happens, and he understands the answer to that. In response, Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said in a statement that China will never allow any person or force to separate Taiwan from China in any way. The Taiwan question is Chinas internal affair, and it is the core of Chinas core interests. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people ourselves, and only the Chinese people can decide it, the statement added. 'Strategic ambiguity' on Taiwan US officials have long been concerned about the possibility of China using military force against Taiwan, the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is US policy to ensure Taiwan has the resources to defend itself and to prevent Beijing from changing its status unilaterally. However, the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which has governed US relations with the island, does not obligate Washington to intervene militarily in the event of an invasion. Related Under previous administrations, the US has maintained a policy of "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan, attempting to avoid signalling whether it would support the island in such a situation. The nine justices of the US Supreme Court will soon rule on the validity of President Donald Trump's tariffs, a showdown that could blunt what he claims is his favourite economic and diplomatic tool. On Wednesday, they will hear oral arguments in a landmark case that could reshape presidential powers, American trade policy, global commerce worth billions of dollars and international relations for decades. The dispute centres on two lawsuits filed by seven small businesses and 12 US states, led by Oregon. The coalition, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Vermont, challenges Trump's authority to impose tariffs on all imported goods using emergency powers. Advertisement 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 80-minute session will begin at 10am US Eastern time. The arguments, which exceed the court's usual 60-minute format, will be split: 40 minutes for the government, 20 each for the private and state petitioners, plus 10-minute rebuttals per side, underscoring the high stakes. Trump on Sunday backed away from earlier hints that he might attend the Supreme Court arguments in person, saying he would stay away to avoid becoming a distraction. "I will not be going to the Court on Wednesday, in that I do not want to distract from the importance of this decision," Trump wrote on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It will be, in my opinion, one of the most important and consequential decisions ever made by the United States Supreme Court." The "America first" leader pointed to his recent deal with China as proof that his tariff strategy works, saying the "recent successful negotiation with China, and many others, put us in a strong position only because we had tariffs with which to negotiate fair and sustainable deals". He added that "if a President was not able to quickly and nimbly use the power of tariffs, we would be defenceless", underscoring his argument that tariffs remain a crucial tool in US trade talks with Beijing. Neal Katyal, former acting lawyer general under Obama and partner at Milbank LLP, a New York-based international law firm, will represent the private business petitioners, joined by conservative heavyweight Michael McConnell for the states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's Solicitor General, Jonathan Sauer, will defend the administration solo for the federal parties. The petitioners argue that the "America first" president overstepped Congress by declaring a national emergency under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" in April. Importers also contend that the tariffs threatened their businesses, as ongoing trade wars had already shrunk markets and forced many doors to close. The administration asserts that the IEEPA empowers the president to deal "with any unusual and extraordinary threat" by, among other measures, "regulat[ing] ... importation after importation", granting wide-ranging tools, including tariffs, to counter foreign-sourced dangers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has long defended tariffs as a tool to cut government debt, punish rivals like China, revive US manufacturing and even nudge warring nations towards peace. The administration warned in briefs to the justices ahead of Wednesday's hearing that it would bring "catastrophic consequences for our national security, foreign policy and the economy" if they ruled against the tariffs. Trump's global tariffs are projected to bring in US$4 trillion for the US government over the next decade. The duties, his team argues, have pushed countries to the negotiating table and spurred companies to move more manufacturing back home. But so far, lower courts have largely sided against Trump. In August, a seven-justice majority of the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that while the IEEPA gives broad emergency powers, these tariffs exceed them. In May, the International Trade Court in New York struck down his Liberation Day and fentanyl-related tariffs on China and Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court, whose decision is expected in the first half of 2026, will apply the "major questions doctrine", which requires Congress to use clear and explicit language when giving the executive branch authority for sweeping economic actions. Critics say the IEEPA may fall short of this standard, as it never mentions "tariffs" or related terms like "duties", "customs", "taxes", or "imposts". More than 40 briefs have been submitted to the US Supreme Court by constitutional experts, lawmakers, think tanks, and a coalition of over 700 small and medium businesses. A brief submitted by 207 US lawmakers - including just one Republican, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski - this month told the High Court that "neither the word 'duties' nor the word 'tariffs' appears anywhere in the IEEPA". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Administration's interpretation of the IEEPA would effectively nullify the guardrails outlined in every statute in which Congress expressly granted the President limited tariff authority - a result Congress did not intend," the lawmakers said in the brief. Last week, the Senate voted three times to block Trump from enforcing the sweeping tariffs he has imposed since taking office, with a few Republicans - senators Murkowski, Maine's Susan Collins, and Kentucky's Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul - joining the opposition. The move was largely symbolic, as the measures have little chance of advancing in the House and none of being signed into law by Trump. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski is the only Republican lawmaker involved in the lawsuit against the Trump administration. Photo: AP alt=Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski is the only Republican lawmaker involved in the lawsuit against the Trump administration. Photo: AP> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timing of the case couldn't be more precarious. Since April, Trump has signed reciprocal trade pacts with key Asian partners, including China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand, aimed at easing tensions, shoring up critical mineral supply chains and curbing fentanyl flows. The China deal includes a one-year truce, after US tariffs on Chinese goods were reduced by 10 per cent. Meanwhile, negotiations with India are inching towards a landmark pact that could lift bilateral trade to US$500 billion by 2030, even as Trump threatens 250 per cent duties to extract concessions on defence and market access. A ruling against the government could force billions in retroactive refunds, potentially over US$100 billion based on duties collected since February, triggering administrative chaos and market volatility as importers rush to claim reimbursements. Still, experts say Trump may already have fallback plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The White House likely would cobble together a series of executive orders, proclamations and other executive actions to impose something similar to the current tariff rates," predicted Dave Townsend of Dorsey & Whitney's International Trade Group. "It's hard to guess what Plan B looks like without seeing the Supreme Court opinion. However, it likely would rely on a combination of IEEPA, Section 301, Section 232 and other authorities that explicitly permit the imposition of temporary tariffs," Townsend added. "The Supreme Court decision also might call into question the legal basis for the trade agreements that the administration has negotiated with other countries, including the arrangements announced with Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam over the last week." 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 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. After months of reports about the ties between the two politicians, President Donald Trump posted an emphatic endorsement of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor, and again threatened to limit federal funds if State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani won. We must also remember this A vote for Curtis Sliwa (who looks much better without the beret!) is a vote for Mamdani, Trump wrote in a Monday Truth Social post urging voters to bypass Sliwa, the Republican nominee. Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not! Politics: Nancy Pelosi Hits Vile Creature Trump With A Damning 9-Word Description Trumps endorsement comes after a New York Times report suggested that he and Cuomo had a cozier relationship and had held a call about the election, something both leaders denied. Previously, Cuomo had also openly mused about how Trump could help sway Republican voters in his favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump himself, as well as top Republicans, will say the goal is to stop Mamdani. And youll be wasting your vote on Sliwa. So I feel good about that, Cuomo said at an August fundraiser, according to a Politico report. Trumps backing also follows frequent attacks hes made against Mamdani, including xenophobic statements about his identity and repeated broadsides against his ideology as a Democratic socialist. He has repeatedly and falsely labeled Mamdani as a communist, and suggested he could be arrested if he blocks Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the city as mayor. Trumps also amplified false claims that Mamdani, a naturalized citizen, is in the U.S. illegally. News: Mamdani Torches Cuomo As Trumps Puppet At NYC Mayoral Debate On Monday, Trump echoed past threats hes made about restricting federal funding to New York City under Mamdanis potential leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, because of the fact that, as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival! Trump wrote. We will fight for every single dollar that the city currently receives from the federal government, Mamdani previously said during a CNN interview, noting that the city is able to file lawsuits contesting efforts to withhold federal funds. Mamdani has long pointed to Cuomos relationship with the president as a major vulnerability and argued Cuomo will be Trumps puppet if elected as mayor. Cuomo has responded by saying that he stood up to Trump during the pandemic, and would do so again. Politics: The 2025 Elections Have A Trump-Shaped Trap For Republicans In these final days, what was rumored, what was feared, has become naked and unabashed, Mamdani told reporters in response to Trumps post. The MAGA movements embrace of Andrew Cuomo is reflective of Donald Trumps understanding that this would be the best mayor for him. Related... Read the original on HuffPost (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) President Donald Trumps threat that the U.S. could storm into Nigeria guns-a-blazing to defend persecuted Christians was reportedly triggered after he watched a Fox News segment on the crisis. Trumps Truth Social post on Friday about the situation was sparked by a story on Fox News about Christians being targeted by Islamist groups, two sources told CNN late Monday. The president was immediately angered, and within an hour of landing in Florida, he had posted: Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. The final report on Fox News before Trumps post appeared to come during an America Reports segment when host John Roberts invited guest Ryan Brown, the CEO of Open Doors U.S., an organization supporting persecuted Christians, to discuss the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official insisted Trump had been tracking this issue previously and had already begun thinking about Truthing it out. But inside the Pentagon, Trumps sudden directive to prepare for possible action came as a shock. Personnel at AFRICOM were recalled to headquarters over the weekend, CNN reports, and even senior defense officials struggled to decipher what precisely the president wanted. At President Trumps direction, the Department of War is planning options for possible action to stop the killing of Christians in Nigeria, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said. Nigerias administration responded to the social media post by framing the issue as more complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are shocked that President Trump is mulling an invasion of our country, Bayo Onanuga, spokesman for Nigerias president, told CNN. The situation on the ground, reportedly, is not cleanly sectarian. Experts say violence in Nigeria is driven by a knot of religious, ethnic and land conflicts, while the attacks shown on the news were conducted by radical Islamist groups against Christian and Muslim communities. The post Trump Threat to Send Troops Guns-a-Blazing Into Nigeria Triggered by Fox News Segment: CNN first appeared on Mediaite. By Nate Raymond and Leah Douglas (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump created confusion on Tuesday when he said that food assistance aid for millions of Americans will be given out only when the federal government shutdown ends, as lawyers for cities and nonprofits urged a federal judge to force the White House to fully fund the benefits. Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, said Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits "will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican president's threat to withhold SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans came a day after the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would use emergency funding to pay for reduced benefits in November after a judge blocked its plans to suspend payments during the shutdown. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Tuesday press briefing that the administration is fully complying with the court order and that Trump was referring to future SNAP benefits in his post. "The recipients of these SNAP benefits need to understand it's going to take some time to receive this money," Leavitt said. "We are digging into a contingency fund that is supposed to be for emergencies, catastrophes, for war, and the president does not want to have to tap into this fund in the future," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prolonged government shutdown on Tuesday entered its 35th day, matching a record set during Trump's first term for the longest in history, as Republicans and Democrats in Congress continue to blame each other for the standoff, which has put SNAP benefits in jeopardy. USDA WARNS OF WEEKS-LONG DELAYS U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island had given the Trump administration the option of either using $5.25 billion in emergency funding to provide partial benefits once it resolved "administrative and clerical burdens" or tapping additional funding to provide SNAP benefits in full in November. The USDA on Monday said that, in light of his ruling, it would use the contingency funding to pay SNAP recipients 50% of their typical allotment. The benefits typically cost $8 billion to $9 billion per month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the administration declined to tap other funding and said that it could take some states, which administer SNAP on a day-to-day basis, weeks to months to calculate and distribute the unprecedented partial payments. The USDA on Monday issued guidance to states instructing them to immediately calculate the reduced benefits and notify households of the reduction. "This will be a cumbersome process, including revised eligibility systems, State notification procedures, and ultimately, delayed benefits for weeks, but we will help States navigate those challenges," said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in a post on X. Lawyers for the cities and nonprofits at the liberal legal group Democracy Forward in a motion on Tuesday told McConnell that the USDA's statement about delays demonstrated that the administration had failed to resolve the "burdens" entailed by making only partial benefits available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Time is of the essence when it comes to hunger," the lawyers wrote. They urged McConnell, an appointee of former Democratic President Barack Obama, to force the administration to release funding in its entirety for November SNAP benefits. McConnell scheduled a Thursday hearing to consider the request. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston and Katharine Jackson, Leah Douglas and Doina Chiacu in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Franklin Paul, Alistair Bell and Aurora Ellis) By Nate Raymond (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that food assistance aid for millions of Americans will be given out only when the federal government shutdown ends, as lawyers for cities and nonprofits urged a federal judge in Rhode Island to force his administration to fully fund the benefits. Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, said Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits "will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican president's threat to withhold SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans came a day after the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would use emergency funding to pay for reduced benefits in November after a judge blocked its plans to suspend payments during the shutdown. The White House and USDA did not respond to requests for comment to clarify Trump's statement. The prolonged government shutdown on Tuesday entered its 35th day, matching a record set during Trump's first term for the longest in history, as Republicans and Democrats in Congress continue to blame each other for the standoff, which has put SNAP benefits in jeopardy. U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island had given the administration the option of either using $5.25 billion in emergency funding to provide partial benefits once it resolved "administrative and clerical burdens" or tapping additional funding to provide SNAP benefits in full in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USDA on Monday said that, in light of his ruling, it would use the contingency funding to partially pay for SNAP benefits, which cost $8 billion to $9 billion per month. But the administration declined to tap other funding and said that it could take some states, which administer SNAP on a day-to-day basis, weeks to months to calculate and distribute the unprecedented partial payments. Lawyers for the cities and nonprofits at the liberal legal group Democracy Forward in a motion on Tuesday told McConnell that the USDA's statement about delays demonstrated that the administration had failed to resolve the "burdens" entailed by making only partial benefits available. "Time is of the essence when it comes to hunger," the lawyers wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They urged McConnell, an appointee of former Democratic President Barack Obama, to force the administration as a result to release funding in its entirety for November SNAP benefits. McConnell scheduled a Thursday hearing to consider the request. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston and Katharine Jackson, Leah Douglas and Doina Chiacu in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Franklin Paul and Alistair Bell) By Michael Martina WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump began his second term by signaling that talks with China to stop a deadly flow of fentanyl were fruitless and instead slapped 20% tariffs on Chinese goods to try to push Beijing to tackle trafficking of the synthetic opioid. But last week, after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, Trump agreed to slash his fentanyl-related tariffs on China in half in return for a fresh "consensus" on the drug, which U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said would be hashed out via a new bilateral working group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal revives a communications channel embraced by China, but long derided by Republican lawmakers, who argue that Beijing floats such working groups as concessions in high-level talks and then mires the U.S. in protracted negotiations. It also signals a shift for Trump officials, who had insisted that punitive measures would remain in place until Beijing proved it was cracking down on its fentanyl supply chains. "The administration has made significant compromises in its own position on China and counternarcotics by now accepting a commitment to launch a working group," said Henrietta Levin, who served as a director for China on President Joe Biden's National Security Council and is now a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Levin said such a working group could still yield results, but that China had successfully sold counternarcotics cooperation to the U.S. at least three times in the past decade under Trump and Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You start to wonder how many times they can sell us exactly the same half-hearted commitment," she said. Trump administration officials say this time the mechanism will be results-focused, not a forum for dialogue on fentanyl. 'FORCE HIS HAND' Chinese officials vehemently defend their record on fentanyl, a leading cause of U.S. overdose deaths, saying they have already taken extensive action to regulate certain precursor chemicals used to make the drug. They accuse Washington of using the issue as "blackmail." China has revealed few details of its own on the fentanyl accord. Its Foreign Ministry readout of the Trump-Xi meeting made no mention of fentanyl, and its Commerce Ministry statement said only that the two sides had "reached consensus" on fentanyl counternarcotics cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The U.S. needs to take concrete actions to create necessary conditions for the cooperation," China's embassy in Washington told Reuters without mentioning the working group. It said China "remains open to continuing the cooperation." The Biden-era U.S.-China counternarcotics working group rapidly disintegrated when Trump unfurled tariffs earlier this year. But it had been a target of Republican scorn. In 2023, then-Senator JD Vance now Trump's vice president joined other Republican lawmakers in lambasting the Biden administration for removing sanctions on China to lure it into fentanyl talks. "President Xi will only respond to strength. We must force his hand and make it clear that sanctions will only be lifted after the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) stops the deadly production of fentanyl precursor chemicals," Vance and other lawmakers wrote to the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden officials insisted that China took incremental steps under the working group, but that it needed to do far more. The White House did not respond to Reuters' request for comment on the new working group, but it issued a statement on Saturday that said China "will stop the shipment of certain designated chemicals to North America and strictly control exports of certain other chemicals to all destinations in the world." U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told Fox Business News that the U.S. still maintained 10% tariffs on China over fentanyl. "We still have leverage on this point to make sure the Chinese follow through on their obligations," Greer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, reimposing the tariffs could threaten the broader, uneasy trade truce reached by Trump and Xi, with any renewal in trade tensions calling into question a possible Trump visit to China in April. Michael Froman, president of the Council on Foreign Relations and a former U.S. Trade Representative, said in a newsletter that Trump's tariffs worked as a source of leverage, provided that China "actually adheres to the agreement this time." "If not, I imagine those tariffs might go back up," he wrote. (Reporting by Michael Martina in Washington; Editing by Michelle Nichols and Matthew Lewis) President Donald Trump on Tuesday pressed Republicans to do away with the filibuster in the Senate, warning that failing to do so would cost his party control of Congress and the White House in the next two election cycles. The Democrats are far more likely to win the Midterms, and the next Presidential Election, if we dont do the Termination of the Filibuster (The Nuclear Option!), because it will be impossible for Republicans to get Common Sense Policies done with these Crazed Democrat Lunatics being able to block everything by withholding their votes, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. FOR THREE YEARS, NOTHING WILL BE PASSED, AND REPUBLICANS WILL BE BLAMED. Elections, including the Midterms, will be rightfully brutal, he continued. If we do terminate the Filibuster, we will get EVERYTHING approved, like no Congress in History. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The posts came on Election Day morning as voters in Virginia and New Jersey are set to decide two hard-fought gubernatorial races and on Day 35 of a government shutdown that more Americans blame Republicans for than Democrats, according to an ABC News poll last week. The Senates filibuster rule requires 60 votes to bring legislation to the floor and for passage, something both parties have contemplated doing away with in recent years given the chokehold effect on lawmaking in an era of intense partisanship and narrowly divided government. Senate Majority Leader John Thune quickly dismissed Trumps proposal on Monday, telling reporters the votes arent there. Trumps first year back in office has produced just one major piece of legislation, a massive package of tax cuts and energy deregulation the One Big Beautiful Bill, as Trump dubbed it which Republicans passed using a budgetary maneuver that circumvented the filibuster and allowed for passage with just 51 votes. He has not outlined a major legislative agenda for the rest of his term, governing largely by executive orders. In his post, he suggested a number of conservative priorities election reforms, more tax cuts, additional actions on the border that Congress could act on if the filibuster were no longer in place. By Joseph Ax (Reuters) -Voters in New Jersey and Virginia will choose their next governors on Tuesday in a pair of races that will serve as an early gauge of the American electorate's mood after President Donald Trump's norm-shattering nine months in office. In New York City's mayoral race, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, faces 67-year-old Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the primary, four years after resigning as New York state's governor in disgrace. The campaign has laid bare the Democratic Party's generational and ideological divides as it seeks to rehabilitate its damaged brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in California, voters will decide whether to give Democratic lawmakers the power to redraw the state's congressional map, expanding a national battle over redistricting that could determine which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives after next year's midterm elections. Polls close first in Virginia at 7 p.m. ET (0000 GMT), followed by New Jersey, New York and California throughout Tuesday evening. Democrats will be watching Tuesday's results carefully, with the party locked out of power in Washington and struggling to find consensus on the best path out of the political wilderness. Underscoring the stakes for Democrats, former President Barack Obama, still the party's most popular figure, headlined 11th-hour rallies over the weekend in New Jersey and Virginia, exhorting voters to elect Democrats to counter what he branded the Republican Trump's "lawlessness." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 3 million people voted early in Virginia, New York and New Jersey, in each case far exceeding the totals from four years ago. In New York City, there were 735,000 ballots cast, according to the city elections board, more than four times the number in 2021. The New Jersey race has emerged as the most hotly contested campaign, with opinion polls showing Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a congresswoman and former Navy pilot, holding a narrow lead over her Republican challenger, former state lawmaker and small-business owner Jack Ciattarelli. The day's other races appear less competitive. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger, a former Democratic U.S. representative, held a comfortable opinion polling lead over the state's Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican. Voters in Stafford, Virginia, which Democrat Kamala Harris won by less than one point in last years presidential elections, said Trump's efforts to deport immigrants in the U.S. illegally and impose costly tariffs on imports of foreign goods were top of mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is an election about state and local issues but I'm leaning more Democratic this year because you don't hear enough from Republicans in Virginia disagreeing with what is going on at the federal level," said Dan Gomez, a 63-year-old computer network engineer who describes himself as an independent. Gomez, who voted Democrat in last year's presidential election, said he's upset about Trump's deployment of masked immigration agents and National Guard soldiers in some cities. Jennifer Manton, 47, said she had voted for Trump all three times he ran for president, and backed Republican candidates on Tuesday, citing Trump's tariffs as a major issue. In New York, Mamdani, who was a little-known lawmaker in New York's state legislature only a few months ago, has led by double digits over Cuomo, with Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, 71, a distant third in most opinion polls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California's ballot measure, Proposition 50, which would install a new Democratic-backed congressional map that aims to flip five Republican seats in response to a similar move by Texas, is also widely expected to pass. AFFORDABILITY, TRUMP WEIGH ON RACES While Tuesday's results will offer some insight into the mood of American voters, the midterm elections are a year away, an eternity in politics. "There's nothing that's going to happen in Virginia or New Jersey that's going to tell us much about what will happen in a congressional district in Missouri or a Senate race in Maine," said Douglas Heye, a Republican strategist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Democrats, Tuesday's candidates offer a chance to assess differing playbooks. Spanberger and Sherrill, both moderate Democrats with backgrounds in national security, have put Trump front-and-center in their campaigns, seeking to harness anger at the president's no-holds-barred agenda. Trump has given each some recent grist during the government shutdown, freezing billions of dollars in funding for a badly needed rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York and threatening to fire federal workers, many of whom live in Virginia. Mamdani, running an insurgent campaign, has proposed more ambitious left-wing policies, including freezing rents for nearly a million apartments, taxing the wealthy and making the city's buses free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump endorsed Cuomo, urging supporters to vote for the former governor and repeating his threat to cut federal funds to his native city if Mamdani wins, although the president has no legal power to unilaterally refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress. Despite their ideological differences, nominees have relentlessly focused on the cost of living, an issue that has remained top of mind for voters after last year's presidential election. "Whether it's in New York City, whether it's in Virginia, whether it's in New Jersey frankly, throughout the country Democratic candidates are focused on the economy, focused on affordability, focused on the issues that are really driving anxiety in this country right now," Ken Martin, the Democratic National Committee chairman, said in an interview. For Republicans, Tuesday's elections will test whether the voters who powered Trump's victory in 2024 will still show up when he is not on the ballot himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Ciattarelli and Earle-Sears, each running in Democratic-leaning states, have faced a difficult conundrum: criticizing Trump risks losing his supporters, but embracing him too closely could alienate moderate and independent voters who disapprove of his policies. Trump remains unpopular: 57% of Americans disapprove of his job performance, a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows. But Democrats are not gaining support as a result, with respondents evenly split on whether they would favor Democrats or Republicans in 2026. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Additional reporting by Ashraf Fahim, Maria Tsvetkova, Jonathan Allen and Tim Reid; Editing by Paul Thomasch, Ross Colvin, Howard Goller and Alistair Bell) Tomorrow, President Donald Trump will face the biggest legal test yet of his second term when the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Learning Resources v. Trump, the case challenging the president's supposed authority to unilaterally impose tariffs without first receiving explicit authorization from Congress. But tomorrow's case is also a big test for Chief Justice John Roberts. Just two years ago, Roberts led the Supreme Court in rejecting a similar claim of unilateral executive power by then-President Joe Biden. If Roberts now allows Trump to get away with the same kind of executive overreach that Roberts previously stopped Biden from getting away with, Roberts' credibility as a principled judicial arbiter will be sullied forever. When the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in 2023 over Biden's efforts to cancel billions of dollars in federal student loan debt via executive action, the chief justice offered a revealing sneak peek into his thinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to "your view," Roberts told Biden's solicitor general, Elizabeth Prelogar, "the president can act unilaterally" and "there was no role for Congress to play in this either." But "we take very seriously the idea of separation of powers and that power should be divided to prevent its abuse." In fact, Roberts went on to say, "[I]f you're going to affect the obligations of that many Americans on a subject that's of great controversythat's something for Congress to act on." And if Congress hasn't "acted on it," the chief justice continued, "then maybe that's a good lesson to say for the president, or the administrative bureaucracy, that maybe that's not something they should undertake on their own." A few months later, Roberts made the lesson official in his majority opinion, which denied Biden's claims of executive power. The chief justice now has the same reasons for teaching Trump the same lesson in tomorrow's case. Trump's tariffs also "affectmany Americans on a subject that's of great controversy" and thus also cry out for clear congressional sanction. Indeed, the constitutional authority "to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises," as well as the authority "to regulate Commerce with Foreign nations," all reside exclusively in the hands of Congress because they all appear exclusively in the text of Article I. (The president's limited and enumerated powers are spelled out separately in Article II.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the act of Congress that Trump has cited in purported support of his tariff regimethe International Emergency Economic Powers Actmakes no mention of the word tariffs, nor does it mention any synonyms for the word tariffs. Contrary to Trump's assertions, Congress has not "acted on it." In the student loan case, the Biden administration dug up an unrelated federal law, squinted heavily at it, and found a pretext for the president's policy, an unlawful approach that was ultimately struck down by SCOTUS. The Trump administration is guilty of the same squinting and pretexting here. If the chief justice really does "take very seriously the idea of separation of powers," Trump's tariffs should meet the same demise as Biden's student debt plan. We'll see. The post Trump's Tariffs and John Roberts' Credibility appeared first on Reason.com. (This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.) Editor's note: A previous version of this story included an inaccurate total for PNC Bank donations to U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood. The company has donated $1,000 to LaHood in 2025. PEORIA Two people have filed to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood for his 16th Congressional District seat, according to filings with the Illinois State Board of Elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrat Paul Nolley, of Roscoe, filed to run in the 16th District, giving LaHood his first Democratic challenger since 2022. In his last challenge from a Democrat, LaHood won in decisive fashion, beating Elizabeth Haderlein by a margin of 197,621 votes to 100,325. Nolley was born in Rockford and graduated from Illinois State University. He has endorsements from multiple unions, which aligns with his work as the executive director of Project First Rate, an organization that advocates for unions in northwest Illinois. LaHood will also face a primary challenge from Republican John Kitover. Kitover does not live in the 16th District his address is listed as Chicago. Candidates running for U.S. House seats only need to live in the state they are running in, not the specific district. More: Pritzker thinks 'you will see' ICE activity in Peoria at some point Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kitover's campaign website calls LaHood a "Rhino vaccinologist" who is a "traitor to the 2nd Amendment." LaHood was first elected to Congress in 2015, first representing the now-defunct 18th District. He was elected to the 16th District in 2022. He is the son of former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Before being elected to Congress, Darin LaHood served in the Illinois Senate. General primary elections will be held on March 17, 2026. The general election will be held Nov. 3, 2026. Who donated to LaHood's campaign? Last month, LaHood's campaign announced that he had $6.5 million on hand for his reelection campaign, far out-raising the other two candidates running in the 16th District. LaHood has raised $2.1 million in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nolley has raised $43,466 for his campaign this year, according to the Federal Election Commission. The FEC has no data available on Kitover's campaign. The largest donations to LaHood's campaign, LaHood for Congress, have come from the political action committee Team LaHood. Team LaHood made four donations to LaHood for Congress this year. The donation amounts were: $167,933; $45,001.77; $25,787.21; and $20,500.09. LaHood has also received more than $100,000 this year from the Casey LaHood Fitzpatrick Malliotakis Victory Fund PAC. Other coporate donors to LaHood's campaign include: MetLife, Deloitte, Eli Lilly, Ameren, BNSF Railway, Amazon, Aflac, Google, John Deere, Allstate, Abbvie, Bank of America, PNC Bank and Exelon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has also received more than $14,000 in donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Political Action Committee, also known as AIPAC. More: Local officials celebrate millions of dollars for road projects in the Peoria area This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Who is running against Darin LaHood for congress in Illinois? Nov. 3FAYETTE TOWNSHIP Two children were killed Sunday in an ATV crash in the Fayette Township area, the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office said. The sheriff's office is investigating the crash, in which the two children lost control of the vehicle and struck a bench and a parked car. Both children were transported to Cabell Huntington Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries. The Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted at the scene with the crash investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic incident," the sheriff's office said in a statement. The two children were students at Burlington Elementary School. "It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news of the loss of two of our Burlington Elementary students," South Point superintendent Chris Mathes said in a statement on Facebook. "Our hearts go out to their families, classmates and everyone affected by this tragedy." Mathes said, in order give the school community the time and space to grieve and support one another, they will be rescheduling all parent-teacher conferences to Tuesday, Nov. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On behalf of our district, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and all who are impacted by this loss," Mathes said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them." You Might Like Columnists Jamie Herrmann: Get involved in the community this fall News The final chapter News Festival of Trees moves to Ro-Na Theater Coal Grove Football team, band, cheer honored at DBE KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) Two high schoolers are in the hospital after a wrong-way crash that left three people dead and three hurt in Allegan County early Sunday morning. For hours, northbound US-131 near Martin Township was closed as police investigated. Officials say the woman driving the wrong-way car died at the scene, along with two 18-year-old men the driver and front seat passenger. Officials: Three dead in head-on collision on US-131 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three passengers ranging from 16 to 18 years old were in critical condition at last check, said Lt. Brandon Berens with the Allegan County Sheriffs Office. He said the woman left the highway at 129th Avenue and made a U-turn before driving toward oncoming traffic for around four miles. We got multiple calls through various mediums during that time, so people were calling to central dispatch, people were calling in to the tribal police department, there were multiple calls received on that, he said. Bernes said a Gun Lake Tribe Public Safety officer tried to catch up with the driver right before the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comstock Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Thoenes confirmed to News 8 that one of the girls hurt in the crash was a Comstock High School student. 146th Avenue overpass hit again by semi-truck in Dorr Township A Community High School student was also hurt in the crash, according to a Portage Public Schools spokesperson. One of the men killed had just graduated from Portage Northern High School earlier this year. Support staff were on hand Monday at both schools for students and staff shocked by the crash. The mothers of the teens have been friends for more than two decades, one of the women told News 8. Their daughters had sparked a similar connection. She said over the phone that she was thankful that bystanders stopped on the highway to help put out a car fire and tend to the injured, especially one person who waited with her daughter on the side of the road as first responders worked on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support has been pouring out from the community, with fellow students taking turns visiting her daughter. GoFundMe fundraisers have been set up for the womans daughter as well as her friend. Berens said witness interviews and other evidence make alcohol a suspected factor in the crash. However, a final determination is still developing as the investigation is ongoing. He said the crash itself was difficult to avoid. We had two other vehicles, at least two other vehicles that were sideswiped by the suspect driver as they traveled southbound and northbound lanes. At this point, it did not sound like there was any alternative action that they could have taken to prevent this, said Bernes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WOODTV.com. TYLER, Texas (KETK) The South Tyler Rotary Club partnered with a local church and restaurants in Tyler to feed TSA workers amid the shutdown. Lufkin woman allegedly kills 8-year-old son before taking her own life, police say In collaboration with First Christian Church of Tyler and a few local restaurants Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, Mama Olivo Restaurant, Javis and Twelve the South Tyler Rotary Club has organized a community initiative to provide meals for airport workers. The effort began after Steve Thompson, Manager of Tyler Pounds Airport, informed past District Governor and longtime South Tyler Rotarian Tom Dewitt that FAA and TSA employees were affected by delayed pay due to the ongoing federal budget situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In true Rotary spirit, members quickly came together to take action. The first meal was delivered Monday and will continue for the next two weeks to ensure that airport staff receive consistent support during this challenging period. We hope this initiative inspires others to get involved, said Tiffany Damskov, Public Relations Chair for the South Tyler Rotary Club. Rotarians serve, connect and support neighbors in times of need. The South Tyler Rotary Club thanked its community partners for contributing their time, food and resources. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. MANILA, Philippines (AP) Typhoon Kalmaegi has left at least 26 people dead in the Philippines, mostly in flooding set off by the storm, which barreled across the central part of the country on Tuesday, disaster response officials said. Floodwaters trapped scores of people on their roofs and submerged cars. A further six people were killed when a Philippine air force helicopter crashed in a separate incident in southern Agusan del Sur province while transporting humanitarian aid to provinces battered by Kalmaegi. The bodies of all those aboard the Super Huey chopper that crashed near Loreto town were recovered after a search, the militarys Eastern Mindanao Command said in a statement without providing other details, including what could have caused the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kalmaegi was last spotted over the coastal waters of Jordan town in the central province of Guimaras with sustained winds of 130 kph (81 mph) and gusts of up to 180 kph (112 mph). It was forecast to blow away into the South China Sea late Tuesday or early Wednesday after hitting the western province of Palawan. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, deputy administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, said that at least 26 people were reported killed many in flooding in Cebu province and other central island provinces pummeled by Kalmaegi, the 20th tropical cyclone to batter the Philippine archipelago this year. Details of those typhoon deaths were still being verified, he said. Among the dead was an older villager, who drowned in floodwaters in Southern Leyte, where a province-wide power outage was reported after the typhoon made landfall around midnight in one of its eastern towns. A resident died after being hit by a fallen tree in central Bohol province, provincial officials said. Gwendolyn Pang, secretary-general of the Philippine Red Cross, said that an unspecified number of residents were trapped on their roofs by floodwaters in the coastal town of Liloan in Cebu, and added that cars either were submerged in floods or floated in another Cebu community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have received so many calls from people asking us to rescue them from roofs and from their houses, but its impossible, Pang told The Associated Press on Tuesday morning. "There are so many debris, you see cars floating so we have to wait for the flood to subside." Cebu province was still recovering from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on Sept. 30 that left at least 79 people dead and displaced thousands when houses collapsed or were severely damaged. In Eastern Samar, one of the east-central provinces first lashed by Kalmaegi early Tuesday, fierce wind either ripped off roofs or damaged about 300 mostly rural shanties on the island community of Homonhon, which is part of the town of Guiuan, but there were no reported deaths or injuries, Mayor Annaliza Gonzales Kwan said. There was no flooding at all, but just strong wind, Kwan told the AP by telephone. We're OK. Well make this through. Weve been through a lot, and bigger than this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones on record, slammed ashore into Guiuan. it then raked across the central Philippines, leaving more than 7,300 people dead or missing, flattening entire villages and sweeping scores of ships inland. Haiyan demolished about 1 million houses and displaced more than 4 million people in one of the countrys poorest regions. Before the typhoons landfall, officials said that more than 387,000 people had evacuated to safer ground in eastern and central Philippine provinces. Authorities warned of torrential rains, potentially destructive winds and storm surges of up to three meters (nearly 10 feet). Interisland ferries and fishing boats were prohibited from venturing into increasingly rough seas, stranding more than 3,500 passengers and cargo truck drivers in nearly 100 seaports, the coast guard said. At least 186 domestic flights were canceled. The Philippines is battered by about 20 typhoons and storms each year. The country also is often hit by earthquakes and has more than a dozen active volcanoes, making it one of the worlds most disaster-prone countries. ___ Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila contributed to this report. The U.S. Department of State has an extensive list of travel advisories and warnings for nations all around the globe, giving travelers vital information to help ensure their safety when they travel abroad. These travel advisories vary greatly in severity, ranging from Level 1 advisories that remind travelers to simply "exercise normal precautions" to Level 4 "do not travel" warnings. Last month, the United States issued three of those most severe travel warnings. Degrees of Travel Advisories The State Department has a database of advisories warning travelers of the risks associated with each country. The travel advisories range in severity from relatively innocuous Level 1 advisories to the most severe Level 4 advisories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Level 1 travel advisory reminds travelers to simply exercise normal precautions during travel. This travel advisory applies to countries that are generally perceived as safe, such as Canada, Australia, and Greece. A Level 2 travel advisory encourages travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting certain destinations due to elevated risks such as theft. Nations currently listed under a Level 2 advisory include Brazil, France, Italy, and India. Level 3 advisories take things a step further, warning travelers to reconsider travel to those countries because of heightened safety concerns. Among the countries under a Level 3 advisory are Colombia, Pakistan, and Uganda. At the highest level, Level 4 advisories are the most serious, warning travelers do not travel to those destinations. Countries in this category include Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Sudan. Three 'Do Not Travel' Warnings in October Level 4 travel advisories are somewhat rare, with the State Department having only 22 active "do not travel" warnings in its database. However, last month, the state department issued three of those warnings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, the United States issued "do not travel" warnings for three different countries: Sudan, Mali, and Niger. On Oct. 15, the United States issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Sudan, warning travelers about the risks of unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and landmines while offering an updated advisory about the health threats the country faces. On Oct. 30, the State Department issued a Level 4 "do not travel" warning for Mali, advising travelers not to travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and health. This order came after the Department of State ordered non-emergency employees and their family members to leave Mali due to safety risks. On Oct. 31, the United States issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Niger, warning against traveling to the country for any reason due to crime, unrest, terrorism, health, and kidnapping. This advisory came after an American missionary was kidnapped in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement .For the most up-to-date information on these countries, as well as any other country across the globe, travelers should continue to monitor the State Department's database of travel advisories. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. CHICAGO (WGN) More shakeup in the Illinois political landscape is on the way, as another congressional seat has opened up. U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia will not run for a fifth term to represent Illinois 4th District, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Garcia, 69, has held public office for more than four decades. WGN-TV has reached out to Garcias staff for comment and is still awaiting response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His choice not to run again now leaves five open congressional seats in the states March primary, in addition to an open Senate race. Chicago alders seek emergency hearing over Mayor Johnsons budget, audit findings Reports of Garcias stunning move came shortly after Mondays 5 p.m. deadline to file petitions for the March 17 primary ballot. That leaves his Chief of Staff, Patty Garcia who is not related to Chuy Garcia as the only choice for the Democratic nomination. While Chuy Garcia submitted his own petitions to be on the March primary ballot last month, State Board of Elections records show Patty Garcia submitted her own petitions less than 30 minutes before Mondays deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics are comparing the last-minute maneuver to old-school Chicago politics. Ald. Ray Lopez (15th Ward) on social media Monday attacked Chuy Garcia, calling him a hypocrite for participating in recent No Kings protests and then reportedly deciding not to run for re-election after the deadline to file petitions. Chuy coronates his Chief of Staff to replace him using the same machine tactics that got him the seat from Luis Gutierrez, denies a true open primary like every other open congressional district race but hey, #NoKings right? Lopez wrote on his X feed, ending the post with #Hypocrites. Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, however, said during an interview on Tuesdays WGN Morning News that he believes Garcias decision not to run for re-election is due only to personal circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honestly, if someone wanted to run for the office, they couldve circulated petitions and run, whether he was running for re-election or not, Welch said. I believe (Garcia) really, truly did intend to run for re-election, and then there are some things that came up in his personal life. Ive got to tell you, family is important to him, just as it is for me, and he made a decision to pull out of the race. And I think his Chief of Staff would do a great job in Congress, and I certainly will support her. Welch talked more about Garcias decision not to seek re-election, along with other issues in Chicagoland and Illinois, on Tuesdays Morning News. See the full interview in the video player below: Long political career Chuy Garcia was born in Mexico and moved to Chicago with his family when he was 10 years old. He first won election to the Chicago City Council in 1986 and later served in the Illinois Senate and on the Cook County Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines He unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Chicago twice. But in 2015, he forced incumbent Rahm Emanuel into a runoff, a milestone that highlighted Garcias strong base of support among voters. Garcia has not made any public comments on the reports, including his reason for deciding not to run for re-election. 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 WGN-TV. CHICOPEE The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts worked Monday afternoon to obtain and distribute enough food to get needy households through a November in which SNAP benefits remain uncertain. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal called during a visit to the program for Republicans in Congress to work to end the Washington stalemate endangering $35 million a month in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits that Western Massachusetts households expect each month. Lets turn the lights on and get back to work, Neal, D-Springfield, said on a visit to the Food Banks warehouse distribution center in Chicopee. Were not looking for surrender. We want an honest negotiation. And we cant accept the one-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits because what will happen is well be right back to where we are now in a year after the elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats in Congress have made the preservation of those tax credits, which are scheduled to end, the center of their opposition to agreeing to a budget to end the government shutdown. Even though there is substantial disagreement, the two parties can find a path forward, Neal said. Weve got SNAP benefits, weve got the ACA, weve still got the appropriation bills for the country that have to be done, he said. Over the weekend, the Trump administration signaled it would comply with a federal court ruling and use a $6 billion contingency account to fund SNAP. But then Monday the administration announced it would tap only $4.65 billion enough to cover about half the normal benefits across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My sense is that its a part of their negotiation. I dont think that the answer is satisfactory, but I think that its part of the negotiation, said Neal, the ranking Democrat on the House Ways & Means Committee. Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, said half the funding wont cut it. The program needs to be fully funded and benefits need to get out to people who need them. People dont eat retroactively, he said. People eat every day. Across Neals district, 191,000 residents in 74,000 households rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Of these 74,000 households, nearly 40% have a child, 42% have an elderly person and 57% have an individual with a disability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than half the households receiving SNAP benefits have an individual who is working. Thats why its called supplemental support, because it supplements the rest of their income, Neal said. Neal also reminds people that spending the power of the purse is Congress responsibility. It is not the sole decision of President Donald Trump. The president has demonstrated disregard for the Constitution in many of these instances as he has moved money around in the federal budget, Neal said. But it cant be just what the president likes. Thats not our constitutional system. Neal said one day therell be a Democrat in the White House again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And all these precedents that have been established, if a Democratic president embraces them, I dare say theres going to be more to quibble with on the Republican side, Neal said. Stories by Jim Kinney Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed plans to invest 9bn ($11.82bn) over the next decade to upgrade more than 40,000 military homes. The plan covers the modernisation or upgrade of these homes, with approximately 14,000 military houses set to receive substantial refurbishment or replacement. Several thousand properties will also be upgraded with new kitchens, bathrooms, and heating systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative is part of the region's new Defence Housing Strategy, which represents the most significant overhaul of domestic military accommodation in more than 50 years, according to the body. The government intends to fund this project through an increase in defence spending, which builds on previous allocations made in the current parliament to address deteriorating service accommodation. The new initiative follows feedback from thousands of armed forces families and was developed by an independent review team chaired by Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE. The review included a survey that gathered input from more than 6,000 service families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government also plans to unlock surplus defence land for extensive homebuilding, with a long-term goal to enable the construction of over 100,000 new homes for both civilian and military families. Proceeds from releasing this land will be directed into a newly proposed Defence Development Fund, aimed at supporting further investment in future projects. This measure is part of broader efforts to boost economic growth and job creation within the UK, stated the government. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: Our armed forces families make extraordinary sacrifices for our country, and they deserve homes that truly feel like home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This record investment will deliver modern, safe and comfortable housing for tens of thousands of service families. This is a plan for generational renewal that puts forces first, giving those who serve, and those who support them, the security and respect they deserve. Earlier this year, the government said it reacquired 36,000 properties through the Annington Homes deal, saving 600,000 per day for taxpayers. Officials state that these savings will be reinvested into improving military housing and facilitating housing development on defence land. The new Defence Housing Strategy prioritises veterans with housing needs and is designed to uphold the commitments set out in the Armed Forces Covenant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey said: Our new Defence Housing Strategy will be the biggest renewal of armed forces housing in more than 50 years. "This is a new chapter: a decisive break from decades of underinvestment, with a building programme to back Britains military families and drive economic growth across the country. "UK MoD unveils $11.8bn plan to upgrade 40,000 military homes" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The Council of the European Union has approved a decision to provide Ukraine with 1.8 billion under the Ukraine Facility. Source: European Pravda, citing a statement from the Council of the EU Details: It is noted that Ukraine has successfully completed nine steps required to obtain the fifth tranche of assistance. The funding is intended to strengthen Ukraine's macro-financial stability and support the uninterrupted functioning of its public administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Payments under the Ukraine Facility are closely linked to the Ukraine Plan, which sets out the country's strategy for recovery, reconstruction and modernisation, as well as the reform implementation timetable aligned with Ukraine's EU accession goals over the coming years. Background: Since the Ukraine Facility came into force, Ukraine has already received 6 billion in bridge financing, 1.89 billion in pre-financing, and four tranches amounting to approximately 4.2, 4.1, 3.5 and 3.2 billion respectively. Within the fifth tranche of European assistance to Ukraine under this programme, two reforms remain incomplete, so Ukraine will receive a partial disbursement 1.35 billion instead of the expected nearly 2 billion. Meanwhile, along with the fifth tranche, the EU will also pay Ukraine almost 600 million for a reform that was to have been implemented earlier. In the draft decision, the EU Council notes that Ukraine has satisfactorily met the conditions for the partial disbursement of the fourth and fifth tranches, totalling 1,949,400,399 597,494,240 from the fourth tranche and 1,351,906,159 from the fifth. However, the Council's final decision does not provide details explaining the difference in amounts, nor does it specify the exact sum Ukraine will receive as part of this payment. Earlier, the government said that it would be able to obtain the full amount of funding from the EU for reforms under the Ukraine Facility. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Hello, this is Chris York from a cloudy fall day in Kyiv on day 1,350 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today's top story so far: Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) on Nov. 4 released footage of what is said was an ongoing special operation in the embattled city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast. The video shows both drone and on-the-ground footage of drone strikes, tanks, infantry, helicopters, and artillery, providing an insight into the scale of the battle to save the city from encroaching Russian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HUR said the footage showed the work of the Timur Special Unit. "Fierce battles are taking place with the Russian occupiers," it added. 0:00 / 1 Ukrainian forces said on Nov. 3 that they stopped a Russian attempt to advance north of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in Donetsk Oblast, which is semi-circled by Russian forces and the site of fierce fighting. Reports over the weekend suggested that HUR launched a special operation involving airborne assault units in Pokrovsk under the command of HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov. Reuters reported on Oct. 31 that the raid began earlier this week, when Ukrainian special forces landed from a Black Hawk helicopter in areas compromised by Russian drone activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A video seen by the agency appears to show at least 10 soldiers disembarking in an open field. The location and date of the footage have not been independently verified. Later on Nov. 4, Ukraine's Security Service also released a video showing what it said were its forces "systematically destroying Russian troops and enemy equipment in Pokrovsk." In what could be a dig at their HUR counterparts, the SBU added: "It should be noted that SBU fighters have been conducting combat work in the Pokrovsk direction for a long time." 0:00 / 1 Germany to increase aid to Ukraine by 3 billion euros in 2026 Germany will boost financial aid to Ukraine by around 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion) next year, Reuters reported on Nov. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will continue our support for as long as necessary to defend against Russia's war of aggression," a spokesperson for the finance ministry said. Read the full story at Reuters. Video shows Russian drone killing white flag-waving civilians and dog, Ukraine opens war crimes investigation Last updated 06:09 p.m. Kyiv time. Prosecutors in Kharkiv have opened a pre-trial war-crimes investigation after a video appeared to show a Russian first-person-view (FPV) drone killing two unarmed civilians and their dog near the village of Kruhliakivka on Nov. 3. The footage, released by Ukraine's 77th Airmobile Brigade, was recorded near Kruhliakivka in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast, an area now under Russian control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no military targets or positions near the site of the strike, the brigade says. 0:00 / 1 According to a statement by the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office on Nov. 4, the victims were walking along the road carrying a white flag, a clear sign of their civilian, non-combatant status. Both were killed instantly as a result of a targeted strike, along with their dog. "This cynical crime is yet another example of the Russian military's systematic disregard for international humanitarian law and the right of civilians to life," the prosecutor's office said. Deliberately targeting civilians constitutes a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Video shows Russian drone killing white flag-waving civilians and dog, Ukraine opens war crimes investigation Zelensky visits Azov National Guard troops fighting in the Dobropillia sector Last updated 3:05 p.m. Kyiv time. President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Ukrainian soldiers from the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine "Azov," Zelensky wrote on X on Nov. 4. Zelensky visited a command post of the 1st Corps, which is conducting a defensive operation in Dobropillia sector together with adjacent units. "I heard reports from the military; we discussed the situation on the frontline and the most urgent needs. Much attention was given to weapons, scaling up drone production, needs of brigades," Zelensky wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He thanked the soldiers for their service and presented them with state awards. I met with our warriors at the command post of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine Azov, which is conducting a defensive operation in the Dobropillia sector together with adjacent units. I heard reports from the military; we discussed the situation on the frontline pic.twitter.com/1toCuW3r33 Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 4, 2025 "I am grateful to the warriors for defending Ukraine and our territorial integrity. This is our country, this is our East, and we will certainly do our utmost to keep it Ukrainian," Zelensky said. Dobropillia is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the long-embattled Pokrovsk, which used to be a key Ukrainian logistics hub. Russian troops have already entered the city and are trying to close in further to force a Ukrainian withdrawal. Read also: Zelensky visits Azov National Guard troops fighting in the Pokrovsk sector Russia drops record number of aerial guided bombs on Ukraine in October Last updated 2:26 p.m. Kyiv time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has dropped a record number of aerial guided bombs on Ukraine in October, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said on Nov. 4. Russia significantly increased its use of guided aerial bombs (KAB) against Ukraine in October, dropping over 5,328 munitions on Ukrainian military positions and cities near the front line. According to the ministry, this represents the highest number of guided bomb strikes recorded in a month since the beginning of 2025. In total, during the first ten months of 2025, Russian forces have dropped approximately 40,000 aerial bombs on Ukraine, roughly the same amount that was dropped throughout all of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(Russia's) air terror is intensifying," the ministry said. Read also: Air terror Russia drops record number of aerial guided bombs on Ukraine in October, Defense Ministry says Explosions rock Russian ammunition depot, oil refineries, petrochemical plant amid mass Ukrainian drone strike Last updated 12:27 pm Kyiv time. Explosions rocked a Russian ammunition facility in occupied Luhansk Oblast, and a petrochemical plant and oil enterprises across Russia, media reported overnight on Nov. 4. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that it shot down 85 drones overnight across Voronezh, Nizhny Novgorod, Belgorod, Kursk, Lipetsk, Volgograd, and Sverdlovsk oblasts, as well as in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blasts occurred amid a reported drone attack on the site in the city of Dovzhansk, Luhansk Oblast. The city is located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of the city of Luhansk and has been occupied by Russian forces since 2014. Ukraines Luhansk Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Read also: Explosions rock Russian ammunition depot, oil refineries, petrochemical plant amid mass Ukrainian drone strike Kramatorsk, Ukraine's iconic front-line rail stop, closed for 'indefinite period' Last updated 11:49 a.m. Kyiv time. A key train route iconic for being a meeting and departure point for Ukrainian soldiers and their loved ones has been reduced for an "indefinite period" due to safety concerns amid Russia intensifying strikes on railway infrastructure, Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) told the Kyiv Independent on Nov. 4 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trains that ran from Kyiv and Lviv to Kramatorsk, a city in Donetsk Oblast located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of the front line, will now have their final destination in the city of Husarivka in Kharkiv Oblast. Kramatorsk train station, the last stop before the front lines in Ukraine's east, became well-known as a place where people saw off soldiers heading to the front, as well as greeting those returning. According to Ukrainian Railways, the Donetsk Regional Military Administration provides buses to further transfer passengers from Husarivka to frontline cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. "We continue to operate wherever possible from a safety perspective and appreciate your understanding," Ukrainian Railways said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Kramatorsk, Ukraines iconic front-line rail stop, closed for indefinite period At least 3 killed, 23 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day At least six people have been killed and 30 others injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, local authorities reported on Nov. 3. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 92 out of the 130 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys launched by Russia overnight. Russia also launched six missiles, none of which were intercepted, according to the Air Force. As of the morning of Nov. 3, 31 drone and missile hits were recorded at 14 locations. In Donetsk Oblast, two people were killed and two others injured, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kherson Oblast, six people were injured, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a 65-year-old woman was killed, and eleven people, including two children were injured, Governor Vladyslav Haivanenko reported. In Kharkiv Oblast, Russia targeted seven settlements, injuring four people, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. General Staff: Russia has lost 1,145,670 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022 Russia has lost around 1,145,670 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Nov. 4. The number includes 840 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day. According to the report, Russia has also lost 11,326 tanks (+5), 23,532 (+1) armored fighting vehicles, 66,504 (+93) vehicles and fuel tanks, 34,249 (+42) artillery systems, 1,535 multiple launch rocket systems (+1), 1,235 air defense systems, 428 airplanes, 346 helicopters, 77,860 (+425) drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine. Read also: These people just escaped Russian-occupied Ukraine but some say they need to go back Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has reported that its special operation in the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast is ongoing, with additional forces from special units countering attempts by the Russians to expand their fire advantage over logistics routes in the area of responsibility. Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) Quote: "The Tymur special unit of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine is continuing its operation in one of the districts in Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast that is strategically important for frontline logistics. Fierce fighting against the Russian occupiers is ongoing." Details: After a successful airborne operation, additional forces from the special unit joined the DIU operatives who had secured designated positions by breaking through a ground corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Combat operations are ongoing, aimed at preventing the enemy from expanding its fire advantage over logistics routes within DIU's area of responsibility," the statement reads. Other special units from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine are also conducting combat missions in the sector. For the safety of the personnel involved, details of the operations are not being disclosed at this stage. "Coordinated work together with all components of Ukraine's security and defence forces is ongoing," DIU added. Read more: How Pokrovsk is imperceptibly falling: five observations by Ukrainska Pravda Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Reuters has reported, citing sources, that special DIU forces were deployed to Pokrovsk at the beginning of the previous week amid intensified fighting, with the aim of stabilising the situation. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said on 1 November that there is no encirclement or blockade of Pokrovsk or Myrnohrad. He also said that a complex operation is ongoing to wipe out and push back Russian forces in Pokrovsk involving, among others, Special Operations Forces, the Security Service of Ukraine and Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. On the same day, the 7th Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces said that Ukrainian troops had improved their tactical position in several districts of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Zelenskyy said Ukraine can make up to 800 interceptor drones in a day by the end of November. It's yet another sign that Ukraine thinks it's ready to roll out the new technology at scale. Once a novel concept, interceptor drones are quickly becoming a new pillar of air defense. Ukraine finally looks like it's about to build the interceptor drone arsenal it needs, shifting the world closer to a new type of air defense battle in which waves of drones fight each other. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that his country should reach a daily production of 600 to 800 of the inexpensive but speedy quadcopters designed to destroy Russian attack drones in flight by the end of November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new estimate is under Zelenskyy's initial target of 1,000 a day, which he announced in July, but represents a more concrete gauge of what can be expected soon. "I said that in the fall, there will be up to 1,000 interceptors produced per day. Of course, it's not an easy story," Zelenskyy told reporters. "We believe that by the end of November, there will be 600 to 800 interceptor drones produced per day, if nothing goes wrong." That's as long as there aren't any disruptions from Russian attacks or sabotage, the Ukrainian leader added. "Because sometimes, as you know, there are strikes not only on our energy facilities," he said. REUTERS/Anatolii Stepanov Anatolii Stepanov/REUTERS Interceptor drones are uncrewed aerial systems specifically made to be maneuverable and fast enough to chase and crash into an incoming attack drone, sometimes while carrying an explosive payload. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They're a far cheaper alternative to Western surface-to-air missiles, which can cost up to millions of dollars each, and that's why Kyiv wants more of the high-speed drones. Russia is increasingly trying to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses by launching hundreds of Shahed attack drones and Gerbera decoys in one night, often also firing advanced missiles in tandem. The Sting is far smaller than a typical Shahed drone. Wild Hornets Ukrainian and Western sources estimate that the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 costs between $20,000 and $70,000, so Ukraine needs a more cost-effective way to destroy them. Drone manufacturers have been pushing the limits of their interceptors over the last year or so, making them faster and more responsive while trying to keep costs down. Meanwhile, Ukrainian cities suffered from repeated bombardment, with weekly reports of damaged energy infrastructure and residential buildings. After months of development, Zelenskyy's new timeline and estimates indicate that local companies and Ukraine's military are now confident enough in their interceptors to move toward mass production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like with dozens of other systems used in the war, the heightened use of interceptors will likely be closely watched by militaries around the world that are developing or procuring their own interceptor drones. Western companies have been building their own interceptor drones, such as this German Jaeger (Hunter) drone. Johannes Simon/Getty Images Taras Tymochko, a project lead for interceptor drones at the Ukrainian crowdfunding organization ComeBackAlive, told Business Insider in late summer that local drone manufacturers charge roughly $3,000 to $6,000 per interceptor. The price often depends on the systems received and the level and availability of technical support offered, Tymochko said. It remains to be seen if increased interceptor production will provide the relief to air defenses that Ukraine has hoped for. Some interceptors are already reportedly finding success in battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sternenko Foundation, a crowdfunding organization that supports manufacturing for an interceptor called the Sting, said in a message to donors on October 26 that its funded interceptors destroyed nine out of 90 Russian drones detected in one night. More broadly, Zelenskyy said in September that interceptor drones were responsible for 150 hits on Russian Shaheds and Gerberas in one night, out of a total of 810 drones. Read the original article on Business Insider Unmanned systems forces from Ukraine's Marine Corps have destroyed two boats carrying Russian troops that were attempting to cross the Dnipro River. Source: 30th Marine Corps; Ukrainian Navy Details: The two Russian boats were reportedly attempting to force a crossing of the river when they were hit by a precision strike by the 426th Separate Battalion of Unmanned Systems. The boats were destroyed and none of the Russian troops survived, the marines said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The time and location of the strike were not disclosed. Quote from the 30th Marine Corps: "Marine drone operators are closely monitoring every enemy movement, so any landing attempts are doomed. The Dnipro becomes a grave for those who have come to our land." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Security Service of Ukraine has shown how fighters from its Alpha Special Operations Centre are destroying Russian troops and equipment in Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast. Source: Security Service press service Details: It is reported that in just the past month, fighters of the Alpha Special Operations Centre in Pokrovsk and its suburbs have killed more than 1,500 Russian soldiers. The Security Service said its fighters have carried out sustained combat operations on the Pokrovsk front, and after an escalation of the operational-combat situation in this sector the number of the Alpha unit personnel there has been significantly increased. In addition, the Ukrainian Security Service struck 39 artillery systems, including multiple-launch rocket systems, used by the Russians to hit Pokrovsk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is explained that, to create corridors for successful drone strikes on Russian forces, Security Service personnel destroyed 18 Russian air defence and electronic warfare assets. Nevertheless, Alpha carried out a series of special operations behind Russian lines. As a result of these raids, three large Russian fuel and ammunition storage points were blown up. The full arsenal of armour-piercing weapons and unmanned systems was used against the Russians. Quote: "Overall, over the past month on the Pokrovsk front, the Alpha special forces have destroyed: more than 1,500 Russian occupiers 20 tanks 62 armoured fighting vehicles 39 artillery systems and MLRS 10 air defence systems 8 electronic warfare assets 532 vehicles 592 enemy positions and fortifications 2 ammunition and 1 fuel storage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All strikes on enemy targets have video confirmation." Read also: How Pokrovsk is imperceptibly falling: five observations by Ukrainska Pravda Background: On the morning of 4 November, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported that special operations in Pokrovsk are continuing. Along with additional forces, special units are preventing the Russians from expanding their fire advantage over logistics routes within the operational area. On 1 November, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that there was no encirclement or blockade of Pokrovsk or Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast and that a comprehensive operation to kill Russian troops and drive them out was ongoing in Pokrovsk, involving units of the Special Operations Forces, the Security Service of Ukraine and Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. On 3 November, Syrskyi said that Ukrainian forces were seeking to compel the Russians to disperse their troops and prevent the concentration of their main efforts around Pokrovsk. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has struck the headquarters of the Russian Rubikon centre, a unit that specialises in the use of unmanned systems, in the occupied city of Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainska Pravda has learnt that this happened last week. Source: DIU Details: DIU discovered the headquarters of the Russian troops from the so-called Rubikon centre in a partly destroyed building in Russian-occupied Avdiivka. Quote: "The enemy's Rubikon centre specialises in the use of unmanned systems, including combat UAVs, in Russia's genocidal war against Ukraine. It is one of the most combat-capable structures of the Russian occupation forces, into which the aggressor state pours significant resources." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More details: Having established the exact coordinates of the Russian position, DIU operators worked in conditions of dense urban development to set up the strike. They guided an FP-2 unmanned system carrying a warhead weighing more than 105 kg straight onto the headquarters. Quote: "As a result of the strike, officers and UAV operators of the Russian Rubikon centre who were in the headquarters have been killed." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian long-range drones attacked an industrial plant around 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) inside Russia, local officials said Tuesday, while Ukraines army remained locked in an intense battle to hold back a Russian push on the key city of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region. Two drones targeted an industrial facility in Sterlitamak, a city in Russias Bashkortostan region, regional Gov. Radiy Habirov said in an online statement. He didnt specify what facility was targeted but he said that both drones were shot down. There were no casualties, and the facility was operating normally, he said. Meanwhile, the city administration reported an explosion at the Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant caused the plants water treatment facility to partially collapse, adding that the cause of the explosion was not known. The plant, which makes rubber and aviation fuel, is not known to have been attacked before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines daring strikes deep inside Russia using domestically produced drones have embarrassed Moscow, with officials being unforthcoming about any damage, and unnerved Russians. Ukraine has taken aim at manufacturing plants, oil refineries and military logistics hubs in a bid to disrupt Russias war effort almost four years after Moscow launched an all-out invasion. Explosions were also heard at an industrial area of the Nizhny Novgorod region, some 800 kilometers (500 miles) from Ukraine, where an oil refinery and a petrochemical plant are located, Russian media reported. Officials did not confirm the reports. Both Bashkortostan and Nizhny Novgorod are among the regions where the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday that Ukrainian drones were shot down, claiming that 85 were intercepted overnight. Ukrainian officials said Russia bombarded the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine with drones, missiles and artillery overnight, killing one person and injuring 11 others, including two children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia fired seven missiles of various types and 130 strike and decoy drones at Ukraine during the night, Ukraines air force said. Also, Romanias Defense said Tuesday that Russia carried out two overnight attacks on Ukraines Danube port infrastructure, close to the border with the NATO member country. Two pairs of fighter jets were separately deployed from two different airbases for air policing missions after numerous explosions were observed on the Ukrainian shore, the ministry said. On the battlefield, Russia and Ukraine are fiercely contesting control of Pokrovsk, a Ukrainian stronghold in the Donetsk region that Moscows forces have been trying to capture for more than a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has in recent months intensified its efforts in the area and has claimed its troops are making progress. Russian forces continue to advance in the Pokrovsk direction and appear to be operating with increasing comfort within Pokrovsk itself, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said late Monday. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, has described the European Commission's annual enlargement report for all candidate countries as the best in three years. Source: Kachka on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: According to Kachka, for the first time, the European Commission has recognised that Ukraine is showing record progress in most areas of reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The best enlargement report in three years such an assessment of Ukraine's efforts on its path to EU membership will be published today," he wrote. The report contains 36 assessments across chapters and individual roadmaps. As Kachka noted, Ukraine has shown progress in all of them without exception and is moving faster than last year. "There is greater reform momentum (improved progress) in 15 negotiating chapters. In 12 chapters, this progress is at a high level (good progress). In none of the chapters has the overall rating of readiness for EU accession declined. In 11 chapters, we have an increased overall rating the best dynamic since obtaining candidate status," Kachka outlined. "According to the methodology already established in Ukraine, the average level of progress is 3.16 an increase of +0.39 (compared to +0.01 last year), and the overall level of readiness is 2.53 an increase of +0.32 (compared to +0.025 last year)," Kachka specified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the report does not contain criticism but includes recommendations for next steps, which align with the screening reports and roadmaps. In the areas of justice and anti-corruption, it notes the systematic work of institutions. "The European Commission sees that Ukraine is moving from adopting laws to the real implementation of European standards in public administration, the judiciary, the economy, digitalisation and education. We will preserve and develop this progress," the deputy PM stressed. He also highlighted the fact that the European Commission confirms Ukraine's readiness to open negotiating clusters 1, 2 and 6. "The others are showing good dynamics to be ready for opening by the end of the year," Kachka noted. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Pravda has previously reported that the annual enlargement report prepared by the European Commission for all candidate countries has been agreed among EU institutions in a version that gives a positive assessment of Ukraine's reform progress. The European Commission explained that the document is balanced and confirms that Ukraine is among the four countries advancing towards EU membership , along with Moldova, Albania and Montenegro. The latter two are said to have made greater progress. European Pravda is preparing a more detailed analysis of the report following its publication. Read more on the 2024 report: From "corruption" to newscast: what EU expects from Ukraine and how it assesses its readiness to join Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! ARVADA, Colo. (KDVR) Kostiantyn Mukhin and Eugenia Karkina love all things Ukraine. Theyre so proud of their native country, they opened up food trucks right here in Colorado, serving the hearty Ukrainian food they grew up on. We started work with a tent at a farmers market, Mukhin, owner of Sunflower Ukrainian Foods, told FOX31. But as much as they love their homeland 6,000 miles away, they dont want to be sent back to a dangerous war zone. Which is exactly their fear at the moment with an uncertain immigration future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine gets more Patriot air defense systems to counter deadly Russian attacks The two fled war-torn Kherson, Ukraine, and came to Colorado in the summer of 2022 with their daughter. We just took this opportunity, because at least this was the peaceful country, Karkina said. Theyre among the 240,000 Ukrainians who came to America during the war through a program that gave them temporary legal status here and the right to work. Because of what was demolished (back home in Ukraine), we had to start from zero (here in America). So being able to work was like a blessing, Karkina said. But some of the temporary protections that brought Ukrainian refugees to America are set to expire. And Mukhin and Karkina say they have no guarantees their status will be maintained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If people have been in drastic situations like us, we can apply for asylum. But all of the programs are on pause. So our asylum (application) is still pending, (and has been) for a year and more, Karina said. If their application for asylum is eventually denied, their right to work here would be revoked, meaning theres a fear they could have to go back to the war zone. Last month, US Senators sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Joseph Edlow, Director of U . S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, asking them to fast-track pending applications. Douglas County teacher, family detained by ICE had legal work authorization, school says Mukhin and Karkina hope it works. Theyve created a new livelihood and built a new life in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think this winter, well build two more trailers and try to get our first employees, Muhkin said. Now they just hope they can call Colorado home long-term. We were part of really active community (in Ukraine). We want to be part of it here, and to provide more, and to make this community here even prosper more. We just need to be given an opportunity to do it, Karkina said. 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 FOX31 Denver. Editor's Note: This story has been updated with comments from Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. Serhii K., a Ukrainian citizen accused of involvement in sabotaging the Nord Stream gas pipelines, has declared a hunger strike in Italy, Italian media outlet Agenzia Nova reported on Nov. 4. The development adds another layer to the complex case involving the unsolved 2022 Nord Stream explosions, which destroyed key pipelines linking Russia and Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Italian court last month upheld Germany's request to extradite the suspect, previously identified by full name as Serhii Kuznetsov, confirming an earlier decision. The former Ukrainian officer remains in a high-security prison in Italy while his defense team prepares a final appeal before the Court of Cassation, Italy's top court, expected within weeks. "The defense has informed the relevant authorities of the hunger strike," the suspect's lawyer, Nicola Canestrini, said in a statement. He added that his client demands respect for his "fundamental rights, including the right to adequate food, a healthy environment, dignified detention conditions, and equal treatment with other prisoners regarding family visits and access to information." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Canestrini, Kuznetsov has refused food since Oct. 31, claiming the meals provided were "inadequate to his state of health." Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on Nov. 4 that a representative from his office would attempt to investigate Kuznetsov's detention in person after receiving reports from his lawyer of inhumane conditions. "Such circumstances are unacceptable and contradict the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms," Lubinets wrote. Lubinets said he had appealed to the Italian ombudsman and that a Ukrainian representative would attempt to access Kuznetsov's detention site to assess the conditions on Nov. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italian police arrested Kuznetsov on Aug. 21 under a European arrest warrant issued by Germany, whose prosecutors suspect him of coordinating the operation to blow up the pipelines. Polish authorities detained another Ukrainian citizen, identified as Volodymyr Z., in the town of Pruszkow on Sept. 30, also under a German warrant on similar charges. The Polish court later rejected his extradition to Germany, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk subsequently saying that the suspect had been released from custody. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which never became operational, had long been a flashpoint in European energy politics. Even before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, critics said it deepened Germany's dependence on Russian gas and undermined European energy security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv has denied any involvement in the suspected sabotage and said it would not interfere in extradition proceedings in EU countries. Read also: Air terror Russia drops record number of aerial guided bombs on Ukraine in October, Defense Ministry says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian citizen Serhii Kuznetsov, who is suspected of involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines and is currently being held in Italy while awaiting a final decision on his extradition to Germany, has gone on hunger strike. Source: Italian news agency Agenzia Nova, citing a statement by Kuznetsov's lawyer Nicola Canestrini, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "The defence has informed the competent authorities about the hunger strike declared by the client, a former Ukrainian officer, who is being held in a high-security Italian prison while awaiting a decision on the European arrest warrant issued by Germany in the so-called 'Nord Stream case'." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Canestrini says Kuznetsov has been refusing food since 31 October. "He is demanding respect for his fundamental rights, including the right to adequate nutrition, a healthy environment, decent detention conditions, and equal treatment with other prisoners regarding family visits and access to information," the lawyer added, noting that since his arrest on 22 August, Kuznetsov has not received food "appropriate to his state of health". Background: At the end of October, a court in Bologna ruled to extradite Kuznetsov to Germany at the request of local prosecutors. The defence has appealed to the Supreme Court, which must issue a decision within a month. According to a statement published by the German prosecutor's office in August, Kuznetsov was a member of a group that placed explosive devices on the pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. He has been charged with conspiracy to cause an explosion, anti-constitutional sabotage, and the destruction of critical infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine had nothing to do with the explosions and suggested analysing which parties might have benefited from such disinformation. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A so Florida thing is coming up and it's possible people can see it far beyond the Sunshine State. United Launch Alliances Atlas V rocket will launch from Cape Canaveral on Wednesday, Nov. 5, during a 44-minute window opening at 10:24 p.m. ET. A visibility map from ULA shows the trajectory and flight path (see below). Depending on weather and cloud cover, Floridians (and visitors) as far as Jacksonville, Cape Coral and Miami could see it light up the sky after liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Visibility from most of Florida is possible, according to ULA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What's on board ULA Atlas V? The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2), described as an ultra-high-capacity broadband spacecraft for the company Viasat. The spacecraft is expected to greatly increase the current capability of Viasats satellite fleet. This Atlas V launch will see the rocket quickly propelled off the pad under the power of five solid rocket boosters giving a great show to those watching. Business is booming: Here's a list of all 2025 rocket launch missions from Cape Canaveral, Florida In Florida, we can best see this moment in person, particularly if you're anywhere on the Space Coast (Melbourne, Florida, area), the Fun Coast (Daytona Beach area) or the Treasure Coast (Vero Beach, Jensen Beach and Fort Pierce). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This satellite rocket launch is extra special because of the potential to see it in other states. In the past, readers have submitted photos or posted on social platforms pictures of SpaceX Falcon Heavy, which is made up of three Falcon 9 rocket first stages, visible from Myrtle Beach. Other rocket launches have been spotted in New Jersey and Georgia. ULA's Atlas V rocket should be visible outside of Florida pending weather and clouds. Below is information on ULA's powerful rocket, the Atlas V, how to watch the Viasat rocket launch and suggestions on where to watch it from Florida and beyond. What time is Viasat rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida? When does United Launch Alliance Atlas V liftoff? A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch the second mission for Viasat, the second of a planned constellation of three Ka-band communications satellites, at 10:24 p.m. ET, with a 44-minute window extending until 11:08 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. Launch location is Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Equipped with five side-mounted rocket boosters, the Atlas V may be visible in other states. Where in Florida can I watch ULA Atlas V liftoff, Viasat rocket launch in person? In Florida, we can best see this moment in person if you're anywhere on the Space Coast (Brevard County) or certain spots in the First Coast or Fun Coast (Volusia County) or the Treasure Coast (Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County). However, people in Jacksonville, far north of Cape Canaveral, and West Palm Beach, far south of Cape Canaveral, have posted rocket launch photos and video on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram. Pro tip: If you do watch it in person, especially on Florida's Space Coast, get to your viewing destination early and prepare to stay later after the launch because of heavy traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rocket launch can be a treat for the ears, too: On the Space Coast, a rumble can be heard or window-shaking can be expected in some parts of Brevard County after liftoff. Live weather radar: Will it rain in Cape Canaveral, Florida, today? Will weather cancel a rocket launch near NASA and Kennedy Space Center? Shown is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast, Brevard County, Orlando and other parts of Florida. The current date and time show up on the bottom right of this radar embed; otherwise, you may need to clear your cache. Which cities can see ULA Atlas V rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida? Can I watch Viasat rocket launch from Florida? United Launch Alliances Atlas V will launch a powerful commercial communications satellites, the ViaSat-3 F2 ultra-high-capacity broadband spacecraft. Launch will occur Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, during a 44-minute window opening at 10:24 p.m. ET. This visibility map shows the trajectory and path. ULA provided a helpful graphic (see above) that shows the Atlas V launch of ViaSat-3 F2 for the company Viasat and its intended flight path and launch visibility. Note: Cities in the Space Coast of Florida, which is in Brevard County and measures 72 miles of coast, include Titusville, Mims, Port St. John, Merritt Island, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, West Melbourne, Palm Bay, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach, Grant-Valkaria and Sebastian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Launch, Space Coast, east Orlando, near University of Central Florida, Bithlo, the northern part of the Treasure Coast, Indian River County, Sebastian, Vero Beach, parts of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Oak Hill 1: Launch + 60 seconds, Space Coast, Orlando, the Treasure Coast, Indian River County, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Oak Hill, Volusia County, St. Augustine, Ocala, Lakeland area 2: Launch + 90 seconds, which includes PLF Jettison or separation and jettison of the payload fairing: Space Coast, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Oak Hill, Port Orange, Volusia County, Treasure Coast, Indian River County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Orlando, Sanford, Kissimmee, Central Florida, Ocala, Lakeland, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach 3: Launch + 150 seconds, which includes solid rocket booster jettison, visibility extends to Sebring, Winter Haven, Palatka, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Manatee County, Sarasota County, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Collier County, Lee County, Clearwater, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Wellington, Jupiter, Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, southern Georgia, Savannah, Georgia, parts of the Caribbean, the Bahamas; visibility extends beyond Florida to Georgia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4: Launch + 210 seconds, which includes booster separation, Tallahassee, parts of the Big Bend area of Florida; visibility extends beyond Florida to Georgia, the coast of South Carolina, parts of the coast of North Carolina 5: Launch + 270 seconds, ULA Atlas V rocket launch visibility extends beyond Florida to these other states and cities: Georgia ; the coast; Savannah, Georgia; Brunswick, Georgia; Springfield, Georgia South Carolina ; the coast; Hilton Head, South Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina North Carolina; the coast; Wilmington, North Carolina 6: Launch + 330 seconds, ULA Atlas V rocket launch visibility extends beyond Florida to these areas: Bermuda the Caribbean 7: Launch + 390 seconds, visibility of Atlas V rocket may be possible in these locations: Bermuda the Caribbean Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The above guidelines are estimates based on the graphic provided by ULA. Photos of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket in Cape Canaveral, Florida How to watch Viasat rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. What time does ULA Atlas V liftoff? When and where: Full coverage of the launch, including a live webcast with live tweets and updates, kicks off two hours before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space (you can type this on your browser on your phone) and will feature in-depth coverage. Ask our FLORIDA TODAY space team reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards questions and strike up a conversation. You also can watch coverage via the FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play. You can download the free app for iPhone or Android or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser. FLORIDA TODAY is part of the USA TODAY Network. For the latest news and launch schedule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida rocket launch visibility map includes these cities and states Fatal car accident investigations always present challenges, but the Halloween night crash that killed three teens and left a fourth fighting for his life has presented unique hurdles, according to Warrington Police Chief Daniel Friel. The Oct. 31 fatal accident happened at night, and over a holiday weekend. None of the teenage victims were carrying identification, and the lone survivor wasnt able to provide police any names. Add in language barriers and cultural differences that further complicated police efforts to confirm identities and conduct family notifications, Friel said. Three teenagers are dead and a fourth very critically injured in a two car accident along Bristol Road in Warrington on Oct. 31, 2025. The victims and their families immigrated to the United States from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in Central Asia, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accurate identification and timely family notification are both critical, and achieving them under these circumstances was challenging, to say the least, he added. As of Monday, unanswered questions remain including the circumstances surrounding the two-car crash in the 2600 block of Bristol Road. Police anticipate the investigation into the fatal crash will be an extended one. What police believe is the teens were traveling east on Bristol Road around 9:30 p.m. when the 15-year-old unlicensed driver lost control of the car and struck a Ford Explorer traveling in the westbound lane. The Explorers driver was not injured. Friel did not provide an update Monday on the condition of the youngest victim, a 14-year-old boy who was in the rear seat of the Camry. He remains hospitalized in Philadelphia. His name has not been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third victim was identified as living in Philadelphia, but Friel did not say if it was the survior or a 16-year-old who died. Warrington Police have only released the name of one victim, 18-year-old Aziz Umidovich Amonov, of the Trevose section of Feasterville, who was identified on Saturday. He was the front-seat passenger and was a senior at Neshaminy High School in Middletown. Friel later confirmed the name of 15-year-old Elkhan Saparbekov, a Neshaminy High School freshman after a Go-Fund-Me campaign for his family appeared on Saturday. As of Monday, Friel said the name he had for the 16-year-old victim did not match the name of Kozyrev Artem, whose name listed as a Bristol Road accident victim in a Go-Fund-Me campaign collecting money for funeral expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its possible we have a different variation, Friel said. I dont know. We are working on that and understand that sometimes families give different variations of the names. The Bucks County Coroners Office, though, confirmed on Monday that it handled the autopsy for Kozyrev Artem, who officials said was 17 and lived in the Croydon section of Bristol Township. The Bucks County Coroner office confirmed the names and dates of birth of Amonov and Artem with the parents using their passports, First Deputy Coroner Scott Croop said. He added that the passports of the victims included multiple names, which is a common practice in the familys native countries. Amonov and Artem died of blunt impact trauma, and their deaths have been ruled as accidental, Croop said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saparbekov also died of blunt impact trauma and his death was ruled accidental, Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Janine Darby said on Monday. Saparbekov died at Abington-Jefferson Hospital. Go-Fund-Me campaigns have been created for the families to help with funeral expenses for Elkhan Saparbekov, Kozyrev Artem and Aziz Umidovich Amonov. The family of Elkhan Saparbekov plans to transport his body to his native Kyrgyzstan for burial, his cousin Azamat Sharshenov, posted in an update on the Go-Fund-Me page. Messages left with the campaign organizers were not returned as of Monday. Anyone who witnessed this accident are asked to call officer Warrington Police Officer James Umile: 215-343-3311 ext.220 or jumile@warringtonpd.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Bucks County News Morrisville schools could close in January without a PA budget passed soon: District Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Warrington police face challenges in Halloween accident investigation According to EFE, dozens of workers from the companies carrying out the works at Camp Nou have protested today in front of the stadium due to violations of their labor rights and the potential dismissal of 50 colleagues. The protest was organized by CCOO. The union claims that the companies Ekstreme Works and Limak "intend to return the workers to their country without any guarantees" and that these workers "do not have papers." Ens concentrem davant del Camp Nou per denunciar lexplotacio laboral i la vulneracio de drets de les persones treballadores que nestan fent les obres pic.twitter.com/Q6C9y8wXUf CCOO de Catalunya (@ccoocatalunya) November 4, 2025 "They are working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, and some have been doing so for over a year," stated Carlos del Barrio, the head of Trade Union Action of CCOO del Habitat in Catalonia, to EFE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CCOO is asking for these workers to be registered with Social Security, for their wages to be regularized, and for the government to regulate their situation in an extraordinary manner. The union believes that FC Barcelona has "turned a deaf ear" to the situation. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here. JOSEP LAGO - AFP or licensors For most British tourists, the holiday tipple is an established tradition. After all, doesnt the stuff just taste better when youre feeling footloose and fancy-free? While drinking abroad is never entirely risk-free, most of us are more than sensible enough to avoid the obvious pitfalls, particularly if youre heading to a country whose laws differ from what were used to. On the other hand, even countries typically regarded as booze-friendly have been known to tighten their laws around things that may catch the typical drinker off-guard. Just look to Spain the single most popular getaway for Britons which wants to expand its drink-driving rules to cover anyone travelling on a bicycle or e-scooter, rather than just motorists. Whats more, the proposed new limit (0.1mg per litre on a breath test) means that even a single cerveza could put you over the limit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, it isnt just the Spanish who have surprisingly strict laws. Here are some other local laws that may cause problems if you want to let your hair down during your next holiday. Hungary, Czechia, Romania and Slovakia: no alcohol for drivers Most of us would never even contemplate driving after drinking more than a shandy, whether at home or on holiday. But did you know that four countries in the EU (Hungary, Czechia, Romania and Slovakia) demand that you have zero alcohol in your system when getting behind the wheel, meaning that getting stopped after a single drink would see you fall foul of the law? Enjoy drinks at a rooftop bar in Budapest, just dont get behind the wheel afterwards - Alexandr Spatari Admittedly, minor offenders are unlikely to be tossed in jail, but that doesnt mean youll get off scot-free either. In Romania, even the slightest recording of alcohol in your blood could see you fined 200 and a higher reading could mean a custodial sentence of up to five years. Ireland: no drinking on the train Planning a train trip to Ireland? If so, its worth noting that the country currently bans any consumption of alcohol on board its railway network. Anyone caught enjoying gin-in-a-tin, for example, risks being saddled with a fixed penalty notice of 100. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only exception is the popular, cross-border Belfast-Dublin service, where you are allowed to consume alcohol bought on board, but not anything you brought with you. At present theres no sign of Ireland following the example of Scotland, whose railway company, ScotRail, just ended its long alcohol ban earlier this year but we live in hope. Sweden: no strong alcohol in supermarkets In Sweden, all alcohol above 3.5% is sold at state-run Systembolaget - Getty Admittedly, this one isnt likely to get you into trouble (unless youre planning on opening a pop-up grocery store in Stockholm), but its worth knowing. In Sweden, its illegal for retailers to sell alcohol stronger than 3.5%. That means anyone wanting wine or spirits has to make a trip to Systembolaget: the austere, state-run alcohol monopoly that has a claim to being the second most iconic Swedish retailer after Ikea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing I will say in favour of the system is that it has led to a massively expanded range of lower-alcohol (e.g. 3%) beers available in supermarkets. Good news if, like me, you are partial to mid-strength lagers and IPAs. Norway: no drinking in public Norway is considered the most conservative of the Scandinavian countries, particularly when it comes to vices. For example, the Norwegian criminal code has long made it an offence for anyone to consume alcohol in public. While bars and restaurants can be exempt for their outdoor tables, its not uncommon to see the police handing out on-the-spot fines to those caught letting their hair down in parks and other outdoor spaces. Even worse, it could end up leaving a significant hole in your pocket: some of those caught breaking the countrys Alcohol Act have been fined more than 300. Turkey: no drinking in public Given its strongly Islamic identity, you may not be surprised to hear that Turkey also has a ban on drinking alcohol in public. While that is unlikely to pose a problem on a Marmaris beach resort, it could pose more of a headache if youre heading to the glorious mega-city of Istanbul, where authorities have been getting stricter in recent years. Be careful about beers on the beach in Turkey, unless youre at a private resort - pixdeluxe Davut Gul, Istanbuls conservative governor, has repeatedly championed the alcohol ban, reminding tourists and locals that alcohol consumption is prohibited in parks, picnic and recreation areas. Anyone caught disturbing the environment (as the local law puts it) by enjoying a beer, which are freely sold in Turkey, can be fined around 20. USA: open container laws Anyone who has travelled around the US will know full well that the supposed Land of the Free has some of the worlds strictest and weirdest rules when it comes to alcohol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most notorious restriction is the longstanding open container law, which means that carrying alcohol outside risks an instant fine, whether or not you were actually drinking it. While the law is intended to stop vagrancy, its enforcement can be pretty questionable: visit the party city of Nashville and youll often see police officers patrolling Broadway looking to issue fines to anyone who mistakenly tries to carry a beer from one bar to the next. In the vast majority of states (44 out of 50) the law also applies to anyone travelling in a car, regardless of whether you are driving, and where in the vehicle the open container is (ie in the boot). In some cases, the fines can be hefty: in Connecticut, enjoying a beer in the passenger seat of your friends car could land you with a fine of $500 (380). UAE: illegal to be drunk in public The tourism-hungry emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are generally known for their moderate alcohol laws at least by the standards of the wider Middle East. But while the UAEs biggest cities are happy for visitors to enjoy themselves in private, they take a notoriously strict approach to public drunkenness. Anyone caught under the influence could be slapped with a 1,000 fine and deported. Of course, like a lot of things in the UAE, the reality often depends on the context. Catching the metro home after a long brunch in Jumeirah Beach? Keep yourself to yourself and youll almost certainly be fine. But cause any kind of disturbance and you could well end up on the next flight home. Thailand: no drinking after 2pm In one of the strangest recent crackdowns, Thailand has just mandated that alcohol sales will only be allowed between 11am and 2pm, and then again from 5pm until midnight. Naturally, the arbitrary rules havent gone down brilliantly with hospitality businesses, some of whom are already pleading with lawmakers to reconsider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, Thai authorities seem unmoved. Theyve even pre-emptively told bars not to try to get around the rules by giving customers the option to pay for their alcohol earlier than 2pm, thus circumventing the restrictions. According to some reports, anyone caught breaking the rules can be fined around 230. Australia: booze restrictions on busy holidays As a rule of thumb, our cousins Down Under tend to enjoy a cold beer as much as we do. But there are some limits to their tolerance. In recent years, police chiefs have shown a habit of declaring beaches and other public areas to be alcohol-free zones, particularly when it comes to Australia Day (January 26). Australia has imposed regulations on occasion days - The Good Brigade/Digital Vision In the past, councils across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have all declared beaches to be off-limits to drinkers, with police having the power to fine rule-breakers up to 1,000. Rules will vary from one place and one year to the next, but it clearly pays to be prepared if youre heading there any time soon. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Update: 4 p.m. 11/5/2025 CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) Just a few days after United Way of Champaign County challenged the community to match them with a $20,000 donation to help support food access, the nonprofit announced they reached that goal. Champaign restaurant raises almost $12K and counting to feed families Because of your incredible generosity, families across Champaign County will have access to the food they need through our trusted partners: Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County, Feeding Our Kids, Centennial High School Pantry, and Tiger Market at Urbana High School, United Way of Champaign County wrote in a post on Facebook. We are so grateful to live in a community that steps up for one another again and again. Every gift, every share, and every act of kindness made this possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The donation link will remain open until Friday. Each dollar raised will go directly to local food banks and pantries. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) Restaurants and organizations across Central Illinois have worked to help feed those in need during the government shutdown. And in Champaign County, United Way is stepping up with a big donation. United Way of Champaign County has finished this seasons Farmers Feeding Families Harvest and will be investing $20,000 from the harvest to help feed local families. This year, however, theyre asking the community to match that amount. Danville church partners with grocery store to alleviate SNAP concerns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United Ways contribution will be distributed to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County, Feeding Our Kids, Centennial High School Pantry and Tiger Market at Urbana High School. Theyre hoping that if the community matches that donation dollar for dollar theyll double the impact and help keep food on the table for families. Sue Grey, President and CEO of United Way, said 100% of the donations will go to local food banks and pantries, even after SNAP benefits are restored. $20,000 for 20,000 people. Thats our goal, Grey said. This isnt about us. Its about standing with our neighbors and doing whats right, right now. Were a trusted community partner, and together, we can make sure no one goes hungry. United Way of Champaign County said about 9,500 households in the county rely on SNAP benefits to afford groceries. This translates to nearly 20,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre interested in donating, click here or visit United Ways website. 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 WCIA.com. By Raphael Satter WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The University of Pennsylvania says it has called in the Federal Bureau of Investigation after offensive emails were distributed to alumni. In a statement, the university said that a data breach had affected "select information systems." "We are working with law enforcement as well as other third-party technical resources to address this as rapidly as possible," the university said Monday. The FBI did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An email sent to University of Pennsylvania alumni on Friday and reviewed by Reuters showed that someone masquerading as the university slammed the institution as being "elitist," "woke," and "completely unmeritocratic" and used other, cruder language to describe its staff and students. The cybersecurity focused website Bleeping Computer quoted an unnamed individual or entity that they identified as the hacker as saying that the breach exposed data on 1.2 million University of Pennsylvania donors. Reuters could not independently confirm the claim or identify the hacker or hackers involved. Institutions of higher education have long been tempting targets for spies and cybercriminals alike. A series of universities have recently been hit by breaches claimed by a Hitler-supporting hacker, including a breach at Columbia University which ultimately resulted in the leak of details about New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's college application. (Reporting by Raphael Satter; editing by Chris Sanders) As the 2025 U.S. government shutdown wore on in late 2025 over budget disagreements, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it would freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, the country's biggest food aid initiative, also known as food stamps. Federal judges ordered U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to use government contingency funds to keep SNAP functioning. On Nov. 3, the Trump administration said it would partially fund SNAP but the process could take months. Per a New York Times report, the federal government had billions of dollars at its disposal to continue funding food stamps for the 42 million low-income people who rely on them. Before the administration said it would partially fund SNAP, Vice President JD Vance insisted to news reporters that there was little the White House could do amid the government shutdown: "The American people are already suffering, and the suffering is going to get a lot worse," he said. Many online claimed Vance himself benefited from food stamps as a child, and accused him of hypocrisy, while other posts claimed members of his family benefited from food assistance programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One post stated, "JD Vance's family was on food assistance when he was growing up, but he doesn't think your family deserves that safety net." Another shared (archived) a video with the caption: "JD Vance on his way to cut the same SNAP benefits he relied on as a child." (Facebook user "The Lincoln Project") Vance himself said in speeches and in his writing that members of his family relied on various forms of government assistance, including food assistance. He did not specify the kinds of assistance and the length of time they relied on it. In his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," he admitted to indirectly benefiting from government assistance through his grandmother. He also criticized low-income people for misusing the food stamp system. We cannot definitively confirm whether Vance benefited from food stamps directly as a child. A member of the vice president's staff declined to respond to our queries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes looked closely at Vance's statements and writings over the years. During an October 2024 vice presidential debate ahead of the November elections, Vance stated that his mother and other members of his family benefited from government assistance, though he did not say whether he also received such assistance: I was raised in a working class family. My mother required food assistance for periods of her life. My grandmother required Social Security help to raise me. And she raised me in part because my own mother struggled with addiction for a big chunk of my early life. I went to college on the GI bill after I enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in Iraq. In Vance's 2016 memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" he wrote critically about recipients of food assistance, while describing his own upbringing as "middle class." In describing his grandparents' town, he wrote, "Jackson [Kentucky] is undoubtedly full of the nicest people in the world [...] Its people are hardworking, except of course for the many food stamp recipients who show little interest in honest work" (pg. 42). He frequently described witnessing what he called "misuse" of the food stamp system, but never disclosed if he was also a recipient: "One of our neighbors was a lifetime welfare recipient, but between asking my grandmother to borrow her car or offering to trade food stamps for cash at a premium, she'd blather on about industriousness" (pg. 103). He wrote about working as a cashier at a grocery store: I also learned how people gamed the welfare system. They'd buy two dozen packs of soda with food stamps and then sell them at a discount for cash. They'd ring up their orders separately, buying food with food stamps, and beer, wine and cigarettes with cash. They'd regularly go through the checkout line, speaking on their cell phones. I could never understand why our lives felt like a struggle while those living off of government largesse enjoyed trinkets that I only dreamed about. (pg. 237-238) Notably, Vance placed himself in contrast to the people "living off government largesse." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a September 2016 interview with CSPAN, while promoting his book, he also described how the above scenario bred "resentment" among neighbors who witnessed such misuse and against the government. Later in the book, Vance admitted that he indirectly benefited from government support given to his grandmother: "I never went hungry, thanks at least in part to the old-age benefits that Mamaw generously shared with me" (pg. 412). He emphasized his conservative beliefs, while acknowledging that food assistance and other government programs helped: I am a conservative, one who doubts that the 1960s approach to welfare has made it easier for our country's poor children to achieve their dreams. But those of us on the Right are deluding ourselves if we fail to acknowledge that it did accomplish something else: it prevented a lot of suffering, and made it possible for people like Mamaw [his grandmother] to access food and medicine when they were too poor, too old, or too sick to buy it themselves. This ain't nothing. (pg. 437) In sum, Vance hasn't openly acknowledged directly receiving food assistance himself, though he says members of his family, including his mother and his grandmother (through old-age benefits), did receive government help. His office did not comment on the exact nature of the assistance, nor whether he was a recipient himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have previously covered rumors around Vance's tumultuous childhood, including the true incident in which his grandmother set his grandfather on fire, and the false claim that his memoir included a story of Vance having sex with a couch. Sources: Deng, Rae. "Yes, JD Vance Said His Grandmother Set His Grandfather on Fire." Snopes, 30 Jan. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/vance-grandparents-fire/. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. "Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Pay SNAP Benefits out of Contingency Fund." NBC News, 31 Oct. 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/federal-judge-orders-trump-administration-pay-snap-benefits-contingenc-rcna241187. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. "Food Stamps | Video." C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/clip/qa/food-stamps/5124385. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liles, Jordan. "No, 1st Edition of JD Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' Doesn't Mention Couch Cushion 'Eroticism.'" Snopes, 26 Jul. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/jd-vance-hillbilly-elegy-first-edition-couch-erotica/. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. "Read the Full VP Debate Transcript from the Walz-Vance Showdown." CBS News. 2 Oct. 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/full-vp-debate-transcript-walz-vance-2024/. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. Romm, Tony. "Food Stamp Cuts Expose Trump's Strategy to Use Shutdown to Advance Agenda." The New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/02/us/politics/trump-strategy-food-stamps.html. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. "Trump Administration Faces Monday Deadline on Use of Contingency Funds for SNAP." NPR, 3 Nov. 2025. National. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2025/11/03/g-s1-96296/trump-deadline-contingency-funds-snap. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Administration Must Pay Snap Food Benefits, US Judges Say. 2 Nov. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr433x9zqq4o. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. Vance, J. D. Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. HarperCollins, 2016. Google Books. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A man convicted of a crime involving a child hasnt registered with Franklin Countys sex offender registration and notification system, and now the U.S. Marshals Service is searching for him. William Robison was previously convicted of a sex offense and required to register his address, but he hasnt. According to court records, Robison was convicted of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Investigators said he was released from prison in January of last year, and they now have no idea where hes living. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 43-year-old is wanted by multiple agencies, including the Ohio Adult Parole Authority for a parole violation and the Franklin County Sheriffs Office for failing to register as a sex offender. Those agencies are part of the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team. One of the teams current goals is to find Robison. Instead of each of those agencies going out looking for him separately, theyre able to turn this case over to us and we can go find him, locate him, and get him to them so they can identify whats going on with him, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio Michael Black said. Without a listed address, Robison is considered homeless, though authorities said that may not actually be the case. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service. To submit an anonymous tip, click here for the Marshals Service online tip page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Residents of Mulund have decided to file an intervention petition against the BMCs decision to designate Mulund Airoli Octroi Naka as a pigeon feeding spot. The Bombay High Court is set to hear the case against kabutarkhanas in December. Last week, the BMC identified four locations for controlled pigeon feeding, with the octroi naka being one of them. The site is located near the Thane Creek, between Airoli and Nahur. The state government had declared a 17-square-kilometre area of Thane Creek as Flamingo Park in 2015. Although the pigeon feeding site does not fall within the sanctuary, it is adjacent to it. Environmental activist Stalin D expressed concerns over the proximity of the proposed site to the Flamingo Sanctuary and the mangrove forests. The proposed site is not part of the Flamingo Sanctuary, but it is adjoining the area. This spot is near the mangroves, which host a variety of migratory birds, including flamingos, and support rich biodiversity. A sudden rise in the number of pigeons can harm local biodiversity, he said. We have decided to file an intervention petition against the BMC decision. We dont know why everyone is saying that pigeons are harmful to humans, but the BMC is creating new pigeon feeding spots, said advocate Sagar Devre, a resident of Mulund. The new pigeon feeding spot could be a threat to migratory birds, including flamingos. Pigeons are urban birds, and they carry many kinds of zoonotic diseases infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans, said Adesh Shivkar, founder of the Mumbai Bird Watcher Club. If suddenly people start feeding pigeons in the [proposed] area, it may cause a rise in the number of pigeons. These pigeons can come into contact with other wild and migrant birds, which can result in the transmission of diseases to these wild birds, Shivkar added. Achintya Pingle, another resident of Mulund, warned against risk of traffic problems in the area if the decision to create a pigeon feeding spot comes to fruition. There is already significant traffic congestion here. If a pigeon feeding spot starts here, citizens and motorists will face inconvenience, and it could increase the risk of accidents, said. Amol Gupte, a third resident, said, Those who wish to feed pigeons should keep pigeons at home. Pigeon droppings cause respiratory problems. Also, this area is around Thane Creek, where many migrant birds come. Pigeons can create problems for them as well. The residents and environmentalists fear that the pigeon feeding could disrupt the delicate ecological balance of the area, potentially affecting the migratory patterns of birds and the health of the mangrove ecosystem. The upcoming court hearing is expected to address these concerns and evaluate the implications of the BMCs decision on the local environment. According to the records, around 205 migratory birds visit this area, including lesser flamingos, greater flamingos, pied avocets, painted storks, and spot-billed ducks. By Doyinsola Oladipo and David Shepardson NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Airport security screeners working without pay during the U.S. government shutdown are in a stronger financial position than they were during the last prolonged closure in 2019, thanks to improvements in pay and benefits. Airport delays have begun to worsen as they did during Donald Trump's first presidential term, but higher pay and better working conditions could keep Transportation Security Administration workers in their jobs longer during the current shutdown. Even though TSA workers have not been paid for a month, there is less of a threat that lengthy travel delays will pressure lawmakers to end the shutdown this time around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, former President Joe Biden's administration expanded workplace rights, pay, and other benefits for TSA workers to mirror those of other federal employees. In 2023, their pay was boosted as much as 31%. Pay for the average TSA screener shot up to $61,840 in 2024 from $42,310 in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. During that shutdown, some screeners opted for comparable wages in the fast-food, construction and other industries. "A lot of people just said the hell with it and quit and went and got other jobs. People are more invested in the job now because of the pay, said Neal Gosman, treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 899 in Minnesota. DELAYS START TO INCREASE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Day 31 of the 2019 shutdown, 10% of TSA workers called in sick - triple the normal absence rate. While there is no similar data this time around, security wait times are rising, causing issues at various airports. On Sunday, travelers waited in line close to an hour on average at New York's LaGuardia and JFK airports as well as in San Diego. Houston's airport has reported more than three-hour lines at times with people stretching outside onto the sidewalk. Previously, TSA officers were excluded from civil service protections, with lower wages and limited workplace rights. We were sort of second-class employees, Gosman said, adding poor compensation increased turnover rates in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While I'm casually looking at going back to the private sector, my salary and a tough job market makes it hard to leave," Tyler Ditmar, an officer based in Ohio, told Reuters. In 2023, then-TSA administrator David Pekoske said the pay raise played a major role in retention and recruitment at the agency, with a 30% increase in the applications for all positions at TSA. The agency has seen notable improvements in workforce stability. TSA's overall attrition rate fell from 15.7% in 2022 to 11.5% in 2023, and currently stands at 7.8% for 2024. A 30-year-old officer based at New York's LaGuardia Airport told Reuters in October that she saw her annual salary jump in 2023 from $50,000 to about $60,000 before locality-based pay. She said she hasn't noticed an uptick in officers quitting their jobs since the shutdown began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Not from my airport, there are not a lot. From what I know," she said. The TSA did not respond to a request for comment. "I am reporting to work every day knowing Ill eventually get paid. Where I work, everyone to this point is also reporting to work for now and I dont hear any talk of that changing," said a Florida-based officer named Frank, who declined to provide his last name. Recruitment has surged. As of July 1, TSA received 328,590 applications for fiscal year 2024 ending that September, surpassing its typical average of under 300,000. Hiring events have drawn record interest for officer roles, federal air marshals, and other positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a long history at TSA of not trusting the administration to look out for our best interests. The last couple of years is an exception, Gosman said, noting that the raises and other improvements under Biden "boosted our morale." (Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York and David Shepardson in Washington; editing by Chris Sanders and David Gregorio) By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday cleared the way for Florida to enforce a law restricting real estate and land purchases by Chinese citizens, rejecting claims it violates federal law and discriminates against Asians. The 2-1 ruling by the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals could encourage other states to adopt so-called alien land laws, which were once common but fell out of favor a century ago. Lawmakers in more than 30 states have passed or introduced bills restricting foreign property ownership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 11th Circuit said four Chinese citizens represented by the American Civil Liberties Union lacked legal standing to sue over Florida's 2023 law because it only applies to people "domiciled" in China, and they have lived in Florida for years. The court also rejected claims that provisions of the law requiring Chinese citizens to register their properties with the state conflict with a federal law governing foreign investments and were improperly motivated by racism against Chinese people and Asians. "National, individual, land, and food security concerns motivated (the law's) enactment," Circuit Judge Robert Luck wrote for the court. The office of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a Republican, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACLU attorney Ashley Gorski said in a statement: "Although today's decision is disappointing, we'll continue to fight laws like these that blatantly target immigrants based on their national origin and ethnicity." A different 11th Circuit panel last year had blocked Florida's law from being enforced pending the outcome of the appeal. The law prohibits individuals who are "domiciled" in China and are not U.S. citizens or green card holders from purchasing real estate or land in Florida. It allows non-tourist visa holders and asylum recipients to purchase a single residential property as big as two acres that is at least five miles (8 km) from any military installation. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis said when he signed the law in 2023 that it would help protect Americans from the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luck was joined on Tuesday by Circuit Judge Barbara Lagoa, a fellow appointee of Republican President Donald Trump. Both judges previously served on the Florida Supreme Court and had been appointed to that court by DeSantis. Circuit Judge Charles Wilson dissented, saying the regulation of foreign investment is "a quintessentially federal arena" and Florida's law was preempted by federal law. Wilson is an appointee of Democratic former President Bill Clinton. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Paul Simao) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration asked a U.S. appeals court on Monday to reject Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico's bid to halt an order forcing them to unwind a venture that lets the carriers coordinate scheduling, pricing and capacity for U.S.Mexico flights. The airlines are seeking to have waived a January 1 deadline to end their venture as ordered by the Department of Transportation, so that the court can have time to conduct a review and issue a full opinion. The order was issued in September, as part of several actions aimed at Mexican aviation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a filing by the Departments of Transportation and Justice, the government called the venture "legalized collusion" that controls "almost 60% of operations at the fourth-largest international gateway to and from the United States," citing Mexico City flights. Aeromexico has told the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals it would face substantial costs it could not recover even if a court later upheld the arrangement. Delta has also made a similar claim. The government said the airlines' claims "of irreparable injury are overblown. And the public interest favors restoring full and fair competition between Delta and Aeromexico themselves and among them and their competitors." The airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the government filing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delta, which has a 20% stake in Aeromexico, has also argued that the government is holding the joint venture to a stricter standard than other ventures including United Airlines and ANA. The government has said anticipated problems from the venture include higher fares in some markets, reduced capacity and challenges for U.S. carriers due to inadequate competition. In separate actions last week, the Trump administration revoked approval for 13 routes by Mexican carriers into the United States and canceled all combined passenger and cargo flights by Mexican airlines to the United States from Mexico City's Felipe Angeles International Airport. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Mexico "illegally canceled and froze U.S. carrier flights for three years without consequences." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said last week she disagrees with the U.S. decision to revoke approval of the 13 routes. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's clampdown on the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau earlier this year has compounded IT security lapses at the agency through the cancellation of contracts, according to an audit report released on Monday. The information security program at CFPB -- which maintains sensitive and confidential data from investigations, the oversight of companies and complaints received from members of the public -- is "not effective," according to the Office of Inspector General, which also covers the Federal Reserve. Representatives of the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, in a response to the report, CFPB management accepted its findings and proposed solutions which the report said would be adequate if implemented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claiming the CFPB under previous administrations engaged in politicized enforcement and exceeded its legal authorities, the Trump White House has sought to shrink the agency drastically - proposing to cut the workforce by up to 90% - with top officials, including Trump and acting Director Russell Vought calling for its outright elimination. The findings say the agency's data remains vulnerable nine months after the White House took control of the agency and ordered a halt to all activities while granting representatives of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency access to sensitive systems. Democrats and worker unions at the time expressed concern for data security and the privacy of information held by the agency. According to the report, the CFPB had not documented cybersecurity risks or maintained authorizations for many systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This issue has been compounded by the loss of contractor resources supporting information security continuous monitoring and testing activities and the departure of agency personnel," it said. This left the CFPB "unable to maintain an effective level of awareness" of its vulnerabilities, the report said, in particular noting contract cancellations and staff departures since February. In a management response, the CFPB said it accepted all six of the auditors' recommendations, which included defining risk management roles and responsibilities; developing and maintaining cybersecurity registers and profiles; and performing reviews and monitoring risks and threats. (Reporting by Douglas Gillison in Washington; Editing by Aurora Ellis) The State Department on Monday officially updated its designation for Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for its alleged severe violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians. The CPC label is given by the U.S. government to nations "engaged in severe violations of religious freedom" under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. The designation is largely symbolic, but U.S. law states that governments must "take targeted responses to violations of religious freedom." Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: President Donald Trump gestures while walking across the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Washington, after returning from a trip to Florida. The move comes after President Donald Trump accused the Nigerian government of not doing enough to protect Christians from violence. He also instructed the Pentagon on Saturday to prepare for possible action in Nigeria and threatened to cut U.S. aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The secretary of state is responsible for deeming a country a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC). Other countries designated as CPCs include Burma, the Peoples Republic of China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Trump previously designated Nigeria as a CPC in December 2020 during his first term in office, but that designation was reversed the following year under the Biden administration. Biden Secretary of State Antony Blinken removed Nigeria from the CPC designation list in November 2021 after assessing it did not meet the criteria a formal designation of concern regarding "systematic, ongoing, and egregious" violations of religious freedom. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom blasted the move at the time and said the decision to remove Nigeria from the special designation was "unexplainable" and appalling. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attend a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, October 9, 2025. According to the State Department, the International Religious Freedom Act requires an annual review of the status of religious freedom worldwide and the designation of countries that have engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom during the reporting period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IRFA defines particularly severe violations of religious freedom as "systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom, including violations such as torture, degrading treatment or punishment, prolonged detention without charges, abduction or clandestine detention, or other flagrant denial of the right to life, liberty, or the security of persons," according to the State Department. After a country has been designated a CPC by the secretary of state, Congress is then notified, and where non-economic policy options designed to bring about cessation of the particularly severe violations of religious freedom have reasonably been exhausted, an economic measure generally must be imposed, the State Department states. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio listens as President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 27, 2025. Congress will investigate Trump called on Rep. Riley Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, to lead an investigation into the alleged slaughtering of Christians in Nigeria. Moore has been a vocal advocate for Christians in Africa. Last month, he called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to designate Nigeria as a country of particular concern. Moore applauded Trump's move over the weekend and said he and House Appropriations Committee chairman Tom Cole, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee would investigate the alleged religious persecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas introduced a bill calling for sanctions against Nigeria for purported violations of religious freedom and to designate Nigeria as a CPC. In March 2025, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing to discuss "Conflict and Persecution in Nigeria" and the case for designating Nigeria a CPC. According to Moore's office, more than 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone -- an average of 35 per day -- with hundreds more kidnapped, tortured, or displaced by extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS West Africa, and the Fulani militants. According to Moore's office, reports indicate that between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians have been killed and more than 19,000 Christian churches have been attacked or destroyed since 2009. Data from Open Doors indicate that more Christians are killed every year in Nigeria than the rest of the world combined. But those numbers have been widely disputed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extremist violence in the country "affects large numbers of Christians and Muslims in several states across Nigeria," the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom found in 2024. Experts say both Christians and Muslims -- the two main religious groups in the country of more than 230 million people -- have been victims of attacks by radical Islamists. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also pushed back against Trump's and other lawmakers' claims, writing "The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians." Trump threatens to halt U.S. aid The U.S. committed approximately $1.02 billion in aid to Nigeria for fiscal year 2023, according to U.S. government figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slightly less aid was reported for FY2024 at $902.9 million. And even less in foreign aid to Nigeria is projected for FY2025 -- roughly $550 million has been obligated for the year, though the data is incomplete. It's unclear how much aid Trump is considering cutting. Despite the shuttering of the U.S. Agency for International Development and cuts to all U.S. foreign aid, the U.S. government announced a contribution of $32.5 million to Nigeria in September 2025 that would "provide food assistance and nutrition support to internally displaced persons across conflict-affected areas," according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria. Trump gets celebrity endorsement Rapper Nicki Minaj thanked Trump for his tweet addressing persecution of Christians in Nigeria over the weekend. Minaj is not Nigerian; she is Trinidadian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion," Minaj said on X. "We dont have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other. Numerous countries all around the world are being affected by this horror & its dangerous to pretend we dont notice. Thank you to The President & his team for taking this seriously. God bless every persecuted Christian. Lets remember to lift them up in prayer." U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz thanked Minaj for "using your platform to speak out in defense of the Christians being persecuted in Nigeria." He also invited her to talk more in depth about what the administration is doing to protect Christians around the world. "We cannot allow this to continue," Waltz added. "Every brother and sister of Christ must band together and say, 'Enough!'" The Trump administration does not intend to send a high-level delegation to the COP30 climate summit or possibly any delegation at all. But that doesnt mean the countrys influence wont be felt at the talks. As nations prepare to gather in Belem, Brazil, for the negotiations, which begin on Thursday with the leaders summit, the US is set to play the part of the elephant in the room. Even operating from afar, the US could have the power to blow up a deal in Belem. The Trump administration has recently taken aggressive stances to try to influence other countries climate policies, mainly by threatening hostile trade measures. The US has estranged itself from official international climate negotiation processes while simultaneously exerting pressure on trading partners to water down or reject climate commitments. This paradox could have an impact on COP30, experts tell CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not known whether the US will simply ignore COP or try to intervene to secure preferred outcomes. The administration has publicly criticized the COP process and stated it does not plan to participate. President Trump will not jeopardize our countrys economic and national security to pursue vague climate goals that are killing other countries, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told CNN. The US will not send any high-level representatives to COP30, Rogers said. The President is directly engaging with leaders around the world on energy issues, which you can see from the historic trade deals and peace deals that all have a significant focus on energy partnerships, she said. This practice of linking trade and climate so closely is an innovation of the Trump administration, said Kelly Sims Gallagher, dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University who worked on US climate negotiations with China for the Obama administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the absence of US leadership, she said that China, which is the worlds top emitter, may seek to assume more of a prominent, steering role at the talks. The European Union is also likely to take a strong role, though internal rifts have emerged within the EU regarding how aggressively to cut its own emissions. Weakening resolve Other countries have not followed the US out of the Paris Agreement, but the abrupt shifts in policy in Washington have affected the global mood. An administration that now heavily favors fossil fuels over renewables has reduced the incentives for other countries to submit ambitious plans for cutting emissions through 2035, experts said. These plans were supposed to be delivered by virtually every country in the world in the run up to COP30. However, only about 60 countries delivered theirs to the UN on time, and the actions they outline fall far short of achieving the temperature targets contained in the Paris Agreement. I think theres an undeniable fact, which is that with the US withdrawal for a second time, its definitely seeming to undermine ambition, Gallagher said. I think its just getting harder to make the case that global ambition is going to rise without pretty substantial engagement from the United States, she said. A chimney from the Linden Cogeneration Plant is seen in Linden, N.J. in April 2022. The United States is the second-largest contributor of CO2 emissions. - Kena Betancur/VIEWpress/Corbis/Getty Images And now, instead of constructive engagement or simply disengagement, America has demonstrated a trend toward behavior that undermines aggressive climate goals. This was the case last month at a meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which regulates pollution from the international shipping fleet, where US diplomats acted in concert with major oil-producing nations to scuttle what would have been the worlds first carbon tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The long-heralded proposal would have imposed a tax on carbon pollution from global shipping to encourage a switch to cleaner-burning fuels. Officials in Washington including President Donald Trump who released a scathing Truth Social post were involved in turning up the pressure on diplomats at that meeting. The US threatened to retaliate via trade measures against countries who voted in favor. Neither Gallagher nor other experts expect similarly disruptive behavior from the US during COP30, but they couldnt rule it out, either. However, Kaveh Guilanpour of the nonprofit Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, for one, thinks any US intervention would be less effective at COP30 than it was at the shipping meeting. The rest of the world continues to be committed to the Paris Agreement. Countries realize that it is ultimately in their long-term interest that the Paris Agreement succeeds, he said. The situation [with the global carbon tax] is very different from that of the Paris Agreement, he said. There was a very specific normative proposal under the IMO that the US pushed back against. Negotiations under the Paris Agreement, on the other hand, are largely over. It is now about implementing promises already made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite those differences, the IMO episode is an example of the US prioritizing its own trade interests over global interests to cut planet-warming pollution. Gallagher said its possible that the Trump administration will again seek to disrupt negotiations, from the sidelines of COP30. Only this time, the point of contention would likely be climate finance: Funding climate adaptation and renewable energy in the developing world is a big topic at COP30. Americas options for swaying the negotiations themselves, however, are ironically limited, she said, because of the Paris withdrawal and lack of attendance. Theres very little that the Trump administration could do in Brazil, Gallagher said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The draft has been sent to several United Nations Security Council members and seeks to establish a two-year mandate for the force, aiming for international troops to enter Gaza by January 2026. In a move signaling a new phase in international involvement in Gaza, the Trump administration has circulated a draft of a UN Security Council resolution proposing the establishment of a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) in the Gaza Strip, according to a document obtained by The Jerusalem Post. The proposal outlines the creation of a multinational stabilization force that would operate under a unified command, in close consultation and cooperation with Israel and Egypt. The ISF would work alongside a newly trained and vetted Palestinian police force to help secure border areas and stabilize Gazas security environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The forces mandate would include overseeing the demilitarization of the Gaza Stripa key Israeli demandthrough the destruction of terrorist and military infrastructure, preventing its reconstruction, and ensuring the permanent disarmament of non-state armed groups. Additionally, the ISF would be tasked with protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian operations, providing training and assistance to the Palestinian police, and coordinating with relevant countries to secure humanitarian corridors. The draft also allows for the ISF to undertake additional tasks as may be necessary to support a broader Comprehensive Plan for Gazas recovery. The proposed mission is intended to operate until the end of 2027, with any renewal or modification of its mandate requiring consultation with Israel, Egypt, and the Security Council. A Hamas terrorist stands during the search for the bodies of deceased hostages, kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, October 28, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Haseeb Alwazeer) A source familiar with the discussions told the Post that Washington intends to formally submit the resolution within days, with a vote possible as early as next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US wanted to move fast and see the force established before the end of the year, the source said, emphasizing that the administration views the ISF as a critical step in ensuring stability after months of conflict. Israeli officials, who have held talks with US counterparts over the proposal, reportedly view the draft as largely aligned with Israels positions. Chapter VII of the UN Charter Notably, the resolution does not invoke Chapter VII of the UN Charter, meaning the force would not have the same legal status as UNIFIL in Lebanon. It would therefore operate with a different mandate. Israel did not want such a precedent of allowing a UN "Blue Helmet force" to enter an area related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ISF would, however, have a clear mandate to enforce Gazas demilitarization, marking a departure from Arab states such as Egypt and Jordan, which had advocated for a peacekeeping rather than peace-enforcing mission. While diplomatic negotiations continue, the US-backed proposal marks the most significant international initiative yet aimed at stabilizing Gaza and shaping its post-war security landscape. By Bo Erickson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. government shutdown on Tuesday entered its 35th day, matching a record set during President Donald Trump's first term for the longest in history, as Republicans and Democrats in Congress continue to blame each other for the standoff. The toll increases by the day. Food assistance for the poor has been halted for the first time, federal workers from airports to law enforcement and the military are going unpaid and the economy is flying blind with limited government reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate has voted more than a dozen times against a House of Representatives-passed stopgap funding measure, and no lawmakers have changed their position. Trump's Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate but need votes from at least seven Democrats to meet the chamber's 60-vote threshold for most legislation. Democrats are withholding their votes to extract an extension of some healthcare insurance subsidies. "The victims of the Democrats shutdown are starting to pile up," Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Monday. "The question is how long are Democrats going to continue this. Another month? Two? Three?" His Democratic counterpart Chuck Schumer on Monday pointed out how Trump's attention has been focused elsewhere. "While Donald Trump is bragging about remodeling bathrooms at the White House, Americans are panicking about how they will afford healthcare next year," Schumer said, referring to a remodeling Trump unveiled on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A SHUTDOWN UNLIKE ITS PREDECESSORS The increasingly polarized Congress has made shutdowns and threats of them more common in recent decades. But the 15th shutdown since 1981 stands out not just for its length. It has inverted the normal partisan dynamic in which shutdowns have often been provoked by Republicans. In addition, little effort has been put into ending this latest shutdown. The House has been out of session since September 19 and Trump has repeatedly left Washington. "The political climate and the tensions that exist between the parties were so wide at the beginning of the shutdown, and even though bipartisan talks have continued through it, remain at this point still just as wide," said Rachel Snyderman, managing director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food assistance for approximately 42 million Americans in the SNAP program ran out on Saturday. Many families are now without the approximately $180 per month on average of food stamps. "What's happening right now is unprecedented and there is a lot of people probably afraid," said Jason Riggs, head of the Roadrunner Food Bank in New Mexico, standing alongside Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich. A portion of Head Start early learning programs for low-income children also face some closed doors as new funding was not available on November 1. Federal workers like law enforcement and members of the military are now missing paychecks, as are airport security screeners and air traffic controllers, resulting in staffing challenges and travel delays. More than 3.2 million U.S. air passengers have been hit by delays or cancellations since the shutdown began, an airline group said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Congressional Budget Office estimated the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy $11 billion if it lasts another week. No federal funding means limited government data for the U.S. Federal Reserve to pinpoint jobs and economic data as the central bank steers policy. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union of federal workers, is pushing for a stopgap funding measure that the Democrats have voted against. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TESTS SHUTDOWN BOUNDS During the shutdown, Trump has focused on foreign policy from Gaza to Russia to Asia. But recently he began digging in, calling for Republicans to abolish the Senate's 60-vote filibuster threshold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if he could broker a deal, Trump told CBS "60 Minutes" on Sunday: "I'm not gonna do it by being extorted by the Democrats who have lost their way." Recent Reuters/Ipsos polling suggests that Americans blame both parties in Congress for the shutdown, with 50% saying most of the blame goes to Republicans and 43% blaming Democrats. Three moderate Democratic senators have voted with Republicans to reopen government, arguing the immediate harm of the shutdown outweighs any long-term gains. Some Democrats say they are holding out for Republican concessions in part to reassert congressional funding powers in the face of Trump's executive overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The trust deficit has been there for a long time because of how Trump's acted," Senator Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat who has voted against the stopgap funding bills, said in a hallway interview, "This is a big part of the challenge that we have before us right now: any deal we get, how do know that a deal is going to be a deal?" (Reporting by Bo Erickson, additional reporting by Jason Lange; editing by Scott Malone and David Gregorio) By Bo Erickson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. government shutdown on Tuesday entered its 35th day, matching a record set during President Donald Trump's first term for the longest in history, as Republicans and Democrats in Congress continue to blame each other for the standoff. The toll increases by the day. Food assistance for the poor was halted for the first time, federal workers from airports to law enforcement and the military are going unpaid and the economy is flying blind with limited government reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate has voted more than a dozen times against a stopgap funding measure passed by the House of Representatives, and no lawmakers have changed their position. Trump's Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate but need votes from at least seven Democrats to meet the chamber's 60-vote threshold for most legislation. Democrats are withholding their votes to extract an extension of some healthcare insurance subsidies. "The victims of the Democrats shutdown are starting to pile up," Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Monday. "The question is how long are Democrats going to continue this. Another month? Two? Three?" His Democratic counterpart Chuck Schumer on Monday pointed out how Trump's attention has been focused elsewhere. "While Donald Trump is bragging about remodeling bathrooms at the White House, Americans are panicking about how they will afford healthcare next year," Schumer said, referring to a remodeling Trump unveiled on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, however, there was talk rippling through the Senate that closed-door conversations between the two parties might be making some progress. A SHUTDOWN UNLIKE ITS PREDECESSORS The 15th shutdown since 1981 stands out not just for its length. It has inverted the normal partisan dynamic in which shutdowns have often been provoked by Republicans. In addition, little effort has been put into ending this latest shutdown. The House has been out of session since September 19 and Trump has repeatedly left Washington. "The political climate and the tensions that exist between the parties were so wide at the beginning of the shutdown, and even though bipartisan talks have continued through it, remain at this point still just as wide," said Rachel Snyderman, managing director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food assistance for approximately 42 million Americans in the SNAP program ran out on Saturday. Many families are now without the approximately $180 per month on average of food stamps. The Trump administration on Monday said it would partially fund November food benefits but warned that it could take weeks or months for the aid to be distributed. A portion of Head Start early learning programs for low-income children also faces some closed doors as new funding was not available on November 1. Federal workers like law enforcement and members of the military are now missing paychecks, as are airport security screeners and air traffic controllers, resulting in staffing challenges and travel delays. More than 3.2 million U.S. air passengers have been hit by delays or cancellations since the shutdown began, an airline group said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Congressional Budget Office estimated the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy $11 billion if it lasts another week. No federal funding means limited government data for the U.S. Federal Reserve to pinpoint jobs and economic data as the central bank steers policy. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union of federal workers, is pushing for a stopgap funding measure that the Democrats have voted against. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TESTS SHUTDOWN BOUNDS During the shutdown, Trump has focused on foreign policy from Gaza to Russia to Asia. But recently he began digging in, calling for Republicans to abolish the Senate's 60-vote filibuster threshold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if he could broker a deal, Trump told CBS "60 Minutes" on Sunday: "I'm not gonna do it by being extorted by the Democrats who have lost their way." On Tuesday, he again urged Senate Republicans to act or risk losing next year's midterm elections. "Elections, including the Midterms, will be rightfully brutal. If we do terminate the Filibuster, we will get EVERYTHING approved... if we dont do it, they are far more likely to do well in the upcoming Elections," he wrote in a social media post. Thune repeatedly has rejected the idea. Recent Reuters/Ipsos polling suggests that Americans blame both parties in Congress for the shutdown, with 50% saying most of the blame goes to Republicans and 43% blaming Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three moderate Democratic senators have voted with Republicans to reopen government, arguing the immediate harm of the shutdown outweighs any long-term gains. Some Democrats say they are holding out for Republican concessions in part to reassert congressional funding powers in the face of Trump's executive overreach. "The trust deficit has been there for a long time because of how Trump's acted," Senator Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat who has voted against the stopgap funding bills, said in a hallway interview, "This is a big part of the challenge that we have before us right now: any deal we get, how do we know that a deal is going to be a deal?" (Reporting by Bo Erickson, additional reporting by Jason Lange and Susan Heavey; editing by Scott Malone, David Gregorio and Alistair Bell) By Raphael Satter WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Prosecutors said three American cybersecurity professionals secretly ran a ransomware operation aimed at shaking down companies across the United States. The three people, only two of whom - Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin - were identified by name, collaborated with the notorious hacking gang ALPHV BlackCat to encrypt companies' networks in a bid to extort their owners out of millions of dollars' worth of cryptocurrency, prosecutors alleged in an indictment filed last month in federal court in Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times on Sunday. Goldberg has been detained ahead of trial, court records show. Martin pleaded not guilty. Lawyers for Martin and Goldberg declined to comment. Authorities did not identify the affected companies, naming them only as firms devoted to various industries based in California, Florida, Virginia and Maryland. Martin was identified in online course descriptions as a former employee of cybersecurity firm DigitalMint, which offers cybercrime and ransomware incident response services. Goldberg was identified by an online course provider as an incident response manager at Sygnia, another cybersecurity firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DigitalMint confirmed in a statement that a former employee had been indicted for participating in ransomware operations, saying he was "acting completely outside the scope of his employment" and noting that the indictment did not allege that the company had any knowledge of activity. It said the third, unnamed coconspirator "may have also been a company employee." It added that DigitalMint "has been and continues to be a cooperating witness in the investigation and not an investigative target." Sygnia said that Goldberg was fired by the company "immediately upon learning of the situation," that the firm was not the target of the investigation and that it was working with law enforcement. (Reporting by Raphael Satter in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Four months after the Mumbra train tragedy, survivors and grieving families are trapped in a cycle of debt and despair, paying the price for what they argue was railway negligence. The Government Railway Police (GRP) recently issued a report blaming Central Railway for the mishap that killed five commuters. The incident occurred when commuters fell between two trains near Mumbra station on June 9. Following the GRPs first information report (FIR), it was estimated that 14 passengers were involved in the accident, with five fatalities and nine severe injuries. However, the CRs own five-member committees preliminary findings focused on eight commuters who fell, attributing the accident to passengers travelling on the footboard with bags on their shoulders, leading to a loss of balance. CRs count listed 13 passengers affected, with five dead and eight severely injured. Crucially, following the GRPs formal FIR, two CR engineers were accused of the mishap. The victims, speaking to Mirror, contested the railways explanation, asserting that the trains were travelling at high speed and came dangerously close to each other on the curve near Mumbra station. Four months later, these victims remain without the promised support. Dipali Mukhyadal, 24, is the wife of GRP officer Vicky Mukhyadal, 33, who was one of the victims. The couple had a four-year-old son, Pranay. I am now living at my mothers place. I dont have enough money to look after my child and myself, she said, detailing her reliance on her brother and father for financial support. This cant continue forever. I need to be financially independent for my son and for myself. Dipali said that after the accident, the chief minister had promised ex-gratia for Rs 5 lakh. However, four months have passed, and we have not received a single penny, she said. Dipali is currently shouldering a Rs 23,000 monthly rent for the familys house in Kalyan, alongside her childs education and daily needs. While the GRP initially provided Rs 1 lakh in aid, she stressed it wont last long. She is clinging to a promise of a job in the GRP, and confirmed that the process is ongoing. Frustrated, she has also filed a case against CR for negligence. Those injured in the incident have similar stories. Manish Saroj, 26, a resident of Diva, has been unable to work for three months. Due to the incident, I have lost my job. Whatever money I used to earn is now all gone, the contractual labourer stated. His earnings were daily, and his hand injury now prevents him from doing the work that comes his way. The railway hasnt helped us, the victims, in any way initially, Saroj explained. While they covered the initial medical expenses, subsequent doctor visits and medicines have been his burden. We are paying the price for someone elses negligence, not mine. Rehan Shaikh, another victim, echoed Sarojs plight. I, too, have lost my job. I am surviving on whatever daily small jobs I can do. Sheikh recounted showing his injured hand to multiple doctors, who confirmed the damage is massive and potentially permanent. Shaikh was recently called for an inquiry by the GRP, where officers asked about his whereabouts and reassured him they were gathering details of the incident. My daily expenses, food, and job are all gone due to this incident, he said. I am not helped by the railway, even though they are the ones responsible. By Raphael Satter WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Prosecutors said three American cybersecurity professionals secretly ran a ransomware operation aimed at shaking down companies across the United States. The three people, only two of whom - Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin - were identified by name, collaborated with the notorious hacking gang ALPHV BlackCat to encrypt companies' networks in a bid to extort their owners out of millions of dollars' worth of cryptocurrency, prosecutors alleged in an indictment filed last month in federal court in Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times on Sunday. Goldberg has been detained ahead of trial, court records show. Martin pleaded not guilty. Lawyers for Martin and Goldberg declined to comment. Authorities did not identify the affected companies, naming them only as firms devoted to various industries based in California, Florida, Virginia and Maryland. Martin was identified in online course descriptions as a former employee of cybersecurity firm DigitalMint, which offers cybercrime and ransomware incident response services. Goldberg was identified by an online course provider as an incident response manager at Sygnia, another cybersecurity firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DigitalMint confirmed in a statement that a former employee had been indicted for participating in ransomware operations, saying he was "acting completely outside the scope of his employment" and noting that the indictment did not allege that the company had any knowledge of activity. It said the third, unnamed coconspirator "may have also been a company employee." It added that DigitalMint "has been and continues to be a cooperating witness in the investigation and not an investigative target." Sygnia said that Goldberg was fired by the company "immediately upon learning of the situation," that the firm was not the target of the investigation and that it was working with law enforcement. (Reporting by Raphael Satter in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis) By Raphael Satter WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Prosecutors said three American cybersecurity professionals secretly ran a ransomware operation aimed at shaking down companies across the United States. The three people, only two of whom - Ryan Goldberg and Kevin Martin - were identified by name, collaborated with the notorious hacking gang ALPHV BlackCat to encrypt companies' networks in a bid to extort their owners out of millions of dollars' worth of cryptocurrency, prosecutors alleged in an indictment filed last month in federal court in Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times on Sunday. Goldberg has been detained ahead of trial, court records show. Martin pleaded not guilty. A lawyer for Martin declined comment. A lawyer listed for Goldberg did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. Authorities did not identify the affected companies, naming them only as firms devoted to various industries based in California, Florida, Virginia and Maryland. Martin was identified in online course descriptions as a former employee of cybersecurity firm DigitalMint, which offers cybercrime and ransomware incident response services. Goldberg was identified by an online course provider as an incident response manager at Sygnia, another cybersecurity firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DigitalMint confirmed in a statement that a former employee had been indicted for participating in ransomware operations, saying he was "acting completely outside the scope of his employment" and noting that the indictment did not allege that the company had any knowledge of activity. It said the third, unnamed coconspirator "may have also been a company employee." It added that DigitalMint "has been and continues to be a cooperating witness in the investigation and not an investigative target." Sygnia did not immediately return emails from Reuters but was quoted by the Chicago Sun-Times as saying that Goldberg no longer worked for the company, that the firm was not the target of the investigation and that it was working with law enforcement. (Reporting by Raphael Satter in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis) By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Federal prosecutors revealed in a court filing on Monday that their false statements case against former FBI Director James Comey is centered around discussions he allegedly had with an associate to shape news coverage of Comey's controversial decision to reopen a probe into Democrat Hillary Clinton weeks before the 2016 presidential election. The Justice Department's filing sought to push back on Comey's claim he is being improperly prosecuted because of U.S. President Donald Trump's "personal spite" against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comey is accused of lying in 2020 when he told a Senate committee he stood by prior testimony that he had not authorized anyone at the FBI to serve as an anonymous source in news reports about investigations into Trump and Clinton. Comey has pleaded not guilty to false statements and obstruction charges and his defense has begun a multi-pronged fight to have the case dismissed before a trial. The case is one of three criminal prosecutions targeting perceived enemies of Trump the Justice Department has brought in recent weeks. The wide-ranging filing from the Justice Department was the first to substantively detail the case against Comey and included allegations that have little relevance to the charges he faces. Prosecutors dismissed concerns that Trump's animus toward Comey motivated the prosecution, arguing that Trump's social media posts attacking Comey as a leaker indicate a "legitimate prosecutorial motive" for the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court filing describes alleged conversations between Comey and former FBI special employee and law professor Daniel Richman in which Comey bemoans news coverage about his decision to announce the reopening of an investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server in October 2016. "Perhaps you can make him smarter," Comey wrote to Richman, referring to a reporter for The New York Times. Richman later wrote to Comey that he "got the point home" to a reporter writing about Comey's actions, according to the filing. Comey's decision to reopen the probe, based on new evidence that came into the FBI's possession, became a major flashpoint in the final weeks of the 2016 election and was cited by some Clinton supporters as a reason she lost to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department's internal watchdog in 2018 faulted Comey for his handling of the Clinton investigation, but found no evidence of political bias. Prosecutors during Trump's first term opted not to seek charges against Comey. Trump for years has assailed Comey over his handling of an FBI investigation into alleged ties between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia. Comey, after being fired by Trump in 2017, emerged as a sharp critic of Trump. Comey has asked a judge to dismiss the case, arguing he was punished for exercising his free speech rights to criticize the president. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Richard Chang) US prosecutors are pushing for the maximum five-year prison sentence for the founders of Samourai Wallet, accusing them of knowingly operating a crypto mixing service that helped criminals launder hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal funds. Key Takeaways: US prosecutors are seeking the maximum five-year prison term for Samourai Wallet founders. Keonne Rodriguez and William Hill pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. The case highlights the US governments widening crackdown on crypto privacy tools and open-source developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a sentencing memo filed Friday in the Southern District of New York, prosecutors said co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill repeatedly solicited, encouraged, and invited criminals to use Samourai Wallet to hide illicit proceeds. Authorities claim the platform was marketed as a tool for anonymity but functioned primarily as a laundering mechanism for proceeds from drug trafficking, hacking, and other criminal enterprises. US Targets $237M Laundering Case in Crackdown on Crypto Privacy Tools The government estimates that at least $237 million in criminal proceeds were funneled through Samourai between 2015 and its shutdown in April 2024. The case marks one of the most aggressive actions yet against crypto developers accused of enabling financial crimes through privacy technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez and Hill pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, admitting they were aware their platform was being used for illegal activity. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped three heavier charges, including money laundering and sanctions violations, each of which carried potential sentences of up to 20 years. Rodriguezs sentencing is set for November 6, followed by Hills on November 7. While the probation office recommended a 42-month sentence for each, prosecutors are asking for the full five-year term, the statutory maximum under 18 U.S.C. 371. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crackdown mirrors the US governments broader campaign against crypto mixers and privacy tools. In a similar case, Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm was convicted earlier this year for operating an unlicensed money transmitter. Prosecutors alleged that over $7 billion in tainted funds flowed through Tornado Cash, including from North Koreas Lazarus Group. Despite portions of those sanctions being overturned, both cases have sparked debate over the criminalization of privacy-preserving technologies. Privacy advocates argue that prosecuting open-source developers for how their tools are used sets a dangerous precedent for financial privacy and innovation in the crypto space. Samourai Wallet Lawyers Accuse US Prosecutors of Hiding Evidence In May, lawyers for Samourai Wallet founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Hill accused US prosecutors of withholding evidence that could have exonerated the crypto mixer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a May 5 letter to a Manhattan federal court, the defense revealed that officials from the US Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) had told prosecutors months before the charges were filed that Samourai did not require a money transmitter license. Despite this, prosecutors went ahead with charges alleging that the duo ran an unlicensed money transmission business. The defense claims that prosecutors failed to disclose FinCENs guidance for nearly a year, only revealing it on April 1, 2025, in violation of legal obligations. FinCEN officials reportedly concluded that Samourai, being a non-custodial wallet that never controlled users funds or private keys, did not qualify as a money services business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonetheless, prosecutors pursued charges, arguing that the platform exercised functional control over assets, an argument FinCEN had never officially endorsed. Read original story US Prosecutors Seek Maximum Five-Year Prison Term for Samourai Wallet Founders by Amin Ayan at Cryptonews.com U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia of Chicago will not run for reelection, a source close to the congressman said Monday, apparently ceding the spot to his chief of staff, who filed to run for the 4th Congressional District seat that Garcia has held since 2019. Garcia last week filed to run for reelection next year but on Monday his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, also filed for the same spot. A source who was briefed on the matter told the Tribune that the congressman was expected to withdraw his petitions to run for another term, leaving the Democratic slate free for Patty Garcia to win and all but ensuring shed be elected in the heavily blue Chicago congressional district. Rep. Garcia would join four other members of Illinois congressional delegation not running for reelection next year U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly are running to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, while Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Danny Davis are retiring. Rep. Garcia did not return calls seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia, 69, is a former Chicago alderman, Cook County commissioner and state senator and twice unsuccessful mayoral candidate, including being defeated in a 2015 runoff against Mayor Rahm Emanuel and finishing fourth in 2023. An ally of the late Mayor Harold Washington, Garcia has been an unabashed political progressive and supporter of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent who calls himself a democratic socialist. In his runs for president, Sanders used Garcia as a surrogate to appeal to Latino voters. The circumstances involving Garcias apparent departure are reminiscent of how he got into Congress in the first place. Only days before the deadline for petition filing in 2017, 13-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez pulled his petitions. A day later, Garcia announced his intention to run for the seat and won Gutierrezs backing. Garcia won the nomination with two-thirds of the primary vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patty Garcia is no relation to the congressman. The Chicago Sun-Times first reported that the congressman would not seek another term. The sudden move by Rep. Garcia came on the final day that petitions to run in the 2026 elections could be filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections, the end of the weeklong period for prospective March 17 primary contenders to appear on the ballot. In another surprise move, symbolizing the weakened state of Illinois Republicans, no one filed for the GOP primary ballot for state treasurer. The lack of a GOP challenger to file petitions to face three-term Democratic Treasurer Mike Frerichs represents a further breakdown in a state Republican Party that has been shut out of all statewide offices and two U.S. Senate seats. The GOP is also in a superminority in the legislature and state Supreme Court, and holds only three of the states 17 U.S. House seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frerichs campaign said the absence of a GOP primary filer marked the first time in at least 90 years that a major political party in Illinois had no candidate file to run in a primary election for statewide office. The Illinois Republican State Central Committee, made up of representatives from each of the states congressional districts, will have the ability to appoint a candidate to fill the treasurer ballot vacancy, but the appointee will be required to obtain at least 5,000 valid signatures from registered voters as a regular candidate would. All told, more than 630 people filed candidate petitions for the Democratic and Republican primary ballots for federal and state offices in the weeklong filing period, with Democrats facing heavily contested races due to retirements and political ladder-climbing in several open-seat contests. But the end of the filing period also leaves one week for the filing of objections to the candidacy petitions. And the sheer volume of candidates filing means the likelihood that some will be tossed off the ballot for lacking enough valid petition signatures or other filing mistakes. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker seeking a third term, seven Republicans filed for the GOP nomination for the office, including Darren Bailey, the unsuccessful 2022 nominee, conservative activist Ted Dabrowski and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. Joining the GOP field on Monday was Rick Heidner of Barrington Hills, a wealthy real estate developer who has a controversial background as founder of Gold Rush Gaming. Pritzker faces only a token challenge in the Democratic primary. Filing on the last day for the GOP nomination for attorney general was Bob Fioretti of Chicago. Fioretti lost last years race for Cook County states attorney, the 2022 contest for Cook County Board president, the 2020 Democratic nomination for states attorney, finished 12th in 2019 battle for Chicago mayor, was defeated for the 2018 Democratic nomination for County Board president and a 2016 Democratic primary for a state Senate seat, and finished fourth in the 2015 Chicago mayoral election. Joining Fioretti in seeking the GOP attorney general nomination was JoAnne Giullemette of Chicago, who finished third in a 2022 GOP primary challenge to veteran U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Peoria, and Andy Williams Jr. of Darien, a onetime write-in candidate for president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The winner would take on Democratic incumbent Kwame Raoul, who is seeking a third term as the states top law enforcement official. Filing a Republican challenge to two-term Democratic Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is Walter Adamczyk of Chicago. Adamczyk, who filed last week, got six votes in a losing bid for 29th Ward Chicago alderman in 2023. Joining Adamczyk on Monday was Diane Harris of Joliet, who lost a 2022 bid for state Senate and lost previous bids for state House and Congress. Democratic Comptroller Susana Mendozas decision not to seek reelection, potentially for a 2027 bid for Chicago mayor, created a rare opening for a state government office. A total of five Democrats filed: state Reps. Margaret Croke of Chicago and Stephanie Kifowit of Oswego, along with state Sen. Karina Villa of West Chicago, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and, on Monday, Champaign County auditor George Danos. Republican Bryan Drew of downstate Benton, a personal injury attorney who lost a GOP primary race for judge last year, filed last week for the partys comptroller nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Durbins decision to retire after his term ends in 2027, a field of 22 candidates developed to try to succeed him. Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg and Kelly of Lynwood, as well as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, head a list of 14 Democratic contenders. Eight Republicans, including former state GOP Chair Don Tracy, filed for the nomination. In the open seat for the 2nd Congressional District, which Kelly is giving up to seek the U.S. Senate nomination, a dozen people filed for the ballot: 10 Democrats and two Republicans. The sprawling district includes parts of the South Side, south suburbs even the downstate city of Danville. A dozen candidates filed in the northwest suburban 8th Congressional District, where Krishnamoorthi is leaving to seek the U.S. Senate nomination eight Democrats and four Republicans. Davis decision to retire at the end of his 15th term created a wide-open race in the 7th Congressional District, which covers the West Side and downtown. A total of 13 Democrats and two Republicans filed for the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the north suburban 9th Congressional District, where 14-term Schakowski, of Evanston, is not seeking reelection, 21 candidates filed 17 Democrats and four Republicans. After hearing candidate objections, the State Board of Elections has scheduled Jan. 8 to finalize the primary ballot. U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia of Chicago will not run for reelection, a source close to the congressman said Monday, apparently ceding the spot to his chief of staff, who filed to run for the 4th Congressional District seat that Garcia has held since 2019. Garcia last week filed to run for reelection next year but on Monday his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, also filed for the same spot. A source who was briefed on the matter told the Tribune that the congressman was expected to withdraw his petitions to run for another term, leaving the Democratic slate free for Patty Garcia to win and all but ensuring shed be elected in the heavily blue Chicago congressional district. Rep. Garcia would join four other members of Illinois congressional delegation not running for reelection next year U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly are running to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, while Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Danny Davis are retiring. Rep. Garcia did not return calls seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia, 69, is a former Chicago alderman, Cook County commissioner and state senator and twice unsuccessful mayoral candidate, including being defeated in a 2015 runoff against Mayor Rahm Emanuel and finishing fourth in 2023. An ally of the late Mayor Harold Washington, Garcia has been an unabashed political progressive and supporter of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent who calls himself a democratic socialist. In his runs for president, Sanders used Garcia as a surrogate to appeal to Latino voters. The circumstances involving Garcias apparent departure are reminiscent of how he got into Congress in the first place. Only days before the deadline for petition filing in 2017, 13-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez pulled his petitions. A day later, Garcia announced his intention to run for the seat and won Gutierrezs backing. Garcia won the nomination with two-thirds of the primary vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sudden move by Rep. Garcia came on the final day that petitions to run in the 2026 elections were able to be filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections, the end of the weeklong period for prospective March 17 primary contenders to appear on the ballot. In another surprise move, symbolizing the weakened state of Illinois Republicans, no one filed for the GOP primary ballot for the office of state treasurer. The lack of a GOP challenger to file petitions to face three-term Democratic Treasurer Mike Frerichs represents a further breakdown in a state Republican Party that has been shut out of all statewide offices and two U.S. Senate seats. The GOP is also in a superminority in the legislature and state Supreme Court, and holds only three of the states 17 U.S. House seats. Frerichs campaign said the absence of a GOP primary filer marked the first time in at least 90 years that a major political party in Illinois did not have any candidate file to run in a primary election for statewide office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois Republican State Central Committee, made up of representatives from each of the states congressional districts, will have the ability to appoint a candidate to fill the treasurer ballot vacancy, but the appointee will be required to obtain at least 5,000 valid signatures from registered voters as a regular candidate would. All told, more than 630 people filed candidate petitions for the Democratic and Republican primary ballots for federal and state offices in the weeklong filing period, with Democrats facing heavily contested races due to retirements and political ladder-climbing in several open-seat contests. But the end of the filing period also leaves one week for the filing of objections to the candidacy petitions. And the sheer volume of candidates filing means the likelihood that some will be tossed off the ballot for lacking enough valid petition signatures or other filing mistakes. With Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker seeking a third term, seven Republicans filed for the GOP nomination for the office, including Darren Bailey, the unsuccessful 2022 nominee, conservative activist Ted Dabrowski and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. Joining the GOP field on Monday was Rick Heidner of Barrington Hills, a wealthy real estate developer who has a controversial background as founder of Gold Rush Gaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker faces only a token challenge. Filing on the last day for the GOP nomination for attorney general was Bob Fioretti of Chicago. Fioretti lost last years race for Cook County states attorney, the 2022 contest for Cook County Board president, the 2020 Democratic nomination for states attorney, finished 12th in 2019 battle for Chicago mayor, was defeated for the 2018 Democratic nomination for County Board president and a 2016 Democratic primary for a state Senate seat, and finished fourth in the 2015 Chicago mayoral election. Joining Fioretti in seeking the GOP attorney general nomination was JoAnne Giullemette of Chicago, who finished third in a 2022 GOP primary challenge to veteran U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Peoria, and Andy Williams Jr. of Darien, a onetime write-in candidate for president. The winner would take on Democratic incumbent Kwame Raoul, who is seeking a third term as the states top law enforcement official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filing a Republican challenge to two-term Democratic Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is Walter Adamczyk of Chicago. Adamczyk, who filed last week, got six votes in a losing bid for 29th Ward Chicago alderman in 2023. Joining Adamczyk on Monday was Diane Harris of Joliet, who lost a 2022 bid for state Senate and lost previous bids for state House and Congress. Democratic Comptroller Susana Mendozas decision not to seek reelection, potentially for a 2027 bid for Chicago mayor, created a rare opening for a state government office. A total of five Democrats filed: state Reps. Margaret Croke of Chicago and Stephanie Kifowit of Oswego, along with state Sen. Karina Villa of West Chicago, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and, on Monday, Champaign County auditor George Danos. Republican Bryan Drew of downstate Benton, a personal injury attorney who lost a GOP primary race for judge last year, filed last week for the partys comptroller nomination. With Durbins decision to retire after his term ends in 2027, a field of 22 candidates developed to try to succeed him. Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg and Kelly of Lynwood, as well as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, head a list of 14 Democratic contenders. Eight Republicans, including former state GOP Chair Don Tracy, filed for the nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the open seat for the 2nd Congressional District, which Kelly is giving up to seek the U.S. Senate nomination, a dozen people filed for the ballot: 10 Democrats and two Republicans. The sprawling district includes parts of the South Side, south suburbs and even the downstate city of Danville. A dozen candidates filed in the northwest suburban 8th Congressional District, where Krishnamoorthi is leaving to seek the U.S. Senate nomination eight Democrats and four Republicans. Davis decision to retire at the end of his 15th term created a wide-open race in the 7th Congressional District, which covers the West Side and downtown. A total of 13 Democrats and 2 Republicans filed for the seat. In the north suburban 9th Congressional District, where 14-term Schakowski, of Evanston, is not seeking reelection, 21 candidates filed 17 of them Democrats and four Republicans. After hearing candidate objections, the State Board of Elections has scheduled Jan. 8 to finalize the primary ballot. _____ TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) President Donald Trumps administration announced partial funding for SNAP benefits Monday. Yet Congresswoman Terri Sewell, D-AL, is pushing for the federal program to be fully funded. In previous shutdowns, we always funded SNAP, so this is actually an anomaly, Sewell said. But it looks as if the courts are mandating SNAP beneficiaries receives those fundings. More than 750,000 Alabamians are without SNAP, according to the Alabama Department of Human Resources. In Sewells congressional district, which encompasses counties in the Black Belt, 58,000 families are affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration and the DHR have not provided information about when payments will start to roll out or how much people will receive for November. I dont want hunger to be weaponized, Sewell said. None of us want hungry children and families to be caught in the crosshair of political discourse. The announcement of partially funded SNAP comes as the government shut down enters day 34. Federal employees are not being paid, which is another concern the U.S. representative and west Alabama agencies shared at a roundtable discussion Monday. Hopefully, it wont continue too long, said United Way of West Alabama CEO Jackie Wuska. Were really counting on all of all of our elected officials to come together, put political beliefs aside and help individuals meet their needs on a daily basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shutdown threatens to delay home heating aid for millions of low-income families Moments after United Way of West Alabama, West Alabama Food Bank, Tuscaloosa City Schools and the city of Tuscaloosa gave Sewell insight into what current operational and financial statuses look like in the midst of the shutdown, news broke about SNAP. But just like the recent change to SNAP funding, its a partial victory for west Alabama families. There is legally obligated funding to USDA to fully fund the SNAP benefits, Sewell said. The contingency funds courts are requiring the Trump administration to use for SNAP only has around $6 billion in the account, which isnt enough to fully fund the food assistance program, Sewell said. The USDA, however, has access to an additional $23 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combined they could fully fund the month of November, and that is our request of Congress that they fully fund it, Sewell said. 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 CBS 42. The University of Southern California has issued layoff notices to more than 900 employees since July amid a fiscal crisis that has battered morale and strained resources. The cuts, detailed in a Monday letter to the USC community by interim President Beong-Soo Kim, are central to an effort to erase a budget deficit that ballooned to more than $200 million. The layoffs have included employees across the university and its health system, including student academic advisers. But Kim, who succeeded former President Carol Folt on July 1, wrote that as many 200 of those who received layoff notices could remain with the university in new positions. And he noted that the job cuts are nearly complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The layoffs, of course, fall most heavily on those losing their jobs, but everyone else in our community also feels their impact through the emotional strain of losing colleagues and friends, the resulting stresses on departments and units, and the challenge of doing more with fewer resources," Kim wrote. USC's deficit grew dramatically during the final year of Folt's tenure, mushrooming from $158 million to upwards of $200 million an increase of more than 26%. The private university, traditionally known for its wealth, embarked on several pricey projects in recent years, among them the opening of a campus in Washington, D.C., that included buying a building there for about $49 million. In 2021, USC agreed to pay $1.1 billion in settlements to former patients of university gynecologist George Tyndall the largest sex abuse payout in the history of higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USC had announced a spate of austerity measures in March, including a hiring freeze, a reassessment of capital spending projects and restrictions on discretionary spending. Read more: USC signals layoffs as deficit surpasses $200 million amid 'volatile external environment' Now, with the layoffs, Kim said that USC is "on track to eliminate our long-term deficit" by the end of the fiscal year that concludes in June. "Notwithstanding this encouraging news, we cannot afford the luxury of complacency," Kim wrote in the letter. "First, our fiscal progress must be monitored carefully to ensure we reach our budgetary goals for this fiscal year and can sustainably generate positive margins in the future." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USC actions come at a time of unprecedented threats against universities by the Trump administration, which has slashed billions of dollars in funding at campuses across the country. On Oct. 16, USC rejected President Trump's education compact, which offers priority research funding to universities in exchange for following Trump's conservative vision. At the time, Kim wrote that tying research benefits to signing the compact "would, over time, undermine the same values of free inquiry and academic excellence that [it] seeks to promote." Read more: USC rejects Trump education compact aimed at shifting the university to the right Kim's latest letter obliquely referenced a chaotic year for universities amid Trump's effort to remake higher education. He noted the presence of "significant stresses," "uncertainty" and "scrutiny" in higher education, adding, "More disruptions are coming, even if we cant predict their timing or form." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "During these volatile times, its important to be agile, remain open to different perspectives and ideas, and never lose sight of our long-term mission and values," Kim said. The layoffs have come as USC has steadily raised tuition and fees to become one of the most expensive colleges in the U.S. The university which has been buffeted by controversy in recent years, including scandals involving Tyndall and former medical school dean Carmen A. Puliafito projects the cost of undergraduate attendance for the upcoming academic year to be $99,139, including housing. Historically, layoffs at USC have been rare. The 1990s, marked by a recession brought on by the collapse of the region's aerospace industry, saw two notable rounds of job cuts. In 1992, USC laid off 58 people and eliminated 31 vacant positions to pare down a $15-million deficit. Three years later, at least 100 faculty members at the medical school took pay cuts and an undisclosed number were dismissed as part of a plan to address an $11-million deficit. 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. VERMONT (ABC22/FOX44) Three American navy ships have been named after the state of Vermont. The first was after the War of 1812, when the U.S. Navy defended the country against British invasion in the Battle of Plattsburgh. But there wasnt a ship named Vermont for almost a century from 1920 to 2020 when the current nuclear submarine was commissioned. It even has a nickname reflecting a characteristic state business Big Sugar. First in the nation maple syrup testing lab opened by UVM Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And last week, that submarine the current USS Vermont arrived in Stirling, Australia for extensive maintenance, which the USS Vermont Support Group, a nonprofit organization, called an important step in the alliance between the U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom. The traditional Australian sounding of a Didgeridoo was heard upon the USS VERMONTs arrival celebrating this historic occasion. (Courtesy: USS Vermont Support Group) Officers on the sail of Big Sugar include the VERMONTs Commanding Officer, CDR Matthew Lewis (right) and LCDR James of the Royal Australian Navy (center), the first Australian Naval Officer to earn USN Submarine Warfare Device (dolphins). (Courtesy: USS Vermont Support Group) USS VERMONT adds another first to her growing heritage of excellence within the fleet and sustains Vermonts storied naval history, writes the organization. Vermont grant to support youth learning at Fort Ticonderoga The 377-foot-long submarine was the first of its block of Virginia-class submarines, which will eventually include a total of ten. The Australian Submarine Agency even expects to buy three such submarines saying theyll be used to deter aggression and contribute to peace and stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The submarines home is in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, but its heritage in Vermont will not soon be forgotten. Though the oceans are absent from Vermont, Vermont has never been absent from the seas, said Governor Phil Scott at the christening ceremony of the USS Vermont back in 2018. 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. This story was originally published on Higher Ed Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Higher Ed Dive newsletter. With the fall semester well underway, October saw a handful of colleges attempting to recalibrate via high-profile leadership changes. The Utah Board of Higher Education, for instance, selected a new president at Utah State University. But because a new state law made the search a closed-door process, last months announcement of the boards pick was also the first and only time the public heard who was under consideration for the position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in Tennessee, a struggling historically Black college is seeking to get back on track by rehiring its former chief operating officer and vice president as interim president more than two years after she publicly resigned over frustration with the institution. Below, were rounding up a selection of last months most significant college leadership changes. President: Dasha Lundy Institution: Knoxville College Coming or going? Coming Dasha Lundy stepped in as Knoxville College's interim president on Oct. 2 amid a volatile period for the long-beleaguered institution. She became the 150-year-old institutions 33rd leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knoxville lost its accreditation in 1997 and has not had access to federal student aid since. In 2015, the historically Black Tennessee institution also lost its state authorization over enrollment and financial issues, forcing it to close temporarily. Knoxville reopened as an online-only institution in 2018 with the goal of returning to in-person classes in the future. However, its campus has since fallen into significant disrepair. Lundy worked as Knoxville's chief operating officer and vice president until she resigned in May 2023, citing campus safety concerns and frustration with the college's lack of progress, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported. The private college began pursuing accreditation with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools in August 2024, but the application was deferred after TRACS notified Knoxville of 23 compliance violations, according to WBIR. Lundy told the news outlet last month that her first priority would be addressing large outstanding debt before shifting the focus back to accreditation. Lundy's predecessor, Rotesha Harris, left the role on July 23 after less than a year as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President: William Crowe Institution: Valdosta State University Coming or going? Coming The University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue named William Crowe as interim president of Valdosta State University on Oct. 14. Crowe began assisting Valdosta States current president, Richard Carvajal, on Oct. 15 ahead of the latters planned departure, according to the university system. Carvajal announced he would leave Valdosta State at the end of the fall 2025 semester to lead California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. Under Carvajal, the public university established the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact and an online college geared toward adult learners as a way to retain local students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President: Eduardo Penalver Institution: Georgetown University Coming or going? Coming Eduardo Penalver will take over as president of Georgetown University on July 1, the private Washington, D.C., institution announced Oct. 15. By the time Penalver takes the helm, Georgetown will have been without a permanent leader for over a year and a half. Robert Groves, a longtime provost at the Jesuit university, has served as interim president since 2024, when John DeGioia, the university's longest-serving leader, resigned due to health concerns. Penalver will end his tenure as president of Seattle University on March 31. That university said it aims to appoint its next permanent leader by fall 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President: Alycia Marshall Institution: Community College of Philadelphia Coming or going? Coming Alycia Marshall became the permanent president of the Community College of Philadelphia, the institution announced on Oct. 21. Marshall had served as the five-campus system's interim leader since April and, before that, had worked as its provost and vice president for academic and student success since 2022. Marshall took over as head of the institution, after its trustees ousted former President Donald Guy Generals, WHYY reported. The board did not publicly give a reason for the unanimous April vote that placed Generals on administrative leave and declined to renew his contract. Generals, who served as president of the college for 11 years, sued to be reinstated, but a judge denied his request in May. Generals and the board settled the case the following month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President: Fletcher Lamkin Institution: Clarke University Coming or going? Going Fletcher Lamkin resigned as president of Clarke University, the Iowa institution's board of trustees announced Oct. 28. Lamkin took over as Clarkes interim president for 18 months before formally accepting the permanent position in July 2024. Clarke's vice president for academic affairs, Yvonne Zimmerman, will take over for Lamkin while the board searches for the departing president's permanent replacement. The news came just two days before the Catholic university announced it would eliminate 13 "under-enrolled" academic programs at the end of the 20252026 academic year, citing falling enrollment and rising costs. The end of those programs will cut 23 faculty jobs and at least 12 staff positions and affect about 10% of students academic plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President: Brad Mortensen Institution: Utah State University Coming or going? Coming The Utah Board of Higher Education on Oct. 30 selected Brad Mortensen as Utah State University's next president. Mortensen currently leads Weber State University, another public Utah institution, and will begin his new role on Nov. 10. Mortensen is the board's first pick for a new public college leader since March, when the Utah Legislature made the presidential selection process entirely private. In February, Elizabeth Cantwell, Utah State's last president, abruptly announced she would depart the institution in April to lead Washington State University. Her year-and-a-half tenure the shortest in Utah State's history was blighted with scandals, as was her predecessor's. One Utah legislator, who sponsored the law changing the process, called the search that resulted in Cantwell's hiring a failure, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state higher ed board said it will soon appoint an interim president for Weber State and begin a search for Mortensen's permanent replacement. Recommended Reading For years, Varun Kedia would make up to four trips to China each year to buy moulding machines for his plastics company in Gujarat. Then came the pandemic and, in June 2020, a deadly clash between Indian and Chinese forces along their shared border. Commercial flights between the countries were suspended, visas were denied - and Kedia had to make the switch to costlier Indian machines. More than five years later, with direct flights finally resuming and visa talks between China and India inching forward, the businessman is hopeful. US tariffs have taken a heavy toll on his exports to American retailers, but he said he may be able to absorb some of the costs by reverting to Chinese machinery. The dependency on China is likely to come back to a certain extent, said Kedia, who plans to fly to the country in March. We should be two brothers in arms, he said, with a pause, but that is idealistic. In August, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first trip to China since the border clashes, underscoring his countrys attempt to diversify its global outreach amid a wave of punishing American tariffs. Two months later, flights resumed, making the start of what many hope is a new chapter in a fraught relationship. About 176 passengers boarded an IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou on the evening of October 26, according to Indian media a modest number that carried outsized symbolic meaning. Direct flights have a huge, disproportionate amount of signalling effect, said Santosh Pai, an Indian lawyer who consults for companies that work between the countries. Its the foundation for more people-to-people ties. Other airlines in both nations have said they will restart direct operations in the coming months. But beneath the positive signals, there are quiet doubts about how far India is willing to go to ease visa restrictions for Chinese citizens and encourage Chinese investment. We are never going back to 2019, Pai said. No matter how economic ties play out, Indias primary stance towards China will be dictated by national security. Better times Before India-China relations soured, air traffic was flourishing. In 2019, nearly 8,90,000 passengers travelled directly between the countries, according to Indias Directorate General of Civil Aviation; another 1.2 million travelled indirectly, according to the global aviation data company OAG. Our relationship was so optimistic that we were talking about flights to Tier 2 Indian cities like Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, said Ramachander Poodipeddi, who leads public affairs in India for a Chinese multinational company. We were talking about having twin cities. The fighting in 2020 didnt entirely halt cross-border exchanges: Some 570,000 passengers found indirect flight paths in 2024, according to OAG. But the vast majority of the passengers were probably Indian, after a clampdown by New Delhi on visas for Chinese nationals. About 2,00,000 Chinese citizens received visas in 2019; in 2024, the figure stood at 2,000, according to the Hindustan Times. The freeze was never reciprocated: In September, Chinas ambassador to India said 265,000 visas were given to Indian nationals in 2025. Indian businesses bore some of the cost of the immigration crackdown, unable to fly in technicians to install and maintain their Chinese machines, which produced everything from smartphones to textiles. Ye Zhixiong is vice president of the Guangdong Chamber of Commerce in India but lives in China. For a mainland Chinese, India is probably the most difficult visa to get in the world, much more so than a Schengen or a U.S. visa, he said. Previously based in India for five years with the automation equipment supplier Huake, Ye described an unnecessarily harsh and torturous visa process, with some applications languishing at Indian consulates for three years. After Modi met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in August, the two leaders noted the need to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation, according to a statement from Indias Ministry of External Affairs. Lin Minwang, deputy director of the Centre for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, has missed academic conferences in India because of stalled visa applications. He doesnt see the resumption of flights as a meaningful shift in relations, believing it has more to do with economic pressure from the Trump administration. Modis China policy is largely pegged to developments in India-US and China-US relations, he said. Lasting changes Experts say rebuilding the relationship would require time - and real political will - after such a protracted lull. As a consequence of the pandemic and subsequent tensions, the population of Indian students in China dropped from 200,000 in 2019 to just 5,000 in 2024, according to Indias Ministry of External Affairs. Chinese capital investment in India - once as high as $8 billion, according to a Brookings report - has stagnated.We are never going back to that era, said Liu Zongyi, director of the Centre for South Asia Studies at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. The lack of people-to-people exchanges is creating an information cocoon and Im worried few Indians would know the real China. Some in India worry that even a relative thaw in relations could make the country more reliant on China and less focused on building national capacity. With early voting set to begin Nov. 12 in Tennessees 7th District special Congressional election, Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn have traded jabs, but havent met face-to-face. Both candidates have scheduled individual campaign events, yet no public debates or forums are planned before voting kicks off. Five weeks ahead of Election Day, internal polling released by Behn's campaign showed the contest within Behn's reach, but barely. A poll of 400 likely voters and weighted with Democrats to reflect a likely special electorate anticipated Van Epps leading with 52% of the vote. Behn took 44%, and 4% of poll respondents were undecided. That's a steep hill to climb for Behn, who seeks to flip the district. How many voters will turn out for Tennessee District 7's Dec. 2 election? Turnout will remain key, as with any special election. Analysis conducted by Impact Research obtained by The Tennessean found that Democrats are more motivated than Republicans to vote in the Dec. 2 election. If turnout trends closer to other recent special elections than it does to the primary, Impact analysts determined that the race is within the margin of error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among extremely motivated voters, the poll found it's a tossup: a 49%-49% split among voters who described their motivation to vote as 10 out of 10. The poll was conducted by Workbench Strategy from Oct. 15-19, and has a margin of error of 5.65 percentage points. Matt Van Epps, right, and his wife, Meg Van Epps, celebrate in Clarksville as Matt wins the Republican primary in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District on Oct. 7, 2025. Since winning the Oct. 7 primary, Van Epps has skipped public forums, and mostly avoided interacting with members of the media. The Van Epps campaign has not responded to multiple requests for interviews from The Tennessean. Instead, he's focused energy on hosting fundraisers, and taking a trip to the White House. U.S. Reps. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., and Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., hosted a fundraiser for Van Epps at Pucketts on 5th Avenue last week. Meanwhile, Behn has led organizing, canvassing and phone banking efforts across the district. She said her goal is to energize voters and local Democratic Party chapters that have struggled to recruit through her campaign. Rep. Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville, kicks off a day of canvassing in Dickson with the Dickson County Democratic Party and volunteers on Nov. 1, 2025. On Nov. 1, she started the morning in the parking lot of Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, with a group of volunteers from the Dickson County Democratic Party. Many had never knocked on doors like this before, so Behn gave a quick crash course in using a canvassing app and recording voter feedback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The goal is to pull people back into your infrastructure, right? Because we want people to feel less isolated," she told the group. "You know, the campaign is ephemeral, but we want you all, you all are going to be in it for the long haul." Meanwhile, on social media, Van Epps' campaign took a swing at Behn. The campaign posted a photo of Behn on Broadway in Nashville holding a sign that reads "Need an abortion? We're here to help." "No, this isn't @aftynfotn dressed up for Halloween. She's just this scary and radical every day," the post read. A billboard attacking Van Epps has appeared on Interstate 40, portraying a black-and-white photo of Van Epps on a red background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A vote for Matt Van Epps = health insurance costs DOUBLE, the billboard reads. Vote no on Van Epps Dec. 2. Costs of living and costs of health insurance and dysfunction in the Republican-controlled federal government have been key campaign themes as Congressional Democrats are fighting to expand marketplace health insurance tax credits. The billboard is paid for by the Turn Left PAC, a political nonprofit that works to expose corporate corruption and counter right-wing propaganda. Van Epps released a new ad that features cell phone footage Behn posted of herself on social media during immigration enforcement raids in Nashville this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the selfie-style video, Behn said, This is great weve got our girl squad and were bullying ICE vehicles and state troopers so this is like this is a win. Behns clip plays twice in the ad. The video is a short clip of a livestream Behn shared a late-night video in May while observing and videoing ICE operations in her state House district in Nashville, an activity protected by the First Amendment. She started streaming shortly after being "boxed in" by two ICE vehicles and a state trooper, lights flashing. When she pulled over, she said the trooper falsely accused her of running a red light and demanded to see her identification. Meet woke liberal, Aftyn Behn, the announcer says as those words appear in white text on the screen. Aftyn Behn So woke She thinks its a win to harass police. Vivian Jones covers state politics and government for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Van Epps, Behn take swings in TN's heated 7th District election race Venezuelan opposition leaders are increasingly divided over a potential US intervention in their country even as Caracas continues to crack down on dissent. The group led by recent Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has sided closely with Washington, which has deployed vast military assets, including the worlds biggest aircraft carrier, to the southern Caribbean to combat what it calls Venezuelas state-sponsored narco-terrorism. But experts speculate the White House really wants to encourage a military-led mutiny to overthrow the regime of Nicolas Maduro. Some, including Venezuelas two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles, warn that a US intervention could create a vacuum filled by even worse leadership. There is no happy ending, one analyst said. BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Following discussions between Vermont Governor Phil Scott and Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak that eventually led to the creation of a 14-point plan to address public safety challenges in Burlington, state troopers are now patrolling the citys downtown. Governor Scott announces plan for public safety in Burlington Vermont State Police cruisers were parked on Church Street over the weekend, and state troopers were in the area, including in nearby City Hall Park. Vermont State Police members patrol the Church Street Marketplace in Burlington on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (Courtesy: VSP) The Church Street Marketplace in Burlington looks pretty good with some extra green and gold! wrote VSP on social media Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BPD: Burlington man arrested for Battery Park assault with firearm Law enforcement from Vermont DMV as well as the Department of Liquor and Lottery are also assisting local Burlington police. According to VSP, they will be downtown every day from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. through the end of 2025. 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. (FOX40.COM) Veterans Day is almost here and many Sacramento region restaurants are offering free meals, deals and events for those who have served. In-N-Out officials shared that veterans, active-duty military, reserves and National Guard receive a complimentary meal, including any burger, fries, and beverage on the menu. Customers do need to present proof of military service. Applebees announced that veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free meal from a select menu at participating locations. However, its Dine-in only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse shared that active-duty and retired military members dining in at BJs with a valid military ID will receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie. The company also added that from Nov. 12 through Dec. 31, guests with a valid military ID who dine in and purchase an entree will receive a free Appetizer Bounce Back to enjoy on a future visit. Chilis officials shared that Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal. Available in-restaurant only for some of the items and a Military ID is required to redeem the offer. Dennys announced that veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Officials said customers must show a valid Military ID or DD214. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firehouse Subs officials announced that active-duty military personnel and veterans can enjoy any size sub and receive a second sub for free with a valid military ID. California governor and first partner expands free access to State parks amid federal shutdown IHOP announced that the company is offering a free red, white and blueberry pancake combo. Company officials said that veterans will be able to enjoy two buttermilk pancakes topped with glazed strawberries, blueberry topping and whipped topping, served with two eggs and hash browns and your choice of two types of crispy smoked bacon or two pork sausage links. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For coffee lovers, Starbucks stated that they are honoring those who have served with a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military service members and military spouses. The Auburn area invites the community to honor veterans with a parade starting at 8 a.m., with a free breakfast for Veterans. The parade is set to begin around 10:50 a.m., which will be led by fire engines and law enforcement groups. Veterans of Foreign Wars is hosting its 2025 Veterans Day Parade and Heroes luncheon starting at 11 a.m. at 110 Clarendon Street, with the parade ending at Park and Stone Boulevard. After the parade, VFW officials said, Lets keep the celebration going with free meals for all community members. Flyer made by VFW and shared on their website The City of Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department announced that the 2025 Veterans Day Parade will be held in Downtown Fairfield with free admission to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, in November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed the 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the countrys service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations 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 FOX40 News. A judge has ruled that a Waterbury woman can have access to the new name, location and medical records of her stepson that she is accused of holding captive in a home in Waterbury for two decades a decision questioned by domestic violence advocates and supporters of the man. Kimberly Sullivan, 57, appeared Friday in Waterbury Superior Court where Judge Corinne Klatt granted a motion filed by her attorney, John Kaloidis, seeking details of Sullivans stepsons new alias and address. Its really just an issue of fairness and the application of the rules and the law, Kaloidis told the Courant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether the stepsons new name or his location would have a significant impact on Sullivans defense remains to be seen, Kaloidis acknowledged, but he said its worth exploring. It may be relevant and its something that is turned over in every case, Kaloidis said. So this is more about fundamental fairness and making sure she is treated according to the rules and to the law. We shouldnt make an exception because someone feels a certain way. During the hearing, Sullivan was warned by Klatt not to share the information with any members of the media, the public or anyone in her personal life and that she would be charged with contempt of court if she did. Klatts ruling, which also granted Sullivan access to the mans medical records, came over the objections of Donald E. Therkildsen, Jr., supervisory assistant for the Waterbury States Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim is terrified of this defendant, Therkildsen said during the hearing. The allegation is he was literally almost dead when he made his escape from that room hed been locked in for 20 years. Sullivan in March was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons and first-degree reckless endangerment. Her arrest came just weeks after her stepson, who was 32 at the time, set fire to their home to alert authorities to the conditions in which he alleges he was held captive. The man told police he was pulled from school in 2005 and was locked in an 8-foot by 9-foot storage room for most of his life with out any heat or air conditioning, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. He alleges he was only let out between 15 minutes to two hours a day to do chores, but that there were some days when he said he was locked up for 24 hours straight. The man reportedly weighed 68 pounds at 5 feet, 9 inches tall, and had to be carried by firefighters out of the home, the warrant affidavit said. He alleged that for most of his life he was given two sandwiches and two small cups or bottles of water each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his argument to Klatt, Therkildsen said the man should not be treated differently than any other domestic violence survivor who was being housed at a safe haven home. We certainly wouldnt disclose the address of a safe haven home to a domestic violence abuser, Therkildsen said. Meghan Scanlon, president and CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said the coalition agreed with Therkildsens position and cited safety concerns with the ruling. The concern we have for victims of domestic violence regardless of where they reside is safety and risk of harm and we advocate for a victims safety to be considered and weighed in making these decisions, Scanlon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Publicly, the man has only been known as S since he was rescued from his alleged captivity. David Guarino, founder and president of Survivors Say, Inc. who has served as a spokesperson for the man said Monday that he has not said anything about Klatts ruling. S isnt making any comment at this time on the ruling, Guarino said. Eugene Riccio, the attorney who represents the man, was not allowed to speak during the hearing. Though, he told the Courant he was in agreement with Therkildsens objection. Im obviously respectful of the rights of a person accused of a serious crime, but I also think that the safety and privacy interests of our client needed to be considered as well in making the decision, Riccio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is absolutely no difference in the law between this case or any other domestic violence case, Riccio said. Safety and privacy are the most important concerns that we had with regard to these motions. Kaloidis said he does not believe the man should have any reason to fear Sullivan and that his client understands she cannot have any contact with him. I understand the concern about a public disclosure because there may be people out there that want to know where he is or want to contact him, I dont know, Kaloidis said. But theres no (safety) concern from our side. Sullivan remains free on a $300,000 bond while her case is pending. She is subject to GPS monitoring after Klatt on Friday denied a motion filed by Kaloidis to have Sullivans GPS tracker removed. She said the matter could be revisited in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, is due back in court on Dec. 19. She remains under a judges order to have no contact with her stepson. The Connecticut Office of the Victim Advocate did not respond to a request for comment. MELROSE PARK, Ill. (WGN) A small but vocal group gathered in Melrose Park for a protest and vigil in support of a man detained by Border Patrol on Sunday. Community members are expressing anger over the arrest of 53-year-old Ricardo Rodriguez, who family and advocates say has lived in the U.S. without documentation since the mid-1980s and works in construction. Rodriguez was reportedly riding his bike in Melrose Park when Border Patrol agents approached him. Organizers allege agents used excessive force during the arrest and say family members were not allowed to see him after he was taken to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew they brought him to the hospital because they beat him up so much, his sister, Dora Suane, said. Suane said she briefly saw her brother wrapped in bandages at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, but she was unable to visit him. There were two agents who didnt let me pass, so we waited there, she said, adding that agents also questioned her immigration status. Maria Elena, a friend of the family who helped organize Mondays vigil, said hospital staff failed their patient. She is a citizen, Elena said of Suane. When she came to ask about him, ICE agents asked her status. Shes been crying, she doesnt want to eat and shes very worried about him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said Rodriguez resisted arrest and assaulted law enforcement officers. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The agent deployed pepper spray to deescalate the situation and stop the assaults. After Rodriguez continued to violently resist and put law enforcement in danger, the agent delivered strikes as a last resort, DHS said. The agency also stated Rodriguez has prior convictions for assault, battery and possession of a controlled substance. His family disputes that claim, saying he has no criminal record. Theyre lying. Theyre taking advantage because we are Hispanic and think we are all bad. We are good people, Suane said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WGN-TV also contacted the hospital where Rodriguez is reportedly being treated. Loyola Medicine responded: Loyola Medicine treats federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the same way we treat all law enforcement agencies. When law enforcement personnel come to our hospitals to seek medical care for a patient in their custody, we provide compassionate care, and the patient remains in the custody of law enforcement. Rodriguez was discharged Monday, but his family says they do not know where he was taken next. They believe he may be at the ICE processing center in Broadview. 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 WGN-TV. The Israeli military said on Tuesday that "a terrorist" had crossed the so-called "yellow line" in the north of the Gaza Strip and approached Israeli soldiers, "posing an imminent threat to them," so he was "eliminated." The yellow line marks the army's withdrawal line within the Gaza Strip as part of the ceasefire agreement. In another incident in the south of the coastal area, Israeli soldiers carried out a precise attack on several terrorist infrastructure facilities that posed a threat to the troops in an area under Israeli control in Khan Younis, the military also reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that in the east of Gaza City, an Israeli drone fired at a group of Palestinians. One of them was killed and another injured, WAFA said, describing the incident as constituting a violation of the ceasefire agreement. According to the Hamas-run health authority, three Palestinians killed in the renewed violence were brought to hospitals within 24 hours. The claims from both sides could not be independently verified. Since the beginning of a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist terrorist organization Hamas on October 10 as part of US President Donald Trump's peace plan, there have been repeated deadly incidents. According to the Hamas-run health authority, more than 240 Palestinians have already been killed. Several Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in attacks in the Gaza Strip. In the aftermath of Saturdays horrific violence on a train, Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary toured studios to reassure the public. She insisted that our railways are a low crime environment, citing data which shows that only 27 crimes are committed for every one million passenger journeys. While this particular data point might be true, the latest British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) annual report includes a statement from its chair Ron Barclay-Smith, which describes an overall challenging environment of increasing crimes ranging from higher reports of anti-social behaviour to our highest ever number of homicides. That same report states that sexual offences increased by 10 per cent in the last year. These sorts of statistical debates are common when discussing crime, and especially in the aftermath of horrific attacks. Often, very worthy commentators will take to social media or the airwaves in order to insist that crime has always been a part of British life, and in fact crime is falling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, many look around at rampant theft in our towns and cities, consider how much less safe women and girls feel on our streets and remember that random stabbings were once not a feature of life in Britain. Who is right? Those who say that crime is falling often point to the Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW). This is an annual publication by the Office for National Statistics, which relies on surveying people across the country in order to ask them if theyve been a victim of crime in the past year. This survey has its weaknesses. Despite crime being clustered in particular areas, it surveys the whole country equally, meaning it oversamples from peaceful, crime-free villages and undersamples from crime-ridden cities. Whatever its weaknesses, for a long time the CSEW has shown overall crime to be declining, from a peak in the mid 1990s. Given Britains ageing population, this is exactly what we would expect to see. Older populations commit less crime. However, at the same time, other data shows that some crimes in particular have soared, especially over the last decade. In particular, selected knife offences (murder, attempted murder, threats to kill, robbery, rape and sexual assault) have almost doubled, from 26,370 ten years ago to 53,047 in 2024/25. Similarly while in 2014/15 there were 29,420 rapes reported to the police, this number has more than doubled, with 71,667 reported last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Against this backdrop, the fact that house burglaries are falling, or overall violence (especially that between men) is declining, is something of a distraction. Crime is unevenly distributed, not just in geography, but in who it impacts. A home-owning man in the countryside who rarely takes public transport is probably much less likely to be a victim of crime than he was twenty years ago. Meanwhile, a young woman who rents a flat in a city, and regularly travels on trains and buses is much more likely to be harassed, assaulted, robbed or worse. What is also often missed is how much worse the police have become at solving crime. Since 2013 the Home Office has reported annual crime outcomes data. In that year almost 22 per cent of crimes resulted in either a charge or a caution. Last year, a mere 6.3 per cent of victim-based offences resulted in someone being charged. This means that the vast majority of crimes are not punished. The police do a little better with firearms and knife offences, but in both cases only one in nine crimes result in a charge. What this means in practice is that much crime is functionally legalised. Naturally, this emboldens criminals and contributes to a growing sense of lawlessness in Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The character of violent crime has changed too, becoming more unpredictable. Mass stabbing incidents are a very recent feature of life in the UK. In just the last ten days we have seen a flurry of reporting about such crimes: the conviction of Deng Chol Majek for the brutal murder of Rhiannon Whyte; the stabbing to death of Wayne Broadhurst, walking his dog on a suburban street; the conviction of Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur for the stabbing to death of a total stranger who was queueing in a bank; and then on Saturday the horrific attack on a train from Peterborough to London. What links each of these crimes is their unpredictability. It is possible to avoid the bad areas of cities after dark, leave pubs before closing time and not involve oneself in the drugs trade. It is not possible to live a decent life without going to work, walking a dog, queueing in the bank or catching a train. Unpredictable, random violence, and the potential for it, naturally makes us feel less safe. We are less safe. Instead of repeating misleading statistics, politicians should recognise that we dont have to live like this, and confront the real causes of soaring crime. 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. When she was three years old, Tanishka Sikarwar sat before a harmonium in her familys flat in Mumbai. She remembers its creaking pedals and uneven keys more clearly than the notes she played. The first instrument I learned was the harmonium though I dont know how to play it now, she says with a quick laugh. I started playing it but then moved to the keyboard. Two decades later, performing under the stage name J Stellar, Sikarwar is standing at a different kind of instrument: the global pop machine. Her debut EP, Duality, released on 24 October 2025, marks her arrival as one of the first Indian soloists working within the K-Pop ecosystem. It is also a record about belonging about finding her voice in the slipstream between cultures. Sound across continents Duality was made, fittingly, through a patchwork of places. Sikarwar collaborated with producers and engineers based in Mumbai, Korea, Australia and Los Angeles. The result is a sonic blend that resists geography: bright pop structures laced with Indian classical accents and modern rap cadences. Weve used instruments like the sitar, tabla and flute in this record, she says. The credit for this goes to my producer James Guido and audio engineer Jerome Renard. I sing and rap in three languages English, Hindi and Korean. That multilingual ambition mirrors her own path. For years she practised Korean pronunciation, trained in dance, and auditioned for K-Pop companies an apprenticeship in cultural translation that demanded fluency not only in language but in sensibility. Strength in dissonance Indias foothold in K-Pop remains small but growing. Sriya Lenka of BLACKSWAN and Aria of X:IN became the first Indian idols in Korean groups; more recently, Lara Raj of KATSEYE has drawn attention as South Asias newest pop emissary. Sikarwar knows she enters a landscape still negotiating its inclusions. She recalls an early insecurity: I grew up hearing that I dont sound like a girl because of my hoarse voice, and grew incredibly insecure of it, she says. But my vocal trainer, Shubhangi C, changed that. She helped me gain confidence and embrace my tone. Now Im proud of it. Her mother, she adds, was the constant that kept her from turning away from performance altogether: Shes always encouraged me. Her support helped me find the strength to pursue my passion. The first break The long pursuit paid off in December 2024, when Sikarwar performed at the K-Town Festival a turning point that effectively launched her as a K-Pop soloist. The response was amazing, she recalls. That day, I realised I wanted to create music that connects with people and makes them feel something. Her guiding motto comes from that moment: to create a space to release it all when the music hits 0:00. 0:00 can mean the beginning or the end of a song, she says. I want people to feel something by the end of it, to release whatever theyre holding in. From lockdown to launch The decision to pursue music full-time came during the stillness of the COVID-19 lockdown, she says, sharing that she found her compass in K-Pop artist, BLACKPINKs Jennies solo single Solo. Something about Solo made me feel thats what I wanted to do. Chaos, calm and creation The heart of Duality lies in its title and in a belief that contradiction can be harmony. People think chaos and calm are opposites, but I dont agree, she says. I think you can find calmness even in chaos. That also describes how the record was made. Much of it came together virtually. We did the songwriting session online, she recalls. I started at 9 am, and by noon we had a full draft. I even tapped a drum rhythm on the table, and James built it into the track. What emerges is a kind of digital-era folk tale: a young woman in Mumbai making music with strangers across the world, turning latency and distance into collaboration. The long run Now, with Duality out in the world, Sikarwar is navigating the machinery that comes after creation promotion, social media, visibility. She has held small listening parties in Mumbai, valuing connection over scale. It was about that one-on-one space with people who really wanted to be there, she says. She knows her journey is only beginning. This is my first venture, so Im still learning the process, she admits. Now I just want to know what people feel when they hear it what emotions the songs bring up. I care about feedback, even criticism, because this is just the beginning. Im here for the long run. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governors race Tuesday, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to give Democrats a key victory heading into the 2026 midterm elections and make history as the first woman ever to lead the commonwealth. Spanberger's win was the first in a big night for Democrats in Virginia and around the country, casting new doubts about President Donald Trump's political strength less than a year into his second White House term. We sent a message to every corner of the commonwealth, a message to our neighbors and our fellow Americans across the country, Spanberger told supporters Tuesday night in Richmond. We sent a message to the whole word that in 2025, Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship. We chose our commonwealth over chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also Tuesday, Democrat Ghazala F. Hashmi won the lieutenant governor's race and will succeed Earle-Sears. Hashmi is the first Muslim woman to win a statewide office in the U.S. And in a night of firsts, Democratic challenger Jay Jones defeated Republican Jason Miyares to become the state's first Black attorney general and complete a Democratic sweep of the commonwealth's statewide posts. Democrats also retained control of the state legislature. Spanberger, a former congresswoman and CIA case officer, won by emphasizing economic issues, a strategy that may serve as a model for other Democrats in next years elections as they try to break Republicans hold on power in Washington and gain ground in statehouses. Campaigning, Spanberger often sidestepped the historic potential of her candidacy. In victory, she embraced it. Just a few minutes ago, Adam said to our daughters, your moms going to be the governor of Virginia. And I can guarantee those words have never been spoken in Virginia ever before, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a big deal, she added, that the girls and the young women I have met along the campaign trail now know with certainty that they can achieve anything. Spanbergers eyes welled up as she told her family she loved them. Her husband and three daughters, standing behind her, wiped tears from their cheeks. Spanberger was intentional in how she criticized Trump Throughout the campaign, Spanberger made carefully crafted economic arguments against Trumps policies, while she spent considerable sums on ads tying Earle-Sears to the president. She campaigned across the state, including in Republican-leaning areas, and in her first appearance as governor-elect she wore a bright red suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Spanberger also emphasized her support for abortion rights in the last Southern state that has not enacted new restrictions or bans on the procedure, and she railed against Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, the U.S. government shutdown and their negative impact on a state with several hundred thousand federal employees. That approach helped corral Democrats core supporters while attracting the kinds of swing voters who elected Youngkin four years ago. It also continued a historical trend for Virginia: Since Jimmy Carter won the White House in 1976, Virginia has backed a governor from the opposite party of every first-term president in the following year. This year is a special case, given the gap between Trumps terms. Republicans, meanwhile, must grapple again with a battleground loss by an arch-conservative from the president's party. Trump never campaigned for Earle-Sears, though he did give her his tepid support. Their uneasy alliance raises questions about the ideal Republican nominee for contested general elections and how the presidents volatile standing with voters might affect GOP candidates next November. The midterm elections will settle statehouse control in dozens of states and determine whether Republicans maintain majorities in Washington for the final years of Trumps presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earle-Sears 61, would have become the first Black woman to be elected as a governor in the U.S. My opponent, Abigail, ran as a moderate, Earle-Sears said in her concession speech. If she governs as one, then she will unite us, and shell heal our divide and win our support. I hope and pray she does. Spanberger balanced policy and biography Spanberger, 46, promised to protect Virginias economy from the aggressive tactics of Trumps second administration, which has culled the civil service, levied tariffs and shepherded a reconciliation bill curtailing the states already fragile health care system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephanie Uhl, a 38-year-old Defense Department employee, said the federal government shutdown was one reason she voted for Spanberger. Explaining that she is working without pay, she said, I can afford (it) just fine, but added that she's bothered that it affects so many other people. Spanberger's background also figured heavily into her victory. As a former CIA case officer, she noted her public service and national security credentials. And she pitched herself as the mother of daughters educated in Virginias public schools and a Capitol Hill veteran who represented a swing district and worked across the aisle. The pitch helped the Democratic nominee withstand Earle-Sears attacks on cultural issues, notably the Republicans assertion that Spanberger is an extremist on transgender rights. Spanberger, who consistently argued that local school districts should decide whether transgender students can participate in competitive sports, framed Earle-Sears as more out of step with the middle of the electorate. Her strategy echoed the approach Democrats used to flip U.S. House control in the 2018 midterms, halfway through Trumps first presidency. Spanberger was among several high-profile, center-left women who brought national security or military credentials to campaigns in battleground districts. Another of those women, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, was elected Tuesday to become New Jerseys Democratic governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together, they were held up as examples of successful mainstream Democrats at a time when the partys left flank has been ascendent. Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, was elected mayor of New York on Tuesday. In Congress, Spanberger was a quiet workhorse When she first got to Washington, Spanberger concentrated on lower-profile issues: bringing broadband to rural areas, fighting drug trafficking and veterans services. And she quickly established a reputation for working with colleagues across the political spectrum. In her new role, she will face tightening economic projections, rising utility costs and growing unemployment in part because of the Trump administrations federal contraction. But she will have the advantage of a friendly legislature. Democrats maintained their majority in the House of Delegates, and the state Senate, also controlled by Democrats, was not on the ballot this year. They are now in position to enact many policies that lawmakers advanced to Youngkin only for him to veto the bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spanberger won despite a late surprise that threatened Virginias Democratic ticket. In October, news reports revealed that Jones had sent texts in 2022 suggesting the former Republican House speaker get two bullets to the head. Republicans across the U.S., including Trump and Earle-Sears, demanded Jones drop out. He apologized and said he was ashamed of the messages but declined to leave the race. Spanberger condemned the text messages but stopped short of asking Jones to withdraw from the race, and she notably did not withdraw her endorsement. ___ Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Barrow reported from Atlanta. Helen Wieffering contributed from Arlington, Virginia. TAZEWELL, Va. Election Day has finally arrived in Southwest Virginia. Virginia-side voters will be casting a ballot today for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and a handful of local county and town council races. Polls open today at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Tazewell County ended the early voting period Saturday with 5,051 ballots cast. That tally included 4,398 people who voted early at the voter registration office in North Tazewell and 653 people who voted early by mail, according to county Registrar Brian Earls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 280 absentee mail ballots that were issued last month had not been returned as of Monday afternoon, Earls said. In order to be counted, those absentee mail ballots must be returned and postmarked by today, or Nov. 4. Earls said the absentee mail ballots were issued during the last week of September. Voters today who didnt cast an early ballot will vote at their normal polling precinct. If you missed the early voting period or are waiting to vote on Election Day, by all means get out and vote, Earls said. Its a very important election as they all are. {p class=p2}Mostly sunny skies are expected today with a high of near 55 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A good weather day always helps the turn-out on Election Day, Earls said. There were two recent voting precinct changes that Tazewell County voters should be aware of today. Earls said the Mundytown precinct is now located in a structure known as Adria Auto Truck Repair. There is not a functional repair shop located at the structure, but that is the name on the building, according to Earls. It is located at 1727 Adria Road, North Tazewell. The second change involved the closure of the Amonate precinct. Voters in that precinct received new voting cards and were dispersed among three different precincts. Earl said the new voter registration card they received in the mail will contain the location of their new voting precinct. But depending upon where the voter lives, it would be either precincts in Bandy, Bishop or Mundytown. Voters should be prepared to present an ID to poll workers before casting a ballot today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earls said the acceptable forms of identification include a county issued voter registration card, a drivers license, a DMV issued ID, a student ID, a military ID, a passport and other documents. At the top of todays ballot is the closely watched gubernatorial contest between Democrat Abigail D. Spanberger and Republican and current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Most of the local races on todays ballot are uncontested with the exception of a House of Delegates contest for Tazewell, Bland and Buchanan counties and a town council seat in Pocahontas. On the ballot in Tazewell, Buchanan and Bland counties is the 43rd District House of Delegates race where incumbent Republican Del. James W. Will Morefield of Tazewell is being challenged by Democrat Mary E. Sumner of Clintwood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 43rd Delegate District also includes parts of Dickenson and Russell counties. Voters in the Western and Southern Districts of Tazewell County also will elect board of supervisors and school board members. In the Southern District Board of Supervisors contest, independent John B. Rhudy is running unopposed for election. Republican Aaron Gillespie, the incumbent Southern District supervisor, isnt seeking re-election to that position. Also in the Southern District, incumbent school board member B. Irene Mullins is running unopposed for re-election. In the Western District Board of Supervisors race, Republican Curt W. Breeding is running unopposed for that seat. Andy Hrovatic, the incumbent Republican in the Western District, isnt seeking re-election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Western District School Board contest, Brannon C. Breeding is running unopposed for that seat. Chris Moir, the incumbent Western District School Board member, isnt seeking re-election. The towns of Pocahontas and Tazewell also are holding special elections for members of town council today. In the town of Pocahontas, two candidates Michele C. Crigger and A. Brad Belcher are vying for a single seat on the Pocahontas Town Council. The winner will serve an unexpired term that ends on Dec. 31, 2026. Suzanne Brinegar, a former council member, resigned, which created the vacancy in Pocahontas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the town of Tazewell, Glen A. Keen Jr. is running unopposed for a single seat on the Tazewell Town Council. The winner will serve an unexpired term that ends on Dec. 31, 2026. The resignation of former town council member Emily Combs Davis created the vacancy in Tazewell. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com (WKBN) Voters in Ohio and Pennsylvania will cast their ballots for the 2025 General Election today. Some have already returned their ballot by early, in-person voting or absentee ballot. Related stories: When is Election Day? Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. What time are the polls open in Ohio? Polls are open in Ohio from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place online. Polls in Pennsylvania are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling location online. Am I registered to vote in Ohio? The deadline to register to vote in Ohio has already passed and it was on Oct. 6. You can check your voter registration online. To vote in Pennsylvania, you must register to vote at least 15 days before the election. Check your registration online. What is on my ballot: There are key races that some people will be watching. The race for Youngstowns mayor has been one with a spotlight on it. Some other big ones are the Austintown Police Levy, the Cortland Police Levy and the Boardman Trustee race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men running for Youngstown mayor are current mayor Tito Brown and challenger Derrick McDowell. Brown is looking at a third term as mayor, having held the position since being elected in 2017. Brown says his record over the last eight years merits another four. McDowell says not enough is being done to help businesses and neighborhoods, and wants to do more. Four candidates are running for seats on the Boardman Township Board of Trustees this election year. Those include incumbent Thomas Costello, Steve Yacavone, who was appointed Trustee earlier this year to fill a vacancy, Attorney Matthew Gabrel, and political first-timer Cody McCormick. In June, Austintown Trustees voted to place the 2.22 mills, 5-year levy on the ballot. If passed, it will cost an extra $77 a year for every $100,000 of a propertys valuation and will bring the police department an additional $2 million a year. Cortland voters will see an additional levy for the citys police department on their ballots this November. The Cortland Police Department provides around-the-clock police protection with just nine full-time officers and one part-time officer. Drastic increases in overtime and healthcare costs are why the department is asking voters to approve an additional $1.5 mills continual levy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this odd-numbered off-year election, there are no statewide issues to be decided, and only a handful of races affecting entire counties. Still in the Mahoning County election, directors are predicting only 20% turnout. Ohios Secretary of State Frank LaRose said while theres no race for President or Governor this year, the races are still very important. It matters who lives in the white house, but what probably matters more in your daily life is who works at the courthouse, the schoolhouse, and city hall. And these are elections that can come down to really small numbers. Theres no reason not to participate in this election; its going to be very easy, LaRose said. You can see what issues and candidates are on your ballot by county online at the Ohio Secretary of State website. In Pennsylvania, Mercer Countys sample ballot can be read here. Lawrence Countys here. Absentee ballot information: In Ohio, the postmark deadline for ballots returned by mail is Monday, Nov. 3. If not returned by mail, absentee ballots must be received by your board of elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. You cannot take it to your polling place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement November 8 is the last day for boards of elections to receive non-UOCAVA (overseas) absentee ballots (returned by U.S. mail) that have been postmarked on or before November 4. UOCAVA absentee ballots must be received (by mail) by the boards of elections by this date to be counted. You can track your absentee ballot in Ohio online. In Pennsylvania, mail-in absentee ballots must be received by your county board of elections by 8 p.m. Nov. 4. A postmark by 8 p.m. Nov. 4 is NOT sufficient. You can track your absentee ballot in Pennsylvania online. What is a provisional ballot? A provisional ballot is cast by the voter, and eligibility will be determined at a later date. Once eligibility is verified, the vote is counted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both Ohio and Pennsylvania, you can cast a provisional ballot for many reasons such as: Your name does not appear on the official poll list for that precinct, or an election official asserts that you are not eligible to vote, or is unable to determine your eligibility; You are unable to provide photo identification. Your name appears on the official poll list for that precinct as having already requested an absentee ballot Your name is marked on the poll list or signature book with a notation that certain registration mailings have been returned as undeliverable Your voter registration has been challenged Your signature, in the opinion of the precinct officers, does not match the signature on your registration form. 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 WKBN.com. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) The North Carolina State Board of Elections says a system failure over the weekend is fixed, and people voting in the General Election on Tuesday wont be impacted. The temporary interruption was in the State Board of Elections Voter Search Tool, which dropped offline for several hours for much of the state. State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes said, From our CIO Brett Kelly, this had to do with an update to the SEIMS system that was necessary to meet deadlines for candidate filing for next years election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Hayes, voters were not impacted, contrary to a statement from North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton. In her statement over the weekend, Clayton said that poll workers were having trouble registering voters on Saturday. Its just simply misinformation, Hayes said. Theres no place for this, it just doesnt serve the public interest to put out false statements like this. In the statement, Democrats also criticized Republican State Auditor Dave Bolieks oversight of the board of elections. Boliek responded on Monday, saying, Its political actors who seem to feel like they need to politicize every single thing for their own personal gain for whatever reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since taking on oversight of the State Board of Elections, Boliek said he worked with Hayes to make every step of elections secure. On Friday, the Office of the State Auditor opened a portal to get public comment on modernization efforts for the state board. Its a total effort to be transparent with the process, Boliek said. Its really important on election integrity that we be as transparent as possible. This is a really good step toward transparency for the public as we move forward with the modernization effort. Even outside of the weekends hiccup, both Boliek and Hayes said their top priority is election integrity and transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think theres anything more important that we do here when were interfacing with voters of the state and making sure our elections are secure, Hayes said. We reached out to the state Democratic Party about Hayes and Bolieks comments. When we last heard from them, they said a statement was not available. 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. Election Day is Tuesday and voters have a lot to consider with candidates who have vastly different ideas and platforms. Eyewitness News has everything you need to know about the mayor's race in New York City, the governor's race in New Jersey and the issues that have shaped this election. NYC CANDIDATE PROFILES Zohran Mamdani N.J. Burkett has more on the candidate for New York City mayor. Andrew Cuomo Lauren Glassberg reports as election day gets closer. Curtis Sliwa CeFaan Kim profiles Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee for New York City mayor. KEY NEW JERSEY RACES NJ governor: Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toni Yates and Anthony Johnson has the latest details. Jersey City mayor Anthony Johnson has the details. KEY ISSUES FOR VOTERS Affordability Bill Ritter has details on each candidates' plan to address New York City's affordability issue. Crime and public safety Bill Ritter has the details. Education Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Ritter has the details. Trump administration Bill Ritter has the details. Transportation Bill Ritter talked to each candidate about transportation. BALLOT PROPOSALS What to know about 6 ballot measures Joining "The Countdown" to help provide a breakdown of the ballot questions is Laura Tamman, clinical assistant professor at Pace University. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. AVENEL, N.J. (PIX11) New Jersey voters were alerted to polling location changes on the day of the general election, according to Middlesex County officials. Avenel Middle School and Livingston Park Elementary School will no longer serve as polling stations due to police investigations, officials announced on Tuesday. Voters who would have used Avenel Middle School are being asked to use Woodbine Avenue Elementary School #23, while those who would have used Livingston Park Elementary School were relocated to Linwood School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Middlesex County recognizes that any change on Election Day may cause inconvenience and appreciates the publics understanding, officials said. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution and with the highest priority placed on public safety. More News: Politics Additional information on the nature of the police investigation was not immediately made available. It comes after Newark police alerted that bomb threats to voting locations in the city were fake and unfounded. New Jersey residents are casting their vote for the states next governor on Election Day. The latest polling from PIX11 News-Emerson College-The Hill shows that Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli and Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill are in a neck-to-neck race. Advertisement 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 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 PIX11. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has defended his leadership against criticisms presented in a new EU report on aspiring members of the bloc. Speaking at Euronews' EU Enlargement Summit, Vucic shrugged off reprimands from Brussels as well as protests in his own country by underlining Serbias economic credentials. I was facing protests since I became the prime minister in 2014, said Vucic, now in his second term as president. But even with that in mind, we have been progressing with good growth rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I also need to add that public debt dropped when I became prime minister because of how disciplined we were. The public debt-to-GDP is now 43%, half the EU average, he continued. According to European Commission data, the EU's debt-to-GDP ratio was 80.7% in 2024. Citing further signs of economic progress, Vucic also underlined Serbias improved credit ratings. In 2024, the country received its first investment-grade rating when S&P upgraded it from BB+ to BBB- with a stable outlook. This made S&P the first agency to lift Serbias foreign-currency bonds out of junk status. Such a decision was partly linked to the Balkan nations Expo 2027 plan, a specialised world exposition intended to attract foreign investment. Tied to the event are a myriad of infrastructure and development projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have already received confirmation that 127 countries might participate in that Expo, said Vucic on Tuesday. Related Despite the leaders optimism, his words come amid fierce opposition in Serbia and fresh criticism from Brussels. A new report from the European Commission, also released on Tuesday, noted that polarisation in Serbian society has deepened against the background of mass protests reflecting disappointment of citizens over inter alia corruption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brussels also condemned the countrys excessive use of force against protestors and backsliding on freedom of expression and the erosion of academic freedom. This past weekend, Serbia again saw mass demonstrations marking the first anniversary of a train station awning collapse in the northern city of Novi Sad, which killed 16, including children. The deadly incident triggered a series of student-led protests calling for change. On Sunday, the Serbian president offered to advance parliamentary elections due in two years in a seeming attempt to appease public anger. Elections will be held before the end of the term (in December 2027), Vucic said during a news conference. The exact timing will be decided by the competent institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of six Western Balkan hopefuls, Serbia was identified as a potential candidate for EU membership in 2003 and granted EU candidate country status in 2012. Also speaking at Euronews summit on Tuesday, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that despite some backsliding in Serbia: I'm happy that all the protests since November last year have shown that there is democratic potential and that people want to go down this democratic route. MADISON Wisconsin FoodShare recipients will likely wait weeks for new benefits after the Trump administration decided to partially fund the nation's food assistance programs, the Evers administration said late Monday. Department of Health Services officials said because food stamp recipients' benefits will be reduced due to the partial funding, the state must wait for guidance from the Trump administration on how to move forward and then recalculate more than 367,000 households' benefits because the amount is lower than normal. That will take "weeks instead of days," the officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Wisconsin, about 700,000 Wisconsinites pay for meals using benefits from the state program known as FoodShare. As of September, the benefits totaled $115.8 million. About 270,000 recipients are children. If the Trump administration had fully funded the program, state government officials across the country would not have needed to overhaul their systems and benefits would have been delivered more quickly, according to Patrick Penn, a U.S. Department of Agriculture official who oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. "Providing the full month of benefits would not have created the same unique challenges and delays," the Wisconsin officials wrote in an email to reporters. "If the federal government would have provided full benefits, existing processes for assigning and deploying benefits could be followed and states would not need to recalculate benefits for every household." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penn wrote in a court filing Monday that Trump administration officials considered diverting funding set aside for school meal subsidies to fund food assistance programs at a higher level, but decided against the idea. "USDA has determined that creating a shortfall in Child Nutrition Program funds to fund one month of SNAP benefits is an unacceptable risk, even considering the procedural difficulties with delivering a partial November SNAP payment, because shifting $4 billion dollars to Americas SNAP population merely shifts the problem to millions of Americas low income children that receive their meals at school," Penn wrote. The nation's food assistance programs have become a casualty of a month-long fight between Democrats and Republicans over how to fund the federal government. The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1 after the two political parties could not agree on a new spending bill. Democrats want any new bill to include an extension of Obamacare subsidies. Republicans have so far opposed the idea. The federal government has been shut down for more than a month as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration reversed itself on whether to release money for SNAP programs during the shutdown after two federal judges ruled it must use contingency funds to pay for benefits for food programs, including Wisconsin's FoodShare. The Trump administration indicated in a court filing in one of the lawsuits that partially funding SNAP programs could lead to "significant delays." Penn said in the court filing that there are "procedural difficulties that States will likely experience which would affect November SNAP benefits reaching households in a timely manner and in the correctly reduced amounts." Penn said in the filing that state agencies must revamp their systems to distribute benefits to adjust for the reduced maximum allotments, which could "lead to payment errors and significant delays" if a system must be updated manually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For at least some States, USDAs understanding is that the system changes States must implement to provide the reduced benefit amounts will take anywhere from a few weeks to up to several months," Penn wrote. The U.S. Department of Agriculture initially advised that $3 billion in contingency funding could be used for administrative costs and benefit payments in the event of a shutdown. But then on Oct. 24, the agency issued a new memo saying funding cannot legally be used for such purposes. Attorneys general in 25 states, including Wisconsin, and a group of city officials and nonprofit groups filed two lawsuits to compel the Trump administration to use the available funding. The federal judges overseeing those lawsuits sided with the plaintiffs. Evers administration officials said because of the abrupt policy change, the rate at which benefits are overpaid or underpaid could be higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the state's error rate goes above 6%, state taxpayers will have to foot around $205 million annually to help pay for the FoodShare program under a provision in President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill law. Evers on Oct. 31 declared a state of emergency in Wisconsin over the FoodShare funding lapse, directing state officials to police price gouging and to suspend state rules that he says would hinder the state's response. Evers' office said that, unlike in other states, the Wisconsin governor cannot unilaterally spend state funds on federal programs that do not already have an appropriation. Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Reduced FoodShare benefits to take weeks, Evers administration says WALLINGFORD - Wallingford's emergency homeless shelter, Columbus House, is one step closer to receiving the $111,000 it needs to maintain seasonable operations this winter. Previously, funding shortfalls sparked concerns that it might not open for a full winter season. Columbus House is a New Haven-based homelessness services nonprofit that purchased the Wallingford Emergency Shelter in 2016. Last year, despite receiving funds from the town to support its operations, the shelter was unable to open due to budgetary issues, which caused outrage from the Town Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus House Chief Executive Officer Louis Gill went before the Town Council Oct. 14 to reemphasize the organization's commitment to working with the town and being more transparent about its financial issues. The council was unaware of the Columbus House's closure last season until some time later. "Last year's opening was not efficient, and we do not want anything like that ever again," Gill said at a Town Council meeting early last month. "I want to make sure I do everything that I can to make you guys aware of where we are. Truly I'm here because we need to have a relationship for this." Gill said the organization would be fully transparent and cooperative with the town moving forward. During the Oct. 28 meeting, the council made a tentative agreement to fully fund the remaining $111,000 the shelter needs this season. However, the motion won't be formally approved until the next council meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total seasonal operating cost of the shelter is over $180,000. The Columbus House has secured $72,000 from other sources, but needs the town to make up the difference. Councilors debated how much of a contribution should be made, with some looking to wait for additional information, while Comptroller Timothy Sena suggested a $60,000 contribution, leaving $51,000 unfunded. Councilor Autumn Allinson put forward a motion that the town would fund the full $111,000, which would be formally approved at a later meeting. Mayor Vincent Cervoni voiced his support of the effort, noting that the town would find a way to secure the funding from a variety of sources. Some members had mentioned using hotel rooms as an alternative - and cheaper - option to fully funding the shelter, but that was met with objections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're talking about human lives here. We have the ability to fund this, and we should. I can't believe that we're talking about hotel rooms and all of this. The mayor is on board, we should all be on board. We're talking about saving human lives in our community," said Councilor Samuel Carmody. Fire Chief James Buck had spoken in favor of supporting the shelter at a previous meeting, emphasizing that homeless people who remain unhoused during the winter season become the responsibility of emergency services should anything occur. He encouraged a mix of town, state, and community financial contributions in partnership with one another to ensure smooth operations and a continuum of service, which takes an additional burden off emergency service personnel. "If we're not going to do it, then who's going to? This is it," added Councilor Tom Laffin, stating that now was the best opportunity to put their support behind the shelter. Gill said he remains committed to rebuilding a cooperative relationship with the town and looks forward to further collaboration. "This is a process. I'm responsible for what happened in the past. I didn't do it, but I took the job so it's mine to make right, so I'm working on that," Gill said earlier this month. "I'm going to try and make the future better. I promise you that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gill became Columbus House CEO in May, having taken over the position from Margaret Middleton, who stepped down in March 2024. Gill previously worked as CEO for Bethany Services Inc. Cervoni said it was likely that a full breakdown of where the money would be pulled from would be presented before the Town Council after the election. Despite not yet having the funding approved, Gill has been seeking seasonal staffers, and said they would maintain the shelter for as long as funding would allow, whatever the town decided. "I've already committed us to spending money. The question will be how long we can do that," Gill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 15-bed shelter at 123 Quinnipiac St. has seasonal winter operations that begin Dec. 1. Open during evenings beginning at 4 p.m., the shelter provides a means for homeless individuals to find a warm place to stay during the winter along with connecting with resources that can find them permanent housing opportunities and aid from the rest of the Columbus House network. This article originally published at Wallingford homeless shelter needs $111K from Town Council to stay open for winter. CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA) Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public after a bomb threat was made against a Walmart location in Clemson on Monday. According to the Clemson Police Department, the threat was made just before 9 p.m. against the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Old Greenville Highway. Police officers, Clemson University Fire and EMS and the Anderson County Sheriffs Office bomb squad helped search the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building has been cleared, police said. This is a developing story. Stay up to date with 7NEWS on the air and online as more updates are made available. 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Sonora, CA Only one item is on the local ballot on this Election Day. Californians are deciding whether to approve Proposition 50, proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom, to redistrict Californias Congressional districts over the next three election cycles (2026, 2028, and 2030). The move would temporarily take the power away from the non-partisan California Independent Redistricting Commission to allow Democrats to gain a handful of seats in the state. It was proposed in response to redistricting efforts in other states, like Texas, that would benefit Republicans. As of late last week, 14,000 of Tuolumne Countys roughly 36,000 voters had already cast a ballot. Ballots can be placed in designated drop boxes throughout today, and special Vote Centers will be open from 7 am 8 pm. Click here for locations of the drop boxes and Vote Centers in both Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. Photo: Getty Images with Legal Aid of NC logo. There is nothing particularly new about conservative American politicians and their allies resisting public efforts to aid Americans in need. Ever since Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law 90 years ago during the depths of the Great Depression, the political right has relentlessly derided and sought to undermine anti-poverty programs of all kinds. Some of this effort think of Donald Trump and the brigands on the make with whom he surrounds himself is just plain old, run-of-the-mill greed. As they see it with crude, near-term accuracy, less money going to aid average Americans leaves more for them to plunder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For others, the reasoning is weirdly and perversely ideological. This is the self-described libertarian crowd that clings stubbornly to the delusional notion that helping average Americans to remain middle class through public structures and systems somehow cultivates indolence and immorality. Think of Ronald Reagans fairy tales about welfare queens and the efforts of groups like the Heritage Foundation and John Locke Foundation to oppose everything from Medicaid to subsidized school lunches. Both of these patterns are on stark display right now at the national level in the ongoing effort to decimate the Affordable Care Act and SNAP food assistance. Meanwhile, here in North Carolina a place where the legislatures Republican majority long fought Medicaid expansion tooth and nail and has slashed everything from public education to affordable housing to aid for hurricane victims the latest target is, of all things, a modest program that funds legal aid programs known as IOLTA. As NC Newslines Brandon Kingdollar reported recently, IOLTA is an ingenious system devised decades ago and employed across the country in which the separate bank accounts that attorneys long maintained to hold client funds in trust for brief periods (and that did not generate meaningful interest on their own) were instead pooled into a single large account that generates millions of dollars each year for the public purpose of funding legal aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an inventive, win-win tactic that helps tackle an outsized societal need without using public tax dollars the dearth of attorneys available, willing and capable of helping the millions of North Carolinians who need, but cannot afford, civil (as opposed to criminal) legal assistance. Think of women seeking to escape domestic violence, consumers ripped off by loan sharks, tenants illegally locked out of their homes, people with mental and physical disabilities denied services to which they are entitled, and hourly workers wrongfully underpaid by their employers who would, ordinarily, have no chance of finding a lawyer willing to take their cases. Rural legal deserts are among the areas that benefit the most. Unfortunately, for the thousands of people of modest means who benefit from them, IOLTA funding and legal aid programs more generally have always been a bee in the bonnet of the political right. Not only does legal aid for people of low income offend their notions of societal order and merit, they do something that makes many conservatives even crazier: they fund lawyers who can occasionally win important legal and policy reforms. Think of a class action suit to validate the rights of a group of underpaid farmworkers or, God forbid, lawyers representing the rights of immigrants facing deportation. And so it is that Republicans at the North Carolina legislature with the assent of their most reliable of rubber stamps, state Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby recently enacted a law to bar the state IOLTA program from making grants during the current fiscal year that commenced July 1. As a result, millions of dollars that would have gone to support legal aid programs programs that even under the best of circumstances operate on a shoestring and are able to handle only a tiny fraction of the eligible clients who seek their help are frozen. The cuts are already having a big and destructive impact. Last month, Legal Aid of North Carolina one of IOLTAs biggest grant recipients announced it was closing offices in two of the states neediest communities: Rocky Mount and Pembroke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In defense of their action, the legislative authors of the funding freeze have dredged up the old chestnut long employed by legal aid opponents that IOLTA funds have been funneled to leftist groups with leftist ideologies. Its the same bogus claim made by those who would defund environmental protection and mental health programs because the professionals they employ tend to surprise, surprise! identify with the plight of their clients. Whats more, as is made plain in a pair of powerful recent letters authored by Supreme Court Justices Anita Earls and Allison Riggs and a coalition of dozens of the states most prominent private attorneys, this claim is utterly specious. As the letters explain, IOLTA funding for civil legal aid is a critical component in the construction and maintenance of a well-functioning legal system, and the freeze will do much to undermine that cause. The bottom line: in a nation in which the yawning gap between the wealthy and everyone else continues to metastasize, the IOLTA freeze is just the latest broadside in a longstanding and hugely destructive war on the poor. (The Center Square) California has nothing to hide. Thats Attorney General Rob Bontas response to The Center Squares question about the U.S. Department of Justice assigning monitors to five counties for Tuesdays election on congressional redistricting. The counties are Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Kern and Fresno. Elsewhere in the U.S., the DOJ is sending monitors to Passaic County, N.J. The monitoring is being overseen by the DOJs Civil Rights division. The DOJ said its goal is to ensure compliance with federal laws including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, and the Civil Rights Acts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the DOJ is committing its resources to ensure Americans get the fair, free and transparent elections they deserve. In California, the congressional redistricting measure, Proposition 50, is the only statewide measure on the ballot. It is designed to pick up five Democratic seats in the U.S. House to counter redistricting that the Texas Legislature passed to add five Republican seats in the 2026 midterm election. We welcome transparency to California with respect to our elections, Bonta told The Center Square Monday morning during a virtual press conference that also included attorneys general from Colorado and Massachusetts. Bonta called the Golden States elections secure, safe, accurate and reliable. He added the federal DOJ wont be the only one watching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Observers of Tuesdays election vary from representatives of the Democratic and Republican parties to nonprofits such as the League of Women Voters and the Secretary of States Office, Bonta said. He added his office will have election observers as well. But Bonta noted federal monitors must stay in their own lane. What is their lane? They can sit back, be quiet and observe like everybody else. Thats what monitors do, Bonta told The Center Square. They cant intimidate voters. They cant prevent voters from exercising their right to vote. They cant physically touch or manipulate the equipment for voting. We feel they will be convinced of what everyone else in California knows to be true, that these are accurate and safe and reliable and secure elections, Bonta said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Center Square reached out Monday to the U.S. Department of Justice, which said it couldnt comment beyond what it already said in its news release announcing the monitors. The Department of Justice will do everything necessary to protect the votes of eligible American citizens, ensuring our elections are safe and secure, said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, who oversees the Civil Rights Division. Transparent election processes and election monitoring are critical tools for safeguarding our elections and ensuring public trust in the integrity of our elections. Bonta said his office is prepared for any possible interference with elections. He noted California National Guard troops, including any federalized members, and other armed officers are not allowed near polls. For much of California, there won't be anything to vote on except Prop. 50. Most of the state's counties, cities and districts prefer to hold their elections in even-numbered years to save on cost and boost turnout. But there are regular and special elections in 17 of California's 50 counties for some cities and districts, according to the Secretary of State's Office. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. (The Center Square) Democratic attorney generals from 22 jurisdictions sued the U.S. Department of Education Monday over its new rule limiting Public Student Loan Forgiveness for government and nonprofit workers. The PSLF program was passed in 2007 with bipartisan support as part of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. Under the law signed by President George W. Bush, workers are entitled to forgiveness for the remaining balance of their loans if they dedicate 10 years to government or nonprofit work and stay up to date with their payments. On Friday, the Department of Education issued a rule that threatened to remove eligibility for student loan forgiveness to anyone who works for someone with a substantial illegal purpose. California, Massachusetts, Colorado and New York are the states leading the coalition suing the Trump administration. The suit was filed by 21 states and the District of Columbia in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit seeks a court decision declaring the new rule unlawful. The suit notes Congress directed the U.S. Department of Education to cancel the "balance of interest and principle due for any borrower" who had been employed in a public service job for 10 years and met other statutory requirements. The suit noted all government jobs are eligible, except for members of Congress. California Attorney General Rob Bonta accused President Donald Trump and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon of using student loan forgiveness to reward loyalists and punish opponents. This is just the latest example of Trump weaponizing our government to wage his culture war, Bonta said during a virtual news conference, which also included attorneys general from Colorado and Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First he weaponized our schools, hospitals and military, Bonta told reporters. Now hes coming for hardworking people whove devoted their careers to doing good in the world. Trump and McMahon have no legal right to impose this rule and break the governments promise to the American people, Bonta said. This rule directly violates the Administrative Procedure Act and defies Congress direction under the Higher Education Act, which clearly states that government agencies and nonprofits are eligible employers without exception. That means the administration cant exclude an eligible organization just because it provides legal services to immigrants or provides gender-affirming care to minors or participates in legal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or engages in civil protest and the right to assembly - constitutionally protected rights, Bonta said. They cant cherrypick which public service employers qualify or which dont. The Center Square reached out Monday to the U.S. Department of Education after the news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unconscionable that the plaintiffs are standing up for criminal activity, Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent told The Center Square in an email. This is a commonsense reform that will stop taxpayer dollars from subsidizing organizations involved in terrorism, child trafficking, and transgender procedures that are doing irreversible harm to children. The final rule is crystal clear: the Department will enforce it neutrally, without consideration of the employers mission, ideology or the population they serve. But attorneys general at Mondays news conference expressed concern about the people who would be denied the student loan forgiveness promised by Congress. Bonta noted the recipients vary from teachers to police officers, firefighters, librarians, social service workers and members of the military. Attorney General Phil Weiser of Colorado said his states employees, varying from firefighters to state troopers, could lose their loan forgiveness if Trump and McMahon simply labeled Colorado as unlawful. Thats the sort of bullying were not going to allow, Weiser said, answering a question from The Center Square. This rule is illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added he didnt know how much money the federal government is trying to save in Colorado. But as the attorneys general answered The Center Squares questions about numbers such as costs, Bonta put the total amount of the programs value, as of 2024 in California, at $6 billion. The attorneys general answered The Center Squares question about the number of people served by their programs: 18,000 over the last two-and-one-half years in Colorado, 25,000 between 2021 and January of 2025 in Massachusetts, and over 81,000 in California as of 2024. These are hardworking folks who had to be in the program 10 years and consistently make payments, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell told The Center Square. Its not a handout. Its folks who work hard. We honor their service, knowing they make less than those in the private sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of July, 1.25 million people had received the forgiveness nationwide, Bonta said. Besides the attorneys general from California, Colorado, Massachusetts and New York, the attorneys general filing the lawsuit are from Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. In addition to discussing the lawsuit, attorneys general Monday reacted to the Trump administrations announcement that it would issue half of the November payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits after Fridays court orders saying the Trump administration couldnt suspend the program Nov. 1. SNAP was formerly known as food stamps and is designed to help low-income individuals, seniors and those with disabilities. The Trump administration issued its response to the court orders on Monday, as reported earlier by The Center Square. Partial instead of full payments could make the program more complicated and increase delays, Campbell of Massachusetts told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorneys general argue theres enough money for provide full payments. They are intentionally starving some Americans when they dont have to, Bonta said. We believe they should use all available funds. The Center Square reached out Monday to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP, for this story, but did not get a response. But as reported earlier by The Center Square, the USDA said it only has enough emergency funds, about $4.6 billion, to cover half of November benefits. The USDA said it will not draw from other contingency funds, which are normally used for events such as natural disasters when the federal government is open. Election Day has been held on the first Tuesday in November since 1845. Farmers, according to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, lived far from their polling places and needed two days to get their after church on Sunday. By November, most of the harvest had been completed. Nowadays in Connecticut, most people live within a few miles of their polling places and, because most people work on Tuesdays, the state instituted an early voting process, allowing voters 14 days before Election Day to cast a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday, 192,271 people across Connecticut voted early, with an additional 20,330 voters submitting absentee ballots. Here's what else to expect on Election Day: New voting machines Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas said Monday that 2,500 new tabulators had been rolled out to all voting districts in Connecticut. Though the machines are new, the process is not and should be familiar to anyone who has voted before. The old machines, as Thomas said, were 20 years old and purchased before the advent of the iPhone. The new tabulators were purchased using a $25 million bond approved by Gov. Ned Lamont. The new machines were evaluated by cybersecurity experts at the University of Connecticut's VoTeR Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Such an evaluation touches on many technical issues ranging from compliance to the standards to resilience to attacks an adversary might be tempted to carry out against a voting system, such as tampering with the equipment to coerce it into reporting incorrect results," Laurent Michel, technical director of the VoTeR Center and professor of computer science and engineering, told UConn Today. There are the standard ballot counters at every voting location, but the state also has a few medium-speed and high-speed voting tabulators that will be used at centralized locations for early voting and absentee ballots. "They can run about 100 ballots per minute, Thomas said. Will lines be long? Though Thomas said "no two races are the same," the average turnout for municipal elections is about 33% of the total electorate, compared to an average of close to 80% during presidential elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, Thomas said 212,601 ballots had been cast before Election Day, counting early voting, same day registration and absentee voting. At the same time last year, during the presidential election, there had been 882,018 voters, which was about 40% of the total. "Right now that turnout would be about 25% so Election Day will tell us if our average is raising or sinking," she said. In some places where the election is highly contested, such as in Stratford, early voting is higher and Election Day voting is expected to be heavier as well. In places where an incumbent is widely expected to win, voting is expected to be lighter. Key races in Connecticut New Britain will vote on a new mayor, with Republican Erin Stewart likely seeking higher office. The race is being contested by Democrat Bobby Sanchez, program director for the New Beginnings Emergency Homeless Shelter, and Republican Common Council Alderwoman Sharon Beloin-Saavedra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Danbury, two years ago, Roberto Alves became the first Democratic mayor in 22 years when he defeated Dean Esposito by less than 300 votes. Alves is now Democratic state chairman and is being treated for cancer. He's faced by Republican Emile Buzaid, a longtime member of the city's City Council. Perhaps the most heated race in the state is in Stratford, which led the state in early voting with 5,353 votes, ahead of larger towns like Greenwich and Norwalk. Two-term Republican incumbent Mayor Laura Hoydick is facing Democrat David Chess, who managed to secure endorsements from both the police and fire unions. Who is allowed where at the polling locations? All voters must be in line on Election Day, Nov. 4, no later than 8 p.m. If you are in line at 8 p.m. you'll be allowed to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Depending on the polling place, there may be campaign-related activity outside, but it must be outside of a 75-foot boundary. By state law, within that boundary there may be no loitering, campaigning, peddling or advertising, including inside corridors. Moderators may be allowed within that 75-foot boundary, as are members of the media and children under 15 years old. What can I wear to vote? Voters, or "electors" as they are called, are allowed to wear whatever they want with a few exceptions. Most notably, there is a prohibition on campaign-related clothing. "Persons who are wearing political or candidate clothing, jewelry, or stickers, or displaying political literature, must remove or hide the political items," the official state poll moderator handbook says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moderators may ask a voter to remove a piece of clothing or to leave the polling place if it does display campaign-related messaging. When will votes be counted? Some races, if the results are obvious or mathematically probable, will be called by news organizations on election night or by the candidates themselves. Those results, however, are not official. Registrars of voters will report initial results as soon as possible, but there is a statutorily defined three days during which they can determine if a recount is necessary. Town clerks will confirm results of races no later than the end of Thursday, Nov. 7 and, if a recount is required, it might not happen until Nov. 11. Do I need to bring identification? Poll workers will ask for identification, but voters who don't have an ID available will be allowed to sign an affidavit instead. What if I see something inappropriate at the polls? When asked about voting integrity, Thomas said the new tabulators are not connected to the internet, and so cannot be hacked. She said every machine has a lock to which only the election moderator has a key, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So there's greater security in the sense that no one can do anything to this equipment," she said. "It has to be the moderator of the location." If a voter does see or suspect some inappropriate activity, the State Elections Enforcement Commission hotline can be reached at (866) 733-2463 or by email at elections@ct.gov. This article originally published at What to watch for on Election Day 2025 in Connecticut. (The Center Square) King County council members are grappling with housing challenges that put larger households at risk of overcrowding. On Monday, the King County Council discussed a recent housing report highlighting a $3.96 billion annual funding gap needed to meet the countys affordable housing goals. Despite voter-approved funding, King County is on track to reach just one-third of its 178,000-unit affordable housing target by 2044. The total cost to develop and achieve that goal is $114.5 billion in 2025 dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan Shook, Director of ECOnorthwest the firm that conducted the study flagged a shortage of larger rental units in the region, especially three to four-bedroom homes needed by lower-income families. This leads to overcrowding and forces many families to rent up, stretching their housing costs beyond what they can afford just to find enough space to house themselves, Shook said during Monday's Committee of the Whole meeting. Its not just low-income families facing overcrowding. The report found that more than 90% of households with three or more people do not match the existing housing stock, regardless of income. This indicates a shortage of larger rental units even for higher-income households. Nearly 28% of South King County renters in particular live in overcrowded housing, almost four times the rate in Seattle. King County Councilmember DeSean Quinn, who represents South King County cities, said parents often face housing options limited by their income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The likelihood of [large rental units] being built depends on basically a higher income bracket; having access to that type of housing is challenging as a parent, Quinn said. The King Countywide Housing Needs Assessment 2025 outlined three funding scenarios to generate the $3.96 billion annually, but they are deemed unrealistic. One calls for a regional property tax levy of $4.53 per $1,000 of assessed value, nearly 10 times Seattles current housing levy and far exceeding state-imposed lid lift caps, as noted in the report. The other two proposals are equally unfeasible: a 4.23% sales tax rate and a 11.46% real estate excise tax, or REET, rate more than triple the current maximum state REET rate of 3%. Both would require new authorizing legislation from Olympia. The Center Square previously reported that county executive candidates Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay, both members of the King County Council, are not supporting these tax proposals to address the funding gap. During Monday's meeting, Balducci said the county should work to bring costs down rather than solely build revenue up. We probably cant value engineer our way out of such a big hole, but we must absolutely have to do some value engineering; we have to figure out a way not just to raise the money that is needed and take the costs as given," Balducci said. "We have to figure out a way to drive the costs down or were just not going to meet our goals." With outrage building over the death of "KitKat," a feline struck by a Waymo in San Francisco's Mission District, a city supervisor has called for legislation allowing counties to ban autonomous vehicles. The resolution that Supervisor Jackie Fielder plans to introduce Tuesday would urge state leaders to change how this ride-hail technology is regulated, by enabling local governments to put the matter to voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Here in the Mission, we will never forget our sweet KitKat, (and) we will always put community before tech oligarchs," Fielder said in an Instagram reel, in which she blasted Waymo not only for killing an animal, but for causing congestion, collecting users' data and undermining public transit. Inspired by a moribund state Senate bill that would have allowed for local control of robotaxis, Fielder's resolution illustrates a renewed skepticism of the vehicles, which have become embedded in San Francisco's landscape. As Waymo expands to cities across the country other companies, including Zoox, Tesla and Uber, are jockeying for position in the Bay Area market. Nearly a week after a self-driving Waymo taxi struck and killed a beloved neighborhood cat in San Francisco's Mission District, the community is still grieving. (Aidin Vaziri/S.F. Chronicle) Currently, companies need to secure six state permits from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission before they can provide passenger service in vehicles that are run entirely by sensors and software, with no human at the wheel. If the state were to empower voters to bar vehicles from individual counties, it would be much more difficult for these companies to create a regional network. Such county-by-county restrictions could also disrupt service to major hubs, like the San Francisco International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Desire to manage AVs at a local level is "not new," said Brad Templeton, a self-driving car consultant based in Sunnyvale. While he somewhat empathized with city politicians' frustration, he said the AV industry would never work if every player had to follow an intricate and piecemeal set of regulations that changed at every county line. "You'd get a pretty complicated patchwork," Templeton said. "Maybe you could pick (a robotaxi) up at Daly City, but then you could only ride it to Colma." Although self-driving cars initially sparked fear, curiosity and stunts aimed to incapacitate them, they gradually gained acceptance from residents and city leaders. But that fragile trust foundered after a series of high-profile mishaps, including a traffic stop in San Bruno, where a Waymo made an illegal U-turn. Late at night on Oct. 27, a beloved bodega cat scurried under a Waymo that was pulling away from the Roxie Theater on 16th Street. The car ran over "Kit Kat," shocking bystanders. One witness filed a 311 complaint saying the autonomous vehicle "did not even try to stop and hit the cat at fast speed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The poor thing crawled ten feet back to the sidewalk and suffered a horrible, horrible, long unaliving," Fielder said in her Instagram reel. Representatives of Waymo have since tried to make amends with community members who loved the 9-year-old tabby, long a de facto doorman of Randa's Market next to the Roxie. Store patrons knew him, affectionately, as "the Mayor of 16th Street." Emphasizing that trust and safety is the company's "highest priority," Waymo staff sent condolences to the cat's owner and community members in an Oct.30 statement. Waymo also pledged to make a donation for an undisclosed amount to a local animal rights organization in honor of KitKat. Meanwhile, fans have formed a makeshift shrine at the site of the crash, filling it with votive candles, marigolds, handwritten notes and cat photos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether that outpouring of grief could translate into fairly consequential legislation is unclear. But Fielder has already drawn support from the Teamsters, who are wary of the threat that AVs pose to professional human drivers. Members of the influential union will accompany the supervisor when she unveils her proposal outside Randa's Market on Tuesday, before rolling it out at the Board of Supervisors meeting. This article originally published at A Waymo robotaxi killed a beloved S.F. cat. Now a city supervisor wants driverless car reform. The most surprising group to back Californias Democratic gerrymander are not the self-described independent voters suddenly embracing a partisan power play, or the good-government reformers whose prized redistricting commission Proposition 50 would now eviscerate. It is the 43 Democratic members of Congress who helped pay for the new map and sell it to voters, often choosing to redraw their own hard-won districts to help a potential Democratic challenger elsewhere. Historically, that could be really challenging, said Tom Bonier, a Democratic data analyst who over years drawing new maps at the National Committee for an Effective Congress had to assuage fretful incumbents to choose their partys best interests over their own. Because they would be convinced that its going to doom them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such politicians were previously a major bulwark against a practice that political scientists have labeled strategic redistricting in which the timing of a redraw is determined not by metronomic habit but situational opportunity that was once common and appears destined to again become a recurring factor in American politics. Over a 60-year period, the most aggressive gerrymanders for partisan advantage were blocked by federal courts, granted authority during the civil-rights revolution to enforce equal-representation standards in proposed maps. The U.S. Supreme Court appears to be on the cusp of gutting some of the racial criteria in the Voting Rights Act that courts use to constrain the most ruthless gerrymanderers. We could instantiate this system of rolling redistricting where the ground is constantly shifting beneath our feet, and it will totally upend the sort of stability on which representative government depends, said Kevin Kiley, a freshman Republican representative whose Sacramento-area district has been redrawn by the states Democrats in such a way that it would almost certainly be unwinnable for him. If voters today approve Prop 50, as polls strongly indicate they will, California would join Texas, Missouri, Ohio, Utah and North Carolina among states that have already redrawn their districts this year to extend one partys haul of seats, with processes to do so underway in Virginia and Indiana. Illinois and Maryland could follow shortly, with others to take on the project in years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That amounts to a perpetual gerrymandering extravaganza, in the words of Sara Sadhwani, a former member of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission who campaigned this year for Prop 50s passage. The Republican National Legislative Committee last week beseeched donors to take seriously this new every-cycle redistricting reality. In the late 19th century, such strategic redistricting was common. While the Constitution requires districts to be reapportioned across states every 10 years, it does not say anything about how lines are drawn within them. For long stretches of American history, states that did not experience significant population change often did not touch their maps. Connecticut went 70 years without doing so at all. But elsewhere party leaders saw an opportunity to maximize their advantage. One of the first moves Indiana Republicans made upon winning control of the statehouse in 1866 was to pass a new map that would favor their candidates in the next congressional election. In April 1878, staring down the prospect of a tough midterm election, House Speaker Samuel J. Randall wrote to fellow Democrats in state legislatures imploring them to act. As University of California, Davis professor Erik Engstrom details in his "Partisan Gerrymandering and the Construction of American Democracy," Democratic leaders in Ohio and Missouris legislatures quickly took up Randalls charge and passed new U.S. House maps. Doing so helped Democrats pick up nine seats that fall, ensuring a Democratic majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That began a 12-year span in which Ohio changed the shape of its districts six times, often directly affecting the House majority. Leadership of Washingtons legislative chambers was decided in the map-drawing rooms of Columbus. Those constantly shuffling district lines helped create what Engstrom calls a Congress of strangers, short-termers whose hold on a local constituency was constantly jeopardized by party leaders looking for a national edge. After a realigning election in 1896 reshuffled partisan allegiances, strategic redistricting for control of the U.S. House was largely abandoned. Political machines weakened and individual politicians gained primacy. They had little interest in abandoning hard-won careers for the benefit of their party. As Engstrom notes, one reason Arkansas Democrat Wilbur Mills was able to build up the seniority to become chair of the House Ways and Means Committee is that the lines of his district never changed between 1902 and 1952. That changed in the early 1960s, when the Supreme Court ruled in a series of opinions that the courts had a role to play in redistricting and, in enforcing a one man, one vote standard, would compel states to maintain constituencies of equal size. The Voting Rights Act in 1964 set specific racial criteria to ensure minorities had a strong chance of seeing their interests represented in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those requirements tethered the redistricting process to the arrival of new Census data, as obligation to reflect a states actual population in a quickly growing, mobile country made decennial redraws unavoidable a congresspersons equivalent of death and taxes, as Gary W. Cox and Jonathan N. Katz put it in their 2002 book Elbridge Gerrys Salamander. Every 10 years, seats would be reapportioned across states typically away from the declining Rust Belt and toward the rising Sun Belt and reallocated within them, usually with the need to carve more districts out of growing suburbs and exurbs. Party operatives deployed cutting-edge mapping software as they worked to optimize maps for partisan gain. It proved a precarious balancing act, as moving any bloc of voters to strengthen a partys hand in one jurisdiction would weaken it in a neighboring area. And it all had to be done under the careful scrutiny of the courts, emboldened to step in and impose their own maps when politicians failed to meet legal standards. By centurys end, parties had alighted on the once-per-decade cheat code to congressional control embedded in the process. State elections held the same year as a Census gained unusual weight, for whichever party controlled the legislature (and sometimes the governors office) would control the states redistricting process. In the early 1990s, Democrats launched Impac 2000; 10 years later, the NRLC had its Redistricting Majority Project, known as REDMAP. It was an investment not only in winning the mapping process, but winning control of the mapping process, said Bonier, now chief executive of data firm the TARA Group. It was a five-year process to raise money, to bring people together from a political perspective, to get the data together, to get the legal strategy together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was one notable exception to the well-established decennial rhythm: the move by then-House Minority Whip Tom DeLay to muscle through a new House map of Texas in 2003, barely two years after the previous, court-mandated one. In 2006, the Supreme Court upheld the new Republican-friendly map, ruling that there was no explicit prohibition forbidding mid-decade redistricting. Even as the court effectively invited other states to follow Texass lead, only one did in part, perhaps, because that would have required congressional incumbents to risk their careers. In fact, states were then more likely to go in the other direction, pushing control of the redistricting process away from politicians and toward outside commissions. California voters in 2008 created the independent citizens redistricting commission over the resistance of incumbent lawmakers like then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This year, Pelosi was among the Democratic leaders in California who muscled through the plan to put aside the commission-drawn map in an effort to counter a new Texas map drawn to convert five Democratic-held seats into Republican-friendly ones. That move, conducted at Trumps behest to shore up Republicans narrow House majority, set off a cascade of redistricting efforts that by years end is likely to redraw at least eight states maps, affecting nearly one-quarter of Congress. In Missouri, that required a simple legislative majority and gubernatorial signature; in Ohio, a compromise between the two parties. California had to change its constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the Supreme Court heard a challenge to Louisianas House map in which some conservatives are asking justices to rule that states are not bound to consider any racial data while drawing legislative maps. Republicans in southern states have begun to anticipate how they could use a favorable ruling to remove seats currently held by Black and Latino Democrats. In Texas and North Carolina, which passed new maps this year, lawmakers could immediately go back for more, with the only restriction being that districts all be of equal size. Democratic leaders are already pressuring lawmakers in Illinois and Maryland to deliver gerrymanders that could eliminate one Republican-friendly seat each. Early steps have been taken in New York, New Jersey and Colorado to pass constitutional amendments that would allow Democratic politicians to gerrymander at will there, too. A Supreme Court ruling that removes certain types of judicial review could allow Democrats to further flex their muscle, including in California. Already the types of groups that might have balked at carving up districts where Black, Latino and Asian voters hold the balance of power have often found themselves arguing that whats best for the Democratic party is more important than the concerns of any one constituency. We are fighting fire with fire, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a Los Angeles Democrat who serves as whip of the Congressional Black Caucus, has said in response to concerns that the new California maps would dilute the influence of Black voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, the factors that made strategic redistricting common in the late 19th century an evenly split electorate divided by narrow margins, and an almost existential view of the stakes are also those defining politics in the early 21st. They may also signal a broader change in the working of American politics: after an era of weak parties, a sign that the balance of power may now be shifting from individuals back to institutions. Partisanship and polarization have overtaken whatever wishes politicians might have, said Engstrom. Democratic politicians in California put majority control above any of their local electoral concerns. NEW YORK The closely watched race for New York City mayor culminates Tuesday in a final day of voting to decide whether a young, untested democratic socialist or a scandal-scarred former governor will be the citys next leader. The high-stakes contest pitting Zohran Mamdani against Andrew Cuomo with the eccentric Republican Curtis Sliwa as a potential spoiler is a statement on the future of the Democratic Party. Its been one of the most competitive general elections in recent New York City history. In the many twists and turns, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams abandoned his bid for reelection and later endorsed Cuomo (despite calling him a liar and a snake); influential New York Republicans urged their partys nominee, Curtis Sliwa, to drop out to boost Cuomos prospects; and a Long Islander who shares Bill de Blasios name misrepresented himself as the former mayor a Mamdani booster and duped a British news outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The constant has been Mamdanis double-digit polling lead over Cuomo. Beneath the numbers lies a deeper struggle: a referendum on what kind of party Democrats want one led by progressive populists like Mamdani or reclaimed by figures like Cuomo seeking to restore the center. The polarizing democratic socialist is barreling into Election Day with a massive campaign volunteer force, a hard-left platform to freeze rents and many establishment state Democrats behind him. The final sprint has found him campaigning around the clock, appearing at churches and canvassing airport, hospital and bodega workers. Hes continued to link Cuomo to President Donald Trump, who said Sunday night he favors the former governor in the race. Andrew Cuomos campaign is for Donald Trumps billionaire donors and their conglomerates, Mamdani said at a bodega in the Bronx last week. Im running on a B-E-C agenda, not a bacon, egg and cheese bringing economic change with some jalapenos on the side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani appears to be on the cusp of running the countrys largest city as its first Muslim mayor and one of few elected Democratic Socialists of America executives in the country. If he wins, the 34-year-old state lawmaker will be further thrust under a microscope. Mamdani will be nationally scrutinized on how he fulfills his promise to make New York City more affordable, how he confronts a hostile Trump administration that has already promised to make an example of him and how he impacts Democrats chances at winning the House majority in the midterms. Still, Cuomo has clung to any sign that he can pull off an upset. He has attacked Mamdani more forcefully in the last stretch of the campaign, describing him as inexperienced and dangerous for the city. Early voting turnout has included a formidable number of Boomers, and Mamdanis base trends younger. Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg also endorsed Cuomo, who is seeking political redemption after being pushed out of office by sexual harassment allegations four years ago. Bloomberg has contributed more than $8 million to a pro-Cuomo super PAC. You have a civil war in the Democratic Party, where the extreme radical left, which is Mamdani, is basically in a war with the moderate Democrats, which is what I am, Cuomo told reporters last week in southern Brooklyn, where he accepted a GOP lawmakers endorsement as he courts Republican support. And you have a battle for the future of the city of New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani defeated Cuomo by nearly 13 points in a seismic June primary win, forcing the former governor to run as an independent in the general election. He has campaigned hard to win again, but its questionable whether he can get a majority of the vote and a mandate big enough to implement policies that would ease the burden of working-class families in one of the globes most expensive cities. Mamdani had rocketed from virtual obscurity in June to overnight fame for shocking the Democratic landscape. He is now simultaneously lionized and vilified as the future of the party to some a savior, to others an albatross. Progressives, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), see a blueprint in how Mamdani has prioritized economic justice and wielded charisma and social media prowess to expand his base. Republicans have been drafting attack ads linking Mamdani who has quoted Karl Marx and is a harsh critic of Israel to battleground Democrats who have disavowed him. Those in between, including moderate Democrats and party leaders, are nervous about whats next. Zohran Mamdani is the future of the democratic socialist party, not the Democratic Party, battleground Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), who recently endorsed Cuomo, told POLITICO. Democrats must address the genuine economic insecurity Americans are feeling by returning to our roots as the party of the middle class and those aspiring to the middle class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he doesnt believe Mamdani is where the partys future lies. After he endorsed Mamdani in the late stages of the race with a tepid statement, House Speaker Mike Johnson pounced. The House Democrats have chosen a side they were forced to by that far left that theyre so terrified of, and theyve shown the world what they really believe, Johnson said in Washington. There is no longer a place for centrists and moderates in their party. Mamdanis backers in New York, including Gov. Kathy Hochul and city Comptroller Brad Lander, believe the Democratic tent is big enough for socialists, but theyve shied away from presenting Mamdani as the path forward for the party. The Democratic Party has a bright future if it can find leaders who will stand up and fight for working people, Lander told POLITICO. We want a lot of futures, a lot of models across the country. And yes, one of them is Zohran Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the campaigns final weeks, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez campaigned with Mamdani at a recent rally that nearly filled a 13,000-person stadium in Queens under the banner New York is Not for Sale. Ocasio-Cortez has used her far-reaching political platform to benefit him. It is not a coincidence that the forces Zohran Mamdani is up against in NYC mirror what we are up against nationally, she wrote in a recent campaign email urging supporters to phone-bank for Mamdani. An authoritarian, criminal presidency fueled by corruption, bigotry, and an ascendant, right-wing extremist movement and an insufficient, eroded, bygone political establishment who, this time, is in the form of Andrew Cuomo. Civil rights leader Al Sharpton, who acted as a conduit between the Jeffries and Mamdani camps in the tortured endorsement process, predicted that Mamdani if elected will embrace both those who did and didnt support his candidacy. "I think that those who did not endorse him should come together and I think that he is a big enough person that hes going to receive them, Sharpton said. Its about pulling people together if youre going to make this city work. Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore is pushing to redraw the states congressional maps, announcing on Tuesday the creation of a commission that will propose new lines ahead of the 2026 midterms. Moores announcement that hes creating the Governors Redistricting Advisory Commission comes a week after Democratic state Senate President Bill Ferguson sent a letter to dozens of state lawmakers declaring the Senate is choosing not to move forward with mid-cycle redistricting. It sets up a clash between the two Democratic leaders in a blue-leaning state where any effort to redraw the map will net a single seat, given that Maryland Democrats already dominate the states congressional delegation with seven of its eight U.S House seats. It also comes as Democrats are ramping up their efforts to change maps to match President Donald Trumps moves to redistrict red-leaning states to net additional seats for Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My commitment has been clear from day one we will explore every avenue possible to make sure Maryland has fair and representative maps, Moore said in a statement Tuesday. This commission will ensure the people are heard.. The commission will be chaired by Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, a close ally of Moores who he helped get elected to the Senate last year. Moores other appointees include Brian Frosh, the states former Democratic attorney general who served under former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, and Ray Morriss, the nonpartisan mayor of the city of Cumberland. The other appointees of the commission include Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones, who has been public about her intent to launch a redistricting push, and Ferguson or designee. In a statement, Ferguson suggested he is open to Marylanders hearing opposing concerns and that following through on a redistricting push could backfire on Democrats and unintentionally give Donald Trump one or two additional Congressional seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marylands Supreme Court leans conservative with five of the seven justices being appointed by former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, underscoring Fergusons concern that future legal battles changing newly created maps may ultimately be detrimental to Democrats. Moore, considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate, is itching for Maryland to enter the national mid-decade redistricting fight that touched off earlier this year when Trump urged the GOP-controlled Texas Legislature to redraw districts to pick up five seats that favor Republicans ahead of next year's midterms. Moore himself has characterized what Trump is doing as nothing more than political redlining, a reference to the discriminatory housing practice that kept Black Americans out of predominantly white neighborhoods by denying them mortgages. Ferguson, who is white, in his letter last week also made a racial argument against moving to redraw state lines. He said Maryland, which has a governor, House speaker and attorney general who are all Black, has long fought against racial gerrymandering that was aimed at diluting the Black vote. It would be hypocritical to say that it is abhorrent to tactically shift voters based on race, but not to do so based on party affiliation, he wrote. In California on Tuesday, voters take up a ballot measure, Proposition 50, the mid-decade gerrymander that is being led by Gov. Gavin Newsom. If it passes as expected, it would offset the GOP pickups that the Texas redistricting effort created. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The future of a western Kansas school district is up in the air after years of funding cuts. Mathew Hendricks, superintendent of Dighton Public Schools, said the district has lost about 10% of its budget over the past two years due to declining valuations and enrollment. On top of that, the HVAC system isnt working properly. While the district continues to make repairs, Hendricks said it would take a bond to fully fix the problem. The district will hold a community forum at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the Dighton High School auditorium to discuss its financial future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What school bonds are up for a vote in Kansas on Nov. 4? The board and I want to hear from our community. We want to see what they support. We want to hear what their thoughts are and then evaluate and see whats best for our district going forward, Hendricks said. Dighton has already cut staff to reduce costs. Another option on the table is closing the elementary school and moving those students to the high school. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KSN-TV. Sonora, CA While acknowledging they want the financial impacts to be minimal on local businesses, the City of Sonora gave direction, 5-0, to seek more analysis and specifics about a potential Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) fee in the city. It would be paid by just over a dozen businesses that sell tobacco products in the city limits. The money raised would help pay for surveillance and enforcement of tobacco laws, notably making sure that those under 21 years of age do not illegally acquire it. The state has an existing tobacco licensing program, but there is no local funding provided for enforcement. A similar program was approved last year for Tuolumne Countys unincorporated areas. A presentation at Monday evenings council meeting was led by Tuolumne County Public Health Officer Kimberly Freeman, Blue Zones Public Policy Advocate Kristi Conforti, and Tuolumne County Public Health Program Supervisor Katie Johnson. Statistics were cited about tobacco use rates being higher in Tuolumne County than the state average, for both adults and kids. Police Chief Turu Vanderwiel also supported the concept of a TRL, and stated, Up to about 2016, it was unlawful for a child under 18 to possess tobacco. It is no longer unlawful (under California law). I believe the bill that was signed by Governor Brown that took that away focused more on the retail piece of it. So, if that is where we have to focus, this might be a good tool to focus on the prevention of tobacco getting into the hands of our children. Councilmembers spoke about an openness to explore the item further, but many wanted to ensure that fees on businesses would be minimal and that it would not put too much extra burden on staff members. Speaking about the impacts on businesses, Councilmember Bess Levine countered that it could be seen as a positive by those who are already taking steps to stem unlawful underage tobacco use. Mayor Ann Segerstrom concluded, From my perspective, if our Chief of Police thinks that it has value, and is enforceable, I think that is a strong indication that we could look into it. The item will return, with more specific details, at a future meeting. Mondays item was to gauge the councils interest in pursuing it further. WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) Voters living in the Westerville City School District have an important decision to make Tuesday a .75% earned income tax is appearing on the ballot. The vote comes one year after Westerville voters rejected a property tax levy, but this years tax would only apply to wages, salaries and self-employment income. How the federal shutdown could affect Ohio government workers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Westerville City Schools Superintendent Angie Hamberg said putting a levy on the November ballot once again was not something district leaders took lightly. If the income tax fails, Hamburg said many electives, AP classes and colleges credit courses would likely be cut, along with more than 120 jobs and 14 bus routes. Those decisions were made based on what do we have to have, so we have to have English class, we have to have math class, we dont have to have art class in an elementary, for an example, Hamberg said. Westerville resident Doug Krinsky said the community spoke loud and clear last November. He said he wants to see the district be more frugal. The money makes a difference to these folks and I see it, you know, when I was taking the yard signs out, people were telling me their personal stories, Krinsky said. They cant afford it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grandview Heights unveils new city hall after 100 years Westerville parent Emma Nelson said cuts are inevitable if the levy fails and they will impact her three sons educations. She said strong schools are important for a strong community. I have two kids in elementary school, Nelson said. They would be looking at losing music, art and P.E. You know, unfortunately, those arent required. So, if we kind of have to cut things to the bare minimum, those go. People on both sides said they feel optimistic ahead of Election Day. We are absolutely not against the kids, Krinsky said. What were about is being, you know, frugal with the money. I mean, be smart with the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspended central Ohio surgeon fights to regain license Right now, we need to take action and prevent the cuts from ever happening, Nelson said. The income tax levy will be on ballots for all voters living within the Westerville City School District, which includes parts of Columbus, Blendon Township, Genoa Township and more. If passed, itll cost 75 cents per every $100 of earned income. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. In our Reality Check stories, Herald-Leader journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? hlcityregion@herald-leader.com. Gov. Andy Beshear ordered $5 million in state dollars to go to food banks late last week as the future of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding was in doubt. But where, exactly, did the money go? The governors office and officials with Feeding Kentucky, a nonprofit with a network of seven food banks providing food and groceries to Kentuckians in all 120 counties, offered some clarity Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the money went to Feeding Kentucky, which controlled the distribution to the food banks. Melissa McDonald, the groups executive director, said the food banks should have the money now. Their estimated time to spend it is as soon as possible. None of them have said that they already have it spent, but I have talked to two of my of our partner food banks, and they said that they have already gone through their budget, and they know exactly what theyre going to be able to purchase, and theyll be able to get that immediately ordered once the money lands in their account, McDonald said. The bulk of the money, McDonald said, went to the two largest food banks of the seven: Gods Pantry in Lexington and Feeding America Kentucky Heartland in Elizabethtown. The other food banks, in order of people served, are Dare to Care in Louisville, Freestore Food Bank in Cincinnati; Tri-State Food Bank in Evansville, Indiana; Purchase Area Development District in Mayfield; and Facing Hunger Food Bank in Huntington, West Virginia. All told, these seven food banks have nearly 900 local partner agencies food pantries, soup kitchens, and community programs per Beshears office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The breakdown of the funding to each of the seven food banks is determined by a formula from Feeding America that takes into account both the population and the number of food insecure individuals within a food banks service area. The extra $5 million came in response to uncertainty over SNAP, also known as food stamps, which the administration of President Donald Trump was signaling it would not fund due to the ongoing government shutdown. After a court ruled that it must preserve the program, the administration announced Monday that SNAP recipients would receive about half as much as normal for the month of November. McDonald said the $5 million from the state was a nice, big surprise, but its benefit for hungry families pales in comparison to restoring full funding for SNAP. The sustainability of this is all going to depend on the federal government. Our big push is to make sure that SNAP is funded. We really want to make sure that we get the message out that weve got to have SNAP funded. SNAP provides nine meals for the one meal that a food bank can provide, and so the food banks are not to come in and fill a gap. Theyre not to be the replacement, because they dont have the capability to do that, McDonald said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said the parameters for how food banks can spend the money are strict yet simple: Just buy food. One-hundred percent of it is to be distributed from Feeding Kentucky to our food banks, and then our food banks are to purchase food. Its not to be used for other purchases or to be able to utilize for administrative (costs), McDonald said. Though budgetary matters are most commonly the realm of the state legislature, Beshear diverted the funds via an emergency order last week. A spokesperson for Kentucky Senate Republicans did not offer comment on Beshears move. A spokesperson for Kentucky House Republicans did not respond to a request for comment. Video surveillance showed that missing Lompoc girl Melodee Buzzard was last seen near the Colorado-Utah border on Oct. 9, the Santa Barbara Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Melodee has been missing since Oct. 7, when her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, rented a car and began a road trip to Nebraska, the Sheriffs Office said. That road trip was believed to have gone from Lompoc to Nebraska, stopping in Kansas on the way back. But when Ashlee returned to the Central Coast, Melodee wasnt with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New surveillance photos from the car rental agency on Oct. 7 show both Ashlee and Melodee appearing to be wearing wigs. The white Chevrolet Malibu Ashlee Buzzard rented originally bore California license plate HCG9877, the agency said. The next day, however, it was spotted using a New York license plate that did not belong to Ashlee or the vehicle. When Buzzard returned the car in Lompoc after her trip, the California plate had been returned to the vehicle, the Sheriffs Office said. Investigators believe the New York plate was used as a false or switched plate to avoid detection, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives confirmed Melodee was seen around the Colorado and Utah boarder on Oct. 9 along the return route from Nebraska, the release said. A map shows the return route where Ashlee Buzzard and her 9-year-old daughter, Melodee, were seen driving on Oct. 9, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office. Melodee Buzzard has been missing since Oct. 7, when her mom rented a car in Lompoc and drove Nebraska and back. Melodee did not return to her Lompoc home after the road trip. Investigators are working to fill gaps in the timeline for that date and are working with law enforcement agencies in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Southern California for assistance in reaching the members of their communities, the release said. Investigators believe the Chevrolet Malibu traveled through Green River and Panguitch, Utah; northwest Arizona; Primm, Nevada; and Rancho Cucamonga. Melodee is a 9-year-old girl who stands about 4 feet and 6 inches tall and weighs 60 pounds with curly brown hair and brown eyes. A school administrator reported her missing after a prolonged absence from school. Ashlee Buzzard has not cooperated with the investigation and has had her house search at least twice, once with the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No charges have been filed in the case. Detectives ask anyone who may have had contact with Ashlee or Melodee at any point from Oct. 9 through Oct. 10 or have video footage from their route of travel to call 805-681-4150. To remain anonymous, callers can contact 805-681-4171 or submit a tip at sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip. Election Day 2025 is here. Voters across Ohio will weigh in on a variety of races and issues, including Cincinnati's mayoral race between the incumbent and Vice President JD Vance's half-brother, one of the biggest school levies in Ohio history and a $1.9 billion bond package for the city of Columbus. Here's where to find your polling place, so you can cast your vote. Voting signs and American flags line the sidewalks outside the Randolph Fire Station and Community Center on election day, Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Randolph, Ohio. Where is my voting location? Visit ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location/ to find your polling location. The link will take you to the Ohio Secretary of State's website. Choose the county you live in and enter your address on the following page. Once you do, the website will tell you the name of your polling location, its address and where to enter the location. Can I change my polling location? You cannot change your polling location. Your state or local election office assigns your polling place, which is where you must vote. If you try to vote somewhere other than your assigned location, you may have to cast a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is not counted until election officials review the voter's eligibility to vote in that precinct. Do I need an ID to vote? Yes. All voters must bring an acceptable form of identification to verify their identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are several types of valid photo identification: Ohio driver's license. State of Ohio ID card. Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV. A U.S. passport. A U.S. passport card. U.S. military ID card. Ohio National Guard ID card. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card. All photo IDs must have the following: The voters name, which must substantially conform to the voters name as it appears in the Poll List or in the Poll Book. An expiration date that has not passed. A photograph of the voter. Find details on where to obtain a free ID and unacceptable types of ID here: ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/id-requirements/. What time do the polls open today? Ohio polls open at 6:30 a.m. What time do the polls close today? Ohio polls close at 7:30 p.m. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Where do I vote in Ohio? Find your polling location The Trump administration said it would partially fund food assistance benefits, with experts warning millions could fall into food insecurity as the government shutdown nears a record. Around 42 million Americans receive food stamps, which the government says it is incapable of fully funding: The White House will release enough funds to cover about half a months worth of benefits. Congress will today tie a record as the shutdown reaches its 35th day. Though party leaders are hopeful the end may be in sight, it remains unclear how Democrats demands for higher health insurance tax credits will be met. Meanwhile the shutdown continues to take a toll on the Republican party: More than half of Americans blame them for it. The White House is exuding confidence heading into Wednesdays Supreme Court hearing that the justices will uphold President Donald Trumps sweeping tariff powers. But just in case, aides have a plan B. Aides have spent weeks strategizing how to reconstitute the presidents global tariff regime if the court rules that he exceeded his authority. Theyre ready to fall back on a patchwork of other trade statutes to keep pressure on U.S. trading partners and preserve billions in tariff revenue, according to six current and former White House officials and others familiar with the administrations thinking, some of whom were granted anonymity to share details of private conversations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre aware there are a number of different statutes they can use to recoup the tariff authority, said Everett Eissenstat, former deputy director of the White Houses National Economic Council during Trumps first term. There's a lot of tools there that they could go to to make up that tariff revenue. The contingency planning underscores how much is at stake for Trump, who has used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a 1977 law designed for national emergencies, to impose tariffs on nearly every U.S. trading partner the foundation of his second-term economic agenda. The justices will weigh whether the law gives the president broad power to impose economic restrictions or whether Trump has stretched it beyond what Congress intended. If the court curtails that power, it could upend not only the White Houses America First trade strategy but also the global negotiations Trump has leveraged it to shape. This is all about foreign policy. This isnt 1789 where you can clearly delineate between trade policy, economic policy, national security policy and defense policy. These things are all completely interconnected, said Alex Gray, who served as National Security Council chief of staff and deputy assistant to the president during the first Trump administration. To diminish the tools he has to do that is really dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behind the scenes, trade and legal advisers have modeled what a partial loss might look like where the court upholds the use of the 1977 law in some circumstances but not others and what other legal means might be available to achieve similar ends. However, those alternatives are slower, narrower and, in some cases, similarly vulnerable to legal challenge, leaving even White House allies to acknowledge the administrations tariff strategy is on shakier ground than it is willing to publicly concede. Even a partial loss at the Supreme Court would make it much harder for the president to use tariffs as an all-purpose tool for extracting concessions on a number of issues, from muscling foreign companies to make investments in the U.S. to pressuring countries into reaching peace agreements. There's no other legal authority that will work as quickly or give the president the flexibility he wanted, said one supporter of Trumps tariff policies, who was part of a group that filed an amicus brief in support of his tariffs. "They seem very confident that they're going to win. I don't see why they're confident at all. Two different courts that have ruled extremely harshly on this. Still, White House aides are telegraphing confidence, convinced the justices wont strip Trump of his favorite negotiating tool, and certain that even if they do, he has plenty of backup plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frankly, there's a little bit of bravado, like, theyre not going to knock these down, one person close to the White House said. A White House official, granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the administration sees it as a pretty clear case. Were using a law that Congress passed, in which they gave the executive branch the authority to use tariffs to address national emergencies, the official said. Aides concede that other tariff authorities are not a one-for-one replacement for the emergency law, though they confirmed they are pursuing them. In fact, the White House has already laid some of the policy groundwork under those authorities, such as the 1970s-vintage Section 301, which the U.S. used against China in Trumps first term, or the Cold War-era Section 232, which allows tariffs on national-security grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has launched more than a dozen 232 investigations into whether the import of goods like lumber, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals from other countries impairs national security. Since January, Trump has used that authority to impose new tariffs on copper, aluminum, steel and autos. It has also opened a 301 investigation into Brazils trade practices, including digital services, ethanol tariffs and intellectual property protection. Its a model officials say could be replicated against other countries if the court curtails IEEPA and could be used to pressure countries into reaffirming the trade deals that theyve already negotiated with the United States, or to accept the rates that Trump has unilaterally assigned them. But those tools come with challenges: Section 301 investigations can take months to complete, slowing Trumps ability to impose tariffs unilaterally or tie them to unrelated goals like ending the war between Russia and Ukraine or stem the flow of fentanyl across the U.S. border. Section 232 offers broad discretion to impose tariffs on national-security grounds, but because the levies are sector-based, they are typically applied across a product category, limiting Trumps ability to pressure individual countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And imposing new duties on global industries like semiconductors or pharmaceuticals, as Trump has threatened, could upend recent agreements the administration has reached with trading partners, especially China, which negotiated a trade truce last week. This detente may have weakened the presidents resolve to go forward with the 232s. Were worse off than we were, a second person close to the administration said. The U.S. has already promised to delay fees on Chinese vessels arriving at U.S. ports following the conclusion of a Section 301 investigation on Chinas shipbuilding practices as a result of the Thursday meeting between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The U.S. also agreed to delay an investigation into Chinas adherence to its trade deal from Trumps first term. Section 122, meanwhile, allows only short-term tariffs of up to 15 percent and for no more than 150 days unless Congress acts to extend them a narrow clause meant to address trade deficit emergencies. The authority could potentially serve as a bridge between an adverse court ruling and new duties Trump wants to put in place using other authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then theres Section 338 a rarely used provision thats been on the books for nearly a century. In theory, it could let Trump swiftly impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on any country, if he can explain how they are engaging in unreasonable or discriminatory actions that hurt U.S. commerce. Section 338 does not require a formal investigation before a president can impose tariffs, but would likely face similar legal challenges. Major trading partners are betting that Trump will find a way to reimpose tariffs, somehow. Two European diplomats, granted anonymity to discuss trade strategy, said the countries believe that the Supreme Court wont strike down the global tariffs and, if it does, it wont do much to shift the dynamic. Our working assumption is that the court rulings wont change anything, a European official said, adding that they are still hoping the law is overturned. Some are convinced the only way to address the tariffs permanently is for the president to appeal to Congress, arguing that only lawmakers can decide how much unilateral power any White House should permanently wield over global commerce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would be an uphill battle. At least four Republicans are openly opposed to the global tariffs bucking Trump in a series of symbolic votes last week. And its unclear whether theres appetite for a vote on Trumps tariffs in the House, which has been shielded from weighing in on the tariffs until the end of January, after Republican leadership blocked votes on Trumps national emergencies. At the end of the day, all this comes back to Congress, Eissenstat said. Maybe Congress will step up its role post hearing, post ruling. Well see. Wikipedia cofounder Jimmy Wales says the sites Gaza genocide page fails to meet the companys high standards and needs immediate attention, after an editor blocked changes to the article. In a statement on the pages discussion section on Sunday after all further editing was frozen, Wales said he had been asked in a high-profile media interview about the page, which stated in its first line that the genocide was an ongoing, intentional, and systematic destruction of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip carried out by Israel during the Gaza war. Wales said the article breached Wikipedias neutral point of view, calling it particularly egregious. He added that he was writing the statement in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the Wikimedia Foundation, which runs the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a note on the page, the page has been locked from editing until Tuesday at 21:47 GMT or until editing disputes have been resolved. Heres what we know: What did Wales say? In his statement on Sunday, Wales said he assumes good faith of everyone who has worked on this Gaza genocide article. However, he continued: At present, the lede and the overall presentation state, in Wikipedias voice, that Israel is committing genocide, although that claim is highly contested. This is a violation of WP:NPOV (Wikipedia Neutral Point of View) and WP:ATTRIBUTEPOV (Wikipedia Attribute Point of View) that requires immediate correction. He added that this was non-negotiable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A neutral approach would begin with a formulation such as: Multiple governments, NGOs, and legal bodies have described or rejected the characterisation of Israels actions in Gaza as genocide, he added. Several major international bodies, including the United Nations, have asserted that Israels assault on Gaza is a genocide. This view has been backed by human rights organisations and scholars. Wales went on to list recommendations for editors of the page, including a focus on texts and sources, the use of high-quality sources from all sides, and separate factual reporting on conduct and casualties from legal characterisation. By focusing on verifiable sources and neutrality, we can quickly deliver an article that meets our standards for contentious topics, Wales stated. Has there been criticism of his position? Yes. On the discussion page where Wales uploaded his statement, page editors demanded further explanation from the founder over his decision to lock the page and his suggestions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One editor with the username Hemiauchenia called Waless statement patronising and accused Wales of seeking to unfairly equate the opinion of impartial organisations with those of partial or political ones. The question is, why should the opinions of the largely impartial UN and human rights scholars be weighed equally to the obviously partisan opinions of commentators and governments? You are allowed to disagree with the consensus of the Wikipedia community, but it is patronising to scorn the community as being wrong for following the opinions of the UN, genocide scholars and major human rights organisations, the editor wrote. In response, Wales said an editors job as Wikipedians, is not to take sides in that debate but to carefully and neutrally document it. Responding to Wales, editor Cortador refuted that Wikipedia had always treated all voices equally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wikipedia has never, ever treated all voices as equal, nor does policy demand we do. If we did, the Earth article would state that Earths shape is under debate. But we dont do that because scholarly consensus is that Earth is roughly spherical. Instead, flat eartherism is presented as what it is: a fringe movement without scientific backing, the editor wrote. Another editor going by the username Darouet described being disheartened that you [Wales] frankly describe yourself coming to us under political pressure and asking us to betray scholarship and WP:NPOV. We cannot do that. [Al Jazeera] Who has recognised genocide in Gaza? In September, a UN inquiry found that Israels war in Gaza amounted to a genocide. Its report said statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant demonstrated circumstantial evidence that led to their findings of genocidal intent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the findings as fake and in a post on X accused the reports authors of serving as Hamas proxies. In the same month, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, a 500-member body of academics, also passed a resolution that found Israels policies and actions in Gaza had fulfilled the definition of genocide set out in the 1948 UN Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. In April, Amnesty International also found that Israel was committing a live-streamed genocide in Gaza. In 2023, the government of South Africa launched a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which made an initial ruling in early 2024 that there was enough evidence to show a likelihood of genocide. That case is ongoing. How bad are conditions in Gaza now? Israels war in Gaza began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on villages and army outposts in southern Israel, which killed 1,139 people and led to the capture of about 200 people who were taken back to Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past two years, the war has caused the vast majority of Gazas population to be displaced many multiple times. It has killed nearly 69,000 people and wounded 170,670, Gazas Ministry of Health said on Sunday. Thousands of Palestinians are missing. Humanitarian group Save the Children reported in September that Israeli attacks had killed at least 20,000 children, amounting to one child killed every hour. Moreover, citing the enclaves Health Ministry and the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Save the Children reported that at least 21,000 children have been left permanently disabled as a result of the war. On the ground, intense Israeli bombardments have levelled the majority of Gazas residential areas and public buildings, including nearly all hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to estimates from UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, as of September 23, about 83 percent of all structures in Gaza City, the enclaves largest city, were damaged, including an estimated 81,159 housing units. Moreover, by October 22, World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X that there were no longer any fully functioning hospitals in Gaza. Only 14 out of 36 are functioning at all, he wrote, adding that there was a critical shortage of essential medicines, equipment and health workers. Amid the widescale destruction, Israel has continued to block humanitarian aid deliveries into the enclave despite a ceasefire. More than 236 people in Gaza have been killed amid continued Israeli attacks since the ceasefire was agreed on October 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malnutrition in Gaza has reached dire levels with a UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report declaring famine in areas of the enclave in August. According to the British Red Cross on October 10, about 470,000 people 22 percent of Gazas population are facing the imminent threat of starvation. President Donald Trump has ordered flags across the United States to be flown at half-staff on Nov. 4 in honor of former Vice President Dick Cheney. Richard Bruce Cheney, who served as vice president to former President George W. Bush from 2001-2009, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, at age 84. Before Cheney served as vice president, he was White House chief of staff for former President Gerald Ford, a Wyoming congressman in the House Republican leadership, and wartime secretary of defense for former President George H.W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his vice presidency, Cheney developed a controversial status for his part in the decision to invade Iraq, as well as his surveillance tactics and aggressive interrogations after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Vice President Dick Cheney, seen here in 2006, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2025. Cheney was surrounded by family when he died of complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, according to a statement from the Cheney family. To honor Cheney, Trump ordered flags be flown at half-staff all day Tuesday, Nov. 4. Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Trump orders flags at half-staff to honor Vice President Dick Cheney A gruesome train stabbing that left nine people with life-threatening injuries over the weekend has put the spotlight back on the United Kingdoms widespread knife-crime problem. A 32-year-old British man has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the attack, which took place on a train traveling through central England to London on Saturday evening. He has not yet entered a plea. British politicians condemned the attack, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood telling the House of Commons on Monday that knife crime claims far too many lives in our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Successive governments have vowed to tackle knife crime but it remains a significant issue in a country where access to firearms and other weapons is tightly controlled. A total of 51,527 knife crime offenses were recorded in England and Wales in the 12 months up until June 2025, excluding the region of Greater Manchester, according to the UKs Office of National Statistics (data is recorded differently in Manchester). Of these offenses, 196 were homicides, the ONS said. Notably, the overall number of recorded knife crime offenses in the year leading up to June 2025 fell 5% when compared with the year before. Knives confiscated by London's Metropolitan Police displayed by the British anti-knife crime charity Steel Warriors. - Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images How common are lethal stabbings in the UK? While the issue of knife crime is a serious social concern, it should not be a source of moral hysteria, Iain Overton, executive director of the non-governmental organization Action on Armed Violence told CNN on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the year leading up to March 2024, 570 homicides took place in England and Wales, according to ONS, with 262 homicides committed using a knife or other sharp instrument. The most commonly used instrument in these homicides was a kitchen knife, ONS said. Shooting killed only 22 of the victims. A total of 64 teenagers aged between 13 and 19 were killed in this time frame, ONS said, with 83% of these victims being killed by a knife or sharp instrument. Because not all knife crime offenses are reported to police, hospital data can also help in understanding the extent of the issue. From April 2024 to 2025, there were 3,494 instances in which patients were admitted to hospital in England for assault by sharp object, according to NHS England data. Nearly 90% of patients treated were male, with 16% of patients aged 18 or under. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scotland and Northern Ireland record crime separately to England and Wales. A total of 28 homicides were committed by sharp instrument in Scotland from 2023 to 2024, and four in Northern Ireland in the same time frame. In the United States, a total of 1,704 people were killed by a cut or pierce in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This type of crime is the result of an incision, slash, perforation, or puncture by a pointed or sharp instrument, weapon, or object, according to US public service organization The National Safety Council. The homicide rate for England and Wales was 9.5 per million people in the year from March 2023 to 2024, according to the ONS. In the US, the rate was much higher, with 68 homicides per million people in 2023, according to the CDC. In the European Union, home to nearly 450 million people, there were 3,980 intentional homicides in 2023, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU. Police officers in Uxbridge, west London, after a man was stabbed to death and two other people, including a 14-year-old boy, were injured in October. - Ben Whitley/PA/AP What are the root causes of the problem? In a briefing issued in October, the UKs Local Government Association called knife crime a multifaceted issue that cannot be solved through enforcement alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deprivation, mental health issues, exclusion from school and family struggles can all contribute to a persons involvement in knife crime, Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, economist and director of the University of Birminghams Centre for Crime, Justice and Policing, told CNN on Monday. While a decade ago the majority of knife crime perpetrated by young people was related to gangs, this is no longer the case, James Alexander, an associate enterprise fellow in criminology at London Metropolitan University, told CNN. It was really predictable, Alexander said. Now with young people, you cant predict it. There are people getting involved in knife crime, getting arrested for carrying knives or being stabbed or stabbing people that have got no criminal record whatsoever, no indications (that they might commit knife crimes), he said. With violence, or the threat of it, being so pervasive in todays society, many young people now carry knives out of fear for their own safety, Alexander said. If they feel threatened, instead of running away or fighting without weapons, they resort to using knives, often with devastating consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the young people who have grown up in a culture where violence is accepted then go on to become violent adults, Alexander said. Youve got a lot of unsupported young men becoming adults that are not developing in the way that they would if they were supported. Then theyre taking their violent tendencies into adulthood, which is a big concern for lots of people. Floral tributes are left for the victims of a deadly knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport, northwest England, on July 31, 2024. - Peter Powell/AFP/Getty Images What is being done to tackle knife crime? During campaigning for Britains 2024 parliamentary elections, the now-governing Labour Party pledged to try to halve knife crime in a decade. According to the Home Office, nearly 60,000 knives have been removed from streets in England and Wales through new knife surrender schemes and police operations since Prime Minister Keir Starmers government took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weapons including so-called zombie knives and ninja swords have also been banned, and age verification checks for the online sale and delivery of knives are being strengthened,the Home Office said. The progress made this year includes a 5% fall in all knife crimes, including an 18% reduction in homicides by knife, the Home Secretary told lawmakers on Monday. However, Overton from Action on Armed Violence said that while enforcement helps in combating knife crime, this is not simply a policing issue. Cuts to youth and mental-health services, poverty, exclusion, and the exploitation of children by drug networks have all helped create the conditions for violence, he said. The real work lies in prevention: through education, community investment, and early intervention. One example of effective prevention is Operation Divan, a police-led initiative that aims to discourage the carrying of knives by young people in the English county of North Yorkshire, Bandyopadhyay said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the initiative, if there are concerns that a young person might be interacting with knives, the police will work with local services to discuss the dangers of knives with that young person. This also helps authorities to learn more about why young people are interacting with knives. There is a significant opportunity for (the) early diversion of young people away from knife crime through voluntary educational interventions, Bandyopadhyay said. Alexander from London Metropolitan University said that while he had evaluated quite a few amazing interventions when it comes to knife crime, they often only run for a few years due to a lack of funding. The government is doing some really practical things when it comes to clamping down on the sale of sharp weapons, Alexander said. But I think actually, when you look at a lot of young people, they (are) quite damaged young people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They need support, he continued, but it doesnt necessarily need to be done by a therapist. They just need a space where they can be a child and feel safe without needing a knife. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Sonora, CA Roger Root will soon remove Interim from his job title. During a recent closed session meeting, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to offer Root the position of County Administrative Officer. Board Chair Jaron Brandon made the announcement at the start of todays regular session, 9 am, Board of Supervisors meeting. Brandon stated, It was moved by Supervisor Griefer, and seconded by Supervisor Holland, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the appointment of Roger Root as the county administrative officer for Tuolumne County, conditioned on the parties agreeing to a mutually agreeable employment contract that will be presented to the board for approval in open session at a regular, future, meeting. Brandon added that the countys Human Resources Director and Acting County Counsel will negotiate the terms, and then return it to the board for approval. Root became the Assistant County Administrator in September of 2023. He previously led the countys IT Department. Following the resignation of CAO Tracie Riggs this past January, Root initially stepped into the Acting CAO role, and later the Interim CAO. The county had contracted with an outside firm to help pick the best candidate as the permanent CAO, and Root emerged as the final choice. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum ruled out a new "war on drugs" as a response to the assassination of a regional mayor who was shot at a Day of the Dead celebration, a brazen killing that has sparked national outrage. "Returning to the war against el narco is not an option," Sheinbaum told reporters Monday, referring to the bloody anti-crime offensive launched almost two decades ago. "Mexico already did that, and the violence got worse." The president spoke as the nation was reeling from the killing Saturday of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan in the west-central state of Michoacan, which has become an organized-crime battleground. She condemned the assassination as "vile" and vowed to track down his killers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Mexican mayors and other local officials are frequent cartel targets scores have been assassinated in recent years as gangs fight for control of city halls, budgets and police forces the killing of Manzo struck a nerve nationwide. A crowd in Uruapan, Mexico, mourns Mayor Carlos Manzo, who was fatally shot over the weekend during a Day of the Dead celebration in the city. (Eduardo Verdugo / Associated Press) Manzo, 40, gained notoriety as an outspoken proponent of taking a hard-line against the cartels that have overrun many regions of Mexico. According to Manzo, police and prosecutors coddle criminals ill-deserving of legal protections. Manzo's unyielding stance won him considerable popularity in a nation where polls show security remains citizens' major concern despite Sheinbaum's frequent citing of official figures showing that homicides and other violent crimes are decreasing. "The murder of the mayor is a clear signal of what we all know but what the government of President Sheinbaum denies: The country is governed by narco-traffickers," Felipe Rosas Montesinos, 45, a flower salesman in Mexico City, said. "And if anyone challenges el narco, like the mayor of Uruapan did, they will kill him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Added Gilberto Santamaria, 37, a mechanic: "This makes one feel defeated, losing hope that anything will ever change." Manzo who split with Sheinbaum's ruling, center-left Morena party was among a number of voices across Latin America who have called for more aggressive tactics to combat crime. Some labeled Manzo the "Mexican Bukele," after Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who has locked up tens of thousands of alleged gang members, many without due process, according to human rights advocates. Read more: Mexican mayor who waged war on cartels is slain while celebrating Day of the Dead The mayor's killing "feels like a terror movie in which the bad guys win," said Maria Guadalupe Rodriguez, 51, a nurse. "The sad part is that it's not a movie: It's what we live with in Mexico." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day after Manzo's killing, protesters filled the streets of Uruapan and Morelia, the capital of Michoacan state. Many condemned Sheinbaum and her Morena party for what they called a permissive attitude toward crime. While the protests were mostly peaceful, authorities said, some demonstrators broke into the state government palace in Morelia and trashed offices and other installations. Police responded with tear gas and arrested at least eight vandalism suspects. Manzo was shot multiple times Saturday at a candlelight Day of the Dead festival that he was attending with his family in downtown Uruapan. One suspect was killed and two accomplices arrested, police said. The killing was a well-planned cartel hit, Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch told reporters. The suspects managed to circumvent Manzo's contingent of bodyguards, Garcia Harfuch said. Authorities were investigating which of the area's many mobs were behind the slaying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uruapan, a city of more than 300,000, is situated in the verdant hills of Michoacan, where most of Mexicos avocados are grown. The lucrative industry "green gold" generates $3 billion annually in exports to the United States has for years been the target of a patchwork of armed groups who extort money from growers, packers, truckers and others. Read more: Inside the bloody cartel war for Mexico's multibillion-dollar avocado industry Almost 20 years ago, then-President Felipe Calderon chose Michoacan as the launching pad for a nationwide war on drugs, deploying troops to combat the growing power of cartels. That strategy is widely believed to have had the unintended consequence of increasing violence: Gangs acquired ever-more powerful weapons to match the firepower of the armed forces, while cartel infighting accelerated as police captured or killed capos. Upon taking office in 2018, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador promised a different approach, saying the military deployment had turned Mexico into a graveyard. He instructed troops to refrain from direct confrontations with cartels, when possible, and vowed to attend to poverty and other underlying social-economic social forces behind the violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics labeled Lopez Obrador's "hugs not bullets" strategy a disaster, as violent crime spiked. Read more: Mexican president condemns U.S. strikes that killed 14 alleged drug traffickers Sheinbaum, a protege of Lopez Obrador, embraced her predecessor's approach but sought to improve Mexicos intelligence-gathering and investigatory powers and strengthen the rule of law. Her government has aggressively arrested thousands of cartel suspects, several dozen of whom were sent to the United States to face trial. For Manzo, however, Sheinbaums strategy was a rebranded incarnation of "hugs not bullets." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war on drugs, experts say, did nothing to cut the flow of cocaine, synthetic opiates like fentanyl and other substances to the United States, the world's major consumer. And Mexico's cartels, by all accounts, have only gotten stronger in recent years, despite the take-down of numerous kingpins. Special correspondent Cecilia Sanchez Vidal contributed. 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. Chris Hayes was packing up his office at 30 Rock when he came across a photo of his daughter that he brought in after landing a primetime show 12 years ago. Any time youre moving, youre going to have a moment of sentiment or nostalgia, he said. Hayes and company are relocating to temporary studios at 229 W. 43rd St., the former home of the New York Times and BuzzFeed, as the cable network formalizes its split from NBC and officially rebrands on Nov. 15 as MS NOW, which stands for My Source for News, Opinion and the World. Getting audiences to accept its new name which received its fair share of ridicule when it was first unveiled is just one of the challenges the network faces as it sets about convincing loyal viewers that the rebrand and a new, spun-off parent doesnt mean its priorities are changing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats been the pitch so far, as the network rolled out a spot last month with the Morning Joe crew: Same mission, same place, new name, said co-host Joe Scarborough. MSNBC plans to use Tuesdays election night broadcast as an opportunity to reinforce the branding change. The lights and chairs are going to change, but the mission stays the same: How do we help people get better and smarter and report the truth every night? host Stephanie Ruhle told TheWrap. And if we can cover the truth, and have the best reporting and the best analysis, she added, the audience is going to find us wherever we are. Hayes echoed that point. From the viewers perspective, its the same people under lights on the same channel, he said. They dont have to do anything. It was nearly a year ago that Comcast began the process of spinning off NBCUniversals cable networks and digital assets into a new company, Versant, which has forced MSNBC to grow its own newsgathering operation after sharing one with NBC News throughout its nearly 30-year existence. MSNBC is retaining some stars who had double duty across broadcast and cable, such as correspondent Jacob Soboroff, while losing others, like go-to election data analyst Steve Kornacki. The cable network has also been aggressively staffing up with high-profile hires, like Pulitzer Prize-winner Carol Leonnig, who are already making their presence felt on air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executives have framed the split as a way to unlock the potential of their cable and digital offerings, coming at a time of cord-cutting and linear cable industry headwinds. MSNBC, which started off as a partnership between Microsoft and NBC, emerged in the George W. Bush years as a leading progressive voice in primetime and can be found holding Donald Trumps administration accountable on a nightly basis. The channel, however, has seen its ratings decline over the past year in average total primetime viewers (down 41%) and the key age 25-54 demo (down 54%), while it has expanded its reach on YouTube and TikTok. While the programming in front of the camera will remain consistent, there have been changes behind the scenes, which the anchors insist are for the better. For instance, Hayes said theres now a Slack channel populated by our reporters that he can directly coordinate with when covering a big story. Thats a marked departure from the more detached relationship with the NBC reporting staff. The NBC newsroom was great and we used it, obviously, enormously, said Hayes, but it was largely in the service of broadcast programs like Nightly News and Today. Its a very exciting new chapter in that respect. Ruhle, too, stressed the advantage of having a dedicated MSNBC (soon-to-be MS NOW) newsroom to jump on breaking stories and team up with hosts in a way that was more difficult in the past. I have a lot of sourcing. I have the ability to get a lot of stories started, she said. I need a partner that were going to take this thing through. A big night for soon-to-be MS NOW But before the anchors are fully out the door, theres an election to cover. The most closely watched races are in New York, with 34-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani on track to win the citys mayoral election, along with battles for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, sure to be seen as bellwethers for the nation ahead of next years midterms. Theres also a vote on Proposition 50, a California ballot measure to redistrict to the Democrats advantage in light of Texas changing its map to add Republican House seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The night serves as a way to illustrate to audiences that the soon-to-be newly named MS NOW will operate like it always has. I think its important to distinguish between narratives and data. These elections are important because theyre the first big voter data were getting, said Hayes. Host Chris Hayes insists that MSNBC is only becoming more cohesive since adding dedicated reporters. (MSNBC) It is important not to over-read it into the national political environment, he said, adding that there are different regional issues in state races and candidate quality can play a decisive role, regardless of views on parties nationally. You try to contextualize and try to see being sort of curious and rigorous what you can glean from what the voters are saying, he said. To me the most exciting thing, at least here in New York, is voter turnout, said Ruhle. Amid politicians and pundits spinning, she said, data is everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What voters actually do matters, she continued. When you see scores of people come out and exercise their right to vote, thats patriotism. Thats America. Thats democracy. MSNBCs This Weekend team covering Zohran Mamdanis race against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. On Mamdanis rise Speaking of New York, I asked Hayes, who wrote a book last year on attention, and how it plays into politics, about Mamdani as a media phenomenon. He said Mamdani has qualities as a politician that could work in any media age: Hes charismatic, and hes good at talking, and hes persuasive, and he seems relatable and authentic. But Hayes said that Mamdani certainly has a feel for this moment in the attention economy and essentially posted himself into contention. He was nowhere, and the stuff they started putting up online found an audience, started to take off, and that [sort] of propelled him, Hayes said. If I closed my eyes, added Ruhle, and I hear all those words without the candidates name, I think you can insert Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some ways its the first time weve seen since Trump, someone on the other side, seem to have that same kind of intuitive knack for the specific contours of attention in the moment, Hayes said. Mamdani had this go-everywhere, talk-to-everyone attitude that has really paid off for him. Ruhle recalled Trumps run in 2015 to 2016, a period when he regularly called into TV news shows and spoke with many journalists. Trump and Mamdanis politics are wildly different, Hayes noted, but there are similarities in how they bucked the Republican and Democratic party establishments, respectively, in rising politically. Covering Trump in 2025, however, is different from a decade back, as his administration pressures the news media in new ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hayes suggested the way the Trump administration learned from the model of strongman leaders like Hungarys Viktor Orban and Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pretty striking and unnerving, particularly when you look at the Paramount deal and the TikTok deal. (Skydances David Ellison took control of Paramount, while Oracle, the company co-founded by his father, Trump supporter Larry Ellison, is among the investors buying TikTok.) Its just all happening out in the open, and they want to roll up and consolidate as much of the tentpoles of media as they can under control of what they view as sympathetic allies, and I think theres incredible peril in that, Hayes said. But I also think it makes what were doing more important than its ever been. As for CBS News, where David Ellison last month appointed Free Press co-founder Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief, Ruhle said theyre going to do what theyre going to do. We cant control it. Thats why what we do, and doing it accurately, to me, has never been more important. Ruhle expressed joy in covering election night with Hayes, who she has a running gag with over his erudite vocabulary. Every single time we have special coverage, Chris Hayes uses at least one word on television that I have never heard or did not know the definition of, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She writes it down and she holds it up at me, Hayes said, adding, Its a whole bit. Yes, the mission inside MSNBC, along with the inside jokes, should endure a few-blocks move in Manhattan. The post Why MSNBCs Mission Wont Change in MS NOW Rebrand | Analysis appeared first on TheWrap. The Wood County courthouse in Bowling Green, Ohio, where residents are suing the city over its fees on rooftop solar. (Warren LeMay, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr) This story was originally published by Canary Media. Utilities tend not to be big fans of rooftop solar, which eats into their revenues by reducing customer reliance on the power grid. A new Ohio lawsuit spotlights the tension between utilities and customers over the clean-energy technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case deals with a monthly charge imposed by the city of Bowling Greens municipal utility on its few customers with solar panels on their rooftops. Customers who use batteries to store surplus solar power pay even more. Residents Leatra Harper and Steven Jansto claim the charge, which for them amounts to roughly $56 per month, is an unlawful tax or penalty. When combined with the citys partial payment for power fed back into the grid, it almost doubles the payback period for their $37,000 solar system, the couple said. The city argues the fee is needed to make sure other customers dont subsidize those with rooftop solar. As households that produce some of their own electricity buy less from the utility, they pay less for fixed costs built into its retail rates, such as staffing, grid equipment, and maintenance. The utility would then look to other customers to make up the difference. The situation echoes cost-shift arguments that have dogged rooftop solar around the nation. It could also be a preview of a statewide battle to come as the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio gears up to review and revise its net-metering rules, which determine how solar owners are compensated for the energy they send to the grid. Municipal utilities like Bowling Green are not subject to these rules, but the dynamics around the fairness of rooftop solar rates are similar in either case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For their part, Harper and Jansto installed rooftop solar panels and battery storage at their home in 2019 and 2020 with hopes of lowering their electric bills and cutting their carbon footprint. The investment will eventually pay for itself because they now buy less electricity from the utility while getting some credit for excess fed back to the grid. We could get to near net-zero with a cost up front, but with a payback, said Harper, who is managing director of the FreshWater Accountability Project, an environmental group. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Residential solar doesnt just help those who invest in it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rooftop solar helps to provide electricity locally. It reduces overall demand, said Mryia Williams, Ohio program director for the nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors. That means less wasted energy because the power doesnt need to travel as far as imported electrons, and it lowers stress on the transmission system as climate change exacerbates extreme weather and energy demand grows. Energy fed into the grid from homeowners renewable energy systems can save other customers money, too. The highest demand periods on the grid tend to coincide with times when residential solar power is producing at its peak, said Tony Dutzik, an associate director and senior policy analyst for the Frontier Group, a sustainability-focused think tank. Those tend to be the times that utilities spend the most money to provide power for their customers. The health and environmental benefits of rooftop solar are pretty obvious, especially when excess energy offsets purchases from inefficient gas-fueled peaker plants, Dutzik continued. Less consumption of fossil fuels lowers greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution that is linked to multiple illnesses and more than 8 million deaths per year worldwide problems that could worsen in the U.S. as the Trump administration rolls back climate policy. Whats fair? Policymakers have oftentimes undervalued the benefits that rooftop solar can bring, and when you fail to really account for the benefits, you tend to wind up in the situation where people think its not fair, Dutzik said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along those lines, Brian OConnell, utilities director for Bowling Green, said via email that the city adopted its $4-per-kilowatt monthly charge for installed renewable capacity to ensure rooftop solar customers were paying for the electric service they were receiving, and that the rooftop solar customers were not being subsidized by non-solar customers. The rationale resembles an argument promoted by ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council, since 2014. The Center for Media and Democracy has long criticized the group for coddling the fossil-fuel industry while working to suppress the vote and stifle dissent. Consumer advocates and some academics have made similar cases in California, whose solar capacity leads the nation for both rooftop and overall. But Harper and Jansto were surprised when they learned Bowling Green adopted its Rider E charge roughly six months after work on their homes renewable energy system wrapped up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The utility had seemed friendly toward solar: Its website touts the significant share of its power that comes from renewables. Yet while the city aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it does have a long-term take-or-pay contract to get about half of its electricity from the Prairie State coal plant in Illinois. Legal and constitutional claims in the couples Sept. 19 complaint include unlawful and irrational discrimination. The City of Bowling Green filed its answer on Oct. 14, denying liability and asserting governmental immunity and other defenses. OConnell said the $4/kW rate for the charge resulted from a cost-of-service analysis by the municipal utilitys consultant, Sawvel & Associates. The city charges a general retail rate of about 13 cents per kilowatt-hour for any electricity it sells to customers. However, it credits rooftop solar owners just 7.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for whatever they supply to the grid. OConnell responded to Canary Medias request for information about how the Rider E rate was calculated by sharing two spreadsheets. Each lists total savings or costs for the utility from a rooftop solar customers energy production, including what the utility saves by not paying other sources for capacity, transmission, and wholesale energy when customers feed excess power onto the grid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the documents dont detail how the utility spends the solar surcharge. Its unclear whether the rooftop solar fees are helping pay for the Prairie State coal plant: OConnells response to Canary Medias question merely noted the city still has to purchase energy from the electric market. Harper and Janstos case will move through legal motions and pretrial fact-finding, called discovery, during the coming months. Meanwhile, advocates worry about the broader questions the case raises. We can look at it both ways with whos supporting whom whenever rooftop solar is installed, said Williams of Solar United Neighbors. In her view, its hard to believe that its some sort of subsidized rate, especially if solar customers get only partial credit for letting others use their excess energy. Ultimately, Dutzik said, rate systems still should not discourage people from investing in renewable energy for their homes. Indeed, if high fees delay recovery of investments for too long, fewer people are going to get solar, Dutzik said. And that is going to drive up costs for other consumers. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Some voters in Kentucky called state and local officials Tuesday demanding to know why their polls were closed on Election Day. They got a quick answer: Because Tuesday was not Election Day in Kentucky. By late morning, the complaints had been coming in steadily enough that Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams took to social media to remind his fellow Kentuckians that they weren't, in fact, missing anything. No mayoral or city council races. No state or congressional races. No tax proposals, school levies or ballot issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're getting calls about polls being closed," Adams wrote on X. "They are closed because we do not have elections today." He also suggested, with a little sarcasm, that high-profile races in other states may have caused some of the confusion. "You cannot vote today in Kentucky for the mayor of New York City or the Governor of Virginia. Sorry." Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams Why doesn't Kentucky have an election? Snark aside, it is a bit unusual for an entire state to have no elections on a traditional Election Day. In Kentucky, the non-Election Day is the product of a quirk in state law that voters approved more than 30 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams explained in a statement to the Lexington Herald-Leader that the 1992 vote created a constitutional amendment giving the state a year off from elections once every four years. The amendment gave local officials elected in 1993 a one-year extension to their four-year terms. From 1998 on, they have been elected in midterm elections, along with Congress and the General Assembly, rather than in an odd year. In an X post about an hour after his first post Tuesday, Adams expressed some exasperation that he's still explaining the change three decades later. "Have I mentioned my repeated call for civic education," he wrote. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Kentucky voters complain about closed polls when it's not Election Day EASTHAMPTON Signs taped to doors or slipped into storefront windows on Cottage Street in Easthampton share a common message: Immigrants are welcome here. Activists with the Indivisible movement reached out to the business owners, hoping to add a layer of political resistance to standouts protesting the Trump administration. National Indivisible leaders suggested the signs of solidarity project as a way for groups to move beyond protests to local action. Sara Weinberger canvassed businesses along Cottage Street. The sign campaign, she said, builds community and helps immigrants feel welcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would talk to the owners about, this is not political, Weinberger said. This is humanity and human rights and preserving peoples humanity. The businesses include a book seller, an art gallery and a store where rugs sit piled in stacks. Weinberger, who helped organize the Western Mass. Immigration Legislative Advocacy Network, canvassed the city with about 20 other activists, many from Indivisible Easthampton. Shes the daughter of two Holocaust survivors from Poland, which has motivated her work on behalf of immigrant rights. I know what can happen, she said. Activists spoke with businesses as unconfirmed reports came in of immigration officials detaining people in the community. In September, a group of Easthampton residents said they watched an unknown law enforcement agency stop a vehicle and arrest four people on East Street. The officers were thought to be members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About six groups canvassed businesses in four Pioneer Valley communities as part of the project, according to Amy Martyn, who co-leads a team at Indivisible Northampton. Besides Easthampton, activists sought to place signs at businesses in Northampton, Amherst and Pelham. Activists reached out to 150 businesses in Northampton, even approaching the library and the regional YMCA, Martyn said. These small efforts, theyre symbolic, but symbols carry some weight, Martyn said. They create a culture. And we wanted our culture to say we care about our immigrants, families, neighbors and friends. Signs of solidarity had two components, Indivisible members said. First was the public-facing sign. Activists also hoped businesses would post a second sign in their businesses designating a back room as a private space that immigration officers could only access with a judicial warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the efforts were dispersed, neither Weinberger nor Martyn could say how many businesses ultimately displayed the signs, and how many remain on display. Small business owners in Easthampton who were displaying the signs in late October said they posted them to signal their support for immigrants. When asked if he would be interested in displaying a sign at Iron Lantern Tattoo, the answer from Maximilian Rothert was an immediate yes. The tattoo artist, who is the son of immigrants, said his shop focuses on fine art tattoos and creating an inclusive space. The sign greets patrons as they reach the shops entrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont tolerate certain things, like hatred is a big one, Rothert said. And we ask people to politely leave whatever biases that they have at the door. Jordyn Pinkney, a stylist at the salon Coy, said the reception to the sign she and her colleagues decided to display has been so, so sweet. Sometimes when Ive been working, Pinkney said, people have opened our door, and Im expecting it to be a next client, and its just been passersby saying, Thank you guys for having your sign up in the window. It means a lot. Ashab Mannan, owner of Union Mart on Cottage Street, taped up two of the solidarity signs, which have joined others advertising Hood milk and convenience store staples. I agreed with the message, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mannan took over the shop from his father a couple years ago and since then, hes had gotten to know the regulars, who draw from the neighborhood at the base of Mount Tom. A woman came in and bought two bottles of Brisk tea $3. A man filled out a lottery slip. When might he take the signs down? Maybe when everything stops, Mannan said. As long as things keep going, its going to stay up. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Wikipedias founder said the sites page entitled Gaza genocide failed to meet the online encyclopedias standards of neutrality. Jimmy Wales said in comments on the page, which describes without attribution Israels ongoing, intentional, and systematic destruction of the Palestinian people, that it lacked a neutral point of view, because the claim that Israel is committing genocide is highly contested. The publicly editable nature of Wikipedia where AI chatbots get a large percentage of their information make it a battleground: Once something is on the site, it can become an established fact. It has previously banned editors it said were linked to the Chinese government, and one study said that Russian agents were embedding pro-Moscow content on its pages. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) At the Springer Correctional Center in northern New Mexico, women inmates are getting hands-on training in wildland firefighting. VIDEO: Police interview man accused of killing Uber driver due to stress The New Mexico Corrections Departments recently launched program has graduated its first cohort, comprising 10 women. Having this firefighter training, I just think its valuable for the community throughout the state. So Im just so proud that they were able to start this program at Springer with a low-level custody population that is fired up and eager to participate, said Byron Brown, director of the NMCD Reentry Division, who launched the program with the support of the Wildfire Resiliency Office at Luna Community College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inaugural program, which spanned four days, taught the women how to dig fire lines, deploy fire shelters, and required them to undergo a pack test, where they had to carry a 45-pound pack for three miles in 45 minutes. They also received classroom instruction in firefighter training and introductory wildland fire behavior courses. Those who completed the program earned their Red Card certification, which will allow them, when released from prison, to seek employment with wildfire prevention and response organizations. Having programming reduces recidivism rates. It provides meaningful employment opportunities, well-paying jobs. It gives them a sense of purpose, I think. And this is something that Ive always supported, Springer Correctional Center Warden Marianna Vigil explained. Inmates Rebecca Carrillo and Tesain Watson participated in the program and said they enjoyed the opportunity to learn something new, get outside, and increase their opportunities for employment after release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been a long time since Ive actually started something and completed it, said Carillo. And I think its huge for my self-esteem and for when I get out to have that hope and know that theres opportunities out there. I dont know exactly how to get things done out there. I havent in the past, Watson, who has been incarcerated multiple times, said. And so by this program being available and them bringing it to us, it kind of opened a lot of doors that I didnt necessarily know how to get open. The New Mexico Corrections Department plans to continue the program with help from Luna Community College and is considering increasing the class size. Brown said he would also like to offer the program at other correctional facilities in the state. The program was also supported by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions and the New Mexico Northern Area Local Workforce Development Board. Members of the Wildland Firefighter Training Program at the the Springer Correctional Center. October 2025. (Credit: New Mexico Corrections Department) Members of the Wildland Firefighter Training Program at the the Springer Correctional Center. October 2025. (Credit: New Mexico Corrections Department) Members of the Wildland Firefighter Training Program at the the Springer Correctional Center. October 2025. (Credit: New Mexico Corrections Department) 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory Tuesday for much of northern Connecticut, warning that gusts could reach 50 mph. The advisory is in effect for Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties. Wind advisories also extend across all of Massachusetts, much of eastern New Hampshire and across Maine. The Connecticut wind advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday. "Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and some power outages may result," the advisory said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wind advisory comes after the state saw gusty winds on Halloween and into the weekend. In northern Connecticut, Bradley International Airport saw a gust reach 51 mph on Halloween night. Elsewhere in the region, gusts exceeded 60 mph in Massachusetts and Rhode Island Friday and Saturday, the weather service said. Tuesday's winds are the result of a frontal system passing through the area along with low pressure deepening over the Atlantic, the weather service said. The day should otherwise be mostly sunny, with highs expected to reach the mid- to upper-50s across Connecticut. This article originally published at Wind advisory issued for parts of Connecticut as gusts could reach 50 mph Tuesday. BELEM, Brazil (AP) Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Tuesday he will personally call Donald Trump if negotiations on U.S tariffs do not make progress in the near future. The U.S. government has increased tariffs on many Brazilian goods by more than 50%, but Lula and Trump discussed reaching a potential deal during a meeting in Malaysia in October. I have his number, he has mine. I have no trouble calling him, Lula told reporters ahead of the United Nations climate summit known as COP. Its 30th edition starts this week in Belem, a Brazilian city on the edge of the Amazon. When COP30 ends, if a meeting between my negotiators and his is not yet scheduled, Ill call Trump again, said the Brazilian leader, adding that his main negotiators, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, are keen for further talks. I wont have any issue in going to Washington, going to New York (to discuss tariffs) and I hope that he (Trump) has no problem in coming to Brazil, Lula said. On July 30, Trump signed an executive order to impose 50% tariffs on Brazil. Trump has linked the tariffs to the countrys policies and criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The U.S. ran a $6.8 billion trade surplus last year with Brazil, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Brazil and the U.S. are the biggest democracies in the Western world. The more we respect each other, the more cordial we are with each other before the world, the best it will be for the U.S. and for Brazil. Thats how I do politics, Lula said. Bolsonaro was sentenced in September to 27 years and three months in jail for leading a coup attempt after his 2022 election defeat to Lula. The former president, who has been under house arrest since August, is now appealing to reduce his prison sentence. Separately, Lula urged Latin American states to help avoid a conflict in Venezuela as the Trump administration orders military action against vessels allegedly linked to drug cartels. The veteran leader said he is considering attending a Community of Latin American and Caribbean States meeting in Colombia next week, where the 33-member body will discuss U.S. military action in the region. Some members of the European Union will also be in attendance. Trumps military operations in the Caribbean have killed dozens of people who he accuses of being members of a drug cartel led by Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro. Last month, he authorized the CIA to conduct covert actions inside Venezuela, and the U.S. government has doubled the bounty for the capture of Maduro, who denies the accusations, which he claims to be an excuse for American military action in the region. I told Trump that Latin America is a region of peace, Lula said. I dont want us to reach the point of a U.S. ground invasion of Venezuela. He added: Police have every right to fight drug dealersthe Americans could be helping those countries instead of trying to shoot against them. Lula said he also urged Trump to follow the example of former U.S. President George W. Bush, who took part in discussions to pacify Venezuela after a coup attempt against then Venezuela President Hugo Chavez in 2002. At that time I suggested we create a group of friends of Venezuela. I put the U.S. there, I put Spain, Lula said. It was not a group of friends of Chavez. We eventually reached a deal. Lula also criticized Rio de Janeiro authorities after 121 people were killed in a massive police raid targeting a drug trafficking gang. The operation in two of the citys favelas sparked intense gunbattles on Oct. 28. Lula described the police operation as disastrous and demanded independent forensics to determine what happened in Rio. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america By MAURICIO SAVARESE Associated Press A man from far north suburban Winthrop Harbor has been charged in federal court in Chicago with making a series of online threats to President Donald Trump and others, saying in one video posted to social media he could get a lot of (expletive) guns and would take care of business himself. Trent Schneider, 57, was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed Monday with making threats to injure another person. In several outbursts during his initial court appearance Monday afternoon, Schneider ranted about corrupt doctors, attorneys and judges, suggesting he was targeted for exposing the truth and that the military is watching everything. Schneider also complained about the actions of the SWAT team that arrested him Monday, saying they knocked down a tree and tore up his yard with their equipment. I thought a unicorn was coming with all that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors are seeking to have Schneider detained pending trial, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert set a detention hearing for Wednesday. According to the complaint, Schneider had previously been charged in state court with making threats to shoot up a cellphone store, but was found unfit to stand trial in 2023. On Oct. 16, Schneider posted a video to social media of him ranting about killing people he believed had slighted him, including Trump, according to the complaint. Im going to get some guns, Schneider was quoted in the complaint as saying. I know where I can get a lot of (expletive) guns and I am going to take care of business myself. Im tired of all you (expletive) frauds. People need to (expletive) die and people are going to die. (Expletive) all of you, especially you Trump. You should be executed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several days later, U.S. Secret Service agents went to interview Schneider about the video. As they approached the home, they noticed cameras set up on tripods in the driveway, according to the complaint. When Schneider answered the door and was asked if he was the one responsible for the video, he became irate and started yelling for the officers to get off his property, the complaint alleged. About an hour after the agents left, Schneider allegedly posted another video of the agents walking down his driveway, according to the complaint. The post contained the same threatening caption as the Oct. 16 video and repeated that Trump should be executed, the complaint stated. A search of his social media accounts showed Schneider had made variations of the same post multiple times since September, and that many of them included a tagged geolocation of the Trump Tower in Chicago. In his posts, Schneider also made repeated references to his home being sold at an auction scheduled for Tuesday, the complaint alleged. Public records confirm the home is in foreclosure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a written statement Monday, Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the charges should serve as a reminder that actions have consequences. Protecting the President of the United States is the Secret Services top priority, Curran said. We fully investigate any and all threats to his safety no matter the platform because we take them extremely seriously. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com CHICAGO (WGN) A north suburban Winthrop Harbor man allegedly threatened President Donald Trump and several others online, promoting a federal raid that resulted in his eventual arrest. United States Secret Service investigators, with the assistance of local agencies, arrested 57-year-old Trent J. Schneider at his home Monday morning without incident. According to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday in US District Court in Chicago, Schneider allegedly posted an Instagram video of himself on Oct. 16, 2025, where he stated, Im going to get some guns. I know where I can get a lot of [expletive] guns and I am going to take care of business myself. Im tired of all you [expletive] frauds. People need to [expletive] die and people are going to die. [Expletive] all of you, especially you Trump. You should be executed. Trent J. Schneider (Photo/US Attorneys Office, Northern District of Illinois) The video also included a caption that stated, in part: THIS IS NOT A THREAT!!! AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING and My House Auction date is 11.04.2025 @realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear yet if federal prosecutors plan to charge Schneider with the separate offense of threatening a US president. Just before 10 a.m. Monday, SkyCam9 flew above the arrest scene in the 2800 block of 15th Street, capturing federal agents removing what appeared to be rifles from Schneiders Winthrop Harbor home. The suspect faced the risk of losing his home following an online auction. Trump admin says it will provide partial November SNAP benefits Monday is not the first time Schneider has been in trouble with the law. In 2022, published reports show Schneider taking the police on a 40-minute low-speed pursuit. As a result, Schneider faced two counts of aggravated battery of a police officer and four counts of aggravated assault, according to the news website Lake and McHenry County Scanner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago, Schneider appeared before US Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert. Gilbert ordered that Schneider remain detained in federal custody. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines His next court appearance is set for Thursday, Nov. 6. 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 WGN-TV. MADISON - The sexual grooming of children would be a felony crime in Wisconsin under a new bill from Republican lawmakers. The proposal comes as State Superintendent Jill Underly is under scrutiny over how the state education department handles allegations of grooming and sexual misconduct by licensed school staff. The focus comes after the Capital Times reported on 200 cases of such incidents since 2018, including instances of teachers who were able to later reapply for a license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The details of the cases were not proactively made public beyond being made available for review for anyone who files a request under the state's public records law. A new bill authored by Rep. Amanda Nedweski, R-Pleasant Prairie, and Sen. Jesse James, R-Thorp, defines grooming in state law a move law enforcement, Gov. Tony Evers and Department of Public Instruction officials have said would help to go after culprits. "As a mom, I know the extent of trust that parents place in the people who care for their children," Nedweski said in a statement. "When that trust is betrayed and those adults prey on our childrens innocence, the consequences should be severe and certain." Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R- Pleasant Prairie) is shown during a meeting of the Assembly Committee on Government Operations hearing on sexual misconduct and grooming in Wisconsin schools Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin. The hearing is on the heels of a published report that found the state Department of Public Instruction investigated more than 200 Wisconsin teachers, aides, substitutes and administrators from 2018 to 2023 who were accused of sexual misconduct or grooming behaviors toward students information previously unknown to the public. The proposal bans anyone from engaging in "a course of conduct, pattern of behavior, or series of acts with the intention to condition, seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child" for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual contact, or to create and distribute child pornography. The draft bill provides examples of such behavior that could constitute grooming, including "verbal comments, suggestions, or conversations of a sexual nature," "inappropriate or sexualized physical contact," or "written, electronic, or digital communications" aimed at seducing, soliciting, luring, enticing or isolating a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, a person could face between 10 and 25 years in prison, depending on who the person is to the child and whether the child has a disability, among other factors that could increase penalties. Those convicted of grooming would be required to register with the Department of Corrections as a sex offender. According to an analysis from the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau, the crime does not apply to a person who is 18 or under if it involves a child who is not more than four years younger than the person unless theviolation involves force, coercion, or abuse of a position of trust or authority over the child. James, a Cadott police officer, said the stories detailed in the Capital Times story prompted him to pursue the legislation. "While I am proud to join my colleagues in authoring this bill, I am disgusted by the stories that have made legislation like this so necessary," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the Capital Times story was published last month, Republican lawmakers have called on Underly to overhaul the DPI's approach to investigating teacher licensing to be more transparent. One Republican candidate for governor called on Underly to resign. Underly has disputed some of the reporting and has asked the publication for a public correction. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly delivers her annual state of education address Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin. Lawmakers on Oct. 23 held a public hearing in the state Capitol to hear testimony from Kenosha law enforcement officials about their experience with investigating such situations and to question DPI officials about their actions to keep dangerous teachers away from children. Members of the committee from both political parties criticized Underly for choosing to accept an alumni award at Indiana University instead of appearing before the committee to answer questions about student safety for the public that have arisen because of the Capital Times reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Bucher, a spokesman for DPI, said in response to the criticism that Underly "takes the responsibility of protecting Wisconsin students seriously." "She is willing to discuss licensing processes that protect students and to engage in constructive discussions on how to strengthen those protections further," Bucher said at the time. Bucher did not immediately say whether Underly supported the new bill. A spokeswoman for Evers did not immediately say whether he would sign the proposal into law. On Oct. 28, Evers told reporters a bill to define grooming in state law would help to deter offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(If) they come up with a way to define grooming that gives lawmakers or gives police officers and local people a way to (address it)? Well, that would be a huge thing," Evers said. "I don't think it exists in many places in the country, so we'll just continue to do the best we can to make sure that kids are taken care of. But this issue is really difficult because there's no really good definition of what's grooming, and that's the basis of it." The proposal is being circulated among lawmakers for co-sponsorship and has not yet been formally introduced. Nedweski and state Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, also have drafted a second proposal that would require school boards to develop policies on appropriate communication between students and school staff or school volunteers during the school day or outside of school hours. Laura Schulte of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report. Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin bill defines sexual grooming of children, makes it a felony On a given week, the food pantry at Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ feeds about 100, said Leslie Smith, who helps coordinate the pantry. But since Thursday, five families, none of them regular recipients, had come desperate for food. These were five families that were afraid of what tomorrow holds, Smith said Monday. Amid disruption to federal food assistance due to the shutdown, residents have turned to a network of food pantries, soup kitchens and food distribution sites. Many are run by faith-based organizations dealing with a surge in demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Spring of Hopes pastor, Bishop Talbert Swan II, took the pulpit and told his congregation to step up and help out, Smith said. I see churches really amping up their community service at this time, Smith said. Really amping up, how can we help our community? What can we do? Churches are not staying silent. People of faith are the backbone in the fight against hunger, according to Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Of the nearly 200 shelters, meal sites and food pantries in Western Massachusetts the food bank supports, more than half are run by faith-based organizations, he said. The mosques, churches and synagogues that operate food sites keep the lights burning and provide volunteers to staff them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The faith communities, as they always have, play a leadership role in addressing issues of hunger, food insecurity and other basic needs that people rely on to survive, Morehouse said. The Rev. Atu White, pastor at Mount Zion Baptist Church, said churches in Springfield plan to start a Sunday morning food drive next week, urging parishioners to bring in nonperishable items. Hopefully this is a temporary, stop-gap measure, White said. White is president of the Pastors Council of Greater Springfield, made up of 27 pastors in the area. They are working with the Black Ecumenical Council of Massachusetts and Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston to coordinate the food drive. Were trying to cover the entire state through this effort, White said. About 15 people volunteer at Mount Zions food pantry, run in collaboration with the Urban League and the food bank, White said. It helps about 500 people a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before the disruption in food assistance from the federal government, the pantry saw a sharp increase in people seeking help. Items are just expensive, White said. He thinks the region will see the full effect of the food assistance disruption over the next several days. Archbishop Timothy Paul, senior pastor at Christian Cathedral, said the disruption to food assistance is coming at a stunning time of the year, as people also seek fuel assistance. The church had been stockpiling food in preparation to offer daily soup starting the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Paul, also with the Council of Churches of Western Massachusetts, said the 100-year-old organization of about 300 churches met Friday. The coalition urged individual churches to gather food, host a meal or hold a collection. Should the impasse in Washington continue, Paul said the churches would step up their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Solender, interim executive director for the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, said the regions synagogues are addressing food insecurity on multiple fronts. Jewish leaders, such as rabbis, have opposed the suspension of federal food assistance with strong, unified, and morally grounded voice. Jewish communities, he said, have helped hundreds of food insecure people. Their efforts often blend direct service with powerful advocacy, driven by core religious and ethical mandates to care for those in need, Solender wrote in an email. At the beginning of the month, Brenda Lamagdeleine, who manages Margarets Pantry in Holyoke, said she would typically see about two dozen people visit the pantry. On Monday, there were 63. People who had not turned to the pantry in years were seeking its assistance again, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had some big days in the pandemic, but nothing like it was last week, Lamagdeleine said. People were panicking. On Monday afternoon, the pantry did not have peanut butter. It did not have mac and cheese. It did not have spaghetti sauce all staple items, Lamagdeleine said. In a bid to obtain vegetables, Lamagdeleine called a coordinator of the city of Holyokes food drive to see if any had been donated. A couple donations of canned vegetables came into the pantry. Green beans and corn sat on shelves. Lamagdeleine said the pantry has broad support from the community and the city and always has. It doesnt matter what your nationality, what your religion is, we are getting everything from everybody, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just then, a volunteer with Rachels Table, Jill Stewart, stopped by with three boxes of sugar pumpkins gleaned from a nearby farm. We need to take care of everybody, Stewart said outside the pantry, when asked what motivates her. We need to take care of each other especially now, more than ever. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Editors Note: The sheriffs office released an incorrect booking photo for Henry Gonzales-Castro and has since provided the correct one. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Deputies arrested a man accused of killing a woman who was his roommate in a shooting Monday afternoon. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office was called to the scene of a deadly shooting a little after 1:05 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3. Deputies responded to a woman who was shot inside a trailer at the Greenwell Village Mobile Home Park on Greenwell Street. Blanca Azucely Caalxo, 26, was killed in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A roommate named Henry Gonzales-Castro, 17, was detained and charged with negligent homicide and illegal possession of stolen firearms. According to EBRSO, he allegedly accidentally discharged the weapon and shot Caalxo through the wall. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on the same day as the shooting. The investigation into this deadly shooting remains ongoing. Man charged after woman dies in two-vehicle crash in Baton Rouge Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Louisiana First News. Authorities on Monday released the identity of a woman shot and killed near a tent site in New Hampshire. Concord police were dispatched to a tent site in a wooded area near Manchester Street in Concord on Friday and found 37-year-old Jillian Collins deceased from a gunshot wound. Investigators have ruled Collins death a homicide. The investigation into Ms. Collins death is ongoing. Investigators are continuing to look into the sequence of events leading up to the shooting and continue to ask any residents or citizens who may have information and have not already spoken with investigators to please contact the Concord Police Department at (603) 225-8600, the New Hampshire Attorney Generals office said in a statement. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Nov. 4JBissett @DominionPost.com My God, Jen. I gotta get Jen. Help me. Please. Call that a clothesline prayer. Robin Moore sent it bubbling through the chop just after midnight on Nov. 5, 1985, when she was pulled under. The rain was pounding like Hell's drumline. The river was a rabid dog. Mobile homes aren't made for this. It was her dad's place. Rob Roy Watkins served for years as assistant postmaster of Morgantown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it came time for retirement, he knew right where to forward his mail: the mountains of Hardy County and his hometown of Moorefield, a little burg in the valley, nestled in the confluence of the Potomac River and its South Fork branch. He had been a widower, and his second marriage to Virginia was both a new book, and a dog-eared page, flipped back to the narrative of a familiar locale, much-loved. Rob Roy was an outdoorsman. No snoozing in the recliner for this retiree. The card-carrying member of the Izaak Walton League had a camp near Moorefield, and when she was a kid, on those glorious summer weekends when the light went on forever, Robin knew right where her family would be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was always, 'Well, let's go, '" the Brookhaven Road woman said, smiling at the memory. "He didn't even have to say anything else." She was soldiering as a single mom to 10-year-old Jennifer when Rob Roy moved back to Moorefield with his new bride. Hardy County kept calling a daughter's heart, too. She and Jen would also relocate from Morgantown a few months later. Robin took a job in medical billing at Grant Memorial Hospital in nearby Petersburg. "I felt I needed to be close, " she said. "It was just one of those things, you know ?" The weather after midnight on Nov. 5, 1985 wasn't just one of those things, meteorologically. It was unprecedented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cow under the bridge What was left of Hurricane Juan was still spiraling out from the Gulf, and when the tropical depression met up with another storm system over the Mid-Atlantic, the end result would be 47 West Virginians dead, with $700 million in damages in the Mountain State alone. Rivers roiled 20 to 30 feet over their normal flood stages, swamping whole towns and surrounding farm land. Even if you weren't there, you'll still likely remember a now-famous photograph of the carcass of a cow, actually wedged in the supports underneath a roadway bridge in Tucker County as the water was that high and the current that pronounced. It had started raining the day before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer was at the trailer, because school was called early due to the weather and the bus couldn't make it to their house on River Road, ironically. Robin was able to cut her shift short, also. With a numb sense of inevitability, she conceded to the weather. This isn't letting up. We have to do something. "Water was coming in, " Robin said. "It was already too late." She grabbed a clothesline on the porch and tied it to her and Jennifer and was trying to fashion a knot for Rob Roy and Virginia when the water hit. As tough as he was, her 69-year-old dad by then was weakened and tired, from fighting to quell that water all evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact of the surge caused the whole home to lurch forward and buckle. All four of them were swept into the tumult. It was last time Robin would see her father and stepmother alive. Remembering what Dad said She remembers the shock of the water and being enveloped. "I knew I was drowning, " she said. "I remember thinking it was my time." Robin almost let it happen, but when she broke the surface, awareness and a mother's instinct were both instantly reactivated. "Mom ! Mom !" "Jen ! Jennifer ! Hold on to me, honey !" Then, another voice: Remember, don't fight the current. You'll get exhausted. Ride it until you find something you can grab onto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I could hear Dad saying that in my head. I learned how to swim in the Potomac. He'd tell us that all the time. Never go against the current. That's why Jen and I are still here." She flailed for that clothesline. The mother and daughter, clinging to one another tight, were spilled another 300 yards or so from the now-ruined mobile home. An uprooted tree stump slammed into Robin's hip hard and she knew from the silhouette of gas pumps poking up that she and Jen were in the lot of the service station on Main Street. Robin again made a wild reach. "And that's where we were, for 12 hours." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letting go (and not letting go) In the dark that went on forever, they could hear people screaming. They could hear the panicked screeches of farm cats and the crunch of metal and snapping of wood, which they countered with stories, prayers, songs and corny jokes ... anything. "We're gonna be OK, Jen. We're gonna be OK." As it turns out, they were also next to the attendant's booth, which had taken on water but, amazingly, not quite as much. They could see it at first light. That water, meanwhile, wasn't going anywhere. In fact, it kept creeping up. Could that booth serve as a refuge ? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only one way to find out. When Robin tried to break the plexiglass, she got a comic reprimand, but she was too tired to laugh. "Mom, we'll get in trouble." "Honey, with what's going on, I don't think we have to worry this time." Then, they heard the helicopter. It was from the state Division of Natural Resources. "It wasn't a rescue helicopter, " Robin said. "It was DNR. They didn't have a basket or anything." But they did have a resourceful pilot, and Howard Mehringer had an idea. After a few passes, he angled the bird in, balancing, in part, on the bed of a partially submerged pickup truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DNR officers Ken Painter and Jerry Jenkins were motioning and mouthing words in the propeller-noise: You're gonna have to let go. Robin pointed to her daughter and mouthed back. Her. Take her. Jen didn't want to let go. Honey, you have to. "I'll never forget them, " Robin said of the helicopter crew. "Never." At a local church serving as a makeshift hospital and shelter, a doctor said if they had been in water a half-hour longer, they likely would have died, wracked with hypothermia as they were. On the stretcher, Robin looked down at her hands and started crying. She realized she was still holding part of that clothesline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'No, she saved mine' After 30 years in Ohio, Robin, now widowed, moved back to Morgantown, just like Rob Roy and Moorefield. She can still get emotional when she thinks back to what happened just after midnight on Nov. 5, 1985. The rain. The dark. Her dad. And Jen, always. It doesn't always happen, but on some days when the precipitation is particularly steady, she might find herself switching on every light in the house and then doing whatever she can to stay busy. She and Jen, of course, grew even closer. If she doesn't see her, she at least talks to her on the phone. Every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robin doesn't tell her story, but she has family members who do. "People are complimentary. They'll say, 'Oh, you saved your daughter's life, ' and I'll say, 'No, she saved mine.' And I know that was my dad talking to me that night." A confrontation outside several Titusville businesses sent two police officers to the hospital and landed 40-year-old Laquita Jordan behind bars. Witnesses say the fight - reportedly over a man - escalated when Jordan pulled a handgun and struck another woman with it. As officers responded to multiple 911 calls, one patrol car attempting a U-turn collided with another responding unit. Both officers are expected to recover. One was airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center for observation, while the other sustained minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Jordan now faces charges of aggravated battery and aggravated assault. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Voters in races across the country backed Democrats, including in New Yorks mayoral race and contests for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, rejecting President Donald Trumps late and lightweight push for his preferred candidates. Democrats secured another expected win in California, where voters approved a new congressional map that is designed to help their party win five more U.S. House seats in next years midterm elections. Though the candidates and local issues all played a role in the results, voter attitudes about the president and his agenda were central to their choices and offered the first clear review from voters of Trumps agenda just nine months after he returned to power. Top Democrats celebrated the results as a major victory over Trump. The president meanwhile was quick to respond to the results on Tuesday night with a defensive social media post after results came. Citing pollsters, Trump said that TRUMP WASNT ON THE BALLOT, and the federal government shutdown WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT. In Virginia, where theres a concentration of federal workers impacted by the government shutdown and Trumps sweeping layoffs of the federal workforce, voters flipped control of the governors mansion and elected Democrat Abigail Spanberger as the states first female to lead the state. In New Jersey, where Trump endorsed the Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli and held several tele-rallies on his behalf, voters instead chose to keep Democrats in power and elected Congresswoman Mikie Sherill. New York City is Trumps hometown but he remains widely unpopular in the Democratic stronghold. His frequent comments and social media posts warning that the nations largest city would slip into ruin if Democrat Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, was elected mayor may have narrowed the race some, but Trumps late endorsement of independent former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who stepped down following a scandal four years ago, may have backfired. Heres the latest: As Mamdani speaks, Trump posts AND SO IT BEGINS! The next mayor of New York City called out Trump from the stage as he celebrated and Trump did not shy away from posting about Mamdani either. Seen as a reference at Mamdani, Trump posted on Truth Social: AND SO IT BEGINS! Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding and take over the city if Mamdani won the race. In his remarks on stage, Mamdani did not back down. Donald Trump, since I know youre watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up!, Mamdani said. Government shutdown becomes the longest on record The government shutdown has entered its 36th day, breaking the record as the longest ever. Its disrupting the lives of millions of Americans with federal program cuts, flight delays and federal workers nationwide left without paychecks. Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands to salvage expiring health insurance subsidies until they agree to reopen the government. He is meeting Wednesday with Republican senators for breakfast at the White House, but no meetings are set with Democrats. Meanwhile, a loose coalition of senators from both parties are trying to negotiate a way to end the shutdown and resolve the standoff over the health care funds. Read more about the shutdown Mamdani addresses Trump in fiery victory speech Mamdani spoke directly to Trump as he celebrated his win in the New York City mayoral race Tuesday night, telling the Republican, To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us. So Donald Trump, since I know youre watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up!, Mamdani said. Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding and take over the city if Mamdani won the race. New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants and as of tonight, led by an immigrant, Mamdani said. James Solomon and Jim McGreevey advance to a runoff for mayor of Jersey City No candidate in the seven-person field received the majority of the vote in the all-party contest, which is necessary to win the seat outright. The runoff election will occur Dec. 2. Solomon is a current city councilor. McGreevey is the former governor of New Jersey who resigned over two decades ago when his affair with a man he put on the state payroll was revealed. Incumbent Mayor Steve Fulop, a Democrat, chose to run for governor rather than seek a fourth term this year. The Associated Press declared that Solomon advanced to the runoff at 10:17 p.m. The AP declared that McGreevey advanced at 11:08 p.m. Barack Obama says the future looks a little bit brighter after Democratic wins Its a reminder that when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win, the former Democratic president wrote on social media. After Democrats scored resounding wins in Tuesdays election, Obama added, Weve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter. California voters approve new US House map designed to boost Democrats in 2026 The new map, drawn and passed by the Democratic-controlled state Legislature and pushed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, could help flip five seats from Republican to Democratic in next years midterm elections. The map would be in place for the next three election cycles. The measure was introduced in response to Texas midcycle redistricting, which also aims to flip five seats to elect more Republicans. The ballot measure, known as Proposition 50, directs Californias independent redistricting commission to resume enacting congressional maps in 2031. The Associated Press declared the measure passed at 11 p.m. EST. Cuomo concedes the NYC mayoral race The former governor conceded the New York City mayoral race to Mamdani on Tuesday night, saying, Congratulations to Zohran Mamdani. Tonight was their night, Cuomo told supporters at his election watch party in Manhattan. In his concession speech, Cuomo took a handful of parting shots at Mamdani, saying, Almost half of New Yorkers did not vote to support a government agenda that makes promises that we know cannot be met. He continued, calling his campaign a caution flag that we are headed down a dangerous, dangerous road. Republicans plan to use Mamdanis victory against Democrats in midterms New Yorks next mayor is already shaping up to be a focal point of Republican messaging in the battle for control of the U.S. House in 2026, according to the partys campaign arm. The Democrat Party has surrendered to radical socialist Zohran Mamdani and the far-left mob now running the show, said Mike Marinella, spokesperson for the National Republican Campaign Committee. In a memo released Tuesday titled One Year Out, the committee outlined plans to tie Democratic candidates nationwide to Mamdani ahead of the midterms. Every House Democrat is foolishly complicit in their partys collapse, and voters will make them pay in 2026, Marinella said. Minneapolis mayors race advances to ranked choice voting after no candidate receives a majority of the vote None of the candidates received at least 50% of the vote in Tuesdays election. Minneapolis allows voters to rank up to three candidates in its municipal races. The field for mayor included more than a dozen candidates. As of 10:41 p.m. EST, Jacob Frey and Omar Fateh had received the most first-choice results. Texas voters approve constitutional amendment that requires US citizenship to vote in the state U.S. citizenship is already required to register to vote in Texas. The Associated Press declared the measure passed at 10:31 p.m. EST. Texas voters approve a constitutional amendment affirming parental rights The measure adds language to the state constitution affirming that parents are the primary decision-makers for their children and bear the responsibility to nurture and protect their children. The Associated Press declared the measure passed at 10:31 p.m. EST. Colorado voters approve income tax increase on higher-earning households to fund meals for all public school students Colorado voters have approved a ballot measure that would raise state income taxes on households earning at least $300,000 annually to fund free meals for all public school students. Previously, free meals were offered only to low-income students and schools via the Healthy School Meals for All Program, which voters approved in 2022. The Associated Press declared the measure passed at 10:24 p.m. EST. Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht retains seat The vote is a victory for Democrats, who campaigned to keep Wecht and two other justices on the court to maintain its 5-2 Democratic majority. Pennsylvania elects its statewide judges to 10-year terms, then holds nonpartisan retention elections a simple yes or no vote to determine whether the judge will serve another term. Wecht has served on the state Supreme Court since 2016. The Associated Press declared Wecht retained at 9:51 EST. New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill targets Trump in acceptance speech Sherrill said the president is ripping away health care and targeting the SNAP food aid program and criticized him for something that impacts New Jersey specifically: canceling a project to expand train access to New York City. Democratic governors across the country have been pushing back on those issues, as well as planned National Guard deployments in their states. Sherrill said shes joining them. Governors have never mattered more, Sherrill said. And in this state, I am determined to build prosperity for all of us. Democrat Sean Ryan wins Buffalo mayors race Ryan defeated Republican nominee James Gardner. The Democratic New York state senator defeated the incumbent acting mayor, Christopher Scanlon, in the Democratic primary in June. Scanlon was elevated to the position after longtime mayor Byron Brown stepped down late last year to become chief executive officer of Western Regional Off-Track Betting. Ryan also served in the state assembly. Prior to entering politics, he worked as a lawyer. The Associated Press declared Ryan the winner at 10:14 p.m. EST. James Solomon advances to a runoff for mayor of Jersey City The second candidate to advance had not yet been decided. No candidate in the seven-person field received the majority of the vote in the all-party contest, which is necessary to win the seat outright. The runoff election will occur Dec. 2. Incumbent Mayor Steve Fulop, a Democrat, chose to seek the governorship rather than seek a fourth term this year. The Associated Press declared the runoff at 10:17 p.m. Democrat Jay Jones wins race for attorney general of Virginia Jones ousted Republican incumbent Jason Miyares. Jones was criticized during the campaign after text messages he wrote in 2022 endorsing violence toward a political rival were made public. He is a former member of the state House of Delegates, representing a district around Norfolk for two terms. Maine voters approve new red flag gun law Two years after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, Maine residents approved a proposal to make it easier for family members to petition a court to restrict a potentially dangerous persons access to guns. A statewide ballot question Tuesday asked residents if they wanted to build on the states yellow flag law, which allows police officers to initiate a process to keep someone away from firearms. Approval adds Maine to more than 20 states that have a red flag law empowering family members to take the same step. Gun safety advocates began pushing for a stricter red flag law after 18 people were killed when an Army reservist opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar and grill in Lewiston in October 2023. An independent commission appointed by Maines governor later concluded that there were numerous opportunities for intervention by both Army officials and civilian law enforcement. Maine voters reject voter ID, changes to absentee voting Voters in Maine have rejected a sweeping proposal centered on voter ID. The initiative would have implemented a photo ID requirement for voters, limited the use of drop boxes for returning completed ballots and made changes to the states absentee voting system. The measure was one of two Republican-backed initiatives under consideration by voters on Tuesday that proponents said would safeguard elections and opponents claimed were intended to make voting more difficult or address issues that arent major problems. Voters in Texas, where Republicans control the government, considered a proposal that would amend the state constitution to add persons who are not citizens of the United States to the list of those excluded from participating in elections Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Christine Donohue retains her seat The states Supreme Court had a 5-2 Democratic majority entering Tuesdays election. Republicans campaigned to try to stop three judges up for retention Donohue and two others from continuing on the court. The state Democratic Party backed Donohue in her bid for retention. Pennsylvania elects its statewide judges to 10-year terms, then holds nonpartisan retention elections a simple yes or no vote to determine whether the judge will serve another term. Donohue has served on the state Supreme Court since 2016. With the vote, Donohue may remain on the court until she reaches mandatory retirement age in 2027. The Associated Press declared Donohue was retained at 9:51 p.m. EST. Manhattan prosecutor who took on Trump wins reelection Democrat Alvin Bragg has defeated Republican Maud Maron and independent Diana Florence in the Manhattan district attorneys race. The Manhattan DAs office is one of the United States biggest and best known local prosecutors agencies, featured in TVs Law & Order and other entertainment. The spotlight grew stronger when Bragg oversaw the hush-money prosecution that led to Trumps historic conviction. The Republican president denied wrongdoing, called the case a scam and a hoax and slammed Bragg for bringing it. Trump is appealing the verdict. Braggs reelection run emphasized his efforts to fight gun violence, prosecute hate crimes and improve mental health services, among other priorities. His campaign website makes little mention of Trump, and Bragg said nothing about him during an October televised debate that focused on violent crime and other local and statewide issues. Bragg argued that his office helped drive down murders and shootings. His opponents contended that he hasnt been tough enough on crime. Sliwa concedes New York mayoral race, issues warning in fiery speech The Republican candidate wished Mamdani well as New Yorks new mayor but warned he will mobilize his supporters if the democratic socialist attempts to implement socialism and render our police weak and impotent. Were not only organizing, but we are mobilizing and we will become the mayor-elect and his supporters worst enemies, said Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, the citizen safety patrol group he started 1979. Sliwa also told a cheering crowd that some of the most powerful people in the world mobilized against his candidacy. Trump urged Sliwa voters to support Cuomo to help prevent a Mamdani victory. The scene from Mamdanis watch party Mamdani supporters cheered and embraced, some tearfully, in response to the race call as Bad Bunny played from the speakers. Campaign posters flew through the air as one person hoisted the official flag of New York City. Next stop: City Hall Shortly after the race was called for Mamdani, the social media-savvy politicians X account posted a video of a subway train pulling up to City Hall station, with an announcement saying: The next and last stop is: City Hall. Democrat Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayors race Mamdani defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. He will replace Mayor Eric Adams, who dropped his reelection bid in September but remained on the ballot. Mamdani is a self-described democratic socialist and 34-year-old state assemblymember who will be the citys youngest mayor in over a century. He entered the general election as the favorite following a 12-point victory in the ranked choice Democratic primary earlier this year. Mamdanis digitally savvy campaign, which was laser-focused on cost-of-living issues, electrified New Yorkers. He drew scorn from critics including Trump. The Associated Press declared Mamdani the winner at 9:34 p.m. EST. Schumer calls it a good night for Democrats Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called Tuesdays election results a repudiation of the Trump agenda. This was a good night for Democrats and for our fight to lower costs, improve health care and build a better future for American families, Schumer said in a statement as Democrats won gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. Attention will now turn to how Democrats will move forward on the ongoing government shutdown after Tuesdays wins. If Republicans want to keep blindly following Donald Trump into the abyss of chaos, let them, Schumer said. The rest of America is moving forward. Sherill thanks voters for choosing her to become NJs next governor She posted a short message on X thanking voters for choosing her to become New Jerseys next governor. It is the honor of my life to earn your trust to become this great states 57th Governor, the Democratic candidate said. I promise to listen, lead with courage, and never forget who I serve. Democrat Mikie Sherrill is elected governor of New Jersey Sherrill defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who was endorsed by Trump. The race was closely watched as a potential bellwether for the 2026 midterms She will succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, marking the first time since 1961 that one party has won three consecutive terms in the New Jersey governors mansion. Sherrill, a Navy veteran who represented a northern New Jersey district in the U.S. House for four terms, will be the states second female governor. The Associated Press declared Sherrill the winner at 9:22 p.m. EST. Gov.-elect Spanberger says many more women will lead the state after her victory Virginias governor-elect is embracing her place in history as she is set to be sworn in as the commonwealths first woman chief executive. With her husband and three daughters standing behind her onstage, Spanberger told supporters at her victory speech, Its a big deal that the girls and young women I have met along the campaign trail now know this certainty that they can achieve anything. She also talked about women who came before her forging a path and the belief that change and progress were possible. The history Virginia is making tonight is yours, she said. Spanberger mentioned specifically former state Attorney General Mary Sue Terry, who was the first women elected to statewide office in Virginia in the 1980s. Terry also ran unsuccessfully for governor. Mary Sheffield wins race for Detroit mayor The Detroit City Council president defeated Solomon Kinloch Jr. to become the first woman elected to lead the city. Sheffield received more than 50% of the vote in Augusts all-party municipal primary. The office is officially nonpartisan. Sheffield will succeed three-term incumbent Mike Duggan, who did not seek reelection. The Associated Press declared Sheffield the winner at 9:12 p.m. EST. New York City voters were worried about the cost of living and housing Most voters in New York City were stressed about the cost of living and in particular, the cost of housing, according to the AP Voter Poll. About 6 in 10 New York City voters said the cost of living was the most important issue facing their city. About one-quarter said crime was the main problem, and about 1 in 10 said this about immigration. Less than 1 in 10 pointed to health care or transportation. About 7 in 10 voters said the cost of housing where they live was a major problem, with renters being especially likely to point to this as an issue. Fewer voters called crime a major problem in the city. Hashmi is the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the US State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, of Richmond, defeated Republican talk-radio host John Reid. She will succeed Earle-Sears. Hashmi is a former college professor who won the nomination after prevailing in a crowded June Democratic primary. As lieutenant governor, Hashmi will preside over a closely-divided Virginia state Senate, where Democrats currently hold a slim 21-19 seat advantage. The lieutenant governor votes when theres a tie in the Senate. Hashmis victory also means her Senate seat will have to be filled in a special election. Reid was the first openly gay man to receive a major partys endorsement for statewide office in Virginia. Democrat Corey OConnor wins election for mayor of Pittsburgh The Allegheny County controller defeated Republican nominee Tony Moreno. OConnor defeated incumbent Mayor Ed Gainey in the Democratic primary earlier this year. He is the son of former Pittsburgh Mayor Bob OConnor. The Associated Press declared OConnor the winner at 8:26 p.m. EST. Democrat Ghazala Hashmi wins lieutenant governors race in Virginia Hashmi defeated Republican John Reid. Hashmi is currently a state senator representing a district south of Richmond. Prior to that, she worked as a college professor in Virginia. She entered politics in 2019 by flipping a Republican-held state Senate seat and went to on to win a crowded Democratic primary for lieutenant governor in June. She is the first Indian American and first Muslim to win statewide office in Virginia. The Associated Press declared Hashmi the winner at 8:27 p.m. EST. Most New Jersey voters called property taxes and electric costs a major problem Most New Jersey voters said either taxes or the economy were the top issues facing the state, according to the AP Voter Poll. Property taxes and electricity costs were among the issues that stood out. About 7 in 10 New Jersey voters called property tax rates where they live a major problem, and about 6 in 10 said that about electricity costs. Only about 2 in 10 voters in New Jersey said health care was the top issue facing the state, while roughly 1 in 10 pointed to immigration and fewer named crime. Andre Dickens wins reelection as mayor of Atlanta, earning a second term The Atlanta mayors office is officially nonpartisan but has been held by Democrats for decades. Dickens won the office outright with more than 50% of the vote, defeating three challengers. Prior to taking office in 2022, Dickens served on the Atlanta City Council and as the chief development officer for a tech-based nonprofit. The Associated Press declared Dickens the winner at 8:13 p.m. Democrat Aftab Pureval wins reelection as Cincinnati mayor Pureval won reelection as mayor of Cincinnati on Tuesday, defeating Cory Bowman, a Republican who is Vice President JD Vances half-brother. Pureval was first elected mayor in 2021. The office is officially nonpartisan, but his party preference is Democratic. He won the all-party municipal primary in May with more than 80% of the vote. Prior to running for mayor, he worked as a lawyer. The Associated Press declared Pureval the winner at 8:13 p.m. Democrat Abigail Spanberger is elected Virginia governor Spanberger won the governors race in Virginia on Tuesday, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. Spanberger will succeed Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is not allowed to run for a second consecutive term. Her victory aligns with recent voting patterns in Virginia, which picks its governors the year after a presidential election and tends to elect someone of the opposite party of the president. Spanberger, a former case officer with the CIA, flipped a U.S. House seat in Northern Virginia in 2018 and retired from Congress in 2024 to run for governor. She will be the states first female governor. Many Virginia voters were hit by federal cuts and are worried about the economy About half of Virginia voters said the economy was the most important issue facing their state in the AP Voter Poll, an survey of more than 4,000 voters in the state. Federal government cuts seemed to be taking a toll: Roughly 6 in 10 voters said federal government cuts this year affected their familys finances a lot or a little. Only about 2 in 10 Virginia voters pointed to health care as the states top issue. About 1 in 10 named immigration or education, and fewer said crime was the top issue facing Virginia. Voters in Virginia also expressed broad dissatisfaction with the countrys direction generally, with about 6 in 10 saying they were angry or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country. Economy dominated other issues in 2025 elections, AP poll finds Economic worries were the dominant concern as voters cast ballots for Tuesdays elections, according to preliminary findings from the AP Voter Poll. The results of the expansive survey of more than 17,000 voters in New Jersey, Virginia, California and New York City suggest they are troubled by an economy that seems trapped by higher prices and fewer job opportunities. The economic challenges have played out in different ways at the local level. Most New Jersey voters said property taxes were a major problem, while most New York City voters said this about the cost of housing. Most Virginia voters said theyve felt at least some impact from the recent federal government cuts. Read more about what the AP Voter Poll found FACT CHECK: Why some candidates appear multiple times on NYCs ballot For many years, New York voters have found candidates listed twice, three times or even more on their ballots when they go to the polling booth. It isnt an error its a practice known as fusion voting that allows candidates to appear under multiple political parties if they are nominated by multiple parties. But such intentional duplications on the New York City ballot this year, along with other layout choices, have some outside observers around the country wondering whether they are seeing evidence of rigged voting, including billionaire X owner Elon Musk. The New York City ballot form is a scam! he wrote in an X post. No ID is required. Other mayoral candidates appear twice. Cuomos name is last in bottom right. But there is nothing amiss about the ballots, which are in keeping with New Yorks voting laws. Fusion voting occurs pretty frequently and it enables the Democratic candidate to get the votes of people who dont normally vote for Democrats and Republicans to get the vote of people who dont vote Republican etc., said Richard Briffault, an expert on election administration and a professor at Columbia Law School. Cuomo is in the eighth spot because he filed to run as an independent later in the process. Read more here about false claims about Election Day and the facts Houston voters say they are frustrated theyve been without a voice in the US House for 8 months Voters are only deciding on Tuesday who will be Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turners successor after the former Houston mayor died in March, just weeks into his first term. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he set the election for November out of concern for what he described as Harris Countys history of election problems. Democrats accused Abbott, a Republican, of keeping the seat empty to help the GOP maintain their thin House majority. District resident Jose Saucedo said not having representation has worried him. The lack of leadership is concerning, the 54-year-old design professor said. I hope that we can get a very strong leader for us, to represent us all. Sixteen candidates are running in the district. If no candidate reaches 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters will advance to a runoff. By The Associated Press VERSAILLES, Ky. (FOX 56) The line stayed long for more than four hours, but the drivers who came for help at Woodford County Food Pantry found it was worth the wait. Inside the building, it was just as crowded. It was rare to see someone sit down as volunteers sorted bags, loaded bins, carts, and more. Over the summer, it was a little more quiet, and then its just kind of been a steady ramp-up until now, where the line is half a mile down the road, Rachel ORourke, a volunteer, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news Ashley Jackson, executive director of the food pantry, said at the start of the month, they usually see the most foot traffic, but over the last couple of weeks, it has been double the number of people coming for groceries. Many foreshadowed their fears that they might not get the SNAP benefits they usually receive this month. We do about 500 families, so 1,600 people added to that, or maybe even 1,200 people added to that, can make our shelves go bare in a week or two, Jackson said. Jackson said that is why the help of volunteers is important. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were the only source of food for some of these people. They dont have any other options. They dont really have anywhere else to go. So, yeah, it is all hands on deck, and we need to be doing as much as we possibly can, ORourke said. Jackson said more than 1,500 people in Woodford County rely on SNAP, and many have seen the zero account balance already this month. Thanks to generous donations, the food pantry is picking up the slack. Even though the federal government now says partial payments are on the way, there is still uncertainty in the air. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How long is this going to go on? You know, because it doesnt matter which party that youre part ofwhen youre hungry, youre hungry, Jackson said. The Woodford County Food Pantry distributes food every Monday from 5-7 p.m. and every Thursday from 1-4 p.m. For more information, visit woodfordfoodpantry.org. 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 FOX 56 News. Barcelona are set to come under heavy scrutiny for the construction of Camp Nou once again this week, after fresh protests over the work to renovate Camp Nou. Back in 2023, the club were criticised for the use of illegal labour practices, but claimed to be rectifying the situation. The Blaugrana have face criticism over the use of Turkish construction group Limak, who have faced backlash over environmental abuses and workers rights abuses in the past too. Previously unions have raised the alarm over potential abuses happening at Spotify Camp Nou, but Institutional Vice-President Elena Fort claimed that there were simply some anomalies that were being addressed, rather than intentional or systematic abuses. Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado will have to be cautious against Club Brugge tomorrow. A yellow card would see them miss out on the game against Chelsea. @RogerTorello barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 4, 2025 Camp Nou cannot come at cost of workers rights The Confederation Syndicate of Labour Commissions (CCOO) have protested outside Camp Nou this Wednesday, raising the alarm over undocumented migrant labour, working under illegal conditions. CCOO leader Carlos del Barrio claimed that around 50 employees are affected. Some of them have been working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for more than a year, he told Diario AS. We are aware that there is a lot of pressure to open the stadium, but what cannot happen is to do so at the expense of all the workers rights. A photo of the Camp Nou, still under construction, taken during a press tour on September 23, 2025. image via Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA/SIPA Calls on Government to normalise situation The protest sprung up after contractors Limak and Ekstreme Works intended to dismiss the 50 employees, who are not registered with social security, and currently are working without guarantees of their rights in Spain. Del Barrio called on the government to activate the legislation deliberately intended to address situations such as these to grant said workers their rights. The moment they set foot on Turkish territory, their ability to defend themselves [will be diminished], Del Barrio stressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it is Limak and Ekstreme Works that are dealing with the employment situation, del Barrio noted that Barcelona had turned a blind eye to their complaints. GREENE COUNTY, Mo. Ill tell you that its worse in person than what youre seeing. Its worse than you think it is. Ethan Forhetz with Springfield-Based Convoy of Hope is on the ground in Jamaica, following the deadly Hurricane Melissa that hit the island last week. Today, we spent the day driving it over to this area and then unloading it with some great volunteers from a local church. So from here, that supply will get into the areas that are devastated by the storm, Forhetz said. Its very difficult to travel around here, especially to the hard-hit areas. There are only a couple of ways in and out. Those are two-lane roads, and all along the way the roads are blocked by trees, downed power lines down, water covering the road, so nothing is happening or moving quickly at this point, but we are taking those supplies in. We have a team of about ten more people are on their way even as we speak. So that will change and fluctuate over the next several months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forhetz, who has responded to several natural disasters over time, compares the wreckage left behind by Hurricane Melissa to another natural disaster that decimated Southwest Missouri nearly 15 years ago. I think for our area, if people can think back to Joplin and think about that sort of damage, but more widespread 25-50 miles across because the wind speeds were 185 miles per hour. Anything that was standing that was wooden structure is gone in that swath. The concrete structures, some of them are destroyed. Some of them are still standing, but without roofs, Forhetz said. I would rank it up there with the Joplin tornado in what Im seeing as far as the damage goes and the extent of it, Joplin was not as wide as what were seeing here. He adds that there have been hurdles with their response. Wed been talking with our partners on the ground here through churches all across the island even before the hurricane hit, because the one good thing about a hurricane is that you could see it coming. That allowed us to preplan a little bit, and then when we got here, you come up with a new set of plans for every disaster because everyone is different and a lot of audibles called along the way. The basic plan stayed the same. Were buying the supply in Kingston, which was spared by the storm. Things in Kingston are running pretty normally. There are some power outages, but the major hurricane-force winds did not hit Kingston, so were buying the supply there. Last night, we spent the whole evening loading up the truck full of supply in Kingston, Forhetz said. In fact, just the other day, we were taking in a truckload full of supplies to the Black River area. It took our truck and our crew about 21 hours to make that trip to drive in from Kingston, where our team is, where we get the supply and then drive into the area that is hard hit and then back out. It was about a 21-hour round trip. As soon as the airports opened, we were on our way to the island disaster response team was on our way here just as soon as the airports open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forhetz says it will take a long time before the impact of Melissa is repaired. The people who were in the bullseye did not do well at all. Their situation is catastrophic. Its going to be a complete rebuild for them. Weve been talking to people who have they have no food, no water. Were delivering as much as we can of it. They have no hygiene items. They have no shelter there. Their home was destroyed. We talked to people just yesterday in that situation there, with their homes destroyed. They have no place to sleep. Theyre sleeping out under the stars and they dont have a lot of hope that thats going to change any time soon, Forhetz said. Were helping people with the temporary shelter, but its a horrific situation for the people here. You can see the heartbreak and the hopelessness on peoples faces and not be affected by it. Ozarks First reached out to the American Red Cross to interview a volunteer on the ground, however, the American Red Cross did not respond to our interview request in time. The American Red Cross did post a press release this morning that says in part, Days after Hurricane Melissa took aim at the Caribbean, the extent of the devastation on the islands is still being revealed as access is slowly opened to communities isolated by damaged roads and mountains of debris. Red Cross societies on the islands and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are working around the clock to help the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by the deadly storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Red Cross is deploying several trained international responders, part of the International Disaster Response Team, to support processes including cash assistance, communications, relief response, planning and monitoring, and working with the IFRC to mobilize additional support as needed in the coming days and weeks. Experienced American Red Cross international disaster responders are ready to deploy within 24 hours of a disaster to support the national Red Cross or Red Crescent society. The role of the American Red Cross in responding to international crises differs from its domestic disaster responses. Even if a large disaster occurs, most Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in other countries have their own employees and volunteers who are trained and prepared to respond to manage disaster operations. If additional support is requested by a Red Cross or Red Crescent society in another country, the American Red Cross can tap into our cadre of disaster specialists, who are specially trained to manage and participate in international emergency operations. 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) Contestants showed up bright-eyed and bushy-faced for judging on Monday as West Virginia University hosted its annual Beard Growing Contest in honor of Mountaineer Week. Mountaineer Week is hosted by the university every year in November to get the campus and the campus community into the Appalachian spirit. The nine contestants who participated were shaved on Sept. 29 to make sure everyone had an even playing field. The group of contestants who participated. (WBOY image) Those who competed were judged based on the length, fullness, and tidiness of their facial hair. First, second, and third place winners went home with $100, $75, and $50. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgantown BOPARC holds Fall Fest at newly renovated ice arena The three winners for this year were as follows: First Place: Eli Collavo, a second-year medical student from Bethel Park, Pa. Second Place: Corey Molnar, a freshman Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering major from New Cumberland, W.Va. Third Place: Ben McCardle, a senior Exercise Physiology major from Moundsville, W.Va. Collavo after a clean shave. (Courtesy WVU) Collavos beard after one month. (WBOY image) Collavo spoke with 12 News about his experience in the competition. I did my first competition last year, and I just thought it would be a good excuse to grow out my beard a little longer than usual. I didnt really think I had any chance of placing at all, but last year I got second, and so that made me think maybe this year Id have a chance at first, so I went at it again, Collavo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collavo said that this year, he used beard oil, combed through his beard after applying it and shaved his neck and cheeks, as an adjustment to his routine last year. Second-place contestant Ben McCardle also shared some words of encouragement for students who may be considering participating in the future. Corey Molnar (left), Eli Collavo (middle), and Ben McCardle (right). (WBOY image) Do it. Its an hour of your time. Like, in total, the shaving process is quick, the judging process is quick. Its really not that awkward; everybody is like very personable, so just do it, McCardle said. The Beard Growing Contest was the first event of WVUs Mountaineer Week events. 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 WBOY.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) is calling for transparency from federal immigration authorities amid secretive operations and alleged abuse of immigrants. On October 30, Wyden and 10 other Democratic senators sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Todd Lyons, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In the letter, the senators raised concerns over ICE Air Operations (IAO), which is tasked with transporting non-citizens to their countries of origin under a court order. IAO also conducts Special High Risk Charter flights to deport non-citizens under removal order to third countries, the senators said, citing ICEs website Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the senators are raising concerns that these operations are conducted in near-total secrecy. DONT MISS: Help mom and dad get home: How a note in a coloring book helped Jackie Merlos in ICE custody The senators highlighted the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador along with the relocation of university student Rumeysa Ozturk before a judge ruled on her case and the attempted deportation of unaccompanied minors to Guatemala without due process, according to the senators. ICE does not provide any publicly accessible data on its flights, destinations, costs to taxpayers, or passengers. Additionally, the conditions on board IAO flights have been described as dehumanizing and even dangerous, the senators wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senators also pointed to a recent lawsuit, alleging that ICE placed several deportees on a military cargo plane wearing straightjackets for 16 hours and did not tell them their destination, the senators noted. Father of Dane Paulsen, boy who drowned in Siletz River, pleads not guilty to neglect Deportees have also accused IAO personnel of verbal, physical and sexual abuse since 2010, the senators said, citing reporting from The Verge. The lawmakers added that there have been numerous public accounts of reported medical emergencies and limits to critical care on deportation flights, raising human rights concerns. Given the complete opacity of IAO, the troubling actions the division has taken under this Administration, and the impending escalation of activities as ICE implements its newly-inflated budget and requests ever-more resources from Congress, ICE must provide greater transparency, the senators concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their letter, the senators added a list of questions for Noem and Lyons, regarding the costs of these operations, the treatment of deportees, flight data and information on voluntary returns. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics The letter was led by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and joined by Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) Tammy Duckworth (D-ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) KOIN 6 News has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This story will be updated if we receive a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KOIN.com. Its Election Day 2025. And the results in New Jersey, Virginia and elsewhere Tuesday could be some of the most significant dominoes to fall in the federal government shutdown, which is set to become the longest in history on Wednesday. But the election isnt the only X factor in the monthlong shutdown thats evolving even as we speak. Lets check in on a number of key variables and sources of potential leverage in the shutdown and how theyre playing. Election Day 2025 The big ones to watch here are the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (The New York City mayors race and a redistricting ballot measure in California are fascinating for other reasons, but less instructive when it comes to Republican vs. Democrat power dynamics.) The blue lean of these two states and the history of these races suggest Democrats should win both gubernatorial races. Generally speaking, the party that just lost the presidential race tends to overperform. This year, thats Democrats. If Democrats win each race by comfortable margins say by double digits theyll probably feel pretty good about how theyve handled the shutdown. A good election night might leave them emboldened to press forward. Voters cast their ballots at a polling station on the first day of early voting for the mayoral election October 25 in New York's Brooklyn borough. - Angelina Katsanis/Reuters That could especially be the case if Rep. Abigail Spanberger wins big in Virginia, given its home to so many government employees who are feeling the brunt of the shutdown. (The most recent polls suggest Spanberger leads, on average, by around 10 points.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Republicans have been optimistic about making it a competitive race in New Jersey, which swung significantly in President Donald Trumps direction in 2024. If Republican Jack Ciattarelli can keep it close with Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Democrats might start second-guessing their shutdown strategy. Republicans also appear to have real hope of winning the Virginia lieutenant governors race and especially the states attorney generals race though the latter owes mostly to the Democratic candidates violent texts. Obamacare open enrollment This is the big source of potential leverage for Democrats. But its too early to say how its playing. Open enrollment for millions of people who get their health insurance through the Obamacare marketplaces began on Saturday. In other words, thats when many people began to see their premiums would double next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have been demanding an extension of the enhanced Obamacare subsidies that would prevent those huge premium increases, in exchange for funding the government. And the optimistic case for them is that people seeing these premiums about to rise would ratchet up pressure on Republicans to give in. Some Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio, have warned the GOP about the political cost of not extending the subsidies. We know that north of 70% of Americans have said they support extending the subsidies. The question for Republicans now is whether they think they might have to extend the subsidies either during or after the shutdown. If they start getting more pressure from their constituents, that could force them to act. SNAP benefits These food stamp benefits have been in limbo since Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration signaled Monday that it would provide partial benefits $4.65 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs contingency fund after a federal judge ordered it to find a solution. But notably, the administration declined to attempt to provide full benefits, which would cost roughly $9 billion for the month. And it made clear that it wasnt going to strain too hard on the subject. Republicans have been clear that they believe these benefits being withheld provides leverage in the shutdown fight. House Speaker Mike Johnson last week told CNNs Dana Bash that passing a bill to fully fund SNAP benefits would reduce the pressure on Democrats to vote to reopen the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So is he right? Perhaps these benefits not being paid in full and on time does provide leverage in the sense that no one wants to be blamed for Americans going hungry. A market in Los Angeles sets up an "EBT Accepted Here" banner on Friday. - Damian Dovarganes/AP But from a partisan standpoint, polls continue to show more Americans blame Republicans than Democrats for the shutdown. And the Republicans handling of SNAP in recent days could signal to Americans that its they who have stood in the way of a fully funded program. After all, Johnson was rejecting a push from some in his own party, including Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, to pass legislation. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Monday called the Trump administrations partial SNAP funding an intentional decision not to pay full benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond that, the White House has also risked seeming tone-deaf on the financial pain of the shutdown in recent weeks. Not only has it set about demolishing the East Wing for a ballroom costing hundreds of millions of dollars (which Trump says is privately funded), but the president late last week proudly promoted a renovation of the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom. And on Friday night, Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort played host to a Great Gatsby-themed event. Those are perhaps not the best optics. Paying the troops While the administration hasnt bent over backward on SNAP benefits, its taken a more urgent posture toward military paychecks. For the second time, the administration on Friday found funding to make sure the military paychecks went out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has made clear that he would like to be perceived as a political ally of the troops. He has repeatedly attacked Democrats in speeches to the military in recent weeks a highly questionable breach of norms. I want you to know that despite the current Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny, Trump told members of the Navy last month. Democrats have expressed warnings about Trump trying to wield the military for political purposes. And at some point, they might worry that enabling him to look like the savior of troops paychecks plays into his hands. Air travel This is perhaps the biggest X factor right now. But its really difficult to evaluate the politics of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This weekend marked the worst one for air traffic control staffing shortages since the shutdown began, according to a CNN analysis. And that notably came just days after Federal Aviation Administration employees missed their first full paycheck. There have now been more than 400 staffing shortages, as of Monday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, meanwhile, told CNBC on Monday that he would shut the whole airspace down if he felt travel was unsafe. The fact that we are seeing significant slowdown in air travel probably plays somewhat like the SNAP issue generally applying pressure on lawmakers to come to a resolution but not necessarily providing one side significantly more leverage than the other. The Thanksgiving travel season could up that pressure, however, as travel delays become more acute. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to Moscow, saying it was a "strategic choice" to strengthen ties, during a meeting with visiting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Tuesday. Xi told Mishustin that China-Russia ties were advancing with steady determination "despite the turbulent and challenging external environment", according to state news agency Xinhua. "Safeguarding, consolidating and advancing the relationship is a strategic choice for both sides," Xi said. Advertisement 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. Mishustin - who is on a two-day visit to China - met his counterpart, Premier Li Qiang, in Hangzhou on Monday. During that meeting, attended by key economic officials from both sides, Beijing and Moscow agreed to expand cooperation on local currency settlement, lunar exploration, customs and air traffic, according to Xinhua. Mishustin's visit to China came days after Xi met US President Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea on Thursday, when the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues and agreed to a trade war truce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both sides agreed to ease certain restrictions, with China relaxing curbs on rare earth exports, strengthening fentanyl control, and rolling back some retaliatory tariffs, while the United States pledged to review tariffs, shipbuilding limits and entities on its trade blacklist, according to Washington. Trump told reporters after the talks that he and Xi had also discussed Ukraine "for a long time". "We agree the sides are locked in fighting, and sometimes you have to let them fight - crazy - but [Xi] is going to help us, and we're going to work together on Ukraine," Trump said. "Not a lot more we can do." Beijing and Moscow have edged closer as tensions between the US and China have escalated, and since Russia invaded Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighbouring countries have maintained close communication on areas of mutual interest. Hours before Trump announced his summit with President Vladimir Putin in August, Putin spoke by phone with Xi. The two leaders also discussed exchanges between Moscow and Washington during their meeting in China in September, when Putin attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and a military parade in Beijing marking the end of World War II. Xi also attended Russia's Victory Day parade and met senior Kremlin officials during a four-day trip to Moscow in May. This week's engagement with Russia comes as relations are also strained between China and the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European officials have long criticised China's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and have accused it of supporting Moscow with dual-use parts and technologies - allegations that Beijing has denied. During talks between Chinese Premier Li and European Council President Antonio Costa in Kuala Lumpur last week, Costa urged Beijing to help "put an end to the war" and called the conflict "an existential security threat for the EU". On Tuesday, Xi highlighted efforts to expand cooperation between China and Russia in areas such as energy and agriculture, as well as hi-tech fields including aerospace and artificial intelligence. In response, Mishustin said Moscow would cooperate with Beijing on "trade, technology, energy, agriculture and the digital economy", according to Xinhua. Advertisement 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 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. China seeks to deepen relations with Russia despite a turbulent external environment, President Xi Jinping has said. Xi made the pledge to expand investment and economic relations as he met Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing on Tuesday. China has drawn closer to Moscow since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, despite pressure from the West. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Xi seeks to expand mutual investment with Russia, describing the enhanced ties as a shared strategic choice and declaring that the two countries must maintain close coordination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China-Russia relations have forged ahead this year despite the turbulent external environment, Xi told Mishustin, according to Chinas Foreign Ministry. He highlighted industries, including energy, agriculture, aerospace, the digital economy and green development, where the two countries could cooperate. President Xi Jinping met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. It is our shared strategic choice to uphold, consolidate and develop China-Russia relations. The two sides must maintain close coordination, upgrade our cooperation, and make new and greater contributions pic.twitter.com/OSYhjhEr5F Mao Ning (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) November 4, 2025 Relations between Russia and China have grown steadily closer since Moscows invasion of its neighbouring country in February 2022. Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a no-limits partnership, just days before Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine. Russia has since heavily relied on China to blunt the impact of Western sanctions, with record trade between the pair and deepening energy cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bilateral commerce has, however, declined in recent months as China faces mounting pressure from the United States over trade and technology. Xi and Putin have also appeared to maintain close personal relations in recent years. The Russian president visited China in September to attend a huge military parade in Beijing to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. Highly important For its part, the Kremlin highlighted the significance of Mishustins visit and the value it places on partnership with China. In advance of the trip, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow considers it highly important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin said on Tuesday he has instructed his government to develop multimodal transport and logistics centres on the Chinese border. Similar facilities will also be built on the border with North Korea. Moscow and Pyongyang have also strengthened ties during the Russia-Ukraine war. Putin recently met North Koreas Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. In 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a defence pact committing each country to provide military support to the other in the event of aggression. ANDERSON After years of not tolling out the time, a 140-year-old historic clock has been restored at the Madison County courthouse. The clock and bell occupying the main tower at the Madison County Government Center has been repaired by the Verdin Company of Ohio. The cost of the contract is $36,280. The repair enables the clock to strike on the half-hour after the company installed new electronics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bell was originally installed when the first courthouse was built in Anderson in 1885. There is a lot of history to the bell, Madison County Historian Steve Jackson said previously. Not only did the bell strike the hour when it was first installed, it pealed every time there was a fire in Anderson to alert the volunteer firefighters. James Abraham said when the courthouse was demolished in the early 1970s, the bell was placed on a pedestal in the lobby of the building. Contributions were solicited from local residents to place the bell and a clock in the south tower, he previously said. The name of every donor was included on a plaque on the tower when the bell was restored in 1985. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, both local newspapers supported the installation of the bell on the courthouse tower, he said. Abraham said the commissioners at the time approved the installation of the bell and the clock. The clock has faces on the east, west and south sides of the courthouse. When the bell was in the lobby of the courthouse, every once in a while, I would take a coin and make the bell toll, Abraham said. Im happy that the bell and clock are being repaired, he said. It is a recognition of all the people who made a contribution to have the bell installed in the tower. SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) A California appeals court ruled Monday that a Huntington Beach measure requiring voter identification at the polls violates state law. The Fourth District Court of Appeal in Santa Ana determined that the measure passed by voters in the seaside city of 200,000 people should be struck down because it conflicts with state election law, said Lee Fink, a lawyer for Huntington Beach resident Mark Bixby, who challenged the citys measure. California Attorney General Rob Bonta also sued over the Huntington Beach law contending it would disenfranchise voters. Voting is the fundamental right from which all other rights flow, and no matter where threats to that right come from whether from Washington D.C. or from within California we will continue holding the line, Bonta said in a statement. Californias elections are already fair, safe, and secure. Corbin Carson, a Huntington Beach spokesperson, said the city is reviewing the appeals courts ruling. Residents of Huntington Beach voted last year to let local officials require voter identification at the polls starting in 2026. The measure also allows the city to increase in-person voting sites and monitor ballot drop boxes in local elections. Bonta filed a lawsuit saying the measure conflicts with state law and could make it harder for poor, non-white, young, elderly and disabled voters to cast ballots. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, then signed into state law a measure barring local governments from establishing and enforcing laws that require residents provide identification to vote in elections. Huntington Beach, which is known as Surf City USA for its scenic shoreline dotted with surfers, has a history of sparring with state officials over the measures it can take under its city charter on issues ranging from immigration to housing. The GOP is dominant in Huntington Beach with nearly 57,000 registered voters versus 41,000 Democrats, county data shows. Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify New York Citys ranked choice voting process. (NewsNation) New York City voters are casting their ballots Tuesday to elect their new mayor, who will replace outgoing Mayor Eric Adams. The race has been in the national spotlight since 34-year-old New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, seized the Democratic ticket from Adams and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Both Cuomo and Adams reentered the race as independent candidates, but the latter dropped out after his campaign failed to pick up steam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters on Tuesday will decide between Mamdani who held a wide polling lead in the weeks leading up to Election Day Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani won the citys primary election for the Democratic nomination against Cuomo on a ranked-choice ballot. The city will do a typical winner-take-all election Tuesday night. Get fact-based, unbiased news coverage 24/7 with the NewsNation app. Download it here. Mamdani focused his campaign on affordability, touting his policies of freezing rents in rent-controlled apartments and making buses free in the city, among other issues. He saw the backing of New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, but saw slower support from leaders of the larger Democratic Party. Mamdani drew younger voters in higher numbers than the previous election year, in what could be a record year for voter turnout. Mamdani, a Muslim, faced both Islamophobic attacks and accusations of antisemitism for his past comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo, meanwhile, saw support from his once bitter rival, Adams, who endorsed Cuomo in an effort to stymie a Mamdani win. The 67-year-old former governor and scion of New York political royalty built his campaign on public safety and proposed hiring more police officers. Cuomo, a supporter of both Israel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, banked on the support of Jewish New Yorkers and those who opposed a democratic socialist mayor. More than 700,000 people cast early ballots by Nov. 2, with a higher percentage of Gen Z voters than last year, according to the New York Times. Polls in New York City close at 9 p.m. EST. See results of the New York City mayoral election below as they come in: 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 NewsNation. Early voting in New York City this year far surpassed that of the last mayoral election as people turned out in droves for the closely watched race between Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. According to the New York City Board of Elections, roughly 735,317 people had gone to the polls as of Sunday, the final day of early voting. That figure is over four times the number that participated in early voting during the last less-contested mayoral election in 2021. Politics: Former Vice President Dick Cheney, War Hawk Behind Decades Of U.S. Conflict, Dead At 84 This level of interest could put the election on par to see 1.5 million to 2 million voters participate in total, which would mark one of the highest turnout figures for a New York City mayoral race in years, experts told The Gothamist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young voters also had a major presence in the early vote, with voters between the ages of 18-44 comprising 42% of those who turned out, according to a New York Times analysis. They made up a slightly higher proportion of the electorate than they did in 2024, when voters between the ages of 18-44 comprised roughly 40% of people who turned out early, per The Times. The strong showing from younger voters could bode well for Mamdani, who has an overwhelming advantage among these age groups compared to Cuomo, his closest competitor. Backing for Mamdani and Cuomo is more evenly split among voters between the ages of 45-64 and those who are 65 and older, according to a September NYT/Siena survey. (L-R) New York City mayoral candidates, Independent and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani debate in New York on Oct. 16, 2025. Angelina Katsanis/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Early voting data, though, doesnt reveal who people supported and also may not be predictive of the demographic breakdown of the broader electorate. Politics: Cuomo Stays In NYC Mayor Race As Third-Party Candidate The focus on the race thus far, however, underscores the enthusiasm voters have expressed about the election, which will see New Yorkers select a candidate to succeed incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani, a state assemblymember and democratic socialist whos focused his message on affordability, has drawn significant attention to the race after he defeated Cuomo earlier this year during the Democratic primary. Cuomos decision to run as an independent candidate after his loss has also kept the contest more competitive. A RealClearPolitics polling average shows Mamdani with a sizable lead going into Tuesdays race, putting him at 46.1% support, Cuomo at 31.8% support and Sliwa at 16.3% support. Related... Read the original on HuffPost By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -New York asked a judge on Monday to dismiss a lawsuit by Elon Musk's X to void a state law requiring social media companies to disclose how they monitor hate speech, extremism, harassment, foreign political interference and disinformation. The state's attorney general, Letitia James, said the Stop Hiding Hate Act helps consumers understand what to expect from social media, without blocking platforms from speaking out or exercising judgment when moderating content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James said requiring platforms to disclose their content moderation policies and enforcement activity "furthers the state's legitimate interests in empowering consumers to make informed choices about their use of social media." X was once known as Twitter, and its lawyers include prominent First Amendment lawyer Floyd Abrams. The lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment on James' filing in Manhattan federal court. X CITED SIMILAR CALIFORNIA LAW THAT WAS BLOCKED Musk's company argued that New York's law unconstitutionally exposed it to lawsuits and big fines unless it disclosed "highly sensitive and controversial speech" that the state found objectionable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement X also cited a September 2024 federal appeals court decision that partially blocked on free speech grounds a California law on which New York modeled its own law. California later agreed not to enforce its law's disclosure requirements. James said the appeals court in the California case relied on an "erroneous premise" that social media companies' content moderation policies are not commercial speech, a premise that the federal appeals court for New York cases has rejected. NEW YORK LAW IMPOSES DAILY FINES PER VIOLATION Signed last December by Governor Kathy Hochul, New York's law requires social media companies with at least $100 million of annual revenue to disclose how they eliminate hate on their platforms, and report their progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civil fines can reach $15,000 per violation per day. The law was written with help from the Anti-Defamation League. Musk did away with Twitter's content moderation policy after he bought that company for $44 billion in 2022. The world's richest person and former close adviser to Republican President Donald Trump has described himself as a free speech absolutist. The case is X Corp v James, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 25-05068. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Stephen Coates) BRUSSELS, Belgium President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine will not accept a second-tier status in the European Union and must be treated as a full member of the bloc once it is invited. "If we speak about the EU membership, it has to be fully fledged () you cannot be semi-or demi-member of the European Union," Zelensky said in a virtual address at an Euronews enlargement summit, speaking from near wartorn Pokrovsk. "It seems to me that it is very important that we have at the same table equal countries," Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said he had traveled to the front line to support Ukrainian soldiers. "They are at war not only for their own families but for the Ukrainian future, the future of Ukraine in the European Union," he added. Read also: EU to praise Ukraines remarkable commitment to membership bid but warn of backsliding on anti-corruption in key report No bargaining over values with Hungary Zelensky dismissed the idea of offering concessions to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in exchange for lifting Budapest's veto to Ukraine's EU bid. "I'm not sure that Ukraine has to bargain with its own values () I don't think that I have to offer something to Viktor Orban. I think that (he) has to offer something for Ukraine, which is protecting the whole of Europe from Russia," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blocking Ukraine's EU membership would be "very specific support of () (Vladimir) Putin," he added. Zelensky refused to comment on the upcoming Hungarian parliamentary elections next spring, and insisted diplomacy was not about "personalities." "We're at war for our survival," Zelensky said. "We would really like the prime minister of Hungary to support us, at least not block us, if we do everything to open the clusters." Reforms, negotiations, and no delays Ukraine has shown "remarkable commitment" to its bid for EU membership despite Russia's full-scale war, but must urgently reverse negative trends in the fight against corruption and step up rule of law reforms, the European Commission said in its enlargement report published on Nov. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky welcomed what he called a "very high assessment" of Ukraine's progress by the EU and confirmed Kyiv plans to complete all required legislation and prepare for the opening of accession "clusters" by the end of the year. He stressed that delays could damage morale both among civilians and the military. "I wouldn't like this process to be too long () the quicker Ukraine is able to open the clusters and to have the fully fledged negotiation platform, the better it is for us," he said. Zelensky, however, rejected criticism that Ukraine was failing to tackle corruption. "I do not see that in the report. I know that there are certain messages, but I will check the real quotes from the report." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "During the war, we implemented the widest anti-corruption infrastructure in Europe. I don't know any country that has so many authorities," Zelensky insisted. "We're doing everything possible." Trump 'supports' Ukraine's EU bid Zelensky also said U.S. President Donald Trump told him he supports Ukraine joining the EU. "Donald Trump is supporting Ukraine as the future EU member we have discussed that with him," Zelensky said. "He supports that, and he understands that this is the choice of the Ukrainian people, and Ukraine is a part of Europe, geographically, geopolitically, and historically." However, when asked whether Trump mentioned any timeline, Zelensky replied: "Honestly speaking, no, he did not." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked where Ukraine will be by 2030, Zelensky said he believes it will already be inside the EU, but did not specify a specific timeline Kyiv would have in mind. "I would like to believe that Ukraine will be in the EU before that () Ukraine after the end of the war could become a full-fledged member of the European Union," he said. Read also: How Europe plans to phase out Russian oil and gas, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine's progress towards EU membership, reflected in this year's enlargement report by the European Commission, has been made possible by the efforts of millions of Ukrainian citizens. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy said that the 2025 European Commission's Enlargement Package Report confirmed that Ukraine is moving confidently towards EU membership and is ready to open negotiating clusters 1, 2 and 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "This is the best assessment to date proof that even as we defend against Russia's full-scale aggression, Ukraine continues to reform and transform according to European standards. Ukraine's progress on the path to the EU is achieved by the efforts of millions of our people." More details: Zelenskyy added that Ukraine expects "EU's decisive action to overcome all artificial obstacles for a strong and united Europe". Quote: "Unity and strength are two key elements for the European project to succeed and ensure safety, prosperity, and guaranteed peace for all European nations, communities and families. We are committed to working together to strengthen Europe and our shared values." Background: The European Commission has earlier said in its report that Ukraine has shown progress on key reforms on its path to joining the EU despite the war with Russia. European Pravda has reported earlier that the annual enlargement report prepared by the European Commission for all candidate countries has been agreed among EU institutions in a version that gives a positive assessment of Ukraine's reform progress. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he requested US President Donald Trump to use his influence on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who continues to block Ukraine's progress toward EU membership. Source: Zelenskyy live on Euronews during a public summit on the enlargement of the European Union, as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy was asked whether he had discussed Ukraine's EU accession with Trump and whether the American president supported it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Donald Trump supports Ukraine as a future member of the EU. We talked about it. He supports this and understands that it's the choice of the Ukrainian people that Ukraine is part of Europe geographically, geopolitically, and historically," Zelenskyy said. He added that during the conversation, he also raised the issue of Hungary's veto and asked Trump to help. "We talked about the blocking... by the leader of Hungary, and I asked President Trump whether he would support me in helping us. He said he would do everything in his power," Zelenskyy noted. When asked about possible timeframes, Zelenskyy said that Trump did not mention any. Background: Viktor Orban and Donald Trump are scheduled to meet in Washington on 7 November. One of the key topics of their meeting will likely be Hungary's continued purchase of Russian energy resources, which it has so far refused to abandon. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with soldiers at the command post of the 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, which, together with adjacent units, is defending the Dobropillia front. Source: Zelenskyy on social media; Office of the President Details: It is reported that Zelenskyy heard reports from Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Azov Corps Commander Denys Prokopenko; and Oleh Apostol, Commander of the Air Assault Forces of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military leadership briefed Zelenskyy on the ongoing operations on the Dobropillia salient, the mop-up operation and further defence of Shakhove, efforts to reinforce the defensive flanks of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, and the protection of logistical routes. According to the military, the Russians continue their attempts to regain their positions at the Dobropillia salient. The president thanked the soldiers for their service and presented them with state awards. Zelenskyy with the military leadership on the Dobropillia front. Photo: Office of the President The Office of the President noted that the parties also discussed the liberation of Ukrainian service members from Russian captivity and the efforts required to achieve this. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Kiss of Death President Trump acknowledged during his 60 Minutes interview that aired on Sunday that if he had to pick between the Democratic nominee in New York Citys mayoral election this week, Zohran Mamdani, and New Yorks former Democratic governor, Andrew Cuomo, hed go with the latter. The shrug in Cuomos direction is representative of the MAGA movement and the far-right in generals interest in casting Mamdani as a new MAGA boogeyman. He does, after all, represent a number of concepts that are in regular rotation in venues such as Fox News and Republican Party social media feeds: Hes a Democratic socialist, hes young, hes non-white, he will soon, quite possibly, run New York City. The disinfo wave around Mamdani reflects a confusion in both parties about exactly how to explain the 34-year-old insurgent candidate. Hes raised funds through small dollar donations and a sophisticated but simple social media presence, putting an unwavering focus on the citys affordability crisis. Hes been aggressively opposed by wealthy interests in the city to no noticeable effect. Some see Mamdanis rise as a potential blueprint for the Democratic Party moving forward, a reality that, unflatteringly, has chagrined and wrong-footed that partys leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accordingly, Trump and his allies have been trying to paint Mamdani as a communist. At the end of September, Trump claimed that if Mamdani won the election, he would withhold federal funding from New York City (something the Trump White House started doing just hours after the shutdown began on October 1 by freezing funding for New Yorks infrastructure projects, among other things). Perhaps encouraged by political allies and donors that they both share, Trump has for awhile been hinting that he sees his former enemy, Cuomo whom Mamdani defeated for the Democratic nomination as a better fit for New York. During the 60 Minutes interview that aired Sunday, Trump made it official, putting his weight behind Cuomo as the supposed lesser of two evils. Its going to be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York. Because if you have a communist running New York, all youre doing is wasting the money youre sending there, Trump said. So I dont know that hes won, and Im not a fan of Cuomo one way or the other, but if its going to be between a bad Democrat and a communist, Im going to pick the bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani has jumped on the Trump remarks as a final opportunity to troll Cuomo. Congratulations, Andrew Cuomo. I know how hard you worked for this, Mamdani posted on Instagram. Nicole LaFond Curtis Sliwa Campaigned With A COVID Quarantine Rioter The home stretch of New York Citys mayoral race offered us yet another example of how extremist politics have become standard fare for the GOP. With voting set to take place on Tuesday, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa spent last Sunday morning campaigning alongside City Council candidate Heschy Tischler. Tischler, who bills himself as part of Team Trump, is an activist in Brooklyns ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhoods. Tischler gained widespread notice as a vocal part of protests against COVID quarantine measures in the community that ultimately turned violent. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to a charge of inciting a riot for his role in those demonstrations, which included an attack on a local journalist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sliwas embrace of Tischler is all the more hypocritical since the longshot mayoral hopeful first made a name for himself as a vigilante anti-crime crusader. Time and time again, MAGA Republicans are showing us their supposed concerns about law and order dont extend to their own political allies. Hunter Walker GOP Will Soon Need a New CR House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said Republican leadership is discussing how to deal with the House-passed GOP continuing resolution (CR) that is set to expire on Nov. 21. Were very mindful of the calendar. Were very frustrated by that, Johnson said during a Monday press conference, adding that GOP leaders will be discussing options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House, of course, has been out of session since House Republicans passed the GOP CR on Sept. 19. That was 45 days ago. Johnson will have to bring them back in order to pass any new CR. GOP leadership is reportedly, privately discussing a new CR that would go into early 2026. Meanwhile some senators are reportedly pushing for a deal that would involve a package of appropriations bills alongside a new CR that would reopen the government and a vote to extend the expiring Obamacare subsidies. Republican leadership has been insisting they wont vote on any appropriations bills or measures to extend the subsidies without a deal to reopen the government. Emine Yucel In Case You Missed It White House Limits Media Access to West Wing Offices in Latest Indignity for the Trump Press Corps Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest in TPMs 25th Anniversary essay series: Early Bloggers Changed the Publics Perception About the Iraq War After 3-Day Trial, Trump Appointee Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking Guard from Portland Morning Memo: Big Win For Voting Rights As Judge Blocks Trump EO The latest from Kate Riga: Trump Admin Tells Judge Itll Disburse Half of SNAP Benefits for Eligible Households in November, With Significant Delays Josh Marshall: Making Sense of That Weird Detail in the Latest Polls Yesterdays Most Read Story Watching the Podcast Bubble Burst From the Inside What We Are Reading The Fantasy of Assassination Culture Regular Forces and the Insurrection Act CBS Cuts Trumps Corruption Tantrum From 60 Minutes Edit NEED TO KNOW Zohran Mamdani was born in 1991 to dad Mahmood Mamdani, a professor, and Mira Nair, a filmmaker Zohran's parents raised him in Uganda and South Africa before their family relocated to New York City in 1999 Zohran was elected New York City's first Muslim mayor in November 2025, and Mahmood and Mira have spoken out in support of their son Zohran Mamdanis parents, Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair, influenced his political beliefs. Mahmood is a professor of government and anthropology at Columbia University, and Mira is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker who focuses largely on South Asian and Indian stories. The couple met in the late 1980s in Uganda and welcomed their son in 1991. The family lived in Africa for nearly a decade before moving to New York when Zohran was 7 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new mayor's views have been shaped by his upbringing, from witnessing his fathers career in academia and watching his mothers movies, which often showcase overlooked perspectives. Zohran told City & State in April 2023 that he spent time as a child attending rallies and marches with his parents, including protests over the Iraq war and Marxist lectures. When youre the kid of two parents who are very involved in social justice, a lot of times what you remember as a playdate was you being at some rally or some march, he said. On Nov. 4, Zohran won New York City's mayoral race and Mahmood and Mira were by his side as he made history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's everything to know about Zohran Mamdanis parents, Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair. They raised Zohran in Uganda, South Africa and New York Nick Papananias/Patrick McMullan via Getty Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani on February 15, 2006 in New York City Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani on February 15, 2006 in New York City Mahmood and Mira raised Zohran in Uganda and South Africa before moving to New York. The couple welcomed Zohran in 1991 in Kampala, Uganda, while Mahmood was a professor at Makerere University and Nair had made a name for herself as a filmmaker with her 1988 debut movie Salaam Bombay!, per The New York Times. The family also lived in Cape Town, South Africa, while Mahmood served as director of the African Studies center at the University of Cape Town. When Zohran was 7 years old, Mahmood joined the faculty at Columbia University in 1999, and the three moved together to New York City, The New York Times reported. (Zohran became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018.) They lived on the Upper West Side in a Columbia-subsidized apartment, while Mira reportedly also owned a $2 million condo in Chelsea, according to City & State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zohran has admitted that he lived a very privileged childhood. I never had to want for something, and yet I knew that was not in any way the reality for most New Yorkers, he told The New York Times in June 2025. Mira is an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Jeff Spicer/Getty Zohran Mamdani and Mira Nair on October 9, 2016 in London, England Zohran Mamdani and Mira Nair on October 9, 2016 in London, England Mira, a Harvard graduate, is a prominent filmmaker whose work focuses on South Asian and Indian stories. Her debut title, Salaam Bombay!, in 1988, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Her later work also received critical acclaim, including the 1991 movie Mississippi Masala, Monsoon Wedding in 2001 and The Namesake in 2006. As a child, Zohran grew up around his mothers movies. Mira told The New York Times that she remembered seeing Mississippi Masala star Denzel Washington holding 3-month-old Zohran on a red carpet for the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zohran even spent time on Miras movie sets, notably creating and producing the soundtrack for her 2016 film Queen of Katwe as well as rapping on one of the songs featured in it under his rapper persona, Young Cardamom. In addition to being around her work, Zohran appreciates the significance behind it. Its truly a wild thing when your mother happens to be one of your favorite filmmakers, Zohran told City & State. She has this mantra of, If we dont tell our own stories, no one else will. In a 2024 Mothers Day post on Instagram Zohran called Mira his dearest and darling Mama, adding that she taught me to love mischief...taught me no box is big enough to acceptwho taught me so much. Mahmood is a longtime professor at Columbia University Venturelli/WireImage Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani during the 69th Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2012 in Venice, Italy Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani during the 69th Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2012 in Venice, Italy Mahmood is a professor of international affairs, anthropology and government who has spent most of his career at Columbia University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After receiving his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1974, he worked as a professor at multiple universities, including the University of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania, Makerere University in Uganda, and the University of Cape Town, per his Columbia University bio. In 1999, he joined the faculty at Columbia and has worked there ever since. Mahmoods work focuses on settler colonialism and human rights, as well as Marxism and the history of war and genocide in Africa. He is a prominent scholar in postcolonialism and has written several books. Mahmood has faced backlash for his pro-Palestinian stance and been accused of anti-Semitism, which he has adamantly rejected, according to The New York Times. Zohran parallels his father's views on Palestinian rights. Mira uses her experiences with her family as inspiration for her films Michael M. Santiago/Getty Zohran Mamdani, Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani on June 24, 2025 in the Long Island City, New York Zohran Mamdani, Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani on June 24, 2025 in the Long Island City, New York Mira has said that she draws inspiration from her own life experience as well as her family's relationships with one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mississippi Masala which centers around an interracial romance in Mississippi was inspired by Miras relationship with Mahmood. She told The Hollywood Reporter in July 2025 that the film was a fixture in their household when Zohran was growing up, and she made it to start conversations. It holds a mirror up to people and what they might think, Mira explained. Her 2012 film, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, about a Pakistani man embroiled in the conflict after 9/11, showcasing the divide and distrust between groups in the aftermath, was similarly inspired by the familys experiences. Zohran and his parents moved to New York about two years before 9/11, and experienced the cultural divide and suspicion in the wake of the tragedy. The family felt as though they were being looked at askance, and suddenly this home and amazing place that didnt feel like home anymore, Mira told The Hollywood Reporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The experience inspired her to make the film, and Zohran encouraged her to do so. At the time, Zohran was at Bowdoin College, and Mira said that he was my oxygen, my fuel during the making of the movie. Zohran's parents shaped his political views ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Zohran Mamdani with wife Rama Duwaji and his parents Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair during an election night event on November 4, 2025 in New York City. Zohran Mamdani with wife Rama Duwaji and his parents Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair during an election night event on November 4, 2025 in New York City. Though Mira and Mahmood told The New York Times in June 2025 that Zohran had not turned to them for political advice, their worldview and career paths have shaped Zohrans democratic socialist political stance and his successful mayoral campaign. One thing that my parents have taught me, among many, is the necessity of addressing what is actually happening as opposed to pretending that its not, Zohran told Bon Appetit in June 2025. "In politics, there is such an incentive to create an alternative world as opposed to the one that people are living through." He continued, I think part of what has taken our campaign to this point has been the fact that we have espoused a politics of no translation, a politics that is direct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zohran has also said that his privileged upbringing as an immigrant has inspired him to improve the system in New York for everyone. I have always been honest as to how I have grown up and the ways in which my parents successes in academia and film allowed me to have a childhood that every New Yorker should have, he told The New York Times. I am committed to ensuring this is a city for each and every New Yorker, not just one that serves the few that its serving today. Both of Zohran's parents were by his side on election night in November 2025, when he was elected mayor. He is set to take office on Jan. 1, 2026. Read the original article on People Faith is an integral part of millions of Americans daily lives. One Nation Under God is committed to reflecting Americas voices, values and communities covering stories of faith and religion, from the latest headlines to stories of hope. Subscribe here. (NewsNation) In the final stretch of the New York mayoral campaign, Zohran Mamdani released a video, now seen millions of times, that addresses Muslim New Yorkers and condemns the mistreatment he says they receive in Americas largest and most prominent city. I want to use this moment to speak to the Muslims of the city, Mamdani began the video. I want to speak to the Muslim city worker, whether they teach in our schools or walk the beat for the NYPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NYC mayoral candidates make final push ahead of Election Day Growing up in the shadow of 9/11, I have known what it means to live with an undercurrent of suspicion, Mamdani said. I will always remember the disdain I faced, the way my name could immediately become Muhammad, and how I could return to my city only to be asked in a double-mirrored room at the airport if I had any plan of attacking it. Ive sought to be the candidate fighting for everyday New Yorkers, not simply the Muslim candidate, the 33-year-old New York assemblyman continued. Ive carried these indignities with me each moment of this race, doing so all the while as the first major Muslim candidate for mayor in New York City history. I thought that if I could build a campaign of universality, I could define myself as the leader I aspire to be, one representing every New Yorker, no matter their skin color or religion, Mamdani said. I was wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani condemned Islamophobia and said anti-Muslim sentiment had become endemic in New York City, perpetrated by Republicans and Democrats alike. Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayoral candidate, center right, Letitia James, New Yorks attorney general, second left, and Brad Lander, New York City comptroller, left, carry a banner across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, US, on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (Photographer: Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Zohran Mamdani vowed to be true to his Muslim identity Mamdani vowed to be open about his faith and true to his Muslim identity. I will not change who I am. I will not change how I eat. I will not change the faith that I am proud to belong to. But there is one thing I will change. I will no longer look for myself in the shadows. I will find myself in the light, he said. Pope Leo: Catholic teachers should educate children about spirituality Reaction to the speech was mixed. On X, @CityDeskNYC said, Mamdanis crocodile tears over Islamophobia dont erase his record of mocking Hanukkah, exploiting Black identity for personal gain, or aligning with groups that cheer globalize the intifada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others praised Mamdanis candor. This is the most beautiful political ad I have ever seen in my entire life, wrote a commentator. New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference on October 29, 2025 in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Zohran Mamdani was born and raised in Uganda Zohran Mamdani was born and raised in Kampala, Uganda. His family moved to New York City when he was 7 years old. He attended New York City public schools and is a naturalized American citizen. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, a political commentator and professor, was born in India but grew up in Uganda and is a Muslim. His mother, Mira Nair, is an Indian American filmmaker who is a Hindu, according to Forbes. Joe Rogan says he enjoys church, calls Christianity fascinating, religion stabilizing Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is the front-runner in the race. He is running against former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, who is running as a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 NewsNation. Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. Although the Budapest Festival Orchestra has just returned from the wonderfully successful Vicenza Opera Festival, rehearsals are already underway for Ivan Fischers next major concerts at Mupa Budapest. In addition to Richard Strausss grandiose Josephslegende, they will bring you Beethovens Violin Concerto in D major, performed by Alina Ibragimova, once a student of Menuhin's for whom playing the violin comes as naturally as breathing. Let organisers tell you what they have in store over the coming months! Wrapped in beauty On November 24 and 25 they invite you to travel with them from the Grand Boulevard of Budapest to the concert hall of an imaginary royal palace: join them for a journey through time spanning from the Baroque to the Romantic period. For this performance in the Concertino series, Janos Pilz has chosen works by C. P. E. Bach, Mozart, Handel and Mendelssohn. The soloist of the concert will be flutist Anett Jofoldi, winner on several occasions of the BFOs in-house Sandor Vegh Competition. See you at the Liszt Academy! Modern sounds spanning continents Grammy-winning conductor David Robertson and multiple award winner Xavier de Maistre will join the Budapest Festival Orchestra on December 2, 3 and 6. The French virtuoso of the harp has said he believes Ginasteras Harp Concerto is very interesting because it goes against the image of the harp as a romantic salon instrument. The orchestral sounds become particularly energetic through pulsating South American rhythms. In addition to Argentina, the concert will also evoke the sounds of Hungary and Denmark through an entertaining Ligeti piece and an exuberant work by Nielsen. If you believe in Santa, treat yourself to concert tickets for two! Bach, the arrival Did you know that Ivan Fischer opens each rehearsal of the Budapest Festival Orchestra with a chorale by Bach? This represents an arrival, of sorts; a transformation. Join them and arrive at one of the apexes of the holiday season through Bachs Christmas Oratorio; the orchestra will perform four cantatas from the piece on December 26. In addition to international stars, the BFO will be joined on stage at the Budapest Congress Center by the world-famous Collegium Vocale Gent. More: Budapest Festival Orchestra Hungarys sixth Confucius Institute for the promotion of Chinese language and culture will open at the Szechenyi Istvan University of Gyor, in north-western Hungary, giving new momentum to Hungarian-Chinese cooperation, Peter Szijjarto, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said on Saturday. The five other Confucius Institutes operating at major universities in Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc, Pecs and Szeged provide the cultural and educational basis for bilateral strategic partnership, offering a chance to study the Chinese language and learn about Chinese culture, while serving the development of economic cooperation through various courses, Szijjarto said. The opening of the new institute will put Hungary in fifth place in Europe when it comes to the number of Confucius Institutes, he added. "The establishment of the Confucius Institute in Gyor will give new momentum to the city, its university and the national economy, as well as to Hungarian-Chinese cooperation," he said. Szijjarto noted that during Chinese President Xi Jinping's last visit to Budapest, Hungary and China had elevated their strategic partnership to the highest level. Hungary has already benefitted substantially from this partnership, he said, pointing to the outsized Chinese investments the country has attracted. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* 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 Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has launched another attack against Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Facebook on Saturday. "He is doing this because he is in big trouble at home," Orban said. "His party lost the presidential election, his government is unstable, and he is trailing in the polls. Together with Manfred Weber, he has become one of the loudest warmongers in Europe yet his war policy is failing: Ukraine is running out of European money, and the Polish people are tired of the war. He cannot change course because he has turned Poland into a vassal of Brussels," he added. Orban said Tusk was "now in panic mode", persecuting his political opponents and criticising Hungary's pro-peace stance in an attempt to distract from his own domestic problems. "This is so said," he added. "The historic friendship between Hungary and Poland deserves better. I cannot and will not support Mr. Tusk's warmongering. Hungary is following a different path a path of peace. The Hungarian people refuse to become vassals of Brussels. It is time for Mr. Tusk to accept this and to mind his own business," Orban said. Earlier: Orban: 'Justice for Poland!' "Justice for Poland!' Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared on Thursday, adding that while the Polish right wing landed a "massive victory" in the presidential election, the "Brussels-friendly" Polish government had since waged a political campaign against them. The Polish government wants to arrest Zbigniew Ziobro, Orban wrote on Facebook after meeting the former Polish justice minister in Budapest. "And all this in the heart of Europe. Meanwhile, Brussels is silent. What a state of affairs!" the prime minister declared. The photo attached to the post was captioned: "Hungary-Poland, two good friends." Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* 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 Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. The four-star YOU Hotel Budapest, boasting 94 rooms, officially opened its doors on Monday in the heart of the Hungarian capital. This new establishment is situated within the historic former chocolate factory of Frigyes Stuhmer, a location that adds both character and heritage to the hotels ambiance, blending industrial charm with modern hospitality. YOU Hotel Budapest represents the second venture by the French Esnee family under the YOU Hotels brand, which they originally founded to deliver unique and personalized hotel experiences. This opening marks a significant expansion of their footprint in Central Europe. Strategically, YOU Hotel Budapest has joined the Accor Handwritten Collection, a portfolio known for its carefully curated, boutique-style hotels that emphasize authentic guest experiences and distinctive design. The hotel operation is managed locally by Accent Hotel Management, a respected independent Hungarian hotel operator, ensuring that service standards align with both international quality and local cultural elements. By positioning itself in a historic site with a boutique yet contemporary offering, YOU Hotel Budapest aims to attract discerning travelers seeking an upscale, culturally rich stay in Budapests vibrant city center. This project highlights the growing trend of repurposing heritage buildings into luxury accommodations, blending tradition with modern comforts. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* 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 Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. B+N Referencia Zrt., the leading facility management company in the Central and Eastern European region, has launched a new scholarship programme in collaboration with Obuda University. The initiative will support three exceptionally talented students for 10 months. The aim is to ease students financial burdens while providing them with valuable practical experience through participation in B+Ns projects. Starting in September, the new scholarship programme at Obuda University will assist three talented students in their academic and professional development. With operations in nine countries and facility management services provided across twelve, supporting talented young people and ensuring the next generation of skilled professionals are key pillars of the B+N Groups strategy. Supporting the Professionals of Tomorrow The joint scholarship program between the company, with over 30 years of professional experience, and Obuda University aims to alleviate the financial burden of three talented students, enabling them to gain practical professional experience in the companys international projects. The announcement also highlights that within the framework of the scholarship programme, two business IT students and one technical manager will receive a monthly grant of HUF 150,000 for 10 months. In addition, during the program, they can actively participate in B+Ns work processes and, after successfully graduating, can apply for jobs at the company in a facilitated interview. This way, young people can not only base their studies, but also their long-term professional career by winning the scholarship. Applicants can compete for the scholarship by preparing a research project focusing on sustainability and innovation. To successfully complete the programme, students must achieve at least an 80% evaluation for their research and maintain a minimum academic average of 4.0. At B+N Group, we have believed in the importance of nurturing talent since the very beginning. We support the professional development of our colleagues through various training programmes, whether they are entry-level workers or senior managers. This scholarship programme is part of this broader initiative helping talented young people with their studies while giving them the opportunity to strengthen their professional skills in practice within an international company, said Ferenc Kis-Szolgyemi, CEO and owner of B+N Referencia Zrt. Bridging Education and Industry At Obuda University, it is of paramount importance that our students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also acquire practical experience that can be directly applied in the job market. The joint scholarship programme with B+N Group is an excellent example of how education and industry can be connected to provide opportunities that support both academic success and professional development. We are proud to open new pathways for our students together with our partners, contributing to their careers and to the long-term growth of the Hungarian economy, emphasised Professor Dr Levente Kovacs, Rector of Obuda University. Founded 32 years ago, the Hungarian-owned B+N Group has become the market leader in the facility management sector in the Central and Eastern European region. The company holds all major professional certifications and has been recognised with numerous national and international awards in recent years. Among facility management companies in Hungary, B+N is unique in operating its own research and development department. Automated, auditable, and regularly reviewed processes, continuous engineering support, and dedicated service teams ensure transparent, controllable, and high-quality service delivery. With 15,000 employees in Hungary, B+N Group ranks among the countrys three largest employers. More: B+N Group Opinion | Why does 15th National Games torch lit with combustible ice and passed from robot to human matter? From the "source flame" drawn from the deep sea to the "sacred flame" carried across the four cities,every moment has left an unparalleled memory for people. 2025-11-03 22:37:50 The hired 'employee' will have his/her heart rate monitored on Fitbit, the company announced in a release. Some of the other films include Amityville Horror, Candyman, Insidious among others The last date to apply for this spook fest of a job is September 26 Malda Breaking: Atrocities on daughters from Manipur to Bengal continue, in the case of misbehavior with a woman in Malda, Bengal, Minister Shashi Panja in Mamta government said that the clothes of the woman were snatched and torn. US State Department has said that North Korea could conduct nuclear test this month. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said the country will continue to advance its nuclear capabilities. He also said that North Korea would use them to pre-emptively mitigate aggression against the country. School Holiday November 2025: November 2025 brings several school holidays across India, beginning with Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 5. Students can look forward to festive breaks, state foundation days, and regional celebrations this month. Scroll down to check the state-wise list of school holidays in November. 5. WHAT IS OUR STANCE ON THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES? In Short: We are not responsible for the safety of any information that you share with third parties that we may link to or who advertise on our Services, but are not affiliated with, our Services. The Services may link to third-party websites, online services, or mobile applications and/or contain advertisements from third parties that are not affiliated with us and which may link to other websites, services, or applications. Accordingly, we do not make any guarantee regarding any such third parties, and we will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by the use of such third-party websites, services, or applications. The inclusion of a link towards a third-party website, service, or application does not imply an endorsement by us. We cannot guarantee the safety and privacy of data you provide to any third parties. Any data collected by third parties is not covered by this privacy notice. We are not responsible for the content or privacy and security practices and policies of any third parties, including other websites, services, or applications that may be linked to or from the Services. You should review the policies of such third parties and contact them directly to respond to your questions. 6. DO WE USE COOKIES AND OTHER TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES? In Short: We may use cookies and other tracking technologies to collect and store your information. We may use cookies and similar tracking technologies (like web beacons and pixels) to access or store information. Specific information about how we use such technologies and how you can refuse certain cookies is set out in our Cookie Notice . 7. IS YOUR INFORMATION TRANSFERRED INTERNATIONALLY? In Short: We may transfer, store, and process your information in countries other than your own. Our servers are located in the United States . If you are accessing our Services from outside the United States , please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed by us in our facilities and by those third parties with whom we may share your personal information (see " WHEN AND WITH WHOM DO WE SHARE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? " above), in Sweden, and other countries. If you are a resident in the European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom (UK), then these countries may not necessarily have data protection laws or other similar laws as comprehensive as those in your country. However, we will take all necessary measures to protect your personal information in accordance with this privacy notice and applicable law. European Commission's Standard Contractual Clauses: We have implemented measures to protect your personal information, including by using the European Commission's Standard Contractual Clauses for transfers of personal information between our group companies and between us and our third-party providers. These clauses require all recipients to protect all personal information that they process originating from the EEA or UK in accordance with European data protection laws and regulations. Our Standard Contractual Clauses can be provided upon request. We have implemented similar appropriate safeguards with our third-party service providers and partners and further details can be provided upon request. Binding Corporate Rules: These include a set of Binding Corporate Rules ( "BCRs" ) established and implemented by gooya . Our BCRs have been recognized by EEA and UK data protection authorities as providing an adequate level of protection to the personal information we process internationally. You can find a copy of our BCRs here: __________ . 8. HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR INFORMATION? In Short: We keep your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy notice unless otherwise required by law. We will only keep your personal information for as long as it is necessary for the purposes set out in this privacy notice, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law (such as tax, accounting, or other legal requirements). No purpose in this notice will require us keeping your personal information for longer than the period of time in which users have an account with us . When we have no ongoing legitimate business need to process your personal information, we will either delete or anonymize such information, or, if this is not possible (for example, because your personal information has been stored in backup archives), then we will securely store your personal information and isolate it from any further processing until deletion is possible. 9. HOW DO WE KEEP YOUR INFORMATION SAFE? In Short: We aim to protect your personal information through a system of organizational and technical security measures. We have implemented appropriate and reasonable technical and organizational security measures designed to protect the security of any personal information we process. However, despite our safeguards and efforts to secure your information, no electronic transmission over the Internet or information storage technology can be guaranteed to be 100% secure, so we cannot promise or guarantee that hackers, cybercriminals, or other unauthorized third parties will not be able to defeat our security and improperly collect, access, steal, or modify your information. Although we will do our best to protect your personal information, transmission of personal information to and from our Services is at your own risk. You should only access the Services within a secure environment. 10. DO WE COLLECT INFORMATION FROM MINORS? In Short: We do not knowingly collect data from or market to children under 18 years of age. [email protected] We do not knowingly solicit data from or market to children under 18 years of age. By using the Services, you represent that you are at least 18 or that you are the parent or guardian of such a minor and consent to such minor dependent's use of the Services. If we learn that personal information from users less than 18 years of age has been collected, we will deactivate the account and take reasonable measures to promptly delete such data from our records. If you become aware of any data we may have collected from children under age 18, please contact us at 11. WHAT ARE YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS? In Short: In some regions, such as the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom (UK), and Canada , you have rights that allow you greater access to and control over your personal information. You may review, change, or terminate your account at any time. In some regions (like the EEA, UK, and Canada ), you have certain rights under applicable data protection laws. These may include the right (i) to request access and obtain a copy of your personal information, (ii) to request rectification or erasure; (iii) to restrict the processing of your personal information; and (iv) if applicable, to data portability. In certain circumstances, you may also have the right to object to the processing of your personal information. You can make such a request by contacting us by using the contact details provided in the section " HOW CAN YOU CONTACT US ABOUT THIS NOTICE? " below. We will consider and act upon any request in accordance with applicable data protection laws. https://ec.europa.eu/justice/data-protection/bodies/authorities/index_en.htm If you are located in the EEA or UK and you believe we are unlawfully processing your personal information, you also have the right to complain to your local data protection supervisory authority. You can find their contact details here: https://www.edoeb.admin.ch/edoeb/en/home.html If you are located in Switzerland, the contact details for the data protection authorities are available here: Withdrawing your consent: If we are relying on your consent to process your personal information, which may be express and/or implied consent depending on the applicable law, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us by using the contact details provided in the section " HOW CAN YOU CONTACT US ABOUT THIS NOTICE? " below . However, please note that this will not affect the lawfulness of the processing before its withdrawal nor, when applicable law allows, will it affect the processing of your personal information conducted in reliance on lawful processing grounds other than consent. Account Information If you would at any time like to review or change the information in your account or terminate your account, you can: Log in to your account settings and update your user account. Upon your request to terminate your account, we will deactivate or delete your account and information from our active databases. However, we may retain some information in our files to prevent fraud, troubleshoot problems, assist with any investigations, enforce our legal terms and/or comply with applicable legal requirements. Cookies and similar technologies: Most Web browsers are set to accept cookies by default. If you prefer, you can usually choose to set your browser to remove cookies and to reject cookies. If you choose to remove cookies or reject cookies, this could affect certain features or services of our Services. To opt out of interest-based advertising by advertisers on our Services visit http://www.aboutads.info/choices/ Most Web browsers are set to accept cookies by default. If you prefer, you can usually choose to set your browser to remove cookies and to reject cookies. If you choose to remove cookies or reject cookies, this could affect certain features or services of our Services. To opt out of interest-based advertising by advertisers on our Services visit 12. CONTROLS FOR DO-NOT-TRACK FEATURES Most web browsers and some mobile operating systems and mobile applications include a Do-Not-Track ( "DNT" ) feature or setting you can activate to signal your privacy preference not to have data about your online browsing activities monitored and collected. At this stage no uniform technology standard for recognizing and implementing DNT signals has been finalized . As such, we do not currently respond to DNT browser signals or any other mechanism that automatically communicates your choice not to be tracked online. If a standard for online tracking is adopted that we must follow in the future, we will inform you about that practice in a revised version of this privacy notice. 13. DO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS HAVE SPECIFIC PRIVACY RIGHTS? In Short: Yes, if you are a resident of California, you are granted specific rights regarding access to your personal information. California Civil Code Section 1798.83, also known as the "Shine The Light" law, permits our users who are California residents to request and obtain from us, once a year and free of charge, information about categories of personal information (if any) we disclosed to third parties for direct marketing purposes and the names and addresses of all third parties with which we shared personal information in the immediately preceding calendar year. If you are a California resident and would like to make such a request, please submit your request in writing to us using the contact information provided below. If you are under 18 years of age, reside in California, and have a registered account with Services, you have the right to request removal of unwanted data that you publicly post on the Services. To request removal of such data, please contact us using the contact information provided below and include the email address associated with your account and a statement that you reside in California. We will make sure the data is not publicly displayed on the Services, but please be aware that the data may not be completely or comprehensively removed from all our systems (e.g. , backups, etc.). CCPA Privacy Notice The California Code of Regulations defines a "resident" as: (1) every individual who is in the State of California for other than a temporary or transitory purpose and (2) every individual who is domiciled in the State of California who is outside the State of California for a temporary or transitory purpose All other individuals are defined as "non-residents." If this definition of "resident" applies to you, we must adhere to certain rights and obligations regarding your personal information. What categories of personal information do we collect? We have collected the following categories of personal information in the past twelve (12) months: Category Examples Collected A. Identifiers Contact details, such as real name, alias, postal address, telephone or mobile contact number, unique personal identifier, online identifier, Internet Protocol address, email address, and account name NO B. Personal information categories listed in the California Customer Records statute Name, contact information, education, employment, employment history, and financial information NO C. Protected classification characteristics under California or federal law Gender and date of birth NO D. Commercial information Transaction information, purchase history, financial details, and payment information NO E. Biometric information Fingerprints and voiceprints NO F. Internet or other similar network activity Browsing history, search history, online behavior , interest data, and interactions with our and other websites, applications, systems, and advertisements YES G. Geolocation data Device location YES H. Audio, electronic, visual, thermal, olfactory, or similar information Images and audio, video or call recordings created in connection with our business activities NO I. Professional or employment-related information Business contact details in order to provide you our Services at a business level or job title, work history, and professional qualifications if you apply for a job with us NO J. Education Information Student records and directory information NO K. Inferences drawn from other personal information Inferences drawn from any of the collected personal information listed above to create a profile or summary about, for example, an individual's preferences and characteristics NO We may also collect other personal information outside of these categories through instances where you interact with us in person, online, or by phone or mail in the context of: Receiving help through our customer support channels; Participation in customer surveys or contests; and Facilitation in the delivery of our Services and to respond to your inquiries. How do we use and share your personal information? More information about our data collection and sharing practices can be found in this privacy notice . You may contact us by email at [email protected] , or by referring to the contact details at the bottom of this document. If you are using an authorized agent to exercise your right to opt out we may deny a request if the authorized agent does not submit proof that they have been validly authorized to act on your behalf. Will your information be shared with anyone else? We may disclose your personal information with our service providers pursuant to a written contract between us and each service provider. Each service provider is a for-profit entity that processes the information on our behalf. We may use your personal information for our own business purposes, such as for undertaking internal research for technological development and demonstration. This is not considered to be "selling" of your personal information. gooya has not disclosed or sold any personal information to third parties for a business or commercial purpose in the preceding twelve (12) months. gooya will not sell personal information in the future belonging to website visitors, users, and other consumers. Your rights with respect to your personal data Right to request deletion of the data -- Request to delete You can ask for the deletion of your personal information. If you ask us to delete your personal information, we will respect your request and delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions provided by law, such as (but not limited to) the exercise by another consumer of his or her right to free speech, our compliance requirements resulting from a legal obligation, or any processing that may be required to protect against illegal activities. Right to be informed -- Request to know Depending on the circumstances, you have a right to know: whether we collect and use your personal information; the categories of personal information that we collect; the purposes for which the collected personal information is used; whether we sell your personal information to third parties; the categories of personal information that we sold or disclosed for a business purpose; the categories of third parties to whom the personal information was sold or disclosed for a business purpose; and the business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling personal information. In accordance with applicable law, we are not obligated to provide or delete consumer information that is de-identified in response to a consumer request or to re-identify individual data to verify a consumer request. Right to Non-Discrimination for the Exercise of a Consumer's Privacy Rights We will not discriminate against you if you exercise your privacy rights. Verification process Upon receiving your request, we will need to verify your identity to determine you are the same person about whom we have the information in our system. These verification efforts require us to ask you to provide information so that we can match it with information you have previously provided us. For instance, depending on the type of request you submit, we may ask you to provide certain information so that we can match the information you provide with the information we already have on file, or we may contact you through a communication method (e.g. , phone or email) that you have previously provided to us. We may also use other verification methods as the circumstances dictate. We will only use personal information provided in your request to verify your identity or authority to make the request. To the extent possible, we will avoid requesting additional information from you for the purposes of verification. However, if we cannot verify your identity from the information already maintained by us, we may request that you provide additional information for the purposes of verifying your identity and for security or fraud-prevention purposes. We will delete such additionally provided information as soon as we finish verifying you. Other privacy rights You may object to the processing of your personal information. You may request correction of your personal data if it is incorrect or no longer relevant, or ask to restrict the processing of the information. You can designate an authorized agent to make a request under the CCPA on your behalf. We may deny a request from an authorized agent that does not submit proof that they have been validly authorized to act on your behalf in accordance with the CCPA. You may request to opt out from future selling of your personal information to third parties. Upon receiving an opt-out request, we will act upon the request as soon as feasibly possible, but no later than fifteen (15) days from the date of the request submission. To exercise these rights, you can contact us by email at [email protected] , by email at or by referring to the contact details at the bottom of this document. If you have a complaint about how we handle your data, we would like to hear from you. In Short: Yes, we will update this notice as necessary to stay compliant with relevant laws. We may update this privacy notice from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated "Revised" date and the updated version will be effective as soon as it is accessible. If we make material changes to this privacy notice, we may notify you either by prominently posting a notice of such changes or by directly sending you a notification. We encourage you to review this privacy notice frequently to be informed of how we are protecting your information. email us at [email protected] email us at or by post to: If you have questions or comments about this notice, you may gooya 1501 India Street, Suite 103-192 san diego , CA 92101 United States 16. HOW CAN YOU REVIEW, UPDATE, OR DELETE THE DATA WE COLLECT FROM YOU? The namesake of the Yellow Moon Gyroid Concert graces Morris Librarys third-floor rotunda. (Photo by Russell Bailey) SIUs Nov. 12 Yellow Moon Gyroid Concert to feature Piano Trio Archduke by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host the second concert this fall in the Yellow Moon Gyroid Concert Series on Nov. 12 in Morris Librarys third-floor rotunda. The free, public concert begins at 5 p.m. The program, Piano Trio Archduke, will feature two new musicians Gabriel Pereira Vieira, a graduate masters student in violin in the SIU School of Music, who is studying under Michael Barta, a professor of violin and chamber music, and cellist Wei Liu Denton. Denton is a member of the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, the Northwest Indiana Symphony, the New Philharmonic Orchestra, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the SIU Symphony Orchestra. In addition to Vieira and Denton, series co-founder Reiko Schoen will also perform on piano. The first half of the program will feature the three musicians with solo instrument pieces. Vieira will perform Adagio and Fugue from Sonata No.1 in G Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach, Schoen will perform Intermezzo Op. 118 No. 2 and No. 4 by Johannes Brahms, and Denton will perform Bachs Prelude, Allemande, Sarabande and Gigue from cello suite No. 2 in D Minor. All three will perform Ludwig van Beethovens Piano Trio Archduke in the second half of the program. A QR code and a limited number of full concert programs will be available at the concert. Schoen is a member of the Music Teachers National Association and Federation of National Music Clubs, and she started the Musical Sprouts piano studio in Carbondale 31 years ago. She is also a member of the SIU Symphony Orchestra. Series began in fall 2024 Schoen and cellist William Cernota, an assistant lecturer in the SIU School of Music, began the concert series in fall 2024 in honor of Schoens late husband, Alan Schoen, who discovered the gyroid. The rotunda is home to Yellow Moon Gyroid made by algorithmic artist Jesse Louis-Rosenberg, honoring Schoens 1968 discovery while working for NASA. A gyroid is an infinitely connected periodic minimal surface with no straight lines; a minimal surface has the smallest area possible within a given boundary. Schoen, a physicist, mathematician and computer scientist, taught at SIU Carbondale from 1973 to 1996. Schoen said she is grateful for Morris Library, the School of Music and current yearly sponsors for supporting the concert series. For information regarding the performance or becoming a yearly sponsors for any amount, contact Reiko Schoen at reikotaka@gmail.com. For information about the School of Music, visit the School of Music website. Jen Daulby, a 2002 SIU Simmons Law School graduate and Du Quoin native, will discuss her career on Monday, Nov. 10, at SIU Carbondales Student Center. (Photo provided) SIUs Simon Institute hosts Du Quoin, SIU Law alumna Jen Daulby to discuss her career by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. Jen Daulby, a Du Quoin native and SIU Simmons Law School alumna who is CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation, will discuss her path from Southern Illinois to Washington, D.C., on Monday, Nov. 10, at SIU Carbondale. Hosted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Daulbys free, public presentation, From SIU to Capitol Hill, begins at 6 p.m. in SIU Student Center Ballroom B. A reception will be held at 5 p.m. in the John W. Corker Lounge. Registration is encouraged but not required. There will be a Q&A session. Media availability Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover Jen Daulbys presentation. For more information, contact Will Becque, institute communications and marketing coordinator, at 618-453-4009 or william.becque@siu.edu. Daulby will discuss the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF), a bipartisan, nonprofit organization that helps members of Congress work more effectively and better serve their constituents, said John Shaw, institute director. She will also share insights from her career in government affairs, legislative operations and leadership, as well as strategies for fostering more successful and transparent governance. Daulby has had a record of accomplishment in both the private and public sectors, Shaw said. She has worked for four members of Congress, including two from Illinois, served as the chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis of Illinois from 2013-2018 and was staff director for the House Administration Committee from 2019-2021, where Davis was chairman. She became CEO of CMF in September 2024. Stellar career began in a special place Daulby, a 1994 Du Quoin High School graduate, earned a bachelors degree in political science and government from Eastern Illinois University in 1998 and an SIU law degree in 2002. While in law school, Daulby was Student Bar Association president, constitutional law tutor and research assistant, student member of the Bar Passage Taskforce and selected by her peers to be graduation speaker. Southern Illinois is a special place for me, having grown up in the area. For the past 22 years, I have tried to take a bit of Southern Illinois to D.C., she said. While serving as a congressional aide, I was mindful of how policies and laws affect those in Middle America. SIU law school was foundational to my work as a legislative counsel for two committees and in particular, working on election law issues during 2019-2021 in Congress. Daulby said she wants to share her passion for public service and experiences with students and hopes to encourage them to pursue careers in Washington, D.C., and be part of the solutions our country desperately needs. "I am grateful to engage with the SIU community and give back to an institution that was a launching pad for my successful career in Washington, she said. I have benefited for more than two decades from the fundamentals I learned at SIU hard work, attention to detail and a commitment to subject matter expertise." More information, including a list of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events, is available. Consumer staples companies in the country saw stable demand trends during the July to September quarter (2QFY26), though overall performance was affected by the GST transition and extended monsoon season, according to a report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services. The report highlighted that the impact of the GST transition was more significant in personal care products compared to packaged foods. It stated, "Consumer: Staples companies witnessed stable demand trends; however, the GST transition and an extended monsoon period weighed on overall performance during the quarter." In the packaged foods category, players like Nestle and ITC performed well. Nestle reported an 11 per cent revenue growth, while ITC's FMCG segment also registered healthy growth during the quarter. However, personal care companies struggled to maintain momentum. Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) witnessed a volume decline of around 2 per cent, while Dabur and Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) saw their sales drop by 3-4 per cent. The decline was largely attributed to GST transition-related disruptions and adjustments in the trade pipeline. Colgate-Palmolive continued to face challenges, with revenue declining by 6 per cent during the quarter. To offset the GST impact and pass on benefits to consumers, most companies implemented price cuts and increased grammage in low-unit packs (LUPs). The quick service restaurant (QSR) segment also experienced continued demand weakness despite a low base, indicating that the recovery in discretionary consumption remains uneven. Motilal Oswal downgraded Dabur from a 'Buy' to 'Neutral' rating, citing sustained weakness in execution, while maintaining ratings for other companies under its coverage. Overall, the report noted that the second quarter earnings were largely in line with expectations, and the pace of earnings downgrades has moderated. Although Indian equities have delivered a lackluster performance over the past year, the report emphasized that the markets now appear to be in a healthier state compared to last year. The earnings cycle is seen as bottoming out, with growth expected to accelerate into double digits in the coming quarters. The report stated, "We continue to highlight that the Indian markets now appear to be in a healthy state vs. last year. The earnings cycle is bottoming out, with growth expected to accelerate into double digits". (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], November 4: In Spina Bifida, the spinal cord and spinal column do not form completely, which affects the nerve supply in the lower part of the body, affecting the bowel, bladder, and muscle strength of the lower limbs. As in most cases, the girl's condition was detected at birth, but despite surgical correction, she was wheelchair bound with no sensation in the lower half of the body, disabling her from controlling her bowel. This resulted in abdominal distention, constipation, and leakage of stool. A journalist, she had made herself independent in all aspects despite her disability, except the bowel movements; for this one aspect, she had been dependent on her parents for the last 32 years. Her parents used to give her an enema daily to empty her bowel. The family sought a solution for this problem all over India, including Mumbai, where MACE (Malone Antegrade Continence Enema), procedure was performed by a well-known centre, but there were only failed attempts. On their visit to Ankura Hospital for Women and Children in Hyderabad, a possible novel endoscopic solution was discussed with the parents. The doctors suggested placement of a gastrostomy (PEG) tube colonoscopically (non-surgical), extending from the first part of the large intestine (cecum) to the outside of her abdomen. The purpose of this tube was to help her pass stools independently in a sitting position with antegrade continence enema without needing external assistance. With parents and the girl's consent, Dr Parijat Ram Tripathi, Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, performed the procedure, which was successful and transformed the girl's life. It is noteworthy that this is the first time in India that such a procedure has been performed. It involved no cuts, no stitches, and no other organ damage, and the girl was discharged within 48 hours of admission without the need for painkillers or any other medication. What brought relief and joy to the family was that she was able to clear her bowel independently just the next day onwards. After one month of the procedure, the tube extending on her abdomen was replaced with a small Mic-key button. Since the last six months, when the procedure was done, she has been healthy and happy, with no more stool leakage and dependency. Alongside, it is the first time in the last 32 years that her parents have been able to travel for leisure. "The procedure was technically challenging due to the multiple surgeries that she previously had, but I am elated we achieved this breakthrough. The success of this minimally invasive procedure is truly revolutionary, and it can be helpful for the many children and adults who suffer from bowel disabilities due to neurological conditions," says Dr Parijat. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) Jugeshinder Singh, Group CFO of Adani Group on Tuesday said the company expect the next period of 10 years will be the most exciting with its current startup phase assets are reaching the initial investment phase. "We expect the next period of 10 years to be the most exciting with our current startup phase assets like Adani GCC (Adani Global Capability Center) and key metals and materials reaching initial investment phase," Singh said after the announcements of first half (H1) Financial Year 2026 (FY26) results. He stated, "AEL is well placed as an organisation, both for balance sheet and technical capability to deliver on this promise" Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) on Tuesday reported its financial and operational performance for the quarter and half-year ended September 30. The company's portfolio is divided into incubating and established businesses, covering energy and utilities, transport and logistics, consumer services, and primary industries. Key incubating businesses include the Adani New Industries ecosystem, airports, roads, and data centers, while the established segment comprises primary industries such as mining services, metals, materials, and commercial mining. Going further Singh said, "AEL is in deep investment phase," highlighting completed assets including Navi Mumbai Airport, which was inaugurated on October 8, 2025, wind turbine capacity of 2.5 gigawatts, and a 500,000-tonne copper plant. He added, "Our largest road asset, Greenfield-Ganga Expressway project is now 90 per cent complete," and noted that several other projects, including a new terminal at Guwahati Airport and a 1 million tonne PVC project, are progressing under the schedule. Singh also highlighted new investments, stating, "We have received LOA of five new projects in road and water verticals with a cumulative order size of 20,000 crore," and pointed to a partnership with Google to develop India's largest AI data center campus in Andhra Pradesh. On the financial front, AEL reported total income of Rs 44,281 crore and EBITDA of Rs 7,688 crore for the half-year, with profit before tax at Rs 5,864 crore and continuing profit after tax at Rs 2,281 crore. Singh said, "EBITDA from our incubating businesses now contributes 71 per cent as against 60 per cent in the comparative half-year period," underscoring the growing contribution of new businesses. In terms of capital management, the board approved a partly paid-up rights issue of equity shares worth Rs 25,000 crore. (ANI) The Ministry of Commece and Industry said in a release that the visit reflects the shared commitment of both countries to expedite the FTA process and build a more comprehensive and mutually beneficial economic partnership. The 4th round of India-New Zealand FTA negotiations commenced in Auckland on 3rd November 2025, marking an important step in deepening the bilateral trade and economic dialogue between the two nations. During the visit, Goyal will participate in a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and innovation linkages between India and New Zealand. These include a dedicated interaction with prominent members of the New Zealand business community and the visiting Indian business delegation, facilitating greater collaboration between the private sectors of both countries. A New Zealand-India Business Forum will be held in the afternoon in Auckland, followed by a community interaction event with members of the vibrant Indian diaspora. A Fireside Chat will also take place between Goyal and New Zealand's Minister for Trade, Todd McClay, moderated by Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber. The dialogue will focus on advancing trade cooperation, identifying new areas of economic convergence, and enhancing collaboration in innovation, technology, and sustainable growth. The engagements are expected to see participation from industry leaders, chambers of commerce, and government representatives from New Zealand, reaffirming the growing momentum in bilateral relations and the shared vision for a stronger, future-oriented economic partnership. (ANI) Arhaan Khan, son of former couple Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora, gave fans a glimpse into Bollywood nostalgia by sharing a rare photograph of actor Salman Khan with his father, veteran scriptwriter Salim Khan. Taking to Instagram, Arhaan shared a carousel of pictures, featuring moments from his relaxing getaway with friends. Amid the cheerful moments, he quietly included an old picture of Salman and Salim Khan, offering fans a heartwarming glimpse into the actor's younger days. In the picture, Salman could be seen smiling and posing happily alongside his father. A visibly younger Salim Khan also appeared in high spirits, making the photograph a nostalgic treat for fans. The image quickly garnered attention on social media, with followers appreciating the warmth and familial bond depicted in the frame. Salman Khan is known for sharing a strong and deep bond with his father and often credits him for imparting life lessons and his own success. Besides showing his affection on social media, Salman is also seen accompanying his father at gatherings and public events, including the recent trailer launch of the 'Angry Young Men' documentary. In July this year, the Bollywood star recounted a precious piece of advice he got from his father. "Present becomes yr past, past catches up 2 your future, present Is a gift, do right with it, mistakes repeated becomes a habit n then your character, dont blame any 1, no 1 can make u do anything that u don't want to. My dad just said this to me, it's so true. Kash I heard this earlier but never too late," he wrote on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMlI2s8MsI0/ On the work front, Salman will be seen donning the Indian Army uniform in Apoorva Lakhia's directorial 'Battle of Galwan', which is based on the Galwan Valley clashes at the India-China border in 2020. Actor Chitrangda Singh has been paired opposite Salman in the film. (ANI) Oscar winners Guillermo del Toro and Jodie Foster will be honoured alongside Moroccan actress Raouya and Egyptian veteran Hussein Fahmi at the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival, celebrating their outstanding contributions to global cinema. The festival, running from November 28 to December 6, described the honorees as "artists who embody the vitality of cinema and its ability to bring people together, move them, and inspire them," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Jodie Foster, a two-time Academy Award-winning actress known for films such as The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs, will be celebrated for her prolific career spanning over five decades. Foster, who recently starred in Nyad (2023), expressed excitement about her upcoming visit to Morocco, calling it "an honour to discover the beautiful city of Marrakech and to celebrate film at the same time." She added that she looks forward to introducing her new French film, "Vie Privee" (A Private Life), directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, at the festival. Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, a three-time Oscar winner for The Shape of Water and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, will also be feted. Known for his imaginative visual storytelling in films like Pan's Labyrinth, Nightmare Alley, and Crimson Peak, del Toro said he was "thrilled to return" to Marrakech and looked forward to presenting his upcoming Netflix project Frankenstein to festival audiences, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The festival will also celebrate two major Arab cinema personalities. Moroccan actress Raouya -- the stage name of Fatima Hernadi -- has achieved great acclaim in film, television, and theatre, with performances in Thirst, Rock the Casbah, and Cry No More. Expressing gratitude for being honoured in her homeland, Raouya said she shares a "deep friendship and loyalty" with the festival and its audience. Egyptian screen legend Hussein Fahmi, whose career spans more than five decades and includes over 100 films, will also be recognised. Among his most notable roles are in Watch Out for ZouZou, The Guilty, and Alexandria: Again and Forever. Fahmi said being honoured in Marrakech holds special meaning as one of his earliest films, My Blood, My Tears, My Smile, was shot in the city. The Marrakech International Film Festival, established in 2001 under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, continues to be a major platform celebrating cinematic excellence and cultural exchange between global filmmakers, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) As part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala (CEO) Dr Rathan U Kelkar visited the residence of veteran film actor Madhu in Thiruvananthapuram to personally hand over the voter enumeration form. Speaking to ANI, Dr Kelkar expressed satisfaction over the public's enthusiastic participation in the electoral roll revision process. "We have got excellent response from the people and we are very excited about the entire progress we have achieved in the day. The feedback from my booth officials and district collectors is that everyone has been welcoming. Everybody wants a healthy and pure electoral roll. We will be able to complete the entire process in 20 days. ", he said. Meanwhile, the Second phase of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has started in 12 States and Union Territories on Tuesday, with Booth Level Officers (BLO) distributing enumeration forms door-to-door. The distribution of enumeration forms marks the beginning of the SIR exercise covering the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Election Commission of India (ECI) had announced the second phase of the SIR exercise on October 27, with the final voter list to be published on February 7, 2026. According to the Election Commission, printing and training took place from October 28 to November 3, followed by an Enumeration Phase from November 4 to December 4. The Draft Electoral Rolls will be published on December 9, followed by a claims and objection period from December 9 to January 8, 2026. The Notice Phase (for hearing and verification) will take place between December 9 and January 31, 2026, with publication of Final Electoral Rolls on February 7, 2026. Drawing on experience from the first phase of SIR in Bihar, the ECI has also decided that the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit households up to three times for the matching and linking of forms. "If the elector is not available or there is a delay in matching and linking, the BLOs will visit the houses a total of three times. Electors can also fill out the forms online. If their names, or their father's or mother's names, were not available on the 2003 list, the ERO will determine eligibility based on the indicative documents," Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said in the press conference on October 27. (ANI) Hollywood veteran Glenn Close shared her surprise at how well Fatal Attraction holds up decades later after rewatching it with Kim Kardashian and co-stars from All's Fair during a private screening at Kris Jenner's home. Close has reflected on her experience of rewatching her 1987 psychological thriller, Fatal Attraction, with Kim Kardashian and fellow cast members from their upcoming legal drama, All's Fair, as reported by People. While working on Ryan Murphy's new series, the group - including Sarah Paulson, Niecy Nash-Betts, Naomi Watts, and Teyana Taylor - held a special screening of the iconic film at Kardashian's mother Kris Jenner's house. Jenner, who serves as an executive producer on All's Fair, hosted the event after Kardashian confessed she had never seen Fatal Attraction. In an interview with PEOPLE, Close said revisiting the film after so many years was a revelation. "I shocked myself," she admitted. "It was wonderful to realise that the movie holds up incredibly well. In fact, I think there's almost a whole cultural shift since that movie came out. It was a very special evening." Kardashian, amused by the film's style and intensity, reportedly reacted with: "It was insane, from the outfits to the boobs to the--," prompting Close to interject playfully, "I like that she says outfits first." Close also revealed that she has a habit of keeping her wardrobe from her projects. "If [Kim] could see my closet at home, I don't even know what her reaction would be," she joked. "Every time I walk into my closet, I think of her," People reported. The cast shared laughs over Kris Jenner dozing off during the film and joked about missing their chance to prank-call Close's Fatal Attraction co-star Michael Douglas. "Glenn was drunk -- why didn't we take her phone?!" Kardashian quipped. Reflecting on the evening, Kardashian said it was "so fun to hear commentary" from Close about which scenes made her anxious or excited. Sarah Paulson described Close as a "mentor figure" to the cast, adding, "We were all a little in awe that we were having this experience getting to watch and work with her." Niecy Nash-Betts praised Close's "wicked sense of humor," while Teyana Taylor affectionately nicknamed her "Mamacita," inspired by Love Island USA, according to People. All's Fair, which features Close as the sharp-witted attorney Dina Standish, premieres on Hulu on November 4. (ANI) Trinamool Congress national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee said that the party will take the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) fight to Delhi if even a single eligible voter is removed from Bengal's rolls, accusing the BJP and the Election Commission of India of acting in tandem to deprive the state of its identity. "From the very start we have said that even if a single eligible voter is removed from the list, AITC will take this fight to Delhi; those who act as puppets of the central government to deprive Bengal of its identity and label us Bangladeshis for speaking Bangla will be challenged all the way to the capital," Banerjee said while addressing a press conferernce. He questioned whether those who died following the announcement of the SIR were considered "valid or invalid voters." "My question to the BJP and to their friends in the ECI is simple: the 5-6 people who have already died--were they valid or invalid voters?" he asked. Banerjee urged people "not to fall prey to Citizenship (Amendment) Act camps" warning they risked the "same fate as Assam's victims" sent to detention centres, adding party workers and representatives would be deployed statewide to assist citizens. He said, "I urge you not to fall prey to CAA camps being set up here; if anyone goes to those camps, you risk the same fate as Assam's victims, where people were sent to detention centres. No one should be scared, our workers are on the ground; from tomorrow, BLA-IIs will go door to door, help desks and camps will be set up, ward rooms will be activated in every constituency, and MPs and MLAs will be on duty, so there is nothing to fear." He also referred to a series of suicides reportedly linked to panic over the SIR. "Since SIR was announced a series of tragic incidents have followed; barely 5-6 days have passed and already six suicide cases have come to light, starting with Pradeep Kar in Panihati and a 95-year-old in Ilambazar, a case in Barasat, a person from Bardhaman in Tamil Nadu, and another in Dankuni, all driven by panic and anxiety over SIR," he said. The TMC leader urged all Bengalis to unite beyond party lines. "I appeal to everyone that irrespective of religion or party, we must unite against the way the BJP has been hurting Bengal, depriving people of dignity and labelling us as Bangladeshis; I urge every Bengali to stand together and show the BJP the power of Bengal in the 2026 assembly elections," he said. Banerjee said that Trinamool workers will hold a statewide march to protest SIR, adding that leaders and supporters have been instructed to mobilise locally as enumeration begins. "The fight against those who take Bengal's votes and call us Bangladeshis is not just Trinamool's but the fight of all 10 crore Bengalis," he said. The ECI will conduct the second phase of SIR of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, with the final voter list to be published on February 7, 2026, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said. The first phase of SIR was completed in Bihar before the assembly polls. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, CEC Kumar said the exercise will cover Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Following the Supreme Court's directions, the ECI has included Aadhaar in the list of 12 indicative documents, as per its September 9 order relating to the SIR in Bihar. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the people of Bihar have realized that the state's progress is possible only under the leadership of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), accusing the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of looting and misleading the people for years. Rekha Gupta told reporters that Bihar's people, especially women, know development is possible only under the NDA, adding the "panjewale" and "lantern wale" parties have always looted and misled the state. The Delhi CM said, "The people of Bihar, the women, everyone is alert; they know that the development of Bihar is possible only and only in the rule of NDA... These 'panjewale' and 'lantern wale' have always looted Bihar and always left the people in distress, therefore the people of Bihar will not fall for their words..." Addressing a public gathering in Patna, CM Rekha said that Bihar has understood the "tricks" of Rahul Gandhi and he won't catch the "fish of Bihar." She said, "The Congress people who used to go to the fields wearing socks, now jump into the pond to catch fish. I want to tell Rahul ji that this is the fish of Bihar, you will not be able to catch it. Every person in Bihar has now understood your tricks." The Delhi CM said that Congress and RJD leaders "ruled Bihar for years," enriching themselves while people remained "poor." "These people ruled the land of Bihar for years. Sometimes the Congress, sometimes the RJD. They kept getting rich but the common people of Bihar remained poor... Bihar saw progress during the time of Nitish Kumar and PM Narendra Modi," she said Over the next three days, the Chief Minister will campaign in support of NDA candidates across the state, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a statement. She will be accompanied by senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, leaders of allied parties, as well as party candidates and workers. In addition to public meetings, the Chief Minister will also take part in roadshows. Polling for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly is scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with the counting set for November 14. (ANI) Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu conducted a series of visits and interactions on the international border of Tribal Autonomous region in Dhalai district. On Monday morning, the Governor visited Boalkhali ADC village under Raishyabari R. D Block of Gandacherra sub-division and interacted with villagers, Self-Help Group members, and progressive farmers at the Boalkhali Higher Secondary school ground. He inquired about the progress of various central and state government schemes and emphasized the need for their completion within the stipulated time. Later, Governor Nallu visited Nitya Kumar Para, the remotest and last border village under Boalkhali ADC village in the Raishyabari R.D. Block of Gandacherra Subdivision. He interacted with the villagers to understand their problems and grievances and directed the concerned officials to complete all development work in a timely manner. He also visited the Border Security Force (BSF) Border Outpost (BOP) at Potacherra, where he interacted with BSF jawans and officers. He commended the jawans for their commendable work and tireless efforts in guarding the border peacefully. In the evening, the Governor visited the remote Batapara village under the Ganganagar R.D. Block. There, he inspected a microgrid solar power plant installed under the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for the North Eastern Region which provides electricity to the villagers. Following the inspection, he interacted with the local residents and heard their grievances. The Governor was accompanied throughout his visit by U K Chakma, Secretary to the Governor; District Magistrate and Collector Vivek H B; and other district officials. Earlier, Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu, in his capacity as the President of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Tripura State Branch, has approved the newly elected State Managing Committee of the IRCS for a period of three years, as stated in a release of IRCS. The approval was granted in accordance with Rule 12 of the Indian Red Cross Society Branch Committee Rules, 2017, and in accordance with the guidelines circulated by the National Headquarters on August 28, 2020. According to a release from Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), The newly constituted committee includes Bimal Kanti Ray, IPS (Retd.) as Chairman, Asmita Banik as Vice-Chairman, Animesh Ghosh as Treasurer, Chandan Debnath as General Secretary, and members Alok Roy, Animesh Deb, Gauranga Bhowmik, Kanai Shil, Subir Deb, Biswajit Malakar, Rimpi Das, and Nirmal Bardhan Roy. The official notification was issued by Er. Paramananda Sarkar Banerjee, Vice President of the IRCS Tripura State Branch, on behalf of the Governor. The copies of the notification have been sent to the Chief Secretary, Government of Tripura, the Secretary General of IRCS, New Delhi, and all District Branch Presidents for information and necessary action, as stated in a release. (ANI) Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of misleading Hindu voters over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, alleging that false narratives were being spread to discourage Hindus from applying under the CAA. Adhikari claimed that over 50,000 people have already applied and urged voters not to believe the "lies" being circulated to harm the interests of Hindus. "Till now, more than 50,000 people have applied for CAA. They are spreading lies and misleading the Hindu voters. They are doing this names of Bangladeshi Muslims are being deleted so that Hindu people do not apply for CAA and their names don't appear in the voter list...", he said. He further warned the citizen and said, "Do not fall into their trap; they are saying all the wrong things to harm Hindus. Till now, more than 50000 Hindus from Bangladesh have come to Bengal. Hindu people have applied for the CAA. There has been no harm to anyone..." Earlier, the leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, termed the upcoming protest by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as a 'deliberate' step to divert attention from the real issues. He termed the accusations made by the TMC regarding the SIR as false. "They are engaging in hooliganism. This is a completely false accusation... Corruption, women's safety, unemployment, appeasement politics, and attacks on Hindu deities are major issues in this state. They are deliberately doing all this to divert attention from the real issue... All this is a conspiracy of Mamata Banerjee and her nephew," Suvendu Adhikari told reporters on Sunday. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to hit the streets in Kolkata on November 4 to protest against the ongoing SIR, and will be joined by party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. This announcement follows the Election Commission of India's (ECI) declaration that it will conduct the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, with the final voter list to be published on February 7, 2026. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar stated that the exercise will cover the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The TMC has criticised the BJP over SIR, alleging that it had caused deaths due to fear among citizens in West Bengal. In a post on X, the party said the latest casualty was Bimal Santra, a migrant worker from Nabagram village under Jamalpur in Purba Bardhaman district. (ANI) The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has launched a public awareness campaign aimed at building an "Assam free from fear and anxiety," State Congress President Gaurav Gogoi announced during a press conference held in Hamren, Karbi Anglong. Addressing reporters on Monday, Gogoi said that people in Karbi Anglong have started to rise against what he described as "the threats of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the arrogance of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the intimidation tactics of Tuliram Ronghang." Gogoi said the growing public resistance is a sign of positive change. "We continue our efforts to build an Assam free from fear and anxiety. Himanta Biswa Sarma has failed to bring any real change in recent years and has failed to protect our people, land, and identity. Instead, he has introduced a new system, monarchy. In Karbi Anglong, he has allowed Tuliram Ronghang to rule like a king. While Ronghang's relatives and close associates have become rich and secure, the ordinary people have not developed," said Gogoi. He further criticised the BJP government's failure in industrial development, saying that Assam's tea industry has been "pushed to the brink of collapse" over the past decade. "Tea growers are being forced to give up cultivation. Small tea growers are in distress due to the abysmally low prices of green leaves. With raw tea leaves fetching only Rs 9-10 per kg, the local farmers and labourers are suffering. The government has no policy for the tea industry, and it shows a dangerous apathy even towards the bamboo cultivation sector in Karbi Anglong," he said. Gogoi added that traditional industries such as the Sarthebari bell metal industry, are now on the verge of closure. "For the BJP government, 'industry' only means large enterprises run by Tata, Ambani, and Adani," he remarked. Drawing an analogy, the Congress leader said, "Just as the monkey army destroyed Ravana's Lanka, the people of Assam will overthrow the rule of Tuliram Ronghang and Himanta Biswa Sarma in 2026." Concluding his tour of West Karbi Anglong, Gogoi launched a blistering attack on the Chief Minister, calling him an anti-tribal leader. He alleged that Sarma once took Tuliram Ronghang to Singapore to carry his suitcase, "though I don't know what was inside that suitcase," Gogoi added sarcastically. He also accused the Chief Minister of treating Tiwa leader and MLA Ramakanta Deuri like a puppet, saying that instead of respecting a tribal leader, Sarma has behaved rudely toward him. "He stabbed a tribal leader in the front and then became Chief Minister himself," Gogoi said, adding that the people of Assam are witnessing how Sarma now tries to intimidate Hagrama Mohilary and control him remotely. Gogoi also accused Sarma of destroying the political career of Bodo leader Pramod Boro. Gogoi further alleged that Sarma considers himself a king and treats representatives of autonomous councils as minor kings. "In Karbi Anglong, Tuliram Ronghang is one such minor king; in Dima Hasao, it's Devolal Garlosa. Following the Chief Minister's lead, Minister Ashok Singhal has also started grabbing tribal lands. Reports of him encroaching on tribal land near Zubeen Garg's memorial site are alarming," said Gogoi. He also mentioned that Sarma has failed to reveal the truth about Zubeen Garg's death. "Now he claims it was a murder, but he hasn't told the public how or why it happened," Gogoi said. Gogoi reminded that although Sarma had promised to reveal details about his alleged Pakistan connections by September 10, he has failed to do so. "We are public representatives, not accused in a court. Allegations made against us must be made public before the people, not hidden behind legal threats. The Chief Minister should not suggest that we go to court," he warned. Challenging Himanta Biswa Sarma directly, Gogoi said, "Let the Chief Minister make public the SIT investigation. If the allegations are indeed serious, I am right here in Assam. Prove them, and take action against me." Gogoi asserted that Himanta Biswa Sarma will have to leave Assam after the 2026 elections, and urged the Chief Minister to accept his challenge by soon making public all the so-called evidence meant to portray him as a "Pakistani agent." (ANI) Telangana IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu on Monday announced that the State has set an ambitious goal of establishing 120 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) within the next year, creating nearly 1.2 lakh jobs. Speaking at the inauguration of the Vanguard New India Global Value Centre (GVC) at Knowledge Park, Hitec City, the Minister said that Hyderabad has emerged as a hub of trust, integrity and innovation, attracting leading multinational firms. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka was also present on the occasion. "Vanguard -- one of the world's largest investment management companies, with over $6.4 trillion in assets under management -- choosing Hyderabad for its Global Value Centre reflects the city's talent, stability and global competitiveness," he said, according to an official statement. The Minister noted that the Telangana government is not merely attracting investments, but is also preparing local youth for future-ready employment. "To ensure our youth benefit from these jobs, we will provide skilling, reskilling and upskilling in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, cloud engineering and cybersecurity," he added. Seven of the world's top asset management companies currently operate from Hyderabad, collectively managing over $30 trillion in assets, the statement mentioned. The newly inaugurated Vanguard centre will focus on engineering excellence, cloud modernisation, AI-led solutions, data security and global digital platforms. Inviting more global firms to invest in the State, he said, "We encourage international industry leaders to be partners in the story of Rising Telangana." On developmental projects, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said earlier on Monday that the government is committed to completing the long-pending world's biggest 40 km long SLBC Tunnel project works. Chief Minister Reddy has announced that the government will provide compensation and address the grievances of the dwellers of the submerged Marlapadu, Keshya Tanda and Nakkalagandi habitations located close to the SLBC project. The project cost is estimated at Rs 4600 crore, and the government is ready to provide irrigation facilities to 3 lakh acres by lifting 30 TMC of water from the Krishna River. CM Reddy came down heavily on the previous BRS government for "not completing the prestigious SLBC tunnel works during its 10-year rule for political reasons." The SLBC project was sanctioned in 1983. (ANI) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday hit back at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's "bete ki shaadi" remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign in Bihar. Responding to Kharge's comments, Singh took to the social media platform 'X' and said, "Kharge ji, if the Congress Yuvaraj's marriage ever happens, we will definitely come to it." Singh's response comes after Kharge, during an election rally on Monday, criticised PM Modi for being always on the move for elections, from panchayat to Lok Sabha polls, as if it were his son's wedding. "Narendra Modi is roaming around in Bihar as if it's his son's wedding. From panchayat elections to parliamentary elections, it's Modi who roams around; every time, only his face is visible. Hey.. how many times will people vote just by seeing Modi's face," Kharge said. The election campaign in Bihar has intensified as the campaigning ahead of polling for the first phase of the election halts on Tuesday evening. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a multi-pronged attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress in poll-bound Bihar, accusing them of undertaking "political tours to protect infiltrators" and taking a "jungle raj" jibe at the opposition Mahagathbandhan. Addressing a rally here, PM Modi alleged that the dictionary of RJD and Congress is filled with words like "'katta', cruelty and corruption". "In the dictionary of RJD and Congress. What words, what emotions are there? The dictionary of RJD and Congress is filled with words like 'katta', cruelty, bitterness, bad manners, bad governance, and corruption. This is all they learned in the school of Jungle Raj," he said. Meanwhile, Mallikarjun Kharge also slammed the BJP leaders over their BJP leaders over their "jungle raj" jibes at RJD and Congress. He said the Mahagathbandhan will form the government in the state. The Congress president also asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give the chair to one of his "disciples", rather than CM Nitish Kumar. "You could not end the jungle raj in 20 years?... Despite your abuses, Congress and the RJD are getting elected here... What Nitish Kumar could not do in 20 years of his rule, will he do it today?. Narendra Modi will not make Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister at any cost. Modi will give the position to one of his disciples. Nitish Kumar will be told, 'your work is done, your health is not good, you stay at home'," he said. Bihar will go to the polls on November 6 and 11, and the results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Tuesday accused the Trinamool Congress of diverting attention from key issues in West Bengal, stating that the real concerns are unemployment and crimes against women. Speaking to ANI, Majumdar said, "They are trying to create an issue of the SIR. The real issue of Bengal is unemployment... Women are getting raped... They are trying to suppress these issues." A day earlier, Trinamool Congress national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee said that the party will take the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) fight to Delhi if even a single eligible voter is removed from Bengal's rolls, accusing the BJP and the Election Commission of India of acting in tandem to deprive the state of its identity. "From the very start we have said that even if a single eligible voter is removed from the list, AITC will take this fight to Delhi; those who act as puppets of the central government to deprive Bengal of its identity and label us Bangladeshis for speaking Bangla will be challenged all the way to the capital," Banerjee said while addressing a press conferernce. He questioned whether those who died following the announcement of the SIR were considered "valid or invalid voters." "My question to the BJP and to their friends in the ECI is simple: the 5-6 people who have already died--were they valid or invalid voters?" he asked. Banerjee urged people "not to fall prey to Citizenship (Amendment) Act camps" warning they risked the "same fate as Assam's victims" sent to detention centres, adding party workers and representatives would be deployed statewide to assist citizens. He said, "I urge you not to fall prey to CAA camps being set up here; if anyone goes to those camps, you risk the same fate as Assam's victims, where people were sent to detention centres. No one should be scared, our workers are on the ground; from tomorrow, BLA-IIs will go door to door, help desks and camps will be set up, ward rooms will be activated in every constituency, and MPs and MLAs will be on duty, so there is nothing to fear." He also referred to a series of suicides reportedly linked to panic over the SIR. "Since SIR was announced a series of tragic incidents have followed; barely 5-6 days have passed and already six suicide cases have come to light, starting with Pradeep Kar in Panihati and a 95-year-old in Ilambazar, a case in Barasat, a person from Bardhaman in Tamil Nadu, and another in Dankuni, all driven by panic and anxiety over SIR," he said. The ECI will conduct the second phase of SIR of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, with the final voter list to be published on February 7, 2026, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said. The first phase of SIR was completed in Bihar before the assembly polls. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, CEC Kumar said the exercise will cover Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. (ANI) Hitting out at Mahagathbandhan's Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has accused the RJD leader of "demeaning" the entire minority community of Seemanchal by allegedly branding him an "extremist." Addressing a public rally in Katihar on Monday, Owaisi said Yadav was behaving like the "younger brother" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and spreading hatred. He asserted that Yadav's comments would not affect him, claiming that the people of Seemanchal would give the RJD leader a befitting reply. "Tejashwi has demeaned the entire minority community of Seemanchal... Tejashwi is acting like a younger brother to PM Modi and expressing his hatred... Tejashwi can say whatever he wants... Lalu's son says I am an extremist. His statement makes no difference... The people of Seemanchal will teach him what an extremist is," Owaisi said. Earlier, on November 2, Owaisi shared an audio clip on social media related to Tejashwi Yadav's interview, in which the RJD leader allegedly referred to him as an "extremist." "Tejashwi Yadav called me an extremist after seeing the cap on my head and the beard on my face. This is an insult to the entire Seemanchal community," Owaisi wrote on X. On Sunday in Kishanganj, the AIMIM chief mocked Yadav over the alleged remark, asking him to spell the word "extremist." "An interviewer asked Tejashwi why he did not form an alliance with me. He said, 'Owaisi is an extremist, a fanatic, a terrorist.' I ask Tejashwi, 'Babu, extremist ko zara angrezi mein likh ke bata do.' He calls me an extremist because I follow my religion with pride," Owaisi said at the rally, a clip of which the AIMIM leader posted on his X. The election campaign in Bihar has intensified as campaigning ahead of the first phase of polling halts on Tuesday evening. Bihar will go to the polls on November 6 and 11, and the results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami, in London on Tuesday and discussed ways to boost trade, education, innovation, and diaspora collaboration between Andhra Pradesh and the UK. Taking to X, Naidu expressed his delight over the meeting and said they discussed strengthening trade relations, education partnerships, innovation, entrepreneurship, and diaspora engagement. https://x.com/ncbn/status/1985494660304027738 "Delighted to meet Shri Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, in London today. We discussed strengthening trade relations, education collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship, and diaspora engagement between Andhra Pradesh and the UK," Naidu wrote on X. According to the release, the Chief Minister met with Ashok Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group (India), and Prakash Hinduja, Chairman of the group's European wing, at Buckinghamshire today. The Hinduja group decided to invest Rs 20,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh and signed MoUs with the AP Government. The Hinduja group is expanding its existing 1050 MW thermal power plant in Visakhapatnam to 1600 MW. Decided to set up solar and wind energy plants in the Rayalaseema region and electric buses and light commercial vehicle units in Mallavalli of Krishna district. In addition, the group decided to take up EV charging network in the state. CM Naidu said that the Hinduja group's initiative will lead to making Andhra Pradesh a green energy and Electric mobility hub. He said that the state government is keen on providing industry- friendly atmosphere in the state. He said a special fast-track Window will be set up to materialise the Hinduja group proposals. He said a large number of youth will get employment opportunities with these investments. Later, the Chief Minister met with Rolls-Royce group CTO Nikki Grady-Smith and explained the opportunities available in Andhra Pradesh. He said opportunities are available to set up a military air strip and an aeroplane maintenance, repair, and overhauling unit at Orvakal in Kurnool district. He said opportunities are available to set up production of aerospace components. He asked the group to study the feasibility of setting up GCC at Visakha and Tirupati and to establish an Aviation ecosystem near Bhogapuram airport. The group has expertise in manufacturing Aero engines and diesel propulsion systems. The Chief Minister also met SRAM and MRAM group chairman Sailesh Hiranandani and Samco Holding Limited chairman Sampath Kumar Mallaya. These groups expressed interest in setting up a semiconductor production facility and a modern packaging unit. The Chief Minister outlined the opportunities available in the state for establishing the battery energy storage sector. He explained to them the industry-friendly and business-friendly policies of the state, as well as the opportunities for investment in the Green Energy, Semiconductor, and Aviation sectors. The Chief Minister met Chris Fitzgerald, Group Director, International Affairs, Octopus Energy International, and explained to him the opportunities for investments in the renewable energy sector, clean energy, Smart Grid, and Data analytics in the state. Later in a round table conference the Chief Minister discussed with Paul Benton, MD, Association of British Health Tech Industry, Uday Nagaraju, Founder and CEO, AI policy lab, James Kenny, Director, Global Affairs, Arup, Freddie Woolland, Executive Director (Commonwealth Security and Resilience Group) Athenian Tech, Victoria Edwards, CEO and Co founder FIDO tech, Poonam Gupta, Co cEO Pg Paper Company Ltd, Prof Radha Boya, Nanoscience and Royal Society University Research Fellow, National Graphene Institute and Gaurav Marwaha, Strategic partnership manager, Warwick Manufacturing on the opportunities available in Andhra Pradesh in technology sector. He asked them to develop an eco system to produce experts in AI and other sectors. (ANI) The Opening of the Egyptian Museum and Its Meaning for the Future of Assyrians in Iraq (AINA) -- The reopening of the Egyptian Museum stands as a powerful symbol of cultural rebirth and national pride. Egypt, one of the world's oldest civilizations, has long recognized that the preservation of its heritage is not merely an act of remembrance--it is an act of self-affirmation. Through the careful restoration of artifacts, the celebration of ancient art, and the dedication of scholars, Egypt has shown the world that cultural continuity is the foundation of national identity. This museum, therefore, is not only a building filled with relics; it is a living bridge connecting the past to the present, reminding every visitor that civilizations do not truly die when their memory is kept alive. For Assyrians in today's Iraq, this monumental event holds profound lessons and inspiration. The Egyptian example demonstrates how a nation can reawaken its ancient glory through the power of cultural preservation and public education. Just as the pharaohs' tombs and hieroglyphs were revived to tell the story of Egypt's greatness, so too can the ruins of Nineveh, Ashur, and Nimrud speak again if their heritage is protected, celebrated, and taught to the younger generations. The Assyrian legacy--its libraries, art, language, and faith--deserves to stand proudly in museums, schools, and public consciousness as a cornerstone of Mesopotamia's collective identity. The future of Assyria in Iraq, however, depends on more than admiration--it requires action. The establishment of an Assyrian National Museum or the revitalization of existing Assyrian cultural centers would serve as tangible steps toward reclaiming a rightful place in the narrative of Iraqi civilization. Through archaeology, language revival, and historical documentation, Iraq could honor all its ancient roots, ensuring that the Assyrian story is told not as a fragment of history, but as an ongoing chapter of resilience and contribution. Cultural inclusion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for the moral and intellectual healing of a nation long divided by war and neglect. The Egyptian Museum also teaches the value of global cooperation. Egypt's success came through international partnerships, academic exchanges, and heritage tourism. Likewise, Assyrian preservation efforts in Iraq could flourish through collaboration with UNESCO, global universities, and the Assyrian diaspora. When the world sees the lamassu standing again at the gates of Nineveh, when children in Iraq learn that the world's first library was built by their ancestors, they will begin to recognize the universal significance of Assyria's rebirth--one that belongs not only to Assyrians but to all humanity. Ultimately, the opening of the Egyptian Museum is more than a cultural milestone--it is a mirror reflecting what Iraq could achieve if it embraced the totality of its ancient heritage. The Assyrian identity, long buried under the sands of time and modern indifference, awaits its renaissance. Just as Egypt reclaimed its pharaonic pride, Assyria too can rise again as a symbol of wisdom, art, and faith--a civilization reborn within a modern nation, lighting the path from the ruins of the past to the promise of the future. Referring to the 'Mahagathbandhan' alliance as "Anje, Panje, Ganje", Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged voters in Bihar, which is heading to Assembly polls this Thursday, to support the cadidate of the National Democratic Alliance, which he said will generate an "electric current" powerful enough to wipe out the opposition in the State. Further, he said that the "double engine" government in Bihar and the Centre are working together for the development of the State. Addressing a rally in Manjhi on Monday, Gadkari said, "Today, the government of Bihar and the government of Delhi this double engine is working for the development of Bihar. Our Rajdhani Express is running at full speed; on the day of the election, your only job is to wave the green flag. Press the button on the arrow symbol, and such a current will strike that the "Anje, Panje, Ganje" will disappear." The Union Minister further said that world-class road and highway infrastructure are being built in Bihar, and that it will be as good as the roads of the US. "The day is not far now when I will make your roads and Bihar's roads as good as America's -- this is my promise. I will build one impressive bridge after another; there's no difficulty," he said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Yogi Adityanath on Monday took a sharp jibe at the Mahagathbandhan, who he said had summoned "three monkeys" to campaign for it. Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, the BJP leader said just like the three monkeys "speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil", these leaders too are blind, deaf, and mute to the truth of the development which has taken place in Bihar." Just as Gandhiji had three monkeys, today the INDIA alliance brought in three monkeys in the name of Pappu, Tappu and Appu (Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and Akhilesh Yadav. Pappu cannot speak the truth or say anything good. Tappu cannot see any truth, and Appu cannot hear the truth," Yogi Adityanath said during a public meeting at Keoti, Bihar. Campaigning comes to a halt this evening for the first phase of Assembly polls in the state where the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan are locking horns. The NDA includes BJP, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan led by Rashtriya Janata Dal includes Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Dipankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has also staked claims on all 243 seats of the state. Polling is scheduled to take place on November 6 and 11, respectively with results to be declared on November 14. (ANI) A jatha of 1,796 Sikh pilgrims from India will visit Pakistan to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji on November 5, paying their respects at various historic gurudwaras on the occasion of ''Parkash Purb''. The pilgrims will enter Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border. Expressing their happiness, several members of the jatha thanked the government for granting them permission to undertake the pilgrimage. "We thank the government for giving permission to do darshan..." said one pilgrim, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to visit the sacred sites. Harpreet Singh, another pilgrim, appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi''s decision to allow the darshan, while also suggesting that the visa procedure should be simplified so that more devotees can participate in the pilgrimage. "Even after Operation Sindoor, the yatra continue to remain normal, we did not expect PM Modi to allow the yatra, but we thank him for this decision...The visa procedure should be simple so that more people can go." Meanwhile, Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj, Jathedar of Shri Akal Takhat Sahib, noted that the majority of visas for Sikh pilgrims had been processed and granted, expressing gratitude to the respective governments for facilitating the journey. "The ''jatha'' is going to celebrate the birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. They are lucky to be visiting places associated with Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This time, most visas were processed and granted. I thank the respective governments for giving the required permission," said Gadgaj. Earlier, the Pakistan High Commission shared on Wednesday that it has issued over 2100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India ahead of the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak. The Pak High Commission said on Wednesday in a post on X, "The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has issued over 2100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the Birth Celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, to be held in Pakistan from 04-13 November 2025." On October 3, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa welcomed the Centre''s decision allowing Sikh ''jathas'' to visit Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev Ji''s birth anniversary, expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and Home Minister for their reverence and continuity of faith ties despite strained relations. "I express my deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister of India and the Home Minister of the country, who, despite strained relations, opened the Kartarpur shrine on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji''s Prakash Purab in 2019, without any concern. This time, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have displayed the same sentiment and reverence by issuing a notification allowing Sikh groups to visit Pakistan. I express my gratitude," said Sirsa. (ANI) A video of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh's campaign has gone viral on social media, prompting the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to raise questions and demand action from the Election Commission. Sharing a video of a Union Minister on 'X', the RJD accused him of attempting to intimidate voters in the Mokama assembly constituency on Tuesday. Singh allegedly urged supporters to prevent opposition leaders and candidates from leaving their homes to vote on election day, even suggesting that they should be taken to the polling booth to cast their votes. https://x.com/RJDforIndia/status/1985530200537645288 "Union Minister Lalan Singh, while bulldozing the Election Commission's authority, is saying that the poor should not be allowed to leave their homes on the day of voting! They should be locked inside, and if someone pleads too much, then take them along and make them vote. Where is the dead Election Commission?," RJD wrote on 'X'. Notably, the Bihar Assembly election campaign ends today. Union Minister Lalan Singh and Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary campaigned in support of Anant Singh in Mokama on Monday. Earlier on Monday, Lalan Singh campaigned for Janata Dal (United) candidate from Mokama, Anant Singh, who was arrested on Sunday night in connection with the murder case of Dularchand Yadav. Yadav was killed on October 30 following a clash between supporters of the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) and the Janata Dal (United) in Mokama assembly constituency. Addressing a gathering in Mokama, Lalan Singh said, "We will not let the people of Mokama feel the absence of Anant Singh." "The kind of language used, does it belong in society? Such words are spoken only by those who wish to spread unrest," Singh said. Singh added that under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, law and order in Bihar ensures impartial investigations. "We are confident that the police will conduct a fair probe and expose those behind this conspiracy. The truth will come out under Nitish Kumar's rule of law," he said. Calling on voters to support the NDA, Singh urged, "On November 6, every single vote should go to Anant Singh so that Mokama's people can prove that no conspiracy will succeed on this land." Voting for Bihar's 243-seat Assembly will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11. Counting of votes will take place on November 14. (ANI) In its first action in Nagaland, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday launched search and seizure operations under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in connection with a case involving Lima Imsong and others, officials said According to officials, the agency's Dimapur Sub Zone covered a total of seven premises -- two in Dimapur, two in Guwahati, and three in Chennai -- as part of its investigation. ED claims its initial findings reveal that Imsong Global Suppliers Co., a sole proprietorship firm owned by Lima Imsong, allegedly received large sums of foreign inward remittances on the pretext of exporting human hair, an activity described by investigators as "uncommon and commercially unviable" in Dimapur. The ED noted that, despite a considerable lapse of time, the firm failed to furnish the requisite export documentation -- such as shipping bills and export invoices -- to the authorised dealer bank within the prescribed timelines. This non-compliance, officials said, constitutes violations under FEMA and related RBI guidelines. "The foreign remittances received in this bank account were further diverted to an entity named Inchem India Pvt. Ltd. and to the personal accounts of the proprietor, Shri Lima Imsong, and his family members," the agency said. Investigators added that Inchem India Pvt Ltd, though shown as a separate company, was actually owned and controlled by Imsong. The firm was dormant for years and became active only after Imsong began receiving foreign remittances. "The company has declared losses during the period under consideration and appears to be a paper entity," the officials in ED said. The funds received by Inchem India were allegedly diverted to several suspicious entities in Chennai, which are purportedly engaged in the trading of human hair and are also under investigation. The searches mark the first FEMA enforcement action by the ED in Nagaland, signalling a major step in tightening financial scrutiny in the Northeast. (ANI) More than five decades after the assassination of former Railway Minister Lalit Narayan Mishra, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey has approached the Delhi High Court seeking a court-monitored re-investigation into the 1975 murder case, alleging that the original probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was "diverted and sabotaged." Choubey, through his intervention plea, has relied on a series of documents, including reports by Justice V.M. Tarkunde, the Bihar CID, and former DIG S.B. Sahai, which, he contends, reveal that crucial evidence was suppressed and that the real conspirators were shielded for political reasons. The plea highlights that Lalit Narayan Mishra, then Railway Minister in Indira Gandhi's Cabinet, was killed on January 2, 1975, in a grenade attack at Samastipur railway station during a public function. The blast claimed the lives of Mishra and two others while injuring several attendees. While the CBI had later attributed the assassination to members of the Ananda Marg sect, the plea points to findings in the Bihar CID's "secret enquiry report" and the Tarkunde Commission that suggested the involvement of influential political figures. The petition also cites the Lok Sabha debates of March 26, 1975, where the then Home Minister Brahmananda Reddy reportedly confirmed that early arrests and confessions were made against individuals other than those later accused by the CBI. The application further annexes a detailed note addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah by Adv. Vaibhav Mishra, grandson of the late minister, is pressing for a re-investigation. It asserts that the initial confessions of suspects Arun Kumar Mishra and Arun Kumar Thakur, recorded under Section 164 CrPC, were sidelined, and the case was subsequently redirected to implicate others. Citing the alleged inconsistencies and the "political motivations" behind the investigative shifts, the BJP leader has requested the High Court to supervise a fresh, impartial probe into the decades-old case "in the interest of justice and public faith in institutions." The matter is expected to be taken up by the Delhi High Court in November 2025. (ANI) The Sitamarhi constituency, one of the 243 assembly seats in the state, is set to witness a triangular contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Jan Suraaj Party in the second phase of polling scheduled for November 11. Political parties have fielded their candidates to capture a seat. The BJP has nominated Sunil Kumar Pintu, the RJD has fielded Sunil Kumar, while the Jan Suraaj Party has announced Ziauddin Khan as its candidate. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mithilesh Kumar is the sitting MLA from the Sitamarhi constituency. He won the seat in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, whereas in 2015, the seat was won by the RJD candidate, Sunil Kumar. In the 2020 polls, a total of 1,80,842 voters cast their votes, recording a voter turnout of 61.86%. According to the affidavits submitted by the candidates to the Election Commission, Sunil Kumar Pintu of the BJP has declared movable assets worth Rs 31,01,060. RJD's Sunil Kumar declared assets worth Rs 6,38,438 in the financial year of 2024-2025. None of the candidates faces serious criminal charges, according to the affidavits available on the ECI website. The Sitamarhi constituency has a history of alternating political loyalties. It is considered a swing seat, with victories often oscillating between the BJP and the RJD. In 2020, BJP's Mithilesh Kumar won from Sitamarhi by a margin of 11,475 votes, defeating RJD's Sunil Kumar. The voter turnout stood at 61.86 per cent, with 1,80,842 voters casting their ballots. In 2015, the seat was won by Sunil Kumar of RJD, while in 2010, Sunil Kumar alias Pintu of BJP clinched the seat by a margin of 5,221 votes over LJP's Raghwendra Kumar Singh. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the notification for the Sitamarhi constituency election was issued on October 13 2025. The last date for filing nominations was October 20, with scrutiny taking place on October 21. Candidates were allowed to withdraw their nominations until October 23. The polling will take place on November 11 in Sitamarhi district, while the counting of votes and declaration of results are scheduled for November 14, along with other assembly constituencies across Bihar. Additionally, the ECI has also confirmed that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into effect immediately after the election schedule was announced. The MCC applies to all political parties, candidates, and government departments, both state and central, to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. As part of the pre-election preparations, the Election Commission conducted a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Sitamarhi to ensure that every eligible citizen's name is included. This is the first such extensive revision in Bihar since 2003. The key political players in the region remain the BJP, JDU, RJD, and Congress, each banking on its local leadership and caste arithmetic to secure a win. Mithilesh Kumar, the sitting MLA from the BJP, is a prominent figure in the region's political landscape. The key issues in constituency dominating voter concerns include development, employment opportunities, and infrastructure, challenges that mirror those in several parts of Bihar. Additionally, residents have been seeking improved agricultural productivity, effective flood management measures, and enhanced access to quality healthcare and education facilities. With the polling date drawing closer, Sitamarhi is once again poised to mirror the larger political mood of Bihar, balancing between developmental promises and traditional voter alignments. The 2025 Bihar Elections will see a contest between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan. The NDA comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, includes the Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML), led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has staked claims to all 243 seats in the state. The assembly elections in Bihar are scheduled to be held on November 6 and 11, respectively, while the results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) To safeguard the globally significant congregation of Amur Falcons, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha district of Nagaland, on Tuesday declared the region a temporary 'Silence Zone', reiterating the state's status as the Falcon Capital of the World. This recognition stems from the largest annual gathering of Amur Falcons at Pangti village, Wokha district, during October and November. In a press statement, the DIPR, Nagaland, stated that the order emphasises the importance of maintaining a safe passage for migratory birds, which are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), to which India is a signatory. "To minimise disturbances, the roosting site at Pangti has been officially declared a temporary 'Silence Zone' within a 3-kilometre radius for the duration of the migration season. Scientific studies have shown that high-intensity sound can induce fear in wild birds, potentially causing them to abandon their habitat and disrupting vital communication linked to reproduction and survival," said the DIPR Nagaland press statement. The order further recalls the directive issued by the Office of the Chief Secretary, Nagaland warned that government grants and assistance to villages involved in the killing or harming of Amur Falcons will be subject to review and possible curtailment. "In light of this, all activities that may cause disturbance to the Amur Falcons, whether at the roosting site or elsewhere in the district, are strictly prohibited with immediate effect. The district administration urges all citizens, communities, and visitors to cooperate in preserving this unique ecological phenomenon and to uphold Nagaland's global reputation for successful wildlife conservation," said the press statement. On October 24, a rare species of butterfly, the 'Spotless Baron' (Euthalia recta), was photographed at Dzongu in North Sikkim by noted nature conservationist Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, marking its return after a gap of five years. According to records, the first sighting of the Spotless Baron in Sikkim was made on October 29, 2019, also in Dzongu. The second confirmed record, captured on October 19, 2025, reaffirms Dzongu's ecological richness and the region's significance as a biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Himalayas. The Spotless Baron is renowned for its elusive nature and distinctive lack of the characteristic white spots found on its close relatives, making sightings particularly special for lepidopterists and conservationists. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday slammed RJD for complaining to the Election Commission about the timing of a fund transfer of Rs 10,000 to Jeevika Didis. Addressing a massive crowd of enthusiastic supporters in Darbhanga, with his characteristic fervour, he began to speak, "Recently, Modi ji and Nitish Kumar ji have transferred over Rs 1 crore (Rs 10,000 each) into the bank accounts of Jeevika Didis. But what's shocking is that the RJD has written to the Election Commission to take back this amount from them." Amit Shah continued, "I want to tell Jeevika Didis that forget Lalu and Tejashwi, even if their past three generations come, they would not be able to take this Rs 10,000 from them." The NDA government (both central and state) initiated the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana (Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme), under which 10,000 was transferred into the bank accounts of over one crore "Jeevika Didis" (women associated with Self-Help Groups under the Jeevika program) to help them start self-employment ventures. Amit Shah's words were laced with conviction as he targeted the opposition. "Lalu and Rabri want to make their son the CM, and Sonia Gandhi wants to make her son the Prime Minister. I want to tell them that neither Lalu ji's son will become CM nor Sonia Gandhi's son will become the PM. There is no vacancy for these people." The Home Minister then outlined the NDA's vision for Bihar's development. "We will construct Kaushal Vikas Kendras in every district in the state. Every district will get a new factory, and 10 new industrial parks will be constructed in the state. Like UP and Tamil Nadu, we will establish a defence corridor in Bihar." Speaking about proposed development projects in Bihar's Darbhanga, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "A majestic Sita Mata Temple worth Rs 850 crore is being built in Punaura Dham. As soon as the temple construction is completed, we will connect Ayodhya and Sitamarhi by Vande Bharat trains...." The crowd was electrified as Amit Shah appealed to the voters. "When you press the 'Lotus' symbol, it should not be to elect an MLA, but to stop 'jungle raj'. Do you want to bring back the 15 years of 'jungle raj' seen during Lalu and Rabri's tenures in Bihar?" Union Home Minister Amit Shah added, "Lalu and Rabri did not do any work for the development of Bihar..Now, no one will need to travel to Delhi or Patna for AIIMS; people will receive treatment at Darbhanga AIIMS." The crowd's energy was palpable as Amit Shah spoke about the Pahalgam terror attack. "Goli ka jawaab gole se diya jaayega," he declared, emphasising the government's stance on national security. He also launched a scathing attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he was trying to protect infiltrators in the country. Addressing a rally in Darbhanga, Shah referred to the Congress' "Voter Adhikar Yatra" as the "Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra" (Save the Infiltrators March). The Voter Adhikar Yatra was carried out by the Mahagathbandhan parties in Bihar earlier this year, opposing the Special Intensive Revision and supporting Rahul Gandhi's "vote chori" allegations on the Election Commission. "2.5 months ago, Rahul Baba came here and took out a journey, which was the Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra. Lalu and Rahul want to save the infiltrators. No matter how many journeys they take out, we will selectively remove the infiltrators from the country," Amit Shah said. Taking a jibe at Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, Shah said that he had done a lot for Bihar, referring to the scams under his regime. The Union Home Minister also alleged that Congress was involved in scams worth 12 lakh crores. He also hailed the Centre and the Bihar government, noting that not a single allegation of scam has been made against CM Nitish Kumar and PM Narendra Modi. "Lalu ji has also done quite a lot. He was involved in the fodder scam, land-for-job scam, hotel-selling scam, bituminous scam, flood-relief scam, recruitment scam, and AB Exports scam. Lalu-Rabri did so many scams and Congress has done scams worth 12 lakh crore. Can these people do good for Bihar? Modi ji has ruled for 11 years and Nitish Babu has ruled for 20 years. There is not even a 4 anna allegation of corruption against Nitish Babu and Modi ji," Shah added. The election campaign in Bihar has intensified as campaigning ahead of the first phase of polling comes to a halt on Tuesday evening. Bihar will go to the polls on November 6 and 11, and the results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) According to the police, the accused had intially sent her a friend request from one ID and allegedly continued sending vulgar messages and videos even after she rejected the request and warned him to stop. Despite blocking him, the actress claimed he created multiple fake accounts and sent explicit content for three months. On November 1, the actress confronted the accused near Nandan Palace in Nagarabhavi, police said, Following persistent harassment, the actress approached the Annapoorneshwari Nagar Police, who arrested the accused and remanded him to judicial custody. The police are currently verifying the details and technical evidence related to the case. Further investigation is underway. (ANI) Reiterating his stance on no leadership change in Bihar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday hit out at the Mahagathbandhan, emphasising that neither the CM post in Patna is vacant, nor the PM's seat in New Delhi. He accused the Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of prioritising their family, stating that they want to make their son the Chief Minister and Prime Minister. "Lalu-Rabri want to make their son the Chief Minister, and Sonia ji wants to make her son the Prime Minister. I want to tell both of them that neither Lalu's son will become the Chief Minister, nor will Sonia Gandhi's son become the Prime Minister. In Bihar, Nitish ji is on the Chief Minister's chair, and in Delhi, Modi ji is on the Prime Minister's chair," Amit Shah said while addressing a gathering in Motihari. He further announced that the amount of Kisan Samman Nidhi would be increased, stressing that it would be increased to Rs 9000 from Rs 6000. "Modi ji provides Rs 6,000 in assistance amount to farmers every year under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. After the NDA government is formed in Bihar, this amount will be increased to Rs 9,000," he said. Shah also lauded the Union Government's commitment to ensuring farmer welfare, noting the increase in the Minimum Support Price of paddy, maize, and wheat crops. "The Modi government has set the MSP for paddy at Rs 2,369, for maize at Rs 2,400, and for wheat at Rs 2,600. The Modi government has also undertaken the task of procuring maize, paddy, and wheat at MSP for the farmers of Bihar," Shah said. The Union Home Minister also slammed Lalu Yadav's regime, stressing that his theory was not to build roads in the state, so that police cannot reach criminals; however, in the current NDA government, the roads are being built, through which the police are selectively sending the "jangalraj" criminals to jail. "Lalu Ji's theory was that if roads are built in Bihar, the police will reach you. We have also built the roads, and now the same police are selectively sending the jungle raj people to jail," he said. He also cautioned about the return of Lalu Yadav's "jungleraj", noting that it may resurface if the National Democratic Alliance government is not re-elected to power. "Lalu Ji's same jungle raj is coming back again, disguised with changed clothes, faces, and appearances. If a mistake happens on the 6th, then kidnapping, ransom, and jungle raj will return. In the last 20 years, Nitish Babu has ended the jungle raj. Now, under the leadership of Nitish Bhai and Modi Ji, the time has come to make Bihar a fully developed state," Shah said. The election campaign in Bihar has intensified as campaigning ahead of the first phase of polling comes to a halt on Tuesday evening. Voting for Bihar's 243-seat Assembly will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11. Counting of votes will take place on November 14. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday graced the 20th convocation ceremony of Kumaun University at Nainital, Uttarakhand, according to a release. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that education is the foundation of any nation's development. Therefore, education should not only develop students' intellect and skills, but also strengthen their moral strength and character. As per the release, the President stated that education not only makes us self-reliant but also teaches us to be humble and contribute to the development of society and the country. She urged the students to dedicate their education to serving the underprivileged and contributing to nation-building. She said that this is the true religion, one that will bring them happiness and satisfaction. "The Indian economy is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. The government is taking several policy initiatives to ensure continued progress. These initiatives are creating numerous opportunities for the youth. Higher education institutions should take all necessary steps to encourage the youth so they can utilise these opportunities," the President said. She further stated that it is essential to promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the country. She was happy to note that Kumaun University is committed to excellence in education, research, and innovation. She stated that a multidisciplinary approach is essential for the effective application of education and research. She expressed confidence that the University will move forward with this approach. The President said that the Himalayas are known for their life-giving resources. It is everyone's responsibility to conserve and enhance these resources. She was happy to note that Kumaun University is making conscious efforts towards environmental protection. The President said that as an educational institution, Kumaun University also has specific social responsibilities. She urged the faculty and students of the University to visit nearby villages, observe and understand the problems of villagers, and do whatever is possible to find their solutions. The President stated that we have set a goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. Young people, such as students of Kumaun University, have a significant role to play in achieving this goal. She expressed confidence that with the strength of their talent and with dedication, they will fulfil their role. Earlier, the President offered prayer at the Naina Devi Temple at Nainital and also had Darshan at Shri Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, Kainchi Dham. (ANI) The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has facilitated the first export consignment of 12 metric tonnes of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica. This initiative aligns with the visionary programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "Kuposhan Mukt Bharat" (Malnutrition-Free India), being implemented under the Poshan Abhiyan, through which the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is distributing fortified rice across the country. The export of Fortified Rice Kernel marks a significant step in integrating India's domestic nutrition mission with global outreach. The State of Chhattisgarh has made continuous efforts to promote the export of rice and fortified rice products, enabling the State's farmers, millers, and exporters to gain recognition in international markets. The successful export of FRK to Costa Rica highlights Chhattisgarh's growing role in the global supply chain for nutrition-enriched food products. On this occasion, Chairman, APEDA, Abhishek Dev, congratulated the exporters and stakeholders involved in achieving this milestone. He stated that the export of fortified rice from India not only strengthens the nation's agri-export portfolio but also reaffirms its commitment to addressing malnutrition through science-based and globally recognised food solutions. He assured APEDA's continued support to exporters in expanding markets for fortified and value-added food products. President of the Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh (TREA-CG), Mukesh Jain, appreciated the support extended by APEDA in facilitating the consignment and stated that exports of FRK to new destinations are planned for the coming days. He also sought APEDA's continued cooperation in enhancing agricultural exports from Chhattisgarh. Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) is produced by blending rice flour with micronutrients, including iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are extruded and shaped to resemble rice grains, which are then blended with regular rice at a predetermined ratio to enhance the nutritional value of the staple. The successful flag-off of this first consignment of Fortified Rice Kernel from Chhattisgarh represents a significant milestone for India's agricultural export sector. It reflects the collaborative efforts of APEDA, the Government of Chhattisgarh, and the private sector in positioning India as a reliable supplier of nutritious and high-quality food products to global markets. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday at an election rally in Motihari slammed the dynastic politics of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. He accused them of prioritising their family, stating that they want to make their son the Chief Minister and Prime Minister. "Lalu-Rabri want to make their son the Chief Minister, and Sonia ji wants to make her son the Prime Minister. I want to tell both of them that neither Lalu's son will become the Chief Minister, nor will Sonia Gandhi's son become the Prime Minister. In Bihar, Nitish ji is on the Chief Minister's chair, and in Delhi, Modi ji is on the Prime Minister's chair," Amit Shah said while addressing a gathering in Motihari. He further announced that the amount of Kisan Samman Nidhi would be increased, stressing that it would be increased to Rs 9000 from Rs 6000. "Modi ji provides Rs 6,000 in assistance amount to farmers every year under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. After the NDA government is formed in Bihar, this amount will be increased to Rs 9,000," he said. Shah also lauded the Union Government's commitment to ensuring farmer welfare, noting the increase in the Minimum Support Price of paddy, maize, and wheat crops. "The Modi government has set the MSP for paddy at Rs 2,369, for maize at Rs 2,400, and for wheat at Rs 2,600. The Modi government has also undertaken the task of procuring maize, paddy, and wheat at MSP for the farmers of Bihar," Shah said. The Union Home Minister also slammed Lalu Yadav's regime, stressing that his theory was not to build roads in the state, so that police cannot reach criminals; however, in the current NDA government, the roads are being built, through which the police are selectively sending the "jangalraj" criminals to jail. "Lalu Ji's theory was that if roads are built in Bihar, the police will reach you. We have also built the roads, and now the same police are selectively sending the jungle raj people to jail," he said. He also cautioned about the return of Lalu Yadav's "jungleraj", noting that it may resurface if the National Democratic Alliance government is not re-elected to power. "Lalu Ji's same jungle raj is coming back again, disguised with changed clothes, faces, and appearances. If a mistake happens on the 6th, then kidnapping, ransom, and jungle raj will return. In the last 20 years, Nitish Babu has ended the jungle raj. Now, under the leadership of Nitish Bhai and Modi Ji, the time has come to make Bihar a fully developed state," Shah said. The election campaign in Bihar has intensified as campaigning ahead of the first phase of polling comes to a halt on Tuesday evening. Voting for Bihar's 243-seat Assembly will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11. Counting of votes will take place on November 14. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday held a roadshow in Darbhanga to campaign for Bihar Minister and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Sanjay Saraogi ahead of the state assembly elections. The roadshow witnessed massive participation from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and supporters, as Yogi Adityanath appealed to voters to strengthen the NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Earlier on Monday, CM Yogi Adityanath took a sharp jibe at the Mahagathbandhan alliance, saying that they have called in "three monkeys" to campaign for the alliance. Taking a hit at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, the BJP leader said just like the three monkeys "speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil", these leaders too are blind, deaf, and mute to the truth of the development which has taken place in Bihar. "Just as Gandhiji had three monkeys, today the INDIA alliance brought in three monkeys in the name of Pappu, Tappu and Appu (Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and Akhilesh Yadav. Pappu cannot speak the truth or say anything good. Tappu cannot see any truth, and Appu cannot hear the truth," Yogi Adityanath said during a public meeting at Keoti, Bihar. Meanwhile, amidst the intense election campaigning in Bihar, a video of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh's campaign has gone viral on social media, prompting the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to raise questions and demand action from the Election Commission. Sharing a video of a Union Minister on 'X', the RJD accused him of attempting to intimidate voters in the Mokama assembly constituency on Tuesday. Rashtriya Janata Dal accused Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh of attempting to intimidate voters in the Mokama assembly constituency on Tuesday. Singh allegedly urged supporters to prevent opposition leaders and candidates from leaving their homes to vote on election day, even suggesting that they should be taken to the polling booth to cast their votes. "Union Minister Lalan Singh, while bulldozing the Election Commission's authority, is saying that the poor should not be allowed to leave their homes on the day of voting! They should be locked inside, and if someone pleads too much, then take them along and make them vote. Where is the dead Election Commission?" RJD wrote on 'X'. Notably, the Bihar Assembly election campaign ends today. Union Minister Lalan Singh and Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary campaigned in support of Anant Singh in Mokama on Monday. Earlier on Monday, Lalan Singh campaigned for Janata Dal (United) candidate from Mokama, Anant Singh, who was arrested on Sunday night in connection with the murder case of Dularchand Yadav. Yadav was killed on October 30 following a clash between supporters of the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) and the Janata Dal (United) in Mokama assembly constituency. Addressing a gathering in Mokama, Lalan Singh said, "We will not let the people of Mokama feel the absence of Anant Singh." "The kind of language used, does it belong in society? Such words are spoken only by those who wish to spread unrest," Singh said. Singh added that under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, law and order in Bihar ensures impartial investigations. "We are confident that the police will conduct a fair probe and expose those behind this conspiracy. The truth will come out under Nitish Kumar's rule of law," he said. Calling on voters to support the NDA, Singh urged, "On November 6, every single vote should go to Anant Singh so that Mokama's people can prove that no conspiracy will succeed on this land. "Voting for Bihar's 243-seat Assembly will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11. Counting of votes will take place on November 14. (ANI) The Prime Minister will arrive at Babatpur airport, where he will be accorded a grand welcome. Following his arrival, he is set to proceed directly to the BLW Guest House. On the same day, PM Modi will hold a meeting with senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and prominent personalities from the city and region. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also flag off the Vande Bharat Express train from Varanasi to Khajuraho at Banaras Railway Station. Following the event, he will leave for Bihar to address an election rally. Preparations for PM Modi's reception in Varanasi have already begun, with the BJP coordinating arrangements for the Prime Minister's engagements during the visit. (ANI) He highlights India's message that real sustainability begins not with negotiations but with nurturing", PM Modi stated, according to an official statement. "In this must-read article, Union Minister @byadavbjp writes that India's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) revives time-honoured conservation practices, from Tamil Nadu's eri tank systems to Rajasthan's johads, reframing them as conscious acts of planetary service," the PMO posted on X. "He highlights India's message that real sustainability begins not with negotiations but with nurturing," the post added. According to the article written by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the Mission LiFE recognises "that the choices we make, and how we consume, grow and coexist, are not isolated acts but threads in a shared ecological destiny." The minister, in his article, also highlighted the synergy between public policy and personal action, being evident in PM Surya Ghar, Muft Bijli yojana, through which one crore households had solar systems installed on their rooftops. In just over a year, since the February 2024 launch, the program has received 58 lakh applications and added 4.9 gigawatt of rooftop solar capacity, according to the minister in the article. India's Mission LiFE is a public movement with the aim of mobilising individuals to become "pro-planet people." The three phases of Mission LiFE include changing demand to nudge individuals to practice simple and effective, environmentally friendly actions in their daily lives. The second phase involves a shift in Supply, with large-scale individual demand expected to influence industries and markets towards revised demands. The third phase includes a Change in Policy. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that people of Bihar have made up their mind to make NDA victorious in the assembly polls and break the record of the last 20 years. Interacting with women of Bihar via NaMo App on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of assembly polls in the state, PM Modi slammed RJD and Congress and said "the people of Jungle Raj will see their biggest defeat". He said the development of Bihar can only be done under the NDA. "I have seen this election closely and one thing I can say is that NDA is winning this election with a huge majority. I have no doubt about NDA's victory. The people of Bihar have made up their mind that this time they are going to make NDA victorious and break the record of the last 20 years. The people of 'jungle raj' will see their biggest defeat. The development of Bihar can only be done under the NDA," he said. He said the NDA government has worked to make the lives of women easy and empower them. "Expenses of electricity have come down. We are making plans to start metro in several cities of Bihar," he said. The Prime Minister said that when there is good governance, there is law and order, women get opportunities to move ahead. "The women of Bihar are also providing employment to others by turning entrepreneurs. The dreams are becoming reality through Mudra yojana. Jivika Didi and Dairy schemes have given strength to becoming self-dependent," he said. PM Modi said that the progress in Bihar has made a place in the hearts all sections including the poor, Mahadalits, people from backward and extremely backward sections. PM Modi urged 'panna pramukhs' to ensure that every women in their list goes to vote. Electioneering will come to an end for the first phase of the Bihar polls at 5 pm today. Polling for the first phase will be held on November 6. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised the ongoing development projects at pilgrimage sites during his virtual address at the Vaikunth Chaturdashi Fair on Tuesday. In his address, Dhami emphasised the significant renovation and development efforts at the Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines. He also discussed the ongoing work on the Rishikesh-Karna Prayag rail line master plan, which he believes will enhance rail connectivity to Srinagar and the entire Garhwal region. CM Dhami further stated that his government is committed to the comprehensive development of the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He also mentioned that significant improvements are being made in key sectors, including education, health, drinking water, and connectivity. "...Under PM Modi's leadership, our government is dedicated to the comprehensive development of the state. Currently, key sectors like education, health, drinking water, and connectivity are being improved. The government aims to protect our religious heritage while fostering overall growth. To enhance the cultural richness of Devbhoomi, extensive renovation and development work is ongoing at the Kedarnath and Badrinath Shrines... Work on the Rishikesh Karna Prayag rail line master plan is advancing swiftly. Once finished, rail connectivity to Srinagar and the entire Garhwal region will be notably improved..." said CM Dhami. Today, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, participated in the 'Urban Development Conference' in Kashipur, ahead of the state's Silver Jubilee celebrations. The conference aims to explore development opportunities, review the state's achievements over the past 25 years and chart a roadmap for future progress. Speaking at the event, CM Dhami said that the government is committed to making Uttarakhand a leader in every field and is taking various initiatives to develop modern infrastructure across the state. The Uttarakhand Chief Minister emphasised that they are carrying out rapid development work, promoting 'Vocal for Local' and advancing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat-Viksit Uttarakhand'. "On the occasion of the silver jubilee of the foundation of Uttarakhand state, we want to make our state leading in every field. We are committed to making our state a leading, ideal state... Our state is taking several initiatives in the direction of development of modern infrastructure, while speedy work is being done, having Vocal for Local and Viksit Bharat-Viksit Uttarakhan," said Dhami. Further, he urged Municipal representatives to incorporate public participation, tackle emerging issues proactively, and transform Uttarakhand into a model state. "... Uttarakhand is celebrating 25 years of its establishment with a Silver Jubilee celebration. As part of this milestone, Kashipur has planned an event to celebrate the state's journey. The conference will explore development possibilities, address future challenges and reflect on the achievements of the past 25 years. We will create a roadmap for the state's sustainable progress. Municipal representatives are encouraged to incorporate public participation in their initiatives, tackle emerging challenges proactively to transform Uttarakhand into a leading and model state," Dhami told reporters. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) grassroot workers in Bihar to get women electors to vote in large numbers in the Assembly elections, giving the mantra "Pehle matdaan, phir jalpaan." Interacting with women party workers under the 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot' campaign on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of assembly polls in the state, PM Modi directed them to increase the voter turnout in the upcoming elections. Interacting with Shalini Singh, Khangaon Village Panchayat chief, PM Modi directed the Panna Pramukhs to ensure that the women in their Panna cast their votes first. "We have started metros and Vande Bharat Express. When metro trains run, women benefit the most. When you (Shalini Singh) meet people, tell them about our manifesto and the mantra of 'Pehle matdaan phir jalpaan'. The Panna Pramukh should ensure that the women in their Panna cast their votes first," he said. Begusarai Mahila Morcha chief, Dr Rekha Ram, informed PM Modi that the party workers are arranging vehicles for women to travel to the polling booths in order to increase the voter turnout. "We are providing vehicles to women to travel and cast votes," Dr Rekha Ram said. Expressing confidence in NDA's victory, she added that women are benefiting from the Rs 10,000 under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. She said, "Women are proudly saying that the double-engine government has changed our lives. We proudly say that the government has provided free ration, 125-unit free electricity, a Rs 1,100 senior citizen pension and Rs 10,000 for business. I have met women who told me they are running their business, bought sewing machines with the Rs 10,000." PM Modi said that the people of Bihar have made up their mind to make the NDA victorious in the assembly polls and break the record of the last 20 years. He slammed RJD and Congress and said, "The people of Jungle Raj will see their biggest defeat". He said the development of Bihar can only be done under the NDA. "I have seen this election closely, and one thing I can say is that NDA is winning this election with a huge majority. I have no doubt about NDA's victory. The people of Bihar have made up their mind that this time they are going to make the NDA victorious and break the record of the last 20 years. The people of 'jungle raj' will see their biggest defeat. The development of Bihar can only be done under the NDA," he said. He said the NDA government has worked to make the lives of women easy and empower them. "The expenses of electricity have come down. We are making plans to start the metro in several cities of Bihar," he said. Electioneering will come to an end for the first phase of the Bihar polls at 5 pm today. Polling for the first phase will be held on November 6. The polling of votes for the second phase will take place on November 11, with the results to be announced on November 14. (ANI) Gowda's plea is listed to be heard on Thursday before a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan. The Supreme Court had, on August 14, cancelled the bail of Pavithra Gowda, Darshan Thoogudeepa and five others by setting aside the Karnataka High Court's order of granting bail to them in the Renukaswamy murder case. The Karnataka High Court had, in December 2024, granted bail to Pavithra, Darshan and five others in the Renuka Swami murder case. While overturning the High Court's decision granting bail to the aforesaid accused persons, the apex court had reasoned that the High Court, in its order, had overlooked serious evidence and relied on inadequate grounds contrary to established legal principles in murder cases. Additionally, the top court had noted that, as per the record, actor Darshan made clear attempts to interfere with the investigation, including being involved in arranging false surrenders by co-accused persons, making payments to conceal the crime, and leveraging connections with police to manipulate the FIR and post-mortem process. Actor Darshan and six others were named in the chargesheet in the Renukaswamy murder case, where the 33-year-old resident of Chitradurga was murdered. The victim's remains were discovered in Bengaluru's Kamakshipalya on June 9, 2024. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off 66 new vehicles, including several electric vehicles (EVs), for the state police department under the Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project (HPSRTP), funded by the World Bank. The initiative marks a major step in modernising the police force and promoting green energy in the hill state. Speaking at the launch on Monday, Chief Minister Sukhu stated that his government is committed to transforming the Himachal Pradesh Police into one of the most modern and efficient forces in the country. "We want Himachal Pradesh Police to be among the best in India. These vehicles will strengthen our police force, enhance road safety, and promote green energy at the same time," said CM Sukhu while flagging off the fleet. The newly inducted fleet includes 35 patrol vehicles, 10 tow trucks, 14 interceptor vehicles, and seven 4x4 vehicles, all equipped with advanced safety, surveillance, and communication systems. These vehicles will be deployed across 12 districts to improve highway patrolling, emergency response, and public safety. "Modern technologies will now help our police respond faster during accidents and emergencies. Many of these vehicles are fitted with wireless systems for instant coordination. This is a step toward creating a smart police force," said CM Sukhu. The Chief Minister also noted that the EV fleet would not only reduce carbon emissions but also encourage the use of clean energy in government operations. "These electric vehicles reflect our government's vision of promoting green energy and sustainability," he added. The CM also revealed that 1,200 new police constables have been recruited recently and that the B-1 physical efficiency test, which had been pending for eight years, has now resumed. The government is also providing the force with modern weapons and infrastructure as part of an ongoing anti-narcotics campaign. "Our police have performed commendably against drugs and heroin trafficking. We are determined to make Himachal Police the best in India." The vehicles are part of the World Bank-financed HPSRTP, which aims to upgrade road infrastructure and enhance safety standards across the state. The Chief Minister stated that the modern fleet will significantly enhance traffic management and highway safety, particularly in tourist hubs such as Shimla, Dharamshala, and Manali. "Himachal is a tourism-driven state. When accidents occur, even a half-hour delay can cause long traffic jams. These tow trucks and interceptors will ensure immediate response and smoother traffic control," Sukhu said. Sukhu added that his government has prioritised digitisation, modernisation, and green governance since coming to power. "When we took stock of the Home Department, we found many vehicles older than 15 years still in use. This new fleet marks the beginning of a modern, efficient, and green policing era for Himachal Pradesh." He further said that the government is assessing pending funds for disaster management and that many delays were due to forest clearances. "Once permissions are in place, work will move forward quickly." Responding to media questions about the ongoing protests against the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project in Kullu district, CM Sukhu clarified that the project had already commenced and that tree cutting had been completed. "All stakeholders' sentiments will be respected, but the project has already started. Objections should have come before tree cutting began. This is a 50-50 joint venture project with the Centre. Since the Prime Minister has assigned this matter to J.P. Nadda, whatever decision he takes will be implemented, keeping in mind people's sentiments." Meanwhile, Praveen Kumar, one of the police drivers trained to operate the new EVs, expressed satisfaction with the new technology. "These are smart police vehicles and very comfortable to drive. They have in-built microphones and digital controls for better traffic management," Praveen Kumar stated. Adding further, Kumar said, "Earlier, we had to manage everything manually. Now we can control vehicles remotely. They accelerate quickly from 0 to 60 km/h in just four seconds. Although they can reach 180-190 km/h, in Himachal the speed limit is maintained at around 80 km/h for safety." According to police officials, 45 of the new EVs are Tata models, while others include Scorpio-N and Ertiga patrol units, all designed for rugged mountain conditions and efficient response during emergencies. (ANI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday led a massive rally carried out by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the state, attributing recent deaths to the same. The second phase of the SIR drive has commenced today across 12 states and Union Territories (UTs). Thousands of TMC supporters participated in the massive rally as a protest against the commencement of the SIR exercise in West Bengal. They were seen raising slogans, waving TMC flags and supporting Mamata Banerjee as she led the march, holding a copy of the Indian Constitution. Before leading today's mega rally against Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) "Bangla-Birodhi" politics, Banerjee paid her respect at the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar. "Honouring the architect of our Constitution, she reminded the nation that the Constitution gave us equality, dignity, and the assurance of citizenship, and it is our duty to defend it. Today's rally stands for that very promise, to protect every citizen's rightful place in this democracy," TMC posted on X. Banerjee was accompanied by prominent TMC leaders, including party national general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee, who addressed a gathering during the protest march, registering strong objections to the ongoing SIR exercise. Offering condolences to the families of those who died due to "fear" of SIR, Abhishek Banerjee warned of a protest in Delhi next. "After the announcement of SIR, the number of people who lost their lives due to this, we offer our condolences to their families today. Today, we participated in the protest rally against SIR. The BJP must consider whether we can arrange such a huge gathering in 2 days; what will our turnout be when we go to Delhi for our protest? In the last 7 days, the family members of those who died due to SIR fear are present with us, in today's rally. Now prepare for the next destination, Delhi. We are ready to fight against SIR in Delhi," Banerjee said. Reacting to the TMC's mega rally, West Bengal Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari said that it was a 'Jamaat' event being led by 'Khala' Mamata Banerjee. "It's not a political program; it is a 'Jamaat' program led by 'Khala' Mamata Banerjee. A specific community participated, with TMC and Mamata Banerjee working to protect Bangladeshi Muslims," Adhikari told ANI. Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar stated that the poll body will conduct the second phase of the SIR in the following states: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. According to ECI, printing and training will take place from October 28 to November 3, followed by an Enumeration Phase from November to December 4. The draft electoral rolls will be published on December 9, followed by a claims and objections period from December 9 to January 8, 2026. The Notice Phase (for hearing and verification) will take place between December 9 and January 31, 202, with publication of Final Electoral Rolls on February 7, 2026. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti moved to the High Court to seek repatriation for undertrial prisoners lodged in the Union Territory. The two-judge bench of Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal heard the matter on November 3 and adjourned the case for the next hearing on November 18. "Having argued the matter at some length, learned counsel for the petitioner prays for further time to prepare and argue the petition. Adjourned to November 18, 2025," the court order read. Sharing an X post, Mehbooba Mufti said that after the National Conference government in Jammu and Kashmir did not take any action in the case of undertrial prisoners, moving to the High Court was the only recourse left for her. She wrote, "We waited, hoping that in the past year, since an elected government came into being, the National Conference would take action on the issue of undertrial prisoners lodged in jails outside Jammu & Kashmir. PDP even brought a resolution into the assembly advocating for this cause, but unfortunately, it was rejected. After exhausting every other option, the only recourse left was to approach the Hon'ble High Court on behalf of these prisoners languishing in jails alien to their homes and Kashmir." She said that the 'process is punishment' for the prisoners, as the majority of them hail from poor families. "The process itself has become punishment as they have yet to be proven guilty. The majority of these undertrials hail from poor families lacking the wherewithal to defend themselves while being so far from their loved ones. I sincerely hope justice prevails," Mufti wrote. Mehbooba Mufti has been raising the issue and also held protests in Srinagar in August to demand the release of the prisoners jailed under the UAPA, raising the slogan "Bail, not jail". Speaking to reporters after her protest in August, she said, "We wanted to hold a protest today for the innocent people jailed in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere, especially those whose parents are not capable enough of fighting a case. We wanted to demand that Omar Abdullah speak to the Home Minister." The PDP chief said that if the prisoners cannot be released, they should be jailed locally, in Jammu and Kashmir, as their families suffer while fighting their cases in the courts. "If the innocent cannot be released, they should at least be jailed in the Jammu and Kashmir... Poor people cannot go to court. Who looks after them when they are ill? Who would listen to them? This is not about politics; it is about humanity," she said. (ANI) The Assam Rifles Inspector General's Conference 2025 was held at the Headquarters Directorate General Assam Rifles in Laitkor, Shillong, on November 3 and 4. According to a release, the two-day conference was chaired by Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General of Assam Rifles, and attended by Formation Commanders, Battalion Commanders, and Staff Officers from Headquarters DGAR and various formations. During the conference, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera complimented all ranks of the Force for their professional conduct and performance under challenging circumstances. He emphasised the importance of maintaining security and the sanctity of the Indo-Myanmar Border, highlighting the need for the Force to remain prepared for all contingencies and security challenges in the future. Key highlights of the conference included discussions on enhancing the capability and combat potential of the Assam Rifles, preparing a roadmap for the acquisition of new-generation weapon systems and military equipment, and sharing best practices among formations and units to enhance overall efficiency. The discussions also emphasised the importance of training and skill development for soldiers, the release said. The Director General complimented the Formation and Unit Commanders for ensuring peace and tranquillity in their respective areas of responsibility and exhorted them to remain ever vigilant in the volatile and dynamic environment in which the Force operates, it said. The Assam Rifles Inspector General's Conference 2025 provided a platform for commanders to discuss key issues related to combat potential, operational preparedness, administrative challenges, and human resource management. The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all attendees to uphold the highest standards of operational readiness and continue striving for excellence in all spheres, it added. (ANI) Inspector General of Police Bastar P Sundarraj on Tuesday said that they were hopeful to fulfil their goal to make Chhattisgarh naxal-free by March 31, 2026, and in the last 20 months, more than 2200 naxals joined the mainstream. Speaking to ANI, P Sundarraj said, "Left Wing Extremism has been a bigger security challenge not just for Bastar and Chhattisgarh but the major part of the country for the last few decades. The last few years have been very decisive for the security forces in the Bastar region. In the last two seasons, we have recovered over 450 Naxalite bodies in the Bastar region. In this period, the bodies of top naxal cadres like Basavaraju and others were recovered. In the last couple of months, more than 300 Maoist cadres, including the Central committee and Politburo members and other Divisional committee members, have decided to shun violence and join the mainstream." He further said that on October 17, more than 210 Maoist cadres had laid down arms and joined the mainstream. P Sundarraj further said, " We are aware of the cadres left and continue to track them. Their days are numbered. They have only one option: either surrender or face the same action as other cadres. We are hopeful to bring an end to this problem within the schedule decided by the Central and the state government." IG Bastar said that Chhattisgarh's rehabilitation policy is very effective. "Due to this, in the last 20 months, more than 2200 Naxals joined the mainstream. These surrendered naxals are given skills development training to join the mainstream after rehabilitation. We have complete package to train them. They are also given economic benefits and monetary assistance," he added. He further said that as a result of the comprehensive action plan, we have recovered over 450 naxal bodies in the last couple of seasons in the Bastar region. "More than 2,200 naxals have decided to shun violence and join the mainstream. We have given a lot of focus to development works. We have a three-pronged approach. Operational, developmental and confidence-building approach. Right now, naxals network has been demolished, source of funding is under control and their logistical supply system has been badly affected. CPM Maoist is in very bad shape, and there is a leadership crisis. We are hopeful that very soon, no Maoists will be left in the country," he added. He said that right now, Bijapur, Sukma and Narayanpur are considered to be more critical for resolving LWE. "In other parts of the Bastar region, the entire cadre strength has been taken care of, meaning they had joined the mainstream or legal action had been taken against them. The Naxal network in other parts of the Bastar region has been dealt with. Security Forces are on the task. We are hopeful that in Bijapur, Sukma and Narayanpur, we will be able to totally eradicate LWE in the next couple of months," he added. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 1 expressed satisfaction that Chhattisgarh is steadily freeing itself from the grip of "Maoist terrorism", asserting that the state and the nation are now close to achieving complete freedom from the menace. Addressing a public gathering in Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav, marking 25 years of formation of the state, at Nava Raipur, the Prime Minister recalled the painful decades-long struggle of the people who suffered under the shadow of Naxal violence. He expressed his optimism about the decline of Maoism in India, stating that the day when India will be free of Maoist terror is not far. He highlighted the recent success in countering the movement and only three districts in the country remaining under the grip of Left Wing Extremism. In October, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed happiness over the surrender of 21 Maoists along with their arms in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. In a post on X, Home Minister Shah said, "Glad to share that 21 Maoists have surrendered along with their arms in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. Out of them, 13 were senior cadres. I commend them for joining the mainstream, abjuring violence at the call of the Modi government. I reiterate my appeal to the rest who are still wielding guns to surrender at the earliest. We are resolved to eradicate Naxalism by 31st March 2026." (ANI) The Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday alleged that the Trinamool Congress was trying to malign the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of the electoral rolls in the state. This comes after a BJP delegation met with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the National capital on Monday on the issue of the alleged false documents used in documentation by the TMC. Speaking to reporters, Suvendu Adhikari said, "Yesterday, a high-level delegation met with the CEC in Delhi. I, along with BJP leader Vijay Singh and General Secretary Jagannath Chattarjee, submitted evidence concerning the bogus documents, including a false birth certificate. They (TMC) are trying to malign the whole process. For that reason, we submitted the written demand." Reacting to the massive rally carried out by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders against the ongoing SIR exercise by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the state, he said that TMC and Mamata Banerjee were working to protect Bangladeshi Muslims. "It's not a political program; it is a 'Jamaat' program led by 'Khala' Mamata Banerjee. A specific community participated, with TMC and Mamata Banerjee working to protect Bangladeshi Muslims," he said. The West Bengal BJP wrote to the Election Commission on Monday, claiming that the Mamata government has issued "forged" documents to illegal infiltrators in the state and urged the poll body not to accept "backdated and duplicate" birth certificates for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The BJP alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government has issued "backdated and forged" documents to illegal infiltrators under the 'Duare Sarkar' initiative. In the letter to the ECI, the party wrote, "The State has witnessed large-scale issuance of backdated and forged documents, particularly through government schemes such as Duare Sarkar, aimed ostensibly at citizen welfare but effectively utilised to provide documentation to illegal infiltrators from across the border. Numerous field reports indicate that since 2020, there has been an exponential increase in the number of certificates issued under these drives." Claiming "backdated and duplicate" birth certificates, the BJP recommended that the ECI not accept certificates issued after June 25, 2025. The party wrote, "Numerous cases of backdated certificates being issued in connivance with local officials and political cadres have been detected. Often, individuals obtain 'duplicate' certificates through fabricated general diary entries in police stations, falsely reporting loss or damage of the original document." "Birth certificates issued after June 24, 2025, should not be accepted for SIR purposes. If absolutely necessary, such certificates should be verified on a case-by-case basis by the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) before acceptance," the BJP recommended. For Permanent Residence Certificates, the BJP questioned the authenticity of Aadhaar and EPIC cards and suggested accepting certificates issued and duly signed by Group-A officers for the SIR exercise. The letter added, "These certificates are being issued indiscriminately by local authorities under the control of political functionaries. In many cases, they are based merely on Aadhaar or EPIC cards, which themselves are under question regarding authenticity." "Only certificates issued and duly signed by Group-A officers should be accepted. Further, every such certificate must be cross-verified by sending it to the issuing authority to confirm authenticity and residency," the party suggested. Indicating at "manipulation" of forest rights certificates, the BJP recommended, "Only Forest Rights Certificates issued prior to April 2, 2025, should be considered valid for SIR. Certificates issued on and from April 2, 2025, may only be considered if certified to be in accordance with the rules governing the issue of such certificates by a competent cadre officer." The BJP alleged that caste certificates have been issued without a field enquiry, and OBC-A certificates have been issued to members of the Muslim community. "Caste certificates have been issued in large numbers through Duare Sarkar camps without field enquiry. Many such certificates were issued merely on the basis of affidavits under Orders No. 1203-BCW/MR-88/2014 and 1204-SBCW/MR-67/10 dated 27.07.2015. It is further noted that a vast number of OBC-A certificates have been issued to members of the Muslim community, many of whom are alleged to be illegal infiltrators. The Calcutta High Court has already declared the OBC-A category illegal, and the matter remains sub judice," the letter read. The party recommended, "Caste certificates issued without due enquiry or verification should not be accepted. OBC-A certificates issued between 2011 and 2024 should be excluded from acceptable documents pending final judicial determination." It claimed that the family registers under the MGNREGA are "unreliable" and should not be accepted by the ECI. In addition to this, the BJP further asked for a "zero-tolerance verification policy" by the ECI. "A comprehensive database of all documents issued after January 1, 2002, should be compiled by the District Magistrates and shared with the Chief Electoral Officer for verification. The Commission should identify, by name, the government officers authorised to issue these certificates and obtain written confirmation that they have personally verified the applicants' eligibility and residency. " "Certificates issued under any order that is presently sub judice must be supported by at least one additional valid document from the prescribed list of 11 acceptable proofs. A zero-tolerance verification policy should be adopted to ensure accountability of the officials who act as EROs and AEROs. The following additional documents may also be accepted in the specific context of West Bengal: Record of Rights (Land Khatians) recorded before the first Duare Sarkar camp of 2020, including formal mutations in the names of direct descendants. PROFLAL (Provident Fund for Landless Agricultural Labourers) registrations prior to the last SIR for direct descendants," the BJP suggested in the letter. (ANI) India and Israel discussed potential areas for future collaboration in the field of technology as well as enhancing operational capabilities at the 17th meeting of Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General of Israeli Ministry of Defence Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram. The meeting, which took place in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, also deliberated on various issues, including shared challenges of terrorism and underscored the collective resolve to fight against the threat. An MoU on Defence Cooperation was signed during the meeting to provide a unified vision and policy direction to deepen the already strong defence cooperation between the two countries. The MoU will enable the sharing of advanced technology and would promote co-development and co-production, a Defence Ministry release said. A wide range of areas for cooperation have been identified in the MoU that will benefit both countries. Important fields include strategic dialogues of mutual interest, training, defence industrial cooperation, and capabilities including Science and Technology, Research and Development and Technological Innovation, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security cooperation. The JWG reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation initiatives and agreed that both the nations have benefited from each other's strengths. "The two sides discussed the potential areas for future collaboration in the field of technology as well as enhancing operational capabilities. They also deliberated on various issues, including shared challenges of terrorism and underscored their collective resolve to fight against the threat," the release said. It said that India-Israel defence partnership is long-standing based on deep mutual trust and shared security interests. The meeting coincided with Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's visit to India. The Israeli Minister met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday. In his opening remarks during meeting with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Jaishankar said that India and Israel have a strategic partnership. "We have stood together in testing times. And we have created a relationship with a high degree of trust and of reliability. Our two nations face a particular challenge from terrorism. It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations," he said. India and Israel had in September this year signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement. The Agreement is expected to pave the way for increased bilateral investments between the two countries, which presently stands at total of USD 800 million, benefiting businesses and economies in both countries. (ANI) Delhi's air quality continues to show notable improvement, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 291 on Tuesday, a significant decline from 381 in 2024, 415 in 2023, and 447 in 2022, marking the city's best AQI for this date in seven years, stated in a release. Despite geographical challenges, 'Parali' burning in neighbouring states, construction activities, increased vehicle registrations, and the 'Green Diwali' celebrations, Delhi has seen better air quality compared to previous years through consistent and scientific interventions, said the Environment Minister. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the results underscore the city's consistent progress under the comprehensive plan implemented by the government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. "The year-on-year comparison data reflects that our sustained and coordinated pollution control strategy is effective. The government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is working tirelessly to ensure that every citizen breathes cleaner air. We are working to gain momentum and intensify pollution efforts through year-round planning, teamwork, and commitment," he said. Sirsa added, "We are aware that the winter period is a crucial phase for Delhi due to weather and external factors. Yet, our teams on the ground are showing exceptional dedication. The results clearly show that when monitoring, enforcement, and dust control go hand in hand, Delhi can and will perform better." The Environment Department has issued directions to all agencies to further intensify dust mitigation efforts across the city. This includes enhanced misting and sprinkling operations, mechanical road cleaning, regular garbage collection, and tight checks on construction dust and open burning. Over 1,200 enforcement teams, including 443 teams against open waste burning, 378 teams for dust control, and 578 teams for vehicular pollution control. These teams are patrolling day and night across ward and industrial areas to ensure strict prevention of open burning incidents. The Minister also stated, "We are continuing large-scale deployment of 390 anti-smog guns, 280 water sprinklers, and 76 mechanical sweepers. Regular vehicular pollution checks are being conducted to control tailpipe emissions. All agencies are working in coordination to maintain this improving trend through the winter." He further emphasised that the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan is not limited to enforcement but focuses on long-term behavioural change and cleaner infrastructure."Our aim is to make this improvement permanent to ensure that Delhi's air remains progressively better each year," he added. According to the release, over the past 24 hours, enforcement teams have conducted extensive civic action throughout the city. A total of 258 construction and demolition sites with a plot area of less than 500 square metres were physically inspected, while 2,300 kilometres of roads were mechanically swept to reduce dust pollution. Authorities also conducted 219 inspections at illegal dumping sites and issued 7,580 challans for vehicular pollution violations. Additionally, 91 non-destined trucks were diverted through the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways to prevent unnecessary vehicular inflow into Delhi. The government addressed and resolved 341 complaints received through mobile applications and social media platforms. Furthermore, 105 inter-state buses were checked and stopped at the Delhi border as part of ongoing efforts to control pollution and ensure compliance. (ANI) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is participating in the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 3 to 5, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release. The conclave, on the theme 'Viksit Bharat 2047 - Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement, and Empowerment', was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 03. It is being organised jointly by 13 Ministries and Departments of the Government under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. In the inaugural session, the Prime Minister launched Rs 1 Lakh Crore Research Development and Innovation Scheme Fund to promote a private sector-driven research & innovation ecosystem and accelerate India's transformation into a global science & technology hub. He emphasised that efforts are being made to promote research and development in the private sector as well. The conclave is featuring talks by leading scientists, panel discussions, presentations and technology showcases, providing a platform for collaboration among researchers, industry and young innovators to strengthen the science & technology ecosystem. As one of the key organisers, DRDO is leading the thematic session on 'Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing'. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat will chair a Technical Session on Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing on November 05. Semiconductors play a major role in modern technology ecosystems, powering critical systems in healthcare, communications, transport, defence, and space. DRDO has made significant strides in semiconductor technology by developing indigenous methods for producing 4-inch Silicon Carbide wafers and fabricating Gallium Nitride High Electron Mobility Transistors up to 150W. Other officials from DRDO at different panel discussions include Distinguished Scientist & Director General, Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Systems Suma Varughese, Director, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad Dr Ramalingam Balamuralikrishnan and Scientist-G at Solid State Physics Laboratory, Delhi Dr Somna Mahajan. ESTIC 2025 is bringing together over 3,000 participants from academia, research institutions, industry and government, along with nobel laureates, eminent scientists, innovators and policymakers. Deliberations focus on 11 key areas, including Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Bio-Manufacturing, Blue Economy, Digital Communications, Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing, Emerging Agriculture Technologies, Energy, Environment & Climate, Health & Medical Technologies, Quantum Science & Technology, and Space Technologies. (ANI) Bastar Range Inspector General of Police P. Sundarraj has said that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in Chhattisgarh is in its "final stages", with security forces tightening their hold and a record number of cadres laying down arms to join the mainstream. "We are aware of the cadres left and continue to track them. Their days are numbered. They have only one option: either surrender or face the same action as other cadres," IG Sundarraj told ANI in Jagdalpur. Highlighting the success of the state's rehabilitation policy, Sundarraj, a 2003-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre-- one of India's most challenging counter-insurgency postings--said, "Chhattisgarh's rehabilitation policy is very effective. Due to this, in the last 20 months, more than 2,200 Naxals have joined the mainstream. These surrendered Naxals are provided skill development training to help them integrate into society after rehabilitation." On the operational front, he said the focus now remains on the three most sensitive districts including Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur, which are considered the last strongholds of the Maoists. "In other parts of the Bastar region, the entire cadre strength has been taken care of, meaning they have either joined the mainstream or legal action has been taken against them. The Naxal network in other parts of Bastar has been dealt with. Security Forces are on the task, and we are hopeful that in Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur, we will be able to totally eradicate LWE," Sundarraj, who has played a central role in planning and executing coordinated operations against Left Wing Extremism in south Chhattisgarh for over a decade. Referring to recent successes, Sundarraj noted that as part of the state's comprehensive action plan, over 450 Naxal bodies have been recovered in the last two seasons, and more than 200 Naxals have surrendered recently. "Their logistical supply system has been badly affected, and the network is demolished. We are hopeful that very soon, no Maoists will be left in the country," he said. Reaffirming the state's target to make Chhattisgarh Naxal-free by March 31, 2026, the IG called the past few years "decisive" for the security forces. "We have neutralised several top Naxal leaders, including Basavaraju, and seen a series of surrenders last month," stated Sundarraj, who has held key assignments earlier in his career, including Superintendent of Police (SP) in several Maoist-affected districts such as Kanker, Kondagaon, and Dantewada, and later as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Anti-Naxal Operations. Sundarraj's consistent focus on intelligence-based operations and rehabilitation of surrendered cadres has made him one of the most visible and trusted faces of the anti-Naxal campaign in Chhattisgarh. Under Sundarraj's supervision, Bastar has seen a sharp drop in Naxal violence, with the dismantling of major Maoist networks and a steady rise in developmental activity, signalling a major shift in the decades-long insurgency narrati Once regarded as the epicentre of Left Wing Extremism, south Chhattisgarh's Bastar division, comprising districts such as Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Kanker, has witnessed a significant decline in Naxal violence in recent years. Under the direction of the Cenral government and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the strategy has combined security expansion with development. Dozens of new security camps have been established deep in erstwhile Maoist strongholds to ensure both safety and access to welfare schemes. Surrendered cadres are now part of structured rehabilitation programs, beginning their day with sports, classes, and vocational training ranging from driving (35-day course) to plumbing (up to 80 days) under the Rajya Kaushal Vikash Pradhikaran. These reformed individuals are also exposed to cultural activities, movie screenings, and counselling sessions to reintegrate them socially. Officials say the blend of security pressure, infrastructure push, and livelihood opportunities has drastically weakened the insurgent base, a transformation that now positions Chhattisgarh on course to eliminate Left Wing Extremism within the next year. Over 300 Naxalites laid down their arms and opted for rehabilitation last month, marking a major step toward restoring peace in the Dandakaranya region and a landmark development in Chhattisgarh's long battle against Naxalism. With the move, most of Abujhmad has been freed from Naxal influence, bringing an end to the decades-long Red terror in North Bastar. The surrendered group includes over 100 women, representing various ranks of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) organisation. Among them are one Central Committee Member (CCM), four Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) members, one Regional Committee Member, 21 Divisional Committee Members (DVCMs), 61 Area Committee Members (ACMs), 98 Party Members, and 22 PLGA/RPC/other cadres. The Maoists surrendered 153 weapons, including 19 AK-47 rifles, 17 SLR rifles, 23 INSAS rifles, one INSAS LMG, 36 .303 rifles, four carbines, 11 BGL launchers, 41 twelve-bore or single-shot guns, and one pistol. Sundarraj described the surrender as a major milestone in recent years, highlighting it as proof of the increasing effectiveness of the government's Naxal Eradication and Rehabilitation Policy 2025, which blends development efforts, dialogue, and confidence-building initiatives to motivate extremists to rejoin the mainstream. This large-scale surrender is expected to accelerate peace and development efforts in the region and further weaken the Maoist network in the Bastar division -- once considered the stronghold of Left Wing Extremism in India. Among the top Maoist leaders who surrendered were Rupesh alias Satish (Central Committee Member), Bhaskar alias Rajman Mandavi (DKSZC Member), Ranita (DKSZC Member), Raju Salam (DKSZC Member), Dhannu Vetti alias Santu (DKSZC Member), and Ratan Elam (Regional Committee Member). Beside, 10 senior Maoist operatives also surrendered, including top commander Satish alias T Vasudeo Rao (CCM), Ranita (SZCM, Secretary of Maad DVC), Bhaskar (DVCM, PL 32), Nila alias Nande (DVCM, IC and Secretary of Nelnar AC), and Deepak Palo (DVCM, IC and Secretary of Indravati AC). Rao carried a reward of Rs 1 crore, while others had bounties ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. Sundarraj finally noted that the large-scale surrender marks a crucial move toward establishing lasting peace and inclusive development in Bastar and the wider Dandakaranya region-- areas once regarded as the heartland of Naxalism. The recent wave of surrenders marks one of the most significant setbacks to Naxal insurgency in recent years and underscores the government's intensified efforts to restore peace and development in Naxal-affected regions. In a major achievement towards the Modi government's vision of a "Naxal-free Bharat," the number of districts most affected by LWE has been reduced to just three from six. According to the latest Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data, only Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh remain in the "most affected" category. The number of districts classified as LWE-affected has also declined significantly--from 18 to 11 districts, states the MHA data. The security forces have recorded "unprecedented operational successes" this year by killing a total of 312 Naxals, including the CPI (Maoist) General Secretary and eight other Politburo or Central Committee members. A total of 836 cadres have been arrested, while 1,639 have surrendered and joined the mainstream, including one Politburo and one Central Committee member. Once described as India's biggest internal security challenge by the then Prime Minister in 2010, Naxalism is now in visible retreat. The Maoists had envisioned a so-called "Red Corridor" stretching from Pashupati in Nepal to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. In 2013, 126 districts across various states reported Naxal-related violence. (ANI) The event witnessed the participation of 20 civilians, along with Indian Army personnel, retracing the historic paths where bravery, sacrifice, and resilience were etched into India's military legacy. Ashi Hill holds special significance in the annals of the Battle of Walong, where Indian troops fought gallantly against numerically superior Chinese forces, displaying indomitable courage despite overwhelming odds. Tri Jn Post stands as a symbolic site of the first counterattack launched by the Indian Army during the 1962 War, representing the determination and unyielding fighting spirit of Indian soldiers. The trek served as a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who defended the nation's honour and inspired generations with their unmatched valour. It also marked the conclusion of a series of Battlefield Treks conducted across the Walong Sector, each revisiting key battle locations and reconnecting participants with the rich legacy of courage, endurance, and national pride. The Battlefield Trek Series underscores the Indian Army's ongoing effort to honour its heroes, promote historical awareness, and instil patriotism among the youth, while celebrating the immortal Spirit of Walong. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stated that the promises made in the NDA's "sankalp patra" are not just words on paper but a roadmap for Bihar's progress and a blueprint for the state's bright future. Addressing a rally in Tarapur, Singh extended his support to NDA candidate and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, describing him as a "dynamic and capable leader who has earned the people's trust through his dedicated work." Samrat Choudhary will contest on the Tarapur seat as NDA's candidate against Mahagathbandhan's candidate and RJD leader Arun Kumar, and Jan Suraaj's Santosh Kumar Singh. Praising Choudhary's leadership, the Defence Minister called him the "shining star of Bihar." Highlighting the NDA government's achievements, Singh said, "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, our government has ensured fair opportunities for all. The promises we made in our "Sanklap patra", are not just words on paper they are a roadmap for Bihar's progress and a blueprint for the state's bright future. We are committed to building a developed Bihar." Meanwhile, the NDA's 'Sankalp Patra' for the Bihar Assembly elections aims to bring forward the alliance's vision for a "self-reliant and developed Bihar." The NDA has promised to provide over one crore government jobs and employment opportunities, conduct a skills census to provide skills-based employment, and establish mega skill centres in every district, transforming Bihar into a 'Global Skill Training' Centre. In the manifesto, the ruling alliance has also promised to provide women with financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh to promote prosperity and self-reliance through the 'Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana'. The NDA has promised to make one crore women 'Lakhpati Didi'. According to the manifesto, the NDA promises to give Rs 10 lakh to various occupational groups belonging to the extremely backward classes. Under the 'Kapurgari Thakur Kisan Samman Nidhi', farmers will receive an annual benefit of Rs 3,000, totalling Rs 9,000, as per the manifesto. The manifesto also promises Metro train services to be introduced in 4 more cities in Bihar besides Patna, the opening of ten new industrial parks and a promise to attract investments of Rs 50 lakh cr in 5 years. The voting for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI) In what could be a major boost for indigenous defence industry, India and Indonesia are moving closer towards signing the deal for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. Defence sources told ANI that almost all the procedures are completed in the negotiations and only a nod from the Russian side is required for moving forward towards signing the contract. India and Indonesia have been discussing the deal for a long time. The issue was discussed in detail during a high-level visit in January this year when top Indonesian political and military leadership was in New Delhi. India has been able to sell the missiles to the Philippines and is looking to expand the market for the unique weapon system which has now proved itself in war also during the recent India Pakistan conflict in May this year. Senior Indian military leaders visited Indonesia recently including the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan. The visit by the CDS to Indonesia highlighted the growing defence engagement between India and Indonesia. The State visit of President Prabowo Subianto to India in January also paved way for a closer cooperation between Indian and Indonesian military. India signed a deal around Rs 3,500 crore with the Philippines a few years ago and has also delivered the missiles and required systems. The deal was watched closely in international circles as it was seen as a step by the Philippines to arm itself to protect its interests in the region. (ANI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday lashed out at the Narendra Modi government after the commencement of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state, asserting if the current electoral rolls were false, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the centre was also a "lie". While addressing a protest rally, Banerjee slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 2016 decision to announce the demonetisation of currency notes, which she said had not brought back any black money to the country. "You won for the last 24 years with which voter list? BJP government, if this list is false, then your government is also a lie, your position is also a lie. Karte loot, bolte jhooth. Every year they have to do something or the other. Once he came and did demonetisation. I was the first one to oppose this. Tell us today, did black money come back?" the West Bengal CM said. Banerjee intensified her attack against the centre over the Election Commission's submission to the Supreme Court earlier, which stated that Aadhar can't be conclusive proof of citizenship. Accusing the centre of "cheating", she said that the centre took Rs 1,000 from commoners to make an Aadhar card and failed to accept it for the voter list, but not for opening bank accounts. Banerjee asserted that the best course of action would be to change the central government in Delhi. "How much did you pay for Aadhaar cards? You (Centre) took Rs 1,000 from each person. If you took Rs 1,000 from the public to make Aadhaar cards, why do you still say no Aadhaar card for the voter list? No Aadhaar card for the ration card? But they demand Aadhar to be linked when opening a bank account. Who are you cheating? The best thing is to make this one change and remove the government in Delhi from the country. There will be no need for Aadhaar. How many cards will you make? Ration card, health care, PAN card, Aadhaar card, caste certificate, Kisan card, labour card," the West Bengal CM said. Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday led a massive rally carried out by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the state, attributing recent deaths to the same. The second phase of the SIR drive has commenced today across 12 states and Union Territories (UTs). Thousands of TMC supporters participated in the massive rally as a protest against the commencement of the SIR exercise in West Bengal. They were seen raising slogans, waving TMC flags and supporting Mamata Banerjee as she led the march, holding a copy of the Indian Constitution. Before leading today's mega rally against Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) "Bangla-Birodhi" politics, Banerjee paid her respect at the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar. "Honouring the architect of our Constitution, she reminded the nation that the Constitution gave us equality, dignity, and the assurance of citizenship, and it is our duty to defend it. Today's rally stands for that very promise, to protect every citizen's rightful place in this democracy," TMC posted on X. Banerjee was accompanied by prominent TMC leaders, including party national general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee, who addressed a gathering during the protest march, registering strong objections to the ongoing SIR exercise. Offering condolences to the families of those who died due to "fear" of SIR, Abhishek Banerjee warned of a protest in Delhi next. "After the announcement of SIR, the number of people who lost their lives due to this, we offer our condolences to their families today. Today, we participated in the protest rally against SIR. The BJP must consider whether we can arrange such a huge gathering in 2 days; what will our turnout be when we go to Delhi for our protest? In the last 7 days, the family members of those who died due to SIR fear are present with us, in today's rally. Now prepare for the next destination, Delhi. We are ready to fight against SIR in Delhi," Banerjee said. Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar stated that the poll body will conduct the second phase of the SIR in the following states: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. According to ECI, printing and training will take place from October 28 to November 3, followed by an Enumeration Phase from November to December 4. The draft electoral rolls will be published on December 9, followed by a claims and objections period from December 9 to January 8, 2026. The Notice Phase (for hearing and verification) will take place between December 9 and January 31, 2026, with publication of Final Electoral Rolls on February 7, 2026. (ANI) Panjab University on Tuesday decided to withdraw the controversial affidavit that required students to submit undertakings regarding their conduct and mode of protest. The decision was made following a meeting held at the Vice Chancellor's office, officials said. According to a release, the affidavit, which had been challenged before the Punjab and Haryana High Court by Archit Garg, former Vice President of Panjab University Campus Students' Council (PUCSC), was argued to be unconstitutional and violative of the fundamental rights to freedom of speech, expression, and peaceful assembly under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution of India. The petition emphasised that no administrative regulation can override these guaranteed rights or impose blanket restrictions on dissent in an educational institution. Following today's deliberations, the university administration has agreed to withdraw the affidavit in its entirety, effective immediately, and will inform the High Court at the upcoming hearing of the complete withdrawal, the release said. Following this assurance, Archit Garg, the petitioner in the case, has undertaken to withdraw the writ petition once the University's official communication is filed in court. "This rollback is not just an administrative decision -- it is a legal vindication of students' constitutional rights. Our argument before the Hon'ble High Court was simple: no university can demand that students surrender their right to protest as a precondition for participation in campus activities. Today, the University has accepted that position, reaffirming that constitutional freedoms extend fully to campus spaces," Garg said. (ANI) The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) has partnered with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and Caritas India to deploy Nature-based Solutions to build resilience in the flood-battered district of Mandi, said the release. The initiative, supported by the United Kingdom's International Development, is in response to the rising frequency and ferocity of monsoon hazards gripping the region. The town of Dharampur, on the Son Khadd river, will serve as the project's pilot site. Dharampur faces recurrent flash floods that severely damage critical infrastructure. A September 2025 event damaged state-owned buses, nearby buildings, and a school. This partnership sets out to protect communities and infrastructure with novel nature-based solutions that blend biodiversity with engineering. Approaches include the use of living vegetative walls and native plants to stabilise slopes. It will also install a flood early warning system. "The conditions in Dharampur and Mandi are part of a larger worrying trend of increasing monsoon-induced hazards occurring throughout our region," said Duni Chand Rana, Director and Ex-Officio Special Secretary for Revenue and Disaster Management of the Himachal State Government, who inaugrated a workshop held on Monday "We need to ensure that these Nature-based Solutions are scaled with a community-centric approach." The pilot represents a step forward in the proactive management of interconnected risks in a warming world. Since August, teams have surveyed vulnerable watersheds in Mandi and Shimla to map community vulnerability and identify key interventions. "Climate change and unsustainable development models are having a dangerously mutually reinforcing impact on the pattern of hazards in this region: making the deployment of NbS and early warning systems so urgent," stated Saswata Sanyal, Disaster Risk Reduction Lead at ICIMOD. He further added, "We hope to be able to roll these approaches out to other mountain zones where they are so badly needed-in Himachal and beyond-once the approaches are tested." Technical experts confirmed the strength of the proposed methods. "The use of live vegetative walls, where we mix a variety of soil-binding species like grass, bushes and trees into the gabion walls, provides more strength to slope stabilisation measures," said Ravi Bhushan Sharma, a retired engineer from the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department and currently an expert bioengineering solutions consultant on the project. "We have tested these in other parts of the state and are confident that they will be equally fruitful in Dharampur." Consulting expert and botanist Vaneet Jishtu of the Himalayan Forest Research Institute emphasised that, "true restoration is only possible if native biodiversity is considered. For this pilot, restoration can only begin when native plant species, along with local knowledge of people living in Dharampur, are utilised." For the community and partners, the intervention is a vital step towards safety. "The scale of devastation in Mandi and across the Himalayan region is truly heartbreaking", said Fr. Jesudass R., Executive Director of Caritas India "It is reassuring to see that the needs of the affected communities are being addressed through a thoughtful blend of scientific measures and Indigenous wisdom. Caritas India remains deeply committed to ensuring that people's safety and well-being are placed at the heart of this intervention." Vijay Ratan Khadgi, Community-Based Disaster Risk Management Specialist at ICIMOD,"Emerging hazards in mountain areas arise from the intersecting impacts of climate change and siloed planning. What's needed is a holistic, risk-informed approach that actively engages all relevant stakeholders. In Dharampur, we are combining community-based flood early warning systems (CBFEWS) for the Son Khad River with nature-based stabilisation measures for the power station serving 1,700 households, alongside AI-powered tools to improve last-mile connectivity-moving decisively toward the vision of Early Warning for All." Anuradha, Head of Programs at Doers, "Engaging local NGOs is important to effectively mobilise communities at the grassroots level. It would be wonderful to see how ICIMOD and HPSDMA can work with the state inter-agency groups to build the capacities of local stakeholders on Nature-based Solutions and community-based flood early warning systems." The project is now moving to implementation, combining ground-level action with advanced technology to build a replicable model of resilience for the Hindu Kush Himalaya. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the plea of Shravan Gupta seeking quashing of Non Bailable Warrant (NBW) issued against him in the Augusta Westland VVIP Chopper case. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna dismissed the plea moved on behalf of Shravan Gupta on Tuesday. He has challenged the NBW issued by the trial court. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said, "In the totality of circumstances, it is hereby held that there is no ground for cancellation of the open NBW issued by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM)." "There is no merit in the present Petition, which is hereby dismissed," Justice Krishna ordered on November 4. While dismissing the plea, the High Court also dealt with the apprehension of the petitioner that he might be arrested if he joined the investigation physically. The High Court observed that the Petitioner's underlying fear is that his physical appearance will inevitably lead to his arrest. While the purpose of the NBW is to secure his attendance, the law provides adequate remedies for this apprehension. "The Petitioner's fear that he would 'necessarily be arrested' is a misplaced apprehension. The Petitioner has ample safeguards and provisions under the law to seek protection, once he subjects himself to the jurisdiction of the Court," the bench said. A petition was filed by Shravan Gupta for setting aside the order dated 05.12.2020, vide which his Application for cancellation of NBWs was dismissed. It was stated that he was ready to participate in the investigation online, but he was unable to do so physically. The Petitioner had filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court, seeking appropriate directions to the ED to examine and investigate him through the mechanism of video conferencing. A notice was issued on the Petition. However, the Petitioner withdrew the Petition with liberty to approach the High Court for the relief. It was asserted by the petitioner that Non-bailable warrants were issued by the trial court on August 29, 2020, due to the ED's concealment of material facts from the court. By no stretch of imagination can the Petitioner be said to have either concealed himself or made himself scarce from assisting the investigating authorities in the investigation of the case, he added. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa appeared for Gupta. He argued that the trial Court erroneously observed that the Petitioner is trying to evade the investigation, even when the record shows that he joined the investigation physically when he was in India, responded to all summons issued to him, and provided all the documents sought. He asserted that he has always been ready and willing to join the investigation by the mechanism provided under the law, including but not limited to the sanctioned procedure of video conferencing. He had to travel to London in November 2019 due to business exigencies and legal proceedings in a commercial dispute with the EMAAR Group of Dubai, UAE, the counsel submitted. On the other hand, ED opposed the petition. (ANI) Project Yojak celebrated its 5th Raising Day at Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh, Border Roads Organisation said on Tuesday. "Project Yojak@BROindia celebrated 5th Raising Day at Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Over the past four years, the Project has built 351.45 km of roads, 295.88 m of major bridges and 171 m of tunnels through some of the toughest Himalayan terrains. Iconic Atal Tunnel, Rohtang to the upcoming Shinkun La Tunnel@BROindiacontinues to strengthen strategic connectivity and transform lives across the northern frontier.@BROindiastands tall in its mission to connect people, protect borders and power India's march towards progress," BRO wrote on X. https://x.com/BROindia/status/1985585056291958789 Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, visited the Sela Tunnel yesterday to review the ongoing works. According to the BRO post, the Chief Minister praised the BRO for their contributions to infrastructure development and community welfare in the state. "The Hon'ble CM of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, visited the Sela Tunnel and reviewed ongoing works. The Hon'ble CM complimented the efforts of Project Vartak @BROindia for their contribution to infrastructure development and community welfare in the State.@BROindia is grateful for Hon'ble CM support and strives to drive connectivity, fostering socio-economic growth in Arunachal Pradesh. Jai Hind," said BRO. https://x.com/BROindia/status/1985317377513513063 Earlier, Jitendra Prasad, Vishisht Seva Medal, Additional Director General Border Roads (ADGBR) Eastern Projects, concluded a five-day inspection of the BRO infrastructure under Project Arunank on October 16. The headquarters of Project Arunank is located at Naharlagun, and it has been involved in road and bridge construction works in several districts of the State of Arunachal Pradesh since 2008. ADGBR (East), also called on the Governor, Lt Gen KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd), and apprised him about the works being undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to improve border infrastructure in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The Governor lauded the efforts of the Border Roads Organisation as a reliable and longstanding partner in the development of the State of Arunachal Pradesh. He also interacted with the learnt Chief Secretary, Manish Gupta, IAS, and discussed ways to incorporate new methods for constructing efficient roads without disturbing the ecological balance. The ADGBR (East) also interacted with P. Subramanyam, IFS, PCCF, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and discussed ways to fast-track forest clearances for upcoming roads planned for development in the Border Regions. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a high-level meeting in Gandhinagar today to review the overall situation after visiting areas affected by unseasonal rainfall, a press release from CMO said. Minister of State for Agriculture Ramesh Katara, Chief Secretary MK Das, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Jayanti Ravi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Department Anju Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department T Natarajan, and Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Avantika Singh, Secretary Vikrant Pandey, and other senior officials attended the meeting. This comes after CM Patel visited the districts affected by unseasonal rainfall on Monday and gathered detailed insights about the situation from the farmers of the affected villages. During their visit, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi in Surat and Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani in Bhavnagar gathered information about the crop damage suffered by farmers. Sharing an X post, the Chief Minister wrote, "I had visited the villages of Gir Somnath and Junagadh districts affected by unseasonal rains yesterday, and by interacting with the affected farmers, I had gathered detailed information about the situation." "Deputy Chief Minister Harshbhai Sanghavi had gathered details regarding the damage to farmers' crops in Surat, and Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vaghani had done so in Bhavnagar as well. In this regard, a high-level meeting was held today in Gandhinagar to review the entire situation," he added. Earlier on Monday, the CM said that more than 4800 teams have joined the survey work for the damage to farmers. "Visited the village of Panidra in the Maliya taluka of Junagadh district to gather information on the damage caused to standing crops of farmers due to unseasonal rains. Interacted with villagers and farmers to assess the entire situation. The state government is actively committed to swiftly restoring the sons of the soil from the losses. More than 4800 teams have joined the survey work for the damage to farmers. As soon as the survey is completed, the government has also promptly initiated work towards announcing a generous relief-aid package in a very short time," CM Patel wrote on X. (ANI) The proposed ropeway projects include - Maharani to Chhabimura, Udaipur Railway Station to Tripurasundari Temple, and Tripurasundari Temple to Chhabimura. According to officials, a technical team from the NHLML will soon visit Tripura to initiate the necessary steps for establishing these ropeways. It is noteworthy that MP Biplab Kumar Deb had originally taken the initiative for these tourism-oriented ropeway projects. However, due to various reasons, the implementation process had slowed down. The recent discussion marks a significant step toward realizing this long-awaited plan. MP Deb expressed optimism that the completion of these ropeways will fulfill a long-cherished dream of the people of Tripura, while boosting local tourism, connectivity, and employment opportunities. Once established, the ropeways are expected to not only enhance leisure tourism but also add a new dimension to the state's tourism infrastructure, creating substantial avenues for local livelihood generation. Meanwhile, Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu conducted a series of visits and interactions on the international border of Tribal Autonomous region in Dhalai district. On Monday morning, the Governor visited Boalkhali ADC village under Raishyabari R. D Block of Gandacherra sub-division and interacted with villagers, Self-Help Group members, and progressive farmers at the Boalkhali Higher Secondary school ground. He inquired about the progress of various central and state government schemes and emphasized the need for their completion within the stipulated time.Later, Governor Nallu visited Nitya Kumar Para, the remotest and last border village under Boalkhali ADC village in the Raishyabari R.D. Block of Gandacherra Subdivision. He interacted with the villagers to understand their problems and grievances and directed the concerned officials to complete all development work in a timely manner. (ANI) BJP candidate from Bettiah Assembly Constituency Renu Devi on Tuesday hit back at Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bihar, questioning the Congress leader's understanding of the NDA's dynamics. Speaking to ANI, Devi dismissed Kharge's claims that PM Modi would sideline Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in favour of one of his "disciples", asserting that Kharge is unaware of the strong bond between PM Modi and CM Kumar. "What does Mallikarjun Kharge know?... He is not aware of the relationship between PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar. Bihar is developing so much, and it is because of this pair... Why does their leader come here and catch fish?... " NDA candidate Renu Devi has been a prominent political figure in the constituency, securing four consecutive victories from 2000 to 2010. However, she faced a setback in 2015, losing to Congress candidate Madan Mohan Tiwari. She made a strong comeback in 2020, reclaiming the seat by once again defeating Tiwari. Demonstrating her enduring popularity, Renu Devi returned victorious in 2020, defeating Tiwari by a margin of 18,079 votes. She garnered 84,496 votes, while Tiwari managed 66,417 votes, marking her fifth term as MLA from the constituency. Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the BJP leaders over their BJP leaders over their "jungle raj" jibes at RJD and Congress. He said the Mahagathbandhan will form the government in the state. The Congress president also asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give the chair to one of his "disciples", rather than CM Nitish Kumar. "You could not end the jungle raj in 20 years?... Despite your abuses, Congress and the RJD are getting elected here... What Nitish Kumar could not do in 20 years of his rule, will he do it today?. Narendra Modi will not make Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister at any cost. Modi will give the position to one of his disciples. Nitish Kumar will be told, 'Your work is done, your health is not good, you stay at home," he said. Kharge's statement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a multi-pronged attack on Monday on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress in poll-bound Bihar, accusing them of undertaking "political tours to protect infiltrators" and taking a "jungle raj" jibe at the opposition Mahagathbandhan. Addressing a rally here, PM Modi alleged that the dictionary of RJD and Congress is filled with words like "katta', cruelty and corruption". "In the dictionary of RJD and Congress. What words, what emotions are there? The dictionary of RJD and Congress is filled with words like 'katta', cruelty, bitterness, bad manners, bad governance, and corruption. This is all they learned in the school of Jungle Raj," he said. Meanwhile, campaigning for the first phase of the Bihar elections will come to a halt on Tuesday evening. Voting for Bihar's 243-seat Assembly will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11. Counting of votes will take place on November 14. (ANI) Superintendent of Police (SP), Narayanpur Robinsons Guria said that about 80 per cent of Naxalites operating in the Abujhmarh region of Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district have surrendered to security forces. According to SP Guria, the surrender of several cadres in recent months has further weakened Naxal networks in the Abujhmarh region. Speaking to ANI, SP Guria said, "Currently, about 80% of Naxalites in the Abujhmarh area have surrendered. Currently, about two-thirds of the Abujhmarh area is under our control. There are some places where activity is still ongoing. Through various operations, we are working there. We will eliminate them soon." Meanwhile, surrendered Naxalite Suklal Jurri said that he had worked as a doctor within the Naxalite organisation for nearly 20 years before surrendering to the police earlier this year. Speaking to ANI, Jurri said, "I used to work as a doctor and saved people by treating them. I surrendered before the police on August 20, 2025. I joined the Naxalite organisation in 2006; it was there that I was taught the work of a doctor and received training. I have been working for 19-20 years." "In 2025, the police started conducting a lot of patrolling and searches, and then I felt that we could only save ourselves by surrendering. Earlier, there was fear that we wouldn't survive," he added. Earlier, Bastar Range Inspector General of Police P Sundarraj said that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in Chhattisgarh is in its "final stages", with security forces tightening their hold and a record number of cadres laying down arms to join the mainstream. Highlighting the success of the state's rehabilitation policy, Sundarraj, a 2003-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre-- one of India's most challenging counter-insurgency postings--said, "Chhattisgarh's rehabilitation policy is very effective. Due to this, in the last 20 months, more than 2,200 Naxals have joined the mainstream. These surrendered Naxals are provided skill development training to help them integrate into society after rehabilitation." On the operational front, he said the focus now remains on the three most sensitive districts, including Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur, which are considered the last strongholds of the Maoists. "In other parts of the Bastar region, the entire cadre strength has been taken care of, meaning they have either joined the mainstream or legal action has been taken against them. The Naxal network in other parts of Bastar has been dealt with. Security Forces are on the task, and we are hopeful that in Bijapur, Sukma, and Narayanpur, we will be able to totally eradicate LWE," Sundarraj said, who has played a central role in planning and executing coordinated operations against Left Wing Extremism in south Chhattisgarh for over a decade. Referring to recent successes, Sundarraj noted that as part of the state's comprehensive action plan, over 450 Naxal bodies have been recovered in the last two seasons, and more than 200 Naxals have surrendered recently. "Their logistical supply system has been badly affected, and the network is demolished. We are hopeful that very soon, no Maoists will be left in the country," he said. (ANI) India and Portugal held the fifth round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Lisbon, where both sides reviewed the full range of bilateral ties and discussed key regional and global developments. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared details of the meeting on X, noting that both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Ambassador Sibi George, led the Indian delegation, while the Portuguese side was represented by Helena Malceta, Director General of Foreign Policy at Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorgecalled on HE Ms. Ana Isable Xavier @aixavier, Secretary of State of Portugal during his visit to Lisbon. He also held the 5th round of India-Portugal Foreign Office Consultations with Ms. Helena Malceta, Director General of Foreign Policy. Both sides reviewed all aspects of India-Portugal bilateral relations and discussed India -EU relations, issues of mutual interest including regional and global developments," MEA said in a post on X on Monday. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1985399407190425760 During the talks, both sides exchanged views on political, economic, cultural, and technological cooperation, and explored ways to further deepen engagement in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital innovation, startups, and maritime partnership. As part of his visit, Ambassador Sibi George also called on Portugal's Secretary of State, Ana Isabel Xavier. The meeting focused on strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation across trade, education, and mobility. India's relations with Portugal have historically been warm and friendly. Diplomatic ties were established in 1949, and the two nations share a connection that dates back over 500 years when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first arrived in Calicut (now Kozhikode), Kerala, in 1498. Over the years, Portugal has been a consistent supporter of India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council and its inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group, as per MEA. Portugal also played a key role in initiating the first India-EU Summit. The idea was proposed during the tenure of current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who was then Prime Minister of Portugal. The inaugural India-EU Summit was subsequently held in Lisbon in 2000 under the Portuguese presidency of the European Union and was attended by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The latest consultations come at a time when India and the European Union are working to advance the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). A senior team of EU negotiators is currently in New Delhi from November 3 to 7, 2025, to hold talks aimed at resolving key issues and moving toward a balanced trade framework that benefits both sides, according to a press statement by Ministry of Commerce & Industry. This follows Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's recent visit to Brussels (October 27-28), where he held discussions with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expedite negotiations and build a comprehensive trade and investment partnership. (ANI) Israel's Holocaust remembrance centre, Yad Vashem, has identified the names of five million Jews who were killed by the Nazis during World War II. Officials said this marks a major step in restoring the memory of the six million Jewish people who lost their lives in the Holocaust, Times of Israel reported. The centre said efforts will continue to trace the remaining one million names. "Reaching five million names is both a milestone and a reminder of our unfinished duty," said Yad Vashem's chairman Dani Dayan. "Behind each name is a life that mattered, a child who never grew up, a parent who never came home, a voice that was silenced forever. It is our moral duty to ensure that every victim is remembered so that no one will be left behind in the darkness of anonymity." Only about 200,000 Holocaust survivors are still alive today, and nearly half of them may not be here in the next few years, according to a calculation made by the Claims Conference earlier this year. Yad Vashem said that while some names may never be found, new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning could help uncover more victims' identities in the future. The effort to identify the names has brought together Jewish communities, archives, researchers, and families from around the world. A large part of the project is based on "Pages of Testimony," which are short memorial forms written by survivors, relatives, and friends of the victims. So far, over 2.8 million names have been collected through these pages in more than 20 languages, as per Times of Israel. Alexander Avram, Director of the Hall of Names and the Central Database of Shoah Victims' Names, who has led the program for 37 years, said the pages serve as "symbolic headstones" for people who never had graves. "Most of the victims of the Holocaust were left without graves, without traces, remembered now only through the Pages of Testimony that bear their names. By identifying five million names, we are restoring their human identities and ensuring that their memory endures," he said. According to Times of Israel, researchers have also gathered information from letters, diaries, Nazi documents, deportation lists, census records, and legal papers from trials of Nazi criminals and collaborators. Some researchers have even searched Jewish cemeteries and memorial plaques in synagogues to recover missing names. The centre's database now includes hundreds of thousands of "personal files," compiled from various archives, which help reconstruct the stories of individual victims. Over the years, it has helped thousands of families commemorate loved ones, find lost relatives, and reconnect with their roots. The complete list of names is available online in multiple languages. The milestone will be honoured at a seminar in Jerusalem on November 6 and at an event in New York on November 9, Times of Israel reported. (ANI) US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi slammed Vice President JD Vance for his recent comments about his wife's Hindu background, saying they add to an already growing atmosphere of prejudice and anti-Hindu sentiment in the country. "At a time when Hindu and Indian-American communities are confronting a climate of rising prejudice, talk of mass deportations, and growing anti-Hindu sentiment even against members of his own party, it's deeply disappointing that the Vice President would add to that climate through his recent comments while remaining silent in the face of hate," Krishnamoorthi said in a post on X. https://x.com/CongressmanRaja/status/1985127113318453249 Vance, who is married to Usha Vance, an Indian-American, sparked criticism after remarks made during a public event at the University of Mississippi. Responding to a question about his interfaith marriage, he said, "Now, most Sundays, Usha will come with me to church. As I've told her, and as I've said publicly, and as I'll say now in front of 10,000 of my closest friends, do I hope, eventually, that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved by in church? Yeah, I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian gospel and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way." He further added, "But if she doesn't, then God says everybody has free will, and so that doesn't cause a problem for me. That's something you work out with your friends, with your family, with the person that you love." Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, described Usha's upbringing, saying, "My wife did not grow up Christian. I think it's fair to say that she grew up in a Hindu family, but not a particularly religious family in either direction." The Vice President went on to explain that his family has found a balance in their interfaith marriage. "Everybody has to come to their own arrangement here. The way we arrived at our arrangement is that she's my best friend. We discuss this topic with each other. We've decided to raise our kids Christian. Our two oldest children, who attend school, attend a Christian school. Our 8-year-old had his First Communion about a year ago. That's the way that we have come to our arrangement," he said. The remarks drew sharp reactions online. Canadian journalist Ezra Levant called his comments "disgusting," accusing him of being disrespectful toward his wife's faith. "It's weird to throw your wife's religion under the bus, in public, for a moment's acceptance by groypers," Levant wrote on X. Responding to Levant, Vance defended his position and said his marriage was built on "mutual respect, trust, and communication." He posted on X, saying, "What a disgusting comment, and it's hardly been the only one along these lines. First off, the question was from a person seemingly to my left, about my interfaith marriage. I'm a public figure, and people are curious, and I wasn't going to avoid the question. Second, my Christian faith tells me the Gospel is true and is good for human beings. My wife--as I said at the TPUSA--is the most amazing blessing I have in my life. She herself encouraged me to reengage with my faith many years ago. She is not a Christian and has no plans to convert, but like many people in an interfaith marriage--or any interfaith relationship--I hope she may one day see things as I do. Regardless, I'll continue to love and support her and talk to her about faith and life and everything else, because she's my wife. Third, posts like this wreak of anti-Christian bigotry. Yes, Christians have beliefs. And yes, those beliefs have many consequences, one of which is that we want to share them with other people. That is a completely normal thing, and anyone who's telling you otherwise has an agenda." (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Tuesday reported continued Chinese military activity around the island, with two Chinese aircraft and five PLAN vessels detected up until 6 am (local time). In a post on X, the ministry said, "2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 am (UTC+8) today. 2 out of 2 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1985512324531114091 The median line in the Taiwan Strait serves as an unofficial boundary between Taiwan and China, but Beijing has increasingly violated it in recent years as part of its pressure campaign against Taipei. A day earlier, on Monday, the MND reported that six PLA aircraft and five PLAN vessels were operating around Taiwan until 6 a.m. local time. "6 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 am (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 6 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded," the ministry said. The latest military movements come amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing continues to conduct near-daily operations around the self-ruled island. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump warned China against any military aggression toward Taiwan, saying Beijing "knows the consequences" of such an action. In an interview with CBS after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said, "You'll find out if it happens, and he understands the answer to that. This never even came up yesterday as a subject... he understands it very well." Trump declined to reveal his strategy on a potential Taiwan conflict and insisted China "understands what will happen" if it attempts any aggression. He added, "I can't give away my secrets. I don't want to be one of these guys who tells you exactly what's going to happen if something happens. The other side knows, but I'm not somebody that tells you everything because you're asking me a question, but they understand what's going to happen." Trump said Chinese officials avoided acting against Taiwan during his presidency claiming they knew the "consequences." Trump further stated, "He has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, we would never do anything while President Trump is president because they know the consequences." Over recent years, China has intensified its coercive tactics, conducting extensive military drills, sending warplanes near Taiwan's airspace almost daily, and heightening fears of a possible conflict in the Taiwan Strait, as highlighted by The Epoch Times. US intelligence assessments indicate that Xi Jinping has directed the Chinese military to prepare for a potential invasion by 2027. (ANI) Iran''s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that Iran cannot cooperate with the United States unless Washington stops supporting Israel, closes its military bases, and ends its interference in the Middle East, Times of Israel reported, citing local media. "The Americans sometimes say they would like to cooperate with Iran. Cooperation with Iran is not possible as long as the US continues to support the accursed Zionist regime, maintains military bases, and interferes in the region," Khamenei said. He added that cooperation could only be considered if the US completely gives up support for Israel, removes its military presence from the region, and stops meddling in Middle Eastern affairs. Khamenei also accused Washington of arrogance, saying, "The arrogant nature of the United States accepts nothing other than submission." His remarks came during a meeting with students in Tehran, held to mark the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy after Iran''s Islamic Revolution that overthrew the Western-backed Shah, as per Times of Israel. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, before the war, it had enriched uranium close to weapons-grade levels, raising concerns among other nations. Israel launched strikes claiming an "immediate existential threat," while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities and military bases. A ceasefire between the two countries has been in place since June 24. On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would rebuild its nuclear facilities "with greater strength" and repeated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Iran is "not in a hurry" to resume nuclear talks with the United States but is open to indirect negotiations if Washington approaches "from an equal position based on mutual interest." He also said that a "shared understanding" about Israel is developing among countries in the region. (ANI) Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav is scheduled to travel to Brazil for the COP to be held in Brazil on November 10. The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly referred to as COP30, is the annual meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. "Delegation is going to Brazil to attend the COP 30 conference. More than 190 countries will be participating in the COP 30 conference. The Indian delegation will discuss climate finance, Indicators Rationalise Adaptation, new technology, and other issues. An early Heads of State Summit is scheduled for November 6-7, 2025, to allow for focused high-level discussions and better organisation. All the countries' ambassadors will attend the pre-event," Union minister Bhupendra Yadav said. COP 30 conference will be held from November 10 to 21, 2025. It serves as the world's primary forum for international negotiations on addressing climate change, bringing together representatives from nearly 200 countries, along with scientists, NGOs, businesses, and civil society. This time, Brazil, specifically Belem in the state of Para, located at the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, will host the conference. The air quality in the national capital showed a slight improvement on Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 316. According to the sources, the Environment Ministry has been holding continuous meetings with the Union Agriculture Minister and with the Agriculture Ministers of the states surrounding Delhi. 980 industries were identified as causing significant pollution and have been banned. Villages have been identified for stubble burning, and 70% of the stubble has been burned so far. Green crackers were also used this time, yet the situation is better than before. The world is now beginning to accept the Panchamrit (five-pointed approach) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken about. Prime Minister Modi said that India wants to provide solutions to the world regarding the environment, not problems. India has been a strong voice for the Global South. India is a member of several global groupings, including the G20 and BRICS, and India has been speaking out in these groups as well. (ANI) Canada and Pakistan have agreed to facilitate the export of canola to Pakistan, the two countries announced in a joint statement issued late on Monday. The announcement comes as Canada seeks new markets for its canola after China imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian imports in August. This followed Canada's move last year to levy a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. According to the Pakistan-Canada joint statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on October 30, "reaffirming the strong and enduring ties between Pakistan and Canada and emphasising the importance of deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest." "Pakistan and Canada agreed to facilitate the export of Canadian canola to Pakistan, recognising the significant potential of Pakistan's expanding market for this Canadian commodity," the statement said. It added that both sides had acknowledged the benefits of renewed trade in the agricultural sector. The statement also highlighted the successful completion of the first round of negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. It said that the talks, led by Pakistan's Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, reflected "both countries' dedication to fostering a stable and transparent investment environment." "Both sides also expressed keen interest in expanding bilateral cooperation on energy security and critical minerals, recognising the strong and growing role of Canadian companies in achieving Pakistan's ambitious mineral development goals and harnessing its clean energy potential," the statement added. The ministers further looked ahead to the upcoming sixth round of bilateral consultations. The meeting would serve as a platform to "advance shared priorities, reinforce government-to-government and private sector linkages, and explore new avenues for strategic collaboration." "Pakistan and Canada remain committed to working together to promote peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth, both bilaterally and on the global stage," the statement concluded. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand also posted the joint statement on social media platform X, reiterating the renewed partnership. Canadian MP Rob Oliphant said that Ottawa was diversifying its trade relationships. "As we continue negotiations toward a Foreign Investment and Promotion Agreement with Pakistan, our governments have agreed to facilitate Canadian canola exports, a beneficial deal for both sides," he said. Another Canadian MP, Shafqat Ali, welcomed the development, saying that the two countries were "strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including renewed trade in Canadian canola." Earlier, Anand had thanked Ishaq Dar for facilitating market access for Canadian canola imports during their phone call last week. "Both leaders appreciated recent constructive engagements, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation," the Foreign Office said. Following the talks, Anand stated on X that she had spoken with the Canola Council of Canada and explained that "our diplomatic efforts had resulted in Pakistan's decision to lift restrictions on imports of Canadian canola." "This decision re-establishes a significant market for Canadian canola producers," she said. "As Pakistan expedites regulatory approvals for Canadian canola, I understand that import orders have already been placed." (ANI) Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Tuesday in Beijing, official media of both countries reported. Mishustin, who is on a two-day visit to China, held a bilateral meeting in the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital, Russian state media TASS said. The Russian Prime Minister was accompanied by a large delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, among others, who arrived in Hangzhou on Monday. The Chinese side was represented by its Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi, and others. Mishustin met with the Chinese Premier Li Qiang yesterday and as per China''s state media Xinhua, the two sides agreed that the strategic guidance of the two countries'' leaders offers political guarantees to relations and cooperation between Russia and China. "China is ready to consolidate the integration of development strategies with Russia, expand cooperation across the board and continuously develop Chinese-Russian relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in the new era and progress along the path of modernization together," Li stated as per TASS. Li made the remarks while co-chairing the 30th regular meeting of the Chinese and Russian heads of government in Hangzhou yesterday. The two leaders also proposed expanding cooperation mechanisms and increasing investment in bilateral cooperation. The Russian Prime Minister''s visit to China follows a bilateral meeting between Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea last week. Trump had described the talks with Xi as "amazing." CNN, in its reportage of the meeting, showcased photographs released by the White House of the meeting in which Xi is captured in a rare candid moment, appearing "to grin with his eyes shut, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi laughing by his side." After escalating trade tensions between the two countries over the past months, the US and China seemed to have reached a truce, with Trump reaching a one-year agreement with China on rare earth supplies, taking the overall tariff on Chinese goods down to 47 per cent. Meanwhile, a proposed meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest has not materialised after Trump, on October 23, announced that the summit would be postponed indefinitely, stating that he did not want a "wasted meeting." Putin, according to TASS, has indicated that the meeting in Budapest has more likely been postponed than cancelled. The Russian media outlet cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as stating that the focus should be on Ukraine settlement work, not on the Putin-Trump meeting. (ANI) Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada held a bilateral meeting with Romania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana-Silvia Toiu in Bucharest on Tuesday to discuss expanding trade, attracting investment, and strengthening resilient supply chains within the broader India-EU economic framework, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The meeting came as both countries sought to enhance economic cooperation within the ongoing India-EU trade dialogue. Both sides agreed to work towards concluding, within this year, a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), in line with the political direction set for the negotiations, the release stated. The ministers reviewed the steady trade and investment relationship between India and Romania. India's exports to Romania crossed USD 1.03 billion in FY 2024-25, while overall bilateral trade reached about USD 2.98 billion in FY 2023-24. To build on this growth, both sides agreed to deepen supply-chain linkages in priority sectors such as petroleum products, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and ceramics. They also discussed strengthening cooperation in standards, testing, and investment partnerships to enhance market access and promote diversified production. The release said both countries would work together to build stronger, more resilient supply chains as trusted partners, ensuring long-term stability and confidence for businesses in both nations. Building on the momentum of recent high-level exchanges between the leadership of India and Romania, the ministers agreed to maintain regular dialogues and follow-up actions on trade facilitation, investor outreach, and mobility initiatives. They decided to streamline procedures and develop a mobility toolkit to convert emerging opportunities into tangible results, the ministry added. The visit underscored a shared vision for a stronger India-Romania economic partnership--one that expands trade, widens investment flows, and creates new pathways for skills-based mobility to the mutual benefit of both economies, the release said. As part of his official visit to attend the 19th meeting of the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) between India and Romania, Prasada was received upon arrival at Henri Coanda International Airport by Secretary of State Gabriel Bogdan Stetco from the Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism, and Managing Director Sorin Mihai Toader from the Department of Foreign Trade, ARICE, according to the ministry's statement. During the visit, Prasada also held a substantive meeting with Petre-Florin Manole, Minister of Labour, Family, Youth, and Social Solidarity, to discuss collaboration on skills-based mobility. He highlighted that with over one billion people of working age and a median age of 29, India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030. Both sides noted Romania's annual requirement for approximately 100,000 non-EU workers and expressed readiness to create a pathway for about 30,000 skilled and aspirational Indian professionals each year, aligned with Romania's labour market needs. "As the fastest-growing large economy, India continues to contribute to global prosperity as a trusted partner for both developed and developing nations. He noted that India, as a rapidly expanding manufacturing and technology hub, hosts nearly 45 per cent of global capability centres and is investing heavily in frontier technologies. In this context, he underlined that stronger India-EU cooperation is more vital than ever in the evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic environment," the release said. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to building a strong mobility partnership between India and Romania, focused on promoting safe, orderly, and responsible migration of skilled professionals and enhancing labour market connectivity for mutual benefit. They also agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties through closer cooperation in higher education, research, innovation, and cultural exchanges--aimed at fostering talent circulation, supporting skills development, and investing in future generations. "The discussions covered cooperation in recruitment, language and vocational training, standardised employment contracts, and employer obligations, along with fast-track processing for verified employers. Both sides tasked officials to explore mutual recognition of qualifications. Recognising the importance of social security certainty, they also discussed the possibility of a Totalization (Social Security) Agreement," the release said. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to sustain the current momentum by activating enablers across key areas, expanding skills mobility, deepening knowledge exchange, engaging business communities, and reinforcing institutional frameworks. The ministry said these efforts will ensure that the India-Romania partnership remains integrated, resilient, and results-driven across trade, technology, and people-to-people cooperation. (ANI) Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has issued an unconditional apology for what he termed the party's "past mistakes," ahead of national elections in February, The Diplomat reported. Speaking to reporters in New York on October 22, Rahman said, "From 1947 to today (October 22), whoever has suffered because of us, we seek their forgiveness, unconditionally." However, critics argue that the apology lacks specificity and sincerity, as it does not explicitly acknowledge the party's complicity in the genocide and atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War. The apology does not clearly state what the party is apologising for, which leads to scepticism about its genuineness. "From 1947 to 2025, if on an unspecified day, an unspecified crime was committed," he said, "the apology was for that," added Rahman. Reiterating his statement at the same event, Rahman added, "From 1947 until this moment of October 22, 2025...it is now 8:11 pm in New York--for all the suffering caused by us, on whomever, wherever--we apologised unconditionally," The Daily Star reported. Notably, Jamaat-e-Islami collaborated with Pakistan during the Liberation War, and its leaders were involved in war crimes and human rights violations. Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and Razakar were associates of the Pakistani Army during the 1971 war. These were the militias that mercilessly killed freedom fighters, intellectuals, women, and ordinary people, and the Jamaat formed them, reported The Diplomat. Addressing longstanding calls for acknowledgement, Rahman said, "Some people said, even if you haven't committed any specific crime, your political decision was not acceptable. You could at least offer an apology." He also noted that Jamaat leaders had apologised before. "We had offered our apology at least three times. Professor Ghulam Azam apologised, Maulana Motiur Rahman apologised and I myself offered an apology," Rahman said. The party's attempt to seek forgiveness may be seen as a tactical move to revive its political fortunes ahead of the national elections. Referring to the recent release of party leader ATM Azharul Islam, he added, "Not only for 1971 but since 1947, if anyone had suffered or been harmed by Jamaat-e-Islami, I, on behalf of every individual and the organisation, offered an unconditional apology. Please forgive us." Acknowledging that political organisations are not immune to mistakes, Rahman said, "Out of 100 decisions, 99 might have been right, but one could be wrong. That one wrong decision might have harmed the nation. So, if any of my decisions caused harm to the nation, what was the problem in asking forgiveness for that?" Responding to criticism over his choice of words, he maintained, "After seeking forgiveness, some said it should not be in this language, or it should be in that language. I sought unconditional forgiveness, without any condition. What else was left?" He further stated that neither he nor his predecessors had ever claimed to be beyond reproach. "If any party claimed to be above mistakes, the nation would surely reject that. Why should our claim be accepted?" he said. Defending the intent behind his remarks, Rahman added, "For all the mistakes we had made, knowingly or unknowingly, we were grateful to those who corrected us. And to those who were harmed by our mistakes, we sought forgiveness from them. Was there anything more to say? This was very clear and loud." When an audience member suggested limiting the apology to 1971, Rahman replied, "Had we made mistakes only in 1971? Not at other times? And those who told us to apologise, were they angels? We didn't raise these questions about others because the more we raised issues from the past, the more the nation would be divided." Even today, countless families in Bangladesh carry the scars of 1971. It is said that millions of people were killed in that war. Notably, during Sheikh Hasina's tenure (2009-2024), the Jamaat-e-Islami's top leaders were tried and executed for war crimes, and the High Court canceled its registration. A ban was imposed on the party in the final days of Hasina's government. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5, 2024, the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami was lifted, allowing the party to resume its political activities. Since then, the party has been actively engaging in the political arena, including participating in student union elections and forming alliances with other Islamic parties. (ANI) North Korea fired multiple artillery rockets less than an hour prior to the visit by US defence chief Pete Hegseth to the Demilitarized Zone, separating it from South Korea, Seoul's military said on Tuesday. South Korean media Yonhap cited its Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) as saying that Pyongyang launched the rockets toward waters off the northern part of Yellow Sea also known as West Sea at around 4 pm on November 3 and that analysis of the weapons is being done. The news agency further said, North Korea had also fired "another 10 artillery rocket shells" at around 3 pm on November 1 when South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping held summit talks in Gyeongju during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Meanwhile, Hegseth, while addressing a press conference today alongside his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu-back, said that Washington will make interagency efforts "in a deliberate manner" to help fulfill a pledge by US President Donald Trump for South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines in a US shipyard. When asked about the possibility of the US forces stationed in South Korea being deployed in the event of a contingency in the Taiwan Strait, the Pentagon chief said the US will look at "flexibility" for US troops for regional contingencies and stressed the focus will remain on deterring North Korea. "We are focused on standing by our allies here in ensuring the threat of the DPRK is not a threat to the Republic of Korea and certainly continue to extend nuclear deterrence as we have before," he said, referring to North Korea by the acronym of its formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Yonhap reported. Hegseth and Ahn held their annual security talks- Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) today.South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had asked US President Trump during their APEC summit meeting last week to allow Seoul to secure nuclear fuel supplies for conventionally armed submarines to track North Korean and Chinese vessels better, saying it would ease the operational burden for US forces. Yonhap reported that Trump, in a social media post, said that he has given South Korea approval to build a nuclear-powered submarine (SSN)at a Philadelphia shipyard, run by South Korea's Hanwha Ocean. In a social media post on October 29, Trump declared that the South Korea-US alliance "is stronger than ever before and, based on that, I have given them approval to build a nuclear-powered submarine." In a separate post, Trump said, "South Korea will be building its Nuclear Powered Submarine in the Philadelphia Shipyards, right here in the good ol' U.S.A." Meanwhile, Yonhap reported today that Pyongynag had in October fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles, just about a week before US President Donald Trump was set to visit South Korea for the APEC gathering. Hegseth had accompanied by South Korea's Defence minister Ahn Gyu-back had visited Camp Bonifas within the DMZ yesterday. Seoul state media cited the JCS as saying, "Our military is closely monitoring North Korea's various activities under a steadfast South Korea-US combined defence posture and maintains capabilities and a posture capable of overwhelmingly responding to any threat." After his visit to the heavily fortified border separating the two Koreas, Hegseth had taken to X to post, "I visited the DMZ with my ROK counterpart, Minister Ahn, to meet the brave troops of the U.S., ROK, and UN Command that maintain the military armistice on the Peninsula. Our forces remain ready to support President Trump's efforts to bring lasting peace through strength." (ANI) The Embassy of India in Mongolia has extended swift assistance to passengers of Air India Flight AI 174, which made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar International Airport on Sunday evening. The Embassy further informed that Air India has dispatched a recovery aircraft from India, which is expected to arrive in Ulaanbaatar by Monday evening. "Air India has informed that the recovery Aircraft from India is likely to arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia by this evening (04 Nov 2025) and the passengers will return to India tonight itself," it said. According to a post on X by the Embassy of India in Mongolia, "On 03 November 2025, Air India Flight AI 174, operating from San Francisco to New Delhi via Kolkata, made a precautionary landing at around 1959 hrs at Ulaanbaatar International Airport in Mongolia." https://x.com/IndiainMongolia/status/1985587649688768730 The Embassy said, "On receipt of information from Air India, one hour prior to the landing, a team of Embassy officials were immediately deputed at the Airport to facilitate immigration and hotel stay of the 228 passengers plus crew members." "With the assistance of the Embassy Consular team, all immigration & visa facilitation, transportation, hotel accommodation, etc. was arranged in coordination with the Mongolian Authorities. The passengers are being looked after," the post added. Earlier, Air India had stated that its San Francisco-Delhi flight made the precautionary landing after the flight crew detected a potential technical issue while en route to India. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that it was working closely with partners to support passengers and ensure their early return. Passengers of the flight to New Delhi via Kolkata were disembarked and provided hotel accommodation after immigration procedures, the airline said in a separate statement. In a post on X, Air India said, "AI174 of 02 November 2025, operating from San Francisco to Delhi had made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar International Airport in Mongolia. With the help of our partners and local authorities, Air India has extended immediate assistance to the passengers. They were served meals on board and have been disembarked. Hotel arrangements have been made for their stay after clearing immigration procedures at the airport, while Air India makes alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination, Delhi, at the earliest." The airline added, "Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience to passengers arising from this unforeseen diversion, which was undertaken in the interest of safety. Every effort is being made to minimise the inconvenience." Reiterating its commitment to safety, Air India said the aircraft made the landing after the crew suspected a technical snag. "AI174 of 02 November, operating from San Francisco to Delhi via Kolkata, made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, after the flight crew suspected a technical issue en route. The aircraft landed safely at Ulaanbaatar and is undergoing the necessary checks. We are working closely with our partners to support all passengers while we make efforts to get everyone on their way to the destination at the earliest opportunity. We regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the unforeseen situation. At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew remains a top priority," the airline said. The Embassy assured that it is "extending all possible assistance to the passengers and Air India." Earlier, on October 17, an Air India flight was cancelled due to a technical issue. Subsequently, on October 19, the airline operated an additional flight from Milan to Delhi to accommodate affected passengers. (ANI) Members of the UK Parliament have submitted an Early Day Motion (EDM) expressing deep concern over recent credible reports of serious human rights abuses in Balochistan. The motion referred to reports that on the night of 28 October 2025, security forces identified as the Frontier Corps allegedly raided the home of Shafi Muhammad in Panjgur. Several family members, including Nazia Shafi, were reportedly abducted and subjected to violence during the raid, resulting in Nazia's death from severe injuries. It also highlighted a reported aerial attack on the same day in the Chiltan Hills near Quetta, where six young people on a picnic were injured. Additionally, the motion expressed concern over an alleged aerial strike on 5 October 2025 in the Moola Pass area of Charhi, Zehri region, which reportedly killed six civilians, including four children, and injured three others. UK parliamentarians strongly condemned all acts of violence against civilians and called for thorough and transparent investigations into these incidents. The motion urged the UK Government to raise these concerns with Pakistani authorities through diplomatic and international channels. It also seeks clarification on whether any UK-supplied military aircraft, drones, or related equipment provided to Pakistan are subject to export licensing conditions, and whether adequate monitoring systems are in place to ensure they are not used in operations that could violate international human rights or humanitarian law. Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by area, has long experienced political unrest and human rights concerns. Ethnic Baloch groups have protested against perceived marginalisation, exploitation of natural resources, and military operations targeting separatist insurgents. Reports frequently cite enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and attacks on civilians. International observers and human rights organisations have repeatedly highlighted these issues, calling for accountability, protection of civilian populations, and respect for human rights under both national and international law. (ANI) An Indian Air Force flight dispatched from India on Tuesday to deliver 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid for the hurricane-hit Jamaica and Cuba, External Affairs Minister (MEA) S Jaishankar said. Sharing the details in a post on X, the EAM said that the relief material includes Aarogya Maitri BHISHM Cube, rehabilitation support items, food & daily utilities, medicines, medical equipment, power generators, shelter support and hygiene kits. "Despatched 20 tonnes each of HADR relief materials for Jamaica and Cuba in the aftermath of #HurricaneMelissa. @IAF_MCC flight carrying aid including Aarogya Maitri BHISHM Cube, rehabilitation support items, food & daily utilities, medicines, medical equipment, power generators, shelter support and hygiene kits has departed from New Delhi today. India stands with our Global South partners in the face of such natural disasters and will assist our friends in recovery and reconstruction," he wrote. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1985643661716001250 Hurricane Melissa has left at least 50 people dead in the Caribbean as it finally moves away after devastating communities in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise further, Al Jazeera reported. According to Al Jazeera, the hurricane struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction. More than 60 per cent of the island remains without power, and nearly half of the water systems are offline. Jamaica's Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said that while 19 deaths have been confirmed, credible reports suggest up to five additional fatalities may be identified. Cuba reported no deaths as of Friday but faced severe flooding after more than 735,000 people were evacuated from the eastern part of the island. The Cauto River overflowed, forcing emergency workers to conduct rescues using boats and military vehicles in waist-deep floodwaters. Some areas received up to 380mm (15 inches) of rainfall, as reported by Al Jazeera. Experts have said that Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the region, was made four times more likely by human-induced climate change, according to a study by Imperial College London, as reported by Al Jazeera. (ANI) Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar paid floral tributes at the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk on Tuesday, as a part of his three-day visit to India. In January 2018, then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Teen Murti as the first stop of his visit to India. The Chowk was renamed as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk during his visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Netanyahu had attended the ceremony to mark the formal renaming of the iconic Teen Murti Chowk as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk on January 14, 2018. The two leaders had laid wreaths and paid tribute at the Chowk. PM Modi then renamed the memorial "Teen Murti Haifa Chowk", a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made and the laurels won by India's brave hearts in the campaign. The three bronze statues at Teen Murti represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur, and Mysore Lancers, who were part of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade and liberated the fortified city of Haifa on September 23, 1918, during World War I. Earlier today, during the bilateral meeting between India and Israel, an MoU on Training between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, MEA and the Israeli Foreign Ministry was also exchanged. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday hailed the meeting with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, where the two leaders discussed strengthening the strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment towards all forms and manifestations of terrorism. He wrote on X, "An excellent meeting with FM @gidonsaar of Israel today in New Delhi. Productive discussions on strengthening our Strategic Partnership across various domains. Reaffirmed our zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Appreciate FM Sa'ar sharing the Israeli perspective on developments in the region, the Gaza Peace Plan and efforts to build a durable and lasting solution. Also exchanged views on our cooperation in multilateral fora. And witnessed the exchange of MoU on Training between @SSIFS_MEA and @IsraelMFA". Jaishankar had reaffirmed India's strong ties with Israel, calling the relationship one built on "a high degree of trust and reliability" while expressing support for the Gaza Peace Plan during his meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in the national capital. Earlier in the day, while welcoming Sa'ar on his first official visit to India, Jaishankar highlighted the depth of bilateral relations and said, "India and Israel have a strategic partnership and particularly in our case, that term has a real meaning. We have stood together in testing times. And we have created a relationship with a high degree of trust and of reliability." (ANI) Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met National Security Advisor (NSA) Doval in New Delhi on Tuesday, and the two leaders discussed cooperation in tackling common challenges, with a special focus on counterterrorism. In a post on X, Sa'ar said, "Honored to meet the National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval, in New Delhi. We discussed ways to cooperate and confront our common challenges, especially the mutual threat of terror. We're building a long-term strategic partnership between Israel and India!" https://x.com/gidonsaar/status/1985681775721611671 Earlier in the day, Sa'ar paid floral tributes at the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk as part of his three-day visit to India. India and Israel also exchanged an MoU on Training between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, MEA and the Israeli Foreign Ministry. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday hailed the meeting with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, where the two leaders discussed strengthening the strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment towards all forms and manifestations of terrorism. At the bilateral meeting between them, S Jaishankar emphasised the shared concerns on global security and stated, "Our two nations face a particular challenge from terrorism. It is essential that we work towards ensuring a global approach of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations." Jaishankar had reaffirmed India's strong ties with Israel, calling the relationship one built on "a high degree of trust and reliability" while expressing support for the Gaza Peace Plan during his meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in the national capital. Earlier in the day, while welcoming Sa'ar on his first official visit to India, Jaishankar highlighted the depth of bilateral relations and said, "India and Israel have a strategic partnership and particularly in our case, that term has a real meaning. We have stood together in testing times. And we have created a relationship with a high degree of trust and of reliability." (ANI) Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, on his first visit to India, has described the country as a "global superpower" and said that Israel's goal is to build a long-term strategic partnership with New Delhi. He made the remarks during his meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in the national capital on Tuesday. "I believe that India is the future. I told you that. India is the world's largest democracy and the fastest growing economy. India is a global superpower. Israel is a regional powerhouse. Our nations already share a warm friendship. Our goal is to build a long-term strategic partnership between Israel and India," Sa'ar said. He thanked Jaishankar for the warm hospitality and expressed appreciation for the solidarity with Israel. "We remember that he was the first world leader to call Prime Minister Netanyahu after Hamas October 7 massacre, and we won't forget it," he said. Condemning the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Sa'ar highlighted the shared threat of terrorism faced by both nations. "Radical terror is a mutual threat to Israel and India. We strongly condemn the horrific terror attack in Pargham. In the Middle East, Israel faces a unique phenomenon which I call terror states. The radical terror states of Hamas in Gaza, hezbollah in Lebanon, and Houthis in Yemen have established themselves over the past decades. Uprooting them is necessary for the security and stability of our region." Speaking on the Gaza situation, he said, "The eradication of Hamas' terror state is at the heart of President Trump's plan. Hamas must be disarmed. Gaza must be demilitarized. We will not compromise on it." Sa'ar also expressed optimism about future regional partnerships. "Israel supports regional connectivity projects such as I2U2 and IMEEC. We want to promote connectivity between South Asia, West Asia, and Europe," he said, thanking Jaishankar for his friendship in his concluding remarks. EAM Jaishankar hailed the meeting with his Israeli counterpart, where the two leaders discussed strengthening the strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment towards all forms and manifestations of terrorism. "An excellent meeting with FM @gidonsaar of Israel today in New Delhi. Productive discussions on strengthening our Strategic Partnership across various domains. Reaffirmed our zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Appreciate FM Sa'ar sharing the Israeli perspective on developments in the region, the Gaza Peace Plan and efforts to build a durable and lasting solution. Also exchanged views on our cooperation in multilateral fora. And witnessed the exchange of MoU on Training between @SSIFS_MEA and @IsraelMFA," Jaishankar wrote in a post on X. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's strong ties with Israel, describing the relationship as one built on "a high degree of trust and reliability" and expressing support for the Gaza Peace Plan. As part of his three-day visit, Saar also paid floral tributes at Teen Murti Haifa Chowk and met National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. The two leaders discussed cooperation in tackling common challenges, with a special focus on counterterrorism. In a post on X, Sa'ar said, "Honored to meet the National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval, in New Delhi. We discussed ways to cooperate and confront our common challenges, especially the mutual threat of terror. We're building a long-term strategic partnership between Israel and India!" Earlier, welcoming Sa'ar on his first official visit, Jaishankar noted, "India and Israel have a strategic partnership and particularly in our case, that term has a real meaning. We have stood together in testing times. And we have created a relationship with a high degree of trust and of reliability." India and Israel signed a bilateral investment agreement in September this year. The Agreement is expected to pave the way for increased bilateral investments between the two countries, which presently stands at a total of USD 800 million, benefiting businesses and economies in both countries. (ANI) Calling the fishermen issue between India and Sri Lanka a "very important" and long-standing one, Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has said that both countries must cooperate to establish a proper, workable framework guided by international law to address the matter. "The fishing issue is very important. The two countries must cooperate and establish a proper, workable framework -- one that is based on fact and substance," Premadasa said in a reply to a question by ANI at an event titled 'India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Relations' here. "There are international laws and regulations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) concerning the continental shelf and high seas, which must be respected. It is important to ensure that illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing is addressed in line with these legal prescriptions," he added. Acknowledging the livelihood concerns of fishermen, Premadasa said both governments must ensure that income-generation activities withstand the test of law. "We understand that this involves the livelihood of households, but it is equally important to ensure that all such income-generation methods are lawful. Rather than operating without a clear and permanent framework, both sides should work together toward a lasting solution," he said. His remarks come amid continued tensions between the two nations over fishermen from Tamil Nadu entering Sri Lankan waters near Katchatheevu, often resulting in arrests and maritime boundary disputes. Earlier, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, after meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month, described the issue as a "sensitive one" and said both countries would continue discussions to find a practical solution. "We need to protect the livelihoods of our fishermen as well, but we understand that it's a sensitive issue, and we will continue to talk about it," Amarasuriya said. The fishermen issue remains one of the most contentious aspects of India-Sri Lanka relations, with Sri Lankan Navy personnel in the past accused of firing at Indian fishermen and seizing their boats over alleged illegal entry into the island nation's territorial waters. The Palk Strait, a narrow strip of water separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing ground for fishermen from both countries. (ANI) Ariana Grande is "beyond devastated" to be missing the Wicked: For Good premiere in Brazil due to flight issues Ariana Grande won't be at the Wicked: For Good premiere in Brazil The 32-year-old actress - who is reprising her whole as Glinda the Good Witch in the musical blockbuster - was due to be in Sao Paulo on Tuesday (04.11.25) for the sequel's screening, but issues with her flight mean she won't make it. In the early hours of the morning, she wrote on Instagram: "Brazil, "I can't believe this is happening and I am beyond devastated to be sending this message. "A few hours ago, my team and I had to deplane our flight, as they had to do maintenance on the plane due to a safety issue and it will not be taking off until 11am tomorrow which means that I would not be making it in time for the Wicked For Good Sao Paulo premiere." The actress and pop star insisted her own team and Universal "have tried every single thing possible to fix this", to no avail. She continued: "We've searched every other flight, overnight, early morning, connecting flights, commercial and also private options and absolutely nothing was available or possible that would get us there in time. "Even in attempting a private option, there is a permit necessary in order to fly from here that takes time to attain." Ariana urged her fans to pass on their love to her "incredible castmates" as she apologised for the situation. She added: "I am so heartbroken that I'm unable to be there with you all. We sincerely tried everything we could and I apologised from the bottom of my heart. "Please shower my incredible castmates with all of the love that I wish I could be showering you with and have the most beautiful celebration. "And again, I am so, so very sorry." Ariana recently admitted she almost quit music after 2020's Positions before filming 2024's Wicked and rediscovering her "spark" for writing and singing. Appearing on Shut Up Evan with Evan Ross Katz, she said: [Playing Glinda] has done so much for Ariana. It has totally rearranged everything about my relationship to creating, you know. I didnt think I was going to make an album ever again when I left for London. That was kind of my secret, but I didnt think I was going to, you know. The Thank U, Next hitmaker says Glinda's strong "self-belief" inspired her return to music, which came last year with Eternal Sunshine. She continued: So I learned a lot from her as a character who learns so much over the course of these two films and has to look at herself in the mirror constantly and sort of peel away at the pieces of her that dont feel aligned. So I do think that I was kind of forced to do that alongside her. A merger of nine parties, including the CPN-Maoist Centre, is set to take place on Wednesday to form the "Nepali Communist Party" with the approaching March election after the Gen-Z revolution in the Himalayan Nation. The CPN-Maoist Center led by former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" held the final meeting of the General Convention Organizing Committee on Tuesday. Addressing the final meeting, Narayankaji Shrestha, the Vice-Chair of the party, claimed that the Gen-Z protest had become a call for the party to come together under a single umbrella. "It is also our agenda- good governance, political stability and prosperity, which also relates to the Gen-Z (revolution). Addressing and anticipating their demand as we move forward, we are forerunning in the path of development, the election should be held on the announced date, we have been voicing for it. We have felt threatened to our national sovereignty, constitution and our democracy, we need to be more cautious while taking the steps forward," Shrestha said. Senior leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha explained that the broad left unity aims to fulfil the national responsibilities of ensuring economic prosperity, good governance, and controlling corruption. He stressed that restructuring and polarisation within the communist movement are essential and that bringing all patriotic forces together is now inevitable. "While we were working to bring the changes in the nation, at the right time, this new political scenario developed, and now we are at a new juncture in time, making another historic move. Our party the Communist Party of Nepal- Maoist Center, CPN- Unified Socialist and other seven parties, we are forming a new unified party. A total of 9 new parties have signed onto the document, giving a new avenue to the Nepali communist movement for which agreement has been struck," Shrestha, also the former Home and Foreign Affairs minister, said. The merger announcement scheduled for Wednesday includes the Maoist Centre, CPN (Unified Socialist), Nepal Samajbadi Party, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, CPN (Maoist Socialist), CPN (Samyabadi), and other left factions. As per the leaders, the guiding principle of the new party will be Marxism-Leninism, while the political program will focus on scientific socialism with Nepali characteristics. The joint meeting of all participating central committees will finalise the party declaration, interim statute, and central leadership structure. The new party has agreed to adopt a five-pointed star as its election symbol. Unification amongst the communist parties ahead of the elections is not new in Nepal. After the September uprising of the Gen-Z, then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was deposed from the post. At least 72 people were killed in two days of bloodshed, which threw Oli off the post as premier. The Himalayan Nation, after five days of deliberation and debate, appointed Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the interim Prime Minister, who recommended dissolving the parliament and is mandated to conduct the election on March 5, 2026. (ANI) Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar concluded his maiden visit to India on Tuesday, which saw wide-ranging discussions on areas such as security, agriculture, trade and investment, defence and emerging technologies, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. In an official statement, the MEA said, "Gideon Sa'ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, paid a two-day visit to India. This is his first visit to India as Foreign Minister. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in New Delhi today. The Ministers held productive and detailed discussions encompassing the entire spectrum of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership. They also reviewed the ongoing cooperation in domains including political, security, agriculture, trade and investment, defence and people-to-people ties, as well as critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, cyber security and AI." The statement highlighted that on the shared challenge of terrorism, both Ministers reaffirmed ensuring a global approach of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar shared Israel's perspective and views on developments in West Asia and the Gulf. EAM expressed India's support for the Gaza Peace Plan, welcomed the return of hostages and expressed hope that the Peace Plan paves the way for a durable and lasting solution. The statement noted that both Ministers also discussed other global developments and furthering cooperation in multilateral fora. EAM and FM Sa'ar witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding on training between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel. During his visit to India, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also held a meeting with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and paid a visit to the Haifa Chowk Memorial. (ANI) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has published new guidance and best practices aimed at intensifying global efforts to recover criminal assets. Figures released by Interpol and the UNODC suggest that only a very low percentage of criminal assets are confiscated. FATF's assessments show that more than 80 per cent of jurisdictions are operating at low or moderate levels of effectiveness in asset recovery. In response, the FATF has released a comprehensive Asset Recovery Guidance and Best Practices, recognising that depriving criminals of their gains is as important as prosecuting them. Removing the financial motivation for crime is seen as critical to disrupting and deterring criminal organisations, terrorists, and scammers around the world. The guidance covers key topics, from modern financial investigations and swiftly securing assets to safeguarding rights and compensating victims with recovered funds, FATF said. FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo said, "Recovering criminal assets is not an afterthought -- it has a real impact on lives around the world and demonstrates that justice systems work. This detailed guidance equips countries to act faster, search further, and think bigger when it comes to asset recovery. We must send a clear message: crime will not pay." The guidance includes more than 85 real-world case examples and recovery techniques contributed by experts across the FATF Global Network, covering all phases of the investigative and legal process, the inter-governmental body said. In the United States, blockchain analysis, helping investigators trace over USD 400 million in illicit transactions, was admitted as reliable evidence in court. In another case, a fund created from confiscated assets helped more than 40,000 victims recover 91 per cent of their losses, FATF said . In Switzerland, the confiscation of over CHF 313 million was ordered, and a multi-stakeholder fund was created to benefit the population impacted by crimes related to large-scale corruption. In Mongolia, income from a confiscated London apartment is funding an orphanage that serves more than 300 children. The guidance will help countries implement major revisions to FATF's 2023 Recommendations, providing a more robust toolkit to recover illicit proceeds and partner in the global fight against money laundering and other serious crimes. Designed for both policymakers and practitioners, the handbook offers guidance to increase understanding and uptake of the new standards, support implementation through practical tips and cutting-edge techniques, and improve overall confiscation results. There are eight chapters targeted at different audiences, including policymakers, law enforcement, prosecutorial and judicial authorities, justice or foreign affairs ministries, and asset managers. Trainers, technical assistance providers, the private sector, and civil society can all use the guidance to contribute to asset recovery efforts. The FATF requires jurisdictions to make asset recovery a policy and operational priority and is calling on them to use the new guidance to safeguard the integrity of the global financial system and improve outcomes for victims and communities. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday met Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in New Delhi and reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's progress and development under its "Neighbourhood First" policy. "Pleased to meet Leader of Opposition @sajithpremadasa of Sri Lanka. Discussed India-Sri Lanka relations and our Neighbourhood First policy. India will always be supportive of progress and development in Sri Lanka," Jaishankar said in a post on X after the meeting. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1985697414544863489 Earlier in the day, Premadasa attended a talk at Sapru House, organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), where he addressed key aspects of India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations, including the long-standing fishermen issue. Calling the fishermen issue between India and Sri Lanka a "very important" and long-standing one, Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has said that both countries must cooperate to establish a proper, workable framework guided by international law to address the matter. "The fishing issue is very important. The two countries must cooperate and establish a proper, workable framework -- one that is based on fact and substance," Premadasa said in a reply to a question by ANI at an event titled 'India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Relations' here. "There are international laws and regulations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) concerning the continental shelf and high seas, which must be respected. It is important to ensure that illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing is addressed in line with these legal prescriptions," he added. Acknowledging the livelihood concerns of fishermen, Premadasa said both governments must ensure that income-generation activities withstand the test of law. "We understand that this involves the livelihood of households, but it is equally important to ensure that all such income-generation methods are lawful. Rather than operating without a clear and permanent framework, both sides should work together toward a lasting solution," he said. His remarks come amid continued tensions between the two nations over fishermen from Tamil Nadu entering Sri Lankan waters near Katchatheevu, often resulting in arrests and maritime boundary disputes. Earlier, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, after meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month, described the issue as a "sensitive one" and said both countries would continue discussions to find a practical solution. "We need to protect the livelihoods of our fishermen as well, but we understand that it's a sensitive issue, and we will continue to talk about it," Amarasuriya said. The fishermen issue remains one of the most contentious aspects of India-Sri Lanka relations, with Sri Lankan Navy personnel in the past accused of firing at Indian fishermen and seizing their boats over alleged illegal entry into the island nation's territorial waters. The Palk Strait, a narrow strip of water separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing ground for fishermen from both countries. (ANI) The meeting took place alongside the 17th Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Singh and Director General of Israel's Ministry of Defence Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram. During the meeting, India and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation to provide a unified vision and policy framework for deepening bilateral defence collaboration, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Tuesday. In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence said, "Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh called on Israeli Defence Minister Mr. Israel Katz and briefed him on the key outcomes of the Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting, aimed at further strengthening the robust and enduring defence cooperation between India and Israel." The MoU outlines a wide range of areas for cooperation, including strategic dialogues, training, defence industrial partnerships, and capability development. It also focuses on Science and Technology, Research and Development, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. According to the ministry, the agreement will promote co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies and strengthen joint innovation between Indian and Israeli defence industries. The JWG reviewed ongoing projects and agreed that both nations have benefited from each other's strengths in defence innovation and operational capability. The two sides discussed the potential areas for future collaboration in the field of technology as well as enhancing operational capabilities. They also deliberated on various issues, including shared challenges of terrorism and underscored their collective resolve to fight against the threat. India and Israel reaffirmed their shared commitment to fight terrorism and strengthen cooperation to address mutual security concerns. India-Israel defence partnership is long-standing, based on deep mutual trust and shared security interests, the Ministry added. (ANI) HYOGO, Nov 04 (News On Japan) - A police officer responding to a traffic accident in Hyogo Prefecture died after falling from a bridge on November 3rd in Nishinomiya City, with authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to police, at around 8:40 a.m. in Nishinomiya, a male inspector assigned to the Nishinomiya Police Station was handling a traffic accident scene on a national highway when he apparently attempted to retrieve paperwork that had been blown away by strong wind, climbed over the guardrail of a bridge approximately 14 meters high, and accidentally fell. The inspector had been at the scene since around 8:30 a.m., and after falling, was rescued by firefighters about 30 minutes later and transported to a hospital, but he suffered severe bodily trauma and was confirmed dead. The location is roughly 400 meters south of JR Nishinomiya Station, and police are continuing to examine the details leading up to the fall. Source: ABCTVnews NARA, Nov 04 (News On Japan) - The Tenpyo Procession, in which participants don splendid period costumes and visit Todaiji Temple, was held in Nara on November 3rd. The event commemorates Emperor Shomu, who commissioned the construction of the Great Buddha, and Empress Komyo, known for her devotion to Buddhism. Departing from JR Nara Station at 1 p.m., the parade made its way along Sanjo Street toward the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji. Centered around figures representing the emperor and empress, the procession featured approximately 120 participants including court nobles, scholars, and guards, all moving gracefully through the streets. Crowds of tourists gathered along the route and at Todaiji Temple, taking photos and admiring the majestic, almost theatrical scene. "It was my first time seeing such a grand parade up close. It was truly impressive," said one visitor, smiling as she watched the colorful spectacle unfold. Source: NEWS King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, inaugurated on Monday Mohammed VI International University Hospital Complex of Rabat and ordered the opening of the Agadir University Hospital. These two large hospital facilities will help improve medical care in Morocco, generate thousands of direct & indirect jobs and contribute to economic and social development at both regional and national levels. The Mohammed VI International University Hospital Complex of Rabat, established by the Mohammed VI Foundation and Sciences and Health, will provides all citizens equitable access to next-generation healthcare services, with a hospital facility that integrates the most advanced medical innovations built against a university facility of reference and research. It shows the key role attached by the Sovereign to human resources training in this vital sector, as well as His determination to grant them high-quality training, in line with the scientific and technological developments as regards treatment, prevention, management and healthcare governance, in accordance with international standards. Built over 280,000 m surface area, the Complex includes two complementary facilities: The Mohammed VI International University Hospital of Rabat (190,000 m) in addition to the Mohammed VI University of Science and Health (90,000 m). With an initial capacity hosting 600 beds, extensible to 1000, the Mohammed VI University Hospital-Rabat englobes more than 30 medical surgical and medical technical poles of excellence, covering specialties such as robotic surgery, neurosurgery, interventional cardiology, oncology, radiotherapy, as well as cutting-edge imaging. This hospital has more than 24 ultramodern operating rooms, including 19 concentrated within an integrated operating unit, with a global 3,400 m area, including hybrid and robotic rooms, as well as 143 intensive care beds, including 30 neonatal incubators. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including PET-MRI, a first in Morocco and Africa, combined with PET-SCAN for high-precision diagnosis. It is also equipped with 3T Omega MRI, the Ethos Hypersight radiotherapy system, a robotic hospital pharmacy, and a simulation center. Among the innovative services, it is worth mentioning the burn unit and the hyperbaric and hypobaric oxygen therapy service -the only service of this kind in Morocco intended for advanced medical treatments and physiological research. In addition, the Complex has the first laboratory platform fully automated in Africa, covering all stages of chemical analysis, immunology and hematology, from preanalysis, analysis and postanalysis. It has the only anatomical pathology digitalized lab in Morocco, offering traceability and high precision diagnosis. The Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health-Rabat has 15 lecture halls with a total capacity of 4,000, 72 classrooms, and 217 rooms for practical and supervised work. With a capacity of up to 8,000 students, this educational facility has several faculties and schools: Mohammed VI Faculty of Medicine Rabat, Mohammed VI Faculty of Dentistry, Mohammed VI Faculty of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI School of Veterinary Medicine, Mohammed VI Higher School of Health Sciences, Mohammed VI Faculty of Nursing Sciences and Health Professions. An international medical simulation center complements this system, providing students with hands-on training in an environment that simulates real-life professional conditions. The Mohammed VI University Hospital Center of Agadir was built on a 30-hectare site (127,000 m indoors), located near the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy. It has total capacity of 867 beds, includes several poles (mother-and-child, medical-surgical, radiology, cardiology, etc.), a central operating block (19 rooms), additional rooms for emergencies ( 5 rooms) and for burn victims, a laboratory, a central pharmacy, and an integrated training and simulation system. Agadir CHU is the first facility in Africa to integrate surgical robot Revo I, allowing minimally invasive interventions with micrometric precision, high definition 3D vision and providing unprecedented operational comfort for surgeons and patients. With two cardiac catheterization rooms and intensive care units equipped with multi-parameter monitors, the cardiology pole of the new CHU ensures the full care of patients with coronary illnesses and heart arrhythmia. The equipment, which complies with international standards, enables angioplasty, electrophysiology exploration, and high-resolution intravascular imaging to be performed. The Mohammed VI University Hospital of Agadir is equipped with a full sterilization Center (washer-disinfectors, saturated steam autoclaves, and automated packaging areas ensuring the traceability of instruments), as well as a central pharmacy with a medication dispensing robot, guaranteeing secure preparation and automated delivery to hospital departments, a first in the region. As a next-generation reference hospital, this project, which will benefit around 3 million people, will contribute to the development of hospital infrastructure in the Souss-Massa region and to strengthening healthcare services, bringing them closer to citizens who will no longer need to travel to other cities for complex surgeries or certain difficult pathologies. Kim Kardashian has no idea what a jacket potato is. Kim Kardashian has no idea what a jacket potato is The 45-year-old reality TV star was left visibly confused when asked about the British food staple during a radio interview that left her co-star Sarah Paulson, 50, in stitches. Their exchange took place on Capital Radio, where the pair were being interviewed by internet personality Margie, better known as Grime Gran, as part of the press tour for their new Hulu legal drama Alls Fair. Grime Gran, an 89-year-old interviewer from East London who became an online sensation for her chats with grime artists, quizzed Kim on her views about a British classic the baked potato, known in the UK as a jacket potato. What followed was a moment of complete cultural misunderstanding. And youre a big fan of jacket potato aint ya? Grime Gran asked. Sarah immediately burst out laughing as Kim looked bewildered, replying: Who? Grime Gran repeated her question: Do you like a jacket potato? What is that? Kim asked, visibly confused. Sarah added: I really want to know if you like a jacket potato. Kim continued: I dont know what that is, prompting Sarah to admit: I dont know what a jacket potato is. Totally surprised, Grime Gran responded: You dont know what a jacket potato is?! Sarah asked again: What is a jacket potato? to which Grime Gran explained: Its potato cooked in the skin. Kim replied with relief: Oh I love that, yeah. Grime Gran continued the conversation, asking: Whats your filling? Sarah turned to Kim, prompting her to elaborate. Kim said: Sour cream and butter... and bacon bits. Grime Gran replied approvingly: Oh sour cream and butter. Oh lovely. Youre making me feel hungry. The light-hearted exchange quickly spread on social media, with listeners amused by the transatlantic confusion between the American star and the East London interviewer. The appearance came shortly after Kim shared a series of photos from her younger sister Kendall Jenners 30th birthday celebration. Posting on Instagram, she revealed the family had marked the milestone with a tropical getaway. Sharing a picture of herself posing with Kendall, Kim wrote: Happy 30th Birthday @kendalljenner may this decade bring you the kind of love and joy you so freely give to everyone else. (White heart emoji.) I love you more than youll ever understand! Heres to 30 Kenny. Kendall wore a revealing halter crop top and patterned skirt, while Kim contrasted her in a brown off-the-shoulder dress made of shredded strands. Their sisters Kylie Jenner and Khloe Kardashian joined their mother Kris Jenner at the celebration, all wearing glamorous outfits. From left: Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania; Senator Cory Booker, New Jersey; Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan; Governor J. B. Pritzker, Illinois; and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York. Photo: AP (Matt Rourke/Shapiro, J. Scott Applewhite/Booker, Jose Juarez/Whitmer); AFP (Kamil Krzaczynski/Pritzker; Brendan Smialowski/Ocasio-Cortez) This article was featured in New Yorks One Great Story newsletter. Sign up here. The first scandal of the 2028 presidential campaign arrived in the form of an October surprise just three Octobers earlier than usual. Heres what happened: Sometime last year (his office wont say precisely when) in a Las Vegas casino (his office wont say exactly which one), Illinois governor and billionaire heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune J. B. Pritzker spent the night playing cards. He had asked his staff if gambling on his vacation might be a bad look for a sitting governor. His concerns were allayed. Who would know let alone care? Then the governor went on a blackjack heater and won $1.4 million. The windfall, reported in Pritzkers financial-disclosure filings, raised a lot of questions. Does Pritzker have a gambling problem? How would his hobby affect his position on the growing scourge of legalized betting? And could his winnings a drop in the bucket for him foster the perception that hes an out-of-touch fat cat? Governor, a journalist called out during a press conference in Chicago in October, are you concerned that AOC or another potential rival in a presidential primary could use the capital gains, the gambling winnings, against you for fodder in a campaign? No, he said. I think people know when I got elected, and have known for some time, that Ive been very fortunate in my life. For good measure, he added, Right now, Im focused on running for reelection as governor. Thats the only thing Im focused on politically. Are we getting a little ahead of ourselves here? Yes, we are 36 months away from an election that no one has technically entered, but its nevertheless starting to take shape. Demoralized, wildly unpopular, and with no clear party leader, Democrats are desperate to get things going. And it looks to be a wide-open contest. I think there will be 20 to 25 candidates running, and I think 19 to 24 of them will be men, one top Democratic strategist told me. Its going to be totally nauseating to see all of these people fall over themselves to have their own podcasts. Jesse Lehrich, a former Hillary Clinton campaign staffer, has been following the podcast primary, listening to an estimated 50 hours of audio per week (at 2.5x speed) for the Big, Beautiful 2028 Tracker in his newsletter, Nobodys Listening. The shadow primary began pretty much by Inauguration Day, he told me. Democrats with a national profile and some without one have already begun reaching out to potential staffers. I got a call from Wes Moores team asking if Id be interested in working on his 2026 reelection campaign with a wink, wink about possibly staying on beyond in case theres a more competitive race in the future, one Democratic operative told me. Moore, the Maryland governor, has said he has no intention of running, but like a bunch of other ambitious Democrats, he has a habit of popping up in important primary states such as South Carolina. Arizona senator Ruben Gallego, the pugnacious former Marine with working-class bona fides, went to the Iowa State Fair in August to partake in the time-honored traditions of manning the grill at the pork-producers tent and parrying countless questions about his presidential aspirations. The times Ive been very successful have been when I moved faster than everybody else, he said a few weeks later in New Hampshire, the former longtime home to the first Democratic presidential primary. No one seems to be moving quicker than Ro Khanna, the lefty representative from California who has spent so much time in New Hampshire over the past few years that hes jokingly referred to as the states fifth delegate to the U.S. Congress. I get texts from him, one Granite State Democrat told me, and I barely know him. In fact, being barely known is probably the thing Khanna is best known for. As expected, Ro Khanna is annoyed I put Chris Van Hollen on my list of intriguing 2028 candidates and not him, a pollster texted me, referring to the Maryland senator who has been outspoken in his criticisms of Israels war in Gaza. When reached for comment, Khanna said his text to the pollster was meant to be lighthearted. He added, The grass roots is sick of the consultant class leaking private conversations for their own notoriety and trying to anoint candidates. Khanna has already started approaching possible hires for a would-be campaign team. We should have a strong progressive candidate in 2028 in the field, and, sure, there are conversations about that that Ive been part of, Khanna told me. Democratic fundraising has been moribund ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, but theres a belief that donors are more than ready to start giving for 2028. Everyone wants to get this started because they are scared shitless about whats going on in the country right now and they want a hero, said Rufus Gifford, who recently served as the finance chair for the Kamala HarrisTim Walz campaign. Theres a sense that what a prospective candidate does now, even at this extremely early and seemingly premature juncture, matters. The prevailing thought among many political operatives is that it may be way too early to win an election but its not too early to lose one. Pritzkers million-dollar jackpot is undoubtedly being filed away for further use by his opponents, even as the governor has burnished his reputation as an antagonist of Donald Trump by standing up to the presidents attempts to flood Chicago with federal troops. If you come for my people, you come through me, Pritzker has said, seemingly a surefire way to get attention and win the affection of Democratic voters. Authoritarians will take every moment to lock down their authority and control, and if you do not push back, the noose will get tighter and tighter, he told me when we spoke in his office 16 floors above downtown Chicago in October. What Im doing comes naturally to me. Maybe another way to say it is I cant help myself. Pete Buttigieg; Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland; Gov. Gavin Newsom, California; Kamala Harris, and Sen. Chris Murphy, Connecticut. Photo: Carlos Bernate/Bloomberg (Buttigieg); AP PHOTO ( Jose Juarez/Whitmer); Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images (Newsom); Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images (Murphy); Paul W. Gillespie/The Capital Gazette (Moore) The 2028 Democratic primary feels up for grabs because of voter disgust with the Establishment. One thing Ive seen as I look at focus groups and polling: They are so pissed off about what happened in 2024, Lis Smith, who helped run Pete Buttigiegs 2020 campaign, told me. So pissed off about Joe Biden, pissed off about the gerontocracy. They just want new blood. Its a little awkward, then, that one of the technical front-runners, according to polls that dont really mean anything, is Bidens vice-president, Kamala Harris. After Harris was defeated last November, she promised her outgoing staff that she would not go quietly into the night. There were basically three options open to her: run for governor of California, run for president again, or leave her career in public service. In the summer, she ruled out a run for governor. Since then, she has published an account of her short presidential run, 107 Days, and toured the country to trash Trump and promote her book, which blames her loss, in part, on shortsighted aides in Bidenworld. As far as Harriss team is concerned, its been a smashing success adoring crowds at her events, a runaway best seller. Some people have said I was the most qualified candidate to ever run for president, she exclaimed when she came through Washington, D.C. If Kamala decides to run, she will certainly have a lot of Democratic support, and I think she will easily be someone everyone will want to sit down with again in a period thats not just 107 days, Robert Wolf, a venture capitalist and Democratic donor, told me. Other Democratic insiders, however, disagree and are worried Harris is drawing precisely the wrong lesson from the lines she sees snaking around the block. Shes irrelevant, said a Democratic consultant who has worked multiple presidential campaigns. She couldnt raise money to run for president. She couldnt put the organization together. It would be a complete and utter disaster. Her devastating loss to Trump and her inextricable link to the ever-unpopular Biden administration would haunt another campaign. But who can stop her? Recently, she loudly hinted that she might run again, telling the BBC, I am not done. Axios reported that key members of her former campaign team, including top strategist Ace Smith and campaign manager Juan Rodriguez, are now working for California governor Gavin Newsom and are expected to stay on if he runs in 2028. By all accounts, Newsom has all-caps tweeted himself into the early pole position in the primary imitating Trumps trollish style of politics while spearheading a campaign to redistrict his state in an effort to both counter the GOPs extreme gerrymandering and help win back the House. Hes no Trump, Steve Bannon told Politico, but he looks like the only person in the Democratic Party who is organizing a fight that they feel they can win. Newsoms redistricting ballot initiative, Proposition 50, is polling very well. People associated with other potential 2028 candidates can sound envious when they talk about Newsoms situation. Proposition 50 is both a local issue and a national one, giving Newsom a fight in his own backyard that resonates with the rest of the country. Plus it allows him to have a spring-training-like campaign, to get his reps in ahead of the real thing. One operative compared the campaign to the situation Newsom found himself in in 2021, when California voted to have a recall election. The governor ran a successful campaign that seemed only to make his operation stronger. Theres the Gavin Newsom machine pre-recall and post-recall, the operative said. He was able to build this quite powerful, tremendous list and base of support after the recall because it was the biggest thing going on. They are very clearly running the same play, which I think is very smart. Still, Newsom has plenty of personal baggage, including being previously married to Donald Trump Jr.s ex-girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle and having had an affair with his thencampaign managers wife. And with his slicked-back hair and expensive dining habits, he can give off the impression that hes the person in the nascent primary who comes from generational wealth. If you put Newsom and Pritzker together on a stage, said Andrew Mamo, a veteran of the Buttigieg presidential campaign, which one would most people assume is the billionaire? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has kept mum about whether she might run for president or the Senate, but she has been making appearances across the country with both the hot new politician of the moment, Zohran Mamdani, and the last Democratic presidential candidate people still seem to like, Bernie Sanders, on his Fighting Oligarchy tour. Insiders told me Ocasio-Cortez is pretty much the one person in Democratic politics who can afford to enter the race as late as she wants. If she decides to do it, she will have no problem raising money or hiring staff, one person close to her told me. Also, unlike the 2020 cycle, in which most candidates raced to the left, Ocasio-Cortez is the dominant figure in that lane this time around, potentially leaving a bunch of white moderate-coded men to battle among themselves. In that group is former Transportation secretary Buttigieg, who has plenty of time during his moment of fun-employment to stump for fellow Democrats and appear on television constantly. The downside to having free time is that Buttigieg may be the highest-rated presidential prospect without a vehicle for his political project. And yet, more than most potential candidates, he does have the bones of a seasoned presidential-campaign team-in-waiting, including Lis Smith, Mamo, and former Biden spokesman Chris Meagher. Buttigieg is one of the best communicators and fundraisers in the party: During the first half of the year, his leadership PAC raked in $1.6 million, putting him in the upper echelon of possible 2028 contenders. However, like Harris, he risks being dragged down by his ties to the Biden administration and is perhaps seen as too close to an Obama style of politics that is being contested in the furor of this anti-Establishment moment. He also seems to have almost no support from Black voters. Pritzker is in the white-guy lane as well. Speculation about his ambitions has been fueled not only by his battle with Trump and his likely immense war chest but by his noticeably shrinking waistline. Ive probably lost, I dont know, a thousand pounds in my life and gained it all back, Pritzker told me. And nobody asked me before if I was running for president, but people claim now, somehow, thats why Im losing the weight. Former Jeb Bush aide Tim Miller has gone so far as to caution Pritzker about letting his suits get too baggy, an issue that plagued Millers former boss on the campaign trail. Pritzker has also been popping up in politically important states other than his own: as a top donor to the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, a keynote speaker at a recent dinner in Georgia, and a fiery speaker at a fundraiser in New Hampshire, where he raged against simpering timidity from members of his party. Its time to fight everywhere and all at once, he said. Yet too much attention too early can backfire. I find Newsoms and Pritzkers daily antics obscene. I think theyve become SNL skits, said a top party consultant. The way to run for president is to get shit done in their day job, and theyve abdicated that. The former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel last seen defending his decision to delay the release of footage that captured police brutality has made it no secret that hes testing the waters. He has been spotted in Silicon Valley meeting with possible donors, setting himself up as an anti-woke crusader who can speak the tech bros language and take on the progressive wing of his party. (Hes a bit behind the others, said one Democratic operative. Because he doesnt have long relationships out there.) Meanwhile, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut has grown a beard, tacked left, and spent a lot of time talking about ways to bring lonely and disenfranchised men back into the fold. I think hes having a midlife crisis, one Democratic strategist said. Mamo told me being new is a crucial quality. Candidates who have been around too long may have what he calls the Cory Booker Problem. When Booker ran for the Senate in 2013, he was the hottest thing in Democratic politics. But when he ran for president in 2020, the biography of this Rhodes Scholar turned mayor of Newark didnt hit the same way. His story wasnt any less compelling; it was just that it had been told before and everyone had seen that movie, Mamo said. (N.B.: Booker hard-launched the news of his engagement to his girlfriend on Instagram in September and will be in New Hampshire later this month.) There are potential top-tier candidates like Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro (who is facing a difficult reelection battle) and Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer (who has to see out her final term) who are reluctant to show signs of higher aspirations at the moment but will likely leap to the peak of the prediction markets soon. Mark Cuban has been publicly and privately telling people that hes not going to run for president, but he or some other outsider candidate could jump in and shake up the race (although a Washington Post analysis showed that Newsoms podcast has way more listeners than that of Stephen A. Smith, the perennial option in the nonpolitician category). And the midterms could create stars not yet on anyones radar. We cant talk about 2028 in a real way until we see what happens in 2026, said Rebecca Katz, the founding partner of consulting group Fight Agency. Also, and this is important, we dont know what the state of the country will be in a year. These are not normal times, and its really fucking hard to predict the future. On the donor front, its easiest for those who have a reason to ask for money right now. Doors open quickly for Shapiro. Same with Moore in Maryland, who has a strong foothold among Wall Street donors from his time running the anti-poverty Robin Hood Foundation. Megadonors like Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, former Sequoia Capital venture capitalist Michael Moritz, and Cargill heiress Gwendolyn Sontheim have given to Newsoms congressional-redistricting effort in California. Its notable, though, who has not donated, one Democratic operative with ties to the fundraising world told me. The list of California donors who didnt give is a lot longer than the list of who did. (The holdouts include LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, Emerson Collective founder Laurene Powell Jobs, and producer Jeffrey Katzenberg.) They think its a sign that Newsom hasnt come close to locking up the donor world even in his own state. In my mind, people are kind of going too hard, too fast, too early; peoples attention spans are a split second to begin with, said Gifford, Harriss former finance chair. The last thing you want to do is peak in 2025. Still, Gifford told me he wants to help candidates raise money and build networks to get their messages out. In early October, he organized a group of potential donors to meet with Kentucky governor Andy Beshear in the Amalgamated Bank offices in downtown Boston. Beshear was in New England for a swing through you guessed it New Hampshire, where I watched him deliver what constituted his version of a stump speech at various house parties hosted by state legislators. Beshear has garnered attention as a possible presidential candidate mostly based on the fact that he has won twice in a state Trump won by 30 points in the last election. He preaches a politics of pragmatism. We need to spend 80 percent of our time focusing on issues that matter to 100 percent of Americans, he said at each stop. He can give off a Mister Rogers vibe. I remain optimistic because being pessimistic never helped me solve a problem, Beshear told me when I asked if he was worried about the fate of American democracy. By next years midterms, Beshear will be the head of the Democratic Governors Association, a job that has already given him the perfect excuse to start traveling the country and meeting with donors. He has enlisted media-consulting help from a strategist who has worked for Ocasio-Cortez as well as the Biden and Harris campaigns. The son of a governor with a beautiful family, a well-behaved dog, and John Edwardswithoutthewhiffofsexscandal looks, Beshear is so good on paper that Vogue has already featured him in a glossy photo spread. He kind of brings us back to a Bill Clinton type, said Wolf, the Democratic donor. If after four years of Trump, the country decides it wants to elect his exact opposite, Beshear will have a very good case to make. Or voters might feel he has come off the line at the presidential-bobblehead factory a trinket from a bygone era. Does he have the fire in the belly thats needed right now? asked Adam Carlson, a Democratic pollster. You cant just brush off the shit thats going on right now. It might work in a general election, but it wont work in a primary. Gifford, who was impressed with Beshear in Boston, didnt seem particularly concerned about the governors relatively low profile. I wouldnt want to be anyones default choice yet, he said. People may tire of you. China's continued stockpiling, rather than a rebound in fuel demand, has supported international oil prices in the $60-$70 a barrel range, despite concerns about the economy and increased supply from other exporters. These massive reserves are expected to soften the impact of global oil supply disruptions, including those caused by U.S. sanctions on major Russian oil producers like Rosneft and Lukoil. China has significantly increased its crude oil stockpiles in 2025, accumulating an estimated 1.2 billion to 1.3 billion barrels in strategic and commercial reserves. Chinas accelerated crude stock builds in 2025 may come in handy at the end of this year as global oil flows are being redirected again in the wake of the U.S. sanctions on Russias top oil firms. China, the biggest buyer of Russian crude, has a cushion to soften the blow from the sanctions, although its unlikely it would halt its imports from Russia. But the stockpiles in China, estimated at between 1.2 billion and 1.3 billion barrels in strategic and commercial reserves, have put a floor under oil prices in recent months, despite fears of an imminent glut. The reserves China has amassed so far this year could offset short-term supply disruptions, analysts say, as the U.S. sanctions target the two biggest oil producers in Russia, Rosneft and Lukoil. Chinas current strategic petroleum reserve and commercial stocks already provide a meaningful buffer against short-term supply disruptions, Kelly Xu, a commodity and energy strategist at Alpine Macro, told The Wall Street Journal. During the first nine months of 2025, China boosted average crude oil imports by 2.6% from a year earlier, despite lackluster fuel demand and forecasts that gasoline and diesel demand is peaking. Chinas crude stockpiling has supported international oil prices into the $60-$70 a barrel range, despite trade wars, concerns about the economy, and soaring supply from both OPEC+ and non-OPEC+ exporters. Unlike the United States, China does not report inventories. Analysts are looking at overall supply (domestic production plus imports) and refinery processing rates to estimate how much crude is going into strategic or commercial reserves and how much is being processed into fuels. After a slow start to the year, China began boosting its crude oil imports in March-April and has kept elevated import levels since then. The key driver has been crude stockpiling, not a major rebound in demand, according to analysts. Higher Chinese purchases have helped support oil prices despite the OPEC+ production hikes and persistent concerns about the growth rate of global oil demand amid inconsistent U.S. trade policies and tariffs. From March onwards, we started to see a very impressive rate of stockpiling, like close to one million barrels per day, Frederic Lasserre, global head of research and analysis at commodity trading giant Gunvor, told the audience of the APPEC 2025 conference in Singapore in September. China will continue amassing crude oil in strategic and commercial reserves well into 2026, according to Lasserre and other analysts. With limited storage capacity available in the countrys strategic petroleum reserves (SPR), oil companies are now mandated to increase oil stocks at their own commercial storage facilities, effectively positioning the private firms as long-term strategic storage partners for the government, Toril Bosoni, Head of Oil Industry and Markets Division at the IEA, wrote in a commentary on the global oil overhang. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) also sees Chinas stockpiling as supporting international crude oil prices. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here The EIA estimates crude oil inventories in China increased by about 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) between January and August this year, essentially acting as a source of demand by removing barrels from the global markets. Although our estimates are based on limited information, they support the idea that inventory growth in China was not available for trade on the global market, supporting crude oil prices, the EIA said last month. As another major oil-flow disruption hit the global oil market with the U.S. sanctions on Russian firms, Chinas stockpiling could offset imminent spikes in oil prices while traders and refiners scramble to assess the impact of the sanctions. Chinese state-owned oil giants Sinopec, PetroChina, and CNOOC have reportedly suspended purchases of Russian oil, at least in the short term, until the sanctions situation and implications become clearer. But independent refiners are likely to continue seeking Russian crude, although they will surely be more careful, analysts say. The massive stockpiles of crude in China could soften the short-term supply shock and cap oil price gains even if the sanctions come into effect on November 21 as planned. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com OPEC+ has failed to spark an oil price rally with its commitment to halt production hikes in the first quarter of 2026, as fears of a supply glut continue to weigh on both Brent and WTI. - OPEC+ surprised oil markets by announcing a pause in its scheduled return of voluntary cuts throughout Q1 2026, having agreed on a minor 137,000 b/d increase for December 2025. - According to media reports, Russia was the largest proponent of the temporary supply hike pause, giving OPEC+ more time to assess the impact of sanctions on Russian crude production. - Whilst Saudi Arabia was the main driver behind triple monthly increases earlier this year, it supported Russias motion for 2026, arguing that Q1 will see notable inventory builds across the globe and there would be little incentive to worsen the glut. - OPEC+ countries have collectively boosted their quotas by 2.9 million b/d this year to date, half of the oil groups total 5.85 million b/d voluntary cuts. - In real terms, however, OPEC+ boosted production by only 70-75% of their respective targets as many analysts argue these volumes were already in the market, largely unaccounted for. Market Movers - UK oil major BP (NYSE:BP) has agreed to sell minority stakes in its US onshore pipeline assets in the Permian and Eagle Ford basins to investment firm Sixth Street for $1.5 billion, under pressure from activist investors to divest. - US oil major Chevron (NYSE:CVX) has signed a deal with Guinea Bissau to explore two offshore blocks in the African countrys offshore sector, taking a 90% working interest in both with national oil company Petroguin holding the remaining 10%. - Latin America-focused upstream firm Geopark (NYSE:GPRK) has rejected an unsolicited acquisition proposal from peer producer Parex Resources in a deal worth almost $1 billion, building up an 11.8% position in the company before. - Italys energy major ENI (BIT:ENI) has signed a deal to assess five offshore oil and gas blocks in Sierra Leone, a West African country that is still yet to see a commercially viable discovery despite its proximity to Ivory Coast and Ghana. - Libya's National Oil Company announced a new oil discovery in the Ghadames Basin in the northwestern part of the country, with its H1-NC4 exploration well producing almost 5,000 b/d. Tuesday, November 04, 2025 OPEC+ paying heed to 2026 oversupply concerns did relatively little to wake up crude oil prices from their week-long slumber, seeing ICE Brent flat around $65 per barrel. Top oil executives meeting in Abu Dhabi this week tried to boost market sentiment, repeating all over that next years oil glut will not be as bad as thought, however an upside rally is only likely to materialize if the US-Venezuela tensions escalate into military action. OPEC+ to Halt Output Hikes in 2026. Eight members of OPEC+ agreed to increase collective output targets in December by another 137,000 b/d, as well as to pause the monthly hikes in the first quarter of 2026, citing seasonality in stock builds and a weak demand outlook in the short term. ADNOC and SLB Roll Out AI System to Optimize Oil Production. ADNOC has partnered with SLB and Cognite to deploy AiPSO, an AI-powered platform designed to optimize oil production across all 25 of its fields by 2027. Already active at eight sites, the system integrates SLBs Lumi platform and Cognite Data Fusion to analyze millions of real-time data points, enabling engineers to diagnose and optimize wells in minutes. Argentina Boosts Its LNG Portfolio. Argentinas state oil firm YPF (NYSE:YPF) signed a deal with Italys ENI and ADNOCs investment arm XRG to build a 12 mtpa LNG export facility at a port in the Patagonian province of Rio Negro, with gas to be sourced from the Vaca Muerta shale play. Brazil Production Hits a New Record. Brazils pre-salt crude production is booming, as confirmed by September output statistics from the countrys regulator ANP that show production at 3.91 million b/d last month, up 13% from a year prior, with the Tupi field producing a whopping 820,000 b/d. Permian Consolidation Is Still Not Over. US shale producers SM Energy (NYSE:SM) and Civitas Resources (NYSE:CIVI) agreed to a $12.8 billion merger to create one of the largest Permian-focused independent upstream firms in the country, holding a total of 823,000 net acres across the US. Qatar Flaunts 2026 Expansion Start. The chief executive of QatarEnergy Saad al-Kaabi announced that the companys large-scale North Field expansion project will produce its first LNG in the second half of 2026, adding 49 mtpa of liquefaction capacity to the countrys currently operational 77 mtpa. Ukraine Strikes Russias Black Sea Port. Ukraine drone strikes have damaged oil terminal infrastructure in Russias Black Sea port of Tuapse, loading on average 240-250,000 b/d of refined products, with an oil product tanker docked in the port also catching fire from falling debris. Venezuelan Exports Shrink on Diluent Dearth. Venezuelas oil exports dipped by 26% month-over-month to 808,000 b/d in October as shrinking inventories of much-needed diluents restricted heavy crude upgrading, with Chevron shipping 16% of total outflows (equivalent to 128,000 b/d). Glencore Shuts Canadas Key Smelter. Mining giant Glencore (LON:GLEN) is planning to shutter its Horne smelter, Canadas largest copper-producing plant, due to a long-standing lawsuit over arsenic emissions in Quebec and more than $200 million required to modernize it to keep it operational. rsted Divests Key Asset. Denmark's embattled wind developer rsted (COP:ORSTED) sold a 50% stake in Britain's Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm to US investment firm Apollo Global Management for $6.1 billion, a record sum for a wind project, seeking to avoid a crippling credit rating downgrade. Pakistan Cuts Down on LNG Deals. Pakistan has agreed to cancel 21 LNG cargoes in 2026-2027 under its long-term deal with Italy's ENI (BIT:ENI), also launching talks with QatarEnergy to defer term cargoes or potentially even resell them as gas demand continues to plunge in the country. Iraq Bans Fuel Imports. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani has signed a decree suspending the country's gasoline, diesel and kerosene imports as domestic refining production is now exceeding local consumption, having imported only 20,000 b/d of gasoline in October 2025. LNG Freight Rates Soar Again. Tight availability of LNG carriers in the Atlantic Basin has pushed daily freight rates in the region to their highest since August 2024, trending around $61,500 per day, whilst ample supplies across the Asian markets kept freight there much lower, at $42,250 per day. Stakeholders Urge Rio to Derail Teck-Anglo Merger. Activist fund Pallister Capital has urged Australias mining giant Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) to challenge Tecks 53 billion merger with Anglo American, with one month left until the Anglo Teck shareholder vote planned for December 9. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The Wests push to rebuild its influence in the Middle Easts geographical and geopolitical heartland of Mesopotamia entered a new phase in recent months, with many major U.S. and European oil and gas majors returning to Iraq after a long hiatus. The key aim is to break the longstanding link between it and Iran, which has long held sway over its neighbour through its multiple political, economic, and military proxies. By doing this, the West hopes to tilt the balance of influence across the region back towards it and away from China and Russia, who exercise a similar influence over Iran as they do over Iraq. In the zero-sum game of Middle Eastern geopolitics, this would mean the West maintaining the edge over the East in terms of control over the worlds largest combined oil and gas resources, and the physical land gateway between the two blocs of global power. That said, given the Wests history in the Middle East most notably with its military incursions into Iraq enjoying the tacit backing of other Middle Eastern countries in these efforts is seen as crucial to the chances of success. This is where the United Aran Emirates (UAE) comes into the equation. Within the past couple of weeks, UAE-based firms Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum announced the beginning of gas sales from the Khor Mor gas expansion project in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) in the countrys north. The two companies are the largest shareholders in the Pearl Petroleum consortium with a 35% stake each, with the remainder consisting of 10% each for Austrias OMV, Hungarys MOL, and Germanys RWE. In addition to the Kho Mor, the consortium operates the Chemchemal gas field in the KRI, too. The onset of commercial gas sales marks the completion eight months ahead of schedule of the Khor Mor sites KM250 project, which adds 250 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) of new capacity, boosting the gas fields total output to 750 MMscf/d, according to the firms. The KM250 facility will also produce 7,000 barrels per day of condensate and 460 tonnes per day of liquefied petroleum gas, augmenting the previous respective output of 15,200 barrels and 1,070 tonnes. Operated by Pearl Petroleum, the Khor Mor site currently meets around 80% of the KRIs power needs. The US$1.1 billion financing for the Kor Mor expansion project came from the UAEs Bank of Sharjah, Pearl Petroleums US$350-million bond, and the U.S. Development Finance Corporation. Just a day before the Khor Mor announcement, the Oil Ministry of the Federal Government of Iraq (FGI) in the south received senior figures from the UAEs Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to discuss strengthening cooperation and exploring investment opportunities in the countrys oil and gas sector. ADNOC stated that it was interested in developing projects across exploration, production, refining, and petrochemicals. Crescent Petroleum signed three 20-year contracts to oil and gas fields in Diyala province (the Gilabat-Qumar field and the Khashim Ahmer-Injana field) and in Basra province (the Khider Al-Mai block). Boosting the KRIs gas (and oil) output is a key component in the Wests strategy to pull the FGI in Baghdad closer to a model of greater cooperation with the semi-autonomous KRI with which Washington and London have long maintained strong connections, as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. In basic terms, they want the Kurdistan Region to terminate all links with Chinese, Russian, and Iranian companies connected to its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps over the long term. The U.S. and Israel also have a further strategic interest in utilising the Kurdistan Region as a base for ongoing monitoring operations against Iran. This is the exact opposite of the strategic intentions of China and Russia, as was relayed to OilPrice.com some time ago by a senior energy source who works closely with Irans Petroleum Ministry. He said: By keeping the West out of energy deals in Iraq, the end of Western hegemony in the Middle East will become the decisive chapter in the Wests final demise. There have been three broad phases in the superpower battle in Iraq since the U.S. military incursion into Iraq began in 2003. First, U.S. oil and gas firms and many from Europe invested heavily across the country to cement the Wests on-the-ground influence there. Aside from the huge sums of money involved, oil and gas firms are legally entitled to secure their operating facilities in any way they see fit, provided this is agreed to by the indigenous government. Such measures can include the permanent stationing of as many security personnel as the companies think are necessary, and the build-out of major infrastructure projects to support the oil and gas producing sites. Chinese and Russian firms were also present in Iraq north and south during this period, but initially trod carefully, given the ongoing U.S. and allied presence across the country. This was particularly true in Chinas case, which preferred for a long period to take on multiple work-only contracts on oil and gas fields rather than higher profile exploration and development projects, as also detailed in my latest book. The second phase saw a gearing up of activity by China and Russia after the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018, as it allowed Tehran to dramatically expand its influence again across its neighbour. Over the same period, multiple Western firms left Iraq due to this creeping influence and rising corruption across the countrys oil and gas sector. And the third phase began with the second presidential term of Donald Trump. Broadly speaking, his if youre not our friend, youre our enemy approach appears to have brought renewed clarity to the global geopolitical outlook of many Middle Eastern countries. Crucially for Washington, this appears to include the UAE, which had proved a constant concern for the administration of former President Joe Biden. As highlighted by OilPrice.com over the years, this included the discovery in late 2021 that China was secretly building a suspected military facility inside the UAEs Khalifa Port. Just a few months later came the haughty refusal of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to take an urgent phone call in early March 2022 from Biden as he sought help to deal with rising oil prices after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As of now, a Washington-based senior source who works closely with the U.S. Treasury Department exclusively told OilPrice.com recently, all indications are that the UAE is more willing to cooperate in a manner consistent with Trumps original relationship normalisation model for key Middle Eastern countries. This saw the UAE become the first country to sign an Abraham Accord with Israel on 13 August 2020. Not only is this stance a key benefit for the Wests strategy to expand its influence across the Middle East, but it is also extremely important in Washingtons efforts to position India as a political and economic counterpoint to China in the Asia-Pacific region as well. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com In Tashkents ongoing effort to find a path to a seaport and expand global trade options, representatives of the state company Uzbekistan Railways have engaged a Pakistani logistics firm to establish a multimodal route connecting Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The October 30 talks involving Uzbekistan Railways and Islamabad-based SLG Trax Group discussed in detail the feasibility of a secure and reliable freight rail line connecting the two countries via Afghanistan, according to a report published by the Uzbek government-connected UzDaily news outlet. The two sides also mulled cargo rates for the multimodal transportation of goods. Although the meeting did not yield a formal deal or memorandum of understanding, the parties agreed on the development of multimodal services using routes through third countries and on the development of unified approaches in this area, according to the UzDaily report. A next step would seem to be engaging Afghan authorities in the process. Earlier this year, Uzbek officials explored the possibility of using the Iranian port of Chabahar as an export outlet. Questions about the possible US sanctioning of the port appeared to give Tashkent second thoughts about Chabahars viability. But on October 30, India, which has an investment agreement with Iran covering port operations, announced the United States had granted a six-month waiver of sanctions for Chabahar. A rail link connecting Uzbekistan and Pakistan via Afghanistan could provide a boost for US and EU efforts to open up imports of critical minerals, a stated aim of both the Trump administration and the EU Commission. A key port facility in Pakistan at Gwadar is controlled by China. By Eurasianet More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The U.S. shale oil and gas boom that began early this century had enormous geopolitical implications. Without it, the U.S. would have become increasingly dependent upon imports to meet energy needs, and prices would have undoubtedly been higher. In fact, in the years leading up to the shale revolution, natural gas prices spiked, and oil prices rose above $100 a barrel. But the ensuing surge of oil and natural gas production in the U.S. would subsequently turn the U.S. into the worlds largest oil and gas producer. This weakened OPECs control of the global oil markets, and the U.S. would go on to become the worlds largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. But shale oil and gas resources are not limited to the U.S. The map below from the Energy Information Administration shows how widely dispersed these resources are around the globe. As the U.S. shale revolution matures and its growth shows signs of plateauing, energy markets are increasingly evaluating which countries might follow the path of the U.S. Several countries are positioning themselves for a shale boom, with profound implications for energy security, geopolitical leverage, and investment opportunity. Argentina: The Next Big Thing Consider Vaca Muertaa formation that until recently was more promise than production. Located in the Neuquen Basin of northern Patagonia, Argentinas unconventional play is now showing commercial traction. According to the EIA, the technically recoverable resource in the basin is approximately 16 billion barrels of oil and 308 trillion cubic feet of gas. In 2024 the basins oil output rose by 27% and gas went up by 23% year-over-year. Major players such as YPF, Chevron, and Shell are deeply engaged. Chevron, for instance, has publicly stated that Vaca Muerta is one of the worlds most significant unconventional oil reservesand has committed to raising its output to 30,000 barrels per day by year-end 2025. Of course, Argentina faces classical shale hurdlesregulatory and fiscal uncertainty, high well costs, water logistics, and infrastructure bottlenecks. But the upward momentum is real. In short, Vaca Muerta is the first non-U.S. basin showing credible scale and investment depth. China: A Silent Giant With Massive Potential Then theres China, which holds the largest technically recoverable shale gas reserves in the world, centered in the Sichuan Basin. While development has been slowdue to complex geology, difficult access, and water constraintsChina is deploying digital drilling, horizontal wells, and hydraulic stimulations to accelerate progress. If successful, Chinas shale gas push could reshape the regions LNG flows and reduce coal dependence. While less flashy than Argentinas oil surge, Chinas potential lies in scale and transformative impact: a domestic shift that would ripple through global energy trade. Success there could upend global LNG markets, reduce Asian coal demand, and strengthen Chinas energy independence. Saudi Arabia: Shale for Strategic Gas The third major narrative is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Saudi Aramcos unconventional pivot. The Jafurah Basin has been described as the jewel of our unconventional gas program, with roughly 229 trillion cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion barrels of condensate-in-place. First production is scheduled for 2025, with target sales of 2 billion cubic feet per day by 2030. Why does this matter? Because Saudi Arabia is transitioning from oil-fired domestic power toward gas-fueled industrial capacity, freeing up crude for export and reducing the carbon intensity of its own economy. From an investor perspective, the project signals that shalein this case gas-rich shaleis becoming strategic infrastructure, not just exploration hype. Other Contenders Beyond those three, several other countries warrant attention: Russia has immense shale oil and gas potentialsecond in shale oil only to the United States by some estimates but development remains limited. With abundant and lower-cost conventional reserves, Moscow has little economic motivation to invest heavily in shale technologies, especially under Western sanctions that restrict access to advanced drilling equipment. Canada, particularly Alberta and British Columbia, continues to invest in unconventional gas and liquids plays albeit at a slower growth pace. Australia has geological promise (Cooper and Canning Basins) but remains held back by environmental and regulatory hurdles. Mexico holds enormous potential yet faces a maze of infrastructure and regulatory challenges. Colombia is advancing pilot projects in the Magdalena Valley, with state oil company Ecopetrol exploring shale oil opportunities despite social and legal hurdles. India has begun assessing shale prospects in the Cambay and Krishna-Godavari basins, though high population density and complex land rules present major challenges. United Arab Emirates is investing in unconventional gas fields in the Al Dhafra region as part of its goal to achieve gas self-sufficiency by 2030. South Africa continues to study the Karoo Basins large shale gas potential, but environmental concerns and water scarcity remain significant barriers. The United Kingdom has rich shale gas resources in the Bowland Basin, yet strong public opposition and a government moratorium have frozen activity. What Investors Should Watch While the U.S. remains the benchmark for shale efficiency and scale, these overseas plays offer differentiated opportunities. As other countries develop their shale resources, keep tabs on: Infrastructure build-out: pipelines, export terminals, rig count, and logistics. Export capacity development: LNG terminals, oil export pipelines, and geopolitical off-take capacity. Domestic policy shifts: regulatory stability, fiscal regime, water access, and environmental licensing. State-backed partnerships: Many of these plays are not entirely private-sector. National oil companies, sovereign funds, and strategic infrastructure arms are key players. The Bottom Line Although the shale story in the U.S. isnt over, its on the cusp of entering a new phase. But the next wave may not come from tight oil in Texas. Instead, it may arise in Argentina, China, and Saudi Arabia. For investors and energy strategists alike, the global unconventional plays offer a different set of risksand potentially outsized rewards. The Permian remains the center of the shale boom for now. But the frontier is shifting, the players are changing, and the global scale of unconventional oil and gas demand is only growing. By Robert Rapier More Top Reads From Oilprice.com OPEC+ is expected to resume accelerating its unwind from spring 2026 to reclaim market share, with a potential policy reversal only if Brent oil prices consistently drop below $55. HSBC forecasts that OPEC+ will increase its output more rapidly in late 2026, even after a planned pause in the first quarter of 2026. HSBC is sticking with the bear case on balances, saying OPEC+ will pick up the pace of quota increases in Q2Q3 2026 as the group leans back into market share. The call lands two days after OPEC+ signed off on a small 137,000 bpd hike for December andcruciallya pause on further hikes in JanuaryMarch 2026, a tactical nod to soft seasonal demand and growing surplus chatter. On the facts: eight core membersSaudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Kazakhstan, and Algeriaare the ones adjusting volumes, and since April the alliance has announced plans to gradually restore up to 2.9 mbpd of output, though only part of that has been implemented as the group slows the pace of its unwind. HSBCs price and balance math has edged less bearish at the margin: the bank now pegs a 2.7 mbpd surplus in Q1 2026 (from 3.0 prior) and a 2.1 mbpd average surplus for full-year 2026 (from 2.4). The pause modestly improves near-term balances, but not enoughby HSBCs readto head off a large surplus next year. The bank also reiterates that it would only expect OPEC+ to reverse the current unwind if Brent spends a prolonged stretch below $55. The optics matter: pausing in Q1 buys time to see how U.S. sanctions on Russian producers ripple through global flows and whether Asias big buyers reshuffle barrels without major friction. It also avoids front-running refinery maintenance season with fresh supply. None of that signals a strategic pivot away from unwinding; its pacing. Bottom line for 2026: unless prices crack hard, HSBC expects OPEC+ to resume accelerating the unwind from spring, testing how much market share the group can claw back while keeping a floor under prices. For now, the alliance is threading the needleincrement in December, pause in Q1, and reassess with one eye on inventories and the other on Brent. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com It may be happening again. In 2019, the United States backed an opposition leader seeking to unseat Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro. Russia opposed the push, providing diplomatic assistance and a modicum of military support for a government that may be Moscow's most important partner in Latin America. Maduro survived the crisis when Juan Guaido's call for a military uprising failed and his bid for power fizzled -- a big relief for Russia and a blow to the United States, which considers Maduro illegitimate. Serving his first term at the time, US President Donald Trump had recognized Guaido as interim president of Venezuela in January 2019. While the circumstances are very different today, the United States is again ratcheting up pressure on Maduro. It has built up a big military presence in the Caribbean, where it is now sending an aircraft carrier -- the USS Gerald R Ford, commonly accepted as the world's largest warship -- and has conducted numerous strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels, killing dozens of people. US officials have been citing a 2020 drug-crimes indictment against Maduro, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling him a "fugitive from American justice." In August the United States doubled a bounty for information leading to his capture to $50 million. A CBS interview released on November 2 saw Trump play down concerns that the United States would go to war against Venezuela but, asked if Maduro's days were numbered, said, "I think so, yeah." Maduro is reportedly again turning to Russia for support -- but analysts say that if Washington makes a concerted effort to oust him, Moscow's levers to prevent it are limited. "To put it bluntly, there is nothing much Russia can do, if the USA is determined to try and bring Maduro down, beyond diplomatic overtures," said Mark Galeotti, an author, Russia analysist, and honorary professor at University College London's School of Slavonic and East European Studies. Seeking Support? In an October 31 report, The Washington Post said documents it obtained show Maduro wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin asking Moscow to bolster Venezuela's air defenses by restoring previously purchased Sukhoi warplanes, helping Caracas overhaul engines and radars and acquire missiles, and providing logistical support. The letter was to be delivered by Venezuela's transportation minister, whom Russia says traveled to Moscow in mid-October, according to the Post, which also reported that Maduro was seeking support from China and Iran. It's not clear whether the letter was delivered to, or received by, the Kremlin. Neither Russian nor Venezuelan officials have commented on the report or made public statements about specific new backing for Maduro's government. However, a large Russian Il-76 transport plane arrived in Caracas in late October after flying a circuitous route with several stops, according to the flight tracking site FlightData24. It is unclear what the aircraft was carrying. 'Ready To React' On November 1, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow denounces "the use of excessive military force in carrying out actions in anti-drug operations" and "confirms our firm support for the Venezuelan leadership in defending its national sovereignty." Two days earlier, Zakharova said Russia was "in contact with our partners" and was "ready to continue to react in the appropriate fashion to their requests, taking into account existing and potential threats." A new strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Venezuela, discussed during Maduro's visit to Moscow in May, entered into force after Putin signed it, Russian state media reported on October 27. But such pacts are often short on specifics. Experts say most of Russia's military operations in the Western Hemisphere have been largely for show, a reminder to the West that Moscow's forces are able to venture further afield than they could when the cash-strapped country pulled back in the wake of the 1991 Soviet collapse. In 2018, two nuclear-capable Russian strategic bombers landed at a military airport outside Caracas. In July 2024, two Russian naval ships docked in Venezuela ahead of an election that extended Maduro's rule and was denounced by the United States as a sham. Amid the bid to oust Maduro in 2019, Moscow acknowledged it had military personnel on the ground after photos showed nearly 100 Russian soldiers emerging from two military aircraft. Levers And Limitations In a report published by the US-based Kennan Institute's Wilson Center in 2020, Colombia-based analyst Vladimir Rouvinski wrote that the "first continuous presence of Russian military personnel in the Western Hemisphere" since the withdrawal from Cuba in the early 1990s was "a clear manifestation of the Kremlin's determination to keep Venezuela within Russia's orbit." "Many other Russian-sponsored or -assisted actions helped keep Maduro in power," including Moscow's blockage of a US-backed UN Security Council resolution, Rouvinski wrote. But at the same time, "the crisis in Venezuela laid bare the many limitations of Russian policy," such as "a shortage offinancial resources to support its policy in Latin America." Russia's resources, financial and military, are more stretched than they were in 2019: That was three years before Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, committing the vast majority of the country's military personnel and assets to a costly war with no end in sight and triggering waves of Western economic sanctions. Even were it not on the attack in the biggest war in Europe since 1945, Russia's distance from Venezuela would be a serious limitation to substantial backing if it comes to that. "I think that if the US is serious about regime change in Venezuela by force, Russia is unlikely to be able to help in any way," Oleg Ignatov, senior Russia analyst at the Crisis Group, told RFE/RL in an e-mailed comment. "This was impossible both before and after the [start of the] war in Ukraine. Elementary geography and logistics are at play here." Trump has sent mixed signals about whether the United States is considering striking drug-related targets inside Venezuela. "The land is going to be next," he said on October 23 in comments about the strikes on boats. But on October 31, when asked if media reports that he was considering strikes within Venezuela were true, the US president said: "No." The fall of Maduro would be a major blow to Moscow, potentially depriving it of a key foothold in Latin America and echoing the ouster in December 2024 of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, which has weakened the Kremlin's influence in the Middle East. In addition to Maduro's status as an ally in Moscow's geopolitical confrontation with Washington and the West, Russia has invested heavily in oil production in Venezuela, which has the largest proven oil reserves in the world -- though US sanctions mean the two countries are both seeking to sell to some of the same buyers, such as China. Geopolitical Calculus While the war against Ukraine has focused Moscow on acquiring arms itself, Caracas in the past, at least, has been a substantial buyer of Russian weapons. Amid the US buildup nearby, Maduro said on October 22 that Venezuela has 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S missiles in "key air defense positions." Despite those ties, Moscow may see the growing US pressure on Venezuela as a development that draws Washington's attention away from Ukraine, lessening the chances of additional pressure on Russia to halt the invasion. Putin's Kremlin might even see a silver lining in Maduro's departure if the United States were to force him from power. "In a perverse wayMoscow would gain by such an operation, in that it would strengthen its claim that it is the West, not Russia, that is the enemy of the Global South: arrogant, violent and imperialist," Galeotti wrote in an e-mailed comment to RFE/RL. "Russia is, after all, still able to find allies and clients in the Global South, whether out of conviction or, more often, pragmatism, and always takes advantage of Western adventurism to hammer home its claim that the liberal global order is simply a scam to bend the world to Western interest," he wrote. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The American Petroleum Institute (API) estimated that crude oil inventories in the United States saw a sizeable build of 6.5 million barrels in the week ending October 31. Crude oil inventories in the United States are so far showing a net gain of 3.6 million barrels for the year, according to Oilprice calculations of API data. Earlier this week, the Department of Energy (DoE) reported that crude oil inventories in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) have risen by 500,000 barrels to 409.6 million barrels in the week ending October 31 as the government attempts to replenish the nations oil stockpile that shrank during the Biden Administration. US production rose during the week of October 24, to 13.644 million bpd, according to the EIA. This is 109,000 bpd more than the beginning of the year levels, and a new record based on EIA reported weekly data. At 1:07 pm ET, Brent crude was trading down, by $0.30 (-0.46%) on the day, reaching $64.59. Brent prices have recovered just $0.30 per barrel from this time last week. WTI was also trading down on the day, by $0.29 (-0.48%) at $60.76. Gasoline inventories saw a large decrease of 5.653 million barrels in the week ending October 31, after losing 6.3 million barrels in the week prior. As of last week, gasoline inventories were 3% below the five-year average for this ti More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Saudi Aramco booked a net profit of $28 billion for the third quarter of the year, thanks to its oil production boost as OPEC+ unwound its voluntary output cuts. The company also reported free cash flow of $23.6 billion and cash flow from operating activities of $36.1 billion. Base dividend was set at a total of $21.1 billion, plus $200 million in performance-linked payouts. The results are a significant improvement from the second quarter, when lower prices dragged Aramcos profit down by 19% on the year, to $22.85 billion. It bears noting that the second-quarter result was attributed to lower international oil prices, with Aramcos average realized price at 466.70 per barrel in the period. Over the third quarter, the average realized price stood at $70.10 per barrel, Aramco said, which contributed to the higher net result. On an annual basis, the average realized price declined from $79.30 per barrel. Aramcos ability to adapt to new market realities has once again been demonstrated by our strong third quarter performance, chief executive Amin Nasser said. We increased production with minimal incremental cost, and reliably supplied the oil, gas and associated products our customers depend on, driving strong financial performance and quarterly earnings growth. The Saudi major also boasted progress in its gas plans, expecting production capacity growth of 80% by 2030 from 2021 levels. This is an upward revision from 60% capacity growth planned earlier. The focus of Aramcos gas ambitions is the Jafurah field. It is the biggest unconventional non-oil associated gas field in Saudi Arabia and could well be the largest shale gas operation outside of the U.S., with reserves of 229 trillion cubic feet of gas and 75 billion barrels of condensates. Earlier this month, Aramco sealed an $11-billion deal with Global Infrastructure Partners that will see the latter lease gas processing facilities at the Jafurah field back to Aramco for a period of 20 years. By Irina Slav More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Reese Witherspoon says hosting the first Saturday Night Live after 9/11 was "too much responsibility". Reese Witherspoon reflects on her Saturday Night Live debut The Morning Show actress was just 24 years old when she was tasked with fronting the first episode after the terror attack in 2001, and it took her until 2015 to return as host for a second time. She told Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast: "I would give that [hosting experience] zero stars. Do not recommend." She added: "It was just too much responsibility for a 24-year-old girl." Reese, now 49, recalled how SNL creator Lorne Michaels pleaded with her not to drop out, as he insisted the public needed to "get back the national spirit." She added: Lorne Michaels called me and he said, I really need you to show up. I really, really need this. Rudy Giulianis gonna be here. "All the firefighters are gonna be here. Paul Simon is gonna sing. I just need you to come out and do something a little light and tell America, 'You cant feel sad. We gotta laugh again. Weve got to get back the national spirit.' The appearance came after the huge success of Legally Blonde, while she was a new mother and had a lot on her plate. She said: I was 24. I also had a baby. I had a one-year-old. I was a new mom. I had the biggest movie come out that summer. But if you know me, if I tell you Im going to do something, I mean there has to be a real disaster... "We did it and it was good. Reese admitted the experience put her off returning to SNL for well over a decade. She explained: "I completely left my body. And did not go again for 15 years." She kept her opening monologue "light" as requested, but some people on staff felt she should have acknowledged 9/11 instead of avoiding the topic. Then-writer Hugh Fink previously told Rolling Stone magazine: "Not only was she not addressing 9/11, but, were going in the opposite direction. "Were not saying terrorism. Were having a host thats telling an old joke about a polar bear." However, then-New York City mayor Rudy Giuliana made a speech with local police and firefighters by his side, and Paul Simon gave an emotional rendition of The Boxer. When she returned in 2015, Reese told Yahoo! News: "I was so proud to be there and be on stage with firemen and Paul Simon. "And Lorne Michaels, I think, did an incredible job getting that show back on its feet and making America laugh again." Tepid demand from China and lower purchases from price-sensitive buyers such as India dragged down Asias LNG imports in October from a year earlier, while Europes buying remains solid as the EU races to fill gas storage sites ahead of the winter. LNG imports into Asia dropped last month to 22.84 million metric tons, down from the 24.39 million imported in October last year, per data from commodity analysts Kpler cited by Reuters columnist Clyde Russell. China extended its weaker LNG import trend for yet another month, amid rising pipeline gas supply from Russia and central Asia, higher domestic gas production, and ample inventories at key hubs. Chinese demand remains softer compared to year-ago levels. LNG imports into the worlds top LNG buyer have been falling year-on-year each month since November 2024, according to the data compiled by Kpler. Despite the weaker Asian demand, spot LNG prices in North Asia remain supported by robust demand in Europe, which is buying up cargoes to fill gas inventories ahead of the 2025/2026 winter. Yet, the relatively higher spot prices have deterred price-sensitive buyers in South Asia, such as India, whose LNG imports slipped in October from a year earlier. Meanwhile, in Europe, LNG imports hit a seven-month high of 10.63 million tons in October, up from 7.53 million in October 2024, according to Kplers assessment. Europe continues to stock up on LNG as it has a target to fill gas storage sites to 90% before winter. As of November 2, the EU storage sites were 83% full, according to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe, which is lower than last years filling rate. European LNG imports are set for another increase this month, per Kpler estimates. Asia is also expected to boost purchases, preparing for colder temperatures. As a result, resilient LNG demand this winter is likely to support spot prices and boost revenues for U.S. LNG exporters. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Japanese power company J-Power has announced plans to close two units at a thermal coal power plant by the end of fiscal 2028 as part of its commitment to reduce emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. J-Power will retire Units 1 and 2 at the Takasago Thermal Power Station as part of its plan to phase out inefficient coal-fired power plants. For high-efficiency coal-fired power plants, J-Power will look to select optimal technologies suited to each sites characteristics to reduce emissions while continuing to contribute to a stable power supply. J-Powers announcement is the latest in the power sector in Japan, which looks to reduce emissions in a nationwide drive to net zero. The share of fossil fuels in Japans power supply slumped to the lowest on record in the first half of 2025, as nuclear and solar electricity generation is growing. Resource-poor Japan, a major importer of LNG, crude oil, and coal, saw its utility-scale electricity supply slump below 60% for the first time between January and June. At the same time, low-carbon electricity supply nuclear and renewables saw the highest level in more than a decade, as Japan is slowly re-opening some nuclear capacities after they were closed for safety checks following the Fukushima disaster in 2011. Japans newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, favors accelerating the restart of nuclear reactors as a way to reduce the G7 economys dependence on energy imports. Before the Fukushima meltdown in 2011, nuclear energy accounted for about 30% of Japans electricity mix. The disaster prompted the closure of all reactors for safety checks. Since 2015, Japan has restarted 14 reactors out of 33, while 11 others are currently in the process of restart approval. Takaichi is expected to keep nuclear power key to Japans energy policy and reduce support for large solar schemes if they involve China-made solar equipment. Offshore wind which has recently seen a major setback with Mitsubishi Corporation dropping plans to develop three offshore wind projects in Japan amid unexpected changes and rising challenges is also set to be mostly shunned by the new leadership. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Libyas National Oil Corporation (NOC) said on Tuesday its wholly-owned subsidiary Arabian Gulf Oil Company (ACOGO) has made a new oil discovery in the Ghadames basin in northwestern Libya, close to the Libyan-Algerian border. The discovery was made in well H1-NC4, with daily production estimated at about 4,675 barrels per day of crude oil, and approximately 2 million cubic feet of gas, NOC said in the statement carried by Reuters. Last week, the Libyan state oil company announced a new oil discovery by the Libyan subsidiary of Austrian energy firm OMV in Block 106/4 in the Sirte Basin, one of the worlds top petroleum provinces in terms of estimated reserves. Production tests showed that the exploration well is producing more than 4,200 barrels of oil per day, with gas production expected to exceed 2.6 million cubic feet daily, NOC said. The well marks the first discovery for OMV in Block 106/4, under the Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) signed in 2008 between the NOC as the owner, and OMV, as the operator. OMV returned to Libya at the end of 2024, after more than a decade. Foreign oil and gas firms and investors suspended operations in late 2011 after the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi and the civil war that ensued. Security conditions in Libya have improved in recent months, allowing foreign majors to return to exploration in Libya, one of Africas top oil producers. Algerian state energy firm Sonatrach resumed oil and gas exploration drilling in Libyas Ghadames basin in mid-October. Italys energy giant Eni has resumed exploration activities in the offshore area northwest of Libya after a hiatus of more than five years, NOC said in early October. In July, NOC signed agreements with supermajors BP and Shell to explore and evaluate the oil and gas potential of several fields in the African country, marking another step in Big Oil returning to doing business in Libya. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Nigerias national oil company is set to increase oil production to 2 million barrels daily over the next two years, its executive vice president for upstream said. By 2030, NNPC will be pumping 3 million barrels daily, Udy Ntia also said, as quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria. Speaking at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, Ntia said that Nigerias upstream sector is evolving through a mix of collaboration, co-investments and smarter capital deployment, rather than competition. It is not just about producing more oil, it is about producing better oil: more efficient, cleaner, and more profitable. We have the capacity, and we are growing steadily while working together to reduce the strain of fossil fuels. Nigeria has been pumping more crude and drilling more new wells than it has in years, thanks to reforms under President Bola Tinubu that are finally leading to more cash flowing into the upstream industry. Daily output has climbed to between 1.7 million and 1.83 million barrels, while active rigs surged from 31 in January to 50 by July. The revival of Nigerias oil industry is seen as a result of President Tinubus Project One Million Barrels and the long-awaited new law for the energy industry that should make the countrys investment environment more predictable to bring international oil majors back. Earlier this month, oil minister Heineken Lokpobiri said recent investment decisions by oil operators could result in a production boost of 200,000 barrels daily. Meanwhile, according to NNPCs Ntia, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies would help boost drilling efficiency and improve recovery rates at mature fields. We are seeing technology as an enabler to get more from the ground, improve efficiency, and guide capital decisions. The goal is smarter investment, not just more spending, the executive said. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Ukraines imports of electricity from the European Union surged to a 2025 high in October as Russia intensified attacks on the power grid to wreak additional havoc as temperatures drop. The Russia-Ukraine war on strategic energy assets has escalated in recent weeks, with Russia targeting gas facilities and power infrastructure in Ukraine, and Ukraine increasing drone strikes on Russian refineries and key export hubs. As the autumn brought lower temperatures, Russia escalated attacks on Ukraines grid, causing blackouts and killing people in a sign that Putin doesnt plan to end his campaign and sit for peace talks soon. In the middle of October, Ukraine was forced to impose emergency blackouts in most regions amid increased attacks on its grid from Russian air strikes. As a result of these Russian attacks, Ukraines electricity imports mostly from Poland and Hungary surged in October to 360 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest so far this year, according to Ukrainian consultancy ExPro cited by Reuters. To compare, Ukraines power imports were 140 Mwh in September and 264 MWh in August. Ukraine can import up to 2,100 MW per hour of electricity from EU states at the same time. Ukraine currently uses between 30% and 50% of this capacity, Vitalii Zaichenko, the head of the power grid operator, Ukrenergo, said on Tuesday. There is a possibility for import and it is significant, Reuters quoted Zaichenko as saying on national television. Last months massive Russian attacks on energy infrastructure in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions in Ukraine also reportedly forced the shutdown of about 60% of the Ukrainian natural gas production. With more than half of its domestic gas production offline ahead of the winter, Ukraine will be forced to spend a lot more on natural gas imports to meet winter heating and power demand. Ukraines Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on Tuesday that the cabinet discussed with the energy companies increasing imports of energy resources; scaling up generation, including distributed generation, and the needs for rapid restoration and repairs after damage. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Norway is rejecting an application for an 800-MW windfarm in its northernmost county Finnmark, citing irreversible impact on the wilderness and the traditional indigenous Sami culture. NVE, the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, on Tuesday announced it is rejecting the application of Grenselandet AS to build and operate the Davvi windfarm in the Lebesby municipality that would have covered an area of 63 square kilometers (24 square miles). The application is rejected because the project would be located in the middle of one of Norways largest wilderness areas, which also has special value for Sami culture and traditional use, NVE said. The project will have major, irreversible impacts on Norways second largest wilderness area, said Inga Nordberg, Energy and Licensing Director at NVE. The company proposing the windfarm project, Grenselandet AS, and other affected stakeholders will be able to provide their input to the regulators decision by December 5. Consultation with affected Sami interests is also open, NVE said today. Despite the rejection of the Davvi windfarm project, the regulator will review and hear input on other wind power and hydropower projects proposed in the Finnmark county, NVE added. The regulator is assessing many power generation and grid connection projects in Finnmark, giving priority to the best projects, and Davvi is not one of these, NVEs Nordberg said. Wind power accounts for about 10% of Norways power generation mix, which is dominated by hydropower that represents some 90% of electricity output. Natural gas has a tiny share in the power supply of Western Europes largest oil and gas producer. Norway is also considering the development of offshore wind, but it is betting on floating offshore wind instead of fixed-bottom offshore wind projects. The Norwegian Energy Ministry in May opened competition for project areas for offshore wind in Utsira Nord outside the coast of Rogaland off Norways southwest coast. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com This is what businesses face the unexpected comes with high hazards. Gresham Police (photo) reported a vehicle crashing into a commercial business. Likely it was due to medical issues. The damage, as can be seen, was severe. Such an accident, at no fault of the shop owner, will likely come with high costs and insurance rate increases. This is where small businesses need to have cash reserves or healthy cash flow to respond to emergency situations. Yet, Oregon politicians continue to raise the cost of businesses in the Portland area. Government is taking the money small businesses need for emergencies. Just weeks ago there was a massive propane explosion that damaged a half dozen food carts and shops. Weeks before that, there was an explosion at a Portland balloon shop. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Andy Ngo discovered a disturbing poster plastered on a public pole near the Portland ICE protest. It shows a red target on Elon Musks face, a handgun pointed at Musk and the words Death splattered on the bottom. This was near another pole vandalism at the same protest site where this anti-Musk sign was seen. This is what the media calls peaceful protest. Help us spread the word. Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). Aimee Lou Wood has joined Dinh Van as its first brand ambassador. Aimee Lou Wood has joined forces with Dinh Van The White Lotus and Sex Education star has teamed up with the jewellery brand - which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year - in a new campaign led by photographer Julien Vallon and filmmaker Eva Vik. Astrid de Montlivault, Dinh Van's managing director, told WWD: "We found Amy deeply moving in her way of being genuine and never over the top. Shes also incredibly talented and above all a woman who is free and naturally embodies a generation that proudly asserts its authenticity and individuality. Astrid praised Amiee's "magnetic presence and rare sincerity that captivates without artifice", describing it as a good fit for the brand's jewels, which are "very pure in design and catch the eye in the same unadorned way". The brand is also delighted to have landed a British star as its first ambassador, as it looks to expand internationally. Astrid said: "Having a [British] ambassador and someone who resonates internationally, and particularly on the US market, is about supporting the rather exponential growth weve had on this territory." The brand has over 40 points of sale across the US, which is its third largest market after France and Belgium. Business is concentrated in Miami, Los Angeles, Texas and New York, along with retailers. Dinh Van doesn't have the flagship site which was opened by its late founder on Madison Avenue in 1977, but there is room for developments in the future. Astrid added: "If we continue to have this growth, its a project we are absolutely keeping in mind. For now, whats important for us is to have this first campaign with our ambassador and see how the market reacts to this spotlight, particularly our [US and UK] clientele. 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: Neale LaSalle from Pexels For years, astronomers have been on the hunt for the first generation of stars, primordial relics of the early universe. And now they may have just found them. Ari Visbal from the University of Toledo, Ohio and colleagues believe they've glimpsed so-called Population III (Pop III) stars following a detailed analysis of previous James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations of a distant galaxy called LAP1-B. Pop III stars are thought to be composed entirely of helium and hydrogen with trace amounts of lithium, the ingredients left over after the Big Bang. They formed early on, around 200 million years after the universe began. These stars are extremely rare because they died out long ago, although scientists have hoped that the faint light from these distant, ancient objects would be detectable. Previous Population III candidates have been ruled out because they didn't meet the three main predictions about their formation and properties. That is, they were formed in small dark-matter clumps (called halos), were extremely massive, and formed in small clusters. A perfect match for predictions? In their paper published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, the team believes their discovery satisfies all three requirements. First, the Pop III stellar system formed in the exact environment scientists predicted, namely, a dark matter clump around 50 million times the sun's mass. Another reason is that the stars are massive, ranging from 10 to 1,000 times the mass of our sun. These huge stars clustered together, but only in small groups totaling a few thousand solar masses, confirming the third prediction. "LAP1-B is the first Pop III candidate to agree with three key theoretical predictions for classical Pop III sources," wrote the researchers. Further evidence comes from the gas surrounding LAP1-B, which shows distinct spectral signatures and contains only trace amounts of metals. This is consistent with a scenario where the system is so young that some of the first massive stars had recently died out, exploding as supernovae and polluting the gas with these early elements. Next steps While this research is undoubtedly exciting, it is not yet full confirmation of the discovery of Pop III stars. Some uncertainties remain, such as exactly how much material the first supernovae ejected and whether current computer models capture the physics of the early universe. But while we're waiting for that confirmation, this new study can provide a roadmap for finding other distant objects, such as combining the power of JWST with techniques like gravitational lensing. This approach, which enabled the detection of LAP1-B, means this discovery could be just the beginning. "LAP1-B may only represent the tip of the iceberg in terms of the study of Pop III stars with gravitational lensing from galaxy clusters," the team added. Written for you by our author Paul Arnold, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Eli Visbal et al, LAP1-B is the First Observed System Consistent with Theoretical Predictions for Population III Stars, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2025). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae122f Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain When Bangladesh became the first country in South Asia to join the U.N.'s Water Convention earlier this year, it was presented as a win-win. Signing up to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes would help Bangladesh safeguard and manage waterways that represent a "lifeline to peace and prosperity," according to the United Nations. At the same time, it was hoped that the South Asian nation's addition might encourage better cross-border cooperation in a region where shared rivers are often fought over. As a scholar who works on issues of water security and grew up in South Asia, I understand the drivers behind Bangladesh's decision to join the conventionrecent hydro-political events have raised water security risks for the country of around 174 million. But contrary to the intention of the convention, I believe Bangladesh joining could actually heighten tensions in South Asia, especially with India. The need for water security Bangladesh's hydro challenges are multifaceted. Half of Bangladeshis live in areas that suffer severe drought. Around 60% of the population is vulnerable to high flood risks. And on average, floods inundate 20% to 25% of the country's land each year. Moreover, more than 65 million residents still lack access to safe and properly managed sanitation facilities. These overlapping vulnerabilities show why water governance is such a key issue for security, diplomacy and development. Additionally, the country's rising population along with the effects of climate change add to this domestic water stress. At least 81 of the 1,415 rivers that flow through Bangladesh have either perished or are on the brink of extinction, according to a recent report. At the same time, Bangladesh relies almost exclusively on rivers that cross borders. With India and China, it shares one of the world's most complicated transboundary water systems: the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Basin. Joining the UN Water Convention A number of recent developments underscore the reasons Bangladesh sought greater legal and international protection. In July 2025, China announced what is expected to be the world's largest hydropower dam, the Motuo Hydropower Station in the Tibet Autonomous Region in southwestern China. 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 Chinese government is promoting the dam as a clean energy project that will help the area's economy grow, even though it will cost 1.2 trillion yuan (about US$167 billion) to build. But countries close by are worried about how the dam will affect the region's environment and politics. Both Bangladesh and India have complained that the project could make the region less stable. The Yarlung Tsangpo River on which the dam is built runs into India's Arunachal Pradesh state, which has long been a flashpoint in China-India relations. China claims the region as its own and calls it Zangnan. Because of where it is situated, the dam could allow China to control or limit the flow of water into India. Similarly, Bangladesh, a downstream country, is concerned that Chinese upstream intervention could hurt its agriculture and make it harder to get water. Already, the government of Bangladesh has limited control over the country's water supply because only about 7% of the watershed area of the Brahmaputra, Meghna and Gangesthe three main rivers that flow into the countryare within Bangladesh. Moreover, the amount of water that ultimately reaches Bangladesh is significantly reduced because dam activities by China and India have limited the flow. Climate change has made the situation worse by changing the way water flows across the Himalayas and the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin. For instance, the Bangladesh delta, one of the most fertile and densely populated areas in the world, is already experiencing problems, including salinity intrusion, rising sea levels and the loss of arable land. In 2019, the Bangladesh High Court ruled that the country's rivers had the same status as a "legal person" in a bid to award them further protection. This was then followed by a decision by Bangladesh to join the U.N. Water Convention. Created in 1996, the convention seeks to promote cooperation and sustainable management of shared water resources. At first, it was intended only for European and Central Asian countries. But in 2016, it became available to all U.N. member countries. Bangladesh had initially delayed signing due to a mix of diplomatic, regional and institutional reasons and out of a concern over how it would affect relations with its powerful neighbor, India. Implications for India India has traditionally preferred bilateral agreements to resolve cross-border water issues, such as the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and the 1996 Ganges water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh. However, India's bilateral strategy is fraying. The Indus Waters Treaty has been temporarily suspended following fighting between Pakistan and India. Similarly, New Delhi's water cooperation with Bangladesh is being tested. The sharing of water from the Teesta, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, has long been a source of conflict between the two countries, with Bangladesh pushing for what it sees as a fairer distribution. Bangladesh has also opposed Indian dams, such as the Tipaimukh on the Barak, over concerns about how they will affect the environment and people's lives. For similar reasons, Bangladesh has objected to India's plans to connect 30 rivers as part of a massive irrigation project. The ripple effect While India's government has issued no official comment on Bangladesh's joining the U.N. Water Convention, there are fears in New Delhi that it could undermine India's negotiating power in future water disputes and when the Ganges River Treaty is due for renewal in 2026. The original 1996 agreement sets out that India and Bangladesh would each get a guaranteed share of 35,000 cubic feet per second of water. The concern in New Delhi is that Bangladesh may ask for more water than originally specified and that being part of the U.N. Water Convention gives the Bangladesh government a more powerful negotiation platform. As such, Bangladesh's proposition in September 2025 to create a new institutional framework to manage water-sharing agreements with India for 14 transboundary rivers was viewed with suspicion in India. Renewing the Ganges River Treaty with a framework that gives Bangladesh more water may put more stress on eastern India, an area already experiencing water scarcity, and test India's water storage capacity, especially during dry seasons. Shifting political currents A further concern for India is that Bangladesh signing onto the U.N. Waters Treaty may set a precedent for other countries in the region, such as Nepal and Bhutan. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has mulled the idea of forming a trilateral hydro-cooperation with China and Pakistantwo of India's biggest rivals. A day before signing the U.N. convention, Bangladesh joined China and Pakistan in announcing a 'trilateral cooperation' on the economy, climate and social development. For Bangladesh, the potential catastrophe of not tackling cascading environmental challenges justifies the risk of alienating its far more powerful neighbor. But where does this leave India? Ultimately, New Delhi must make a strategic choice: Either stick with bilateralism or adopt new multilateral norms to safeguard its water security and regional power. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A decline in Amazon deforestation under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is credited with helping Brazil achieve its biggest annual fall in greenhouse gas emissions in 15 years. Brazil recorded its biggest annual fall in greenhouse gas emissions last year since 2009, according to statistics released Monday, providing a boost for left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as he prepares to host UN climate talks. The gross emissions of Latin America's biggest country fell by 16.7% year-on-year, according to Brazil's Climate Observatory, a network of environmental NGOs. The reduction in emissions was attributed to the success of Lula's government in fighting deforestation. "The new data shows the impact of the federal government retaking control over deforestation after a deliberate lack of control between 2019 and 2022," the observatory said in a statement. The remark was a reference to Lula's far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, a climate skeptic, under whose watch illegal deforestation accelerated, particularly in the Amazon. Lula defeated Bolsonaro in October 2022 elections to win a third term in power. He has pledged zero deforestation by 2030. Since Lula's return to the presidency, the rate of forest clearance in the Amazon, the world's biggest tropical forest, has fallen steadily. Despite the good news on emissions, the observatory warned that Brazil's economy caused concern about the government's commitment to its climate targets. It drew attention to Lula's contentious support for a vast offshore oil project near the mouth of the Amazon river. Last month, Petrobras began drilling for oil in the Foz de Amazonas region after winning a five-year environmental battle for permission to explore the area. Lula insists the oil revenues will help fund Brazil's climate transition. Critics accuse him of a contradictory stance as he urges world leaders to step up in the fight against climate change ahead of COP30 talks in the Amazon city of Belem from November 10-21. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Max Fischer from Pexels With global teacher shortages at an all-time high, retaining and recruiting teachers to the education sector is critical. Yet with fragmented support and inconsistent induction processes, nearly a fifth of early career teachers choose to leave within five years. Education experts at the University of South Australia say that to address teacher shortages, Australia must develop stronger government policies focused on the retention and career development of early career teachers, particularly those in casual and short-term contract roles. In a new studyconducted in partnership with Western Sydney University, Griffith University, RMIT, and Monash Universityresearchers examined education induction policies for casual and contract early career teachers from 2016 and 2023, finding that while progress had been made, significant gaps and inequities remained. The work is published in the Journal of Education Policy. Chief researcher and member of the UniSA's Center for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion, Professor Anna Sullivan, says government policymakers and schools must improve induction procedures for all teacher cohorts. "Casual and contract teachers are essential to the teacher workforce. They cover everything from teacher absenteeism to professional learning and administrative duties, and without them schools would struggle to deliver effective teaching and learning," Prof Sullivan says. "Yet the current policy responses do little to recognize or support casual relief or short-term contract teachers. "Our study shows that current teacher induction guidelines mainly cater for teachers with secure employment, creating systemic inequities for those in casual or contract roles. "The irony is that more than half of early career teachers are employed in casual or on short-term contracts. If we don't appropriately support new teachers entering the profession, retention issues will continue." UNESCO reports an urgent need for 44 million primary and secondary teachers worldwide by 2030. To safeguard the quality and sustainability of the education workforce, policymakers must urgently introduce and prioritize mandated induction support structures, targeted development pathways, and systemic human resource reform for substitute and temporary teachers. UniSA Ph.D. researcher, Emily Rowe, says the education system must provide support and professional learning for all early career teachers, not just permanent staff. "Effective induction relies on teachers having long-term, continuous employment at one school where they can access regular mentoring, establish relationships, and gain support to develop professional practices," Rowe says. "Yet the reality is that only 45% of casual relief teachers receive a formal induction. Many early career teachers experience alienation, culture shock, and a lack of systemic support. "Current induction guidelines place responsibility on teachers to manage their own career progression by building networks and collecting evidence for their portfolios. This puts the onus on new teachers to guide their own induction, rather than receive structured support from schools when they need it most. "Education systems need to nurture talent to keep it. This is vital for attracting and retaining teachers and ensuring that they have fulfilling and long-term careers." More information: Emily Rowe et al, Precariously employed early career teachers and induction policies: a critical policy study, Journal of Education Policy (2025). DOI: 10.1080/02680939.2025.2580975 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: Ukraine has been a mass producer of crops such as sunflower oil. Credit: Sergiy Medinets Beyond the disruption to Ukraine's food exports, the war is jeopardizing the country's long-term ability to remain the "breadbasket of Europe," because its soils are gradually losing vital crop nutrients. That is the warning issued by researchers from the UK, Ukraine and the Netherlands who say more nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are now being removed from soils via harvested crops than added back in. This is due to reduced access to fertilizers during the war and inefficient farming practices. Military activity has also exacerbated existing degradation and erosion of soils across Ukraine. The new study, led by the UK Center for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), has been published in Communications Earth & Environment. It recommends better farm management of nutrients, such as taking advantage of animal manure as an organic fertilizer for croplands, more efficient use and application of fertilizers, and introducing legumes into crop rotations. This would benefit soil health, food production and the environment. Surplus nutrients from fertilizers degrade soil health and leach into water, which can result in toxic algal blooms, while excess nitrogen additionally also contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Integrated management Dr. Sergiy Medinets of UKCEH, who led the study, said, "Unless action is taken to restore lost nutrients in soils, there is likely to be a long-term impact on crop production in Ukraine. This would not only affect food security in Ukraine but also globallyparticularly North Africa and the Middle East, which depend upon importsand further push up prices and increase hunger. "There is therefore an urgent need for an integrated nutrient management plan for Ukraine that wastes fewer nutrients and reduces the amount of synthetic fertilizer needed." Dr. Medinets explained this plan would involve more efficient use and precise application of synthetic and organic fertilizers. It would also include expanding the production of legumes such as beans, peas and lentils as well as cover cropsall of which are effective at removing nitrogen from the atmosphere and storing it in soils, making it available for subsequent crops. The research involved scientists at UKCEH as well as Odesa National I.I. Mechnikov University (ONU) in Ukraine and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands. They used official statistics for fertilizer use and yields to estimate the balance of nutrients relating to the production of three key exported cropswheat, maize and sunflowerin each region of Ukraine over the past 40 years. Together, the production of these three crops covers two-thirds of the country's agricultural land. Ukraine became one of the world's major crop-exporting countries after independence, being the top global producer and exporter of sunflower meal, oil and seed, and among the top five maize and wheat exporters. But the war has reduced nutrient inputs, compromising long-term sustainability. Study co-author Professor Mark Sutton of UKCEH said, "We are optimistic that sharing expertise on nutrient management is another way in which the UK and other countries can support Ukraine's environment and economy at the same time." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Promoting greater efficiency There has been a separation of arable and livestock agriculture in Ukraine in recent decades, so many farms no longer have easy access to animal manure to spread on to fields as a fertilizer. The number of livestock has fallen significantly but the study says 90% of the manure that is still produced is wastedthe equivalent of US $2.2 billion in fertilizer costs. The authors therefore advocate more mixed farming and localized sustainable management of manure. They say farmers in Ukraine need information to persuade them of the economic and environmental benefits of taking action. Many of the report's recommendations require little investment, meaning that, with community efforts, the shift towards more sustainable agriculture in Ukraine could start now, while the war continues. This would result in lower costs for farmers, maintained productivity and less impact on the environment. Suggested measures include setting up local systems to collect surplus manure and redistribute it to other farms, using more efficient types of fertilizer and sharing knowledge from the Ukrainian farms already implementing more sustainable practices. The report also calls for a national inventory of how much nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that different crop variants remove from the soila key step towards a "smart fertilizer planner," a software tool that would help farmers apply exactly what their crops need. The authors say farmers also need financial support from their government and the international community, including through the Ukraine Recovery and Reconstruction Fund, to improve sustainable nutrient management. This would include helping them to buy machinery that applies synthetic and organic fertilizers to land more efficiently, and to build facilities to handle, store and treat manure. From excess to deficiency The scientists report that when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, there was overuse of fertilizers, resulting in excess nutrients in soils and environmental pollution. However, they conclude the opposite extreme now existsinsufficient amounts of the three key crop nutrients in agricultural soils. Following Ukraine's independence, the use of synthetic phosphorus and potassium, most of which are imported, fell sharply and there have been insufficient amounts in soils across most of the country for the past 30 years, exacerbated by the war. In contrast, the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer, which also initially declined in the 1990s, began to rise againpartly supported by domestic production. This later led to over-application in many areas. By 2021, Ukraine's rate of application of nitrogen fertilizer (per hectare) was among the highest in the world, but the war has resulted in usage falling significantly. More information: Sergiy Medinets et al, Nutrient asymmetry challenges the sustainability of Ukrainian agriculture, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02826-9. Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In just over a month Australia's social media ban will begin. From December 10, those under 16 will only be able to see publicly available content on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube. They will not be able to have their own accounts. For example, they could look up Taylor Swift's latest music video on YouTube, but they would not be able to post their own content. There are no penalties for children who access an account on an age-restricted platform, or for their parents. Platforms face fines of up to A$49.5 million if they don't take reasonable steps to implement the ban. While the changes have been welcomed by some safety experts and parent advocates, eSafety acknowledges, "many parents and caregivers are worried about how under 16s will react to no longer having access to social media accounts." If you have a child or teen who loves social media, how can you help approach this change, while minimizing conflict in your family? Social media is already a source of conflict My research shows young people's social and digital media use is already a major source of conflict for families. A lot of the tension comes from parents not understanding the important role digital media plays in young people's lives, and young people reacting to "unfair" restrictions imposed by parents. So conflict around screen time rules and parents' social media restrictions is common. Young people can put a lot of pressure on their parents for devices or access to certain platforms to fit in with their peers ("but all my friends have it"). One of the federal government's rationales for the social media ban is to help parents manage this situationbecause people are already finding it hard. So, potentially, some families may find relief in being able to say "this is just what the government says, this is the law." Uncertainty ahead But we still don't really know what's going to happen come December 10. Some of the criticism of the ban has been that young people will find a way around it, such as by using a VPN (which can mask location and identity). Experts are also concerned about the reliability and privacy implications of age verification technology, Meanwhile, some parents may also help their children circumvent the restrictions. If a lot of parents in a friendship group are helping their children get around the ban, this could in turn create pressures on other parents and lead to conflict or resentment in families. Parents need to remember there is no blanket right or wrong answer. All families and kids are different and it's important to make decisions based on your family values and your child's maturity. 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. Acknowledge it's hard Either way, if young people are used to social media and suddenly it's gone, they might be really sad, annoyed or angry. And parents will have to manage the fall out. We know young people can forge important connections with others over social media. It's not just mindless scrolling, it's a significant way to interact with peers. This is especially important for marginalized young people. So young people will need to find other ways to connectand parents should help their kids maintain their social connections. It's also important parents are not dismissive and acknowledge this may be a difficult time and transition. Young people tend to respond much better to rules and regulations when they are given a clear rationale and a clear reason. For example, "I know it's hard. It's out of my hands, this is a decision made by the government. We may not like it, but this is the way it is. Can I help you find another way to connect with your friends or participate in these communities?" You may also want to note how time away from social media, where young people may be doomscrolling or exposed to cyberbullying, can be healthy. Don't assume kids are now 'safe' One risk of the ban is that parents will now think kids are "safe" online. We know children are likely to find other spaces onlineand if they don't, their friends will. And the ban only covers certain platforms. Parents need to keep talking to their children about what they see and do online Parents also need to keep providing opportunities for children to develop critical digital literacy skillsthis means they can assess what they are reading and seeing and not just taking it on face value. Children also need help to navigate social relationships online as they grow up. This means children under 16 need ongoing opportunities to explore online spaces with support and guidance. This doesn't necessarily mean parents monitor everything their children do online. But they should show an interest in their children's activities, and be available to help navigate any risks and tricky situations. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: New findings highlight a complex and regionally diverse history of interactions between modern humans and Denisovans. Credit: Jiaqi Yang (image created using ChatGPT) Modern humans inherited part of their ancestry from multiple, genetically distinct Denisovan groups through interbreeding events. However, the history of contact with Denisovans remains unclear. In a recent study published in the journal Current Biology, researchers conducted the first systematic paleogenetics analysis of DNA segments inherited from Denisovans, identified in ancient and present-day humans. By tracing these segments over the past 40,000 years, they reconstructed the dynamics of Denisovan ancestry over time and space across continental Eurasia. Tracing Denisovan ancestry through time and space By compiling published ancient genomes from across Eurasia, the team found that some of the earliest East Asians, such as the Tianyuan individual from China (dating to around 40,000 years ago), carried the highest level of Denisovan ancestry (over 0.2%) among all later ancient and present-day humans studied. Yet, patterns of shared Denisovan DNA segments between individuals indicate that this ancestry originated from common episodes of contact with Denisovans shared among East Asians across time. "This indicates that gene flow occurred from a source with less or no Denisovan ancestry and diluted the Denisovan ancestry of early East Asians," explains population geneticist Stephane Peyregne who co-supervised the study. "Denisovan DNA represents a powerful marker to reconstruct population history." As another example of how Denisovan DNA segments are informative of past population movements, this study also shows that Denisovan ancestry made its way to West Eurasia, although at a minimum level, mainly through the spread of people from Eastern Eurasia starting around 12,000 years ago. Not all East Asians met Denisovans Another surprising finding from this study concerns the ancient Jomon people from the Japanese archipelago and the Ryukyu/Okinawa islands who contributed to present-day Japanese. The Jomon carried the lowest Denisovan ancestry among East Asians, even though their Denisovan ancestry had the same origin as mainland populations. This means that the Jomon descended from a lineage that did not meet Denisovans, but traced their Denisovan ancestry from later gene flow from Mainland East Asia. Alternatively, this lineage received limited gene flow from Denisovans before they diverged from other East Asians, but missed a subsequent (and major) Denisovan gene flow in the continent. "This suggests that some groups took different routes during the early dispersals in East Asia, or Denisovans were so sparsely distributed that interactions with them were rare," says lead author Jiaqi Yang, a Ph.D. researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Although there is still limited knowledge about the origin of the Jomon and other East Asians during the Paleolithic, these findings highlight a complex and regionally diverse history of interactions between modern humans and Denisovans. Further ancient genomic data will help clarify the timing and nature of these interactions. More information: Jiaqi Yang et al, An early East Asian lineage with unexpectedly low Denisovan ancestry, Current Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.08.051 Journal information: Current Biology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The new CO2M satellites will provide the EU with an independent data basis for reviewing climate policy and demonstrating progress in the decarbonization of Europe. Credit: ESA As of 2027, new satellites for CO 2 measurement (CO2M) will be launched into orbit. Originally, only two were plannedbut simulations by Empa convinced the European Commission to have a third satellite built. This will significantly improve coverage on a global scale: instead of every five days, the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ) can now be measured around the globe every 3.5 days. The new instruments will provide comprehensive greenhouse gas images with a resolution of two kilometers, covering entire regions rather than just narrow measurement strips as previous satellites have done. This will allow the emissions of individual countries, cities, or even individual power plants to be determined in spatial detail. The CO2M mission is part of the EU's Copernicus Earth observation program. It is being developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and will then be handed over to the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) for operation. Its goal is to monitor human-caused CO emissions worldwide. Nitrogen dioxide measurements make the difference "Satellites measure the concentrations of greenhouse gases and air pollutants in the atmospherebut only with the help of complex dispersion simulations can we calculate the emissions of a power plant, a city, or even an entire country," explains Gerrit Kuhlmann from Empa's Air Pollutants / Environmental Technology lab. In order to find out which technologies are suitable for such analyses, Empa researchers simulated the CO measurement data of a future satellite some years ago. These computer simulations, commissioned by ESA, were decisive in ensuring that the CO2M satellites will measure not only CO, but also nitrogen dioxide (NO). This combination is crucial because it allows man-made emissions to be distinguished from natural sources: The combustion of coal, oil, and gas always produces NO in addition to CO, in contrast to natural CO emissions of the biosphere. Today, Empa researchers are applying their models to real satellite data. Measurements from the European Copernicus satellite Sentinel-5P demonstrate how reliable the method is. Its TROPOMI instrument detects nitrogen oxides emissions from large power plants in the US, for instance. "We were able to clearly identify the exhaust plumes of several power plants and determine their nitrogen oxide emissions," says Kuhlmann. "Power plants in the US have to report their emissions dailyand our calculations correspond very well with these reports." This goes to show that satellites are a reliable tool not only for observing emissions, but also for quantifying them with a spatial resolution of just a few square kilometers. Tracking down major emitters Empa researchers are not only focusing on regions with good data coverage, such as Europe and North America. As part of the European CORSO project, a global dataset is currently being compiled on major emitters such as coal, gas, and oil power plants, cement plants, and iron and steel factories. Comparing nitrogen oxide emission estimates based on public and commercial databases with actual TROPOMI measurements has already yielded some surprises: some of the listed plants do not even exist, while others were missing from the emissions databases. In many countries, the assumptions about the fuels used were also incorrectfor example, in the case of so-called dual-fuel power plants, which can be operated with both oil and gas. "We were able to show that gas is mainly used in many places, which leads to significantly lower nitrogen oxide emissions than assumed," explains Kuhlmann. The methods and technologies developed are also to be applied to greenhouse gases such as CO in the future. "Today, we can already reliably quantify air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides using satellite data. In a few years, we will also be able to accurately and continuously monitor major greenhouse gas sources worldwide with the CO2M satellites," says Kuhlmann. This opens up a new perspective from space that shows in detail whether the world is really making progress in climate mitigation. 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: Elina Araja from Pexels Environmental crime is big business, often listed among the world's top five criminal activities, just behind counterfeiting and drug crime. So it would be reasonable to think it is a big priority for global law enforcement. But our new research suggests this is not the case. For each country using a global list to track down wanted individuals, less than 2% of the crimes they were wanted for were environmental, on average. Interpol's red notices are one of the few ways to understand international law enforcement priorities. When nations submit a red notice, these alert Interpol's 196 member nations of the details of a wanted person, including physical characteristics and a description of the crime. Once approved, Interpol publishes this on its list of red notices, and requests that law enforcement agencies including police forces assist in locating the named personthen provisionally arrest them pending extradition or other legal action. Red notices do help. Recently, Simon Leviev, an alleged fraudster dubbed the "Tinder Swindler", was arrested after a red notice was issued for allegations of defrauding multiple women he met on the dating app of large sums of money. The notice flagged him as a wanted person when making an international border crossing, promoting cross-border cooperation between police and border forces. He was arrested at the Georgian border for crimes committed predominantly in Norway. Our research examined how frequently this is used to combat environmental crime, compared with other crimes such as fraud or murder. By analyzing red notices, we wanted to know if environmental crime is a global priority. Our results showed that this tool is rarely used for environmental offenses. Of more than 4,400 active Interpol red notices when we did the study in December 2023, just 21 were categorized as environmental crimes. That's less than 0.5% of the total. If you're thinking maybe this tool only works for high-profile individuals, that isn't the case. Earlier this year, Interpol coordinated a global operation involving 138 countries and regions to arrest 365 suspects and seize 20,000 endangered animals. And in 2023, Tanzania requested the publication of two red notices which led to cooperation between Tanzania, Thailand and Egypt to track down a wanted individual for tortoise trafficking. The publication of the red notice flagged their wanted status as they crossed an international border, leading to their arrest. Red notices can evidently be a useful tool in the fight against growing environmental crime. 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. Why this matters Environmental crime is vast, including illegal logging, mining, waste trafficking, and the poaching and smuggling of wildlife. Together, these activities generate billions of dollars each year, often ranking just behind the global trade in drugs and arms. They drive deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss, while fueling corruption and violence as they converge with other violent, organized crimes. They can be incredibly harmful, not just to the environment but people too. There is a growing recognition of the impact of pollution on people's health, for example. Without tackling this crime, growing global commitments to protecting biodiversity, such as through the 30x30 targetwhere nations commit to protecting and conserving a minimum of 30% of land and sea for biodiversity by 2030risk becoming symbolic. The near-absence of environmental criminals from Interpol's red notice list matters because it reflects how low environmental enforcement still ranks in global policing priorities. As long as these crimes are treated as less important, they will continue to thrive in the shadows, with enormous social and ecological costs. Strengthening cooperation between national police forces through means such as Interpol red notices could make a big difference, especially in the face of cuts to international development funding, which may leave some enforcement agencies under-resourced. Environmental crime isn't a niche issue, it's a threat to global security, public health, and issues such as pollution and water quality that the public depend on. If governments truly consider it a crisis, why aren't more of its perpetrators on the world's most-wanted list? The problem may not simply be that governments don't care. Environmental crime often crosses borders and legal systems. It's not always clear who is responsible, or even which laws apply. A crime such as illegal fishing or waste dumping may affect multiple countries, making prosecution difficult. Some nations still treat environmental offenses as minor, while others lack the capacity to investigate the crime enough to find out who is responsible. It is important to understand why nations aren't using Interpol's red list more effectively to prosecute environmental crime. Finding out if it's lack of will, resourcing, or understanding of how to prosecute the perpetrators could be key to tackling environmental crime more effectively. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. ChinaASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 injects new momentum into regional openness, cooperation 08:22, November 04, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily Merchants communicate with each other at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo held in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Sept. 18, 2025. (Photo/Zhu Xiaoming) Amid rising unilateralism and protectionism, how can nations foster greater stability in regional On Oct. 28 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the two parties signed the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol. This achievement not only marks another milestone in their shared commitment to open cooperation but also significantly advances the development of an open world economy at a critical moment. The agreement represents a landmark outcome from the consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and ASEAN leaders during the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. It also represents an important step in implementing the decisions of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which called for expanding high-standard opening up and creating new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. The upgraded partnership between the world's second- and fifth-largest economies is more than a simple sum of figures, it is a meeting of minds. Since its full implementation in 2010, the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area(CAFTA) has continuously evolved to meet the demands of accelerating regional integration. Its progressive upgrades - moving from tariff reductions on goods to expanded service sector a ccess, and now to deeper alignment of regulations and standards - clearly demonstrate the expanding scope and rising ambition of China-ASEAN economic cooperation. The process fully reflects the two sides' forward-looking vision and strategic understanding of global trends. Building CAFTA 3.0 is a crucial step towards creating a super-sized market and fostering a community with a shared future. The economic partnership is exceptionally robust: China and ASEAN have been each other's largest trading partners for five consecutive years, with total trade reaching nearly $1 trillion in 2024 and cumulative two-way investment exceeding $450 billion as of July this year. These deep economic ties form a powerful foundation for an even closer community with a shared future. Under the CAFTA 3.0 framework, both sides will jointly promote the development of emerging industries such as digital and green economies, enhance the alignment of standards and regulations, and advance infrastructure and supply chain connectivity. These measures will drive the region toward deeper economic integration and more sustainable long-term growth. Businesses anticipate that the agreement's provisions will significantly enhance the region's appeal as an investment destination and contribute to building stronger, more resilient supply chains. These high expectations underscore the potential for the upgraded free trade area to unlock new dimensions of China-ASEAN cooperation. Visitors to the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo buy Thai products, Sept. 18, 2025. (Photo/Zhu Xiaoming) The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 fully demonstrates the two sides' shared and solemn commitment to upholding multilateralism and free trade. Amid intensifying geopolitical rivalry and rampant protectionism, China and ASEAN are providing certainty through mutually beneficial cooperation in an uncertain world. Their joint resolve to build an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional integrated market and a resilient regional industrial and supply chain system that delivers mutual benefits will unlock significant opportunities for businesses across the region and beyond, inject strong confidence and vitality into global economic growth, and set an example for countries working together to address international economic and trade challenges. Adhering to openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit is an inherent requirement of Chinese modernization. As of early 2025, China had signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions. Photo taken on Sept. 21, 2025 shows crowds of people attending the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo. (Photo/Peng Huan) With China continuing to expand institutional opening up, foster innovation-driven trade growth, broaden two-way investment channels, and work with partners to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the space for mutual benefit and shared success will only continue to grow. Looking ahead, China's steadfast commitment to openness and cooperation will ensure it remains a stabilizer and source of dynamism for the world economy. Economic globalization is an irreversible trend of history. China will continue to work with all parties to uphold multilateralism and open cooperation, share development opportunities through openness, and pursue win-win outcomes, so as to promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, build an open world economy, and jointly create a brighter future for all humanity. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Sir Anthony Hopkins is set to star in the true story of a man whose digital existence in World of Warcraft revealed a hidden life of connection and creativity. Sir Anthony Hopkins is set to star in the true story of a man whose digital existence in World of Warcraft revealed a hidden life of connection and creativity The Oscar-winner, 87, will join a cast including Charlie Plummer, Stephen Graham, Toni Collette, Isabela Merced and Maisy Stella in Ibelin, director Morten Tyldums new drama. The film, directed by Oscar nominee Mortem best known for The Imitation Game is based on the real-life story of Mats Steen, a Norwegian man with a degenerative muscular disease who lived much of his social and emotional life through the online game. Its title comes from Mats virtual alter ego in World of Warcraft. Written by BAFTA nominee Ilaria Bernardini and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Hossein Amini, Ibelin draws from Mats blog Musings of Life. The film explores both the World of Warcraft community that came to admire Steen and his loving but chaotic family, who discovered the depth of his virtual world only after his death. Vendome Pictures and Pathe are reuniting to produce the film, following their previous collaboration on the Oscar-winning CODA. Vendomes Philippe Rousselet and Fabrice Gianfermi will produce alongside Jerome Seydoux at Pathe and Tyldum and Guri Neby for Neby-Tyldum AS. Vendome and Pathe are financing the production, with Black Bear handling international sales and CAA Media Finance representing domestic rights ahead of the American Film Market in Los Angeles. Principal photography is set to begin in Europe in 2026. Charlie Plummer, who recently appeared in Francis Lawrences The Long Walk, brings experience from films such as All the Money in the World and Lean on Pete. Stephen Graham, who recently won three Emmys for creating and starring in the Netflix hit Adolescence, has also featured in Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, The Irishman and Rocketman. Toni Collette, currently starring in Netflixs Wayward, is known for Hereditary, Knives Out and her Oscar-nominated role in The Sixth Sense. And Isabela Merced, who stars in The Last of Us and plays Hawkgirl in Superman, joins Maisy Stella, who recently led My Old A** and will star in Maude Apatows upcoming feature Poetic License. Sir Anthony, a two-time Oscar winner for The Silence of the Lambs and dementia drama The Father, brings his trademark intensity to the ensemble after his acclaimed performances in Remains of the Day, Howards End and The Two Popes have cemented his status as one of cinemas most respected icons. 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: Canva Studio from Pexels Academic entrepreneursscientists who found research-based startups while remaining in academiacreatively find cross-fertilizing effects between their academic and entrepreneurial work, helping them to reevaluate and extend their professional identity, according to new research published in Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal. The findings suggest that supporting academic entrepreneurship goes beyond funding or IP policies: Universities, incubators, and policymakers can help by acknowledging the practical identity work involved and by creating flexible environments that give scientists the opportunity to integrate their academic and entrepreneurship roles in meaningful ways. The study grew from work that Marouane Bousfiha, of University of Gothenburg, and Henrik Berglund, of Chalmers University of Technology, had done with academic scientists to identify and develop commercially viable products and services based on the scientists' research. "We repeatedly noticed that most scientists managed to combine being a deeply committed academic with being a for-profit entrepreneur," Bousfiha says, noting that scientific literature has historically taken the position that academic and entrepreneurial identities are inherently in conflict. "[T]his inspired us to systematically study how academic entrepreneurs manage their dual identities." Academic entrepreneurship is on the rise, Bousfiha says, as universities across the globe support entrepreneurial strategies and encourage researchers to turn their findings into practical, real-world offerings, reflecting a broader push for universities to drive innovation and economic development. However, the prevailing assumption has been that academic entrepreneurs face conflicting and disparate demands on their professional identities as their dual roles have very different norms and practices. Bousfiha and Berglund's research explored how academic entrepreneurs construct and sustain their professional identities while frequently transitioning between academic and entrepreneurial activities. With little prior research on the topic, the authors conducted exploratory qualitative interviews with 27 Swedish academics who were active in both academia and startups that commercialize their research. They focused specifically on how these professionals practically manage and make sense of their roles. "These individuals were ideal for our purpose because they were engaged in frequent and temporary shiftswhat we call micro-transitionsbetween two professional spheres, science and business, that differ sharply in values, routines, and expectations," Bousfiha says. The study authors found that the academic entrepreneurs they interviewed didn't talk about their professional identities as something to be reconciled in the abstract. Rather, they spoke about what they did, including the situations, tools, and artifacts they worked with. When looking deeper at how their identities related to their concrete character of work, several respondents described how their ability to build a successful lab was a valuable skill for building their startup. The academic entrepreneurs also discussed how attracting research funding was similar to pitching venture capitalists, and how their startup experience provided a practical authority in the classroom. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "We also found that concrete artifacts carried meanings in both domains," Bousfiha says. "Commercial applications would thus generate new research ideas, and scientific publications not only advanced science but also increased customer confidence. It was in such concrete tasks and artifacts that their professional identities were forged." Unlike prior research, the study showed that academic entrepreneurs didn't prioritize their academic identities over their entrepreneurial ones. Instead, these professionals distinguished between tasks that were intellectually engaging and aligned with their expertise, and tasks that were more routine or administrative. "Activities such as grading or managing payroll were gladly delegated, while responsibilities like setting technology roadmaps, forming partnerships, or securing funding were seen as natural parts of their professional identity," Bousfiha says. "Their sense of coherence clearly came from engaging in work they found meaningful, in both roles, rather than from maintaining strict boundaries between them." In the interviews, Bousfiha and Berglund found that a great source of anxiety for the respondents was around what is appropriate and encouraged. For universities, incubators, and policymakers to better support academic entrepreneurs, the study authors recommend offering flexible environments that allow scientists to integrate both their roles in meaningful ways. That could include clearer guidelines for dual affiliations, the use of university resources, and incentives that recognize and reward entrepreneurial engagement alongside academic work. "The aim should not be to remove all tension, but to make the relationship clear and productive so that academics can pursue both science and entrepreneurship in productive ways," Bousfiha says. More information: Marouane Bousfiha et al, Microtransitions and work identity: The case of academic entrepreneurs, Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1002/sej.1541 Journal information: Strategic Management Journal This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The distributions of (a) molecular and (b) dispersive scalar dissipation. Credit: Journal of Fluid Mechanics (2025). DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2025.10684 A solution to a tricky groundwater riddle from Australia: Researchers at TU Wien have developed numerical models to simulate the movement of fluids in porous materials. Things are complicated along the MurrayDarling River in southern Australia. Agricultural irrigation washes salt out of the upper soil layers, and this salt eventually ends up in the river. To prevent the river's salt concentration from rising too much, part of the salty water is diverted into special basins. Some of these basins are designed to let the salty water evaporate, others to slowly release it in a controlled manner in the underground. That keeps salt temporarily out of the river and allows better management of the river's waterbut it increases the salinity in the ground. How can we calculate how this saltwater spreads underground and what its long-term effects will be? Such questions are extremely difficult to answer, as several physical effects interact in complex ways. At TU Wien, researchers have now developed an efficient computer model that can run on supercomputers to calculate the spreading of fluids in porous materialsallowing the movement of saltwater in the soils, like in the case of the MurrayDarling River, to be predicted much more accurately. The same approach can also be applied to other problems, such as the dispersion of pollutants in groundwater. The research is published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics. Diffusion and flow "When different fluids mix, diffusion occurs," explains Dr. Marco De Paoli from the Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer at TU Wien. "If you place a drop of ink in a glass of water, the ink molecules will gradually spread out, simply because of their random motion." At the same time, the behavior of fluidssuch as groundwater in the soilis also affected by other effects: denser fluids tend to sink, while lighter ones rise. This can create flows with a distinct direction, unlike diffusion, which spreads evenly in all directions. The situation becomes even more complicated when the fluid flows through a porous material, such as a sandy soil. The higher the velocity of the fluid through the sand, the more the salt (or the contaminants) carried by the fluid will spread. In addition, this spreading process, defined as "dispersion," is larger in some directions than in others. Chaotic finger patterns "All these effects have been known for a long time, but we have now finally managed to incorporate them into a computer model, allowing us to simulate situations like those in southern Australia for the first time with the aid of supercomputers," says De Paoli. Interesting instabilities emerge: saltwater is denser than fresh water, but the upper soil layers contain more saltso the denser fluid lies above the lighter one. "That's an unstable situation," De Paoli explains. "If, by chance, a bit of the saltier water starts to sink, gravity amplifies the imbalance. The water begins to flow downward, forming finger-like structures that extend deep into the ground and further enhance the dispersion of salt." 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. Reliable formulas for many applications Just as small differences in temperature and pressure can produce complex weather patterns, subtle variations in salinity and soil structure can give rise to intricate saltwater flows and patterns underground. With the computer models developed by De Paoli in collaboration with the University of Twente (the Netherlands) and the Gran Sasso Science Institute (Italy), these processes can now be described and understood in detail. The salt distribution near the MurrayDarling River is just one example where these computational methods can be employed. The same approach can be applied to a wide range of other phenomenasuch as pollutant dispersion in groundwater, underground carbon dioxide storage, or convection processes in geothermal reservoirs. More information: Marco De Paoli et al, Solute mixing in porous media with dispersion and buoyancy, Journal of Fluid Mechanics (2025). DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2025.10684 Journal information: Journal of Fluid Mechanics 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: Food Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.144231 A "robust, reliable and highly sensitive" tool that quickly and reliably identifies rogue ingredients, even in processed and cooked foods, has been developed by University of Aberdeen scientists. The work is published in the journal Food Chemistry. The MEAT-iCode system combines proteomic testing with an advanced database to simultaneously identify multiple meat species in a single processed food sample. In initial lab tests of 19 shop-bought products, a team from the Rowett Institute found that most (17) contained the ingredients listed on the label. In two cases, however, there were discrepancies. The results from one kebab showed none of the 14% lamb advertisedand another which was said to be 60% lamb and 20% chicken was recorded as containing twice as much chicken as lamb. Food fraud is estimated to cost the UK 2 billion a year and undermines consumer confidence, a particular concern for the meat industry. MEATiCode identifies peptides in food samples using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) then matches them to a bespoke database, providing a clear picture of the origin and quantity of each meat it contains. It can be deployed in any proteomics lab and is faster than DNA-based and other techniques, able to pinpoint ingredients that make up as little as 0.5% of a sample. It has also been shown to be able to drill down far enough to identify particular breeds, such as Aberdeen Angus. The Rowett team is also excited by the prospect of adapting the technique to detect allergens such as nuts, fish and dairy products, extending its role in food safetyas well as expanding the database beyond meat to protect other sectors from damaging fraud. Credit: University of Aberdeen Dr. Renata Garbellini Duft, who led the project in Rowett Director Professor Jules Griffin's lab, said, "Food fraud in the meat industry is a growing concern. Cases of mislabeled or adulterated meat have made consumers question what they're eating and whether it's safe. "MEATiCode represents a big step forward in the fight against food fraud. It provides a highly accurate and reliable way to confirm what's really in meat products. "With this method, we can protect consumers, support honest suppliers, and improve food safety. As testing methods evolve, we hope to see more widespread adoption of MEATiCode in quality control and regulatory frameworks worldwide. "Ensuring that meat products are genuine is not just about avoiding allergens or harmful additivesit also protects the value of high-quality meats, and the cultural traditions associated with them." Professor Griffin said, "Food fraud is a major challenge to both the consumer and the food industry and it is only getting more complicated in an ever more connected world. "It's important we protect both the food we produce and monitor the food we import to make sure we are eating what we think we are eating. "MEATiCode is one tool in the armory that we now have to protect our food supply chain from illegal or accidental adulteration." The research team have liaised closely with Food Standards Scotland and others during the development process to understand how the system can be added to the armory available to bodies tasked with fighting food fraud from an economic and health perspective. Food Standards Scotland Senior Scientific Advisor Kasia Kazimierczak said, "Food fraud may harm consumers and can put reputable food producers at risk. "MEATiCode can be used as one of the methods to help safeguard product integrity, acting as a tool that allows verification of authenticity with precision. "By identifying the presence of undeclared ingredients, it can strengthen consumers' confidence and supports the credibility of the entire supply chain." More information: Renata G. Duft et al, MEATiCode: A comprehensive proteomic LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous species identification in meat authentication, Food Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.144231 Journal information: Food Chemistry 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: Challenges in responsivity/EQE characterization. a, Left: overfilling incident beam causing inaccurate responsivity/EQE determination due to carrier generation beyond the nominal active area, extending into a peripheral region of feature size D L . Right: aperture adoption for accurate responsivity/EQE determination. b, Importance of monitoring the time-dependent dark current for accurate responsivity/EQE measurements, during which the device is subjected to multiple optical pulses with power P i (t). c, Impact of unsuitable modulation frequency on modulated measurements for continuous-wave responsivity/EQE characterization. d, Time-domain illustration of the effect displayed in c. Top: suitable modulation frequency, allowing the accurate determination of the continuous-wave responsivity/EQE from a modulated measurement. Bottom: unsuitable modulation frequency. Credit: Nature Photonics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-025-01759-1 A global team of experts from academia and industry has joined forces in a landmark Consensus Statement on next-generation photodetectors based on emerging light-responsive materials, which could accelerate innovative applications across health care, smart homes, agriculture, and manufacturing. Professor Vincenzo Pecunia, head of the Sustainable Optoelectronics Research Group (www.sfu.ca/see/soe), has led this global initiative culminating in the publication of a Consensus Statement in Nature Photonics. Featured on the journal's cover, the paper provides a unified framework for characterizing, reporting, and benchmarking emerging light-sensing technologies. These guidelines could catalyze the adoption of such sensors across a wide range of applications, enhancing quality of life, productivity, and sustainability. Light sensors, also known as photodetectors, are devices that convert light into electrical signals. They are at the heart of countless smart devices and represent a global market valued at over $30 billion, reflecting both their ubiquity and economic significance. Emerging photodetectorsincluding those based on organic semiconductors, perovskites, quantum dots, and two-dimensional materialscould take this field even further by enabling ultrathin, flexible, stretchable, and lightweight sensors. These next-generation photodetectors promise lower costs, enhanced performance, and unique functionalities, paving the way for applications that were previously impossible. Rapid advances in materials and device architectures, however, have outpaced the research community's ability to consistently measure and compare performanceparticularly as new phenomena and applications emerge thanks to the unique properties of these emerging technologies. "The field has been held back by inconsistent reporting and characterization practices," says Professor Pecunia, lead author of the work. "Without standardized methods, it's difficult to know which technologies truly represent breakthroughs, and industry struggles to identify the ones that are ready to deliver real-world impact. Another challenge is that research has often focused on narrowly optimizing a single performance metric, rather than taking the holistic approach needed to make these devices valuable for real-world applications." To tackle these challenges, Professor Pecunia brought together a global team of 53 experts from 43 universities and research institutes, along with 11 leading companiesincluding Panasonic, Vishay, OmniVision, Exosens, and Thorlabsspanning 16 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Together, they distilled best practices in light sensor characterization that incorporate diverse perspectives, cutting-edge research, and real-world industry needs. The resulting report establishes clear guidelines for evaluating key performance metricscovering sensitivity, low-light performance, speed, stability, and moreand provides detailed checklists and experimental schematics to support reproducibility and meaningful benchmarking. "The vision of these guidelines is to help researchers and industry identify the true cutting edge as these technologies continue to develop, accelerating the translation of emerging photodetector technologies into everyday devices," Pecunia explains. 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. Prof. Pecunia's leadership in this initiative builds on more than 15 years of research experience in the field, with pioneering work in photodetectors made from printable materials such as organic and perovskite semiconductors. His focus has been on developing materials and device solutions that combine high-performance light sensing with low-cost fabrication methods, while advancing their sensitivity and ability to detect light in very narrow spectral windows. In his Sustainable Optoelectronics Research Group, Prof. Pecunia is advancing light sensor technology for applications ranging from smart agriculture to environmental monitoring and industrial safety. By leveraging the best practices from the collaborative work, he aims to accelerate efforts to bring these technologies to fruition in real-world applications. More information: Vincenzo Pecunia et al, Guidelines for accurate evaluation of photodetectors based on emerging semiconductor technologies, Nature Photonics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-025-01759-1 Journal information: Nature Photonics This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The road to genocide doesn't begin with bullets and mass graves, but with more subtle violations. Declining workers' rights or compromises on the right to a fair trial may come first. Brutality by law enforcement and prison guards has become widespread. The judiciary loses its independence from the executive branch. And then, more serious signs follow: Freedom of speech is restricted for a specific group of people, and then their right to assemble in public places. Members of this group may find themselves increasingly imprisoned for their beliefs, and lose the ability to vote or run for office. Each violation should flash red, demanding that we pay attention. "There's never been a genocide without multiple other human rights violations going on," observed Binghamton University Political Science Professor David Cingranelli, co-director of the University's Human Rights Institute and co-founder of the CIRIGHTS data project, a collaboration between Binghamton and the University of Rhode Island (URI). "The Holocaust is a famous example." In a recent article in the Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis, URI Associate Professor of Political Science Skip Mark, Ph.D. '18 and Cingranelli argue that human rights violations escalate in predictable patterns, which can potentially culminate in atrocities. In "The Human Rights Sequence Theory of Atrocity: A Comparative Analysis," the researchers use data from annual human rights reports from the U.S. State Department. Few people have read these extensive State Department reports, other than members of Congress, Cingranelli said. "I always have my students read reports from countries we are friendly with, but which are alleged to have poor human rights records, to see if we're honest about it," he added. "The reporting, I think, is consistent." Their data show that state-led atrocities have occurred in more than 30 countries each year for the past seven years; 2022 alone had 47 atrocities, the highest number ever recorded. State violence is inevitably targeted at specific groups; at their core, human rights center on the rights of minorities, Cingranelli explained. In the United States, these are almost exclusively racial minorities; in India, on the other hand, it's the Muslim religious minority. A mass atrocity is in play when extrajudicial killings are widespread and accompanied by other human rights violations. Genocide, on the other hand, requires a government's intent to exterminate a group in whole or in part, according to international law. Establishing this intent can be difficult, Cingranelli said. Ultimately, the United Nations decides whether a mass atrocity can be considered a genocide and that, too, is a political process. "Our research doesn't get into the politics. We just read what the report says about the number of people that the government killed without judicial process in a particular year," Cingranelli explained. "If they were citizens of your country, that's extrajudicial killing of your own people." 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 sequence The raw information in the State Department report is provided by U.S. embassies around the world. Embassies of any considerable size typically haveor had, at any rateat least one designated human rights officer who collects this data, which is then sent to the State Department in Washington, D.C. "Multiply that by 194 countries in the world, that's a ton of money and a ton of effort," Cingranelli said. "When I visited the human rights officers in these countries, they would take me to prisons to talk with wardens about their policies and that sort of thing." The first report came out in 1974, but didn't supply trustworthy data until 1981 under the Carter administration. Cingranelli has been using the reports to rank countries' human rights performance since the early 1980s. Political Science Professor Mikhail Filippov, one of the co-directors of the CIRIGHTS, also plays an important role in data collection, which he uses in his own research. Using this data, the researchers developed a brutality-based atrocity indicator to predict the possibility of genocide, triggered by escalating human rights abuses. The right to a fair trial is among the first to become compromised, followed by torture, defined by intentional suffering inflicted by state agents against targeted individuals. The loss of collective bargaining, an independent judiciary, and the right to unionize comes next, followed by curbs on free speech and freedom of association. Next in the sequence are political imprisonment, the loss of electoral self-determination and finally extrajudicial killings, the mark of mass atrocity. Surprisingly, restrictions on freedom of movement aren't among the warning signs; this type of ban typically falls into place around the time extrajudicial killings become widespread. Nor are the loss of women's social and economic rights, which may be due to cultural factors surrounding the role of women in traditional societies. "I see things in this sequence that don't make sense to me. We're going to reexamine it to see how we could refine it in ways that would include more rights in the sequence and take more account of how women are treated in society," Cingranelli said. "It's a work in progress." How long does the sequence take? Cingranelli and Mark are currently researching the answer to that question. In Myanmar, for example, the sequence of escalating human rights abuses took more than a decade before it culminated in a genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority. The researchers' brutality-based indicator would have been triggered at least two years prior to six of the seven genocides occurring after 1990, with the Serbia and Montenegro conflict the only exception. The future Right now, the researchers are in the process of scoring countries for 2023. That's where the project will end in its current form; the State Department report issued in 2025, which looks back at the previous year, isn't comparable to previous human rights reports and does not appear to be accurate, Cingranelli said. "It's not that our idea ends, but the use of these reports to score countries probably won't go any further than 2023," he said. "Until Trump, there was consistent reporting from the U.S. Department of State and very professional people who wrote those reports. The process was not politicized, and friends of the United States didn't get soft treatment." However, they have 40 years' worth of reports to rely on, which is more than enough to generate a sequence. Amnesty International also supplies usable data. As a scholar, Cingranelli admits that he has no special insights into the reasons behind the increase in atrocities. "I do think that something bad is happening in the world," he conceded. "People are willing to have a government that's more violent. It's not just the United States; it's also happening in Western Europe, in a lot of countries that we formerly thought of as being very respectful of human rights." A fear of immigrants is likely part of the equation; European countries, for example, are militarizing their borders in a way similar to that of the United States. Increased political polarization and the willingness to use violence in pursuit of majority-approved goals are also factors. Individual freedom and social order exist in tension, but a necessary tension; individual freedoms require a certain amount of social order to exist. The system falls out of balance when the majority exhibits an increased willingness to trample the rights of minorities to achieve their goals, preferring to maintain the social order rather than maximize individual freedom. "When people believe that the level of social order in their society has exceeded a certain threshold, they are willing to authorize the government to do all kinds of horrible things," Cingranelli observed. Mark and Cingranelli will be working on a book about the project, along with Cornell University postdoctoral fellow Deanne Roark. "We're going to put all of this together in a way that's useful for people who are trying to stop atrocities," Cingranelli said. "If you're an activist in a country and you see human rights violations of particular kinds occurring, that alerts you to the fact that the next step could very well be large-scale killing." More information: Skip Mark et al, The Human Rights Sequence Theory of Atrocity: A Comparative Analysis, Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice (2025). DOI: 10.1080/13876988.2025.2551039 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: (a) Ideal continuous-phase profile required for a microlens ( = 4.25 m, f = 9 m, n = 2.7), which can be accurately replicated by a spherical lens or (b) discretely sampled by meta-atoms arranged with a 1 m pitch, as shown in the figure, with varying diameters in a single-layer flat metalens. The resulting electric field strength (||) profiles are shown in (c) for the spherical lens and (d) for the metalens, with the metalens demonstrating reduced focusing efficiency compared to the spherical lens. Credit: Journal of Electronic Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s11664-025-12115-y Researchers have developed a highly sensitive method for detecting hotspots in the environment, such as bushfires or military threats, by harnessing the focusing power of meta-optical systems. The key to the approach is innovative lens technology thinner than a human hair, which can collect and process infrared radiation from fires and other heat sources with much improved efficiency. Crucially, it does not need cryogenic cooling, unlike current sensors. The result is sensor technology that promises to enhance devices in both the civilian and military spheres, said Dr. Tuomas Haggren, lead researcher on the project. "It's elegant engineering with real-world payoff: a single layer that behaves like millions of tiny lenses, manufactured at scale," said Dr. Haggren, a research fellow at the Australian National University and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative MetaOptical Systems (TMOS). "It directly improves the cameras that communities rely on." The team propose that their technology could be deployed to provide constant surveillance for bushfires, by mounting the sensors onto telecom network towers. "Fire detection technologies are of national importance, and our solution addresses a critical gap in scalable, cost-effective bushfire detection," said Dr. Wenwu Pan, a research fellow at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and TMOS. "The same advances enable compact, low-power sensors that provide 360-degree situational awareness on defense platforms." The sensors operate at wavelengths between 3 and 5 m, known as the mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR), which offers good visibility in both night and day, combined with good thermal contrast for identifying heat sources. However, efforts to make MWIR cameras sharper have run into manufacturing and performance limits. Firstly, as pixels get smaller, it's harder to stop light spilling over between pixels and blurring the image. Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) are exploring a concept for 360-degree bushfire detection using advanced meta-optical sensors. The envisioned system would mount mid-infrared metasurface detectors on existing telecom towers to provide continuous, long-range hotspot monitoring at room temperature. By focusing heat signatures with arrays of microscopic metalenses, the approach aims to enable high-sensitivity, low-power surveillance capable of transforming early wildfire warning and environmental monitoring. Credit: Dr. Wenwu Pan, University of Western Australia Secondly, there is a noise issue in trying to collect more light with larger detectors: the detectors function on the same principle as solar cells, with a PN junction converting the light to electrical signals. But PN junctions constantly generate low levels of signal, known as dark current: increasing the collection area generates proportionately more of this noise. This dark current can be reduced with cryogenic cooling, but that is not a satisfactory solution for field or remote use, as it increases costs and reduces practicality significantly. Instead, the team came up with the idea that they could focus the light, so it could be collected by a smaller detectorreducing dark current. Better yet, if an array of lenses were usedone for every pixelthen each pixel could be smaller, and separated from its neighbors, which would cut out spillover. 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 system brings together three key advancesmid-wave infrared sensing for round-the-clock, long-range detection; operation without cryogenic cooling for low power and high reliability; and real-time data for faster response," said Associate Professor Gilberto Umana-Membreno, from UWA and TMOS. But how to create the thousands of tiny lenses needed for this idea? The answer is by using a metasurface, a surface covered in an array of nanoscopic shapes smaller than the wavelength of light, that can produce remarkable effects not possible with natural materials. "These flat metalenses allow us to bring photolithographic, wafer-scale optics directly into the detector stacka practical way to boost performance," Associate Professor Gilberto Umana-Membreno said. The team used electromagnetic modeling to design a flat metasurface that concentrates mid-infrared light onto each detector pixel, improving sensitivity and reducing noise. The design is detailed in the Journal of Electronic Materials. Various nano-pillar designs were tested through simulation to optimize light focusing efficiency and showed great promise for increasing accuracy and reducing losses, Dr. Wenwu said. "By patterning a flat single-layer film we concentrate more light where it's needed." The new design promises widespread impactbeyond heat detection, infrared sensors are used for remote sensing, night vision, environmental monitoring, national security, defense, meteorology, astronomy, spectroscopy and medical imaging. As well as simple focusing, metalenses can be designed to carry out advanced optical processing, by separating and manipulating different components of light based on polarization, phase or wavelength. "The project is highly eligible for a range of grants, and would support scalable roll out." Associate Professor Gilberto Umana-Membreno said. "There are significant commercial opportunities." More information: Wenwu Pan et al, Design and Simulation of Metalens Arrays for Enhanced MWIR Imaging Array Performance, Journal of Electronic Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s11664-025-12115-y This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A new nano-based drug delivery technology could outwit tuberculosis (TB)one of humanity's most ancient diseases. At the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP), postdoctoral researcher Dr. Lindokuhle Ngema is developing an inhalable nanosystem to transport TB medicines directly into the lungs, the very place where the bacterium which causes TBMycobacterium tuberculosishides and thrives. The nanocarrier (miniature "container" for the medicine) can hold all four standard TB drugs in a single formulation and release them precisely at the infection site. The system is engineered to bypass the liver and bloodstream, reduce drug loss, and increase local concentration in the lungs. "TB is clever," says Ngema. "It hides in lung pockets where oral drugs can't reach. Our system is designed to be smarter and to go exactly where it's needed." An ancient enemy with modern consequences Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been around for roughly 9,000 years. Despite remarkable scientific progress, it remains a major global killer, causing about 10 million new infections and 1.8 million deaths each year. In South Africa alone, TB claimed more than 56,000 lives in 2023. The bacillus (a slow-growing, rod-shaped bacterium) spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or speak. While most South Africans receive the BCG vaccine in infancy to prevent TB, protection wanes by adolescence, leaving many adults vulnerable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB inflicts "catastrophic" costs on affected households. Its End TB Strategy calls for 80% fewer new cases and 90% fewer deaths by 2030ambitious targets that demand new thinking and new technology. "If we want to end TB, we must also address the limitations of one-size-fits-all drug delivery," says Professor Yahya Choonara, director of WADDP. "Precision nanomedicine like this allows us to treat smarter, faster and with greater impact, which is exactly what the WHO's End TB Strategy is calling for." Outwitting TB's defenses The standard TB treatment is four key anti-TB drugs: rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. They are taken over six months, which creates challenges with adherence. Side effects include nausea, liver damage and neuropathy and may cause patients to stop taking their medicine. TB is thus able to evolve into multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) forms. At the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP), postdoctoral researcher Dr. Lindokuhle Ngema is developing an inhalable nanosystem to transport TB medicines directly into the lungs. Credit: Beth Amato The WADDP team believe that inhalation therapy could provide a breakthrough. By delivering medicine directly into the respiratory tract (from the nose and bronchi to the alveoli), inhaled treatment bypasses the body's barriers and concentrates the drug where it is needed most. "We hope that this could shorten treatment time, improve adherence, and help limit the rise of drug resistance," explains Dr. Ngema. Inside the nanosystem This is a biocompatible carrier engineered at the molecular level to encapsulate four TB drugs. It is non-toxic and the body doesn't recognize it as foreign or dangerous. Once inhaled, these nanoparticles travel deep into the lungs and gradually release their payload at the infection site. A key feature is its traceability. Working with the Nuclear Medicine Research Institute (NuMeRI), nuclear imaging will be used to track how the nanoparticles move through the lung in real time. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. These studies will confirm whether the drug reaches the "hidden" TB pockets that conventional therapy misses. "The beauty of nanoscale science," says Ngema, "is that you can design a system that responds to the environment inside the body. We can control where and when the drugs are released." The project was conceptualized at WADDP under Choonara, whose laboratory specializes in targeted nanomedicines and advanced drug delivery systems. Ngema spent three months in Professor Twan Lemmers lab at the RWTh Aachen University Hospital, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI) in Germany conducting experiments to optimize the drug release profiles. "We wanted to combine the four main TB drugs in a single inhalable dose, reducing treatment time and making therapy simpler for patients," Ngema says. "Our early results show that this is possible. Now we're working to translate it to real-world use." For Ngema, this research is as personal as it is scientific. "TB has taken too many lives for too long," he says. "If we can make treatment easier, faster and smarter, then we're not just improving outcomes, but restoring hope." Despite decades of research, TB remains a disease of inequality and thrives in the context of poverty and weakened health systems. In low-resource settings, lengthy oral regimens are hard to sustain. Each missed dose risks creating drug-resistant strains and further entrenching the epidemic. Innovations such as this offer a way to shift the balance: less burden on patients, greater precision in treatment, and a higher chance of eradication. 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: Life Interrupted, mural by Tadas Vicaitis-Plugas in Kaunas city center, Lithuania. Credit: Andrius Aleksandravicius Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) linguists have analyzed murals in Lithuania's second-largest city as elements of a "linguistic landscape"a concept that views language as both visual and spatial. Their study reveals that street art in Kaunas acts as a form of cultural activism and collective memory, blending languages, images, and historical narratives. The research is published in the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development. The researchers, Professors Saulute Juzeleniene and Saule Petroniene, argue that multilingual murals created during Kaunas's year as the European Capital of Culture do more than beautify wallsthey reshape how residents see their city, its history, and themselves. While some works were commissioned as part of official programs, the scholars note that they have become powerful tools for community reflection and dialogue, turning public space into a living archive of cultural identity. "Works depicting the Holocaust or deportation in Kaunas, such as those in Ramybes Park, on Mickevicius Street and in the Kiemas Gallery, create places of remembrance where people can pause and reflect. This does not simplify history; rather, it brings it closer to people and gives it emotional depth," says Professor Juzeleniene. Murals preserve the city's memory "Kaunas is a city with a strong sense of identity, being one of the most Lithuanian of our major cities. However, it is important to remember that Jews, Poles, Russians, Germans and people of other nationalities also lived here between the wars. In fact, Kaunas's bohemian community consisted of scholars who had studied at European universities," says Professor Petroniene, head of the KTU Center of Foreign Languages. According to scholars, the linguistic landscape encompasses all visible forms of language in public spaces, including signs, inscriptions, advertisements, graffiti and murals. Language consists not only of words, but also of visual symbols, colors and local context. Having chosen the murals decorating the buildings in the center of Kaunas as the subject of their research, the academics argue that commemorating multiculturalisma historically defining feature of Kaunasthrough art is crucial. "Preserving historical memory is very important, especially in today's geopolitical context when there is a real threat that our economic, social and cultural progress will be halted again, along with our freedoms," says Prof. Petroniene. She believes that although we may not be proud of all aspects of our history and there are more painful experiences than we would like, it is important to maintain historical consciousness. "Murals are one of the most effective and accessible ways of introducing visitors and residents to the city's history, and of ensuring that it is not forgotten," says Prof. Petroniene. Street art as a form of cultural activism Research conducted by KTU scientists has revealed not only the multilingual nature of Kaunas's murals. It has also shown that these works of art are a form of cultural activism, inspiring pride in the city and encouraging a deeper interest in its history. "Street art works quietly and subtly through its everyday presence. This sparks people's interest, prompting them to ask questions, take photos and share stories. Murals become embedded in the collective memory. This transforms the relationship between the city's residents and their surroundings," says Prof. Juzeleniene. She admits that she became interested in street art several years ago, when her family bought an apartment in an apartment block near the synagogue. This building is now well known to Kaunas residents and visitors as the Kiemas Gallery (in English, Courtyard Gallery). "At that time, only a few initial drawings commemorating the Jews who had lived there before and suffered in the Holocaust graced the courtyard walls. Drawing on my experience of coordinating and participating in international projects, I wanted to contribute to expanding this further," recalls Prof. Juzeleniene. Once the projects received funding, new drawings appeared on the walls, and the courtyard gradually turned into a gallerya cultural space where art became a form of communication. "I feel like I have contributed to the development of this place," says Juzeleniene with a smile. 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. A way to revitalize a city Researchers say that street art can be seen as a form of community creativity and social communication. KTU linguists have conducted several studies on this topic together with partners from other European universities. Murals can be considered a defining feature of Kaunas (this form of art is also promoted by local government programs); however, more places around the world use this art form to tell the story of their local history. "During the conception, creation and implementation of mural projects, communities come together and often remain more focused and socially active after the project has ended," says Petroniene. For example, the professor refers to the history of Herlen, a city in the Netherlands that was depopulated and abandoned following the decline of the coal industry. She argues that the city's history is evident in its many high-rise buildings. However, before the introduction of street art, the abandoned areas did indeed appear uninviting. "Today, it is an attractive and lively city, whose revival was prompted by wall paintings," says the head of the KTU Center of Foreign Languages. As an exceptional example of wall painting, Petroniene mentions Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, whose murals tell the story of the Troubles, one of the bloodiest and longest conflicts in Irish history. According to her, in this case, the walls really do speak: "It's not just art, but also a channel of communication in the broad sense of the word, because the drawings often feature text." The dialogue continues even if the murals fade In addition to analyzing the murals, the KTU scientists interviewed the artists who created them. They said that the communicative aspect of street art is very important. "Discussions with the creators revealed that they view their work as both creative and social action. Many emphasized that the most important thing is forming a connection with the place and its people. Some mentioned that communicating with residents had altered their conception of the work," says Juzeleniene. According to her, the mural is not perceived as a finished work by its creators. It is a process that continues as long as the work "lives" in the memory of the community. All the murals analyzed by KTU researchers were created around the time that Kaunas was preparing to become the European Capital of Culture. To what extent did this fact influence the content of the analyzed works? After all, they may convey an official, institutional narrative rather than the authentic voice of the community. According to Juzeleniene, if we analyzed other/different wall paintings located outside the center of Kaunas, we would probably hear more voices of protest and criticism. "Both official and alternative voices would be included in the city's linguistic landscape. Such a study would probably present a slightly different cultural portrait of Kaunas," says the KTU professor. However, KTU researchers disagree with the suggestion that the value of murals is diminished by so-called "institutional regulation." On the contrary, they have created an opportunity to tell stories that have been silenced for many years. "Our younger generation may be unfamiliar with Kaunas's rich, meaningful and multilingual history. These works of wall art convey a message that can encourage them to develop a deeper interest and talk to more knowledgeable family members, friends or teachers," says Petroniene. More information: Saulute Juzeleniene et al, Painting the linguistic landscape of Kaunas: a study of multilingual murals in public spaces, Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development (2025). DOI: 10.1080/01434632.2025.2539916 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A page from Ibn Abi Hajala's (d. 1375) Daf al-niqma bi-l-salah ala nabi al-rahma ("Repelling the Trial by Sending Blessings Upon the Prophet of Mercy"). This plague treatise contains four maqamas, three of which were composed in Syria during the 1348/9 Black Death outbreak. Credit: MS Laleli 1361, Suleymaniye Library, Istanbul, personal photo Myths about how the Black Death traveled quickly across Asia, ravaging Silk Route communities, date back to a single fourteenth-century source, experts have found. Modern portrayals of the plague quickly moving across the continent, following the course of traders, have been incorrect because of centuries of misinterpretation of a rhyming literary tale. This "maqama"an Arabic genre of writing often focusing on a traveling "trickster"was written by the poet and historian Ibn al-Wardi in 13489 in Aleppo but was later mistaken for a factual description of the plague's movement. The pathogen that gave rise to the Black Death most likely had its origins in Central Asia. Some geneticists, drawing on the narrative found in Ibn al-Wardi's tale, still believe the pathogen was only displaced from there in the late 1330s, moving overland from an origin in Kyrgyzstan to the Black and Mediterranean seas in less than a decade, resulting in the massive pandemic in Western Eurasia and North Africa of the late-1340s. This "quick transit theory" is built primarily upon the literal reading of Ibn al-Wardi's maqama. This notion that a lineage of this bacterium moved over 3,000 miles overland within a few years and established itself sufficiently to cause the devastating Black Death of the Middle East and Europe from 1347 to 1350 is called severely into question in the research, which appears in the Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies. In his tale, Ibn al-Wardi personifies plague as a roving trickster, whoover the course of 15 yearsdecimates one region after the next, starting from unknown regions outside of China, to China, across India, central Asia, Persia and finally entering the Black Sea and Mediterranean to wreak havoc on Egypt and the Levant. But it was taken as the truth because he also quoted selections of this tale in his historical work. The study, by Muhammed Omar, a Ph.D. candidate in Arab and Islamic Studies, and Nahyan Fancy, a historian of Islamic medicine from the University of Exeter, shows how this story began to be taken as fact by 15th-century Arab historians and subsequent European historians. Credit: Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies (2025). DOI: 10.5617/jais.12790 Professor Fancy said, "All roads to the factually incorrect description of the spread of the plague lead back to this one text. It's like it is in the center of a spider's web of the myths about how the Black Death moved across the region. "The entire trans-Asian movement of plague and its arrival in Egypt prior to Syria has always been and continues to be based upon Ibn al-Wardi's singular Risala, which is unsubstantiated by other contemporary chronicles and even maqamas. The text was written just to highlight the fact the plague traveled and tricked people. It should not be taken literally." The maqama form was invented in the late tenth century, but really took off from the twelfth century onwards. Fourteenth-century Mamluk literati particularly prized this form of writing, and several of their maqamas, including on plague, are to be found in manuscripts in libraries across the world. Maqamas were designed to be read aloud completely in one session. Ibn al-Wardi's Risala was one of at least three maqamas about plague composed in 13489. The study shows how this writing has huge potential to show how communities at the time coped with catastrophic events. 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. This frees historians up to examine the significance of earlier plague outbreaks (such as the 1258 outbreak in Damascus, or the 12323 outbreak in Kaifeng), their impact on those societies, and how experiences in those outbreaks and their memories were recalled and revisited by later scholars. Professor Fancy said, "These writings can help us understand how creativity may have been a way to exercise some control and served as a coping mechanism at this time of widespread death, similar to the way people developed new culinary skills or artistic skills during the COVID-19 pandemic. "These maqamas may not give us accurate information about how the Black Death spread. But the texts are phenomenal because they help us see how people at the time were living with this awful crisis." More information: Muhammed Omar et al, Mamluk Maqamas on the Black Death, Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies (2025). DOI: 10.5617/jais.12790 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: Mikhail Nilov from Pexels Researchers have investigated work-related anxiety in four countries. Bullying and lack of psychological support from managers top the list of workplace factors that can lead to serious mental health problems. The study shows that 11.2% of people in Norway have reduced capacity for work due to work-related anxiety. The study is published in the International Journal of Stress Management. "Work-related anxiety is not just stress. Anxiety is the worry that follows you home, steals your sleep, and meets you again the next day at work," said Leon De Beer, an associate professor at NTNU's Department of Psychology. "If your job feels like an alarm you cannot turn off, it is not stress or a hectic tempo, but anxiety," said Leoni Van der Vaart, a postdoc at NTNU's Department of Psychology. "Anxiety involves feeling threatened and trapped in an intolerable situation at work," added Associate Professor Renzo Bianchi. These NTNU researchers are experts in organizational psychology and, in collaboration with other researchers, they have recently investigated the prevalence of work-related anxiety in four countries: England fared best with the lowest proportion at 3.6%. Norway had the second lowest proportion at 4.2%. The United States had 5.7%. South Africa had the highest proportion at 9.4% Memory loss The researchers used a new tool they have developed themselves to identify work-related anxiety, which is now available to companies and public health decision-makers. "Work-related anxiety hasn't received enough attention. There has been a lot of focus on burnout, which is the more depressive form of overwhelming stress, while anxiety has tended to go under the radar in many countriesincluding Norway," said Bianchi. According to a study conducted by Statistics Norway in September this year, there are almost three million employed people in Norway. The NTNU study suggests that over 120,000 Norwegians may struggle with anxiety in the form of disrupted sleep, muscle pain, memory loss, or concentration problems due to work. Some people also develop physical illnesses as a result of their anxiety. The study found that work-related anxiety is associated with many factors, including absence due to illness, previous anxiety disorders, use of anxiety medications, poor general health and reduced capacity for work. "There are more people with reduced capacity for work due to work-related anxiety than the number who meet the criteria for an anxiety diagnosis. This shows that work-related anxiety can impair work capacity even when people experience moderate symptoms, and not a severe disorder," said Bianchi. Traumatic events "Work-related anxiety may be due to a person being naturally anxious, and therefore anxious in all areas of life, including at work. But there are also many cases where anxiety occurs for the first time at work. This can be due to a manager who bullies, sexual harassment, traumatic events that have put their life at risk, or a major failure related to a work task," explained Bianchi. The top five workplace factors associated with work-related anxiety in Norway: Bullying and a culture characterized by disrespect Conflict between working life and private life Lack of autonomy in relation to carrying out tasks Lack of psychological support from managers Uncertainty about future standard of living because the employment situation feels insecure "It is extremely important that there is a supportive culture at work. Psychological support from managers and colleagues, as well as job security, play a major role," said Bianchi. Some people go on sick leave due to work-related anxiety. Others continue to go to work despite their anxiety, but are impacted by it. Turning down promotion "The problem with anxiety is that you start becoming anxious about being anxious. It is a vicious circle that is hard to break. If you feel threatened at work, you are less likely to take responsibility. You may start avoiding situations that make you anxiouslike turning down a promotion because it involves speaking in public or leading meetings," explained Bianchi. He believes that anxiety can also lead to people remaining in a job simply because they feel safe, rather than seeking new opportunities that could involve a more exciting career and higher pay. Bianchi highlights that managers have a responsibility to create a sense of security in the workplace. "The first thing to do is to put a stop to bullying in the workplace. It is a managerial responsibility to create a culture where derogatory comments among colleagues are not tolerated. A lot of knowledge exists on how to create psychological safety in the workplace, and managers must put this into practice," said Bianchi. He also encourages people to seek help. 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. Important not to trivialize "It is often very difficult to cope with anxiety alone. Psychotherapy may be necessary to get your life back on track. Some people think that it takes many years of therapy, but results can be achieved relatively quickly with intensive work. Generally speaking, people are motivated to work hard when in therapy because they really want to get rid of their debilitating symptoms and just feel good again," said Bianchi. He adds that in order to overcome anxiety, the person must regain a sense of control over situations that they perceive as threatening. "Basically, it is about learning to stop being afraid of what makes you anxious. Anxiety conditions you into believing that your surroundings are threatening, but therapy helps you learn a form of control over this environment, and that you don't need to be afraid anymore because you know what to do. And this can be achieved in just a few months with good results," explained Bianchi. He warns against managers and employers who trivialize work-related anxiety. "Being employed is often described as a driver of good mental health, but it turns out that this picture is more nuanced. For many people, it may be the workplace itself that leads to debilitating mental disorders. It is very important that we talk more about this so that people know they are not alone," concluded Bianchi. More information: Renzo Bianchi et al, The occupational anxiety inventory: A new measure of job-related distress., International Journal of Stress Management (2025). DOI: 10.1037/str0000371 Download Festival has confirmed Limp Bizkit, Guns N' Roses and Linkin Park as its 2026 headliners. Limp Bizkit are headlining Download Festival 2026 The legendary trio have been announced with top billing for the iconic rock and metal festival when it returns to Donington Park from June 10 to 14 next summer, and for all three it will be their only UK gigs in 2026. Limp Bizkit will headline Download for the very first time on the Friday, with Guns N' Roses returning for the first time since 2018. Linkin Park will close the weekend with their fifth headlining set, although it will mark their first since Emily Armstrong and Mike Shinoda joined forces. There's even a touch of Hollywood to proceedings, with Keanu Reeves' band Dogstar on the bill. Other names in the first lineup announcement include Bad Omens, BABYMETAL, Cypress Hill, Architects, Trivium, Electric Callboy, Halestorm, Black Veil Brides and The Pretty Reckless. Also on the bill are the likes of Ice Nine Kills, Pendulum, Behemoth, The All-American Rejects, Static-X, Blood Incantation, Cavalera and Feeder. Rounding off the lineup are big names like Drowning Pool, Social Distortion, Hollywood Undead, Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello, Bush and Ash. Earlier this year, Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn headlined the event, with the likes of Steel Panther, Kids In Glass Houses, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, McFly and Within Temptation topping the other stages. There have also been surprises over the years, with 90s eurodance group the Vengaboys appearing in 2024. Playing hits like We're Going To Ibiza!, We Like To Party! and Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!, the pop act also delivered a medley featuring The Final Countdown, I Was Made For Loving You, Jump, I Love Rock n Roll, We Will Rock You, What's Up? and Livin' On A Prayer. Tickets for the 2026 edition are on sale now via Ticketmaster with various camping packages and payment plans. 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: Clem Onojeghuo from Pexels A Keele University academic has called for the creation of a United Nations Ocean Agency to coordinate global action on the ocean and drive progress on climate, biodiversity, and pollutionthe "triple planetary crisis" threatening life on Earth. In a new paper published in Ambio, Dr. Adam Moolna argues that public passion for ocean sustainability can be used to pressure political and economic transformation for a sustainable future. His study proposes the creation of a UN Ocean Agency to lead global action, and a "Rivers to Seas" approach to connect people inland to ocean sustainability and inspire a new era of coordinated international leadership. "Wherever people live, they inhabit part of a river catchment thatalmost alwaysleads to the ocean," said Dr. Moolna, a lecturer in environment and sustainability at Keele. "Manaus in Brazil is 1,500 km from the coast, for example, but on a tributary of the Amazon. And Minneapolis in the United States is 1,600 km from the Atlantic but connected to the ocean by the Mississippi. Ocean sustainability matters to everyone because planetary health depends on the ocean, and a healthy ocean requires a sustainability transformation across society, land and sea. "We are, however, failing to stop ocean health declining and, in a large part, that is because of divided responsibilities and a failure to coordinate action. We have threats of unilateral action from countries such as the United States on seabed mining in the high seas. "A UN Ocean Agency could bring together fragmented responsibilities and turn political promises into real-world progress." Dr. Moolna's research highlights how inland populations, far from the coast, remain deeply connected to the ocean through river catchments, pollution pathways, and global trade. He calls for accessible, emotive storytelling to engage the public, paired with detailed, principle-based policies to ensure meaningful action. The paper points to the success of public concern over marine plasticswhich spurred the global plastics treaty processas proof of how popular engagement can shape international policy. Yet, Dr. Moolna warns, such momentum must now expand to broader ocean issues like overfishing, pollution, and the need for equitable ocean governance. Currently, ocean responsibilities are scattered across multiple international bodies. A dedicated UN Ocean Agency, Dr. Moolna argues, would unify these efforts, strengthen science-policy collaboration, and coordinate investment toward the UN's post-2030 sustainability goals. Dr. Moolna said, "Ocean health is planetary health. By recognizing our shared 'Rivers to Seas' connection, we can empower citizens everywhere to demand accountability and accelerate the transformation to a sustainable future. "Humanity must rethink its relationship with the oceannot just to halt the decline in marine environments but for communities inland too." More information: Adam Moolna, Ocean inspiration for a sustainable future: Rivers to Seas engagement and a UN Ocean Agency?, Ambio (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s13280-025-02289-4 Journal information: AMBIO 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: Small clouds of strontium atoms (blue) and rubidium atoms (red) are trapped together. The well-known properties of rubidium can be used to calibrate the applied magnetic field very precisely, which in turn allows for the properties of strontium to be measured with extreme accuracy. Credit: UvA IoP Having good neighbors can be very valuableeven in the atomic world. A team of Amsterdam physicists was able to determine an important property of strontium atoms, a highly useful element for modern applications in atomic clocks and quantum computers, to unprecedented precision. To achieve this, they made clever use of a nearby cloud of rubidium atoms. The results were published in the journal Physical Review Letters this week. Strontium. It is perhaps not the most popularly known chemical element, but among a group of physicists it has a much better reputationand rightfully so. Strontium is one of six so-called alkaline earth metals, meaning that it shares properties with better-known cousins like magnesium, calcium and radium. Strontium atoms have 38 protons in their nucleus, and a varying number of neutronsfor the variations (or isotopes) of strontium that can be found in nature, either 46, 48, 49 or 50. A mathematically inclined person might remark that only one of these numbers, 49, is odd. While this may seem like just a curious observation, it is actually that particular isotope of strontium, the one with 87 particles total in its nucleus, that has the most special properties. The odd number turns the nucleus into a type of object known as a fermion, whereas all other strontium nuclei are bosons. Importantly, the odd number also turns the nucleus into a tiny bar magnet, through a property called spin. While all the subatomic particles have spin, the two spins of a pair of identical particles can cancel each other completely, leading to total spin zero. This is exactly what happens in the bosonic isotopes of strontium, where the total spin of each of the (even-numbered) subatomic species (protons, neutrons and electrons) cancels to zero, and as a result the total spin of the atom is zero. It is the fermionic strontium atom that, through its nonzero nuclear spin, has the special properties that have inspired physicists for years now. Atomic clocks and quantum computers To begin with, 87Sr, as the isotope is commonly abbreviated, is one of the prime candidate isotopes to be used in the next generation of atomic clocksso-called optical clocks. Such clocks draw their extreme timing precision from very precisely determined frequencies of light that atoms emit or absorb. The emission or absorption arises when the atom transitions from one state to another. In the strontium atom, the most precise optical frequency corresponds to clear, red-colored light, with a wavelength of 698 nanometers. However, the problem with the bosonic versions of the atom is that the rules related to (zero) spin strictly forbid emission or absorption at what otherwise would be the ideal transition. Here the nuclear spin of the fermionic isotope comes to the rescue. The nuclear magnet resulting from the spin of 87Sr allows "breaking" the spin rules just enoughyet not too muchfor the optical clock transition to be viable for absorption and emission while remaining at a very well-defined and stable frequency. Furthermore, the strength of the nuclear magnet in 87Sr is an important parameter for the operation of the clock. This brings us to an effect discovered by Dutch Nobel Prize winner Pieter Zeeman in 1896, nowadays known as the Zeeman effect. In its original form, it describes the splitting of the different energy levels in which the electrons of an atom can be, and as a result outgoing photonsparticles of lightcan have many different but precisely determinable frequencies. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. At a more technical level, the same Zeeman effect occurs in an atomic nucleus that has spin, and the strength of the nuclear magnet determines the amount of splitting and the specific radio frequency (a much-lower-frequency form of light) with which one can flip the nuclear magnet from one state to another. As mentioned, this magnetic moment plays a key role in the operation of the optical clock, and its accurate determination can help researchers improve the calibration of such a clock. Another special property of the 87Sr nucleus is that, through the Zeeman effect, its energy level splits into no less than ten (equally spaced) energy levels when a magnetic field is applied. These ten different states in which the nucleus can be, can be used as building blocks for a quantum computer. Where a classical computer uses bits that can be in two statesusually interpreted as "0" and "1"a quantum computer uses qubits that can also be in a combined stateroughly "a little bit 0 and a little bit 1." This notion of a qubit (and especially the controlled combination of many of these qubits) makes quantum computers much more powerful than classical computers when performing certain computations. However, the ten-fold degeneracy (and ten-fold splitting in a magnetic field) of the 87Sr states opens up the possibility of also using quditsanalogs of qubits that can be in combinations of states "0," "1," "2" all the way up to "9." Such qudits would form even more versatile building blocks for quantum computers and quantum simulators. The g-factor In all of these applications, the Zeeman effect plays a central role, and so to get the most out of the potential uses of strontium, physicists want to know as accurately as possible by how much the energy levels of 87Sr split. In other words: what is the strength of the nuclear magnet originating from its spin? The amount of splitting is determined by a quantity known as the g-factor of 87Sr, and so the task is to determine this g-factor as precisely as possible. The small print: the value of the g-factor not only depends on the magnetic properties of the nucleus, but also on the small amount of magnetic shielding by the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus, constituting the total neutral atom. Calculating this to the desired level of precision is a seemingly insurmountable challenge, and hence precision measurement is crucial. Very precise measurements of the g-factor had already been made more than fifty years ago, and so far these measurements had stood the test of time; no improvements were made afterwards. Now, however, a team of five physicists from the University of Amsterdam and quantum software research center QuSoft have managed to achieve a hundredfold improvement of the previously known value. As is so often the case, the breakthrough came from a rather unexpected direction. First author Premjith Thekkeppatt, who worked on the research as a Ph.D. student in the Amsterdam group and is now a postdoctoral researcher at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, explains, "The work grew out of our efforts to merge strontium atoms with another element, rubidium, to create rubidium-strontium molecules. This turned out to be extremely challenging, prompting us to investigate what we could achieve by having both species in one another's vicinity, while avoiding overlap. Using a technique called optical trapping, we could achieve such a configuration." It turned out that trapping 87Sr and very nearby also trapping rubidium atoms did not immediately help in building the desired molecules, but when employing a measuring technique known as nuclear magnetic resonance (in essence, measuring the frequency corresponding to the energy splitting), it did help in very accurately determining the g-factor and therefore in determining the precise size of the Zeeman effect. The reason was that the properties of rubidium have been established extremely accurately, and so these could be used to precisely calibrate the magnetic field strength in the vacuum where both types of atom were trapped. This in turn enabled the strongly improved determination of the 87Sr g-factor. A challenging benchmark The newly achieved precision will not only open the door for more precise strontium-based applications in atomic clocks and quantum computing, but may also lead to other steps forward. Thekkeppatt says, "Our results form a new challenging benchmark for atomic structure calculations. We have shown that this new method works very well for precision measurements, and the demonstrated methods will inspire extension to further atomic species and states relevant for all sorts of applications." 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: Benjamin Leinwand, assistant professor of mathematical sciences delivers a talk about his study findings. Credit: Stevens Institute of Technology In order to get elected, politicians need to signal their philosophy, principles, and values to potential voters. Beyond their policy positions, many candidates also strive to cultivate a personal brand by carefully choosing their language and visual style. With so much political messaging migrating online, Benjamin Leinwand, assistant professor of mathematical sciences at Stevens, wondered if elected officials might similarly try to subtly position themselves on social media by strategically associating with other members of their coalition. Using tools from network science, he built a statistical model that observed how senators and congresspeople interact with one another on X, formerly known as Twitter, but hid each person's true position and political affiliation. The model managed to extract some insights from X's digital cacophony by sorting politicians into groups based solely on how they interact online. In other words, by analyzing the individual's connections, the model can deduce their positions. Leinwand and his collaborator Vince Lyzinski, a mathematics professor at the University of Maryland, analyzed 475 members of the 117th U.S. Congress who each issued at least 100 tweets between February 9, 2022, and June 9, 2022. Their model found that these politicians could be split into three different groups or "communities" based on their patterns of interaction with one another. Although their model was not furnished with any information about existing political blocs, the inferred communities fell along familiar lines. Broadly speaking, the first group is made up of Senators, the second of Democratic congresspeople, and the third of Republican congresspeople. The two researchers developed a new method to understand how elected officials connect to one another. "We call two people 'connected,' if either one in the pair tweeted at the other one or retweeted the other one during this period," Leinwand explained. The researchers found that most people within the three groups tended to tweet most often at the people from their own group. "Republican congresspeople talked among themselves a lot, and Democratic congresspeople talked among themselves a lot, though Democratic congresspeople were somewhat more likely to interact with Senators than their Republican counterparts," said Leinwand. As Democrats controlled the Senate during the observation period, "one could imagine that Democratic congresspeople might be incentivized to amplify senate leadership messaging in addition to their allies in the House," he continued. Benjamin Leinwand, assistant professor of mathematical sciences at Stevens Institute of Technology talks about his recent study. Credit: at Stevens Institute of Technology However, there were a few nonconformists. Out of the 475 members, 463 appeared to behave like the rest of the people in their respective groups, but 12 were such outliers, which researchers described as "exceptions" because they tweeted more like people in other groups. "It seems as though certain Democratic congresspeople talked to Senators more, and certain Republican congresspeople talked to Senators more," Leinwand said. "And so based on their patterns of interactions, they behaved like someone in the other group. They were tweeting at Senators also, rather than only tweeting at their own Congresspeople." 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. Of these 12 miscategorized congresspeople, two went on to be elected Senators, one in 2022 and the other in 2024. The first one was Democratic Senator Peter Welch from Vermont. The second one was Democratic Senator Andy Kim from New Jersey. Another, Chris Pappas, is currently running for Senate in New Hampshire. A fourth member, David Trone, had an unsuccessful run for Senate in Maryland in 2024. "The thing that jumps out to me is that we have 475 members, and 463 of them are grouped correctly," Leinwand saidmeaning that they act in accordance with the rest of their group. "And of those 12 exceptions, two ended up in the group where our model thought they should be assigned," he notedand that may be telling us something. Does it mean that tweeting at Senators can help a Congressperson get elected as one? Clearly, tweeting alone won't win you a seat in the Senate, but there may be a strategy to it, Leinwand thinks. "They have public facing jobs, so I suspect they're often tweeting strategically, particularly when they're including other members of Congress," he says. "I think if you start positioning yourself in a certain way, if you start interacting with senators on X, you may be seen as more senatorial to voters." Leinwand and Lyzinski outlined their findings in the study titled "ACRONYM: Augmented Degree Corrected, Community Reticulated Organized Network Yielding Model," published in the Journal of Computational and Graphical Statistics on October 7, 2025. Leinwand is quick to point out that their study used an exploratory approach to search only for patterns and in order to derive more specific conclusions, different analytical techniques would be needed. But, he adds, "I suppose some behavior betrays some intention." More information: Benjamin Leinwand et al, ACRONYM: Augmented Degree Corrected, Community Reticulated Organized Network Yielding Model, Journal of Computational and Graphical Statistics (2025). DOI: 10.1080/10618600.2025.2540356 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain According to data from the National Statistics Institute, 24 million school transport journeys take place in Spain every year. A team of professors from the Universitat Jaume I of Castello has conducted a study (in Spanish) showing that the time students spend traveling to their schools, especially on long bus rides, can negatively affect their academic engagement. This lower engagement can also have emotional and social consequences. The data revealed that students who spend more time commuting report lower engagement than those who arrive sooner. Engagement is understood as the student's involvement or connection with their academic goals, and it includes three different but interrelated dimensions: affective-emotional, cognitive and behavioral. In the case of secondary and upper secondary students, it is important to consider that they face numerous challenges requiring developing skills and competencies that enhance their learning, an aspect closely linked to academic engagement. "We believe they experience a more negative relationship with their place of study, which may affect their interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers (affective-emotional engagement), their psychological involvement in the teaching and learning processsuch as motivation to learn, expectations, or the effort to understand complex ideas and skills (cognitive engagement)and their overall participation and effort (behavioral engagement)", the researchers explain. The research team consisted of Laura Abellan Rosello, from the Learning Difficulties Research Group, and Pablo Marco Dols and Javier Soriano Marti, from the Interuniversity Institute of Geography. They recently published the scientific article "Afectacion de la duracion de la ruta de transporte escolar en el compromiso academico ('engagement') de estudiantes de educacion secundaria obligatoria y bachillerato" (Impact of school bus route duration on the academic engagement of secondary and upper secondary students) in Revista de Educacion. The study sample included 470 students from compulsory secondary education (ESO) and upper secondary education (bachillerato) at IES La Vall d'Alba and IES Serra d'Espada in Onda, both located in the province of Castello. Of these, 232 were male (49.4%) and 238 female (50.6%), aged between 13 and 21 years. The school in La Vall d'Alba had nine bus routes, the longest covering 55.16 km each way, while Onda had four routes, with the longest measuring 52.9 km. In terms of commuting time, 33.8% of students took less than 15 minutes to arrive, 28.9% between 16 and 30 minutes, 22.2% between 31 and 60 minutes, and 15.1% more than 61 minutes. According to the research team, "the study can serve as a basis to help teachers develop and promote strategies to prevent the lack of academic engagement caused by the time students spend commuting to school." Furthermore, "it can provide valuable insights for designing effective teaching projects in rural schools, improving satisfaction and academic performance outcomes," which should be accompanied by "professional development opportunities for teachers, such as workshops on positive attitudes and self-confidence, since such training has a positive impact on teachers and their good practices." More information: Afectacion de la duracion de la ruta de transporte escolar en el compromiso academico ('engagement') de estudiantes de Educacion Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato, DOI: 10.4438/1988-592X-RE-2025-410-714 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A paper published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, finds high quantities of toxic "forever" chemicals in sea otters recovered off the Pacific Ocean. The paper is titled "Concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Canadian Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris) are Higher Near Urban Centers." Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, so-called "forever chemicals," are used in the lining of food packaging, nonstick cookware, waterproof and stainproof textiles, cosmetics, firefighting foams, and electronics. These chemicals, which bioactively bind to proteins within an organism, can cause immunotoxicity, organ damage, endocrine disruption, and reproductive impairments in wildlife. Some chemicals have been phased out from use in many countries. However, they endure in the environment. Forever chemicals travel through water, soil, and the atmosphereand are found in all parts of the world, including the polar regions, far from human industrial activity. There is growing concern about the toxic effects of these chemicals on marine life, and the future negative impacts they will have on marine ecosystems as they continue to accumulate in marine food webs. Species considered highly susceptible to contamination include predatory marine mammals with relatively long lifespans, such as sea otters and killer whales. Sea otters are exposed to such chemicals mainly via consumption of prey that contain forever chemicals, though maternal transfer and lactation may also play a role. Sea otters consume large amounts (approximately 25% of their body weight each day) of protein-rich seafood in nearshore habitats that are susceptible to chemical exposure and bioaccumulation. Sea otters do not migrate or travel great distances and are therefore useful indicators for region-specific analysis of contaminant accumulation from food sources often harvested and consumed by humans. In British Columbia, sea otters were entirely killed off by the fur trade that occurred from the mid-1700s to the early 1900sand only returned to the province after scientists relocated 89 animals from Alaska between 1969 and 1972. Since then, their population has grown to over 8,000 animals as of 2017. Investigators have found that higher concentrations of forever chemicals are correlated with a greater probability of (California) sea otters dying from infectious and non-infectious diseases, indicating a significant health risk to the species. Researchers here analyzed liver and skeletal muscle samples from dead sea otters recovered from coastal British Columbia. The investigators collected a total of 16 samples from the livers and skeletal muscles of 11 animals. They found eight of the 40 tested chemicals were present in all sampled sea otters, although concentrations of each varied between individuals. Sea otter livers contained more of these chemical compounds at higher total average concentrations than skeletal muscles. Only perfluorooctanesulfonamide, a compound used to repel grease and water in food packaging and once a part of 3M's Scotchgard formula, was identified in both liver and muscle tissues, while the scientists here found the remaining seven chemicals only in the animals' livers. The researchers found that chemical concentrations were over three times higher on average in sea otters found near major cities and shipping routes. More information: Concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Canadian Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris) are Higher Near Urban Centers, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1093/etojnl/vgaf226 Journal information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 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: This artist's concept depicts a supermassive black hole in the process of shredding a massive starat least 30 times the mass of our sunto pieces. Scientists propose this is what happened around the distant black hole referred to as J2245+3743. Credit: Caltech/R. Hurt (IPAC) The most massive stars in the universe are destined to explode as brilliant supernova before collapsing into black holes. Yet one huge star appears to have never fulfilled its destiny; in a twist of irony, the star wandered too close to a gargantuan black hole, which gobbled it up, shredding the star to bits and pieces. That is the most likely explanation to come from authors of a new study published in Nature Astronomy describing the most powerful and most distant flare of energy ever recorded from a supermassive black hole. The cosmic object was first observed in 2018 by the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), based at Caltech's Palomar Observatory, and the Caltech-led Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey. The flare rapidly brightened by a factor of 40 over a period of months, and, at its peak, was 30 times more luminous than any previous black hole flare seen to date. At its brightest, the flare shined with the light of 10 trillion suns. The supermassive black hole behind the flare is a type of accreting, or feeding, black hole called an active galactic nucleus (AGN). Referred to as J2245+3743, this AGN is estimated to be 500 million times more massive than our sun. It resides 10 billion light-years away in the remote universe. Because light has a finite speed and takes time to reach us, astronomers observe distant events like this one in the past, when the universe was young. "The energetics show this object is very far away and very bright," says study lead author Matthew Graham, research professor of astronomy at Caltech, as well as the project scientist for ZTF, and a co-principal investigator of the project. "This is unlike any AGN we've ever seen." Astronomers are continuing to monitor the black hole flare though it is fading over time. In fact, in addition to witnessing the object in the past, time itself runs slower at the remote site of the black hole compared to our own experience of time. "It's a phenomenon called cosmological time dilation due to stretching of space and time. As the light travels across expanding space to reach us, its wavelength stretches as does time itself," Graham explains, noting that long-lived surveys like ZTF and Catalina are important to fully witness events in the past because, in this case, "seven years here is two years there. We are watching the event play back at quarter speed." To determine what could cause such a dramatic burst of light in the cosmos, the researchers thoroughly examined a list of possibilities, concluding that the most likely culprit is a tidal disruption event (TDE). This phenomenon occurs when a supermassive black hole's gravity shears a star that comes too close, slowly consuming the star over time as it spirals into the black hole. The fact that the black hole flare J2245+3743 is still going indicates that we are witnessing a star not yet fully devoured but rather like "a fish only halfway down the whale's gullet," Graham says. If the flare is from a TDE, the scientists estimate that the supermassive black hole gobbled a star with a mass at least 30 times greater than that of our sun. The previous record holder for the largest candidate TDE, an event nicknamed Scary Barbie after its initial ZTF classification as ZTF20abrbeie, was not nearly as intense. That TDE, which is also thought to have originated from an AGN, was 30 times weaker than that of J2245+3743, and its doomed star is estimated to have been between three and 10 solar masses. The 48-inch Samuel Oschin Telescope at Palomar Observatory, where ZTF resides. Credit: Palomar/Caltech 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. Stellar snack within a black hole's disk Most of the roughly 100 TDEs seen to date do not take place around AGNmassive structures that consist of supermassive black holes surrounded by large, swirling disks of material that feed the central black hole. The AGN burble along, flaring up with their own feeding activity, which can mask TDE bursts and makes them harder to find. The recent jumbo flare J2245+3743, on the other hand, was so large that it was easier to see. However, at first, J2245+3743 did not seem to be anything special. In 2018, after the object was first spotted, the researchers used the 200-inch Hale Telescope at Caltech's Palomar Observatory to obtain a spectrum of the object's light, but it did not reveal anything unusual. In 2023, the team noticed the flare was decaying slower than expected, so they obtained another spectrum from the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawai'i, which indicated the extreme brightness of this particular AGN. "At first, it was important to establish that this extreme object was truly this bright," explains co-author K. E. Saavik Ford, a professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center and Borough of Manhattan Community College and American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). It was possible, she says, that the object could have been beaming the light toward us rather than glowing in all directions, but data from NASA's former Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission helped rule that out. In the end, after other scenarios were also ruled out, the researchers concluded that J2245+3743 was indeed the brightest black hole flare ever recorded. "If you convert our entire sun to energy using Albert Einstein's famous formula E = mc2, that's how much energy has been pouring out from this flare since we began observing it," Ford says. Once the team established the unprecedented brightness of the event, they looked at what could possibly have caused it. "Supernovae are not bright enough to account for this," Ford says, referring to one possibility. Instead, the team's favored explanation is a supermassive black hole slowly ripping a huge star to death. "Stars this massive are rare," Ford says, "but we think stars within the disk of an AGN can grow larger. The matter from the disk is dumped onto stars, causing them to grow in mass." Finding a black hole meal with such mega proportions indicates that other events like this are likely taking place across the cosmos. The researchers hope to mine through more ZTF data to find others, and the NSF and Department of Energy's Vera C. Rubin Observatory may likewise find unusually large TDEs. "We never would have found this rare event in the first place if it weren't for ZTF," Graham says. "We've been observing the sky with ZTF for seven years now, so when we see anything flare or change, we can see what it has done in the past and how it will evolve." More information: Matthew J. Graham et al, An extremely luminous flare recorded from a supermassive black hole, Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02699-0 Journal information: Nature Astronomy This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The United Nations says that big polluting nations are not cutting greenhouse gas emissions fast enough to keep global warming within safer levels. National commitments to slash heat-trapping pollution would limit global warming up to 2.5C this centurynowhere near enough to avoid devastating climate impacts despite a sweep of new pledges, the UN warned Tuesday. Scientists are in broad agreement that warming above 1.5C relative to pre-industrial times risks catastrophic consequences, and every effort must be made to stick as close as possible to this safer threshold. But the world is set to blow past 1.5C in a matter of years and planet-warming emissions keep rising, hitting a new record high in 2024, according to a report by the UN Environment Program (UNEP). The sobering assessment was published just days before world leaders gather in Brazil on Thursday and Friday ahead of the COP30 climate summit in the rainforest city of Belem. With an overshoot of 1.5C now inevitable, focus has shifted to how quickly temperatures can be returned to less-risky levels. "Our mission is simple, but not easy: make any overshoot as small and as short as possible," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday at the launch of UNEP's Emissions Gap report. Big polluters most responsible for the crisis have been urged to pledge faster and deeper emissions cuts to bend the curve back to 1.5C by the end of the century. Instead, the latest round of carbon-cutting targets announced ahead of the UN climate talks "have barely moved the needle", concluded UNEP's latest assessment. "Ambition and action are nowhere near the levels needed globally or collectively," Anne Olhoff, the report's chief scientific editor, told AFP. 'Bleak picture' The latest assessment projects that the world's collective commitments to tackle climate change, if enacted in full, would result in 2.3C to 2.5C of warming by 2100. That poses an unacceptable threat to the survival of nations most at risk by rising seas and extreme weather, and the global failure to rise to this challenge will loom over COP30. Scientists have strong evidence that warming above 1.5Clet alone a degree or moreincreases not only the intensity of hurricanes, floods and other disasters, but the likelihood of catastrophic climate tipping points. At 1.4C above pre-industrial times, Earth is already too warm for most tropical coral reefs to survive, while ice sheets and the Amazon rainforest could suffer severe and lasting changes below 2C, with consequences for the entire planet. Under the Paris Agreement, each round of climate pledges is supposed to be more ambitious than the last to keep long-term warming "well below" 2C and as close as possible to 1.5C. Despite being obligated to do so, only around one-third of countries announced a 2035 emissions reduction target by September 30, UNEP said. This year's warming projections are 0.3C lower than last year, but Olhoff said little of that reduction was thanks to these latest pledges. Updates to methodology accounted for 0.1C while another 0.1C was attributed to US commitments made under the Biden administration. These gains are unlikely to materialize as President Donald Trump has vowed to pull the United States out of the Paris accord and ditch the climate policies of his predecessor. "If we don't include the US, then the progress is quite limited," Olhoff said. The dozens of other climate pledges made by governments in recent months "do not have a large effect on the temperature projections", she added. "That is a very bleak picture, you can say." 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. Record emissions Global emissions grew 2.3% in 2024 compared to the previous year, an increase driven by India followed by China, Russia and Indonesia. This rise was quite high in the context of recent years "and comparable to the emissions growth in the 2000s", the report said. Wealthy and powerful G20 economies accounted for three-quarters of global emissions and of the six largest polluters, the EU was the only one to cut greenhouse gases in 2024. As they come under pressure to set new and ever-more ambitious targets, UNEP said most nations were not even on track to meet their earlier 2030 goals. Based on just the current policies in place, Earth is expected to be 2.8C hotter in 2100. COP30 will seek to allay fears that climate action is on the back burner as the United States shuns the process, collective targets are missed and governments prioritize other concerns. "We still need unprecedented cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, in an ever-compressing timeframe, amid a challenging geopolitical context," wrote UNEP chief Inger Andersen in the report. 2025 AFP Richard Ashcroft says Liam and Noel Gallagher should receive knighthoods for making the UK economy "billions" with their reunion tour. Richard Ashcroft calls on Liam and Noel Gallagher to receive knighthoods The former Verve frontman goes way back with the Oasis pair and has been supporting them on the Oasis Live '25 tour - the Britpop legends' first concerts in 16 years - and he says of all the celebrities, King Charles should make the brothers Sir Liam and Sir Noel for boosting the economy with their sold-out tour. Ashcroft added that he finds it "distasteful" that people receive knighthoods and damehoods simply for doing something they are passionate about, and doesn't expect to be bestowed with the honour himself, but believes his pals Liam and Noel are worthy. Discussing the royal honour with The Guardian, he said: These days, youre like: F****** hell? What has he done? There are people who give their lives to ensure society doesnt crumble who never get recognised. Recognising people who are getting paid for their passion can be distasteful. Why should you get the cold steel on your shoulder just because you run around a track or jump over some hurdles? So, no. I firmly believe you will never hear that moment even though Sir Richard has a great ring to it. He suggested: Where are Sir Liam and Sir Noel? Who else has brought billions into the economy this summer? Even if they did receive a letter from the British monarch offering them the title, frontman Liam previously said it's unlikely he would accept because he doesn't want to go to Buckingham Palace and "bend down". He told NME in 2022: Unless they delivered it to my f****** door through the letterbox, like the Royal Mail f****** should do . . . Im certainly not going there and bending down for no ****. The Supersonic group's rhythm guitarist, Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, has also said he and Liam wouldn't accept knighthoods. However, he believes guitarist and songwriter Noel would jump at the chance to be Sir Noel Gallagher. While co-hosting Radio X with Toby Tarrant in 2023, during King Charles' coronation weekend, the DJ said: Sir Bonehead has a nice ring to it." To which, Bonehead replied: Probably got a good ring to it, but no, I wouldnt take it. Not that Im anti-royal or anti-this, no, I just wouldnt do it. Doesnt even sound right, does it? He continued: I wouldnt have it, and I dont think Liam [Gallagher] would have it. Bet Noel would, wouldnt he? Hed have to be with the sirs. Quintana Roo first in country to launch mobile police reports Riviera Maya, Q.R. Quintana Roo became the first state in the country to launch the Mobile Standardized Police Report (IPH). The Informe Policial Homologado (IPH) Movil is a digital tool that modernizes police work and strengthens citizen security through the use of technology and interoperability between levels of government. Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa led the official presentation of the new system, which will allow security personnel to record their actions in the field more quickly and accurately from an electronic tablet. The state is joining forces with the public policy of President Claudia Sheinbaum, and in this way, Quintana Roo becomes the first state to be connected to the national system of detention registration and Plataforma Mexico, Lezama said Monday. The Governor added that it gives the state the opportunity to continue strengthening actions of transparency, combating corruption and modernization or digitization. In a video message, the Executive Secretary of the National Public Security System, Marcela Figueroa Franco, highlighted her recognition of Governor Mara Lezama for the work she is doing to build peace in Quintana Roo, which is reflected in a 68% reduction in homicides. The Quintana Roo Secretary of Citizen Security, Julio Cesar Gomez Torres, explained that the Mobile Police Report (IPH Movil) is a digital tool that simplifies and expedites the recording of police actions, guarantees due process, and improves the quality of information for intelligence and security purposes. Four hundred officers have already been trained to use the technology. He reported that previously, preparing a report could take up to 24 hours, while with this new technology, the time is reduced to approximately one hour, avoiding delays, strengthening compliance with the law and combating corruption, he pointed out. The platform, which was developed by the Executive Secretariat of the State Citizen Security System to optimize operational work and promoted by the National System, allows the addition of photographs, videos and geographic location, which reinforces transparency and generates reliable information for decision-making. Governor Lezama said for those of us who are part of the transformation, fighting corruption and impunity is a deep conviction. The system connects Quintana Roos 11 municipalities with the state and federal government, linking directly to Plataforma Mexico, which puts Quintana Roo at the forefront of national police modernization, the Governor asserted. Among its benefits are improved emergency response, optimized patrols, real-time coordination between authorities, and the ability to generate reports directly from the scene. Mara Lezama emphasized that the implementation of the Mobile Police Report (IPH Movil) is part of the professionalization process for the states police forces. We are building a modern, well-prepared, honest police force that is close to the community, she said adding our strength lies in the fact that together we are building a strong and peaceful Quintana Roo. Secretary of Tourism reports over 300,000 tourists visit state for Day of the Dead Riviera Maya, Q.R. Preliminary estimates from the Tourism Secretariat report over 300,000 people participated in Day of the Dead. The three-day weekend celebration of events across the state, according to the State Secretary of Tourism, attracted more than 332,000 tourists. Day of the Dead is celebrated across the country November 1-3 each year. The Secretary says from November 1st to 3rd, they have an estimated average hotel occupancy rate of 70.7%. These official figures will be released in coming days, although all indications suggest that the results will exceed initial projections, they said. The Secretary reported that in the immediate balance, the state registers two consecutive weeks with general occupancy above 60%, something that had not occurred since August. The agency says these numbers show a sustained recovery and a positive trend in the arrival of tourists to destinations of the Mexican Caribbean. In Cancun alone, more than 70,000 people participated in the Janal Pixan celebrations, consolidating the Mexican Caribbean as a national benchmark for cultural and community tourism. Nationally, the Federal Tourism Secretariat estimated the arrival of more than 1.6 million visitors during the Day of the Dead festivities, of which 73% were domestic and 27% international. Streets were packed with tourists visiting for Day of the Dead November 1-3, 2025. In this context, the Mexican Caribbean once again positioned itself as one of the countrys most active tourist regions, thanks to its offerings that combine tradition, gastronomy, nature and hospitality. According to the most recent reports from the Quintana Roo Tourism Secretariat, Cancun International Airport has solidified its position as Mexicos main international gateway, handling approximately 61% of the countrys total international arrivals, surpassing Mexico Citys airport and reaffirming the states leadership in air connectivity. So far this year, Mexico has recorded 28.3 million international arrivals, with the Mexican Caribbean leading this flow. Maritime tourism also continues its upward trend. Between January and July 2025, more than 4.48 million cruise ship visitors and crew members arrived, a 3.26% increase compared to the same period of the previous year, with Mahahual registering a 14.9% increase. Likewise, the states archaeological sites reported a 7.5% increase in visitors, driven by the reopening of sites such as Ichkabal and Oxtankah, in the southern part of the state. These results confirm the effectiveness of a comprehensive tourism policy that promotes the diversification of experiences beyond sun and beach, strengthening cultural, gastronomic, nature and community tourism, with a vision focused on the well-being of Quintana Roo families. Governor Mara Lezama emphasized that tourism in Quintana Roo not only boosts the economy, but also preserves our culture, generates well-being, and builds community. The Secretary of Tourism, Bernardo Cueto Riestra, underscored that the success the Mexican Caribbean is experiencing today is the result of the joint effort between society, the private sector, and the government to consolidate sustainable, competitive tourism with shared prosperity. More than 330,000 tourists participated in Day of the Dead celebrations across the state. On the cusp of peak season, the Mexican Caribbean is projecting itself stronger than ever, with more than 135,000 hotel rooms, unprecedented international connectivity, and a tourism offering that combines innovation, culture, and hospitality, reaffirming that Quintana Roo is not just about beaches: its about identity, tradition, and well-being for everyone. CCTV: Its reported that former chairman of the DPRKs Standing Committee of the Supreme Peoples Assembly Kim Yong Nam passed away at 97 due to illness on November 3 local time. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: Kim Yong Nam, former chairman of the DPRKs Standing Committee of the Supreme Peoples Assembly, is an old friend of the Chinese people. He led delegations to China more than once and made important contributions to the traditional friendship and cooperative ties between the two countries. China expresses deep condolences over his passing and extends heartfelt sympathies to his family. Xinhua News Agency: Its reported that in the early morning of November 3, Beijing time, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the province of Balkh in northern Afghanistan, killing at least 24 people and injuring more than 640. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: China is following the disaster in Afghanistan. We deeply mourn for the lives lost in the earthquake. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and the injured. We believe that under the leadership of the Afghan government, the Afghan people will recover and rebuild from the disaster. China will provide help in light of Afghanistans needs. EFE: The United Nations Security Council recently adopted a resolution, renewing mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, and China abstained from the vote. How does China view the current situation in Western Sahara? What aspects of this resolution does China believe can be improved? Mao Ning: The Chinese representative elaborated on Chinas position in the explanation of vote on the draft resolution. Let me stress that China supports the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara. That said, its a regret that the resolution failed to adequately take on board the concerns of all parties and reflect all initiatives in an objective way. China has to abstain from the vote. On the question of Western Sahara, China believes that a political solution is the fundamental way out, the United Nations is the main channel, the UN Security Council resolutions are the important foundation, and dialogue and negotiations are the right approach. China hopes that relevant parties will hold equal-footed consultations and reach a just and lasting political solution acceptable to all parties. CNR: Its reported that U.S. President Donald Trump said he named Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern because Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Nigerias Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said that the allegations do not reflect the true situation in Nigeria. Trump said the U.S. will immediately cut off all assistance to Nigeria if the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians and will very likely launch military operations. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: As Nigerias comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions. China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force. AFP: A university in the UK has been accused of halting a professors human rights research after pressure from China. This included threats from the Chinese security services and a block apparently on the universitys website in China. The UK government also said it had raised the issue with the Chinese government. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment? Mao Ning: The individual you mentioned is a link on the anti-China disinformation supply chain. She herself admitted at interviews that her so-called research is funded and supported by certain government authorities, even security agencies. What happened recently are just self-directed moves to spread disinformation for selfish gains under the pretext of academic freedom. EFE: Its reported that Venezuelan President Maduro is seeking military equipment such as missiles and drones from China, Russia, and Iran to prepare Venezuela for possible attacks by the United States. What is Chinas comment? Mao Ning: China has a clear-cut stance on the U.S. cracking down on so-called drug cartels by force in the Caribbean Sea. China supports the effort of combating cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation, and opposes using or threatening to use force in international relations. We stand against moves that undermine peace and stability in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, and oppose unilateral and excessive enforcement operations against other countries vessels. We hope the U.S. will engage in normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks. The normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Venezuela is the cooperation between two sovereign states, which does not target any third party and is not subject to disruption or influence from any third party. On the morning of November 4, 2025, President Xi Jinping met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. President Xi pointed out that anchored to the goal of higher-level and higher-quality development, China-Russia relations have forged ahead this year despite the turbulent external environment. It is our shared strategic choice to uphold, consolidate and develop China-Russia relations. I met with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Beijing, where we had in-depth exchanges on strategic and overarching issues in China-Russia relations and mapped out new plans and priorities. The two sides must maintain close coordination, effectively implement the important consensus President Putin and I have reached, and focus on the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, upgrade our cooperation, and make new and greater contributions to world peace and development. President Xi emphasized that both sides should steadily expand mutual investment, carry out effective cooperation in traditional areas such as energy, connectivity, agriculture, aviation and aerospace; tap cooperation potential in artificial intelligence, digital economy, green development and other new areas to create new growth areas for cooperation; and intensify people-to-people exchanges to engage wider sections of the two societies in the joint pursuit of friendship and cooperation. The Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee not long ago laid out the master plan and strategic blueprint for Chinas economic and social development in the coming five years. China will advance its modernization on all fronts, steadfastly promote high-quality economic and social development, and expand high-standard opening up. China stands ready to work with Russia to pursue greater synergy between Chinas 15th Five-Year Plan and Russias economic and social development strategies for the continuing benefit of our two peoples. Prime Minister Mishustin conveyed the cordial greetings and best regards of President Putin to President Xi. He offered congratulations on the successful fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and expressed confidence that China would meet the objectives set forth in the 15th Five-Year Plan and secure even greater accomplishments in its economic and social development. The two presidential summits this year have laid out strategic plans for the development of China-Russia relations and reinforced the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. Russia is ready to work with China to follow through on the important consensus reached between the two presidents, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, science, technology, energy, agriculture and digital economy, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and enhance multilateral coordination to deliver more outcomes in the cooperation between China and Russia. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. Cheryl Fergison comforted former EastEnders boss Bryan Kirkwood after he emotionally told her she was being axed from the soap. Cheryl Fergison played Heather Trott in EastEnders In September 2011, the star was called up to his office, and she walked in on Bryan, 50, clutching a "box of tissues" before he dropped the news that her alter ego Heather Trott would be brutally killed by Ben Mitchell (Joshua Pascoe) in March 2012. The 60-year-old actress recalled to Brian Dowling, 47, and Katja Mia, 27, on Virgin Media One's The Six O'Clock Show: "We have this thing where you can go up on certain days, and they tell you what your next storyline is going to be, and people get taken during the week to find out what's going on. "And we would always used to have this thing going on, 'Oh, don't get called on a Friday, you could be the culling.' "So Friday came, and I thought, 'Oh, I've got a big storyline!' So Linda [Henry (Shirley Carter)] was in the car, and we were going to go home. "And I was called up to the office, and I literally walked in, and the executive producer was there, and he had a box of tissues. "And I could see he'd been really upset, and I thought, 'I shouldn't be coming into this meeting. Maybe something's happened to him.' "And then that's when he said, 'Look, Cheryl, we're really sorry. We're gonna let you go - it's nothing to do with you, it's just we want to see other characters evolve.'" However, Cheryl was quick to comfort Bryan, telling him that she was OK about leaving EastEnders. She continued: "And he was so visibly upset, and I handed the tissues to him. I said, 'It's OK. Thank you. I was only supposed to be in four or five episodes. I've been here five years. Thank you so much.'" Cheryl previously said the BBC soap's producers wanted to see how her character's best friend Shirley (Linda) dealt with grief, meaning Heather was going to be killed off. And her alter ego's harrowing storyline ended in March 2012 after Ben attacked her with a photo frame. In February, Cheryl told the Daily Star: "He [Brian] explained that the higher-ups the Powers That Be had decided they wanted to explore Shirley dealing with grief, which meant Heather was going to die." Our advice columnists have heard it all over the yearsso today were diving into the archives of Care and Feeding to share classic parenting letters with our readers. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here. Dear Care and Feeding, My daughter was involved in a horrible freak accident on the Fourth of July and by all accounts should not have survived. Her entire family witnessed the whole thing, and there are still times I get emotional even thinking or talking about it because it was so horrible. We are so lucky she survived, and she was so strong and brave throughout the whole thing. But as a parent it was so difficult to see my child in so much pain, to feel and see her struggle, and to know that she almost died that I went to therapy for PTSD. My issue is that now she wants to get a firework tattoo in a visible location as a way of displaying what she overcame and how strong she is. I feel that the tattoo will be a constant reminder of what happened. Shes 19 and can do what she wants but is asking for my permission. Do I give her my permission even though I really dont want to? Do I tell her why I dont want her to? Can I recommend she get some other symbol reflecting bravery or strength instead of a firework? When I think of how strong she was Im amazed and proud, but when I think of a firework I think of how she was injured and feel pain. I would greatly appreciate an outside opinion! Let Her Colors Burst? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear LHCB, First of all, Im so sorry that your family and daughter went through something so deeply traumatizing. The thing about experiences that emotionally damage an entire group of people at once is that everyone has to deal with it differently. I understand how reminders of this horrific day cause you tremendous pain. And I see how, for that reason, youd be squarely against having someone you love tattoo such a reminder on their body where you can never not see it. But the path toward recovery from traumatic events is the one youre on, involving therapy and healing; no long-term plan can ensure nothing in the world ever reminds you of that awful day. Advertisement Your daughter also needs to tend to her recovery. And though every single person who witnessed what happened was damaged, there is an unusual hierarchy of victimhood here. Your daughter is at the top. This means that her recovery takes a kind of precedence over yours in certain cases, and this is one of them. Let her get the tattoo. You can, I would think, tell her what your concerns are. Maybe she can get it in a place where you dont have to look at it every minute of the day. But do not pressure or try to guilt-trip her into anything. Make it clear that you value her recovery and youre willing to support her in doing whatever she needs for it. And if it means you have to look at a firework now and again, you can accept that as part of living alongside the daughter youre so grateful to still have. Carvell Wallace Advertisement From: I Outed My Daughter. (May 2nd, 2018). Get advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Care and Feeding, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Care and Feeding following up) Submit Dear Care and Feeding, In my state, the cutoff for kindergarten is Sept. 1. That is, any child born on or after the first of September starts school a year behind the other children born in the same year. Advertisement My mother was a kindergarten teacher for 25 years and always told me that the children in her classes born SeptemberDecember tend to have better concentration and pick up more quickly on concepts due to being a little older and, therefore, a little more mature. I see this theory at work in my own family as well. I am an April baby who tended to always be a little bit behind, and my younger sister is a September baby who was always the star student. What do you think is an appropriate cutoff for children to be at their best when it comes time for kindergarten? Would it be crazy to hold our child back a year if theyre born, say, after March or April? Are they truly at an advantage starting school a little older, or is it more up to chance and the child as an individual? Kindergarten Now, Kindergarten Later Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear KNKL, This often winds up being a very class-distinctive question, as many families will obviously enroll their child in free public school as soon as they possibly can, while more affluent families can afford an extra year in day care, an extra year with one parent out of the workforce, etc., and then reap the benefits of a larger and more mature kindergartener. This is not super relevant to your situation, its just something to be aware of when the subject comes up: This choice is a nice one to have. If you can afford it, go ahead and hold your kid back. There are, in fact, advantages to doing so, which your mother (and anyone else involved in early childhood education) have observed over many years. A year is an eternity to a child, and if you have a physically little kid who is still working on emotional maturity, that extra time may be really valuable and set them up for success. If you dont do so, no harm no foul, youll be in the same boat with the majority of the nations parents, and all that is meant to be well shall be well. Nicole Cliffe From: My Mother-in-Law Insists on Seeing Our Daughter Without Us. Thats Weird, Right? (March 22nd, 2019). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Classic Prudie My best friend since college died suddenly. Prior to her death, we had talked about my getting custody of her children in the event of such an occurrence. She was a single mother by choice and fortunately could afford to do it. I have been with her from Day 1 and have watched her babies grow up and consider them to be as much mine as hers. She had been estranged from her family for many years, so there was never any question as to who would care for them if she was unable. Some months before the accident, I became engaged. But now that there are kids in the picture, he has put the brakes on the engagement. FXs The Lowdown, the second show from Reservation Dogs co-creator Sterlin Harjo, wraps up its first season this week. There are a lot of great reasons to get on board with this Tulsa noir: cracklingly funny dialogue, a broad cast of great supporting actors (many of whom like Jeanne Tripplehorn, Tracy Letts, and Tim Blake Nelson, have roots in Tulsa) having the time of their lives, and iconic actor Graham Greenes last appearance on film. But its Ethan Hawke, who plays a writer and bookstore owner named Lee Raybon, whos the real treat of the show. Lee, so beyond category in the world of media that he calls himself a truthstorian, is equal parts good intention and questionable judgment. He boasts a dogged commitment to the truth but often makes the wrong choices, finds himself in bad situations, and has to bluff his way outnot always successfully. (As one character, played by Killer Mike, remarks upon hearing that Lee got kidnapped by some skinheads, despite being armed: How does an adult with a gun get put in a trunk?) Lee is a classic cant stop digging investigator whose particular mix of messy and astute feels without precedent on-screen. After finding out that the character was inspired by a real-life Tulsa writer, journalist, and historian named Lee Roy Chapman, who died in 2015 at the age of 46, I had to know more. Harjo spoke with Slate about his origin story with Chapman, which parts of the character were inspired by the real man, and which parts (many!) were his own invention. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Slate: How did you and Lee Roy Chapman meet, and how did your relationship begin? Sterlin Harjo: We met because of [local independent media company] This Land Press. We worked together, and I started doing these videos with Lee Roy called Tulsa Public Secrets. I would ride shotgun with a camera and film him talking about things like Joe Brainard or the White Dove Review. I think we met at El Rio Verde, this Mexican restaurant, for the first time. We had similar friends and this shared love and need to explore and uncover things that werent talked about in Tulsa but needed to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was he like to hang out with as a person? What was his vibe? Im not going to tell you much about Lee Roy as a person, the nuance of him, because hes passed on, he has family, he has friends. But as someone that I was riding around with, it was a very beautiful experience. We would be making these videos and then he would pull over and hed point at a building, and he would talk about things from Tulsa history. Maybe someone from the Larry Clark book Tulsahe would tell me about that persons life and how they used to park here, because there was a day care here, and they couldnt see their kids, but if they parked there, they could see their kids playing at the day care. Its research. Thats what he was brilliant at. He would pore over documents and things in the library or wherever, and he would gather these stories. He was a collector of stories. In a lot of ways, we were very similar in that we spent our lives collecting stories and absorbing stories about people. And that was what it was like riding around with him. I just found a kindred soul in Lee Roy. Id sit and talk to him all day, and vice versa. We would just share stories. Advertisement Advertisement One story about him: He came over one night, him and a couple of friends. We had drinks, and it was probably 3 in the morning, and I was telling Lee Roy about this short film that I had made called Three Little Boys. Its about these Native kids that are in church, and theyre getting chewed out by their elders just a story about three kids on the rez, basically. Advertisement Hes sitting there, we watched it, and he just looked at me and is like, Dude, you got to keep doing these. I was like, What do you mean? He was like, You dont need to be making videos with me. People need to see this. I wasnt making a lot of money; this film played at some festivals, but it didnt jump-start or inject life into my film career. But to hear someone say, This is important. People need to see this, and people need to hear this. People know nothing about this worldit just gave me this boost of confidence in my work. That short literally is a precursor to Reservation Dogs. Advertisement One thing I really like about Lee Raybon, the character, is that hes confident as a journalist, insofar as hell go almost anywhere. Hell go to some white supremacists moms house or into a scary white nationalist church. But also, hes often nervous or awkward, and sometimes he doesnt seem to quite know what to do. In one episode, he tries really hard not to go to a Native store and a Native cultural event to follow a lead, because he finds it so embarrassing to be a white man in that context. Hes a mix of brashness and uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Heres another story about Lee Roy: He was very respectful of Native culture to the point where he would not want to impose on that culture. Very much in the way that Lee in the show doesnt want to go into the Indian store out of respect, Lee Roy was very much like that. And not just with Natives. My friend Mike Mason told me that one time they were driving to Texas, and they went through my hometown, because I always told them about this hamburger that I think is the best hamburger in the world, at Pats Cafe. They went, and its just a townits not like its Native only. Theres a mix of everyone. Its more about the small-town aspect of it, this community. Lee Roy would not go in and eat the burger. Mike went in by himself and sat down and ate the burger. Lee Roy waited in the car. Mike was like, Why wont you come in? He was like, You know, the idea of city folk coming to the small town to eat the hamburger It just felt exploitative to him, I guess. So thats another funny story, and some of that finds its way into the character. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Was he brash like that too as a reporter? Thats the awkward side, but theres also the Hell go anywhere part of Lee, on the show. For sure hed go anywhere, yeah. Mainly, he was doing a lot of research. He did these articles too. I think that his genius was that he could find information and documents and story, and everything that people never knew about. But the major plotline in the show, about him figuring out the backstory of the Washberg family, thats made up. Yeah, the show itself is inspired by Lee Roy, but the story is made up. Im not trying to tell his life. And I had a teenage daughter at the time. The storyline with the teenage daughter (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) was more drawn from your life than his, right? Thats right. Can you tell me which of these Lee Raybon things come more from Lee Roys life or from your mind? Starting with: white Dodge van, sunglasses and hat. I think those are Lee Roy, right? Advertisement Thats right. Well, everyone wears sunglasses. Im not sure that the sunglasses come from Lee Roy. But he wore the hat and drove the white van, yeah. Ran a bookstore? He worked at a bookstore. I dont know if he ran it, but somebody else owned it. Advertisement Advertisement Did he live above it in an apartment, or is that an invention? No, he didnt live above it. What about the word truthstorian? Did he use that? No, thats made up. I wrote it in the pilot, the idea of history and truth coming together. Did Lee Roy also vape a lot, like Lee? No vaping. Vaping was not a thing. Finally, I, as a writer, loved the fact that in the final episode of this season, Lee uses TextEdit to draft his big article. That may have just been random, but to me it said so much about the character, because in an RTF file, no editor can make a change or insert a comment! Very Lee. Did you do that on purpose? Advertisement Advertisement It was random. Im glad that you looked into it like that. But it was definitely random, yeah. Related From Slate The Novel Was Less Than Impressive. The New TV Adaptation Is a Big Improvement. Read More It feels as if this story is particularly Tulsa to you. What about this character is super Tulsa? I live in a small city in Ohio, and there are people here as well who just get really into local history and really into the areapeople who become all-purpose knowers of the place. This is a very Tulsa thing, but also maybe every small city in the world. I think you take pride in the place because you dont want it to go away. Its this balance of I dont want too many new people to move here, but theres a sweet spot that you want. You want art, you want restaurants, you dont want it to disappear. You dont want it to fall apart and blow away, and you need people for that. But you also dont want too many people to come. Every time I go to Austin, people are like, Oh, man, Tulsas just like Austin 30 years ago. Dont let it change. Dont let it change, man. Advertisement One thing about the show is that the main street where Lees bookstore is, theres a bookstore and a diner and a little law office. It almost feels small town inside a city. Is it still like that in Tulsa? There are still places like that? There are definitely pockets that just feel like a little neighborhood. I think one of my favorite things about the feedback that I got on the show was people from Tulsa going, Oh, man, that is Tulsa. I had someone say, You made Tulsa look like Tulsa, which was a good compliment. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva knows a lot about elections. She herself was just elected to Congress in Arizonas 7th District. Before that, her fatherwho died in the springheld the seat for more than two decades. Grijalva won her election. By a landslide. But for the past six weeks? Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has refused to seat her. Shes been to Washington. But she cant do much there. Shes started putting out videos counting up all the things she cant do. Democrats have tried to confront Johnson about all this but have had little luck. One reason hes blocking her? Shed be the crucial 218th vote that could get the Epstein documents out. On a recent episode of What Next, host Mary Harris spoke one-on-one with the congresswoman who is not quite a congresswoman. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity. Mary Harris: You won the election on Sept. 23, about a week before the government shut down. Did you think you were always going to run for your fathers seat? Were you always interested in politics? Adelita Grijalva: No, I was not going to run for Congress. What changed your mind? When he passed away, I was getting a lot of pressure from everybody. I looked around and saw who else was running. I was concerned that if we didnt have a progressive run that we were going to get somebody that was not going to do the job my dad did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walk me through the timeline of what happened after you won the election. It sounds like you had a couple of dates to get to Washington and get sworn in before the government shut down. And then things were suddenly being punted. Were there reasons given for why? Advertisement No. So thats one of the things that has been really different about this case with Speaker Johnson, and its an obstruction of swearing us in, because we had a whole class in 2019 that was sworn in during a shutdown. The shutdown issue is a nonissue. When I first got elected, what Id heard was: Well wait for the certification. The other three people that hed just sworn in, literally in under 24 hours, did have a statement from their secretary of state, which is what Johnson had for me. He had that information. So he walked back from the certification piece and then went on to say, We dont swear in a pro forma session. But in April, in 24 hours, he swore in two Florida people who had won special elections. So you showed up anyway. You showed up the week after your election, when the shutdown was in full effect. What did you do when you went to Washington? Advertisement Advertisement That first day, I did like 14 interviews. It was a lot interviews, a lot of press conferences, really just to get people to know who this person is that Speaker Johnson doesnt want sworn in. People kept saying it was about the Epstein files. And I honestly did not make the connection. We should clarify the Epstein thing for some listeners who may not know the dirty details. You would be the 218th vote to release the Epstein files in full. Weve already seen Mike Johnson shut down Congress to avoid a vote like that in the summer. Advertisement When did you begin to think that maybe this is what its about? And honestly, I still feel its a little bit conspiratorial, but it is what nearly everyone is saying. I think there are other reasons to mess with things just to mess with things, but what would happen if you were able to take that vote? Advertisement I was trying to figure it out, because people started saying hes been given marching orders to do everything he can to avoid this vote. Your job as speaker is to swear people in, regardless of party, regardless of whether you like what were going to do when were in office. Thats your job. And so thats been the most frustrating piece. I cant do a lot of things. Advertisement Advertisement I think some people would look at your situation and say, Well, shes not seated, but what could she be doing? Because the government is shut down, and the Democrats are not the party in power. So whats the point? What would you say to people who say that? I cant onboard staff. We cant get our offices ready to help constituents who are struggling right now. This shutdown is causing people to miss their second full check, so we have 900,000 people who are not going to get SNAP benefits. Advertisement We could be part of that solution. We could be helping, we could be advocating. Any member of Congress will say the most important part of their job is helping the people of the district that elected them. And I am doing similar events, going to fundraisers, and giving out food boxes to furloughed workers. There are things that Im partnering with other organizations to do, but thats not the individual help people need. Advertisement There are veterans who are not able to access their benefits. During a shutdown, when you have fewer staff at the federal level to help with these things, this is why you are there. In the Democratic Party, there has been a lot of talk about passing the torch to a younger generation and whether there are problems with doing that. I think you might have some nuanced ideas here about what it means to pass a torch to a younger generation and what it means to support people who fought for the Democratic Party and what it believes in, and maybe even change what the Democratic Party believes in a little bit. Can you talk a little bit about that? Advertisement Its not just about new blood or younger blood. Its about whether you are going to stand up for ideals and values, or is the environment going to change you? I fundamentally believe in local control and that local decisions are the best. When you have a community that elects somebody repeatedly, over and over again, if they feel like that is the best person to represent them, then I think that makes sense. I do think that there should be a nice mix of representation in age and experience, because Ive gone into boards where I was the youngest person there. And it was helpful to have people take me under their wing and say: This is how things are done. You have to learn the system before you can change it. I fundamentally believe that. Advertisement Advertisement But I have also been the older person. And when youre in these positions, are you then supporting younger voices to get into local positions, to learn the fundamentals? I believe that I am ready for anything because I served 20 years on a school board in an urban district; you can throw anything at me. Advertisement Advertisement As a representative, how do you want to make sure youre building the ladders up and down? Thats one of the things that I think my dad did incredibly well. Locally, the party never came to help him. Individual members would help him, local people would help them, and everybody else. But it wasnt like the [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] was here and saying, Here, let me help you, Congressman Grijalva. What my dad did was create this huge umbrella of people. And if you look at Pima County and Tucson and see how we have the first Latina mayor, and I was the first Latino elected to the Pima County Board of Supervisors. We have the most diverse school district governing boards at the local level, and the City Council, the same thing. Theres an umbrella thats created here. And we work together to promote like-minded candidates, usually women, and usually women of color. If my dad hadnt created that umbrella for all of us, we wouldnt be here. So thats part of my responsibility now, to create that umbrella. Advertisement When you are sworn in, because Im going to assume that eventually you are sworn in, what is the first thing youre going to do? Im going to sign the discharge petition for the Epstein files. There are also six other ones that Im going to sign. There are 30 pieces of legislation that I am going to co-sponsor. Did the discharge petition move up your list last month? Oh yeah. Im going to do that right away. We have a plan to walk right over there and do it, because I just want to make it really clear that when I said I was going to do something, I am going to do it. Im not going to succumb to any sort of weird peer pressure. How long do you think this shutdown is going to go on? I thought we would be done. Every day that were closed means that people are going to get hungry. There are programs, like the senior programs and Head Start, that arent going to have food. Its going to impact our most vulnerable populations. And we already see a really long line at food banks. Our local communities dont have the capacity to do all of that for a prolonged period of time. Its going to be hard. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Dick Cheneythe most powerful vice president in American history and a key architect of U.S. foreign policy just after the end of the Cold Wardied an irrelevant, all-but-forgotten figure on Monday at the age of 84. His descent came about because of his own disastrous mistakes, and dramatic changes in Republican Party politics (which were themselves partly a result of his mistakes). He figured briefly in the 2024 elections, when Kamala Harris touted his endorsement, hoping it would lure enough anti-Trump Republicans to give her the edge. But it turned out Cheney no longer had any standing (Harris won just 5 percent of GOP voters, fewer than Joe Biden had won four years earlier), and Harris praise of himher claim to be honored by his endorsementmay have moved more of her fellow Democrats to stay home. Cheney was officially President George W. Bushs No. 2 from 200109, but in fact dominated the administration through the first of his two terms in office. He played especially key roles in the invasion of Iraq, the launching of the global war on terror, and various decisions to exploit what he saw as Americas unilateral momentits Cold War victory over the Soviet Unionby expanding U.S. power while brushing aside traditional allies and downplaying (sometimes sabotaging) peaceful diplomacy. He was, and still is, often called a leader of the neoconservative moment, but in fact, there was nothing neo about him. He more closely fit the mold of a classic nationalist-imperialist of the 18th or 19th century. Whatever you might call him, his approach to changing world politics, for the most part, went badly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of that approach and his appetite for power were formed during Richard Nixons presidency, when the White House chief of staff, Donald Rumsfeld, recruited him as deputy. After Nixon resigned and Gerald Ford, his successor, nominated Rumsfeld as secretary of defense, Cheney moved up as chief of staffat age 34, the youngest ever. Advertisement Rumsfeld and Cheney both had a close-up view of Nixons harsh decline during the Watergate scandal and the impending impeachment. But they took away not the standard lesson of the timethe dangers of an imperial presidencybut rather its opposite: a distrust of legislative power and a felt need to expand executive-branch power. After Ford lost to Jimmy Carter in 1976, Rumsfeld went off to the corporate world, emerging occasionally to chair special commissions on policy. Cheney went home to Wyoming, ran for Congress, rose to top GOP positions in the House, and took part in continuity-of-government drills in case of nuclear war. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush nominated John Tower, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to be his defense secretary. Remarkably, Towers own colleagues rejected him, mainly due to reports of his frequent drunkenness. Bush nominated Cheney: Hed known him from the Nixon days, and he figuredcorrectlythat the nomination of a popular, well-informed, straight-arrow congressman would go quickly. Advertisement Advertisement I covered Cheneys tenure in the Pentagon as defense reporter for the Boston Globe. He had been a right-wing congressman, opposing every socially progressive measure, even recognition of Martin Luther Kings birthday and sanctions against South Africas apartheid government. But he turned out to be a competent manager of the defense establishment, especially during the first Gulf War. He listened to well-informed tacticians and strategists, endorsed Bush Sr.s decision to stop the war after U.S. forces pushed the Iraqi invaders out of Kuwait (some had urged Bush to keep going all the way to Baghdad and to topple Saddam Hussein), and (despite some initial internal opposition) testified in favor of massive cuts in the defense budget after the Cold War was over. Advertisement He returned to Wyoming after Bill Clinton beat Bush Sr. in the 1992 election. In 2000, Bushs son, George W., won the GOP nomination and, on his dads advice, asked Cheney to vet possible running mates. In the end, Cheney thought the best choice would be himself. Advertisement Back during his time in Nixons White House, and then in the House leadership, Cheney had formed an entourage of his own acolytes and had mapped out the real positions and linkages of power throughout the federal government. After Bush won the election, during the transition, Cheney placed his people in those slots of real power. As Barton Gellman reported in his book Angler: The Cheney Vice Presidency, by the time of Bushs inauguration, Cheney had grasped control of the executive branch. Advertisement Advertisement This was true especially in foreign and defense policy. He formed a parallel National Security Council inside the Office of the Vice President. More crucially, he persuaded Bush to bring back his old friend Donald Rumsfeld as defense secretary (this, over the objections of Bush Sr., who had grown to despise and distrust the man in his own term). Working as a tag team, Cheney and Rumsfeld outmaneuvered the official National Security Council, headed by Bushs highly educated but politically green national security adviser, Condoleezza Riceand did the same to Bushs secretary of state, now-retired Gen. Colin Powell. The latter displacement took everyone by surprise, not least Powell, who came into the job as a worldwide celebrity who thought that he would be running foreign policy. Advertisement Back in 1992, when Cheney was running the Pentagon, he had supervised a Defense Planning Guidance which concluded that Americas objective should be not only to prevent any hostile power from dominating a region but also to discourage any advanced industrial nations from challenging U.S. leadership. In the Middle East and South Asia especially, the goal should be to remain the predominant outside power and preserve U.S. and Western access to the regions oil. Advertisement Advertisement Now as vice president, Cheney revived the document as policy (not merely policy guidance) and installed its chief authors in top second-tier positions in the Pentagon, the State Department, and the White House. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, stamped these ideas with new urgency. Unlike the authors of the earlier document, notably Paul Wolfowitz, Cheney had no special interest in restarting the Iraq war or overthrowing Saddam Hussein. But he was now on the lookout for threats everywhere and bought into raw intelligence reports that drew links between the al-Qaida terrorists and Saddams regime in Baghdad, as well as other reports that Saddam was developing nuclear weaponsand so, just days later, laid the groundwork for an invasion of Iraq. Advertisement It is still unclear whether Cheney believed these reports or merely cited them as an excuse to pursue his real goal of expandingand crushing anyone challengingU.S. power. Specialists in the CIA and other intelligence agencies dismissed reports of an Iraqial-Qaida link; some of them also rebutted suggestions that Saddam was close to building a nuclear weapon. But Cheney (and Rumsfeld) had a history of disputing the CIA; sometimes theyd been in the right. Even if the agencys analysts were right about the unreliability of certain sources claiming the worst about Iraq, they might be missing the true picture. Advertisement Advertisement Maybe Cheney really thought Saddam was building nukes and cutting deals with al-Qaida, and decided to go with the sources who confirmed his beliefs. Or maybe he thought that making those claims about Iraq would legitimize his desire to invade Iraq for its own sake. Advertisement Either way, Cheney consciously misled the nation into its deadliest war in decadesand one of its deepest strategic errors ever. For his entire first term, Bush had ceded control of foreign policy to Cheney and Rumsfeld. After he won reelection, Bush started taking back some of that power. Realizing that the Iraq war was going badly, he fired Rumsfeld and replaced him with an old favorite of his fathers, former CIA Director Robert Gates. Advertisement With U.S. forces enmeshed in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gates made it his top priority to stay out of a third war in a Muslim country. Right away, Gates realized that Cheney was trying to coax Bush into bombing the nascent nuclear program in Iran. But Cheney no longer had Rumsfeld as a tag-team partner, and Gateswell aware of the teams former tacticstraveled across the Potomac to the White House nearly every day, making sure to attend every interagency meeting, to keep Cheney from winning the argument. Advertisement Advertisement With nearly every issue on the table, Cheney argued for using force and opposed diplomacy. Early on in his first term, Cheney had single-handedly thwarted nuclear talks with North Korea, which Bill Clinton had started and Colin Powell, as secretary of state, wanted to continue. We dont negotiate with evil, we defeat it, Cheney had said publicly. Halfway into his second term, Bush tried to restart the talks, but by now it was too late. As a general matter, Bush finally understood how Cheney had railroaded his entire presidency. Now the vice president grew steadily more isolatedand so it remained through the rest of his term. President Barack Obama had Gates stay on as secretary of defense. Cheney was left in the wilderness, no longer even a power within the GOP, whose leaders now recognized that Iraq had been a disaster in every way. The consensus view was, and remains, that Saddam was not developing nukes, that he had no ties to al-Qaida, and that the war was badly run from the get-go. Advertisement Related From Slate Trump Cant Just Call It a Day Now That a Ceasefire Has Been Negotiated Read More Had Dick Cheney devolved into a different personmore hard-line and ideologicalfrom the man hed been as Bush Sr.s defense secretary? Some of his former colleagues have long thought he had changed, perhaps the lingering result of four heart attacks (plus a fifth after he left office), which can affect blood flow to the brain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colin Powell, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when Cheney was defense secretary, told me later that, in his view, Cheney never changed. Under Bush Sr., he was surrounded by grown-ups, not least Powell himself. Under Bush Jr., he was not. Historians will no doubt quarrel about the point for years to come. The aftermath, though, is very clear. Partly as a result of the failures in Iraq, the Republican Party moved away from Cheneys brand of interventionismand even toward, under Donald Trumps MAGA movement, a sort of isolationism. Meanwhile, the Democrats had never bought his policies. Advertisement In his first few years out of power, Cheney was invited on TV to rail against Obamas foreign policy, but, especially after Obama ordered the raid on Osama bin Ladens lair and ordered hundreds of drone strikes in Afghanistan and elsewhere, the tirades against Obamas supposed weakness seemed not only cliched but simply wrong. And so he retreated back to Wyoming. His daughter, Liz, won his seat in Congress, rose to a leadership position, and eventually leveled attacks on President Trump for trying to overthrow the 2020 election, especially by inciting the Jan. 6 riots. Dick Cheney applauded his daughter, criticized Trump himself, and even endorsed Kamala Harris for president. But his words had no impact. Even his daughter, who had risen more recently, was expelled by the partys new elders. Dick Cheney, for many years the ultimate insider, ended his life a nowhere man. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Gavin Newsom, it has often been observed, has a bit of a Patrick Bateman quality: He is TV-anchor handsome, is aggressively charming, and comes off as profoundly narcissistic and possibly a psychopath. Hes also one of the only Democratic leaders who seem to be accurately clocking just how immense a threat Donald Trump and his captured Republican Party are to American democracy. He has hitched his wagon to Proposition 50, a measure that would redraw Californias congressional districts in response to Texas recent redistricting, which awarded more seats to the GOP. Once California voters cast their ballots, the country will get a preview of whether Newsoms muscular response to Trump is actually effectiveand whether Newsom, who is considering a run in 2028, has presidential chops. Cards on the table: I am not a big Newsom fan. I can admit that my dislike of him is in large part about vibesits the Patrick Bateman thing. He strikes me as the kind of politician who is willing to be blown by the political winds, someone who is interested in power first and principles second, who is just a little too slick. But as Trump has coarsened the nation and lowered our collective standards, I guess he has lowered mine too. Newsom wouldnt be my first pick for president. But he wouldnt be the first possible psychopath, or at least major narcissist, to sit in the Oval Officeand some of these predecessors have done a pretty good job. A study published in 2013 by a group of psychologists ranked presidents on a scale of grandiose narcissism, and a few of those at the top were indeed very bad. Andrew Jackson, genocidaire of various Native American tribes and Trumps favorite president, is ranked third; Teddy Roosevelt (on the plus side, great antitrust policies; on the minus side, an enthusiastic killer of African elephants and rare rhinos) is second. Richard Nixon is sixth. But others have a more mixed record, and one can see how their bullying and narcissism might have served them. No. 1 on the list is Lyndon Baines Johnson. His demerits are significant, and they are summed up by the words Vietnam War. On the domestic front, however, he was the force behind the Great Society, including the creation of Medicaid and Medicare and the establishment of the Voting Rights Act and Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, all laws he was able to pass via bullying and manipulation. He also notoriously held meetings while he sat on the toilet, a move that encapsulated his crass, domineering style. No. 4 on the list is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the president who brought us the New Deal. Coming in at No. 5 is John F. Kennedy, and No. 7 is Bill Clinton. (Hard to quibble with the narcissism designations there, even as Clinton dramatically expanded the economy and instituted SCHIP, the national childrens health care program.) The list was assembled without considering Barack Obama, but I imagine he may also have ranked at least in the upper third. Hes also the reason millions of Americans have access to health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other psychologists have looked at presidential psychopathy and concluded that several of the characteristics associated with psychopathy (fearlessness, interpersonal dominance) may be beneficial to leadership roles, including the presidency. Fearless dominance, for example, may contribute to reckless criminality and violence, or to skillful leadership in the face of a crisis, the studys lead author stated. The presidents with the highest fearless dominance ranking will be familiar: Teddy Roosevelt, JFK, and FDR. (The most psychopathic-narcissistic presidents are apparently, like serial killers, also the ones typically known by all three of their initials.) Gavin Christopher Newsom (GCN?) does not, to my laywomans eye, have many of the maladaptive traits of psychopathy, such as poor impulse control (COVID lockdown dinner at French Laundry notwithstanding). He does, though, seem to meet Trumps desire for dominance head-on, in a way no other Democrat has been quite able to. And Prop 50 is testing that strategy. Advertisement The Prop 50 vote is one of the most important in the nation. Its also indicative of the democratic depletions that Trump has brought about. The proposition would alter Californias congressional makeup to give Democrats an even larger advantage in the largely blue state. Redistricting efforts are usually done every decade on the decade; this modification, midway through the usual time frame and just a year before the midterm elections, is both highly unusual and a transparent effort to tip the scales in Democrats favor. Advertisement But its also necessary, because Republicans did it firstand in that sense, Prop 50 isnt so much tipping the scales as rebalancing them, assuming it passes. Trumps agenda is predictably unpopular, and Republicans are worried about paying the price in the 2026 midterms. But instead of adjusting the agenda to give voters what they want, Trump has demanded that leaders in conservative states change long-adhered-to electoral norms to give Republicans an advantage. Some states, most notably Texas, have done just that, redrawing congressional districts to cut Democrats out and, they hope, ensure an unearned GOP majority in the House. Its radically undemocratic, an affront to the most basic of American values: that our government is representative of the people. Advertisement Advertisement Most Democrats, though, have simply hemmed and hawed, adding red-state redistricting to their long list of (justified) gripes. Newsom took action. Because of a state law put into place to safeguard against partisan gerrymandering, he couldnt simply redistrict by degree; he had to put the question to the people of California. And this week, theyre deciding whether they want to potentially prevent Republican-led states from stealing a House majorityeven if it means veering off the high road. Advertisement Advertisement Newsom has made Prop 50 his signature issue. Hes the one who called the special election to vote on the measure. He has raised an enormous amount of money in support of it. He has traveled across his state, talking to voters about why they should support it. And he has helped make the proposition a reasonable one: It would be temporary, and in 2030 California would redraw its congressional districts as usual, per the most recent census. Advertisement Newsom is also clear on the stakes. The current House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, has more or less ceded its power to Trump. Its actually been absurd to watch the supposedly co-equal body turn into a cowering, submissive duma, the GOP majority little more than a ceremonial body, with Republicans not just letting Trump undo their decisions and votes but publicly supporting him in doing so. The president has essentially taken back money Congress appropriated, and Republicans have let him. And its not just the House: Congress is supposed to authorize any war the U.S. embarks on; Republicans in the Senate recently blocked a measure that would have exercised their right to do just that. The Senate, though, is an intentionally undemocratic body, with each state having two representatives no matter its population, virtually giving low-population states like Wyoming far more power than the ones where the largest numbers of Americans live. The Supreme Court, stacked with right-wing appointees, also continues to do Trumps bidding. Theres not much that can be done about that at the moment. That makes the House one of the only real checks on Trumps abuses of power. Returning it to Democratic hands in 2026 is crucial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Newsom both understand that, which is why Trump, famous for attempting to steal an election he lost fair and square, is trying to deploy technically legal means to profoundly undemocratic ends. It makes him a bully and a cheater, but without fair refs in this particular game, there is no real recourseother than doing the same thing, which is throwing out norms of fair play using technicalities to your advantage. This is where Newsom is one of the few Democrats actually going toe-to-toe with Trump. On a moral level, I hate this. I wish Americans would have seen Trump piling weights on his side of the scale and lost their collective minds, taken to the streets, and made clear that there would be decadeslong consequences for all who went along with this nasty little endeavor. I wish elected Republicans had even an ounce of decency or self-respect or love for this nation left and were adult enough to tell the president, No, I will not help you effectively cheat your way to a House majority. I wish that the GOP would see the swelling backlash and decide to change course, not force its will on Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to be very high-minded about this. Nothing good comes from a race to the partisan bottom, with red and blue states alike redistricting whenever they want. But I also look back on four years of the Biden administration and realize that, even after four years of Donald Trump, Democrats utterly failed to put safeguards in place to prevent a faster and furious-er sequel. Now were out of good options. Our democracy is on life support. And Newsom, at least, is attempting via democratic means to keep Trump from pulling the plug. Does that make him presidential material? Im not sure youll ever see me with a Newsom 2028 button. But the man knows how to stand strong, and like many men who read to me as narcissists, he certainly knows how to grab attention. As liberal commentator Chris Hayes has written about at length, attention is the worlds most endangeredand possibly most valuableresource. Trump knows how to grab it. So does Newsom. Advertisement Advertisement The best thing the Democratic Party can do for itself in 2028 is have a real competition of candidates, ideas, and styles. The 2024 election was a campaign of obligation, followed by a campaign of anointment. There was no real hashing out of what the party is, what it prioritizes, and what it broadcasts to Americans. Next time should be different. Maybe the Democratic Party is one of articulate and erudite technocrats like Pete Buttigieg. Maybe its a party of get-it-done moderates like Josh Shapiro. Maybe an octogenarian socialist from Vermont is the right pick. Maybe its a coalition best led by Newsom, a San Francisco liberal who is willing to troll Trump. The partys immediate future may be held by a wide diversity of white men, from conservative Democrats to centrist ones. But we should have them compete with one another. Advertisement I am partly kidding, of course. The 2028 Democratic primary will hopefully be a rollicking one, and I pray that some leftists and women and people who are not white but who are also not Kamala Harris throw their various hats in the ring. (Gretchen Whitmer? AOCAyanna Pressley 2032? The list is admittedly short.) And if voters decide that what they want is someone who can capture their attention, pwn the troll in chief, and play dirty if it means saving the nation, well, I certainly wont judge. After all, voters arent marrying the guy (we arent Kimberly Guilfoyle). Were just putting him in charge of the free world. And, frankly, we could do worse. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The surest indication that the Trump administration has no good legal defense of its global tariff regime comes from the last place you might expect: a brief filed by the United States solicitor general to the Supreme Court. The solicitor generals office has a long-standing reputation for integrity, humility, and sober analysisbut under John Sauers control, its arguments have become increasingly indistinguishable from President Donald Trumps partisan harangues. Sauers brief in the tariff case is proof positive: Rather than offer persuasive legal reasoning, it pummels the justices with Trumpian campaign rhetoric. Tariffs, the solicitor general declares, are necessary to rectify Americas country-killing trade deficits. With them, we are a rich nation barreling toward unprecedented success. Without them, we are a poor nation facing ruinous and catastrophic consequences. One year ago, the United States was a dead country, Sauer writes, directly quoting Trump. Now, because of the trillions of dollars being paid by countries that have so badly abused us, America is a strong, financially viable, and respected country again. A good rule of thumb: When the solicitor general is effectively copying and pasting from the presidents Truth Social posts, the law probably isnt on his side. Will the Supreme Court, which hears arguments Wednesday in what has become one of the biggest cases of the term, care? The New York Times Linda Greenhouse is surely correct that if the Republican-appointed justices have an ounce of principle, this will be an easy case. These justices spent Joe Bidens presidency demanding explicit congressional authorization for any major new policy; consistent application of that principle would compel them to strike down Trumps tariffs. Consistency, however, is not the supermajoritys strong suit when it requires a ruling against Trump. So this conflict presents the GOP appointees with something of a hack test: If they find a way to uphold the tariffs, they will all but announce that the rules they enforced so zealously against a Democratic president are suspended the moment a Republican takes the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tariff cases, grouped together as Learning Resources v. Trump, revolve around the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. That 1977 law gives the president certain powers during an unusual and extraordinary threat to the nations national security, foreign policy, or economy that originates abroad. Among other things, the president may regulate the importation of any property in which any foreign country or a national thereof has any interest to deal with this threat. Until now, the executive branch has wielded the IEEPA to impose sanctions, freeze assets, and implement embargoes against hostile foreign states and individuals. Past presidents have invoked the IEEPA in response to genuine emergencies, including the Iranian hostage crisis, 9/11, and the current Russian siege of Ukraine. Trump now seeks to use the statute very differently: to establish an entirely new tax regime without congressional approval. No previous president has ever attempted to impose tariffsthat is, taxes on imported goodsunder the IEEPA. Yet Trump insists that it serves just this purpose. And he defends his creative interpretation of the law with several layers of reasoning that make little sense alone and none in combination. Advertisement First, theres the matter of the emergency: What foreign threat allows him to reach for the IEEPA in the first place? For tariffs against more than 50 other countries, he cited trade deficitsi.e., the gap between what the U.S. imports from other nations and what it sells to them. Yet mainstream economists agree that our trade deficit is not a crisis at all. Wealthy nations buy more from overseas than they sell, and the money that leaves through trade comes back through investment. In fact, the countrys trade deficit is exactly matched by net capital inflows. So the deficit is just another way of describing a foreign investment surplus, one that has persisted for half a century. Its hard to see how an enduring feature of global trade thats neither new nor dangerous could constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat under the IEEPA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For tariffs against China, Mexico, and Canada, Trump cited drug trafficking as the emergency, accusing those countries of allowing fentanyl to be smuggled across the border. But even if fentanyl constitutes the kind of threat envisioned by the IEEPA, raising taxes on products imported from China, Mexico, and Canada will not deal with it in any meaningful way. Trump could surely freeze assets held by foreign drug cartels. He could sanction Mexican officials suspected of complicity with kingpins. Simply slapping higher taxes on goods and services from Mexico, though? That penalizes American consumers, not the narcotraficantes who actually move the drugs. Related From Slate The DOJ Lied Its Way to Victory in a Key Trump Case. It Just Got Caught in Court. Read More But assume for a moment that fentanyl and trade really are an emergency under the IEEPA. Even then, the question remains: Does the statute permit these tariffs? Trump claims that his power to regulate importation encompasses the power to tax them. His reading, though, collapses under scrutiny. To start, the IEEPA says nothing about tariffs, taxes, duties, or customs; there is no textual indication that can be used to raise revenue. In similar statutes, Congress did not treat taxation as a form of regulation, so it is doubtful that the IEEPA smuggled in such authority through that word alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The laws silence on this front is especially troubling because the Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to raise and collect taxes, including those on imports. And courts are typically hesitant to interpret an ambiguous statute as a sweeping delegation of legislative powers to the executive branch. In recent years, the court has articulated this principle as the major-questions doctrine, holding that Congress must speak very clearly if it wishes to vest decisions of vast economic and political significance in the executive branch. The Republican-appointed supermajority deployed this principle to strike down many of Bidens policies, including student-loan forgiveness, climate regulation, and the evictions moratorium. Now the tariff cases give the justices an opportunity to prove that the major-questions doctrine does not function as a free-floating veto over Democratic presidents but applies equally to Republicans as well. Advertisement There is a wrinkle here: The liberal justices have bitterly objected to the major-questions doctrine, deriding it as a get out of text free card that magically appears when a statutes language conflicts with the supermajoritys broader goals. (They are correct.) These justices may hesitate to deploy this doctrine now after rejecting it for years. Advertisement Advertisement But there are two straightforward reasons why they should still side against Trump. First, like it or not, the major-questions doctrine is now established precedent, and the liberal justices cannot be faulted for applying it as a matter of stare decisis. Second, the doctrine isnt truly necessary to rule against the president; regular old statutory interpretation gets them there. A look at the IEEPAs text in context shows why it cannot authorize these tariffs: Congress has enacted other laws that do allow the president to impose tariffs in response to national security concerns and trade imbalances. Trump hasnt invoked these statutes because they are far narrower and limited; they would not, for instance, permit his sweeping, indefinite, and ever-shifting tariff regime. Still, their enactment alongside the IEEPA shows that Congress knows how to delegate tariff authority to the president. And it chose not to do so in the IEEPA. Advertisement None of this means that the Supreme Court is assured to rule against Trump. Justice Brett Kavanaugh has already hinted that he will carve a bespoke exception into the major-questions doctrine in the national security or foreign policy contexts that would allow him to uphold the tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts has spent the past 10 months steering the court away from conflicts with Trump; dismantling a policy that has already brought in $200 billion in revenue would mark a head-on collision with the president. The justices to his right have been MAGA-pilled for years now. And Trump has ramped up the pressure on SCOTUS to uphold his tariffs, leaving no doubt that he sees the case not as a question of law, but as a gauge of loyalty. His Justice Department has sent the same crude message loud and clear with a bit more Latin sprinkled in. Look past the thicket of furious rhetoric and legal claims, and this case asks nothing less than whether the law can survive contact with a president convinced hes above it. Sir David Attenborough's new show has been compared to Games of Thrones and Succession. Sir David Attenborough is returning this weekend with Kingdom The 99-year-old naturalist and broadcasting icon is back this weekend with new six part series Kingdom, which follows four rival animal families over five years "as they compete for survival and dominance" in the heart of Zambia. Executive producer Mike Gunton told the BBC: "Its high drama - it's got a bit of Game of Thrones, it's got a bit of Succession, but it's also got a bit of The Lion King. "But Kingdom also has this wonderful warmth about it. "It can be quite a white-knuckle ride at times, but there are also some wonderful moments of beauty and tenderness. We've tried to construct it as a bingeable continuing narrative." The team spent around 1,4000 days over 76 shoots in a corner of South Luangwa National Park known as Nsefu. The series will follow a lion pride, a wild dog pack, a hyena clan and a leopard family a they all compete for control of the area. Gunton added: "If I had to pick one word to describe Kingdom it would be intensity. "It's almost Shakespearean in its feel, and its incredibly ambitious in its scale. Its a story that speaks across the ages because it focuses on four families in one location all struggling to survive. "They've got their internal struggles, but they've also got struggles against the other rival families. And this creates a really intriguing tapestry of rich stories." Meanwhile, Gunton heaped praise on Attenborough for helping viewers through such tense scenes. He said: "Ive worked with David for many years, and every show I've worked with him on he always brings that important ingredient. "Its more than just being the voice, whether that's authenticity, intensity, or whether that's humour. "Kingdom is not a fairy story, it's a very real story. And I think you need David with you to guide you through it and to reassure you that it will be all right in the end." He noted how important it is for viewers to have the legendary broadcaster there to "hold your hand" and tell everyone it will worth it. He explained: "Nsefu is a dynamic place, stuff happens completely out of the blue and things are constantly changing. "It's sometimes rough and raw, but it's also gorgeous and beautiful. Having David there brings that safety." As Standardbred Canada continues its nationwide spotlight on harness racing's unsung heroes, in celebration of 2025 National Caretaker Appreciation Day, we turn our attention to Amber Campbell, a truly devoted groom hailing from Calgary, Alta. Campbell shares her compelling story, offering a profound insight into her career in racing and the immeasurable impact the industry has had on her life. Her narrative underscores the dedication, hard work and passion that define our caretakers -- the backbone of harness racing. Amber Campbells first introduction into Standardbred racing came like many in the industry, through her family. My dad is Sanford Campbell, so I've been in it pretty much all my life," said Campbell, whose father is a trainer from Calgary with 694 career victories and $3.3 million in purses. "I became a groom in 1992... I was 12 years old. I was the youngest groom to ever be allowed to have a license in Alberta. "They actually wrote, 'Not valid during school hours' right on my license,'" said Campbell, laughing. I worked with my family pretty much all of my life until the last couple of years when I've been with James Jungquist and Nathan Sobey. Although racing was in her blood and a large part of her everyday life, Campbell didnt always work exclusively as a groom. I actually worked at the Super Store for 25 years, but I was always in the barn. On my vacations, I was always in the barn. When my dad was getting treated for prostate cancer, I took time off and ran his stable for him. It became my full-time thing about three years ago. I'd had enough of the political side of working in the Super Store and I just wanted to get back to the simple life being around the horses. And you know what? They're the best therapy in the world, Campbell stated emphatically. Although being a groom is hard work, Campbell said, My horses, they are my everything. We've got Mademechangemymind right now... sorry, I'm going to cry right now because she just makes me smile," she said tearing up. "That filly has taken me to a whole different high that I've never been on before. Winning the Shirley McClellan [in June] with her was absolutely the biggest highlight I've ever... I had never won anything like that with a horse, or taken care of a horse that has won a stakes race like that before. That was pretty substantial. Considering that Nathan was out, hurt and that he couldn't be in the barn as much that week or be there that night... I put in the extra work and it was pretty much all on me -- that felt pretty great too. Winning that race for an employer Campbell truly admires made it all that much sweeter. Nathan is awesome to work for. He's the greatest guy to work for. Nothing can beat Nathan. He's truly one-of-a-kind. There's nobody else around the racetrack like him -- he's got a heart of gold, he'll give you the shirt off his back if you need it. He helps you if you need it. He always tells me I'm doing a good job, and if you're missing something, he'll just nicely let you know. Campbell makes it clear that all of her horses are her everything, but currently there are two that stand out. Mademechangemymind always gives 110 per cent. She and our Open mare, Outlaw Sharktastic -- she's my absolute favourite in the barn Her and Mademechangemymind are actually 1 and 1A. I really can't pick between them because they're two totally different horses. But those two girls... you know. 'Sharkle' is more easy going. She's good-natured, she'll talk to me and scroll Facebook with me, said Campbell, with a laugh. "'Taylor' will only come to me. She'll only come to me in her stall. Anyone could go and grab 'Sharkle.' I could leave her with a kid and she wouldn't do anything. 'Taylor,' on the other hand, is more like a one-person child. I'm her person -- she bonded with me. With her they just say, 'Amber, please go get your horse, she stated proudly while laughing. Campbell also helps out at her fiance, James Jungquist, on top of her job with Sobey. James got out of it for a little while [during Covid] and did a reset, and we just started rebuilding our stable again in March," she explained. "We bought our first one -- Highclass Custard -- from Nathan actually... We acquired another one from B.C. and then bought ourselves a little two-year-old filly as well... We have a couple that are training bills too... I help with those five as well. I don't come into the barn and get them ready in the morning [because I'm working for Nathan], but I do come back at night and put them all away, so they know that their momma still loves them. When asked if she could give a younger person just starting out some advice, what it would be, Campbell said: Work for good people. Learn from them. Work for good people who are going to get good horses and let you thrive... Find someone who trusts in their grooms. Successful people who have good grooms, trust in their grooms... My dad trusted me and let me do everything and it makes a big difference. Nathan is great for that too. I'm still learning to this day, because everything in the business keeps changing. Every day is a learning curve and every day I'm learning something new about my horses. Join Standardbred Canada in showing appreciation for Amber Campbell and all of the unsung heroes of our industry as we celebrate National Caretaker Appreciation Day across our nation. The remaining 2025 National Caretaker Appreciation Day event is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10 at The Raceway at Western Fair District. National Caretaker Appreciation Day was launched in 2017 to recognize and reward caretakers in the Standardbred industry across Canada. (Standardbred Canada Press Release) Donald Cameron Moore, 74, of Sarnia, Ont. passed away on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. He was a horse owner and devoted fan of harness racing. He is survived by his wife Kay and sisters Carolynne and Bea. Also by his brother Bert and nephews Jeff, Brad and Andy, who are all involved in the racing industry. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Steadman Brothers Funeral Home in Brigden, Ont. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Don Moore. Longtime horseman Francis Neil James MacNeil of Cape Breton, N.S. passed away suddenly on July 17, 2025 in Brantford, Ont., at the age of 74. Francis was born on Oct. 27, 1950, in Gillis Point, Cape Breton, N.S. He was predeceased by his parents Catherine, Neil, and step mom Margaret MacNeil. He is survived by his wife Dianne; his daughter Katie, son-in-law Tyler, and cherished grandson Brooks; his sister Mary and nieces Jennifer and Stephanie (Rob, Jake, and Olivia); his brother Michael (Barb), niece Virginia and nephew Jason; and his sister Georgina. Francis grew up in Cape Breton, where he developed a lifelong love of horses, a passion passed down from his father. He attended St. Francis Xavier University with the intention of becoming a teacher, but his heart led him to Ontario to pursue a career in horse racing. He dedicated much of his life to the racing world and later worked as a custodian, where he continued to impact everyone around him with his warmth and humor. Francis had a gift for making people feel seen and appreciated. Whether he was sharing a joke, offering a word of wisdom, or cooking up something delicious in the kitchen, he brought people together with his kindness and his love of life. He was known for his big heart, generous spirit, and infectious laughter. Simply put, everyone loved Francis. He touched countless lives just by being himself. Francis will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and all who had the joy of knowing him. A funeral service will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel in Sydney, Cape Breton date to be determined. A Celebration of Life for Francis MacNeil will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Copetown Community Centre in Hamilton, Ont. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Francis MacNeil. The mystery surrounding interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has deepened after Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb suggested it could be made of antimatter, a substance that annihilates normal matter and releases near-total energy. Writing on Medium, Loeb called antimatter 'the most efficient fuel' in the universe, arguing that if 3I/ATLAS truly contained it, its passage through the solar wind might generate detectable gamma-ray or X-ray emissionssignals that NASA's Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope could observe. Though he stressed the theory was 'pedagogical,' the claim has reignited debate over whether this cosmic visitor might be more than just another comet. However, he noted that an antimatter body travelling through the Solar System 'would be the most efficient engine imaginable, implying a potential technological origin.' A Rare and Puzzling Interstellar Visitor The comet-like object 3I/ATLAS, officially designated C/2025 N1, was discovered on 1 July by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii. According to EarthSky, it is only the third confirmed interstellar visitor to enter the Solar System, following Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. According to Sky & Telescope, the orbit of 3I/ATLAS is inclined 175 to the ecliptic, which places it within about 5 of the plane of the Solar System's planets. Observations reported by The Economist showed that the object appeared 'bluer than the Sun' as it neared its closest approach, which Loeb interpreted as possible evidence of internal energy generation rather than mere reflection of sunlight. The Harvard astrophysicist pointed out that 3I/ATLAS had also shown non-gravitational acceleration, suggesting the presence of an additional force acting upon it. In an interview cited by Newsweek, Loeb said this 'could indicate propulsion or an energy source other than sunlight,' although he stopped short of declaring it evidence of alien design. Why Loeb Believes Antimatter Fits the Data In his Medium essay, Loeb reasoned that if 3I/ATLAS consisted of antimatter, annihilation with particles in the solar environment could both explain its acceleration and produce its unusual glow. 'The mix of matter and antimatter offers the most efficient fuel,' he wrote, emphasising that 'complete mass-to-energy conversion is unmatched by any chemical or nuclear reaction.' He also acknowledged that such material is costly and unstable. 'On Earth, producing one gram of antimatter would cost about five quadrillion dollars,' Loeb calculated, underscoring the sheer rarity of the substance. Although the notion borders on science fiction, Loeb said it was 'testable' through future observations, particularly by monitoring for high-energy emissions or unusual spectral signatures as the object continues its journey through the inner Solar System. Mainstream Science Pushes Back Mainstream scientists have responded with scepticism. Dr Samantha Lawler, an astrophysicist at the University of Regina in Canada, told EarthSky that 'extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and the evidence presented is absolutely not extraordinary.' NASA, in comments reported by The Guardian, said 3I/ATLAS 'behaves like a natural comet in all observable ways' and that no credible data indicate artificial or exotic composition. Astronomers also note that non-gravitational accelerations are common among comets when sunlight heats their surfaces and drives gas jets that push them slightly off course. Moreover, cosmologists argue that significant concentrations of antimatter in the universe are ruled out by gamma-ray observations, according to findings published on arXiv. Even Loeb conceded that large antimatter bodies should have been destroyed soon after the Big Bang. A Debate That Keeps Astronomers Watching Despite the doubts, scientists agree that 3I/ATLAS is worth continued observation. Teams around the world plan to track its brightness, tail development and trajectory to determine whether the anomalies Loeb cites persist or can be explained by more conventional physics, according to Newsweek. In a separate post titled Should We Be Happier if 3I/ATLAS Is a Comet?, Loeb wrote that even if the object turns out to be entirely natural, 'we should still celebrate, because nature continues to surprise us without needing aliens or antimatter.' As 3I/ATLAS speeds away from the Sun, the debate it sparked underscores how little is known about the interstellar material passing through our cosmic neighbourhood--and how far astronomers are willing to stretch imagination in search of answers. Originally published on IBTimes UK CPI India I Ltd. Vs ACIT (ITAT Delhi) Valid TRC suffices for DTAA benefit; vague allegations of being a shell company cant override treaty protection- Long-term capital gains/losses on pre-2017 investments of a Mauritius resident are not taxable in India. Case Name : Union of India Vs Rajeev Jhawar (Appellate Tribunal Under SAFEMA At New Delhi) Union of India Vs Rajeev Jhawar (Appellate Tribunal Under SAFEMA at New Delhi) FEMA Violation in Singapore Property Purchase- Penalty Found Reasonable No Case for Penalty Enhancement Tribunal Upholds 1 Crore Fine in Jhawar FEMA Case The Union of India filed an appeal challenging the order dated 29.09.2020 passed by the Special Director, Enforcement Directorate, Kolkata, whereby penalty of 1 crore each had been imposed on Shri Rajeev Jhawar & Shri Brij Kishore Jhawar for contravention of provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 199 Please become a Premium member. If you are already a Premium member, login here to access the full content. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Can an AI persona detect when a human is lyingand should we trust it if it can? Artificial intelligence, or AI, has had many recent advances and continues to evolve in scope and capability. A new Michigan State University-led study is diving deeper into how well AI can understand humans by using it to detect human deception. In the study, published in the Journal of Communication, researchers from MSU and the University of Oklahoma conducted 12 experiments with over 19,000 AI participants to examine how well AI personas were able to detect deception and truth from human subjects. "This research aims to understand how well AI can aid in deception detection and simulate human data in social scientific research, as well as caution professionals when using large language models for lie detection," said David Markowitz, associate professor of communication in the MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences and lead author of the study. To evaluate AI in comparison to human deception detection, the researchers pulled from TruthDefault Theory (TDT). TDT suggests that people are mostly honest most of the time and we are inclined to believe that others are telling us the truth. This theory helped the researchers compare how AI acts to how people act in the same kinds of situations. "Humans have a natural truth biaswe generally assume others are being honest, regardless of whether they actually are," Markowitz said. "This tendency is thought to be evolutionarily useful, since constantly doubting everyone would take much effort, make everyday life difficult, and be a strain on relationships." To analyze the judgment of AI personas, the researchers used the Viewpoints AI research platform to assign audiovisual or audio-only media of humans for AI to judge. The AI judges were asked to determine if the human subject was lying or telling the truth and provide a rationale. Different variables were evaluated, such as media type (audiovisual or audio-only), contextual background (information or circumstances that help explain why something happens), lie-truth base-rates (proportions of honest and deceptive communication), and the persona of the AI (identities created to act and talk like real people) to see how AI's detection accuracy was impacted. For example, one of the studies found that AI was lie-biased, as AI was much more accurate for lies (85.8%) compared to truths (19.5%). In short interrogation settings, AI's deception accuracy was comparable to that of humans. However, in a non-interrogation setting (e.g., when evaluating statements about friends), AI displayed a truth-bias, aligning more accurately to human performance. Generally, the results found that AI is more lie-biased and much less accurate than humans. "Our main goal was to see what we could learn about AI by including it as a participant in deception detection experiments. In this study, and with the model we used, AI turned out to be sensitive to contextbut that didn't make it better at spotting lies," said Markowitz. The final findings suggest that AI's results do not match human results or accuracy and that humanness might be an important limit, or boundary condition, for how deception detection theories apply. The study highlights that using AI for detection may seem unbiased, but the industry needs to make significant progress before generative AI can be used for deception detection. "It's easy to see why people might want to use AI to spot liesit seems like a high-tech, potentially fair, and possibly unbiased solution. But our research shows that we're not there yet," said Markowitz. "Both researchers and professionals need to make major improvements before AI can truly handle deception detection." More information: David M Markowitz et al, The (in)efficacy of AI personas in deception detection experiments, Journal of Communication (2025). DOI: 10.1093/joc/jqaf034 Journal information: Journal of Communication This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Danish music rights group Koda said Tuesday that it was suing the American AI music platform Suno, accusing it of training its model for music creation on copyrighted songs. Koda said Suno had "trained their AI model on Koda's repertoire while concealing the scope and sources of the training datafailing to disclose what works were used and how." The group, which represents around 51,000 composers, authors and publishers, said it had evidence of the use of songs from famous Danish acts like Aqua and M among others. "In all cases, Koda has concrete evidence that the copyright of each work has been infringed," the group said. It added that the music produced by Suno could mimic the originals, "putting them in direct competition with the very works exploited." "We are excited about what responsible AI can do for music," Koda's chief Gorm Arildsen said. "But innovation can't be built on stolen goods." AI firms from industry leader OpenAI to music specialists like Udio and Suno have been accused by major record companies of using their songs to train artificial intelligence models to produce music. Rights holders have demanded stricter limits on the AI developers' activities, including transparency on what source material they have used and guarantees for their revenue. The Recording Industry Association of America, a trade group, filed a lawsuit in June 2024 against both Udio and Suno. AI firms often argue their work is covered by the American copyright loophole of "fair use," which does not require rights holders' consent. Negotiations have also been initiated between the three major labelsUniversal, Warner and Sonyand AI companies. Universal and Udio on October 30 announced an agreement to launch a music creation platform in 2026. Koda said it was also calling for "a clear, industry-wide standard" for demanding consent from creators, transparency and remuneration from tech companies. According to Koda, at the current pace of AI development it could lead to a "historic" 28% revenue loss for the Danish music industry by 2030. 2025 AFP Nine people have been arrested in connection with a coordinated law enforcement operation that targeted a cryptocurrency money laundering network that defrauded victims of 600 million (~$688 million). According to a statement released by Eurojust today, the action took place between October 27 and 29 across Cyprus, Spain, and Germany, with the suspects arrested on charges of involvement in money laundering from fraudulent activities. In addition to the arrests of the individuals from their homes, authorities conducted searches that led to the seizure of 800,000 ($918,000) in bank accounts, 415,000 ($476,000) in cryptocurrencies, and 300,000 ($344,000) in cash. Participating nations in the "synchronized" effort alongside Eurojust were agencies from France, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, and Spain. "The members of the network created dozens of fake cryptocurrency investment platforms that looked like legitimate websites and promised high returns," Eurojust said. "They recruited their victims using a variety of methods such as social media advertising, cold calling, fake news articles, and fake testimonials from celebrities or successful investors." Once victims invested their funds in the bogus platforms, the crypto assets were laundered using blockchain, netting them about 600 million in illicit revenue. Eurojust said an investigation into the money laundering and scam network was initiated after victims complained of not being able to recover their investments, eventually culminating in the raids that occurred last week. In tandem, the Paris Prosecutor's Office said in a post on LinkedIn that the probe started in 2023 and that there were "several hundreds of victims" in France and across Europe who were lured into deporting their assets in the fake cryptocurrency platforms and promising attractive gains. The disclosure comes as Europol revealed that the criminal use of cryptocurrency and blockchain is becoming increasingly professionalized, sophisticated, and organized, and that countering the "borderless nature" of the threat requires a similar response. "Law enforcement, private sector partners, and academia are rapidly advancing their ability to counter the threats posed by sophisticated crypto-related crimes and money laundering," the agency said. "Advanced tools are reducing reliance on manual tracing, while a host of successful cross-border operations show the power of collaboration." (TBTCO) - Von vay nuoc ngoai cua Chinh phu, ac biet la von ODA va von vay uu ai a va ang tiep tuc ong vai tro quan trong oi voi phat trien kinh te - xa hoi, au tu ket cau ha tang, giao duc ao tao, khoa hoc cong nghe va chuyen oi so cua at nuoc. Tuy nhien, nghiep vu cho vay lai hien nay van con mot so kho khan 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). Gaborone, Botswana (PANA) The African Union Commission (AUC) has urged countries in the continent to stop exporting jobs elsewhere and rapidly exploit the US$2 To join the European Union, countries must align with the acquis, the collection of laws, regulations, standards and policies of the 27-member bloc. This includes technology and digital infrastructure requirements, such as digital wallets and online government services, as well as cybersecurity defences that match the rest of the EU and regulate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). As Euronews prepares to host its EU Enlargement Summit, we wanted to take a look at how candidate countries are doing in some areas of technology to meet European Union standards. Digital wallets In 2024, the European Union passed a resolution calling on member states to build digital wallets over the next two years as part of a broader offering of online services to their citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Digital wallets are a way for EU citizens to access their digital IDs to prove who they are and store, share, and sign important documents. The wallets must comply with all EU rules on data sharing and with privacy protection under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Some of the EU candidate countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Moldova, have or are trialling digital wallet apps. By 2026, Ukraine, Serbia and Albania will have digital wallets. Related In Moldovas case, it is building its wallet with European Union assistance through a program called We Build Consortium. The country is building a documents tab in its online government platform called EVO that will be the wallet and is piloting an electronic signature application within the app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of the year, North Macedonia says it will have a super application called m.Uslugi, which will also offer its citizens deadline reminders, a digital inbox and a place to store all of their documents. Meanwhile, Albanian media reported that Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the country's digital ID will be built by a state-owned company called Identitek that will let citizens use their government ID on phones or computers as multifunctional wallets. Cybersecurity Another area where countries needto comply is with several cybersecurity laws, such as the Network and Information Systems (NIS) directives, which unify enforcement across 18 sectors. Among the requirements is that each country create its own national cybersecurity strategy, along with a list of essential services that require additional protection across many sectors, including energy, transport, healthcare, finance and digital infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the EUs Cybersecurity Strategy, countries also have to be ready to provide threat intelligence and assistance to other EU members should there be a major attack. Ukraine demonstrated this in a 2023 accord between its cybersecurity coordination centre and the EUs Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) to build up more professionals in the field and to exchange information. Related The EU also set up a cyber lab for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and signed the Tallinn Mechanism initiative to support short and long-term cyber capacity building in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, Albania, Montenegro, Turkey, Georgia, Moldova and North Macedonia all have national cybersecurity strategies that align with some, if not all, of the EUs directives. For example, for digital governance, Moldova is also joining ENISAs upcoming cybersecurity reserve, a group of trusted providersacross the bloc that will be able to respond during a significant or large-scale cyber attack. Montenegros national strategy includes the creation of a Centre for Cybersecurity Capacity Building for the Western Balkans in 2022 as a joint project with the French and Slovenian authorities. However, not all the strategies are compliant with EU legislation. The Turkish strategy came under fire from the countrys opposition, who reported that it could enable broad surveillance and restrict free speech, according to local media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serbia is working on a cybercrime strategy with EU support to address high-tech crime and the use of electronic evidence. Emerging technologies One of the EUs newest regulations is the EU AI Act, which sets out a risk-based rule book for artificial intelligence systems. AI used in fields such as education, employment, healthcare and law enforcement will also have to meet strict requirements on safety, transparency, and data privacy. Countries will also have to set up national authorities to ensure compliance with the rules and that any AI system they develop is auditable and can be traced. Albania, Moldova, Serbia and Ukrainehave AI strategies in place, but so far, no legislation has been passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albanias strategy is to use AI in the energy sector, for procurement, and to combat tax evasion, local media reported. Related Tirana has also established what it says is the worlds first AI minister and soon-to-be 83 political assistants that will help politicians with their daily administrative and support work. The minister, named Diella, is in charge of making all the decisions on public tenders, which Prime Minister Edi Rama has said will make them 100 per cent corruption-free. However, critics of the AI minister told Euronews that the model could exhibit biases, like other AI models, which could influence its outcomes. Alongside a national strategy, Serbia has put in place ethical guidelines for AI adoption and a specialist councilthat is working on the countrys formal AI legislation. NEED TO KNOW Prince William is concerned about the world that his children will inherit if the planet's most pressing environmental challenges aren't tackled He told HELLO! in a new exclusive interview that he wants Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to "grow up surrounded by nature" and opportunity Prince William is set to attend the Earthshot Awards ceremony in Brazil for his global environmental initiative later this week Prince William is concerned that his children may not have the same opportunities that he had unless drastic changes are made to safeguard the environment. The Prince of Wales, 43, shares three children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 with his wife, Princess Kate. While speaking to HELLO! ahead of this weeks Earthshot Prize ceremony, he revealed that it is concerns for his childrens future that drive him to keep working on the global initiative to tackle the planets most pressing environmental challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a father, I think constantly about the world my children will inherit, Prince William told HELLO! in their Nov. 4 issue. I want them to grow up surrounded by nature, opportunity, and a sense of hope about the future. But I also know that unless we act boldly now, that future is at risk, he added. Earthshot/YouTube Prince William Prince William Prince William launched his Earthshot Prize back in October 2020, with the aim of incentivizing change that repairs the planet over the next decade. This years Earthshot Awards ceremony is set to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 5, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and William's attendance marks his first official trip to South America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Urgent optimism is the heartbeat of The Earthshot Prize, he told HELLO! Its the belief that although the challenges we face are immense, the solutions are within reach, and we must act with speed and conviction to bring them to life. Jonathan Brady - Pool/Getty Images Prince George, Princess Kate, Prince Louis, Prince William and Princess Charlotte 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! He continued, Rio, with its energy, its people and its iconic landscapes, feels like the perfect place to celebrate the power of environmental innovation. HELLO!s Editor, Jessica Callan, said, "We are huge supporters of the Prince of Wales and his Earthshot Prize and turning our logo green for the very first time is a symbolic and exciting moment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, "The future Kings determination to change the world is incredibly inspiring, and we are honoured that he has spoken to HELLO!" Prince Williams sit-down with HELLO! magazine comes just weeks after he spoke about plans for his childrens future with Eugene Levy on the Apple TV+ series, The Reluctant Traveler. The Prince of Wales opened up like never before in the rare TV appearance, where he spoke with candor about his wife's and King Charles' cancer diagnoses, raising his children, and his vision for change when he becomes King. Hello! Magazine Prince William on HELLO! magazine's cover Prince William on HELLO! magazine's cover As his son, Prince George, is in the direct line of succession to the throne, its a priority that hes prepared by the future king, and William also wants to make his boy proud! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do," said Prince William on the Oct. 3 episode. "A world and a job that actually does impact peoples lives for the better." The interview also saw William lead Levy on a personal tour of the nearly 1,000-year-old Windsor Castle and pop into a local pub. Read the original article on People Nigeria is on edge over the longstanding and controversial subject of alleged Christian persecution and the threat of military action from US President Donald Trump, something Abuja has rejected. On Sunday, many Nigerians woke up to the news of Trump's order to the Pentagon asking it to begin planning for potential military action to deal with the decades-long problem. "If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities," Trump said in a social media post on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!" In response, Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Sunday his administration would be open to meeting with Trump to talk about counterterrorism and security cooperation, stressing that any collaboration must respect Nigeria's sovereignty. A vendor sells local newspapers with headlines referring to US President Donald Trump's comments about Nigeria, on the street of Lagos, Nigeria, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. (AP Phot - Sunday Alamba/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved Earlier, Tinubu said in a post on X that the characterisation of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant country does not reflect the national reality. Trump's threat might be a "negotiating tactic," Tinubu's spokesperson Daniel Bwala said on Sunday, explaining that Nigeria and the US already collaborate extensively on countering Islamist insurgents through intelligence sharing and arms procurement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the issue of Christian persecution and genocide has raged for decades in Africa's biggest economy. In May, rights group Amnesty International reported that more than 10,000 people had been killed in jihadist attacks across central and northern Nigeria in the two years since President Bola Tinubu took office. An issue far more complex With a population of around 220 million, split almost equally between Christians and Muslims, Nigeria has long faced insecurity from various fronts, including the Boko Haram extremist group, which seeks to establish its radical interpretation of Islamic law and has also targeted Muslims it deems are not devout enough. For Washington, the situation is a Christian genocide, but for many Nigerians, it is an issue that's far more complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Christians are often systematically targeted, the majority of victims of armed groups, many analysts say, are Muslims in Nigeria's Muslim-majority north, where most attacks occur. Some Nigerian Christian Evangelicals disagree, insisting they have historically mostly borne the brunt of Islamist attacks. Related The Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo claims a massacre is going on, but an attempt to deny it or describe it as a broader problem is being orchestrated by the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With some estimates claiming 7,000 Christian deaths were reported in 2025 alone and thousands more uprooted or abducted, advocacy groups like Open Doors and International Christian Concern characterise the attacks by Islamist terrorists, such as Boko Haram and Fulani extremists, as targeted persecution. The numbers are being disputed by the government. But a 2014 statement by President Tinubu, when he was opposition leader, criticising former President Goodluck Jonathan for not protecting Christian worshippers, resurfaced in local reports during the weekend as the country debated Trump's threats of military action. Trump's threat mired in strategic resource interests The threats came weeks after US Senator Ted Cruz urged Congress to designate Africa's most populous country as a violator of religious freedom with claims of "Christian mass murder." While it stirred controversy in the country, another debate is raging: should Nigeria welcome US troops or any outside military intervention? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If it would help to safeguard our communities, we welcome it," says Cyril Abaku, Nigerian broadcaster and political commentator. "I think that we are at a level where terrorism is now a global problem, and our communities don't feel safe, and so if we have support from outside coming to say, 'We want to work with you to help stem the tide,' I think we should buy it. This is something we should welcome, frankly." Abaku said. Despite the somewhat positive reception to a military intervention from the US, many also fear that Trump's recent remarks are not simply humanitarian concerns but are potentially tied to strategic resource interests. A man shows lithium stone from an illegal mining site in Paseli, north central Nigeria, Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) - AP Photo According to some analysts, Nigeria's increasing significance in the area of rare earth elements and key minerals, necessary for defence technologies, renewable energy, and electric vehicles, casts Trump's concerns in a different light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Significant monazite deposits, rich in lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, lanthanum, neodymium, and praseodymium, can be found in the troubled northeast of Nigeria, the haven of the Islamist insurgency. "What Nigeria truly needs is not a foreign saviour", says human rights activist Omoyele Sowore. Nigeria needs legitimate, accountable leadership, one that protects all citizens, upholds justice, and ends the cycles of corruption and violence that have left the nation broken, the former presidential candidate said. The United States initially designated Nigeria as a "country of particular concern" in 2020 due to what the State Department then described as "systematic violations of religious freedom." However, attacks against Christians were not specifically mentioned in that classification. New Yorkers went to the mayoral election Tuesday with an unlikely frontrunner on the ballot: a Democratic Socialist whose rise from community organiser to likely next mayor has upended many assumptions about politics in America. Zohran Kwame Mamdani, 34, defeated former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, a former Democrat running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani will enter office as the first Muslim mayor in the citys history and one of its youngest, now set to run one of the largest and most diverse cities in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The race was called by the Associated Press with roughly 75 percent of ballots counted. Before addressing jubilant supporters in Brooklyn, Mamdani celebrated his victory with a video on X/Twitter that showed New York subway doors opening as a voice announced: The next and last stop is City Hall. Mamdani was born in Kampala to Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani. Who are Zohran Mamdanis parents? Nair was born in Rourkela in the eastern Indian state of Odisha in 1957. She studied sociology and went on to win a scholarship to Harvard University. Nairs breakthrough 1988 film Salaam Bombay! sprang from her experiences on the streets of Mumbai, home of the Indian film industry, and sought to put a spotlight on the lives of the citys homeless children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest conviction stemmed from the life of these children. Their attitude was about grabbing life and enjoying, and that impresses me and inspires me even now, Nair told Reuters in 2013. They want to have a full life and there is no self-pity. From left: Mira, Zohran Mamdani, his wife Rama Duwaji, and Mahmood in Long Island (Getty) Salaam Bombay! won the Camera dOr at Cannes and received an Academy Award nomination. In her career spanning over four decades, Nair has repeatedly turned to stories that traverse culture, migration and belonging, and spoken about her desire to tell stories from the margins. You know what is so startling, or not startling because Im used to it now, is the ignorance that people here have of any other culture, she told Believer in 2007. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That ignorance, which is acceptable to have, coupled with a slight arrogance is a deadly combination, and sadly one encounters it a lot in America. Nairs body of work spans continents and identities: from Mississippi Masala, which she describes as a radical film for centring a romance between a Black American man and an Indian-Ugandan woman at a time when such relationships were almost never shown on screen, to 2001s Venice Golden Lion-winning ensemble drama Monsoon Wedding, which examines the clash between tradition and modernity inside a Delhi family. She met Mahmood Mamdani, a political scientist, in 1989 while she was in Uganda doing research for Mississippi Masala, which was released two years later starring Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury. Nair meant to interview the scholar whose book, From Citizen to Refugee, she had while researching Ugandan expatriation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They fell in love and married in 1991. Their son, the future mayoral nominee, was born later the same year. Zohran was born in Kampala in Uganda (Reuters) Mahmood Mamdani was born in 1946 in Mumbai and raised in Kampala, in the Indian diaspora community. In 1972, he was among the estimated 60,000 Asians expelled by dictator Idi Amin. I was in my mid-twenties in November 1972 when I left Uganda on the orders of Idi Amin, he wrote in the London Review of Books in 2022. He completed his PhD from Harvard University in 1974, beginning an academic career that would take him to universities in Tanzania, South Africa, and the U.S.. He now holds the Herbert Lehman Professorship of Government at Columbia University in New York. From 2010 to 2022, he directed the Makerere Institute of Social Research in Kampala, which he rebuilt into a centre for post-colonial scholarship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is regarded as one of Africas most influential scholars of colonialism and political violence. His 1996 book Citizen and Subject introduced his influential concept of the bifurcated state, the idea that colonial rulers governed African populations through a system of direct urban rule and indirect rural chiefs, a structure he argues recombined in post-colonial governance. Both Nair and Mahmood Mamdani have come under attack during the campaign, especially from pro-Israel advocacy groups. The anonymous organisation Canary Mission, which publishes dossiers on academics and activists it labels anti-Israel, has listed both on its website. In 2013, Nair publicly declined an invitation to the Haifa International Film Festival, saying she would not travel to Israel until apartheid is over. I will go to Israel when the walls come down, she said, when the state does not privilege one religion over another. Mahmood Mamdani took part in campus teach-ins during the 2024 protests against the Israeli war on Gaza and accused his university of abandoning due process when it suspended student demonstrators. There has been no due process on the Columbia campus, he told reporters at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His writing has also been cited in the attacks against him. He has argued in lectures and books that Zionism functions as a form of settler-colonial power, a position that has led pro-Israel commentators to accuse him of extremism, even though his work is assigned in university courses worldwide. Zohrans father stated that the new mayor was his own person, though his mother did say that he would have absorbed their teachings and creative works (Getty) Zohran Mamdani has faced similar criticism for his own statements on Israel and Gaza, but has rejected accusations of antisemitism. The question of how much the politics of his parents have shaped his own has been a recurring line of inquiry on the campaign trail. Hes his own person, Mahmood Mamdani said, according to The New York Times. Now, of course what we do as his parents is part of the environment in which he grew up, and he couldnt help but engage with it. That doesnt mean anything is reflected back on us. I dont agree! Nair said. Of course the world we live in, and what we write and film and think about, is the world that Zohran has very much absorbed. To take control of its digital future, Vietnam must master artificial intelligence (AI), and to master AI, the country must embrace open technologies with shared and secure data, domestic computing infrastructure, and a co-creative community the shortest path forward. This was the key message delivered at the Vietnam Open Technology Forum 2025, organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology in Hanoi on November 3. Held under the theme AI with Open Technology and Open Source, the forum aimed to connect policymakers, researchers, businesses, and technology experts to exchange visions, experiences, and solutions for harnessing AI and open technologies in the national digital transformation. The event also provided a platform for reviewing recent achievements, discuss new technology trends, and promote the spirit of openness, cooperation, and innovation within Vietnams technology community. Major domestic and international tech corporations joined the forum, including Quantum, Palo Alto Networks, Arista Networks, and Viettel, among others. Their participation helped enhance international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and support for Vietnams digital infrastructure, particularly in developing open AI and open-source ecosystems. In his opening remarks, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung stressed that the greatest innovation is the innovation of the people; and innovation for all can only happen when technology is open. Open technology, he said, unleashes the creativity potential of every individual. According to the minister, open technology is not limited to open-source software but also includes open architecture and open standards. Many countries now require that key national infrastructure be built on open technologies. He added that Vietnam has chosen to pursue this direction developing open technologies, open-source software, and open data to enable individuals and enterprises to co-create new values. With this approach, Vietnam will become a technology-driven nation that both benefits from and contributes to global knowledge, Hung said. Speakers join a discussion on open technologies and AI application at the forum. (Photo: VNA) He affirmed that developing and mastering digital technologies based on open standards is not only a commitment but also a strategic action plan for Vietnams digital breakthrough. He noted that openness protects people, accelerates innovation, and narrows the technology gap. It also helps ensure technological sovereignty in AI while fostering an ecosystem for startups and small businesses, creating multiple layers of applications that bring AI closer to everyone. Participants in the forum perceived that an AI ecosystem is only successful when knowledge is shared and developed continuously, and that even the smallest contribution can become a shared asset of the nation. They shared the view that to sustainably develop open AI, Vietnam should build a network based on four pillars: the State creates policies and invests in infrastructure, businesses lead in technology, institutes and universities provide training and do research, and the community contributes open knowledge. By doing so, the country can form a public private alliance, foster innovation and digital sovereignty, and develop AI for the people, demonstrating its commitment to safe, humane, and sustainable AI development and contributing to global knowledge and open source communities./.VNA HA NOI The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has set out four major strategic solutions to drive the development of agriculture and rural areas, focusing on reforms from institutions to infrastructure, according to agriculture minister Tran uc Thang. Speaking at a forum on accompanying farmers in the new era held on November 2, Minister Thang said that the ministry will promote reform and perfect institutions and laws to remove bottlenecks and unlock resources for agricultural and rural development. In particular, the sector will reform administrative procedures, ensuring publicity and transparency. The focus will be on drafting and submitting amended and supplemented laws on land, geology and minerals, and environmental protection. The second breakthrough is in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, including perfecting the industrys database system. The ministry aims to complete the national land database by 2025. In addition, the ministry will further upgrade agricultural, rural and environmental infrastructure; improve forecasting and disaster prevention capacity; and strengthen measures to address environmental pollution and climate change. It will also develop multi-purpose irrigation systems and invest in infrastructure for agriculture, forestry and fisheries, while protecting and expanding forest resources. The fourth priority is to train workers, attract talent and build a professional workforce of officials, scientists, entrepreneurs and farmers to meet the industrys sustainable development requirements in the new era. Thang said that the ministry will continue to encourage innovation, empowering farmers and associations at all levels to actively contribute to the modernisation of the nation's agriculture. According to Chairman of the Viet Nam Farmers' Union Luong Quoc oan, Viet Nams agriculture has achieved remarkable results in the past five years. The sector has made significant progress toward ecological, green and circular production, integrating high technology to improve productivity, quality and efficiency. Agriculture remains a 'pillar' of the national economy, ensuring food security and making major contributions to export growth. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, the industry grew by more than 3.8 per cent, achieving US$52 billion in export turnover and a trade surplus of nearly $16 billion. The sector is aiming to reach $70 billion in exports by 2025 and $100 billion by 2030. The Viet Nam Farmers Union has also launched various initiatives to build a new generation of farmers who are dynamic, creative and able to adapt to the digital transformation and global competition. Tran Manh Bao, chairman of Thai Binh Seed Group, urged the State to create favourable conditions for developing new, climate-resilient plant varieties that meet market needs. He proposed building a close coordination mechanism among research institutes, enterprises and farmers to establish a comprehensive value chain covering breeding, testing, production and export. Bao also called for tighter control of the plant variety market, particularly rice varieties in the Mekong Delta, warning that poor quality management could damage the global reputation of Vietnamese rice. The chairman suggested launching a project on developing plant varieties in the Mekong, focusing not only on rice but also on fruit crops, to enhance productivity and product quality in this vital region. Chairman of Phuc Sinh Group Phan Minh Thong remarked that Viet Nam has seen results in agricultural product exports, but continues to face bottlenecks in trade and pricing. Although Vietnamese products such as coffee, pepper and rice rank among the best globally, their export prices remain under their real value. To address this, he proposed establishing a National Commodity Exchange for key agricultural products to make pricing transparent and directly link producers with domestic and international markets. Regarding mechanisms for farmers and cooperatives to participate in scientific research, Nguyen Van Long, director of the Science, Technology and Environment Department, confirmed that the State has created frameworks that allow organisations and individuals including members of the Farmers Union, to directly join science and technology programmes. The ministry encourages proposals for research topics serving production needs and publicises real-world problems to incentivise scientists, companies and citizens to collaborate on solutions. The Science and Technology Development Fund now operates flexibly, allowing projects to be initiated at any time during the year. Huynh Tan at, director of the Plant Protection and Cultivation Department, said that the forum is crucial for connecting policymakers with grassroots producers and promptly addressing challenges. He also said that green, modern and sustainable agriculture remains a top priority for the ministry. The department has submitted three key projects on pesticide management, organic fertilisers and integrated plant health management. When implemented synchronously, these projects will ensure safe production and deliver high-quality agricultural products for both domestic and export markets. The department is also collaborating with localities and enterprises to guide farmers in safe pesticide use, application of organic fertilisers and biological agents, and the development of good agricultural practices for wider adoption. At the same time, it is drafting a decree on managing growing-area and packaging-facility codes to strengthen traceability, cultivation standards and food safety compliance. All code data will be integrated into the national database system for use in export negotiations and inspections. Monitoring will be conducted annually, with local authorities empowered to suspend or revoke codes in case of violations. In the long term, the ministry plans to extend the use of these codes to the domestic market, creating a unified and transparent national traceability system for agricultural products. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam and Ireland have agreed to elevate their cooperation in agriculture and food from project-based initiatives to a strategic policy partnership, aiming to jointly shape institutions and frameworks for a transparent, responsible and sustainable food system. Nguyen o Anh Tuan, director of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, announced the agreement at a conference on transforming the agriculture and food system held on November 4 by the ministry in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland in Viet Nam and Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI). The change would focus on four key areas: institutional improvement and food system coordination; science, technology and digital transformation; developing a skilled workforce; and strengthening business links within the SouthSouth cooperation framework. Tuan also confirmed Viet Nams determination to build a modern and responsible agricultural sector through major national programmes, such as the initiative to produce one million hectares of low-emission and high-quality rice, a project to promote circular agriculture, and the digital transformation of the sector. He said the conference was both a reflection on the achievements of the Ireland-Viet Nam Agrifood Partnership (IVAP) over the past decade, and an activity to help deepen cooperation in the future. Agriculture remains a pillar of Viet Nams economy, providing livelihoods for over 60 per cent of the population and contributing nearly 12 per cent of GDP. Meanwhile, Ireland has developed an advanced and sustainable agricultural model based on three key principles: links between production, processing, distribution, consumption and resource regeneration; multi-stakeholder collaboration among government agencies, businesses, farmers and research institutions; and a transparent, evidence-based monitoring system. This system operates through Ireland's 'Origin Green' national sustainability certification programme, managed by the Irish Food Board (Bord Bia). In the past ten years, the IVAP programme has significantly strengthened agricultural cooperation between Viet Nam and Ireland. The programme has trained hundreds of technical staff, piloted innovative cooperative models, supported biosafety monitoring systems, conducted research to reduce antibiotic use in livestock farming and fostered an innovation ecosystem at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture. According to Irish Ambassador to Viet Nam Deirdre Ni Fhalluin, Ireland currently ranks second in the world on the Global Food Security Index 2023. The country has exported about 90 per cent of its meat and dairy products, all certified as sustainable under the Origin Green programme. We are ready to share our experience in building green, smart and low-emission agriculture, Ni Fhalluin said. "The IVAP programme represents Irelands long-term commitment to supporting Viet Nam in developing a transparent, responsible and sustainable food system," she added. Implemented by SFSI, a coalition led by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the programme aims to exchange expertise, provide technical support and promote green and efficient agricultural value chains. Since the signing of the 2023 cooperation agreement between the two countries agriculture ministries, the IVAP programme has become a key initiative in transforming the food system. The Memorandum of Understanding on implementing the Viet Nam-Ireland Partnership for 20242028, signed during General Secretary To Lams visit to Ireland in October 2024, reaffirmed both governments determination to promote this strategic collaboration. At the conference, Vietnamese and Irish experts exchanged insights on the current state of agriculture, strategic development trends, transformation roadmaps and potential cooperation opportunities. Presentations covered a wide range of topics, including research and development, training and academic partnerships, capacity building, innovation ecosystem development for cooperatives and prospects for collaboration under the North-South food system transformation model, contributing to the effective realisation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. VNS A NANG Switzerland is proud to partner with Viet Nam, as their bilateral relationship continues to strengthen, built on trust, mutual benefit and a shared vision for inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth. Swiss Ambassador to Viet Nam Thomas Gass made the remarks at the opening of the SwissViet Economic Forum (SVEF) in a Nang, noting that while the two nations differ in size and geography, they are united by common values and a belief in open, rules-based development. The ambassador also expressed his sympathy for communities in central Viet Nam affected by recent flooding. We have a human-based trade, a commitment to sustainability and a deep respect for innovation and education. a Nangs ambition to become a regional fintech centre exemplifies the citys spirit of progress that this forum seeks to foster, Gass said. He added that the forum highlights regional trade integration, sustainable finance, emerging technologies, green innovation and the future of entrepreneurship, with in-depth discussions on innovations in health and sustainable tourism. Deputy Chairman of the citys Peoples Committee Ho Quang Buu called for investment from Switzerland in fields such as FinTech, hi-tech industries, semiconductors, AI services and sustainable tourism. He affirmed that a Nang would create the best possible conditions for Swiss investors to support the city in finance, the circular economy, innovation, start-ups and human resources training. He said Switzerland and Viet Nam plan to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership this year. Buu noted that a Nang (merged with the former Quang Nam Province) has attracted 1,282 FDI projects worth US$10 billion, but Swiss investors have contributed only $1.13 million across three projects in the city. He added that 40 organisations and partners have registered to participate in the development of an International Finance Centre in a Nang City. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said Viet Nam and Switzerland agreed to boost the green transition, and inclusive and sustainable growth at the World Economic Forum in Zurich last year. She noted that Switzerland has invested $2.4 billion in Viet Nam, and the two sides have been negotiating free trade agreements focused on innovation, the green transition, AI and hi-tech industries. Hang said Switzerland has been a typical EU partner in its co-operation with Viet Nam, and the country has allocated $800 million in non-refundable assistance to Viet Nam over the past 30 years. Helene Budliger, State Secretary of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs and Research, said in her online opening remarks that Viet Nams remarkable economic transformation over the past decade has positioned it as a key player in regional and global value chains. Switzerland deeply values its long-standing partnership with Viet Nam and supports the country's ambitions to become a high-income economy by 2045 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, she said. Through the Swiss Cooperation Programme, funded by SECO, Switzerland contributes to this mission by promoting sustainable trade and innovation, public and private finance and climate-smart industrial and urban development. As a result of these efforts, our bilateral trade continues to expand and we are working together to deepen it further. "Recently, the 17th round of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Viet Nam, Switzerland and the other EFTA members came to an end and yielded very fruitful results. President of the Swiss-Viet Economic Forum Dr Phillip Rosler shared that it was a very long way from Switzerland to a Nang, as he was approached by the overseas Vietnamese community in Switzerland with the idea of creating a platform for exchange between Viet Nam and Switzerland. We have the same values, and Vietnamese as well as Swiss are hardworking, disciplined and entrepreneurial. It is an exchange between economies and business partners. We also have an interesting exchange of people. We are proud to bring in the finance expert community of Switzerland to a Nang in order to support the city in its efforts to become a very successful International Finance Centre among the community of IFCs. SVEF 2025 a Nang is about turning strategy into action aligning policy, capital and know-how to accelerate innovation and inclusive growth. With a Nangs momentum as an open, innovation-friendly city, we aim to seed concrete initiatives that benefit both economies. Bruno Jaspaert, president of EuroCham, shared that regional and global trade integration is turning bilateral agreements into multilateral value chains. He said that in 2003, world trade volume was $7.5 trillion, but 328 free trade agreements had since been reached, and global trade volume is now four times larger. Jaspaert explained why Switzerland and Viet Nam should have a free trade agreement. Viet Nam is the master of free trade agreements today after Singapore. No one is doing better in Asia, with 17 free trade agreements and 14 strategic partnerships, he said. He reminded that FDI is a good measurement of how popular a country is, but the internal development it could create is equally important. Nguyen Thi Vinh Phu from ABB Automation and Electrification Viet Nam urged for greater transparency and efficiency in implementing and operating foreign investment in Viet Nam. She cited her companys experience, saying it had wasted 18 months completing tax procedures required by local authorities before remitting profits to its parent company. The procedure should be finished in one month. We have been operating in Viet Nam for 32 years and have experience in tax procedures, but our fastest paperwork has taken six months, Phu said. We have expanded many branches in Viet Nam, but there is not yet a shared tax process among local tax agencies. Local tax authorities need to inform and share with each other through a technological platform about businesses tax responsibilities. Pham Quoc Thanh, vice chairman of the board of directors of HD Bank, said banking and finance would be a backbone for Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises joining global supply chains. He said HD Bank has built linkages with EU partners, including Germany and the UK, for business-to-business matching between Vietnamese SMEs and global partners. o Thi Quynh Tram, deputy director of a Nangs Industry and Trade Department, said the central city has been seeking support from Switzerland in marketing skills and knowledge in cross-border trade activities. She said it needs to set up a Swiss Desk in a Nang to provide information and a B2B forum for local companies to build profitable partnerships with Swiss enterprises. The SVEF is a government-level initiative that strengthens cooperation in trade, investment, innovation and education between Switzerland and Viet Nam. After three successful editions in Zurich, the 2025 a Nang edition marks SVEFs first in-country gathering in Viet Nam, designed to deepen partnerships where they will be implemented. Switzerland, in cooperation with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, has been implementing four projects in a Nang City, including low carbon, smart city and innovation initiatives, and the two sides will boost cooperation in finance, sustainable tourism, innovation and hi-tech industries. Last year, a Nang signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the development of the a Nang International Financial Centre (a Nang IFC) with Consessor AG, a Swiss strategic advisory firm focusing on internationalisation and market entry, and VinaCapital Group during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland. Philipp Rosler and Don Lam, CEO and founding partner of VinaCapital, agreed to help a Nang connect with financial education centres in Switzerland to train human resources for the future a Nang IFC. The city has held working sessions and discussions with Swiss financial institutions, including Bitcoin Suisse and Maerki Baumann Bank. The Ministry of Finance of Viet Nam and the Swiss FinTech Association have agreed to cooperate in developing the centre. Local property developer Sun Group has also signed a strategic partnership with Switzerlands EHL Hospitality Business School to establish a world-class international tourism academy in Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI The Autumn Fair 2025 held in Ha Noi has become a vibrant rendezvous for tourism businesses, travel agencies, and visitors. More than just a venue to showcase products and services, the fair offered a valuable opportunity for companies to connect directly with customers and partners, while stimulating consumer spending and promoting domestic tourism. With a wide range of promotional activities from discounted tours and lucky draws to gift vouchers, the event helped travel companies express gratitude to their customers and encouraged travel spending as the year-end season is nearing, contributing to efforts to realise the target of 25 million international visitors and 150 million domestic tourists in 2025. Stronger direct connections Since opening to the public, the fairs travel booths have drawn a constant stream of visitors. Eye-catching panels, promotional posters, and open information counters created a lively atmosphere that kept tourists engaged. Visitors were particularly interested in year-end and winter tours, New Year holidays, and Tet (Lunar New Year) travel packages, as well as transport and accommodation services. Deputy General Director of the Trang An International Travel Co. Ltd Nguyen Van Thanh said the fair brings an opportunity for travel companies to promote their image and introduce new and attractive tourism products at competitive prices. They have also launched major promotional programmes with discounts of 1030 per cent to stimulate year-end travel demand, he said. According to a representative from Vietravel, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary by offering 1,000 e-vouchers worth up to VN1 million (US$38) each for customers booking tours during the event. These vouchers apply to both domestic and international tours, including autumn winter journeys, Christmas and New Year holidays, and Tet 2026 packages. Vietravel also introduced discounted combo tours such as trans-Vietnam itineraries or trips to the central region, Phu Quoc, Quy Nhon, and popular foreign destinations like Thailand, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. All packages are designed as all-inclusive deals covering airfares, hotels, meals, sightseeing tickets and visa services for maximum convenience. Nguyen Thuy Mui, a Ha Noi resident, shared that she found the fair particularly useful while planning a family trip to China for Tet 2026. I visited several major travel booths, collected leaflets, compared prices and itineraries, and received detailed advice on visas and destinations. Normally, it would take me days to research online, but here I could get everything clarified within an hour and even secure special group discounts, she said. Vu Xuan Tu, another visitor from Ha Noi, noted that while year-end prices often rise, tour prices here remain reasonable thanks to careful planning by travel companies. Two- to three-day tour packages to popular destinations like Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, and Phu Tho are affordable and offer more convenience and experiences than self-organised trips, he added. Local flavours, cultural highlights The fair also showcased the participation of provinces and cities nationwide, each bringing unique cultural identities, local specialities, and One Commune One Product (OCOP) products. Many exhibition booths were beautifully designed, combining regional colours with folk art performances and local delicacies, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience. A highlight of the event was the booth of the Thai Hai Stilt House Preservation & Ecological Tourism Village from northern Thai Nguyen province recognised by the World Tourism Organisation as one of the Best Tourism Villages in the World 2022. Its bamboo-decorated space recreated a miniature ethnic village with stilt houses, weaving looms, fragrant tea, and honey products. Visitors could taste traditional Tay dishes and learn about community-based tourism models. Cu Gia Long, a representative of the village, said the fair helped them connect with other destinations and introduce traditional Tay handicrafts and cuisine such as sticky rice, smoked meat, sausage, and herbal tea. Nghe An Province also left an impression with its themed booth Nghe An The Melody of Vi Giam Folk Songs. Featuring photos of scenic landscapes, tourism films, and OCOP products, the booth promoted destinations like Cua Lo Beach, Pu Mat National Park, and the new o Luong Legend Resort. The province offered lucky draws with vouchers worth VN100,000300,000 and discounts of up to 50 per cent for selected services. Having run for more than a week, the Autumn Fair 2025 not only helped travel and hospitality businesses promote their products and reward loyal customers but also contributed to marketing Viet Nam's destinations, celebrating regional cultures, and stimulating travel demand. VNA/VNS US sends complex signals on nuclear tests, strokes concerns 08:23, November 04, 2025 By Deng Xiaoci ( Global Times U.S. President Donald Trump walks towards the Oval Office upon arrival at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) The US administration has been sending complex messages over resuming nuclear weapon tests recently, with US President Donald Trump claiming again he would like to test nuclear weapons in an interview with CBS News television aired on Sunday, while Energy Secretary stating the nuclear weapons testing ordered by Trump will not involve nuclear explosions. Chinese observers warned on Monday that the US administration's push to resume US nuclear weapon tests, if conducted, could shatter the three-decade global moratorium, triggering a renewed arms race, a surge in warhead numbers and performance, and heightened nuclear risks. They urged US to honor its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing, and take concrete actions to uphold the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. Complex messages The US president first took to social media Truth Social on October 30 to say that he had "instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis." The comments on Truth Social last week were interpreted by many as a sign the US was preparing to restart full-scale nuclear blasts for the first time since 1992, BBC reported. Trump was coy on whether he really meant to say he was ordering the resumption of explosive testing of nuclear weapons, or calling for the testing of US systems that could deliver a nuclear weapon, which is far more routine, the Associated Press (AP) reported. The AP report also stated that Trump remained opaque on Friday when asked by reporters about whether he intended to resume underground nuclear detonation tests. "You'll find out very soon," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, as he headed to Florida for a weekend stay, said the report. In an interview with CBS News television which was recorded on Friday and aired on the US local time on Sunday, US President Donald Trump reiterated his position that he would like to test nuclear weapons. However, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has stated on local time on Sunday that new tests of the US nuclear weapons system ordered up by President Donald Trump will not include nuclear explosions, the AP reported. "I think the tests we're talking about right now are system tests," Wright said in an interview on Fox News' Sunday Briefing. "These are not nuclear explosions. These are what we call noncritical explosions." Wright, whose agency is responsible for testing, claimed that the planned testing involves "all the other parts of a nuclear weapon to make sure they deliver the appropriate geometry and they set up the nuclear explosion," according to the report. Frenzy of speculation triggered According to the AP, the US military regularly tests its missiles that are capable of delivering a nuclear warhead, but it has not detonated the weapons since 1992. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which the US signed but did not ratify, has been observed since its adoption by all countries possessing nuclear weapons. Yet, when asked by Norah O'Donnell with CBS News 60 minutes that "are you saying that after more than 30 years, the US is going to start detonating nuclear weapons for testing," Trump replied: "I'm saying that we're going to test nuclear weapons like other countries do, yes." During the interview, Trump claimed that Russia and China are testing nuclear weapons, "but they don't talk about it." However, CBS News in the interview pointed out that this week the president's own nominee to lead STRATCOM - the admiral who would be in charge of nuclear weapons - was asked about this very issue on Capitol Hill. He said neither China nor Russia were conducting nuclear explosive tests. When asked to comment on the claim made by the US President Donald Trump that China conducts secret nuclear weapons tests, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible nuclear-weapon state, China is committed to peaceful development, follows a policy of "no first use" of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy that focuses on self-defense, and adheres to its nuclear testing moratorium. We stand ready to work with all parties to jointly uphold the authority of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty and safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, Mao added. It's hoped that the US will earnestly abide by its obligations under the Treaty and its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing, and take concrete actions to uphold the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, as well as global strategic balance and stability, Mao noted. The Kremlin has not received any notification from Washington regarding plans to resume nuclear weapons testing, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, Russia's TASS News Agency reported on October 30. While some US media suggested that the US president's decision was made after Russia announced it had tested a new atomic-powered and nuclear-capable underwater drone and a new nuclear-powered cruise missile, Russia on Thursday denied it had carried out nuclear tests, per the BBC. "Regarding the tests of Poseidon and Burevestnik, we hope that the information was conveyed correctly to President Trump," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. "This cannot in any way be interpreted as a nuclear test." The Kremlin spokesperson also warned that "if someone departs from the moratorium, Russia will act accordingly." The New York Times argued that Moscow has not conducted a test in 35 years, in the last days of the Soviet Union. Trump, however, may have been confusing nuclear weapons tests with Russia's recent declaration. Potential consequences, concerns Details for such tests may be still under further discussion between the president and his staff to confirm, said Lu Xiang, research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explaining the mixed voices coming from the US administration. Lu told the Global Times that once the 3-decade-long nuclear weapon ban as agreed and observed by major powers worldwide is broken by the US, there would be serious consequences. The consequences will likely include but not limited to the re-ignition of global nuclear arms races, Song Zhongping, a military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Monday. An increase in nuclear explosion tests means an increase in the number of nuclear warheads. Improvements in the performance of nuclear warheads will also fill the world with more risks. Therefore, from the perspective of China and Russia, there is no resumption of nuclear testing. The US must tread carefully over the matter, or it will make the risk of nuclear war faced by humanity increasingly severe, he explained. Chinese observers urged the US to honor its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing, safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation system and maintain global strategic stability. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Hopes for a peaceful future in post-war Syria are at risk as funding for basic services dries up, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday HA NOI Russia's oldest philharmonic orchestra from St Petersburg, the D.D. Shostakovitch National Academic Philhamonia, named after the famous composer, performed two spectacular nights in Ho Guom Opera. The show finished with a standing ovation that had spectators sing along to Moscow Nights, a familiar song to many Vietnamese who may have spent time in Russia or learned the song by heart. Under the baton of conductor Nikolay Alexeev, People's Artist of the Russian Federation, the orchestra jointly performed some of Russia's best musical classics with soprano Yekaterina Sergeyeva and bassist Alexey Tikhomirov. White Night brought together some of the best of Russia's music world: Soprano Yekaterina Sergeeva of Mariinsky in St Petersburg and bassist Alexey Tikhomirov of the Bolshoi and New Opera. Accompanied by nearly 100 musicians of the St Petersburg Philhamonia, they sang Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky to move Hanoian music lovers to the core. Mezzo-soprano Yekatrina Sergeeva sang the aria All Men Surrender to Love's Power opera Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky. Based on a verse novel by Alexander Pushkin, dubbed the "Sun of Russian poetry", Tchaikovsky wrote music of dramatic nature to make the poetic plot twisted and more dramatically appealing. Next, she sang Marfa's Divination from Khovanshchina, with her voice reaching the farthest corners of the hall, resonating with the entire audience. Alexey Tikhomirov sang Boris's monologue from the opera Boris Godunov with the depth of his voice leaving the audience in awe, as such low notes are not regularly heard. He then sang Songs and Dances of Death by Mussorgsky, a voice cycle for bass that the writer wrote in mid-1870 to poems by Arseny Golenishchev-Kutuzov. Each song in the cycle poetically dealt with death, including the death of a child, a young person, death during a drunken misadventure and death caused by war. Bassist Tikhomirov has frequented international music festivals and has sung under the baton of the world's top conductors, including Ricarrdo Muti, Zubin Mehta, and Kent Nagano. In the second half of the concert, the Philhamonia played Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony, which was written in in 1888 and premiered in St Petersburg the same year. It's four movements started with an overall trajectory from E minor to E major, depicting the main theme, dubbed the "fate theme", which started out with a funeral, but later turned into a triumphant march. Conductor Nikolay Alexeev, People's artist of the Russian Federation and Chief Conductor of the Philhamonia, is a previous winner of the International Herbert von Karajan Foundation competition in 1982, the V. Talich Competition in Prague in 1985, and Min-On in Tokyo in 1985. To respond to the enthusiasm of the Hanoian audience, conductor Alexeev led the duo in singing the Moscow Nights and invited the thrilled audience to join in. But the real encore was the Masquerade by Khachaturian, the waltz suite known the world over for being danced to in the epic film War and Peace between Natacha Rostova and Andre Bolkonsky. He had conducted Russia's leading orchestras as well as others, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Rotterdam, Dresden, Stutgart, and Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestras, the Berlin and Baltimore orchestras, the BBC Scottish Orchestra, among others. Last season he led the orchestra on to tour in Sochi, Nalchik, Yerevan, Moscow, Yaroslavl, and China. This season they toured Sochi and Nalchik in August, Yekaterinburg in October, Moscow, and Ha Noi in November, and will be back in Moscow in January 2026. VNS After nearly 20 years in effect, the Law on Donation, Procurement and Transplantation of Human Tissues and Organs, and donation and recovery of cadavers is being reviewed to better address current challenges. Director of the National Coordinating Centre for Human Organ Transplantation and Deputy Director of Viet-uc University Hospital Dr ong Van He told Nhan Dan (People) newspaper about three critical bottlenecks that must be resolved to prevent the loss of precious organ donations and offer more patients with life-threatening illnesses a chance of survival. The law on Donation, Procurement and Transplantation of Human Tissues and Organs, and donation and recovery of cadavers has been in effect for almost two decades, yet many provisions no longer fit todays realities. In your view, what are the biggest obstacles that need urgent reform? This is a major issue and one that has troubled many of us for a long time. The current law was enacted in 2006 almost 20 years ago. International practice shows that legal frameworks should be reviewed and adjusted every five to ten years to keep pace with social and medical developments. The Ministry of Health has organised numerous workshops to assess the laws strengths and shortcomings and to propose timely revisions. In my view, three areas need urgent attention: First, the current law does not permit organ or tissue donation from patients who have experienced cardiac death. This is already common practice in many countries to avoid wasting viable organs. In reality, around 2030 people in Viet Nam die each day because they cannot get a transplant. Allowing donations from cardiac death donors could save many more lives. Countries and territories such as China, South Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan already allow this. Statistics show that the number of donations from brain-dead and cardiac-dead donors is roughly equal. In some European countries, such as Spain, cardiac-death donations even outnumber brain-death ones. Without this provision, we are effectively discarding half of our potential organ supply. Second, the law does not allow brain-dead children to become donors. This is another major loss because many children suffer from severe conditions requiring transplants. For example, a child with heart disease cannot receive an adult heart due to size incompatibility. Allowing paediatric donations would give these children a much-needed lifeline. Third, there is currently no financial mechanism to support organ donation and transplantation activities. Essential tasks such as counselling families of brain-dead patients, resuscitation and brain-death diagnosis, organ retrieval, transport and preservation still have no official funding. Without this, there are no resources to support the system or those who work within it. Health insurance coverage for transplants is also limited, mostly covering only anti-rejection medication, while the cost of the surgery itself remains uncovered. In reality, transplanting more patients would save money for the health system in the long run. For instance, a kidney failure patient who must undergo dialysis for life is far more costly to the insurance system than a patient who receives a kidney transplant and takes medication thereafter. In the last three to four years, Viet Nam has performed over 1,000 transplants annually, yet there is still no formal financial framework for donation and transplantation activities. This is a serious shortcoming. The revised law must introduce transparent funding mechanisms to help the system grow sustainably and bring hope to more patients. In Spain, every hospital with an intensive care unit has dedicated staff responsible for detecting potential organ donors in time. What about Viet Nam? Over the past two years, Viet Nam has significantly changed its approach to promoting organ and tissue donation. In late 2022, I had the opportunity to study Spains model as well as similar systems in other countries. Spain currently operates the worlds most successful organ donation and transplantation system, followed by the United States. In Asia, China, South Korea and Thailand are leading examples. Thailand, for instance, performs fewer transplants than Viet Nam, yet its system for identifying and facilitating organ donation from brain-dead patients is far more advanced. To build a successful system, three key elements must be in place: First, legislation must provide a strong foundation for a sustainable, well-developed system rather than simply supporting isolated cases or short-term campaigns. Second, hospitals must take real ownership of the process of identifying and managing potential donors who are brain-dead or have experienced cardiac death. Since 2023, we have taken a much more proactive approach and seen significant progress. While the number of brain-death donations was fewer than 20 per year in 20222023, by 2024 it had risen to 41 cases, an increase of 173 per cent, placing Viet Nam among the fastest-growing countries in the world. As of August 7 this year, we have already recorded 49 brain-death donations, matching the total for all of last year and representing a 100 per cent increase. Third, public support is essential. The entire process from donation, transplantation and coordination must be transparent and follow proper procedures to build trust. Every hospital must play a role in identifying and counselling potential donors; this cannot be left to just a few institutions. The Ministry of Health has issued multiple directives on this matter. In other countries, organ donation coordinators are full-time, highly paid professionals. In Viet Nam, we still lack an equivalent mechanism. This is why we have adapted the Spanish model to restructure our system from the grassroots level. On August 7, this model was piloted for the first time at a hospital in Van on, Quang Ninh. At the provincial level, we began implementation two years ago and now have a network of 87 provincial hospitals in 47 out of 63 provinces and cities. However, many of these units are not yet operating as effectively as we hope, partly due to outdated legal provisions and the lack of financial mechanisms. If the law is revised, building on this existing hospital network, each hospital adding just five to ten donors per year would dramatically increase the number of organs available for transplantation. Given that organ allocation is a sensitive and scarce resource, what principles must be followed to ensure public trust? Transparency, fairness and strict adherence to legal regulations are paramount. We strictly always follow these principles. If the public perceives that the wealthy or powerful receive priority, trust in the system will collapse and donation rates will plummet. This is why every coordination activity at our centre is conducted in a transparent and standardised manner. Regarding support for donor families, each country has its own approach. Some cover funeral costs or pre-transplant hospital fees. However, direct financial incentives can be problematic as they risk shifting the perception of donation toward material gain. Many countries have therefore returned to models that focus on funeral support and healthcare benefits. In China, for example, children of brain-dead donors receive national scholarships until the age of 18. This is an approach worth studying, as it is humane, transparent and fair, while avoiding misunderstandings about financial motives. Spain and the United States are leaders in sustaining organ donation funds. Is Viet Nam planning to establish such a fund? Many countries have successfully set up government- or NGO-supported funds for organ donation and transplantation. Viet Nam would greatly benefit from a similar mechanism to provide transparent, structured support for donor families. Such a fund could cover donation and transplant-related activities, including care, evaluation, logistics, ensuring that the system operates transparently, fairly and sustainably. Currently, salaries for professionals working in this field are modest despite the demanding and emotionally challenging nature of the work. In the long run, we must establish a clear financial framework. Cost is another barrier. In many localities, when patients hear that transplants cost between VN300400 million or even up to VN1 billion without full insurance coverage, they hesitate. Health insurance must play a larger role, with more reasonable cost-sharing mechanisms, to make transplants accessible. Viet Nam already has several successful funds supporting healthcare and education. I hope that philanthropists who recognise the value of organ donation will step forward to support a national organ donation fund. A single brain-dead donor can save multiple lives, and donated tissues can improve the quality of life for hundreds of patients. If such a fund is organised transparently, fairly and effectively, it will strengthen public trust and create lasting humanitarian value for the entire system. VNS HA NOI Lawmakers are scheduled to discuss numerous draft laws during the 15th National Assembly (NA)s 10th session on Tuesday, with a focus on measures to synchronise regulations on judicial activities to align with the two-level local administration model. Specifically, the legislature is expected to listen to proposals and verification reports on the draft amended Construction Law; the draft Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Geology and Minerals; the draft Law amending and supplementing certain provisions of some laws in the fields of agriculture and environment; the draft Law on Tax Administration (revised); the draft amended Law on Personal Income Tax; the draft Law on Thrift Practice and Wastefulness Combat. The draft amended Law on Civil Judgment Enforcement; the draft amended Law on Judicial Expertise; and the draft Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Corruption Prevention and Control will be also tabled. Afterward, deputies will discuss in groups the draft Law on Temporary Detention, Custody, and Restriction of Movement; the draft amended Law on Criminal Judgment Enforcement; and the draft Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Criminal Record. According to the Governments reports, the implementation of current laws has revealed many limitations, overlaps, or provisions that no longer align with the requirements of State management. On the other hand, in the context of reorganising the State apparatus, and implementing the two-level local administration model as per the resolutions of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the National Assembly, there is no longer a district-level organisation within the Peoples Public Security Force. This has led to the need to review and amend related legal provisions concerning the responsibilities and authority of agencies involved in criminal judgment enforcement, temporary detention, custody management, and criminal record management. In the afternoon sitting, lawmakers will discuss in groups the draft documents to be presented at the 14th National Party Congress. VNA/VNS SYDNEY - Deputy Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives Sharon Claydon on Monday highly appreciated the fine and strongly growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Viet Nam, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, education and training, and people-to-people exchanges. Claydon, who is Chairperson of the Australia-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians Group of the 48th Federal Parliament for the 2025-2028 tenure, made the assessment while attending a gathering, hosted by Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Hung Tam, for core members and founders of the group. Claydon stated that she will continue to compile a list of new members who are interested in Viet Nam and bilateral cooperation. She also emphasised that she is personally ready to welcome high-level Vietnamese delegations to Australia and plans to visit Viet Nam together with other members of the group. The Deputy Speaker expressed her interest in Viet Nams socio-economic development, including the ongoing efforts to reorganise and streamline the countrys State administrative apparatus. Tam, for his part, thanked Claydon for enthusiastically continuing to serve as Chairperson of the Australia-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians Group. He expressed his hope that the group will quickly grow, recruit new members, and become one of the largest friendship parliamentarians groups in the Australian Parliament, thus making a positive contribution to the friendship and cooperation between the two parliaments and between the two countries. Also highly evaluating the Australia-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, participating Members of Parliament noted that there is still significant potential for cooperation and expressed their readiness to contribute to promoting the friendship and cooperation between Australia and Viet Nam in general, as well as collaboration between the two parliaments in particular. VNA/VNS HA NOI - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam on Tuesday presented the Politburos decisions appointing the Chairman of the Party Central Committee (PCC)s Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilisation, and the Permanent Vice Chairman of the PCC's Commission for Internal Affairs. Specifically, the Politburo decided to assign and appoint General Trinh Van Quyet, Chairman of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam Peoples Army, as Chairman of the Party Central Committees Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilisation. Quyet also steps down as a member of the Central Military Commission and its Standing Committee. The Politburo also decided to assign and appoint Le Minh Tri, Secretary of the PCC, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court, as Permanent Vice Chairman of the PCCs Commission for Internal Affairs. Congratulating Quyet and Tri on being entrusted by the Politburo with new assignments, the General Secretary emphasised that over the past period, with strong political determination, the country has fundamentally and comprehensively completed the streamlining and restructuring of the political systems organisational apparatus; successfully held congresses of subordinate Party organisations; and is now actively preparing the necessary conditions for the successful organisation of the 14th National Party Congress. To prepare for the personnel work, based on the criteria, conditions, and requirements of the respective agencies, units, and the entire political system, the Politburo has carefully reviewed and considered the appointments to ensure stability, continuity, and the development of the Partys high-level leadership contingent, he stated. The Party chief requested that, for the immediate future, the officials, together with the leaders of their respective agencies, focus on advising the PCC to thoroughly prepare the necessary conditions to ensure the successful organisation of the 14th National Party Congress. On behalf of the appointed officials, Quyet affirmed that each appointed individual is fully aware of their responsibility in their new roles and will actively innovate communication efforts to create unity in awareness and action across society; build an honest and transparent judiciary; and strengthen the great national unity bloc. He pledged to continuously cultivate political mettle, and work together with their agencies to effectively fulfill assigned tasks, while maintaining close coordination with relevant bodies, thereby contributing to strengthening the Party and building a truly socialist state of the people, by the people, and for the people. VNA/VNS HCM CITY The Viet Nam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security and Chinas National Immigration Administration on Tuesday co-organised a conference to review their cooperation in combating illegal cross-border movements over the past six months. In his opening remarks, Lieutenant General Pham ang Khoa, director of the Viet Nam Immigration Department, emphasised that the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and joint efforts to build a "Viet NamChina Community with a shared future" that carries strategic importance have enhanced bilateral exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Both governments have promoted the application of science and technology in immigration management and adopted more open policies to facilitate travel between the two countries, he noted. However, he held that this greater openness has also led to a surge in cross-border traffic at the Viet NamChina border gates, accompanied by a rise in immigration-related violations, particularly illegal entries and exits along land border routes. Reporting at the conference, Sen. Lieut. Colonel Phan Huy Van, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Public Security, said that since the beginning of 2025, the city has recorded over 4.2 million foreign temporary residence declarations, with more than 168,000 foreigners currently residing in the city, including over 64,000 Chinese nationals. Taking advantage of this bustling environment, criminal groups have turned the city into a transit point. The municipal police have detected 146 illegal entries and exits involving 431 individuals, including 195 Chinese nationals. Legal proceedings have been initiated for 14 cases involving 42 suspects, he added. Notably, the police discovered cases where offenders used ambulances to transport illegal migrants and made payments through multiple intermediary accounts to conceal their activities. In addition to traditional northern border routes such as Lang Son and Lao Cai, new illegal migration routes have emerged from Cambodia, often originating in Cambodia's Svay Rieng province, through trails in An Giang, Tay Ninh and former Kien Giang provinces into HCM City, before going northward toward China. A representative from the Chinese delegation noted that border management between the two countries has become increasingly effective, with joint campaigns on migration awareness and crackdowns on illegal crossings. However, he stressed that this type of crime has become more complex, expressing a hope that both sides would continue to enhance coordination, information exchange and contact mechanisms to deepen their cooperation. Participants agreed that the conference is a concrete step forward in strengthening cooperation between Viet Nams Ministry of Public Security and Chinas National Immigration Administration. Tighter border security management, the participants affirmed, not only helps maintain national security and social order in each country, but also creates a safer environment to promote trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between Viet Nam and China. VNA/VNS A NANG The 17th international conference on the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea) concluded on Tuesday in the central city of a Nang after two days of discussions focusing on ASEANs role and the significance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The event also featured two special sessions an ambassadors lounge and a session on youth power offering diverse perspectives on regional developments and exploring innovative ideas to safeguard peace and maintain a rules-based order in the East Sea. In his keynote remarks, Australian Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite underlined the crucial role of UNCLOS in maintaining peace, stability and the peaceful settlement of international disputes. He stressed that adherence to international maritime law is essential for economic security and shared prosperity, reaffirming Australias commitment to upholding global rules and institutions amid an increasingly complex world order. During the ambassadors lounge, representatives from the European Union, Canada, Germany, Japan and Viet Nam emphasised the East Seas strategic importance and agreed that maintaining peace and stability in the area is a shared responsibility of the international community. They underscored that international law, particularly UNCLOS, provides the foundation and the only viable pathway for resolving maritime issues. Non-regional partners were urged to fulfil their commitments through concrete actions, including ensuring freedom of navigation, enhancing multilateral diplomacy, and fostering international cooperation on sustainable blue economy initiatives. Participants acknowledged ASEANs central role in shaping regional discussions on the East Sea but noted that the bloc faces growing challenges amid major-power competition. Internal differences and external pressure have at times hindered ASEAN consensus on key security matters, they said. Some delegates observed that dispute settlement mechanisms under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) remain largely symbolic, while the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) lacks effective enforcement and oversight. Negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) have proven difficult due to divergent views among parties on its legal nature and scope of application. On UNCLOS, most experts reaffirmed its status as the Constitution of the Oceans, forming a comprehensive legal framework for all maritime activities and providing a foundation to address emerging challenges such as climate change and rising sea levels. However, they warned that certain actors have sought to misinterpret or misuse UNCLOS provisions to advance unilateral claims, while rapid technological advances and shifting natural conditions are creating new legal complexities. Scholars proposed various measures to reinforce peace and maritime order, calling on ASEAN to strengthen internal unity, enhance collective capacity, and expand cooperation with external partners and multilateral mechanisms. They also recommended improving transparency, dialogue and information-sharing to build trust and establish early-warning systems to prevent conflicts. At the closing session, Dr Nguyen Hung Son, director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, noted that the exchanges helped clarify the regional landscape, the roles of key stakeholders, and the implications of emerging technologies such as marine automation and artificial intelligence for maritime security. Son emphasised that in an increasingly uncertain global and regional environment, countries must continue dialogue, information exchange and capacity building to reinforce unity and solidarity. The conference, he said, generated valuable ideas to strengthen ASEANs centrality and ensure the effective implementation of UNCLOS a cornerstone for peace, stability and sustainable development in the region. VNA/VNS HA NOI The Ha Noi Centre for Disease Control has reported a sharp rise in dengue fever cases in October, with new clusters emerging across the capital amid warnings of heightened mosquito density and infection risk consistent with the diseases annual cycle. Between October 17 and 24, nearly 400 new infections were recorded, with multiple outbreaks detected in several localities. From October 24 to 30, the figure surged to almost 500, with more clusters appearing in communities, raising concern over possible widespread transmission if urgent measures are not taken. The areas reporting the highest numbers included Thuong Tin (22 cases), Long Bien (19), Dan Hoa (17), Ha ong (16) and ai Mo (15). No deaths have been reported. During the same period, 23 new outbreak sites were identified in wards and communes of Binh Minh, ai Mo, Thuong Phuc, Bo e, Chuong Duong, Dan Hoa, Ha ong, Hoa Xa, Hoan Kiem, Hong Van, Lien Minh, Nam Phu, Ngoc Ha, O Dien, Quang Bi, Tam Hung, Thanh Oai, Thanh Tri, Xuan Phuong and Yen Nghia, 11 more than the previous week. In total, 32 clusters remain active across the city. Health authorities have carried out investigations and responses in four high-risk areas: Hamlet 2 in inh Xuyen Village, Hoa Xa Commune; Hamlet 8 in Yen Phu Village, Thuong Tin Commune; Cho residential group in Tay Mo Commune; and Chua Hamlet in Quang Oai Commune. The centre continues to coordinate with relevant agencies to implement prevention and control measures, particularly ahead of the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly. In the coming weeks, ward and commune health stations will maintain close surveillance to detect suspected cases within medical facilities and the community. Each case and outbreak will be promptly investigated and contained to prevent further spread. Monitoring of mosquito larvae and adult mosquito indices will continue in current and past outbreak zones, as well as other high-risk areas, to guide timely responses. Local healthcare units have been instructed to integrate dengue prevention with measures against the Chikungunya virus, including mosquito control campaigns and adult mosquito spraying. They will also work with veterinary authorities to track potential zoonotic transmission. The centre will continue to monitor active outbreak sites in ai Mo, Hoa Xa, Ha ong, Long Bien, and Thanh Oai, while strengthening health quarantine at Noi Bai International Airport to identify suspected or confirmed infections and apply appropriate control measures. Since the beginning of the year, Ha Noi has recorded a total of 4,388 dengue cases with no fatalities, a 20 per cent decrease compared with the same period last year. Patients have been reported in 125 wards and communes across the city. VNS HA NOI A fundraising campaign titled Autumn of hope sharing love, launched by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the first Autumn Fair 2025, has raised more than VN316 billion (US$12 million) to assist communities hit by recent storms and floods. The total was announced at the closing ceremony held on Monday at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC) in Ha Noi. Responding to the PMs call, hundreds of businesses, organisations, banks, and individuals joined the campaign, donating funds to help flood-affected residents rebuild their homes and livelihoods. At the ceremony, the organising committee expressed gratitude to all contributors and continued receiving donations to support people in central and northern mountainous provinces impacted by natural disasters. In his speech, PM Chinh said that the campaign was launched to reinforce the idea that economic growth must go hand in hand with social responsibility. He expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the Party and the State to all organisations and individuals for their generosity and compassion. The PM praised the outpouring of support as a reflection of Viet Nams enduring values of solidarity and kindness the foundation of the nations strength and resilience. He also noted that residents in the central region have recently endured severe flooding and storm damage and are now preparing for Tropical Storm No 13 (Typhoon Kalmaegi), currently strengthening over the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea). PM Chinh called on businesses, citizens, and soldiers nationwide to continue lending their support, helping affected communities recover production, rebuild their lives, and move forward with renewed confidence. VNS HA NOI The Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam) has moved swiftly to support residents in central Viet Nam after recent devastating floods, demonstrating its enduring commitment to solidarity and community care. As floodwaters began to recede in early November, trucks loaded with rice, bottled water and essential goods from Petrovietnam and its subsidiaries travelled to the hardest-hit areas, including Quang Ngai, a Nang, Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Tri. The group donated nearly VN20 billion (US$780,000) in cash and supplies, including 20 tonnes of rice and 4,000 boxes of bottled water, to help families recover. Through the Vietnam Fatherland Front committees, a Nang received VN5 billion, five tonnes of rice and 1,000 boxes of water, while Quang Ngai received VN3 billion and the same amount of supplies. Similar aid packages are being prepared for Hue and Quang Tri. Petrovietnam teams also visited affected communities to deliver direct support to residents and employees affected by the floods. Tran Quang Dung, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the groups Party Committee, said Petrovietnam viewed helping disaster-hit communities as both a responsibility and an expression of compassion. We aim to share difficulties and help people quickly return to normal life, he said. Member units such as Binh Son Refining and PVOil also sent staff to flooded villages with food, clean water and financial assistance. For years, Petrovietnam has been among the countrys leading contributors to social welfare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it provided ambulances, ventilators and medical equipment worth trillions of ong. Over the past five years, its social programmes have totalled more than VN5 trillion, covering education, healthcare, housing and disaster recovery. On November 3, the group pledged VN100 billion to support natural disaster recovery in 2025, of which VN70 billion has already been allocated to storm-affected provinces. On the same day, it donated VN10 billion to Ha Nois 'Joining Hands for the Poor' programme. Petrovietnam plans to allocate nearly VN1 trillion this year to nationwide social welfare projects, affirming its dual role as both a key economic driver and a socially responsible enterprise. BIZHUB/VNS The parents and the grandmother of an eight-year-old boy have been charged with murder and torture after the child was found dead inside a cooler filled with ice in Lynwood last week. The couple was identified as Destiny Luckie Harrison and Daniel Alberto Monzon, who are both 25 years old, and the latter's mother, Ana Carcamo Zarceno, who is 46 years old. The three of them have been charged with murder, torture, and child abuse resulting in death, with allegations that they caused willful harm resulting in death. Boy Found Dead Inside an Ice Cooler In a news release on Friday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that the horrific abuse that the young boy, Isaiah, suffered was made even worse by the fact that it was done by people who were supposed to love and protect him instead of hurt him. Hochman added that his office was committed to ensuring that the people who are responsible for the crime are held fully accountable for their actions. The statement comes after the young boy's body was discovered following sheriff's deputies being dispatched to an apartment in Lynwood, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said that at around 8:30 p.m., deputies from the Century Station in Lynwood were contacted by an individual who gave them information regarding a deceased child in an apartment, which was located in the 3100 block of Euclid Avenue. When deputies went to conduct a welfare check at the home in question, they found the eight-year-old boy's body placed in a cooler with ice. Investigators then arrested Harrison on suspicion of murder and took Monzon and Zarceno into custody on suspicion of conspiracy. Parents and Grandmother Charged With Murder and Torture If the defendants are convicted as charged, they all face 32 years to life in prison for the death of Isaiah. Authorities are also asking the public for any information that could prove useful to the investigation of the case, Inquirer reported. The criminal complaint in the case alleged that the eight-year-old boy was tortured on or between Apr. 1, 2024, and Oct. 24, 2025. It added that the victim was believed to have been abused and murdered on or between Oct. 23 and Oct. 24. When officials arrested the suspects at the apartment in Lynwood, they also discovered three other children, who were 16, 14, and nine months old. They have since been placed into protective custody by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, as per ABC7. SEOUL Viet Nams Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Vu Chien Thang has held a series of working sessions in Seoul with the Republic of Korea (RoK)s Ministry of Employment and Labour (MOEL), the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea), and the Ministry of Justice to enhance bilateral cooperation in labour, employment, and migration management. The aforementioned are key areas underpinning the Employment Permit System (EPS) between the two countries. During talks with MOEL Vice Minister Son Pil Hun on Monday, both sides hailed the strong outcomes of recent cooperation, noting that Viet Nam currently ranks first in the number of workers employed in the RoK under the EPS programme. The proportion of irregular Vietnamese workers has fallen to around 19 per cent, surpassing the set target. The two sides agreed to intensify coordination to ensure more effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding, focusing on increasing recruitment quotas and acceptance targets in line with RoK business demand and Vietnamese workers aspirations. The steps also include expanding computer-based and tablet-based Korean language tests to streamline academic procedures, and broadening job categories to include core industrial sectors such as casting, plastic moulding, surface treatment, and heat processing. Support for the integration and reintegration of returning workers will be enhanced, as will workplace inspections to ensure adequate living and working conditions and protect workers legitimate rights. On the same day, Thang met HRD Korea President Lee Woo Young and witnessed the signing of a service contract agreement between HRD Korea and Viet Nams Centre of Overseas Labour (COLAB). The agreement concretises the MoU between Viet Nams Ministry of Home Affairs and MOEL, aiming to promote transparent, efficient, and sustainable management of the EPS programme. The Vietnamese delegation also had a working session with the Korean Ministry of Justice, during which they exchanged views on administrative reform, integration policies, and foreign labour management. The two sides reached consensus on various issues, including: expanding seasonal worker programmes through stronger locality-to-locality cooperation; reducing illegal stays while facilitating voluntary repatriation and potential re-entry under existing regulations; and studying a pilot nursing worker programme based on joint mechanisms between competent agencies of both countries, consistent with Vietnamese and RoK laws. The meetings marked another step forward in strengthening mutual understanding and promoting practical cooperation in labour, employment, and legal affairs, contributing tangibly to the Viet NamRoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. VNA/VNS HA NOI The Viet Nam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA), ministries, sectors and localities are actively coordinating to support areas hit by recent flooding in restoring production, stabilising livelihoods and brace for Typhoon Kalmaegi. As of 10am on November 4, floods had left 46 people dead or missing, two more than the previous day, and 76 injured. A total of 104 houses were destroyed or swept away, mostly in a Nang(78), while 453 were damaged and nearly 80,000 flooded (including 54,602 in Hue and 16,038 in a Nang). Around 10,800 hectares of crops were inundated, 68,500 livestock and poultry perished, and over 45 kilometres of riverbanks and canals were eroded. The Ministry of Construction reported 39 road blockages 28 on central routes and 11 on local ones while the HueVan Xa section of the NorthSouth railway has been temporarily closed due to high water. In Quang Ngai, nine communes lost specialised data networks because of power cuts, though communications from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai have been restored. Localities are assessing damage and accelerating recovery efforts. From Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai, 32 critical dyke sections remain under close watch. In Quang Tri, water is still 0.3-0.5 metres above the Hai Lang dyke surface, while Hue reports 10.9 kilometres of flooded estuary dykes. No major dyke incidents have been recorded. As part of responding activities, Party General Secretary To Lam and a working delegation of the Party Central Committee visited Quang ien Commune, Hue City, one of the most heavily inundated area, to deliver aid and encouragement. Earlier, he had sent a letter of sympathy to people and forces nationwide affected by natural disasters. On November 3, the Politburo issued a notice on recovery efforts following Storm No. 12, while permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat Tran Cam Tu and several deputy prime ministers inspected flood recovery in central provinces. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired an online meeting with ministries and localities from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai to direct disaster response and recovery. The Government has issued six official dispatches and provided emergency funding to help affected areas restore livelihoods. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has supplied 50,000 doses of foot-and-mouth vaccine to Hue and coordinated the delivery of 29 tonnes of Russian humanitarian aid, including tents, blankets and essential goods. The National Civil Defence Steering Committee has issued timely directions on rain, flood and landslide preparedness, while the VDDMA deployed three teams to assist localities, sent 12.7 million Zalo alerts to residents, and maintained 24-hour monitoring. The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting continues to provide regular updates and warnings on heavy rain, floods and landslides. To prepare for Typhoon Kalmaegi, the National Civil Defence Steering Committee issued Official Dispatch No. 25 on November 2, instructing coastal provinces from Thanh Hoa to An Giang to take proactive measures. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has urged localities to ensure dam and reservoir safety, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested neighbouring countries facilitate Vietnamese vessels seeking shelter and repairs. Six coastal provinces have issued directives to monitor the storm, speed up flood recovery, give alerts to fishing vessels, and operate reservoirs safely to protect downstream areas. VNA/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the 20th session of the National Steering Committee on Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in Ha Noi on Tuesday. The meeting was connected online to 21 coastal provinces and cities. In his opening remarks, PM Chinh emphasised the firm goal and determination to fight against IUU fishing, as this is a matter of national honour and credibility of the Party, the State, and the people on the international stage - something that cannot be ignored or delayed. The Prime Minister praised the efforts of ministries, sectors, and localities, and urged them to continue carrying out their tasks. He reviewed some positive results reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Specifically, ministries, sectors, and localities completed 23 out of 66 tasks and are implementing 43 tasks on schedule. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has submitted to the Government a draft amendment to several decrees, including revised administrative penalties in the fisheries sector. Management of fishing vessels has seen significant progress. In the past week, there were no cases of Vietnamese vessels encroaching upon foreign waters. Law enforcement on IUU violations continues to improve. The PM required that all violations must be addressed by November 20. He also instructed An Giang Province to cooperate with the Ministry of Public Security to prosecute a case of a fishing vessel detained earlier this year for carrying VMS tracking devices. Any vessel failing to meet requirements must not be allowed to operate, and this must be completed within the week, he demanded, noting that 16 localities have not yet completed issuing permits for eligible fishing vessels and they must review and only grant permits to qualified vessels. Delays in handling violations in foreign waters must be resolved immediately. He urged ministries, sectors, and localities to strictly implement resolutions, conclusions, directives, and decisions of the Party Central Committees Secretariat, the Government, and the Prime Minister regarding this task. Media agencies should fully disseminate anti-IUU efforts. According to him, vessels that do not meet requirements must be handled according to regulations and those without VMS devices are not allowed to enter or leave ports. Data on fishing vessels must be integrated among the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Agencies must strengthen infrastructure, especially signal coverage, so vessels at sea are never disconnected, he added. He asked authorities to prevent vessels from transferring VMS devices to other vessels for illegal fishing. Violations must be prosecuted decisively, he stressed. Provinces must develop alternative livelihoods for fishermen, he stated, adding that the Government will provide rice quarterly for three months at a time, and local authorities must ensure food supply and plan career transitions, combining persuasion with administrative and criminal penalties equally under the law. The Government leader also requested the Ministry of National Defence to strengthen offshore maritime patrols, especially along border areas, and guide fishermen to fish in legal zones. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment must lead in developing technical scenarios and working plans with the EC delegation, completing them before November 10. Provinces must prepare explanations and respond to EC requirements, maintain regular communication, and provide full information. They must coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Construction to prevent IUU-sourced seafood from entering the Vietnamese market and implement memorandums of understanding with partner countries on fishing cooperation. High-intensity inspections against IUU fishing, especially in southern hotspots, must be conducted. Efforts against three-no vessels (no registration, no inspection, no fishing licence) must be strengthened. The Ministry of Public Security is required to implement the vessel and fisherman management application on VNeID by November 10, continue guiding localities to handle administrative and criminal IUU violations, accelerate investigations, and consolidate evidence for prosecution. Local leaders must enforce compliance for vessels entering and exiting ports, ensuring that unqualified, unregistered, or VMS-free vessels are now allowed to go to sea, he noted. Weekly updates of IUU violator lists are required, along with public awareness campaigns and proper vessel registration and marking to be completed by November 15, he added. As of October 31, 2025, Viet Nam had 79,941 fishing vessels, 79,800 (99.8 per cent) of which were registered and updated in the national fisheries database (VNFishbase), while 141 others (0.2 per cent) remained unregistered due to some reasons. VNA/VNS PETALING JAYA More children in Malaysia required care and protection last year, according to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). In its latest Children Statistics 2025 report, DOSM said cases involving children requiring care and protection increased by 12.7 per cent to 9,624 in 2024, compared with the previous year. While girls accounted for 62.7 per cent of the total, the increase was more pronounced among boys, which rose by 15.2 per cent last year. The term children in need of care and protection refers to children who face or are at risk of abuse, neglect or abandonment. It includes cases where parents or guardians were unfit, unwilling or unable to provide proper care, or when a child had been left without anyone suitable to look after them, as defined under Section 17(1) of the Child Act. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said Malaysia is home to 9.03 million children under the age of 18, making up 26.4 per cent of the total population of 34.23 million. From the figure, 4.66 million are boys and 4.37 million are girls, while children under five years old total 2.31 million, he said in a statement. Among states and federal territories, Putrajaya recorded the highest proportion of children at 39.9 per cent of its total population, followed by Kelantan (33.5 per cent) and Terengganu (32.9 per cent). Selangor had the highest number of children aged under 18, totalling 1.81 million, while Labuan had the lowest at 0.03 million. The report also highlighted a slight increase of 1.4 per cent in registered childcare centres (Taska), reaching 3,198 in 2024. Johor recorded the highest growth in registered centres (29.4 per cent), while Putrajaya saw the largest drop at 21 per cent. In contrast, school enrolment in government and government-aided schools declined by 0.2 per cent last year to a total of 4.97 million students, largely due to a 3 per cent drop at the upper secondary level. Private school enrolment also decreased by 0.3 per cent, to 441,371 students last year, mainly driven by a 3.4 per cent decline in kindergarten enrolment. In terms of education enrolment transition, the percentage from primary to secondary level stood at 91.8 per cent, while the transition from lower to upper secondary was 97.6 per cent. However, only 18 per cent of students from the upper secondary level moved on to the post-secondary level. Overall live births declined by 9 per cent, decreasing to 414,918 in 2024 from 455,761 in the previous year. Of the total births recorded last year, 213,919 were boys and 200,999 were girls. There were 3,655 deaths among children under five, including 2,871 infant deaths and 784 deaths among children aged one to four. The report also showed that there were 1,517 registered childcare protection centres nationwide, housing 38,955 children in 2024. The Star/ANN The intention was shared by Amata Group leaders during a working session between the Royal Thai Embassy in Vietnam and leaders of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on November 3. Urawadee Sriphihiromya, Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, received Urawadee Sriphihiromya, Ambassador of the Thailand to Vietnam at the event, which also welcomed Wiraka Moodhitaporn, consul-general of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City, and leaders of several Thai enterprises. Speaking at the meeting, Sriphihiromya expressed her gratitude to the leaders of Ho Chi Minh City for taking the time to receive the delegation, and conveyed the heartfelt thanks of the Thai royal family for the city's support and goodwill. The ambassador praised the role of Ho Chi Minh City as a dynamic economic hub with one of the most attractive investment environments in Vietnam. "The city is home to a large number of Thai enterprises operating effectively in various sectors such as industry, energy, retail, and financial services. The Vietnam-Thailand friendship is growing strongly, aiming to be upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership, especially on the occasion marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2026," she said. She expressed confidence that economic, cultural, and trade exchanges between the two nations will continue to expand, contributing to a stronger regional partnership. As part of the meeting, a representative of Amata Group, one of Thailand's major investors in Vietnam, shared some notable insights. Vikrom Kromadit, CEO of Amata Group, said that after more than 35 years of investing in industrial infrastructure development, Amata has developed industrial parks covering over 140 square kilometres, attracting more than 1,600 factories across various countries and contributing tens of billions of US dollars to regional economic growth. In Vietnam, Amata plans to invest over $1.5 billion, with more than half of that concentrated in Dong Nai province. The company currently has over 200 clients operating in its industrial parks across northern, central, and southern Vietnam, he said. Vikrom Kromadit, founder and CEO of Amata Group Amata's representative in Vietnam, Somhatai Panichewa, expressed the company's desire to continue expanding its investments, with particular interest in developing a new industrial park (IP) in the Chau Duc area, formerly part of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, now part of Ho Chi Minh City. The project is expected to have a minimum total investment of $180 million, focusing on high-tech industries and logistics, aiming to develop a smart industrial-urban model. Our company has partnered with a Japanese consulting firm to conduct feasibility studies and develop a master plan for the project. We hope to receive support, guidance, and facilitation from the Ho Chi Minh City authorities in promoting, connecting, and completing the necessary investment procedures in the locality, said Panichewa. She also extended an invitation to the chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee to visit the Amata Smart Cities in Thailand or the Amata Bien Hoa IP to learn more about the development model the group is implementing. Amata aims to bring its experience in developing modern, green, and sustainable industrial-urban areas to Vietnam in the forthcoming period, she noted. Speaking at the meeting, Duoc said that the city values and promotes the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Thailand in the spirit of friendship and mutual development. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Thailand is currently the ninth-largest investor in Vietnam, reflecting the close ties and mutual trust between the business communities of the two countries in various sectors such as industry, trade, tourism, and aviation. Thai products are increasingly favoured by Vietnamese consumers. In addition, trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are thriving, further deepening the bilateral friendship, he said. From Ho Chi Minh Citys side, following the administrative reorganisation, the city is expanding its development space, creating more room for investment and production. In the regional development orientation, the former Binh Duong area is designated as an industrial hub, while the former Ba Ria-Vung Tau area is positioned as a coastal economic growth pole, focusing on sectors such as energy, petrochemicals, logistics, and IPs. The citys leadership affirmed that Ho Chi Minh City stands by investors, seeing the success of businesses as the success of the locality. The municipal committee is committed to providing the most favourable conditions in terms of administrative procedures, infrastructure, and connectivity to ensure that foreign enterprises, including Thai businesses, can operate efficiently and sustainably, he added. Regarding Amata Groups proposal to invest in a new IP, Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee hailed the initiative, regarding it as aligned with the regions industrial and logistics development orientation. Chairman Duoc assigned Ho Chi Minh City Department of Finance to act as the focal point to coordinate and guide Amata through working with authorities to review planning and complete the required documentation in accordance with regulations. The city's leader believes that, with Amata's experience and capabilities in developing modern industrial-urban zones, the successful implementation of this project will help promote regional connectivity and serve as a driving force for economic development in southern Vietnam. The head of Ho Chi Minh City's government also expressed a desire to further expand cooperation with Thai enterprises in high-tech industries, smart urban development, and green energy that align with the city's sustainable development strategy. The Amata journey creating smart industrial cities Founded in 1989 and fired by the vision of founder, Thai entrepreneur Vikrom Kromadit, Amata has grown from a tiny entity into an industrial giant with industrial estates covering over 10,000 hectares of land on strategically located sites in Thailand and Vietnam, with more in development in Laos and Myanmar. Song Khoai Industrial Park: A sustainable investment destination After five years of operation, Song Khoai Industrial Park (IP) has performed strongly in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction in Quang Ninh province, a locality along Vietnam's northeastern coast. The 'Carbon for Good' initiative was launched on October 31 in Lai Chau province to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable forest management across Tuyen Quang, Lai Chau, Son La, and Can Tho. Implemented by CARE, CIFOR, and the University of British Columbia, the project will draw on Canadas forestry expertise and seek collaboration with Canadian companies, investors, academic institutions, and government agencies. Running until March 2028, the scheme forms part of Canadas broader commitment to advancing a high-quality forestry carbon market in Vietnam. It seeks to accelerate climate adaptation and resilience while supporting Vietnam in achieving its national goals for climate action, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive socioeconomic development. At a time when rising temperatures, biodiversity loss, and deforestation are disrupting livelihoods, the initiative will empower communities and local authorities to lead climate action and forest conservation efforts, while unlocking new opportunities through the emerging carbon market. Carbon for Good aims to enhance climate governance for nature-positive adaptation and mitigation through the development of a high-quality forestry carbon market, alongside stronger private sector engagement in financing and implementing forest-based carbon projects. It will also place a strong emphasis on community-based forest governance in four biodiverse provinces. The province of Lai Chau, along with the three participating provinces, is advancing its readiness to participate in the international forest carbon credit market, an important step in realizing the economic potential of forest resources and supporting Vietnams national pathway towards net-zero emissions by 2050. Carbon for Good will support the development of sustainable forest management strategies that both protect local ecosystems and generate financial incentives from carbon credits for stakeholders such as local authorities, private sector actors, and forest owners, once Vietnams national carbon market scheme becomes operational. To ensure market readiness, the scheme will deliver four key outcomes including forest carbon potential assessment, emission reduction feasibility, market-ready data profiles, specialised capacity building. These outcomes are expected to transform forest assets into sustainable revenue streams, improve local livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to Vietnams climate goals. We are combining local knowledge with innovative solutions to tackle climate change while ensuring that local communities, especially ethnic minority women, have their voices heard in decision-making, said Vuong Thai Nga, programme director of CARE in Vietnam. Crucially, this initiative will help create lasting economic opportunities for those who need them most. A central component of the initiative is collaboration among government agencies, national and Canadian private sector partners, and local communities to ensure that Vietnams emerging carbon market is socially inclusive, environmentally sound, and economically viable. Supported by the government of Canada, the programme has strong potential to draw on Canadas leading expertise in forestry management, from policy and operations to technology and carbon market development. It also creates new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as forestry technology and innovation; monitoring, reporting, and verification and digital solutions; carbon project development and investment; sustainable timber and carbon-neutral value chains; carbon finance and certification; landscape restoration; and forest fire prevention. Over the next three years, the scheme will work closely with local partners and communities to promote sustainable forest management, climate-smart reforestation, and alternative income opportunities. It will strengthen the knowledge and capacity of communities, policymakers, and businesses to engage in carbon offsetting and equitably benefit from the forest carbon market. Youve recently taken on the role of leading Deal Advisory at KPMG during a period when Vietnam is attracting a strong wave of international investment. What makes this moment a great one for deals in Vietnam? Michael Dwyer, partner and head of Deal Advisory at KPMG This moment in Vietnam is widely considered a golden window for deals due to a convergence of favourable economic, regulatory, and geopolitical factors that make the country especially attractive for investors and dealmakers in 2025 and onwards. Specific factors include strong economic momentum, government reforms and incentives, as well as strategic global positioning, which shall all lead to a significant rebound in merger and acquisition activity. We anticipate deal activity via FDI to come from the following sectors: private equity (PE), financial services, and private credit. Additionally, large domestic corporations or conglomerates shall also be a key contributor to deal activity as a result of Government initiatives such as Resolution 68. Having worked in major financial hubs such as New York, London, Hong Kong, and Singapore, what have you discovered that cannot simply be replicated from more developed markets? In Vietnam, business success often hinges on cultural nuances that differ from developed markets. Trust and personal relationships frequently outweigh formal contracts, making rapport-building essential and time-intensive. The regulatory environment is less predictable, requiring local insight and adaptability rather than rigid adherence to rules. While the workforce is young and motivated, replicating Western-style organisational structures demands investment in leadership development. Vietnams markets are highly localised, so strategies must be tailored to specific regions rather than applied uniformly. In addition, the fast-paced yet unstructured business climate favours agility over process, meaning rigid systems from mature markets can hinder rather than help execution. In cross-border transactions, international standards often collide with local legal frameworks, cultural nuances, or execution speed. How do you navigate these tensions to maintain global consistency while ensuring local flexibility? Navigating the tension between international standards and local realities in cross-border transactions requires a dual mindset: global consistency with local adaptability. The key is to establish a clear framework rooted in international best practices such as compliance, governance, and risk management while allowing for flexible execution that respects Vietnams legal nuances, cultural dynamics, and business tempo. This often means working closely with trusted local advisors, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and being willing to adjust timelines or structures to fit the local context. Rather than imposing rigid systems, successful operators create hybrid models that uphold global integrity but are responsive to Vietnams unique environment. As an international and Asia-Pacific network, KPMG Vietnam can leverage methodologies and experts from member firms across the region in order to maintain quality and consistency, whilst collaborating closely with trusted advisors such as local legal experts in Vietnam. In fast-growing economies, the success of an investment deal often hinges on three variables: data quality, transparency, and decision-making speed. What are the key obstructions and what improvements are needed to enhance investor confidence and market credibility? Vietnams investment landscape faces several bottlenecks that impact deal success and investor confidence. Data quality remains a challenge, with inconsistent and non-standardised reporting making due diligence difficult. Transparency is hindered by opaque legal frameworks and uneven enforcement of governance, especially across provinces and sectors like real estate and banking. Decision-making speed is slowed by fragmented administrative processes and overlapping jurisdictions. To address these issues, Vietnam is working to improve corporate reporting through IFRS and adoption of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, strengthen legal enforcement, and enhance administrative efficiency via e-government tools. These reforms are already boosting investor sentiment, as seen in Vietnams FTSE Russell upgrade and rising confidence among overseas investors. The asset management and PE industries are increasingly focused on value creation, with AI emerging as the most significant opportunity to drive this at both the fund and portfolio levels. According to KPMGs recent global CEO survey, 71 per cent of CEOs now consider AI a top investment priority. In 2025, KPMG conducted the worlds largest AI opportunity study, analysing over 17 million companies and revealing that current-generation AI tools offer an average earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation uplift of nearly 11 per cent. However, adoption remains slow, largely due to organisational and people-related challenges rather than technological limitations. KPMG has developed a value capture approach that significantly accelerates AI implementation and value realisation compared to traditional change management methods. Globally, nearly 30,000 KPMG professionals are dedicated to helping clients deploy AI and manage associated risks and financial strategies. With increasing PE and credit inflows into Vietnam, which sectors are expected to become the most dynamic deal hotspots between 2025 and 2028? Between now and 2028, Vietnam is expected to see vibrant deal activity in healthcare, logistics, technology, and green energy driven by rising domestic demand, ESG priorities, and digital transformation. Long-aged PE assets are increasingly being deployed into scalable platforms and infrastructure plays, reflecting a shift towards sustainable, long-term value creation. Vietnams drive for innovation, digitalisation, and green growth is further catalysing investment momentum across these sectors. As Vietnam continues to align with global standards and attract institutional capital, these industries are set to become the countrys most dynamic deal hotspots. Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien delivers a report to the National Assembly on a draft Law on E-commerce. Photo: National Assembly In a report to the National Assembly on November 3, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said that the move seeks to institutionalise the Partys new orientations on e-commerce and the digital economy, align with Vietnams international commitments, and address existing legal shortcomings. It is also designed to foster rapid and sustainable e-commerce growth, safeguard domestic production and consumer rights, and contribute positively to national socioeconomic development in the digital era. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trades report, e-commerce in Vietnam has been expanding strongly, accounting for around 10 per cent of total retail and consumer service revenue in 2024. However, the sector still lacks a dedicated legal framework. Existing regulations have revealed various limitations, particularly in managing sellers, collecting taxes, combating counterfeit goods, and protecting personal data. The draft law comprises seven chapters and 48 articles, introducing new provisions that mandate the identification of domestic sellers through VNeID and foreign sellers via legal documentation. It also defines responsibilities related to information transparency, transaction traceability, violation handling, and consumer protection. It also expands the responsibilities of social networks that engage in e-commerce and integrated digital service platforms, along with provisions to prevent abuse of market dominance and ensure fair competition. Under the proposal, domestic sellers will be required to undergo identity verification via VNeID, while foreign sellers must provide valid legal documentation. Livestream sellers and affiliate marketers will be subject to specific requirements on identification, information transparency, and consumer protection. For foreign e-commerce platforms operating in Vietnam, the draft mandates the establishment of, or authorisation for, a legally competent entity within the country to handle tax obligations, dispute resolution, and consumer protection issues. Reviewing the draft, Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the National Assemblys Economic and Financial Committee, said the necessity of developing a stronger legal framework for e-commerce. He recommended that the government further clarify the classification of e-commerce as a conditional business line and make corresponding revisions to the amended Law on Investment. The committee also called for a clearer distinction between pre-check and post-check conditions to ensure effective management. Regarding platform operators, the committee proposed refining responsibilities to ensure they are reasonable, feasible, and tailored to the nature of each platform and its level of involvement in online contract transactions. For social networks conducting e-commerce activities, the committee suggested defining their scope of responsibility based on specific functions such as online ordering, livestream sales tied to order placement, or payment and logistics support, to create proportionate regulatory obligations. It also urged clearer delineation between livestream and affiliate marketing activities regulated under the draft law and those covered by other legislation, including the Law on Cyber Information Security, the Law on Cybersecurity, the Law on Advertising, and the Law on Consumer Rights Protection. Finally, for e-commerce support service providers, the committee recommended clearer rules on their responsibilities and operating conditions, ensuring consistency with laws governing electronic transactions, postal services, payment systems, and banking, while maintaining practical and enforceable obligations. On October 30 in London, KPMG in Vietnam and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) signed an MoU to enhance collaboration in establishing and developing Vietnams International Financial Centre (IFC). The signing took place during the VietnamUK High-level Forum on Economy, with General Secretary To Lam in attendance. Warrick Cleine MBE, chairman and CEO of KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, and Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA The event marked a significant milestone in the General Secretarys official visit to the United Kingdom, underscoring Vietnams commitment to fostering cooperation in finance, innovation, and green growth. Under the agreement, KPMG and ACCA will share international experience, expertise, and resources to support regulatory bodies in developing policy frameworks, standards, and operational capabilities aligned with the IFC model in Vietnam. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Warrick Cleine MBE, chairman and CEO of KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, said, We believe that our collaboration with ACCA will make a meaningful contribution to Vietnams ambition of building an international financial centre, a crucial platform to enhance competitiveness and attract global investment. Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA, added, ACCA is honoured to join KPMG in Vietnam in this nationally strategic initiative. The development of the IFC will not only promote international financial standards in Vietnam but also empower the local finance and accounting community to grow and thrive. This partnership marks a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between two leading global organisations in the finance and accounting sectors. It also reflects their shared commitment to supporting Vietnam in building a transparent, standards-based, and globally integrated financial ecosystem. KPMG is a global network of professional firms operating in 145 countries, employing over 275,000 professionals. In Vietnam, it is one of the largest professional services firms, with 1,600 staff across offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang. Founded in 1904, ACCA is the worlds leading professional accounting body, with nearly 258,000 members and 530,100 students worldwide. In Vietnam, ACCA was the first international accounting body and currently has more than 1,300 members and 6,000 students, many of whom are leading professionals in finance and accounting. Telling the Vietnam story in order to boost countrys economic momentum International investors increasing enthusiasm for Vietnams economy is cushioning the countrys post-pandemic recovery growth momentum. Warrick Cleine, chairman and CEO of KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, talked to VIRs Le Luu about the projected transformations and the incredible resiliency of Vietnams economy in the current state. UK to support Ho Chi Minh City to become ASEAN health innovation hub On October 25, the British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Emily Hamblin led a UK delegation in a meeting with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, and announced the UK governments support for Ho Chi Minh City to become a regional health innovation hub. At the awards ceremony organised by Enterprise Asia on October 9, Phu Thai Holdings Group received the Corporate Excellence Award, while its chairman, Pham Dinh Doan, was named Master Entrepreneur. The twin accolades recognise the groups commitment to sustainable business practices and the pivotal role of its chairman in shaping more than three decades of strategic development. Established in 2007, the APEAs are one of the regions most prestigious business recognition platforms, organised annually by Enterprise Asia to honour noteworthy organisations and entrepreneurs across 16 Asia-Pacific countries. This years awards honoured enterprises and leaders driving transformation through digitalisation, sustainability, and a culture of innovation and adaptability. Earning recognition in both major categories at its first APEA appearance affirms the groups long-term commitment to sustainable growth and resilience as it advances its international integration journey. Founded in 1993, Phu Thai Holdings Group began as a consumer goods distributor and has since evolved into one of Vietnams top strategic investment corporations. Over more than three decades, Phu Thai has expanded its ecosystem across diverse sectors including trade, investment, agriculture, education, logistics, real estate, international commerce, and importexport. Phu Thai remains committed to sustainable growth, placing people, knowledge, and creativity at the core of its development. Amid globalisation, digital transformation, and the rise of AI, the group continues to demonstrate agility, operating a network of over 50 member companies and 5,000 employees nationwide. Representative of Phu Thai Holdings Group receiving the Corporate Excellence Award Phu Thai is also a trusted strategic partner of leading global brands such as Caterpillar, Jaguar Land Rover, PON, Elphinstone, BJC, Itochu, Watakyu, Colowide, and Medion. The Master Entrepreneur Award presented to chairman Pham Dinh Doan recognises his leadership achievements and reflects a philosophy centred on shared growth and long-term contribution. As an active member of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Vietnam Leading Business Council, and the Vietnam Family Business Council, Doan has played an important role in initiatives supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering young entrepreneurs, and advancing a culture of integrity and sustainability in business. Chairman Pham Dinh Doan receiving the Master Entrepreneur Award His forward-looking and service-oriented leadership reflects the spirit of Vietnams integration era combining corporate growth with social responsibility and a commitment to sustainable national development. The twin honours at APEA 2025 acknowledge Phu Thai Holdings Groups 32-year journey of innovation and resilience, serving as a strong incentive for the group to pursue new milestones. In the years ahead, Phu Thai plans to consolidate its position as a major strategic investment and distribution group, expand into higher value sectors, advance green transformation and sustainable growth, and work alongside the government to enhance national competitiveness. With its focus on innovation, integrity, and long-term value creation, Phu Thai Holdings Group continues to contribute to Vietnams economic progress and strengthen the countrys presence in the regional and global business landscape. APEAs honour newChoice for its contribution to womens wellbeing DKT Internationals contraceptive brand newChoice has been recognised for its contributions to womens health and community wellbeing in Vietnam. Parental trust: the driving force behind Finest Futures recognition at APEA 2025 In today's competitive education landscape, where parents face a growing array of study-abroad options for their children, trust has become the defining currency of success. For Finest Future, a VietnameseFinnish education enterprise, that trust has again translated into international recognition. A Russian woman was arrested and charged with child trafficking after she adopted a teenager who hailed from Mariupol, Ukraine. The woman, identified as Irina Rudnitskaya, is one of the most public figures in Russia's controversial "adoption" of minors who have been forcibly removed from occupied Ukraine. She now faces up to a decade in jail on child-trafficking charges. Russian Woman Charged With Child Trafficking Rudnitskaya is known to head an organization that advocates for "family values" and supports foster parents. She was originally arrested on Oct. 30 and was placed in pretrial detention, where she will stay until Nov. 22. She is a clinical psychologist and mother of 12 adopted children who has repeatedly sought to avoid being imprisoned for the sake of her dependents. Rudnitskaya's lawyer said that they are planning to appeal her detention. Russian authorities have not provided any other details about Rudnitskaya's case, which also involves two other women who have been jailed as well. The defendant was said to have previously enlisted in the military to cope with the grief of losing her two-year-old daughter, according to Meduza. Read more: North Carolina Man Accused of Killing 4 of His Children After Human Remains Found Inside Vehicle Trunk She also served at a hospital in Shali, where she reportedly experienced the Second Chechen War firsthand. After suffering from health complications, she started to adopt children before launching a foster parent school in 2013. She later started Family Commonwealth in 2017, and in 2023, she was honored by the Moscow regional governor's office for public service. Rudnitskaya is most known for adopting Ukrainian teenager Bogdan Yermokhin, who was taken from Mariupol during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He was brought to Russia with his friend Filipp Golovnya in the summer of 2022. The latter was placed under the guardianship of Russia's presidential children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova. Taking Ukraine's Children Reports noted that Yermokhin's parents died when he was only eight years old and that he was studying at a metallurgical college when the invasion started. After the occupation of Mariupol, he and more than 30 other children were transported to Donetsk before being relocated to the Polany rehabilitation center near Moscow, Censor reported. The situation comes as Ukraine has previously produced a list of nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children that officials say were forcibly deported to Russia, which is a potential war crime. Ukrainian authorities believe that the actual numbers could be much higher. On the other hand, Moscow has denied the accusations, saying that the children were taken into Russian territory for their own safety, as per BBC. Banpu NEXT-AmataVN-SolarBK_Collaboration for Solar Vietnam, Photo: SolarBK The announcement was released on November 3, confirming that SolarBK, a pioneer in Vietnams renewable energy sector for nearly two decades, has joined forces with Banpu NEXT, a leading ASEAN provider of clean and net-zero energy solutions, and Amata VN, one of Vietnams foremost industrial park developers, to develop rooftop solar projects totalling 227MW at Amata City Halong and Amata City Long Thanh. Implementation is scheduled to begin in early 2026. The partnership aims to accelerate the green transition for businesses operating in Amata industrial parks while reaffirming the partners shared commitment to decarbonisation. The collaboration between SolarBK, Banpu NEXT, and Amata VN marks a strategic milestone in advancing Vietnams clean energy transition. It will deliver sustainable energy solutions that enhance industrial competitiveness and contribute to the nations energy security. Building on the successful cooperation between Banpu NEXT and SolarBK in Vietnams commercial and industrial solar market, this initiative expands the partnership through Amata VNs participation, focusing on rooftop systems across Amata City Halong (686ha) and Amata City Long Thanh (410ha). Banpu NEXT-AmataVN-SolarBK_Collaboration_Amata City Ha Long Vietnam This development directly supports the goals of Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) and Vietnams net-zero roadmap by addressing rising electricity demand through on-site renewable generation. It enhances Amatas competitiveness via integrated, cost-efficient, and sustainable infrastructure that meets global manufacturers sustainability expectations. SolarBK Group CEO Nguyen Duong Tuan said the collaboration strengthens the long-standing relationship with Banpu NEXT while leveraging SolarBKs two decades of expertise in solar power. By integrating our full-service solar platform with Amatas industrial infrastructure, we are creating a sustainable energy model that delivers both economic and environmental value. This partnership reinforces our mission to promote renewable adoption and contribute to Vietnams transition towards a low-carbon economy, he said. Banpu NEXT CEO Smittipon Srethapramote noted that the partnership represents an important step in expanding its renewable portfolio and advancing its joint venture goals with SolarBK. As a leading net-zero solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region, we aim to address Vietnams growing industrial energy needs through sustainable innovations. This initiative demonstrates how collaboration can accelerate the clean energy transition in one of Southeast Asias most dynamic markets, he said. Amata VN Public Co., Ltd. CEO Somhatai Panichewa emphasised that the cooperation aligns with Amatas 2040 carbon-neutral vision. By integrating rooftop solar systems across our industrial parks, we strengthen our value proposition for global manufacturers who increasingly prioritise sustainability and energy efficiency. This initiative transforms our parks into green manufacturing hubs that balance growth with environmental responsibility, she said. Looking ahead, the three partners are committed to long-term cooperation to advance sustainable industrial development in Vietnam. Plans include integrating additional clean energy technologies such as energy storage systems, smart grids, and efficiency solutions. Through this partnership, SolarBK, Banpu NEXT, and Amata VN aim to play a pivotal role in reducing industrial carbon emissions, supporting Vietnams energy transition, enhancing economic resilience, and contributing to a sustainable future. The 7.3MWp rooftop solar system at LEGOs factory in Binh Duong, installed by SolarBK Bach Khoa Investment and Development of Solar Energy Corporation (SolarBK) is Vietnams leading solar power enterprise, offering a full-service platform covering research and development, manufacturing, engineering, procurement, and construction, and O&M. Over nearly two decades, it has delivered landmark projects including the 8.5MWp Truong Sa Archipelago system, the 30MWp VinFast Haiphong plant, the 7.3MWp LEGO factory in Binh Duong, and the 16MWp Vincom Retail rooftop portfolio. SolarBK owns the IREX factory, one of the few facilities in Southeast Asia capable of producing solar panels for both domestic and export markets, including the United States, Europe, and New Zealand. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Vietnam and Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF) co-hosted the 'Youth Innovations for a Better Food Future' event on October 31 at the TUAF campus. The event formed part of the World Food Day 2025 commemorations and marked FAOs 80th anniversary, highlighting the vital role of youth-driven solutions in building sustainable and resilient food systems. Bringing together young people, experts, policymakers, and international organisations, the forum fostered collaboration and idea-sharing to advance a more sustainable agrifood system amid growing global food security challenges. "Young people and students play a pioneering role in driving innovation in agriculture, reducing food loss and waste, and building a more sustainable food system," said rector of TUAF, Assoc. Prof., Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang during his opening remarks. "I encourage our students to nurture their creativity, embrace green entrepreneurship, and apply new technologies to tackle global challenges in food security and climate change." 'We deeply appreciate the FAO and our national and international partners for their strong collaboration with TUAF in research, training, and advancing green agriculture,' he added. On the occasion of the FAOs 80th anniversary, Quang extended warm congratulations and reaffirmed the universitys commitment to continued partnership. He also encouraged students and young researchers to keep contributing their knowledge, creativity, and innovative spirit to help build a more sustainable future for all. The event kicked off with a summary of key findings from the FAO report on the status of youth in global agrifood systems, released in July. The report highlighted both the potential and the challenges faced by young people, affirming that their engagement is essential for the transformation of food systems. FAO representative in Vietnam, Vinod Ahuja. Photo: FAO In his welcoming address, FAO representative in Vietnam, Vinod Ahuja, said Innovation will not come from global institutions or government ministries. It will come from fresh ideas by young people who dare to think differently. It will come from students in classrooms and laboratories, from entrepreneurs who are designing new business models, from communities experimenting with better ways to store, share, and save food. What starts as a small project in a university can scale up to transform entire systems. A key highlight was the intergenerational dialogue session, where youth and senior experts engaged in a thoughtful exchange about the challenges and opportunities within the agrifood sector. Discussion topics ranged from technology application and the reduction of food loss and waste, to enhancing climate resilience. The event also featured the final round of a student innovation competition, where six teams presented ideas aimed at reducing food loss and waste. Their creative proposals tackled environmental challenges while opening new entrepreneurial opportunities for young participants. Newspaper Tax: UK Gov consult if Wrexhamites have to spend 800+ a year to stay informed UK Government is asking how they can make a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system and if that still should require Wrexhamites to have to fork out the best part of 900 a year and rising to stay informed due to out of date laws. Whats going on? The UK Labour Government are looking to support hospitality by letting pubs and bars extend their opening hours, making it easier to serve food outside or host more live music as well as removing unnecessary barriers and red tape. The legal licences to do all that costs about 100-450 in Wrexham depending on the venue, payable to the Council. However, part of the licensing process to inform you the public is to put an advert in a local newspaper as the laws were written back in the day when everyone bought a newspaper as mobiles and the internet were not a thing, to inform the public what is going on. In Wrexham that could cost a hospitality business an extra 330 (source: a real recent local invoice) due to the legal requirement for a tiny notice to be placed in the back of a newspaper as though it was 1990. Elsewhere, data shared by similar independent media to Wrexham.com has seen prices double that (eg. in Bexley 640+vat). This added cost for near pointless adverts is now under the much needed microscope. The UK Government consultation details the situation where the archaic laws dont match the reality of the every decreasing circulations of newspapers: The Licensing Act requires that new premises licence applications or major changes to existing licences must be announced both in a local newspaper and on the premises. These statutory notices also apply to other local decisions, such as certain planning applications and road closures. The requirement to place statutory notices in printed local newspapers reflects the need to keep local people informed of decisions that may affect them but also provides a source of income for media companies. However, some licence applicants report significant and varying costs for advertising notices. This requirement applies to both on- and off-trade premises (e.g. both restaurants and bars, as well as retailers selling alcohol for consumption off the premises). Bizarrely this consultation echos recent debates in Wales, The Government recognises that local journalism is vital in supporting accountability and providing reliable local information drawing a direct link between the revenues these notices bring some legacy print publishers and the work they apparently do, despite protestations they are not an indirect subsidy. In Wales when the Finance Bill was debated that could have binned small notices for council finance information, it was stated six out of ten Newsquest newspapers in Wales would have been loss making last year without public notice revenue, and It is not for local authorities to fund local or national print media. The proposal to scrap print-only notices got to the Senedd floor, but Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives blocked progress in favour of the big legacy media giants. Today, the new consultation asks questions such as: 16. Do you foresee any risks or benefits from removing the requirement to advertise alcohol licence notices in print local newspapers? 18. Do you consider the costs associated with publishing statutory notices in local media are sufficiently transparent? 19. In place of publication in print local newspapers, what alternative methods of publicising this information do you consider would be most effective in ensuring effective scrutiny, transparency and public awareness of licencing activities? Again bizarrely one of the tick box choices on the last question includes the online Public Notice Portal, which unlike its name suggests is not Open Sourced or OpenData or publicly owned but a creation of the News Media Association where non-UK megacorp Google chose Reach PLC as the development partner to create the website. Newspaper Tax In Wrexham the American megacorp Gannet Co Incs Newsquest title The Leader costs 1.10 per copy. The latest circulation figures almost a year old now say circulation (average per issue) is just 2,697, with 66% of that figure being for the Wrexham edition so a huge 1,780 copies. It appears there are 240 issues a year, roughly once a day every weekday, which the population need to purchase to ensure they have the chance to see a licence notice. 1.10 x 240 = 264. Wrexham is also served by another paper that provides such legal notices Reach PLCs Daily Post. That is a remarkable 2.10 for a weekday, and 2.50 at a weekend. The Daily Post has fallen to a circulation of 6,843 covering the entire 700k population of North Wales and no longer has a an west or east, so no data on how many are sold in Wrexham. 2.10 x 240 = 504 2.50 x 50 Saturdays = 125 A conscientious Wrexhamite would have to spend around 893 a year to ensure they can keep an eye on public notices and look out for a licence application for a nightclub next door. The law states the notice has to just appear just once in a local newspaper. Following on from the hyperbole and tabloid reporting trends from the legacy media Wrexham.com are going to call that sum the NEWSPAPER TAX* as it is a sum that people would have to pay to interact with this legally proscribed process, as there is no indication when notices would appear so a citizen has to purchase a copy of the newspaper every possible day. Stats Wales says Wrexham has a population of 155,812 people with 111,605 of those over the age of 16. Circulations indicate that the majority of people are not buying newspapers so miss out on public notice information but if all of those people opted into that legal process of notices it would mean a revenue of 99,663,265 a year to publishers of those two titles and that is just in Wrexham. Four years left of newspapers? One huge problem with keeping such legal notices is what happens if newspapers stop being read, the UK could plunge into an uninformed mire where notices are required yet the print to carry them no longer exists. In a grim quote early last year the then Reach PLC chief exec was reported in the Guardian as saying When I started I said there is at least 10 years of profitable business in newspapers and probably more. I have been in the business for five years so half of that is gone. There is probably five to seven years that we can look at. We have to face into this inconvenient truth later adding about their readers So, we have tracked the mortality rate and the readers are basically dying over a period of time. Also you get to 75, thats average mortality in the UK. This may sound really dry but it is important. If the solution is to flick a switch to use the Public Notice Portal, no doubt with revenues to follow, the public will still only be informed by those private firms that own and operate that website. Wrexham.com had a glimpse into the future situation where we asked the council for a copy of a traffic order affecting the city centre but they could not share it and pointed us to the Public Notice Portal, however we would require a licence from the News Media Association to republish the content which they say is at their sole discretion to grant. If we created a scraper or bot to keep an eye on the Portal the same terms indicate we could also be criminally prosecuted. Wrexham.coms view is that a truly public notice portal system is easy to create, and should be Open Data under the long standard Open Government Licence for public sector information, a well established framework. Wonga In 2023 a survey was published by the Local Government Association stated that upwards of 28 million is spent per year on statutory notices by councils and detailed a strong appetite amongst local authorities to have the law changed to loosen the requirement to have to place statutory notices in newspapers. We have reported over the years on the millions that have been spent in Wales on such notices, most recently the hundreds of thousands of pounds spent for the 20MPH roll out (the figures for the recent change back are not in yet!) including notices in a publication with a circulation of just 347. That particular newspaper is now audited at a circulation of just 152. That is not a typo, one hundred and fifty two. The new consultation illustrates that the public sector are not the only ones forced to pay for notices in the back of such publications, but businesses across the UK have had to, generating an unknowable total bill year on year with the beneficiaries large corporations. There has been huge pushback at the plans to modernise communication in the licensing system. Much like we saw over the Finance Bill in Wales, once the precedent is set that one type of newspaper notices are out of date the rest will likely follow and tens of millions of pounds if not more of revenue to big corporate legacy print publishers would cease. If you wish to have your say you can find the public consultation here on the Home Office website (you can skip the bits that are not relevant) please take part! https://www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk/s/LicensingReforms/. If you are a licensee in Wrexham feel free to send us copies of your invoices for such notices to news@wrexham.com so we can document prices to the consultation. We will randomly select one sender to win a prize! (*With the Budget imminent real tax is a wider discussion point in society as well as the bunce channeled to legacy print publishers newspapers are VAT exempt, and in England newspaper offices are eligible for a business rates discount as well!) ( One common response to our articles on notices are basically, Yeah, but you want the cash?. No. As we gave evidence in the Senedd and said to that point: It would be easy for us to sit here and say, Were strong, independent titles, and more relevantcan we get on the gravy train? essentially. Weve held this position consistently, locally its verifiable as well, from about 2013 onwards, and in the Senedd itself, 2017. The same point is being made. This is not about us getting money. We dont want the money for statutory notices. Its a terrible law, its a terrible way of communicating, and I know media buyers and publishers would prefer the status quo on it. We rarely dip into politics and we rarely give our view on stuff, but this is something that is basically a bad old law. Its as simple as that, and we see it. You dont read about statutory notices in the media, because they benefit from them. Nobody else will tell you about this. Weve accidentally become experts in this because were looking at spending and were looking at public money, where it goes. Yes, its just calling it out, basically. Theres no axe to grind here. We dont want the money and were quite happy to run statutory notices for free, if that helps.) Wrexham man charged with assault A 32-year-old Wrexham man has been charged with an assault on a woman. North Wales Police say William Inglis of Holt Road, Cross Lanes, is charged with assault causing actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation. He is also charged with criminal damage and dangerous driving. The incidents took place in Wrexham on Sunday, 2 November. Inglis was remanded into custody to appear before Wrexham Magistrates Court today, November 4. ALPHARETTA, Ga., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Afore Insurance Services, LLC (Afore) today announced its acquisition of Salzberg Insurance Agency, a well-respected insurance agency in Norfolk, Virginia, with an 87-year legacy of serving the Hampton Roads business community. Salzberg has built a reputation in Norfolk for its trusted advice and local service covering businesses and families. Afore's partnership with Salzberg marks the beginning of the company's planned growth in Virginia and the broader Mid-Atlantic region through its regional platform partner, BCA Insurance. Salzberg says Afore's partnership model is unique compared to those offered by other buyers. "After nearly a century as a fixture in the Norfolk market, we are excited to join forces with Afore," said Ralph Soussan, principal of Salzberg Insurance Agency. "Our team and I will remain in Norfolk and are committed to preserving our local heritage and enhancing our client relationships, as we gain access to Afore's national resources to serve our clientsand to expand. We chose Afore as our growth partner because they share our values and vision for the future, offering alternatives we didn't find with other firms. Together, we are positioned to add new people and new offices throughout Virginia while continuing our commitment to this community." Under the agreement, Salzberg will operate as part of Afore's Mid-Atlantic region. Their leadership and staff will continue to serve clients locally, while utilizing Afore's scale, carrier relationships, technology, and support to enhance service and offer broader product solutions from their existing offices. Michael A. Garguilo, President & Chief Executive Officer of Afore, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Ralph Soussan and the entire Salzberg team, which comes to us with an extraordinary legacy in Norfolk and the Hampton Roads region, one that we intend to honor and continue." Brett D. Balsley, Regional President of Afore's Mid-Atlantic Region and head of its BCA Insurance division, added: "We admire the client-first service culture that Ralph and his team have created at Salzberg. We're thrilled for them to become part of the Afore family. Together we will bring even greater service depth, scale, and local commitment to the Virginia market." Balsley later stated that Salzberg is the first of several agency acquisition partnerships Afore soon expects to announce in Virginia and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic states, adding to the company's capabilities in the region. About Afore Insurance Services, LLC: Afore Insurance Services is a consolidated insurance brokerage acquisition platform offering independent insurance agencies the opportunity to partner with a top-100 national firm to better serve clients. With roots dating back to the 1970s, Afore has successfully acquired more than 50 agencies and operates them under custom operating structures, where the principals and producers of the acquired agencies continue to lead client sales and service locally. The company is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, and today is one of the largest insurance brokers in the US, with more than 20 offices nationwide. For more information: Holden King Afore Insurance Services, LLC Phone: (770) 727-3268 Email: [email protected] www.afore.insure SOURCE Afore Insurance Services, LLC We now know who hired the private investigator that tracked Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and former Washoe County Commissioner Vaughn Hartung. It's conservative donor Robert Beadles. If the name sounds familiar, you might know him from our coverage on local campaign financing and election fraud lawsuits. Just this year, an appeals court rejected his suit alleging that a state law infringed on the freedoms of election observers. He has also previously led failed attempts to recall or oust local public leaders. Beadles released this statement to 2 News Nevada: I want to be clear: I never told anyone to track or follow anyone, or public official. I hired a licensed private investigator only to verify serious allegations before having them say anything publicly, thats called being responsible. I didnt direct the investigators methods, and no laws were broken by me or the investigator. Whats happening now isnt about wrongdoing, its about retaliation. Im being painted as the villain for believing public officials should be accountable to the people they serve. I stand by that principle, and I wont apologize for seeking the truth. I look forward to what the witnesses, victims, and full discovery will reveal so everyone can understand exactly why a PI was hired in the first place. After the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear arguments in the case last month, it went back to the lower courts that previously said John Doe is not protected by the First Amendment. OCTOBER 6, 2025: The Supreme Court has declined to hear oral arguments in the John Doe GPS tracker case involving Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. The Justices released a long order list Monday, on the same day the Court kicks off its new term. They did not give a reason why they declined. SEPTEMBER 29, 2025: The Supreme Court is meeting to consider whether to hear arguments in the John Doe GPS tracker case involving Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. The Justices will hear case details on Monday to decide whether to take up the case - in full. Last month, lawyers appealed to the Supreme Court in an attempt to keep John Doe's identity secret in the ongoing GPS tracker case. In April, the Nevada Supreme Court unanimously issued a ruling that the First Amendment does not protect 'John Doe' in the case. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve filed suit in December of 2022 seeking damages from private investigator David McNeely for a violation of her privacy after a mechanic alerted her to a clandestine GPS tracking device on her car. APRIL 23, 2025: The 9th Circuit of Appeals has ruled in favor of the City of Sparks after a private detective claimed that his constitutional amendments were violated. On November 20, 2023, David McNeely filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the City of Sparks and certain Sparks Police Department (SPD) officers violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights and intentionally caused him emotional distress under state law when, during an investigation into a potential stalking case, his name was identified in a GPS tracking case connected to Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. A district judge granted the Citys Motion to Dismiss the case in May 2024. McNeely then filed an appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and that appeals court affirmed the previous grant of dismissal in an April 22, 2025 Memorandum Disposition. (read below) The Ninth Circuit agreed that McNeely failed to allege a cognizable legal theory that the First Amendment afforded him a right to privacy in the context of this case, and observed there was no causal connection between any retaliatory animus of [the City] and his alleged injuries. The City of Sparks says the court concluded that the facts alleged did not support a Fourth Amendment violation or a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress under Nevada law and affirmed that any amendment to the complaint would have been futile. Update, April 10: The Nevada Supreme Court unanimously issued a ruling that the First Amendment does not protect "John Doe" in the GPS tracking case. March 8: The Nevada Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments next month, in a case involving Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. The person who allegedly hired a private investigator to place a GPS tracker on the mayor's car is still trying to keep their identity hidden. We've been following this case since 2022. According to court documents, the client continues to argue First Amendment protections, while Schieve alleges privacy violations. Last year, we reported how the Justices had sided with a district court saying the private investigator must reveal their client's name. Arguments are set for April 8th. Las Vegas Metro has released its after-action report on the deadly Tesla Cybertruck explosion from earlier this year outside Trump International Hotel. On New Year's Day, police say 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger of Colorado drove a rented Cybertruck to the porte cochere of the hotel and triggered the explosion. Authorities say he shot himself in the head before the initial blast. Damage from the blast was mostly limited to the interior of the truck. During a search of the car, authorities say they found a handgun near Livelsberger's feet. Investigators also found a second gun, a number of fireworks, passport, military ID, credit cards, iPhone and smartwatch, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at news conference the day after. Authorities said both guns were purchased legally. In its after-action report, Las Vegas Metro recommended implementing targeted training for first responders focused on EV-specific hazards, including battery identification, safety protocols, suppression techniques, and hazard zones. The report also recommended Metro establishing clear communication protocols to outside agency liaisons so important information can be shared and Metro should also consider extending adequate staffing coverage for New Year's Eve for both anticipated crowd activity and any unforeseen incidents. The truck explosion came hours after a driver rammed a truck into a crowd in New Orleans famed French Quarter, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens of other people. The Metro after-action report also references that attack below - (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department contributed to this report.) A man faces drug charges after police say they found more than two pounds of heroin inside his car during a months-long investigation. Authorities say 23-year-old Jose Maria Ramirez-Huerta was arrested on Halloween by detectives with the Regional Narcotics Unit (RNU), with assistance from the Reno Police Department K9 Unit. After his arrest, investigators searched his Sparks home where they say they found an additional 294.13 grams of heroin and 19.85 grams of methamphetamine. Ramirez-Huerta was booked into the Washoe County Jail on the following charges: * Possession of a Controlled Substance * Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale * Trafficking of a Controlled Substance The investigation remains ongoing. If you have any information that can help authorities, call or text your anonymous tip to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900. The Nevada State Contractors Board joined states across the country in an undercover enforcement operation coordinated by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies between October 13 and 25, 2025. The statewide effort aimed to identify unlicensed contractors and address illegal construction activities. Nevadas participation included two undercover operations where six unlicensed contractors allegedly bid on projects requiring a state license. The bids ranged from $2,500 to $16,000 for painting three rooms, violating Nevada State law. Each case resulted in an administrative citation and the opening of a criminal case by the Board. During the enforcement period, investigators conducted 13 unannounced job site visits, verifying 134 contractor licenses. The operation led to 14 criminal cases, 11 Cease and Desist Orders, 19 administrative citations, and two violation letters. Undercover operations are an important part of the Boards investigative strategies because it allows us to experience first-hand what consumers face when dealing with unlicensed contractors, explained Executive Officer David Behar. We are pleased to see the same initiatives taking place across the country as we unite to send a clear message that adherence to the construction laws of our respective states are taken seriously and serve to safeguard the public from becoming financially harmed when engaging in construction projects. The Board encourages consumers to verify a contractors license before hiring. Licensed contractors work is covered by consumer protections, allowing people up to four years from the start of a project to file a complaint. If validated, the Board may issue a Notice to Correct and, if necessary, disciplinary action. Consumers may also seek recovery of damages up to $40,000 through the Residential Recovery Fund. Nevada law limits down payments for residential home improvement projects to no more than $1,000 or 10% of the total contract value. The Board recommends getting at least three bids, reviewing contract terms carefully, and confirming licenses through its website, mobile app, or office. People are advised to be cautious of potential red flags such as requests for cash payments, large deposits before work begins, lack of written contracts, unsolicited home visits, and aggressive or misleading sales tactics. Concerns about licensed or unlicensed contractors can be reported to the Nevada State Contractors Board by phone or through its mobile app. RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Addiction Professionals of North Carolina (APNC) is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer Sara Howe has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Anne Doolen Visionary Award, honoring her leadership, advocacy, and impact across North Carolina's behavioral health and addiction service landscape. Named in honor of the late Anne Doolen a pioneering advocate whose vision and compassion transformed the state's substance use disorder continuum of care the award recognizes an individual whose work embodies the same courage, creativity, and heart that Doolen exemplified throughout her career. In accepting the award, Howe emphasized that the recognition goes beyond her: "This award is not for me as an individual. It belongs to the entire APNC team the people who show up every day with heart, grit, and purpose to strengthen communities, expand prevention, and improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians," Howe said. "From the moment I arrived, North Carolina has felt like home. This state its people, its spirit, its sense of community captured my heart. Even when we challenge the status quo or push for change, we do it from a place of love love for our people, our communities, and the belief that we can always do better for them." Howe joined APNC in 2023 and has quickly established herself as a unifying and visionary leader in the behavioral health field. Under her leadership, APNC has strengthened prevention infrastructure, expanded recovery support, deepened harm reduction efforts, and launched innovative initiatives such as the Center of Excellence for Gambling Addiction Policy & Practice and the Professional Development Center, which supports workforce development across North Carolina. "Sara brings the same spirit of vision and compassion that Anne Doolen modeled throughout her life," said Darryl Hubbard, Executive Director of Alcohol/Drug Council of NC, the awarding organization. "Her leadership continues to elevate the field and ensure that the voices of those impacted by addiction are heard, respected, and represented." Howe's recognition with the Anne Doolen Visionary Award underscores the enduring importance of leadership rooted in empathy and action. Building on Doolen's legacy, APNC remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen North Carolina's behavioral health workforce and ensure that every person has access to the care and support they deserve. About Addiction Professionals of North Carolina (APNC) The Addiction Professionals of North Carolina (APNC) is a statewide nonprofit association representing professionals and organizations dedicated to preventing substance use, expanding treatment access, supporting recovery, and improving the health and well-being of all North Carolinians. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, APNC works to build a strong, equitable, and compassionate behavioral health system. Website: www.apnc.org Media Contact: Morgan Coyner Executive Vice President Addiction Professionals of North Carolina [email protected] SOURCE Addiction Professionals of North Carolina As a military veteran and someone who has been pursuing a computer science degree, Ive always been drawn to fields where women are often underrepresented. That experience taught me firsthand how challenging it can be to carve out space and succeed in male-dominated environments. Ive never shied away from a challenge, but as a mom of four daughters, I dont want them to have to fight quite so hard just to prove they belong or to achieve their goals. I want them to grow up in an environment that nurtures their confidence, supports their curiosity and empowers them to thrive in any field they choose. Because of that desire for my children, a strong education is one of the most important foundations to establish. As a result, I started by homeschooling my oldest two children, and when it came time to transition to public school, I did my research. I wanted a smaller school for them, to make the transition easier, and in my searching, I found Coral Community Charter School (CCCS). CCCS offers single-gender classrooms, which research shows help girls to engage more freely and readily in STEM subjects. With reduced pressure or stereotypes, girls are able to build more confidence in these subjects, and thats exactly what I wanted for my daughters. I enrolled my oldest girls at CCCS in first and third grade, and since then, weve been a Coral Community family. I currently have three daughters at the school, all of whom are soaring in academics and loving their classes. My oldest has graduated and now attends Albuquerque Academy and is excelling, largely in part due to the foundation of her elementary education. This success isnt limited to my children. Its seen and celebrated throughout the school, thanks to the incredible atmosphere at CCCS, where they cultivate a passion for learning every day. While my focus is on my girls, the benefit of single-gender education expands to both male and female students, with boys showing more engagement in classrooms that are focused on male learning styles including movement, timed activities and keeping learning at a quick pace. This style allows every student to engage and take pride in their education. Its not just the single-gender classes or small class sizes, but a difference in approach entirely that creates an environment dedicated to thriving. At CCCS, its small enough for everyone to know you and your child, but also large enough to individualize learning for each child. Whether my children needed an extra challenge or time to slow down and ensure theyre mastering a concept, CCCS has always risen to the occasion. As a result, my children are high achievers, focused and engaged in their education, and passionate about what theyre learning. For any parents who are looking to challenge their children and give them more out of their education, I highly recommend looking into CCCS. As a busy mom who goes out of her way to drive my kids to and from school (living in Rio Rancho), I can promise you, its worth it. The beverage manufacturer, whose brands include IRN-BRU, Rubicon, FUNKIN and Boost, and the Trustee board of the A.G. Barr p.l.c. (2008) Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (Scheme) have signed a third and final deal with Canada Life to cover the remaining 160 deferred members and 140 pensioners of the DB pension scheme. This latest arrangement builds on an established collaboration between the Schemes Trustee, its adviser Hyman Robertson and the insurer Canada Life, which already covers approximately 40% of the Schemes liabilities through earlier 2016 and 2018 buy-ins. Hymans Robertson acted as the pension scheme broker, actuarial adviser, administrator and de-risking investment adviser. The Trustees legal adviser was Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP. Canada Life was advised by in-house lawyers. Commenting, Shreyas Sridhar, Managing Director for Bulk Purchase Annuities at Canada Life, said: The established working relationship had a positive influence on securing a good outcome for the Scheme and its members. We are proud that the Trustee chose to work exclusively with Canada Life on this bulk purchase annuities transaction as a result of the high bar we set ourselves in our client relationship management. Through our earlier deals with the A.G. Barr Scheme, our team has invested time in understanding how the Scheme operates and bottled that knowledge. By monitoring market conditions and affordability with Canada Life, the Trustee board was able to move quickly at the right time to execute the buy-in. We are grateful for the trust and collaboration of the Trustee board and their advisers, which allowed us to deliver an outstanding outcome for the Scheme and its members. Mahad Farooqui, Risk transfer specialist at Hymans Robertson and lead adviser, said: Were delighted to have completed this final buy-in for the Scheme with Canada Life. It marks a significant milestone working with the Trustee board on their journey to secure the long-term future of members benefits of the Scheme. The continuity of working with the same insurer across all three transactions has brought real efficiencies and confidence to the process, resulting in a great outcome for the Trustee and members of the Scheme. Amanda Switzer, Partner at Hymans and Scheme Actuary: Were delighted to have supported the Trustee in securing a third and final buy-inan incredible milestone in the Schemes de-risking journey. Hymans have been Scheme Actuary to A.G. Barr since 2012, and its been a privilege to work with such a dedicated Trustee board on their long-term journey planning. Weve seen the Schemes funding go from strength to strength and are proud to have played a part in getting to this point where members benefits have been secured - a great outcome for all parties and most importantly, for the Schemes members. Richard Jones, Senior Associate at Shepherd and Wedderburn, said: It was a pleasure working with the Trustee on the third buy-in transaction for the Scheme. We have been legal advisers to the Scheme since 2009 and advised the Trustee on the previous two buy-ins with Canada Life. The Trustee has had a clear and well-developed strategy for the Scheme and completing this final buy-in transaction represents a significant outcome, providing greater security for the Schemes members. By Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive, at the Fair4All Finance Delivering Financial Inclusion Together Conference. Ones you can see in the realities people face every day: in the choices they make, the help they look for, and the support they can or cannot find. Listening to a call with Citizens Advice in Caerphilly, I heard from someone with multiple debts, caring responsibilities and health issues. Overwhelmed by the complexity of the system, she felt unable to act. She had no clear, trusted way of understanding how to get out of debt. Similarly in Bournemouth, I met a volunteer for Christians Against Poverty who was once a client. They explained the lack of confidence to even pick up the phone and speak with creditors in the midst of personal crises and anxiety. I heard from Age UK in Truro about the issues in rural communities, with many not knowing how they can pay for basics without cash. Formally included but effectively excluded in practice. These stories are more common than most realise and reflect a structural issue. We, like Fair4All Finance, have been involved in the development of the new Financial Inclusion strategy which will be published shortly. The UK has made solid progress. Ten years ago, basic banking was out of reach for many. Today, more people have accounts than ever before, digital banking has opened access, and cash availability has been protected. We are working, alongside F4AF, to increase the supply of affordable credit through partnerships and innovation. You have helped expand access and deployed dormant asset funding on inclusion. On insurance too, working to improve take up among often excluded groups. These steps matter because inclusion is about more than simply opening the door to new products. It is not a once-and-done exercise. Its about expanding availability of choices at predictable points in life when financial decisions are made. More people, making confident, informed decisions, and choosing the right tool to help. The capability gap Increased access alone doesnt guarantee successful outcomes for individuals or the wider system. Those depend on financial capability: the knowledge, confidence and support to make good choices or avoid bad ones. And this is where a particular problem lies. Over the past decade access to new products has exploded and yet, while we have seen some improvement in capability, the rate has not been anywhere near the same. That imbalance carries consequences. As of May 2024, 67% of renters did not hold contents insurance. That can decide whether a theft or leak is a minor inconvenience or a serious financial setback. One in 10 adults are not confident in their ability to identify a potential scam, rising to 16% for adults with a household income of less than 15,000 and 17% for those over 75. Households which may not be able to stand the shock of losing money to scams. Research shows that fewer than 15% of consumers consistently pay down their highest interest balance first. These arent necessarily failures of personal responsibility or intelligence. Theyre the result of people reaching key financial decisions without the support, confidence or tools to act well. But why has financial capability lagged behind increased access? Rapid digitisation has played a major role, placing complex products at peoples fingertips. Crypto, Contracts for Difference (CFDs), FX: all traded through apps. A global phenomenon. The OECD is looking at whether financial capability strategies are keeping pace. Secondly, theres fragmentation. A lot of activity across government departments in different nations, the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), banks, insurers, schools and charities, but with scope for greater coordination. Good initiatives not always reaching the people who need them most. Thirdly, capability is still too often treated as an add-on under community engagement rather than a key part of how firms design products and services. We know some firms do this well but for others it feels like more of a gesture and where understanding isnt built in, and communications arent built for customers, then confusion thrives. Meanwhile, responsibility and risk for financial decisions is increasingly shifting to individuals. Auto-enrolment, credit offers, tenancy decisions all personal choices with real consequences. But the right support mechanisms havent kept up. More access to information than ever before, yes. But is it the right type of information, at the right time? Finally, the benefits of capability are hard to measure effectively. Because their impact shows up in avoided harm rather than headline growth, the debate over investment risks being distorted. But evidence we do have points in the same direction better understanding reduces arrears, complaints and scam losses. We dont need a single multiplier to know that less of this, and better coverage, will strengthen firms and the system. These dynamics reinforce one another. Fragmentation makes delivery uneven. Add-on treatment makes capability a nice-to-have, rather than essential. The measurement debate delays action. So what do we do? We now need to connect financial inclusion and capability. Improved inclusion should be the goal, but capability needs to be enhanced at the same time and potentially more quickly. The Treasury Select Committee underlined this point in their recent work on ISAs, warning against pushing people into riskier investments without the understanding to manage them. They called for a focus on stronger capability and access to advice. If we expand access with capability baked in, we build individual resilience and security. We need to build skills that let people navigate products that may not even yet exist in an AI-driven and automated future while reaching those excluded from the system and encouraging those who opt out to re-engage. This is not the responsibility of one institution like the FCA. Neither financial inclusion nor improving capability are within our exclusive remit. But we are uniquely placed to help fill some of the gaps. We can remove barriers either perceived or actual that stand in the way of firms wanting to do the right thing. Our innovation services have helped firms providing non-traditional affordability and credit scoring tools. Our research like Financial Lives shines a light on where problems exist and our behavioural economic research helps develop solutions. We are also rebalancing risk in the system not just to encourage growth but because there is benefit to consumers. Now, we have heard that with more risk come fewer consumer protections, more chances for things to go wrong. If we intervene more with ever more granular restrictions, we may in fact limit the type of innovation required to bring people into financial services. We have been upfront that some of our revolutionary targeted support changes may result in a worse outcome for some. But not acting leaves millions facing the risk of no support when making key financial decisions. On mortgages too, lenders have told us that they can now lend around 30,000 more, following clarification of our mortgage stress test rule. We judged this a risk worth taking, allowing more people the security that comes with home ownership. People need to be able to make informed choices about the services they are buying, not just be prevented from making any choice at all. Thats why we will help bring together those with an interest in these issues. To focus on capability-by-design at key moments, plain-language explainers, and shared evaluation so successful models can scale. We will say more about this next year. We will also build an evidence base reviewing existing research and commissioning new work to help fill gaps. We will make findings public, so others can align their work. We will continue to warn about scams. Our innovation services will continue to support firms developing products that drive inclusion. We will explore whether our colleagues can use their volunteering days to support financial education, helping to make a real difference on the ground. We will play our part, but we are not the only ones on the pitch. To Government: coordinate and lead. Once the Government has published its Financial Inclusion Strategy, the next step will be to implement it turning ambition into clear outcomes. We would urge the Government to deepen and embed the work in schools, working with others. We are committed to supporting workplace savings and will continue to collaborate with Government and others to promote the successful roll-out of these schemes. MaPS can act as the coordination hub: reducing duplication, setting shared standards, and aligning delivery around predictable life moments. On funding, we also welcome the new focus of dormant assets on financial capability initiatives that could reach the most financially vulnerable. To industry: build on what already works. Banks fund financial education in schools around 7m each year. Many run initiatives to help excluded people open bank accounts. The task now is to expand that good work, so it is consistently ready and available for individuals. That means embedding support into product design, not tacking it on at the end. Employers have a unique role at the start of and during working life. But we must also reach those outside traditional employment including self-employed. And do more to test and publish what works and what doesnt. Conclusion We have made much progress on financial inclusion. But widening access without raising capability leaves people with more choices they dont feel ready to make. If we lift capability to match inclusion, buffers rise; cover improves; more people save and invest with confidence; scams fall. And decisions are taken at the right time, for the right reasons. Trust in the system grows. Government can coordinate, legislate where needed, and sustain this momentum. MaPS can lead on capability and alignment. Industry can build capability into journeys, not bolt it on. And the FCA will play our part by convening, building and sharing evidence, providing clarity, and promoting innovation. Inclusion gives people the tools, and the choice. Capability helps them to use those tools. Getting both right strengthens households and stabilises the system. The direction is set. The momentum is building. Lets take advantage of it to finish the job and transform financial capability. Bengal's Battle Over Ballots: Voter List Revision Sparks Political Firestorm Ahead of 2026 Polls 2 The Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls begins in West Bengal on Tuesday, igniting a political clash between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. What is normally a routine administrative exercise has turned into a political flashpoint, with the BJP hailing the SIR as a move toward transparency, while the TMC has accused the poll body of acting under BJP pressure to manipulate the voter rolls. Both parties see the revision as the first major test before the state heads to polls next year. The BJP claims that West Bengals voter rolls are riddled with fake entries, alleging that over 40 lakh duplicate or bogus names existed during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The party expects the revision to eliminate at least one crore such names. Those who thrived on ghost voters and bogus ballots are panicking, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said. The TMC, meanwhile, has mobilised its grassroots machinery to monitor every step of the revision process, vowing to protect genuine voters. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is leading a rally in Kolkata on Tuesday, accusing the Election Commission of conducting a politically motivated exercise aimed at disenfranchising minorities and marginalised groups. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has ordered the appointment of booth-level agents (BLAs) at all 84,000 polling booths to shadow booth-level officers (BLOs) during verification. He has also set up constituency-level war rooms and warned that any arbitrary deletions would trigger mass protests, even threatening to bring one lakh people to Delhi if names are unfairly removed. The BJP has accused the TMC of resorting to intimidation tactics and using its booth muscle to obstruct a clean-up of the rolls. The TMC fears losing its illegal vote bank, a BJP leader alleged. The SIR, which runs from November 4 to December 4, involves house-to-house verification by BLOs. The Election Commission has trained over 80,000 officers and rolled out a 16-point guideline with a dedicated mobile app to track operations. However, the exercise has faced logistical challenges, with teachers deputed as BLOs protesting their absence being marked in school registers and demanding central protection while visiting volatile areas. TMC leaders have claimed that four individuals have died by suicide fearing the loss of their voting rights, though the BJP dismissed these claims as manufactured melodrama. Observers say the SIR has evolved into a symbolic tug-of-war between Bengals two dominant forces the BJPs administrative push backed by central agencies, and the TMCs formidable booth-level organisation. The real contest is not just for votes, but for control, said a Kolkata-based political analyst. This revision will test not only the integrity of Bengals voter list but the strength of both political machines. The enumeration will conclude with the publication of draft rolls on December 9. Objections can be filed until January 8, and the final list is expected on February 7 just two months before the 2026 Assembly elections. In West Bengals fiercely contested politics, every voter name counts and this time, the fight begins not at the ballot box, but at the doorstep. BJP Leader's Son Arrested in Navi Mumbai for Selling Hydro Ganja Sourced from Thailand 2 The Navi Mumbai Polices Anti-Narcotics Cell has arrested Keyur Jayesh Gogri, 29, the son of Beena Gogri, National President of the BJPs Bharat Raksha Manch, for allegedly selling hydro ganja smuggled from Thailand. A raid conducted at Gogris residence in Sector 19, Kharghar, led to the seizure of 800 milligrams of hydro ganja worth 5,000, along with plastic packets, a crusher, and a weighing scale. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Senior Police Inspector Sandeep Nigde raided the Shivsai Building on October 30. A further search of Gogris car revealed additional quantities of hydro ganja hidden under the seat. According to investigators, the drug was smuggled from Thailand through illegal channels by two of Gogris associates. During interrogation, Gogri reportedly confessed that he sourced the ganja from his friend Sharikh, a resident of Bhandup, and occasionally from Noman, who lives in Ulwe. He also admitted to planning to sell the contraband to local youths in Kharghar. Following the seizure, a case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Kharghar Police Station, and Gogri was taken into custody. Police have now intensified their search for Sharikh and Noman, believed to be part of a Thailand-based drug trafficking network. The seized hydro ganja has a clear international trail connected to Thailand. We are tracing the two other suspects involved in this smuggling network, said Senior Police Inspector Sandeep Nigde. Coimbatore Horror: Three Men Arrested for Gang-Raping 20-Year-Old Student Near Airport, Injured in Police Encounter 2 The Coimbatore Police have arrested three men accused of gang-raping a 20-year-old college student near Coimbatore International Airport, Commissioner Saravana Sundar confirmed on Tuesday. The accused identified as Guna, Karuppasamy, and Karthik alias Kaleeswaran were shot in the leg during an encounter while attempting to escape police custody. They were later admitted to the Coimbatore Government Hospital for treatment. A head constable also sustained injuries during the exchange, officials said. The shocking incident took place on Sunday night when the victim and her male friend were attacked by the trio in a secluded area near the airport. According to police, the assailants arrived in a vehicle, assaulted the victims friend, and kidnapped the student before sexually assaulting her. The traumatised victim was later found abandoned, while her friend, upon regaining consciousness, immediately alerted authorities. Police then launched a rescue operation and apprehended the suspects. The crime has sparked public outrage across Tamil Nadu. BJP Mahila Morcha National President Vanathi Srinivasan visited the crime scene and criticised the police for terming the area remote. She argued that the location, contrary to police claims, is easily accessible and surrounded by residential colonies. We are standing at the spot where the incident took place. The car window was broken, and she was dragged away to a nearby location. This is not a remote area; people live close by. Its alarming that such anti-social activities are allowed here, she told ANI, demanding stricter surveillance and safety measures for women. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagams General Secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, also condemned the attack, expressing deep concern over womens safety in Tamil Nadu. He described the crime as shocking and unacceptable and urged swift and stern action against the culprits. The news that a college student in Coimbatore has become a victim of gang rape and violence has caused immense shock. This reflects the unsafe environment where women cannot move freely even in urban areas, he said in a statement on X. The accused are currently under police custody, and further investigation into the case is underway. Stalin Dares PM Modi to Speak in Tamil Nadu, Accuses Him of 'Vote Politics' 2 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of indulging in vote politics during his recent speech in Bihar. He also questioned whether the prime minister had the courage to make such remarks in Tamil Nadu. Stalin claimed that PM Modi had referred to Tamil Nadu as a place merely meant for visitors to reside. Does he have the courage to speak like that in Tamil Nadu? Stalin asked, addressing a gathering at party MP A. Manis family function on Monday. Declaring that no amount of conspiracies, slander, or fake news would derail his party, Stalin asserted, No matter what anyone does, I can assure you that the DMK will form the government again in 2026. The chief minister said the DMK was determined to free Tamil Nadu from the clutches of the AIADMK, accusing the opposition party of hypocrisy over the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Referring to the all-party meeting on the SIR exercise held on November 2which was boycotted by both the BJP and the AIADMKStalin accused AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami of double standards. He said it was the duty of all political parties to oppose the SIR exercise, which he described as one that snatches away the voting rights of the people of Tamil Nadu and buries democracy. WAYNE, Pa., and HOOKSETT, N.H., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Argosy Healthcare Partners (AHP), a lower middle market private equity firm focused exclusively on healthcare, announced today a recapitalization and partnership with Integrated Solutions for Benefits and Insurance Services (IS Benefits). Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Hooksett, New Hampshire, IS Benefits partners with healthcare organizations, employers and their brokers to navigate the complex landscape to address high dollar risk and stop loss coverage needs to effectively manage their exposure while delivering valuable benefits to their employees and families. "Our mission at IS Benefits has been to simplify the complex and deliver meaningful, transparent and measurable value to our clients and partner organizations," said Nancy Young, Founder and President of IS Benefits. "We have built our reputation by combining deep expertise in stop loss underwriting, specialty drug management, and claims auditing with a highly consultative, relationship-driven approach. Partnering with AHP allows us to scale that model, invest in new technology, broaden our reach, and continue delivering cost savings and clarity to self-funded employers nationwide." "Healthcare costs continue to climb, driven by rising utilization, specialty drug expenses, and increasing regulatory complexity," said Paul Barrett, Managing Partner at AHP. "As a result, more employers are migrating to self-funded insurance models, where effective cost-containment strategies and access to stop-loss solutions are essential. Nancy has built an exceptional business in a rapidly growing market, and we are honored to support IS Benefits in its next phase of growth." Integrated Solutions IS Benefits specializes in delivering competitive stop loss insurance pricing and cost containment programs for self-funded employers through expertise in stop-loss underwriting, high dollar specialty drug management, and claim auditing solutions. Argosy Healthcare Partners Argosy Healthcare Partners is a lower middle market private equity firm dedicated to healthcare. AHP partners with founder owned healthcare businesses anywhere in the US with $1.0 $3.0 million of EBITDA and executes control transactions. AHP is a platform built for founder-owned companies to support their culture, reinvest in their business, and help accelerate growth. For further information, please visit Integrated Solutions: www.is-benefits.com Argosy Healthcare Partners: www.argosyhp.com Contact Integrated Solutions Nancy Young, Founder [email protected] Argosy Healthcare Partners Paul Barrett, Managing Partner [email protected] SOURCE Argosy Healthcare Partners An Alabama man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a young girl and filming himself during the abuse. David Ezra Benton, 34, appeared Tuesday before Pike County Circuit Judge Shannon Clark and pleaded guilty to 14 counts of sexual abuse of a child under 12, four counts of first-degree sodomy and 18 counts of production of obscene material, said 12th Judicial Circuit District Attorney James Tarbox. Benton, initially arrested in 2023, was set to go to trial Wednesday. Had the case gone to trial, Tarbox said, prosecutors intended to introduce testimony and evidence that showed that in October 2021, Benton was socializing with friends at their home. Throughout the night, Benton would excuse himself to use the restroom or find some other excuse to enter the home and would actually enter the bedroom of the young girl. Benton filmed himself sexually abusing the victim on his cell phone, Tarbox said. The victim and her family agreed to the plea agreement and its terms. Benton was sentenced to 30 years in prison to serve day-for-day with no good time or parole. The Pike County Sheriffs Office led the investigation. The Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center, and the Alabama Attorney Generals Office assisted in the investigation and prosecution. At the time of Bentons arrest, Sheriff Russell Thomas said, This was a tough case to work with, to have such a young child and the things that the investigators and in the DAs office and everyone else had to see and deal with. The victim in this case was prepared to testify and tell her truth about the terrible, vile, and disgusting things that David Benton did to her back in October 2021, Tarbox said, but her preference was to avoid having to do so. I want to thank her for her bravery and thank her and her family for enduring this lengthy legal process with our office, he said. This case has had many well-publicized circumstances and aggravating instances, the district attorney said. In the end, Defendant Benton said the words weve all been waiting on for four years, Guilty. A 42-year-old man has been charged in connection with a massive fire Friday on Birminghams Southside. Joshua Jay Mitchell, who lists a Randolph County address, is charged with second-degree arson, according to court records made public Monday. According to authorities and court records, Mitchell started a fire at 5:33 a.m. Friday at 1210 20th Street South, which is the location of Big Escape Room and about a block away from the blaze that destroyed multiple buildings. Officials say he also set other fires that morning which sparked the massive blaze on Cobb Lane and 20th Street South. The fires were not fully extinguished until Saturday night. Mitchell, the warrant states, did intentionally damage a building by starting or maintaining a fire or causing an explosion. A motive has not been disclosed. Mitchell is also charged with criminal trespass, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 1:33 p.m. Saturday and remains held with bond set at $30,000. Birmingham firefighters were dispatched to Southside, in the area of 13th Avenue South and Cobb Lane at 5:53 a.m. Crews began working the fire at a vacant commercial building - the origin of the fire - which then spread to adjacent residential buildings, creating a plume of smoke that could be seen throughout the city. Firefighters remained on the scene until Saturday night. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Battalion Chief Clay Hendon said Sunday that the main building impacted by the fire was a total loss, and its likely that the other three buildings that the fire spread to will have the same result from the damage. That will ultimately be determined after an inspection by building inspectors structural engineers, Hendon said in a Facebook post. Power has been restored to the area, except for the four buildings that caught fire, he added. Fifteen Alabama restaurants have been selected for inclusion in the new Michelin Guide to the American South. Thats a big deal for these eateries, now recommended to folks who follow the influential series of travel guides sponsored by the French tiremaker Michelin. Five restaurants Bayonet, OvenBird, La Fete and Pizza Grace in Birmingham; and The Noble South in Mobile were among the 50 Michelin selections named as Bib Gourmand, indicating good food at moderate prices. Ten more restaurants seven in Birmingham, two in Huntsville and one in Auburn made the Recommended list of more than 150 dining spots. This means theyve been scouted by Michelins team of anonymous inspectors and given an enthusiastic thumbs up. Also, Pardis Stitt of Birminghams Bottega received a Michelin Outstanding Service Award, one of four special awards bestowed this year. Although no restaurants in Alabama earned the coveted star that signals culinary excellence in the Michelin rating system, simply being chosen for the guide is a coup. The new American South guide covers six states Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee plus the pre-existing Atlanta guide. A total of 228 restaurants chosen for the guide were honored at a ceremony at Peace Center in Greenville, S.C Michelins five Bib Gourmand picks in Alabama: Cobia schnitzel with gribiche and piparra peppers at Bayonet in Birmingham, Ala. (Photo by Andrew Lee; used with permission from the Sprouthouse Agency) Where: 2015 Second Ave. North, Birmingham. What: Seafood restaurant and raw bar, opened in March 2025 by chef Rob McDaniel, a James Beard Award semifinalist, and his wife, Emily McDaniel. The couple also owns Helen, a fine-dining restaurant next-door. Potato pave at La Fete in Birmingham, Ala. (Photo by Stacy K. Allen; used with permission from La Fete) Where: 2018 Morris Ave., Birmingham. What: Parisian-inspired wine bar and bistro, founded in 2022 by chef Kristen Hall. Shes also known for Bandit Patisserie, a bakery that specializes in small batch, seasonally driven pastries in Birmingham. The beef fat candle is a favorite at OvenBird, Chris and Idie Hastings' live fire, casual restaurant at Pepper Place in Birmingham. (AL.com file photo/Tamika Moore) Where: 2810 Third Ave. South, Birmingham. What: Casual, live-fire restaurant founded in 2015 by Chris Hastings. Hes a James Beard Award winner, one of Birminghams best-known chefs and the owner of Hot and Hot Fish Club. Begun by veteran pastry chef Ryan Westover and Helene Jones, Pizza Grace specializes in naturally leavened, whole wheat flour, and hand-mixed dough. Pizza Grace Where: 2212 Morris Ave., Suite 105, Birmingham. What: High-end pizza restaurant founded in 2021 by chef Ryan Westover. The Noble South combines the charm of an airy, old-school Dauphin Street interior with a constantly changing farm-to-table menu. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Where: 203 Dauphin St., Mobile. What: Farm-to-table restaurant focused on elevated Southern cuisine, founded in 2014 by chef Chris Rainosek. The Noble South was featured in 2023 on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieris Food Network series. Students in Auburn University's School of Hospitality Management will earn real-time experience working in the kitchen of the training restaurant 1856 in AU's Rane Culinary Science Center. (Photo by Mason Erwin; used with permission) Michelins 10 Recommended restaurants in Alabama: Where: 205 S. College St., Auburn. What: Fine dining and teaching restaurant for Auburn Universitys Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management. The raw bar is a crowd-pleaser at Automatic Seafood and Oysters in Birmingham. (Photo by Cary Norton) Where: 2824 Fifth Ave. South, Birmingham. What: Elegant seafood restaurant founded in 2019 by chef Adam Evans, a James Beard Award winner. Parmesan souffle at Bottega restaurant in Birmingham. (AL.com file photo/Tamika Moore) Where: 2240 Highland Ave., Birmingham. What: Southern-flavored, Italian-inspired restaurant, opened in 1988 by chef Frank Stitt, a James Beard Award winner, and his wife Pardis Stitt. Birmingham, Ala., chef Frank Stitt and his wife, Pardis, opened their French bistro Chez Fonfon in Birmingham's Five Points South neighborhood in 2000. (Photo by Tamika Moore) Where: 2007 11th Ave. South, Birmingham. What: French bistro, founded in 2000 by chef Frank Stitt and his wife, Pardis Stitt, acclaimed for its upscale cheeseburger and pommes frites. A Half Peking Duck with scallion pancakes, local lettuces and house-made condiments at Current Charcoal Grill in Birmingham, Ala. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) Where: 1625 Second Ave. South. Birmingham. What: Asian-inspired restaurant, founded in 2024 by chefs Adam Evans and Luke Joseph. Evans, a James Beard Award winner, also owns Automatic Seafood and Oysters. Angel biscuits at Helen restaurant in Birmingham, Ala. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com) Where: 2013 Second Ave. North, Birmingham. What: Contemporary Southern restaurant founded in 2020 by Rob and Emily McDaniel, known for its signature angel biscuits. The Hot and Hot Tomato Salad at Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Ala. (Photo courtesy of Hot and Hot Fish Club; used with permission) Where: 2901 Second Ave. South, Suite 110, Birmingham. What: Restaurant devoted to a blend of Southern, French and California styles of cooking, founded in 1995 by chef Chris Hastings, a James Beard Award winner, and his wife, Idie Hastings. The pork muso bucco with plantain gnocchi at Purveyor, a restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com_ Matt Wake What: 201 Jefferson St. North, Huntsville. Where: Casual fine-dining restaurant founded in 2017 by Matt and Stephanie Mell, owners of Church Street Wine Shoppe. Reve, a tasting-menu restaurant from chef Jacob Stull, opens March 8, 2025, in the Pizitz Food Hall in Birmingham, Ala. (Photo by Mason David Erwin; used with permission) Where: 1821 Second Ave. North, Suite 176, Birmingham. What: Fine dining restaurant that offers a tasting menu of French favorites, founded in 2025 by chef Jacob M. Stull. Half rack of ribs with loaded potato salad, Gochujang cucumber and mint salad, house peach barbecue sauce and Korean BBQ sauce at Salt Smokehouse in Huntsville, Alabama. (Matt Wake/mwake@al.com) Matt Wake Where: 1300 Meridian St., Huntsville. What: Elevated barbecue restaurant, founded in 2024 by chef Rene Boyzo and his partner, Ari Cahy. All 228 selections for the Michelin Guide to the American South can be seen here. The cuisine of the American South is a rich blend of cultural influences, brought to life by skilled chefs who have crafted some of the regions most iconic dishes, said Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin Guides international director, via a news release. Our anonymous inspectors were deeply impressed by the regions culinary prowess, and this inaugural selection reflects their findings from Southern staples like barbecue, Creole and seafood to international flavors." Authorities have released the name of a Eutaw woman who was killed in a fiery crash with garbage truck in Hale County. Alabama State Troopers on Tuesday identified the woman as Janae L. Neese. She was 26. The wreck happened at 7:40 a.m. Friday on Alabama 14, about 10 miles east of Eutaw. Trooper Sgt. Reginal King said Neese was driving a Hyundai Elantra that struck the rear of the Freightliner M2 garbage truck driven by 31-year-old Demondre L. Pernell of Greensboro. After the impact, King said, the Hyundai caught fire. Neese was pronounced dead on the scene. A 5-year-old and an 11-year-old, both passengers in the Hyundai, were injured and airlifted to an area hospital for treatment. The investigation is ongoing by troopers. As millions of Americans head home for the holidays, Bankrates latest survey finds that theres one dinner topic that will likely generate more heartburn than the typical conversation taboos about politics or religion: its money. The national opinion poll found that about 3 in 5 U.S. adults (61%) said they would be uncomfortable talking about their bank account balances with family members or close friends. And other financial subjects like credit card debt or annual salaries dont spark much enthusiasm either. In comparison, Bankrates Financial Taboos Survey found that about 1 in 4 were similarly uncomfortable sharing their political (24%) views and nearly 1 in 5 were resistant to sharing their religious (18%) views. Talking about money may feel weird, but Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning at Morningstar, thinks its worth it to push through the unease. For better or worse, money is a key determinant of what were able to achieve, Benz says. Education is expensive, and saving for retirement is an increasingly heavy lift as people live longer. More Americans are comfortable discussing politics rather than money Bank account balances arent the only awkward topic. Nearly half of U.S. adults said they would be uncomfortable discussing their credit card debt (47%) and salary (45%). In comparison, a much smaller portion of Americans say they would be uncomfortable with such sensitive topics as their weight (31%), political views (24%) and religious views (18%). Even ones love life seems to be less awkward of a topic for some Americans than the state of their bank accounts, with 51% of U.S. adults saying they would be uncomfortable discussing matters of the heart with family or close friends Americans have consistently expressed this level of aversion to talking about money. In 2024, a similar Bankrate survey found that 38% of U.S. adults said they were comfortable talking about their bank account balance, and 52% about their credit card debt. Younger people feel more comfortable with conversations about money The survey found that younger adults were more likely than older generations to feel comfortable talking about money. A lot of it is generational, Benz says. Older age cohorts were raised in an era when there were simply certain things you didnt talk about. Salary, for instance, was something you would never divulge, even among friends. Thats an attitude that Joseph Mallia, 26, of Toronto, doesnt share. Mallia, who works in marketing for a fintech company, said he loves talking about investing and saving with his family and peers. Mallia began learning about these subjects at the age of 19 and enjoys encouraging others to do the same. Everybody has a different perspective and different lifestyle, and some people arent fortunate enough to have disposable income to put aside or to invest, he says. In terms of what Im learning, its more just from other [peoples] situations and how they think about money. Women are less comfortable talking about money The stigma around money conversations might be especially present among women. For a good part of the 20th century, many women werent working outside the home or equal participants in family financial matters, Benz says. There was this sense that money was something women didnt discuss, or even that it was impolite for them to do so. According to the survey results, women are less likely to be open to talk about all three money categories. Money is a significant source of stress for many women. Forty-five percent of women say money negatively affects their mental health, according to Bankrates Money and Mental Health Survey. The discomfort around the topic might further worsen the issue, preventing women from reaching out for advice and seeking solutions. Yet its vital for women to feel part of the conversation, Benz says, both to ask questions and challenge authority. Women face unique challenges in their financial lives, which can include leaving the workforce to care for children or elderly family members. And despite women doing well in terms of starting salaries and educational attainment relative to men, the pay gap persists. Open, informed discussions about money can help women advocate for themselves and make stronger financial decisions. Thirty-six percent of women said they have never successfully negotiated for a pay raise, compared to 28% of men, according to Bankrates Financial Habits Survey. More women feeling empowered when talking about money might be exactly the thing to improve these numbers. How to learn to talk about money It may be tempting to leave money out of the conversation. Its a topic that often makes people feel vulnerable and triggers a sense of shame. The best way to become comfortable with such conversations is to engage in them, Benz says. She recommends finding a group or community where people discuss financial subjects. Whether its a group like the Bogleheads that talks about investing or a Facebook page where people share their debt journeys, it can be a good place to start. Practice really helps, Benz says. The more you engage in financial matters reading, joining a community where people actively talk about money the more confident youll become. Methodology: This survey has been conducted using an online interview administered to members of the YouGov Plc panel of individuals who have agreed to take part in surveys. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,474 U.S. adults, of whom 1,695 have lent money and/or paid for a group expense with the expectation of being paid back. Fieldwork was undertaken between September 15-17, 2025. The survey was carried out online and meets rigorous quality standards. It gathered a non-probability-based sample and employed demographic quotas and weights to better align the survey sample with the broader U.S. population. ___ (Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.) 2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, who will become Mayor Nick Derzis in less than a couple of hours, signed off the police radio for the last time as an officer. (Photo courtesy of Hoover Police) Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis, who will become Mayor Nick Derzis in less than a couple of hours, signed off the police radio for the last time as an officer. The sign-off, which is tradition for all police officers, when they retire was a touching moment to hear. Tears and tears, wrote Empress Elettaria on Twitter. Listening to Adam-1, Police Chief Nick Derzis, signing off for the last time after 45 years in law enforcement. To the Hoover Police Department, thank you for having me, Derzis said on the nearly five-minute radio exchange. To my family, thanks for sharing me. To the citizens of Hoover, thanks for the support that youve given us. Youve truly been a partner. I have truly been blessed by the past 45 years, said Derzis, aka Adam-1. Ive had the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest and talented individuals who have ever worn the badge, individuals who have a servants heart. Its not an easy job weve got, he said. If you ever thought about quitting, remember why you started, remember the first day that you came to work. Remember the standard of excellence that weve built, and that pursuit never ends, he said. And remember the motto that I love saying every day, Nobody does it like we do. You guys keep it rolling, please stay safe, God bless you. A dispatcher responded with praise and gratitude. As chief, you have led with integrity, vision and excellence, setting a standard of leadership that has earned respect, not only within your department and across Alabama, but throughout the nation. You have truly exemplified what it means to server with honor, pride and dignity, she said. Thank you, chief, Other dispatchers and officers chimed in. Adam-1, today marks the close of a remarkable law enforcement career and your final shift as Hoovers police chief, another dispatcher said. Other send-offs from officers included, Thanks for taking care of us, chief, and Keep wearing those nice suits. The swearing-in ceremony for Derzis and other newly elected and returning city leaders will begin at 6 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Hoover High School. Site work is ongoing at the Greenbrier Preserve development in the Limestone County portion of Huntsville. New construction makes up a quarter of all home sales in the metro. Jan. 16, 2025. Scott Turner/AL.com The first of more than 1,100 homes planned for the Greenbrier Preserve development in the Huntsville part of Limestone County are already under construction. To the developments west off the Interstate 65-565 interchange, a 395-acre site once used for farming is expected to become the site of about 3,000 homes and other forms of housing in a mixed-use development to be known as Westmoore Landing. The two developments could be just the tip of the iceberg in the southeastern corner of the county once known for cotton fields that are now within the city limits of Alabamas largest city. According to the update of Huntsvilles master plan for Limestone County approved by the Planning Commission on Tuesday, about 113,000 housing units of various types are forecast in the next 50 years for more than 45,000 acres in an area south of U.S. 72 and east of U.S. 31. More than 24,000 of the acres are already in the city, with another 21,000 possibly annexed in the future. The forecast doesnt just include housing, according to the citys Manager of Urban and Long-Range Planning Dennis Madsen. The forecast also includes 13 million square feet of office space, 74 million square feet of industrial space, 9 million square feet of retail space and 120,000 jobs. Conceptual drawing of the town center of the proposed Westmoore Landing development in the Limestone County portion of Huntsville. City of Huntsville The proposed Westmoore Landing development east of I-65 and south of Alabama 20 has already been compared to the Village of Providence and fits into the update of the master plan that Madsen presented. Madsen said future developments could also mirror Hays Farm in south Huntsville or Bridge Street Town Centre. The forecast also includes a research park that would be needed as Cummings Research Park the second largest in the nation reaches build out. A possible location would be near major employers such as the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing facility. The master plan update also calls for protection for possible westward expansion of Huntsville International Airport, as well as protection of wetlands and the development of greenways and parks for recreational use. New Huntsville schools in Limestone County are possible It also calls for multiple city schools. Madsen said the city is coordinating with Huntsville City Schools on plans for the area. A pre-K through 8 school is already included in the districts 10-year, $600 million capital plan. District 5 City Councilman John Meredith who represents that part of the city has also advocated for a high school in Limestone County since students there within the city must attend Columbia High School near Cummings Research Park. The update also calls for one or more new interchanges for I-65. Huntsville updated its master plan for more than 45,000 acres in southeast Limestone County. City of Huntsville Madsen pointed out the city commissioned a study on Oct. 9 for a new interchange north of the I-565 interchange at Exit 340 and south of Huntsville Brownsferry Road at Exit 347. The objective is to provide connectivity between U.S. 31, I-65 and Greenbrier Parkway. The study, which is expected to be completed by July 2026, will be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration and the Alabama Department of Transportation for review. The master plan for Limestone County was originally developed in 2011. Madsen said the areas explosive growth warranted an update. The master plan originally studied a little more than 9,300 acres. One of the reasons we wanted to undertake this master plan update is that the economic development out there has been explosive, he said. Its been very successful. We have some very large clients out there. We want to make sure that housing is keeping up with it. Its one thing to have jobs. We want to make sure housing is with the jobs. We want to make sure a lot of supportive uses are co-located with that housing, too. Among the updates goals are upgrading the infrastructure as the area develops, including build out of the road grid that is already in place as subdivisions are built. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt received an honorary doctorate from Tuskegee Universitys board of trustees during the HBCUs homecoming weekend. The politician said she was blown away to receive the Doctorate of Laws degree during her speech at the convocation ceremony held at the University Chapel on Sunday. This years homecoming theme was Tuskegee Renaissance Era. Britt talked about how she was moved by the universitys legacy and history as she visited the campus while she was on the campaign trail. She said the universitys heritage, students, administration and staff made her commit to the university. I know its not lost on any of you that you walk through history each and every day. You students walk in the footsteps of giants. But I believe that you are making history yourself, Britt said before mentioning the legacies of George Washington Carver and Birmingham native Zachary White II, a Tuskegee grad who became a U.S. White House fellow in 2024 and is now a chief resident physician at Stanford University. Tuskegee University President Dr. Mark A Brown welcomed Britt by expressing his appreciation for the way she secured $6.7 million in federal funding for the universitys new flight program and how she and other politicians called on the U.S. Air Force to reinstate videos about the Tuskegee Airmen in the military curriculum after they were removed during the early days of Trump administration anti-DEI directives. Brown asked the aviation students to stand up during the convocation. He noted Tuskegees history in working with politicians to secure the success of the university. Today we continue to benefit from the political savvy from a modern day political tycoon, a congressional leader and public servant to her community, Senator Katie Britt, Brown said. Her actions as a senator tell us that she believes in the power of unleashing human potential. During her speech, Britt encouraged the students to persevere. Because, as the first female elected in the state of Alabama to serve in the United States Senate, I am well aware that the world does place limitations on us. And if I stood up here and told you anything different, I wouldnt be being honest with you. But what I have found in life, that it is the ones that we place on ourselves that do the most damage, Britt said. So believe in what is possible. Know that these men and women are pushing you to stretch to your limit, because they know that God has a purpose and a plan for you. And everyones skills and gifts and talents that the Lord has given you are different, but it is incumbent upon you to use them to continue to build off of the incredible legacy that we have here and contribute to the continued success of this incredible institution. It is an honor to be here with you all today. It is an honor to have gotten this doctorate and to officially be part of the Tuskegee family. Britts selection to receive an honorary doctorate received mixed reviews from students, alumni and fans of the university. In comments on Tuskegees Facebook and Instagram pages, some thanked Britt for her work, while others expressed their distress and concern about Britts politics, such as her affiliation with President Donald Trump. The University has since limited comments on both social media platforms about Britt getting the degree. Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis gives his first public address as the city's new mayor on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at Government Plaza in Mobile, Ala. John Sharp Mobiles mayoral administration will no longer have a chief of staff, while the mayors main campaign advisor is returning to city government in an administrative role. But there are few major changes in Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis administration compared with retiring Mayor Sandy Stimpson, who endorsed Cheriogotis during this years mayoral campaign. The changes were released Tuesday, one day after Cheriogotis was sworn in as mayor. Mayor Stimpson built an incredible team, and I am excited to work alongside some of the exceptional leaders who helped him transform Mobile over the last decade, Cheriogotis said in a statement. We will also be implementing a new leadership structure that will allow me to have a complete view of whats happening across every city department and better support the exceptional work already being done. The biggest change is removing the title chief of staff, last held by James Barber, a former executive director of public safety and police chief. Rather than having the position, Cheriogotis is establishing a direct reporting structure with eight cabinet members who will oversee major city operations, according to a news release. Barber will remain with the city in the role of Chief of Operations, a new title that involves overseeing Public Works, Finance, and Engineering and Infrastructure departments. Jimmy Barber has been a great chief of staff, Cheriogotis said to the media after the Mobile City Council meeting on Tuesday. I want there to be more direct communication with the mayor. There are issues I want to pay particular attention to. I want there to be multiple streams of information and collaboration between myself, and my cabinet. Candace Cooksey, who helped run Cheriogotis mayoral campaign, was appointed as Executive Director of Public Affairs. The release says the new cabinet members will support the new mayors top priorities of improving public safety, supporting growth and development, enhancing city services and elevating Mobilians quality of life. The administrative cabinet, according to Cheriogotis, strikes a balance between continuity and fresh perspective. Most of the citys executive directors and department heads under Stimpsons administration will remain in their current roles. Cheriogotis said the restructuring will also lead to changes in pay, and the citys administrative staff is expected to release more details about that later on Tuesday Sometimes it takes really good people to move the city forward, Cheriogotis said. Im happy to move it forward. Here are those appointed to the Cheriogotis cabinet: Senior Advisor, Director of Civic and Cultural Affairs Cory Adair: An experienced strategist who has led local and statewide political operations, and a former member of the Mobile Museum of Arts Board of Trustees and Foundation, Adair will also oversee the citys museums and city-appointed boards. Chief of Operations James Barber: A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and 28-year veteran of the Mobile Police Department, Barber rose to the rank of Chief of Police and later served as Public Safety Director before becoming Chief of Staff to Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Chief of Building and Planning Shayla Beaco: With more than 25 years of experience in urban planning and community development, Beaco previously served as Executive Director of Build Mobile overseeing planning, historic development, building inspections, and zoning. In this role, Beaco will continue to improve the processes that help Mobiles businesses and neighborhoods thrive, according to the news release. Executive Liaison to City Council Keysha Brown: In her role as Executive Liaison to the City Council, Brown will be assigned to strengthening the relationship and alignment between the Mayors Office and the City Council. Executive Director of Public Affairs Candace Cooksey: A seasoned political consultant and public affairs professional, Cooksey has nearly 20 years of experience in communications and government relations. She joined the City of Mobile in 2020 and has served as Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs and as a Senior Political Advisor to Stimpson. Executive Director of Public Safety Curtis L. Graves: Graves has earned statewide recognition for advancing trauma-informed and prevention-first approaches to policing. He is committed to making Mobile safer and strengthening partnerships that support victims, families, and communities, according to the news release. The previous Executive Director of Public Safety was Rob Lasky. Cheriogotis said that Lasky will remain with the city as the director of risk management. Hes had a long, great career where he has served our country, and our city, Cheriogotis said of Lasky. He needs a little more time with family. I think wants that. Hes happy to dial back the stress. Graves will fill the position only if the City Council approves it. Cheriogotis said he hopes Graves will be more involved in the public relations aspects of the job. We do a lot with public safety in our city that our citizens just dont know about, Cheriogotis said. I think Commander Graves will help us with that tremendously. Chief of Administrative Services Capt. Joseph H. Snowden (Ret.): A 32-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Coast Guard, Capt. Snowden gained extensive leadership experience in the armed services. Since 2020, he has overseen Administrative Services, which includes the Mobile Cruise Terminal, Risk Management, Animal Services, Human Resources, and Information Technology. City Attorney Ricardo Woods: The managing partner at Burr Forman LLP, Woods has practiced law in Mobile for over 20 years and has more than a decade of experience representing elected officials and public-sector entities, including the City of Mobile. This story was updated at 12:39 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2025, to include additional comments from Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell thanked Birmingham for stepping up to allocate $1 million to help feed SNAP recipients who may not receive all their benefits during the federal shutdown. Sewell spoke at the Birmingham City Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com) ggarrison@al.com U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell dropped in on the Birmingham City Council meeting on Tuesday to thank Mayor Randall Woodfin and the council for allocating $1 million to help feed SNAP recipients who may receive lesser amounts of food aid due to the federal government shutdown., The reality is people are struggling, Sewell said. After leaving City Hall, Sewell went to the Community Food Bank to help pack meals. The Trump administration said Monday it will partially fund the SNAP program, after two judges issued rulings requiring it to keep the nations largest food aid program afloat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, had planned to freeze payments starting Nov. 1 because it said it could no longer fund it during the federal government shutdown. SNAP is the nations most extensive anti-hunger program, serving nearly 42 million people nationwide. The program, often referred to in the past as food stamps, serves about 1 in 8 Americans. It costs more than $8 billion per month nationally. The government says an emergency fund it will use has $4.65 billion, enough to cover about half the normal benefits. The average SNAP benefit is $180 per month per person, or about $6 per day, Woodfin noted that nearly 23,000 Birmingham households thats one in four rely on SNAP to keep food on the table. Statewide, more than 750,000 Alabamians depend on more than $140 million in support each month. Sewell said there are enough emergency funds available to cover SNAP payments. Most of them receive under $10 a day, Sewell said of SNAP recipients. Most of them are working poor. About 45 percent of the SNAP recipients in her Seventh Congressional District have children, Sewell said The city approved the $1 million for supplementing SNAP on Tuesday. Woodfin also kicked off a community food drive on Monday at the Christian Service Mission. Im very grateful to the mayor and city council for their efforts, she said. Sewell said that Republicans have distracted Americans by saying that the fight over the budget is over illegal immigrants receiving aid. It is illegal for snap benefits, for healthcare to be given to undocumented immigrants, Sewell said. Its illegal. To bring this up during this debate is to distract and it is a diversion from what we should really be talking about, and that is that, Americans need healthcare. She defended the Affordable Care Act, sometimes called Obamacare. I believe healthcare should be a right for every human being not just for the privileged few, Sewell said. 22 million Americans including 400,000 Alabamians get their healthcare on the ACA Exchange. Everyone has received notice that rates have gone up. Its unconscionable when you have given people access to healthcare and then you make it unaffordable for them to actually access it. The United States can afford to take care of its needy, she said. We are not poor, she said. We make decisions on how we spend money. We should provide for the hungry and the sick and for our veterans. SNAP feeds hungry children, she said. People dont want a handout, Sewell said. They want a hand up. Thats exactly what SNAP provides. Many people on SNAP are the working poor. Sewell snapped at Republican leaders and President Trump for allowing the federal government shutdown to drag on. Nobody wins in a government shutdown, Sewell said. Theyre bad for everyone. With Republiccans in charge of all three branches of government, theyve got control, she said. My Republican colleagues and this president wont sit down to negotiate, Sewell said. I just make a plea to the president every day to the president to please sit down with us, she said. Hes the ultimate arbitrator of this crisis and that the only way we can move forward is with his approval of whatever plan that is. I think all of us know that. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Burdette Beckmann Inc. (BBI), a national sales agency leader in the confectionery industry, is proud to announce the acquisition of Action Sales West Inc., a respected regional sales agency serving California, Nevada, and Arizona. This strategic move strengthens BBI's presence in the Western United States and reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional service and results to clients and customers across the nation. Action Sales West brings decades of experience and deep regional expertise to BBI. Known for its strong relationships and customer-first approach, the company has built a reputation for excellence. BBI expands its Western U.S. reach with the acquisition of Action Sales West, strengthening national coverage. Post this "All of us at Action Sales West are very excited to join the BBI Team," said Darren Kolinsky, President of Action Sales West. "We share the same values and desire to take care of our customers and clients alike. I know that this decision to be a part of such a fine organization will help to grow our business in California, Nevada, and Arizona and take it to the next level." Pat Grant, President of BBI, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "We're thrilled to welcome Action Sales West to BBI. Their team brings a wealth of experience, strong market relationships, and a shared commitment to excellence. This acquisition is a natural fit and a powerful step forward in our mission to provide best-in-class service and coverage across the country." The integration of Action Sales West into BBI's national platform will begin immediately, with both teams working closely to ensure a seamless transition for clients and partners. About BBI BBI is a leader in the confectionery industry, specializing in delivering innovative sales and support strategies. With a strong track record in building successful relationships with major retailers, BBI remains committed to providing best-in-class solutions and making a positive impact in the communities it serves. Media Contact Christina Jackson, Director of Marketing & Communications [email protected] www.bbiteam.com SOURCE Burdette Beckmann, Inc. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Tuesday she will use the states emergency fund to support food banks across the state as the federal government shutdown has suspended SNAP benefits. John Sharp Gov. Kay Ivey announced she will use the states emergency fund to support food banks across Alabama as the federal government shutdown has suspended SNAP benefits. The governor will release $2 million to support eight food banks, which together serve all 67 counties. The Alabama Department of Human Resources, which administers SNAP, will also provide an additional $3 million to food banks, along with $300 per child for families enrolled in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to help offset costs after losing food stamps. In total, DHR will give $9 million to food banks this fiscal year. There are real Alabama families who rely on SNAP to put food on their tables, and that includes more than 300,000 children, more than 102,000 seniors and those who are disabled, Ivey said in a statement. We are now in the longest federal government shutdown in history, and it is absolutely ridiculous that families all across our country are suffering whether that is the school children who rely on SNAP, the air traffic controller not receiving a paycheck or even our military and high number of federal government worker families in Alabama, the governor added. Alabama joins 26 other states that have dedicated funding toward food banks after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often referred to as food stamps, would be suspended in November. Federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the suspension was unlawful last week, and ordered the Trump Administration to release the money in their contingency fund to provide benefits for over 40 million Americans this month. It is still unclear when SNAP benefits will be released, though on Monday USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced guidance had been sent states. The team at Alabama DHR is closely reviewing those details today to act as quickly as possible, the governors statement said. As Secretary Rollins notes, this will be a cumbersome process for states and will result in delayed benefits. At this point in Alabama, that exact timeframe is unknown. Further complicating the timeline is a recent statement by President Trump suggesting he may not release the money. On Monday, the Trump administration said it would provide partial benefits this month - about $4.5 billion where SNAP typically costs $8 billion a month. But today he wavered, saying benefits would only be given after the shutdown ends. SNAP BENEFITS, which increased by Billions and Billions of Dollars (MANY FOLD!) during Crooked Joe Bidens disastrous term in office (Due to the fact that they were haphazardly handed to anyone for the asking, as opposed to just those in need, which is the purpose of SNAP!), will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before! Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Food banks across the state have told AL.com that they are prepared to help during the shutdown even as their funding was cut earlier this year. Before the governors announcement today, they said community support would be crucial for keeping them afloat during this disaster situation. Weve added a bunch of people to our lines, and we dont have quick fixes for getting more food or for funds. So I think at this point, were asking the community to help us by donating food or donating funds, Nicole Williams, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, told AL.com. The food banks being supported by the state include the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Food Bank of East Alabama, Food Bank of North Alabama, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Heart of Alabama Food Bank, Selma Area Food Bank, West Alabama Food Bank and the Wiregrass Area Food Bank. More than 750,000 people in Alabama are enrolled in SNAP - thats about 14.5% of the states population. The governor said she will not call a special session to release rainy day funds, adding that the only long-term solution is to end the shutdown. There is only one true solution and that is for Congress to do their one job and reopen the federal government now, Ivey said. This story was updated with additional information about funding provided by DHR after publication. The Priceville City Council appointed Sgt. Jerry Wigginton to the police chief position last week. Councilmembers chose not to re-appoint Chief Jerry Holmes. A new police chief is at the helm of the Priceville Police Department. The city council appointed Sgt. Jerry Wigginton to the position. Councilmembers chose not to re-appoint Chief Jerry Holmes at their Monday meeting. Holmes was at the end of his first term of office. Priceville Mayor Sam Heflin said Holmes wanted to keep his position, but was voted out. Heflin said hes disappointed with the councils decision. I dont understand why youd have somebody that has done a good job for three and a half years and reduce crime in every part of the city, every crime, from car break-ins to business break-ins, all that stuff is down," he explained. And Im not sure why youd make a change with somebody that had that kind of success record. Holmes was the chief when Priceville Police Officer Gary Chapman, son of reality TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter, started a police pursuit that ended in the death of 17-year-old Tristan Hollis and injured three others. Mayor Chapman fired Chapman, but he was later rehired after a successful appeal process. The Hollis family sued Chapman and several other parties, including the City of Priceville. Mayor Heflin said Holmes was not accused of any wrongdoing. Holmes, did what he was supposed to do. Mayor Heflin said he does not know the exact reasons why Holmes was taken out of his position. Priceville City Councilmembers were not immediately available for comment. Even though Mayor Heflin disagrees with their decision, he plans to work hand in hand with his team. What the council and I agreed five years ago when we came into office, that win, lose or draw, when you come out of a vote, if the majority votes, they will all six get behind it, he said. Weve done that over the last five years and I was on the losing side of the vote, but the votes have been made. Theyve made the decision that they made, and so now the six of us will get behind it, and well do everything we can to make Chief Wigginton successful. Chief Wigginton served as the sole Sergeant on the Priceville Police Department, according to Mayor Heflin. He has been with the department for approximately three years, but he has served in other north Alabama departments, including the Decatur Police Department. Mayor Heflin believes Chief Wigginton is extremely knowledgeable about the law and is capable of taking on this role. Chief Wiggintons term started immediately when the council appointed him on Nov. 3. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma, strongly condemned President Donald Trumps sickening decision to not provide SNAP benefits until the government shutdown ends. Sewell responded on X to a Truth Social post Trump made Tuesday where he said SNAP benefits will be, given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government. Funding for the food assistance program ended Saturday amid the ongoing government shutdown. This president has lost his mind!, Sewell said. The fact that he would defy court orders in order to starve hungry families is sickening. Mr. President, follow the law, do your job, and release the SNAP funds!!! This president has lost his mind! The fact that he would defy court orders in order to starve hungry families is sickening. Mr. President, follow the law, do your job, and release the SNAP funds!!! pic.twitter.com/MwlOFskiaD Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) November 4, 2025 Trumps comments contradict his administration saying Monday that SNAP would be funded in November after two federal judges ruled the government must fund the food assistance program, in whole or partially, using a $5 billion contingency fund. Now Trumps administration appears to be poised to defy those orders to fund the program which serves about 1 in 8 Americans and primarily benefits families with children, the elderly and people with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently facing a Wednesday deadline to provide partial food stamp payments. But the USDA said that due to bureaucratic processes it would not be able to make that deadline and was not sure when partial payments could be sent out to all beneficiaries. Gov. Kay Iveys office announced Tuesday that she would send $2 million of the states emergency funds to eight food banks that serve all 67 counties in Alabama. There are real Alabama families who rely on SNAP to put food on their tables, and that includes more than 300,000 children, more than 102,000 seniors and those who are disabled. That is why I am directing $2 million in emergency funding to go towards food banks serving the people of our state, Ivey said. These food banks include Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Food Bank of East Alabama, Food Bank of North Alabama, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Heart of Alabama Food Bank, Selma Area Food Bank, West Alabama Food Bank and the Wiregrass Area Food Bank. Sen. Katie Britt speaks in the Oval Office of the White House on October 16, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) AFP via Getty Images U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., joined The Faulkner Focus on Fox News Tuesday morning to discuss the ongoing government shutdown. Tuesday marks the shutdown lasting 35 days, tying the record for the longest shutdown in history. The other occurred during President Donald Trumps first term over his demands to build the U.S.-Mexico border wall. Look, we cant go another week, Britt said Tuesday. The Democrats need to do the right thing and open back up the government. They know real people are paying the price. There is nowhere that I went across the state of Alabama where people didnt tell me a story about not being able to make ends meet, not being able to feed their family, not being able to pay their bills, she continued. Since the current shutdown began on Oct. 1, following Trumps and Congress failure to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by the deadline, Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Alabama have placed the blame with their opponents. Democrats need to realize there are real consequences, detrimental consequences, for hardworking Americans and Americans who need assistance because of their political games, Britt said. So, we have to open it up, and it needs to be now. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., previously said Republicans are trying to bully Democrats by refusing to negotiate on an extension of expanded Affordable Care Act tax credits that expire at the end of the year, according to the Associated Press. Another test vote Tuesday in the Senate failed, as Democrats rejected a temporary government funding bill, the report states. Were not asking for anything radical, Schumer said. Lowering peoples healthcare costs is the definition of common sense. But Britt said Schumer is demanding a ransom payment that is absolutely despicable." Among other widespread economic impacts caused by the shutdown, roughly 750,000 Alabamians lost access this week to SNAP benefits, which provides food to low-income families. And Trump said in a post to Truth Social Tuesday the administration wont pay for these benefits until after the shutdown ends, in potential defiance of a federal court order and in conflict with what his administration told a judge Monday. Britt told Fox News on Tuesday she and other Republicans were attempting to move a three-bill appropriations package forward to fund SNAP, Veterans Affairs, and the Capitol Police through the end of the year. It would actually allow these things to function for the remainder of the year and get us back moving, she said. So thats one pathway forward to break this logjam and tell Democrats were done with their ridiculousness. The White House says its position remains unchanged and that Democrats must vote to fund the government until talks over health care can begin, according to the AP. Some of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes past controversies have generated sharp criticism from the mostly left-leaning hosts of The View. But her debut appearance on the show Tuesday left the hosts marveling at her evolution both in substance and style. The hard-right Republican is known these days more for her disagreements with GOP leaders and less for the conspiracy theories and confrontations with political enemies that once fueled her rise. You are very different person than I thought you were, Sunny Hostin said about halfway through the 30-minute interview that featured Greene at the table alongside five hosts. Greene, R-Rome, said she has long felt misunderstood by people whose opinions of her were shaped by news coverage that she said gave only a limited perspective. Youve only seen me in clips and in headlines, she said. And thats not fair. The View gave Greene a chance to run down her positions on everything from the government shutdown to the drug wars. The questions were friendly and nonconfrontational, in line with the shows usual tone as a light daytime TV watch. The congresswoman repeated her criticisms of House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has canceled votes for over a month. Greene said Congress is failing voters not having solutions on topics like making health care more affordable. Greene also made it clear that, while she may disagree with President Donald Trump on certain issues, she is still a supporter and a fan, particularly when it comes to his immigration crackdowns. I like Donald Trump, she said. I fought for him to win. Im very thankful for the secure border. Im friends with Laken Rileys mother. Riley was a college student killed on the University of Georgias campus in 2024. The man convicted of murdering Riley is an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela. Greene described her position as being critical of both political parties as she fights to protect families and children. During the interview, Greene doubled down on her prior support for extending health care subsidies, criticism of Israels actions in Gaza and push to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. She said she decided to follow through on accepting an invitation for show despite criticism from some MAGA Republicans because she felt it was important as a woman to sit down with other women and have a constructive conversation and perhaps show the men who are currently in charge at the highest levels of government how its done. Im with women, so I feel really comfortable saying this, she said, Im really tired of the pissing contest in Washington, D.C., between the men. Greene also reiterated that Republicans need a plan for healthcare other than cutting insurance subsidies. When Im talking about weak Republican men, Im talking the leadership in the House and the Senate, Greene said. Theyre not getting our agenda done. She criticized Johnson for keeping the House in recess, saying We should be at work. Greene denies moderating her stances, sidestepping an opportunity to criticize far-right activist Nick Fuentes Tuesday. Oh no, nothing has changed about me, Greene said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 2025 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. President Donald Trump told Dilbert comic strip creator Scott Adams this week that he was working on getting him faster cancer treatment. On Monday, I will ask President Trump, via X, to help save my life, Adams wrote in a post to the platform Sunday. He offered to help me if I needed it. I need it. As many of you know, I have metastasized prostate cancer. Adams wrote that his healthcare provider, Kaiser of Northern California, had approved his application to receive a newly FDA-approved drug called Pluvicto. But they have dropped the ball in scheduling the brief IV to administer it and I cant seem to fix that, the post continues. I am declining fast. I will ask President Trump if he can get Kaiser of Northern California to respond and schedule it for Monday. That will give me a fighting chance to stick around on this planet a little bit longer. Pluvicto is manufactured by Swiss drugmaker Novartis, which claims the drug reduces the risk of progression or death in patients with prostate cancer by 28%. The drug combines radioactive particles that kill cells with molecules that attach themselves to tumors. It is not a cure, but it does give good results to many people, Adams wrote. In a later post, Trump responded, On it. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy joined in, commenting The President wants to help, under Adams post. It is currently unclear how Trump and his team will be helping Adams receive the treatment. Adams revealed in May that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer during an episode of his YouTube show, Real Coffee with Scott Adams. I have the same cancer that Joe Biden has," he said. But Ive had it longer than hes had it. Well, longer than hes admitted having it. So, my life expectancy is maybe this summer. I expect to be checking out from this domain sometime this summer. Adams said the cancer had metastasized to his bones and told viewers that he had been using a walker for months due to a tumor near his spine and was in near-constant pain, describing the condition as intolerable. Dilbert first appeared in 1989, poking fun at office culture. It ran for decades in numerous newspapers but was dropped after publishers denounced comments from Adams as racist, hateful, and discriminatory while saying they would no longer provide a platform for his work. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. The brand new true-crime series Who Hired the Hitman? premieres on Investigation Discovery Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 10/9c. During the series premiere episode, a farmer is found dead on his property, and after an extensive investigation, officers make a shocking discovery as to who committed the crime. How to watch Who Hired the Hitman? Cord cutters looking to add this promising true-crime series to their watchlist can find the series available for streaming through Philo, DIRECTV and Sling. Out of the three streaming platforms that carry ID, Philo is the cheapest option at just $33 a month after its free trial concludes. Philo is considered one of the most affordable traditional cable alternatives out there. At just $33 a month after a 7-day free trial, subscribers can enjoy over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more. Subscribers can also access HBO Max and discovery+ content with a Philo subscription. Streaming Platform Promotion Price Philo 7-day free trial $33/month DIRECTV 5-day free trial $86.99/month Sling No active promotions $45.99/month DIRECTV is one of the leading streaming platforms taking the industry by storm. With plans starting at $86.99 after its 5-day free trial, DIRECTV offers a plethora of live TV channels, tailor-made genre packs to slim down filler overload, and a load of other appealing features. Sling is another great streaming platform replacing basic cable. By offering users a stellar selection of popular TV channels, Sling is a great alternative to the hassle of traditional cable. Sling is also introducing day, week and weekend passes which allow users to choose how long they can access the platform. Plans start at just $45.99 a month after the first month and the new passes start at $4.99. More about this weeks new episode This week, investigators head out to a farm to find its owner dead on the kitchen floor. While there, investigators deem everyone there a suspect in the complicated investigation. As the investigation wears on, officers are led to a shocking discovery that leaves them reeling. More about Who Hired the Hitman? The latest ID series unravels the twisted web of unique murder-for-hire plots, from a murder of a snow plowman that puts his community on edge to a real estate entrepreneur who finds himself at the center of multiple murder attempts. English News Fostering green innovation to power growth in Asia-Pacific Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 3 Novembre 2025 "Innovation is the core driving force of APEC development," said Jeon Byung-seo, director of South Korea's China Economic and Financial Research Institute. He explained that from building a mutually beneficial Digital Silk Road, to integrating more deeply into global innovation networks, and actively participating in global science and technology governance, China has aligned vision with action, working hand in hand with other countries to build an innovative, sustainable, and prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific. By Chen Shangwen, People's Daily As the latest wave of scientific and technological revolution reshapes global industries, the world economy is accelerating toward digitalization, sustainability, and intelligent development, generating strong momentum for global economic integration. As a member of the Asia-Pacific family, China remains committed to ensuring broad access to technological advancements while deepening regional cooperation in green innovation. This approach actively supports higher-quality, more resilient development across the Asia-Pacific region. At Peru's Chancay Port, the first smart and green port in South America, giant blue automated gantry cranes move containers with precision, while self-driving trucks shuttle back and forth. In a central control room, the port's production operation system dispatches tasks to the cranes, rail-mounted gantries, and trucks, directing their automated operations efficiently. This facility has reduced China-Peru shipping times to 23 days while cutting logistics costs by over 20%, exemplifying how innovation drives connectivity and sustainable growth. Innovation is a key driving force for Asia-Pacific development. China has been advancing innovation in digital economy, promoting both industrial digitization and digital industrialization. It has put forward a range of cooperation initiatives under APEC, including digital village development, enterprise digital identity, and the use of digital technology to promote green and low-carbon transition. By fostering new quality productive forces, China is propelling international cooperation and injecting fresh impetus into the Asia-Pacific's transformation toward digital, intelligent, and green development. As a key production factor in digital economy, data plays an increasingly vital role in innovation and public governance. China has released the Global Cross-border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative, offering constructive ideas for addressing governance challenges in cross-border data flows. The initiative outlines China's position on promoting global cooperation in this field, advocating the principle of openness, inclusiveness, security, cooperation, and non-discrimination. In northern Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, the Dzilam mangrove biosphere reserve, covering more than 690 square kilometers, is home to over 590 species of flora and fauna, including dozens of endangered and protected species. Since 2022, a Chinese company, in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the government of Yucatan State, has launched a Tech for Nature digital technology cooperation project. In its first phase, the project collected audio and video data within the reserve and used AI on cloud platforms to analyze and process the information, monitoring biodiversity indicators and providing solid technological support for species protection and ecological research. In Chile, fleets of Chinese-brand electric buses now operate across the capital, Santiago, offering residents a low-carbon, efficient, and convenient solution of public transport. In Malaysia, Chinese enterprises have helped local automaker Proton turn losses into profits, establishing a complete industrial chain for electric vehicle production and launching full-scale manufacturing. Through the building of a green Belt and Road, China has continued to deepen cooperation in green infrastructure, green energy, and green transport. It has supported capacity-building efforts in developing countries through a South-South cooperation fund on climate change. China has also put forward a series of APEC cooperation initiatives in areas such as green agriculture, sustainable cities, low-carbon energy transition, and marine pollution control, contributing to the creation of a clean and beautiful Asia-Pacific. China has always placed great importance on strengthening exchanges and cooperation in science, technology, and innovation under the APEC framework. It works to enhance technological capacity, especially in developing economies, ensuring that innovation outcomes better serve people across the region. In Singapore, a cutting-edge medical institution has adopted an intelligent analysis and follow-up system developed by a Chinese enterprise, reducing the processing time for single imaging cases to just two or three minutes. In Brunei, a fatigue monitoring system jointly developed by a Chinese company and Brunei's Muara Port Company using China's homegrown BeiDou Navigation Satellite System helps prevent and monitor safety risks during transport, providing early warnings and post-event analysis to improve driver management and operational safety. "Innovation is the core driving force of APEC development," said Jeon Byung-seo, director of South Korea's China Economic and Financial Research Institute. He explained that from building a mutually beneficial Digital Silk Road, to integrating more deeply into global innovation networks, and actively participating in global science and technology governance, China has aligned vision with action, working hand in hand with other countries to build an innovative, sustainable, and prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare: Theater as a bridge for global cultural dialogue Shanghai seed bank hits 100 million samples in biodiversity conservation push China unveils world's first mid-infrared solar magnetic-field telescope Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) LONDON, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boldyn Networks (Boldyn), a world leader in shared networks infrastructure and wireless private networks announced that Rob Shuter, a financial services and telecommunications executive, has joined Boldyn's Board of Directors effective 1 November. Rob brings a wealth of financial, regulatory and strategic experience gained from over 30 years in the telecommunications and financial services sectors. As part of his extensive experience, Rob has held top executive roles in publicly listed companies. His career includes serving on the BT Group executive committee as CEO of BT Enterprise, leading MTN Group Ltd as Group President and CEO, and holding CEO and CFO positions within Vodafone Group. Rob has also deep expertise in capital allocation, risk management, finance, and mergers and acquisitions, leading complex, capital-intensive businesses across multiple global markets. As part of his finance services background he held executive roles in retail banking at Nedbank Group Ltd and investment banking at Standard Bank Group Ltd. Igor Leprince, Group Chief Executive Officer for Boldyn Networks said: "I'm very pleased to welcome Rob to our Board. Rob understands the financial implications of a growing business like Boldyn's and is totally familiar with the dynamics that we face in different parts of the world. His extensive experience in the telecommunications industry is of incredible value to our Board and business." Commenting on his appointment, Rob Shuter said: "I am very excited to join Boldyn's Board at a time where the company is experiencing such amazing growth. I'm also keen to stay involved in the telecoms industry where I've spent a great deal of my career and be part of the next developments. This is a very dynamic industry and only companies like Boldyn with an elevated purpose and a bold spirit will continue to adapt and succeed." Read the full press release here. SOURCE Boldyn Networks BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Books-A-Million is proud to announce its inaugural Book of the Year pick: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (Ace Books / Penguin Random House). This imaginative and wildly entertaining sci-fi fantasy series has captivated readers across genres, earning a devoted following among BAM! booksellers and fans alike. Books-A-Million Home Office Book Club Books-A-Million Book of the Year Dungeon Crawler Carl Book Cover photo The Book of the Year honor recognizes the title that best embodies the joy of reading and the enthusiasm of Books-A-Million's team. For 2025, that passion was led by Olivia McDaniel, Vice President of Marketing, whose love for the series inspired an internal book club and a wave of new fans across the company. "I've never played video games or even thought about DnDDungeons & Dragons, for the uninitiatedbut I fell completely in love with Dungeon Crawler Carl," said McDaniel. "It's the most fun I've ever had readingand I can't stop talking about it. I've personally convinced more than 70 people to read the series, from coworkers and gym friends to Facebook acquaintances I hadn't spoken to in years, and every single one of them couldn't put it down. No matter what kind of reader you are, this book is for you." To celebrate the milestone, Books-A-Million is also unveiling its annual Top 100-ish Gifts for the Holidays, a curated collection of the year's most popular books, exclusive items, and unique finds. ("100-ish" because narrowing it down to only 100 proved impossible.) McDaniel is available for interviews to discuss Books-A-Million's inaugural Book of the Year and her personal picks from the Top 100-ish Gifts listoffering insight into this year's most giftable titles and trends. Customers can explore the full list of Top 100-ish Gifts and discover the Book of the Year in stores nationwide and at BooksAMillion.com/top-100-gifts. Follow the celebration and share your reading adventures on social media: @booksamillion with @PenguinRandomHouse | @PenguinUSA | @AceBooksPub | @MattDinniman About Books-A-Million Books-A-Million is the second-largest bookstore retailer in the United States, with more than 220 stores located primarily across the East Coast, South, and Midwest. Founded in 1917 as a small newsstand in Florence, Alabama, the company has grown into a leading bookseller offering a wide range of books, magazines, toys, and gifts. In addition to its brick-and-mortar locations, Books-A-Million operates a robust online storefront and a popular membership-based loyalty program, the Millionaire's Club, which provides members with exclusive discounts and special offers. Books-A-Million places a strong emphasis on personalized customer service, numerous author events, and a diverse selection of genres and merchandisecatering to a broad spectrum of customers. Contact: Deborah Kohan [email protected] SOURCE Books-A-Million, Inc. In the Jewish quarter of Krakow in the 17th century lived a man named Yossele, who was both infamous and pitied. He was a miser, so the townspeople saida man of means who refused to share a single coin with the poor. He dressed in threadbare clothing, ate little, and avoided company. When beggars came to his door, he turned them away. When the community fundraisers came calling, he sent them off empty-handed. In a city where charity was a sacred duty, Yosseles reputation sank lower each year. When he died, no one mourned him. There was no rabbi to eulogize him, no crowd to escort him to the cemetery. The burial society consigned him to a lonely corner of the graveyard, among the least respected of the dead. The people of Krakow were relieved that the stingy old man was finally gone. The tombstone of Yossele the Holy Miser in the Remah Cemetery, Krakow, Poland. Credit: Wikimedia Commons But then, something strange began to happen. Within days of Yosseles death, the poor of Krakow started to suffer. Widows who had always found loaves of bread at their doors awoke to find them missing. Orphans who had mysteriously received coins slipped under their pillows now found nothing. Families who had quietly managed to survive the winter could no longer afford to heat their homes. It was as if the unseen hand that had always sustained them had vanished overnight. Puzzled and desperate, the townspeople began to talk. Who had been helping all these people so discreetly? No one knew. The rabbi called a meeting, and the stories poured forthtoo many to be coincidence. Each account spoke of anonymous gifts: bread, wood, money, clothingalways arriving quietly, without credit or witness. Then realization struck. The timing could not be ignored. The secret benefactor must have been none other than the man they had despised: Yossele the miser. The rabbi himself wept. The community that had scorned him now recognized him as a tzaddika righteous man who had practiced the highest form of charity. In Jewish tradition, tzedakah is greatest when given in secret, so that the giver and receiver remain unknown to each other. Yossele had lived that ideal to perfection, even at the cost of his own good name. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Word of the revelation spread far beyond Krakow. From then on, the townspeople called him Yossele the Holy Miser, honouring him as a saintly example of humility and selflessness. His grave, once neglected, became a site of reverence. And the story of his hidden charity became one of the most beloved tales in Jewish folklorea reminder that true virtue often works unseen, and that appearances can deceive. For centuries afterward, the legend of Yossele the Holy Miser has been retold in sermons and storybooks alike. It endures as a moral fable about compassion and anonymity, and an admonition not to judge by outward behaviour, and a tribute to those who give quietly, expecting nothing in return. References: # Yosseleh the Holy Miser. Adath Israel # Yosseleh the Holy Miser. www.rivertonshul.org As a parent, you can spend months deliberating over the perfect name for your new arrival. You might want something with a specific meaning, a name that sounds great when you say it out loud, a moniker with a certain number of syllables or something thats uncommon but not too unusual. Then, once you find the ideal name no one actually uses it. Instead, your little Olivia a name chosen for its gentle, lilting rhythm becomes Liv, Victoria is now the much less regal Vic, and Albert gets the rather abrupt Bert. While abbreviated nicknames are often a term of endearment, if you dont like the shorter version of your childs name, it can be frustrating when people use it. In that case, you might want to choose a name thats hard to shorten. Most names can be condensed down to an initial if someone really cant face sounding out those extra syllables, but the following names will see them struggle. Names that are almost impossible to shorten Names like Bea, Elle and Jay sound like their initial. (Getty Images) (Aflo Images via Getty Images) Bea If people are going to try and shorten your child's name anyway, why not opt for a choice that's also an initial? Bea sounds like the second letter of the alphabet, but it is actually derived from the French girls name Beatrice or Beatrix. It means 'bringer of happiness,' according to The Bump. Other names that also sound like initials include Jay, Kay, Dee and Elle. Rex A name that has soared in popularity in the UK over the past decade, Rex is a boys' name of Latin origin, meaning 'king'. TV personality Stacey Solomon has a son called Rex as does presenter Fearne Cotton. Jack Short and sweet Jack was a hugely popular name choice in the mid-90s, and its classic appeal is still enduring today. More than 1,700 baby boys were given the name in England and Wales last year. Its thought the moniker came about in medieval England when it was used as a diminutive for John, which means 'God is gracious' according to The Bump. Jack can also be used as an alternative spelling for the Old French name Jacques. Rae and Ray are tough to shorten. (Getty Images) (Orbon Alija via Getty Images) Rae Uncommon but not too unusual, Rae is a great choice if you're looking for a name that will help your child stand out on the school register but is tough to shorten. Most often used for girls the spelling Ray is more usual for boys this unisex name originated from the name Rachel, according to Ancestry.com. Rachel is a Hebrew name meaning 'ewe'. Ray, meanwhile, originated as a diminutive of the name Raymond and means 'wise counsel'. Beau From the French word for 'handsome', Beau is a name that's beautifully tricky to shorten. A unisex choice, it's more commonly used for boys in England and Wales, with 477 male newborns being given the moniker last year compared to 99 baby girls. An alternative spelling, Bo, also scores highly on the 'tough to abbreviate' front. Shay A unisex name, although more commonly used for boys, Shay is believed to have several different origins. It can originate from the Irish word for hawk, or a Hebrew name meaning 'gift'. It can also be spelt Shae or Shai. Whatever its meaning, though, it's a tough name to shorten. Other names with a similar feel include Gray and Fay. Max is the 44th most popular boys' name in England and Wales. (Getty Images) (Cavan Images via Getty Images) Max Of German origin, Max means 'greatest'. It's often associated with a shortened form of the Roman name Maximus (a good example of when shortening a name worked out well). Max is currently the 44th most popular boys' name in England and Wales. Anne Spelt either Anne or Ann, this classic girls' name has vintage appeal and is very tricky to shorten. According to Ancestry, it's a name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'gracious' and 'merciful'. Fred Name your child Alfred, Frederick or Freddie, and it's likely most people will call them Fred anyway, so why not skip out the middle man? Fred means 'peaceful ruler' according to Nameberry. Other short and sweet classic boys' names that are tough to shorten include Joe, Sam and Ben. Names that were originally abbreviations, such as Sam, Joe and Ben, have become names in their own right. (Getty Images) (SelectStock via Getty Images) More baby names that its hard to abbreviate For more short and sweet baby name inspiration, try the below Ash Ace Abe Beth Sol Ted Leigh Nell May Pearl Tom Kai Shop personalised new baby gifts Read more about baby names: The owner of Primark has said it is considering spinning off the retail chain from its food business as it also revealed a drop in annual profits. Associated British Foods (AB Foods) announced a review of the structure of the group alongside its full-year financial results. It told investors that no decision had been made but its review may result in the board deciding to separate Primark from the food business. This would see the retailer listed separately on the London Stock Exchange but retaining the majority ownership of Wittington Investments, the investment vehicle for the Weston family. AB Foods also operates a grocery business, which includes brands Kingsmill, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Twinings and Ryvita, as well as an ingredients arm. George Weston, the companys chief executive, said the size and complexity of Primark means it may need a separate leadership to oversee the retailer. Ive believed for some while that the food company is not well understood and under-appreciated and if we separated it, it would give us the opportunity to explain it much better, he told the PA news agency, If the split did go ahead, I would hope to be chief executive of the food group. The company reported an adjusted pre-tax profit of 1.7 billion for the year to September 13, a decline of 13% compared with the prior year. Sales across Primark grew by 1% year-on-year to 9.5 billion, with stronger trading over the second half of the year helping to balance out a weaker first half. It flagged particularly weak shopping activity within elements of Primarks customer base as people were more cautious to spend, with sales in the UK and Ireland slipping by 3.1% compared like-for-like with last year. But spending improved over the second half which AB Foods attributed to a stronger product offer, especially its womenswear ranges, and an increase in digital engagement having recently launched a mobile app in some of its markets. Mr Weston said it had not raised prices in Primark over the past year, other than in the US where prices have been hiked by double-digits in the face of tariffs. He also stressed that the retailer was sharpening its focus on value and having the best prices on the high street, highlighting its sportswear ranges and its basics. However, the company said it was expecting Primarks consumer environment to remain subdued in the year ahead. Meanwhile, overall retail sales growth was offset by sales within its sugar business dropping by a 10th, the firm said. Sales were broadly flat year-on-year for both the grocery and the ingredients divisions. Mr Weston added: Our unique and exceptional food business has historically been less well understood by the financial markets than Primark, yet it has a highly attractive portfolio, deep global expertise and much potential. Primark has an incredibly strong international brand, a powerful customer proposition, and substantial growth opportunities. The previous government has been accused of an Orwellian leap in the use of a gagging order to cover up a massive data leak which potentially put the lives of more than 100,000 Afghans at risk. The democratic process was put in the deep freeze for 18 months, journalists told MPs on the House of Commons defence committee on Wednesday as they gave evidence over the saga. The superinjunction used by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) followed the February 2022 leak of details of thousands of Afghans, who feared they were in danger from the Taliban because of their links to UK forces and wanted to apply for sanctuary in Britain. The unprecedented global superinjunction not only prevented the media from reporting on the leak, but also kept parliament in the dark, with the result that there was no scrutiny of a secret resettlement scheme which brought thousands of Afghans to Britain. This meant journalists working to understand the life and death implications of the data breach were unable to report on the leak, while MPs could not debate the governments stance and the Afghans whose data had been leaked remained at risk of reprisals from the Taliban. Journalists Holly Bancroft, left, Larisa Brown, centre, and Sam Greenhill, give evidence to the Commons defence committee (Parliament TV) The Independents home affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft told MPs: In terms of response to the [data] breach itself, [the MoD] was very slow in terms of setting up a resettlement scheme, how many people youre going to help. Part of why we got involved was that it took four or five months from the breach actually happening to them saying were going to help 150 people, this was so slow. We felt compelled to get involved in order to hold the MoD to account in whatever it was they were going to do. Larisa Brown, defence editor at The Times, said during the court hearings about the superinjunction, our special advocate argued that the democratic process was in the deep freeze and that was true. She added: We were the only people that were trying to hold the government to account. Throughout this process we werent allowed into the closed hearings, so we were doing this with our hands tied behind our backs. We couldnt make well-informed arguments without knowing what the MoD justification was for the superinjunction. Sam Greenhill, chief reporter at The Daily Mail, told MPs the judge presiding over the implementation of the superinjunction was incredulous when a statement was made in parliament in order to provide a cover story about the numbers of Afghans arriving in Britain, which he said the MoD described as an effort to control the narrative. The MoD suddenly said theyre going to fill the void with some selected facts, which I thought was a kind of Orwellian leap from the original purpose of the injunction, he told the committee. He added: All of these things are bread and butter issues for the House of Commons. You shouldve all been debating this. Chair of the committee, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, said many MPs had been shocked to discover earlier this year that a superinjunction had remained in place for almost two years, and praised the journalists for their efforts to shed light on the issue. On behalf of the committee, I am very grateful to journalists for their grit and their determination to pursue and expose this entire chapter where everybody was kept in the dark including many of us as parliamentarians. Holly Bancroft gives evidence to the defence committee on Wednesday (Parliament TV) The leak came about following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021. At the time, tens of thousands of Afghans were at serious risk of reprisals for fighting alongside British troops, and had asked the UK to bring them and their families to safety. Six months after the disastrous evacuation of Kabul, an 80-strong MoD team was working through the task of assessing these applications, deciding if they should be approved or denied on the strength of each applicants ties to UK forces. An unnamed British serviceman, in his office in Whitehall, thought his Afghan contacts might be able to help establish who was eligible for help and who was not. He decided to email the database , which he believed contained 150 names, to trusted sources. But the document in fact contained 33,000 records, including details of more than 18,000 Afghan applicants and their families. It was a full 16 months later the government realised the data had been leaked, when someone on a Facebook group claimed to be in possession of the list which was described as a kill list if it fell into the hands of the Taliban and asked if they should share it on the group. The secretary of state for defence at the time, Ben Wallace, was informed of the breach within minutes, along with MI6, the CIA and the Foreign Office, according to an independent caseworker who was supporting Afghans with sanctuary applications. The next day, the same caseworker emailed the armed forces minister James Heappey, and shadow minister Luke Pollard, describing the situation as simply bone-chilling. The Taliban may well now have a 33,000-long kill list essentially provided to them by the UK government. If any of these families are murdered, the government will be liable, they wrote. As UK publications became aware of the leak, the MoD sought an injunction in a bid to protect those on the list who were unaware their data had been compromised. Journalists were also acutely aware of the lack of scrutiny this meant for the government not least because the 2024 general election was looming. We knew [the government] was making huge policy decisions behind the scenes and the public didnt know about that We felt that the public should know, Ms Brown told MPs on Wednesday. The superinjunction unravelled when a law firm, representing hundreds of Afghan clients intending to sue the UK government, revealed the scale of the effort required to maintain secrecy. Meanwhile, more newspapers piled pressure on the government to lift reporting restrictions. A subsequent investigation into the leak and how it was handled, conducted by Paul Rimmer, a former deputy chief of intelligence at the MoD, found that creating a bespoke resettlement scheme and using an unprecedented superinjunction may have inadvertently added more value to the dataset for the Taliban heightening the risk to those on the list. A United Airlines plane is pictured at Reagan Airport, just outside of Washington, D.C. A threat was made against a United plane at DCA Tuesday afternoon, temporarily halting air traffic at the airport (AFP via Getty Images) All flights in and out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia were temporarily halted on Tuesday afternoon after a bomb threat was made against a United Airlines plane. The entire airport was placed on a ground stop as passengers were evacuated off the plane and bused to the terminal. The Federal Aviation Administration said flights have no resumed after the earlier stop. The aircraft was moved away from the terminal while authorities investigated. Flights resumed and runways reopened at 12:50 p.m., airport officials said. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the threat on social media, writing that the flight landed safely at DCA and passengers were evacuated, and law enforcement conducted a full search of the aircraft. The FBI Washington Field Office reported no hazards were found on the flight. A United Airlines plane is pictured at Reagan Airport, just outside of Washington, D.C. A threat was made against a United plane at DCA Tuesday afternoon, temporarily halting air traffic at the airport (AFP via Getty Images) A person briefed on the incident told Reuters that a threat had been made against the plane and it was being checked out of an abundance of caution. Air traffic controllers could be heard communicating with the United flight about an unconfirmed bomb threat around 11:30 a.m., WUSA9 reported. "I'm sorry to have to do this to you. We've got to turn you, again ... We have an unconfirmed bomb report for your flight, and we've got to get you away from the airport," an air traffic controller can be heard telling the flight crew. A few minutes later, air traffic control warned other flights about the potential threat. "We have an unconfirmed bomb report ... I mean, I can confirm someone called. Someone called and said there was a bomb on 512, they said if it landed, it would explode -- well, it landed," an air traffic controller said in LiveATC audio from around 11:37 a.m. Emergency crews responded to the aircraft around noon, with Reagan Airport officials confirming the plane had been evacuated in a post on X at 12:22 p.m. "All flight operations are being held at Reagan National while passengers on a United Airlines flight are being offloaded and bussed to the terminal," the airport posted. According to DCA, some flights were forced to divert to other airports while the runways were closed. People meeting passengers or flying this afternoon should expect delays and check with their airline for updated flight information, the airport wrote on X in a later update. More than 120 flights were delayed at Reagan as a result, according to Reuters. The airport is located about 5 miles from the White House and the U.S. Capitol. Flight tracking site FlightRadar24 said the issue was caused by an unconfirmed threat against the United flight, which arrived at the airport from Houston. United did not immediately return a request for comment from The Independent. DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is supercharging Black Friday shopping with an unprecedented rewards program for Bybit Card and Bybit Pay users throughout November 2025. Fueling the enthusiasm for the ultimate shopping spree of the year for users worldwide, the month-long event comes with premium rewards for smart shoppers. Bybit Powers up Black Friday with Extra Rewards Throughout November (PRNewsfoto/Bybit) From November 1 to 30, 2025, eligible Bybit Card and Pay users can swipe, scan, and spend their way to exclusive crypto rewards, combining the convenience of traditional payment methods with the innovation of crypto-powered transactions. Two Ways to Win: New User Welcome Bonus: First-time Bybit Card users who spend $100+ will receive a 20 USDT airdrop, while new Bybit Pay users earning a 5 USDT bonus for $20+ in purchases. The offer is limited to the first 3,000 users per platform. Black Friday Week Blitz: The rewards accelerate during the Black Friday week from November 23 to 30 with an additional 5% cashback on all purchases, capped at 100 USDT per user. Registration is required. To qualify, users simply need to apply for a Bybit Card or a Bybit Pay account, register for the event, and start spending. For details and terms and conditions, users may visit: Black Friday | Bybit Card & Pay Key Features of the Bybit Card: Crypto convenience : seamless fiat-to- crypto spending, and cash withdrawals from supported ATMs around the world with the physical card available to Mastercard holders. : seamless fiat-to- spending, and cash withdrawals from supported ATMs around the world with the physical card available to Mastercard holders. No annual fees , up to 10% cashback eligible spending, and up to 8% APR on balances. , eligible spending, and on balances. Year-round perks: 100% rebates on subscriptions including Netflix, Spotify, and selected AI tools, airport lounge access, and other benefits refreshed seasonally 100% rebates on subscriptions including Netflix, Spotify, and selected AI tools, airport lounge access, and other benefits refreshed seasonally Multi-asset transactions and cashback: supporting transactions in BTC, ETH , XRP , TON, USDT, USDC, MNT, and BNB; cashback options in USDC, USDT, BTC, and XAUT, with more options on the way. #Bybit / #CryptoArk / #BybitCard /#IMakeIt About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube SOURCE Bybit Zohran Mamdani stands with his wife Rama Duwaji, mother Mira Nair and father Mahmood Mamdani after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race - Jeenah Moon Britain had a Nazi streak. Ronald Reagan embraced terrorism to win the Cold War. Teddy Roosevelt was a white supremacist warmonger. And 9/11 was caused by an American jihad. These are just some of the teachings of Mahmood Mamdani, a Columbia University professor and the father of Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City. The younger Mamdani has credited his father with fundamentally shaping his world-view, even though his controversial writings have come to haunt his sons campaign. In his published works, Prof Mamdani likened Britain and the US to the Nazis while giving sympathetic takes of Idi Amin and suicide bombers. Britain followed Nazi precedents In Slow Poison, Prof Mamdanis book about his native Uganda, which was published on Oct 14, Harold Wilsons Labour government is compared to the Nazis for attempting to limit immigration. The 1968 Commonwealth Immigrants Act restricted British citizenship to those born in the UK and their children or grandchildren, meaning those in former colonies no longer had an automatic right to enter the country. Mahmood Mamdanis controversial writings have come to haunt his sons campaign - Hindustan Times For Prof Mamdani, the race-based citizenship law... followed earlier precedents set by Nazi Germany, where the Nuremberg laws distinguished between two categories of citizens: Germans and Jews. Yet Amin, the brutal Ugandan dictator whose regime is estimated to have caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, is defended against comparisons with Adolf Hitler. The idea that Amin was a Hitlerite presence in Africa is a media-driven preconception, argues Prof Mamdani, who was among the Asians expelled from his home by Amin. Even as Amin ethnically cleansed Uganda of Asians and expropriated them, he did everything in his power to spare Asian lives, he insists. Some critics have criticised Prof Mamdani for what they say is excusing Idi Amins murderous reign - Keystone Those crimes, which Amin is widely acknowledged to have committed, are often explained away by Britains colonial legacy. The Asians were not the primary target of the expulsion: this was Britain, which had no intention of taking responsibility for its colonial history. And while Amins regime is referenced as an orgy of blood, this stemmed from his time suppressing rebellions in East Africa as a member of the colonial army, which shaped his instrumental outlook on violence: if it works, it is right, Prof Mamdani argues. Some critics, including those based in Uganda, have criticised Prof Mamdani for excusing Amins murderous reign. A Wall Street Journal reviewer called the work an apologia for Ugandas Idi Amin, a bloodthirsty tyrant like few others in modern history. FBI suspected he was Marxist Prof Mamdani was born in India and grew up in Uganda, and after leaving school he moved to the US to continue his studies, where he obtained a doctorate from Harvard University. During his time in the US, he claims to have been questioned by FBI agents who suspected him of being a Marxist. Not surprisingly, this Ugandan Muyindi had never heard of Karl Marx, he would later recall in Slow Poison, noting the irony that the FBI had inadvertently introduced him to the political theorist who would later influence his academic work. Prof Mamdani and a young Zohran Mamdani - Zohran Mamdani He returned to Uganda but was forced to leave as part of the Asian expulsion in 1972, after which he lived in a youth hostel in London. Following Amins fall he worked for universities across Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa and the US. His son, Zohran, was born and raised in Kampala, the Ugandan capital, before the family moved to New York City in the late 1990s. Roosevelt a racial supremacist warmonger In Prof Mamdanis writings, American presidents are treated severely, particularly in Prof Mamdanis Neither Settler Nor Native, which is dedicated to his son Zohran, who is exhorted to inspire and blaze a trail in the preface. Teddy Roosevelt, who built his political career in New York City, which the academics son will now lead, is declared a warmonger, whose sense of history as a contest for racial supremacy was shared by the likes of Hitler. The 26th presidents writings on the genocide of Native Americans made a signal contribution to Nazism and other doctrines of scientific racism, he claims. Teddy Roosevelt is declared a warmonger in one of Mahmood Mamdanis books - PhotoQuest Abraham Lincoln is spared a Hitler comparison in the book. But in a panel discussion two years after the books publication, he argued Lincolns policy of herd[ing] American Indians into reservations was an inspiration to the Nazis, according to a report by Fox News which covered the event. Hitler studied US genocides According to Prof Mamdani, Hitler took his cue for the Holocaust from the US treatment of Native Americans, where he found proof the Nazi project could succeed. The US is the outcome of a history of genocide, ethnic cleansing, official racism, and concentration camps, he asserts. Nazi Germany followed a similar path in the construction of the German nation. Hitler, following the ideas of Roosevelt among others, studied the treatment of Native Americans, and would adopt the eugenic justifications of genocide that Americans promoted at the end of the 19th century and into the 20th. Even today, Prof Mamdani claims, the US maintains a colony through its Native American reservations, though he concedes that even Indian activists and scholars of indigeneity fail to see this. Just as Nazi Germany was inspired by the US, Israel is said to have the same nationalist ideology as the Third Reich. Zionists created a Jewish state in Palestine so that Jews, too, could have their rightful homogenous nation-state, he writes. Reagan launched American jihad In Prof Mamdanis telling, the roots of the 9/11 attack lie decades before Osama bin Laden finally signed off on the plans for the most devastating terrorist attack in history in 1999. More than 2,700 people were killed in New York after the American Airlines and United Airlines flights hit the World Trade Centre, and hundreds more were killed in attacks on the nations capital. According to Prof Mamdanis Good Muslim, Bad Muslim, it was the consequence of the US having spent the previous 40 years backing terror groups abroad as a means to wear out the Soviet Union and topple the states aligned with it. The Columbia professor draws a moral equivalence between the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 9/11 attacks - Spencer Platt If 9/11 cut short the celebration of that victory, it also posed the question: at what price was the Cold War won? he wrote. By the final years of the Cold War, Ronald Reagan is said to have made a bold and brazen embrace of terror. In Afghanistan, for example, the CIA sought to create an American jihad to bleed the Soviet Union white. Zohran Mamdani, a politician rather than an academic, has been careful to tread a more careful path on 9/11 in a city that still bears the scars of the attack. Comments made by an online streamer who claimed America brought 9/11 on itself were objectionable and reprehensible, he said in October. Yet Mr Mamdani, according to an interview unearthed by The Washington Free Beacon, claimed he would help edit the speeches and writings of his parents to make it more accessible and stay engaged with what theyre saying. Mr Mamdani has tread lightly on the topic of 9/11 - Michael M Santiago In a more recent interview with The New York Times Magazine, he said his father shaped his understanding of what the world took, and what it offered. While Reagan relied on covert terror, George W Bush had none of his predecessors inhibitions about open warfare, according to Prof Mamdani. He draws a moral equivalence between the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 9/11 attacks, and compares Mr Bush to Osama bin Laden. The Nazis claimed to follow the rule of law, but he argues the Bush administrations open disdain for the rule of law is unmatched in the history of Western imperialism. In the end, Republican presidents seem to come in for fiercer criticism than suicide bombers, who should be understood as a form of soldier and not stigmatised as a mark of barbarism. Britney Spears has deactivated her Instagram account following a public dispute over her ex-husband Kevin Federlines memoir. In the book, You Thought You Knew, released October 21, Federline accused Spears of troubling behavior as a parent, such as watching their then-teenage sons sleep with a knife in her hand. In response, the Toxic singers representative called Federlines narrative sensationalism in a statement to The Independent. Now, as of Sunday, Spearss Instagram account is no longer visible on the platform. Profile isnt available, a message now reads over her account, which had 42 million followers. The Independent has contacted Spearss representatives for comment. Britney Spears said she felt like her wings were taken away and brain damage happened to me in a recent Instagram post about her time under conservatorship (Instagram/Britney Spears) It comes after a series of posts that drew concern for the pop star, whose conservatorship was terminated in 2021 amid a fan-driven Free Britney movement. According to People magazine, a video Spears shared on October 7 showed her with bruises on her arms and bandages wrapped around her hands and wrists. In the caption, Spears said shed taken a fall down the stairs and mentioned that her two sons were returning to Hawaii, where they live with their father, Federline, 47. In a more recent post, she wrote that she felt like her wings were taken away and brain damage happened to me while under her 13-year conservatorship. Since the conservatorship ended, Spears has regularly displayed erratic behavior on social media and has been known to delete her account before reactivating it weeks later in the past. On October 15, she shared a statement on X calling out the white lies in Federlines book. The constant gaslighting from ex-husband [sic] is extremely hurtful and exhausting, she wrote, before also criticizing her sons Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19. Federline and Spears were married from 2004 to 2007 and share two children (2006 AP) I have always pleaded and screamed to have a life with my boys. Relationships with teenage boys is complex. I have felt demoralized by this situation and have always asked and almost begged for them to be a part of my life. Sadly, they have always witnessed the lack of respect shown by own father for me. They need to take responsibility for themselves. With one son only seeing me for 45 min in the past 5 years and the other with only 4 visits in the past 5 years. I have pride too. From now on I will let them know when I am available, she wrote. Federline and Spears were married from 2004 to 2007. Federline was granted primary custody of their children in 2008 after Spears was placed under a conservatorship following her public mental health breakdown. In the years that followed, Spears worked to regain more time with her children and, in 2019, was granted 30 percent custodial rights while Federline retained 70 percent. Spears has never confirmed nor denied that she lives with mental illness, and has denied ever being addicted to drugs or alcohol. She has, though, written repeatedly of experiencing long-term trauma as a result of her family and the conservatorship she was placed under for 13 years. Kaja Kallas at a press conference on EU enlargement in Brussels, Belgium. Photograph: Olivier Hoslet/EPA The European Union could admit new members by 2030, its foreign policy chief has said, as officials praised reform efforts by frontrunners Montenegro and Albania, while criticising backsliding in Serbia and an even steeper democratic decline in Georgia. The verdicts came as the European Commission published its annual report cards on 10 countries that aspire to join the EU, after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 injected new momentum into a process that had long been moribund. Russias full-scale invasion in Ukraine and the geopolitical shifts make the case for enlargement very clear cut, Kaja Kallas told reporters. It is a necessity if we want to be a stronger player on the world stage. She added that new countries joining the European Union by 2030 is a realistic goal and said Montenegro was the most advanced in the accession process and a frontrunner for membership, alongside Albania. Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia, also said EU membership could be a major security guarantee for Ukraine and that no candidate country had ever implemented such sweeping reforms while at war. Speaking to a Brussels audience from the embattled city of Pokrovsk, Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said he wanted Ukraine to join the EU before 2030. Officials also praised Moldova, whose government has accused Russia of mounting an unprecedented underhand campaign to sway voters through illicit party funding, vote buying and propaganda campaigns. The EU enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, said Moldova, which has a population of 2.4 million, had made the greatest progress of any country in one year, despite the continuous hybrid threats and attempts to destabilise the country on its EU course. But there was sharp criticism of authorities in Georgia, which Kos said was an EU candidate country in name only. EU leaders halted Georgias accession talks last year, after a violent crackdown on peaceful protesters when they took to the streets against the governments Russian-inspired foreign agents law, which requires civil society groups to register under this stigmatising label if they receive funds from abroad. The European parliament reported in July that after the protests, more than 500 people had been detained under administrative procedures, 300 of whom were then subject to torture or other forms of inhuman and degrading treatment. Addressing Georgian government leaders directly, Kos said they were dragging people away from the EU: If you are serious about the EU, then listen to your people and stop putting the opposition leaders and journalists and people who think differently than you into jail. Then we can talk. Officials said the outlook was mixed for Serbia, whose authoritarian president, Aleksandar Vucic, has faced a year of mass protests against corruption, triggered by the Novi Sad railway station disaster, in which a collapsing roof canopy killed 16 people. The commission, long accused of being too soft on Serbia, has recently taken a stronger line against the government. Kos criticised backsliding on freedom of expression and academic expression and said Serbian authorities needed to make their strategic choice clear by avoiding anti-EU rhetoric. EU enlargement requires unanimity of the existing 27 member states, including Hungary. The Hungarian government is blocking the next step in accession talks for Ukraine, with the inadvertent effect of halting Moldovas progress, as the two processes are linked. To evade the Budapest veto, officials are studying how to advance on negotiations without getting formal signoff from all 27 countries. Some politicians have called for the EU to reform itself before admitting new members, amid concerns a union of 35+ countries would be a recipe for political paralysis. This could mean, for instance, abolishing the veto on foreign policy that has been blamed for the EU being held hostage by one member state. Kos suggested it was not necessary to reform the EU before admitting Montenegro, population 624,000 or Albania, which has 2.7 million people, according to World Bank data. She said there would be no big financial implications or for any area that is important to existing members of enlargement to these countries. Privately officials concede Ukraine, which had a prewar population of 41.4 million and has huge reconstruction needs, is a different story and entering the EU will pose tough choices for some of Kyivs staunchest allies, especially net recipients of EU funds, such as Poland. Asked about ending foreign policy vetoes, Kallas said the EU had a chance to discuss how it functioned, adding: The world order is changing as we speak and its a question for us, what is our role there, and whether we are able to play this geopolitical game, and we are only able to play this game if we are able to adopt decisions. Few actors can say theyve spent decades chasing aliens, brooding through Californian existential crises and now going head-to-head with Jack Whitehall in a psychological thriller, but David Duchovny is not most actors. The 63-year-old American, forever synonymous with The X-Files Fox Mulder, returns this month with Malice, a stylish new Prime Video series that whisks him from London to Greece in a tale of privilege, paranoia and manipulation. Id be lying if I said coming to Greece wasnt part of the reason I said yes, he says, laughing. Id never been, and Ive loved Greek mythology since I was a kid its the whole basis of Western civilisation. Now I finally get to work here in Crocs. The six-part show, streaming from November 14, centres on Adam (played by Whitehall), a charismatic tutor who charms his way into the lives of the wealthy Tanner family while they holiday in Greece. When the familys nanny suddenly falls ill, he manoeuvres his way into their London home and into their lives with devastating consequences. Duchovny plays patriarch Jamie Tanner, a smooth-edged businessman who gradually realises the man hes welcomed into his household may be the one tearing it apart. David Duchovny plays patriarch Jamie Tanner (Prime Video) Its kind of a reverse Ripley, Duchovny says. You know who the bad guy is all along, but the thrill is watching him get away with it or wondering when hell get caught. My only worry was that the family might come across as dumb for not seeing it sooner, but the writings smarter than that. Jamies not blameless; hes created the opening that Adam walks through. As Jamie, Duchovny wanted to avoid playing another one-note mogul. Hes not just this guy handing out capitalist wisdom. He loves his wife and kids, but hes also the kind of man who constantly reminds everyone that he pays for everything. Hes successful, a bit boorish, but not an idiot. Theres affection there hes just emotionally tone-deaf. He was also keen to make sure the Tanner familys life wasnt already falling apart before the manny arrived. I didnt want it to feel like his life was hell from the start, he says. Things are working okay his marriage, his relationship with his kids but hes distracted, neglecting them. Thats what the manny preys on. He laughs when the term manny comes up. We actually had one years ago. He was super macho like having a competitor in the house. That dynamics definitely in Malice. Theres this unspoken tension when another man steps into your family space. Malice begins streaming on Prime Video from November 14 (Prime Video) Filming took Duchovny from the sun-soaked Greek islands to the leafy streets of London a city he quickly fell for. Londons great, he says. Im from New York, so Im comfortable in a big city. We werent working crazy hours, which was nice. Id get home around five or six and put on Catchphrase. The host cracks me up absolute genius. It was during those quiet evenings that he discovered just how gloriously odd British TV can be. One night, I turned on Naked Attraction and my jaw dropped, he recalls, still sounding astonished. Its so British. Its wild kids could be watching! Its on free TV! My mouth just hung open. I thought, this is awesome. He chuckles. And I love that at any time of day you can turn on the TV and theres a World War II documentary or a James Bond movie. Its comforting. Duchovnys trademark dry humour, he admits, took his British co-stars by surprise. They dont expect me to be as sarcastic as I am, he says. Im more deadpan than the English. Jack Whitehall couldnt believe it. Before filming began, Duchovny hadnt been especially familiar with Whitehalls work. I watched some of his stuff before I came out and thought he was super funny, he says. Then I met him and realised hes intensely focused he takes this really seriously. Hes generous, smart, just a lovely guy. Ive really enjoyed working with him. David Duchovny said he had previously not been familiar with co-star Jack Whitehall but was instantly won over (Prime Video) His fondness for Whitehall even extends to daytime quiz shows. There was this one episode of Catchphrase where the answer was literally Jack Whitehall. Mr Chips had a little Jack face. I didnt have my phone on me so I couldnt film it, but I texted him saying, Youve made it youre on Catchphrase. While Malice is a taut psychological thriller, Duchovny couldnt resist finding moments of dark humour within it. I wouldnt call it a comedy, but Ive tried to smuggle some humour in, he says. Plot-heavy dialogue can sound mechanical unless you make it feel lived-in. Jamies bluntness helps. Hes boorish with his kids, his wife sometimes thats funny because he doesnt realise how rough hes being. Its darkly comic without trying to be. When hes not filming, Duchovny divides his time between archaeological excursions with his son and recording episodes of Fail Better, his new podcast exploring the concept of failure. It started during the strike when I had no work, he says. Now its eating my weekends. I didnt realise how much research it would take, but I love the conversations actors, doctors, whoever talking about how they deal with failure. Between Malice, his music career and the podcast, Duchovnys creative output shows no sign of slowing down. Yet for all the cities hes worked in from LA and New York to Greek islands its London that seems to have left its mark. People think Americans are louder or more obvious, but I think I fit in here, he says with a smirk. Maybe its because Im actually more deadpan than the Brits. Malice premieres November 14 on Prime Video. Dick Cheney with US soldiers at the Taji airbase in Iraq in December 2005, his first visit to the country since the 2003 invasion. Photograph: Reuters Dick Cheney, who has died aged 84, came to be seen as a moderate in his later years for his staunch opposition to Donald Trump, but he also stands accused of paving the way for Trumpism by undermining the independence of the intelligence agencies and US adherence to international law. As George W Bushs second-in-command in the war on terror declared after the 9/11 attacks, Cheney made himself one of the most powerful vice-presidents in US history, and was a key protagonist in the push to invade Iraq, as well as the use of torture on suspected al-Qaida members detained without charge in the CIAs offshore black sites. In doing so, he took an assertive view of the powers of the presidency relative to the other branches of government, arguing that the White House had been unduly constrained by Congress in the aftermath of the Nixon administration and Watergate. Related: Dick Cheney, vice-president and giant of Republican politics, dies aged 84 Even as he fiercely criticised the Trump team for its excesses, Cheney was unapologetic about his record. He said an American president should have a free hand in wielding US power in the world, which was justified in turn because the country was the greatest force for good the world has ever known. His 2015 book, authored with his daughter Liz, was titled Exceptional. He argued that enhanced interrogation, the Bush administrations euphemism for the use of torture, had kept us safe. I think its directly responsible for the fact that weve been able to avoid or defeat further attacks against the homeland for seven and a half years, Cheney told the Washington Times in 2008. However, there is no evidence that the use of torture, including waterboarding, led to the thwarting of any further attacks, and its use has served to taint testimony in several 9/11 cases being heard on Guantanamo Bay, making a proper trial on the US mainland impossible. The Guantanamo internment camp is another legacy of the Bush-Cheney era, an enduring legal limbo which two ensuing Democratic administrations failed to shut. Trump has used it as a holding centre for deported migrants. Until his death, Cheney continued to insist that the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the toppling of Saddam Hussein was the right decision, although it unleashed a prolonged civil conflict that cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians. Saddams Iraq was the most likely nexus between the terrorists and the devastating weapons they sought, Cheney and his daughter wrote in Exceptional. The justification glossed over the fact that the weapons of mass destruction (WMD), which were the argument for going to war, did not exist. The Saddam regime had terminated the WMD programmes years before. The US intelligence community was initially ambivalent about the evidence for WMD in the run-up to the war. Cheney played the lead role in cajoling the agencies into producing reports in line with the administrations conviction that they posed an existential threat and were about to fall into the hands of terrorists. To that end, the then vice-president overturned norms safeguarding the independence of the intelligence agencies by going in person on several occasions to CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, with the apparent aim of browbeating intelligence analysts. Cheney was a key figure in corrupting the intelligence-policy relationship on behalf of selling the Iraq war, said Paul Pillar, who was the national intelligence officer for the Near East and South Asia in the National Intelligence Council at the time of the invasion. He declared in a speech in August 2002 that there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction weeks before the intelligence community had even begun work on what would become a notorious estimate on that subject, Pillar said. One can imagine the strain on intelligence officers if they were to try to directly contradict such a public declaration by a senior policymaker. Cheney also repeatedly goaded the intelligence agencies into trying to find any scraps of reporting that could be used to suggest that there was an alliance between the Iraqi regime and al-Qaida. Cheney played a decisive role in forcing through the passage of the USA Patriot Act six weeks after the 9/11 attacks, which broadly expanded the powers of the executive to carry out investigations and warrant-free surveillance in the name of counter-terrorism, despite the objections of civil liberties advocates who warned it would be weaponised against ordinary Americans. The Trump administration has used the rallying cry of counter-terrorism to justify the suppression of dissent and even the use of force on the US homeland by the dramatically expanded and empowered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) units. When Dick Cheney was twisting international and domestic law into knots to expand executive power, build up the camps at Guantanamo, and empower the US torture program, we human rights lawyers predicted that wed end up where we are now: with an executive that claims power to name any opposition terrorism, and any state action a war to escape accountability, said Alka Pradhan, a defence lawyer at the Guantanamo Bay military tribunals and an adjunct law professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Every subsequent president, via the drone or extraordinary surveillance programmes, has built on Cheneys legacy to get to the present moment in US history. Russia has previously targeted miliary awards ceremonies, with a strike in 2023 killing 19 soldiers - Presidential Office of Ukraine Elite Ukrainian soldiers were killed and injured when Russian missiles struck an awards ceremony on Saturday, according to reports. Ukrainian authorities have launched an investigation into possible negligence over the incident. It is not clear how many soldiers died in the attack, which was confirmed by Ukraines Operational Task Force East, a military formation responsible for the countrys eastern sector. Dmytro Sviatnenko, a Ukrainian journalist, said his brother an elite drone operator was killed during the awards ceremony. Volodymyr Sviatnenko, 43, served in 35th Separate Marine Brigade. He and his comrades were gathered on the parade ground to be awarded. They gathered the best. The best pilots and infantrymen of the brigade. In order of command. In open terrain. Ballistics flew in. The story of negligence repeated itself, Mr Sviatnenko wrote in a post on Facebook. He endured hell in Krynky, Kurakhove, Marinka, Krasnohorivka He was killed by Russians. But not on the battlefield. Volodymyr Zelensky met soldiers on Tuesday. The president of Ukraine said a previous Russian strike on an awards ceremony could have been avoided - Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/EPA/Shutterstock Kostiantyn Huzenko, a Ukrainian photographer and serviceman, also with the 35th Separate Marine Brigade, was killed in the attack, sources told the Kyiv Independent, an online newspaper. The same missile strike killed four civilians, including an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old, in nearby villages and injured six others, according to Vladyslav Haivanenko, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region. A team of investigators from Ukraines state bureau of investigation (SBI) is examining whether safety protocols were followed during the air raid alert, and whether soldiers were given proper shelters at the base. Russia has been known to target gatherings of Ukrainian soldiers for similar events. In November 2023, 19 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in a Russian strike on an awards ceremony in Zaporizhzhia. Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, said at the time that the tragedy could have been avoided. In August, Russian forces pushed into Dnipropetrovsk, a region Ukrainian forces had never had to defend in more than a decade of conflict with Kremlin-backed separatists and the Russian army, for the first time. It comes as Moscow continues its relentless push to seize the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk in Donetsk, which Russian forces have been attempting to capture for more than a year. On Monday, Russia said its troops had advanced in the eastern Ukrainian city, but Kyiv said its forces were still holding on, including its elite special forces unit, which this week launched a counter-offensive with US-made Black Hawk helicopters. Credit: Ukrainian military via Reuters Mr Zelensky said the situation in Pokrovsk was complicated and admitted that hundreds of Russian troops were still in the embattled city during his Monday address. Others are closing in on the citys outskirts in a pincer movement, maps released by the Institute for the Study of War shows. Taking Pokrovsk, dubbed the gateway to Donetsk, could enable further advances as Russia aims to take control of the remaining Donbas region. It would be Moscows most significant capture since taking the ruined city of Avdiivka at the beginning of last year. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the immediate release of former Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi after learning of her worsening health problems in military custody. Mr Macron wrote to the 80-year-old to say he was very concerned to hear from her son about the deterioration of her health and difficulty in accessing appropriate care in the context of an unfair detention. We continue to call for your immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of President Win Myint and all those imprisoned for political reasons since the military coup of February 1, 2021, he wrote. Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights, has been imprisoned since the military coup deposed her elected government. She faces a 27-year sentence for charges including incitement, corruption and election fraud, all of which she denies. File photo - Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained since the 2021 military coup (AP) The military justified its takeover citing what it called widespread fraud in Suu Kyi's party, although election monitors found no evidence of cheating. Foreign governments and rights groups have consistently called for her release, branding the trials a sham. Mr Macron wrote in his letter that Myanmars ambitions for free and sovereign elections had been flouted. This brutal and bloody challenge has drawn your country into a long-term crisis, with dramatic consequences for its populations and neighbouring states, he said. Mr Macron added that France would support a de-escalation of violence and the paths to peace charted by legitimate political leaders. Suu Kyis son, Kim Aris, told The Independent: It is encouraging and makes me very happy that President Macron is pushing for democracy in Burma. It is hugely appreciated and I hope will trigger more support from around the world. It is crucial that words translate into actions and that means liberating my mother Aung San Suu Kyi as well as bringing democracy to a country that is shackled by a military dictatorship. I also want to thank the French ambassador [Christian Lechervy] and hope others will follow Frances lead. Aung San Suu Kyi looks on before the UN's International Court of Justice on December 11, 2019 (ANP/AFP/Getty) Mr Aris revealed in September that his mother was suffering from worsening heart problems and needed urgent medical attention in an appeal to release her from what he called cruel and life threatening custody. A spokesperson for the military told state media at the time that her health was good, calling reports about her health fabrications. Suu Kyi is believed to be held in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw, the capital. She has been detained by the military several times, and spent some 15 years mainly under house arrest before the 2021 coup. Supporters say that Suu Kyi became a symbol of fledgling democracy in Myanmar after her National League for Democracy (NLD) came to power in 2015 and late 2020, contested by the Tatmadaw armed forces. Thousands turned out in June to celebrate her 80th birthday and to call for her release, aiming to collect 80,000 greeting videos as others demonstrated in the streets against the government. Critics, including former supporters, have condemned her perceived lack of action to defend the countrys mostly Muslim Rohingya minority. File photo - Emmanuel Macron joined the calls for Suu Kyis release (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Thousands of people fled across the border into Bangladesh in 2017 following a military-led crackdown that U.N. investigators said had been executed with genocidal intent. In an Independent TV documentary about her fall from grace, Cancelled: The Rise and Fall of Aung San Suu Kyi, William Hague said it was possible to be critical of the countrys former leader, but also say we should be campaigning for her release. David Lammy also pleaded for her release in January, calling on the military government to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all those arbitrarily detained to give Myanmar's people the peace and democracy they deserve. England may be forced to rip up their back three plans for Saturdays clash with Fiji but will still be able to count on the player acclaimed as the new Jason Robinson. Wing Tom Roebuck has joined full-back Freddie Steward in becoming a major doubt for the Allianz Stadium appointment because of injury, preventing Steve Borthwick from naming his team on Tuesday as planned. Steward has yet to train this week due to a hand problem while Roebuck was unable to complete Tuesdays session after suffering ankle damage. Both players will be given until Thursday to prove their fitness. If they are ruled out, Marcus Smith is expected to be given the number 15 jersey while Henry Arundell could fill the vacancy on the wing in what would be his first Test appearance since the bronze final of the 2023 World Cup. Freddie Steward has been unable to train this week (Ben Whitley/PA) It raises the prospect of Borthwick fielding a thrilling back three that would be completed by Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, the Exeter flyer who England are determined to use to greater effect after he saw little of the ball in Saturdays 25-7 victory over Australia. Excitement gripped Twickenham when Feyi-Waboso did set off on a run against the Wallabies, earning the 22-year-old the comparison with cross code great Robinson that has been made by Kevin Sinfield. Robinson, nicknamed Billy Whizz, won 51 England caps from 2001 to 2007 and was known for his electric footwork and searing acceleration. Sinfield, a former Leeds and Great Britain playmaker, faced Robinson earlier in his career. Manny reminds me a lot of Jason Robinson and thats a fair similarity I know, but I dont think I have come across anybody as powerful, or anybody as explosive over that first couple of metres as Manny. I havent seen it, Sinfield said. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is one of Englands most dangerous runners (Mike Egerton/PA) Rob Burrow was very explosive but he wouldnt have had the muscle mass that Manny has. Jason is probably the most similar player we have got his ability to pull through tackles, the strength in his hips. There arent many players like that. They just beat people. And they dont just beat people one way, they can do it in a variety of different ways. If we can get the ball in his hands more often we will score more tries. Feyi-Waboso welcomed being resembled to Robinson ahead of the second of four Tests at Twickenham this month with New Zealand and Argentina completing the schedule. I have watched some highlights of Jason and its crazy. Anything that compares me to him is massive, said this seasons leading try-scorer in the Gallagher Prem. Jason Robinson was a cross code superstar (David Jones/PA) Id love to be half the player he was with his pace and power. I would love to resemble any aspect of his game I can he was such a great winger. If I like something or something looks effective in another players game I try to incorporate it, but feet that fast are hard to incorporate! No one was like him. Feyi-Waboso has resolved to go hunting for the ball against Fiji in a bid to make more of an impact. If you want touches on the ball you need to go and find it, he said. British designers Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn and Christopher Kane will all contribute pieces to the largest ever exhibition of Queen Elizabeth IIs fashion, it has been announced. The landmark royal exhibition will be staged at Buckingham Palace in 2026 to mark the centenary of the late monarchs birth. It was previously announced that Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style, at The Kings Gallery, will feature approximately 200 items around half on display for the first time. Also on display will be pieces by Moralioglu the designer behind his eponymous London-based fashion label Erdem as well as Quinn and Kane, which were inspired by the late Queen and featured in past collections. Erdem Moralioglu (Isabel Infantes/PA) They will be shown alongside a related item from the late Queens fashion archive, to show how she influenced the creations. The three designers will also contribute their reflections on her fashion legacy to the official centenary publication, Queen Elizabeth II: Fashion And Style. The book, which will explore the late Queens fashion archive in great detail, will feature a tribute by Dame Anna Wintour, the former editor and current global editorial director of US Vogue. Queen Elizabeth II presents Richard Quinn with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design (Yui Mok/PA) Moralioglu said: The wardrobe of Her late Majesty is a snapshot of a very long life, a life of duty, and in so many ways its a time capsule. It captures a very specific and important moment in history. Quinn was the winner of the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, and the late Queen attended his catwalk show at London Fashion Week in 2018. The late Queen Elizabeth II sitting next to Dame Anna Wintour (right) at Richard Quinns catwalk show during London Fashion Week in 2018 (Yui Mok/PA) He said: There is no doubt that Queen Elizabeth IIs style and promotion of British couture over the 90 years had a huge impact on British fashion. The ultimate stamp of approval, she always shone a light on British designers, highlighting the relevance and significance of British fashion across the world. Kane added: Queen Elizabeth IIs wardrobe is one of the most significant living archives in modern fashion history. From the decline of the court dressmaker to the rise of couturiers like Hartnell and Hardy Amies, her garments tell the story of Britain and its changing identity through fashion. For designers and students, it offers a masterclass in silhouette, construction, repetition, symbolism and, perhaps most importantly, restraint. Christopher Kane (Yui Mok/PA) Among the key pieces in the most comprehensive exhibition of the late Queens fashion ever to be mounted will be a silver lame and tulle bridesmaid dress worn by Princess Elizabeth when she was eight years old, a trio of floaty, vibrantly printed Ian Thomas evening dresses from the 1970s, and the Queens famous Sir Norman Hartnell wedding and coronation gowns. The Queens fashion archive is considered one of the largest and most important surviving collections of 20th century British fashion and now forms part of the Royal Collection. The late Queen, who died in September 2022 at the age of 96, would have celebrated her 100th birthday on April 21 2026. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style is at The Kings Gallery, Buckingham Palace, from April 10 to October 18 2026. Tickets go on sale on November 4 2025. The investigation into the tests comes amid rising concern at the safety and effectiveness of AIs. Photograph: ktasimar/Alamy Experts have found weaknesses, some serious, in hundreds of tests used to check the safety and effectiveness of new artificial intelligence models being released into the world. Computer scientists from the British governments AI Security Institute, and experts at universities including Stanford, Berkeley and Oxford, examined more than 440 benchmarks that provide an important safety net. They found flaws that undermine the validity of the resulting claims, that almost all have weaknesses in at least one area, and resulting scores might be irrelevant or even misleading. Many of the benchmarks are used to evaluate the latest AI models released by the big technology companies, said the studys lead author, Andrew Bean, a researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute. In the absence of nationwide AI regulation in the UK and US, benchmarks are used to check if new AIs are safe, align to human interests and achieve their claimed capabilities in reasoning, maths and coding. The investigation into the tests comes amid rising concern over the safety and effectiveness of AIs, which are being released at a high pace by competing technology companies. Some have recently been forced to withdraw or tighten restrictions on AIs after they contributed to harms ranging from character defamation to suicide. Benchmarks underpin nearly all claims about advances in AI, Bean said. But without shared definitions and sound measurement, it becomes hard to know whether models are genuinely improving or just appearing to. Google this weekend withdrew one of its latest AIs, Gemma, after it made up unfounded allegations about a US senator having a non-consensual sexual relationship with a state trooper including fake links to news stories. There has never been such an accusation, there is no such individual, and there are no such new stories, Marsha Blackburn, a Republican senator from Tennessee, told Sundar Pichai, Googles chief executive, in a letter. This is not a harmless hallucination. It is an act of defamation produced and distributed by a Google-owned AI model. A publicly accessible tool that invents false criminal allegations about a sitting US senator represents a catastrophic failure of oversight and ethical responsibility. Google said its Gemma models were built for AI developers and researchers, not for factual assistance or for consumers. It withdrew them from its AI Studio platform after what it described as reports of non-developers trying to use them. Hallucinations where models simply make things up about all types of things and sycophancy where models tell users what they want to hear are challenges across the AI industry, particularly smaller open models like Gemma, it said. We remain committed to minimising hallucinations and continually improving all our models. Last week, Character.ai, the popular chatbot startup, banned teenagers from engaging in open-ended conversations with its AI chatbots. It followed a series of controversies, including a 14-year-old killing himself in Florida after becoming obsessed with an AI-powered chatbot that his mother claimed had manipulated him into taking his own life, and a US lawsuit from the family of a teenager who claimed a chatbot manipulated him to self-harm and encouraged him to murder his parents. The research examined widely available benchmarks but leading AI companies also have their own internal benchmarks that were not examined. It concluded there was a pressing need for shared standards and best practices. Bean said a shocking finding was that only a small minority (16%) of the benchmarks used uncertainty estimates or statistical tests to show how likely a benchmark was to be accurate. In other cases where benchmarks set out to evaluate an AIs characteristics for example its harmlessness the definition of the concept being examined was contested or ill-defined, rendering the benchmark less useful. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. The insight from 'to help one's neighbor succeed is to help oneself': Global Times editorial Global Times) 08:26, November 04, 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during the APEC chairmanship handover session of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, Nov. 1, 2025. Xi said here on Saturday that the Chinese city of Shenzhen will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November 2026. Photo: Xinhua During talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on November 1 in Gyeongju, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted that to help one's neighbor succeed is to help oneself. This succinct yet profound statement not only reveals the cooperative logic underpinning China-South Korea relations but also embodies the Eastern wisdom of building an Asia-Pacific community. It serves both as a summary of the experience gained over more than three decades of bilateral ties and as a guiding principle for future regional peace and shared prosperity. "To help one's neighbor succeed" is not abstract diplomatic rhetoric, but a practical insight rooted in the shared geography, culture and economic ties between China and South Korea. China and South Korea are geographically close, culturally connected, and economically intertwined. This deep interdependence makes the two countries a typical community of shared interests and a community with a shared destiny, where our interests and development are inextricably linked. Looking back over the past three decades, the very history of China-South Korean relations is one of mutual achievement. In the early 1990s, as China entered a pivotal phase of reform and opening-up, substantial South Korean capital, technology and management expertise flowed into China, becoming a vital catalyst for the rise of Chinese manufacturing. At the same time, China's vast market and demographic dividend provided unprecedented growth opportunities for the South Korean economy. It's fair to say that China has drawn experience and impetus from South Korea's development, while South Korea has secured a new round of economic growth driven by China's take-off. Consequently, our bilateral trade surged from $5 billion at the outset of diplomatic relations to over $320 billion by 2024. China became South Korea's largest trading partner, while South Korea rose to become China's second-largest trading partner. This reality demonstrates that the best way for neighboring countries to get along has always been mutual achievement. In recent years, a sense of unease has emerged within South Korea, with some individuals expressing increasing wariness and even apprehension toward China's rapid development, particularly its industrial and technological advancements. With pressure and influence from the US and other Western nations, these individuals have begun to overstate the competitive dynamics between China and South Korea, while overlooking the fresh cooperative opportunities arising from China's high-quality development. In fact, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, bio-pharmaceuticals, green industries, and the silver economy, among others, are all areas of emerging bilateral cooperation that can be further explored. During this meeting, both sides also reached a consensus to accelerate negotiations for the second phase of the China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, which will further expand future cooperation between the two nations. Indeed, China and South Korea are not only economic partners but are also similarly closely affected by the security situation in Northeast Asia. Maintaining the stability of the Korean Peninsula, regional supply chain security, climate governance, cybersecurity, and combating telecom fraud all require joint efforts from both countries. China has consistently emphasized that upholding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula serves the common interests of all parties. From this perspective, "to help one's neighbor succeed" represents not only economic symbiosis but also shared responsibility for security risks. From a broader perspective, the stronger the trust between neighboring countries, the more solid the foundation for regional peace becomes. Cooperation between China and South Korea represents a transcendence of the logic of geopolitical rivalry. In today's turbulent global landscape, with intensifying geopolitical competition, certain countries are attempting to divide Asia and undermine regional cooperation through narratives and actions centered on "bloc politics" and "camp confrontation." In this sense, "helping one's neighbor succeed" is a powerful response to such Cold War mentality. China's emphasis on win-win cooperation, mutual respect, and mutual trust reflects an inclusive vision for regional order. This vision not only serves the interests of both China and South Korea but also contributes to the long-term stability and development of the entire Asia-Pacific region. Another meaning of "helping one's neighbor succeed" is that helping a neighbor should never come at the neighbor's expense. True neighborliness lies in mutual support while avoiding harm to each other's core interests. The same applies to relations between nations: countries should respect and trust one another, rather than doubting each other or becoming tools of external powers. Regrettably, in recent years, under the banner of its "Indo-Pacific Strategy" and "alliance modernization," the US has sought to draw South Korea into military and economic frameworks aimed at containing China, pushing Seoul to the forefront of confrontation. Such an approach neither aligns with South Korea's national interests nor embodies the spirit of "helping one's neighbor succeed." China has never interfered in South Korea's internal affairs or taken actions that hinder its development; likewise, South Korea should avoid participating in any actions that undermine China's security and development interests. If South Korea seeks to pursue its own interests by catering to the strategic intentions of the Washington hawks and, in doing so, goes all out for Washington on issues concerning China's core interests, it would undoubtedly constitute a departure from the principles of good neighborliness. Such behavior would not only erode mutual trust but also drag South Korea into deeper security dilemma. The idea that "to help one's neighbor succeed is to help oneself" points the way forward for the development of China-South Korea relations in the new era and provides valuable insight for reshaping the Asia-Pacific order. At a time when economic globalization faces headwinds and protectionism is on the rise, both countries need a stable and predictable external environment. A good neighbor is more precious than gold. For South Korea, China is not a threat but an opportunity; for China, South Korea is not a rival but a partner. Both nations should take pride in each other's success, because when one neighbor prospers, the other becomes safer and more prosperous as well. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Local Sandwich Brand Donates Meals, Turkeys, and Toys to Support Las Vegas Families This November LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Capriotti's Sandwich Shop (Capriotti's) is bringing its hometown values to life this November through CapsGiving, a community initiative rooted in generosity, gratitude, and great food. Headquartered in Las Vegas, the award-winning sandwich brand is honoring National Homelessness Awareness Month by giving back to those who need it most right here in the city it proudly calls home. Through CapsGiving in Las Vegas, Capriotti's will: Capriotti's will donate 250 sandwiches every week in November to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission Post this Donate 250 sandwiches every week to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, feeding individuals and families experiencing homelessness every week to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, feeding individuals and families experiencing homelessness Provide Butterball turkeys to local families in need to ensure everyone can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal to local families in need to ensure everyone can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal Partner with local vendors to purchase and donate toys for students at Rundle Elementary School, spreading holiday cheer to local children "At Capriotti's, Las Vegas is our home, the place where our headquarters are located and where our purpose continues to grow," said Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti's. "CapsGiving is our way of saying thank you to this city by serving our community in a meaningful way. Whether it is sharing a sandwich, a turkey, or a toy, we want people to feel cared for and connected this holiday season." Nearly 50 years after creating The Bobbie, Capriotti's continues to be the brand that made Thanksgiving on a roll a national obsession. Made with slow-roasted, hand-pulled Butterball turkey, homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo on a soft hoagie roll, The Bobbie was named the Greatest Sandwich in America and remains the ultimate symbol of gratitude and comfort. "The partnership between Las Vegas Rescue Mission and Capriotti's Sandwich Shop over the years has been more than just food donations; it has also been a source of support too," said Heather Engle, CEO of Las Vegas Rescue Mission. "We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment to helping us provide some favorite menu items to those staying with us during this holiday season. It is truly a blessing, and we are so thankful for their ongoing generosity." In addition to local donations, Capriotti's is celebrating CapsGiving with exclusive offers, giveaways, and Rewards Member perks: Veterans Day (Nov. 11) All veterans and active-duty military receive a free small sub with any purchase when presenting a valid military I.D. in-shop. All veterans and active-duty military receive a with any purchase when presenting a valid military I.D. in-shop. Friendsgiving Giveaway (Nov. 13-18) Fans can share what they're grateful for on social media for a chance to win a Bobbie Party Tray for their own celebration. Fans can share what they're grateful for on social media for a chance to win a for their own celebration. Free Gravy Perk Rewards members can add a free side of gravy with a sub purchase in November. Because what's Thanksgiving without the gravy? Join the Celebration Learn more about CapsGiving or get involved by visiting capriottis.com/capsgiving . To unlock special offers and exclusive CapsGiving perks, join Capriotti's Rewards at capriottis.com/freesub or download the Capriotti's App via the App Store or Google Play. About Capriotti's Sandwich Shop Founded in 1976, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is an award-winning fast-casual restaurant brand known for crafting extraordinary sandwiches. Staying true to its roots, Capriotti's slow-roasts whole Butterball turkeys in-house daily and hand-pulls them each morning to deliver unmatched flavor and freshness. With more than 150 locations across the U.S., the brand is home to fan-favorite subs like The Bobbie voted "Greatest Sandwich in America" and unique offerings like the Capastrami, Cole Turkey and premium American Wagyu Cheesesteaks. Capriotti's continues to grow with a goal of reaching 500 locations by 2032 and has been ranked on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers list four years running. Guests can join Capriotti's Rewards to earn points, unlock perks and get exclusive access to new offers. For more information, visit capriottis.com , or follow Capriotti's on Facebook , TikTok and Instagram . Media Contact: Regan Lee, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or (630) 842-0414 SOURCE Capriotti's Sandwich Shop Razan al-Najjar was shot dead during a protest in 2018 (Facebook) A former Conservative minister has accused Benjamin Netanyahus government of murdering a young Palestinian nurse known as the angel of mercy in an extraordinary U-turn, having previously refused to criticise Israel over the death. Alistair Burt also accused Israel of conducting bogus inquiries into her death and that of other Palestinians involving the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) as a means of covering up killings. Mr Burt, who served as the Middle East minister in Theresa Mays Conservative administration, says he and her government were wrong not to call out Israel over the death of paramedic Razan al-Najjar, 21, in Palestinian protests on Gazas border with Israel in 2018. She was fatally shot going to the aid of a wounded demonstrator, prompting international outrage and posthumous fame for charismatic Najjar. A United Nations investigation found reasonable grounds to believe she was shot deliberately by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). When the incident occurred Mr Burt, then the Foreign Office Minister responsible for the Middle East, refused to criticise Israel, merely urging them to investigate the matter. Relatives of the volunteer paramedic mourn at the family house during her funeral in the town of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip (AP/Khalil Hamra) Moreover he pointed the finger of blame at the Palestinians, arguing extremist elements exploited the protests for their own violent purposes. However, in a remarkable public confession, Mr Burt now says he regrets his grim action, claiming he is now certain that Najjar was clearly targeted and murdered by Israel. He added that Israeli pledges to investigate this and other such killings were bogus - and he and the British government had been wrong to trust Israeli denials. Asked why he had failed to condemn Israels actions when Najjar was killed, a pained Mr Burt said: I know exactly what I did. I know why I did it. And its grim. He continued: I have thought about this a lot. The strongest memory I have was the shooting of the young paramedic Razan al-Najjar. She was clearly targeted and murdered by the Israelis. Mr Burt said he and the British government had made a grave error in taking the Netanyahu administration at its word when it said it would investigate and own up if it found the IDF was to blame for Najjars death. It had no such intention, he says. This and other similar promised official inquiries were all useless - and worse, nothing more than a cynical device to conceal the truth. We relied on the Israeli response that they know all about every shot that was fired by the IDF. My suspicion then since confirmed is that these investigations were effectively useless and used as a cover by the Israelis for the killing and covering up such as this. I and the UK should have been more bold in calling this out. Mr Burts comments come amid a separate controversy in Israel over leaked video footage allegedly showing IDF soldiers carrying out torture at Israels Sde Teiman detention camp for imprisoned Palestinians. Mr Burts change of heart is disclosed in a new book on Britains role in events surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict by journalist and author Peter Oborne entitled Complicit, Britains Role In The Destruction of Gaza. Mr Burts candid comments, in particular the vivid account of his grim recall of having wrongly trusted the Netanyahu government over the death of Najjar and other Palestinians, will be seen by Israels critics as a further sign of its diminished international standing in the wake of the Gaza conflict. Thousands gathered for the funeral of 21-year-old Razan Najjar, shot dead near the Israel-Gaza border on Friday while rushing to treat a wounded man (AFP/Getty) An internal review by the IDF into Najjars death in 2018 found she was not intentionally targeted. The IDF was accused of a smear campaign after releasing a film purporting to show that in a TV interview Najjar had admitted she was a human shield. An IDF spokesman said she was not the angel of mercy Hamas propaganda is making her out to be. It later emerged that the video had been manipulated: Najjar had said she was a human shield to save the injured. The words to save the injured had been edited out. Israels ambassador to the UK when the incident occurred questioned whether Najjar was a genuine medic and said her death was further evidence of the brutality of Hamas. Najjar had become an icon among Palestinians before her death, with photographs of her on social media in colourful headscarves, a determined look etched on her face. When she died, she was wearing a white tunic with her hands above her head, recognised by all those in the conflict as signalling a medic who should not be targeted.. An investigation into her death by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) found that she was clearly marked as a nurse and did not pose a threat of death or serious injury to the IDF when she was shot. The UNCHR found reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli snipers intentionally shot health workers despite seeing that they were clearly marked as such. In an interview with the New York Times a month before her death, Najjar discussed her position as a female volunteer medic. She said: Being a medic is not only a job for a man. Its for women, too. We have one goal. To save lives and evacuate people. And to send a message to the world: Without weapons, we can do anything. Her death in June 2018 came shortly before she and fiance Izzat Shatat were to announce their engagement at the end of Ramadan. Thousands of Gazans attended her funeral with Najjars body wrapped in a Palestinian flag. Her father carried her blood-stained medical jacket. Mr Burt cited another alleged IDF killing when an Israeli soldier shot a tear gas canister in the face of Palestinian protester, Mustafa al-Tamimi, in Israels occupied West Bank in 2011. Mr Burt said: We called for an investigation. I was promised there would be a response. Nothing. I do not recall any answer at all. The Independent has contacted the IDF for comment. Dick Cheney has died (AFP via Getty Images) Former US Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84, it has been reported. Cheney served in the role under George W Bush from 2001 to 2009. His family said in a statement on Tuesday: Richard B Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, died last night, November 3, 2025. He was 84 years old. His beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members were with him as he passed. The former Vice President died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney with George W Bush in 2004 (REUTERS) The former Vice President also served as Chief of Staff to President Gerald Ford and Secretary of Defense to President George HW Bush. As VP from 2001 to 2009, Cheney fought vigorously for an expansion of the power of the presidency, having felt that it had been eroding since the Watergate scandal that drove his one-time boss Richard Nixon from office. He also expanded the clout of the vice president's office by putting together a national security team that often served as a power center of its own within the administration. Cheney was a strong advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq and was among the most outspoken of Bush administration officials warning of the danger from Iraq's alleged stockpile of weapons of mass destruction. No such weapons were found. He clashed with several top Bush aides, including Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, and defended "enhanced" interrogation techniques of terrorism suspects that included waterboarding and sleep deprivation. As vice president, he was a key architect of the Iraq War (REUTERS) Others, including the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the UN special rapporteur on counter terrorism and human rights, called these techniques "torture." His daughter Liz Cheney also became an influential Republican lawmaker, serving in the House of Representatives but losing her seat after opposing Republican President Donald Trump and voting to impeach him in the wake of the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol by his supporters. Her father agreed with her and said he would vote for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in 2024. "In our nation's 248 year-history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump," said the man who had long been a foe of the left. Cheney was troubled much of his life by heart problems, suffering the first of a number of heart attacks at age 37. He had a heart transplant in 2012. George Banks, one of the United States' most notorious mass murderers, has died aged 83. He passed away on Sunday afternoon at Phoenix state prison in Pennsylvania, the state Department of Corrections confirmed. His death was attributed to complications from renal neoplasm, or kidney cancer, by Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Janine Darby. Banks had been imprisoned since 1982 for a horrific rampage in Wilkes-Barre, where he shot 14 people, killing 13, including his own children. This event was considered one of the worst mass murders in American history at the time. H He was convicted of 12 counts of first-degree murder and one count of third-degree murder. The deadly spree began at his home after a late-night party, with Banks using an AR-15 rifle. Banks had been imprisoned since 1982 for a horrific rampage in Wilkes-Barre, where he shot 14 people, killing 13, including his own children. (Clark Van Orden/The Times Leader via AP) Five victims were his children, ages 1 to 6. Four more were the mothers of his children. Other victims were bystanders, including an 11-year-old child who sometimes stayed with his family, a 7-year-old child and a teenager who saw Banks leaving his home armed with the rifle and recognized him. Banks killed three women and five children at his home, authorities say. Then, dressed in green army fatigues with an ammunition bandolier around his chest and shoulders, Banks left, when he saw four teenagers walking to their car from a nearby friend's house. He shot one fatally, and another, who survived, authorities say. He stole a car and went to the Heather Highlands Trailer Park where police found the bodies of Banks' son and the child's mother, as well as her mother and her nephew. From there, Banks went to his mothers house, who told police that Banks told her, I killed them. I killed them all, court records say. Banks eventually surrendered after a four-hour standoff at a friend's house after police tried to convince him that his victims had survived. Eventually, state courts prevented his execution, saying he wasn't mentally competent. That left Banks with a sentence of life imprisonment. The teenager who survived being shot by Banks, Jim Olson, later expressed frustration in 2012 that Banks hadn't been executed, saying, "What is the sense of having a death penalty if you dont use it or enforce it? Defense lawyers had argued that Banks was insane when he went on the shooting spree. After his arrest, Banks, who is biracial, claimed he had killed his children to save them from the pain of growing up in a racist society. During his trial, he overruled his lawyer on strategic decisions, and argued instead that prosecutors, the judge and the mayor of Wilkes-Barre were conspiring against him. Banks also showed the jury gory pictures of his victims, even after his lawyer had successfully gotten the photos barred on the grounds that they were gruesome and prejudicial. Jamie Melham became the second female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup when guiding Half Yours to victory at Flemington. The Australian is also the first woman to claim the Melbourne Cup-Caulfield Cup double on the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained gelding. Her win comes 10 years after Michelle Payne created history riding Prince Of Penzance. Following the victory, Melham told Australias Nine Network: This is why we get up out of bed every morning at 4am its tough. Its not all glorious and perfect, as everyone can see sometimes. Ive had an amazing year. Got married, had some really great days on the track, but nothing ever, ever compares to this feeling right now Im feeling. HerStory @jamieleemelham becomes the first female jockey ever to complete the Cups double, guiding HALF YOURS to victory in the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup. @wwos | #MelbourneCup | #MelbCupCarnival pic.twitter.com/1PXMggTqVV Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 4, 2025 Half Yours the only Australian-bred horse in the 24-strong field was among the favourites to take advantage of the soft track after sporadic rain. The five-year-old was in a tussle through the closing stages with Joseph OBriens Goodie Two Shoes, but Melham kicked at the perfect time to cross the finish line nearly three lengths clear. The JP McManus-owned Goodie Two Shoes held on for second, with Middle Earth coming third and River of Stars finishing fourth. Melham beat her husband Ben on board Smokin Romans (14th) to the finish line, with the two sharing a moment after the race. She used her post-race interview to pay tribute to her grandfather, who died last week. Irish horse Al Riffa received a wealth of late support, but ultimately finished seventh (Niall Carson/PA) I have to mention my grandpa, said Melham. He died last week. The last thing he watched was the Caulfield Cup, and he was such a big supporter of mine. So hes up there opening those gaps for me because I needed a few gaps open then. Al Riffa also trained by Irelands OBrien received a mountain of late support, but was unable to break away as he crossed the line in seventh place. OBrien was searching for a third Melbourne Cup victory while Willie Mullins failed to replicate his Breeders Cup heroics with Absurde who could only finish in eighth place. Simon and Ed Crisfords Meydaan finished 10th with Brian Ellisons Onesmoothoperator hampered by the rain back in 16th. Author and former politician Jeffrey Archer is offering to write a winning bidders name into his final standalone novel at an auction for a hospital charity. Lord Archer, 85, said only he would decide who the character was and how they fit into the plot, and that they could be a chauffeur, a fast bowler, a farmer or a fraudster. The former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party said he could not wait to find out who wins the bidding at the Cheffins 200-Year Anniversary Charity Auction this month. Author and former politician Jeffrey Archer is offering to write a winning bidders name into his final standalone novel at an auction for a hospital charity (Dominic Lipinski/ PA) Lord Archer, who has sold more than 275 million copies of his books worldwide, said: Not many people can say theyve found their way into a Jeffrey Archer novel, but this auction gives them the chance! Its my final standalone novel, so I thought it was time to have a little fun and try to raise money for a fantastic charity at the same time. Only I will decide who this character is in the book and how they fit into the plot. They could be a chauffeur, a fast bowler, a farmer, or a fraudster. I cant wait to find out who wins the bidding and how their name will fit into my final novel. Lord Archers novel is due for release in 2026 and the online auction is to be held from November 7. All proceeds will go to The Addenbrookes Charitable Trust, which supports Addenbrookes and the Rosie hospitals in Cambridge. Funds raised are due to go towards building a playroom for children in treatment at the new Cambridge Childrens Hospital. Lord Archer said the Addenbrookes Charitable Trust is a charity which is close to my heart, not least because my wife, Mary, is president and has committed so much of her life to Addenbrookes. Please dig deep and this Christmas give as much as you can afford, knowing that you will be helping build a new childrens hospital at the same time, he said. Martin Millard, equity director at auctioneers Cheffins, said: To have your name included in one of the worlds most successful authors final standalone novel is a rare prize and something which would eclipse all other gifts under the tree for one of Archers hundreds of thousands of die-hard fans. As this is such a unique and unusual opportunity, it is impossible to put any sort of estimate on what something like this might be worth. Opening bids will be placed at around 500 but theres no telling how much this could raise in total. The auction, from November 7 to November 23, will be held online at: cheffins.co.uk. The womans lawsuit against iPlay America, an amusement park in New Jersey, was dismissed last year. The court upheld that decision on Friday (Google) An appeals court upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a New Jersey mother who claimed she was yelled at and called a Karen by children at a theme park, as workers did nothing to stop the harassment. The 55-year-old woman from Edison, a suburb about 36 miles southwest of New York City, was attending a birthday party at iPlay America on October 9, 2022, with her two children when an employee told her she was too short for a go-kart ride, NJ.com reported. While the employee and a manager were speaking with plaintiff, children waiting in line behind her became upset and began to shout at her because of the delay, calling her a white b---- and (Karen), according to the lawsuit, filed June 3, 2024, in Middlesex County Superior Court. In recent years, the name Karen has become synonymous with a specific type of middle-class white woman who acts in either a demanding or entitled manner. The woman, who previously rode the attraction without any trouble, was left terribly embarrassed and humiliated by these events and felt discriminated against because she was wrongfully denied access to the IPA Speedway Go-Kart ride, the lawsuit said. Children in line for a ride allegedly hurled abusive language at the woman, and called her a Karen, according to a lawsuit. (Google) After she was turned away from the go-karts, the woman had to walk past the ridiculing children who were yelling at her, according to the lawsuit. Her embarrassment was apparently exacerbated because her two minor children were present for the entire event, the suit says. According to the lawsuit, iPlay employees did nothing to stop the harassment. iPlay America is an indoor theme park with bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag and other attractions in Freehold, a New Jersey suburb about 50 miles south of New York City. In the lawsuit, the woman accused iPlay America of negligence for not allowing her on the ride. It also claims the business breached its duty of care by not preventing other guests from yelling at her. A trial court dismissed the womans lawsuit on October 11, 2024. A state appellate court upheld that dismissal in a decision made Friday. We are unpersuaded by plaintiffs arguments and determine the trial court did not err in its findings, the appeals court wrote in its decision. The appeals court noted it did not approve of the childrens behavior, but said iPlay Americas responsibility to provide a safe environment does not extend to protecting patrons from derogatory and perjorative comments. Preventing certain communications between patrons is not feasible, the decision said, later noting the park cannot reasonably prevent verbal insults from taking place. Singer Leona Lewis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and actress Suranne Jones are among the stars who will wear their pre-loved festive knitwear for Save the Childrens Christmas Jumper Day. They are joined by podcasters Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks, actors Zawe Aston and Angela Griffin, singer Claire Richards and broadcasters Amanda Holden, Katie Piper and Christine Lampard who will also participate in the annual fundraiser for the childrens charity. Christmas Jumper Day returns on December 11 with the aim of encouraging the public to wear their favourite pre-loved Christmas jumpers to help raise money for the childrens charity. Suranne Jones supports Save the Childrens annual Christmas Jumper Day (Save the Children/PA) Speaking about her favourite Christmas memories and reasons for joining the campaign, Jones, who stars in Film Club and Frauds, said: Leaning on my mums knee watching Christmas TV, eating tins of chocolate in our sitting room, doing the rounds visiting grandparents and extended family, my mum belting out Christmas classics with her sisters. Those treasured moments are what Im trying to keep going with my son now. This year has been awful for so many children around the world. Save the Children is doing vital work to ensure children both locally in the UK and internationally get the help they deserve. The former Coronation Street actress also recalled organising a jumper competition at work while filming, describing it as a real highlight. Meanwhile Widdicombe said he has continued his own family traditions of cooking a vegetarian lasagne on Christmas Day much to his wifes annoyance. He added: My favourite thing about Christmas as a kid was always the build-up. Its all about the anticipation. To the point where I was horrified when Christmas Day was over, and I couldnt believe it was another 364 days until the next one. People say Christmas is a time for family and thats fine if your family is with you, if you have a home, or access to clean running water and food. Sadly, so many people dont. Thats why Christmas Jumper Day matters its a chance to give back and support children who are living without the things we so often take for granted. Josh Widdicombe supports Save the Childrens annual Christmas Jumper Day (Save the Children/PA) Since launching in 2012, the fundraiser has raised more than 40 million to help transform the lives of children both in the UK and around the world. Lewis, who won The X Factor in 2006, added: The thing I love most about Christmas is simply being with my family. Im often away travelling and touring, so Christmas is the one time we can all come together and just enjoy each others company. Building those core memories with my daughter is so important to me. Im supporting Save the Children because there are so many children around the world who need protecting, and they need us to speak up for them when they cant. Since becoming a mother, I feel that even more deeply seeing how much my daughter relies on me makes me think of all the children who dont have that safety and support. Katie Piper is supporting Save the Childrens annual Christmas Jumper Day taking place on Thursday 11th December 2025. (Save the Children/PA) Activist Piper described the joyful chaos of Christmas, adding that watching The Snowman on Christmas Eve is a non-negotiable. She said: Every year we make a new decoration for the tree, something handmade and personal. We love games, films, and of course, lots of chocolate. Its a real family day where everyone pitches in and just enjoys being together. This year, more than ever, children across the world are facing unimaginable challenges, conflict, poverty, displacement, and the impact of climate disasters. Christmas is a time of giving and hope, and I believe we all have a role to play in making sure every child has the chance to feel safe, valued, and supported. Donating to Save the Children helps bring that hope to life, it gives children access to education, healthcare, and protection. Its a powerful way to spread love and make a real difference. TV presenter Alison Hammond will also join in along with actor Joe Swash, paralympian Ade Adepitan, comedian Jen Brister, influencer Olivia Bowen and Olympian Noah Williams. Reality TV star Thompson added: Growing up, Christmas was always a really magical, beautiful time and I still love the cosiness of that time of year. Its really sad to think that so many children around the world are being robbed of those joyful moments and memories like I was lucky enough to have at Christmas. The good news is, you can help all you need to do is throw on your best festive sweater and donate to Save the Children. London North Eastern Railway has paid tribute to a member of staff over the stabbings onboard a train in Cambridgeshire, saying he did not hesitate to protect passengers during a moment of crisis. Samir Zitouni, 48, who has worked for LNER for more than 20 years, remains in hospital following the attacks. Dozens of travellers were forced to barricade themselves in carriages and try to shield themselves from the brutal stabbings. David Horne, managing director at LNER, praised Mr Zitouni for his incredibly brave actions to protect passengers. He said: In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him. His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery. His family said in a statement released through LNER: We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well wishes for his recovery. Samir Zitouni, who has worked for London North Eastern Railway for more than 20 years, remains in hospital following the attacks (LNER) The care provided by the hospital and the support from his colleagues at LNER has been incredible. We are immensely proud of Sam and his courage. The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us, hes always been a hero. Ten patients were taken by ambulance to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge and one patient self-presented, British Transport Police said on Tuesday. Six patients have been discharged, four patients remain stable and one, an LNER member of staff, remains stable but critically unwell, BTP said. Anthony Williams, 32, was charged on Monday morning with 10 counts of attempted murder after an attack on an LNER train to London Kings Cross on Saturday evening. Stephen Crean, was stabbed six times after he confronted the attacker (PA) He has also been charged with one count of attempted murder over an incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London in the early hours of Saturday, where a victim was slashed in the face with a knife. Detectives are now also investigating whether the suspect is linked to another three knife incidents which took place in Peterborough in the run-up to the attack on Saturday. Home secretary Shabana Mahmood told MPs on Monday that the public will have many unanswered questions about the train attacker and there is much more the government could be doing with new and emerging technology to tackle knife crime. Meanwhile, Cambridgeshire Police has commissioned an internal review into events in the lead-up to the stabbing. Simon Megicks, chief constable, said he welcomed the additional scrutiny. Mr Megicks said the force had also referred itself to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is standard practice, but the referral did not meet the criteria for a valid referral, so they are not investigating the matter. At a glance The Metropolitan Police has revealed that only 15% of the four million 999 calls this year were genuine emergencies, with many people misusing the service for trivial issues Callers reported problems such as missing Uber Eats deliveries, disputes over KFC orders, stuck car chargers, uncooperative pets and landlord-tenant arguments The force warned that such calls waste vital time and delay help for real emergencies, urging the public to use alternative contact methods and keep 999 for genuine situations Just one in seven of all 999 calls to the Metropolitan Police this year have been for genuine emergencies, the force has said. Scotland Yard released audio of a woman who called for help because a big spider was trapped in her hallway. When the operator asks if it was a joke, she replies: No, it is not. Oh my God. I am terrified of spiders. Another example of wasting resources was a man who reported his Uber Eats rider had arrived without his food. The handler responds: Why have you called the emergency services? The disgruntled customer replies: Because Im trying to call Uber Eats, its not allowing me. I have nobody else to call. A second man claimed hed paid 13 for chicken at KFC in Harlesden and despite the money leaving his bank account staff are not giving me my food for no reason at all. When challenged over the reason for dialling 999, he says: Yeah, well, what choice have I got, mate? The operator hits back: Im sorry its not an emergency, to which the male concedes: I know, I know that, mate, but this is wrong, man. Others called because a charging lead on an electric car wouldnt disconnect, their dog refused to come back into their house, plus arguments between tenants and landlords. A woman was frustrated because an accident caused an hour of standstill traffic on the A406 North Circular Road. The Met warned these non-emergency calls are taking up valuable time and stopping handlers from dealing with genuine requests. In the year to July, just 15 per cent of four million calls received were genuine emergencies. Commander Caroline Haines said: When someones life is in danger, or a crime is being committed, seconds count. Unfortunately, too many people call 999 for things that simply arent an emergency or a matter for police. These calls could mean someone who is in genuine need and danger must wait longer to get the help they urgently need. That is why were running a campaign to remind the public of the other ways they can contact us, so we can focus on keeping London safe. Lets keep 999 free for those who genuinely need it. A man in Turkey has been ordered have to pay his ex-wife 180 every three months for the care of her two cats as part of a divorce settlement. A family court in Istanbul has ruled that financial support and care arrangements for the couples pets will be part of their settlement agreement in a rare case which may serve as a precedent for future divorce agreements involving animals. Bugra B. will pay 10,000 Turkish Liras every three months - or 180 a year - for up to ten years for the care of the two cats he shared with his wife Ezgi B, local media reports. The cats are expected to live with his ex and the payments will increase annually in line with the Consumer Price Index, according to the Turkiye Times. The couple filed for divorce after two years of marriage due to severe incompatibility, according to local media. As well as financial support for their two cats, the ex-husband will also have to pay his former partner 550,000 Liras, or around 10,000. Pets are considered moveable property under Turkish law. Recent rulings have allowed courts to approve agreements regarding the custody, care, and financial support of animals following divorce. This case is notable as it established structured, long-term financial support for pets. Turkiye has a large population of stray animals, including four million street dogs. Last July, the countrys parliament passed a law to round up the stray dogs and put them into shelters despite criticism from the opposition. Supporters of the law cited concerns about attacks, road accidents and rabies. Under the new rules, any dogs showing aggressive behaviour or that have untreatable diseases will be put down. The Turkish couples unusual arrangement comes after a husband and wife sought divorce in India because their pet dog and cat cannot get along. The pair, who tied the knot in December 2024, underwent court-mandated counselling and has filed for a legal separation, counsellors said, according to reports. The couple had initially bonded over their love of animals before it all went wrong. During counselling sessions, the wife alleged that her husbands dog repeatedly disturbs and has even attacked her cat, leaving her anxious about its safety. She described the situation as unbearable. INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Carrier is proud to announce a major milestone in its commitment to advancing the future of sustainable HVAC solutions. Multiple Carrier 'My Learning Center Heat Pump Training' programs have been officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as an Energy Skilled training provider in the category of Heat Pump Installation. This designation highlights Carrier's efforts to equip HVAC technicians with the skills needed to meet growing demand for high-efficiency, sustainable HVAC systems. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. "The 'Energy Skilled' designation affirms the quality and rigor of our 'My Learning Center Heat Pump Training' programs and underscores our commitment to advancing energy efficiency in the HVAC space across the country," said Nick Arch, Vice President and General Manager, Residential HVAC Solutions at Carrier. "As we continue to invest in more sustainable solutions and workforce development, we're helping homeowners make smarter, cleaner upgrades that can help lower energy bills." As part of its commitment to excellence, Carrier maintains a nationwide network with thousands of Factory Authorized Dealers. Each dealership requires its technicians to be NATE-certified (North American Technician Excellence), and many of these include the heat pump specialty exam that now carries the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Skilled recognition through NATE. This means many Factory Authorized Dealer professionals already meet DOE's Energy Skilled standards by virtue of their NATE certification and rigorous dealer requirements. To expand access even further, Carrier is adding additional pathways to Energy Skilled recognition through My Learning Center. This ensures homeowners can rely on highly trained experts to deliver energy-efficient upgrades with confidence and precision. This alignment opens new doors for contractors, including: Enhanced visibility through online search and maps, helping consumers easily find qualified professionals. Improved credibility with energy-conscious homeowners seeking long-term savings and comfort. Carrier's recognition as an Energy Skilled provider reinforces its legacy of innovation and its commitment to shaping the future of HVAC where energy, skilled labor, and consumer trust intersect. To learn more about Carrier visit www.carrier.com/residential. About Carrier Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Carrier provides sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, committed to creating innovations that bring comfort, safety and sustainability to life. For more information, visit carrier.com or follow @Carrier on X. Carrier. For the World We Share. SOURCE Carrier Global Corporation CCTV footage shows masked men armed with clubs beating and abusing lambs at a West Bank farm Israeli settlers have tortured and killed lambs in a Palestinian-owned pen in the southern West Bank, footage purports to show. Settler violence against Palestinians has reportedly increased in recent weeks as hard-Right Israeli ministers push to seize more land. CCTV footage, obtained by Haaretz, the Israeli news outlet, this week, shows nine masked men armed with clubs approaching the Dramin familys pen, located on the outskirts of Samu village. The masked gang shattered car windscreens and set harvests on fire, before three entered the pen and beat lambs to death in front of the ewes. The lambs were thrown to the ground and beaten with concrete blocks. Six were killed, while four more received severe injuries, according to the newspaper. Credit: @masafering / X In addition to killing the sheep, the masked attackers also smashed the nearby homes windows and pepper-sprayed its interior. Human rights activists said that this was not the first attack on the Dramin family home, but that it was the most severe. Mahmoud Daghmeen, a Palestinian farmer, told Al Jazeera: A number of settlers arrived here, I was praying. They are from Susiya settlement. They started hitting and breaking the car and hitting the door of the house, so I closed the door on myself. My wife and four children were there. They fired tear gas toward the house and two tear gas canisters were fired inside the house. b' ' Ben Zion Eshel and Amir Pinsky, from the Looking the Occupation in the Eyes human rights group, said that animals were increasingly becoming targets for violence by settlers. They said that dogs had been attacked with stones and beaten with clubs in the Jordan Valley. The activists also said they had heard stories of farm animals being run over, while others had been chased with drones. Flocks are poisoned. Poisoned chicken heads that kill dogs and wild animals, such as foxes, are scattered around, Mr Eshel told Haaretz. This is abuse in itself, and it is carried out to harass Palestinian communities, Mr Pinsky added. They travel great distances with their flocks just to reach Palestinian homes, and their flocks cant handle it. Lambs die in the pasture. Human rights campaigners say the attacks are carried out to harass Palestinian communities - Alaa Badarneh/EPA Israeli police said that IDF, Border Police and Shin Bet officers had located one of the cars used by the suspects to attack the sheep. Extensive actions and investigations are under way to locate them, including exhausting all testimonies and evidence on the scene, a spokesman said. It comes after the United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said violence in the West Bank had soared to its highest level in more than a decade. In a statement released on Sunday, it said October was the most violent month since records began about 13 years ago. The agency said most of the attacks were carried out during the olive harvest season, with Palestinian farmers facing assaults and being blocked from their land. Last month, Right-wing Israeli MPs passed a bill that would apply Israeli sovereignty to all West Bank settlements in a direct challenge to Benjamin Netanyahu. Credit: Reuters JD Vance, who was in Israel during the vote, said it was stupid and that the US would never allow Israel to annex the territory. The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel. The policy of the Trump administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. That will continue to be our policy, and if people want to take symbolic votes they can do that, but we certainly werent happy about it. Micky van de Vens goal of the season contender helped Tottenham provide boss Thomas Frank with much-needed home comforts after a 4-0 thrashing of Copenhagen in the Champions League. Frank watched Spurs deliver a tepid display in a poor London derby loss to Chelsea on Saturday, which sparked boos at full-time and an unfortunate flashpoint between Van de Ven and Djed Spence. Van de Ven and Spence ignored the instructions of Frank to applaud the home fans, but an apology by the duo on Monday was followed by a sensational strike by the Dutch defender. OH MY WORD MICKY VAN DE VEN Incredible goal by the Spurs centre half, as he runs the full length of the pitch before a fantastic finish past Kotarsi INCREDIBLE GOAL! Watch live on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/txG6v8s8jH Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 4, 2025 Vice-captain Van de Ven carried the ball from the edge of his penalty area to score a superb solo goal in the 64th minute. It put Tottenham 3-0 up but was decisive as Brennan Johnson, who produced a 19th-minute opener, was controversially sent off at the start of the second half minutes after Wilson Odobert added a second. Substitute Joao Palhinha added gloss to the score with 23 minutes left before RIcharlison squandered a late spot-kick as Spurs produced the biggest win of Franks 17-game tenure at the perfect time to move onto eight points in the Champions League and keep alive their hopes of a top-eight finish. After the team were booed on multiple occasions on Saturday, Frank shuffled his pack with last seasons leading scorer Johnson recalled and the fit-again Destiny Udogie at left-back for the first time since October 4. The recalled Brennan Johnson scores Tottenhams opening goal (Ian Walton/AP) Xavi Simons, another brought in by Frank, set up Udogie for a sliced effort straight at Dominik Kotarski and two minutes later the 52million summer recruit made the opener. Rodrigo Bentancur found Xavi, who curled through to Johnson and Tottenhams number 22 expertly rounded Kotarski before he calmly slotted home. It was Johnsons 45th goal involvement for Spurs in his 101st match and much-needed for a team who had won only four of their last 20 domestic home fixtures. Johnson almost turned provider moments later but his chipped cross was sent over by Pape Sarr. Brennan Johnson, left, celebrates his goal (John Walton/PA) Copenhagens Youssoufa Moukoko fired straight at Guglielmo Vicario from a corner but it should have been 2-0 at half-time. With Xavis influence growing, his one-two with Odobert set up a golden chance for Randal Kolo Muani but he side-footed wide. Kolo Muani then headed over from a superb Xavi cross in stoppage time before Tottenham grabbed a second six minutes into the second half. Pedro Porros long pass seemed routine for Kotarski but Kolo Muani blocked the clearance, brought the ball down majestically inside the area and teed up Odobert. It sparked a crazy 17-minute spell with a red card for Johnson was followed by two counter-attacking goals involving Spurs centre-backs. Firstly Johnsons evening ended prematurely and in contentious fashion as he slid in on Copenhagen left-back Marcos Lopez. Referee Erik Lambechts brandished a yellow card but VAR upgraded it to a red. Micky van de Ven scores Tottenhams third goal after a long solo run (John Walton/PA) Van de Ven ensured the fixture was not in the balance for long as in the 64th minute he produced a contender for FIFAs Puskas award. The Dutch defender received the ball on the edge of his own area and produced a barnstorming run before he finished with aplomb. Romero attempted to rival his fellow centre-back when he led a counter-attack and teed up substitute Palhinha three minutes later. There was still time for Richarlison to smash a stoppage-time spot-kick against the crossbar but it failed to sour a much-needed home win for Frank. Nepal battles snow and wind to reach survivors after seven climbers killed in Himalayan avalanche Search and rescue teams were battling harsh weather on Tuesday to find four missing climbers after an avalanche at a Himalayan peak in Nepal killed seven people, officials said. The avalanche hit the Yalung Ri base camp in eastern Nepals Dolakha at around 8.30am local time on Monday, trapping a 15-member expedition made up of five foreign climbers and 10 Nepali mountain guides. All five foreigners were killed, as were two Nepalis. Four of the guides sustained injuries and were evacuated to the Na village for treatment, police said. Three of the foreigners were from France and one each from Canada and Italy. Search and rescue teams, including from Nepals army and police, were deployed to the area but they were struggling against heavy wind, snow and poor visibility to locate the four missing high-altitude guides. Authorities said the search operation resumed at first light on Tuesday after heavy snow and thick clouds had forced aircraft to turn back the previous day. Isabelle Solange, a survivor of an avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri, speaks to the media after being rescued and airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday (AP) The avalanche buried everyone on the slope, deputy police superintendent Gyan Kumar Mahato said. We got the information late and the difficult weather delayed immediate response. Several rescue attempts were made through the day, he added, but the operation could not proceed because helicopters were unable to reach the site. A helicopter finally reached Na village on Monday evening, and we have also deployed rescue teams on foot, he said. The rescue teams were focusing on the slopes above the Na village, where the climbers were trapped while ascending Yalung Ri, a 5,630m peak used as a training climb before tackling higher mountains in the region. Didier Armand, a survivor of an avalanche on Mount Yalung Ri, takes rest after being rescued and airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal (AP) Police said the mountaineers originally planned to climb Dolma Kang, a 6,334m peak nearby, and were attempting Yalung Ri as part of their acclimatisation schedule. They spent Sunday night in Na and left for the base camp in the morning when the weather briefly improved. One of the injured climbers told the Kathmandu Post they had repeatedly called for help but did not receive an immediate response. We shouted and cried for help, but no one could reach us, the person, who was not named, claimed. We were told that a helicopter would come after four hours but by then several of our friends were gone. Had the rescue arrived on time, more lives could have been saved. Four of our friends are out of contact. Mr Mahato blamed heavy snowfall and clouds for hampering the rescue operation. Didier Armand was airlifted to a hospital in Kathmandu (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Yalung Ri is located in the Rolwaling Valley of northeastern Nepal and climbers there encounter a mix of rock, ice and snow. Officials said the Rolwaling Valley had seen days of snow before the accident, leaving the snowpack unstable even after the skies cleared. The team set out only after the weather cleared on Sunday but the snowpack remained unstable, Mr Mahato said. In Nepal, summer and autumn are favourable seasons for trekkers and mountaineers as weather conditions are better before the winter sets in. But the risk of avalanches and harsh weather remains. Last week, South Asia was hit by Cyclone Montha which brought heavy rain in Nepal and India. In the aftermath, two British and one Irish woman had to be rescued after they were trapped for several days in the western Mustang region of Nepal. Oklahoma sex offender and 10 Most Wanted suspect arrested in New York 13 years after faking abduction, officials say An Oklahoma sex offender on the state's 10 Most Wanted list has been arrested in New York 13 years after faking his disappearance, officials say. Anthony Lennon has been wanted on eight counts of possession of child pornography since March 2012. At the time, Moore Police Department detectives were called to a local Super 8 Motel, where Lennon had worked, and found a suspicious crime scene, the Marshals Service said in a recent news release. Another employee noticed a pool of blood, Lennons shoe, bloody shoe prints, shirt buttons, and money missing from the hotel money drawer, federal authorities said. Lennon, who was working toward a doctorate degree in computer science at the time of his disappearance, was accused of leaving behind falsified evidence to make it appear he had been abducted, the Marshals Service said. Anthony Lennon, an Oklahoma sex offender on the state's '10 Most Wanted' list, has been arrested in New York 13 years after faking his disappearance, officials say (Moore Police Department) The day before he vanished, he emptied his bank account, claiming to the bank teller that he was in legal trouble, according to authorities. During the Moore Police Departments investigation into Lennon, they found chat logs, a desktop computer, and stacks of compact discs containing images of children and infants being violently raped and sexually assaulted, federal authorities said. At the time of his disappearance, Lennon was facing 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to five counts of aggravated possession of child pornography in 2008. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a separate news release, In that case, a friend using Lennon's computer discovered about 50 gigabytes of images of graphic child pornography. After more than a decade on the run, federal and local authorities were able to find Lennon and interview him in New York under the alias Justin Phillips. The Marshals Service said Lennons true identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis. Drummond said Lennon was captured in upstate New York on Thursday. Lennon was captured in upstate New York on Thursday, according to Oklahoma's attorney general (Moore Police Department) It's unclear whether Lennon has obtained an attorney yet. Lennon was added to Drummonds 10 Most Wanted program in July. The program began in September 2024. This man is accused of committing a terrible crime involving children and this arrest illustrates the professionalism, communication, and teamwork of all the various agencies involved in the arrest and to provide justice for the victims, Marshal Johnny L. Kuhlman said in a statement. The Moore Police Department said in a Facebook post, This case remains active and under investigation, but with his capture, we can now begin the process of holding Lennon accountable for the crimes he committed against children in our community. I appreciate the thorough investigative work by the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Attorneys Office, the Moore Police Department and all of the law enforcement agencies involved in locating and apprehending this child predator, Drummond said in a statement. He evaded justice for far too long but will now face the consequences of his actions. Oreo has unveiled a special tin of cookies in honor of Thanksgiving. The beloved cookie company recently announced the release of the new fudge-covered cookies in six different flavors, as part of the Oreo Thanksgiving Dinner Cookie Tin. This tin includes two cookie flavors based on beloved Thanksgiving desserts, like Pumpkin Pie and Caramel Apple Pie. There are also the side dish flavors, like Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potato, and Creamed Corn cookie flavors. Last but not least is a cookie inspired by a signature Thanksgiving Day meal: Turkey and Stuffing. The limited-edition offering, which includes two cookies in each of the six flavors, is complete with a special-edition Thanksgiving belly band, according to a description of the product. It is also a test-and-learn experience, as Oreo is inviting fans to join a bold taste journey and share their honest feedback. Oreos Thanksgiving tin includes fudge covered cookies in six flavors (Oreo) This flavor experiment is not your typical OREO indulgence, the product description reads. Its a chance to try something unforgettable and help shape the future of flavor innovation. The Thanksgiving cookies are an online exclusive, sold only on Oreos website for $20. Oreo isnt the only business preparing for the holiday season. Kraft has released an Apple Pie mac and cheese flavor in honor of Thanksgiving. The limited-time offering combines two Thanksgiving staples, mac and cheese and apple pie, and is meant to serve as a conversation starter this holiday season. Krafts spin on the boxed favorite marries the brands familiar mac and cheese flavor with cinnamon hints and green apple, creating a sweet and savory dish that feels both familiar and adventurous, the brand said in a press release. Meanwhile, Starbucks is preparing for the winter with its holiday menu hitting stores Thursday. Returning this season are the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, and Iced Gingerbread Chai. The Chestnut Praline Latte and Eggnog Latte will also be added to the menu later in the year, though a specific date has not yet been revealed. Customers can also treat themselves to holiday-themed baked goods, like the Snowman Cookie, Cranberry Bliss Bar, and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish at Starbucks locations across the U.S. Additionally, Starbucks is reviving its fan-favorite red cup promotion for the holiday season. On November 13, the chain will be offering free 16-ounce limited-edition red reusable coffee cups with the purchase of any of Starbuckss holiday-themed drinks in-store, at a drive-thru, or on the Starbucks app for pick-up or delivery. Pakistan hits back at Donald Trump after he accuses US ally of testing nuclear weapons Pakistan has rejected Donald Trumps claim that it is among a handful of nations actively testing nuclear weapons. A senior Pakistani security official told CBS News his country was not the first to carry out nuclear tests and will not be the first to resume nuclear tests". The rare rebuttal comes at a time when Pakistan is otherwise seeking to strengthen ties with the US under Mr Trump. Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has been showering praise on the American president for brokering a ceasefire with India following a brief military conflict in May. India has played down Mr Trumps involvement. Mr Trump, who has directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, told CBS News last week that China, Russia, North Korea and Pakistan were also testing nuclear weapons, as he sought to justify his decision. Russia's testing, and China's testing, but they don't talk about it," Mr Trump said in an interview with 60 Minutes. "We're gonna test, because they test, and others test. And certainly North Korea's been testing. Pakistan's been testing. When pressed that he was conflating testing of nuclear weapons with tests of nuclear missiles, the president argued that countries don't go and tell you about it. "As powerful as they are, this is a big world. You don't necessarily know where they are testing, he said. They test way underground, where people don't know exactly what's happening with the test. You feel a little bit of a vibration." They test and we don't test, he added. We have to test." Last week, Mr Trump ordered the Pentagon to "immediately" start "testing our nuclear weapons", ending a three-decade-old moratorium on US nuclear testing and prompting fears of a new arms race among the worlds nuclear powers. The presidents order fuelled confusion and alarm among scientists and experts who warned that his reckless and vague instructions could risk triggering the first major build-up of nuclear warheads by world powers in decades. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio greets Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif as president Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House (Getty) Mr Trump didnt give any details about the proposed tests, but the announcement appeared designed to boost US development in a race against modernised nuclear weapons delivery systems from Russia and China. The worlds nuclear powers together possess more than 12,000 warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists. The US and Russia alone possess roughly 87 per cent of the worlds nuclear weapons stockpiles and 83 per cent of the warheads are available for military use. The rest are held by the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. The US last conducted a confirmed nuclear test in 1992 and signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty which bans all atomic test explosions, whether for military or civilian in 1996. Pakistan has claimed that its last nuclear explosive test was done in 1998, and that it has since maintained a "unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing". Pakistan is not a signatory to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. China has reportedly not tested a nuclear weapon since 1996, and Russias most recent tests involved delivery systems, not actual detonation of a nuclear device. The Chinese foreign ministry on Monday dismissed Mr Trump's claim and said Beijing had not broken the informal moratorium for decades. "As a responsible nuclear-weapon state, China is committed to peaceful development, follows a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy that focuses on self-defence, and adheres to its nuclear testing moratorium," a spokesperson said. Winger Pedro Neto will miss Chelseas Champions League game against Qarabag in Baku, head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed. The 25-year-old was taken off in the 85th minute of Saturdays 1-0 win over Tottenham and will not travel to Azerbaijan with what Maresca called a small issue. Chelsea were due to begin the five-and-a-half-hour journey on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Wednesdays match at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, as they look to make it three wins in a row in Europe. Its not a problem, just a small issue, said Maresca of Netos injury. The winger has been a mainstay of the managers team selections this season having started all 10 Premier League matches. We will try to protect him. He is not involved in tomorrows game, Maresca added. It will be the third time in eight years that Chelsea have had to make the long trek to the Azerbaijani capital. They beat Qarabag 4-0 in the group stage of the Champions League in 2017 before returning 18 months later for the Europa League final, defeating Arsenal 4-1. The players will be kept on UK time whilst in Baku to mitigate the effects of the four-hour time difference ahead of Saturdays meeting with Wolves at Stamford Bridge, which comes less than 72 hours after they return to London. Maresca expects captain Reece James to be able to play three games in a week following a period of managing his game time. A return to Baku pic.twitter.com/KeVpj9tH8i Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 4, 2025 The defender has been frequently rotated out of the team since the Italian took over at the start of last season, a response to the repeated hamstring injuries that limited him to 45 Premier League appearances across three seasons prior to the current campaign. Reece is good, he is doing well, said Maresca. He is fit, 100 per cent. The way he has behaved every game is top. Even when he is not playing, the way he is with his team-mates in the dressing room. In the way we use Reece, we dont use him up and down. Its a big job to do that when we use full-backs in a different way. He is ready to play three games in a week. However, Cole Palmer will be out until after the upcoming international break, with no date in mind for the England internationals return from a groin problem. With Cole, we try to schedule the beginning, and then we need to review that, said Maresca. We go day-by-day with Cole. He is not taking any sessions with the team. We have Benoit Badiashile that can probably be available after the international break, and for us that is huge news. Gardai uploaded pictures of the dog on Facebook (An Garda Siochana) Irish police have allayed fears of a wild lion roaming the country's woodlands, confirming that the mysterious big cat captured on video was, in fact, a dog. Last week, footage circulating widely across social media platforms and WhatsApp showed an animal resembling a lion entering a wooded area. The sighting was reported to have occurred near Mountshannon, Co Clare, with some online posts also linking the event to Kells, Co Meath, sparking considerable public interest and concern. However, Gardai from Killaloe have now concluded their investigation, identifying the creature as a Newfoundland breed named Mouse. Officers noted that the particular dog was "delighted with his recent viral video clip." The social media post read: That lion spotted roaming Clare? Turns out it was just a very committed Newfoundland dog with a fresh haircut. A dog called 'Mouse' sparked a hoax that a lion was roaming around Clare in Ireland (An Garda Siochana) Gardai from Killaloe have concluded that the recent video of a lion like animal roaming around the woods in East Clare is in fact the very friendly Mouse, a Newfoundland dog who is delighted with his recent viral video clip. Mouse's distinctive appearance, which led to the confusion, is due to his fur being shaved down. This styling leaves a lengthy tuft on the tip of his tail and preserves the appearance of a mane around his head and neck, creating a striking resemblance to a lion. Huntingdon train station in Cambridgeshire following the incident on Saturday (PA) A police force has commissioned an internal review into events in the lead-up to a mass stabbing on a high-speed train service. Cambridgeshire Police previously said the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy the day before and two reports of a knifeman seen at a barbers in Peterborough were being investigated. The force said the teenager was non-fatally injured at 7.10pm on Friday before a man with a knife was seen at a barbers in Fletton 15 minutes later, although this was only reported to police two hours later. A second report of a knifeman was made at 9.25am on Saturday when he was still at the scene, but when police arrived 18 minutes later they could not find him. The mass stabbing on the train happened on Saturday evening, and the train made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon after passengers pulled emergency alarms and the driver took action. Simon Megicks, chief constable of Cambridgeshire Police, said he has commissioned an internal review of the events which occurred prior to the tragic events of Saturday evening. He said he welcomed the additional scrutiny. Mr Megicks said the force had also referred itself to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is standard practice, but the referral did not meet the criteria for a valid referral, so they are not investigating the matter. It comes as a train crew member who was seriously injured while trying to protect passengers was named as Samir Zitouni, known as Sam. The 48-year-old customer experience host was working on board the LNER train from Doncaster to London. He did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him, his employer said, and he remains in hospital in a stable condition but critically unwell. LNER said Mr Zitouni, who has worked for the firm for more than 20 years, has been credited with helping to save multiple lives after passengers came under threat. Politicians have called for honours for Mr Zitouni and for passenger Stephen Crean, 61, who defended himself with nothing but his fists when the knifeman approached him. Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said in a post on X (Twitter): Samir Zitouni and Stephen Crean are heroes who saved lives. They showed the best of Britain: putting themselves in harms way to protect others. They both deserve the George Cross in recognition of their incredible bravery. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden called for Mr Zitouni to be considered for recognition through the UK honours system for acts of selfless and outstanding bravery in a letter to the Cabinet Office shared on X. Downing Street said bravery awards were a matter for the honours committee, but its very clear that this mans bravery saved lives and we pay tribute to that. The prime ministers official spokesperson said: Its a matter for the honours system, but I dont think anyone can doubt the level of bravery and character that this man showed in the moment to defend and protect the lives of innocents. David Horne, LNER managing director, said: In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him. His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening. Mr Zitounis role is customer experience host, which largely involves providing onboard catering. His family said in a statement released by LNER: We are immensely proud of Sam and his courage. The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us hes always been a hero. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said Mr Zitounis remarkable quick thinking and selfless action saved lives and he has demonstrated bravery beyond measure. Anthony Williams, 32, was remanded into custody at Peterborough Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with 10 counts of attempted murder over the train incident. He is next due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 1 December. At a glance Bella May Culley, a 19-year-old pregnant Briton, has returned to the UK after spending five months in a Georgian prison for attempting to smuggle 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish into the country. She was found guilty but freed after being sentenced to time served, with prosecutors citing her age, pregnancy, and confession; her family reportedly paid 137,000 as part of a plea deal. Culley claimed she had been tortured by gangsters in Thailand and forced to carry the drugs, with her lawyer saying she showed visible signs of abuse when detained. A pregnant British teenager who was held over drug smuggling offences in Georgia has arrived back in the UK after her five month prison ordeal. Bella May Culley, 19, who is eight months pregnant, was arrested at Tbilisi Airport in May for trying to smuggle 12 kilograms of marijuana and two kilograms of hashish into the country. Miss Culley had pleaded guilty to drug trafficking offences, but said she was forced to carry the drugs by gangsters who tortured her with a hot iron. She was freed on Monday after a plea deal was agreed. The teenager was snapped checking into an easyJet flight from the same airport on Tuesday where she was caught with the drugs in her suitcase. She was wheeling a cream suitcase believed to be the same one that Georgian officers had found filled with cannabis, the Sun reported. She was picured arriving back in the UK at London Luton airport on Tuesday evening. The 19-year-old had told reporters she did not expect to be freed after walking free on Monday. Culley was spotted wearing a cream blazer and her baby bump was clearly visible as she stepped out holding hands with her mother Lyanne Kennedy. When she was approached by a reporter from The Sun at Tbillsi Airport, Ms Kennedy explained: Bella is still very overwhelmed. She hasnt slept and getting home to her brother, my son, is our priority today. Georgian prosecutors were considering a two-year sentence, but decided to consider the time she has already served, Prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili told The Associated Press. The teenager had been found guilty by a Georgian court on Monday and sentenced to five months and 25 days in prison, the total time she had already spent in custody. We reviewed the case, taking into account the confession of the accused, her age and condition, and ultimately, the parties reached an agreement, Tsalughelashvili added. Culleys family has paid more than 137,000 as part of a plea deal aimed at reducing her sentence. She could have faced a penalty of up to 15 years, or life imprisonment. Culley and her mother both cried as the verdict was read out and embraced when the hearing finished. Ms Kennedy told the AP she thought she would only see her daughter after the birth of her grandson. It was totally unexpected, she said. Ms Kennedy suggested that her grandson should be named after the lawyer Malkhaz Salakhaia who wored to free her daughter. The teenager has previously described being tortured by gangsters in Thailand and forced to bring the drugs into the country. Mr Salakhaia has told reporters that Culley showed visible physical signs of torture upon her arrival in Georgia. The chronic progressive multiple sclerosis market size is anticipated to grow during the forecast period (20252034). According to DelveInsight's analysis, this growth is expected to be driven by the rising diagnosed prevalence of progressive forms of multiple sclerosis, increasing disease awareness, improved access to advanced therapies, and the anticipated launch of emerging treatments such as BTK inhibitors and neuroprotective agents. Additionally, ongoing research focused on remyelination and neuroregeneration is likely to expand therapeutic options, further fueling market growth. LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, chronic progressive multiple sclerosis emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets (the US, EU4, UK, and Japan). Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Summary The market size for chronic progressive multiple sclerosis in the leading markets is expected to grow significantly by 2034. The United States accounted for the highest chronic progressive multiple sclerosis treatment market size in 7MM in 2024, in comparison to the other major markets, i.e., EU4 countries, the United Kingdom, and Japan. DelveInsight's analysis reveals that in 2024, multiple sclerosis had approximately 1.6 million cases across the 7MM. This growing prevalence, which includes increasing cases of multiple sclerosis, is projected to rise significantly with a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034. cases across the 7MM. This growing prevalence, which includes increasing cases of multiple sclerosis, is projected to rise significantly with a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Leading chronic progressive multiple sclerosis companies developing emerging therapies, such as Sanofi, Roche, Immunic Therapeutics, AB Science, Abata Therapeutics, Tiziana Life Sciences LTD, Kyverna Therapeutics, NeuroGenesis, and others, are developing new therapy for chronic progressive multiple sclerosis that can be available in the Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis market in the coming years. and others, are developing new therapy for chronic progressive multiple sclerosis that can be available in the Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis market in the coming years. The promising chronic progressive multiple sclerosis therapies in clinical trials include Tolebrutinib, Fenebrutinib, Vidofludimus calcium, Masitinib, ABA-101, Foralumab, KYV-101, Ocrelizumab, NG01, and others. Discover the chronic progressive multiple sclerosis new treatment @ New Treatments for Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Rising Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence The global prevalence of multiple sclerosis is increasing, with earlier and more accurate diagnoses facilitated by advanced imaging technologies like MRI. In 2024, the total diagnosed prevalence of multiple sclerosis across the 7MM was estimated at approximately 1.6 million cases. This figure is projected to grow at a modest pace throughout the 20252034 forecast period. Therapeutic Landscape of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Current treatments for chronic progressive multiple sclerosis include ocrelizumab (B-cell depletion, for PPMS and RRMS), siponimod (S1P modulator for active SPMS), cladribine (lymphocyte-depleting oral therapy), and mitoxantrone (limited use in SPMS due to toxicity), though options remain limited compared to relapsing multiple sclerosis. Rising Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial Activities The chronic progressive multiple sclerosis market is anticipated to be driven in the coming years due to the rise in novel drugs and therapies. The participation of the key players like Sanofi (Tolebrutinib), Roche (Fenebrutinib and Ocrelizumab), Immunic Therapeutics (Vidofludimus calcium), AB Science (Masitinib), Abata Therapeutics (ABA-101), Tiziana Life Sciences LTD (Foralumab), Kyverna Therapeutics (KYV-101), NeuroGenesis (NG01), and others, is expected to emerge in favor of the change in the dynamics of the market. Promising of Tolebrutinib in Slowing Disease Progression BTK inhibitors, such as tolebrutinib, demonstrated a 31% reduction in disease progression in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis, underscoring their promise to transform treatment approaches and enhance patient outcomes in this challenging stage of the disease. Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Analysis Multiple sclerosis has no known cure, but available treatments help reduce relapse rates and slow disease progression. Acute flare-ups are typically managed with intravenous corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone for 35 days, often followed by an oral taper. These agents rapidly suppress inflammation in the central nervous system and aid functional recovery, though they do not alter the long-term course of the disease. For ongoing management, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) form the cornerstone of care, aiming to prevent relapses, delay progression, and preserve quality of life. The DMT landscape spans first- to fourth-line options, with therapy selection guided by efficacy, safety, and individual patient considerations. While interferons remain a mainstay, newer targeted agents have demonstrated superior efficacy and tolerability, marking a move toward personalized treatment approaches and driving continued market expansion for innovative multiple sclerosis therapies. Among currently approved therapies, OCREVUS (ocrelizumab) by Genentech/Roche stands out as the only drug approved for both relapsing MS forms (CIS, RRMS, and active SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS), making it broadly applicable across disease stages. It is available as an intravenous infusion, while the newly launched OCREVUS ZUNOVO (ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase-ocsq) provides a subcutaneous option for added flexibility. This dual-route availability enhances patient convenience and adherence. Roche's continued development of OCREVUS formulations underscores its strategy to reinforce market leadership through differentiated delivery approaches and address unmet needs, particularly in progressive multiple sclerosis. LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab), developed by Sanofi, is a CD52-targeting monoclonal antibody approved for RRMS and active SPMS, though not recommended for CIS due to safety concerns. In the U.S., it is distributed under a restricted LEMTADA REMS Program due to serious risks such as autoimmune disorders, infusion-related reactions, and malignancies. Despite strong Phase III efficacy data, its adoption remains limited because of its safety profile and intensive monitoring requirements. Sanofi holds global rights to the therapy, while Bayer receives royalties based on sales. Meanwhile, oral agents like MAYZENT (siponimod), VUMERITY (diroximel fumarate), and MAVENCLAD (cladribine) illustrate the growing preference for convenient, patient-centric therapies with broad indications. MAYZENT, an S1P receptor modulator by Novartis, is approved in the U.S. for CIS, RRMS, and active SPMS, and in the EU4, UK, and Japan for SPMS. It offers meaningful benefits for progressive multiple sclerosis with inflammatory activity and is gaining traction owing to positive health technology assessments. Ongoing trials in pediatric RMS further expand its potential clinical reach. Despite multiple key patent expirations, the multiple sclerosis market remains resilient, driven by the launch of differentiated therapies targeting specific disease subtypes. Continued progress in progressive MS and remyelination research, along with novel mechanisms such as CD20-directed inhibition, are fueling both scientific advancement and commercial growth across the evolving therapeutic landscape. To know more about chronic progressive multiple sclerosis treatment options, visit @ Approved Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Drugs Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Competitive Landscape The participation of key players such as Sanofi (Tolebrutinib), Roche (Fenebrutinib and Ocrelizumab), Immunic Therapeutics (Vidofludimus calcium), AB Science (Masitinib), Abata Therapeutics (ABA-101), Tiziana Life Sciences LTD (Foralumab), Kyverna Therapeutics (KYV-101), NeuroGenesis (NG01), and others is expected to shift market dynamics in favor of change. Sanofi's Tolebrutinib is an investigational oral BTK inhibitor specifically developed to cross the bloodbrain barrier and remain active within the central nervous system (CNS). Its goal is to target smoldering neuroinflammation, a key driver of disability progression in multiple sclerosis. In contrast to conventional multiple sclerosis therapies that primarily act on peripheral inflammation, tolebrutinib achieves therapeutic concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid, enabling it to modulate both B cells and disease-associated microglia. This dual-targeting approach aims to address the underlying inflammatory mechanisms driving neurodegeneration and disease progression in multiple sclerosis. The U.S. FDA has accepted for priority review the regulatory submission of tolebrutinib, filed in the first half of 2025, for the treatment of non-relapsing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (nrSPMS) and for slowing disability accumulation independent of relapses. A decision is expected by the end of 2025. A similar submission is under review in the EU. In addition, the ongoing Phase III PERSEUS trial is evaluating tolebrutinib in patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS). Roche's Fenebrutinib, another investigational oral BTK inhibitor, is a reversible, non-covalent compound designed to regulate both adaptive and innate immune responses by targeting B cells and microglia. As the only reversible BTK inhibitor in Phase III trials for multiple sclerosis, fenebrutinib may provide a distinctive advantage in addressing both disease activity and long-term disability progression. Regulatory submissions for fenebrutinib in relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis are planned for 2026. Immunic Therapeutics' Vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838) is an investigational oral small molecule that targets multiple mechanisms contributing to neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis. It functions as a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitor while also activating the nuclear receptor Nurr1, a transcription factor with neuroprotective properties. In August 2025, Immunic reported that Vidofludimus calcium significantly reduced 24-week confirmed disability worsening in the Phase II CALLIPER trial among patients with progressive multiple sclerosis across all subtypes, underscoring its neuroprotective potential and capacity to slow disease progression. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies is poised to transform the chronic progressive multiple sclerosis market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the landscape of the chronic progressive multiple sclerosis market, setting new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. Discover more about therapy for chronic progressive multiple sclerosis @ Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trials Recent Developments in the Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market In September 2025, Sanofi announced that the US FDA had extended the target action date for its review of the Tolebrutinib NDA by 3 months. Based on the submission of additional analyses during the review, the FDA has determined that the additional information constituted a major amendment to the NDA and extended the target action date accordingly. The revised target action date for the FDA decision is December 28, 2025. announced that the US FDA had extended the target action date for its review of the Tolebrutinib NDA by 3 months. Based on the submission of additional analyses during the review, the FDA has determined that the additional information constituted a major amendment to the NDA and extended the target action date accordingly. The revised target action date for the FDA decision is December 28, 2025. In August 2025, Immunic announced that Vidofludimus calcium substantially reduced 24-week confirmed disability worsening in the Phase II CALLIPER Trial in the overall progressive multiple sclerosis study population and across subtypes, reinforcing the drug's neuroprotective potential and ability to slow disease progression. announced that Vidofludimus calcium substantially reduced 24-week confirmed disability worsening in the Phase II CALLIPER Trial in the overall progressive multiple sclerosis study population and across subtypes, reinforcing the drug's neuroprotective potential and ability to slow disease progression. In May 2025, Roche shared new 96-week findings showing that fenebrutinib helped patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) avoid disability progression and maintain low disease activity for up to 2 years. The latest data for this investigational BTK inhibitor, from the Phase II FENopta open-label extension (OLE) study, were presented at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. What is Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis? Chronic progressive multiple sclerosis is a form of multiple sclerosis characterized by a steady and continuous worsening of neurological function over time, rather than distinct periods of relapse and remission. It results from persistent inflammation and degeneration of the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerve fibers, in the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This gradual demyelination disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to progressive symptoms such as muscle weakness, coordination problems, fatigue, and cognitive decline. Unlike relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, chronic progressive multiple sclerosis reflects an ongoing neurodegenerative process that advances independently of acute inflammatory attacks. Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Epidemiology Segmentation The chronic progressive multiple sclerosis epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current chronic progressive multiple sclerosis patient pool and forecasted trends for the leading markets. The US accounted for 56% of multiple sclerosis cases in the 7MM. In 2024, PPMS accounted for approximately 7% of these cases, totaling around 70,000, and is projected to increase over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The chronic progressive multiple sclerosis market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 20202034 in the leading markets, segmented into: Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Multiple Sclerosis Phenotype-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Multiple Sclerosis Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Treated Cases of Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 20202034 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Report Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Epidemiology Segmentation Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Multiple Sclerosis, Phenotype-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Multiple Sclerosis, Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, and Treated Cases of Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Key Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Companies Sanofi, Roche, Immunic Therapeutics, AB Science, Abata Therapeutics, Tiziana Life Sciences LTD, Kyverna Therapeutics, NeuroGenesis, Novartis, and others Key Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Therapies Tolebrutinib, Fenebrutinib, Vidofludimus calcium, Masitinib, ABA-101, Foralumab, KYV-101, Ocrelizumab, NG01, OCREVUS, LEMTRADA, MAYZENT, and others Scope of the Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Report Therapeutic Assessment: Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis current marketed and emerging therapies Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis current marketed and emerging therapies Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Drugs and Market Outlook Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Drugs and Market Outlook Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Access and Reimbursement Download the report to understand which factors are driving chronic progressive multiple sclerosis therapeutics market trends @ Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Trends Table of Contents 1 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Key Insights 2 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Report Introduction 3 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Overview 3.1 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Share (%) Distribution by Therapies in 2024 3.2 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Share (%) Distribution by Therapies in 2034 4 Methodology 5 Executive Summary 6 Key Events 7 Disease Background and Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Signs and Symptoms 7.3 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis 7.4 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Management 8 Epidemiology and Patient Population 8.1 Key Findings 8.2 Epidemiology Assumptions: The 7MM 8.3 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Multiple Sclerosis in the 7MM 8.4 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Chronic Progressive MS in the 7MM 8.5 The US 8.5.1 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Multiple Sclerosis 8.5.2 Phenotype-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Multiple Sclerosis 8.5.3 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Chronic Progressive MS 8.5.4 Treated Cases of Chronic Progressive MS 8.6 EU4 and the UK 8.7 Japan 9 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patient Journey 10 Marketed Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Therapies 10.1 Key Cross Competition 10.2 OCREVUS (ocrelizumab): Roche 10.2.1 Product Description 10.2.2 Regulatory Milestone 10.2.3 Other Developmental Activities 10.2.4 Clinical Developments 10.2.5 Safety and Efficacy 10.3 LEMTRADA (Alemtuzumab): Sanofi 10.4 MAYZENT (siponimod): Novartis List to be continued in the final report. 11 Emerging Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Drugs 11.1 Key Cross Competition 11.2 Tolebrutinib (SAR442168): Sanofi 11.2.1 Drug Description 11.2.2 Other Developmental Activities 11.2.3 Clinical Development 11.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 11.2.5 Analysts' View 11.3 Fenebrutinib: Roche 11.4 Vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838): Immunic Therapeutics List to be continued in the final report. 12 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market: Market Analysis 12.1 Key Findings 12.2 Key Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Forecast Assumptions 12.3 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Outlook 12.4 Attribute Analysis 12.5 Total Market Size of Chronic Progressive MS in the 7MM 12.6 Market Size of Chronic Progressive MS by Therapies in the 7MM 12.7 The US Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Size 12.7.1 Total Market Size of Chronic Progressive MS 12.7.2 Market size of Chronic Progressive MS by Therapies 12.8 EU4 and the UK Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Size 12.9 Japan Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Size 13 Key Opinion Leaders' Views on Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis 14 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market SWOT Analysis 15 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Unmet Needs 16 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Access and Reimbursement 16.1 The US 16.2 In EU4 and the UK 16.3 Japan 17 Bibliography 18 Acronyms and Abbreviations 19 Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Report Methodology Related Reports Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial Analysis Chronic Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Pipeline Insight 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key chronic progressive multiple sclerosis companies, including Sanofi, Roche, Immunic Therapeutics, AB Science, Abata Therapeutics, Tiziana Life Sciences LTD, Kyverna Therapeutics, NeuroGenesis, Novartis, among others. Multiple Sclerosis Market Multiple Sclerosis Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key multiple sclerosis companies, including Roche (Genentech), Sanofi, Novartis, Biogen, Merck KGaA, Bristol Myers Squibb, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Juvise Pharmaceuticals, TG Therapeutics, Cycle Pharmaceuticals (Banner Life Sciences), Immunic Therapeutics, AB Science, Clene Nanomedicine, InnoCare, Contineum Therapeutics, among others. Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Market Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, market share of the individual therapies, and key RRMS companies including Mapi Pharma, Apimeds, Genentech (Roche), Merck, Clene Nanomedicine, InnoCare Pharma, Oryzon Genomics, among others. Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key PPMS companies, including Atara Biotherapeutics, AB Science, Sanofi, MediciNova, among others. About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Contact Us Shruti Thakur [email protected] +14699457679 www.delveinsight.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg SOURCE DelveInsight Business Research, LLP At a glance Ahead of the November 26 Budget, the Chancellor warned in a speech on Tuesday morning that people must understand the circumstances we are facing, signalling that higher taxes are likely due to the UKs weak public finances. Reeves pledged that her Budget will be fair, prioritising reducing NHS waiting lists, tackling the cost of living, and cutting national debt, while protecting those on modest incomes. A 20 billion shortfall in forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibilityblamed partly on Brexit and the financial crisishas forced Reeves to consider significant tax rises to rebuild fiscal headroom. Rachel Reeves has given the clearest sign yet that she will break Labours manifesto promise not to raise taxes on workers. During a pre-Budget speech in Downing Street, the Chancellor put Britain on notice for some hefty tax rises by warning of the importance that people understand the circumstances we are facing. Ahead of her November 26 statement, Ms Reeves addressed the challenges facing the UK economy, but vowed there would be no return of austerity for public services. With the public finances in a dire state, the Chancellor prepared the nation to be hit with higher levies. Despite the UK's "considerable economic strengths" it had been hit by a series of global challenges and persistent problems with productivity, Ms Reeves said. She added "the world has thrown even more challenges our way" in the last 12 months. "The continual threat of tariffs has dragged on global confidence, deterring business investment and dampening growth," she told reporters in Downing Street. "Inflation has been too slow to come down, as supply chains continue to be volatile, meaning the costs of everyday essentials remain too high. Rachel Reeves rise in National Insurance contributions for employers in last years Budget was blamed for hitting retailers (PA Archive) "And the cost of government borrowing has increased around the world, a shift that Britain, with our high levels of debt left by the previous government, has been particularly exposed to." In a hint that tax increases are likely at the Budget, Ms Reeves made clear that "we will all have to contribute" to repairing the public finances. If she does rip up the manifesto and increases the basic rate of income tax, she would be the first Chancellor to do so for 50 years. "As I take my decisions on both tax and spend, I will do what is necessary to protect families from high inflation and interest rates, to protect our public services from a return to austerity and to ensure that the economy that we hand down to future generations is secure with debt under control, she said. "If we are to build the future of Britain together, we will all have to contribute to that effort. Each of us must do our bit for the security of our country and the brightness of its future. Ms Reeves gave a clear indication that she would be breaking Labours manifesto promise not to raise levies on working people. The easy thing to do would be to cut investment in housing, to cut investment in energy security, to cut investment in our transport infrastructure, she said. The reason we have such low productivity today, and the reason why the the [Office for Budget Responsibility] are updating their forecasts is because governments have done that for the last 14 years, and that's why we face so many of the challenges we face today. And I'm not going to be a Chancellor like that. I am going to put the country first, I'm going to put the national interest first. Speaking on Tonight with Andrew Marr, the Chancellor refused on four occasions to answer whether she would look to raise income tax in the forthcoming Budget. Asked whether resigning as Chancellor would be the "honourable" thing to do should she resort to such a measure, Reeves stood firm. "What do you think would happen in financial markets if I did that?" Reeves questioned. After the controversy of her first Budget last year, when she significantly raised National Insurance contributions for employers and imposed tax rises of 40 billion partly to better fund the NHS and other public services, the Chancellor insisted her next Budget would not be on a similar scale in terms of higher levies. However, she appeared to be rolling the pitch for some sizeable tax rises later this month after the fiscal watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility, blew an estimated 20 billion hole in her blueprint for Britain by cutting the nations productivity forecasts. Ms Reeves has blamed the OBRs downgrade partly on Brexit and the financial crisis. She also wants a bigger economic cushion, or fiscal headroom, than the current 10 billion which is so small that her plans for the country can easily be derailed by a financial shock. Sir Keir Starmer has not ruled out a manifesto-busting increase in income tax of 1p or 2p in the Pound, possibly affecting higher rate income tax payers but not those just paying the basic rate. This could be partially offset by cuts to employee National Insurance contributions. A graph showing NHS waiting lists in England up to July 2025 (PA Graphics) With the NHS already ailing before winter pressures hit, many households struggling to make ends meet and the UK spending tens of billions on servicing the nations debts, Ms Reeves vowed to cut hospital waiting lists, the cost of living and the national debt. Her speech from Downing Street comes a day after her Cabinet colleague, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, gave an insight into her thinking, particularly in terms of wanting to protect people on modest incomes. Ms Reeves has also ruled out growth-busting tax rises for businesses after the criticism she faced over the increase in NI contributions for firms which was widely blamed for causing economic harm to the UK. Given the scale of the expected tax rises, millions of people on middle incomes are expected to face higher levies, as well as the wealthy. Possible measures are said to include higher council tax bands for expensive properties, a mansion tax for homes worth more than 2 million, a further freeze on income tax thresholds, reducing relief on pension contributions, higher levies on unearned income such as shares and rent for landlords, and increased tax on accountants and lawyers who who use limited liability partnerships. Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride (PA Wire) Many of these options could hit London and the South East particularly hard, given that many people in these areas earn more than those in other regions, though the cost of living is also higher. Kemi Badenoch said Ms Reeves had offered a "laundry list of excuses". The Conservative Party leader added: "She blamed everybody else for her own choices, her own decisions, her own failures." Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice said: "Rachel Reeves has today confirmed what we all knew - she's going to hammer working people with even more tax rises. "Instead of cutting waste and spending, deregulating and optimising for growth, we are just getting more of the same." Liberal Democrat Daisy Cooper described the speech as "pointless". Richard Tice will say that the spiralling cost of funding bumper retirement packages cannot continue Reform would axe gold-plated pensions for future public sector workers, the partys deputy leader will announce on Wednesday. In a a speech in the City of London, Richard Tice will say that the spiralling cost of funding bumper retirement packages cannot continue. He will argue that unfunded promises to civil servants and other state officials represent a much greater threat to the British economy than climate change. The address, at the London headquarters of the financial firm Bloomberg, will be seen as the latest attempt to bolster Reforms credentials on the economy. On Monday Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, announced that he was abandoning promises to deliver 90bn of tax cuts. Mr Tice is expected to highlight the growing burden of public sector pension schemes, with existing retirees set to receive 57bn this year alone. Recent analysis found that Britain owes almost 6tn in costs for such retirement plans, and that no money has been set aside to pay for them. The Office for Budget Responsibility says that, over the past two decades, the liabilities of public sector pensions has increased from 15 to 19 per cent of GDP. Mr Tice will question why there has been almost no discussion within the political class about reining in the cost of generous retirement plans. Many public sector workers, including civil servants and local government officials, still receive gold-plated defined benefit pension schemes. Such plans pay out a fixed income upon retirement based on the persons salary and years of service, and are not linked to the size of an actual pension pot. Once common, they are now rare in the private sector, with most employees instead being signed up to less generous defined contribution schemes. Under defined contribution plans, the amount a person receives depends on how much has been paid into the pot and how well their fund has performed. Mr Tice is expected to say that the continued enrolment of public sector workers on to defined benefit schemes cannot continue into the future. Reform would also explore ways to encourage younger state employees to switch over to defined contribution plans to save the taxpayer money. That could be achieved by giving workers in more low-paid roles the option of switching their employer pension contributions for a higher salary. It is understood that any changes would not affect existing public sector workers. In an address fleshing out the partys core economic policies, Mr Tice is also set to warn that over-regulation is stifling growth without preventing scandals. He will argue that Britain has become too risk-averse, and will pledge to cut the amount of red tape faced by banks and businesses. The MP for Boston and Skegness is set to take aim at EU regulations blamed for stifling the City and propose giving the Bank of England a growth mandate similar to that of the US Federal Reserve. The MP for Boston and Skegness will also unveil an ambition to cut Britains byzantine tax code, which is the longest in the world, from 24,000 pages to 500. Mr Tice will announce that he has asked the Centre for a Better Britain to prepare a report on all the potential reforms to pensions and red tape. The Reform-aligned think tank is expected to deliver its findings next summer. Sanna Marin, Finlands former prime minister, has said she was subjected to a never-ending stream of sexual threats when she ran the Nordic country. Ms Marin was dubbed the coolest prime minister after becoming the worlds youngest head of government at the age of 34 in 2019. The politician ran a centre-Left coalition with five other female party leaders, which sexist commentators derided as a lipstick government and the girl government. The leaders were subjected to a never-ending stream of mainly sexually charged online threats, Ms Marin wrote in her memoir Hope in Action: A Memoir About the Courage to Lead. I have been threatened with rape and other forms of sexual assault so many times that I have lost count, she writes in the book, which will be published on Thursday. Despite her high personal popularity, Ms Marins Social Democrats lost elections in April 2023 and a Right-wing coalition now leads Finland. After leaving politics, she joined the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change as a strategic counsellor. A viral video of Ms Marin dancing enthusiastically and drinking at a private party with Finnish celebrities was leaked online in August 2022. Dozens of complaints were filed that she had undermined Finlands reputation and security but the prime minister was cleared of misconduct. Facing allegations she had taken illegal narcotics, Ms Marin also felt obliged to take a drugs test, which she passed. Women around the world, including fellow politicians like Hilary Clinton, posted videos on themselves dancing on social media as part of the I stand with Sanna campaign. Sanna Marin, left, at the Flow Festival in Helsinki - Twitter Ms Marin is convinced that she was held to a different standard than male politicians. We soon realised that my real political crime was that I did not behave and look the way a prime minister was expected to, she said in her memoir. I was too informal, too relaxed and I danced in a way that was considered indecent. I spent my time at house parties with young people instead of sitting at a formal eight-course dinner sipping carefully selected wines. Her governments behaviour was moralised in a way that is more reminiscent of a time when women were not allowed to go to restaurants without a male escort than of todays society. Ms Marin said she had no regrets over the party which occurred as Finland, which neighbours Russia, was considering how best to respond to Russias then-recent invasion of Ukraine. What kind of life would that be?, she said. In the memoir, which is published in the UK on Thursday, Ms Marin describes the moment an aide disturbed her during dinner at a party meeting to show her the video. I immediately realised what would happen, I knew how everything would go. There would be a terrible uproar, Ms Marin writes, saying she knew her personality and morality would be attacked. Ms Marin found parliamentary group leader Antti Lindtman and his special assistant. The group went to the prime ministers official car to discuss their next move. Sanna Marin said she knew there would be a terrible uproar over the video of her dancing - EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Mads Claus Rasmussen While they were in the car, the story broke on Finnish media. The prime minister hid behind the tinted windows of the vehicle, watching increasingly excited reporters walking around outside on their phones. It was only after they dispersed that the group could leave the car, which they did separately so as not to arouse suspicion. Ms Marin, who is now 39 and has 1m followers on Instagram, said it was like something out of a movie. Further crisis talks were held in Ms Marins hotel room and lasted until 2am before she faced the press in a white T-shirt, a colour chosen to be as neutral as possible. Ms Marin showed the video to the terrified host of the party, who owned the Instagram account but does not blame him for the scandal. The account was private, so it shouldnt have been possible to show the material publicly without his permission, she said. We danced, sang and laughed all night, and it was one of the most fun nights of the summer for me, she said. The memoir also discusses the break-up of her three-year-old marriage to Markus Raikkonen, with whom she had been in a relationship since she was 18. She blames the pressure of her career in politics for the break-up of the relationship, but remains on good terms with Mr Raikkonen. The couple have a daughter, Emma, and Ms Marin also describes how she found it difficult to balance her responsibilities as a prime minister with those of being a parent. The father of a woman killed by a former colleague who stalked her has called for employers to do more to ensure workplace safety after a survey suggested almost a third of workers experienced violence, aggression or abuse in the past year. The charity behind the research described the findings as shocking and unacceptable, as they called for stronger laws, better training, and a shift from a culture of tolerance to one of accountability when it comes to workplace safety. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is named after Suzy Lamplugh, an estate agent who disappeared at the age of 25 in 1986 (Handout/PA) The Suzy Lamplugh Trust commissioned polling that found that around one in five workers (20%) feel at risk of violence at work and almost a third (31%) have experienced at least one incident in the past year. The most common behaviour was verbal abuse (21%), followed by bullying or intimidation (14%). Around 3% of people had experienced physical assault and the same percentage said they had faced sexual harassment or assault. The charity named after estate agent Suzy Lamplugh, who disappeared aged 25 and was later declared dead, presumed murdered, after leaving her west London offices to meet a mystery client in 1986 is calling for a co-ordinated national effort to ensure that every worker, in every sector, can go to work knowing they will return home safely. Suky Bhaker, chief executive of the trust, said, Every statistic in this report represents a person who has experienced violence or abuse or felt unsafe, unsupported, and unheard at work. The scale of violence against frontline staff is both shocking and unacceptable. Workplace violence is not inevitable and must be prevented. Our research shows what needs to change: stronger laws, better training, and a shift from a culture of tolerance to one of accountability. The time for half measures is over. We need a co-ordinated national effort to ensure that every worker, in every sector, can go to work knowing they will return home safely. Gracie Spinks was stabbed to death by a former colleague she had reported for stalking (Family handout/PA) Richard Spinks, father of Gracie Spinks who was killed by ex-colleague Michael Sellers in 2021 after he became obsessed with her, has also backed the trusts call. Miss Spinks had described feeling anxious and scared by the actions of Sellers in a complaint to their workplace months before he is believed to have stabbed her to death as she tended to her horse on a farm, and then taken his own life. The 23-year-old had told her workplace she was uncomfortable around Sellers and thought his actions were creepy. He was eventually dismissed for misconduct in relation to his behaviour towards her, after being reported for stalking by Miss Spinks, who had refused to pursue a romantic relationship with him. Mr Spinks said: No parent should have to endure what our family has gone through. Gracie trusted the people she worked with, and her employer had a duty to protect her from harm. When clear risks are ignored or safety systems fail, accountability cannot stop at the individual. It must extend to the organisations that allow those failures to happen. Employers must take responsibility, not just after the fact but every single day, to prevent harmful behaviours and make sure workplaces are safe. The trust is calling for loopholes that it says exist in the current law to be closed, ensuring protection from third-party harassment, including customers or clients; the creation of a health and safety framework to address all forms of violence and abuse in the workplace; and mandatory recording and reporting of all incidents of violence, aggression and gender-based abuse at work. Baroness Carmen Smith described the survey results as truly shocking and said they show the UKs legal framework is severely deficient and that it is clearly failing to protect workers from violence in the workplace. She pledged to table amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, which is back in the Lords next week, regarding harassment and violence in the workplace being considered a health and safety issue, and putting a duty on employers to safeguard their employees. She said: No worker should feel at risk of violence at work. The UK Government must and can act now. A Government spokesperson said: Violence or harassment in the workplace is completely unacceptable, it has no place in our society, and we expect any employer to take a zero tolerance approach wherever it is found. Our Employment Rights Bill will amend the Equality Act 2010 by strengthening protections for workers, requiring employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees including by third parties, and introducing an obligation on employers not to permit the harassment of their employees by third parties. :: YouGov surveyed 1,003 adults online across the retail, hospitality, healthcare and transport sectors in September. A week after Hurricane Melissa slammed into the Caribbean, the full scale of its path of destruction is starting to become clear. Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica last Tuesday as a powerful category 5 hurricane, the Caribbean nations strongest-ever storm to directly hit its shores, and the first major hurricane to do so since 1988. With wind speeds of up to 185mph it went on to tear a path through Cuba, the Bahamas and Bermuda before moving off to the north on Friday. As of Monday, the death toll stands at 67. Below we look at the numbers that reveal why Melissa was branded one of the worst to make landfall in the last 25 years. Hurricane Melissa churns northwest through the Caribbean Sea (Getty) The Storm of the Century At its peak, Hurricane Melissa was a category 5 storm and the strongest of the year so far It is in the top three most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record, tying with two other hurricanes for strongest recorded landfall, with a top wind speed of 185mph Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and a 1935 storm known as the Labor Day hurricane, before storms were named the way they are now, both clocked winds of 185mph when they made landfall Government officials and meteorologists have described the storm as unprecedented, after it rapidly intensified due to exceptionally warm sea-surface temperatures and favourable conditions in the atmosphere. The rarity of a storm of such severity, and the scale of the damage inflicted on the affected land, have guaranteed that Melissa will go down in history as one of the most devastating on record. Barring Covid-19, Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness said it may not only be the storm of the century, but disaster of the century. Hurricane Melissa left widespread damage in its wake, like in the coastal town of Black River, where 90 per cent of homes had roofs destroyed or damaged (AFP via Getty) Scale of destruction Estimated costs of damage vary wildly and it may be too early to gauge accurately. As it stands though, AccuWeather estimates $48bn to $52bn in damage and economic loss across the western Caribbean. The total population of all the islands affected is at least 25 million people. Western Jamaica was one of the hardest-hit areas, while Cuba, Haiti and the Bahamas were also severely impacted, with thousands of homes damaged. Heres a look at some of the numbers by country: Jamaica: Western parts of Jamaica worst hit, with 90 per cent of homes in the town of Black River losing roofing or being destroyed entirely The cost of the storms impact for Jamaica alone has been put at $7.7bn About 72 per cent of Jamaicas energy customers were left without power, and 6,000 people were still in emergency shelters over the weekend Much of Jamaica remains without power but eight hospitals have now got consistent energy running At least 28 deaths with more casualties expected as rescue efforts continue Jamaicas two main international airports, Sangster International airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, have both been reopened St Elizabeth, Jamaica, was badly hit by the storm, with whole towns left underwater (AFP via Getty) Cuba More than 3 million people exposed to life-threatening conditions during the storm 735,000 were safely evacuated 240 communities were cut off from power due to flooding and landslides. While work is underway to restore power, it is unclear how successful these efforts have been so far Haiti: Death toll about 31 since Friday, many died when a river overflowed in Petit-Goave 15,000 people gathered in more than 120 shelters Significant losses to agricultural sector because of saturation of soil, particularly banana plantations Haiti already suffered a humanitarian crisis due to gang violence with 1.4 million displaced The Bahamas: 1,500 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas Parts of the islands submerged in floodwaters A resident of El Cobre, in the province of Santiago de Cuba, walks past downed trees, power lines and destroyed houses (AFP via Getty) The Jamaican prime minister said the scale of destruction is unlike anything we have seen in decades. Entire communities along the storms path were flattened, trees snapped like twigs, and the once-green Cockpit Country now bears a haunting, winter-like appearance, he wrote on X/Twitter. Government officials in the Caribbean say that damage assessment is still ongoing, as aid workers attempt to reach isolated communities. Our immediate priority is to restore electricity and telecommunications and to ensure that essential services, particularly at the Falmouth hospital, are stabilised, Mr Holness said on X, adding that Jamaica would rebuild stronger and wiser. Meanwhile, Jamaican health minister Christopher Tufton recognised that the death toll in Jamaica was probably higher than what has currently been reported because many places are still hard to access. Following the devastation, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) said that it would make a record payout to Jamaica of $70.8m. Satellite imagery shows the Jamaican town of Black River before and after the devastation (Vantor/Government of Jamaica) Humanitarian aid The US, UK, and Canada have all offered large disaster response packages for the region UN agencies have allocated millions of pounds worth of aid to the Caribbean, but have struggled to access some hard-to-reach areas Thousands of sanitation kits, reproductive health kits, and food boxes have been delivered across the affected islands A team from the US is being activated by the State Department, deploying a disaster response team, which will assist with providing food, water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, temporary shelter and search and rescue support. The UK, meanwhile, initially offered a 2.5m support package last week, before later announcing a further 5m. Canadas secretary of state is providing C$7m in support of the emergency relief. People walk through a flooded street after Hurricane Melissa hit Petit-Goave, Haiti (AFP via Getty) On Saturday, the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) announced that it had received 2,000 boxes of emergency food assistance shipped from Barbados, to be distributed in shelters and in the most-affected communities in the St. Elizabeth area UNICEF the UNs childrens agency said water, sanitation and hygiene kits for about 14,500 people and nutritional supplies for over 4,000 children had been supplied before Melissa hit. Another $1m was allocated to support immediate emergency response. The UN Population Fund has provided up to 5,000 reproductive health kits and 4,000 dignity kits. A further $4m from its Central Emergency Response Fund has also been allocated to affected people in Jamaica. Medical kits for about 11,000 were provided by the Pan American Health Organisation. Millions are caught in Hurricane Melissa's path and need urgent help. We're working with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba to save lives, said the UNs humanitarian aid chief Tom Fletcher. The priority now is to get help to those who need it, said Pearnel P Charles Jr, Jamaicas minister of labour and social security during a brief stop en route to Black River for the first time with long-awaited relief supplies. Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during her daily press conference in Mexico City on Monday. Photograph: Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum has flatly denied reports that the United States is planning to send troops into Mexico to confront the countrys powerful cartels, noting that she had repeatedly rejected such offers from Donald Trump. Its not going to happen, Sheinbaum said during her daily morning news conference on Tuesday. We do not agree with any process of interference or interventionism. Sheinbaums comments come after a report from NBC News citing current and former US officials that the Trump administration has started planning a mission to send US troops and intelligence officers into Mexico. The report said that although the operation was not imminent and no final decision had been made, the early stages of training had already begun as well as discussions about the scope of the operation. The report also indicated that US troops would operate under the authority of the US intelligence community, and that officers from the CIA would also participate. But Sheinbaum was insistent that her country had no information about such a planned incursion, although she admitted that in phone calls with Trump, the US president had offered to send troops and other support to confront organized crime. Ive always said thank you very much, President Trump. But no, Mexico is a free, independent and sovereign country, Sheinbaum said. Mexico and the US have long collaborated in tackling drug-trafficking groups, with the US at times sending CIA, military and Drug Enforcement Administration operatives to support Mexicos efforts to combat organized crime. But the incursion of US troops into Mexico to directly confront the cartels, particularly without Mexicos agreement, would be an unprecedented step that would almost certainly fracture an already tenuous bilateral relationship. Related: Mexico president dismisses US claim of cartel bounties on immigration officials The Trump administration has made confronting drug-trafficking groups a central pillar of its foreign policy: in February, Washington designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. It has also launched a series of attacks against alleged drug-trafficking boats, most recently striking vessels in the eastern Pacific that killed 14 alleged traffickers in late October. Although Mexico rescued one of the survivors from the attack, Sheinbaum condemned the strikes and ordered officials from her government to discuss them with the US ambassador to Mexico. On Tuesday, Sheinbaum also noted that Mexico had reached a security agreement with the United States that was negotiated over several months. We are going to continue working within this framework of understanding, which has very clear principles which respects our sovereignty and our territoriality. The Mexican president has also appeared cooler on militarised anti-narcotics tactics than her predecessors: on Monday, she ruled out any changes to the countrys security strategy despite the recent brutal killing of a mayor in western Mexico. Some are calling for militarization and war, as happened with the war on drugs, Sheinbaum said. That didnt work. Tax rises at the Budget are inevitable, a think tank with close links to Labour has said ahead of the major fiscal event later this month. The Resolution Foundation however suggested there was a way to implement tax rises which boosts confidence in the economy and the public finances, while also reducing child poverty and the cost of living. Chancellor Rachel Reeves should aim to double her fiscal headroom in the November 26 statement to the Commons, the foundation suggested in its pre-Budget preview. This would result in the buffer against unexpected changes in the economic headwinds being increased to 20 billion, but the think tank acknowledged an increase of 15 billion was perhaps more realistic. This would send a clear message to markets that she is serious about fixing the public finances, which in turn should reduce medium-term borrowing costs and make future fiscal events less fraught, its report said. The think tank is considered very influential upon Government thinking: Treasury minister Torsten Bell was previously its chief executive. Ministers should also consider new targeted policy measures to help with the cost-of-living crisis, the report suggested, which could include reducing energy bills by placing green levies into general taxation. This would reduce the average electric bill by 160, the foundation claimed. But this, coupled with long-discussed proposals to scrap the two-child benefit cap, and the need to find extra headroom would leave the Chancellor needing to raise taxes by 20-25 billion, it said. Hiking income tax would be the best option for raising cash, the Resolution Foundation said, but suggested it should be offset by a 2p cut to employee national insurance, which would raise 6 billion overall while protecting most workers from this tax rise. Other tax raising measures could include freezing personal thresholds, potentially raising 7.5 billion if done for two years, according to the think tank, alongside pro-growth reforms to the tax system targeting wealth, motoring and property taxes. So, although tax rises are inevitable, there is a way to do them which boosts confidence in the economy and the public finances, while also reducing child poverty and the cost of living, the report said. James Smith, research director at the Resolution Foundation, said: Budget-watchers are braced for a major downgrade to Britains productivity outlook. But ironically, a major upgrade to the outlook for pay could mean that the Chancellors fiscal black hole is less daunting than feared. However, reassuring the markets about the state of the public finances, paying for policy U-turns and providing fresh cost of living support wont come cheap. Tax rises of 26 billion are likely to be needed. The Chancellor should look to make sensible tax reforms to car taxes, dividends and capital gains. Switching 2p of employee national insurance onto income tax would raise 6 billion while protecting workers wages. Together, this will help to deliver a decisive Budget centred around prices, payslips and poverty reduction, and that shifts the focus away from black holes and back onto boosting growth. That time Dick Cheney shot his friend in the face and the Texas man apologized for getting shot says it all about Bush VP Accidents happen, but rarely do they end with a victim apologizing to the person who, even unwittingly, committed the offending act. But such was the case in 2006, when Dick Cheney, the sitting vice president of the United States, accompanied by members of the Secret Service, accidentally fired a shotgun blast into the face and torso of an acquaintance: Harry Whittington, then a prominent attorney in Austin, Texas, who was quail hunting with the veep. What followed was what passed for a weird news cycle in the aughts a far cry from any scandal of the Trump era, but a punctuated moment of George W. Bushs presidency. Cheney, whose death was announced Tuesday and was then in his 60s, was one of the most consequential vice presidents of the modern era. His oversized influence on his boss, known colloquially as Dubya, was the subject of the 2018 biographical satire Vice, analyzing Cheneys rise to political power. The Adam McKay movie depicted a quiet, calculating manipulator who puppeteered the president from behind the scenes. The truth amounted to a much less sinister relationship between the men, but Cheney never escaped his image as the architect of some of Americas greatest foreign policy blunders, now including the invasions of both Afghanistan and Iraq as the former fell back into Taliban hands and the latter was wracked with violence by the Islamic State and its affiliates for a decade after the invasion. And the statement read by Whittington as he left the hospital a week later, was revealing at the time of the kind of politician Cheney became and the type of influence he wielded within the GOP. Obit Cheney (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Whittington, who was struck in the face, neck and chest by shotgun pellets, told reporters afterwards that he was incredibly sorry for not updating them sooner on his condition, while then pivoting to a surprising move: apologizing to Cheney, and the vice presidents family, over the medias coverage of the shooting. My family and I are deeply sorry for all that vice president Cheney has had to go through this past week. We send our love and respect to them as they deal with situations that are much more serious than what weve had this week, said the man whod just been shot in the face. Then, in an even more effacing move, he added: And we hope that he will continue to come to Texas and seek the relaxation that he deserves. Talk about influence! Few people can say that after grievously injuring someone, their victim went on an extended tirade about how overworked and important they were. But it speaks to the kind of clout Cheney wielded within the GOP, especially in Texas where the Bush family also remained one of the most powerful and politically-connected clans well into the Trump era. Just to be clear, there was no private understanding between the men. This was not an act of friendship. Whittington, who died at 95 in 2023, later refused to answer and grew tense when the Washington Post asked him if Cheney ever apologized, five years later. It was clear that an apology had been expected but never materialized. Harry Whittington was a Texas lawyer and political power player when he was accidentally shot in the face by then-Vice President Dick Cheney while they were quail hunting in 2006. Harry Whittington is too gracious to say it out loud, but he doesn't dispute the notion, either, the publications Paul Farhi reported at the time. He did, however, grudgingly tell the outlet that his injuries were far more serious than he had publicly let on, revealing that he'd suffered a mild heart attack after some of the birdshot traveled to his heart. At the time of the hunting accident, the White House came under criticism, which it batted away. Democrats suggested that the delay in revealing the shooting was a sign of the administrations hostility to public scrutiny. A Republican senator chastised the vice president for showing poor gun safety skills. But in a truly Trumpian play deadces before that was even a term George W. Bush declared that Cheneys explanation had been strong and powerful. "Yesterday when he was here in the Oval Office, I saw the deep concern he had about a person who he wounded, said Bush of the man whom Cheney died before apologizing to. It was only with the rise of Trump that Cheney and Bush would see their influence wane, both with politicians and the broader social spheres of wealthy conservatives around the country. The damage caused by Trumps pillaging of Bush and Cheneys record in 2015 and 2016 never really went away, and the accelerated transition of the party from Bush-era neoconservatives to Trump-era paleo-conservatives and isolationists was helped along by the relative silence of both men after their departures from the White House. An emergency room doctor speaks about Harry Whittington's condition after the shooting incident in 2006 (Getty Images) Cheney made his last foray into politics last year, joining his daughter, Liz Cheney the former Wyoming congresswoman who was virtually run out of office over her opposition to Trumps role in the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol in an effort to boost Kamala Harris to victory. It didnt work, and Democratic voters seemed less than thrilled at the prospect of making their party the new home for Republicans driven out by their own tribe. In many ways, the former vice presidents errant shooting of an acquaintance is most reflective of the bubble that surrounds the American political class at all times, seemingly shielding them from accountability, consequences or criticism. Trump railed against that same system as he came to power, only to reorganize it around himself and his close allies. Dubya, whose years-earlier drunk driving arrest was made public days before his election to the presidency the first time, was happy to shield his running mate from criticism. So was Whittington, a longtime backer of the state Republican Party who clearly had no appetite in challenging two scions of that movement. In the end, the incident was a preview of the consequence-free world of the modern Republican Party, where disloyalty is the only sin and an ungracious response to ones own shortcomings is merely a speed bump. Nearly two years ago, I was called into the Ministry of Defence and served with an unprecedented superinjunction a legal order that stopped me, or anyone else, from revealing the details of a catastrophic data leak that had taken place in the heart of government. That moment threw me into an 18-month secret legal battle at the High Court as media organisations sought to hold the government to account for how the leak had happened and what was being done to rectify that calamitous mistake. In July this year, after the gagging order was lifted by a High Court judge, we were finally able to tell the full story of how the MoD inadvertently breached the personal details of 18,700 applicants to the UK resettlement schemes, potentially putting thousands in danger, and how a secret relocation scheme was green-lit without the knowledge of the public or parliament. An inquiry into what happened has been launched by the defence select committee, a group of cross-party MPs, and today I was called to be part of it as one of the journalists who had been involved in the two-year legal saga. As a journalist, I am more used to asking the questions and trying to investigate events, but today the tables were turned as I was called to answer queries about the resettlement schemes, the governments secrecy, and the subsequent fallout along with my Fleet Street colleagues Sam Greenhill from the Daily Mail and Larisa Brown at The Times. As the chair of the committee, Tan Dhesi MP, described, the inquiry has been launched to get into the nuts and bolts of what had happened, what decisions had been made and by whom, in order to shed light on what has actually happened. He opened the session, saying: When we discovered that there had been a superinjunction in place for almost two years, many of us were shocked, especially parliamentarians because we are often advised that parliament is sovereign and yet parliamentarians were kept in the dark. Chair of the defence committee, Tan Dhesi MP, opens the first session in the committees inquiry into the Afghan data breach (Parliament TV) Over several sessions, MPs will now probe why the government felt the superinjunction was necessary and why it was maintained for so long, as well as consider the Afghan resettlement schemes themselves, and the impact on Afghans affected and not impacted by the breach. Chair of the committee, Tan Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, praised journalists for our efforts to shed light on the issue, and lauded our grit and determination in exposing this entire chapter where everybody was kept in the dark, including many of us parliamentarians. While attendees for future sessions are yet to be confirmed, MPs will hope to grill ministers and senior civil servants over what went wrong. As well as draw insight from those lawyers and caseworkers who have supported Afghans who are at risk. Their investigations will run alongside another inquiry, led by the Intelligence and Security Committee a group of security-cleared MPs who are able to scrutinise top-secret matters. Findings will then be drawn into final reports, reflecting on what can be learnt for the future. While parliament can now probe what has gone wrong in the past, there are still ongoing questions about what is being done now to help those who have still been left behind. As I told the committee, journalists are hearing that a few Afghans have been evacuated to the UK in the past few months despite a pledge to honour the eligibility grants that have already been issued. MPs who have tried to get answers from the MoD about the numbers arriving have been rebuffed, with officials citing operational security something that has not stopped transparency in the past. Concerns about a growing culture of secrecy at the MoD were raised by Conservative MP Jesse Norman, who told the session: We have detected a change in this committee in the quality of information that we are getting from the MoD. Ms Brown, defence editor at The Times, explained that one of her MoD sources had told her that the numbers have barely changed since the superinjunction has been lifted. As of October this year, there were an estimated 4,200 applicants and their family members who are eligible to come to the UK under the MoDs resettlement scheme still awaiting relocation. This issue goes to the heart of the superinjunction and shows there is still a significant lack of transparency around the safety of Afghans who applied for the resettlement scheme. It is something we doggedly covered for two years lets hope the inquiry provides the impetus needed to bring those still waiting to safety. Tommy Robinson refused to give police the pin for his phone because he said it had journalistic material on it, the court heard. Photograph: Lucy North/PA Tommy Robinson has been cleared of a terror-related offence after being accused over a refusal to give police access to his phone during a border stop. A judge ruled that the stop was unlawful because it was based on what the far-right activist stood for and his beliefs, rather than suspicions of a connection to terrorism. Following his acquittal, Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, thanked the US tech billionaire Elon Musk, who he said had funded his legal costs in the case. Robinson, 42, was driving a silver Bentley Bentayga SUV on his way to the Spanish tourist hotspot of Benidorm when he was stopped by officers at the Channel tunnel in Folkestone on 28 July 2024, Westminster magistrates court heard previously. Police were suspicious of Robinsons vague replies about what he was doing and demanded access to his iPhone under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act. The act gives police the power to stop anyone passing through a UK port to determine whether they may be involved or concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Robinson refused to give police the pin for his phone because he said it had journalistic material on it, the court heard. He was acquitted on Tuesday after a two-day trial last month during which his barrister said the police had engaged in a fishing expedition and that there had been no evidence from MI5 to suggest Robinson was a terrorist. In his ruling, District Judge Sam Goozee told Robinson: I cannot put out of my mind that it was actually what you stood for and your beliefs that acted as the principle reason for the stop. He added that those beliefs were legally a protected characteristic when it came to determining whether Robinson was a person falling within the relevant scope of the legislation, namely a person who is or has been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. There was cheering from Robinsons supporters in the public gallery as he left the dock after the acquittal. In his ruling, the judge said he had found it concerning that the police officers involved in Robinsons detention had no real recollection of the questions they had asked him. I accept it may be impossible to drawn a line between your political beliefs, philosophical beliefs and terrorism as there can be a clear overlap, he added. A police officer wishing to question you for the purpose of determining whether you are a terrorist or have links to terrorism through associates may wish to explore the nature and intensity of those beliefs, your mindset, your associations and an officer will not know initially what side of the line you may fall. They may cross the line into terrorism or links to terrorism within the spirit of the purposes of schedule 7. However, based on the evidence, the judge said there was a question about whether he could be satisfied there was a basis for finding that the stop was lawful and not discriminatory. CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) will attend the J.P. Morgan U.S. Opportunities Forum on Wednesday, November 12. Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Conagra Brands, and Dave Marberger, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will participate in a fireside chat beginning at 9:55 AM ET. A live audio webcast of the discussion will be available on conagrabrands.com/investor-relations under Events & Presentations. A replay of the webcast will be available until December 12, 2025. About Conagra Brands Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), is one of North America's leading branded food companies. The company combines a 100-year history of making quality food with agility and a relentless focus on collaboration and innovation. Conagra's portfolio is continuously evolving to satisfy consumers' ever-changing food preferences. Conagra's brands include Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, and many more. As a corporate citizen, we aim to do what's right for our business, our employees, our communities and the world. Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra Brands generated fiscal 2025 net sales of nearly $12 billion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com. For more information, please contact: MEDIA: Mike Cummins | 312-549-5257 [email protected] INVESTORS: Matthew Neisius | 3125495002 [email protected] SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc. A mural of Trent Alexander-Arnold has been vandalised ahead of his return to Anfield with Real Madrid. The former Liverpool full-back is expected to feature in the Real squad for Tuesdays Champions League game less than six months after leaving his boyhood club for Spain. Alexander-Arnolds decision to depart at the end of his contract was met with anger by a section of the Reds fan-base, who booed the right-back. Workers are cleaning the Trent Alexander-Arnold mural after it was defaced pic.twitter.com/JvfAl65hud Liverpool Echo (@LivEchonews) November 4, 2025 The large mural near Anfield was unveiled in 2019 following Liverpools Champions League victory and was vandalised following the news Alexander-Arnold would leave, with the word Rat daubed on it. The same word was written again multiple times on Tuesday morning while white paint was thrown over the picture, with workmen acting quickly to clean it. Speaking ahead of the match to Prime Video Sport, Alexander-Arnold said: Whatever way Im received is the decision of the fans. Ill always love the club, Ill always be a fan of the club. Ill always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together theyll live with me forever. Trump-themed burger joint that was raided by ICE has been replaced by a new restaurant A Trump-themed burger chain which became infamous after its owner was arrested by ICE forcing it to shut down has been replaced by a new restaurant. Trump Burger, in Houston, Texas, was open for just over five months before it closed its doors following a series of legal battles and has been replaced by a pizza joint. Signs for Empire Pizza on the old building were reported by KHOU 11 Monday, though it is uncertain whether the restaurant is open to the public yet. The chain closed in October after its Lebanese owner, Roland Beainy, was arrested by ICE. He had reportedly overstayed his 2019 visa which was set to expire in 2024. Beainys restaurants, which are entirely themed around the U.S. president and billed as a patriotic haven for burger lovers and sold hamburgers stamped with Trump, have all now closed. Signs for Empire Pizza on the old building in Houston, Texas, were reported Monday, though it is uncertain whether the restaurant is open to the public yet (Google Maps) According to local news outlet KHOU, an ICE spokesperson said Beainy did not have any immigration benefits that would prevent him from being arrested or removed from the country. He was arrested on May 16 and placed into immigration proceedings. "Despite false claims to the contrary, Roland Mehrez Beainy does not have any immigration benefits that prevented his arrest or removal from the United States, ICE said in a statement at the time. "Beainy is a 28-year-old illegal alien from Lebanon who entered the United States in 2019 as a non-immigrant visitor, but he failed to depart by 12 February 2024, as required under the terms of his admission. Beainys restaurants, which are entirely themed around the U.S. president and billed as a patriotic haven for burger lovers and sold hamburgers stamped with Trump, have all now closed (AFP/Getty) Diners place their orders at Trump Burger in Bellville, Texas (AFP/Getty) ICE officers arrested him on 16 May 2025, and he was placed into immigration proceedings. Apparently alluding to whether Trump Burgers patriotic theme would affect Beainys immigration proceedings, the spokesperson said that all individuals entering the U.S. illegally would be held accountable. "Under the current administration, ICE is committed to restoring integrity to our nations immigration system by holding all individuals accountable who illegally enter the country or overstay the terms of their admission, the statement added. This is true regardless of what restaurant you own or political beliefs you might have." Beainy was also sued by the landlord who owns the property where his Kemah Trump Burger is located, KHOU 11 reported, who alleged that the restaurant had breached its lease agreement and owed him almost $40,000. Trump threatened military action in Nigeria after Fox News wondered if he should step up over treatment of Christians Once again, it appears the world has entered the Trump-Fox feedback loop, this time with the president threatening military action against an American ally following a segment he saw on the conservative cable giant. According to CNN, Trump was heading down to his Florida resort Friday and watching Fox News when he saw an on-air story about how Christians were allegedly being targeted and killed by Islamic groups in Nigeria. The president reportedly became immediately angered by the report and asked his aides for further information on the situation. Once Air Force One landed in Florida, Trump quickly took to his Truth Social platform and fired off posts about Nigeria. Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN, the president blared Friday afternoon, calling on GOP lawmakers to immediately look into the matter. Taking it even further the following day, Trump wrote that he was instructing the Defense Department to prepare for possible action in Nigeria while accusing the nations government of continuing to allow the murder of Christians. Donald Trump told reporters this week that there could be American boots on the ground in Nigeria over his claims that the country is persecuting Christians. (AP) If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns-a-blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities, Trump declared, adding: If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST! Speaking to reporters on Sunday as he flew back to Washington, D.C., the president said there could be American military boots on the ground in Nigeria over his claims of Christian persecution there. They're killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers, we're not going to allow that to happen, he added. At President Trumps direction, the Department of War is planning options for possible action to stop the killing of Christians in Nigeria, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told CNN. Any announcements will come from the President directly. Meanwhile, on Monday, the State Department officially designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over its alleged treatment of Christians and violations of religious freedom. Towards the end of his first administration, Trump had also designated the African nation a country of concern, only for the Biden administration to remove Nigeria from the list in 2021 after judging that it did not meet the criteria of concern regarding systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom. Less than an hour before the president began raging about Nigeria on Truth Social, Fox News anchor John Roberts openly wondered if Trump should be playing a bigger role in stopping the supposed persecution of Christians in the region. Does this president need to step up and do more? Roberts asked Ryan Brown, the CEO of Open Doors US, an organization that supports persecuted Christians worldwide. What could the U.S. do to try to stem the killings? During the interview, Brown stated that more Christians were killed in Nigeria last year than the rest of the world combined and claimed that you are six times more likely to be killed in Nigeria if you are a Christian than if you are a Muslim. So while the Nigerian government is seeking to state that this is not religiously-motivated, boy, we are hearing a much different story from those that are being impacted, he continued. Fox News anchor John Roberts wondered on Friday whether Trump should step up and do more to help Christians in Nigeria. An hour later, the president began raging about the issue on Truth Social. (Fox News) According to CNN, Trumps social media rants resulted in personnel at the U.S. Africa Command being abruptly recalled over the weekend amid the threats of military action. At the same time, the Truth Social posts left many wondering what the president wanted the military to do, with sources telling CNN that this was indicative of a broader frustration with the way potential policy decisions are relayed over social media, with little to no planning beforehand. President Trump was elected in a landslide victory to accomplish his peace through strength agenda. The Department of War stands ready to execute the Commander in Chiefs direction, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declared in a statement. The Nigerian government pushed back on Trumps allegations over the weekend, with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying that religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so and that his country opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it. Bloomberg reported this week that the reality is that ethnic violence in Nigeria is driven by access to resources, such as land and water, and terrorism by the likes of Boko Haram and the Islamic state that largely kills Muslims. Additionally, the outlet added that while there is religious violence in Nigeria, it is primarily centered on criminality and disputes over resources. Trump is pushing a strange, inaccurate narrative about Nigeria, which has roughly equal-sized populations of Christians and Muslims, MSNBC opinion editor Zeeshan Aleem observed. Armed conflict in the northeast of the country, which is a majority Muslim region, has gone on for more than 15 years and is not targeted systematically at Christians. Zohran Mamdani at a rally in New York on Monday. Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters On the eve of New Yorks well-watched mayoral election, Donald Trump issued a threat to its voters: stop Zohran Mamdani or pay. If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, the president said in a post on Truth Social. I dont want to send, as President, good money after bad. Trumps comments echo those broadcast on Sunday during his appearance on CBSs 60 minutes, in which he said: Its gonna be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York, because if you have a communist running New York, all youre doing is wasting the money youre sending there. Related: Live NYC mayoral election results: Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa face off The president does not directly determine how much money any city receives from the federal government; appropriation is the constitutional function of Congress. Control over how money is spent or withheld in acts of impoundment, which are forbidden under federal law has become a point of increasing legal contention. The Trump administration is well on its way toward making good on this threat even before the votes have been counted. The White House began sparring with the state over New Yorks plan to enforce congestion pricing for car traffic earlier this year, which Trump revisited in a separate Truth Social post on Monday evening. The White House withheld $18bn for a tunnel project as the government shutdown started. A federal judge ordered the federal government to reverse the rescission about $34m in counterterrorism funding for the New York City, ruling the move as arbitrary, capricious and a blatant violation of the law. Trumps post described a vote for Curtis Sliwa, Mamdanis fellow candidate and the Republican mayoral nominee, as a vote for Mamdani and alluded to a preference for the independent candidate, former New York governor Andrew Cuomo. I would much rather see a Democrat, who has had a Record of Success, WIN, than a Communist with no experience and a Record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE, Trump wrote. Cuomo, who has been a lifelong Democrat but ran in this years mayoral race as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, repeated the presidents line moments after the post while speaking with 77WABC radio. Now its gonna be up to the Republicans, and I hope they listen to the president, he said. In an interview on Fox News later, Cuomo said: We need a mayor who can stand up to Donald Trump. He repeated Trumps threat to stop funding the city and send in the national guard. Trump will go through Mamdani like a hot knife through butter, Cuomo said. Later on Monday, Mamdani responded publicly to Trumps remarks at a campaign event in Astoria, Queens, saying that he had known for months that Trump would support Cuomo. In these final days, what was rumored, what was feared, has become, naked and unabashed, he said, according to the New York Times. The Maga movements embrace of Andrew Cuomo is reflective of Donald Trumps understanding that this would be the best mayor for him not the best mayor for New York City, not the best mayor for New Yorkers, but the best mayor for Donald Trump and his administration. Mamdani also noted that he would address that threat for what it is: it is a threat. It is not the law. And too often, we treat everything that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth as if it is already legal, just by virtue of who is saying it. He later added: This funding is not something that Donald Trump is giving us here in New York City. This is something that we are, in fact, owed in New York. Recent polling suggests that Mamdani has at least a 10-point lead over both opponents. An Atlas Intel poll ending 30 October shows Mamdani leading with 41% in support, compared with Cuomos 34% support and Sliwa getting 24% support. This article was amended on 4 November 2025. An error introduced during the editing process led to the suggestion that Andrew Cuomo opted to bypass the Democratic primary by running as an independent candidate. In fact he stood in the primary and lost to Zohran Mamdani. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. Subramanyam Subu Vedam walks outside the Centre county courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, on 6 February. Photograph: Geoff Rushton/AP Two different courts have called on immigration officials to halt deportation of a Pennsylvania man who spent more than 40 years in prison for a murder conviction that was recently overturned. Subramanyam Vedam, 64, was brought to the United States by his parents when he was nine months old. Vedam is a legal permanent resident, and according to his lawyer, had his citizenship application accepted prior to his arrest in 1982. He is known by his relatives as Subu, per the Associated Press. He is currently being held in a short-term center in Alexandria, Louisiana, which is equipped with an airstrip for deportations. An immigration judge stayed his deportation on Thursday until the Bureau of Immigration Appeals decides whether to review his case. That could take several months. Vedams lawyers also got a stay the same day in US district court in Pennsylvania but said that case may be on hold given the immigration court ruling. Vedam was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison in 1983 and received an additional sentence of two-and-a-half to five years for a drug offense a year later, as part of a plea deal that was to be served simultaneously with his life sentence. He has maintained his innocence in the murder case throughout his time in prison and his conviction was overturned this year. He was released from state prison on 3 October only to be taken straight into immigration custody. Related: Pennsylvania man wrongfully imprisoned for more than 40 years faces deportation after Ice arrest Immigration and Customs Enforcement is seeking to deport Vedam over his no contest plea to charges of LSD delivery, filed when he was about 20. His lawyers argue that the four decades he wrongly spent in prison, where he earned degrees and tutored fellow prisoners, should outweigh the drug case. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said on Monday that the reversal in the murder case does not cancel the drug conviction. Having a single conviction vacated will not stop ICEs enforcement of the federal immigration law, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs, said in an email. Vedams sister and lawyers argued that his stay in jail for over four decades negates the drug charge. Were also hopeful that Board of Immigration Appeals will ultimately agree that Subus deportation would represent another untenable injustice, Saraswathi Vedam said, inflicted on a man who not only endured 43 years in a maximum-security prison for a crime he didnt commit, but has also lived in the US since he was nine months old. Ukraines navy says it has struck an elite Russian special unit located on a Black Sea oil rig. An anti-tank missile crew was killed in the strike and reconnaissance equipment was destroyed at the Syvash drilling rig, near Russian-occupied Crimea, the naval forces said in a Telegram post. Russia has disputed the account by distributing a video that alleges a Ukrainian naval boat was destroyed by a Lancet drone, but Kyivs forces said the video actually showed them deploying a kamikaze drone successfully. Ukraine flagged the anti-tank missile crew aboard the oil rig in its footage (Navy UA Telegram) The statement from Ukraines naval forces read: The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck an elite enemy special unit located on the Syvash drilling rig. In addition to the Russian occupiers technical reconnaissance and observation equipment, an enemy anti-tank missile system crew was destroyed. Trying to pass off another defeat as a victory, the Russians are spreading a video allegedly showing the destruction of a Ukrainian navy boat by a Lancet munition, while in reality, we successfully used a kamikaze drone. Ukraines forces shared a video of the incident on an official Telegram channel, flagging the moment they say they killed the team in the video. Syvash is a self-elevating drilling rig that can drill wells up to six kilometres (3.7 miles) deep. Owned by Chornomornaftogaz, a Ukrainian state-owned oil and gas company, it is one of four drilling platforms off the coast of Crimea known as the Boiko Towers. The black and white video showed Ukraine take the strike at the Syvash rig (Navy UA Telegram) Russia has occupied the Boiko Towers since 2015 and used them in its military activities since the start of the invasion, such as helipads and sites for deploying radar systems. The interaction comes as the battle on land intensifies over Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Moscow forces have been trying to capture the area for over a year, using a pincer tactic to encircle the town of Dobropillia. Ukraines military has said fierce fighting was underway in a part of the city that was key for Kyivs frontline logistics. It said additional special forces had arrived there, and more weapons and equipment were being sent. The Russian Defence Ministry said its soldiers had cleared 35 buildings of Ukrainian troops. It also said that Russian forces were squeezing surrounded Ukrainians near the town of Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, about 100 miles (160 km) to the north. Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X/Twitter that he had visited troops fighting near the eastern city of Dobropillia on Tuesday. Much attention was given to weapons, scaling up drone production, the needs of brigades and the experience of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine Azov and other units, he wrote. Democrats have been able to block the Republican funding bill by their use of the filibuster. Photograph: Bryan Dozier/NurPhoto/Shutterstock The US federal government shutdown was poised to move into record-breaking territory on Tuesday after the Senate rejected for the 14th time a funding package already passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. With the shutdown now in its record-equalling 35th day, frantic behind-the-scenes talks were under way to bring the standoff to a close amid expressions of alarm from Democrats and Republicans alike about its disruptive effects on millions of Americans. The shutdown threatened services such as the federal food stamps program and has seen employees furloughed or working unpaid. It will exceed the 35-day closure that occurred during Donald Trumps first presidency, in 2018, if it continues past midnight tonight. With concerns over its impact mounting, the Trump administration moved on Monday to provide emergency funds that would keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) operating at 50% capacity following court rulings stating that it could not legally withhold financial backing. The program provides food aid to 42 million Americans and costs around $9bn a month. Related: Senate Republicans strike down Democratic proposal to fully fund Snap But Trump, who has hitherto made little effort to end the impasse, reopened the fears over Snap on Tuesday, by threatening to hold the program hostage until Democrats capitulate and vote in favour of the government funding package. He wrote on social media that Snap benefits will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before! While the Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, Democrats are able to block the bills passage thanks to the filibuster, which needs the votes of 60 senators for passage. Trump has urged Republicans to use their majority to scrap the filibuster. The presidents latest threat over Snap seemed to be a sign of growing edginess over a shutdown that he has sought to blame on Democrats but which polls indicate a majority of the public believe is the responsibility of the Republicans and his administration. Unlike the earlier shutdown during his first term, when he fought Congress in 2018-19 for funds to build the US-Mexico border wall, the president has been largely absent from this shutdown debate. Republican and Democratic senators are quietly negotiating the terms of an emerging deal. With a nod from their leadership, the senators are seeking a way to reopen the government, put the normal federal funding process back on track and devise a resolution to the crisis of expiring health insurance subsidies that are spiking premium costs across the country. Enough is enough, said John Thune, the Senate majority leader and a South Dakota Republican, as he opened the deadlocked chamber. Labour unions have stepped up pressure on lawmakers to reopen the government. Were not asking for anything radical, the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said. Lowering peoples healthcare costs is the definition of common sense. With the House speaker, Mike Johnson, having sent lawmakers home in September, most attention is on the Senate, where party leaders have outsourced negotiations to a loose group of centrist dealmakers from both parties. Central to any solution will be a series of agreements that would need to be upheld not only by the Senate, but also the House and the White House. Senators from both parties, particularly the powerful members of the appropriations committee, are pushing to ensure the normal government funding process can be put back on track. The pace of talks have increased, said Gary Peters, a Democratic senator from Michigan. A substantial number of senators also want some resolution to the standoff over Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at years end. However, the White House is demanding that Democrats vote to fund the government before talks over healthcare can begin. White House officials are said to be in close contact with GOP senators who have been quietly speaking with key Senate Democrats. The loss of federal subsidies, which come in the form of tax credits, are expected to leave many people unable to buy health insurance. Republicans, with control of the House and Senate, are reluctant to fund the healthcare program, also known as Obamacare. However, Thune has promised Democrats a vote on their preferred proposal, on a future date, as part of any deal to reopen government. Thats not enough for some senators, who see the healthcare deadlock as part of their broader concerns with Trumps direction for the country. Democrats, and some Republicans, are also pushing for guardrails to prevent the Trump administrations practice of unilaterally slashing funds for programs that Congress had already approved, by law, the way billionaire Elon Musk did earlier this year at the department of government efficiency. Elle Fanning said she wants to try it all as an actress as she takes on her first leading action role in Dan Trachtenbergs Predator: Badlands. The 27-year-old actress made her screen debut in 2001, playing the younger version of her sister Dakotas character in the drama film I Am Sam, and went on to appear in several other films as a child actress, including Babel and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. More recently, the American actress has starred in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown and Joachim Triers dramedy Sentimental Value. In her latest project, Fanning portrays Weyland-Yutani synthetics Thia and Tessa in the science-fiction action film Predator: Badlands. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (left) and Elle Fanning attending a Predator: Badlands UK special screening in London (PA) I started acting from a young age, and I think my dream has always been to try everything, to explore all genres and not get stuck in one lane. I want to try it all, Fanning told the PA news agency. I like to challenge myself and surprise myself, so this is something I havent really done before, which is what really drew me to the project. Set in the future on a deadly, remote planet, Predator: Badlands follows Dek, a young Predator outcast from his clan, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who forms an unlikely alliance with Thia, a synthetic who has lost her legs, and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. I loved what Dan (Trachtenberg) did with Prey, I thought it was such a brilliant movie, Fanning said. This story felt so fresh and new; Id never seen anything like it on screen before. There were even touches of Star Wars at times, Chewbacca and C-3PO were an inspiration for our backpack situation and I just loved Dans vision. And if its a good director and a good story, thats all you need. It doesnt really matter what lane its in, Im game. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as Dek in Predator: Badlands (Disney/PA) New Zealand-born Schuster-Koloamatangi said playing Dek was a challenging experience, as his character spoke a different language and required extensive work with motion capture. It was an incredible journey, said the 24-year-old actor. It was tough, Ill be honest. It was a challenging adventure, having to learn a new language, wear a suit for 10 hours a day, and endure the heat all the time. You know, it really limits your movement. But I think it helps create the character even more. You use those challenges to bring the role to life. Being a Yautja is hard, how they move, how they breathe, the way they interact it all adds to the character. On playing a dual role in the film, Fanning said it was something she always wanted to try. That was something else that drew me to play these dual roles. Id never done that before, like the Parent Trap/Lindsay Lohan scenario, acting against yourself and really making sure to differentiate the two characters, she explained. And that was a great challenge, and I really loved that. Honestly, it was just kind of us on set. Even though its such a big world and a large production, it felt very intimate to have this unit, with open communication and collaboration. Filming in his home country of New Zealand was a humbling experience for Schuster-Koloamatangi. I just felt humbled to be a part of something so big, and to be filming in my home country, he said. Some of the locations we visited arent even open to the public, so seeing them for the first time was incredible. I felt really privileged just to be in those spaces. Predator: Badlands will be released in UK cinemas on Friday. An Edinburgh hairdresser has described her surprise after Dame Prue Leith stopped by to get her hair done ahead of a charity event in the city. The Great British Bake Off judge and her husband John Playfair made the unexpected visit to the Craig Davidson Hair salon in Bruntsfield on Tuesday morning. The couple live in Gloucestershire but were in Edinburgh to attend the Women of Achievement lunch at Archers Hall. They had been staying with a friend who recommended the salon to them. Salon manager Ashley Wilson said when she took a call on Monday afternoon to book in Prue Leith, she had no idea it would be the culinary star. I took a phone call yesterday afternoon from somebody local who uses the salon, asking to book Prue Leith in, she explained. Obviously, were not expecting it to be the Prue Leith, so we just didnt think too much about. Then the more we thought about, I thought no, its got to be, and definitely right enough, she came in with her husband. She added: It was a surprise for me. Dame Prue arrived wearing one of her signature colourful dresses with matching glasses and earrings, and she and her husband sat side-by-side while salon staff worked on their hair. Ms Wilson, who was tasked with blow-drying Dame Prues hair to her exact spec, described the Bake Off star as an absolute delight. She said: She was super-friendly, witty, just really warm, really nice. A really nice woman, nice to chat to her. Asked whether Dame Prue had let slip anything about who would win the Bake Off final, which airs on Tuesday night, Ms Wilson said: She was saying nothing, absolutely nothing. Obviously thats super-secret, so (there was) minimal, minimal chat on Bake Off. She said it had been a been a privilege to work on Dame Prues hair. It was really exciting. She was a really nice woman and I was really privileged to have met her and actually got to work on her hair, she said. It was a big deal for me, Im delighted. That wasnt on my bingo card for today. Salon owner Craig Davidson, who set up the business on Bruntsfield Place 30 years ago, cut Mr Playfairs hair during the surprise visit. He said it was really nice to see the couple come to his salon, and that it is great publicity for a small local business. Asked whether Mr Playfair had divulged anything about the Bake Off final, he replied: There were no spoilers. As I was cutting her husbands hair, he said he would be divorced if he said who won it, so he was keeping tight-lipped. But I did joke that John had told me, so we had a good laugh. At the end of the visit Dame Prue posed for photos with salon staff, before the pair headed off for their charity engagement. In a social media post following the visit, the salon shared a picture of Dame Prue posing alongside staff and a stand of cupcakes. The caption read: Proof that great hair is the secret ingredient. Loved having Prue Leith with us today. The Great British Bake Off final airs at 8pm on Tuesday on Channel 4. What is a wealth tax and would it work in the UK? Pressure is growing on Rachel Reeves to find new ways to boost the ailing economy as economists warn the Treasury may need to find at least 22bn at Wednesdays Budget. Many now predict the chancellor will have little choice but to raise taxes to find more funds for government coffers, as rising borrowing costs and weak growth forecasts drastically reduce her room for manoeuvre. This difficult economic backdrop will require funds to be found somewhere, with dozens of proposed tax rises floated ahead of the fiscal event. Whatever options the Treasury chooses, it will undoubtedly be hard for Ms Reeves to raise the revenue needed without hitting household finances. Pressure is growing on Rachel Reeves to find new ways to boost the ailing economy (PA) However, an increasing number of campaigners have said a wealth tax could shore up government funds, whilst ensuring that those worst-hit are those who can most afford it. Cabinet ministers have so far rejected calls for a wealth tax, with Ms Reeves indicating that she does not want to implement the measure in its strongest form. However, the chancellor also said in October that higher taxes for the wealthy will be part of the story at the Budget, leaving the door open for some wealth-targeting taxation. Heres everything you need to know about the wealth tax argument and what the experts have to say: What is a wealth tax? A wealth tax is a direct levy on an individuals total net assets things like property, investments, cash, and other possessions. Unlike most regular taxes, the idea is to target accumulated wealth, rather than only income earned that year. Alongside being a new way to raise revenue for the exchequer, the policy is also designed to redistribute wealth to reduce economic inequality. The UK already has some taxes that focus on assets, such as inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and council tax. Tweaking any of these may also be on the table for the chancellor later this year. Capital gains tax is most similar to a wealth tax in that it sees a levy charged on the sale of an asset. However, most models of a wealth tax would see an annual charge based on the value of assets held, even if they are not sold. The idea of a wealth tax has proven divisive among economic experts, with debates ongoing around its fairness, revenue-raising potential, and economic impact. Could a wealth tax work in the UK? Campaigners say a wealth tax could generate significant sums for the Treasury, whilst only affecting a small number of individuals who are less likely to feel the sting of higher receipts. Tax Justice UK is calling for a 2 per cent levy on individuals who own assets worth more than 10m. They say this would affect 0.04 per cent of the population, while raising 24bn a year. The calls come at a time when the wealth of the ultra-rich in the UK has increased massively in recent decades, while living standards have dropped for those on low- to middle-incomes. The Sunday Times rich list recorded 171 UK billionaires in 2023 up from 15 in 1990. At the same time, there are now record numbers of children living in poverty in the UK, and in precarious living conditions like temporary accommodation. Tax Justice UK is calling for a 2 per cent levy on individuals who own assets worth more than 10m (Gareth Fuller/PA) A wealth tax should be seriously considered by the chancellor, author and host of the Macrodose podcast, James Meadway told The Independent earlier this year: It starts to chip away at the idea that were just going to allow wealth to pile up in a very few hands forevermore. Responding to criticism that a wealth tax would threaten investment in the UK, the economist said: Investment has fallen off a cliff between Brexit and the financial crisis. Sixty per cent of wealth in Britain is inherited. Its not something thats been built up by somebody going off and setting up a new business. If these people were any good, our economy would be better. It isnt better, so theyre not that good, so it doesnt matter that much. He added: Its not going to solve every single economic problem, but 24 billion is not a number to be sniffed at if youre the government right now looking at how youre going to continue to fund the NHS, how youre going to pay for not imposing massive benefit cuts, how youre going to get rid of the two-child benefit cap. Theres a whole stack of things that we could do with that money that isnt being done at the minute because its just sitting in the hands of very, very wealthy people. What are the issues with a wealth tax? One of the most difficult factors in calculating the benefits of any wealth tax is predicting what the behavioural response will be. While a wealth tax would raise fairly large sums in any scenario, this uncertainty means it is hard to model. A common concern put forward is the risk of capital flight, where wealthy individuals who tend to be more globally mobile simply leave the UK, or at least move some of their assets. Wealth can also be held in a diverse range of assets, anything from cars to art, meaning it may be hard for tax authorities to know exactly how to enforce the levy. While a wealth tax would raise fairly large sums in any scenario, uncertainty means it is hard to model (PA) Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates, said it is highly uncertain how much could be raised by implementing a wealth tax. While it is difficult to estimate exactly how many wealthy individuals would leave the UK should the measure come into force, the tax expert points out that just 10 leaving could reduce the revenue by billions. This is because 15 per cent of the projected yield would come from just 10 ultra-wealthy individuals, while 80 per cent would come from fewer than 5,000. Alongside the risk of capital flight, Mr Neidle argues that the economic damage of a wealth tax to the UK would be massive. Speaking to The Independent earlier this year, he said: If you tax something, you get less of it always. All taxes are a trade-off; you need to just be clear about what they are. With a wealth tax, youre taxing savings and investment, so you get less savings and investment. The tax expert points to modelling of wealth tax in the US and Germany, which found the long-term effect was a 2 per cent and 5 per cent reduction in GDP, respectively. This would be damaging for the economy and hit employment hard. We need to respond not to what we want policies to do, but what they actually do, Mr Neidle added. There are lots of ways you can reform tax and tax the wealthy fairly in a way that doesnt damage the rest of us. These could include reforming land tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax. Any of these is probably a more likely option for Labour than introducing a wealth tax. But as the Budget approaches, calls for some form of more redistributive measure will likely only grow louder. The edge-computing solution will enable the innovative city in Georgia to enhance event management, safety, and community planning, all while ensuring citizen privacy PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga., Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Peachtree Corners one of the nation's first smart cities powered by real-world connected infrastructure and 5G today announced its partnership with UPCITI, a technology company specializing in machine learning solutions that simplify urban data collection and analysis. CAPTION:Peachtree Corners a 5G enabled living laboratory for startups and companies to deploy developing technologies, located within one of the nations first smart cities today announced its partnership with UPCITI, a technology company specializing in machine learning solutions that simplify urban data collection and analysis. The city will deploy UPCITI's lightweight, privacy-by-design sensor technology that will provide the city with information on pedestrian behavior to improve safety, drive operational decisions, and inform long-term planning across public spaces. The organization will be working closely with city officials on a three-year project deployed in Peachtree Corners' Town Green, a premier event space in the city. This marks the company's first deployment in the state of Georgia. As Peachtree Corners hosts more than 80 events and welcomes over 40,000 attendees to its city center each year, the city will utilize UPCITI's scalable technology to quantify crowd patterns and identify pedestrian flow in real time. The system's lightweight and easy to install hardware, cost-effective software solution, and intuitive user-friendly dashboard make it accessible and easily replicable for cities of all sizes and budgets. The pilot deployment will give city officials deeper insight into how people move within and around the Town Green. This data will increase the city's visibility on residents and visitors' mobility preferences and pedestrian behavior at the Town Green, which will facilitate future event planning, and infrastructure decisions that enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike. "Our mission at UPCITI is to help cities make safer, smarter, and more sustainable decisions through ethical technology," said Larissa Paredes Muse, Strategic Relationships Manager of UPCITI. "Built around Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), our sensors protect individual privacy while providing powerful, actionable insights for the communities its deployed in. We are proud to partner with The City of Peachtree Corners to demonstrate how technology can enhance pedestrian safety, enable data-driven operations, and plan without compromising personal data. UPCITI's edge-computing device features a low-resolution camera that can easily detect pedestrians and vehicles without collecting any personally identifiable information, like facial recognition or license plate reader technologies. The company operates on strict privacy-by-design approach, which intentionally developed a technology that ensures that no faces are captured, no individuals are tracked, and no identifiable data is stored. The system fully complies with GDPR standards used across European cities, ensuring resident trust while delivering valuable insights. "Community safety is always top of mind for us as we consistently look for ways to make our city safer and smarter," said Seth Yurman, City of Peachtree Corners Deputy City Manager. "By analyzing how people move through Town Center, for example, we can design better public spaces, plan more efficiently for events, and ensure pedestrian safety in real time. This collaboration reflects what Peachtree Corners, and the Curiosity Lab, are all about: working with forward-thinking partners to create solutions that improve daily life for our residents, while setting an example for cities across the globe." Powered by T-Mobile's 5G network, UPCITI's sensors transmit high-speed, low-latency data that enables faster and more accurate analysis. The collaboration between Curiosity Lab, Peachtree Corners and UPCITI represents a significant step forward in scalable smart city solutions that protect privacy while improving quality of life. Curiosity Lab will also welcome UPCITI to its Pavilion at Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, next month, where the company will showcase its innovative technology to global conference attendees. The Curiosity Lab Pavilion will be located in Gran Via, Hall 2, Stand C151. For more information on UPCITI, visit https://upciti.com/en/. About the City of Peachtree Corners, Georgia As the heart of what is being called #SiliconOrchard in the metro-Atlanta region, Peachtree Corners is a vibrant municipality that's home to more than 45,000 residents, 45,000 jobs and an innovation hub that houses some of the world's most disruptive technology companies. As the United States' premier smart city powered by real-world connected infrastructure and 5G, Peachtree Corners serves as the model for how government and private industry can better collaborate to create a better future for society and business. From the world's first deployment of teleoperated e-scooters to fully autonomous shuttles being utilized by actual residents and from a solar roadway to the largest electric vehicle fast-charging hub in the region, Peachtree Corners is where the most future-forward Internet of Things (IoT) and sustainable technologies come to life for the benefit of its citizens and the world. For more information, visit http://www.peachtreecornersga.gov. About Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners Curiosity Lab is a 5G-enabled intelligent mobility and smart city living laboratory located in the southeastern United States near Atlanta, Georgia. Designed as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies, the centerpiece of the lab is a three-mile autonomous vehicle lane leveraging cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technologies. Additional infrastructure includes intelligent traffic cameras and traffic signals, smart streetlights, the country's first "IoT Central Control Room" implemented in a city and a 50,000 square foot technology incubator. Owned and operated by the City of Peachtree Corners, Curiosity Lab is one of North America's only real-world testing environments and is available for use free of charge. Additional information can be found at www.curiositylabptc.com. About UPCITI Founded in 2017, UPCITI is a French American technology provider that specializes in urban analytics solutions. By utilizing multi-use camera sensors, UPCITI revolutionizes urban space management, offering real-time, actionable data while prioritizing privacy. Their comprehensive solutions encompass the entire data lifecycle, featuring multi-use sensors, real-time dashboards, and automated workflows to deliver immediate ROI and foster smart city development. With deployments in 17 countries, including major US cities like Columbus and Albany, UPCITI's privacy-by-design technology empowers municipalities to make informed decisions while maintaining data protection standards. The company provides essential tools to address critical urban challenges by simultaneously monitoring various aspects such as parking, traffic, pedestrians, noise, waste, and lighting. For more information, visit https://upciti.com/en/. SOURCE Peachtree Corners I like the idea that the only way you can see it in person is if we sleep together (Harriet Richardson) Harriet Richardson is not an angry person. Except, it seems, when it comes to art. You could draw a line through most of my projects and find them founded in anger. Revenge. Fury. It was during her first Edinburgh Fringe that her newest idea blossomed. I dont know if you know much about the comedy circuit The 30-year-old asks, squinting her eyes at me. Male comedians? Ive only ever heard wonderful things. She nods and lets out a weary breath. I have genuinely started to believe that God put them on the earth to annoy ideas out of me. Ideas like her 2023 performance art piece, in which Richardson spent Valentines Day conducting 100 online speed dates with 100 people, including total strangers, close friends, and exes. The dates were livestreamed, so anyone could observe the awkward pauses and the flirting. Even then, she was interested in the art of endurance. While each person had a five-minute slot, Harriet sat at her laptop for 16 hours. In Edinburgh, she started to think about the Madonna-Wh*** complex: the distinction made between women who are seen as disposable versus women who are supposed to be revered and respected. What if the two opposites were combined? What if, in fact, they were brought intimately together? Harriet selected her own body to represent the former group. And for the latter... what better symbol than that of the mother? The concept for Temporary came from this dichotomy. Richardson would get a tattoo of the names of her 14 ex-lovers mothers, all the way from her first teenage boyfriend to her most recent (and most grown-up) break-up. I was very conscious not to use mens names, Harriet explains. The people that are, arguably, more important to me than the men are the women who raised them. Tattoo artist David Walker helped bring Harriet's vision to life (Supplied) Finding the names of her exs mothers was no simple task. For 12 of them, Richardson could rely on memory, her own diaries, or Facebook accounts publicly available information which no one thinks twice about displaying on social media. (Until, perhaps, your ex-lover decides to get it tattooed on their body.) One man whod ghosted her before a date later told her over the phone that hed done so because of his dads birthday. With the work for Temporary already underway, Harriet asked him for a reminder of his dads name. And then, just out of interest: What was your mums name again? As soon as he said it, I went and wrote the name down in, like, 10 places. Richardson didnt tell any of her exes what she was up to: that, she says, would have felt like asking permission. Its an act of self, not a collaboration. Some required more painstaking research. To track down the names of two mothers of men whom shed had fleeting encounters with, Richardson hired a private investigator, who assured her he would use only legal, above-the-board methods. Its open access information and free will, The artist says. Its not invasive. You cant say its unethical. Or at least, its no more unethical than having sex with me and then not speaking to me again. Once the names were found, fact-checked, and organised, Richardson went to David Walker, a tattoo artist in Liverpool, along with Emily Lomas, who filmed and photographed the process. A few hours later, the deed was totally, irreversibly done. But it would be another six months before Harriet showed the tattoo to the world. She loved the idea of it being just for her. I was a bit hesitant. But somewhere along the way, I thought no, Im really proud of it. And it is for me. Thats the full stop. Ive believed that since I came up with the idea, and since I got it done. The tattoo is Richardson's first and, she swears, her last (Emily Lomas) Harriet is not sure if any of the mothers have seen the tattoo, but she does know that one of their sons has. After posting Temporary on Instagram on 20 October, one ex-lover reacted to her story with a clapping emoji. When she asked if he had any other comments, he mutely sent a smiley face. An emoji. She loves it. The fact that it cant even be written in, like, pen and ink. Its so symbolic of that relationship. Its no coincidence that Richardson got this particular tattoo during her newfound and painfully realised celibacy. Every single addiction Ive ever had is a moderation one, Harriet says from her London flat, a statue of a naked womans torso sitting demurely behind her. You cant live without food, so you have to find a way to have a healthy relationship with it. Its the same with people. You cant just not see another human ever again. And after years of painful relationships with what she describes as dismissive-avoidant men, Richardson was in the market for a self-policing strategy. The tattoo is long term, not just in its existence, but in the artists dedication to maintaining it. Harriet describes her vision to me: any potential new partner will be asked for their mothers name upfront, and have the tattoo explained. If they go on to spend the night together, she will go to the nearest tattoo parlour the next morning and get the name added. Its a hard boundary that I now have to exercise. It means they see the real me very quickly they cant have sex with me unless they know me. Thats a novelty. Ive had full relationships with men who never got to know any parts of me that were worth knowing. Its a good measure, the artist muses, of which people to let into her life. If they have a problem with the tattoo, then how likely is a sustainable relationship? This piece will change who I sleep with. Thats the point of it. I have a sex and love addiction problem. I dont want frivolous encounters that dont care about me. Public reaction to the tattoo has been volatile. Some love it, while in others it seems to inspire passionate revulsion. She has been accused of being anti-feminist, self-hating, and attention-seeking. Those who dislike it are disturbed by the concept of a young woman marking her body permanently based on the men shes had sex with, and choosing to continue the ritual throughout the rest of her life. Theres some really cool names on there. What a joy to find out Maureen was going to be tattooed on me (Emily Lomas) However, Harriet has noticed that peoples feelings seem to change with time. One comment called the work disgusting, only to return a day later and confess that they actually quite liked it. In response to the claims of anti-feminism, Harriet keeps it short. I feel like Im taking control and power back. I dont really have much else to say apart from: it was my choice. Theres nothing more feminist than a woman making a choice about her own body. Especially illuminating is the discourse about the number. Under every comment which says 14 is far too many or too few people to have slept with by the age of 30, there will be a reply underneath, earnestly explaining that they thought the opposite. Richardson finds it comforting. If 20,000 people think Im a sl*t and 20,000 people think Im a virgin, it must mean Im somewhere in the middle, which is a person. Six months down the line, she loves the list of mothers, Harriet says, and finds the whole thing funnier than she had expected. I have moments, like when Im in the shower and imagine us all squished in there together, or on the treadmill and its all of us running, each mother complaining about being dragged along for the ride. I like that none of them chose to be connected, or for me to be connected to the rest of them but now they are. I think its quite nice that we share something in common. The reaction Harriet was most scared of was of her own mother. Her parents were always strict and conservative, which, by the way, explains absolutely everything, and tattoos were an obvious no-go. Her mums reaction was straightforward: Youre 30, its your body, you can do what you want. I dont want to see it, I dont want to look at it, please dont tell me. Though the tattoo is, by design, never truly finished, Harriet finds satisfaction in imagining a metaphorical line under the list as it currently stands. [The men] all have something in common, and its not necessarily something I want to entertain again. I didnt have to put 19-year-old Harriet through all of that, but I obviously did, in a way, to become who I am today. I regret some of the relationships. But I just know Ill never regret that tattoo. Its so cool. Its a wider symbolism which characterises the piece for Harriet. It feels like Im closing a chapter, not just on straight white man whos in control of me, but on straight and white and man, individually, as concepts. It ties into questions shes been wrestling privately about sexuality, what sex means to her, and who shes attracted to. And what about the anger which fuelled the concept in the first place? Harriet no longer feels it. Her projects, though founded in provocation, are always the motor by which she processes things. I forgive a lot of the people on the list, I forgive the people from Fringe, and in short, Im over it. Im not angry anymore. She laughs. Im sure Ill find something else to be angry about soon. Curtis Sliwa casts his vote in the New York mayoral race on first day of early voting Curtis Sliwa stands little chance of becoming New Yorks next mayor. But when asked what it would take for him to drop out of the race, the red beret-wearing Republican left no room for ambiguity. A Mack truck hits me and I get turned into a speed bump, and they cant recover me in the ICU. Thats the only way. Mr Sliwa has been behind in the polls from the outset and those desperate to keep Zohran Mamdani out of Gracie Mansion would prefer a two-horse race between the socialist and Andrew Cuomo. Donald Trump and a raft of billionaire New Yorkers, including John Catsimatidis, who owns the radio station on which Mr Sliwas has a show, have suggested the Republican drop out. Mr Sliwa, who with his thick Brooklyn accent styles himself as a true man of the people, insisted the citys mayor isnt picked by the billionaires or the professional political class. Recent polling shows Mr Cuomo, running as an independent, has halved the gap between himself and Mr Mamdani, the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist, to 11 per cent, a promising development for the former New York governor. But Mr Sliwa, 71, has stuck his heels in. Sliwa is definitely polling worse than Cuomo, but he is the major party nominee, said Sam Raskin, senior vice-president of Slingshot Strategies, a political consulting firm based in Brooklyn. It is kind of a strange situation that one of the major party nominees is being asked to drop out in favour of Cuomo, that is an unusual situation. So from his perspective [its] why dont you drop out Andrew Cuomo?... Why should I drop out to help you? Mr Raskin notes that the outlier in this race is not Mr Sliwa, who ran unchallenged in the Republican primary, but Mr Cuomo who re-entered the race after he was trounced by Mr Mamdani in the Democratic primary. I think that first and foremost its weird that Andrew Cuomo is running... The unusual thing is that Andrew Cuomo is running, not that Curtis Sliwa is, he said. The Republican mayoral candidate has called Mr Trump a crack, a screwball - Frank Franklin II Mr Sliwas reluctance to acquiesce to pressure from the Republican leader follows years of tensions between the two New Yorkers, who were both firm fixtures of the New York tabloids in the 1980s and 1990s. Mr Sliwas journey to magazine covers was somewhat different to that of millionaire playboy Mr Trump. Born into a working class Catholic family of Polish and Italian descent, Mr Sliwa was expelled from his Jesuit high school over a dispute about its dress code, before taking a job at McDonalds. He first came to prominence in 1979 with the launch of his gang of crime-fighting vigilantes dubbed the Guardian Angels, who patrolled the subways at a time of heightened crime in the city. He has been arrested around 74 times and, as he is always keen to remind the public at rallies or while debating his opponents, he was shot six times in the abdomen after speaking out against a powerful mafia family in 1992. He has since helped launch more than 100 chapters of the Guardian Angels, including in the UK. Mr Sliwas notoriety means he is his own entity in New York famous on his own terms. He has also had his fair share of controversies. In 1992, he admitted that he and the Angels faked heroic rescues for publicity. Mr Sliwa launched the Guardian Angels, a gang of crime-fighting vigilantes, in 1979 - Bettmann In December 2024, Mr Sliwa said his anti-crime crusaders resumed patrols on the network for the first time since 2020 after Debrina Kawam was fatally set on fire as she slept on a subway train to Brooklyn. Mr Sliwa has known Mr Trump for decades. He still has a photograph of them from the 1986 New York State Conservative Party gala where they were both honourees. I said, Don. Youre not a conservative. He said, Youre not a conservative, Mr Sliwa said. I have a love-hate relationship with Trump, the mayoral candidate, who did not vote for the US president, previously told The Telegraph. The Republican mayoral candidate has called Mr Trump a manic depressive and a crack, a screwball. In a recent interview with the New York Times he said Mr Trump is more of a populist. I consider myself a blue-collar, working-class populist. In recent weeks Mr Trump said Mr Sliwa wasnt exactly prime time and made fun of his love of cats: during his first bid for mayor in 2021 Mr Sliwa lived in his 320sqft studio flat next to Central Park with his third wife, animal rights activist Nancy, and 17 rescue cats. They now have six. Mr Sliwa claims the last time the two men spoke was in 2013 when Mr Trump appeared on his radio show. Mr Sliwa with his cats in 2021 - Adam Gray/SWNS On the debate stage he has frequently said he knows how to negotiate with Mr Trump, and pledged not to go to war with him as Mr Mamdani suggested he would. Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, noted that while Mr Trump is the Republican leader, his interests and those of the party are not always aligned. Mr Sliwa is the candidate of one of the two major parties, not a third party candidate, so the party doesnt want him to drop out, he said. Thats not a good look for the Republican Party, that it doesnt even compete in the mayors race of the nations most important city. The party has institutional norms and more lasting interests that go beyond this one person (Mr Trump), despite his reach, and I would think that plays a role in the conversations that take place away from media scrutiny, Mr Reeher said. Mr Sliwa during a televised debate alongside Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani - Angelina Katsanis GOP leaders of all five New York City boroughs have been unwavering in their support of Mr Sliwa and suggested Mr Cuomo should do a better job on the campaign trail if he wants voters. So what could be next for the cat-loving Republican candidate who refuses to drop out of one of the most extraordinary New York mayoral races in recent history? I think the way this has shaken out, his window for city-wide office has likely closed. And its also hard to imagine him running for something more local within the city at this point, Prof Reeher said. He added: Id say that his political career, in terms of elected office at least, is probably done. While his future career might be in doubt, one thing is for certain, Mr Sliwa has been enjoying the spotlight. He clearly loves the limelight and clearly loves the attention. He is extremely enigmatic on TV and good on radio and doing these interviews. Im certain, I have not spoken to him, but Im certain that he is having a fantastic time, Mr Raskin said. Bridgerton and Wicked star Jonathan Bailey has been named sexiest man alive by People magazine. The British actor, 37, who found global fame as Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix Regency romance drama, said the title from the US magazine is a huge honour. He added: Obviously Im incredibly flattered. And its completely absurd. Its been a secret, so Im quite excited for some friends and family to find out. Bailey, who will reprise his role as Prince Fiyero in Wicked: For Good later this month, said he expects to be given a lot of grief by his friends. He told the magazine: Theyll be furious that I havent told them. And then theyll just squeal with delight. Theyve seen me grow up. Behind the mask of being identified as a sexy man are other truths that they know and theyve witnessed. They know the secrets. Bailey was joined by his dog Benson for his photo shoot for the cover of the magazine and said his pet was the only person he told. He added: I told my dog Benson. But no, I havent [told anyone else]. How do you spell NDA? Bailey unveiled his cover during an appearance on The Tonight Show and told host Jimmy Fallon he got the call while he was starring in a production of Richard II at the Bridge Theatre in London. He said: At the beginning of the year I was doing Shakespeares Richard II for those of you who dont know, its not a comedy. He recalled being in the zone of the production, adding: So you go slightly mad, and the only thing madder than doing Richard II is being invited into this. Bailey started his career as a child at the Royal Shakespeare Company and had notable roles in British TV series including Broadchurch and Crashing before rocketing to fame in Bridgerton. He most recently starred opposite Scarlett Johansson in the latest Jurassic Park film, Jurassic World Rebirth. Chris Hemsworth, Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans and Michael B Jordan are among the stars who have been named sexiest man alive by People magazine in recent years. Credit: Linda Whittaker An elderly construction worker has died after a medieval stone tower in the heart of Rome partially collapsed on Monday. The 30-metre tower, which has stood for 800 years and is yards from the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, was undergoing restoration and asbestos removal when the incident happened. The building is known as the Torre dei Conti or Tower of the Counts. The worker was identified by Italian media as Octay Stroici, a 66-year-old Romanian who was trapped under rubble for more than 11 hours. The first collapse occurred at 11.30am, with soldiers, police and firefighters rushing to the scene to try to free the four construction workers who had been repairing the landmark. Three were rescued, one of them was unhurt but the other two were injured and required hospital treatment. Firefighters were engulfed in debris as they tried to rescue a construction worker - Domenico Stinellis/AP Firefighters were attempting to rescue Mr Stroici, clambering up extended ladders towards the cracked facade of the tower, when a second collapse happened. A large quantity of masonry suddenly crashed to the ground, sending a cloud of dust into the air. La Stampa, the Italian newspaper, reported that Mr Stroici had been found on the first floor of the tower immediately after the first collapse, and that he had been conscious and communicating with rescue workers. Several hours after the second collapse, the workers were again able to speak with him. The firefighters were able to provide him with an oxygen mask as they dug with their bare hands and vacuumed debris in an effort to reach him. The rescue team extracted Mr Stroici at 10:30pm local time with assistance from specialised rescue units, and immediately rushed him to Policlinico Umberto I hospital, where he died an hour later despite efforts to revive him, La Stampa reported. The hospital said: At 11.05pm, Octay Stroici arrived at the Emergency Room in cardiac arrest. He underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which, according to 118 personnel, had already been initiated at the site of the collapse. Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, the medical team continued CPR for approximately an hour. However, spontaneous cardiac activity was not restored. Despite these attempts, his death was confirmed at 12.20am. Dust rises after a second collapse of part of the Torre dei Conti - Getty Images/Tiziana Fabi Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, offered her condolences to Mr Stroicis family. Ms Meloni said: I express deep sorrow and condolences, on behalf of myself and the government, for the tragic loss of Octay Stroici, the worker who was killed in the collapse of the Torre dei Conti in Rome. We are close to his family and colleagues at this time of unspeakable suffering. We never saw him again The Telegraph was at the base of the tower when the second collapse occurred at 1.00pm local time, causing a crowd to flee as rubble flew down. Firefighters who had entered the tower immediately withdrew amid fears that the whole building could crumble. Rescuers were attempting to reach Mr Stroici, who was conscious but in a serious condition after being hit by falling debris. Lamberto Giannini, the chief of police in the capital, said: There is a person who is still trapped under the rubble, but there are indications that he is still alive. Every effort is being made to save him that is clearly the priority but it is a delicate operation. There is a very high risk of further collapses. A drone was seen entering the tower through a window to inspect the damage. Emergency workers at the scene after the incident - Maurizio Brambatti/Shutterstock/EPA Pinned two metres below the firefighters, Mr Stroici had cried out in pain for hours, protected only by a makeshift shield of a few planks of wood and parts of railings from the collapsed structure. Only his head and one shoulder were exposed to the firefighters working for more than 11 hours to rescue him as his condition worsened, Corriere della Serra reported. His wife Marianna and their daughter rushed to the scene and were supported by Roberto Gualtieri, the mayor of Rome, who encouraged Mr Stroici to stay strong. His frightened colleagues waited anxiously, and recalled how he was swiftly swept under the rubble. Hes one of ours, stuck down there. Suddenly, everything collapsed and we never saw him again, a fellow construction worker told police. Alessandro Giuli, the Italian culture minister, was also at the scene, along with Romanias ambassador to Italy. The tower is located on Via dei Fori Imperiali, a broad avenue that slices through the ancient heart of imperial Rome. The avenue leads from Piazza Venezia, which is dominated by a huge marble monument, towards the Colosseum, the amphitheatre where gladiators once fought. The tower was built in the early 13th century on the order of Pope Innocent III as a fortified family home. The Tower of the Counts has been damaged by natural disasters over the years - Andrew Medichini/AP The core of the tower was built on the ruins of the Temple of Peace in 858 AD. Over the centuries, it has been damaged by several earthquakes. It was restored in the 17th century by another pontiff, Pope Alexander VIII. The building was previously known as Torre Maggiore, or Major Tower, for its size, and had stood at 60 metres before the earthquakes. It was undergoing restoration work with funds provided by the European Union before the collapse, with scaffolding erected on one side and yellow plastic chutes installed for the disposal of debris. A nightmarish theatre of science, power, cruelty and death An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump, 1768, by Joseph Wright of Derby. Photograph: The National Gallery Photographic Department./ The National Gallery, London He looks like hes up to no good. In the depths of the night, under trees and clouds turned silver and black by the full moon, a man is at work with a shovel. Is he burying a body or digging bits up for a Frankensteinian experiment? After all, this painting was done by Joseph Wright of Derby, a friend of pioneering scientists and industrialists in the Lunar Society of Birmingham, leaders of the new science that would inspire Mary Shelley. Related: Was it life or death in Joseph Wrights 1768 painting? But the man beside the foaming river Derwent is not collecting body parts. Hes doing something just as nefarious by 21st-century moral standards: blocking a fox den so the foxes cant get back in and will be easy game for the hunt tomorrow. Maybe Wright shares my compassion for foxes, because An Earthstopper on the Banks of the Derwent genuinely is a bit sinister. Yet it has a hypnotic beauty. Two light sources a lantern and the moon make this night anything but dead as we almost hear leaves rustle, white water rush and the earthstoppers spade clunk. Its one thing to paint a landscape by day. Wright makes one come fantastically alive by night. The National Gallerys close look at Wrights paintings of darkness and illumination reveals him as the first gothic artist. The gothic novel was invented when Horace Walpole published The Castle of Otranto in 1764; Wright painted his journeys into the horrors of the night in the 1760s and 70s. But the bloodcurdling secret at the heart of these paintings is scientific not supernatural. In A Philosopher by Lamplight, two young travellers have found more than they bargained for. Stumbling over a moonlit stream to a cave lit by a lonely candle, they look in terror upon an old man playing with a skeleton, lifting a bony leg as its skull stares from hollow eyes. The hermit is a philosopher trying to puzzle out what happens when we die. But the answer is nothing. For as science took hold in 18th-century Europe as a way of rationally understanding nature, God might be dead, according to radical minds like Wright of Derbys friend Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles. In The Blacksmiths Shop, the glowing metal on which the blacksmith is working lights up a ruinous building: the workshop is inside a classical temple with Corinthian pilasters. This is an unmistakable reference to Renaissance paintings of the nativity where the stable is often a dilapidated Roman temple, symbolising the death of paganism and rise of Christianity. What can it represent here except the modern material world being born in turn from Christianitys wreckage? Open your eyes to the nature of the universe, the true magic of science, urges this artist of Enlightenment in his spectacular canvas A Philosopher Giving That Lecture on the Orrery in which a Lamp Is Put in Place of the Sun. The National Gallery provides a real orrery, a mechanical model of the solar system, for comparison. One reason Wrights painted orrery is so bewitching is that you see it at different scales from the perspectives of the audience gathered round the model in a shadowy library. Go close to the enthralled faces of the children and it seems vast; stand further back and its a scientific toy, small compared with the lecturer and the gentleman beside him who assiduously takes notes. The scientist looks at him sceptically; a woman in a hat and jewels seems a little blank-eyed. Compared with the children, these adults are less electrified by curiosity. Maybe shock tactics are needed. Wrights Orrery, like other paintings here from the superb collection of his work at Derby Museum, is reunited with his other great science spectacle, the National Gallerys An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump. Painted two years after his Orrery, it shifts the focus from wonder to dread. One girl hides her face, too appalled to look for the lecturer is about to create a vacuum in a glass chamber, killing the white cockatoo inside. Wright gives this experiment hard-edged reality. Its the summit of his use of light cutting through darkness to define objects and spaces. The machine at the heart of the action is a formidable structure, its wooden column and brass fittings suggesting the steam engines being perfected by Lunar Society members. In the immortal words of the societys co-founder Matthew Boulton: I sell here, Sir, what all the world desires to have: power! The audience in Wrights painting includes members of the local gentry in a Georgian country house, but the power is not in their hands. It is a new kind of power possessed by the scientist. This 18th-century Oppenheimer gazes at us as he prepares to crank the handle, kill the bird, detonate the bomb. Wright isnt rejecting science but intuiting that it will change these peoples world and ours as surely as that bird will die. Candlelight from behind fills a glass vessel with liquid light as if it were radioactive, illuminating a human skull. This is meant to be a rational exposition of the vacuum, but has become a nightmarish theatre of science, power, cruelty and death. Perhaps the youngest girl, who cant take her eyes from the horror, is plotting a gothic novel of her own. Wright of Derby: From the Shadows is at the National Gallery, London, from 7 November to 10 May The boss of online platform X (formerly Twitter) has said it would be tyrannical overreach to remove a video of a horrific stabbing, which was watched by Axel Rudakubana on the morning of the Southport attack. Rudakubana, aged 17 at the time, searched the social media site for a video of the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel six minutes before he left home on 29 July last year. The teenager murdered Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; Bebe King, six; and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine; and attempted to kill 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. On Tuesday, Xs head of global government affairs, Deanna Romina Khananisho, told the Southport Inquiry she was passionate about a free speech mission. Rudakubana, then aged 17, searched a social media site for a video of the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel six minutes before he left home on 29 July last year (Merseyside Police/PA) Nicholas Moss KC, counsel to the inquiry, asked whether by showing the video of the suspected terrorist attack, which happened as the bishops sermon was being livestreamed at a church in Sydney, X risked promoting it. Sharing evidence over a video link, Ms Khananisho agreed the footage showed a horrific incident. Yet Ms Khananisho said she had been watching the sermon live as the attack happened and saw a miracle unfold. She said: People saw a monster. I saw an angel protecting Mar Mari. She added: I actually see hope. I actually see faith. I actually see forgiveness. Flowers and tributes outside the Atkinson Art Centre in Southport, following the 2024 Southport attack (PA) I do watch that video and I watch it for those reasons. For you to take that away from me under the guise of safety that isnt justice, thats tyrannical overreach. The inquiry was told that X, which Rudakubana had a number of accounts on, allowed children over 13 to set up an account, but there were extra restrictions on accounts of under-18s. However, in July 2024, age was simply verified by users entering their date of birth. Ms Khananisho said: Frankly, it wouldnt matter how many protections we have in place, at the end of the day, if somebody is determined to find the content they would find the content on any platform. Mr Moss said the inquiry had asked X for any information linked to Rudakubanas phone number, three email addresses or the X handle Red_Lorry123. Xs head of global government affairs, Deanna Romina Khananisho, told the Southport Inquiry on Tuesday she was passionate about a free speech mission (PA) The hearing was told the social media company originally told them of the identification of four accounts linked to the email addresses but, on Monday night, provided information on three other accounts. Mr Moss said X had refused to disclose the content of messages sent by Rudakubana without a legal order. They had not yet responded to a request for the date of birth used by the attacker when he set up his account, the inquiry was told. The inquiry is expected to hear from Rudakubanas older brother, Dion, on Tuesday afternoon. Laura Murphy, professor of human rights and contemporary slavery at Sheffield Hallam University, was ordered to stop her research. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian An investigation into allegations that a British university was subjected to pressure from Beijing authorities to halt research about human rights abuses in China has been referred to counter-terrorism police. The Guardian reported on Monday morning that Sheffield Hallam University, home to the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice (HKC) research institution, had ordered professor Laura Murphy to cease research on supply chains and forced labour in the country in February. Related: UK university halted human rights research after pressure from China Murphys work focuses on Uyghurs, a persecuted Muslim minority in China. A South Yorkshire police spokesperson said the force had referred the investigation on because the allegations fall under Section 3 of the National Security Act, the BBC reported. Section 3 of the act deals with assisting a foreign intelligence service. An offence is committed if someone behaves in a way that intends that conduct to materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities, or in conduct likely to assist that service. In October the university apologised and said it was lifting the ban on Murphys work on China and forced labour. A spokesperson for Sheffield Hallam said the decision to halt the academics work was based on our understanding of a complex set of circumstances at the time, including being unable to secure the necessary professional indemnity insurance. Following a review, we have since approved Prof Murphys latest research and are committed to supporting her to undertake and disseminate this important work. We have apologised to Prof Murphy and wish to make clear our commitment to supporting her research and to securing and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law. The instruction for Murphy to halt her study came six months after the university decided to abandon a planned report on the risk of Uyghur forced labour in the critical minerals supply chain and return the funding associated with that research to the original grantor, Global Rights Compliance, a non-profit law foundation based in The Hague. GRC eventually published the research in June. The Chinese government has rejected accusations of forced labour, and says that Uyghur work programmes are for poverty alleviation. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. Young European flat oysters to be translocated to the North Sea brick bed. Photograph: Mark Cocker It sits on my desk as I write, a memento from our Norfolk visit, where I found it at the tides edge. This blue-and-ochre shell comprises 30 or more fine layers of wavy calcium, rising to a swollen weathered apex. You could imagine the original bivalve sitting in your palm as an intact and living whole. But for that thought experiment to be true, Id have to be more than 100 years old. Because this European flat oyster is a relic of a lost Victorian ecosystem. The colony that gave rise to my shell had probably existed here for thousands of years, until the dredgers got to work, as they have on 90% of wild oyster reefs worldwide, and smashed it apart, then took the lot. Native oysters are functionally extinct here, as they are around most British coastlines. Yet their historical national abundance was said to have inspired Caesar to contemplate his English invasion. Later emperors valued them so highly that they paid for oysters with their equivalent weight in gold, and Boston in Lincolnshire may well have first developed as a port to supply the shellfish to the banqueting couches of Rome. If the personnel behind Oyster Heaven have their way, some of this remarkable cultural story will be revived. Yet far more important to them are the ecological riches that they will also help to bring back. Oyster reefs are known to support 466 marine organisms and are deemed keystone species makers of whole ecosystems. Motivated by these considerations Oyster Heaven has leased a seabed stretch off Blakeney and plans to seed it with 40,000 special clay bricks as an essential hard substrate, with each brick preloaded with oyster spats that are a few weeks old. Every mature female shellfish can then lay about a million eggs annually, and the long-term hope is that the protected human-made reefs will flourish into self-sustaining communities, massively boosting the entire marine environment. There are similarly fabulous oyster projects on the Blackwater in Essex, at Spurn, East Yorkshire, and on the Solent and Thames. Many say much the same thing: the main obstacle they face is not the marine environment but humans overly cautious civil servants who are too nervous to say yes. Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardians Country Diary, 2018-2024 is published by Guardian Faber; order at guardianbookshop.com and get a 15% discount This article was amended on 5 November 2025. The Norfolk restoration project is managed by Oyster Heaven, not its subsidiary Norfolk Oyster Company; the oyster spats used are weeks old, not a year old; and each mature female produces around one million eggs annually, not hundreds of millions. Credit: South Wales Police An asylum seeker was filmed following a young woman out of a nightclub to attack her at 4am. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was walking home from a night out when she noticed Fawaz Alsamaou was trailing her. The 33-year-old Syrian migrant followed her from the Pulse nightclub in Cardiff city centre and pursued her to the Cathays student area of the Welsh capital. Alsamaou was filmed inside the club, which is an LGBT venue, wearing a gilet, a white T-shirt and jeans as he wandered around near the entrance before heading to the dance floor. Alsamaou, originally from Syria, followed his victim before assaulting her under a bridge Footage also showed him a short distance behind the woman leaving the club and following her as she walked towards her home. A court heard he caught up with her underneath a railway bridge and grabbed her by the neck before carrying out his sexual attack. Alsamaou put his hand under her dress, grabbed her crotch and assaulted her for seven seconds. Prosecutor Tabitha Walker said the victim eventually pushed Alsamaou away before running to call police. After conducting CCTV enquiries, police identified the attacker. He was traced 160 miles away to Yorkshire where he had been living as an asylum seeker. Im always looking over my shoulder The victim described how the attack had had lasting impact on her. Im always looking over my shoulder and thinking the worst, she said. At the start I couldnt work and I didnt leave my house for two weeks. I feel uneasy when its dark outside. It has really affected my social life and I dont go out like I used to. I suffer with my mental health generally but this incident really hit that harder. I can barely sleep and I have nightmares relating to it. Im working to get over it but this isnt something you can just recover from. The impact has pulled me back from doing everyday things and stopped me going out with my friends. I didnt return to work at the office for two or three months due to the anxiety of being in public and in a busy setting with lots of people. The time I had to have off work caused additional stress in my life and additional meetings with HR. Alsamaou is highly likely to be deported following his sentence Alsamaou, of Lockwood, Huddersfield, admitted sexual assault and intentional strangulation. He has no previous convictions in the UK. His barrister David Pinnell said he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity but now does not accept his guilt, which made mitigation difficult. But he added that he would be deported after his conviction at Newport Crown Court. Judge Celia Hughes said: It was a horrible attack on a woman alone at night in Cardiff. She was entitled to walk home alone at night without being attacked by you, a predatory man. You say that youre a practising Muslim but your behaviour that night casts doubt on the practise of your faith. It must have been a petrifying incident for her and had lasting impact on her life. Judge Hughes sentenced Alsamaou to 37 months in prison for sexual assault. She added: You are highly likely to be deported after you have served your sentence. Seven gold bars were found inside a suspicious vehicle at Manchester airport - GMP Two men have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering after police seized gold and jewellery worth up to 2m. Seven gold bars, worth 700,000, were found inside a suspicious vehicle by officers at Manchester airport at 11.40pm on Thursday. The suspects, aged 49 and 45, were detained on Monday night when they arrived back in the UK. A subsequent search of their luggage revealed an estimated 1m worth of gold and jewellery. Properties linked to the men in Bradford, West Yorkshire, were also searched. Gold bars worth 60,000 were discovered, in addition to a 30,000 watch and a sum of money. The total gold seized is believed to be the biggest haul in Greater Manchester Polices history. An estimated 1m worth of gold and jewellery was found in luggage - GMP The suspects remain in custody for questioning, and inquiries are ongoing. Det Insp Sarah Langley said: Following initial inquiries, we have begun a money laundering investigation and have been working through all information available to us as part of this work. Any discovery of this size is of course something we want to explore all reasons for, and our specialist officers are currently determining the reasons for the gold and jewellery being brought into the country. Any offences regarding money or the illegal dealing and possession of goods is something we will simply never tolerate, and we will always act to ensure people are acting within the confines of the law. If this is something that you may have knowledge of, please do get in touch with us, as your information could greatly assist with our work. Officers can be contacted on gmp.police.uk, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizens Awards recognizes the firm's work to help end Alzheimer's ST. LOUIS, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial services firm Edward Jones received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Corporate Citizens Award for Best Health and Wellness Program for its strategic alliance with the Alzheimer's Association, supporting more than 600 Walks to End Alzheimer's each year and raising more than $56 million over the past ten years. The Citizens Awards recognize companies that demonstrate exemplary corporate citizenship and impact in strengthening communities by leveraging their talent, resources and expertise. "Alzheimer's is a serious health and financial threat affecting 1 in 9 Americans, 65 and older, and the millions more who care for them," says Ken, principal, Head of External Affairs at Edward Jones. "Our commitment to Alzheimer's research and support empowers the families and communities we serve to face the challenges of this disease with greater care, resources and support. We are very proud of that." Edward Jones' strategic alliance with the Alzheimer's Association is multifaceted, with goals of funding Alzheimer's research, enhancing care and support programs and educating clients and colleagues about the early warning signs of the disease. Our commitment includes: Pledging $50 million over 10 years the largest-ever corporate pledge for the Alzheimer's Association to enhance care and fund critical research, including a new treatment on the horizon. to enhance care and fund critical research, including a new treatment on the horizon. Serving as the first National Presenting Sponsor for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in 2016 and continuing in that role through 2030. Engaging more than 3,000 teams who participate in more than 600 Walk to End Alzheimer's events throughout the U.S. every year, with more than 132,000 Edward Jones associates, clients, friends and family members having participated in walks since 2016. events throughout the U.S. every year, with more than 132,000 Edward Jones associates, clients, friends and family members having participated in walks since 2016. Collaborating with the Alzheimer's Association to provide access to education programs, including "10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's," which is available to help associates, clients and community members learn about early detection. to provide access to education programs, including "10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's," which is available to help associates, clients and community members learn about early detection. Helping to fund the Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline that serves anyone affected by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. "Edward Jones is focused on helping people build wealth and secure their financial futures, but Alzheimer's stands in the way and impacts far too many of the firm's 9 million clients, 55,000 associates and community members," Cella says. "Our goal is to be a powerful local presence, mobilizing our colleagues, clients and communities in the fight to find a cure." Today, more than 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer's, a number expected to double by 2050. Average lifetime costs per patient are estimated at $400,000. The financial impact on caregivers is significant. In 2024, unpaid caregivers provided an estimated more than 19 billion hours of care valued at more than $413 billion. The nine categories of the Citizens Awards reflect the wide-ranging impact of business in communities. Thirty companies were among the finalists, and one company was chosen as the recipient in each category. Award results were announced at the Business Solves Conference from Oct. 28-29 in Washington, D.C. About Edward Jones Edward Jones is a leading North American financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm's more than 20,000 financial advisors throughout North America serve more than 9 million clients with a total of $2.3 trillion in client assets under care as of June 27, 2025. Edward Jones' purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. Through the dedication of the firm's approximately 55,000 associates and our branch presence in 68% of U.S. counties and most Canadian provinces and territories, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them. The Edward Jones website is at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC. Disclosure 2025 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizen Award, category for Best health and Wellness Program, published October 2025, data as of June 2025, application fee required for consideration. Edward Jones. "Advisors Push for Caregiver Policy Reforms." Published May 20, 2025. https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/why-edward-jones/news-media/press-releases/caregiver-policy-reforms SOURCE Edward Jones Socialist Zohran Mamdani is New York Citys first Muslim mayor - REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz In the words of former New York resident Donald J Trump, he is a 100 per cent Communist Lunatic, with poor dress sense and an irritating voice to boot. Zohran Mamdani, the ultra-progressive Democrat elected mayor of New York in Tuesdays elections, represents everything that Trump fears will Make America Lousy Again: a woke, hipster, pro-Gaza liberal who wants state-funded grocery stores and hefty taxes on rich Manhattanites like the owner of Trump Tower. He looks terrible, his voice is annoying, hes not very smart, and hes backed by AOC and others who I call Dummies, observed Trump this summer, warning of Mamdanis backing by other hard-Left firebrands such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. But the Dummies won. Despite Trumps warnings that Mamdanis policies will rot the Big Apple to its core, the 34-year-old New York State assemblyman beat Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate. Mamdani with his wife Rama Duwaji on election night - Reuters Victory was the Democrats biggest and only triumph since Kamala Harriss drubbing in the presidential election last year. The irony, however, is that much of Mamdanis playbook is based on Trumps. Like the US president, he prides himself on being a disruptor, more comfortable with social media than CNN. His radical policies, meanwhile, are tempered with simple pitches to working-class New Yorkers who may well love NY but can barely afford to live there anymore. Mamdani, flanked by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, at a campaign rally in Queens ahead of New Yorks mayoral vote, October 2025 - Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images Life in this city doesnt need to be hard, Mamdani says in one Instagram video, in which he tours New Yorks less polished quarters to a hip-hop soundtrack, pledging free childcare for all, rent freezes and free public transport. We can afford to dream. His pledge to turn New York into a Scandinavian-style paradise of public plenty remains largely uncosted, so a dream is all it may prove to be. But affordable or not, a version of Mamdanis dream is also now being sold in the UK by the new Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, who has likewise been hailed as the hard Lefts best new hope in years. Currently a Green Party member of the London Assembly, he was elected as the partys national leader in September and has broadened its beards-and-dungarees constituency into a wider social-justice platform that scoops up ex-Corbynites too. Polanski is credited with doubling party membership, which last month passed 140,000, overtaking both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. Again, he is a near-caricature of metrosexual cliches: a gay, vegan, Hackney-dwelling ex-drama student, keen on trans rights and intersectionality. Again, however, much of his success is down to campaigning energy and slick social media videos some of it inspired by his fellow Left-wing disruptor Stateside. I take huge inspiration from Mamdani, and I have spoken to members of his team, Polanski, 43, told The News Agents podcast last month. This thing is two-way. Its a group of people who are recognising, for decades now, that weve not been winning in the way we should. Michael Chessum, a former activist with the Corbynite Momentum organisation who quit Labour to join Polanskis Green Party in June, says both Polanski and Mamdani are part of a much wider new Left surge that began with [Bernie] Sanders and Corbyn and is now moving to a new generation. They are disruptors, but they represent mass disillusionment with the status quo and an economic model of neoliberalism that hasnt delivered rising living standards, he adds. A transatlantic bromance So what lies behind the Mamdanski bromance? In the culture war trenches, both are firmly on the Left pro-Gaza, pro-migrant, pro-trans rights and generally pro-activist. Polanski was arrested at an Extinction Rebellion demo in 2019, and Mamdani at a pro-Gaza protest a week after the October 7 massacres. Both, though, claim to put identity politics second to basic, everyday concerns Mamdani rooting for New Yorkers priced out of their own city, Polanski for Britons unable to buy homes and facing a cost of living crisis. In true populist fashion, both put the blame on wealthy elites, while also expecting them to foot the bill for their ambitious social programmes. Mamdani wants higher taxes on New Yorkers earning more than $1m (760,688); Polanski wants a windfall tax on dirty fossil-fuel profits. Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents, presents himself as the modern face of New Yorks melting pot, seen dancing with a supporter in October - REUTERS/Brendan McDermid Both also peddle soft-touch crime policies: Polanski wants all hard drugs legalised; Mamdani once backed the Defund the Police movement, branding the New York Police Department racist and anti-queer a stance he has since disowned. What really sets them apart, though, is their youth, vigour, ability to communicate, and relatability. Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents one a Muslim, one a Hindu presents himself as the modern face of New Yorks racial melting pot, as much a friend to the Ghanaian street cleaner as to the Italian-American cabbie. Polanski, who was born in Manchester to Jewish parents and started out as a Liberal Democrat, simply presents himself as likeable something Britains hard-Left often forgets to do. He is smilier than Corbyn, less po-faced than many Greens and like Nigel Farage able to come across as the affable everyman. One campaign video even channels the Farage vibe, with Polanski standing on the cliffs of Dover, wondering what has happened to a once-great country. The only difference is that, rather than blaming migrants in small boats, Polanski blames the super-rich in their yachts, whom he claims have suppressed wages, polluted rivers and hired Westminster lobbyists to ensure it is all blamed on those desperately seeking to make Britain their home. Like Farage, Polanskis big thing is that he can talk like a normal person, unlike Starmer, who sounds like an AI chatbot, says James Starkie, a former Tory government adviser who also worked on the Vote Leave campaign. Zack Polanski, pictured with Green Party MPs Carla Denyer (far left) and Ellie Chowns, and deputy leader Mothin Ali (far right), is credited with doubling party membership to more than 140,000 - Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images Mamdanis appeal to New Yorkers is probably the same. People might not like all his policies, but theyre also fed up and asking if Mamdani can really be any worse than the incumbents. For all the youthful energy Polanski did 61 media interviews in two days after being elected Green leader the message is carefully spun. Unlike the spray-gun hyperactivity of Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, filmed doing everything from Zumba to bungee jumping in last years general election, both Mamdani and Polanski know that one well-crafted TikTok video can gain millions of views. It also gives them far greater reach among Gen Z. While Mamdanis rival, Cuomo, preferred the old-school press conference lectern, Mamdani delivered his message while mooching the streets. Frank Luntz, the veteran pollster and US election strategist, says social media has been critical in giving the likes of Polanski and Mamdani a megaphone. Mamdani greets runners and spectators at the halfway point of the New York Marathon at the weekend - Adam Gray/Bloomberg They can now communicate to a wider audience in a way they couldnt before they can now reach the mainstream even if their politics are still extreme, he says, adding that social media is fuelling a collapse in centre-Left and centre-Right politics. Style over substance Opponents, however, say that, like the social media influencers whose tactics they borrow, the pair are triumphs of style over substance. Number-crunchers on both sides of the Atlantic have had a field day picking holes in the pairs respective economic policies. Mamdanis plans are expected to cost about $10bn (7.6bn) a year, with some estimates putting the long-term total at more than $100bn (76bn). Polanski, meanwhile, wants to renationalise all major utilities, phase out private property letting and prevent company bosses earning more than ten times the salary of their lowest-paid worker. There is unease among many, too, about the new mayors pro-Gaza stance, which includes boycotts of Israeli products, despite both Polanski and Mamdani insisting they harbour no hostility towards Jewish groups. Among their more heavyweight critics is Rosa Prince, a Bloomberg News columnist, who recently compared Polanski to Britains own Zohran Mamdani. His rhetoric, she warned, lacks a coherent programme or clear vision beyond slogans and comes at the expense of the environmental focus that should be central to any Green Party. Within the Green Partys democratic grassroots culture, there is also concern about the apparent cult of personality building around Polanski. Welcome as the influx of so-called Zacktavist members has been, the partys former co-leader Adrian Ramsay said before Polanskis election that most British people have had enough of populist approaches to politics that seek to simplify everything. Green Party members are concerned that a cult of personality has formed around Polanski - Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images Sean Hickey, a journalist with the Left-leaning PoliticsJoe podcast, admits that Mamdani - and Polanski if he reaches office - will face serious questions about their manifesto pledges. He adds, though, that for many young, Left-leaning voters, the pair are a breath of fresh air. The Left, be it Democrats or Labour, is often a behemoth party that compromises on a lot of things once it faces tough decisions in power, just as weve seen with Starmer, says Hickey. That creates apathy among younger voters. However, Luntz, a Republican himself, predicts not apathy but anarchy in Mamdanis New York. It will, he fears, end up like San Francisco or Portland, where soft-touch social policies have been blamed for fuelling soaring levels of drug use and shoplifting. Mamdani has an ideology that is popular on the surface but leads to horrific problems in terms of crime, drugs and other quality-of-life issues, says Luntz. New York went through this before in the 1970s and 1980s, when it was the crime capital of America. Well see how Mamdani does, but what sounds good often turns out to be really bad. Giving people reduced-price groceries, for example, will just destroy New Yorks supermarket industry and lead to higher prices long term. Some, indeed, see the MamdaniPolanski hype as simply a rerun of the old talk about Corbyn and Sanders, neither of whom went on to serious electoral success. Certainly, it remains to be seen just how successful they are with working-class outreach, given that Maga and Reform have made inroads with such voters, often as a result of their antagonism towards progressive identity politics. Mamdani shakes hands with a cab driver while campaigning on Manhattans Upper East Side - REUTERS/Mike Segar Within the Democrat establishment, there is even concern that Mamdanis victory could play into Trumps hands, allowing him to claim that yet another US city has gone to the dogs under woke policies. Right-wing US critics have already made dire predictions about what New York will look like under a Muslim mayor, citing the example of London under Sadiq Khan, whom they accuse of presiding over a general increase in lawlessness. Khan and Mamdani are already reported to have been in touch by phone much to the alarm of Maga cheerleaders such as Steve Bannon, who has claimed the pair are Marxists and part of a red-green alliance between Democrats and radical Islamists. Still, with Mamdani in power and Zactivism gathering pace in Britain the Left-wing disruptors are about to make their mark, mirroring those they have emulated on the Right. Annoying though their voices might be to Trump, and to more moderate Left-wingers, they look set to be around for some time yet. Theres a new reality in the world of travel: many countries are implementing additional fees for tourists. While this might initially seem like an unwelcome surprise, locals often appreciate these charges for the benefits they bring to their communities. From preserving natural wonders to funding infrastructure improvements, these fees are designed with long-term sustainability and preservation in mind. Here are 15 countries where tourists face extra charges, and why the residents embrace them. 1. Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee iStock Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, charges an impressive Sustainable Development Fee for every tourist. This fee, which is part of the country's "high-value, low-impact" tourism policy, ensures that the number of visitors is manageable and that the environment is not overwhelmed by mass tourism. Bhutanese locals generally support this fee because it aligns with their principles of Gross National Happiness, prioritizing well-being over economic gain. It also helps fund vital public services like healthcare and education, directly benefiting residents. According to the World Tourism Organization, Bhutan's strategy has become a model for sustainable tourism worldwide. The fee is reinvested into community projects and conservation efforts, ensuring that tourism revenue aids in maintaining the nations pristine landscapes and cultural heritage. By limiting tourist numbers, Bhutan not only protects its environment but also enhances the visitor experience, making it a win-win for everyone involved. This approach fosters a deeper appreciation among tourists, who often find their visits more meaningful due to the exclusivity and curated experience. 2. Venice's Day-Tripper Tax Shutterstock Venice has long been a victim of its own allure, attracting millions of tourists to its historic canals and charming piazzas. To combat the mass influx, the city has implemented a day-tripper tax aimed at visitors who do not stay overnight. This measure is supported by locals who have witnessed firsthand the strain on their infrastructure and the wear on cultural landmarks. By charging this fee, the city hopes to balance tourism with the preservation of its delicate ecosystem and cultural integrity. Residents have noticed a tangible change in their quality of life since the taxs introduction, with less congestion and more sustainable tourism practices emerging. This allows the city to invest in essential maintenance of its historic sites and ensures that Venice remains a viable place to live. The tax signals a commitment to protecting Venice for future generations, a sentiment that resonates deeply with its citizens. For tourists, this means a more leisurely experience, with fewer crowds and a chance to engage more authentically with the citys charm. 3. Thailand's National Park Fee iStock In Thailand, an entrance fee is levied at its many national parks, a move that might initially seem like a cash grab. However, this fee is crucial for maintaining these biodiverse havens, which are under constant threat from both environmental degradation and human impact. Locals generally support these fees because they fund conservation efforts, ensuring that Thailand's natural wonders can be enjoyed by both current and future generations. This revenue is used for everything from habitat restoration to visitor facilities improvement. A report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature highlights how these fees are critical to funding conservation projects that protect endangered species and fragile ecosystems. These initiatives not only preserve the land but also provide jobs and boost the local economy. For local communities, this is a source of pride, knowing their natural treasures are well-protected and managed. For tourists, paying the fee often feels like a small price for contributing to the greater good of environmental preservation. 4. New Zealand's International Visitor Levy Shutterstock New Zealand has introduced an International Visitor Levy, a modest fee charged to incoming tourists, aimed at protecting its stunning landscapes and biodiversity. With a population that values its connection to nature, locals widely support this levy, which funds conservation efforts, infrastructure, and tourism-related projects. The money collected helps maintain the country's pristine environments, from lush fjords to sprawling national parks, ensuring they remain unspoiled for posterity. It also serves to manage the growing number of tourists, reducing the strain on resources and communities. Tourists benefit from well-maintained facilities and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their contributions aid in preservation efforts. The levy has also spurred innovation in sustainable tourism practices, with initiatives that promote eco-friendly travel and cultural exchange. Visitors often find that the sense of responsibility and stewardship enhances their experience, creating a stronger connection to the landscapes they explore. For locals, the levy represents a shared commitment to preserving their natural heritage and ensuring that tourism remains a positive force in the country. 5. Japan's Sayonara Tax Shutterstock Japan's "Sayonara Tax," a departure fee imposed on tourists leaving the country, is a relatively new initiative aimed at improving tourism infrastructure. The fee supports everything from airport upgrades to the development of multilingual services, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for international visitors. Locals appreciate this tax because it enhances their country's reputation as a world-class travel destination, while simultaneously boosting economic growth. The funds also support cultural preservation projects, which help maintain Japan's rich history and traditions amid modern challenges. The Japan National Tourism Organization emphasizes that the tax allows for continuous improvements in tourism services, ensuring a seamless experience for all. By investing in better facilities and services, the country ensures that it remains competitive in the global tourism market, attracting visitors who are keen to experience its unique blend of tradition and innovation. For tourists, the Sayonara Tax often feels like a worthwhile contribution to the upkeep of a country renowned for its hospitality and cultural richness. The benefits of this tax are felt not only in the enhanced visitor experience but also in the pride locals take in showcasing their country to the world. 6. Iceland's Nature Pass Proposal Shutterstock Iceland's raw, untamed beauty has made it a top travel destination, but its fragile ecosystems are at risk from the surge in tourism. The country has proposed a Nature Pass, a fee that would grant tourists access to its natural attractions while funding their preservation. This proposal has garnered strong support among locals, who are keenly aware of the need to protect Iceland's unique landscapes from the wear and tear of mass tourism. The revenue is intended to be reinvested in conservation efforts, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable tourism practices. Residents appreciate this proactive approach, knowing it helps ensure Iceland's natural beauty remains intact for future generations. Tourists can explore the country's wonders with the assurance that their fees contribute to ongoing conservation efforts. In return, they find well-maintained trails, visitor centers, and educational programs that enhance their understanding of the environment theyre exploring. For locals, the Nature Pass represents a shared responsibility between residents and visitors to safeguard the country's natural heritage. 7. Bali's Tourist Tax iStock Bali, Indonesia's beloved island paradise, imposes a tourist tax designed to support environmental and cultural preservation initiatives. The island's popularity has put pressure on its resources, leading to challenges such as waste management and environmental degradation. Locals support the tax because it funds essential projects to address these issues, ensuring that Bali remains a sustainable and attractive destination. The tax helps improve waste management infrastructure, supports cultural programs, and funds environmental restoration efforts, directly benefiting the island's communities. The Bali Tourism Board reports that these initiatives have led to significant improvements in environmental management and cultural preservation on the island. For tourists, the tax is a small price to pay for the opportunity to experience Balis natural beauty and vibrant culture. Visitors often leave with a deeper appreciation for the island, knowing their contributions support its ongoing sustainability. For locals, the tax is a testament to their commitment to balancing tourism with the preservation of their home. 8. Croatia's Tourist Levy iStock Croatia's stunning coastline and historic cities have made it a favored destination for globetrotters, but the influx of tourists has presented challenges. To address these, the country has implemented a tourist levy that funds the maintenance of public spaces and cultural sites. Locals are supportive of this levy, recognizing the importance of balancing tourism with the preservation of their heritage. The funds are used to restore historic sites, manage waste, and improve public infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life for residents and the visitor experience. The levy also encourages more sustainable tourism practices, helping to mitigate the environmental impact of large numbers of visitors. Tourists benefit from improved facilities and a more authentic experience, free from the pitfalls of overcrowding and neglected sites. The levy represents a shared responsibility between visitors and locals to protect Croatia's unique character and charm. For residents, it reflects a commitment to ensuring that tourism remains a positive force, contributing to the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage. 9. Philippines' Environmental Fee iStock The Philippines imposes an environmental fee on tourists visiting its famed islands, aimed at preserving the countrys rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes. This fee supports conservation projects and environmental protection efforts, ensuring that the natural beauty of the islands is preserved. Locals are in favor of the fee, as it provides crucial funding for initiatives that protect their environment, which is vital for both tourism and the local economy. The revenue is used for projects like coral reef restoration, wildlife protection, and sustainable tourism development. Tourists are often willing to pay the fee, knowing their contributions support the preservation of the stunning environments they come to enjoy. The fee also helps fund educational programs that raise awareness about environmental issues, fostering a sense of stewardship among both locals and visitors. For locals, the environmental fee represents a collective effort to protect their natural resources, ensuring that the Philippines remains a top destination for eco-conscious travelers. Visitors benefit from well-preserved sites and the knowledge that their visit supports vital conservation efforts. 10. Amsterdam's Tourist Tax iStock Amsterdam, with its picturesque canals and vibrant cultural scene, has long attracted tourists from around the globe. To manage the influx and maintain the city's infrastructure, Amsterdam charges a tourist tax that supports public services and cultural preservation. Locals back this tax because it helps maintain the quality of life in the city, ensuring that tourism does not overwhelm its resources. The funds are used for infrastructure improvements, public transportation, and cultural initiatives, enhancing the experience for both residents and visitors. Tourists may find the tax a small price to pay for the chance to explore one of Europe's most charming cities, knowing that their contributions help preserve its unique character. The revenue generated allows Amsterdam to continue offering high-quality services and attractions, maintaining its reputation as a world-class destination. Visitors often appreciate the well-maintained facilities and vibrant cultural offerings, which are directly supported by the tourist tax. For locals, the tax reflects a commitment to balancing the benefits of tourism with the preservation of their citys heritage and quality of life. 11. Machu Picchu's Entrance Fee Shutterstock Machu Picchu, Peru's iconic archaeological site, is a must-see for many travelers, but its popularity puts significant pressure on its preservation. The site charges an entrance fee that supports its conservation and management, ensuring it remains accessible for generations to come. Locals support this fee because it funds efforts to protect their cultural heritage and manage the environmental impact of tourism. The revenue is used for site maintenance, restoration projects, and visitor management, preserving the integrity of this ancient wonder. Tourists often recognize the value of the entrance fee, understanding that it contributes to the preservation of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fee helps maintain the sites infrastructure, ensuring a safe and informative visitor experience. For locals, the entrance fee is a reflection of their commitment to preserving their history and sharing it with the world in a sustainable manner. Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of the site, knowing their visit supports its ongoing preservation. 12. Kenya's Wildlife Conservation Fee iStock Kenya, known for its breathtaking wildlife and vast savannahs, imposes a wildlife conservation fee on tourists visiting its national parks and reserves. This fee is crucial for funding conservation efforts that protect the country's diverse flora and fauna, ensuring these ecosystems remain intact. Locals strongly support the fee, as it funds anti-poaching initiatives and habitat restoration projects, which are vital for the survival of iconic species like elephants and rhinos. The revenue also supports community projects that promote sustainable livelihoods, benefiting local residents. Tourists often see the fee as a contribution to the greater good, knowing their visit aids in the protection of Kenya's natural treasures. The fee enhances the visitor experience by ensuring well-maintained parks and the opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. For locals, the wildlife conservation fee represents a commitment to preserving their natural heritage and ensuring tourism remains a sustainable industry. Visitors leave with unforgettable memories and the satisfaction of knowing their visit supports crucial conservation efforts. 13. Australia's Great Barrier Reef Tax iStock Australias Great Barrier Reef, a natural wonder, is under threat from climate change and human impact. To aid in its preservation, a small tax is levied on tourists visiting the reef, supporting conservation and research initiatives. Locals are in favor of this tax, recognizing the importance of protecting the reef for future generations and the vital role it plays in the local economy. The revenue funds projects that address issues like coral bleaching and marine biodiversity loss, ensuring the reef remains a vibrant ecosystem. Tourists often view the tax as an investment in the reefs future, knowing their visit supports efforts to mitigate environmental threats. The funds also support educational programs that raise awareness about the reef's ecological significance, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the natural world. For locals, the Great Barrier Reef tax is a commitment to ensuring their natural heritage is preserved and shared with visitors responsibly. The tax ensures that the reef continues to be a stunning attraction and a symbol of Australia's commitment to conservation. 14. Tanzania's Development Levy iStock Tanzania, home to the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, imposes a development levy on tourists aimed at funding infrastructure and community projects. The levy supports improvements in transportation, healthcare, and education, directly benefiting local communities. Residents support the levy because it contributes to economic growth and improves their quality of life, while also ensuring tourism remains a sustainable industry. The funds also support conservation efforts, protecting Tanzania's iconic landscapes and wildlife for future generations. Tourists often find the levy a reasonable contribution to the well-being of the communities they visit, enhancing their travel experience. The levy supports projects that improve visitor facilities and create opportunities for cultural exchange, providing a richer, more immersive experience. For locals, the development levy is a reflection of their commitment to balancing tourism with sustainable development, ensuring that both residents and visitors benefit. The levy helps maintain Tanzania's reputation as a premier travel destination, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. 15. Mexico's Environmental Sanitation Fee iStock Mexico has introduced an environmental sanitation fee for tourists visiting popular destinations like Cancun and Tulum, aimed at funding environmental protection and infrastructure improvements. Locals support this fee, recognizing the importance of preserving their countrys natural beauty and ensuring sustainable tourism practices. The revenue supports projects that address issues like waste management, coastal erosion, and habitat restoration, ensuring Mexico's tourist hotspots remain attractive and viable. The fee also funds educational programs that promote environmental awareness among both locals and visitors. Tourists often see the fee as a small contribution to the preservation of the beautiful destinations they enjoy. The funds help maintain pristine beaches and protect vibrant ecosystems, ensuring a memorable and environmentally conscious travel experience. For locals, the environmental sanitation fee is a commitment to safeguarding their natural resources and ensuring tourism remains a positive force for their communities. Visitors benefit from well-preserved sites and the satisfaction of knowing their contributions support sustainable tourism practices. Key Points Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's stock jumped 20% after the company reported strong August sales. Broadcom's shares got a boost after its third-quarter earnings and sales beat Wall Street's consensus estimates. Nvidia continued to march higher on news of collaborations with OpenAI and Intel. 10 stocks we like better than Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing September is historically not a great month for the stock market, with the S&P 500 having an average decline of 0.6% during the month since 1950, according to research from The Motley Fool. Long-term investors know that jumping in and out of the market, especially on a monthly basis, isn't a smart move, and it really wouldn't have paid off if you were invested in some of the world's leading technology stocks in September. That's because some of the most important tech stocks continued to benefit from the expanding artificial intelligence market, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) all making significant gains during the month. Here's why these tech stocks defied the September slump. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue A building with the letters "TSMC" on it. Image source: Taiwan Semiconductor. 1. Taiwan Semiconductor: Up 21% in September Taiwan Semiconductor, also referred to as TSMC, is the leading manufacturer of advanced processors, with an estimated 90% of the global market. TSMC is benefiting from the massive increase in semiconductor demand for AI data centers lately, and in September the company reported impressive year-over-year August sales growth. Early in the month, TSMC reported that its August sales increased by nearly 34% from the year-ago month to about $11.1 billion. Investors were happy with those results and pushed the stock up by a staggering 20% in the month -- and more good news was on the way. TSMC reported its third-quarter results in early October, with sales rising 31% and earnings per share increasing 39% to $2.92 per American depositary receipt (ADR). 2. Broadcom: Up 11% in September Broadcom's stock began rising in early September after the company reported better-than-expected Q3 results. The company's sales rose 22% to $15.9 billion, outpacing Wall Street's consensus estimate of $15.8 billion. Adjusted earnings per share of $1.69 also beat analysts' expectations of $1.65. Broadcom designs application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that are used in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, and investors took note of the company's continued ability to benefit from AI's growth. Broadcom's shares also began climbing on speculation that the company's mystery $10 billion customer was OpenAI.Management later clarified OpenAI isn't the company's $10 billion customer. But OpenAI and Broadcom did announce in October that they're partnering to build AI data centers in a deal that could be worth billions of dollars in sales for the company, per The Wall Street Journal. 3. Nvidia: Up 7% in September Nvidia's stock began climbing in mid-September after the company announced a collaboration with Intel, in which Intel will design and manufacture custom data center CPUs that work with Nvidia's hardware architecture. Nvidia is investing $5 billion in Intel as part of the partnership. The collaboration was an indication to investors that Nvidia is expanding its market beyond GPUs and working with other chip companies to further its architecture ecosystem. Then, a few days later, Nvidia announced that it was investing up to $100 billion to help OpenAI build new data centers that will have millions of Nvidia GPUs. That news helped the company's shares rise further, although it's worth pointing out that it's unclear how much Nvidia stands to gain monetarily from the partnership. While OpenAI will use Nvidia's processors for the data centers, Nvidia is investing a large amount that could offset potential revenue from the collaboration. There's no guarantee that these AI stocks will continue climbing higher, but all of them are benefiting from their leading positions in artificial intelligence, and there's no indication right now that their growth is slowing down. Should you invest $1,000 in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing right now? Before you buy stock in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $603,392!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,241,236!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,072% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 194% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of November 3, 2025 Chris Neiger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intel, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and recommends the following options: short November 2025 $21 puts on Intel. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Various types and models of a pager (also known as beepers). - maradon 333 // Shutterstock From beeps to codes: 9 communication methods that defined pre-smartphone life In the modern age of blue and green text bubbles, its easy to forget how much effort communication used to take. Scattered over the pre-smartphone decades, various communication methods would take the world by storm, only to be replaced by something new. While many of these methods may seem archaic now, its fun to take a stroll down memory lane to a time when constant communication was in its infancy. Using data gathered from the Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Technology Review and more, Spokeo examines how these communication methods shaped how people talk to one another even today. 1. Pagers (Beepers) Serving as the stereotypical badge for doctors and truckers in television shows, pagers were useful for those constantly on the go in the 90s. A user would receive a short numeric message, some of which were generic and well-known, and others were only known among friends. Some of the most common included: 143 - I love you 637 - Always and forever 823 - Thinking of you Most people would have assumed pagers were extinct, but an illuminating Washington Post article covers how operatives overseas still use them to avoid intelligence tracking. For the average person, however, pagers simply serve as a fun reminder of the first foray into instant communication. 2. AIM Screen Names (AOL Instant Messenger) Many likely remember sitting for hours trying to come up with the perfect screen name when AIM via AOL Instant Messenger was first released in 1997. For the majority of people, this was their first time having access to instant digital communication, and AIM is often considered to be the birthplace of modern Internet slang. In fact, MIT Technology Review goes so far as to attribute AOL Instant Messaging to shaping the very culture of social media in modern day. This early iteration of instant messaging helped people learn how to navigate a text form of communication. 3. ICQ Numbers Before usernames became popular, ICQ numbers were cutting-edge. Functioning essentially as an early fingerprint, unique ICQ numbers represented a person online on the ICQ messaging platform. These numbers started as six digits and continued sequentially every time someone new registered, so those with lower numbers benefited from a sense of prestige at being a pioneer of the messaging platform. The idea of linking digital communication to a unique digital handle is something that has certainly carried through to today and is used across every app that requires a login to access the platform. 4. CB Radio Handles Citizens band radios, better known as CB radios, werent just for truckers. In the 1970s and 1980s, this technology was used by millions to tune into weather alerts, highway updates, and general banter over the radio waves. CB Radio, at its earliest point, is even considered by NTS Logistics to have shaped trucking camaraderie well before it was widely used by the industry. Serving as a raw and sometimes anonymous local form of communication, its easy to see how it has influenced social media platforms today. 5. Fax Machine Numbers For an entire generation of office workers, fax numbers were among the most important to remember. This number was how clients could reach you, how business deals were closed, and how documents flowed seamlessly across towns. Faxes have gone out of fashion in many modern workplaces, but industries where signatures and security matter greatly still make use of them. Health care organizations and law firms are two common examples. 6. MSN/Windows Live Messenger MSN or Windows Live Messenger is often considered to be the next frontier in a post-AIM world. Featuring nudge vibrations, late-night chats, music updates, and other miscellaneous communications, this platform was an institution for many. Peaking at 330 million users in the late 2000s, Windows Live Messenger was many peoples first introduction to true online friendships and even digital romances. 7. MySpace Messages/Friend Requests The next step in the evolution of communication between strangers becoming friends, MySpace has to be mentioned, and the name elicits a strong emotional reaction from many. Before Instagram bios and LinkedIn headlines, someones MySpace profile contained a synopsis of their life. Whether building a digital brand, checking messages like your life depended on it, or scrutinizing your choice in background design, MySpace was the precursor to all-in-one social media platforms. 8. Prepaid Phone Calling Cards Sold predominantly at gas stations and convenience stores, scratch-off calling cards were often a lifeline for travelers or those in need of an urgent long-distance call. While questions about fees and all-in-costs often clouded the waters around this communication method, its usefulness to those in need of quick vocal communication cannot be overstated. 9. Phone Book/White Page Listings Finally, serving as the analog version of the modern search bar or people search engine, these tools were printed directories where anyone could find anyone. The rise of online platforms have made these obsolete, but many may still have a dusty phone book sitting in the attic preserving the directory from that point in time. The rise of online platforms has made these obsolete, but for those wanting to explore the present-day equivalent, a people search can instantly provide contact info while a reverse phone lookup can show you who owns a certain phone number. What Is Lost and Gained with Technology From pager codes to complete digital profiles, communication in society has changed drastically in a matter of decades. In the past, communication required far more effort. Whether it was needing to remember a number or literally having to be in range of someone, contacting others was difficult and required greater intention. Nowadays, communication is as easy as finding someones profile on one of many apps and sending a message to connect. Easy to be sure, yet undoubtedly surface level. This raises questions about how technology is evolving and whether communication is better or worse than in the past. The answer remains to be seen. This story was produced by Spokeo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces the framework for a proposed constitutional amendment, the Election Rigging Response Act, Aug. 14, 2025. Photo: Office of the California Governor / Courtesy of the Office of the Governor / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) - With only one day to go in California before Election Day, legislators expect to see a relatively high voter turnout for the Golden States congressional redistricting effort. If passed Tuesday, Proposition 50 will tip the scales in favor of Democratic candidates for five additional seats in the U.S. House. Five current Republican congressmen would be at risk of losing their seats in the 2026 midterm election: U.S. Reps. Kevin Kiley of Rocklin; Darrell Issa of San Diego County, Doug LaMalfa of Yuba City, David Valadao of Bakersfield and Ken Calvert, of Riverside County. None of the congressmen were available for comment on Monday. Major changes would come down the pike to current congressional districts if Prop. 50 is passed. One of the biggest changes include new district lines for the Congressional 9th District. That district includes the city of Stockton, as well as Lodi - a city just north of Stockton that is home to nearly 70,000 people. Prop. 50 would split Lodi into three congressional districts, taking away some constituents from the congressman representing the 9th District, Rep. Josh Harder, D-Stockton. City officials and Harder were unavailable for comment Monday. Gov. Gavin Newsom began the push to redraw Californias U.S. House districts earlier this year after Texas redrew its congressional district lines, which gave Republicans the chance to pick up five new seats in the House. The newly-redrawn maps in California would expire in 2030, when the power to draw district maps would revert to the states Citizens Redistricting Commission. That commission, which is not involved in the Prop. 50 redrawing of congressional districts, is charged with drawing both state legislative and congressional district lines every decade after the U.S. Census, according to the commissions website. As voters head to the polls before ballot centers close on Tuesday night, voter turnout is expected to be high across the state, some legislators said. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, but many have already voted by mail-in ballots, ballots dropped into special, locked boxes and voting centers. Turnout is at about 6.6 million ballots returned so far, and thats out of 23.269 [million] registered voters in the state, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, D-Santa Cruz, told The Center Square. So I feel hopeful voters are engaged and theyre turning in their ballots," said Pellerin, who oversaw discussions about congressional redistricting as chair of the Assembly Elections Committee. On Monday, Republican legislators noted that their constituents, while not voting in large numbers in early voting, are likely to vote in larger numbers on the day of the election itself. [My constituents] havent really seen anything coming out of the Republican Party really driving the vote, Assemblymember David Tangipa, R-Fresno, told The Center Square. A lot of them have waited until polls opened, and they have that now," Tangipa said. He spoke out against redistricting, both as a member of the Assembly Elections Committee during a committee hearing, and on the floor of the Assembly. Republican constituents are waiting, in large part, to vote on election day, Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-San Diego, told The Center Square. He said Republicans prefer to vote on Election Day and Democrats, who are more likely to support Prop. 50, tend to vote early. So I think the numbers will get closer together after tomorrow," he said. Multiple legislators also discussed the presence of federal election monitors, which were sent out by the U.S. Department of Justice to monitor the special election in California. However, none of the legislators who spoke to The Center Square on Monday thought the monitors would have much effect, although Pellerin called their presence "puzzling." "It is a little puzzling why they want to send observers to a state-only election, but certainly, that is their right," Pellerin told The Center Square. "I believe they're going to find that elections are run very smoothly in California." Millions of dollars spent both for and against Prop. 50 As of Monday afternoon, approximately $50,346,633 had been spent in support of Prop. 50, while $42,257,807 had been spent in opposition to the initiative, according to the California Fair Political Practices Commissions Prop. 50 database. Some of the biggest donors to the effort to pass Prop. 50 include a political action committee called the Ballot Measure Committee, which has raised more than $47.1 million from its top contributors through Monday. Among some of the more noteworthy contributors to the passage of Prop. 50, the California Teachers Association has donated more than $3.9 million, while the California Nurses Association has contributed over $3.3 million. The Washington, D.C.-based National Education Association has contributed approximately $3 million. A leading donor for the passage of Prop. 50 is Tom Steyer, who has spent more $12.8 million in expenditures, CalMatters reported. Steyer paid for a statewide advertising campaign encouraging voters to vote yes on Prop. 50. In the commercial, which started airing earlier this fall, Trump is portrayed by an actor, who appears to throw food at the TV screen as he yells during the announcement of the Prop. 50 results. Among the leading donors to the fight against Prop. 50 is Charles Thomas Munger Jr., a California billionaire, who has donated more than any other single donor to the effort against Prop. 50. He has contributed more than $32.7 million, according to the Fair Political Practices Commission, followed by the No on Prop. 50 Committee, which has contributed over $9.46 million from its top contributors alone. Munger contributed financially to anti-Prop. 50 ads, which show a giant weight being dropped on the phrase Fair Elections carefully carved into wooden letters. The letters break as the weight is dropped on them. Polling for Proposition 50 According to an Emerson College poll published on Oct. 24, California voters are poised to pass Prop. 50, with researchers finding that 57% of likely voters in the state support Prop. 50. The poll found that 37% oppose the initiative. With less than two weeks until the California special election for Proposition 50, the measure looks likely to pass, with results again outside the polls margin of error, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, in a press release about the poll. Certain demographic groups that were hesitant to support the measure last month have come around to support Prop. 50, such as Black voters, whose support increased from 45% to 71%. President Trumps claims that Russia and China are secretly testing nuclear weapons are correct, according to CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton. @realDonaldTrump is right, Ratcliffe wrote on X Monday, sharing intelligence assessments dating back to the presidents first term, suggesting Russia and China were not adhering to a moratorium on the testing of nuclear explosives. Trump insists the US should resume nuclear testing to counter Russia and China. REUTERS Cotton (R-Ark.), in a subsequent X post, provided a bit more detail about what specifically the US adversaries have been testing after conferring with the spy chief. After consultations with Director Ratcliffe and his team, they have confirmed to me that the CIA assesses that both Russia and China have conducted super-critical nuclear weapons tests in excess of the U.S. zero-yield standard, the senator wrote. These tests are not historic and are part of their nuclear modernization programs, he added. Trump announced last week that he had ordered the Pentagon to immediately begin testing nuclear weapons for the first time in more than three decades to counter the growing arsenals and alleged testing programs of Russia and China. Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis, Trump wrote on Truth Social last Wednesday. That process will begin immediately. Trump elaborated in an interview with 60 Minutes that aired Sunday. The testing is because Russia announced that they were doing a test. If you notice, North Korea is testing constantly. Other countries are testing. Were the only country that doesnt test, and I dont want to be the only country that doesnt test, the president said. Britains Defence Secretary John Healey speaks at a press conference during a meeting of the defence ministers from the E5 Group of Five nations, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom, at the Royal Artillery Barracks in south east London on Sept. 10, 2025. AFP via Getty Images The US has not conducted a nuclear test since 1992. US AIR FORCE/AFP via Getty Images CIA Director John Ratcliffe appeared to confirm Trumps claims that Russia and China have been secretly testing nuclear weapons. via REUTERS When CBS correspondent Norah ODonnell pushed back, Trump asserted: Russia is testing nuclear weapons, and China is testing them too, you just dont know about it. The US has not tested a nuclear explosive since 1992, observing a voluntary moratorium on the practice. The last US nuclear test was an underground detonation that took place at the US militarys Nevada Test Site. Trump has not specified what type of testing above or underground the military might carry out or how soon it could take place. President Donald Trump speaks to journalists aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea on Oct. 29, 2025 Credit - Andrew HarnikGetty Images Voters in Virginia and New Jersey head to the polls Tuesday to decide on their next governors, days after Barack Obama stopped in both battlegrounds to boost the Democratic candidates. But the Republican Partys biggest voicePresident Donald Trumphas largely stayed out of both races. Unlike previous election cycles, where Trump barnstormed the states with the hottest races and stumped for the Republicans, Trump didn't hold any in-person campaign events for either state's gubernatorial contenderVirginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears or New Jerseys Jack Ciattarelli. On Monday night, Trump was scheduled to join virtual campaign tele-rallies for both campaigns from Washington. He also posted on his social media site Truth Social about the races late Monday, urging voters in both states to back the Republicans and describing a "vote for the Democrats" as "a DEATH WISH!" The Presidents approval ratings have hovered just above 40% in polling by Gallup in recent months, making him a potential liability in general elections in states like Virginia and New Jersey, where both parties have won statewide races in recent years. A CNN poll released Monday found Trump with a 37% approval rating, the worst of his second term. Douglas Heye, a longtime Republican strategist, says Trump dropping into either state to hold a rally at this moment stands to hurt a Republican candidate more than help. "The Democrats are trying to make this a referendum on Trump, up and down the ticket, given his poll numbers. Having a big rally would only magnify that," Heye says. The election results on Tuesday are sure to be closely watched for signs of which party is better positioned for next years midterm elections, which could upset the balance of power on Capitol Hill. Republicans narrowly control both the House and Senate. But Democrats in particular are hopeful that voters will be frustrated enough with Trumps actions that theyll vote in enough Democrats hand House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries the chambers gavel, ushering in two years of Democratic oversight of Trumps policies and investigations into actions Trump has taken that have stepped on powers delegated to Congress by the Constitution. Read more: What to Watch For in NYC and Other Battlegrounds as Election Results Come In Political analysts are watching both gubernatorial races for signs of Democratic weakness. In New Jersey, recent polls have shown a tightening race between Ciattarelli and Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill. Ciattarelli has said New Jersey will have better support from the White House if hes elected, and has given Trumps second term an A grade. But he has been careful to not fully embrace Trump, taking some differing positions on immigration and energy. A relationship is important. That doesn't mean we don't disagree, Ciattarelli told TIME in an interview. In Virginia, Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger is leading in polls over Earle-Sears, who Trump has given tepid support. The states gubernatorial elections typically come a year after the presidential campaign, and historically, the party that won the White House loses Virginia's Executive Mansion the next year. Far more than Ciattarelli, Trump has distanced himself from Earle-Sears campaign. When Trump spoke at a celebration of the U.S. Navys 250th anniversary at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on Oct. 5, Trump didnt mention Earle-Sears, the states current lieutenant governor and a former Marine. At an Oval Office event on drug pricing on Oct. 13, Trump welcomed Virginias outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin and wished Virginia Republicans good luck with the upcoming election but didnt mention Earle-Searss name. Trump has given more public attention in recent weeks to the race for mayor in his hometown of New York City, where Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is leading in polls against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Silwa. In a 60 Minutes interview that aired Sunday, Trump effectively endorsed Cuomo, a Democrat who is running as an independent after losing the partys nomination to Mamdani. "I'm not a fan of Cuomo one way or the other, but if it's gonna be between a bad Democrat and a Communist, I'm gonna pick the bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you, Trump said on the program. On Monday evening, Trump went a step further, posting on social media that Cuomo was the only viable option to beat Mamdani, who he said would give the city "ZERO chance of success, or even survival!" "Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice," Trump wrote in the post. "You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!" Contact us at letters@time.com. Dick Cheney, the Republican who served alongside President George W. Bush for two terms between 2001 and 2009 and is commonly regarded as one of the most influential Vice Presidents in U.S. history, has died at age 84. The 46th Vice President, a leading force behind the invasion of Iraq and the "War on Terror," passed away on Monday night as a result of complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, per a statement from his family. (Cheney had long suffered with cardiovascular issues. He experienced the first of five heart attacks at age 37, and eventually underwent a heart transplant in 2012.) For decades, Dick Cheney served our nation, including as White House Chief of Staff, Wyomings Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States, read the family's tribute, acknowledging that Cheney served father-son Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. Dick Cheney was a great and good man who taught his children and grandchildren to love our country, and to live lives of courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing. We are grateful beyond measure for all Dick Cheney did for our country. And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man. Cheney is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Lynne, his daughters, Liz and Mary, and other family members [who] were with him as he passed. Read More: Dick Cheney Was the Most Powerfuland PolarizingVice President in U.S. History The former Vice President's daughter, Liz Cheney, is an attorney and the former Representative of Wyoming. She, along with her late father, notably incurred the wrath of President Donald Trump when she became a vocal critic of him. Liz was ostracized by Trump-backed Republicans after she sat as one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over allegations that he incited the assault on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Cheney released a statement announcing his endorsement of Democratic nominee, then-Vice President Kamala Harris for President over Trump in September 2024. Speaking out against Trump, Cheney argued that he could never be trusted with power again. Trump responded by calling the former Vice President an irrelevant RINO which stands for Republican in Name Only and is a term used by some to describe Republicans who are viewed as being disloyal to the party. Former President Bush holds a press conference at Crawford Ranch in Texas on Aug. 23, 2004, along with then-Vice President Dick Cheney. Gamma-RaphoGetty Images Cheney, a polarizing figure, is most often mentioned in regard to his involvement in the U.S. invasion of Iraq, and leaves behind a complicated legacy. In a 2006 interview with TIME, the then-Vice President was asked how he thought, or would like, history to judge the Bush-Cheney Administration. "My guess is that the judgment will be very favorable," Cheney replied, before discussing the Administration's actions after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. "With 9/11, we have been very aggressive in terms of both carrying the fight to the enemy, going after the terrorists, going after the state sponsors of terror, going after those who could conceivably equip the terrorists with deadlier technologies than theyve used before," Cheney said. "The ultimate threat here isnt 19 guys armed with airliners; its 19 guys in the middle of one of our cities with a nuclear weapon. Thats the ultimate threat we have to deal with these days. And all of that was brought home by 9/11." Born Richard Bruce Cheney in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Jan. 30, 1941, the former Vice President went to the Hill in the late 60s to serve as a congressional fellow. He was later picked by Donald Rumsfeld as his deputy White House chief of staff under President Gerald Ford and then succeeded his mentor in 1975, becoming the new chief of staff at just 34 years old. Cheney experienced a rapid ascent in Washington, serving as the Secretary of Defense before eventually becoming George W. Bush's Vice President in 2001. He then had a very public, embattled fall from grace when the secret torture and surveillance programs he had put in place post-9/11 were uncovered and he argued with the Supreme Court about access to documents from a task force he led. Then-newly-designated Chief of Staff Richard B Cheney pictured in his office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 5, 1975. Bettmann ArchiveGetty Images As Washington, D.C. awoke on Tuesday morning to the news of Cheney's passing, tributes started to pour in. Leading the way, former President George W. Bush referred to Cheney's death as "a loss to the nation and a sorrow to his friends." You can read his statement in full, below: "[My wife] Laura and I will remember Dick Cheney for the decent, honorable man that he was. History will remember him as among the finest public servants of his generationa patriot who brought integrity, high intelligence, and seriousness of purpose to every position he held. As a young White House aide and chief of staff, a Congressman, a Secretary of Defense, and my Vice President, Dick earned the confidence and high opinion of five Presidents. I asked him to join my ticket in 2000 after first enlisting him to help me find the best running mate. In our long discussions about the qualities a vice president should havedeep experience, mature judgment, character, loyaltyI realized that Dick Cheney was the one I needed. Im still grateful that he was at my side for the eight years that followed. Dick was a calm and steady presence in the White House amid great national challenges. I counted on him for his honest, forthright counsel, and he never failed to give his best. He held to his convictions and prioritized the freedom and security of the American people. For those two terms in office, and throughout his remarkable career, Dick Cheneys service always reflected credit on the country he loved. Dicks love for America was second only to his family. Laura and I have shared our deepest sympathies with Vice President Cheneys wife Lynne and their daughters and granddaughters of whom he was so deeply proud. We are praying for Lynne, Liz, Mary, and the Cheney family as they honor a great man." Despite Cheney's disagreements with the Trump Administration, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the "scripture is very clear, we give honor where honor is due." "Even when we had political differences as somebody later in life, you have to honor the sacrifices and the service they gave to their country," Johnson emphasized. Flags at the White House were lowered to half-staff on Tuesday morning, in tribute of Cheney. Republican Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas has also said his "prayers are with the Cheney family." "Dick Cheney was a dedicated public servant and committed to the safety and security of his fellow Americans," said Womack. "I first met him when he visited my battalion (Gunslingers) deployed to the Sinai, Egypt in 2002, and had the opportunity to reconnect with him years later fishing for cutthroat trout on the Snake River." Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming said his state "mourns the passing" of Cheney. "From high school football star to White House Chief of Staff, Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President, Dicks career has few peers in American life. His unflinching leadership shaped many of the biggest moments in domestic and U.S. foreign policy for decades," said Barrasso. "Dick will be remembered as a towering figure who helped guide the course of history in Wyoming, the United States, and around the world. My prayers are with Lynne, with Liz and Mary, and his grandchildren as they celebrate an incredible man." Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said Cheney "dedicated his life to serving our nation" and remembered his love of "his family and country." Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said that while he did not agree with Cheney on everything, they had built up a strong working relationship over a forty-year period. "Dick Cheney was a controversial and often divisive political figure, but he was deeply loyal to his family, his country, his political party, and his conservative convictions," noted Cole. "As a former Secretary of Defense, Cheney was a proud and effective proponent for the United States military. He always believed that American leadership was indispensable in a dangerous and chaotic world." Republican Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama highlighted Cheney's leadership after 9/11. "He was a dedicated public servant and helped our country stand tall during pivotal times such as 9/11. His mission was preserving our freedoms in this country, and we thank him for his service," she said. Republican Rep. Troy Balderson of Ohio offered his condolences and referred to Cheney as "a dedicated public servant and steadfast leader who devoted his life to serving the nation he loved." International figures in the world of politics have also remembered Cheney. In a statement shared by his office, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said: "I heard with great sorrow of the passing of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, a great friend and steadfast supporter of the State of Israel. My deepest condolences to his family and to the American people." Callum Sutherland contributed reporting. Write to Olivia-Anne Cleary at olivia-anne.cleary@time.com. Campaign signs for candidates including Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears are displayed outside a Virginia polling place ahead of the November 2025 general election. Photo: Sarah Roderick-Fitch / The Center Square (The Center Square) Voters in several states and cities across the U.S. will decide key races for governor, mayor and other positions Tuesday as voting continues this Election Day. The first polls are set to close at 7 p.m. eastern in Virginia, where voters will decide between Republican Winsome Earl-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger for the state's next governor. Earl-Sears is the current lieutenant governor of Virginia and Spanberger most recently served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Earl-Sears won alongside Republican Glenn Youngkin in 2021. The Virginia Constitution limits governors to a single four-year term, which prevented Youngkin from pursuing the governorship a second time. A contentious battle has also marked the race for Virginias attorney general. Democrat Jay Jones leaked text messages, first reported by National Review, showed him talking about shooting former House Speaker Todd Gilbert. Spanberger has been closely associated with Jones and Democrat candidate for lieutenant governor, Ghazala Hashmi. Often, the three candidates will display materials advocating for voters to elect them together. The impact over Jones messages is unclear for the overall race outcome. Voters in New Jersey also are electing a new governor, choosing between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Sherrill has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019. Ciattarelli is a businessman and previously served as a state legislator. Ciatterelli lost to Democrat Phil Murphy in 2021. This year, Ciattarelli has an endorsement from President Donald Trump. In one of the most talked about races in the country, Democrat candidate and self-proclaimed Zohran Mamdani faces Republican Curtis Sliwa and Independent and former Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani has made headlines for his socialist policies including raising taxes on wealthy residents and opening government-run grocery stores. In California, voters will decide whether the state should set aside existing electoral maps made by an independent third party in favor of ones made by state Democrats. Proposition 50 could add as many as five more Democrat-leaning congressional districts to the U.S. House of Representatives, countering redistricting in Texas that could flip as many as five Democrat-held seats to Republican. Voters in Atlanta, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Seattle and elsewhere also will elect mayors. Democrats triumphed in high-profile races that unfolded across the country on Tuesday, including New York City's mayoral election and governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia. In California, voters also chose to redraw their state's congressional map in a move that could net Democrats five House seats. The elections help provide a picture of how Americans feel about President Donald Trump's first nine months in office. Following a wave of Republican losses, Trump tried to blame the election results on his not being on the ballot and the prolonged government shutdown. Latest Developments Nov 5, 12:23 AM Mamdani had majority support from those under 45: Exit polls Zohran Mamdani, New York City's mayor-elect, had majority support from voters under the age of 45, while over half of voters 65 and older supported Andrew Cuomo, according to ABC News exit polls. Relative newcomers to New York City were some of the most likely voters in the state to vote for Mamdani, according to exit polls, with about 8 in 10 of those who have lived in New York City less than 10 years supporting Mamdani. He also earned over half of the support of New Yorker City voters who lived for over 10 years but were not born in New York. Voters who were born in New York City voted for Cuomo over Mamdani. Nearly 2 in 10 voters said it was the first time they voted in a New York City mayoral election -- and by a more than 2-to-1 margin, they supported Mamdani over Cuomo, according to exit polls. -ABC News' Emily Guskin Nov 4, 11:49 PM Mamdani addresses Trump directly New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani addressed President Donald Trump directly during this victory speech. "Donald Trump, since I know you're watching. Four words for you: Turn the volume up," Mamdani said to deafening cheers. Mamdani has been a high-profile target of Trump -- who has branded the Democratic Socialist as a "communist" and vowed political retribution. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, vowed to protect immigrants, saying, "New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, and as of tonight, led by immigrants." "So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us," he said to applause. During Mamdani's speech, Trump -- who threatened to slash federal funding to New York City if Mamdani won -- posted on social media, "AND SO IT BEGINS!" Jeenah Moon/Reuters - PHOTO: Democratic candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race, at an election night rally in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, November 4, 2025. Nov 4, 11:36 PM New York City 'has been reborn,' Mamdani says Shannon Stapleton/Reuters - PHOTO: New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani celebrates during an election night event in Brooklyn, New York City, November 4, 2025. After thanking his volunteers who "built this campaign into an unstoppable force," New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani urged the city to "breathe this moment in." "We have held our breath for longer than we know. We have held it in anticipation of defeat. Held it because the air has been knocked out of our lungs too many times to count. Held it because we cannot afford to exhale," he said. "Thanks to all of those who sacrificed so much, we are breathing in the air of a city that has been reborn." He spoke of his campaign promises to freeze rent for more than 2 million rent-stabilized tenants, make buses free and deliver universal child care, calling it "the most ambitious agenda to tackle the cost-of-living crisis" in the city. "Years from now, may our only regret be that this day took so long to come," he said. "This new age will be one of relentless improvement." Nov 4, 11:29 PM Zohran Mamdani: 'We have toppled a political dynasty' New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said New Yorkers have "toppled a political dynasty" during his victory speech following former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's concession. "I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life," Mamdani said to cheers, adding that tonight will be the "final time I utter his name as we turn the page on a politics that abandons the many and answers only to a few." Mamdani began his victory speech with a quote from socialist Eugene V. Debs, saying, "The sun may have set over our city this evening, but as Eugene Debs once said, 'I can see the dawn of a better day for humanity.'" Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani celebrates during an election night event in Brooklyn, New York City, November 4, 2025. Nov 4, 11:25 PM Mamdani will work during transition to win over New Yorkers who did not vote for him: Source As Zohran Mamdani turns from campaigning to governing, a source close to the mayor-elect told ABC News he is intent on reaching out to New Yorkers who did not vote for him and send a strong signal that he plans to be a mayor for all New Yorkers. That will be a focus of his transition in the coming days and weeks in meetings with civic, political and business leaders, the source said. He also plans to send a signal to New Yorkers who have concerns about his relative youth and lack of experience with the appointments to his administration, the source told ABC News. As for the national stage, Mamdani's focus will be on pushing back on Trump's efforts to impose his will on the city, according to the source. But, the source said, he also recognizes that his victory could offer Democrats a blueprint to win back a "multi-racial and working class" coalition across the country. -ABC News' Ben Siegel Leonardo Munoz/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani votes at Frank Sinatra School of Arts in the Queens borough of New York City, November 4, 2025. Nov 4, 11:06 PM California projected to get new congressional map California voters have chosen to redraw their state's congressional map in the middle of the decade and to temporarily sideline the states independent redistricting commission, according to ABC News' projection that Californias Proposition 50 (Prop 50) will pass -- which could have major implications for the 2026 midterms. The proposition being projected to pass gives Democrats their first major win during the ongoing mid-decade redistricting wars across the country. Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed the ballot measure after Texas Republicans, encouraged by President Donald Trump, revised their maps in a rare mid-decade redistricting move that could allow Republicans to gain five seats in 2026. -ABC News' Oren Oppenheim Nov 4, 11:00 PM Polls close in California Polls are now closed in California, where voters are weighing in on a ballot initiative, "Proposition 50," to determine if the state will adopt a new congressional map that redraws five districts to be more Democratic-leaning, potentially allowing Democrats to flip them in the midterms. Nov 4, 10:56 PM Chuck Schumer congratulates Zohran Mamdani after never endorsing him Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New Yorker who consistently declined to say if he would endorse Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City, wrote in a post on X late Tuesday, "I congratulate @ZohranKMamdani on his well-earned & historic victory. We have worked together on a number of vital issues like delivering historic debt relief for taxi drivers. I look forward to building on that partnership to keep NYC strong, fair, more affordable & thriving." -ABC News' Oren Oppenheim Nov 4, 10:55 PM Cuomo defends campaign in concession speech In his concession speech in the New York City mayoral race, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his campaign was the "right fight to wage." "I am proud of what we did and what we did together," he said. "This campaign was to contest the philosophies that are shaping the Democratic Party, the future of this city and the future of this country." He said it's notable that "almost half of New Yorkers did not vote to support a government agenda that makes promises that we know cannot be met." He said his campaign was "a caution flag that we are heading down a dangerous, dangerous road. Well, we made that point, and they heard us, and we will hold them to it." Cuomo thanked New York City Mayor Eric Adams for suspending his campaign "to make us more competitive," saying it was a "very gracious thing to do." He also offered his congratulations to Zohran Mamdani, who is projected to win the mayoral race, which elicited boos from the crowd. Cuomo quickly chastised the reaction, saying, "That is not right, and that is not us." Nov 4, 10:52 PM DNC argues they've won back the youth vote The Democratic National Committee is arguing that tonights results are indicative that the youth vote is back on their side. They argue that exit polling indicates they've "successfully won back" voters aged 18-29 while pointing to exit polls regarding young voters in the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey and the mayoral race in New York City. -ABC News' Brittany Shepherd Click here to read the rest of the blog. BEIJING, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grit Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd. ("Grit Bio"), a leading clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering next-generation immunotherapies, today announced that its groundbreaking GT801 in vivo CAR-T program has been selected for an oral presentation at the upcoming 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, to be held December 69, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, USA. The abstract, titled "Precision In Vivo CAR-T Generation via CLAMP-Enabled mRNA Delivery: Toward Scalable and Translatable Cell Therapy," was accepted in the CAR-T Cell Therapies: Basic and Translational session. The presentation will be delivered by Professor Pin Wang, Chief Scientific Officer of Grit Biotherapeutics, on Saturday, December 6, 9:309:45 AM (local time) at the OCCC Sunburst Room (W340). GT801 is an innovative anti-CD19 in vivo CAR-T candidate developed using T-cell-targeted lipid nanoparticles (T-LNPs) encapsulating optimized mRNA. Grit Bio leveraged the proprietary CLAMP (Controllable Ligand Attachment Modification and Purification) technology to achieve site-specific antibody conjugation and precise ligand density control. This approach allows selective T-cell targeting, minimal off-target uptake, and robust, durable CAR expression following systemic administration. In preclinical studies, GT801 demonstrated: >95% B-cell clearance in humanized PBMC mouse models at doses as low as 0.01 mg/kg; >80% CAR expression across tissue-resident T cells with <1% off-target delivery to myeloid and hepatic cells; >30-fold in vivo expansion of CAR-T cells with minimal cytokine release (IL-6, TNF-), supporting the safety and feasibility of repeat dosing. Preliminary clinical data further validate efficient CAR expression, deep B-cell depletion, and repeat-dose tolerability, highlighting GT801's strong potential as a scalable, off-the-shelf immunotherapy candidate. "The invitation to present at ASH 2025 highlights international recognition of Grit Bio's leadership in advancing in vivo CAR-T innovation," said Dr. Yarong Liu, Chairman and CEO of Grit Biotherapeutics. "Our GT801 platform represents a paradigm shift in cell therapytransforming complex ex vivo manufacturing into a simple, repeatable, and scalable in vivo process. We are eager to share our latest clinical data and explore global partnerships that accelerate the translation of this breakthrough technology to patients worldwide." About Grit Biotherapeutics Founded in 2019, Grit Biotherapeutics is an innovation-driven, late-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering next-generation immunotherapies for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases worldwide. The company's R&D focuses on TIL-based therapies and in vivo/off-the-shelf cell therapies for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Grit's lead product GT101, the first TIL therapy approved for clinical trials in China, is currently in Phase II pivotal studies. The company's GT201, the world's first membrane-bound IL-15 complexengineered TIL product, has received IND clearance in China and the U.S. Media Contact: Grit Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd. Email: [email protected] Website: www.grit-bio.com SOURCE Grit Biotherapeutics Co., Ltd. The former top legal officer in Israel's military has been arrested after admitting that she authorized the leak of a video that appears to show Israeli soldiers attacking a Palestinian detainee in a detention facility last year. Major General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi served as Military Advocate General of the Israel Defense Forces until Friday, Oct. 31, when she admitted in a resignation letter to having approved the leak of the video clip to Israeli media. She called her actions, "an attempt to counter the false propaganda directed against the military law enforcement authorities," following a backlash by members of Israel's far-right against her department's investigation into alleged abuse of a Palestinian prisoner. Israeli media have reported that Tomer-Yerushalmi is set to be questioned by investigators, and that she could face charges including obstruction to justice. Until recently, the department she led was conducting an investigation into the same video leak. Israel's then-Military Advocate General, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, is seen at the supreme court in Jerusalem, Oct. 1, 2024. / Credit: Oren Ben Hakoon/AP The leaked video in question, which was released to media outlets in August 2024, triggered shockwaves of condemnation in Israel and abroad. The security camera clip was recorded in the Sde Teiman military detention center, and the IDF has not disputed its authenticity. It shows Israeli soldiers carrying a blindfolded detainee behind a wall of personal shields seemingly formed by other soldiers to obscure the view of the security cameras. Following the release of the video, five Israeli soldiers were arrested and charged with aggravated battery for severe injury to a detainee in their custody. According to a document detailing the charges, the soldiers kicked, dragged, stepped on and tasered the detainee. The Palestinian man was admitted to a hospital with fractured ribs, a punctured lung and a rectal tear after the incident. The investigation into the alleged attack is ongoing. The arrests prompted angry demonstrations in support of the accused soldiers, notably with a crowd gathering and breaking into the Sde Teiman facility. Israeli media said three members of Israel's parliament, the Knesset, were present at that protest. A second facility, where the soldiers were being questioned, was also stormed by protesters. Israeli soldiers and police clash with far-right nationalist protesters after they broke into the Beit Lid army base over the detention for questioning of military reservists suspected of abusing a Palestinian detainee, July 29, 2024, in Kfar Yona, Israel. / Credit: OREN ZIV/AFP/Getty In her resignation letter, Tomer-Yerushalmi said there had been a "false campaign of delegitimization" targeting her department, the role of which is to uphold the law within the IDF. "This destructive campaign reached its peak following the decision to investigate the Sde Teiman affair," Tomer-Yerushalmi said. She also said there had been "severe allegations suggesting that we favor terrorists over our own troops" during the investigation into the attack at the detention center. The fury among Israelis at Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack has fueled opposition in many quarters to investigations into the actions of the country's security forces and Tomer-Yerushalmi was publicly criticized by senior members of the Israeli government during the inquiry she then led. Shortly after her resignation on Friday, Defense Minister Israel Katz released a statement welcoming her departure, adding: "Anyone who spreads blood libels against IDF troops is unfit to wear the army's uniform." On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the scandal was "perhaps the most severe propaganda attack that the State of Israel has experienced since its establishment." When approached about the arrest of the former top military lawyer, the Israeli national police declined to comment, noting that the investigation was still ongoing. Palestinians released from Israeli prisons since the U.S.-brokered peace plan came into effect in Gaza have claimed significant abuse at the hands of their jailers. The United Nations said in September that at least 75 Palestinians had died in Israeli detention since the war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack. Some far-right members of the Israeli government have vowed to make the country's detention centers less hospitable, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who is in charge of prisons in the country, who vowed they would not be "summer camps" under his watch. CBS News' Michal Ben-Gal and Ofir Rosenblum contributed to this report. President Donald Trump's extended 60 Minutes interview New poll shows who Americans blame for the government shutdown Trump administration reacts to judges' decisions on funding SNAP benefits An American teacher and his teenage son were killed by a swarm of hundreds of hornets while on a ziplining holiday in Laos. Daniel Owen, 47, and his 15-year-old son Cooper died on 15 October while visiting an eco-adventure resort near the northern city of Luang Prabang, the US embassy in Laos confirmed to The Independent. Hundreds of what are believed to have been Asian giant hornets attacked the pair while they were trying to descend from a tree, a source close to two US diplomats in Laos told The Times. Their bodies were covered in red spots after the very, very painful attack, Phanomsay Phakan, a doctor at the Phakan Arocavet Clinic where the father and son were taken, told the newspaper. Daniel Owen was director of an international school in Vietnam (Facebook/Quality Schools International) A lot of stings, more than 100, over the whole body. I thought already that its a very dangerous situation because I had never seen it as bad as that, he said. After the incident, the father and son arrived conscious at the Phanak clinic, showing no signs of anaphylactic shock allergic reactions that can kill people who have been stung by bees, wasps and hornets. However they died just hours later after they were taken to the Luang Prabang provincial hospital. Daniel Owen was director of QSI International School in Haiphong in Vietnam, and is believed to have been on holiday in Laos. The organisation said it was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Owen and his son. Dan dedicated 18 years to QSI, serving in five different schools and touching countless lives with his warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education, it said in a post on Facebook. He was deeply loved across our community and will be profoundly missed. Our sincere condolences go out to the Owen family and all who knew and loved them. The Asian hornet can deliver deadly stings (PA) Dozens of people who knew the father and son through school, work and holidays, flooded into the comments of the post to pay tribute. Former colleague Julija Zh wrote: Dan was a wonderful director here in Minsk. He did so much for many people. We could always go to chat with him if we needed help and Dan would do whatever he could to help. His son Cooper will be missed too, its still hard to accept and even comprehend it all. Former pupil Anoushka Mahar said she will never forget all the extra time and effort Mr Owen spent with and on me since I wanted to go to university but confessed that I simply couldn't afford higher education. Josh Gaines added: My very first best friend when I went overseas to Kazakhstan. We would leave each other positive quotes on each other's blackboards every day. The world lost two good ones. Green Jungle Park, where the incident occurred, extended its deepest condolences and said it has reviewed all existing procedures in a statement to The Times. The Independent has contacted the park for further comment. File. The hornets reportedly attacked the father and son while climbing down a tree (Getty/iStockphoto) Asian giant hornets are the worlds largest hornet, and are native to tropical parts of East Asia, South Asia, mainland Southeast Asia, and parts of the Russian east. In recent years they have spread to countries in western Europe, including the UK. They are responsible for dozens of deaths every year owing to the power of their 6mm stinger which emits a particularly potent venom containing mastoparan-M a toxin commonly found in wasp venom. Last month in Spain, a man died after accidentally stepping on a hornets nest in the Galicia region. Two others died the same month. Last year the US Department of Agriculture announced the insect also known as the murder hornet had been removed from the country. It was declared eradicated in the US five years after being spotted for the first time in Washington state near the Canadian border, A spokesperson at the British Beekeepers Association, Ian Campbell, told The Times that the danger of a sting by hornets can vary from person to person, and that there is no threshold that has been set for the number of stings. The Independent has contacted the US embassy in Laos for comment. (Photo: Ronda Churchill/Nevada Current) Becky Harris, a former state senator and the first woman appointed as chairperson of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, is dropping her Republican Party affiliation to run as a non-partisan candidate for Clark County Commission District F. In an interview Monday, Harris said she changed her voter registration to non-partisan on Oct. 3, after a lot of soul searching and thoughts and conversations with my husband. Just under 40% of District Fs 243,075 registered voters are non-partisan, while 28% are Democrats and 26% are Republicans. Commissioner Justin Jones, a Democrat who Harris unseated in the 2014 race for state Senate, is not running for reelection. Last year, he was sanctioned by a judge for deleting text messages sought in a lawsuit against the county by developer Jim Rhodes, who is building luxury homes on Blue Diamond Hill, an area adjacent to the Red Rock Conservation Area. Two Republicans, Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama, a loyalist of Gov. Joe Lombardo, and businessman Albert Mack, have announced theyll run for the open seat. Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager has been mentioned as a potential Democratic contender in the race but has yet to state his intentions publicly. Harris says the decision to drop her party affiliation was not an effort to avoid a primary race, and insists she didnt know that automatic inclusion on the general election ballot was a benefit of running as a non-partisan until she changed her registration. I dont care for the vitriol and the unyielding positions of the two political parties, she said. Standing on party philosophy is not really helpful for people. She declined to say if President Donald Trumps influence on the Republican Party colored her decision. Both parties are failing to govern in an effective manner and act in the interest of the voters, she said. We need candidates who are not affected by a party and want to help the community. Harris contends shes a public servant at heart. I saw that my district might benefit from better leadership, and wanted to step up and represent the members of my community, she said. I was concerned about some things Ive seen the lawsuits and things against the commission, and decided I wanted to be part of the solution. Her website says she seeks to serve residents, not special interests. Harris says her priority, if elected to the county commission, will be ensuring middle class families have an affordable rent or affordable mortgage payment thats not going to up-end their budget. Approximately 38.1% of households in Clark County are cost-burdened, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. More than half of renters in Southern Nevada are cost-burdened. Rather than requiring developers to include an affordable housing component in their communities, Harris said she favors working with developers to see where those types of projects make sense. Multi-family housing is just part of living in a diverse community, she says of residents who oppose apartments in their neighborhoods. I have owned homes where we had apartments on the other side of our block wall, and its been fine. Youve got to balance the needs of all our communities to have appropriate housing. The southwest part of the valley, which includes District F, needs improved roads and other infrastructure, she says, and development is still underway. Asked if developers should bear a greater burden in providing parks and other infrastructure, Harris pivoted to the countys poor judgment decisions that led to its decision to agree to pay an $80 million settlement with Rhodes Gypsum Resources for attempting to thwart its development and avoid a larger potential judgment. Just to put it into perspective, its $15 million to build a fire station. I dont know how much it is to build a park, but certainly that money could have been better spent on amenities for the community, she said. Harris declined to say whether Nevadas property tax cap, passed by lawmakers to alleviate concerns of rising property tax bills during the real estate boom that preceded the Great Recession, should be lifted or adjusted to prevent lost revenue to local governments. In 2023, the Current reported assessed value in Clark County had increased by more than $30 billion in the preceding decade. Property tax revenue did not keep pace. The abatements have caused Clark County and other governments to turn to other sources, such as sales taxes and fees, to pay for public safety. Both place a disproportionate burden on low-income residents. Since I havent seen budgets, I cant speak particularly to all of that, but I think property taxes are part of the housing affordability equation, Harris said. She says shes unfamiliar with the details of Lombardos housing initiative, which provides subsidies to buyers of market level housing who earn up to 150% of area median income, but does not address the dearth of low-income and extremely low-income units. Harris says she is 100% supportive of the Campus for Hope, a partnership of the state and casinos to provide transitional housing and other services to the unhoused in Southern Nevada. She cites a really great model called A Brighter Way in Maricopa County, Arizona. They have a campus where people can come and spend the day, and they also have housing for people that want to live in housing, recognizing that not all homeless want to live in a structure. Harris has lived in Southern Nevada since 1999. In 2001 she testified on behalf of the Coalition for the Protection of Marriage, an anti-gay marriage group, against a bill that would have allowed people in same-sex relationships to designate a non-spouse to deal with issues such as illness and medical care. She also contributed $3,000 to the organization. Her positions on LGBTQ+ issues, she says, have since evolved. During my time at the Legislature, as I learned more about the different interests of people in the community, I came to be respected and had a very productive relationship with the LGBTQ trans communities, she said. Theyd be in my office on a regular basis, and saw me as an advocate. I dont know how anybodys political perspectives dont evolve once they begin to understand the larger community and the complicated issues that people face in their daily lives. Harris, who currently teaches at UNLVs Boyd School of Law, served in the state Senate from 2014 to 2018, when then-Gov. Brian Sandoval appointed her as the first woman to chair the Gaming Control Board. In March of 2018, the Wall Street Journal made long-reported but largely ignored stories of Steve Wynns alleged pattern of sexual intimidation too awkward for casino regulators to sweep under the carpet any longer. Sexual harassment continues to be one of the most frequent complaints raised in the workplace, Harris, then the newly-appointed chairwoman, wrote in a memo to all licensees. Harris invoked Regulation Five, the morals clause of state gaming regulation which states any act deemed inimical to the public health, safety morals, good order and general welfare of the people of the State of Nevada, or that would reflect or tend to reflect discredit upon the State of Nevada or the gaming industry may be grounds for action against the licensee. She proposed a checklist of items to be completed by licensees on an annual basis, to ensure compliance. The Gaming Commission, after significant delay, adopted the recommendations in 2020, under Gov. Steve Sisolak, who named a replacement for Harris after she had held the job for only a year. Fiber optic cables connect to ports in a network server rack. Photo: Brett Sayles / Pexels (The Center Square) An Illinois computer problem that has led to the diversity decertifications of numerous businesses owned by minorities and women in the past 15 months is financially disastrous and unacceptable, according to the leader of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce. "The fact of the matter is: I don't think you can make that mistake," Larry Ivory, the president of the group, told The Center Square. "This has to be intentional." The problem is a new computer system deployed last year that was meant to streamline efforts to award a greater share of state contracts to businesses owned by racial minorities, women and people with disabilities. Instead, because of technical incompatibilities, many of those businesses have been shut out and might have lost access to an untold amount of taxpayer money. State leaders seek to spend at least 30% of Illinois' billions of dollars of annual contract money with those businesses. To achieve that goal, lawmakers created a new state agency the Commission on Equity and Inclusion in 2022. The agency is led by seven governor-appointed commissioners who have annual salaries of about $150,000 and a staff of more than 30 people. One of the commission's first actions was to seek a new provider for the system to track the diversity-oriented Business Enterprise Program certifications, including those that are issued by other government agencies. But the provider it selected -- VIVA USA, a certified business in the Chicago area -- implemented a system that can't communicate with the other agencies to document their new certifications and renewals. That has contributed to a precipitous drop in state certifications. Total certifications had peaked at about 5,400 before the system change. Recent figures show the total has been cut nearly in half to about 2,900. It's unclear when the commissioners learned the severity of the issue. Chairperson Nina Harris has not responded to several interview requests. Records of their monthly meetings reviewed by The Center Square include vague references to setbacks the agency's staff has encountered since the switch. "Testing of the Certification Model demonstrates that not all functionalities are active," according to minutes from the commission's September 2024 meeting. The staff's monthly reports of total certified businesses became sporadic or stale this year as the total fell, according to meeting minutes. Previously, new data was reported each month. In February, Deputy Director LaTasha Binder reported 3,800 active certified businesses. In April she reported the same number based on the same data, which at that point was nearly three months old. Binder did not make reports of the active certified businesses in three of the next four months, the minutes show. In September, the number had fallen to 2,866. That is about the time Ivory, of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, took note of the dramatic decline. "Something that significant, I don't know that you can't know unless you don't want to know," he said of the commissioners' awareness of the problem. Ivory is a former member of the Business Enterprise Program Council, a group of appointed, unpaid volunteers that oversaw the program before the creation of the commission. The council still meets but with less frequency and attendance, according to state records. He has been seeking more information about the computer problem and is flummoxed that it wasn't remedied months ago. "How many contracts did minorities not get a chance to participate in?" he told The Center Square. "We have been disenfranchised, and no one is saying to me, 'Larry, this is how we're going to fix it.'" Increasing the number of certifications is among the most-important tasks of the agency. State contracts often have diversity requirements that can only be met by hiring certified businesses. Those businesses can be directly awarded contracts or can perform work for parts of larger projects. Much of the agency's work is focused on assisting businesses with their certifications, helping them navigate the bidding processes and tracking the state's progress toward its goal. Because the computer problem has existed for so long -- and because little has been publicly revealed about why it exists and what might be a solution -- Ivory has grown suspicious that it was purposeful, although he doesn't know who might be responsible. "There are people who don't want to see equity and fairness," Ivory said. "Some people have that as an agenda." The commission's leadership is flush with women, minorities and people with disabilities. The effects of the computer problem on contract awards might be revealed early next year when the commission produces its annual report for lawmakers. The commission has reported that about $1.3 billion of state contract money went to certified businesses in the fiscal year that ended in 2024 -- the highest amount yet. But that was about 4% of what was available to the businesses, which is well short of the 30% goal. Several active members of the Business Enterprise Program Council and leaders of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus did not immediately respond to requests to comment for this article. A bronze statue of Lady Justice holding balanced scales is shown indoors. Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels Ceremonies planned for new lawyers Bar admission ceremonies are scheduled across the state Wednesday for the 1,637 people who passed the July 2025 Bar Exam. Illinois Supreme Court justices are scheduled to swear in the new attorneys in all five of the states judicial districts. Ceremonies will be held in Carbondale, Chicago, Elgin, Joliet and Springfield. Energy efficiency grants announced Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Acting Director James Jennings has announced additional funding for energy efficiency grant opportunities. The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program has $350,000 in funding available for recipients to conduct assessments at properties where residents receive housing assistance from a state or federal program. The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Program is offering $10 million to implement projects previously identified in an assessment at eligible properties where residents receive housing assistance. Vendor summit Thursday The 2025 State of Illinois Vendor Summit is scheduled Thursday, Nov. 6 at Malcolm X College in Chicago. The Illinois Department of Central Management Services is hosting the event, designed to help business owners learn how to work with state agencies and universities. CMS says the summit is a key outreach initiative in the states efforts to diversify its vendor pool and provide equitable access to contracting opportunities for disadvantaged firms. A U.S. Border Patrol agent looks across the U.S.-Canada border near Malone, N.Y., on Sept. 16, 2024. Photo: Glenn Fawcett / U.S. Customs and Border Protection via Flickr / United States Government Work (The Center Square) An Indian reservation that spans the U.S.-Canada border, including Ontario, Quebec and two upstate New York counties, is the focus of another human smuggling operation. So far, five are being prosecuted in a case that resulted in the death of a nRomanian family who attempted to illegally enter the U.S. and drowned while crossing the St. Lawrence River. Five have been charged; three have already pleaded guilty. One alleged ring leader, Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR) tribal member Stephanie Square, was extradited and appeared before a judge in Plattsburg, New York, on Friday. An alleged co-conspirator, Timothy Oakes, was arrested and remains detained pending trial. Three U.S.-based co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty: Dakota Montour and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow of Akwesasne, New York; and Janet Terrance of Hogansburg, New York, according to the Department of Justice, which is prosecuting the case. In this case, Square was the U.S.-based leader of an alien smuggling organization (ASO), which regularly smuggled illegal foreign nationals across the U.S.-Canada border through the AMIR, according to the charges. In Canada, the AMIR borders Cornwall City at the Canadian Cornwall Port of Entry, includes Cornwall Island and smaller islands on the St. Lawrence River, and a coastal region of Quebec. In the U.S., it borders the Messena POE in upstate New York, and the northernmost parts of Franklin and St. Lawrence counties. Cornwall, Ontario, is roughly a 20-minute drive to Messena, New York. Ottawa to Messena is roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Locals who travel for work or school often cross the international boundary on a daily basis, including within the reservation. As a result, the AMIR has become a known location for human smuggling, authorities have found. The case dates to 2023 at the height of the northern border crisis when upstate New York saw a record number of illegal border crossers, The Center Square exclusively reported. In March 2023, a prolific Canadian smuggler contacted Square to smuggle a Romanian family of four across the St. Lawrence River into the United States, according to the charges. Square allegedly recruited multiple people to smuggle the family on a night when inclement weather and high winds on the St. Lawrence River were reported. Undeterred by the dangerous weather conditions, Square enlisted one of her regular drivers, Dakota Montour, to transport the family via automobile to Timothy Oakes residence on Cornwall Island, a notorious staging area for cross-border smuggling operations, the DOJ said. The Romanian family arrived at Montours residence where they were transported to a public boat launch and got into a boat to cross the river, according to the charges. That night, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service officers received multiple calls from Cornwall Island residents who reported hearing cries for help on the river. As the weather worsened, Square instructed Montour to search for the family and to delete their text messages, according to the charges. For two days, AMPS conducted a search on the river. They found the bodies of the Romanian family, two adults and two small children, and recovered the boat. Eight months later, they found the boat captains body. Last June, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of New York indicted Square on several charges: conspiring to engage in alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for profit, and four counts of alien smuggling resulting in death. She was arrested in Canada last August. It took more than a year for her extradition. U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Homeland Security Investigations Massena officers led the investigation with assistance from multiple U.S. and Canadian authorities. Transnational criminal organizations have long operated smuggling operations at the U.S.-Canada border, The Center Square reported. Earlier this year, Mexican nationals were charged in a human smuggling conspiracy involving the transporting of hundreds of people every week from Mexico, Central America, and South America through Canada, into Franklin and Clinton counties in upstate New York, The Center Square reported. The counties are located in the busiest U.S. Customs and Border Protection sector at the northern border. The Swanton Sector, which includes Vermont, six upstate New York counties and three New Hampshire counties, was inundated with the greatest number of illegal border crossers in U.S. history during the Biden administration of several hundred thousand, The Center Square exclusively reported. A North Carolina emblem features the state flag, a cardinal, and dogwood flowers, symbolizing the Tarheel State. Photo: Alan Wooten / The Center Square (The Center Square) New job creations in September set a record in North Carolina, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall said Tuesday. The state had 15,619 new businesses, the strongest September on record and a 24% increase over the same month a year before. The third quarter of 2025 also set a new record, with 45,000 new businesses, Marshall said. The first quarter of the year was slow for new business creations in the state but the pace quickened as the year progressed, the Marshall said during a monthly meeting of state leaders. We had a slow start but we are catching up fast, said Marshall. During the Council of State meeting, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley appeared remotely from Taiwan, where he is on a trade mission to drum up even more businesses for the state. He is talking to Taiwanese government officials and trade associations primarily about how great North Carolina is and how more Taiwanese businesses should be setting up shop in North Carolina, Farley said. Farley has emphasised that the state has been designated by CNBC as the top state in the United States for business. They may get tired of hearing it at this point but I am so proud of North Carolina that I am not going to get tired of telling them, the first-term Republican said. First-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein just returned from a trip to Taiwan and Japan which he described Tuesday as immensely successful. The governor met with 30 businesses and spoke to three large business groups. Hopefully in the coming weeks, we will have positive news to report, the governor said. North Carolina is very well known over there. Our brand is strong internationally. Folks know about us being a hub of biotech. They know about us being good for business. An American father and son died after being stung by a swarm of hornets while ziplining in Southeast Asia, local officials confirmed. Daniel Owen, 47, originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and his son Cooper, 15, died following the attack last month at Green Jungle Park in Laos, just northeast of Thailand. Phanomsay Phakan, director of the Phakan Arocavet Clinic, where both victims were taken to be treated, confirmed the incident took place on Wednesday, Oct. 15. "It was very brief and rushed," Phakan wrote in an email to USA TODAY. "The patients stayed at our clinic for a short time, because our medical facilities are limited. The condition of the father and son was very serious, so they were quickly transferred to a nearby provincial hospital for further treatment." A hornet nest. The pair were apparently stung by hundreds of Asian giant hornets as they descended from a tree with a ziplining guide at the adventure resort, U.K. newspaper The Times reported. Owen and his son were apparently on vacation in the country when they died after being stung more than 100 times, the outlet reported. USA TODAY has reached out to the Owen family and Green Jungle Park. Day 35: United States congress ties record for longest shutdown in history Daniel Owen was the director of a school organization in Vietnam A U.S. Department of State spokesperson confirmed two U.S. citizens died in Luang Prabang in northern Laos, People reported, adding, "Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones during this difficult time, we have no further comment." USA TODAY has reached out to the federal agency. Owen, who lived in Vietnam at the time of his death, was the director of QSI International School of Haiphong, Quality Schools International (QSI) said on its Facebook page. "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dan Owen," The statement on social media went on to say. "Dan dedicated 18 years to QSI, serving in five different schools and touching countless lives with his warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education." "He was deeply loved across our community and will be profoundly missed," the post continues. "Our sincere condolences go out to the Owen family and all who knew and loved them." What are giant Asian hornets? Giant Asian hornets, the largest hornets in the world, reach up to two inches long and prey on bees and other insects. A worker displaying hornets after he used a gasoline-powered vacuum to suck up the insects from a nest. "They can conduct mass attacks on honey bee hives, destroying the hive in a matter of hours," the Washington State Department of Agriculture released in a statement on its website after the hornets were found in Whatcom County in 2020. Sometimes dubbed "murder hornets," the insects cause dozens of deaths each year in Asia where they are commonly found in countries including Japan. This story has been updated to add new information. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Swarm of hornets kill father and son ziplining in Laos A jail cell with metal bars and bunk beds. Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels (The Center Square) Two cases in Virginia and New York highlight ongoing Islamic terrorist threats at home and abroad, including resulting in the death of two U.S. Navy SEALs. In Virginia, a Pakistani national, Muhammad Pahlawan, was sentenced to 40 years in prison after his conviction on charges relating to transporting Iranian-made advanced conventional weaponry that led to the death of two U.S. Navy SEALs. Pahlawan was convicted by a jury in June on multiple charges: conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, to Irans weapons of mass destruction program, to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps weapons of mass destruction program, and transporting explosive devices to Iranian-backed Houthis knowing they would be used against a vessel he was on in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Somalia. During the Biden administration, Iran-backed Houthis attacked merchant ships and U.S. military ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. Under the Trump administration, the Houthis were obliterated. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from August 2023 through January 2024, Pahlawan worked with two Iranian brothers, Shahab Mirkazei (Shahab), and Yunus Mirkazei (Yunus), affiliated with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Pahlawan completed multiple smuggling voyages, transporting weapons and materials from Iran to support Houthi rebel forces in Yemen. The voyages were coordinated and funded by Shahab and Yunus, involving transporting cargo from Iran to the Somali coast and ship-to-ship transfers at night. On Jan. 11, 2024, U.S. Central Command Navy forces operating from the USS LEWIS B. PULLER, including Navy SEALs and members of the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team East, boarded an unflagged small vessel and encountered 14 people, including Pahlawan. After a search, they seized Iranian-made advanced conventional weaponry, including ballistic missile components, anti-ship cruise missile components, and a warhead all weaponry used by the Houthi rebel forces. Two Navy SEALs Nathan Gage Ingram and Christopher Chambers died during the operation. Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram, 27, from north Texas, fell when climbing on board. Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers, 37, a Maryland native and Massachusetts high school graduate, jumped into the water to try to save him. They both drowned, their bodies were never found. In another case, in Brooklyn, New York, two Muslim men were convicted on all counts for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and on money laundering charges. Abdullah At Taqi was found guilty by a jury; Mohamad David Hashimi pleaded guilty. The men used online payment platforms, including Bitcoin, PayPal, and GoFundMe to transfer thousands of dollars to ISIS, disguised as charitable giving. Their intent was to procure weapons for terrorism and now their actions will result in incarceration. Justice has been served, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said. The defendants used Bitcoin, PayPal and GoFundMe to fund ISISs deadly mission, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York said. ISIS relies on supporters, like the defendants, to sponsor its terrorist aims, which is why our office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to disrupt that pipeline and prosecute those who provide material support to terrorist organizations and their evildoers. At Taqi sent 15 Bitcoin transactions to a self-proclaimed ISIS member, Osama Obeida, for nearly one year and communicated through an encrypted communications platform, according to documents provided at the trial. They knew each other for two years during which At Taqi regularly sent Obeida money to buy weapons for ISIS fighters, according to the charges. Copies of messages presented at trial showed Obeida instructing At Taqi to delete the messages and to change his IP address. Hashimi was also a member of a group chat for ISIS supporters on an encrypted platform. In early 2021, they began posting links and information to send money for purported humanitarian causes, but the funds were diverted to support the mujahideen, (holy warriors or ISIS fighters). Using Bitcoin, PayPal, and GoFundMe, thousands of dollars were transferred to Obeida. At Taqi, Hashimi, a third co-defendant, Seema Rahman, and co-conspirator Khalilullah Yousuf, contributed more than $24,000 to Obeidas Bitcoin address and more than $1,000 to an Obeida-linked PayPal account. Yousuf and Rahman created multiple GoFundMe fundraising campaigns purporting to collect money for charitable causes, raising more than $10,000. The funds were wired to individuals connected to Obeida via Western Union, according to the charges. Rahman pleaded guilty in January to conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and is awaiting sentencing. Yousuf was arrested and prosecuted in Canada. Each defendant faces up to 60 years in prison. A person in a brown sweatshirt fires an AR-15 style rifle on October 24, 2025, according to a criminal complaint. Portions of this image have been obscured by the source. - United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan A series of encrypted phone calls secretly recorded by a confidential FBI source tipped off federal agents that a group was allegedly planning to carry out a terrorist attack in Michigan on behalf of ISIS, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday. Mohmed Ali, 20, and Majed Mahmoud, 20, face charges of Receiving and transferring, and attempting and conspiring to transfer, firearms and ammunition knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the firearms and ammunition would be used to commit a Federal crime of terrorism, according to the criminal complaint. Federal officials have yet to charge a third person a juvenile described throughout the complaint as Person 1 in connection with the alleged plot. But the complaint details how agents doggedly surveilled the alleged co-conspirators for two months as they visited multiple gun ranges and held late-night meetings in local parks during what authorities allege was preparation for a possible terrorist attack. Then, based on what they believed to be references to a possible attack on Halloween, agents swooped in to seize the weapons and take the men into custody in the predawn hours of October 31. Heres what we know about how the investigation unfolded: A cryptic reference to Paris prompts suspicion According to an FBI affidavit supporting the criminal complaint, the agency began surveilling a man, described as co-conspirator 1, in 2024 as he traveled in the US and overseas. In June, agents allegedly tracked the mans phone to Dearborn, Michigan, and physical surveillance led them to Alis home there, where he stayed for two nights. The following month, according to the FBI, the man joined a group call from overseas with five others including an FBI confidential source, who recorded the meeting. Person 1, Mahmoud and Ali do not appear to have been part of this call. During the call, the group allegedly discussed traveling together to Syria to join ISIS and co-conspirator 1 said they were gonna die there unless, he told the group, the Amir sends you to Paris for a 2015. A review of co-conspirator 1s cellphone allegedly revealed he had Person 1s phone number saved in his phone under Athari and ALIs phone number saved in his phone as Bukhari. According to the complaint, one of the participants on the call also stated, Athari and Bukhari said they were going to stay back and do the same thing as France. Knowing Athari, its (the attack) probably going to be at like a club, a disco, co-conspirator 1 said, according to the complaint. The reference to Paris stood out to FBI counterterrorism experts. They concluded it was a thinly veiled nod to the coordinated ISIS-linked terrorist attacks that unfolded across Paris in November 2015. More than 130 people were killed in the attacks and scores more were wounded. After studying the call, the FBI concluded an attack could be imminent and began keeping close tabs on Ali and Mahmoud. Talk turned to action with purchase of firearms, complaint alleges According to the complaint, in the months following the June meeting with co-conspirator 1, Ali allegedly purchased a Beretta A300 Ultimata Black Shotgun, a Sabre Forged 16 rifle, as well as a holographic sight built for close-quarter engagements with fast moving targets. Mahmoud also allegedly purchased a rifle and two boxes of ammunition with more than 800 rounds in each box. In October, he allegedly purchased a red dot sight, which provides the shooter a single point of focus during the aiming process, according to the complaint. Then, in September and October, Ali, Mahmoud and Person 1 began practicing at local shooting ranges, under the watchful eye of FBI agents, the complaint states. Mohmed Ali is seen at Downriver Guns on September 25, 2025, according to a criminal complaint released by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan - United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan Security footage obtained by the FBI shows all three men visiting local gun ranges over the course of several weeks. On multiple occasions, undercover FBI agents entered the range and surveilled the men from nearby as they practiced firing weapons. Although the agents did not identify themselves, according to the complaint they observed the men practicing with guns and ammunition like those they had previously purchased. FBI tailed trio as they allegedly scouted locations Although Ali, Mahmoud and Person 1 are all under 21, the complaint noted in September they began traveling to a popular area in Ferndale, Michigan, known for its bars and clubs. Many of the clubs and bars in this area intentionally attract members of the LGBTQ+ community, the complaint states. The following month, FBI agents observed three individuals appearing to match the physical description of Person 1, Ali, and Mahmoud meeting at a local park in Dearborn, Michigan, around 9 p.m. They met up again the following week at another park. Since the men all live with their families, the FBI concluded the late-night meetups at the park reflect their efforts to meet to plan an attack without being detected. FBI agents gather outside a home in a Dearborn, Mich., neighborhood on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. - Mike Householder/AP References to pumpkin trigger arrest on Halloween In September and October, the FBI received court-approved authorization to surveil communications between Person 1, Ali and Mahmoud. In calls and messages, they found multiple mentions of pumpkin, which agents concluded was a reference to Halloween as the potential day for the attack they were plotting, an attack that they understood could result in their deaths and martyrdom. So ya, I talked to my brothers. We are going to do pumpkin, Person 1 allegedly told Ali on October 24, according to the complaint. The FBI later notes in the complaint references to brothers likely mean other ISIS supporters. As the Halloween weekend loomed, a judge authorized the execution of search warrants on Ali and Mahmouds homes. In the predawn hours of October 31, FBI agents descended on the Detroit suburb where the men lived and detonated smoke bombs before storming into their homes. Both Ali and Mahmoud were arrested. FBI Director Kash Patel later tweeted about the foiled terrorist plot but offered little additional detail. As a result, some Dearborn residents speculated whether the arrests were justified, or perhaps a way to profile the citys large Arab population, which has long been targeted for Islamophobic attacks. But on Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi boasted on X the unsealed criminal complaint revealed a major ISIS-linked terror plot. Our American heroes prevented a terror attack, Bondi wrote. Court process begins with hearing Both Mahmoud and Ali were shackled as they were escorted into court Monday, according to CNN reporters who attended the hearing. Both men acknowledged they had read the complaint against them and understood the charges. Attorneys for both of the men briefly spoke to reporters after the hearing, but declined to comment. Co-conspirator 1 has not been charged. If convicted, Ali and Mahmoud could face up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, a spokesperson for the US Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said. CNNs Holly Yan, Jeff Winter and Leigh Waldman contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Construction loan arranged for Y-Tech's The Residences at 1428 Brickell in Miami's Financial District MIAMI, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JLL's Capital Markets group announced today that it has secured $565.35 million in construction financing for The Residences at 1428 Brickell, an ultra-luxury 70-story condominium tower in Miami's prestigious Brickell Financial District. JLL represented the borrower, Y-Tech, in arranging the 4.25-year, floating-rate loan through JP Morgan and Sculptor. 1428 Brickell The Residences at 1428 Brickell will feature 195 exclusive homes in two- to four-bedroom plus den floor plans, providing 1,800 to 8,900 square feet of space. Designed by world-renowned Antonio Citterio of ACPV Architects and Arquitectonica, the tower will be the first-ever high-rise residential building in the world to be partially powered by the sun, featuring a solar backbone on the west facade with over 500 photovoltaic-integrated glass panels comprising nearly 20,000 square feet of energy-producing glass. The Residences at 1428 Brickell have been thoughtfully sequenced to provide estate-inspired living with elevated experiences, privacy and lifestyle-enhancing features. The development will offer an unprecedented 80,000 square feet of amenities dedicated exclusively to residents, including resort-level pools, a two-story Owners Club, wellness facilities and a rooftop observatory. As of October 2025, The Residences at 1428 is 57% presold, demonstrating strong market demand for ultra-luxury product in Brickell. Unit interiors will include specialized Gaggenau appliance packages, Arclinea and Vaselli cabinetry and natural stone and marble throughout. The development team includes ACPV Architects and Arquitectonica as architects, Coastal Construction as general contractor and Cervera Real Estate handling sales. The project broke ground in November 2024, completed the largest mat foundation pour ever executed in Brickell in September 2025, and is slated for project delivery in Q4 2028. JLL Capital Market's Debt Advisory team representing the borrower was led by Senior Managing Directors Melissa Rose, Brian Gaswirth and Christopher Peck, Director Paul Adams and Associate Nicole Diaz. "We're excited to partner with Y-Tech on this groundbreaking project that represents the future of luxury residential development in Miami," said Rose. "The strong presales performance, world-class design team and innovative sustainability features position 1428 Brickell as a landmark addition to Miami's skyline." JLL's Capital Markets group is a full-service global provider of capital solutions for real estate investors and occupiers. The group's in-depth local market and global investor knowledge delivers the best-in-class solutions for clients whether investment sales and advisory, debt advisory, equity advisory or a recapitalization. The group has more than 3,000 Capital Markets specialists worldwide with offices in nearly 50 countries. For more news, videos and research resources, please visit JLL's newsroom . About Y-Tech Y-Tech is a technology-driven real estate investment and development company that specializes in acquiring, repositioning, and developing commercial properties across major U.S. markets. The firm leverages data analytics, innovative design, and strategic partnerships to create value-driven real estate solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern tenants and communities. About JLL For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $23.4 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 112,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com. Contact: Greta Kieras, Senior Associate, Public Relations Phone: +1 949 930 8498 Email: [email protected] SOURCE JLL Screenshot 2025-11-03 172231 (Screenshot: United States v. Comey) The FBI uncovered a handwritten note by former FBI Director James Comey in which he wrote HRC plans to tie Trump and HRC health just weeks before Election Day 2016, despite it being tucked away in a long dormant safe the week of President Donald Trumps 2025 inauguration, new legal filings in the U.S. governments case against Comey reveal. Comey scrawled the note, included as an exhibit in the legal docket, under an emblem showing that it originated from the FBI directors desk. The note bears the date Sept. 26, 2016, which was 19 days after Comey received a Sept. 7, 2016 investigative referral regarding a plan by Hillary Clintons campaign to tie Donald Trump, her rival in that years presidential race, to Russia, as she sought to divert attention from her use of a private email server. A federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va. indicted Comey on Sept. 25 on one count of making false statements and another of obstruction of justice. Former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation James Comey, testifies via videoconference during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images) Comey did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent through his publishing company Mysterious Press. The new filings allege a conspiracy within the bureau to conceal documents about its handling of dual investigations into the two leading presidential candidates in the runup to the 2016 election. (RELATED: James Comey Says He Gave Literally True Answers To Ambiguous Questions Central To Indictment) An FBI team charged with reform of the bureau in the spring of 2025 received a tip about FBI Room 9582, a seemingly unused secure compartmented information facility, used to store and review classified information. The team located Comeys handwritten notes in a safe inside Room 9582, along with the original record of the tip about the Clinton plan intelligence from the CIA to Comey, known as a Counterintelligence Operational Lead (CIOL). The FBI team also reviewed access logs for Room 9582, the new legal filings show. The logs showed an extended period of dormancy for Room 9582 until a spike of activity during the four days surrounding President Donald Trumps 2025 inauguration. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel calls Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) a fraud while testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on September 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) New exhibits in the case also include a memo summarizing a request by the FBIs public corruption unit dated July 21, 2025 to investigate thus unknown members of the FBI for possible concealment or removal of documents. That investigative referral states that the CIOL that alerted Comey to Clintons plan to tie Trump to Russia, though previously believed to be missing, had been put in a storage closet adjacent to the FBI directors office before being moved to Room 9582. Comey testified under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 30, 2020, that he was unfamiliar with Clintons plan to tie Trump to Russia, saying it doesnt ring any bells with me. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: James Comey Hit With Bar Complaint Over Alleged Obstruction Of Congress) Then-Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe declassified information about the Clinton plan intelligence in 2020. In late July 2016, U.S. intelligence agencies received Russian intelligence reports alleging that Clinton had approved a campaign plan to stir up a scandal against U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump by tying him to Putin and the Russians hacking of the Democratic National Committee, according to Ratcliffe, who now directs the CIA. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declassified more documents in July 2025 indicating that by September 2016, Russias foreign intelligence service had written reports alleging that President Barack Obama and other party leaders were extraordinarily alarm[ed] about the state of Hillary Clintons health and felt it could have a serious negative impact on her election prospects, according to a previously classified House Intelligence Committee report. Russian intelligence analysts wrote that Clinton suffered from intensified psycho-emotional problems, including uncontrolled fits of anger, aggression, and cheerfulness. They alleged Clinton had a daily regimen of heavy tranquilizers. The Russian analysts wrote that she suffered from Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, deep vein thrombosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the House report states. In addition, five burn bags on the floor of Room 9682 contained hundreds of pages relating to Crossfire Hurricane, the 2016 investigation into alleged ties between President Donald Trump and Russia, a discovery that FBI Director Kash Patel first spoke publicly about in June. Patel has since declassified and released some of those documents, including the classified appendix of the 2016 Durham Special Counsel Report. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. In the half century he navigated the heights of U.S. executive power, Dick Cheney went from being universally admiredas the competent public servant overseeing the lopsided victory in the First Gulf Warto profoundly polarizing, albeit in ways that made many Americans wistful: The divisions Cheney inveigled were grounded not in personal aggrandizement but in differing concepts of duty to nation. His legacy at the time of his death on Monday, at 84, was as the uniquely powerful Vice President who after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 intrigued for the CIA to use torture, for the National Security Agency to scoop up the communications of every American, and for the misbegotten military invasion of Iraq, which killed hundreds of thousands and shifted the balance of power in the region to Iran while expanding the terrorist threat. Cheney made himself, hands-down, the most powerful Vice President in U.S. history, mining the powers of the office so effectively that, in the first term of President George W. Bush, he was described as regent, the nominal subordinate who wields the real power over a boy king. His reputation for stealth and rigidity gratified conservatives, and in liberal circles sketched a caricature of villainy that found an apotheosis in Vice, the 2015 feature film that portrayed Cheney (played by Christian Bale) as a henpecked bumpkin who a few scenes later was a diabolical mastermind. Read More: Tributes Pour In for Former Vice President Dick Cheney, Who Has Died at 84 His ascent to power was, in fact, meteoric. And no American politician in modern history moved so swiftly from light to shadow without the accelerant of personal scandal. He would run the gauntlet of being the toast of America after Gulf War One and then being this monstrous hideous person, this warmonger, torturerblow up the world! his late friend Alan Simpson, said in 2021. And he isnt. Hes the same person. Cheney elected to embrace the notoriety, joking in speeches about his reputation as Darth Vader and in 2007 dressing his black Labrador for Halloween as the Dark Lord of the Sith. The reputation distracted, perhaps shrewdly, from Cheneys failure, as the official Bush had placed in charge of terrorism, to heed warnings about 9/11. After the attacks, he would say he did not recall meetings in which an attack was called imminent. Other parts of the caricature were entirely accurate. Newly-designated Chief of Staff Richard B Cheney pictured in his office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 5, 1975. Bettmann ArchiveGetty Images Cheney genuinely preferred working in the shadows, eyebrow cocked in meetings where he maintained a Sphinx-like silence. In a city where information is power, Cheney warned subordinates not to characterize his views to outsiders while manipulating the processes of a federal government he had learned from the inside out. (Except for five years as chairman at the oil services firm Halliburton, which reportedly paid him $44 million, he never worked anywhere else.). Former aide Eric Edelman noted that, in the Bush White House we put our own gloss on documents produced by the National Security Council, which passed through Cheneys office before going to the President, as did all emails between staff. Cheney was the only Vice President who saw the Presidents daily threat report before the President did. He was always going to be probably both the most powerful and the most controversial Vice President in history, says Edelman, who was Cheneys national security aide. He knew where everything was, where the bodies were buried inside the Administration, and that gave him an enormous opportunity to provide the President with a realm of advice in private. Which he did. Cheney was an avid student of both power and of mortality, intrigued by the mechanics of presidential succession decades before assuming the office whose only official duties have been described as presiding over the Senate and inquiring daily into the health of the President. His own health was a topic of constant speculation; the first of five heart attacks came at age 37. By the time of he was Vice President, he physically embodied both paranoia and prudence: In 2007, the cardiac defibrillator implanted in his chest had its wifi specially disabled, against any possibility of a malign actor sending a signal that would induce cardiac arrest in the man a heartbeat from the presidency. His life was extended for 13 years by a heart transplant in 2012. Richard Bruce Cheney was born on Jan. 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of a civil servant. When he was 13, the family moved to Casper, Wyoming, where his father worked in the Soil Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A local alumnus got Cheney a free ride to Yale, where he washed out and returned to Wyoming, installing electrical lines and drinking enough to be twice arrested for drunk driving. After his high school sweetheart, Lynne Vincent, made it clear she wasnt interested in marrying a lineman for the county, as Cheney told biographer Stephen F. Hayes, he earned a masters at the University of Wyoming, then pursued a PhD in political science at the University of Wisconsin, using first student and then family deferments to avoid the Vietnam draft. His parents were Democrats, and by his own account he might have become one, too, if the last opening for a state legislative intern had not been with the Republican caucus. Cheney said he didnt have a political identity at the time. Then-Vice President Cheney and President George W. Bush ride in the back of a limousine in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 28, 2008. Smith CollectionGetty Images He would acquire one in Washington, D.C, during an ascent so rapid it could have been written by Charles Dickens, or Horatio Alger, if either had thought to place a hero in the U.S. federal bureaucracy. In just six months, Cheney moved from a temporary fellowship on Capitol Hill to a White House office. He studied the interior of government from beneath the wing of Donald Rumsfeld, whom he succeeded as Chief of Staff to President Gerald Ford in 1975. It was a formative period in more ways than one. The son of a federal employee would later say his skepticism of government activism was informed by troubleshooting political interference and corruption in the Office of Economic Opportunity, the LBJ-era War on Poverty clearinghouse that he helped Rumsfeld run. His expansive views on Presidential power were rooted in his resistance to the constraints Congress imposed after the Watergate scandal (which Cheney avoided by sitting out the Richard Nixon 1972 campaign). Cheney had a very broad view of executive power, noted Jack Goldsmith, who after taking over the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel discovered the secret torture and surveillance programs Cheney had put in place. The Vice President argued (to the Supreme Court, no less) that neither Congress nor the courts had any right to compel information from the executive branch that the President was simply beyond oversight. When Donald J. Trump was conniving to remain in office after losing the 2020 election, Cheneys maximalist reputation made him an effective advocate for the rule of law, organizing a letter of warning signed by all ten living former defense secretaries. Rumsfelds signature on the group letter amounted to a coda in something Washington rarely produces: a buddy movie. After a terrible first meeting, the former Michigan Congressman had given Cheney not only his first White House job, but vouched for the younger man to the newly installed President Ford (who had been inclined to dump Cheney over the drunk driving convictions), then effectively shared the Chief of Staff job with his nominal deputy before ceding it to him. The dynamic prefigured the White House of Bush 43, which the Veep largely staffed, and substantially dominated. Associates said Bush trusted the older man because he demonstrated no appetite to become President himself. For his part, Cheney was content to exercise his discreetly assembled powers secure in the knowledge that the Vice President was the only person a President cannot fire. He had taken the job, famously, after W. Bush placed Cheney in charge of finding a running mate in his 2000 campaign. Less well known was that, after compelling would-be candidates to surrender their most sensitive secrets in hopes of landing a spot on the ticket, Cheney in at least one case used the information against the aspirant, Barton Gellman recounts in his deeply reported account of Cheneys vice presidency, Angler. The book takes its title from Cheneys Secret Service code name. Cheney was becoming an oxymorona famous Vice President. But not a popular one. He had been around Washington for decades: running Fords losing 1976 campaign, then, after being elected to Wyomings only House seat, chairing the Republican caucus, serving as whip. But the public first knew Cheney as, along with Joint Chiefs Chairman Colin Powell, the quietly confident, visibly competent public face of the 1990-91 Gulf War that ejected Iraqi troops from Kuwait (and the gates of Saudi Arabia) in just 100 hours of ground combat. But the war failed to knock out Saddam Hussein, and in the months before the 9/11 terror attacks, it was the Iraqi dictator, not al-Qaeda, that preoccupied the man Bush fils had placed in charge of intelligence and anti-terrorism. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Secret Service agents lifted Cheney out of his chair by his belt (they must rehearse it, he later said), and hustled him into a command bunker beneath the White House on reports that a hijacked passenger jet was headed their way. With the President airborne, the Vice coolly directed the response to the attacks, at one point ordering U.S. fighter jets to take out passenger jets that may have been hijacked. In the months that followed, one descriptor of the nations fears was Cheneys announced work station: a secure, undisclosed location. Inside the Administration, The Dark Side was the shorthand for the architecture Cheney constructed against the Hobbesian world he now saw: Secret legal memos that would give CIA employees legal cover to torture suspects confined in third countries, and coaxing the NSA to nudge aside institutional respect for the Fourth Amendment and widen its surveillance to include all telephone calls originating in the United States. President George W. Bush and Dick Cheney meet with members of the National Security Council meeting in the White House's Situation Room in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 2, 2001. Eric Draper/White HouseGetty Images We were flying blind, Edelman recalls. We used enhanced techniques [torture] because we didnt know muchWas the juice worth the squeeze? I guess the record will say, maybe not. Cheney in his own defense will say we knew almost nothing about al Qaeda in 2001. To justify going to war against Iraqwhich had played no role at all in the 9/11 attacksCheney reached into the bureaucracies to cherry-pick intelligence that would support deposing Saddam. The Iraq adventure diverted key intelligence and Special Forces assets from Afghanistan (from which Osama bin Laden had ordered 9/11) and 20 years later both countries continue to be plagued by terrorist groups, including ISIS, spawned by the U.S. occupation of Iraq. Cheney appeared unperturbed by all of it, especially his thuggish image. Thats exactly what he thought: I dont give a sh-t, said Simpson, before his own death in March. So they poured it on him, waterboarding, torture, twisted sneer. On the Senate floor in 2004, the Vice President actually told Patrick Leahy, the Vermont Democrat, Go fk yourself. But Bush was in his second term the February 2006 morning that Cheney peppered the face and torso of a 78-year-old lawyer with lead shot during a quail hunt. Both wars had become quagmires, and Cheneywho repeatedly offered to leave the ticket as Bush approached the 2004 campaignwas no longer being called regent in a White House that was no longer his. For Bush, a point of departure was a seismic rebellion by the heads of the FBI and Justice Department over the secret domestic surveillance program. For his part, Cheney believed Bush had failed a loyalty test, having refused to pardon Cheney aide Scooter Libby on charges that grew out of the Veeps attempts to justify the Iraq invasion through leaks to the press. Contact us at letters@time.com. An Oklahoma sex offender was arrested after 13 years on the run, enrolled at an upstate New York college under an alias, having allegedly faked his own abduction in 2012 to avoid a second criminal case, according to state and federal officials. Anthony Lennon, one of Oklahoma's "Ten Most Wanted," was arrested in New York last week after 13 years on the run from authorities, according to a release from Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond. Drummond thanked law enforcement for "locating and apprehending this child predator." "He evaded justice for far too long but will now face the consequences of his actions," Drummond said. Lennon, 44, was first convicted in a 2008 case involving five counts related to possession of child pornography after a friend using his computer found 50 gigabytes of child sex abuse images on the device. Court records show he entered a guilty plea in 2010 and that he was out on a suspended sentence. The arrest of Anthony Lennon in New York state. Photo blurred at the source. (Moore Police Department) State records show that eight new charges of possession of child pornography were filed against Lennon in March 2012, after a warrant had been issued for his arrest. The Moore Police Department said last week that evidence found in his home in the 2012 case included chat logs, a desktop computer and stacks of compact discs containing images of children being sexually assaulted. A federal complaint unsealed Monday in the Western District for Oklahoma also charges Lennon with failure to register as a sex offender. According to the complaint, the Moore Police Department asked for the U.S. Marshals Service to help find Lennon in 2012 after the new case was filed against him. Police had received a call from Lennon's employer at the time, a hotel owner, saying that the man had disappeared during the night between March 11, 2012, and March 12, 2012, according to the complaint. "Detectives noticed a pool of blood, Lennon's shoe, shirt buttons, bloody shoe prints, and money missing from the hotel money drawer," the complaint said. "After examining the crime scene, interviewing family members, friends, and individuals in the community, it was determined that the circumstances were suspicious." In separate press releases, the U.S. Marshals Office and the Moore Police Department described it as "an elaborate and bloody abduction and robbery scene." The U.S. Marshals Service investigation determined that the scene had been staged and Lennon had emptied his bank accounts the day before he disappeared. Some leads have appeared over the years, including activity from Lennon's Amazon account in 2020 in the state of North Carolina. He put a phone charger in the cart, the complaint said. Two years later, someone said they believed they saw Lennon at a convention in the Dallas area. According to the complaint, Lennon obtained a state ID, birth certificate and enrolled in a university all under a false name. He allegedly made multiple attempts to obtain a passport under an alias, the complaint said. Lennon has allegedly been living under the alias "Justin Phillips" in the state of New York, the U.S. Marshals Service said. He was arrested and interviewed under the false name, but fingerprints revealed he was really Lennon, according to the agency. A spokesperson for the State University of New York at Canton confirmed that a student enrolled under the name "Justin Phillips" was arrested Thursday for crimes committed under a different name in Oklahoma. The spokesperson also said that he was barred from returning to the university on Friday. "He first enrolled in SUNY Cantons engineering science program in fall of 2024 and lived off campus," the spokesperson said in a statement to NBC News. "The student was only known to the college as Justin Phillips and none of our records indicate that he had a prior identity." It's unclear where Lennon is currently being held. The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office did not immediately return an email from seeking comment on Monday. He does not appear to have retained an attorney in his state or federal cases. Neither of Lennon's open cases showed any record of requests for extradition as of Monday afternoon. Studio Q/Doubleday/Design by Leah Romero "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." In Oyinkan Braithwaites new novel Cursed Daughtersthe authors first since her 2018 smash-hit debut My Sister, the Serial Killerthere are no grisly murders, but a dead body nevertheless haunts the page. At the beginning of Braithwaites gothic story, a young Nigerian woman named Monife Falodun has tragically drowned. Her family membersmost of whom are womenbury her, only for her pregnant cousin to go into labor shortly after the funeral. When she delivers a child bearing an uncanny resemblance to the deceased, a belief takes hold: This baby, named Eniiyi, is the reincarnation of Monife. And her loved ones are desperate for her to escape the curse that has loomed over their family for generations. As this curse portends, no Falodun woman will ever be able to maintain a relationship with a man. (They will labor for love but never have it, Braithwaite herself describes in our interview.) In interweaving chapters, following the perspectives of Monife, Eniiyi, and Enniyis mother, Ebun, Braithwaite unfurls a saga of faith and disbelief; romance and loss; generational cycles both broken and fulfilled. Its a book with a very different foundation than the thriller My Sister, the Serial Killer, which Braithwaite admits she was eager to get as far away from as she could, after the latter became a Booker Prize nominee and bestseller. But Cursed Daughters nevertheless reflects Braithwaites now-recognizable style: Darkly comedic and atmospheric, it observes how these women settle into and strain against the narratives laid out for them. Over Zoom, Braithwaite spoke with ELLE about the difficulty of writing a follow-up to My Sister, the Serial Killer, the nature of faith, and whether she herself believes in curses. Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite Doubleday $25.48 at amazon.com After the success of My Sister, the Serial Killer, youve said that you wanted to get as far away from that book as possible in your next novel. Why did you feel that way? I think it was two things. One, from an artistic point of view, I didnt want to end up doing something because it had already worked. What Ive been doing my entire life is challenging myself, trying things out, and sometimes failing and sometimes succeeding. Its trying things out that led me to My Sister, the Serial Killer. For me, the minute Im like, This is a formula that works, thats the minute I die as a creative. And then also the success of My Sister, the Serial Killeras thrilling as it was, it was also kind of terrifying. And you think, How do I follow this? What do people expect from me? How do I distinguish myself and show this is who I am, but its not all of who I am? The only way I could think to do it was to do something completely different, and know that the world would have to receive that thing for what it was, and not try to compare it to My Sister, the Serial Killer. I wanted to give my next work a chance to survive on its own steam. What, then, is the origin story behind Cursed Daughters? Initially, I tried to write it maybe four years ago. I wanted to write a coming-of-age story, but with reincarnation thrown in. So my interest at that point was, What would it be like if you were just trying to figure out who you were, but on top of that everyone thought you were another person completely? I started writing the main character as a child and I wanted to go all the way through her adulthood. And then at some point, I was trying to write her moms perspective, and it was just not working out. So I left it. Then, in 2023, when my dad was with me and trying to encourage me to write and not be a one-book wonder, thats when I went back to my laptop and was looking at some of the stories I had. In telling him about [the story that would become Cursed Daughters], all of a sudden, I felt like, Oh my gosh, I can see a way through. Writing is a sort of...its magic. Its this alchemy where, sometimes, things fall into place. Was there a particular question you wanted to wrestle with or otherwise untangle in this book? I found myself fixated onand fascinated byyour depiction of generational trauma. Some things I was just having fun with, like the curse. But I was also looking at generational trauma, and how that presents itself. And also marriage, particularly marriage in Nigeria and marriage in a patriarchal societywhat that does to women, and some of the things that women suffer as a consequence of marriage. When a marriage breaks down, its often much harder on the woman than it is on the man. Ive already seen that some readers think [the women in Cursed Daughters] are obsessed with men, and in some respects, maybe they are. But thats because the way that society is set up, for a lot of women, marriage equates to stability. Ive always been interested inand Ive interacted withwomen who are willing to put up with a lot from men. Why are they willing to put up with all of that? Its often not for romantic reasons. Some of them have very realistic expectations of what life with a man looks like, but they still desire it because its stability. Also, I wanted to look into faith: Is it enough that you believe in something? Does believing in it make it true? The Falodun family home is almost a character in its own right. Its not exactly haunted, but its not not haunted. Can you tell me how you went about shaping that setting? I knew I wanted to write a gothic story. Often, when it comes to gothic stories, where you set them is so important. I quickly decided that I needed this house to be imposing and dark, and that it would have a lot of corners and long corridors with very little light coming in. But I also wanted it to be a haven to this family of women who would undoubtedly need a havenand for it also to be this place that was a reminder of everything their family had gone through, were going through, and would go through, to remind them of the limits of how far theyre going to be able to go and what theyre going to be able to achieve. I wanted it to be home for them, but also a shacklethe thing thats kind of holding them back. There is so much closeness between these women, but theres also a lot of resentment. Theyre trying to protect one another from this prophecy, whether its real or self-fulfilling. In writing Cursed Daughters, how did you balance their love for one another with the very real (and often negative) impacts of their actions? Im trying to create something that I think is true, and I wanted these women to love each other passionately, and for that love to be its own justification. Nobody wants to traumatize their child. Some things you do because you love your child, but that doesnt look like love to the person you are doing it to. Theyre causing harm, and they dont mean to. Then this person whos been harmed goes on to cause her own harm in the name of love as well. I should stop reading reviews of the book, but I did come across one where the reader said she wasnt convinced that the women even liked each other, which I thought was hilarious. They do like each otherthey love each otherbut theyre powering their way through. Sometimes you dont notice what youve hit or hurt or broken when youre just pushing through. Which of the three main protagonist perspectives did you find the easiest to write? And which was the most difficult? Monife was definitely the easiest. I had a really good time writing her. Ebun and Eniiyi were hard for different reasons. Ebun was hard because there are decisions she makes that I think readers might immediately be able to empathize with. Then Eniiyis was tough because her perspective is where I had to tie everything up, and there were a lot of things in the end that needed to be tied up. To be honest, Im still not 100 percent confident that I achieved that with as much elegance as I would like, but I did my best. Did you finish this book feeling as if you believe in curses more or less than you did before? To be honest, I feel like Im exactly where I was. Juju and all that sort of stuff, they might be legit, but I dont plan to get into that world and discover how legit it may or may not be. I dont think that we can account for every single thing that happens in this world, and theres some things Id just rather not get involved in. One thing Ive realized while writing this book is, were all so judgmental of everybody elses faith system. I am Christian, so I really dont feel like Im in the position to tell someone else who has their own faith system that their faith system doesnt make sense. Because someone else feels that exact way about me or mine. I think maybe thats the thing thats changed about my perspective is, Im like, The faith that some of the women in this book have is not unlike the kind of faith that I might have." Im not hexing people, but there are some Christians who use prayer to try and kill their enemies. Its not so different. In this book, I was also trying to explore the duality that happens in Nigeria sometimes, because its a very religious country. You have a bunch of Christians and a bunch of Muslims, but juju also exists in this society. Sometimes you find that its some of the people who go to church on a Sunday, who on a Monday are accessing these things, because maybe prayers arent working out for them. Theyve been pushed to their limits, and they feel like they have no other place to go. So they go to juju. They have their reasons and their justifications for why they do. I guess thats the thing that interests me a lot, what leads people to do some of the hinky things that they end up doing. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. You Might Also Like GEOJE, South Korea On an island off its southern coast, South Korea is doing the kind of shipbuilding that President Donald Trump envisions for the United States. The Hanwha Ocean shipyard, which covers an area the size of 900 football fields on the island of Geoje, churns out both commercial and military ships at a far faster rate than yards in the U.S., aided by the worlds largest dry dock and crane. During a recent visit by NBC News, it was a hive of clanging and banging as different components were assembled and then lifted into place. Sirens and bursts of music alerted the 30,000 workers when something heavy was being moved among the ships, some of them as long as the Empire State Building is high. Among them was the USNS Charles Drew, a 14,000-ton cargo ship in the U.S. Navys Seventh Fleet that is on site for maintenance. Its a lot more cost-effective for us to stay in the area, said Danny Beeler, principal port engineer for the ship. Were not sailing all the way back to the United States, which would cost millions of dollars in fuel alone, Beeler said. And we can get a lot of work done here, too. Hanwha Oceans Geoje shipyard on Oct. 27. (Janis Mackey Frayer / NBC News) The maintenance contract, Hanwhas third for a U.S. Navy supply ship since it was certified last year to bid for work on noncombatant vessels, is a big win for South Korea. The U.S. ally has made shipbuilding a key pillar of its trade talks with the Trump administration, pitching it as Make America Shipbuilding Great Again as the United States struggles to revive a faltering industry. Shipbuilding is a crucial economic and security issue for the U.S., which relies on ocean shipping for 80% of its international trade. It also appears to be a particular passion for Trump, who talked about it multiple times last week during his three-country Asia tour. Were not really building ships, and were going to start, and were going to have a very thriving shipbuilding industry, he told executives last Wednesday in Gyeongju, South Korea. That may be easier said than done, as the U.S. has fallen far behind the worlds top shipbuilders: China, South Korea and Japan. Workers hoisting the propeller of a ship at a shipyard in Guangzhou, China, in 2024. (Wang Meiyan / VCG via Getty Images file) Last year China booked 74% of the worlds new orders for commercial ships, compared with 0.2% for the United States, according to shipping data consulting firm Veson Nautical. Chinas closest competitor, South Korea, booked 17%. According to the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence, China has 232 times the shipbuilding capacity of the U.S., helped in part by government subsidies. The U.S. military, which is required by law to build all its ships domestically, is facing its own crisis even as China rapidly builds out its own naval fleet. All of our programs are a mess, to be honest, Navy Secretary John Phelan told lawmakers in June. We are behind schedule and over budget. I think our best-performing one is six months late and 57% over budget. It wasnt always like this. The U.S. once dominated global shipbuilding, reaching its peak at the end of World War II before demand declined. And then over time, when less expensive foreign competition came along, for example, first from Japan, and then from Korea, and now from China, the U.S. shipbuilding industry was much less competitive in the commercial market, said Cynthia Cook, a senior fellow in the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Faced with this state of affairs, the U.S. is turning to its allies for help. Korea has an incredible shipbuilding industry, which we look forward to partnering with a lot more, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday after talks with his South Korean counterpart in Seoul. South Korea has allocated $150 billion to cooperation with the U.S. on shipbuilding as part of the $350 billion it pledged in U.S. investment in a trade deal that was finalized during Trumps visit. South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said last month it had agreed to jointly build U.S. Navy auxiliary ships with U.S. military shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls. The U.S. and Japan also signed an agreement during Trumps trip on expanding shipbuilding capacity in both nations. Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Yokosuka, Japan, last week. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images) Cook, who has visited South Korean shipyards including the one in Geoje, said they might turn out one commercial ship a week, which creates an industrial base that supports the ability to invest in innovation. If youre building two ships in a year, like a U.S. naval shipyard might be, you just dont have the same kind of demand signal to your supply base that would get them to invest in their own technologies to support you, because its just not worth it, she said. At the Hanwha shipyard, the USNS Charles Drew was perched on blocks after being hauled out of the water. It is getting a new paint job, repairs to its propellers and rudder, and updates to other systems in a scheduled overhaul that is set to last about five months. The Geoje shipyard covers an area the size of 900 football fields. (Janis Mackey Frayer / NBC News) Beeler confirmed the importance of strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding industry. Theres just not enough yards that can hold ships this large and do work on them, he said. S.K. Song, a project manager for Hanwha, said the U.S. Navy job was hopefully a stepping stone to building commercial and eventually military ships in the U.S., where his company paid $100 million last year for the Philly Shipyard outside Philadelphia. If the USA gives us the opportunity, were willing to work with the USA, he said. We are already ready, Song said, citing artificial intelligence and robotic equipment as among the many kinds of elements we want to incorporate to the U.S. The White House said last Wednesday that Hanwha would invest $5 billion to expand and modernize the Philly Shipyard, providing advanced South Korean technology and sending skilled workers there to train Americans an issue that has become fraught after hundreds of South Korean workers were detained in an immigration raid in Georgia in September. Trump with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Gyeongju National Museum on Wednesday. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images) Trump also said he had given South Korea approval to build a nuclear-powered submarine, which would make it one of only a handful of nations to possess one. He said it would be built in the Philly Shipyard. Cook said the U.S. was right to try to revive its shipbuilding industry, and that anything is possible with the right kind of investment. We can build up U.S. shipbuilding, she said. The question is, how much will it cost, and how do we make the commercial shipbuilding competitive on the world market? Cook said it would be a lot more cost-effective to help U.S. allies such as South Korea remain competitive against China. If were not building ships, she said, our friends better be. Janis Mackey Frayer and Stella Kim reported from Geoje, South Korea, Adam Reiss from Philadelphia and Jennifer Jett from Hong Kong. Pictures of calm water and bright beaches now come with a U.S. government warning that urges travelers to reconsider their plans. The State Department has updated its advisory for one of the regions most popular island nations, raising concern among travelers and those whose work depends on tourism. Madagascar has been placed under a Level 3 travel advisory, which asks travelers to think carefully before visiting. The notice points to ongoing political unrest and economic strain. In recent weeks, protests over electricity shortages and political tensions have led to vandalism, looting, and confrontations with security forces. Reports also note a rise in violent crime in several areas, including rural roads and towns in the south. The advisory highlights that these conditions pose a higher risk for visitors, especially outside major cities. What It Means For Travelers Image via Canva/kasto A Level 3 designation carries weight. It warns Americans that if they choose to travel now, they need a solid emergency plan and should expect limited local assistance. Protests and roadblocks have disrupted transport networks, and clashes with police have made it harder to guarantee safety even in once-popular tourist zones. Madagascar, celebrated for its wildlife and beaches, has found itself struggling under the weight of political instability and growing insecurity. For travelers who rely on predictable schedules and calm surroundings, the new reality adds a layer of stress to any vacation planning. Those already booked to visit may encounter canceled tours, staff shortages, or last-minute route changes. Under a Level 3 alert, officials recommend avoiding large gatherings and steering clear of city centers after dark. Travelers are advised to buy insurance that includes medical and evacuation coverage, since the United States government does not handle those costs abroad. Monitoring local news becomes essential, as conditions can change without warning. Its less about giving up on the destination entirely and more about recognizing that timing matters. Not All Shores Are Equal Image via Wikimedia Commons/Bernard Gagnon The highest risks are concentrated in rural highways and isolated areas far from established tourist circuits. Visitors who still decide to go should stick with trusted guides, secure transportation, and well-reviewed hotels that maintain strong security measures. For those who value peace of mind as much as adventure, postponing might be the wiser choice until the situation steadies. An advisory like this might ripple through the tourism industry. Airlines may scale back flights, insurers could raise premiums, and tour operators might pause new bookings. Some travelers will cancel immediately, others will wait for conditions to improve, and a few will continue with extra caution. The bigger story is how quickly an idyllic destination can move from dream escape to risk zone. Paradise, no matter how stunning, can be unpredictable, so smart travelers need to stay flexible enough to adapt when the tides turn. Pasta is displayed for sale at a Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store in West Covina, Calif., on May 29, 2020. Credit - Patrick T. FallonBloomberg/Getty Images Pasta products from Italy could soon cost a lot more in the U.S. After the Commerce Department launched an anti-dumping probe into Italian pasta exports, the U.S. is set to charge a nearly 92% tariff on 13 of the largest Italian pasta exporters beginning in January, on top of the existing 15% tariff on goods from the European Union. The rate is preliminary, an official told the Washington Post, and will be reviewed over the next few months before it is applied. If nothing changes, the nearly 107% total levy will take effect in January. Heres what to know. What is dumping? Dumping is the practice of exporting a product to a foreign market at a price lower than its domestic market price or production cost. It is widely considered an unfair trade practice and a form of price discrimination done in order to gain an unfair advantage in a market. It is sometimes also done in order to sell off excess products to prevent losses. Domestic competitors can lose out as a result of dumping. Companies that dump goods in a certain market and manage to drive local competitors out of the market may also be able to gain a monopoly and later raise prices. Many countries and trade blocs impose anti-dumping duties on dumped goods. The European Union, for example, has antidumping measures for imports after investigating whether goods sold at unfairly low prices injure E.U. producers. The E.U. has recently imposed antidumping duties on imports of certain steel products from Egypt, Japan, and Vietnam. The World Trade Organization also has rules against dumping that allow countries to take appropriate measures against companies found to be dumping. Why are Italian pasta products being probed? The Commerce Department launched its probe into certain Italian pasta products in August last year after two American pasta manufacturers8th Avenue Food & Provisions and Winland Foodscalled for a review of Italian exporters the month prior. The Commerce Department requested information from Pasta Garofalo and La Molisana, the two biggest Italian exporters, related to sales between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The department also looked at sales from other companies that voluntarily submitted information. The agency issued its preliminary results in September, which assigned La Molisana, Pasta Garofalo, and 11 other companies that had not been individually examined a 91.74% anti-dumping tariff. The Commerce Department, like the E.U., can also assess duties based on the view that companies provided inadequate or inconsistent data during an investigation, also known as adverse inference. In this case, the Commerce Department said that La Molisana and Pasta Garofalo did not provide information requested by Commerce and were therefore determined to have been uncooperative. Both La Molisana and Pasta Garofalo have denied the dumping allegations. The results are preliminary, and will not be applied until the final results are determined. The Commerce Department has 120 days from Sept. 4 (when the preliminary results were issued) to issue its final results, unless the deadline is extended. During this period, exporters can request a hearing to raise issues in the case or provide written comments. The Commerce Department probe is considered a routine investigation. The antidumping charges are separate from Trumps reciprocal tariffs, which have been used as a means to balance the U.S. trade deficit with other countries and secure more favorable trade or investment terms for the U.S. But together the result could be prohibitively high tariffs on Italian pasta imports. The Trump Administration said it would keep Section 232 investigations running during the government shutdown, which has stretched past a month, but its not clear whether the timeline for the probe into pasta, which falls under Section 751 of the 1930 Tariff Act, will be impacted. How might this affect your pasta? Most of the pasta consumed by Americans is produced within the country: the U.S. pasta market is mainly served by domestic manufacturers, and the U.S. itself is the worlds second-largest pasta-producing country behind Italy. Still, Italian pasta is the biggest source of imported pasta in the U.S. by a significant margin: last year, the U.S. imported more than $700 million of pasta from Italy last year, representing around 12% of the U.S. pasta market. Among the companies that could face the tariff is Barilla, the biggest pasta brand in the U.S. But while the company is headquartered in Italy, it produces most of its pasta sold in the U.S. in the U.S., which would not be subject to the duties. The levies would affect around half of Italys pasta exports to the U.S., Luigi Scordamaglia, CEO of food industry group Filiera Italia, told the Post. Coldiretti, the biggest agricultural organization in Italy, said in an Oct. 4 statement that the duties would have devastating consequences for Made in Italy. The tariffs would effectively double the cost of a plate of pasta in the U.S., according to Coldiretti, and would deliver a fatal blow to Italian pasta makers. The tariffs have also been a sore point for Italy, which has long had a historical friendship with and been a key NATO ally to the U.S., while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has had a good relationship with Trump. Italys Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has denied accusations of dumping, and the probe has also ruffled U.S. relations with the E.U. We believe that this decision, as it was reached, was not based on the full facts and figures, and we are doing our utmost to present this to them, E.U. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said last week while on a visit to Rome. He called the duty clearly something which is not acceptable. An E.U. official told Euronews last month that the E.U. may initiate a WTO dispute with the U.S. if it finds flaws in the investigation, although thus far the probe has appeared to follow the rules for trade defence mechanisms outlined by the WTO. Sefcovic said he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick earlier last week about the issue. We must defend and promote the pasta supply chain, both in the U.S. and in Italy, to avoid selling off one of our flagship products of excellence, Coldiretti President Ettore Prandini said in a statement last month. The American accusations of dumping are unacceptable and instrumental to Trumps plan to move production to the U.S. Contact us at letters@time.com. Tariff watchers have had this Wednesday circled on their calendars for weeks now, as the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the legality of the authority President Trump has used to impose the lion's share of his tariffs. That's in part because observers are split about how things will play out once deliberations begin and ahead of a decision that could come before the end of the year. The case formally known as Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump is one that experts in both the legal and trade space are calling a toss-up. And it's made all the more fraught by Trump's keen personal interest in the outcome and a White House public pressure campaign already in evidence. As for the projections, the odds are notable in how little confidence there is in any outcome. In Yahoo Finance interviews recently, both Raymond James managing director Ed Mills and Veda Partners managing partner Henrietta Treyz floated coin-flip level 50% odds, with Treyz adding a base case from "50% to 65% odds that the Supreme Court will side with two lower courts and say the president doesn't have this authority." President Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to the White House on Sunday. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images) (Samuel Corum via Getty Images) Terry Haines of Pangaea Policy leans the other direction and told clients this week he thinks a pro-tariff decision is slightly more likely, "but the case isn't a slam dunk either way, and may well not yield a simple binary yes/no result on tariffs." The case centers on a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which gives the president the ability to declare an economic emergency and take action but doesn't specifically outline tariffs as a remedy. Trump and his team have seized on the law to declare a variety of economic emergencies over issues from fentanyl to trade imbalances and more and then impose blanket tariffs on the world in response. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet The plaintiffs in the case say the president has gone too far, and some have even floated the chance that the Trump administration may need to refund the tariffs if a decision doesn't go his way. Meanwhile, other Trump tariff authorities such as the so-called Section 232 tariffs that have allowed sector-specific duties on goods like automobiles and steel are not up for debate this week. On Tuesday afternoon, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt allowed that "the White House is always preparing for Plan B" in case the ruling doesn't go Trump's way, but she maintained that "we are confident and hopeful that the Supreme Court will do the right thing." Stakes that 'reach far beyond trade policy' In an already volatile week for stocks, markets will likely have only the tone and tenor of the justices' questions to go on. "Beware of any overreaction," Brian Gardner, Stifel's chief Washington policy strategist, warned investors in his own note. His expectation is that markets are pricing in a likely victory for Trump's side but that the back-and-forth could upset expectations. At least some of the intensity of this week subsided when Trump opted not to attend Wednesday's arguments in person as he'd suggested he might. However, the spotlight remains on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, set to attend instead. Bessent said Monday on Fox News that he planned to have "a ringside seat" as he predicted a good outcome for the administration. The Supreme Court building is seen in 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) The uncertainty over Trump's tariffs at the court mirrors a larger question about whether his party may be readying a pushback to his tariff approach. Last week, the Senate voted to terminate Trump's tariffs on goods from Brazil and from Canada, with Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Rand Paul of Kentucky all joining with Democrats in a rare rebuke to Trump. Read more: The latest news and updates on Trump's tariffs Those measures may end up being largely symbolic with House Speaker Mike Johnson likely able to block the House from ever taking up these resolutions but they represent a pushback Trump hasn't seen so far in his second term and one he's clearly worried about coming in a more fulsome way from the Supreme Court. That has upped the stakes, with Trump himself saying in recent days that this is "the most important subject discussed by the Supreme Court in 100 years" and that the economy "will go to hell" if the ruling isn't in his favor. The eventual decision will come after the court's six conservative justices have often ruled in Trump's favor. Those decisions, however on issues from spending authority to his immigration policies have been temporary wins for Trump, allowing his policies to continue for the time being. I dont think its inevitable that this is going to be a sort of partisan alignment, or the sort of standard 6-3 alignment that weve seen in some other cases, said Roman Martinez, an appellate lawyer at Latham & Watkins who helped file a brief for the US Chamber of Commerce opposing the tariffs. The tariff decision whichever way it goes is likely to have a much longer-lasting impact. "The stakes of this case reach far beyond trade policy," Elizabeth Goitein, senior director at the nonpartisan Brennan Center, recently wrote, adding that this "decision could shape whether the use of emergency powers to bypass Congress becomes a tool of routine governance." This story has been updated with additional developments. Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance In a state thats hundreds of years old, Massachusetts is rich in preserved historic sites, ranging from Revolutionary War-era battlefields and cemeteries to historic homes and meeting halls, and everything in between. Ive been on many fascinating hikes throughout Massachusetts, where farmland was once tilled, rock walls that once marked old property cut through the forest, cart paths once used by horse-drawn carriages, and rock foundations where a home once stood. Historic sites, whether known or unknown, seem to be everywhere we look in the state, and thats one of many reasons why I love it so much. If youre fascinated by mysterious underground attractions in Massachusetts, theres a man-made cave hiding on conservation land that you may want to check out. The Nashoba Brook Stone Chamber is somewhat of a mystery, but there are theories about what purpose it once served. The 123-acre Nashoba Brook Conservation Area is one of four conservation lands in Acton, totaling 500 acres altogether. Two parking lots provide access to the trails at Nashoba Brook: one located off MA-27 at the north end and the other off Davis Road at the south end. Nashoba Brook runs north to south in this conservation area, and plenty of wildlife can be found here. To make hiking here even more interesting, there are remnants of prehistoric and historic evidence. Take a hike along the 2.1-mile Yellow Trail at Nashoba Brook, and youll see historic sites. There are old stone foundations and sluiceways of mills that once stood at the edge of the brook, the foundation of a farmhouse, the ruins of a barn, dams filled with earth, stone walls, stone piles that may have Native American origins, and a stone chamber. These historic remains are also part of the Trail Through Time, a 2-mile loop that passes through stone structures representing the three distinct time periods of this land: prehistoric, colonial, and industrial. Interpretive signage gives insight into these remains and the history of this area. One of the most fascinating parts of Nashoba Brook Conservation Area is the stone chamber. This chamber, built into a hillside, is small, measuring approximately 10 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 9 feet tall. Its the only one found in the town of Acton. The entrance is accessed down a staircase. Although its referred to as a stone cellar, its use is not exactly clear. Some refer to it as the Potato Cave, believing that farmers in the colonial era used it to store root vegetables. Others theorize that Native Americans built it for ceremonies or that early settlers used it to store food supplies. Whatever the origin, theres no doubt that this is one of the most fascinating structures within the Nashoba Brook Conservation Area. Do you have any theories as to who built this stone cellar in the hillside? Did you know about the existence of the Nashoba Brook Stone Chamber? If so, have you visited? For a hiking map for the Yellow Trail at Nashoba Brook to the stone chamber, visit AllTrails. You can visit the Acton Trails website for more information on Nashoba Brook Conservation Area and other town conservation lands. Plan your own Massachusetts hiking adventure with Only In Your State's AI-powered itinerary planner. The new Grinn GenioBoard SBC provides a production-ready implementation of a powerful eight-core MediaTek processor, backed by high-speed interfaces, a Linux distro, and CRA-ready security software WROCAW, Poland, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Grinn, a full-cycle technology company specializing in the design and development of advanced IoT and embedded solutions, today launched a compact but powerful single-board computer (SBC) which will help embedded device manufacturers to meet the mounting pressure to take sophisticated and AI-ready new products to market quickly. GRINN GenioBoard (PRNewsfoto/GRINN) The new Grinn GenioBoard is a full-featured SBC in a standard 87mm x 56mm form factor, providing all the communications, graphics and power interfaces needed to access the capabilities of the Grinn GenioSOM-700 or Grinn GenioSOM-510 systems-on-module (SOMs). These products are themselves the industry's smallest SOMs to be based on the MediaTek Genio family of applications processors which feature multiple Arm Cortex-A cores, a graphics processing unit, and a neural processing unit for AI applications. Helping OEMs implement more new technology in less time The launch of the Grinn GenioBoard comes in response to demand from embedded device OEMs worldwide for more application-ready hardware. New contours in the competitive landscape are emerging, requiring OEMs to experiment rapidly with AI and machine learning technologies. At the same time, many manufacturers are reporting that development cycles which traditionally extended for two to three years have today contracted to less than 12 months. In this context, OEMs' development teams cannot afford to spend precious months on developing from scratch the compute hardware and custom Linux operating system on which their application will run. They need a ready-made compute platform, and the flexibility to quickly add capabilities such as an AI inference engine and wireless communications modules. The use of application-ready hardware frees developers to use their limited development window to implement the core application in which the OEM specializes. "The Grinn GenioBoard provides the ideal tool to help OEM design engineers to thrive in the new, more time-pressured environment that they find themselves in," said Robert Otreba, CEO of Grinn. "It not only gives them an incredibly powerful MediaTek processor and all the fast interfaces they will need, Grinn also supports the hardware with essential software to get applications up and running. This includes a Linux operating system and the Thistle Security Platform for cybersecurity protection. While other developers will be struggling to get custom hardware ready for the market, users of the GenioBoard can be working on their application's software from Day One." "The GenioBoard solution utilizes many key technologies and advanced capabilities provided by the MediaTek Genio 700 platform, enabling a wide variety of benefits," said CK Wang, VP & GM of MediaTek's IoT business unit. "The Genio 700 makes it possible for Grinn to effectively leverage AI, IoT and connectivity to address a large number of developers, manufacturers and customers." Flexible AI-ready development platform Unlike SBCs in the same form factor from competitors such as Raspberry Pi, the Grinn GenioBoard provides a ready-made embedded computing system which OEMs can use in production designs: It is backed by a robust component supply chain Operating systems are built-in customers can choose from a custom Linux OS developed in the Yocto Project, or a commercial Debian Linux distro The board is supplied with CE marking and other standard certifications The board supports the Thistle Security Platform, which implements cybersecurity protection features via an on-board Infineon OPTIGA Trust M hardware security module to enable compliance with the European Cybersecurity Resilience Act Grinn also provides OEMs with the flexibility to adapt the hardware to meet specific requirements. The board includes M.2 interfaces to external hardware devices such as an AI accelerator, and a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and cellular wireless communications module. This means that developers who are not ready to implement AI in an embedded device immediately but who want to create an AI-ready design now can continue to use the Grinn GenioBoard in a later design iteration, with the freedom to add an external AI accelerator via the M.2 interface. In addition, developers who want to modify the board design itself can use it as a reference design Grinn has opened the schematics and CAD files for the GenioBoard design to the developer community. Key features of the Grinn GenioBoard include: Single-cable USB development interface Single USB Type-C Power Delivery (PD) power supply Raspberry Pi HAT-compatible interface HDMI and DisplayPort (DP) interfaces 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet PHY with RGMII interface Two USB-A 2.0 and two USB-A 3.0 interfaces USB-C to UART interfaces Two 4-lane CSI camera interfaces 4GB RAM and 16GB eMMC The Grinn GenioBoard is available to order now directly from Grinn at www.genioboard.com, or from all authorized distributors of Grinn products. About Grinn Grinn is a full-cycle technology company specializing in the design and development of advanced IoT and embedded solutions. From initial concept through production, Grinn offers comprehensive services in hardware design, embedded software development, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing support. With its own in-house lab, cutting-edge test equipment, and experienced engineering teams, Grinn ensures that every product meets the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety. Information about Grinn's products and services can be found at grinn-global.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2812153/Grinn_TKO_GenioBoard.jpg SOURCE GRINN A man lighting a cigarette in the Maldives in 2019. (Sergi Reboredo / VWPics via AP file) The Maldives has become the first country in the world to impose a generational smoking ban, barring anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, from ever smoking, purchasing or using tobacco. The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale, the health ministry said Saturday as the ban came into effect. The step makes the Maldives the first country in the world to enforce a nationwide generational tobacco ban, it added. The South Asian archipelago, which has a population of over half a million, already enforces a complete ban on vapes and electronic cigarettes regardless of age in an effort to cut down on smoking across the country. Tobacco is responsible for nearly 7 million global deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization, which calls the tobacco epidemic one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. About a quarter of the population over the age of 15 consumes tobacco in the Maldives, according to a 2021 survey by the agency. Smoking is especially prevalent among young people, with nearly half of those ages 13 to 15 consuming some form of tobacco. While the Maldives is the first country to officially impose a generational smoking ban, similar proposals have been considered by other countries, including New Zealand, which passed a law in 2022 that would have prohibited tobacco sales to anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009, starting in 2024. New Zealands new center-right government rolled back the law in 2023, drawing criticism from health experts. The British Parliament is considering a similar bill which, if passed, would bar anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009, from procuring and using tobacco and vapes. Former Vice President Kamala Harris' book "107 Days" is displayed for sale at a Barnes & Nobles bookstore on Sept. 24, 2025, in Austin. Credit - Brandon BellGetty Images Kamala Harris political memoir, 107 Days, revived debate over whether Joe Bidens inner circle hid his declining capabilities before his disastrous June 27, 2024, debate against Donald Trump actions many people believe contributed to Democrats losing the 2024 presidential election. Yet, Bidens critics may be missing an even more damaging flaw in the approach of the former president and his staff. In her memoir, Harris describes delivering a speech in Selma, Ala., in March 2024 that commemorated the heroic efforts of civil rights activists who faced down brutal state-sanctioned violence on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965. The speech went viral, however, because it addressed the Palestinian-Israel conflict. Although it had been vetted and approved by the White House and National Security Council, the West Wing was unhappy once it gained widespread attention. Harris writes that she was castigated for, apparently, delivering it too well. Their thinking was zero-sum: If shes shining, hes dimmed. She adds, None of them grasped that if I did well, he did well and that my visible success would serve as a testament to his good judgement in choosing me. Bidens staff, however, didnt get it. The Biden team, in her telling, failed to grasp a historical lesson: from the day theyre selected, running matesand if they win, vice presidentsserve as a constant reflection of the person who chose them. They matter because of what the choice says about their ticketmate. In 1988, political communications expert Kathleen Hall Jamieson noted that when a youthful Dan Quayle awkwardly bounded out of a New Orleans audience to be introduced as George H.W. Bushs running mate, he looked like a contestant on Lets Make a Deal. Understandably excited, Quayle couldnt resist a playful shoulder punch to the older, reserved Bush, who smiled awkwardly. When he took the mic, Quayle gave a rah-rah, lets go! cheer that struck many as undignified. The announcement, Jamieson observed, marked Bushs first major presidential decision, but it looked like it was made on an impromptu basis. If, she continued, the question at that point was, Who is George Bush?, the answer was that he was someone who looked genuinely bewildered. He didnt look like he was in control. He didnt look presidential. In the days following the announcement, the Quayle choice looked even worse. A barrage of stories detailed Quayles service in the National Guard (rather than in Vietnam), his privileged background, and his poor college grades. It led to questions about whether the selection had been properly vetted, and the choice of Quayle seemed disastrous for Bush specifically. Quayle was painfully aware of this. Just before delivering his address to the Republican convention, he turned to a friend and said, God, I hate to hurt George.this is terrible. The Bush and Quayle team won the 1988 election, but the impression of Quayle as unfit for the job remained a drag on Bushs reputation. When Bush was briefly hospitalized in 1991, it fueled stories about both Quayles persistently low approval numbers and the possibility that the president might select a new running mate ahead of the 1992 campaign. (He didnt.) Both during campaigns and presidencies, running mates matter because of what they say about a president's judgment. Read More: How Vice-Presidential Nominees Became 'Attack Dogs' That year, Bushs opponent Bill Clinton surprised the political world by eschewing what had to that point been the norm: selecting a running mate to provide geographic, ideological, or age balance. He chose a fellow moderate white southerner in his 40s, Tennessee Senator Al Gore. With the rise of cable television and a 24/7 news cycle, Clinton understood sooner than most that a running mate could shape perceptions of the nominee. Choosing the right person mattered far more than checking regional or ideological boxes to balance the ticket. When Clinton introduced Gore in front of the governors mansion in Little Rock, with their young families in tow, observers instantly saw the appeal and credited Clinton with a savvy choice. The Washington Post noted the image of energy and activism exactly what Democrats hoped would contrast their ticket with the older incumbent Bush. Even Mary Matalin, Bushs deputy campaign manager, admitted that her team was awestruck by the visual. The reaction was Oh, my God. The Clintons, the Gores, all those beautiful kids in front of that quintessentially American red brick mansion, looking youthful and cheeryThey had the perfect picture for their timely message: change, young, dynamism. Gore then spent eight years earning a reputation as a smart, serious-minded governing partner to Clinton. He managed to keep the controversies of the Clinton presidencyespecially the Monica Lewinsky storyat arms length. That helped him capture his partys nomination in 2000. But Gore narrowly lost the electoral college to George W. Bush. Bush had learned from his fathers experience and selected Dick Cheney, the former White House chief of staff, congressman, and defense secretary, as a running mate. Ironically, however, while Bush had urged his father to replace Quayle with Cheney in 1992, he in turn faced pressure to replace Cheney in 2004. In his memoir, Bush recalled how the impression grew that Cheney was actually calling the shots in the White House. Getting rid of him would help Bush show that I was in charge. He stuck with Cheney, though, because he was confident that his vice president knew that I made the final decisions. Especially in the midst of two wars, Bush clearly understood the need to appear in charge. For him, however, that meant keeping Cheney. The New York Times reported that in retaining his vice president, Bush was flexing his newfound political muscle. Former Reagan Chief of Staff Kenneth Duberstein, added that in this partnership, George W. Bush is the senior partner. Perhaps no race better illustrated how the selection of a running mate mattered, because of what it said about the presidential nominees judgment, than the one to succeed Bush in 2008. Concerned that Barack Obama was running away with the race, John McCain made an impulsive gamble, boldly picking the largely unknown Alaska governor Sarah Palin. The parallels to Bushs 1988 choice were striking. Within days of the announcement, a cascade of unflattering stories emerged about Palin, including for example, Troopergate, in which she appeared to use her authority over the Alaska Department of Public Safety to settle scores in a family dispute. Like Quayle, the struggles didnt end with the barrage of negative news stories. Next came a disastrous interview with CBSs Katie Couric in which Palin seemed to reveal herself to be uninformed and blithely incurious about most things unrelated to Alaska. Read More: Harris Slams Biden White House For Reelection Decision, Says It Rarely Defended Her as Vice President The resulting criticism landed on McCain as much as on Palin. TIME lamented that McCains lack of interest in actual governance is disappointing; his aversion to contemplation seems truly alarming. He has done us all a favor with this pick: he has shown us exactly what sort of President he would be. Bidens blunder was different. He failed to empower Harris during his presidency. After a July 2024 confrontation between First Lady Jill Biden and Harris husband Doug Emhoff over Harris loyalty, Emhoff fumed, They hide you away for four years, give you impossible, [sh-t] jobs, dont correct the record when those tasks are mischaracterized, never fight back when youre attacked, never praise your accomplishments, and now they want you there on that balcony, standing right beside them. Emhoffs outburst sheds light on why many Americans felt like they didnt know Harris once she abruptly became the Democratic nominee. Bidens team hadnt prioritized making Harris look good or building her public profile. That made her easy to caricature once she had to run a truncated presidential campaign. Despite her frustrations with the Biden team, however, Harris repeated their mistake. By early October, the New York Times reported that her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, was being almost entirely kept off national television, negating what was seen as one of his greatest strengths. Harris herself admitted that one of the determining factors in choosing Walz was that he had no ambition to be president, a statement that didnt convey strength or confidence in her own standing. An unnamed Harris aide later acknowledged that Walz got put in a box, and we didnt use him the way we couldve. Walz had his stumbles to be sure, including a weak debate performance and misstatements regarding his background. But his seeming disappearance didnt just raise questions about Walz; it raised them about Harris. Her campaign failed to grasp that benching Walz sent an unmistakable message to voters: she didnt trust her running mate, which called her judgment into question. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Donald Trump has handled his vice presidents differently. Vice President J.D. Vance is constantly in the media and on social media praising Trump. The lesson from this history is unmistakable for future presidential nominees: burying your running mate or your vice president tells voters you made a bad choice. And its the top of the ticket that pays the price. Charles J. Holden is a professor of history at St. Marys College of Maryland. His books include Republican Populist: Spiro Agnew and the Origins of Donald Trumps America (University of Virginia Press, 2019), co-authored with Zach Messitte and Jerald Podair. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors. Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com. Sydney-based managed service provider (MSP) Platform 24 has achieved ISO 27001 certification, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining an appropriate maturity level of processes, and controls to protect data. In a statement, the MSP said the certification, which involved a comprehensive, independent audit of its information security practices, is a clear signal to current and future clients that Platform 24 treats data security as a top priority. It assures our clients that every one of our IT serviceswhether its basic support, cloud management, or cyber securityis built with their protection in mind, said Platform 24 director Rick Williams. Additionally, the certification also presents the MSP with new opportunities, particularly with businesses that require high levels of data protection. Security is a growing concern for every business owner we speak to, Williams said. Many of our clients dont have the resources to maintain internal IT security teams, so they look to us for guidance, support, and protection. With this certification, were sending them a clear message: security is built into all of our services from the very beginning. Built for business users, Omega automates data preparation and quality tasks, turning complex data work into a seamless, self-service experience. TORONTO, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Morpheo AI today announced the launch of Morpheo Omega, an AI-native data ecosystem that automates the full data lifecycle - from ingestion and transformation to curation and publication - enabling business teams to work with data faster and more easily, without requiring technical skills. Omega introduces a new class of AI coworkers that perform complex data work autonomously. Instead of relying on engineers or multiple tools, Omega's intelligent agents connect to enterprise systems, validate and transform data, and deliver high-quality datasets ready for analysis. "The next decade belongs to platforms that do the work - autonomously, contextually, and securely," said Sandesh Patil, Co-Founder & CEO of Morpheo AI. "With Omega, we're reimagining data work as a natural, conversational experience. Business users can finally focus on outcomes - not infrastructure." From SaaS to Service-as-Software Traditional SaaS gives users tools; Omega represents a shift toward Service-as-Software where software not only provides tools but performs the work itself. Powered by large language models, deterministic workflows, and AI agents, Omega connects across data sources to automate cleaning, context-building, and quality management. How Omega Works Connect: Integrates seamlessly across modern data stacks. Understand: Builds a context-aware view of data, automatically inferring relationships and lineage. Shape: Orchestrates data workflows, resolves issues, and maintains quality. Secure: Enforces compliance and trust at every level Collaborate: Enables teams to share datasets with logic and context intact. Why It Matters Data is valuable but harnessing it is rarely effortless. Omega redefines this relationship by simplifying how non-technical users access, validate, and operationalize data. Developed with enterprise design partners, Omega removes friction from disconnected systems, unclear ownership, and fragmented tools. Availability Morpheo Omega is available in preview - companies can request early access at www.morpheo.ai. About Morpheo AI Morpheo AI is a Toronto-based technology company reimagining how businesses manage data through AI agent orchestration. By combining large language models, reasoning systems, and data engineering expertise, Morpheo builds AI coworkers that coordinate and execute data workflows end-to-end - helping organizations quickly turn complexity into simplicity. https://www.morpheo.ai SOURCE Morpheo AI Inc. by Arundathie Abeysinghe Built 160 years ago, the historic iron bridge, long a tourist attraction in the Badulla district, has been in a state of disrepair for over a year after part of it was swept away by bad weather. Local residents are protesting because during the rainy season they are forced to travel 70 kilometres to sell their vegetables at the market. Colombo (AsiaNews) - The 160-year-old iron arch bridge that crosses the Uma Oya in Uva Paranagama, in the Badulla district of Uva province (built during the British colonial era to cross the Uma Oya in the middle of dense jungle), is currently in a state of disrepair, with rotten wooden planks posing a danger to those who use it. The area is considered a tourist attraction, yet no measures have been taken to ensure the safety of tourists and residents. Hundreds of people use this bridge every day, putting their lives at risk. A year ago, part of the bridge over the Uma Oya, located near the town of Welimada in the Nuwara Eliya district, was washed away by heavy rains. The villagers are still waiting for a response from the authorities, hoping for the bridge to be rebuilt, but their appeals have so far been ignored. According to residents, during election campaigns, politicians from all parties promised to restore the bridge to its original state, but once the elections were over, no one listened to their problems anymore. The inhabitants continue to use a small damaged part of the bridge to cross. The village of Welimadagama and the Sudharshanaramaya temple, connected by the bridge, represent an alternative route for residents (otherwise they would have to travel about 70 kilometres). Crossing the bridge is therefore the shortest route, which is why residents continue to use it despite the risks. Currently, around 500-600 people cross the small damaged part of the bridge every day. During the rainy season, residents have to take a longer and more winding route, spending between 400 and 800 rupees to transport their vegetables to the market. Pregnant women find it difficult to cross the bridge and are often carried on the shoulders of young men from the village, putting their own lives at risk. The bridge, which connects the electoral college of Uva Paranagama to that of Hali Ela, was built on a solid structure and used for a long time. It later became a tourist attraction thanks to the surrounding landscape. According to a plaque near the bridge, the British restored it in 1919 and about ten years ago the wooden planks were replaced. The bridge is used by the inhabitants of Uva Paranagama to reach the city of Badulla, while the residents of Hali Ela cross it to go to the central province, especially pilgrims visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy. Wijepala Herath (69), Gunawathie Ratnayaka (67) and Siyadoris Appuhamy (62) from Bambarapana spoke to AsiaNews about their situation: Residents of 15 Grama Niladhari divisions use this bridge daily to reach the town of Welimada, the closest place to meet their daily needs, sell their crops and purchase essential goods. Across this bridge, we can reach Welimada in just 14 kilometres; otherwise, we would have to travel about 70 kilometres, taking about four hours. That is why we prefer to use the bridge. "Former Deputy Minister of State Chamara Sampath Dassanayake had allocated 4 million rupees from the decentralised budget for the renovation of the bridge, but the funds were returned to the Treasury as they were deemed insufficient for the work. However, they could have been used for at least a partial repair. Recently, several people have fallen from the dilapidated bridge and suffered serious injuries," Wijepala, Gunawathie and Siyadoris pointed out. According to civil engineering professors Oshantha Dissanayaka and Roshan Samaradiwakara, the collapsed bridge was four feet (approximately 1.2 metres) wide. Therefore, it is advisable to build a new one with a width of at least four metres, as the bridge is currently used by a large number of people, including local and foreign tourists. by Mathias Hariyadi Some 374 delegates have gathered in a synodal spirit in Jakarta from all the country's dioceses, in continuity with Pope Franciss visit. For the president of the Bishops Conference, Archbishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, no one should go unheard. A missionary Church cannot be built if we remain closed to the Spirit. For the outgoing nuncio, Archbishop Piero Pioppo, the vitality of the Indonesian Church ought to be an example for Europe. Jakarta (AsiaNews) The 5th National Assembly of the Indonesian Catholic Church (SAGKI)[*] opened yesterday in Jakarta with a greeting from the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Piero Pioppo. Some 374 delegates representing the country's 38 dioceses came together, 254 men (41 active bishops and four bishops emeriti) and 120 women, to discuss "Journeying Together as Pilgrims of Hope: Becoming a Synodal and Missionary Church for Peace". The meeting is set to last until Friday. A synodal Church is one where the young listen to the old, and the old listen to the young. This is the richness of diversity within the Church, said Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin OSC, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI), in his opening address. In love, no one is excluded, unheard, or ignored. Everyone is called to participate in the Churchs mission, he noted in his homily at the opening Mass on Sunday night. Archbishop Subianto urged all Indonesian Catholics to listen to the Holy Spirit with an attitude of dialogue, fraternity, and courage, speaking the truth with sincerity. We cannot build a missionary, synodal Church if we remain closed to the Spirit or bound by excessive pride thinking only of ourselves, our diocese, our island, or our region, he said. True discernment requires inner freedom, humility, prayer, and trust. SAGKI 2025s opening Mass was characterised by lively expressions of Indonesia's cultural richness. Participants wore traditional regional dress, and prayers were recited in various local languages: Papua, Manadonese, Javanese, Balinese, and Dayak. Bishop Antonius also emphasised the importance of continuing in the spirit of the Istiqlal Declaration, signed last year by the late Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar of the Istiqlal Mosque. May SAGKI 2025 produce a synodal wisdom that stands with those on the peripheries geographically and existentially strengthening our common struggle for justice and peace, and upholding human dignity through the ongoing implementation of the Istiqlal Declaration, he said. According to the prelate, the declaration serves as a moral foundation for addressing dehumanisation and the environmental crisis, promoting the integrity of creation through interfaith cooperation. The president of the Bishops' Conference finally urged the Indonesian Catholic Church to sow hope. This assembly should not end as a mere formality, Bishop Subianto cautioned, but must bear fruit in decisions rooted in love and justice. This gathering must become a sign of hope and peace for those who are poor, marginalised, and dependent on our witness of faith. Preceding him, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Piero Pioppo expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian Church. After eight years in Jakarta, he is about to begin his new mission as the Holy See's representative in Spain and Andorra, The lively faith and missionary spirit of Indonesian Catholics have greatly encouraged me, he said. It is inspiring for me personally to see how the seeds of faith planted by European missionaries have flourished so beautifully here, he added. The vitality of the Indonesian Church will serve as an inspiration for the renewal of the Church in Europe, which is often perceived as aging and in decline. [*] Sidang Agung Gereja Katolik Indonesia. Today's headlines: Pyongyang pays tribute to Kim Yong Nam, former head of state who died yesterday at the age of 97; Beijing leads campaign of harassment and intimidation against Sheffield Hallam University for sensitive research on the Uyghurs; Bangkok and Phnom Penh begin demilitarisingdisputed border;Thirty per cent of Iran's population lives in absolute poverty. ISRAEL - USA - GAZA In the US draft to the UN Security Council on the international stabilisation force in Gaza, part of the second phase of Donald Trump's peace plan, the United States and other participating countries are given a broad two-year mandate to govern the Strip. This was revealed by Axios, according to which the International Stabilisation Force will have to protect the borders with Israel and Egypt, ensuring the safety of civilians and humanitarian areas and training new Palestinian police officers with whom it will collaborate. It includes the disarmament of Hamas and calls for the Peace Council to be given governance powers with international legal personality. A different proposal emerged yesterday in Istanbul at a meeting of six Muslim countries promoted by Turkey: representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia warned that the future must be led by the Palestinians and avoid any new system of foreign hegemony. NORTH KOREA Kim Yong Nam, the only person outside the ruling Kim family dynasty to serve as North Korea's nominal head of state, died yesterday at the age of 97. This was reported by the official media outlet KCNA, which paid tribute to the former president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and long-time diplomat, who served all three of the country's leaders over the years. Following the news, China offered its heartfelt condolences to Pyongyang. CHINA - UNITED KINGDOM China has conducted a campaign of harassment and intimidation against a UK university to block sensitive research into alleged human rights violations. This was revealed in a BBC investigation, according to which Beijing targeted staff at Sheffield Hallam University in the country with threats from individuals belonging to the Chinese National Security Service. Among the research projects was that of Laura Murphy, professor of human rights and contemporary slavery, on allegations of forced labour against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. THAILAND - CAMBODIA Bangkok and Phnom Penh have begun to withdraw heavy weapons and conduct mine clearance operations along the disputed border, part of steps to reduce tension after the signing of a truce officiated by US President Donald Trump last week on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. Thailand and Cambodia have also stepped up joint efforts to combat transnational cybercrime and are working on joint demarcation in border areas. The five-day war in July killed at least 48 people and displaced hundreds of thousands on both sides of the border. NEPAL Nine people were killed, four injured and four others are missing in two separate incidents in the Nepalese Himalayas. An avalanche struck a climbing expedition on a peak in the Himalayas yesterday morning in Nepalese territory. The base camp at Yalung Ri, at 5,630 m, in the Rolwaling Valley, Dolakha district, was hit. The victims are three US citizens, one Canadian, one Italian and two Nepalese. Also yesterday, the bodies of two other Italian mountaineers who had been missing since 28 October while climbing Panbari Himal were found. IRAN Around 26 million Iranians, or 30% of the population, live in absolute poverty. This was revealed by Hadi Mousavi-Nik, a member of the Iranian Parliamentary Research Centre, who said that the figure exceeds the global average and reflects the failure of the country's economic policies, with another four million in extreme poverty, a condition in which people's income does not even cover their daily food needs. Absolute poverty refers to a state in which individuals do not meet their basic survival needs, including food, clean water, shelter and clothing. RUSSIA - TURKEY Turkish oil companies are seeking alternative markets to Russia following the introduction of new sanctions on Moscow's oil. These include Sokar Turkey Aegean Refinery, which has purchased four large consignments of oil from Iraq, Kazakhstan and other countries, with deliveries in December ranging from 77 to 130 barrels per day. In particular, the Kazakhs offer a quality similar to Russian Urals oil. KYRGYZSTAN - EGYPT President Sadyr Zaparov made an official visit to Egypt, for the first time in Kyrgyzstan's history, at the invitation of President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi. The talks focused on current issues of bilateral cooperation and international and regional issues. Agreements were also signed in the fields of economics, agriculture, investment, energy, health and other partnerships. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. 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